Paris Paralympics 2024: From Roller Hockey to Wheelchair Hero: The Unstoppable Pranav Soorma
Pranav Soorma was your regular sports-loving teenager, zipping through roller hockey matches, smashing sixes on the cricket field. That was until life threw him the ultimate curveball at 16. A freak accident-where a cement sheet fell on his head-changed it all, leaving him paralyzed and facing a future in a wheelchair. Wheelchair? No Problem! Let’s Crush Exams Instead For most, that would be game over. Not for Pranav Soorma. With a razor-sharp mind and 91.2% in the 12th boards-yes, you read that right-he planned his coup in academics by doing a degree in Economics from the prestigious Delhi School of Economics and landed a plum role as an Assistant Manager at Bank of Baroda. The power move! Para Sports: Love at Second Sight And then, the most unlikely comeback happened. Pranav Soorma went back to loving sports this time on wheels. Enter para athletics! It wasn’t long before he crushed the competition: a silver at the 2019 Beijing Grand Prix and gold at the Serbia Open 2023. His ultimate flex? Smashing a throw of 30.01m at the 2023 Asian Para Games with a new record for the men’s club throw F51 event. Boom! The Real MVPs: Team Soorma, aka His Fam Here’s the kicker-Pranav Soorma didn’t do it alone. His dad, Sanjeev, quit to become his full-time sports sidekick, while his mom held down the fort as his biggest cheerleader. With their backing, Pranav Soorma’s story isn’t just about medals; it is of grit, family, and turning life’s wildest challenges into pure gold. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Lessons From the Greatest Coaches Across Sports
Teachers’ Day isn’t just about celebrating the ones who teach in classrooms; it’s about honoring those who shape lives in every arena, especially sports. Here’s a tribute to five legendary coaches who’ve not only mastered their craft but also transformed their sports. Rahul Dravid (Cricket) In a world of flashy personalities, Rahul Dravid stands out for his quiet strength and ability to build without noise. Nicknamed ‘The Wall’ for his defense as a batter, Dravid’s coaching reflects the same grit. He’s not just training cricketers; he’s molding future leaders of Indian cricket. The world saw his brilliance as a coach during the Indian Cricket Team’s successful campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where India lifted the title under Dravid’s guidance. His lesson? “Patience builds greatness.” Behind every victory lies the hours of disciplined work he instills in his players, even when no one’s watching. Dinesh Lad (Cricket) The Dronacharya awardee, Dinesh Lad, is the mastermind behind a couple of renowned cricketing faces in India . Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur are household names in cricket. It was Lad’s vision and mentorship that laid their foundations. What sets him apart? He doesn’t just coach skills; he coaches resilience, teaching his players to rise from setbacks stronger. His philosophy? “Talent needs a guiding hand,” and his role as that steady hand has led to the rise of some of the best cricketers in India. José Mourinho (Football) Call him The Special One and it’s not just about his winning record—it’s about the mind games, the psychological edge and the tactical genius. José Mourinho sees football like a chess game, where every move counts and it’s all about staying ten steps ahead. What can we learn from him? “Confidence is everything.” His players don’t just play—they believe. Under Mourinho, confidence isn’t an option, it’s a requirement. His story is a lesson in self-belief and creating an unbeatable mindset. Pullela Gopichand (Badminton) Pullela Gopichand may not hog the limelight, however his academy has produced champions who do. Behind every Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu is Gopichand’s pursuit of perfection. He teaches more than badminton—he teaches discipline, the fine art of never being satisfied with ‘good enough.’ His approach? “Precision is power.” Gopichand’s lessons extend beyond the game; they’re about living with intent and constantly striving for excellence. Red Auerbach (Basketball) Red Auerbach wasn’t just a coach—he was a visionary. The Boston Celtics’ rise under his leadership changed the game, both literally and figuratively. Known for lighting a victory cigar when he knew the game was won, Auerbach believed in “winning with class.” His lesson? Leadership is about empowering others. His players didn’t just play for him; they became better leaders under his watch and his legacy lives on through their success. Lessons Beyond the Scoreboard These coaches show us that sports, like life, are about more than just the final score. It’s about the discipline, the confidence, the patience and the vision we apply to everything we do. Whether you’re stepping onto a field or into a meeting room, their lessons resonate far beyond the game. On this Teachers’ Day, let’s celebrate these mentors who coach not just athletes , but champions in life. The Sportz Planet Desk,Nitya Sutrave
Paris Paralympics 2024: Dharambir’s Golden Throw Breaks Records
India’s Dharambir catapulted himself into history books with a sensational gold medal win in the men’s club throw F51 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. A Victory of Records While the 35-year-old boy from Sonipat, Haryana, won gold and topped the podium, the sensational throw of 34.92m also broke the Asian record. And just for kicks? He did it on his fifth attempt – talk about saving the best for last! Double Delight for India And here comes the cherry on the cake: compatriot Pranav Soorma took the silver, thus ensuring a fantastic 1-2 finish for India. The victory took India’s medal count to 24 in this particular edition of the Paris Paralympic Games-higher than ever for the nation! As such, India has moved up to an overall ranking of 13th and is having quite a time in the Paris Paralympics. Dharambir’s Story: An Inspiring One Dharambir’s tale goes far beyond the winning throw. Quite literally, a tragic accident while diving in a canal in his village that left him without the use of his lower body below the waist saw him take life lying down; he soared over. Guided by mentor and para-athlete Amit Kumar Saroha, Dharambir dived head-first into para-sports in 2014, qualifying for the 2016 Rio Paralympics just two years later. Thence, he has picked up medals right, left, and center, including two silvers each at the Asian Para Games and a bronze at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships. Resilience Pays Off Indeed, he has achieved some serious success, and no wonder it saw him snatching the Bhim Award in 2022. With government support behind him, Dharambir surely proved that nothing was too big-or too far away-for him to surmount. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris Paralympics 2024: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Felicitates Indian Para-Badminton Team for Historical Podium Finish At The Games
In the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the felicitation of the Indian Para-Badminton team was carried out in New Delhi for its spectacular performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024. The contingent returned to India with their best-ever performance in Para-Badminton, securing a total of five medals-one Gold, two Silver, and two Bronze. Appreciation Expressing his pride, Dr. Mandaviya congratulated the athletes: “You have made the entire nation proud with your outstanding performance. Your dedication and spirit have set a new benchmark for Indian sports” He also encouraged those who narrowly missed out on medals, underlining that their experiences weren’t a loss: “We haven’t lost medals, we have gained invaluable experience. I am confident that in the future Paralympics, our medal count will further rise, and each of you will emerge as winners.” he assured. India’s Steady Progress in Sports Dr. Mandaviya also spoke of the gradual rise of India at international sports over a decade and elaborated, “In the last 10 years, we have continuously improved our performance, proving our mettle on the global stage,” He reassured the government of its commitment to increasing support for para-athletes by providing better facilities, training, and opportunities to excel. Medal Winners The champions in Para-Badminton were Nitesh Kumar (Gold), Suhas LY (Silver), Thulasimathi Murugesan (Silver), Nithya Sre (Bronze), and Manisha Ramadass (Bronze). Their efforts helped India overtake the number of medals it won at the Tokyo Paralympics, with a total of 20 medals so far as of September 3, 2024. Recognition of Support by Government The athletes thanked the government, especially for its support under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, which helped to provide them with facilities and resources that were imperative to win on the international front. Notably, the Government of India sanctioned 19 exposure trips abroad for the 13 para shuttlers who played in the games, proving a strong support system for the winners. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Bopanna/ Sutjiadi go down in US Open mixed doubles semi-final
India’s Rohan Bopanna and Indonesian partner Aldila Sutjiadi bowed out of the US Open mixed doubles competition after a straight-sets loss to the all-American pairing of Donald Young and Taylor Townsend. Young, who is playing the final professional tournament of his tennis career, and Townsend started the match on Louis Armstrong Stadium on a positive note, winning the first three games of the match. Bopanna/ Sutjiadi broke back to level the first set at 3-3 but the American duo broke again and then served out the first set 6-3. Also Read: Bopanna equals best US Open mixed doubles performance by reaching semis In the second set, Young/ Townsend broke Bopanna/ Sutjiadi in the fifth game and held on to that break to complete the 6-3, 6-4 win in just under an hour. Young/ Townsend to face Vavassori/ Errani in US Open mixed doubles final With Bopanna’s loss, India’s campaign at the US Open 2024 comes to an end. Young/ Townsend will go on to face Italian duo Andrea Vavassori/ Sara Errani in Thursday’s final. While Townsend and Errani have both won Grand Slams in the women’s doubles format, a title on Sunday would be the first Grand Slam of any kind at the pro level for either Young or Vavassori. The Sportz Planet Desk,Haresh Ramchandani
Paris Paralympics 2024: From Sangli to Silver: Sachin Khilari’s Shot Put Heroics
There’s a new underdog story in town, and it’s packing a punch. Sachin Khilari, India’s shot put sensation, has just snagged a dazzling silver medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, launching his way into the spotlight with a throw of 16.32 meters. It was an incredibly nail-biting finish, falling a mere 0.06 meters short of gold. From Village to Podium Born and brought up in Karagani village, Sangli, Maharashtra, Sachin’s life may have appeared to be going off track after a school accident left him with a disability in his left hand. However, rather than letting this setback weigh him down, he decided to toss his troubles aside and dive head-first into para athletics in 2015. Sachin then tried his shot at the NAtional games and struck gold in 2017. Talk about a comeback! A Blockbuster Journey The journey of Sachin from a small village to the grand stage of the Paralympics is nothing less than a Bollywood blockbuster. He is not only breaking records but is breaking them comprehensively. His silver medal in Paris is India’s 21st medal of the Games-a new national record. And, oh yeah-forget that he is also a mechanical engineer and a part-time educator. Who knew shot puts and chalkboards go so well together? The Silver-Shot Superstar A heart as big as the size of his throws itself; Sachin’s story goes on to prove that none of the toughest throws in life can stand a chance against sheer determination. Here’s to Sachin-the silver-shot superhero of the Paralympics! The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris Paralympics 2024: Sharad Kumar, India’s High Flying Hero
India’s high-flying hero, Sharad Kumar, produced a silver medal in the men’s high jump T63 class at the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024. A Silver so Close At 1.88 meters, Sharad jumped so well that he almost grabbed gold. However the top spot was grabbed by USA’s Ezra Frech, who cleared an incredible 1.94 meters, setting a new Paralympic record in the process. Adding to the glittering collection of Sharad, this silver is in continuation of his bronze at Tokyo 2020. Talk about high stakes! From Polio to Podium: The Sharad Kumar Saga Sharad Kumar’s story reads like a movie script. Having polio at the tender age of two, one would think his chances were pretty slim. But not even close! Instead of staying grounded, Sharad defied expectations and soared high. His high jump dreams took to the air in his school days in Darjeeling, where he was already breaking records-even among able-bodied competitors. His international debut at the 2010 Asian Para Games in Guangzhou marked only the beginning of this high-flying career. Leaps and Bounds of Success The career of Sharad is a plethora of very magnificent moments. He grabbed gold in the 2014 Asian Para Games, breaking a record that had stayed for 12 years and continually bagged silver in the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships. But wait-there’s more! Again, at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, he leaped a new Games and Continental record by 1.90 meters. With an Arjuna Award presented to him in 2021, Sharad Kumar is not only jumping high but jumping straight into the hearts of fans all over! The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
The Evolution and Impact of Smart Sports Wearables
The sports wearables market is witnessing rapid growth, driven by several key trends and market dynamics that are reshaping how athletes and fitness enthusiasts approach training and health management. Influencing Trends One of the most significant trends is the growing popularity of wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. These devices have become essential for individuals looking to monitor their health and enhance their athletic performance. The integration of advanced technologies such as IoT, AI and machine learning is further transforming smart sports wearables. These innovations provide users with personalized and accurate insights, allowing for a more tailored approach to fitness and health. The increasing focus on health and fitness also plays a crucial role in driving the demand for smart sports wearables. As more people become aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the need for devices that can monitor vitals and offer real-time feedback has surged. This trend is particularly evident in the growing use of wearables that track heart rate, sleep quality, and other vital health metrics. Market Growth Drivers Several factors are contributing to the expansion of the smart sports wearables market. The rising demand for fitness and health tracking is a primary driver, as more consumers seek devices that provide personalized fitness recommendations. Additionally, rapid technological advancements are enabling the development of more sophisticated wearables with enhanced features, further fueling market growth. The increasing adoption of wearable devices across various demographics is also creating a favorable environment for the growth of smart sports wearables. These devices are no longer seen as mere accessories but as indispensable tools for anyone serious about fitness and health. In conclusion, the smart sports wearables market is on an upward trajectory, driven by technological advancements and a growing emphasis on health and fitness. As these trends continue, wearables will play an increasingly vital role in helping individuals achieve their fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Sportz Planet Desk,Nitya Sutrave
Paris Paralympics 2024: Nitesh Kumar: From IIT Grad to Paralympic Gold – A Smash Hit!
