Author: Gargi Raut

The Indian contingent is set to make a vibrant presence at the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, with 78 athletes and officials proudly representing 12 sports disciplines. Leading this enthusiastic group are Dr. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and Chef-de-Mission Gagan Narang, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the athletes’ needs come first. They’ve made it a priority to include every athlete who was available, though some have chosen to focus on their upcoming competitions on Saturday—a decision that has been met with full respect and understanding from the IOA. Carrying the Indian flag high, PV…

Javier Mascherano, Argentine’s football coach at the Paris Olympics, labelled the scenes in Saint Etienne a ‘disgrace’ and a ‘circus’ after the players were forced off for nearly two hours by a crowd invasion. Once the dust settled, Mascherano, who won Olympic golds in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008), was left to reflect on a 2-1 defeat to Morocco, which damaged Argentina’s hopes of progress from a group that also contains Iraq and Ukraine. “I have not been a coach for long, but never in my career as a player have I seen a situation like that,” said Mascherano,…

In the realm of Indian hockey, few names resonate as powerfully as P.R. Sreejesh. Known for his incredible reflexes, indomitable spirit, and unwavering determination, Sreejesh has carved a niche for himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the sport. His journey, from the small-town fields of Kerala to the grand arenas of international hockey, is a one in a million story of resilience, mental fortitude and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. The Unique Challenges of Goalkeeping Sreejesh’s career has been defined by the unique pressures of being a goalkeeper. “Pressure is there, but when I was starting…

As the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 builds up, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the iconic clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. This is more than just a game; it’s a thrilling spectacle steeped in history, passion, and fierce rivalry. The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is set to host this epic showdown, where two teams with rich legacies and passionate fan bases will battle it out. For India, led by the charismatic Harmanpreet Kaur, the goal is clear: to continue their winning streak and reaffirm their dominance on the field. With a squad that includes stars like Smriti Mandhana and Shafali…

Sourav Ghosal is more than a trailblazer in Indian squash; he is a symbol of resilience and mental fortitude. Consistently ranked among the world’s top players, Ghosal’s agility and precision on the court are matched by his profound understanding of the mental challenges athletes face. In an insightful episode of “Grounded,” India’s squash sensation Saurav Ghosal opens up about the psychological aspects of his sport, offering a deeply personal glimpse into his journey. Reflecting on his early career, Ghosal notes the significant progress in mental health awareness within sports. “There are a lot more people willing to listen and…

Excitement and anticipation is in the air, as the Paralympics Committee of India (PCI) marks the countdown, with 50 days left for the Paris Paralympics 2024. The event, held with much fanfare, highlighted the determination and focus of India’s para-athletes. The event, attended by notable personalities, including the French Ambassador to India — Thierry Mathou — and sports enthusiasts, served as a platform to celebrate the incredible journey of India’s para-athletes and to gather support for their upcoming endeavours in Paris. The countdown ceremony was not just a celebration but also a proof of the hard work, resilience and dedication…

The first T20I between South Africa Women and India Women at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai saw the visitors prevail by 12 runs, marking their first win on this tour across formats. South Africa set a formidable target of 189 after being put into bat. South Africa started strong, with captain Laura Wolvaardt scoring 33 off 22 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes, before falling to Radha Yadav. The standout performance came from Tazmin Brits, who made a splendid 81 off 56 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. Marizanne Kapp provided crucial support with a quickfire 57…

As the sun began to rise on an otherwise typical day in Delhi, the atmosphere at the ITC Maurya hotel was anything but ordinary. The anticipation was exhilarating, with fans gathering as early as 6 AM, eagerly awaiting the return of their heroes—the Indian cricket team, fresh from their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. The hotel had spared no effort in planning a grand welcome befitting the champions. The entrance was transformed into a festive arena with drums and traditional dance performances greeting the team. A three-tier cake with the words ‘Congratulations’ sprawled across awaited them at the reception.…

In the history of sports, fans have witnessed the rise of generational talents who went on to become legends. From the quiet alleyways of Nadiad to rescuing the Indian team in the T20 World Cup final, it’s safe to say we might be witnessing the emergence of another such talent. Lovingly called ‘Bapu’, by teammates, Axar Patel has become a pillar of the Indian team and won hearts with his ‘not non-violent’ performances. In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, India, having chosen to bat, had already lost three wickets by the fifth over. With Virat Kohli hanging onto his…