Author: Trisha Ghosal

Trisha Ghosal in Reims Visiting the Stade de Reims, even with its gates firmly shut, is like stepping into the pages of a grand, forgotten epic. The stadium might be silent, its stands empty, but the air thrums with the stories of the past—tales of triumph, artistry, and the indomitable human spirit. As I stood outside the arena, a chill ran down my spine, not from the cool breeze, but from the overwhelming presence of history, embodied in two iconic figures: Raymond Kopa and Just Fontaine. At the entrance, a bronze statue commands attention — Kopa, frozen in time, captured…

Trisha Ghoshal As we celebrate 77 years of India’s independence, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought for the freedom we now enjoy. But as the Tricolour flies high and we sing the national anthem with pride, a deeper question emerges: Are we truly independent? Do we, as a society, embrace the essence of freedom in all its forms, or are there still chains that bind us — chains of prejudice, judgment, and unrealistic expectations, especially in the world of sports? Sports have always been more than just games. They are a reflection of our…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris In the enchanting land of Paris, a city where every corner whispers verses of poetry, the greatest sacrifice in sports was quietly made. Paris, with its romantic boulevards, iconic Eiffel Tower, and history etched in art and revolution, is a city where the heartstrings of love and ambition are eternally entwined. But in the summer of 2024, Paris was not just the city of lights and love—it was the battleground where dreams collided, heroes were forged, and the great sacrifice of sports was made. As the world gathered in this timeless city for the Olympic Games,…

Trisha Ghoshal As the final embers of the Olympic flame flicker out, casting their last golden glows across the Parisian night, the City of Lights begins its gentle return to a quieter rhythm, one steeped in centuries of history, culture, and romance. The Paris Olympics 2024, an extraordinary confluence of athleticism and artistry, came to a triumphant close yesterday. For 20 days, the world’s gaze was fixed on this city, where the timeless elegance of the Seine intertwined with the electric energy of competition, creating a tapestry of moments that will be etched in the memory of all who witnessed…

Trisha Ghoshal in Paris The sporting world often witnesses remarkable familial legacies, but few are as compelling as the story of Tomasz and Iga Swiatek. Representing Poland on the grandest stage of international competition, both father and daughter have etched their names into Olympic history, each making it to the last eight of their respective sports and contributing to their nation’s sporting prestige. Tomasz Swiatek, a talented rower, competed in the men’s quadruple sculls at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. His journey to the Olympic quarterfinals was a testament to his dedication and skill in a sport that demands both physical…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris, 2nd August It’s been nearly two weeks since I landed in Paris, living my dream of covering the Olympic Games. Doing so in a city as enchanting as Paris is a double delight, ticking off a major bucket list item. Covering a single sport is one thing, but immersing myself in the whirlwind of a multi-sport event is entirely different. Here’s a glimpse into my Olympic adventure. Paris turned up the heat these past two days, making sure we didn’t feel homesick. Our team kept saying, “Paris feels like India.” But today brought a refreshing change:…

Trisha Ghosal In the high-stakes world of Olympic boxing, India’s Nikhat Zareen faced an uphill battle from the moment she stepped into the ring. The unseeded two-time world champion was up against Wu Yu, the reigning Asian Games champion and top seed in the women’s 50kg boxing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite her best efforts, Nikhat lost 5-0, a unanimous decision that ended her medal hopes prematurely. The disappointment was palpable as Nikhat emerged to speak with Indian journalists, tears in her eyes. “I am sorry I couldn’t get a medal for the country,” she said, her voice…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was a mesmerising spectacle that captivated audiences worldwide. Held at the iconic Stade de France, the event began with a twist as Jamel Debbouze humorously mistook the empty stadium for a prank. The stage was then set for Zinédine Zidane, the legendary French footballer, to heroically carry the Olympic Flame from the stadium to the Seine, marking the start of a historic celebration. In a groundbreaking move, the athletes paraded on the Seine River, greeted first by the Greek delegation passing under the Austerlitz Bridge. This aquatic…

In a setback for the Indian women’s cricket team, off-spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the remainder of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 due to a fractured finger. The Asian Cricket Council confirmed her exit in a media release on Saturday, July 20. Patil sustained the injury while attempting a catch during India’s opening match against Pakistan, where she played a key role in securing a victory with her impressive bowling figures of 2-14. Patil, who had already suffered a hairline fracture on the same hand earlier this year during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, now faces…

In the world of tennis, stories of perseverance and triumph often stand out as beacons of inspiration. The journeys of Jana Novotna and Barbora Krejcikova epitomize the indomitable spirit that defines true champions. Their intertwined paths, marked by challenges, heartbreaks, and eventual triumphs, reveal the profound impact of mentorship and the unyielding power of a never-give-up attitude. The Heartbreak and Resilience of the mentor Jana Novotna Jana Novotna’s journey at Wimbledon is legendary, not just for her victories, but for her incredible resilience. In 1993, she was on the brink of glory, leading Steffi Graf 4-1 in the final set…