IIT graduate Nitesh Kumar, with a penchant for numbers and the willow, struck gold on his debut in the SL3 singles para-badminton category in the final at the Paris Paralympics 2024. At 29 years young, turning the tables on his long-time nemesis Daniel Bethell, he kept the audience on tenterhooks throughout the nail-biting final, finishing 21-14, 18-21, 23-21. The Ultimate Showdown: Nitesh vs Bethell Just imagine this: two behemoths colliding-the top two seeds-and bragging rights to boot in a match that did not just deliver, but exploded! Nitesh, who had lost his leg in a train accident at the tender age of 15, was as cool as cucumber cake even when his prosthetic leg needed a mid-match fix. He did not only break his nine-match losing streak against Bethell; he did so in style, snatching his maiden major singles gold medal. SL3: Where Strategy Meets Stamina This is no joke because the SL3 category is where players with severe lower limb disabilities give it their all on just half the badminton court. The result is longer rallies, more strategy and loads of skill. Nitesh was a maestro on the court, playing cool-headed brilliant games to force Bethell into mistakes shuttle by shuttle. How to Make a Champion Just when you thought it was all over, Bethell managed to claw his way back into the contest, taking the second game. However Nitesh was just not about to allow this gold to slip away from his grasp. In a heart-stopping decider, he held his nerve, played his game and sealed the deal with a roar that simply echoed through the arena. With this win, Nitesh not only secured a place for himself in the Paralympic hall of fame but also continued the golden streak for India in the category SL3. A journey from the classroom to the court is nothing less than inspirational; it proves that with grit and guts, you can smash any challenge that comes your way. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Sheye
Duleep Trophy 2024: Top 5 Batters To Watch Out For
As the Indian domestic cricket season gets underway with the Duleep Trophy 2024, from September 5 to September 22, all eyes will be on a new format that brings into play teams called India A, India B, India C and India D in a round-robin format. There are no knockout phases in this year’s tournament, but it should be an important platform for cricketers looking to secure places in the Indian Test team for tours to Bangladesh and New Zealand later this year. Following are five batters who might make a difference in Duleep Trophy 2024. Riyan Parag Having performed consistently in domestic cricket and one breakout season in the IPL, Riyan Parag has already made his presence known in limited-overs formats. The 22-year-old from Assam will be keen to carry the success into the red-ball format. Having an First-Class average of 36.69 from 29 matches and three centuries to his name, Parag’s dual capabilities with the bat and ball can inch him closer to a national team call-up if he comes good in the Duleep Trophy. Devdutt Padikkal A brilliant last season in domestic cricket earned him a Test debut in which he also made a half-century. But a disappointing IPL 2024-just 78 runs-has Padikkal wanting to make amends. The Duleep Trophy presents a very good chance for Padikkal to regain form and make his case for a middle-order spot in the national side. Musheer Khan Only 19, Musheer Khan is one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket. He has only a limited amount of First-Class experience. So with Khan’s good recent form, including a Ranji Trophy double hundred, he is marked as one to watch out for. His success with the ball recently adds another dimension to his game, and he may turn out to be one of the standouts in this year’s Duleep Trophy. Sai Sudharsan Another talented name coming from Tamil Nadu is Sai Sudharsan, who has impressed many with his talents in domestic T20 and List A cricket. Fresh from a good series with his debut series in South Africa and an even better IPL 2024, Sudharsan is keen to now assert himself in red-ball cricket. With a First-Class average of 36.90, the 22-year-old will be eyeing the Duleep Trophy for what it can get him. Ishan Kishan Ishan Kishan will enter the Duleep Trophy with much to prove. With no First-Class cricket since mid-2023, Kishan has already found instant competition for his slot of wicketkeeper in the Indian Test team with Dhruv Jurel’s emergence and return of Rishabh Pant. A good performance with bat and gloves will make a strong case for Kishan’s national selection. While these cricketers will be contesting for national recognition, the Duleep Trophy is one more playground where skills will have to be displayed as a case for higher honors. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye