Author: Gargi Raut

In a riveting showdown at the World Women’s Boxing Championship in New Delhi, Nikhat Zareen emerged champion in the 50kg category, defeating Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Tam. The final, filled with intense moments, concluded with Nikhat securing a well-deserved victory by a unanimous verdict. The scores awarded by four judges — 28-27 — reflected the excitement of the bout. The other judge ruled 29-26. For Nikhat, this was a second successive World Championship gold medal in this Olympic weight category. She had a boisterous home crowd cheering for her. The Commonwealth Games champion relished the sweet taste of gold as she…

In a remarkable act of sportsmanship at the US Open, Rohan Bopanna became the hero of a heart-warming story. On a balmy September afternoon in New York, after a hard-fought defeat in the men’s doubles final, the ageless warrior was seen seeking solace under a towel. But he was the winner that day, for showing the essence of sportsmanship. Bopanna and Australian partner Matthew Ebden were facing the formidable duo of two-time champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury. In a crucial moment during the deciding set, with Bopanna and Ebden trailing 2-4, 0-15, an extraordinary incident took place. Ebden executed…

In a historic display of sporting prowess, India concluded its most remarkable campaign at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, bagging an astonishing total of 111 medals. The nation’s para-athletes showcased unparalleled grit, securing their position among the top contenders on the medals table. The final tally featured an impressive collection of 29 gold, 31 silver, and 51 bronze medals, propelling India to a commendable fifth place in the table, behind powerhouses China, Iran, Japan, and South Korea. This achievement followed closely on the heels of India’s stellar performance at the 19th Asian Games, where they amassed 107 medals,…

This year, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction has been a standout occasion for some young and uncapped players. None had it better than Kashvee Gautam. Just when it seemed no uncapped player would surpass UP Warriorz’s Rs 1.30 crore bid for Vrinda Dinesh, along came Kashvee. The tall right-arm medium pacer stole the spotlight. Gujarat Giants secured her for a staggering INR 2 crore, a game-changing amount that, just a few years ago, seemed like an unattainable dream for a female cricketer. A day before the auction, I had picked three Indian uncapped players who could invite really high…

In the heart of Hangzhou, China, where dreams met determination, India’s shooting contingent etched a story of glory at the 2023 Asian Games. Rewind to those unforgettable days from September 24 to October 1, where the air crackled with anticipation, and the shooting range became a canvas for India’s marksmen to paint history. Imagine the scene – a treasure trove of seven golds, nine silvers, and six bronzes, a testament to the indomitable spirit of our shooters. For eight days, they danced with bullets, showcasing skills that went beyond precision; it was a display of heart and grit. Leading…

The upcoming second season of the Women’s Premier League is set to unfold exciting prospects for budding talents and international stars alike. As we prepare for another round of auction, Indian players will anxiously anticipate bids to secure their spots across among the 21 slots spread the five franchises. Last season, a few international gems went unnoticed. This time around, with 61 overseas players in the mix, the competition is fierce as they fight for a place among the extremely scarce 9 slots available across the five franchises. With a total of 30 slots available, who are the players that…

As we look back at the rich tapestry of Indian sports in 2023, few stories appear as heart-warming and triumphant as HS Prannoy’s memorable win at the Malaysian Open Super 500 event. After six long years, he won his second career BWF title. The last time he was at the top of the podium was at the US Open in 2017. The nation collectively held its breath and heaved a sigh of relief. Prannoy’s victory not only broke a dry spell but also remained a highlight of a glorious year, which included bronze medals at the World Championships and Asian…

As we reflect on the year 2023, it throws up pivotal moments in India’s sporting history, particularly for women’s cricket. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has proved to be a transformative force, marking a defining moment in the trajectory of the women’s game in India. Lauded as a “groundbreaking” and “unprecedented” move by the BCCI, the inaugural season of the WPL left an indelible mark, with the Mumbai Indians clinching the trophy and signalling a long-awaited transformation in the landscape of women’s cricket. Not long ago, the Indian women’s cricket team had little experience of playing in front of packed…

In the dynamic world of badminton, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are not just players. They are history-makers. The year 2023 has seen them not only rewrite the history books, but also establish themselves as the undisputed champions of Indian badminton. Let’s delve into the highlights of their remarkable journey. History at Badminton Asia Championships and Asian Games Satwik and Chirag etched their names in gold by clinching India’s first-ever men’s doubles gold at the Badminton Asia Championships. This monumental victory put an end to a 52-year wait for the nation, catapulting the duo into the spotlight. Their hunger for…

Neeraj Chopra and Kishore Jena in Asian Games (Photo: Rohan Chowdhury) As we approach the pivotal year of 2024 with Paris Olympics around the corner, the 2023 Asian Games stands out as a watershed moment in India’s sporting history. This multi-sport tournament marked a historical milestone for India, with its athletes bringing home over 100 medals. Among these remarkable victories was the stellar performance of Javelin Thrower, Kishore Jena. In the sphere of javelin, Neeraj Chopra’s dominance is unparalleled, both in India and on the global stage. It seems improbable for any other Indian javelin thrower to steal the spotlight…