SL vs IND: Why Is ‘Maamla Gambhir’?
India’s tour of Sri Lanka is going to be a tour to watch out for this season. This is largely due to two factors: Gautam Gambhir‘s debut as the head coach and the dawn of a new era in India’s white-ball cricket post their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. The tour begins from 27th of July, 2024 with the 1st T20I at Pallekele. However, there are some major questions which need to be answered as the tour progresses. Will Suryakumar Yadav Rise to the Captaincy Challenge? Suryakumar Yadav, taking the helm as India’s T20I captain, is at the center of this new beginning. In 2015, his initial stint as captain ended controversially when he relinquished leadership of his domestic side following complaints about his on-field and dressing-room conduct. Fast forward nearly a decade, Suryakumar has evolved into a more composed and mature player, becoming one of T20 cricket’s greats. INDIA vs SRI LANKA T20Is- HEAD-TO-HEAD DATE MATCH RESULT VENUE 07th Jan, 2023 India won by 91 runs Rajkot (IND) 05th Jan, 2023 Sri Lanka won by 16 runs Pune (IND) 03rd Jan, 2023 India won by 2 runs Mumbai (IND) 06th Sep, 2022 Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets (with 1 ball remaining) Dubai (UAE) 27th Feb, 2022 India won by 6 wickets (with 19 balls remaining) Dharamshala (IND) Gambhir and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee have expressed confidence in Suryakumar’s leadership qualities, which they observed during his vice-captaincy tenure at Kolkata Knight Riders. His recent captaincy in seven matches, filling in for the rested Rohit Sharma and injured Hardik Pandya, has shown promise. His performance in the 4-1 series win over Australia and a commendable 1-1 draw in South Africa shows his leadership capability. However, Suryakumar’s appointment might stir some undercurrents, given that he will be leading Hardik Pandya, who captains him at Mumbai Indians and was once seen as the likely future T20I captain. Who Will Emerge as India’s T20I Finisher? The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have literally left a road to be filled at the top of the order, likely to be filled by Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Rishabh Pant at No. 3 and Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya anchoring the middle order. This configuration leaves a spot for a finisher, with Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube in contention. Gambhir’s preference for allrounders, demonstrated during his tenure at Lucknow Super Giants with players like Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, and Krunal Pandya, might favor Dube and Parag. However, Rinku Singh’s impressive track record could make him a strong contender. With new leadership and rising stars set to answer a lot of questions, India’s tour of Sri Lanka surely is going to be a ‘Gambhir Maamla’ to watch out for. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
What Is The Hundred And How Is It Changing The Dynamics Of Cricket?
What Is The Hundred? The Hundred is a thrilling 100-ball cricket extravaganza that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. This action-packed tournament features world-class players and some of the biggest names in cricket from around the globe. Teams and Format The 100 ball competition showcases eight city-based teams, each with a men’s and women’s squad competing alongside each other over five weeks every English summer. The teams include Birmingham Phoenix (Edgbaston), London Spirit (Lord’s), Manchester Originals (Emirates Old Trafford), Northern Superchargers (Headingley), Oval Invincibles (The Kia Oval), Southern Brave (Utilita Bowl), Trent Rockets (Trent Bridge) and Welsh Fire (Sophia Gardens). Each squad consists of 15 players, with a maximum of four overseas stars and no more than two centrally contracted England players in the Men’s Competition. Player Selection Process The selection of players is an exciting aspect of The Hundred. A Draft system allocates players to each men’s team, ensuring a fair and thrilling selection process. The women’s teams have a bespoke player selection process tailored to their competition’s unique needs, adding another layer of excitement for fans. Unique 100-Ball Format The Hundred introduces a format with 100 balls per innings, where the team scoring the most runs wins. Key features of the format include fielding side changes after every 10 balls, flexible bowling with bowlers delivering either five or 10 consecutive balls as decided by the captain and a maximum of 20 balls per match for each bowler. Each bowling side gets a 90-second strategic timeout, allowing the coach to discuss tactics mid-match. A 25-ball powerplay for each team, with only two fielders allowed outside the initial 30-yard circle, makes the game even more dynamic. Each match lasts approximately two and a half hours, making for a fast-paced and exciting viewing experience. Player Salaries The Hundred sets competitive salary bands to attract top talent. For 2024, the women’s salary bands range from £50,000 for the top two players to £8,000 for three players, ensuring a broad range of compensation. The men’s salary bands for 2024 remain unchanged from 2023, with top players earning £125,000, including one England Centrally Contracted Player, down to £30,000 for three players. Where To Watch The Hundred In India? Enthusiasts can watch The Hundred 2024 on the Sony Sports Network television across different languages. Fans can also live stream The Hundred 2024 on the Sony LIV app and on FanCode. The Hundred offers an unmissable blend of fast-paced action and top-tier cricket, making it a must-watch event every summer. With its unique format and star-studded teams, it is set to revolutionize the way fans experience cricket. Also read about IPL franchise owners showing interests in investing in The Hundred here. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: When, Where And How To Watch?
Paris is all set to host the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza from the 26th July, 2024—the Paris Olympics 2024. The French capital will welcome athletes from more than 200 countries, competing in 329 events across 32 sports disciplines. Excitement Builds with New Sports The Paris Olympics 2024 will introduce four new sports events, in addition to the 28 traditional Olympic sports. The new additions include breaking, skateboarding, surfing, and sports climbing. These fresh and exciting events are expected to attract a diverse range of athletes and spectators, bringing a new dynamic to the Olympics. Early Action with Football and Rugby Sevens Although the Paris Olympics 2024 officially begins on July 26, the Football and Rugby Sevens events will start earlier, on July 24. This early start allows these popular sports to fit into the packed schedule of the Olympics, giving fans an early taste of the action. Catch All the Action Live in India Indian sports enthusiasts won’t miss a moment of the Paris Olympics 2024, thanks to Viacom18. The Indian media company has secured exclusive rights to broadcast the event, starting from July 26. Viacom18 will offer 20 concurrent feeds, ensuring extensive coverage of all the excitement. The Sports18 Network will air the Paris Olympics 2024 with comprehensive coverage. Here’s how you can catch the action:– Sports18 – 1: Broadcasting in English, with options for Tamil and Telugu.– Sports18 – 2: Offering coverage in Hindi.– Sports18 – 3: Providing the global action feed. Free Online Streaming on JioCinema For those who prefer to stream online, JioCinema OTT will provide free live streaming of the Paris Olympics 2024 in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Live streaming will be available starting July 27, considering the time zone difference. Don’t Miss the Grand Finale The closing ceremony will be live-streamed in the early hours of Monday, August 12, ensuring that fans don’t miss the grand finale of this monumental event. A Summer to Remember As Paris prepares to host this extraordinary event, excitement is building worldwide. With new sports making their debut and extensive coverage available, the Paris Olympics 2024 promises to be a memorable and thrilling experience for all. Get ready to cheer for your favorite athletes and witness history in the making. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Jannik Sinner Out Of Olympics Due To This Reason
World number one Jannik Sinner has announced his withdrawal from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to tonsillitis. The Italian tennis star, who won his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open earlier this year and reached the semifinals of the French Open, shared the news on Wednesday. “I am saddened to inform you that unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympic Games,” Sinner wrote in a post on X. “After a good week of clay training, I started to feel unwell. I spent a couple of days resting and during a visit, the doctor found tonsillitis and strongly advised me against playing.“ Sinner expressed his disappointment, stating, “Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season. I couldn’t wait to have the honour of representing my country in this very important event. Good luck to all the Italian athletes who I will support from home.” Sinner was also scheduled to play in the men’s doubles alongside Lorenzo Musetti. His withdrawal from the event means world number two and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will now be the top seed in the men’s singles draw. The Paris Olympics 2024 draw is set to be made on Thursday. Sinner is the latest in a series of tennis players to withdraw from the competition. Olympic silver medallist Marketa Vondrousova and Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz pulled out of the tournament on Monday. Other absences include world number three Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, Emma Raducanu, and Ben Shelton. The tennis fixtures at the Paris Olympics 2024 will take place from July 27th, 2024 to August 4th, 2024 at Roland Garros. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Here’s What Franchises Proposed Ahead Of 2025 Auction
