Cricket Greats Rally Behind Anshuman Gaekwad in Cancer Battle

Cricket Greats Rally Behind Anshuman Gaekwad in Cancer Battle

Former India coach and Australian legend Greg Chappell has joined the chorus of cricketing greats sending messages of support to Anshuman Gaekwad, the former India batsman and coach who is battling blood cancer. In a heartfelt video message, Chappell expressed his admiration for Gaekwad’s fighting spirit, both on and off the field.

“Hi Anshuman, it’s Greg Chappell here from Australia. Very sorry to hear about your health problems at the moment. But no doubt, all your family are giving you great support, and all your friends will be sending you lots of love as well,” Chappell said.

“But more than that, the cricket community from around the world and particularly those that played against you and those who saw you play will be sending lots of positive energy your way as well. So no doubt, you got lots of fighting spirit. You showed that plenty of times on the cricket field. That fighting spirit is going to coming in handy now. But all of the positive energy that’s coming your away from all around the world will no doubt help. I look forward to hearing some good news, so cheers!”

Gaekwad, 71, is currently hospitalized in Baroda after undergoing treatment for blood cancer at the King’s College Hospital in London. He has received an outpouring of support from the cricketing fraternity, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Farokh Engineer, Dilip Vengsarkar, Roger Binny, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Karsan Ghavri, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, and actor Nana Patekar.

“The messages dad received from these greats were not just emotional, but assuring that he’ll be fine soon. Dad is feeling much better now, and asked me to call and thank each one of these greats for this gesture. His vital organs are stable, and he wants to go home,” Gaekwad’s son Shatrunjay told TOI.

The BCCI has provided Rs 1 crore for Gaekwad’s treatment, while the India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team has also collected funds for him. “We all made an effort, did whatever we could do, because help begins at home. We’ve a whatsaap group of the 1983 team, where we spoke about it, and we contributed our pensions. We did it because we are all enamoured by ‘Charlie’ Anshuman Gaekwad. He was a gutsy player. People like him and Jimmy (Mohinder) Amarnath are role models for many of us. The way he conducted himself on a cricket field, facing the fiercest of fast bowlers, getting hit on the head and the body,” said Kirti Azad, a member of that side.

Gaekwad played 40 Test matches for India, scoring 1985 runs at an average of 30.07, and 269 runs in 15 ODIs. He is known for his fearless batting and his ability to play spin bowling with ease.

Indian Badminton Enthusiast Extends Paris Stay to Witness Sindhu's Olympic Quest

Indian Badminton Enthusiast Extends Paris Stay to Witness Sindhu’s Olympic Quest

Keerthana Sai Nalla, a 26-year-old Indian badminton enthusiast, has altered her plans to witness the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite securing a new job in Germany and wanting to return home before starting it, her passion for badminton and the allure of watching PV Sindhu’s historic Olympic quest have compelled her to extend her stay in Paris.

Nalla’s love for badminton has been a constant throughout her life, despite her family’s frequent relocations due to her father’s military service. She has been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the sport live at the Olympics, particularly the performances of the Indian men’s doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.

Sindhu, a double Olympic medalist and Nalla’s all-time favorite sportsperson, is aiming for a record third Olympic medal, a feat no Indian has ever achieved. Nalla is determined to witness Sindhu’s journey and has purchased tickets for the badminton matches.

“This is my best chance to watch Sindhu in action at the Olympics, so I am going to be around till the badminton games are done,” said Nalla, who attended the Games live at Arena Porte de La Chapelle in Paris on Sunday.

The Indian pair of Satwik and Chirag’s victory over France’s Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar in straight games further solidified Nalla’s decision to stay back. “Badminton is my highlight at the Olympics, I really love that game,” she added.

Nalla is actively monitoring the Paris 2024 official ticket resale website for tickets to the women’s singles semi-finals, where she expects Sindhu to reach. Her unwavering passion for badminton and the opportunity to witness history unfold have made her sacrifice her original plans and embrace the unforgettable experience of the Paris Olympics.

Derbyshire Thrash Lancashire by Nine Wickets in One-Day Cup

Derbyshire Thrash Lancashire by Nine Wickets in One-Day Cup

Derbyshire’s bowlers, led by Pat Brown’s exceptional performance, dismantled Lancashire’s batting lineup in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup match at Derby, paving the way for a resounding nine-wicket victory.

Brown, who recorded his best one-day figures of 5 for 37, wreaked havoc on the Lancashire batsmen, bowling six overs and claiming five wickets. Zak Chappell and Harry Moore also contributed with two wickets each, leaving Lancashire reeling at 99 all out in just 20 overs.

Lancashire’s highest score came from extras, with 19 runs, while only three players managed to reach double figures. Andrew Flintoff’s 16-year-old son, Rocky, was one of those three, scoring 16 runs.

Derbyshire’s chase was a breeze, with Luis Reece leading the charge with an unbeaten 52 runs. Reece and Harry Came shared a 65-run partnership to seal the victory in the 20th over, with Derbyshire losing just one wicket.

The victory marked Derbyshire’s third in Group A, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stages. Lancashire, on the other hand, suffered their third defeat, leaving them in a precarious position.

Lancashire’s batting woes began early, with Sam Conners trapping Harry Singh lbw in the first over. Chappell then struck twice in his fourth over, dismissing Josh Bohannon and George Bell, leaving Lancashire on 27 for 3.

Flintoff, who was hit on the helmet by a short ball from Chappell, fell to another short delivery from Brown, reducing Lancashire to 55 for 5. Venkatesh Iyer, making his debut for Lancashire, showed some promise with two glorious drives for four, but he was caught by Brown in the deep.

Brown continued his demolition, bowling Jack Blatherwick and Tom Aspinwall in quick succession. Moore then had George Balderson caught behind, and Brown completed the rout by bowling Charlie Barnard.

Derbyshire’s bowlers had set the stage for a comfortable victory, and Reece wasted no time in pressing the accelerator, hitting two sixes off Blatherwick in the fourth over. Reece and Came shared a double century opening stand against Middlesex on Saturday, but this time they were parted when Singh took a smart catch to dismiss Came.

However, Reece and Brooke Guest, who remained unbeaten on 37, added 65 runs to put the seal on an impressive Derbyshire display.

Jurgen Klopp Rules Out Coaching Return, Including England Job

Jurgen Klopp Rules Out Coaching Return, Including England Job

Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, has emphatically ruled out a return to coaching in the near future, including for the vacant England job. Speaking at a German Football Coaches Association meeting, Klopp declared, “As of today, that’s it for me as a coach.”

Klopp’s decision to step down as Liverpool boss at the end of the 2023-24 season was met with surprise and speculation about his next move. However, the 57-year-old has made it clear that he is not interested in returning to the dugout anytime soon.

“I didn’t decide to stop on a whim, it was a general decision,” Klopp explained. “I’m looking for peace and quiet, I’m one hundred percent in the here and now and I’m enjoying it.”

Klopp emphasized that his decision was not a reflection of any specific job offer or opportunity. “It was just time to step aside and put the whole thing to rest,” he said. “Making a special exception for a club or country would be a great loss of face.”

Despite his retirement from coaching, Klopp expressed his desire to remain involved in football in some capacity. “I’m too young to just play padel tennis and spend time with my grandchildren,” he said. “Will I be a coach again? I would actually rule that out at the moment. Let’s see how it looks in a few months.”

Klopp’s illustrious coaching career began at Mainz, where he played 325 games before taking over as coach in 2001. He moved to Dortmund in 2008, winning two league titles and reaching the 2013 Champions League final. In 2015, he joined Liverpool, where he ended the club’s 30-year wait for the Premier League title and led them to three Champions League finals, winning one.

Klopp’s decision to step away from coaching has been met with respect and understanding from the football world. His legacy as one of the most successful and influential managers of his generation is secure.

Olympic Records Fall as Athletes Showcase Extraordinary Talent

Olympic Records Fall as Athletes Showcase Extraordinary Talent

The 2024 Summer Paris Olympic Games have already witnessed a plethora of record-breaking performances, showcasing the extraordinary talent and athleticism of the world’s finest athletes. With just a few weeks remaining, the anticipation for more breathtaking feats is palpable.

In the pool, Australia’s Kaylee McKeown shattered her own Olympic record in the women’s 100m backstroke, clocking in at 57.33 seconds. Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen also made history, breaking the Olympic record in the men’s 800m freestyle with a time of 7:38.19.

Mollie O’Callaghan of Australia continued her impressive run, setting a new Olympic record in the women’s 200m freestyle with a time of 1:53.27. France’s Léon Marchand etched his name in the record books by breaking the Olympic record in the men’s 400m individual medley, finishing in 4:02.95.

Gretchen Walsh from the United States made waves in the women’s 100m butterfly, breaking the Olympic record with a time of 55.37 seconds. China’s Pan Zhanle also set a new Olympic record in the men’s 100m freestyle, clocking in at 46.92 seconds.

The Australian women’s 4×100 freestyle relay team broke their own Olympic record, finishing in 3:28.92. In surfing, Brazil’s Gabriel Medina earned the highest-ever single wave score in Olympic history, scoring 9.90 in the fifth heat of the men’s surfing event.

Shooting also saw its share of record-breaking performances. Britain’s Nathan Hales set a new Olympic record in the men’s trap with a score of 48. China’s Sheng Lihao broke the Olympic record in the men’s 10-meter air rifle with a score of 252.

In archery, South Korea’s Lim Si-hyeon broke the world record in the women’s 72 arrows, 70-meter round with a score of 694. Her team also broke the Olympic record in the women’s 216 arrows, 70-meter round with a score of 2,046.

Rugby sevens witnessed some remarkable achievements as well. Maddison Levi of Australia broke the Olympic record for the number of tries at a single Olympic Game, scoring 11. The New Zealand rugby team also set a new Olympic record, scoring 55-5 against China.

As the 2024 Summer Paris Olympic Games draw to a close, the world eagerly awaits more thrilling performances and the possibility of even more records being shattered.

Swapnil Kusale, India's First Shooter in 50m Rifle Three Positions Final, Draws Inspiration from M.S. Dhoni

Swapnil Kusale, India’s First Shooter in 50m Rifle Three Positions Final, Draws Inspiration from M.S. Dhoni

Swapnil Kusale, the first Indian shooter to reach the 50m rifle three positions final at the Olympics, draws inspiration from M S Dhoni. Like Dhoni, Kusale is also a railway ticket collector. The 29-year-old from Maharashtra has been competing in international events since 2012 but had to wait 12 years to make his Olympics debut.

Kusale relates to Dhoni’s calm and patient demeanor, which are essential qualities for a shooter. He has watched Dhoni’s biopic multiple times and hopes to emulate his achievements. A top-three finish in the 50m rifle three positions final would certainly elevate Kusale’s status in Indian sport.

“I admire Dhoni for the person that he is,” Kusale said. “My sport requires me to be as calm and patient as he is on the field. I also relate to his story as I am a ticket collector like he was.”

Kusale has been working for Central Railways since 2015. He qualified for the final with a score of 590, the most inner 10s among the three shooters who shot the same score.

Kusale’s family has also been a source of inspiration. His father and brother are teachers, while his mother is the sarpanch of their village.

Aishwary Pratap Tomar, another Indian shooter, finished 11th in the qualification round.

National coach Manoj Kumar Ohlyan is optimistic about Kusale’s chances in the final. “He is in a good frame of mind,” Ohlyan said. “We are hoping for the best. We just want him to perform the way he did today. He was patient. He is good technically and physically.”

Kusale’s journey to the Olympics has been a long one, but he is now on the cusp of making history. With his calm demeanor and unwavering determination, he has the potential to become one of India’s most successful shooters.

Anush Agarwalla Makes History as India's First Olympic Dressage Rider

Anush Agarwalla Makes History as India’s First Olympic Dressage Rider

India’s equestrian journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics began with a historic milestone as Anush Agarwalla became the first Indian to compete in dressage at the Summer Games. The 24-year-old from Kolkata, who has been honing his skills in Germany since the age of 17, achieved the Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER) four times to secure a quota for India.

In the Dressage Grand Prix Individual Qualifier round held at the iconic Chateau de Versailles, Agarwalla and his horse, Sir Caramello Old, performed a series of intricate movements to music. The judges awarded them a total of 66.444 penalty points, placing them ninth in their group. Only the top two riders from each group advanced to the final.

Despite not progressing to the next stage, Agarwalla’s performance marked a significant achievement for Indian equestrian. He joined an illustrious list of Indian horsemen who have represented the country in the Olympics, including Fouaad Mirza (Eventing, 2020 Tokyo Games), Imtiaz Anees (Eventing, 2000 Sydney Games), and Indrajit Lamba (Eventing, 1996 Atlanta Games).

Dressage, the most advanced form of horse training, requires exceptional coordination and artistry between horse and rider. Judges evaluate the ease and fluidity of their movements, as well as their obedience and responsiveness to commands.

Agarwalla’s achievement comes on the heels of India’s success in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the Indian squad won gold in Team Dressage. This victory showcased the growing strength of Indian equestrian and the potential for future success on the international stage.

Kohli and Sharma's Heartwarming Gesture Melts Fans' Hearts in Sri Lanka

Kohli and Sharma’s Heartwarming Gesture Melts Fans’ Hearts in Sri Lanka

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Heartwarming Gesture Melts Fans’ Hearts

Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have once again demonstrated their deep connection with their fans through a heartwarming gesture during the team’s arrival in Sri Lanka for the upcoming ODI series.

After an intense practice session in Colombo, Kohli and Sharma took time out to interact with their eager supporters. As Kohli exited the nets, he was greeted by a young fan holding a cherished photo of the duo from the 2024 T20 World Cup. The youngster’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as he hoped to get the photo signed.

Kohli, known for his genuine interactions with fans, spotted the young boy and immediately approached him. With a warm smile, he signed the photo and exchanged a few kind words, leaving the fan beaming with joy.

But the moment didn’t end there. Rohit Sharma, noticing the interaction, joined in and added his signature to the photo. The young fan’s face lit up with pure happiness, capturing a moment of pure delight.

This small but significant gesture showcased the players’ appreciation for their supporters. It highlighted the strong bond they share with their fans, both in India and abroad.

As the ODI series against Sri Lanka approaches, starting on August 2, 2024, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Kohli and Sharma will be key players to watch. Both players are aiming to make a strong return to cricket for Team India since their triumph in the T20 World Cup.

Their heartwarming gesture serves as a reminder of the special connection between players and fans in the world of sports. It demonstrates that even amidst the intense competition and demanding schedules, these athletes value the support and admiration of their loyal followers.

Lakshya Sen Secures Pre-Quarterfinal Berth in Paris Olympics Badminton

Lakshya Sen Secures Pre-Quarterfinal Berth in Paris Olympics Badminton

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen has secured a place in the pre-quarters of the ongoing Paris Olympics after defeating Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in the men’s singles Group L match. Sen’s victory came in straight sets, 21-18, 21-12, in a match that lasted 50 minutes at the La Chapelle Arena.

Sen dominated the match from the start, winning the first game 8-2. He continued his momentum in the second game, capitalizing on Christie’s errors to close out the match. With this win, Sen topped the men’s singles Group L and could potentially face HS Prannoy in the upcoming Round of 16 match.

Sen’s performance has been particularly impressive, with one of his backhand shots going viral on social media. Internet users have hailed the shot as “mad” and “god-like,” inspiring budding badminton champions.

Earlier in the tournament, Sen defeated Julien Carraggi of Belgium in straight sets, 21-19, 21-14. He also had a dominating win over Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon, but the result was later deleted after Cordon withdrew from the Olympics due to an injury.

Sen’s success in the Paris Olympics is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has emerged as one of India’s top badminton players and is expected to continue his winning streak in the upcoming matches.

Women's Hockey Tournament Thrives in Chennai, Inspiring Olympic Dreams

Women’s Hockey Tournament Thrives in Chennai, Inspiring Olympic Dreams

In a time when women’s hockey tournaments in Tamil Nadu, organized by private clubs, are scarce, a group of 15 dedicated women have been successfully organizing a tournament for the past three years in Chennai. The ‘We are for Hockey’ Trophy, held at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, has attracted 16 teams from various parts of the state in its recently concluded fourth edition (July 25 to 27).

The tournament has received an overwhelming response, with teams from Erode, Tirunelveli, Vellore, and Kovilpatti participating. Former Tamil Nadu players, J. Rekha and Lakshmi Vaikunth, president and secretary of ‘We are for Hockey’ Club, are the driving force behind this initiative. They have been tirelessly handling all aspects of the tournament with enthusiasm and dedication.

Lakshmi Vaikunth, the secretary of the club, has faced challenges in securing sponsorship for the tournament. “It has been quite hectic for the last few weeks, running for sponsors and other things,” she said. Despite the difficulties, the group has managed to raise funds to offer cash prizes to the winners: Rs. 30,000 for first place, 20,000 for second, and Rs. 10,000 for third.

The ‘We are for Hockey’ Club is committed to promoting women’s hockey and showcasing the talent of young girls. “Through our tournament, we want a Tamil Nadu player to represent India at the Olympics,” said Lakshmi. The club also aims to make the event an All-India one, similar to the MCC-Murugappa tournament.

The Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and Chennai Hockey Association (CHA) have extended their support to the tournament. However, Rekha suggests that CHA could further contribute by conducting a women’s league, as it did in 2018-19.

The ‘We are for Hockey’ Club is an inspiration to all those who believe in the power of sports to empower women. Their dedication and hard work have created a platform for young hockey players to showcase their skills and aspire for greater heights.

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