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Jugraj Singh: From Flag Seller to Hockey Hero

Jugraj Singh: From Flag Seller to Hockey Hero

By September 19, 2024 0

Jugraj Singh’s remarkable journey from selling flags to becoming a hockey hero is a testament to his unwavering determination and the transformative power of sports. Born into a humble family in Punjab, Jugraj’s childhood was marked by financial struggles. His father, a porter, worked tirelessly to support the family, while Jugraj supplemented their income by selling tricolour flags and water bottles at the Attari-Wagah border.

Despite the challenges, Jugraj harbored a passion for hockey. His talent was spotted by coach Navjit Singh, who recognized his potential and began training him on the grass field at Government Senior Secondary School. Jugraj’s exceptional physical strength, honed by years of lifting heavy loads, proved to be an asset on the field.

With unwavering dedication, Jugraj balanced his hockey training with his part-time job. He would practice diligently in the morning and afternoon before heading out to sell flags to tourists. Despite the long hours, he remained committed to his dream of becoming a professional hockey player.

In 2009, Jugraj’s hard work paid off when he joined the Baba Uttam Singh National Hockey Academy in Khadoor Sahib. Over the next four years, he honed his skills and participated in the Nehru Cup competitions. His performances caught the attention of the Indian selectors, and in 2021, he made his debut for the senior Indian men’s hockey team in the FIH Hockey Pro League.

Jugraj’s crowning moment came in the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy final against China. With the match locked at 0-0 in the final minutes, Jugraj emerged as the unlikely hero. In the 51st minute, he found the back of the net, securing a record-extending fifth title for India.

Jugraj’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. It demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and the support of mentors, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. His story is a reminder that sports has the power to transform lives and create opportunities for those who dare to dream.

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Leon Marchand: Olympic Hero and Reluctant Celebrity

Leon Marchand: Olympic Hero and Reluctant Celebrity

By September 19, 2024 0

French swimming sensation Leon Marchand has become a national icon after his record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics. His unprecedented feat of winning all four of his individual races has catapulted him to stardom, but it has also brought unexpected challenges.

Marchand’s newfound fame has forced him to adjust his lifestyle. “I’m going to lose a little freedom and spontaneity because I can’t go out to restaurants like I used to anymore,” he said. “I need to organize myself a little more. I can’t do my shopping alone. I wear a cap and glasses. I try to hide a little.”

Despite the occasional inconvenience, Marchand is grateful for the recognition he has received. “When people do stop me in the street, it’s to say ‘thank you’. That’s kind and I take it to my heart,” he said.

Marchand’s success has also had a positive impact on France as a whole. “France has changed and I hope it will last,” he said. “Sport is something quite special. It conveys an emotion that you can’t have anywhere else and the French realized this. We must continue to celebrate athletes, try to put more resources into infrastructure, more sport in schools.”

Marchand’s Olympic triumph has not only transformed his own life but has also inspired a wave of optimism in his country. His story is a testament to the power of sport to unite and uplift a nation.

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Indian Chess Teams Extend Unbeaten Streak at Olympiad

Indian Chess Teams Extend Unbeaten Streak at Olympiad

By September 19, 2024 0

In the ongoing 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, the Indian women’s team continued their impressive run with a 3-1 victory over second-seeded Georgia, while the men’s team defeated China 2.5-1.5.

Grandmaster R Vaishali and Vantika Agrawal led the charge for the women’s team, securing crucial wins against Lela Javakhishvili and Bella Khotenashvili, respectively. Despite a draw by D Harika and a loss by Divya Deshmukh, Vantika’s remarkable time management skills sealed India’s seventh consecutive victory.

The Indian women now boast an impressive 14 points out of a possible 14, extending their lead to two points over Poland, Kazakhstan, and France.

In the open section, World Championship challenger D Gukesh led the Indian men to victory over China. Playing with the white pieces, Gukesh navigated a Closed Sicilian to a drawn endgame but remained focused to exploit a mistake by Chinese top board Wei Yi.

Despite speculation of a potential clash between Gukesh and Ding Liren, the reigning world champion was rested by the Chinese team. R Praggnanandhaa drew quickly as black against Yangyi Yu, while P Harikrishna’s efforts against Wang Yue resulted in an equal rook and pawns endgame.

Arjun Erigaise’s aggressive play against Bu Xiangzhi was met with a clever piece sacrifice, forcing a draw through repetition.

With four rounds remaining, the Indian men have maintained a perfect score, matching their female counterparts. Iran is the closest pursuer with 13 points, followed by Serbia, Hungary, Armenia, and defending champions Uzbekistan with 12 points each.

In the next round, the Indian men will face Iran, while the women will take on Poland.

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Gukesh-Ding Super-Fight Fizzles as Ding Rests in Olympiad

Gukesh-Ding Super-Fight Fizzles as Ding Rests in Olympiad

By September 19, 2024 0

The highly anticipated clash between reigning World Champion Ding Liren and rising star D. Gukesh at the 44th Chess Olympiad in Budapest took an unexpected turn when Ding was “rested” by China for Round 7. In his absence, Wei Yi stepped up to face Gukesh, who has been in scintillating form with four wins and a draw in six rounds.

Despite the absence of Ding, Gukesh pressed for an advantage with White in an objectively drawish position. The Indian prodigy’s recent trajectory has been remarkable, propelling him into the top five while Ding has struggled, dropping out of the top 20 and failing to win a single game in Budapest.

Former World No. 4 GM Peter Svidler expressed surprise at Ding’s absence from Board 1 in such a crucial match. Ding’s recent defeat to Vietnam’s Quang Liem Le may have influenced China’s decision to rest him.

Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand believes Gukesh is now a clear favorite to become World Champion based on momentum and statistics. However, he cautioned that Ding is still a formidable opponent and the match in November will be a true test.

On Board 2, Yu Yangyi and R. Praggnanandhaa played a quick 17-move draw. P. Harikrishna was brought into the action for the first time since the opening round, replacing Vidit Gujrathi on Board 4.

In the women’s section, India defeated second seeds Georgia 3-1, maintaining their lead in the tournament. Vantika Agrawal pulled off a stunning victory against Bella Khotenashvili, showcasing her tactical prowess.

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Magnus Carlsen's Presence Brings Motivation and Pressure to Norwegian Chess Team

Magnus Carlsen’s Presence Brings Motivation and Pressure to Norwegian Chess Team

By September 18, 2024 0

Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top-ranked chess player, has joined the Norwegian team at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest. While Carlsen’s presence is a major boost for the team, it also brings its own set of challenges, according to team captain Odin Blikra Vea.

Vea, a Candidate Master who represented Norway at the Olympiad at age 19, was surprised when he was asked to lead the team. He and Carlsen grew up playing chess together, and Carlsen’s meteoric rise has had a profound impact on both Norway’s chess scene and Vea’s own career.

“Having Magnus on the team is a huge motivation for us,” Vea said. “He’s always thinking about what’s best for the team, and his fighting spirit and motivation have an impact on everyone.”

However, Vea also acknowledges that playing alongside the world’s best player can be daunting for the other team members. “They might be feeling the pressure to deliver for Magnus and not let him down,” he said. “As a teammate, you’re sitting beside Magnus, and you know he’s watching your moves, so there’s no hiding from the truth.”

Vea’s biggest scare during the Olympiad came in Round 3 when Carlsen arrived late due to a miscommunication. Carlsen cycled from his hotel to the venue in the rain and couldn’t locate the entrance, coming within four minutes of losing his game by forfeit.

Despite the challenges, Vea believes that Carlsen’s presence on the team is a positive force. “He’s a close friend, and we both have always loved to play sports together,” Vea said. “His love for chess is unmatched and has rubbed off on me and made me more relentless in the things I do.”

Vea is realistic about Norway’s chances of winning a medal at the Olympiad, but he considers India a strong contender for gold. “Although I’m not playing, I’m here at the heart of the battle,” he said. “As captain, it’s nice to have Magnus on my side.”

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Boxing Champion Oleksandr Usyk Detained at Polish Airport

Boxing Champion Oleksandr Usyk Detained at Polish Airport

By September 18, 2024 0

Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight world champion, was briefly detained at a Polish airport after an incident involving his traveling companion. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Krakow airport as Usyk and his companion attempted to board a flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.

According to Ryanair, the airline operating the flight, Usyk’s companion was denied boarding due to disruptive behavior. Usyk, who was not denied boarding, chose not to board the flight in solidarity with his companion.

Airport police were called to assist after the two men became upset and refused to leave the departure gate. Usyk was handcuffed as a precautionary measure, but was not detained.

Usyk later tweeted that the incident was a “misunderstanding” that was quickly resolved. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment over the incident, stating that he was “disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.”

The incident has sparked controversy, with some questioning the treatment of Usyk, who is a national hero in Ukraine. However, airport officials have defended their actions, stating that they were following standard procedures.

Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles, is considered one of the greatest boxers of his generation. He is expected to face Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated rematch in the near future.

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Indian Hockey Stars Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh Nominated for FIH Awards

Indian Hockey Stars Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh Nominated for FIH Awards

By September 18, 2024 0

India’s hockey stars, Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, have been nominated for the prestigious FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards, respectively. The nominations recognize their exceptional performances in leading India to a bronze medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics.

Harmanpreet, the team’s captain, was a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament. His 10 goals made him the highest scorer, showcasing his remarkable drag-flicking skills. He will face stiff competition from Thierry Brinkman (Netherlands), Joep de Mol (Netherlands), Hannes Müller (Germany), and Zach Wallace (England) for the Player of the Year award.

Sreejesh, a veteran goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in India’s success. His resolute defense, particularly in the quarterfinal against Great Britain when India was reduced to 10 men, was crucial in securing the team’s victory. He will compete against Pirmin Blaak (Netherlands), Luis Calzado (Spain), Jean-Paul Danneberg (Germany), and Tomas Santiago (Argentina) for the Goalkeeper of the Year honor.

The FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards are highly coveted accolades in the hockey world. The nominees were selected by an Expert Panel composed of players, coaches, and officials from each Continental Federation. The voting process will remain open until October 11, with national associations, fans, players, coaches, officials, and media having a say in determining the winners.

The nominations of Harmanpreet and Sreejesh are a testament to the resurgence of Indian hockey. Their performances have inspired a new generation of players and brought the sport back into the limelight. The awards ceremony will be held in November, where the winners will be announced and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the game.

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Pakistan Hockey's Decline: Factionalism, Mismanagement, and Lack of Funds

Pakistan Hockey’s Decline: Factionalism, Mismanagement, and Lack of Funds

By September 17, 2024 0

Pakistan hockey, once a global powerhouse, has been in a state of decline for the past two decades. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, the team’s struggles have persisted since its last major medal in 2010. Factionalism, mismanagement, and lack of funds have further exacerbated the situation, resulting in Pakistan languishing at 16th position in the world rankings.

The ongoing Asian Champions Trophy marked Pakistan’s first major tournament in a long time, but it came with its own set of challenges. Roelant Oltmans, the team’s coach at the time, declined to travel due to financial constraints, leading to Tahir Zaman’s appointment at the last minute.

Zaman, an FIH master coach with over 20 years of experience, acknowledged the long road ahead for Pakistan hockey. He emphasized the need to analyze player performance, address technical and tactical issues, and instill confidence in the team. However, he admitted that significant improvements could not be achieved without proper training sessions.

Captain Ammad Butt attributed Pakistan’s struggles to a lack of experience, particularly in international competitions. He highlighted the team’s inability to perform consistently against top-ranked opponents and called for more exposure to high-level matches.

The PHF itself has been plagued by internal divisions, with two factions claiming legitimacy. This has hindered the federation’s ability to provide adequate support and resources to the national team. Zaman emphasized the need for a stable and unified PHF to address the systemic issues affecting Pakistan hockey.

He outlined plans to upgrade the domestic hockey structure, establish a professional hockey league, and allocate a budget for international travel and matches against top teams. He also stressed the importance of reviving the national junior championships and establishing a junior league.

Butt agreed that the system back home needed fixing. He pointed to the lack of grassroots hockey and the need to identify and train young talent. He also criticized the frequent changes in the coaching staff, which he believed hindered the team’s progress.

Zaman acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism about Pakistan hockey’s revival. He emphasized the need for continuity and a long-term plan to achieve sustainable success.

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India Dominates Budapest Olympiad, Poised for Record-Breaking Finish

India Dominates Budapest Olympiad, Poised for Record-Breaking Finish

By September 17, 2024 0

A decade ago, India made history at the Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway, winning its first medal since its debut in 1956. Led by K Sasikiran, the team finished third behind China and Hungary.

Fast forward to 2023, and India stands as the sole leader at the halfway mark of the Budapest Olympiad. With all their matches won so far, the team is poised for a record-breaking finish.

This time, India’s dominance is not surprising. Its top players, aged 18-21, have been making waves individually, with jaw-dropping performances in the World Cup, Candidates, and World Championship.

The team’s strength lies in its youth and talent. The top three boards average an age of 19, with two of them ranked among the world’s top five. They have been crushing their opponents with machine-like precision.

Arjun Erigaisi, ranked fourth in the world, has a flawless 6/6 score. Gukesh, who missed the first round, has been equally dominant with four wins and a draw. His performances have caught the attention of world No.1 Magnus Carlsen and reigning world champion Ding Liren.

In Round 7, India will face China, with a potential face-off between Ding and Gukesh. China has been shaky in recent times, but remains a formidable opponent.

The Indian women’s team is also performing well, having beaten every team they have faced. Divya Deshmukh has been a standout performer, winning five of her six games and closing in on Elo 2500.

The Indian teams won bronze medals at the last Olympiad in 2022. This time, they are aiming for gold. With five rounds remaining, anything is possible. However, one thing is clear: India has emerged as a world-dominating chess nation, and the future looks bright.

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India Clinch Fifth Asian Champions Trophy Title with 1-0 Win over China

India Clinch Fifth Asian Champions Trophy Title with 1-0 Win over China

By September 17, 2024 0

India’s dominance in the Asian Champions Trophy continued as they clinched their fifth title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over hosts China in the final. The defending champions showcased their resilience and determination throughout the tournament, winning all their matches.

The match started with India as the favorites, having defeated China 3-0 in the opening league game. However, the final proved to be a close affair. China defended resolutely and troubled India with quick counterattacks.

Despite India’s dominance in possession, they struggled to break through the Chinese defense in the first three quarters. Raj Kumar Pal and Nilakanta Sharma had early chances, but Chinese goalkeeper Wang Weihao denied them.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 51st minute by defender Jugraj Singh. India captain Harmanpreet Singh made a brilliant run into the Chinese circle and passed the ball to Jugraj, who slotted it past the goalkeeper.

China fought back with renewed vigor, earning penalty corners in the 38th and 40th minutes. However, India goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak stood firm.

With four minutes remaining, China withdrew their goalkeeper for an extra field player. But India held on to their lead, defending in numbers and securing their fifth Asian Champions Trophy title.

India’s victory was a testament to their team spirit and tactical discipline. They controlled the game for long periods and never panicked under pressure. China, despite being in only their second international tournament final, showed great resilience and determination.

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