The Science Of Nutrition In Athletic Performance
Nutrition plays an essential role in the performance of athletes and their general health status. Proper nutrition will fuel the body adequately to enable adequate performance, as well as permit recovery and reduce the probability of injuries. This paper discusses the essential tips on what to expect regarding the nutritional needs of an athlete, specifically how each nutrient contributes to optimizing performance. Why Is It That Nutrition Matters For An Athlete? An athlete is a different nutrition case altogether because of the intense physical activities engaged and the amount of energy spent. For that reason, there is a need for careful intakes of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and hydration, among many other reasons: – Fuel Workouts and Endurance: Provides the body’s energy for muscle support to encourage exercises and other physical activities.– Muscle Repair and Growth: Helps in recovery and building lean muscle mass.– Improve Immunity: Boosts the body’s defense mechanism to diseases and illnesses Key Nutrients for Optimal Performance Carbohydrates: Energy Fuels Carbohydrates form the chief energy source for most muscles to execute any form of exercise. An athlete should, therefore, ensure that their diet is rich in complex carbohydrates, which include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Complex carbohydrates offer long-lasting energy. Perfect examples of high-energy carbohydrates include brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes and oats. These constituents in an athlete’s diet can help provide long-lasting energy during intense physical activities. Proteins: Building and Repairing Muscles It is established that proteins play a very important role in muscle repair and growth. Thus, proteins are considered an essential nutrient in an athlete’s diet. Other essential lean sources of protein comprise chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, dairy products, tofu, legumes and nuts. Protein-rich foods need to be taken by the athlete soon after the exercise to expedite their ability to recover the muscles and build more lean mass. Fats: Source of Concentrated Energy Even though at times it scares people, fat is an essential source of concentrated energy in a human body. People, especially athletes, need to include healthy sources of unsaturated fats in their diets through avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, or fish that contain fatty parts, often in the form of salmon, as well as flaxseeds, which support omega-3 fatty acids for fighting off inflammation and keeping the heart healthy. Vitamins and Minerals: Supports Key Bodily Functions The bulk of the vitamins and minerals that athletes require are in a higher amount than average, for instance, vitamin D, calcium, iron and magnesium. These support bone health and oxygen transport, facilitate muscle function, and help in metabolism to produce energy. A good mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and diary or dairy alternative intake caters to all the needed micronutrients for athletes. Hydration: The El Dorado of Optimal Performance Proper hydration is one way of ensuring athletic performance. Water will always be the best hydration liquid, but during intense or long workouts, electrolyte beverages like sports drinks may be helpful too. Hydration levels can be monitored through urine color and frequency, thus ensuring that athletes are not dehydrated. Timing and Composition of Meals Pre-Exercise Nutrition A meal that contains all kinds of carbohydrates, some amounts of protein and less fat, consumed 2 or 3 hours before exercise, will prepare the body to fuel its system in preparation for exercise. In addition to that, consumption of meals should also have dietary intakes containing easy digestible foods as well as ones that can produce energy for a considerable period. Examples of such diets include those consumed during pre-exercise periods like a turkey sandwich prepared in whole grain bread with fruit or yogurt having granola and berries. Post-Exercise Recovery Equally important as the pre-workout meals are the recovery meals. Generally, it is advisable that athletes consume a snack or meal high in carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes after exercise. This aids in replenishing glycogen stores and repairing muscles. Some of the most common food choices for athletes after a workout are smoothies made with banana and protein powder mixed with almond milk and whole grain toast with avocado and scrambled eggs. Common Nutrition Mistakes Athletes Should Avoid While many athletes and sports teams take the training seriously, the following common nutrition mistakes can be detrimental to performance: – Not Eating: The biggest contributor is low energy and poor recovery.– Overreliance on Supplements: Nutrition in the proper proportion with whole foods as the source of nutrients should be emphasized more than supplements.– Not Hydrating Properly: Nothing is worse than hydration issues to impede performance and increase illness from heat effects. Nutrition is, in a nutshell, the backbone of athletic performance and recovery. A balanced diet with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and hydration can help athletes reach peak performance, support muscle repair, and maintain overall health. By these nutrition tips that follow, athletes can focus on optimizing performance and attaining their sporting goals in life. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Raphael Varane Gets A New Job Post Retirement
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has taken up a new role on the board of Italian Serie A club, Como. He retired from football last month after sustaining a knee injury. Varane will be tasked with the responsibilities of youth development, education and product innovation at the club. Varane’s Story So Far Varane joined the newly promoted Italian side in July, however he only played one match before he made a shocking retirement. He has won several titles, including winning with France at the 2018 World Cup and winning multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid. A New Chapter As he enters this new boardroom position, Varane hopes to create the football culture of tomorrow, looking to plug his experience in the sport into a completely new sphere. Como was promoted last season from Serie B. They are currently mid-table in Serie A. Varane brings in more weight and experience to the side which will continue to look up at their top-tier status. Crafting Football’s Future Varane moves into his new chapter, his transition from player to board member represents a broader phenomenon-the tendency by former footballers to occupy top posts in the game. Asked whether he will take over serious club activities given that the team is to face their maiden season in Serie A, the former French international is expected to become deeply involved. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Women’s T20 WC 2024: Another Final, Another Heartbreak For South Africa
Once more, South Africa‘s dream of holding a World Cup trophy meets the cruel hands of defeat. It was to be their time-everything pointed in that direction. Cricket giants had fallen by the way and for the first time South Africa had stepped up to greatness as favourites. However the game, life, is never fair and what had been so agonisingly within reach had again slipped from their fingers. The agony of this loss goes beyond scores; it speaks to years of longing and deep-seated belief that things will be different; that indeed, the weight of a nation’s hope crumbles beneath defeat’s reality. An Agony For South Africa Despite Paul Adams’s rallying pre-match pep talk, wherein he appealed to his players to draw strength from unity and to get inspiration from the Arc de Triomphe as a winner over adversity, South Africa did not fare the better in the field. No fire was visible in the fielding, no energy in the step. Furrows on the brows and slumped shoulders told the story of a team carrying the weight of expectation rather than riding the wave of their moment. They lacked the spark they showed in the tournament and seemed to be playing under the crushing weight of knowing how much was at stake. Not just a final—it was the final that they thought would rewrite their history. The Cost of Blunders Mistakes crept in. The wides, the no-balls, the fumbles in the field–all told of a team unravelling under the weight of their own ambition. Their normally disciplined bowling attack crumpled, their extra deliveries something they could not afford. The little costlier errors, hyped by the occasion, made the difference. They had thought to run after a small total, but by the time that the innings was done and over, the total had stretched beyond what they would go on to plan. The space between winning and defeat, so small and yet so vast, became clear with every run added. Fading Hope with Every Wicket Later, with the bat in hand, they failed again. The opening partnership had promised much for this country for a short brief time. Laura Wolvaardt was ever the tall and still standing bat; middle-order batsmen of South Africa, though, were yet to be tested under the intense fire of a World Cup final and bowed under the pressure. Every dot ball felt like a step away from glory, every wicket like the collapse of a dream. Pressure crushed them and before they knew it, the game was lost. As the runs disappeared, so did the hopes of millions who watched from their homes. The Cost Of Hope This loss feels cruel not just because of what happened on the field, but because of what it means off it. A country that burdens so many struggles-poverty, inequality, crime-in sport is more than just a game. It is the sign of hope, a season of unity in a fractured world. The people of South Africa would hark for that perhaps even more than any person could express. They wanted to believe that for the first time in their history, the tale would turn—that South Africa would transcend its past tragedies and become a triumphant superpower. Now, there is only emptiness left. Turning Adversity into Strength And yet, as much as the pain stings today, there is also resilience in South Africa’s story. This team, this nation, knows how to move forward. The tears will dry, the disappointment will be swallowed and the spirit of giving a tough fight will rise again. In a year’s time, at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India, the Proteas Women will go again. That is what South Africa does-they never give up hope, never give up the fight. And someday, they will own it all. However, today, that’s just not the case. Too much heartache is all too real. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Hockey India Announces 22-Member Squad For Series Against Germany
Hockey India unveiled a 22-member squad here today for the two-match bilateral series scheduled against the reigning World Champions Germany. The series marks the much-awaited return of international hockey to New Delhi at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on October 23rd, 2024 and on October 24th, 2024. What To Expect From Hockey India? Of course, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team, led by ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh and midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad as vice-captain, is eager to leave a mark on the challenge from Germany after an impressive performance at Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China. India won back their coveted title at the event, also scripting history by being the sole Asian team to win this prestigious tournament five times since its inception in 2011. Hardik Singh To Miss The Series Despite their win, India will miss one of their key players, Hardik Singh, dynamic midfielder, who has been recovering from an injury he sustained while playing in the Paris Olympic Games. He is doing his rehab and won’t feature in this series. Indian Hockey Team – A Mixed Bag The Indian Hockey Team has a good mix of veterans and the new young blood. Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera will be marshaled in the goalkeeping roles, while the backline will have Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, captain Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, and Sanjay. India’s midfield would be spearheaded by Manpreet Singh along with captain Vivek Sagar Prasad. Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Vishnu Kant Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Mohd Raheel Mouseen and Rajinder Singh. Star striker Mandeep Singh is expected to return to the forward line, which played at the Asian Champions Trophy and did not feature him. Mandeep will support his mates Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, and Shilanand Lakra in India’s attack. India face Germany, a tough test, however the home advantage coupled with success over two games in China will surely build up their confidence before the series. India’s 22-Member Squad GOALKEEPERSKrishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera DEFENDERSJarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Varun Kumar, Sanjay, Sumit, Nilam Sanjeep Xess MIDFIELDERSManpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad (VC), Vishnu Kant Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Mohd. Raheel Mouseen, Rajinder Singh FORWARDSMandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Shilananda Lakra The India side is to arrive today in New Delhi from its training base in Bengaluru. International hockey will return to the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and people in the capital are waiting for two exciting days of top-class action. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Women’s T20 WC 2024: New Zealand Had The Last Laugh
It was all-smiles for New Zealand in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 final played in Dubai. The White Ferns (New Zealand) emerged as the titleholders of their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup by defeating the Proteas Women (South Africa) with a margin of 32 runs. It had been a remarkable tale of turnaround for New Zealand, who had entered this tournament with a 10 game losing streak, however went on to win the title. New Zealand Sets a Formidable Target New Zealand set a stern target of 158/5, thanks to crucial knocks from Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze who struck 16 off Ayabonga Khaka’s final over. South Africa had denied New Zealand any boundary for the last 48 balls, but the Kiwis exploited six fours and a six off the remaining 34 to seal the contest beyond South Africa’s score. In response to this, all South Africa could do was 126/9-the biggest successful chase in the history of the tournament. Wolvaardt’s Calm Leadership and Crucial Decisions Laura Wolvaardt showed maturity by keeping it cool despite all that was happening around her. This is where she, for instance, took time to review an LBW decision against Sophie Devine that eventually went in favor of her team. The calm she showed in reviewing that decision might have cost South Africa dearly when South Africans were penalized for employing only three fielders outside the ring during New Zealand’s last over; such a risk allowed Green and Gaze to squeeze those priceless extra runs. South Africa’s Sloppy Feilding South Africa’s fielding wasn’t as sharp as it had been during their semifinal against Australia, even though they did hold onto several tough catches. They dropped what would have been an important catch off the final ball of New Zealand’s innings when Sune Luus failed to hold onto the ball, allowing the Kiwis to run some extras. South Africa conceded 15 extras, including two no-balls for cutting the return crease—decisions that were dubious but weren’t the decider. New Zealand’s Complete Domination The bottom line was that New Zealand batted, bowled and fielded better than their opponents, sustaining the momentum they created throughout the tournament. South Africans had begun well in the powerplay, but they lacked the discipline and sharpness they had shown against Australia and seemed relatively flat in the final. New Zealand Women’s Cricket Creates History The victory is well-timed and in a way, historic for New Zealand women’s cricket as they etched another proud page in their sporting annals. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ISL 2024: Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC; What To Expect
The iconic Kolkata Derby is back with Mohun Bagan Super Giant taking on arch-rivals East Bengal FC in what promises to be a riveting match under the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 19 at the historic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. It will be interesting to see which team will be bouncing back from two tough starts into a hopefully calmer home showdown with two winless clubs. With the city buzzing in anticipation, this storied rivalry brings with it a rich history and fierce competition, and both teams will be looking to reverse their challenging starts to the season. A Tale of Two Struggling Teams At ISL 2024 East Bengal FC is the first team in the ISL 2024-25 to lose all of its first four matches and is frantically searching for the maiden points, a club low in the history of that club. On the other hand, an attacking fire-power that has been banging in seven goals in the opening four games has hurt Mohun Bagan Super Giant in its fragile defense. Both teams have much to prove so this version of the derby is all the more crucial. Mariners In Form Mohun Bagan Super Giant goes into the derby, having galvanized confidence from an authoritative 3-0 win over Mohammedan SC. Head coach Jose Molina would like to carry that forward, becoming the first side to win successive matches and collect successive clean sheets for this season. Mariners have scored in all of their last 12 ISL matches at the Salt Lake Stadium and are among the second-highest scoring sides by any team at a single venue in a calendar year – after netting 29 in 2024. Statistically, Mohun Bagan has been the most efficient attacking unit this season. They average 7.3 shots on target per game with a league best shooting accuracy of 55.8%, making them a daunting challenge for any opposition defence. East Bengal FC Struggles And Their Quest To Redeem Themselves East Bengal FC faces this derby at a very crucial point of their season. Winless in their last eight ISL derbies against Mohun Bagan, the Red and Gold Brigade have conceded at least two goals in every one of those matches. It is the chance for them to reverse the trend this season and take home a much-needed win. Though his team has struggled under him, head coach Bino George remains confident in the management’s squad and is positive that his team will get through the game with all the strategies right. Players To Watch Out For Madih Talal from East Bengal FC has made East Bengal indispensable as he tops the chart with his passes ending in the final third of the pitch at 83 and also tops the list in successful passes in that area with 63 passes in the 2024-25 ISL season. His vision and his sense of playing orchestration will be superb for the Red and Gold Brigade. Dimitri Petratos from Mohun Bagan Super Giant has been very consistent in the Kolkata Derby, with five goal contributions from previous derbies. But he has scored only once out of six ISL matches, and it would be a vital game to leave a mark for him. Will East Bengal Break Their Derby Curse? The Kolkata Derby is always an affair to remember, and this one did promise to be one as well. Mohun Bagan Super Giant has dominated in recent times when the two teams play against each other, but East Bengal is on its way to try to seal a turnaround in fortunes here. Will this be the match that stretches the Mariners’ dominance over the Boro or can East Bengal break free from the shackles and secure a memorable victory? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ISL 2024: FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC; What To Expect
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 doubleheader on Saturday, 19th October, 2024 features a very closely contested match with FC Goa up against Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda Stadium at 5:00 pm IST. The cause for excitement is more because of the rivalry that exists between the two teams, as one dominated other periods of the league. Until the 2019-20 campaign, Mumbai City FC had always been on the back foot against FC Goa. That now seems to have turned in favor of the latter as Sergio Lobera has joined their side. During the league stage of the previous season, both teams did manage to share the spoils with each other, but in the two-legged affair in the semi-final, Mumbai City FC had come out triumphant. New Chapter In ISL 2024 Post The International Break Today, Mumbai City FC seek the first win of the season, drawing two and losing one in the first three played matches. It is an away match for them as they are 11th on the table. FC Goa comes into this match having picked five points from four matches. It shall be a return to action for both teams as they come from international break. FC Goa Headaches in Home Games FC Goa must work on duels per game as they average the least in the league at 77.5 per match. Their last three matches played at home haven’t been great too as they couldn’t register a victory at Fatorda. The Gaurs will look to avoid a repeat of the longer winless streak back in 2018 when they lost their last four home games consecutively. For head coach Manolo Marquez, some thing or stage must change through this game as FC Goa faces a strong Mumbai City FC. Mumbai City FC Rolls Against FC Goa Mumbai City FC has been on the better side of things against Goa in recent seasons, failing to lose any of their last 12 encounters, winning seven, drawing five. That includes semi-final triumphs in the 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons. The Islanders have several strengths, including wearing down their opponents with wave after wave of attacking movements. They average passes in the final third have been a formidable 70 per game. They need to improve in their front-line activities going forward, as clearly stated during their nil-nil draw against Bengaluru FC in their previous match. Head-To-Head In head to head battles, Mumbai City FC has utterly dominated the table with FC Goa with 12 victories out of 26 games played against FC Goa. FC Goa has won seven, and seven matches each end in draws. Players To Watch Out For Lallianzuala Chhangte has been productive against FC Goa in the past, with five goals and two assists against them. His tally of nine goals against the Gaurs is the highest by any player in ISL history. FC Goa’s Armando Sadiku will spearhead the attack with his six shot attempts per game, the highest in the league this season. On the other hand, Mumbai’s Tiri has been indispensible on defense with his four headed clearances per game, a number that is equalled by just a few players in the ISL 2024-25 season. Who will Reign? This is going to be an important game for both teams as they seek to redeem their seasons. Having Mumbai City FC look to continue their unbeaten run, it remains to be seen if the team will take this into the match, or FC Goa finally making a break into showing their full form on the field. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Reliance To Stop IPL Streaming On JioCinema Post Hotstar Merger
It is understood that Reliance Industries will no longer stream the Indian Premier League (IPL) on its JioCinema platform from the 2025 season onwards. After merging with Disney India for USD 8.5 billion/- in February 2024, the merged entity boasts 120 TV channels and two major streaming services: Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar. IPL and other Sports Events to Shift to Disney+ Hotstar It is reported that the latest sports events will be shifted to Disney+ Hotstar by January 2025. Jio Cinema, holding digital rights for cricket matches in India, including IPL, will not have sports streaming any more. Instead, sports content, such as the ICC tournaments, will be consolidated on Disney+ Hotstar. This transition decision is thus believed to be prompted by the better live streaming technology of Hotstar and its potential in handling targeted advertising while presenting itself as an attractive place for many of these high-demand sports events. Technological Edge and Future Plans of Hotstar With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final, wherein it touched a record 59 million viewers, Hotstar has certainly proved to be highly reliable in terms of handling high viewership. As reported, Sajith Sivanandan, head of Hotstar in India, has made all teams aware of the changes that are coming in live sports streaming. Bringing all content under the one home of Hotstar will maintain the optimization of user experience and take advantage of the backend streaming capabilities of Hotstar. Lack of Clarity on Entertainment Content There is no clear news concerning the merger of entertainment content between Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar. It is uncertain whether these services will coexist or if one of the players will become extinct. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Women’s T20 WC 2024: And Then There Were Two
Cricket will see a new champion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 when New Zealand faces South Africa in the final on Sunday, 20th October, 2024, in Dubai. New Zealand New Zealand, led by Sophie Devine, sealed their place in the final with a close victory over the West Indies on Friday in Sharjah. That is all they have been missing in their history-long quest for some silverware as they look to achieve their first-ever T20 World Cup title. South Africa Meanwhile, South Africa knocked out six-time champions Australia in the first semi-final on Thursday. They hope to go a step further than the previous tournament in 2023, where they lost to Australia in the final played on home soil. South Africa’s Second ICC Tournament Final This will only be the second time South Africa has reached the final of an ICC tournament, with their first last year when they were defeated by 19 runs to Australia in Cape Town. New Zealand’s Return To The Final After 14 Years This will be the Kiwis’ first appearance in a T20 World Cup final since 2007. Having been runners-up in the very first edition of the tournament and then again in 2010, when Australia edged them out, New Zealand will be looking to go one better than their record so far. Despite all that, only three teams have succeeded in achieving the ultimate prize in its eight different editions of Women’s T20 World Cup and these teams are England 2009, West Indies 2016 and Australia who have dominated the tourney by being crowned champions six times, including the last successive three. Neither New Zealand nor South Africa has successfully won a title of T20 World Cup for either men or women. Final The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has scheduled the final to be held at 6:00 PM local time on Sunday. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IND vs NZ: Sarfaraz Khan’s Story From Maidans Of Mumbai To Maiden Test 100
Batting almost 10 hours at Mumbai’s Cross Maidan, Sarfaraz Khan first drew national attention as a 12-year-old schoolboy in 2009. This young lad re-wrote history at this fabled ground in the city of legendary batters. Playing in the big-time Harris Shield tournament, held in reverence as the Holy Grail of school cricket in Mumbai, Sarfaraz set a new record that catapulted him to instant stardom. Sarfaraz Khan’s Record-Breaking Feat Dressed in cricket whites – loose-fitting white shirt and track pants – the Kurla boy from the lower-middle class of eastern Mumbai made headlines with an astonishing 439 runs. This came for Rizvi Springfield in the Under-16 category, where Sarfaraz smashed 56 fours and 12 sixes. His score shattered the 46-year-old record of 427 not out, previously held by Ramesh Nagdev. In the process, Sarfaraz also broke the fabled score of 346 runs that none other than Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar had bagged way back in 1988. Dubbed the “Next Tendulkar” Sarfaraz’s phenomenal performance made local newspapers and national media speculate whether he would turn out to be the “next Tendulkar”. Yet, gradually, despite bright starts, the prodigy remained nowhere in public view. For years, Sarfaraz strained every sinew on the maidans of Mumbai, making his mark in first-class cricket while awaiting a call from the national selectors. As each season rolled into the next, there seemed to be no lead at all. All around him, peers such as Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, and Yashasvi Jaiswal stepped up on to the big stage, and Sarfaraz quietly waited in the wings. Sarfaraz Khan’s Test Debut After more than a decade of perseverance and unrelenting effort, Sarfaraz Khan finally reaped his rewards. Almost 14 years after his historic schoolboy innings, he got his Test cap for India. He made his test debut against England in Rajkot, Gujarat. The boy who was ready to wait for his moment was now part of the national test team, long in the making. A Maiden Test Century Here is a performance that showed his tenacity and mental strength, as Sarfaraz Khan, reached his maiden test match century. At the 56.3rd over of the game against New Zealand, as the ball came from Tim Southee, Sarfaraz responded by sending it to the boundary for four. That shot sealed his maiden test match hundred, a moment that undeniably made his father, Naushad Khan, the proudest man on earth. A Moment Worth The Wait What made Sarfaraz Khan’s century special was the context. The Indian Cricket Team needed someone from their middle order to stand up and Sarfaraz had to play out the innings from a difficult situation. His temperament under pressure was simply brilliant and clarity of mind at crunch time was fully in evidence. For all who watched it was clockwork as the ball sailed past the infield boundary, with Sarfaraz running in celebration, raising both his arms in the air and holding up his bat for everyone to see. He took off his helmet, acknowledged the dressing room, the crowd and even the skies, just delighting in every moment of his triumph. His shots and composure really told us that this is a man of great character who had waited patiently and fought hard for his place at the top level. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye