Sports

New Delhi, December 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the closing ceremony of the MPs Sports Festival virtually, emphasized the importance of skill and talent in sports selection, creating opportunities for children from even the most underprivileged backgrounds to excel at a young age. “Today, opportunities in sports are unlimited,” said PM Modi. “Selection is no longer based on connections or influence, but purely on skill and talent. Even a child from the poorest family can reach the top at a young age.” He highlighted India’s ongoing efforts to host major international sporting events, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and the 2036 Olympics. “Young athletes participating today, even those aged 10 or 12, could represent India at the 2036 Olympics,...

Indore, December 25: On this day in 1997, an unusual incident unfolded in Indian cricket history when the ODI between India and Sri Lanka in Indore was abandoned after only 18 balls. Despite the match having started and the toss completed, the game was called off due to a dangerous pitch, marking the first time in international cricket that a match was canceled for this reason. The decision led to such an uproar that legal action was filed against both captains. Packed Stadium on Christmas DayThe second match of the three-match ODI series was scheduled on Christmas, and the stadium was packed with nearly 25,000 spectators. India had comfortably won the first match in Guwahati and both teams had traveled nearly 500 kilometers to Indore, with fans expecting an exciting contest. Pitch C...

New Delhi: Indian cricket legend Sourav Ganguly, one of the most successful captains in India’s cricketing history, has been appointed head coach of Pretoria Capitals for the SA20 league. The fourth season of the tournament begins on 26th December, with Pretoria Capitals yet to win the title in previous editions. Captain Keshav Maharaj expressed his excitement about working with Ganguly and former all-rounder Shaun Pollock. Speaking to the press, Maharaj said,"This is my first year with Pretoria Capitals, and I’ve had some conversations with Sourav sir, so I’m genuinely very excited. Pretoria is generally a high-scoring venue, so as a bowler, you want to find ways to handle it while letting the batsmen play their game. It’s really thrilling. Our coaching staff includes some legends of t...

New Delhi: Indian hockey midfielder Hardik Singh has been nominated for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian hockey. The 27-year-old played a key role in helping the Indian team secure bronze medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and has been representing India since 2018. The Selection Committee of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports also recommended 24 athletes for the Arjuna Award, India's top sports honor, during a meeting held on Wednesday. Born in Khusropur, Punjab, Hardik comes from a family with a rich hockey legacy. His father, Varinderpreet Singh Rai, was a hockey player, while his grandfather, Pritam Singh Rai, served as a coach who introduced Hardik to the sport. His uncles, Gurmail Singh—a memb...

Rohtak: The Rohtak Royals have named Surender Nada as their head coach ahead of the inaugural season of the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL). Nada, a celebrated name in Indian Kabaddi, is widely recognized for his defensive skills and has played a pivotal role in India’s international successes. A left-corner defender, Nada has previously won the Pro Kabaddi League title with U Mumba and was part of the Indian team that lifted the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. At 38 years old, Nada brings years of experience and a wealth of strategic knowledge to the team. Expressing his excitement, Nada said,"I feel honored to take on the role of head coach for Rohtak Royals. This team represents a region with deep Kabaddi roots, and I am eager to work with the players to build a competitive squad. The Kaba...

Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma made a spectacular comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing a blazing 155 runs off 94 balls against Sikkim. His innings included 18 fours and 9 sixes, helping Mumbai secure a comfortable 8-wicket victory. The match also saw Rohit score the fastest List-A century of his career, completing his fifty in 27 balls and reaching his hundred in just 62 balls. A Fan Offers Vada Pav, Rohit’s Reaction Wins HeartsAmidst the on-field action, a light-hearted moment captured fans’ attention. While fielding near the boundary line, a spectator cheekily offered Rohit a vada pav. In response, Rohit waved his hand with a smile and declined the offer. This fun interaction was caught on camera and has gone viral on social media, with fans sharing amusing comments on Ro...

The Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic one-day tournament, kicked off with a bang, featuring 19 matches on the first day. Among the highlights were the appearances of Indian cricket superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom scored centuries, yet fans were left frustrated as none of the matches were broadcast live. Rohit and Virat ShineIn Jaipur, Rohit Sharma smashed 155 runs off 94 balls, including 18 fours and 9 sixes, leading his team to a commanding performance against Sikkim. Meanwhile, in Delhi, Virat Kohli played a brilliant 133-run innings off 101 balls, hitting 14 fours and 3 sixes to secure a win for his side against Andhra Pradesh. Rohit’s century came in just 62 balls, demonstrating his enduring firepower. Fans React to BCCI’s Video ReleaseAfter the ...

India’s cricketing spotlight is firmly on 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has already showcased his talent from domestic to international-level cricket. Despite his phenomenal performances, fans and experts alike are asking when he will get a chance in Team India. Shashi Tharoor Speaks OutCongress MP Shashi Tharoor, known for his cricketing knowledge, expressed his frustration on social media, drawing a historic comparison to Sachin Tendulkar. Tharoor tweeted: "The last time a 14-year-old displayed such extraordinary talent in cricket, it was Sachin Tendulkar. We know what he went on to achieve. Whom are we waiting for? Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India!" In his post, Tharoor tagged BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and even Sachin Tendulkar. ...

Australia will take the field under the captaincy of Steve Smith for the Boxing Day Test, with regular skipper Pat Cummins rested to manage workload. The fourth match of the Ashes series begins on 26 December, with Australia already having sealed the first three Tests. Final 12 Announced Ahead of the MatchAustralia has announced its 12-player squad for the Melbourne Test. Acting captain Steve Smith confirmed after the team’s final practice session on Christmas morning that selectors wanted to inspect the pitch closely before making the final playing XI decision. Smith described the pitch as “quite grassy” with around 10mm of cover, suggesting it could favor the fast bowlers. Strong Pace Attack SelectedAustralia’s final squad features no specialist spinners, as veteran Nathan Lyon rem...

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is on the verge of a historic milestone in Test cricket. Currently, the record for the most wickets in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is held by Australia’s veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, but Starc is rapidly closing in. Starc’s Dominance in The AshesStarc has been in sublime form during the ongoing Ashes series against England. Over the first three Tests, he has claimed 22 wickets at an outstanding average of 17.04, making him the highest wicket-taker in the series so far. His two standout bowling performances have been instrumental in Australia achieving a commanding 3-0 lead. The fourth Test is set to begin on 26 December at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. On the Brink of a WTC MilestoneStarc needs just 11 more wickets to surpass Nathan...