Category sports

Gurugram, Feb 10: Lotus Petal Senior Secondary School (LPSSS) successfully hosted its Annual Sports Day 2025–26 at the school playground, bringing together students, staff, alumni, and parents for a vibrant celebration of athletic excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The event gained special significance with the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Harsh Gill, leading Indian professional boxer and one of the country’s top cruiserweight contenders.

Mr. Gill was felicitated during the opening ceremony and interacted warmly with students. Addressing the gathering, he praised the school’s thoughtful organisation and the energy of the young participants. He reminded students that teachers and parents play an equal role in shaping their future and encouraged them to pursue their goals with discipline, hard work, and consistency.

Founder of Lotus Petal Foundation, Mr. Kushal Chakravorty, highlighted the importance of sports in holistic development. He observed that a person’s conduct on the field often mirrors their character in life, and that sports nurture integrity, perseverance, and teamwork. He urged students to balance academics and sports to grow into confident and well-rounded individuals.

The programme commenced with a formal welcome, followed by the torch lighting ceremony, march past, oath taking, and the National Anthem. Cultural performances added colour to the day, including a Tiny Tots dance, a synchronized Mass PT display by primary students, and an energetic Zumba performance by the senior wing.

A series of track and field events showcased the enthusiasm of young athletes, featuring skipping races, hurdles, obstacle courses, bean balance races, combat races, and inter-house relays. Medal ceremonies across segments celebrated student achievement and fair play. Alumni and PLC participants joined select events, while staff relays and a lively tug-of-war between students and teachers became crowd favourites.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a victory lap by the winning house. For Lotus Petal Foundation, Sports Day remains more than a competition—it is a platform to strengthen resilience, teamwork, and determination among students.

New Delhi, Feb 10:  Indian kickboxing sensation Sudhir Saxena has once again elevated the nation’s standing in combat sports by securing a Silver Medal at the 5th India Open International Kickboxing Cup. The elite championship, sanctioned by the WAKO India Kickboxing Federation, took place at the iconic Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from February 4th to 8th, 2026.

Facing a grueling draw against some of the world’s most formidable fighters, Saxena displayed a masterclass in resilience and technique. His silver-medal performance is a testament to his “never-say-die” spirit, proving that grit and discipline can overcome the toughest odds on the international stage.

A Victory Built on Family and Faith

Behind Sudhir’s explosive performance in the ring lies a foundation of immense personal sacrifice and family support. Saxena dedicated this victory to his father, Mr. Suresh Saxena, and his wife, Priyanka Gautam, whose relentless encouragement served as his primary motivation during the most exhausting hours of training.

“Every punch I landed and every round I survived was for my family,” Saxena stated. “My father, Suresh Saxena’s vision and my wife, Priyanka Gautam’s unwavering support have been my greatest strengths. This medal is as much theirs as it is mine.”

Fueling the Dream: PNB and Gauravi Foundation

Success at this level requires world-class infrastructure, and Sudhir highlighted the pivotal role of his sponsors. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to Punjab National Bank (PNB) and the Gauravi Foundation for their continued financial and moral sponsorship. Their commitment to nurturing Indian sporting talent has been a cornerstone of his journey from local rings to international podiums.

The Road to Gold

While the silver medal is a significant milestone, Saxena is far from satisfied. With his eyes firmly set on the top of the podium, he is already transitioning back into training mode. “I fought well, but the hunger for gold remains. I am immediately shifting my focus to my upcoming matches, refining my technique to ensure the Indian tricolor flies highest in the next competition,” he added.

Sudhir Saxena continues to be an inspiration for aspiring martial artists across India, proving that with the right backing and a dedicated family, no goal is out of reach.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World Visits the Alma Mater of India’s T20I Skipper Suryakumar Yadav Under the ‘Class of ’26’ Initiative

Navi Mumbai, Feb 07 : The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World marked a significant stop at Pillai College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai, the former college of India’s current T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, as part of the ‘Class of ’26’ initiative. The visit celebrated the academic journey of the Indian captain while inspiring students by bringing them face-to-face with one of cricket’s most coveted trophies.

The event was held in the presence of senior dignitaries from the Mahatma Education Society, institutional heads, and faculty members, with students actively participating in cricket-themed engagements including trivia sessions, tap-the-ball challenges, and wicket-taking activities, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere around the trophy on campus.

