Siyaram’s National Blind Cricket Tournament Set to Begin at Historic Brabourne Stadium on January 10, 2024
Siyaram Silk Mills Limited, a beacon of innovation and excellence in India’s fashion industry, proudly announces the 10th edition of the National Blind Cricket Tournament, commencing on January 10 at the iconic Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. This year, the tournament will feature eight esteemed teams from across the nation – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, and Goa. These teams represent the pinnacle of skill and determination in the world of visually impaired sports, showcasing that physical limitations are no barrier to achieving greatness. “We at Siyaram’s have always believed in breaking barriers and setting new standards. This tournament is a reflection of our commitment to inclusivity in sports and our continuous effort to empower all segments of society. It is an honor to support these incredible athletes who inspire us with their resilience and passion.” said Mr. Ramesh D. Poddar, Chairman & Managing Director, Siyaram Silk Mills Limited. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Poddar, Siyaram’s has grown into one of India’s most reputable men’s fashion conglomerates since its establishment in 1978. With marquee brands like Oxemberg, J. Hampstead, Mozzo, Ethnair, and the Italian fashion brand Cadini, Siyaram’s have become synonymous with quality and style, making internationally renowned designs accessible to the Indian market. The inauguration of the tournament will be graced by the presence of Mr. Ramesh Poddar and Sanjay Bansode, Minister of Sports, and Youth Welfare, marking a significant moment in promoting inclusivity and excellence in sports. Apart from its commercial success, Siyaram’s has played a pivotal role in the growth of the Indian textile industry. Mr. Poddar, revered for his ethical and visionary leadership, has been instrumental in shaping industry standards and policies. His commitment to social responsibility is evident in Siyaram’s various initiatives, including providing healthcare assistance to cancer patients, access to education for underprivileged children, and upskilling the tailoring community. As the 10th edition of the National Blind Cricket Tournament kicks off, Siyaram invites sports enthusiasts to join in witnessing the incredible journey of these talented athletes. Their story is not just about cricket; it is about overcoming challenges, breaking barriers, and the triumph of the human spirit. The Sportz Planet Desk
Hockey India Unveils 41-Member Core Probable Group for Junior Women’s National Coaching Camp
Hockey India on Sunday named a 41-member core probable group for the Junior Women’s National Coaching Camp that begins on 8th January 2024 in Sports Authority of India (SAI), Bengaluru. The new core probable group has been picked based on their performances in the domestic championships held in 2023. The players will report to Coach Tushar Khandker on 8th January for a month-long camp that concludes on 6th February. The list of core probables includes goalkeepers Vidyashree V, Aditi Maheshwari, Nidhi, Engil Harsharani Minz, defenders Lalthantluangi, Niru Kullu, Mamita Oram, Thounjaojam Nirupama Devi, Jyoti Singh, Anjali Barwa, Pawanpreet Kaur, Puja Sahoo while the midfielders called up are Priyanka Dogra, Rajni Karketta, F. Lalbi Aksiami, Manisha, Nirali Kujur, Hina Bano, Ksetrimayum Sonia Devi, Anisha Sahoo, Priyanka Yadav, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Supriya Kujur, Jaisikdeep Kaur, Binima Dhan, Huda Khan and Sakshi Rana. The forwards called up for the camp include Sonam, Sanjana Horo, Dechamma PG, Ishika, Himanshi Sharad Gawande, Kanika Siwach, Nisha Minj, Yamunna, Geeta Yadav, Gurmail Kaur, Lalrinpuii, Munmuni Das, Ashwini Punjab Kolekar and Sunelita Toppo. Speaking about the upcoming camp, Coach Tushar Khandker said, “This core group has been picked based on the players’ performances for their respective state teams in the Hockey India Junior Women’s National Championship, the Zonal Championships as well as the Junior Women Academy National Championships and the Zonal Championships. I have always believed that there is no dearth of talent in India. I look forward to working with this new group as these players will be closely watched and developed with focus on the next FIH Junior World Cup.” List of players in the 41-member core-probable group: Goalkeepers: Vidyashree V, Aditi Maheshwari, Nidhi, Engil Harsharani Minz Defenders: Lalthantluangi, Niru Kullu, Mamita Oram, Thounjaojam Nirupama Devi, Jyoti Singh, Anjali Barwa, Pawanpreet Kaur, Puja Sahoo Midfielders 13. Priyanka Dogra 14. Rajni Karketta 15. F. Lalbi Aksiami 16. Manisha 17. Nirali Kujur 18. Hina Bano 19. Ksetrimayum Sonia Devi 20. Anisha Sahoo 21. Priyanka Yadav 22. Khaidem Shileima Chanu 23. Supriya Kujur 24. Jaisikdeep Kaur 25. Binima Dhan 26. Huda Khan 27. Sakshi Rana Forwards 28. Sonam 29. Sanjana Horo 30. Dechamma PG 31. Ishika 32. Himanshi Sharad Gawande 33. Kanika Siwach 34. Nisha Minj 35. Yamunna 36. Geeta Yadav 37. Gurmail Kaur 38. Lalrinpuii 39. Munmuni Das 40. Ashwini Punjab Kolekar 41. Sunelita Toppo (Sr. Women Core Group) Standby 1. Lakhimoni Majuwar (Goalkeeper) 2. Mamteshwari Lahare (Defender) 3. Sejal (Forward) The Sportz Planet Desk
