~Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Uttarakhand 13-0~
~Uttar Pradesh Hockey defeated Hockey Rajasthan 8-1~
~Le Puducherry Hockey defeated Kerala Hockey 6-0~
~Delhi Hockey defeated Hockey Arunachal 23-0~
~Hockey Association of Odisha defeated Telangana Hockey 7-0~
Chennai, 24th November 2023: The group stage of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship 2023 concluded today with Hockey Punjab, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, Le Puducherry Hockey, Delhi Hockey, and Hockey Association of Odisha registering victories in their respective matches at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai.
Hockey Punjab confirms Quarter-Final berth in style
Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Uttarakhand 13-0 in the first match of the day. Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh (22’, 23’, 55’) led by example, scoring a hat-trick. He was joined on the scoresheet by Parvinder Singh (12’), Harsahib Singh (15’, 54’), Kanwarjeet Singh (58’) along with Indian Men’s Hockey Team defender Jugraj Singh (14’, 18’, 39’), and forwards Dilpreet Singh (37’, 48’) and Sukhjeet Singh (52’).
Uttar Pradesh Hockey finishes Pool stage as table toppers:
In the second game, Uttar Pradesh Hockey defeated Hockey Rajasthan 8-1. Sunil Yadav (5’) opened the account for Uttar Pradesh Hockey, followed by goals from Indian Men’s Hockey Team forwards Pawan Rajbhar (7’) and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (11’). Uttar Pradesh Hockey Captain and Indian Men’s Hockey Team midfielder Rajkumar Pal (33’) also pitched in with a field goal. Sahani Arun (21’, 49’), Faraz Mohd (22’), and Manish Yadav (23’) scored the remaining goals for Uttar Pradesh Hockey. Meanwhile, the only goal for Hockey Rajasthan was scored by Akhtar Shoyab (35’).
Le Puducherry Hockey overpowers Kerala Hockey:
The third match witnessed Le Puducherry Hockey beat Kerala Hockey by 6-0. Veerathamizhan (21’, 56’, 58’) ran the show for Le Puducherry Hockey with a hat-trick. The other goalscorers for Le Puducherry were P Baskaran (7’), and R. Ranjith (15’, 17’).
Delhi Hockey runs rampant:
In the fourth match of the day, Delhi Hockey comprehensively defeated Hockey Arunachal 23-0. The goalscorers for Delhi Hockey were Vashudev (2’, 5’, 8’, 20’, 41’, 43’, 55’, 58’), Amit (4’, 12’), Lovepreet Singh (12’, 19’, 45’, 49’), Rahul (13’), Dheeraj Vats (21’, 23’), Rohit (25’, 42’), Rahul Gharai (30’, 30’), Captain Gursimran Singh (33’), and Thakur Yash (60’).
Hockey Association of Odisha books Quarter-Final spot:
The last match of the day saw the Hockey Association of Odisha beat Telangana Hockey 7-0. Indian Men’s Hockey Team defender and Hockey Association of Odisha Captain Dipsan Tirkey (24’) scored the first goal through a penalty corner. He was assisted in his goalscoring efforts by Rajin Kandulna (25’), Indian Men’s Hockey Team defender Amit Rohidas (31’), Ajay Kumar Ekka (36’), Indian Men’s Hockey Team defender Nilam Sanjeep Xess (43’), Rosan Minz (57’), and Rajin Kandulna (60’).
Quarter-Finals line-up:
Hockey Karnataka vs Jharkhand Hockey @0700 hrs
Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu vs Uttar Pradesh Hockey @0900 hrs
Hockey Haryana vs Hockey Association of Odisha @1330 hrs
Hockey Punjab vs Manipur Hockey @1530 hrs
Author: Abhishek Shukla
Owner of Sports India Live.
Nagesh Trophy: Goa thrashes Railways by 10 wickets, Jammu & Kashmir defeats Punjab by 77 runs
Jammu [India], November 24, 2023: Goa thrashed Railways by 10 wickets while Jammu & Kashmir defeated Punjab by 77 runs in the ongoing 6th edition of Men’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2023-24 also known as Nagesh Trophy on Friday.
The IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy kicked off on Thursday with all the four teams of Group E battling out for the glory here at the University of Jammu. The tournament will run till January 30, 2024 and the League stage will be played till December 29, 2023.
In the first match on Friday, Goa restricted Railways for 134/8 in the allotted 20 overs and then chased down the target in the 16th over to register a dominating win. Nilesh and Vinod stitched an unbeaten 135-run partnership to seal the win in style. Nilesh from Goa was the player of the Match.
In the second game, Jammu & Kashmir defeated Punjab following a sensational bowling display. Batting first, Jammu & Kashmir scored 164/6 in the allotted 20 overs and then folded Punjab for 87 to register a thumping win. Sahil was awarded the player of the match.
Jammu & Kashmir and Goa both have now won two matches while Punjab and Railways have faced defeat in both the games.
On Thursday, Jammu & Kashmir thrashed Railways by 82 runs at the University of Jammu while Goa defeated Punjab by 3 wickets here.
Jammu & Kashmir will now lock horns with Goa while Railways will meet Punjab on Saturday.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has also joined hands with Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) as Brand Ambassador for Nagesh Trophy.
Meanwhile, after the league matches end on December 29, 2023, Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) in association with the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled will hold the Super 8 Stage Matches at Nagpur, Maharashtra in January 2024.
The league matches of the 6th edition of the IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy will be played across 6 venues namely, Jammu, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Kochi (Kerala), Chandigarh, Agarthala (Tripura), and Kota (Rajasthan).
A total of 28 Teams (State /UT’s and an Indian Railways team which is represented by the Visually Impaired working in Railways) will play the T20 format Tournament. 28 teams are divided based on the last year’s ranking into 6 groups. The first 4 groups have 5 teams each and the last 2 teams have 4 teams each.
The 5th edition had the joint winners (Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka) due to the rain. Odisha has won the Nationals once while Andhra Pradesh had emerged victorious in the finals of the tournament 3 times.
Group A: Group A brings together teams from Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Group B: Group B will have trams from Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra, Pondicherry, and Uttarakhand.
Group C: In Group C, the stage is set for a competitive showdown as Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar face off.
Group D: Group D is a collection of teams, featuring Gujarat, Chandigarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.
Group E: Jammu & Kashmir, Railway, Punjab, and Goa will compete against each other in Group E.
Group F: Group F comprises teams from the north-eastern and central regions of India. Manipur, Assam, Tripura, and Chhattisgarh will showcase their talents.
Nagesh Trophy was launched in the memory of Late Shri SP Nagesh, Founder President, Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Founder Trustee, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. The launch of the tournament brought together the entire blind cricket community into one huge platform, by creating a milestone in the blind cricket history.
Shiva Thapa & Amit Panghal to headline 7th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championships
New Delhi, November 24,2023: Six time Asian Championships medalist Shiva Thapa (63.5kg) and 2019 World Championships silver medalist Amit Panghal (51kg) will be among the top boxers fighting it out at the 7th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championships scheduled to be held in Shillong, Meghalaya from November 25 to December 1.
Assam’s Shiva, who won the gold medal in the last edition will look to repeat the same feat while Amit Panghal, who represents Services will also aim to win the gold medal in the prestigious competition.
Other big names who will be seen competing in the 7th edition of the Elite Men’s Nationals include Tokyo Olympian Ashish Kumar (80kg), 2021 Asian Champion Sanjeet (92kg), 2021 Youth World Champion Sachin (57kg), Tokyo Olympic quarter-finalist Satish (92+kg) and 2022 CWG silver medallist Sagar (92kg) will be playing for RSPB. Ashish will be representing Himachal Pradesh whereas Sanjeet, Satish and Sachin will be squaring off in the ring for Services.
The competition will see the participation of over 350 boxers from 35 units competing in 13 weight categories to win the medal.
Team SSCB was crowned champions in the last edition of the tournament which was held in Hisar, Haryana with 10 medals which included 6 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals.
AIFF Youth Leagues set to launch in second week of December
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation, on Friday, November 24, 2023, announced the launch of the AIFF Youth Leagues, with the U-17 version, scheduled to kick off in the second week of December.
In an effort to ensure fair play, the AIFF will conduct TW3 Tests for the U-13 and U-15 Youth Leagues, starting in January, as part of a comprehensive strategy to eradicate age fraud. Over 50 teams are expected to participate, with direct entry granted to teams from the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, I-League 2, and Elite Academies with AIFF Academy Accreditation.
The first round of AIFF Academy Accreditation was completed, with 30 Academies from the Elite category awarded accreditation on the basis of various criteria fulfilled. The criteria included factors such as Residential Setup, Technical and Administration Staff, Medical and Education Provisions and other important requirements. The Advanced and Basic criteria accreditations will be completed subsequently.
To keep the National Accreditation true and fair to its objective – the AIFF plans to conduct surprise inspections for the accredited academies. Any discrepancies or non-compliance towards the criteria as per the accreditation policy may lead to the stripping of the academy’s accreditation.
AIFF President Mr Kalyan Chaubey said, “This year, the leagues have been slightly delayed. After three years, the Junior and Sub-Junior National Football Championships Tier 1 and 2 for boys and girls were organised.
