Sports Science Discussed At The 38th National Games Conclave
The National Games Conclave in Uttarakhand on January 29, 2025, had a discussion very large, on the evolution of sports science from the life of an athlete. Mindset Evolving On Sports Science One of the panelists was an ex-athlete. Sports science in her days meant doping and only basic performance measurements, with injuries having limited solutions since the sport professionals in India were not even aware of what it was. It is a completely different scenario at present. Even the Government Of India has shown interest in sports science. Government Backs Sports Science The Indian Government has gone a long way in efforts for uplifting and supporting the cause of sports science. Financial and psychological support is now being provided to the advancement of sports science. The development has helped sports science to come to the fore not only in elite sports but also in every sport. As sports science increasingly finds its way to the front burner in India, the disciplines include nutrition, biomechanics, psychology and recovery techniques that all have to come together for better performance in athletics. Advancements In Recovery And Support For Athletes Recovery is the greatest advancement. It is possible now for modern-day athletes to acquire the most recent recovery techniques in order to prepare them to regain their fitness ahead of the competition. Teams composed of medical staff and fitness personnel are assigned for the proper recovery of an athlete’s body, as well as his mind to avoid being confined to bed too long or avoiding injuries. The Call To Research In Sport Science Despite all this, there is one stumbling block. India still has a lack of real research in sports science. This creates an inadequacy in their usual performances since proper scientific studies and data related to athletes are not available, which limits the maximum capabilities of an athlete. The increase in the investment of the country in sports science can be channeled into research to help build even more specific solutions that can enhance the status of the country in international sports. The Way Forward Lots have changed since the beginning and sports science in India still has many more things to be done. Proper aid, investments and more research will ensure better care and guidance in sports science in the global sphere. The Sportz Planet Desk
Uttarakhand’s Badminton Stars Rise to the Occasion with Key Victories on Day 1
The opening day of the 38th National Games Badminton Championship saw an intense battles across both men’s and women’s team competitions. The Multi-Purpose Hall at Parade Ground in Dehradun witnessed hard-fought duels as the country’s top badminton players showcased their skills on the national stage. In Men’s Group B, Arunachal Pradesh faced Rajasthan in a highly competitive match but ultimately fell 1-4. Rajasthan displayed dominant play, winning crucial doubles rubbers and securing victories across the singles to seal the win. Arunachal Pradesh showed flashes of promise but couldn’t get the crucial points when needed. Meanwhile, in Women’s Group B, the host state Uttarakhand delivered a strong performance, edging out Gujarat 3-2 in a hard-fought contest. The match was a rollercoaster, with both teams battling for supremacy throughout. The final doubles rubber saw the host team clinch the win, riding on the crowd’s energy and their player’s resilience. In the second half of the day, the Men’s Group A saw Karnataka get stunned by Services, who secured a narrow 3-2 victory. Karnataka’s Nitin and others were unable to capitalize on early opportunities, and Services displayed tactical brilliance in their doubles rubbers, which ultimately decided the match. Karnataka fought hard, but Services’ depth proved too strong. The Women’s Group A competition saw Assam face off against Haryana in what turned out to be a dominant 4-1 victory for Haryana. Anmol Kharb and her teammates controlled the match, with Anmol’s standout singles and doubles wins playing a key role in their success. As the second half of the day unfolded, Chhattisgarh came through with a solid 3-2 win over Rajasthan in Men’s Group B. The match had plenty of twists and turns, but Chhattisgarh’s focused team play and strong doubles efforts ensured they came out on top. In the Women’s Group B category, the host state Uttarakhand was back in action against Karnataka in a gripping encounter. Despite a valiant performance from Karnataka, the host state claimed a narrow 3-2 victory, with crucial wins in both singles and doubles to secure their second win of the day. With Day 1 complete, the 38th National Games Badminton Championship has already lived up to its promise of excitement and surprise. Several key teams have set the tone for the tournament, but with so much badminton left to play, the competition is only heating up. The host state Uttarakhand, despite some close calls, looks poised to build momentum as the games progress, and the rest of the country’s top players will have their eyes on them as the championship unfolds.
Rugby Sevens At The 38th National Games
Rugby Sevens will be the high-energy fast version of the game, making its mark at the 38th National Games, held in Uttarakhand. 38th National Games The 38th National Games is one of the premier sporting tournaments in India, with more than 10,000 athletes from different parts of the country competing in 32 disciplines, wherein Rugby Sevens is part of the main events. What Is Rugby Sevens? Rugby Sevens, also known as 7s, is one of the variants of rugby union in which seven players compose each side in place of the customary fifteen. The game of Rugby Sevens was played on a regular-sized rugby field but for shorter intervals of matches. Normally, two halves of a game of Rugby Sevens have seven minutes each, while between them, a break of merely two minutes took place. Therefore, the game is fast action-packed. That is to say, the speed with the intense game combined with the highly scoring nature means that it is a thrill for both players and fans of the sport. Teams For The 38th National Games There will be eight men and eight women teams representing different states and Union Territories participating in the rugby sevens tournament of the 38th National Games. The Olympic-style competition will give it a great appeal as athletes will compete to finish at the top in what promises to be a closely contested rugby event. Besides, the National Games provide a platform where top-notch sports talent from different parts of the country can shine; it also testifies to the growth of sports infrastructure and interest in Rugby Sevens. History Of Rugby Sevens Rugby Sevens made their debut into the Olympic Games in 2016 and thereafter became highly popular across the globe. It is easy and extremely swift. It is very popular in many countries, but it is without doubt the most popular game in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the South Pacific. That has the added benefit of completing tournaments within one day or the weekend. It requires competition to be divided into several divisions such as: cup, plate, bowl and shield to allow teams an equal fight at the competition irrespective of their prowess. Rugby Sevens Boost In India The best of the Rugby Sevens players in India will compete with each other for gold in the 38th National Games. Recently, Rugby Sevens has been doing great in India and this event, being a podium for elite sports persons, will further enhance the sport and bring it to the whole nation. An Exciting Opportunity The 38th National Games will present an exciting opportunity for the athletes, coaches, and officials to celebrate sporting excellence by adding another dynamism to an exciting schedule of events-the Rugby Sevens. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL v AUS: Steve Smith Joins 10,000-Test Run Club After Lengthy Wait
Steve Smith has officially joined the exclusive 10,000-Test run club, becoming just the fourth Australian cricketer to achieve this rare milestone. Steve Smith’s Near-Miss At The SCG The 35-year-old right-hander, Steve Smith reached the landmark in the first test against Sri Lanka in Galle, after an agonising wait following his near-miss earlier this month. Steve Smith’s Milestone Moment In Galle Steve Smith had only been one run away from 10,000 during Australia’s game against India at the SCG, when he was dismissed for 9,999 runs. Many wondered if he would ever reach or cross that exact threshold. On Thursday in Galle, however, Smith’s wait finally ended in spectacular style as, with the first ball he faced, he made his 10,000th. He had walked to the crease with Australia at 2-137 in the opening session and immediately went on the attack, striking a single to mid-on off Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya. The crowd erupted in applause as Smith raised his bat, sharing a brief embrace with his batting partner Usman Khawaja. Steve Smith Celebrates The Achievement The moment was bittersweet for Steve Smith, who looked sheepish as he acknowledged the crowd, however, the achievement was monumental. He is now part of an elite group that includes Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting, all of whom have surpassed the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket. Notably, all three were present at the SCG for the match where Steve Smith’s wait began. Galle’s Quiet Celebration Galle, though, was an altogether low-key affair and only a small number of Aussie supporters were out to cheer on Smith at this small seaside venue. Nonetheless, the achievement it still carries does great importance for the cricket world. He now joins some of the game’s greatest players, with only Brian Lara reaching the milestone in fewer Tests than Smith’s 115. Alongside Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ricky Ponting, Smith is one of only a few to have achieved such a feat in under 200 innings. Among active players, only England’s Joe Root, with 12,972 Test runs, has a higher tally than Steve Smith. A Year Of Near Misses And Achievements For Steve Smith Steve Smith had come into the Australian summer 315 runs shy of the milestone and had been inching his way back with centuries in successive tests against England in Brisbane and Melbourne. When he walked into Sydney for the New Year’s Test, he needed only 38 runs; yet he was caught for 33 early on the second day of the match. The next two departures in the 9,990s brought him into the Sri Lanka series to finally gain the mark he had long pursued. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates 38th National Games In Dehradun
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games on Tuesday at the opening ceremony held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun. 38th National Games Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony of the 38th National Games was marked with a special moment when Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen carried the National Games torch to the stage where Modi was joined by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other dignitaries. Modi Speaks At 38th National Games Opening Ceremony During his speech to the spirited audience, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the relevance of the National Games, as it marks a milestone for the state of Uttarakhand. Modi talked about how different sporting initiatives, like the Khelo India Youth Games, had helped young athletes shine in their performances. He also referred to the University Games, where university students are given an opportunity to display their skills, and the Khelo India Para Games, which have helped improve the performance of Para athletes. Support For Athletes And Infrastructure Reflecting on the recently held 5th edition of Khelo India Winter Games at Ladakh and the Beach Games held last year, Modi was confident in his opinion about India’s athletes. He mentioned how the Government continuously supported sports throughout the last ten years, even stating that sports’ budget increased more than tripled in ten years. The Prime Minister also referred to the TOPS scheme through which hundreds of crores of rupees had been invested in athletes and efforts on to create modern sports infrastructure all over the country. Mainstreaming Sports In Schools And Universities Modi further emphasized mainstreaming sports in schools and India’s first sports university opening in Manipur. Athlete Participation At 38th National Games The 38th National Games, scheduled for 18 days, will be attended by around 10,000 athletes and officials of teams from 38 states. Besides Dehradun, the following cities will be hosting events: Haridwar, Nainital, Haldwani, Rudrapur, Shivpuri and New Tehri. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL v AUS: Unfinished Business On Steve Smith’s Mind As Australia Returns To Galle
As the opening test of the 2025 series against Sri Lanka comes around, Steve Smith is ready to go back as Australia’s captain. Steve Smith Returns To Galle As Captain The Galle International Stadium is a beauty and an eye opener to what lies in store. Having seen everything and anything in his distinguished career, it was only on Tuesday that Steve Smith came to this shrine to find himself warmly culturally greeted with energetic Sri Lankan folk dancers, masks and even flame throwers, but the Australian captain had eyes for only one thing, the 22 yards of turf that were going to decide the match. An Uncertain Deck At Galle As is always the case, the battle will be fought at Galle. First item on Smith’s agenda was to get a close-up look at the surface from every angle, something he did with equal parts curiosity and urgency. The pitch, as of the eve of the Test, seemed to be in a rather unpredictable state with heavy rainfall earlier in the week leaving thick clouds and extreme humidity hanging over the stadium. There is no telling how it’s going to come out despite all the ground staff’s efforts-be it cutting short the grasses or employing that UV light device-as is often so in Galle, it shall be one major determinant of match intensity. Drama At Galle Through Time From Nathan Lyon’s debut in 2011 to the very narrow contests of 2022, Galle has always been a stage for drama between Australia and Sri Lanka. But this series carries an extra weight for the Australians: they have already qualified for the World Test Championship final, but their record in Sri Lanka is at stake. Australia hasn’t won a Test series on the island in 14 years and, for Smith, it feels like something he wants to put right. Electric Atmosphere At Galle The atmosphere at Galle is electric, the local crowd adding their fervour to the mix. The Papare music of the Galle Cricket Club and the busy fort add to that distinct energy, defining this coastal venue. The game is everything, but above all the celebrations outside of the pitch. With nothing much to lose, Australia feels it is quite set on the right note at making the record straight. For Steve Smith, nothing proves the point in this task of accepting the challenge to lead his team into victory. Josh Inglis To Debut Josh Inglis is all set to get a match day call, this contest could turn out to be both interesting as it is demanding. And so much for this series for the batsman Steve Smith—is a chance of completing what hasn’t been complete yet. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Day 1 of Basketball 5×5 League Matches begin with exciting clashes at 38th National Games, Dehradhun
The 38th National Games commenced with exhilarating basketball 5×5 league matches on Day 1, hosted at Bhagirathi Hall, MPSC Rajat Jayanti Khel Parishad. Teams from across the country competed fiercely on Day 1, showcasing their talent and determination. Men’s Matches* In Group A, Tamil Nadu and Services compete with each other in an intense match on Court 2. The game witnessed an exciting finish as Tamil Nadu secured the win with a late surge by 76-69. Tamil Nadu’s strategy in the final moments turned the match in their favour. * Tamil Nadu’s top scorer was Lokeshwaran Mohan with 16 goals, while Sahil led the Services team with 22 goals. “It was the first match, so there was a bit of pressure, especially with the scores tied. However, we’ll play stronger in the upcoming matches. Our team has solid bench strength, and every player is adaptable. The experience in Uttarakhand has been fantastic, and I thank the Uttarakhand Government and National Games Committee for the commendable management and facilities,” said Jeeva, captain of the Tamil Nadu Men’s Basketball 5×5 team. • Meanwhile, in Group B, Delhi faced off against Madhya Pradesh in a high-energy game on Court 1. Delhi’s superior coordination and scoring power helped them dominate the match against Madhya Pradesh by 116- 61. * Delhi captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi emerged as the top scorer with 17 goals, while Madhya Pradesh’s Anmol Sharma led his team with 15 goals. Delhi Men’s Basketball 5×5 team captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi expressed his joy at the victory and praised Uttarakhand for hosting the National Games. He said, “It feels great to win and represent Delhi. The organization, from accommodations to practice sessions, has been excellent. Playing amidst nature has been a wonderful experience. The Green Games initiative is commendable. My message to athletes is simple: enjoy the environment and give your best.” Women’s Matches* In Group A, the host team Uttarakhand faced Punjab in an intense match on Court 2, with Punjab securing a decisive win, 96-54. * Top scorer for Punjab was Komalpreet Kaur with 28 goals, while Uttarakhand’s Anju scored 27 goals. Sharing her excitement, Punjab’s captain, Preeti said, “It feels great to win. This was a team effort, and I’m lucky to have such a supportive group. As captain, there’s no pressure when the team performs together. The arrangements and atmosphere in Dehradun have been wonderful so far.” She also praised the event’s eco-conscious theme, adding, “It’s a great initiative that will inspire citizens to be more responsible towards nature.” * In Group B, Chhattisgarh competed with Delhi. Delhi narrowly defeated Chhattisgarh in a thrilling match on Court 2, winning 76-75. * Delhi’s Simran Kour was the top scorer with 23 goals, while D. Kirti led Chhattisgarh with the highest for her team. Delhi’s captain, Preeti Kumari, shared her joy, saying, “Winning feels incredible, especially as a captain, and a mother. I’m grateful for the support of my team and family. To all women out there, if I can be here as a mother, living my dreams, you can also achieve your dreams.” She expressed optimism for upcoming matches and encouraged women to chase their goals. The basketball 5×5 matches promise more excitement in the days ahead as teams continue to battle for glory. Stay tuned for updates on the results and key highlights from the 38th National Games.
Lakshya Sen, Ankita Dhyani to lead Uttarakhand in Athletes’ Parade
Dehradun, January 28: Lakshya Sen, who made history by becoming the first Indian male player to make it to the Olympic Games badminton semifinals in Paris last year and Olympic Games distance runner Ankita Dhyani will be Uttarakhand’ flag bearers in the Athletes’ Parade in the Opening Ceremony of the 38th National Games Uttarakhand here today. Among those leading their respective contingents are 2019 World Champion and Olympian 10m Air Rifle shooter Elavenil Valarivan (Gujarat), women’s compound Archery 2023 World Champion Aditi Swami (Maharashtra) and 2018 World Shooting Championships 50m Pistol gold medal winner Omprakash Mithrawal (Rajasthan). His fellow flag bearer will be Nisha Kanwar, who lives with Cerebral Palsy and is a 2023 World Shooting Para Sport Championships mixed team Air Pistol podium finisher. Her presence reflects the Indian Olympic Association’s objective of inclusivity, with the National Games now following established norms of having a male and a female flag bearer leading each team. Some other notable flag bearers are the captain of the Indian men’s Kho kho team Pratik Walkar (Maharashtra), three-time Olympian archer Tarundeep Rai (Sikkim), Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games 10m Air Rifle team silver medal winner Ashi Chouksey (Madhya Pradesh), Wushu star Anjul Namdeo (Services) and Badminton player Ashmita Chaliha (Assam). Arjuna Award winner Harinderpal Singh Sandhu, who was one half of the Indian Mixed Doubles team which won the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games gold medal, will lead the Tamil Nadu contingent along with basketball international Dharshini Thirunavakkarasu who was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (Female) in the recent National Championships. From a tradition point of view, the Athletes’ Parade, the placing of the Games Torch in a hydraulic cauldron and the oath ceremonies will hold the sports fans’ attention. From a cultural perspective, the Ceremony will include an opening act inspired by Shiv Tandav and a thematic presentation on Dhairya, Shaurya and Nishchay (Patience, Valour and Determination). An hour-long music performances by Uttarakhand band, Pandavas, will enthrall the audience ahead of the formal ceremony while the Dehradun-born singer Jubin Nautiyal will keep the fans engaged after the conclusion of the traditional ceremony. Uttarakhand has pulled out all stops to conduct the National Games that will offer athletes in a range of events the opportunity to showcase their talent in a mutli-discipline celebration of sport. Around 450 gold medals are at stake in 35 disciplines in the competitions that will conclude on February 13, a day before the closing ceremony in Haldwani.
Rifle Shooting To Be Played At The 38th National Games
The 38th National Games of India, scheduled for January 28, 2025 to February 14, 2025 in Uttarakhand. What To Expect At The 38th National Games? Over 10,000 athletes, officials and coaches have confirmed their participation in 32 different sporting disciplines and four demonstration events. Therefore, through the celebration of sports excellence, the 38th National Games unite the diversities of India. Rifle Shooting Sport At The 38th National Games Rifle shooting is one of the most important disciplines in the 38th National Games. Rifle shooting has gradually risen to prominence in India. This precision sport demands the highest standards of concentration, control and technique, wherein athletes use rifles to hit targets at various distances. The shooting events in the 38th National Games will include both 10-meter and 25-meter events, giving shooters a chance to demonstrate their skills in two different formats. 10-Meter Air Rifle Event In 10-meter air rifle shooting, players shoot a target at a distance of 10 meters using air-powered rifles. Such events demand much concentration and steady hand-eye coordination and accuracy. The stance in shooting and breathing techniques count because the slightest movement affects the shot. The athletes should target shooting in a controlled and calm manner. Every shot is timed and checked for accuracy. 25-Meter Rifle Event The 25-meter event has both men’s and women’s events, where athletes shoot targets from a distance of 25 meters using.22 caliber rifles. This tends to be one of the more challenging events because shots are taken over a larger distance and different varieties of rifles will have to be used, requiring the athlete to change his/ her shooting technique, which involves shooting and measuring with distance, winds, etc. This is one of the more demanding events. With rifle shooting emerging as one of the great strengths of India in international sports, the country has impressed the world with its rifle shooting through Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang and Heena Sidhu. Well, the accolades have seen India find a well-entrenched place on the global competitive shooting arena showing that India is steadily growing in this sport. Besides being a platform for identification, it opens up opportunities for seasoned shooters to hone up against the best. Opportunity At The 38th National Games The 38th National Games would present a clash of supremacy of the best rifle shooters in the country for the coveted glory. It would prove an excellent opportunity for the athletes to shoot to their limits and test themselves through events like 10 meters and 25 meters rifle shooting and further extend their achievement and legacy in rifle shooting in India. These events will, no doubt bring rifle shooting sport to greater recognition but, of course, are going to raise a new group of young generation shooters with added commitment and fervor towards their sport. Expanding Legacy Rifle Shooting The 38th National Games aim to assimilate athletes of the country with all its cornerstones, but rifle shooting indicates its importance for India’s sports map, representing a significant history in Indian sport history. The 38th National Games not only celebrates this sport’s greatness at present, but it also promises to create its future champions continuing on the legacy for rifle shooting in India. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Maharashtra strikes gold in Triathlon Mixed Relay at the 38th National Games
The Triathlon Mixed Relay event under the 38th National Games was held on January 27 at the Manaskhand Tarantal, Golapar, Haldwani. In this thrilling competition, Maharashtra delivered an outstanding performance to claim the first position. The Maharashtra team, comprising Parth Sachin Miraje, Dolly Devidas Patil, Kaushik Vinay Malandkar, and Mansi Vinod Mohite, completed the race in an impressive timespan of 2:12:06, showcasing flawless coordination and determination. The Madhya Pradesh team followed closely behind, finishing in 2:12:41 to secure the silver medal. Their team included Ankur Chahar, Durvisha Pawar, Roshan Gond, and Aadhya Singh, who put up a spirited fight throughout the competition. Tamil Nadu secured the bronze medal with a commendable performance, finishing in 2:14:08. Their team consisted of Akash Perumalsami, Keerthi S., Sai Lohitaksh K.D., and Aarthi S., demonstrating strong teamwork and resilience Earlier, in the individual triathlon event, Maharashtra’s Parth Sachin Miraje, Dolly Devidas Patil, and Mansi Vinod Mohite won gold, gold, and silver medals, respectively. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh’s Aadhya Singh clinched a bronze medal. The Triathlon Mixed Relay competition showcased the athletes’ remarkable dedication and team coordination, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. The gold medalist team from Maharashtra shared their excitement about their achievement, expressing gratitude for the unique experience of competing amidst nature. Team member Dolly Devidas Patil remarked, “It was our first time swimming in heated water, which was quite different for us.” Parth Sachin Miraje noted, “Triathlon events usually take place in the sea, pools, or open water, so this was a new and memorable experience.” When asked about handling pressure, Mansi Vinod Mohite said, “We rely on regular practice and always have the unwavering support of our coach.” Kaushik Vinay Malandkar added, “The event’s management was excellent, allowing us to focus and practice with a calm and peaceful mindset.”