In a series of feedback sessions with the Indian Premier League (IPL) officials, franchises have suggested several substantial changes to the player retention process, aiming to ensure more stability and strategic depth in team compositions. The next steps will be discussed in an upcoming meeting between IPL officials and franchise representatives, which will take place on 31st of July, 2024. Here are a couple of key suggestions from the franchises. 1. Mega Auction Cycle Change Franchises are advocating for the IPL mega auction to be held once every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. According to a senior franchise official, this change would offer multiple benefits, including the opportunity for teams to build continuity by developing young, especially uncapped Indian players. The longer cycle would incentivize franchises to continue investing in their grassroots academies without the immediate threat of losing nurtured talent to rival teams. 2. Retention and RTM Options Teams have proposed the ability to retain between four and six players, coupled with eight Right-to-Match (RTM) options. One of the franchise CEOs suggested allowing teams to retain one marquee player, such as the captain, with the rest being retained through RTMs, thus letting the market determine player prices and reducing potential dissatisfaction among retained players regarding their monetary value. 3. Salary Renegotiations Another proposal involves allowing franchises to renegotiate player salaries between mega auctions. This would help teams retain their core players and reach better terms with players originally acquired at lower prices. The process would be transparent, with new contracts declared to the IPL, however would be controlled by the franchise without players having the option to be released. Historical Context and Current Challenges Historically, the IPL has conducted mega auctions in four-year cycles twice in the last decade. The first was in 2018, following the 2014 auction and the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from suspension. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2021 mega auction to be deferred by a year, leading to an extension of player contracts. Currently, franchises face challenges with players, particularly those who were uncapped and bought at low prices but have since become maga contributors or international players. These players might prefer re-entering the auction to secure higher contracts, which could be seen as unfair by the franchises that initially identified and developed them. Varied Responses to RTM-Only Proposal One of the franchises has proposed using only RTM options without any direct retentions, providing eight RTM options per team. The idea has received mixed reactions. Some franchises believe it promotes a level playing field, while others fear it could disrupt their auction strategy as rivals might drive up player prices. Focus on Fan Engagement Several franchises stretched on the importance of creating a loyal fan base. With frequent squad overhauls every three years, maintaining fan loyalty becomes challenging. Franchises argue that longer retention periods would help build stronger connections with fans, fostering a sense of loyalty and engagement. IPL officials and franchise representatives are expected to discuss these suggestions in detail in the forthcoming meeting. Other topics likely to be on the agenda include the Impact Player rule, which has received mixed feedback, the purse for the IPL 2025 auction and potential changes to the salary cap deduction for retained players. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Global Chess League unveils stellar lineup that promises an unprecedented showdown in London this October
India/London, 24th July 2024: The Global Chess League, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, today announced the list of Icon players for the second season to be held in London from 3rd to 12th October at Friends House. Sameer Pathak, CEO, Global Chess League, said, “We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the Icon players. With such renowned names at the helm of each team, we are confident that the exciting matches will offer millions of chess fans an incredible experience. In the following weeks, we will be announcing a host of superstar men, women, and prodigy players, which will only add to the excitement ahead of the player draft.” The stellar line-up of Icon players includes world No.1 and five-time world champion, Magnus Carlsen, who also featured in the first season of the Global Chess League. In the second season, he will continue to play for Alpine SG Pipers. Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world champion, said, “The first season in Dubai was a fantastic experience. Chess has been an individual sport, but the concept of a team setting introduced by the Global Chess League is very exciting and refreshing. I look forward to playing again with the Alpine SG Pipers.” To add to the thrilling level of competition, two new Icon players are joining the league for the first time. One of the world’s most popular and dynamic players, Hikaru Nakamura, will play for the new team American Gambits. Anish Giri will make his debut in the second season with PBG Alaskan Knights as the Icon player. Joining as an Icon player for American Gambits, Hikaru Nakamura, said, “I followed the Global Chess League in its first season and was hooked to the format. It is an exciting opportunity not only for the top players, but also for fans as they get to pick a team with their favorite players to cheer on. I am excited to be a part of American Gambits team, and I look forward to meeting my teammates in London.” Grandmaster Anish Giri, who has been signed up as the Icon player by PBG Alaskan Knights, said, “The unique format of the Global Chess League takes the competition to a higher level. I am sure that the fans will tune in to see the exciting battles between teams comprising top men and women chess players. I am delighted to play in my debut season with PBG Alaskan Knights, and I am looking forward to the exciting times ahead.” Returning in the Icon player role for Ganges Grandmasters is the five-time world champion, Viswanathan Anand. As the Icon player of the first season’s finalists, Mumba Masters, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave will continue to lead from the front for the team. In the second season, Ian Nepomniachtchi will be the Icon player for the Triveni Continental Kings. Viswanathan Anand, the five-time world champion and the Icon player for Ganges Grandmasters, said, “The inaugural season was a huge success with some very exciting matches. Chess is widely played across the world, and the game being televised in this unique format will only add to its popularity. I believe that fans who tune in will get to see intense battles between teams playing chess at their highest level. I am excited to be back playing for Ganges Grandmasters.” Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi, in his new role as the Icon player for Triveni Continental Kings, said, “After an exciting launch season, I am glad to be a part of the second season of the Global Chess League. Playing for the winners of the first season, Triveni Continental Kings, makes it even more special, and I am looking forward to play some exciting matches in London.” Former World Blitz champion and the Icon player for Mumba Masters, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, said, “Playing for my team Mumba Masters was a fantastic experience in the first season. The whole team came together beautifully and reached the finals. I am geared to return for the next season and collaborate with my team members.” The league will feature a minimum of three marquee showdowns every day between the Icon players as they lead their teams into the chess arena. The first-of-its-kind franchise-based league will feature a total of six teams. Each team will consist of six players, including one Icon player, two superstar male players, two superstar female players, and one prodigy player.
Paris 2024: Fashion Takes Center Stage at Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris Olympics 2024 are shaping up to be more than just a sporting spectacle—they’re a fashion extravaganza too. Paris, famed for its elegance and style, is pulling out all the stops with LVMH, the luxury giant, leading the way. With a dazzling partnership worth around 150 million euros, LVMH is set to showcase French craftsmanship and elegance on a global stage. A Glamorous Start to the Games The excitement kicks off with a glittering event the night before the opening ceremony. LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, Comcast NBCUniversal’s Brian Roberts, Grammy winner and Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour will host an exclusive celebration at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by Frank Gehry. This pre-Olympic bash is set to be a star-studded affair that will set the tone for the Games. Louis Vuitton and Chaumet’s Unique Touch Louis Vuitton will be front and center, creating custom trunks to carry the medals and torches. These aren’t just any medals—they’re designed by Chaumet and feature a unique hexagon shape, cut from a piece of the Eiffel Tower’s iron. It’s the first time a jeweler has designed the Olympic medals, blending Chaumet’s rich history with Olympic tradition. Berluti’s French Flair for Athletes’ Uniforms Another LVMH brand, Berluti, is dressing the French team in style. Known for its luxury leather goods and tailored clothing, Berluti is designing 1,500 outfits for the opening ceremony. With nearly 130 years of French craftsmanship, these uniforms, created in France and made in Italy under Carine Roitfeld’s direction, combine elegance with comfort. Designers Showcase Global Culture Fashion and sports have always been linked, and the Paris Games highlight this connection worldwide. Moroccan designer Ali Drissi, who crafted the Moroccan team’s outfits, reflects on this relationship: “Fashion and sports have a deep history together, especially with the rise of chic sportswear.” His designs feature national symbols, blending tradition with a universal spirit. International Brands Join the Fashion Parade Beyond LVMH, other fashion names are making waves. Ralph Lauren, a familiar face in Olympic fashion since 2008, has once again designed the USA team’s uniforms. For Team Mongolia, couture brand Michel and Amazonka created uniforms that celebrate intricate cultural motifs. And Lululemon’s Team Canada outfits feature a bold red print with a maple leaf crest. National Pride in Every Stitch Emirati designer Rawdha Al Shaafar has crafted uniforms for Team UAE in red and white, symbolizing strength and purity. The Arabic text adds a cultural touch, reflecting each country’s heritage and pride. These designs offer a unique opportunity for global exposure and highlight the diverse cultures participating in the Games. The Enduring Influence of Sports on Fashion Fashion and sports have always influenced each other. Take the polo t-shirt, for example—originally designed by French tennis star René Lacoste for the courts, it’s now a fashion staple. The blend of fashion and sports continues to evolve, with athletic wear making its mark on high fashion runways. As Paris 2024 approaches, it’s clear that the Olympics will be a celebration of both athletic talent and artistic flair. The blend of luxury fashion with the Games promises to set new benchmarks and keep the connection between fashion and sports stronger than ever. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL Franchise Owners Consider Investment In ECB’s The Hundred Amid Concerns Over Minority Stake
As the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launches the fourth season of The Hundred, discussions around the privatization of the tournament’s eight franchises have intensified. The ECB’s plan involves selling a 49% stake in each team to private investors, while the remaining 51% will be retained by the existing ‘hosts’ – seven counties and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for London Spirit. Reservations About Minority Stake This proposal has drawn interest from owners of several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. However, many express reservations about the minority stake being offered, fearing it could lead to a lack of control over the franchises. Concerns Highlighted by IPL Franchise Official The concerns were highlighted by an official from an IPL-winning franchise, who preferred to remain anonymous. “In all other franchise investments, we are 100% owners. Here, it’s going to be a joint venture. There’s valuation, ownership, and operational matters to consider – these issues come to the fore immediately,” the official said. ECB Acknowledges Investor Concerns Vikram Banerjee, the ECB’s Head of Business Operations, acknowledged these concerns. During his trip to India for IPL 2024, he met with various franchise owners to discuss the proposed model. “For a number of them, it’s around things like brand, control of cricket operations, and majority stakes from an equity perspective,” Banerjee explained. “We understand where they are at and have built that into the process.“ MCC and Surrey’s Stance on Stake Divestment Among the eight franchises, the MCC has stated it will consider selling part or all of its 51% stake, pending approval from its members. In contrast, Surrey, the owners of the Oval Invincibles, have declared no intention to divest any of their stake. Possibility of 100% Ownership Richard Gould, the ECB’s Chief Executive, did not rule out the possibility of investors acquiring a 100% stake, provided they meet various criteria. “There’s certainly the opportunity for people to have, potentially, 100% ownership,” Gould stated. “It depends on the capabilities they bring in terms of finance and operational delivery.“ Importance of Chemistry in Joint Ventures Venky Mysore, CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), emphasized the importance of chemistry between investors and existing stakeholders. “Ultimately in any joint venture, it boils down to the chemistry recipe,” Mysore said. “The existing shareholder group has existed for 100-plus years, and suddenly, you have a new investor coming in. Can you work together? Because this is for the long run.“ Open Approach to Minority Stake A couple of IPL franchise owners, however are more open to starting with a minority stake. A CEO from another IPL team mentioned that a 49% stake would be a good starting point, with the option to increase their investment gradually. “The key question is how much that 49% constitutes of the overall value. If that number is too huge and I’m not sure of the returns, I’d rather take a small share to begin with, with the option to increase my stake over time.“ Balancing Control and Investment Value The ECB has clarified that the highest bid will not necessarily win. They seek partners keen on supporting the growth of the game at all levels, beyond just financial contributions. As the formal bidding process approaches, starting mid-September, the future of The Hundred and its appeal to IPL franchise owners hinges on balancing control, investment value, and operational harmony. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Dhinidhi Desinghu: From Shy Toddler to Youngest Indian Olympian
Dhinidhi Desinghu, once a shy and reserved child, will be the youngest member of the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 14-year-old swimmer qualified for the women’s 200m freestyle on a universality quota, alongside Indian swimming veteran Srihari Nataraj. This achievement is a huge step in the youngster’s career, making a dream come true much sooner than she ever expected. Early Struggles and Breakthroughs It was Dhinidhi’s parents’ decision to introduce her to swimming to help her overcome her shyness and fear of water. “But I didn’t like the water, I didn’t want to get in. I couldn’t get my feet into the pool, I couldn’t get my head inside. It was a struggle,” Dhinidhi recalls. Despite her initial reluctance, her parents, Jesitha and Desinghu, persisted, even learning to swim themselves to make her feel comfortable. At eight, Dhinidhi faced pressure during competitions, often falling sick or vomiting from anxiety. A turning point came at a state-level open meet in Mangalore. “I knew she had the talent… but then at competitions, she felt the pressure,” says Jesitha. After a difficult journey to Mangalore, Dhinidhi conquered her fears by bagging a gold medal, and never looked back. Rising Star in Indian Swimming Dhinidhi quickly established herself as a prodigious talent. She became the youngest female swimmer to win seven gold medals at the National Games and set a national record in the women’s 200m freestyle. Training She trains at Dolphin Aquatics in Bengaluru under the guidance of Dronacharya awardee Nihar Ameen and coach Madhu Kumar. “Since she’s been with us here at Dolphins, there’s never a day when she hasn’t worked hard,” says Madhu. First Taste Of International Stage Her first international exposure came at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, where she learned valuable lessons despite not having her best performance. “Standing on those blocks compared to watching on TV is so different,” she says, reflecting on the overwhelming experience. Looking Ahead to Paris and Beyond As Dhinidhi prepares for Paris 2024, her focus is on improving her personal best. “In 200m freestyle, her speed is really good in the first 50m but she can get better at finishing. If she can improve her third and fourth 50m segments, she can get a Personal Best,” says Madhu. Having Srihari Nataraj, whom she idolizes, alongside her will be an added advantage. Dhinidhi meticulously tracks her progress in a diary, noting down her goals, best practice times, and national records. She also maintains a blog to share her experiences, hoping it might help others facing similar challenges. Dreams and Aspirations Excited about the Olympics, Dhinidhi is eager to meet some of the world’s best sportspersons, including her idol Katie Ledecky. “I have made this little gift for Katie Ledecky… well, not a gift, more like a letter… I still have it. So I’ll try to give it to her,” she says. Now, she enjoys the adrenaline rush of racing and competing. “But now that I’m here, I want to reach for higher stuff. I want to see how much better I can be.” For a shy kid who once struggled to speak and hated getting into the pool, Dhinidhi has come a long way as she gears up for Paris Olympics 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: State Wise Contribution To The Indian Olympic Team
Team India is ready to make their nation proud at the Paris Olympics 2024. The mega tournament in Paris begins on July 26, 2024. As Indian athletes prepare for the event, let’s take a closer look at the states they come from. Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh has some fantastic athletes making the nation proud. We have Dhiraj Bommadevara in archery, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in badminton, and both Jyothi Yarraji and Jyothika Sri Dandi competing in athletics. Sikkim Sikkim is shining bright with the experienced archer Tarundeep Rai leading the way, showing off the state’s passion for archery. Maharashtra Maharashtra’s contribution is remarkable, featuring Pravin Jadhav in archery, Avinash Sable and Sarvesh Kushare in athletics, Chirag Shetty in badminton, and Swapnil Kusale in shooting. Haryana Haryana, a true powerhouse in Indian sports, has a diverse lineup. Bhajan Kaur will compete in archery, while Neeraj Chopra will dazzle in athletics. The state also boasts a strong team of shooters, including Sarabjot Singh, Anish Bhanwala, Manu Bhaker, and Rhythm Sangwan. In boxing, we have Jaismine Lamboria, Amit Panghal, Nishant Dev, and Preeti Pawar, and wrestling stars Vinesh Phogat, Antim Panghal, Anshu Malik, Nisha Dahiya, and Reetika Hooda. Let’s not forget Sumit, Sanjay, and Abhishek, who will represent us in hockey. Jharkhand Jharkhand’s pride, Deepika Kumari, continues to shine brightly in archery, demonstrating the state’s exceptional talent in this sport. West Bengal From West Bengal, we have Ankita Bhakat in archery, Anush Agarwalla in equestrian, and Ayhika Mukherjee in table tennis, all ready to make a mark. Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu’s presence is strong with athletes like Jeswin Aldrin, Praveel Chithravel, Santhosh Tamilarasan, Rajesh Ramesh, Subha Venkatesan and Vithya Ramraj in athletics. They also bring Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan G in table tennis, Elavenil Valarivan and Prithviraj Tondaiman in shooting, and sailors Vishnu Saravanan and Nethra Kumanan. N Sriram Balaji will represent them in tennis. Kerala Kerala has an impressive lineup with Abdulla Aboobacker, Muhammed Anas, Muhammed Ajmal, and Mijo Chacko Kurian in athletics. In swimming, we have Srihari Nataraj and Dhinidhi Desinghu, and PR Sreejesh is set to make waves in hockey. Punjab Punjab’s contingent includes Arjun Babuta, Sandeep Singh, Vijayveer Sidhu, and Sift Kaur Samra in shooting. Hockey stars Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, and Jugraj Singh will also represent the state. Golfers Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shubhankar Sharma, along with shooter Anjum Moudgil, add to Punjab’s strong lineup. Delhi Delhi’s athletes include HS Prannoy in badminton, Amoj Jacob in athletics, Tulika Maan in judo, Manika Batra in table tennis, and Rajeshwari Kumari in shooting. Uttarakhand From Uttarakhand, we have Paramjeet Bisht and Ankita Dhyani in athletics, Lakshya Sen in badminton, and Suraj Panwar also in athletics. Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh is represented by Vikas Singh, Parul Chaudhary, Annu Rani, and Priyanka Goswami in athletics. Rajkumar Pal will compete in hockey, and Shubhankar Sharma will showcase his skills in golf. Karnataka Karnataka brings Poovamma MR in athletics, Aditi Ashok in golf, Ashwini Ponnappa in badminton, Archana Kamath in table tennis, Dhinidhi Desinghu in swimming, and Rohan Bopanna in tennis. Telangana Telangana’s lineup includes PV Sindhu in badminton, Esha Singh in shooting, Nikhat Zareen in boxing, and Sreeja Akula in table tennis. Assam Assam is proud to have boxer Lovlina Borgohain representing them. Chandigarh Chandigarh’s Anjum Moudgil will compete in shooting. Manipur Manipur’s Mirabai Chanu will compete in weightlifting, and Nilakanta Sharma will represent in hockey. Gujarat Gujarat has Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar in table tennis. Rajasthan Rajasthan’s talents include shooters Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Maheshwari Chauhan. Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh’s athletes include Prachi in athletics, Vivek Sagar Prasad in hockey, and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar in shooting. International Representative Lastly, Tanisha Crasto, who is based outside India, will represent the country in badminton. India at the Paris 2024 Olympics is truly a representation of the diverse and remarkable athletic talent across the nation. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye