Why Is It Important To Back Athletes Even If They Don’t Perform?
Understanding the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ for spectators, support staff and coaches when an athlete doesn’t reach his mark comes from the different insights that Dr. Chaitanya Sridhar shares about the situation at The Sportz Planet SportSci Summit Season 2. Dr. Sridhar reiterates the importance of keeping the situation supportive, constructive and empathetic while building a rapport with the athlete and creating an atmosphere if things seem to go wrong. This view can be applied directly to the current furore against Rohit Sharma being left out of the Indian Cricket Team while the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is ongoing and the verbal bashing that he is undergoing from fans. Mental And Emotional Pressure According to Dr. Sridhar, facing such tough times for someone like Rohit Sharma really is hard to bear with all the mental and emotional pressure that’s building up. What the fans, support staff and coaches need to understand is that bad performances are not a sign of lack of effort or less commitment. Support and constructive criticism can help a person come out of such a situation rather than falling prey to harsh criticism that makes the pressure more severe. Verbal Bashing And Its Effect The recent verbal bashing by the fans in the case of Rohit Sharma adds further to his burden. What this athlete needs from society right now is some encouragement and empathy, says Dr. Sridhar. When there is all this pressure built up outside from him, the athlete is unable to come back fast. Thus instead of fueling the fire with negativity, one should provide succor and remembrance of earlier success stories with faith that this athlete would also come back. Empathy And Patience Another key point made by Dr. Sridhar was that empathy and patience need to be displayed. Fans and stakeholders must understand that even the most accomplished athletes experience periods of bad form. Rohit Sharma has been a match-winner for India in several high-pressure situations and deserves to get his rhythm back. Judgment rather than being instantaneous, long-term development calls for patience and understanding. In regard to the management of athletes’ mental well-being, the role of support staff is very enormous, according to Dr. Sridhar. Coaches and team management will have to establish an environment of growth and recuperation for their athletes. To Rohit Sharma, it will offer a chance of re-grouping and reassessing and coming back to form and his coaches as well as his teammates would be very important in the course. Replace Criticism With Support The current criticism around Rohit Sharma should be replaced by support and empathy. Now is the time to acknowledge his previous contributions and give him space to recover. It will only benefit Rohit but also Indian cricket. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Rohit Sharma Opts To ‘Rest’ At Sydney
How many times have you ever seen a Captain of a side himself getting dropped out of the side due to a reason? Was It Rohit Sharma’s Decision To Rest? Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has left everyone stunned when it was declared that he won’t be in the playing eleven for the fifth and final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This has raised an all-round furore as people are now left wondering whether it was Rohit Sharma who took the decision to rest or it was the team management who is sugarcoating things? Stand-In Skipper, Bumrah Confesses The Reason Rohit Sharma is indeed one of the master architects who have been successful in India’s success story for recent times as well as to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. He was not found in the playing eleven for the series decider against Australia. It was official communication from the Indian stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah right at the toss that he has been ‘rested’ for the Sydney test. Since the official declaration was to come from Bumrah, a bundle of speculations about the reasons for dropping Rohit Sharma took place; in this way, some ambiguity and vagueness behind the event was created. Is Rohit Sharma The First Indian Captain To Be Dropped? This is the first time in a while that an Indian captain has been left out of the playing 11 in the mid-series. Historically, Polly Umrigar was dropped from the Indian test side against the West Indies. The second incident was when Sourav Ganguly was left out after a string of poor scores and a strained relationship with coach Greg Chapell. Rohit Sharma’s Test Career The exclusion of Rohit Sharma has raised numerous questions due to his test career. Since his test match debut in 2013, Rohit has scored more than 4300 runs in 67 Tests with 12 centuries at an average of 40.57 runs. Rohit Sharma’s Last Chance In Limited-Overs Cricket Just when his international future hangs in the balance, February’s 2025 ICC Champions Trophy might just become Rohit Sharma’s last crack at delivering on the international platform. India is all set to fight it out against other teams that are competing at the cricketing event that begins on February 19, 2025 and would end on March 9, 2025 across Pakistan and the UAE. It could very well be the swansong for one-day and limited-overs cricket careers of the experienced campaigner in Rohit Sharma, who would be looking at one final hurrah on the international field. As the Indian Cricket Team sets off to Sydney without the skipper, everyone is thinking, has this finally been the last word on Rohit Sharma’s test match career or one last go at redemption? Only time will tell. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
What It Takes To Coach In Para-Sports?
Para-sports is one of the highly motivating and impactful careers one can opt for, as they allow a person to help in maximizing the potential of athletes with disabilities through competitive sports. In para-sports, essentially all the classifications are done for athletes with various impairments-to include physical, intellectual, and sensory impairments-and the coaches need to be passionate about sports, yet understand the different needs of the para-athletes. Training For Diverse Needs At its very core, it is not different from regular sports coaching of athletes to get the best from them. In para-sports coaching, the challenges come through the variability in the conditions that an athlete carries with him/her. For example, an athlete may have cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury or visual impairment, among others. Every session for any athlete has to be individualistic, based upon the athlete’s limitations, abilities, and expectations. In other words, like able-bodied, para-athletes might necessitate more significant adaptations in gear, techniques or facilities when it comes to accessibility and security. Psychological And Emotional Challenge Probably, the most important component of working with para-athletes is developing an environment that will allow acceptance and integration. Most para-athletes experience stigma and discrimination within society and this is really tough to be able to defeat. Psychological and emotional issues are really challenging in nature as it includes the struggle for equality within the world of sports as well as in the community. Addressing these issues in his speech on The Sportz Planet SportSci Summit Season 2, was major Dr. Maj Ameya Kagali, quite a popular persona in para-sports. On the urgent call for greater appreciation and understanding needed across society at large and even through the fraternity sports, Dr Kagali mentioned. According to him, it’s not only about training but also providing the athlete with that feeling that makes them valued and supported. He said that acceptance goes beyond accommodating the physical needs of the athletes in order to change mindsets. His points stressed that the role of the coach is key to this transformation and creates an environment where the athlete can safely exist without the risk of discrimination and bias. Acquiring Adaptive Skills and Know-How Besides, paralympic coaches require more information on general adaptive techniques as well as on specific information. For instance, they should understand how the variety of disabilities will affect motor abilities and performance during athletics. Adaptive training on particular equipment can take the form, for instance: a wheelchair, or prosthetics, or even specialized visor wear for the sightless athlete. Professional development and innovation in the knowledge of new technologies or methods is an essential technique for para-sports coaches. Para-Sports Resource Constraints Finding resources is one of the major dilemmas that the coaches face while participating in para-sports. Mainstream sports offer most money and sponsorship, hence most of the media attention often goes to those sports thus not being as appealing as mainstream ones. This means that facilities or adaptive gear of quality and all other qualified assistants are always wanting in para-sports. Innovativeness of resource utilization becomes therefore essential in this regard, since most of the coaches must deliver on the shoestring. Effects Of Para-Sports Coaching Skills involved in serving para-sports are multi-angled and aligned to the cognizance of disabilities, incorporating athletic training which is replete with emotional care. A coach needs to be flexible, ingenious, and dedicated to conquering the problems attendant upon this very specialized field of sports. As Dr. Kagali aptly said once again, the future of para-sports would depend on how the community embraced athletes for their abilities rather than disabilities. Indeed, the work of coaches makes a great difference because it breaks barriers for the athletes, builds their self-esteem, and even enables them to realize their dreams. In this manner, para-sports coaching can change the story’s course, open ways to acceptance, recognition and success. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Who Is Beau Webster?
Beau Webster, aged 31, is Australia’s new test debutant and a replacement for Mitch Marsh in the fifth test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Beau Webster’s Journey To INT Cricket Beau Webster’s journey to the national squad is the story of an individual reinvention of his role and playing style. Four years ago, at the height of the Covid-19 lockdowns, Beau Webster did something bold, ditching his “dirty offies” and embracing the art of seam bowling. That was a move initially targeted at adding depth to his game and providing more bowling options for Tasmania and now it’s led to a maiden test call-up, which seemed improbable then. From Part-Time Spinner To Leading All-Rounder Beau Webster started his professional cricket career with Tasmania in 2014, where he initially made his mark as a versatile batter, often floating up and down the order. However, it was his transition into a more rounded cricketer that truly set him apart. Although he had contributed occasional finger spin, Webster’s decision to focus on fast bowling in 2020 proved pivotal. The all-rounder was 200cm tall. It was the all-rounder’s combination of power and technique that allowed him to become a regular first-change bowler for Tasmania, consistently taking crucial wickets across formats. Since the beginning of the 2022/23 season, Beau Webster had been in scintillating form, scoring 1837 runs at an average of 51.01, the second-highest tally in the competition, behind only Cameron Bancroft. As an all-rounder, he chipped in with 39 wickets at 37.44, making him one of Tasmania’s most valuable players, helping the team into the Sheffield Shield final last summer. What Makes Webster A Versatile All-Rounder? Though