The trophy then travelled to Rizvi College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai, the former college of India all-rounder Shivam Dube. The event was attended by senior dignitaries from the Rizvi Education Society, along with the principal and faculty members of Rizvi College of Arts, Science and Commerce. Students interacted with the official mascots while taking part in competitive engagements.

Another stop on the tour was Delhi Public School, Amritsar, the former school of India all-rounder Abhishek Sharma. The visit took place in the presence of Abhishek Sharma’s parents, Mr. Raj Kumar Sharma and Mrs. Manju Sharma, along with school dignitaries and faculty members. Students actively participated in activities including trivia sessions and tap-the-ball challenges, making the experience engaging and memorable.

The trophy also visited Karam Devi Memorial Academy, the former school of India bowler Kuldeep Yadav, where the activation took place in the presence of Kuldeep Yadav’s father and his close friend, along with school dignitaries, representatives from the Kanpur Cricket Association, as students participating in cricket-themed engagements including trivia sessions.

The trophy further travelled to Chandigarh University, Mohali, the former college of India bowler Arshdeep Singh, where the event was attended by Executive Director Student Affairs and Administration, along with faculty members. Students actively participated in interactive activities such as trivia sessions and tap-the-ball challenges, adding to the excitement around the visit.

Through the ‘Class of ’26’ initiative, the Trophy Tour with DP World inspired the next generation as the team looks to defend its title on home soil.

Fans can follow the journey on the official Trophy Tour social media handle, @icctrophytour.

Fans can secure their spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with tickets starting at just INR 100 in India (approximately USD 1.11) and LKR 1,000 in Sri Lanka (approximately USD 3.26).

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from 7 February to 8 March across venues in India and Sri Lanka, including Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (Colombo) and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy).

New Delhi, Feb 5: The 3rd Delhi State Para-Athletics Championships 2025–26 commenced on Thursday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, with over 1,000 para-athletes expected to take part during the three-day championship, reflecting the expanding scale of para-sports in the national capital.

Organised by the Divyang Para Sports Association of Delhi (DPSA Delhi), the championships will run till February 7, featuring track and field events across Under-12, Under-17 (Sub-Junior), Under-19 (Junior) and Above-19 (Senior) categories.

The opening ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Shri Divesh Chandra Srivastava (IPS), Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police; Ankit Singh (IPS), DCP, Dwarka; and Neeraj Basoya, MLA (Kasturba Nagar). Shri Satya Babu, Director of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Shri V K Dubey – Chairman – VKDL NPA Advisory Council and member of Hindi Advisory Committee, Home Ministry was also present, underscoring institutional support from the national paralympic body.

Senior office-bearers of the Delhi Paralympic Committee, including President Parul Singh, Vice-President Gaurav Choudhary and Treasurer Lalit Kumar, were present throughout the opening day.

Addressing the gathering, Parul Singh, President, Delhi Paralympic Committee, said the championships play a critical role in strengthening the competitive pipeline for para-athletes.

“The scale of participation in this championship is extremely encouraging and reflects the determination of para-athletes across age groups. Their zeal, courage and commitment to sport are deeply inspiring. As an organisation, we remain committed to doing our utmost to create sustained opportunities, competitive exposure and a supportive environment that enables athletes with disabilities to realise their full potential,” she said.

MLA Neeraj Basoya highlighted the importance of translating policy intent into on-ground opportunities.
“Schemes like Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana reflect a shift towards empowerment through self-reliance. Sporting platforms like this provide confidence, visibility and opportunity to athletes with disabilities,” he said.

Competitions will continue over the next two days, with para-athletes vying for state honours and progression to higher levels of competition.

Mumbai, Feb 05: GUC Pickleball successfully concluded Season 1 of its Pickleball League on 31st January, marking a significant milestone in its mission to build a strong, inclusive pickleball community in India. The inaugural season witnessed 16 competitive teams, vibrant cultural elements, and overwhelming enthusiasm from GUC members, setting the tone for what promises to be a thriving sporting movement.

Season 1 was designed to go beyond court matches. With cultural touches woven into the experience—music, community interactions, and a celebratory atmosphere—the league reflected GUC Pickleball’s vision of sport as a social and cultural connector. The strong participation and energy from GUC members reaffirmed the growing popularity of pickleball as a sport that brings people together across age groups and backgrounds.

“What made Season 1 special was how naturally people came together. At GUC, we look at platforms like pickleball not just as events, but as communities. This league helped build authentic connections, strengthen team spirit, and create a culture that people genuinely wanted to be part of,” said Maddie, Founder, Glad U Came.

Powered by Strategic Execution

Season 1 of the GUC Pickleball League was conceptualised and executed by How Has Agency, whose strategic planning and on-ground execution played a key role in shaping the league’s structure, engagement, and overall experience. From team formats to community engagement initiatives, the agency helped bring GUC Pickleball’s vision to life.

Building on the success of the first edition, Season 2 of the GUC Pickleball League is already in the works, promising a bigger scale, deeper community involvement, and an even more immersive sporting experience.

Strengthening Team Spirit Through Sport

One of the defining outcomes of Season 1 was the way pickleball fostered collaboration and team spirit. Participants highlighted how the league created meaningful connections, encouraging teamwork, leadership, and camaraderie—reminding players that sport can be a powerful tool to unite people, not just compete.

Jaipur, India, Jan 29:  Raffles Hotels & Resorts is pleased to reaffirm its association with the prestigious Rajasthan Polo Club through the continued sponsorship of the Raffles Sirmour Cup (14 goals)—one of the marquee tournaments of the Jaipur Polo Season. In 2026, Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur come together as co-sponsors, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to heritage-led experiences in India and its enduring belief in preserving and celebrating cultural traditions.

The Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026 will be held from 9–15 February 2026, bringing together distinguished players, patrons and polo enthusiasts to celebrate the rich and storied legacy of the sport in the Pink City.

Founded under the patronage of the Royal Family of Jaipur, the Rajasthan Polo Club remains a proud custodian of Rajasthan’s equestrian heritage. Its historic grounds have, over the decades, welcomed global dignitaries including His Royal Highness Prince Philip and Her Majesty the Queen of England, HRH Prince Charles and the late Lady Diana, and former United States First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, among others. Today, the Club continues to attract exceptional polo talent from India and abroad, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary sporting excellence.

For Raffles, supporting the Sirmour Cup reflects a deep respect for the cultural fabric of Rajasthan. Polo, in this context, represents lineage, craftsmanship, camaraderie and pride—values that align closely with the brand’s philosophy. By championing the tournament, Raffles contributes to preserving this living legacy while offering guests an authentic window into a tradition that continues to define the region.

Commenting on the association, Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Jaipur, said,

“The Jaipur Polo Season is one of the city’s most defining winter traditions, and the Raffles Sirmour Cup holds a special place in that calendar. For Raffles Jaipur, this partnership allows us to deepen our role as a cultural partner—connecting guests with Jaipur’s heritage while celebrating the elegance, excellence and spirit of the sport.”

Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur, added,

“At Raffles Udaipur, our philosophy is rooted in thoughtful hospitality that honours India’s rich cultural heritage. Supporting the Raffles Sirmour Cup strengthens our commitment to preserving tradition and celebrating a sport deeply interwoven with Rajasthan’s identity. We look forward to contributing to a season that brings together legacy, sport and distinguished company.”

Through this continued partnership, Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur honour a cherished sporting tradition while offering guests a refined and immersive glimpse into Jaipur’s most iconic winter moments where heritage, community and the unmistakable charm of Raffles converge on and beyond the polo field.

Rohtak, Jan 24: Rohtak Royals, the franchise representing the city of Rohtak in the inaugural Kabaddi Champions League (KCL), have announced a strong line-up of sponsors for the upcoming season of the KCL. Adroit Sports LLP-owned Rohtak Royals franchisee, has roped in Ixigo as the Official Travel Partner and John Players as the Official Loungewear Partner, while Campus Activewear and MuscleBlaze have come on board as the Official Footwear and Nutrition Partners, respectively. The partnerships mark a significant step for the Rohtak Royals as they prepare for their first-ever campaign in the Kabaddi Champions League, underlining the growing commercial appeal of the franchise and the league.

Commenting on the sponsorship announcements, Aishwarya Bhargava, COO, Rohtak Royals, said,

“We are delighted to welcome Ixigo, John Players, Campus Shoes, and MuscleBlaze to the Rohtak Royals family. These partnerships come at a crucial time as we gear up for the inaugural season of the Kabaddi Champions League. Each of these brands aligns perfectly with our vision of performance, professionalism, and fan engagement, and we look forward to building long-term associations with them.”

Head Coach Surender Nada added,

“Strong support off the mat plays a vital role in a team’s success on the mat. Having reputed brands come on board gives our players added confidence and motivation as we prepare for a challenging season ahead. We are focused on putting up strong performances and representing Rohtak with pride.”

Ixigo, India’s leading online travel platform, comes on board as the Official Travel Partner of Rohtak Royals. Known for its user-friendly interface and data-driven travel solutions, Ixigo will support the team’s travel requirements through the season, ensuring seamless and efficient travel for players and support staff.

John Players, a renowned name in men’s fashion, joins the franchise as the Official Loungewear Partner. With a strong focus on comfort, style, and versatility, John Players’ association adds a touch of modern lifestyle appeal to the Rohtak Royals brand, catering to both athletes and fans alike.

Campus Activewear, one of India’s biggest domestic sports and athleisure lifestyle brands, has been named the Official Footwear Partner of Rohtak Royals. Campus offers a diverse product portfolio for the entire family. With the changing market dynamics, Campus has sustained its focus on product design and innovation by facilitating access to the latest global trends and styles through a fashion-forward approach.

MuscleBlaze, a pioneer in the sports nutrition space in India, has come on board as the Official Nutrition Partner. Trusted by athletes across disciplines, MuscleBlaze will play a key role in supporting the fitness, recovery, and overall performance needs of the Rohtak Royals squad during the season.

Earlier, KMC Constructions Limited joined hands with Adroit Sports Ventures as the Strategic Partner for Rohtak Royals, combining infrastructure-led expertise with a focused sports development vision aligned with “Kheloge Kudoge Banoge Lajawaab.” Backed by Mr. Shashank Shekhar, Director, KMC Constructions Limited, Adroit Sports Ventures operates across talent identification, high-performance training, event management, and sports infrastructure, guided by Mr. Gajendra Sharma and led by Mrs. Aishwarya Bhargava, with the Rohtak Royals franchise jointly owned by Adroit Sports Ventures and Mr. Surender Malik.

Rohtak Royals will begin their inaugural Kabaddi Champions League campaign against Karnal Kings on January 25, 2026. The Kabaddi Champions League is scheduled to be held from January 25 to February 7, featuring eight teams in the league’s first season.

Jaipur, Jan 15:  Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur, successfully organised its 13th Annual National Inter-College Sports Meet on January 9 and 10, 2026, hosting two days of high-energy competition, discipline and sporting excellence on campus. The prestigious event was graced by Mr. Nikhil Doru, former India A cricketer, accomplished Ranji Trophy player, and current Ranji Trophy coach, as the Chief Guest.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Daneshwar Sharma, Director (In-charge), congratulated the organising team for the successful conduct of the 13th edition of the National Sports Meet. Dr. Lokesh Vijayvargy, Dean – Student Affairs, shared that over 850 students from more than 25 colleges across India participated in the two-day sporting extravaganza, making it one of the most vibrant editions to date.

The sports meet commenced with an impressive march past led by the Sports Committee and the Desert Devils Club, symbolising unity, discipline and competitive spirit. This was followed by a soulful Saraswati Vandana, setting an auspicious and inspiring tone for the event.

The inauguration ceremony was further enriched by the presence of Dr. Anbesh Jamwal and Mr. Devesh Vashishta, Faculty Chairs of the Sports Committee and Desert Devils Club, along with Dr. V. K. Tomar, Chief Administrative Officer. Students from Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, also motivated the participants and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the organising team. Dr. Arun Singh Rana delivered the vote of thanks.

The valedictory ceremony witnessed the felicitation of winners across multiple sporting disciplines. First prize winners included UEM (Basketball – Boys), Poornima University (Basketball – Girls, Gully Cricket – Boys, Pickleball – Boys), SKIT (Carrom), University of Maharaja College (Chess), Vivekananda Global University (Cyber Games – BGMI; Table Tennis – Boys Singles and Boys Doubles), MNIT (Football – Boys), Global Institute of Technology (Kho-Kho – Boys), Kanoria College (Kho-Kho – Girls), Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology (Pool Table), Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur (Table Tennis – Girls Singles; Tug of War – Boys), Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida (Tug of War – Girls), and Pareek College (Volleyball – Boys).

The successful conclusion of the 13th National Inter-College Sports Meet reaffirmed Jaipuria Institute of Management’s commitment to promoting sportsmanship, holistic development and a culture of excellence among students.

Bangalore, Jan 13: Students from Greenwood High International School students delivered an outstanding performance at the 17th State Level Bangalore School Olympics – Athletics Championship 2026, with several athletes securing podium finishes at the state-level competition held at the Kitturu Rani Chennamma Stadium, Bengaluru. The students competed against participants from nearly 40 schools across Bengaluru.

The championship, organised by the Youngsters Sports Promoters Trust, featured participation from nearly 40 schools across Bengaluru. Greenwood High students competed across Under-8 to Under-16 age categories in track and field events including javelin throw, hurdles, shot put, and relay races. Greenwood High athletes competed across multiple events over the two-day programme.

Among the medal winners, Aariya Maan (Grade 6) won the Gold Medal in the Under-14 Javelin Throw, demonstrating exceptional technique and competitive spirit. Greenwood High also earned multiple silver medals, including Ansh Sandeep (Grade 4) in the 60m Hurdles, and the Under-12 (4×100m) Relay Team comprising Rohini Sindhu Prasad (Grade 5), Hanvitha Koneru (Grade 6), Ilaria Anna Melvin (Grade 6), and Aayushi Karnath (Grade 6), who delivered a strong team performance on the track. Several other Greenwood High students also won medals across different age categories and events.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School said

“We are immensely proud of our students for their achievements at the Bangalore School Olympics. Their success reflects their dedication and discipline, as well as the consistent guidance provided by our coaches and faculty. Greenwood High continues to prioritise sports as a key pillar of student development.”

The performance at the Bangalore School Olympics – Athletics Championship 2026 stands as a testament to Greenwood High International School’s continued focus on excellence across academics, sports, and co-curricular education, preparing students to compete confidently at state and national platforms.

Goa, Jan 13: The World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPTL) has announced Goa Tourism as the Presenting Sponsor for its highly anticipated inaugural season, scheduled to begin on January 26 at the 1919 Cricket Stadium, Verna, Goa.

The debut edition of WLPTL promises an international sporting spectacle, featuring 90 cricketers across six teams, with a stellar lineup of global and Indian cricketing legends. International stars such as Shane Watson, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, Chris Gayle, and Faf du Plessis, along with Indian greats including Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, Harbhajan Singh, among others, have been confirmed for the opening season. The tournament will offer fans in Goa a rare opportunity to witness some of the greatest T20 players in history live in action.

For more than four decades, Goa Tourism has played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s tourism landscape and positioning Goa as one of India’s most preferred travel destinations. The arrival of the World Legends Pro T20 League adds a new dimension to Goa’s appeal, combining elite international cricket with the state’s renowned beaches, heritage, cuisine, and vibrant festivals. The league is set to attract both domestic and international visitors, firmly placing Goa on the global cricket calendar.

Commenting on the association, Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing and Stationery, said:

“Goa is a natural destination for global sporting events, and hosting the World Legends Pro T20 League aligns seamlessly with our vision for tourism and events. By bringing together cricketing legends and fans from around the world, the league will act as a catalyst for tourism, engage local communities and youth, and create meaningful opportunities for local businesses and the hospitality ecosystem, while positioning Goa as a hub for world-class sports entertainment.”

Speaking on the partnership, Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO, SGSE, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Goa Tourism as the Presenting Sponsor for the inaugural season of the World Legends Pro T20 League. Goa offers the perfect blend of vibrant culture and world-class hospitality, making it an ideal destination for a premium international property like WLPTL. This partnership strengthens our vision of delivering a festival-style, high-quality experience for local fans and travelling supporters, while reinforcing Goa’s position as a premier destination for international sporting events.”

Designed as a single-destination, festival-style tournament, the World Legends Pro T20 League aims to deliver a distinctive cricketing experience for fans across the globe. As the countdown to January 26 begins, spectators can look forward to legendary names returning to the field and a celebration of cricket set against the backdrop of one of India’s most iconic destinations.