Author: Abhishek Shukla

Owner of Sports India Live.
by Abhishek Shukla

Olympic and World Champion Pole Vaulter Katie Moon Is the International Event Ambassador for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024

Mumbai, 27th December:  Two-time pole vault World Champion and 2020 Olympic gold medalist Katie Moon is the International Event Ambassador for the 19th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon to be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Promoted by Procam International, the Tata Mumbai Marathon is a World Athletics Gold Label Race.

It was the first time in the history of the World Championships that a Gold medal was shared jointly between two participants. This instilled in her a deep respect for the sport and her fellow competitors as well. The 32-year-old, American Pole Vaulter will be defending her title in the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

The solo Olympic medalist has clinched three medals at the World Athletics Championships: a silver in the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, and a gold medal at the 2022 Eugene and 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championships. In 2023, she also won the top slot in the Diamond League. Moon hit a streak with two medals in 2018 alone: a gold at the Toronto NACAC Championship and a silver in the London Athletics World Cup. In the consecutive year, Moon pocketed a silver in the 2019 Lima Pan American Games. In her early childhood, she competed as a level 4 gymnast and diver, while in pole vaulting, she graduated with a state record of 3.97 m (13 ft 0 in).

Katie Moon International Event Ambassador for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024, said, “While running the race of life, every step is an opportunity to inspire and make a difference. I am deeply honoured to be named the International Event Ambassador for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024, where each stride carries the spirit of resilience, determination, and community. I look forward to inspiring and being inspired by the incredible participants as we come together to celebrate the power of human potential and the pursuit of excellence. Let’s lace up Mumbai, and run towards a healthier, and happier future!”

Vivek Singh, Jt MD, Procam International, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Katie Moon to our Tata Mumbai Marathon family as the esteemed International Event Ambassador. With her unparalleled sporting spirit, competitiveness, passion for excellence, and dedication to making a positive impact, we’re confident she’ll inspire countless others to join us on this incredible journey!”

Tata Mumbai Marathon is one of the top 10 marathons in the world. With a prize money of USD 405,000, Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024 will witness participation from across the globe.

by Abhishek Shukla

Odisha geared up to host Junior and Senior Artistic Gymnastics National Championships 2023-24

Bhubaneswar, 27 December 2023: The Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, is all geared up to host the Junior and Senior Artistic Gymnastics National Championships for the 2023-24 season at the Gymnastics Centre, Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. In association with the Odisha Gymnastics Association and the Gymnastics Federation of India, the championship will see top gymnasts across the country showcasing their skills at the national stage.

The Junior Championship will be held from 28-30 December 2023, while the Senior Championship will take place from 2-4 January 2024 in the state capital. A total of 750 participants, including 550 players, 120 support staff and 100 officials from across the country are expected to take part in what will be a grand showcase of gymnastics prowess.

The championship will see the participation of 28 affiliated units from the Gymnastics Federation of India, highlighting a diverse and competitive field. Athletes from across the nation will converge, bringing their skills and dedication to the forefront at the Gymnastics Centre which is equipped with advanced equipment and facilities used to train both senior and grassroots-level athletes.

Speaking ahead of the event, Sports & Youth Services Secretary, Odisha, Vineel Krishna said, “Gymnastics is amongst our priority sports. We have a strong pool of gymnasts in Odisha and we are absolutely delighted to host the Junior and Senior Artistic Gymnastics National Championships 2023-24. It is an apt opportunity for our gymnasts to learn from the best. We are working closely with the Gymnastics Federation of India and Odisha Gymnastics Association to ensure the junior and senior gymnasts have the best of experience in Odisha. I extend a warm welcome and wish the very best to all the participants.

Sudhir Mital, President, Gymnastics Federation of India, stated, “We are pleased to host the Junior and Senior Artistic Gymnastics National Championship here in Bhubaneswar which has the best of infrastructure and facilities to conduct a National Championship.  This championship will give the entire junior and senior participants experience of showcasing their skills at world class venue. We are thankful to the Government of Odisha and the Odisha Gymnastics Association for their support and leaving no stone unturned in the preparations for hosting the National Championships.”

The championship will have intense competition among the best gymnasts in the country, both in the Junior and Senior categories. The Senior Championship will feature the likes of Olympian Pranati Nayak, Yogeshwar Singh, Rakesh Patra, Tapan Mohanty, Saif Tamboli, Gaurav Kumar and others.

In July 2023, Honourable Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Odisha AM/NS India Gymnastics High Performance Centre at Kalinga Stadium that trains some of the finest gymnasts in the country.

by Abhishek Shukla

2023 Review: Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team recalls memorable 2023

Bengaluru, 27th December 2023: The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team had some memorable outings in 2023, with their dearest memories emanating from the Women’s Junior Asia Cup in Japan. The Team defeated Korea 2-1 in the Final to lift the Junior Asia Cup trophy for the very first time in India’s history. 

The first international outing for the team was in the India U21 Tour of South Africa in February. The Indian Team defeated the South African U-21 team in all three games and were held to a 4-4 draw by South Africa’s ‘A’ team in their last match. The unbeaten Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team was then well poised to battle the best Asian Teams in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup, following a period of intense training. 

An 18-member squad flew to Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and emerged as Champions of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 by defeating Korea with a score of 2-1 in a captivating Final match. All the 18 members of this triumphant Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team were part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) National Centres of Excellence (NCOE). 

Reminiscing the swell of emotions after lifting the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023, Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team Captain Preeti said, “We were elated to bring back the trophy, and the fact that we were the first group from India to win the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 was the icing on the cake. Something clicked in the squad back then, we were playing free-flowing hockey, scoring loads of goals in the process, and we were destined to win. The love and support we received upon returning was overwhelming and I am thankful we got to experience that.” 

As the Team prepared for the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2023, former Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Tushar Khandker was roped in to spearhead the development of the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team in June. In August, he was joined by Herman Kruis, charged with the responsibility of overseeing both Indian Junior Hockey Teams. 

For a final test run, the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team participated in the 4 Nations Tournament – Dusseldorf 2023 where they faced Germany, Spain, and England in August this year. Meanwhile, defender Sonia Devi Kshetrimayum and forward Dipi Monika Toppo were part of the squad that won the inaugural Women’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier in Salalah, Oman. 

The moment of reckoning arrived as the team made its way to Santiago, Chile to stake their claim for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 in November. After an ecstatic victory against Canada in the opening match, the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team lost to Germany and Belgium to crash out of their Pool. But their spirit remained intact, inspiring them to beat New Zealand, Korea, and the United States in the classification matches and ultimately finished 9th in the World Cup. 

Reflecting on the trials and tribulations of 2023, Preeti said, “All-in-all it was a memorable year, we started on the right foot but fell short in the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023. Although we desired a better result in the World Cup, the growth of the team this year has been astounding. The players improved technically, gained tactical knowledge, and showed great mental resilience when it was most required. I am proud that I got the opportunity to lead this Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team.” 

by Abhishek Shukla

Indian Esports stakeholders reflect on historic year for video-gaming industry; share outlook for upcoming year

New Delhi, December 27, 2023: The year 2023 has been defined by a multitude of key events and accomplishments for Indian Esports. The ‘Leveling up: State of India Gaming FY’23’ report by Lumikai in collaboration with Google states that India was home to 568 Mn gamers in FY23. The country’s gaming market hit $3.1 Bn in FY23 and is projected to reach $7.5 Bn by FY28, growing at a CAGR of 20%.

The Indian contingent’s participation in the Asian Games 2022, where Esports debuted as an official medal sport, and the remarkable fifth-place finish secured by the League of Legends team emerged as the year’s crowning achievement that showcased the nation’s Esports prowess on the international stage. The amendments made to the Information and Technology (IT) Act by the Indian government played a pivotal role in distinguishing Esports from real money gaming (RMG). This recognition provided legitimacy to the sector, leading to increased sponsorships and investments.

States like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh have also taken proactive steps, with initiatives such as the country’s first esports academy and tournaments. Educational institutions have also embraced Esports with the inclusion of Esports in the curriculum.

Sharing his thoughts on these developments, Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director of Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and Vice-President of Asian Esports Federation (AESF) commented, “The future of Esports is exceptionally bright in India. Through the consistent efforts of ESFI, the Indian government officially recognized Esports as a multi-sport event and categorized it under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in December 2022.Beyond official recognition, infrastructure development is a critical factor for the sustained growth of the Esports industry. The initiatives by our government and numerous states have laid the groundwork for potential financial backing and infrastructure growth in the coming years. Esports now proudly stands alongside the traditional sports of the country, attracting more players and sponsors to the industry.”

S8UL, India’s premier Esports organization, added to the country’s list of international triumphs by winning the first-ever ‘Global Impact on Mobile Gaming’ at the MOBIES Awards as well as the ‘Content Creator of the Year’ award at the global Esports Awards 2023.

Mr. Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Founder and CEO of 8Bit Creatives and S8UL, reflected on these milestones, stating, “The recognition on the global stage including our country’s talented contingent competing at the Asian Games 2022 and S8UL achieving unprecedented success elevated the industry’s status. The stigma surrounding gaming as a career choice has dissipated, opening new opportunities for aspiring gamers and legitimizing Esports as a viable and respected profession.”

The year also witnessed a transformative influx of brands into the Esports ecosystem, with notable examples such as IQOO SOUL’s historic title sponsorship with Team SOUL. Mr. Animesh Agarwal highlighted the significance, saying, “The increasing involvement of non-endemic brands, their entry into the gaming space, and the rise of official tournaments have reshaped the industry’s landscape. IQOO SOUL’s title sponsorship with IQOO highlights the expanding horizons of Esports sponsorships with brands across all domains. The influx of non-endemic brands brings both financial support and broader visibility to gaming creators, organizations, tournaments, and other Esports events.”

After its temporary hiatus, the triumphant return of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) this year was an instrumental factor for the Indian Esports industry. Emphasizing the resilience and growth, Mr. Rohit Agarwal, Founder & Director, Alpha Zegus noted, “Content solutions have been our top priority in 2023, and it has been an incredible year for us. Titles like BGMI had a comeback that boosted the Esports industry by more than 4x factor, while publishers like RIOT took serious efforts and made massive investments into the Indian gaming space. In numbers, we generated more than 400 pieces of quality content for our partners and saw a 300% growth in content solutions as compared to 2022. In 2024, our efforts are going to continue towards content solutions and experiential marketing, expanding our base to different regions, and bringing more quality to our work.”

As Esports continues its ascent as a global phenomenon, the inaugural Esports World Cup 2024 and the entry of streaming giants like Netflix and YouTube into gaming signal a revolutionary shift for Indian esports in the upcoming year. The convergence of these factors coupled with other trends promises a dynamic and transformative year ahead.

by Abhishek Shukla

Action-packed start to World Rapid Championships in Samarkand


Intense battles and surprising results on the first day of the World Rapid championships, with 270 players vying for world titles in the Open and the Women’s tournament.
The competition kicked off today with the Rapid tournament, showcasing some 270 players divided into the Open and Women’s sections, all battling for the prestigious title of world champion.
Held at the grand Samarkand Congress Center, a spacious venue showcasing oriental architecture, the event is broadcast live on FIDE’s YouTube channel as well as all other top chess streaming platforms. Former world Champion Vishi Anand and WIM and chess journalist Anastasiya Karlovich are providing the live commentary. It is the first time Anand is commenting on the WRB.
The tournament followed FIDE tradition with ceremonial first moves made on the top boards in both the Open and Women’s sections. Alisher Sadullayev, President of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, made the inaugural move for the Open, while Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE, initiated the Women’s tournament.

The Open
The Open Rapid tournament, after its initial five rounds, has seen a captivating start. Notably, five exceptional players top the standings with 4.5 points each. Among them are Arjun Erigaisi, the 2022 champion of India, defending Rapid champion Magnus Carlsen, Yu Yangyi of China, Bulgaria’s Ivan Cheparinov and India’s Vidit Santosh Gujrathi.
The defending World Rapid (and Blitz) Champion, Magnus Carlsen, began with a draw against significantly lower-rated Nikita Petrov from Montenegro, but he swiftly gained momentum, clinching victories in subsequent rounds, including a striking win over Parham Maghsoodloo, seizing his knight with a king in the top left corner of the board. Speaking for the Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Carlsen said: “My play is so-so, but my score is just great”.

Bulgaria’s Ivan Cheparinov emerges as a surprise contender, as he is not ranked in the top 20. Opening strongly with three wins and a draw, Cheparinov ended the day with an impressive combination to score against Richard Rapport (who had shown remarkable form until that point, starting with three relatively quick victories but finishing the day with 3.5 points).
However, not all top players started on a high note. Fabiano Caruana faced a mixed bag, securing his first win in round three, but stumbled in a complicated endgame against Pavel Ponkratov in the final round, finishing the day on three points. He is joined by Anish Giri, who also had a poor start, by losing a winning position against Klementy Sychev, who is 200+ points lower rated in Rapid. The performance in the World Rapid and Blitz has special importance for Giri as this is his last chance to qualify for the 2024 Candidates.
One of the most exciting games of the first day was played between Conrad Holt from the US and one of the top seeds, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan. Despite getting the upper hand in the middlegame and approaching victory, Mamedyarov (playing as Black) blundered. In a very sharp position with both sides attacking, Black allowed an impressive combination on the board and ended up a piece down. 

Vishi Anand called the game a “masterpiece”, adding “it may be a game of the year”. Mamedyarov, at 2.5 points out of five, finds himself in the lower ranks despite being the 12th highest-rated player in the event.
With 12 players half a point behind the leaders – including the heavyweights Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Daniil Dubov – there is a lot of space for many surprises and twists, which come suddenly and often in rapid games.

The Women’s tournament
Bulgaria’s Nurgyul Salimova and Zhu Jiner of China lead the pack with a maximum score of four points.
They are closely followed by a group of six unexpected contenders, with India’s Rameshbabu Vaishali as the sole top-20-rated player among them.
The first day in the Women’s Rapid saw a slow start from the reigning Rapid Champion, Tan Zhongyi, who scored her first victory only in the final, fourth round of the day, following three draws. The Women’s World Champion in classical chess, Ju Wenjun, as well as her challenger in the Match for the title earlier this year, Lei Tingjie, also underperformed, finishing the day with 2/5 out of 4.
Surprisingly, top-rated players and former Women’s World Champions Alexandra Kosteniuk (also the 2021 Women’s World Rapid Champion) and Mariya Muzychuk struggled with a loss at the start, ending with only 1.5 points out of four.

The games continue on Wednesday, December 27, from 3 PM local time in Samarkand.
The second day of the World Rapid promises a crucial test for contenders, with four rounds in each section. In an event where every move shapes destiny, surprises are likely, and champions rise and fall amidst fierce competition.


About the event:
The World Rapid and Blitz is one of the most exciting and most watched chess events in the world, attracting the strongest Grandmasters.
The prize fund totals one million US dollars, with $700,000 for the Open and $300,000 for the Women’s tournaments.
The event is taking place from December 25 to December 30, at the Samarkand Congress Center.

Photos: Anastasia Korolkova
by Abhishek Shukla

Sweden Dominates Latvia 6-0 in IIHF World Junior Championship Despite Early Misconduct

Sweden, undeterred by an early game misconduct to Elias Salomonsson, showcased their hockey prowess with a commanding 6-0 victory over Latvia at the Scandinavium. The Swedish team, displaying remarkable resilience and skill, capitalized on their power-play opportunities to secure a comfortable win.

The game’s tone was set in the opening minutes when Salomonsson received a boarding major and game misconduct just 25 seconds into the match. However, Sweden quickly overcame this setback, leveraging their power-play advantage effectively. Latvia, despite having an early opportunity to seize control, failed to capitalize and generated only a few shots during the extended power play.

Sweden’s Anton Wahlberg initiated the scoring at 10:09, skillfully tipping Axel Sandin Pellikka’s shot from the point. Their lead was doubled later in the period by Filip Bystedt, who executed a flawless one-timer from a pass by Mattias Havelid.

The second period saw Sweden further extend their lead with two additional power-play goals. Jonathan Lekkerimaki added the third goal at 12:45 with an unchallenged shot from the side boards. Shortly thereafter, during a delayed penalty, Oskar Pettersson’s shot was mishandled by Latvian goalie Rolovs, allowing Bystedt to score his second goal of the night.

Sweden’s fifth goal, their first at even strength, came midway through the third period. Theo Lindstein’s shot was delicately tipped in front by Felix Unger Sorum, mirroring Wahlberg’s earlier goal. Lekkerimaki rounded off the scoring with a sixth goal at 14:17, capitalizing on a weak defense from the Latvian goalie.

The Swedish team now enjoys a day off before facing Germany, while Latvia faces a challenging match against Canada in their next game at the Scandinavium. Sweden’s performance in this game underscores their status as a formidable contender in the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

U.S. Overcomes Resilient Norway in 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship

In an unexpected close contest, the United States triumphed over a tenacious Norwegian team with a 4-1 victory on the opening day of the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship in Gothenburg. Jimmy Snuggerud’s goal midway through the game ignited the American offense in a match that was scoreless longer than anticipated.

Gavin Brindley emerged as a key player, contributing two crucial goals in the second period. The Norwegian team, returning to the World Juniors for the first time since 2014, put up a strong fight, being outshot 44-23 by the Americans. This performance, however, signals a promising future for Norway in the tournament.

The U.S. team, under head coach David Carle, is on a quest for its sixth World Junior gold medal. With a history of success, including their last victory in 2021 and a bronze medal in 2023, the team entered the game as heavy favorites. They boasted a squad with eight returning players and 10 NHL first-round picks.

Norwegian goalie Markus Stensrud was instrumental in keeping the U.S. at bay, particularly with a key save against Frank Nazar. However, the U.S. team’s persistence paid off when Snuggerud scored, followed by Brindley’s back-to-back goals. Despite Norway’s Petter Vesterheim scoring a shorthanded goal early in the third period, Isaac Howard quickly responded for the U.S., cementing their lead.

The game was a testament to Norway’s growth and potential in international hockey, challenging the U.S. team more than expected. U.S. goalie Trey Augustine made 22 saves, reflecting Norway’s aggressive play. The game also highlighted the unpredictability and competitive nature of the World Junior Championship.

Norway looks to build on their strong showing against the Czech Republic, while the U.S. aims to continue their winning ways against Switzerland in their next matchups.

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Pankaj Mohite stars in Puneri Paltan’s 18-points win over Patna Pirates

CHENNAI, December 26: Puneri Paltan put up a dominating display to earn a massive 46-28 win over Patna Pirates at the SDAT Multipurpose Indoor Stadium in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 match on Tuesday. Pankaj Mohite was the star of the show as he brought up a Super 10, while Abinesh Nadarajan finished with a High 5.

Puneri Paltan, playing for the first time since winning three consecutive games in their home leg last week, were the better side from the very start.  Their raiding and defensive units worked in unison as the Paltan stormed to a 6-1 lead within four minutes. The Pirates showed promise when Sachin scalped a SUPER TACKLE and Manjeet came up with a multi-point raid, but their hopes of a comeback went up in smoke after a mindblowing raid from Pankaj.

He got past not one or two, but five defenders to inflict a SUPER RAID and the ALL OUT followed soon after as Puneri Paltan climbed to a 14-8 lead in the 10th minute. The Paltan raiders kept the scoreboard ticking as the men in orange ended the first half with a comfortable lead at 22-15.

The second half was one-way traffic as Puneri Paltan continued to call the shots. Their Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadlou put on a show as he donned the role of a raider and picked up 4 points in two raids, which included a SUPER RAID. He then single-handedly completed the ALL OUT as he trapped Sudhakar M in a double ankle hold and the Paltan lead swelled to 16 points at 38-22.

Every member of the Paltan starting 7 got on the scoresheet as Mohit Goyat got 9 points, while Shadlou and captain Aslam Inamdar had 6 points each as they cruised to a comprehensive win over the three-time champions.
The win sees Puneri Paltan solidify their position at the top of the PKL points table and they are the only team to have won 6 games so far.
 
  

Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, 2023
Points Table
PositionTeamMatchesWonLostTiedPointsScore DiffPoints concededPoints scored
1Puneri Paltan76103190197287
2Haryana Steelers752026-3256253
3Jaipur Pink Panthers74212516205221
4Gujarat Giants74302311229240
5Bengal Warriors833222-11301290
6U Mumba6420217223230
7Bengaluru Bulls835019-37282245
8Dabang Delhi K.C.6330177207214
9Patna Pirates734017-1268267
10U.P. Yoddhas72411515248263
11Tamil Thalaivas725011-37274237
12Telugu Titans71608-57294237

 

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 match on Wednesday, 27th December 2023 in Chennai
Game 1 – Jaipur Pink Panthers Vs Dabang Delhi KC – 8 pm
Game 2- Tamil Thalaivas Vs Gujarat Giants – 9 pm

Venue: Chennai
 
Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and for free on Disney+ hotstar.  

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: Odisha FC continue their surge as they edge past Punjab FC 1-0

New Delhi, 26 December 2023: Odisha FC kept their third consecutive clean sheet and extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to 10 games to secure a 1-0 victory over Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 Tonight.

The Juggernauts rode on an early opener by Fijian forward Roy Krishna to take three points from this clash as the home side fell short of building upon their maiden victory in the competition that they notched last week against Chennaiyin FC.

True to head coach Sergio Lobera’s philosophy, the visitors held the major chunk of the possession (64.7%) as they outclassed the opponents at the centre of the park to maintain their assertiveness in the flow of play across both halves.

Odisha FC were unfortunately unable to break the deadlock in their goalless draw away from home against East Bengal FC. Lobera addressed that by unleashing his striker duo of Krishna and Diego Mauricio, helping the Juggernauts pile constant pressure on the ISL debutants.

Ahmed Jahouh delivered a precise corner from a set-piece in the 18th minute that Krishna hammered just off target on the right side of the net. However, the fact that the incumbent Super Cup winners had put Punjab FC on the back foot helped them convert one of these opportunities, which was brought about by promising young winger Isak Vanlalruatfela three minutes later.

Isak has improved significantly under Lobera’s tutelage. He set up the winner for Krishna from very close range and the former Bengaluru FC star didn’t blink twice before depositing the ball into the back of the net. That was followed by Mauricio hitting on target, as he scrapped through a tight situation to shoot from a difficult angle in the 27th minute, but the home side kept that effort at bay.

Punjab FC too had their chances, with Samuel Kynshi and Madih Talal joining hands to take shots at the Odisha FC defence. However, a strong backline guarded by a seasoned goalkeeper in Amrinder Singh, who now has 44 clean sheets in his ISL career, ensured that the home team caused little damage to their winning prospects.

Key Performer of the Match

Roy Krishna (Odisha FC)

Krishna played 38 passes, made three tackles and crosses each, in addition to netting the winner for Odisha FC. Whilst the strike in itself was very important, but his overall contributions in the build-up cannot be understated either.

What’s next for both teams?

Odisha FC will now host Jamshedpur FC on December 29, whereas the first-half of the ISL season for Punjab FC has come to an end with this match.

Brief Scores

Punjab FC 0 – 1 Odisha FC (Roy Krishna 21’)

Stat Pack:

S2.jpg

by Abhishek Shukla

Team Canada Triumphs Over Finland 5-2 in IIHF World Junior Championship Opener

In an exhilarating display of hockey prowess, Team Canada began their title defense at the IIHF World Junior Championship with a commanding 5-2 victory over Team Finland. This match, played at the historic Scandinavium for the first time by a Canadian national team, extends Canada’s winning streak against Finland to five games since 2020.

The opening period showcased stellar goaltending from both sides. Canada’s Mathis Rousseau and Finland’s Niklas Kokko were in top form, but it was Nate Danielson who broke the deadlock. Danielson capitalized on a rebound from Denton Mateychuk’s shot, sneaking the puck past Kokko at 16:24. Despite Kokko’s earlier brilliance, including a glove save off Matthew Poitras, Rousseau’s acrobatic save off Lenni Hameenaho’s attempt was the highlight of the period.

The second period saw an exchange of goals after an early miss by Canada’s Jordan Dumais. Owen Allard extended Canada’s lead to 2-0 with a precise shot, assisted by Danielson. The Finns, however, quickly responded with a power-play goal. Arttu Karki’s shot was expertly tipped by Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, narrowing the deficit.

Canada asserted dominance in the third period, with Macklin Celebrini scoring after a video review confirmed the puck had crossed the line. The Canadians effectively controlled the game thereafter, with Poitras scoring an empty-net goal. Finland’s captain, Jere Lassila, managed to score in the closing minutes, but Lamoureux’s final empty-net goal sealed a 5-2 win for Canada.

The officiating team, led by the experienced Tobias Bjork and accompanied by the relatively new Daniel Eriksson, both from Sweden, ensured a fair and smoothly conducted game.

Canada looks forward to maintaining their momentum against Latvia, while Finland aims for a comeback against Germany in their upcoming fixtures.

by Abhishek Shukla

1964 Asian Cup: When the Indian flag flew high on the banks of the Mediterranean

NEW DELHI: Sukumar Samajpati, 82, hasn’t met Inder Singh, 77, for the last 30 years. Yet Samajpati, a crafty right winger in the 1960s with deadly dodges, vividly remembers the passes he played with inside-right Inder Singh to leave the rival defenders baffled in the 1964 Asian Cup final rounds played in Israel.

“Playing the Asian Cup in 1964 was sheer joy. It happened 60 years ago, but is still fresh in my memory,” remembered octogenarian Samajpati from his south Kolkata home. Yes, we could not win the title and finished runners-up, but India played rousing football throughout the tournament in all three matches. Inder was a young boy, but his display was marvellous,” said Samajpati.

Interestingly, the fans and followers of Indian football weren’t truly surprised by the team’s second-place finish in the continental championship. After all, India were the 1962 Asian Games champions and one of the hot favourites to bag the Asian Cup, too. It didn’t go that way, as Chuni Goswami and his men stumbled at the last hurdle and ended up runners-up behind hosts Israel. But overall, India’s showings were eye-catching throughout the four-team round-robin league.

A year before this, Indian football suffered a jolt. Their long-time National Coach, SA Rahim, the man who was credited with taking Indian football to great heights, died of cancer at the age of 53. To say Indian football was orphaned won’t be an exaggeration. Under Rahim, India won two Asian Games gold medals and fourth place in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. He meticulously built a team that was regarded as one of Asia’s best for nearly a decade, since the mid-1950s.