he is widely known for the recent success that he has earned as a seam bowler, one of the virtues of Webster lies in his versatile nature. From being an opener to No. 7 at times and changing his style of bowling with the conditions or the requirements of the team, he has proven himself to be a great batting all-rounder. In the absence of Mitchell Marsh, he has been named as a like-for-like replacement in the Australian test squad, however, his adaptability means he could fit into different roles, whether as a bowler or a batter. All Praises For Webster Webster came in for particular praise while playing for Australia A in their series against India last month. He was good with both bat and ball, scoring 145 runs at 72.50 and taking seven wickets at an average of 19.57. These performances prove how his stature is growing on and out him to be suitable for bigger honours. Webster – The Sheffield Shield Player Of the Year More recent accolades by Beau Webster further indicate his rise within Australian cricket. The Sheffield Shield Player of the Season award was also well-deserved, considering that he has produced outstanding performances on both batting and bowling fronts. Consistency in the big games has made him one of the most dependable cricketers in domestic cricket and his inclusion now into the Australian Test squad speaks for itself about the faith selectors have in his abilities. Valuable Backup For Marsh And Green With Mitchell Marsh out of the side, Beau Webster will give Australia a decent backup all-rounder for the fifth test against India. In fact, he might even play with Marsh if selectors decide to strengthen the bowling unit in the absence of injured all-rounder Cameron Green. Mitchell Marsh has been struggling with fitness issues and was given the task of bowling a huge 17 overs in the recently played Perth Test, which further raised questions about his ability to be Australia’s fifth bowler. Webster’s seam bowling skills may be the key to this situation as Australia looks for a reliable batting and bowling option. Beau Webster Expected To Shine Bright In fact, the call-up into the Australian test squad is a reward for Beau Webster’s hard work and versatility. From a part-time spinner to Sheffield Shield star and now a test debutant for Australia, his story revolves around constant evolution. Webster’s journey is only just beginning for the series against India that is set to unfold at the SCG, with Australian cricket fans eager to see how he can contribute for the Australian Cricket Team. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Why Is Mitchell Marsh Out For Sydney Test?
Australia has dropped all-rounder Mitchell Marsh for the fifth and the final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in Sydney and it is confirmed by captain Pat Cummins that Beau Webster will make his test debut. Mitchell Marsh’s Struggles In The BGT Mitchell Marsh’s exclusion comes after a tough series in which he struggled with both bat and ball. In the first four test matches, Mitchell Marsh scored only 73 runs at an average of 10.42, with 47 of those runs coming in the second innings of the Perth Test, when the result was already decided. With the ball, Marsh bowled only 33 overs across seven innings (excluding a brief second innings in Brisbane) and since taking 2 for 12 in the series’ opening innings, his figures have been not up to the standards he has set—1 for 127 from his last 28 overs. Webster’s Impressive Domestic Form Beau Webster, on the other hand, has been in outstanding form in domestic cricket. He was the highest run-scorer in last season’s Sheffield Shield, scoring 938 runs at 58.62 and taking 30 wickets at 29.30. Only Sir Garfield Sobers has previously matched this remarkable achievement in Shield history. This season, Webster has continued his strong form, scoring 303 runs at 50.50, including a century and a half-century and taking nine wickets at 37.88 in four games. He has also impressed with a six-wicket haul in a 50-over game and with a solid show for Australia A against India A, making crucial contributions with bat and ball alike. Decision Based On All-Round Capabilities Mitchell Marsh’s exclusion, although the cricketer was extremely popular with the team and enjoyed a very close relationship with Pat Cummins did not take much to be decided. He also said that Marsh received all this without being shocked. He further added that his bowling skills weighed in this decision but certainly the batting form was the priority matter and Webster could bowl more number of overs more than anyone else. Cummins Enthusiastic Over Webster’s Performances According to Pat Cummins, Beau Webster had hardly worked with him before his time in the side however, was effusive in praising his performances both for Tasmania and Australia A. Captain Cummins cited that Webster did quite well and he was an excellent allrounder who suited this kind of pressure of international cricket. Will adding Beau Webster in place of Mitchell Marsh have a more positive impact on the results at Sydney? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Manchester United Needs To Forget 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, Manchester United is about to end a year that they would rather forget. The Red Devils won the FA Cup, however, has otherwise been inconsistent throughout with managerial changes and a series of disappointing records. Manchester United ended the year with another home defeat, this time a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United, their fourth consecutive defeat and sixth in their last seven matches. A Challenging Close To 2024 For Manchester United Manchester United’s defeat to Newcastle on Monday was a sign of the problems that the team is facing. The manager, Ruben Amorim, did not hesitate to say that relegation is a possibility. A December To Forget For Manchester United Manchester United’s form in December was nothing short of disastrous. The Red Devils conceded 18 goals in all competitions—that is its joint-most in a single month since March 1964. They lost six games in December, the most in a single month since September 1930, when they lost seven games. This bleak streak was compounded by an unprecedented one. Manchester United became the first Premier League team in history to lose five matches in consecutive months of December, repeating the same feat from December 2023. As The Year Ends For Manchester United As the year came to a close, Manchester United’s position in the Premier League was bleak. The club spent Christmas Day in 13th place, their lowest position on December 25th since 1986, when they were 15th under a new manager named Alex Ferguson. It was a far cry from the glory days of the club and the outlook heading into 2025 was anything but promising. Defensive Woes And Set-Piece Struggles Manchester United’s defensive problems were glaring throughout the year, with set pieces proving to be a major Achilles’ heel. United conceded 19 goals from set pieces in the Premier League in 2024—more than any other team in a single calendar year in the competition’s history. This defensive frailty was a contributing factor to the club’s poor performances, making it clear that defensive reinforcement would be critical for any future recovery. Managerial Shake-Up For Manchester United Turbulence continued to rock the managerial department. Manchester United parted ways with Erik ten Hag after a miserable run in September, which featured a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool and another 3-0 thumping by Tottenham Hotspur. Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United saw the most dismal win rate at just 68.2% in 85 Premier League matches, second only to the percentage for David Moyes (32.4% in 34 games). Manchester United During Ten Hag’s Tenure During Ten Hag’s final days, Manchester United experienced their worst start to a league season in decades, earning only eight points from their first seven games—its lowest tally since the 1989-90 season, when they finished 13th under Alex Ferguson. Furthermore, United’s defeat to Manchester City in the FA Community Shield added insult to injury, as they became the competition’s most frequent runner-up with 10 second-place finishes, more than any other team in its history. A New Year Of Challenges With the club in disarray, Manchester United’s leadership will have to make some crucial decisions as they head into 2025. The team has had a very disappointing year that has left them in the middle of a crisis, and it will take huge changes both on and off the pitch to see it through to better times. Will Manchester United Return To Form In 2025? Although Manchester United has managed to win the FA Cup, the sense of victory is almost dimmed by a general lack of consistency. When Manchester United tries to rebuild in 2025, the fans would be expecting a new beginning and a return to the old form of the club. However, so many records of failure piled against them make it not only challenging but impossible for the management to revive the spirit of the Red Devils. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Is Investing In Grassroots Athletes The Road To Success For India?
At The Sportz Planet SportSci Summit Season 2, held on November 21, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Atria in Bengaluru, Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, emphasized strategic planning for the future of Indian sports. Her discussion focused on how early investment in young athletes, particularly those under 15 years old, could shape India’s athletic portfolio in the coming decades, especially at the 2036 Olympics. Grassroots Level Sports Focus Bopaiah’s words in the panel discussion highlighted a crucial aspect often overlooked in the current sports ecosystem. The importance of grassroots level sports. While elite athletes who have already achieved international recognition often receive a decent amount of attention and resources, the real foundation for India’s future Olympic success lies in nurturing young talent from an early age. Thus, investments into athletes probably under 15, through this system, we create a robust talent bank with a sustainable sports culture and expected benefits at later dates. Early Identification And Holistic Development The advantages of investment in grassroots athletes are numerous. First, it assists early talent detection and offers a structured framework for the development of these athletes. This approach will ensure that athletes achieve proper education, physical training and the game awareness tools that can take them to the top in different disciplines. Moreover, by focusing on decision-making skills, nutrition and overall fitness, we prepare these young grassroots level athletes to become well-rounded people who can compete at the highest level. Adding Technology For Better Performance Incorporation of technology into training is another key factor that can help to increase an athlete’s performance. Data analytics, biomechanical analysis and performance tracking can be very insightful to help coaches tailor a program based on the needs of the athlete. This scientific approach will enable India to make athletes who are both strong physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of international competitions. Building Leadership And Communication Skills Investment in young athletes also means that communication skills and leadership qualities should be developed. These are often underrated, however, play a vital role in the performance of an athlete under pressure, teamwork with fellow players and representing the nation at the international level. A Bright Future For Indian Sports The future of Indian sports lies in strategic investments at the grassroots level. By supporting young athletes today, India can produce a new generation of stars who will not only compete in the 2036 Olympics but will also bring home a larger number of medals, paving the way for a new era of excellence. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Is Rohit Sharma Stepping Down From Captaincy Really The Solution?
The defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a bitter pill to swallow for Indian cricket fans. Australia’s win by 184 runs was something that the Indians would rather forget and while Pat Cummins was rightly the Player of the Match, the focus was on the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma and his leadership. It hurts to see our leader battle through a lean patch and more heart-wrenching is the sound of voices clamoring for his retirement. Is this how we must treat a man who has given Indian cricket so much? Rohit Sharma Deserves Our Support Of course, Rohit Sharma’s recent numbers are not upto the mark. At an average of 6.2 runs in five innings in the present series, he managed just 31 runs. Since September he has had 164 runs in 15 innings-a far cry from the powerful hitter we know and love to watch. However, before judging Rohit, let us take one step back and think on this issue. Rohit Sharma is also a human and like any great cricketer there have been moments in his career as well, where he did struggle. Those overs without a single run scored during those crucial minutes at the crease are nothing but moments. It would be tragic to judge a man who has carried the Indian batting lineup for more than a decade on the basis of a few difficult weeks. Rohit Sharma’s Legacy Of Glory Let’s not forget the heroics Rohit Sharma has delivered over the years. Double hundred in test match cricket against South Africa, game saving knocks over the years against teams like England, New Zealand and some truly epic leadership performances when India wins. This man has provided the base for Indian Cricket Team’s success not merely with the bat but also under his tranquil leadership. His current struggles at the bat do not and should not, overshadow everything he has achieved. Rohit is a player of rare elegance, a batsman whose presence at the crease inspires the crowd to play fearless cricket. His ability to rise to the occasion, when it matters most, is one of the reasons we place our trust in him as captain. And now, in his time of need, it is our turn to show the same trust and patience. A Leader Beyond The Runs The value of a captain far outweighs the runs he scores. It’s about leadership, about motivating your team when the chips are down, about staying composed when the pressure is suffocating. Rohit Sharma embodies all these qualities. His leadership has sent India to the summit of test cricket, his judgment calls many times have proven right and his ability to stay afloat in extremely testing times is what makes him the backbone of this side. A captain’s worth is not solely determined by his personal performance. It is defined by his ability to inspire his team, to lead them with courage and conviction. In these trying times, when his bat has remained silent, Rohit Sharma has stood tall as a leader India needs. His composure, his confidence and his belief in his team have not wavered at all. It is in such moments that a true leader shines-not in the easy victories but in the tough times when the team looks up to him for guidance. Rohit Sharma Needs Support, Not Criticism As fans, as supporters of Indian cricket, we have a responsibility to lift our captain when he is down. Rohit Sharma has given us moments of sheer joy, moments we will never forget. To ask him to retire based on a rough patch is to disregard everything he has contributed to the game and to the team. No player should be judged by their worst moments and no captain should be deserted by the very fans who cheered for him when he did well. True loyalty will be shown in standing up for a man when he most needs us to stand. Rohit has given us everything – his passion, his dedication, his heart. He has shown up for us when we needed him and now it’s time we show up for him. Let’s not forget that a true champion always finds a way back. The best players rise from their struggles and Rohit Sharma is no exception. Rohit Sharma Is A Hero Who Deserves Our Faith For us, Rohit Sharma is more than just a cricketer. He is the epitome of leadership and consistency. His journey from Mumbai to Melbourne has been to what it means to play for the love of the game, for the pride of the country and for the millions who look up to him. His current form does not define him. It is just a chapter in an illustrious career. We also have to note that champions are not made from victories but from how they rise above adversity. We should stand by our captain and give him all the support he needs and remind him that he is still our leader. Let’s not rush to replace a man who has given us everything. Let’s rally behind him and show the world that we believe in Rohit Sharma. The road to redemption might be long. However, if there is one player capable of coming through, it’s Rohit Sharma. The best is yet to come and we, as his loyal supporters, will be there every step of the way. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: How Can India Still Qualify For The WTC 2025 Final?
India’s chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final suffered a huge setback after being defeated by 184 runs against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. With Australia now holding an unassailable 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), India’s chances of qualifying for the WTC 2025 final now depend on a series of scenarios. India is yet not completely out of the race at all and their hopes of qualification still rest on how they perform in the remaining matches and some unlikely results in other series. India’s Short-Term Task For WTC 2025 Qualification First, India needs to secure the fifth and final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The match is slated to start on January 3, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Winning in Sydney will bring the series to a 2-2 level and thereby keep alive their hopes for qualifying for the WTC 2025 final. The qualification path, however, lies beyond their control. India’s fate will also be determined by how Sri Lanka does in their two-match test series against Australia, which begins on January 29, 2025, in Galle. Will Sri Lanka A Role In India’s WTC 2025 Qualification? India will qualify for the WTC 2025 final only if they beat Australia in Sydney and then pray for Sri Lanka to whitewash Australia in their series. If Sri Lanka wins 2-0 over Australia, India can conclude the WTC 2025 cycle with a percentage of 55.26% and thereby surpass Australia’s projected 51.75% and Sri Lanka’s expected 53.85%. This will ensure India qualify for the final, scheduled to be held at Lord’s. However, if India loses or draws the Sydney test, their chances of qualifying for the WTC 2025 final will be effectively over, irrespective of the result in the Sri Lanka-Australia series. What Present WTC 2025 Standings Mean For India? Presently, India is at the third position in the WTC 2025 standings with a percentage of 52.78%. Since it qualified into the final after winning a contest against Pakistan, Australia finds a share percentage of 51.75%, while Sri Lanka placed fourth with a share of 53.85%. If India loses in Sydney, Sri Lanka’s 2-0 win over Australia would not help India into the final, since that would not enhance India’s percentage enough to get it above both Australia and Sri Lanka. What India Probably Could Do At Sydney? For India, the way to the WTC 2025 final is well-laid but not easy. They need to start by performing well in Sydney, where they can’t afford to drop any more matches. Top-order issues have been an issue for the team in the Boxing Day Test and the big names such as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have not performed upto the mark, so they’ll be looking to do the job in the final test at Sydney. Some other players who had shown lot of grit and resilience in that last game would play a major role if India have to win over Sydney. Can India Make It To The WTC 2025 Final? India can still reach the WTC 2025 final, however, that will only happen if they win in Sydney and Sri Lanka beats Australia 2-0. Their fate will be determined by how both teams perform in the next few weeks. For now, India needs to focus on winning the fifth and the final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Sydney and hoping that other results will fall in their favor, keeping their dreams of qualifying for the WTC 2025 final alive. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Harvinder Singh Wins ESPN India’s Male Para-Athlete 2024 Award
Harvinder Singh’s achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympics has not only given his name a place in the record books but also stamped him as a pioneer figure in Indian archery. Before this year, Harvinder was the only Indian who won a medal in the game of archery both in the Olympics and Paralympics. His victory at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, however, took this moment further and made him the country’s first-ever gold medal winner in archery from these events. Mental Toughness Takes Harvinder Singh To New Heights What truly set Harvinder Singh apart in this high-stakes competition was his ability to remain composed and deliver clutch performances when it mattered the most. Indian archers have often been criticized for not being able to find their best shots at critical moments, however, Harvinder Singh changed that. He produced great shots in the quarterfinals and semifinals when he hit six set-winning tens, showing what an impressive precision and composure under pressure he had. Despite being in some tough situations, like a tied quarterfinal and dropping the first set in the semifinal, Harvinder Singh was able to get himself into rhythm at the most opportune times. Harvinder’s Preparation For Victory Harvinder Singh’s victory was not only because of his natural talent but also through meticulous preparation. Through grueling training, he and his coach identified critical competition moments where he had to perform. Specifically, Harvinder Singh ensured that his third shot in each set became absolutely crucial because his experience showed him that this shot could seal his fate in the competition. When he was able to repeat his best performances into real match scenarios, it confirmed him at the top of the podium. A Relentless Pursuit Of Excellence While his gold in the Paralympics was at its zenith, the journey did not stop there for Harvinder Singh. The sweetness of winning has only served to intensify his need to go beyond that. It can be said that Harvinder Singh was unable to even rejoice over his win, given the mixed team event that is scheduled for the following day. Harvinder still remains devoted to his sport, as future challenges await. The path to the Asian Para Games in 2026 and the World Championships in 2025 has already been set underway with relentless training in Patiala. Harvinder Singh Bags ESPN India’s Male Para-Athlete 2024 Harvinder Singh’s trailblazing achievements, his performance under pressure and his hunger for more accolades make him ESPN India’s Male Para-Athlete of 2024. He has set new benchmarks for Indian archery and continues to inspire the next generation of para-athletes. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye