Saturday, July 27

Author: Sujay Puri

Sport Circle Co-Founder and Youtuber, Sujay Puri's love for sport transcends practically everything else. As a sports enthisiast, Sujay loves to talk about cricket, football, badminton, hockey, volleyball, and kabaddi. You can find him on his youtube channel, Sport Circle, alternating between ranting about the system's inequities, and waxing lyrical about matches and sports leagues.
Sharath Kamal: Age is Just a Number at the Singapore Smash 2024!
Others, Sports

Sharath Kamal: Age is Just a Number at the Singapore Smash 2024!

The Singapore Smash table tennis tournament is witnessing a resurgence unlike any other. At 41 years old, India's Sharath Kamal is defying expectations and playing some of the best table tennis of his career. His latest conquest? A dominant 3-0 (11-4, 11-8, 12-10) victory over Egypt's Omar Assar, propelling him into the quarterfinals. Sharath's Masterclass This wasn't just a win. It was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Kamal's trademark forehand topspins and backhand flicks were on fire, keeping Omar Assar (ranked 22nd in the world) constantly on the back foot. Gone were the tentative opening exchanges. Sharath, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, went on the offensive from the get-go, dictating the pace of the match. Sharath Kamal: Mental Fortitude Under Pressur...
Flash Target Fiasco Mars WSPS Para Shooting World Cup Finals
Shooting, Sports

Flash Target Fiasco Mars WSPS Para Shooting World Cup Finals

The prestigious WSPS Para Shooting World Cup finals held in India witnessed a major embarrassment as the organizers failed to provide proper targets for the trap finals. This oversight caused significant disruption and raised questions about the event's management. What Went Wrong at the WSPS Para Shooting World Cup Finals? Missing Flash Targets: While not mandatory, "flash targets" are standard in most international shotgun event finals. These targets explode in a pink cloud upon being hit, aiding judges in their decisions. Unusable Replacements: Organizers, despite having purchased flash targets, provided ones deemed unfit for competition by the international jury. Scrambling for a Solution Furious Jury: The international jury demanded immediate replacement of the ...
A 7-Goal Thriller: Gokulam Kerala Edges Past Aizawl FC in I-League Shootout (4-3)
Football, Sports

A 7-Goal Thriller: Gokulam Kerala Edges Past Aizawl FC in I-League Shootout (4-3)

The battle for the I-League title intensified on Thursday night as Gokulam Kerala edged past Aizawl FC in a pulsating 4-3 encounter. This victory propels Gokulam closer to the top spot, currently held by Mohammedan Sporting, but also highlights the competitive nature of the league. Early Setback Ignites Fighting Spirit Gokulam Kerala's defense faltered in the 20th minute, allowing Lalbiakdika Vanlalvunga of Aizawl to capitalize and put the visitors ahead. However, this setback only served to ignite Gokulam's fighting spirit. Just nine minutes later, Matija Babovic displayed his attacking prowess, weaving through multiple Aizawl defenders to find the equalizer. Nikola Stojanovic Steps Up with a Wonder Strike Gokulam continued to press forward, and their efforts were rewarde...
Mumbai Celebrates Ranji Trophy Win: Rahane Praises BCCI for Prioritizing Domestic Cricket
Cricket, Sports

Mumbai Celebrates Ranji Trophy Win: Rahane Praises BCCI for Prioritizing Domestic Cricket

Elated after securing Mumbai's record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title, captain Ajinkya Rahane and coach Omkar Salvi reflected on their triumphant run. The celebrations were not just about the victory, but also an appreciation for the BCCI's renewed focus on domestic cricket. Rahane Lauds BCCI's Commitment to Domestic Cricket While acknowledging the contribution of every player in their championship run, Rahane specifically commended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for prioritizing domestic tournaments. "I want to mention [about] BCCI for giving importance to domestic cricket, which is a [very] good thing. Allowing players to participate in domestic cricket is very important," he emphasized. This renewed focus by the BCCI aligns with the concerns raised by h...
Vinesh Phogat Controversy: Is Competing in 2 Weight Categories Fair?
Sports, Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat Controversy: Is Competing in 2 Weight Categories Fair?

Vinesh Phogat, India's decorated wrestler, recently ignited a firestorm of debate by competing in two weight categories (50kg and 53kg) at the Indian Wrestling Trials for the Asian Olympic Qualifiers. While Phogat emerged victorious in both categories, the move sparked questions about fairness and adherence to wrestling regulations. Fair Play or Unfair Advantage? Arguments for Vinesh Phogat: Versatility and Strategic Advantage: Supporters argue that Phogat's ability to compete in two categories showcases her versatility as a wrestler. They see it as a strategic move, allowing her to choose the weight class that best suits her performance at the Olympics. Addressing Injuries: Some suggest that Phogat might be aiming to compete in the 53kg category at the Olympics due to l...
Can Odisha FC defy the odds against Central Coast Mariners in the AFC Cup?
Football, Sports

Can Odisha FC defy the odds against Central Coast Mariners in the AFC Cup?

The Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar is set to witness a tense battle in the AFC Cup 2023-24 Inter-zonal semifinal second leg. Odisha FC, trailing 0-4 on aggregate after a drubbing in the first leg away against Central Coast Mariners, faces an uphill task to stay alive in the competition. Lobera Seeks Inspiration from Kalinga Magic Head coach Sergio Lobera understands the daunting challenge ahead. He acknowledges the Mariners' quality, calling them "one of the best teams in Australia." However, Lobera, known for his tactical acumen, refuses to give up. He emphasizes belief and the unique home advantage the Kalinga Stadium provides. "They need to play here, and it's not easy to play in Kalinga," said Lobera. "In football, everything is possible, and we need to believe in the end...
Shreyas Iyer’s Back Pain Raises Concerns in Ranji Trophy Final
Cricket, Sports

Shreyas Iyer’s Back Pain Raises Concerns in Ranji Trophy Final

The ongoing Ranji Trophy final between Mumbai and Vidarbha has witnessed a development that has cast a shadow over Mumbai's batting strength. Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the team, sat out the entirety of Day 4 due to back pain. Team Management Assures Fitness for Final Day While Mumbai team manager Bhushan Patil confirmed that Iyer's back pain is a minor issue and he should be fit to play on the last day, the episode has reignited concerns about the batsman's ongoing battle with back injuries. Back Issues Plague Iyer's Recent Career This isn't the first time back pain has disrupted Iyer's cricketing journey. He was reportedly experiencing discomfort during the England tour, which contributed to his mid-series omission from the Indian squad. This setback also resulted in h...
Test Cricket on Life Support? BCCI’s Incentive Scheme Offers a Lifeline
Cricket, Sports

Test Cricket on Life Support? BCCI’s Incentive Scheme Offers a Lifeline

Test cricket, the traditional format revered as the ultimate test of a cricketer's skill and temperament, faces a growing challenge: the rise of T20 cricket. With its fast-paced action, big-hitting, and shorter commitment, T20 leagues like the IPL have captured the imagination of fans and players alike. This begs the question: is Test cricket on its way out? The BCCI's recent introduction of a financial incentive scheme for Test cricketers in India is a clear signal of their concern. By offering significant bonuses to players who prioritize the five-day format, the board hopes to reignite passion for red ball cricket and ensure its survival. Is Test Cricket Ending Soon? https://youtu.be/7IKZB1YGXYg?si=4DmEAzRRNpOsGOZ4 Is Money the Answer? While financial rewards ar...
Shabnam Shakil: Gujarat Giants’ Teenage Pace Sensation Taking the WPL by Storm
Biographies, Cricket, Sports

Shabnam Shakil: Gujarat Giants’ Teenage Pace Sensation Taking the WPL by Storm

Sixteen-year-old Shabnam Shakil has emerged as a beacon of hope for the Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024. Let's explore Shabnam's journey, her impressive bowling performances, her learnings from setbacks, and her aspirations for the future. From Benchwarmer to Breakout Star Despite the Gujarat Giants' initial struggles in the WPL, a change of venue brought a change in fortunes. One of the key figures in this turnaround has been Shabnam Shakil. Always sporting a bright smile, Shabnam made her WPL debut against Royal Challengers Bangalore, becoming the league's youngest player. While wicketless in her debut, her control, variations, and ability to bowl yorkers impressed everyone. A Dream Delivered: Maiden Wicket and Beyond Shabnam Shakil retained her p...
Virat Kohli’s T20 World Cup Spot in Limbo: BCCI’s Reasoning Sparks Fan Fury
Cricket, Sports

Virat Kohli’s T20 World Cup Spot in Limbo: BCCI’s Reasoning Sparks Fan Fury

Dark clouds loom over Virat Kohli's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled for June in the West Indies and USA. According to a Telegraph report, the BCCI is contemplating dropping Virat Kohli, sparking outrage and confusion among fans. BCCI's Reasoning Raises Eyebrows The BCCI's justification for potentially excluding Kohli hinges on the expected pitch conditions. Selectors and team management believe Kohli's style isn't well-suited for the slow, low-bounce wickets anticipated in North America. They seem to favour a younger batting line-up featuring players like Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube, known for their big-hitting prowess. Fan Backlash: "Worst Excuse Ever" This rationale hasn't resonated well with Kohli's legion of fans....