DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:08:13 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sujeet-kalkal-clinches-gold-at-uww-ranking-series-in-albania-662870.html Tirana Albania Feb 26 U23 world champion Sujeet Kalkal clinched the gold medal in the menâs 65kg freestyle category at the Muhamet Malo 2026 wrestling tournament He topped the podium with four straight wins on technical superiority The 23yearold Indian dominated Azerbaijanâs Rashid Babazade 100 in the final He had a convincing 110 win over USAâs twotime Pan American champion Joseph McKenna in the semifinal after beating Nika Zakashvili of Georgia 100 in the quarterfinals and starting his campaign with a 164 victory over Endrio Avdyli of Albania This is his second straight gold medal in the 2026 UWW Ranking Series following his Zagreb Open victory in Croatia earlier this month Sujeet warmed up with a 164 victory over Endrio Avdyli who tossed the Indian for a four at the start of the bout Nika Zakashvili Georgia fell next 100 before Sujeet defeated Joseph McKenna USA 110 the same scoreline as the one in the semifinals of the Zagreb OpenRashid who pulled off an incredible buzzerbeating fourpointer in the semifinals against Vitali Arujau USA to win 1613 failed to put up a fight in the final Sujeet laced him to win 100 to capture a second straight Ranking Series gold medalOverall this was Sujeetâs fourth gold medal in the UWW circuit having clinched the top spot at the 2022 Zouhaier Sghaier and the 2025 Polyak Imre amp Varga Janos MemorialIndiaâs Mohit Kumar competing in the same category could not make it past the qualifying roundIn the 57kg division Ankush and Atish Todkar battled through repechage to reach the bronze medal bouts but faltered in their respective matches Meanwhile Sumit 57kg Rahul 61kg Siddharth 70kg Parvinder 74kg and Aryan 86kg failed to reach the medal rounds in their respective weight divisionsIndia sent a 48member wrestling team for the Muhamet Malo 2026 with 16 each entered across the menâs freestyle the womenâs divisions and the GrecoRoman category IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sujeet-kalkal-clinches-gold-at-uww-ranking-series-in-albania-662870.html Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/squash-brabourne-stadium-to-host-indian-open-from-march-18-22-662481.html Mumbai Feb 24 The Indian Open a PSA Copper events is scheduled to be be held from March 18 to 22 at the historic CCI Brabourne Stadium for its second edition tickets for which are now live Recognised by the Professional Squash Association PSA the tournament continues to build on the success of its 2025 edition which was named one of the Top 10 Iconic PSA Events of the year The 2026 edition will feature defending womenâs champion Anahat Singh returning to headline the event The lineup also includes Indiaâs top players such as Ramit Tandon Abhay Singh Veer Chotrani Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshna Chinappa as well as international contenders such as Yahya Elnawasany Hana Moataz Mazen Hesham and others This promises a highly competitive week of worldclass squash Additionally the tournament will award a USD 44500 prize purse for both the menâs and womenâs events marking a first for an Indian tournamentCyrus Poncha Secretary General of the Squash Rackets Federation of India said âThe Indian Open has quickly become a key stop on the PSA calendar giving Indian players exposure to worldclass competition while raising the profile of squash nationally For 2026 weâre excited to continue growing the tournamentâs international significance and see fans experience highlevel matches live supporting the sportâs longterm development in IndiaâThe quarterfinals semifinals and finals will take place on a fully glass court creating an arenastyle squash venue optimised for energetic closeup viewing Featuring a bigger stage equal prize money and a lineup of top Indian and international players the 2026 Indian Open is set to strengthen Indiaâs position in the global squash scene IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/squash-brabourne-stadium-to-host-indian-open-from-march-18-22-662481.html Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/72nd-sr-nationals-mens-kabaddi-cships-to-be-held-in-vadodara-from-feb-24-662389.html New Delhi Feb 23 The 72nd Senior Nationals Menâs Kabaddi Championship 2026 is scheduled to be held at the Sama Indoor Complex in Vadodara from February 24 to 27 It will feature 31 teams from across India with approximately 400 players competing fiercely for the championship title The tournament organized by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India AKFI will showcase a blend of experienced players and emerging talents Participants who excelled in the Pro Kabaddi League PKL Season 12 will also be competingKey players to watch include the top three raiders from PKL Season 12 Ayan Lohchab Haryana with 316 raid points Devank Dalal with 271 and Bharat Hooda Services who scored 230 Ashu Malik who guided Dabang Delhi to victory last season will now represent Railways Meanwhile Arjun Deshwal will continue to lead Uttar PradeshThe tournament will highlight emerging talents like Deepak Sankar from Tamil Nadu who scored 64 tackle points for the Bengaluru Bulls and was named the New Young Player of the Season in PKL 12 Maharashtraâs representation includes Puneri Paltan raider Aditya Shinde who achieved 159 raid points featuring five super raids Haryanaâs defender Nitesh Kumar a rising star with 65 tackle points and five High 5s will also compete along with promising players Anil from Himachal Pradesh and Uday Parte from Madhya PradeshDefending champions Services with a starstudded team including Devank Dalal Naveen Kumar Bharat Hooda Ankit Jaglan and Jaideep Dahiya aim to defend their title in the upcoming tournament Railways Haryana and Maharashtra each supported by strong squads are expected to provide significant competition promising a highly competitive event This tournament will also act as an important platform for both top and emerging players where consistent performance can lead to selection for national camps the Indian team and professional leaguesThe Senior Nationals is jointly organised by the Gujarat Kabaddi Association and the Vadodara Kabaddi Association Collaborating closely with AKFI these associations have made thorough arrangements for athletes officials and teams further strengthening Gujaratâs reputation as a prominent host for major sporting events IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/72nd-sr-nationals-mens-kabaddi-cships-to-be-held-in-vadodara-from-feb-24-662389.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/judoka-rohit-majgul-secures-qualification-for-cwg-amp-asian-games-2026-662390.html Ahmedabad Feb 23 Gujaratâs rising judoka Rohit Majgul 66kg secured qualification for both the Commonwealth Games 2026 and the Asian Games 2026 after a stellar performance at the Judo Selection Trials in New Delhi In the bestofthree finals at the national judo trials Majgul faced Haryanaâs Garvit in a tense showdown The decisive bout went into golden score where Majgul executed a brilliant Ogoshi to score a wazaari and clinched victoryThe 23rd Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place in Glasgow Scotland from July 23 to August 2 while the Asian Games 2026 are scheduled to take place in AichiâNagoya Japan from September 19 onwardsPost his victory Majgul said âQualifying for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games is a dream come true for me Every bout at the trials tested my limits but I trusted my training and my coaches to guide me This victory is not just mineâitâs a reflection of the hard work and support of the Vijayi Bharat FoundationâHailing from a small tribal village Talala in Gir Somnath district in Gujarat Majgul trains at Vijayi Bharat Foundation His dominance is no flash in the pan as he has also remained undefeated in the last two Senior Nationals further proving his consistency and technical masteryUnder the guidance of VBFâs coaches and support staff Rohitâs composure finesse and competitive spirit have shone through reflecting both his individual excellence and the strength of the foundationâs training systemsGuided by VBFâs dedicated coaching staff Majgulâs success highlights the strength of the foundationâs training ecosystem His achievement adds to Gujaratâs growing presence in Indian judo and marks a proud moment for the stateâs sporting communityIndian judokas have clinched four bronze medals through Sandeep Byala menâs 65kg Cawas Billimoria menâs 95kg Shyam Singh Gurjar menâs 95kg and Bannu Singh menâs open weight in the first Asian Games held in New Delhi in 1951At the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima Poonam Chopra won the bronze medal in the womenâs 56kg event She is the only Indian woman to win a judo medal at a continental event It is also Indiaâs last medal in judo at the Asian Games IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/judoka-rohit-majgul-secures-qualification-for-cwg-amp-asian-games-2026-662390.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kiwg-2026-meet-sahil-syed-and-faizan-the-new-indian-kids-on-skis-662392.html Gulmarg JampK Feb 23 The three athletes in focus Sahil Thakur Syed Zain and Faizan Ahmad Lone have a single mentor and a single dream What binds them together is not geography On a windcarved ridge above Gulmarg where the snow gleams with the promise of ambition these three young Indian alpine skiers are carving more than lines into ice They are carving a futureManaliâs towering slopes and Kashmirâs powder fields could not be more distinct but a shared lineage of belief was shaped under the watchful eye of Mohammad Arif Khan the trailblazer who became the first Indian to represent the country twice at the Winter Olympics Under Khanâs guidance the trio recently trained in Italyâs Sudtirol region absorbing the technical rigour and competitive mindset that define Europeâs alpine eliteFor 19yearold Sahil Thakur skiing is an inheritance and instinct Raised in Manali in a family where snow is both playground and profession his father Devi Chand and brothers Rajneesh and Rahul all skiers Sahil speaks of Italy with reverenceâWhen I returned I could feel the differenceâ says Sahil âThe coaching the attention to technique it changes how you see the mountainâA national gold and silver medallist and a competitor at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon South Korea Sahil now fixes his gaze on a singular horizon the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps His ambition is not tentative it is inevitableIf Sahilâs journey was written in his bloodline Syed Zainâs was carved from aspiration Raised in Humhama on Srinagarâs outskirts Zain 16 grew up far from the European epicentres of Alpine skiing Yet his rise has been emphatic two gold medals in Slalom and Giant Slalom at the inaugural Khelo India Winter Games KIWG in 2020 followed by two silver medals at the Junior Nationals in 2022âSkiing is a European sportâ Zain said âBut Olympians like Arif Khan showed us it can belong to India tooâHis foundation was laid at the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering IISM in Gulmarg refined by Khanâs mentorship and strengthened alongside 35 to 40 Indian athletes during the Italy training programme Zain also credits sixtime Olympian Shiva Keshavan whose legacy continues to anchor Indiaâs winter sports ecosystemFaizan Ahmad Loneâs story is one of perseverance sharpened by opportunity A fivetime national gold medallist and fourtime Khelo India champion the 19yearold Faizanâs ascent has been powered not only by talent but by crucial supportâSkiing is expensiveâ he says âArif didnât just coach me he helped me secure sponsorship That allowed me to compete internationallyâFaizan has since represented India at the 2025 Winter Asian Games in Harbin China and competed in FIS races across Dubai and Kazakhstan each race another step in Indiaâs slow but steady climb toward alpine relevanceYet beyond medals training camps and Olympic dreams there is a quieter symbol of their shared journeyEach of their helmets bears the signature of Federica Brignone the Italian Olympic champion and one of Alpine skiingâs modern greats It is ink on plastic but it carries the weight of possibilityâHer signature reminds us why we do thisâ they say âIt keeps us focused It keeps us dreamingâOn Gulmargâs slopes where cold air sharpens resolve and every descent demands courage Sahil Zain and Faizan are no longer just athletes in training They are standardbearers of a nation still learning to believe in winter And somewhere between gravity and glory they are finding their way down the mountain and toward history IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kiwg-2026-meet-sahil-syed-and-faizan-the-new-indian-kids-on-skis-662392.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kiwg-2026-army-makes-rousing-start-himachal-crpf-also-among-gold-medals-on-day-1-662418.html Gulmarg JampK Feb 23 Army made an emphatic start to the Gulmarg leg of the Khelo India Winter Games KIWG 2026 winning three of the five gold medals at stake on Day 1 on Monday CRPF and Himachal Pradesh also finished with gold medals on Monday It was not a day for the favourites as veteran stars like Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda of Karnataka and Aanchal Thakur of Himachal Pradesh were usurped by skiers who have been doing well in the national circuitYoung Jiah Aryan all of 17 and one of Indiaâs upcoming talents in Alpine skiing from Karnataka won a bronze in her second Khelo India Winter Games KIWG Jiah lined up against seniors like Aanchal and Sandhya Thakur who have represented India at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin China last February Himachal Pradeshâs Sandhya beat Aanchal in a tight race on the Kongdoori slopesIt was an emotional day for CRPFâs Kajal Kumari Rai who won the gold in the 15km Nordic skiing crosscountry for women at the Gulmarg Golf Course Kajal relegated hotfavourite Bhavani to the bronze in a brilliant finish The Meghalayaborn Kajal dedicated her gold to her father who died last year in February CRPFâs Renu Danu won the silver Bhavani has won a hattrick of gold medals in KIWG 2025Armyâs Sunny Singh won the dayâs first gold medal in the menâs sprint in Nordic skiing Sunny has been winning medals for the Army at the KIWGs regularly and on Monday the Kathua skier who has trained at the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg led an Army 123 in the opening event before the inauguration ceremony took place on the Golf CourseIn his speech at the inauguration ceremony the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu amp Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha said this edition of the Khelo India Winter Games has been like a ârelay raceâ since the Winter Olympics ended in Italy on Sunday and KIWG events started in Gulmarg on Monday âThe Games are a classic example of national integration and display the power of creativity through sportsâ he saidâOur athletes can take inspiration from Olympic legends like American Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin and Indian athletes like Olympian Arif Khan of JampK and Aanchal Thakur of Himachal Pradesh This edition is coming at the back of the Winter Olympics and is a great platform to showcase technical skills in challenging natural conditionsâ said Shri Sinha who added that âKIWG was a test of courage and characterâ Shiffrin is a threetime Olympic gold medallistChief Minister of JampK Shri Omar Abdullah urged athletes to perform better âWe want another Arif Khan to be born here We have had six editions of Khelo India Winter Games Now itâs time to think about how to win medals at least at the Asian level The onus is on us to create the infrastructure to make Gulmarg an allweather international ski destinationâ said Shri AbdullahGulmarg has been unnaturally warm this week with the sun blazing down and the snow melting Shri Abdullah mooted the idea of âartificial snow generationâ to combat global warming which has been impacting winter sports worldwide âGulmargâs bread and butter is linked with snow and tourism We cannot deny climate change and have to think of creating infrastructure where we are not entirely dependent on natural snowâ said Shri AbdullahResults Day 1 all finalsNORDIC SKIINGMen Sprint 15 km 1 Sunny Singh Army 30683 seconds 2 Shubam Parihar Army 30735 secs 3 Manjeet Army 30873 secsWomen 15 km 1 Kajal Kumari Rai CRPF 520829 secs 2 Renu Danu CRPF 531081 secs 3 Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda Karnataka 532044 secsSNOWBOARDINGMen Slalom1 Vivek Rana Army 0101439 secs 2 Kulvinder Sharma Army 0102854 secs 3 Vikar Ahmad Lone JampK 0103174 secsALPINE GIANT SLALOMMen 1 Mayank Panwar Army 0106479 secs 2 Baqir Hussain Army 0107194 secs 3 Devendra Gurung Army 0109473 secsWomen1 Sandhya Thakur Himachal Pradesh 0123285 secs 2 Aanchal Thakur HP 0123985 secs 3 Jiah Aryan Karnataka 0131064 secs IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kiwg-2026-army-makes-rousing-start-himachal-crpf-also-among-gold-medals-on-day-1-662418.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gpkl-season-two-to-feature-international-players-from-europe-africa-and-asia-662184.html New Delhi Feb 21 The Global Pravasi Kabaddi League GPKL has confirmed participation from international players across multiple continents for its upcoming season two The upcoming season is expected to feature both male and female athletes from Europe Africa and Asia further strengthening GPKLâs positioning as a bridge between Indiaâs kabaddi heartland and the emerging global ecosystem of the sport Kabaddi players from Europe Africa and Asia to lit up GPKL season 2International participation for season 2 is anticipated from European nations including England the Netherlands Poland Hungary the Czech Republic and Germany In addition African representation is expected from Tanzania Kenya and Cameroon â regions where kabaddi has witnessed steady grassroots growth in recent yearsAsian participation will also expand with players from Hong Kong and Taiwan joining the Season 2 talent poolThe inclusion of athletes from these geographies reflects a broader trend of growing interest in kabaddi beyond traditional playing nations and highlights the increasing role of structured competitive platforms in accelerating the sportâs global developmentâImportantly Season 2 will continue to feature participation from both men and women athletes The leagueâs commitment to dualgender representation remains central to its longterm vision of inclusive growth and international engagementâ the tournament organisers said in a statementThe participation of international players also complements ongoing efforts to create meaningful pathways for overseas kabaddi athletes through exposure to structured competition coaching environments and interaction with experienced Indian playersWhat began as GIPKL in its launch season now evolves into the Global Pravasi Kabaddi League with a sharper global outlook and a stronger emphasis on structured developmentAs kabaddi continues to expand its international footprint platforms that enable crossborder participation are expected to play a critical role in strengthening the sportâs global competitiveness and longterm institutional growth IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gpkl-season-two-to-feature-international-players-from-europe-africa-and-asia-662184.html Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/asian-riflepistol-cship-manu-misses-gold-in-shoot-off-esha-wins-bronze-in-25m-pistol-661298.html New Delhi Feb 9 Manu Bhaker narrowly missed out on a gold as she went down to Vietnamâs Thuy Trang Nguyen in an exciting final of 25m Womenâs Pistol that was decided at the end of two shootoffs in the Asian RiflePistol Championship which is being held here at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range Esha Singh won her second individual medal of the championship winning bronze Naamya Kapoor clinched gold in the junior category in another tense shootoff while Anjali Bhagwat secured the bronze in the same event as India took their total medal tally to 60 medals including 37 gold 13 silver and 10 bronze In the finals Esha Singh started with a perfect five in the first series while Manu and Thuy Trang hit four All three shooters were trading the medal positions after each series in the tightly contested finals The Indians were putting pressure on the Vietnamese shooter but a perfect five shots in the sixth series saw her take a twopoint lead Manu and Esha took advantage of Nguyenâs oneshot seventh series to close the gapEsha who was leading with a score of 30 at the end of the eighth series missed all her shots in the ninth series to eventually be content with the bronze medal In the last series Manu hit three shots while Nguyen hit two shots to end the finals on 35 shots to take the finals to a shootoffIn the first shootoff both shooters hit two shots each and in the following shootoff Manu missed three shots to miss out on the gold medal The third Indian in the final Rhythm Sangwan finished in fourth placeIn the junior finals Naamya Kapoor survived a shootoff to clinch the gold The youngest Indian to win a World Championship medal hit 29 shots the same as Rihadatul Asyifa of Indonesia The young shooter held her nerve in the shootoff hitting three shots while Asyifa missed all her shots Anjali Bhagwat won bronze with a score of 24 Parisha Gupta who qualified for the finals in the top spot finished in fifth place with a score of 14The Indian teams also secured gold in both the senior and junior categories IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/asian-riflepistol-cship-manu-misses-gold-in-shoot-off-esha-wins-bronze-in-25m-pistol-661298.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/hyderabad-superstar-seone-mendez-remains-unbeaten-at-the-wpbl-season-two-661122.html Mumbai Feb 7 One of the first picks for the Hyderabad Superstars Seone Mendez has completed her unbeaten streak during the league stage of the World Pickleball League Beating Katerina Stewart of the Bengaluru Jawans Seone stamped her authority in the womens singles category for the seasonâThe WPBL league has been an incredible experience so far Staying undefeated through the league stage has been really rewarding and a testament to the preparation and consistency Iâve been focused on bringing each match Iâve put a lot of emphasis on staying sharp physically and mentally treating every match with the same level of intensity regardless of the opponent Most importantly being part of the Hyderabad Superstars has made the journey even more special the energy support and professionalism around the group has been amazingâ said Seone Mendez Hyderabad SuperstarsSeone Mendez was touted as one of the players to watch out for at the start of the league and she has proven to be the only player to beat through her 6 league games Her formidable ground strokes and incredible court coverage have resulted in her dominating that event Throughout her games she never looked under the pump at any point and held a steady lead from the first minute of the game Her strong tennis foundation has been key for Seoneâs smooth transition into pickleball where she has steadily climbed up international ranks over the last six to eight months Touted to be one of the top ranked players in the world by the end of this year Seone has been instrumental for Hyderabad Superstarsâ rise to the top 4 on the leaderboard of the World Pickleball League Hyderabad Superstars are currently in the 4th position on the leader board with just two games remaining in the league stagesStarting strong the Superstars won their first two games on the trot and have been on the losing side of some extremely close matches giving them a fair chance for a spot in the finals The squad for Hyderabad Superstars boasts of international stars like Marcello Jardim Talia Saunders Kaitlynn Hart Pep Canyadell Lauren Mercado Louis Laville and Indian Superstar Mayur Patil along with Seone Mendez IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/hyderabad-superstar-seone-mendez-remains-unbeaten-at-the-wpbl-season-two-661122.html Sat, 07 Feb 2026 08:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/boxam-elite-12-indians-enter-finals-as-sachin-lovlina-lead-charge-on-penultimate-day-661155.html La Nucia Spain Feb 7 Twelve Indians including eight women and four men will compete for gold on the final day of BOXAM Elite International 2026 following another session full of assured performances Leading the mens charge was Sachin 60kg who extended his brilliant run with another dominant win over Englands Jack Dryden Over in the womenâs section Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain 75kg stormed through to the finals with a unanimous victory over Walesâ Rosie EcclesHeld in La Nucia Alicante Spain the BOXAM Elite 2026 has featured over 200 boxers from 20 nations India 12 is the most wellrepresented nation in Saturdayâs finals â ahead of heavyweights Kazakhstan 11 Ukraine 5 and hosts Spain 4 and is assured of at least one gold with the Elite Women 54kg final being an allIndian affair Indiaâs women continued their strong showing with commanding semifinal wins across divisions headlined by the confirmation of a gold in the 54kg category where Preeti and Poonam will face off for the title Elsewhere Manju Rani 48kg Nitu 51kg Priya 60kg Arundhati Choudhary 70kg and Naina 80kg all advanced to the finals with emphatic victories underlining Indiaâs depth and consistency across weight classesIn the menâs competition India added further finalists through dominant displays from Deepak 70kg Akash 75kg and Ankush 80kg Deepak produced one of the sessionâs standout moments by forcing a firstround RSC against Kazakhstanâs World Boxing Cup Finalsâ silver medallist Nurbek Mursal while Akash and Ankush negotiated tough bouts against Kazakh opponents to seal their places in Saturdayâs goldmedal contestsIndiaâs campaign also saw several boxers finish on the podium with bronze medals after falling at the semifinal stage including Pranjal Yadav 65kg Kajal 65kg Sanamacha Chanu 75kg and Mankirat Kaur 80kg in the womenâs competition Jadumani Singh 55kg Mohammed Hussam Uddin 60kg and Hitesh Gulia 70kg secured bronze finishes in the menâs draw IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/boxam-elite-12-indians-enter-finals-as-sachin-lovlina-lead-charge-on-penultimate-day-661155.html Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/boxam-elite-2026-nitu-preeti-atorm-into-sf-jadumani-shines-again-as-india-confirm-19-medals-661116.html La Nucia Spain Feb 6 The Indian contingent continued its impressive run at the BOXAM Elite International 2026 confirming 19 medals after a dominant showing on Day 3 of the tournament on Friday Nitu 51 kg and Preeti 54 kg led the charge by storming into the semifinals of their respective weight categories while Jadumani Singh 55 kg once again delivered a commanding performance in the menâs competitionThe Indian womenâs contingent under newly appointed head coach Santiago Nieva has guaranteed 12 medals while the menâs team has confirmed seven podium finishes heading into the semifinal stageNitu was in imperious form shutting out Canadaâs McKenzie Wright with a commanding 50 win to secure her place in the last four Preeti followed with a clinical showing against Spainâs Maria Gonzalez forcing an abandonment in Round 3 after dictating the contest with sustained pressure Poonam 54kg added another emphatic 50 victory over Thailandâs Natnicha Chongprongklang while Priya 60kg and Pranjal 65kg registered unanimous wins against Spainâs Laura Galano and Czech boxer Viktorie Jilkova respectively Kajal 65kg edged Kazakhstanâs Akbar Ichshanova 41 in a tightly contested boutIn the menâs competition Jadumani Singh continued his fine run outclassing Peng ChiaFeng of Chinese Taipei 50 in the 55kg category Mohammed Hussam Uddin 60kg produced a polished display to defeat Ukraineâs Ali Dahly unanimously while Sachin 60kg battled past Ukraineâs Aider Abduraimov in a tense 32 decision Akash 75kg also advanced with a solid 41 win over Spainâs Jose Luis CaneroSeveral Indian boxers bowed out after spirited efforts including Pawan Bartwal who went down narrowly 23 to Englandâs Ellis Trowbridge and Abhinash Jamwal who lost to Ukraineâs Elvin Aliiev Despite the exits Indiaâs growing medal tally underlined another strong day at the tournament with multiple semifinal spots secured as the competition heads into its decisive stages IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/boxam-elite-2026-nitu-preeti-atorm-into-sf-jadumani-shines-again-as-india-confirm-19-medals-661116.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sli-adjusts-competition-schedule-to-support-long-term-goals-and-improve-overall-experience-660841.html New Delhi Feb 4 The NRAI and SLI have rescheduled the leagues inaugural season for later this year to enhance its longterm stability broadcast reach and fan engagement This strategic adjustment aims to establish the league as a premier showcase of Indian shooting leveraging the significant sports momentum anticipated from key international events in 2026 and beyond The decision was made following thorough consultations with key stakeholders such as broadcast partners and franchisesThe updated schedule allows the league to better sync with the international shooting calendar since the original launch date was set before the yearâs major multisport events such as the Asian Games where Indian shooters aim to compete for top honorsThe league is also utilising this phase to enhance its production capabilities As Indiaâs first franchise shooting league SLI is implementing advanced broadcast technologies that have not yet been used in India for this sport The SLI is working with specialised thirdparty partners to improve the broadcast quality ensuring a smooth worldclass viewing experience Furthermore the league collaborates closely with state associations to expand the sport nationwide focusing on talent development and infrastructure The extra time also enables franchises to implement organized city activations school outreach programs community events and supporter clubs helping to cultivate a strong fanbase prior to the start of the SLINRAI president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said âOur priority is to give our athletes the biggest stage possible By realigning the season we are creating a dedicated window where Shooting League of India gets the maximum eyeballs on television This shift allows us to welcome our shooters back from key events as stars giving them the spotlight they deserve while ensuring the league product is technically perfectâAlso this additional preparation period enables us to move from alpha testing to broadcast perfection Our objective is to deliver a flawless worldclass viewer experience from the very first shotâ he addedNRAI secretary general Pawankumar Singh stated We are taking this opportunity to strengthen the leagueâs foundation We are actively engaging with state stakeholders to ensure the SLI benefits the sport at the grassroots level At the same time we are working with technical experts to refine the last few elements so that we build a sustainable highquality ecosystem that entertains fans for years to comeThe SLI continues to pursue its goal of turning shooting into a popular spectator sport showcasing a blend of top international stars and Indiaâs best talent IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sli-adjusts-competition-schedule-to-support-long-term-goals-and-improve-overall-experience-660841.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/manisha-bhowneesh-top-trap-t1-finals-660850.html New Delhi Feb 4 Manisha Keer and Bhowneesh Mendiratta secured the top positions in womenâs and menâs Trap T1 respectively at the Shotgun National Selection Trials 1amp2 held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range In the womenâs finals Manisha scored 27 targets to narrowly beat Neeru Dhanda who finished with 25 hits Aashima Ahlawat took third place with 20 hits Kirti Gupta led the qualification round with a score of 118 and placed seventh in the finals Rajeshwari Kumari and Aashima Ahlawat scored 114 each Preeti Rajak qualified for the finals with a score of 113 followed by Manisha Keer with 110 The top eight were rounded out by Neeru Dhanda 109 Varsha Varman 107 and Shagun Chowdhary 106Bhowneesh narrowly defeated Prithviraj Tondaiman 2827 to claim the top position in the menâs finals World Cup Final 2024 medallist Vivaan Kapoor finished third with 23 hits Earlier in the qualification Kynan Chenai secured the top spot with a score of 122 to qualify for the finals followed by Prithviraj with 120 Vivaan and Ahvar Rizvi earned the next spots with scores of 119 Bhowneesh Arshad Hasan Khan Ali Aman Elahi and Udaivir Singh Jaijee each scored 118 rounding out the top eight World Championship bronze medallist Zoravar Singh Sandhu also scored 118 but finished outside the top eight due to a cutoff In the junior menâs finals Zuhair Khan who scored 27 finished in first place with a comfortable threehit margin over Lakshya Atree who scored 23 hits Navjeet Bishnoi secured third place with 18 hits Manitwa Singh Rawat who topped the qualification with a score of 120 ended in eighth position Vinay Pratap Singh qualified for the finals in second place with a score of 118 followed by Zuhair Khan with 117 Udhav Singh Rathore and Arjun scored 114 while Lakshya Atree and Syed Ahyaan Ali scored 113 with Navjeet Bishnoi making the top eight with 112 World Cup mixed team medallist Sabeera Haris won the womenâs junior finals narrowly defeating Addya Katyal 2524 Addya led qualifying with a score of 114 while Sabeera secured second place in the finals with 112 Ishika Bhardwaj took third with 19 points after scoring 103 in qualification The top eight also included Darshna Rathore 111 Bhavya Tripathi 109 Tanisska Senthilkumar 108 Tanisha Singh Chandrawat 104 and Nilaa Rajaa Baalu 103 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/manisha-bhowneesh-top-trap-t1-finals-660850.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/the-leela-maharaja-sawai-man-singh-polo-cup-jaipur-polo-team-beat-suhana-all-stars-660948.html Jaipur Feb 5 Jaipur Polo Team delivered a composed performance to register a 7â45 victory over Suhana All Stars Polo Team in the opening match of The Leela Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup Displaying control consistency and attacking clarity across all four chukkers Jaipur set the tone early to secure a deserved winThe contest began at a brisk pace with both teams looking to establish early momentum Jaipur made a confident start combining effective ball movement with sharp finishing to edge ahead 2â15 by the end of the opening chukker while Suhana All Stars remained competitive through disciplined playJaipur continued to build steadily in the second chukker asserting greater control in midfield and capitalising on scoring opportunities Lance Watson led the attacking charge supported well by HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur as the team extended their advantage to 4â25 at halftimeThe third chukker proved pivotal with Jaipur raising the tempo and tightening their grip on the match Sustained pressure and clinical conversions saw them pull further clear moving to a commanding 6â35 lead by the end of the chukker as Suhana All Stars found it increasingly difficult to break through Jaipurâs structured defenceSuhana All Stars showed resilience in the final chukker adding a goal through their attacking pair to reduce the deficit Jaipur however remained composed managing the game effectively and closing out the contest at 7â45 to seal a strong opening victoryLance Watson starred for Jaipur with four goals supported by HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur with two goals and Th Bhawani Singh Kalvi with one For Suhana All Stars Polo Team Savir Mehraj Godara and Matias Vial scored two goals each in a spirited effort IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/the-leela-maharaja-sawai-man-singh-polo-cup-jaipur-polo-team-beat-suhana-all-stars-660948.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/vinesh-calls-out-haryana-wrestling-assoc-over-unfair-selection-criteria-for-fed-cup-660959.html New Delhi Feb 5 In a fiery outburst star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has hit out at the Haryana Wrestling Association for what she calls unfair selection criteria for the Federation Cup 2026 Vinesh expressed her frustration over the associations decision to limit trial opportunities to only 2025 senior state medallists and those who participated in international competitions in 2025 She questioned the rationale for excluding 2024 national medallists and those unable to compete in the Senior Nationals 2025 due to age restrictions âThe selection criteria of the Haryana Wrestling Association for the Federation Cup 2026 are completely unfair Giving trial opportunities only to 2025 Senior State medallists and those wrestlers who participated in international competitions in 2025 is a betrayal of thousands of hardworking wrestlers Have the 2024 national medallists suddenly become ineligible Has winning a medal in Sub Junior Nationals now become worthlessHave injured players become criminals Those wrestlers who could not participate in Senior Nationals in 2025 due to the age limit are completely eligible in 2026â Phogat penned on XThe wrestler emphasised that these events are every players dream and lamented that the current rules could prematurely end the careers of wrestlers who have spent years representing their countryThis year there are major tournaments like the Asian Games and the World Championships Playing in such tournaments and bringing medals for the country is every players dream But because of these rules you are eliminating them right now and practically putting a permanent stop to their future This is not just an injustice to the sport but an open mockery of the players lives and struggles Where will our wrestlers go after working hard for so many yearsâ she addedPhogat didnât mince words while claiming that the lack of fair trials at the state level is stifling the growth of new talent in Indian wrestling She strongly advocated for open trials insisting that true talent can only be recognised on the mat Today the situation is such that even at the state level fair trials are not being conducted In such a scenario how will new talent emerge for the country If fair selection is needed then there should be open trials Talent is recognised on the mat and not giving a player a chance to show his talent is a very big betrayal to him she wroteIn her final appeal Phogat urged Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Nayab Saini to intervene and ensure justice for the states wrestlers âHonourable Chief Minister Sir cmohry NayabSainiBJP you should intervene in this matter and ensure justice for the wrestlers of Haryana she concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/vinesh-calls-out-haryana-wrestling-assoc-over-unfair-selection-criteria-for-fed-cup-660959.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pistol-shooters-take-aim-as-india-hope-for-a-strong-start-in-asian-championship--660751.html New Delhi Feb 3 Pistol shooters will take aim at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges here in Delhi as medals in 10m Air pistol events will be decided as competition day one will be underway tomorrow in the Asian Championship RiflePistol Indian shooters led by World Champion Samrat Rana World Cup Final Champion Suruchi Singh Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh will look to give the hosts a strong start in the continental event Four finals will be held on Wednesday including the senior menâs and womenâs along with the finals of Junior and Youth men also Suruchi Singh and Samrat Rana will be one of the favourites to win the gold medal along with Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh in the womenâs eventWorld number four and world silver medallist Ho Ching Shing from Hong Kong lines up as one of the favourites for the womens 10m air pistol She has made the continental final on four occasions winning silver in 2019A dark horse for a medal could be Cheng YenChing of Chinese Taipei ranked 16th in the world The 19yearold had a solid performance of 25th in her debut World Championship and even finished fifth on her ISSF World Cup debut in Munich Thu Vinh Trinh of Vietnam a twotime Asian bronze medallist and twotime Olympic finalist will also feature Current World Champion Samrat Rana will lead the Indian menâs side along with world number two and world bronze medallist Varun Tomar and Sharvan Kumar who finished 12th in the World ChampionshipValeriy Rakhimzhan of Kazakhstan the world number eight and the ISSF World Cup silver medallist from Munich who placed fourth last year in Shymkent Hsieh HsiangChen of Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistans world number 25 Mukhammad Kamalov who placed ninth at the 2025 World Championship will be the main competitors for the Indian shooters Junior and youth athletes will also be in action tomorrow with Jonathan Gavin Antony Mukesh Nelavalli Deaflympics medallist Abhinav Deshwal Himanshu Rana and Priyanshu Yadav taking the field in the Junior category and Darren K Dawn Girish Gupta Abhay Dhama Mandeep Chauhan Dhairya Prashar and Hardik Bansal will be in action in the youth category The hosts have entered the largest squad of 118 athletes with Kazakhstan fielding the second biggest contingent of 35 athletes Regional powerhouses Korea and Japan have also fielded strong squads and Shooters from Chinese Taipei Vietnam and Hong Kong are also expected to put in good performances IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pistol-shooters-take-aim-as-india-hope-for-a-strong-start-in-asian-championship--660751.html Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/from-roaring-dangals-to-silent-pits-the-slow-death-of-mud-wrestling-in-delhi-660799.html New Delhi Feb 4 Once the heartbeat of old Delhi traditional wrestling akhadas echoed with the sounds of cheering crowds thudding bodies and the earthy scent of mud Today many of those spaces lie quiet their legacy fading as the cityâs sporting culture shifts and interest in desi wrestling wanesA former Indian wrestler speaking to IANS recalled a time when dangals like the one near Jama Masjid Old Delhi would draw massive gatherings People would travel across the city just to watch boutsâ he said âIt wasnât just a sport â it was community pride and tradition rolled into oneBut the decline has been sharp especially after the Covid19 pandemic Lockdowns disrupted training routines local competitions stopped and many akhadas struggled financially Without steady support several either shut down or now operate with a fraction of their earlier strengthAnother worrying factor the wrestler alleged was the rise of âfixedâ bouts âWhen spectators started feeling that some matches were staged and betting was involved trust brokeâ he said âFans are smart â they can tell when something isnât realâ That erosion of credibility he believes pushed many loyal followers awayIn the chaos genuine talent has suffered most Promising young wrestlers who once saw akhadas as stepping stones to national glory now drift toward other sports or give up entirely due to lack of exposure and financial backingHe insists revival is still possible â but only with serious intervention âThe Delhi government must step in to protect and promote traditional mud wrestlingâ he urged âThese akhadas are part of our cultural heritage If we lose them we lose a piece of who we areâFor now the mud pits wait â silent but not yet forgotten IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/from-roaring-dangals-to-silent-pits-the-slow-death-of-mud-wrestling-in-delhi-660799.html Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/reigning-world-champion-gukesh-to-play-in-norway-chess-2026-660700.html Stavanger Feb 3 Reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju will compete at Norway Chess 2026 taking his place in the field at one of the worldâs strongest chess tournaments The Indian star comes to Oslo as the youngest undisputed world champion in the history of the game In 2024 Gukesh won the Candidates Tournament before going on to defeat thenWorld Champion Ding Liren securing the world title at just 18 years oldâI am really happy to take part in Norway Chess again fighting against a very strong field as always and looking forward to all the exciting gamesâ said GukeshHis rapid rise includes several historic milestones among them becoming the youngest player ever to cross the 2750 rating mark and earning the Grandmaster title at the age of 12 the thirdyoungest in chess history He has also been a key part of Indiaâs recent success on the international stage At the Chess OlympiadHe won individual gold on board one in 2022 followed by both team gold and individual gold on board one in 2024Norway Chess has already featured defining moments in Gukesh Dâs career At the 2025 edition he finished third and claimed his first classical victory over Magnus Carlsen in a dramatic game that sparked the widely shared tableslam moment and quickly became one of the tournamentâs most talkedabout encountersâHaving Gukesh D return to Norway Chess as reigning World Champion is something we truly value India has become one of the strongest chess nations in the world today and we know many fans will be following Gukesh D closely We hope chess audiences across India will tune in as he competes in Oslo in 2026 says Benedicte Westre Skog COO of Norway ChessIn total 18 of the highestrated players in chess history have competed in Norway Chessâwith Garry Kasparov as the only exception among the alltime greats though he has visited the event twice IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/reigning-world-champion-gukesh-to-play-in-norway-chess-2026-660700.html Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/india-to-host-asian-riflepistol-cship-in-2027-with-8-la-olympic-quotas-on-offer-660656.html New Delhi Feb 3 India will host Asian RiflePistol Championship in 2027 with eight LA 2028 Olympic quotas on offer the Asian Shooting Confederation said The competition will take place from December 1 to 10 here at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting RangeThe Asian RiflePistol Championship 2027 will be organised by the National Rifle Association of India NRAI from 01 to 10 December 2027 at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in NewDelhi IndiaThe championship will hold added significance as 8 Asian continental quota places for the LA Olympic Games 2028 will be distributed during the event ASC said in a releaseQuota places are allocated to NOCs except when obtained through the Olympic Ranking or universality places in which case they are allocated to athletes by nameIndia had obtained the maximum possible 16 quotas eight each in the rifle and pistol from the Olympic shooting qualifying events for Paris 2024 India sent a record 21 shooters to the Olympics Games in 2024 a massive jump from the 15 shooters at Tokyo Indian shooters won three medals all bronze at the Paris 2024 OlympicsCurrently India are looking for plenty of home success as New Delhi gets set to host the Asian Shooting Championship RiflePistol from February 2 to 14 The hosts have assembled the largest team with 118 athletes while Kazakhstan is the secondlargest with 35 athletesRegional powerhouses Korea Iran and Japan have also brought strong squads and shooters from Chinese Taipei Vietnam and Hong Kong are anticipated to perform wellUnsurprisingly India brings the largest contingent to the competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges with 118 athletes entered â over a third of the total 311 athletes Kazakhstan also bring a strong presence with 35 athletes while Iran have registered 28In total the championship will feature athletes from 20 countries with 564 starts across the competition IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/india-to-host-asian-riflepistol-cship-in-2027-with-8-la-olympic-quotas-on-offer-660656.html Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/organisers-to-launch-pro-wrestling-league-based-gaming-app-to-keep-fans-engaged-pwl-chairman-dayaan-farooqui-660581.html Noida Feb 2 The Pro Wrestling League PWL is set to enter a new phase of growth with plans to introduce the GrecoRoman style in future editions of the tournament Chairman and Promoter Dayaan Farooqui confirmed that discussions are already underway to expand the leagueâs format and incorporate additional elements that can further elevate its global stature The announcement comes on the back of a highly successful PWL 2026 season which concluded on Sunday with Haryana Thunders clinching the title after edging past Delhi Dangal Warriors 54 in a thrilling final The finale drew a packed house underscoring the leagues growing popularity and wrestlingâs strong connection with Indian audiencesSpeaking about the leagueâs roadmap Farooqui revealed that GrecoRoman wrestling could soon become an integral part of PWLâs structure alongside freestyle boutsâIn the coming time this will be fully taken into consideration when further modifications are made to introduce GrecoRoman wrestling with two bouts in GrecoRoman style and the remaining bouts in freestyle For us this is only the beginning From February 2 when we meet we will consider how more elements can be incorporated into this We have already announced that we will launch a gaming app for the Pro Wrestling League in the near future We will not stop here this is just the start of our journey and we will plan how much bigger we can make itâ Farooqui told IANSHe emphasised that the leagueâs vision extends well beyond the competition mat With initiatives such as a dedicated gaming app in the pipeline PWL aims to deepen fan engagement and build a longterm ecosystem around the sportReflecting on the response from fans Farooqui said the overwhelming support has been the leagueâs biggest reward particularly after a sixyear hiatus âThe happy faces of the people are our true victoryâthe enthusiasm and passion that has emerged among them I have always said that this is a sport that does not need to be explained It is a sport in our country and is deeply connected to our nation and it has always brought us medals at the Olympics We have received a very positive response After six years this return has been special for us and today the final was completely sold outâthere was absolutely no space left to sit These things motivate us even more and we hope that in the time ahead the public will continue to give us the same love and support helping to take the Pro Wrestling League forwardâThe successful comeback has also caught the attention of the international wrestling community Representatives from United World Wrestling UWW the sportâs global governing body were present during the event and expressed keen interest in deeper collaboration with the leagueâWe received a very positive response from all the UWW representatives who were present They say they would like to send more of their wrestlers to compete in India as it would give them excellent exposure It is a matter of great pride for us that they are saying their foreign players would gain exposure by competing in India Through this tournament our aim was to give exposure to Indian wrestlers In the coming time we will see participation in even bigger and better international tournamentsâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/organisers-to-launch-pro-wrestling-league-based-gaming-app-to-keep-fans-engaged-pwl-chairman-dayaan-farooqui-660581.html Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jaipur-polo-team-reach-final-of-kognivera-cup-with-a-hard-fought-win-over-optiemus-achievers-660480.html Jaipur Feb 1 In a fiercely contested semifinal Jaipur edged past Optiemus Achievers 8â7 to seal their place in the final of the KogniVera Polo Cup being played in Jaipur The match flowed with shifting momentum across all four chukkers with both sides trading goals consistently Jaipur showed greater composure in crucial late moments while Optiemus relied heavily on their powerful striking duo Ultimately Jaipurâs balanced attackâanchored by Lance Watson and HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipurâproved decisive in clinching victoryOptiemus Achievers opened the scoring early through Daniel Otamendi striking twice at 240 and 540 Jaipur managed to pull one back via Lance Watson at 705 closing the chukker at Jaipur 1 â 2 OptiemusIn the second chukker Jaipur levelled through HH Jaipur at 150 and Lance Watson at 705 Optiemus answered through Dhruvpal Godara 400 maintaining a narrow lead The score moved to Jaipur 3â3 Optiemus by halftimeThe third chukker saw Jaipur come out with renewed energy with HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur scoring four goals at 045 505 600 and 630 and Lance Watson added another at 705 The third chukker ended with a scoreline of 83 in favour of JaipurThe final chukker unfolded into a tense period with Optiemus trying to mount a comeback via three from Dhruvpal Godara and one from Shamsheer Ali but Jaipur held on to end the game at 87 progressing to the final of the Kognivera CupHH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur emerged as the top scorer of the game with five goals and Lance Watson equally supported with three goals to his nameJaipur Polo Team will now face V Polo in the final of the Kognivera Cup today at 330 PMThe Jaipur Polo Team comprises skilled and dedicated players who carry forward a legacy deeply rooted in the royal traditions of Jaipur Known for their precision teamwork and passion for the sport the team remains a formidable presence on the field consistently striving for excellence and representing the pride of Jaipur with every match they playOn Friday Jaipur Polo Team continued to ride the momentum to register a comprehensive 955 victory over Chandna Polo in a wellcontrolled encounter Displaying attacking cohesion disciplined structure and composure across all four chukkers Jaipur asserted its dominance to record another assured win in the tournament IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jaipur-polo-team-reach-final-of-kognivera-cup-with-a-hard-fought-win-over-optiemus-achievers-660480.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 12:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/anahat-singh-reaches-final-of-squash-on-fire-in-washington-660496.html Chennai Feb 1 Indias teenage star Anahat Singh reached her maiden final of a PSA Bronzelevel event at the Squash on Fire Open in Washington with a 31 victory over Sabrina Sobhy of the US The Indian World No 31 stunned the American World No 23 119 113 911 115 in the semifinals and will meet top seed and World No 10 Georgina Kennedy of England for the title The player from New Delhi is the seventh seed in this eventEarlier Anahat fought back from 20 down to beat No 2 seed Sana Ibrahim and reached the semifinals of the Squash on Fire Open on SaturdayThe Indian world No 31 and seventh seed fought her way back into the contest overturning a 65 deficit in both the third and fourth games to edge out the Egyptian world No 17 811 811 117 118 117 in the PSA Bronzelevel eventAnahat 17 has already made a name for herself on the PSA Tour this season most notably reaching the semifinals of the Silverlevel Canadian Womenâs Open in October climbing up inside the worldâs top 30 soon afterwardsAnahat has been in great form for the last couple of months finishing runnerup in the British Junior Open helping the Indian team to a historic victory in the firstever Squash World Cup and winning the title in the Daly College Cup PSA event in IndoreIndian top seed Anahat Singh lost in four close games in the womenâs Under19 final at the prestigious British Junior Open squash held at the University of BirminghamAnahat ranked 29th in the world was defeated in the final by French second seed Lauren Baltayan with scores of 911 117 311 911 She was competing in her ninth BJO final across different age groupsShe advanced to her first womenâs under19 final at the prestigious squash tournament winning her semifinal match 118 117 119 over Egyptâs Malika El Karaksy 34 in just 28 minutes IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/anahat-singh-reaches-final-of-squash-on-fire-in-washington-660496.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/rush-for-passes-is-sweet-challenge-pwl-ceo-reflects-on-league-success-660342.html Noida Jan 30 The Pro Wrestling League PWL CEO Akhil Gupta said the extended gap since the leagueâs last edition has heightened interest among fans reflected in strong crowd turnout at the venues The PWL 2026 kicked off on January 15 with the grand finale scheduled for February 1 marking the return of the league after sixyear hiatusâIt is a matter of great fortune for us that so many people are coming to the gates There is tremendous interest and there is a rush for passes at the entrance This reflects both the love of the people and the challenges that come with itâbut for us it is a sweet challenge Pro Wrestling League CEO and Promoter Akhil Gupta told IANSOn the leagueâs longterm vision Gupta said the PWLâs focus remains on growing wrestling in India and expanding the leagueâs footprint beyond a single venueâOur goal is to grow the sport and expand the league to multiple cities Players from more than 17 countries are taking part People usually go to the US to study but here we have players from the US coming to play The emotions were overwhelming Susaki who has never played in a private league before liked the PWL so much that she personally told us she wants to come to India every year Overall we are getting an extremely positive response from everyone including players and coachesâOn coordination with the Wrestling Federation of India highlighting the operational strength of the league Gupta praised the close coordination between the PWL and the Wrestling Federation of IndiaThe coordination and understanding between us and the WFI is something I cannot put into wordsâit is exceptionally strong and well balanced Some things should remain a surprise and people should get to know about them slowly and steadily We are receiving amazing viewership data and I assure you that whatever decision is taken will be beyond everyoneâs imaginationEarlier on expansion plans for the next season WFI chief Sanjay Singh said the league will expand to major cities in its next edition with logistical constraints limiting the current season to a single venueâThe next PWL season will be held across all major cities This time due to time constraints the league was organised only at the Noida Stadium However next season everyone will get the opportunity to enjoy the excitementâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/rush-for-passes-is-sweet-challenge-pwl-ceo-reflects-on-league-success-660342.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 01:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jindal-bedla-beat-thunderbolt-to-reach-kognivera-cup-sf-660428.html Jaipur Jan 31 Jindal Bedla maintained their strong streak this season delivering a commanding performance to advance to the semifinals of the KogniVera Cup 2026 8goal now taking place in Jaipur They first defeated Thunderbolt convincingly with an 11â25 score then remained composed to beat Jaipur in a penalty shootout securing their spot in the final four Although Thunderbolt began the contest with a 15goal lead under the handicap rule Jindal Bedla took control early on Siddhant Sharma starred with an impressive eight goals supported by Simran Shergills two goals and Venkatesh Jindals single showcasing a strong team effortJindal Bedla made their intentions clear early on as Siddhant Sharma struck twice in the first chukker with Simran Shergill also finding the target to put his side firmly in command In the second chukker Siddhant elevated his game further netting five goals to stretch Jindal Bedlaâs lead to 8â15The momentum continued into the third chukker with Venkatesh Jindal and Simran Shergill each scoring a goal taking the scoreline to 10â15 heading into the final period Thunderboltâs Lt Col Vishal Singh Chauhan pulled one back in the fourth chukker but Siddhant Sharma had the final say adding another goal to cap a commanding 11â25 victory for Jindal BedlaLater Jindal Bedla showcased their composure under pressure overcoming Jaipur in a penalty shootout to secure their place in the semifinal scheduled for SaturdayThe teamâs strong showing follows their recent triumph at the Rajmata Gayatri Devi Memorial Cup where Jindal Bedla were crowned champions remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament Riding high on confidence and form the side now has its sights firmly set on the iconic sevenfoot KogniVera Cup trophy â the worldâs tallest polo trophy â as they continue their quest for another historic title IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jindal-bedla-beat-thunderbolt-to-reach-kognivera-cup-sf-660428.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/chotrani-anahat-in-washington-squash-quarters-senthilkumar-bows-out-660230.html Washington Jan 30 Veer Chotrani stunned the French world No 19 Baptiste Masotti in a fivegame thriller in the round of 16 at the Squash on Fire Open in Washington while compatriot Velavan Senthilkumar went down to Mexican world No 11 and second seed Leonel Cardenas in five games World No 49 Chotrani staged a second straight comeback to sink No 4 seed Masotti 116 711 811 111 119 and will meet sixth seed Declan James of England in the quarterfinals of the PSA Bronzelevel eventChotrani had recovered from 21 82 down to beat Balazs Farkas in round one and once again needed all five games to beat Franceâs Masotti 24 hours later clinging on in a tensionfilled fifth game in which he saw five match balls come and go from 104 up before taking the sixth with a smart backhand drop at 109Chotrani will now face Declan James who himself had to fight back from 20 down to win in five against Muhammad Asim Khan closing out a 72minute duel 117 in the fifthThat wasnât even the end of the fivegamers in the afternoon session as No 2 seed Cardenas came out on top of another epic against SenthilkumarFor much of their 64minute encounter it looked as though the Indian southpaw might cause a sizable upset but Cardenas came up clutch in the closing stages most notably on a sensational match ball when he showed some remarkable retrieval skills to keep a 26shot rally alive before flicking a forehand winner down the lineIn the womenâs section seventh seed Anahat Singh beat Hayley Ward RSA 115 118 1214 115 in the second round She will take on Egyptian second seed Sana Ibrahim in the quarterfinalsIn another entertaining battle top seed Mohamed Elshorbagy beat rising star Noor Zaman after a hardfought fourthgame tiebreak IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/chotrani-anahat-in-washington-squash-quarters-senthilkumar-bows-out-660230.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jaipur-polo-team-beat-chandna-polo-955-in-kognivera-cup-660239.html Jaipur Jan 30 Continuing their strong momentum in the Kognivera Cup Jaipur Polo Team registered a comprehensive 955 victory over Chandna Polo in a wellcontrolled encounter Displaying attacking cohesion disciplined structure and composure across all four chukkers Jaipur asserted their dominance to record another assured win in the tournament Jaipur made a steady start to the contest edging the opening chukker 15â1 as both teams settled into rhythm HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh led Jaipurâs early attacking efforts while Chandna Polo responded through Alejo to keep the opening exchanges competitiveThe second chukker saw Jaipur raise the tempo significantly and take firm control of proceedings With fluid ball movement and sharp finishing Jaipur stretched their lead to 55â2 at halftimeBhawani Singh Kalvi and Lance Watson made important contributions during this phase complementing HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singhâs influence as Jaipur began to dictate the flow of the gameChandna Polo showed resilience in the third chukker with Alejo continuing to push forward and add to their tally Jaipur however remained composed responding with disciplined play and effective counterattacks to extend their advantage to 65â4 heading into the final chukkerIn the closing chukker Jaipur maintained control and managed the game with maturity adding three more goals to seal the contest at 95â5 Chandna Polo added a late goal but Jaipurâs structured approach ensured they remained firmly in command until the final whistleMaharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh once again stood out for Jaipur with a fourgoal performance while Bhawani Singh Kalvi added three goals and Lance Watson contributed two completing a wellrounded team effort For Chandna Polo Alejo led the scoring with three goals supported by Ashok Chandna and Dino Dhankar with one goal each IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jaipur-polo-team-beat-chandna-polo-955-in-kognivera-cup-660239.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/peoples-armwrestling-federation-of-india-gets-paralympic-committee-of-india-affiliation-660054.html Mumbai Jan 29 The Peopleâs Armwrestling Federation of India PAFI has received official affiliation from the Paralympic Committee of India PCI The affiliation represents a major step forward for paraarmwrestling in India strengthening its pathway towards structured competition athlete development and longterm inclusion in the global Paralympic ecosystemArmwrestling has already gained important international momentum having been included in the recent Asian Youth Para Games 2025 in Dubai It is also one of the few sports where Para athletes are included in the main competition Building on this progress PAFI now looks ahead to the sportâs inclusion in the Asian Para Games and the Asian GamesThe affiliation with the Paralympic Committee of India further strengthens these efforts bringing ParaArmwrestling closer to its longterm goal of being included in the Paralympic Games and offering Indian athletes a pathway to compete on the worldâs biggest sporting stageDevendra Jhajharia President of the Paralympic Committee of India said âI extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Peopleâs Armwrestling Federation India PAFI on receiving official recognition from the Paralympic Committee of India This recognition stands as a powerful affirmation of PAFIâs sustained efforts to promote and grow the sport of armwrestling for para athletes while providing them a credible competitive platform and treating them on par with ablebodied athletes It reflects the federationâs commitment to inclusivity structured development and excellence and marks an important step in strengthening Indiaâs presence in armwrestling at both national and international levelsâIn India PAFI and Pro Panja League have shown dedicated support to para athletes with special categories integrated in the league and across state championships The Pro Panja League has ensured inclusivity by bringing male female and para athletes to compete on the same platform with para athletes paid equally based on their rankings in line with all other athletesâTogether PAFI and the Pro Panja League have played a crucial role in creating a sustainable ecosystem for ParaArmwrestlers providing them structured tournaments visibility and professional opportunities and have ensured the domestic competitions match international standardsPreeti Jhangiani President of the Peopleâs Armwrestling Federation India PAFI Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation AAF and CoFounder of the Pro Panja League stated âWe are deeply honoured to receive official recognition from the Paralympic Committee of India as the official governing body for armwrestling in India This milestone is not just an achievement for PAFI but a validation of our unwavering commitment to transparent governance athlete welfare and inclusive growth It strengthens our resolve to create fair opportunities and a clear pathway for Indian armwrestlers to represent the nation with pride at national and international platformsâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/peoples-armwrestling-federation-of-india-gets-paralympic-committee-of-india-affiliation-660054.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/squash-senthilkumar-chotrani-advance-in-washington-660056.html Washington Jan 29 Reigning menâs national champion Velavan Senthilkumar and Veer Chotrani advanced in the Squash on Fire Open in Washington with hardfought first round wins in the PSA Bronzelevel event World No 46 Senthilkumar rallied to beat Englandâs Tom Walsh 1214 118 118 116 and will next meet Mexican world No 11 and second seed Leonel Cardenas World No 49 Chotrani edged out Hungaryâs Balazs Farkas 611 911 115 119 113 and will take on French world No 19 and fourth seed Baptiste Masotti nextChotrani found himself on the brink of defeat to the Hungarian No 1 sitting 82 down in game four having lost the first two games before winning the third But the talented Indian dug deep to win nine of the next 10 points sending the match to a decider and shifting the momentum firmly in his favour He carried that momentum into the decider too racing clear to bring up seven match balls at 103 needing only one to get over the lineMeanwhile Womenâs National champion and seventh seed Anahat Singh received a firstround bye That was followed by another fivegame tussle between Menna Hamed and Wai Yhann Au Yeong in the match immediately afterwardsAu Yeong only got into the tournament earlier this week but threatened an upset in round one as she came out on top of two lungbusting tiebreaks in the first two games against Hamed winning the first 1513 and the second 1917Hamed was being hampered by an injury to her toe and started game three 10 down after being given a time violation for a delayed return to court but she quickly began to find her rhythm and her range nonethelessAfter closing out game three 115 she overturned a 53 deficit to take the fourth 117 and would need only seven more minutes to clinch her spot in round two wrapping up the decider with a neat backhand drop down the linear 104Later in the day there was an impressive 32 win for Hayley Ward over Xin Ying Yee while Noor Zaman overcame a tricky test in the form of wildcard Yee Xian SiowSam Todd also got the better of crowd favourite Valerii Fedoruk in the dayâs final match on the glass and Nathan Lake rounded out the dayâs play with a 31 win over Mazen Hesham IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/squash-senthilkumar-chotrani-advance-in-washington-660056.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/womens-sr-kabaddi-nationals-railways-haryana-among-teams-to-reach-quarterfinals-on-day-3-660151.html Hyderabad Jan 29 The knockout phase of the 72nd Womenâs Senior National Kabaddi Championship started at the GMC Balayogi Stadium at Gachibowli in Hyderabad on Thursday after the league stage ended with several teams securing spots in the quarterfinals through the prequarterfinal round At the conclusion of the group phase Indian Railways Karnataka Maharashtra Goa Madhya Pradesh Delhi Haryana Vidarbha Chandigarh Uttar Pradesh Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan advanced to the prequarterfinals leading to an exciting evening of knockout matchesIn the prequarterfinals Indian Railways moved forward with a 46â27 victory over Karnataka while Maharashtra narrowly defeated Goa 42â36 Madhya Pradesh secured a 41â36 win against Delhi and Haryana delivered a strong performance to beat Vidarbha 50â19Chandigarh secured their spot in the quarterfinals with a 45â39 win over Uttar Pradesh Tamil Nadu completed the list of qualifiers with a 34â30 victory against Rajasthan Punjab and Himachal Pradesh advanced to the quarterfinalsâPunjab beat hosts Telangana 42â25 in PreQuarterfinal 7 and Himachal Pradesh defeated Gujarat 67â22 in PreQuarterfinal 8Karthika R from Tamil Nadu maintained her impressive performance with steady raiding throughout the league stage Meanwhile Bhumika from Uttarakhand and Chhaya from Chhattisgarh emerged as some of the most active attackers across the matches On defense Monika from Chandigarh distinguished herself with a high success rate in tackles while Ghadhavi Sabhai of Gujarat and Muskan Sharma of Madhya Pradesh also played significant rolesDay 2 of the competition on Wednesday delivered a mix of commanding performances and tightly fought encounters across all eight pools with Indian Railways stamping their authority in Pool A through emphatic wins over Jammu amp Kashmir 88â12 and Delhi 54â21 while Pool B saw contrasting fortunes as Uttar Pradesh edged Assam 37â27 before falling to Himachal Pradesh 34â21Pool C was dominated by Telangana 50â16 and Rajasthan 76â12 against Puducherry while Pool D featured strong outings from Goa 74â20 vs Jharkhand and Haryana 52â26 vs GoaPool E saw Maharashtra register a comfortable 57â20 victory over Vidarbha Pool F produced a competitive clash with Punjab narrowly defeating Bihar 39â31 and Pool G delivered one of the closest games of the day as Gujarat edged Odisha 29â26 Pool H concluded proceedings with Madhya Pradesh securing a solid 48â23 win over Andhra PradeshThe confirmed quarterfinal lineup to be played later on Thursday isQF1 Indian Railways vs MaharashtraQF2 Madhya Pradesh vs HaryanaQF3 Chandigarh vs Tamil NaduQF4 Punjab vs Himachal PradeshThe semifinals and final of the 72nd Womenâs Senior National Kabaddi Championship will be played on January 30 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/womens-sr-kabaddi-nationals-railways-haryana-among-teams-to-reach-quarterfinals-on-day-3-660151.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indias-grandmaster-divya-deshmukh-joins-norway-chess-women-for-2026-660155.html New Delhi Jan 29 Indian Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh is set to debut at the Norway Chess Women in 2026 making history as the youngest participant since the tournaments inception in 2024 She is among the top talents in womenâs chess today arriving in Oslo after a breakthrough season that has cemented her position among the worldâs elite âIâm incredibly excited to be competing in Norway Chess Itâs my first time in the country and Iâm really looking forward to seeing what Norway is like I canât wait to experience this unique format and compete in such a prestigious tournament To all the fans rooting for me thank you for the love and encouragement See you all thereâ Divya said in a statement released by Norway ChessIn 2025 Divya won the FIDE Womenâs World Cup earning her the Grandmaster title and a spot in the 2026 Womenâs Candidates Tournament At only 19 she became the fourth Indian woman to achieve GM highlighting Indiaâs rising prominence in international chessShe has also achieved success on the international stage representing India earning both individual and team gold medals and establishing herself as one of the most promising young players of her generationSharing the news on their official X handle Norway Chess wrote âDivya Deshmukh joins Norway Chess Women A new name enters the Norway Chess Women 2026 field In 2025 Divya won the FIDE Womenâs World Cup earning the Grandmaster title and qualifying for the Womenâs Candidates 2026 At 19 she became the fourth Indian woman in history to earn the GM title Divya has won both individual and team gold with India at the latest Chess Olympiad In Oslo she will become the youngest player ever to compete at Norway Chess WomenââIndia continues to produce outstanding young chess talent and Divya is a great example of that momentum Weâre delighted to welcome her to Norway Chess Women and look forward to engaging a growing Indian chess audience as she makes her debut in Osloâ said Benedicte Westre Skog COO of Norway Chess in the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indias-grandmaster-divya-deshmukh-joins-norway-chess-women-for-2026-660155.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pwl-2026-yui-susaki-sets-tone-as-captain-drives-haryana-thunders-charge-this-season-659940.html Noida UP Jan 27 For Yui Susaki playing for Haryana Thunders in the Pro Wrestling League PWL 2026 has been more than just another tournament it has been a stage to lead inspire and deliver under pressure The Japanese star has emerged as the heartbeat of Haryana Thunders guiding the franchise with composure and consistency as they sit atop the PWL standings Captaining Haryana Thunders who are known for their intensity in the league and fast turnarounds Susaki has embraced the rhythm of regular competition The opportunity to step onto the mat repeatedly has helped her build momentum something she believes has been central to her strong run this seasonPro Wrestling League PWL has been a good experience for me because I can fight a lot of times during this leagueâ Susaki said reflecting on her journey so farHer performances have mirrored her mindset clinical efficient and teamoriented In one of the standout moments of the season Susaki wrapped up her bout in under a minute a display that underlined her dominance while also setting the tone for her teammates Yet for the captain individual success remains secondary to the collective causeâIâm so excited to participate in this League Iâm playing for our team our owners our coach so this is not just for me this is for usâ she saidThat sense of unity has defined Haryana Thunders campaign After opening the season with two convincing wins the team faced a brief setback in their third match before responding strongly to reclaim momentum and climb back to the top of the table Throughout the highs and the challenge of a narrow loss Susakiâs calm presence has been a constantThe Japanese ace credits the environment within the camp as a key reason behind Haryana Thundersâ resilience and consistencyâOur team is very powerful cheerful and friendly so we have a very good team environmentâ Susaki said highlighting the chemistry she shares with her teammatesOff the mat Susaki has also enjoyed embracing life in India during the league taking in the culture with the same enthusiasm she brings to competition âIn India Iâm enjoying my stay I love Indian food especially curryâ she addedAs the Pro Wrestling League 2026 moves into its decisive phase Haryana Thunders remain firmly placed with their captain continuing to lead by example With Susaki at the forefront Haryana Thunders looks wellpositioned to sustain its title challenge and carry its strong leaguestage form into the business end of the tournament IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pwl-2026-yui-susaki-sets-tone-as-captain-drives-haryana-thunders-charge-this-season-659940.html Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/as-india-celebrates-77th-republic-day-ladakh-scouts-out-there-to-make-a-difference-in-ice-hockey-659716.html Leh Jan 26 There is an ice hockey revolution going on in the country to be sure with Ladakh Scouts a specialised mountain infantry regiment of the Indian Army being at the forefront of it As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day there is no better time than this to highlight their exemplary work in the field of ice hockey The first leg of the sixth edition of the 2026 Khelo India Winter Games KIWG is underway in Leh Ladakh with ice hockey and ice skating on display and once again Army Ladakh Scoutsâ representatives in the Games are proving to be indomitable in the event Army will play surprise entrants Chandigarh in the menâs final on Republic Day on MondayBut actually itâs their performance and efforts off the ice rink that matters a lot more transcending a mere win or even a gold medal which they have won on multiple occasions in the Khelo India Winter Games Its their desire to popularise ice hockey in India to take it beyond the snowy icy and mountainous Leh Ladakh into the plains and coastsWhile there is no accurate record per se word has it that the Ladakh Scouts started playing ice hockey in the late 1970s There was no real surface or equipment they did it just for funIt was only in the late 1980s that they got a bit serious about the sport as they made natural ice rinks and imported expensive equipment it may be noted that today ice hockey gear per player can cost up to Rs 4 lakhIn 2000 they were raised as a full infantry and with that increased their efforts and seriousness in ice hockeyRight now in India there are just two Olympicsize artificial ice rinks one in Dehradun and one in Leh at the indoor Nawang Dorjay Stobdan StadiumâTo make ice hockey truly a popular sport we need more such rinks all over the country For now the sport is largely confined to Leh Ladakh We need to spread the sport to the other corners of the country and thatâs only how we can help the sport growâ captain Parth Jagtap part of the Army team playing in the 2026 KIWG saidCaptain Jagtap who was honoured with Distinguished Award for Outstanding Sports and Academic Achievements last year in Mumbai also hailed Khelo Indiaâs efforts over the yearsâThe involvement of Khelo India has helped in many ways There is much more awareness about ice hockey through the media coverage Also the awareness about what all needs to be done to truly make it a popular sport in the countryâ he saidThe construction of an ice rink can be a very expensive affair Just a basic rink can cost up to Rs 15 crore or so An indoor stadium not a big one but that can seat up to 5000 spectators can cost up to Rs 4050 croreThese are big amounts and need corporate backing Once the likes of Reliance Adani Tata decide to pitch in the ice hockey landscape can quicky change in India can spread beyond Leh LadakhAnd Ladakh Scoutsâ representatives reportedly have floated this idea about the involvement of the corporate houses Soldiers are there to keep the borders safe but sometimes they take certain responsibilities upon themselves they otherwise no business with they go beyond the call of dutyIce hockey is a great example Last year Ladakh Scoutsâ lastminute funding for the national womenâs team went a long way the Indian women national team secured its first ever bronze at the IIHF Womenâs Asia Cup in the United Arab EmiratesThese are clearcut indications Ladakh Scouts nicknamed Snow Leopards or Snow Warriors mean business They are hopeful their efforts sooner rather than later will take them to making India a recognisable face in the global ice hockey landscape IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/as-india-celebrates-77th-republic-day-ladakh-scouts-out-there-to-make-a-difference-in-ice-hockey-659716.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/how-mothers-advice-helped-sohan-tarkar-beat-depression-and-return-to-competitive-ice-skating-659651.html Leh Jan 25 Often getting up after biting the dust is the most difficult thing in life and Sohan Tarkar should be proud of himself for having pulled it off The Maharashtra shorttrack ice skater had significant successes to speak of before depression pulled him down almost six years ago Tarkar started doing ice skating in 2010 and reached the 1500 m semifinal of the Asian Winter Games in Sapporo Japan in 2017 He has also qualified multiple times for the Junior World Championships Twice he has qualified for the Senior World Cups Germany and Italy being the venues but unfortunately on both occasions he couldnât obtain the Schengen visaDespondency and grief consumed him as a result This was in the months before the Covid19 outbreak happened Then the pandemic made his situation worse A lack of physical activity led to his gaining 20 kg in weight which mind you could be very counterproductive in the sportFrom having a ripped physique Tarkar turned into a totally outofshape unrecognisable person A lack of motivation to boot made him sort of a depressive Things were so bad in his mind that he had made up the decision of not ice skating ever againTarkarâs mother Sonali came to his rescue and after a lot of effort succeeded in persuading him to give it another shot The motherly words worked and he decided to change his life at last towards the end of 2023 âI was really going down I used to practise six hours every day to keep in shape Precovid I weighed 58 kg and just like that I got up to 78 kg I had totally shut myself off in additionâFollowing my motherâs words I went to Pune to get trained under Sameer Gole This was 2023end After that I went to the trials for the Asian Games and I qualified for the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin China I weigh 65 kg now and I am still at it I should get back to my preCovid weight soon I am proud of myself for having come back from a world of despairâ he saidIn the 2026 Khelo India Winter Games the 29yearold Tarkar has been a bit of a downer for one reason or another In the 3000m relay his team was disqualified and in the 500m final he was pushed from behind in an unfortunate incident leading to a âDid Not Finishâ status for himHowever itâs not so much his medals and successes that one needs to learn from Itâs actually his resilience after the bout of depression that one can learn a lot fromâI have realised that no matter how fast you are it doesnât necessarily always translate to medals One also requires a lot of luck to win I have reconciled with that It doesnât bother me anymore I am happy to be back on the rink and I am thankful to God for thatâ the Mumbaikar concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/how-mothers-advice-helped-sohan-tarkar-beat-depression-and-return-to-competitive-ice-skating-659651.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/rohit-sharma-harmanpreet-kaur-praveen-kumar-set-to-be-awarded-padma-shri-659671.html New Delhi Jan 25 Former India captain Rohit Sharma Indian women team captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Paraathlete Praveen Kumar are set to be honoured with the Padma Shri as the Padma Awards 2026 were announced on Sunday This recognition marks their significant contributions to Indian sports across different formats and generationsWhile the Padma Shri awards celebrated both current and former stars Indiaâs tennis icon Vijay Amritraj received the Padma Bhushan He is the only sportsperson to earn the countryâs thirdhighest civilian honor this yearAmritrajâs recognition adds to a notable career that has lasted for decades both on and off the courtHe had previously been awarded the Padma Shri in 1983 and the Arjuna Award in 1974 highlighting his lasting influence on Indian tennis and sports administrationRohit Sharma the former captain of Indian mens cricket team is a key figure in modern Indian cricket He is known for his leadership and impressive runscoring at the highest level and led India to second T20 World Cup trophy in 2024Harmanpreet Kaur captain of the womenâs team lead India to maoden womens ICC title after hosts India clinched Womens ODI World Cup 2025 has also played a vital role leading India to new successes and inspiring a generation of young cricketers with her bold batting and leadershipThe list of honored sports figures included Savita Punia the goalkeeper of the Indian womenâs hockey team whose consistency and leadership have helped India regain its place on the international stageBaldev Singh Bhagwandas Raikwar and K Pajanivel also received the Padma Shri for their achievements in sportsThe Padma Awards are among Indiaâs highest civilian honors and celebrate excellence and service in various fields With honorees from cricket tennis and hockey this year the 2026 awards showcased the growing strength and influence of Indian sports on the global stage IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/rohit-sharma-harmanpreet-kaur-praveen-kumar-set-to-be-awarded-padma-shri-659671.