Sports Ministry says it won’t recognise events hosted by the suspended WFI
On Sunday, the Sports Ministry said that it won’t recognise any wrestling events held by the suspended Wrestling Federation of India. The Ministry added that the suspended federation has no authority to conduct the Senior National Championships or any event associated with wrestling in the nation. WFI was suspended last month due to the violation of rules, after which the Indian Olympic Association formed a three-member ad hoc panel to manage day to day affairs of the federation. However, Sanjay Singh, who was elected the President of WFI has refused to recognise the suspension of his federation and has also denied acknowledging the newly formed ad hoc panel. In a letter, the Sports Ministry said, “It has come to the notice of the Ministry that you have issued a Circular bearing No. WFI/Senior National/Maharashtra/2024 dated 06.01.2024 on the letterhead of the Wrestling Federation of India regarding conduct of Senior National Wrestling Championship 2023 at Pune (Maharashtra) from 29–31 January 2024.” The letter further stated, “As per this Ministry’s order dated 24.12.2023, you have no authority to issue such a Circular or to use the letterhead of the Wrestling Federation of India wherein you claim affiliation of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.” “You must immediately cease and desist using the letterhead of the Wrestling Federation of India for such prohibited purposes and using the name, logos and insignia of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India in violation of the provisions of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011(Sports Code) and the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.” In the strongly-worded letter to Sanjay Singh, the Ministry further said that “any championships or competitions organized by you – the suspended Executive Committee members of the WFI – will be treated as unsanctioned and unrecognized competitions.” “Certificates of participation and medals won in championships conducted by the WFI will be of no consequence and will not be considered for eligibility under any scheme of the government or appointment to government jobs/to get admission in school and colleges under sports quota, sports awards, etc… Until further orders, only National Wrestling Championships for various age categories organized under the supervision of the IOA-appointed Ad hoc Committee for Wrestling will be treated as sanctioned and recognized championships for wrestling under the Sports Code and all government benefits will only accrue to the sportspersons participating in such National championships organized by the Ad hoc Committee,” concluded the letter. On January 3rd, the ad hoc panel in a statement announced they would be conducting the U-15 and U-20 National Wrestling Championships in Gwalior, in February. The panel encouraged younger wrestlers to continue training for the same. Varun Anand Bhat | The Sportz Planet
U Mumba begin home leg in style, beat Bengaluru Bulls 40-35
U Mumba got their home leg off to a rollicking start as they earned a commanding 40-35 win over Bengaluru Bulls in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 match at the DOME by NSCI in Mumbai. U Mumba’s Bittu, making his PKL debut, impressed with 6 tackle points. Buoyed by a boisterous home crowd, U Mumba went all guns blazing from the first raid and inflicted an ALL OUT as early as the 7th minute. Guman Singh and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh picked points at will and the U Mumba defence was rock-solid as Bittu’s tackle on Aman put U Mumba ahead 11-3. Bengaluru Bulls were forced to play catch up thereon. Their first tackle point came only in the 11th minute and that summed up their defensive show as they struggled to contain U Mumba’s three-pronged raiding unit. Bulls’ ace raider Bharat was unable to find a rhythm and Vikash Kandola offered some hope but failed to capitalize on numerous chances to inflict the ALL OUT on U Mumba. The home team played with 3 men for nearly 5 minutes and held on to go into the break with a 19-10 lead. U Mumba extended their lead early into the second half as Zafardanesh’s multi-point raid reduced the Bulls to 2 men. Sushil came off the bench to the Bulls’ rescue and scored 6 quickfire points and Aman claimed a SUPER TACKLE, but it still wasn’t enough to stop U Mumba from grabbing a second ALL OUT. With 12 minutes left, the hosts sat pretty at 28-18. U Mumba brought on a couple of players from the bench for the remainder of the match as they dominated the proceedings. Bittu, who replaced Rinku in the U Mumba line-up, trapped Bharat in a fine tackle to claim a High 5. Bulls’ veteran defender Surjeet Singh produced a moment of magic towards the end of the game as he outwitted 3 defenders to execute the first SUPER RAID of the match. Incidentally, this was also the first SUPER RAID of Surjeet’s PKL career. Sachin Narwal followed it up with another sublime SUPER RAID and U Mumba had just 2 men left on the mat. The Bulls went on to bag an ALL OUT in the final raid of the match, but it wasn’t enough to erase their deficit as U Mumba clinched their 5th win on the trot. The Sportz Planet Desk
Dabbang Delhi KC stop Patna Pirates second half comeback to win in PKL Season 10
Despite a remarkable second half comeback, the Patna Pirates fell short of one point loss (37-38) to Dabbang Delhi KC at the Dome by NSCI on Wednesday. Dabang Delhi’s Ashu Malik (10 points) and Patna Pirates’ raiders Sachin (10 points) and M Sudhakar (9 points) were the standout performers of the evening. In a blistering first half performance Dabang Delhi KC inflicted two ALL OUTs on the Pirates. The first came within the first 10 minutes, as they took a five-point lead, and the second followed merely six minutes later to give them a 10-point advantage. Dabang Delhi KC’s raiders, Malik, Meetu Sharma and Manjeet logged an incredible 13 points from 20 raids in the first half, leaving the Patna Pirates chasing shadows. Malik in particular was not tackled even once in the first half even registering a SUPER RAID with a minute left in the half. Time and again Sachin had pulled the Pirates out of trouble in the season, but on the day, he was subdued by a confident Dabang Delhi KC defence as they took a 13 points advantage into the break. The Patna irates defence finally clicked into place in the second half, and inflicted an ALL OUT of their own, to cut the lead down to six points. Sachin came to life soon after, registering a SUPER RAID to take out Ashish, Vikrant and Mohit to pull them closer The Patna Pirates surge continued through the half, as Sachin and M Sudhakar’s brilliant raiding kept them within three points till late in the game. In the end though, Dabang Delhi KC held on by running down the clock to take the win. The Sportz Planet Desk
Odisha recognises athletes and para-athletes with cash awards for their remarkable performances in December 2023
Shri Tusharkanti Behera, Hon’ble Minister, Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha today feliciated and presented cash awards to various athletes from the state for their remarkable performances in December 2023 at the Kalinga Stadium. Also present at the occasion were Sports Director, Shri Siddhartha Das and officials of DSYS to congratulate and encourage the athletes. Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Sports Minister, Shri Tusharkanti Behera said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes of Odisha for their remarkable performances and achievements in December 2023. This is our continued effort towards recognizing and incentivizing talented athletes for their performances. I’m sure this will motivate them to better their performances and they have our support throughout their sporting journey.” Odisha’s Kayaking and Canoeing team, who were the overall champions of the 34th National Canoe Sprint Championship (Senior Men and Women) 2023 held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh in December 2023, were felicitated by the Hon’ble Sports Minister. The were 18 different medallists in the contingent, who won a total of 66 medals at the National Championship held in December 2023. Sachima Kerkata, Rashmita Sahoo and Moirangthem Sophia Devi were awarded with Rs 90,000 for their multiple medal wins. Sachima won four Gold and three Silver, Rashimta won four Gold, two Silver and a Bronze, while Sophia won three Gold and two Silver medals. Oinam Bidya Devi (1 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze) and Fulmani Xaxa (1 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze) received Rs 55,000. Avinash Singham, who won two Silver and two Bronze medals received Rs 50,000, while Salam Kishan Singh (4 Silver medals), Sagar Kumar (3 Silver medals and 1 Bronze medal) and Ahongshangbam Naobi Singh (1 Gold medal, 2 Silver medals and 1 Bronze) received Rs 40,000 each, while Pukhrambam Roji Devi (1 Gold and 2 Silver) and Sruti Chowgule (1 Gold and 2 Silver) were presented with Rs 35,000 each. Phairembam Borish Singh who returned with three medals – Gold, Silver and Bronze – received Rs 30,000, while Thongam Monocha Singh (1 Gold and 1 Silver), Salam Arshi Devi (1 Gold and 1 Silver) and Laishram Borish Singh (1 Gold and 1 Silver) received Rs 25,000 each. Madhusmita Nayak, who won a Gold received Rs, 15,000, while Elin Alrica Toppo (Silver) and Moirangthem Jabez Meitei (2 Bronze medals) received Rs 10,000 each. Meanwhile, para-athletes who won medals and took part in the recently concluded World Ability Sports 2023 (previously known as IWAS World Games) in Thailand were also felicitated and awarded cash prizes on the occasion. Suchitra Parida (Para-athletics), who attained a Gold and a Silver was awarded Rs 34 lakh, while Jayanti Behera (Para-athletics), who won a Silver and two Bronze medals received Rs 30 lakh from the state government. Swadhin Mahar received Rs 14 lakh for winning Silver in Para-athletics. Para-badminton player Deep Ranjan Bisoi, who won a Gold and a Bronze, received Rs 18 lakh, while Para-badminton Bronze medallist Subhrajeet Maharana was awarded with Rs 4 lakh. The sports minister also presented a cash award of Rs. 50,000 each to para-athletes for their participation in the World Ability Sports 2023. Para-badminton players G Dillaswar Rao and Nurul Hossain Khan, along with Wheelchair Fencing athletes — Rakhal Kumar Sethy, V Ramesh Rao, Prafulla Kumar Khandayatray, Pujaswini Nayak, Sheela Mantri, Pabitra Sahu and Malti Panaure– each received Rs 50,000 for their participation in the World Ability Sports that is held once in every 2 years. The Sportz Planet Desk
ITF Mandya Open to mark the comeback of international tennis to Mandya after eight years
Mandya, a city famous for producing sugarcane, is set to host the ITF Mandya Open from January 7th to 14. This tournament is an important milestone in Indian sports as international tennis returns to Mandya after a gap of eight years. The last time Mandya hosted an international tennis event was in May 2015, with previous events being held in 2012 and 2010. During a media interaction, Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association Secretary Maheshwar Rao said, “It is our endeavour to develop and grow the sport of tennis across the state. We hope that events like these will benefit the local players while giving small towns an international exposure.” Several top tennis players from different nations are set to compete in the Mandya Open. In total, the tournament will host players from eighteen different countries. Eric Vanshelboim, Kris van Wyk, Giles Hussey, Thomas Fancutt, and India’s Sasikumar Mukund are the top five players at the upcoming Mandya Open. Another important player in this tournament will be India’s Davis Cup inductee, SD Prajwal Dev. The 27-year-old is one of the five Indian players to directly qualify for the tournament. 32 players will compete in the main draw of the singles competition whereas 16 pairs will fight for the doubles title. The ITF Mandya Open boasts a prize pool of USD 25,000. Varun Anand Bhat | The Sportz Planet
Revisiting unforgettable performances by Indian Players at the Australian Open
Australian Open has witnessed some of the most stellar performances by Indian players at the Rod Laver Arena. Through sheer determination, resilience and grit, Indian tennis players have engraved their names in the history books at this prestigious Grand Slam tournament. Join us, as we revisit the moments when Indian athletes displayed their sporting spirits making the entire nation proud. Sania Mirza’s history making performance in the 2016 Australian Open The 2016 Australian Open will be remembered as a defining moment in Indian tennis history as Sania Mirza along with her doubles partner Martina Hingis lifted the coveted title. Their victory in the final over Czechia pair Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka [(7-6 (1), 6-3)] made the history books, as Sania Mirza became the first Indian woman to secure a Grand Slam title in women’s doubles category at the Australian Open. With this win, they soared to new heights of success, securing their 12th title win together and maintaining an impressive 36-game winning streak. Leander Paes achieves the unthinkable Shockwaves were sent across the globe when India’s first entrant into the International Tennis Hall of Fame – Leander Paes along with his doubles partner Radek Stepanek defeated 16-time Grand Slam champions and the most successful tennis duo of all-time Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan in the men’s doubles category at the 2012 Australian Open final. After losing to the Bryan brothers five times, Leander Paes finally got the upper hand by denying them their record 12th Grand Slam title. This victory marked a historic milestone as Paes lifted his first Australian Open trophy. Bhupathi-Sania duo scripts Indian victory Mahesh Bhupathi clinched his second Australian Open mixed doubles title by pairing up with the then 22-year-old Indian prodigy Sania Mirza, crushing Andy Ram and Natalie Dechy in straight sets in the 2009 Australian Open final. This triumph marked Bhupathi’s 11th Grand Slam title, an impressive seventh in the mixed doubles category. For the young Sania Mirza, this was her first-ever Grand Slam title. Ramesh Krishnan pulling off a major upset The 1989 Australian Open proved to be a game-changer for the Indian tennis fraternity when the iconic Ramesh Krishnan was drawn against the then No. 1 ranked Mats Wilander in the 2nd round and achieved the unthinkable. Despite the potential for Wilander to secure a seventh straight victory against Krishnan, the match concluded with a straight sets scoreline of 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 in favour of Krishnan, leaving the spectators in awe. Ahead of the 2024 edition of Australian Open, Sony Sports Network is delighted to have two-time Australian Open champion Sania Mirza as an expert on its studio show Extraaa Serve along with former India No. 1 singles player Somdev Devvarman, and the accomplished two-time ATP World Tour title-holder in men’s doubles, Purav Raja who will provide unparalleled insights, making it a must-watch for tennis enthusiasts. The Sportz Planet Desk
Return of U Mumba reignites Kabaddi fervour in the City of Dreams
U Mumba will be looking to carry their momentum in the ongoing 10th Season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) as they return to Mumbai after a four-year-long hiatus. U Mumba will play four high-octane matches at the DOME, NSCI, during the Mumbai-leg which will feature a total of 11 matches. U Mumba has been on a roll this season, winning five of their seven matches played so far, including four back-to-back wins and are making positive strides towards a return to the playoffs. Rinku, debutant Sombir and team vice-captain Mahender Singh have been setting the mat on fire with their performances as top defenders, while Iranian recruit, 19-year-old Amirmohammad Zafardanesh has also emerged as a find of the tournament, and the best raider for the team with 64 raid points so far. Thrilling performances from captain Surinder Singh, prolific raider Guman Singh and key all-rounder Vishwanth also continues to dazzle the U Mumba ranks. “Our primary goal has been to secure a spot in the playoffs and showcase consistency and determination throughout and I’m delighted with the performances the boys have been putting up. Winning five out of the seven matches & four successive matches for the first time since Season 6 signifies the hard work done pre-season, the team camaraderie and the belief that this young UMumba team have for each other. Our spirit and excitement are very high to play in Mumbai after four long years and delight the home crowd. We hope our home matches will further catapult the confidence of the team as we go forward,”commented U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok during a press conference, attended by coach Gholamreza Mazandarani, Surinder, Mahender and Girish, on Thursday. After becoming the first & only team in the Pro Kabaddi League to have registered 100 wins in PKL history, U Mumba will be seeking to continue their formidable run in the 10th Season when they take on Bengaluru Bulls on Friday. “Playing before the fans at home will boost the side to deliver their A game. To me every game whether home or away is equally important but we hope to make use of the home advantage with our fans cheering us on during the Mumbai leg. If you analyse the seven matches we have played, the one we could not win went down to the wire and the last few games has seen tremendous improvement in terms of strategy under pressure,” coach Mazandarani said. Zafardanesh leads U Mumba’s stats as the top raider with 64 points in seven matches and has been the find of the season for the team. With an average of 8.86 raid points per match, the Iranian recruit also impresses with 76% not outs. Meanwhile, the experienced Guman Singh, with two Super Raids, has accumulated 54 points at the average of 7.71 raid points per match. Known for its prowess, U Mumba commands three premier sports franchises at the PKL and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) while the upGrad Mumba Masters also reached the final of the inaugural Global Chess League. The Sportz Planet Desk
Puneri Paltan beat U.P. Yodhas to register sixth consecutive win
NOIDA, 3rd January 2024: Puneri Paltan recorded their sixth victory in a row beating the U.P. Yoddhas 40-31 in front of their home crowd at the last home game for U.P. Yoddhas at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Wednesday. Mohammadreza Chiyaneh’s brilliant defensive nous saw him log 7 points as captain Aslam Inamdar took 11 to keep his team at the top of the table. In an electric, high scoring first half, it was the Paltans who started off quicker, not just logging quick raid points but also ensuring the U.P. Yoddhas record breaking raider Pardeep Narwal did not log any for the first 10 minutes of the game. It was high energy and high-risk play, initiated by Mohammadreza Chiyaneh and Aslam Inamdar which paid dividends. The Paltan inflicted the first ALL OUT in the first five minutes to take a 10-4 lead. The setback woke the U.P. Yoddhas out of their slumber and despite Narwal’s inability to log points, they crawled back into the game. AS it was, it was just the lift Narwal needed, as he logged his first two points of the game in quick succession in the last five minutes of the half, before displaying a remarkable bit of strength to single handedly inflict an ALL OUT on the Paltan and drag the score to 20-18. The Paltan did not let that setback hurry them into changing strategy, and they kept up their game plan and the lead through the second half. In a back and forth period though the U.P. Yoddhas kept them on their toes, and despite going down in numbers stayed within two points. A SUPER TACKLE with five minutes left turned the game into a nailbiter, but almost immediately the Paltan killed the game off. They inflicted a second ALL OUT with barely two minutes left to take a seven-point lead, and then Akash Shinde applied the cherry, picking up a SUPER RAID to seal the game 40-31. The Sportz Planet Desk