Crafting the Future of Sports
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    Everything About Sports

    Author: Super6

    Delhi Capitals Reveal Its Retained Players Ahead Of WPL 2024 Auction

    JSW and GMR’s co-owned cricket team Delhi Capitals have released their list of retained players for the Women’s Premier League auction. The Delhi-based franchise has retained 15 players, including five international cricketers. Delhi Capitals reached the final of the inaugural Women’s Premier League, losing to Mumbai Indians in the title clash. The final list of retained players includes Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Taniyaa Bhatia, Minnu Mani, Sneha Deepthi, Titas Sadhu from India, and international players Meg Lanning (C), Jess Jonassen, Marizanne Kapp, Alice Capsey, Laura Harris are the ones retained. Wicketkeeper-batter Aparna Mondal, opener Jasia Akhter, and American fast-bowling all-rounder Tara Norris were released from the squad ahead of the auction. “The franchise organised a couple of off-season camps over the last few months, which has allowed us as a coaching group to have a look at the available talent, and also assess the physical condition and skills of our existing players. We’re hoping for a successful auction going into the new season,” said Assistant Coach Hemlata Kala.

    Arjun Nimmala: First Indian American MLB Player Docuseries Premieres

    The new project highlights the expanded partnership between Major League Baseball and Disney Star Major League Baseball (MLB) and Disney Star have collaborated with IMG and Amped Pictures to produce ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’, a docuseries that tells the story of first-generation Indian American Arjun Nimmala. Nimmala was drafted in the first round of the MLB amateur draft in July by the Toronto Blue Jays, making history as the first-ever first-generation Indian American to be drafted at such a high position across any of the four major US professional sports. According to MLB, its no. 11 draft prospect Nimmala’s age and offensive upside make leeway for him to play the shortstop position for a long time. The docuseries takes viewers along Nimmala’s journey to further explore his roots in his parents’ hometown of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, and to uncover India’s sporting culture – meeting up with Ajinkya Rahane for a bit of friendly cricket, the sport Nimmala grew up practising. Throughout the docuseries, Nimmala meets India’s budding baseball talents whose stories are also featured. The four-part documentary will be launched on 18 October 2023, on Star Sports Select 1 & Star Sports Select 2, and the final episode will be aired on 21 October 2023. Additionally, ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’ will launch nationwide on Disney+ Hotstar in November. The docuseries is part of an expanded partnership renewal between MLB and Disney Star. Along with broadcasting the World Series as it has done since 2020, Star Sports is airing additional rounds of the Major League Baseball Postseason live throughout October and November for the first time on Star Sports Select 1 and 2. These telecasts are produced specifically for the Indian market for the first time, and feature MLB’s best teams as they chase a World Series title. “Indian Baseball Dreams highlights Nimmala’s exceptional talent, dedication, and the growing influence of baseball beyond borders. It’s a captivating journey that bridges cultures, showcasing the universal power of sports to inspire triumph and heritage.” Star Sports Spokesperson. Nimmala’s content series is an extensive part of MLB’s plan to enter the Indian market. MLB, which described India as an exciting growth market, earlier in 2023 opened career opportunities for freelance roles to develop a series that resonates with the Indian audience and helps them establish a market for MLB in India. Sports like baseball, such as cricket, generated a revenue of Rs 20-22 bn this year, according to Elara Capital.

    The Winning Association: Wellness and Nutrition in Sports

    Dr. Archana Ainapure In the world of sports, the pursuit of excellence is unending. Athletes tirelessly train to improve their skills, strength, and performance. While rigorous training regimens and talent play crucial roles, there’s another essential aspect often overlooked: wellness and nutrition. The association between sports and wellness and nutrition is undeniable, making it a critical component in the journey to athletic success. The Foundation of Athletic Performance: Wellness and nutrition serve as the bedrock upon which an athlete’s performance is built. Proper nutrition fuels the body, providing the energy, nutrients, and hydration needed to excel on the field or court. Wellness, on the other hand, encompasses mental and physical health, ensuring that athletes are at their best both mentally and physically. Fuelling the Body: Athletes’ bodies are like high-performance machines that require top-quality fuel. Balanced diets rich in carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals are imperative. Carbohydrates supply the energy needed for intense workouts, while proteins aid in muscle repair and growth. Healthy fats support overall health, and vitamins and minerals play essential roles in various bodily functions. Hydration Matters: In sports, dehydration can be a game-changer, leading to fatigue, decreased performance, and even injury. Staying adequately hydrated is paramount for athletes. Water, sports drinks, and electrolyte-rich fluids are crucial to maintaining the body’s fluid balance, especially during strenuous activities. Mental Wellness: Athletic success isn’t just about physical prowess; it also hinges on mental strength. Stress management, relaxation techniques, and mental training can enhance an athlete’s focus and resilience. Practices like mindfulness meditation and yoga are increasingly popular among athletes for improving mental wellness. Recovery and Rest: Recovery is an often-underestimated aspect of sports performance. Sleep and rest play a vital role in the body’s ability to heal and adapt to training. Athletes need sufficient rest to prevent burnout and reduce the risk of injuries. Individualized Approaches: Every athlete is unique, and so are their wellness and nutrition needs. Professional sports teams often employ nutritionists and wellness coaches to tailor programs to each athlete’s requirements. Individualized approaches ensure that athletes receive the precise care needed for peak performance. The Impact on Longevity: A focus on wellness and nutrition not only enhances an athlete’s immediate performance but also contributes to their long-term health and career longevity. Minimizing the risk of injuries and promoting overall well-being can extend an athlete’s career, allowing them to continue pursuing their passion.

    Receiving India jersey from my mother in front of all my teammates was very special – Sonika

    A fortnight ago, when Sonika’s mother boarded a flight from Delhi to arrive in Bengaluru to attend Sunehra Safar – a special send-off ceremony hosted by Hockey India little did the 26-year-old player know that she would receive her India jersey by her mother ahead of the all-important Hangzhou Asian Games, which is scheduled to be held from 23rd September 2023 to 8th October 2023.  “It was truly a special moment, especially to receive the jersey in front of a big audience which included all my teammates. Those few minutes on the stage brought back all the memories of my struggle and facing challenges to get here and my mother has been equally part of this journey – always supporting me at every crucial juncture,” stated an emotional Sonika.  The midfielder from Hisar, Haryana made her senior team debut at the Hawke’s Bay Cup in New Zealand back in 2016. She was part of the team that won the Gold medal at the Women’s Asia Cup in 2017 and featured in the Ready Steady Tokyo event in 2019.  But the following year put a pause in her budding career. In 2020, she had to leave the National Camp to seek professional help to improve her mental wellbeing. “Covid lockdown was not kind to me. It was a tough phase personally and I am so glad that my struggle to stay strong mentally through this phase was recognized very early on by the team management and I was provided with professional help. Looking back, I am very grateful to Hockey India and my teammates for allowing me this break,” stated Sonika in retrospect. Having made a comeback in the national team in 2021/ 22 at the FIH Hockey Pro League after a strong performance in that year’s National Championships, Sonika has only risen in her career. She has been a regular feature in the team, having played a part in the historic Bronze medal win at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as well as the title win at the FIH Nations Cup 2022.  “I am extremely excited and eager to play my first ever Asian Games. I have put in a lot of hard work to reach this stage in my career and having picked up good results in major events like CWG, the team is very confident of a good show. After Hockey India’s Sunehra Safar event, the team is all the more motivated and inspired to bring laurels to the country, as well as our families. Our focus is purely on winning the Gold and doing well in the Paris Olympics 2024,” Sonika signed off.  India is grouped in Pool A with Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong China and Singapore. They will begin their campaign on 27th September against Singapore.

    India to face Thailand in campaign opener at Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023

    The Asian Hockey Federation and Hockey India on Tuesday announced the schedule for the upcoming edition of the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023. The tournament will begin with Malaysia and Japan playing the first game, while hosts India will play the third game of the opening day (27th October) when they take on Thailand at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium, Ranchi, Jharkhand. The Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 will see Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, China, and India go into battle to lift the coveted trophy. The six-team tournament will begin on 27th October and will conclude on 5th November. All the teams are part of One Pool and the top four teams will qualify for the Semi-Finals, where the team finishing on top of the table will take on the team that finishes fourth and the teams finishing second and third will play each other to decide the Finalists. Defending Champions Japan will face a stiff challenge from Korea, the most decorated team in the history of the tournament, which have won three out of six editions of the tournament, in 2010, 2011, and 2016. Hosts India have been in good form – particularly after the historic Bronze at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and title victory at FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2022. The hosts have also won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2016 and were runners-up in 2018. They will begin their campaign against Thailand on 27th October and face Korea in the last match of the group stage on 2nd November. President of the Asian Hockey Federation, Dato Fumio Ogura, remarked, “This is a momentous occasion for the Asian hockey community, and we are eagerly looking forward to witnessing top-notch hockey action at the prestigious Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Hockey India for hosting this event and also for their unwavering support and commitment to the development of hockey in Asia. Furthermore, I would like to express our gratitude to the state of Jharkhand for their warm hospitality and enthusiasm in hosting the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. After Chennai, we are eagerly anticipating another spectacular event with the gracious support of Hockey India.” On the occasion, Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “We are proud to host another major Asian tournament and I’m sure the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 will be a great spectacle with some of the top women’s hockey teams in the world participating in the tournament. The announcement of the schedule signals the start of the final stages before the tournament and we cannot wait for this extravaganza to begin.”   Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh said, “Hosting the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 in Ranchi brings me immense joy. We will be competing against some strong teams and I believe this spectacle will inspire and encourage more youngsters from Jharkhand to take up the sport. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team is very capable of putting on a show for the residents of Ranchi and we can’t wait to witness some scintillating hockey.”

    Mumbai City FC extends association with Fast&Up as Club’s Official Nutrition Partner

    Mumbai City FC are delighted to announce the renewal of our partnership with India’s leading sports & active nutrition brand, Fast&Up, as the Club’s Official Nutrition Partner until the end of the 2023-24 season. Much like Mumbai City FC, Fast&Up represents Mumbai’s fierce, relentless and resolute spirit and is a leading name in the Indian sports and active nutrition market. Since its inception 8 years ago, Fast&Up has established themselves as a trusted name in nutrition and nutritional supplements in India and beyond. As a part of our renewed association, Fast&Up will extend their support to Mumbai City FC’s Youth Teams along with the First Team, providing nutritional support to the players. Fast&Up will have their presence at Mumbai City FC’s training facilities and at the Mumbai Football Arena, where match-going fans will be able to interact with the brand. Kandarp Chandra – CEO, Mumbai City FC said, “Our association with Fast&Up over the last few years has been a truly successful one and we are delighted to extend our partnership ahead of a landmark season and have one of Mumbai’s very own supporting us. With Fast&Up’s support, we’ve enjoyed considerable success both on and off the pitch and we’re now glad to have them support our youth sides as well, fuelling our ambition of developing young footballers from our own city. яндекс We hope our renewed partnership will continue to help both Mumbai City FC and Fast&Up scale new heights together.” Vijayaraghavan Venugopal – CEO and co-founder, Fast&Up said, “Fast&Up’s journey has been all about pushing boundaries and achieving excellence, much like the remarkable players of Mumbai City FC. As we celebrate our 8th birthday anniversary, we’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Mumbai City FC, a team that shares our commitment to performance, passion, and dedication. Together, we aim to fuel the dreams and aspirations of athletes and fans alike, setting new benchmarks and reaching for greater heights. This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of greatness, and as a homegrown brand, Fast&Up has also been compassionate about providing world-class quality nutrition to our consumers and we are proud to provide it to a top performing team like Mumbai City FC who literally swear by our products.”