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kiwg-2026-itbp-win-womens-ice-hockey-gold-haryana-remain-on-top--659684.html Leh Ladakh Jan 25 Ladakh ran out of luck as ITBP women reclaimed the Khelo India Winter Games icehockey gold at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan NDS Stadium on Sunday evening In a thrilling match ITBP scored in the opening seconds of extra time after regulation time ended 11There was a small consolation for the hosts on the penultimate day of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games Ladakhâs men redeemed themselves by winning the menâs icehockey bronze after a dramatic Saturday when unfancied Chandigarh stunned the home team 32 in the menâs icehockey semifinals But on Sunday Ladakh men looked more purposeful carving out a fighting 32 win for a podium finish Ladakh had beaten ITBP 31 in the league stage as wellIn a lowscoring thriller Ladakh looked on course to defend their icehockey gold In what was a repeat of last yearâs Khelo India Winter Games final Ladakh rode a 17th minute Shamina Khatoon goal but then ITBPâs India player Stanzin Dolkar nicknamed Tani scored a sensational equaliser in the third period to force the match into extra time Within nine seconds Dolkar was at it again scoring the golden goal from a goalmouth melee to leave Ladakh stunnedThe womenâs win against Ladakh means ITBP will not go empty handed from these Games With a day remaining in KIWG 2026 Haryana keep their lead with 4 golds while Ladakh stay at No 2 with two golds Telangana also have two golds but lesser number of silvers that the hostsOn Sunday morning Telanganaâs Nayana Sri Talluri won her second straight gold medal from the shortcourse skating rink at NDS The Calgarybased teenager started comfortably and then shifted gears midway through the 1000m short track One of Nayanaâs chief rivals Ladakhâs skating star Skarma Tsultim trying to accelerate crashed out of the competition Tactically better Nayana warded off a stiff challenge from Maharashtraâs Anvayee Deshpande to clinch the gold medal with a timing of 14332 seconds Anvayee won silver with 14343 with teammate Schaleen Fernandes winning bronze 14641Nayana thus became the third ice skater in KIWG 2026 to win two gold medals both individual medals With one day to go Haryanaâs Sachin Singh and Ladakhâs Skarma Tsultim both have two golds each individual and relay Late on Saturday Ladakh were awarded the womenâs 1000m long track gold an event that was marred by snowstorm at the Gupukhâs Pond Skarma had led a Ladakh 123 in that raceMaharashtra won their first gold medal on Sunday Ishaan Darvekar 13557 seconds won the menâs 1000m short track at NDS Stadium It was Ishaanâs second medal in KIWG 2026 Earlier he had won silver in the menâs 500m short track race Telangana won both silver and bronze in this eventIn more pristine conditions at Gupukhâs Pond Sunday afternoon Karnatakaâs 18yearold Srivatsa S Rao stunned the field as he raced away to menâs gold in the 1000m long track ice skating event It was Karnatakaâs first gold of KIWG 2026 Srivatsa winner of gold in the junior event of the same category at the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games finished ahead of Tamil Naduâs duo of Avikshith Vijay 13773 and Selva Kumar M 13941 with a time of 13664âI am very happy to win this gold medal Some of my idols were participating in the race and to finish ahead of them is a very happy moment for me I hope one day I win an Olympic medal for my country Thatâs my ultimate aimâ Srivatsa told SAI Media IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kiwg-2026-itbp-win-womens-ice-hockey-gold-haryana-remain-on-top--659684.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gujarat-titans-conclude-morbi-leg-of-third-edition-of-junior-titans-659590.html Morbi Jan 24 Gujarat Titans completed the Morbi leg of the third edition of Junior Titans on Saturday continuing the franchiseâs communitydriven initiative focused on promoting outdoor sport physical activity and active lifestyles among children from an early age Held at Om Shanti English Medium School the oneday programme brought together over 1000 children under the age of 14 from 24 private and government schools across Morbi and the surrounding areas The event featured a series of fun and inclusive activities designed to help children experience the joy of outdoor playJunior Titans has engaged over 10000 children across Gujarat through its first two editions Embodying the spirit of âLetâs Sport Outâ the initiative focuses on participation and inclusion while strengthening Gujarat Titansâ connection with communities beyond AhmedabadSpeaking after the event Colonel Arvinder Singh Chief Operating Officer of Gujarat Titans said âJunior Titans is focused on encouraging children to embrace outdoor play and physical activity through a positive and inclusive experience with sport The participation we witnessed in Morbi highlights the growing enthusiasm for such programmes and reinforces our intent to take Junior Titans to more cities strengthening our connection with communitiesâThe third edition of Junior Titans will now move to Amreli January 31 followed by Anand February 7 before concluding in Ahmedabad on February 14Gujarat Titans began the third edition of Junior Titans their grassroots initiative aimed at encouraging children under the age of 14 to engage in outdoor sports and physical activity with the opening leg held in Surendranagar on January 17Hosted at the Cambridge School of Excellence the oneday community sports event witnessed participation from over 900 children representing 20 schools including both private and government institutions The activation featured a range of fun and inclusive games and activities designed to promote active lifestyles and the joy of outdoor playOver the first two editions Junior Titans has engaged over 10000 children across multiple cities in Gujarat thereby strengthening its connections with schools families and local communities The initiative focuses on participation over competition using sport as a medium to encourage teamwork confidence and healthy habits among young children IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gujarat-titans-conclude-morbi-leg-of-third-edition-of-junior-titans-659590.html Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jaipur-polo-edge-past-optiemus-achievers-in-rajmata-gayatri-devi-memorial-cup-659298.html Jaipur Jan 22 The home season for Jaipur Polo Team kicked off in style as the team secured a narrow yet wellearned 757 victory over Optiemus Achievers in a keenly contested encounter at the Rajmata Gayatri Devi Memorial Cup Showcasing attacking intent and smart game management across all four chukkers Jaipur held their nerve to clinch the match in a dramatic finishAfter an initial setback in their opening encounter against Suhana All Stars where the hosts lost by the margin of half a goal the win against Optiemus Achievers provided Jaipur Polo with the momentum needed to push forward in the tournamentJaipur asserted early control in the opening chukker capitalising on their handicap advantage and fluid attacking play to race to a 35â0 lead Lance Watson was clinical in front of goal while Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur played a key role in linking defence and attack keeping Optiemus Achievers under sustained pressureOptiemus Achievers mounted a strong response in the second chukker with Shamsheer Ali leading the charge to register three goals and bring his side back into contention Jaipur however maintained their composure and added to their tally ensuring they retained a slender advantage at 35â3 by halftimeThe third chukker saw the contest intensify as Optiemus Achievers continued their comeback through goals from Ali and Daniel Otamendi Jaipur matched them stride for stride with Watson once again finding the mark to extend the scoreline to 55â4 keeping the match finely balanced heading into the final chukkerThe closing chukker delivered high drama with Optiemus Achievers drawing level at seven goals following determined efforts from Savir Mehraj Goda and Shamsheer Ali Jaipur however held their nerve in the decisive moments adding the crucial halfgoal to finish at 75â7 and seal the win in a thrilling encounterThe victory marks one of many expected for the home side during the Jaipur Polo Season which runs from February 19 to March 15 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jaipur-polo-edge-past-optiemus-achievers-in-rajmata-gayatri-devi-memorial-cup-659298.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/norway-chess-women-2026-anna-muzychuk-returns-for-title-defence-659353.html Stavanger Norway Jan 22 Reigning champion Anna Muzychuk is set to return to defend her Norway Chess Womenâs title and possibly win for the second time in a row Since the tournament started in 2024 Muzychuk has participated in both editions and has emerged as a key figure in the competition Muzychuk a threetime world champion in fast chess secured the Womenâs World Rapid Championship title in 2016 and the Womenâs World Blitz Championship twice in 2014 and 2016 She has also been a Womenâs World Championship finalist and is one of just six women in chess history to have surpassed a rating of 2600âNorway Chess is a truly special event that combines a prestigious and challenging tournament with memorable friendly activities Iâm really looking forward to the new editionâ says MuzychukDuring her victory speech in 2025 Muzychuk emphasised the significance of Norway Chess Women for female players and firmly supported the tournaments continuation calling it âreally very importantâ for womenâs chessMuzychuk has rapidly established herself at Norway Chess She was the runnerup in the first Norway Chess Womens event in 2024 and then won the title in 2025 solidifying her position at the top Her steady participation and impressive results have made her a key competitor in the tournamentâAnna has been a key part of Norway Chess Women since the very beginning and her level of play continues to set the standard Having the reigning champion return adds both sporting quality and continuity to the tournament and weâre excited to welcome her back to Osloâ said Benedicte Westre Skog COO of Norway ChessNorway Chess Women was introduced in 2024 as the worldâs first fully inclusive super tournament for women in chess Held alongside Norway Chess it used the same format number of players playing conditions and prize fund as the main event This initiative represented a significant advance for gender equality in professional chess and has now become a regular feature on the international calendarWith Anna Muzychuk back as the defending champion the stage is ready for another thrilling chapter in the growing history of the womenâs tournament The question is whether she can win her second consecutive Norway Chess Womens titleNorway Chess is a premier international tournament that gathers the best male and female players It features a unique 6player double roundrobin format and will run from May 25 to June 5 at Deichman BjÃrvika in Oslo IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/norway-chess-women-2026-anna-muzychuk-returns-for-title-defence-659353.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 01:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pune-grand-tour-2026-worlds-elite-cyclists-compete-for-historic-la-olympic-qualifier-658996.html Pune Jan 18 Some of the top road racers of the circuit will be in action when the Pune Grand Tour 2026 is flagged off in Pune on Monday India stands on the threshold of a historic moment as the event marks the countryâs firstever Continental multistage Road Race for men and is classified as a Union Cycliste Internationale UCI 22 international competition With its inclusion under the UCI framework the Pune Grand Tour 2026 marks Indiaâs official entry into the global professional cycling calendarFor Indian cyclists the Pune Grand Tour represents a rare opportunity to compete against top international teams on home soil Exposure to elite race dynamics professional team tactics and UCIlevel competition is expected to play a critical role in bridging the gap between domestic racing and the global circuitThe inclusion of the Pune Grand Tour in the UCI calendar comes at a time when Asia is emerging as a key growth market for professional cycling With increasing investment in infrastructure talent development and international competition exposure Indiaâs entry into elitestage racing signals a longterm vision for the professionalisation of the sport in the countryOwing to its UCI classification the Pune Grand Tour 2026 will offer riders the opportunity to earn valuable ranking points that count toward qualification for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics The competition is scheduled to begin on Monday with Prologue â to record the riders individual time travel which will decide the pole positions ahead of the opening Stage 1 race dayMoroccoâs team Sidi Ali Unlocks Sports Team UCI world ranked 157 has pulled out of the event due to unforeseen reasons leaving the field of riders to 164 from 28 teams representing 35 countries across five continents who will take to the start line Despite Moroccos absence India still holds a rare milestone of having the largest field of riders unprecedented for a UCI 22 category race seen before globallyTypically this classification race features around 125 riders For the inaugural year of Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 Asia will have the largest representation of 78 riders followed by 69 from Europe along with strong representation from Oceania the Americas and Africa underscoring the global stature of the eventSpainâs Burgos Burpellet BH enters the Pune Grand Tour 2026 as the crowd favourites Ranked 29th in the world they are the only ProTeamlevel squad in the field and regularly compete at cyclingâs hightier races including the prestigious Vuelta a EspaÃa Challenging for the top spot will be Chinaâs Li Ning Star world ranking 33 and Malaysiaâs Terengganu Cycling Team world ranking 38 expecting a photofinish to claim the inaugural Pune TrophyThe top Six UCI World Ranking teams that will be participating in the Pune Grand Tour are Burgos Burpellet BH Spain World UCI Ranking 29 Li Ning Star China World UCI Ranking 33 Terengganu Cycling Team World UCI Ranking 38 Rojai Insurance Winspace World UCI Ranking 44 Quick Pro Team Estonia World UCI Ranking 68 and TartelettoIsorex Belgium World UCI Ranking 78Indias challenge will be led by the peloton of the national team having experienced riders including Sahil Kumar Haryana Dinesh Kumar Haryana Surya Thathu Maharashtra Vishwajeet Singh Punjab Harshveer Singh Sikhon Punjab and M Naveen John Karnataka The inclusion of the Indian Development Team has come as a welcome step by the Pune Grand Tour as it will allow Indiaâs second team to gain experience and grow in confidence for future progressive racesAt the conclusion of the tour the winners will be presented with a handcrafted copper trophy sculpted by Puneâs renowned Tambat Aali coppersmiths Inspired by the eight historic forts that line the race route and the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj the trophy reflects the regionâs rich heritage and craftsmanshipAs the countdown begins the 85Pune Grand Tour 2026 is poised to become more than just a race It stands as a powerful statement of Indiaâs readiness to host worldclass cycling events and make a lasting impression on the global sporting stageThe Pune Grand Tour 2026 is Indiaâs firstever UCI 22 category multistage fiveday Continental Cycling Race for Men marking a watershed moment for Indiaâs presence in the global professional circuit A gruelling 437km route passes through the diverse terrains of the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Ranges The event has received an unprecedented field of 171 elite riders from 29 teams representing five continents and 35 countries Organised by Pune District Administration IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pune-grand-tour-2026-worlds-elite-cyclists-compete-for-historic-la-olympic-qualifier-658996.html Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/olympic-medallist-vijender-singh-appointed-member-of-asian-boxing-council-658838.html New Delhi Jan 17 Indian boxing icon Vijender Singh has been named a member of the Asian Boxing Council representing another important milestone in his transition from top athlete to global sports administrator Vijender Indiaâs first Olympic boxing medallist has nearly twenty years of experience at the top level spanning amateur and professional boxing His role in the Asian Boxing Council highlights his profound knowledge of the sport and his ongoing dedication to its development throughout the continentSpeaking on the development Vijender Singh said âI am honoured to be appointed as a member of the Asian Boxing Council I would like to thank the Boxing Federation of India and its leadership for entrusting me with this responsibility I hope to fulfil this role to the best of my ability at the international level Just as we created history in Beijing I am committed to working for the growth of Asian boxing with a strong focus on Indian boxers and helping our athletes achieve even greater success in the future Iâm hoping our boxers will do will at the international stage tooâThe Asian Boxing Council is integral in developing the sportâs competition and growth strategies throughout the region Vijenderâs involvement is anticipated to bring an athletefocused viewpoint to policymaking governance and strategic planningVijender Singh continues to be one of Indiaâs most wellknown athletes after earning a historic bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and securing several medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games Following his amateur career he smoothly moved into professional boxing boosting his international reputationHis appointment is regarded as a proud milestone for Indian boxing and highlights the increasing participation of Indian athletes in international sports governanceIn July of last year Vijender who wanted to give back to the sport that has brought him so much joy took on the role of âmentorâ for the Indian boxing team which competed at the World Championships in Liverpool UK in September IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/olympic-medallist-vijender-singh-appointed-member-of-asian-boxing-council-658838.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 01:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pro-wrestling-league-haryana-thunders-roar-with-dominant-72-win-over-punjab-royals-658848.html Noida Jan 17 Haryana Thunders made a thunderous statement on their Pro Wrestling League PWL 2026 debut outclassing Punjab Royals with a dominant 7â2 win in their opening tie at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Friday night Displaying authority across weight categories Haryana Thunders seized control early and never let go blending sharp tactical execution with relentless scoring to underline their championship ambitions Punjab Royals struggled to find momentum as Haryanaâs wrestlers dictated the pace and direction of the contest from start to finishThe evening began with Ashirov Ashraf setting the tone in the menâs 86kg category edging past Tariel G in a closely contested 6â5 boutAlthough Punjab found a response through Chandermohan who defeated Parvinder 13â6 in the menâs 74kg bout Haryana quickly regained control and never looked backThe highlight of the night was a clinical performance by Neha Sangwan who was deservedly named Player of the Match after registering a flawless 8â0 victory over Punjab captain Roksana Zasina in the womenâs 57kg boutMomentum firmly shifted Haryanaâs way as Iryna Koliadenko produced a commanding 15â2 win over Ana Godinez in the womenâs 62kg category followed by Ankushâs solid 5â2 victory against Chirag in the menâs 57kg bout Tumur Tulga then delivered one of the most dominant performances of the night blanking Islam Guseinov 15â0 in the menâs 65kg category to further stretch Haryanaâs leadThe womenâs 76kg contest ended in a hardfought 2â2 draw between Kajal and Priya Malik but any hopes of a late Punjab resurgence were extinguished when Yui Susaki secured a walkover win against Hansika Lamba in the womenâs 53kg categoryPunjab managed one more win through Dinesh who defeated Anirudh Gulia 7â3 in the menâs 125kg bout but the tie was already firmly in Haryanaâs graspReacting to the impressive start the Haryana Thunders owner Ms Prerana Banka expressed pride in the teamâs mindset and preparationâThis win reflects the hard work put in by our wrestlers and support staff over the past few months Itâs just the beginning but the intent shown tonight is exactly what Haryana Thunders stand for fearless disciplined and hungry for success We believe this squad has the potential to go all the wayâ she saidWith this commanding victory over Punjab Royals Haryana Thunders opened their PWL 2026 campaign on a high IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pro-wrestling-league-haryana-thunders-roar-with-dominant-72-win-over-punjab-royals-658848.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 01:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/cycling-global-peloton-assembles-in-pune-as-international-teams-begin-arriving-ahead-of-grand-tour-event-658632.html Pune Jan 16 The countdown for the start of the historic Pune Grand Tour 2026 Indiaâs first UCI 22 multistage road race is well underway as Pune welcomed international teams from across Africa Southeast Asia Europe and Oceania The arrival of overseas contingents marks another milestone in the buildup to the race scheduled from January 19 to 23 over four stages and spanning 437 km across the diverse terrain of Pune District With a total of 29 teams from 35 countries the Pune Grand Tour has generated widespread international appeal in its first editionReflecting the global character of the event many international teams have arrived in Pune to begin their preparations They includeSidi Ali Unlock Sports Team from Morocco who will headline the African presence at the event The team will be represented by Ahmed Echahed Alejandro Gainza Rodriguez Sadki Mohamed Saad Ait Akbour Saad MâHah and Zouhair Rahil bringing experience from African and international racing circuits to Indian roadsAlso on ground is 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines one of Southeast Asiaâs most established professional cycling outfits The Philippine team features Jonel Carcueva Mervin Corpuz Daniel Guld John Patrick Pagtalunan Ronnilan Quita and Daniel Yon Hin and has been a consistent presence across major Asian toursAdding to the Asian participation is ASC Monsters Indonesia a team that regularly competes in Asian stage races The squad includes Muhammad Aflah Muhammad Hafizh Syarif Hidayatullah Julian Abi Manyu Muhammad Syelhan Nurrahmat and Feri Febi SaputraJoining them is Nusantara Cycling Team another Indonesian outfit that has steadily built its presence on the Asian racing calendar The team will be represented by Muh Imam Arifin Maulana Astnan Al Hayat Muhammad Farrel Alfaridzi Muhamad Herlangga Ade Meisa and Ilham Dzikri RamadhanOceania will be represented by EuroCyclingTrips â CCN based in Guam with strong links to international development programmes The team fields Stefan James Bennett David Drouin Gaetan Sebastien Simeon Green Taj Steven Mueller Owen Angelo Charles Musset and Jordi Slootjes bringing diverse international racing experience to the pelotonSchils Doltcini RT a team based in Great Britain and participating regularly in international stage races also joined the latest wave of arrivals Their squad includes Eugene Cross Archie Cross Matthew John Ellmore Carl William Jolly Stevan Kervadec and Charles Frederic LacailleLastly the Mauritius National Team rounded off the arrivals in Pune Their squad features Lucas Froget Torea Celestin Andre Marot Jean Matombe Noah Alexis Ong Tone and Jeremy Raboude adding further depth and diversity to the global pelotonWith international teams now on the ground alongside the two Indian squads the Pune Grand Tour 2026 is set to witness a truly global contest across five days as 171 riders assemble in Pune With the final preparations intensifying Pune is set to host a landmark event which will elevate Indiaâs presence on the UCI calendar and highlight the countryâs capability to stage worldclass professional cycling competitionsThe Pune Grand Tour 2026 is Indiaâs firstever UCI 22 category multistage fiveday Continental Cycling Race for men It marks a watershed moment for Indiaâs presence in the global professional circuit A gruelling 437km route passes through the diverse terrains of the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Ranges The event has received an unprecedented field of 171 elite riders from 29 teams representing five continents and 35 countries Organised by Pune District Administration Government of Maharashtra under the aegis of Cycling Federation of India the race combines highperformance sporting excellence celebrating Puneâs cultural heritage historic landmarks and rural tourism through 9 talukas and 150 villagesCentral to the Pune Grand Tourâs success is a massive infrastructure overhaul highlighted by rapid road construction and safety upgrades in just 75 days This project is part of a broader districtwide initiative in upgrading the road infrastructure to meet stringent UCI guidelines ensuring toptier safety and ride quality By delivering this worldclass arena Pune Grand Tour not only reclaims the citys legacy as Indiaâs Cycle Capital but also establishes a permanent blueprint for sustainable urbanrural development and positions India as a premier destination for international sports tourism and elite competitive cyclingRace Stages for Pune Grand Prix 2026Jan 19 PROLOGUE 75 KM â GOODLUCK CHOWK Teamâs pole positionJan 20 STAGE 1 MULSIMAVAL MILES 872 KM Elevation 828 M Weaving through Puneâs IT hub Hinjewadi this opening stage combines flat sprints with sharp urban turns focusing on landmarks and scenery blending tech with natureJan 21 STAGE 2 MARATHA HERITAGE CIRCUIT 1053 KM Elevation 1051 M Cyclists will ascend the challenging ghats facing steep gradients of the Purandar Fort Sinhagad and Khadakwasla Lake making the Day2 a true test of enduranceJan 22 STAGE 3 WESTERN GHATS GATEWAY 134 KM Elevation 1024 M Stretching across the Deccan plateau from Purandar to Baramati Day3 favours speed and tactical prowess with crosswinds and rolling terrain to keep competitors on edgeJan 23 STAGE 4 PUNE PRIDE LOOP 95 KM Elevation 578 M The final phase winds through the urban sprawls of Pune passing through modernity and historic relevance like Shaniwar Wada featuring technical sections and a dramatic finish IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/cycling-global-peloton-assembles-in-pune-as-international-teams-begin-arriving-ahead-of-grand-tour-event-658632.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/former-world-no-1-pistol-shooter-jitu-rai-hails-sli-as-new-face-of-shooting-in-india-658639.html New Delhi Jan 16 Indian shooting legend and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awardee Jitu Rai believes the upcoming Shooting League of India SLI will play a defining role in expanding the sportâs reach in the country while raising competitive standards for Indian shooters Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the UP Prometheans a franchise in the SLI Rai said the league will give shooting a powerful platform to connect elite performances with wider public engagementThis is a new face for shooting in India This is a platform where people from all over the world can watch shooting Even if you donât know much about the sport you can still watch it and understand it When you watch it you start discovering your own interest and inner talent Rai saidRai is one of Indiaâs most accomplished pistol shooters A former world No 1 he won multiple ISSF World Cup gold medals and became the first Indian pistol shooter to qualify for and reach the final of the Olympic Games finishing a close fourth at Rio 2016He believes a franchisebased league like the SLI can make the sport more transparent and accessible to fans while showcasing the depth of talent and infrastructure behind competitive shootingâPeople outside the country already know a little about shooting but inside India many donât fully understand how the sport works how a shot is fired or what kind of technique and facilities are involved Through a league like SLI everyone will be able to see how shooting is done what facilities exist and how the sport is being promotedâ he saidRai also underlined the importance of global exposure and competition suggesting that the SLI could become a launchpad for future championsâThe inspiring shooters will become even more motivated Talent will come from all over the world and Indian shooters will become more competitive Yes definitely you will see worldclass champions emerging from the Shooting League of Indiaâ he addedRai also praised the UP Prometheansâ highperformance shooting range and multisport facilities describing them as being of the highest standard and well aligned with the leagueâs vision of building a strong modern shooting ecosystemThe shooting range here is of the highest standard When I came to the school and saw the facilities especially the range along with sports like badminton and swimming it was clear that a very strong sporting structure had been created This kind of environment is exactly what shooting in India needs as we move into a league like the SLIâ he concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/former-world-no-1-pistol-shooter-jitu-rai-hails-sli-as-new-face-of-shooting-in-india-658639.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pune-grand-tour-2026-indian-riders-gear-up-for-olympic-pathway-challenge-658673.html Pune Jan 16 The upcoming Pune Grand Tour 2026 the first UCI 22 Continental Cycling Road Race of the country is a key event not only for Indian riders but also for Indian cycling as both will benefit from this mega event said Maxat Ayazabayev Chief Coach of the national cycling team on Friday âIt is extremely important for India to host more and more such races for the development of our riders The Pune Grand Tour will give our riders valuable race experience of an international standard on home roads The routes organisation and overall preparation have been impressive and we are hopeful of delivering strong resultsâ Ayazabayev said at a press conference for the Indian team on FridayOn the occasion the Indian riders talked about how competing against strong foreign opponents in front of a home crowd the great infrastructure and the facilities that have been prepared for the event will help them improve themselvesWith just 72 hours to go for the start of Indiaâs inaugural UCI 22 Continental Cycling Road Race the Indian riders are ready to embrace the experience learning and take up the challenge that brings them to the brink of breaking into the international circuit India will field its largest contingent of 12 riders for the first time as Pune hosts the countryâs firstever UCIaccredited road raceBefore the biggest home test members of the Indian contingent comprising two teams of 6 riders each â the Indian National Team and Indian Development Team â spoke openly in a media interaction on Friday about their preparation expectations and the pride of representing India at the Pune Grand TourThe event was attended by Maninder Pal Singh Secretary General Cycling Federation of India CFI along with Indian National Team Chief Coach Maxat Ayazabayev and Coach Joginder Singh along with Harshveer Singh Sekhon Vishvajeet Singh and Surya Thathu from the first National Team and Akshar Tyagi and Manav Sarda from the Indian Development TeamThe fiveday race scheduled from January 19 to 23 carries added weight for the peloton For the Indian riders the opportunity serves as preparation for Olympic goals as it allows crucial points accumulation for qualification to the Olympic Games in 2028Speaking at the event Maninder Pal Singh Secretary General Cycling Federation of India said âThe Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is a defining moment for Indian cycling Securing a UCI 22 multistage race was not easy and it reflects years of consistent work by the Cycling Federation of India to build credibility at the international level This event opens a direct pathway for our riders toward Olympic qualification and changes how cycling is viewed by governments sponsors and stakeholders across the country Hosting a race of this scale in India gives our athletes the opportunity to compete learn and progress into elite competitionsâSpeaking on the magnitude of the event Joginder Singh Coach Indian National Team said âThe Pune Grand Tour is historic for Indian cycling Now we have an international race in our own backyard in our familiar conditions We are prepared for the Pune Grand Tour even though road racing is unpredictable but we will evolve our strategies before during and after each dayâs race With a strong mix of young and experienced riders in the Indian team this UCI 22 event can be a real turning point for the growth of professional road cycling in IndiaâHarshveer Sekhon of the Indian team added âI donât see racing at home as pressure I see it as motivation Competing on home roads in front of our own people gives me energy This is my first experience of a stage race of this scale in India and I feel honoured to be part of the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour Our preparation has been strong and weâre looking forward to performing wellâAppreciating the opportunity to participate in the race Surya Thathu of the Indian team said âThis is a huge moment for Indian cycling Races like the Pune Grand Tour were something we once watched only on television and to compete in a multistage race of this scale in India especially in my home state of Maharashtra is incredibly special Racing in Europe is challenging as riders have to manage all the logistics on their own However Pune Grand Tour feels different â here every aspect of our preparation has been well taken care of Itâs a big boost our minds only have to worry about the race More races like this will give young riders real opportunities just as regular racing does in countries like BelgiumâSpeaking on the setup in Pune Vishvajeet Singh another member of the Indian first team said âWhen we arrived in Pune and inspected the routes the quality of roads and overall organisation really stood out The level of support provided to the teams vehicles logistics and infrastructure is comparable to what we see in major international tours Experiencing that in India is special and it motivates us to give our bestâIndian National Development Team member Manav Sarda said âHaving both the Indian National Team and the Indian Development Team at this race is a big opportunity for younger riders like us Training alongside senior riders and competing in a UCI stage race at home will help us improve significantlyâAkshar Tyagi added âThe training camp with the senior riders helped us correct small but important aspects of our racing That experience has given us confidence that we can first compete with our seniors and then test ourselves against international riders The level of support weâre receiving here is similar to what we see in major international races and that belief makes a big differenceâThe Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 will see Indian riders line up alongside international teams in a demanding multistage format testing endurance strategy and teamwork As the road to Los Angeles begins to take shape the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour stands as a rare and meaningful opportunity one that combines global competition with homegrown pridePune Grand Tour 2026 is Indiaâs firstever UCI 22 category multistage fiveday Continental Cycling Race for Men which marks a watershed moment for Indiaâs presence in the global professional circuit A gruelling 437km route passes through the diverse terrains of the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Ranges The event has received an unprecedented field of 171 elite riders from 29 teams representing five continents and 35 countries Organised by Pune District Administration Government of Maharashtra under the aegis of Cycling Federation of India the race combines highperformance sporting excellence celebrating Puneâs cultural heritage historic landmarks and rural tourism through 9 talukas and 150 villages IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pune-grand-tour-2026-indian-riders-gear-up-for-olympic-pathway-challenge-658673.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 21:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/norway-chess-shifts-to-oslo-after-13-years-in-stavanger-658222.html Oslo Jan 13 After thirteen years in Stavanger Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women will be hosted in Oslo with Deichman Bjorvika acting as the primary venue the organisers said on Tuesday   The event is scheduled from May 25 to June 5 Since its inception in 2013 Stavanger has hosted Norway ChessâNorway Chess would not have become the event it is today without the crossparty political support and the generous welcome we have received in Stavanger We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the City of Stavanger which has stood by us all the way especially in the development of Norway Chess Women a pioneering womenâs tournament with equal prize conditions said Kjell Madland founder and CEO of Norway ChessNorway Chess will be held for the 14th time and Norway Chess Women for the 3rd time Carlsen has taken part in every edition and has won seven of themâWe see great opportunities in establishing Norway Chess in the nationâs capital Oslo is an international meeting place and gives us a unique opportunity to reach an even wider audience among spectators partners and new generations of chess enthusiastsâ says Benedicte Westre Skog COO of Norway ChessMagnus Carlsen is the first player to publicly confirm his participation in Norway Chess 2026 The organisers remaining participants will be announced in the coming weeks along with the lineup for Norway Chess WomenFounded in 2013 with the ambition to bring together the worldâs best chess players Over the years it has consistently attracted the worldâs best players including Magnus Carlsen Fabiano Caruana Hikaru Nakamura and Alireza FirouzjaSince 2024 the tournament has also welcomed leading female players such as Ju Wenjun Anna Muzychuk and Humpy KoneruIn total 18 of the highestrated players in chess history have competed in Norway ChessNorway Chess combines classical games with faster time controls and Armageddon tiebreaks to ensure that every match has a winnerSix players compete in each tournament â Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women Double roundrobin ten rounds in total Each player faces every other player twice â once with white once with black IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/norway-chess-shifts-to-oslo-after-13-years-in-stavanger-658222.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/she-was-having-an-affair-in-2013-i-remained-silent-ive-their-whatsapp-messages-ex-husband-onler-drops-bombshell-after-mary-koms-cheating-allegations-658230.html New Delhi Jan 13 Mary Komâs husband Karung Onkholer also known as Onler has strongly denied the Olympic bronze medallistâs allegations that she was cheated out of crores of rupees and lost land bought with her own money In an exclusive conversation with IANS Onler dismissed the accusations as false and alleged that Mary Kom was involved in extramarital relationshipsOnler claimed that the issues in their marriage date back over a decade He revealed that Mary Kom was first involved in an affair in 2013 with a junior boxer which led to serious disputes between their families before a compromise was reached He further alleged that since 2017 she has been in a relationship with a person associated with the Mary Kom Boxing AcademyI will talk about what she told Lok Adalat Firstly in 2013 she was having an affair with a junior boxer Our families had a fight and after that we compromised And since 2017 shes been having a relationship with someone working at the Mary Kom Boxing Academy I have their WhatsApp messages as proof I have proof with the name of the person with whom she was having an affair I remained silent Onler told IANS in an exclusive conversationOnler said he does not object to Mary Kom moving on but he objected strongly to being publicly blamedâShe wanted to stay alone and have another relationship Were divorced I dont mind if she wants to have another husband But dont ever blame me And if shes to blame me bring the proof get the papers I know where she lives and with whomâ he addedHe questioned the claims of financial wrongdoing and said his current living situation contradicts allegations that he possesses large sums of money saying âShe mentioned the property and asked my name to be erased She said I stole 5 crores Check my accountFor 18 years of marriage we were together And then this Shes mad I had been living with her for 18 years What am I having Look at my house Im staying in a rented house in Delhi Shes a celeb Whatever she says some will listen and some wontâOnler reiterated his challenge for documentary proof and explained his decision to remove his wedding ring stating âI removed my wedding ring Because shes not trustworthy Shes going to the Lok Adalat and saying I took a loan and stole property If the property is in my name then shed have the documents right Let her bring those documents and then well speakWe got a customary divorce Yet to go to court I dont want to fight in court because I love my children Whats the point of speaking to national media and saying my husband is stealing money What am I doing for herBring proofs for all the claims and prove if I have crores Why are they blaming me for stealing money She was talking about the loan worth crores I took during the election Whats the proof Money is being spent on elections I borrowed money from my friendsâOnler said he supported Mary Kom through various phases of her career and personal life but felt deeply hurt by her accusationsI can forgive her but Ill never forget what she has done to me Im like use and throw for her Who planted the seeds of her academy Who registered And now someone has become the chairman whom I dont want to name What shes done to me has hurt me We have been in Delhi since 2013 My sons are in boarding school Of course shes earning and paying the fees but who has raised themâHe also spoke emotionally about his children and allegations concerning his personal habits I want to visit my sons who are staying in a hostel She said theyre her kids but theyre my blood too Its about the relationship between husband and wife Nobody is perfect She said I consumed alcohol So has she Shes had vodka and rum and shes also eaten gutka But I never disclosed these things to the media who blamed me for drinking Okay I drink during partiesâLastly he also alleged that despite injuries before the 2022 Commonwealth Games Mary Kom travelled to Mumbai and continued a relationship claiming to have proofâShe got injured during the 2022 Commonwealth Games but still went to Mumbai I have proof with the name of the person with whom she was having a relationship I remained silentâOnler and Mary Kom got married in 2005 and have four kids The two got divorced in 2023 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/she-was-having-an-affair-in-2013-i-remained-silent-ive-their-whatsapp-messages-ex-husband-onler-drops-bombshell-after-mary-koms-cheating-allegations-658230.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indians-steal-show-at-inaugural-5i50-triathlon-chennai-2026-657935.html Chennai Jan 11 Indian athletes delivered standout performances as IRONMAN groupâs 5i50 Triathlon unfolded in spectacular fashion on Sunday morning with the city hosting its firstever Olympic Distance Triathlon event alongside the DuYoska Duathlon The landmark endurance events brought together 650 athletes across all categories and international participants from six countries delivering a highintensity race across multiple categoriesDue to challenging water conditions the swimming leg of 5i50 Triathlon Chennai was cancelled in the interest of athlete safety The race was conducted in a modified format comprising a 5 km run followed by a 40 km cycling leg and concluding with a 10 km run ensuring a competitive and safe endurance challenge for participantsCrossing the finish line first in the Open Menâs category was Adarsh MS who delivered a commanding performance and finished the course with a time of 20514 while Arthi Nainar topped the Open Womenâs field after a strong and consistent race finishing with a time of 25523 In relay SOL Fitness came first with a time of 22136 Boss of Tri finished second in 22613 and 5121 Strivers third finishing their race in 23947 Indian athletes dominated the podium across categories underlining the depth and growth of triathlon talent in the countrySpeaking on the occasion Deepak Raj CEO Yoska and Country Head IRONMAN India said âLooking at the crowd and the first timers today the 515 KM Triathlon is a good entry point for people who want to participate in the IRONMAN 703 KM race that we do in Goa and we may see a rise in the participation due to todayâs event This has been a muchawaited race for us and thanks to the support from the government and the SDAT we canât wait to come back to Chennai next year as wellâAlongside 5i50 Triathlon Chennai bringing the prestigious World Classic Duathlon Series to India the DuYoska Duathlon added a global edge to the Chennai endurance weekend featuring multiple race categories designed for athletes across levels and age groupsThe event included a Sprint Duathlon comprising a 5 km run 20 km cycle and 25 km run a Standard Duathlon with a 10 km run 40 km cycling leg and 5 km run In the Sprint Duathlon Logidhas Rajasekaran was the menâs winner with a time of 12556 while Anee Verma won the womenâs race in 13557 In the Standard Duathlon Sapan Panchal finished first in the menâs category with a time of 20605 and Mohanadevi K was the womenâs winner clocking 31926Results5i50 Triathlon Chennai Open â Menâs OverallWinner â Adarsh MS 20514Second Place â Rajkumar Pawar 20821Third Place â Khundrakpam Ngamba Meitei 211085i50 Triathlon Chennai Open â Womenâs OverallWinner â Arthi Nainar 25523Second Place â Kartika Rajaram 25557Third Place â Deepa Ramakrishnan 258285i50 Triathlon Chennai Relay OverallWinner â SOL Fitness 22136Second Place â Boss of Tri 22613Third Place â 5121 Strivers 239475i50 Triathlon Chennai ITF â Menâs OverallWinner â Sarungbam Athouba Meitei 20231Second Place â Yajat KP 20301Third Place â Telheiba Soram 203145i50 Triathlon Chennai ITF â Womenâs OverallWinner â Dolly Patil 21649Second Place â Mansi Mohite 21745Third Place â Keerthi Sakthivel 21855DuYoska Duathlon Standard â Menâs OverallWinner â Sapan Panchal 20605Second Place â Sudeep B 23349Third Place â Pramod Akulu 25825DuYoska Duathlon Standard â Womenâs OverallWinner â Mohanadevi K 31926Second Place â Pon Raja P 32712Third Place â Subashini Madhan 33635DuYoska Duathlon Sprint â Menâs OverallWinner â Logidhas Rajasekaran 12556Second Place â Krishnan M 13217Third Place â Hariharasudhan P 13323DuYoska Duathlon Sprint â Womenâs OverallWinner â Anee Verma 13557Second Place â Eleanor Cross 14058Third Place â Rashika Balakrishnan 15913 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indians-steal-show-at-inaugural-5i50-triathlon-chennai-2026-657935.html Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pwl-2026-assembles-elite-coaching-line-ups-as-league-prepares-for-return-657708.html New Delhi Jan 9 The Pro Wrestling League has confirmed highprofile coaching benches across all six franchises ahead of its fifth season assembling an impressive lineup of Olympians national team architects and internationally certified coaches as the league prepares for its return in 2026 Sanctioned by the Wrestling Federation of India WFI PWL 2026 will be held from January 15 to February 2 marking the leagueâs comeback after a sevenyear gap The season will feature nine bouts per tie contested across five menâs and four womenâs weight categories with organisers placing strong emphasis on structured preparation competitive balance and athlete developmentThe announcement of coaching appointments follows recordbreaking player auctions and underlines the leagueâs intent to pair worldclass wrestling talent with equally accomplished technical leadershipDelhi Dangal Warriors will be led by Jagminder Singh as chief coach A twotime Olympian and Arjuna Award recipient Jagminder is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian wrestling having guided several elite athletes including mentoring Sushil Kumar to Indiaâs first menâs freestyle World Championship gold in 2010 He will be assisted by Vikram Sharma an accomplished international GrecoRoman coach and former World Police Games champion who has played a key role in Indiaâs rise on the global wrestling stageMaharashtra Kesari have appointed Anil Kumar Mann as chief coach A former Commonwealth Games medallist Mann has successfully transitioned from elite competitor to mentor having coached Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya He will be supported by Bharti Baghel a UWWcertified womenâs coach and former international wrestler with junior world and Asian championship experience reflecting the franchiseâs focus on blending experience with modern coaching methodsHaryana Thunders have entrusted their programme to Virender Dahiya Indiaâs national womenâs wrestling coach as chief coach Dahiya has been a central figure in Indiaâs dominance in womenâs wrestling with decades of experience across Olympic World Asian and Commonwealth competitions Assisting him is SB Prasad an Indian Air Force officer and seasoned international coach with extensive experience across GrecoRoman and freestyle wrestling at U23 and senior levelsPunjab Royals will operate under Hargobind Singh Sandhu as chief coach An Olympian and Indiaâs chief national coach for GrecoRoman wrestling at the Sports Authority of India Sandhu has guided athletes to medals at Commonwealth Asian and World events He will be assisted by Sonu Khatri a UWW Level 1 and 2 certified coach from the Railways known for his work across agegroup and senior international competitionsTiigers of Mumbai Dangals have appointed Chandra Vijay Singh as Chief Coach A decorated national coach and former Olympian Singh has represented India at the Olympics Asian Games and World Championships and has guided athletes to U23 world gold Assisting him is Devki Rajput one of Indiaâs leading womenâs wrestling coaches recognised for her leadership at the 2025 U20 World Championships and her focus on discipline and holistic athlete developmentUP Dominators will be led by Vinod Kumar as Chief Coach A Seoul 1988 Olympian Dronacharya Award recipient and former chief national coach Kumar brings decades of experience across Olympic cycles Asian Games and Commonwealth Games He will be supported by Pardeep Kharia one of Indiaâs youngest international GrecoRoman coaches UWW Level 1 and 2 certified with experience across U17 U23 and senior Asian competitionsWith the coaching units now in place PWL 2026 enters its final buildup phase with clarity and structure across all franchises The appointments complete a key pillar of the leagueâs reimagined framework linking elite coaching global athlete participation and professional governance as the Pro Wrestling League aims to reestablish itself as a premier platform for wrestling in India IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pwl-2026-assembles-elite-coaching-line-ups-as-league-prepares-for-return-657708.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 20:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/khelo-india-beach-games-2026-haryana-women-delhi-men-clinch-sepak-takraw-gold-657529.html Diu Jan 8 Haryana women and Delhi men put paid to Biharâs hopes of winning a gold medal in Sepaktakraw as they registered contrasting victories in the finals of the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 at the Ghoghla Beach in Diu on Thursday In the womenâs sepaktakraw final Haryana came back strong after losing the opening regu to beat Bihar 21 in a match that lasted an hour and 15 minutes while Delhi men inflicted a straight 20 defeat on BiharIn Beach Soccer defending champions Odisha registered a dominating 70 win over debutants Himachal Pradesh to reach the womenâs final Srijana Tamang Satyabati Khadia and Khundongbam Ambalika scored two goals each for the winnersIn the second semifinal in the womenâs section Gujaratâs rousing start saw them score four goals in the first quarter which was enough for them to register a 63 win over Arunachal Pradesh Skipper Giani Ramching Mara scored one goal each in all three quarters for the losing side but did not get much support from the others in front of the Gujarat goalIn Beach Volleyball Tamil Nadu will have a chance to win both the mens and womens gold medals TNâs womenâs team of Deepika and Pavithra came from a set down to beat teammates Swathi and Dharshini 1921 2112 156 in the first semifinal and will now face Pondicherryâs Revathi and Swetha in the gold medal matchThe menâs final will be played between Tamil Naduâs Bharat and Rajesh and Goaâs Sawan and GaunsThe Khelo India Beach Games 2026 organised by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman amp Diu is being held under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India and national sports federationsThe second edition of Khelo India Beach Games 2026 is witnessing over 1100 participants compete in eight different sports volleyball soccer sepaktakraw kabaddi pencak silat Open water swimming mallakhamb and tugofwar The first six will be medal sports and 32 gold medals are up for grabsTODAYâS RESULTSBeach Soccer semifinalsWomen Gujarat bt Arunachal Pradesh 63 Odisha bt Himachal Pradesh 70Beach SepaktakrawWomen Gold â Haryana Silver â Bihar Bronze â Uttar Pradesh ManipurMen Gold â Delhi Silver â Bihar Bronze â Manipur Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and DiuBeach Volleyball semifinalsWomen DeepikaPavithra TN bt SwathiDharshini TN 1921 2112 156 RevathiSwetha Pdy bt ManasaMounika AP 2110 2118Men SawanGauns Goa bt PoonthamizhanAbhithan TN 2118 1621 1512 BharatRajesh TN bt Ramakrishna DawaskarNithin Sawant Goa 2113 1921 158 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/khelo-india-beach-games-2026-haryana-women-delhi-men-clinch-sepak-takraw-gold-657529.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 01:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/stasya-pandya-taarini-lodha-deliver-standout-performances-at-junior-national-equestrian-cship-657170.html Bengaluru Jan 5 Stasya Pandya representing Mumbaiâs Amateur Ridersâ Club ARC and Taarini Lodha from Amateur Ridersâ Club representing CEC delivered standout performances at the Junior National Equestrian Championship JNEC Competing in the Children Group 1 Dressage Team category Stasyaâs team clinched silver medal while Taariniâs team secured bronze medal showcasing exceptional skill and teamworkIn the Dressage Team Event Children 1 the silver medalwinning team comprised of Stasya on horse Kirrhi Taonga 67463 Haripriya Singh on Fritz 71243 Amara Singh on her horse Count Me In DâGrading 68581 and Dev Harish Kapoor on Serrano 65934 The team finished second with a cumulative score of 273221Reflecting on her successful showing at the JNEC Stasya said âI am really grateful for the faith and trust my coach Bobin sir has put in me along with my club The Amateur Riders Club for providing worldclass training facilities for my training and development I also thank my school Billabong High International School and my parents for being constantly supportive throughoutâMeanwhile the bronze medalwinning team featured Taarini on Knock Out 70154 Maanya Vishwanathan on Lady Ann NS 67286 Aanya Vinayak on Bella Nochi 68919 and Kevin Gabriel on Duncan 66220 securing third place with a total score of 272579After contributing to the bronzewinning team Taarini expressed âJNEC is always one of the biggest events of the year where the best riders compete I am grateful for the support and coaching from ARC and my family for their encouragement With a score of 7015 Iâm very pleased with my horseâs performance Knock Out My team secured a bronze and Iâm very pleased with my role in thatâBoth Stasya and Taarini train under coach Bobin Tshering at the Amateur Ridersâ Club where they benefit from internationalstandard facilities and expert coaching enabling them to compete successfully at national and international levels IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/stasya-pandya-taarini-lodha-deliver-standout-performances-at-junior-national-equestrian-cship-657170.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/players-hail-growing-opportunities-as-pm-modi-inaugurates-volleyball-nationals-in-varanasi-657023.html Varanasi Jan 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament on Sunday via video conference marking a significant moment for Indian volleyball Players from across the country welcomed the initiative and highlighted the growing institutional support improved facilities and expanding opportunities being extended to athletes under the current sports ecosystem The 72nd National Volleyball Tournament is being held from January 4 to 11 and features over 1000 players across 58 teams representing states and institutions from across India The event is expected to showcase the competitive spirit sportsmanship and emerging talent in Indian volleyballReflecting on the Prime Ministerâs address Assam player Swapnil Hazarika expressed optimism about the future of Indian sports âWhat Modi ji said about Kashi felt really good He is doing excellent work by promoting sports Players are emerging and coming forward to play and there are many senior players as well India is moving very fast and in the near future we may even qualify for the Olympics I want to thank Modi ji for giving us this opportunity and for organising such a wonderful eventâ he told IANSUtkarsh Sharma from Varanasi also praised the focus on sports development and grassroots opportunities He said âModi ji always wants to promote the development of sports Recently a junior national championship was held and we also got to play There is success everywhere because boys are getting a platform to play they are playing and moving ahead and jobs through the sports quota are also being provided I just want to say please keep giving us opportunities to play and we will make our country proudâHighlighting the motivational impact of the Prime Ministerâs interaction Andhra Pradesh player Rutika said âPM Modi motivated us and explained what the future in sports can be like Many future opportunities are also being created Because Modi ji is supporting us everything is going well We feel very proud Only if we play will our future be built So much money is being spent to provide us with facilities so thank you very muchâDelhi player Kohina Goyal underlined the broader vision shared during the address She said âThe best thing was that in his speech he drew connections between our sport and the countryâs future and development and encouraged us to take our sport forward and presented everything in a connected and meaningful way The contribution of players and the policies created by Sir are taking sports forward Our India is progressing rapidly in sports and will continue to progress achieving even greater heights A heartfelt thanks to him for his support and excellent facilities If we continue to receive such facilities we will perform better and make every effort to take our country forwardâAnother player present at the venue Aakash Kumar pointed to the significance of hosting the championship at a new location He said âThis is the first time a championship has been held here and many things have changed A lot of positive developments have happened and there has been significant improvement For example a nationallevel event was held here for the first time We also feel that we will continue to receive support to play in the future If this kind of support continues the sport will progress a lotâVaranasi hosting the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament underscores the cityâs growing emphasis on strengthening sports infrastructure and fostering athletic development It also reinforces Varanasiâs emergence as a hub for major national events in line with its expanding role as a host of significant cultural and sporting gatherings IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/players-hail-growing-opportunities-as-pm-modi-inaugurates-volleyball-nationals-in-varanasi-657023.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/wtt-youth-contender-2026-syndrela-sarthak-vivaan-naisha-win-u-19-and-u-15-mixed-doubles-titles-657048.html Vadodara Jan 4 Indiaâs Syndrela Das won her second title in two days by teaming up with Sarthak Arya to clinch the U19 mixed doubles crown in the WTT Youth Contender 2026 at the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex here on Sunday The second edition of the WTT Youth Contender in Vadodara presented by Sports Authority of Gujarat is being hosted by Table Tennis Association of Baroda and implemented by UTT features a total of 226 players competing across U11 to U19 age categoriesIn the U19 mixed doubles final Syndrela and Sarthak dominated the top seeded combination of Abhinandh Pradhivadhi and Ananya Muralidharan 113 119 113 to clinch the titleSyndrela has won the girls U17 singles title on Sunday and is also in contention to retain her u19 singles crownVivaan Dave and Naisha Rewaskar bagged the U15 mixed doubles title beating Reyansh Jalan and Tanishka Kalbhairav 118 118 113Earlier U11 U15 and U19 girls and boys were in action in the group stage with top two players from each group qualifying for the knockout stageIn the boyâs U11 category Rehansh Singhvi in Group 1 and Rajdeep Biswas in Group 2 won all their three group matches to reach the semifinalsAadya Baheti and Anshika Gupta topped their respective groups in girls U11 category to make it to the last four stage IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/wtt-youth-contender-2026-syndrela-sarthak-vivaan-naisha-win-u-19-and-u-15-mixed-doubles-titles-657048.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/senior-national-boxing-amit-panghal-sagar-begin-campaign-in-style-657050.html New Delhi Jan 4 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Amit Panghal of SSCB and Sagar of Haryana registered contrasting wins to advance in the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships being played at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida on Sunday This is the first time that the men and women National Championships are being held simultaneously at the same venue and 600 boxers from across the country are participating in 10 weight categories each for men and womenAmit playing in the Bantamweight category dominated Usman Mohd Sultan of Bihar to get an unanimous decisionIn the heavyweight category Sagar was made to work hard by Edwin of Kerala before managing to win by a split decisionLalrambuat of Mizoram was the other boxer to win by unanimous decision in the bantamweight category beating Santosh Kumar of Odisha IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/senior-national-boxing-amit-panghal-sagar-begin-campaign-in-style-657050.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/over-1-300-athletes-to-compete-in-2nd-khelo-india-beach-games-from-monday-656918.html New Delhi Jan 3 Indiaâs coastline is set to transform into a vibrant national sporting arena as the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 return to Diu from January 5 to 10 with over 1300 athletes from across the country competing in the event promising an energetic celebration of beach and indigenous sports The second edition of the Games will bring together over 1300 athletes from across the country representing 31 States and Union Territories including 25 States and six UTs reflecting the growing reach and popularity of beachbased disciplines within Indiaâs sporting ecosystemThe Games will feature competition across six medal disciplines Beach Soccer Beach Volleyball Beach Sepaktakraw Beach Kabaddi Beach Pencak Silat and Open Water Swimming accounting for 786 competing athletes including 366 women and 420 men highlighting the inclusive and balanced participation encouraged under the Khelo India initiativeDisciplinewise participation includes 263 athletes in Beach Sepaktakraw 157 in Beach Pencak Silat 156 in Beach Soccer 96 in Beach Kabaddi 64 in Beach Volleyball and 50 in Open Water Swimming underlining the scale and diversity of competition across beach and waterbased sports the Sports Authority of India SAI informed in a release on SaturdayIn addition to the competitive events traditional Indian disciplines such as Mallakhamb and Tug of War will be conducted as noncompetitive demonstration events featuring 336 athletes reinforcing the Gamesâ focus on preserving promoting and providing national exposure to Indiaâs rich indigenous sporting heritageAthletes from both coastal and landlocked regions will converge on the sands of Diu showcasing the truly panIndia character of the event with strong contingents from states such as Maharashtra Haryana Uttar Pradesh Gujarat Tamil Nadu Kerala and Manipur alongside Union Territories including Chandigarh Puducherry and Dadra amp Nagar Haveli and Daman amp Diu the release informedManipur enters the Games with added confidence after emerging as the topperforming state in the previous Khelo India cycle finishing with 14 medals including five gold setting the stage for highintensity competition at this yearâs Beach Games Beyond medals and podium finishes the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 aim to build a broader sporting movement by expanding opportunities in emerging beach disciplines encouraging youth participation beyond traditional sports and geographies and fostering community pride cultural identity and sustainable sports developmentAs India continues to evolve and diversify its sporting landscape the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 promise a compelling blend of competition culture and coastline transforming Diu into a hub of athletic excellence and national celebration IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/over-1-300-athletes-to-compete-in-2nd-khelo-india-beach-games-from-monday-656918.html Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/wtt-youth-contender-2026-favourites-divyanshi-bhowmick-syndrela-das-begin-u-17-campaign-in-style-656732.html Vadodara Jan 2 Defending champion Divyanshi Bhowmik Syndrela Das Japanâs Miku Matsushima and rising star Tanishka Kalbhairav kicked off their U17 girls singles campaign in the World Table Tennis WTT Youth Contender 2026 with comfortable wins in the group stage at the SAMA Indoor Stadium here on Friday The second edition of WTT Youth Contender which kicked off on Friday features competitions from U11 to U19 with the U13 and U17 boys and girls teams in action on the opening dayDivyanshi who had won both the U15 and U17 girls singles titles last year opened her campaign by blanking compatriot Neeza Kamat 114 111 112 in the Group 1 opener while Syndrela defeated Tania Karmakar 116 116 112 in Group 3Japanâs Matsushima took big strides towards the knockout stage with 113 114 112 wins over Swara Karmakar and then defeated Anvi Gupte 116 113 118 in Group 2In the boys U17 category top seed Ritvik Gupta won both his Group 1 matches Gupta defeated Dhruva Malikarjunan 119 115 115 and then got the better of Shreyas Mankeshwar 1311 116 117Local boy Ved Panchal also advanced to the knockout stage with three wins from three matches in Group 21 He first defeated Aarav Singhvi 119 117 117 then overcame a stiff challenge from Aarav Rathi with a 119 118 911 911 116 before beating Nitin Veeraraghavan 1210 116 117 to top the groupAditya Das and Sahil Rawat from Group 2 and Group 3 also topped their respective groups with two victoriesIn the U13 boys category Shaurya Goyal was made to work hard for his 1012 119 1311 711 116 win over Suchet Dharennavar in group 1Divija Paul the topranked player in girls U13 didnât break much sweat in Group 1 as she registered easy wins First she defeated Inaaya 118 113 115 and then got the better of Pehel Gupta 119 117 112 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/wtt-youth-contender-2026-favourites-divyanshi-bhowmick-syndrela-das-begin-u-17-campaign-in-style-656732.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/wtt-youth-contenders-2026-vatsal-duklan-hansini-mathan-upset-top-seeds-to-reach-quarterfinals-656773.html Vadodara Jan 2 Vatsal Duklan and Hansini Mathan caused the biggest upsets of the day as they packed off boys U17 and girls U17 top seeds respectively to reach the quarterfinals of the WTT Youth Contenders 2026 at the SAMA Indoor Stadium in Vadodara on Friday Duklan upset top seed Ritvik Gupta 411 115 117 1816 in a thrilling boyâs singles prequarterfinal before Hansini overturned a 12 deficit to pack off defending champion Divyanshi Bhowmick 511 119 911 117 114 in girls singles Round of 16The second seed in boys U17 singles Aditya Das was also knocked out in the second round by Sohum Mukherjee who then got the better of Rushikesh Jagtap 811 115 119 1012 117 in the Round of 16Local hope Ved Panchal reached the prequarterfinal stage where he bowed out after losing 113 114 113 against Sahil RawatThe second edition of the WTT Youth Contender in India kicked off on Friday with the U13 and U17 boys and girls singles competitions and will be followed by U11 U15 and U19 competitionsThere were no such hiccups for the other favourites in the girls U17 section as second seed Miku Matsushima of Japan and Syndrela Das of India eased through to the quarterfinals In the Round of 16 Miku defeated Sukrati Sharma of India 117 112 116 while Syndrela beat Indira Sen 116 116 911 116 to advanceAlso reaching the last eight stage were upcoming paddlers Naisha Rewaskar and Tanishka Kalbhairav Naisha packed off Arohi Roy 115 113 117 while Tanishka fought back from a game down to beat Ankolika Chakraborty 511 118 119 1210 They will now face each other for a spot in the semifinalsEarlier defending champion Divyanshi Bhowmik Syndrela Das Japanâs Miku Matsushima and rising star Tanishka Kalbhairav kicked off their U17 girls singles campaign with comfortable wins in the group stage on FridayDivyanshi who had won both the U15 and U17 girls singles titles last year opened her campaign by blanking compatriot Neeza Kamat 114 111 112 in the Group 1 opener while Syndrela defeated Tania Karmakar 116 116 112 in Group 3Japanâs Matsushima took big strides towards the knockout stage with 113 114 112 wins over Swara Karmakar and then defeated Anvi Gupte 116 113 118 in Group 2 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/wtt-youth-contenders-2026-vatsal-duklan-hansini-mathan-upset-top-seeds-to-reach-quarterfinals-656773.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 01:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/ahmedabad-polo-tournament-kicks-off-with-grand-opening-ceremony-656798.html Ahmedabad Jan 3 The Ahmedabad Polo Tournament kicked off spectacularly on Friday with a grand opening event launching three days of competitive polo matches and engaging spectator activities Organised by the Gujarat Polo Club and supported by the Adani Group this threeday event is the largest polo festival ever held in Gujarat in terms of size and grandeur The opening ceremony at the Gujarat Polo Club Ground in Shela featured an energetic dance performance by a large troupe followed by appearances from the renowned acrobatic dance group V Unbeatable The tournament trophy was officially unveiled by actor and former miss world Manushi Chhillar alongside the team owners marking the official beginning of the competitionThe opening evenings scale and production were unmatched for polo in Ahmedabad attracting a large crowd and a lively response from spectatorsOn the opening day the Jindal Panthers played against Mayfair Polo in the first match This was followed by NAV Unicorns competing with Pune Warriors and KP Kings clashing with Adani Archers in the third encounter Equestrian sports demonstrations took place between matches enhancing the traditional sporting atmosphereSpeaking on the occasion Arpan Gupta promoter of Gujarat Polo Club said âThis tournament is about bringing polo to Gujarat in a way it has never been experienced before The response to the opening day has been extremely encouraging and reinforces our belief that Ahmedabad is ready to embrace polo as a major sporting and cultural eventâOver 30 polo players are participating in the tournament with at least 25 having competed internationally The high level of play on opening day created a competitive atmosphere throughout the eventThe event offers more than just matches it features a whole spectator experience with heritage installations horse exhibitions family zones and live entertainment throughout the venue Musical acts will perform for the next two days culminating in a closing ceremony with synchronised fireworks laser shows and an awards presentationThe Ahmedabad Polo Tournament seeks to revive the âking of gamesâ in Gujarat and create a prominent annual sporting event that connects heritage culture and sport IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/ahmedabad-polo-tournament-kicks-off-with-grand-opening-ceremony-656798.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/wtt-youth-contender-2026-vivaan-dave-naisha-rewaskar-reach-u-15-mixed-doubles-final-656873.html Vadodara Jan 3 Vivaan Dave and Naisha Rewaskar maintained their composure in a tense decider that went into extra points upsetting top seeds Aditya Das and Ankolika Chakraborty to reach the U15 mixed doubles final at the World Table Tennis WTT Youth Contender held at the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex on Saturday Vivaan and Naisha narrowly defeated the top seeds with scores of 1311 511 117 511 2321 They advanced to the final against fellow players Reyansh Jalan and Tanishka Kalbhairav who won their semifinal match against Sanjay Jagdish and Myraa Sangelkar with scores of 113 1513 117This marks the second year of the WTT Youth Contender in Vadodara featuring competitions for U11 to U19 categories with a total of 226 playersMeanwhile top seeds Abhinandh Pradhivadhi and Ananya Muralidharan lived up to their top billing by securing a spot in the U19 mixed doubles final against Sarthak Arya and Syndrela DasIn the semifinals Abhinandh and Ananya beat Ritvik Gupta and Ahona Roy with scores of 911 1412 117 118 while Sarthak and Syndrela halted the strong performance of Sahil Rawat and Hardee Patel winning 116 1210 511 115The most exciting match which kept spectators on the edge of their seats occurred at the very end of the morning session Vivaan and Naisha displayed their fighting spirit right from the start by coming back from 58 down saving a game point and then winning the opening gameBoth pairs shared the spoils over the next three games setting up a thrilling deciderIt seemed like Aditya and Ankolika would win the decider as they opened up a 40 lead and then had three match points at 107Vivaan and Naisha not only saved those three match points but also maintained their composure to level the score each time their opponents faced a match point eventually winning four consecutive points to conclude the match IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/wtt-youth-contender-2026-vivaan-dave-naisha-rewaskar-reach-u-15-mixed-doubles-final-656873.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/anthony-joshua-discharged-from-hospital-two-days-after-car-crash-in-nigeria-656484.html New Delhi Jan 1 Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital in Nigeria days after a fatal car crash that killed two of his close friends Joshua was involved in a fatal road traffic accident on Monday along the LagosâIbadan Expressway The vehicle carrying a team of four reportedly collided with a stationary truck resulting in the tragic loss of Joshuas close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif AyodeleHowever Joshua and another passenger were promptly evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos Following thorough clinical evaluations medical professionals have confirmed that both are stable and do not require emergency medical interventionOn Thursday Ogun and Lagos states said in a joint statement that Joshua was deemed clinically fit to continue his recuperation from homeJoshua and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos to pay their final respects to his two departed friendsAnthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon though heavyhearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening Lagos and Ogun state governments said in a joint statementAyodele was Joshuas personal trainer and Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach Just hours before the crash Joshua and Ayodele posted clips on social media of them playing table tennis togetherThe governments of Lagos and Ogun states expressed their condolences to the families of the two young men We pray the Almighty grant the repose of their souls whilst granting their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss it said IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/anthony-joshua-discharged-from-hospital-two-days-after-car-crash-in-nigeria-656484.html Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/olympic-champion-andre-de-grasse-named-international-event-ambassador-for-mumbai-marathon-656427.html Mumbai Dec 31 Olympic Champion Andre De Grasse has been named International Event Ambassador for the 21st edition of the Mumbai Marathon a World Athletics Gold Label Race set to take place on January 18 One of the most accomplished sprinters of his generation De Grasse is a global athletics icon whose journey continues to inspire millions worldwide Rising from humble beginnings he was discovered sprinting at a local meet in basketball shoes and borrowed spikes a moment that marked the start of an extraordinary careerToday De Grasse ranks among the elite of world athletics with an exceptional tally of seven Olympic medals His breakthrough came at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games where he claimed silver in the 200m and bronze in the 100m and the 4x100m relayHe cemented his legacy at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics winning gold in the menâs 200m and finishing on the podium in the 100m and the 4x100m relay Most recently at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games De Grasse showcased leadership and composure by anchoring Canada to gold in the menâs 4x100m relayBeyond the Olympic stage De Grasse has consistently delivered at the World Championships securing six medals across five editions including gold at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene further underlining his status as one of the defining sprinters of this eraSpeaking on his association with the event De Grasse said Running teaches discipline belief and resilience â values that stay with you long after the race is over The Tata Mumbai Marathon embodies the power of sport to unite people inspire courage and encourage everyone to take the first step towards their own goals I am honoured to be part of the 21st edition of this iconic event as the International Event Ambassador standing alongside runners of all abilities who are driven by purpose passion and the joy of movementâAs the Tata Mumbai Marathon enters its 21st edition the event continues to celebrate endurance community and the transformative power of sportâvalues that resonate deeply with Andre De Grasseâs remarkable journey and enduring legacyVivek Singh of Procam International Promoters of the event said âAndre De Grasseâs journey is a powerful reminder that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected beginnings His achievements humility and commitment to giving back align seamlessly with the spirit of the Tata Mumbai Marathon His presence at the 21st edition will further elevate the eventâs global standing and inspire runners across India to push their limits and realise their potentialâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/olympic-champion-andre-de-grasse-named-international-event-ambassador-for-mumbai-marathon-656427.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/68th-nscc-neeru-dhanda-strikes-womens-trap-gold--656152.html New Delhi Dec 29  Asian Championship gold medalist Neeru Dhanda delivered a composed performance to strike womenâs trap gold at the 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions Shotgun on Monday here at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range Neeru finished on top with 41 hits in the final holding off a strong challenge from Delhiâs Kirti Gupta who settled for the silver medal with 40 Neeruâs state teammate from Madhya Pradesh Pragati Dubey completed the podium claiming the bronze medal with 32 hitsEarlier in qualification Pragati topped the field with 117 followed by Neeru on 114 and Rajeshwari Kumari on 113 Addya Katyal qualified fourth with 112 while Preeti Rajak 1111 and Kirti Gupta 111 rounded off the top six their positions decided on shootout scoresIn the finals Addya Katyal of Delhi finished fourth with 27 followed by Preeti Rajak with 21 and Punjabâs Olympian Rajeshwari Kumari who finished sixth with 17 hitsThe junior menâs trap final saw Aryavansh Tyagi rise to the occasion with a strong finish shooting 42 to win the gold medal Punjabâs Keshav Chauhan took silver with 37 while Uttar Pradeshâs Zuhair Khan claimed the bronze with 30Zuhair Khan had earlier dominated the qualification round with a score of 120 ahead of Aryan Singhâs 118 who finished the final at fifth with 21 hits Aryavansh Tyagi and Arjun both shot 115 with Aryavansh advancing ahead on a shootoff Keshav Chauhan 113 and Manitwa Singh Rawat 112 completed the list of finalists Manitwal Singh Rawat finished fourth with 27112 while Arjun of Haryana finished sixth with 14 hits in the finalIn the team events Madhya Pradesh dominated the womenâs trap team event winning gold with a combined total of 339 from Pragati Dubey Neeru Dhanda and Manisha Keer Delhi secured the silver medal with 333 through Addya Katyal Kirti Gupta and Bhavya Tripathi while Punjab claimed bronze with 319 Rajeshwari Kumari Pukhraj Kaur Chahal Krishika JoshiHaryana claimed the junior menâs trap team gold with an aggregate score of 336 courtesy of Arjun Lakshya Atree and Prikshit Arya Gujarat finished second to take the silver medal with 327 Aryan Singh Bakhtyar Uddin Mohamadmuzahid Manavrajsinh Rajendrasinh Chudasama while Rajasthan claimed bronze with 326 through Udhav Singh Rathore Prithviraj Singh Rathore and Vinay Pratap Singh CDelhi claimed the gold in the junior womenâs trap team event as Addya Katyal Bhavya Tripathi and Ananya Yaduvanshi combined for a winning total of 323 Tamil Nadu finished second with 295 while Rajasthan secured the bronze with 274 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/68th-nscc-neeru-dhanda-strikes-womens-trap-gold--656152.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sandeep-narwal-headlines-rohtak-royals-squad-at-kcl-auctions-656163.html Rohtak Dec 29 Rohtak Royals the franchise representing the city of Rohtak in the inaugural Kabaddi Champions League KCL have signed one of Indias most successful allrounders Sandeep Narwal The Royals completed a strong and balanced squad build at the KCL auctions headlined by the signing of veteran defender and allrounder Sandeep Narwal Under the guidance of head coach Surender Nada the Royals assembled a 16member squad across three categories focusing on a blend of experienced campaigners and young talentOther highlights for the franchise at the auctions included the signing of Vijay Malik as their highest purchase Acquired for Rs 94 lakh Malik emerged as the costliest player for Rohtak Royals The franchise further strengthened its core by securing several key category A players including Rakesh Singroha for Rs 72 lakh Ankit Rana for Rs 64 lakh Sandeep Deswal for Rs 6 lakh Aaryan for Rs 5 lakh and veteran defender Sandeep Narwal for Rs 34 lakhA multipletime Pro Kabaddi League PKL champion with Patna Pirates and a former India international Narwal brings leadership and experience to the Royalsâ raiding and defensive units Several other squad members have prior PKL experience strengthening the teamâs overall depthSpeaking after the auctions head coach Surender Nada said the franchise followed a clear strategy âOur focus was to build a balanced team with strong raiders a solid defensive unit and players who can handle pressure situations We picked players according to our plan and are satisfied with the overall composition of the squad We wanted the right mix of experience and youth and every purchase was made as per our strategy We believe this squad is wellbalanced and competitive for the inaugural seasonRohtak Royals complete squad KCLCategory A Rakesh Singroha Right Raider â â¹72 lakh Ankit Rana Left Raider â â¹64 lakh Aaryan Left Corner â â¹5 lakh Sandeep Narwal Right Corner â â¹34 lakh Sandeep Deswal Left Corner â â¹6 lakh Vijay Malik Left Raider â â¹94 lakhCategory B Milan Dahiya Right Raider â â¹47 lakh Mohit Left Corner â â¹1 lakh Ronak Right Corner â â¹1 lakh Himanshu Left Raider â â¹1 lakh Amit Nafe Singh Left Cover â â¹1 lakhCategory C Naveen Right Raider â â¹50000 Akshay Rajender Right Raider â â¹50000 Sachin Jaibhagwan AllRounder â â¹50000 Ankit Jakhar Right Corner â â¹50000 Sahil Amarjeet Right Corner â¹50000 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sandeep-narwal-headlines-rohtak-royals-squad-at-kcl-auctions-656163.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-rapid-chess-cship-humpy-erigiasi-claim-bronze-medals-as-carlsen-and-goryachkina-bag-mens-and-womens-titles-655994.html Mumbai Dec 29 Indias Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy won the bronze medals in the mens and womens sections respectively as Magnus Carlsen and Alexandra Goryachkina won the titles in the 2025 FIDE World Rapid amp Womenâs World Rapid Championships played in Doha Qatar on Sunday Carlsen finished with 105 points to claim his sixth World Rapid Chess title with Vladislav Artemiev Erigiasi Hans Moke Niemann and Leinier Domingues Perez finishing tied second with 95 points at the end of the 13 roundsErigiasi jumped into a tie for the second spot with a crucial win over Aleksandr Shimanov on the fourth board taking his tally to 95 points Artemiev ended second with a TB1 score of 1055 as against 98 for Erigaisi while Niemann and Dominguez had TB1 scores of 975 and 955 thus finishing third and fourthErigaisi thus finished third and claimed a bronze medal Aravindh Chithambaram 16th 85 Nihal Sarin 19th 85 Dommaraju Gukesh 20th 85 and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa ended 28th with the same 85 pointsIn the final round Carlsen 10 drew with Anish Giri 85 while Artemiev drew with Wesley So of the United States on the second boardIn the womens World Rapid Championship being held simultaneously Humpy finished tied for the top spot with eventual winner Aleksandra Goryachkina a twotime World Junior Girls Champion and Chinas Zhu Jiner with 85 points from 11 roundsIn the tiebreak Zhu was placed at the top with Goryachkina second and Humpy ended third Goryachkina and Zhu played a tiebreak matchup with the former winning it to claim the gold medalHumpy claimed the bronze in the Womens World Rapid Chess Championship in addition to the gold medal she has already won twice in 2019 and 2024 The 38yearold Humpy was held to a draw by compatriot B Savita Shri who ended on eight points to be tied for the fourth spot with fellow Indian R Vaishali and Ekaterina Atalik of Turkey who held eventual winner Goryachkina to a draw on the top board in the 11th and final round IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-rapid-chess-cship-humpy-erigiasi-claim-bronze-medals-as-carlsen-and-goryachkina-bag-mens-and-womens-titles-655994.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-alpine-pipers-beat-continental-kings-to-be-crowned-champions-alaskan-knights-finish-third-655404.html Mumbai Dec 23 Alpine SG Pipers upset twotime defending champions Triveni Continental Kings to be crowned champions of the third edition of the Global Chess League GCL at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai on Tuesday The Pipers who had sealed the final berth by the skin of their teeth as they edged Ganges Grandmasters by just one game point were at their dominant best in the final as they won the first rapid match 42 with black pieces and then scored a 4515 win with whitePBG Alaskan Knights finished third after beating Ganges Grandmasters in a tiebreakThe finale of the Global Chess League GCL Season 3 lived up to the hype as the final day turned out to be as topsyturvy as the league stageTriveni Continental Kings went into the final as favourites but the Pipers who found form in the second half of the league stage would have felt that the momentum was in their favour And that was exactly the case as Nino Batsiashvili and Leon Luke Mendonca on the prodigy board once again proved how valuable they have been to the team by winning their respective gamesNino prevailed over Alexandra Kosteniuk in a bishopknight endgame while Mendonca forced MarcâAndria Maurizzi into resigning after 52 movesContinental Kings star player Alireza Firouzja defeated Fabiano Caruana on the icon board to bring his team back in contention but Anish Giriâs win over Wei Yi meant that Pipers took the first match 42The Continental Kings had an uphill task of scoring four points with black to stay alive in the match But R Praggnanandhaa handed the Pipers the early advantage with a win over Vidit Gujrathi and Anish Giri then registered his second win over Wei Yi to put the result beyond doubt Yesterday I had mixed feelings because I had a terrible match but the team reached the final But today there is no mixed feeling said Giri after being named the Player of the Match for his two victoriesOn the icon board Caruana then scored a full point against Alireza who ran out of time Firouzja who had beaten all his opponents in the first five matches was named the Male Player of the Tournament while Hou Yifan who had played an important role in helping Pipers reach the final with three wins in three matches in the business end of the league stage was named the Female Player of the TournamentâIt feels great The last two times we were quite close to making the final This time we barely made it But in the final everyone showed up with their best game and it is a great feelingâ said Praggnanandhaa after the title triumphEarlier world champion Dommaraju Gukesh finally managed to beat the legendary Viswanathan Anand when it mattered the most to help PBG Alaskan Knights finish third The playoff went to the wire as the Ganges Grandmasters took a 42 lead in the first rapid clash with white pieces only for the Alaskan Knights to bounce back with white to take the match into a blitz tiebreakAnand got the better of Gukesh in the first game of the playoff and had drawn the second so it looked like the former world champion had the upper hand over the reigning world champion in this competitionGukeshâs teammate Arjun Erigaisi on the other hand dominated Vicent Keymer on the second board in both the rapid games and even in the first blitz tiebreak and ensured that the match stayed in balanceThe Alaskan Knights rode on the momentum of levelling the regular games by winning the first blitz tiebreak 3525 with Arjun Kateryna Lagno and Sara Khadem scoring a full point each Under pressure to win and keep their challenge alive Ganges Grandmasters went allout in the second tiebreak with black pieces and that meant the Alaskan Knights had their chances to winWith all the matches heading for a result Alaskan Knights led 32 with the outcome of the match dependent on the result of the game between Anand and Gukesh And this is where the reigning world champion prevailed after pouncing on slight inaccuracies by the veteran to win in 49 moves and secure the thirdplace trophy for his team IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-alpine-pipers-beat-continental-kings-to-be-crowned-champions-alaskan-knights-finish-third-655404.