With Rahim no more, the All India Football Federation decided to hand over the baton to a foreign coach for the first time for the dual purpose of the Asian Cup and the pre-Olympics. Englishman Harry Wright, an FA coach employed by the National Institute of Sports, Patiala, for coaching and training the prospective coaches, was given the job of coaching the 19-member squad. Ten of these players had a gold medal each in their pockets from the 1962 Asian Games team.

The Indian team had a galaxy of stars in the true sense. Players like Peter Thangaraj, Jarnail Singh, Arun Ghosh, Ram Bahadur, Chuni Goswami, M. Yousuf Khan, FA Franco, Prasanta Sinha, etc. were household names for their exploits on the pitch. Joining them in the squad were Syed Nayeemuddin and Inder Singh, who went on to serve the National team for many years to come.

India didn’t have to play the qualifiers as all the other teams in the group withdrew from the competition. The team travelled to Israel to play the final rounds, but they could barely imagine the devastating news waiting for them on the morning of India’s opening tie against South Korea in Haifa on the slopes of Mount Carmel on May 27, 1964.  

As the Indian team woke up at the luxurious Grand Acadia Hotel, the tragic news came from India that Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was no more. The team lost all motivation to play and requested the team manager, Wing Commander Kalyan Kumar Ganguly, to get the match postponed. But the organisers said a postponement wasn’t possible because of the tight schedule.

“Finally, we took the field (Kiryat Eliezer Stadium) wearing black armbands. We weren’t totally focused because of obvious reasons, but we still managed to beat South Korea 2-0,” recalls Samajpati. Two youngsters, Inder Singh and Appalaraju, found the net.

Two days later, Asian champions India met their Waterloo against hosts Israel at the Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv. The home side scored once in each half to win 2-0. On June 2, India returned to winning ways at the same venue, beating Hong Kong 3-1. Inder Singh, Samajpati, and skipper Chuni Goswami scored for India. The victory ensured India’s runners-up spot in the Asian Cup. Inder Singh was adjudged the best striker of the tournament.

It was an admirable finish by the Indians, but many felt the result would have been brighter had Coach Wright played his cards more judiciously. His selection of the playing eleven before every match was always in question and raised eyebrows within the team. Wright, it was alleged, had problems maintaining discipline in the squad.

“Sixty years have gone by; many of my teammates have bid adieu to the world. Only a few like me are still there to share those moments we had in the Asian Cup,” said Samajpati.

“Will the posterity remember us? Will they know that once a bunch of amazing players donned the national jersey and dominated Asian football?” asked the winger, whose back centres always reached the strikers at the right spots.“

Maybe yes. Maybe not. But we did our best to keep the Indian flag flying high on the banks of the Mediterranean,” Samajpati whispered under his breath. 

1964 AFC Asian Cup India Squad

Goalkeepers: Peter Thangaraj, SS Narayan
Defenders: Syed Nayeemuddin, O Chandrasekhar, Jarnail Singh, Mritunjoy Banerjee, Arun Ghosh
Midfielders: Fortunato Franco, Prasanta Sinha, Ram Bahadur, Ajay (Kajal) Mukherjee
Forwards: K Appalaraju, Inder Singh, Chuni Goswami (C), HH Hamid, Sukumar Samajpati, I Arumainayagam, M Yousuf Khan, B Narayan
Head Coach: Harry Wright (ENG)

1964 AFC Asian Cup India Results

May 27: South Korea 0-2 India (Appalaraju, Inder Singh)
May 29: Israel 2-0 India
June 2: India 3-1 Hong Kong (Inder Singh, Samajpati, Goswami)

by Abhishek Shukla

UKK: Gujarat Giants register second straight win

Cuttack, December 26, 2023: Gujarat Giants continue their sparkling form as they defeated Mumbai Khiladis 34-30 to register their second straight win in the ongoing Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday.

Abhinandan Patil was the star of the match for the winning side with 14 points. Faizankha Pathan, Suyash Gargate and Shubham Thorat also contributed to Gujarat’s victory by staying on the mat for more than 5 minutes.

Promoted by Amit Burman in collaboration with the Kho Kho Federation of India, Ultimate Kho Kho became a huge hit in the first season, emerging as India’s third-largest non-cricket league in terms of television viewership. It also became the first Indian sports league to secure Series A funding, courtesy of the UK-based BNP Group.

For Mumbai Khiladis, Rohan Kore (8) scored the most points in the match.

The game began positively for Mumbai Khiladis as they earned a dream run bonus point in the first turn and allowed Gujarat Giants to secure only 14 points. However, Gujarat quickly turned the tide during turn 2 and claimed 3 dream run bonus points while defending.

They also allowed Mumbai to get only 8 points with their sublime defence and carried the momentum forward in the second inning as well.

Gujarat Giants notched up 14 points in the third turn while Mumbai won a dream run bonus point as well. However, it was enough for Gujarat Giants to register a victory despite Mumbai earning 20 points in the final turn.

Mumbai Khiladis will now go up against the defending champions Odisha Juggernauts while Rajasthan Warriors will face Telugu Yoddhas on Wednesday.

The exciting action of Season 2 will be telecasted on Sony Sports Network’s channels and SonyLIV with live coverage of daily two matches starting at 7:30 PM IST.

by Abhishek Shukla

India Weather Early Storm to Reach 208/8 on Day 1 of the 1st Test Against South Africa

In the opening day of the first Test against South Africa at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Gqeberha, India faced a challenging start but managed to post a respectable total of 208 for 8 at stumps.

The pitch at SuperSport Park, known for its pace and assistance to batsmen, set the stage for an exciting day of cricket. However, India’s batting lineup stumbled early on, with the top order failing to make significant contributions. Yashasvi Jaiswal (17), Rohit Sharma (5), and Shubman Gill (2) were dismissed cheaply, leaving India reeling at 24 for 3.

Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer attempted to stabilize the innings, with Kohli scoring an elegant 38 and Iyer contributing 31. However, Kagiso Rabada’s outstanding bowling, claiming 5 wickets for 44 runs, kept the pressure on the Indian batsmen.

KL Rahul emerged as the top scorer for India, showcasing resilience and skill to remain unbeaten on 70, bolstering India’s total. His knock was critical in steering India past the 200-run mark, despite losing partners at the other end.

South Africa’s debutant Nandre Burger also made an impact, taking 2 wickets for 50 runs. His early breakthroughs set the tone for South Africa’s bowling dominance throughout the day.

An unfortunate incident for South Africa was the injury to their captain, Temba Bavuma, who had to leave the field due to a hamstring strain. This could be a significant blow for the host team if Bavuma is unable to participate in the remainder of the Test.

India vs South Africa 1st Test, Day 1 – Brief Scoreboard

  • India 1st Innings: 208/8 (59 overs)
    • Yashasvi Jaiswal: 17 (37 balls)
    • Rohit Sharma (c): 5 (14 balls)
    • Shubman Gill: 2 (12 balls)
    • Virat Kohli: 38 (64 balls)
    • Shreyas Iyer: 31 (50 balls)
    • KL Rahul (wk): 70* (105 balls)
    • Ravichandran Ashwin: 8 (11 balls)
    • Shardul Thakur: 24 (33 balls)
    • Jasprit Bumrah: 1 (19 balls)
    • Mohammed Siraj: 0* (10 balls)
    • Prasidh Krishna: Did not bat
  • Fall of Wickets:
    • 13-1 (Rohit Sharma, 4.6 ov),
    • 23-2 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 9.4 ov),
    • 24-3 (Shubman Gill, 11.1 ov),
    • 92-4 (Shreyas Iyer, 26.6 ov),
    • 107-5 (Virat Kohli, 30.6 ov),
    • 121-6 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 34.6 ov),
    • 164-7 (Shardul Thakur, 46.2 ov),
    • 191-8 (Jasprit Bumrah, 54.3 ov)
  • South Africa Bowling:
    • Kagiso Rabada: 17 overs, 3 maidens, 44 runs, 5 wickets
    • Marco Jansen: 15 overs, 1 maiden, 52 runs, 1 wicket
    • Nandre Burger: 15 overs, 4 maidens, 50 runs, 2 wickets
    • Gerald Coetzee: 12 overs, 1 maiden, 53 runs, 0 wickets
by Abhishek Shukla

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations: A Showcase of African Football in Ivory Coast

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, officially known as the TotalEnergies 2024 Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship purposes, marks the 34th edition of this prestigious biennial African association football tournament. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the tournament is set to be hosted by Ivory Coast, marking the country’s second hosting since 1984.

Originally scheduled to occur during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer to avoid scheduling conflicts with European football, the tournament faced a postponement to January 13 – February 11, 2024, due to concerns about the adverse summer weather in Ivory Coast. Despite the change, the tournament retains its original 2023 designation for sponsorship reasons.

Ivory Coast, which last hosted the event nearly four decades ago, has embarked on significant infrastructure developments, including the renovation and expansion of existing stadiums and the construction of new ones across five host cities. The tournament is expected to take place in six stadiums with minimum capacities set at two for 40,000, two for 20,000, and two for 15,000 spectators. Key venues include the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan (60,000 capacity), Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Yamoussoukro (33,000 capacity), and the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké (40,000 capacity), among others.

Senegal enters the tournament as the defending champions, having triumphed in the previous edition. With 24 teams competing, this event promises to be a vibrant showcase of African football talent, passion, and cultural richness.

The tournament’s preparation also extends beyond the playing fields, with the Ivory Coast government ensuring the development of training facilities and accommodation in the host cities. This includes the construction of 96 villas and a three-star hotel in Korhogo, underlining the nation’s commitment to delivering a world-class footballing experience.

With all eyes set on Ivory Coast in early 2024, the Africa Cup of Nations is poised to not only celebrate the best of African football but also to demonstrate the continent’s growing prowess in hosting major international sporting events.

Africa Cup of Nations 2023 Groups

Group A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau.

Group B: Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mozambique.

Group C: Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, The Gambia.

Group D: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola.

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, Namibia.

Group F: Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania.

Africa Cup of Nations 2023 fixtures

Saturday 13 January

Group A: Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

Sunday 14 January

Group A: Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (14:00)

Group B: Egypt vs Mozambique, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (17:00)

Group B: Ghana vs Cape Verde, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

Monday 15 January

Group C: Senegal vs The Gambia, Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro (14:00)

Group C: Cameroon vs Guinea, Yamoussoukro (17:00)

Group D: Algeria vs Angola, Stade de la Paix, Bouake (20:00)

Tuesday 16 January

Group D: Burkina Faso vs Mauritania, Bouake (14:00)

Group E: Tunisia vs Namibia, Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, Korhogo (17:00)

Group E: Mali vs South Africa, Korhogo (20:00)

Wednesday 17 January

Group F: Morocco vs Tanzania, Laurent Pokou Stadium, San Pedro (17:00)

Group F: DR Congo vs Zambia, San Pedro (20:00)

Thursday 18 January

Group A: Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea-Bissau, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (14:00)

Group A: Ivory Coast vs Nigeria, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (17:00)

Group B: Egypt vs Ghana, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

Friday 19 January

Group B: Cape Verde vs Mozambique, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (14:00)

Group C: Senegal vs Cameroon, Yamoussoukro (17:00)

Group C: Guinea vs The Gambia, Yamoussoukro (20:00)

Saturday 20 January

Group D: Algeria vs Burkina Faso, Bouake (14:00)

Group D: Mauritania vs Angola, Bouake (17:00)

Group E: Tunisia vs Mali, Korhogo (20:00)

Sunday 21 January

Group E: South Africa vs Namibia, Korhogo (20:00)

Group F: Morocco vs DR Congo, San Pedro (14:00)

Group F: Zambia vs Tanzania, San Pedro (17:00)

Monday 22 January

Group A: Equatorial Guinea vs Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (17:00)

Group A: Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (17:00)

Group B: Cape Verde vs Egypt, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

Group B: Mozambique vs Ghana, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

Tuesday 23 January

Group C: The Gambia vs Cameroon, Bouake (17:00)

Group C: Guinea vs Senegal, Yamoussoukro (17:00)

Group D: Angola vs Burkina Faso, Yamoussoukro (20:00)

Group D: Mauritania vs Algeria, Bouake (20:00)

Wednesday 24 January

Group E: Namibia vs Mali, San Pedro (17:00)

Group E: South Africa vs Tunisia, Korhogo (17:00)

Group F: Tanzania vs DR Congo, Korhogo (20:00)

Group F: Zambia vs Morocco, San Pedro (20:00)

Africa Cup of Nations second round fixtures

Saturday 27 January

SR1: Group D Winner vs 3rd Place Group B/E/F, Bouake (17:00)

SR2: Group A Second Place vs Group C Second Place, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

Sunday 28 January

SR3: Group A Winner vs 3rd Place Group C/D/E, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (17:00)

SR4: Group B Second Place vs Group F Second Place, San Pedro (20:00)

Monday 29 January

SR5: Group B Winner vs 3rd Place Group A/C/D, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (17:00)

SR6: Group C Winner vs 3rd Place Group A/B/F, Yamoussoukro (20:00)

Tuesday 30 January

SR7: Group E Winner vs Group D Second Place, Korhogo (17:00)

SR8: Group F Winner vs Group E Second Place, San Pedro (20:00)

Quarter-finals

Friday 2 February

QF1: Winner SR2 vs Winner RS1, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (17:00)

QF2: Winner SR4 vs Winner SR3, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

Saturday 3 February

QF3: Winner SR7 vs Winner RS6, Bouake (17:00)

QF4: Winner SR5 vs Winner SR8, Yamoussoukro (20:00)

Semi-finals

Wednesday 7 February

SF1: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF4, Bouake (17:00)

SF2: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF2, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

Third place play-off

Saturday 10 February

SF1 vs SF2 losers, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

Final

Sunday 11 February

SF1 vs SF2 winners, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

by Abhishek Shukla

AFCON 2023: Guinea Announces 25-Man Squad for TotalEnergies AFCON 2023 Under Coach Diawara

In a significant move ahead of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023, Guinea’s national football team coach, Kaba Diawara, has named a 25-man squad to represent the country in the prestigious tournament. This marks Guinea’s 13th appearance in the African Cup of Nations, showcasing their consistent presence in the competition.

The selection process led by Coach Diawara has brought together a balanced mix of players, covering all key positions. The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shouldered by Aly Keita, Moussa Camara, and Ibrahim Koné. The defense line features Antoine Conte, Ibrahima Diakite, Issiagha Sylla, Sékou Oumar Sylla, Mouctar Diakhaby, Julien Janvier, Saidou Sow, and Mohamed Aly Camara.

In the midfield, Guinea will rely on the skills of Amadou Diawara, Seydouba Cisse, Aguibou Camara, Naby Keita, Aboudoulaye Toure, Mory Konate, Moriba Kourouma, and Karim Cisse. The forward line is poised to create opportunities with Francois Kamano, Morgan Guilavogui, Serhou Guirassy, Mohamed Bayo, Jose Martinez Kante, and Facinet Conte.

The 25 Guinea players selected for the TotalEnergies AFCON 2023

Goalkeepers
Aly Keita
Moussa Camara
 Ibrahim Koné

Defenders
Antoine Conte
Ibrahima Diakite
Issiagha Sylla
Sékou Oumar Sylla
Mouctar Diakhaby
Julien Janvier
Saidou Sow
Mohamed Aly Camara

Midfielders
Amadou Diawara
Seydouba Cisse
Aguibou Camara
Naby Keita
Aboudoulaye Toure
Mory Konate
Moriba Kourouma
Karim Cisse

Forwards  
Francois Kamano
Morgan Guilavogui
Serhou Guirassy
Mohamed Bayo
Jose Martinez Kante
Facinet Conte

All squads are provisional until the final list of 27 players is announced by CAF, following their submission by participating teams, on 3 Janaury 2024.

Guinea, known as the Syli National, is placed in Group C, where they will face formidable opponents including Senegal, Cameroon, and Gambia. The team’s first challenge will be against Cameroon on January 15, 2024, at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, followed by matches against Gambia and Senegal on January 19 and January 23, respectively.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘The players on our bench are also capable of winning games,’ says Haryana Steelers’ Head Coach Manpreet Singh

CHENNAI, 26th December 2023: The Haryana Steelers registered a convincing 42-29 victory against Tamil Thalaivas in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 in Chennai on Monday. Speaking about their victory, Haryana Steelers’ Head Coach Manpreet Singh said, “The team played really well against Tamil Thalaivas. The raiding and defence departments worked well for us. We made a few mistakes, but not as many as we made against Telugu Titans. Additionally, we have a balanced side and the players on the bench are also capable of winning games for us.”

Manpreet further added, “Our defence unit especially played well. The defenders executed their plans brilliantly and controlled 80 percent of the game. We decided that we would go for a tackle only if the raider was looking to attack.”

The Haryana Steelers’ raider Siddharth Desai hasn’t been able to play at his best in this season yet. When asked about the same, the Head Coach said, “Siddharth Desai is a really good raider. However, he picked up a fever in Pune and has not recovered from it yet. I think we got him back on the mat a bit too early. He’ll start playing better once he recovers fully.”

Preview for the matches on Wednesday

The fans will be treated with a mouth-watering clash on Wednesday as the two in-form teams – Jaipur Pink Panthers and Dabang Delhi K.C. will go up against each other on the final day of the Chennai leg. The Panthers have registered victories in three consecutive matches. Meanwhile, the Delhi side is coming off a 38-29 victory over Bengal Warriors in their last game.

The Tamil Thalaivas will be hoping to register a victory in front of their home fans, however, Gujarat Giants’ Rakesh and Captain Fazel Atrachali have been in excellent form and will pose a strong challenge to the Thalaivas.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches on Wednesday
Game 1 – Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – 8 pm
Game 2 – Tamil Thalaivas vs Gujarat Giants – 9 pm

Venue: Chennai

Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and for free on Disney+ hotstar.  

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: Contrasting form and fortunes on display as Mohun Bagan Super Giant hosts arch rivals Kerala Blasters FC

Kolkata, 26 December, 2023: Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be gearing up for a crucial encounter at home as take on arch rivals and in-form Kerala Blasters FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on December 27, Wednesday. The Mariners find themselves in a precarious position after nine games, having suffered consecutive defeats against their nearest competitors in the last couple of matches.

The streak began with a gruelling 2-1 defeat at the home of Mumbai City FC, before FC Goa had a strong outing against them, wrapping up a 4-1 victory in their own backyard. Juan Ferrando will need to go back to the drawing board to do a lot of searching as a spate of injuries and absence of key players give him a truncated squad to work with.

The club made a remarkable investment to strengthen the squad with the acquisition of multiple top-tier international and domestic players to further their ambitions at both the country as well as the continental level. The latter came crashing down with their group-stage exit from the AFC Cup, but Ferrando has to salvage pride by competing for the topmost honours in all competitions at home. On the other hand is a Kerala Blasters FC unit that seems eager to bring an end to their wait for the silverware this season.

The Ivan Vukomanovic-coached side has brushed aside concerns over the injury of skipper Adrian Luna with other senior and also inexperienced stars assuming responsibility and delivering the goods consistently against other teams. They swept aside Mumbai City FC by a 2-0 margin in the previous match, but can they replicate those heroics on the road too?

What’s at stake?

Mohun Bagan Super Giant

At stake for the Mariners is the chance to break this unwanted losing streak and get on top of the team that is placed just a place above them in the points table at the moment. They could not have come up against a better opposition to do so though, as their unbeaten record against Kerala Blasters FC is something that Ferrando would want to hold dear to after this game. Kerala Blasters FC have lost five times and drawn once in their six matches against the Mariners in the ISL. In fact, the Kochi-based club are amongst the three teams including Odisha FC and East Bengal FC that are yet to defeat the Mariners in the ISL.

The quality in the MBSG squad is such that they manage to come out triumphant more often than not. Despite the spate of injuries in this campaign, they have scored 19 goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 12.56 this season, with the Mariners’ xG differential of +6.44 being the highest of all teams in the competition. Ferrando will want for all that to come to the fore in this game.

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC are on a roll after their clinical 2-0 win against Mumbai City FC even with the absence of captain Adrian Luna. They showed no signs of rustiness as the forwards stepped up and unleashed their impeccable potential with Dimitrios Diamantakos and Kwame Peprah scoring and setting a goal each, in addition to a brilliant defensive performance. The clean sheets would come as a relief for Vukomanovic, as the team has not conceded a goal in their previous two matches and the last time they went on a longer stretch was of three games in December 2014.

The Mariners aren’t the ideal opposition to seal that feat though, as the home team has scored a goal in each of their last 10 matches in the top-tier. In fact, the depth of Ferrando’s squad allows him to introduce quality substitutes and that has resulted in them scoring 10 goals in the second-half of matches this season.

Key Players

Hector Yuste (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

The Spanish midfielder has been a valuable resource at the centre of the park for the Mohun Bagan Super Giant. He has recorded nearly one interception, 1.3 tackles, and 3.5 clearances per game, whilst playing an average of 47 passes per game at an accuracy of 87%. Yuste has also notched an assist and will don a crucial role in helping the Mariners win the faceoff in the midfield against the Kerala Blasters FC. Not only will he be tasked with breaking the waves of attacks from the opposition, Yuste will also have to constantly keep playing forward passes to set the tempo of the proceedings. He can chip into the box during set-pieces as well, and is an all-round package whose potential has not been optimally unleashed in the ISL thus far. Ferrando will be banking on him to have a cracker of a second-half of the season to help the team realise their ambitions in the ISL.

Prabir Das (Kerala Blasters FC)

Prabir Das is someone who has played every season of the ISL so far and that experience reflects in the solid addition that he has become to the Kerala Blasters FC defensive unit this year. In six appearances, he has made five tackles, 10 interceptions, and 14 clearances, in addition to making a couple of goal-scoring chances to round off a formidable run for the outfit in this campaign. His pairing with Pritam Kotal brings in a sense of assurance to the backline that helps the midfielders explore opportunities upfront without being overly concerned about leaving the defence exposed. Das can fill in various roles at the back, and his versatility coupled with efficiency in carrying out the required tasks make him a valuable asset to any team.

Head-to-Head

Played – 6

Mohun Bagan Super Giant – 5

Kerala Blasters FC – 0

Draws – 1

Trivia: Pritam Kotal has made 23 interceptions in the current ISL season, the highest for any player in the competition.

Team Talk


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“We continue with the same situation. Ashish and Yuste can play now. Team is the most important thing for me. We are ready for the next match. We are thinking of the best line-up, who’s fit, and about getting the three points,” Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Juan Ferrando said.


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“We have a great group of players, great characters, we have stuck together with team spirit and by fighting for each other. It’s nice to be at the top though we have played more games than FC Goa, who are more consistent with victories and their defensive work I’d say,” Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic said in the pre-match press conference.

ISL Fantasy

Hector Yuste (3.6cr)

One assist so far in ISL 2023-24

Asish Rai (4.6cr)

Consistent performer at the back for the Mariners

Dimitrios Diamatankos (8.4cr)

Six goals so far in this season

If not registered already, fans can participate in the overall league or club-based leagues based on their preferences. Create private leagues, inviting friends and fellow football aficionados to compete. Prizes include a Sony PlayStation ®️ ️5 gaming console, EA Sports FC 24, signed club merchandise, and a Gift Card worth INR 20,000, which will be awarded to 100 winners at the end of the season. Sign up at: https://fantasy.indiansuperleague.com/

Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 SD & HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam) & DD Bangla (Bengali). In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

Points Table

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by Abhishek Shukla

Khelo India Para Games: Northern belt sees Rajasthan lead the line with 10 golds

New Delhi, 26th December 2023: The Khelo India Para Games 2023, hosted across seven venues in Delhi, gave rise to many future stars in different sports from different states in India. One state that performed well was Rajasthan, who bagged 43 medals, including 10 golds, 20 silver and 13 bronze. They finished sixth on the medals table, just above Punjab (7th with 20 medals — 8 gold, 2 silver, 10 bronze) and Delhi (8th with 36 medals — 7 gold, 10 silver, 19 bronze). Haryana finished on top with 105 medals while Uttar Pradesh were second best with 62.

One of the star performers for Rajasthan was Jeetu Kanwar, who won the Bronze medal in the 100m T35 Class. Jeetu, who was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, finished with a timing of 23.81 seconds, below Preeti Pal (Uttar Pradesh, 15.65 seconds) and Avani (Haryana, 21.68 seconds). Previously, the sprinter won multiple laurels at the National Para Athletics Championships in different events like the 100m, 200m and long jump.

Apart from her career in sports, Jeetu is also pursuing her PhD in Public Health at the Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi.

Punjab also had multiple medal winners in their ranks and one star who performed well was Parmjeet Kumar, who secured the yellow medal with a more-than-impressive lift of 150kg in the Elite 49kg category in powerlifting. He finished above Dilipkumar Shukla of Gujarat (121 kg) and Bhammar Maya Bhai Loma bhai, also of Gujarat (105 kg).

His victorious lifts came after Parmjeet created history after becoming the first Indian to win gold at the Senior Worlds after he emerged victorious in the men’s – 49kg Total event at the Dubai 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships with a total lift of 462 kg (150, 155, and 157 kg). He has previously won bronze at the same event in 2021.

Delhi’s Sakshi Kasana won two medals in different athletic events — Silver in Javelin Throw and Gold in Discus Throw. This comes after the star para-athlete led Team India to the bronze medal in the women’s Discus Throw event at the Asian Para Games with a throw of 22.06m. Kasana, who has been in a wheelchair since a spine injury following an accident in 2017, has also won the silver medal in the F51/53/55 Discus Throw event at the 2022 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Tunisia.

by Abhishek Shukla

Manju, Sonia shine as eight boxers from RSPB storm into semifinals of 7th Elite Women’s National Boxing Championships

Greater Noida, December 26, 2023: Led by Manju Rani (48kg) and Sonia Lather (57kg), eight boxers from the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) stormed into the semifinals of the 7th Elite Women’s National Boxing Championships held at the GBU Indoor Stadium in Greater Noida.

Besides Manju and Sonia, Anamika (50kg), Jyoti (52kg), Shiksha (54kg), Anupama (70kg), Nandini (75kg), Nupur (81+kg) have guaranteed medals for the RSPB. In the 48kg bout, RSPB’s Manju Rani displayed dominance over Delhi’s Sanjana, claiming a 5-0 verdict from the judges. Manju will face All India Police’s (AIP) Minakshi in the semis.

Sonia Lather of RSPB, the 2016 World Championship silver medallist, set up her semifinal clash with Punjab’s Mandeep Kaur after defeating Vinakshi Dhota of Himachal Pradesh 5-2. Meanwhile, Mandeep secured a 4-1 victory over AIP’s Preeti to book her place in the last four.

In another match, 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine of Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) scored an RSC victory over Maharashtra’s Poonam Kaithwas in the 60kg category to reach the semifinals where she faces Menka Devi of Himachal Pradesh. Menka secured a 4-1 quarterfinal victory over Tamil Nadu’s PS Girija.

In the 63kg category, AIP’s Sonu impressed the judges to claim a 5-2 verdict in her favour against 2022 Senior National Championship winner Shashi Chopra. Sonu will take on Uttar Pradesh’s Rinky Sharma, who defeated Himachal Pradesh’s Muskan Rana 5-0 to reach the last four.

Youth World Champion Ankushita Boro registered a 5-0 victory over RSPB’s Anjali Tushir in the 66kg category. Boro’s semifinal opponent, Deepika from Himachal Pradesh, also had an easy outing against UP’s Rekha, securing a 0-5 victory.

Haryana’s Saweety Boora continued her dominance in the 81kg weight category. Facing Maharashtra’s Saie Davkhar, the 2023 World Championship gold medallist dominated her opponent to the extent that the referee had to stop the contest. In another 81kg bout, Assam’s Bhagyabati Kachari weighed so heavy on her opponent Saitejaswini Maineni from Andhra Pradesh that resulted in Referee Stopped Contest verdict, setting up a semifinal challenge against Saweety.

The prestigious tournament, organized by the Boxing Federation of India, has witnessed the participation of more than 300 boxers competing in 12 categories. The finals are scheduled to be held on Wednesday.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘Representing India in would be an absolute honour,’ says Baljeet Kaur as she aims to make the squad for Olympic Qualifiers

New Delhi, 26th December 2023: Baljeet Kaur, a booming talent in the Indian Women’s Hockey circuit who has been steadily carving her path to prominence within the squad, is aiming to make it to the squad for the forthcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, scheduled to take place from January 13th to 19th in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Since her debut in the Senior team at the 2021-22 FIH Hockey Pro League, Baljeet Kaur has been on an upward trajectory, showcasing consistent improvement and unwavering dedication. Her journey has been marked by noteworthy performances in pivotal tournaments, including the 2023 Test matches against South Africa and Australia, and the 2023 4 Nations Women’s Invitational Tournament in Barcelona.

Baljeet Kaur’s growth as a 22-year-old midfielder has been evident, with her remarkable abilities and adaptability shaping her into a valuable asset for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. Her recent role in the triumphant Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 victory underscored her importance in the squad.

Reflecting on her journey so far, Baljeet expressed, “It’s been an incredible journey representing India on various international platforms. Each tournament has been a stepping stone, an opportunity to learn and grow as a player. From my debut in the Senior team to the recent tournaments against formidable opponents, it’s been a whirlwind of experiences. I’ve had the privilege to contribute to the team’s victories, and each moment on the field has fuelled my passion for the sport. The trust of the team and the coaches has been instrumental in my development, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have shaped me into the player I am today.”

Baljeet Kaur’s notable progress and dedication position her as a compelling contender for a spot in the Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024. Speaking on the possibility of playing at a crucial tournament, Baljeet said, “The prospect of playing in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers is incredibly exciting for me. It’s not just about personal achievement; it’s about contributing to the team’s collective goal of securing a spot in the prestigious 2024 Paris Olympics. Representing India in such a significant tournament would be an absolute honour. I am prepared to give my all, to leave everything out on the field if given the chance.”

India is gearing up for the pivotal FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, eyeing a coveted berth at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s journey commences with an encounter against the United States on January 13th, followed by a clash with New Zealand on 14th January. Their final battle in Pool B is slated against Italy on January 16th. Meanwhile, Pool A features formidable opponents such as Germany, Japan, Chile, and the Czech Republic, setting the stage for an exhilarating and fiercely competitive tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

UKK: Punit Balan Group owned Mumbai Khiladis onboard 5 major brands

New Delhi, December 26, 2023: Mumbai Khiladis, the powerhouse team owned by Punit Balan Group (PBG), has roped in five major sponsors for the ongoing Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2. With this major brand handshake, the franchise has garnered a combined sponsorship amount exceeding INR 8.30 Crores which reflects the growing popularity and commercial appeal of indigenous sports such as Kho Kho in India.

Mumbai Khiladis will witness a prominent sports news portal, 1XBat join as the Title Sponsor for the team and the logo will prominently feature on the front of their jersey.

Mylab Discovery Solutions Pvt Ltd, a leading dynamic biotechnology company based out of Pune has come on board as the Powered by Sponsor and will be featured on the back of the team’s jersey.

Generic Engineering Construction and Projects Limited, a BSE and NSE-listed prominent construction company and pharmaceutical distribution company, Pharm Deal, Pune will act as the team’s associate sponsors, their logos will feature on the jersey sleeves. Additionally, the well-renowned private aviation company, Jet Fleet Aviation, has also joined forces with the team as an associate sponsor, with its branding being positioned at the nape of the neck.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the enormous sponsorship that Mumbai Khiladis have secured with a record-breaking value, Punit Balan, Chairman & Managing Director of the PBG stated, “The significant sponsorship that we have secured is a testament to the meteoric rise as well as the interest that non-cricketing sports in this country are generating. Moreover, it also highlights the burgeoning and untapped potential that traditional games like Kho Kho have. Ultimate Kho Kho has been able to propel this homegrown sport to becoming a mainstream sports league and among the top three in India by engaging with a target audience cutting across the hinterland as well as urban India. We are confident this is just the beginning and Mumbai Khiladis will be a flag bearer in promoting the sport and being a catalyst in its continued growth not just in India but globally.”

Showcasing its commitment to the development of sports in the country, the Punit Balan Group (PBG) has already invested in nine sporting leagues across India and globally. They also support nearly 60 budding sports talents pan India. The sponsorship amount received by Mumbai Khiladis marks a significant milestone not just for the team but also for the league, Ultimate Kho Kho, which is just in its second season and sets a new standard for indigenous sports leagues in India.

“The Punit Balan Group has always believed that investing in non-cricketing sports is the key to sustainability, and our values closely align with those of our sponsors. With a shared vision to uplift indigenous sports, we are dedicated to contributing toward creating a sustainable ecosystem for non-cricketing sports to prosper in India,” added Punit Balan.

According to the ‘India Sports Sponsorship Report 2023’ by GroupM, Sports Sponsorship in India recorded a figure of INR 5907 Cr ($Mn 748) in 2022 with a growth of 105%. Emerging sports witnessed an overall revenue of INR 1503 Cr ($Mn 190), which in YoY terms represents an incremental value of INR 829 Cr ($Mn 104).

Mumbai Khiladis, comprising standout talents including Captain Aniket Pote, defender Pritam Chougule and all-rounder Subhasis Santra, will face the Gujarat Giants in their second match of the season today on December 26.

 Promoted by Amit Burman in collaboration with the Kho Kho Federation of India, Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 is taking place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha with live coverage on Sony Sports Network’s channels and live streaming on Sony LIV daily at 7 PM onwards.

by Abhishek Shukla

“ISL is helping the current generation to dream big, represent their favourite clubs and most importantly, the country” – Subhasish Bose

Subhasish Bose, the prominent Indian footballer with an impressive career spanning multiple ISL clubs and the national team, shares insights into his journey and the impact of football in India. In an interaction with the league, Bose highlights the transformative role of the Indian Super League (ISL) in shaping the dreams of the current generation.

As a player with 34 caps for the Indian national team and stints with distinguished ISL clubs such as Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Bose has witnessed success and personal growth. Winning the ISL final and the Durand Cup with his club, as well as being part of the national team’s triumphs in the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championship, mark significant achievements in his career.

However, the 28-year-old, a staunch Mohun Bagan supporter since his younger days, still recollects the time when he had divorced the idea of building a career out of football.

“There is a lot of opportunity and the ISL has helped spread the message amongst the masses that football can be taken up as a profession in India. When we started off, it was pure passion at play. I wasn’t sure whether I could sustain my family by merely playing the game. However, the ISL has helped bring in greater exposure and the league is helping the current generation dream big, become professional footballers, and represent their favourite clubs and most importantly, the country,” Bose says in an interaction with the league.

“I feel very passionate about playing for the Mariners, because I believe they are the best fans in the country,” he says.

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Hailing from Kolkata, Bose has been in love with the game and his club for as long as he can remember. He is someone who thrives under pressure, and rides on the emotions that fans create inside the stadium. Admittedly, the versatile defender is encouraged to regain his spirits and give the game his all in the dying minutes of a match solely because of the support that is showered on him by the Mariners’ fan base. “I feel very passionate about playing for the Mariners, because I believe they are the best fans in the country,” he says.

“Winning the ISL trophy with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant last season has been the highlight of my career in this league so far. We had been trying for that for many years and to achieve it finally was a great moment. Secondly, scoring against India’s best goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu during our matches against Bengaluru FC is a very memorable moment! Every game that I play in front of the Mohun Bagan crowd is something to cherish. Even when I am tired at around the 70-80 minute mark, they cheer us up and it energises me even more, encouraging me to perform even better,” Bose adds.

Any conversation about Kolkata football is incomplete without mentioning the century-old rivalry between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC. Subhasish Bose humorously recalls avoiding discussions with friends from the Red & Gold Brigade during derby days. Simultaneously, he cautions that the rivalry should be restricted only on the field and bad blood should not spill beyond the duration of the game.

“The fan base for Indian football has grown a lot.”

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“Ever since childhood, as a Bengali boy, I didn’t talk to my friends who are East Bengal FC fans during the derby day. As a professional player, I believe that these things help grow Indian football. However, I would always insist for the rivalry to exist only for the 90 minutes that the game takes place. Now, I have a lot of friends who are East Bengal FC fans, but the rivalry between us remains only for the time of the game. After that, we go out, have dinner, have fun, etc,” Bose says.

“The fan base for Indian football has grown a lot. People used to consume only European football, mainly the English Premier League (EPL) earlier. But, that interest is getting converted into our sport now. Kolkata is known as the mecca of football in India because of the rivalry between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC,” he adds.

“Indian Super League (ISL) has helped Indian football and its players grow tremendously in the last decade”

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Indian football has seen Bose evolve from a talented youngster to a dependable defender who takes up responsibilities during important moments for both his club and the country. Bose credits the ISL for helping him get acquainted with international expertise, in the form of coaches and players who have enabled him to discover a newer side of his playing style. “The Indian Super League (ISL) has helped Indian football and its players grow tremendously in the last decade. Playing under foreign coaches and Spanish, French, and other teammates, who have played for their national team, have enabled us to improve our individual qualities too. It has encouraged us to play more fearlessly for the national team,” Bose signs off.

by Abhishek Shukla

Coca-Cola extends partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for eight years

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Coca-Cola are thrilled to announce an eight-year global partnership encompassing ICC World events across all three formats, up until the end of 2031. 

The official signing ceremony which took place at ICC’s Headquarters marked a historic milestone for the partnership and demonstrated Coca-Cola’s commitment to sports. This eight-year partnership as a Global Partner of the ICC, confirmed the collaboration as one of the longest ever associations formed by the ICC with a single brand, spanning a total timeline of 13 years (2019 – 2031). 

The relationship will see The Coca-Cola Company’s brands becoming exclusive non-alcoholic beverage partners. The agreement includes all men’s and women’s events at the pinnacle of the sport including the ICC Cricket World Cups, ICC T20 World Cups and ICC Champions Trophies through to the end of 2031. During the course of the partnership, there will be both a major international men’s and women’s event every year as well as a World Test Championship Final every two years.

ICC Chief Commercial Officer, Anurag Dahiya said: “I am thrilled to welcome back The Coca-Cola Company as an ICC Global Partner as we enter a landmark eight-year partnership, which unites one of the world’s leading brands with the second largest sport in the world. This long-term collaboration ushers in a new commercial era, filled with exciting prospects for the sport. With the Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, and the Women’s edition in Bangladesh just around the corner, we’re poised for unprecedented global growth and engagement. This partnership not only celebrates our sport’s expansion but also promises innovative opportunities to enhance our fans’ experience worldwide.”

Bradford Ross, Vice President of Global Assets, Influencers, and Partnerships at The Coca-Cola Company, stated, “In alignment with our rich history of global sports partnerships, the collaboration with ICC reinforces our commitment to refreshing sports fans and elevating their entertainment experiences. Sports holds immense power to unite people, and this partnership provides us with a unique opportunity to blend our brand affinity with the fervor for the world’s cricketing game. We endeavor to continue to delight consumers with our diverse portfolio and create unique experiences for fans.” 

During the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023, Thums Up and Limca Sportz were the exclusive beverage and sports drink partners, activating a host of online and offline fan engagement activations. Additionally, Sprite took center stage with its captivating ‘Thand rakh’ campaign, aimed at elevating and sustaining the enthusiasm of cricket fans throughout the biggest World Cup ever.

by Abhishek Shukla

Medvedev, Rublev, Sofia power PBG Eagles to win World Tennis League 2023

Dubai, December 26, 2023: US Open Champion, Daniil Medvedev and 2023 Australian Open quarterfinalist Andrey Rublev led Punit Balan Group Eagles won the World Tennis League title on Sunday night. In the finals played at the Etihad Arena, UAE, the PBG Eagles defeated Team Kites 29-26 for the coveted trophy and winning purse.

Punit Balan Group were bang on with the formidable combinations of players. Despite losing their opening mixed doubles tie, where the Medvedev-Mirra Andreeva pair went down to Paula Badosa-Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7 (5-7) in a tie-breaker, PBG Eagles returned with a bang to register victories in women’s doubles, men’s doubles and women’s singles.

Andreeva and Sofia Kenin defeated Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka overcame a stiff challenge to score a 7-5 win in the women’s doubles category.

“It was the first World Tennis League for me and begins straight with the victory. So, I am happy about it, happy for the team and happy that I managed to bring some points. I was happy with my doubles (men’s), especially because in the first match we played with Sophia we lost. And then I managed to step up my game. The only doubles after that we lost was mixed doubles. But it’s okay, in tennis, that can happen,” commented the World No. 3 Medvedev.

Medvedev and Rublev had a rather easy outing against Grigor Dimitrov and Lloyd Harris, scoring a 6–3 victory as a men’s doubles pair and the World No. 5, Rublev was happy with his contributions and that he could lead the team for a podium finish.

“Having the tennis greats of our time as part of PBG Eagles itself was an amazing experience and to top it with a win, we couldn’t have asked for more. The way we approached the matches and ensured a clinical finish was critical and I am very happy that we finished as Champions and give our fans a strong reason to celebrate as we finish 2023,” commented Punit Balan, Chairman & Managing Director of the Punit Balan Group.

PBG Eagles soared further high with World No. 33 Kenin’ upsetting World No. 2 Sabalenka in the women’s singles category.

The opposition needed to register a spectacular win in the men’s singles match. Although Grigor Dimitrov managed to score a 6-3 victory over Rublev, PBG Eagles had enough point cushion to claim the title 29-26.

by Abhishek Shukla

Hockey India announces 34-member core probable group for National Women’s Coaching Camp

Bengaluru, 26th December 2023: Hockey India on Wednesday announced the 34-member core probable group for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, which is scheduled to commence on 27th December at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru. The upcoming camp is significant as the Indian Team will aim to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the crucial FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 and the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup 2024.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will return to camp after a short break following their excursion in Spain. They faced off against Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and hosts Spain in the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 and will now gear up to make a strong showing in the Olympics Qualifiers and confirm their place in the all-important Paris 2024 Olympics.  

The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 are scheduled to take place from 13th to 19th January in Ranchi, with India placed in Pool B alongside New Zealand, Italy, and the United States. Meanwhile, Pool A comprises Germany, Japan, Chile, and the Czech Republic. Following that, India will participate in the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman, which is set to begin on 24th January and conclude on 27th January.

The core group includes goalkeepers Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Bansari Solanki, while Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri, and Mahima Chaudhary form the group of defenders. Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, and Ajmina Kujur are the midfielders called up for the camp, while Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo, and Beauty Dungdung form the forwards line-up. 

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will return to Ranchi after a dominating performance at the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, where they were crowned Champions last month. With the aim of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Chief Coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, Janneke Schopman, is striving to draw out the best performances from her players.

Janneke Schopman explained the importance of the upcoming camp and said, “The 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 served as a good litmus test ahead of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024. We identified areas for improvement, and we will use this festive period to dot all the i’s and cross the t’s. The squad is eager to return to Ranchi after their triumph in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in November. With the little time left, we will focus on refining our game to ensure we are in the best position—physically, tactically, and mentally—to secure qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

Indian Women’s Hockey Team 34-member Core Group:  

GOALKEEPERS 

  1. Savita 
  2. Rajani Etimarpu 
  3. Bichu Devi Kharibam 
  4. Bansari Solanki 

DEFENDERS 

  1. Deep Grace Ekka 
  2. Gurjit Kaur 
  3. Nikki Pradhan 
  4. Udita 
  5. Ishika Chaudhary 
  6. Akshata Abaso Dhekale 
  7. Jyoti Chhatri 
  8. Mahima Chaudhary 

MIDFIELDERS 

  1. Nisha 
  2. Salima Tete 
  3. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam 
  4. Jyoti 
  5. Navjot Kaur 
  6. Monika 
  7. Mariana Kujur 
  8. Sonika 
  9. Neha 
  10. Baljeet Kaur 
  11. Reena Khokhar 
  12. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke 
  13. Ajmina Kujur 

FORWARDS 

  1. Lalremsiami 
  2. Navneet Kaur 
  3. Vandana Katariya 
  4. Sharmila Devi 
  5. Deepika 
  6. Sangita Kumari 
  7. Mumtaz Khan  
  8. Sunelita Toppo 
  9. Beauty Dungdung