“Now, we are going to kickstart the national youth leagues, for which more than 30 academies have been accredited after checking all their parameters. Along with them, the I-League and the ISL junior teams will also be taking part. We will be starting with the U17 league first, followed by the U15 and U13. There will be spotters in most of the games of U13 leagues, to identify talents.”
The AIFF Youth League aims to be inclusive, extending invitations to nominations from AIFF Member Associations that have successfully conducted Youth Leagues in their states. This collaborative approach seeks to create a dynamic and competitive platform for India’s emerging football talent, setting the stage for a vibrant future in Indian football.
I USED TO PLAY KABADDI IN MY COLONY,’ SAYS FORMER INDIA CRICKETER RAVI SHASTRI
Mumbai, 24th November 2023: The kabaddi fever is in the air as the milestone PKL Season 10 is all set to begin in Ahmedabad on 2nd December 2023. The superstars are ready to enthral the kabaddi lovers in each of the franchise’s home cities this edition.
Ahead of the special season, former Indian cricketers Ravi Shastri and Sanjay Manjrekar reminisced about their own experience of playing and watching the game of kabaddi in Mumbai. “I used to play kabaddi in my colony. It was a lot of fun to play the game because we used to play in the evening. Everyone from the colony used to come together to play. And a group of 50 people used to watch our games,” said Shastri.
Shastri also expressed about the fitness level required for the sport, “A good fitness level is very important for kabaddi. Core strength and lower body are very important.”
Meanwhile, Manjrekar spoke about the night kabaddi culture in Mumbai, “A very competitive night kabaddi used to take place and a lot of people used to go and watch the games in Mumbai. I also used to go and watch the games along with the huge crowd.”
Manjrekar added that he found facing fast bowlers easier than playing kabaddi, “This is a contact sport. I found it easier to wear a helmet and face fast bowling than playing kabaddi. One requires flexibility, strength and smartness for this sport.”
The league is thrilled to welcome the kabaddi fans from each of the franchise’s home cities back to the stadium this season. The Ahmedabad leg will be held from 2-7 December 2023. Thereafter, the league will move in the following order of venues – Bengaluru (8-13 December 2023), Pune (15-20 December 2023), Chennai (22-27 December 2023), Noida (29 December 2023 – 3 January 2024), Mumbai (5-10 January 2024), Jaipur (12-17 January 2024), Hyderabad (19-24 January 2024), Patna (26-31 January 2024), Delhi (2-7 February 2024), Kolkata (9-14 February 2024) and Panchkula (16-21 February).
Rajasthan Royals and Luminous Power Technologies strengthen their long standing association; extend Title Sponsorship until 2025
Royals Sports Group-owned franchise Rajasthan Royals and India’s leading energy solutions provider, Luminous Power Technologies today announced the extension of their association, with Luminous continuing as the team’s Title Sponsor for the next two seasons. Owing to last season’s collective success, Rajasthan Royals and Luminous Power Technologies will continue to exhibit their power-packed association both on and off the field. With the Luminous logo proudly displayed on the front of the Rajasthan Royals’ official jersey and training kits, the two brands are also joining forces for a cause to encourage participation in sustainability initiatives in Rajasthan for driving significant community impact.
The extension of this partnership is not just a testament to the shared success of the previous season but also a reflection of the aligned vision between Luminous Power Technologies and Rajasthan Royals. Both brands are driven by a commitment to innovation and sustainability, recognizing the importance of making a positive impact on society, which will reflect majorly in the jointly led future initiatives undertaken by both entities.
Luminous Power Technologies has been at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge energy solutions to consumers, offering a diverse range of innovative products that cater to both urban and rural markets. Renowned for its commitment to quality and reliability, Luminous has established itself as a trustworthy No.1 Energy Solutions Super Brand, providing inverters, batteries, and solar solutions that empower individuals and communities across India, and in more than 36 countries globally. Meanwhile, the winners of the inaugural edition of the IPL, Rajasthan Royals, are a high-performance team known for their innovative and pioneering approach to cricket which includes the extensive use of data, analytics, and technology to achieve results on the field.
Commenting on the extension of the partnership, Jake Lush McCrum, Chief Executive Officer, Rajasthan Royals, said, “After our successful partnership last year where we helped strengthen Luminous’ national and global footprint through impactful collaborations, we are delighted to have signed this two-year extension. Our values are deeply aligned and the social impact that we intend to create through effectively activating solar energy and enriching livelihoods in communities across Rajasthan is incredibly exciting! The renewal of our partnership gives us both the opportunity to deeply engage with our fans and consumers throughout the year and drive incredible life-changing campaigns while innovating together every step of the way.”
Preeti Bajaj, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Luminous Power Technologies said, “As a brand, we continuously explore meaningful associations which help us establish a deeper connection with our stakeholders. As Luminous takes center stage on the Rajasthan Royals team’s official playing kits, this collaboration represents more than a sponsorship; it reflects the mutual respect and alignment of both brands and reiterates our dedication to nurturing a sporting ecosystem via strategic partnerships. Together, we forge a compelling alliance, poised to drive innovation, champion sustainability, and catalyze positive change within individuals and communities. Luminous has consistently been drawn to the spirit of high performance, and partnering with the Royals, an epitome of excellence, aligns seamlessly with our brand philosophy. This extension not only acknowledges the triumphs of our past season but propels us into a future filled with exciting possibilities.”
Neelima Burra, Chief Strategy Transformation & Marketing Officer, Luminous Power Technologies said, “Cricket is not merely a sport in India. It’s an emotion. Sporting spirit is at the core of our brand building efforts. Luminous has had a long association with Sachin Tendulkar, who has been our Brand Ambassador for years now. We also have the current world batting champion Virat Kohli as the Brand Ambassador for Amaze. Both associations reflect our strong commitment to cricketing excellence in the country. By associating with one of the best cricket teams as part of the most-watched sporting event in India, Luminous created yet another opportunity to gain exposure among millions of cricket fans. In 2023, the sponsorship enabled Luminous to tap into a large audience and create a strong brand recall, which led to an increase in brand awareness and consideration. This has created good engagement and excitement among our teams and our dealer network and helped us to boost sales and revenue growth. Extending this partnership will not only further strengthen our brand identity but also engagement with our consumers and customers.”
This association aligns the transformative goals of a brand committed to revolutionizing the energy landscape with cutting-edge technology and innovation, and a cricket team actively engaged in societal transformation. Through its philanthropic arm, the Royal Rajasthan Foundation, the franchise has been enabling empowered women in Rajasthan by facilitating equitable access to water, livelihoods, and mental health interventions, along with making strides in providing access to solar energy. The partnership is poised to further amplify the collective efforts of both brands in making a lasting difference in the innovation, sustainability, and societal impact space.
Luminous also shares the Royals’ commitment to imparting education to girls, creating livelihoods, and fostering a green environment, presenting numerous synergies that align seamlessly with the Royals’ ambition of leveraging cricket as a vehicle to impact society positively. Luminous Power Technologies is actively engaged in CSR initiatives like LIFE and LAMP, focusing on empowering society and improving lives through education and essential support for underprivileged children. Luminous’ commitment to enhancing education, livelihoods, and fostering a green environment aligns seamlessly with the Royals’ ambition of using cricket to positively impact society.
“First-ever Khelo India Para Games shows government’s vision of inclusive sports eco system,” says PCI President Deepa Malik
“First-ever Khelo India Para Games shows government’s vision of inclusive
sports eco system,” says PCI President Deepa Malik
Haryana will field the largest contingent of the Games with 242 para athletes while Rajasthan will send a strong contingent of 140 para athletes and Uttar Pradesh will send a contingent of 125
New Delhi, 24th November 2023: Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) on Friday lauded the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) initiative to host the first-ever Khelo India Para Games and called it the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of creating an inclusive sports eco system.
“I am very thrilled and overwhelmed that the first-ever Khelo India Para Games will be held in New Delhi this December. This initiative goes to show the government’s vision towards creating an inclusive sports eco system,” expressed Deepa Malik, president of PCI who is also the first Indian woman to win a medal in the Paralympics in shot put.
The ‘Praise4Para’ hashtag campaign launched by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) ahead of the prestigious Khelo India Para Games not only showcases the para athletes unprecedented rise in their performances at various national and international events but it also celebrates the joy of participation despite challenges.
“Personally, as someone with a disability and a para athlete now in an administrative role with the PCI, I am very happy that under the able leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his vision of sab ka saath sab ka vikas, no policy is leaving behind a disabled person. And specially the sports ecosystem has become so inclusive over the years. I thank the MYAS and Sports Authority of India (SAI) who along with PCI are working towards creating a platform where we will have hundreds of para athletes compete under the aegis of Khelo India,” Malik added.
In an overwhelming response to the first edition of Khelo India Para Games, over 1350 para athletes will descend in the capital come December. Haryana will see the largest contingent with 242 para athletes representing their state while Rajasthan will send a strong contingent of 140 para athletes and Uttar Pradesh will send a contingent of 125. Gujarat will have 100 para athletes vie for honours while host city Delhi will have 97 participants, Karnataka will send a contingent of 84 para athletes and Maharashtra will field 77 while Himachal Pradesh will participate with 24 athletes.
It’s also interesting to note that 442 in women’s category will take to the field while 885 men will participate across 7 disciplines including para athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para badminton, para table tennis and para weight lifting. The events will be held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad and the JLN Stadium.
Recent Hangzhou Asian Para Games stars Sheetal Devi, Bhavina Patel, Ekta Bhyan, Neeraj Yadav, Singhraj, Manish, Sonal, Rakesh Kumar, Sarita among others are expected to represent their respective states in the first edition of Khelo India Para Games.
Ultimate Kho Kho raises valuation, secures a Series-A PE funding from UK-based BNP Group
Delhi, November 24, 2023 – In a ground-breaking move to bolster the growth of Kho-Kho firstly in India and then globally, Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK), India’s first-ever professional Kho-Kho league, has secured a Series A funding from UK-based BNP Group — a private investment firm that invests in scalable and disruptive business ideas.
Ultimate Kho Kho becomes the first sports league in India to secure private equity investment to grow the trajectory of Kho-Kho in India and globally. This strategic partnership signifies a pivotal moment in the annals of sports investment, not only fortifying BNP’s standing in the sports industry but also affording a global platform for the promotion of indigenous sports.
Promoted by Amit Burman in collaboration with the Kho Kho Federation of India, Ultimate Kho Kho remains steadfast in its mission to reimagine the growth of this homegrown sport with more significant dynamism and engagement. The league already enjoys robust backing and patronage from distinguished state and corporate entities, including Odisha Sports Development and Promotion Company, GMR Sports, Adani Sportsline, Capri Global, Punit Balan Group, and KLO Sports, all of whom have invested as franchise owners in the league.
Ultimate Kho Kho’s notable success in its inaugural season was pivotal in attracting this substantial investment from BNP Group. The inaugural season of Ultimate Kho Kho reached a noteworthy milestone, garnering a substantial viewership of 164 million across a spectrum of media platforms and 225 million video views on social media, thus securing its position among the top three non-cricketing leagues in India. With 41% of female viewership the league proved sport’s expansive and inclusive appeal in India.
Sharing his thoughts on the remarkable association, Mr. Amit Burman, Promoter UKK, stated, “Keeping in mind the global ascendancy of indigenous sports, this partnership with BNP Group is a massive milestone for Ultimate Kho Kho and our plans to grow the league as a bigger commercial entity. Together, we are poised to unlock newer opportunities and redefine the future of sporting ecosystem of India and contributing towards developing a multi-sport playing nation. This investment will empower us to build a stronger, bolder platform that resonates with Kho-Kho fans worldwide.”
With this historic investment, Ultimate Kho Kho and BNP Group are forging a path for the future of indigenous sports that pledges to inspire, innovate, and rejuvenate the global sports landscape. The reverberations of this collaboration are poised to resonate among athletes, fans, and stakeholders alike, ushering in an era of excellence and inclusivity in the realm of sports leagues.
Dr. Biswanath Patnaik, Founder and Chairman of BNP Group, echoed similar sentiments stating, “This investment by BNP Group in India being the first of its kind, has already set the foundation stone for the upliftment of grass-root level sports in India. Enamoured by the Hon’ble PM Mr. Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global sports powerhouse, I am determined to help Indian children to adopt this indigenous sport providing a platform for talented athletes to shine on the global stage. BNP’s investment is not just financial; it’s a testament to our commitment to fostering the growth and development of indigenous sports and creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
The Ultimate Kho Kho is poised for Season 2, having recently conducted a Player Draft where the nation’s top 145 players, including 33 young talents, were meticulously selected by six franchises in anticipation of the upcoming season.
Sreenidi pile up further misery for Rajasthan United
HYDERABAD: In the absence of David Castanaeda, Sreenidi Deccan did enough to beat Rajasthan United 2-1 in their I-League 2023-24 encounter on November 23, 2023. The win drew them to within three points of Mohammedan Sporting at the top of the table. Rajasthan meanwhile remain rooted second from bottom.
Despite the teams’ contrast in forms, and even their confidence on the pitch, it was Rajasthan United who struck first, Richardson Denzell slotting home in the opener as early as the 3rd minute of the game.
The goal itself came off the back of a Sreenidi corner and a rare defensive error from the usually reliable Gurmukh Singh. Sreenidi Deccan had dominated the early exchanges and after their corner was cleared to the byline near the centre, a fairly innocuous throw in was played to Gurmukh. The central midfielder’s first touch was dubious allowing Richard Gadze to apply pressure and topple him in the process. The loose ball fell perfectly for Richardson to slot into the far corner from inside the box.
Sreenidi’s game started coming together soon after conceding that opener, Ali Sabia and Faysal Shayesteh at the heart of all their work. Their two wing-backs Jagdeep Singh and Abhishek Ambekar were relentless going forward and kept pinging the crosses in and Sachin Jha was kept on his toes in the Rajasthan goal.
The equaliser arrived right on the 45th minute mark, William Alves capitalising on some lacklustre defending from a corner to pounce on a loose ball in the six- yard box and slitting it home. Within minutes, Sreenidi had the lead. This time Gurmukh was inducing errors at the other end of the pitch, rising from a long- floated Abhishek Ambekar ball to disorient goalkeeper Sachin Jha, who while trying to catch the ball fumbled and ended up putting in his own net.
Sreenidi never let their levels drop through the second period, constantly threatening the Rajasthan goal while simultaneously keeping their attackers at an arm’s distance. The best chance fell to Alves in the 65th minute, his decision to lob the keeper ended up with the ball on top of the net rather than in. It didn’t matter as Sreenidi wrapped up the three points, and Rajasthan’s slump continued.
Real Kashmir FC put NEROCA FC on the mat at rival home turf
KALYANI: Real Kashmir FC returned to winning ways in the 2023-24 I-League as they comprehensively defeated NEROCA FC 4-0 at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium on Thursday, November 23, 2023.
For Real Kashmir, Mohammad Asrar Rehbar, Gnohere Krizo and Jeremy Laldinpuia were the scorers. The win helped Real Kashmir move to fifth place in the table. They have nine points from five games, including three wins and two losses. NEROCA FC are in the 10th spot with four points from six matches with one win, one draw and four losses.
The last time Real Kashmir had won a match was back on November 4 against TRAU FC. They went on to suffer defeats against Churchill Brothers and Namdhari FC in their next two games before they bounced back against NEROCA in style.
Real Kashmir didn’t let the defeats in their last two games unsettle them. Instead, they looked like a motivated unit right from the start. They began with a positive intent and their attacking approach paid rich dividends when they took the lead in the 11th minute. Syrian defender Shaher Shaheen played a long ball from deep towards Gnohere Krizo. The Ivory Coast forward laid it off for Mohammad Asrar Rehber with a nice header. Rehber, who made a fine run into the box, easily went past his marker and slotted the ball home.
Real Kashmir extended their lead eight minutes later. This time, the roles were reversed as Rehber provided the assist to a fine Krizo goal. Using his pace, Rehber made a darting run on the right flank before delivering a low cross into the NEROCA box. Krizo, like a poacher on the prowl, found space behind NEROCA defenders Waikhom Rohit Meetei and Ronaldo Nongthombam and connected sweetly with the ball with his left foot to score Real Kashmir’s second goal.
Stung by the two reverses within 20 minutes, NEROCA tried to regroup and find answers to Real Kashmir’s aggressive brand of football. They tried to build their moves by playing a string of passes but could never really threaten the opposition. Real Kashmir, on the other hand, dominated the proceedings by winning the battles in the midfield.
Real Kashmir scored their third goal in the 64th minute and Krizo was again in the thick of the action. NEROCA were caught in possession as Real Kashmir players snatched the ball away from them. They moved the ball around quickly to swiftly build a move before Krizo released Jeremy Laldinpuia with a beautifully weighted pass. Laldinpuia didn’t make a mistake as he found the back of the net. Maksod piled on NEROCA’s misery in the dying minutes by scoring a fourth goal for Real Kashmir.
Zeel, Rashmikaa, Vaishnavi score upset wins enroute to quarters at ITF Bowring Institute ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour
Bengaluru, Nov 23: Zeel Desai registered the biggest upset victory of her career when she ousted the top seed Nigina Abduraimova of Uzbekistan on a cheerful day for the Indian contingent where two more of her countrymates – Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty and Vaishnavi Adkar, also registered contrasting victories against their fancied opponents as four seeds bit the dust in the pre-quarterfinals of the ITF Bowring Institute ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour, here on Thursday.
A confident Zeel who admitted that she was excited to play the top seed even before the match, won in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 against the Uzbek while Rahsmikaa toppled her best friend and doubles partner, fourth seeded Vaidehi Chaudhary after dropping the first set 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in a match that lasted 2 hours and 58 minutes. Vaishnavi outplayed eight seed Punnin Kovapitukted of Thailand 6-3, 7-6 (1) to advance to the quarterfinals while sixth seeded Jenny Duerst of Switzerland suffered a straight-set loss at the hands of German Antonia Schmidt 3-6, 4-6.
The players matched stroke for stroke as the games went with the serves for the first nine games, highlighted by shorter rallies yet classy shots from both the players. After a keenly fought 10th game, the 24-year-old Zeel broke Nigina’s serve to win the first set 6-4. However, her fancied rival broke Zeel’s serve in the fifth game and held her serve in the next to lead 4-2 in the second set. Stung by the reverse, the ever-smiling pro regained her composure and won the next four games on the trot with breaks in the eighth and 10 game to seal a spot in the last eight.
Rashmikaa and Vaidehi had met in the final of the Fenesta National with the former emerging as the winner. The latter had avenged the defeat during the finals of the recently concluded National Games. The duo who opened the day’s proceedings displayed some fine tennis with Rashmikaa’s forehand and Vaidehi’s deft cross court shots being the highlight. After the first six games went with the serve, Vaidehi who is two years older than the 21-year-old Rashmikaa broke her opponent’s serve in the seventh game and took the first set 6-4.
Continuing in the same vein, Vaidehi achieved a break in the very first game while Rashmikaa returned the favour in the sixth to restore parity and finally achieving one more break in the 12th to take the match into the third set. The final set saw a see-saw battle with both players breaking each other twice before Rashmikaa wound up the match breaking the 4th seed’s serve in the 12th.
Results (All Indians unless mentioned; pre-fix denotes seeding)
Women’s singles (Round of 32)
Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty bt 4-Vaidehi Chaudhari 4-6, 7-5, 7-5; 3-Rutuja Bhosale bt Pranjala Yadlapalli 6-4, 6-3; 2-Lanlana Tararudee (THA) bt Suhitha Maruru 6-1, 6-1; Antonia Schmidt (GER) bt 6-Jenny Duerst (SUI) 6-3, 6-4; Vaishnavi Adkar bt 8-Punnin Kovapitukted (THA) 6-3, 7-6 (1); Zeel Desai bt 1-Nigina Abduraimova (UZB) 6-4, 6-4; 5- Zhibek Kulambayeva (KAZ) bt Q-Pooja Ingale 6-1 6-3; 5-Diletta Cherubini bt Anna Ureke 7-6 (2), 6-7 (7), 6-4.
Doubles (Quarterfinals)
1-Rutuja Bhosale/Zhibek Kulambayeva (KAZ) bt Pooja Ingale/Sandeepti Singh Rao 6-2, 6-0; 3-Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty/Vaidehi Chaudhari bt WC-Kashish Bhatia/Vanshita Pathania 6-0, 6-3; 2-Jenny Duerst (SUI)/Ekaterina Yashina Vs. Diletta Cherubini (ITA)/Antonia Schmidt (GER) (stopped due to rain and bad light); 4-Punnin Kovapitukted (THA)/Anna Ureke Vs. Sai Samhitha Chamarthi/Soha Sadiq (stopped due to rain and bad light)
Day 7 Results: 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023
Chennai, 23rd November 2023: Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Jharkhand, and Hockey Chandigarh claimed three points each after some high-octane performances on the seventh day of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship 2023, at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai. Meanwhile, Manipur Hockey held Hockey Bengal to a 3-3 draw.
Manipur Hockey booked their Quarter-Finals spot with a draw:
Manipur Hockey delivered an electrifying performance in the first match of the day, drawing 3-3 with Hockey Bengal. Manipur Hockey took an early lead thanks to goals from Ningombam Jenjen Singh (2′) and Indian Men’s Hockey Team midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, who doubled the advantage in the 25th minute. Neupane Nitish’s brace in the 48th and 56th minutes, along with Rajendra Oram’s goal in the 56th minute, fueled Hockey Bengal’s late-game comeback. Nilakanta Sharma converted a penalty stroke in the 60th minute of the game, rescuing a crucial point for Manipur Hockey and ensuring their progression to the next round of the tournament.
Hockey Madhya Pradesh overpowers Hockey Jammu & Kashmir:
Hockey Madhya Pradesh defeated Hockey Jammu & Kashmir by 13-0 in the second game. The goalscorers for Hockey Madhya Pradesh were Mohd Nizamuddin (5’, 16’, 36’), Gladwin Shaun Glen (6’), Akshay Dubey (12’, 25’), Arjun Sharma (18’, 21’), Satyam Swamy (29’), Himanshu Sanik (46’), Sourabh Pashine (50’, 55’), and Swapnil Kawadkar (57’).
Hockey Jharkhand qualifies for Quarter-Finals with win over Goans Hockey:
Hockey Jharkhand defeated Goans Hockey 3-0 in their Pool F match to qualify for the Quarter-Finals. Noyel Topno (25’, 56’) scored a brace while Denis Kerketta (9’) scored a goal as Hockey Jharkhand stormed into the Quarter-Finals after winning all their Pool matches.
Hockey Chandigarh triumph over Hockey Andhra Pradesh:
The last match of the day witnessed Hockey Chandigarh defeat Hockey Andhra Pradesh by 6-2. Indian Men’s Hockey Team midfielder Maninder Singh (3’, 19’, 42’, 51’) made his mark on the game, scoring four goals for Hockey Chandigarh. He was assisted in his goal-scoring efforts with a quick brace from Singh Vishaljit (9’, 11’). Galla Siva Pramod (28’, 54’) scored the two goals for Hockey Andhra Pradesh.
Fazel Atrachali Named Captain of Gujarat Giants
New Delhi, 23rd November, 2023: One of India’s most loved sports, Kabaddi, will be back soon with the 10th season of the Pro Kabaddi League, which begins in the city of Ahmedabad. And ahead of the big day, Ahmedabad and Gujarat’s very own team, the Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants, have announced Fazel Atrachali as the captain for the side while Rohit Gulia is the vice-captain. The team is coached by the astute tactician and experienced coach Ram Mehar Singh.
The Gujarat Giants have been finalists twice, in 2017 and 2018, and will be keen to join an elite group of teams by bagging the prestigious PKL title. Co-incidentally, in the 2017 campaign, Fazel was part of the Giants squad that reached the final. The 31-year-old defender has been a two-time winner of the PKL and a three-time Asian Games medallist, and will look to use all his experience at the highest level to lead the charge for the Giants.
“In the PKL season 10, among all the players, Fazel is one of the most decorated players and he has won a lot medals in his career. I have worked with Fazel before, and he is great player, and in our mind, he was our clear choice for the captaincy for Adani’s Gujarat Giants,” said Ram Mehar Singh, Coach, Gujarat Giants.
With the likes of Rakesh and Parteek Dahiya showing plenty of promise, and the return of Fazel, the Gujarat Giants have a fair amount of talent in their ranks. Along with them, there are also the likes of Rohit and Sourav Gulia, Vikash Jaglan, Arkam Shaikh, GB More and the Iranian all-rounder Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh. With such great talent and experience at their disposal, the Gujarat Giants will aim for a solid start to the season.
Head coach Ram Mehar Singh said that the team, which had been based out of the New Delhi, had been doing everything possible to ensure they peak at the right time and are in form.
“Gujarat Giants is a very big team and it is my pleasure to be back in the team. I am delighted to be leading the team and, in the squad, we have a lot of youngsters. I know we all work well together and as a captain that makes my job easier. And I am happy about how things are shaping up,” said Fazel Atrachali.
The Gujarat Giants will begin their season with a game against Telegu Titans on 2nd December, which is the opening day of the tournament. All the games in Ahmedabad will be played at The TransStadia. The 10th season of the Pro Kabaddi League also marks a return to the caravan format after three years.
Ankur wins back-to-back U-19 Boys title
Vadodara, November 23: The last time Preyesh Raj Suresh played Ankur Bhattacharjee in the Youth Boys Under-19 final in Thiruvananthapuram last month, the left-handed paddler from Tamil Nadu conceded the match in the fifth game in a bizarre way, prompted by his coach S. Raman.
The title-win win in October may not have satisfied Ankur as much as it did today. The West Bengal paddler taught a few lessons on the way to an emphatic 4-0 win over Preyesh, who was all at sea. A cursory look at the score would suggest how Ankur rendered him hors de combat in today’s final, though the former carried no injury or any such thing. However, the meek surrender must have damaged his confidence more than his reputation.
In the Girls’ final that went the distance, Syndrela Das of West Bengal had to take her game a notch better to outsmart local girl Oishiki Joardar. Syndrela won the title with a 4-2 verdict, but not before the Gujarat girl made her sweat for points.
At 2-2, it was anybody’s title. But Syndrela claimed all critical points when the last two games could have gone either way after deuce. What separated the two in the final was Syndrela’s forbearance, as Oishiki faltered on a few occasions. However, she was on song when she toppled top-seeded Suhana Saini of Haryana 3-1 to enter the final. In the second semifinal, Syndrela beat Prithoki Chakraborty from Haryana in straight games.
Given the reputation of Suhana, it looked like a one-sided semifinal even before Oishiki reached the table. And, as expected, Suhana was on a roll, winning the first game with utmost ease. But the Gujarat paddler levelled the score in a tough battle and gained the confidence to go 2-1 up after an error-prone Suhana struggled for rhythm. Cashing in on the situation, Oishiki played a tight game and won with minimal points for a showdown against Syndrela.
The Bengal girl was in a commanding position against another Haryana paddler, Prithoki, who hardly did anything to counter her opponent. Syndrela used the table well to fox her Haryana opponent, who seemed to have thrown in the towel early.
In the Boys’ semifinals, Ankur had the measure of K.J. Akash of Karnataka and led 2-0. However, he dropped the next game before going all out in the fourth game and entered the final. He will run into Preyesh Raj Suresh from Tamil Nadu. The latter won a tricky match against state-mate P.B. Abhinand, who led 2-0.
If Ankur played a flawless match, left-handed Preyesh made several unforced errors, especially in the first two games. He made amends soon enough to catch up with his counterpart and level the score. The heavy loss in the fourth game must have upset Abhinand so much that he never recovered from the shock.
In the mixed doubles final, the Railway’s pair of Akash Pal and Poymantee Baisya not only neutralised the 2-1 lead by their opponents Payas Jain and Yashaswini Ghorpade of Delhi and Karnataka but went on to notch up a 3-2 title-triumph.
The Payas-Yashsini combined well initially and led 2-1, but the Railways duo wore them out in the extended fourth game before wrapping it up in the fifth.
Results:
Youth Boys Singles U-19: Final: Ankur Bhattacharjee (WB) bt Preyesh Raj (TN) 11-3, 11-4, 11-2, 11-7.
Semifinals: Ankur Bhattacharjee bt KJ Akash (Kar) 11-6, 11-5, 8-11, 11-8; Preyesh Raj bt P.B. Abhinand (TN) 8-11, 6-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-7.
Youth Girls Singles U-19: Final: Syndrela Das (WB) bt Oishiki Joardar (Guj) 11-7, 7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10, 13-11.
Semifinals: Oishiki Joardar bt Suhana Saini (Har) 5-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9; Syndrela Das bt Prithoki Chakraborty (Har) 11-7, 11-5, 11-7.
Mixed Doubles: Final: Akash Pal/Poymantee Baisya (RSPB) bt Payas Jain/Yashaswini Ghorpade (Del/Kar) 13-15, 11-4, 6-11, 14-12, 11-9.
Semifinals: Akash Pal/Poymantee Baisya by Ravindra Kotiyan/Prapti Sen (RSPB/WB) 11-7, 11-9, 11-8; Payas Jain/Yashaswini Ghorpade bt Anirban Ghosh/Shruti Amrute (RSPB) 10-12, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10, 11-5.
Spurs in India: Tottenham Hotspur legends to visit Mumbai and Bengaluru
Tottenham Hotspur legends Ledley King and Ossie Ardiles will be visiting India to support a series of events and activities arranged by the Club to engage with fans and promote the development of football at grassroots level.
Former Club captain, Ledley, and 1978 World Cup-winner, Ossie, will arrive in Mumbai on Friday 24th November and attend a watch party of Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Sunday 26th November at Dublin Square, Phoenix Market City.
Registrations to attend the free watch party – that will also feature a live DJ and football activities – are now open via the Tottenham Hotspur Official website.
While in Mumbai, Ledley and Ossie will also take part in a cultural city tour and charitable engagements, before heading to Bengaluru on Monday 27th November.
Here, the iconic former players will appear at a Legends evening with Spurs fans in the city and attend the Indian Super League match between Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC as special guests at Sri Kanteerava Stadium on Thursday 30th November.
Throughout the week-long visit to India across both cities, Tottenham Hotspur’s Global Football Coaching team will work with local organisations to deliver training programmes for young players, with the aim of developing the game at grassroots level in India.
This includes a bespoke session delivered in partnership with OSCAR Foundation – a community-based organisation that uses the power of football to encourage children to stay in school and equip them with skills to make them resilient and future-ready. The charity has empowered 15,000+ children and youth in low-income communities in India since 2010.
Ledley King, a one-club man who made 323 appearances and lifted the 2008 League Cup as captain having progressed through the Club’s Academy, said: “This will be my first visit to India and I am extremely excited. I have heard so many good things about our strong fanbase across the country, the passion for football, the food and the culture – I can’t wait to experience it all, spend time with our fans and support the work of our coaching teams.”
Ossie Ardiles, who famously arrived at Spurs following his World Cup success, alongside compatriot Ricky Villa, and went on to lift the FA Cup and UEFA Cup before later managing the Club, said: “This will be my second visit to India in the space of five years – I know first-hand how passionate our fans are in this part of the world and I’m looking forward to meeting as many as possible during our visits to Mumbai and Bengaluru.”
Rajasthan Royals announce the signing of Indian pacer Avesh Khan
Royals Sports Group-owned franchise Rajasthan Royals have announced the signing of exciting Indian pacer Avesh Khan from Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2024 retentions deadline, with top order batter Devdutt Padikkal going in the other direction.
The signing of Avesh Khan will further strengthen the Royals’ pace bowling department, with the 26-year-old known for moving and seaming the ball both ways, and also being an effective option in the death overs. Since making his IPL debut in 2017, the pacer has picked up 55 wickets in 47 matches at a strike rate of 18.29. He finished as the second highest wicket-taker in the 2021 season with 24 scalps in 16 matches, while in IPL 2022 he was the highest wicket-taker for LSG with 18.
Meanwhile, his journey in the domestic circuit started in 2014 with Madhya Pradesh, for whom he has 112 wickets in 92 T20 games with an economy of 8.22. The 26-year-old went on to represent the India Men’s Under-19 team at the U19 Men’s World Cup 2016 where he finished as the country’s top wicket-taker. In 2022, he made his senior team debuts in both T20Is and ODIs for India, following which he impressed in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season, picking up 38 wickets in the season. Earlier this year, Avesh was also a part of the team that won the Gold Medal at the Asian Games.
Welcoming the pacer to the franchise, Royals’ Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara said, “Avesh has proved his mettle in recent years to be one of the top Indian pacers in the country. He has the ability to both swing and seam the ball, and is an effective asset at both the start of the innings and towards the end. He has a lot of variations in his armour which will be extremely valuable in the different conditions that we play in across the country. He will prove to be a valuable addition to our pace bowling department and we are looking forward to having him contribute to the team’s successes.”
Thanking Devdutt Padikkal for his services to the franchise, Sangakkara added, “We all admire Dev (Devdutt Padikkal) immensely for the commitment and passion he’s shown over the past two seasons with us, and for the significant contribution he’s made to the franchise. His energy is loved all round the team and we will certainly miss having him around the group. It was a very difficult decision to let him go given the immense talent and potential that he has, and all of us at the Royals would like to thank him for his services to the franchise. We wish him the very best for this next chapter, and hope for him to always continue to shine
‘Gained lot of confidence since title win in Women’s Junior Asia Cup, hope to secure medal in Chile,’ says Junior Women’s Hockey Team Captain Preeti
Bengaluru, 23rd November 2023: Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team defender Preeti is set to lead her side in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 to be held in Santiago, Chile from 29th November 2023 to 10th December 2023. 16 teams will be competing in the tournament divided into four pools. India are placed in Pool C along with Germany, Belgium, and Canada. The defending Champions the Netherlands are placed alongside South Africa, Australia, and Chile in Pool A, while Argentina, Korea, Spain, and Zimbabwe form Pool B. England, the United States, New Zealand and Japan are grouped together in Pool D.
India will begin their campaign in Chile on 29th November against Canada and will hope to get off to a solid start. In the landmark 50th episode of Hockey Te Charcha, a podcast series launched by Hockey India, Preeti, who also led India to a Gold medal at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup earlier this year, spoke on the team’s preparations ahead of the tournament.
“We are all quite excited to compete in the tournament. We have gained a lot of confidence since our title win at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup and we wish to carry forward the same momentum. We have been preparing well and have had really good training sessions under Coach Tushar Khandekar. In a short span of time, we have held important discussions about the team’s structure and how we can improve our skills. We are also working on developing in key areas.”
India defeated Korea 2-1 in the final of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup in June to claim the Gold medal. The win helped India secure a position at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023. Preeti says the team is now vying to bring laurels from the prestigious tournament where a medal has been elusive since 2013 when India had secured a Bronze medal.
“After successful campaigns at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, hockey has been regaining prominence once again in the country. Hockey India has also been focusing on the development of players at the grassroots level and a lot of attention is now being also given to the junior teams. This has really boosted the morale of all the players. There are expectations from everyone that we will win a medal this year in Chile. So, we will work hard to fulfil those expectations,” Preeti said.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team had finished in the fourth position at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2021, after going down 2-2 (0-3 SO) in a thriller against England in the Bronze medal match. Preeti was a part of the team that had travelled to Potchefstroom, South Africa, and talked about her learnings from the tournament.
“I was really young the last time and only featured in one match. I feel we used to lose our concentration in the final few minutes of matches in the past which would affect our results. But this has been a big learning for us this year that a game is not over till the final whistle. We know we have to keep similar levels of intensity till the end of the match,” she said.
Preeti, who hails from Sonipat, Haryana, gained interest in the sport at a young age when she was studying in the 6th class. Belonging to a small town, Preeti saw playing hockey as a means for her to go outside her home and spend time with her friends. At her household, it was hard for her to step outside due to restrictions imposed by elder members of the family.
Preeti started training at Pritam Siwach’s Academy in Sonipat where she realised that she needed to work hard to continue her gradual growth in the sport. Preeti would leave the house quietly, telling her family that she is going to study so that she can continue her training. “If I would get to spend time at the training grounds, I would feel content, even if I get scolded at home,” she recalled.
