sports news – TOH https://thetimesofhindustan.com Tue, 03 Sep 2024 12:22:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-android-chrome-512x512-1-32x32.png sports news – TOH https://thetimesofhindustan.com 32 32 Manisha Ramadass Makes History with Bronze Medal at Paris Paralympics https://thetimesofhindustan.com/manisha-ramadass-makes-history-with-bronze-medal-at-paris-paralympics/ https://thetimesofhindustan.com/manisha-ramadass-makes-history-with-bronze-medal-at-paris-paralympics/#respond Tue, 03 Sep 2024 12:21:54 +0000 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/?p=5418

New Delhi: In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian sports, Manisha Ramadass secured the bronze medal in the women’s singles SU5 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024. At just 19 years old, she has become the first Indian woman to win a badminton medal at the Paralympics, etching her name into the annals of sports history.

A Dominant Display of Skill

On Monday, Manisha Ramadass delivered an exceptional performance, triumphing over Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren with scores of 21-12 and 21-8. The match, held at the LA Chapelle Arena Court 3, was completed in just 25 minutes. From the outset, Manisha exhibited remarkable control and precision, maintaining a strong lead throughout both games and ensuring her path to the bronze medal was smooth and commanding.

Path to the Podium

Manisha’s journey to the podium was marked by a series of impressive victories and a few challenges. Her campaign began with a decisive win against France’s Maud Lefort in the group stage. She continued her strong form by overcoming China’s Yang Qiuxia to advance to the top 8. In the quarter-finals, Manisha defeated Japan’s Mamiko Toyoda with ease, further demonstrating her prowess on the court.

However, the semi-finals presented a tough challenge as Manisha faced Thulasimathi Murugesan. Despite her best efforts, she missed the chance to compete for gold. Nonetheless, her performance in securing the bronze medal was a testament to her resilience and skill.

An Inspiring Journey

Manisha Ramadass’s rise to the Paralympic stage is both inspiring and remarkable. Born with Erb’s Palsy, she discovered her passion for para-badminton through a friend’s recommendation in 2019. Despite her challenges, her dedication to the sport has been unwavering. Her competitive journey began with the Para Badminton State Championship, and she quickly rose to prominence.

Inspired by badminton legend Saina Nehwal, Manisha has achieved significant milestones early in her career. She reached the pinnacle of para-badminton by becoming World No. 1 in her first year of competition and won the gold medal at the 2022 World Championships in Japan. Her success continued with three bronze medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games, further establishing her as a formidable athlete.

Impact on Indian Para-Badminton

Manisha’s historic bronze medal win at the Paris Paralympics marks a significant moment for Indian para-badminton. Her achievement not only highlights her individual talent but also elevates the profile of para-sports in India. Her success is likely to inspire future generations of athletes and contribute to the growing recognition of para-sports on the global stage.

Thulasimathi Murugesan’s Silver Performance

In addition to Manisha’s triumph, the final match of the SU5 category saw Indian shuttler Thulasimathi Murugesan competing for gold. The 22-year-old, who was the top seed, faced a strong opponent in China’s Yang Qiuxia. Despite a valiant effort, Thulasimathi finished with a silver medal after losing the final with scores of 17-21 and 10-21. Her performance was commendable and reflects the competitive spirit of Indian para-badminton.

Looking Ahead

With Manisha Ramadass’s bronze medal, the future of Indian para-badminton looks bright. Her exceptional talent and dedication position her as a prominent figure in the international arena. As she continues to build on her success, Manisha is set to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of para-athletes in India.

In summary, Manisha Ramadass’s historic win at the Paris Paralympics represents a major milestone in Indian sports history. Her performance underscores her remarkable skill and dedication, setting a new standard in para-badminton and serving as an inspiration to athletes worldwide.

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India Dominates Day 5 at Paris Paralympics 2024: Sumit Antil and Nitesh Kumar Lead the Charge https://thetimesofhindustan.com/india-dominates-day-5-at-paris-paralympics-2024-sumit-antil-and-nitesh-kumar-lead-the-charge/ https://thetimesofhindustan.com/india-dominates-day-5-at-paris-paralympics-2024-sumit-antil-and-nitesh-kumar-lead-the-charge/#respond Tue, 03 Sep 2024 11:35:36 +0000 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/?p=5413

New Delhi: Day 5 of the Paris Paralympics 2024 was a standout day for India, with athletes delivering exceptional performances and securing a total of eight medals. This surge has brought India’s overall tally to 15 medals, placing the nation in 15th position in the medal standings.

Sumit Antil Shines with Record-Breaking Javelin Throw
Indian javelin thrower Sumit Antil continued his dominance from the Tokyo Paralympics by clinching gold once again. Antil set two new Paralympic records on this day, with a throw of 69.11 meters on his first attempt and then a further 70.59 meters, showcasing his impressive skill and consistency.

Nitesh Kumar Secures Gold in a Thrilling Badminton Final
Nitesh Kumar delivered an exhilarating performance in the men’s singles SL3 category, overcoming Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in a hard-fought final. The match ended with a nail-biting score of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21, as Kumar demonstrated remarkable resilience and precision.

Bronze for Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi in Archery
In archery, Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi bounced back from earlier disappointments to win bronze in the mixed compound open event. The Indian pair narrowly defeated Italy 156-155, highlighting their skill and determination.

Yogesh Kathuniya Claims Silver in Discus Throw
Yogesh Kathuniya added another silver medal to his collection with a throw of 42.22 meters in the men’s discus throw (F56 category). Despite a strong performance, Kathuniya fell short of Brazil’s Claudiney Batista Dos Santos, who set a new Paralympic record.

Suhas Yathiraj and Thulasimathi Murugesan Earn Silver Medals
In badminton, Suhas Yathiraj and Thulasimathi Murugesan both achieved silver medals in their respective categories. Yathiraj faced a tough match against France’s Lucas Mazur, while Murugesan was defeated by China’s Yang Qiuxia.

Additional Bronze Medals in Badminton
India’s medal tally was further enhanced by Manisha Ramadass and Nithya Sre Sivan, who earned bronze medals in the women’s SU5 and SH6 badminton events, respectively.

India’s remarkable achievements on Day 5 underscore the nation’s growing prowess in Paralympic sports and continue to inspire on the global stage.

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Rakshitha Raju Poised to Shine at Paris Paralympics 2024 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/rakshitha-raju-poised-to-shine/ https://thetimesofhindustan.com/rakshitha-raju-poised-to-shine/#respond Fri, 30 Aug 2024 09:58:38 +0000 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/?p=5328

New Delhi: Rakshitha Raju, hailing from Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, is set to make her mark at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Competing in the Women’s 1500m T11 race, she will become the first Indian female athlete with a visual impairment to participate in this event, achieving a historic milestone for Indian sports.

Raised by her grandmother after the loss of her parents, Raju (23) was initially unfamiliar with Paris, knowing only about America. Her journey from these early days to the global stage reflects her remarkable perseverance and dedication. “My ultimate goal is to win an Olympic gold. I am determined to secure the first gold medal of this season,” Raju shared.

Raju’s passion for athletics was ignited by her physical education teacher’s advice to learn to run, which led her to local competitions. Her consistent victories soon brought her national acclaim. Her impressive achievements include gold medals in the 1500m and 800m events at the World Para Athletics Junior Championships in Switzerland, as well as another gold in the 1500m T11 category at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.

Sharda Ugra, an independent sports journalist who met Raju at a panel discussion in Bengaluru, described her as “an exceptionally talented, determined, and courageous young woman.” Ugra praised Raju’s journey as a powerful example of how sport can profoundly impact lives.

The Paris Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, will feature India’s largest-ever contingent. Raju’s participation is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for athletes across the nation.

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Pooja Singh Shatters U20 National High Jump Record, Advances to World U20 Championships Final https://thetimesofhindustan.com/pooja-singh-shatters-u20-national/ https://thetimesofhindustan.com/pooja-singh-shatters-u20-national/#respond Fri, 30 Aug 2024 07:26:34 +0000 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/?p=5313

New Delhi: India’s Pooja Singh has achieved a remarkable feat at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2024 in Lima, setting a new national record in the women’s high jump for the U20 category. The 17-year-old athlete from Fatehbad district, Haryana, cleared a height of 1.83 meters, surpassing her previous U20 national record of 1.82 meters, which she had set last year during the Asian U20 Championships in Korea.

Pooja’s outstanding performance earned her a second-place finish in the qualification round group B and a ninth-place overall, securing her a spot in the final scheduled for August 31. This accomplishment highlights her exceptional talent and perseverance, as she continues to make significant strides in her athletic career.

Coming from a modest background as the daughter of a mason, Pooja’s journey has been marked by determination and resilience. She began her training at Parta Sports Academy under coach Balwan Singh, despite the lack of proper equipment, including a landing mat. Her dedication was evident early on when she won gold in the U-14 girls’ category with a jump of 1.41 meters. However, her progress was interrupted by a quadricep injury that kept her out of competition for 15 months.

Undeterred by her setback, Pooja made a triumphant return to the sport, clinching gold in the U-16 girls’ category at the 2022 Junior Nationals with a new national record jump of 1.76 meters. She followed this success with another gold in the U-18 category at the 2022 Youth National Championships.

Pooja Singh’s latest achievement at the World U20 Championships not only sets a new national record but also positions her as a strong contender in the final. Her journey is an inspiring example of overcoming adversity and pursuing excellence in athletics.

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Sheetal Devi Just Misses World Record, Secures Second Place in Paris Paralympics Archery Ranking Round https://thetimesofhindustan.com/sheetal-devi-just-misses-world/ https://thetimesofhindustan.com/sheetal-devi-just-misses-world/#respond Fri, 30 Aug 2024 07:00:27 +0000 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/?p=5307

New Delhi: Indian para-archer Sheetal Devi came agonizingly close to setting a new world record at the Paris Paralympics 2024, finishing second in the Women’s Compound Ranking Round. The 17-year-old, who is the youngest Indian para-athlete to compete in the Paralympics, achieved a personal best score of 703 points. However, she was narrowly edged out by Turkey’s Oznur Cure Girdi, who scored 704 points to set a new world record.

Sheetal’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, demonstrating her precision and skill in a fiercely competitive environment. Out of her 72 arrows, she struck 59 10s and 25 Xs, showing why she is considered one of the top talents in the sport. The battle for the top spot was intense, with Girdi eventually surpassing the previous world record of 698 points, set by Great Britain’s Phoebe Paterson Pine earlier this year.

Looking ahead, Sheetal is set to face the winner of the Round of 32 match between Chile’s Mariana Zuniga and Korea’s Choi Na Mi. Both archers finished 15th and 18th, respectively, in the ranking round, but Sheetal’s current form makes her a formidable opponent. Zuniga, who won a silver medal in the Women’s Individual Compound event at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020, is expected to put up a tough fight.

In addition to her recent achievements, Sheetal has already made a significant impact on the international stage. In 2023, she won a silver medal at the World Archery Para Championships in the Czech Republic. She also claimed two gold medals at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, in the individual compound and mixed team events, further solidifying her status as a rising star.

As Sheetal continues her journey at the Paris Paralympics, her remarkable performances are not only setting new benchmarks but also inspiring countless others with her determination and skill. The upcoming matches will be crucial as she aims to bring home a historic medal for India.

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Lakshya Sen Eyes Transformative Impact in Badminton, Inspired by Virat Kohli https://thetimesofhindustan.com/lakshya-sen-eyes-transformative/ https://thetimesofhindustan.com/lakshya-sen-eyes-transformative/#respond Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:13:14 +0000 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/?p=5295

New Delhi: Lakshya Sen, a rising star in Indian badminton, is setting his sights on making a transformative impact in his sport, drawing inspiration from cricket legend Virat Kohli. This aspiration follows Sen’s impressive journey at the Paris Olympics 2024, where he narrowly missed out on securing a bronze medal. Despite the near miss, his performance highlighted his exceptional talent and determination.

Sen’s path to the semifinals was marked by notable victories, including a significant win over Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie. His run to the semifinals was historic, as he became the first Indian male shuttler to reach this stage in Olympic singles competition. Although he eventually lost the bronze-medal match to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia, his achievements throughout the tournament were remarkable.

One of Sen’s standout moments was his eye-catching no-look backhand retrieve against Christie, which quickly went viral on social media. Fans compared this dazzling play to Virat Kohli’s famous six against Pakistan’s Haris Rauf, further elevating Sen’s profile. During his recent appearance on the Ranveer Allahabadia Show, Sen acknowledged these comparisons and expressed his ambition to make a similar impact in badminton as Kohli has in cricket.

Sen’s desire to become the “Virat Kohli of Indian badminton” reflects his commitment to advancing the sport and achieving greatness. His historic performance at the Olympics and his ongoing drive to make a significant mark on the global stage underscore his dedication to transforming badminton in India.

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Karn Sharma Reflects on Virat Kohli’s Bold Leadership in the Adelaide Test https://thetimesofhindustan.com/karn-sharma-reflects-on-virat/ https://thetimesofhindustan.com/karn-sharma-reflects-on-virat/#respond Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:52:03 +0000 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/?p=5292

New Delhi: Karn Sharma recently shared his memories of Virat Kohli‘s daring captaincy debut during the 2014 Adelaide Test, where Kohli stepped in for the injured MS Dhoni. Kohli’s debut as Test captain was remarkable, as he scored twin centuries, becoming only the second player to achieve this feat after Greg Chappell. Sharma, who also made his debut in that match, recalled the significant impact of Kohli’s fearless leadership.

The Adelaide Test was notable for its challenging final day, with India chasing a demanding target of 364 runs. Despite the odds, Kohli made the bold decision to pursue the target rather than settling for a draw. Sharma, now 36, praised Kohli’s decision, noting that it greatly boosted the team’s morale. “Chasing over 300 runs on the fourth day of a Test, especially in Australia, was a daring move. Virat’s determination to chase it down instilled a lot of positivity and resolve in the team,” Sharma said.

The supportive presence of head coach Ravi Shastri further contributed to the team’s positive atmosphere. Sharma reflected on how Shastri’s encouragement played a crucial role in enhancing the team’s confidence. The synergy between Kohli’s aggressive leadership and Shastri’s support created a motivating environment for the players.

Sharma’s reflections highlight Kohli’s unique approach to captaincy, characterized by his bold tactics and unyielding confidence. Kohli’s decision to chase a formidable target in difficult conditions set a high standard for leadership in Test cricket and left a lasting impression on the team.

In conclusion, Sharma’s insights emphasize a pivotal moment in Kohli’s captaincy career, illustrating how his bold decisions and positive attitude had a profound impact on the Indian team and laid the groundwork for future success.

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West Indies Dominate South Africa with Eight-Wicket Win in Rain-Shortened Final T20I, Clinch 3-0 Series Sweep https://thetimesofhindustan.com/west-indies-dominate-south-africa/ https://thetimesofhindustan.com/west-indies-dominate-south-africa/#respond Wed, 28 Aug 2024 10:12:32 +0000 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/?p=5247

New Delhi: Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 13-ball 35 powered the West Indies to a commanding eight-wicket victory over South Africa in the rain-affected third T20I on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 series sweep.

