Author: Trisha Ghosal

IgaSwiatek, the No.1-ranked player in women’s tennis, has announced her decision to part ways with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski after three seasons of collaboration that brought unprecedented success. The 22-year-old Polish tennis star took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the guidance and support that Wiktorowski provided during their time together, marking the end of a chapter that saw her rise to World No. 1 and win four Grand Slam titles. In her post, Swiatek thanked Wiktorowski for his strategic approach and deep understanding of the game, crediting him for helping her reach the pinnacle of women’s tennis. “After 3…

In the heat of competition, tennis players often display not just their athletic prowess but also the beauty of sportsmanship. Moments where players demonstrate respect, humility, and kindness elevate the sport beyond competition, creating lasting memories that transcend generations. Here are five of the most iconic displays of sportsmanship in tennis, spanning different eras: Pete Sampras and Alex Corretja – 1996 US Open Quarterfinal In one of the most famous moments, Pete Sampras was struggling with dehydration during the 1996 US Open quarterfinal against Alex Corretja. At 1-1 in the fifth-set tiebreaker, Sampras vomited on court, yet Corretja never tried…

In a historic moment for sports and gender equality, Billie Jean King was awarded the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal today, making her the first female athlete ever to receive the honour. The award is the highest civilian recognition in the United States, given to individuals whose achievements have made a significant and lasting impact on American history and culture. King’s legacy extends far beyond her numerous tennis championships. A trailblazer for women’s rights, she famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in 1973, proving that women could compete at the highest levels of sport. But her…

As the reigning champions of three consecutive T20 World Cups, Australia’s women’s cricket team will enter the tournament as overwhelming favourites. Spearheaded by the explosive Alyssa Healy, the Aussies boast a lineup brimming with talent, depth, and power. Yet, despite their formidable reputation, even a champion side has areas ripe for exploitation by opponents. Here’s a deep dive into the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of the Australian squad ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Strengths Unmatched Batting Depth Australia’s batting unit is arguably the best in the world, with depth extending well into the lower middle…

Trisha Ghosal and Snehasis Mukherjee As the Women’s T20 World Cup approaches, the Indian women’s cricket team is grappling with injury concerns during their preparatory camp in Bangalore. Sources, under the promise of anonymity, have revealed that while a number of players are dealing with injuries, they are expected to recover in time for the tournament. Pacer Arundhati Reddy, who earned a recall to the national side after a stellar domestic season, is nursing a shoulder injury. Although she has been avoiding bowling to focus on rehabilitation, there is optimism that she will recover. Meanwhile, all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, a crucial…

As a lifelong Rafael Nadal fan, there’s a bittersweet feeling every time his name appears on a tournament entry list these days. The latest news of his withdrawal from the 2024 Laver Cup feels like yet another blow, especially for fans who have been eagerly anticipating his return to the court. For the better part of two decades, Rafa has been a beacon of grit, resilience, and determination, but as a tennis fan, it’s hard to escape the growing sense that his career is dragging on in a way that no one wants to see. In recent years, Rafa’s journey…

The 2024 US Open women’s singles final promises to be an electrifying contest between second seed Aryna Sabalenka and sixth seed Jessica Pegula. Both players have been in exceptional form throughout the season, and each is poised to capture her first US Open title. Sabalenka, already a two-time Grand Slam champion, enters as the more experienced player on tennis’ biggest stages, while Pegula will be contesting her first Major final in her home Slam. It’s a showdown of power, precision, and mental toughness, with both players vying for the ultimate prize at Flushing Meadows. Sabalenka’s 2024 season has…

Porte de la Chapelle serves as the badminton venue for the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. During the Olympic Games, the arena was alive with the sound of Indians passionately chanting “India, India” and urging on athletes like Sindhu, SatChi, and Lakshya. It was a fitting tribute to our sporting heroes, who deserved every bit of the support, fanfare and accolades. But as I stood in that same venue during the Paralympics, I couldn’t help but wonder: What about Suhas Yathiraj? What about Krishna Nagar? What about Nithya Sree? Aren’t they our athletes too? Is the Olympics inherently more important…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris In the heart of India, where tradition often dictates the roles and aspirations of women, two young athletes have emerged as powerful symbols of change — Manu Bhaker and Avani Lekhara. As the nation began its journey in the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024, it was these two remarkable women, both of the same age, who set the tone for what would become a historic campaign. Manu clinched a bronze in the Olympics, while Avani defended her gold in the Paralympics, each embodying the resilience and determination that has come to define their journeys. In…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris Indian para-shooter Manish Narwal secured a silver medal in the P1 – Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024, adding another accolade to his already impressive career. The event began with a shaky start for Narwal, as he found himself in fifth position after the first 10 shots, much to the anxiety of the Indian supporters at the Chateauroux Arena. As the competition moved into the elimination rounds, Narwal demonstrated remarkable composure and focus, gradually climbing up the ranks and putting himself in contention for a medal. For a brief moment,…