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Punit Kumar

SGADF News , Board Member

Punit Kumar

07 May 2021

PBKS vs RCB in IPL 2021: Kohli & Co targets No. 1 spot in points table by beating KL Rahul’ PBKS

PBKS vs RCB in IPL 2021 – Kohli targets No. 1 Spot in IPL Points Table: Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on KL Rahul’s Punjab Kings in an attempt to reclaim the No 1 spot in the IPL 2021 Points table. A win will take RCB to 12 points from 7 games and will propel them to top spot over Chennai Super Kings. While RCB haven’t been at their best in the last two matches, losing one and winning the other by just 1 run against Delhi Capitals, they will start favourites on Friday.


News Sorce: https://www.insidesport.co/pbks-vs-rcb-in-ipl-2021-kohli-co-targets-no-1-spot-in-points-table-by-beating-kl-rahul-pbks/

Punit Kumar

02 Jan 2021

Organisers of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020 promise secure bio-bubble

The organizers of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020 has promised to present a secure bio-bubble for athletes who will participate in the race, currently set to be held on 29 November, 2020.

Some of the top runners in the world are confirmed to be participating in the event, which will start from the confines of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Nehru, on the above-mentioned day. While the elite runners will be physically present at the track, runners all over the world will have a chance to join them through the exclusive Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020 Mobile application.

The total prize money for the event, which is a World Athletics Gold Label race, recognised by the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS), has been set at $233,370, or nearly Rs 1.74 crores.  The race is being supported by the Union Sports Ministry, Delhi State Government, sports authorly of India  and Athletics Federation Of India.

No major sports event has been held in India since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, thus earning the half marathon the distinction of one of the first sporting events to be held in the nation in months.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju is optimistic about the success of the event: “We extend our full support to this event that is India’s pride and welcome the world’s best athletes to our capital city. The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is representative of a healthier and fitter nation and reinforces the vision of the Fit India movement.”

“I would encourage each and every one of you to participate from the safety & security of your own surroundings,” he added.

Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Ashok Sisodia said that the Delhi Half Marathon has become an integral part of the city’s sporting calendar over the years and is a symbol of the city’s sporting excellence and fitness culture.

“To watch the finest runners in the world compete on our home ground, will certainly be a boost for the citizens of Delhi and across India. That along with the thousands of amateur runners who participate in this event give us a great opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the joy of running,” he said.


Punit Kumar

07 Jan 2021

Daren Sammy reveals the secret formula behind Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard’s stupendous hits

Former West Indies cricketer Daren Sammy opens up on how Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard can hit the massive over boundaries and also unveils the mystery behind his former teammates making hitting the sixes look so easy, which essentially lies in taking a step back before smashing the ball.

Both Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard are revered for the humongous hits they can pull off against any kind of delivery and easily land swashbuckling knocks that can turn the tide of any match.

A member of the Mumbai Indians contingent since 2010, Kieron Pollard has struck 186 over boundaries in 152 IPL matches, 10 in this season. Towering at 6 feet and 5inches, smashing the ball over the boundary rope is essentially walk in the park for the Windies all-rounder.

On the other hand, highly praised for his pinnacle upper body strength, launching fireworks is a cakewalk for Andre Russell. The Kolkata Knight Riders stalwart has hit 123 over boundaries in just 67 IPL matches since 2012, three in the ongoing tournament.




Punit Kumar

03 Oct 2020

Gaylestorm prediction: KXIP skipper KL Rahul speaks up about Chris Gayle’s comeback!

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have registered a convincing victory in their second game in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. In their first game of the IPL against Delhi Capitals, despite Mayank Agarwal’s blitzy 89 runs who nearly took his team to the finish line. However, the match went to the Super Over, where Delhi beat KXIP. Notably, KXIP successfully beat Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second game, claiming a win by 97 runs.

Chris Gayle, who previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, joined Kings XI Punjab in 2018. In the past 2 IPL, he has been marvellous for the franchise, having an average score of 40 runs, along with a strike rate in the region of 150.

KL Rahul, the captain of KXIP led from the front, smashing 132 runs off 69 balls. Along with KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal too has been doing well in the season so far while opening for Punjab. As the duo have been performing well so far, what would happen to Chris Gayle?

The Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle is a part of the Kings XI Punjab squad and he has travelled to the UAE as well. While they have been enjoying the current form of Rahul and Mayank, they are eagerly waiting to see the Gayle storm as well. And, the captain, KL Rahul was asked a similar question just before the game against RCB, and he left amazed everyone with a stunning reply.

“Chris Gayle will come in at the right time, don’t worry about it. It was tough sitting at home and so we are grateful to get this opportunity to play. The guys are enjoying themselves despite the rustiness in the first game,” Rahul said on InsideSport’s series AMSTRAD Face2Face.

It is noteworthy that, KXIP placed at the top position in the IPL 2020 Points Table after their massive victory over RCB on Thursday.

“It’s as complete a team performance as it can get. We had few different plans going into this game. We knew RCB have a power packed batting line up and we had to get 2-3 wickets up front and that also meant putting runs on the board, we know what these guys can do if they get set,” KL Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony after the game.

KXIP will next play against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday.


Punit Kumar

20 Sep 2020

Ms. Shweta Jha, a very popular T. V personality, was awarded Hindustan Gaurav Award

 

Ms. Shweta Jha, a very popular T. V personality, was awarded Hindustan Gaurav Award On 28th July, 2020. The award was presented in the online due to pandemic condition. Gaurav Awards Foundation has honored such a dynamic personality, with an award, who has vast experience of more than 16 years in an electronic media.

Ms. Shweta Jha was born in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand on 21st October and belongs to traditional but highly qualified family. Her father, Mr. Binoy Jha was working as Professor at Jamshedpur Women's College. Being highly ambitious and aiming high, she has completed her Graduation in English Honors from Jamshedpur, as her father was her role model during her teenage. Then she moved to Delhi to achieve her dreams and to work into the field of journalism.

She has worked as an assistant producer at Sahara Samay, in 2004,in the early days, when she started her career in electronic media. Within a very short period of time, in 2007 , she  achieved higher designation in India TV as Senior Producer and Anchor. Then in 2013, she started working with India Today as an associate executive producer and anchor.

She has already become role model for the girls, who want to pursue careers in Journalism and electronic media. During her prosperous career, she has received many awards as the best news anchor. Her journey from Jamshedpur to

Delhi is the source of inspiration for many

.

"Gaurav Award Foundation always try to recognize, and appreciate the contribution of a person towards society through diversified areas and honoring Ms. Shweta Jha with Hindustan Gaurav Award is one of the proud moment for us," said the spokesperson of Gaurav Foundation Awards.

 

Punit Kumar

14 Sep 2020

Is it safe to conduct Thomas and Uber Cup during corona times? asks Saina

Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal on Sunday raised concerns about the timing of next month's Thomas and Uber Cup, asking whether it would be safe to go ahead with it in the middle of a raging pandemic.

Nehwal tweeted her apprehensions following the withdrawal of seven countries from the tournament due to the rising COVID-19 cases across the globe.

"7 countries have withdrawn from tournament cause of the pandemic...Is it safe enough to conduct this tournament during this time ??... (Thomas and Uber Cup 2020) #coronavirus," she tweeted.

Scheduled to be held in Denmark from October 3 to 11, the Thomas and Uber Cup will mark the resumption of international badminton after it came to a halt in March because of the dreaded virus.

Countries that have withdrawn include Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

India's build-up to the event has also been hit by the pandemic. A proposed preparatory camp in Hyderabad had to be cancelled after players refused to accept the quarantine conditions set by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

The Indian challenge will be spearheaded by reigning world champion PV Sindhu, who had pulled out initially citing personal reasons but was convinced to reverse her decision by the federation.

However, world bronze-winner B Sai Praneeth has decided to give it a miss due to a knee injury.

The Badminton World Federation, which has repeatedly rejigged the international calendar due to the pandemic, said participants at the tournament will not have to undergo quarantine after landing in Denmark if they had a negative COVID-19 test report.

Punit Kumar

14 Sep 2020

Messi vs Ronaldo, find out who is Forbes highest-paid footballers of the world

Messi vs Ronaldo is a never-ending debate. The duo has been at the helm of football for more than a decade and still continue to dominate football. However, there is one place where the Barcelona player has got the better of his Juventus counter-part. In the latest rankings of highest-paid soccer player, Messi was ranked the number one spot with a total earning of $126 million Ronaldo is not far behind who comes in at No.2 with $117 million.

However, the two need to be vary of the new kid in town who goes by the name of Kylian Mbappe. The Paris Saint-Germain striker lands at fourth place with $48 million. Yes, for now, he is far behind Ronaldo and Messi, but it is worth considering that he is just 21-year-old and is yet to hit the peak.

So far, he has amassed 103 goals in all competitions for both club and country (France). At the age of 19, he became the youngest player to score a World Cup goal since Pele who did it in 1958 at the tender age of 17.

Moreover, he is way ahead of the multiple times Ballon d’Or winners. He has already scored 12 more career goals than Messi had at age 21 and 76 more than Ronaldo.

As per the Forbes report, the top 10 players in the world are expected to pull in $570 million in salary, bonus and endorsements this upcoming season, barring no further pandemic pauses that led to 30-70% pay cuts last spring across European leagues.

Check the full list of top 10 here:

1. Lionel Messi, Barcelona

Total Earnings: $126 million

Salary: $92 million | Endorsements: $34 million

It took FC Barcelona 105 years to win 64 trophies before Messi joined in 2005. In the past 16 he’s led the team to 34 trophy wins, a performance that has landed his name among the sport’s greats — and earned him $1 billion of pretax career earnings. This year he dragged the soccer world through weeks of cliffhanger drama as he fought with the club about playing out the final year of his contract. He stayed, and stands to collect $92 million for doing so, but Messi watch 2021 is in full force with all eyes peeled for clues to where he will land next.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus

Total Earnings: $117 million

Salary: $70 million | Endorsements: $47 million

Ronaldo is the most popular athlete on the planet with 457 million social media followers. He’s also the most engaged, per Hookit, regularly displaying his zero percent body fat and poster boy good looks for his CR7 lifestyle branded wear, health and wellness sponsors like Herbalife and Clear shampoo, and his lifetime sponsor Nike. In July, he posted a video of himself narrating an encouraging letter he wrote to 10-year old, Brazilian soccer prodigy, Julia Rosado, and her reaction as she received it, along with the Swoosh’s latest Flight Ball. He is only the second man in history, after Iran’s Ali Daei, to have scored over 100 international goals, recently passing the mark in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Sweden.

3. Neymar, Jr., Paris Saint-Germain
Total Earnings: $96 million

Salary: $78 million | Endorsements: $18 million

The 28-year old Brazilian striker, one of the most polarizing players in the game for his antics on and off the pitch, quadrupled his pay and criticism when he traded playing alongside Messi in Barcelona for Paris-Saint-Germain in August 2017. Between his record $263 million transfer fee and his average $70 million salary, PSG is spending more than $600 million to keep him in the French capital. This summer Nike ended its relationship with Neymar allowing him to sign with Puma. He opened Ligue 1’s 2020-21 season with a red card for taking a swipe to the back of Marseille’s Alvaro Gonzalez head after he heard the opponent racially abuse him.

4. Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain

Total Earnings: $42 million

Salary: $28 million | Endorsements: $14 million

For a second year in a row, Mbappe was named the Ligue 1 Golden Boot winner, which honors the player with the most goals for the league. His club also repeated as league champions, declared so last season on a points-per-match basis after play was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 21-year old was also tapped for the coveted EA Sports FIFA 21 game cover, making him one of the youngest ever players to do so solo. He was forced to spend Ligue 1’s 2020-21 season opener in quarantine after he tested positive for Covid-19, but was asymptomatic according to his lawyer.

5. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool

Total Earnings: $37 million

Salary: $24 million | Endorsements: $13 million

Salah has reached the 20-goal mark across all competitions in each of the last three seasons at Liverpool, and helped propel the club to its first Premier League title in 30 years in 2019-20. He has the highest win rate of any league player to have appeared in over 100 matches. In Liverpool’s 2020-21 opening match he scored a hat trick, the first player in Premier League history to do so. In February, the 28-year old teamed up with long-term sponsor Vodafone to become an ambassador for a UN program that brings digital learning tools to refugees in his native Egypt.

6. Paul Pogba, Manchester United
Total Earnings: $34 million

Salary: $28 million | Endorsements: $6 million
Pogba’s current deal expires next summer, although United have the option to extend it one more year. The French striker scared fans in early August posting on social media that he had signed for Verdansk F.C. It turned out to be a fictional club and a stunt by sponsor Activation to promote Call of Duty: Warzone Season 5. The 27-year old has also appeared with Messi and Salah in Pepsi’s “Play Never Stops” campaign.

7. Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona
Total Earnings: $33 million

Salary: $28 million | Endorsements: $5 million

Since the Frenchman’s disappointing debut at Barcelona this past season, rumors have swirled that the club is negotiating to swap him to PSG in return for Neymar, at the request of Messi. Griezmann is an avid Brooklyn Nets fan, often jetting over the U.S. for games and frequently posting his support on social media. Nets star Kevin Durant even helped Barca unveil Griezmann’s uniform switch from No. 17 to No. 7 ahead of the 2020-21 season. In January, he launched Grizi Esports to compete in FIFA, Fortnite, CS:Go, and Rainbow Six.

8. Gareth Bale, Barcelona

Total Earnings: $29 million

Salary: $23 million | Endorsements: $6 million

Bale continues to butt heads with manager Zinedine Zidane and is the most expensive bench warmer in sport right now. He played in just two of Madrid’s last 11 La Liga matches and then was left off the club’s 24-man Champions League squad in early August. The Welshman is an avid golfer and has pitched Taylor Made products and events on social media.

9. Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich

Total Earnings: $28 million

Salary: $24 million | Endorsements: $4 million

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, France Football, organizers of the Ballon d’Or, decided to cancel the individual award for the world’s best player. In doing so it is robbing Lewandowski who was the clear favorite to win. Across all competitions, the Polish striker has directly contributed to 65 goals for Bayern this season — 55 goals and 10 assists in 47 matches. In the Champions League, he scored in every match up until the final against PSG which his team won on a lone goal by teammate Kingsley Coman. Off the pitch, he is one of the most popular athletes on TikTok with 2.4 million followers.

10. David De Gea, Manchester United
Total Earnings: $27 million

Salary: $24 million | Endorsements: $3 million

De Gea’s $25 million salary makes him the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world. In July, he made his 400th appearance in goal in his ninth year with Man United and broke the club record for the most shutouts. He’s been married to his wife, popular Spanish singer and actress Edune, since 2010 and frequently promotes her work on his social media accounts.

Punit Kumar

14 Sep 2020

Sports Science has helped players improve their knowledge, feels Venkatesh

Former India captain and current Blue Tigers Assistant Coach Venkatesh Shanmugam lauded the “contribution of sports science in helping current players improve their knowledge.”In a live chat with AIFF TV, Venkatesh, a former Indian National Team captain and currently employed as the Assistant Coach of the Indian National Team lamented the lack of proper grooming of players off the field during the early days of his career."There was no sports science back then which is why we weren't so strict with our diet. We only got physios and doctors after 2000, and then began to learn what we need to do to improve our game," he continued."The off-field knowledge of professional players back then was lacking. Of course on the pitch, they were all great. Players like Bhaichung (Bhutia) and (IM) Vijayan come once in a lifetime," said Venkatesh."But if you look at the current crop right now, you will understand that they have more knowledge of how to handle things, take care of their body in the off-season, put emphasis on diet,” he averred.“I would also like to mention that the current crop is also extremely lucky to have an idea of how to deal with the media. This awareness has had a very big positive impact on their game,” he stated.“Nowadays the number of exposure tours and friendly matches have increased quite a lot,” Venkatesh said. “Teams nowadays get a lot of exposure. Even the junior and the women’s teams play so many exposure matches,” he opined.Venkatesh, who also functioned as the head coach of the Indian Arrows, AIFF’s developmental team, in the Hero I-League, went on to draw the example of two Arrows products, who are doing well because of the exposure they have received.“There have been a lot of exposures in the last few years. Especially if you look at Narender (Gahlot) and Amarjit (Singh), who were in the U-17 World Cup, they played close to 50 friendly matches before the main tournament,” said Venkatesh.Comparing thigs to back in his own times, the 41-year-old stated that the Blue Tigers only started getting exposures after the turn of the millennium.“We used to hardly get around two friendlies a year before. It was in 2000 that I think we got our first tour when we played some matches in England,” he continued.The India assistant coach further went on to explain how different things were, back in the 90s. “In 94-95, most of the players had to travel via trains. And even the accommodations and facilities were not close to what they are today. When we used to have the camps in Kolkata, we used to stay at the SAI complex,” he recalled. “But that has changed since 2000.”“At that time a lot of the players even used to wear their own club jerseys in National Camps. Some would be wearing East Bengal, some Mohun Bagan, or other clubs. But all of that has changed. It’s so professional now,” Venkatesh continued.

Punit Kumar

14 Sep 2020

Japan’s Naomi Osaka wins US Open Tennis Tournament

Japan’s Naomi Osaka defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus to clinch the Women’s Singles title in the 2020 US Open Tennis tournament. This is the third Grand Slam title for the fourth seed Osaka. Osaka previously won the title at the 2018 US Open and 2019 Australian Open. She is now the first Asian player to win three Grand Slam singles titles. The victory has moved up Osaka to number 3 in the world rankings.

Punit Kumar

14 Sep 2020

Dominic Thiem wins US Open Men’s Tennis Tournament 2020

Austria’s Dominic Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev to win the men’s singles title at the 2020 US Open tournament. It was Thiem’s first Grand Slam title, and he becomes the first player in the Open Era to rally from two sets down in a US Open final.

Them is also the first player to capture a Grand Slam title from two sets down since Gaston Gaudio at 2004 French Open. For the first time in six years, there was a first-time Grand Slam champion at the US Open.

Punit Kumar

14 Sep 2020

Lewis Hamilton wins F1 Tuscan Grand Prix 2020

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) has won the Formula One Tuscan Grand Prix 2020 held at Mugello Circuit, Italy. This was his 6th win of the season and 90th F1 win of his career.

Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-Finland) came second followed by Alexander Albon (Red Bull – Thailand) at third place. The Tuscan Grand Prix (first edition) was the ninth race of the 2020 Formula One World Championship.

Punit Kumar

14 Sep 2020

Police Officer Poonam Khatri crowned Wushu World Champion

Indian Police Officer, Poonam Khatri has claimed World Championship status after her silver medal at the Wushu World Championship last year has been upgraded to a Gold medal. Poonam hails from Haryana’s Jhajjar district.

Poonam had lost the final to Iranian opponent Mariyam in the Women’s 75 kg category but after Mariyam recently failed the dope test, the gold medal has been awarded to Poonam Khatri. The information was clarified by Secretary-General of the Indian Wushu Association, Suhel Ahmed.

Important Static for all competitive examination:

  • International Wushu Federation President: Zhongwen Gou.
  • International Wushu Federation Headquarters: Beijing, China.
  • International Wushu Federation  Founded: 3 October 1990.


Punit Kumar

08 Sep 2020

Virat Kohli lauds RCB’s most balanced team in four years ahead of IPL 2020 start

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli has a huge responsibility on his shoulders as the franchise and the city yearns for its maiden IPL crown. The three-time finalists have the most balanced team since 2016 according to Kohli. The team had contested the finals in that edition and were subjected to a narrow loss in their own backyard to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Since that edition, where Virat Kohli was arguably in the form of his life, the team has failed to make it to the playoffs. The struggle is highlighted by two last-placed finishes in recent years.

This time around, however, the franchise looks to snap out of its barren run with the skipper leading the optimism charge. In an interview with RCB, Kohli claimed that these are exciting times. He added:

“It’s an exciting time, “To be honest, that 2016 season – which we all loved to be a part of and was such a memorable season – since then, to be honest, this is the most balanced I have felt about the squad and as a system, where we are heading,”

“I think it’s been very well taken care of and now it is just up to us to execute those things on the field,” 

RCB’s balance woes over the years

IPL 2020 | Aakash Chopra reveals how RCB can benefit from UAE hosting tournament | Cricket News

The presence of Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and Ab de Villiers at the top initially gave RCB an almost invincible top-order. Despite the departure of Gayle to Kings XI Punjab, the side have failed to attain the balance they so desperately needed.

The acquisition of overseas all-rounders such as Corey Anderson, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali did not resolve the issue.

This time around, the side have grabbed eight players off the auction with T20 specialists such as Aaron Finch, Dale Steyn and Chris Morris expected to play a key role in bringing the balance into the side.

Death-over bowling is another key area which needs significant improvement for the team led by Virat Kohli. While the spin department is now led by the experienced Yuzvendra Chahal, there was no name spearheading the fast bowling section. Indian fast bowlers Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini and Mohammad Siraj will have to play a key role to complement overseas pacers Dale Steyn and Isuru Udana.

While the franchise had acquired Kane Richardson as well, the bowler will not be a part of the upcoming tournament. RCB have opted to bring in leg-spinner Adam Zampa as a replacement.

Punit Kumar

08 Sep 2020

Rajasthan Royals icon Ben Stokes set to miss first part of IPL 2020

Rajasthan Royals – the famous franchise of Indian Premier League (IPL) is supposed to not get the services of their star all-rounder Ben Stokes during the first half of the cash-rich T20 league as the World Cup winner has been staying in New Zealand with his ill father Ged.

Ben Stokes – who is considered as one of the best all-rounders in the world cricket right now, left for Christchurch in between the Test series against Pakistan last month after his father was diagnosed with brain cancer.

“As per quarantine rules in New Zealand, Ben has just completed his 14-day isolation period after reaching New Zealand. Now he will be meeting his father and obviously he would like to spend some quiet time with his family in this time of crisis,” a source privy to developments in the franchise told PTI. It is noteworthy that Ben Stokes was bought by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping Rs of 12.5 crore.

“It is only logical that if he has just completed his quarantine, he would not be available for the first part of the IPL and that is completely understandable. The franchise will not even call Ben as this is not priority at the moment. Let him spend quality family time and any discussions on his availability can happen only after that,” the source further added.

The 2020 IPL will begin from September 19 in the UAE to keep the rise of COVID-19 cases of India in mind and the 53-day tournament will end on November 10. Meanwhile, team management is expected to wait for him only if he confirms his availability for the second half of the tournament. Check out waging options for IPL here.

The all-rounder has so far played 67 Tests, 95 ODIs and 26 T20 Internationals and played a key role in England’s World Cup win. Moreover, he played an important role in the Ashes 2019 where he had smashed a match-winning hundred as well.

“I didn’t sleep for a week and my head wasn’t really in it,” Ben Stokes had said the Weekend Herald on Saturday after his arrival in New Zealand.

“Leaving was the right choice from a mental point of view,” the cricketer further added.



Punit Kumar

08 Sep 2020

US training is Vikas Krishan’s holy grail for Olympics groundwork

There is a pandemic prevalent in the globe, which has disrupted the sporting calendar for this year by leaps and bounds. The disruption includes the postponement of Tokyo Olympic games to 2021. As the global sports scene slowly returns to normalcy, Olympic-bound athletes are resuming their training for the main event. However, Indian boxing ace Vikas Krishan wants to take his preparation to the next level.

Vikas Krishan’s dream of clinching gold remained unfulfilled for the Commonwealth and Asian Games gold medallist in Rio 2016. To take himself to peak form for the main event in Tokyo, the Haryanvi is ready to leave no stone upturned in his training, and that even includes flying to USA amid this global pandemic.

Ready to put my life in danger: A determined Vikas Krishan

Deciding to skip the national camp, Vikas Krishan wants to travel to the United States for professional training and to take part in boxing competitions, which is something that the athlete believes is essential for his Olympics preparation. Only a a green signal from Sandip Pradhan, the Director General of Sports Authority of India (SAI) is his final requirement.

“I am now waiting for SAI DG’s green signal. As and when he will clear me, I will leave in a couple of days. Most probably by today or tomorrow, I might get the confirmation,” Krishan said in an interview with IANS.

Although US is the worst hit country in the COVID-19 pandemic, training there is worth a risk for Krishan.

The 28 year old continued, “I will go there for three months. My aim is to win an Olympic gold and for that I am ready to put my life in danger.”

However, the pugilist assures that he will maintain all guidelines during his stay abroad.

“Flights are on now and I will travel with full precaution so that I can concentrate on my training rather than getting infected and sitting in some hotel room somewhere,” Krishan added.



Punit Kumar

08 Sep 2020

Indian rapper KR$NA lashes out at IPL, claims the tournament plagiarised his song

After almost six months of postponement, the cricketing fandom will be seeing their beloved IPL 2020 back in action from 19th September. Just like its previous editions, the 13th edition of the tournament this year just launched its anthem for this year. However, Indian rapper Krishna Kaul aka KR$NA has claimed that the anthem has been plagiarised from one of his tracks!

To symbolise the struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic and finally hosting the blockbuster tournament, IPL’s anthem this year is titled this year is titled ‘Aayenge Hum Wapas’ (We will come back), with a motto of, “The greater the setback 😷 The stronger the comeback 💪”, which KR$NA says has been copied from his work.

The anthem was released yesterday, check it out on IPL’s official twitter handle below-

They can not get away with this: KR$NA claims IPL has plagiarised his track

On Monday, KR$NA lashed out at IPL, and claimed the anthem has been copied from his single ‘Dekh Kaun Aaya Waapas’ (See who is back), without taking his permission or giving him credit. He also made a post on Twitter, asking other artists and his fan base to spread the news.

“Hey guys @IPL has plagiarised my song “Dekh Kaun Aaya Waapas” and created “Aayenge Hum Wapas” as this years anthem without credit or consent. I request my fellow artists and friends on twitter to RT this tweet for awareness, they can not get away with this. @DisneyPlusHS” the 30 year old artist from New Delhi tweeted.

Check out KR$NA’s Dekh Kaun Aaya Waapas track below, which was released in March 2017, courtesy of his official YouTube channel-

KR$NA’s post on twitter soon went viral, and has gathered over 2.2k likes and 1.5k retweets.

However, the netizens are somewhat split on regarding if the anthem is plagiarised or not. While some compared both the tracks, and nodded their heads on KR$NA’s claim, other said that both the lyrics and the tune is very different.

As of now, IPL themselves have not made any comments on it yet.



Punit Kumar

08 Sep 2020

Room to Ring: Boxer Lovlina Borgohain to end grueling 26-day quarantine period at SAI hostel

Boxer Lovlina Borgohain has not had a happy month as for the last 26 days she has been grounded in a room at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel at Patiala. She is still waiting to get cleared and join training and National Camp.

Borgohain was supposed to undergo the regular quarantine period of 14 days before she was allowed to join the National Boxing Camp. The situation became complex when she went to visit Chandigarh in order to receive her Arjuna Award through a virtual ceremony, just a couple of days before the completion of the camp.

The result of the visit ensured that the boxer had to renew her isolation for another 14 days.

Borgohain spoke to IANS over phone where she discussed her frustration at the renewal of quarantine and how she controls the sense of boredom.

I had completed my 12 days and then I went to Chandigarh for the award ceremony and returned from there, I was asked to start the quarantine period from the beginning,” she said, “It was really frustrating but rules are rules and we must follow these for our safety. It has been 26 days now I am locked inside the room.

It is exhausting mentally but I do some yoga and speak to friends and family to break the boredom,” Borgohain added.

Her quarantine period ends this Tuesday and she cannot be more happy as she gains freedom after being locked up in a room for nearly a month.

As of March 2020, she ranked third in the world in the 69 kg weight category. In March 2020, Borgohain secured the Olympic berth in the 69 kg with a 5-0 win over Maftunakhon Melieva of Uzbekistan in the 2020 Asia & Oceania Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament. With this, she has become the first ever sportswoman from Assam to qualify for the Olympics.

Borgohain has been successful in competitions in the recent years. Representing India, she has won bronze medals in successive World Championships, firstly in 2018 at New Delhi and then in 2019 at Ulan-Ude. Borgohain has also won a bronze in 2017 Asian Championships, in her prefered Welterweight division.


Punit Kumar

08 Sep 2020

Why different balls are used in international cricket

Cricket is the game of struggle between the bat and the ball.

Irrespective of the sport, every sportsman’s performance is derived on the back of their skillset. But apart from their own capabilities, their equipment, too, plays a big part in deriving favourable results.

So when it comes to cricket, the external factors (pitch, weather conditions etc) and the nature of the ball dictates the play as much as individual talent.

Over the years, we’ve seen batsmen paying an attention to detail to the kind of the willows they use, where even an ounce here and there makes them nervy. Similarly, the wicket-keepers fret over their choice of pair of gloves, but for bowlers, there’s not much of an option.

In earlier days, the red-ball was widely used in both Test cricket and limited-overs cricket. With the era of coloured clothing coming into practice in the late 1980s, white balls replaced the red ones during limited-overs fixtures.

Currently, there are three major manufacturers who rule the roost globally. England’s Dukes balls, Australia’s Kookaburra balls and the SG (Sanspereils Greenlands) balls manufactured in India are widely used in international cricket.

Cricket balls: ICC plays safe

The lack of specific guidelines from the International Cricket Council (ICC) has allowed different countries to use different balls. The basic ideation behind using different balls by different nations is quite simple-to assist the home side.

The likes of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka use the Kookaburra cricket ball (manufactured in Australia) for their homes games. The Dukes ball is used for matches played in the United Kingdom and the West Indies. While for matches played in India, the SG ball has been put to use.

So one would ask, what is the point in having different balls in different countries, why can’t there be a uniformity, just likes other rules of cricket?

One might just wonder what the fuss is all about. After all, it’s the same leather ball; the size, shape and the weight are exactly the same, regardless of the brand. All this is true, but let me assure you that there’s a huge difference in the way different balls behave in the air and off the surface.

A sport that was conceived as a contest between the bat and the ball is increasingly becoming a subdued version of its original grandeur, with only the bat reigning supreme. The age-old techniques of swing and reverse swing have died a humiliating death in the limited-overs white-ball cricket because there simply isn’t time enough for them to come into play.

Cricket ball: ICC’s theory

Over the years in ICC events (50 over World Cup and T20 World Cup) Kookaburra balls have been used consistently. However, the ICC has denied a long-term tie-up with any specific ball-manufacturer.

The ICC’s rulebook says the playing conditions (which includes cricket ball) shall be decided by the home board for bilateral series. Which directly implies that the balls are made to suit the conditions of the country. It will be so hard to make one ball to work in every single country.

The Dukes ball used in England is greased to make it waterproof. But since that process softens the leather, the ball made for the abrasive pitches of the Caribbean has a urethane polish instead. SG, on the other hand, have an India-centred approach, catering to the country’s vast domestic market.

Given the structure of international cricket, the ICC does not play as active a role in the development of cricket balls. Member boards, therefore, CA (for Cook) ECB for Dukes and the BCCI (SG) pitch in various balls., have driven much of the innovation.

But recently, the SG ball has come for greater scrutiny after some Indian cricketers raised questions about its quality.

Over the years, many prominent cricketers have voiced their opinion over the use of different cricket balls in different countries.

Cricket a unique sport

The reality is, all these cricket balls – Kookaburra, SG and Dukes behave differently in different conditions, which in nutshell makes cricket a unique sport.

While the Kookaburra balls are machine-made and have a low seam, the India-made SG balls and UK’s Dukes are handmade and have a wide seam.

The Duke and SG ball’s seam is more pronounced and a greater quantity of thread is present while the Kookaburra ball loses the seam very early therefore it doesn’t swing as much as the other two.

The size of Dukes is relatively smaller than the Kookaburra and thus helps the bowlers to get a better grip. The weight of Duke is also less than the Kookaburra or SG which helps it to move more along with the direction of the wind.

At the given time, there are different voices speaking either for or against the uniformity of using the cricket balls worldwide. With the commencement of World Test Championships, MCC’s cricket committee proposed standardisation of the red ball, but that will take away the surprise element from the game. After all, it is first and foremost the duty of the lawmakers of the game to safeguard its interests!

Punit Kumar

08 Sep 2020

Delhi Capitals Assistant Physio tests positive for coronavirus ahead of tournament

After the mass outbreak of the virus in the Chennai Super Kings camp and a solitary case from the Rajasthan Royals unit, Delhi Capitals becomes the third team to report a case ahead of the tournament. The franchise’s Assistant Physio contracted the virus and is currently placed in isolation. 

The team released a media statement confirming the same while adding that the individual had initially tested negative in the first two tests conducted. Delhi Capitals have confirmed that the physiotherapist was not in contact with anyone from the team.

A positive result came back after the third test which was conducted on Day 6 of the quarantine. In order for the member to rejoin the team, he will have to spend 14-days in self-isolation and return two negative tests.

“Delhi Capitals Assistant Physiotherapist has tested positive for Covid-19. He was going through his mandatory quarantine and had tested negative for his first two tests conducted in Dubai on arrival, and tested positive for the third one,”

“He was yet to meet with and had not been in contact with any players or staff of the franchise,”

He was isolated immediately, and is currently at the IPL Isolation Facility in Dubai for the next 14 days, at the end of which he will have to produce two negative reports for him to be able to join the Delhi Capitals squad.

The franchise’s medical team is in constant touch with him, and wishes him a speedy recovery,” the release stated.

The testing procedures will be stringent as the tournament commences with the players being tested every 5 days. The recent string of positive results have raised concerns with Kings XI Punjab owner Ness Wadia calling for extra caution during this volatile situation.

Delhi Capitals will begin their quest for their maiden title on September 13 with a fixture against Kings XI Punjab. The team led by Shreyas Iyer finished third during the 2019 IPL after failing to get to the finals after a loss to Chennai Super Kings in the second qualifier.

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League will flag off from 12th September with a repeat of the last year’s finals between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.  Check out waging options for IPL and other tournaments

Punit Kumar

08 Sep 2020

Will Suresh Raina do a u-turn for CSK

There’s never a dull moment with the Indian Premier League (IPL) around. Chennai Super Kings, the eternal favourites to win the trophy were dealt with two blows before even a ball was bowled. Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh, two of their most experienced players pulled out of the cash-rich tournament citing personal reasons.

Suresh Raina’s, in particular, was a curious case as there were widespread media reports of him falling out of favour of the management after a rift regarding the bio-bubble arrangements in the UAE.

The murder of a relative in a village in Punjab’s Pathankot has been cited as the personal reason for Raina’s exit. The murder of a relative by robbers in the wee hours of August 20 in a village in Punjab’s Pathankot has been cited as the “personal” reason for Raina’s exit, but murmurs of a ‘rift’ between him and skipper MS Dhoni have surfaced.

After all, the two have been termed as the inseparable duo, like two peas in a pod.
Apart from being the vital cog in the CSK wheel, Raina is Dhoni’s go-to-man in the middle overs. Moreover, he further acts as the bridge in the side between youngsters and the larger-than-life captain.

Naturally, Raina opting out of the IPL came in as a big blow for the three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions.

Suresh Raina
Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina.

Raina hints at comeback

However, to add a twist in the tale, ten days after returning to his family, Raina since has changed his tune remarkably, suggesting that fans can still expect him to don the yellow jersey in this year’s IPL.

“You never know, you might see me in the camp again. First, I have to take care of my responsibilities here and then am ready. I’ve been training even while quarantining here to maintain my fitness,” Raina had said.

About reports that he left Dubai due to a rift over hotel rooms with Dhoni, he said: “These are all fabricated stories and anyone who knows me, knows that these are all stories planted by people who don’t want me or CSK to succeed.”

So will the Chinna Thala, the right hand of the almighty MSD perform a u-turn and return to play the IPL?

But Raina’s case is not that simple. According to reports, BCCI is unlikely to allow Raina to join back immediately, as the reason of the hasty retreat is still not clear with the cricket body. So Raina and his franchise, CSK, might need BCCI’s clearance for his re-entry. So Raina’s comeback plan might be quashed if BCCI is not satisfied.

If that gets a green signal, then the first thing Raina will need to do is to follow the IPL safety guidelines.

These guidelines include six days of quarantine period after landing in UAE, regular COVID Tests and then joining the Bio-Bubble.

Suresh Raina the ‘Prima Donna’

It was a tricky situation to be in for Chennai Super Kings franchise. After the Raina fiasco, 13 members of the team tested positive for COVID and were put in isolation.

It was tough to believe that in Raina, a cricketer, who gave his all playing for CSK would pull out of the IPL over a hotel room conflict. However, the whole soap-opera did not go down well with the outspoken CSK boss N Srinivasan, who termed the same Raina as the prima donna. The CSK strongman went on to add that ‘sometimes IPL money and success gets into their heads’.

The real twist came when Raina returned home and said his part of the story. The CSK loyalist, who recently announced his retirement, said that the decision was largely taken as he had to address certain things at home.

Various media reports said that Raina’s uncle Ashok Kumar, 58, had suffered head injuries and died on the spot when three to four members of the notorious “Kale Kachhewala” gang attacked them while they were sleeping on the terrace of their house at Pathankot’s Thariyal village. Four other members of the family were also injured in the attack.

CSK Owner Srinivasan after a call from Raina has reportedly accepted his apology. The CSK boss though refused to interfere in any decision making of the team management. Srinivasan said the ball was in the team management’s court.

“Look, please understand, that’s not my domain at all,” he was quoted as saying by a news agency. “We own a team, we own the franchise but we do not own players. I don’t own the players.”

“I am not the cricket captain… We have the greatest captain of all times. So, why shall I even interfere in cricketing matters?”

The good part for Raina is that CSK haven’t sought a replacement for Raina yet.

InsideSport spoke to CSK’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan and he made it clear that there are no talks in the CSK camp to call for Suresh Raina’s replacement.

The key for Raina’s comeback lies with MS Dhoni if he unlocks the door – then only Raina would be allowed re-enter CSK camp. One might expect another twist in the tale of CSK and Suresh Raina!

News From:https://www.sportsindiashow.com/will-suresh-raina-do-u-turn-for-csk/