The match, delayed by rain for an hour, was shortened to 13 overs per side. South Africa, starting cautiously, was 23-0 when rain interrupted play in the fifth over. After the break, Tristan Stubbs provided the much-needed momentum, scoring 40 off just 15 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes, to lift South Africa to a total of 108-4. Stubbs concluded the series with an impressive 144 runs at a strike rate of 178.

Pooran’s quickfire innings set the tone for the West Indies chase. Despite losing two early wickets, the West Indies cruised to victory with 22 balls to spare, thanks to Shai Hope’s unbeaten 42 and Shimron Hetmyer’s 31 not out. Their unbroken 56-run partnership ensured an easy win for the hosts.

Reflecting on the series win, West Indies captain Roston Chase praised his team’s resilience and determination, saying, “Winning the series 3-0 was our goal, and I’m grateful to the team for their effort and heart in today’s game.”

South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram acknowledged the tough conditions, affected by rain and humidity, but also pointed out areas where his team needs to improve to perform better in challenging situations.

This victory marks another dominant series for the West Indies over South Africa, solidifying their T20 supremacy with back-to-back series sweeps.

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Jay Shah Appointed ICC Chairman, Becomes the Youngest Ever https://thetimesofhindustan.com/jay-shah-appointed-icc-chairman/ https://thetimesofhindustan.com/jay-shah-appointed-icc-chairman/#respond Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:45:41 +0000 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/?p=5242

New Delhi: Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been officially appointed as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). At just 35 years old, Shah will make history as the youngest person to ever hold this prestigious position when he takes over on December 1, 2024. He will succeed Greg Barclay, who opted not to pursue a third term.

Shah’s election came as a result of Barclay’s decision not to seek re-election. With no other nominees stepping forward, Shah’s appointment reflects a broad consensus among cricketing stakeholders. As he steps into this significant role, Shah will oversee the ICC’s global cricket governance and operations, including the lead-up to the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan.

Shah’s career in cricket administration began in 2009 with the Gujarat Cricket Association. Since 2019, he has served as the BCCI Secretary, having been re-elected for a second term in 2022. Additionally, Shah has been the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) since 2021 and was re-elected for a second term in 2023. His extensive experience and leadership in cricket administration have paved the way for this milestone achievement.

With Shah taking on this influential role, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how his leadership will influence the future direction of international cricket.

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India’s Historic Participation in Paris Paralympics Opening Ceremony https://thetimesofhindustan.com/indias-historic-participation-in-paris-paralympics-opening-ceremony/ https://thetimesofhindustan.com/indias-historic-participation-in-paris-paralympics-opening-ceremony/#respond Wed, 28 Aug 2024 05:34:28 +0000 https://thetimesofhindustan.com/?p=5218

New Delhi: Over 100 members of the Indian contingent, including 52 athletes, are set to make their mark at the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony on Wednesday. This ceremony will be historic, as it will be the first time the event is held outside a traditional stadium, taking place at the iconic Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde in Paris.

However, several Indian athletes, including the entire 10-member shooting team, will not participate in the parade of nations due to their upcoming competitions on Thursday. Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympics Committee of India, emphasized that athletes with events on August 29 must focus on their performance rather than the opening festivities. “It would be challenging for these athletes to compete the following day if they take part in the ceremony,” Jhajharia stated.

The shooting team, led by star athlete Avani Lekhara, who is defending her Tokyo Paralympics gold medal, is based in Chateauroux, over 200 kilometers from Paris. The distance and tight competition schedule necessitate their absence from the ceremony.

India’s contingent for the parade will include 106 members, comprising 52 athletes and 54 officials. Javelin thrower Sumit Antil (F64) and shot putter Bhagyashree Jadhav (F34), both defending champions from Tokyo, will serve as joint flag bearers for India.

India is participating with a record 84-member team at the Paris Paralympics, aiming for a strong medal tally of 25, with hopes for double-digit gold medals. In the previous Tokyo Paralympics, India secured an impressive 19 medals, including five golds, with a smaller 54-member team. The Indian athletes are determined to surpass their past achievements and shine on the global stage in Paris.

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