Friday, February 13

Sports

Nitin Narang Elected as New President of All India Chess Federation (AICF) for 2024-27 Term
News, Sports

Nitin Narang Elected as New President of All India Chess Federation (AICF) for 2024-27 Term

Nitin Narang of Haryana has been elected as the new president of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) for the term 2024-27. The election took place during the AICF General Body meeting in New Delhi, adhering to the National Sports Code. Narang succeeds Sanjay Kapoor in this role. In addition to the presidency, the General Body appointed new office bearers. Dev A Patel from Gujarat has been named the new Secretary, taking over from Bharat Singh Chauhan. International Arbiter Dharmendra Kumar from Bihar has been appointed as the Treasurer, replacing Naresh Sharma. Other AICF Updates The AICF General Body also elected six vice presidents and six joint secretaries. The vice presidents are Anil Kumar Raizada (Uttar Pradesh), Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua (West Bengal), Raghvendra Si...
Why Hiring a Mental Conditioning Coach Can Be a Game-Changer for Indian Hockey
Sports

Why Hiring a Mental Conditioning Coach Can Be a Game-Changer for Indian Hockey

The news of Paddy Upton joining the Indian men's hockey team as their mental conditioning coach for the Paris Olympics is a cause for celebration. But why is mental conditioning so crucial in today's high-pressure sporting world? Let's delve deeper. What is Mental Conditioning? Modern athletes are marvels of physical training. Yet, the difference between good and great often lies in the mind. Mental conditioning is a form of training that focuses on the mental aspects of athletic performance. It equips athletes with the psychological tools and strategies to: Manage Pressure: The roar of the crowd, the weight of expectation – these can be overwhelming. Mental conditioning teaches players to channel anxiety into focus and stay calm under pressure. Build Resilience: Set...
ISL 2023-24 Stats: Who is Leading the Golden Boot Race?
Football, Sports

ISL 2023-24 Stats: Who is Leading the Golden Boot Race?

The Indian Super League (ISL) continues to enthrall fans with its exciting matches and top-notch performances. The battle for the Golden Boot and Golden Glove heats up as the season progresses. Diamantakos Takes Charge in Golden Boot Race Kerala Blasters' Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for the Golden Boot award. His recent brace against Mohun Bagan SG propelled him to the top spot with 12 goals, even though he has played fewer games than his closest competitor, Roy Krishna of Odisha FC (12 goals in 18 matches). Here's a look at the top scorers as per the ISL 2023-24 stats: RankingPlayerTeamMatches PlayedGoals1Dimitrios DiamantakosKerala Blasters15122Roy KrishnaOdisha FC18123Jason CummingsMohun Bagan Super Giant1694Dimitrios P...
Meghalaya Games: A Launchpad for Tura and a Stepping Stone for Nationals
Sports

Meghalaya Games: A Launchpad for Tura and a Stepping Stone for Nationals

The recently concluded Meghalaya Games held in Tura, West Garo Hills district, were more than just a multi-sport event. They served as a crucial dress rehearsal for both the host district and the state as a whole, in preparation for the upcoming 40th National Games. Tura Steps Up to the Plate: Infrastructure and Logistics Tura, for the first time, shouldered the responsibility of hosting the Meghalaya Games. The district successfully managed the logistical challenges of accommodating and catering to athletes from across the state. Upgrading and developing sporting infrastructure played a key role. This included ensuring proper maintenance of existing facilities and potentially constructing new ones to meet specific needs. The smooth conduct of the Games demonstrates Tura's readi...
Lakshya Sen, Tanisha-Ashwini Shine at All England Championships
Badminton, Sports

Lakshya Sen, Tanisha-Ashwini Shine at All England Championships

The prestigious Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships are underway, and Indian shuttlers are making their presence felt! The tournament, considered one of the most important events in the badminton calendar, is witnessing a thrilling display of talent. On Wednesday, several Indian players put on impressive performances, setting the stage for exciting matches in the coming rounds. Here's a quick breakdown: Lakshya Sen Cruises into Round of 16 World Championship bronze medalist Lakshya Sen dominated his opening round match against Denmark's Magnus Johannesen. Sen secured a comfortable straight-game victory (21-14, 21-15) in just 40 minutes. He now faces another Danish challenger, the higher-seeded Anders Antonsen, in the round of 16. Tanisha-Ashwini Pair Upsets...
Ashwin reclaims top spot in ICC Test Bowling Rankings, Bumrah dethroned!
Cricket, Sports

Ashwin reclaims top spot in ICC Test Bowling Rankings, Bumrah dethroned!

Ravichandran Ashwin has cemented his place as a modern-day great by regaining the No. 1 ranking in the ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings. This impressive feat comes after his stellar performance with a nine-wicket haul in his historic 100th Test match against England. Ashwin Enjoys Dominant Return to the Top Ashwin's fiery bowling spells (4/51 & 5/77) in the final Test against England propelled him past his compatriot Jasprit Bumrah to reclaim the top spot. This marks Ashwin's sixth stint at the pinnacle of the Test bowling rankings, with his first reign beginning in December 2015. Yadav's Meteoric Rise Kuldeep Yadav, who achieved the fastest fifty Test wickets for India in terms of balls bowled, also witnessed a significant rise. His seven-wicket haul in the Dh...
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...
Palak Kohli Gears Up for Paris Paralympics After Overcoming Surgery and COVID
Sports, Sports Stars

Palak Kohli Gears Up for Paris Paralympics After Overcoming Surgery and COVID

Palak Kohli and her journey in para-badminton is a testament to her unwavering determination. The 21-year-old shuttler recently claimed a World Championship bronze medal in Thailand, marking a remarkable comeback after major surgery and a COVID setback. From School Discouragement to Paralympic Debut Born with an underdeveloped left arm, Kohli's passion for badminton faced discouragement during her school days. However, a chance meeting with national coach Gaurav Khanna in 2016 opened doors to para-badminton. At the young age of 18, she represented India in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the Tokyo Paralympics. Surgery and Doubts, But Not Defeat A bone tumor surgery a year later forced Kohli to take a break from the sport. Even her coach advised her to prioritize hea...
Vidarbha Dig Deep to Extend Ranji Trophy Final Against Mumbai
Cricket, Sports

Vidarbha Dig Deep to Extend Ranji Trophy Final Against Mumbai

The Ranji Trophy final between Vidarbha and Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium has taken a dramatic turn. Chasing a mammoth target of 538, Vidarbha displayed exceptional grit and determination to bat through Day Four and extend the match into the final day. Karun Nair, Akshay Wadkar Lead Vidarbha Fightback Veteran batsman Karun Nair led the fightback for Vidarbha with a defiant knock of 74 runs. He batted for nearly five hours, anchoring the innings on a pitch that offered slow turn. Wicketkeeper-batsman Akshay Wadkar provided crucial support with a fluent unbeaten 56, his uppercut off Tushar Deshpande being the shot of the day. Early Setbacks Overcome by Crucial Innings in Ranji Trophy Final Vidarbha lost their openers cheaply but a dropped catch by Hardik Tamore on Karun Nai...