Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates 38th National Games In Dehradun
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games on Tuesday at the opening ceremony held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun. 38th National Games Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony of the 38th National Games was marked with a special moment when Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen carried the National Games torch to the stage where Modi was joined by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other dignitaries. Modi Speaks At 38th National Games Opening Ceremony During his speech to the spirited audience, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the relevance of the National Games, as it marks a milestone for the state of Uttarakhand. Modi talked about how different sporting initiatives, like the Khelo India Youth Games, had helped young athletes shine in their performances. He also referred to the University Games, where university students are given an opportunity to display their skills, and the Khelo India Para Games, which have helped improve the performance of Para athletes. Support For Athletes And Infrastructure Reflecting on the recently held 5th edition of Khelo India Winter Games at Ladakh and the Beach Games held last year, Modi was confident in his opinion about India’s athletes. He mentioned how the Government continuously supported sports throughout the last ten years, even stating that sports’ budget increased more than tripled in ten years. The Prime Minister also referred to the TOPS scheme through which hundreds of crores of rupees had been invested in athletes and efforts on to create modern sports infrastructure all over the country. Mainstreaming Sports In Schools And Universities Modi further emphasized mainstreaming sports in schools and India’s first sports university opening in Manipur. Athlete Participation At 38th National Games The 38th National Games, scheduled for 18 days, will be attended by around 10,000 athletes and officials of teams from 38 states. Besides Dehradun, the following cities will be hosting events: Haridwar, Nainital, Haldwani, Rudrapur, Shivpuri and New Tehri. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Day 1 of Basketball 5×5 League Matches begin with exciting clashes at 38th National Games, Dehradhun
The 38th National Games commenced with exhilarating basketball 5×5 league matches on Day 1, hosted at Bhagirathi Hall, MPSC Rajat Jayanti Khel Parishad. Teams from across the country competed fiercely on Day 1, showcasing their talent and determination. Men’s Matches* In Group A, Tamil Nadu and Services compete with each other in an intense match on Court 2. The game witnessed an exciting finish as Tamil Nadu secured the win with a late surge by 76-69. Tamil Nadu’s strategy in the final moments turned the match in their favour. * Tamil Nadu’s top scorer was Lokeshwaran Mohan with 16 goals, while Sahil led the Services team with 22 goals. “It was the first match, so there was a bit of pressure, especially with the scores tied. However, we’ll play stronger in the upcoming matches. Our team has solid bench strength, and every player is adaptable. The experience in Uttarakhand has been fantastic, and I thank the Uttarakhand Government and National Games Committee for the commendable management and facilities,” said Jeeva, captain of the Tamil Nadu Men’s Basketball 5×5 team. • Meanwhile, in Group B, Delhi faced off against Madhya Pradesh in a high-energy game on Court 1. Delhi’s superior coordination and scoring power helped them dominate the match against Madhya Pradesh by 116- 61. * Delhi captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi emerged as the top scorer with 17 goals, while Madhya Pradesh’s Anmol Sharma led his team with 15 goals. Delhi Men’s Basketball 5×5 team captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi expressed his joy at the victory and praised Uttarakhand for hosting the National Games. He said, “It feels great to win and represent Delhi. The organization, from accommodations to practice sessions, has been excellent. Playing amidst nature has been a wonderful experience. The Green Games initiative is commendable. My message to athletes is simple: enjoy the environment and give your best.” Women’s Matches* In Group A, the host team Uttarakhand faced Punjab in an intense match on Court 2, with Punjab securing a decisive win, 96-54. * Top scorer for Punjab was Komalpreet Kaur with 28 goals, while Uttarakhand’s Anju scored 27 goals. Sharing her excitement, Punjab’s captain, Preeti said, “It feels great to win. This was a team effort, and I’m lucky to have such a supportive group. As captain, there’s no pressure when the team performs together. The arrangements and atmosphere in Dehradun have been wonderful so far.” She also praised the event’s eco-conscious theme, adding, “It’s a great initiative that will inspire citizens to be more responsible towards nature.” * In Group B, Chhattisgarh competed with Delhi. Delhi narrowly defeated Chhattisgarh in a thrilling match on Court 2, winning 76-75. * Delhi’s Simran Kour was the top scorer with 23 goals, while D. Kirti led Chhattisgarh with the highest for her team. Delhi’s captain, Preeti Kumari, shared her joy, saying, “Winning feels incredible, especially as a captain, and a mother. I’m grateful for the support of my team and family. To all women out there, if I can be here as a mother, living my dreams, you can also achieve your dreams.” She expressed optimism for upcoming matches and encouraged women to chase their goals. The basketball 5×5 matches promise more excitement in the days ahead as teams continue to battle for glory. Stay tuned for updates on the results and key highlights from the 38th National Games.
