(Motorsports news)19 January 2022, London: With the first season of Extreme E just finishing, it is now one month to go until Extreme E’s sport for purpose campaign is back with new faces, a new team, and a new continent to visit, but with the same amount of thrilling wheel-to-wheel on track action being showcased across the toughest terrains on the planet.

Building on the success of its debut year in 2021, Extreme E Season 2 ‘ The Race For the Planet’ promises to captivate on and off track on a another level, whilst delivering on its overall purpose to tackle climate change through sport, starting with the Desert X Prix in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, 19-20 February.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “Using our sport for purpose platform, Extreme E delivered truly groundbreaking action in its first season, on and off the race course, and now we are ready to go and do it all again, with more experience and more determination than ever.   

“As we embark on the second chapter of our story, we are proud to finally welcome Zak Brown and his McLaren team to the party and know they will make a huge impact, which we are all excited to see. We also add a new continent to our journey as we take our voyage to South America, a hugely important home, both for motorsport fans and the climate. 

“In all this, however, we cannot lose sight of our overall purpose, that we are all together in a race for the planet. We feel more passionately than ever about the importance of using the platform of sport to raise awareness for climate issues and the solutions we can all be part of, under the great direction of our Scientific Committee, as we as a global community strive to keep temperature rise levels below 1.5°C. This is the race we can, and must win, and we all need to play our part.”   

The inaugural Extreme E season was a thriller and went down to the wire, with Rosberg X Racing (RXR) taking the Championship on count back of victories after finishing the campaign tied on points with perennial fastest qualifiers in Season 1, Lewis Hamilton’s X44.

Nico Rosberg, inaugural Extreme E Champions RXR Racing Founder and CEO, said: “Winning the inaugural Extreme E championship was just incredible. But our team is about more than just winning. We’re also here to promote an important message. A key reason we exist is to drive awareness, educate and help tackle climate change and we aim to leave a lasting legacy that drives localized change in each location that Extreme E visits. Last year we were able to achieve some incredible things through this series and that was just the beginning. Looking forward to an exciting new season and hopefully another win for RXR!”

As well as returning to Saudi Arabia, Italy and possibly Senegal, Extreme E will make its highly-anticipated debut in South America with its final two X Prix of the campaign taking place in Antofagasta, Chile, and Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Excitement for Extreme E Season 2 is boosted further with motorsport giants McLaren joining the Championship for 2022.

McLaren has been a leader in electric motorsport from the outset, supplying the battery powertrain to the FIA Formula E Championship for the Gen 1 and Gen 2 seasons, employing the same technology pioneered in the McLaren P1 hypercar. With its entry into Extreme E, McLaren Racing will continue to build its know-how and expertise in the all-electric racing space.

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said: “From the outset, McLaren Racing has never been afraid to push new boundaries. This new venture is true to our roots of innovation and bravery. Extreme E is paving new ground in motorsport as a force for good in confronting some of the biggest challenges facing our world today and in the future.”

World Rallycross ace Tanner Foust was announced as the team’s male driver in August 2021 before Emma Gilmour was signed up to become McLaren’s first-ever female driver during the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow last November.

Both drivers will bring plenty of off-road prowess to the Extreme E grid for Season 2. Foust is a four-time and current U.S. Rallycross Champion (2019, 2012, 2011, 2010) and has also won four X Games gold medals (2013, 2010, 2007), alongside two Formula Drift Championships (2008, 2007). Gilmour became the first and only female to date to win a New Zealand Rally Championship event and also won the FIA Women in Motorsport and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) cross country rally selection in 2015. The New Zealander also competed in two rounds of Extreme E Season 1 for Veloce Racing.

Extreme E’s Legacy Programmes are integral to the series and aim to provide both social and environmental support at each race location. Project selection is led by the location’s scientist and all five members of our independent Scientific Committee actively support these programmes.

The sport for purpose Championship selects projects that prioritise the empowerment of local communities, build resilience by helping the vulnerable to adapt to climate change, provide long lasting sustainable solutions and promote renewable energy sources that will grow economies while reducing carbon emissions. The series will continue to work with world leading experts in science, education and environmental research, to ensure the Championship’s credibility and effectiveness. 

Extreme E is the only motor racing series in the world today that mandates that every team taking part must field both a male and female driver. This was a world first in motorsport, and as well as providing opportunities at the highest level of sporting competition, the series is strengthening this commitment to development at the grassroots level in its second season. 

At the 2021 season finale in Dorset, UK, Extreme E was delighted to host an event for 50 local schoolgirls with the female motorsport initiative Girls on Track UK.  Girls on Track UK (formerly known as Dare To Be Different) is an initiative started back in 2016 by former Formula One test driver, Susie Wolff. Now managed by governing body Motorsport UK, as part of FIA’s global Girls on Track programme, it focuses on inspiring, connecting and showcasing females in motorsport as well as through science, technology and math (STEM). 

The girls, all aged between 11 and 12 years-old, got to experience life behind the scenes of Extreme E – as well as being shown the many future potential career opportunities within the sport, with the series intention being to build on this work and inspire girls all over the world with these memorable insights throughout this new season.

With less than five weeks to go until the opening X Prix of the campaign, Extreme E Season 2 is all set to be another spectacular campaign.

Also read: Maserati joins Formula E from the 2023 season

To all the readers, fans and enthusiasts! After a lengthy break, your beloved combat sports author is back with your favorite MMA news!

2022 is going to be an excellent year for all MMA fans and no better way to start the year with covering the most anticipated featherweight fight between ranked number 8 Giga ‘Ninja’ Chikadze and ranked number 4 Calvin Kattar.

The first fight card of the year, UFC Vegas 46 also featured Brandon Royval who took on Rogerio Bontorin and Katlyn Chookigian who fought the tough Jennifer Maia.

TWTW: The Week That Was

The main event of the evening was to decide who climbs up the ladder and eventually gets a shot at UFC Gold. The contest between #8 Georgian kickboxer Chikadze and #4 Calvin Kattar looked excellent on paper and at the press con. But it all changed once the cage doors shut and the two combatants put their skills to the test.

On a 9 fight winning streak and spectacular finish of Edson Barboza, Chikadze showed he had enough fire power in his arsenal to take out Kattar and eventually talk his way to the title shot. Kattar on the other hand, had been handed over the beating of a lifetime in his last contest versus Max Holloway (who eventually sealed the deal in securing a title shot) in January 2021. Kattar has been out of action since and scheduled his return to face a high-on-confidence Chikadze.

The fight went to the decision with a clear winner handed to Kattar. With a staggering 144 significant strikes over 25 minutes, Kattar had caused severe damage to Chikadze for him to recover or retaliate in time. Katlyn Chookagian had another impressive win on her roster facing the dangerous Jennifer Maia. Chookagian is on a 3 fight win streak and from what we hear, this was her last fight on the current contract. We hope the UFC re-sign her and she has the opportunity to work her way back to the title.

Another impressive much needed win for top flyweight contender Brandon Royval was on display versus the tough Brazilian Rogerio Bontorin. Both the fighters were coming in on a 2 fight losing skid and desperately needed a victory to stay relevant. The fight itself showed a lot of back and forth with both contenders putting on their best foot forward. The fight was so close that it went to a split decision in favor of Royval. A much deserved win for the Factory X loyalist!

WCU: What's Coming Up?

We have the most anticipated heavyweight title fight between friends-turned-foes Francis Ngannou taking on fellow Frenchman Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 happening at Honda Centre on 23/January/2022 (Indian Standard Time). The card also features the trilogy between Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo for the Flyweight belt.

Find the entire fight card below:

The unusual 4 fight main card looks stacked with Andre Fialho making it to the main card to make the most of his opportunity. The 2 major battles on UFC 270 would be the co-main event of the evening for the Flyweight belt and the main event of the evening for the heavyweight belt. It's also an odd co-main and main event as the lightest weight category in the UFC is followed by the heaviest weight category in the promotion. It's surely going to be a treat for all the fans as they will witness the fastest fighters on the roster and the hardest hitting fighters on the same card.

In the flyweight division, Mexican champion Moreno is looking to defend his belt versus the man that beat him in a close majority draw in their encounter in December 2020. A fight that post people thought should have gone to Moreno. Their rematch was booked at UFC 263 in June 2021 where Figueiredo was deemed favorite to retain the belt. From the bell go, Moreno showed a revived approach to the game and dominated from the very first bell. The movement and odd angle strikes were sufficient to tire out the champ and it was evident the end would be near.

Also read: Judo has given me a new life and I aim to represent India in the Paralympics - Para Judo athlete Priya Keer

In round 3, Moreno upped the pace and pressured Figueiredo, pushed him against the cage, eventually locking in a nasty rear naked choke to seal the deal and become Mexico’s first UFC champ. This time around at 1 fight win each, Moreno and Figueiredo will aim to put their best foot forward and look to show the world who is the best Flyweight walking on planet earth. It will be an interesting contest and a clash between speed and power.

Crystal Ball Prediction: Moreno retains the belt as the flyweight champion of the world.

The main event of the evening is the battle of former teammates and training partners turned foes Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane, both coached by Fernand Lopez. While Francis was already in the UFC and had his first title shot against Stipe, Ciryl Gane entered the same stable looking to make a mark in MMA after a decorated career in Kickboxing.

Not only have these two heavyweights sparred, but they have been in such close proximity with each other, they have studied each other and are very familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. However, a lot has changed since Francis left MMA Factory in 2018 and made Xtreme Couture as his new Gym.

The contest is going to be a classic war between friends turned foes but the backstory of Francis’s issue with fighter pay, being on his last fight on the current contract and the swiftness of his opponent is not going to be an easy task for him to deal with. Fernand Lopez, who coached Francis initially, clearly will utilize all his knowledge of his former student and help the current loyalist Ciryl Gane capture the belt that often is synonymous to being the Baddest Man on the Planet.  

Who will reign supreme at UFC 270? Only time will tell.

Crystal Ball Prediction: Ciryl Gane defeats Ngannou and becomes the New Heavyweight Champion of the world.

Make your predictions on the fights and get a chance to win some cool merchandise from Monster Energy. It's easy:

1) Make Your predictions

2) Use the hashtags: #SpogoUFC, #MonsterUFC and #SomeshMonster on Twitter and Instagram

3) Tag us: Spogo News (Instagram and twitter), Somesh Kamra (Insta: somesh.kamra and Twitter: somesh_kamra)

And you’re set!

About the author

Somesh Kamra is a professional mixed martial artist specializing in Muay Thai. He has designed many effective training programs for Superhuman Gym and the Police Academy. His knowledge of hand to hand combat is unbeaten and has been a success story for many students. Somesh Kamra is educated from the University of Gold's Gym in the field of physical fitness that includes strength training, plyometrics & cardiovascular training for muscular conditioning.

He works closely with the UFC for India and serves as the panelist for the TV Show – The Ultimate Guide to UFC and Pit Stop on Sony Sports Network. Somesh runs India’s first combat podcast – The Fighting G.O.A.T produced exclusively by the IVM Podcast Network. 

Instagram: Somesh.Kamra 
 
Twitter: Somesh_Kamra

(Esports news) India's first and leading homegrown men's grooming essential brand, The Man Company, has joined with Irony Esports, a community-first esports platform, and GamerzArena to launch a first-of-its kind gaming championship called Free Fire-Gentlemen Got Game Championship. The partnership will help The Man Company's awareness-to-action journey and take the 'bring out the gentlemen' in you to new heights. The collaboration is a step further to connect with young gamers through esports, live streaming, and gaming channels.

Through this championship, The Man Company is following the Gen Z culture of live-streaming, passion economy, video gaming, and internet-based interest communities. The 'Gentlemen Got Game' initiative include Gen Z in their vision to create an evolved generation and motivate them to learn three key tenets of the Gentlemen's Code of Conduct; a gentleman is respectful towards all, keeps grooming and hygiene standards, and most importantly, online or offline, he is aware of the diversity in culture, ethnicity, and identities.

The Free Fire-Gentlemen Got Game Championship is based on a popular battle royale game Free Fire for which the registrations have started  for 1000 team slots and will end on January 19. It is open for all and can be registered through the GamerzArena website. The Grand Finale will be held on January 29 and 30. The championship has a dual format that allows both 'open' and 'invited' teams to participate. It will be conducted across five phases after starting on January 20. The winning teams will receive prize money of INR 1 lakh plus a gift hamper. All the participants will be given exclusive discount codes. 

Speaking on this occasion, Hitesh Dhingra, Co-founder, The Man Company, said, "As we embark on the 2022 journey, we have decided not to make hard to complete new year resolutions but instead start a revolution in the right spirit. Since inception, we have been on the quest to promote inside-out grooming, and with the 'Gentlemen Got Game' theme we have decided to take our awareness-to-action journey to a new level."

"Our motive is to fortify our ties with Gen Z as they are the future of our country through a medium in which they are comfortable. The intent is to start instilling the Gentleman Code of Conduct in them at a young age wherein they are more likely to absorb these relevant yet unprecedented thoughts. You can't force someone to grow up as a gentleman. It is a matter of choice. We are simply here to help them make this choice in the right spirit." He added

Further, Tushaar Garg, Founder & CEO, Irony Esports, said “In today’s internet culture nothing is more resonating, relatable and relevant for the everyday Indian gaming aficionado than ‘Bring Out the Gentleman in You’ message. I am pleased that The Man Company has identified gaming, esports and live streaming as a fertile ground for this story-telling and community building that will propel gen z to be mindful, real and authentic in their conduct. “

Brian Wilneff, Chief Executive Officer at Alpha Metaverse Technologies Inc. ‘’We are pleased to work with 'The Man Company' in their endeavor to not only provide the best product for their consumer, but also meet them in an environment that their consumer thrives in. Organic marketing through video games shows just how forward thinking 'The Man Company' is. With our expertise in the development and expansion of the Metaverse, this partnership provides 'The Man Company' an exciting entry point into the space for years to come.

Also read: ONE Esports signs Partnership with Samsung, app to be released later this year

Mumbai, Jan 19 (Football News) The attention of the footballing world shifts to India, the games Asian chief Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said on Wednesday in a message ahead of the women's continental showpiece here.

The 20th edition of women's AFC Asian Cup will kick off when eight-time champions China face Chinese Taipei in Thursday's first match at Mumbai Football Arena. Hosts India open their campaign against Iran in Thursday's second match at DY Patil Satdium in Navi Mumbai.

The third venue of the tournament is the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.

“The attention of the footballing world shifts to India tomorrow, and I wish all teams the very best in the tournament. Your performances on the pitch will be watched by millions worldwide including young girls who will aspire to follow in your footsteps,” Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman said in his message.

“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is a competition that is rich in history and continues to be the catalyst for the development of women’s football in Asia.

“I must thank all the participating teams, our stakeholders and the Local Organising Committee for sharing the AFC’s ambitions to organise the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 with the health and safety of everyone as our highest priority." On Friday, reigning champions Japan begin their title defence against Myanmar in Pune. The 2010 champions and runners-up in the last two editions Australia face Indonesia, who are making their first appearance in the tournament since 1986, at Mumbai Football Arena on Friday.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup will boast a stellar field of international icons like Sam Kerr of Australia, who recently finished second in both Ballon d'Or and the FIFA Best Awards, Saki Kumagai of Japan, and Ji So-yun of Korea Republic, while emerging talents are expected to light up the showpiece. 

Also Read : Bagan ready to re-launch top-four ambitions with Blasters encounter

News Source : PTI

(Motorsports news) Maserati is finally making a comeback into motorsports as they will be part of the 2023 season of the Formula E. With the unveiling of the Gen3, Formula E claimed that the car will be the lightest, quickest, and most powerful racing vehicle to date. Maserati confirmed that it will compete in the Formula E World Championship from Season 9. Maserati will be officially involved in the 100% electric single-seater series as drivers and the team on which the Modena-based company will be revealed later. 

The legendary Maserati will race for the first time in almost 60 years, marking its return to single-seater competition since the 1950’s. It will be the first Italian company to compete in the Formula E series ever. Maserati was founded in 1914 and had won several major global championships in the 1950s. Formula E was chosen as the launchpad  to promote the company’s electrification ambitions.In 2023, Maserati will only compete in Formula E from next year as they have opted out of the GT category. The entry of Maserati will be much welcomed into the Formula E series because car manufacturers such as the likes of Mercedes EQ and Aud  have chosen not to continue with the electric series after 2022.

Maserati will compete in the ninth season of the Formula E World Championship as it  begins in January 2023. The new single-seaters will debut with power raised from 250 to 350 kW, or 470 horsepower, and a second motor-generator for enhanced energy recovery, marking a generational leap in Formula E. There will also be cars with entirely different aerodynamics and appearances, allowing veteran teams and new teams to compete on an equal footing with brand new cars that will be a level playing field for all manufacturers. The coming of such an iconic brand in the form of Maserati is not only going to help Formula E grow financially but also help attract more fans to watch the E prix. With the next gen cars being quicker and more efficient it will be an interesting watch to see if they can compete with the likes of  Porsche, DS Techeetah, Nissan, and Jaguar

Back to the Future, Back to Race” is the tagline chosen to celebrate the event, as Davide Grasso, Maserati’s COO, explains in a statement. “We are very proud to be back where we belong as protagonists in the world of racing. We are powered by passion and innovative by nature. We have a long history of world-class excellence in competition and we are ready to drive performance in the future,” said Grasso. “Beyond this piece of history, Maserati Formula E will be our technological laboratory to accelerate the development of high-efficiency electrified powertrains and intelligent software for our road sports cars.”

“Having a brand as famous as Maserati with a racing tradition is certainly one of the best days in the history of the ABB Formula E Championship,” added Formula E founder and chairman Alejandro Agag.

Also read: Hyderabad is all set to host the first ever Formula E race in India

For anyone starting their fitness journey, there is tons of information out there to get you the body you want. With most new age fitness regimes originating from the west, most have forgotten that India also has age old fitness techniques and natural nutrition diets that place greater emphasis on mobility and three dimensional movements.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Nithin Jayaraj, a traditional workout tools trainer speaks about making bodybuilding a profession, selling traditional fitness tools and their benefits, popularizing traditional Indian techniques amongst the younger generation and much more!

Q1) How did you get into bodybuilding and what made you choose it as a profession?

At a young age, watching all the Hollywood movies and looking at the physiques of all the action stars, I got into bodybuilding. I then switched to traditional Indian fitness because my mobility was reduced in body building and I suffered injuries as well because of having bigger muscles and due to the fact that my joints weren't getting worked out. Traditional Indian fitness has 3 dimensional movements whereas bodybuilding has only 2 dimensional motion where it's only push and pull along with lifting. In traditional Indian fitness there is swinging which works on your joints and your mobility. People need awareness about traditional Indian fitness and its benefits.

Q2) How did shredded farmers take its shape and what inspired you to come up with the idea of making and selling traditional tools?

I was born here but raised in Dubai since my schooling and college life was there. That was all city life and in 2018 when I came back to India I really wanted to pursue traditional fitness. It is much easier to pursue here, my house is situated on a farm and I grow my own food so it is healthy nutrition wise. In this kind of fitness, we do need a lifestyle like this to see the difference between diets in bodybuilding. Here we just have to eat what grows around you, we cannot have the same type of diet as the westerners while living in India.

I want to show people that we can eat normal healthy food but have to work out. We have to burn what we eat and then take equal rest. It is possible to get fit through by eating home food instead of supplements or lifting heavy or having a strict diet.

I started making tools when the pandemic started and I started experimenting with wooden logs in the carpenting shop. It came out really well, I only make them on an order basis and don't keep any stock. Whenever a client wants a particular Mudgar, Sumtola or a Gada, I build these tools through mahogany wood.

Q3) Can you explain the benefits of using these tools over the currently used gym equipment? Are these used for specific exercise or for overall body building?

This is called traditional Indian workout, bodybuilding mostly focuses on your muscles where you lift iron weights in a gym. In traditional fitness, it is more about swinging where the movement is different since it's rotational. When swinging these tools, your arm, joints, core and the whole body gets affected in just one swing. Let’s say if you weigh 80 kgs, you divide the weight by 8 then divide by 2 which gives you 5 kg and you start with a 5kg Mudgar. Every single wood has its own medicinal value which is the oil and when you lift them it goes into the bare hands which is good for the body.

These rotational movements help you with your body balance. The joints get pulled and pushed and keeps it stretched. Your muscle gains won’t be as much as bodybuilding but it will grow according to your height and it will look aesthetic. The muscles will be proportional to your height and you will have good mobility. In bodybuilding, you keep growing your muscles and you become rigid which affects your movement which reduces body balance.

Also read: Sports Physiotherapy plays a vital role in increasing the longevity of an athlete’s career- Dr.Richa Kulkarni

Q4) How do Gada, Mudgar, Indian clubs, Persian meels and Sumtola help in improving body strengths?

In traditional tools, the common thing is the rotation and the weight distribution of the tool is different from a dumbbell. A 4kg dumbbell will look much lighter than a 4kg Mudgar because of the shape and weight distribution of the tool. A Gada will be harder than a Mudgar because the further away the weight is away from your grip it gets harder to swing. Indian club is the western name for a Mudgar, it is cone shaped and Sumtola is an Indian version of a barbell. All of these are used in the same technique which is the rotational movement as these movements help in your joint strength as it also increases the mobility in the body so the more you do it the more muscles you will get according to your height.

Q5) As these are traditional formats of yesteryears, how do you intend to popularize these amongst the youth of today?

The only way we can popularize this method is through social media and my clients. My main platform is Instagram. My perception is that you reach the youth you need to interact with them through social media.

Indian Powerlifter Bhavna Tokekar has already achieved great feats at the highest level. Having won four gold medals at the Asian Championships and three gold medals at the World Championships, she also holds the world record in Bench Press Full Powerlift. She epitomizes the ‘never say die’ attitude and serves as an inspiration to others that it's never too late to accomplish your dreams through grit, dedication and hardwork.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Bhavna Tokekar speaks about her introduction to Powerlifting, the help received by World Powerlifting Championship Congress, her training regime, participating in the Open Asian Powerlifting Championships in Russia, overcoming challenges and her future goals.

Q1) How did you get into Powerlifting and what made you choose a career in it?

I had started with weight training in 2012-13 and used to surf internet videos to check my technique. That's when I saw that Powerlifting comprised three lifts which I was already doing so I decided to have a go at it at least once. That's where it all started in July 2019 at the Asian AWPC Powerlifting Championship. 

Q2) How has the World Powerlifting Congress helped you in your career?

World Powerlifting Championship Congress is the federation which I participate through. It gave me a chance to participate in the event based purely on my capability without any prejudice.

Q3) Can you tell us your training regime and what it takes to become a champion Powerlifter?

I train for 3-4 hours a day at the gym for 5 days in a week. From my training regime, three days are intense training sessions and two days light exercises which also involves stretching and recovery. It takes a lot of grit, determination and 'never say die' attitude and focus to work towards your goal without being clouded by achieving results.

Also read: Sports Physiotherapy plays a vital role in increasing the longevity of an athlete’s career- Dr.Richa Kulkarni

Q4) How would you describe the experience at the Open Asian Powerlifting Championships in Russia?

The experience was great. I had gone with an intent of participation to assess how I fared as compared to women of my age world over. I was pleasantly surprised at the friendliness and warmth shown to me by people in Russia. 

Q5) What are some of the difficulties that you have faced in lifting weights, especially at this age and how did you overcome it?

After 40 a woman's body goes through a lot of changes physically. In my case all those anti allergic medications, immunosuppression corticosteroids I was prescribed for my skin ailment also had their ill effects showing up. Pains, aches, muscle fatigue, delayed recovery, mood swings were a few. Making time for what I liked (my gym workout) with all my responsibilities as a wife and parent also required me to go by precise clockwork through my daily chores. I guess it was my dedication, consistent hard work, guidance of my trainers and support from my family that helped me reach where I am. 

Q6) How do you think the perception towards powerlifting can grow in our country, especially among the youngsters?

I won't limit my perception about Powerlifting, rather the importance and benefits of weight training, staying fit and the benefits thereof especially during the current pandemic is what I would like people to pay attention to. Powerlifting is not an Olympic sport, so there is no help or aid from the government. All the expenses have to be borne by people themselves. Notwithstanding all that, it requires dedication and passion, both in terms of your time and money to be a Powerlifter.

Q7) What are your future goals and how are you working towards achieving them?

Having moved into Masters 3 category (athlete age 50-54) I am working towards improving my lifts further. It is a challenge when gyms are closed due to Covid. I have some weights and equipment at home with which I practice but it’s not the same as going to the gym. Making do with the available resources to the best of my abilities is all I can do under the circumstances.

Wijk Aan Zee (The Netherlands), Jan 19 (Chess News) Indian Grandmaster Vidit Santhosh Gujrathi settled for a draw against Russia's Andrey Esipenko in the fourth round to stay in the lead with three points in the prestigious Tata Steel Masters chess tournament here.

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, meanwhile, bounced back after a defeat in the third round and scored his first victory of the tournament, beating Nils Grandelius of Sweden late on Tuesday to take his tally to 2 points.

Praggnanandha won a fine positional game in Gruenfeld Defence against Grandelius. After an instructive exchange of his dark-squared bishop for a knight in a closed position, the Indian seamlessly executed a classical plan of playing against the opponent’s so-called bad bishop and pulled out a well-deserved victory in a rook endgame.

Gujrathi and Esipenko tested a popular line of the Italian Opening in which the Russian GM steadily held his ground with Black. Esipenko even emerged a pawn up, but White had sufficient counterplay. Probably satisfied with a half-point, Esipenko chose not to ask further questions and opted for a draw.

Azerbaijan GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov also notched up his first win, outfoxing Jan-Krzysztof Duda of Poland in endgame complications. All other games were drawn.

Magnus Carlsen and Jorden Van Foreest played an exciting game in which the world champion missed a chance to catch up with the leader. The Dutchman did not shy away from complications in a stonewall type position as he boldly sacrificed a pawn and later on another for an active play on the kingside. A draw was agreed on the 54th move.

In the Challengers event being held simultaneously, Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi is on top following a win over Roven Vogel in the fourth round. He is followed by two players on three points while another Indian Grandmaster Surya Shekhar Ganguly has 2.5 points after he drew Daniel Dardha in his round four match.

Standings after Round 4: Masters: 1. Vidit Gujrathi – 3 points; 2-6. Magnus Calsen, Richard Rapport, Andrey Esipenko, Jorden Van Foreest and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov – 2.5; 7-9. Fabiano Caruana, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Praggnanandhaa R. – 2; 10-13. Sam Shankland, Sergey Karjakin, Daniil Dubov, Anish Giri, – 1.5; Nils Grandelius – 0.5. 

Also Read : Sandeep Narwal and Manjeet Chhillar shine in Dabang Delhi's win over Patna Pirates

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 18 (Kabaddi News) Dabang Delhi's seasoned stars Sandeep Narwal and Manjeet Chhillar had a night to remember as they helped their team beat Patna Pirates 32-29 in the Pro Kabaddi League here on Tuesday.

Chhillar, the defender with most tackle points in PKL history, produced a last-raid tackle to clinch the thriller for Delhi, who were once again without the services of their star raider Naveen Kumar.

Vijay aided with nine points while Narwal, playing the role of an all-rounder, clinched eight points in a win that helped Delhi move to the top of the points table.

Patna lacked the usual sharpness in their defence which ultimately cost them the match.

Patna dominated the early minutes of the match, but Delhi made a comeback through their raider Vijay. He got valuable points off a surprisingly unstable Patna defence to give Delhi the momentum to clinch an ALL OUT in the 10th minute to open a 4-point lead.

Narwal and Chhillar used all their experience to good effect on the mat as Delhi's defence thwarted their opponents.

Patna's cover defender Sajin C suffered a knee injury and had to be replaced which clearly affected their team's chemistry. Narwal donned the role of a perfect all-rounder in the first half by also fetching raid points for Delhi.

At the interval, Delhi had a 9-point lead with scores 19-10.

Patna showed why experts had called them early season favourites to a playoff spot by clawing their way back into the match. The first 10 minutes after the restart belonged completely to Patna as Sachin and Guman Singh exploited the errors in Delhi defence.

The lack of a lethal raider affected Delhi's attack and they finally succumbed to an ALL in the 10th minute. Patna had managed to reduce the lead to just one point and were clearly the team with momentum.

But Delhi were in no mood to let this slip. Narwal's 2-point raid opened the lead to three points as both teams traded blows. Mohammadreza Shadloui then clawed one back for Patna with a stunning ankle hold on Ashu Malik.

Vijay then produced a 3-point Super Raid with three minutes remaining to give Delhi a 4-point lead. Patna needed two points in their last raid, but Chhillar brought out a brilliant diving tackle to help Delhi win the match. 

Also Read : Maharashtra Ironmen becomes the fourth team to feature in PHL

News Source : PTI

(Sports news) Maharashtra Ironmen are the fourth team for the much-awaited inaugural edition of the franchise-based league as announced by the Premier Handball League (PHL) on Tuesday. The team is owned by Punit Balan of the Punit Balan Group.

The Punit Balan Group, valued at around INR 3500 crores is headed by Punit Balan, a young and dynamic entrepreneur and philanthropist who is also one among the new-age sports investors. Passionate about Olympic Sports and owner of teams across various sporting leagues, Punit Balanis known for his intellect and sharp business acumen. He is a visionary who has invested in the field of sports, entertainment and real estate.

“Having stakeholders who are equally passionate and have a vision for Handball in India is a perfect combination for us at PHL. We are delighted to welcome Mr. Punit Balan and the Punit Balan Group on board and believe that this partnership will not only help in restoring the rich sporting legacy of Maharashtra but will also enable the sport of Handball to be developed into a commercially viable product in Maharashtra where the sport is already popular said Manu Agrawal, CEO, Bluesport Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.  

An avid sports enthusiast and youth icon, Punit has made notable contributions through the Indrani Balan Foundation for financial sustainability of Army Goodwill Schools and Parivar School Society in Jammu & Kashmir. Sports has been a major part of Maharashtra’s culture and now, working along with PHL, Punit will look to spread the game in the region. He is also the owner of teams across various sports leagues including in the Tennis Premier League and has an investment in a sports employment startup.

“I have always believed in strategic alliances with competitive and dynamic partners to bring about change and growth. Handball is one of the most exciting games with a unique combination of speed, agility, technique, skill and teamwork and enjoys a great following in the western market. I believe that if promoted and supported well, it will enjoy the same popularity in the Indian market as well. Additionally, being an Olympic sport with a majority of the players coming from the armed forces, Handball becomes a natural choice for our group. Through PHL, we will look to transform this new-age sport,” said Punit Balan, CMD Punit Balan Group. 

Bluesport Entertainment Pvt Ltd—exclusive licensee of the league under the aegis of Handball Federation of India— earlier launched three teams: Garvit Gujarat, Golden Eagles Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan Wolverines. The Maharashtra Ironmen will be a part of the six teams to the inaugural edition, it is expected to take place later this year as PHL gets set to revolutionize Indian handball.

Also read: Premier Handball League launches Rajasthan franchise

(Cricket news) It's been almost a year since the Indian cricket team against all the odds defeated Australia in an away Test series. Now Sony Sports has released a 4 part docu series on India's triumph where they won 2-1 away against the mighty Australia despite numeral setbacks. The series is available to watch on SonyLiv

In the docu series, viewers will see players Hanuma Vihari, Mohammed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne talking about their experiences. Former cricketers turned commentators Sunil Gavaskar, Sanjay Manjrekar, Nick Knight, Isa Guha, Vivek Razdan, Lisa Sthalekar, Micheal Clarke, Jason talked about the series and also their own experiences in similar situations. Journalists Harsha Bhogle, Ayaz Memon, Joy Bhattacharjya, Gaurav Kapoor and Rajdeep Sardesai highlighted several points about the series and the historical context of it.

The topic of the documentary was such that fans of Indian cricket would enjoy it regardless of the quality of the end product because it is still fresh in people's mind and the memories of it would trigger the nostalgic factor in people's brain who have experienced the series even if it is through their T.V screens. Each episode focused on the 4 Test matches titled Adelaide Aberration, Melbourne Magic, Sydney Siege and Brisbane Breached.

Throughout the series there were stories and anecdotes about players like Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, T Natarajan and Washington Sundar. The series brilliantly portrayed important parts of the series like Virat Kohli leaving after the first Test, Ravichandran Ashwin's battle with Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane's hundred, India's multiple injury woes, racist abuse, the unexpected debuts of inexperienced Indian players and Tim Paine's sledging. 

The main thing missing was that Marnus Labuschagne, Hanuma Vihari and Mohammed Siraj were unable to enlighten the viewers about their mindset during and before the games. What the atmosphere was inside the changing room was not really talked about. The main takeaway from the series was that it depicted the beauty of Test cricket and why it is the best format of the game and must be preserved. Overall the series is definitely a must watch for all the cricket fans. The high drama along with the ebbs and flow of the Test series is highlighted and enhanced in the docu series. 

Also read: India begin preparations for the 2023 World Cup with 1st ODI Vs South Africa

(Boxing news) The International University Sports Federation (FISU) Acting President Leonz Eder and International Вохing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev have signed a collaboration convention,to develop boxing at competitions for university athletes. The main reason is to include the development of both university sport and boxing, joint educational initiatives, as well as the promotion and development of shared values including gender equality, sustainability, fair play and integrity. 

“We look forward to what I believe to be a truly mutually beneficial cooperation between IBA and FISU,” said IBA President Umar Kremlev. “Together we will work to further instill fundamental values of boxing across the sports world as well as the younger generation of student athletes. Through joint education programmes we intend to learn and exchange vital knowledge from and with FISU.”

Since 2004, FISU has organized the FISU World University Championship Boxing every two years as boxing will be a part of the 2022 FISU University World Cup Combat Sports. The FISU University World Cup Combat Sports will also feature six new sports: boxing, karate, muaythai, sambo, wrestling and wushu.

Also read: Mayweather in talks for exhibition boxing match against Youtuber Money Kicks

FISU Acting President Leonz Eder stated: “We are truly excited to see IBA recognising the importance of our events and we are determined to promote boxing within the programme in tandem with the University Sport Movement. Boxing is a popular and universally accessible sport on campus which can be practiced by all university students of all genders. We will gladly encourage IBA to use university sport as a development platform for experimenting with new rules and the testing of new equipment.”

(Motorsports news) Hyderabad is all set to host the first ever Formula E race in India, in what is a big step towards the growth of motorsports in the country. The city will join the likes of New York, London, Berlin, Rome and Seoul which have already been hosting the event and the race proposal was all thanks to the initiative of industries and IT minister K. T. Rama Rao. An agreement will be signed by the state government, Formula E Association and Greenko, a leading alternative energy provider, “to make Hyderabad a candidate host city for Formula E race on yearly basis.”

Since 2014 Formula E has just grown immensely and it gives a wide look into the future of the motorsports industry. The best part of Formula E is that no new separate track is required, unlike F1 as the racing takes place on the existing city roads. The team had visited the Hussainsagar circuit of Tank Bund and Necklace road, the circular road around KBR Park in Jubilee Hills and financial district road in Gachibowli which can be the next venue by November 2022 or March 2023 itself if the state government undertakes infrastructure developments to make the circuit not only race worthy but also world class.

This a major boost for the motorsports fans in India as the FIA are trying to dive into the Asian market and especially after an amazing season last year, the viewership along with added sponsorship makes it possible for Hyderabad to host an E-prix. The decision to host in Hyderabad was because of the development of Hyderabad in the hub of all technologies. It is the hub for sustainability activities and is also a key player in production of clean electricity as it matches with the Formula E ideals. 

Alberto Longo, Co-founder and Chief Championship Officer, FIA Formula E said, “We are announcing Hyderabad as the official candidate city for Formula E. This is massive because it was only 29 days ago that I received a call from Dilbagh (Mahindra team) that there is an opportunity in India. I have never seen the speed in taking decisions like it happened here. That obviously has somewhat helped the group of people behind the decisions that we make. I have never seen such a speed of decisions by a Minister (referring to Industries Minister KT Rama Rao). You can clearly see the vision he has for the State. I was surprised to know that. We hope that Hyderabad will be on the calendar of Formula E soon and we can actually enjoy the race in Hyderabad soon. We are impressed with the attitude that brought us here and I am sure it will lead us to finalizing the race soon”

On the track changes he said, “The track proposed by the Telangana Government is good. We will suggest a few changes and modify it to suit the race. But I can say the location is fantastic and hopefully we will get everyone to be part of the event here. Clearly, it is a global event and we are expecting participation from several countries. About 400 to 500 million people watch the race on TV and the spectatorship at the event depends on the city. However, it is safe to say that about 50,000 to 80,000 people will watch it at the location.”

After the signing ceremony, Mahindra Racing CEO Dilbagh Gill expressed delight and said that “it has always been our burning desire to race in front of our fans and have a home race. We are now one big step closer to this dream”.

Also read: Formula 1: Ferrari and McLaren reveal launch dates for 2022 car

Anil Chalamalasetty, CEO of Greenko and promoter of the event, said that “if all goes as planned then Hyderabad would enter into a final agreement with Formula E in the next three months and could expect a race soon. Greenko has been synonymous with green and renewable energy and we hope our engagement with such global events goes a long way,” 
 

(Motorsport) The most successful team in Formula 1 history, Ferrari have revealed the launch date of the 2022 car, becoming the second team to do so after Aston Martin had revealed earlier that their car will be showcased on February 10th. The Italian manufacturers will unveil their car on February 17th while their rivals McLaren will showcase their 2022 challenger on February 11th.

After enduring a disastrous 2020 campaign, the Scuderia put on a much improved performance in the 2021 season and ended up third in the Constructors Standings ahead of rivals McLaren. However, it’s been over a decade since Ferrari has won the World Championship and the Italian manufacturer has been developing the 2022 longer than most on the Formula 1 grid. 

Team boss Mattia Binotto said “If I look at the 2022 car, and the 2022 power unit, believe me there is a lot of innovation in it, I think that the way that the entire engineering team has faced the new design, the new project, and the 2022 regulations, which were a big discontinuity, was certainly with a more open mind than before. I can myself measure it by looking at the car itself, the way it's progressing, and certainly with the amount of innovation we put in it." 

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will continue their partnership for Ferrari in the 2022 season and hope to catch up to Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the front of the grid. It’s expected that the gap between Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari will be closer than it has been in the past, especially considering the amount of time and money Ferrari have invested in the car. 

Their rivals McLaren have also confirmed the new McLaren MCL36 will be unveiled on February 11th at the McLaren Technology Centre. The British team finished fourth in the Constructors Championship and Lando Norris had a pretty good season, getting four podiums and a maiden pole position while Daniel Ricciardo won the Italian GP. 

The new Formula 1 season will begin on March 20th in Bahrain.

Also read: Formula 1 team Aston Martin hire Mike Krack as new team principal

Wijk Aan Zee (The Netherlands), Jan 18 (Chess News) Indian Grandmaster Vidit Santhosh Gujrathi prevailed over Russia's Daniil Dubov in the third round to become the sole leader with 2.5 points in the prestigious Tata Steel Masters chess tournament here.

Gujrathi's compatriot, 16-year old Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, however, suffered a defeat at the hands of Dutchman Jorden Van Foreest late on Monday night.

Apart from Van Foreest, Andrey Esipenko and Richard Rapport also scored victories and now sit on two points together with world No.1 Magnus Carlsen and Jan-Krzysztof Duda, who drew their games.

In the Gujrathi-Dubov match, the Russian, true to his creative style, introduced a novelty in the Italian Opening as early as on move 8.

The Indian GM took the seemingly risky approach, first trading his dark-squared bishop and then accepting a central pawn sacrifice.

As a result, he fell behind in development, whereas Black's king got stuck in the centre.

Gujrathi capitalised on an error on move 32 by Dubov and secured a point.

Van Foreest surprised Praggnanandhaa with a rare line and put serious pressure on the black side. Praggnanandhaa held his own up to a point before the Dutchman gained the upper-hand to score a win.

Carlsen showed resilience to share the point with Poland's Jan-Krzysztof Duda while Dutch star Anish Giri drew with Shakhriyar Mamedyarov.

In the fourth round to be played later on Tuesday night, Gujrathi faces Espinenko and Praggnanandhaa tackles Sweden's Nils Grandelius in the 13-round championship.

Meanwhile, in the Challenger event being held simultaneously, Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi defeated Belgium's Daniel Dardha in the third round to share the joint top spot with two others -- Thai Dai Van Nguyen (Czech Republic) and Volodar Murzin (Russia) -- having scored 2.5 points.

Another Indian GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly was held to a draw by Max Warmerdam of the Netherlands and has two points from three rounds.

Standings after Round 3: Masters: 1. Vidit Gujrathi – 2.5 points; 2-6. Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Magnus Calsen, Richard Rapport, Andrey Esipenko and Jorden Van Foreest – 2; 7-8. Fabiano Caruana, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov – 1.5; 9-13. Sam Shankland, Sergey Karjakin, Daniil Dubov, Anish Giri, Praggnanandhaa – 1; 14. Nils Grandelius – 0.5. 

Also Read : Surender Gill shines as UP Yoddha thrash Puneri Paltan 50-40

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 17 (Kabaddi News) Surender Gill shone with his raids as UP Yoddha thrashed Puneri Paltan 50-40 in a high-scoring match of Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 here on Monday.

Gill (21 points) and Pardeep Narwal (10 points) scored Super 10s for Yoddha in a match, which had way too many defensive errors.

Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat had Super 10s for the Pune side, but they did not get any help from a stuttering defence that conceded far too many points.

The first half was a high-scoring affair with just one empty raid in the first five minutes. Pardeep Narwal started the proceedings with a three-point Super Raid and that certainly set the tone for the other raiders.

Inamdar and Goyat combined to help Pune clinch the game's first 'All Out' close to the 10th minute but Yoddha immediately clawed their way back.

It was raining Super Raids on both sides and Gill's three-point effort with seven minutes remaining helped Yoddha inflict an 'All Out'.

Both the left corners -- Pune's Vishal Bharadwaj and Yoddha's Sumit -- were having an error-prone night and conceded far too many points in the first half that ended 20-20.

Yoddha started the second half brightly with Gill aggressive in his raids. His four-point Super Raid in the fifth minute paved the way for another 'All Out' which helped Yoddha open a seven-point lead.

He and Pardeep Narwal took turns to eat points away from Pune and eventually got them an 'All Out' in the 10th minute.

Yoddha scored a massive 20 points in the first 10 minutes after the restart to open a 15-point lead. Both Narwal and Gill crossed their Super 10s while Goyat did the same for Pune.

Inamdar manufactured a three-point Super Raid in the 12th minute of the second half to spark a comeback. But Pune's defenders were having a night to forget with Gill picking points with ease.

Despite Inamdar and Goyat's best attempts, Pune could not close the gap as Yoddha clinched a valuable win. 

Also Read : Second part of Pro Kabaddi League to start from Jan 20

News Source : PTI

(Motorsports news)17 January 2022, London: X44 have become the winners of the first ever Extreme E Sustainability Award after topping the standings in the series’ inaugural Count Us In Challenge aimed at tackling the climate crisis.

Extreme E and Count Us In came together ahead of Season 1 to launch the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge - a campaign using the power of sport and the excitement of motor racing to inspire fans to take practical steps on climate change.

The sport for purpose series asked fans to take real pledges to lead a less carbon intensive lifestyle to reduce their footprint and, in doing so, urge governments, cities and businesses to accelerate progress on climate action. 

The Extreme E Count Us In Challenge includes a variety of actions available to fans to contribute towards a greener future, including not using single-use plastic, walking and cycling more, eating more plant-based foods and driving an electric vehicle. Each step is attributed to the fans’ favourite team, and the team with the most steps at the end of Season 1 would win the inaugural Extreme E Sustainability Award. 

This was achieved by X44, who claimed the award with 792 steps pledged, with JBXE (749 steps) and Rosberg X Racing (RXR) (422 steps) completing the top three. In total, the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge inspired 1,231 fans to take 3,207 steps saving 1,241,223 KG CO2.

The Extreme E Count Us In Challenge will return for Season 2 with fans once again urged to take climate action through their passion for the sport.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to present X44 as the winners of the Extreme E Sustainability Award via the series’ first-ever Count Us In Challenge.

“Sport is an incredible platform to not only raise awareness of the climate crisis, the single biggest threat to our planet today, but also inspire action to tackle it. At Extreme E we will continue to push the boundaries and shine a spotlight on the issues we face, along with the need to act now to help protect our futures.

“Our first season working with Count Us In has been a huge success and I am looking forward to us building on this momentum for Season 2 to go further in taking climate action.”

Sébastien Loeb, X44, said: “I was very happy to learn that X44 won the Extreme E Sustainability Award for 2021. I joined the team hoping to discover more about the environment while doing what I love, and I have learned so much from the series and the different places we visited - in fact I even bought my first electric car last year!

“To know that our fans have come on this journey with us and are making their own commitment to have a positive impact on the planet is inspiring and I feel good about what we can achieve when we work together.”

Shivani Rudra, Count Us In, said: “Through the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge, teams and their fans have demonstrated their commitment to a cleaner, healthier, thriving future for all.

“By taking meaningful, simple steps in their own daily lives, Extreme E fans have not just reduced their own carbon emissions, but they’ve added up to a growing movement of people and communities showing leaders it’s time to accelerate progress on climate action.

“Huge congratulations to X44 and its fans for their engagement in Season 1! We look forward to continuing to work with Extreme E and the teams in Season 2 to further their legacy through their passionate fanbase.”

Extreme E aims to accelerate the adoption of clean and electrified transport to help protect people and the planet, with the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge also supporting the UN's Race To Zero campaign.

In 2022, Extreme E will continue to race across the world’s most remote environments to demonstrate the performance and benefits of electric vehicles and clean technology, whilst highlighting the impact that climate change is already having on these ecosystems, such as melting ice caps, deforestation, desertification, retreating mountain glaciers, and rising sea levels.

Extreme E Season 2 begins in Neom, Saudi Arabia (19-20 February), before heading to Sardinia, Italy (7-8 May), Senegal or Scotland (9-10 July), Antofagasta, Chile (10-11 September) and Punta Del Este, Uruguay (26-27 November). 

Also read: Honda's Quintanilla takes runner-up spot in the Dakar Rally, Hero finishes with best-ever performance

(Basketball news) The Los Angeles Lakers suffered their successive loss as they lost 133-96 to the Denver Nuggets. For the Nuggets Hyland followed up a 17-point game against Portland with career highs of 27 points and 10 rebounds as Nikola Jokic had 17 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds for his eighth triple-double of the season, while Jeff Green scored a season-high 26 points in Denver's second straight blowout victory. All five Nuggets starters scored in double figures. For the Lakers LeBron James had 24 points and nine rebounds, but made just 9 of 23 field goals. Russell Westbrook, who was just 15 for 59 in the previous four games, had 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting.With this result the Lakers fell below 500 with their record currently at 21-22, on the other hand the Nuggets leapfrogged into 6th in the standings as their stands at 22-20.

''It meant a lot to me. It took some stress off my shoulders and made me relax more and it also made me more comfortable knowing me and Coach have that connection,'' Hyland said

''We've just got to make a decision we're going to play hard,'' Westbrook said. ''Sometimes, the schemes and how you play, it doesn't really matter. You've just got to play hard sometimes. Teams are playing harder than us, so it's as simple as that.''

'Nikola gets a triple-double in 28 minutes, Bones gets his first career double-double, the bench was great, the starters were great,'' Malone said

''We've got to get back to the drawing board and get our defense right,'' Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. ''We haven't performed well enough in the last two games on that side of the ball.''

The Golden State Warriors lost their second game in a row as they lost 119-99 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. For the Timberwolves Karl-Anthony Towns had 26 points and 11 rebounds, Jaylen Nowell scored 17 points and Malik Beasley added in 16 with five second-half 3-pointers on an especially productive night for the reserves for the Timberwolves. Jordan Poole scored 20 points and Jonathan Kuminga had 19 points for the Warriors, who lost for the fifth time in seven games. They missed 16 straight shots over one stretch in the second half as they played without Steph Curry and Draymond Green on Sunday night. With this result the Timberwolves improved their record to 21-22 and jumped into 7th in the Western Conference standings

''We're really close. We like to see each other succeed. That right there is one of the hardest things to find in teams, I feel like,'' Nowell said. ''None of us on the team are selfish.''

''We don't just want be in the play-in game. We want to be set in the playoffs. We're trying to figure out how to get a nice little win streak to get us above the hump,'' Beasley said.

'Got some and-ones, got some layups, utilized my finishing ability. For this team to grow, I have to grow as well,'' Towns said
''You can't trust what I say, because I say I can play 40 minutes, but I'm not a sports scientist,'' Thompson said. ''That's what our training staff is for. I trust them, and I don't want to get over eager in just my fourth game in. I want to peak come playoff time”

Also read: NBA: The MVP race is hotting up as the season heads towards its midpoint

The other results were:

• Bucks 96 - 103 Raptors
• Wizards 110 - 115 Trail Blazers
• Nets 120 - 105 Pelicans
• Hawks 108 - 117 Knicks
• Thunder 102 - 107 Cavaliers
• Heat 98 - 109 76ers
• Celtics 114 - 112 Bulls
• Spurs 101 - 94 Clippers
• Mavericks 108 - 92 Magic
• Pistons 108 - 135 Suns
• Kings 112 - 118 Rockets

Tomorrow's fixtures are:

• Wizards vs 76ers
• Cavaliers vs Nets
• Grizzlies vs Bulls
• Clippers vs Pacers
• Hawks vs Bucks
• Magic vs Trail Blazers
• Heat vs Raptors
• Spurs vs Suns
• Mavericks vs Thunder
• Lakers vs Jazz

It is alway important to rise back when you fall down. An athlete needs a support system to stay on top of the game, injuries are the major reasons for their downfall. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation helps them to get back in shape for the game. Dr. Richa had always wanted to go into the medical field and her love for sports turned out to be a perfect match. She runs the Kinesis- Sports rehab and physiotherapy clinc at Pune.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Dr. Richa Kularni speaks about her passion for sports since childhood, the importance of rehabilitation, being mentally fit and her experience with the Timor-Leste national soccer team.
 

Q 1) How did your fitness journey begin? What inspired you to pursue a career in sports rehabilitation and physiotherapy?

My fitness journey started at the age of 7 years. We had a strong family background of sports wherein my father was a cricketer and mother was into athletics, so they knew the importance of having sports in an individual’s life. They made sure that we 3 siblings enjoy the liveliness and enthusiasm a sport gives in one's life right from our childhood. Uptill now I have played almost all the games but in the end, Badminton is my game and passion which has kept me fit to date.

I always aspired to go into the medical field but also wanted some association of sports in it. I started doing research on how I could fuse my two passions into my profession and that's when I got to know about the field of Physiotherapy which had the perfect combination of sports and medicine. 

Q 2) According to you, how can sports rehabilitation be made accessible to athletes across all levels of sports, i.e from the grassroots to professionals?

Nowadays, Sports Rehabilitation is a Subject which is talked about quite frequently between the athletes and their parents. Awareness of Sports Rehabilitation is quite grown as now athletes know the importance of it. There are certified Sports Physiotherapists who run private clinics or there are Rehab centers where an athlete can undergo rehabilitation post injury. Also many clubs and sports associations have their own Sports Physiotherapists in house for the athletes. Whereas in tournaments on field and off field Sports Physiotherapy is always made available to the athletes.

Q 3) How much of a role does sports physiotherapy play in increasing the longevity of an athlete’s career? 

Sports Physiotherapy plays a vital role in increasing the longevity of an athlete’s career. A Physiotherapist helps an athlete to prevent and manage injuries on field. As well as a physio helps an athlete on safe participation of his/her sport on field which enhances their performance in the game. Sports Rehabilitation helps and supports faster recovery of the injuries which happened as well as through guided rehab protocols one can prevent major injuries on the field which helps in top notch performance in the respective sports.

Q 4) How was the experience of being the sports physiotherapist for the National Soccer Team of U-23 and Senior Men's team of Timor-Leste at FIFA World-Cup pre-qualifiers in Malaysia 2019 and AFC Championship at Myanmar 2019?

 It was phenomenal, superb, mind blowing. It was a dream come true moment. As I said earlier, I did physiotherapy for being associated with sports and medicine. This was the prestigious moment which I was waiting for years in my career. It had a huge responsibility of handling and managing the entire team. There were moments wherein there was so much pressure to handle and treat the injured players and make them play on field. But all the efforts were rewarded at the end when my injured players performed their best on the field with the immediate recovery and preventive measures instructed and followed as told.

Q 5) What can be done to raise awareness about the importance of sports rehabilitation amongst athletes?

To increase the awareness of Sports rehabilitation amongst athletes, first of all educating them about this concept is of utmost importance. Following we can take camps for the athletes where they can understand how to prevent an injury as well as how to take care of it through a guided rehab. Also we can promote and endorse sports rehab on social platforms to increase the awareness through educational videos where we can show how recovery is done post injuries in a rehab.

Q 6) While physiotherapy is mostly dealing with the body, how important is mental fitness according to you? What can be done to ensure an athlete or an individual remains both mentally and physically healthy?

A sport is a combination of the physical and mental well being of an individual, so I think mental fitness is equally important as being physically fit. You need to be mentally sound enough when you play any sport so you give your 100% in your performance by being completely focused. For example, while playing Badminton you need to be physically fit but at the same time you are nervous and have high anxiety levels then it becomes difficult to give your 100%. These conditions will lead to losing matches which may lead to depression and irritation ultimately leading to poor performance. So along with Sports Rehab and Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology also plays a major role in an athlete’s sports career.

Also read: Our main goal is to make India an Asian powerhouse in basketball - Suresh Kumar Ranot, member of national selection committee

Muscat, Jan 17 (Hockey News) Performing well at the upcoming Asia Cup will give the Indian women's hockey team the requisite momentum for a busy 2022 season, which includes the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, says vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka.

Besides defending the title, a spot in this year's FIH Women's World Cup will be at stake for the Indian women in the Asia Cup to be held at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex here from January 21 to 28.

India will open its campaign against Malaysia on January 21 and top-four teams from the event will earn direct qualification to the World Cup to be co-hosted by Spain and Netherlands later this year.

"It is important for us to perform well in the tournament as it will set the momentum for us for the upcoming challenges in 2022. It is a packed year for us, and the more games we play, the more we will be able to test ourselves and what we have been working on the training grounds," Ekka said in a statement issued by Hockey India.

Besides India, other participating teams in the tournament are China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.

"It is sort of a new start for us. This will be our first full tournament after the Tokyo Olympics as unfortunately, we could only play one game in Korea at the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2021," Ekka said.

India won the women's Hockey Asia Cup in 2017 to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, where they managed to reach the knockout stages.

In 2018, India also went on to win the silver medal at the Asian Games.

And Ekka believes a successful title defence in Muscat will be key for the team going forward.

"Winning the women's Hockey Asia Cup trophy in 2017 was a turning point for us and it really gave us the confidence that we can perform on the big stage if we play as a team.

"Winning the trophy once again can really motivate our players to perform even better this year and have an unforgettable 2022. It is very important for us to have a positive start," she said. 

Also Read : We want to prove Tokyo wasn't a one day wonder, says women's hockey coach Schopman

News Source : PTI

(Esports news): ONE Esports, a subsidiary of Group ONE Holdings (ONE), today announced about joining a long term partnership with Samsung in Southeast Asia. This is the latest major partnership for ONE Esports, following recent partnership announcements with Activision Blizzard, foodpanda Thailand, Franklin Templeton, FWD, Marriott Bonvoy, and McDonald’s Philippines.

This partnership with Samsung will see ONE Esports develop an exclusive ONE Esports mobile app for Samsung devices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, to be released after a few months. The app will be a go-to platform for esports news and content in Southeast Asia, and will be completely integrated into the ONE Esports media ecosystem, featuring news and content from ONE Esports’ website, oneesports.gg, which will be localized according to each market. Samsung users will be able to get access to exclusive videos and rewards produced by the ONE Esports team for the app.

The app will be made available in the Samsung Galaxy Store and Google Play Store for over-the-air download only on Samsung mobile devices in 2022.

“I am proud to announce this partnership with Samsung that brings ONE Esports’ world-class esports content natively on mobile, in collaboration with Southeast Asia’s leader in mobile devices and experiences. Samsung clearly understands that brands need to connect and engage with the next generation to stay ahead of the curve, and mobile devices and esports are two of the most effective ways to reach them. As the penetration of mobile usage and gaming across Southeast Asia continues to grow, this partnership will give the new generation of mobile-first consumers the best way to consume esports content,” said Carlos Alimurung, CEO, ONE Esports.

“Led by a young, digital, and global audience, esports is shaping up to be the future of sports, media, and entertainment. Through this unprecedented partnership with ONE Esports, we are excited to bring the galaxy of esports to Samsung mobile users, many of whom are passionate about esports and mobile gaming. ONE Esports is uniquely positioned as Southeast Asia’s premier esports media organisation, and our partnership sets the cornerstone for combining the best of esports experiences with the best mobile gaming devices for our customers,” said Chris Tarr, Head of Mobile Services & Partnerships, Southeast Asia and Oceania at Samsung Electronics.

 For the app launch, ONE Esports will run various activations to promote Samsung on one oneesports.gg. ONE Esports and Samsung will join hands to hold a mobile esports tournament next year. More details on the tournament will be released at a later date.

Also read: India clinch World Esports Cup 2021 Title

Bengaluru, Jan 17 (Kabaddi News) The second part of the ongoing Pro Kabaddi League will kick off on January 20, tournament organisers Marshal Sports announced on Monday.

The second part which comprises 33 matches will go on till February 4.

Tamil Thalaivas will lock horns with Gujarat Giants in the first match on Thursday, while Bengaluru Bulls will clash with Patna Pirates in the second match of the day.

The "rivalry week" of PKL will be held from January 31 to February 4.

"The upcoming 33 matches, including the rivalry week, will be followed by the penultimate round of further 33 matches that will complete the full 132-match round-robin stage. This will be followed by the play-off round and thereafter the Season 8‘s grand finale," a media release said.

PKL successfully completed 66 matches constituting the first half of the league stage of the ongoing eighth season. 

Also Read : Jaipur Pink Panthers hold Tamil Thalaivas to thrilling tie

News Source : PTI

Wijk aan Zee (The Netherlands), Jan 17 (Chess News) Indian Grandmasters Vidit Santhosh Gujrathi and R Praggnanandhaa were held to draws in their second round matches in the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament here.

World No.1 Magnus Carlsen, however, scored his first win on Sunday.

Gujrathi drew in 27 moves against Fabiano Caruana (USA) with white, while Praggnanandhaa shared the point with Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Poland) in the second round games.

Praggnanandhaa and Duda played a very solid game in which White had a slight advantage that was virtually impossible to turn into something tangible. A draw came as a logical outcome.

Carlsen defeated Dutchman Anish Giri and joined Duda and Vidit Gujrathi at the top of the standings with 1.5 points.

The only other winner of the day was Richard Rapport, who took full advantage of Jorden Van Foreest’s mistake in a knight endgame. All other games were drawn.

Gujrathi plays Daniil Dubov (Russia) in the third round later on Monday night and Praggnanandhaa takes on Van Foreest.

In the Challengers section being played simultaneously, India's Arjun Erigaisi put it across Max Warmerdem in the second round. He lies in second spot along with compatriot Surya Shekhar Ganguly and Thai Dai Van Nguyen on 1.5 points.

Standings after Round 2: Masters: 1-3. Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Magnus Calsen and Vidit Gujrathi – 1½ ; 4-11. Fabiano Caruana, Richard Rapport, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Sergey Karjakin, Andrey Esipenko and Jorden Van Foreest – 1; 12-14, Sam Shankland, Nils Grandelius, Anish Giri – ½. 

Also Read : Vidit Gujrathi starts with a win, Praggnanandhaa holds Anish Giri to a draw

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 16 (Shooting News) The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has invited applications for the posts of foreign and Indian coaches as well as high performance manager for the country's senior and junior shooters across disciplines.

The tenure of the contract will be till the 2024 Paris Olympic Games from the date of appointment.

The coaching staffs positions have been left vacant since the NRAI decided to terminate the contracts of all coaches last year.

The move followed a review by the national federation in the wake of the Indian shooting team's disastrous outing at the Tokyo Olympics, where they failed to win a single medal, five years after returning empty-handed from the Rio Games in 2016.

"The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) invites applications from highly qualified and experienced foreign coaches to train the Indian shooting team/national squad for achieving excellence in all major international competitions including Olympic Games 2024," the NRAI said in its advertisement.

The federation is also looking to hire high performance manager for the shooters in rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines.

"The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) invites applications for appointment of a qualified and experienced High-Performance Manager (HPM) for its national squad of shooters in the discipline of rifle, pistol and shotgun." The HPM, primarily, will be responsible for monitoring the training and development programme of the shooters to "achieve excellence in the sport to perform" at various international competitions.

All the appointments are subject to approval by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Besides, the NRAI has also invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from Indian nationals for the appointment of coaches for senior and junior shooters on contract basis, for the "national squad/Indian shooting team and empanelment of coaches for promotion of the shooting sport and training of shooters at state and district level".

As far as the major requirements for the coaches and HPM are concerned, the applicants must be below 65 years of age and should have played at the Olympics/continental games/Commonwealth Games/World Championships or other continental championships besides having previous coaching experience at the top level with established shooters. 

Also Read : 30 medals for Topgun Shooting Academy at Delhi state meet

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 16 (Kabaddi News) Tamil Thalaivas and Jaipur Pink Panthers played out an entertaining 31-31 draw in their Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) match here on Sunday.

Defences of both the teams had a great outing with Thalaivas captain Surjeet Singh and Jaipur's Sandeep Dhull picking up High 5s. Thaliavas had a two-point lead going into the final raid of the match but made a mistake resulting in a tie.

Their raider Manjeet misjudged a touch and walked into the lobby resulting in a Super Tackle and two points for Jaipur.

Tamil Thalaivas had the better start to the match with their defensive duo of Surjeet Singh and Sagar not giving Jaipur raider Arjun Deshwal an opportunity.

The Panthers were not willing to let points leak in their defence as well with Sandeep Dhull and Sahul Kumar tackling the Tamil raiders with ease. The game changed momentum when experienced K Prapanjan suffering a shoulder injury during a raid in the seventh minute.

Ajinkya Pawar was brought in as his replacement, but Jaipur sniffed an opportunity. Surjeet Singh produced a one-man Super Tackle on Arjun Deshwal but Jaipur clinched their ALL OUT eventually with two minutes to the interval. At halftime, the scores were 17-13 in favour of Jaipur.

Tamil coach Uday Kumar wanted his team to make a slow comeback and not rush things, but his team had other plans. The second half started with a tackle on Jaipur's Deepak Hooda which was followed by a two-point raid by Bhavani Rajput.

With three remaining on the mat, Thalaivas' Manjeet produced a stunning Super Raid that inflicted an ALL OUT. They took the lead, but the Panthers got it back immediately with Sandeep Dhull and Surjeet Singh picking their High 5s.

The two teams matched tackle for tackle and the scores were level at 24-24 with 10 minutes remaining.

Ajinkya Pawar got a two-point raid to open the lead for Thaliavas but Jaipur's Naveen produced a Super Tackle to close the gap. Jaipur, trailing by two points, produced a Super Tackle in the last raid of the match to earn a tie.

Thalaivas will consider themselves unlucky as raider Manjeet walked into the lobby under the belief that he had gotten a touch. But the referees decided against his claim to end the closely-fought match. 

Also Read : UP Yoddha beat Telugu Titans 39-33 (Pro Kabaddi League)

News Source : PTI

Wijk Aan Zee (Netherlands), Jan 16 (Chess News) Indian Grandmaster Vidit Santosh Gujrathi began his campaign at the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament with a win over American Sam Shankland, here.

After the rating favourites Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana (USA) and Anish Giri (the Netherlands) drew their games, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Gujrathi and Jorden van Foreest grabbed the lead with victories in round one, late on Saturday.

Gujrathi, the India No.2 behind Viswanathan Anand, took advantage of a mistake by Shankland, playing black, on the 33rd move to grind out a win in 73 moves.

The other Indian player in the fray in the Masters section of the Tata Steel chess tournament - Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa opened with a draw against Anish Giri (the Netherlands) in 44 moves.

The 16-year old Indian faced Giri in a rare line of the English Opening with Black. The Dutchman made a pawn sacrifice to grab the initiative, but the Indian youngster neutralised white’s threats and safely played out a draw.

World No.1 Carlsen of Norway was held to a draw by Russia's Andrey Esipenko in 21 moves as chose to play it safe against the highly-rated opponent.

Caruana had the upper hand against Sergey Karjakin (Russia) but missed a couple of good attacking opportunities and allowed his opponent to escape with a draw.

In the second round later on Sunday night, Gujrathi faces Caruana while Praggnanandhaa takes on Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Poland).

A total of 14 players are taking part in the round-robin tournament featuring 13 rounds with Carlsen headlining a strong field.

Meanwhile in the Challengers event, being held simultaneously, experienced Indian GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly began with a victory over Marc Andria Maurizzi of France. Arjun Erigaisi, the top-seed, was held to a draw by Lucas van Foreest (the Netherlands). 

Also Read : UP Yoddha beat Telugu Titans 39-33 (Pro Kabaddi League)

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 15 (Kabaddi News) UP Yoddha beat struggling Telugu Titans 39-33 in a Pro Kabaddi League match here on Saturday.

Yoddha were better in all the departments with their raiders – Pardeep Narwal (10), Shrikant Jadhav (7) and Surender Gill (7) – picking up valuable points.

Telugu Titans had a great opportunity to make a comeback by inflicting an ALL OUT on Yoddha in the final minutes but captain Rohit Kumar’s decision to go raiding backfired.

Rajnish and Ankit Beniwal scored 9 points each for the Titans who are without a win in Season 8.

Telugu Titans had Rohit Kumar back in the starting 7 but that didn’t really add to the raiding efforts in the first half. Rajnish and Ankit Beniwal showed glimpses of their immense potential, but the half surely belonged to Yoddha who had a clear plan for the Titans.

Their defensive corner duo of Sumit and Nitesh Kumar found form after the initial raids making life difficult for the young Telugu raiders.

At the other end Pardeep Narwal, Shrikant Jadhav and Surender Gill took turns to eat away points from the defence. Together, they inflicted an ALL OUT on the Titans with 7 minutes remaining for halftime to open a 3-point lead. Yoddha managed the time on the mat very well and ended the half on top with scores 19-14. 

Also Read : PKL: Jaipur Pink Panthers beat Patna Pirates 38-28

News Source : PTI

(Esports news) India’s Total Gaming lifted the title in the action-packed inaugural edition of the World Esports Cup 2021 (WEC ’21).

The South Asia’s premier tri-nation esports tournament, WEC ’21, which was sponsored by smartphone maker Infinix Smartphones, saw a participation of 1.2 million from India, Pakistan and Nepal and also witnessed a high viewership across the social channels of India Today Gaming (ITG). 

The Global Finals saw tough competition between twelve teams from India, Pakistan and Nepal. Teams from India—Total Gaming, Chemin Esports, Orangutan Elite and Arrow Esports—put up an impressive show right from the start of the five-day final stage. With a well coordinated attacking as well as defensive strategy, tactics and coordination, they were on top of the teams from Pakistan and Nepal and finished in the top four. 

The competition saw Total Gaming, comprising of skilled and renowned players including captain Ajay Sharma, Hora Vetkumar, Narai Yadav, Daksh Garg, and Rohit Sarraf (sub), getting past the other teams across three countries for the prestigious title with 342 total points (RP 198, KP 144) as they secured the INR 35 lakh for their top spot finish. Chemin Esports and Orangutan Elite secured second and third position respectively and won prize money of INR 15 lakh and INR 8 lakh. 

Total Gaming’s Daksh aka Mafia, with 53 kills was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament and also received INR 50,000. 

Talking about a successful conclusion of the World Esports Cup 2021, Mr. Vishwalok Nath, Director, WEC ’21 said: “The esports athletes across three countries showcased their A-game in the global finals and the competition was nothing short of top-class. We are driven by our association by working with a bunch of talented players across India, Pakistan and Nepal and this serves as the perfect set up to take our marque property to new heights. The five-day global finals witnessed top-notch performances by the participating teams and players. 

“I congratulate all the teams as there is nothing called losing but learning which everyone got from this tournament. I hope these athletes will further utilise this experience and win medals for their country in the coming time," This inaugural edition has been a stupendous success in every possible way. As tournaments like these become bigger and grander. We are continuing to see a growing interest among the youth to take up esports professionally. We are also thankful to all our sponsors and stakeholders for their endless support and belief. We’re already looking forward to season 2 of our popular IP Esports Premier League,” Nath concluded.

The World Esports Cup 2021, which had Infinix smartphone as the presenting sponsor, was played under the game centric campaign #GameHaiToFameHai with Tiger Shroff as the inimitable brand ambassador that gave the platform for players to showcase their top game and get recognised in the industry.

Also read: World Esports Cup to start from today as fans continue to cheer from virtual stadiums

Jeddah, Jan 15 (MotorSports News) Monster Energy Honda Team rider Pablo Quintanilla won the final stage of the Dakar Rally to grab second overall place, while Hero MotoSports Team finished with its best-ever performance.

Quintanilla earned the final stage victory, finishing 3 minutes 27 seconds short of clinching the outright Dakar 2022 title.

"I am very happy with the result and my performance throughout the whole race, especially during the second week, which I managed well, making up time with a steady performance," Quintanilla said.

Hero MotoSports Team Rally wrapped up a memorable campaign that saw them become the first Indian manufacturer to win a stage in the world's toughest rally for the very first time.

They ended their campaign with a stage win and one stage podium, as both their riders crossed the final finish line.

All through 2021, the team participated in multiple races, constantly upgrading their machines, and reaching the top positions.

They entered the Dakar Rally battling several last-minute hurdles - including two of their riders getting unfit for the race due to injuries.

Joaquim Rodrigues, the star performer of the team, finished the last stage of 163 kms between Bisha to Jeddah with yet another top-15 finish. He finished 13th while his teammate Aaron Maré secured the 15th place in the overall standings of the RallyGP class.

All four Monster Energy Honda team riders also managed to finish one of the toughest ever editions of the rally, with the Honda CRF450 RALLY once again making it through the entire Dakar without a single mechanical issue.

Joan Barreda, Ricky Brabec and José Ignacio 'Nacho' Cornejo, riding their respective Honda CRF450 RALLY bikes, also finished the race among the leaders.

Spain’s Barreda, fourth on the final stage, finished fifth overall, equalling the result achieved in 2017. Brabec took seventh spot overall, while Cornejo, third in the last stage, consolidated his sixth place in the final rally classification. 

Also Read : India's Noah completes third Dakar, beats own record for best stage ranking

News Source : PTI

(Motorsport) Aston Martin have appointed Mike Krack as the new team principal for the Formula 1 team as a replacement for Otmar Szafnauer after a disappointing seventh place finish in the 2021 season. The former BMW chief will be responsible for improving the results in the 2022 season and has the advantage of working with Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel during his previous F1 stint at Sauber.

Mike Krack, Team Principal, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team, said: "It is a thrill and an honour to have been appointed to the position of Team Principal of Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team, and I am very grateful to Lawrence [Stroll] and Martin [Whitmarsh] for giving me such a fantastic opportunity.

"Aston Martin is one of the greatest automotive brands in the world, and to have been asked to play a leading role in delivering the on-track Formula One success that such an illustrious name so richly deserves is a challenge that I plan to embrace with energy and enthusiasm.

"I have been working in motorsport for over 20 years, and worked in Formula One with Seb Vettel in 2006 and 2007 when I was a BMW-Sauber engineer and he was the team's test driver.

"I have huge respect for his speed and ability, and it will be fantastic to be reunited with him. Lance Stroll is a seriously fast and talented driver, too, with 100 Grands Prix starts to his name, and I am very much looking forward to working closely with him.

"Team Silverstone has always impressed me. It is full of talented people and real racers. That racer's culture and values are what is required to succeed in motorsport - I know that and my new colleagues at Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team know it, too. We will work incredibly hard. We want to win. Together, we will."

Team owner Lawrence Stroll said “Winning in Formula 1 is all about bringing together the best efforts of all the principal players - drivers, engineers, mechanics, everyone - and Mike is perfectly placed to do just that. We are hiring brilliant new people every week. Our new factory build is coming along very well. We have a fantastic roster of superb sponsor-partners. We are about to embark on year two of our five-year plan, the objective of which is to win Formula 1 world championships. All the ingredients we require are coming together. Mike will play a central and leading role, reporting to Martin Whitmarsh and leading our technical and operational functions, our collective aim being to fulfil those lofty ambitions. We are on our way."

Whitmarsh added: "Mike is exactly the right kind of dynamic and modern team principal who, working with our other senior leaders under Lawrence's [Stroll] and my overall direction, as well as with our ever-growing staff of skilled and committed employees, will deliver the Formula 1 world championship success that we at Aston Martin are so determined to achieve."

Aston Martin are also the first Formula 1 team to reveal that their new car launch date will be on Friday, February 10th. The 2022 season will introduce major rule changes with 18-inch wheels and an overhaul of the aerodynamics. The changes are meant to ensure the sport is more competitive with more intense races and new on-track rivalries. Four time World Champion Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll remain partnered for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team in the 2022 season.

Also read: Turkish esports player Cem Bolukbasi seals berth in Formula 2 for 2022 season

The concept of sports has existed in the world since centuries. Over the years, it has kept evolving and today is a major part of our lives. As defined, sports entails engaging physical and mental abilities for competitive or casual endeavor. Sporting activities help in improving emotional, physical and mental quotient. Any sporting activity performed either alone or in front of the crowd, offers entertainment.  

It has also been found to be a wonderful way to make friendships. In fact, it has been proven that participating in high school athletics gives long-lasting, definitive benefits, especially when athletic leaders create an environment that challenges and rewards the growth mindset.

There are various forms of sports – from individual, groups or those requiring two participants. Classic examples include cricket, hockey, football, basketball, polo and so many more. Going beyond just the physical aspect, several competitive, but non-physical, activities claim recognition as mind sports such as chess and bridge. 

At Orphicy our focus is on a 360-degree learning template wherein equivalent weightage is given to extra-curricular activities, personality development and sports. Engaging in any sport helps in building a strong and focused mindset; two qualities needed to develop competitive spirit. 

By playing sports you are exposed to team building activities that give a better understanding of player strengths and the overall team dynamic. You end up developing trust, learn to respect one another, challenge each other to the highest standards, commit to doing your best, hold each other accountable, focus on the bigger picture and share the same vision or goals with the whole team. Sports builds robust personality that aid in performing all the tasks with perfection, ease and confidence. 

Successful teams in sports add a layer of rivalry not seen in other kinds of teams. This kind of competition pushes a person to test their limits and make the most of their potential that sets them up for success in other areas of life as well.

It is very popularly said that, “play is the highest form of research” and when a child in its formative years starts playing sports, it positively impacts personality and brain development.

A lot of studies have been conducted for centuries on how sports help in building resilience and strength. Like studies on athletics conducted in early years focusing on how they ushered in community pride by winning laurels. Collective or individual wins have fostered a sense of pride for the participant and his community at large. 

These studies progressed to explain how participation ushered in improvements in physical health, academic benchmarks and stress management. Today, there are numerous studies that focus on all types of participation benefits, when participants are supported in this way, they develop lifelong habits that transcend high school.

Of course, positive outcomes do not happen accidentally, and coaches play a huge role in athletes realizing the benefits of high school athletics. In many ways, coaches play the most significant role in setting the tone and standard of any sporting program.

In our dynamic, ever-changing, instant gratification environment, high school athletic contests are metaphorical classrooms that deliver eloquent learning for the students and athletes enrolling for them. Team building activities help build a critical foundation for students and the impact to the participants can be long-lasting and beneficial.

It is very rightly said that “talent may win games, but teamwork gets you the championship.” Teamwork and interacting with each other helps one learn that you have to benefit each other because you’d never be able to achieve anything individually. 

By being in a team or playing against one, you also get exposed to the advantages of being in a competition not just with others but with yourself as well. It is hard to find progress in a place where there is no competition. Sports gives you the ideal platform to compete and become the best version of yourself.

Also read: Our main goal is to make India an Asian powerhouse in basketball - Suresh Kumar Ranot, member of national selection committee

Athletics transform and improve after each game. They learn about their limitations, decisions and physical strength. These choices have an impact on the game, the team and themselves. This journey of self-discovery helps them to gauge their strength, weakness, and opportunities. 

These athletes also understand the kind of sacrifices they needed to make to accomplish a common goal, the kind of support they can give to teammates, and individually they need to modify their game and hold themselves responsible. The situations that athletes experience allows them to have an accurate understanding of goal setting and what they can attain as they move into the collegiate world and to professional sport.

Being in an athletic team also enables students to develop their empathetic skills, aiding them to understand themselves, the team, and others. At the start students may not have a clear understanding of how their participation will affect themselves or their team members. However, later they learn about themselves and even experiment in visualizing what they can attain. After which athletes have the potential to experience their perceived limitations and push past what they think they can accomplish.

In conclusion, by providing an atmosphere that encourages your children to engage in sports, you will set them to maintain great lifelong habits that will carry them closer to achieving success in all walks of life. Sports imbibes just the qualities required to create a perfect balance and break away from the chaos that surrounds us each day.

By Vipul Tyagi
CEO and Co-founder
EdTech Startup Orphicy

About the Author

Vipul Tyagi, CEO, and Co-founder of EdTech Startup Orphicy. An electronics and telecom engineer, Vipul co-founded Orphicy along with 3 academicians in 2020. The startup offers live online coaching for the school curriculum (Classes 5-10) and also helps students prepare for NTSE/ Olympiads and other competitive exams and has started enrollment for new sessions. The learning modules are designed with a holistic approach focusing on extracurricular activities along with academics. Orphicy is Vipul’s second entrepreneurial venture. His first business venture already rakes in revenues to the tune of 100 million INR.

New Delhi, Jan 15 (Sports News) Indian fencers, including Olympian Bhavani Devi, bowed out of the women's individual sabre event of the World Cup after losing their respective contests in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Bhavani Devi, ranked 55th in the world, had received a bye in the round of 128 but she suffered a 8-15 loss to Spain's Elena Hernandez in the next round to exit the competition.

The 28-year-old from Chennai, the first Indian to participate at the Olympics, secured victories in four matches in the group stage, while lost one. One match was called off.

Among other Indians in fray, Anitha Karunakaran and Josna Christy Jose couldn't cross the round of 128.

While Karunakaran lost 3-15 to Russia's Dariya Drozd, Jose lost to Spain's Araceli Navarro by a similar scoreline.

The men's and women's Team World Cup will get underway at the same venue on Monday.

Bhavani Devi may compete in the next women’s World Cup in Plovdiv, Bulgaria from January 28 to 29. There are two more World Cups in Greece (March 4 to 5) and Belgium (March 18 to 19). 

Also Read : PKL: Jaipur Pink Panthers beat Patna Pirates 38-28

News Source : PTI

Melbourne, Jan 15 (Tennis News) After a convoluted and shambolic visa approval process, followed by questions about his movements over the past month and the information provided to Australian border officials, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has cancelled Novak Djokovic’s visa.

The decision is a major blow to Djokovic, who is tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at 20 Grand Slam singles titles, the most ever by a male player. While his lawyers will attempt to challenge the latest visa cancellation, Djokovic is unlikely to chase history at his most successful Grand Slam tournament.

The decision is also a blow to the Australian Open. With Federer out with injury, Djokovic and Nadal were the prime draw cards in this year’s men’s tournament. If the top-ranked Serbian player and nine-time Australian Open champion is deported, some have feared serious repercussions for the longevity of the event.

Critics have gone so far as to theorise global tennis powerbrokers might look elsewhere to host the “grand slam of the Asia-Pacific”, so as: […] to be confident the tournament can proceed smoothly with strong levels of public and government support.

In that sense, the conservative MP and former professional tennis player John Alexander had urged allowing Djokovic to stay in the country, arguing: Retaining the Australian Open as a grand slam event […] is in our national interest.

While the Australian Open’s reputation certainly has taken a hit, its status as one of the four Grand Slam tournaments has plenty of support. The longer-term damage might be to Djokovic’s legacy.

Given the extraordinary backstory to his medical exemption from COVID vaccination to enter Australia – along with the many questions that have arisen about his COVID infection in December – public opinion about him has swayed back and forth on a daily basis.

Djokovic has long been a polarising figure in tennis. Despite his athleticism, endurance and mental toughness, he has sometimes been accused of gamesmanship, “exaggerating” injuries to allow for medical pauses when an opponent has the momentum.

Like other players, Djokovic has also exhibited unruly behaviour on court, with occasional racket smashes, as well as disqualification from the 2020 US Open after recklessly – albeit accidentally – smashing a ball into a line judge.

Compared with the much-loved Federer and Nadal, Djokovic has a narrower fan base. At the Australian Open, he’s always had the effervescent support of Melbourne’s large Serbian diaspora, with their patriotic singing and flag-waving. But the mood of the rest of the crowd this year would likely have been mixed, with some undoubtedly voicing their hostility.

Indeed, local tennis fans would have good reason to chafe at Djokovic’s medical exemption from immunisation given the stringent COVID protocols they must follow to attend the Australian Open.

The tournament requires fans to be double-vaccinated or provide evidence of a medical exemption. However, unlike Djokovic’s peculiar defence, prior COVID status does not absolve local residents from the need to be double-vaccinated, with “previous infection” no basis for an exemption.

Grand slammed? Further complicating Djokovic’s legacy is the question of whether he’ll now face visa difficulties at the other tennis majors. The rapid spread of the Omicron variant may alter the rules for unvaccinated players in different countries and tournaments.

As things stand, Djokovic appears to face no vaccine-related impediment to competing at the French Open in a few months. The French sports minister has said Djokovic “would be able to take part”, although unlike vaccinated players he would need to follow “health bubble” protocols.

French President Emmanuel Macron, however, has made headlines by declaring he wants to “piss off” the unvaccinated – in part by mandating a “health pass” for public venues, a requirement for which is to be vaccinated. Whether Macron insists on changes for competitors at Roland-Garros remains to be seen.

As far as Wimbledon is concerned, unvaccinated international arrivals to the United Kingdom are currently required to take repeat COVID tests over several days, plus quarantine for ten days at a residence of their choice.

Djokovic would, presumably, look to a rent a house with a lawn tennis court attached.

The US Open seems less certain. The unvaccinated are not permitted in specific indoor venues in New York without a medical exemption.

So, if one of Djokovic’s matches on the showcourts at the US Open was affected by rain and the roof needed to be closed, it is not clear what organisers would do. He might be forced to forfeit the match.

Given Djokovic has been less prone to injury than Federer or Nadal and is coming off one of his best years on tour, he is still likely to retire with the most men’s grand slam titles. If so, he can rightfully be feted as the greatest male tennis star of all time.

But how he will be remembered is a more complicated question. In one sense, Djokovic appears to revel in being depicted as the “arch-nemesis” of Federer and Nadal – it has fuelled his desire to surpass their grand slam title hauls.

Yet, for all his tennis greatness, Djokovic often attracts eye-rolling outside the court – not simply in relation to his views on vaccines, but the wider pseudo-scientific ruminations that underpin his public pronouncements.

As the Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has put it, Djokovic seems “a very strange cat”.

The drama from the past week will have an effect on the way others view him, too. It will inflame his supporters, infuriate his detractors, and prompt even neutral observers to take a stand in respect to his entry to Australia. When it comes to Novak Djokovic, everyone will now surely have an opinion. (The Conversation) MRJ

Also Read : Krejcikova wins epic semi final against Kontaveit at Sydney.

News Sources : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 14 (Kabaddi News) Jaipur Pink Panthers stunned table-toppers Patna Pirates 38-28 in a Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 match here on Friday.

Raider Deepak Hooda scored a Super 10 and was aided by Arjun Deshwal with nine points as the Panthers continued their habit of beating top teams in Season 8. Patna had an off day on the mat with their raiders struggling to make the required impact.

The first half was a closely-contested affair with Jaipur matching Patna blow for blow.

Monu Goyat looked impressive for the Pirates in the initial minutes while in-form Deepak Hooda took majority of raiding duties for the Panthers. There were no tackle points scored in the first 10 minutes with scores even at 10-10.

Pink Panthers' Sahul Kumar slowly found the rhythm in the defence towards the closing stages of the half.

He and Deepak Hooda combined to inflict the first ALL OUT in the last minute to open a four-point lead.

Jaipur's Arjun Deshwal then produced a two-point raid to end the half 18-12 in their favour.

Prashanth Rai and Sachin also started raiding more for the Pirates in the second half, but they failed to close the gap on the Panthers.

Patna thought they had a Super Raid when Monu Goyat's finger sneaked past the mid-line close to the ninth minute of the half. But the referees said the raider's struggle had been over.

With 10 minutes remaining, Jaipur had a five-point lead. The big difference between the teams was how they approached their do-or-die raids. Jaipur converted most of theirs while the Pirates often perished.

Jaipur had a healthy seven-point lead, and they used the momentum to inflict another ALL OUT with under two minutes remaining.

Mohammadreza Shadloui had a poor outing in the left corner for Patna and Jaipur picked points off him to clinch the win. 

Also Read : PKL: Maninder Singh helps Bengal Warriors beat Tamil Thalaivas

News Source : PTI

Jeddah, Jan 14 (MotorSports News) The lone Indian rider in this year's Dakar Rally, Harith Noah of Sherco TVS Racing Factory completed his third Dakar Rally and recorded his best-ever stage ranking in the experience class of 44th edition of the world's toughest off-road racing event, which concluded here on Friday.

Noah, who was placed 110th after stage 10, began the penultimate stage in the Dakar Experience class on Thursday, which provided a second chance for the riders to continue the gruelling 7000 km cross-country rally-raid and experience the finish.

That meant Noah was not classified anymore in the elite RallyGP class.

However, Noah set the best Dakar stage-time ever by a rider from India at the prestigious annual cross-country endurance rally by finishing stage 11 in P18, beating his own record of P19 set last year.

He clocked a total of 66 hours, 22 minutes and 42 seconds in the overall time sheet after logging a penalty time of 21 hours and 45 minutes for a general ranking of 115.

Great Britain's Sam Sunderland won the Moto section.

While Noah is the only rider from India, his teammates from Sherco TVS Factory Rally team, Spaniard Lorenzo Santolino, finished 11th and Rui Goncalves, from Portugal, was ranked 24th overall.

The other Indian team in fray, Hero MotoSports, too did well, with lead rider Joaquim Rodriques, also from Portugal, finishing a creditable 14th and Aaron Mare clinching the 16th spot.

"It is always a great feeling to complete Dakar and I am very happy with the experience. The nature of endurance cross-country rally like Dakar is gruelling and strenuous but one has to brave dangerous conditions for both the man and the machine. "That is why this race is special. Despite not being officially classified, and not finishing for the second time, I take the good things home and the thrill of finishing spurs me on to more adventures on my bike," Noah said.

Noah finished the last day's stage 12 at 23rd place in a gruelling race that traversed through 7790 km of desert sands and dunes mixed with dangerous, tricky unforgiving terrain of rocks.

Noah rode well and excelled in navigation to clock an overall timing of 72:52:50s for the 12 stages including two stages under the Dakar Experience Class. 

Also Read : Turkish esports player Cem Bolukbasi seals berth in Formula 2 for 2022 season

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 14 (Hockey News) The extraordinary performance at the Tokyo Olympics was not a "one day wonder", asserted Indian women's hockey team chief coach Janneke Schopman, who is looking forward to this year's World Cup.

Schopman said after the high in Tokyo, they are now determined to defend their Asia Cup title, which will ensure a direct qualification to the FIH Women's World Cup, to be jointly co-hosted by Spain and Netherlands from July 1 to 17.

The Indian women recorded their best-ever performance in the Olympics last year by finishing fourth.

"Out performance in Tokyo exceeded our expectations but we still have more gains to make to be in the top-6 in the world. We need to keep improving because the girls don't want to be a one-day wonder," Schopman said during a virtual press conference ahead of Asia Cup.

"They want to be right up there and play against the best of the world to their potential." After the Olympics, the Indian women played just one game in the Asian Champions Trophy in Donghae, South Korea last month when they were forced to pull out of the event after one player tested positive for COVID-19.

"Since Olympics we played just one game. The Asia Cup is very important to us as it is a qualifying tournament for the World Cup. There is plenty of stake at place," the coach said.

The top four team from the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held between January 21-28 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, will directly qualify for this year's World Cup.

Schopman said her coaching style is simple: "work on your individual game and try to be dominant" over the opponents.

"As a coach I have a clear philosophy. I would like us to be more dominant when in possession. We need to work our game and strike a balance between attack and defence. The thing which we have learnt from Tokyo is that we need to focus on what we can control and can do ourselves," she said.

"We need to figure out what we are good at on the pitch and see work on our shortcomings." Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia, who will lead the side in the Asia Cup in the absence of regular skipper Rani Rampal who is recovering from an injury, said Tokyo Games is a thing of the past as a busy season awaits, which includes two big-ticket events -- the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games.

"The whole year is important for us. We have 3-4 major tournaments lined up including the CWG and Asian Games. Besides we will also make our debut at the FIH Pro League this year.

"Our main focus is to qualify for the World Cup through Asia Cup and then win the Asian Games to directly qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics," she said. 

Also Read : HI announces core probable group for women's hockey team

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 14 (Hockey News) Hockey India on Friday announced a new-look core probable group for the senior women's team which will play in many major international tournaments this year.

The group was selected following selection trials held in Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru for a group of 60 who were called-in on the basis of their performances in various national level events.

"It is time for us to start afresh and plan for the future. We have grown over the past year with our experiences in Tokyo and we must continue to develop, and grow in the coming years, ahead of Paris 2024," India women's team chief coach Janneke Schopman said in a release issued by Hockey India.

While an 18-member Indian team, led by Savita, will be travelling to Muscat for the upcoming women's hockey Asia Cup, the remaining players from the core group will stay on at the camp and continue to train for the FIH Hockey Pro League matches to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha next month.

"The upcoming camp is important for us to recognise the players who are ready to showcase their skills on the biggest stages, and also to work on the areas where we need to improve upon," Schopman said.

List of players: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Suman Devi Thoudam, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Mahima Chaudhary, Rashmita Minz, Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Namita Toppo, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Upasana Singh, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Preeti Dubey, Aishwarya Rajesh Chavan In Rehabilitation Camp: Rani, Reena Khokhar, Manpreet Kaur. 

Also Read : Savita named captain of Indian women hockey team for Asia Cup in Muscat

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 14 (Cricket News) Virat Kohli's outburst against a controversial DRS decision during the third Test against South Africa was "immature" and with such "exaggerated" reaction, the India skipper will never be a role model to youngsters, feels former opener Gautam Gambhir.

Kohli, his deputy KL Rahul and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made some unsavoury comments about umpiring and technology in stump mic after rival skipper Dean Elgar got a massive reprieve due to a contentious DRS decision in the last hour on day 3.

"This is really bad. What Kohli did, going near the stump mic and reacting in that manner, that is really immature. This is not what you expect from an international captain, from an Indian captain," Gambhir told Star Sports.

Gambhir pointed out that Mayank Agarwal too had got a reprieve during the first Test in Centurion but it didn't invite similar response from the South African skipper. "Then technology isn't in your hand. Then you have reacted in the same manner when there was a caught-behind appeal on the leg-side, neither did Dean Elgar react in that manner. During that Mayank Agarwal appeal, it looked OUT from the naked eye, but Elgar did not react in that manner," he said.

In the 21st over, Elgar was adjudged LBW by the on-field umpire Marais Erasmus when he was hit on the pads by an Ashwin delivery. However, the decision was overturned on review.

Livid with the decision, a fuming Kohli went up to the stumps and said: "Focus on your team as well when they shine the ball eh, not just the opposition. Trying to catch people all the time." Rahul and Ashwin also expressed similar reactions. “It’s the whole country against 11 guys,” said KL Rahul, while Ashwin slammed the broadcaster: "You should find better ways to win, SuperSport." "No matter what you say, stuff like he plays with his heart on his sleeve, this reaction was an exaggerated one and you can't be a role model in this manner. No budding cricketers would want to see this kind of a reaction, especially from the Indian captain," Gambhir said.

"No matter the result in this Test match, this is not what you expect from a Test captain who has led the team for so long. I hope Rahul Dravid has a word with him, because the type of captain Dravid was, he would have never reacted in this manner." Former South African batter Daryll Cullinan also slammed Kohli for his outburst, saying for too long he has got away with such behaviour.

"This is the typical Virat’s untouchable, he behaves the way he wants to behave. The rest of the cricket world just bows down to Virat. The powerhouse is India. I hate to say this but it’s been going on for years," he said.

"It’s just the big suck up towards India and anybody who plays for India. They are untouchable, so everyone will laugh it off." The 54-year-old, who has scored 4554 runs in 70 Tests and 3860 runs in 138 ODIs, feels Kohli should be reprimanded for his behaviour.

"I love Virat Kohli, I love his cricket, I love the way he plays. But there has to be a line drawn somewhere to say ‘hang on, you must be severely punished’.

"If anything, it was a mistake. I just cannot believe that they could think along those sort of lines. For too long Virat has got away with behavior which is unacceptable on a cricket field. But he’s Kohli and I don’t like it, quite frankly." 

Also Read : Rishabh Pant's century keeps India's hopes alive amidst DRS controversy

News Source : PTI

(Motorsport) Cem Bolukbasi, a Turkish esports player will compete in the Formula 2 this season with Charouz Racing System, thereby becoming the first gamer to transition from F1 Esports to Formula 1’s feeder series. Bolukbasi made his debut in F1 Esports in 2017 and has spent the last few years racing in single seater championships. The 23 year old will feature in F2 this season and is already setting his sights on his ultimate goal of becoming a Formula 1 racer one day.

"If I was never in F1 Esports, I would never have had the chance to get into a real car. I would not be where I am now," said Bolukbasi. I think it's also very important to be the first gamer to do this, because it can give people hope. If people see that one person can do it, they will believe they can do it as well. If I can go from F1 Esports to Formula 2, I think anyone can." Bolukbasi raced in the F3 Asian Championship last year, scoring 13 out of a possible 15 points and also won his debut EuroFormula Open race. The 23 year old tested a Formula 2 car at the Yas Marina Circuit after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last season.

Bolukbasi said “I was in Abu Dhabi in 2017 for F1 Esports as an Esports driver. To return after four years testing an F2 car was pretty insane for me, realising everything. I watched the F1 finale, testing, and then a day later I was driving the F2 car. I was like a kid living a dream over those five or six days." The Turk is backed by several big Turkish companies and agencies as well as Turkey's Motor Sports Federation (TOSFED). Jason Tahincioglu, son of former TOSFED president Mumtaz was the last Turkish driver to compete in Formula 2 in 2006 and 2007 but failed to score a single point in GP2.

The 2022 Formula 2 calendar is set to be the biggest one to date with a 14 round calendar, all of which will be held on F1 race weekends. Bolukbasi paid tribute to his F1 Esports experience in helping him become the first graduate from the virtual world into Formula 2. He said “I was in Abu Dhabi in 2017 for F1 Esports as an Esports driver. To return after four years testing an F2 car was pretty insane for me, realising everything. I watched the F1 finale, testing, and then a day later I was driving the F2 car. I was like a kid living a dream over those five or six days.”  Bolukbasi will return to the F2 cockpit when testing resumes in Bahrain from March 2nd to 4th with the season commencing two weeks later at the same venue.

Also read: Four things fans should be excited about for the 2022 Formula 1 season

Bengaluru, Jan 13 (Kabaddi News) Captain Maninder Singh led from the front as defending champions Bengal Warriors defeated Tamil Thalaivas 37-28 in a Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) match, here on Thursday.

Skipper Maninder got a Super 10 (12 points) while defenders Amit Narwal and Ran Singh controlled the defence to halt their two match losing streak.

The victory also ended Thalaivas’ unbeaten run.

The Thalaivas started on the front foot with their defensive combination of Surjeet and Sagar tackling Maninder. That set the tone for the initial minutes with Manjeet raiding sensibly at the other end.

But Narwal produced a stunning Super Tackle in the fifth minute to change the balance of power.

The defending champions built on the momentum and quickly reduced the Thalaivas men on the mat. Surjeet produced two Super Tackles to pick up his High 5 but Bengal eventually got their 'All Out' with seven minutes to the interval.

The Thaliavas kept looking the more proactive side despite trailing and introduced super-sub Ajinkya Pawar to add more fire in the raiding department. The half ended 20-16 in favour of Bengal.

Bengal maintained a 6-point lead at the first Time Out but it felt only a matter of time before either team tried something ambitious.

Ran Singh, returning to the mat after a long injury layoff, produced a stunning tackle in the left corner for Bengal to spark an 'All Out'.

Bengal opened a 11-point lead with seven minutes remaining as Amit Narwal reached his High 5.

The defending champions ensured there were no slip ups in the dying minutes to win the match comfortably. 

Also Read : Pro Kabaddi League: Haryana Steelers and UP Yoddha share spoils, Bengaluru decimate Delhi 61-22

News Source : PTI

(Motorsports news) Veloce Racing is now ready for Extreme E driver line-up Season 2, with the returning Lance Woolridge signed to partner Christine Giampaoli Zonca (GZ) for the forthcoming campaign.

Woolridge made his first appearance for Veloce Racing at the season-ending Jurassic X Prix in December 2021, where he made an impressive comeback in Semi-Final 2 in Dorset, UK, raising eyebrows across the Extreme E paddock.

As a double South African Cross Country Series title winner in 2018 and 2019, the 30-year-old’s much valued off-road experience in championships akin to Extreme E should help the team. In addition, Woolridge is already very familiar with Veloce Racing having been the team’s Reserve and Development Driver for Season 1. 

Lance Woolridge, Veloce Racing, said: “This is a great opportunity to continue with the team after a really promising race in Dorset at the end of last season. Although we didn’t make it to the Final, I think it was clear to see that the pace was there, and we have some solid foundations to build on in 2022.

“Veloce Racing is a great team with a really dedicated group of people behind the scenes so I’m happy to be working with them again. Christine (GZ did a great job last season so I’m confident that we can achieve great things together at Veloce.” 

Rupert Svendsen-Cook, Team Principal, Veloce Racing, said: “As with any motorsport series – and especially Extreme E due to its unpredictable nature – it’s important to have some level of consistency from one season to another, so it’s great to have Lance onboard after a really impressive showing in Dorset for us last year. We’ve both had to be patient with each other and I want to recognise Lance’s commitment to Veloce throughout his time as reserve driver for us, where we’re very happy to finally honour him with the full time race seat. 

“This year promises to be the team’s biggest yet and with Lance and Christine onboard, we’re excited to see the heights Veloce Racing can reach on the course as Extreme E prepares for another thrilling season.”

Also read: India's Harith Noah placed 26th overall after Stage 8

Mumbai, Jan 13 (Football News) The Indian football team arrived here for the AFC Women's Asian Cup on Thursday, hours after its scheduled flight from its training base Kochi got delayed.

Amid the concerns caused by the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese Taipei became the first team to arrive here for the continental tournament.

The delay in their flight from Kochi, the Indian team's base since its return from the tournament-cum-exposure tour of Brazil, also led to the postponement of the host nation's scheduled media session on Thursday evening.

Looking forward to the tournament, India head coach Thomas Dennerby said, "This is the moment we've been preparing for over the past six months. We've had over 200 sessions, a number of matches against quality opponents across four countries, and now it's time to implement all the things that we have been working on." The 62-year-old Swede, who had also previously coached the Swedish and the Nigerian national teams, revealed that a pep talk with the players before departure to Mumbai, has helped put everyone in the correct mindset.

"We had a small meet with the players and we explained to them how important the coming few weeks are in their lives. I think this has really struck a few chords, and you can now see the determination in their eyes," he said.

The Indian team has been drawn against Iran (January 20), Chinese Taipei (January 23) and China (January 26) in Group A of the competition that consists of 12 teams.

It has also been learnt that all the teams playing in Pune will arrive in Mumbai and then commute to Pune by road.

"We are expecting the first team to be in Pune by 15th, which is Korea Republic. The teams (playing in Pune) will stay in two plush hotels in the city," a source in the know of developments said.

All teams will be staying inside a strict bio bubble and everyone involved in the tournament including all players and officials will undergo regular COVID-19 tests.

"All the staff working in the hotel will also be in the bubble and will not physically interact with anyone outside the bubble. Same goes for the drivers who will be with the team and AFC. They have also been provided accommodation," the source added.

India is hosting the continent's highest competition for the first time since 1980 and at stake is a possible berth in the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

One of the venues hosting matches is the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi on the outskirts of Pune city.

It has hosted a plethora of international events in the past including the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2008.

Built in the 1990s, the Balewadi sports complex, as it is popularly known in sporting circles, had hosted the National Games too.

Be it tennis, rugby, football, boxing, athletics or basketball, the picturesque sports complex has witnessed many memorable sporting events.

From the 2008 CWG Youth Games, when the facilities at the stadium saw a revamp, till February 2020, the complex has hosted 36 international tournaments.

The most prominent among them is the Maharashtra Open ATP 250 WTA tennis tournament, where 50 international players participated.

In 2019, the ATP tennis tournament was hosted here and again this year the tennis courts are gearing up to host the marquee event.

In 2017, the stadium had hosted Davis Cup matches.

Coming to football, the stadium is set to host Asia's marquee event, and the Group C matches would be played at the venue.

Earlier, it has hosted the Federation Cup International Football tournament in 2010 and in 2011, they hosted the Pre-Olympic football qualifier.

The pitch at the venue has been significantly upgraded to support modern football. Also new flood lights with LED panels have been installed at the stadium, which would save power to a large extent, a senior state government official said.

New training facilities were reconstructed for the tournament. Two additional practice pitches have also been constructed to cater to the teams and apart from that the team dressing rooms, hospitality areas and the media tribune have also been upgraded.

The old lights have been shifted to one of the practice pitches while LED lights are being installed at the other practice pitch.

Some of the other prominent tournaments that the complex has hosted include Asian Junior Basketball tournament in 2009, World Junior Badminton Championship in 2008, Asian kick-boxing championship.

The complex has also hosted the Khelo India Games. 

Also Read : Two Indian coaches lock horns as Goa look to pile more misery on NEUFC

News Source : PTI

(Football news) The return of Manchester United has not just brought back a feeling of nostalgia amongst the fans but has elevated the standards of the club where a qualification for the Champions League spot isn’t enough when a five time Ballon d’Or winner is in the squad. The 36 year old Portuguese has had an illustrious career to say the least but more importantly, Ronaldo has a winning mentality with a wealth of experience, two important traits that Manchester United desperately need as they struggle to get back to the summit of English football. 

For Ronaldo, the Manchester United he left in 2009 is very different from the club he rejoined in 2021. Before his departure to Real Madrid, the Red Devils had won three consecutive Premier League titles, reached two consecutive Champions League finals (winning one of them) and Ronaldo won a plethora of individual accolades amongst which was his very first Ballon d’Or trophy. His homecoming in the summer of 2021 has been less than the fairytale everyone hoped for as the Portuguese superstar has been left frustrated more often than not by the team’s performances which have resulted in the club he loves finding itself seventh in the Premier League table, a position Ronaldo fails to connect to the Manchester United he has known during his first stint at the club.

While Ralf Rangnick has steadied the ship, winning four out of the seven matches in charge, the German hasn’t had an instant impact as the team continues to struggle under the weight of their expectations and adapt to the new tactics and training methods. The gap between Manchester United and their neighbours Manchester City is 22 points after just 19 games and Ronaldo believes that it is “impossible” to close the gap on their top four rivals without the correct mentality. 

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Cristiano Ronaldo said “I don't accept that our mentality is less than being in the top three in the Premier League. I think to build up good things, sometimes you have to destroy a few things. So why not - new year, new life and I hope that Manchester (United) can be the level that the fans want. They deserve that. We are capable of changing things now. I know the way but I'm not going to mention it here because I don't think it's ethical on my part to say that. 

Also read: Three positions Man Utd need to bolster in the January transfer window

"What I can say is we can do better - all of us. Manchester (United) belongs to important things, so we have to change that. I don't want to be here to be in sixth place, or seventh place, or fifth place. I'm here to try to win, to compete. "I think we compete but we are not yet at our best level. But we have a long way to improve and I believe if we change our mind, we can achieve big things.” Speaking of Rangnick, Ronaldo said “Since he arrived five weeks ago he changed many things, But he needs time to put his ideas across to the players. It takes time but I believe that he is going to do a good job. We know we aren't playing the best football but we have many games to improve. Since he arrived I think in some ways we are better, but he needs time. It's not that easy to change the mentality of players and the way they play, the culture, the system like that. I believe that he is going to do a good job."

Ronaldo also spoke about the departures of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick. When asked how he found the last few months, the 36 year old said “Not easy to be honest. We changed Ole, then [Michael] Carrick [caretaker manager], then this new coach. It's difficult when you change so much, it's always tough. It's always sad and tough. Ole used to play with me before and now he was the coach. A fantastic person. When he left everybody was sad, but it's part of football.

"When things don't go the way the club wants, the club has to change. I was disappointed but we have to understand the club. It was difficult but life continues. But I still believe that we are capable of having a good season. We know it's going to take time to make the ideas of the new coach on the pitch. But I'm looking forward to it. We have to work hard, we have to be together as players. We know we are not in the best moment, but I believe with working hard we can achieve important things, even this year."

Mumbai, Jan 13 (Football News) Amid the concerns caused by the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese Taipei on Thursday became the first team to arrive here for the AFC Women's Asian Cup, even as the Indian contingent's flight from Kochi got delayed.

The delay in their flight from Kochi, the Indian team's base since its return from the tournament-cum-exposure tour of Brazil, has led to the postponement of the host nation's scheduled media session on Thursday evening.

The Indian team has been drawn against Iran (January 20), Chinese Taipei (January 23) and China (January 26) in Group A of the competition that consists of 12 teams.

India is hosting the continent's highest competition for the first time since 1980 and at stake is a possible berth in the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

One of the venues hosting matches is the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi on the outskirts of Pune city.

It has hosted a plethora of international events in the past including the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2008.

Built in the 1990s, the Balewadi sports complex, as it is popularly known in sporting circles, had hosted the National Games too.

Be it tennis, rugby, football, boxing, athletics or basketball, the picturesque sports complex has witnessed many memorable sporting events.

From the 2008 CWG Youth Games, when the facilities at the stadium saw a revamp, till February 2020, the complex has hosted 36 international tournaments.

The most prominent among them is the Maharashtra Open ATP 250 WTA tennis tournament, where 50 international players participated.

In 2019, the ATP tennis tournament was hosted here and again this year the tennis courts are gearing up to host the marquee event.

In 2017, the stadium had hosted Davis Cup matches.

Coming to football, the stadium is set to host Asia's marquee event, and the Group C matches would be played at the venue.

Earlier, it has hosted the Federation Cup International Football tournament in 2010 and in 2011, they hosted the Pre-Olympic football qualifier.

The pitch at the venue has been significantly upgraded to support modern football. Also new flood lights with LED panels have been installed at the stadium, which would save power to a large extent, a senior state government official said.

New training facilities were reconstructed for the tournament. Two additional practice pitches have also been constructed to cater to the teams and apart from that the team dressing rooms, hospitality areas and the media tribune have also been upgraded.

The old lights have been shifted to one of the practice pitches while LED lights are being installed at the other practice pitch.

Some of the other prominent tournaments that the complex has hosted include Asian Junior Basketball tournament in 2009, World Junior Badminton Championship in 2008, Asian kick-boxing championship.

The complex has also hosted the Khelo India Games. 

Also Read : Kerala Blasters reclaim ISL summit with victory over Odisha FC

News Source : PTI

The United Arab Emirates has become a go-to destination for cricketing events, especially during the pandemic. Whether it’s the Indian Premier League or the World Cup, the presence of three cricketing grounds in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah combined with the ICC Academy means that it has infrastructure that can be considered at par with the best in the world. 

Mr. Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, more popularly known as Mr. Cricket UAE has played an integral role in the development of the sport, having mentored Team Bengal Tigers and then Team Delhi Bulls in the Abu Dhabi T10 league. Moreover, he was honored with the Hon. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharat Puraskar award for Sports category and kept the world entertained with ‘Cricket Unplugged’, featuring interviews with cricketers from around the world during the lockdown.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Mr. Anis Sajan speaks about his interest in cricket, how the sport has evolved in the last two decades, being a mentor for Bengal Tigers and Delhi Bulls, the potential of UAE to become a cricketing powerhouse, importance of yoga during the pandemic and launching Cricket Unplugged.

Q 1. Being a businessman, when and how did you cultivate your interest towards cricket?

My passion for the sport began — like the many millions in India — after the team under Kapil Dev won the Prudential Trophy in 1983. That triumph by the rank outsiders against the mighty West Indies gave everyone in the country the belief that India could be a force to reckon with. There was no looking back for me after that. Everyone who knows me is aware of the fact that I eat, sleep and breathe cricket. So much so that my wife started calling me Mr. Cricket UAE and that name has stuck with me till date. I feel I am fortunate to be able to live this passion for the game and share it with all other cricket lovers through various activities. 

Q 2. You have been contributing so much to the sport for the past two decades, what do you think has changed a lot about cricket?
 
Cricket has become more fast paced, there have been more results in Test cricket. Secondly the big 3, i.e. India, England and Australia get to play more matches than any other countries and the most important thing happening for India after the evolution of IPL, there is a lot of talent emerging.

Q 3. How was your experience being the mentor for Bengal Tigers and Delhi Bulls in the Abu Dhabi T10 league?
 
It was a great learning experience for me.  Not only did I get a chance to associate with some of the biggest names in the cricket fraternity but also learnt quite a few lessons both on and off the field. Got to understand all the hard work that goes behind the game, how decisions are taken by the coaches as well as the temperament of the players.

Also read: Our primary goal is to empower physically impaired individuals through sports - Noor Nahain, Founder and President, Bangladesh Wheelchair Sports Foundation

Q 4. With the ongoing historic US vs Ireland series, what other countries including the UAE do you think will enter the mainframe formats next?
 
To my knowledge I don’t see any other country, because they do not get enough exposure. UAE has the best infrastructure when it comes to cricketing grounds, be it the Dubai Cricket Stadium, ICC Academy, Sharjah & Abu Dhabi stadium. If they get the right exposure of rubbing shoulders with bigger teams, they can be a force to reckon with.

Q 5. How has Yoga been a part of fitness and why do you think people need to practice it especially during the pandemic?

Without an iota of doubt, I can say that Yoga has been my life savior. I have been a strong advocate of yoga for a good 7-8 years now, especially since I have personally experienced the benefits of it. As a daily routine, I practice yoga for 2 hours; first 45 minutes of proper yoga asana, 15 min brisk walking and then Aqua Yoga exercises for 30 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of meditation and 20 minutes of pranayama. This regime keeps me refreshed, energetic, youthful and full of life. In this pandemic, I would urge people to at least do the Pranayama, i.e breathing exercises daily. Studies have shown that the most common problem experienced by covid patients is breathing difficulties. Practicing pranayama for twenty minutes daily helps in passing oxygen to lungs and makes your immunity strong and in this battle to fight Covid.

Q 6. What made you launch Cricket Unplugged and are there more cricket ventures in the making?

Well to be honest, Cricket Unplugged was started during the pandemic when the world had come to a standstill and everyone was stuck at home. With no games happening either, I thought why not keep the spirit of the game alive and started Cricket Unplugged, where I would have conversations with international players and known sporting personalities. The interactions would revolve around historical moments as well as unveiling personal memories of the interviewed players during their respective careers. Till date, I have had the honour to interview the likes of Dinesh Karthik, Shane Watson,Dwayne Bravo, Eoin Morgan, Virendra Sehwag, Micheal Hussey, Harpreet Brar, Zaheer Khan, Jason Roy, Muhammed Nabi, Angelo Mathews, Wasim Jaffer, Harpreet Brar and many others.

New Delhi, Jan 13 (Football News) Kulwant Singh Nijjar, founder of Delhi-based sports and entertainment multinational company SNSE which has interest in promoting football world over, has been made the chairman of Spanish club Racing Murcia FC.

Based in Dolor, a district in Murcia, Racing Murcia was founded in September 2013, and plays in Tercera División – Group 13. Tercera Division is the fifth tier of the Spanish football league system.

"I am greatly honoured, privileged and thankful to share this wonderful news of partnering and accepting the role of the new president of Racing Murcia FC," Nijjar, also known as Steve, said.

"Together we aim to work hard with the coaching staff and management for you, our fans, to push our Racing Murcia FC to the higher division an internationally.

"I also look forward to creating opportunities for top Canadian athletes to have professional international exposure. Looking forward to an exciting 2022 for us all." SNSE (Steve Nijjar Sports & Entertainment) has offices in Canada and Spain. The company motivates young football players worldwide in the age group of eight and above to realise their dreams of playing professionally.

The company has partnered with Canadian Academy of Futbol league for grooming young players from India by offering scholarships and other incentives.

Nijjar is himself a professional player.

His Indian partner, Ankur Kath, informed that the company is working on a sports-based reality show called Indian Soccer Star to be telecast on an Indian TV channel this year. 

Also Read : Odisha FC goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh tests positive for COVID

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 12 (Kabaddi News) Haryana Steelers staged a late comeback to hold UP Yoddha for a 36-36 tie, while Bengaluru Bulls thrashed Dabang Delhi 61-22 in the Pro Kabaddi League here on Wednesday.

Yoddha had the lead for most parts of the match, but Haryana bounced back to win crucial 3 points in the race for a playoff spot.

In the other match, Pawan Sehrawat scored an outstanding 27 points from 27 raids as Bengaluru Bulls notched up a 39-point victory over Delhi. It was the second biggest win in PKL history and helped the Bulls jump to the top of the points table.

The lack of a secondary raider hurt Dabang Delhi K.C. who suffered their second loss of the season. The nature of the loss will also hurt Delhi whose score difference went to -4 because of the sizeable loss.

Earlier, Kandola starred in the raiding department with 17 points and would have won the match for the Steelers had it not been for Surender Gill’s heroics at the other end.

Gill scored 14 points for UP who will be upset with the tie after having an 8-point lead in the second half.

Haryana coach Rakesh Kumar started the match with just two raiders in Meetu and Vikash Kandola. The defensive strategy didn’t seem to work out in the initial stages with UP Yoddha's Pardeep Narwal inducing errors.

The "record breaker" was ably supported by his defence with Anshu Singh and Nitesh Kumar looking impressive. Yoddha got their first ALL OUT with 7 minutes remaining to open a 5-point lead.

But Haryana were in no mood to let the match slip as Kandola helped them stay in touching distance from Yoddha. Their defender Jaideep was looking in good form as well as the half ended 14-13 with Yoddha in the lead.

Both teams kept matching each other in the early minutes of the second half. Kandola picked valuable raid points, but Haryana’s defence was struggling.

It was a case of too many cooks spoiling the soup as Jaideep, arguably their best defender, kept swapping positions to suit the formation. Gill scored a 3-point Super Raid in the 10th minute to get them a 3-point lead. The shift in momentum helped them claim another ALL OUT with 9 minutes remaining to increase the lead to 6 points.

Coach Rakesh Kumar brought his third raider Rohit Guliya to the mat and switched to a traditional formation after the ALL OUT.

Yoddha defenders made a few errors in the dying minutes to give Haryana a big chance to inflict an ALL OUT. Kandola produced a stunning 5-point raid (3+2 for ALL OUT) to reduce UP's lead to just one point with slightly more than 1 minute remaining.

He secured his Super 10 in the process and then clinched another 2-point raid to give Haryana the lead.

Gill, however, had other ideas as he matched Kandola with multiple multi-point raids. But the Yoddha raider opted to play it safe in the last raid of the game to end the match in a tie. 

Also Read : PKL: Bengal Warriors look to bounce back, Pune eye U Mumba scalp in Maharashtra Derby

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 12 (Badminton News) Young shuttler Tasnim Mir on Wednesday became the first Indian to grab the world no 1 ranking in the under-19 girls singles in the latest BWF junior rankings.

The 16-year-old from Gujarat was rewarded for last year's stellar run when she had secured titles in three junior international tournaments to jump three places to grab the top position in the junior world rankings.

"I can't say that I expected this. I thought I will not be able to become no 1 as tournaments were getting affected by COVID-19 but I won three events in Bulgaria, France and Belgium. So I am really excited and happy that finally I could become the world no 1. It is a great moment for me," Tasnim told PTI from Guwahati.

"I will completely focus on the senior circuit from now on and looking forward to playing at Iran and Uganda next month. My aim now is to improve my senior ranking. If I can weave some good performances and get into top 200 by end of the year that would be great." Tasnim, who is supported by OGQ, is currently ranked a lowly 602 in the women’s singles.

Tasnim's feat has never been achieved by any Indian girl, including two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu and London bronze winner Saina Nehwal.

While Sindhu was world no 2 in her under-19 days, Saina didn't make the cut for being a junior with the BWF junior rankings starting only in 2011. Another Indian Samiya Imad Farooqui of Telangana came close but could only reached the second spot in the BWF junior rankings.

In Boys singles, Lakshya Sen, Siril Verma and Aditya Joshi had become the world no 1.

Tasnim was part of India's campaign at the Thomas and Uber Cup held late last year in Denmark and says it had a huge impact on her game.

"It was a huge moment for me, it was first time that I was among the seniors, playing against world class players in big stadiums, it was a great experience. I also met Viktor Axelsen there, I like his game. I also like to watch players such as Tai Tzu Ying and An Seyoung," she said.

Tasnim has been training under Indonesian coach Edwin Iriawan at the Assam Badminton Academy in Guwahati for the last four years.

"I have been training for last four years under Edwin, it has been great experience, we get to train with men players, so I has helped to improve my game," said the teenager, who won the 2019 Dubai Junior International.

Tasnim got her first lessons on badminton from her father Irfan Mir, who is a badminton coach and also ASI in Mehsana police.

"My father is a badminton coach and also works for Mehsana police. He has always been interested in sports and used to take me alongwith him when I was about 7-8 years old," she said. I Tasnim, whose younger brother Mohd Ali Mir, a Gujarat state junior champion, also trains with her in Guwahati, has been an achiever right from her young days.

She won the national junior champion (U-19) at the age of 14 and also claimed the national crown in the under-13, under-15 and under-19 girls’ singles categories.

Tasnim also won U-15 singles and doubles titles at the All-India Sub-Junior ranking tournaments in Hyderabad and Nagpur in 2018.

At the 2019 World Junior Championships in Russia, she could not go past the round of 32 but returned to win the title at the Asian U-17 & U-15 Junior Championships the same year in Indonesia.

She also emerged victorious at the President Cup Nepal Junior International Series 2020 in Kathmandu.

"I will need to work on my stamina and mental aspect of my game, which will play a big role. I have confidence on my shots but it is important to focus on mind," she signed off. 

Also Read : I've a point to prove, I can be in top 5: Prannoy

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 12 (Sports News) India's Olympic and Paralympic heroes, including men's hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh and para table-tennis player Bhavina Patel, feel there should be an increased focus on physical fitness and mental health of youngsters given the lifestyle changes forced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manpreet and Bhavina were speaking at the National Youth Festival's virtual session titled 'Sports - A Unifier for Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat'.

Tokyo Olympics bronze-medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain, Indian women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal and Parlympics bronze-medallist high jumper Sharad Kumar were also present for the session.

"Fitness is not just physical. There is mental fitness as well. Everyone should understand that life becomes a lot easier when you are fit. Your health remains good, you stay happy and positive," said Bhavina, who became the first-ever Indian paddler to win a medal at the Paralympics with her silver in Tokyo.

"So, every person should try a become fit. Staying fit is not just for sportspersons but good for everyone," she added.

Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world.

Educational institutions have resorted to online classes and in such circumstances, Rani said it has become even more important to engage children in physical activities.

"Children are having a lot of online classes nowadays because of the pandemic but I request parents to send the children outside so that they have some physical and brain activity," she said.

"This will help in their growth. I am not saying everyone has to make sports their profession but children should be sent outside to plays so that they become healthy," Rani added.

Manpreet, who led the men's hockey team to an Olympic bronze medal, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting fitness among the youth via various schemes like the Fit India campaign and the Khelo India Games.

"If you take out 30 minutes in the day to exercise your body will remain fit and you can fight a lot of diseases," he said.

"Youth is our future and to take a country forward one must invest in youth. Our PM is focussing on this a lot. He knows youth is the future.

"He started Khelo India (Games) and Fit India campaign and the performance that we got in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics shows that and India’s future is very bright," Manpreet added. 

Also Read : PKL: Bengal Warriors look to bounce back, Pune eye U Mumba scalp in Maharashtra Derby

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 12 (Kabaddi News) Defending champions Bengal Warriors will have their task cut out against an in-form Tamil Thalaivas in a Pro Kabaddi League match here on Thursday.

The Warriors have had a stuttering start to their title defence with just three wins from eight matches. Captain Maninder Singh has been the lone performer for the Bengal team, with even the likes of Mohammad Nabibakhsh struggling.

The Thaliavas also have just three wins this season, but they have managed three ties as well which places them 10 points ahead of the Warriors.

The second game of the day will feature the season's first Maharashtra derby with U Mumba taking on Puneri Paltan.

The Mumbai team has looked better balanced so far in the season, but raider Ajith Kumar's absence might affect their performance.

Puneri Paltan has shown sparks of brilliance and coach Anup Kumar will be hoping his young stars can once again clinch a victory.

Tamil Thalaivas are definitely amongst the early season favourites for a play-off spot. They have only three wins, but they have looked like a well-balanced unit marshalled by their captain Surjeet Singh.

Along with Sagar, he has made the team defensively astute, while the likes of Manjeet and K Prapanjan chipped in with valuable raid points.

Bengal's biggest challenge will be stopping the Tamil defence from attacking their raiders.

With Nabibakhsh looking off-colour in attack, they will need to find another raider to help Maninder Singh.

Pune thrashed Bengal Warriors in their previous match with youngster Aslam Inamdar once again impressing. He will need to team up with the likes of Nitin Tomar and Mohit Goyat to unlock a Mumbai defence that seemed lost for answers against Patna Pirates in their previous game.

Ajith Kumar's absence has clearly affected the balance of the Mumbai side. Abhishek Singh will be entrusted with the offensive responsibilities while corner defenders Fazel Atrachali and Rinku will need to iron out the mistakes.

Pune coach Anup Kumar needs to use the experienced Nitin Tomar wisely. His presence on the mat has helped in their decision making, especially in guiding Aslam Inamdar on what to do with the raids. 

Also read : Patna Pirates thrash U Mumba, climb to top of points table

News Source : PTI

(Football news) When people say age is just a number Kazuyoshi Miura just defines it, at the age of 54 he is still going strong and is going to continue playing for one more year after he was signed up by Suzuka Point Getters. Miura had offers from several clubs around Japan as well as overseas after his departure Yokohama FC in the J-League, but chose to reunite with his brother as it is going to be his 15th club of his career.

Kazuyoshi Miura will turn 55 next month and earlier expressed his desire to continue playing till the age of 60, which would subsequently mean that he will have played 40 years of professional football. Miura was one of the star players in Japanese football when the J-League was launched in 1993 as he led his side Verdy Kawasaki to two league titles and scored over 100 goals for them. The 54-year-old has made 89 appearances for the Japan national team and is the country's second-highest all-time scorer with 55 goals. He is known as "King Kazu," as he became the oldest player to feature in the J-League last year at the age of 54 years when he came on as a late substitute against Urawa Reds. He already holds the record for the oldest player to score in the J-League having scored in the second division against Thespakusatsu Gunma in March 2017. He has also helped Japan win the Asian Cup in 1992 also

Kazuyoshi Miura’s feat is something extraordinary at the age of 54 playing football at the highest level is no small feat, it not only shows how physically fit he is but also shows his strong mental strength to keep playing football at this age when professional sports athletes retire and tend to divert themselves from sports. The Japanese striker also made his long-awaited return to the FIFA video games series in FIFA 21 after helping Yokohama earn promotion back to the top flight — his first appearance in the game since FIFA 96. This move is a special one for him, as he will be playing for his brother Yasutoshi who manages Suzuka. Yasutoshi, who is two years older than Kazu, retired from professional football in 2003 and has spent time managing teams in the lower leagues. The two brothers played together for the Japanese national team during a pair of World Cup Qualifiers back in 1993, with Kazuyoshi starting up top and Yasutoshi slotting in at left back.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to play here and will do my best to contribute to the club on the pitch," Kazu said as he extended the endless twilight of his career.

Also read: AS Roma complete the signings of Sergio Oliveira and Ainsley Maitland Niles

New Delhi, Jan 12 (Badminton News) Injury-ravaged Saina Nehwal on Wednesday opened up about her prolonged fitness issues, saying the thought of giving up did cross her mind but she has taken it up as a challenge to see how many more injuries her body can cope with.

The former world number one was forced to miss a lot of tournaments in 2021, including the World Championships, due to multiple injuries.

Still not completely fit, Saina reached the second round of the India Open, where she was not even expecting to play.

She advanced after her opponent Czech Republic's Tereza Svabikova suffered a back injury and retired mid-way, on Wednesday. Saina was leading 22-20, 1-0 at that time.

"I was able to take the tough training but one bad slip and my groin had lot of issues. I got a tear (during Thomas and Uber Cup Final) but I didn't know that the knee was also going through some issues which got bad in French open," Saina said during a virtual press conference.

"Till that match, I didn't know it was so bad and after that I was limping. It is a challenge and I want to accept. Let's see what all injuries my body can cope with. It is not easy, sometimes you feel like giving up." Saina said sitting on the fence, waiting for injuries to heal is something which really bothered her. "The mental part is very difficult because tournaments are happening, players are winning and I am just sitting and watching them play. It is a challenge but let us fight. May be there are some good days ahead." Saina had returned to action at the Thomas and Uber Cup Final in Aarhus, Denmark in October but had to retire midway in the round-robin match against Spain's Clara Azurmendi due to what she thought was a niggle in the groin region.

She played in Denmark but again withdrew midway into the second game of the first-round match at the French Open.

"It was about three issues: I tore my cartilage, I had issues with patella and there was one more meniscus, or something which got really irritated. The knee went through a lot of trauma. Finally a stage came when I couldn't walk after French open," said the 31-year-old.

"I was worried about by groin but I didn't know that my knee was in big trauma and when I came back and did MRI, my doctor was like: 'I don't think you can go for world championship or play till end of December'." The London Olympics bronze medallist said she is "happy with her rehab" and hope to regain full fitness by March.

"I had good practice for 7-8 days before this event but I wasn't expecting to play India Open. I hope I can get some more practice sessions on court. I am happy to play in India, so let's see how many rounds I can progress.

"I am 60-70 % now. I will have to go with weight training. I can't sit back even a day. I would say by January-end, I will get back to my full physical fitness level. We have one month in February for training as next events are in March, so I will get 4-5 week for training on court as well." Asked if individual coaching is the way to go for Indian shuttlers, Saina said it depends on individuals but it does help if you have one in an individual sport like badminton.

"Personal coaching is good for individual sports, where everyone is playing at highest level. Carolina (Marin), Tai Tzu (Ying) all have individual coaches, they know where to work on, give more time, so definitely improvement chances are better.

"But some player are good in group training. I have seen (Kidambi) Srikanth and B Sai Praneeth are good in that but I feel, you need individual trainer, coaches." 

Also Read : India Open: Chaliha upsets fifth seed Kosetskaya, Sindhu also sails into 2nd round

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, Jan 12 (Cricket News) Recalling India' incredible Test triumph in Australia last year despite being ravaged by injuries, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar said the performance ranks among the team's "greatest wins" of all time and can be considered a "golden chapter" in the country's cricket history.

India, led by Ajinkya Rahane, defeated Australia 2-1 in a closely-fought four Test rubber winning in Melbourne and then breaching fortress Gabba in Brisbane last year after Australia had outplayed the visitors in the Day-Night Test at Adelaide.

Heroics of Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin had helped secure a draw for the visitors in the Sydney Test.

"India's win in Australia early last year will go down as one of the greatest wins in Indian cricket history," Gavaskar said.

"To pick themselves up after the dismissal with their lowest ever test score of 36 and then to beat a rampant home team is a tribute to the determination shown by the players and the leadership roles played by the captain, coach Ravi Shastri and his support group "I was privileged to be there and see a golden chapter being written in the history of Indian cricket," added the 72-year-old former right-handed opener.

To commemorate the one-year anniversary of India's win, 'Sony Sports Network' has produced a special docu-series titled "DOWN UNDERDOGS - INDIA'S GREATEST COMEBACK" that will premiere on January 14 and Gavaskar gave his comments to the channel.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke, who led Australia to the 2015 ODI World Cup win, said India deserved all the credit for fighting it out after the morale-shattering opening loss.

"India picked an attack that worked," said Clarke.

"Different bowlers - not everyone bowls the same, different tactics, different skills, different weapons, so the credit goes to India for their execution but also Australia might have taken for granted their success in the first test," added the former right-handed batter. 

Also Read : PCB chief Raja proposes 4-nation T20 series involving India, Pakistan

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 12 (Hockey News) Experienced goalkeeper Savita will lead India at the upcoming women's Asia Cup in Muscat as Hockey India on Wednesday named a strong 18-member squad for the event, including 16 players that featured at the Tokyo Olympics. Since regular skipper Rani Rampal is recovering from an injury in Bengaluru, Savita will lead the side in the tournament, which is scheduled to be held between January 21-28 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

India have been placed in Pool A along with Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. They will open their title defence against Malaysia on the opening day. They will next take on Japan (Jan 23) and Singapore (Jan 24). The semifinals will be played on January 26 and the final on January 28.

The top four-teams will qualify for the 2022 World Cup, to be held in Spain and Netherlands.

Experienced defender Deep Grace Ekka will be Savita's deputy.

The team includes goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu and defenders Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, and Udita.

The midfield includes Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Salima Tete, Jyoti and Navjot Kaur while the forwardline will see Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Mariana Kujur and Sharmila Devi.

The team also has Deepika (Junior) and Ishika Chaudhary as replacement athletes.

"This is a very important tournament for us and I am happy with the team we have chosen which is a mix of some very experienced players along with talented youngsters who have shown great potential at the international level," chief coach Janneke Schopman said.

"Though we were a bit disappointed with how things panned out for us at the Asian Champions Trophy, we were able to return to camp in SAI, Bengaluru and put in some good sessions of hockey to prepare well for this challenge." In the previous edition held in 2017, India beat China 5-4 in a tense shootout to lift the title.

Indian women's team: Goalkeepers: Savita (C), Rajani Etimarpu.

Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka (VC), Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita. Midfielders: Nisha, Sushila Chanu, Monika, Neha, Salima Tete, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur. Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Mariana Kujur, Sharmila Devi. 

Also Read : Women's Jr World Cup will be played in South Africa in April, Indoor WC cancelled: FIH

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 11 (Kabaddi News) A well-balanced Patna Pirates team once again showed why they are favourites for a playoff spot by thrashing an in-form U Mumba side 43-23 in the Pro Kabaddi League here on Tuesday.

Patna dominated from the first minute with their defenders Neeraj Kumar and Mohammadreza Shadloui picking High 5s.

All their players contributed in a win that helped the Pirates move to the top of the points table ahead of Dabang Delhi K.C.

U Mumba went into the match without the services of the star raider Ajith Kumar. The lack of confidence in the raiding department affected the balance of the whole team.

At the other end, Mumbai's corner defenders Fazel Atrachali and Rinku made uncanny errors. Patna inflicted their first ALL OUT in the 6th minute of the match as Monu Goyat and Sachin found mistakes in the Mumbai defence.

The Pirates opened a 7-point lead but continued putting pressure on Mumbai.

Ashish Sangwan produced a Super Tackle for Mumbai to give a glimmer of hope, but the lack of raiding options kept affecting the second season champions.

Sachin thought he got the Pirates their second ALL OUT in the last raid of the half, but Rinku dished out a stunning one-man Super Tackle to delay it. The first half ended 19-9 with the Pirates in the lead.

Patna got their second ALL OUT in the first minute after the restart with Neeraj Kumar securing a High 5. The three-time champions were clearly in no mood to slip up and continued to dominate in all departments.

Patna started killing the time with slow raids while Iranian Mohammadreza Shadloui ensured their left corner remained safe.

Also Read : Anand appointed Chef de Mission for CWG, Bajwa for Asian Games

News Source : PTI

Cape Town, Jan 11 (Sports News) The Indian Olympic Association on Tuesday appointed senior vice president of the Indian Olympic Association Rakesh Anand as the Chef de Mission of the country's contingent for the upcoming Commonwealth Games to be held at Birmingham from July 28-August 8.

The IOA also announced the appointment of president of Wushu Association of India Bhupender Singh Bajwa as India's Chef de Mission for the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China from September 10-25.

IOA president Narinder Dhruv Batra also announced general team managers for the Commonwealth Games and deputy Chefs de Mission for the Asian Games.

The team managers appointed are Rajesh Bhandari, secretary general of Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association and vice-president of Boxing Federation of India; Chiranjib Choudhary, secretary general of the Meghalaya Olympic Association and vice-president of the Table Tennis Federation of India and Prasant Kushwaha, secretary general of the Kayaking and Canoeing Association of India.

Secretary general of Badminton Association of India Ajay Kumar Singhania, president of Bengal Olympic Association Swapan Banerjee, secretary general of Goa Olympic Association Gurudatta Bhakta and executive board member of the Netball Federation of India Hariom Kaushik will act as deputy to Bajwa in the upcoming Asian Games. 

Also Read : Confident UP Yoddha look to maintain winning momentum against Haryana Steelers in PKL

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 11 (Boxing News) Six-time world champion M C Mary Kom and Asian Games gold-medallist Amit Panghal were among six Indian boxers who were on Tuesday included in the ongoing national camps for women and men in Delhi and Patiala respectively.

Panghal was joined by a fit-again Vikas Krishan, who underwent a shoulder surgery last year after the Olympics, Manish Kaushik, Satish Kumar, and Ashish Kumar in the men's camp in Patiala.

Mary Kom will report to the women's camp at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here after the inclusion of their names was recommended by the Boxing Federation of India.

The two camps will continue till March 14, the Sports Authority of India said in a statement.

All six of them were not included in the camps conducted in December last year as they had skipped the national championships after the Tokyo Olympics.

"The Olympian boxers will now join the camps, which started on January 3 with only those who had competed in the National Championships.

"With the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games drawing close, Sports authority of India approved the inclusion recommended by the Boxing Federation of India," the SAI stated.

As many as 63 men boxers across different weight categories and 27 coaching and support staff have been in the National Camp in NIS, Patiala.

A total of 57 women boxers, including Olympic Games bronze-medallist Lovlina Borgohain and 25 coaching and support staff are already in the national camp in the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. 

Also Read : IBA and the International Testing Agency renew anti-doping partnership

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 11 (Football News) Former AIFF Women's Player of the Year Kamala Devi on Tuesday said the chance to earn a maiden World Cup qualification will be a "huge" motivating factor for the Indian team when it competes in the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup.

The continental tournament will be held across three venues in Maharashtra from January 20 to February 6.

She reckoned that a good run for India in the competition could go a long way in popularising women's football in the country.

"The Asian Cup will be a special moment for us all. All eyes will be on us. So if we perform well, that can inspire more girls to come forward and take up the sport," Kamala told the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

"The World Cup Qualification is a big motivation for us." While the Indian team plans to take it one step at a time, the larger goal of getting closer to qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2023 remains in sight.

A quarterfinal appearance could take India one step closer to that.

At the age of 29, mid-fielder Kamala is one of the more experienced players in the Indian squad and has seen both the ups and downs.

"I used to play a number of sports as a kid, like cricket, hockey, football and sepak takraw. But I went towards football eventually, probably because it was a much cheaper sport to sustain," said the mid-fielder.

"My father did not want me to play football in my younger days. But my aunt came forward and helped me with that. But my dad realised that I could do something with football, once I started doing well in a few local tournaments." Sadly, Kamala's father did not live to see his daughter make the national team.

"I understand why he stressed more on me studying than playing football. He wanted me to be self-sufficient. But if he were still alive, he would have been proud of me. Football has given me a living," she said.

While Kamala's aunt stuck by her side, not everyone in her village, except for her footballer friends and childhood coach, liked the fact that a girl was playing the sport.

However, receiving the AIFF Women's Player of the Year Award in 2017 changed things for better.

"Very few people supported me to play football at first. My coach Biren was one of those who convinced my father to let me play football," recalled Kamala.

"But ever since I was given the player of the year award, things have changed. Now, those who used to be against me, ask their kids to take football tips from me, whenever I go back home. And I am more than happy to oblige. There's a certain victory in that," she said. 

Also Read : Kerala Blasters aiming for 10 wins in a row in match against Odisha FC

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 11 (Kabaddi News) An upbeat UP Yoddha team would look to continue its winning run when it takes on Haryana Steelers in a Pro Kabaddi League match here on Wednesday.

Riding on the back of a thumping 15-point win and a record in PKL history with a total of 22 defensive points in the 42-27 win over Bengaluru Bulls, UP Yoddha is brimming with confidence.

While both UP and Haryana have 20 points each, the Yoddhas are placed at the seventh spot in the league standings while the Steelers a rung below.

Statistically, UP Yoddha and Haryana Steelers have faced each other four times so far in their PKL journey over the years with both teams edging out each other on two occasions.

But the Yoddha's will walk into the match with advantage, as not only have they defeated the Steelers 37-30 in their last encounter in PKL 7 but also will ride heavily on the confidence that the team gained in its emphatic 42-27 victory over Bengaluru Bulls in their last game.

The Steelers, however, will have a lot to prove given their 26-45 defeat to Tamil Thalaivas.

While the defence of the Yoddha team came to the fore in the last game, the coordination between the attack and the back-line was the most heartening factor for the team.

Shrikant Jadhav, Surender Gill and Md Taghi will be the raiders to look out for in the Yoddha's side, while the Steelers will have to do a lot of homework to find a way to invade the rock-solid UP defensive line that includes Nitesh, Sumit and Ashu. 

Also Read : Tamil Thalaivas thrash Haryana Steelers (PKL)

News Source : PTI

In 2020, Australian wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott won the golden slam, becoming the first male in the history of the sport to win all major titles and the Paralympic/Olympic gold. However, it was not always a smooth ride for Alcott who admitted he “hated himself” due to his disabilities and sports completely transformed his life. It sent a clear message that sports is more than just a hobby or a recreation for many, it’s a lifestyle that can empower and transform lives, even for those who are physically challenged.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Noor Nahain, Founder and President of Bangladesh Wheelchair Sports Foundation speaks about his primary goals and objectives, the standard of wheelchair cricket in Bangladesh, overcoming challenges, participation of women in Wheelchair Cricket, future goals and more!

Q 1) As Founder and President of the Bangladesh Wheelchair Sports Foundation, what are your primary goals and objectives to improve the status of disabled cricketers in the country?

On April 27, 2018, Bangladesh Wheelchair Sports Foundation started the journey. As Founder and President of the Bangladesh Wheelchair Sports Foundation, our primary goals are to establish all physically impaired persons with disability into the mainstream of society through participation in all types of para-sports such as cricket and other sports. We want to create a professional para-sports sector to improve livelihood, social prestige and build leadership capabilities so that other physically impaired persons with disabilities come forward and get inspired so that they can break free from the shell of disbelief that they are not able, that they can do anything they set their mind to.

Q 2) As vice-captain of the Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket team, what would you consider the standard of wheelchair cricket in the country to be on par with other countries?

As a representative of wheelchair cricket in Bangladesh, I believe that the standard of wheelchair cricket in our country is good. We have a lot of talented cricketers, and many are joining us. Wheelchair cricket is spreading over the whole country, and we are glad many are coming forward to join us. 

Q 3) What are some of the major challenges that you face as the President of the Bangladesh Wheelchair Sports Foundation? Are sponsorships a perennial issue in this format of the sport?

Challenges will always be there, but I believe that you have to keep on knocking at the doors of opportunities and keep moving forward. If you knock enough the doors will open. Sponsorship is a perennial issue of any kind of sport, in the beginning, it was not so different but now we get regular sponsorships. As I already said we have to keep knocking on the doors of opportunity.

Also read: Our goal is to create opportunities for recently retired cricketers - Raman Raheja, Co-Founder and CEO of Legends League Cricket

Q 4) What is your role as Co-Founder and Administrative Director at Wheelchair Cricket Welfare Association Bangladesh?

In 2015, we founded the Wheelchair Cricket Welfare Association Bangladesh for working in the wheelchair cricket sector in Bangladesh. As a former Administrative Director at Wheelchair Cricket Welfare Association Bangladesh, I had the responsibilities to oversee the development of player’s skills, to conduct the training sessions, to select players for the team as well as player management.

Q 5) Tell us about the participation of women in Wheelchair Cricket? How was the reception of the 1st BWSF Women Indoor Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2021?

The participation of women in wheelchair cricket is much less than male participants. Bangladesh Wheelchair Sports Foundation has taken initiatives to promote women wheelchair cricket in Bangladesh through indoor wheelchair cricket and we organized the 1st BWSF Women Indoor Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2021 in the ‘Jatir Pita Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Para Sports Carnival 2021’. After this championship, more physically impaired women with disabilities have got the inspiration to participate in the sports.

The reception was great. In the closing ceremony of ‘Jatir Pita Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Para Sports Carnival 2021’, the hon’ble state minister of ministry of youth and sports, Mr. Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel MP was the chief guest of the program. He appreciated our  initiatives that we have started women wheelchair cricket besides the men wheelchair cricket and handed over the champion and runner up trophies of the 1st BWSF Women Indoor Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2021. At this time, the general secretary of National Paralympic Committee of Bangladesh. Engi. Md. Maksudur Rahman, the advisers of BWSF Dr. Aminur Rahman Sultan and Dr. Ahmed Wasif Reza were present. 

Q 6) What are your future goals and ambitions with regards to Wheelchair Cricket? How do you plan to achieve them?

When I started work in the wheelchair cricket sector, I always wanted the Bangladesh Cricket Board to recognize our initiative to make wheelchair cricket part of the board. Recently, we have got good news that our Bangladesh Cricket Board has officially created a physically challenged cricket committee for the persons with disabilities which is going to be the mother organization of all cricket. Mr. Akram Khan, former captain of Bangladesh National Cricket Team is the chairman of the committee. A few days ago, I met with him on behalf of Bangladesh Wheelchair Sports Foundation and told him about our wheelchair cricket. He has appreciated our initiatives and has told us that the physically challenged cricket committee will start cricket activities.

Wadi Ad Dawasir (Saudi Arabia), Jan 10 (MotorSports News) The lone Indian rider in this year's Dakar Rally, Harith Naoh of TVS Racing Factory team, overcame initial hiccups to be placed 26th here on Monday in the overall rankings of the world's most gruelling off-road rally.

He has till now recorded an overall timing of 29 hours 50 minutes and 47 seconds.

In Stage 8, he finished in the 26th position after clocking 4:12.30s.

India's Hero MotoSports Team Rally rider, Joaquim Rodrigues, is placed 15th overall with a timing of 28:36.47s after Stage 8.

Rodrigues finished Stage 8 at the eight spot with an impressive timing of three four and 58 minutes.

Rodrigues' teammate Aaron Mare is placed 17th in the rankings after Stage 8 with a timing of 28:50.28s. He finished the stage in the 21st spot clocking 4:8.19s. The stage was won by Sam Sunderland of Great Britain covering almost 400 km.

Starting at 22nd position from the grid and treading a cautious path for the first 86 km in the long liaisons and action-packed dunes, Noah saw off the trek to southern Saudi Arabia and its tough sands and lost about 10 places.

He progressed later on, even as the minds and bodies of the competitors were put to a hard test.

Eventually, the landscapes changed and the tough negotiator ended the day in a respectable position after traversing a distance of 820 km.

Competing in RallyGP, the premier class of the Moto section in the 44th Dakar Rally, Noah, who had a tough first week due to extreme cold conditions and a couple of falls, has come into his own and is looking forward to the last four stages.

"I enjoyed the stage for the second day running and I am getting into my rhythm. It was a long and tough day but I like tricky navigation like this stage. I am still in the race and glad to be fighting another stage tomorrow," Noah said.

There are four more stages left in this year's rally that concludes on January 14. 

Also Read : National motorcycle racing: Ryhana Bee regains girls title

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 10 (Kabaddi News) Tamil Thalaivas produced an all-round performance to beat Haryana Steelers 45-26 in a Pro Kabaddi League match here on Monday.

The first half was a high-scoring affair with Tamil Thalaivas dominating the early minutes.

Captain Surjeet Singh and Sagar were in no mood to let the Haryana raiders settle as they dished out tackle after tackle to get their team an all out in the fifth minute.

The defence set the tempo for the Thalaivas while Manjeet, back again in the line-up after missing Thalaivas' previous encounter, and K Prapanjan picked up the raid points.

The team from Chennai got their second all out with eight minutes left for the interval and opened a 14-point lead. But kabaddi is a game of momentum and Vikash Kandola quickly turned it around for the Steelers.

He found errors in an over-enthusiastic Tamil defence and helped Haryana claw their way back into the contest. They got their first all out with two minutes remaining for half-time to reduce Thalaivas' lead to five points.

Tamil's Sagar got his High 5 before the teams switched sides with the scores at 24-18.

The second half was a repeat of the first with Thalaivas continuing their good form. 

Also Read : Puneri Paltan decimate defending champions Bengal Warriors 39-27

News Source : PTI 

New Delhi, Jan 10 (Hockey News) Hockey India on Monday roped in Patrick Tshutshani as the new women's team analytical coach, while also appointing Taren Naidoo and Mitchell Pemberton as scientific advisors for both senior men and women's sides respectively, with an aim to build on their historic Tokyo Olympics campaigns.

South Africa's Tshutshani in his previous role was the director of Canada junior women's team. He had coached them to the 2021 women's Pan America Junior Championship title.

He was also the assistant coach of Canada women's senior side. Among his many international assignments since 2009, Tshutshani has worked as an assistant coach for Hong Kong women's team as well.

He has also worked as the assistant coach and head coach of the South African junior women team for the 2016 Junior World Cup and assistant coach for South African Junior women side for the 2013 junior World Cup.

Naidoo, also a South African, will take charge as scientific advisor for the Indian women.

With an experience of nearly a decade, Naidoo previously worked as head hockey sports scientist and strength and conditioning specialist for both South African men and women's hockey teams.

She was also the head sport scientist and performance analyst for the South African women's Tokyo Olympics squad.

Besides, Australia's Pemberton will take charge as scientific advisor for the Indian men's hockey team.

Pemberton was associated with Hockey Australia as the strength and conditioning coordinator for junior men's team. He was also the head of Athletic Performance and Athletic Performance coach at the ACT Academy of Sport and the strength and conditioning coach for Contractor Royal Australian Airforce.

"It's absolutely wonderful to have Taren Naidoo and Mitchell Pemberton on board as scientific advisors of the Indian women hockey team and Indian men's hockey team respectively.

"We are also happy to bring on board Patrick Tshutshani as the analytical coach of the Indian women's hockey team," Hockey India president Gyanendro Ningombam said in a statement.

"We would also like to thank the Sports Authority of India for completing the formalities at the earliest to ensure the new recruits join the respective camps as soon as possible.

"Taren, Mitchell and Patrick have tremendous experience in their respective fields and we are certain that they will help us achieve our goals in the upcoming years." 
 

Also Read : Sreejesh in race for World Games Athlete of the Year award

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, Jan 10 (Football News) The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup on Monday expressed its readiness to stage the continent's marquee football competition, having, among others, upgraded the pitches of all the venues.

The tournament, which has got special exemption from the Maharashtra government, kicks off in three venues across the sate on January 20.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) president and LOC chairman Praful Patel said that all the facilities to be used for the premier tournament are "ready".

"All facilities to be used for the prestigious AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 are ready. Special care has been taken to make sure the best women footballers in Asia are provided with world class infrastructure across the three venues and also the training sites," Patel said in a statement.

According to Patel, pitches at all the three venues -- Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune, DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai and Mumbai Football Arena in suburban Andheri in Mumbai -- have been upgraded.

"The pitches at all venues have been significantly upgraded to support modern football. Other facilities including dressing rooms, media tribunes, broadcast compounds and hospitality areas have been refurbished.

"In Pune, new floodlights with LED panels have been installed. And now, we cannot wait for the teams to come to India and play their best game," added Patel.

In Pune, new training facilities were reconstructed for the tournament while the pitch at the Balewadi stadium has been upgraded, and new floodlights installed.

Two additional practice pitches have also been constructed to cater to the tournament. Apart from that the team dressing rooms, hospitality areas and the media tribune have been upgraded, the statement said.

The D.Y. Patil Stadium, where the final will be played on February 6, has seen renovation of floodlights while the pitch has been upgraded to meet international standards.

DY Patil in the past had hosted matches of the FIFA U-17 football World Cup, back in 2017.

The Navi Mumbai Sports Association (NMSA) training ground and the Yashwantrao Chavan Ground in Navi Mumbai have revamped their dressing rooms and both training grounds have been upgraded with new, modern facilities.

Moreover, two training grounds have been built at the CIDCO Centre of Excellence in Navi Mumbai, increasing the training pitches to six for the teams in the tournament.

The pitch at the Mumbai Football Arena stadium, which has hosted several matches in the past, has also been upgraded including its dressing rooms, hospitality area, referee rooms and media tribune.

A total of 12 teams, which have been divided in three groups, will battle for the top prize in the showpiece with the top five finishers joining the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup co-hosts Australia.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Sports Commissioner Om Prakash Bakoria told PTI that power would be saved at the Pune stadium after installation of new LED lights.

"We had 416 metal halide lights at the stadium and we have completely changed that, and we have shifted those lights to the one of the practise pitches at the venue and we are installing new LD lights at the other practise pitches," the senior official said.

It is also learnt that earlier 832 KW power was consumed and now only 326 KW power will be utilised with the installation of new LED lights at the Pune stadium.

Maharashtra grants special permission to host tournament ------------------------------------------------------------------ Despite the rising COVID-19 cases in the state, the Maharashtra government, which has issued a fresh set of restrictions, has granted special permission to host the AFC tournament.

The order signed by the state's chief secretary Debashish Chakrabarty, a copy of which is in possession of PTI, stated that, "Sporting Competitive Events -- to be deferred, except for national and international level competitions already scheduled." The order also lists out the measures needed for hosting the tournament like having RT-PCR tests and setting up a bio bubble.

A senior state sports department official said that the order paves the way for hosting of the tournament.

He said that all rules related to COVID-19 will be strictly adhered to. 

Also Read : SC East Bengal rope in young Brazilian striker Marcelo on loan

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, Jan 10 (Snooker News) Multiple time world snooker and billiard champion Pankaj Advani has been infected with COVID-19.

The ace cueist confirmed it to PTI on Monday.

"I was following all the COVID restrictions but still got infected. We all have to be extra careful in this third wave of COVID. I have taken medicines and I think it'll take a week for me to recover and get back to my normal routine," Advani said.

Mumbai has been one of the worst cities to get hit by pandemic and according to a bulletin issued by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), the megapolis reported 19474 positive cases on Sunday. 

Also Read : Puneri Paltan decimate defending champions Bengal Warriors 39-27

News Source : PTI

(Esports news) Live performance of players, their performance, the crowd going crazy, the energy, all are some of the key components of a great sporting match. The pandemic has been a hurdle in bringing the audience together and the loud stadium cheers are rarely seen.

It has had a major impact on the sports industry and on the other side of the coin it has accelerated the mobile and online gaming sector, and particularly leveraged the upcoming esports industry in India. From mobile to consoles to PC gaming, every player is competing in matches/tournaments in the safe boundaries inside their homes thus creating the latest sensation of virtual stadiums. 

AR/VR devices are providing these players with more real experiences, creating powerful emotional journeys for the players and followers with the game. Popular games like BGMI, FIFA, Fortnite, Free Fire, and many others have successfully made the Indian youth and have let them establish themselves as professional players. Supporting these professional players and to continue the spirit of sportsmanship, World Esports Cup (WEC’21), South East Asia’s premier tri-nation esports championship, with prize pool of INR 75 lakhs is up for grabs as athletes from India, Pakistan and Nepal are competing in one of the most popular battle royale games, Free Fire. 

The virtual tournament opens the doors to neighbouring country's esports players to connect, engage and battle each other with a single mission - to win the championship. These virtual tournaments are hosted live on social platforms like YouTube and Facebook giving viewers the chance to closely watch and learn from their favourite esports player and teams. The atmosphere of the virtual stadiums provide a fresh look and feel.

The viewers, unlike in our traditional stadiums, can learn, interact, and gain experience in gaming tactics from some of the pro and renowned gamers. The premiership has built a platform for the newcomers to learn and acquire skill sets from their smartphones at home. 

The World Esports Cup is a landmark event in the Indian esports ecosystem by providing not just the competitive gaming experience but also a chance to enhance their gaming skills which are also giving the players a chance to earn cash prizes and secure an unexplored career option in the esports sector. The World Esports Cup with their exciting international esports exposure give a strong message that even though the current situation is tough and challenging, it can never kill the spirit of esports. The gamers will continue the challenge and all the action from their homes. 

After a rollercoaster ride, the Indian leg of the grand finale of the inaugural edition of South East Asia’s tri-nation esports tournament, World Esports Cup (WEC ’21) came to a fitting end as top teams, Arrow Esports, Chemin Esports, Total Gaming and Orangutan Elite secured the Global Finals berth and are all set to clash against the best teams from Pakistan and Nepal. The championship which went live on November 25, 2021, is in its last leg with the grand finale of the mega event starting from today January 10-14, 2022. Team Hotshot, The Guardians, Five mutants and Legend Style ES have qualified for the global finals from Pakistan while 2b Gamer, Tonde Gamer, Dada Gang and KM Brotherhood will represent Nepal in the global finals.

The inaugural edition of the WEC, which has smartphone maker Infinix Smartphones as the title sponsor, also has a whopping prize pool of Rs. 75 lakhs and the tournament is played virtually and will be streamed live on India Today Gaming YouTube channel. 

Also read: WEC Global Final berth sealed by Arrow Esports, Chemin Esports, Total Gaming and Orangutan Elite

(Football news) The bottom placed Women’s Super League side Birmingham City won their first league fixture in more than a year after defeating league leaders Arsenal at the St. Andrews Stadium. Birmingham City’s last game before Christmas was a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City which resulted in the side being bottom of the league table but they looked like a completely different set of players when they faced Jonas Eidevall's Arsenal who have won eight and drawn one out of their last nine matches.

Three minutes after kick off, Libby Smith capitalized on a through ball by scoring past Manuela Zinsberger and the Gunners surprisingly failed to mount a comeback or get any sort of meaningful reaction to this setback. In the 42nd minute Birmingham City doubled the advantage through Veatriki Sarri whose strike went into the top corner. The Gunners had a comparatively better second half as Kim Little was denied by Gemma Lawley with a block after Vivianne Miedema had rounded goalkeeper Emily Ramsey. 

Celebrations erupted at the final whistle as Birmingham City won their first league game since November 2020 and moved above Leicester City in 11th place while Arsenal Women’s unbeaten start ended with a shocking defeat. Arsenal Women manager Jonas Eidevall told Sky Sports: "I hadn't prepared the players well enough. We didn't play well enough under their pressure or break down their low block. I'm very disappointed. It's 100 per cent my responsibility. It's always that way as the head coach. We had the players in on January 2, we had a good week of training, you always think you're doing what's right but it's apparent we should have prepared in more detail."

Meanwhile, Manchester City Women scored six past Brighton to secure their third consecutive Women’s Super League victory. Victoria Williams scored an own goal three minutes into the start of the second half before Lauren Hemp scored City’s second with a brilliant chip just two minutes later. A minute later, Georgia Stanway made it three while Georgia Coombes scored the fourth soon after, punishing Brighton due to a defensive mix-up. To add to Brighton’s woes, Hayley Raso and Vicky Losada scored City’s fifth and sixth goal respectively with the result ensuring Gareth Taylor's side moved above Brighton in fifth place in the Women’s Super League. 

Also read: FA Cup: Nottingham Forest knockout Arsenal while Liverpool progress

Hyderabad, Jan 9 (Archery News) Top Indian archers, including Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari, made first round exits as Sukhchain Singh clinched the senior recurve men's title to lead a Services clean sweep in the National Ranking tournament, here on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Army Sports Institute archer Sukhchain, who has a world ranking of 218, created the biggest upset of the day when he eliminated India No. 1 Atanu Das 6-4 in the round of 16.

Das's Tokyo Olympics teammates Tarundeep Rai and Pravin Jadhav also made first round exits, going down to Dhiraj Bommadevara and Sachin Gupta in shootoffs.

In the final, Singh defeated his Services teammate Rahul Nagarwal 6-2, while Dhiraj won the third place playoff defeating veteran Jayanta Talukdar.

In the women's recurve section, World No. 2 Deepika Kumari suffered one of the shocking defeats of her career when she was eliminated by Telengana teenager Kadire Sindhuja 7-3 in the first round of 16.

Sindhuja however lost out in the second round, going down to Promila Dalmary of Assam 6-4.

Ankita Bhakat of Jharkhand emerged the champion in the women's section, defeating Simranjeet Kaur of Punjab 6-4, while Ridhi of Haryana won the third place playoff.

Rajat Chauhan of Rajasthan and Jyothi Surekha Vennam of PSPB clinched the top honours in the compound men's and women's sections respectively. 

Also Read : Salunkhe, Ankita top qualifications; Atanu, Deepika fall behind

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 9 (Kabaddi News) Raider Aslam Inamdar emerged star performer for Puneri Paltan as they beat defending champions Bengal Warriors 39-27 in their Pro Kabaddi League match here on Sunday.

Inamdar scored a Super 10 (17 points) while Abinesh Nadarajan clinched a High 5 (5 tackle points) for Paltan who had a near-flawless performance on the mat.

Captain Maninder Singh clinched a Super 10 for the Warriors, but he proved to be the sole performer for a team desperately short of confidence.

Bengal started the match on the front foot with Maninde's Super Raid (3 points) in the fourth minute putting Pune in a spot of bother. But substitute Sombir and Abinesh Nadarajan produced consecutive Super Tackles to turn the game around for Paltan.

Inamdar and Nitin Tomar picked up crucial points for the team from Maharashtra who got their first 'All Out' with five minutes to the interval. That opened a seven-point lead and Pune used the momentum to continue their attack on a struggling Bengal side.

Maninder and Mohammad Nabibakhsh were immediately tackled as the half ended 20-11 with Pune in the ascendancy. Bengal, who went into the match with just one win in five matches, were staring at another big defeat.

Pune got their second 'All Out' in the third minute of the second half to open a 12-point lead. Their all-rounder Inamdar was having a great time on the mat, targeting Bengal cover Amit Nirwal on multiple occasions. He got his Super 10 while at the other end Maninder tried his level best to keep the Warriors in the match.

Bengal's over-dependence on their captain for raid points was beginning to hurt them as Nabibakhsh struggled.

Maninder’s Super 10 and Akash Pikalmunde's crucial raids didn't seem to matter as Pune held a 13-point lead with five minutes remaining in the match. The energised Pune team made no mistakes in the final raids to win with a 12-point margin. 

Also Read : Thalaivas face Steelers, Dabang Delhi K.C. hope to maintain unbeaten run

News Source : PTI

Chennai, Jan 9 (Chess News) Fourteen-year old Bharath Subramaniyam on Sunday became India's 73rd chess Grandmaster, securing the third and final GM norm at an event in Italy.

The Chennai-based player scored 6.5 points from nine rounds along with four others to finish seventh overall in the event held at Cattolica.

He obtained his third GM norm here and also touched the requisite 2,500 (Elo) mark.

Fellow Indian player M R Lalith Babu emerged winner in the tournament with seven points, winning the title on the basis of a better tie-break score after he tied with three others including top-seed Anton Korobov (Ukraine).

He finished with six wins and one draw while losing two games - against Korobov and Lalith Babu.

Bharath achieved his first GM norm after securing 11th place at the Aeroflot Open in Moscow in February 2020. He secured the second norm after placing 4th in the Junior Roundtable Under 21 tournament in Bulgaria with 6.5 points in October 2021.

To become a GM, a player has to secure three GM norms and cross the live rating of 2,500 Elo points.

His coach M Shyam Sundar, a GM himself, congratulated Subramaniyam and tweeted: "Congratulations Bharath for becoming the latest GM of India!! Let's focus on new goals in this new year!!" Subramaniyam had become an International Master at the age of 11 years and 8 months in 2019.

Mitrabha Guha had become the country's 72nd GM in November last, two days after Sankalp Gupta became the 71st GM. 

Also Read : Thalaivas face Steelers, Dabang Delhi K.C. hope to maintain unbeaten run

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 9 (Badminton News) Former champions Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu of India have been given the top billing in the men's and women's sections, respectively, as the Yonex-Sunrise India Open badminton returns after two-years hiatus.

The tournament will start with main draw from January 11 and no spectators will be allowed at the venue, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tournament, organised by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), will kickstart the 2022 international season.

Reigning World Championships silver medallist Srikanth has received the top billing in the men's singles section with world champion Loh Kean Yew and bronze medallist Lakshya Sen also vying for their first India Open crown.

BAI general secretary Ajay Singhania expressed his delight that the tournament is going ahead and is confident that it will be a grand success like the earlier editions.

"The India Open has become an important event on the BWF calendar. We have taken all possible precautions for the safety of the players and officials and we will try to engage fans through various online platform and live broadcast on television," he said.

Double Olympic medallist Sindhu will lead the charge in the women's singles section which also has the likes of two-time champion Saina Nehwal, Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan and Singapore's up and coming Jia Min Yeo.

Sindhu, winner of the 2017 edition, said playing without fans would be a bit of a dampener but she was as motivated as anyone to clinch her second tournament title.

"I have always looked forward to playing in New Delhi as India Open has always had full house crowd with great atmosphere as winning a tournament at home is always special for any player." Men's singles top seed and former champion Srikanth said the tournament provided him the perfect opportunity to build on his World Championships success.

"It's a long season for all us with the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games scheduled later this year. Starting the season on home turf gives me a perfect opportunity to start the year on a winning note," said the former World No. 1.

The 10th edition of the tournament, which is being held after a gap of two years following the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020, will see participants from 19 countries across five categories.

World Championships bronze medallist Lakshya Sen is also keen to leave his mark in his first appearance in the home tournament.

"I have always looked forward to playing the India Open. I had to wait for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic but I am confident of putting my best foot forward this week." Due to the COVID-related restrictions, strict protocols are followed and all players have to go through mandatory tests before entering the venue.

Vikramaditya Dhar, the Managing Director of Sunrise Sports India Pvt Ltd., insisted that supporting the tournament is part of their commitment to the sport.

"Badminton is one of the most popular sports in the country and the Yonex-Sunrise India Open has played an important role in bringing top-level badminton in the country.

"As badminton action re-starts after the two-year break, we are committed to do everything that helps the sport to grow further," Dhar said. 

Also Read : Lakshya Sen eyeing maiden title on India Open debut

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 9 (Kabaddi News) Tamil Thalaivas will take on in-form Haryana Steelers in the Pro Kabaddi League here on Monday.

The team from Tamil Nadu have had an impressive start to the season with captain Surjeet Singh and Sagar marshalling the defence. They will however be facing a Haryana squad who are on a three-match unbeaten run.

The second match of the day will feature Jaipur Pink Panthers and Dabang Delhi K.C.

Young all-rounder Meetu has been impressive for Haryana Steelers in the last few matches. Everyone expected Vikash Kandola to be their main raider for the season but Meetu's emergence as a reliable alternative has made coach Rakesh Kumar's team top contenders.

Haryana's raiding unit has been ably backed by the defensive duo of Surender Nada and Jaideep. The former's experience in the left corner has often made the raiders venture deep for points, allowing others to pounce.

Tamil Thalaivas' defence has not fared badly either. Surjeet Singh and Sagar gave even the likes of Delhi's Naveen Kumar a scare with their combination moves.

Only two raiders have managed to score Super 10s in all their matches of Season 8 -- Naveen Kumar of Delhi and Arjun Deshwal of Jaipur Pink Panthers. The two young stars of Kabaddi will be on the mat when the teams lock horns on Monday. 

Also Read : Pro Kabaddi League: Naveen Kumar guides Dabang Delhi to 37-33 win over UP Yoddha

News Source : PTI

Chennai, Jan 8 (MotorSports News): Local rider Ryhana Bee (RACR Castrol Power Ultimate) regained the title in the girls category after two years with one race to spare as the fourth round of the MRF MMSC-FMSCI National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2021 concluded at the MMRT track near here on Saturday.

Twenty-nine-year old Prabhu Arunagiri of Chennai stole the spotlight with a maiden win for Pacer Yamaha, a team returning to the national championship after a 12-year break, in Race-2 of the Pro-Stock 165cc Open category, holding off a quality field. The race was red-flagged and reduced to five laps from eight following a lap-1 incident, but it did not stop Prabhu from winning with leader Deepak Ravikumar (TVS Racing) crashing in the penultimate lap.

Earlier in the day, Prabhu, who has been in and out of racing in the past few years, finished fourth in Race-1 that was won by Deepak Ravikumar who delivered a 1-2 finish for TVS Racing ahead of defending champion Jagan Kumar while Rajiv Sethu (Idemitsu Honda SK69 Racing) took third place. The two podium finishes saw Jagan moving to 159 points in the championship standings followed by Ravikumar (118) and Sethu (116).

Meanwhile, ace rider Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power Ultimate) took a big step towards winning the championship in the premier Pro-Stock 301-400cc category as he picked up 50 valuable points. The 41-year old international finished second behind Thailand’s Vorapong Malahuan (TVS Racing), but with the foreigner ineligible for any points, Rajini picked up 25. He followed it up with a fine win in Race-2 on wearing tyres while Malahuan, who had a jump-start, faded out of contention.

After four rounds, Rajini has a tally of 168 points, ahead of Bengalurean Anish Damodara Shetty of Race Concepts (121) who finished third and second in the double-header. With one more round left in the championship and a maximum of 50 points up for grabs, Rajini has one had on the trophy with a 47-point lead.

Ryhana, 24, who missed the 2020 season owing to injuries after winning the championship in 2019, staged a remarkable recovery to catch up with early leader and defending champion Ann Jennifer before making a decisive pass on the last lap for a merited fourth consecutive victory. It took Ryhana’s tally to 100, way ahead of second-placed Mumbai’s Jagruti Kiran Penkar (Sparks Racing, 57 points) with just one more race remaining and which is scheduled to be run in the concluding round in February.

Pune teenager Sarthak Chavan chalked up a fine double in the NSF 250 category of the Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup, defeating championship leader Kavin Quintal in both races.

Results (Provisional – all six laps unless mentioned): Pro-Stock 301-400cc (Open) Race-1: 1. Vorapong Malahuan (TVS Racing, Thailand) (11mins, 18.244secs); 2. Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power Ultimate, Chennai) (11:18.657); 3. Anish Damodara Shetty (Race Concepts, Bengaluru) (11:18.921). Race-2 (8 laps): 1. Rajini Krishnan (15:04.127); 2. Anish Damodara Shetty (15:04.297); 3. Deepak Ravikumar (TVS Racing, Chennai) (15:04.454).

Pro-Stock 165cc (Open) Race-1: 1. Deepak Ravikumar (TVS Racing, Chennai) (11:48.162); 2. Jagan Kumar (TVS Racing, Chennai) (11:48.484); 3. Rajiv Sethu (Idumitsu Honda SK69 Racing) (11:50.454). Race-2 (5 laps): 1. Prabhu Arunagiri (Pacer Yamaha, Chennai) (09:57.247); 2. Rajiv Sethu (09:57.505); 3. Jagan Kumar (09:57.655).

Novice (Stock 165cc): 1. Alwin Sundar (AS Motorsport, Chennai) (13:03.215); 2. Sarvesh Balappa (Sparks Racing, Hubbali) (13:05.798); 3. Anfal Akthar (Rockstar Racing, Thrissur) (13:05.856).

Girls (Stock 165cc) 5 laps: 1. Ryhana Bee (RACR Castrol Power Ultimate, Chennai) (11:02.702); 2. Ann Jennifer (Sparks Racing, Chennai) (11:02.886); 3. Lani Zena Fernandez (Speed Up Racing, Puducherry) (11:03.512).

Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup – NSF 250 (Race-1): 1. Sarthak Chavan (Pune) (11:11.037); 2. Kavin Quintal (Chennai) (11:14.091); 3. Geoffrey Revinen Emmanuel (Chennai) (11:15.060). Race-2 (8 laps): 1. Sarthak Chavan (14:47.030); 2. Kavin Quintal (14:47.277); 3. Geoffrey Revinen Emmanuel (14:59.460).

Novice (CBR 150): 1. Prakash Kamat (Bokaro Steel City) (13:04.485); 2. Rakshith S Dave (Chennai) (13:04.735); 3.Vivek Gaurav (Patna) (13:06.764).

Hornet 2.0 (Support race): 1. Kevin Kannan (Chennai) (13:29.346); 2. Ajay Xavier (Nagarkoil) (13:29.437); 3. Prabhu V (Chennai) (13:29.655).

TVS One-Make Championship – Open (RR 310) Race-1: 1. Amarnath Menon (Kozhikode) (11:46.925); 2. Jagadeesh N (Bengaluru) (11:47.761); 3. Manoj Yesudian (Chennai) (11:47.899). Race-2: 1. Manoj Yesudian (11:47.967); 2. Ananthraj P (Chennai) (11:48.088); 3. Amarnath Menon (11:49.172).

Rookie (RTR 200): 1. Jinendra Kiran Sangave (Kolhapur) (12:55.139); 2. Chiranth Viswanath (Bengaluru) (12:55.220); 3. Shreyas Copparam Hareesh (Bengaluru) (12:56.356).

Also Read : India's Noah placed overall 28th after Stage 6 of Dakar Rally

News Source : PTI

Be ngaluru, Jan 8 (Kabaddi News) Naveen Kumar shone bright as Dabang Delhi defeated UP Yoddha 37-33 in a Pro Kabaddi League match here on Saturday.

The opening game of the Triple Panga night saw the Yoddha defenders give Naveen Kumar a tough time with aggressive tackles, but the young raider still found a way past them to ensure the Delhi side emerged victorious.

UP Yoddha didn't do a lot wrong on the night with Pardeep Narwal and Surender Gill scoring nine points each. Unfortunately for them, it was just another outstanding performance from Naveen Kumar who scored 18 points, including one for the tackle. The result helped Dabang Delhi regain the top spot on the points table.

UP started the match with a steely determination to stop Naveen from running away with the points. Yoddha's corner duo of Nitesh Kumar and Sumit were at their aggressive best as they thwarted the Delhi's raider.

At the other end, Pardeep Narwal looked confident against the error-prone Delhi defence. He picked crucial points off left cover Manjit Chhillar and guided Yoddha to their first all out with five minutes remaining.

Yoddha continued the aggressive approach in the remainder of the first half, with Shubham Kumar also impressing in defence.

Naveen was benched five times in a half that ended 18-13 in favour of UP Yoddha.

If UP thought they had found a solution to stop Naveen, they were in for a rude surprise.

The first 10 minutes of the first half belonged completely to the Delhi raider who started it all with a tackle on his nemesis of Pardeep Narwal.

He then went on to chip points off the Yoddha defence and eventually helped Delhi clinch an all out.

He scored yet another Super 10 as Delhi opened a three-point lead with five minutes remaining. The lead proved too much for the Yoddha raiders to claw back as Delhi sealed an important win.

Also Read : India's Noah placed overall 28th after Stage 6 of Dakar Rally

News Source : PTI

Riyadh, Jan 8 (MotorSports News) Lone Indian rider in this year's Dakar Rally, Harith Noah of Sherco TVS Racing Factory survived dangerous terrain and a few crashes to be placed 28th in the overall ranking after Stage 6 in the Moto section of the world's toughest off-road rally here.

The five-time national champion from Bengaluru, Noah fell in the first stage and finished 36th among 145 riders but went on to improve his rank to 31st after Stage 4 and 30th after Stage 5.

He continued his progress admirably on Friday, despite a painful shoulder, and finished a creditable 28th in the overall ranking, clocking 21:47.07s.

The bike and quad special was halted at the first neutralisation area after 101km on Friday. The deterioration of the tracks due to the passage of the cars and trucks in the previous stage in the reverse direction, combined with recent heavy rain meant that the route was impassable.

The classification for Stage 6 was established at the 101 km mark.

Noah's teammate Lorenzo Santolino is in overall sixth position after Stage 6 while Rui Goncalves is placed 32nd.

Hero MotoSports Team Rally's Joaquim Rodriques is placed overall 18th in the general ranking, while his South African mate Aaron Mare slipped to the 16th position.

Great Britain's Sam Sunderland of Gasgas Factory Racing is the overall leader after Stage 6 with a timing of 19:55.59s, while Austrian Matthias Walkner (19:58.38s) of Redbull KTM Factory Racing and Australia's Daniel Sanders (20:01.34s) of Gasgas Factory Racing are placed second and third respectively. 

Also Read : Honda's Barreda tops stage 4, Hero MotorSports keep it steady

News Source : PTI

For many cricket lovers, the nostalgia of seeing the greatest sports rivalries from yesteryear is a reminder of what made them fall in love with the sport. Witnessing some of the most iconic rivalries such as Virender Sehwag vs Shoaib Akhtar, Ricky Ponting vs Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir vs Shahid Afridi to name a few would be an instant nostalgia hit for many fans who closely followed the sport in the 90’s and the early 2000’s. Legends League Cricket promises cricket fans the prospect of seeing some of the most iconic cricketing rivalries reignited by seeing some of your favourite cricketers back in action.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Raman Raheja, Co-Founder and CEO of Legends League Cricket speaks about his vision and objective for the venture, who will feature in the league, Ravi Shastri’s involvement, overcoming challenges, future goals and more!

Q 1) As Co-Founder and CEO of Legends League Cricket, what inspired you to come up with this idea and what is your vision and objective?

Cricket is like a religion in our country and the revenue around the cricket space is driven by these icons. There is so much happening among the active cricketers but the legends of the sport who have a huge fan following are involved in commentary or newsrooms or writing few articles. Some of the former cricketers do not have much fan engagements while some of them still do. While a handful of them are involved in commentary and the rest are involved in the field as a coach or in cricket administration. 

We felt there was an opportunity to create a platform where these legends can go back and keep the fans engaged. In today’s world fans consume a lot of similar content, so this way we can keep the fans engaged and give these cricketers a second innings in their life. So even for cricketers who are touching their 40’s and still have a lot left in them but are not able to make it in the national team. It gives them a chance to engage in other revenue opportunities be it commentary, administration and operations. There are two things, one is about fan engagement and the second is more revenue monetized chances for the former cricketers.

Q 2) With the first season set to be held in January 2022, who are some of the ex-cricketers who will be featuring in the Legends League Cricket?

The first season will start on January 20th in Oman and the plan is to do it twice every year. The second season is expected to start in September, the plan is for the fans to see these legends on the field twice a year and not in the commentary box. There is a tri-nation format consisting of India, Asia and the world. We try to bring in legends who have done a lot for their country.

In the Indian team there are Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan. In the Asian team there are players from Sri Lanka, Pakistan such as Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Misbah-ul Haq, Kamran Akmal, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul, Shoaib Malik. From Sri Lanka there are Tillakaratne Dilshan, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Romesh Kaluwitharana and also Asghar Afghan from Afghanistan. Unfortunately we don't have players from Bangladesh as the Bangladesh Premier League will be going on but we have Habibul Bashar who will be part of the commentary team. The world team will be officially announced soon.

Q 3) How much of a boost is it to have Ravi Shastri as the commissioner of the Legends League Cricket?

Ravi Shastri is one of the legends of the sport and has played, seen and administered cricket at the highest level. He has been in this space for the past 40 years; his last last assignment of being the coach of the Indian team saw the team reaching great heights. Shasti’s presence has helped in the cricketing aspect, compositions of the team and in the administration side, like when to position the league at an international level. He played a hand in designing the whole plan with us and his TV personality helps us now in having him as the commissioner which all age groups of audience can relate to.

Also read: Judo has given me a new life and I aim to represent India in the Paralympics - Para Judo athlete Priya Keer

Q 4) What are some of the challenges that you have faced in making Legends League Cricket a reality? How did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was that these are all retired cricketers and we had to make sure that we don’t get into an exhibition of cricket space instead have active cricket or competitive cricket being played. The physical condition of the players and them being on the field playing competitive cricket and not having exhibition matches was one of the biggest challenges we faced. From the thousands of cricketers that are there we had to identify who are physically fit and actually are playing cricket. We bought in Andrew Lapus who was the first international trainer of the Indian team and has worked with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly. He was monitoring the players remotely as we shortlisted some players that made the composition of the different teams.

The second problem was that we had to host this tournament when active cricket was going on as you have to see what caters to the audience, so the rivalry part of the game was critical, for examples Shewag vs Shoaib Akhtar, Harbhajan Singh vs Shahid Afridi, Brett Lee vs Jayasurya were the mini rivalry which actually excited the fans all over the world. The biggest challenge that we faced till now is COVID-19, so a lot of things were uncertain as players had to be in bio bubbles and as organiser we had to be extra careful. Initially we had selected Oman because of the less covid cases as they have less restrictions out there. All in all, with the cooperation of all players we are able to conduct this tournament.

Q 5) What are some of the venues and platforms the Legends League Cricket will be broadcasted on? Do you anticipate the presence of fans inside the stadiums amidst the COVID-19 concerns?

Yes, as I said earlier cricket is driven by Indian fans not just out of India but wherever the Indian community is based and is given the most priority. There were a lot of option to look as some of the biggest platforms in India such as Star and Sony approached us but we finally decided on the Sony platform. The league will be broadcasted on Sony Ten 1 in English, Sony Ten 3 in Hindi and Sony Liv as the OTT platform, since the Ashes is going on people are getting aware of the league as it’s being promoted during the series. Anywhere in the world we are trying to help the cricket fans to view this tournament. We have made arrangements where cricket fans from remote places can view it on our website llct20.com. There are no restrictions in Oman and the government of Oman is supporting us and will be allowing full capacity crowds as we have built more stands to accommodate more fans.

Q 6) What are your long term goals for Legends League Cricket? How do you plan to accomplish them?

As I said the Legends of League Cricket to primarily to get engagement with these legends or it would be an alternate platform to create more opportunities for recently retired cricketers and officials, so we have decided that we will host this tournament twice an year, outside of that we want to make a lot of content with these retired cricketers as we want fans to engage with them more. We will be producing documentaries and fun shows with these retired cricketers. The long-term goal is to promote the space for retired cricketers as it is a very untapped sector in cricket.

(Esports news) The World Esports Cup (WEC 21) has come to an end with teams such as Arrow Esports, Chemin Esports, Total Gaming and Orangutan Elite securing the Global Finals berth and will now face the best teams from Pakistan and Nepal. The championship which began on November 21st 2021 is in the last leg of its grand finale with the mega event starting from January 10th to 14th 2022. 

Despite putting up a valiant battle, Team SoloMid (TSM FTX), Blackflag Army, Aura Gaming, Stone Crushers, Desi gamers, TG Tycoon, Helping Gamers, and UG Empire could not secure a place in the final showdown as the event was a resounding success with one million plus views, views--6 lakh on the first day while 4 lakh on second. 

We’ve got some of the most recognized free fire teams from across India, Pakistan, and Nepal
through the tournament and it's heartening to see that the best and the most skilled ones will be taking on each other. With Indian and Pakistan clashes along with the teams from Nepal on the card, we promise an edge-of-the-seat thriller as you watch the global finals. I congratulate each team who made it to the grand finale and I wish each of them the best of luck for the final showdown. I personally look forward to the epic clash of India vs Pakistan in this last leg,” said Mr. Vishwalok Nath, Director, World Esports Cup.

The teams representing Pakistan in the final showdown will be: Team Hotshot, The Guardians, Five mutants and Legend Style ES while the teams representing Nepal are: 2b Gamer, Tonde Gamer, Dada Gang and KM Brotherhood. Team Arrow Esports, with players like Afzal Khalid, Roshan Singh, Sanchayan Das, Abdullah Khalid, Divyanshu Singh and Prableen Singh in their team, topped the India Finals with the most points, 158, (Rank point – 93 and Kill point – 65). 

Team Chemin Esports, comprising top gamers like Swastik Madhukar, Anil Vadher, Prakash Vaghela, Jogesh Pandey and Anand Madhukar, secured the second position with 154 points (Rank point – 91 and Kill point – 63). Ajay Sharma- led five-member Team Total Gaming, comprising gamers like Hora Vetkumar, Narai Yadav, Daksh Garg, and Rohit Sarraf (sub) grabbed the third position with 122 points (Rank point – 64 and Kill point – 58). Team Orangutan Elite, with Dev Kumar, Rohit Sahu, Lokesh Karakoti, Aditya Singh, and Ajay Saini in their roster, joined the top three in the fourth position with 113 points (Rank point – 67 and Kill point – 46).

The inaugural edition of WEC with Infinix Smartphones as the title sponsor has a prize pool of Rs. 75 lakh. The tournament will be played virtually and will be streamed live on India Today Gaming Youtube Channel along with the Facebook handles of India Today, and Aaj Tak giving fans across India, Pakistan and Nepal the opportunity to witness the tournament and watch their favourite teams compete in Free Fire.

Also read: Rap Song featuring Top Indian Teams to light up the Global Finals Clash as India’s best take part in the World Esports Cup

Bengaluru, Jan 8 (Kabaddi News) Defending champions Bengal Warriors would expect a better show from their players when will take on a struggling Puneri Paltan in their Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) match here on Sunday.

The holders have had a stuttering start to their title defence with only captain Maninder Singh and all-rounder Mohammad Nabibakhsh producing noteworthy performances.

Pune have also started the season on the backfoot with their experienced stars not producing the expected results.

Bengaluru Bulls will lock horns with U.P. Yoddha in the second match of the night.

The Warriors have just 17 points with three wins in seven matches. Maninder Singh has lacked a good secondary raider to support him which has seen the captain take a safer approach on the mat.

Sukesh Hegde has struggled while Mohammad Nabibakhsh has been entrusted with too many tasks. The Iranian all-rounder has looked impressive in Super Tackle situations, but a kabaddi team needs more than two men actively trying.

Maninder has constantly targeted the left of defence and Pune's Vishal Bharadwaj will certainly have a task on his hand. The corner defender has looked hasty all season and will need ample support from the right corner and cover to stop Maninder.

In Aslam Inamdar, Pankaj Mohite and Mohit Goyat, Pune have three outstanding young kabaddi players. But coach Anup Kumar has struggled to get the best out of the trio.

Aslam's raw power and energy is something that the coach will be wanting his team to use more during the raids. At the other end, Pankaj Mohite and Mohit Goyat can take turns to raid, thereby conserving their energy.

The strategy for Pune should be to avoid do-or-die raids. With three quality raiders in the ranks, they should attack more often and try to put the pressure on a Bengal defence low on confidence.

The Bengaluru Bulls have looked like they aren't going full throttle, yet which will be a concern for opponents considering how the season 6 champions are still picking up wins.

In fact, Pawan Sehrawat has spent a surprisingly long time in the dugout this season while Chandran Ranjit has not yet produced a stellar performance. The match is often won in a space of 5-10 minutes where Pawan Sehrawat decides to switch the gears. UP Yoddha's task will be to prevent Pawan from doing this to their defence.

Attack is often the best form of defence and Yoddha's raiding duo of Surender Gill and Pardeep Narwal will need to be aggressive against the Bengaluru defence.

Surender Gill has efficiently donned the role of lead raider for Yoddha with Pardeep Narwal still moving gingerly on the mat. The two will need to be switched on right from the beginning of the game.

A defensive approach against the Bulls seldom works as Pawan can produce multi-point raids at any given time. 

Also Read : PKL: Jaipur Pink Panthers beat Puneri Paltans 31-26

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 8 (Cricket News) SRT Sports Management Private Limited on Saturday clarified that batting great Sachin Tendulkar is not a part of the upcoming Legends League Cricket (LLC).

The LLC is a professional cricket league meant for retired players, and it has recently announced its Indian squad for the league.

A promotional video featuring actor Amitabh Bachchan shows that Tendulkar is also going to be a part of the league, which the official spokesperson of SRT Sports rejected.

"The news about @sachin_rt's participation in 'Legends League Cricket' is not true. The organisers should refrain from misleading cricket fans and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan," said the official spokesperson of SRT Sports Management Pvt. Ltd.

Starting January 20, the LLC will feature three star-packed teams which will lock horns with each other.

The Indian team will be represented by the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and the Pathan brothers -- Irfan and Yusuf.

The team will be called The India Maharajas which will see them compete against some other star players from other nations.

LLC had earlier announced the Asia team as 'Asia Lions' which comprises former Pakistani and Sri Lankan players including Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Azhar Mahmood, Upul Tharanga, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammed Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Yousuf, Umar Gul and Asghar Afghan. 

Also Read : Bangladesh's win in NZ will change notion that team is dependent only on senior players: Shakib

News Source : PTI

At just 23 years of age, Shikha Gautam is currently ranked number 1 in the Women’s Doubles in India. She is also the 2019 Senior National Champion and Khelo India University Winner 2020 and is setting her sights on making a mark in the international stage alongside Ashwini Bhat. In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Shikha Gautam speaks about being introduced to the sport and her childhood idol, her partnership with Ashwini Bhat, Target Olympic Podium Scheme, her most memorable achievement so far, training under coach Jagdish Yadav, overcoming challenges and future goals.

Q 1) When were you first introduced to badminton and who were your childhood idols growing up?

I started playing badminton when I was 9 years old. I grew up watching Saina Nehwal. 

Q 2) You are currently ranked number 1 in Women’s Doubles in India, tell us about your partnership with Ashwini Bhat that has led to this achievement.

The Senior National Championship at Guwahati was the first tournament we played together for the first time. Winning the championship gave us the boost to move ahead and play further tournaments and we kept on performing consistently in All India and as well as International tournaments. That’s how within a few months we became INDIA no.1. Together we have played many prestigious tournaments representing India, Yonex All England Badminton Championship 2021 is one of them. 

Q 3) Please tell us about the Target Olympic Podium Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports?

This scheme provides assistance to India’s top athletes to prepare for the Olympic Games. We are a part of this scheme and we are very thankful to the Sports Authority of India to give us this opportunity.

Q 3) You are the 2019 senior national champion and Khelo India University winner in 2020, which achievement you are the most proud of in your career so far?

I would say I’m more proud of Winning Senior National Championship because here the level of competition was more and we defeated good International ranked players but at the same time Winning Khelo India University Games gave me deep pleasure because it was the FIRST Khelo India University Games ever held and we are the winners.

Also read: Representing and winning medals for India is my most special and honorable achievement - Indian roller skater Bhavita Madhu

Q 4) You have trained at the Yadav Pro Badminton Academy in Bangalore under coach Jagdish Yadav. How much has he contributed in the success of your career and the development of your game?

In his guidance only we won the Senior National Championship and many All India tournaments. After winning the national championship, he worked on the improvement of our game. Currently we are practicing at the Prakash Padukone Academy under the national camp.

Q 5) What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your career so far? How did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge is to get endorsements and sponsorship from the private sector which we could not get till now. We are looking forward to connecting with private companies for endorsement deals. 

Q 6) What are your future goals and objectives? How do you plan to achieve them?

Future goal is to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. This year our aim is to be in the Top 30 in World ranking. Currently We are targeting upcoming India International tournaments which will be starting from Tuesday 11th January. 

(Motorsport) Formula 1 team Aston Martin have announced the departure of team boss Otmar Szafnauer. The Romanian - American engineer originally joined what was then known as Force India in 2009 and subsequently went on to become team boss after the outfit was taken over by Lawrence Stroll in 2018. Aston Martin have said that the position “will be managed within the leadership team until a replacement is appointed.”

A statement released by Aston Martin read “Otmar Szafnauer has left the company and his role at Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team will be managed within the leadership team until a replacement is appointed. We would like to thank him for the service provided to the team over the past 12 years and wish him well for the future as he will undoubtedly take on new challenges.

“Fortunately, we are led and managed by a strong group of individuals, and we are comfortable to take a little time to explore options before announcing a new team structure. The focus of the team is currently on preparing the most competitive car possible for the start of the 2022 season."

The statement did not give a reason for the 57 year old’s departure and it came just a day after Szafnauer’s interview in which he spoke enthusiastically about Aston Martin’s prospects for the 2022 season. He has been linked with a move to rivals Alpine which had been previously dismissed as “pure media speculation”.

Also read: Four things fans should be excited about for the 2022 Formula 1 season

At just 20 years old, Priya Keer has already participated in various national and state level para judo competitions, winning 2 gold, 2 silver and a bronze medal in the sport. Despite her visual impairment, her influence is not just limited to sport as she has also been trained on women’s rights and gender issues, currently serving as a member of the executive body of the women's committee.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Priya Keer speaks about the impact of judo in her life, memorable achievements, influence of Sightsavers India, Viklang Ekta Seva Samiti, being a role model for others and her future goals.

Q 1) How much of an impact has judo had in your life? When did you realize it’s a sport you can excel in?

Initially when I started, my interest wasn’t there in Judo but when I went for my first training then I figured that I can do this. After that in January 2017 when I went to play in nationals and I came third in that tournament, it actually made me realize that I can pursue this as a career. Judo has given me a new life and whatever little fame and recognition that I have got is thanks to Judo.

Q 2) You have won 2 gold, 2 silver and a bronze medal in para judo tournaments. What has been the experience like of competing professionally and which is your most memorable achievement so far?

Ever since I won 2 gold, 2 Silver I have experienced that the 2nd time in Lucknow when I again played in the nationals, I saw that there were almost 800 participants as I was keenly observing the fights. So when I had to fight I had to face three boys on my way to the gold medal. My experience of not only winning a medal but also seeing other people fight made it even memorable.

Q 3) How much has Sightsavers India helped you in both your personal and professional life so far? 

Sightsavers India has helped me in my education, they have provided us with mobile phones and they gave us lessons on how to use the phones as well. Sightsavers has not only helped me in my personal life but also helped me get better in my professional life . So I’m currently learning a lot from them which is helping me grow as a person

Also read: Representing and winning medals for India is my most special and honorable achievement - Indian roller skater Bhavita Madhu

Q 4) Tell us about the Viklang Ekta Seva Samiti? What is it about and what sort of training did you receive?

Viklang Ekta Seva Samiti is an organization which aims to help disabled people on all fronts. The organization keeps us aware about our rights and tries to make sure the government policies reach every one of us. SDG and RPWD give us constant training on various activities.
The organization has an equal proportion of male and female representatives who try to help disabled people and want them to be on the same level as others in all areas.

Q 5) What would be your message to others who are visually impaired? Do you aim to become a role model for others who are in a similar situation?

Being a visually imparied athlete myself, if I can reach these heights in Judo then everyone can also do it no matter what type of difficulties they have. Just like Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Avani Lekhara and many others; I too want to bring laurels for my country in Judo.

Q 6) What are your goals for the future? How do you aim to accomplish them?

I want to achieve more in Judo at the National, International level and want to represent the country at the Paralympics. With constant training and help from SDH we will be able to achieve our goals.

New Delhi, Jan 8 (Football News) Eurosport India, Discovery Network's premium sports brand, has acquired the broadcast rights for the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup, which India will host from January 20 to February 6.

Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which currently holds the media rights for all Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions in the Indian subcontinent, has accorded the PayTV broadcast rights to Eurosport India.

The 20th edition of the continental tournament will feature 12 teams, which have been divided into three groups.

Group A includes hosts India, China, Chinese Taipei, and Iran, while Group B comprises Australia, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia.

Meanwhile Japan, Korea Republic, Vietnam and Myanmar have been slotted in Group C.

The tournament will act as the final stage of Asian qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

With Australia having already qualified as co-host, five more teams will qualify for the main event directly while two of them will progress to the inter-confederation play-offs. 

Also Read : Mumbai City FC secure top spot in the ISL after goalless draw against SC East Bengal

News Source : PTI

Johannesburg, Jan 8 (Cricket News) The win at Wanderers against India is a move in the right direction for the South Africa team, according to skipper Dean Elgar, who revealed that while there is room for improvement, the hosts won't be tinkering with their game plan heading into the final Test.

After slumping to a 113-run defeat in the first Test, South Africa bounced back with a superb seven-wicket win here to level the three-match series 1-1.

"It's a positive move, no doubt and a step in the right direction," Elgar was quoted as saying by 'Sports24'.

"We're still going to have challenging encounters coming our way and that includes the next Test that starts on Tuesday. We're going to be pushed to different boundaries and how the guys respond to that is going to be important," he added.

Elgar scored an unbeaten 96 while stitching crucial partnerships with Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma in the second innings to lead his side to a famous victory and the skipper feels the win will fire up the "relatively inexperienced squad" for the final Test.

"However, we're going in the right direction and it's a confidence booster for a lot of the players in the squad.

"We've got a relatively inexperienced squad, but we still know that not everything is going to go our way," Elgar said.

India and South Africa are set to clash in the series-deciding final Test at Newlands, Cape Town from Tuesday and Elgar feels there is room for improvement for the Proteas.

"There were areas that we focused on and going into Cape Town, we'll have to over-emphasise them again," said Elgar.

"We'll have to be strict with our game plan, so we won't be changing too much going into Cape Town with regards to our game plans," he added. 

Also Read : SLC lifts suspensions on Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 7 (Kabaddi News) Raider Arjun Deshwal was once again the star for Jaipur Pink Panthers as they beat Puneri Paltan 31-26 in a Pro Kabaddi League match on Friday.

In the earlier match of the day, Haryana Steelers beat Bengal Warriors 41-37.

Panthers' lead raider Deshwal scored 11 points while defenders Sandeep Dhull and Sahul Kumar scored 4 points each.

The Season 1 champions jumped to the 7th position on the table after the victory.

Jaipur Pink Panthers started the match brightly with Deshwal impressing in the raids. Captain Deepak Hooda started on the bench for the Panthers who had left corner Sandeep Dhull back.

His presence gave the defence a lot more confidence as they prevented the likes of Pune's Mohit Goyat and Pankaj Mohite in the early minutes.

Jaipur got their first ALL OUT with 8 minutes remaining to open a healthy 8-point lead.

But Pune’s next-generation stars were in no mood to let Jaipur run away with the match. The trio of Pankaj Mohite, Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat got quick raid points to help Pune clinch an ALL OUT with 2 minutes remaining. The first half ended well-balanced at 18-17 with Jaipur in the lead. 

Also Read : Tamil Thaliavas hold Patna Pirates to a tie

News Source : PTI

(Esports news) The inaugural edition of the World Esports Cup 2021 enters the business end, as video of India’s top Free Fire teams challenging the opponents  through a rap song that clocked over 10 million views across the social media.

A high-octane one-minute rap video, which featured top Free Fire teams such as Total Gaming (30 million subscribers), Desi Gamers (12.4 million), Assassins Army (4.8 million), Helping Gamer (7.7 million), Telugu Gaming (1.5 million) went viral in no time as it became an instant hit.

“As much as this tournament has brought the best gamers together under one roof from across the South East Asian region, wherein they are not only competing and giving it all to feature themselves among the best in the business, we at ITG also wanted to create something unique to recognise and promote them among the larger audience in India. Hence, we came up with this idea to create a song, something that has not been done before and will help to showcase top gamers and their characters globally,” said Mr Vishwalok Nath, Director, World Esports Cup.

The lyrics are penned by Gypsy Soul while the young Indian rapper, Jordan Ranjan Sharma has lent his voice for this video. It has also received an overwhelming response on Facebook with 2.2M views as well as 2M views on Instagram also.

Also read: Twelve Indian teams to be a part of World Esports Cup

Today, after the India finals, representing their own country, four qualified teams each from India, Pakistan, and Nepal will fight for the WEC ’21 title at the global finals, scheduled from January 10 to January 14, 2022. The inaugural edition of the WEC ’21 with Smartphone maker Infinix Smartphones as the title sponsor has a prize pool of INR 75 lakh and the fans can watch the thrilling live action and support their favourite teams on India Today Gaming YouTube channel
 

New Delhi, Jan 7 (Cricket News) The All India Sports Council of the Deaf said it has got the approval from the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) to host the first World Deaf T20 Cricket Championship in Kerala from January 10 to 20, 2023.

Honorary General Secretary, AISCD, G Suresh Kumar said the first World Deaf T20 cricket championship will be held in Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala from January 10 to January 20, 2023.

"This championship was planned to be conducted in 2020-2021 but due to the sudden outbreak of coronavirus it was postponed first to 2022 and now fixed for January 2023,” Kumar said in a press statement.

"A minimum eight countries are expected to take part in the championship and this kind of international event is being held in India with the approval of the ICSD for the first time." AISCD is the only Centre-recognised national sports federation for the deaf, while the ICSD is the only international federation recognized as governing body of deaf sports movement and Deaflympics sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. 

Also Read : Kieron Pollard leading a young but hopeful team against Ireland

News Source : PTI

Having recently won a gold medal at the 59th National Roller Skating Championship, Bhavita Madhu is already setting her sights on competing at International Championships in the year ahead and winning medals for the country. In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, the Indian roller skater speaks about her journey so far, balancing education with her sporting career, representing India, the role of her coaches and her future goals and aspirations.

Q 1) You started skating at the age of four, what drew you into the sport while you were young and when did you realize that it’s a passion you can pursue professionally?

I started skating as a part of my daily physical activity. Very soon, it became the part of my day I always looked forward to. So, I decided to compete at the state and national levels. I was 12 when I got the opportunity to represent the country at an international championship and that is when I decided that I wanted to pursue it professionally. 

Q 2) You are currently studying Integrated MS – Life Sciences at Ahmedabad University. How do you balance your education and sporting career? What are some of the challenges that you have faced in maintaining that balance?

Balancing studies along with a sports career has been very challenging. Along with the practice comes fitness, which is essential for any sport. For me, the most difficult part has been preparing for exams along with the hours of practice. Ahmedabad University has been supportive of my sports career and smoothened the way for me. 

Q 3) You recently won a gold medal at the 59th National Roller Skating Championship. Is that the most special achievement in your career so far and how was the experience of representing your country?

Although this national medal was a major win for me, representing and winning medals for the country has been the most special and honourable achievement for me. Watching the Indian flag go up on the podium and hearing India’s National Anthem being played still gives me goosebumps to date.

Also read: The plan is simple - work hard, learn from your mistakes and trust the process: Esports athlete Harpreet Singh "RonaK" Janjuha

Q 4) How much have your coaches Jyutika Desai and Raffaello Melossi helped you in your achievements so far? Who else would you give credit to for your success?

The credit for everything I have achieved so far in my entire sports career go to my coaches and parents. My coaches have guided me and trained me for all the championships and my parents have been with me every step of the way. They have supported me through my failures and inspired me to do my best every time. 

Q 5) What are some of your future goals and aspirations? How do you plan to achieve them?

Currently, I am looking forward to participating in the upcoming International Championships in 2022. I have been focusing on improving my fitness for better performance in the upcoming championships.

Johannesburg, Jan 7 (Cricket News) The legendary Sunil Gavaskar feels Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane repaid the trust that was shown in them, adding it is easy to get excited by young talents but the team should continue showing faith in its senior players as long as they are "not getting out badly." After a string of poor performances, the under-fire duo of Pujara and Rahane came good with the bat, scoring half-centuries in India’s second innings of the second Test.

"The team has backed them because of the experience and what they have done in the past. They had the belief that they will come good and they did," Gavaskar said on ‘Star Sports.’ "Sometimes we can be a little bit hard on some of our senior players because you have these exciting young players waiting in the wings and we all want to see them get a bit of exposure.

“But as long as these senior players are playing well and not getting out badly, then I think we should show faith in them," he added.

India was without the services of regular skipper Virat Kohli who was ruled out of the Test minutes before the toss due to a lower back spasm.

"It is amazing, this is the first time that India have lost a Test match in which Virat Kohli has not played. They drew once in Sydney but otherwise they have always won.

Despite Rahane and Pujara’s knocks India was not able to contain the South African batters, specially skipper Dean Elgar, who stitched crucial partnerships to lead the hosts to series-levelling 1-1 win here on Thursday.

Gavaskar was not impressed by stand-in skipper KL Rahul’s field placements. He was also critical of the Indian fielding.

“I thought giving Dean Elgar those singles at the start of the innings was making life a little bit easier for him.

"Elgar is not a hooker of the ball so to have two men in the deep did not make any sense. He was taking the singles quite comfortably.

“The Indian fielding could have been just that little bit sharper. But otherwise, it was the South Africans who won the game. I don't think the Indians lost it, the South Africans who won this game," said Gavaskar. 

Also Read : I told myself last night to stay till the end: Elgar

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 6 (Kabaddi News) Tamil Thalaivas and Patna Pirates shared the spoils in a 30-30 tie in their Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) match here on Thursday.

Ajinkya Pawar came off the bench to score 12 points for Thaliavas while Monu Goyat scored 9 for the Pirates.

Interestingly, coach Uday Kumar opted for a much-changed Thalaivas line-up against the Pirates with Manjeet and K. Prapanjan starting on the bench.

Ajinkya Pawar, whose brilliant cameos had helped Thaliavas in the previous matches also started from the dugout. But with captain Surjeet Singh on the mat, the Tamil Thalaivas continued to look like a dominant side capable of challenging the best.

It was raining tackle points the entire half with Patna's all-rounders also chipping in with tackles and assists.

Monu Goyat was the stand-out star for the three-time champions, picking up difficult points against a well-drilled Tamil Thalaivas defence.

Patna's hybrid Kabaddi players, capable of defending and attacking, made it difficult for Thalaivas to target any weaknesses.

The Patna Pirates clinched their first ALL OUT in the last minute of the first half which finished 18-12 in favour of the men in green.

Ajinkya Pawar's introduction provided much need sharpness to the Tamil raiding unit. His 2-point raid early in the second half set the tone for the Thalaivas who went on to get an ALL OUT in the 8th minute.

Ajinkya Pawar also clinched his Super 10 as Thalaivas opened a 2-point with 10 minutes remaining.

Patna stayed in the game, with two crucial reviews ensuring they stayed within touching distance from the Tamil Thalaivas.

Sajin C. was having a poor night on the mat for Patna Iranian Mohammadreza Chiyaneh ensured they stayed focused with body blocks and dashes.

The scores were 30-30 with one minute left in the match and the teams decided to safeguard the three points (for a tie) rather than go for the win. 

Also Read : Honda's Barreda tops stage 4, Hero MotorSports keep it steady

News Source : PTI

Riyadh, Jan 6 (MotorSports News) Honda's Joan Barreda pushed his machine to the limit over the 465 kilometres in stage 4, the longest of the Dakar Rally, to finish with the day's top time here.

Chilean rider Pablo Quintanilla put the icing on the cake for Monster Energy Honda Team by clinching the runner-up spot.

Hero MotoSports Team Rally, who created history by becoming the first Indian team to win a stage at the Dakar Rally, delivered a steady performance in Stage 4 with Joaquim Rodrigues and Aaron Maré finishing in the 24th and 26th places respectively, in the Rally GP class.

After winning his first-ever stage at the Dakar, JRod opened Stage 4 early morning from Al Qaisumah and managed to deliver a steady performance to maintain his 18th position in the overall rankings.

79 percent dirt, 12 percent dunes, 7 percent sand and 2 percent dried-out lake were on the menu for the longest stage of the competition.

A trial by fire for all those involved. There was a mix of different terrain types to be negotiated and some navigation too. All in all, a high-paced affair that would begin to mark out the riders who will end up in possible contention for the final Dakar prize.

The starting order for this fourth day set the stage for a promising race, particularly for Barreda, who came out guns blazing, firmly intent on victory and also on improving his position in the general standings.

With flawless riding and navigational prowess, the Spanish rider reached the finish-line in Riyadh and currently holds seventh position, just over thirteen minutes shy of the overall leader.

Barreda was penalised one minute for exceeding the speed limit in a radar zone.

Quintanilla also performed well. The Chilean turned out a very steady stage, consistently among the top three, climbing up one position in the order in the latter half of the day.

Quinta improved on his position in the table and now lies sixth, eleven minutes and thirteen seconds behind the race leader.

Ricky Brabec, who set off from sixth this morning in Al Qaisumah, had a fairly good day, posting 10th, but Brabec also received a two-minute penalty for speeding in a controlled area. 

Also Read : Dakar Rally: Lone Indian in fray Noah finishes 29th, Hero's Rodrigues wins stage 3

News Source : PTI

Rameswaram, Jan 6 (Sports News) Olympic sailors KC Ganapathy and Varun Thakkar on Thursday kicked off Prime Minister Narendra Modi's school visit campaign in the Southern part of India by visiting Tamil Nadu's Vivekananda Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School.

Taking Modi's unique school visit campaign ahead, the Asian Championships gold medallists Thakkar and Ganapathy interacted with children on the importance of having a balanced and nutritious diet to build strong immunity and muscles that are important in the life of an athlete.

They also got the students to share their sports resolution for the year 2022 with the audience so they got to hear the experience of upcoming athletes as well.

Besides students for the host school, student representatives of 75 schools from 3 districts of Tamil Nadu also attended the special event and got a unique opportunity to meet the local athletes.

The duo also showed the students a few basic muscle strengthening exercises which are important to have as a sailor and said, "For sailing, you need to have a balance between flexibility and strength otherwise the wind might suddenly change and throw you off your boats.

"So every morning we start our day with either running or cycling to build on our flexibility and then in the evening we to weight training, so we can build upon our strength." The unique initiative is part of the government's 'Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' that was kicked off by Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra in December 2021 and then taken ahead by Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia in the northern region of India.

While the sailors met and guided the school going students to keep the momentum of the 'Meet the Champions' initiative going, the school management made sure that the students followed strict COVID appropriate protocols and wore masks at all times during the Olympian's short visit. 

Also Read : People have drawn fallacious conclusion that India's Asiad participation is under doubt: EFI

News Source : PTI

Currently representing Skylightz Gaming, Harpreet Singh "RonaK'' Janjuha is an Indian PUBG Mobile player who is making waves in the esports scene. Having won the PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019, PUBG Mobile Club Open - Spring Split: India and PUBG Mobile India Series 2019, RonaK is setting his aim higher in order to fulfill his dream of winning an international trophy for India.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, RonaK speaks about being introduced to PUBG and making a career in esports, joining Skylightz Gaming and his role in the team, memorable achievements in his career so far, overcoming challenges, future goals and more!

Q 1) When were you first introduced to PUBG and what motivated you to become a professional esports athlete?

I was introduced to PUBG around 4 years ago. I was in love with the game from the get-go. I would spend hours playing the game and when I learned that I could play this game professionally I was over the moon. The possibility of making a career out of something I love doing motivated me to become a professional esports athlete, and it still does. 

Q 2) How has the experience been at Skylightz Gaming since you joined them last year? What is your role in the team?

The experience since joining Skylightz Gaming last year has been wonderful. I share an amazing bond with my teammates and every day I find an opportunity to learn new things. As a team, we share the same passion and work together to reach the highest level. My in-game role is - Sniper/Support.

Q 3) What would you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses? How are you working towards improving your game?

I do not believe in categorizing strengths and weaknesses. It is all about keeping an open mind and finding the smallest of opportunities to learn new things. I work towards improving my game by following a strict practice routine. Other than that I discuss tactics with my teammates, review previous matches, and watch gameplay videos of other players. These things help me improve my current skill set and minimize my weaknesses in future matches.

Also read: We want to create phenomenal experiences and solve problems in the sports ecosystem - Megha Gambhir, Co-Founder and CEO at Stupa Sports Analytics

Q 4) What are some of your most memorable achievements in your career so far and why?

One of the most memorable achievements in my career would be winning the PUBG Mobile India Series 2019 because that was the first-ever tournament I won. It holds a special place in my heart. Crossing 300K subscribers is also up there as my most memorable achievement because I would have never imagined that number back when I started my career.

Q 5) What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your journey to becoming an esports athlete? How did you overcome them?

Like many others, I faced some challenges at the start of my career. Starting small is never an easy task. So overcoming that stage in my career was one of the biggest challenges I faced. I believe that if you work hard without getting distracted, you can overcome anything. The focus should always be on achieving the end result. It is important to keep a positive mindset and remember why you started your journey.

Q 6) What are your goals and ambitions for the future? How do you plan to achieve them?

The goal has always been to bring home an international trophy. I have always dreamed of doing so. The plan to achieve any goal is simple - work hard, learn from your mistakes and trust the process. There’s no shortcut to success.

Kochi, Jan 6 (Football News) On-field communication, something that she struggled with in her initial days with the Indian women's team owing to language barrier, will be the key to success in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup, midfielder Indumathi Kathiresan said on Thursday.

India will host the continental tournament from January 20 to February 6 in three venues across Maharashtra.

"It's all about communicating on the field to fill in the missing areas, when you're playing in the midfield," Indumathi was quoted as saying by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

"People mistake it to be pointing out the mistakes of others. But it's not about that. If I don't do it, they may not know what they've done wrong, and vice versa." "When they (my teammates) look into my eyes on the pitch, they should know that even if they make an error, I'll give my life to come and help them; and when I look into their eyes, I too want to see the same." While the 27-year-old midfield general stresses the importance of communicating with her teammates, it was not too long back that she herself found communication one of the hardest parts of football.

The daughter of daily wage workers from Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, Indumathi completed her education in government schools with the help of scholarships, balancing both studies and sports.

However, when she was called up to a month-long national team trials camp, the young midfielder found that she could not properly communicate with any of her teammates.

"I had then got called up for a National Team trial among 50 girls. But I was the only one from Tamil Nadu. No other girl spoke Tamil, and I could not speak either Hindi or English, so I could not really communicate with anyone," she recalled.

"Not being able to speak to anyone around you for more than a month is really difficult." "Sometimes I used to cry on the phone to my mother, and she would tell me to come back, but I knew I couldn't do that. I didn't understand much of what others said to me, I just smiled and nodded and kept going," she said with a laugh.

"I've had to change a lot. All the coaches told me that I need to be able to speak with others, because football is a sport where communication is essential. So I started to learn, and now I can manage," she said.

A sub inspector in Tamil Nadu Police, Indumathi would never have imagined that she would one day play in a tournament of the stature of the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the Blue Tigresses.

"I'm 27 now. If you'd have asked me back in school or college whether I'd still be playing football till this age, I would probably have said, no. But I'm thankful that I can still do it. And I'm even more grateful that I'm getting to play the Asian Cup on home soil," said Indumathi.

"I now have a job in the Police as well, but football is my identity. This comes first and foremost. When you say Indumathi Kathiresan, I want you to first think of me as a footballer, and then as a Policewoman." In her younger days, Indumathi has had to contend with the notion that football is not meant for women.

"I've always had to balance football and studies. My parents, at first, did not want me to play football, but I continued anyway. Once I started playing in the NFCs, they began to realise that I could probably do something with my footballing career.

"But convincing them became more difficult when I'd get some injuries. As it is, I used to miss a lot of exams in my college because we were playing tournaments. We used to have separate exams, and once I had to sit for two semesters' worth of exams at the same time." The Asian Cup is just around the corner, and the Blue Tigresses have played a number of friendly matches in the UAE, Bahrain, Sweden and Brazil as part of their preparation for the continental extravaganza.

The midfielder feels that the matches were of a very high quality, something that puts the team in good stead. 

Also Read : Beleaguered SC East Bengal have task cut out against Mumbai

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 6 (Sports News) India's participation in the upcoming Asian Games is under no doubt since several horse-rider combinations for Show-Jumping and Eventing disciplines have already achieved the required eligibility for qualification (MER) even as three selection trial events are still left, Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) asserted on Thursday.

EFI's clarification has come in the wake of reports that lowering of the status of one of its events by the world governing body FEI has cast a doubt on India's participation at the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou from September 10-25.

The EFI insisted that FEI can not interfere in India's selection trials but admitted that one of the events which also happened to be a trial event has been downgraded from CCI2* to CCI1* level.

EFI said it is not necessary that an FEI event has to serve as a selection trial and it is prerogative of the national federation to decide which event will be a selection trial.

"I ask you a simple question, can ICC interfere in BCCI's selection trials for picking national team, for a cricket tournament or can UWW interfere in selection of Indian wrestlers for the Asian Games?," EFI Secretary General Colonel Jaiveer Singh said in an interaction with the PTI.

"It is up to India's national sports federation to pick national team. It is highly misleading for someone to say that India's Asiad participation is under doubt just because status of one FEI event was lowered. People have actually drawn fallicious conclusion that is under doubt." Col. Singh explained why the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) had lowered the status of the Bengaluru CCI2 event, that had to serve as a selection trial event for the Asiad.

"FEI's main concern was that why so many riders entered the competition but did not finish in the Delhi event last month. They were worried about the withdrawals.

"We explained to them that since riders did not get good enough points in one event, they did not want to strain their horses by participating in other event and thus the withdrawals.

"FEI remained insistent and wanted us to first have a lower-rung event and then go for a CCI2 event. But please understand that we can have selection trials even without an FEI sanctioned CCI2 event.

"We are doing FEI events for the sake of transparency. It gives level-playing field for Indian riders who live and compete in the country as well as Indian riders abroad, competing in European events. At an FEI event, the jury is international and standards of judging is high," he said.

EFI contended that in Eventing discipline, Major Apurva Dabhade has achieved two MERs (42.8 in Jaipur and 36.2 in Delhi) with his horse Cantolina and Major Deepanshu Sheoran (horse, Fransisco Dream) has one MER (32.7).

Dfr. Rakesh Kumar (MER 34.9 with horse Victory Lap), Swr. Vikas Kumar (MER 39.1, horse Altaf) and Ashish Limaye (MER 40.5, horse Dinard Peguignon) are eligible to be on Indian team for the Asian Games.

"This Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER) is as per the defined selection criteria laid down by the EFI. It matches international standard, so if they have already achieved that, how can anyone say India's Asiad participation is under doubt," Col. Jaiveer asked.

In Show Jumping, securing 12 and lower penalty is good enough to be in probables and five riders have already got MERs.

Out of five, Zahan Setalvad has secured two MERs (9 and 8) with horse Quintus Z and he has got another MER with horse EL Captian while Kaevaan Setalvad (9), Amar Sarin (12) and Pranay Khare (0) are other riders who are in contention to be in the Indian team.

In the Dressage event, Anush Agarwalla (69.412% PSG, Prix St-Georges) and Gaurav Pundir (66.127% PSG) have achieved MERs.

"All these Indian riders have achieved MERs judged by international jury, so these results mean they are good enough to compete in Asian Games. So our trial events are pretty fair and good standard," said Lt. Colonel MM Rahman, the joint secretary of the EFI.

The federation said it gives five chances to all riders to earn qualification and intends to hold the remaining selection trials between February and April.

"See, we have teams ready even today but why we are hosting more trial events is that better candidates with even better points emerge. We give all riders a minimum of five trials events to compete and present their candidature," Rahman added. 

Also Read : PKL: Bengal Warriors face in-form Haryana Steelers

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 6 (Kabaddi News)Defending champions Bengal Warriors will face in-form Haryana Steelers in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) here on Friday.

Captain Maninder Singh and Iranian all-rounder Mohammad Nabibakhsh will once again lead the Warriors who will be keen to maintain momentum after halting their losing streak.

The match will be followed by Jaipur Pink Panthers' showdown against Puneri Paltan.

Haryana's fortunes will depend on how well the defensive combination of Surender Nada and Jaideep handle Bengal captain Maninder Singh. With 17 tackle points each, the duo has been the most interesting defensive line to watch with Surender providing the experience to young Jaideep's exuberance.

Haryana's raiding trio of Vikash Kandola, Meetu and Rohit Gulia has also found form in the recent matches.

The Steelers have usually impressed whenever their raiders have hit Super 10s and the Bengal defence will be eyeing to stop that from happening. They managed a tie against U Mumba and beat Gujarat Giants in their previous two matches.

Bengal have been overly reliant on Maninder Singh and Mohammad Nabibakhsh for the points. Together they contributed 23 points in the Warriors' 31 against Jaipur Pink Panthers in their previous match.

If Haryana stop the duo, they will have a solid chance of winning. Coach Rakesh Kumar will want his Steelers to start the match aggressively against a Bengal side who have lacked confidence in their defence.

The more time Maninder Singh spends away from the mat, the more likely Haryana are to win.

The second match of the night will see Jaipur Pink Panthers take on a rejuvenated Puneri Paltan side.

Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat were in great form for coach Anup Kumar's Pune in their win against Gujarat Giants. They will fancy their chances against Jaipur's defence that has looked leaky in the recent games with the Sandeep Dhull and Vishal failing to find a rhythm.

The Pink Panthers will once again rely on Arjun Deshwal, who has started the season with consecutive Super 10s, to lead their attack. 

Also Read : Puneri Paltan's youngsters outclass Gujarat's experienced defence

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 6 (Cricket News) Fantasy sports platform My11Circle has signed up with RP-Sanjiv Goenka group's Lucknow franchise as the official title sponsor of the team for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League.

The three-year deal will see My11Circle logo featuring on the Lucknow team jersey.

Commenting on the partnership, Raghu Iyer, CEO, RPSG Sports said, "We are delighted to have My11Circle as our Principal Team Sponsor. We thank them for the faith they have shown in our new franchise and are confident that this will be a winning partnership." Lucknow franchise is one of the new teams apart from Ahmedabad side in the upcoming season of IPL. 

Also Read : Everything you need to know about Ireland’s tour to West Indies

News Source : PTI

The sporting industry has evolved leaps and bounds, not just in terms of new advancements for the athletes and coaches but also to create the best experiences for fans. We’ve seen the use of data analysis in the popular Hollywood film ‘Moneyball’ but did you know that analytics are also integral for the holistic growth of the entire sporting ecosystem? From increasing revenue, analyzing player performance to prevention of injuries, analytics has become a central component to not just give competitive advantages but enhance fan experiences.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Megha Gambhir, Co-Founder and CEO at Stupa Sports Analytics speaks about the importance of sports analytics, building experiences for fans and audiences, digitizing sporting events, migrating to other sports, driving organic traffic on social media and future goals.

Q 1) How much of a competitive edge does sports analytics give to an athlete or a team? Do you believe it's a must-have in this day and age?

I definitely believe that it is a must have. There is a saying that smart work is as important as hard work. When you are working smart it gives you much more benefits. That is why I believe that sports analytics are important for the players and the coaches because you are getting the precise information and taking that into practice. They can then work on the specific areas that need improvement and also work on areas where the opponent is weak. It's very important that players get objective feedback through sports analytics. The smart training makes the players better prepared for the matches. I feel that using analytics gives individuals a competitive edge. 

Q 2) How is Stupa Sports Analytics building experiences for fans and audiences?

So far we have been working on multiple segments. One is related to players and coaches which is performance analytics but the other big area is fans who are watching the game through any form of media. Fans of Table Tennis or many other racket sports that are not as popular as Football or Cricket are in dire need of experiences where they can have a visual treat which not only gives them an appealing experience but also gives them a better understanding of the game. When a Football or a Cricket fan tries to watch these other sports he should not be blank without understanding what is happening in the match. We are trying to bring augmented reality and mixed reality using our artificial intelligence, merging it with the live viewing experiences which can help them understand the game and give them a lot of visual enhancement. It makes it interesting and also makes it easy for the viewers to comprehend the games while watching. That is the kind of experience we are building. 

Q 3) How does Stupa enable event organizers to digitize the tournament with automated handling and monetization?

We have built a tournament platform that can manage the entire event starting from registration of players to publishing the results, it can also create the fixtures, analyse the scores and live streaming the event for the audience. Currently many of the sports including Table Tennis don’t have a platform which gives the audience end-to-end solutions, where they can create digital events and perform all the activities online.

With the help of the app, the players will get notified of each change in the event. They can also know the umpires in the matches and get the recordings of matches of all the players from Stupa. The platform which we have created gives out a lot of information so any individual will understand all the aspects of the sport. Even now, many events around the world still use pen and paper for the events. I think we have brought in a more sophisticated platform which enables them to work digitally. Another part we have added to this is to monetize the tournaments by the organisers so that they can generate revenue out of it.

People who are on this platform can watch the live matches, download the videos, get the stats and analytics. This is where a tournament promoter can start monetizing through ads in the live streams, offline videos, and sell the analytics to players and coaches. So the monetizing element can increase the entire trust of the community of organizers and players. Everyone is getting benefited and finally the level of the sport goes higher.

Also read: My main goal is to help my country qualify for a World Cup - Malaysian national cricketer Pavandeep Singh

Q 4) With 25% of Olympian table tennis players already using Stupa Sport Analytics, how quickly are you planning to migrate to other racquet sports such as tennis and badminton?

We do have plans to expand it to other sports. It was an overwhelming moment when we realized that 25% of the Table Tennis players at the Tokyo Olympics were Stupa users. Another major achievement was that they won three Olympic medals, now we have 40 plus world rank players who are using our services. We also have major federations like Germany, Sweden, Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation and we are also signing contracts. We feel there is still a left to do in Table Tennis since there are a lot of inhand contracts and we are also currently working on products for the sport.

The kind of technology we have built can be transferable to multiple other sports. Badminton being the rising market in India, we do want to shift into Tennis as well and will be raising funds in the next few months. As soon as we close our funding the next step is to expand the team into Badminton and other sports as well.

Q 5) How does Stupa help spread viral and engaging table tennis content on social media that drives organic traffic?

Table Tennis has a global market in itself as almost 200 million people play Table Tennis which includes the competitive and the amatuer sector as well. The player market is quite huge and even the audience of the sport is huge, almost 1.6 Billion viewership was received last year which is being reported by the WTT. The market is huge, however, the creative content hasn’t come out to give fans some nice feeds on social media and I feel this is the sector we should work on and gain the trust of the fans. What we have started is very creative in terms of covering tournaments, results and properly creating some fun entertaining content. In the last couple of months we have seen the growth of more than 3 million interactions on our Instagram handle so we feel that the creative content has worked wonders and is helping more people to be engaged with the sport more.

Q 6) As CEO of Stupa Sports Analytics, what are some of your future goals? How do you plan to achieve them?

We started Stupa three years ago and the journey has been a very emotional one for us as lots of ups and downs we have faced but I would say we had more highs than lows because this is what we were envisaging when we initially had the idea. Our future goal was to work in a kind of environment where we completely redesigned and redefined the sports experience for people who were with the sport. By using the latest technologies as currently we are working on deeptech, AI, AR and a lot of other stuff as well. Our future goal is to enhance the experience and redesign the sport for the players, fans, organisers, federation etc. We literally want to create a phenomenal experience for them by solving the problems they are facing in the sport in the sporting ecosystem that we have created. We do want to give the entire sports fraternity, be it Table Tennis, Badminton or Tennis, an experience so that they have the facility to solve their problems and help them through our technological advancements.

While cricket in Malaysia is still finding its own two feet, the country has its share of talented cricketers who are aspiring to compete at the top level. With passionate supporters and a hardworking team, it seems only a matter of time before Malaysia establishes itself as a cricket playing nation and gives the big names such as Australia, England and India a run for their money.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Malaysian national cricketer Pavandeep Singh speaks about his journey as a professional, his childhood cricketing idols, overcoming challenges, memorable performances, playing alongside his brother in the national team and his future goals.

Q 1) How old were you when you first started playing cricket and what got you interested in it?

I first got involved in the game at the age of 9 at my primary school, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur. Back then it was compulsory for students to play at least one sport as part of the extra curricular activity and since my dad played a little cricket during his school days, he suggested I should give it a try. I had then no clue what the game was about but decided to give it a try and joined the cricket programme at the school held every Monday from 2pm-3pm.

My first cricket coach was Mr Munusamy who taught me the basics of the game and just like every beginner, I first started playing with a plastic bat and tennis ball. A year later, we had a change of coach at the school. A gentleman from Sri Lanka, Mr Damith, was brought in as a replacement. He had a very different coaching style and emphasised more on making training sessions fun. He used to let us play games using alternative scenarios and this really got me  involved during training sessions. I started developing a keen interest in the game and he then suggested that my brother, Virandeep, and I join the Royal Selangor Club to start playing with the hard ball and to train more regularly as the club conducted three sessions weekly.

I was soon selected to represent the Kuala Lumpur U15 state team and with good enough performances, was then selected to represent Malaysia U16’s. There was no turning back since and I subsequently made my debut for the Malaysian National Team in 2013, at the age of 16. 

Q 2) Who was your favourite player growing up and what did you like about him?

Growing up, I was a big fan of the Indian cricket team. I made it a point to subscribe to the sports package on television every time India was playing. My favourite player was and still is MS Dhoni. His ability to hit the ball, especially that trademark helicopter shot just made me a big big fan of his. I truly admire his leadership skills as well his ability to remain calm in any situation. He reads and understands the game well and has the quality to bring the best out of his players. Amongst all his brilliant innings, his 91 runs of 79 balls in the 2011 World Cup final is my personal favourite. I wish to meet the great man one day…

Q 3) What are some of the challenges you have faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

One of them would be finding a balance between playing cricket and studying. It was a big challenge during my school days as I used to be away for months and missed a lot of classes. The only time I would be back in school was for exams. To keep up with the syllabus, I had to do a lot of self studying after matches and training and had to attend tuitions at night. I must thank my parents for always allowing me to continue my passion in cricket and of course my school and tuition teachers as well for always being patient and understanding. As cricket is not a main-stream sport in Malaysia, it is important to have an education as we cant solely depend on cricket to make a living in the future. 

Although things are improving and cricket is gaining popularity in Malaysia, I still feel it's important to have an education. I’m currently doing my Bachelor’s degree in International Business Management at Asia Pacific University under their sports scholarship. It is a lot easier to balance both cricket and studies now and I must thank the Malaysian Cricket Association for their efforts in securing sport scholarships for National cricketers at the Asia Pacific University. 

I think the challenge all cricketers face is having a bad patch. When I'm going through a bad patch, I always try to keep things simple and just remind myself why I actually started playing this game. Just thinking of my love and passion for this game helps bring me back to my zone.  Another challenge faced mostly by Associate Cricketers is a lack of competitive matches. The ongoing pandemic has only made matters worse, for us here in Malaysia. We only played four T20 internationals matches last year which is a lot less compared to the previous year. I am hoping things get better this year and we get to play a lot more matches.

Also read: Our aim is to be synonymous with gaming in India - Rahul Bhattacharya, Co-Founder & MD, Microgravity

Q 4) What was the most satisfactory performance in your career so far?

As a team, I would say winning our first ever gold medal at the 2017 Sea Games is one moment that I will remember for a long long time. Playing at our home ground, Kinrara Oval, in front of passionate Malaysian fans just made that moment extra special. If i may add another one, it would be winning the T20 Bilateral series vs Hong Kong here in Kuala Lumpur. Prior to the tournament, we had been struggling as a team but I think we showed some strong character by coming back and winning our first ever T20 international series. Individually, it would be my spell of 3 for 13 in 10 overs vs Hong Kong during the 2018 Asia Cup Qualifier. I was also awarded as the Man Of the Match for that game.

Q 5) How does it feel to play with your brother on the Malaysian side?

It feels great. We both started our cricket journey from the same school, club and even state. In 2012, we made our debut for the Malaysian U16 team together and ended up winning our first ever ACC championship beating Nepal in the finals. The following year, we made our debut for the Malaysian U19 side and soon after we were both playing for the Malaysian National side. I still remember our first senior team tournament together in 2015 which was played in Dubai. Unfortunately, i missed out in the first couple of games but it was the game against Singapore which was our first ever game together for Malaysia. 

Having him around really helps as I can always share and discuss a lot with him. In cricket, you always need someone to talk to about your game and how things are going and for me, he’s always the person to talk to. We constantly discuss how we can get the Malaysian team to the next level and improve ourselves as cricketers as well. Recently, he became the first Malaysian ever to be a part of a global franchise league (Everest Premier League). It was a proud moment for all of us at home as well as for the Malaysian cricket community. Having said that, I still believe both of us have a long way to go and we hope to keep playing and performing to the best of our abilities so that we can take Malaysia Cricket to greater heights.

Q 6) What are your future ambitions and what steps are you taking to achieve them?

My main goal is to help Malaysia qualify for a World Cup. We recently heard that the 2024 T20 World Cup will be expanded to 20 teams. Malaysia is currently ranked 30th in the ICC T20I rankings and if we can keep moving up the ranks I strongly believe we will create a strong opportunity for ourselves to qualify for the mega event. Personally, I feel the best way for us to keep improving would be to consistently play competitive matches. Going for short stints overseas to cricket playing nations would also be really beneficial as we will be moving out of our comfort zone and playing in different conditions.

If there’s not much international cricket in store for the national team this year, I would most definitely be going abroad, maybe to the UK and Australia to get some exposure. In addition, given the opportunity, I  endeavour to be  part of a global franchise league and for that to happen I will need to consistently perform for my country. Not many know that I was born in Australia but moved to Malaysia when I was one. I do have plans of going down under to play some good cricket at a higher level. I’m not looking too far ahead but if the opportunity arises then play in the Sheffield Shield or the Big Bash league or other franchise leagues around the world.

Bengaluru, Jan 5 (Kabaddi News) Puneri Paltan's youngsters produced a mature performance to beat the experienced Gujarat Giants 33-26 in a Pro Kabaddi League match here on Wednesday.

Mohit Goyat clinched a Super 10 (10 points) for Paltan, his first in PKL, and was ably backed by all-rounder Aslam Inamdar (8 points) as the team moved away from the bottom of the points table.

Gujarat's coach Manpreet Singh will ask questions of his defence which failed to show up once again. The Giants' only relief came in the form of their raiders Ajay Kumar (10 points) and Rakesh S (8 points).

The match was going to be all about how the experienced defensive line-up of Gujarat handled the young Pune raiders. And it was the latter who started well with Mohit Goyat particularly impressive.

Aslam Inamdar and Vishwas S supported Mohit as Pune got their first 'All Out' in the 10th minute.

Left corner Girish Ernak hardly spent time on the mat while Gujarat right corner Ravinder Pahal suffered a knee injury while making a tackle.

Pahal's injury brought Hadi Oshtorak to the mat, but the Iranian wasn’t given an opportunity to settle by Mohit Goyat. Pune’s raider picked up 8 points in the first half that ended 19-13 in the team’s favour. At the other end, Rakesh scored 7 to keep his team alive in the contest.

Pune started the second half with the same intensity and got their second 'All Out' in the fifth minute. Gujarat’s experienced defenders struggled to cope with the intensity of Pune’s youngsters.

Aslam Inamdar and Vishwas contributed with successful tackles too as the all-rounders ensured Pune maintained a 5-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.

Ajay Kumar secured a Super 10 for Gujarat Giants but Pune kept finding points with Aslam Inamdar shining.

With five minutes on the clock, Pune had an 8-point lead. Parvesh Bhainswal produced two Super Tackles to give Gujarat a glimmer of hope in the final minutes, but the lead proved too much for the Giants to overcome. 

Also Read : PKL: Strugglers Gujarat and Pune lock horns, Delhi aim for top spot

News Source : PTI

(Esports news) Total Gaming and Team SoloMid (TSM FTX) alongside 10 other Indian teams progressed into the next stage as they will fight for a place in the global finals at South East Asia’s premier tri-nation esports tournament. 

Arrow Esports, Blackflag Army, Aura Gaming, Stone Crushers, Desi gamers, TG Tycoon, Chemin Esports, Helping Gamers, Orangutan and UG Empire are some of the teams who will compete in the India finals.

Ajay Sharma-led five-member Team Total Gaming, comprising of top gamers like Hora Vetkumar, Narai Yadav, Daksh Garg, and Rohit Sarraf (sub), will be eager to make their mark in the upgoing national qualifying stage, scheduled on Thursday and Friday, alongside the country’s other top teams, including Team SoloMid, which is consist of players like Naitik Khoshto, Sagar Patel, Jayesh Yadav, Koushik Malik, and Rudvait Khairnar, and Team Desi Gamers Esports with gamers like Ashwani Yadav, Karanjot Mehta, Alexis Arthur, Tarendra Sahu, Harsh Singh, and Kshitij Kumar Shrivastava.   

Top four teams from the India finals will be playing alongside players from Pakistan and Nepal in the 12-team global finals. Team Hotshot, The Guardians, Five mutants and Legend Style ES have qualified for the global finals from Pakistan while 2b Gamer, Tonde Gamer, Dada Gang and KM Brotherhood will represent Nepal in the global finals. The pandemic has caused the tournament to be played virtually over a period of three months, where athletes are competing in one of the most popular battles royale games, Free Fire. 

“There has been a great level of competition so far in the tournament which received an overwhelming response from all the three participating countries. As the tournament progresses, the next level of action will unfold in the presence of these top and renowned esports teams and athletes. This tournament is surely an indicator of the growing esports culture in this part of the world and we are committed to strengthening it further across the region. I congratulate each team as the competition is getting intense with every passing day and I wish each of them the best of luck for the next stage,” said Mr. Vishwalok Nath, Director, World Esports Cup.  

Once the finals in India are over, a handful of teams each from India, Pakistan, and Nepal will play for the WEC ’21 title at the global finals, scheduled from January 10 to January 14, 2022. 

Smartphone maker Infinix Smartphones are the title sponsors, the prize money is of Rs. 75 lakhs and the fans can watch the action live on ITG.gg, India Today, and AajTak websites. The matches will also be streamed live on India Today Gaming YouTube channel along with the YouTube and Facebook handles of India Today, and Aaj Tak.

Also read: Our aim is to be synonymous with gaming in India - Rahul Bhattacharya, Co-Founder & MD, Microgravity

(Boxing news) IBA has renewed its anti-doping partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA) for three more years. As part of this agreement, IBA will outsource all anti-doping activities to the ITA including testing, intelligence gathering, test distribution planning, education and Therapeutic Use Exemption handling, as well as result management and the handling of anti-doping rule violations. The agreement also covers in-competition testing, long-term sample storage, intelligence & investigations, source handling and the administration of the Reveal platform, in strict adherence to the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) International Standards.

The partnership was previously signed in 2016 after the Rio 2016 Boxing event and has resulted in greater transparency and progress in IBA’s anti-doping efforts since then. “Through its work with many sports, the ITA has shown the usefulness of bringing in independent experts to help ensure sporting integrity. At IBA, we are committed to this approach. It is our duty to protect our athletes and reinforce the values of clean sport in boxing. Continuing our work with the ITA will ensure we do exactly that,” said IBA President Umar Kremlev.

Benjamin Cohen, ITA Director General shared: “By entrusting the full range of its anti-doping programme to us at the ITA, we hope in turn that we can enable IBA to focus fully on its core mission of developing boxing, in a transparent manner, worthy of wider trust. We look forward to continuing to provide IBA and boxers with our expertise and are fully committed to supporting IBA in its fight against doping.”

IBA aims to continue working towards a greater future for boxing and boxers in the new year, following a roadmap to potential IOC reinstatement in 2023. Competitions that will fall under the renewed ITA partnership will include the IBA World Boxing Championships.

Also read: AIBA changes its acronym to IBA as Extraordinary Congress adopts new reforms

Gaming and esports is more than just a recreational pass time. It has quickly become a viable career option for many athletes around the world and the pandemic has further accelerated the growth of this industry, resulting in various gaming leagues in India organizing tournaments on mobile and console platforms, thereby providing a platform not just for those who wish to participate but also generating viewership amongst the masses.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Rahul Bhattacharya, Co-Founder & MD, Microgravity speaks about what inspired him to begin his venture, Microgravity Gaming League, his goals and vision, leveraging AR and VR technologies, overcoming challenges and building communities around gaming content.

Q 1) As co-founder of Microgravity Ventures, what inspired you to come up with a brand that promises to deliver a world-class multi-player gaming experience?

Video gaming had a cult following for generations. The latest and the best of them now attract even more fan-following as seen in my own house. I did spend a lot of time trying to master console-based gaming along with my son. I found the quality and the depth of the content taking major leaps in the last few years. Compelling content and great graphics have added to this excitement. Also, major metropolitan centers like New York, London, Dubai, and Melbourne have some of the best gaming hubs that are also multiplayer. My frequent travels to these locations during my consulting days at Accenture prompted me to bring such a platform to India. You can do a lot at home using your consoles and devices but the real fun in gaming is when you come together with friends and family. We wanted to set a new benchmark, not just in India but in this part of the world in terms of the quality of experience.

Q 2) Tell us about the Microgravity Gaming League and how it looks to enhance and promote the esports league format?

Microgravity Gaming League was conceptualized to promote communities around esports. We wanted to deliver the same quality of experience to people engaging purely online. At some point drive them to these locations to experience the best tech has to offer. As a company, we wanted to quickly acquire the know-how of hosting tournaments at scale. We have already managed 5 large tournaments, four on the mobile and one on the console. We want to be synonymous with gaming in India and therefore we will search for formats that are bigger and brighter. Last but  not least these esports leagues are not just played or competing. They are also watched. When top players compete against each other, the quality of content and the story becomes even more compelling. I have had the good fortune to see India’s best competing at Microgravity Gaming League. We want to take this content to everyone who is an enthusiast or is seeking an experience.

Q 3) What is your vision for Microgravity Ventures and how do you plan to achieve your goals? 

We want to capture the gaming enthusiasts’ mindshare. We want to be a platform where he satisfies all his needs. Setting up world-class destinations across major metros and tier 2 cities is  part of the plan along with the ability to bring in the crowds onto our esports platform to satisfy  the mobile gaming community. We are also working on an e-commerce website that is only gaming that can carry an enthusiast up the value chain whatever be his budget. So whether it’s  playing or competing, experiencing multiplayer, or shopping it has to be Microgravity. That’s the vision.

Also read: Orangutan Elite is an indestructible unit and being In-Game Leader of this team is a huge accomplishment - Dev “Iconic” Kumar

Q 4) How is the company looking to leverage AR and VR technologies to bring solutions to the  industry? 

The team is gathering know-how and skills that are cross transferable across industries. At some point, we will look to explore other allied industries like Retail, Hospitality, and Travel. Travel is already part of our plan where you can walk the city of New York in the heart of Gurgaon.  

Q 5) What are some of the challenges that you have faced as co-founder and MD of Microgravity  Ventures? How did you overcome them? 

We started small and needed to bring in the right team to achieve our short-term goals. We want to continue our search for the best talent in this space. It is a team effort and therefore building  a good team from scratch has been a compelling need. I also feel we may be a little ahead in time in terms of monetization options but going forward this industry is going to explode. Working on raising capital has been an important part of this journey. We are actively searching for strategic  partners to take this idea forward. There is a lot to do in this space and we are taking one step at  a time. 

Q 6) How are Microgravity Ventures building communities around popular gaming content? What are the various games that are promoted by the league? 

We wanted to bring in a differentiated experience whether it’s online or an offline format for the gaming enthusiast. We would like to constantly bring in new products and offerings that operate in both the worlds and where possible deliver the best experiences across popular content in a multiplayer format. I can only say that we are working with some of the best  principals globally and please watch this space.

In a world of instant gratification, many traditional sports formats seem outdated to the younger generation. The idea of waiting for five days for a Test cricket result, only for the match to end in a draw seems bizarre to say the least, resulting in the T20 format being widely adopted in international and domestic matches to generate interest in the sport. Similarly, a rugby union match lasts for at least 80 minutes but a sevens match consists of two halves of seven minutes with a two-minute halftime break. There are many other sports that have adapted to a shorter format so that games are more competitive, intense and provide instant results.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Mark Milne, creator of Thirty30 (T30) Tennis speaks about how his format is different from the traditional way the sport is played, the inspiration behind creating a shorter format, his vision, overcoming challenges, future goals and more! 

Q 1) As the creator of Thirty30 Tennis, what is the difference between this format and the traditional way tennis is played?

The distinguishing difference between Thirty30 ("thirty-thirty") tennis and traditional tennis is that matches are shorter and faster-paced, making the tennis more fun and more exciting.

The game score ticks over much more quickly. One set is completed in no longer than 20 minutes, with a best-of-3 sets match completed in 40-60 minutes and a best-of-5 in 60-90 minutes.

In Thirty30 tennis, everything is identical to traditional tennis except:

(1) Every "SHORT GAME" starts from 30-30 (announced "thirty-thirty" - the clue is in the name!) instead of 0-0.

(2) A 9-point tie-break (i.e. first to 5 points with sudden death at 4-4) is played at 6 games all in a set.

(3) In a set, the change of ends is after the first two games and then every four after that.

All very simple!

Q 2) Why did you feel the need to create a shorter format of the sport? Do you believe it’s a format that will garner appeal amongst the younger audience who prefer more action packed sporting events?

The tennis authorities have recognised for a number of years that matches have been lasting too long to attract the younger generation who are looking for more excitement in today's faster paced society.

Many sports have also recognised this and have created their own alternative shorter faster-paced formats, e.g. racket sports similar to tennis like squash, badminton and table tennis have all changed their scoring methods in an effort to evolve.

Others include: Cricket (Twenty20/T20, T10, The Hundred), Golf (Golf Sixes), Netball (Fast5), Tennis (Fast4 and Tie Break Tens), Rugby (Sevens), Basketball (3x3), Athletics (Nitro).

Various alternative shorter scoring formats are currently being used and trialled in tennis:

(1) Tennis Australia's Fast4 - sets are played to 4 games with a tie-break at 3-3 and sudden-death points played at deuce. Fast4 has led to the following Rules being included in Appendix V (Alternative Scoring Methods) of the ITF Rules of Tennis: 'Sets to 4 Games', 'No Ad' and 'No Let'.

(2) The use of the match deciding 3rd set Match Tie Break to 10 points, e.g. Laver Cup, ATP Cup, ATP & WTA Doubles Events, etc.

(3) The use of the 'No Ad' Rule, e.g. ATP & WTA Doubles Events, etc.

(4) Patrick Moroutoglou's Ultimate Tennis Showdown's four 8 minute timed quarters using tie breaks like scoring and use of 'playing cards'.

Thirty30 (or T30) tennis is an alternative shorter scoring format to the formats listed above and in my opinion is the Rolls Royce of shorter scoring methods as Thirty30 tennis maintains the DNA of traditional tennis and match results look identical.

Everything about Thirty30 tennis still FEELS, LOOKS and SOUNDS like traditional tennis and EVERY Point REALLY Counts!

Q 3) What is your vision for Thirty30 Tennis? Is this meant to be a recreational format of tennis or do you envision it to be adopted professionally as well?

My vision for Thirty30 tennis is to see it used all over the world as an alternative shorter scoring method, played socially and competitively by recreational players and played competitively by professional players.

Also read: My goal is to be MVP, Top Fragger and win an international trophy for India - Esports athlete Jonathan Amaral

Q 4) What are some of the challenges that you have faced in introducing the Thirty30 Tennis format? How did you overcome them?

Tennis is just a hobby for me and I have a great passion for it. I am a Mechanical Design Engineer with over 30 years experience working in both the Steel and Oil & Gas Industries in Scotland and finding enough time to spend on promoting Thirty30 tennis has been the hardest thing about launching Thirty30 tennis. Currently I am spending almost 100% of my spare time working on it.

A lot of tennis people are risk averse and unwilling to accept change in the sport.

People fundamentally don’t like change and it is very difficult to get people to accept change in any walk of life, never mind tennis.

However I am convinced that tennis has to adapt and evolve in order to stay successful and this drives me and the project forward.

Q 5) Do you have plans to expand the Thirty30 Tennis format to other countries?

Thirty30 tennis is already being played all over the world. I have received almost 300 Testimonials endorsing the format, as illustrated on the attached "Google Maps" file.

 
Q 6) As the creator of Thirty30 Tennis, what are your future goals and objectives with regards to this format? How do you plan to achieve them?

Our goals and objectives are to create for tennis what the IPL Cricket has done for cricket. We are going to be the T30 of tennis, and we are doing it on a global basis. We are doing this in two structures. Physical Competitions and Virtual Reality. For Virtual Reality we are in a joint venture with VRML Tennis Esports. Whatever we create for the physical will be done in virtual on the VRML platform.

We have created a unique and highly innovative global competition model, using the Thirty30 Tennis scoring format, and a very similar structural IPL as a model.

The competitions will have a unique and innovative structural model.

They will have a pyramid structure with Top Professional Teams at the top going to Inter Continental, Country, City, and Club. There will be Junior and Adult identical models.

The competition structure will be Mixed Gender based teams in a League and knockout format. We will add a wheelchair component as well.

There will be very substantial prize money in all competitions.

We also want to introduce a unique and innovative ownership model whereby the players will be able to have a significant role in the running of the whole concept which we have called T30TI to be known in the future as T30.

There will also be a significant role for coaches, and the introduction of The Martial Art Way of Tennis, that will not only create a whole paradigm shift in the game, but will take the game both long and short into a whole new dimension, and will give coaches and teachers an opportunity to create a whole new meaning and understanding to coaching life and business.

We want to unlock the game at all levels, especially from the junior level. We want it to be affordable and believe the children are our future and they get the necessary skills to be that future whether that be in the Thirty30 format or the traditional game, and also give skills for life.

The IPL cricket concept has done more for that sport than in any other sport, we want to bring that opportunity to tennis, and let it be shared with all who would like to participate in a positive way to create a better and more equitable sport set against the highest ethical and moral standards.

Currently playing for Godlike Esports, Jonathan Amaral is often referred to as India’s best player, known for his incredible combat skills which makes him virtually unplayable in close quarter fights. More often than not, Jonathan is found topping the kill leaderboards of various tournaments he competes in and has enjoyed a very successful 2021.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Jonathan Amaral speaks about his journey as an esports athlete, introduction to Godlike Esports, coming first in four tournaments in 2021, overcoming challenges, strengths and weaknesses and future goals.

Q 1) How did your journey in esports begin and what motivated you to pursue it professionally?

I have been playing PUBG/BGMI since the time it was launched and I have a lot of love for this game. I started my journey at Skull Clan. We had participated in a tournament wherein we reached the semi-finals. After that, I met Ghatak. From there I joined Team Entity. We participated in numerous tournaments and won several of them.

As far as motivation goes I have a hunger inside me to become the best player. Even now all my efforts and hard work that I put in are to become the top fragger in all the tournaments and win every trophy possible. Our goal is to win an international trophy and dominate every tournament we participate in. 

Q 2) When were you first introduced to Godlike Esports? How has the experience been so far?

I knew about GodLike Esports since the time I was a part of Entity Gaming. Kronten has been our friend for a very long time, we used to meet him at LAN events. Kronten is known for his friendly nature. Since the time I have joined Godlike Esports the experience has been amazing. The vision Kronten has for Esports and the facilities he provides for players is second to none. The experience for the team since joining GodLike Esports has been wonderful. 

Q 3) Godlike Esports came first in four different tournaments in 2021, which was the most special achievement for you amongst the tournaments you participated in?

Yes, winning the four tournaments was a good experience for us. We felt euphoric after winning them. But there were a few tournaments where things didn’t go as per the plan or as good as we expected them to go. We always try to learn from our mistakes and improve our performances whenever we participate in a new tournament. We play each tournament with the same motivation and dedication.

Also read: Orangutan Elite is an indestructible unit and being In-Game Leader of this team is a huge accomplishment - Dev “Iconic” Kumar

Q 4) How challenging is it to pursue a career in esports in India? How did you overcome any setbacks that you have faced so far?

It can definitely be challenging to enter the esports industry considering the number of players that are trying to enter the industry across several games. Thousands of players are working hard every day to reach the highest level. To become better than the rest, you have to go the extra mile because the competition is never-ending. 

Until now, fortunately, there have been no setbacks so far. We know we are doing our best to remain the number 1 team. A setback takes place when our focus and dedication are lost. We always give our 100%. I don't think there are any setbacks or will ever come to us. We are fully motivated for the year 2022 and this year we will try to bring the trophies 'Bolke nahi karke dikhayege '

Q 5) What would you describe as your strengths and weaknesses as an esport athlete? How much do you train in a day to hone your skills?

To be an Esports athlete, if we have to talk about strengths then I would say believing in yourself, keeping confidence that whichever game you play you can be the best if you work hard consistently. Talking about weakness I don't think there is any weakness per se because I believe that weakness is something that happens when things don't go according to your plan - you aren't practicing properly, or aren't focused. These things are considered weaknesses. If you are confident and focused then I don't think there will be any weakness.

Q 6) What are your future goals and aspirations? How do you plan to achieve them?

Everyone is already aware of my future goals. I want to be the MVP, the Top Fragger, and also win an international trophy for India. To achieve it we will put in a lot of effort day and night. We are ready to do our best

Johannesburg, Jan 4 (Cricket News) Unheralded seam bowler Shardul Thakur turned out to be an unlikely hero with a career-best 7 for 61 to keep India on even keel against South Africa on an intriguing second day of the second Test here on Tuesday.

Standing at 5 feet 7 inches and with a physique which is an antithesis of what is perceived to be a fast bowler's body, the skiddy Thakur (17.5-3-61-7) landed crucial blows at opportune moments to send the Proteas packing for 229 in their first innings.

It was his effort that nullified India's seemingly inadequate first innings score of 202 with the lead being restricted to 27 and then erased by visitors as they reached 85 for 2 at stumps, losing stand-in skipper KL Rahul (8) and Mayank Agarwal's (23) wicket.

The two under-fire seniors Cheteshwar Pujara (35 batting) and Ajinkya Rahane (11 batting) were at the crease and for a change showed lot of positivity and intent. India now lead by 58 runs.

Shardul means 'Tiger' in Sanskrit and his teammates teasingly call him 'Lord Beefy' which incidentally is legendary all-rounder Ian Botham's nickname.

The 'Tiger' was in a mood to hunt inside the 'Bull Ring' under sunny the Johannesburg skyline and he did exactly that, coming up with a performance which is over and above what even coach Rahul Dravid would have expected.

On a pitch with spongy, tennis ball like bounce, a total of 180 to 200 will be an onerous fourth innings chase for South Africa as the match is expected to end well within four days if the weather doesn't play spoilsport.

The day started nicely for South Africa as their dogged skipper Dean Elgar (28 off 120 balls) was happy to play the ugly waiting game while allowing his younger colleague Keegan Peterson (62 off 118 balls) to play an attacking role.

It was going well in a stand of 74 as South Africa reached 88 for one before Thakur was brought into the attack in the 34th over as the second change.

With Mohammed Siraj bowling from a shorter run-up and not able to exert himself fully due to a hamstring injury, the man from Maharashtra's Palghar district had to take more responsibility with the team virtually one bowler short.

Mohammed Shami (2/52 in 21 overs) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/49 in 21 overs) once again bowled their hearts out, beat the outside edges without much luck before Thakur came into the picture and dealt three blows in quick succession just before lunch.

Under-Rated skill sets but very effective ========================= Thakur, when he burst into the domestic scene, was more of a 135 kmph plus bowler but over the years, he is bowling in the 120-130 kmph band but possesses a mean outswinger and a lethal off-cutter delivered with scrambled seam and grip of a slower delivery.

In case of a scrambled seam, the stitched part of the ball doesn't hit the ground and if the ball's shine is maintained well, which the Indian team did diligently, it lands on the skin (red part) and starts skidding at a pace which is more than what the batters can apprehend.

"Since he has a habit of bowling a lot of off-breaks (slower delivery for pacers with tweak of finger) in limited overs cricket, he is using that skill effectively in Tests also. He might bowl at 130 kmph but with the scrambled seam, he hurries the batter a touch more)," his childhood coach Dinesh Lad told PTI from Mumbai.

The delivery that got Peterson was a conventional outswinger which wasn't at drivable length and the batter went for a non-existent punch through covers only to land in second slip Agarwal's palms.

Before that, Peterson's left-handed skipper Elgar got one that moved late taking the outside edge.

Similarly, in the second session, just when Temba Bavuma (51 off 60 balls) and Kyle Verreynne (21) added 58 and looked like heading for a sizeable lead, Thakur produced a fuller one with scrambled seam that landed on the 'fifth off stump' and cut back sharply to trap the young keeper leg before.

In case of Bavuma, the delivery was fired towards his rib cage and was drifting down before Rishabh Pant took an extraordinary catch down the leg-side.

He again came back in the final session to wrap up the innings.

Thakur doesn't have the lethal yorker of Bumrah or the top quality skill sets of Shami or the scorching pace of Siraj. But he is more than the sum total of his parts, in this case the skills which make him special.

A contentious caught behind ================== Out of Shardul's seven wickets, the dismissal of Rassie van der Dussen did create some controversy as TV replays turned out to be inconclusive whether Thakur's off-cutter, that literally had the batter cut into half, was taken cleanly by Pant.

One angle seemed to suggest that it was picked on the bounce and it was learnt that home team captain Elgar visited the match referee's room to have a chat.

In 2011, Mahendra Singh Dhoni in an exemplary show of sportsmanship had called back Ian Bell after the batter was adjudged run-out in the post lunch session.

On Tuesday, with match hanging in balance, no such favours were doled out by the current team.

Also Read : Thakur gets maiden five-for as SA reach 191/7 at tea

News Sources : PTI

Al Qaisumah (Saudi Arabia), Jan 4 (MotorSports) Lone Indian rider in fray, Harith Noah of Sherco TVS Rally Factory team, finished a creditable 29th in stage 3 of the 44th Dakar Rally, which saw Joaquim Rodrigues of Hero MotoSports Team win his maiden stage of the gruelling off-road race.

The steady ride helped the only Indian rider in this year's Dakar to improve his overall ranking to 31st position in RallyGP class, the premier category in the Moto section with an overall timing of 12:29.46s.

Noah successfully completed stage 3 in 2 hours, 49 minutes and 11 seconds.

Portuguese rider Rodriques of Hero MotoSports Team Rally clinched his maiden Dakar stage, clocking 2 hours, 34 minutes and 41 seconds ahead of Australian Toby Price of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, who clocked 2:23.44s and USA's Mason Klein (2:35.55s) of Bas Dakar KTM Racing Team.

Monster Energy Honda Team's Joan Barreda had won the second stage, where Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s riders finished in the top 10 here.

Barreda now holds a tally of 28 Dakar Rally stage wins. His teammate Pablo Quintanilla finished 23rd.

Hero MotoSports' Joaquim Rodrigues and Aaron Mare delivered an impressive run in the long stage 2 with the former finishing in sixth place and Mare ending 10th in the Rally GP class.

Starting on a loop around Al Qaysumah, Noah initially took the 214-km link section of 255-km special but lost a few minutes after the first way point.

However, astride a Sherco 450 SEF rally, he made up many places with steady navigation in the next special sections, and consolidated his position before returning along a 166-km link route for a respectable 29th spot finish.

After three stages, Great Britain's Sam Sunderland of Gasgas Factory Racing is holding the overall lead clocking 11:13.4s, while Frechmen Adrien van Beveren of Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team is second and Austrian Matthias Walkner of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is third.

Nine more stages will be run with a rest day on January 8.

Noah, a 28-year-old Sports Science graduate from Kerala who made his debut in 2020, is on his third Dakar campaign.

He ended an overall 20th last January. 

Also Read : Four things fans should be excited about for the 2022 Formula 1 season

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) South African-born coach Heinrich Malan has been appointed to replace Graham Ford as the Head Coach for Ireland Men and will start in March 2022 (subject to work permit approval) on an initial three-year contract.

Malan, 40, a right-handed middle-order batter and medium-fast bowler, played first-class cricket in South Africa between 2005 and 2009 for the Combined Eastern-Northerns XI and Northern Cricket Union – captaining the NCU during the 2006-07 season. He played in teams that featured then-upcoming international cricketers Neil Wagner and Roloef van der Merwe, as well as future Proteas international and former CIYMS overseas professional Rassie van der Dussen.

Since retiring from first-class cricket, Malan has gained more than 11 years first-class coaching experience in South Africa and New Zealand. He holds a Level 3 Coaching Certificate from Cricket South Africa, and amongst his more recent roles have seen him take on Assistant Coach and Fielding Lead for the New Zealand Men’s cricket team and Head Coach of New Zealand A. He has also been the batting coach for the Black Caps.

Malan is the current Head of Male Performance and Head Coach of the Auckland Aces (since 2019), after a six-year stint as Head Coach and Program Director at Central District Stags. Prior to this, he was Head Coach of Eastern Cricket Union in South Africa from 2011-2013.

Under Malan’s leadership, his squads have collected numerous titles, including:

2019-20: Auckland Aces – Champions, Provincial 1 Day competition (Ford Trophy)
2018-19: Central District Stags – Champions, T20 Competition (Super Smash)
2018-19: Central District Stags – Champions, 1st Class 4-Day Competition (Plunket Shield)
2017-18: Central District Stags – Champions, 1st Class 4-Day Competition (Plunket Shield)
2015-16: Central District Stags – Champions, Provincial 1 Day competition (Ford Trophy)
2014-15: Central District Stags – Champions, Provincial 1 Day competition (Ford Trophy)
 
Speaking from Auckland, Heinrich Malan said: “It’s very humbling and a huge honour to be appointed Head Coach of the Ireland Men’s team. We have an exciting squad that has demonstrated that they have the ability to compete with the best players around the world. It is an exciting challenge and something that we, as a family, are really looking forward to.”

“A lot of credit has to go to Graham Ford, who has done a stellar job over the last four years. We have some serious building blocks in place which I believe we can build on going forward.”

“My coaching philosophy has certainly evolved over time and I am very keen to get to know this group of players and staff to collaboratively shape our environment through the way we want to operate on a daily basis. The ‘wheel’ in Irish cricket is turning nicely for the stage it is at, but this point in time is a great opportunity to review what - and how - we are operating to not only grow the wheel, but make that wheel turn quicker.”

"While I came up through the South African system, the opportunity to move to New Zealand in 2013 really enhanced my coaching experiences and created opportunities to progress my coaching career. Hopefully, I can share these experiences and help our players improve and compete consistently across formats. And that is the key – to create greater consistency of performance over the long term.”

Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have secured Heinrich as men’s Head Coach and look forward to supporting him in taking the international men’s side forward during what will be an extremely busy period for the squad.

“Heinrich has worked in world-class environments at international and domestic levels, and has forged a reputation as an innovative coach with an interest and willingness to do things differently – taking a more holistic view of the game. He is an advocate for sports science, and an intense interest in developing players – particularly in preparing them for the international stage. He has demonstrated a passion for coaching that delves into the feeder systems which lead to sustainable and successful programmes, which is perfectly aligned with what we have been establishing piece-by-piece over recent years. Heinrich is additionally keen to help develop coaches within our Performance system in order to help grow a pathway for Irish coaches to reach senior levels.

“Despite coming from outside the Irish system, Heinrich clearly articulated an understanding of the Irish cricket identity, and is determined to succeed in bonding the senior squad around these ideals, then flow those ideals down the pathway system. He fully understands the development stage we are at as a new Full Member, and is clear on the goals of the organisation – but is committed to working hard on building a skilled and confident squad that is competitive with the world’s leading sides.

“We know that a key focus for us in the short-term is white-ball cricket, and it is the insights, experience and success that Heinrich has garnered in the shorter formats that we believe will benefit our squad greatly. 

“We look forward to Heinrich starting in March, with his first task being to prepare the squad for the Zimbabwe tour.”

A full-time coaching support team will be put in place over coming months.

Also read: The progression of KL Rahul as a Test cricketer over the last year

(Sports news): ShareChat and Moj are now the official Content Partners of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League. The RuPay Prime Volleyball League will have seven teams from seven different cities - Calicut Heroes, Kochi Blue Spikers, Ahmedabad Defenders, Hyderabad Black Hawks, Chennai Blitz, Bengaluru Torpedoes and Kolkata Thunderbolts. All of them will be seein action next month.

ShareChat & Moj together has around 340 million users and are popular amongst millennials alongside Gen Z alike with a massive pan India reach. RuPay Prime Volleyball League will work along with the two platforms to upload latest content and catch the imagination of the volleyball fans in close association with the players and teams. The teams and players will also be managing their profiles on the two platforms to interact with fans through some exciting contests and challenges, in the lead up to the RuPay Prime Volleyball League, which begins on 05 February 2022 in Kochi. 

ShareChat & Moj will play a vital role in spreading the RuPay Prime Volleyball League to different corners of the country as they are a community of 32+ Million and 50+ Million creator communities respectively. ShareChat has a 180 million monthly active user community while Moj has over 160 million monthly active users, the highest amongst Indian short video apps.

Speaking about their association Shashank Shekhar, Sr. Director Content Strategy and Operations, Sharechat and Moj said, "We are extremely delighted to associate with RuPay Prime Volleyball League as their official content partners. Volleyball’s popularity has been increasing over the years amongst users across India and we are eager to share engaging content around the sport with our community. We are looking forward to bringing Volleyball alive on our platforms with this association."

Speaking about the development, Tuhin Mishra, Co-Founder & MD, Baseline Ventures, said, “It's absolutely fantastic to associate with India's most popular social media and short video apps. It's imperative for us to take the RuPay Prime Volleyball League to all corners of the country, and therefore with the association with ShareChat and Moj, we are looking to share engaging content with the volleyball fans and give them an opportunity to experience the RuPay Prime Volleyball League from their respective locations. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with ShareChat and Moj."

The RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, will be live and Exclusive on Sony TEN 1, Sony TEN 3 (Hindi) and Sony TEN 4 (Tamil and Telugu) from February 5, 2022. The RuPay Prime Volleyball League is exclusively marketed by Baseline Ventures, the leading sports marketing in the country. RuPay, the first-of-its-kind Global Card payment network from India, will be the title sponsor of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League and Fantasy games leaders A23 have signed on as “Powered By” sponsors in a multi-year deal.

EatFit and Nippon Paint will be the Associate sponsors and Cosco has associated with the RuPay Prime Volleyball League as the Official partner.

The RuPay Prime Volleyball League will have 24 games and the League will next announce fixtures for the upcoming season.

Also read: Assam sports journalists' body names Lovlina sportsperson of the year

New Delhi, Jan 4 (Sports News) The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Tuesday announced that the National Youth Championships, scheduled to be held in Bhopal from January 27-29, has been shelved indefinitely following the postponement of the Asian Championships due to COVID-19 pandemic. The National Youth Championships was to serve as selection trials for the Asian Athletics Championships to be held in Kuwait from March 1-4.

"AFI wants to inform that 4th Asian Youth Athletics Championships which was scheduled at Kuwait from 1-4 March 2022 has been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.

"In this regard, AFI has also decided to postpone the 17th National Youth Athletics Championships 2022 which was scheduled at Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) from 27-29 January 2022 till further notice," the AFI said. 

Also Read : PKL: Strugglers Gujarat and Pune lock horns, Delhi aim for top spot

News Source : PTI

The mobile gaming industry has grown tremendously over the last few years with Free Fire becoming one of the biggest titles in esports, especially in India. Having recently finished first in the Free Fire India Championship 2021, Orangutan Elite is considered to be one of the best teams in Asia and are currently setting their sights on higher goals.
 
In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Dev “Iconic” Kumar, In-Game Leader of Orangutan Elite speaks about being introduced to Free Fire, coming first at the Free Fire India Championship 2021, transitioning from Team Elite to Orangutan Elite, his views on esports being a viable career option, future goals and more!
 
Q1) When were you first introduced to Free Fire and what role do you play in the Orangutan Elite team during competitive tournaments?

I've had a fascination for esports ever since when I was a kid. For me, gaming was a type of stress relief, and I had no idea when it developed into a career. Today, I am well-known for a game called FreeFire, a mobile battle royale game, and my fans are enthusiastic about my abilities in the game. Competitive events for Orangutan Elite, I play the function of an IGL (In Game Leader).

Q2) The Orangutan Elite team finished first in the Free Fire India Championship 2021 Fall. What was the experience of competing in that tournament?
 
The experience was incomparable. The event finally broke the curse of finishing second in the majority of competitions. We as a team were extremely pleased with our performance and success, since the tournament was not easy at all, as we faced very difficult competition throughout the tournament. We never gave up, trusted our abilities and teamwork, and the rest is history in terms of tournament outcomes.

Q3) Your team recently changed from Team Elite to Orangutan Elite. What are the changes between the two and how difficult or easy has the transition been?
 
We haven't had any difficulties because the roster hasn't changed; only the name on the jersey has. We have previously worked as a team and will continue to do so. Our bonding as a team is unshakeable, and when we're together, we have such a fantastic synergy that we can play a pivotal role in the game. We are aware of each other's weaknesses and strengths. As a result, the adjustment has been simple. We're all here together, and we'll keep playing together till we reach our ultimate goal.
 
Also read: My goal is to empower people, spread mental health awareness and break stereotypes

Q4) As the In-Game leader for Orangutan Elite, what are the various challenges that you face in your role? How do you overcome them?
 
I don't have many issues as an in-game leader. We've been playing as a team for a long time and are familiar with each other's skills. We are an indestructible unit that, when playing together, can be a major headache for any opponent. As a result, being the IGL of this team is a huge accomplishment, as I have the chance to lead such a renowned squad with a dedicated fan base that will support us no matter what.

Q5) Do you consider esports to be a viable career option in India and what must be done to have a clear roadmap to enter this field professionally?
 
Yes, I think esports is a viable career in India with the rise of the fan base and growing acceptability of esports as a career has resulted in an increase in gamers and those interested in this business. Brands and other organisations are also seeing the potential and supporting the development of these individuals. Always give it your best and never give up if you want to be a professional esports player and keep grinding. At the very least, give it your all and don't quit too soon. The importance of consistency and regularity cannot be emphasised. In addition to playing games, you must maintain a disciplined lifestyle.

Q6) What are your personal goals as well as ambitions with Orangutan Elite in the future? How do you plan to accomplish them?
 
We wanted to be a part of an organisation where we could develop and achieve goals not inside the game but outside it as well so we joined Orangutan, and it was the best decision we could have made as a team in our esports careers.

Bengaluru, Jan 4 (Kabaddi News) Bottom dwellers Puneri Paltan will look to change their fortunes when they take on a struggling Gujarat Giants in a Pro Kabaddi League match here on Wednesday.

Dabang Delhi KC will lock horns with Telugu Titans in the second match of the day.

The team from Pune has just one win in its five attempts with experienced stars such as Rahul Chaudhari and Vishal Bharadwaj failing to make the expected impact.

The Giants, meanwhile, have struggled despite having experienced stars in their defence.

The absence of Nitin Tomar and Chaudhari's poor form has affected coach Anup Kumar's Pune side in the initial matches of the season.

Puneri Paltan have just one win in the season and have lost the other matches with a margin greater than seven points. The side's lack of experience, despite having promising young stars such as Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat, is the reason why they've conceded defeats with big margins.

Baldev Singh's renaissance in the right corner will give Pune some confidence though. He seemed to have finally grasped an understanding of Vishal Bharadwaj's moves from the left corner. Together they will need to control their young team filled with exuberance.

On the other hand, Gujarat's much-famed defence has not clicked so far with just one win and two ties in five matches. In Pune's Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat, they have a left and right raider who can cause inconsistencies in the opponent's defensive shape.

Girish Ernak's fitness will be key in the left cover for Gujarat. His presence usually gives more confidence to the right corner Ravinder Pahal.

The usually reliable cover combination of Parvesh Bhainswal and Sunil Kumar is yet to hit form this season. But the raiding duo of Rakesh and Rakesh Narwal have looked positive in the recent matches which will give coach Manpreet Singh confidence going into the match.

Delhi aim to be back on the top of the points table  =============================== Naveen Kumar and his teammates will aim to put Delhi back on the top of the points table by beating a Titans side who are winless this season.

Dabang Delhi KC is the only unbeaten side this season but it took their best to manage a tie against Tamil Thalaivas in their latest match.

Naveen has been his formidable best with five Super 10s in as many matches but Dabang's reliance on their star raider can backfire if he spends too much time away from the mat.

To stop Naveen, Titans' corner defenders Rituraj Koravi and Sandeep Kandola would need to be in top form. They have shown glimpses of their potential in the recent matches but in Naveen, they face the most complete raider in the league.

Titans' raiders have also shown they can cope without captain Rohit Kumar and injured Siddharth Desai. Young stars Ankit Beniwal and Rakesh Gowda will be eyeing to exploit the weaknesses in Delhi's left side of defence manned by season veterans Joginder Narwal and Manjit Chhillar. 

Also Read : Bengal Warriors beat Jaipur Pink Panthers 31-28 in PKL

News Source : PTI

Johannesburg, Jan 3 (Cricket News) Mohammed Siraj is tough customer, who will do everything in his might to get back onto the field after sustaining a hamstring injury on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa.

Siraj was seen in pain after bowling the penultimate delivery of his fourth over during the South African innings. He immediately felt his hamstring and later hobbled off the field along with the medical staff.

Speaking to media after stumps, Ravichandran Ashwin was first asked about the fitness of in-form pacer Mohammad Siraj, who left the field immediately after what appeared like a hamstring injury.

"The medical staff are assessing him overnight and obviously it is very immediate. So initially what they do with these injures is just ice and they see for the next hour or two and I'm hoping with the history that Siraj has, he will definitely come out and give his best," said Ashwin. 

Also Read : State sports minister Manoj Tiwary named in Bengal Ranji squad

News Source : PTI

Kolkata, Jan 3 (Cricket News) Veteran batter Manoj Tiwary was on Monday named in Bengal's 21-member Ranji Trophy squad less than a year after he made his political debut for ruling Trinamool Congress party in the state.

The 36-year-old former Bengal captain, who is also a minister of state in sports and youth affairs in the Mamata Banerjee-led government, will gear up for his 17th year in first class cricket.

Tiwary, who last played for Bengal in their Ranji final against Saurashtra in March 2020, joined TMC ahead of the Assembly polls and won from Shibpur constituency beating BJP's Rathin Chakraborty.

He missed the COVID-interrupted last season due to an injury but he's back again in the Bengal side under Abhimanyu Easwaran.

Placed in Group B, along with Vidarbha, Rajasthan, Kerala, Haryana and Tripura, Bengal are slated to kick off their campaign against Tripura in Bengaluru from January 13.

Bengal's preparation for the premier first class tournament has been hit with seven members including assistant coach testing COVID-19 positive on Sunday.

Sudip Chatterjee, Anustup Majumdar, Kazi Junaid Saifi, Geet Puri and Pradipta Pramanik, who are among the six players to have tested positive, have also been named in the 21-member squad.

Bengal are slated to face Prthivi Shaw-led Mumbai in a two-day warmup game at CC&FC on January 6-7 before leaving for Bengaluru.

Squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran (c), Manoj Tiwary, Sudip Chatterjee, Anustup Majumdar, Abhishek Raman, Sudip Gharami, Abishek Das, Writtick Chatterjee, Ritwik Roy Chowdhury, Abhishek Porel, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sayan Sekhar Mondal, Akash Deep, Ishan Porel, Mukesh Kumar, Kazi Junaid Saifi, Sakir Habib Gandhi, Pradipta Pramanik, Geet Puri, Nilakantha Das and Karan Lal. 

Also Read : It felt like a debut game: Kolpak returnee Olivier on his South Africa comeback

News Sources : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 3 (Kabaddi News) Captain Maninder Singh and all-rounder Mohammad Nabibakhsh helped the defending champions Bengal Warriors beat Jaipur Pink Panthers 31-28 in a closely fought match of the Pro Kabaddi League here on Monday.

Maninder scored 13 points while Nabibakhsh fetched 10, including a last-minute Super Tackle, to help Bengal overcome a stiff challenge from Jaipur.

Arjun Deshwal was the sole performer for the Pink Panthers, clinching another Super 10 and finishing the game with 16 points. But his failed attempt in the last raid of the match cost Jaipur a chance to win.

Bengal and Jaipur went into the match with the worst tackle strike rates in the league and it wasn’t surprising to see the raiders dominate the early stages.

Bengal captain Maninder Singh was in red-hot form with Mohammad Nabibakhsh supporting him. The two clinched successive multi-point raids in sixth minute to get Bengal their first All Out in the seventh minute and open a 5-point lead.

At the other end, Arjun Deshwal was equally impressive in the pink jersey. His crucial points, especially in Do-or-Die raids, ensured Jaipur stayed in touching distance of the defending champions.

The second half was not a lot different for the raiders as both Maninder Singh and Arjun Deshwal picked up their Super 10s. This was Arjun Deshwal's fifth Super 10 in as many matches, but Jaipur failed to support him with captain Deepak Hooda not bringing his A-game to the mat.

But the Pink Panthers smelled an opportunity when they Super Tackled Maninder Singh in the ninth minute. That was followed by a yellow card for defender Abozar Mighani for arguing with the referee.

But Bengal kept producing important tackles to stay in the lead. Going into the last five minutes, they had a narrow 3-point lead, but Jaipur tackled Maninder successfully to reduce that gap.

But Mohammad Nabibakhsh immediately produced a 2-point raid. A last-minute failed tackle by the Warriors made it a 1-point game, but Nabibakhsh, the hero of Bengal in Season 7 final, produced a stunning Super Tackle in the last raid of the match on Arjun Deshwal to clinch the match. 

Also Read : Haryana Steelers beat Gujarat Giants 38-36 in PKL

News Source : PTI

Kolkata, Jan 3 (Football News) The I-League was on Monday suspended for at least six weeks by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) after a fresh COVID-19 outbreak hit the participating teams inside the bio-bubble here.

It has been learnt that the total number of COVID-19 cases now stands at 45 after the latest round of tests which prompted the AIFF to suspend the league for six weeks.

"The League Committee, abiding consensus of all participating clubs as per the suggestion of Dr Harsh Mahajan (member of AIFF Sports Medical Committee) ratified the decision to postpone the ongoing Hero I-League 2021-22 for at least 6 weeks," the AIFF said in a release.

The I-League Committee, chaired by senior AIFF vice-president Subrata Dutta, will have a review meeting after four weeks to take stock of the situation and decide the future course of action.

The health protocols of the bio-bubble will continue till January 7, as all teams will be tested again on Wednesday. The teams can travel back to their respective destinations once they are tested negative.

Players and officials, who have tested positive in the team hotels and have already been isolated, will be treated and quarantined in Kolkata as per the health parameters laid down. They will be allowed to leave the bio-bubble after they test negative.

The fresh round of COVID-19 cases has thrown the I-League into jeopardy. With COVID-19 cases surging throughout the country, including in Kolkata and its suburbs where the I-League is being held, it will be a tough task ahead for the organisers to resume it.

"The omicron variant spreads very fast but also comes down very rapidly. We also need to take account and consider the government regulations and policies," Mahajan said, giving hope of resumption of the I-League after the situation gets better.

Mahajan informed the clubs and the AIFF about the rising number of cases in the country, the new COVID-19 norms and restrictions being implemented by West Bengal government.

The clubs appreciated the efforts made by the AIFF to give paramount importance to the health and safety of the players and officials.

"The AIFF did their best under the circumstances and helped the players and officials in the best possible way. We appreciate their efforts," Real Kashmir owner Sandeep Chattoo told PTI.

On December 29, I-League was suspended for a week after COVID-19 breached its bio-bubble. Eight players and three officials had tested positive for the dreaded virus, last week.

Five players and three team officials from Real Kashmir FC, one player each from Mohammedan Sporting, debutants Sreenidi Deccan FC and Aizawl FC had returned positive.

Thirteen teams are competing in this year's I-League across three venues -- the Mohun Bagan Ground in Kolkata, the Kalyani Stadium at Kalyani and the Naihati Stadium at Naihati.

Only six matches of the I-League season have been played so far -- on December 26 and 27 -- before it was suspended. 

Also Read : ISL: Rejuvenated Bengaluru FC await laggards SC East Bengal

News Source : PTI

(Sports news): The 2021 National Figure Skating Championship came to an end at ISKATE by Roseate, India’s largest and only all-weather indoor ice skating rink located at Ambience Mall, Gurugram. The seventeenth edition of the National Figure Skating Championship saw over 60 figure skaters. The skaters were from Delhi, Haryana, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala – as the leading team of outstanding athletes. The event was highlighted with the arrival of Dr.Narinder Dhruv Batra, President, Indian Olympic Association was one among the 

The figure skating championship had different age groups, independently for boys and girls. The distinguished jury consisted of Mr. R.K. Gupta, President, Ice Skating Association of India, MR. B. Lohan, President, Haryana Ice Skating Association and Mr. J. S. Sahney, General Secretary, ISAI.The event was held in accordance with the Covid protocols.

Speaking at the event, Karan Rai, Business Head, ISKATE by Roseate said “Being India’s only all-weather indoor ice skating rink, ISKATE By Roseate has been at the forefront of developing and promoting winter sports like Figure Skating, Speed Skating and Ice Hockey in India. The sporting events held at ISKATE by Roseate are an extension of its vision to provide talented and aspiring athletes a platform to prepare and compete for national and international events. With these endeavors, we encourage athletes to not only compete at a world class indoor ice skating rink at any time of the year, but also practice all through the year which is a requisite for India to be able to compete in International events.”

He further added “Throughout the year, we give opportunity to children from all over India by hosting training programs and open championships in our endeavor to make winter games popular in India. By providing world class infrastructure throughout the year, ISKATE by Roseate works closely with the Ice Skating Association of India.”

The competitive event concluded in an award ceremony wherein first three position holders from each category received medals and cash prizes.

In the ‘13 – 15 years’ category, Aanya Singh from Delhi stoof first followed by Siddhi Vinayak from Andhra Pradesh and Gauri Rai from Haryana.

From the boy skaters, Simar Bajaj from Delhi stood first followed by Aditabh Gupta from Delhi and Aayush from Uttarakhand.

Also read: Bhavita Madhu wins gold at the 59th National Roller Skating Championship

(Sports news) Bhavita Madhu, a student of Integrated MS – Life Sciences (Class of 2023) at Ahmedabad University bagged a gold medal in the National Roller Skating Championship for the 17+ years age group which was held in Chandigarh from December 13–16, 2021.

Bhavita has been skating since the tender age of four and she has won various awards at competitions held at national as well as  international level. Lauding Bhavita’s achievement, Ahmedabad University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Pankaj Chandra said, “Bhavita’s journey as a top-notch scholar athlete is a source of inspiration not only for Ahmedabad University’s students, but the larger student community of our country. We are extremely proud of her.” 

In figure skating, the skater is required to follow the figure circle line on a specific edge. Figures become progressively more difficult with the addition of turns and the use of the third circle. It was Bhavita’s perfect blend of precision, poise, balancing, grace and body posture that set her apart from the other 200 odd participants and made her win gold at the Championship.

Sharing her feelings at this momentous accomplishment, Bhavita proudly said, “Achieving something while representing the country has been an exhilarating experience for me!” Elaborating on what attracted her to skating, Bhavita says, ‘it lent her self-confidence, a sense of control and helped hone her balancing skills’. Bhavita also gave the credit of her performance to her coaches Jyutika Desai and Raffaello Melossi; her mother who has been her staunch supporter throughout her roller skating journey.

Also read: Putting the Indian flag on the Inline Skating World Championship podium is something I’m proud of - Indian skater Anand Velkumar

Plans for Bhavita include – opting for subjects like Business and Computers as her Minors alongside her Life Sciences Major; expanding her family’s chemical manufacturing enterprise and most importantly representing the country at international skating competitions. 
 

(Motorsport) After an action packed 2021 season that ended in the most dramatic fashion, the expectations are high for what the 2022 season has to offer as Max Verstappen defends his World Championship title against Lewis Hamilton while a number of other battles will be fought throughout the grid. The 2022 Formula 1 season is going to be unlike any other with drastic changes to the cars, more races around the world, new rules and more!

Here are four exciting new changes for the 2022 Formula 1 season

1) An overhaul of the car design

It’s no wonder why many Formula 1 teams had shifted their focus to car development for 2022 even while the 2021 season was underway. The new regulations are meant to ensure not just the safety of the drivers but also to promote more competitive racing amongst the teams. There will be 18 inch tyres in the 2022 cars, a redesigned front wing and nose, the usage of a higher ratio of sustainable fuel, over-wheel winglets and more! The car has already gone through over 7,500 simulations so far, which means that races will just get better, more competitive and intense for the season ahead!

2) A 23-race F1 campaign

The 2022 season will feature the longest campaign in Formula 1 with the title fight taking place over 23 races in different locations around the world. The season will also see many of the fan favourite tracks such as Suzuka, Montreal, Melbourne and Singapore return to the calendar while Formula 1 will also make its debut in Miami for the first time in history. This means that not only will fans have more race weekends to look forward to but the next Formula 1 game will have more tracks to race on than ever before!

3) Ferrari and McLaren stepping up in the title race

It’s easy to overlook just how intense the fight between Ferrari and McLaren was in the 2021 season because of the nature of Verstappen and Hamilton’s title fight. However, it’s clear that both the car manufacturers have kept an eye on the car development for the 2022 season for a very long time now and will look to close the gap on Red Bull and Mercedes for both the Constructors Standings as well as the Drivers Championship. Ferrari particularly will be keen to fare better than last year and finally compete for the title which has eluded them since 2008. 

4) Brand new driver lineup

The 2022 season will feature many changes in the drivers lineup with some of the most prominent ones being George Russell teaming up with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, Alex Albon joining Williams, Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou joining Alfa Romeo. Zhou’s inclusion in the Formula 1 grid is particularly significant as he is the first Chinese driver to make it to Formula 1 in history. 

Also read: Mick Schumacher named Ferrari’s reserve driver for 2022 season

New Delhi, Jan 3 (Chess News) All India Chess Federation (AICF) on Monday announced the postponement of several national level championships scheduled for this month in view of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country and the restrictions imposed by various states.

Among the tournaments put off are the national junior, sub-junior and national school championships. The new dates for the events would be announced later, AICF said in a press release.

"Considering the new wave of pandemic with another variant and the restrictions imposed by various states and agencies, AICF decided to postpone national championships scheduled for January 2022 (National Junior, National School & National Sub-Junior)," AICF secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan said in the release.

The national junior championship (Under-20) was scheduled to be held in New Delhi from January 9 while the other events were slated for later in the month.

Players have the option of asking refund of entry fees paid or they can keep their registration active for the event on a later date, the release added.

"We greatly regret the decision taken due to a force majeure situation considering the health and difficulty of all stakeholders." With 33,750 fresh cases, India's tally of COVID-19 active cases rose to 1,45,582. 

Also Read : My goal is to empower people, spread mental health awareness and break stereotypes

News Source : PTI

With the presence of technology, data analysis and a greater emphasis on mental health in sports, the industry has never been more competitive than it is today. More often than not the difference between winning and losing is defined by very fine margins and the battle is fought in the mind rather than physical prowess. Therefore, mental conditioning is often what can separate good athletes from the truly great and is an integral factor in an athlete truly achieving their maximum potential.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Keerthana Swaminathan, Founder and Mental Conditioning Coach at Think. Train. Perform speaks about her journey into sports psychology, overcoming challenges, mental conditioning, erasing the stigma of mental health, future goals and more!

Q1) After graduating from Psychology, what made you choose Sports and Exercise Psychology?

Sports and exercise were never a part of my life until my 12th grade. I was an obese kid and in my 12th grade, long distance running became a part of my life. Throughout the journey of my college through Psychology and with running, I also took up ultimate frisbee back then. Marathon running taught me resilience, strength and made me a lot stronger. It taught me to understand that failure is part of life. My perceptions, beliefs and mindset changed a lot and helped me transform and thrive. Drawing a balance between performance and well-being is very important and I realised that if sports and exercise impacts psychology of the person, then the converse will be true as well. That’s why I decided to take sports and exercise psychology.

Q2) What motivated you to work with athletes and how has the experience been over the past few years?

It has been a beautiful journey since I started. Back when I started practicing, people didn’t know about the importance of sports psychology. They were reluctant to go to one (sports psychologist). They didn’t think it was important. It’s a lot better than that right now. Currently people acknowledge and recognise that it is important - so that’s a good change but there’s still a lot of awareness work to be done.

Q3) What are some of the challenges faced between younger and older athletes?

I honestly think there is a communication and perception gap between parents- athletes - coaches - it can be between just two of them as well but it is prevalent. There’s also this issue of wanting to win all the time and not allowing/wanting to make mistakes. Making mistakes is often perceived as failure. It’s a huge challenge - found in both younger and older athletes.

Also read: Following the five fundamentals helps develop great cricketers - Toby Radford, Head of High Performance for Bangladesh Cricket Board

Q4) What are some of the steps taken in mental conditioning?

Assessment - analysis - plan an intervention - intervene and review.

Q5) The year 2021 has seen a lot of athletes talk about mental issues, how can we erase the stigma or taboo about mental health?

Society is made up of each and every one of us. The day each of us stop bothering about what others think and do the right thing, we go one step closer to breaking the taboos and stigmas. Be the change and take the plunge. If you don’t, then so will everyone else. If you do, then so will everyone else as well !!!

Q6) What are your future goals and aspirations, how do you plan to achieve them?

I truly believe in empowering people. I love it. I want to help more people involved in sports and empower them, spread more awareness about mental health, and ofcourse break stereotypes and myths that people hold.

Bengaluru, Jan 2 (Kabaddi News) Captain Vikash Kandola shone bright as Haryana Steelers pulled off a thrilling 38-36 win over Gujarat Giants in a Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 match here on Sunday.

The Haryana side took a massive lead in the first half, but the Giants clawed their way back and gained the lead in the last few minutes of the game.

However, the Steelers held their nerve and found a way to close out a sensational win.

Kandola was Haryana's best player in the match with 11 raid points.

Gujarat Giants took the lead early in the match. Kandola effected a couple of brilliant raids and helped his team get its nose in front.

Haryana Steelers carried out an All Out in the 10th minute and took a four-point lead at 9-5. Moments later, the Haryana side carried out a brilliant tackle and took a seven-point lead at 12-5.

In the 12th minute, Meetu helped Haryana extend their lead even more after pulling off a fantastic raid. The Steelers carried out another All Out in the 14th minute to lead 18-6.

Kandola effected a fantastic raid in the last few minutes of the first half as the two teams went into the break with the Steelers leading 22-10.

The Giants started the second half strongly as they picked up a few points quickly. However, the Steelers carried out a Super Tackle and led 24-14.

The Giants carried out an All Out in the 28th minute and reduced Steelers' lead, but the Haryana side kept picking up points and kept forging ahead.

Meetu pulled off a brilliant raid in the 32nd minute as the Steelers led 30-25. However, the Giants inflicted an All Out in the 37th minute and gained the lead at 32-31.

Meetu kept Haryana in the game after pulling off a Super Raid in the 39th minute of the match as the two sides were locked at 35-35.

The Steelers carried out a fantastic tackle in the last minute of the match and regained the lead at 36-35.

Kandola then pulled off a couple of raids in the dying seconds of the match and helped his team record a thrilling victory. 

Also Read : Contract of Neeraj Chopra's coach Klaus Bartonietz extended till 2024 Paris Olympics: AFI

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 2 (Sports News) Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will continue to train with his German coach Klaus Bartonietz, whose contract has been extended till the 2024 Paris Games, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) confirmed on Sunday.

After winning the historic Olympic gold in Tokyo, javelin thrower Chopra had expressed desire to continue to train with the German bio-mechanical expert.

"We have secured the services of Olympic Games javelin throw gold medallist Neeraj Chopra's coach Dr. Klaus Bartonietz till the 2024 Paris Games," the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) said.

Bartonietz took charge as Chopra's coach from compatriot and former world record holder javelin thrower Uwe Hohn during the youngster's rehabilitation and recovery process after an elbow surgery in 2018.

The AFI also said that the 400m coach Galina Bukharina will also remain at the helm of affairs till the end of this year's Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Under Bukharina's watch, the men's 4x400m relay team of Mohammed Anas Yahiya, Noah Nirmal Tom, Arokia Rajiv and Amoj Jacob set an Asian record during the Tokyo Olympics.

The AFI had recently presented the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition to the Sports Ministry. 

Also Read : U Mumba, U.P. Yoddha share spoils in closely-fought tie

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 1 (Kabaddi News) With their defenders putting up a strong show, U Mumba and U.P Yoddha played out an intensely-fought 28-28 tie in a Pro Kabaddi League match, here on Saturday.

Both sets of defenders, especially Yoddha's Sumit (6 tackle points), made life difficult for the raiders as biggies Pardeep Narwal and Abhishek Singh failed to make an impact.

Mumbai had a one-point lead going into the final minute but a mistake by their captain Fazel Atrachali handed Yoddha an opportunity to tie the match.

The spotlight before the match was on U Mumba captain Fazel Atrachali and his nemesis Narwal of Yoddha.

The Mumbai left corner had scored the most tackle points (15) against vivo PKL’s all-time highest points scorer Pardeep Narwal. But it was Mumbai’s right corner Rinku who started brilliantly in the defence tackling Pardeep Narwal successfully in his first attempt.

In fact, Rinku picked up 4 tackle points in a see-sawing first half dominated by the defenders. At the other end, Sumit decimated all the Mumbai raiders who came looking for points in his left corner.

With Nitesh Kumar joining in the act, it was like UP Yoddha duo had rediscovered the form that made them successful in Season 7. Abhishek had a poor first half and was often caught static on the left side of Yoddha.  But whenever UP Yoddha sniffed an all out, U Mumba produced some magic to stay in the match.

Mohsen Maghsoudlou and Rinku produced successive Super Tackles while V Ajith Kumar managed a Super Raid when the Mumbai team had just one on the mat.

The closely-fought first half ended 16-13 in U Mumba’s favour.

Rahul Sethpal’s Super Tackle delayed the eventual ALL OUT for Mumbai but U.P. finally got it in the 6th minute of the half to level the scores 19-19 and give Sumit his High 5.

Sumit's confidence seemed to have worked its magic on his teammates as well with Surender Gill picking up a 3-point Super Raid.

Interestingly, Pardeep Narwal was substituted by Yoddha close to the 10th minute for Shrikant Jadhav.

Mumbai’s Ajith Kumar ensured U.P. didn’t run away with the match with clever raiding. Fazel produced a crucial tackle on Surender Gill and Abhishek Singh picked up a touch-point to give Mumbai a lead with a minute remaining.  But Yoddha's Ankit capitalised on a mistake by Fazel to make the scores level. The match ended with both set of raiders playing it safe and settling for a tie. 

Also Read : Assam sports journalists' body names Lovlina sportsperson of the year

News Source : PTI

Guwahati, Jan 1 (Sports News) Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain was named for the 'Best Sportsperson of the Year Award 2021' by Assam Sports Journalists Association (ASJA) on Saturday.

Young swimmer Shivangi Sarma and weightlifter Sidhanta Gogoi were named for Nripendra Narayna Singha 'Best Junior Sportspersons of the Year Award', in a release by the journalists' body.

The ASJA said it is resuming its annual sports awards after a gap of few years due to various constraints, and the 2021 edition will be held here on January 11 "Government of Assam and Oil India Ltd have come to the ASJA's help this time to reinstitute the awards so that sportspersons are encouraged and motivated," the release said.

In other categories, the state volleyball team will be honoured with the Nurul Amin 'Best Team of the Year' Award.

The Pulin Das Lifetime Achievement Award will be conferred on Premadhar Sarma.

The ASJA release added that the awardees have been selected based on their performance over the past calendar year.

"Apart from traditional honours, the awardees will be awarded with cash rewards as well," it added. 

Also Read : U-23 champion sprinter Taranjeet Kaur fails dope test

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Jan 1 (Sports News) India's fastest Under-23 sprinter Taranjeet Kaur of Delhi has failed an in-competition dope test conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency, the source said on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Delhi sprinter has been one of the country's best performing youngsters in 2021.

She won gold in 100m and 200m races in the National U-23 Championships from September 27-29 here, clocking 11.54secs and 23.57secs -- her personal best -- respectively.

Just a week before that, she won 100m gold in the National Open Championships with a personal best time of 11.50secs as well as 200m silver (23.64secs) though many top athletes skipped the meet as it was held after the Tokyo Olympics towards the end of the season.

"Yes, Taranjeet Kaur failed an in-competition test conducted by the NADA," a source privy to the development told PTI on condition of anonymity.

The name and nature of the banned drug as-well-as the competition during which the dope sample was taken could not be ascertained.

The in-competition test could have been taken either during the National U-23 Championships or the National Open Championships, both held in September. If Kaur is found guilty of doping after her case is heard by the NADA Disciplinary Panel, she faces the prospect of getting banned for up to four years -- the maximum ban period of first time dope offenders. 

Also Read : Sports in 2022: Here's what to look forward to

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) India have announced their 18-man squad for the 3 ODIs against South Africa. The 3 matches will be played on 19th, 21st and 23rd January respectively. The series will be the first since Virat Kohli was removed from ODI captaincy. The series will start India's preparation for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

India's Squad:

KL Rahul (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaekwad, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj.

Takeaways from the squad:

The series was supposed to be the first one with Rohit Sharma as a permanent ODI captain but an injury has prevented that from happening. KL Rahul is set to lead the side in Rohit Sharma's absence while Jasprit Bumrah has been named the vice captain of the side ahead of the likes of Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. 

Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel aren't fully fit to be a part of the squad. Ravichandran Ashwin has returned to the squad for the first time since 2017. Mohammed Siraj is a part of the squad after impressive performances with the red ball. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Venkatesh Iyer are called up after impressive performances in the Vijay Hazare trophy. Washington Sundar is also back in the squad after his injury. 

Mohammed Shami has been rested for the series while Prasidh Krishna keeps his place after a good series against England last time around. Shikhar Dhawan is likely to be the 1st choice opener in the 50-over format. KL Rahul has kept wickets and batted in the middle order in ODIs recently but he might open the innings in Rohit's absence. He is unlikely to keep wickets with Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant in the squad.

After all the talk about Virat Kohli's availability it turns out that he is in the squad. He will not lead the side even in Rohit Sharma's absence which will take some time to get used to. The series will be a great opportunity for Kohli to start the year well in white ball cricket. Indian fans will be hoping that the outside problems within the BCCI and Indian team camp doesn't affect the on field performances.

Also read: Sports in 2022: Here's what to look forward to

New Delhi, Jan 1 (Sports News) The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over but the world seems to be adapting to a life with the dreaded virus and as this churning continues, sports is set to be a major source of joy in 2022 with several big events lined up.

Here is a look at some of the extravaganzas that will be keenly anticipated in India and across the world apart from the usual roster of annual tournaments like the tennis Grand Slams and the badminton calendar.

CRICKET: ====== India's tour of South Africa (December 26 to January 23): An engrossing Test series is currently underway in which India have made a winning start. The three-match rubber will be followed by as many ODIs in which India will get to see K L Rahul assume the leadership role for the first time after a hamstring injury ruled Rohit Sharma out.

ICC Under-19 Men's ODI World Cup in the West Indies (January 15 to February 5): Delhi batter Yash Dhull would be leading the Indian Colts as they look to add a fifth title to the nation's kitty. A total of 16 teams will fight it out over 48 matches in the premier age group showpiece.

ICC Women's ODI World Cup in New Zealand (March 4 to April 3): India would be a contender in the mega-event which was postponed for a year because of the pandemic. It would be a swansong for 39-year-old India skipper Mithali Raj, who would be aiming to leave the big stage with a bang after a stellar career during which she has been nothing short of a trailblazer for women's cricket in India.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia (October 16 to November 13): Just a year after Australia were crowned world champions for the first time in this format, they would be defending the crown on home turf. For the Indian team, it would be an opportunity to redeem itself after a shambolic preliminary-round exit from the tournament last year.

MULTISPORTS: ========== Winter Olympics in Beijing, China (February 4 to 20): Mired in political controversies due to China's not so flattering human rights image, the Games have already been diplomatically boycotted by superpowers like the US and Britain among others. The athletes, on their part, would try to ensure that their performances remain the focus despite the political drama that is expected to unfold on the sidelines.

For India, who have never won a medal at the winter extravaganza, skier Arif Khan would be the one to watch out for having become the first from the country to qualify in two events -- Slalom and Giant Slalom.

Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England (July 28 to August 8): A happy hunting ground for Indian athletes, the CWG would be a shade less joyful for the contingent this time with shooting not part of the competition roster. It remains to be seen how India copes with the absence of the sport that has contributed 135 medals, including 63 gold, to the country's tally since making its debut in 1966.

Asian Games in Hangzhou, China (September 10 to 25): India registered its best ever Games performance in the previous edition in 2018 and would be expected to only do better in the backdrop of a stellar Olympic performance.

FOOTBALL: ======= AFC Asian Women's Cup in India (January 20 to February 6): It would be a huge step forward for women's football as the country hosts the premier regional tournament for the first time since 1979. The Indians have decent history to inspire themselves as they have been runners up twice in the event, in 1979 and 1983.

FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in India (October 11 to 30): Another ground-breaking tournament for women's football in the country, which was originally planned for 2021 but had to be postponed due to COVID-19. Spain are the defending champions and the Indians would be eyeing to produce some decent performances to raise the profile of the sport in the country.

FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar (November 21 to December 18): The first World Cup to be played in the Arab world is set to be a winter event with Qatar's punishing summer making it impossible for matches to be held during the usual June-July window. Already under a cloud over allegations of corruption in the bidding process and working conditions of labour engaged for infrastructure development, it remains to be seen whether the quality of football alone would be able to ensure the focus remains on sport.

ATHLETICS: ======= IAAF World Championships in Eugene, USA (July 15 to 24): Another marquee competition that was postponed to this year because of the pandemic. Anju Bobby George remains the only Indian medallist at this biggie with a 2003 long jump bronze and India would be hoping that Olympic gold-grabber Neeraj Chopra's javelin would clinch another landmark medal at this year's world championships.

HOCKEY: ====== FIH Women's World Cup in Spain and The Netherlands (July 1 to 24): The Indian women's hockey team has raised the bar significantly with a gutsy fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. Rani Rampal and her teammates would be keenly watched as they look to build on the positives of that performance. Their best at a World Cup was a fourth-place finish at the 1974 edition and they had managed to claim the eighth position in the previous edition in England.

SWIMMING: ======== FINA World Aquatics Championship in Fukuoka, Japan (May 1 to 29): The biennial event is an umbrella competition for swimming, diving, high diving, open water swimming, artistic swimming, and water polo. India is not much of a challenger on the medal front but competitors from the country would still look to make a mark by improving their timings. 

Also Read : Five sporting events that you should look forward to in 2022

News Source : PTI

(Sports news) As the new year begins fans around the world are bracing themselves for a plethora of sporting events that is sure to excite, entertain and break records. From the Winter Olympics to the World Cup and everything in between, there is a lot to look forward to in 2022 and here are a few events that you should absolutely not miss out on so go ahead and mark these dates on your calendar! 

Winter Olympics

The XXIV Olympic Winter Games is scheduled to take place from February 4th to 20th in Beijing. The city was elected as a host in July 2015 at the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur and it will be the first time in history that the Winter Olympics will be held in China and the last of the three consecutive Olympic Games to be held in East Asia (the others being the Winter Olympics 2018 in South Korea and the Olympic Games in Tokyo). 

2022 Women's Cricket World Cup

The 12th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is set to be held in New Zealand from 4th March to 3rd April 2022. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held last year but was delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being the hosts, New Zealand automatically qualified for the tournament while the other places were given as per the ICC ODI Rankings. Hagley Oval will be the venue for the finals while five other venues such as Eden Park, Seddon Park, Bay Oval, University Oval and Basin Reserve will also host the matches. 

2022 Women's FIH Hockey World Cup

The 15th edition of the Women's FIH Hockey World Cup will be held in Terrassa, Spain and Amstelveen, the Netherlands from July 1st to 17th 2022. In December 2018 the International Hockey Federation announced that the 2022 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup will be held in either July 2022 or January 2023 and the bid was subsequently won by Spain and the Netherlands. 16 teams will compete in the tournament and alongside hosts Spain and the Netherlands, five continental champions will receive an automatic berth. Wagener Stadium and Estadi Olímpic de Terrassa will be the venues for the tournament.

Also read: Neeraj Chopra's rise in seven-star Olympic show and fall of Sushil Kumar, 2021 had it all

2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup

The eighth ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held this year in Australia. The tournament was originally set to be held in 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Twelve teams have already reached the Super 12 phase of the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup based on their performances in the 2021 tournament and rankings. The remaining four places will come from the top two teams from each of the two Global Qualifiers. The host cities are Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney with the semi-finals set to take place in Sydney Cricket Ground and Adelaide Oval while the finals will be held in Melbourne Cricket Ground.

2022 FIFA World Cup 

The 2022 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Qatar and it will be the 22nd time the competition will be taking place in history. It will be the first time the tournament will take place in the Arab world and is set to be held from 21st November to 18th December 2022. It will also be the last time the World Cup will feature 32 teams as the 2026 World Cup in the United States and Mexico will feature 48 teams. The tournament will be held across five venues, namely Lusail Iconic Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Stadium 974 and Al Thumama Stadium. This is by far the biggest sporting event in 2022 attracting audiences of over 1 billion.

Karachi, Dec 31 (Cricket News) In a first, the Pakistan Cricket Board has advertised for the post of a power-hitting batting coach for the national team and also sought applications for five other coaching positions at its High Performance Centre in Lahore.

The five coaching positions also include the post of High-Performance coach.

An official in the board said that chairman Ramiz Raja was very keen for the Pakistan team players to adapt to modern day requirements of cricket and which is why the post of power hitting coach had been advertised.

The PCB, after advertising the positions, said in a statement that it wanted to complete the process of hiring coaches in February.

"The High-Performance coach should have a minimum of five years’ working experience over the past 10 years, including as a life coach for elite sportspersons and/or national or international teams," it said in the statement.

"The eligibility for the other four coaches is a minimum of five years’ working experience over the past 10 years as well as a level three cricket coaching accreditation," it added.

The new coaching staff is likely to start its tenure from the home series against Australia in March and April. 

Also Read : Everyone from selectors to officials requested Virat to reconsider quitting T20 captaincy: Chetan

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Dec 31 (Kabaddi News) Substitute Ajinkya Pawar was the star of the night as he sizzled with 11 points in 11 raids to help Tamil Thalaivas post a comfortable 36-26 win over Puneri Paltan in the Pro Kabaddi League here on Friday.

The win was Tamil Thalaivas' first of the season.

Pawar had every trick in the book to negate all attempts from the Puneri Paltan defence. He was a livewire as he plotted his game beautifully. He chalked out his escape routes well, had enough fire power in him to escape the defenders’ clutches and slowly became Tamil Thalaivas' do-or-die raid specialist.

Tamil Thalaivas came out all guns blazing and eased themselves to a 2-0 lead with Sahil Singh tackled by showman Rahul Chaudhari with a scintillating double ankle hold.

The Tamil Nadu team increased their lead gradually with Manjeet picking up bonus points in his raids and Surjeet Singh executing formidable blocks.

Manjeet was in red-hot form and was unstoppable in the initial raids. He went for a raid, took three Puneri Paltan defenders in his wake, and put Tamil Thalaivas in a position of strength at 9-2.

Going by how the Tamil Thalaivas were dominating the game, an all out was on the cards and the Paltan suffered their first all out early into the game, conceding a 9-point lead at 3-12.

A change of tactics from Puneri Paltan, relying on their defensive strength, did wonders for them as they gradually grew into the game.

Pune defenders Abinesh Nadarajan and Vishal Bharadwaj upped their game as the Tamil Thalaivas seemed to lose the plot, unable to free themselves from the defenders’ clutches. A drop in intensity from Tamil Thalaivas' Manjeet was what Pune were looking for and the raider had no answers to a strong Puneri defence.

Puneri Paltan reduced the arrears quickly and were only trailing by seven points at 11-18 when the referee blew the whistle for half time.

Puneri Paltan came stronger after the break while it was an all-familiar story for Tamil Thalaivas as they squandered a healthy lead. Puneri Paltan called the shots after an initial lull as Pankaj Mohite produced a sudden burst of speed and reduced Pune’s deficit to just one point.

Pawar survived a do-or-die raid for Tamil Thalaivas as he thwarted an ankle hold attempt from Sombir to help his team keep a slender lead. He was soon in action again as he dodged Vishal's block and Rahul Chaudhari's ankle hold to extend Thalaivas' lead to six points.

Pawar lifted his game to a different level delivering for his team with agile raids. He brought up his first Super 10 of his PKL career as he helped Tamil Thalaivas to surge to an unassailable 10-point lead with just minutes left on the clock. 

Also Read : PKL: Ajith, Abhishek shine as U Mumba beat Jaipur Pink Panthers 37-28

News Source : PTI

Kolkata, Dec 31 (Cricket News) The Cricket Association of Bengal will organise a health check-up camp in association with Narayana Health from January 3-5, the state sports body said in a statement on Friday.

Bengal's all current squads (men's & women's) including their support staff members, former national players and office bearers, current committee members and apex council members are going to get their health check-up done at the camp free of cost, it added.

"All the cricketers who play for Bengal, committee members, umpires, scorers, observers and other important stakeholders are going to get their health checkup done at this camp," CAB president Avishek Dalmiya said.

"It was the desire of Chief Minister of West Bengal earlier that there should be health checkup of all the players and that process has been initiated." Five key tests -- bone mineral density test, pulmonary function tests, haemoglobin test, body mass index and ECG followed by doctor's consultation -- will be performed at the camp.

Registration at the camp is scheduled to start from 9:30 am followed by tests and consultation. 

Also Read : I am shocked by de Kock's decision to retire: Alviro Pietersen

News Source : PTI

 

Lorca (Spain), Dec 31 (Chess News) India's teenage Grandmaster P Iniyan finished a creditable third in the Lorca Open 2021 chess tournament here.

The 19-year old Iniyan scored seven points from nine rounds, winning seven games while losing two including in the final round to Karen H Grigoryan (Armenia).

The loss to the Armenian GM proved crucial as the third-seeded Indian player had been the leader after the eighth round.

Iniyan gained five Elo points as a result of the performance in the event which concluded late on Thursday.

Among his wins were one over compatriot GM Karthik Venkataraman in the eighth round.

Venkataraman also finished with seven points but took the fourth place on the basis of an inferior tie-break score.

International Master Srijit Paul claimed the seventh spot after scoring 6.5 points.

Brazilian GM Alexandr Fier took the top prize with 7.5 points, edging Grigoryan, who also secured 7.5 points on the basis of a better tie-break score.

The tournament was played over nine rounds under classical time control and featured 159 players from 25 countries. 

Also Read : World Blitz chess: Humpy takes 5th spot, Vaishali ends up 14th

News Source : PTI

Each step in life is a challenge and those who are brave enough fight these hurdles and set up new targets for themselves. Geeta Chouhan has been representing the country in Wheelchair Basketball and has also won accolades in Tennis. She is not out exploring the sports arena but has excelled in every sport she has pursued, Geeta still has many more sports to play and has no plans of slowing down yet.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Geeta speaks about her journey so far, the battles she had to fight past to get to where she is now, balancing her time between each sport, getting into racing and her plans for the future.

Q1. What inspired you to play sports and how has it helped you grow as a person?

Initially I wasn't aware of disability sports. I just came to know that there are some teams forming in Mumbai so I joined them in 2017. Although I was scared that people would make fun of me for playing in a wheelchair, I found it quite interesting. I went there and saw people in wheelchairs and crutches. There were coaches who briefed us about the teams and guided us. I wasn't aware of where I was going to play or at what level. I just saw the opportunity of playing and being part of something good so I took it. I felt good after I started to play because I didn't get opportunities to play when I was kid as I didn't hangout with other people that much. I never thought I would be interested in sports but the passion burned inside me out of nowhere.

Q2. Between Basketball, Tennis, 10k runs and climbing, which has been the most difficult sport to play and what makes it so difficult?

I've never thought about difficulty. When I did the marathon I just wanted to test myself if I could do it as it would help me with my basketball. I still keep doing small distances like 5 KMs. I was supposed to do 21 KM in Vadodara but the organizers got scared for my health after 10 KM. I like adventure so I've tried everything and I would like to try more things in the future.

Q3. 2018 was a hectic year which saw you winning championships in Basketball and Tennis. How do you manage playing two sports which require totally different sets of skills?

Winning the gold medal at the national championships in 2018 was overwhelming as nobody expected us to win and I was the highest scorer in the final. In Tennis, I went to the nationals for experience as I had little practise in the sport and wanted more guidance. As I reached the finals, my father passed away as I could not see him for the last time when I came back after winning the nationals. It was a time that i could prove in front of my family about my achievements, but his absence made it tough for me but i always try to excel in what i do to bring more laurels for my country.

Also read: Whatever I have achieved is because of my process - Indian cricketer Atif Attarwala

Q4. As a senior player in the team, what tips do you give to the younger players and how was it different when you were the junior in the squad?

 When I joined the team in 2017, a lot of us were new to the sport. The coaches guided us on how to play and what targets to set; when I got the opportunity to play I took it and now also guide the young players coming into the team. In 2019, two new players from Pune saw me playing on social media and contacted me for guidance. I met the players that year in January then through my contacts the team became bigger and slowly they got sponsors, a ground and even sports wheelchairs. Now the Pune team has become stronger and I am glad that I only showed the path for the team and then they took their own steps. Recently, few players have joined the Mumbai team, I can also guide them and then it's up to them to step ahead.

Q5. Along with diet and physical fitness, what steps do you follow to be mentally fit?

During 2017, 2018 I could not focus much on my diet due to financial issues. During the pandemic my body became weak as I was at home for a long time, in the last 1 year I have spent a lot on nutrition and have realised the stronger you are on the inside the better you play. Every morning I practise Yoga, mainly the breathing exercises to increase my endurance as Basketball causes a lot of strain in the body. While pushing the wheelchair, we are not allowed to place the ball on the lap and have to dribble at the same time. The net height is the same for us along with abled athletes and we have to take extra steps while doing it sitting down.

After practice I come home to finish my work, then in the evening I workout at home everyday and joining the gym here would be too expensive. I try to be as independent in every area and have taken some para bands and dumbbells to manage things at home.

Q6. What are your plans for the future and how do you plan to achieve them?

 Two months ago I was in Coimbatore for training in wheelchair racing. I want to go forward and play in the nationals, internationals in racing and with the help of a few people I have got a sports wheelchair. I want to perform well at Basketball nationals in January alongside a few International matches and then get selected for Asian games. I also want to play at the Paralympics in Tennis and for that I am practicing as hard as possible to get there.
 

Warsaw, Dec 31 (Chess News) India's top player Koneru Humpy finished fifth in the women's event of the FIDE World Blitz championship while her compatriot R Vaishali, who was in second spot after nine rounds, slipped to 14th here.

Humpy scored 11.5 points from 17 rounds to take the fifth place after finishing equal on points with two others.

A loss to Polina Shuvalova (Russia) in the final round hurt Humpy's chances of a better finish. Vaishali also went down to Olga Girya (Russia) in the last round to slip out of the top 10.

In the open section, Vidit Santhosh Gujrathi was the best Indian performer, taking 18th place with 13 points, while Nihal Sarin, who also scored 13 points, finished one spot lower.

Eighteen-year old GM Arjun Erigaisi, who had held world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen to a draw, finished 24th with 12.5 points.

Teenager GM D Gukesh, who had finished 9th in the Rapid event, wound up with 12.5 points and ᨊfinished 32nd.

All other Indians in the Open event finished outside the top 50 with P Harikrishna, the highest ranked from the country in the tournament, taking the 84th place and Harsha Bharathakoti (11 points) securing the 68th spot.

Among the women, Vantika Agrawal (9.5 points) finished 30th and Padmini Rout with 8.5 points took the 55th place.

France's Maxime Vachier-Lagrave edged out Poland's star player Jan-Kryzstof Duda in the tie-break to emerge champion while 17-year old Bibisara Assaubayeva dominated the Women’s Championship and captured the title with a round to spare.

Carlsen, who was the defending champion in both the Rapid and Blitz events, lost both the titles. 

Also Read : World Blitz tourney: Vaishali in 2nd place in women's section, Humpy joint third

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Dec 30 (Kabaddi News) Young raider V Ajith Kumar and Abhishek Singh called the shots in style as U Mumba steamrollered past Jaipur Pink Panthers 37-28 in their Pro Kabaddi League match here on Thursday.

While Kumar had 11 points from 14 raids, Singh managed 10 points from 22 raids as U Mumba recorded their second win of the season.

For Jaipur Pink Panthers, Arjun Deshwal was the only shining star as he picked up 14 points but sadly lacked support from his teammates.

U Mumba won the toss and invited Jaipur Pink Panthers to make the first raid. Both the teams started on a cautious note as neither of them tried to take a strong hold of the match in the initial raids.

Jaipur Pink Panthers took a slender lead at 2-1 when Abhishek Singh perished in a do-or-die raid. The Jaipur team continued to hold the lead at 5-4 when Deepak Hooda was tackled but Sultan Fazel Atrachali had to go out of bounds in the melee.

U Mumba then turned the tables with a super raid when Ajith Kumar escaped a double thigh hold as they snatched the lead at 7-5.

From then, the Mumbai team never looked back. Ajith Kumar hit a purple patch and picked up raid points at will while he got excellent support from Abhishek Singh.

Ajith Kumar hardly put a foot wrong. He was agile, his strategy was spot on and he escaped the defenders' clutches with ease.

The raider knew his moves to perfection and made sure the Jaipur Pink Panthers' defence had no answers to his humongous raids.

U Mumba inflicted the first all out of the match when Abhishek cornered both the Pink Panthers' defenders as they stretched their lead to 12-7.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers tried every trick in the book to try and come back into the match but could not.

Abhishek took an extraordinary last raid of the first half when he jumped, ran and dodged a thigh hold from Dharmaraj Cheralathan and took another defender on his way to help U Mumba take a healthy 21-12 lead at the half time.

U Mumba continued to be the better team after the restart and inflicted a second all out on Jaipur Pink Panthers at 25-13 when Deepak Hooda couldn't escape a thigh hold from Rinku and Fazel Atrachali's clutches.

Arjun Deshwal soon brought up his Super 10 when he got a running hand touch on Moshen Maghsoudlou but Jaipur Pink Panthers were off the mark by a mile.

U Mumba continued to call the shots and Ajith got his Super 10 when he sent veteran Dharmaraj, and the Mumbai team led by 28-16.

Fazel then joined the fun when he sent Deepak Hooda out of the mat with a ruthless thigh hold as his team gave nothing away to their opponents.

Meanwhile, Arjun was left to do everything on his own and tried to reduce the arrears with every passing raid but lacked support from all corners. 

Also Read : Naveen shines in Dabang Delhi's win over Bengal Warriors

News Source : PTI

(Sports news): Luminous Power Technologies, a leader in power backup and home electricals in India, will be the official sponsor for Tamil Thalaivas in the upcoming season of the Pro Kabaddi League. Tamil Thalaivas will now sport the Luminous brand logo on their jerseys. The brand will also spread the word through the official website and respective social media platforms, besides creating a stronger association with the sport and the team.

Ms. Ruchika Gupta, Chief Marketing Officer, Luminous Power Technologies, said, "South is an important market for Luminous. We have been through a remarkable journey here and with current growth of almost 50 percent, we are placed to achieve the INR 1000 Cr (revenue) mark by 2023. We are also focusing on further expanding our trade partners' network in the region and building our Logistics Centre in Hosur, which will help us in improving deliveries' timeline. Our association with Tamil Thalaivas is a strategic move to further deepen our roots across south India. We believe that Tamil Thalaivas embodies our enthusiasm, and we are looking forward to a fantastic season ahead. "

Commenting on this partnership, Nikhil Bhardwaj, Director, Tamil Thalaivas "We're excited to partner with Luminous Power Technologies. The brand has established a significant foothold in the power solutions sector over the decades, proving optimum performance, durability, and quality. These attributes are in line with our team's ethos and spirit. We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership with the brand and a successful season ahead." 

Vivo Pro Kabaddi has been a massive success all thanks to Mashal Sports Pvt. Ltd. and Star India Pvt. Ltd. Since its inception in 2014, the League has glued audiences to the sport with incredible innovations, making it an aspirational sport for players and fans alike. It is supported by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and by participating members of the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and the Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF), the League has been growing each year.

Also read: Naveen shines in Dabang Delhi's win over Bengal Warriors

(Sports news) The men’s high jump saw the most competitive lineup this year as the top four men have soared across the same height. Four men from different places around the world have dominated the event this season as all of them have the potential to go past Javier Sotomayor’s record of 2.45m set in 1993. Since then, only two have crossed 2.40m and nobody has crossed that mark in the last 5 years.

Mutaz Essa Barshim has been the top athlete in high jump in the past decade. In 2014 at Bruxelles, he cleared 2.43m which is the closest so far to Sotomayor and Barshim became the second athlete after Patrik Sjöberg to win three medals in Olympics at the event. Barshim won the silver at 2012 London, 2016 Rio Olympics and this year at Tokyo he won the gold alongside Gianmarco Tamberi. At the present he is the only active athlete to cross the 2.40m mark and has done it 11 times.

Tamberi became the first Italian to win the gold in men’s high jump. The Olympic first victory was his first major victory and last won a major championship win in 2019. The 29 year old is yet to jump past the 2.40m mark but has come close with 2.37m in Tokyo, his personal best is 2.38m which came back in 2016 but has been back in form this season.

Maksim Nedasekau also soared 2.37m at the Tokyo Olympics to secure his first major victory at the event. The 23 year old has been one of the youngest athletes this year in high jump but the shortage of experience has not been keeping him low. Nedasekau secured the first ever Olympic medal for Belarus in High jump this year and is one of the tallest competitors standing over 6 feet and 4 inches. He is the only athlete to have jumped 2.37m twice this year as the other three have done it once.

It will be the 29th year in the 2022 season as Sotomayor’s record has been on top, Barshim has the strongest chances of breaking the world record but has come close in the past decade. He will turn 31 next year and is one of the seniors in the event. Nedasekau is the youngest among the top athletes this year, he was on the same level as Barshim and Tamberi at Tokyo and can aim for the 2.40 mark next year.

Also read: Erriyon Knighton and Joseph Fahnbulleh leading the next gen in 200m lineup

(Sports news) The 200m track event saw few new names pop up in the major events, although the records were not broken in the senior category but the chances have split between many. The 20 second barrier was broken 38 times this year with Olympic medalists Andre De Grasse, Kenneth Bednarek and Noah Lyles leading the timings. Noah Lyles clocked 19.52 secs which was the fastest of the season, the Tokyo Olympics 200m final saw the top five men finish under 20 seconds for the fastest Olympic race in the event. The 4th and 5th place saw two teenagers as they are slowly moving towards the podium in the 2022 season. These are the top four athletes who can win their first major title next year.

Erriyon Knighton

The 17 year old is in number 6 of the top timings of the year, he was clocked at 19.84 secs in June at Eugene. He became the youngest finalist in the 200m in two decades at Tokyo, Knighton finished fourth behind Lyles with a timing of 19.93 and was racing in lane 6 just beside De Grasse. The teenager broke Usain Bolt’s under 18 and 20 world record this year; Knighton also clocked sub 20 three times this year and can be a medallist next year if he can run similar to this season.

Fred Kerley

Kerley is the fourth fastest athlete this season with four sub 20 runs. He was earlier a 400m runner but now has switched to the sprints which worked superbly for the 6 foot 3 inch American. At the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kerley clocked his personal best of 19.76 seconds and has been constantly improving this year.

Joseph Fahnbulleh

The 20 year old is one of the rising stars in the 200m with a ripped body and had a powerful finish at Tokyo. Fahnbulleh was in the 8th lane in the final, he was placed 8th even after the turn and in the last 60m suddenly moved three places to finish fifth with a timing of 19. He showed a strong finish in the end and has three timings of under 20 including a personal best of 19.91 secs.

Terrance Laird

Laird is the fifth fastest athlete of the 2021 season with a timing of 19.81 secs in March at Austin. The race saw him running the first 100 in 10.39 secs but ran the second one in 9.42 secs which was one of the fastest splits of all time. He is 5 feet 7 inches and has had three races under 20 seconds this season.

Also read: Neeraj Chopra's rise in seven-star Olympic show and fall of Sushil Kumar, 2021 had it all

Mumbai, Dec 30 (Cricket News) Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that the coach and the captain should have a say in the national team selection.

India captain sits in the selection committee meeting to give his inputs but decision making power lies with the five-member selection panel while the coach doesn't have a seat on the table.

"I think it is extremely important that the captain and the coach should have a say in team selection. I think going forward, both should officially have a say. Especially if the coach is experienced enough, like I was and now how Rahul (Dravid) is," Shastri told Star Sports.

Head coach is part of selection panel in Australia and England.

According to Shastri, himself a former India all-rounder and former Mumbai captain, the skipper must get to see the mindsets of the selectors.

"It should happen in a meeting - not on the phone or outside - where the captain is there, so that he gets to see the mindsets of the selectors.

"What happens in the meeting when the convenor is there, all the big boys are there – he should be in that meeting," added the 59-year-old.

Legendary Rahul Dravid has taken over as the coach of the India team from the last home series against New Zealand, succeeding Shastri. 

Also Read : Rabada says SA can still win the first Test against India

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Dec 30 (Sports News) Neeraj Chopra's javelin flew high and did not come down until it had travelled enough to provide a golden touch to India's best-ever Olympic campaign at the Tokyo Games in a momentous 2021 which also witnessed the fall of the great Sushil Kumar.

The manner in which Chopra bossed the field with his 87.58m throw fulfilled the aspirations of a billion-plus nation that had not seen a track and field Olympic champion in its 74-year old sporting history since Independence.

It sent the country into a state of frenzy and turned Chopra into a phenomenon, and it was quite appropriate, too. After all, it was an accomplishment that fuelled the hopes of a nation that has been starving for success at sport's grandest stage.

It gave the current and future generation of athletes the belief that becoming an Olympic champion was indeed a possibility in this country if the right kind of training, exposure and timely financial support is provided.

The second-most populous region of the world rejoiced only its second individual Olympic gold medal since shooter Abhinav Bindra's spectacular show at the 2008 Beijing Games.

The 24-year-old son of a farmer was not alone in creating a moment of reckoning. India signed off with six more medals, won by athletes who did not have much in common geographically but had common traits of perseverance, grit and a burning passion to excel.

A sheen of silver was provided on the opening day itself by a chuckling Mirabai Chanu.

The Manipuri weightlifter carried on her small yet strong shoulders high hopes after her astounding success at the World Championship, and delivered with a stunning lift of 202kg (87kg+115kg) in the 49kg event in Tokyo.

The performance more than compensated for her Rio Olympics' heartbreak when she could not make a single legal lift.

A bunch of passionate hockey players, largely from humble backgrounds, reignited the love for the national sport with their bronze medal that felt like gold after a 41-year wait to see an Indian hockey team on the Olympic podium.

Skipper Manpreet Singh, a livewire on the field, the ever-smiling P Sreejesh and a fierce Rupinder Pal Singh all of them came together to shrug off the 1-7 bashing at the hands of Australia to trample Spain, defending champions Argentina, Japan and Great Britain en route to the semifinals.

Belgium broke a billion Indians' hearts by stopping the Indian team from entering the final but the players did not disappoint in the bronze medal play-off against Germany.

Putting years of physical and mental training to work, the players soaked in the pressure of a high-stake game to emerge deserving 5-4 winners, ensuring that the game of hockey would not slip into oblivion.

The Indian women's hockey team, led by Rani Rampal, scripted its own success story by reaching the medal round despite a hat-trick of defeats in the beginning.

The campaign did not culminate in a medal but the courageous fourth-place finish, after toppling mighty Australia in the quarterfinals, was no mean achievement. It earned the players plaudits and respect.

If Tokyo Olympics was about hockey's revival, the sport of wrestling continued to offer medals at the biggest stage, underlining its consistent growth.

The focus was on star grapplers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia but away from the limelight, it was Ravi Dahiya who left a lasting impact on the psyche of Indian sports lovers with his phoenix-like rise in the 57kg semifinals against Kazakhstan's Nurislam Sanayev.

Trailing 2-9 with less than a minute to go, Ravi managed to pin his rival, showing immense physical prowess and mental toughness.

He could not repeat his success in the final against Russia's Zavur Uguev but it was enough to make him an overnight star. After all, he was only the second Indian, who was competing for an Olympic gold, after Sushil Kumar.

While Bajrang too stood on the podium, a bronze medal did not feel like an achievement as he was expected to reach at least the final, given the expectations and hype around him.

Vinesh's Olympic dream, though, was shattered once again with her unexpected second round exit after entering the event as a title contender. There was embarrassment in store for the game when two-time Olympic medallist Sushil landed in Tihar Jail after being accused of murder of a fellow wrestler, Sagar Dhankar.

The way the 38-year old Sushil, the only Indian wrestler to have won two Olympic medals and a world title, played hide and seek with the police before being arrested exposed the murky underbelly of Indian wrestling.

The year also propped up a new star in Anshu Malik who entered the history books as the first ever Indian woman to reach the World Championship final.

Badminton star PV Sindhu's legend grew with a second Olympic medal as she grabbed a bronze despite not being in top form. She is now only the second Indian to have won two individual Olympic medals.

Kidambi Srikanth regained his touch with a historic World championship silver and young Lakshya Sen continued to dazzle but the listless performance in team events was a significant low for Indian badminton in a topsy-turvy year.

Lovlina Borgohain clinched the welterweight (69kg) bronze to ensure the boxers did not return empty-handed from Tokyo.

Hailing from the small Baro Mukhia village in Assam, the 23-year-old became only the third Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal, after Vijender Singh and the legendary MC Mary Kom.

The Indian men's campaign came to a screeching halt after Satish Kumar (+91kg) went down to world champion Bakohodir Jalolov in the quarterfinals. The other four male boxers bowed out after opening-round defeats while Mary Kom (51kg) and Poja Rani (75kg) also bowed out early.

While the country got new heroes to idolise, established cricket star Virat Kohli lost a bit of his aura, even as the team cherished a historic success in Australia and came close to winning a Test series in England.

Kohli quit T20 captaincy at the end of the World Cup and had no plans to leave the ODI captaincy but India's premature exit from the tournament led to the inevitable and the mighty Kohli did not see that BCCI bombshell coming.

Following his sacking as 50-over skipper, dirty linen was washed in public with Kohli and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly contradicting each other on the sequence of events that led to the former's removal.

The early exit at the T20 World Cup was a big disappointment but it marked the end of a successful era under Kohli and Ravi Shastri, especially in the longest format.

The win at Gabba by a second-string side will be remembered for long as Indian cricket enters a new era under Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.

During the year, the Indian senior men's football team won a record-extending eighth SAFF Championship title but for a nation seeking to relieve its glory days of the 1950s-60s, a triumph in a regional tournament is not something it would be contend with.

Veteran Sunil Chhetri went past the legendary Pele and equalled Lionel Messi when he scored the team's opener -- and his 80th goal -- against Nepal in the summit clash of the SAFF Championships in October.

The Indian shooters failed miserably at the Games, where they had gone with a lot of hype and expectations. They produced outstanding results throughout the year but when it mattered the most, they faltered.

Discus thrower Kamalpreet Kaur and golfer Aditi Ashok, though, came up with gritty show. They did not win medals but certainly new fans.

An important factor in India's stupendous success in 2021 was the way the government opened its coffers to support athletes. 

Also Read : Naveen shines in Dabang Delhi's win over Bengal Warriors

News Source : PTI

Warsaw (Poland), Dec 30 (Chess News) Twenty-year old Indian player R Vaishali is in second place with 7.5 points from nine rounds in the women's section of the World Blitz chess championship here while her countrywoman Koneru Humpy is in joint third.

Vaishali, sister of the Indian chess prodigy and GM R Praggnanandhaa, scored impressive victories over Mariya Muzychuk (Ukraine) and Russia's Valentina Gunina on the opening day of the Blitz championship.

At the end of nine rounds late on Wednesday, Bibisara Assaubayeva of Kazakhstan is the leader with eight points.

In the ninth round, Vaishali put it across Polina Shuvalova (Russia) and faces Assaubayeva next.

Humpy, the country's top player, has a share of the third place along with Russian Alexandra Kosteniuk, who managed to recover from a loss in the first round to Turkey’s Ekaterina Atalik and another Kazakh player, 21-year old Zhansaya Abdumalik.

Humpy defeated Aleksandra Goryachkina in the ninth round and will meet Kosteniuk in the 10th round.

Humpy had finished sixth with 7.5 points in the Rapid event.

The other Indians - Vantika Agrwal and Padmini Rout are placed 32nd and 57th respectively with 5 and 4.5 points each.

In the open event, defending champion Magnus Carlsen got off to a bad start, having suffered three losses on the first day and is a point and a half behind the tournament leader Levon Aronian.

Sitting alone at the top on 10/12, Aronian (who in 2010 won the world blitz) lost just one game but beat all of his main opponents of the day. He is, however, yet to play the defending champion Carlsen as well as American Hikaru Nakamura (who has won the silver medal in the previous edition of the event).

Eighteen-year old Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi held world No.1 Carlsen to a draw in the 12th round in a 72-move game with black pieces. He has 8.5 points and is in 12th place, the highest among the Indian players in the Open event.

Young GM D Gukesh, who finished a creditable 9th in the World Rapid championship, has scored 6.5 points in 12 rounds to be in 81st place.

Vidit Gujrathi, who share honours with compatriot Nihal Sarin in round 12, is the next highest placed Indian after Erigaisi with 8.5 points to occupy the 27th spot. Gujrathi (7.5 points) is 35th followed by P Harikrishna (7 pts, 48th).

The other Indians and their positions in the open section - Abhimanyu Puranik (6.5 pts, 60th), Hasha Bharathakoti (6.5, 64th), Raunak Sadhwani (6, 90th), Mitrabha Guha (6, 95th), S L Narayanan (5.5, 109th), Sankalp Gupta (5.5, 119th) and Aditya Mittal (3.5, 170th).

In the open event, Egypt’s Bassem Amin has pulled off a big surprise so far, finishing day one alone in second place, with 9.5 points and is followed by the top Iranian player and former junior world champion Parham Maghsoodloo who is on 9 points.

They are chased by a field of 12 grandmasters all with 8.5 points, including defending champion Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Daniil Dubov, Alexander Grischuk as well as one of the top blitz players in the world, Hikaru Nakamura who also struggled to make a breakthrough, making five draws in a row.

The third tier of players, on 8/12, is led by local favourite Jan-Krzysztof Duda and includes former contender for the world chess crown and the 2016 World Blitz Champion Sergey Karjakin. 

Also Read : World Rapid Chess: Humpy takes 6th place in women's event, Gukesh finishes 9th in open section

News Source : PTI

Centurion, Dec 29 (Cricket News) South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada still believes that his side can win the first Test against India despite being reduced to 94 for 4 in chase of a stiff target of 305 on the penultimate day here on Wednesday.

Rabada took four wickets for 42 run to help his team bowl out India for 174 in 50.3 overs in their second innings, leaving the home side 305 runs to secure victory. South Africa still need 211 runs on the final day on Thursday to win the match with six wickets in hand.

"Definitely. we have just got to show belief. Strategize overnight and see how to approach this. Every sportsman has got to believe," Rabada said when asked whether South Africa can still win the first Test.

He said skipper Dean Elgar, who was not out on 52 at stumps, would be key to the team's cause on the final day.

"Dean is doing his best for his team, his country and himself. He is leading from the front. He has done it countless times," Rabada said of his captain.

About the possibility of rain on the final day on Thursday, he said, "Yeah, there have been chats on when it is going to rain or when it is not going to...It is a bit of an uncontrollable." Rabada is in awe of Indian pacers who have swung the match in the visiting team's favour.

"They got some quality bowlers. (Mohammed) Shami and (Jasprit) Bumrah are very experienced and (Mohd) Siraj has been bowling well in the recent past," he said.

"They have a good attack, they got pace and they have got skills. They are showing why they are a good attack." Asked about debutant pace colleague Marco Jansen, who took four wickets in the Indian second innings, Rabada said, "He is a phenomenal talent. He is an awkward customer to face. There is swing, bounce and pace coming at you.

"In the (Indian) second innings, he justified his selection...he seems like he wants to learn. He is a hard worker. He is really keen on doing well for his team and himself." On the number of no-balls (17 in the match including six in the Indian second innings), the South African pacer said he would need to work on it before the next game.

"Look, it is not acceptable. It is something I have to work on. The no-balls are controllable and I need to work on it before the next test," he added. 

Also Read : ICC T20I 'Player of Year: Marsh, Rizwan, Hasaranga and Buttler shortlised

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Dec 29 (Kabaddi News) Naveen Kumar shone in Dabang Delhi's 52–35 win over defending champions Bengal Warriors in a Pro Kabaddi League match here on Wednesday.

Kumar picked up 24 points from 25 raids, his best performance in PKL, as Dabang Delhi avenged their last season’s defeat in the final against the same opponents.

Kumar was unstoppable as he was in the thick of things from the word go and the Bengal defence were left looking for answers every time he stepped on to raid.

He started the proceedings well when he was on the money with a touch on Mohammad Nabibakhsh. In his next raid, he enticed the left corner to go for an ankle hold and thwarted the attempt.

With a blink of an eye, Naveen Kumar made it 5-1 for Dabang Delhi with another successful raid.

Such was the success of his raids that Bengal Warriors were 'all out' twice in the first 12 minutes of play, with the scoreboard reading 7-21.

The scoreboard kept ticking for the Delhi team with every passing raid as Kumar and Vijay, with support from Jeeva Kumar in the defence, put their team in a healthy position.

Kumar's agility was a treat to watch. He soon notched up his 25th consecutive Super 10 in the league as he mercilessly took defenders in his wake. Bengal Warriors also looked insipid in defence and lacked conviction.

Just before the first half ended, Naveen stumbled when he lost out on a super tackle with the Bengal defence coming together for the first time in the match. However, by then Dabang Delhi were way ahead at 33-15.

After the break, the Bengal defence seemed to have got their act together when Abozar Mighani sent Ashu Malik out of the mat. Bengal tried to stage a comeback at 22-34 but Vijay soon got his Super 10 to put Delhi in a position of strength at 38-24.

Kumar then returned to pick up his 20th raid point of the night as Delhi cruised at 40-25. The fact that veteran Manjeet Chhillar looked off-colour in the defence for Delhi was eclipsed with Kumar show. 

Also Read : Patna Pirates beat Puneri Paltan in PKL

News Source : PTI

(Sports news) The World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold at Millrose will be held next month as the big names will compete with each other in the 60m field. Trayvon Bromell has been the fastest man this season in the 100m, he will be competing alongside Christian Coleman who is the current world champion in the 100m.

Christian Coleman will make a comeback as he has been off tracks because of the doping controversy. The US sprinter had missed three out of competition drug tests in a period of twelve months which invited a ban of 2 years but has been reduced. The ban did not allow him to compete at the Tokyo Olympics as he was considered a gold medal contender, the 25 year old has the joint 6th fastest time in history. Coleman had clocked 9.76 secs while winning the World Championship at Doha two years ago, since then he has been widely recognized as the next big sprinter after Usain Bolt but the doping controversy made him sit out of major events as the other athletes took over the podium this year.

Bromell has been the fastest athlete this year although he failed to reach the final of the 100m event at Tokyo. The 26 year old was the first junior to break the 10 second barrier, he had a timing of 9.97 secs in 2014 at 19 years of age. A serious heel injury caused him to lose a few years in the sport but has made a major impact this year with his timings.

Both the athletes have the same personal bests, Bromell clocked 9.76 secs at Nairobi in September which put him on top this year and alongside Coleman for the 6th fastest time overall. Bromell has the chance to shine in the shorter event as he has been quicker in recent times, his best timing in the 60m indoor is 6.47 secs in 2016 which puts him in 20th position of all time.

Coleman holds the record for the fastest time ever in the 60m event. He was timed at 6.34 secs in 2018 which again puts him in top position but he has not competed in the last few months which is a major disadvantage as many other athletes have now come up with timings close to the record. It will be a battle of the next superstar in the making but both the athletes have an equal chance of finishing first, prediction is for Bromell to reach the finish line first but if Coleman passes first then it will be a treat to watch him in the 100m event too.

Also read: Legendary NFL coach, commentator and video game icon John Madden passes away

(Sports news) The National Football League (NFL) has announced that legendary NFL coach, commentator and video game icon John Madden has passed away at the age of 85. Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and also had a three decade long broadcast career. He led the then Oakland Raiders to their first NFL victory in 1977 with a 13-1 record and subsequently became the face of Madden NFL Football which has been one of the most successful sports video games in history. 

In a statement released by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, he said “Nobody loved football more than Coach. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.” John Madden boasts the highest winning percentage of NFL coaches who have taken charge of more than 100 games but retired from coaching at the age of 42 to pursue a career in commentary. Most younger fans remember him for the EA Sports game Madden NFL which was first published in 1988 and became such an influence to not just fans but also coaches and players who used the game to devise tactics.

"My dad worked hard. He was a mechanic," Madden said in his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2006. "... I have never worked a day in my life. I went from player to coach to a broadcaster, and I am the luckiest guy in the world. People always ask, are you a coach or a broadcaster or a video game guy? I'm a coach, always been a coach." Madden became one of the youngest coaches in pro football when he was given the Raiders job at the age of 32 and under his reign the Raiders never had a losing season, making it to the playoffs eight times with a .759 regular-season winning percentage (103 wins, 32 losses, seven ties). He eventually retired from coaching due to a stomach ulcer and fatigue.

John Madden leaves behind an unrivalled legacy of 16 Emmy Awards as Outstanding Sports Personality/Sport Event Analyst and covered 11 Super Bowls from 1979 to 2006. A statement released by EA Sports said “Today we lost a hero. John Madden was synonymous with the sport for more than 50 years. His knowledge of the game was second only to his love for it and his appreciation for everyone that ever stepped on the gridiron. A humble champion, a willing teacher and forever a coach. Our hearts and sympathies go out to John’s family, friends and millions of fans. He will be greatly missed, always remembered and never forgotten.”

Also read: Damian Warner and his chances of breaking the world record in Decathlon

Melbourne, Dec 29 (Cricket News) Former batter Ian Bell feels England need to bring back the traditional selection panel to choose squads as it would provide a different perspective.

The post of national selector of England's men's cricket team was made redundant as part of a restructuring process after more than a century by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) earlier this year.

Ed Smith, who had held the post for three years, left in April. Since then the responsibility of picking the national squads lies with head coach Chris Silverwood while captains Joe Root and Eoin Morgan help him in selecting the playing XIs.

But in the aftermath of England's surrender in the first three Ashes Tests, Bell called for restoration of the panel instead of handing all powers to the head coach.

"One of the hardest things, and I was very shocked if I'm honest with you, was when we went away from the chairman of selectors thing," he told 'Sportsday'.

"Even looking at it from a player's point of view…you're not stupid enough to think (Chris Silverwood) is not part of selection, but since he is head selector, how would you have the honest conversations with the head coach and say, 'I might be struggling a little bit here', because he is the man who's making all the decisions.” The 39-year-old, who has played 118 Tests, 161 ODIs and 8 T20Is for England, feels someone who is not present in the dressing room and not interacting with players on a daily basis will be more suited for the job.

"I think you need a chairman of selectors who sits outside of the dressing room sometimes, who's not attached to all the players emotionally or what's going on a daily basis and can actually see things from a different set of eyes, which I think is really important." England's selection over the past three matches has been met with sharp criticism.

Pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad were rested on a bowler-friendly pitch in Brisbane while Mark Wood and spinner Jack Leach were dropped from the Adelaide Test where the pitch aided spinners.

Down 0-2, Silverwood made four changes going into the Boxing Day Test but to no avail as England succumbed to an embarrassing innings and 14-run loss inside three days at the MCG.

The changes yielded no result as Australia took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-Test series to retain the Urn.

"When you look at it now, you look at some of the selections we've had and decisions we've made at the toss, it's been very internal, there's not been a lot of advice from those outside who aren't in those day-to-day training sessions and in the bubble and it all becomes a bit emotional," Bell said.

"They need another set of eyes helping them to make these decisions." 

Also Read : Sensational Shami bags 5 to give India the lead on day 3 despite early collapse

News Source : PTI

Warsaw (Poland), Dec 29 (Chess News) Defending champion Koneru Humpy failed to live up to her billing, finishing sixth with 7.5 points in the women's section of the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2021 here.

In the open event, young Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh scored nine points to finish a creditable ninth, just half a point behind champion Nodirbek Abdusattorov (9.5) of Uzbekistan.

Gukesh pulled off a superb win against veteran Israeli player Boris Gelfand in the 10th round and followed it up with a victory over Jobava Baadur of Georgia in the next round late on Tuesday.

He drew his last two games against eventual winner Abdusattorov and Alexander Grischuk.

Humpy, who began the final day of the Rapid event with a draw against Alexandra Kosteniuk, also split points in her subsequent matches against Antoaneta Stefanova of Bulgaria and Gulnar Mamadova of Azerbaijan. R Vaishali was the next best Indian performer in the women's section, finishing in the 14th spot with seven points followed by Vantika Agrawal (6 points, 38th place), and Padmini Rout (5.5, 49th).

Kosteniuk did not lose a single game, scoring seven victories (6 in a row in the first six rounds) and settling for four draws in 11 rounds to finish with nine points.

In the open section, Mitrabha Guha, who recently became a Grandmaster, logged 8.5 points to finish an impressive 15th. Vidit S Gujrathi (7.5 points) took the 45th spot while Harish Bharathakoti, who had a good start, settled for 60th place with 7 points.

The experienced P Harikrishna, the highest ranked Indian player here, ended 99th with 6.5 points.

The triumph for 17-year old Abdusattorov ended world champion and no.1 player Magnus Carlsen's reign. He edged out Ian Nepomniachtchi in a tie-break.

Four players -- Abdusattorov, Nepomniachtchi, Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana of USA had finished with 9.5 points each and the first two went on to play the tie-break. 

Also Read : World Rapid Chess: Humpy in joint second spot

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Dec 28 (Kabaddi News) Three-time champions Patna Pirates beat Puneri Paltan 38-26 in a Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 match here on Tuesday.

Sachin scored a Super 10 (10 points) and was ably supported by Patna’s defensive trio of Sunil (4 points), Mohammadreza Chiyaneh (3 points) and Sajin C (3 points).

The lack of a quality raider despite promising performances from youngsters will be a cause of concern for the Puneri Paltan who succumbed to their second loss in three matches.

All eyes were once again on Pune’s Rahul Chaudhari but the showman, despite starting the match, was substituted for young Mohit Goyat by coach Anup Kumar in the first half.

The trio of raiders including Aslam Inamdar and Pankaj Mohite caused problems for the Patna defence while at the other end Prashant Kumar Rai and Sachin were equally effective.

Patna were facing the risk of an 'All Out' with six minutes left to half time, but their defender Sajin C completed a Super Tackle to turn the momentum.

The three-time champions got lucky later when Monu Goyat entered the lobby without contact, in a do-or-die raid only to be followed by three Pune defenders who had been deceived by his actions.

The first half ended 14-14 with Pune having just two men on the mat.

Pune brought in Shubham Shelke for Pankaj Mohite in the second half. But Patna kept fighting back, thanks largely to confident tackles from the likes of Mohammadreza Chiyaneh and Sajin.

With 10 minutes remaining, Patna had a 4-point lead and that was extended as Pune’s plan to play on the do-or-die raid backfired.

Sachin scored two points in the crucial raid for Patna to inspire another 'All Out' in the 13th minute and open a 10-point lead.

Sunil and Vishal Bharadwaj picked up yellow cards in the final minutes as the match became intense. But Patna ensured there was no late comeback by Pune to clinch an important win. 

Also Read : Damian Warner and his chances of breaking the world record in Decathlon

News Source : PTI

(Sports news) Damian Warner achieved one of the best performances in the history of Decathlon at the Tokyo Olympics. This year, he has been breaking records in the overall points category as well as in certain events. The Decathlon is the toughest sport as an athlete has to perform well in 10 events each vastly different from others.