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-ganges-grandmasters-beat-fyers-american-gambits-to-keep-final-hopes-alive-655203.html Mumbai Dec 22 Ganges Grandmasters kept their hope of making it to the final alive after they registered a convincing 123 win over Fyers American Gambits in their last league match in Season 3 of the Global Chess League GCL at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai on Monday However their fate would depend on whether PBG Alaskan Knights could halt the winning run of Alpine SG Pipers in the last match of the group stage later in the day as the Grandmasters are tied on 15 points with Pipers with the latter having a game in handPipers will finish in second spot if they win or draw against the Alaskan Knights or if they score at least six points even in the losing cause as that will allow them to leapfrog the Grandmasters on better game score The Alaskan Knights also have a shot at the second spot if they can win all six games with black piecesBut to their credit the Grandmasters did their job to perfection to keep their final hopes aliveAt the start of the final day Pipers Grandmasters and Mumba Masters were in a threeway battle to seal the second spot and Ganges Grandmasters were the first to take the board against American GambitsPlaying white Viswanathan Anand shared the spoils with American Gambitsâ Hikaru Nakamura on the icon board But it was Vincent Keymer on the second board who gave the team a leg up with a win over Vladislav Artemiev in 39 moves and player of the match Raunak Sadhwani defeated World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin in 42 moves to drive home the advantageStavroula Tsolakidou then defeated Teodora Injac to complete the tally and put the pressure on the other teamsMumba Masters had a difficult task of beating table toppers Triveni Continental Kings with black and though Shakhriyar Mamedyarov defeated Vidit Gujrathi and Bardiya Daneshvar got the better of MarcâAndria Maurizzi to give their team eight valuable points but loss for Maxime VachierLagrave lost to Alireza Firouzja on the icon board Wesley So was outplayed by Wei Yi on the second board and Koneru Humpy was not a match for Zhu Jiner as they local favorites went down 109 and were out of the race for the second spot IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-ganges-grandmasters-beat-fyers-american-gambits-to-keep-final-hopes-alive-655203.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-sg-pipers-meet-holders-continental-kings-in-final-ganges-grandmasters-to-face-alaskan-knights-for-third-place-655218.html Mumbai Dec 22 Leon Luke Mendoncaâs draw on the prodigy board was worth more than a win for Alpine SG Pipers as they qualified for the final against tabletopper Triveni Continental Kings despite losing their last league match 611 against PBG Alaskan Knights in Season 3 of the Global Chess League GCL at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai on Friday Alpine SG Pipers had their fate in their own hand in their final league game as they were locked on 15 match points with Ganges Grandmasters and needed to either beat Alaskan Knights or at least score six game points to assure themselves for the second spot on the leader board with a better game point scorePipers finished with 84 game points against 83 for the Grandmasters in the event a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDEAlaskan Knights also needed a win to at least qualify for the thirdplace playoff and they did that in style as world champion Dommaraju Gukesh pounced on an error from Fabiano Caruana and Arjun Erigaisi defeated Anish Giri with black pieces to score eight valuable pointsFor the Pipers threetime Womenâs World Champion Hou Yifan delivered a third win in three matches this time beating Kateryna Lagno in just 20 moves At that stage the Pipers looked primed to advance but the two top Indian chess stars delivered a masterclass when it mattered for the team to give the Pipers some anxious momentsWith Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Nino Batsiashvili playing out solid draws Pipers fate depended on Mendonca managing to draw a game against Daniel Darda on the prodigy board And he ensured that Darda did not have a chance to make any further inroads and signed the peace pact after 42 moves despite his opponent having a slight advantage at that stageEarlier Ganges Grandmasters had kept their hope of making it to the final alive after beating Fyers American Gambits 123 in their last league matchAt the start of the final day Pipers Grandmasters and upGrad Mumba Masters were in a threeway battle to seal the second spot and Grandmasters were the first to take the board against American GambitsPlaying white Viswanathan Anand shared the spoils with American Gambitsâ Hikaru Nakamura on the icon board But it was Vincent Keymer on the second board who gave the team a leg up with a win over Vladislav Artemiev in 39 moves and Player of the Match Raunak Sadhwani defeated World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin in 42 moves to drive home the advantageStavroula Tsolakidou then defeated Teodora Injac to complete the tally and put the pressure on the other teams However that was not enough and they will now face the Alaskan Knights for third placeIn the other match of the day Mumba Masters had a difficult task of beating table toppers Triveni Continental Kings with black and though Shakhriyar Mamedyarov defeated Vidit Gujrathi and Bardiya Daneshvar got the better of MarcâAndria Maurizzi to give their team eight valuable points but loss for Maxime VachierLagrave lost to Alireza Firouzja on the icon board Wesley So was outplayed by Wei Yi on the second board and Koneru Humpy was not a match for Zhu Jiner and the local favourites went down 109 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-sg-pipers-meet-holders-continental-kings-in-final-ganges-grandmasters-to-face-alaskan-knights-for-third-place-655218.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pakistan-withdraws-players-from-us-junior-squash-after-age-verification-not-accepted-report-655226.html Mumbai Dec 23 Faced with doubts over the age of its players in an agegroup event Pakistan was forced to withdraw its players from the US Open Junior Squash Championship after the organisers refused to accept its age verification process a news report said on Monday Around 977 players representing fortyfive nations are competing in the 2025 US Junior Openâthe worldâs largest individual squash tournament but Pakistan withdrew its players after the US Open organisers did not accept their age verification Telecom Asia Sport wwwtelecomasianet has quoted sources as telling itTo protect the integrity of the competition while allowing participation the US Squash implemented a newly adopted policy Where reasonable concern existed affected players were permitted to compete only in the age group in which they are ranked domestically andor most recently competed at their National Championships organisers told TelecomasianetNo player was banned or disqualified and all affected athletes remained eligible to compete Agecategory adjustments were applied solely to maintain fairness for all participants and do not change World Squash Federation WSF regulationsPakistan Squash Federation secretary Amir Nawaz told wwwtelecomasianet that anything that goes against the countrys process was not acceptableIt is not that our players were overaged and withdrawn Nawaz was quoted as saying by Telecom Asia Sport They raised objections to one of our players but they did not accept our documentation and the process which was properly endorsedBut they challenged our system which is against our integrity and in our executive committee we decided that we will not participate in the event They did not disallow our players but promoted them in age groups which was not acceptable said NawazOrganisers said fairness was paramount US Squash is fully committed to fairness transparency and athlete welfare in local national and international competitions In the leadup to the 2025 US Junior Open concerns were raised regarding the age eligibility of a small group of international junior players These concerns were based on documentation domestic competition histories and global ranking patterns that suggested potential discrepancies in reported agesThe review identified systemlevel challenges that made it impossible to determine chronological age with certainty in some cases These included delays in birth registration the possibility of conflicting or duplicate documents and domestic competition patterns that were inconsistent with reported ages Importantly this review did not reflect on the character integrity or intentions of any individual athlete family or federation the report quoted a spokesperson of the organisers as sayingPSF said it will raise the matter with the World Squash Federation in due coursePakistan had been a power at the international squash scene with Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan ruling the scene in the last three decades of the previous century but has not won any senior event since the two Khans retiredBut the country is making a comeback in the global arena with Hamza Khan winning the Junior World title in 2023 Pakistans first junior world title since 1986 Noor Zaman also won the Under23 title earlier this yearBut the overage slur is a setback for the country where birth records are not properly maintained in the rural areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pakistan-withdraws-players-from-us-junior-squash-after-age-verification-not-accepted-report-655226.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pro-wrestling-league-unveils-logo-ahead-of-fifth-season-655153.html New Delhi Dec 22 The Pro Wrestling League PWL sanctioned by the Wrestling Federation of India WFI unveiled its new official logo ahead of the fifth season signalling the leagueâs revival after a sevenyear hiatus The Pro Wrestling League is scheduled to return in January 2026 featuring top Indian and international wrestlers promising highintensity competition and a commercially viable framework designed to support the sportâs growthThe newly launched logo is a modern dynamic emblem inspired by the traditional redandblue wrestling mat symbolising strength balance and competitive spirit The logo represents a complete reset for the Pro Wrestling League which has undergone a significant structural and operational overhaul under its new ownership and managementPWLâs renewed mission is to create a worldclass professional platform for wrestlers by bridging the gap between grassroots akhadas and the global competitive stage The league aims to provide structured opportunities international exposure and a professionally managed environment for athletes while contributing to the longterm growth and credibility of wrestling in IndiaThe revitalised vision is being implemented in close collaboration with the Wrestling Federation of India WFI ensuring the league operates in line with national regulations and governance standards The collaboration is expected to strengthen the pathway for emerging wrestlers to progress from traditional training systems to the national and international spotlightThe league is now being operated under the ownership and management of ONO Media led by partners Akhil Gupta and Dayaan Farooqui The new management has moved away from previous frameworks to build a transparent athletefirst ecosystem focused on professionalism integrity and longterm sustainability within Indian wrestlingSpeaking on the occasion Akhil Gupta CEO Pro Wrestling League said âThe new logo reflects our vision for the future of the Pro Wrestling League â modern aggressive and worldclass More importantly it represents a clean slate We are building a league that honours the sport and its athletes through transparency professionalism and longterm commitment The past is behind us and the focus is firmly on creating a sustainable ecosystem for Indian wrestlingââThis logo launch marks the beginning of a new era for the Pro Wrestling League The identity represents trust opportunity and ambition As we prepare for our return after seven years our priority is firmly on placing athletes at the center of the ecosystem and delivering a league that wrestlers fans and stakeholders can truly believe inâ added Dayaan Farooqui Chairman Pro Wrestling LeagueWith its new identity and reimagined structure PWL aims to usher in a new era for professional wrestling in India IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pro-wrestling-league-unveils-logo-ahead-of-fifth-season-655153.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/mansukh-mandaviya-officiates-first-anniversary-of-fit-india-sundays-with-cycling-event-in-puducherry-654983.html Puducherry Dec 21 Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya summarised the entire years experience with a short update âOver 2 lakh locations more than 20 lakh people One Mission Fit India Celebrating 1 year of SundaysOnCycleâ he shared on X on Sunday morning Over 1500 cyclists from diverse backgrounds including school students NaMo Cycling Clubs and Puducherry University students transformed the scenic Rock Beach in Puducherry into a lively fitness festival This event highlights the growing national significance of cycling and its rising popularityPadma Bhushan and Khel Ratna awardees P R Sreejesh and Sharath Kamal joined the youth in a ride inspiring participants to embrace sports and fitnessThe landmark first anniversary of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Puducherry turned into a vibrant fitness festival featuring a range of fun games and activities including Zumba carrom chess mallakhamb silambam yoga and rope skipping Coinciding with World Meditation Day on December 21 the event emphasised that Fitness is essentially Meditation in MotionTodayâs Sunday morning gathering in Puducherry included Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan chief minister N Rangasamy legislative assembly speaker R Selvam Puducherry home minister A Namassivayam and other notable government officials along with Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya who inaugurated the very first event in New Delhi a year agoMandaviya addressed the gathering describing how Fit India Sunday on Cycle has grown from a humble start into a nationwide movementâWhen we started this initiative a year ago it was organised at just five locations with about 500 participants Today more than 10000 locations across the country take part every Sunday with over 10 lakh citizens joining regularly It has become a passion a culture and a powerful solution for pollution Honâble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also helped in turning this movement into a nationwide fight against obesityâ he saidLieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan of Puducherry described the initiative as a timely message for societyâMandaviyaâs own village in Bhavnagar Gujarat consists of 4000 people only And everyone there commutes in a cycle no other twowheeler or fourwheelers As citizens we often donât realise how small lifestyle changes can collectively make a big difference for the environment especially in terms of reducing the carbon footprintâ he saidPuducherrys Chief Minister N Rangasamy commended the Fit India Movement for its role in promoting accessible fitness for all âCycling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay healthy Only when our body is fit can we achieve our goals in life I truly appreciate the Prime Ministerâs vision behind the entire Fit India movementâ he saidToday more than 10000 locations across the country hosted events organised by the Sports Authority of India and Khelo India centres These events took place in Hazaribagh Kargil Patiala Lucknow Golaghat Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh Hisar Tinsukia Visakhapatnam Kashipur in Uttarakhand Cuttack and other places with various banks across the country serving as special partnersThe celebrity gathering also featured Arjuna Awardwinning archers Jyothi Surekha and Abhishek Verma from SAI Sonipat A significant boost to Sundays on Cycle has been provided by NaMo Fit India Cycling clubs and My Bharat volunteers who have played a vital role in the campaignThe morning event in Puducherry included the launch of the highly anticipated Fit India Mobile App Carbon Credit Incentivization which encourages cycling enthusiasts During the event the three cyclists who achieved the highest carbon credits Bharatbhai Parmar Shashikant Veerkar and Govind Singh were honouredCitizens have the option to cycle and earn carbon credits which they can redeem later âFrom now on every month cyclists from every State and Union Territory will be mapped through the Fit India mobile app and the top three performers will be incentivised This is to encourage and reward citizens for adopting cycling as a daily habitâ Mandaviya addedThe Fit India Ambassadors and Influencers who have continued to play a vital role and have actively supported the cause of Sundays on Cycle were also recognised Their names included Nidhi Nigam Aishwarya Raj Champion along with ambassadors Dr Shikha Gupta Yukti Arya mountaineer Divya Arul and Tamil Nadu Cycling State champion Siva SenthilIndian hockeyâs Sreejesh known as the wall summed up the entire journey of the cycling movementâBeing fit is not about training for medals alone it is about building discipline and balance in everyday life Cycling is a simple habit but when adopted collectively it builds a healthier society and a stronger nation Iâm happy that Union Sports Ministers Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has transformed fitness into a peopleâs movement where families youngsters and professionals participate with equal enthusiasmâ the Padma Bhushan awardee saidAs the cyclists set off along Puducherrys scenic coastline the anniversary edition clearly conveyed that Sundays on Cycle has evolved from merely an event into a nationwide movement promoting fitness sustainability and community involvement across India IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/mansukh-mandaviya-officiates-first-anniversary-of-fit-india-sundays-with-cycling-event-in-puducherry-654983.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 01:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-hou-yifan-wins-two-games-as-alpine-sg-pipers-move-to-second-spot-triveni-continental-kings-reach-final-655020.html Mumbai Dec 21 Threetime womenâs world champion Hou Yifan won both her games with black pieces to help Alpine SG Pipers register two victories on the penultimate day of the league stage and jump to second spot in the Global Chess League GCL at the Royal Opera House here on Sunday Defending champions Triveni Continental Kings sealed their third consecutive final berth with a 145 win over Ganges Grandmasters to reach 21 match points with seven wins from nine matches With Alpine SG Pipers beating upGrad Mumba Masters and Fyers American Gambits by an identical 87 scoreline with black to reach 15 match points in the event a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDEFirst edition finalists Mumba Masters hopes of making the final however suffered a major setback as they lost both their matches on SundayThe home favourites who were outplayed 161 by American Gambits on Saturday had to beat PBG Alaskan Knights in the last game of the day on Sunday to regain the second spot as they were on 12 points with two matches to play However they went down 810 despite Maxime VachierLagrave beating world champion D Gukesh on the icon boardHowever Player of the Match Leinier Dominguez beat Shakhriyar Mamedyarov on the third board and then Sara Khadem upset D Harika by forcing the Indian to resign after 65 movesWith the second spot in the final still up for grabs Mumba Masters will have to beat Continental Kings and hope that PBG Alaskan Knights can stop the winning run of Alpine SG PipersGanges Grandmasters also have an outside chance of making the cut but for that to happen they will have to register a huge win over American Gambits and hope that the other contenders loseWhen action began on Sunday the Pipers were in fifth spot and needed to win both their matches to entertain any hope of making it to the final And Hou Yifan delivered for the team when it mattered the mostYifan first defeated Koneru Humpy of Mumba Masters and then inflicted the tournamentâs first loss on Bibisara Assaubayeva of American Gambits to win the Players of the Match award in both matchesAgainst Bibisara the Chinese GM spent almost six minutes before blitzing to a pawnking endgame which proved enough for her teamExplaining her thought process before those moves Yifan said âI felt like it was a very critical moment when the game goes to a critical endgame Thatâs why I thought I would take time and think it through I had nine minutes and that was enough to calculateâIn both matches Alpine SG Pipers lost the game on the prodigy board but Yifanâs advantage of winning with black proved critical since a win with black pieces gives a team four game points while a win with white is only worth three game points All the other boards in both matches ended in a drawSandwiched between two Alpine SG Pipers matches defending champions Triveni Continental Kings dented Ganges Grandmasters hopes of reaching the top two after beating them 145 and also emphatically sealed the final spotOn the icon board Player of the Match Alireza Firouzja who was behind the two losses he suffered on Saturday beat Viswanathan Anand in 48 moves with a fantastic queen sacrifice with black piecesContinental Kings womenâs superstars Zhu Jiner and Alexandra Kosteniuk also won with black pieces to put the result beyond doubt Only 2025 World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov was the only bright spot for Ganges Grandmasters as he defeated Vidit Gujarathi in 53 moves in a rookknight ending IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-hou-yifan-wins-two-games-as-alpine-sg-pipers-move-to-second-spot-triveni-continental-kings-reach-final-655020.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-triveni-continental-kings-escape-to-victory-over-fyers-american-gambits-to-consolidate-top-spot-654884.html Mumbai Dec 20 Marcâandria Maurizzi registered a lastgasp win over Volodar Murzin on the prodigy board to help defending champions Triveni Continental Kings escaped to a 87 victory over Fyers Amerian Gambits and consolidated their position at the top of the leader board on Matchday 7 in the Global Chess League GCL It looked like American Gambits had thrown the race for the top two spots wide open having hammered second played Mumba Masters 161 in the first match of the day and had taken a 74 lead against the Continental Kings after Theodora Injac defeated Alexandra Kostenieuk on the womenâs superstar boardThis meant that Maurizzi had to beat world rapid champion Murzin on the prodigy board with black to earn four game points extend Continental Kings lead at the top of the table and he did that in style to win the match for his team and also earn the Player of the Match awardEarlier Mumba Mastersâ hopes of sealing a final spot suffered a major setback after they were crushed by American Gambits in the reverse fixtureVladislav Artemiev started the teamâs march with a convincing win over Wesley So and Hikaru Nakamura then beat Maxime VachierLagrave on the icon board in 55 moves Player of the Match Richard Rapport then put the result beyond doubt with a win over Shakhriyar Mamedyarov In fact only Bardiya Daneshwar was the only Mumba Mastersâ player to earn a point after he drew with Volodar MurzinSecondplaced Mumba Mastersâ slip up opened the doors for the other teams and Ganges Grandmastersâ closed the gap with a 109 win over Alpine SG PipersAfter actor and fitness enthusiast made the ceremonial move on the icon board Vincent Keymer defeated Anish Giri and 2025 World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov got the better of R Praggnanandhaa to put the Grandmasters in driverâs seatBut Hou Yifan and Leon Luke Mendonca won their respective matches with black to bring Pipers back in contentionThis meant that the game on the icon board beatween Viswanathan Anand and Fabiano Caruana was important to decide the outcome The Indian managed to hold on in 39 moves to ensure that the team scored valuable three match points and take their tally to 12 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-triveni-continental-kings-escape-to-victory-over-fyers-american-gambits-to-consolidate-top-spot-654884.html Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/80th-cci-western-india-squash-top-seeds-chotrani-joshna-enter-semis-654899.html Mumbai Dec 20 The 80th CCI Western India squash tournament moved into its decisive phase on Saturday as the semifinals delivered highquality squash intense rallies and moments of sheer grit underlining why this championship remains one of the most prestigious events on the domestic squash calendar Across all categories the semifinals reflected the growing depth and competitiveness of Indian squash The playersâ fitness shot selection and mental resilience were on full display reinforcing the tournamentâs role as a key platform for emerging and established talent alikeIn the womenâs category topseed Joshna Chinappa steamrolled past Reiva Nimalkar 114 113 115 to move into the semifinals Second seed Sanya Vats had to struggle to get the better of Pooja Arthi R 116 1012 113 115 to enter the final four stageMeanwhile in the menâs category topseed Veer Chotrani was stretched a bit by Mahesh Mangaonkar but made it to the semis in style winning 119 119 1210 Second seed Suraj Chand was clinical as ever as he beat Purav Rambhia 113 115 111ResultsQuarterfinals Womenâs Joshna Chinappa 1 bt Reiva Nimbalkar 916 114 113 115 Tanvi Khanna 58 bt Shameena Riaz 34 113 114 113 Nirupama Dubey 58 bt Anjali Semwal 34 115 1012 116 1210 Sanya Vats 2 bt Pooja Arthi R 58 116 1012 113 115Quarterfinals Menâs Veer Chotrani bt Mahesh Mangaonkar 58 119 119 1210 Ayaan Vaziralli 34 bt Deepak Mandal 916 113 116 115 Om Semwal 34 bt Avalokit Singh 111 114 113 Suraj Chand 2 bt Purav Rambhia 916 113 115 111MO35 Mahesh Kadam 2 bt Pardeep Malik 58 115 611 118 115 Rishi Jalan bt Manoj Manjarekar 916 114 113 114 Nikhil Jain 34 bt Mithun AP 916 119 911 114 114MO40 Arjun Agnihotri 1 bt Ravindra Navle 916 114 113 113 Ankur Gupta 34 bt Murukesh Mani 58 114 911 115 115 Manish Chavan 58 bt Amit Gajria 916 115 117 711 115 Sanjay Pawar 2 bt Baban More 916 1311 114 114Semifinals MIXU9 Amaay Mahajan 34 bt Devyansh Gupta 58 711 118 1412 119 Vaibhav Vc 58 bt Sabir Khubchandani 2 116 1113 117BU11 Avyyanveer Luthra 2 bt Rudransh Prabhakar 58 911 116 115 113 Ved Sanganaria 1 bt Yuvaan Verma 58 117 116 118 BU13 Aaron Arambhan 2 bt Rohan Khurana 58 1210 116 1214 114 Dhairya Gogia 1 bt Viaan Khemani 58 114 1210 611 118 BU15 Fareed Andrabi 58 bt Yusuf Pardiwala 2 111 115 1412 Vivaan Khanna 1 bt Swarit Patil 34 117 116 711 119 BU17 Saharsh Shahra 1 bt Mithun Mahadu Darvada 916 112 116 1311 Hridhaan Shah 58 bt Agastya Bansal 34 511 113 115GU11 Naina Anand 2 bt Anshika Kumari 34 118 411 1311 117 Sameeksha Sugumar 1 bt Avisha Agarwal 34 114 113 911 117 GU13 Riyaa Dalal 2 bt Gargi Kadam 58 114 117 117 115 Shanaya Roy 1 bt Aadhya Grover 34 118 114 114 GU15 Diva Parasrampuria 2 bt Divyanshi Jain 114 711 1210 611 116 Vasundhara Nangare 1 bt Aashi Shah 34 114 811 117 911 117 GU17 Fabiha Nafees 58 bt Kaashvi Mangal 1 116 1210 114 Riyansika Verma 34 bt Aarika Mishra 2 115 117 116MO60 Deepak Moolani 2 bt Srikanth Venkatraman 58 119 113 115 Ashun Bahl 1 bt Rohit Thawani 119 117 116 MO65 Vijay Jaini 1 bt Devapriya Kanoria 611 117 113 119 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/80th-cci-western-india-squash-top-seeds-chotrani-joshna-enter-semis-654899.html Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pune-grand-tour-trophy-unveiled-in-jaipur-654853.html Jaipur Dec 20 The heritageinspired trophy for the Pune Grand Tour 2026 Indias firstever UCI 22 classified road race was unveiled here on Saturday Rajasthans Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari along with Jitendra Dudi IAS Collector Pune District the host city for the road race was present on the occasion The dignitaries were joined by Madan Rathore Member of Parliament Rajasthan Dr Niraj K Pawan IAS Rajasthan Sports Secretary Onkar Singh Chairman Cycling Federation of India Commissioner and Sarika Choudhary Chairperson Selection Committee Rajasthan Cycling AssociationCrafted by Puneâs coppersmiths famously known as Tambat Aali community The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour Trophy representing eight heritage forts and the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has generated excitement among cycling enthusiasts sports fans and local community highlighting Jaipurâs role in the national sporting landscapeOrganised by Pune District Administration led by Jitendra Dudi with steadfast support from the Government of Maharashtra the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is Indiaâs premier international cycling event â a firstever UCI 22 classified road race â drawing elite cyclists from across globe to compete on Indian soilAs part of the nationwide Trophy Tour the arrival of Pune Grand Tour Trophy in the Pink City serves as a significant milestone for India embracing global sports and blending its deeprooted heritage with worldclass event organisationSpeaking about Pune Grand Tour Diya Kumar Deputy Chief Minister Govt of Rajasthan stated âItâs good to see India embracing newer sports and showcasing its organisational skills to host large sports events The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is one such step â a firstever UCI classified race in India which will elevate the status of professional cycling in IndiaâJitendra Dudi IAS Collector of Pune District and race incharge of the Pune Grand Tour said âThe Pune Grand Tour 2026 is an amalgamation of focused work for the past 6 months with clear direction of creating an unique sporting property for India which can further be expanded to a higher levelUCI 22 race is the lowest of category in international road cycling competition We have ambitions of making India home to a UCI Pro Race in line for the Tour de France thatâs our inspiration IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pune-grand-tour-trophy-unveiled-in-jaipur-654853.html Sat, 20 Dec 2025 23:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/adani-sportsline-announces-third-edition-of-3x3-hoopers-league-in-ahmedabad-654628.html Ahmedabad Dec 19 Adani Sportsline on Friday announced the third edition of the 3x3 Hoopers League scheduled to be held on December 20 and 21 reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the grassroots basketball ecosystem through structured and competitive platforms The upcoming edition will feature Under12 Under15 Under18 and Under23 categories for both boys and girls along with Open categories for men and women creating participation opportunities across age groups and experience levels Registrations for the tournament closed on December 17All matches will be conducted in line with federation regulations and the tournament has been approved by the Gujarat Basketball Federation ensuring adherence to recognised competitive standards and fair playThe 3x3 Hoopers League has continued to grow with each edition The second edition saw participation from 80 teams across Gujarat reflecting the rising popularity of the fastpaced 3x3 format and growing engagement from players and basketball communities across the stateThe tournament follows the internationally recognised 3x3 basketball format with each team comprising four players Teams will compete in leaguestage matches before progressing to the knockout rounds Each match will be played for 10 minutes or until a team reaches 21 points delivering highintensity action and quickpaced competitionThrough initiatives such as the 3x3 Hoopers League Adani Sportsline continues to focus on nurturing sporting talent and expanding access to organised competition contributing to the longterm development of basketball at the grassroots levelAdani Sportsline is the sports arm of the diversified Adani Group which has a presence in ports logistics energy utility infrastructure electric power generation and transmission mining airport operations natural gas and food processingFormed in 2019 Adani Sportsline has an overarching philosophy to inculcate a culture of sports at the grassroots level and create globally competitive opportunities for future champions in India In line with the groupâs vision of nationbuilding the company aims to build a worldclass ecosystem that nurtures sporting talent accelerates the sports economy and plays the role of an enabler in Indiaâs journey to become a leading sporting nation IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/adani-sportsline-announces-third-edition-of-3x3-hoopers-league-in-ahmedabad-654628.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/chotrani-suraj-enter-quarterfinals-of-western-india-squash-654678.html Mumbai Dec 19 Top four seeds in the menâs category continued to have a field day in the 80th CCI Western India Squash as they moved into the quarterfinals quite easily on Friday Menâs top seed Veer Chotrani got the better of Rounak Yadav 117 112 115 Second seed Suraj Chand was tested a little before he edged past Hridhaan Shah 119 119 118 on the courts of the Cricket Club of India CCIâI enjoyed my time on the court I usually donât play early in the morning but it was a lot of fun I am looking forward to the upcoming challengesâ said ChotraniSpectators have been treated to high quality squash marked by sharp movement tactical awareness and impressive resilienceResults MIXU9 Devyansh Gupta 58 bt Lakshanya Rajawat 1 114 117 Sabir Khubchandani 2 bt Aarush Suklikar 58 117 119BU11 Rudransh Prabhakar 58 bt Viraaj Wadhwani 34 611 118 116 112 Avyyanveer Luthra 2 bt Viraj Shinde 58 1012 1210 113 114 BU13 Viaan Khemani 58 bt Thanuj Reddy Puli 34 112 116 115 Dhairya Gogia 1 bt Ridaan Gupta 58 119 115 115 BU15 Swarit Patil 34 bt Vinay Shinde 58 811 118 116 117 Yusuf Pardiwala 2 bt Rishabh Shyam 113 119 911 711 119 BU17 Agastya Bansal 34 bt Pradeepsingh Rathore 916 114 114 311 118 Saharsh Shahra 1 bt Bhaskar Chahu Darvada 916 114 111 113 BU19 Rachit Shah 1 bt Ravi Lachka 111 114 113 Arjun Morey 58 bt Shravin Jain 34 119 116 411 1412GU11 Sameeksha Sugumar 1 bt Avni Nandal 916 112 114 115 Anshika Kumari 34 bt Inaya Andrabi 58 911 116 117 114 GU13 Gargi Kadam 58 bt Shriya Maheshwari 34 911 115 117 811 115 Riyaa Dalal 2 bt Aarna Rao 916 115 1113 116 1311 GU15 Divyanshi Jain bt Gauri Jaiswal 34 117 611 116 911 117 Diva Parasrampuria 2 bt Trisha Shah 58 112 118 116 GU17 Kaashvi Mangal 1 bt Kriya Saravanan 58 117 115 115 Fabiha Nafees 58 bt Devashree Arora 34 711 1412 1210 11 7 GU19 Karina Phipps 3 bt Samairah Raj Bhandare 115 116 113 Akanksha Gupta 2 bt Sehar Nayar 7 117 114 911 119Menâs Mahesh Mangaonkar 58 bt Saurabh Kumar 11 112 115 Ayaan Vaziralli 34 bt Kunal Singh 916 114 117 118ProCoach Raja Yadav 2 bt Ajay Rathee 916 116 115 115 Akhilesh Kumar 1 bt Sunil Kumar 916 118 116 116 MO45 Rishaad Bilimoria bt Alok Taparia 916 113 110 112 Aditya Maheshwari bt Ketan Patel 115 116 118 MO50 Vinay Rauthan 1 bt Ashutosh Phatak 916 114 113 1311 Hemant Nadkarni 58 bt Rahul Kesar 34 911 114 114 114 MO55 Sanjay Rajpal 34 bt Jehangir Surti 58 119 119 1311 Vishal Jhunjhunwala bt Ashish Mehta 1 1513 311 115 115 MO60 Rohit Thawani bt Rakesh Bhan 58 112 112 113 Deepak Moolani 2 bt Nigam Soni 58 115 116 118 MO65 Devapriya Kanoria bt Lalit Kumar Agnihotri 34 114 116 115 Vaman Apte 2 bt Kishan Lal 117 119 911 1412 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/chotrani-suraj-enter-quarterfinals-of-western-india-squash-654678.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 20:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-gukesh-beats-alireza-but-triveni-continental-kings-stay-on-top-with-close-win-654698.html Mumbai Dec 19 World Champion D Gukesh avenged his loss against Alireza Firouzja in the reverse fixture but defending champions Triveni Continental Kings did enough to beat PBG Alaskan Knights 109 to stay on top of the leaderboard after match day 6 while Mumba Masters kept up the pressure on the leaders with 116 win over Ganges Grandmasters in the Global Chess League GCL on Friday With the third edition of the GCL entering the second leg of the group stage Triveni Continental Kings had an opportunity to extend their lead over Mumba Masters as they were to play two matches in a dayBut the champions first suffered a reversal against Alpine SG Pipers after their icon player Alireza Firouzja went down against Fabiano Caruana and the team needed a win against Alaskan Knights to keep their nose ahead of Mumba Masters who had taken the top spot for a brief period after their win over Ganges GrandmastersThe Continental Kings opened up a sixpoint advantage with Alexandra Kosteniuk beating Sara Khadem and Wei Yi getting the better of Arjun Erigaisi However Kateryna Lagno scored four points for the Knights with a win over Zhu Jiner to bring the team back in the matchGukesh who had lost to Alireza in the first half of the tournament played a solid game with black and made the most of his time advantage to inflict a second loss on the 22yearold in a day in a rookpawn endgameBut Gukeshâs victory wasnât enough for Knights to seal their third successive win as Vidit Gujarathi finally found that winning momentum as he defeated Leinier Dominguez in 39 moves to ensure that his team stayed on top with 15 match pointsVidit who was named the Player of the Match said âItâs a relief It feels like you are climbing a mountain and you get an oxygen cylinder Today I was very upset after the first game and I am really happy that my win counted for the teamâEarlier GM Wesley So Player of the Match Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Koneru Humpy won their respective games to help Mumba Masters get the better of Ganges Grandmasters On the icon board Viswanathan Anand managed to build pressure on Maxime VachierLagrave but could not convert with black piecesIn the dayâs other match PBG Alaskan Knights had defeated Fyers American Gambits 97 thanks to Arjun Erigaisi beating Vladislav Artemiev and Sara Khadem turning the tables on Teodora Injac IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-gukesh-beats-alireza-but-triveni-continental-kings-stay-on-top-with-close-win-654698.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 22:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/shooting-league-of-india-add-up-prometheans-as-franchise-ahead-of-inaugural-edition-654361.html New Delhi Dec 18 The Shooting League of India SLI on Thursday announced the addition of UP Prometheans a Uttar Pradeshâbased franchise for its inaugural season scheduled from February 16 to 26 2026 The new team strengthens the leagueâs growing footprint and reinforces its vision of building a robust inclusive ecosystem for the sport of shooting in IndiaWelcoming the UP Prometheans to the league President of the National Rifle Association of India NRAI Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said âWe are delighted to welcome UP Prometheans to the Shooting League of India family Uttar Pradesh has immense sporting potential and the entry of a franchise driven by a strong educational and developmental philosophy adds great value to the leagueThe UP Prometheans franchise is owned by Mukesh Sharma founder and chairperson of Prometheus an international school located in NoidaMukesh Sharmaâs commitment to creating opportunity through infrastructure and education aligns perfectly with the vision of SLIâto build a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures talent inspires youth and takes Indian shooting to the next levelâNotably Prometheus School offers shooting as a structured sport from Grade 5 9 years and above with a focus on building technical ability mental resilience precision and handâeye coordination among studentsThe campus houses an Olympicstandard indoor shooting facility comprising a 10metre range with 10 manual targets and one SIUS electronic target system The range is additionally equipped with two electronic pistols and one rifle and all training and operations are conducted in strict compliance with ISSF regulationsStudents are coached by certified professionals supported by Khelo India SAI talent identification experts and regularly benefit from workshops and seminars led by Arjuna Awardees and OlympiansReflecting the schoolâs growing impact Prometheus athletes are currently competing at the national level â Siya Marwah Vaivaswat Vijay Singh Deo Siana Monga Sidhaan Gandhi Ayaana Chinaria Aarish Goel Ayaan Khanâ highlighting how access to worldclass facilities is enabling young shooters to pursue highperformance pathwaysSpeaking on the franchiseâs entry into the league the owner of UP Prometheans said âShooting is one of Indiaâs strongest Olympic sports and Uttar Pradesh has the talent and potential to play a far bigger role in this journey Through the UP Prometheans our intent is to create a structured professional platform where athletes are supported with the right infrastructure coaching and competitive exposure The Shooting League of India is an important step in strengthening the ecosystem and I am pleased to be part of this inaugural seasonâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/shooting-league-of-india-add-up-prometheans-as-franchise-ahead-of-inaugural-edition-654361.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-alpine-sg-pipers-beat-american-gambits-to-jump-to-second-spot-leaders-mumba-masters-defeat-alaskan-knights-654235.html Mumbai Dec 17 Alpine SG Pipers stormed their way into title contention by registering their second consecutive win thanks to yet another clinical performance on the prodigy board by GM Leon Luke Mendonca and a lastgasp victory by Player of the Match Nino Batsiashvili on Matchday 4 of the Global Chess League GCL on Wednesday The Pipers beat Fyers American Gambits 104 while upGrad Mumba Masters registered a dominating 182 win over PBG Alaskan KnightsIn the first clash of Matchday 4 Alpine SG Pipers once again chose to play white after winning the toss for the second straight match looking to build on their victory over overnight leaders upGrad Mumbai MastersThere was not much to separate the two teams on the top four boards but Mendonca came up with another clinical performance to beat World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin on the prodigy board to give his team the advantage Opting for a Closed Catalan the GM from Goa gained the upper hand with a bishop sacrifice on the 18th move and maintained the pressure and his Russian opponent ran out of time on move 46In the womenâs clash between Nino and Injac Teodara the former was under pressure for a major part of the 61move clash but turned things around with three advancing pawns and forced Teodara to resign and take her team to the top of the table for a brief periodâI played all in and pushed my pawn and at some point I had a chance to winâ Nina who registered her third win in four matches saidLater upGrad Mumba Masters rode on wins from Koneru Humpy and Dronavalli Harika to register a dominating win over PBG Alaskan Knights with black pieces to cement their place at the top of the leaderboard Humpy lived dangerously against Kateryna Lagno but pounced on her opponentâs mistake as the Russian failed to correctly follow up after sacrificing her queen and resigned after 33 movesOn the adjacent board Player of the Match Harika defeated Alexandra Kosteniuk in 50 moves while Alaskan Knights Arjun Erigasi lost to Wesley So after running out of time On the icon board world champion D Gukeshâs wait for a win got longer after he was held to a draw by Maxime VachierLagrave in 31 moves Bardiya Daneshvar completed the Mumba Masters tally with a win over Daniel DardhaIn the last match of the day Triveni Continental Kings will play Ganges GrandmastersAction continues on Matchday 5 as upGrad Mumba Masters take on Triveni Continental Kings Alpine SG Pipers face PBG Alaskan Knights while Ganges Grandmasters meet Fyers American Gambits IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-alpine-sg-pipers-beat-american-gambits-to-jump-to-second-spot-leaders-mumba-masters-defeat-alaskan-knights-654235.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/80th-western-india-squash-tournament-to-commence-on-wednesday-653687.html Mumbai Dec 15 The Cricket Club of India CCI on Monday announced the dates for the 80th CCI Western India Squash Tournament Indiaâs oldest and longestrunning squash competition which began in 1943 The tournament will be played from December 17 to 21 2025 across the iconic glassbacked courts of the CCI Mumbai Organised under the auspices of the Squash Rackets Federation of India SRFI and the Maharashtra Squash Racquets Association MSRA this yearâs edition continues the clubâs proud legacy of nurturing champions under the banner âCCI Squash â Home of ChampionsâThe CCI Western India Squash Tournament has been a defining platform for generations of Indian squash talent From early stalwarts like S D Bilimoria and Rajkumar Narpat Singh to legendary champions Bhuwaneswari Kumari Meherwan Daruwala Adrian Ezra and modernday international stars such as Sourav Ghoshal Joshna Chinappa Siddharth Suchde and Mahesh Mangaonkar this tournament has mirrored the evolution of Indian squashThe rise of multiple Indian players in the PSA World Top 100 including Sourav Ghoshalâs and Joshna Chinappaâs historic surge into the Top 10 underlines the eventâs impact on Indiaâs professional squash ecosystem particularly its role in advancing worldclass women athletesDarius Pandole Championship Director amp ViceChairperson CCI Squash SubCommittee âThis is not just a tournament it is a living heritage of Indian squash To celebrate the 80th edition is a privilege for all of us at CCISet to make an appearance at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 the sport of squash is on a high in the country with a lot of success in the Commonwealth Games Asian Games Asian Championships and Professional Squash Association PSA circuit On Sunday the country won the team title in the Squash World Cup in ChennaiTournament Details Dates December 17â21 2025 Venue CCI Squash Courts Mumbai India Courts 6 fully equipped glassbacked courts Format Juniors Knockout rounds with playoffs for Top 8 Age Categories BU11 GU11 BU13 GU13 BU17 GU17 BU19 GU19 Men Women WO35 Procoach MO35 MO40 MO50 MO55 MO60 MO65 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/80th-western-india-squash-tournament-to-commence-on-wednesday-653687.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/india-win-56-medals-at-dubai-2025-asian-youth-para-games-653696.html Dubai Dec 15 As the Dubai 2025Asian Youth Para Games concluded Team India clinched 56 medals including 19 gold and several nations celebrated historic milestones Bangladesh and the Maldives won their firstever medals at the event with Bangladesh making a remarkable debut by securing three gold medals Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum President of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council the Games brought together 1500 athletes from 35 nations in a celebration of youth excellence and inclusionThe Games concluded on Saturday evening marking the end of a landmark edition that witnessed the breaking of 25 records including 9 world records and 16 continental records â a powerful testament to the rising standard of Para sport across AsiaThe UAE delivered an outstanding performance finishing the Games with 23 medals â 6 gold 8 silver and 9 bronze â highlighting their continued growth and commitment to youth Para sport developmentUzbekistan topped the overall medals table with 197 medals had 99 gold followed by strong performances from the Islamic Republic of Iran with 62 gold from their 216 medals and Japan with 40 gold underlining the depth of emerging talent across the continentDubai 2025 marked a historic milestone as the first Asian Youth Para Games to integrate AIpowered robots into Games operations and delivery The robots featured during the opening ceremony and supported medal presentations adding an innovative humancentred dimension that enhanced accessibility and athlete engagementIn a momentous achievement Baby Sahana Ravi secured a gold medal in the Class SF9 Under 23 category of Para Table Tennis defeating the Philippinesâ Lhey Marie Manginsay in straight sets Her victory not only underscores her personal dedication but also reflects Indiaâs growing prominence in para table tennis on the international stageJoining the celebration Vishwa Vijay Tambe added a silver medal to Indiaâs tally in the Class SM10 category after a hardfought encounter against Korea DPRâs Kwang Nam So Despite narrowly missing the top spot Tambeâs effort showcased exceptional grit strategy and competitive spirit â earning admiration from supporters and coaches alikeThe Youth Asian Para Games 2025 was the fifth edition of this prestigious continental event The Games feature competition in 11 sports disciplines â archery athletics badminton boccia goalball powerlifting swimming taekwondo table tennis wheelchair basketball and armwrestling â bringing together the best young paraathletes from across AsiaIndia has fielded a 99member contingent comprising 61 men and 38 women competing across eight sports disciplines The teamâs participation demonstrates the nationâs continued emphasis on inclusion and equal opportunity in sports Supported by expert coaches physiotherapists and mentors the young athletes have shown remarkable progress across multiple eventsThe Asian Youth Para Games 2025 celebrates the spirit of young para athletes from across Asia uniting them through competition determination and inspiration A platform where talent meets opportunity and every victory tells a story of strength and inclusion IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/india-win-56-medals-at-dubai-2025-asian-youth-para-games-653696.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/shooting-nationals-aishwary-pratap-singh-bags-50m-3p-world-record-score-to-claim-gold-gurjoat-singh-wins-skeet-title-653962.html New DelhiBhopal Dec 16 World Championship silver medallist Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar produced a landmark performance on Tuesday firing a world record score of 4705 a full 16 more than the current world record to clinch gold in the menâs 50m rifle 3 positions final of the 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions at the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Range in Bhopal In simultaneous shotgun action being held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range near New Delhi Gurjoat Singh came up with a composed display to bag gold in the mens skeet with 55 hits narrowly defeating ninetime national champion Mairaj Ahmad Khan who finished second with 54 hitsTomar was clinical from the start equalling his own national record of 597 which he had first achieved at the recentlyconcluded International Shooting Sport Federation ISSF World Cup Final in Doha to finish on top of the qualification Navy shooter Niraj Kumar secured the silver with 4637 and Uttar Pradeshâs Akhil Sheoran completed the podium with 4518Defending National champion Kiran Ankush Jadhav finished fourth with 4400 followed by Paris Olympic bronze medallist Swapnil Suresh Kusale with 4297 and his teammate Arjun Babuta in sixth with 4149 Monu Kumar with 4032 and Manvendra Singh Shekhawat with 4016 completed the final lineupEarlier in the qualification Swapnil Kusale 59433x finished behind Tomar followed by Arjun Babuta 59432x with Manvendra Singh Shekhawat 59131x placing fourth Akhil Sheoran and Niraj Kumar both shot 589 finishing fifth and sixth on inner tens while Monu Kumar 58928x placed seventh and Kiran Ankush Jadhav 58832x secured the final qualification spot in eighthIn New Delhi Gurjoat Singh claimed the gold medal in the Mens Skeet final with 55 hits edging past Olympian Mairaj Ahmad Khan who settled for silver with 54 hits This was Mairajâs 26th podium at the National Shooting Championship Competitions He had earlier topped the qualification round with 122 hits finishing level with Parampal Singh Guron but securing the top rank after a shootout where he scored 11 against Parampalâs 10Harmehar Singh Lally claimed the bronze medal in the senior category with 43 hits and followed it up with the gold in the junior final Angad Vir Singh Bajwa finished fourth with 35 hits followed by Parampal in fifth with 24 hits and Jyotiraditya Singh Sisodiya in sixth with 16 hits Earlier in the qualification round Gurjoat was placed third with a score of 121 while Harmehar finished fourth with 120 Angad 4 and Jyotiraditya 32 both hit 119 targets and advanced to the final after a shootoutHarmehar claimed the gold medal after a commanding performance topping the qualification round with a score of 120 before going on to register 54 hits in the final Zorawar Singh Bedi settled for silver with 51 hits while Jyotiraditya Singh Sisodiya secured the bronze medal with a final score of 40 Ishaan Singh Libra finished fourth with 32 followed by Gurfateh Singh Sandhu 24 and Harviraj Singh with 14 hitsIn the junior menâs 50m 3P final Rohit Kanyan won the gold with 4574 while Adriyan Karmakar took the second position finishing with 4555 Vedant Nitin Waghmare secured third place to claim the bronze with 4430 S Hithesh finished fourth with 4312 followed by Manvendra Singh Shekhawat 4189 Kushagra Singh Rajawat 4088 Anshul Jangid 3983 and Gauurav Dinesh Desale 3964In the Menâs Team 50m 3P Railways secured the gold medal with a combined score of 176490x led by Swapnil Suresh Kusale 59433x Arjun Babuta 59432x and Shahu Tushar Mane 57625x The Navy team finished second to take silver with 176099x through Niraj Kumar 589 34x Kiran Ankush Jadhav 588 32x and Nikhil Tanwar 583 33x The Army Marksmanship Unit claimed the bronze medal with an aggregate of 175693x with contributions from Nishan Budha 58738xIn the Junior Menâs Team 50m 3P Rajasthan emerged on top to win the gold medal with a total score of 174877x courtesy Manvendra Singh Shekhawat 591 31x Prince 57924x and Deependra Singh Shekhawat 57822x Maharashtra finished second to secure silver with 173872x led by Gaurav Dinesh Desale 583 24x Vedant Nitin Waghmare 582 26x and Shivam Swapnil Kawale 573 22x Haryana claimed the bronze medal with a combined score of 173847x through Rohit Kanyan 585 21x Aryan Raj Kakkar 57913x and Nirman 57413xIn the skeet team competition Punjab secured the gold medal with a combined score of 358 led by Gurjoat Singh 121 Abhay Singh Sekhon 119 and Bhavtegh Singh Gill 118 Madhya Pradesh finished second to take silver with 342 through Jyotiraditya Singh Sisodiya 119 Rituraj Bundela 114 and Navneet Singh Bhadouriya 109 Army Marksmanship Unit claimed the bronze medal with an aggregate of 340 with contributions from Arjun Thakur 115 G Shival 113 and Atul Singh Rajawat 112Punjab secured gold in the junior skeet team category too with the combined score of 346 led by Harmehar Singh Lally 120 Zorawar Singh Bedi 115 and Gurfateh Singh Sandhu 113 Army Marksmanship Unit claimed the silver medal with an aggregate of 330 on countback with contributions from Atul Singh Rajawat 112 Mangchinglen Sitlhou 110 and Songougin Lenthang 108 Madhya Pradesh finished third to take bronze with 330 through Jyotiraditya Singh Sisodiya 119 Navneet Singh Bhadouriya 109 and Dushyant Vijay Bhardwaj 102Other Results50m Rifle 3P MenYouthRohit Kanyan Haryana Gold 58521xS Hithesh Tamil Nadu Silver 58329xKushagra Singh Rajawat Madhya Pradesh Bronze 58318xDeafKushagra Singh Rajawat Madhya Pradesh Gold 58318xShourya Saini Uttarakhand Silver 57722xArun Panchal Haryana Bronze 56917xCivilian IndividualS Hithesh Tamil Nadu Gold 58329xGaurav Dinesh Desale Maharashtra Silver 58324xAman Rawal Uttar Pradesh Bronze 58126xCivilian Championship JuniorS Hithesh Tamil Nadu Gold 58329xGaurav Dinesh Desale Maharashtra Silver 58324xRohit Kaviti Telangana Bronze 58027xCivilian Championship TeamRajasthan Praveen Charan Prince Bhuvneshwar Raj Singh Rathore â Gold 173275xPunjab Harjas Singh Hardeep Singh Amitoj Singh â Silver 173264xMaharashtra Gaurav Dinesh Desale Shivam Swapnil Kawale Pratik Nanasaheb Thakar â Bronze 172564xCivilian Championship Junior Men TeamMadhya Pradesh Nikhil Pundir Hemant Burman Priyavrat Singh Tomar â Gold 172768xRajasthan Harsh Vardhan Sharma Yashvardhan Sattawan Somanshu Sangwan â Silver 172167xTamil Nadu S Hithesh B Dharsan KRA Rishwanth â Bronze 170958xMasterKaran Singh Haryana GoldYogesh B Gadmale Railways SilverNiren Chawda Karnataka BronzeSkeet MenYouthHarviraj Singh Punjab Gold 115Gurfateh Singh Sandu Punjab Silver 113Anjaneya Singh Mandawa Rajasthan Bronze 113MasterSarosh Khan Rajasthan GoldSyed Hammad Meer Delhi SilverE Chetan Reddy Telangana BronzeSenior MasterGusti Noria Telangana GoldGirish Punja Karnataka SilverR Rajagopal Tondaimal Tamil Nadu BronzeSuper MasterParamjit Singh Sodhi Delhi GoldHarinder Singh Bedi Delhi SilverTripuraneni Prabhakar Chowdary Telangana BronzeSkeet Youth WomenVanshika Tiwari Madhya Pradesh Gold 114Mansi Raghuwanshi Madhya Pradesh Silver 111Sanyogita Shekhawat Rajasthan Bronze 11025m Standard Pistol WomenParisha Gupta Delhi Gold 56112xRiya Shirish Thatte Railways Silver 55810xRiya Duggal Delhi Bronze 5587x IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/shooting-nationals-aishwary-pratap-singh-bags-50m-3p-world-record-score-to-claim-gold-gurjoat-singh-wins-skeet-title-653962.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-american-gambits-beat-continental-kings-ganges-grandmasters-continue-winning-streak-653986.html Mumbai Dec 16 A lastgasp win on the Prodigy board helped Fyers American Gambits overturn a deficit and seal a dramatic victory against reigning champions Triveni Continental Kings on matchday 3 of the Global Chess League GCL on Tuesday The Gambits beat the Kings 108 following Ganges Grandmastersâ 123 win over PBG Alaskan Knights Opening matchday 3 Ganges Grandmasters continued their strong run with a dominant win over PBG Alaskan Knights headlined by a generational icon clash between Viswanathan Anand and Gukesh D The supporting boards offered plenty of intrigue with Arjun Erigaisi taking on Vincent Keymer Leinier DomÃnguez facing World Cup champion Javokhir Sindarov and competitive matchups across the womenâs and prodigy boardsThe tie began evenly as Daniel Dardha and Raunak Sadhwani drew before Sindarovâs composed win over DomÃnguez handed the Grandmasters an early edgeGrandmasters tightened their grip as Polina Shuvalova converted under time pressure and Keymer held Erigaisi to a draw On the icon board Anand pressed confidently after opening with the Kingâs Pawn navigating a sharp Sicilian Defence to build a dominant queenside position and convert with authority Draws on the remaining boards sealed a comprehensive 12â3 victory giving the Grandmasters their second win in three tiesAnand named Player of the Match after scoring his first point of the season said â Itâs nice to play against him Gukesh heâs a very combative player But honestly I would have taken the point against anyone I am happy to score my first point this season it means a lotâLater Triveni Continental Kings and Fyers American Gambits entered the tie with contrasting momentum The spotlight was firmly on the icon board where Alireza Firouzja continued his scintillating start to the season defeating Hikaru Nakamura for his third win in as many matchesAround the hall fans were treated to added colour as Pranav V and Jose Martinez engaged spectators in the fan zone On the boards Wei Yi and Vladislav Artemiev fought out a balanced draw as did Zhu Jiner and Bibisara Assaubayeva while Alexandra Kosteniuk capitalised on a blunder by Teodora Injac to hand the Kings a crucial winThe turning point came on board 3 where Richard Rapport produced a nearflawless display with Black to overcome Vidit Gujrathi in a complex battle that even featured two White queens on the board at one stage With the Kings narrowly ahead at 8â6 heading into the final moments the tie hinged on the prodigy boardThere reigning World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin showed his class defeating MarcâAndria Maurizzi under pressure to swing the result dramatically in the Gambitsâ favour Rapport was named Player of the Match saying âI am very happy that after yesterday both Volodar and I could strike back today He Murzin did very wellâAlpine SG Pipers took on upGrad Mumba Masters in the dayâs final tieAction continues on matchday 4 as Fyers American Gambits face Alpine SG Pipers PBG Alaskan Knights take on upGrad Mumba Masters and Triveni Continental Kings meet Ganges Grandmasters IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-season-3-american-gambits-beat-continental-kings-ganges-grandmasters-continue-winning-streak-653986.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/cycling-pune-grand-tour-unveils-its-heritage-inspired-trophy-at-national-capital-653993.html New Delhi Dec 16 The Pune Grand Tour 2026 Indiaâs firstever UCI 22 multistage road cycling race on Tuesday unveiled its heritageinspired Trophy at an august gathering in New Delhi Crafted by the coppersmiths of Pune famously known as the Tambat Aali community the Pune Grand Tour Trophy is a symbol of the new Indiaâs spirit scale and ambition to achieve newer heights Over the next 15 days the glittering Trophy will travel across India covering Rajasthan Gujarat Telangana Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra state carrying a message that India is ready to take its place on the global cycling map with pride ambition and a race rooted in heritageThe trophy unveiling event brought together notable dignitaries at the national capital led by Union Minister of Youth Affairs amp Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association IOA President PT Usha unveiling the Pride of Pune They were joined by Pankaj Singh President Cycling Federation of India CFI Jitendra Dudi IAS Pune District Collector Onkar Singh Chairman CFI and Maninder Pal Singh Secretary General CFI on the occasionThe Pune Grand Tour is a fourday fourstage 437km continental team menâs road race expected to witness over 150 professional international cyclists from 26 countries in action from 19 to 23 January 2026 The historic first UCI 22 race in India is organised by the Government of Maharashtra and Pune District Administration along with the Cycling Federation of IndiaBespoke Trophy DesignThe Pune Grand Tour Trophy isnât just copper shaped into an object it holds the pulse of a sport the grit of the athletes who chase its glory and the memory of the land it comes from The Pune Grand Tour trophy was imagined with all of that in mindIts silhouette comes from the eight forts that sit along the race route each a reminder of strategy resilience and the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Those forts donât just mark geography they represent the spirit that built Puneâs identity Their influence appears in the trophyâs eightfold structure and in the eightfaced mudra a quiet nod to the cityâs heritage and the stories it carries forwardAt its heart the trophy opens into a swirling cavity almost like a breath drawn inward mirroring the shape of a velodrome Anyone who has watched cyclists train here knows the rhythm the steady rise of speed the discipline the repeated return to the same line until the movement becomes instinct That inner vortex is a tribute to that process that private battle every rider faces long before race dayThe trophy is forged entirely from copper honouring the craftsmen of Tambat Aali who have spent generations perfecting a skill that requires both power and precision The piece spans 480mm but its real presence comes from the countless hammer strikes that form its surface Each mark reflects the cadence of a cyclist pushing through fatigue finding their rhythm and refusing to fall out of motion It is in a way a sculpture of perseverance IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/cycling-pune-grand-tour-unveils-its-heritage-inspired-trophy-at-national-capital-653993.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-dominant-mumba-masters-light-up-opening-day-with-one-sided-win-653487.html Mumbai Dec 14 With four wins across the six boards Mumba Masters delivered a dominant performance in front of the âhomeâ crowd overpowering Ganges Grandmasters 17â4 in a onesided encounter on the opening day of the Global Chess League GCL Earlier at Mumbaiâs Royal Opera House reigning champions Triveni Continental Kings set about their title defence with a 97 win over Alpine SG PipersKings and Pipers kicked off GCL Season 3 with the spotlight was firmly on the icon clash between Alireza Firouzja and Fabiano Caruana where Caruana opted for an aggressive Sicilian Dragon as Black chasing the extra point on offer The risk backfired as Firouzja steadily seized control sacrificing material to build a dominant position before converting with authority in the endgame Earlier Pipers had struck the first blow of the season when Nino Batsiashvili defeated Alexandra Kosteniuk with Black pressing home a central advantage and time edge to secure a crucial fourpoint winKings responded through Wei Yi who outplayed Anish Giri with White in a sharp Vienna Game to swing the tie in their favour The muchanticipated allIndian battle between Vidit Gujrathi and R Praggnanandhaa ended in a hardfought draw as did the womenâs highprofile clash between Zhu Jiner and World No1 Rapid Hou Yifan and the prodigy encounter between MarcâAndria Maurizzi and Leon Mendonca Firouzjaâs matchwinning performance earned him the Player of the Match honoursSpeaking post his teamâs victory Firouzja said âI feel happy that we won Wei Yi also deserves this MOTM award Iâll share it when I go back I remember we had a very good run last year and we have to defend the title now Our opponents Pipers were one of the strongest teams they have so many great players To get this win was importantâPlaying with Black Mumba Mastersâ Maxime VachierLagrave took on Ganges Grandmastersâ Viswanathan Anand with the former eventually emerging on top to set the tone for the tie Masters seized early momentum on the prodigy board where Bardiya Daneshvar capitalised on a major error from Raunak Sadhwani to claim a decisive win and put the hosts 4â0 ahead Wesley So and Vincent Keymer played out a tense battle that ended in a perpetualcheck draw but by then Masters had already stretched their lead through wins on the top boardsThe Superstar contingent led the charge for the Masters with Harika Dronavalli and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov both converting their advantages to pile on the pressure Koneru Humpy came under sustained attack from Polina Shuvalova who controlled the centre with authority to register Grandmastersâ only win of the tie Any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished as Harika sealed her board followed by Mamedyarov closing out his game completing a dominant allround display GCL debutant So was named the Man of the MatchPBG Alaskan Knights featuring a Gukesh DArjun Erigaisi doublepunch took on Hikaru Nakamuraled Fyers American Gambits in the opening dayâs third tieFyers American Gambits face the inform Mumba Masters on matchday 2 followed by Alpine SG Pipers taking on Ganges Grandmasters The day concludes with a blockbuster clash between PBG Alaskan Knights and defending champions Triveni Continental Kings IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gcl-dominant-mumba-masters-light-up-opening-day-with-one-sided-win-653487.html Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sr-national-wrestling-cship-lalit-sahil-chetan-sachin-and-others-strike-gold-in-greco-roman-bouts-653490.html Ahmedabad Dec 14 Gold medals were shared among institutions and states on Day 3 of the 2025 Senior National Wrestling Championship in Ahmedabad as all 10 GrecoRoman weight categories were decided showcasing the strength of RSPB SSCB and Haryana Lalit from SSCB set the pace in the 55 kg category Sahil from Haryana became the champion in the 60 kg division RSPBâs Chetan won the 63 kg title and SSCBâs Sachin finished first in the 67 kg weight classRSPB continued their success with Kuldeep Malik winning the 72 kg crown SSCBâs Aman took the top spot in the 77 kg category Haryana added another gold through Price in the 82 kg division while RSPBâs Rohit won the 87 kg finalIn the heavier classes RSPBâs Nitesh secured gold in the 97 kg category Haryanaâs Joginder Rathi excelled in the 130 kg heavyweight division completing the GrecoRoman competitionsThe strong individual results led to a close team contest with RSPB and SSCB finishing tied for first in the GrecoRoman team rankings each with 190 points Haryana placed third with 138 pointsSeveral teams contributed to the medal tally with silver and bronze finishes This highlighted the competitive spirit of the GrecoRoman events and set an exciting tone for the remaining days of the championship in Ahmedabad IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sr-national-wrestling-cship-lalit-sahil-chetan-sachin-and-others-strike-gold-in-greco-roman-bouts-653490.html Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/raiza-dhillon-sweeps-womens-skeet-titles-on-opening-day-of-68th-national-shooting-championship-finals--653344.html New Delhi Dec 13 Olympian Raiza Dhillon delivered a commanding performance on Saturday at the shotgun ranges claiming a golden double in the Womenâs and Junior Womenâs Skeet events at the 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions NSCC at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad near New Delhi Raiza shot 56 in the Womenâs Skeet final to secure the gold medal one better than Yashasvi Rathore who settled for silver with 55 Fellow Olympian Ganemat Shekhon finished third to take bronze after hitting 45 targets Darshna Rathore 36 Risham Kaur Guron 27 and Vanshika Tiwari 18 finished fourth fifth and sixth respectivelyEarlier the qualification round saw Yashavi top the group with 118 hits while Raiza and Ganemat both shot 116 with Raiza finishing second on a shootoff score of 5 while Ganemat placed third with 4 Darshna Rathore finished fourth with 115 while Risham Kaur Guron and Vanshika Tiwari followed closely with 114 apiece their positions decided on shootoff scoresIn the Womenâs Skeet Team event Rajasthan clinched the gold medal with Yashasvi Rathore Darshna Rathore and Olympian Maheshwari Chauhan 110 combining to 343 hits to top the standings Madhya Pradesh Vanshika Tiwari Mansi Raghuwanshi with 111 hits and Oshmi Shrivas with 103 hits finished second with a total score of 328 while Punjab Ganemat Shekhon Parinaaz Dhaliwal with 105 and Asees Chhina with 104 claimed the bronze medal with 325Raiza continued her dominant run in the Junior Womenâs Skeet final shooting 55 to finish one ahead of Vanshika Tiwari who took silver with 54 Mansi Raghuwanshi won the bronze medal with 45 Qualification topper Yashasvi Rathore 118 finished fourth in the final with 34 followed by Risham Kaur Guron 22 and Sanyogita Shekhawat 14In the Junior Womenâs Team Skeet event Madhya Pradesh emerged as the winners with a total of 328 Vanshika Tiwari Mansi Raghuwanshi and Oshmi Shrivas with 103 hits while Rajasthan Yashasvi Rathore Sanyogita Shekhawat with 110 and Kamna Udawat with 98 hits secured silver at 326 points Punjab finished third to claim the bronze medal with 314 Risham Kaur Guron Parmeet Kaur with 108 hits and Sifat Chhina with 92 hitsThe competitions at the 68th NSCC will continue over the coming days with the womenâs and junior womenâs 25m sports pistol finals scheduled next as Indiaâs top shooters continue their quest for national honours IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/raiza-dhillon-sweeps-womens-skeet-titles-on-opening-day-of-68th-national-shooting-championship-finals--653344.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 01:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/south-koreas-limshin-win-mixed-doubles-title-at-wtt-finals-653360.html Hong Kong Dec 13 South Koreas Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin cruised past Chinas Olympic champions Wang Chuqin and Sung Yingsha in straight games in the mixed doubles final at the World Table Tennis WTT Finals on Saturday With Sun having suffered an injury in the womens singles competition the reigning mixed doubles world champions found it difficult to keep up with their opponents pace After an 119 loss in the opening game Wang and Sun took four consecutive points to pull back to 98 in the second but the South Korean duo regrouped to win 118 The second seeds continued their good form prevailing 116 in the third game to secure their titleEarlier in the day an ankle injury had forced Sun to pull out of her womens singles semifinal against compatriot Kuai ManKuai clinched a 1210 victory in the third game for a 21 lead before Sun called a medical timeout to deal with her ankle pain After returning to action the world No 1 levelled the score with an 117 win in the fourth game reports XinhuaHowever Suns ankle continued to hamper her After losing the fifth game 113 she withdrew from the contest sending Kuai into the title showdownAfter going through many matches I had already felt the lack of supporting strength in my feet in the first game and the pain increased in the third Sun explainedI hoped to deal with it well and continue to play Despite winning the fourth game I found it hard to move in the fifth especially on the forehandI wanted to compete in the mixed doubles final Though the result was not satisfactory we did go all out she addedIn another allChinese affair in the womens singles second seed Wang Manyu sailed past Chen Yi 119 113 1210 118As we are quite familiar with each other this match was more about adjustments on the court Wang said after her win I was patient in the match Whether leading or trailing I could deal with it and tried to make adjustments to score pointsRecovering from his mixed doubles semifinal defeat along with Kuai Lin Shidong triumphed 40 in an allChinese mens singles quarterfinal against Xiang Peng Secondseeded Lin set up a semifinal clash with Japans Tomokazu Harimoto who escaped with a win over Frances Felix Lebrun in a sevengame thrillerI played Harimoto not long ago Looking at our headtohead record Im not the favourite Lin noted I hope to go into the next match with humility and show everything Im capable of Ill give my best to see how I can learn from himThe other mens semifinal pits Wang Chuqin against Swedens Truls MoregardAs the seasonending tournament the WTT Finals will conclude on Sunday with the mens and womens singles titles up for grabs IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/south-koreas-limshin-win-mixed-doubles-title-at-wtt-finals-653360.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 02:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sr-national-judo-cship-2025-26-vbf-judoka-kalpana-upsets-unnati-sharma-to-bag-gold-653468.html Imphal Dec 14 Vijayi Bharat Foundation VBF judoka Irengbam Kalpana Devi bagged gold in the womenâs 63 kg category at the Senior National Judo Championship 202526 Kalpana stunned the judo fraternity by defeating Himanshi Tokas the former Junior World No 1 and current Jr World No 3 in the semifinals of the eventShe carried that momentum into the final where she overpowered Unnati Sharma the Senior Asian Championship silver medalist with a commanding performance to win goldKalpana who hails from Manipur has been training under coach Lal Krishan Baghel at VBFs highperformance centre in Ahmedabad since mid2024I am really happy to win gold today It has all been through the hard work and dedication of my team at VBF so first of all I would like to thank Vijayi Bharat Foundation and my coach Lal Krishan Baghel for what I have achieved today I will now aim to continue this momentum and reach many more milestones for our country said KalpanaAccording to coach Baghel Kalpanaâs preparation for the Senior Nationals focused on elitelevel gripping strategies kumikata transition speed from tachiwaza to newaza matchspecific randori anaerobic endurance and decisionmaking under fatigue Special emphasis was placed on neutralizing the strengths of topranked opponents and converting small scoring opportunities into matchwinning advantagesâThis gold medal is not accidental It is the outcome of disciplined planning technical precision and belief in the processâ said coach BaghelâKalpana followed every session with commitment and she trusted the VBF even when the training was extremely demandingâ he addedKalpanaâs gold medal performance significantly strengthens her position among Indiaâs top senior judokas in the 63 kg category and highlights the growing impact of scientific performancedriven coaching in Vijayi Bharat Foundation VBF Experts believe this victory could mark the beginning of her rise on the international circuitOther VBF judokas making their mark at the event were Rohit Majgul who also dominated in his weight category to win gold in the menâs 66 kg category Shahin Darjada who won silver in womens 57 kg Anurag Sagar silver in mens 60 kg Max Laishram silver in mens 73 kg Simran bronze in womens 48 kg Wanglen Angom bronze in mens 66 kg Reva Rawat bronze in the womenâs 63 kg category IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sr-national-judo-cship-2025-26-vbf-judoka-kalpana-upsets-unnati-sharma-to-bag-gold-653468.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 23:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/i-give-full-credit-to-my-coach-and-family-says-nikita-after-winning-bronze-medal-in-kiug-2025-653287.html Ambala Dec 13 Nikita Lamba who secured a bronze medal in the 48 kg boxing category at the Khelo India University Games 2025 in Bharatpur Rajasthan credited her coach and parents for her achievement After three years of dedicated training Nikita a 23yearold from Ambala celebrated her first podium finish She has previously won a Gold Medal at the State Level and aims to secure more Gold medals for India internationally Besides her coach Sanjay Kumar she credited her family for their unwavering dedication and encouragement throughout her journeyRaised in a lowincome and financially disadvantaged household with her father working as a driver for the Cantonment Board Nikita stated that her family has offered full support for the athletic ambitions of their three daughters two of whom continue to boxI have been boxing for the past eight years Recently I went to Lohagarh Bharatpur in Rajasthan to compete in the Khelo India All India University Games where I won a bronze medal in the 48 kg weight category I give full credit for this achievement to my coach Sanjay Kumar My family members â my father mother and sister â have supported and encouraged me immensely and their contribution means a lot to me My father works as a driver with the Cantonment Board Nikita told IANSNikita an experienced boxer has been boxing since she was 9 years old and follows a strict routine balancing her studies with 45 hours of training each day divided into two sessions one in the morning and one later in the dayKarmveer Singh Nikitas father explained that Nikitas older sister Kalpana is a gold medalist at the Junior Asian Championships and is currently pursuing a BPES Bachelor of Physical Education and Sports degree from Amritsar After being influenced by her older sisters Nikitas youngest sister who is now in Class 7 has also shown an interest in boxingSanjay Kumar Nikitas coach said she has been training at the War Heroes Memorial Stadium in Ambala Cantt where she trains for several hours and is highly regarded by the other athletes thereBesides her own training she also coaches the junior boxers to prepare them for statelevel competitions After the Games the junior athletes welcomed Nikita back to the stadium IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/i-give-full-credit-to-my-coach-and-family-says-nikita-after-winning-bronze-medal-in-kiug-2025-653287.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/mobbed-by-fans-enthusiasm-for-chess-among-dharavi-kids-surprises-praggnanandhaa-653200.html Mumbai Dec 12 In a nearly decadelong career as a player Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has never witnessed a stampedelike situation at a chess venue As a teenager the 20yearold World No 7 has attended numerous chess events with former and current stars But what he experienced on Friday at the District Sports Club near Dharavi in Mumbai was a unique experience for himPragg was in Mumbai to attend the oneday Dharavi Chess Championship 2025 organised by the Navbharat Mega Developers and Adani Group for school children from Dharavi which is transforming through a development projectThe 20yearold from Chennai was mobbed by the 450odd students from 30 schools from Dharavi and the nearby Sion Koliwada area and the organisers had to call in security enforcements to rescue Pragg one of Indias biggest chess stars who has recently qualified for the upcoming Candidates 2026The enthusiasm of the kids was a pleasant surprise for the chess maestro It was a pleasant surprise Its an amazing event So much excitement from the kids for a chess tournament and the game of chess is amazing to see They all look very inspired which is really good to see Praggananandhaa told IANS on FridayOn Friday every word that Pragg uttered was cheered by his excited fans his every move keenly watched he was mobbed by the children who surged towards the dias just to meet him breaking the makeshift barricades put by the organisers A celebrity in his own right Pragg must have heard of such mobbing of movie stars by their fans it was the first time he experienced itAlso it was the first time the students were meeting a chess grandmaster and therefore their excitement knew no boundsThe atmosphere was palpable and inspiring for Pragg too as their presence reminded him of his early days as a chess player and his school days in Chennai He said so in his brief address to the participants as he wished them luck in their endeavorsIt was a dream come true for Shivam Chaurasiya who won the senior category of the Dharavi Chess Championship on Friday as he met his chess idol and received his prize from PraggnanandhaaI have seen their photographs on the Internet but this was the first time that I have met a chess grandmaster He is so approachable said the Class 9 student of Guru Nanak National High SchoolJust like Pragg Shivam also hails from a humble background his parents run a small leather goods manufacturing business in Dharavi the likes of which are spread across the densely populated locality at one time famous across the world as Asias biggest slumA selftaught chess player Shivam competed in his first chess tournament and was obviously elated by his performanceWe never have such events in our locality This is the first time that I am participating in such an event I hope with the development of Dharavi we will have more such events he told IANS on the sidelines of the eventBesides playing in a chess tournament Shivam and fellow winners of the senior and junior categories of the Dharavi Chess Festival also got an opportunity to participate in a chess game with GM Praggnanandhaa during a 10player simulMeeting him was a memorable experience We dont get such chances No meeting sports stars and playing with them He is very nice said Sumit a class 20 student of the same school who finished second behind Shivam in the senior sectionBoth hoped that they would get more such opportunities as the kids played well despite never getting any type of coaching in chessWhile Shivam and Sumit finished first and second in the seniorsAs Navbharat Mega Developers and Adani Group go ahead with the development of Dharavi they hope there will be more such events organised in their localityThe Dharavi Chess Championship was organised by the Adani Group to enforce the Groupâs strong focus on promoting sports at the grassroots levelMore such events will help in the social development of Dharavi along with its physical transformation IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/mobbed-by-fans-enthusiasm-for-chess-among-dharavi-kids-surprises-praggnanandhaa-653200.html Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sr-national-wrestling-cship-antim-manisha-and-nisha-dahiya-win-gold-medals-653206.html Ahmedabad Dec 12 Antim Manisha and Nisha Dahiya won gold medals in the Senior National Wrestling Championship in their respective categories to secure their place in upcoming international events Priya Malik SSCB 76 kg won the silver medal losing the final to Haryanaâs Jyoti Berwal Mansi the world bronze medalist won the bronze medalHaryana dominated the womenâs wrestling events claiming multiple gold medals across categories to lift the Championship Trophy with 190 points ahead of RSPB 144 and Delhi 112Neelam 50 kg Manisha 57 kg Rajnita 59 kg Anjali 62 kg Pulkit 65 kg Hareita 72 kg and Jyoti 76 kg were among Haryanaâs standout performers while RSPB also enjoyed strong success with champions such as Neelam 50 kg Antim 55 kg and Nisha 68 kgDelhi secured third place with consistent podium finishes across divisions The competition in menâs freestyle wrestling will begin tomorrow with Olympic bronze medallist Aman set to compete in the 61 kg categoryWomens Wrestling50 KgGold Neelam RSPBSilver Sweta KTKBronze Muskan HARBronze Shivani MP53 KgGold Anjali RAJSilver Swati MAHBronze Juli UPBronze Manjeet Kaur PUB55 KgGold Antim RSPBSilver Jyoti SSCBBronze Kirti DELBronze Hanshika HAR57 KgGold Manisha HARSilver Neha Sharma DELBronze Tanvi MAHBronze Neetu CHD59 KgGold Rajnita HARSilver Pushpa UPBronze Dhanshree MAHBronze Komal RSPB62 KgGold Anjali HARSilver Bhagyashree MAHBronze Nitika DELBronze Mansi RSPB65 KgGold Pulkit HARSilver Jaspreet PUBBronze Monika RAJBronze Freedom UP68 KgGold Nisha RSPBSilver Shristi DELBronze Mansi HARBronze Tannu Jaat MP72 KgGold Diksha SSCBSilver Harehita HARBronze Priyanka RSPBBronze Maya Mali RAJ76 KgGold Jyoti HARSilver Priya SSCBBronze Tannu RAJBronze Kiran RSPB IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sr-national-wrestling-cship-antim-manisha-and-nisha-dahiya-win-gold-medals-653206.html Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/winter-national-bridge-sagnik-amp-sayantan-win-match-point-pairs-title-marianne-amp-anbazhaga-top-ashok-ruia-senior-pairs-event-652965.html Kolkata Dec 11 Sayantan Kushari amp Sagnik Roy emerged as champions ahead of Joyrup Mullick amp Pranab Roy with 4589 and 2884 Match Points MPs in the Mall Of The Millenium Match Point Pairs Category Ranking Event on the concluding day of the 67th Ashok Ruia Memorial Winter National Bridge Championship at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town in Kolkata on Thursday Marianne Karmarkar amp R Anbazhaga and Rana Roy amp Alok Kumar Sadhu bagged the first and second positions after the final round of the Seniors Pairs Event collecting 10160 and 10050 International Match Points IMPs respectivelyThe other pairs among the top five finishers in the Mall of the Millennium Match Point Pairs were Sandip Dutta amp Gopinath Manna 1548 Bhaskar Sarkar amp Sukanta Das 1309 and KR Venkatraman amp Raju Tolani 1334In the Ashok Ruia Senior Pairs event Paresh C amp Elyas Kheyrolla 4630 Rajesh Jain amp Sarveswar Bhattacharya 4630 and Priyotosh Sarkar amp Asis Tosh 4130 finished among the top fiveEarlier in the Board A Match Competition the quartet of Team Maverick Shibnath De Sarkar Partho Sarathi Mukherjee Jakub Patreuha and Aniruddha Bhattacharya finished at the top scoring 66 points and were followed by Team Vedic represented by veteran Debasish Ray Rana Ray Bhavesh Saha Pinaki Prasad Khan and Satyabrata Mukherjee and logging just one point less 65Earlier on Wednesday Rajeshwar Tiwari amp Shubham Acharya led the field with 150506 Match Points MPs and are followed by Sayantan Kushari amp Sagnik Roy 145287 MPs at the end of 20 out of the total 25 preliminary rounds of the Mall of the Millennium Match Point Pairs Competition Ranking Event of Ashok Ruia Memorialà Winter National Bridge ChampionshipJoyrup Mullick amp Pranab Roy 142234 Bhaskar Sarkar amp Sukanta Das 139127 and Sandip Dutta amp Gopinath Manna 137640 comprise the top five at the end of the 20th round in the Mall of the Millennium Match Point Pairs competitionOut of the sixty pairs playing now the top 26 competed in the final round that was held along with the Seniors Pairs Event for 60 years and above on the concluding day on Thursday IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/winter-national-bridge-sagnik-amp-sayantan-win-match-point-pairs-title-marianne-amp-anbazhaga-top-ashok-ruia-senior-pairs-event-652965.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/dharavi-chess-championship-2025-to-unite-over-200-young-minds-652986.html Mumbai Dec 11 In the last many decades of its existence Dharavi has produced many talented doctors lawyers artists engineers and sportspersons It is the first time that one of Asiaâs most densely populated informal settlements is gearing up for a vibrant showcase of strategy and youthful talent as the Dharavi Schools Chess Championship 2025 Hosted by Nav Bharat Mega Developers Private Limited NMDPL and the Adani Group the Dharavi Chess Championship 2025 is slated to be held on Friday December 12 2025 at the District Sports Club Over 200 students from more than 30 schools will compete across Junior and Senior categories in a tournament that celebrates one of the worldâs most intellectually enriching sportsAs part of its broader vision for community upliftment NMDPL views the redevelopment of Dharavi not just as an infrastructure programme but as a longterm investment in human capital The championship reflects this approach by nurturing cognitive skills building confidence and opening pathways for aspirationdriven growth among young learnersReinforcing the Adani Groupâs strong focus on promoting sports at the grassroots level the event will feature Indiaâs chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa who will lead interactive engagements exhibition games and conversations on discipline resilience and focused thinkingâvalues that resonate both in competitive sport and in lifeThe initiative underscores the transformative role intellectual sports can play in providing opportunities for children in highdensity settlements equipping them with problemsolving abilities curiosity and a mindset for lifelong learning By creating such platforms NMDPL continues to widen horizons for the next generation helping them dream bigger and aim higherOrganisers anticipate a lively and inspiring atmosphere as students educators and community members come together for a day dedicated to mental agility strategic thinking and holistic developmentThe Adani Group secured the Dharavi redevelopment bid in November 2022 initiating one of Indiaâs most ambitious urban transformation projects and setting the stage for sustained communitycentric initiatives such as this championshipOn the occasion selected players will also get a chance to compete against Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa in a simul on Friday IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/dharavi-chess-championship-2025-to-unite-over-200-young-minds-652986.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fiba-nba-target-2027-launch-for-new-european-club-basketball-league-652594.html Geneva Dec 10 International basketball association FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis has said that the world basketball governing body is working with the National Basketball Association NBA on plans to launch a new European club competition in 2027 I believe it will happen but we need approvals by the respective boards of the NBA and the FIBA Central Board Zagklis said at FIBAs annual media video conferenceOctober 2027 is a realistic target It is an ideal way of closing the curtain on the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Doha and moving into a new project that shapes the European club basketball landscape in a positive way Zagklis said on TuesdayIn March FIBA Europe and the NBA announced plans to launch a new professional mens league in Europe featuring 16 teams NBA Europe and Middle East managing director George Aivazoglou previously identified cities including London Paris Rome Berlin and Barcelona as potential hosts though neither the official name nor launch date has been finalised reports XinhuaZagklis stressed the competition would be a joint venture rather than a purely NBA product I would not call this an NBA competition because FIBA will be part of this he said If you want to call it an NBAFIBA competition I could agree The NBA is part of the ventureEuropean club basketball is currently led by two toptier competitions the EuroLeague and the EuroCup both operated by EuroLeague BasketballZagklis said he wanted to bring Europes club competitions under a single framework I am not happy with the current structure which is fragmented he said My vision is everything under the same roof It is our job to bring everyone together and I will keep tryingHe added that access and sustainability are central to FIBAs plans We want teams from other leagues to have a pathway We do not want an elevator system where clubs invest just to play for one year Zagklis saidWe want to give hope to hundreds of clubs and a reason to invest not only through the Basketball Champions League but also through national leagues It is also a matter of respect for the fans of these teamsHe also addressed changes to the qualifying and ranking system for the 2027 FIBA Mens World Cup noting the introduction of a cumulative points model We cleaned up some elements of the ranking Zagklis said One change is that points are cumulative In the past teams advancing directly to the next phase could end up with fewer ranking pointsZagklis said the rankings will play a key role in draws for both the 2027 World Cup in Doha Qatar and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games The ranking is very important for the draw he said The more successful you have been recently the better draws you get and the better chances you have to go deep in major tournaments IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fiba-nba-target-2027-launch-for-new-european-club-basketball-league-652594.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/shooting-league-of-india-to-kick-off-on-feb-16-652613.html New Delhi Dec 10 The inaugural Shooting League of India SLI is set to be held from February 16 to 26 2026 with the dates now aligned with the ISSFâs 2026 calendar to avoid clashes with major international competitions The SLI aims to showcase highquality shooting action while giving fans a chance to watch some of the best athletes in the world go headtohead in a leaguestyle competition formatSpeaking on the inaugural edition and the start of the competition newly elected NRAI president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said The SLI is a milestone for our sportâfranchisebuilt athletefirst and aligned to the global calendar to maximise participation With mixedteam formats compelling storylines and a premium broadcast weâre set to deliver a worldclass opening season that welcomes international stars and inspires Indiaâs next generationPawankumar Singh secretary general of the NRAI added Weâre excited that the inaugural edition of the Shooting League of India will take place early next year Featuring top athletes from India and abroad we anticipate close and competitive matches The league presents a tremendous opportunity to promote shooting as a sport and offer fans an exciting new format to followIt will also provide domestic athletes with invaluable exposure to toplevel competitors helping them understand how to prepare for major championships and making the sport more inclusive and accessibleThe competition will include mixed team events across various categories â Pistol 10m 25m Rifle 10m 50m 3P and Shotgun Trap and Skeet Franchisebased teams will be split into two pools for the league stage then advance to knockout roundsPlayers are drafted across four tiers â Elite Champions World Elite National Champions and Junior amp Youth â ensuring a balanced mix of international stars top Indian shooters and emerging talentFormer World Champion and shooting legend Ronjan Sodhi added âWith tighter formats mixedteam dynamics and a premium broadcast the SLI can translate fine margins into compelling drama Itâs the kind of platform that turns technical excellence into mustwatch sportâFormer World Number 1 Khel Ratna amp Arjuna Awardee and shooting legend Anjali Bhagwat said âThis platform lets juniors and national champions line up alongside global stars learn and raise their game With a protected window and strong officiating the league can set new standards for our sport and inspire the next generationâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/shooting-league-of-india-to-kick-off-on-feb-16-652613.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/from-breaking-the-chain-of-poverty-to-targeting-asian-games-kiug-2025-medallists-bharti-and-devika-offer-a-lot-of-hope-652662.html Bharatpur Dec 10 They come from different backgrounds but share the same dream of representing the country at the Continental level Bharti from Haryana and Devika Satyajit Ghorpade are prime examples of this During the boxing event of the 2025 Khelo India University Games KIUG in Rajasthanâs Bharatpur Bharti represented Maharshi Dayanand University Haryana in the womenâs minimum 4548kg category and hauled in a silver while Devika Satyajit Ghorpade represented Savitribai Phule Pune University Maharashtra in the womenâs fly 52kg and captured a gold as expectedBoth athletes come from very different socioeconomic backgrounds 23yearold Bhartiâs father does labour work at a brick factory earning Rs 250300 per day Devikaâs father on the other hand has his own company in the construction businessFrankly both athletes deserve a lot of credit Bharti for not giving up in the face of financial adversity and Devika for staying grounded for being aspirational and not choosing a comfortable runofthemill lifeThe 20yearold Devika wanted to be a professional Western dancer in the first place She started taking western dance classes in Pune as a little girl But in 2016 while watching the Rio Olympics on TV she was encouraged by her father to take up a sport leaving her torn between wrestling and boxingAnd then an inspiring article on Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Manoj Pingale from Pune helped her make up her mind in favour of boxing Bharti meanwhile was inspired by her nextdoor cousin in Rohtak Monika who went on to represent India with successBharti who comes from the Scheduled Caste is quite right when she says a little financial support can go a long way in the life of an athlete âAthletes from our backgrounds struggle a lot At the start we donât even have the bare minimum like basic equipment diet and accommodation And frankly speaking if things donât change miraculously which donât for a lot of us our performances and the drive to succeed take a hit over time All of us can do a lot better if we donât have to worry about those little thingsâ Bharti who won her first KIUG medal in her third attempt saidâThatâs where a platform like Khelo India comes into play as they make things a little easier for us But we need more help at the level we are Nobody needs support when they become a superstar Itâs at our level where we need supportâ the 2019 Youth National gold winner in Uttarakhand addedDevika is a very accomplished athlete She is the 2022 Youth World Champion The championship happened in Spain A couple of months before she had won a gold medal too at the Golden Glove of Vojvodina Youth Boxing Tournament in SerbiaIn the Asian Junior Championships in Dubai in 2021 she won a bronze and at the 2024 Under22 Asian Championships in Kazakhstan she won another bronze Besides she has three Khelo India Youth Games KIYG golds to her name and trains at the prestigious SAI National Centre of Excellence NCOE in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar previously known as AurangabadâI am targeting the Senior Nationals If I win there I will represent the country in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Japan next year Khelo India is a great platform since it provides so many competitive opportunitiesâ Devika who featured in her first KIUG and beat Mohini from the Sports University of Haryana in the final said IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/from-breaking-the-chain-of-poverty-to-targeting-asian-games-kiug-2025-medallists-bharti-and-devika-offer-a-lot-of-hope-652662.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/dharashiv-sangli-crowned-winners-at-maharashtra-state-junior-kho-kho-championship-652063.html Ahilyanagar Maharashtra Dec 8 Dharashiv and Sangli emerged as champions in the boys and girls categories respectively in the 51st Junior State Kho Kho Championship conducted by Maharashtra State Kho Kho Association MSKKA held in Ahilyanagar In all 720 players from across 24 districts of Maharashtra participated in the fourday championship that concluded on Sunday The format of the championship was leaguecumknockout and 40 matches were played in both the boysâ and girlsâ categoriesIn the boysâ section Solapur bagged the runnersup position with Sangli and Pune in joint third place While in the girlsâ category Thane secured the runnersup position with Dharashiv and Solapur in jointthird positionThe massive participation reflects the strong presence of Kho Kho in the state The junior championship is a platform to identify and nurture future talents said Dr Chandrajit Jadhav General Secretary Maharashtra Kho Kho AssociationThe championship also recognised outstanding players including Sotya Valvi as the Best Defender Chandanshiv Shambhuraj as Best Attacker and Vasave Jitendra as Best AllRounder in the boys category In the girls category Tamkhade Shrawani was adjudged Best Defender Jagdale Praniti as Best Attacker and Chafe Sanika as Best AllRounderUnder the aegis of the Kho Kho Federation of India KKFI the event was organised by the Maharashtra Kho Kho Association with the support of the Ahilyanagar District Kho Kho AssociationThe 51st Junior State Kho Kho Championship served as a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and secure a spot in state teams for the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship boys amp girls to be held in Karnataka from December 31 2025 to January 4 2026 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/dharashiv-sangli-crowned-winners-at-maharashtra-state-junior-kho-kho-championship-652063.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/issf-world-cup-finals-zoravar-finishes-seventh-in-mens-trap-as-india-end-campaign-with-two-gold-652071.html New Delhi Dec 8 World championship bronze medallist Zorawar Singh Sandhu finished seventh in the menâs trap final with seven hits in the first 10 targets as India concluded their secondbest ever campaign at an International Shooting Sport Federation ISSF World Cup Finals WCF with a total of six medals including two gold medals Zorawar was the only Indian representative on the concluding Shotgun Day at the Lusail Shooting complex in Doha which saw all four individual Shotgun finals played out on Monday Indias bestever campaign was in Putain in 2019 in the ISSF World Cup Finals with three gold medalsZorawar had qualified for the final now up to eight from the earlier six with the new ISSF rules with a score of 119 in qualifying which gave him sixth place over 125 targets In the now 30shot final he could not get his act together and was among the first two alongside Italian Giovanni Pellielo to bow outChina topped the standings ahead of India with four gold medals and nine medals The USA with their double gold in menâs trap and skeet on the day came third the National Rifle Association of India NRAI informed in a release on MondayAmong Indiaâs high points of the campaign was a stunning gold by Simranpreet Kaur Brar in the womenâs 25m pistol and a return to the top of the podium of Suruchi Phogat who won the womenâs 10m air pistol goldIndia also registered a firstever double podium finish in an ISSF World Cup Final when Sainyam took the first of three silvers from the campaign for India Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar in the menâs 50m rifle 3 positions and Anish Bhanwala in the menâs 25m rapidfire pistol were the other silver winners Indiaâs lone bronze was won by the reigning world champion in the menâs 10m air pistol Samrat RanaIndian debutants Suruchi Phogat and Sainyam caused the biggest flutter at the Lusail Shooting Complex in Doha on the opening competition day of the seasonending competition by winning gold and silver respectively in the 10m air pistol womenâs event Suruchi shot a Junior World Record score of 2451 in the eightwoman final to leave her senior teammate 18 behind in second This was the first time India registered a double podium in the premium yearending ISSF showdown between the yearâs best shooters and Olympic and World Championship medalists Chinaâs Yao Qianxun won bronze with 2194 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/issf-world-cup-finals-zoravar-finishes-seventh-in-mens-trap-as-india-end-campaign-with-two-gold-652071.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indias-praggnanandhaa-tops-fide-circuit-2025-secures-spot-in-next-years-candidates-tournament-652106.html Mumbai Dec 8 Indias Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa was on Monday declared winner in the FIDE Circuit 2025 thus securing his qualification as the only Indian man in next yearâs Candidates tournament to be played next year FIDE the sports world governing body announced this via a social media post on Monday informing that the young Grandmaster from Chennai is the most successful male player from India this year bagging titles at the Tata Steel Masters Superbet Chess Classic Romania UzChess Cup Masters and London Chess Classic OpenPraggnanandhaa R has won the FIDE Circuit 2025 securing a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament Congratulations to rpraggnachess who deservedly earned one of the eight slots in the 2026 Candidates FIDE said in a post on X formerly TwitterThe young Indian has been the best FIDE Circuit player throughout the year winning the Tata Steel Masters Superbet Chess Classic Romania UzChess Cup Masters and London Chess Classic Open and finishing second in the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and 12th Sinquefield Cup FIDE further wrote in its postIn the FIDE Circuit 2025 Pragg finished with a score of 11517 with Anish Giri of the Netherlands ending second with 8118 and Nodirbek Abdusattorov ending third with 7161 score Fabiano Caruna USA with 6555 and Matthias Bluebaum ending fifth with 8394Praggnanandhaa is the seventh player to make the eightplayer field for the Candidates 2026 joining the likes of Dutchman Anish Giri Fabiano Caruana of the US Matthias Bluebaum of Germany Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan Wei Yi of China and Andrey Esipenko of RussiaThe eighth spot will be filled on the basis of FIDE rating According to FIDEs qualification pathway handbook for the Candidates the spot with go to the player with the highest âsixmonth average rating based on FIDE Standard Rating Lists from August 1 2025 till January 1 2026 provided the respective player has played at least 40 games calculated for FIDE Standard Rating Lists from February 1 2025 till January 1 2026 including at least 15 games in any of the six consecutive rating listsâThe Candidates 2026 tournament will take place between March and April 2026 and the winner will take on reigning World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh in the World Chess Championship Final Match later in 2026 The dates and venues for both the Candidates and the Final Match will be decided laterMeanwhile while Praggnanandhaa will be Indiaâs sole male representation three Indian women â Divya Deshmukh Koneru Humpy R Vaishali â have qualified for next yearâs Womenâs Candidates IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indias-praggnanandhaa-tops-fide-circuit-2025-secures-spot-in-next-years-candidates-tournament-652106.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/equestrian-team-india-clinches-gold-in-fei-childrens-classic-silver--652022.html Mumbai Dec 8 Team India recorded an impressive victory at the International Federation for Equestrian Sports FEI Childrenâs Classic â Silver Tour securing the gold medal in the Team category a competitive field of riders from Zone 9 countries The Indian team comprised Stasya Pandya Sresht Mantena Harshvardhan Singh Gulia and Prithiv Krishna who delivered steady and wellexecuted rounds to finish at the top of the leaderboardRiding her horse Cougar Stasya Pandya of Amateur Ridersâ Club ARC played an important role in the teamâs success with consistent controlled and technically sound performance Her global ranking is now 12th in the Overall Individual Classification Silver Tour at the FEI Jumping Childrenâs Classics 2025 FinalThe FEI Childrenâs Classic is recognised internationally as a key development platform for young riders offering exposure to global standards of show jumpingARC Rider Stasya Pandya says While I am thrilled to have won this title I am equally delighted that India is gaining recognition on the global stage with equestrian sports growing rapidly and providing consistent opportunities for our riders to achieve international success I am truly grateful for the chance to train at the worldclass allweather arena at ARC which enhances my skills and prepares me to compete at the highest level in the countryâStasyaâs performance highlights ARCâs role in nurturing nationallevel talent and providing its riders with the bestinclass resources to compete on national and international platformsEstablished in 1942 The Amateur Ridersâ Club ARC is one of the oldest and largest private civilian horseriding clubs in Mahalaxmi Race Course Mumbai India offering riding throughout the year to members as well as nonThe club provides professional training in all disciplines of equestrian sport like Polo Show Jumping and Dressage as well as houses about 150 horses It has been the driving force for the growth of equestrian sport for over 75 years IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/equestrian-team-india-clinches-gold-in-fei-childrens-classic-silver--652022.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kalikesh-singh-deo-to-begin-first-full-four-year-term-as-nrai-chief-651515.html Mohali Dec 4 Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo began his first full fouryear term as National Rifle Association of India NRAI President after being elected unopposed during its general body meeting here on Thursday The results of the NRAI officebearers elections were officially declared on Thursday The elections were conducted under the aegis of Justice Nirmaljit Kaur Retd who was the Returning Officer RO Sharing his first reactions Deo stated âIndian shooting has currently seen its most successful phase in history over the last couple of years both in terms of success and popularity and that increases our responsibilities manifold I wholeheartedly thank the entire General Body for restoring faith in my team and meWe promise to leave no stone unturned to accelerate this growth momentum even further and to maximise the potential that our extremely talented shooting athletes possess With the flag paramount in our thoughts let us all work together to make India number one in the world in our beloved sportâPawan Singh one of Indiaâs most respected shooting administrators and technical experts has also been elected unopposed âMy focus will be on using technology to find and nurture promising athletes from every corner of India We also want to train coaches and shooters for coaching so that they have an alternate career when they retire and can earn from the sport they have invested their life in Singh saidThe elections also put in place a new Executive Committee and a new Governing Body the highest decisionmaking body of the National FederationIn the two electoral contests that took place Amit Sanghi from Telangana was elected as the Senior Vice President of the Governing Body while Kanwar Sultan Singh and Sushma Singh were elected VicePresidents in the 15member Executive Committee ECThe four sportspeople in the Executive Committee will be Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang Kunti Malik Zorawar Singh Sandhu and Elavenil Valarivan respectivelyDeo first became involved in sports governance in 2017 when he was elected as senior vicepresident of NRAI Following Raninder Singhs 12year term as NRAI President which was limited by the organisations constitution and national sports code provisions Deo assumed responsibility for the NRAIs daytoday operations as the seniormost officebearerOn April 6 2023 he formally took charge as acting president He was elected president of the NRAI on September 21 2024 during a general body meeting in New Delhi defeating challenger VK Dhall by a vote of 3621 Deo who had been NRAI senior vice president since 2017 assumed office for a oneyear term which ended in 2025 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kalikesh-singh-deo-to-begin-first-full-four-year-term-as-nrai-chief-651515.html Fri, 05 Dec 2025 03:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/aussie-tennis-coach-todd-clark-lauds-khelo-india-games-says-it-give-teenagers-opportunities-to-pick-up-sports-651069.html Jaipur Dec 2 Australian coach Todd Clark who is a wellknown figure in Indian tennis and a strong supporter of the Khelo India initiative believes Khelo India Games will greatly benefit India in the long term and also give teenagers opportunities to pick up sport The Australian coach arrived in India in 2008 and has since made the country his home immersing himself deeply in its culture Currently Clark serves as the Director of Tennis at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology KIIT in Odisha and is mentoring players at the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025I think the Khelo India games are fantastic to have happened to this country There is nothing more troublesome than a bored teenager What these games have done all over the country is that they have given these teens opportunities to pick up sports and excel at them and eventually make a career Sports also inculcate characterâ Clark told SAI MediaClark with over 30 years of coaching experience also commended the Government of India for introducing the Khelo India initiative âThe current Central Government is quite keen on the idea of a fit India These games are going to promote health and wellness among the youth Furthermore the infrastructure will get a boost I am quite impressed with the facilities that I have seen in Jaipur so farâ he saidAfter arriving in India Clark began working at the Harvest Tennis Academy in Punjab He has also been involved in coaching in Gujarat and Haryana He was part of the Indian team when Vaishnavi Adkar from Pune secured a bronze medal in womenâs singles at the 2025 Summer World University Games This achievement marked Indiaâs firstever womenâs tennis medal at the event In fact it was only the second medal India has won at this competition the first being a silver earned by Nandan Bal in 1979Clark believes India has significant talent and potential in tennis âI think India has a lot of talent Though I believe talent identification could be better Counselling kids on what sport to pick could also be better For example you need to be a certain height to be a good tennis player 6 feet or thereabouts so if you are say 5â4â your chances of being a topclass tennis player are very low so you should pick up another sport that suits you So itâs important players are advised in the right mannerâ he saidClark emphasised the need for significantly increasing financial support for players transitioning from junior to senior levels âI think there are a lot of opportunities for junior players in India But there are not many at the senior level So they need to travel to other countries to get their opportunities which can be a very expensive affair Tennis is an expensive sport This is something that needs to be addressed This is one of the main reasons why Indian players after making waves at the junior level fail to keep up the momentum at the senior levelâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/aussie-tennis-coach-todd-clark-lauds-khelo-india-games-says-it-give-teenagers-opportunities-to-pick-up-sports-651069.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/referee-training-programme-kicks-off-in-new-delhi-as-part-of-ice-hockey-season-3-651101.html New Delhi Dec 2 The Referee Training Programme for Ice Hockey Season 3 is currently underway in Delhi NCR marking the second onground capacitybuilding intervention of the 2025â26 season Held from December 1 to 5 the programme brings together over 20 officials from Ladakh Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reinforcing the continued focus on strengthening the technical backbone of Ice Hockey across the Himalayan region Ahead of the onice session in New Delhi participating officials completed four virtual modules as part of this structured seasonlong Referee Development Programme These online sessions introduced foundational officiating concepts ensuring that all referees began onice training with a shared baseline of rules mechanics and situational decisionmakingThe training is being led by Peter Gebei a seasoned Ice Hockey professional from Hungary with over four decades of experience as a player referee and officiating coach A former member of the Hungarian national team with 57 international caps Peter transitioned into refereeing after his playing career and went on to officiate in top international leagues including the Austrian Hockey League Erste Bank Eishockey Liga and Kontinental Hockey League KHLHis selection for the International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF Top Division World Championships reflects his technical excellence and consistency at the highest level As a senior referee he continues to officiate global IIHF competitionsBeyond officiating Peter has played a pivotal role in mentoring emerging referees globally as an IIHF Officiating Instructor shaping structured education pathways and contributing to the development of strong officiating ecosystems internationally His leadership brings global standards and expertise directly into the Indian contextAligned with the Blueprint for Himalayan Ice Hockey Development the Referee Training Programme strengthens the governance and officiating standards required for the sportâs growth in emerging regions The weeklong training combines classroom sessions onice demonstrations and scenariobased evaluations to build a technically sound pool of officials capable of supporting developmental competitions and communityled tournamentsFollowing the completion of the programme in New Delhi trained officials will travel to Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh to support Learn to Play activities and officiate in earlyseason regional camps They will then form the core officiating group for the upcoming developmental leagues in early 2026 including the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League REIHL in Ladakh and the Spiti Cup powered by Royal Enfield in Himachal PradeshThrough such structured interventions Royal Enfield continues to advance its Social Mission of empowering Himalayan communities through sport strengthening technical standards expanding opportunities for youth and women and building a resilient and credible winter sports ecosystem across the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/referee-training-programme-kicks-off-in-new-delhi-as-part-of-ice-hockey-season-3-651101.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/mahipal-singh-wins-second-chennai-open-tenpin-bowling-championships-651157.html New Delhi Dec 2 Mahipal Singh from Tamil Nadu won the title at The Chennai Diamonds 2nd Chennai Open Tenpin Bowling Championships which concluded at Letâs Bowl Chennai In the Open Division Finals played based on the challenging the leader format second seed Benigopal L won the first game against top seed D Mahipal Singh 208194 forcing the second game to decide the Winner In the second game Mahipal started with three consecutive strikes scoring 200 against 168 by Benigopal to emerge as the championEarlier in the first match of the stepladder round thirdseeded Anand Babu from Tamil Nadu defeated fourthseeded Naveen Siddam from Telangana 222â183 In the semifinals Benigopal Lahoti from West Bengal scored a comfortable win over Anand Babu 22391In the Doubles division Parvez Ahmed and Kishan R 737 pins from Karnataka won the Cliffhanger Finals against Gurunathan and Soban D from Tamil Nadu 735 pins by a margin of two pinsIn Game 1 of the title match played based on cumulative pinfall of two games 4th seed Parvez and Kishan R 386 gained a lead of 1 pin against 3rd seed Gurunathan and Soban 385 And in the second match both teams fought hard to gain the lead and a strike from Kishan R in the final frame sealed the title win for the team from Karnataka 351350In the Grade A Division the top 12 players bowled an 8game block in the masters round to decide the winner At the end of eight games Gurunathan from Tamil Nadu finished on top with an impressive total pinfall of 1556 and an average of 19450 Anand Babu also from Tamil Nadu finished second with a total pinfall of 1544 and an average of 19300 Sathish A V from Karnataka finished 3rd with a total pinfall of 1485 pinsIn the Grade B Division Mohit Chauhan from Maharashtra won the Masters round with a Total pinfall of 1471 and an average of 18388 in 8 games Kushal KS from Delhi scored a total pinfall of 1429 Avg 17863 and finished second in this division Anand Kumar R from Uttar Pradesh finished third with a total of 1407 Avg 17588 This championship witnessed twelve days of highvoltage bowling action by around 95 bowlers from 10 states IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/mahipal-singh-wins-second-chennai-open-tenpin-bowling-championships-651157.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kiug-2025-from-losing-her-father-at-9-to-securing-100m-gold-keerthanas-journey-to-the-top-651165.html Jaipur Dec 2 Every athlete has a moment that defines everything theyâve fought for For Keerthana that moment came in Jaipur where the Udupiborn sprinter clocked 1194 seconds to win the womenâs 100m gold at the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 a triumph that was years in the making Now a secondyear Master of Commerce MCom student at Jain University Keerthana delivered the Universityâs first gold medal outside the swimming pool stamping her arrival as one of the most exciting young sprinters on the circuit But behind the bright finish on the track lies a story of personal setbacks and stubborn perseveranceKeerthana was a nineyearold girl studying in Class 3 when she lost her father to cardiac arrest a moment that shook her familyâs world Years later the young athlete would lose her coach too in an accident another emotional blow that could easily have pushed her away from the sport She had started her career as a 400m runner but a groin injury almost derailed her dreams Instead it forced a turning pointHer elder brother a private PT teacher and the familyâs sole breadwinner stepped in when Keerthana needed direction the most He took full charge of her training and in 2021 made a bold call to shift her to the 100m where her natural speed could shine and her body could heal Since then the two have formed a quiet determined team training privately and rebuilding both confidence and rhythmFrom there Keerthana refused to slow down Over the next two years she began settling into the 100m sprint steadily sharpening her speed and confidence Her breakthrough came in 2022 when she was part of the silverwinning 4x400m relay team at the Khelo India University Games held in Bengaluru That same season she bagged her first relay gold at the All India InterUniversity Games followed by a silver in the same event in Chennai the next yearBy March 2023 her progress was measurable she clocked a Personal Best of 1186 seconds at a U23 state meet a mark she arrived in Jaipur hoping to eclipseThe upward curve has continued ever since and Mondayâs gold in the Pink City stands out as a milestone her first individual medal at the KIUG after earlier successes in the 4x400m relay across the past two editionsâI wanted to better my personal best but unfortunately I couldnât Nevertheless the victory at the Khelo India University Games is special because itâs my first individual goldâ the 22yearold said her smile revealing both pride and a flicker of disappointment at missing that PB of 1186sA 2017 School Games medallist and now a familiar name across three KIUG editions Keerthana understands that this chapter of her career is still unfolding And she isnât done yet in Jaipur She will return to the track on the final day of track and field competitions in KIUG 2025 for the womenâs 4x400m relay aiming to add another medal to her growing listâWeâve prepared well for the relay and weâre looking forward to winning another goldâ she said with quiet confidenceWith the season drawing to a close Keerthana is already looking towards a busy 2026 but the priority remains firmly on staying injuryfree a lesson ingrained from her early struggles As the focus turns to the Asian Games next year Keerthana is determined to give herself the best chance IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kiug-2025-from-losing-her-father-at-9-to-securing-100m-gold-keerthanas-journey-to-the-top-651165.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/after-kiug-2025-silver-rajyashree-aims-to-pursue-glory-with-mother-rakhi-650618.html Bikaner Nov 27 For Rajyashree weightlifting is more than just a sport â its a family affair Moments after almost securing gold in the womenâs 58kg category at her first Khelo India University Games KIUG 2025 missing by only two kilograms she was quickly embraced by her mother and coach Rakhi Halder a sixtime international medallist Remarkably there is little time for celebration or reflection Just two days after the Bikaner competition Rajyashree and her mother will return to the platform to compete in the ASMITA Weightlifting League in Kolkata on November 28 Its uncommon to see a mother and daughter competing in the same leagueRajyashree a secondyear Bachelor of Arts student at Adamas University started weightlifting six years ago Despite frequently finishing outside the top three at major competitions she keeps pushing forward Recently she narrowly missed a medal again finishing second to Odishaborn international Rima Bhoi of Lovely Professional University by just two kg She acknowledged that winning silver would motivate her to improve even moreThe rivalry between Rima and Rajyashree is not recent as both secured a 12 finish in the 59kg womenâs category at the Khelo India Asmita Women National Zonal League202425 in Brahmapur OdishaâThis was my first Khelo India University Games and it feels good to get a silver There is a reason for that I have mostly finished fourth fifth so far so this silver is a special one The last medal that I won was a bronze in the All India InterUniversity championshipâ Rajyashree saidRajyashree who also competed in the Khelo India Youth Games in Tamil Nadu finished fourth in her category there as well She is the daughter of powerlifter C Naveen Kumar and has one younger sister She trains at home in Kolkata under her mother Rakhis guidance who won gold at the 2019 Commonwealth Championships in the womenâs 64kg categoryGrowing up with a decorated athlete in the family posed its own challenges Rajyashree acknowledged that the pressure of expectations frequently weighs on her mind before competitionsâThere is mental pressure of performance when people find my identity they will count my motherâs achievements I hope to live up to the expectationsâ the softspoken lifter saidEven though her campaign at KIUG ended on Wednesday Rajyashree has little time to rest By Friday the teenage weightlifter will return to the platform to compete in the womenâs 58kg category at the ASMITA Weightlifting League aiming to continue her momentum with Rakhi supporting her from the sidelinesLater that day 19yearold Rajyashree will switch from competitor to supporter as her mother competes in the womenâs 69kg weight category aiming to add another medal to her distinguished career IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/after-kiug-2025-silver-rajyashree-aims-to-pursue-glory-with-mother-rakhi-650618.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 01:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/triathlete-pragnya-mohan-says-ahmedabad-commonwealth-games-2030-will-ignite-new-sporting-era-for-india-650634.html Ahmedabad Nov 27 Indian triathlete Pragnya Mohan believes that Ahmedabads selection as host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games marks a defining moment for Indiaâs sporting future Calling it a significant leap forward she said the event will firmly position India on the world map in terms of sports infrastructure and sporting potential âI think its a big step for India and it will definitely put India as a landmark for sporting infrastructure and as a sporting nationâ Pragnya told IANS She added that athletes across the countryânot just those from Ahmedabadâwill benefit from exposure to the wide range of disciplines showcased at the GamesHighlighting the impact such visibility could have on young talent she noted âThe Commonwealth Games have a large variety of sports and seeing heroes of those sports compete on Indian soil will ignite a passion in the future generation like no otherâPragnya credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his consistent contribution to Indiaâs sporting rise Recalling her personal interactions with him she said âHe has always been instrumental in my sporting journey He was the Chief Minister when I took up the sport and then he went on to become the Prime MinisterâShe highlighted his broader ambition for India âHis vision is clearâhe wants to position India at the top in all arenas be it sport industry or anything elseâPragnya also remembered Modiâs personal meeting with athletes ahead of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games where he urged them to give their best and bring glory to the countryWhen asked about Indiaâs medal prospects in 2030 Pragnya acknowledged it was earlyâbut optimistic âAs an athlete coming from the host city itself thereâs a drive inside me and I think all athletes feel the same to win more medals on home groundâShe emphasised the natural advantages Indian athletes would enjoy âWeâre used to the weather we know the terrain so the homeground advantage is going to be there And the home crowdâfamily friends fans the entire communityâcheering for you brings out a desire for the medal like no otherâWith Ahmedabad preparing to host one of the worldâs most significant multisport events Pragnya believes the Games will not only boost Indiaâs medal ambitions but also inspire a new generation of sporting talent across the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/triathlete-pragnya-mohan-says-ahmedabad-commonwealth-games-2030-will-ignite-new-sporting-era-for-india-650634.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/a-proud-moment-for-india-this-will-strengthen-new-indias-global-identity-says-paralympic-athlete-bhavnaben-chaudhary-650655.html New Delhi Nov 27 ParaOlympic athlete Bhavnaben Chaudhary has expressed her joy after Ahmedabad was awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games Calling it a historic and emotional moment for Indian sports she said âIt is a proud moment for India After 20 years we have once again received the opportunity to host the Commonwealth Games This event will strengthen New Indiaâs global identity For young athletes across the country it is a matter of honour that the 2030 Commonwealth Games will take place in IndiaâBhavana emphasised the longstanding commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs towards Indian sports and athletes âThe Prime Minister has always supported sports and boosted the morale of young athletes In 2010 India performed strongly at the Commonwealth Games and in 2030 we will be even better Bhavanaben Chaudhary told IANSThe Amdavad 2030 organisers will work with Commonwealth Sport and international federations to finalise a programme of 15â17 sports aligned with the recent Sport Programme Review with additional disciplines such as cricket T20 shooting hockey wrestling judo rugby sevens and 3x3 basketball under consideration besides the option for two new sports proposed by the hostUnder Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs vision Ahmedabad has emerged as a worldclass sports destination with stateoftheart infrastructure advanced training ecosystems and internationalstandard facilities Sports experts believe the Games will enhance Indiaâs global sporting stature while boosting tourism employment and economic growthAt the Sports Authority of India SAI centre in Gandhinagar athletes are already intensifying their preparations driven by a shared sense of pride and opportunityKabaddi player Somveer Mehra expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister calling the announcement a defining moment âIt is a matter of great happiness that after 20 years India is once again going to host the Commonwealth Games Athletes from other countries will come here and we will get so much to learn from themâMehra who has previously won gold for India is confident about 2030 âWe are preparing hard for the 2030 Games We have won gold for India in the past and we will once again give our best to make the country proud Somveer Mehra Kabaddi playerYoung kabaddi athlete Sakshi training at the SAI centre in Gandhinagar said the announcement has energised young players across Gujarat âIt is a matter of joy that India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games Ahmedabad now has the largest SAI centre offering worldclass facilities to young athletes India has progressed tremendously in sports Playing the Games on our home soil will be a privilege for usâShe also credited PM Modiâs perspective on sports âThe Prime Minister has always viewed sports from a different and encouraging lens His role in bringing the Commonwealth Games to India has been crucialâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/a-proud-moment-for-india-this-will-strengthen-new-indias-global-identity-says-paralympic-athlete-bhavnaben-chaudhary-650655.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/host-india-to-field-two-elite-teams-for-pune-grand-tour-2026-650680.html New Delhi Nov 28 The Cycling Federation of India CFI has announced selection trials for Indian menâs elite riders with an aim to field two teams namely âIndia Aâ and âIndia Bâ for the forthcoming Pune Grand Tour â Indiaâs first UCI 22 category Road Race from January 1923 2026 The National Road Cycling Championshipcumselection trial is scheduled from December 26 2025 at Sambalpur Odisha The shortlisted athletes will further be evaluated through a National Road Race in Pune on December 28The presence of two Indian teams India Aâ and âIndia Bâ will provide a broader platform for emerging and seasoned cyclists alike to demonstrate their prowess on a national and international stageThe ambitious Pune Grand Tour 2026 is Indiaâs flagship event aimed to earn Pune and Indiaâs permanent window in the Union Cycliste Internationaleâs UCI global calendar The inaugural edition will attract elite international cyclists promising fierce competition and worldclass sporting actionThe Tour will feature four stages 437km challenging routes that will wind through the scenic landscapes of the Pune district making it one of the most awaited cycling competitions in the countrySpeaking on the upcoming selection trial Maninder Pal Singh General Secretary Cycling Federation of India said âThe National Championshipcumselection trial is a crucial step towards assembling our strongest lineups for the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 The introduction of two teams India A and India B reflects our focus on nurturing a broader pool of talent and elevating the standard of Indian cyclingâPune Grand Tour 2026 is linked to qualification for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics allowing international participants to garner critical racepoints through a multistage multiday road race IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/host-india-to-field-two-elite-teams-for-pune-grand-tour-2026-650680.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/smiling-at-mistakes-focusing-on-present-kiug-gold-medallist-archer-anshika-shares-her-winning-formula-650682.html Jaipur Nov 28 Anshika Kumari shot a terrible second set in the womenâs recurve final against Srishti Jaiswal in the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 Such shooting will normally disturb the confidence level of any archer But the 23yearold representing Lovely Professional University did not let the smile on her face vanish as she conversed with the coaches and focused on positive selftalk to win the next two sets rather easily to clinch the gold medal This approach not only helped Anshika turn things around in that final but has also been instrumental in changing the trajectory of her archery career in the last 12 monthsThere was a time when I used to laugh after every lost match thinking even this one was not for me what worst can happen lets focus on the next one At the end of the day its all about concentrating on the present and having to shoot one arrow at a time and laugh off the stress away This is what I did in the final todayâ Anshika told SAI MediaExplaining what went wrong in the second set the SAI NCEO trainee said she could not understand where her arrow was landing on the target as her coach did not have his telescope with him He got one after that set but I just focused on my breathing and the next arrow and I am happy that I won said Anshika who originally hails from Bihar but has lived across the country as her father works with the Indian NavyBut this calmness took time to come as Anshika struggled to cope with her own expectations having made an immediate impact after taking up the sport in school in MumbaiSoon after taking up the sport Anshika became the first archer from Kendriya Vidyalaya to win gold in the School Games Federation of India nationals Determined to pursue the sport the youngster gave trials at the SAIL Academy in Jharkhand and then started training thereThough she was consistent enough to get selected in SAI Kolkata in a few years the national team spot kept eluding her But things have definitely turned for the better this yearâI learned from all my failures and used every lost match as a learning lesson to improve my technique for the next one said Anshika who participated in all three World Cups this yearShe adopted the same approach in Jaipur on Thursday when she performed below par in the mixed team event immediately after the individual final and missed the gold medal But she worked on her draw technique and helped Lovely Professional University win the Recurve Team gold to sign offAnshika fresh off her Khelo India Zonal Open victory is now aiming to sustain her momentum in 2026 with securing a spot on the Indian team for the Asian Games as her top priority IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/smiling-at-mistakes-focusing-on-present-kiug-gold-medallist-archer-anshika-shares-her-winning-formula-650682.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jaipur-polo-lift-kashmir-challenge-cup-secure-seasons-4th-title--650077.html Jaipur Nov 24 The Kashmir Challenge Cup concluded on Sunday with the Jaipur Polo Team captained by Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur defeating Kanota Polo 9â5 in an exciting game at the Rajasthan Polo Club In Jaipur their captain Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh and South African polo star Lance Watson maintained their flawless performance throughout the tournament scoring four and five goals respectivelyThis was the third encounter between the two teams since they were placed in the same pool at the start of the tournament with Jaipur winning all matchesJaipur began aggressively with Lance Watson scoring two early goals 125 and 635 leading his team to a 2â0 advantage Kanota Polo meanwhile couldnât find the target in the opening periodIn the second chukker Jaipur maintained their momentum as Lance Watson scored again at 335 to extend their lead to 3â0 When Kanota Polo appeared to be struggling they responded with a counterattack netting goals from Ashok Chandna at 400 and Dino Dhankhar at 640 However Jaipur still led 3â2 at the midpoint of the gameThe third chukker featured fastpaced scoring from both teams Jaipurâs Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh scored twice at 120 and 540 while Lance Watson contributed with an additional goal at 410Kanota responded with two goals from Hurr Ali at 546 and 635 By the end of the chukker Jaipur led 7â4 Jaipur dominated the final chukker scoring again at 054 to extend their lead to 8â4 Hurr Ali added Kanotaâs last goal at 140 but a lastminute shot from Lance Watson secured the victory for Jaipur ending the match 9â5Jaipur has now secured four trophies in the Indian Polo Season with more than half the season remaining IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jaipur-polo-lift-kashmir-challenge-cup-secure-seasons-4th-title--650077.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pranjali-prashant-dhumal-bags-25m-pistol-gold-in-deaflympics-650118.html Tokyo Nov 24 Pranjali Prashant Dhumal claimed gold in the womenâs 25m pistol event on Monday marking her third medal of the Deaflympics She previously secured gold in the mixed pistol event alongside Abhinav Deshwal and won silver in the womenâs air pistol Mosina Halyna of Ukraine took silver in the 25m pistol while Koreaâs Jeon Jiwon earned bronze Anuya Prasad the womenâs air pistol gold medallist finished fourth in this eventPranjali advanced to the final after setting a new world and Deaflympic qualification record with a score of 573 out of 600A day earlier Abhinav Deshwal had captured Indiaâs 15th shooting medal of the Games by winning gold in the 25m pistol event also setting a qualification recordWith this Team India has surpassed its previous best performance of 16 medals at the Brazil Deaflympics 2021 held in 2022 where the country secured 8 gold 1 silver and 7 bronzeWith two days of competition still remaining India has the opportunity to further improve its medal tallyMeanwhile Loma Swain won Indias firstever medal in Karate at the Deaflympics She won a bronze medal in Womens Kumite 50 kgIndia fielded its biggest ever 111member contingent comprising 73 athletes and 38 coaches among others for the Deaflympics in Tokyo JapanThe Deaflympics are conducted by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf ICSD Recognised by the International Olympic Committee ICSD has been functioning independently since August 1924 ICSD is not involved with the International Paralympic Committee The Deaflympics under the patronage of the IOC are the secondoldest international multisporting event in the worldIndia has been participating in the International Deaf Games since 1965 Seven male athletes and five officials took part in Indiaâs maiden appearance in Washington In 1985 three female athletes took part for the first time In the last Deaflympics 2021 held in Caxias Do Sul in Brazil in May 2022 India was represented by 39 male and 26 female athletes India won a bestever 16 medals â eight gold 1 silver and seven bronze to finish 9th among 77 participating nationsOverall India has won 26 gold medals 9 silver and 17 bronze In the last Summer Games in Brazil India sent 65 athletes to compete in 11 sports IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pranjali-prashant-dhumal-bags-25m-pistol-gold-in-deaflympics-650118.html Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/its-anahat-v-joshna-in-indian-open-squash-womens-final-649770.html Indore Nov 21 Indias top womens squash player Anahat Singh will take on veteran Joshna Chinappa in an allIndian womenâs final of the Daly College SRFI Indian Open a PSA event in Indore on Saturday In the semifinals on Friday Delhi teenager and top seed Anahat edged out Irish third seed Hannah Craig 114 1012 911 116 114 while unseeded veteran Joshna rallied to beat Egyptian second seed Nadien Elhammamy 711 115 117 117 in the other semifinal of the event being jointly organised by Squash Racquets Federation of India SRFIIn the mens final top seed Youssef Soliman of Egypt defeated Yannick Wilhelmi of Switzerland 31 116 811 115 112 while third seed Mohamad Zakaria defeated Yahya Elnasasany 30 114 116 1513 in the other semifinalLate on Thursday night reigning menâs National champion Velavan Senthilkumar lost in the quarterfinals to third seed Mohamad Zakaria the Egyptian winning 117 117 116Anahat a medallist in the Asian and Commonwealth Games and Joshna a former twotime World Doubles Championships gold medallist had moved into the womenâs semifinals with commanding victories Top seed Anahat breezed past German eighth seed Katerina Tycova 115 111 114 while Joshna brushed aside Spanish seventh seed Sofia Mateos 114 116 113 in the quarterfinalsSeventh seed Ramit Tandon lost a close fivegame quarterfinal to menâs top seed Youssef Soliman the Egyptian winning 115 911 311 113 115Earlier in the womenâs section Anahat Joshna and Tanvi Khanna booked quarterfinal berths in the event Anahat defeated Pooja Arthi Raghu 112 113 112 in the prequarterfinal Joshna Chinappa stunned the fourthseeded Lauren Baltayan of France 611 116 117 112 after losing the first game Tanvi Khanna got the better of compatriot Unnati Tripathi 111 118 114 in the Professional Squash Association PSA bronze event which has a 73500 prize fund in the mens competition and 15000 for the womens event IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/its-anahat-v-joshna-in-indian-open-squash-womens-final-649770.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 02:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/amateur-riders-club-concludes-showjumping-and-dressage-competitions--649703.html Mumbai Nov 21 The Amateur Ridersâ Club ARC on Friday successfully concluded its showjumping and dressage competitions this week bringing together some of Mumbaiâs most promising young riders including Zahan Setalvad a multipletime National Equestrian Championship Grand Prix winner and stalwart of ARC The Mumbai leg follows a highly successful series of events at premier venues across India including CEC Chennai the Lawrence School at Lovedale AVS Tezpur RERS Pondicherry PPS Nabha Equine Dreams Coimbatore Sagar Academy Mayo College Ajmer and Tollygunge KolkataJudged by Col Sunil Shivdas a 4 Federation Equestre Internationale FEI judge the competition highlighted ARCâs commitment to excellence Col Shivdas is widely respected as one of Indiaâs most qualified dressage judges a national champion seasoned international competitor and dedicated instructorDay 1 Showjumping 70 to 80 CMS amp DressageResults Showjumping 80 CMS Children I Category â RankingPlayer Name Horse Name1 Shaurya Agarwal KnighthoodResults Showjumping 80 CMS Open Category â RankingPlayer Name Horse Name1 Aariana Visionist2 Namrata Purohit Alasdair3 Shaan Bharwani WildfireResults Dressage Children II Open Category â RankingPlayer Name Horse Name1 Shlok Agarwal Boeing BoeingDay 2 Showjumping 70 to 80CMS and DressageResults Dressage Children I Category â RankingPlayer Name Horse Name1 Taarini Lodha Belvedere2 Stasya Pandya Jisamer3 Aariana Mehta Boeing BoeingDay 3 Showjumping 90CMS 10M amp 115MResults Showjumping 90CMS Children I Category â RankingPlayer Name Horse Name1 Stasya Pandya Jisamer2 Aariana Mehta Visionist3 Joint winners Shaan Bharwani Wildfire and Rhea Batura VisionistResults Showjumping 90CMS Open Category â RankingPlayer Name Horse Name1 Arya Chandorkar Grace DZ2 Riditraj Deora Adonis3 Paraj Shah NickiResults Showjumping 10M Junior Category â RankingPlayer Name Horse Name1 Arya Chandorkar Grace DZResults Showjumping 115M Open Category â RankingPlayer Name Horse Name1 Yashwardhan Thakur Adheera2 Zahan Setalvad DalioIn the Horse Inspection âDalioâ presented by Zahan Setalvad received the Best Presented Horse awardMilan Luthria Equitation Chairman at Amateur Ridersâ Club said âThe ARC provides world class facilities to riders from all over Maharashtra We arrange several national and international events at our world class facility at the Mahalaxmi race courseâHaving an acclaimed judge like Col Shivdas and hosting the Dream Alliance which combines results of competitions for youngsters from 12 centres across the length and breath of India is a golden opportunity for young talent to get exposure and experienceâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/amateur-riders-club-concludes-showjumping-and-dressage-competitions--649703.html Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/mahit-sandhu-wins-silver-in-50m-rifle-prone-her-third-medal-at-deaflympics-649528.html New Delhi Nov 20 Rifle shooter Mahit Sandhu won silver in the 50m Prone event her third medal in the ongoing 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo Mahit also broke the World Deaf Record in qualification en route to the finals She shot 2461 in the finals to secure the silver medal while Eliska Svobodova of Czechia won the gold with a score of 2472 Hungaryâs Mira Zsuzsanna Biatovszki won bronze with a score of 2250 The other Indian shooter in the finals Natasha Joshi finished in eighth position going out after a shootoffIn the finals Mahit was in fourth position after the completion of 14 shots She moved into a bronze medal after the next series of two shots overcoming Violeta Lykova of Ukraine and remained in the same position until the completion of 20 shots Mahit then hit a 98 and 102 in the next series but a 94 and 98 from the Hungarian shooter ensured the Indian moved up into silver position Mahit then finished the finals with scores of 100 and 107 but could not match up to Svobodovaâs total score as the Czech shooter also hit both her final shots in the 10sEarlier in the qualification Mahit created a new Deaf World Record finishing the six series with a score of 6197 while Natasha Joshi booked her place in the finals in seventh place with a score of 6116India have taken their medal tally to 12 in shooting at Tokyo with Mahit contributing three of them She had earlier won gold in the 10m mixed team event and a silver in the 10m individual event IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/mahit-sandhu-wins-silver-in-50m-rifle-prone-her-third-medal-at-deaflympics-649528.html Fri, 21 Nov 2025 01:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/ipc-governing-board-elected-at-extraordinary-general-assembly-649571.html Bonn Nov 20 The election of the International Paralympic Committee IPC Governing Board was completed during an online Extraordinary General Assembly with seven MembersatLarge elected The election of these members was conducted as per the decision in the General Assembly in September In Septemberâs General Assembly in Seoul South Korea the IPC members elected Brazilâs Andrew Parsons as President for a third term and voted in Portugalâs Leila Marques Mota and Denmarkâs John Petersson as VicePresidents However due to time constraints the election of the seven MembersatLarge was adjourned after the first round of electionsOn Thursday Debra Alexander Chelsey Gotell Fernando RiaÃo Mohamed Duaij Alkhalifa Robyn Smith Miki Matheson and Bradley Snyder were elected as MembersatLarge to serve fouryearlong termsThe seven join Parsons Mota and Petersson on the IPC Governing Board as well as IPC Athletesâ Council Chairperson Vladyslava Kravchenko and First ViceChairperson Josh DueckAndrew Parsons IPC President said âFollowing todayâs online IPC Extraordinary General Assembly I want to congratulate the seven MembersatLarge who were elected by the IPC membership We now have a 12strong Board which due to its diversity and experience will bring immense strength to propel the Paralympic Movement forward over the next four yearsâThe Board boasts six males and six females and all five regions are represented Within the Board there are eight Paralympians which means that the athletesâ perspective will continue to be taken into account on all issues and Board decisionsâTo the outgoing Board members I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their tremendous work I am proud to have worked alongside you in the service of our members and the athletes they serveâIn particular I would like to give a special mention to Duane Kale for his outstanding service including two terms as VicePresident Duaneâs methodical and calm approach to everything is best exemplified by his leadership of the IPC Governance Review and made him an outstanding VicePresident and Board memberâAll members of the IPC Governing Board elected in 2025 will serve a fouryear term through to the 24th IPC General Assembly which will be held in late 2029 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/ipc-governing-board-elected-at-extraordinary-general-assembly-649571.html Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/visually-impaired-medallist-saurabh-sharma-prepares-for-debut-at-adani-ahmedabad-marathon-649237.html Ahmedabad Nov 18 For 20yearold paraathlete Saurabh Sharma the upcoming Adani Ahmedabad Marathon represents more than just a race it symbolises his progress in sport and personal growth A visually impaired runner from Himachal Pradesh Saurabh has competed on prominent paraathletics platforms both nationally and internationally Participating in the Ahmedabad Marathon will be a significant new milestone in his inspiring journey Born with partial blindness Saurabh started his sporting career at the National Drishti Divyangjan Empowerment Institute in Dehradun where coach Naresh Singh Nayal guided him Though initially interested in football and cricket it was his coach who introduced him to running a change that would ultimately shape his athletic path careerâIn 2021 I competed in my first Para Nationals in Bengaluru and finished among the top five The next year I won my first medal in the 5000m in Odisha In 2024 I travelled to Switzerland for my first international event and won two gold medals there Thatâs when I realised how far this journey could goâ said the 20yearold who claimed two gold medals at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2024 in SwitzerlandSaurabh has represented India in the 1500m and 5000m T12 events at international competitions in Tunisia and India He has also won medals at both editions of the Khelo India Para Games in 2023 and 2025 Currently he trains at the SAI Centre in Gandhinagar under Naresh SharmaâThe biggest challenge for a visually impaired runner is finding a guide and the expenses are often doubleâ he said âIâm fortunate that in my category I can run independently But Iâve also guided other runners at the Blind National Championship in 2022 and I know how much trust and practice it takesââAt the SAI Centre we have access to good coaching nutrition and facilities It allows us to focus completely on performance and international preparationâ he addedLike many paraathletes his journey has been defined as much by perseverance as by patience âIn the beginning my family didnât understand sports They would ask what kind of game is this But as they saw me compete and win they became my biggest support systemâ he saidThis November Saurabh will join thousands of runners to celebrate fitness and national pride at the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon Since it began the event has supported the Run4OurSoldiers cause honouring Indiaâs armed forces It has become one of the countryâs biggest inclusive races bringing together civilians and members of the Indian Armed Forces to run in unity and pride for the nation âThe best part about this marathon is that itâs inclusive My childhood dream was to join the army but because of my visual impairment I couldnât Running in a race that celebrates our soldiers feels very special Itâs a way to contribute in my own wayâ he saidSpeaking about his future aspirations Saurabh added âMy ultimate goal is to represent India and win a medal at the Paralympic Games Events like the Ahmedabad Marathon are part of that journey They test your endurance and mindset and remind you why you started running in the first placeâThe ninth edition of the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon is scheduled for November 30 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/visually-impaired-medallist-saurabh-sharma-prepares-for-debut-at-adani-ahmedabad-marathon-649237.html Wed, 19 Nov 2025 01:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/adani-ahmedabad-marathon-unveils-official-jersey-ahead-of-9th-edition-648826.html Ahmedabad Nov 15 The official jersey for the 9th Adani Ahmedabad Marathon was revealed at Palladium Mall on Saturday in front of fitness enthusiasts and local runners The unveiling showcased a striking artwork crafted from 15000 recycled plastic bottle caps symbolising a unique blend of creativity sustainability and patriotism â an ode to our tricolour In an unprecedented move Aaquib Wani partnered with Adani Sportsline to encourage local residents to submit their designs aiming to merge community ideas with his storytellingfocused design approach The outcome is a lively piece that highlights the marathonâs main cause Run4OurSoldiers and reflects the cultural energy of AhmedabadSanjay Adesara the Chief Business Officer Adani Sportsline said âWith the unveiling of the official jersey of the 9th Adani Ahmedabad Marathon we mark an important milestone I would like to express my gratitude to Aaquib Wani for designing this jersey in collaboration with our community The design beautifully captures the marathonâs growing legacy and the cityâs creative energyâThe Adani Ahmedabad Marathon is listed on the AIMS Global Marathon Event List and still promotes its social mission of honouring Indiaâs armed forcesThis year again the run will kick off at the Sabarmati Riverfront Sports Park featuring routes that pass by Ahmedabadâs key landmarks such as Atal Bridge Gandhi Ashram and Ellis Bridge Scheduled for November 30 the event offers four categories Full Marathon Half Marathon 10 km and 5 km runsThe marathon organised by the Adani Group symbolises support for Indiaâs brave armed forces It started in November 2017 and held its fifth edition in November 2021 Runners love it for its stunning route considered one of the most beautiful in the worldThe races initially drew nearly 20000 participants in their first two editions but the third and fourth editions saw attendance drop below that number with over 17000 participants After COVID19 the Ahmedabad Marathon became the first to organise a physical event by implementing timeslot systems allowing more than 8000 runners to participate across two days in 2021 while following COVID19 safety guidelinesIn 2022 the Ahmedabad Marathon was included in the âGlobal Marathon Event List AIMS World Runningâ making it Ahmedabadâs only race to be featured on this international list By 2024 over 20000 participants had taken part in the Run4OurSoldiers event showing support for our armed forcesThe Run4OurSoldiers campaign is the events standout feature offering a special chance for participants to honour our soldiers Last year over 3000 defence personnel took part in the run Most of the proceeds are dedicated to supporting the welfare of the armed forces IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/adani-ahmedabad-marathon-unveils-official-jersey-ahead-of-9th-edition-648826.html Sat, 15 Nov 2025 23:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indian-shooting-contingent-departs-for-25th-summer-deaflympic-games-in-tokyo-648643.html New Delhi Nov 14 The Indian shooting contingent left for Tokyo Japan on Friday to participate in the 25th Summer Deaflympic Games scheduled from November 15 to 26 2025 The 15member squad including three coaches will represent India across five individual events in the menâs and womens categories one event in the menâs category and two mixedteam shooting events at the Ajinomoto National Training Center East The squad will be led by Deaflympic double gold medallist Dhanush Srikanth who will lead Indiaâs challenge alongside fellow Deaflympic medallists Shourya Saini and Abhinav Deshwal The contingent also features World Deaf Championship medallists Mahit Sandhu Anuya Prasad Pranjali Dhumal Natasha Joshi Chetan Sapkal Kushagra Singh Rajawat and Mohammed Vania forming one of Indiaâs most experienced lineups at the GamesTwo newcomers Komal Waghmare and Rudar will make their international debut marking an important step in expanding Indiaâs emerging talent pool in deaf sport shooting The athletes are accompanied by coaches Anuja Jung Priti Sharma and Harmit PatelIndia secured five medals at the 2021 Deaflympics in Brazil including three gold medals in the menâs 10m air rifle menâs 10m air pistol and 10m air rifle mixed eventEventwise squadAir rifle menDhanush SrikanthMohammed Murtaza VaniaAir rifle womenMahit SandhuKomal Milind WaghmareAir rifle mixed teamTeam 1 Mahit Sandhu amp Dhanush SrikanthTeam 2 Komal Milind Waghmare amp Mohammed Murtaza Vania50m rifle prone menShourya SainiKushagra Singh Rajawat50m rifle prone womenMahit SandhuNatasha Joshi50m rifle 3P menShourya SainiKushagra Singh Rajawat50m rifle 3P menMahit SandhuNatasha JoshiAir pistol menAbhinav DeshwalRudarAir pistol womenPranjali Prashant DhumalAnuya PrasadAir pistol mixed teamTeam 1 Pranjali Prashant Dhumal amp Abhinav DeshwalTeam 2 Anuya Prasad amp Rudar25m pistol menAbhinav DeshwalChetan Hanmant Sapkal25m pistol womenPranjali Prashant DhumalAnuya PrasadRapidfire pistol menChetan Hanmant Sapkal IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indian-shooting-contingent-departs-for-25th-summer-deaflympic-games-in-tokyo-648643.html Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/with-first-successful-step-in-womens-section-young-squash-player-anika-dubey-is-all-set-to-chase-her-dreams-648084.html Mumbai Nov 11 These are good times for a sport like squash which is all set to make its biggest leap in terms of world recognition making its Olympic debut at Los Angeles in 2028 With squash set for glory days many young players are hoping to reap the benefits the sport will get till LA28 and beyond Maharashtras Junior National Squash Champion Anika Dubey is one such player hoping to ride the expected high tide in squash and make a name for herself at the international stageAnika 17 recently won the Under19 title in the Subjunior and Junior National Squash Championship played at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai Having moved up a category the young player from Pune is looking to excel at the international stage banking on her experience of playing older players Having won the junior national title she will get a chance to play in the Asian and world junior championships and hopes to make that a stepping stone to achieve her ultimate aim of winning medals at the Asian Games and eventually the OlympicsThough that is a target for a few years from now currently Anika is charting her course for the next two seasons with her coach Abhinav Sinha who is based in MumbaiHaving played at the Under17 level for the last couple of years this year I played Under19 So I played a lot of older players and the experience was really nice because it was more challenging and I had a lot of fun playing with the older players and it was a new experience Anika told IANS in an exclusive interviewAiming to perform well at the under19 level and in junior competitions at the Asian and global level Anika underwent extra training to build up her fitness and is also building up mental toughness and focus through yoga and meditationYeah I was doing some extra training I was going to Bombay to train with my coach and I was training extra in Pune as well said the youngster who picked up a squad at the age of six while watching the game at a court near her homeSo thats how I started playing just like it was a hobby Because I didnt play any sports at the time I thought I would try it out Now I want to play squash professionally and I want to play especially for India at the Olympics and other bigger events And I want to represent the country mostly in the womens section Im targeting the women now said Anika who idolises Indian stalwarts Joshna Chinappa and Saurav GhosalIts not only Anika and her coach Abhinav Sinha but even her parents have had to make sacrifices to help the prodigy chase her dream Her mother has now quit her job so that she can travel with Anika as she chases her dreamAnika sees a lot of scope for young squash players ahead especially with the sport set to make a giant leap at the OlympicsI think theres a very good scope because the number of courts all over the country is increasing a lot and theres a lot more tournaments and international players that are coming to the country for those bigger tournaments Theres a lot more exposure available And for the next season I think Im going to focus on playing internationally playing well in the junior events internationally like the World Juniors and the Asian Juniors And Im going to focus on the womens category Ill play some PSA events Im playing one in November and then one in December said Anika about her future plansBy the end of the next season she wants to be in the top five in the womens category She also wants to increase her ranking in the international womens sectionCoach Sinha on his part is providing Anika with holistic support training that includes physical fitness mental coaching nutrition and yoga She also participates in regular international camps providing diverse exposure and experienceSo Anika has definitely improved recently We have implemented a few different programs from fitness and oncourt corrections from footwork to everything which has been working well in her favour for the last few monthsEvery year is a new year and we try new things and try to improve on a few things So far shes been doing really well Shes absorbed well but still has a long way to go Shes very young right now Yes its a good thing for her to win the under19 title but obviously the targets are a little higher and more importantly she has to stay consistent which I believe given her past training module and focus I think if she stays on the same path which she will shes definitely looking at some more achievements mainly in the womens as well said coach Abhinav SinhaWith her targets set Anika is now gearing up for the international circuit hoping to take concrete steps towards her ultimate aim of winning medals for India IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/with-first-successful-step-in-womens-section-young-squash-player-anika-dubey-is-all-set-to-chase-her-dreams-648084.html Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sports-minister-dr-mandaviya-kicks-off-kings-baton-relay-for-glasgow-2026-commonwealth-games--648129.html New Delhi Nov 11 Union Minister of Youth Affairs amp Sports and Labour amp Employment Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday unveiled the Kings Baton for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games CWG at DLF Avenue Saket The event was graced by the presence of Lindy Cameron British High Commissioner to the Republic of India and Dr PT Usha President Commonwealth Games Association of India The ceremony hosted by the Commonwealth Games Association of India CGAI also saw the presence of various Olympic and CWG medallists including Yogeshwar Dutt Achanta Sharath Kamal and Gagan Narang along with senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs amp Sports and the Commonwealth Games Federation and Sports Authority of IndiaThe Baton designed by renowned Indian visual artist Aaquib Wani reflects the countrys vibrant spirit of art sports and sustainabilitythemes that lie at the heart of this years relay Its design draws inspiration from Indias rich cultural and natural landscape blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics that capture the nations diversity and creative ambitionUnveiling the Baton Union Minister of Youth Affairs amp Sports and Labour amp Employment Dr Mandaviya said The Kings Baton Relay embodies the values that unite the Commonwealth harmony perseverance and progress The artwork on the Baton beautifully captures the essence of our nation rooted in culture yet forwardlooking in spirit It truly reflects how art and sport can together inspire sustainability and growth India has always believed in the power of sport to bring people and nations together and this moment reinforces that belief As the Baton travels across the world it carries with it a message of friendship equality and a shared commitment to a brighter united futureLindy Cameron British High Commissioner to the Republic of India said The Kings Baton Relay is a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom India and the wider Commonwealth family Delhis celebration of this moment captures the shared values that unite us friendship inclusivity and progress through sport The Batons design inspired by Indias art culture and sustainability perfectly represents how creativity and collaboration can bridge nations and inspire generations across the CommonwealthSharing her thoughts on the occasion CGA India President PT Usha remarked The Baton Relay stands as a testament to how sport connects communities and inspires excellence As it travels through Delhi it celebrates not just athletic spirit but also Indias artistic expression and commitment to sustainability This moment reinforces our shared belief in unity through sportThe 2026 Commonwealth Games is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2 2026 in Glasgow Scotland This will be the fourth time Scotland hosts the Games following editions in Edinburgh 1970 and 1986 and Glasgow 2014The Baton will remain on public display in Delhi from November 12 to 14 for viewing in DLF Avenue Mall before travelling to Ahmedabad on November 14 for the next leg of its relay IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sports-minister-dr-mandaviya-kicks-off-kings-baton-relay-for-glasgow-2026-commonwealth-games--648129.html Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fide-world-cup-2025-praggnanandhaa-survives-a-scare-arjun-karthik-harikrishna-held-in-first-game-of-rd-4-648134.html Panaji Nov 11 Grandmaster GM Arjun Erigaisi GM Karthik Venkataraman and GM P Harikrishna split points with black pieces while R Praggnanandhaa survived a scare with white against GM Daniil Dubov in the first game of Round 4 in the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Panaji Goa on Tuesday Second seed Arjun Erigaisi playing black earned a quick 20move draw against experienced Hungarian GM Peter Leko while Harikrishna held Swedish GM Nils Grandelius in 32 moves and Karthik drew with GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam in 36 movesIn other matches twotime World Cup winner GM Levon Aronian defeated GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek in 37 moves with white while GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara outplayed GM Alexey Sarana in 39 moves with black piecesThe 46yearold Leko who is playing in an individual event after a gap of six years did not take any risk with Arjunâs rook controlling the âaâ file as he opted for a draw by repetition and will now have to play with black to continue his fantastic run in the competition while the Indian is likely to go all out to claim a win and advance to the prequarterfinalsâIt was a very interesting game Arjun came up with a big surprise But in this game I knew the lines but I had not analysed them deeply So being too low on the clock I decided to draw by repetitionâ said Leko who also added that he likes playing with black and will try his best to winOn one of the top boards Praggnanandhaa made an error by pushing his dpawn on the 14th move and was under time pressure till Dubov failed to find a move that could have given him a winning advantage as both players needed to play quickly to meet time control before they finally shook hands for a draw after 41 movesIndia results Round 4 Game 1GM Peter Leko HUN drew with GM Arjun Erigaisi 0505GM R Praggnanandhaa drew with GM Daniil Dubov FID 0505GM Nils Grandelius SWE drew with GM P Harikrishna 0505GM Le Quang Liem VIE drew with GM Karthik Venkataraman 0505 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fide-world-cup-2025-praggnanandhaa-survives-a-scare-arjun-karthik-harikrishna-held-in-first-game-of-rd-4-648134.html Tue, 11 Nov 2025 22:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/asian-archery-cships-recurve-men-and-compound-womens-teams-enter-final-647894.html Dhaka Nov 10 Indian mens recurve and womens compound archery teams advanced to the final of the Asian Archery Championships here on Monday The secondseeded mens recurve team of Yashdeep Sanjay Bhoge Atanu Das amp Rahul defeated Kazakhstan 53 to set up a final with South Korea who beat Uzbekistan 62 in the semifinalThe mens trio started the campaign with a commanding 62 victory over Turkmenistan followed by a 60 thrashing of Malaysia in the quarterfinalsIn the qualification round Bhoge achieved a careerbest qualification score of 687 points including nine X10s The 25yearolds only previous international medal was in the mixed team event at the 2019 Asia Cup in Bangkok Seasoned archer Atanu finished seventh with 668 points while Rahul was 11th with 666The womens team comprising Jyothi Surekha Vennam Prithika Pradeep and Deepsikha defeated the hosts Bangladesh 234227 in the semifinal to reach the final against South Korea who defeated Iran 237227The topseeded womens team started with a 235225 victory over Vietnam in the quarterfinal and then secured a win in the semifinals against the hosts BangladeshIn the qualification rounds Deepshikha topped the chart with 705 followed closely by world number two Jyothi Surekha Vennam on 703 and promising stars Prithika Pradeep with 702 and Chikitha Taniparthi with 701 both medallists in Winnipeg with just one point separating the trioCompetition at the Asian Archery Championships continues in Dhaka on Tuesday with individual and team eliminations The event runs throughout the week The compound finals are scheduled for Thursday and the recurve finals on FridayA total of 207 archers from 29 nations are competing for continental honours across 10 events at the National Stadium in Dhaka Indias seasoned archer Deepika Kumari aims to secure her first gold medal of the season after winning bronze in Shanghai IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/asian-archery-cships-recurve-men-and-compound-womens-teams-enter-final-647894.html Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/india-names-record-111-member-contingent-for-deaflympics-2025-in-tokyo-647608.html New Delhi Nov 8 India has named a 111member contingent comprising 73 athletes and 38 coaches among others for the upcoming Deaflympics in Tokyo Japan from November 15 to December 26 This is the biggest ever Indian contingent at the Deaflympics The Union Sports Ministry has approved the contingent on a nocosttogovernment basis as India will take part in 11 disciplines athletics badminton golf judo karate shooting swimming table tennis taekwondo wrestling and tennis the Sports Authority of India SAI informed in a release on SaturdayThe Deaflympics are conducted by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf ICSD Recognised by the International Olympic Committee ICSD has been functioning independently since August 1924 ICSD is not involved with the International Paralympic Committee The Deaflympics under the patronage of the IOC are the secondoldest international multisporting event in the worldThe ICSD members now include affiliated national sports organisations from 117 different countries The IOC Executive Board in its decision of May 16 2001 renamed the World Games of the Deaf as the Deaflympics thereby eliminating the contradiction between the title of the Games and their statusThe first Deaflympics known as the International Silent Games were held in the summer of 1924 in Paris and later on these Deaf Games were held every four years with a break during World War IIFrom 1924 to the present day the ICSD has organised 24 Summer and 18 Winter Deaflympics all of them following a year after the Olympic Games In addition every four years they hold the World Championships and Regional Championships in different sports At the recent 24th Summer Deaflympics held in Caxias do Sul Brazil more than 2400 athletes took partIndia has been participating in the International Deaf Games since 1965 Seven male athletes and five officials took part in Indias maiden appearance in Washington In 1985 three female athletes took part for the first time In the last Deaflympics 2021 held in Caxias Do Sul in Brazil in May 2022 India was represented by 39 male and 26 female athletes India won a bestever 16 medals eight gold 1 silver and seven bronze to finish 9th among 77 participating nationsOverall India has won 26 gold medals 9 silver and 17 bronze In the last Summer Games in Brazil India sent 65 athletes to compete in 11 sportsIn badminton Jerlin Jayaratchagan won three gold medals Dhanush Srikanth won two gold medals setting a new world record in the 10m air rifle shooting event with a score of 2475 And in tennis Prithvi Sekhar won three medals In wrestling Virender Singh secured his fifth consecutive Deaflympics medal a bronze Tokyo Olympian golfer Diksha Dagar claimed silverIndias previous best came at Sofia 1993 when they bagged seven medals including five gold and two bronze India also won seven medals each at Copenhagen 1997 3 gold 3 silver 1 bronze and at Melbourne 2005 3 golds 1 silver 3 bronze IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/india-names-record-111-member-contingent-for-deaflympics-2025-in-tokyo-647608.html Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fide-world-cup-world-champion-gukesh-exits-while-three-indians-face-tie-breaks-in-round-4-647614.html Panaji Nov 8 GM R Praggnanandhaa made the most of the slight advantage he gained in the middlegame to beat GM Robert Hovhannisyan of Armenia as four Indians booked a place in the fourth round of the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Panaji on Saturday while World Champion Gukesh D was knocked out Praggnanandhaa who had to play a long tiebreak to reach the third round and then drew the first game with black found himself in a tricky situation as it looked like Hovhannisyan had negated the Indians early advantage But the thirdhighestranked Indian had a clear game plan and took control of the match by move 27 with his queen and rook putting pressure on blacks king The Armenian ultimately resigned after 42 movesA total of 10 Indians have made it to the third round of the FIDE World Cup 2025 which is being played as a singleelimination knockout tournament with 206 players from 82 countries vying for the coveted Viswanathan Anand Cup named after the Indian legendHarikrishna who had won the first game with white was the first Indian to advance to the next round after he played out a quick draw against Belgiums GM Daniel Dardha and was soon joined by GM Arjun Erigaisi and World Junior Champion GM Pranav V who also did not take risks with black pieces and split the pointAnish Giri the highestseeded foreign player in the competition was knocked out after he lost the second game against GM Alexander Donchenko with black pieces in 47 movesWorld champion Dommaraju Gukesh lost his thirdround match against Frederik Svane Having drawn the first game with black pieces the Indian went for a win in the second but Svane not only managed to wriggle out of time pressure but also forced Gukesh to resign in a knightpawn endingArjun will now face Hungarian GM Peter Leko who defeated GM Kirill Alekseenko in both games of Round 3 Meanwhile GM Vidit Gujrathi Karthik Venkataraman and GM Narayanan S will now have to play the tiebreak on Sunday after they draw both games in this roundIndian results Round 3 Game 2GM Gukesh D lost to GM Frederik Svane GER 0515 aggregate GM Shamsiddin Vokhidov UZB drew with GM Arjun Erigaisi 0515 aggregate GM R Praggnanandhaa vs GM Robert Hovhannisyan ARM 1505 aggregate GM Daniel Dardha BEL drew with GM P Harikrishna 0515 aggregate GM Titas Stremavicius LTU drew GM Pranav V 0515 aggregate GM Grabriel Sargissian ARM bt GM Diptayan Ghosh 1505 aggregate GM Yu Yangyi CHN drew with GM Narayanan S 0505 aggregate GM Vidit Gujrathi drew with GM Sam Shankland USA 0505 aggregate GM BogdanDaniel Deac ROU drew with GM Karthik Venkatraman 0505 aggregate GM Pranesh M lost to GM Vincent Keymer GER 0515 aggregate IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fide-world-cup-world-champion-gukesh-exits-while-three-indians-face-tie-breaks-in-round-4-647614.html Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/dreams-take-time-sheetal-devi-on-qualifying-for-her-first-able-bodied-intl-archery-meet-647369.html New Delhi Nov 7 After scripting history by qualifying for her first ablebodied international meet Paralympic medallist archer Sheetal Devi reflected on her new achievement and said learning from every setback she fulfilled her goal to compete alongside the ablebodied athletes The 18yearold paraarcher earned a place in the junior archery team for the Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah next month after finishing third in the final womens compound rankings at the fourday national selection trials in SonipatFor Sheetal born without arms due to a rare congenital condition called phocomelia the achievement is the realisation of a longheld dreamWhen I started competing I had a small dream to one day compete alongside the ablebodied and win medals I didnt make it at first but I kept going learning from every setbackNow that dream is one step closer In the Asia Cup trials I secured Rank 3 and will now represent India in the Asia Cup in the ablebodied category Dreams take time Work Believe Repeat Sheetal shared on XThe armless archer from Jammu and Kashmir archer who bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games captured her first world title at the World Archery Para Championships in Gwangju Korea winning gold in the compound womens individual event Alongside her individual gold she also added silver and bronze medals in the compound womens team and compound mixed team events respectivelyHer previous major victory came at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games where she won the compound womens gold her first international title and a mixed team bronze with Rakesh Kumar She later added silver at the Pilsen 2023 World Archery Para Championships confirming her place among the worlds best IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/dreams-take-time-sheetal-devi-on-qualifying-for-her-first-able-bodied-intl-archery-meet-647369.html Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/he-values-spirit-of-effort-over-medals-sindhu-on-pm-modis-encouragement-for-athletes-647041.html New Delhi Nov 6 Twotime Olympic medallist shuttler PV Sindhu highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modis words of encouragement have deeply inspired Indian athletes She recalls that even when players feel disappointed for not securing gold the PM reminds them Getting a medal itself is a big thing Sindhu a former world champion shared how PM Modi has consistently shown that he values the spirit of effort and perseverance over just medals and trophiesIn video shared by Modi Story a popular social media handle on X Sindhu shared that PM Modi always recognises the hard work behind every performance He values everything she says noting that even when an athlete misses by a second or two he appreciates their effort and spiritWhen I got the bronze you know its always obvious you feel sad that I couldnt get the gold or I couldnt get a better medal When I played in 2021 Olympics it was sad that I couldnt go further but I think he PM Modi always said that it doesnt matter getting a medal itself is a big thing and I think he always values every thing like lets say you just miss by a second or two or you just miss an opportunity where you actually could have won Not only me but Ive seen a lot of athletes when we actually go and interact with the athletes Sindhu said in a videoRecalling Indian contingents meeting with PM Modi after the Tokyo Olympics where the womens hockey team narrowly missed a medal and finished fourth and everyone was disheartened Sindhu said it was PM Modis words that changed their mood completely It doesnt matter you have done really well he told them treating them with the same pride and warmth as if they had won goldI remember PM sir interacting with the womens hockey team when we actually met him after the 2021 Olympics and sir said it doesnt matter you have done really well Everybody was upset I remember that they were in the fourth position but I think the appreciation that they got and Modi sir valued them like theyve almost won everything PM sir said Its okay youve done so much well for the countrySindhu also pointed out that PM Modi never looks at athletes as having lost something Instead he tells them You have done so much for the country and we are proud of youFor Sindhu and many other sportspersons this genuine appreciation is invaluable It represents a leader who not only celebrates victories but also honours the dedication discipline and spirit that define every athlete representing IndiaHe never thought that you know we as athletes have lost something but he always told us that you have done much better and we are proud that you have done so much so thats the value that he gives to us I think we are very lucky that wayIn September this year on PM Modis 75th birthday Sindhu recalled her interactions with him on several occasions and shared a poetic coincidence that when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister she started winning and stated that it feels as if her journey and PM Modis leadership were running side by sideI have met him many times as an athlete and in a personal capacity And some of these memories will stay with me forever The funny thing almost poetic in its own way is that when Modiji became Prime Minister I began winning It feels as if my journey and his leadership were running side by side shaping milestones that became defining chapters of my career Sindhu had shared in an X post IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/he-values-spirit-of-effort-over-medals-sindhu-on-pm-modis-encouragement-for-athletes-647041.html Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-dabang-delhi-crowned-champions-at-home-overcome-puneri-paltan-in-a-fierce-battle-in-final-645929.html New Delhi Oct 31 In front of a packed home crowd Dabang Delhi KC were crowned champions of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL Season 12 after a thrilling 3128 victory against Puneri Paltan at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium on Friday This is their second PKL title having previously been crowned champions in Season 8 when current head coach Joginder Narwal was their captain In doing so Dabang Delhi became the first home team since U Mumba in Season 2 to lift the trophy Fazel Atrachali also became the most successful foreigner in the history of the PKLNeeraj Narwal and Ajinkya Pawar led the raiding unit with eight and six points respectively Meanwhile for Puneri Paltan Aditya Shinde registered a Super 10 and Abinesh Nadarajan scored four tackle points which went down in vainAs has been the case for most of the season Aslam Inamdar and Ashu Malik opened the account of their respective teams in the grand finale Neeraj Narwal then took the onus for Dabang Delhi bagging a twopoint raid and a tackle to give his side a fourpoint lead in the initial exchangesPuneri Paltan did not succumb to the early pressure however as Gaurav Khatri secured a couple of Super Tackles to make it a onepoint game With the tempo slowing down slightly as both teams resorted to the DoOrDie strategy Ajinkya Pawar ensured that Dabang Delhi held a twopoint lead after an engaging first quarterAbinesh Nadarajan registered a third Super Tackle for Puneri Paltan keeping it a onepoint game but Dabang Delhis Ajinkya Pawar inflicted the first All Out of the game with close to five minutes to go in the first half That gave his side a sixpoint lead allowing them some breathing room in this contestThe home team further asserted itself courtesy Neeraj Narwals Super Raid extending their lead to eight points Puneri Paltan responded with a tackle from Pankaj Mohite and a twopoint raid from Aditya Shinde closing the gap slightly However Ajinkya Pawar instantly responded with a multipoint raid of his own keeping Dabang Delhi in the lead with the score at 2014 at halftimeThe second half began in a sedate manner with Dabang Delhi eager to hold onto their advantage Puneri Paltan tried their best to find a way back into the match relying on their defence and DoOrDie strategy to try and force a way back Gurdeep secured a couple of tackles to help them cut the deficit to four points before a Super Tackle from Dabang Delhi helped them retain their sixpoint lead heading into the final quarter of the season 2418Ashu Malik scored his first point of the night and a Super Tackle from Anurag reestablished an eightpoint lead for Dabang Delhi putting them in the drivers seat However Puneri Paltan werent prepared to wave the white flag yet A tackle from Mohd Amaan and a string of raids from Aditya Shinde helped them register a timely All Out bringing the Season 10 champions back in the game with the score at 2825 with under three minutes to goThe raider brought it down to a onepoint game before Neeraj Narwal reopened the threepoint lead With a twopoint raid Aditya Shinde completed his Super 10 as a solitary point separated the two teams heading into the final minute Fazel Atrachali showed all his experience to score his first point of the game at a clutch moment with a tackle on Aditya Shinde securing a second trophy for Dabang Delhi KC this time in their own backyard IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-dabang-delhi-crowned-champions-at-home-overcome-puneri-paltan-in-a-fierce-battle-in-final-645929.html Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/delhi-persevered-to-secure-win-despite-hurdles-says-rishank-devadiga-on-teams-pkl-12-title-victory-645991.html New Delhi Nov 1 As the 12th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL concluded on Friday Rishank Devadiga reflected on Dabang Delhi KCs championship win the strong performances of the finalists the teamwork that propelled the side to a memorable championship and his conversation with Delhis coach Joginder Narwal Dabang Delhi KC won the title with a close 3128 win over Puneri Paltan in the final This marks their second PKL title their first being in Season 8 when current head coach Joginder Narwal served as captainSpeaking on JioStars KBD Live Devadiga shared his thoughts on the final encounter saying Lifting the trophy brings an incomparable feeling after years of dedicated effort The final match carries deep emotions particularly because every player in the squad had their unique journey Fazel Atrachali Surjeet Singh and Saurabh Nandal each had distinct stories with Nandal experiencing his first PKL final Captain Ashu Malik led Dabang Delhi KCto their second Pro Kabaddi League trophy demonstrating how these individual paths united to form a cohesive team that ultimately secured the championship against Puneri PaltanWith their second PKL title on Friday Dabang Delhi joined Patna Pirates and Jaipur Pink Panthers as clubs with multiple PKL crownsSpeaking on Dabang Delhis hardfought win Devadiga addedKabaddi demands exceptional fitness exemplified by veterans like Fazel Atrachali Captain Ashu Malik has emerged as a rising star this season Delhi began the final with strong dominance though injury challenges to their skipper tested their consistency against Puneri Paltan Despite these hurdles the team persevered to secure the win I am confident Delhi will address these difficulties and return stronger next season to contend for their third PKL titleBoth teams secured their spots in the final through resilience and skill Dabang Delhi the Season 8 champions narrowly defeated Puneri Paltan in a tense Qualifier 1 winning 64 in the tiebreaker after a 3434 draw in regulation time Puneri Paltans journey has been notably impressive They led the league standings and were the most wellrounded team of the season excelling in both attack and defenceSharing his thoughts on the two teams in the final Devadiga mentioned On paper and based on seasonal performance Puneri Paltan appeared stronger However Delhis experienced players prevailed over Punes younger squad The match ultimately hinged on Aditya Shindes critical error had he attempted a running hand touch instead of going too deep against Saurabh Nandal he might have scored successfully That single point could have tied the game which we were all eagerly anticipating Nevertheless Dabang Delhi ultimately secured the victory and the trophyUnder captain Ashu Malik and coach Joginder Narwal Delhi had based their campaign on strong defence and mental resilience frequently managing to succeed under pressure Adding further to the teams game plan he said While both teams were worthy finalists Dabang Delhi proved more deserving through their exceptional execution They entered the match with a welldefined strategy and implemented it perfectly from the outset By establishing an early lead they applied immediate pressure on Puneri Paltan whose younger players often struggle when trailing Delhis ability to execute their plan from the first whistle is what ultimately secured them their second Pro Kabaddi League championshipDevadiga also stated that he had a conversation with Delhis coach Narwal after the finale concluded who dedicated the trophy to Surjeet Singh while commending his dedication to winning the PKL title for a decade nowI spoke with Coach Joginder Narwal after the match and he specifically dedicated this trophy to Surjeet Singh who has been aiming for this PKL title for ten years His outstanding performance in the final and consistent contributions all season made him truly deserving of this moment Credit also goes to Fazel Atrachali for executing that decisive final tackle which secured the championship for Delhi Devadiga concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/delhi-persevered-to-secure-win-despite-hurdles-says-rishank-devadiga-on-teams-pkl-12-title-victory-645991.html Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-trophy-represents-collective-effort-of-squad-says-delhi-captain-anshu-645992.html New Delhi Nov 1 The Pro Kabaddi League PKL season 12 winning captain Anshu Malik credited the title glory to his entire squad of Dabang Delhi KC including coach Joginder Narwals dream of becoming a championshipwinning coach Dabang Delhi KC were crowned champions after an exciting 3128 win against Puneri Paltan at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium on Friday This was their second PKL title having previously been crowned champions in Season 8 when current head coach Joginder Narwal was their captainDabang Delhi also became the first home team since U Mumba in Season 2 to lift the trophyThis trophy represents the collective effort of our entire squad Our Coach Joginder Narwal realised his dream of becoming a championshipwinning coach and I fulfilled my ambition of leading a team to PKL glory But most significantly this victory is for Surjeet bhai who has been like an elder brother to all of us After ten long seasons of perseverance this moment finally fulfills his lifelong dream of becoming a PKL champion Anshu said on JioStars KBD LiveMeanwhile Fazel Atrachali also became the most successful foreign player in the history of the PKL Sharing his thoughts on the win the Iranian said I am extremely happy because nobody believed in our team at the start of this season People called Dabang Delhi an ordinary team but we demonstrated our unity and championship mentality This second title is a special achievement and now is the perfect time to celebrate our success togetherExperienced defender Surjeet Singh reflected on the teams mindset heading to the final After our final practice session coach Joginder Narwal told me we were playing this final to win the trophy for me and that I had to lift it by any means Against Puneri Paltan we executed that vision perfectly and my teammates and coach made it possible I thank the entire team management and God for this opportunity to finally win the PKL Trophy after ten long seasons in the league he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-trophy-represents-collective-effort-of-squad-says-delhi-captain-anshu-645992.html Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fitness-is-key-to-becoming-viksit-bharat-by-2047-says-dr-mandaviya-at-first-ever-national-fitness-amp-wellness-conclave-646100.html Mumbai Nov 1 The Union Minister for Youth Affairs amp Sports and Labour amp Employment Dr Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the newlyappointed Fit India Icons Bollywood producer Rohit Shetty World Cupwinning cricketer Harbhajan Singh and Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal at the National Fitness amp Wellness Conclave 2025 held at The Trident in Mumbai on Saturday The conclave celebrated Indias growing fitness and wellness movement under the Fit India Mission marking a significant step towards building a Fit and Viksit Bharat Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs amp Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse felicitated Saiyami Kher Shivoham and Vrinda Bhatt as Fit India Icons recognising their contribution to promoting health and wellness across communities Ankur Garg and Fit India Champions Karan Tacker Vishwas Patil and Krishna Prakash were also felicitated by Union Sports Minister Dr Mandaviya as Fit India Ambassadors for their ongoing efforts in inspiring citizens to embrace fitness as a way of lifeIf we do not understand the value of fitness it will not be possible to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 Times have changed In earlier days people travelled on foot and cycled to distant places Fitness happened naturally In a digital world we hardly move and dont care about fitness We have to find ways to break that the Union Minister saidOnly if the middle class and upper middle class give priority to fitness will we grow faster as a nation No other economy in the world is growing at 8 annually Imagine what fitness can do to India where 65 of the population is below the age of 35 added Dr MandaviyaFitness is not only about health It is integral to business as well There is a huge market for sports goods I can see how the awareness towards sports is changing If we can harness sports science and produce nutrition supplements and fitness equipment in India the sports fitness industry will stand to gain immensely he further elaboratedSmt Raksha Khadse said India is an emerging nation in sports The opportunities in the fitness world are immense It is necessary that the entire ecosystem comes together and works towards a fitter India Sundays on Cycle is a small effort but the results can be great in the long run Indias allround growth is clearly related to physical and mental growthFilm director and producer Rohit Shetty cautioned against health influencers who preach fitness on social media without proper knowledge It is a scary scenario The new generation has to be careful when they want to grow their bodies overnightOlympic medallist Saina Nehwal said Fitness is related to sports cultureLook at China and Japan Their excellent results in global competitions are a result of the fitness culture In India this is changing There is a lot of talent but there is no shortcut to success Parents need to understand that and be patient Pay attention to fitness first and excellence will come with hard work Also keep that mobile phone away and be strict with your child said SainaWorld Cup cricket champion Harbhajan Singh said India often lost matches due to a lack of fitness All credit to Virat Kohli for changing that mindset We always had the skills but Indian cricketers are now superbly fit They dont drop catches anymore and that makes a difference Eat right rest right and work out properly and see the difference I really appreciate the efforts of the Prime Minister and the Sports Ministry for prioritising fitness said HarbhajanStakeholders who participated in the two panel discussions around fitness culture and the fitness industry agreed unanimously that fitness culture has to start from a young age and parents have a role to play in ensuring children dont get addicted to mobile phones Experts suggested that precautions should be taken against spurious supplements wrong advice on how to build a muscular body quickly and guard against food apps that sell junk foodThe FIT INDIA Movement was launched on August 29 2019 by PM Narendra Modi with a view to making fitness an integral part of our daily lives The mission of the Movement is to bring about behavioural changes and move towards a more physically active lifestyle IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fitness-is-key-to-becoming-viksit-bharat-by-2047-says-dr-mandaviya-at-first-ever-national-fitness-amp-wellness-conclave-646100.html Sat, 01 Nov 2025 22:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/anand-and-aicf-chief-hail-his-talent-as-ilamparthi-becomes-indias-90th-chess-grandmaster-645687.html Mumbai Oct 30 In a pleasant surprise to Indian chess fans fivetime World Champion Viswanathan Anand on Thursday announced that 16yearold Chennai boy Ilamparthi AR has become a Grandmaster joining the prestigious club as another prodigy from the country Happy to announce Ilamparthi as a GM ilamparthi As part of WacaChess we couldnt have been prouder He has been missing the title on a few occasions but each time he came back and worked harder I really believe he has a lot of potential and we hope to work together towards greater achievements Anand wrote in a post on XBorn in 2009 Ilamparthi thus became the 90th chess Grandmaster in the country as he reached the milestone by securing his final GM norm at the Bijeljina Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday He has a rating of 2518 in Classical chess and thus fulfils the requirements for getting the GM titleThe 16yearold student of the Velammal School in Chennai the alma mater of Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa is considered one of the top prospects in the next generation of Indian chess players He had completed his International Masters title in 2023Congratulating the youngster AICF president Nitin Narang posted on X Grandmaster No 90 for Bharat Congratulations to Ilamparthi AR on fulfilling all the requirements to become the 90th Grandmaster of the country Wishing you many more laurels and continued success in making the nation proudIlamparthi is a trainee of the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy WACA of which Vishy is a mentor Indian talents like Nihal Sarin R Praggnanandhaa Raunak Sadhwani D Gukesh and R Vaishali have been associated with WACA in the pastHe has emerged as another shining star of the Indian chess stable which has so far produced two World Champions in Classical chess Anand and Gukesh and numerous winners in rapid blitz and global agegroup chess competitions in the last three decades IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/anand-and-aicf-chief-hail-his-talent-as-ilamparthi-becomes-indias-90th-chess-grandmaster-645687.html Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-both-teams-are-strong-admits-dabang-delhis-captain-ashu-ahead-of-final-vs-puneri-paltan-645844.html New Delhi Oct 31 The stage is set for the grand finale of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL Season 12 with the top two teams in the league preparing to battle it out for the ultimate prize After nearly two months of intense competition thrilling comebacks and recordbreaking performances the stage is now set for Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi KC to be crowned champions at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium on Friday The two teams were level on points 26 at the end of the league stage with Aslam Inamdars Puneri Paltan securing first place on points difference The two teams have faced off thrice this season with all three games being decided in the tiebreakerHowever Dabang Delhi KC hold the advantage in the headtohead record this season with Ashu Maliks team clinching two narrow wins including the crucial 64 tiebreaker win in Qualifier 1 which confirmed their place in the finalReflecting on his teams successful season so far and looking forward to the final the Dabang Delhi captain stated The atmosphere in the team has been great throughout the season We won Qualifier 1 and directly made it to the finals The performances have been good and all three matches weve played against Puneri Paltan have gone into the tiebreaker Weve won two of those matches theyve won one So both teams are strongMeanwhile Puneri Paltan bounced back with a win against Telugu Titans in Qualifier 2 setting up their third final in four seasons Their captain credited the franchises longterm approach for the benchmark they have set with a wellrounded squad over the last few seasonsThis is a team game so we have to play together and win together We train together throughout the year to ensure that we do well in the league So thats helped us as a team We started as kids at the Yuva Paltan in Season 7 and rose through the ranks to play for Puneri Paltan Now were tabletoppers this season and playing in the finals All that is down to the hard work put in by the franchise Aslam saidWhile Puneri Paltan have a wellrounded squad that has thrived under the leadership of Ajay Thakur and Aslam Inamdar Dabang Delhi have shown enough grit resilience and experience this season With the likes of Fazel Atrachali Saurabh Nandal Surjeet Singh and the captain himself Ashu is confident of replicating the success the franchise achieved in Season 8I was an NYP in Season 8 today Im the teams captain Joginder sir was the senior in the team back then so he has always supported me since then We had a team with plenty of seniors making their mark Neeraj Narwal was in the team with me then hes a part of the team now as well So its a similar team setup Hopefully we can replicate that success Ashu addedSharing his final thoughts ahead of the PKL 12 final a match that could go on to define Puneri Paltans legacy Aslam Inamdar concluded Delhi have enough experience in their side we also have experience plus a talented young brigade in our side That experience will count All three matches weve played so far this season have gone to tiebreakers so we know this match will also be tough The most important factor in the finals might be luck Even if theres one percent luck that can make all the difference in the finalWith the title on the line the two teams are one step away from etching their name in the history books and bagging their second PKL title For Dabang Delhi they have a chance to have their crowning moment at their home turf On the other hand this Puneri Paltan side have the opportunity to cement their legacy with their second title in three years IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-both-teams-are-strong-admits-dabang-delhis-captain-ashu-ahead-of-final-vs-puneri-paltan-645844.html Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indian-boxers-shine-at-asian-youth-games-with-record-medal-haul-645642.html Manama Oct 30 Indias young boxing contingent achieved a historic milestone at the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain finishing with an impressive three gold one silver and one bronze medal marking the nations bestever performance in youth boxing at the continental level In a golden morning session Khushi Chand 46kg opened Indias tally with a confident 41 victory over Chinas Luo Jinxiu showcasing superior ring control and precision Ahaana Sharma 50kg followed with a statement win forcing a Referee Stopped Contest RSC in Round 1 against Ma Jong Hyang of the Peoples Republic of Korea Chandrika Bhoreshi Pujari 54kg then completed Indias golden hattrick dominating Uzbekistans Muhammadova Kumriniso in a commanding 50 decisionThe medal count could rise even higher as Harnoor Kaur 66kg and Anshika 80kg are set to compete in their respective finals in the evening session with India eyeing a potential record haul of gold medalsIn the boys final Lanchenba Singh Moibungkhongbam 50kg displayed tremendous skill and heart but narrowly missed gold settling for silver after a tough bout against Kazakhstans Nurmakhan Zhumagali Earlier Anant Deshmukh 66kg had secured bronze rounding off a stellar campaign for the Indian contingentWith five medals including three golds Indias youth boxers have firmly stamped their authority on the Asian stage The success reflects the effectiveness of the national youth boxing program and the rigorous training camp held at NS NIS Patiala under the guidance of head coaches Vinod Kumar boys and Jitender Raj Singh girlsThis remarkable performance not only reinforces Indias growing dominance in Asian boxing but also signals a promising new generation ready to shine on the global stage IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indian-boxers-shine-at-asian-youth-games-with-record-medal-haul-645642.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/squash-anahats-dream-run-at-canadian-womens-open-ends-in-sf-645537.html Toronto Oct 30 Indias rising star Anahat Singhs dream run at the Canadian Womens Open a PSA Silver event ended with a 30 defeat to England No1 Georgina Kennedy in the semifinal Anahat the World No43 claimed two big victories on her way to the semifinals after defeating World No20 Melissa Alves and defending champion and World No7 Tinne GilisHowever the semifinal clash with Kennedy proved to be a step too far for the Indian teenager as the World No10 did an excellent job of neutralising the 17yearold to win 115 118 1210 in 30 minutes to secure her spot in the final deciderShes Anahat Singh had a great tournament this week and I said to my coach back home that shes such a natural squash player you cant coach that deceptive swing that she has and how she moves the ball around She was maybe a little tired from the week which is to be expected Kennedy saidBut I felt in control of that match throughout it all but Im not happy with how I ended it I tried to end it too early and nearly got found out but Im just glad I could get throughI was trying to rush her as much as possible I didnt want to give her time on the ball and time for her to use her deceptive swing so I just tried to hurry her and I felt like my short stuff was working well In the beginning but maybe I did a little too much at the end she addedThe Delhi teenagers dream run included her first victory over a top 20 PSA World Rankings player by defeating Alves 1210 1210 811 112 to secure a quarterfinal berth in a Silverlevel event for the first timeShe maintained her strong performance advancing to the semifinals of the USD 96250 PSA Silver event with a commanding straightgame victory over world No 7 Tinne Gilis IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/squash-anahats-dream-run-at-canadian-womens-open-ends-in-sf-645537.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/carlsen-wins-clutch-chess-champions-showdown-gukesh-finishes-fourth-645595.html Saint Louis Oct 30 Magnus Carlsen emerges victorious in the Clutch Chess Champions Showdown while reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju finished fourth Carlsen defeated Gukesh twice and then also beat GM Fabiano Caruana twice to win the event and secure the USD 120000 first prize all before his final match against GM Hikaru Nakamura He made two draws against Nakamura and earned another USD 50000 bonus in the end for a total of USD 170000 over three daysCaruana finished second with 165 points nine points behind Carlsen while Nakamura was third with 14 points and Gukesh placed fourth with 10 pointsOn the third and final day Carlsen won his first four games earning three points for each victory His first victim was world champion Gukesh whom he defeated twice again Throughout the tournament Carlsen triumphed over Gukesh five times in total drawing onceAt some point it was very tough to start getting wins and when its like that against this opposition it usually goes downhill quite fast But overall it was a great experience especially before the World Cup There are no better training partners than these three The good thing is these three wont be there Gukesh was quoted as saying by Chess24Gukesh who led the tournament after winning the opening game failed to secure another victory in the following days He suffered two defeats against Carlsen on Day 2 followed by a draw in the first game against Nakamura whom he had previously defeated on the first day to avenge his Checkmate USA vs India exhibition match lossIn the second game on Day 2 the Indian GM had a single opportunity in a fairly balanced rook endgame However he missed it and the game ended in a draw He subsequently lost the next game against Fabiano Caruana and finished the day with a draw IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/carlsen-wins-clutch-chess-champions-showdown-gukesh-finishes-fourth-645595.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/anahat-singh-enters-canadian-open-squash-quarterfinal-645122.html Toronto Oct 27 Reigning womens national champion Anahat Singh advanced to the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open squash a USD 96 250 a PSA Silver tournament Indias rising star scored the biggest upset on day two after she downed World No 20 Melissa Alves 31 for a quarterfinal berth Ranked 43 in the world the Delhi teenager beat French world No 20 and sixth seed Alves 1210 1210 811 112 in 41 minutes in the round of 16The 17yearold whos ranked 23 places lower than Alves in the PSA World Rankings advanced to the last eight of a Silverlevel event for the first time after toppling the Frenchwoman which was also her first victory against a player inside the top 20Im really happy She Melissa Alves is one of the top 20 players so coming into the match I just tried to play my best because shes been playing really well she said Im really happy I was able to play well today and I think this is my first time reaching the quarters of such a big event and Im really excitedAnahat will next meet Belgian second seed and defending champion Tinne Gilis who dispatched Torrie Malik 31 117 114 711 117 in 47 minutesNardine Garas has also locked in her maiden last eight appearance at a Silverlevel event after defeating the tournaments No8 seed Lucy Beecroft while Gina Kennedy and Amanda Sobhy chalked up 30 successes over Marta Dominguez and Alicia Mead respectivelyElsewhere at the Toronto Athletic Club Open sixth seed Indian Veer Chotrani lost a fivegame thriller in the roundof16 to Perry Malik of England who won 117 115 911 511 115There were a number of surprise results as World No95 Mohamed Nasser beat World No50 Muhammad Ashab Irfan 32 and Mohamed Sharaf ousted the No8 seed Matias Knudsen 31The quarterfinals of the Canadian Womens Open 2025 and the Toronto Athletic Club Open 2025 get underway on October 27 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/anahat-singh-enters-canadian-open-squash-quarterfinal-645122.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/lamchemnba-udham-singh-anant-deshmukh-ahaana-and-dhruv-extend-indias-winning-streak-at-asian-youth-games--644958.html Manama Oct 25 Team Indias young boxers continued their impressive run at the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 adding four more victories to their tally as Lamchemnba Udham Singh and Anant Deshmukh registered commanding wins on Saturday following strong performances by Ahaana and Dhruv on Friday at Exhibition World Bahrain Leading the charge on Saturday Lamchemnba displayed sharp reflexes and solid control to defeat his opponent from the Philippines 41 marking another confident showing for India Udham Singh followed with a flawless performance against Thailand winning his bout with a clean 50 verdict while Anant Deshmukh outclassed his opponent from Tajikistan with another unanimous 50 win showcasing Indias technical depth and superior preparationA day earlier Ahaana recorded a dominant victory against Amantaieva of Kyrgyzstan forcing the referee to stop the contest RSC in the second round after a series of decisive punches Dhruv too was impressed with his tactical discipline overcoming Bakytbekov Alinur of Kyrgyzstan by a 41 margin to advance to the next stageWith consistent performances from both the boys and girls squads India continued to build strong momentum in the continental competition The 23member contingent is participating across 14 weight categories 7 boys and 7 girls in the U17 division after an intensive preGames training camp at NS NIS Patiala under national coaches Vinod Kumar and Jitender Raj SinghThe boxing competition will continue till October 30 with Indias young pugilists determined to sustain their winning rhythm and push for podium finishes in the coming roundsEarlier on Friday Indias young boxers made an impressive start at the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 with Khushi Chand and Chandrika Bhoreshi Pujari recording backtoback victories in the preliminary rounds of the boxing competition at Exhibition World Bahrain Hall 9Continuing Indias fine momentum from the opening day Khushi Chand produced a composed and clinical performance in the Girls 46kg category defeating Reem AlRamahi of Jordan by a unanimous 50 decision Displaying sharp movement and tactical discipline Khushi controlled all three rounds to secure a welldeserved win and advance to the next stageMeanwhile on Thursday Devendra Choudhary opened Indias campaign with a commanding performance in the Boys 75kg prequarterfinal bout outclassing his opponent to move into the next round His composed approach and superior ring strategy ensured Indias first win of the tournament IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/lamchemnba-udham-singh-anant-deshmukh-ahaana-and-dhruv-extend-indias-winning-streak-at-asian-youth-games--644958.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indian-women-wrestlers-shine-in-u-23-senior-world-wrestling-championship-in-serbia-644809.html New Delhi Oct 25 Indian women wrestlers delivered an outstanding performance at the ongoing Under23 Senior World Wrestling Championship in Novi Sad Serbia winning five bronze medals in their respective weight categories The medals were won by Nishu 55 kg Neha Sharma 57 kg Pulkit 65 kg Shrishti 68 kg and Priya 76 kgAdditionally two Indian wrestlers have advanced to the final in their respective categories and will compete for the gold medal on Saturday against their Japanese opponentsThe wrestlers who have reached the summit clash of their respective categories are Hanshika Lamba 53 kg and Sarika Malik 59 kg according to a release issued by the Wrestling Federation of India WFI President Sanjay Kumar SinghEarlier on Tuesday Indias Vishvajit More competing in the 55 kg GrecoRoman category brought glory to the nation by winning the bronze medal at the Under23 Senior World Wrestling Championship being held in Novi Sad SerbiaIn the bronze medal bout Vishvajit displayed exceptional skills and determination to defeat the Kazakh wrestler with a close 54 scoreline securing Indias first medal in the championshipVishvajit began his campaign with an impressive victory over a Romanian wrestler in the qualification round and continued his fine form by defeating the USA wrestler by technical superiority in the next round He faced a tough challenge in the quarterfinals where he lost to UWW wrestler Alibek However as Alibek advanced to the final Vishvajit earned a chance to compete in the repechage roundIn the repechage he made a strong comeback by overpowering the Georgian wrestler through technical superiority paving his way to the bronze medal bout Demonstrating remarkable grit and composure Vishvajit ultimately triumphed over the Kazakh opponent to clinch the Bronze Medal for India IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indian-women-wrestlers-shine-in-u-23-senior-world-wrestling-championship-in-serbia-644809.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-sumit-sangwans-high-five-helps-up-yoddhas-sign-off-with-win-over-u-mumba-644637.html New Delhi Oct 23 UP Yoddhas registered a close 3532 win against U Mumba at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Thursday While the win wasnt enough for the Yoddhas to secure a place in the top eight U Mumba missed out on the opportunity to secure a topfour finish In a game where the defences were on top Sumit Sangwan led the way for the Yoddhas with a High Five Hitesh contributed with four tackle points while Surender Gill was also effective on both ends of the mat For U Mumba Ajit Chouhan recorded a Super 10 and Rinku secured a High Five However that wasnt enough for their team to get the winIt was a cautious start by both teams before U Mumba imposed themselves to take an early lead A tackle from Vijay Kumar opened their account and Ajit followed it up with a couple of raid points Sunil Kumar also made his presence felt at the start giving his side a fourpoint lead despite Guman Singh getting on the board for the UP YoddhasHowever the Yoddhas got back on level terms courtesy Surender Gills Super Raid levelling the score at 55 They soon got their noses in front as Ashu Singh registered his first tackle but the lead lasted momentarily as Rinku bagged a couple of Super Tackles to help U Mumba move back in front regaining their fourpoint lead with the score at 117 after the first ten minutesThe tempo of the game slowed down slightly with both teams resorting to the DoOrDie Raid strategy Shivam Chaudhary was successful during his raid and his teammate Hitesh ensured that Ajit couldnt do the same Shivam Chaudhary then got his first points closing the gap to two pointsThe tackles began to fly in with Hitesh and Sunil Kumar exchanging blows Sumit Sangwan also bagged his first tackle bringing his side back on level terms Guman Singh kept his team on level terms with Amirmohammad Zafardanesh doing the same as the two teams were tied 1717 at halftimeIn a sedate start to the second half the two teams were content to play at a slow tempo Zafardanesh and Hitesh registered tackles to keep things level before Surender Gill secured a successful DoOrDie Raid and then registered his first tackle to give his side a twopoint lead Shivam Chaudhary also contributed with his DoOrDie Raid before a tackle from Sumit helped the Yoddhas inflict all outThey got themselves a sevenpoint advantage with the score at 2720 With ten minutes to go in the game U Mumba closed the gap to four points courtesy a tackle from Parvesh Bhainswal and a twopoint raid from Ajit Chouhan twopoint raid Sumit helped his team open a sixpoint gap once more scoring a couple of crucial tackles to keep his teams lead intact at 3125 with five minutes to go in the gameThe UP Yoddhas captain completed his High Five extending his teams lead to seven points However U Mumba responded strongly with Ajit Chouhan completing his super 10 and Rinku also completing his High Five It came down to a threepoint game with a minute to go but the Yoddhas held their nerve with Bhavani Rajput chipping in with a crucial point to help them seal a 3532 win IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-sumit-sangwans-high-five-helps-up-yoddhas-sign-off-with-win-over-u-mumba-644637.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 01:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-from-setbacks-to-comeback-u-mumbas-changed-fortunes-that-guided-them-to-playoffs-644725.html Mumbai Oct 24 Former PKL champions U Mumba staged one of the most inspiring comebacks in Pro Kabaddi 2025 fueled by unity belief and determination After early setbacks they finished with six wins in their last nine matches securing a welldeserved playoff spot and demonstrating that perseverance can overcome adversityTheir revival story started during the Chennai leg a place long known for bringing luck to the team It was there that U Mumba made a fresh start both mentally and strategicallyAn unexpected boost came from a team outing to see Kantara 2 The movies themes of faith endurance and redemption struck a chord with the players reigniting their collective spirit which soon led to improved performances on the fieldA key moment in U Mumbas comeback was when lead raider Ajit Chouhans ankle injury threatened to halt their progress Instead of giving up the team united Young raider Sandeep Kumar excelled achieving four straight Super 10s while the defence of Sunil Kumar Parvesh and Rinku remained strongWhen Ajit returned near the end Sandeeps steady performance combined with Ajits burst of energy revitalised U Mumbas offence culminating in Ajits crucial 15point game against Jaipur Pink Panthers which nearly secured their spot in the PlayoffsReflecting on the turnaround U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok said We had a few near misses but something needed changing too and we identified that early Between Ajits injury setback and some matches not going our way narrowly it became clear that this was about more than just tactics It was about reconnecting with what U Mumba stands for the trust the resilience and the unity Every player every coach every U Mumba staff member counts every contribution matters The Chennai leg reminded us of that and the way the boys responded was exceptional We were a mere tackle or raid away from sealing a Top 4 spot and thats how tight the margins have been this season but a Top 6 finish gives us the opportunity to keep fighting and backtoback Playoffs after years showcases that we are moving in the right direction as a FranchiseBehind the scenes U Mumbas medical and support staff deserve great credit for keeping the team in top shape during the most challenging parts of the season Their coordinated rehab plan helped Ajit recover quickly while ongoing strength and conditioning workouts across the team kept energy high and reduced fatigue during a demanding schedule The scans showed a possible longterm ankle problem leading the support team to seek advice from specialists in Chennai and Mumbai before choosing a nonsurgical rehab approach which included physiotherapy and targeted strength training One physiotherapist was dedicated entirely to Ajit with another working with the rest of the team This focused strategy resulted in swift progress with Ajit returning earlier than expected for the match against Puneri PaltanU Mumba riding momentum and backed by a rejuvenated squad is now preparing to face the Patna Pirates in the playins aiming to continue their impressive lateseason run and pursue another title IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-from-setbacks-to-comeback-u-mumbas-changed-fortunes-that-guided-them-to-playoffs-644725.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/the-road-to-glory-begins-pkl-season-12-playoffs-kick-off-in-delhi-644749.html New Delhi Oct 24 The stage is set for the grand playoffs festival of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 as action continues at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi from October 2531 After 108 thrilling leaguestage encounters across four cities the league now enters its most crucial phase as eight teams fight for one trophy The playoffs press conference held on Friday in the capital brought together the team captains of the top eight teams to set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying finale to PKLs 12th seasonThe competition kicks off with the playins on October 25 where the defending champions Haryana Steelers will face the Jaipur Pink Panthers Meanwhile the Patna Pirates will compete against U Mumba in the second playin The winners from these matches will advance to the PlayoffsThe playoffs start on October 26 with the winners from the Playins facing off in Eliminator 1 On the same day Bengaluru Bulls will face the Telugu Titans in the Mini Qualifier On October 27 Eliminator 2 will feature the winner of Eliminator 1 against the loser of the BullsTitans matchup It will also include the top two teams competing in Qualifier 1 for a place in the finalEliminator 3 will take place on October 28 between the winner of Eliminator 2 and the winner of the miniqualifier The team that prevails in that encounter will play Qualifier 2 on October 29 where the loser of Qualifier 1 will be awaiting them The winner of that matchup will book their place in the final which will take place on October 31Eliminator 3 will be held between the winner of Eliminator 2 and the winner of the miniqualifier on October 28 The team that wins this match will play Qualifier 2 on October 29 where the loser of Qualifier 1 will be waiting The winner of that game will secure a place in the final scheduled for October 31The league stage saw the introduction of tiebreakers for the first time drastically raising the level of the competition this season The matches culminated in a dramatic race for qualification The top two teams Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi KC raised the bar for the league this season securing their playoff spot well ahead of the league stage with 26 points eachThere was also an intense battle between teams placed third to sixth with thirdplaced Bengaluru Bulls on 22 points followed by Telugu Titans Haryana Steelers and U Mumba who were tied on 20 pointsPKL 12 also witnessed a stupendous turnaround for season 11s runnersup Patna Pirates Until Day 44 of the Season they were at the bottom of the table before scripting a memorable comeback to win five matches in a row and finishing seventh on the points table While U Mumba missed a chance to seal a topfour spot on the final day Jaipur Pink Panthers completed the lot finishing in eighth placePlayoffs are all about composure and clarity Ive learnt from leaders on how to guide a team under pressure how to talk motivate and read situations Those lessons help me now as a captain Weve worked hard to reach this stage and our only focus is to carry that belief and discipline into the playoffs said Aslam Inamdar skipper of Puneri PaltanIn the Playoffs every raid and tackle can change the game Ive realised that staying calm is my biggest strength aggression can cost you focus When the pressure rises I just remind myself to play with a fresh mind and trust our preparation Weve fought hard all season and were ready to give our best when it matters most said Ashu Malik captain of the Dabang Delhi KCSeason 12 has truly redefined competitiveness in the Pro Kabaddi League 48 of our 108 league matches were decided by five points or less and 27 in the last 90 seconds The refreshed Playoffs will now continue the best of this intensity in the final week of the season With young captains leading the charge and raiders averaging super 10s almost every night the stage is set for one of the most fiercely contested finales in PKL history said Anupam Goswami Business Head Mashal Sports and League Chairman Pro Kabaddi LeagueUnder the aegis and sanction from the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India AKFI Mashal Sports and JioStar have built PKL into one of Indias most successful sports leagues The competition consists of the most matches among all sports leagues in India The Pro Kabaddi League has transformed Indias indigenous sport of Kabaddi and its athletes on the national and global stage IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/the-road-to-glory-begins-pkl-season-12-playoffs-kick-off-in-delhi-644749.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025mumbai-meteors-book-a-spot-in-the-final-with-a-dominant-win-over-goa-guardians-644797.html Hyderabad Oct 24 Mumbai Meteors defeated the Goa Guardians 158 158 1614 to book a spot in the final of the Prime Volleyball League PVL 2025 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium Hyderabad on Friday Shubham Chaudhary was named the Player of the Match Mumbai will play the winner of the second semifinal between Bengaluru Torpedoes and Ahmedabad Defenders Goa showcased their attacking intent early on with Nathaniel Dickinsons spike and Rohit Yadavs powerpacked serve But Goas defense struggled against consistent attacks from Mumbais Shubham Chaudhary and Amit Gulia Dickinsons spike helped Goa win the super point but Mumbais disciplined formation edged the Meteors aheadPrince tried to counterattack for Goa from the middle zone but Karthik kept Mumbai stable Smart play from Shubham minimised Mumbais errors Goa made a change in formation bringing on setter Aravind to turn the momentum A super serve from LM Manoj provided a moment to celebrate for the Guardians But Princes overhit shot cost Goa a super point helping Mumbai take a twoset leadAmits super serve continued Mumbais dominance while adding more pressure on Goas shoulders Petter Ostvik won the battle against Prince in the third set helping Mumbai dominate the middle zone Vikram won a super point giving a glimmer of hope to the Goa fans But just when it looked like Goa would be able to fight back Karthik blocked Chirag Yadavs spike helping his side win the game and reach the finalEarlier Mumbai Meteors defeated the Kochi Blue Spikers in a fiveset thriller winning the match 157 715 1315 158 1511 in the Prime Volleyball League PVL here on Friday sealing a place in the semifinals on Tuesday Karthik was named the Player of the MatchGoa Guardians qualified for the semifinals after the Delhi Toofans defeated the Kolkata Thunderbolts 1816 1115 1215 1511 1512 in the Prime Volleyball League PVL 2025 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium Hyderabad on Wednesday Saqlain Tariq was named the Player of the Match IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025mumbai-meteors-book-a-spot-in-the-final-with-a-dominant-win-over-goa-guardians-644797.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 21:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fide-world-cup-2025-vidit-gujrathi-shares-excitement-as-india-gears-up-to-host-global-tournament-644355.html New Delhi Oct 22 Vidit Gujrathi expressed his excitement ahead of the FIDE World Cup 2025 as India prepares to host the global tournament in Goa in November He shared a video of the anthem on his X account and captioned the post writing The World Cup anthem is out Goa in Nov will witness the chess intensity of the highest level Itsyourmove Fideworldcup2025The anthem also features video clips of the chess players meetup with PM Narendra Modi from the time when the Indian contingent clinched historic wins at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest On Tuesday Goas chief minister Pramod Sawant unveiled the official logo and anthem for the FIDE World Cup 2025 After 23 years the tournament returns to India and will feature 206 players from 82 nationsThe FIDE World Cup 2025 one of the most esteemed events on the global chess calendar will take place in North Goa from 31 October to 27 November 2025 attracting top players from around the world in a knockout format for a prize fund of USD 2 million approximately INR 1758 croreWhile the logo embodies Goas vibrant culturally rich identityhighlighting the states coastal charm and the strategic sophistication of chessthe anthem performed by legendary artist Daler Mehndi adds an air of grandeur and mystique to the occasionThe Indian contingent will be led by reigning World Champion D Gukesh alongside top talents such as Arjun Erigaisi R Praggnanandhaa Nihal Sarin Vidit Gujarathi and Womens World Cup Champion Divya Deshmukh will be playing her first home game since the historic winIconic singer Daler Mehndi known for his powerful and distinctive voice infuses the anthem with his signature vibrancy rhythm and energyAt the World Cup players will compete in a knockout format with the top three finishers qualifying for the 2026 Candidates Tournament the secondtolast stage before the World Chess Championship IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fide-world-cup-2025-vidit-gujrathi-shares-excitement-as-india-gears-up-to-host-global-tournament-644355.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/abhinav-bindra-named-torchbearer-for-2026-winter-olympics-644392.html New Delhi Oct 22 Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra has been chosen as one of the torchbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games to be held in Milan and Cortina dAmpezzo Italy from February 6 to 22 The announcement marks yet another proud moment in the journey of Indias first individual Olympic gold winner who remains one of the most respected voices in global sport and an enduring symbol of perseverance and excellenceBindra who scripted history by winning the gold medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics expressed deep gratitude and emotion after being named a torchbearer for the upcoming GamesSharing his feelings on social media he wrote Truly humbled to be chosen as a torchbearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Torch Relay The Olympic flame has always held a special place in my heart a symbol of dreams perseverance and the unity that sport brings to our worldReflecting on what the honour means to him the ace shooter added To carry it once again is both an honour and a beautiful reminder of what sport makes possible Thank you Milano Cortina 2026 for this incredible honourThe Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will mark Italys fourth time hosting the Winter Games with events set to unfold across the twin venues of Milan and Cortina dAmpezzo This edition will present an expanded schedule featuring 116 medal events across 16 disciplines seven more events and one additional discipline than those contested at the Beijing 2022 GamesA hallmark of every Olympic Games the Olympic Torch Relay embodies the enduring spirit and ideals of the Olympic movement As part of this global tradition Bindra will join a distinguished group of athletes and personalities who will carry the flame through different regions on its journey to the opening ceremony The relay aims to unite communities across Italy celebrate the Olympic ethos of friendship and excellence and build anticipation for the Games ahead IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/abhinav-bindra-named-torchbearer-for-2026-winter-olympics-644392.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-with-a-playoff-spot-on-the-line-up-yoddhas-eye-a-win-against-u-mumba-to-advance-644403.html Chennai Oct 22 With 12 points from 17 games UP Yoddhas enter their final league encounter against U Mumba in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL determined to finish on a high and keep alive their slim chances of reaching the playoffs stage Despite a challenging campaign marked by close contests and narrow margins the Yoddhas resilience has been a defining feature and they will look to summon that fighting spirit once again In their previous outing against Jaipur Pink Panthers the Yoddhas went down 2942 but there were positives to draw from the contestSenior raider Surender Gill led from the front with a spirited 12point performance showing his trademark blend of precision and persistence in attack Guman Singh chipped in with six raid points providing crucial support in the front line while defenders Hitesh and Gagan Gowda added two points each through welltimed tacklesCaptain Ashu Singh and Mahender Singh marshalled the defence with determination often putting their bodies on the line against Jaipurs fluid raiding unit Though the team couldnt convert their efforts into a win their ability to stay competitive against one of the tournaments top sides highlighted their potentialInterim coach Upendra Malik believes the side still has the right mindset to end the season on a positive note Its been a challenging campaign no doubt but the boys have continued to fight with heart We have focused on key areas over the last few sessions and our goal is to execute our plans with confidence A good result tomorrow would be a reflection of the spirit this group has shown all season he saidHeading into the final fixture the qualification equation remains open as the Yoddhas must win their last match comprehensively and hope for a favourable set of results in other games to break into the top eight While the path is narrow the teams selfbelief and momentum from earlier victories against Gujarat Giants and Tamil Thalaivas will fuel their determinationFor the Yoddhas this final clash encompasses pride progress and the possibility of turning persistence into reward If they channel the grit that has defined their journey a late surge into the playins isnt beyond reach IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-with-a-playoff-spot-on-the-line-up-yoddhas-eye-a-win-against-u-mumba-to-advance-644403.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indian-wrestler-vishvajit-more-wins-bronze-in-u-23-senior-world-wrestling-championship-in-serbia-644415.html New Delhi Oct 22 Indias Vishvajit More competing in the 55 kg GrecoRoman category brought glory to the nation by winning the bronze medal at the Under23 Senior World Wrestling Championship being held in Novi Sad Serbia In the bronze medal bout Vishvajit displayed exceptional skills and determination to defeat the Kazakh wrestler with a close 54 scoreline securing Indias first medal in the championshipVishvajit began his campaign with an impressive victory over a Romanian wrestler in the qualification round and continued his fine form by defeating the USA wrestler by technical superiority in the next round He faced a tough challenge in the quarterfinals where he lost to UWW wrestler Alibek However as Alibek advanced to the final Vishvajit earned a chance to compete in the repechage roundIn the repechage he made a strong comeback by overpowering the Georgian wrestler through technical superiority paving his way to the bronze medal bout Demonstrating remarkable grit and composure Vishvajit ultimately triumphed over the Kazakh opponent to clinch the Bronze Medal for IndiaThis achievement marks a proud moment for Indian wrestling highlighting the growing strength of young wrestlers on the international stageIn all 29 Indian wrestlers are vying for medals at the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2025 in Novi Sad Serbia in the competition that will stretch from October 20 to 27Competitions will span 10 weight categories each in mens and womens freestyle and GrecoRoman wrestling with India entering one athlete per category except in mens freestyle 125kg Around 700 wrestlers from across the globe are competing in the Serbian city IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indian-wrestler-vishvajit-more-wins-bronze-in-u-23-senior-world-wrestling-championship-in-serbia-644415.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 01:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025goa-guardians-qualify-for-semis-after-delhi-toofans-beat-kolkata-thunderbolts-in-five-set-thriller-644416.html Hyderabad Oct 22 Goa Guardians qualified for the semifinals after the Delhi Toofans defeated the Kolkata Thunderbolts 1816 1115 1215 1511 1512 in Season 4 of the Prime Volleyball League at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium Hyderabad on Wednesday Saqlain Tariq was named the Player of the Match Goa will now play Mumbai Meteors in the first semifinal on FridayWednesdays game started with both teams attacking from the middle Delhis Jesus Chourio made the first major dent Ashwal Rai kept the pressure up for the Thunderbolts with strong spikes A smart review call from coach Manoj Nair helped the Toofans win the first setPankaj Sharmas missile service put pressure on the Toofans defence Ashwal kept up the pressure on Delhis libero Aljo Sabu Matin Takavar made a super block on Chourio and the Thunderbolts won the second setAayush made two important blocks as Delhi regained composure A risky super point for the Thunderbolts backfired with Carlos super spike But Aayushs overhit shot cost the Toofans a super point and the Thunderbolts took the lead winning the third setLosing two sets meant that Delhi were out of contention for a place in the semifinals But the result did little to deter Delhi skipper Saqlain Tariq from seeking a win Abhishek Rajeev and Muhammed Jasim led their fightback With a smart block from Jasim Delhi pushed the game to the fifth setWith Kolkatas Matin off court Delhi began running the play from the middle utilising both Jasim and Aayush Matins return put pressure on the Toofans But tremendous defending from libero Aljo helped the Toofans win a super point and the Toofans scripted an unforgettable win eliminating KolkataEarlier on Tuesday Kochi Blue Spikers bowed out of the tournament with a solid win in the Prime Volleyball League PVL 2025 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium Hyderabad defeating Ahmedabad Defenders 1513 1416 1715 159 Erin Varghese was named the Player of the Match The result did not affect Ahmedabads position in the table as they are already through to the semifinals IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025goa-guardians-qualify-for-semis-after-delhi-toofans-beat-kolkata-thunderbolts-in-five-set-thriller-644416.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 01:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025mumbai-meteors-qualify-for-semifinals-with-win-over-chennai-blitz-644121.html Hyderabad Oct 20 Mumbai Meteors defeated the Chennai Blitz 1614 1115 1512 2119 in the Prime Volleyball League at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium Hyderabad on Monday to book a spot in the semifinals Mathias Loftesnes was named the Player of the Match Chennai setter Sameer straightaway went towards Jerome Vinith and Luiz Perotto to make the attacks whlile Mumbai captain Amit Gulia attacked from the centre Chennai defended well with middle blocker Azizbek on court but Amit kept finding gaps Mathias did well to keep the pressure up on the Blitz and with Om Lad Vasants timely block Mumbai won the first setTarun started leading the counterattack for Chennai while the Blitz supreme defence kept making it harder for the Meteors to find gaps Suraj Chaudharys confident block on Amit shifted the momentum and Perottos super serve put pressure on Mumbai Despite a good fightback from Mumbai Chennai held their nerve to level the gameChennais libero T Srikanth thrilled the crowd with his impressive defensive performance But blocker Karthiks presence brought stability back to Mumbais defence Petter Ostviks allround display helped Mumbais cause Despite service pressure from Perotto the Meteors managed to held their nerves With Loftesnes attack from the middle zone Mumbai regained their leadIn the fourth set two crucial reviews went in Mumbais favour solidifying their lead Perotto and Jerome continued to lead Chennais fightback At a crucial juncture Karthik and Shubham combined to block Tarun earning the Meteors an important point The marathon set ended with Shubhams super spike and Mumbai claimed a 31 winKolkata Thunderbolts winEarlier in the day Kolkata Thunderbolts returned to winning ways on the auspicious night of Diwali defeating the hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks 159 1513 915 1513 in the Prime Volleyball League at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium Hyderabad on Monday Pankaj Sharma was named the Player of the Match With the win the Thunderbolts climbed to 6th position in the table with 9 pointsThe Hawks started with setter Preet Karan spreading his passes between Sahil Kumar and Yudi Yamamoto to test Kolkatas defence Pankaj Sharma proved prepared as he combined with Muhammad Iqbal to halt Hyderabads attacksThe Thunderbolts appeared like a wellorganised machine in defence not allowing much room to the Hawks to get in their shots Yudis spike went wayward costing the hosts a super point and Kolkata took the leadJithin acted as the mastermind behind Kolkatas tactics allowing Ashwal Rai and Matin Takavar to lead effective attacks Iqbals dominant defending in the middle allowed Kolkata to take control of the matchHyderabad made changes to their formation bringing John Joseph Guru Prashanth and Paulo Lamounier Paulos block on Pankaj shifted the momentum as the home crowd went ecstatic Niyas Abdul Salam found his rhythm Johns block on Rahul earned a crucial super point and the Hawks won the third set to open up the doors for a comebackIn the fourth set Lamounier started setting the tempo for Hyderabads attacks Pankaj and Ashwal kept making solid crosscourt attacks to relieve some pressure Kolkata regained control winning a crucial super point Rahuls ferocious spike earned Kolkata an important point and with Shikar missing his shot from the middle the Thunderbolts claimed a sensational win IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025mumbai-meteors-qualify-for-semifinals-with-win-over-chennai-blitz-644121.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indian-pugilists-leave-for-bahrain-to-compete-at-asian-youth-games-644176.html New Delhi Oct 21 The Boxing Federation of India BFI has dispatched a 23member Indian boxing contingent to Manama Bahrain for the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 scheduled from October 23 to 30 The team will represent India across 14 weight categories seven each for boys and girls in the U17 age group The boxing competition at the Asian Youth Games will take place at Exhibition World Bahrain Hall 9 featuring threeround bouts in a singleelimination format Medal ceremonies are scheduled for October 30 followed by the Closing Ceremony on October 31The boxers who recently completed a highintensity training camp at NS NIS Patiala from September 23 to October 20 are now set to take on Asias best The camp focused on enhancing technical tactical and physical conditioning under the expert supervision of Head Coaches Vinod Kumar Boys U17 and Jitender Raj Singh Girls U17 supported by a dedicated team of six coaches two physiotherapists and one doctorThe squad was selected based on performances at the 6th U17 Junior Boys amp Girls National Boxing Championships 2025 where gold medallists secured direct selection into the team while silver medallists were named as reservesThe lineup includes standout performers from the Asian U17 Championships held in July 2025 where India clinched 43 medals to finish second overall further cementing the nations growing reputation in youth boxingOur young boxers have shown tremendous progress over the past few months proving that they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in Asia This exposure at the Asian Youth Games will be vital in shaping them into future medal winners Theyve worked hard through the camp and we believe theyre ready to deliver strong performances in Bahrain and continue Indias upward trajectory in youth boxing said Ajay Singh President Boxing Federation of IndiaAmong the team are Dhruv Kharb Udham Singh Raghav Khushi Chand Ahaana Sharma and Chandrika Bhoreshi Pujari all gold medallists who have been key figures in Indias youth boxing surge IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/indian-pugilists-leave-for-bahrain-to-compete-at-asian-youth-games-644176.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/deeply-saddened-hard-to-believe-pragg-offers-condolences-on-the-passing-of-gm-daniel-naroditsky-644191.html New Delhi Oct 21 Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of US chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky saying it was hard to believe he would no longer witness his chess challenges Naroditskys sudden death at the age of 29 was announced on X by his family via the Charlotte Chess CentreIm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Danya Every time I logged into Chesscom I would see his challenge for a game Its hard to believe that I wont see it anymore My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones Praggnanandha shared on XNaroditsky was found dead at his San Jose residence in California earlier this week Authorities have yet to release an official cause of death but early reports indicate no signs of foul play according to a report in MarcaIn 2007 he earned the FIDE Master title and won the U12 section of the World Youth Chess Championship He shared second place at the 2010 US Open became an International Master in 2011 and won the US Junior Championship in 2013 That same year he achieved the title of Grandmaster His peak FIDE classical rating was 2647 reached in May 2017He has written several books on chess starting with Mastering Positional Chess which he published at the age of 14 having begun writing it when he was just ten years oldNaroditsky frequently appeared as a commentator for prominent chess events particularly on Chesscom Outside the chess arena Naroditsky played a crucial role in promoting chess content online bridging the gap between professional and amateur chessHe also ran highly popular Twitch and YouTube channels He was praised for his ability to calmly and simply explain the game to players of all levels His YouTube channel gained nearly 500000 subscribers and his Twitch stream attracted 340000 followers IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/deeply-saddened-hard-to-believe-pragg-offers-condolences-on-the-passing-of-gm-daniel-naroditsky-644191.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025-bengaluru-torpedoes-eye-strong-finish-to-league-stage-against-mumbai-meteors-644219.html Hyderabad Oct 21 With both sides already assured of semifinal spots Bengaluru Torpedoes will aim to finish the league stage on a high when they face Mumbai Meteors in their final Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia encounter at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday The Torpedoes have been one of the most consistent teams this season winning five of their six matches so far However they come into the contest after a 23 defeat to Hyderabad Black Hawks in what was their first loss of the campaign and will be eager to bounce back and regain momentum ahead of the knockout stageAmong Bengalurus top performers this season have been American universal Jalen Penrose and Indian attackers Joel Benjamin and Sethu TR whose consistent displays have been vital to the teams successMumbai Meteors have enjoyed a similarly strong run also winning five of their six matches this season to secure a final four position The exceptional form of Amit Gulia and Norwegian attacker Mathias Loftesnes has aided the MeteorsSpeaking ahead of the match Bengaluru Torpedoes Head Coach and twotime Olympic medallist David Lee saidWeve had a good run so far and while the last game didnt go our way its part of the process The important thing is that were learning and building and getting better all the time The group has shown great energy and resilience throughout the season and theres a lot of confidence in what we can achieve as we head into the playoffsLee further emphasised the importance of the upcoming fixture he addedMumbai are a wellorganised unit with some excellent individual players so itll be a good test for us before the knockout stage We want to keep pushing ourselves and take that winning mindset into the semifinals IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025-bengaluru-torpedoes-eye-strong-finish-to-league-stage-against-mumbai-meteors-644219.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/goa-cm-pramod-sawant-unveils-fide-world-cup-2025-logo-anthem-644235.html Panaji Oct 21 Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday unveiled the official logo and anthem of the FIDE World Cup 2025 Returning to India after 23 years the tournament will feature 206 players from 82 countries The FIDE World Cup 2025 one of the most prestigious tournaments on the global chess calendar will be held in North Goa from October 31 to November 27 2025 bringing together elite players from across the world in a knockout contest for a prize purse of USD 2 million approx INR 1758 croreWhile the logo reflects Goas vibrant culturally rich identitycapturing the essence of the states coastal charm and the strategic elegance of chessthe anthem sung by legendary artist Daler Mehndi adds a touch of grandeur and mystique to the eventSpeaking at the launch ceremony CM Sawant said It is a moment of immense pride for Goa to host the FIDE World Cup 2025 one of the most prestigious events in global chess This milestone not only reaffirms our states commitment to becoming a premier destination for international sport but also celebrates Indias rising prominence on the world chess stage The official logo and anthem reflect the very soul of Goa vibrant creative and deeply rooted in culture while capturing the strategic elegance of chess We are ready to welcome the worlds finest players to our shores for 28 days of topclass competition camaraderie and an experience that blends the spirit of Goa with the brilliance of the gameThe Indian contingent will be led by reigning World Champion D Gukesh alongside top talents such as Arjun Erigaisi R Praggnanandhaa Nihal Sarin Vidit Gujarathi and Womens World Cup Champion Divya Deshmukh will be playing her first home game since the historic winThe tournament will also feature the 12yearold Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro also called the Messi of Chess his participation will be historic as the youngest player of the 2025 editionComplementing the visual identity of the event is its official anthem a dynamic celebration of Indias strategic prowess and youthful energy Featuring the Prime Minister in its music video the anthem brings together the spirit of the nation with the brilliance of chess Iconic singer Daler Mehndi known for his powerful and distinctive voice infuses the anthem with his signature vibrancy rhythm and energyCentred around the empowering theme Its Your Move the song captures the essence of Indias growing might in world chess while highlighting the vibrancy of its culture The video also showcases Indias leading chess grandmasters and stars like World Champion D Gukesh Arjun Erigaisi Koneru Humpy Tania Sachdev and Vidit Gujarati symbolising the new generation that is taking Indian chess to unprecedented heightsAICF president Nitin Narang thanked the Goa government for their support for the event and said Securing the hosting rights for the FIDE World Cup 2025 is a landmark moment for India and a testament to our growing credibility in the global chess community Bringing a tournament of this magnitude to our shores after 23 years is not just a sporting success but a proud national achievement It will give Indian fans a rare opportunity to witness the worlds best players compete on home soil inspiring a new generation to take up the sport The anthem with its energy and emotion will revitalise chess across the country and take the game from clubs and academies into every home in IndiaAt the World Cup the players will compete against each other in a knockout format with the top three finishers qualifying for the 2026 Candidates Tournament the penultimate stage leading to the World Chess Championship IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/goa-cm-pramod-sawant-unveils-fide-world-cup-2025-logo-anthem-644235.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/chess-indian-origin-british-prodigy-bodhana-youngest-to-beat-a-world-champion-644084.html London Oct 20 British chess prodigy of Indian origin Bodhana Sivanandan has achieved yet another remarkable feat becoming one of the youngest players ever to defeat a former world champion The youngster accomplished this during the European Club Cup in Greece The 10yearold from North London pulled off a stunning result on Sunday by defeating Ukraines former Womens champion Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk at the European Club Cup in Rhodes GreeceBorn in London in 2015 to parents who moved from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu she became a Woman FIDE Master in 2024 In July 2025 at age 10 she achieved the status of the youngest chess player to earn a Woman Grandmaster WGM norm the previous record holder was Hou Yifan who accomplished it as an 11yearold in 2005On Sunday Sivanandan added another feather to her cap by beating Mariya Muzychuk to become the youngest player to defeat the World ChampionShe seems to be beating a GM every week now the English Grandmaster Danny Gormally was quoted as saying in a statementEnglands No1 Grandmaster David Howell called it an incredible win He added Its not every day a 10yearold defeats a GM and former world champion in such style Grandmaster Susan Polgar the Womens World Champion from 1996 to 1999 also paid tribute to Sivanandan calling her game impressiveSivanandan is playing for the 12thseeded team She Plays to Win Lionesses The team lost 31 in Round 1 to Turkish Airlines but Sivanandans point will be remembered for a long timeThe scale of the upset is highlighted by the fact that 33yearold Muzychuk 2485 the Womens world number 13 was rated 280 FIDE points higher than Sivanandan 2205Sivanandans rise up the ranks has been incredible and she has been breaking records for funEarlier this year the schoolgirl from Harrow who had taken up chess during the 2020 lockdown made history by becoming the youngest female chess player ever to beat a grandmasterSivanandan secured the victory against 60yearold Grandmaster Peter Wells in the final round of the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool surpassing Carissa Yips record by over six months The win also earned her the final norm required to become a Woman International Master WIM making her the youngest ever to achieve that titleSivanandans victory at 10 years five months and three days beat the 2019 record held by American Carissa Yip who went on to become an International Master During the event she also became the youngest ever to secure a WGM normIn 2024 the young player became the youngest person ever to represent England internationally in any sport when she was selected for the England Womens Team at the Chess Olympiad in HungarySivanandan is part of a talented group of English players making waves in international chess Several top players have tipped her for stardomGormally added English chess has been in the doldrums for so many years Weve had good players coming through dont get me wrong but we havent had great players coming through for many yearsAnd now weve suddenly got a generation with GM Shreyas Royal and Bodhana and FM Supratit Banerjee and FM Ethan Pang and others who are actually exciting We dont know how strong theyre going to be he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/chess-indian-origin-british-prodigy-bodhana-youngest-to-beat-a-world-champion-644084.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jyothi-surekha-vennam-wins-historic-world-cup-final-bronze-medal-643761.html Nanjing China Oct 18 Star Indian archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam scripted history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian woman compound archer to win a medal at the Archery World Cup Final clinching the bronze Third seed Jyothi stunned second seed Ella Gibson 150145 with a dominating display shooting tens in all 15 arrowsThe Asian Games champion began her campaign with a confident 143140 quarterfinal win over Alexis Ruiz of America In the semifinals Jyothi narrowly lost to world No 1 Andrea Becerra of Mexico falling 143145 in a closely fought battleHowever Jyothi bounced back in spectacular fashion during the bronze medal match firing 15 consecutive 10s over five ends to dominate Gibson and finish her campaign on a high noteCurrently ranked third in the womens compound category Jyothi had qualified for the individual event in Nanjing based on her world ranking This marked her third appearance at the World Cup Final following previous outings in Tlaxcala 2022 and Hermosillo 2023In the womens compound category another Indian archer Madhura Dhamangaonkar made an early exit after a 142145 loss to Mexicos Mariana Bernal in the opening roundMeanwhile Rishabh Yadav who had earlier clinched the compound mixed team title at Auburndale this year will be in action in the mens compound event He will take on South Koreas Kim Jongho in the quarterfinal later in the dayJyothi and Rishabh Yadav who teamed up to win the compound mixed team event at Auburndale earlier this year qualified for the individual events at Nanjing through their respective rankingsAll the archers competing at the World Cup Final qualified by either winning one of the four World Cup stages held in Auburndale Shanghai Antalya and Madrid or through World Cup rankingsIndia won 14 medals including three gold four silver and seven bronze from the four Archery World Cup stages this year However Madhura Dhamangaonkar won Indias only individual gold IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jyothi-surekha-vennam-wins-historic-world-cup-final-bronze-medal-643761.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 13:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/chess-launches-new-world-championship-approved-by-fide-to-crown-combined-winner-in-fast-classic-rapid-blitz-643257.html Mumbai Oct 15 The organisers of Norway Chess on Thursday announced the launch of a new World Championship which will crown a champion across all time controls the Fast Classic Rapid and Blitz which has been approved and endorsed by the sports world governing body FIDE The new championship titled the Total Chess World Championship Tour will consist of four events each year and crown a combined champion across three disciplines Fast Classic Rapid and Blitz chess We expect this to become one of the most prestigious events in the entire chess Calendar Kjell Madland CEO of Norway Chess and of the new championship said in a release on WednesdayThe Total Chess World Championship Tour will crown an overall champion across three disciplines Fast Classic Rapid and Blitz and the winner will be crowned FIDE World Combined ChampionThe overall championship comprising four tournaments held in various global cities will have a minimum 27mn annual prize pool across the Tour 750000 per event for the first three events and 450000 for the finals plus performance bonuses A pilot tournament is planned for fall 2026 with the first full championship season in 2027The initiative comes from the organisers of the prestigious Norway Chess tournament and the official World Championship status agreement was signed with the International Chess Federation FIDE in early October The vision of the Total Chess World Championship Tour is to find the player who best masters the disciplines Fast Classic Rapid and Blitz combined Fast Classic is an innovation of classical chess featuring a time limit as short as 45 minutes plus a 30second increment per move This will receive a rating as classical chessWe are looking for The Total Chess Player a versatile tactically intelligent and technically skilled athlete who seamlessly adapts to multiple time controls says Kjell MadlandThe tour will take place in various cities across the globe and during the final stop an overall winner will be crowned the official FIDE World Combined ChampionWe want to create an entertaining tournament using cuttingedge technology innovative and engaging TV and streaming broadcasts and faster formats to open up the sport of chess to a broader audience than ever before We expect this to become one of the most prestigious events in the entire chess Calendar We are very honoured by the strong trust FIDE has shown in the project From the very beginning the federation has been an active and engaged partner ensuring the project aligns with FIDEs vision and standards We want to thank them and especially the FIDE President for their close involvement and support says Kjell MadlandFIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expresses strong support for the We are always looking for ways to innovate and push the boundaries of what chess can be Although chess is already one of the most popular games in the world its growth potential is still enormous With the Total Chess World Championship Tour we give players a new title to compete for and the audience a faster tournament format and we hope the tournament can captivate both the existing chess fans and new audiences says FIDE President Arkady DvorkovichWe see this as a great addition to the traditional and prestigious World Chess Championship where we crown the undisputed champion of classic chess The championships will complement each other and offer even more excitement for the fans This is not a shortterm initiative but a longterm agreement between FIDE and Norway Chess says Arkady Dvorkovich IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/chess-launches-new-world-championship-approved-by-fide-to-crown-combined-winner-in-fast-classic-rapid-blitz-643257.html Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-jaideep-and-shivam-lead-haryana-steelers-to-win-over-patna-pirates-642984.html New Delhi Oct 13 Haryana Steelers recorded a comeback win against Patna Pirates prevailing 3932 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium on Monday night The defending champions broke their fivematch losing streak and moved to sixth place on the points table as a result Jaideep Dahiya led the way with a High Five recording six tackles on the night while Shivam Patare completed his Super 10 Meanwhile Ayan Lohchabs 17 points went in vain for Patna PiratesIt was an engaging start to the game as Maninder Singh and Vinay opened the scoring for their respective sides Ayan didnt waste any time to make his mark either scoring his first points with a multipoint raid and then soon following it up with a tackle on Shivam Patare In a tight start both teams couldnt be successful on their respective first DoOrDie RaidsHaryana Steelers defence kept them on level terms with Hardeep and Rahul Sethpal contributing to the cause before a tackle from Balaji D and a raid from Ayan gave Patna Pirates an 86 lead after the opening ten minutes The defending champions instantly responded though with a Super Tackle courtesy Rahul SethpalAyan Lohchab then helped his team open up a sevenpoint gap inflicting the first all out of the game on the defending champions However the Steelers showed their mettle and struck right back with Hardeep chipping in on the defensive end and Shivam Patare making an impact on the offensive endIn this topsyturvy encounter the momentum swung back in the Pirates favour at the stroke of half time Ayan recorded nine raid points while Vaibhav Garje recorded successive tackles to ensure their team held a significant 2014 lead halfway through this gameAyan began the second half with a tackle but the Haryana Steelers captain asserted himself with a couple of Super Tackles reducing the deficit to threepoints Shivam Patare then brought it down to a twogame and also became the first Steelers player to register 100raid points this seasonWith a twopoint raid Ayan recorded his Super 10 helping Patna Pirates regain a fourpoint lead Haryana Steelers were quickly back on level terms though as Sahil Narwal bagged a Super Tackle and Vinay followed it up with a raid Heading into the final ten minutes the defending champions got their noses in front with Ghanshyam Magar bagging a multipoint raid The Steelers outscored the Pirates by seven points in the third quarter taking a onepoint leadA Super Tackle from Navdeep put the Pirates back in front before Jaideep recorded backtoback tackles also completing his High Five in the process His side then moved in front by four points as Vinay helped them inflict an all out giving the Steelers a fourpoint advantage with around five minutes to goWith the clock ticking down Haryana Steelers ensured that they controlled the tempo of the game Shivam Patare recorded a twopoint raid while Sahil Narwals tackle kept their side in front by seven points Shivam then added the finishing touches to the game finishing his Super 10 and helping his side complete a comeback win prevailing 3932 on the night IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-jaideep-and-shivam-lead-haryana-steelers-to-win-over-patna-pirates-642984.html Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025-goa-guardians-seek-redemption-in-must-win-clash-with-thunderbolts-642962.html Hyderabad Oct 13 The Goa Guardians face a stern test as they prepare to take on the Kolkata Thunderbolts in their next match in Season 4 of the Prime Volleyball League PVL here on Tuesday Goas journey in the maiden season has been a rollercoaster one highlighted by their historic firstever victory against the Ahmedabad Defenders where they remarkably saved eight match points However their momentum was halted heartbreakingly in the following match against Chennai Blitz where they surrendered a lead to eventually lose the match That defeat has left them with little margin for error as their next three fixtures against Kolkata Hyderabad and Delhi hold the key to their hopes of reaching the semifinalsFor the Guardians the pressure will be immense Their attack spearheaded by aggressive spiking and a resilient defensive backline will need to be clinically consistent against a Kolkata side that thrives on dominanceMistakes that crept in during the clash against Chennai must be ironed out with sharper serves and better conversion at crucial points being essential Captaincy leadership and clutch plays from their experienced core will be pivotal to keep their campaign aliveOn the other hand Kolkata Thunderbolts arrived in Hyderabad in high spirits The inaugural seasons champions 2022 have just dispatched Chennai Blitz with a commanding 30 win underlining their depth precision and ability to dictate the pace of matchesTheir balanced roster combines explosive power hitters and intelligent setters making them a formidable opponent for any side in the league Confidence will be on their side and theyll look to capitalise on any signs of vulnerability from GoaThis encounter promises highintensity exchanges with both teams having strong motivations Goa fighting to stay in the qualification race Kolkata aiming to tighten their grip at the top Expect a game packed with fierce rallies momentum swings and a storyline that could have significant implications for the Guardians semifinal dreams IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025-goa-guardians-seek-redemption-in-must-win-clash-with-thunderbolts-642962.html Mon, 13 Oct 2025 21:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/rajputana-royals-crowned-champions-of-the-inaugural-archery-premier-league-642763.html New Delhi Oct 12 The inaugural Archery Premier League APL saved its best for last as the final between the Rajputana Royals and Prithviraaj Yodhas turned into an edgeoftheseat thriller In a dramatic finish the Royals held their nerve to stage a stunning comeback and clinch the title in a tense shootoff emerging as the firstever APL champions It boiled down to a hitandmiss match in the tiebreaking shootoff in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta where the two most consistent Royals compound archers Ojas Deotale and Ella Gibson hit the target while none of the four Yodhas players found the yellow dotBut the Yodhas can hold their heads high not just for giving Royals a tough fight but also for becoming the first APL team to register a perfect rotation of eight arrows in a set scoring a perfect 80 with all 10 But still it didnt turn out to be enough despite taking a 42 lead headed by their inform senior compound archer Abhishek Verma who teamed up with Matias Grande Gatha Khadake and Andrea BecerraFor the Royals recurvers Mete Gazoz and Ankita Bhakat partnered Gibson and Deotale to help their team lift the trophy having lost just once in 12 matches on their way to winning the titleThe drama started in the first set itself which ended with one of Khadakes arrow getting upgraded by the judges to give the Yodhas a 7877 win in the first set However the Royals roared back in the next with a 7875 margin to square the final at 22The third set saw the Yodhas archers scripting history by scoring 10s on all eight arrows to win it with an unprecedented scoreline of 8077The match went on a knifeedge towards the end of the fourth set when Grande needed a 9 to seal the championship for the Yodhas but he hit an 8 and the Royals won the set 7877 to make it 44 with a shootoff to decide the winner And Gibson and Deotale did the rest by hitting the shootoff target twiceEarlier in the day in the first semifinal the Royals dropped just six points across three sets for a 51 victory with a 7878 7977 7775 scoreline to beat the Chero Archers The leaguestage toppers continued their rich vein of form led by their compound archers Deotale and Ella Gibson who were in brilliant 10hitting form once againThe Royals upped their game further after a tied first set to clinch the next two for an outright win which was sealed with a 10 off the last arrow by the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist recurver Mete GazozA dramatic finish to the second semifinal between the Yodhas and the Mighty Marathas saw a remeasure by the judges in the fourth set giving the Yodhas a 53 win for an entry into the final against the RoyalsIt was a match that swung like a pendulum as compound archer Mike Schloesser had another perfect day for the Marathas But it didnt prove enough even though they managed to level the game at 22 by winning the second setThe Yodhas began by winning the first set 7874 while the Marathas rallied to win the next 7976 The Yodhas regained their twopoint advantage at 42 after winning the third set 7874 as compound man Verma led from the front with perfect 10sAt the end of the fourth set it appeared that the Marathas had clinched it by a point to take the semifinal into a shootoff But a remeasure by the judges upgraded Yodhas arrow which made it 7878 and it was enough for the Yodhas to win 53 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/rajputana-royals-crowned-champions-of-the-inaugural-archery-premier-league-642763.html Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-bengaluru-torpedoes-look-to-extend-winning-streak-against-chennai-blitz-642693.html Hyderabad Oct 12 Bengaluru Torpedoes are heading into their next challenge after registering their third straight victory in the Prime Volleyball League PVL facing Chennai Blitz on Monday in what promises to be a highintensity contest as both teams look to assert themselves early this season Bengaluru Torpedoes had defeated Kochi Blue Spikers 1315 1715 159 1512 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium here on Saturday for their third win in three matchesAgainst Kochi Bengaluru once again showed their trademark resilience after conceding the opening set Led by captain and setter Matt West who was named Player of the Match the Torpedoes fought back strongly Joel Benjamin and Jalen Penrose provided sharp attacking options while Nitin Minhass monster block at a super point and Sethu TRs super serve highlighted the teams depth The win underlined Bengalurus ability to stay composed under pressure and turn the momentum at critical momentsSpeaking ahead of the Chennai clash captain Matt West said The team is showing a lot of belief right now Winning three in a row has boosted our confidence but we know Chennai are a tough side with quality players Our focus is on sticking to the basics serving well defending together and staying calm If we do that we can carry this momentum forwardOn Saturday Abhishek CK provided the early flair to Kochi Blue Spikers attacks but the Torpedoes matched up their intensity with Sethus super serve Bengaluru Torpedoes captain and setter Matthew West continued his form with his distribution keeping his side in the gameNitin Minhas monster block earned Coach David Lees side a crucial super point But Kochis smart review call pulled back a point for his sideErin Varghese kept the intensity up for Kochi despite the Torpedoes relying on Joel Benjamin and Jalen Penrose to put back the pressure An injury to setter Byron Keturakis affected Kochis momentumThe Torpedoes found their way back with Penrose growing more dangerous by the minute Unforced errors from Kochi increased further piling on their troubles Sethu joined in on the attack in the front court to tilt the game in the Torpedoes wayChennai Blitz have experienced a rollercoaster start to their season They pulled off a memorable fiveset win over the Goa Guardians where Jerome Vinith starred with a Player of the Match performance supported by Luiz Felipe Perotto and Tarun Gowda K with decisive super serves However their campaign has also seen setbacks including a straightset defeat to Kolkata ThunderboltsFor Bengaluru Mondays clash is a chance to extend their winning streak and solidify their place among the frontrunners of PVL 2025 While Chennai will look for an opportunity to rebound quickly and rediscover their rhythm to climb the standingsWith both sides bringing firepower and determination fans can expect a gripping contest when Bengaluru Torpedoes and Chennai Blitz face off tomorrow evening at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-bengaluru-torpedoes-look-to-extend-winning-streak-against-chennai-blitz-642693.html Sun, 12 Oct 2025 18:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025delhi-toofans-script-dominant-3-0-win-over-calicut-heroes-642748.html Hyderabad Oct 12 Delhi Toofans registered a thunderous 1511 159 1511 win over the defending champions Calicut Heroes in the Prime Volleyball League PVL at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium Hyderabad on Sunday Jesus Chourio was named the Player of the Match In much need of a win the Calicut Heroes started strongly with Santhosh firing strong smashes early on Vikas Maan played a key role in the middle zone for Calicut to stop Delhis attacks But skipper Saqlain Tariqs smart distribution kept his side in the game Muhammad Jasimled triple block earned Delhi a super point halting Calicuts early momentumChourio started using his power to trouble Calicuts defence Birthday boy George Antony made two consecutive super serves in a row as the Toofans began dominating on court Callicuts libero Adarsh and Delhis libero Anand kept the crowd entertained with energetic defenceSanthoshs super serve gave Calicut a glimmer of hope with a powerpacked Shameem made a couple of solid blocks to put pressure on Delhis attacksIn reply Delhi captain Saqlain started moving away from the middle finding Carlos Berrios in Zone 2 to make Delhis attacks Ayush made a tremendous block on Raheems attempt and earned Delhi Toofans a super point to win the matchThis is the second win for Delhi Toofans who won their first game of the season by defeating the Hyderabad Black Hawks 1510 1614 1715 two days back On the same day defending Champions Calicut Heroes went down to Ahmedabad Defenders 1215 1512 1512 1614 On Saturday Bengaluru Torpedoes and Kolkata Thunderbolts won their respective matches to keep alive their hopes in the season The Torpedoes continued their winning run in PVL 2025 defeating Kochi Blue Spikers 1315 1715 159 1512 Matt West was named the Player of the Match In the second match of the day Kolkata Thunderbolts put on a dominant performance to beat the Chennai Blitz 1511 1512 1513 Jithin N was named the Player of the Match IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025delhi-toofans-script-dominant-3-0-win-over-calicut-heroes-642748.html Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-10th-tie-breaker-sees-puneri-paltan-beat-dabang-delhi-take-top-spot-642754.html New Delhi Oct 12 Puneri Paltan fought off the Dabang Delhi KC bravely to secure an impressive 65 win after the match was tied at 3838 in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL at the Thyagaraj Stadium on Sunday night It was an important victory that took Puneri Paltan to the top of the standings on points difference after an allround performance led by Pankaj Mohite 7 and skipper Aslam Inamdar 6 It was also the 10th tiebreaker of the season as Ajinkya Pawars Super 10 and Saurabh Nandals High Five went in vainPuneri Paltan made a strong start against Dabang Delhi KC asserting early dominance in the opening ten minutes of the contest With their raiders in fine touch the Paltan raced ahead through the sharp attacks of Pankaj Mohite and Aditya Shinde who consistently found gaps in Dabang Delhis defenceFor Dabang Delhi the start was far from ideal Their key raiders Ajinkya and Neeraj struggled to break through while Fazel Atrachali found himself out early in the halfDespite a couple of successful raids from Pawar and Neeraj Dabang Delhi couldnt build rhythm conceding an ALL OUT midway through the half that widened the gap By the 10minute mark the Paltan had established a commanding 147 leadIn the second quarter Ajinkya pulled his team back into the game First he got Gaurav Khatri and Gurdeep and then got Aslam as the Paltan were reduced to two players This started an impressive comeback for the season 8 PKL champions who began to reduce the deficit on their opponentsAjinkya continued to rule the roost his raids got Rakesh and Aslam before Sandeeps tackle on Mohit Goyat completed the All Out reducing the lead to two points Ajinkya then got a Super Raid that eliminated Gurdeep Pankaj and Vishal Bhardwaj At the end of the first half Saurabh Nandals tackle on Aditya Shinde ensured that Dabang Delhi took a 2120 lead at the end of the first halfAjinkya completed a wellearned Super 10 in a DoOrDie raid at the start of the second half as the tabletoppers kept the pressure on the season 10 champions With both sides exchanging blows equally it was another moment of brilliance that gave Dabang Delhi the leadSandeep tackled Aslam and following a successful raid by Ajinkya Saurabh got Abinesh Nadarajan as the All Out was inflicted for a second time on the Paltan Saurabh also completed his High Five as Dabang Delhi maintained their lead in the third quarter with the score reading 3227For every move made by Puneri Paltan Dabang Delhi had an answer Aslam got Fazel Atrachali and then Surjeet Singh while Gurdeep tackled Neeraj Narwal This gave the Paltan a lifeline in the match as the Dabang Delhi were reduced to just three playersIn this moment supersub Naveen pulled off a Super Tackle as the lead of Dabang Delhi extended to four points Mohit Goyat then got a touch on Fazel Atrachali and then Saurabh Nandal reducing the table toppers to one player Naveen who was caught by Mohit Goyat inflicting the All Out on Dabang Delhi and taking the match to the first tiebreaker of the Delhi leg with the score at 3838Aditya Shinde got Surjeet in the first raid before Neeraj Narwal equalised with a Bonus Point making it 11 Ajinkya was then tackled to give Puneri the lead after which Abinesh got Surjeet Fazel then earned a raid point but Mohit Goyat got a bonus point as Puneri held on to their lead Aslam was then tackled by Dabang Delhi but he also got a bonus point which effectively sealed the win for Puneri Paltan IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-10th-tie-breaker-sees-puneri-paltan-beat-dabang-delhi-take-top-spot-642754.html Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025-bengaluru-torpedoes-beat-kochi-blue-spikers-to-continue-winning-form-642609.html Hyderabad Oct 11 Bengaluru Torpedoes continued their winning run in the Prime Volleyball League at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium Hyderabad on Saturday defeating Kochi Blue Spikers 1315 1715 159 1512 Matt West was named the Player of the Match Abhishek CK provided the early flair to Kochis attacks but the Torpedoes matched up their intensity with Sethus super serve Bengaluru Torpedoes captain and setter Matthew West continued his form with his distribution keeping his side in the gameNitin Minhas monster block earned Coach David Lees side a crucial super point But Kochis smart review call pulled back a point for his sideErin Varghese kept the intensity up for Kochi despite the Torpedoes relying on Joel Benjamin and Jalen Penrose to put back the pressure An injury to setter Byron Keturakis affected Kochis momentumThe Torpedoes found their way back with Penrose growing more dangerous by the minute Unforced errors from Kochi increased further piling on their troubles Sethu joined in on the attack in the front court to tilt the game in the Torpedoes way Aravindh made an impression on the court for The Spikers But his efforts were too little too late as Bengaluru continued to test the oppositions defence A thunderous spike from Joel earned Bengaluru Torpedoes their third win in a rowEarlier the Delhi Toofans won their first game of the season defeating the Hyderabad Black Hawks 1510 1614 1715 in the Prime Volleyball League at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium Hyderabad on Friday Carlos Berrios was named the Player of the MatchThe Ahmedabad Defenders too continued their win run defeating holders Calicut Heroes 1215 1512 1512 1614 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Friday Battur Batsuuri was named the Player of the Match In another match Chennai Blitz defeated Goa Guardians 1215 1511 1115 1816 1513 in Hyderabad on Thursday Jerome Vinith was named the Player of the Match IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025-bengaluru-torpedoes-beat-kochi-blue-spikers-to-continue-winning-form-642609.html Sat, 11 Oct 2025 23:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/asian-aquatic-cships-china-clinches-double-gold-indian-womens-water-polo-team-seals-asiad-berth-642613.html Ahmedabad Oct 11 The 11th Asian Aquatic Championship concluded spectacularly at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex Ahmedabad as China dominated the final day of water polo winning gold in both the mens and womens categories The Chinese womens team powered past Japan 2217 in the final while the mens side edged Iran 1615 54 in sudden death after a tense draw in regulation time Meanwhile the Indian womens team finished eighth overall and confirmed their qualification to the 2026 Asian Games despite an 1118 defeat to Hong Kong in their classification matchThe final day also saw enthusiastic crowds and special appearances by Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and youth icon Lakshya Lalwani who attended to cheer on the athletes and celebrate the spirit of Asian aquatic sportIn the womens final China outclassed Japan 2217 to claim the top spot Zhang Qishuo led the charge with a stunning 7 goals while Wang Xuan 4 and Li Linyun 3 added to the tally Captain Sun Yating and Yan Jing netted 2 each and Li Peiyang Shi Jingjiarong Guo Chenghong and Zhu Yajing chipped in with a goal apiece For Japan Kobayashi Maho topscored with 6 followed by Captain Fukuda Shoka 4 Lowrey Nina Sobajima Sakura and Sanda Yumeka 2 each while Bando Riko added 1In the mens final China clinched the gold medal after a nailbiting 1615 victory over Iran which was decided in a penalty shootout 54 following a tightly contested match Chinas goals came from Captain Chen Yimin and Chu Chenghao who scored two goals each while Yu Lijun Zhang Jinpeng Wang Beiyi Lu Yi Yang Shanglin Cai Yuhao and Zhu Gengmin added 1 goal each For Iran Shams Arman put up an impressive 5goal performance while Aghaei Karim Omid and Ghavidelhajiagha Amin added 2 goals each and Mehrikohneshahri Alireza and Adam Mersad contributed a goal eachThe womens bronze medal match went down to the wire as Kazakhstan beat Thailand 98 in a tense penalty shootout 32 Kaplun Viktoriya and Vorontsova Olga struck twice each with Anossova Valeriya and Rudneva Milena adding one apiece Thailands scorers included Kwantongtanaree Thanidakarn Pukkaman Panita Captain Thinwilal Janista Kongchouy Thanita Rueangsappaisan Raksina and Kwantongtanaree Pittayaporn all with one goal eachKazakhstan also prevailed in the mens bronze medal match defeating Japan 1614 Captain Ruday Mikhail led from the front with a spectacular 8 goals while Shmider Alexey and Bobrovskiy Mstislav scored two each Tsoy Eduard Shakenov Murat Akhmetov Ruslan and Akimbay Aldiyar contributed one apiece For Japan Captain Ura Enishi netted four with Lowrey Jun and Moriya Yuki scoring 3 each and Maeda Toshiyuki Maeda Atsuya and Matsuno Ryosuke adding 1 apieceIn the womens classification Singapore edged Uzbekistan 1817 to finish 5th The Indian women ended their campaign in 8th place after their 1118 loss to Hong KongAmong the Mens Classification Matches Singapore overcame Thailand 1412 to finish 5th while Hong Kong beat Uzbekistan 1615 to claim 7th place IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/asian-aquatic-cships-china-clinches-double-gold-indian-womens-water-polo-team-seals-asiad-berth-642613.html Sat, 11 Oct 2025 23:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-akshits-super-10-guides-dabang-delhi-to-double-over-gujarat-giants-642442.html Chennai Oct 10 Dabang Delhi KC completed a double over Gujarat Giants with a hardfought 3933 victory in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium here on Friday In the absence of Ashu Malik Akshit Dhull was the star of the show for his side coming off the bench to register a Super 10 Himanshu Singh registered a Super 10 for Gujarat Giants with Mohammadreza Shadloui and Himanshu Jaglan also securing High Fives Unfortunately for them it wasnt enough for their team to get over the lineIt was a highoctane start for both teams with Rakesh and Neeraj Narwal opening the scoring for their respective sides Surjeet Singh and Mohammadreza Shadloui also registered tackles setting the tempo for a competitive clash Gujarat Giants upped the ante courtesy Rohit Nandal and Lucky Sharma before Ajinkya Pawar responded with a Super Raid to keep the two sides level at 99 after the first quarterWith the Giants down to two players on the mat Neeraj Narwal registered the first ALL OUT of the game giving his side a fourpoint lead After a tightly contested opening ten minutes the tabletoppers began to stamp their authority on the game They opened a ninepoint gap before the Giants struck back with a Super Tackle by VisvanthHowever contributions from Neeraj Narwal Ajinkya Pawar and Surjeet Singh ensured that Dabang Delhi KC stayed in the drivers seat as they scored 12 points in the next ten minutes compared to Gujarats five points For the Giants Himanshu Singh chipped in with four raid points towards the end of the first half which was dominated by their opponents with the score at 2114Gujarat Giants began the second half with a Super Tackle by Himanshu Jaglan as they looked to fight back in this contest Shadloui soon bagged a couple of Super Tackles completing his High Five and cutting the deficit down to three points in the processA tackle by Fazel Atrachali gave Dabang Delhi some breathing room but that didnt last long as Himanshu Jaglan recorded another crucial tackle helping the Giants level the score with under eight minutes to play The tackles continued to fly in as Sandeeps Super Tackle helped Dabang Delhi regain a narrow advantageHimanshu Singhs multipoint raid got the teams back to where they began but it was Akshit Dhulls twopoint raids that kept Dabang Delhi in front The youngster then executed a brilliant Super Raid giving his side a fivepoint lead 3429 with under two minutes to goHimanshu Singh did his utmost to keep the Giants in the hunt for a fightback but Akshit Dhull stole the headlines towards the end With only three points separating the two sides he was the last player on the mat for Dabang Delhi on their final raid He held his nerve in the end sealing the deal for his side with a Super Raid and also completing his Super 10 to ensure Dabang Delhi KC prevail 3933 in an engaging contest IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-akshits-super-10-guides-dabang-delhi-to-double-over-gujarat-giants-642442.html Sat, 11 Oct 2025 00:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/probably-ghosts-of-past-visited-him-says-garry-kasparov-after-beating-vishy-anand-642505.html Missouri Oct 11 Garry Kasparov defeated Viswanathan Anand in the exhibition event Clutch Chess The Legends held at St Louis Over three days Kasparov and Anand competed in 12 rapid and blitz games in a freestyle format with Kasparov winning by a 1311 score The event used a cascading points systemwins on Day 1 earned one point Day 2 earned two and Day 3 earned threeallowing Kasparov to secure his victory with two games remaining Anand then won both of those last gamesIn an interview with St Louis Chess Clubs YouTube channel after the win Kasparov mentioned that Anand experienced some psychological discomfort over the three days as he saidHe had some psychological discomfort It didnt go well for him from day one and I think its just that his score against me historically is bad and somehow probably just the ghosts of the past visited him during the gameOn the second day of Clutch Chess The Legends Viswanathan Anand Indias fivetime world champion had a clear advantage in the fifth game against Garry Kasparov This game was played in rapid format However Anand appeared to lose track of his clock and ultimately lost on timeAnand had more than a minute remaining on his clock in a winning position but lost on time to Kasparov making day two of the 2025 Clutch Chess Legends the worst start for the Indian legend Kasparov continued to dominate and secured another victory after Anand blundered a piece on move 17It was a very difficult fight and I think that I was extremely lucky in many games There were few moments where the tables could have turned I actually played a few good games Its probably those I have not won I would have preferred to lose game one of day 2 or just to force a draw which I could do easily I would rather win game two on day 2 So its probably a fair balance Of course I just totally relaxed today after game two winning the event Kasparov told grandmaster Maurice Ashley during the interviewKasparov defeated the fivetime world champion exactly 30 years after winning against Anand in the 1995 World Chess Championship at New Yorks World Trade CentreIm not a professional player I had very little expectations before the match I was quite surprised to find myself in this situation When I won the match it was just somehow just total relaxation In the depths of my mind I thought its not fair I tried to win the last two games Its not that I just lost on purposeI think I was more resilient than he expected In time trouble to my great surprise I did better But again luck is luck I tried to make sure that luck would be with me he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/probably-ghosts-of-past-visited-him-says-garry-kasparov-after-beating-vishy-anand-642505.html Sat, 11 Oct 2025 13:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sports-minister-mansukh-mandaviya-felicitates-indias-para-athletes-after-historic-wpac-2025-642553.html New Delhi Oct 11 The Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday felicitated Indias medalwinning contingent from the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships commending them for their extraordinary spirit determination and recordbreaking performance that has filled the nation with pride India achieved its bestever performance in the history of the World Para Athletics Championships finishing 10th in the overall standings with a record 22 medals 6 Gold 9 Silver and 7 Bronze The Department of Sports Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports awarded cash prizes totalling over Rs 109 crore to the para athletesYou are not para athletes but power athletes of bharat The pride you brought to the nation after the medal wins and the inspiring message you have given to divyang people in particular is noteworthy The passion you have shown is tremendous Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said in his address to para athletes during the felicitationThe Sports Minister praised the spirit and resilience shown by the athletes during the competition and added The vision and spirit of New India which is shown by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi is upheld in the best way The Prime Minister was watching your matches on TV and he used to keep asking about you all during our meetings the Union Minister addedThe felicitation follows what has been called internationally as Indias most successful hosting of a global parasport event The New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was the largest parasport event ever organised in India featuring over 2100 participants from 100 countries competing across 186 medal eventsAlso present at the occasion the Paralympic Committee of India PCI president Devendra Jhajharia said The Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India SAI have helped us as a family The WPA gave us a trophy on the final day of the event for hosting this event successfully They said they will be happy to have India host more such events in the country going forward Both the IPC president Andrew Parsons and World Para Athletics President Paul Fritzerald said that the level of facilities provided to athletes and the technical conduct of the Games were both of the highest level This kind of praise from international associations was made possible because of the combined strength of PCI SAI and the Ministry Today the Minister handing over of the cash awards to athletes within seven days of the competition is another showcase of his remarkable efforts to improve sports Jhajharia saidThe athletes spoke in unison in favour of the MONDO track at the JLN Stadium which played a significant role during the championshipsAll of us were very happy about the MONDO track which was present in both the warm up area and the competition area said Sumit Antil Besides that the hotels transportation that were provided was also very good The local volunteers as well as SAI and PCI also helped us a lotSailesh Kumar who bagged the first gold for India at the WPAC 2025 mentioned It was such a big event in India I was nervous on the first day but the preparations were good The track and home support were very favourable Besides the MONDO track the nearby gym and fitness centre also proved useful the Bihar lad addedDouble medalist Preeti Pal mentioned the medical centre The medical room helped us sprinters a lot in between our races for recovery The ice bath in particular proved really beneficial she saidReiterating the mental resilience showcased by the para athletes Dr Mansukh Mandaviya thanked them for transforming disability into determination This is a new definition of courage that will keep inspiring the future generations The entire nation is proud of your achievements You have not only won medals but you have also won our hearts You have shown that when intent is strong wheelchairs can also become wings he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sports-minister-mansukh-mandaviya-felicitates-indias-para-athletes-after-historic-wpac-2025-642553.html Sat, 11 Oct 2025 17:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/i-hope-the-winning-streak-continues-manav-thakkar-eyes-gold-at-asian-table-tennis-cships-642350.html Bhubaneswar Oct 10 Indias leading paddler Manav Thakkar who was once World No 1 in the U18 and U21 divisions shared his confidence to continue the winning streak at the ITTFATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships 2025 scheduled to take place from October 11 to 15 here The tournament will feature only mens and womens team competitions The event will also act as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships with the top 13 teams from each category earning spotsSpeaking about the event Thakkar said The organisation here is amazing This is my third visit to Odisha my earlier visits were for the Commonwealth Championships and the Senior Nationals and both times I won medals a bronze and a gold I hope the winning streak continues at the Asian ChampionshipsSharing his expectations from Team India he added Our team is fully prepared and confident Playing in Indian conditions gives us an advantage and the home support will boost our morale Ive won bronze medals in previous Asian Championships but this time I want to change the colour hopefully to silver or goldAppreciating Odishas growing sports ecosystem Thakkar said The infrastructure here is truly worldclass Its my first time seeing such a massive indoor athletic stadium Ive heard the Sports Science Centre here is among the best in India and Im looking forward to visiting it The sports campus is one of the biggest Ive seen with excellent accommodation and warm hospitality Its always a pleasure to play in OdishaThakkar is currently ranked 39th in singles and 7th in doubles worldwide He has won a bronze medal at the Asian Games and Asian Championships as well as a gold medal at the Commonwealth Championship in both team and doubles categories IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/i-hope-the-winning-streak-continues-manav-thakkar-eyes-gold-at-asian-table-tennis-cships-642350.html Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-playoffs-to-be-held-in-new-delhi-final-on-october-31-642382.html New Delhi Oct 10 The Pro Kabaddi League season 12 playoffs will be held at the Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi after the conclusion of the Delhileg of the tournament which commences on October 11 While the Playoffs will begin with the Playins on October 25 the final will be staged on October 31 The Delhi leg comes at the end of one of the most competitive seasons of the PKL With Dabang Delhi KC at the top of the points table and already confirmed in the top eight the fight for the final seven spots will continue to be fiercely contested and thrilling for the fansThe winners of the Playins where the 5th to 8th placed teams will fight for survival will progress to the playoffsPost that the playoffs will run from October 26 to October 29 featuring a sequence of eliminators and qualifiers eventually culminating in the grand finale on Friday October 31 The new format which includes the playins adds an extra edge to the season ensuring a more challenging more competitive path for all 12 teams to the PKL TrophyThe revised structure ensures that more teams stay in contention for longer raising the intensity of the league stage while offering fans an extended run of highstakes matches While all teams push for qualification the biggest advantage awaits those who finish in the top two making the battle for table positions more intense than everAnupam Goswami business head of Mashal Sports and league chairman PKL said Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 has truly captivated audiences across the nation 51 of the matches so far have been decided by five points or fewer reflecting the remarkable intensity and competitiveness among teamsThis season has showcased the highest standard keeping fans engaged throughout As we now move towards the grand culmination in Delhi were thrilled to bring the Playoffs to the capital The new Playoff format featuring Playins which will add a fresh and exciting twist ensuring the race for the trophy remains alive till the very end With the Playoffs about to begin we look forward to witnessing the same passion energy and highquality kabaddi that has defined this season leading up to a truly fitting finale IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-playoffs-to-be-held-in-new-delhi-final-on-october-31-642382.html Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-devank-ashish-star-as-bengal-warriorz-edge-past-toppers-dabang-delhi-642241.html Chennai Oct 9 Bengal Warriorz managed to get back to winning ways in thrilling fashion clinching a 3736 victory against Dabang Delhi KC in a Season 12 match of Pro Kabaddi League PKL at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium on Thursday Led by Devank Dalals Super 10 and Ashish Maliks High Five the Season 7 champions moved to ninth place on the points table with this winBengal Warriorz got their noses in front early in the game courtesy of a tackle by Ankit followed by a raid from their captain taking a twopoint lead In the absence of Ashu Malik Naveen Rawal responded with a twopoint raid for the tabletoppers bringing them back on level terms The tackles were flying in during the opening exchanges with Saurabh Nandal and Ankit contributing for their respective sidesIn a topsyturvy start Bengal Warriorz regained their lead with Devank Dalal and Himanshu Narwal showing their attacking prowess before Ajinkya Pawar and Neeraj Narwal levelled the score again Dabang Delhi KC got their first lead of the night with a tackle by Saurabh Nandal but that lead didnt last for long as Himanshu Narwal executed a Super Raid keeping the Season 7 champions in a twopoint lead after the opening ten minutesThe two teams continued to go toetotoe in this highoctane clash with nothing separating the two sides A Super Tackle from Anurag Kumar and a tackle from Parteek then helped Bengal Warriorz inflict the first All Out of the game as they looked to assert their dominance Despite that there was only one point separating the two sides at halftime as Ajinkya Pawar and Akshit Dhull kept Dabang Delhi in the game with the score at 1918Bengal Warriorz continued to stay ahead with a narrow advantage with their captain keeping their scoreboard ticking along with contributions from his defence However they could never really break away with a significant advantage with Fazel Atrachali and his side ensuring they keep Dabang Delhi within striking distanceWith five minutes to go a couple of Super Tackles by Manjeet and Ashish Malik helped Bengal Warriorz open up a fivepoint gap However Neeraj Narwal then executed an All Out to bring it back down to a onepoint game for the tabletoppers with the score at 3332Devank Dalal completed his Super 10 and Ashish Malik also completed his High Five helping Bengal Warriorz establish a fourpoint lead once more There was another potential twist in the tale as Fazel Atrachali kept in the game a crucial tackle with a couple of quick raids from Mohit DeswalHowever the drama persisted until the final whistle With two points separating the two sides Himanshu Narwals unsuccessful raid proved to be the final act of the game as Bengal Warriorz clinched a nailbiter with the score at 3736 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-devank-ashish-star-as-bengal-warriorz-edge-past-toppers-dabang-delhi-642241.html Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025mumbai-meteors-rock-hosts-hyderabad-black-hawks-with-3-0-win-641602.html Hyderabad Oct 4 Shubham Chaudhary was named the Player of the Match as Mumbai Meteors executed a clinical 159 1513 157 win over the hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks in Prime Volleyball League PVL at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium Hyderabad on Saturday Mumbai dominated with the serve early on catching Hyderabad out of position on multiple occasions Abhinav Salars super serve rocked Hyderabads defence Hyderabads risky call of a super point did not yield the desired result as Shubham Chaudharys block helped MumbaiPaulo Lamounier distributed his passes between Niyas Abdul Salam and Sahil Kumar who both provided quality attacking options But Mumbai appeared to have done their homework always employing a twoman block against the two attackers to give themselves the best possible defenceMathias Loftesnes joined in to complement Mumbais attacks while Hyderabad brought on Guru to break through the oppositions defence But Mumbai continued to capitalise on the momentum with Shubhams relentless attacksLamounier began setting up pipe attacks with John Joseph on the court as the Black Hawks tried to find a way back But Hyderabad struggled against Abhinavs final set service run as the Mumbai blocker made two quick super serves and two more aces to tilt the game completely in Mumbais favour The Meteors dominated throughout the game to get a 30 winHyderabad Black Hawks launched their campaign in Season 4 of the PVL defeating the Calicut Heroes 1512 1816 1816 in the enthralling opener at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Thursday Paulo Lamounier was named the Player of the MatchCalicuts Vikas Maans impressive blocking shut down Hyderabads attacks early on Coach Sunny Josephs strategy of giving Rajasthans Ashok Bishnoi a starting spot worked in Calicuts favour as the attacker helped his side with an aggressive display Sahil Kumar began the counterattack to bring the hosts back in the game Calicuts inconsistencies with first touch affected their momentum and the Hawks took the lead IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-2025mumbai-meteors-rock-hosts-hyderabad-black-hawks-with-3-0-win-641602.html Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/apl-one-of-the-most-receiving-amp-giving-countries-world-no-1-brady-ellison-mesmerised-by-indias-massive-fan-base-641654.html New Delhi Oct 4 USAs world No 1 recurve archer Brady Ellisons first visit to India is proving to be a memorable one for him both professionally and personally Here in the national capital for the inaugural Archery Premier League APL Ellison is captivated by the welcome and the admiration he has received while leading the Chola Chiefs franchise The sixteam APL began on Dussehra October 2 and will continue until October 12 In their three matches so far the Chiefs have won twice with Ellison in excellent shooting form leading from the frontIts really nice Im still struggling like crazy from jet lag Weve been kind of practicing more and then Ive kind of been taking a nap in the middle of the day said Ellison who has been overwhelmed by the attention whenever he steps up to shoot I have got a big fan base here I can feel it in the crowd and I can feel it with the people taking pictures asking for autographs and stuffEllison is the only male archer to have won the Archery World Cup final six times besides being a veteran of five Olympics in which he has secured five medals including an individual silver at the Paris Games and an individual bronze at RioA threetime champion in field archery as well Ellison is relishing the unique challenges that the APL presents to the archers in the league which includes Indian veterans like Deepika Kumari Atanu Das Tarundeep Rai Abhishek Verma and promising youngsters like Ojas Deotale Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Dhiraj BommadevaraMy first reaction was it APL was going to be different and I didnt know how it was going to work said Ellison who began as a compound archer but shifted to recurve in 2005The league is played in a format that includes both recurve and compound archers in a squad of eight players per team Ellison said it bodes well for the sport especially as compound will make its debut at the LA 2028 Olympics in the mixed team eventI think that its going to really help everything in a way because compound is the next evolution of archery and I think that it deserves a space I would like to see the compound grow in the Olympics and I would also like recurve to remain said the 36yearold AmericanTalking about the APL Ellison finds the time limit to shoot the most challenging aspect that will take time for the archers to get used toFor every set played the team has 120 seconds to shoot eight arrows two arrows per archerAlmost every team a lot of ends players are shooting on the buzzer hurrying to the lines making mistakes that you normally dont see us make It is a hard timed format Ellison analysedWhen I read the rules I thought there might be a mistake 120 seconds for 8 arrows I was like probably its a typo and I was sure when we get here itll be different he addedBut I think its brilliant Almost every one of us is huffing on the fly to learn how to shoot a lot quicker than we normally would Rotations have to be quicker Everything about this is fast and its an amazing Itll be interesting as the week goes on to see if teams break down with frustration I do believe that theres going to be some adjustments made during the week to try to make sure that you score off all 8 of your arrowsEllison concluded by sharing his experience in India in the first week of his visit Im impressed with this country because its one of the most receiving and giving countries Ive been to Everyone here has been very kind asking if you need anything just bringing you things Its a very giving culture it seem and its very different to what I expected or honestly anywhere else that Ive been to he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/apl-one-of-the-most-receiving-amp-giving-countries-world-no-1-brady-ellison-mesmerised-by-indias-massive-fan-base-641654.html Sun, 05 Oct 2025 15:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fit-india-sundays-on-cycle-dr-mandaviya-leads-the-way-with-teachers-in-delhi-on-world-teachers-day-641683.html New Delhi Oct 5 Union Minister for Youth Affairs amp Sports and Labour amp Employment Dr Mansukh Mandaviya led the 43rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle commemorating the World Teachers Day at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the national capital this morning The event simultaneously took place in over 10500 locations nationwide Over 1000 participants including educators from across Delhi joined in alongside athletes fitness influencers and youth The athletes included Olympic medallist Abhishek Nain a key member of the Indian hockey team chess icon Tania Sachdev as well as rising javelin star Sachin Yadav and Rohtash Chaudhary referred to as Indias Pushup Man It also featured a vibrant nukkad natak dedicated to teachers yoga sessions skipping fitness games and participation zones for childrenAddressing the gathering Dr Mandaviya called the initiative a true nationwide movement Through this movement lakhs of citizens across more than 10500 locations are pedalling every Sunday to keep themselves fit It has become a celebration of the Fit India vision given by our Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi he saidIf every citizen dedicates even an hour to physical activity Bharat will march ahead stronger healthier and more united towards the dream of Viksit Bharat Today several teachers have participated in this event giving a message to students to maintain a balance in life Bicycle pedals teach us the greatest lesson of life that we move forward only when we maintain balance This balance is the foundation of life and it comes from fitness he addedOrganised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports MYAS in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India CFI Yogasana Bharat and MY Bharat the cycling movement has now firmly established itself as one of Indias most impactful fitness campaigns The event also saw the launch of the official anthem of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle The New Delhi event was also conducted in collaboration with Raahgiri Foundation and Fitspire while the Rope Skipping activity was led by Dr Shikha GuptaMeanwhile Rohtash Chaudhary popularly known as the Pushup Man of India who is also a Guinness World Record holder and Brand Ambassador of the Fit India Movement informed Dr Mansukh Mandaviya during the event of his attempt for another Guinness World Record for the Most Pushups in one hour with a 60 lb pack on the back scheduled to be held on November 2 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium New DelhiAbhishek Nain who won bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics with the Indian hockey team and lifted the Asia Cup in Rajgir spoke passionately about the initiative in New Delhi As athletes fitness is our foundation What I see here is not just people cycling but India embracing a culture of health It is also very motivating that the movement has expanded over the last few months he saidGrandmaster GM Tania Sachdev making her second appearance at Sundays on Cycle struck an emotional note linking the movement to Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision I admire our Prime Minister Narendra Modis effortshe is such a big supporter of sports and has transformed fitness into a peoples movement This initiative shows how fitness can bring communities together Today seeing teachers students and athletes cycle side by side was heartwarmingFollowing 43 editions the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has seen a huge scale of participation from over 100000 locations nationwide engaging over 12 lakh individuals Events were also organised on Sunday in venues like the SAI NCOE Guwahati STC Rajnanagaon in Chhattisgarh SAI STC Kokrajhar SAI NSRC Lucknow SAI STC Jabalpur and more Events are organised from State and Union Territory capitals to Sports Authority of India SAI Regional Centres National Centres of Excellence NCOEs SAI Training Centres STCs Khelo India State Centres of Excellence KISCEs and Khelo India Centres KICs IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/fit-india-sundays-on-cycle-dr-mandaviya-leads-the-way-with-teachers-in-delhi-on-world-teachers-day-641683.html Sun, 05 Oct 2025 18:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/abhishek-verma-hails-apl-for-boosting-archers-exposure-and-confidence-641477.html New Delhi Oct 4 The buzz around the Archery Premier League APL has gone up several notches as the tournament continues to deliver exciting contests and keeps fans engaged The league which brings together top Indian and international archers has been praised for giving the sport a professional stage and competitive environmentPrithviraaj Yoddhas ace archer and Arjuna Awardee Abhishek Verma expressed his appreciation for the initiative saying that the APL provides archers with the right platform to compete at a high level and showcase their talent to a wider audience He also highlighted how such a league can help grow the sport in India and inspire young players to take up archeryThis league is a big event In India we already have so many sports but archery was missing No other country has tried something like this before so its a proud moment for Indian archers With the worlds top players here our archers are getting to practice compete and learn from them The atmosphere is very positive and it gives us a clear goal to chase he saidIndia has produced some strong performances in archery at the international level but the absence of an Olympic medal still leaves a gap Verma believes that the launch of the APL can play a key role in changing that He feels the league will give archers more exposure to highpressure situations sharpen their skills and help them prepare better for major events like the Olympics According to him the APL can strengthen Indias chances of finally winning an Olympic medal in the sportAt the Olympics our performance has been good but it hasnt resulted in a medal so far That gap is felt by everyone Now with the league and compound archery included mixed team event only we are stronger Our team looks very solid and Im confident we can win medals Interacting with foreign archers will also help reduce stage fright Earlier we only watched them now we talk train eat and even travel with them This makes them feel like teammates not rivals he addedVerma also praised the government for supporting athletes beyond the field He pointed out that providing secure government jobs has given players confidence about their futureAccording to him this step not only helps athletes focus fully on their sport without worrying about financial stability but also motivates more youngsters to take up archery and other disciplines seriouslySports has given me everything money a job and financial security I joined the Income Tax Department as Assistant Commissioner through the sports quota The government has done well to secure athletes futures by reserving jobs Depending on your level national international or Olympic medalist the opportunities are there This support system motivates athletes to perform even better Verma saidTalking about his fitness Verma said Archery teaches patience Its not about aggression its about control Whether you hit a 10 or an 8 your reaction should remain calm Fitness is both physical and mental Every day we do half an hour of running or gym then 56 hours of shooting with 300350 arrows Meditation and yoga are also important Visualization is another technique We imagine taking a perfect shot without even releasing an arrow Whoever has the best control over the mind and body usually wins IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/abhishek-verma-hails-apl-for-boosting-archers-exposure-and-confidence-641477.html Sat, 04 Oct 2025 12:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/wpac-2025-stray-dog-bites-kenyan-official-at-jln-stadium-641359.html New Delhi Oct 3 In an unusual turn of events at the World Para Athletics Championships a stray dog bit a Kenyan official inside Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday sources told IANS According to sources two dogcatching vehicles were rushed to the venue to capture the stray dog and ensure the safety of athletes officials and spectatorsThe incident has raised questions about the preparedness of stadium authorities in handling such unexpected situations especially during an international event of this scaleThe Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium one of Delhis premier sporting venues has hosted several major tournaments in the past With athletes from across the globe participating With 2200 paraathletes including support staff from 104 countries came for the nineday World Para Athletics Championships 2025 that kicked off on September 26 ensuring strict safety protocols is considered crucialThe WPAC 2025 is be the first event on the newlylaid Mondo track at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium The track in shades of blue and used at the Paris Paralympics 2024 was inaugurated by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on August 29 celebrated as the National Sports DayOn September 25 Dr Mandaviya also inaugurated a Mondo warmup track and a multispeciality gymnasium where more than 200 athletes can train simultaneouslyIn the ongoing edition India are currently eighth in the medal tally with 4 gold 5 silver and 2 bronze medalsIn Kobe Japan India delivered their bestever performance at a World Para Athletics Championships 17 medals six gold five silver six bronze finishing 6th overallIn the 2023 edition in Paris India had already broken its earlier record by winning 10 medals 3 gold 4 silver 3 bronze setting the stage for what followed IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/wpac-2025-stray-dog-bites-kenyan-official-at-jln-stadium-641359.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/hyderabad-to-host-indias-first-ever-fip-silver-padel-tournament-641379.html Hyderabad Oct The Indian Padel Federation IPF will host the firstever FIP Silver Hyderabad 2025 with a record prize pool of Rs 1500000 the highest ever for a padel in India The tournament will feature both Mens and Womens categories showcasing international stars alongside Indias rising talent The marquee event will be held from October 12 to 15 and will be played at the KPGBA Hyderabad which features three worldclass MejorSet padel courts recognised globally as the finest in quality and performanceSpeaking on the announcement Sneha Abraham Sehgal IPF president said The FIP Silver Hyderabad represents a watershed moment for padel in India With worldclass infrastructure topranked international players and the highest prize pool in our countrys history this tournament sets a new benchmark It is not just a competition but the beginning of Indias journey as a global hub for padelThe FIP Silver Hyderabad brings together some of the worlds topranked padel athletes along with Indias emerging starsThe mens doubles draw features a mix of experienced and emerging pairs headlined by Italys Denis Tomas Perino partnering Argentinas Ignacio Piotto Albornoz against the ArgentineSpanish duo of Agustín Torre and Mario Ortega Spanish depth is evident with Rodrigo Coello Manso teaming up with Boris Castro Garcia while Guillem Figuerola Santiago pairs with Roberto Belmont Pastor India will also be represented through Shashank Narde and Manav Sreekumar who enter as the lowestranked pair in the fieldIn the womens doubles Spains Letizia Maria Manquillo Alarza and Laura Luján Rodríguez lead the charge alongside the DutchGerman duo of Marcella Koek and Victoria Kurz Other notable teams include Ainize Santamaria Landa with Rosalie Van Der Hoek the allDutch pair Bo Luttikhuis and Janine Hemmes and the crosscontinental partnership of Jessica Marie Agra and Dilara Torssell Indias Vaibhavi Deshmukh joins forces with Japans Sayaka Yoshimoto adding further international flavour to the lineupMens Teams56 Denis Tomas Perino ITA paired with 56 Ignacio Piotto Albornoz ARG will42 Agustín Torre ARG 75 Mario Ortega ESP115 Rodrigo Coello Manso ESP 91 Boris Castro Garcia ESP125 Guillem Figuerola Santiago ESP 130 Roberto Belmont Pastor ESP1216 Shashank Narde IND 1272 Manav Sreekumar INDWomens Teams52 Letizia Maria Manquillo Alarza ESP 57 Laura Luján Rodríguez ESP80 Marcella Koek NED 93 Victoria Kurz GER112 Ainize Santamaria Landa ESP 98 Rosalie Van Der Hoek NED108 Bo Luttikhuis NED 109 Janine Hemmes NED147 Jessica Marie Agra PHI 156 Dilara Torssell TUR1111 Vaibhavi Deshmukh IND 373 Sayaka Yoshimoto JPN IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/hyderabad-to-host-indias-first-ever-fip-silver-padel-tournament-641379.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/mirabai-chanu-wins-silver-medal-in-49kg-at-world-weightlifting-championships-641241.html Forde Norway Oct 3 Olympic medallist Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu clinched a silver medal at the World Championships in the 48kg category here This is the third medal at the marquee event and second silver for the former world champion Mirabai who returned to action after Paris 2024 by winning the 48kg gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in August produced a total lift of 199kg 84kg snatch 115kg clean and jerkThe 2017 world champion and 2022 silvermedallist had two failed attempts at 87kg Even the first lift at 84kg looked a little uncomfortable for her But she regained her rhythm in the clean and jerk successfully executing all three attemptsIn the Clean and Jerk she had a good lift of 109kg followed by 112 before lifting 115kg the weight she last lifted at Tokyo Olympics four years agoNorth Koreas Ri Song Gum won the gold with am impressive 213kg total lift 91kg 122kg setting new world records in total as well as clean and jerk Thailands Thanyathon Sukcharoen took the bronze with a total lift of 198kg 88kg Snatch 110kg Clean amp JerkThe 31yearold ace Indian ace won a gold medal in the 48kg category at the 2017 edition of the World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim She also won silver in the 49kg category at the 2022 edition of the competition in BogotaIndia sent a 14member contingent at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025 which will run till October 11 The event is also serving as one of the qualifying events for next years Commonwealth GamesIn the womens section besides Mirabai Koyel Bar 53kg Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam 58kg Nirupama Devi Seram 63kg Harjinder Kaur 69kg Vanshita Verma 86kg Mehak Sharma 86kg will be in actionBindyarani Nirupama and Mehak all won silver medals while Harjinder and Vanshita bagged bronze at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in AugustMeanwhile Indias mens contingent will be led by Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Lovepreet SinghLovepreet also won the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships earlier this year where Ajith Narayana and Ajaya Babu Valluri struck gold IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/mirabai-chanu-wins-silver-medal-in-49kg-at-world-weightlifting-championships-641241.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-up-yoddhas-gear-up-for-top-table-test-against-dabang-delhi-in-chennai-641145.html Chennai Oct 2 The UP Yoddhas will resume their Chennai leg at the SDAT MultiPurpose Indoor Stadium Chennai on Friday building on the competitive character they displayed in their previous match The Yoddhas narrowly lost 2733 to Gujarat Giants but the match showcased their resilience and versatility in both attacking and defending With several key players stepping up the team aims to turn that effort into a strong comeback against DelhiGagan Gowda remains a key figure in the Yoddhas attacking strategy having shown consistent performance lately His precise raids complemented by Bhavani Rajputs versatility create a dual threat that can challenge any defence With Guman Singhs experience and Shivam Chaudharys youthful energy the Yoddhas approach the Delhi game with a comprehensive raiding lineup capable of making impactful playsDefensively skipper Sumit Sangwans leadership and anticipation will be crucial as the team aims to contain Delhis raiders Vicecaptain Ashu Singhs determination and Mahender Singhs stability further reinforce a backline that has demonstrated the ability to function as a disciplined and cohesive unit Their responsibility will be to turn pressure moments into tackle points which could shift momentum in favour of ChennaiThe Yoddhas have performed well in raiding exchanges with strike rates comparable to the leagues best teams Their focus against Delhi will be on improving their defensive conversion turning more tackle opportunities into crucial points By combining their attacking versatility with a more solid defence the Yoddhas are positioned to make a significant impact in this matchSpeaking ahead of the clash assistant coach Upendra Malik expressed confidence in the teams ability to bounce back saying We had phases where the boys played some very strong kabaddi and thats something we will carry forward Delhi are a competitive outfit but if we play with the same unity and energy that we showed in parts against Gujarat the results will followDabang Delhi currently lead the standings with eight wins out of nine matches However as the Yoddhas continue to improve steadily and sustain a balance between attack and defence this match offers another chance to convert effort into success and secure a crucial win during the Chennai leg IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-up-yoddhas-gear-up-for-top-table-test-against-dabang-delhi-in-chennai-641145.html Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/rising-from-paris-defeat-denis-gnezdilov-rules-the-para-athletics-worlds-with-record-breaking-throw-640848.html New Delhi Sep 30 When Denis Gnezdilov stepped into the shotput circle at the World Para Athletics Championships he carried with him more than just the weight of a metal sphere He carried the sting of Paris Paralympics the frustration of missed chances and the determination to prove that failure could be the start of something greater Just a year ago in the Paris Paralympics the Rustaviborn thrower had endured one of the lowest points of his career when he missed the podium For a Paralympic gold medallist from Tokyo 2020 the disappointment cut deep But Gnezdilov is not the kind of athlete who lets setbacks define him Instead he treated Paris as a classroomI feel free In Paris I made mistakes I learned from them corrected them and now we move forward The results will keep growing because after Paris I changed all the equipment and everything else he said moments after claiming gold in New DelhiThat willingness to change was visible in every throw he produced on Monday morning His opener of 1066m was only a warmup By the third round he had smashed Paralympic champion Miguel Monteiros world record with an 1185m heaveOn his last attempt he lifted the bar even higher with 1192m ensuring that every throw after his first was good enough for gold With this throw he cemented his status as the sports dominant forceThe transformation was not just mental but technical In Paris he relied on the traditional stride technique This time he unveiled a complete shift to the rotational style a more complex but far more powerful method I corrected it completely In Paris I used the stride Now Ive changed to the rotation he explainedThat single change encapsulates his journeyof daring to start again of reinventing himself and of turning pain into power At 38 Gnezdilov showed that age is no barrier to growth With two world records in one night and a third World Championship crown he didnt just reclaim his supremacyhe wrote a story of resilience that will inspire many beyond the world of athletics IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/rising-from-paris-defeat-denis-gnezdilov-rules-the-para-athletics-worlds-with-record-breaking-throw-640848.html Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-heartbreak-was-evident-they-must-learn-to-move-forward-says-rishank-on-haryana-steelers-loss-to-delhi-640871.html Chennai Sep 30 Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 matches between Dabang Delhi KC and Haryana Steelers kept fans captivated on Monday night Highlights included Vinays exceptional raiding Ashu Maliks strong leadership and Shadlouis overwhelming dominance Rishank Devadiga provided analysis of both matches as the caravan reached Chennai and he expressed confidence that Revenge Week starting Tuesday will be filled with intense action fireworks Speaking on the thrilling encounter between Delhi and Haryana Rishank said on JioStar The last five minutes were simply electrifying especially with Haryana Steelers staging a comeback Vinays quick raid points were crucial he even tackled Ashu twice which shifted the momentum And then the drama in the final raid was just spectacularNeeraj Narwals penultimate raid where he earned a bonus point with brilliant footwork was the turning point That single bonus changed the match for Dabang Delhi Had Delhi been tackled in that moment Haryana Steelers would have walked away with an allout and two additional points The heartbreak was evident in the Steelers camp but thats the beauty of kabaddi such intense moments test a teams resolve and they must learn to move forward from hereHaryana Steelers coach Manpreet Singh kept the team motivated throughout the match and was more serious than ever in the final few minutes of the contest Speaking of that Rishank said The motivation Coach Manpreet gave in the closing minutes was outstanding He told the players Onepoint loss or onepoint win thats the difference this match will make That truly fired them upVinay especially rose to the occasion with backtoback raids Scoring 18 points from 19 raids is phenomenal For me he was the standout raider for the Steelers and his performance impressed me the mostAnalysing Ashu Maliks performance he said that the 23yearolds presence on the side was crucial to neutralise the threat that Haryana posedAshu announced his comeback in the last match and he carried that form forward Right from the beginning his raids were sharp and relentless putting constant pressure on Haryanas defence Hes a skilful player who knows exactly when to strike and how to scoreHis presence was vital for Delhi particularly in neutralising the threat of Vinay and Shivam Patare The defensive combination of Fazel Atrachali and Surjeet also played a key role and together the senior players anchored Delhi brilliantlyEarlier in the day at the SDAT MultiPurpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai Gujarat Giants defeated UP Yoddhas 3327 with allrounder Mohammadreza Shadloui emerging as the standout player for the sideSpeaking of his performance Rishank said The way Shadloui dominated right from the start was outstanding He played with such intent and confidence its the hallmark of a champion Without the responsibility of captaincy he looked more free and it reflected in his raids and tackles To perform like this against a strong side such as UP Yoddhas speaks volumes If Shadloui and the Gujarat Giants continue this level of performance they can definitely climb higher on the points table IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-heartbreak-was-evident-they-must-learn-to-move-forward-says-rishank-on-haryana-steelers-loss-to-delhi-640871.html Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/praggnanandhaa-shows-off-chess-moves-at-grand-chess-tour-finals-exhibition-in-sao-paulo-640676.html New Delhi Sep 28 As the Grand Chess Tour 2025 Finals begins on Sunday at the World Trade Center in Sao Paulo India Grand Master R Praggnanandhaa showed some of his chess moves in the exhibition Praggnanandhaas recent achievements include finishing as runnerup at the 2025 Sinquefield Cup which earned him a place in the Grand Chess Tour Final in BrazilHad a great time at the alternative simultaneous exhibition here at Sao Paulo Grand Chess Tour All the players joined in and played a few moves each Indeed a fun and different experience over the board Praggnanandha shared on XPragg will face Maxime VachierLagrave of France and Fabiano Caruana USA will be up against Levon Aronian USA Praggnanandhaa and Caruana will get the white pieces in the first Classical game They will swap colours in the Rapid and Blitz matches Each semifinal comprises two classical two rapid and four blitz gamesIts going ot be an exciting event with all three formats I have followed GCT Finals in the past and its going to be a challenge Im looking forward to it as this is what I was hoping for at the start of the tour to be here in Sao Paulo and fight for the top spot The field is extremely strong as usual with the top three guys who are really experienced I have played all three formats for lot of years Pragg said on SundayAll matches will be played to full completion even if the outcome is already decided Each match will have a maximum of 28 pointsLegendary World Champion Garry Kasparov and Alexandre Fonseca CEO of Superbet Brazil made the ceremonial first moves on stage at the Grand Chess Tour Finals opening ceremony IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/praggnanandhaa-shows-off-chess-moves-at-grand-chess-tour-finals-exhibition-in-sao-paulo-640676.html Sun, 28 Sep 2025 16:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/global-chess-league-fabiano-anish-nino-and-mendonca-join-sg-pipers-squad-640548.html New Delhi Sep 27 The Global Chess League is back for its muchanticipated third season and Alpine SG Pipers are set to compete with a formidable lineup This season the team combination includes proven champions as well as exciting new talent Adding to the excitement this season will mark the leagues firstever edition in India a global hub for chess and home to a growing base of passionate fans from December 1324Leading the Pipers into the new season are R Praggnanandhaa last seasons Player of the Season and Hou Yifan the current World No1 womens player both retained by the franchise following phenomenal performances last season Their experience consistency and star power will act as the foundation of the teamAdditionally Alpine SG Pipers have also announced four highprofile additions to their roster strengthening the team with a blend of international experience and youthful talentFabiano Caruana the American Grandmaster and former World Championship challenger joins as the teams Icon Player Anish Giri one of the most consistent superGMs on the circuit signs on as Superstar Men while Nino Batsiashvili a top talent from Georgia joins as Superstar Women Indias Leon Luke Mendonca a rising star known for his aggressive and resourceful moves will join the team as a ProdigySpeaking on the teams lineup for Season 3 Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay Coach of Alpine SG Pipers said We are very pleased with the team we have assembled for the upcoming season Fabiano Caruana one of the strongest players in the world today will bring great depth as our Icon PlayerR Praggnanandhaa continues to impress at the highest level and has already shown his ability to compete with the very best Anish Giris consistency and experience add further strength while Hou Yifan remains the leading figure in womens chess with her remarkable achievements Nino Batsiashvili comes in with an Olympiad gold to her name adding proven success on the international stage and Leon Luke Mendonca represents the promise of Indias next generation Overall this is a solid and balanced team and I am confident we are capable of producing an excellent seasonLooking ahead at the upcoming season Mahesh Bhupathi CEO of SG Media Entertainment said The Global Chess League coming to India for the first time is a landmark moment for the sport and its growing community of fans here At SG Sports Media Entertainment we believe in going beyond the game by building teams that not only compete at the highest level but also inspire fans and bring new audiences closer to the sport With the incredible lineup we have put together for Alpine SG Pipers we hope to create memorable experiences and add to the excitement of this historic seasonAlpine SG Pipers squadFabiano Caruana Icon PlayerR Praggnanandhaa Superstar Men RetainedAnish Giri Superstar MenHou Yifan Superstar Women RetainedNino Batsiashvili Superstar WomenLeon Luke Mendonca Prodigy IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/global-chess-league-fabiano-anish-nino-and-mendonca-join-sg-pipers-squad-640548.html Sat, 27 Sep 2025 17:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-has-lifted-indian-volleyball-to-a-new-level-says-bengaluru-torpedoes-joel-benjamin-640576.html Bengaluru Sep 27 At just 22 Joel Benjamin is fast rising as one of the brightest young stars in the Prime Volleyball League The outside hitter from Thoothukudi Tamil Nadu is a part of the new generation of players making their mark After an impressive performance in season 3 with Chennai Blitz Joel was picked by the Bengaluru Torpedoes for Rs 65 lakh at this years auction underlining his growing reputation in the sportSpeaking about his journey Joel said I started playing when I was 10 inspired by my father and motivated by my elder brother who also plays in the PVL Every step has been about improving and challenging myself The league has given me the platform to test myself against the bestJoel burst onto the scene in Season 3 scoring 55 points in 8 matches including 52 attack points 2 blocks and an ace His consistency and attacking instincts quickly drew attention paving way for his move to the Torpedoes Now training under Olympic gold medallist David Lee Joel believes he has the ideal environment to keep improvingTraining under someone like David Lee has been an incredible experience The intensity the details and the level of practices he brings have added new dimensions to my game For a young player like me it is the best possible environment to grow Im really excited for this season Training with the Bengaluru Torpedoes has been intense and motivating I feel more prepared than ever My focus is on contributing to the teams success building on what I learnt through the practice sessions and making a strong impact whenever Im on court he explainedJoels rapid rise is also symbolic of the wider growth of volleyball in India The RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League has created unprecedented opportunities for young players with the professional structure and the financial rewards boosting the games profileThe league has really lifted Indian volleyball to a new level For youngsters like us it is no longer just about playing at the university or state level We now get exposure to international players professional systems and intense competition And that has made a huge difference Joel addedAlready a gold medalist with Madras University at the All India InterUniversity Championship earlier this year and a bronze medalist with Tamil Nadu at the National Games in Uttarakhand Joel has shown he can deliver on big occasions His focus now is clear My dream is to represent India at the highest stage Every day I focus on improving learning and aim to help my team The support from my family and the opportunities from the league is what keeps me motivated he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pvl-has-lifted-indian-volleyball-to-a-new-level-says-bengaluru-torpedoes-joel-benjamin-640576.html Sat, 27 Sep 2025 17:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-games-champion-ella-gibson-backs-archery-premier-league-to-make-the-sport-more-professional-640385.html New Delhi Sep 25 The countdown is on for the debut season of the Archery Premier League APL which begins on October 2 in New Delhi and excitement is building across the global archery community as World Games and European Champion Ella Gibson believes the league represents a landmark opportunity to transform the sports future The APL is the first franchisebased professional archery competition in India introducing a fastpaced format that combines Indian and international talent across recurve and compound disciplines With six franchises a player draft and spectatorfriendly innovations the league is designed to elevate the sport both in competition and in visibilityI think this league has the potential of making our sport more professional putting more money into it and making people care and look at archery more I hope it increases popularity not only in India but around the world and helps us make new waves to move forward said GibsonFor Gibson the format is a refreshing change Having such a different format shooting under floodlights and alongside archers from different countries and bow styles is something really unique I look forward to adapting to the environment and learning from my teammatesHer conviction comes from a career built on resilience and steady growth Gibson first discovered archery at 14 when coaches visited her school for a taster session I joined the club just as I turned 15 and started shooting every chance I could get I loved the peace of it and the focus it required she recalled The early days also brought challenges The biggest challenge was my own high expectations Some coaches warned me Id hurt myself with too much training but I trusted my strength and ability and luckily I was rightNow one of the sports brightest stars Gibson credits her coach Jon Nott for his steady guidance and takes inspiration from Dutch great Mike Schloesser for his composure under pressure But above all she points to archery itself as both her greatest love and greatest stress a sport that has taught her resilience and the importance of selfbeliefLooking ahead to her APL debut in India she emphasises the leagues broader impact This format could make archery more exciting for viewers give more publicity to the sport and improve compensation for athletes That would allow us to focus on fewer higherquality tournaments and improve livelihoods across the boardTeam spirit will also be a driving force for her When I shoot in a team my focus is always on us as a unit I know Im only one part of the result so its about making sure everyone is comfortable and performing Ill carry that mindset into APLBeyond medals and accolades Gibson hopes the APL will serve as a catalyst for the sports next chapter This league isnt just for us competing today its about shaping the future of archery Anything that gets our sport in front of more people can inspire the next generation to pick up a bow IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-games-champion-ella-gibson-backs-archery-premier-league-to-make-the-sport-more-professional-640385.html Thu, 25 Sep 2025 21:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-sumit-sangwan-leads-all-round-charge-as-up-yoddhas-decimate-tamil-thalaivas-640052.html Jaipur Sep 22 UP Yoddhas snapped their fourgame losing streak with an authoritative 3922 win against Tamil Thalaivas at the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur on Monday Sumit Sangwan led the way with a high five while defenders Mahender Singh and Ashu Singh racked up four tackles each On a night when Arjun Deshwal struggled with only two points Nitesh Kumar was the lone warrior for Tamil Thalaivas registering seven tackle points for his sideIt was a neckandneck start with neither team giving away an inch in this engaging encounter Nitesh Kumar made his presence felt early on for Tamil Thalaivas with Narender Kandola also contributing on both ends of the mat For UP Yoddhas Gagan Gowda got their first point while Bhavani Rajput opened his account with a twopoint raidWith Arjun Deshwal getting off to a sedate start it was Narender Kandola who kept the scoreboard ticking for Tamil Thalaivas Ashu Singh kept UP Yoddhas at level terms registering their first tackle point in the game which was soon followed by another tackle from Mahender SinghA multipoint raid from Shivam Chaudhary gave UP Yoddhas some momentum as they opened up a twopoint advantage With their defence tightening the screws they further extended their lead to five points despite Nitesh Kumar notching up a high five for Tamil Thalaivas who only had two raid points in the first half At the end of a hardfought first half UP Yoddhas held a 1510 leadThey further asserted their dominance early in the second half inflicting an all out on Tamil Thalaivas courtesy a tackle from Ashu Singh Bhavani Rajput piled on the misery with Gagan Gowda also chipping in but it was the UP Yoddhas defence that was on a rollWith the defenders standing tall it didnt take UP Yoddhas long to register another all out with Ashu Singh doing the honours once again He had four tackle points as did Sumit Sangwan while Mahender Singh also had three tackles giving their team a commanding seventeenpoint leadTamil Thalaivas offensive struggles left them to play catch up for the remainder of the contest allowing their opponents to take control Sumit Sangwan completed his high five for UP Yoddhas eventually rounding up a dominant 3922 victory on the night IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-sumit-sangwan-leads-all-round-charge-as-up-yoddhas-decimate-tamil-thalaivas-640052.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 03:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/how-simple-cardio-ignite-passion-in-sachin-sharma-a-wrs-senior-officer-to-become-endurance-athlete-640087.html New Delhi Sep 23 Sachin Ashok Sharma IRTS 2008 secretary to the general managerWestern Railways has earned plaudits for completing multiple marathons and triathlons over the years And amid his preparations for events in the future he looks forward to achieving more heights and making the nation proud Sharma recently completed one of the worlds most gruelling endurance events the Ironman Triathlon at Port Macquarie in Australia His list of triathlons includes the Bergman Olympic triathlon 15 km swim 40 km bike 10 km run Bergman 113 triathlon 19 km swim 90 km bike 21 km run Goa Ironman 703 triathlon 19 km swim 90 km bike 21 km run and the Australia IronmanThe list of marathons completed by Sharma is also long He completed three marathons in 2024 the Comrades Marathon South Africa in June 2024 the Silk Route Ultra Ladakh in September 2024 and a recordbreaking Jaisalmer Ultra Marathon in December 2024 and is the only civil servant to have done the 122 kmlong Silk Route Ultra Marathon in the high altitude region of LadakhSharma has taken part in numerous 10K runs over the past few years including triathlons halfmarathons full marathons and ultramarathonsHis journey has been inspirational to say the least Speaking exclusively to IANS Sharma shed light on how taking up running helped him overcome Menieres disease a chronic inner ear disorder his coach and colleagues role in his fitness journey and how he strikes a balance between work and fitnessAsked what got him to take fitness and running seriously and when he started his journey Sharma said It all began well before I joined the service It was after the 12th standard during my first year of engineering I had some issues with my inner ear specifically Menieres disease which causes a stinging sound pressure differences and vertigoA homoeopath advised me to do cardio exercises such as brisk walking or running I chose jogging I started running and gained many benefits I realised this was my goto solution for these issues Over time I found it helped me in many ways beyond just the physicalIt boosted my mental health by helping me destress and concentrate more Even while preparing for the civil service exam after graduation I continued jogging I was in Delhi Every evening I ran six kilometres which greatly helped me relax During my runs I would consolidate what I had read and studied that dayWithout it I might have become a sportsman in both school and college I was staying in a hostel There I was introduced to a wide range of sports including boxing hockey cricket football as well as gymnastics athletics and many others Overall I was pretty fit and active during my school days he addedSpeaking on the challenges he faces while preparing for the marathons and triathlons Sharma added Ive always been into sports I enjoyed some form of jogging but never took part in endurance activities Endurance sports are quite different Running 610 kilometres is one thing but running 21 or more cycling over 100 kilometres or swimming beyond two kilometres is another Its a whole different game Initially I was surprised to see people completing 21 and 42kilometre marathons and cycling 100 kilometresI was genuinely taken aback when I first met such individuals upon arriving in Mumbai Im referring to 2020 onwards That was the second time I was here as a student Back then I was based in Bilaspur and Nagpur in central India primarily in Chhattisgarh During that period I regularly went to the gym I was in good shape and all but I didnt do much runningWhen I arrived in Mumbai for my assignment in 2020 I met several endurance athletes My actual journey began in January 2022 when I took part in an endurance event and started this endurance pursuit I joined a running group Naresh Lalwani retired as general manager in the central railway a senior colleague of mine who is a runner himself recommended it to me Hes an endurance athlete and he suggested joining the running clubThe clubs head coach is Girish Bindra Hes my running coach They asked me to run about 10 kilometres when I joined the group and I managed to do it quite well That was actually the first time I ever completed a 10kilometre run in my life Then the following Sunday just seven days later they asked me to run about 21 kilometres I did Then they asked me to do 30 kilometres I did that too And thats how I started So I never knew I had the potential but it was just group encouragement and the coach I had who motivated me to do soI started with endurance running and then moved on to other sports I didnt know how to swim at first I only knew how to float in a swimming pool so I didnt honestly know how to swim I learnt to swim in March 2022 and afterwards I completed a couple of long open water free swimmathons I also took up longdistance cycling Finally when I had become proficient in all three sports I completed the IronmanSpeaking further Sharma shared his experiences of completing some of the most difficult marathons in the world and the challenges he faced while training for them and achieving themA marathon is just running while a triathlon involves three sports Last year I did three very big events the Comrades Marathon the Silk Route Ultra Ladakh and the Jaisalmer Ultra Marathon The Comrades Marathon which I did in June 2024 is 86 kilometres of an uphill marathon I did Silk Route Ultra in September that year which is one of the most challenging ultra marathons in the world It is a highaltitude marathon of 122 kilometres in LadakhAnd I did 161 kilometres of an ultramarathon in December which is a border run It is from Jaisalmer to Longewala post if you recollect the 1971 IndoPak war So Longewala post to Jaisalmer is 161 kilometres which I did in December There was not much of a gap between these three but I regularly practised running So I did that And after December I resumed practising triathlonThe gap was smaller between the ultramarathons in June September and December but from December to May I had three sports to focus on Regarding running I was already practising regularly so I didnt need much additional training because I was already in rhythmI had to put in a lot of effort while cycling because the Ironman triathlon includes 180 kilometres of cycling Its not just a long distance it also has significant elevation The Ironman course features many hills and the average elevation gain was 1800 metres which is quite substantial Considering the event was held in a coastal area climbing 1800 metres uphill was a real challenge So I had to train diligently over these months focusing on cycling and swimmingThe challenge was to maintain a healthy balance between building core strength the muscular strength needed to perform these three tasks and practising proficiency in the three sportsrunning swimming and cycling So strength training alongside these sports Additionally being a civil servant in a demanding position means that my assignment here is equally challengingThe time window I used was between 430 am and 830 am which is four hours Whatever needed to be done had to be completed within that period The challenge with an Ironman triathlon is that you dont just do one activity on a given day you need to complete two or threeThe challenge was to come home from the office have a healthy meal and then sleep immediately I couldnt go out socialising or partying I couldnt stay up late nor could I wake up late Time was limited so that was a big challenge he saidRecovery was another challenge Im not a very young man Im over 40 I need to look after my recovery as well Im not a 25yearold who can do two or three sets of exercises every 12 hours I require sleep and proper nutritionFor someone like me its essential to eat healthily and get enough sleep I also need to take ice baths steam baths and probably get a massage weekly All these activities form part of the recovery process Otherwise it can become challenging Sharma addedSome of Sharmas notable achievements include the Ladakh marathon 42 km Mumbai marathon 42 km Vasai Virar marathon 42km Tata ultra marathon 50 km Kaas valley ultra marathon 65 km Khardungla challenge 72 km in Ladakh Comrades marathon 86km in South Africa Pune ultra marathon 100 km Silk route ultra marathon 122 km in Ladakh and the Border run Jaisalmer Longewala 161 kmHe has also completed the Malvan Sea 3 km Juhu Sea 3 km and Sunk Rock to Gateway Sea Swimathons 5 km alongside the Jio Cyclothon 100 km IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/how-simple-cardio-ignite-passion-in-sachin-sharma-a-wrs-senior-officer-to-become-endurance-athlete-640087.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/captain-sumit-is-the-biggest-formula-behind-up-yoddhas-success-says-sunil-taneja-640117.html Jaipur Sep 23 Sunil Taneja praised Bengaluru Bulls Deepak Sankar and Yogesh Dahiyas performances after the teams recent victory against the Gujarat Giants He also discussed Mohammadreza Shadlouis struggles this season and emphasised the strengths of the UP Yoddhas The UP Yoddhas ended their fourmatch losing streak with a commanding 3922 victory over the Tamil Thalaivas on Monday Meanwhile the Bengaluru Bulls secured a win against the Gujarat Giants with a score of 2824Taneja speaking to JioHotstar analysed UP Yoddhas win over Tamil Thalaivas saying When the defence clicks this team wins When the captain and leftcorner Sumit secures a High Five the Yoddhas win That is the biggest formula behind their success They play like a team Mahender was very effective and among the other three defenders at least one always stood up Being the most experienced Mahender orchestrated well and even when advance tackles were attempted they came as combinationsIf Sumit went in Ashu supported him Hitesh covered from the right corner and when Mahender moved both corners backed him This was the defence operating at full potential If they continue like this no team will score heavily against them Another factor was the raiding rotation First raid Gagan Gowda Second Bhawani Rajput Third Shivam This rotation gave the raiders time to warm up and settle into the match Thats why Gagan got 7 points Bhawani 6 and Shivam 5 In previous matches Gagan was overused but in this match the plan was clear all three raiders shared the responsibility The dependency on a single player is gone This was a perfect game for UP Yoddhas their best win of the season so far he addedMohammadreza Shadloui has been struggling as a captain this season which has reflected on his performances on the mat Speaking on the same Taneja notedThere are two issues He has become captain for the first time and has joined a team that isnt a settled unit At Patna Pirates Puneri Paltan and even last season with Haryana Steelers he played in set combinations where his role was clear Here hes been given an unsettled defence to lead Thats difficult I would request the coach to relieve him of captaincy Let Rakesh take the leadership role and allow Shadloui to focus solely on defence If he plays with freedom without any pressure of leadership he can perform much betterTaneja was critical of Tamil Thalaivas ace raider Arjun Deshwals performance as he mentionedThere are two problems First his physical fitness is 24 down He was clearly struggling Second theres a bigger mental aspect He wasnt ready for captaincy After Pawan left no one expected Arjun would suddenly have to lead Adding to this Sagar Rathee who captained in the last 2 seasons for Tamil Thalaivas has also been missing The sudden shift of responsibility combined with controversies around Pawan has weighed heavily on him To make matters worse he isnt getting consistent raiding support Narender Kandola plays only sporadically and Moein Shafaghi who was their No 1 raider last season is on the bench this time Arjun simply isnt ready for all these responsibilities togetherTaneja also praised the Bengaluru Bulls after their win over the Gujarat Giants in the first game on Monday The Bulls put on a terrific performance to win the close tieIt was an amazing comeback and the biggest factor was Akash Shinde He saved the first allout which was crucial Had he not Gujarat Giants would have taken the lead and built on it After that Bengalurus defenders executed a chain of super tackles These small moments change the game Another highlight was Yogesh He didnt let the pressure of being captain for the first time affect him Unlike some players he thrived under responsibility even pulling off points in super tackle situations That confidence is remarkable The match was slipping away but Yogesh brought it back For me he is emerging as one of the biggest superstars of this season Taneja saidDeepak Sankar has been rising through the ranks of late Taneja impressed by his breakthrough outings said Every season a new player deserves recognition This time it is Deepak Sankar Hardly anyone had heard his name before To replace a captain like Ankush Rathee and still deliver is remarkable Coming from Tamil Nadu positioned in the left corner he formed a completely new defensive combination with Yogesh He didnt just stay back but was confidently tackling in the front The way he played deserves high praise Credit also to coach BC Ramesh who trusted a newcomer in the starting seven IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/captain-sumit-is-the-biggest-formula-behind-up-yoddhas-success-says-sunil-taneja-640117.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/young-shooting-talent-gather-in-new-delhi-for-issf-junior-world-cup-640215.html New Delhi Sep 23 The next generation of shooting talent across 15 Olympic events and 2 nonOlympic events will be competing in the ISSF Junior World Cup RiflePistolShotgun at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range here from September 24 to October 2 The stage is all set for the mega event which will bring together 208 young shooters from 18 countries showcasing the young talent who will be fighting it out for a total of 51 medals at stakeThe host nation India will lead the field with a strong contingent of 69 athletes while other participating nations include the United States of America 20 Italy 10 Czechia 9 Islamic Republic of Iran 8 Croatia 7 Great Britain 6 United Arab Emirates 5 Slovakia 5 Qatar 4 Oman 4 Spain 8 Finland 3 Netherlands 3 Cyprus 3 New Zealand 2 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2 along with 40 Individual Neutral Athletes AINThe athletes from the United States Great Britain Italy and Cyprus have arrived at the range and conducted an unofficial training session on TuesdayThis will be the second and final World Cup for Juniors this year following the first event hosted in Suhl Germany earlier this year in May where India finished on top of the medals table with 11 medals including 3 gold 4 silver and 4 bronzeAmong the notable names to watch will be Olympia and Suhl silver medallist Raiza Dhillon former world champion Abhinav Shaw Suhl gold medallists Shambhavi Kshirsagar and Tejaswani and bronze medallist from the same World Cup Naraen Pranav and Adriyan Karmakar among othersWorld Championship medallist Arianna Nimber from Italy along with her countrymen Marco Coco Matteo Bragalli and Luca Gerri will be in action at the shotgun range along with Trap shooter from Croatia Toni Gudelj who won the bronze medal at the Suhl Junior World CupThe opening ceremony of the World Cup will take place on Thursday at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range at 5 PM The competition will get underway on the same day with the 50m Rifle Prone events in both mens and womens categories which will also decide the first medalists of the World Cup IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/young-shooting-talent-gather-in-new-delhi-for-issf-junior-world-cup-640215.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 22:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/divya-deshmukh-gets-wild-card-for-fide-world-cup-2025-in-goa-640009.html New Delhi Sep 22 Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh the reigning FIDE Womens World Cup champion has been awarded a wild card for the upcoming FIDE World Cup 2025 scheduled to take place in Goa from October 31 to November 27 The 19yearold Nagpurborn GM was added to the field following the lastminute withdrawal of a participant with former womens world champions Ju Wenjun and Hou Yifan having earlier declined their invitations The move ensures Indias brightest young talent a place in one of the most prestigious events on the global chess calendarDivya who has made rapid strides in the past two years most recently tested herself in the open section of the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 where she secured two victories and six draws across 11 rounds Though her final score was modest the event highlighted her fighting spirit against elite oppositionHer wild card entry adds further intrigue to the Indian challenge at the 11th edition of the World Cup where a record 21 players from the country will compete The contingent will be spearheaded by reigning world champion D Gukesh who is returning home as the star attractionThe FIDE World Cup held biennially is one of the most demanding tournaments in the sport Featuring 206 players it follows a singleelimination knockout format with minimatches that test nerves as much as skill The stakes are particularly high this year the top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament which decides the challenger for the world championshipFor Divya the tournament is both a stage and an opportunity As the current Womens World Cup holder she has already underlined her credentials as one of the best of her generation Competing in Goa however she will be measuring herself against the strongest players in the world a test that could accelerate her progress toward the elite IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/divya-deshmukh-gets-wild-card-for-fide-world-cup-2025-in-goa-640009.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 21:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-skipper-yogeshs-defensive-acumen-seals-win-for-bengaluru-bulls-640037.html Jaipur Sep 22 Bengaluru Bulls emerged victorious over Gujarat Giants in a pulsating contest at the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur winning 2824 on Monday Despite a late surge from the Giants it was the Bulls defensive discipline led by skipper Yogesh that made the difference with his six points alongside Akash Shindes seven points as their side returned to winning waysThe Bulls made the better start in the opening minutes of their clash against the Giants with raiders Aashish Malik and Akash Shinde chipping in early points to keep them aheadThey looked composed in both attack and defence with Sanjay Dhull and Alireza Mirzaian ensuring the Giants raiders didnt find much success The Giants relied on Rakesh and Parteek Dahiya but their raids didnt yield much as Bengaluru held the edge at 54The momentum shifted dramatically when Visvanth V produced a stunning Super Raid taking out Satyappa Matti Sanjay and Deepak Sankar in one breath That moment turned the tide lifting the Giants into the lead at 65 and shifting pressure back onto the BullsThe second quarter saw the Bulls wrest back momentum after the Giants had briefly taken control A moment of brilliance from Akash Shinde who pulled off a Super Raid to dismiss Shadloui and Nitin Panwar and prevented an all out swung the contest firmly in the Bulls favour Shinde followed it up with successive successful raids while Aashish chipped in to keep the Giants defence under pressureThe Giants tried to respond through Parteek Dahiya and Visvanth V but the Bulls defence held its ground with timely super tackles including a crucial one from Jitender Yadav That defensive solidity and Shindes sharp raiding ensured the Bulls went into the halftime break with a 1713 leadThe Bulls tightened their grip on the contest maintaining a healthy sevenpoint cushion over the Giants at the end of the third quarter While the Giants pressed hard through Parteek and Visvanth the Bulls defence stood tall at crucial moments Yogesh produced a decisive super tackle on Dahiya a moment that denied Gujarat the chance to inflict an all out and swing the momentumThat defensive resilience was backed by steady raiding contributions from Alireza and Aashish keeping the scoreboard ticking for the Bulls Even when Akash Shinde was tackled by Shadloui Bengalurus backline ensured they didnt lose their shape By staving off repeated threats of an all out the Bulls carried their 2316 advantage into the final stretch looking the more composed of the two sidesThe final quarter saw Gujarat Giants mount a spirited comeback combining swift raids from Rakesh and Parteek with multiple super tackles from Lucky Sharma and Shubham Kumar The Giants clawed back points steadily cutting into Bengaluru Bulls lead and testing their composureHowever the Bulls defence led by skipper Yogesh proved too resilient to crack A perfectly timed High Five from the skipper epitomised the Bulls defensive acumen thwarting THE Giants final attempts at an all out They held on to their 2824 lead securinga hardfought win IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-skipper-yogeshs-defensive-acumen-seals-win-for-bengaluru-bulls-640037.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-puneri-paltan-rise-to-top-with-defensive-masterclass-to-dismantle-u-mumba-in-maharashtra-derby-639334.html Jaipur Rajasthan Sep 18 Puneri Paltan put in a dominant display to register a comprehensive 4022 win against U Mumba in the Maharashtra Derby in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL at the SMS Indoor Stadium here on Thursday It was a defensive clinic from the Season 10 Champions recording 20 tackle points including six Super Tackles as they solidified their hold at the top of the table Gurdeep led the way with a High Five while Gaurav Khatri and Abinesh Nadarajan registered four tackles each Stuwart Singh contributed on the raiding end with eight pointsPuneri Paltans defence set the tone with Abinesh Nadarajan and Gurdeep registering tackles before Sachin Tanwar and Pankaj Mohite registered raids to give their side an early fourpoint lead For U Mumba Amirmohammad Zafardanesh opened the scoring on both ends of the floor making it a twopoint gameGaurav Khatri for the Paltan and Sunil Kumar for U Mumba got their first points on the board as the defences continued to stay on top in this tense and aggressive encounter Anil got off the mark on a DoOrDie raid but Aslam Inamdar couldnt do the same which meant that the two teams were tied at 55 at the end of the first quarterPuneri Paltan found some momentum and managed to bag a fourpoint lead but it didnt stay that way for too long Amirmohammad Zafardanesh cut the deficit down to one point with a twopoint raid The topsyturvy nature of the game continued as Rakesh Rajesh completed a Super Tackle to retain Puneri Paltans fourpoint lead In an intense tactical battle that saw DoOrDie Raids flying in the PKL 10 Champions ended the first half in the lead with the score at 1510With a Super Tackle from Vishal Bhardwaj early in the second half Puneri Paltan extended their lead to seven points That was followed up with another Super Tackle from Abinesh Nadarajan ensuring that his side stays in the drivers seat in this Maharashtra DerbyThere was no respite for U Mumba as their opponents continued to dictate the tempo of the game It proved to be difficult for them to score points on the offensive end because the Puneri Paltan were delivering a defensive masterclass holding onto a comfortable lead with the score at 2315 heading into the final quarterRinku kept the scoreboard ticking for U Mumba with four tackles and Sandeep Kumar also chipped in to keep it at a sevenpoint game Aslam Inamdar got his first point of the game with a bonus and followed it up with a Super Tackle to solidify his teams position with a tenpoint leadGurdeep registered his High Five and Gaurav Khatri followed it up with another brilliant tackle to inflict an All Out on U Mumba Supersub Stuwart Singh added the finishing touches with a Super Raid ending as the highest scorer for his side and completing the rout to lead Puneri Paltan to a 4022 triumph IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-puneri-paltan-rise-to-top-with-defensive-masterclass-to-dismantle-u-mumba-in-maharashtra-derby-639334.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/antim-clinches-bronze-in-2025-senior-world-wrestling-championship-639347.html New Delhi Sep 19 Antim Panghal on Thursday became the first Indian woman wrestler after Vinesh Phogat to win multiple medals in the Senior World Wrestling Championships Antim competing in the 53 kg weight category secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Senior World Wrestling Championship Zagreb She achieved this remarkable feat by defeating her Swedish opponent with a commanding score of 91 in the Bronze Medal boutAntim had also won bronze in the 2023 edition of the World Championships at Belgrade and had beaten the very same opponent 166 via technical superiority to land on the podium two years backWomens wrestlers from India have now won at least one medal at the last three editions of the World Wrestling ChampionshipsAntim Panghal began her campaign with a dominant 100 victory by technical superiority against Spains Carla Jaume Soler in the prequarterfinalsThe Indian wrestler then edged past the Peoples Republic of Chinas Zhang Jin 98 in a tense quarterfinal before falling 53 to Paris 2024 silver medallist Lucía Yépez of Ecuador in the semisMeanwhile Asian champion Manisha Bhanwala missed out on a chance to qualify for the bronze medal match in the 62kg womens freestyle after losing 90 to Bulgarias Bilyana Dudova in her repechage roundElsewhere Indias GrecoRoman wrestlers continued to struggle with none of the four grapplers winning their respective bouts on ThursdayCompeting in the prequarterfinals Anil Mor who was a part of the 55kg weight class lost 80 to fourtime world champion and current world No 1 Eldaniz Azizli of AzerbaijanThe 77kg category saw Indias Aman lose 80 via technical superiority to Olympic champion Nao Kusaka of Japan in the round of 32In the 82kg Rahul managed to earn a point unlike his compatriots but couldnt prevent defeat as he succumbed to a 71 loss against Almir Tolebayev of Kazakhstan in qualificationSonu also lost in the 130kg after going down 80 in qualification against Olympian Marko Koševi of Croatia A total of 30 gold medals are on the line across mens freestyle womens freestyle and GrecoRoman eventsIndia had fielded a fullstrength squad with one entry in each weight category None of the mens freestyle wrestlers managed to return with a medal IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/antim-clinches-bronze-in-2025-senior-world-wrestling-championship-639347.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/stuwart-showed-how-to-play-under-pressure-aslam-inamdar-on-young-raiders-breakout-performance-639439.html Jaipur Sep 19 Puneri Paltan put up a defensive masterclass to cruise past U Mumba 4022 in the Maharashtra Derby at the SMS Indoor Stadium but the spotlight firmly belonged to young raider Stuwart Singh who picked up eight raid points to cap off a dominant display by the season 10 champions Paltans defence was unrelenting recording 20 tackle points including six Super Tackles Gurdeep led the charge with a High Five while Gaurav Khatri and Abinesh Nadarajan added four points each But it was Singhs maturity under pressure that drew the loudest praise from captain Aslam InamdarStuwart has proved he is a good player He showed how to play under pressure said Aslam about the youngster from Tamil Nadu He has been working very hard waiting for his opportunity I always told him he will become a good player and tonight he proved itThe skipper revealed that Stuwart had been on Puneris radar for a while He was with us in Season 10 but couldnt get a chance then This season he has grabbed it with both hands Giving confidence to youngsters like Rakesh and Stuwart is important and Im very happy they are delivering Aslam addedHead coach Ajay Thakur also underlined the importance of patience and defensive discipline in the big win Our defenders played very well with a good mindset and cool heads Against a side like U Mumba that was the differenceWith another comprehensive derby win the champions now focus on their next challenge against Haryana Steelers Aslam summed it up We know every match is tough but when youngsters like Stuwart step up it gives us more belief This is what makes Puneri Paltan strong IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/stuwart-showed-how-to-play-under-pressure-aslam-inamdar-on-young-raiders-breakout-performance-639439.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-nitin-ali-samadi-shine-as-pink-panthers-beat-bengal-warriorz-take-top-spot-639323.html Jaipur Sep 18 In an engaging encounter at the SMS Indoor Stadium Jaipur Pink Panthers registered a 4541 victory against the Bengal Warriorz on Thursday Nitin Kumar and Ali Samadi recorded Super 10s for the hosts to help them climb to fourth place on the points table Meanwhile Devank Dalal notched his seventh straight Super 10 alongside Manprit Pardeep while Ashish Malik also registered a High Five but that wasnt enough for the Season 7 champions to get over the lineDevank secured the first raid of the game reaching a milestone by becoming the fastest raider to 400 raid points achieving the feat in just 38 games Nitin Kumar opened Jaipur Pink Panthers account but it was the Warriorz captain who was on a roll giving his team a threepoint lead in the early exchangesHowever the hosts responded quickly with Aashish Kumars Super Tackle on Devank followed by a swift raid from Nitin Kumar to level the score at 66 A twopoint raid from Ali Samadi then helped the Jaipur Pink Panthers open up a fourpoint lead ending a highoctane first quarter at 128The Pink Panthers slowly began to assert their dominance inflicting an All Out to extend their lead to six points Nitin Kumar completed his sixth Super 10 of the season while Aashish Kumar added four tackles in the first half giving the twotime champions a convincing 2418 lead at halftimeWith the Warriorz having only one player on the mat to begin the second half the hosts inflicted another All Out courtesy a tackle from Aryan Kumar further extending their lead to nine points Ali Samadi continued to make his presence felt on the offensive end as well keeping a sevenpoint lead intact despite Bengal Warriorz finding some momentumManprit Pardeep and Devank momentarily cut the deficit down to six points before a Super Tackle from Nitin Rawal ensured Jaipur Pink Panthers do not get complacent Ashish Malik contributed in defence for the Warriorz tackling Nitin Kumar on a DoOrDie raid to keep his side within striking distance with under ten minutes to goBengal Warriorz found a glimmer of hope as Devank Dalal completed another Super 10 and Ashish Malik recorded a High Five to inflict an All Out on the Jaipur Pink Panthers making it a threepoint game with under five minutes to playWith the game on the line the Iranian duo for Jaipur Pink Panthers shut the door on any possibility of a comeback First Reza Mirbagheri tackled Devank and then Ali Samadi followed it up with a sensational fourpoint Super Raid also completing his maiden Super 10 in the process That in the end proved to be the difference between the two sides in this highscoring thriller as Jaipur Pink Panthers clinched a 4541 victory IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-nitin-ali-samadi-shine-as-pink-panthers-beat-bengal-warriorz-take-top-spot-639323.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-athletics-cships-neeraj-chopra-vs-arshad-nadeem-javelin-final-when-and-where-to-watch-639199.html Tokyo Sep 18 Neeraj Chopra versus Pakistans Arshad Nadeems rivalry will take the centre stage once again on Thursday in the final of javelin at the World Athletics Championship final The Indian ace who breached the 90metre mark earlier this season is chasing history as he looks to defend his crown on the biggest stage Chopra made qualification look effortless on Wednesday needing just one throw to seal his spot in the final His effort of 8485 metres comfortably cleared the automatic qualification mark of 8450 underlining his intentThis marked the fifth consecutive time Chopra needed just one attempt to qualify for the final The previous four occasions when Chopra made it to the final in the first throw are the 2020 Tokyo Olympics the 2022 and 2023 World Championships and the 2024 Paris OlympicsAfter Chopra Germanys Julian Weber breached the automatic qualification mark in his second attempt Weber started with an 8229m throw but bounced back to record the throw of 8721m making the direct qualification to the finalJoining him in the final is compatriot Sachin Yadav who scraped through after a tense wait and his longtime rival Arshad Nadeem the reigning Olympic champion from Pakistan who left it late but managed to qualify with his last attemptChopra who won a silver medal in the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 will on Thursday defend the World title he won in Budapest in 2023 The 27yearold from Haryana created history in Budapest two years ago by becoming Indias firstever world champion in athletics with a throw of 8817m Pakistans Arshad Nadeem had secured silver on that occasion with an effort of 8782mHowever the crossborder rivalry intensified in Paris last year when Nadeem dethroned Chopra as Olympic champion with a massive throw of 9297m while the Indian settled for a silver with the best effort of 8945mThe 12man field also features a host of worldclass challengers including former world champion Anderson Peters Germanys Julian Weber and Kenyas veteran Julius Yego With the stakes high and the rivalry fierce all eyes will inevitably be on the ChopraNadeem showdown a duel that has come to define South Asian athletics on the global stageWorld Athletics Championship javelin final streaming detailsWhen Thursday September 18 2025Time 400 PM ISTLive Telecast Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 1 HDLive Streaming JioHotstar app and website IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-athletics-cships-neeraj-chopra-vs-arshad-nadeem-javelin-final-when-and-where-to-watch-639199.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/8-indians-qualify-for-issf-wc-final-in-doha-manu-makes-cut-in-two-events-639054.html New Delhi Sep 17 Eight Indian shooters have secured their places in the International Shooting Sport Federation ISSF World Cup Final 2025 scheduled to be held in Doha Qatar from December 4 to 9 Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker is the only Indian shooter to have made the cut in two events the womens 10m air pistol and the womens 25m pistol for the year ending ISSF showpiece which determines the international Shooting seasons best shooter in each of the 12 individual Olympic eventsIndian shooters have made the cut in five of the 12 events that will feature in the seasonending competition in Doha an ISSF Prize money eventBesides Manu leading the charge for India in Doha will be teenager Suruchi Singh who emerged as the breakout star of the year dominating the womens 10m air pistol with three backtoback gold medals in Buenos Aires Lima and Munich not only qualifying for Doha but also securing the number one rank in the world in womens air pistol which she holds currentlyOlympian Esha Singh also qualified in the womens 10m air pistol event with her gold medal winning performance in the fourth and final ISSF World Cup in Ningbo ChinaOthers who have qualified include former world champion Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil who booked his spot in the mens 10m air rifle with a gold medal in Buenos Aires while Olympian Arjun Babuta ensured his presence in the same event with a silver in LimaReigning Asian Champion and worldrecord holder Sift Kaur Samra has also qualified in the womens 50m rifle three positions 3P event aided by her gold in Buenos Aires while fellow Olympian Vijayveer Sidhu secured his berth in the mens 25m rapidfire pistol with a brilliant gold winning effort at the same venueRounding off Indias list of qualifiers is Simranpreet Kaur Brar who gained entry in the womens 25m pistol with her silver in Lima given Chinas Sun Yujie had already secured her berth through a gold in Buenos AiresThe ISSF has also confirmed prize money for the medalists at the ISSF World Cup Final 2025 with gold medal winners receiving 5000 euros silver medalists earning 4000 euros and bronze medalists taking home 2000 eurosBeyond these qualifications other Indian athletes will still have an opportunity to qualify for the Finals through medal winning performances at the upcoming ISSF World Championship Shotgun in Athens Greece and the ISSF World Championship RiflePistol in Cairo Egypt in October and November respectivelyIndias overall campaign at the four World Cup stages for RiflePistol in 2025 held in Buenos Aires Lima Munich and Ningbo with separate shotgun world cup stages also being held in Nicosia and Lonato was one of their strongest yetThe Indian shooting team collected a total of 22 medals including 9 golds 6 silver and 7 bronze across rifle pistol and shotgun disciplines to finish second overall reaffirming their position as of the worlds powerhouse shooting nations IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/8-indians-qualify-for-issf-wc-final-in-doha-manu-makes-cut-in-two-events-639054.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 18:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/training-is-going-well-well-give-our-best-says-navdeep-singh-ahead-of-world-para-athlete-championships-639100.html New Delhi Sep 17 Ahead of the World ParaAthlete Championships Indian Para Athlete Navdeep Singh mentioned that he has worked hard for this tournament and is fully prepared The 2024 Paralympics gold medallist hopes for all Indian athletes to perform well in the competition He also extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioning how the iconic leader shared words of wisdom and encouraged him to do well when they metSpeaking of his preparations for the tournament Singh said We are preparing for it and the training is going well Well see how the competition goes but well give our best Navdeep Singh exclusively told IANSSpeaking on the challenges he faces as a paraathlete he said It is very challenging If I talk about my disability my height is small and the javelin is a tall and big equipment It is problematic but we manage itSpeaking on the federations role in helping the athletes Singh said The federation stands with us It treats the players very well and because of the federation a significant tournament has reached India It is a worldclass tournament For the first time the first Mundo track has been built in India making it a big deal for the playersSingh won his first gold at the Asian Youth Para Games in 2017 before achieving a similar feat at the 2021 World Para Grand Prix in DubaiAfter finishing with a bronze medal at the 2024 World Championships in Kobe Singh emerged as an Olympic champion as he stood atop the podium at the 2024 Paris GamesSingh also wished PM Narendra Modi on his birthday and reminisced about his previous meetings with the leaderIt feels good to meet him every time I have met him twice so far I wish him a happy birthday When I met him for the first time in 2021 after the Tokyo Paralympics he gave me his best wishes and told me how a player lives a life full of struggle but does not give up He extended his best wishes for my next Paralympics It was a good experience His wellwishes helped me and I did well this time IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/training-is-going-well-well-give-our-best-says-navdeep-singh-ahead-of-world-para-athlete-championships-639100.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-neeraj-narwal-defenders-shine-as-dabang-delhi-rally-to-defeat-telugu-titans-33-29-639112.html Jaipur Sep 17 Dabang Delhi KC continued their brilliant run in Season 12 of Pro Kabaddi League PKL as they clinched their sixth straight win against Telugu Titans at the SMS Indoor Stadium here on Wednesday After trailing by five points in the first half it was Neeraj Narwal who came to the fore with nine points while he was ably supported by High Fives from Saurabh Nandal and Fazel Atrachali The Telugu Titans opened the scoring with a successful raid from Vijay Malik giving them an early lead They quickly built on this momentum as Shubham Shinde executed a solid tackle to make it 20 The Titans maintained their dominance with Bharat picking up a raid point and then following it up with a strong tackle to send Ashu Malik to the bench pushing their lead to 40Dabang Delhi finally opened their account through a welltimed tackle by Surjeet Singh in a doordie raid Soon after Manjeet delivered a successful raid cutting the deficit to 52 However Neeraj Narwal earned a point for his side and revived the Dabang Delhi captain reducing the gap to 53After a slow start Dabang Delhi gradually found its rhythm and closed the deficit further bringing the score to 54 by the time the first timeout was taken in the opening halfThe Telugu Titans resumed the game strongly collecting a couple of quick points to stretch their advantage Their defence continued to hold firm once again stopping Ashu Malik and sending him to the bench which extended their lead to 84 with just over six minutes left in the first halfThe Titans defensive unit maintained their intensity for the remainder of the half consistently shutting down Dabang Delhis raiders Their solid allaround effort helped them go into halftime with a 149 lead firmly in control of the contestDabang Delhi mounted a strong comeback in the second half sparked by a brilliant Super Raid from Neeraj Narwal who looked in terrific touch earned them three points and cut the deficit to 1415However Telugu Titans responded quickly with a wellexecuted Super Tackle regaining control and extending their lead to 1914 Dabang Delhi then produced a big turning point by inflicting an All Out which helped them take the lead for the first time in the match at 2019 with just over 13 minutes left on the clock They built on this momentum with a solid tackle to push their advantage to 2119With Fazel Atrachali leading the charge in defence He pulled off several sharp tackles and completed a wellearned High Five as the side extended their lead to 2722 within the first four minutes of the halfDabang Delhi appeared to be in complete control for most of the second half but Telugu Titans kept pushing and managed to close the gap to just three points in the final three minutes of play However Delhis allround performance ensured they didnt lose their grip on the matchThe Titans stayed in the fight as Shubham Shinde produced a crucial tackle to make it 2730 followed by a successful raid from Praful Zaware that brought the score to 2830 With just over 40 seconds left only two points separated the two sidesBut Akshit stepped up for Dabang Delhi with a decisive Super Raid that pushed their lead to 3328 effectively sealing the contest The Titans managed to pick up one more point but the season 8 winners held on to secure a 3329 win IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-neeraj-narwal-defenders-shine-as-dabang-delhi-rally-to-defeat-telugu-titans-33-29-639112.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jampks-hans-raj-ladakhs-stanzin-chondol-claim-full-marathon-titles-at-12th-ladakh-marathon-638637.html New Delhi Sep 15 The Ladakh Marathon capped its recordbreaking 12th edition with thrilling finishes in the Full Marathon the Half Marathon and the 112 km Run on Sunday In the Full Marathon spanning 42 kilometres Jammu amp Kashmirs Hans Raj crossed the line first in 24741 while Ladakhs own Stanzin Chondol stormed to victory in the womens field with a time of 31300 a run that also placed her sixth overall among men and women The 42 km race which began and ended at Lehs NDS Stadium drew a strong field as part of an edition that welcomed 6600 runners from across Indias states and Union Territories along with participants from more than 30 countries As World Marathon Majors qualifier the Ladakh Marathon also offered athletes the chance to book their spot at the 2026 WMM Wanda World Age Group Championship provided they met qualifying standards in their respective categoriesRita Satish Patkar delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend becoming the rare runner to claim victories in both the Khardung La Challenge and the full marathon within just two days the Bengalurean finished top in the veteran female category of both races In the Half Marathon on Sunday Tsetan Namgail took top honours in the mens race with a time of 11310 while Stanzin Dolkar led the womens field finishing in 13014Chief Guest Bhanu Prabha IAS Secretary Youth Services and Sports UT Ladakh led the ceremonial proceedings in the aftermath of the races at the NDS Stadium distributing medals trophies and prize money to the respective winnersSpeaking on the occasion she said The Ladakh Marathon has grown from just 1200 participants 12 years ago to over 6500 runners today representing every state UT and more than 30 countries It is heartening to see veteran athletes who have won accolades across the world choosing to run here in Ladakh This growth has been possible because of the vision of Chewang Motup and his team and the support of our sponsors and partners especially LAHDC Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council whose contributions have enabled us to host an event of this scale My congratulations to all the runners and I look forward to welcoming you back with an even larger group next yearIn the 112 km category Skarma Idong Lanzes clinched the womens open title with a time of 47 minutes and 30 seconds while Sonam Stanzin took top honours in the mens section crossing the line in 42 minutes and 39 seconds He finished just 10 seconds clear of runnerup Furboo Tundup making it one of the closest contests of the editionI extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants who made the 12th edition of the Ladakh Marathon so memorable This years recordbreaking participation has reinforced the events place as one of Indias premier running competitions while also showcasing its growing international stature With every edition we are not just celebrating endurance and resilience but also taking firm steps toward establishing the Ladakh Marathon among the top global races added Chewang Motup Goba Chairperson of High Altitude Sports Foundation founder and organiser of the Ladakh MarathonIn the veterans categories Tsewang Dorjay topped the mens field while Sarah HananBajwa claimed the womens crown in the 112K Run The Half Marathon titles went to Arvind Basaiawmoit in the mens section and Shilpa Phadke in the womens section In the Full Marathon veterans Shyamapada Das emerged victorious in the mens category complementing Patkars win in the womens raceEarlier on Friday fivetime Guinness World Record holder Sufiya Sufi and Ladakh Scouts Tsewang Kundan emerged as champions of the Silk Route Ultra the centrepiece of the 12th Ladakh Marathon Shabir Hussain and Namgyal Lhamo topped the mens and womens standings respectively in the gruelling Khardung La Challenge 72 km IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jampks-hans-raj-ladakhs-stanzin-chondol-claim-full-marathon-titles-at-12th-ladakh-marathon-638637.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/stasya-pandya-selected-to-represent-india-at-the-fei-childrens-classic-2025-finals-638646.html New Delhi Sep 15 Mumbais 13yearold equestrian talent Stasya Pandya has earned the honour of representing India at the prestigious FEI Childrens Classic Finals Silver Tour At the tworound selection trial challenge held from September 11 to 14 at The Embassy International Riding School in Bengaluru Stasya impressed with a clear first round and clocked 4363 seconds in the jumpoff finishing second among 18 entries Riding her horse Cougar Des Fees she skillfully navigated a challenging course of 13 obstacles at a height of 110 cmWith this stellar performance Stasya now holds the No 1 national ranking in the Silver Tour Overall standing out as the only rider with zero penalties across all four roundsThe FEI Fédération questre Internationale Childrens Classic is an annual international show jumping series for riders aged 1214 It provides a global platform for young equestrians to showcase their talent competing on standardized courses from their home countries before advancing to the global finals which are contested on borrowed horses The seriescomprising Gold Silver and Bronze tourshelps nurture future champions by offering equal opportunities across nationsSharing her excitement Stasya said It was an amazing experience competing with the top riders in my age category across the country I am extremely happy to get the opportunity to represent my country and to rank number one in the Silver Tour I would like to thank my entire support system starting with my coach Mr Bobin Tshering for his unwavering belief in me the grooms who take care of my horse The Amateur Riders Club Mumbai for providing me with worldclass infrastructure and training support my school Billabong High International School Malad for giving me the flexibility to pursue my dream and of course my parents for their patience and encouragementHer selection not only highlights her dedication and talent but also marks a proud moment for Indian equestrian sport As she prepares for the FEI Childrens Classic Finals Stasya carries the hopes of the nation with her IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/stasya-pandya-selected-to-represent-india-at-the-fei-childrens-classic-2025-finals-638646.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/chandrababu-naidu-congratulates-grandson-on-receiving-chess-award-638539.html Amaravati Sep 14 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his wife Nara Bhuvaneswari on Sunday congratulated their grandson Nara Devaansh on receiving the World Book of Records Award 2025 for the Fastest Checkmate Solver 175 Puzzles Tenyearold Devaansh on Saturday received the award at the World Book of Records Awards 2025 ceremony held at Westminster Hall LondonDevaansh last year had solved 175 progressively challenging checkmate puzzles taken from the renowned compilation 5334 problems combinations and games by Laszlo Polgar at the Checkmate MarathonCongratulations to our Devaansh on receiving the World Book of Records Award 2025 at Westminster Hall London We are proud of his recordsetting achievement as the Fastest Checkmate Solver at 175 puzzles after months of perseverance and the guidance of his mentors Good going champ Naidu posted on XMy blessings and love to my dear grandson Devaansh on receiving the World Book of Records honour at Westminster Hall London At just 10 your talent discipline amp dedication to chess have brought immense pride to our family May you continue to shine brightly and achieve many more milestones wrote BhuvaneswariDevaanshs father and Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister Nara Lokesh and mother Nara Brahmani also took to X to congratulate himMy little champion youve made us proud yet again Im truly impressed by your dedication and commitment in setting the world record for fastest checkmate solver This recognition is a reward for your hard work and Im happy to be here with you on your special occasion posted LokeshSo proud of you Devaansh At just 10 your dedication focus amp love for chess have earned you the World Book of Records honour at Westminster Hall London Your hard work shines through every move you make This is just the beginning keep dreaming big my champ wrote BrahmaniThe World Book of Records rewarded the child prodigy on Saturday for this feat placing him among the finest young talents on the global stage in the chess world His achievement is the result of months of focused preparation supported by his parents and guided by his coach K Rajashekar ReddyAccording to a statement these puzzles get more and more difficult as they go on testing speed accuracy and thinking skills and he was able to solve all of them within a tight timeframeIts truly a special occasion to see Devaansh receive this honour at Westminster Hall today His ability to think ahead stay calm under pressure and devote himself so wholeheartedly to the game at just ten years old makes this achievement even more special As his father I have witnessed the countless hours he has spent practising with dedication This recognition is a true reward for his hard work We are very proud of him said LokeshDevaansh had also set two additional world records earlier in the chess domain completing the 7disc Tower of Hanoi in just 1 minute 43 seconds and arranging 9 chess boards with all 32 pieces correctly in 5 minutes IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/chandrababu-naidu-congratulates-grandson-on-receiving-chess-award-638539.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kadal-kondattam-2025-tamil-nadu-athletes-dominate-day-1-of-indias-premier-ocean-sports-festival-638380.html Tuticorin TN Sep 14 Athletes from host Tamil Nadu dominated the opening day of Kadal Kondattam Indias premier ocean sports festival with a clean sweep across all categories in Kayaking and Standup Paddling On Day 1 of the event originally scheduled to begin on September 12 but had to be postponed due to erratic weather and rough sea conditions Tamil Nadu athletes clinched a total of 21 medals across Subjunior Senior U18 Boys Girls Senior and Open Mens categories in Kayaking as well as Amateur Standing Position Men and Girls Senior categories in Standup PaddlingThe threeday festival is being organised by Aqua Outback under the leadership of former National Kiteboarding Champion Arjun Motha with support from Tamil Nadu Tourism and the Government of Tamil Nadu at the pristine Muthu Nagar beach TuticorinWhile competitions could not take place on the first scheduled day due to adverse weather athletes engaged in practice sessions demonstration races and spectacular giant kite displays Callisthenics and Strength Workshops also drew enthusiastic participationKayakingIn Kayaking the Subjunior Boys category saw Anto Amirthan Niranth and Michael Rithik secure the gold silver and bronze medals respectively In the Senior Men category Manikandan M Karuppasamy M and Muthu R claimed the top three spots The U18 Boys event was dominated by Ragul who won gold followed by Thangasamy with silver while Anto Amirthan bagged bronze completing his double medal tally In the Girls Senior category local favourite Anaina Aqua Outback clinched gold while Vijaya Lakshmi and Priya Dharshini took silver and bronze respectively In the Mens Open Ragul Thangasamy and Kanna finished first second and thirdStanup PaddlingIn Standup Paddling the Amateur Standing Mens category was swept by Manikandan M Karuppasamy M and Muthu R who repeated their podium finishes from Kayaking In the Girls Open category Vijaya Lakshmi Priya Dharshini and Anaina also secured gold silver and bronze marking doubles for all three athletesThe day also witnessed heats in Kiteboarding where Arjun Dylan Karuppasamy and Chitresh advanced to the finals scheduled for tomorrowBeyond the sporting action Kadal Kondattam 2025 is designed to have a transformative impact on the local economy and coastal communities The festival is promoting tourism creating new livelihood opportunities and actively involving the fishermen community of Tamil Nadu in the ocean sports ecosystem It also serves as a platform for raising awareness about ocean conservation and sustainable coastal living IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kadal-kondattam-2025-tamil-nadu-athletes-dominate-day-1-of-indias-premier-ocean-sports-festival-638380.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 00:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jasmine-stuns-olympic-silver-medallist-to-clinch-gold-at-world-boxing-championships-638388.html Liverpool Sep 14 Indias Jasmine Lamboria clinched her first gold medal in 57kg weight category at the World Boxing Championships after a stunning win over Paris Olympics silver medallist Paris Szeremeta of Poland After a cautious start Jasmine stormed back in Round 2 amp 3 to beat number one seed Szeremeta 41 and clinch her maiden World Championships medal Moreover this Indias first gold at this edition of the World ChampionshipsSpeaking in the mixed zone after becoming the first ever World Boxing Champion Jaismine said I feel really great This is my very first medal and Ive also become a world champion so its an incredible feeling for me My only goal is to make my country proudI owe this win to our coaches our federation and the entire support staff Because of their guidance and support I was able to achieve this todayJasmine previously won a gold medal this year at the World Boxing Cup in Astana She has won bronze medals at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2021 Asian ChampionshipMeanwhile Nupur of India pocketed silver after losing to Polands Agata Kaczmarska in the 80kg finalIn the semifinals Jaismine hammered Omailyn Carolina Alcala Cegovia of Venezuela 50 and Nupur proved too good for Turkeys Seyma DuztasAnother Indian in the 80kg category Pooja Rani signed off with a podium finish after a gritty semifinal against Englands Emily AsquithMeanwhile Indias third seed Minakshi defeated Altantsetseg Lutsaikhan of Mongolia 50 She will take on Kazakhstans number one seed Nazym Kyzaibay in the final on SundayIndia has fielded a 20member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing a recently formed international governing body for boxing and is hoping for a good showing in both men and women events IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/jasmine-stuns-olympic-silver-medallist-to-clinch-gold-at-world-boxing-championships-638388.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 09:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-minakshi-jaismine-nupur-register-dominant-wins-to-reach-finals-638348.html Liverpool Sep 13 Minakshi womens 48kg Jaismine Lamboria womens 57kg and Nupur womens 80kg were at their dominant best in their respective semifinals to raise hope of multiple gold medals for India at the World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool Minakshi defeated Altantsetseg Lutsaikhan of Mongolia 50 Jaismine hammered Omailyn Carolina Alcala Cegovia of Venezuela 50 and Nupur proved too good for Turkeys Seyma DuztasIndia has fielded a 20member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing a recently formed international governing body for boxing and is hoping for a good showing in both mens and womens eventsPooja Rani womens 80kg is the fourth Indian boxer to reach the semifinals and will face Emily Asquith of England later in the dayIn the womens 48kg semifinals Minakshi did not allow twotime Asian bronze medallist Lutsaikhan to find her rhythm in any of the three rounds and completely dominated the bout to earn an unanimous decisionIt was a similar story in the other two semifinals as both Jaismine and Nupur rarely looked under pressure throughout their boutsIn the finals on Saturday night Jaismine will now face Paris Olympic silver medallist Julia Szeremeta of Poland while Nupur will take on another Polish boxer Agata Kaczmarska a multipletime European championships medallistIn the mens 50kg category Jadumani Singh Mandengbam needed to beat former world champion and twotime Asian champion Sanzhar Tashkenbay of Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals The 21yearold Indian playing in his first world championships took the fight to his muchexperienced opponent but could not avoid a close loss IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-minakshi-jaismine-nupur-register-dominant-wins-to-reach-finals-638348.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 20:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/start-planning-beyond-active-sports-life-kapil-devs-advice-to-young-athletes-638376.html New Delhi Sep 13 Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev on Saturday said that all athletes must try to focus on other avenues while continuing their sporting journeys to prepare themselves for the future Addressing the panel titled Leadership amp Life Beyond the Pitch at PlayCom 2025 Business of Sports Summit at Bharat Mandapam New Delhi the 1983 Mens ODI World Cupwinning captain also added that all athletes should continue to learn from everyone in the dressing room and beyondOnes cricket life or any sports life usually gets over between 30 and 40 But beyond that you still have another 40 years of life So how does a sportsman plan beyond his active sports life That is the most important thing in my opinion Kapil Dev saidWhen you are a star everything is in front of you But you will not know what to do when your time is over Thats why I say to every sportsman try to move on in life and plan for the future If you stay there then your growth will end he further addedDev recalled advice given to him earlier in his playing days by one of his seniorsA very simple thing somebody said to me when I started playing cricket Kapil you know if you want to be successful in life keep your eyes and ears open while sleeping also This is what we must remember Your job today as a player is to see what your captain is doing right or wrong One day you may be the captain So take the good point from your captain and leave the bad point he saidBut keep your eyes and ears open So when you are playing cricket or any other sport make a friend Whatever sponsors you meet dont just make money from them Dont look to extract juice from them Be friends They can help you throughout your life he further advisedKapil further stressed that athletes should not take differences of opinion on the field personally and voice their opinions for the improvement of the teamOn the ground or in a cricket team or even in the corporate world you can have a different opinion That is very good for the game But a difference of opinion does not mean you do not like the other person It is most important to understand he saidMy style was not like Sunil Gavaskars He was different I was different He started his game during a different era I started in a different era So our thought processes were different Any discussions we had were not a fight Today also if Gavaskar comes after 40 years Ill give my chair I respect him as the senior And I think he was one of the finest cricketers we played with he signed off IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/start-planning-beyond-active-sports-life-kapil-devs-advice-to-young-athletes-638376.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 23:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-inches-separate-the-two-sides-as-u-mumba-clinch-victory-in-last-raid-thriller-637957.html Visakhapatnam Sep 11 In the penultimate game of the first leg of PKL 12 U Mumba edged past the Patna Pirates in a nailbiting contest pulling off a thrilling 4039 victory at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag on Thursday Ayan Lohchab scripted history to become the first player to record successive 20point games in PKL history but was left heartbroken as a costly unforced error in the dying seconds tilted the game away from his side For U Mumba Amirmohammad Zafardanesh starred with a Super 10 while Anil made vital contributions in what turned out to be a highscoring nightU Mumba were quick off the blocks in this contest as Vijay Kumar tackled Ayan Lohchab and Anil recorded a twopoint raid to give the Season 2 champions a threepoint lead Milan Dahiya opened the scoring for the Patna Pirates and they were soon back on level terms courtesy of a successful DoorDie raid from AyanZafardanesh then helped U Mumba regain the lead with a brilliant Super Raid as his side began to take control of the game opening up a sixpoint gap On the brink of an ALL OUT Ayan Lohchab stood tall for the Pirates with his brilliance on the offensive end reducing the deficit to just two points with the score at 911 after the first quarterU Mumba eventually inflicted the ALL OUT on their opponents with captain Sunil Kumar leading the way through his first tackle of the night The Anil Chapranaled side looked defensively superior maintaining a sevenpoint gap with under five minutes left in the first halfAyan Lohchab continued his fine form completing his Super 10 in the opening half Despite his best efforts the Patna Pirates trailed by eight points at the break with the score reading 2315In the opening five minutes of the second half the Patna Pirates came storming back into the contest There was no stopping Ayan Lohchab as his brilliance helped his side inflict their first ALL OUT and bring the scores level The two teams continued to trade blows with the scoreboard reading 2929 heading into the final ten minutesAnil and Zafardanesh kept U Mumba in the fight but Ayan remained unstoppable keeping the Pirates narrowly ahead with a twopoint lead as the clock ticked down to the last five minutesZafardanesh then completed his Super 10 pulling U Mumba back on level terms at 3434 However the Pirates regained the advantage thanks to Ayan Lohchabs sensational effort as he notched up his second successive 20point performanceWith under two minutes left a timely Super Tackle from U Mumba cut the deficit to just one point Zafardanesh struck with a four second raid to keep U Mumba in the game levelling the scores with less than five seconds remaining as a tiebreaker seemed imminent and giving Ayan a final chance to seal victory in the last raid But in the heat of the moment he committed an unforced error by stepping into the lobby a mistake that cost his team dearly and handed U Mumba the narrowest of wins IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-inches-separate-the-two-sides-as-u-mumba-clinch-victory-in-last-raid-thriller-637957.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sufiya-sufi-ladakh-scouts-tsewang-kundan-win-silk-route-ultra-at-ladakh-marathon-638152.html Leh Sep 12 Fivetime Guinness World Record Holder Sufiya Sufi and Ladakh local Tsewang Kundan emerged victorious in the Silk Route Ultra at the 12th edition of the Ladakh Marathon a recordbreaking year that features 6600 participants across six races This edition drew runners from every Indian state and Union Territory for the first time in history alongside athletes representing 30 countries cementing the events status as one of the most significant running fixtures on the global running calendarWidely regarded as one of the toughest endurance races in the world the Silk Route Ultra takes runners across a 122 km course that begins in the Nubra Valley climbs over the formidable Khardung La Top at 17618 ft and concludes in the heart of the Leh Market76 runners took on the course this year with Ladakh Scouts Tsewang Kundan claiming the mens title in 13 hours 50 minutes and one second the mountain infantry regiment excelled across the ultras achieving several podium finishes including both runnerup positions in the SRUMeanwhile Sufiya Sufi clocked 19 hours 12 minutes and 36 seconds to win the womens category upgrading from her thirdplace finish the year beforeEarlier at 300 am on September 12 the Khardung La Challenge a 72 km Ultramarathon flagged off from Khardung Village featuring over 280 runnersShabir Hussain and perennial champion Namgyal Lhamo dominated their respective categories with the former winning the mens category in six hours 58 minutes and 40 seconds while the latter claimed first in the womens section in a little over eightandahalf hoursThe prize distribution ceremonies were held at Leh Market where DGP Ladakh Police Dr SD Singh Jamwal honoured the winners of the Silk Route Ultra while Maj General Parveen Chhabra VSM felicitated the champions of the Khardung La ChallengeSpeaking on the occasion Chewang Motup Goba founder Rimo Expeditions and Race Director of the Ladakh Marathon said First of all a huge congratulations to the winners of this years Silk Route Ultra and Khardung La Challenge races These two Ultramarathons test runners both mentally and physically in one of the worlds toughest terrains To achieve what they have achieved shows incredible resilience determination and grit on their part Over the years the SRU and KC have grown in scale with more than 350 individuals taking part this year We would also like to highlight every single one of them who attempted these extraordinary challenges and we hope to see them again next yearThe veteran categories also delivered standout performances In the Khardung La Challenge Indores Vijay Kumar Singh 85904 topped the mens field while Bengalurus Rita Satish Patkar 124148 claimed victory in the womens race Over the demanding Silk Route Ultra Uttarakhands Shivanand Dangwal 183224 emerged as the winner in the veteran mens categoryBorn in response to the 2010 flash floods as a symbol of resilience the Ladakh Marathon was officially established in 2012 to put Ladakh on the global running map In just over a decade it has developed from a local event into one of Indias largest and most unique races attracting thousands of runners each year from across the country and around the worldThe 12th edition of the Marathon will continue with the 5 km Run for Fun on Saturday September 13 before concluding with the 112 km Run the Half Marathon and the Full Marathon the following day IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sufiya-sufi-ladakh-scouts-tsewang-kundan-win-silk-route-ultra-at-ladakh-marathon-638152.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 23:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-aditya-pankaj-shine-as-puneri-paltan-beat-up-yoddhas-to-take-top-spot-637762.html Visakhapatnam Sep 10 Puneri Paltan had a brilliant day at the office as they thumped UP Yoddhas 4332 at the Vishwanadh Sports Club on Wednesday night The win was powered by Super 10s from Aditya Shinde and Pankaj Mohite while Gaurav Khatri chipped in with a solid High Five For the Yoddhas Gagan Gowda stood out once again with yet another Super 10 Puneri Paltan opened the match on a positive note with a successful raid from Aslam Inamdar to claim the first point However UP Yoddhas immediately responded through Guman Singh to level the score at 11The momentum shifted when Pankaj Mohite produced a Super Raid securing four points and giving Puneri a 73 lead But an error from Mohite soon after allowed the Yoddhas to execute a super tackle narrowing the gap to 67 The Yoddhas Guman Singh then added another point to bring the score level at 77UP Yoddhas briefly went ahead with a twopoint lead but Puneri Paltan fought back to make it even again before the first timeout After the break Paltan regained control with three consecutive points stretching the lead to 129 with just over seven minutes left in the first halfThe Paltan extended their advantage further by inflicting an all out pushing the score to 1612 Although the Yoddhas picked up a few points late in the half Puneri held firm and went into the break with a solid 2116 leadPuneri Paltan began the second half strongly with a wellexecuted tackle to extend their lead The turning point came soon after when Aditya Shindes successful raid helped the Paltan inflict another all out pushing the score to 2717Shinde maintained his momentum and soon completed his Super 10 with another successful raid While he spearheaded the attack Paltans defence stayed sharp and denied UP Yoddhas any chance of closing the gap At the secondhalf timeout the Paltan were firmly in control with a 3221 leadAfter the break the pattern of the game remained unchanged The Paltan quickly added to their tally and inflicted a second all out in the half stretching their advantage to 3722 and creating a massive 15point cushion Pankaj Mohite also joined the party by completing his Super 10 capping off another consistent outingIn the end Puneri Paltan maintained their dominance on both ends of the mat and sealed the contest with a comprehensive 11point victory returning to winning ways and reclaiming the top spot on the points table IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-aditya-pankaj-shine-as-puneri-paltan-beat-up-yoddhas-to-take-top-spot-637762.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-pooja-rani-jaismine-lamboria-assure-two-more-medals-for-india-637887.html Liverpool Sep 11 Twotime Asian champion Pooja Rani and World Boxing Cup Astana gold medallist Jaismine Lamboria registered contrasting wins to assure two more medals for India in the World Boxing Championships Pooja got the better of Polands Emilia Koterska 32 in the womens 80kg quarterfinals while Jaismine dominated under22 Asian champion Mamajonova Khumorabonu of Uzbekistan 50 to reach the womens 57kg semifinalIndia has fielded a 20member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing a recently formed international governing body for boxing and is hoping for a good showing in both men and women eventsWorld Boxing Cup Astana gold medallist Nupur was the first Indian to be assured of a medal when she reached the womens 80 kg quarterfinals on WednesdayTwo more Indian boxes Meenakshi womens 48kg and Jadumani Singh Mandengbam mens 50kg are a win away from assuring themselves a medal and will be playing their quarterfinals on FridayIn a keenly contested womens 80kg bout Pooja banked on her experience to tackle the speed and energy of her much younger opponentThe Polish boxer was slightly ahead in the contest after the opening round but Pooja Rani dominated the second round to take control and then maintained a cautious game plan to assure herself a semifinal berthIn the womens 57kg contest Jaismine did not allow the Uzbek boxer to settle down in the first round itself and maintained that advantage throughout the three roundsHowever it was end of the road for former world champion Nikhat Zareen and World Boxing Cup silver medallist Abhinash JamwalFacing twotime Olympic silver medallist Cakiroglu Buse Naz of Turkey in the womens 51kg quarterfinals Nikhat fought valiantly in all three rounds but the judges gave the Turk the advantageLater Jamwal went down 14 against Paris Olympics bronze medallist Guruli Lasha of Georgia in the mens 65kg quarterfinals IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-pooja-rani-jaismine-lamboria-assure-two-more-medals-for-india-637887.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/issf-world-cup-indias-wait-for-medal-continues-as-danilo-sollazzo-smashes-world-record-637909.html Ningbo China Sep 11 Indian shooters medal drought at the ISSF RiflePistol World Cup in Ningbo China stretched into day three on Thursday with Divyansh Singh Panwar Umamahesh Maddineni and Rahi Sarnobat all bowing out in qualification rounds The highlight of the day came from Italys Danilo Sollazzo who set a new world record in the mens 10m air rifle final Sollazzo the 2022 Cairo World Championship runnerup to Indias Rudrankksh Patil and fifthplace finisher at the Paris Olympics shot a scintillating 2550 to eclipse reigning Olympic champion Sheng Lihaos previous mark by half a point Sheng the home favourite had to settle for silver with 2535 while Koreas Park Haijun took bronzeFor India former world No1 Divyansh Singh Panwar managed 6300 in qualification finishing 19th well adrift of the cutoff Swedens Olympic silver medallist Victor Lindgren took the last qualifying spot with 6323 Umamahesh finished 39th with 6277 while Niraj Kumar ended 54th on 6261In the womens 25m pistol Korea asserted dominance with Olympic champions Yang Jiin and Oh Yejin claiming gold and silver respectively ahead of Chinas Xiao Jiaruixuan Indias Abhidnya Ashok Patil impressed with a brilliant 295 in the rapidfire stage to total 583 but narrowly missed the final on inner 10 count finishing 11th Frances Camille Jedrzejewski the Paris Olympic silver medallist also exited with the same score Divya TS 581 and Olympian Rahi Sarnobat 581 placed 16th and 17th respectivelyChina lead the medal tally with two golds followed by Norway Italy and Korea On Friday all eyes will be on the womens 50m rifle 3 positions final where Mehuli Ghosh Surabhi Rapole and Manini Kaushik will carry Indias hopes of ending their medalless run IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/issf-world-cup-indias-wait-for-medal-continues-as-danilo-sollazzo-smashes-world-record-637909.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-archery-cships-jyothi-surekha-feels-very-proud-after-winning-gold-in-mixed-compound-event-637928.html New Delhi Sep 11 Indian archers beaming with pride after a landmark performance at the World Archery Championships 2025 in Gwangju South Korea with Arjuna Awardee V Jyothi Surekha calling it a very proud moment as she and Rishab Yadav led the mixed compound team into the gold medal match against the Netherlands Jyothi said the conditions made the triumph even more memorable The experience was very good I really enjoyed the shooting The weather here kept changing it was very hot and then it rained during our final matches That made it even more fun This is the first time I have won a gold medal for India and I feel very proudHer partner Rishab echoed the sentiment crediting the teams resilience through difficult phases We played a lot of tough matches in the beginning At one point all three of us felt that things werent going our way But we gave it our all and in the end we won the gold medal We had a strong mindset and a clear goal As soon as we came to know that we would be going to the Olympics we started preparing seriously We are very positiveIndias rise in compound archery was further underlined as the mens team of Rishab Yadav Aman Saini and Prathamesh Fuge advanced to the finals against France All three women and men compound archers also reached the quarterfinals adding depth to the campaignBoth players credited the worldclass guidance of coaches Jiwanjot Singh Teja and Surender Singh as well as government and institutional backing Our Prime Ministers dream is for India to be among the top 10 nations at the Olympics and we are confident we will achieve that The schemes and support from the Sports Authority of India are a big advantage for youngsters Sports in India is moving forward very fast Jyothi saidLooking ahead Jyothi spoke of her personal goals and her admiration for trailblazer Deepika Kumari She is one of the worlds finest archers I already have medals from many events but the Olympics is still missing I hope to participate there and win a medal for India IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-archery-cships-jyothi-surekha-feels-very-proud-after-winning-gold-in-mixed-compound-event-637928.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/9th-national-pickleball-championship-to-be-held-from-sep-26-in-jammu-637703.html Jammu Sep 10 The All India Pickleball Association AIPA is set to host its 9th National Pickleball Championship in Jammu City from September 26 to 28 bringing together around 300 players from more than 22 states  This marks the first time that the rapidly growing racquet sport will be featured on such a major national stage in Jammu reinforcing the citys potential as an emerging sports hubSince 2013 the AIPA has successfully hosted eight nationallevel championships in cities including Panipat Ahmedabad Hyderabad Bengaluru and Jaipur steadily building a legacy of inclusivity competition and national prideBy bringing the championship to Jammu AIPA not only showcases the citys evolving sports infrastructure but also hopes to inspire a new generation of athletes in the regionPickleball has become a movement across India uniting people of all ages and regions Hosting this championship in Jammu is a proud moment for us as it opens new horizons for the sport We are confident this event will ignite passion among young athletes and help Jammu emerge as an important center for emerging sports in India Arvind Prabhoo president of AIPA saidPuneet Chopra president of the Jammu Pickleball Association added It is an honour for Jammu to host a national championship of this scale This event not only highlights our citys growing sports culture but also provides a platform for local players and enthusiasts to witness the rise of pickleball firsthand We look forward to welcoming athletes from across the country and showcasing the incredible spirit of JammuAIPA has recently challenged the Ministry of Sports decision to recognise a newly formed sixmonthold federation while sidelining AIPAs 18year journey and contributions A petition on the matter has been filed with the Delhi High Court where proceedings have concluded and judgment has been reservedAIPA remains hopeful of a fair resolution ensuring that the sports future in India is guided by experience integrity and athletes best interests IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/9th-national-pickleball-championship-to-be-held-from-sep-26-in-jammu-637703.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-archery-cships-indian-recurve-archers-falter-again-womens-team-lose-bronze--637705.html Gwangju South Korea Sep 10 Indias recurve archers once again came up short on the big stage as the womens team fell to South Korea in the bronze medal playoff while the mixed pair and mens individual hopes also ended in disappointment at the World Championships on Wednesday Desperate to end a decadelong medal drought in the recurve section the womens trio of Deepika Kumari Gatha Khadake and Ankita Bhakat went down 35 against the formidable hosts It was a missed opportunity for India as the Koreans looked far from their dominant best with erratic shooting and no perfect set to their nameAfter losing the opening set 5154 India roared back with four 10s in the second to tie 5757 unsettling a Korean unit that has won Olympic gold ten times in a row Riding on that momentum they clinched the third set 5754 to draw level at 33 raising hopes of a breakthrough medal But when the contest came down to the decider the Koreansled by Olympic champions An San and Lim Sihyeonheld their nerve to take the fourth set 5654 and the match 53There was further heartbreak in the mixed team event where Deepika and Neeraj Chauhan lost in a shootoff to Japans Nanami Asakuno and Yuki Kawata After rallying from a set down and even leading 42 the Indians faltered in the decider failing to produce a single 10 and going down 45 1819The mens individual challenge ended earlier Debutant Rahul impressed with a run to the last32 but despite leading 51 against Georgias Aleksandre Machavariani he slipped to a shootoff defeat 810 Olympian Dhiraj Bommadevara lost 26 to former Olympic champion Mete Gazoz while Neeraj Chauhan exited in straight sets to Uzbekistans Bobrajabov BekzodThe 31yearold Deepika returning to the Worlds after motherhood is still searching for her elusive medal Attention now shifts to the womens individual section with Deepika and rising 15yearold Gatha carrying Indias hopesIndias recurve medal drought at the World Championships stretches back to 2019 when Atanu Das Pravin Jadhav and Tarundeep Rai won team silver in Den Bosch Since then it has been left to the compound archers to deliver and in Gwangju they have already secured a historic mens team gold and mixed team silver through Rishabh Yadav and Jyothi Surekha Vennam IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-archery-cships-indian-recurve-archers-falter-again-womens-team-lose-bronze--637705.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-rampaging-bharat-hooda-and-telugu-titans-crush-u-mumba-637746.html Visakhapatnam Sep 10 It was an impressive finish to the Vizag leg for the home side Telugu Titans who secured a 4537 win over U Mumba at the Vishwanadh Sports Club on Wednesday night Bharat Hooda led the charge with 13 points while Chetan Sahu 6 points and skipper Vijay Malik 5 points played strong supporting roles helping the Titans notch their third victory on the trot A strong start from the home team set the tone for the match with Bharat ruling the roost He opened with a multipoint raid followed by Chetans tackle on Anil in a doordie raid Another multipoint effort from Bharat this time in a doordie raid inflicted an all out on U Mumba in the 6th minuteSkipper Vijay joined the party immediately after the all out with a successful raid on Rinku as the Season 2 champions struggled to find their footing Anil managed a touch point off Ankit while Rinku responded with a tackle on Bharat But Chetan struck again dismissing Anil and then turned raider to send Vijay Kumar off the mat taking the score to 145 at the end of the first phase of playThe rampage continued in the second phase with another all out inflicted on U Mumba in the 14th minute It was a big blow stretching the scoreline to 187 For the side captained by Sunil Kumar only Satish Kannan looked like a bright spark in the absence of their main raider Ajit ChouhanBharat Hooda kept piling on the damage in his teams last outing in Vizag producing a Super Raid that also brought up his Super 10 His singlehanded brilliance left U Mumba reeling as the scoreboard read 2711 at halftime leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second halfU Mumba began well with a Super Tackle led by Sunil Kumar who brought down Bharat with an impressive move But unforced errors soon crept in pushing them towards a third all out That moment arrived when skipper Vijay earned a touch point on SatishSubstitute Amirmohammad Zafardanesh couldnt turn his teams fortunes around as he too was caught by Bharat widening the lead to 20 points He eventually managed to break through with a touch point on Avi Duhan before Vijay Kumar tackled Bharat to provide U Mumba some muchneeded respite At the end of the third quarter the scoreboard read 3921With 10 minutes left on the clock it was all about damage control for U Mumba Substitute Sandeep made an impact scoring six raid points for his side But the Titans werent done yet Shankar Gadai and Ajit Pawar combined to pin down Sandeep for a Super Tackle further stretching the home teams leadAs the match drew to a close the Titans finally conceded an all out after Zafardanesh dismissed both Shankar and Ajit in a single raid U Mumba clawed their way back cutting the deficit to just eight points but the gap proved too much to overcome as the Telugu Titans wrapped up their home leg with an impressive victory IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-rampaging-bharat-hooda-and-telugu-titans-crush-u-mumba-637746.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gujarat-giants-should-give-shadloui-more-opportunities-to-regain-rhythm-and-confidence-rishank-637577.html Vizag Sep 10 Former Pro Kabaddi League player Rishank Devadiga shared his thoughts on Gujarat Giants captain Mohammadreza Shadlouis form in the ongoing season saying the Iranian looks frustrated and the team should give him more opportunities to regain rhythm and confidence Giants battled with full force in a nailbiting contest against the Jaipur Pink Panthers only to fall short by the narrowest of margins in the golden raid on TuesdayI dont think Gujarat has a replacement for Shadloui He is a big player and his track record speaks for itself But right now he looks frustrated and that is affecting his game A defender like him needs early success in matches to build confidenceIf he goes 20 minutes without a single tackle point the pressure starts to show and thats exactly what we saw in the match Gujarat should give him more opportunities to regain rhythm and confidence Rishank said on JioHotstarSpeaking on Giants loss Rishank added Rakesh Sungroya had almost sealed the match for Gujarat with an allout when they were leading by five or six points with just three minutes left At that stage I thought Gujarat would win But experience counts in such moments and Gujarats defense showed inexperience by repeatedly conceding points Nitin Dhankhar was patient and kept finding quick points If Gujarats defense had shown the same patience this match could have easily gone in their favourIt was vindication for Nitin Kumar whose 15 points got the Jaipur Pink Panthers over the line in a tiebreaker their second this season against Gujarat Giants at Vishwanadh Sports Club on TuesdayDissecting Jaipur Pink Panthers win Rishank said It was a very exciting match and Gujarat also deserves credit for making a strong comeback in the final three minutes But then Nitin Dhankhar stole the show He has been consistently performing well showing responsibility and maturityJaipur Pink Panthers executed their strategy brilliantly especially during the Golden Raid when they avoided the bonus knowing Shadloui was on the mat That tactical decision secured them the winEven without the usual support of Sahil Satpal Nitin dominated the game with 22 raids earning 15 raid points His consistent scoring ensured Jaipur always had a chance to bounce back He was outstanding IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/gujarat-giants-should-give-shadloui-more-opportunities-to-regain-rhythm-and-confidence-rishank-637577.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/going-to-our-home-ground-with-confidence-jaipur-pink-panthers-nitin-kumar-on-home-leg-after-golden-raid-win-637631.html Vizag Sep 10 Jaipur Pink Panthers will carry winning momentum into their home leg in Jaipur after edging the Gujarat Giants in a tiebreaker Golden Raid at the Vishwanadh Sports Club on Tuesday The twotime champions clinched a crucial tiebreaker win with star raider Nitin Kumar scoring 15 points before sealing the win in the Golden Raid Nitin said the win was the result of staying calm under pressure and trusting his preparation The coach told me to play freely and give my best Thats exactly what I focused on and it made all the difference he explainedHead coach Narender Redhu praised his teams discipline particularly in neutralising the threat of their opponents skipper Mohammadreza Shadloui We had a clear plan and the boys stuck to it Nitin executed perfectly and that gave us the edge in a very tight contest he saidRedhu also underlined the importance of giving opportunities to the teams younger players Several of them are still adjusting to the pace of the league but their effort and commitment have been outstanding Theyve shown fight in every match and thats encouraging for the road ahead he notedLooking ahead to their home leg Nitin said the Pink Panthers were eager to build on this momentum Winning in such a close game gives us confidence Now we return to Jaipur and playing in front of our fans will push us even harder he saidRedhu echoed that sentiment calling fan support vital This win sets us up well for the Jaipur leg The energy of our supporters will be crucial and we are determined to make them proud he addedWith two wins and two losses so far the Pink Panthers will look to turn home advantage into a springboard for the rest of the season IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/going-to-our-home-ground-with-confidence-jaipur-pink-panthers-nitin-kumar-on-home-leg-after-golden-raid-win-637631.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-nikhat-zareen-sails-through-to-quarters-637447.html Liverpool Sep 9 Twotime world champion Nikhat Zareen continued her march in the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool on Tuesday with a 50 win over Japans Yuma Nishinaka in the womens 51kg prequarterfinals In fact the Japanese even received two penalty points for excessive clinching as she tried to break Nikhats rhythmThe 29yearold faced a spirited fight from the Japanese in the opening round but there was no stopping the Indian who is playing her first international event this yearEarlier Nikhat announced her return on the international stage with a clinical win in the opening round The Indian boxer who was crowned world champion twice before did not show any signs of rustiness as she dominated the USAs Jennifer Lozano from the first minute to get a 50 verdictIndia has fielded a 20member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing a recently formed international governing body for boxing and is hoping for a good showing in both mens and womens eventsThree more women boxers are also just a win away from the podium and five more are set to take the ring in their respective prequarterfinal bout later in the dayHowever it was the end of the road for Sachin mens 60kg Sumit Mens 75kg and Narender mens 90kg as they lost their respective bout late on Monday nightSachin went down 14 Biibars Zhexen of Kazakhstan Sumit lost to Rami Kiwan of Bulgaria 05 while Narenders ended on the wrong side of a 14 verdict against Diego Lenzi of ItalyIn the womens 65kg prequarterfinals Neeraj Phogats spirited fight against Englands Sacha Hickey was not enough as she lost 23 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-nikhat-zareen-sails-through-to-quarters-637447.html Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-ashu-maliks-16-points-helps-dabang-delhi-remain-undefeated-637515.html Visakhapatnam Sep 9 A comfortable 4534 win for the Dabang Delhi KC over Bengal Warriorz took them to the top of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 table on Tuesday night It was a complete performance from Ashu Malik and his men with the star raider scoring 16 points ably supported by Ajinkya Pawars allround performance in what was their fourth straight win at the Vishwanadh Sport Club in Vizag In a surprise twist it was Neeraj Narwal who started on the front foot for Dabang Delhi ahead of their star Ashu Malik A multipoint raid from him sent Parteek and Mayur Kadam off the mat with Ashu joining the act after Parteek was successfully dismissed once againDabang Delhis strong start was cancelled out by Dhaakad Devank Dalal who dismissed Surjeet Singh on two separate occasions A Super Raid from Ajinkya removed Parteek Ashish Malik and Vishwas S but Devank once again shone with two successful raids As a result what started as a tight contest saw the scores at 109 going into the TimeOutThe scores were levelled when another successful raid from Devank got the better of Saurabh Nandal But Ajinkya turned from raider to defender trapping the Warriorz skipper for a Super Tackle This brought Fazel Atrachali back on the mat and the Iranian ace immediately struck with an ankle hold to dismiss Vishwas S for his first point of the nightOn the DoorDie raid Ajinkya shone yet again with a multipoint effort that claimed Nitesh Kumar and Parteek The ALL OUT was inflicted on the Bengal Warriorz in the 4th minute giving the Season 8 champions a 10point lead That margin was trimmed to nine when Devank dismissed Surjeet once more as the first half ended with the scoreline reading 2314Another touch point on Surjeet Singh completed Devank Dalals fourth straight Super 10 in Season 12 though he was finally brought down by the veteran star Soon after Agent Ashu also notched up his fourth straight Super 10 with a touch point on AshishJust as the Warriorz were beginning to creep back into the game a Super Tackle on Devank followed by a Super Raid from Neeraj stretched Dabang Delhis lead to 11 points Moments before the second TimeOut Ajinkya added his third tackle point of the night with the scoreboard reading 3422A second ALL OUT was inflicted on the Warriorz after an unforced error and a touch point for Ashu stretching Dabang Delhis lead to 15 points Parteek managed a tackle on Ajinkya for a consolation but the Dabang Delhi defenders responded immediately by trapping Manprit Pardeep in the very next raidThe match wrapped up with an 11point cushion sealed by a highflying move from Ashu Malik in a DoorDie raid during the dying minutes With Ashu leading the charge and the defensive unit contributing 11 points it was a complete performance from the Season 8 PKL champions who closed out the contest 4534 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-ashu-maliks-16-points-helps-dabang-delhi-remain-undefeated-637515.html Tue, 09 Sep 2025 23:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sanya-and-unnati-shine-in-indian-squash-tour-2-psa-challenger-637217.html Mumbai Sep 8 Indian wild cards Sanya Vats and Unnati Tripathi produced impressive performances to upset higherranked compatriots and move into the womens Round of 16 at the Indian Squash Tour2 PSA Challenger held at the Otters Club in Mumbai on Monday Sanya set the tone for the day with a commanding straightgames win over Nirupama Dubey The Delhi player looked sharp from the outset mixing length and drop shots with precision to prevail 117 119 117 Her composure under pressure was evident in the second game when Dubey clawed back from a deficit only for Sanya to close it out with tight winnersUnnati meanwhile had to dig deep in a gripping fourgame encounter against Anjali Semwal After dropping the opening game 211 the teenager regrouped superbly countering Semwals aggressive play with measured retrievals and attacking volleys She edged the next two games 117 117 before clinching the decider 1412 in dramatic fashion to seal a memorable 211 117 117 1412 victoryJoining them in the Round of 16 were Tanishka Jain and Janet Vidhi who both cruised past their opponents in straight games Jain outclassed Mahak Talati 117 118 116 while Vidhi had little trouble dispatching Vyomika Khandelwal 115 116 118The womens draw also saw victories for international players Hong Kongs Sze Wing Wai and Bobo Lam advanced with straightgame wins over Sunita Patel and Eesha Shrivastava respectively while Egypts Rana El Sayed overcame Indias Shameena Riaz 31In the mens section Indian players endured a tough day against overseas opponents Yusha Nafees went down 13 to Sri Lankas Shamil Wakeel while Adarsh Banodha was blanked 03 by Egypts Seif ShenawyEgypts Marwan Mahmoud Assal Hong Kongs Ming Hong Tang and Shing Fung Lam and Malaysias Md Hafiz Abdul Harif also recorded wins over Indian challengers IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/sanya-and-unnati-shine-in-indian-squash-tour-2-psa-challenger-637217.html Mon, 08 Sep 2025 21:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-jaismine-packs-off-romeu-to-reach-quarters-637220.html Liverpool Sep 8 World Boxing Cup Astana gold medallist Jaismine Lamboria booked her quarterfinal spot in the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool United Kingdom with a dominant win over twotime Olympian Brazils Jucielen Cerqueira Romeu in the womens 57kg category Jaismine and Romeu had earlier faced off in the gold medal bout in Astana and the Indian had prevailed after a close fight But in Liverpool Jaismine dominated all three rounds to bag a 50 verdict and is now just a win away from a world championship medalIndia has fielded a 20member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing a recently formed international governing body for boxing and is hoping for a good showing in both mens and womens eventsWorld Boxing Cup silver medallist Abhinash Jamwal also kept his campaign alive with a 50 win over Hugo Barron of Mexico in the mens 65kg second roundHowever it was the end of the road for Sakshi in the womens 54kg weight category as she went down against Turkeys Hatice Akbas 05 in the round of 16Even Sanamacha Chanus campaign in Liverpool came to an end with a 05 loss against Kazakhstans Natalya BogdanovaFour Indian boxers will look to bag a quarterfinal berth later on MondaySachin mens 60kg will face Biibars Zhexen of Kazakhstan Sumit mens 75kg will be up against Rami Kiwan of Bulgaria Narender mens 90 kg will take on Diego Lenzi of Italy while Neeraj Phogat has to overcome the challenge of local hope Sacha Hickey of England in the womens 65kg categoryIndias Lakshya Chahar came up with a clinical performance to blank Hussein Iashaish of Jordan to reach the round of the 16 in the mens 80kg category Lakshya began the bout aggressively but the Jordanian managed to close the gap in the second round However the Indian stepped up in the third round to complete a dominant 50 win IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-jaismine-packs-off-romeu-to-reach-quarters-637220.html Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/quang-duong-bags-highest-bid-harsh-mehta-top-indian-pick-in-global-sports-pickleball-auction-637240.html Mumbai Sep 8 Quang Duong of Vietnam at Rs 27 lakh emerged as the top pick while Harsh Mehta attracted the highest bid of Rs 21 lakh among the Indians in the players auction for Global Sports Pickleballs Season 2 Pro amp Challenger League conducted here on Monday While Quang Duong was snapped up by the Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors Megan Fudge USA was picked by Ahmedabad Olympians for 2550 lakh Jack Munro USA went to Jaipur Stallions for 25 lakh Bobbi Oshiro USA bagged the highest bid of 2450 lakh from Delhi Snipers and Roos Van Reek Netherlands was taken by Hyderabad Vikings for 2350 lakhThe landmark event witnessed 66 crore worth of potential spends across 10 teams making it Asias biggest pickleball auction to dateThe Top 3 Indian Pro League picks at the auction were Harsh Mehta who went for 21 lakh to Chennai Cool Cats Arjun Singh got the highest bid of 8 lakh from Nashik Ninjas while Aditya Ruhela was picked for 5 lakh by Jaipur StallionsThe auction saw fierce bidding for marquee global signings and rising Indian talent stepping into the spotlightcementing pickleballs rise as one of Indias fastestgrowing professional sportsWhile the 19yearold Quang Duong was at the forefront of the exuberance of the young seasoned pros like 38yearold Megan Fudge add some serious international knowhow to the league And its not just about the top Pro League dealsthere was plenty of excitement in the Challenger League too with upandcoming stars and Indian players stepping into the limelightThe Pro League had three player categories whereas the Challenger League had two For the Pro League starting bids ranged from 25 lakh to 8 lakh based on the players skill levelsIn the Challenger League base bids started at 50000 and could go up to 15 lakh Since the picklers had international exposure and were quite popular a lot of them ended up selling for much higher pricesEach team was given a total player budget of 66 lakh to 55 lakh for the Pro League and 11 lakh for the Challenger Leagueallowing for a total spending capacity of 66 crore across ten teamsAll ten franchises which include Ahmedabad Olympians Bengaluru Blazers Chennai Cool Cats Coimbatore Super Smashers Delhi Snipers Hyderabad Vikings Jaipur Stallions Kolkata Kingz Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors and Nashik Ninjas participated in both leaguesSome key highlights includeTop Pro League Signings Quang Duong 27L Megan Fudge 255L Jack Munro 25L Bobbi Oshiro 245L Roos Van Reek 235LTop Challenger League Picks Leah Tauber 52L Mihika Yadav 44L Alex Emery 42LNotable Indian Picks Harsh Mehta 21L Arjun Singh 8L Mihika Yadav 44L Aman Patel 4LThe top 3 Indian Pro League picks wereHarsh Mehta 21 lakh Chennai Cool CatsArjun Singh 8 lakh Nashik NinjasAditya Ruhela 5 lakh Jaipur StallionsTop 3 Indian Challenger League picksMihika Yadav 44 lakh Mumbai Chhatrapati WarriorsAman Patel 4 lakh Jaipur StallionsTejas Gulati 37 lakh Coimbatore Super Smashers IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/quang-duong-bags-highest-bid-harsh-mehta-top-indian-pick-in-global-sports-pickleball-auction-637240.html Mon, 08 Sep 2025 23:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/germany-beat-northern-ireland-in-fifa-world-cup-qualifier-637048.html Cologne Sep 8 Germany bounced back from its midweek defeat in Slovakia with a 31 win over Northern Ireland in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group A Looking to recover from Thursdays 20 loss in Bratislava coach Julian Nagelsmann made five changes to his starting lineup and the reshuffle paid off quicklySerge Gnabry opened the scoring in the seventh minute latching onto a Nick Woltemade pass and lifting the ball over goalkeeper Bailey PeacockFarrell Germany looked poised to extend its lead but wasted good chances through Woltemade and David Raum reports XinhuaNorthern Ireland buoyed by its opening win over Luxembourg gradually settled and equalized in the 34th minute when Isaac Price volleyed in Justin Devennys corner Germany rattled by the setback struggled for rhythm and went into halftime on level terms to a chorus of whistles from the home fansPeacockFarrell denied Pascal Gross and Raum early in the second half but Nagelsmanns substitutions turned the tide Nadiem Amiri introduced on the hour tapped into an empty net in the 69th minute for his first international goalThree minutes later Florian Wirtz provided the highlight of the night curling a free kick into the top corner to seal Germanys win Northern Ireland pushed forward late on but failed to seriously threatenThe result ended Germanys fourgame winless run It next hosts Luxembourg in Sinsheim on October 10 while Northern Ireland faces Slovakia in BelfastWe actually started the game quite well and took a deserved lead Conceding the equalizer unsettled us a bit the mood was down In the last 30 minutes you could see our true face again before that it was pretty shaky Nagelsmann said IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/germany-beat-northern-ireland-in-fifa-world-cup-qualifier-637048.html Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-archery-cship-india-bow-out-in-mens-individual-quarters-after-historic-gold-637177.html Gwangju South Korea Sep 8 Indias inspiring journey in the mens compound events at the World Archery Championships came to a dramatic halt in the individual quarterfinals as gold medallists Rishabh Yadav Aman Saini and Prathamesh Fuge all bowed out dashing hopes of a clean sweep The trio fresh from winning a historic gold medal in team competition had been placed in separate quarters of the draw giving India a genuine shot at defending the individual title But despite high hopes none of the three could convert team momentum into individual successThe most dramatic exit came from newcomer Prathamesh Fuge who was making his world championship debut and had already stunned world number one Mike Schloesser in the prequarterfinals with a flawless 150150 Riding high on confidence Fuge led 119118 through four Ends in his quarterfinal match against Denmarks world No2 Mathias FullertonHowever a dropped point at the start of the final fifth end proved costly The match ended 148148 and Fullerton held his nerve in the shootoff scoring a perfect 10 to Fuges 9Fuge seeded 19th and the lowestranked Indian qualifier in the mens compound draw had earlier produced the biggest upset of his budding career by knocking out the world number one and 2013 world champion Schloesser with consummate composureIndias top seed Rishabh Yadav fresh from team gold and a mixedteam silver went down 145146 to eventual world champion Nicolas Girard of France Yadav had held a onepoint lead going into the final End but dropped two crucial points sealing his exit from the medalsAman Saini also fought bravely but was defeated 144147 by American Curtis Broadnax ending Indias final hope of individual glory in the mens compound discipline IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-archery-cship-india-bow-out-in-mens-individual-quarters-after-historic-gold-637177.html Mon, 08 Sep 2025 19:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/archery-world-cships-compound-mens-team-strikes-gold-mixed-team-takes-silver-636943.html Gwangju Sep 7 Indias mens compound archery team of Aman Saini Rishabh Yadav and Prathamesh Bhalchandra Fuge clinched Indias firstever Compound Mens Team Gold at the World Archery Championships here on Sunday The Indian trio showcased the nerve of steel to beat the French team of Nicolas Girard Jean Philippe Boulch and François Dubois who booked themselves into its first World Championship gold medal match since Jakarta 1995 World Archery Championships the very edition where the compound team was first incorporated into the event and won by Les BleusThe Indian mens team kickstarted their campaign in the second round where they edged out the Australian team in a shootoff 3028 after the score was tied 232 after the fourth end They then secured a narrow 234233 win over America in the quarterfinal before beating Turkiye 234232 in the semifinalsThis was Rishabhs second medal of the day as he earlier teamed up with Jyothi Surekha Vennam in the compound mixed team final The India duo however went down to the Dutch duo of Mike Schloesser and Sanne de Laat in the gold medal match to take the silver medalRishabh and Jyothi who broke the 144arrow world record at Shanghai 2025 stage 2 of the World Cup in May and grabbed gold at Central Florida 2025 World Cup stage 1 together and bronze at Madrid 2025 World Cup stage 4 dropped just six nines out of their three matches and hit a perfect 160 7 Xs against helpless Germany in the second round before defeating Chinese Taipei 157155 in the semifinal to make the gold finalThis is Indias second compound mixed team medal at a World Championships following their silver in Yankton 2021 where Jyothi featured again alongside Abhishek Verma IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/archery-world-cships-compound-mens-team-strikes-gold-mixed-team-takes-silver-636943.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-sethpal-ahri-power-haryana-steelers-to-stunning-11-point-win-overupyoddhas-636736.html Visakhapatnam Sep 5 Defending champions Haryana Steelers showed their resolve in a sensational comeback win against UP Yoddhas in a Season 2 match of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL at the Vishwanadh Sports Club here on Friday Trailing by as much as eleven points at one point they scripted a memorable 3732 victory in Fridays second game The duo of Rahul Ahri and Rahul Sethpal led the way with High Fives while Naveen Kumar and Mayank Saini made notable contributions for Haryana Steelers Gagan Gowda registered a Super 10 that went in vain for UP YoddhasIt was a scintillating start from Gagan Gowda setting the tone for UP Yoddhas with a twopoint raid Hitesh kept the pressure on the defending champions with a tackle on Shivam Patare allowing the Yoddhas to dictate the tempo in the early stagesBhavani Rajput opened his account with a successful DoorDie Raid while Sumit soon got into the action with a tackle on Vinay It took UP Yoddhas only nine minutes to register the first ALL OUT on Haryana Steelers as they extended their lead to six points with the score at 104Haryana Steelers would have hoped that a tackle from Rahul Ahri might ignite a response from the team but the door was quickly shut down by Gagan Gowda as he registered a Super RaidUP Yoddhas kept the pressure on swiftly extending their lead to ten points Haryana Steelers eventually got some momentum on their side courtesy of a Super Tackle from Jaideep Dahiya Naveen Kumar also arrived cutting the deficit to five points with the scoreline at 1217 at halftimeThe defending champions roared back in the second half with Naveen Kumar A tackle on Gagan Gowda helped Rahul Sethpal inflict an ALL OUT on the UP Yoddhas helping the Haryana Steelers eventually level the scores at 1919With all to play for the two teams traded blows without giving an inch to the other Heading into the final quarter there was only one point separating the two sides with UP Yoddhas holding onto a 2423 leadGagan Gowda racked up his Super 10 keeping UP Yoddhas ahead in the game before the PKL 11 champions responded again Naveen Kumar was on fire on the offensive end while Rahul Ahri notched up a High Five to give Haryana Steelers a threepoint leadRahul Sethpal soon followed suit completing his High Five and extending the Haryana Steelers lead to five points with under two minutes to play Mayank Saini also made his presence felt in the raiding unit playing his part in scripting a magnificent comeback win from the defending champions IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-sethpal-ahri-power-haryana-steelers-to-stunning-11-point-win-overupyoddhas-636736.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 00:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/ajit-chouhan-was-outstanding-delivering-a-rare-sight-six-point-raid-says-rishank-devadiga-636765.html New Delhi Sep 6 Day 8 of Pro Kabaddi League PKL Season 12 delivered highoctane drama and standout performances as Haryana Steelers secured a hardfought win over UP Yoddhas while U Mumba registered a dominant victory against Bengaluru Bulls highlighted by an unforgettable moment from Ajit Chouhan The clash between Haryana Steelers and UP Yoddhas kept fans on the edge of their seats with leadership and tactical execution playing pivotal roles While the HaryanaUP match had its moments the spotlight of the day was undoubtedly stolen by Ajit Chouhan of U Mumba whose sixpoint raid electrified the crowd and marked one of the most remarkable plays in Pro Kabaddi historyThis match was quite straightforward for U Mumba Ajit Chouhan was particularly outstanding delivering a spectacular sixpoint raida rare sight in the Pro Kabaddi League The entire U Mumba team played cohesively Both sides showed strong tackling which helped keep the match competitive said Devadiga on JioHotstars KBD Live Describing the remarkable feat further Devadiga added As a raider Ajit Chouhan touched six defenders in a single raid crossing the midline just as the whistle blew making it an extraordinary moment That raid alone could have earned him seven points if he had taken a bonus but it was a spectacular effort nonethelessDevadiga offered indepth analysis of the key moments that defined the first match on FridayI initially thought UP Yoddhas would take the win but credit must go to Naveen Kumar for his leadership and impactful performance Both Rahul and Mayank contributed significantly especially in defense While Haryana led with tackles UP Yoddhas excelled in raids Naveen and Mayank secured crucial raid points supported by a solid defense which ultimately worked in Haryana Steelers favour Although the team struggled initially Naveen rose to the occasion making key plays and neutralising top defenders Sumit and Hitesh sealing the victory for the Steelers he saidOne of the standout performances for Haryana came from Rahul Ahri who solidified his position as a key defender in the left cornerWe were always curious about who would take the leftcorner position for Haryana Steelers after Shadloui Rahul Ahri did that in the first match but he didnt perform well We saw some improvement in the second match but against the Yoddhas Rahul made that position his own Whenever he got a chance he consistently stopped raiders like Gagan Gowda and Bhawani Rajput He delivered an outstanding performance Devadiga notedOn the other side UP Yoddhas failed to capitalise on their early momentum struggling to maintain consistency and structureUP Yoddhas were unable to maintain control of the game Initially their raiders provided some momentum but the defense did not deliver as expected Captain Sumits leadership which had been notable in the last two matches was absent on the mat The teams raid distribution was off and the defense lacked cohesion While Sumit showed some promise in the first 10 minutes the subsequent phases called for substitutions to change the dynamics Bringing in players like Guman Singh could have helped Although they had moments of momentum ultimately UP Yoddhas lost their grip Devadiga observed IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/ajit-chouhan-was-outstanding-delivering-a-rare-sight-six-point-raid-says-rishank-devadiga-636765.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 11:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/defensive-tenacity-offensive-vivacity-highlight-up-yoddhas-sparkling-start-to-pkl-12-season-636834.html Visakhapatnam Sep 6 Three games into the Pro Kabaddi League PKL Season 12 the UP Yoddhas have shown they could emerge as one of the most balanced units this season With victories against the Telugu Titans and Patna Pirates followed by a close match with the Haryana Steelers the statistics show they are shaping into a fine blend of defensive solidity and offensive precision On the defensive front the Yoddhas are already standing out Skipper Sumit Sangwan has been a rock at the back earning 15 tackle points and two High 5s for an average of five tackle points per game He has been wellsupported by his deputy Ashu Singh who averages 267 tackle points per game adding a strengthened layer to the defense Together they have helped ensure UP remains a tough team to break down with 29 successful tackles and 31 tackle points in totalThe Yoddhas strength goes beyond just defense as their raiding unit has also shown remarkable spark Gagan Gowda has made a powerful statement with 34 raid points and two Super 10s He averages 1133 points per game which is the fifthhighest in the leagueMeanwhile Bhavani Rajput and Guman Singhs 10 points each show that the team has wellrounded firepower in their attacking contingent which can dissect any defense with ease This teamwork earned praise from the teams assistant coach Upendra MalikWe have a varied set of raiders but Gagan always starts strong and has the ability to garner multiple points from a raid He continuously surprises everyone by beating expectations Our team has regularly delivered inspiring performances We have a tendency to start on the front foot and hence our confidence will never be dampened We are likely to come back stronger and produce a good performance in the coming games Malik saidThe numbers back this blend as the UP Yoddhas feature in the top five for both raid points 61 and tackle points 31 asserting the dual threat they pose The Yoddhas are focused on building an identity as a team that refuses to concede at the back while hitting hard in attack If early signs are anything to go by this fusion of defensive tenacity and offensive flair could well set them up for a deep run this season IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/defensive-tenacity-offensive-vivacity-highlight-up-yoddhas-sparkling-start-to-pkl-12-season-636834.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 17:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/yusha-nafees-rudra-singh-shine-at-indian-junior-open-squash-championships-636850.html Jaipur Sep 6 Promising youngster Yusha Nafees who played a key role in helping the Indian boys team win bronze at the Asian Junior Team Championships earlier this year underlined his growing potential by clinching the boys U19 crown in the Indian Junior Open Squash Championships in Jaipur on Saturday Playing at the Rajasthan Squash Academy Nafees showcased remarkable grit as he rallied from two games down to beat Rachit Shah in a fivegame thriller After conceding the opening two games 811 511 Nafees bounced back strongly to win the next three 118 115 112 and seal the title in front of a packed home crowdThe weeklong premier competition which attracted an impressive 520 entries across 12 events witnessed highquality squash from Indias brightest young talents Adding to the host nations success Rudra Singh clinched the girls U19 title overcoming Vyomika Khandelwal 117 1311 112 in straight games Singhs dominance particularly in the second game where she held her nerve in a tight finish underlined her composure and maturity at the highest junior levelIn the other finals Subhash Choudhary the top seed in the boys U17 category defeated Raghav Vashishtha 118 114 1012 112 while Sehar Nayar seeded 34 lived up to her billing with a 1210 111 116 victory over Saanvi Kalanki in the girls U17 eventTop seed Shreyansh Jha continued his fine run by claiming the boys U15 crown with a 1412 115 118 win against Harshal Rana while unseeded Aadya Budhia stunned top seed Vasundhara Nangare in the girls U15 final triumphing 1210 117 1012 117There were more standout results in the younger age groups Shayan Samtani dominated the boys U13 final with an 115 112 1210 win over Abhyuday Arora while Shanaya Parasrampuria impressed in the girls U13 final defeating Nandikasree Kalaivanan 117 117 116In the boys U11 K Haribala held off top seed Tilakvir Kapoor 119 1210 811 611 119 in a nailbiter and Alia Kankaria edged past top seed Keerti Pradha Junivar Bala 1012 118 119 1614 in the girls U11 divisionThe youngest champions crowned were Amaay Mahajan in the boys U9 who beat Darsh Mehrotra 1311 116 116 and K Tulasi Mira in the girls U9 who overcame Lakshanya Rajawat 1210 116 114 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/yusha-nafees-rudra-singh-shine-at-indian-junior-open-squash-championships-636850.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 18:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cship-nikhat-zareen-begins-campaign-with-dominant-win-636871.html Liverpool Sep 6 Indias star boxer Nikhat Zareen announced her return on the international stage with a clinical win in the opening round of the womens 51kg weight category at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool on Saturday The 29yearold who was crowned world champion twice before had not competed in any international event this year but did not show any signs of rustiness as she was dominated the USAs Jennifer Lozano from the first minute to get a 50 verdictHowever it was not a very good outing for the other two Indians in action on SaturdayTokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain went down 05 against Busra Isildar of Turkey in the second round of the womens 75kg category while Hitesh Gulias spirited fight was not enough to avoid a 14 loss against Finn Robert Bos of the Netherlands in the mens 70kg boutIndia has fielded a 20member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing a recently formed international governing body for boxing and have made a strong start to their campaignIn the Friday night session World Boxing Cup Astana gold medallist Jaismine Lamboria defeated DariaOlha Hutarina of Ukraine 50 in the womens 57kg bout while Narender Berwal opened his mens 90kg campaign with a 41 win over Martin McDonagh of IrelandTwo more boxers will be in action in the evening session on Saturday with Sachin mens 60kg taking on Jacob Cassar of Australia while Sanju womens 60kg will face Aneta Rygielska of PolandEarlier on Friday male boxer Narender won by a 41 verdict against Irelands Martin Christopher McDonagh while Sumit Kundu mens 75kg and Neeraj Phogat womens 65kg registered contrasting victories to advance to the prequarterfinals of their respective weight categories as Indian boxers continued to impressSumit was rarely in any trouble throughout the three rounds against Jordans Mohammad Alhussien in the mens 75kg first round to win 50 while Neeraj had to dig deep into her reserves to outlast Finlands Krista Kovalainen and eke out a 32 verdictIndia has fielded a 20member strong contingent in the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing a recently formed international governing body for boxing and is looking to continue building on their strong outings in the World Boxing Cup legs in Brazil and Kazakhstan IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cship-nikhat-zareen-begins-campaign-with-dominant-win-636871.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 21:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-alireza-ensures-first-win-of-season-for-bengaluru-bulls-636885.html Visakhapatnam Sep 6 The Bengaluru Bulls finally opened their tally in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL after they beat the Patna Pirates 3830 at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Visakhapatnam The clash saw Alireza Mirzaian complete a muchdeserved Super 10 well supported by Aashish Maliks eight points as they bounced back from their three straight losses The Pirates and the Bulls got off to a cagey start in the opening 10 minutes with defences holding firm Patna stayed ahead leading 86 at the 10minute mark thanks to the tackling of Deepak and Sanket Sawant who combined well Raider Ayan Lohchab who eventually scored a Super 10 for the Pirates chipped in with a few points to give Patna the edge after a slow startFor the Bulls raider Ganesha Hanamantagol looked lively but he was also contained on key occasions including a tackle by Sawant that stalled the Bulls momentum With Maninder Singh yet to make an impact and the Pirates capitalising on defensive lapses the opening phase swung slightly in the Pirates favourThe first half saw momentum swing both ways with Ayan producing a moment of brilliance for the Pirates His decisive raid wiped out Sanjay Dhull and Jitender Yadav inflicting an ALL OUT on Bengaluru Bulls and briefly tilting in Patnas favourBengaluru however mounted a sharp comeback Led by Alireza and Aashish Malik the Bulls responded with an ALL OUT of their own overturning the deficit Sanjays key tackles further frustrated the Pirates ensuring that by halftime the Bulls had pulled ahead 1915The start of the second half saw Sudhakar produce a brilliant raid that sent Yogesh and Satyappa off the mat giving Patna a muchneeded boost Ayan also stepped up under pressure to dismiss Yogesh keeping the Pirates in striking distanceBut the Bulls showed their composure with Alireza continuing his fine form His DoOrDie raid dismissing Deepak and Sanket was a key moment while Deepaks tackles proved decisive in halting the Pirates advances Though Patna kept fighting Bengalurus defence absorbed the pressure and maintained their slender 2421 lead ensuring a crucial final 10 minutesThe final 10 minutes saw Patna Pirates throw everything into the contest but the Bulls defence stood firm The decisive blow came when the Bulls inflicted a crucial ALL OUT on Patna That collapse stretched the Bulls lead beyond reach and tilted the game firmly in their favourAlireza completed his Super 10 in style with his final successful raid sealing his milestone and the Bulls dominance Despite late attempts by the Pirates to claw back the momentum was gone and the Bulls closed out a convincing eightpoint win IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-alireza-ensures-first-win-of-season-for-bengaluru-bulls-636885.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 23:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/national-shooting-neeru-bhowneesh-continue-to-lead-race-to-the-top-six-in-trial-4-636888.html Bhucho Punjab Sep 6 Asian champion Neeru Dhanda and Asian silver medalist Bhowneesh Mendiratta continued to lead the race to finish in the top six after completion of four rounds in the Trap event at the National Selection Shotgun Trial T4 held at Bhucho Village Bhai Devinder Singh Sidhu Gun Club in Bhucho Punjab Bhowneesh who has shot 99 which included three perfect rounds of 25 hits and 24 in the fourth has a fourshot lead over World Cup final silver medalist Vivaan Kapoor and Zoravar Singh Sandhu who have shot 95 each Shardul Vihaan and Kynan Darius Chenai occupy the next position with a score of 93 while seven shooters Arshad Hasan Khan Fahd Sultan Karan Shapath Bharadwaj Ali Aman Elahi Jaswinder Singh and Lakshay Sheoran are in the race for the sixth spot with a score of 92In Trap Women Neeru shot 92 with scores of 22 24 23 23 to take the lead after the completion of four rounds Asian Championship bronze medalist Aashima Ahlawat was second with a score of 90 while Kirti Gupta Rajeshwari Kumari and Sabeera Haris occupied the next spots with a score of 89 Preeti Rajak was in sixth place with a score of 86The final series of qualifications and the finals will be held on Sunday IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/national-shooting-neeru-bhowneesh-continue-to-lead-race-to-the-top-six-in-trial-4-636888.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 23:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/powerlifting-champion-mahant-gaurav-sharma-extends-help-to-yamuna-flood-victims-636688.html New Delhi Sep 5 The rising waters of the Yamuna have once again disrupted life in New Delhi submerging lowlying areas and forcing families into makeshift shelters Amid the hardship World Powerlifting Champion Mahant Gaurav Sharma stepped forward on Friday to extend a helping hand distributing food packets drinking water and essential supplies to displaced residentsSharma accompanied by his team visited areas along the riverbank where flood victims had taken refuge after being forced out of their homes This is a time for service he said When people are hungry and homeless it is our duty to use our strength and resources to support them Sports have given me recognition and it is my responsibility to give back to societyLocal residents welcomed the gesture saying every helping hand in such a crisis is invaluable Known for his international achievements Sharma has long been engaged in social causes For him true sporting success extends beyond medals A true victory for an athlete comes when they also serve society he believes His efforts residents said carried more than just material relief they brought hopeMeanwhile the Yamunas water level at Delhis Old Railway Bridge stood at 20733 metres at 7 am on Friday receding slightly to 20731 metres by 8 am after peaking at 20748 metres on Thursday the seasons highest and the fifth breach of the 207metre mark since 1963 Meteorologists say this dip could signal some respite though fresh rain spells loomThe IMD forecast suggests moderate showers for Delhi on Friday with heavy rain thunder and lightning expected on September 6 and 7 After a brief respite on September 8 torrential downpours may return on September 9 lasting in for a week Temperatures are expected to hover between 3435C during the day and 2325C at nightEarlier this week Chief Minister Gupta inspected a flood relief camp near Geeta Colony Flyover and the Old Iron Bridge to review water levels and conditions in affected areas His visit underlined the scale of the crisis which continues to affect thousands of residents IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/powerlifting-champion-mahant-gaurav-sharma-extends-help-to-yamuna-flood-victims-636688.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 19:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-vijay-malik-bharat-combine-to-give-telugu-titans-first-win-of-season-636545.html Visakhapatnam Sep 4 The Telugu Titans secured their first win of the Pro Kabaddi League season 12 after beating Jaipur Pink Panthers 3732 at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag on Thursday An allround performance led by eight points for skipper Vijay Malik and raider Bharat Hooda each and Ajit Pawars High Five helped the Telugu Titans to the two points Meanwhile Nitin Kumar Dhankars 13 points went in vain The opening 10 minutes of the clash saw both sides trade blows in a cagey start Telugu Titans managed to edge ahead 75 with their defence holding firm and denying their opponents raiders much room to operate The Titans Bharat stamped his authority on the contest with impactful raids He sent Ronak Singh and Meetu to the bench in a twopoint strike and followed it up with another successful raid that dismissed Sahil SatpalThe Pink Panthers however found a spark in defence when Nitin Rawal executed a brilliant Super Tackle on Bharat briefly swinging momentum back their way However Bharats sharp raiding ensured the Titans held on to a slender lead keeping the pressure firmly on the twotime championsThe first half continued to swing in favour of the Telugu Titans who stamped their authority with a decisive ALL OUT in the 13th minute Reza Mirbagheris unsuccessful raid opened the door for Ajit Pawar and the Titans defence to wipe out the Panthers putting them on the back foot Bharat continued to cause problems for Jaipur while Vijay Malik kept the scoreboard ticking with steady raidsChetan Sahus DoOrDie raid added to the Pink Panthers woes and Ajit Pawar struck again to pin Ali Samadi down Even with tactical substitutions the Pink Panthers could not break through the disciplined Titans defence By halftime the Titans had opened up a commanding 169 lead leaving their opponents with plenty to do in the second halfThe third phase of the contest saw Jaipur Pink Panthers push hard to reduce the deficit with Nitin Kumar leading their charge He struck with backtoback raids sending Chetan Sahu and Avi Duhan off the mat while Reza Mirbagheri added to the fight with strong defensive plays pinning down Vijay Malik and later Bharat ensuring the Pink Panthers Jaipur kept themselves within striking distanceBut the Telugu Titans defence had their say too producing a crucial Super Tackle through Ajit Pawar that halted Ali Samadis raid and restored their control Deepanshu Khatri replied with a defensive success for the Pink Panthers but the Titans once again found rhythm with Chetan Sahus DoOrDie raid on Aashish Kumar By the 30minute mark the Titans maintained a 2316 leadWith the match hanging in the balance Nitin Kumar started off the fourth quarter with a Super Raid that reduced the Titans to just one player However in response Bharat got a Super Raid as well getting Sahil Satpal and Reza Mirbagheri along with a bonus pointSoon after Nitin Kumar proved why he was among the top raiders in the league this season He got Amir Ejlali and then skipper Nitin Rawal got Vijay Malik as the first ALL OUT was finally inflicted on the Telugu Titans in the fifth minuteAs the match entered the final three minutes Nitin completed his Super 10 with yet another multipoint raid that got Ankit and Avi Duhan This reduced the deficit to just three points and with the fans on the edge of their seats Vijay Malik put the nail in the coffin with a Super Raid as the final score read 3732 in what was the Titans first victory in seven matches against the twotime champions IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-vijay-malik-bharat-combine-to-give-telugu-titans-first-win-of-season-636545.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-sakshi-chanu-win-to-join-bartwal-in-second-round-636547.html Liverpool Sep 5 Sakshi and Thokchom Sanamacha Chanu won their respective bouts in contrasting styles after Pawan Bartwal provided India a winning start in the World Boxing Championships campaign in Liverpool UK on Thursday Bartwal got the better of Brazils Michael Douglas Trindade a Paris Olympian in a close mens 55kg bout as the strong Indian team made a good start in the competitionSakshi continued the strong start as she outclassed her Ukrainian opponent Viktoriia Shkeul winning the opening round 50 before sealing the contest in the second round with an impressive RSC Referee Stopped Contest victory on ThursdayChanu posted a hardfought victory in her opening bout as she overcame Denmarks Ditte Frostholm with a 41 verdict to advance to the next round in the womens 70kg category on ThursdayTheir wins came after 10 Indian boxers including Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain womens 70kg twotime World Championship medallist Nikhat Zareen womens 51kg medal contender Hitesh Gulia mens 70kg and Abhinash Jamwal mens 65kg got firstround byes thus avoiding tricky opponents early in the competitionBartwal displayed his boxing acumen under pressure in the third and final round keeping his Brazilian opponent at bay and impressing the judges with his punches to win the firstround bout 32The two boxers were deadlocked after the first two rounds with Trindade nullifying Bartwals advantage in the second roundIndia has fielded a 20member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing Council a recently formed international governing body for boxing and is looking to underline its growing stature in world boxingWhile Gulia Jamwal and Lovlina have a bye in the opening round Nikhat Zareen will take on Jennifer Lozana of the USAThe 20member Indian contingent is focused on putting together a strong performance at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing a recently formed international governing body for boxing Their chances have definitely been boosted by the return of Nikhat a former world champion and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist as well as Lovlina IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-sakshi-chanu-win-to-join-bartwal-in-second-round-636547.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-it-makes-kabaddi-more-exciting-says-fazel-atrachali-after-historic-golden-raid-636654.html Visakhapatnam Sep 5 The Pro Kabaddi League PKL witnessed a historic moment with its firstever Golden Raid in a tiebreaker at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag on Thursday evening Dabang Delhi KC etched their name in the history books as the first team to register a win through a Golden Raid courtesy of Ashu Maliks heroics which included a Super 10 on the night The two teams forced a tiebreaker after the match ended with the scores at 2828 They couldnt be separated in the tiebreaker either with the score at 55 before Ashu Malik delivered the gamewinning momentSpeaking on his matchwinning performance he shared It was a tough match from the start to the end They had a very good defence At the end they had a lead of 23 points Both teams were competing hard and we didnt expect that the match would go to the golden raid We felt good our luck was good that we won the toss and the matchHis teammate Fazel Atrachali also registered a High Five making a noteworthy contribution to his teams victory Heaping praise on his teammate the Iranian shared At 55 I was not worried I knew that we would win the match because we have too many good players like Ashu He is our game changerFurther elaborating on the impact of the tiebreaker rule especially for the fans Fazel said Now Kabaddi is more exciting for the fans because a tie might have been boring for some fans Now its like basketball or volleyball where every second and every play counts We are enjoying it and we hope the fans are enjoying it tooDespite the hardfought loss Aslam Inamdar was delighted with the way his team fought till the end Giving some insight into the tense situation the Puneri Paltan captain said My heart was beating so fast during the coin toss and I was praying to God It was their luck They won the coin toss and won the match But its okay winning and losing are part of the game We learn from our mistakes and move forwardPuneri Paltan head coach Ajay Thakur also gave his honest opinion about the tiebreaker and golden raid rule stating that it adds another layer of excitement for the fansThe public will enjoy the tiebreaker rule It is a very good decision for the fans Whenever there is a tied match they perhaps didnt enjoy it as much Everyone wants to see results even if a team loses So this is very good for the fans They feel satisfied Now Puneri Paltan have lost to Dabang Delhi KC and the fans will remember this result for a long time IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-it-makes-kabaddi-more-exciting-says-fazel-atrachali-after-historic-golden-raid-636654.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-from-hospital-bed-to-match-winner-jaideep-powers-haryana-steelers-to-victory-636449.html Visakhapatnam Sep 4 In a contest that went down to the wire and into a tiebreaker against U Mumba Haryana Steelers captain Jaideep Dahiya became the embodiment of commitment Barely hours after being discharged from the hospital where he was admitted with a high fever Jaideep stepped onto the mat and produced a crucial late tackle that kept his team alive Visakhapatnam Sep 4 In a contest that went down to the wire and into a tiebreaker against U Mumba Haryana Steelers captain Jaideep Dahiya became the embodiment of commitment Barely hours after being discharged from the hospital where he was admitted with a high fever Jaideep stepped onto the mat and produced a crucial late tackle that kept his team aliveHead coach Manpreet Singh revealed the extraordinary circumstances When we lost the last match our captain was very sick He had a high fever and had to be admitted to the hospital He was discharged only at 4 pm today and at 7 pm he was in front of you on the mat That shows his spirit the last time he played with an injury this time he came straight from the hospital with a fever This is what makes a sportsmanFor Jaideep just walking into the team meeting with his kit bag was enough to lift the dressing room The whole team thought he would not play today But when they saw me in the room everyone was happy and motivated I told them that no matter what I would play Jaideep said with a smileThe skipper admitted that the tiebreaker experience was new but insisted the pressure did not rattle him I have been in similar situations before so I kept telling the boys that if we held our nerves we could win We made a small mistake in the end but matches like this show how exciting Kabaddi can be Fans love to see such intensity he saidFor Manpreet the larger message was about resilience This league is not a 100metre race its a long journey Today we saw defence settle in after halftime and we saw a captain play through adversity If you want to go deep in the season you need such a spirit Thats what gives me hope for this team he summed upThe Telugu Titans will need to return to winning ways to move up the points table when they take on the Jaipur Pink Panthers in Thursdays first match For the Jaipur Pink Panthers who won their opening match it will be a tough task against Telugu Titans skipper Vijay Malik and co who will surely have a point to provePuneri Paltan currently at the top of the points table and in fine touch will face off against the might of Ashu Malik and the Dabang Delhi KC With three wins in their kitty the Paltan will need to be wary of Dabang Delhi who showed their prowess in their opening win of the season against Bengaluru Bulls IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-from-hospital-bed-to-match-winner-jaideep-powers-haryana-steelers-to-victory-636449.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-from-hospital-bed-to-match-winner-jaideep-powers-haryana-steelers-to-victory-636450.html Visakhapatnam Sep 4 In a contest that went down to the wire and into a tiebreaker against U Mumba Haryana Steelers captain Jaideep Dahiya became the embodiment of commitment Barely hours after being discharged from the hospital where he was admitted with a high fever Jaideep stepped onto the mat and produced a crucial late tackle that kept his team alive Visakhapatnam Sep 4 In a contest that went down to the wire and into a tiebreaker against U Mumba Haryana Steelers captain Jaideep Dahiya became the embodiment of commitment Barely hours after being discharged from the hospital where he was admitted with a high fever Jaideep stepped onto the mat and produced a crucial late tackle that kept his team aliveHead coach Manpreet Singh revealed the extraordinary circumstances When we lost the last match our captain was very sick He had a high fever and had to be admitted to the hospital He was discharged only at 4 pm today and at 7 pm he was in front of you on the mat That shows his spirit the last time he played with an injury this time he came straight from the hospital with a fever This is what makes a sportsmanFor Jaideep just walking into the team meeting with his kit bag was enough to lift the dressing room The whole team thought he would not play today But when they saw me in the room everyone was happy and motivated I told them that no matter what I would play Jaideep said with a smileThe skipper admitted that the tiebreaker experience was new but insisted the pressure did not rattle him I have been in similar situations before so I kept telling the boys that if we held our nerves we could win We made a small mistake in the end but matches like this show how exciting Kabaddi can be Fans love to see such intensity he saidFor Manpreet the larger message was about resilience This league is not a 100metre race its a long journey Today we saw defence settle in after halftime and we saw a captain play through adversity If you want to go deep in the season you need such a spirit Thats what gives me hope for this team he summed upThe Telugu Titans will need to return to winning ways to move up the points table when they take on the Jaipur Pink Panthers in Thursdays first match For the Jaipur Pink Panthers who won their opening match it will be a tough task against Telugu Titans skipper Vijay Malik and co who will surely have a point to provePuneri Paltan currently at the top of the points table and in fine touch will face off against the might of Ashu Malik and the Dabang Delhi KC With three wins in their kitty the Paltan will need to be wary of Dabang Delhi who showed their prowess in their opening win of the season against Bengaluru Bulls IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-from-hospital-bed-to-match-winner-jaideep-powers-haryana-steelers-to-victory-636450.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-will-learn-from-our-mistakes-says-bengal-warriorz-captain-devank-dalal-636453.html Visakhapatnam Sep 4 Bengal Warriorz suffered their first defeat of Pro Kabaddi League PKL Season 12 going down 4536 against Puneri Paltan on Wednesday Despite a strong performance from captain Devank Dalal who scored 17 raid points and completed a Super 10 they were unable to recover after a few costly errors as Puneri Paltan capitalised and won against the young Warriorz squad Reflecting on the result head coach Naveen Kumar admitted that small mistakes proved to be decisive He said The match was very close in the first half and we were trailing behind by only a few points But we made small mistakes which kept piling on and added pressure eventually costing us the match Naveen also pointed out that his young squad is still learning to handle highpressure moments but will grow stronger as the season progresses We have young players both in attack and defence which is why in such matches it could be difficult for them to cope with the pressure As the season goes ahead they will learn how to bear the pressure in such situations The players are improving well and with Devank leading them they are highly motivated and ready for all challenges While the result didnt go their way Devank Dalal once again impressed with his consistency and fighting spirit on the mat The captain however admitted that a key moment just before halftime shifted the momentum It was going well I was getting the points but I made a mistake and got caught right before halftime which is where I feel we went wrong in terms of raiding he said Devank also credited Puneri Paltans experience as a factor in the result Puneri Paltan have a set squad with players playing and practising together for a long time whereas ours is a new and young team so that was definitely a factor which affected todays result We will learn from our mistakes and work hard together in training to improve as a group IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-will-learn-from-our-mistakes-says-bengal-warriorz-captain-devank-dalal-636453.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-star-powered-up-yoddhas-eye-hat-trick-of-wins-against-haryana-steelers-636455.html Visakhapatnam Sep 4 UP Yoddhas look to chase their third consecutive win in Pro Kabaddi League PKL 12 as they take on the Haryana Steelers at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag on Friday The Yoddhas have made a strong start to the season with backtoback wins against Telugu Titans and Patna Pirates They currently sit second on the table with four points from two games while Haryana Steelers placed eighth with two points edged U Mumba in a tiebreaker in their last outingThe Yoddhas will be banking on their offensive and defensive lynchpins Gagan Gowda and Sumit Sangwan respectively to ensure a smooth sailing in this encounter Gowda has been their most profound raider with 21 points across two appearances whereas Sangwan has been robust at the back teaming up tidily with Ashu Singh in tandem to strike 13 points until nowNaveen Kumar and Vinay from the Steelers had joined hands to amass 17 points against U Mumba and stopping that duo will be instrumental for the Yoddhas prospects of maintaining their fine start to the seasonWhen we face a strong opponent we have the belief in our team to overcome any challenges by sticking to our plans Our focus is always on following the blueprint we have devised even during pressure situations We are pleased to have characters like Gagan in our team who thrive when the stakes are high It really helped us in our previous win against the Patna Pirates These are early phases of the season We have analysed Haryanas two matches so far and will develop our plans accordingly for the forthcoming fixture UP Yoddhas assistant coach Upendra Malik said ahead of the clashThe UP Yoddhas have produced a perfect blend of individual brilliance coupled with collective capabilities in PKL 12 For instance Sangwan tops the list of most tackle points 13 most high 5s 2 and most successful tackles 12 whereas Gowda has aggregated the highest number of super raids 2 That intertwined with the contributions of other key personnel such as vicecaptain Ashu Shivam Choudhary and Guman Singh amongst others set the Yoddhas up perfectly for what promises to be a riveting battle ahead against the Steelers IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-star-powered-up-yoddhas-eye-hat-trick-of-wins-against-haryana-steelers-636455.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-2025-pawan-bartwal-registers-hard-fought-win-over-trindade-636518.html Liverpool England Sep 4 Pawan Bartwal provided India a winning start to their World Boxing Championships campaign as he got the better of Brazils Michael Douglas Trindade a Paris Olympian in a close mens 55kg bout in Liverpool UK on Thursday Bartwal displayed his skills under pressure in the third and final round to keep his Brazilian opponent at bay and still impress the judges with his punches to win the first round bout 32The two boxers were deadlocked after the first two rounds with Trindade nullifying Bartwals advantage in the second roundIndia has fielded a 20member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing Council a recently formed international governing body for boxing and are looking to underline their growing stature in world boxingThree other Indians Sakshi womens 54kg Sanamacha Chanu womens 70kg and Harsh Choudhary mens 90kg will be in action in the evening sessionMeanwhile 10 Indian boxers have been handed a decent draw with medal contender Hitesh Gulia mens 70kg Abhinash Jamwal mens 65kg Nikhat Zareen womens 51kg and Lovlina Borgohain womens 70kg avoiding tricky opponents early in the competitionWhile Gulia Jamwal and Lovlina have a bye in the opening round while Nikhat Zareen will take on Jennifer Lozana of the USAThe 20Indian contingent is focused on putting together a strong performance at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing a recently formed international governing body for boxing and their chances have definitely been boosted by the return of Nikhat former world champion and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/world-boxing-cships-2025-pawan-bartwal-registers-hard-fought-win-over-trindade-636518.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/abhay-and-raiza-top-national-shotgun-selection-trials-4-in-bhucho-636523.html Bhucho Sep 4 Abhay Singh Sekhon and Raiza Dhillon top the National Selection Shotgun Trial 4 T4 in the mens and womens skeet event respectively held at Bhucho Village Bhai Devinder Singh Sidhu Gun Club in Bhucho Punjab Raiza also topped the womens qualification rounds in the lineup of 19 athletes while Asian Shooting Championship gold medalist Anantjeet Singh Naruka topped the mens qualification among 35 athletesIn the Skeet Men Abhay Singh Sekhon hit 55 off 60 targets to finish on top in the T4 while Gurjoat Singh and Naruka finished second and third in the finals with 53 and 44 hits respectively Earlier in the qualifications Abhay Singh Naruka finished fourth in the qualification with 117 hits in the five series of 25 shots each 24 21 23 24 25 and 3 in the shootoffNaruka topped the T4 qualification lineup with 121 hits 24 23 25 25 24 while Gurjoat Singh finished second with 118 23 24 22 25 24 and 2 in the shootout as Bhavtegh Singh Gill also on 118 24 25 24 24 23 finished third in the qualification with a hit less in the shootoutYuvek Battula with 117 hits 24 24 22 23 24 and Zorawar Singh Bedi also with 117 hits 23 24 23 23 24 were the other finalists with 2 and 0 in the shootoffRaiza Dhillon emerged as the top performer in T4 Skeet Women as she maintained the high scores across all five rounds to finish with 119 hits 24 25 23 23 24 in the qualification and secured the top spot in the finals with 55 hits while Ganemat Sekhon shot two fewer to finish second in the finalsParinaaz Dhaliwal completed the podium with 43 hits in the finals She had earlier had a solid qualification finishing second with 115 24 22 21 24 24 and 4 after a shootoff against Darshna Rathore who also scored 115 24 23 23 22 23 and 2Ganemat and Yashasvi Rathore finished fourth and fifth in the qualification with 114 23 24 22 24 21 and 109 21 24 20 24 20 hits Risham Kaur Guron secured the sixth spot in the finals with 108 20 23 22 22 21 and 2 in the shoot off against Vanshika Tiwari 108 20 21 2024 24 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/abhay-and-raiza-top-national-shotgun-selection-trials-4-in-bhucho-636523.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-shinde-inamdar-help-puneri-paltan-to-third-straight-win-636284.html Visakhapatnam Sep 3 Puneri Paltan continued their dominance in the Pro Kabaddi League PKL Season 12 after they beat Bengal Warriorz 4536 at the Vishwanadh Sports Club here on Wednesday Led by the brilliance of skipper Aslam Inamdar alongside Aditya Shinde and Vishal Bhardwaj who got a High Five the Paltan cancelled Devank Dalals 17 points on the night Puneri Paltan got off to a confident start against Bengal Warriorz racing ahead with some sharp raiding from Aditya Shinde and Aslam Inamdar Shinde was quick to make his presence felt striking repeatedly with successful raids that kept the Warriorz defence under pressureThe highlight of the first 10 minutes came through Aslam who produced a Super Raid that got Warriorz defenders Nitesh Kumar and Parteek in one swift move The raid tilted the momentum in Paltans favour Despite Devanks resistance Puneri Paltan ended the first phase of the half with a fourpoint lead with the score reading 139The momentum wildly swung as both sides traded blows highlighted by two crucial ALL OUTs in the second phase Puneri Paltan inflicted the first ALL OUT in the 9th minute with Aslam Inamdar who had been the driving force in attack producing a brilliant tackle on Devank to wipe the Warriorz clean However soon after Manprits successful raid sent Aslam and Abinesh Nadarajan off the mat inflicting what was the second ALL OUT of the match That gave the Warriorz a muchneeded push after Puneri Paltans early control At halftime the score read 2622 with no DoOrDie raids in the opening 20 minutes underlining the aggressive intent of both teams The contest stayed finely balanced highlighted by Devanks early Super 10The third quarter of the contest saw Puneri Paltan stamp their authority on the game stretching their lead The Warriorz briefly threatened through Devank who kept piling on raid points but Paltan always had an answer Aditya Shinde in particular was in fine touch as he crossed into double digits to complete his Super 10The defining moment came in the 14th minute when Puneri Paltans defence led by Vishal Bhardwaj tackled Parteek to inflict a second ALL OUT on the Warriorz That blow widened the gap and gave Paltan a comfortable cushion Pankaj Mohite then grew into the game with a flurry of successful raids picking off the opponent defenders to ensure his side stayed firmly in control Despite Devanks relentless fightback the Warriorz trailed 3728 in the final 10 minutes leaving them with a steep climb heading into the final stretch But a masterclass in defence from the Puneri Paltan kept them in the lead to the very end The match ended with the score reading 4536 as the Paltan secured an impressive 9point win over Devank Dalals side IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-shinde-inamdar-help-puneri-paltan-to-third-straight-win-636284.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 23:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/commonwealth-heavyweight-champion-sangram-singh-ready-for-second-mma-competition-in-poland-636119.html New Delhi Sep 3 Fit India Icon and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Sangram Singh has announced his highly anticipated return to Mixed Martial Arts MMA confirming his participation in the upcoming international tournament in Poland in the 8390 kg category The 40yearold athlete who is the worlds first fighter to compete in MMA at the age of 40 and made history by becoming the first Indian male wrestler to win an international MMA fight continues his mission to break agerelated stereotypes in professional combat sportsSinghs MMA debut at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi Georgia where he achieved victory against a Pakistani fighter in just 90 seconds established him among the elite group of fighters worldwide who have successfully transitioned to MMA in their late thirties and beyond His achievement proves that athletic excellence has no age limitAge is just a number when your soul refuses to give up Singh said during his training preparations When I stepped into that octagon in Georgia at 40 fighting against a fighter 17 years younger than me I wasnt just fighting for myself I was fighting to show every dreamer in their 20s 30s and 40s that their time is still ahead This Poland tournament is my second chapter not the final oneThe journey of the Rohtakborn athlete resonates deeply with athletes across generations Singhs transformation from wheelchair dependency due to early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis to international MMA success reflects the true spirit of the Fit India movement which he proudly representsMy vegetarian lifestyle is not a limitation its my superpower Singh explained addressing misconceptions about plantbased nutrition in combat sportsEvery lentil every vegetable every mornings ghee and ashwagandha not only powers my muscles but also fuels my mission to prove that Indian traditions can dominate on the world stageSinghs upcoming Poland MMA competition represents far more than personal achievement its a beacon for the global sports community His story particularly touches the hearts of young athletes who often feel pressured to achieve success by arbitrary age deadlinesI meet 25yearolds who think their athletic dreams are over because they havent become successful yet I want them to see me at 40 stepping into that cage in Poland and understand that their journey is just beginning Singh shared Whether youre an aspiring wrestler in Punjab a boxer in Mumbai or an MMA enthusiast anywhere in the world remember your calling has no expiration dateThe Commonwealth Champions impact extends far beyond Indian borders inspiring international athletes to reconsider their relationship with age and athletic performance His vegetarian approach to combat sports nutrition is attracting attention from sports scientists and nutritionists worldwide challenging traditional meatcentered training regimensWhen millions of young sports enthusiasts watch me compete in Poland I want them to see possibility not limitation Singh emphasised I want that 20yearold who thinks hes too old to start boxing to step into the gym I want that 30yearold dreaming of martial arts to find his dojo I want every athlete Indian or international to understand that excellence doesnt follow anyone elses timelineSinghs preparation for Poland includes his distinctive training program that combines traditional Indian wrestling techniques with modern MMA conditioning all supported by his completely vegetarian diet rich in rotis seasonal vegetables and Ayurvedic supplementsThis isnt just about one persons fight in Poland Singh concluded This is about rewriting the narrative for every athlete who has been told theyre too old too different or too late When I step into that octagon Ill carry the dreams of millions who refuse to accept limitationsDetails of the Poland tournament and Singhs opponent will be announced in the coming weeks His victory in his historic MMA debut in Georgia achieved in just 90 seconds remains the fastest victory recorded by an Indian fighter in the 93 kg division in international competition IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/commonwealth-heavyweight-champion-sangram-singh-ready-for-second-mma-competition-in-poland-636119.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-belief-in-the-team-is-strong-that-well-reach-our-full-potential-says-bengal-warriorz-coach-naveen-635983.html Visakhapatnam Sep 2 Fresh off a commanding win over defending champions Haryana Steelers the Bengal Warriorz are all set to face a challenging test against Puneri Paltan in their upcoming Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 fixture on Wednesday After their 5444 victory in the last game the Warriorz dove straight back into training to focus on their next match While talking about the environment in the dressing room Coach Naveen Kumar said After the win the players were hyped up but we have calmed them down as they now focus on our next target Our training sessions have been very good and the energy within the squad is positive We worked on combinations and discussed the weaknesses we want to correctCoach Naveen Kumar also commented on the Warriorz mentality he has instilled in all the players and the impact its going to have over the course of the season Naveen Kumar said Our mentality is very strong Since we have a young squad instilling a Warrior mindset to not fear any opponent and be completely focused and disciplined is very important It is going to be a long and tough season but the belief in the team is strong that we will reach our full potentialThis is Naveen Kumars first season with the team and he credited the Bengal Warriorz management and support staff for their complete support so far in his tenure The Bengal Warriorz management has given me the complete freedom to make decisions and has ensured that all the requirements of the team are met They have supported me in all ways and together we are working on the progress of our playersLast season the two sides met twice with Bengal Warriorz coming away with one tie and one defeat However with a young and revamped squad with star raider Devank Dalal leading the team and Nitesh Kumar as the defence captain coach Naveen Kumar is confident ahead of the important fixture Puneri Paltan is a very good side with a strong record Their defense was impressive last season and they have a setsquad which has further been strengthened with the addition of Aslam Inamdar They are a tough opponent but our team is young and highly motivated Our players are working extremely hard and our performance should be good he concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-belief-in-the-team-is-strong-that-well-reach-our-full-potential-says-bengal-warriorz-coach-naveen-635983.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/utt-national-ranking-tournament-set-to-begin-from-sep-7-in-new-delhi-636027.html New Delhi Sep 2 New Delhi will host some of Indias biggest table tennis names including reigning national champion Diya Chitale and Commonwealth Games gold medallists G Sathiyan and Harmeet Desai at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Tournament beginning on September 7 at the Thyagraj Stadium The event has drawn an impressive 2958 entries underscoring the sports rising popularity It also marks the first time since 2008 that the Delhi State Table Tennis Association DSTTA is hosting a national ranking tournament though the Table Tennis Federation of India TTFI last organised one in the capital in 2012 with support from HaryanaGurpreet Singh president of DSTTA expressed excitement over the unprecedented response The number of entries 2958 is a strong indicator of the interest the tournament has generated I dont remember the last time there were these many entries for a national ranking event We are fully ready to host the event he saidThe tournament which runs until September 14 will feature 12 events across senior U19 U17 U15 U13 and U11 categories Among the mens field national champions Sathiyan Harmeet Anthony Amalraj and Soumyajit Ghoshwho had faded from the national setup after appearing in the 2012 London Olympicswill headline the actionIn the womens field Chitale is the favourite in a draw that also features veterans Mouma Das Madhurika Patkar Reeth Rishya and Divya DeshpandeOne notable absentee will be Delhis own Manika Batra who is unavailable due to international commitments Her world ranking has slipped to 55 in recent weeksThe organising committee also includes national coach and Dronacharya awardee Sandeep Gupta who highlighted the tournaments value for young players With so many national champions part of the field it is a great opportunity for the budding players in Delhi to see them in flesh and blood and learn from them at the same time Playing against the best in the country they would also get to upskill themselves said Gupta IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/utt-national-ranking-tournament-set-to-begin-from-sep-7-in-new-delhi-636027.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 19:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-ashu-maliks-experience-leads-dabang-delhi-to-impressive-over-bengaluru-bulls-636058.html Vizag Sep 2 A dominant Dabang Delhi KC secured an impressive 4134 win over Bengaluru Bulls at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag on Tuesday A late fightback from the Bulls wasnt enough as Ashu Maliks 15 points Neeraj Narwals 7 and strong defensive efforts from Surjeet Singh Fazel Atrachali and Saurabh Nandal sealed the win for Delhi Alireza Mirzaians Super 10 was the only highlight for the Bulls Dabang Delhi made a dominant start against Bengaluru Bulls surging to a commanding lead Ashu Malik was at the forefront picking up quick raid points with the highlight being a brilliant Super Raid dismissing Yogesh Aashish Malik and Ankush Rathee in one swoop swinging the momentum heavily in Dabang Delhis favourThe Bulls meanwhile struggled to find their footing with only Alireza Mirzaian showing some resistance They were dealt a further blow when Surjeet Singhs strong tackle on Mirzaian inflicted the first allout of the match That setback meant the Bulls trailed 135 at the 10minute mark as they stared at a tough climb back into the contestDabang Delhi carried their early momentum into the latter stages of the first half maintaining a firm grip into the break with a 2111 lead over Bengaluru Bulls Agent Ashu was unstoppable constantly testing the Bulls defence with sharp raids He was rewarded with a Super 10 before halftime while Neeraj Narwal chipped in with crucial raid pointsFor the Bulls Alireza offered some resistance with four raid points while Aashishs efforts gave them a brief spark However repeated setbacks including two dismissals of Sanjay and unsuccessful raids by Akash kept them on the back foot With a 10point cushion at the break Dabang Delhi looked firmly in control leaving Bengaluru with plenty of work to do in the second halfThe season 8 PKL champions tightened their stranglehold on the contest in the third quarter extending their lead to 3417 at the 30minute mark Ashu Malik continued to be the star piling on raid points at will and keeping the Bulls defence under constant pressureNaveen and Neeraj Narwal also chipped in while Surjeet Singh and Fazel Atrachali stood tall in defence The biggest blow for Bengaluru came midway through the half when Surjeet executed a decisive tackle on Alireza to enforce the second allout widening Delhis advantageFor Bengaluru Aashish and Alireza tried to offer resistance with successful raids but the rest of the unit struggled to make an impact Substitutes Ganesha Hanamantagol and Jitender Yadav were introduced in search of answers yet the Bulls could not stop Delhis momentum By the end of the third quarter the defending champions looked firmly in control 17 points clear leaving Bengaluru with a lot to play for in the final stretchDespite the massive lead the Bulls did not give up Starting with a super tackle by Akash Shinde on Ashu Malik followed by a successful raid by Ganesha that got Naveen and Sandeep the lead quickly dropped by 13 points However Neeraj Narwal got his team back on track with a successful raid on the Bulls that got Sanjay and ManishAs the match came to a close an impressive super tackle by Jitender Yadav in a doordie raid got Ashu Malik However these were small respites for the Bulls who lost the match by 7 points as the score read 4134 at the end of the 40 minutes despite a late allout for Bengaluru Bulls IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-ashu-maliks-experience-leads-dabang-delhi-to-impressive-over-bengaluru-bulls-636058.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 23:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-commanding-all-around-performance-guides-puneri-paltan-to-mammoth-22-point-victory-over-gujarat-giants-635815.html Visakhapatnam Sep 1 Puneri Paltan delivered a defensive masterclass to record a massive 22point win against Gujarat Giants on Monday nights second game in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League here The Season 10 champions were dominant on both ends of the mat as they registered a 4119 victory at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag Abinesh Nadarajan led the way with a High Five while Gaurav Khatri and Gurdeep recorded four tackle points each Aslam Inamdar Aditya Shinde and Pankaj Mohite also contributed to the team as they ran riot against the Gujarat GiantsThe Paltan began the game on the front foot with Aslam Inamdar and Pankaj Mohite leading the raiding unit Abinesh Nadarajan also made his presence felt on the defensive end recording four tackle points in the first ten minutes They cruised to a sixpoint lead in the opening exchanges after inflicting an All Out on Gujarat GiantsThe side led by Aslam Inamdar soon started asserting its dominance even further as Abinesh Nadarajan completed his High Five with five minutes remaining in the first half Pankaj Mohite also piled on the pressure on Gujarat Giants amassing the 400point mark in the PKL At the end of the first half Puneri Paltan had a sixpoint lead with the scoreline at 1711Puneri Paltan continued to be relentless on both ends in the second half giving the Gujarat Giants no breathing room Aditya Shinde recorded a twopoint raid to extend Puneri Paltans lead to nine points before they inflicted another All Out to make it a fourteenpoint lead in the blink of an eyeDespite Gujarat Giants best efforts they couldnt register a single point between their two All Outs Mohammadreza Shadloui ended the game with zero points to his name for the first time since season 8 summing up Puneri Paltans dominanceIn the end the Ajay Thakurcoached side put the game beyond all doubt and wrapped up a commanding performance with a 22point win as the scoreline read 4119 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-commanding-all-around-performance-guides-puneri-paltan-to-mammoth-22-point-victory-over-gujarat-giants-635815.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-defenders-sumit-ashu-shine-as-up-yoddhas-claw-their-way-back-against-patna-pirates-635802.html Visakhapatnam AP Sep 1 A hardfought comeback from the UP Yoddhas saw them beat the Patna Pirates 3431 in what was a closelyfought contest to the very end at the Vishwanadh Sports Club here on Monday Sumit and Ashu Singh got muchdeserved High Fives while Gagan Gowda scored seven points as the Yoddhas secured an impressive victory In the opening 10 minutes Patna Pirates edged ahead of UP Yoddhas leading 76 in what began as a tightly fought clash Patnas young raider Ayan Lohchab was the standout performer in this phase notching up three raid points and twice sending the Yoddhas defenders to the benchAnkit made his presence felt with a crucial tackle on Guman Singh while Maninder Singh chipped in with a successful raid to keep the Pirates narrowly in front For the Yoddhas Gagan Gowda looked lively with a couple of sharp raids while Ashu Singh and Sumit contributed with important defensive tacklesMidway through the half Ayan produced the games defining moment a brilliant raid that took out Ashu Singh and Mohammadreza Kaboudrahangi inflicting the first All Out on UP Yoddhas He continued to dominate thereafter adding points at regular intervals including a raid that removed Mahender Singh and Bhavani Rajput in quick successionThe Yoddhas found some respite late in the half when Ayan was finally trapped in a Super Tackle but by then Patna had built a commanding lead At halftime the score read 1913 in favour of the Pirates with Ayan leading the charge with eight raid pointsPatna Pirates maintained their grip on the contest in the opening exchanges of the second half extending their lead to 2319 against UP Yoddhas after 30 minutes of play Substitute raider Ankit Rana made an instant impact with a successful raid that sent Sumit to the bench while Maninder Singh also did well in a DoOrDie raid against HiteshThe Yoddhas however refused to back down Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda added crucial raid points to keep their side in the hunt and Sumit pulled off a fine tackle on Ayan to halt the Pirates momentum With both sides trading empty raids and defences tightening up the margin remained slender setting the stage for a tense final phaseThe Patna Pirates suffered their first ALL OUT in the 7th minute as the UP Yoddhas equalled the score in style They piled the pressure on the threetime champions but Ayan Lohchab escaped Hitesh giving his team a late lifelineHowever the Yoddhas kept their cool to the very end Despite being on the back foot for most of the match it was in the final 10 minutes that they managed to claw their way back to prevent Ayan from completing his Super 10 and sealing their second victory of the season after beating Patna Pirates 3431 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-season-12-defenders-sumit-ashu-shine-as-up-yoddhas-claw-their-way-back-against-patna-pirates-635802.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 23:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-this-season-will-be-a-redemption-opportunity-for-pawan-sehrawat-says-rishank-devadiga-635275.html New Delhi Aug 30 Pawan Sehrawat delivered a statement performance in Tamil Thalaivas Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 opener showcasing the maturity and composure that experts believe will define his redemption campaign this season The star raiders impactful display against Telugu Titans not only secured a crucial victory for his team but also demonstrated the evolution of one of PKLs most prolific scorers Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar expert Rishank Devadiga was effusive in his praise for Sehrawats measured approach to the contestI believe this season will be a redemption opportunity for Pawan Sehrawat He is determined to return with strong performances and deliver on his promise to the team Devadiga observed highlighting the raiders focused mindset entering the new campaignWhat particularly impressed the kabaddi analyst was Sehrawats tactical awareness and timing throughout the match Rather than the aggressive allout approach that characterised some of his earlier performances the Tamil Thalaivas captain displayed a calculated understanding of game situationsDuring the second half he demonstrated considerable experience and composure understanding precisely when the team required his contribution He assumed responsibility at critical moments and secured the decisive points that led to victory Devadiga explained emphasising how Sehrawats game intelligence has evolvedThis mature approach represents a significant development for a player who has previously been known for his explosive raiding abilities The veterans ability to read the game and contribute at crucial junctures suggests a deeper understanding of his role as both captain and key performerWhile Sehrawats heroics captured headlines the evenings second match between Puneri Paltan and Bengaluru Bulls highlighted another crucial aspect of modern PKL strategy JioStar expert Sunil Taneja analysed how strategic planning and team balance proved decisive in the tiebreaker victoryEveryone was talking about Puneri Paltans raiders who secured their win in the tiebreaker it was defender Vishal Bhardwaj with that crucial ankle hold This clearly shows that the team with better balance wins Taneja noted underlining the importance of defensive contributions in tight contests Another interesting point is how teams plan Aslam took the first raid right after winning the toss knowing the importance of the initial raid in the tiebreaker Teams are strategising well in advance now he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/pkl-12-this-season-will-be-a-redemption-opportunity-for-pawan-sehrawat-says-rishank-devadiga-635275.html Sat, 30 Aug 2025 15:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kabaddi-gave-me-everything-pkl-honours-the-legacy-of-pardeep-narwal-in-special-felicitation-ceremony-635322.html Visakhapatnam Aug 30 On a day filled with nostalgia the Kabaddi fraternity celebrated a man who changed the way the sport is played Pardeep Narwal the Dubki King on the first day of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL Season 12 Yet when Pardeep spoke at his felicitation it wasnt the numbers that defined his voice it was the emotion I came here today only for the fans he said Even now when they call or message me I feel like I must return for themHe remembered friendships naming fellow warrior Maninder Singh now at Patna Pirates the team that gave him his fame as one who stood by him beyond the mat He recalled the joy of victories the sting of nearmisses but above all the unbreakable bond with the game The Pro Kabaddi League gave me everything fame family and the love of countless people I want to take it as far as I canThe journey does not end here With his Pardeep Narwal Kabaddi Academy where 65 children will be chasing their dreams Pardeep has chosen to gift the future what he once received I want to grow my kids like my coach once grew me he said This academy will open on September 1 and will usher in the new generation of kabaddi starsAs legends across Indian sport like Dhanraj Pillai and Pullela Gopichand rose to applaud him they were joined by current stars such as Jyothi Yarraji Yogesh Kathuniya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi In that moment one truth echoed Pardeep Narwal may step away from the mat but his spirit will forever live on in the game he gave his life toOn the second day of the league the home side Telugu Titans will return to the mat against UP Yoddhas in Saturdays first game Facing the likes of Guman Singh Bhavani Rajput Gagan Gowda and their skipper Sumit the side will hope to bounce back from their loss against Tamil Thalaivas and return to winning waysThe second match of the night will see U Mumba and Gujarat Giants take the mat for the first time in Season 12 All eyes will be on Mohammadreza Shadloui who will skipper this side alongside the likes of Rakesh and Parteek Dahiya For U Mumba skipper Sunil Kumars faith will lie in Ajit Chouhans raiding prowess as the side looks to fight for their second PKL trophy since season 2 IANS https://dailyworld.in/other-sports/kabaddi-gave-me-everything-pkl-honours-the-legacy-of-pardeep-narwal-in-special-felicitation-ceremony-635322.html Sat, 30 Aug 2025 17:57:00 +0530