In her younger days, Preeti received plenty of support from her father, who was a wrestler during his young days but had to quit the sport due to an injury. At the age of 13, she suffered an injury on her leg during a district-level match and had to get surgery. She was advised to be on complete bed rest for over a year and her doctors raised doubts whether she would be able to play hockey again.
“It was a tough time for me and I was quite depressed at that time. My father did not tell me that doctors have hinted that I may not play again. He told me that if I wished to play hockey, I could continue to do so. I also received a lot of support from my coach who constantly motivated me and I was able to return to the sport. After returning to the sport when I was in 8th or 9th class, I started taking sport even more seriously,” she said.
Now, Preeti has become a regular member of the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team and has earned 14 international caps for the team. She also featured for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team that competed at the Hero FIH Hockey 5s Lausanne 2022.
“I feel proud of my achievements and I feel like I have answered all those who doubted me. I feel women can also achieve big things in sports, and I hope I can set an example for others so that more women do not have to face similar troubles that I had to face,” Preeti said.
Now, as the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team gears up for their toughest challenge of the year in Chile, Preeti expressed hopes that the Indian fans will continue to cheer for them, as she feels it would keep her side motivated throughout the tournament.
“A message for Indian fans would be that they continue to support us as they did during the Women’s Junior Asia Cup. Hearing their voices makes us feel that we are a part of a larger family and increases our confidence,” she signed off.
First ever Khelo India Para Games to be held in New Delhi from 10 Dec
New Delhi, 23rd November 2023: With a vision to identify talent and create an opportunity for young and aspiring para athletes to shine, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, announced the first-ever Khelo India Para Games which will be held in New Delhi from 10th December to 17th December.
Through a video message, Thakur said, “I am proud to announce that from December 10 to 17, the first-ever Khelo India Para Games will be held in various locations across New Delhi. A total of 7 disciplines will be held across three SAI (Sports Authority of India) Stadiums.”
The announcement is a big shot in the arm towards the government’s initiative to develop para sports in the country, and the event will help in identifying talented para athletes who will be further aided with ample support from SAI and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to hone their skills.
Over 1350 participants from across 32 states and union territories including the Services Sports Control Board are expected to participate in the maiden Khelo India Para Games which will witness para athletes vie for honours in 7 disciplines including para athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para badminton, para table tennis, and para weight lifting. The events will be held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad, and the JLN Stadium.
Recent Hangzhou Asian Para Games stars Sheetal Devi, Bhavina Patel, Ekta Bhyan, Neeraj Yadav, Singhraj, Manish, Sonal, Rakesh Kumar, Sarita among others are expected to represent their respective states in the first edition of KheloIndia Para Games.
Lauding the efforts of Indian para athletes who won an unprecedented 111 medals at the recently concluded Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, Thakur emphasized that the KheloIndia Para Games will aim to provide continuity to the para athletes with the annually held event. “Just a few weeks back, our para athletes created history as they ended their Hangzhou Asian Para Games campaign with an unprecedented 111 medals, the biggest haul for the country in any major international multi-sport event and now continuity of the Para Games and creating more development in the Paralympic sports remains our foremost agenda. And the first-ever Khelo India Para Games is another big step towards the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji.”
Since 2018, a total of 11 Khelo India Games have been successfully held. This includes 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games, and 3 Khelo India Winter Games. Thakur expressed that these Games have been instrumental in identifying talent across the country and have aided in India’s performance at the prestigious multi-discipline events.
He said, “The Khelo India Scheme has remained a game-changer for Indian sports. The Khelo India Games have played a pivotal role in the scheme with a total of 11 KheloIndia Games held since 2018 – 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games, and 3 Khelo India Winter Games have been successfully conducted.
“From these games, we have identified nearly 1000 talented athletes and many of them have participated in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympic Games. I wish the para athletes participating in the upcoming Games the very best,” Thakur expressed.
Indian football on the brink of history, agree AIFF president and Arsene Wenger
MUMBAI: AIFF President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, and FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Mr. Arsene Wenger addressed the media in the city the day after India’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier Round 2 against Qatar, to discuss the paths to develop Indian Football, and to enhance its youth development system, on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
AIFF Vice President NA Haris, Treasurer Mr. Kipa Ajay and Acting Secretary General Mr. Satyanarayan M were present on the occasion.
While Mr. Wenger said that most people want to win the next match, though that is something that needs huge preparation, Mr. Chaubey conveyed that he was not here to sell a dream but to ensure Indian football moved in the right direction in the next few years and reached its desired goal.
Mr. Chaubey, who was present at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, said that football in India is on the brink of history. They were also present for the opening of the first-ever AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy, in the Odisha capital.
“We are operating at a time that will eventually go down in history. Perhaps we do not realise it right now, but one day, these steps will be talked about,” said Mr. Chaubey.
“We feel honoured that FIFA considers our federation as one that has a huge potential for further development, and I welcome all to be a part of it. Let us all share knowledge, exchange ideas, and listen to what Mr. Wenger says,” implored Mr. Chaubey. “FIFA has not given us a magic button to develop football or qualify for the World Cup. Rather, they are here to guide and support us.”
Mr. Wenger believes that India has a massive potential in football, though he says that the country needs to play to its strengths in order to climb the ladder.
“I am very happy to be in India, and I have seen huge potential here. We can all do better together. The one thing I am certain of is that, be it in football or any other field, we can only progress through educating young people,” said Mr. Wenger.
“You have strengths and weaknesses, 1.5 billion people are a huge number, and that makes for a huge potential. It is important for our countries to show their strengths. Sports creates jobs all over the world. India is booming economically, and you have the chance to develop the most popular sport in the world. The clubs are the key for you to develop the players, and we need them to help the country develop on the footballing front,” he said.
India have often been referred to as the “Sleeping giants of football”, but Mr. Wenger begged to differ.
“The giant is here and is heading for hiding. No more sleeping here in this house. That’s how the AIFF is now. This creates a lot of possibilities,” he said.
“The world of football is moving forward and 20 percent of the population cannot be left behind. So, you have to come on board and move forward. We can all see that the giant of football is awake, and we will definitely see some football development.
Day 6 Results: 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023
~Chhattisgarh Hockey defeated Hockey Gujarat 11-3~
~Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey defeated Hockey Bihar 7-1~
~Hockey Bengal defeated Hockey Jammu & Kashmir by 10-0~
~Hockey Jharkhand defeated Hockey Chandigarh by 2-0~
~Telangana Hockey defeated Hockey Arunachal 15-0~
Chennai, 22nd November 2023: The sixth day of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023, which is taking place in Chennai, delivered some thrilling moments. Chhattisgarh Hockey, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Jharkhand and Telangana Hockey won their respective matches at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium.
Chhattisgarh Hockey overpowers Hockey Gujarat:
In the first match of the day, Chhattisgarh Hockey dominated Hockey Gujarat with a score of 11-3. For Chhattisgarh Hockey, Junaid Ahmed (8’, 34’, 39’) led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Sukhdev Nirmalkar (4’, 49’) and Khogeshwar Bag (9’, 36’) scored two goals each. Arbaj Ali (20’), Ajay Tandi (25’), Taufik Ahmad (38’) and Rohit Rajak (60’) scored a goal each for them as well. Shubham Yadav (1’), Jenishkumar Ahir (11’) and Ajaykumar Thakor (41’) scored for Hockey Gujarat but that wasn’t enough to match Chhattisgarh Hockey.
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey overcame Hockey Bihar:
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey defeated Hockey Bihar 7-1 in the second game. Dharmendra Pal (27’, 42’) scored a brace for Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey while Anup Tirkey (25’), Dhananjay Prajapati (34’), Abhinav Singh (40’), Komal Singh (41’) and Captain Arvind Yadav (53’) contributed with a goal each. A consolation goal for Hockey Bihar in the final quarter from Jony Kumar (57’) prevented Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey from a clean sheet.
Hockey Bengal dominates Hockey Jammu & Kashmir:
The third match of the day saw Hockey Bengal beat Hockey Jammu & Kashmir 10-0. The goal-scoring spree for Hockey Bengal was spearheaded by Rajendra Oram (4’, 8’, 27’, 37’). He was accompanied on the scoresheet by Alsem Lakra (30’, 59’), Kunjan Topno (38’), Milan Saha (47’, 49’), and Kishor Lakra (59’) in the comprehensive victory.
Hockey Jharkhand goes top of the Pool:
Hockey Jharkhand defeated Hockey Chandigarh by 2-0 in the fourth game of the day to build a three-point cushion at the top of the table. Kerketta Prem (43’) and Anurud Bhengra (56’) scored the crucial field goals that granted Hockey Jharkhand the victory.
Telangana Hockey overwhelms Hockey Arunachal:
In the last game of the day, Telangana Hockey defeated Hockey Arunachal 15-0. A complete team effort saw Telangana Hockey dominate Hockey Arunachal with as many as 9 players scoring goals. Mahesh Reddy Rela (4’, 30’), Ranjit Chand (9’, 59’), Sandeep Subedar (15’, 54’), Shaik Abdul Moiz (20’, 58’), Talla Raju (21’, 59’), Akshay Thimmapuram (28’, 48’), Aditya Sagar Gobboori (5’), Aravind Lavudya (19’) and Sandeep Erapaga (39’) scored the goals for Telangana Hockey.
Mohammed Shami reveals why he never goes close to the pitch before the match in candid chat with PUMA
New Delhi, November 21 2023 – Team India’s dream run came to an end with a billion heartbreaks as Australia clinched their sixth title by securing a six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The tournament’s leading wicket-taker, pacer Mohammed Shami, set the tone with a fiery start, claiming David Warner on his very first ball. But despite this promising beginning, India couldn’t seize the moment.
Emerging as the most impressive sportsperson in the tournament with 24 wickets from eight games, including three impressive fifers, Shami’s journey since 2015 has been nothing short of a movie script. Shami, who’s also the PUMA brand ambassador, spoke his heart out in an extensive interview during his visit to the sports brand’s headquarter in Bengaluru.
“Nobody knew the pain I was dealing with [during the 2015 edition],” Shami confessed during a candid chat with PUMA as he revealed his success mantra of not taking a close look at the wicket before the start of the match, just to keep himself relaxed.
In the exclusive interview, Shami also opened up about various facets of his difficult yet impressive cricketing journey, right from scoring a century as an opener in his first leather ball match, earning money through cricket for the first time at around 16 years of age, overcoming personal challenges bravely, creating an old-school training set-up at farmhouse, to maiden India call-up and many more as the compelling interview was uploaded by PUMA on its YouTube channel today.
“I had swelling in my knee before the 2015 tournament. Someone else could have said no but I have the ability to bear pain and I was told two options—either directly go for surgery or play the tournament and then go for the surgery. While the team would return to the hotel after every match, I would go to the hospital to take the injection. When you play for the country, you forget everything,“ Shami shared in the interview.
Shami underwent a knee operation. “I was unconscious for two hours. When I woke up, I asked the doctor when I could start playing. He replied, ‘It will be a big achievement if you walk without a limp, forget playing. It all depends on how you go about your rehab,” Shami said.
Shami has not looked back since. His comeback journey has been visibly inspirational. He not only surpassed the likes of bowling greats to become the highest wicket-taker for the country in the world’s biggest cricket tournament with 55 wickets from 18 matches, but also created history earlier in the semi-finals when he registered India’s best ODI bowling figures of 7-57.
The 33-year-old shared his secret that helps him perform better. “Generally, bowlers check the pitch after arriving at the ground. I never go close to the wicket because you will know how it behaves only when you bowl on it. Then why take the pressure? It’s best to keep it simple, keep yourself relaxed and only then you will perform better,” saidShami, as he also revealed that he doesn’t follow any pre-match ritual.
“Better hai aap subah utho, mast fresh hojao, chaay peeyo, gaane suno [it’s better you wake up, get fresh, have tea and listen to songs] ” he added.
Talking about PUMA’s revolutionary Let There Be Sport initiative and the importance of sports culture in the country, Shami commented, “If the child has the talent, he should be supported. It’s not necessary that every child will study and become an engineer or sit in top position. If your child is talented, he can reach greater heights in sports as well.”
Although Shami was in stellar form in the tournament, he had to sit out for the initial few matches. In the interview, he shared that it bothered him but the team’s performance made him happy. “When you sit out for four matches, you need to be mentally strong. Sometimes you are under pressure but when you see the team performing well and going in a good direction, it gives you satisfaction.”
He added that he doesn’t look at record books and only tries to take as many wickets as possible.
NextGen Dominates Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 Players Draft
Bhubaneshwar, November 22, 2023: The Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) is all set for Season 2 as the country’s best 145 players, including 33 young talents from the range of 16 to 18 years of age, were hand-picked by six franchises during the Players Draft conducted in Bhubaneshwar.
Adding more energy and speed into the squad, teams made interesting choices with a focus on giving opportunity to promising youngsters as Mumbai Khiladis ensured the services of the 16-year-old Sunil Patra from Odisha, while 17-year-olds M Mugilan of Puducherry and Maharashtra’s Ganesh Borkar was drafted by Chennai Quick Guns and Rajasthan Warriors respectively.
“Ultimate Kho Kho will be driving young Indian fans in Season 2. From a total Player Pool of 272, franchises drafted 145 players. What makes it absolutely special is 33 players in Season 2 will be young 16 to 18 year olds. With an average age of 22.5 years, Season 2 is poised to be faster, stronger and bolder visual spectacle for fans across,” commented Tenzing Niyogi, Ultimate Kho Kho CEO and League Commissioner.
Promoted by Amit Burman in collaboration with the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), Ultimate Kho Kho remains steadfast in its mission to reimagine the growth of indigenous sport with more significant dynamism and engagement.
“The level of entertainment and proficiency of this game has improved in Ultimate Kho Kho. The second season will take it to greater heights and then sky is the limit. Kho-Kho has now been adopted globally because of its speed and entertainment value and a total of 38 countries play Kho-Kho today,” KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal said.
Interestingly, it was Maharashtra’s Mahesh Shinde, who became the first pick of the draft for the second season in a row. The 28-year-old defender was drafted by Mumbai Khiladis, which also retained Gajanan Shengal and Sreejesh S after their impressive performances in the inaugural edition of the league.
“We have retained Gajanan and Sreejesh. It was a good draft and there are around 8-10 players from Maharashtra who will play for Mumbai Khiladis. We have also picked some of the players who were part of the team in the last season. You need technique as well as young legs in this game because it’s fast. Keeping such combinations in mind, we have made a team of 26 players for the upcoming season and I hope they will perform well,” said Punit Balan, co-owner of Mumbai Khiladis.
Defending champions Odisha Juggernauts also ensured a perfect balance of youth and experience as they selected a strong squad.
“As defending champions, last year we had a very good team so we have retained our major players. Kho-Kho is a very technical game and we gave the responsibility to the coaches, discussed it with them. We had done our homework and picked a very good team. There are many new players and also some upcoming players from Odisha also. We expect that we will defend our title,” commented Lilan Prasad Sahu, OSD, Dept of Sports and Youth Affairs, Govt of Odisha.
While the retained players were offered ₹6 lakh each, franchises picked their remaining players from four categories—A (₹5 lakh), B (₹3 lakh), C (₹1.5 lakh) and D (₹1 lakh). Gujarat Giants and Rajasthan Warriors drafted 25 and 22 players respectively to complete their squads.
“Kho-Kho is a sport that is deeply rooted in the Indian culture, and we at Adani Sportsline are completely focused on ensuring that we help elevate the profile of the sport. Last year, in the inaugural season of the Ultimate Kho Kho, the Gujarat Giants had a good season. However, with this edition we are aiming for the title, and are doing all we can to ensure a powerful performance. Season 2 will surely be bigger and better and we are looking to go all out for our players to emerge as the league champions,” said Sanjay Adesara, CBO, Adani Sportsline which owns Gujarat Giants.
A total of 290 players were registered for the Season 2 Players Draft from 18 states as franchises spent ₹3.9 crore to draft 145 players including 18 retained players. Vijay Hajare, Adhithya Ganpule and Laxman Gawas were among the star players who were handpicked first by Rajasthan Warriors (owned by Capri Global), Telugu Yoddhas and Chennai Quick Guns (owned by KLO Sports), respectively.
Chennai Quick Guns co-owner Srinath said, “I’m quite happy with the squad that we have. My team has worked really hard for the last 6-7 months. They have been scouting for the players, and talking to them. They made a very wise choice of retaining the marquee players. Though we went for a complete revamp of the team, the core team remains the same.”
“At the onset we from Telugu Yoddhas are extremely happy on how the draft was conducted today. We had the opportunity to get some amazing players exactly the way we planned. These players bring a mix of skill and youth just the right blend for us. We trust with our coaching staff and team will get a right winning combination. Now we are all geared up for a thrilling season ahead — full of teamwork, good vibes, and hopefully a podium finish,” said PKSV Sagar, CEO, GMR SPORTS which owns Telugu Yoddhas.
The thrilling action from Season 2 of India’s first-ever franchise-based Kho-Kho league will be broadcasted live on Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)’s sports channels as well as livestream on Sony LIV.
Complete Squads:
Odisha Juggernauts: Dilip Khandvi (Retained), Dipesh More (Retained), Gowtham MK (Retained), Vishal (Retained), Omkar Sonawane, Rohan Shingade, Akshay Masal, Mahesha P, Manoj Patil, Avinash Desai, Manoj Kumar, Visag S, Debendra Nath, Nikhil Kumar, Vishal Oram, Sanjay Kumar V, Deepak Kumar Sahoo, Nikhil B, MD Mirajul, Sushant Kaldhone, Sobhag V Sriganda, Niranjan Samal, Savir Ahmad, Suresh Kumar and Siddheswar Tudu.
Telugu Yoddhas: Arun Gunki (Retained), Avdhut Patil (Retained), Pratik Waikar (Retained), Adhithya Ganpule, Rahul Mandal, Nikhil Waghe, Milind Chavrekar, Akash Togare, Kiran Vasave, Dhruv, Prasad Radye, Rudra Thopate, Prem Randive, Vaibhav Nippane, Sourabh Adavkar, Vijaybhai Vegad, Anukul Sarkar, M Phani Kumar, Mahamad Ujer Harun Momin, Matlum, Lipun Mukhi, Arjun Bishukarma, Prasad Patil, Bojjam Ranjith and Rajat Malik.
Chennai Quick Guns: Amit Patil (Retained), Madan (Retained), Ramji Kashyap (Retained), Laxman Gawas, Adarsh Mohite, Sachin Bhargo, Zora Suraj, Suraj Lande, Aditya Kudale, Durvesh Salunke, Chandu Chavre, Akash Kadam, Narendra Katkate, Mustafa Bagwan, Arjun Singh, Vijay Shinde, Ashish Patel, M Mugilan, Akash Balyan, Sumon Barman, Pavan Kumar and Giri S.
Rajasthan Warriors: Akshay Ganpule (Retained), Dilrajsing Sengar (Retained), Majahar Jamadar (Retained), Vijay Hajare, Jaggannath Das, Rushab Wagh, Nilesh Patil, Prajwal K H, Brahmane Vivek, Ranjan Shetty, Rejeti Surinaidu, Sourabh Gadge, Nandan D, Ganesh Borkar, Bika Chetan, Buchannagari Raju, Dhanraj P, Jagannath Murmu, Aditya Shelke, Mukesh Prajapat, Vaibhav More and Aditya KN.
Gujarat Giants: Abhinandan Patil (Retained), Akshay Bhangare (Retained), Suyash Gargate (Retained), Nilesh Jadhav, P Narasayya, Faizankha Pathan, Rajvardhan Patil, V Subramani, Deepak Madhav, Shubham Thorat, Gavara Venkatesh, Sanket Kadam, Kondhalkar Rupesh, Bharat Kumar, Pabani Sabar, Vinayak Pokarde, Ram Mohan, V Kabilan, Arnav Patankar, Alfaj H Nadaf, Vasave Ravi, Abhijit Patil, Saleem Khan, Vijesh Kumar and Harish Mohmmad.
Mumbai Khiladis: Gajanan Shengal (Retained), Sreejesh S (Retained), Mahesh Shinde, Aniket Pote, Subhasis Santra, Hrushikesh Murchavade, Rokeson Singh, P Siva Reddy, Govind Yadav, Avik Singha, Milind Kurpe, Sunil Patra, Sudheer Kumar, MD Aiman Pasha, Sagar Potdar, Rohan Kore, Komal, Pawar Sachin, Dhiraj Bhave, Debasis, Shiva, Ajay Kashyap, Pritam Chougule, Sibin M, Abhishek Pathrode and Parmar Rahul.
Bengal Warriors Name Maninder Singh as Captain for Season 10 of PKL
Kolkata, 22nd November, 2023: The much-awaited 10th season of the Pro Kabaddi League is around the corner, and former champions Bengal Warriors are keen to make it a sensational one. With that in mind, the Bengal Warriors have named the ace raider Maninder Singh as their captain for the upcoming season, which begins on 2nd December, in Ahmedabad.
Maninder, who has been with the Bengal Warriors since 2017, had captained the team to their maiden Pro Kabaddi League title in 2019. Ahead of Season 10 of the PKL, Bengal Warriors reacquired Maninder via the Final Bid Match option at the Player Auction for INR 2.12 Crores, which made him the third highest player in the league.
The 33-year-old raider has been one of the most impressive players for the Bengal Warriors, who will be hoping that the PKL returning to the caravan will help boost their performances. Earlier, in Season 9, Maninder became the second most prolific raider in the history of the PKL, as he went past the 1000-point mark in the Warriors’ opening game against the Haryana Steelers.
“I couldn’t have been happier that Bengal Warriors have got me back in the set-up. I am honoured to be back with this team and being named as the captain as well. This is a big responsibility, one which I intend to fulfil with all my might. This is a special season and I cannot wait to be back on the mat and in front our fans. This year we have new owners and management in Capri Sports, and they have been very supportive from the start,” said Maninder Singh.
Maninder is one of the best raiders PKL has seen, and he is a delight to work with. He has been a key player for Bengal Warriors in the past, and he will surely play a critical role this year as well, both as a captain and as a raider as we aspire to lift the trophy for the 2nd time. The younger players can learn a lot from him and his experience will surely help the team during the course of the tournament,” said coach K. Baskaran.
The Bengal Warriors will open their campaign for the 10th season of the PKL against the Bengaluru Bulls on 4th December in Ahmedabad at The Arena by TransStadia. The PKL travels to Bengal in February with the team Gujarat Giants (9 February), Telugu Titans (10 February), U Mumba (12 February) and Puneri Paltan (14 February).
“Maninder Singh is one of the strongest Kabaddi players in the country, and we could not be happier about the fact that he will be the captain of the Bengal Warriors. His leadership qualities are unapparelled and we are confident that he will lead by example,” said Apurv Gupta, Senior Vice-President, Contact Sports.
‘It is an outcome of teamwork,’ says Savita at being nominated for the FIH Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award 2023
Bengaluru, 20th November 2023: Indian Women’s Hockey Team Goalkeeper Savita, who won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Awards in 2021 and 2022, has been nominated for the third consecutive time in the same category at this year’s FIH Hockey Stars Awards.
Expressing her joy at being nominated for the FIH Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award 2023, Savita said, “I never thought I would win this award for two straight years, and get nominated yet again. I feel really great, and it’s a proud moment for me, my family and my teammates as well. When I started playing, I never thought I would come this far, and it is all due to the support of my family and my teammates.”
“In team sport, no achievement is based on individual efforts but is an outcome of teamwork. It’s great to be recognised for your hard work, and it motivates the entire team,” she added.
One of the most influential figures in the current set-up, Savita has led India to various important wins in recent years, which includes the title win at the inaugural FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2022 in Spain that helped India earn promotion to the FIH Pro League 2023-24. She then led the team to the Bronze medal win at the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 followed by the title win at the recently held Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023. Under her Captaincy, India also achieved their best-ever world rankings (No. 6 with 2368.83 points).
Reflecting on the season, Savita said, “It has been an amazing season for us. I’m just proud of how we overcame the obstacles that were thrown our way. We’ve gotten better with each game. Even the younger players have shown great tenacity; they have worked hard and given their all.”
With the focus pinned on the upcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team will be aiming for a top-three finish at the tournament to secure their qualification for the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympics. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Ranchi from 13th to 19th January. India are placed in Pool B alongside New Zealand, the United States, and Italy. Pool A consists of Germany, Japan, Chile, and the Czech Republic. The top two teams from each group will then progress to the Semi-Finals, and the top three finishing teams will secure their qualification for the Paris Olympics.
Close 2K entries are a testament to paddlers’ seriousness
Vadodara, November 20: A cursory look at the 1,923 entries for the third UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships, beginning tomorrow at the SAMA Stadium, suggests two things: the significance of the event and the players’ intent to keep their rankings in the top bracket at all times.
The new thinking among the players is perhaps because of the leeway in TTFI’s selection criteria that allow the best-four rankings out of seven contests across sections, besides in the mixed doubles. The selection of players for international events hinges on the cumulative points awarded for world and national rankings. Though the top 50 ranked paddlers get an advantage over the rest, several of our players have not been able to maintain the world rankings, forcing them to take national ranking events like the one at Vadodara seriously.
Only Manika Batra has the WR luxury and can afford to skip such tournaments and concentrate on WTT events. But not the others, including the once the top-ranked Indian, G. Sathiyan. Sharath Kamal had competed in the first two ranking championships and has not sent his entry for the event here like Manav Thakkar, who is a local boy (from Surat). Barring them and Manika, all the top players, including reigning national champions, are in the fray, trying to up the ante before the selection for the World Championships and Olympic qualifications early next year.
The Table Tennis Association of Baroda hosted in January the first tournament after the new executive body of TTFI took charge, and it is hosting the second tournament in the same calendar year. Notwithstanding the festival season travel rush, the players’ enormous support lends something about the venue, an ideal stadium environment to conduct a tournament of this magnitude in this part of Gujarat.
The absence of Manav may not hurt the locals much as Manush Shah and Harmeet Desai, who are among the top-ranked players, will fill the void created by Manav, and go for a shot at the title. Of course, a host of other paddlers from the state would lend vocal support to them even as they contest for top positions.
Of course, the Asian Games doubles bronze medal winners Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika will rub shoulders with the rest to prove their value addition. Ayhika, who lost to Diya Chitale the title she won in Hyderabad, will gun for her second crown this season, while the junior from RBI will be flying high to square off again with the senior pro-Ayhika. Sreeja Akula would return with full vigour after injury rehabilitation.
The events get underway with the qualifications in Men, Women, U-19 Boys and U-19 Girls from tomorrow and will follow with the lower-age category events. After the first four days, the city will witness a deluge of players, especially the younger lot, accompanied by their parents and occupying every hotel in and around the stadium. Similarly, players in the rest of the categories, particularly above under-15, would make their presence count when they compete in the close to Rs. 9-lakh prize money tournament.
Competition Manager N. Ganeshan said the organisers would use STIGA equipment besides DHS balls for the senior events. Mangesh Mopker will be the referee and ably assisted by Deepak Sarvaiya and S. Sridhar as his deputy. They will rely on the national and international umpires to oversee the conduct of matches.