New Delhi, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday chaired a review meeting for India's bid for the 2036 Olympic Games and two other major events to be hosted in Ahmedabad.

India plans to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2029 Police and Fire Games at Ahmedabad, besides the 2036 Olympic Games.

In a post on X informing about the meeting, Shah affirmed the Modi Government's commitment to establishing India as a global destination by hosting major international sports events. The hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games and, before that, the Police and Fire Games in 2029 are in line with that commitment.

"Modi Govt is firmly committed to establishing India as a global sporting destination by hosting international sporting events.

"Today, chaired a review meeting on India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, as well as preparations for hosting the 2029 Police and Fire Games and the 2030 Commonwealth Games, in Ahmedabad," the Home Minister wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya also attended the meeting along with other senior officials of his ministry and representatives of the Gujarat Government.

In the review meeting, the home minister was briefed on the preparations for the major international events at Ahmedabad and the progress of India's bid for the 2036 Olympics in the Gujarat capital.

Following the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, an Indian delegation representing Ahmedabad had received the Commonwealth Games Flag as the next host of the games. The flag was handed over to Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

Sanghavi later formally presented the CWG flag to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during the state cabinet meeting after his return from Glasgow.

Source: IANS

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Budapest, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Eighth seed and World No 54 Velavan Senthilkumar stunned Malaysian world No 18 and top seed Eain Yow Ng 11-2, 11-9, 11-8 in the quarterfinals of the Budapest Open squash, a USD 43,500 PSA Copper event in the Hungarian capital on Thursday.

The Indian No.4 raced through the first game with nine straight points from 2-2, before holding off a late comeback from Ng to double his advantage. From there, he wasn’t to be denied, clinching the third game 11-8 to move through to the last four after 53 minutes of play.

Senthilkumar will face India’s Veer Chotrani for a spot in Friday’s title decider, after the No.3 seed saw off No.6 seed Mohamed ElSherbini in a hard-fought four-game duel.

Meanwhile, third seed Chotrani, ranked 38 in the world, defeated Egyptian sixth seed and world No 51 Mohamed Elsherbini 14-12, 12-14, 11-6, 11-8 in the quarterfinals.

Earlier, Chotrani and Senthilkumar advanced to the quarterfinals with four-game wins each.

World No 38 Chotrani, the third seed, beat Rui Soares of Portugal 13-11,12-14, 11-9, 12-10 in the pre-quarterfinals following a first-round bye in the new season.

World No 54 Senthilkumar, the eighth seed, defeated German fifth seed Raphael Kandra 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-2 in the pre-quarterfinals after putting it past Briton Will Salter 11-9, 11-6, 11-5 in the opening round.

In other matches on Thursday, Hungarian No.1 Balazs Farkas continued his quest for a dream victory on home soil after claiming his second successive seeding scalp, this time defeating Japan’s Ryunosuke Tsukue.

After clinching a closely fought first game 11-9, Farkas only moved from strength to strength, wrapping up the subsequent two games 11-6, 11-2 to reach the semi-finals of the Budapest Open for the first time.

No.4 seed Moustafa Elsirty will be Farkas’ opponent in the semi-finals, after the Egyptian downed Abdulla Al-Tamimi in four games.

Victories for Senthilkumar and Farkas, along with Veer Chotrani and Moustafa Elsirty, mean that all four of Thursday’s semi-finalists will be on the hunt for a maiden World Events title this week.

Results (quarterfinals):

[8] Velavan Senthilkumar (IND) bt [1] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) 3-0: 11-2, 11-9, 11-8 (53m)

[3] Veer Chotrani (IND) bt [6] Mohamed ElSherbini (SLO) 3-1: 14-12, 12-14, 11-6, 11-8 (63m)

[4] Moustafa Elsirty (EGY) bt Abdulla Al-Tamimi (QAT) 3-1: 10-12, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 (61m)

Balazs Farkas (HUN) bt [7] Ryunosuke Tsukue (JPN) 3-0: 11-9, 11-6, 11-2 (30m)

Draw semifinals:

[8] Velavan Senthilkumar (IND) v [3] Veer Chotrani (IND)

[4] Moustafa Elsirty (EGY) v Balazs Farkas (HUN)

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Khelo India Samvaad (Khelo India Dialogue) via video conference on Thursday, addressing youth and athletes who connected from over 5,000 institutes across the country as part of the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations.v

The Khelo India Samvaad was held as part of the celebrations for National Sports Day, which is celebrated on August 29 every year, as the birth anniversary of hockey magician Major Dhyan Chand.

The Prime Minister, speaking to the youth across the nation via video conferencing, touched upon the deeper purpose of sports in nation-building. He said, "When I talk about sports, it isn't just about winning medals; it is a campaign to integrate India's sports power and youth energy to build a Viksit Bharat. I have always said, "Those who play will blossom."

Calling for India to expand its footprint across global sporting disciplines, the Prime Minister said, "Other countries are winning medals in sports where India does not even participate; we must master these sports as well." He added, "To increase our medal tally, we will absolutely have to achieve mastery in these sports."

To that extent, the Prime Minister further outlined India’s long-term strategy for the 2036 Olympics, so that a vast number of Indian athletes are capable, not only to qualify, but also to excel in a wide range of disciplines.

The PM informed the youth of the launch of a massive national Talent Hunt to target children aged 5 to 15. "Whatever support is needed from the government for this, the government will walk shoulder-to-shoulder with you in it," Shri Modi said.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, welcomed the Prime Minister virtually from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, and said, "The country has, for the first time, seen sports not merely as an activity but as a national priority."

The Sports Minister hailed the Prime Minister’s personal connect with athletes. He said to the PM, "Your personal connect with athletes is the biggest strength of your sports vision. You have celebrated champions' victories; you have always given them praise and encouragement. But when any athlete faced defeat, you never left their side. This is the reason why India's athletes consider you their own."

Dr. Mandaviya hailed the reach of the MyBharat platform, saying, "More than 2.4 crore youth across the country have already joined it, and are contributing to nation-building alongside their careers."

On the government's youth-centric approach to policy-making, he said, "Based on the ideas of the youth, this year's budget was called the Youth-Centric Budget. Today the youth of the country feel that their ideas are no longer ignored, but implemented."

Dr. Mandaviya also outlined the importance of strengthening sports governance through transparency and accountability. He said, "Through the National Sports Governance Act, the effort to strengthen transparency, accountability and fair opportunity ensures that talent gets its due."

After the Prime Minister's address, Olympic medallist Gagan Narang shared his inspiring journey as an athlete with the youth present at IIT Gandhinagar.

Narang said, “Thanks to the administrative changes in sports nowadays, the athletes get the best equipment to compete at the international level. It is because of such changes that we have come here.”

He was joined by 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Sheetal Devi, who also shared her inspiring journey with those present. She said, “Mindsets have changed today. Those who used to question, 'what can they (para-athletes) achieve,' today say, 'yes, they will achieve; they are the ones who will bring home the medals’.”

The students of IIT Gandhinagar made a presentation to the youth present at the event, built around five key themes outlined by the Prime Minister – Sports, Olympic Aspirations, Youth Leadership, Viksit Bharat, and Nasha Mukt Yuva – with a strong focus on India’s journey towards achieving sporting excellence.

Source: IANS

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Raipur, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) India T20 vice-captain Tilak Varma attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's virtual address to the nation's youth. Tilak was present in Chhattisgarh at a screening of Modi's virtual interaction, named 'Khelo India Dialogue', and the cricketer praised the Prime Minister's address to the youth of the country.

"It was a very good event. PM Modi delivered a strong message. Young people need to stay away from drugs. Events like this should be organised. Such initiatives can help keep the youth away from drugs," Varma told the media after attending Modi's virtual event.

"I have visited Chhattisgarh earlier to play cricket. Chhattisgarh has a lot of potential for sports as well. Now I have come to give a message to stay away from drugs," Varma said.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao was also present at the event and highlighted Modi's efforts for the youth.

"Prime Minister Modi organised the Khelo India Dialogue and interacted with sportspersons and young people associated with sports from across the country. He discussed how India can achieve better results at the 2036 Olympics and how our country can become drug-free. The Prime Minister interacted with the youth across the country today, which infused them with new energy. A drug-free youth will play an important role in building a developed India," he told the media.

During his interaction, Modi stressed that sports help the youth to stay away from drugs. "Friends, another great advantage of sports is that real athletes develop a desire to stay away from drugs. Today, when young people face such a big challenge of drugs, sports play a very important role in this. I am happy that sports is a great profession in India today. People in our country are participating in triathlons. Also, 5K and 10K races are taking place," Modi said in his address.

The Prime Minister also called for India to broaden its participation across Olympic disciplines, saying the country must develop athletes in sports where it has traditionally had little or no representation, as part of preparations for the 2036 Olympics. Addressing youngsters, Modi said a nationwide talent hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15 would be crucial for identifying athletes early and training them in sports suited to their abilities.

"This time, from the Red Fort, I drew the country's attention to a major challenge in sports. This challenge is related to the Olympics. The bitter truth is that India's teams don't participate in half of the sports that are a part of the Olympics."

PM Modi said India's limited participation had remained a longstanding concern and directly affected the country's prospects in the overall medal standings. "That is, we do not compete for a very large part of the medal tally. And this has been the situation for a long time now. In the 2012 Olympics, India participated in only 13 sports. In more than 20 sports, India did not participate."

The Prime Minister cited disciplines such as surfing and sports climbing as areas where India could build a stronger presence, given the country's diverse geography. "There are so many sports whose names people in the country have probably heard of. Other countries win medals in those sports. And we do not participate in those sports. We have to acquire the skills in these sports to increase the medal tally in these sports as well. For example, surfing and sports climbing."

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said he was "pleased" to see "so many people" attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's virtual Khelo India Samvaad. Modi addressed the youth and emphasised the importance of sports and fitness in people's lives.

Rijiju stated that the big attendance for Modi's virtual address left him "pleased". "I was very pleased to see so many people attend the Prime Minister’s Khelo India Samvaad and with the way the programme was organised at Hindu College," Rijiju told the media.

"The main point is the message given by the Prime Minister to athletes and youth to fulfil their dreams and take flight towards achieving their aspirations. The Prime Minister has presented a vision for this. He mentioned this in his Independence Day speech as well, and today again, the Prime Minister reiterated that the Government of India is providing full support to take the youth forward in the world of sports," he added.

Meanwhile, the Union Minister also heaped praise on Modi's Khelo India program, stating that the event has reached India's youth. "The PM Modi government started this initiative in 2014 itself. Khelo India was not launched just recently. Prime Minister Modi launched Khelo India a long time ago, and it has already reached the youth," he added.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also spoke on Modi's virtual address, praising the PM for his efforts in the Khelo India program. "The event was organised at the NIFT Jodhpur. I would like to congratulate the NIFT Director, the NIFT family, and all the volunteers of My Bharat for the successful organisation of the program," Shekhawat said.

He also praised Modi's efforts in the area of sports. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led several important initiatives, including Khelo India, Khelega India to Khilega India. These efforts aim to encourage the youth of the country to participate in sports and provide them with better opportunities," he added.

Modi called for India to broaden its participation across Olympic disciplines, saying the country must develop athletes in sports where it has traditionally had little or no representation, as part of preparations for the 2036 Olympics. Addressing youngsters, Modi said a nationwide talent hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15 would be crucial for identifying athletes early and training them in sports suited to their abilities.

"This time, from the Red Fort, I drew the country's attention to a major challenge in sports. This challenge is related to the Olympics. The bitter truth is that India's teams don't participate in half of the sports that are a part of the Olympics."

PM Modi said India's limited participation had remained a longstanding concern and directly affected the country's prospects in the overall medal standings. "That is, we do not compete for a very large part of the medal tally. And this has been the situation for a long time now. In the 2012 Olympics, India participated in only 13 sports. In more than 20 sports, India did not participate."

The Prime Minister cited disciplines such as surfing and sports climbing as areas where India could build a stronger presence, given the country's diverse geography.

"There are so many sports whose names people in the country have probably heard of. Other countries win medals in those sports. And we do not participate in those sports. We have to acquire the skills in these sports to increase the medal tally in these sports as well. For example, surfing and sports climbing."

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The 2025 Women's Chess World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh will make her debut in the Global Chess League with defending champions Alpine Pipers when the fourth season begins in Bengaluru on September 5.

The 20-year-old Indian chess star, recently named an Arjuna Award recipient, will join a formidable Pipers line-up featuring world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, Vidit Gujrathi and Volodar Murzin.

Having largely competed in individual tournaments, Deshmukh is looking forward to the challenge of rapid chess in the league’s franchise-based team format and the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd.

“It’s my debut, so I’m definitely very excited. It’s not like any other chess tournament. There’s going to be a lot of audience for this one, which is going to be really nice. And also, the format is quite different to classical events, so it’s fun. Playing in India is always fun,” Deshmukh was quoted as saying in a release.

While the opportunity to play alongside Carlsen has heightened anticipation for her debut, Deshmukh said the squad's overall strength was equally exciting.

“I guess it’s always great to have a teammate that is considered one of the best in the world. But for me, it’s also not just Magnus on my team. There are so many great players overall. There’s Anish, there’s Vidit, and there’s also Murzin. So, it’s not just about one person. It’s about the whole team,” she added.

Deshmukh said she would first seek to understand the format's demands before assessing what she could take away from the experience.

“If I can take lessons from it, we will only find out after the event. I can’t say anything now. But yeah, I’m very excited to play this format, ” she said.

The tournament will also mark her first proper visit to Bengaluru. “I’ve only been to Bengaluru airport. This is the first time in the city,” Deshmukh said.

Season 4 will feature 36 leading players representing six global franchises in the league’s mixed-team format. The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League Season 4 will be held at The Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru from September 5 to 13.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasised the importance of sports and fitness in people's lives, taking a cue from the life of the oldest marathon runner, Fauja Singh, during his virtual address to the nation's youth at the Khelo India Dialogue.

Addressing the youth virtually through a 'Khelo India Samvad', Modi hailed Singh as an example of someone who loves sports and fitness, emphasising his inspiring journey. Singh, who is believed to be the oldest marathon runner, having competed in a marathon at the age of 100. Singh passed away last year at the age of 114.

"We all know about Fauja Singh Ji. He passed away last year after having lived more than 100 years. If there is love for sports and fitness, then Fauja Singh Ji was an example of this. His life is a great inspiration for how sports and quality of life are connected," he said in his address.

The Prime Minister also emphasised that sports have become a major profession in the country, with people actively participating in events such as 5K and 10K races. "Friends, I am happy that sports are a great profession in India today. People in our country are participating in triathlons. 5K and 10K races are also taking place.

"Some people are playing pickleball and badminton with friends and family. These are small things. But if you look at it from a big perspective, you will see a big change. Sports are now becoming a part of our lives," he added.

Modi stated that sports have become a profession in students' lives and are not just a 'co-curricular' activity. "Sports is now becoming a part of our lives. If the timetable for studies and career is being made, sports is also getting a place in the routine of the day. And this is the change that is increasing the trust in India's sports future. Friends, sports culture is formed in the country only when it is connected to the common man.

"When schools consider the sports period as a part of life, not a co-curricular one, this increases the talent pool. And the kids who consider sports as a career also get the support of their families. That is why I say that sports centres are more important than screens. Playgrounds are more important than playstations. And this will only happen when all the youth take this approach forward," he added.

He further emphasised that India's youth are the nation's power, and he has faith in their strength and success. "Friends, I have a lot of faith in India's youth power and its success. I want to tell every youth in the country, whether you are in the playground or in the middle of society, your participation is the power of India. If you love sports, there are many ways to connect with it," he added.

Source: IANS

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Dubai, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has been selected to host the 2027 Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) Conference, Asian Awards and General Assembly, marking the first time the Central Asian nation will stage the APC’s flagship gathering. The event is scheduled for November or December 2027, with the exact dates to be announced later.

Tashkent emerged as the successful bidder after a competitive process involving five National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from across Asia. The Uzbek capital secured the backing of a majority of voting APC Executive Board Members and Standing Committee Chairpersons.

The 2027 gathering is expected to bring together representatives of all 45 Asian NPCs, along with APC Executive Board members, Standing Committees, athletes, International Federations, Games Organising Committees and officials from international sports organisations.

The APC Conference will feature presentations, discussions and workshops focused on key areas of Para sport development across the continent. The General Assembly will subsequently provide the Asian Paralympic family with a platform to deliberate on organisational and strategic matters and the future direction of the movement in the region.

Tashkent will also stage the Asian Awards, which will recognise individuals and organisations for outstanding achievements and contributions to the Asian Paralympic Movement since the previous edition.

APC President Majid Rashed congratulated Uzbekistan on winning the bid and said the event would provide an important opportunity for stakeholders from across Asia to collaborate on the development of Para sport.

“We are delighted to confirm Tashkent as the host of the 2027 APC Conference, Asian Awards and General Assembly. I congratulate the National Paralympic Committee of Uzbekistan and thank all five NPCs that submitted bids to host these important events.

“Our Conference and General Assembly provide an important opportunity for the Asian Paralympic family to come together, share knowledge, and discuss the priorities that will shape the future of Para sport across our continent. We look forward to working closely with NPC Uzbekistan to deliver another successful and productive gathering in 2027.”

Mukhtorkhon Tashkodjaev, President of the National Paralympic Committee of Uzbekistan and APC Vice President, welcomed the decision, describing the selection as an honour for the country and its capital.

“It is a great honour for Uzbekistan and the city of Tashkent to be selected to host the 2027 APC Conference, Asian Awards and General Assembly. We sincerely thank the Asian Paralympic Committee and its members for placing their trust in us.”

The previous APC Conference and General Assembly were held in Astana, Kazakhstan, in 2025, attracting delegates from more than 40 NPCs, regional partners and international observers.

The APC said further details, including the dates and programme for the 2027 edition, will be announced in due course.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed India’s para athletes for their ability to overcome adversity and inspire entire families and communities, saying their achievements can change the way people look at life and demonstrate how sport can improve the quality of life.

Addressing the youth virtually during the Khelo India Dialogue, Modi highlighted the journeys of India’s leading para athletes and said their success carries significance beyond medals, particularly for families who witness their struggles in the early stages of their sporting careers.

“Our Para athletes are a big example of how sports change lives. When one sees a Parathlete in the field, the way of thinking about life changes. And when he achieves something, his whole family gets a new life along with that athlete. For those parents, brothers and sisters who see their child struggling in the early days, that athlete's success gives new heights to their dreams and courage. I have always been inspired by such players,” PM Modi said while addressing the youth during Khelo India Dialogue.

The Prime Minister specifically recalled the achievements of Indian para athletes Sheetal Devi, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar, and Jandu Kumar, citing them as examples of the transformative power of sport.

“You all have heard India’s daughter’s name in Archery- Sheetal. When she won a medal at the Paralympics, the whole of Jammu and Kashmir and the whole of India were proud of her. Similarly, we have another daughter, Avni Lekhra, who won Paralympic medals twice. Whenever I meet her, I feel very proud. Be it Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar, and our recent champion, Jandu Kumar, such are our Para-athletes. Such are our teammates. They inspire us too. Sports is a guarantee to a better life, and it improves our quality of life,” he mentioned.

Modi also underlined the wider role of sporting culture in shaping individuals and society, arguing that the lessons learnt through competition extend well beyond the playing field.

“We often hear that the spirit of sportspersons is very important for a healthy society, a good family system, and a better culture. Sportsperson spirit is very important for a healthy society, for a good family system, for a good culture. It is very difficult to learn the spirit of a sportsperson without going to the sporting field. Sports not only teach us to be champions but also how to be better competitors. To get up, to fall, to fall and to get up again. Sport brings this feeling inside us,” the Prime Minister said.

The address also touched upon the government's efforts to strengthen India's sporting infrastructure and create a broader pathway for athletes from grassroots talent identification to international competition.

“Our government is fully committed to creating a modern sports ecosystem in India in the 21st century. Today, from sports universities to modern training centres, a system is being created in the country which will provide support at every level, from identifying talent to bringing it to the world stage,” PM Modi stated.

He added that India was working with countries across the world in areas including sports science, training and coaching, while also stressing the role of youth in shaping the country's sporting future.

“Khelo India Samvaad is not just about sports. It’s a platform where every suggestion and opinion can provide a new vision to sports. The programme focuses on what youth think about the sports ecosystem, talent development, governance and Viksit Bharat and considers their suggestions. These things will be heard and will be included in the policy process. Therefore, I urge everyone to use this platform as much as possible. Let new ideas come. These new ideas of youth will be the strength of a developed India,” he noted.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Para world hockey coach Rajeshwari has highlighted the support available to Indian athletes with disabilities through government backing, preparatory camps and Special Olympics Bharat (SOB), saying the programme is helping provide opportunities and international exposure to players as India looks to improve on its recent 11th-place finish in the world standings.

Rajeshwari said support for sport had extended to essential facilities for athletes, including food, accommodation and equipment, helping players prepare for international assignments.

“PM Narendra Modi sir is supporting sports immensely. They are also providing food, accommodation, and equipment,” Rajeshwari told IANS.

The Indian team recently competed on the international stage, finishing sixth on a pool-by-pool basis and 11th overall in the world standings. Rajeshwari credited the support system around the players and said preparatory camps were an important part of their development.

“We got 6th place in Pool-Wise and 11th place in World-Wise. We got these because of PM Narendra Modi's support for sports. Actually, there are individual students with disabilities. We are giving practice sessions in preparatory camps. SOB is also supporting us. This is a Para World Cup. There are individually disabled students. There are fair opportunities and equal opportunities for all,” she added.

The coach said the programme was focused on giving athletes with disabilities the opportunity to train and compete through structured camps and international tournaments.

Looking ahead, Rajeshwari said the team remained determined to return stronger after learning from its previous campaign, including a defeat to the Netherlands during the pool stage. “My expectation is that we are playing a challenge tournament in the Netherlands versus India. It was a match. But unfortunately, in the pool match, we lost one match to the Netherlands. That's why we lost the place there. Next time we go there, we will definitely get a place.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian boxers Jaismine Lamboria and Arundhati Choudhary have shared the mental battles behind their gold medal-winning efforts at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last month.

The women’s 57kg champion and World No. 1, Jaismine, recalled returning to training with only three weeks of preparation following a month-long illness during a candid fireside chat at the IAMGAME 2026 Conclave, held at Bharat Mandapam here earlier this week.

“If you want to see your hand raised, give your 100 per cent in the ring. Once you understand what you are capable of and overcome self-doubt, nothing can hold you back from doing your best for the country,” Jaismine said.

World No. 2 Arundhati, who won gold in the women’s 70kg category, spoke about competing with a 102-degree fever while dealing with a wrist injury and concerns over her mother’s health. “The Commonwealth Games comes once in four years. I told myself I could either fight for nine minutes or wait another four years. You cannot win on aggression alone; mentally, you have to win first,” Arundhati said.

The two boxers also highlighted the importance of visualisation, sports psychology and learning from defeats while preparing for major competitions.

The two-day conclave brought together athletes, sports administrators, business leaders, policymakers, brands and entrepreneurs to discuss the development of India’s sporting ecosystem.

Karan Singh Chettri, Founder and CEO of ESP 360 Degree Solution and IAMGAME, said the platform aimed to address gaps in access, participation and collaboration across Indian sport.

The event concluded with the inaugural IAMGAME Sports Awards, recognising achievements across athlete performance, coaching, grassroots development, social impact, sports business and innovation.

In Athlete Excellence, Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues were named Athlete of the Year – Female, while Abhinav Shaw and Gurtej Singh Bhatti received gold honours in the Male category. Munna Khalid was named Para-Athlete of the Year.

IAMGAME is a sports business platform dedicated to shaping the future of India’s sporting ecosystem. It brings together athletes, coaches, academies, sports entrepreneurs, brands, investors, policymakers and industry leaders to foster collaboration, innovation and growth across the sporting value chain.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) India completed a memorable double at the Asian Junior Classical Chess Championship 2026 as Mayank Chakraborty and Pratitee Bordoloi clinched the Open and Girls' titles, respectively, at the ITC Maratha Sheraton in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Top seed Mayank lived up to his billing, finishing the nine-round Open Championship with 7.5 points to claim the coveted gold medal. Russia’s Artem Pingin secured silver with seven points, while India’s Daksh Goyal delivered an impressive performance to take bronze with 6.5 points.

Pratitee achieved India’s golden double by winning the Girls Championship with 7.5 points out of nine rounds. Kazakhstan’s Mariya Kholyavko finished second with seven points, just half a point behind, earning the silver. Nivedita V. C. from India took the bronze with 6.5 points.

Beyond the medals, the championship was also highly rewarding for several players who earned coveted FIDE titles and norms. Open champion Mayank Chakraborty, already GM-elect, added another Grandmaster norm with his title-winning performance. Bronze medallist Daksh Goyal earned the FIDE Master title and an International Master norm.

Girls' champion Pratitee Bordoloi received a double achievement: a gold medal, the Woman International Master title, and a Woman Grandmaster norm. Silver medallist Mariya Kholyavko from Kazakhstan earned a WIM norm, and bronze medallist Nivedita V. C. from India also achieved a WIM norm.

India’s dominance was reflected in the overall medal tally, with the host nation capturing four of the six medals on offer at the Classical Championships – two gold and two bronze. Russia and Kazakhstan shared the remaining honours, each taking one silver medal.

The prizes were presented by Hisham Al-Taher, Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation, at a glittering closing ceremony, bringing the championship to a fitting conclusion.

The Asian Junior Chess Championship 2026 was organised by the Maharashtra Chess Association on behalf of the All India Chess Federation and the Asian Chess Federation.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) As the thirst for a maiden Asian Games medal gets stronger every day, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu is leaving no stone unturned to win the only global medal that has eluded the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist. Staying injury-free ahead of the September 19-October 4 Games in Aichi-Nagoya remains Mirabai’s topmost priority.

Two men who have been part of Mirabai’s stellar journey have been her coach Vijay Sharma and American strength and conditioning coach Dr Aaron Horschig. The association with Dr Horschig started in November 2020 and continues till today.

“We have a video call every Thursday with him and we discuss everything about training, recovery and the next steps. Everything is reviewed to the finest detail and since Dr Horschig was a weightlifter himself, he knows every muscle in the body. This constant review has kept me in shape,” Mirabai told SAI Media.

The quest for the Asian Games has been relentless. Mirabai and team did not waste a day after winning the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this time. The CWG organisers had dismantled the weightlifting hall but Mirabai, Sharma and physio Rohit Chhabria found a gymnasium and paid for a training session in Glasgow.

“I was straight back to training at Modinagar. In fact, I did not go home (in Manipur) and I have set myself a challenge ‘no going home till I win a medal at the Asian Games,’” said Mirabai.

Injuries have jinxed Mirabai’s quest for an Asian Games medal. At the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, Mirabai finished fourth in the 49 kg category after a hip and thigh injury ruined her campaign in the snatch section itself. In the 2018 edition in Jakarta, Mirabai was ruled out with a severe back injury.

Despite the hat-trick of Commonwealth Games golds, Mirabai is not attaching great importance to the level of competition in Glasgow. “To be honest, the competition in the Commonwealth Games was not tough for me. I did not have to put in a lot of effort at Glasgow. The real test lies ahead,” Mirabai told SAI Media.

In Glasgow, Mirabai lifted a total of 190kg (snatch - 85kg; clean and jerk - 105kg) to clinch the women's 48kg gold medal, setting new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch, clean and jerk and overall total. Nigeria's Ruth Asuquo Nyong claimed the silver medal with a total of 168kg (75kg + 93kg), while Malaysia's Irene Jane Henry took bronze with 167kg (77kg + 90kg).

Mirabai’s personal best is 205 kgs (89 + 116 kgs), set in the 2021 Asian Championships and more recently at the national championships in February 2026. “I want to see how far I can go in Japan. The Asian Games have been the toughest for me. You will probably see the ‘Olympics’ at the Asian Games this time because the strongest lifters in our weight category are from Asia.”

Mirabai says she is expecting the toughest competition from Chinese, North Korean, Japanese and Thai lifters. At the Paris Olympics in 2024, Mirabai was relegated to the fourth spot by Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao by just one kilo. The Thai girl had lifted a total of 200 kg

“We have been careful with fitness and so far, I have felt good with my body,” said the 32-year-old, adding that the Asian Games remains her only target. “I will see how it goes at the Asian Games. In Los Angeles, the weight class will be 53 kgs and I will need to bulk up.

“That should not be a problem but everything will depend on the performance at Nagoya and then we can plan with the Olympic qualifiers in December. I reckon all those who will play in Japan will target LA 2028 but for now it’s mission Asian Games for me,” said Mirabai.

Mirabai will lead a five-member Indian weightlifting contingent at the Asian Games. The three-time Olympian will be one among the four women in the squad. The weightlifting competition will be held between September 22-28 at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Aichi, Nagoya.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rising Indian table tennis players Syndrela Das and Payas Jain have been included in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development Scheme, strengthening the country’s focus on nurturing young talent ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics.

Seventeen-year-old Syndrela, who hails from Kolkata, earned her place in the development programme following a string of impressive performances on the international stage.

The teenager won a silver medal in the Girls’ Doubles event and a bronze in the Girls’ Singles competition at the Asian Youth Championships in Thailand earlier this year.

Syndrela had also enjoyed a highly successful 2023 season, when she won National Ranking age-group titles in the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 singles categories. She subsequently made the transition to the senior national circuit in 2025.

Earlier this year, TOPS had created a dedicated group for young table tennis players in the 14-17 age bracket as part of an effort to build India’s bench strength for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games.

Syndrela was part of that group and has now been included in the TOPS Development Scheme on the back of her recent performances.

She joins fellow Indian table tennis players Payas Jain and Ankur Bhattacharjee in the scheme. Payas and Ankur are also set to form India’s men’s doubles combination.

Syndrela has also earned selection in India’s 10-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games. The women’s team comprises Sreeja Akula, Diya Chitale, Yashaswini Ghorpade, Sutirtha Mukherjee and Syndrela.

The men’s squad features Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, Manush Shah, Manav Thakkar, Harmeet Desai and Payas Jain.

Meanwhile, India’s top-ranked table tennis player Manika Batra has been approved for financial assistance by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) to compete in WTT Contender tournaments in Bulgaria and Kazakhstan in September.

Source: IANS

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Guiyang (China), Aug 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) South Korea won the mixed relay gold medal at the 2026 Modern Pentathlon World Championships in Guiyang on Tuesday. South Korea finished with 1,096 points, beating Belarus by 18 points. Hungary took the bronze medal.

More than 500 athletes from over 50 countries and regions are competing at the championships in the city's Huaxi District.

The championships are the premier annual competition organised by the UIPM, the sport's international governing body.

"We achieved a pretty good result today, and we are very happy. We had a great experience in fencing, swimming and the laser run. Today's competition was a classic battle, and I will make full preparations for the individual competition ahead," South Korean athlete Seo Changwan said after the event.

Belarusian silver medallist Yauheni Arol said the strength of the opposition had forced him to adjust during the fencing competition.

"I tried my best to finish the competition today. The opponents were extremely strong in fencing, so I adjusted my state in time and kept competing," Arol said. "This time, my newlywed wife and I represented our country together and won medals in different events, leaving us with wonderful honeymoon memories. I want to celebrate today and enjoy the moment."

The men's preliminary round will be held on Wednesday.

Belarus and Britain won the women's and men's relay titles, respectively, as the 2026 Modern Pentathlon World Championships opened Monday in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province.

More than 500 athletes from over 50 countries and regions are competing at the championships in the city's Huaxi District.

Belarus won the women's relay with 1,351 points, ahead of Russia with 1,325, while Egypt took bronze.

In the men's relay, Britain won with 1,513 points, 19 points ahead of Russia, with Germany taking bronze.

Belarus' Anastasiya Arol said her team had produced a strong all-around performance, particularly in fencing and swimming, although she described the running section as "tough and challenging."

Earlier, UIPM President Rob Stull welcomed the athletes to Guiyang. Competition continues on Tuesday with the mixed relay.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) India’s transformation into a global sporting powerhouse hinges on sustained, collaborative support across the government, corporate sector, leagues, sponsors, and the broader industry, says Olympian and Arjuna Award-winning table tennis player G. Sathiyan on Tuesday.

G. Sathiyan emphasised that reflecting on his career since age five, he noted how sports have evolved from an extracurricular pursuit into a viable profession and economic driver.

"It’s not just about athletes. For athletes to perform in the arena, you need a whole lot of people coming together. Athletes showcase talent, but they perform only when there is immense support from corporates and the government," said Sathiyan while delivering the keynote address at the ‘Giving Wings to Dreams’ Conclave in New Delhi on Tuesday.

He stressed the role of grassroots visibility, adding, "When parents start seeing Olympians and Asian Games medalists close to home, they will believe their children can reach the next level. India can truly become a sporting powerhouse."

G. Sathiyan, alongside senior government officials, investors, and key sports ecosystem stakeholders, gathered at Shangri-La Eros for SPORTSCOM’s Annual Session and the second edition of the Giving Wings to Dreams Conclave on Tuesday.

The inaugural session brought together policymakers to outline the country's macro sporting framework. Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary – Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), detailed upcoming policy developments, including the National Sports Policy, National Sports Governance Act, National Sports Board, and National Sports Tribunal. He also highlighted the proposed Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme and the importance of fan engagement.

In another special session, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, called for viewing sport beyond medals, as a driver of employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth. He emphasised integrating sport with education and skilling, while highlighting opportunities across sports science, coaching, nutrition, event management, content, technology, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

He also stressed collaboration among government, industry and academia, and highlighted AI, technology and women-led rural enterprises as enablers of inclusive growth in the sports ecosystem.

In a special session, Kunal, Joint Secretary (MYAS), reiterated the government's vision to leverage sports for economic growth and youth engagement. He noted that India is pursuing a whole-of-government approach toward its 2036 Olympic host bid, while simultaneously promoting indigenous disciplines like Kho-Kho, Yogasana, and Mallakhamb alongside an "Everyone Plays" grassroots initiative.

The investor panel, ‘Inside the Investor’s Mind: What Makes a Sports Startup Venture-Ready?’, moderated by journalist Ayon Sengupta, featured Chintan Thakkar (IAN Alpha Fund), Mustafa Ghouse (Centre Court Capital), and Suhail Chandhok (U Mumba / Elev8 India Sportz). Panellists noted that while domestic and international capital availability is rising, startups require clear business models, proof of concept, scalability, and pathways to profitability to secure investment.

Manufacturing emerged as a primary theme during the panel ‘Building India’s Global Sports Manufacturing Ecosystem’, moderated by Piyush Doshi (The Convergence Foundation). Sanjeet Singh, Senior Advisor, NITI Aayog, outlined key priorities—cost, clusters, competitiveness, collaboration, and communication—targeting $8 billion in sports goods exports by 2036.

Industry leaders including Neeraj Jain (COSCO), P D Arya (Gem International), Shiv Prakash Singh (Shiv Naresh), and Arjun Anand (Anandco Sporting) discussed structural constraints such as raw material, logistics, and power costs. They emphasised the need for dedicated manufacturing clusters, international certification infrastructure, and public-private coordination. Dr. Shobhit Jain, Joint Secretary (MYAS), urged industry leaders to present "applied advocacy" with specific, actionable policy recommendations.

Source: IANS

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Raipur, Aug 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chhattisgarh is set to host India's first official state-level hockey league under the aegis of Hockey India, with the inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League (CHL) scheduled to be held from October 21 to November 1 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur.

The franchise-based league, announced by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, will feature six teams representing different regions of the state.

Indian hockey stalwarts and Olympic medallists Gurjant Singh, Shamsher Singh and Surender Kumar have been named among the marquee players for the inaugural edition. Other prominent Indian team players, including Jaskaran Singh and Devindar Walmiki, will also be part of the league.

The official logo, mascot and identities of the six participating teams were unveiled at an event attended by Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao, along with senior officials from the department and Hockey Chhattisgarh.

"Chhattisgarh has a very strong base in terms of athletes across sports, and it is an honour to be the first state to introduce an official state hockey league. This reinforces our commitment towards the national game and is a testament to the effort that the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare has been putting in over the years. Chhattisgarh Hockey League marks a very important starting point in what can promise to be an extremely flourishing addition to the history of Indian Hockey. The main aim has always been to provide the state’s athletes with the best opportunity to excel at the state, national and international level, and we are sure that the CHL is a step in the right direction towards that," said Sao.

The league will follow a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals. The semifinals will be played as knock-out matches, while the final is scheduled for November 1.

A special exhibition match between women's teams is also planned on the day of the final. The six franchises unveiled for the inaugural season are Rajdhani Royals, Chitrakoot Challengers, Sanskardhani Strikers, Chakradhar Champions, Nyayadhani Knights and Mainpat Titans.

The league's visual identity features the map of Chhattisgarh alongside a stylized hockey player, highlighting regional pride and the state's connection with the sport. The saffron and green elements represent an Indian identity, while the orange trail symbolizes energy, speed and ambition.

The official mascot, Baghwa, a tiger, was also unveiled. The mascot represents courage, strength and resilience while drawing inspiration from Chhattisgarh's forests and rich wildlife heritage.

The league will carry the tagline "Chalo Re Sangi, Hockey Khelbo", reflecting the state's sporting identity and passion for hockey.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, Aug 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bengaluru will host the FIDE-rated Rapid Chess Tournament on August 26, which will bring together up to 1,000 players, creating a large-scale competitive platform for chess enthusiasts across age groups and skill levels. As the city gears up to host the world’s top chess stars for season 4 of the Global Chess League (GCL), it will witness a major grassroots chess celebration with the Road to GCL initiative on Wednesday at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium.

With a Rs 4 lakh cash prize pool, the tournament will offer participants an opportunity to compete in a professionally organised, FIDE-rated rapid chess format while being part of the build-up to GCL Season 4. The initiative aims to take the excitement around the league beyond the professional circuit and create a direct connection between the global stars of the sport and Bengaluru’s vibrant chess community.

Adding to the experience, participants will also have an opportunity to receive passes to the Global Chess League season 4, giving them the chance to watch some of the world’s best players compete live as six global franchises battle it out in GCL’s unique team-based format.

The Road to GCL activation reflects the league’s broader vision of making chess more accessible, engaging and community-driven. By bringing a FIDE-rated tournament to a venue capable of hosting 1,000 players, the initiative provides aspiring players and chess enthusiasts with an opportunity to compete, connect, and experience the sport at scale.

GCL season 4 will bring some of the biggest names in global chess to Bengaluru, including defending champion Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand, Arjun Erigaisi, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Levon Aronian, Javokhir Sindarov and Nihal Sarin. The league will feature six franchises competing in a rapid, team-based format, with men and women playing together across six boards.

Following the Road to GCL activation, Bengaluru will host GCL season 4 from September 5 to 13 at The Lalit Ashok, marking the league’s return to India for the second consecutive season. The season will bring together Icons, established champions, elite superstars and emerging prodigies as they compete for the GCL title.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) At 51, Mairaj Ahmad Khan still approaches shooting with the same mindset that has supported his long career in India: staying focused on the present, working hard, and taking each target as it comes.

“I never go in the future. I always stay in the present. I take one day at a time. I take one target at a time. This is my longevity secret,” Mairaj said.

His journey started in the under-12 category as a three-position rifle shooter, influenced by the firearms he was exposed to during his childhood. After taking a break to concentrate on studies and cricket, he resumed shooting in 1994 as a shotgun competitor before focusing on skeet from 2000.

Mairaj became a pioneer for Indian skeet by being the first shooter from the country to qualify for the Olympics. He made his Olympic debut at Rio 2016 and participated again at Tokyo 2020, which was held in 2021.

He also made history as the first Indian skeet shooter to win a World Cup medal, securing silver at the 2016 ISSF World Shooting Championships in Rio. He further achieved a milestone in 2022 by earning India’s first individual ISSF World Cup gold in men’s skeet.

That victory in 2022 was especially meaningful because Mairaj had almost decided to leave the sport. The passing of his father, the pandemic, and the loss of sponsorship support made it challenging to keep going.

“I realised that maybe this is the time to say thank you to the sport,” he recalled. But the competitive fire remained. He returned by investing his own money and won World Cup gold in Korea, proving that he still had what it took.

Though he missed Paris 2024, Mairaj is already aiming for Los Angeles 2028.

“I didn’t qualify for Paris, but I never give up and I’m focussing more towards LA. Maybe the ultimate dream comes true in LA only, you never know,” he said.

With another Asian Games approaching, Mairaj still refuses to make predictions. His approach remains the same: focus on the first target, stay fully present, and dedicate himself entirely to the moment.

“My goal is always one target at a time. I can’t tell you that I will shoot a gold medal or I will shoot a silver medal. Whatever comes, you have to accept and move on. I will give my best. That’s my ability. That’s my hard work.”

With over thirty years in the sport, two Olympic appearances, and a historic World Cup gold, Mairaj Ahmad Khan continues his pursuit, aiming for the perfect shot, one target at a time.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ace kabaddi player Ashu Malik expressed pride at being named in India’s squad as the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) celebrated a major milestone, with nine of the 12 players selected for India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan having emerged from its ecosystem, while Dronacharya Awardee Balwan Singh will take charge of the national team as head coach.

Malik, who represents Hisar Heroes in the KCL, said he was grateful for the opportunities that had shaped his career as he prepares to take the international stage.

“Wearing the India jersey is an emotion that cannot be expressed in words. I am thankful for the opportunities that have shaped my journey and will give my 100 per cent for India,” he said.

The strong KCL representation underlines the league’s growing role in providing a competitive pathway for Indian kabaddi players, with Sunil Malik of Karnal Kings, Ayan Lauchab of Sonipat Stars, Devank Dalal of Bhiwani Bulls, Rahul Setpal of Gurugram Gurus, Jaideep Dahiya of Faridabad Fighters and Ankit Jaglan of Panipat Panthers among the players representing the league in the national squad.

For the players, the selection marks the culmination of journeys that began in the domestic franchise-based competition and extended into the international arena.

Sunil Malik described the opportunity as the biggest honour of his life, saying his KCL experience had provided him with valuable exposure and confidence. “Representing India is the biggest honour of my life. My journey through KCL has given me valuable experience and confidence. I am extremely proud to carry the KCL legacy onto the international stage and will give my best for the Tricolour.”

Ayan Lauchab, meanwhile, called his selection a dream come true and acknowledged the role KCL had played in his development. “It is a dream come true to represent India at the Asian Games. KCL has provided me with an important platform to develop as a player. I am grateful for the support and determined to make my country and KCL proud.”

Devank Dalal also highlighted the significance of the moment for his family while vowing to give his all on the mat. “This is a very special moment for me and my family. The opportunity to represent India at the Asian Games is something every athlete dreams of. I will give everything on the mat and try to bring glory to the nation.”

Rahul Setpal described the Asian Games as a huge platform and credited his KCL experience for helping him develop as a player. “The Asian Games is a massive platform and I am honoured to be part of Team India. My KCL experience has helped me grow, and I am looking forward to giving my best for the country.”

Jaideep Dahiya reflected on the journey from the league to the national team, while Ankit Jaglan said representing India was a source of immense pride. “The journey from KCL to representing India has been extremely special. I am proud of where this journey has taken me and will work hard to make the entire KCL family and India proud,” said Dahiya.

Jaglan added, “Representing India is a proud moment for every athlete. I am excited about the challenge ahead and will give my best every time I step onto the mat.”

The presence of nine KCL players in a 12-member India squad is being viewed as a significant achievement for the league and its franchise partners, whose platform has brought together emerging and established kabaddi talent. Adding further weight to KCL's representation, Balwan Singh, chairman of the Kabaddi Champions League and a Dronacharya Award recipient, will lead India as head coach at the continental showpiece.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) A late bloomer, Aakash Bhardwaj, who picked up a pistol at the age of 21, will attempt to capitalise on the hardships and sacrifices made by his family when he represents India in the Men's 10m Air Pistol event at the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Hailing from Niwaru Road on the outskirts of Jaipur, the marksman grew up in a modest household. His father worked long hours as a commercial driver on a monthly income of 10,000 rupees.

Before turning to shooting, Aakash pursued athletics and rugby, winning a national bronze medal in rugby. Concerns over contact injuries prompted him to search for an individual sport where personal discipline decided the outcome.

In late 2021, an academy advertisement drew him to the range. His natural precision surprised coaches on his very first day.

Reflecting on his family's sacrifices, Aakash Bhardwaj said, "Coming from a background where every rupee counted, shooting felt out of reach at first. My father worked relentlessly as a driver to provide for us. When I showed genuine promise, he bought my first pistol on a credit card. My elder brother Subham covered my monthly academy fees from his own earnings. My father and brother made countless sacrifices so I could pursue this dream without carrying the financial burden."

The daily routine was gruelling. Aakash routinely walked, hitched rides from passers-by, or cycled 14 kilometres to reach the Marudhara Sports Shooting Academy on Kalwar Road. He saved 10 to 20 rupees from his daily travel allowance to purchase basic nutrition and training pellets. Without a personal coach in his formative phase, he designed his own conditioning routine.

Speaking about his solitary training journey, Aakash added, "In the beginning, I had to figure out many things on my own. I would spend six to seven hours every single day doing dumbbell conditioning and dry-fire drills. I used to analyse my errors closely, noting down how my shots shifted whenever my neck tilted. That solitary grind taught me how to stay calm and trust my own hard work."

His breakthrough came through steady domestic scores, eventually propelling him into the national selection trials. Aakash highlighted how the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) provided a level playing field and prompt institutional backing.

"When you come from a humble background, you need a system where only your performance matters. The best part of NRAI's selection process is its complete transparency. My selection for the Asian Games was earned strictly through the ranking points accumulated across the trials.

"The administrative team at NRAI has backed me at every turn. Whenever I needed logistical help, equipment clearance, or administrative support, the federation sorted it out immediately. That reassurance lets athletes like me focus entirely on hitting the target."

As he prepares for his maiden Asian Games campaign at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, Aakash remains determined.

"If my journey has taught me one lesson, it is that no hardship can hold you back if you remain dedicated. When you believe in your preparation and stay disciplined, results will follow. I am looking forward to giving my absolute best for India in Japan."

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, Aug 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) congratulated Australia for successfully defending their FIBA U18 Asia Cup title after defeating China 89-79 in a thrilling final of the 2026 competition at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Australia unloaded a 7-0 run for the 69-62 lead late in the third quarter, and then pulled away in the fourth en route to completing the 'back-to-back,' in the process winning their third championship overall.

Jai Fa'ale led Australia with 19 points, sparked by a 4-of-10 clip from deep, as he sparked the aforementioned rally to put them ahead for good. Bailey Hanson supplied 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.

The IOA extended its warmest congratulations to Team Australia for their victory on Sunday night.

The IOA also commends the city of Ahmedabad for its successful hosting of the championship at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium from 13–23 August, marking yet another milestone in India’s emergence as a premier destination for global sporting events.

The championship brought together leading young basketball players from 16 nations across Asia, showcasing the depth of emerging talent across the region. Its successful staging in Ahmedabad reflected the collaborative efforts of the organising partners to deliver a competition of a high international standard.

The tournament also served as an important qualification pathway, with the four semifinalists - Australia, China, New Zealand and Korea - securing their places at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027 in Czechia.

IOA President Dr. P.T. Usha said: “I extend my warmest congratulations to Australia on their outstanding victory, and to the four nations that have secured their places at next year’s FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Czechia.

"Bringing 16 of Asia’s leading young teams together in Ahmedabad reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation through sport. Successfully delivering major international competitions such as the FIBA U18 Asia Cup continues to demonstrate India’s growing capabilities as a host, supported by world-class facilities, strong organisation and the warmth and hospitality of our people,” she said.

The tournament not only delivered spectacular action on the court but also engaged thousands of young Indian fans, reflecting the country's rapidly growing passion for sport.

The IOA thanked the Basketball Federation of India, the Local Organising Committee, the Government of Gujarat and the volunteers who contributed to the successful delivery of the tournament. India looks forward to continuing its collaboration with International Federations to host major international sporting events and create more opportunities for young people across the country to engage with sport.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Top seed WFM Pratitee Bordoloi surged into the sole lead of the Asian Junior Girls Classical Chess Championship after scoring a crucial victory over WCM Aadya Gowda in the seventh round at the ITC Maratha Sheraton, Mumbai.

The victory took Pratitee’s tally to six from a possible seven and put her half a point ahead of her nearest challengers. WCM Shohradova Leyla of Turkmenistan, who was sharing the lead going into the round, was held to a draw by Shivamshika G. and slipped to 5.5 points.

FM Prishita Gupta strengthened her title challenge with a victory over WFM Nivedita V C to also reach 5.5 points, joining Leyla in the immediate chasing group. WFM Mariya Kholyavko of Kazakhstan and WCM Dakshita Kumawat drew their encounter and moved to 5 points.

In the Open Championship, top seed GM-elect Mayank Chakraborty maintained his sole lead after the completion of seven rounds. Mayank was held to a draw by IM Vignesh Advaith Vemula on the top board, but the result was enough to take his tally to six out of seven and keep him half a point ahead of the chasing pack.

IM Artem Pingin of Russia was surprisingly held to a draw by Daksh Goyal, while FM Sharnarthi Viresh scored an important victory over FM Amanmuhammet Hommadov of Turkmenistan to move to 5.5 points. Vignesh, Pingin and Viresh are among the players breathing down Mayank’s neck as the championship enters its decisive stage.

Earlier, FM Jaiveer Mahendru emerged as the sole leader of the Asian Junior Open Classical Chess Championship after a stunning victory over International Master Aaditya Dhingra.

Jaiveer, rated 2326, upset the higher-rated Dhingra (2403). He is being followed by a strong group of four players comprising top seed IM Mayank Chakraborty of India, IM Artem Pingin of Russia, FM Amanmuhammet Hommadov of Turkmenistan and FM Sharnarthi Viresh of India.

Guru Prakash, rated 2113, continued his dream run in the championship, punching above his weight by holding FM Madhvendra Pratap Sharma (2363) to a draw.

The Girls Championship also witnessed an exciting fourth round, with top seed WFM Pratitee Bordoloi of India defeating Shivamshika G. She was joined at the top by WCM Shohradova Leyla of Turkmenistan, who defeated the previously unbeaten Pranavasri S.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address young athletes and youth leaders on sports, leadership and nation-building as part of a nationwide initiative, ‘Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat, Pradhan Mantri Modi Ke Saath’, to be held across more than 1,500 educational institutions on August 27 to mark National Sports Day 2026.

The large-scale youth engagement programme will bring together budding athletes, students, policymakers and leading sportspersons, creating a platform for young participants to share ideas to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem and expand opportunities for the country’s youth.

The virtual address by the Prime Minister will be followed by physical programmes held simultaneously at participating institutions across the country. IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, leading medical colleges and universities are among the institutions expected to take part.

The initiative will focus on four broad areas — strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure, coaching and competitive opportunities; identifying and developing talent with an eye on the 2036 Olympics; increasing youth participation in governance and leadership; and equipping young people with future-ready skills, volunteering opportunities and avenues for nation-building.

A key component of the programme will be interaction between young participants and some of India’s leading athletes and medal winners. Sportspersons, including Deepa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari, Mirabai Chanu, and P.T. Usha, are set to engage with the youth and discuss their journeys, challenges, and experiences in sport.

The programme will also extend the conversation beyond the sporting community. Members of Parliament, MLAs, Union Ministers, Ministers of State and State Sports Ministers will participate at various locations and interact with young people on the four identified themes.

The focus on talent development is expected to tie into India’s longer-term ambitions for the 2036 Olympics, with discussions centred on scientific talent identification, athlete development and creating stronger pathways for young athletes to progress from the grassroots to the elite level.

The organisers also plan to use the event to encourage sustained youth participation beyond National Sports Day. Participants will be encouraged to participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue Quiz and to register on the MY Bharat Portal.

By bringing athletes, students, policymakers and elected representatives onto a common platform, the initiative aims to give young people a more direct role in discussions around India’s sporting future and broader youth development.

The nationwide programme will be held on August 27 as part of the National Sports Day celebrations, with participation spread across more than 1,500 educational institutions.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) India's 19-year-old Grandmaster Pranesh M emerged as the champion in the prestigious Kanizsa Open 2026 in Nagykanizsa, Hungary, securing the Group A title with a superb performance.

In the ninth and final round of the tournament on Sunday, Pranesh defeated Vadim Petrovskiy of Germany with white pieces. Pranesh has a rating of 2673 and is ranked 44th in the latest FIDE Rankings of August 2026.

Pranesh, who hails from Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu, finished with seven points from nine rounds, sharing the top spot with three other players. He claimed the title on a better tiebreak with Or Bronstein of Israel, Andrei Volokitin of Ukraine, and India's Karthik Venkataraman, finishing second to fourth in that order.

Karthik Venkataraman could have won the title outright but was held to a draw in the final round by Volokitin as they both finished with seven points. Bronstein jumped into a share of the top spot by beating compatriot IM Benny Aizenberg in the ninth round.

The Indian Embassy in Hungary hailed Pranesh for winning the title.

"Meet the new Indian Chess Champion!! Pranesh M.

"Huge Congratulations! to Indian Grandmaster Pranesh M on his brilliant victory at the prestigious Kanizsa Open 2026 in Nagykanizsa, Hungary!" the Embassy wrote in a post on its official handle.

​"After a thrilling 9th round, Pranesh secured the top spot in one of Central Europe's most competitive open tournaments.

"We are incredibly proud to see Indian talent shining so brightly on the global stage. Hungary continues to be a happy hunting ground for Indian Chess. Wishing him continued success in his chess journey!" said the post.

Among other Indians in the Kanizsa Open 2026, Neelash Saha finished 10th with 6.5 points after finishing joint second among a big group of players. Nitish Belurkar (20th, 6 pts), Ajay Santhosh Parvathareddy (21st, 6 pts) and Bhattacharyya Soham (23rd, 6 pts) were the other prominent Indian finishers in Group A, which had a field of 226 players.

Source: IANS

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Visakhapatnam, Aug 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting 2026 concluded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with the adoption by consensus of the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of Member States to strengthen cooperation in sport through dialogue, mutual respect and inclusiveness.

Held under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, the Meeting brought together Ministers and senior sports representatives from BRICS Member States to discuss cooperation priorities and sports development.

In his opening statement, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya called for building a BRICS Sporting Partnership that translates the shared vision of Member States into tangible sporting collaborations.

“We should build a BRICS Sporting Partnership that moves beyond declarations and creates real platforms for sports collaborations, whether it is athlete and coach exchanges, joint competitions or sports science knowledge sharing,” Dr. Mandaviya said.

Emphasising the role of sport in nation-building, Dr. Mandaviya said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is transforming its sporting ecosystem and creating opportunities from the playground to the podium.

The Union Minister highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen sports goods manufacturing, noting that the soon-to-be-launched scheme for promotion of Sports Goods Manufacturing Clusters will facilitate investment and promote domestic manufacturing for global markets.

“We invite global manufacturers, technology companies and investors to Make in India, Play in India and Grow with India,” he said.

Dr. Mandaviya also underlined India’s commitment to making sport more inclusive through para-sport promotion initiatives and new pathways for greater participation of women in sport.

During India’s Chairship, three priority initiatives have been advanced to deepen cooperation in sports:

The Working Group will strengthen BRICS cooperation in sports science, athlete performance, governance, AI, digital transformation and innovation, with India contributing experts across key sporting domains.

India’s proposal for a BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave received broad support, with Udaipur, Rajasthan, proposed as the host city for its inaugural edition in November 2026. The Conclave will focus on the exchange of best practices, technology and innovation, quality standards, intra-BRICS trade and resilient supply chains, while bringing together manufacturers, exporters, investors, technology providers, SMEs, start-ups and researchers.

The Games, proposed to be hosted in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on 12-13 October 2026, will provide a platform for BRICS countries to showcase and preserve their diverse traditional and indigenous sporting heritage.

Conceived as a non-competitive and culturally focused initiative, the Games will promote cultural exchange, people-to-people ties and mutual understanding.

The Games will also facilitate voluntary athlete and practitioner engagement across participating countries, wherever appropriate and feasible. Common cultural sensitivity protocols and mutual respect frameworks will guide participation, recognising the cultural significance, customs and traditional knowledge systems associated with each sport.

Ahead of the formal proceedings, participating Ministers and dignitaries joined the BRICS Friendship Cycling Event, organised as part of the 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Visakhapatnam. Led by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse, the event saw participation from Ministers from Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the UAE, Iran and South Africa.

The event reflected the shared BRICS commitment to promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and people-to-people connections through sport.

Delegations reaffirmed the role of sport in advancing youth development, inclusion, cultural exchange and international cooperation, while welcoming the progress achieved during India’s BRICS Chairship.

Dr. Mandaviya appreciated all participating countries for their continued commitment to strengthening cooperation in sports within the BRICS framework and expressed confidence that the partnership would translate into meaningful and sustained sporting collaboration among Member States.

The outcomes of the Meeting contribute to India’s BRICS Chairship theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian table tennis star Harmeet Desai believes the new mixed team format at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics could provide India with a significant opportunity to challenge for a medal, with the country making rapid progress across events.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, the Arjuna Awardee and Olympian said India’s improvement in men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles gives the country reason to be optimistic about its Olympic prospects.

“This time there will be a new format in the 2028 Olympics which has never happened before. Mixed team. This time the mixed team format is definitely a good opportunity for the Indian team because our women's team is also good. Mixed doubles are good. Men's doubles are good," he told IANS.

“So in this team event, there will be matches for each event. So this is going to be a very good format for India. And definitely men's singles, women's singles, mixed doubles, men's doubles, women's doubles. In all these events, India is improving every year. So by 2028, we can definitely aim for a good performance and reach the medal round,” he added.

The Indian table tennis player also welcomed the proposed 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat, saying a major multi-sport event could accelerate the development of sporting infrastructure and participation in the state.

“When we got the news that there will be the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat. It was very exciting news for everyone. And when there is such a big event, the entire sports ecosystem changes. And because of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Gujarat, the infrastructure, financial spending towards players, giving exposure, bringing foreign coaches, and many other things change,” he said.

Harmeet also highlighted the facilities at the Naranpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, where he recently competed.

“Recently, I participated in a tournament in Ahmedabad, at the Naranpura Sports Complex. When I went to the stadium, I got to know about the facilities and how many different sports arenas were there. It feels very good to know that such sports stadiums are in India, with all the facilities, world-class facilities,” he said.

“And I think that in the coming years, there are 4 more years for the Commonwealth Games, so more such stadiums should be built, so that there is more participation among the youth, and more excitement to participate in sports. And I think because of that, the competition will increase, and the level of Gujarat will go up,” he added.

Harmeet said the growth of Indian table tennis in recent years has been driven by greater professionalism, financial support, corporate involvement and regular competitive opportunities.

“There are a lot of multiple factors. There is more professionalism in table tennis. Everyone has their own team, personal coaches, sparring partners, physiotherapist, physical trainer, dietitian. So this did not happen before. 5-6 years ago, everyone did not have a personal team,” he said.

He added that regular participation in international tournaments has also played a major role in improving the world rankings of Indian players.

“The World Rankings are updated every week. The pressure has increased today. You have to catch up with other players on a weekly basis. Your participation in the Contender and Feeder tournaments has increased. You have to play 18-20 tournaments a year. You have to play tournaments like Contender, Feeder, Smash and Star Contender. The Indian players' World Rankings have improved a lot,” Harmeet said.

Source: IANS

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Surat, Aug 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian table tennis star and Arjuna Awardee Harmeet Desai believes India’s men’s team has the right mix of experience and youth to challenge the best at the upcoming Asian Games and is confident of bringing home a medal.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Harmeet said the Indian men’s team, comprising Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah, G. Sathiyan and Payas Jain along with himself, is well balanced and capable of producing strong performances against the continent’s top teams.

“In the Asian Games, I, Manav Thakkar, Manush Ji, Satyan and Payas Jain are in the men's team. The team is well balanced with experience and youth. We are a very strong team,” Harmeet told IANS.

The Indian team has already shown that it can compete with some of the strongest sides in the world, and Harmeet believes the key will be to perform collectively when the opportunity arrives.

“We have performed well in the Asian Games when we have beaten top teams. We will try to perform well against strong teams in the Asian Games as a team. On a given day, when our form is good, we have beaten good teams. “We will try to win a medal this time as well,’ he said.

Harmeet also pointed to the regular exposure Indian players are getting against top Asian opposition through international tournaments as an important factor behind the team’s growing confidence.

“We play with Japan, Chinese, Koreans on a regular basis. Whether it is a contender tournament, star contender or smash. So now we are quite used to playing against them. And we have to do that training in the same way,” he said.

The Olympian revealed that he also trains extensively in Germany under Chinese coach Fu Yong, which has helped him understand and adapt to the techniques used by some of the world’s leading players.

“I train a lot in Germany under my coach, Fu Yong, who is a Chinese coach. So I go to train under him. Then every player has his own team because of which he trains.

“So I think we have quite gotten used to their techniques. And we have also bettered our style of play. So definitely we are well prepared for this Asian Games,” he added.

Harmeet said the Indian players have also benefited from the changing professional structure around the sport, with athletes now having access to specialised support teams.

“There are a lot of multiple factors. There is more professionalism in table tennis. Everyone has their own team, personal coaches, sparring partners, physiotherapists, physical trainers, and dietitians. So this did not happen before. 5-6 years ago, everyone did not have a personal team,” he said.

According to Harmeet, increased government support, corporate investment and regular leagues have also contributed to the rise of Indian table tennis.

“So there have been a lot of improvements. And everyone's attitude has changed a lot. Financial support from the government has increased a lot.

“Corporate sponsors have come to table tennis. The league is being held on a regular basis. Which is not the case in any other sport. Indian TT players are getting this exposure very regularly. State leagues and state governments are getting support. So definitely, we are improving at a fast pace,” he said.

Indian table tennis in the Asian Games has evolved from decades of struggle against East Asian powerhouses into a breakthrough era. India won their first-ever medals in 2018 when the men's team won historic bronze and Achanta Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra also added a second Bronze medal. In the 2022 Asian Games, Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee also secured a historic bronze medal in the women's doubles event.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Casey Kaufhold of the USA will make her debut as part of a star-studded line-up of 12 overseas archers from 10 different countries competing in the second edition of the Archery Premier League (APL), scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from October 8.

The second edition of the league, an initiative of the Archery Association of India, is held with support from the Government of Telangana, bringing together 48 athletes divided across six region-based franchises.

Speaking on the announcement, Anil Kamineni, director, APL, said, “Bringing 12 leading international archers, including three Olympic medallists, to APL Season 2 reflects our ambition to make India an important destination on the global archery calendar. Casey Kaufhold’s debut, alongside the return of champions such as Mete Gazoz, gold medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and Alejandra Valencia, two-time bronze medallist at the Tokyo & Paris Olympics, will uplift the level of competition and give Indian archers invaluable exposure to the world’s best.”

Reigning World Games individual champions Mike Schloesser, world No. 2 currently, and Andrea Becerra, world No. 1 currently, will return after competing in the inaugural season. Season 1 standout and 2025 World Championship silver medallist Mathias Fullerton, world No.1 currently, will also return, alongside Mexico’s 22-year-old Matias Grande, world No. 3 currently, and Spain’s Elia Canales for the 11-day tournament.

Casey Kaufhold, who won an Olympic medal at the age of 20, will join an elite roster that includes Olympic medallists Mete Gazoz of Turkey and Alejandra Valencia of Mexico, both of whom competed in the league’s inaugural season.

Reacting to her participation in APL, Casey said, "I am looking forward to competing in the Archery Premier League. The 15-second shot clock will be a new challenge, but I enjoy formats that demand focus, composure and trust in every shot. I am also excited to compete alongside some of the world's best archers, and connect with the passionate archery fans in India."

World No. 3 in compound archery, Alejandra Usquiano of Colombia, and Brazil’s Marcus D’Almeida, world No. 1 currently, and a bronze medallist at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, are among the other international archers set to make their APL debuts in Hyderabad.

Great Britain's Ella Gibson, currently world No. 2, who was part of the winning franchise Rajputana Royals in the first season, will be back alongside world No. 5 Compound Archer Nico Wiener for the second season.

Featuring six franchise teams, APL brings together Recurve and Compound archers, with both men and women competing together in a unique league format. The league further enhances the excitement with an innovative 15-second shot clock, adding speed, strategy, and intensity to every contest.

Through world-class competition and innovative presentation, APL aims to broaden the sport’s appeal, strengthen India’s archery ecosystem, and create greater opportunities for athletes and fans alike.

Source: IANS

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Slovakia, Aug 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian women's wrestling contingent added three more medals to their U20 World Championships tally in Slovakia, securing one silver and two bronze medals on the latest day of competition.

In the 68kg category, Mansi Lather fought a tightly contested gold medal match against China's Chenling Song. Mansi narrowly lost the defensive bout 1-2, earning a well-deserved silver medal for India.

India found further success in the bronze medal playoffs. In the 57kg division, Tanvi Gundesh Magdum delivered a strong performance to defeat Canada's Agnia Krakovska 10-4. Shortly after, Komal secured a 5-2 victory over Hungary's Eda Balazs in the 59kg category, ensuring both wrestlers took home bronze medals.

Earlier on Friday, women's wrestling sensation Kajal continued her incredible trajectory on the global stage, striking gold in the 76kg category to lead the Indian contingent’s charge.

Alongside Kajal’s historic triumph, India secured two crucial silver medals through Tanu Sharma and Savita on an action-packed day of Women's Wrestling (WW).

18-year-old Kajal Dhochak, competed in the 76kg championship bout. She delivered a masterclass against China's Jingru Sun, registering a flawless 7-0 victory on points (VPO) to lift the world title.This triumph cements her status as one of India's brightest generational prospects, adding to a phenomenal resume that already includes the 2024 U17 World Championship (69kg) and the 2025 U20 World Championship (72kg) titles.

Seamlessly transitioning to heavier weight classes year after year, Kajal's sheer dominance on the world stage, which also saw her win gold at the U23 Asian Championships and the Budapest Ranking Series earlier this year, proves she is a premier force in international wrestling.

In the 72kg category, Tanu Sharma put up a resilient fight in the gold medal match against Japan’s Chisato Yoshida. Despite a close tactical battle, Tanu narrowly fell short, suffering a 3-5 defeat on points (VPO1) to secure a well-earned silver medal for India.

Similarly, in the 62kg division, Savita faced a formidable opponent in Japan's Sakura Onishi in her championship final. The Indian grappler sustained a 2-12 defeat by technical superiority (VSU1), settling for silver after an otherwise stellar tournament campaign.

As the U20 World Championships head into their final stretch, the Indian contingent remains in strong contention for further podium finishes.

The Indian contingent will next be in action in the remaining men's freestyle (FS) categories: 57kg, 65kg, 79kg, and 92kg.

India's Latest U20 World Championships medal tally:

Women's Wrestling (WW)

Mansi Lather (68kg) – Silver

Tanvi Gundesh Magdum (57kg) – Bronze

Komal (59kg) – Bronze

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) Young Indian grappler Tanu Sharma clinched a silver medal in the U20 World Wrestling Championships, underlining a significant achievement in her budding career as the family in her village dived in joy. Sharma, a wrestler from Hansi's Bhaklana village in Haryana, achieved the glory during the ongoing Championship in Slovakia in the 72kg category.

She lost to Japan's Chisato Yoshidda in the final 5-3, which ended her heroic run and dashed her hopes for a gold medal. Speaking after her win, Sharma dedicated the medal to her village and the country and vowed to bring gold the next time. "I am from a small village of Bhaklana in Haryana. I am extremely pleased that I have won a medal at the U20 World Championships for my nation," she told the media after her win.

She thanked god after her win. "I want to thank God for the achievement first. I am also grateful to my family for having supported me in my journey from the start. I also thank the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for the faith shown in me. This is not just my medal, but a prize that belongs to my entire nation and my village. I missed winning gold, but I will bag it the next time and make my nation more proud," she added.

In her village in Bhaklana, the family and close ones were also chuffed to bits for the achievement of Sharma. They offered sweets to each other as the parents expressed their joy at seeing their daughter bag the laurel. "The girl had a special interest in sports from childhood. She used to play with her cousins and used to beat all the children of her age," Tanu's father, Virendra Shastri, told IANS.

He further stated that her uncle, Narendra Sharma, encouraged Tanu to pursue the sport. "Seeing her wrestling talent, her uncle Narendra Sharma, a retired member of the Indian Army, encouraged her to pursue the sport," he said.

Virendra stated that he enrolled his daughter on a coaching academy under coach Sanjay Sia, who later enrolled her in the SAI Sports Academy in Hisar. The father revealed a special anecdote of her daughter denying a grand welcome after winning Khelo India medals, including gold and instead wanted a welcome only when she wins an international medal.

"She won a bronze in Khelo India Youth Games in Bhopal and then another bronze in Khelo India University Games in Nagaland. She later won a gold in the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai, which gave her the wings. The village gave her a grand welcome, but she instead stated that 'this is not a big medal; welcome me when I bring an international prize,'" he added.

Her mother, Suman Lata, was also jubilant on seeing her daughter win the medal in Slovakia. "I am very happy, sir. Everyone in the village is happy," she told IANS. On being asked what she fed her daughter, Lata said, "I fed her milk and curd. I also gave her juice and almonds. She ate a lot."

"The whole village is with her. The whole village is saying that they will welcome her. The girl has made the whole village proud," she added.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tennis Premier League season 8 will be staged from December 8 to 13, 2026, at the LB Tennis Stadium in Hyderabad under the auspices of the All India Tennis Association and with the support of the Government of Telangana.

Eight franchise teams will compete in TPL’s signature 25-point format, where every point matters, with the action live-streamed on JioHotstar, allowing fans across the country to follow the league as some of the world’s top-ranked international players go head-to-head alongside India’s leading tennis stars.

The League will also see the presence of tennis icons Leander Paes and Sania Mirza, along with Bollywood personalities and team co-owners Rakul Preet Singh and Sonali Bendre Behl, who will be cheering on and supporting their respective teams.

For TPL, Hyderabad is more than just a new venue. It marks the league’s move into new markets, expanding its audience and building a stronger national footprint for professional tennis, with the TPL App already connecting the league to more than 400 affiliated academies across the country.

Hyderabad, with its strong sporting culture and growing tennis community, will provide the backdrop for Season 8 at the LB Tennis Stadium, one of India’s largest dedicated tennis venues. The stadium will host six days of high-intensity action as eight franchise teams – GS Delhi Aces, Hyderabad Strikers, Lucknow Blazers, Gurgaon Grand Slammers, Gujarat Panthers, Rajasthan Rangers, Kolkata Thunder Blades and Mumbai Royals compete in TPL’s exciting 25-point format.

Sharing his excitement on the announcement, Kunal Thakkur, Co-Founder, Tennis Premier League, said "Season 8 is a landmark chapter for TPL, not just because we're bringing world-class tennis to Hyderabad for the first time, but because it's the first season where fans will see our partnership with Kia India come alive. It's a strong signal of how far this league has come, and Hyderabad's sporting culture makes it the perfect city to take that next step in our journey."

Mrunal Jain, co-founder, TPL, added, "Every season, we've pushed TPL to reach new cities and new audiences. After hosting the tournament in Ahmedabad last year, Hyderabad is the next big step in that journey for us."

Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary Municipal Administration & Urban Development and Sports Dept, added, “Hyderabad has emerged as an important destination for hosting major sporting leagues, and we are pleased to see the Tennis Premier League becoming part of this growing sporting ecosystem."

Source: IANS

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Slovakia, Aug 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian women's wrestling sensation Kajal Dhochak continued her incredible trajectory on the global stage, striking gold in the 76kg category to lead the Indian contingent’s charge at the 2026 U20 Wrestling World Championships in Slovakia.

Alongside Kajal’s historic triumph, India secured two crucial Silver medals through Tanu Sharma and Savita on an action-packed day of Women's Wrestling (WW).

18-year-old Kajal, competed in the 76kg championship bout. She delivered a masterclass against China's Jingru Sun, registering a flawless 7-0 victory on points (VPO) to lift the world title.

This triumph cements her status as one of India's brightest generational prospects, adding to a phenomenal resume that already includes the 2024 U17 World Championship (69kg) and the 2025 U20 World Championship (72kg) titles.

Kajal also moved up a weight class and competed at 76kg this year after winning gold at 72kg in 2025. The Indian repeated as U20 world champion, only the second wrestler from her country to twice win gold at this level.

The former U17 world champion capped off an incredible tournament, in which she did not concede a single point, by blanking Jingru Sun of China 7-0, in the final, a repeat of their opening round bout at the U20 Asian Championships that Kajal won. This was her fifth successive gold in 2026, a year which she can with seventh-place finishes at Tirana Ranking Series and Asian Championships.

Since then, Kajal has won gold medals at U23 Asian Championships, Ulaanbaatar Ranking Series, U20 Asian Championships, Budapest Ranking Series and the U20 World Championships on Thursday.

Kajal opened the tournament against Miyu Takayama of Japan, who she pinned, defeated Elmira Yasin of Turkiye 14-0, in the semifinals before taking down Piper Fowler of USA 6-0.

In the final, Sun was the backfoot straightaway as Kajal put relentless pressure. She scored the first stepout to take a 1-0 lead, then hit a double-leg attack for a two-point takedown and lead 3-0 at the break. Sun was cautioned for open hands in the second period which added another point to Kajal's score.

A tiring Sun kept trying to hold centre but Kajal managed to push her out and also score a takedown to extend her lead to 7-0, which was the winning score.

In the 72kg category, Tanu Sharma put up a resilient fight in the gold medal match against Japan’s Chisato Yoshida. Despite a close tactical battle, Tanu narrowly fell short, suffering a 3-5 defeat on points (VPO1) to secure a well-earned silver medal for India.

Similarly, in the 62kg division, Savita faced a formidable opponent in Japan's Sakura Onishi in her championship final. The Indian grappler sustained a 2-12 defeat by technical superiority (VSU1), settling for Silver after an otherwise stellar tournament campaign.

As the U20 World Championships head into their final stretch, the Indian contingent remains in strong contention for further podium finishes.

The action will continue with the Indian grapplers set to participate in the remaining matches across the WW 57kg, 59kg, and 68kg categories, as well as the Men's Freestyle (FS) 61kg and 86kg divisions.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court on Thursday heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking recognition of the Right to Sports as a Fundamental Right under Article 21A of the Constitution, with petitioner Dr Kanishka Pandey urging the court not to dilute the larger constitutional question concerning access to sport into the narrower concept of ‘physical literacy'.

During the hearing, the court observed: “This is a laudable request. This is absolutely essential. And now in this digital age, children are totally getting away from fields.”

The PIL, originally filed by Pandey, seeks constitutional recognition of sport on the premise that participation in sport is integral to the holistic development of children and citizens and should not remain dependent merely upon individual privilege, institutional discretion or competitive excellence.

After the PIL was filed, the Supreme Court appointed an Amicus Curiae to assist the court. A report was later submitted before the court in 2022. The petitioner, however, raised objections to some key aspects of the report, especially its focus on “physical literacy” instead of the broader concept of ‘sports’.

The petitioner submitted that sports, physical education and physical literacy are three different concepts and should not be treated as the same. He argued that replacing the Right to Sports with physical literacy would change the original purpose and scope of the PIL.

The petitioner also said that sports should not be viewed mainly through elite performance, medals, competition, and sporting success.

According to the petition, sport has a wider social and developmental character and can contribute to physical and mental well-being, personality development, discipline, leadership, confidence, resilience, teamwork and character building.

It can also play an important role in addressing stress, anxiety, negativity and social isolation, while creating stronger communities and encouraging social interaction, inclusion and cohesion.

Sport can therefore operate simultaneously as an instrument of education, public health, youth development, community building, social development and nation building, the petitioner submitted.

Pandey told the court that before arriving at recommendations on a matter of such far-reaching constitutional significance, it was important to first understand sport in its entirety and examine its multiple dimensions.

“The purpose of this PIL has never been limited to producing champions or winning medals. Sport is much larger than competitive excellence. It shapes individuals, strengthens communities and contributes to physical, mental and social development. Physical literacy, physical education and sport may complement each other, but they cannot substitute one another. Our humble submission before the Hon’ble Court is that before determining the constitutional place of sport, we must first understand sport in its complete social, educational and developmental context,” Pandey said.

He further said that with children increasingly moving away from playgrounds towards screens, recognising access to sport had assumed greater importance.

“At a time when children are increasingly moving away from playgrounds and towards screens, recognising access to sport assumes even greater importance. The Right to Sports is ultimately about ensuring that the opportunity to play does not become a privilege available only to a few,” he said.

The PIL seeks to initiate a larger national conversation on placing sport alongside education as an essential element in the development of children and young citizens. The matter remains under consideration before the Supreme Court.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, Aug 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Arihant KS stunned top seed Aryan Pratap Singh 11-5, 11-2, 11-5 in the men’s quarterfinals of the Southern Slam squash at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai on Thursday.

Meanwhile, in the women’s quarterfinals, Eesha Shrivastava rallied to beat 3/4 seed Shameena Riaz 7-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8. Eesha also advanced to the U-19 girls' semifinals.

Earlier on Wednesday, Vedant Patel, seeded 3/4, rallied from 2-0 down to beat Lokesh Subramani 8-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-2, 11-6 in the men’s pre-quarterfinals of the Southern Slam squash.

In women’s, top seed Nirupama Dubey defeated Akanksha Gupta 11-8, 11-5, 11-8 and second seed Pooja Arthi R. beat Sahana Kalaivanan 11-4, 11-4, 11-6 in the pre-quarterfinals.

Almost 400 players are taking part across 12 categories in the premier tournament, which runs until Saturday.

Results (quarterfinals; Indians unless specified):

Men: Arihant KS bt 1-Aryan Pratap Singh 11-5, 11-2, 11-5; Gurveer Singh bt Purav Rambhia 11-8, 11-3, 11-5; Vedant Patel bt Kunal Singh 13-11, 12-10, 11-9; 2-Rahul Baitha bt Hridhaan Shah 11-3, 11-6, 11-2.

Women: 1-Nirupama Dubey bt Vyomika Khandelwal 11-6, 11-4, 11-1; Rathika Seelan bt Reiva Nimbalkar 11-8, 11-7, 11-7; 2-Pooja Arthi R bt Aarika Mishra 11-5, 11-6, 11-7; Eesha Shrivastava bt Shameena Riaz 7-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8.

Boys U-19: 1-Purav Rambhia bt Meyappan P 11-8, 11-6, 11-6; Raghav Vashishtha bt Rahul Sanjay Balakrishnan 5-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9; Shravin Jain bt Arjun Morey 11-6, 12-10, 10-12, 11-7; Yuvaditya Jain bt Ijaz Mohammed 11-9, 6-11, 13-11, 11-2.

Boys U-17: 1-Shreyansh Jha bt Aryaman Singh 11-9, 11-5, 11-8; Saharsh Shahra bt Dharshan K 11-8, 5-11, 11-7, 11-6; Hridhaan Shah bt Harshal Rana 11-3, 11-7, 11-5; 2-Lokesh Subramani bt Manuth Dassanayake (SL) 8-11, 11-3, 11-3, 11-8.

Boys U-15: 1-Jackrish Sashikumar (SGP) bt Soham Sarda 11-1, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7; Dhruv Johri bt Ayaan Dhanuka 6-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-6; Ruan Ram Tadanki bt Akshat Singhal 6-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-9; 2-Fareed Andrabi bt Vivek Shinde 11-8, 11-6, 11-6.

Boys U-13: 1-Kaelen Evan Low (SGP) bt Aryan SK 11-4, 11-4, 11-4; Zeyn Ali bt Haribala K 11-7, 11-5, 11-5; Vihaan Chandhok bt Varun Partiban (MAS) 11-5, 11-1, 11-9; 2-Ridaan Gupta bt Lakhvanth AP 11-9, 12-14, 11-8, 14-12.

Boys U-11: 1-Yuchen Mason Han (SGP) bt Joshua Lek (SGP) 11-1, 11-7, 11-8; Viraaj Wadhwani bt Rudransh Prabhakar 11-9, 12-10, 14-12; Vedant Shinde bt Yuvaan Verma 11-8, 8-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9; 2-Agastya Uppal bt Viraj Shinde 11-9, 11-8, 12-10.

Girls U-19: 1-Akanksha Gupta bt Diva Shah 12-10, 15-13, 2-11, 11-8; Devashree Arora bt Taliah Cheong (SGP) 11-7, 11-7, 11-3; Vyomika Khandelwal bt Sahana Kalaivanan 11-9, 11-5, 12-10; 2-Eesha Shrivastava bt Kriya Saravanan 11-6, 11-4, 11-5.

Girls U-17: Aarika Mishra bt 1-Vasundhara Nangare 12-10, 11-8, 11-9; Riyansika Verma bt Shiuli Nataraj (SGP) 11-5, 11-8, 10-12, 11-4; Kaashvi Mangal bt Anya Sood 11-8, 11-9, 11-5; Yushan Jacintha Han (SGP) bt 2-Ravinaasri Nanthakumar (MAS) 11-5, 11-8, 11-3.

Girls U-15: 1-Kelihla Cheong (SGP) bt Rachel Markose (SGP) 11-1, 11-7, 11-6; Diva Parasrampuria bt Sanaita Singh 11-3, 11-3, 11-2; Divyanshi Jain bt Devki Anand 11-1, 11-0, 11-3; 2-Goushika M bt Shanaya Parasrampuria 11-7, 9-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-1.

Girls U-13: 1-Keerti Bala (MAS) bt Sanavi Tidke 11-4, 11-7, 11-5; Aadhya Grover bt Yu Xi Kai (HK) 11-4, 11-9, 11-9; Akshara Makhija bt Dhriti Ganji 11-4, 11-7, 11-6; 2-Riyaa Dalal bt Sameeksha Sugumar 11-5, 11-3, 11-7.

Girls U-11: 1-Meera Ruthiran (MAS) bt Anam Yadav 11-8, 11-5, 11-1; Inaya Andrabi bt Barisha Begam 6-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7, 11-9; Anshika Kumari bt Amirtha Kundave 11-7, 11-5, 11-6; 2-Gaurvi Ajmera bt Navya Khatri 11-3, 11-1, 11-2.

Source: IANS

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