Author: Rohan Chowdhury

Rohan Chowdhury A unicorn named Finnie has been unveiled as the official mascot for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with just a year to go until the city welcomes athletes from across the globe. The character, inspired by Scotland’s national animal, was designed with the input of 76 children from 24 Glasgow schools. She takes her name from the iconic Finnieston Crane and was introduced to the public from its very top. Finnie embodies Glasgow’s humour, history, and culture. Her horn mimics the traffic cone often seen atop the Duke of Wellington statue, while her silver shoes honour the city’s…

Rohan Chowdhury in Manchester On a gloomy morning in Manchester, it was a crucial toss to win – and Ben Stokes did just that, opting to bowl first under overcast conditions. With the ball expected to swing and seam, it was a testing period for the Indian openers. Yet, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul defied expectations, guiding India to a solid 78 without loss by lunch on Day 1 of the 4th Test against England. Chris Woakes opened the attack for England, with Jaiswal on strike. The left-hand batter had a nervy start, edging one in the very first over,…

Rohan Chowdhury in Manchester After a gap of eight days, the high-stakes England versus India Test series resumes at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. England lead the series 2-1, while India, under the leadership of young captain Shubman Gill, look to bounce back after a narrow defeat at Lord’s. Gill has been in remarkable form in this series, scoring 607 runs across three matches, including a monumental 269 at Edgbaston. However, the Lord’s Test proved to be a rare dip in performance for the Indian skipper, where he managed just 16 and six in the two innings. As we’ve…

After spending a month and a half in England, there’s something I can’t shake off — a sight that’s become part of the everyday landscape here, whether you’re walking down Deansgate in Manchester or standing outside a club shop in Leeds: official club merchandise everywhere. From Premier League giants to non-league teams, every football and cricket club I’ve visited has its own dedicated space — a store, sometimes modest, often buzzing, always proudly dressed in club colours. Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the chance to visit some iconic sporting locations — Old Trafford (both the football and cricket…

Manchester, June 21 Manchester — a city that reverberates with the spirit of football and Manchester United, a club so iconic that even those far removed from the sport are likely to know its name. The area of Trafford, in Greater Manchester, flaunts two legendary stadiums: Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home to Lancashire County Cricket Club, and Old Trafford football Stadium, the fortress of United. Yet, it’s not just the landmarks that speak of legacy. Walk through the streets and you’re instantly transported into the Red Devils’ den. Houses, shops, pubs — everything is cloaked in the United theme. The…

Indian football fans, unless avid followers of leagues below the Premier League, may not be too familiar with English lower division clubs. But when star Indian striker Bhaichung Bhutia signed with then League One side Bury FC in September 1999, it was headline-worthy news back home. The move marked a historic milestone — Bhutia became the first Indian footballer to sign a professional contract with an English club. Of course Md. Salim had a short stint in Europe, but that was way back in 1936, also in Scotland for Celtic FC. Though Bhutia’s time with the Lancashire-based side — affectionately…

Rohan Chowdhury in England India’s differently abled cricket team recently concluded a seven-match T20I series in England, facing a tough challenge against the hosts. The series ended 6-1 in England’s favour, with India securing a memorable win at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. While the scoreboard might not reflect it, the tour marked a significant moment for the growth and future of differently abled cricket in India. In the wake of the tour, the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), in partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has launched a coaching certification programme designed…

By Rohan Chowdhury Indian women’s football team stalwart and goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan has announced her retirement from professional football after a decorated 17-year career. One of the most iconic names in Indian women’s football, she made 57 international appearances and represented several top Indian clubs. In a historic move, she also became the first Indian women’s team player to play competitive club football in England, turning out for West Ham United Ladies, for whom she made seven appearances. Her journey from Delhi to London remains a defining chapter in the evolution of Indian women’s football. Chauhan made her senior national…

English summer is for cricket. Fans gather, enjoy a few pints, and immerse themselves in the beautiful game in its purest form — Test cricket. And when it comes to Lord’s, the Home of Cricket, the game merges seamlessly with tradition and storied legacy. Home to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), formed in 1788, this iconic ground has stood tall as one of cricket’s cultural epicentres through the ages. On Monday, July 14th, Lord’s witnessed one of the most nail-biting finishes to a Test match in recent memory. India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammad Siraj fought valiantly till the very end…

Rohan Chowdhury in London While KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant held fort in the middle during the first hour of play on Day 3 of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s, another scene unfolded quietly on the adjacent Nursery Ground of the iconic venue. India captain Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal took to the nets for a focused training session. Taking throwdowns and going through specific drills, the two in-form batters seemed to be working through the disappointments of their brief outings in the first innings. Both had been brilliant in the first two Tests, but…