SPORTS

New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) Despite India losing all four tosses in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Rohit Sharma's team heads into the title clash against New Zealand as the only undefeated side in the eight-team competition. Lalchand Rajput, the former Indian cricketer, believes the outcome of the toss won’t matter much in the final as India’s batting has been clicking well.“We are chasing well. I think in the final, it's definitely the team that wins the toss. I presume they will bat first because chasing any total in a final will be a little bit of a concern. But now the Indian team is batting so well that I don't think toss matters a lot,” said Rajput in an exclusive conversation with IANS from Dubai.Rajput, currently UAE’s head coach, feels New Zealand are ahead of India as far as fielding i...

New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday led state sports ministers, athletes and administrators in a special cycle rally to mark International Women’s Day at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Telangana.Speaking during the rally’s flag-off ceremony, Mandaviya said, “This cycle rally is a testament to our Nari Shakti, showcasing the determination, leadership, and excellence of women in sports and beyond.”To mark Women’s Day, Mandaviya, Secretary (Sports) Sujata Chaturvedi and former Olympian and badminton star Pulella Gopichand along with other prominent athletes launched the Asmita newsletter, a statement released here said.The newsletter captures the essence of ‘Sports For Women’ mission started by the government in 2021. The newsletter also...

New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) In the 2025 Champions Trophy, India wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has carved a reputation for turning the game in his side’s favour via his guile and variations. With India set to face New Zealand in the title clash in Dubai on Sunday, former cricketer-turned-coach Lalchand Rajput feels all eyes will be on how the Blackcaps batters stand up to the challenge posed by Chakaravarthy’s wizardry.In the Group A clash between the two teams last week in Dubai, which India won by 44 runs, Chakaravarthy bamboozled them with his variations to pick 5-42, as the Indian spin quartet accounted for nine wickets. In the semi-final against Australia, Chakaravarthy took two wickets, including dangerous Travis Head in the first power-play.But with Rachin Ravindra and Kane William...

New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) State sports ministers, athletes and administrators joined Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in a special cycle rally to mark International Women’s Day at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Telangana on Saturday. Speaking during the flag-off of the rally, Dr Mandaviya said, “This cycle rally is a testament to our Nari Shakti, showcasing the determination, leadership and excellence of women in sports and beyond”.Held on the sidelines of the Chintan Shivir, a national meet of state ministers and key stakeholders discussing India’s preparation for the 2028 LA Olympics and the bid to host the 2036 Summer Games, the cycle rally drew keen interest from members of the Kanha Shanti Vanam, a wellness and spiritual centre.To mark Women’s Day, Mandaviya, Sec...

New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Indian women’s hockey team captain Salima Tete, drag-flick specialist Deepika and midfielder Lalremsiami reflected on the power of women in sports, their personal journeys, and the significance of women's empowerment in today’s world. Their thoughts echo the resilience, determination, and grit that have not only defined their sporting careers but also contributed to the ongoing growth of women in sports across India.Salima Tete has had a remarkable journey from a small village in Jharkhand to the international stage. Speaking on the empowerment of women, she said, “Coming from a humble background, I know what it means to push boundaries and fight against societal norms. I started playing with wooden sticks, but that ne...

Jaipur, March 8 (IANS) Rajasthan Royals celebrated International Women’s Day by unveiling a striking all-pink jersey for their highly anticipated Pink Promise match in IPL 2025. The Royals Pink Promise is to continue supporting women-led transformation in Rajasthan. Taking this commitment to the grandest stage, Rajasthan Royals will host the Pink Promise Match against Mumbai Indians on May 1 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur."The Royal Rajasthan Foundation (RRF), the CSR arm of Rajasthan Royals, also celebrated International Women’s Day with the launch of a powerful #PinkPromise campaign film, ‘Aurat Hai Toh Bharat Hai’. Last year, the ‘Pink Promise’ campaign, along with support from partners like Luminous, illuminated thousands of lives by bringing light to over 250 homes," the IPL...

New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) Growing up in the narrow lanes of Dharavi in Mumbai, one of the world’s largest slums, making a career out of cricket seemed far-fetched for Simran Shaikh, the all-rounder who was roped in by Gujarat Giants for WPL 2025 at a staggering paycheck of Rs 1.9 crore. Now playing WPL 2025 and after winning the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy title with Mumbai, Simran reflected on International Women’s Day and how female athletes plus the ecosystem around them can help them make the world a better place and excel on the field.“I would like to say that whatever you do, as a sports person, you should work hard, and support your parents. They will support you a lot. I also feel that there should be more support towards our women's team. Also, people do need to do the needful to fu...

Dubai, March 8 (IANS) India opener Shubman Gill is gearing up to make the most of the opportunity as he is set to play his second ICC tournament final on Sunday when Rohit Sharma-led side will take on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy summit clash. In the ICC 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, Gill failed to score big and fell cheaply on four runs in a match which India lost by six wickets to miss out on a third tournament title.However, Gill has moved on from the heartbreak and is more mature now. Ranked No.1 in ODI batter rankings, the vice-captain is mentally ready to handle pressure better and spend more time at the crease.“Obviously some nerves in that match,” ICC quoted Gill as saying ahead of India’s date with New Zealand in Sunday’s decider.“(I learned) a lot of things. It w...

New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) The International Women’s Day has always been a day where civil society celebrates the achievements of women across all industries. Dayalan Hemalatha, the Gujarat Giants’ opener who also bowls part-time off-spin, has urged girls and women to take up playing sports professionally as it’s a life-changing moment.“I can say like take sport and because if you take it up, you'll be grateful for that because it will change your entire life, as well as your decision-making skills. It makes you more confident, aggressive, fearless and you then only think about like I can do anything and I can handle everything in my life,” said Hemalatha in an exclusive conversation with IANS.Unlike many cricketers who start young, Hemalatha, who has played nine ODIs and 15 T20Is for India...

New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) Gujarat Giants’ seam-bowling all-rounder Sayali Satghare reflected on her career, challenges and the evolving landscape of women's cricket on the occasion of International Women’s Day, saying that one has to keep working hard and have that faith in themselves if they really love the sport and wish to make a career out of it. “Nowadays women's cricket has been on the rise, especially since the past couple of years and I think it will just keep on building from here. So, my only message will be if you really love playing the game, just keep working hard and keep believing in yourself. I guess enjoy the game because you start playing the game only because you love it and sometimes we forget that.”“So, main important message would be to keep enjoying the process you...