Odisha Warriors Lift The Women’s HIL
The Odisha Warriors won the very first Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) with a 2-1 victory over JSW Soorma Hockey Club on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Odisha Warriors’ Star Performer A sensational performance from Rutuja Pisal took the Odisha Warriors over the line. The win is both gold and redemption for head coach Janneke Schopman of Odisha, who suffered a bitter loss in the very same venue several years ago as the then-coach for India. Odisha Warriors’ Slow Start, Stunning Finish The match, played on a charged evening, had a slow start with little action in the opening quarter. However, brilliant field goals from Rutuja Pisal in the second quarter broke the deadlock and set the tone for the game. A high ball from Victoria Sauze looked to go out but Pisal expertly guided it over Soorma’s goalkeeper Savita Punia putting Odisha ahead. Soorma’s Counter And The Equalizer Soorma, who had won the league stage, put up pressure, which paid off as Penny Squib scored from a penalty corner in the second quarter to tie the game 1-1. The PC conversion was a turning point in the game, as Soorma had gone through the entire tournament without capitalizing on any PC. Odisha’s Counter-Attack Seals The Deal However, it was Odisha’s field play that sealed the win. Though they defended valiantly against Soorma’s frenetic onslaught in the final few minutes, Neha Goyal inspired a devastating countering attack that saw Pisal run past defenders to clip an exceptional finish past Savita and send Odisha ahead for good. Final Defensive Stand Holds Off Soorma Soorma would move ahead but in the end, Odisha had defended their defense quite tight with the last-tackle saves that would ensure their win. A tough contest where the Odisha team had relied heavily on drag flicker Yibi Janssen finally won the match with incredible field goals and clinched the title. Odisha Warriors Siege Victory Odisha Warriors win their first Women’s HIL, with their perseverance, timely finishing, and superb team play, thus giving them a testament that the first-ever champions of what would surely be a thrilling inaugural season of the Women’s HIL. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IND v ENG: India Comes Supreme Against England’s Bazball
India produced a clinical performance in the first T20I against England, with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory at Eden Gardens. India Spinners Dominant With The Ball Winning the toss, India elected to field all three frontline spinners, a decision that became a masterstroke as they bundled England for just 132 runs. Arshdeep Singh provided the initial breakthrough, and Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi started to strangle the Englishmen in the middle overs. Chakravarthy’s impressive 3 for 23 was the highlight, while Arshdeep’s 2 for 17 made him India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. India Spinners Thrash England’s Batting Line-up The English batting line-up struggled against India’s spinners, with Jos Buttler’s 68 off 44 balls being the only notable contribution. The English middle order faltered as the spinners worked their magic. While Buttler briefly gave some hope to his team with a 48-run stand with Harry Brook, Chakravarthy sent back both Brook and Liam Livingstone in quick succession, leaving the tourists in a precarious position. Even Archer’s 12 down the order could not make the total look threatening for England, as India’s bowlers dominated the proceedings. Abhishek Sharma’s Rampage At The Top Of The Order India’s chase of 133 was never in doubt, as the openers chased the target. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma came out all guns blazing, with the latter playing a blistering knock of 79 off just 34 balls. Abhishek’s innings was a display of clean hitting, with 68 of his runs coming in boundaries, including 8 sixes and 5 fours. Archer did manage to dismiss both Samson and Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession, but Abhishek continued to dominate, effectively sealing the win for India. India’s Fielding As Tight As Security Of A Prison While batting, India centered its action. India’s fielding was also spectacular. A brilliant diving full-stretch catch from Nitish Kumar Reddy took away the chances from Jos Buttler to play much more from deep. The catching was made harder when Ben Duckett found it on his bat, that too by Rinku Singh, a contribution crucial to win for the Indian side and clearly highlight the differences between both sides of playing this game. India Exploits England’s Vulnerability In the first T20I, England batters failed against India’s spin attack. The tourists could not read the lengths and lines of the Indian spinners, which cost them dearly as only Buttler showed the necessary skill to counter the spinners. On the other hand, India’s spinners were able to maintain pressure, suffocating the English batsmen with a combination of accuracy and variety. India Takes 1-0 Lead In The T20I Series This complete victory puts India at the helm of the five-match T20I series. Both the teams would be now traveling to Chennai for the second T20I. England has to quickly regroup and figure out how to score against India’s spin bowling. India’s all-round performance left them miles ahead of the competition. Will India continue to establish their dominance or will England bounce back with a win in the second T20I of the series?? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Should Psychology Be Focused On In Indian Grassroots Sports?
Indian grassroots sports emphasize the focus on physical skills and talent. But psychology has an important role in the mental development of the child. Psychology And Athlete’s Mental Development In Grassroots Sports Grassroot sports activities among children involve more than the sharpening of physical skills; it is also cognitive and emotional development. It is important to understand child psychology in sports to develop their potential not only on the field but also off it. Young athletes face pressures to perform well, which may affect their self-esteem and motivation. Psychological support can help such athletes build resilience, manage stress and develop a strong mental framework that complements their physical training. Child Psychology In Sports And Its Impact On Performance Psychology has a deep impact on how grassroots level athletes approach their sport. Child psychology in sports focuses on understanding how children think, feel and behave during competition and practice. Many young athletes at the grassroots level are still developing their emotional regulation skills. This is where sports psychology can make a difference. This means that when the coaches and parents include sports psychology techniques, like mental conditioning and visualization, the young athletes are taught to be focused and not flustered in any given situation. Such skills can help them out in sports as well as in personal life and studies. Psychological Challenge Of Balancing Sports and Studies One of the main psychological challenges for Indians to cope with at the grassroots level is being able to balance sports and academics. Children who are young athletes experience a lot of pressure to remain excellent in academics and sports and this mental fatigue sometimes pressures the athlete’s mind to give up. Proper time management is very essential, but when two worlds collide, it may lead to stress, anxiety and eventually burnout. Sports science in India has started realizing the necessity of psychological support for them to achieve this balance. Accommodating time management skills and techniques of mental recovery and stress management at the grassroots levels will allow athletes to be successful in both aspects without having adverse effects on their mental health. Psychology In Indian Grassroots Level Sports No doubt remains that psychology plays a vital role in grassroots sports. Whereas the aspects of physical training and athletic development are still pertinent, the psychological components of sports science in India have become increasingly significant. As awareness grows about child psychology in sports, coaches, parents and sporting organizations are increasingly realizing the benefits of mental health care for young athletes. Once sports psychology enters the fold of sports at the grassroots level, we can ensure that Indian athletes not only perform well physiologically but also build up the mental fortitude required in the extremely competitive world of sports. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IND v ENG: Bazball Has Arrived
Jos Buttler and his men from England have arrived to take on the Indian Cricket Team for an exciting white ball series comprising five T20Is and three ODIs starting January 22, 2025 at the Eden gardens, Kolkata. The audiences are anticipating England to play Bazball. However, let’s understand what Bazball really is. What Does “Bazball” In Cricket Mean? Bazball is the aggressive game of cricket, more so in test match cricket. In cricketing terms, this means playing the fearless attacking game of cricket making a flurry of quick runs scored by taking risks with a positive approach. This was coined after former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum, infamously known as “Baz” while he came up with that style of game during his time as coach for the England men’s test team. Is Bazball Only Limited To Test Match Cricket? Not really. Bazball, in simple terms, means an aggressive style of playing cricket. Be it test matches, ODI’s or even T20’s. Delivering with aggression with an aim to score quickly in the shortest time possible can be described as Bazball. We have seen England playing Bazball not only in test match cricket, but also in ODI’s and T20’s as well. What Is The History Of Bazball In The Back? Bazball was an invention of that time when Brendon McCullum took the mantle of the head coach of the England men’s cricket team in 2022. From then to date, it is when the bold, aggressive nature of Brendon McCullum began to emerge before everyone’s eyes since the players of England started imbibing it in themselves and giving a completely different turn to the game. The term does not only express a style but actually encompasses a mindset – the essence is to take bold decisions and carry strategic attacking movements. Why Is Brendon McCullum Called As The ‘Architect Of Bazball’? Brendon McCullum is aggressive, in his cricketing leadership, cricketer-captain-turned-coach of New Zealand with aggressive batting style. He as a coach of the England test cricket team brought the attitude towards playing cricket with aggression in the simplest and yet most positive way one could enjoy oneself in while playing. The philosophy scribbled at the back reads: negativity avoided while preserving a win attitude, under the command of Ben Stokes. How Has Bazball Helped The Success Of The England Cricket Team? Bazball has transformed the way England plays cricket entirely. It is a much more exciting and dynamic game. The aggressive style brings fresh energy to the team and that is beginning to reflect in performances and international attention. Bazball is being moulded under the philosophy of Brendon McCullum and under the leadership of Ben Stokes. However, England’s limited overs skipper, Jos Buttler also believes to attack right from the word-go. That exciting brand of cricket will be seen when England and India clash in a white ball series in January 2025. Is Bazball a thing that really fascinates you or do you feel that such aggressive intent towards the game is harmful in the long run? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
India Scripts History With Twin-Titles In The Kho-Kho World Cup 2025
For the first time in history, the Indian men’s and women’s Kho-Kho teams made history by winning the inaugural Kho-Kho World Cup 2025 held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. Both teams beat Nepal in their respective finals and bagged the Kho-Kho World Cup titles. Men’s Kho-Kho Final: India Wins 54-36 The Indian men’s Kho-Kho team dominated Nepal in the final and won the first-ever Kho-Kho World Cup title by 54-36. Nepal won the toss and chose to defend, however, India capitalized on their chance to attack. At the end of Turn 1, the hosts were in a strong position with a 26-0 lead and they were never behind in the game. Despite Nepal’s efforts in Turn 2 to cut the deficit to 26-18, India’s strong performance in Turn 3 saw them extend their lead to 54-18. Nepal could not recover from the large gap in the final turn, and India held on to secure a historic victory. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, overcoming Sri Lanka and South Africa in the knockout stages after topping Group A. Women’s Kho-Kho Final: India Win 78-40 The women’s team for India also succeeded in the final against Nepal and won with 78-40. Nepal called the toss to allow India to start attacking; it was, however, a wrong choice. India created a great environment from the first turn itself under the captain, Priyanka Ingle, with a thumping 34-0 margin at the end of Turn 1. Despite Nepal’s attempts to regroup, India’s defense was unyielding, allowing Nepal to reduce the gap to just 35-24 by Turn 2. India’s attacking prowess continued in Turn 3 as they extended their lead to 73-24. A strong defensive effort in the final turn sealed the victory for India, who also remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. The Women’s Kho-Kho team, as was the case with their male counterparts, emerged at the top of Group A and qualified for the final after a couple of comfortable wins over Bangladesh and South Africa. India has witnessed double history-making triumphs at the Kho-Kho World Cup 2025 and both the men’s and women’s Kho-Kho teams showed great promise and determination while claiming the title. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
How Much Carb Intake Is Ideal For An Indian Grassroots Level Athlete?
Carbohydrates are crucial for the performance and recovery of athletes. Therefore, for an Indian grassroots level athlete, knowing how much carb intake is ideal for them to be able to optimize their training and overall performance is essential. Why Are Carbohydrates Essential For Grassroots Level Athletes? As sports science would refer, carbohydrates provide the body with energy, more so when undertaking vigorous physical exercises. For athletes from India, who play highly demanding sport games, proper intake of the ideal amount of carbohydrates is indispensable for maintaining high levels of energy, endurance support and faster recovery. How Much Carbohydrates Does A Grassroots Level Athlete Require? Sports science in India also highlights the importance of carbohydrate needs among athletes. The amount of carbohydrates depends upon the intensity, duration, or type of sport. Grassroots level athletes require a higher quantity of carbohydrates to fuel their training sessions because they are new to athletic training. For moderate-intensity exercise, it is recommended for the athletes to consume around 3-5 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight. For activities of high intensity and longer duration, this amount can go up to 6-8 grams per kilogram of body weight. What Is The Role Of Nutrition In Carbohydrate Intake For Athletes? Nutrition plays a vital role in helping athletes fulfill their energy needs, especially at the grassroots level. Indian athletes are generally exposed to a myriad of carbohydrate sources like rice, roti, dhal, fruits and vegetables that can be used as elements in their diet. The focus should be on complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes, which provide steady energy release. Simple carbohydrates are found in food items like sweet drinks and candies, which cause energy spikes to be followed by crashes. How Does Sports Science In India Recommend Timing Carbohydrate Intake For Athletes? Sports science in India emphasizes the need for the right timing of carbohydrate intake. Grassroot-level athletes should consume carbohydrates both before and after the training sessions. Pre-exercise meals, consisting of easily digestible carbohydrates, can fuel the body for a longer period of activity. Post-exercise meals, rich in carbohydrates, aid in glycogen replenishment, which is crucial for recovery and preparing the body for the next training session. How Can Grassroots Level Athletes Individualize Their Carbohydrate Intake? Finally, there are individual differences such as body composition, age, and specific sport demands that should be taken into account to decide the appropriate amount of carbohydrate intake. Grassroots level athletes in India need to be advised by experts to make carbohydrate intake specific to their needs. Why Carbohydrates Are the Success Mantra For Indian Grassroots Level Athletes? Thus, carbohydrates are the mainstay of an athlete’s diet and for grassroots level athletes in India, understanding the role of carbohydrates in performance and recovery is quite essential. Therefore, by adopting appropriate nutrition strategies based on the principles of sports science, Indian athletes can further their potential to success in their respective sports. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 Empowers India’s Youth For Nation-Building
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 commenced on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking a dynamic beginning to a three-day event that would inspire youth to engage actively in the nation-building process. With discussions, competitions, and sessions based on key themes, it is aimed to handhold young minds through innovative solutions that promote the vision of the Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Viksit Bharat Dialogue To Wake Young Minds Towards Nation Building Union Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, said on X that the event is a platform for young leaders from across the country to present their visionary ideas for a Viksit Bharat which will be presented before PM Narendra Modi. The event is being hosted by the Department of Youth Affairs, under the aegis of Dr. Mandaviya, where youth will be empowered through their relationship building with policymakers, national figures and global influencers. Viksit Bharat Tracks: Innovation And Talent On Display The highlight of the conversation is that there are 3,000 youngsters from all over the country and have been handpicked for the contribution and scope to create tomorrow. Of those, 1,500 would be on the Viksit Bharat Track, from the best 500 teams competing in State Championships. 1,000, on the Traditional Track would have come through state-level youth festivals and cultural programmes. And the next 500 will be the ‘Pathbreakers’, handpicked because of game-changing work in ten thematic tracks. Viksit Bharat Discussions The dialogues began with issues of great significance such as “Tech for Viksit Bharat” and “Empowering Women.” The positive discussions started. Creative competitions through painting, story-telling, music, and dance were also conducted that colorfully drenched the entire programme. The visitors were also offered a chance to visit Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya to enhance their knowledge regarding India’s rich history. Viksit Bharat Dialogue To Host Eminent Thought Leaders Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse will preside over the first session on Saturday. The day is packed with plenary sessions, including that with Anand Mahindra and Jonty Rhodes, along with thematic discussions featuring S. Somnath, Amitabh Kant, and Sachin Bansal, among others, discussing topics of national importance. A cultural event, “Colours of Viksit Bharat,” will be held in the evening, highlighting India’s diversity, thus giving the country its vibrant cultural life. National Youth Day Celebrations And Address By The Prime Minister On 12 January National Youth Day-on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda-the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 shall conclude. Concluding session The Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi will launch on this occasion Coffee Table Book: The best essayists of this event. As a side product, he also unveils, Youth Anthem, an anthem that encourages young leaders toward unity and a call to act across the Nation. This dialogue culminates into a Grand Plenary Session, wherein the Hon’ble Prime Minister will engage with the youth to further push them toward an efficient realization of Viksit Bharat. These nourishing experiences and deliberations can ensure that this Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 is truly a defining moment in India’s trajectory, as Indian youth are facilitated to take forward an active part in the determination of the destiny of the country. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
The Ladakhi Women Mastering The Art Of Ice Hockey
An inspiring story in the purest sense of the word is how women from Ladakh have thumbed their nose at every ground to become pioneers in ice hockey in this extremely challenging sport. Produced from a region boasting a population of nearly 300,000, Ladakh has single-handedly supplied every member of the Indian Women’s Ice Hockey team. The Story Of Women In Ice Hockey These Indian girls began with the ice hockey journey from grassroots, by playing in the frozen ponds. The Indian Army had introduced this game to Ladakh, however, at that time, did not open this game for female participation. Old-school social values and infrastructure in Ladakh meant nothing to those adventurous girls venturing into ice hockey. Ladakhi Women Making A Mark On The Ice Armed with borrowed equipment and raw willpower, these women began entering local tournaments and mostly played against better-equipped teams highly trained. Their dedication showed a fighting spirit-overcoming barriers-reminding the world that geographical location and societal bindings cannot subdue the ambitious desires of determined souls. Women Empowerment On The Ice That not only wins to the ice but a symbol for the Ladakhi women showing their power and their strength and refusing tradition. Moreover, it shall inspire them immensely in the future and to keep their efforts going just because they shall keep on bringing the flag and so all of these little girls may have strong and high ideals not to define the limits of what all is close around. And Ladakhi ladies would be an accomplishment to overcome the sticky difficulties. Challenges Success hasn’t come easy. There have been financial hardships, lack of professional coaching and infrastructure deficiencies. But through all this, the women remain resilient. This team has shown tenacity and talent that have won respect not only in their own country but around the world. Representing India In Ice Hockey Since 2016, these Ladakhi women have played for India proud, their stories of transformation- from makeshift ice rinks in the Himalayan mountains to national and international ones- a test of their dedicated commitment to their sport. Ladakh Is The Future Hockey Hub Their success has brought them recognition as well as projected the untapped potential of Ladakh as a premier winter sports destination. With ice rinks readily available in Ladakh and with the climate also conducive, this place has every opportunity to evolve as a premier winter sports destination in India where winter sports talent could be honed. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye