Mohammad Tayyab Ikram Set to Continue as FIH President

Mohammad Tayyab Ikram Set to Continue as FIH President

Incumbent Mohammad Tayyab Ikram is poised to extend his tenure as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) president for another four years, as he stands unopposed in the upcoming elections. The nomination period concluded on August 31, and the Elections Oversight Panel (EOP) has verified that all submissions met the required standards.

Ikram, a Pakistan-born Macau native, initially took over the presidency in 2022 for a two-year term following Narinder Batra’s resignation. This upcoming term will mark his first full four-year tenure.

Alongside Ikram’s uncontested bid, three candidates have emerged for each of the two Executive Board member positions (male and female). Elections for these roles will be held at the 49th FIH Congress in Muscat on November 9.

Japan's Men's Hockey Team Aims for Asian Champions Trophy Glory

Japan’s Men’s Hockey Team Aims for Asian Champions Trophy Glory

Japan’s men’s hockey team, under the leadership of 24-year-old captain Raiki Fujishima, is embarking on a challenging journey to regain its former glory. After a remarkable triumph at the 2018 Asian Games, the team has struggled to maintain its position in the FIH rankings, hovering between 14th and 18th place.

Hosting the next edition of the Asian Games in 2026, Japan is determined to make a strong comeback. The ongoing Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China, serves as a crucial stepping stone in their preparation. “We are a young team, and every match is a learning experience for us,” said Fujishima. “We are gaining valuable insights and building a positive mindset.”

Fujishima took over the captaincy from veteran Masaki Ohashi after a disappointing performance at the Olympic Qualifiers in January. With five members from the Tokyo Olympics in the ranks, including former captain Manabu Yamashita, Fujishima acknowledges the team’s lack of experience. “The team that won the 2018 Asian Games had ample opportunities to prepare, which was evident on the field,” he explained. “Since then, we have had limited chances to grow.”

Under the guidance of new coach Yoshihiro Anai, Japan is rebuilding its team with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 2026 Asian Games at home will be a significant milestone in their journey. “We have a lot of areas to improve in the next two years,” said Anai. “Positioning, attacking, and risk management are key areas of focus.”

Anai also conducted a SWOT analysis of the team. “Our strength lies in our discipline, but our lack of experience against higher-ranked teams is a challenge,” he said. “However, the Asian Champions Trophy provides an opportunity to gain crucial ranking points.”

Japan’s goal is to reach the final and ultimately win the tournament. With a young and determined team, they are eager to prove their worth and set the stage for future success.

WTC Race Heats Up: Sri Lanka, India, Australia Lead the Charge

WTC Race Heats Up: Sri Lanka, India, Australia Lead the Charge

The World Test Championship (WTC) is heating up as teams vie for a spot in the Lord’s final. With 12 series remaining, the race for the top two positions is intensifying.

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka’s victory at The Oval has boosted their chances of a top-two finish. If they win all six remaining matches, they will reach 69.23%, likely securing their place in the final. Five wins would still keep them in contention with 61.54%.

England:

England’s defeat to Sri Lanka has dashed their hopes of reaching 60%. Their maximum achievable percentage is now 57.95%, which could be enough if other results favor them. However, they will need help from other teams to finish second.

India:

India remains atop the standings with 68.52%. To maintain their percentage above 60%, they need 63 more points, which they can achieve with five wins and a draw. Six wins would increase their percentage to 64.03%, while seven wins would match their current score of 69.3%.

Australia:

Australia, currently in second place, needs 47 more points from their remaining seven Tests to stay above 60%. They can achieve this with four wins or three wins and three draws. Their final standing will largely depend on their performance in the five-Test home series against India.

Bangladesh:

Bangladesh’s series win in Pakistan has propelled them to fourth place. If they win all six remaining Tests, they will reach 72.92%, while four wins would keep them at 56.25%.

Pakistan:

Pakistan’s loss to Bangladesh and slow over-rate penalties have dropped their percentage to 19.05%. Their maximum achievable percentage is 59.52%, which requires them to win all seven remaining Tests.

New Zealand:

New Zealand has played only six of their 14 Tests. They need at least 65 points from their remaining eight Tests to reach 60%. However, three of those Tests will be in India, making it a challenging task.

South Africa:

South Africa can reach 69.44% if they win all six remaining Tests. They have home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but a two-Test series in Bangladesh could prove tricky.

West Indies:

West Indies have only scored 20 points from four series. Even if they win their last four Tests, they can only finish on 43.59%.

Madan Lal: The Bowler Who Delivered India's First World Cup Ball

Madan Lal: The Bowler Who Delivered India’s First World Cup Ball

India’s Historic Debut in the Inaugural ODI World Cup: Madan Lal’s Pivotal Role

On June 7, 1975, at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, India embarked on a historic journey in the inaugural One-Day International (ODI) World Cup, officially known as the Prudential Cup. The tournament marked a watershed moment in cricket, introducing the thrilling format of 60-over matches.

India’s bowling attack, renowned for its skill and versatility, featured six formidable bowlers: Madan Lal, Mohinder Amarnath, Syed Abid Ali, Karsan Ghavri, Srinivas Venkataraghavan, and Eknath Solkar. It was Madan Lal who etched his name in the annals of history by delivering the first ball for India in this groundbreaking tournament.

Lal, known for his impeccable accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways, played a pivotal role in India’s bowling attack during the early years of limited-overs cricket. His disciplined bowling was a key factor in India’s success in the nascent ODI format.

However, the match against hosts England proved to be a challenging one for India. England, led by Dennis Amiss’s brilliant 137, amassed a formidable total of 334 for 4 in their allotted 60 overs. In response, India struggled to keep pace, managing only 132 for 3, with Sunil Gavaskar famously playing a defensive innings of 36 runs off 174 balls, including a solitary boundary.

Despite India’s defeat in their opening match, Madan Lal’s role as the bowler who delivered the first ball of India’s World Cup history remains a significant achievement. His contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in the ODI format, extended beyond this moment. He was a key member of the Indian team that triumphed in the 1983 World Cup, a victory that transformed the nation’s cricketing landscape.

Indian Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan Elected Vice-Chair of OCA Athletes Committee

Indian Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan Elected Vice-Chair of OCA Athletes Committee

India’s Shiva Keshavan Elected Vice-Chair of Olympic Council of Asia Athletes Committee

New Delhi: India’s legendary winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the Athletes Committee of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). This marks a significant milestone for Indian sports, as Keshavan becomes the first Indian to hold such a prestigious position within the OCA.

The OCA Athletes Committee, established for the first time at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022, plays a crucial role in representing the interests of athletes across Asia. The committee consists of a Chair and a minimum of five members, with a term of four years. Chinese table tennis legend Ding Ning serves as the Chair of the committee.

Keshavan’s election to the Vice-Chair position is a testament to his unwavering commitment to athlete welfare and his dedication to promoting the Olympic values. As a five-time Olympian, Keshavan has represented India with distinction in the Winter Olympics, competing in the luge event.

“I am deeply honored to join the OCA Athletes Commission as Vice-Chair,” said Keshavan. “I look forward to collaborating with our esteemed commission members to create a supportive environment where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential through sport.”

Keshavan’s appointment to the OCA Athletes Committee is a reflection of India’s growing stature in the global sporting arena. Under the visionary leadership of Randhir Singh, who was recently elected unopposed as President of the OCA for a four-year term, India is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of sports in Asia.

“Asia is experiencing rapid growth and development,” said Keshavan. “The future of sport indeed lies in Asia. I believe India, under the visionary leadership of Randhir Singh ji, is poised to play a significant role in shaping this future.”

Keshavan’s election to the OCA Athletes Committee is a proud moment for India and a testament to his unwavering commitment to athlete empowerment and the promotion of sportsmanship.

India's Paralympic Heroes Receive Grand Welcome and Cash Awards

India’s Paralympic Heroes Receive Grand Welcome and Cash Awards

India’s Paralympic heroes received a grand welcome and cash awards upon their return from the Paris Paralympics, where they achieved a historic medal haul of 29. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced cash rewards of Rs 75 lakh for gold medallists, Rs 50 lakh for silver winners, and Rs 30 lakh for bronze medallists. Mixed team event participants, such as archer Sheetal Devi, received Rs 22.5 lakh.

Mandaviya pledged full support and facilities for para-athletes to excel in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. He highlighted India’s remarkable progress in Paralympics, from 4 medals in 2016 to 19 in Tokyo and 29 in Paris, securing an 18th place finish.

India’s Paralympic campaign culminated with a remarkable 29 medals, including 7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze, surpassing the country’s previous best performance. This achievement also marked India’s crossing of the 50-medal mark in Paralympic Games history.

Navdeep Singh’s gold medal in the men’s javelin throw F41 final was India’s 29th and final medal. Despite initial controversy, Navdeep’s silver was upgraded to gold after the Iranian athlete’s disqualification. His coach, Naval Singh, praised Navdeep’s technique, comparing it favorably to Olympic star Neeraj Chopra.

Navdeep acknowledged his coach’s significant role in his success, crediting him for his international-level javelin throwing skills. The coach expressed pride in Navdeep’s achievements and predicted future record-breaking performances.

British Indian Schoolgirl Conquers English Channel for Charity

British Indian Schoolgirl Conquers English Channel for Charity

Prisha Tapre, a 16-year-old British Indian schoolgirl, has etched her name in history as one of the youngest swimmers to conquer the treacherous English Channel. Driven by a desire to combat childhood hunger, she embarked on a four-year training journey that culminated in an 11-hour and 48-minute swim from Dover, England, to Cap Gris Nez, France.

Tapre’s motivation stemmed from a family discussion about the English Channel’s notorious reputation. Despite her young age, she was determined to take on the challenge. With unwavering support from her family and coach, she dedicated herself to rigorous training sessions.

The swim itself was a grueling test of endurance and mental fortitude. Tapre faced choppy waters and jellyfish stings, but she remained focused on her goal. “I just kept thinking, four years you’ve dedicated to this one day of your life. It can’t be that bad,” she said.

Tapre’s determination was fueled by her desire to support Akshaya Patra UK, a charity that provides hot meals to children in need in both England and India. “I wanted a charity that I could relate to,” she explained. “My heart goes out to all those kids who live in poverty, both in England and India, where there’s no promise of a meal at the end of the day.”

Through her swim, Tapre raised an impressive GBP 3,700 for Akshaya Patra UK. Her efforts have not only made a tangible difference in the lives of underprivileged children but have also inspired others to pursue their dreams.

Despite her remarkable achievement, Tapre remains humble and focused on her future. She plans to continue swimming and is considering a career in medicine, possibly related to sports. “I do need a lot more time to focus on my studies, but that will not stop me from continuing swimming because to me it is like free time,” she said.

Tapre’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and the desire to make a positive impact on the world. Her story serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere, reminding them that anything is possible with hard work and a belief in oneself.

Steve Smith's Batting Order in Doubt for India Test Series

Steve Smith’s Batting Order in Doubt for India Test Series

Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald has sparked speculation regarding Steve Smith’s batting position in Tests ahead of the upcoming five-match series against India. Smith, who has been opening the innings with Usman Khawaja since David Warner’s retirement, has struggled for consistency in the role.

Smith’s average as an opener stands at 28.50, significantly lower than his career average of 56.97. This has raised concerns within the team, prompting discussions about a potential change in his batting order.

“That’s the question on everyone’s lips, isn’t it?” McDonald told SEN. “Whilst we’ve got an eye to it, we haven’t made any firm decisions around that one. There’s plenty of speculation around that. But in the background, I’d be lying if I said the conversation wasn’t happening.”

McDonald emphasized that Test captain Pat Cummins would play a key role in the decision-making process. “Clearly, Patty Cummins as the captain is a big part of that,” he said. “We’ve already had some chats in Sydney initially around what we’re thinking for the summer.”

The coach also acknowledged the potential impact on other players if Smith’s batting position changes. “If we make a shift with Steve Smith, then someone else will have to go to the top,” McDonald said. “We’ve seen Cameron Green be really successful at number four as well. So that sort of adds layers to the decision-making.”

The first Test between India and Australia will be played in Perth from November 22. The decision on Smith’s batting position is expected to be made before the series begins.

Sabalenka and Sinner Crowned US Open Champions, Ushering in a New Era

Sabalenka and Sinner Crowned US Open Champions, Ushering in a New Era

Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner emerged victorious at the US Open, marking their first triumphs at Flushing Meadows. Sabalenka defeated American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5, while Sinner overcame Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.

Both champions celebrated their victories with their teams. Sabalenka indulged in drinks and good food, including margaritas. Sinner, known for his lean physique, opted for hamburgers and french fries.

Sabalenka’s victory signifies her rise as a consistent contender in the women’s game. Despite health and fitness concerns, she has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Sinner’s triumph is equally significant, as it marks the first time in over two decades that none of the “Big Three” (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer) have won a Grand Slam title.

Sinner’s victory at the Australian Open earlier this year and his recent US Open triumph solidify his status as a rising star in men’s tennis. With Federer retired and Nadal facing injury setbacks, Sinner represents the next generation of Grand Slam champions.

The US Open victories of Sabalenka and Sinner mark a new era in tennis, where younger players are challenging the established order. Their triumphs are a testament to their talent, determination, and the changing landscape of the sport.

Harry Lee: The Cricketer Who Returned from the Dead

Harry Lee: The Cricketer Who Returned from the Dead

In the midst of the horrors of World War I, a remarkable tale of survival and resilience unfolded. Harry Lee, a promising Middlesex cricketer, enlisted in the British Army in 1915. Amidst the carnage of the Battle of Aubers Ridge, he was presumed dead, and his family mourned his loss.

However, fate had a different plan. Lee miraculously survived a bullet wound and was taken prisoner by German forces. After six weeks in a French hospital, he was released and returned to England. Despite being informed that his left leg would be permanently shorter, Lee refused to give up his passion for cricket.

He played for the Royal Army Service Corps and later moved to India, where he coached cricket and football for the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. In 1918, he made his first-class cricket comeback in India, taking five wickets in his debut match.

Upon the war’s end, Lee returned to Middlesex and resumed his cricketing career. He scored over 1,000 runs in 13 seasons, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. In 1931, at the age of 39, Lee received his long-awaited Test call-up for England.

Despite his remarkable journey, Lee’s Test debut was bittersweet. He played in the third Test against South Africa but never received his official Test cap due to a dispute with a school where he worked in South Africa. Nevertheless, he was awarded an England touring cap by Jack Hobbs.

Harry Lee’s story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human resilience. From the trenches of war to the cricket field, he overcame adversity and achieved his dreams, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of cricket history.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart