India's Cycling Potential Soars with International Coaching and Strategic Roadmap

India’s Cycling Potential Soars with International Coaching and Strategic Roadmap

India’s cycling potential has been gaining recognition, with the arrival of French coach Kevin Sireau in January 2023 marking a strategic shift towards Olympic success. Sireau’s guidance has already yielded remarkable improvements, including a personal best timing of 44.451 seconds in the Asian Track Cycling Championship sprint race.

The quartet of Esow Alben, Y Rojit Singh, Ronaldo, and David have emerged as the face of Indian cycling, showcasing their prowess with a historic team sprint gold at the 2019 World Junior Track Cycling Championship and Ronaldo’s silver at the 2022 Asian Track Cycling Championship.

Jacques Landry, UCI WCC Director, believes India has the potential to become a cycling powerhouse in Asia. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach, including talent identification, coach education, and a robust competition calendar.

Landry highlights the importance of focusing on younger disciplines like BMX Racing and BMX Freestyle, which emphasize physical strength and technical proficiency. He also suggests hosting international events in India to boost popularity and attract more talent.

Despite the progress, Landry acknowledges the challenges India faces, including a lack of cycling history and limited financial support. He stresses the need for recurrent talent identification initiatives and qualified coaches to nurture the country’s potential.

Sireau has set a target for India to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Landry believes this goal is realistic, given the country’s population size and the potential for talent identification. He also emphasizes the importance of hosting international events to foster growth.

Landry explains that performance drop-offs from junior to elite levels can be attributed to factors such as increased competition depth and dropout rates. He suggests that juniors focus on minimizing the gap between their times and elite performances.

Mental strength plays a crucial role in cycling, as it encompasses psychological, tactical, and technical aspects. Landry emphasizes the importance of maintaining good mental health and focusing on psychological aspects to enhance performance.

The UCI WCC is collaborating with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) to enhance its capacity in various areas. The WCC is sharing its expertise in talent identification, infrastructure development, and athlete development.

Landry cites the success of the UCI WCC’s development programs in countries like China and South Korea. He believes the Delhi satellite can play a similar role in South Asia, fostering cycling growth and leading to Olympic and Paralympic qualification.

India's Fast Bowlers Pose Challenge for Australia in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India’s Fast Bowlers Pose Challenge for Australia in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia’s hopes of ending their decade-long Border-Gavaskar Trophy drought against India have been dealt a blow by the visitors’ formidable fast bowling attack, according to star batter Marnus Labuschagne.

India has dominated the bilateral Test series against Australia since 2014-15, winning the last two series 2-1 in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Labuschagne believes that India’s fast bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, pose a significant challenge in Australian conditions.

“India’s fast bowling is very good, which is really what brings them in Australian conditions and make them such a tough team to beat in Australian conditions,” Labuschagne told Star Sports.

The middle-order mainstay emphasized that the rivalry between Australia and India is always intense, regardless of where it is played.

“There is always high anticipation. To these two teams, it doesn’t matter where we’re playing, if it’s in England, Australia, or India, it’s always a tough contest,” he said.

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon echoed Labuschagne’s sentiments, describing the Indian players as “superstars” and expressing his eagerness to renew his on-field rivalry with India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

“I’ve always said throughout my whole career (that) I want to compete against the best and you look through the whole Indian line-up, the whole squad, there’s absolute superstars everywhere,” he said.

“I know Ashwin, we debuted around similar times and we’ve competed against each other in a number of series. I have got nothing but respect for him. He is an absolute master in the craft of off-spin bowling and it’s been an absolute privilege to play against him and learn off him,” said Lyon.

All-rounder Cameron Green suggested that the five-Test series between India and Australia, starting on November 22 at Perth, could be a “preview” for the final of the World Test Championship next year.

India leads the WTC table for the 2023-25 cycle with 68.52 percentage points and 74 points, followed by Australia with 62.50 percentage points and 90 points.

The WTC final will be played at Lord’s from June 11-15 next year and could feature both the current top two teams once again. India have featured in the summit clashes of the WTC on both occasions but have lost to New Zealand (2019-21) and Australia (2021-23).

“Every single point is pretty crucial for the World Test Championship. Anyway you can kind of (or) get an idea of (to) how to get one up on your opponent, we’ll try and take,” Green said.

“If it is a bit of a preview for a World Test Championship final again, yeah, we’ve been trying to get as much information out of India and see how we can win it again,” he added.

Shubman Gill's Duleep Trophy Woes Continue as Navdeep Saini Strikes

Shubman Gill’s Duleep Trophy Woes Continue as Navdeep Saini Strikes

Shubman Gill’s Duleep Trophy Woes Continue as Navdeep Saini Strikes

India’s highly-rated opener Shubman Gill endured another disappointing outing in the Duleep Trophy, failing to make a significant contribution for the second consecutive innings. Playing for India A against India B, Gill’s hopes of a strong opening partnership with Mayank Agarwal were dashed by the brilliance of Navdeep Saini.

Saini, who has been in impressive form throughout the match, delivered a widish delivery that Gill deemed safe to leave alone. However, the ball had other ideas, crashing into Gill’s stumps and leaving him stunned. The dismissal highlighted Gill’s struggles in the tournament, as he has failed to convert his starts into substantial scores.

Saini’s impact on the match extended beyond his bowling performance. He also contributed a valuable 56 runs off 144 balls, forging an important partnership with Musheer Khan to help India B post a respectable total of 321 runs.

India B’s batting had initially struggled, losing seven wickets for just 94 runs. However, Musheer and Saini steadied the ship, adding an unbeaten 108 runs to guide their team to a competitive position. Musheer played a patient knock of 105 runs off 227 balls, while Saini chipped in with an unbeaten 29 off 74 deliveries.

For India A, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, and Avesh Khan each claimed two wickets, while one wicket came via a runout.

Gill’s dismissal will be a concern for the Indian team management, as he is seen as a key player in the future. The young opener has shown glimpses of his talent, but he needs to find consistency and convert his starts into big scores.

Vinesh Phogat Resigns from Indian Railways Amid Congress Speculation

Vinesh Phogat Resigns from Indian Railways Amid Congress Speculation

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has resigned from her position as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with the Indian Railways, citing personal reasons. The resignation comes amid speculation that she may join the Congress party and contest the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.

Phogat, 30, is a renowned wrestler who has won numerous medals at the international level, including a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships. She was disqualified from the 50kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics for being overweight by 100 grams, a decision that she appealed against but was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In her resignation letter, Phogat expressed her gratitude to the Indian Railways for the opportunity to serve the nation. She stated that she was unable to perform her duties as OSD due to family circumstances and personal reasons. She requested that her resignation be accepted with immediate effect and that one month’s salary be deposited in lieu of her one month’s notice period.

Phogat’s resignation has sparked speculation that she may join the Congress party and contest the Haryana assembly elections next month. She met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier this week, leading to widespread rumors of her political ambitions.

If Phogat does join the Congress party, it would be a significant boost for the party’s campaign in Haryana. She is a popular figure in the state and has a strong following among the youth. Her decision to enter politics could also inspire other athletes to consider a career in public service.

India's Fab Five Conquer England at Headingley

India’s Fab Five Conquer England at Headingley

India’s Transformation from “Tigers at Home, Lambs Abroad” to Global Conquerors

In the late 1990s, the Indian cricket team was known for its formidable home record but struggled to perform overseas. However, the appointment of Sourav Ganguly as captain in 2000 marked a turning point.

Under Ganguly’s leadership, India’s batting unit, known as the “Fab Five,” emerged as a dominant force. Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Ganguly, and Virender Sehwag formed a formidable lineup that could challenge any bowling attack.

By 2002, when India toured England for a four-match Test series, the team had undergone a significant transformation. Dravid had become a rock-solid anchor, Tendulkar’s batting had matured, Laxman had established himself as a match-winner, Ganguly was a fearless leader, and Sehwag had proven his explosive potential.

In the second Test at Nottingham, India faced a daunting task after losing the first Test at Lord’s. However, the Dravid-Tendulkar-Ganguly trio came to the rescue. Dravid scored a gritty 115, while Tendulkar and Ganguly fell just short of centuries with scores of 92 and 99, respectively.

The third Test at Headingley, Leeds, witnessed a historic moment. Batting first, India piled up a mammoth 628/8, their highest team total at the venue. Dravid laid the foundation with a patient 148, adding 170 runs with Sanjay Bangar and 150 with Tendulkar.

Tendulkar and Ganguly then unleashed a batting masterclass, smashing three sixes each and hitting 19 and 14 fours, respectively. Their partnership of 335 runs for the fourth wicket was a testament to their dominance. Tendulkar fell for 193, while Ganguly was dismissed for 128, but their contributions had set the stage for an emphatic victory.

India’s spinners, led by Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble, then took over, bowling England out for 234 and 204 to secure a memorable innings and 46-run victory.

This triumph at Headingley was a watershed moment for Indian cricket. It marked the team’s emergence as a global force, capable of winning anywhere in the world. The “Tigers at home, lambs abroad” tag was a thing of the past, as India had transformed into a formidable opponent on any stage.

England Eye Clean Sweep as Sri Lanka Seek Redemption in Third Test

England Eye Clean Sweep as Sri Lanka Seek Redemption in Third Test

England, riding high on a 2-0 lead, aims to seal a clean sweep against Sri Lanka in the third and final Test match of the series. The hosts have been in imperious form throughout the series, showcasing the depth of their squad with impressive performances from both established and emerging players.

Joe Root has been the talisman for England, leading from the front with his prolific batting. However, the likes of Jamie Smith, Matthew Potts, and Gus Atkinson have also made significant contributions, proving their worth in the international arena.

For Sri Lanka, the task ahead is daunting. They have struggled to match England’s intensity and skill, and a turnaround in fortunes is imperative if they are to avoid a whitewash. The visitors will need their senior players, such as Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews, to step up and inspire the team.

The third Test promises to be an intriguing contest, with England seeking to maintain their dominance and Sri Lanka desperate to salvage some pride. The match will be played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, starting on June 23.

Joe Root Surpasses Cook, Eyes Tendulkar's Test Run Record

Joe Root Surpasses Cook, Eyes Tendulkar’s Test Run Record

Joe Root’s remarkable form in Test cricket continues to soar, with the England batter etching his name into the history books. In the second Test against Sri Lanka, Root notched up two centuries, surpassing Alastair Cook as England’s leading century-maker in the format. With 34 tons to his name, Root now stands as the most prolific English batter in Test cricket.

Root’s exceptional performance has sparked speculation about whether he can surpass the all-time run-scoring record held by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar amassed an astonishing 15,921 runs in Test cricket, a feat that has remained unmatched for over a decade.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Root has the potential to break Tendulkar’s record. “He has three and a half thousand runs to trail by. He has three years. Unless his back snaps, he is the most enthusiastic lover of the game,” Vaughan said. “I don’t think he is going to get away. He is no longer the captain and knows his game better than ever before. I’ll be amazed if he doesn’t.”

Vaughan also acknowledged the significance of Root’s achievement for Test cricket. “If Joe goes past Sachin, it will be the best thing that would ever happen to Test cricket, because there’s no way BCCI would want an England player at the top of the list. They’ll want an Indian at the top so that will secure Test match cricket because it’ll take forever for someone to get past him.”

Legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist, however, expressed caution. “Don’t know. How old is he? 33? He’s a youngster. I have no idea when his appetite is going to slow down. He is clearly pretty hungry at the moment. But does he have the desire to go on? He is going to phase himself out of white ball completely. Sorry, I will answer that question about Joe after the Ashes next year.”

Root’s journey to the top of England’s batting charts has been marked by consistency and resilience. The 33-year-old has amassed over 12,000 Test runs, averaging over 50. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his unwavering determination have made him one of the most respected batters in the world.

As Root continues to pile up runs, the debate over whether he can surpass Tendulkar’s record will intensify. While the task is undoubtedly daunting, Root’s unwavering focus and exceptional talent suggest that he has the potential to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Shahid Afridi's Record-Breaking Century: The Sachin Tendulkar Bat Connection

Shahid Afridi’s Record-Breaking Century: The Sachin Tendulkar Bat Connection

Shahid Afridi’s Historic Century: The Sachin Tendulkar Bat Connection

Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan all-rounder, holds a special place in cricket history for his blistering batting exploits. One of his most iconic achievements was scoring the fastest century in ODI cricket, a record he held for many years. However, behind this remarkable feat lies a fascinating story involving the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

In 1996, Afridi smashed a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in Nairobi, setting a new benchmark for the fastest ODI ton. This achievement earned him the nickname “Boom-Boom” and cemented his status as one of Pakistan’s finest attacking batters.

But what many may not know is that Afridi used Sachin Tendulkar’s bat to achieve this historic milestone. In a YouTube video, Afridi revealed that he had received the bat from Waqar Younis, who had asked him to use it in the match.

“I have safely kept the bat with which I played my first innings. The bat created history. It was Sachin’s bat and he is one of my favorite players, and I created a world record from his bat,” Afridi said.

Afridi’s former teammate, Azhar Mahmood, also shed light on the significance of the Sachin Tendulkar bat. He recalled that the Sri Lankan openers were known for their aggressive batting, and Pakistan needed someone to counter them. Afridi, who was primarily a bowler, was given the opportunity to bat at number three.

“Afridi went against the spinners, murdering everyone in the nets,” Mahmood said. “Next day, we got the game against Sri Lanka and they said he (Afridi) is batting at number three. I think Waqar (Younis) got a bat from Sachin (Tendulkar), he used the great Sachin’s bat and managed to get a hundred and after that, he became a batsman.”

Afridi’s century not only broke the record for the fastest ODI ton but also transformed his career. He went on to become a prolific batsman, known for his explosive hitting and match-winning performances.

The story of Afridi’s century and the Sachin Tendulkar bat is a testament to the camaraderie and respect that exists within the cricket fraternity. It also highlights the impact that a simple gesture can have on a player’s career and the enduring legacy of legends like Sachin Tendulkar.

Musheer Khan Emerges as Mumbai's Rising Star with Duleep Trophy Heroics

Musheer Khan Emerges as Mumbai’s Rising Star with Duleep Trophy Heroics

Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, is rapidly establishing himself as a prodigious talent in the Mumbai cricket nursery. His recent exploits in the Duleep Trophy, where he scored a magnificent 181 for India B, have further cemented his reputation as a batsman to watch out for.

Hailing from the famed Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Musheer honed his skills under the watchful eye of his father, Naushad Khan, a former first-class cricketer. At the tender age of 8, he broke his brother’s record as the youngest player to debut in the Kanga League. His bowling prowess, with 25 wickets to his name, also earned him recognition.

Musheer’s consistent performances in age-group cricket propelled him into the Mumbai squad for the U19 Cooch Behar Trophy in 2022. The tournament proved to be a springboard for his Ranji Trophy debut. With an impressive tally of 632 runs and 32 wickets, he was named ‘Player of the Tournament’ and earned his entry into first-class cricket.

Despite a disappointing Ranji Trophy debut, Musheer bounced back in style in the U-25 CK Nayudu Trophy, smashing 339 runs against Hyderabad. His century (139) and three wickets in the final of the U19 One Day Challenger Trophy further showcased his all-round abilities.

These performances earned him a place in the U-19 India squad for the Asia Cup and the 2024 U-19 World Cup in South Africa. In the World Cup, Musheer emerged as India’s second-highest scorer with 360 runs and also claimed seven wickets with his left-arm spin.

Musheer’s confidence soared after his double century (203) in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Baroda. He further enhanced his credentials with a century in the Ranji final against Vidarbha, becoming the youngest Mumbai player to achieve this feat.

His latest heroics in the Duleep Trophy, where he rescued India B from a precarious position with a fighting 181, have further highlighted his potential. While his inclusion in India’s Test squad for the upcoming series remains uncertain, it seems only a matter of time before he dons the national jersey alongside his brother Sarfaraz.

Neeraj Chopra Qualifies for Diamond League Finale Despite Groin Injury

Neeraj Chopra Qualifies for Diamond League Finale Despite Groin Injury

India’s javelin throw sensation Neeraj Chopra has secured his spot in the prestigious Diamond League season finale, scheduled for September 14-15 in Brussels. Despite battling a persistent groin injury, Chopra’s impressive performances throughout the season have earned him a place among the top four athletes in the overall standings.

Chopra’s journey to the Diamond League finale began with a second-place finish in Doha, where he threw 89.30m. He replicated this feat in Lausanne, finishing behind Grenada’s Anderson Peters with a throw of 89.08m. These performances earned him 14 points, placing him fourth in the overall standings.

The 26-year-old Haryana-born athlete has been grappling with a groin injury since before the Tokyo Olympics, which has hindered his pursuit of the elusive 90m mark. Despite this setback, Chopra has remained determined to overcome his physical challenges and regain his peak form.

In the recently concluded Zurich meet, Peters emerged victorious with a throw of 90.61m, while German star Julian Weber finished second. Chopra opted to skip this meet to prioritize his recovery and preparation for the Diamond League finale.

Chopra’s participation in the Diamond League finale holds significant importance as the winner of each event is awarded a prestigious “Diamond Trophy,” a cash prize of USD 30,000, and a wild card for the World Athletics Championships.

The Indian javelin thrower has a strong track record in the Diamond League, having won the Lausanne leg in 2022 and 2023. He also finished second to Jakub Vadlejch in the winner-takes-all finale in Eugene, USA, last year.

Chopra’s immediate focus is on addressing his groin injury and regaining full fitness. He has expressed his determination to improve his technique and push the boundaries of his performance in the upcoming season.

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