Category sports

At an interaction organised at Sesa Ghor, Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa congratulated Ms Sakshi Kale on her selection to the Indian contingent for the prestigious World Para Athletics Grand Prix (WPAGP) 2025 at Paris.

Sakshi Kale, international silver medalist & Khelo India Gold Medalist has made Goa proud on being the only Goan to form part of the Indian contingent representing the Nation at the WPAGP  2025 at Paris. Sakshi’s selection comes on the back of her strong performances at the 2^nd Khelo India Para National and the World Para Athlete Grand Prix 2025 at Delhi where she won a Gold and Silver respectively in the 100m.

During the interaction organised at Sesa Ghor, Mr. Navin Jaju congratulated Ms Sakshi Kale and said, “I wish Ms Sakshi Kale the very best for the World Para Athlete Grand Prix 2025. She is a role model and #IronLady and inspires us all with her spirit & enthusiasm. We, at Vedanta Sesa Goa, are extremely proud of her selection and at being the only Goan as part of the Indian contingent for the prestigious competition. It is our privilege to be able to be a part of her endeavours, as part of our #IronLadies25 initiative, to bring greater athletics glory to India. Vedanta believes in ‘giving back’ meaningfully and we pursue this by empowering sportspersons & bridging the gap between opportunities and aspirations.”

Mr. Sudesh Thakur, Secretary, Goa Paralympic Association, said “We wish Sakshi Kale the very best for the World Para Athletics Grand Prix (WPAGP) 2025 at Paris & are confident of her abilities and potential to perform at the top level. I am also thankful to Vedanta Sesa Goa for extending support to Sakshi, which will further encourage her. Vedanta Sesa Goa have been traditionally involved with supporting sportspersons and of nurturing many sporting careers through the Sesa Football Academy.”

Overall 23 para-athletes have been selected to represent India at the WPAGP, 2025 at Paris, with Ms Sakshi Kale being the only one from Goa. A versatile para-athlete she will be competing in the 400m and the 1500m events. She has previously won

Ms Sakshi Kale said that “I am extremely happy at having got the opportunity to represent India at the World stage and am thankful to the Government of India for supporting and facilitating the efforts of the para-athletes. I also thank the Goa Paralympic Association for their support & guidance at every stage of my career. Vedanta Sesa Goa has been extremely supportive of my requirements and their assistance is a matter of tremendous support, and am thankful to them for wholeheartedly backing me & strengthening my resolve to bring glory to India.”

Ms Kale, a resident of Usgao, Goa, and a student of GCASC, Khandola, is a role model for all and has demonstrated ‘iron will’ & determination in overcoming visual impairment to create a mark for herself at the International level. It is a matter of great pride for Goa that she is now representing India at the international stage. A multi discipline winner at both the Senior & Junior Para Nationals, Ms Sakshi has also been regularly participating in middle distance runs & events.

Vedanta Sesa Goa has a long-standing legacy of supporting sportsmen and women and the success of the Sesa Football Academy & Vedanta Women’s League in creating a footballing ecosystem for boys & girls has been tremendous. Recently the SFA Senior Women’s Team also won the 8^th edition of the VWL. In addition, the Vedanta Ultimate Badminton League has also helped support the sport in Goa. Sesa Goa regularly partners clubs and societies in organising runs & marathons as also cricket tournaments across Goa.

On May 22, 2025, Tottenham Hotspur ended a 17-year trophy drought by defeating Manchester United 1–0 in the UEFA Europa League final at Bilbao’s Estadio de San Mamés. While the win marked a sporting milestone, it also served as a compelling case study in high-pressure leadership, adaptability, and organizational turnaround.

Led by manager Ange Postecoglou and captain Son Heung-min—the first Asian to lift a major European trophy—Tottenham’s journey offers sharp, real-world insights for emerging leaders, executives, and changemakers.

This was more than just a football victory. It was a playbook for modern leadership in volatile conditions.

The Context: From Crisis to Comeback

Tottenham’s 2024–25 season was fraught with challenges. At one point, they languished in 17th place in the Premier League. Expectations were low, pundits were dismissive, and pressure was mounting. But Postecoglou’s squad channeled their focus into the Europa League campaign, using it as a rallying point for redemption.

The final was a masterclass in disciplined execution. Brennan Johnson’s composed first-half finish gave Spurs the edge, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s last-minute save ensured the result. But beneath the drama lay six core principles that resonate well beyond sport.

1. Set a Bold Vision and Stand by It

Postecoglou’s early declaration—“I’m here to win a trophy”—wasn’t a soundbite. It was a commitment. Despite league setbacks, his focus on long-term objectives never wavered. His vision was clear, assertive, and contagious.

Leadership Insight: Great leaders articulate purpose with confidence. In uncertain times, clarity of intent can inspire belief, unify teams, and create alignment across levels.

2. Build Resilience Through Systems, Not Slogans

Vicario’s decisive save wasn’t luck—it was a product of systemic preparation. Tottenham’s defensive unit executed a well-rehearsed plan under pressure, proving that resilience is engineered, not improvised.

Management Takeaway: Operational excellence is not reactive—it’s embedded through process, culture, and repetition. Crisis preparedness must be proactive, not performative.

3. Adapt Strategy to the Situation

Known for his attacking style, Postecoglou made a crucial tactical pivot in the final—playing conservatively, defending deep, and managing the game’s tempo. Flexibility, not rigidity, secured the result.

Leadership Lesson: Context determines execution. Strategic leaders know when to pivot, when to conserve energy, and when to strike. The ability to adapt while preserving core intent is a defining leadership trait.

4. Empower Through Ownership

Every player had a role in the win—from Son’s calm captaincy to Johnson’s precision and the tactical discipline of the midfield. Success wasn’t centralized—it was distributed.

Organizational Insight: High-performing teams thrive on shared accountability. Empowering individuals to lead within their roles creates a sense of ownership that fuels excellence under pressure.

5. Turn Criticism Into Competitive Fuel

Spurs were written off by analysts and fans alike. Yet, rather than crumble, they responded with intensity and focus. The skepticism became fuel, not friction.

Resilience Strategy: Use external doubt as internal drive. Underdog energy, when channeled properly, can sharpen execution and strengthen team cohesion.

6. Celebrate Milestones, Reflect on Setbacks

“This season hasn’t been good—but this is what it’s all about,” said Brennan Johnson after the final whistle. The honesty of that statement captured the essence of sustainable leadership—balancing wins with lessons.

Growth Mindset: Effective leadership means celebrating achievements without losing perspective. Milestones are not endpoints—they’re recalibration points.

Son Heung-min: Redefining Leadership for a New Era

Son’s historic captaincy represents more than a symbolic achievement. His leadership style—quiet, inclusive, unshakeable—defies outdated norms of charisma-driven leadership. He led with grace and cultural authenticity, proving that leadership has many faces.

Message for Asian and global professionals: Authenticity matters. Leadership isn’t about volume—it’s about presence, integrity, and influence. Son’s success resonates across borders, inspiring a new generation to lead without compromising their identity.

Broader Lessons from the 2024–25 Football Season

Harry Kane, often labeled the “nearly man” of English football, finally secured silverware at Bayern Munich. A reminder that long-term commitment can yield late but meaningful rewards.

Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, exceeded expectations with a top-six finish, driven by clear communication and strategic resource allocation.

Real Sociedad reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with limited financial muscle, showcasing how cohesion and chemistry can outperform cash.

Manchester United, despite a talented squad, faltered due to inconsistent leadership and internal instability—proving that talent without culture rarely delivers.

Cross-sector takeaway: In a world defined by volatility and disruption, agility, trust, and team culture often outperform raw potential and legacy status.

A Playbook for Modern Organizations

Tottenham’s win is a case study in crisis management, cultural transformation, and stakeholder alignment. What they achieved on the pitch mirrors what forward-thinking organizations must do off it:

Lead with purpose.

Build systems that reinforce resilience.

Enable adaptation without compromising values.

Empower people at every level.

Leverage doubt as fuel.

Celebrate wisely, evolve constantly.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League triumph was far more than a striker’s story—it was a masterclass in collective execution from front to back, underpinned by a rock-solid support ecosystem. The defensive unit, led by the disciplined presence of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, stood tall under pressure, while full-backs like Pedro Porro added tactical width and energy. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario emerged as a linchpin, with his late-match heroics in the final exemplifying calm under fire. But behind these performances stood a battalion of unsung heroes—coaches, analysts, medical staff, fitness trainers, and psychologists—who meticulously prepared the squad through a turbulent domestic campaign. Ange Postecoglou’s leadership galvanized not just players, but an entire organizational framework, reminding us that footballing glory is never an individual feat, but the outcome of integrated, high-trust, high-performance teamwork.

The world’s greatest players are set to clash in Paris this weekend at the crème-de-la-crème of clay court tournaments with TNT Sports’ and Eurosport’s global production of Roland-Garros set to take tennis coverage to new heights.

TNT Sports and Eurosport will present Roland-Garros exclusively for viewers across Europe (excluding France) and the US through one global on-site production, capturing the unique elegance of the Parisian Grand Slam.

TNT Sports will operate two on-site studios from Musketeers Square where distinct shows will be presented for US and UK audiences in addition to a dedicated set between courts four and five for truTV viewers in the US. Eurosport’s live broadcast will take place from around the grounds as it has done in recent years, offering viewers across Europe unique perspectives and giving them an authentic taste of the atmosphere at Roland-Garros.

In the UK and Ireland, TNT Sports 4 will be the home of Roland-Garros with wall-to-wall coverage alongside TNT Sports 1 which will show the biggest matches. Viewers across Europe can tune in to Eurosport 2 for day-long coverage during week one, with evening coverage on Eurosport 1, before all the action comes to Eurosport 1 in week two.

Live on-court action begins across all platforms each day from 10:00 BST. Viewers in the UK and Ireland will benefit from a 30-minute pre-match show from 09:30 BST hosted in week one by Laura Robson, and Craig Doyle in week two. Rachel Stringer will host TNT Sports UK’s afternoon and evening shows airing before the night session with former Great British No.1 Tim Henman supplying his analysis and insights throughout the tournament. Similarly, Eurosport will host a 30-minute daily morning show hosted by esteemed presenter Lesly Boitrelle who is making her Roland-Garros debut in 2025. 

Live shows will also air before all eleven night sessions, with play beginning from around 19:30 BST; ahead of the Men’s and Women’s Singles Semi-Finals from around 13:00 BST; for the Women’s Final from around 14:00 BST on Saturday 7 June; and the Men’s Final at the same time on Sunday 8 June.

Harnessing its network of local free-to-air channels in Europe, viewers in Germany (Eurosport 1), Denmark (Kanal 5 and 6’eren), Sweden (Kanal 9), Finland (TV5) Norway (Rex), Spain and Turkey (DMAX) will also show selected matches** throughout the tournament alongside Eurosport’s wide-ranging premium coverage.

TNT Sports’ US television coverage, its first as part of its landmark ten-year rights agreement, will be served to viewers on TNT channels focussing on the best matches involving US players as well expansive daily whiparound action on truTV from 05:00 ET (10:00 BST) in addition to hosting daily morning and evening shows from its Roland-Garros studios.

Throughout the tournament, guests from TNT Sports’ and Eurosport’s unrivalled roster of tennis experts, which boasts 99 Grand Slam Singles and Doubles titles, will make appearances across the distinct outputs for different audiences as part of the global production and local storytelling approach. This includes legends of the sport (A-Z) Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Darren Cahill, Alex Corretja, Jim Courier, Lindsay Davenport, Chris Eubanks, Chris Evert, Tim Henman, John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, Sam Querrey, Laura Robson, Sloane Stephens, CoCo Vandeweghe, Mats Wilander, Caroline Wozniacki.

MOST COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE EVER STREAMING ON MAX AND DISCOVERY+

Max (Europe and USA) and discovery+ (Austria, Italy, Germany and the UK) will offer the most comprehensive coverage with every match featuring every player on every court available to stream live and on-demand. In total, more than 900 matches including all of the Legends, Wheelchair and Junior contests will be made available, with Max and discovery+ viewers in Europe able to select commentary in up to 21 languages no matter where they are watching from. All 16 match court feeds will be available as well as additional press conference feeds and cameras from across the grounds. Innovative in-app features, such as timeline markers which enable users to quickly scrub back to key moments such as set point, are also included so viewers never miss a moment of the action.

Scott Young, Group SVP, Content, Production and Business Operations, WBD Sports Europe, said: “The combined skillset of the broadcasting superpower that is TNT Sports and Eurosport means that coverage of Roland-Garros in 2025 is going to be the most elevated and comprehensive tennis broadcast ever witnessed. Our sports and production expertise are unparalleled and together we can operate one global production, telling the most authentic and engaging stories from on-site at Roland-Garros, connecting to over 49 territories, with a locally relevant editorial slant for our viewers – no matter if they are watching in Washington or Warsaw, London or Lisbon.

“Our extraordinary line up of presenters, experts, and commentators will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of every story. Through our distinguished tennis heritage as a passionate broadcaster of Roland-Garros for 36-years in Europe, coupled with the fresh and innovative approach TNT Sports US brings, we will deliver a pioneering 21st century production that will celebrate the players and set a new standard for tennis fans all around the world.”

CAPTIVATING CLAY COURT CONTENT

TNT Sports and Eurosport will get to the heart of every story at Roland-Garros. Its team of reporters will scour the grounds to create engaging content for its social media platforms including TNT Sports, Eurosport, House of Highlights and Bleacher Report, the latter of which will feature exclusive collaborations with the Nothing Major podcast featuring former World No.8 John Isner. WBD’s US and international teams will collaborate to share shortform match highlights, player interviews, talent reactions, behind-the-scenes content and much more across its social media channels to amplify its premium coverage and to make Roland-Garros accessible for the widest possible audience.

Having already amassed one of the most experienced broadcasting teams ever seen on-air, new for 2025 will see:

• An exclusive five-episode series fronted by tennis legend and 23-time Singles and Doubles Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will air showcasing her love for tennis, fashion and Paris as she explores the glitz and glamour the city of light has to offer during Roland-Garros.
• The Grand Slam champion and 2018 Roland-Garros Women’s Singles finalist Sloane Stephens will also convey her connections to the current players competing on tour through a series of exclusive interviews for TNT Sports’ platforms during the tournament.  
• Additional on-demand programming streaming on Max and discovery+ in Europe includes exclusive access to the best matches from last year’s historic tournament; the hour-long Eurosport original documentary ‘Nadal, King of Paris’ and ‘The King’s Palace’ a Whisper production dedicated to the 14-time Roland-Garros champion; as well as ‘A La Gloire du Tennis’ a 30-minute, 20-episode series which captures the magic of Roland-Garros.

The main draw of Roland-Garros on TNT Sports and Eurosport begins on Sunday 25 May ahead of the Finals on 7-8 June. World No.1 Jannik Sinner (Italy) is looking to claim his maiden Men’s Singles Roland-Garros title following his return to action after serving a controversial three-month suspension. He will be looking to hold off challenges from a competitive field including the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) and record 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic (Serbia). In the Women’s Singles draw, four-time and defending champion Iga Swiatek (Poland) will be battling tough competition from World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and last year’s runner-up, Coco Gauff (USA) while Jasmine Paolini (Italy) is sure to be a contender for her maiden Grand Slam title having won in Rome last weekend.

INDIA – May 22, 2025 – Gracenote, the content data business unit of Nielsen, is helping automakers transform their vehicles into premier sports destinations by aggregating sports-centric radio, podcast and related content. With Gracenote Nexus Auto, OEMs can seamlessly deliver highly visual and hyper-personalized sports experiences that facilitate easy access across different platforms and content types.

Today, sports programming is highly fragmented based on rights ownership dispersed across broadcast, satellite and streaming. This makes it difficult for entertainment platforms to deliver seamless sports experiences to consumers, both at home and on the go. Gracenote is extending its deep expertise helping global video platforms aggregate sports content to connected car manufacturers, enabling them to provide all new cross-media sports experiences to drivers and passengers.

With data covering 70 of the world’s most popular sports, Gracenote makes it easy for automakers to create highly customized experiences down to the league, team and participant level. Gold-standard Gracenote IDs help cross-link content across different platforms and content types including radio and podcasts as well as video.

With Nexus Auto, OEMs can seamlessly connect consumers with the following:

• Game coverage: Easily find favorite teams’ pre-game, live and post- game broadcasts on terrestrial or streaming radio and video services – regardless of location
• Live scores: Stay up to date on key information with real-time game scores, results and standings displayed on-screen
• Related content: Seamlessly access popular podcasts to dive deep on favorite sports, leagues, teams and participants

“Automakers have a big opportunity to build user affinity by turning their infotainment offerings into centralized hubs for sports content,” said Trent Wheeler, Head of Innovation at Gracenote. “Based on deep expertise helping platforms and services connect consumers to the sports they want, Gracenote is uniquely positioned to bring personalized sports experiences to the connected car space.” 

May 21st,2025, National: Kavin Singh Chattwal, captain of The Scindia School hockey team, addressed a youth gathering at the iconic Pietermaritzburg Railway Station during his visit to South Africa from May 1 to May 12, 2025. The event was organized by Dr. Thalima David, Consul General of India in South Africa, and brought together students from several prominent South African schools, along with representatives from The Scindia School, Gwalior, India.

Pietermaritzburg Railway Station holds deep historical significance as the site where Mahatma Gandhi was famously evicted from a train in 1893, an incident that marked a turning point in his commitment to justice and non-violent resistance. In his speech, Chattwal reflected on Gandhi’s legacy and spoke about the importance of resilience, leadership, and staying true to one’s values. He encouraged students to pursue their goals with dedication and become agents of positive societal change. “This place reminds us that one moment can change history. It’s inspiring to stand here and speak to young minds who have the power to shape the future said Scindia student Kavin Singh Chattwal.”

Principal Ajay Singh of The Scindia School, who has always supported the Scindians, added, “It was a moment of deep reflection and pride to stand at a site so closely tied to the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Our students were deeply moved by the experience and Kavin’s message of strength, leadership, and service. This visit will stay with them for a lifetime.”

The event formed part of the Indian Consulate’s initiative to strengthen cultural and educational bonds between India and South Africa through youth engagement and shared heritage.

Following the electrifying and exhilarating first phase, The Good Club Padel League 2025 ignited the courts again with its highly anticipated second phase from 16th- 18th May 2025. Building upon the success of the first phase, this phase too anticipated another weekend filled with intense clashes among skilled padel players.

The GCPL is a reflection of The Good Club’s larger vision: to redefine how sport is experienced in India. With this league, The Good Club has proudly laid the foundation for India’s first padel league, introducing a new format of play and a new wave of excitement to the country’s athletic landscape. It has brought together spirited individuals, families, and enterprises in a celebration of sport, community, and a shared commitment to growth — both on and off the court.

Co-founders Aashna A Mehra and Pranav Mehra, the visionaries behind The Good Club and the GCPL, shared “The energy displayed during the first phase was truly inspiring, and with the second phase, the league has only grown stronger. We’ve witnessed not just top-tier athleticism but an unmissable spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. This is what The Good Club stands for — a place where people come to play hard, connect deeper, and elevate their lifestyle

Industry stakeholders reflect on the steady rise of esports as a mainstream sport, as it takes center stage as a demonstration event at KIYG 2025 from May 6 to 7

For the first time in the history of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), esports will be stepping into the spotlight as a demonstration event. Scheduled to be held in Bihar from May 4 to 14, KIYG 2025 will host its esports competitions from May 6 to 7 at the Patliputra Sports Complex, featuring popular titles such as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Street Fighter 6, Chess, and eFootball on both mobile and console.

Featuring titles that span mobile, console, and strategy-based formats like chess, the esports lineup at KIYG 2025 reflects a deliberate effort to cater to diverse gaming audiences. This move also signals a broader national recognition of esports as a legitimate sporting pursuit, on par with traditional disciplines, a direction that India has been moving toward with increased pace.

While BGMI remains the most popular esports title in India, Chess stands out as a particularly noteworthy addition to KIYG 2025. Once considered a purely traditional sport, Chess has increasingly found a home in the esports world, most recently as part of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, which boasts a prize pool of $1.5 million (INR 12.6 crore) for the title. NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem, has been one of the pioneers of this shift in India. In 2021, the company organised the Chess Super League, featuring national and international stars and also hosted Chess tournaments at DreamHack India 2024 across rapid and blitz formats.

“The inclusion of titles like BGMI, Street Fighter 6, Chess, and eFootball in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 signals a big step forward for grassroots esports in India,” says Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming. “It’s encouraging to see esports standing shoulder to shoulder with traditional sports, and the addition of Chess – bridging classical and digital strategy shows how in tune this initiative is with global trends. But this isn’t just about tournaments. It’s about creating real opportunities to discover talent from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, places that have been overlooked for too long, thus building the foundation for a future where Indian gamers don’t just participate, they dominate on the world stage.”

Further underscoring the growing stature of Indian Chess in esports, S8UL, a global force in esports and gaming content, has signed Grandmasters Aravindh Chithambaram and Nihal Sarin to compete at the EWC 2025. In addition to Chess, S8UL will also field players in Street Fighter 6, as well as EAFC25, Call of Duty Warzone, Tekken 8, and Apex Legends at the prestigious tournament.

Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL believes that the inclusion of titles like Street Fighter 6, Chess, and eFootball console in KIYG 2025 reflects a thoughtful push to diversify beyond mobile gaming and build a more well-rounded competitive ecosystem. “It is especially encouraging to see Street Fighter 6 and Chess recognised through a government-led initiative, at a time when S8UL will be representing India in these very titles at the upcoming Esports World Cup. This development is crucial for identifying and nurturing talent across a range of platforms and genres from the grassroots level. Such proactive support from the authorities is a strong indicator of the growing legitimacy of esports in India and a positive sign for the industry’s future,” he adds.

The roots of esports entering the mainstream have already been visible across various states. Before its inclusion in KIYG 2025, the state of Bihar actively embraced the esports movement by organising the Bihar State Esports Open Championship and the Bihar Inter School and College Esports Championship over the past year. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Nagaland have also taken proactive steps to support and formalise grassroots esports programs.

Mikhail Bhuta, Co-Founder & Tech Lead, Dirtcube Interactive LLP remarked, “Including esports in the Khelo India Youth Games is a practical step toward building a grassroots ecosystem for new-age sports. We believe that through this program, we’ll soon see national esports heroes rise from across the country and bolster India’s representation on the global stage. With this being the inaugural season, we envision having Made-in-India esports-based games be part of KIYG’s future seasons.”

With S8UL participating in Chess and Street Fighter at the EWC 2025, India has already been making waves on the international stage in eFootball, with Pavan Kampelli winning the bronze medal at the 2024 Asian Esports Games in Bangkok.

Esports will be an official medal sport at the 2026 Asian Games, and the first-ever Olympic Esports Games is scheduled to debut in 2027. These developments mark a global shift toward legitimising esports within mainstream sporting culture.

KIYG 2025 featuring esports will help identify, nurture, and empower gaming talent from the ground up. With both state and national bodies supporting the push, the future of Indian esports looks brighter than ever.

MIG Cricket Club and CCI A won two matches each on the opening day of the Motiram Cup to make a strong start in the Motiram, Ulla and Kanji Cup Inter-Club Badminton Championships, organised by GMBA, and hosted by Willingdon Sports Club, here, on Thursday.

MIG, helmed by Mangrish Palekar and Ruturaj Rathod, blanked NSCI B 3-0 and then went on to outplay Thakur Sports Club by a similar scoreline.

CCI A, with fancied names like Nigel D’Sa and Siddhesh Aroskar in their ranks, beat NSCI A 3-0, before taking the court again to get the better of P M Hindu Bath 2-1 in the round robin action.

Brief Score

The Chembur Gymkhana beat CCI C 3-0

Parthive Nair/Amey Joshi bt Ketan Patel/Nihal Peerbhoy 15-3, 15-3; Siddharth Gupta (C) bt Rustom Warden 15-10, 15-6; Aman Farogh Sanjay/Suyog Lokhande bt Rishi Agarwal/Ritish Desai 15-9,15-4

MIG Cricket Club beat NSCI B 3-0

Arun Suresh/Siddhesh Raut bt Shreyansh Giya/Amay Vrudhman 15-5, 15-12; Ruturaj Rathod bt Gurpreet Singh 15-5, 15-7; Mangirish Palekar/ Ruturaj Rathod bt Mehull Agarwal/Ravi Kant Mall 15-4,15-7

Brihanmumbai Kreeda Ani Lalit Kala Pratishthan beat Bombay Gymkhana 3-0

Sushrut Karmakar/Anmoal Behrani bt Aditya Khansaheb/Jehan Daboo – 15-7, 15-11; Soham Phatak  bt Viraj Kuvale 9Bombay Gym) – 10-15, 15-9, 15-9; Harshal Soni/Soham Phatak was granted a walkover win against Ayaz Bilawala/Jatin Aggarwal

CCI A beat NSCI A 3-0

Siddhesh Aroskar/Nigel D’Sa  bt Siddharth Naudal/Sunnet Kabra  15-13, 15-11; Jawaduddhin Shaikh bt Siddharth Naudal 15-12, 7-15, 15-10; Harsh Jhaveri/Zarir Warden bt Jai Sonthalia/Yameer Sanghavi 15-12, 15-11

GCH beat NSCI C 3-0

Ishan Thaker/Dhruv Jhaveri bt Aditya Somani/Harsh Shah 15-9, 15-14, 11-15; Parthh Chandak bt Tejas Pikale 8-15, 15-10, 15-13; Atik Shah/Parthh Chandak bt Aryan Ahuja/Tejas Shah 15-7,11-15,15-9

MIG Cricket Club beat Thakur Sports Club 3-0

Arun Suresh/Siddhesh Raut bt Chandan Kashyap/Karthik Laxman 15-5,15-2; Ruturaj Rathod bt Shivaan Mishra 15-4, 9-15, 15-8; Mangirish Palekar/Ruturaj Rathod bt Amit Gupta/Shivaan Mishra 15-10,15-13

New Delhi, April 28, 2025: India delivered a historic performance at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship, sweeping the medal tally with a record 83 gold medals at the prestigious event held at the KD Jadhav Arena, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi.

The championship concluded with a grand closing ceremony attended by Shri Harsh Malhotra, Hon’ble Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Government of India, and Shri Ajay Chaudhary, Additional Commissioner of Police, Delhi, along with senior officials from the Asian and World Yogasana federations.

Mr. Umang Dawn, Secretary General of Asian Yogasana, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, followed by an overview of the championship presented by Dr. Sanjay Malpani, President of Asian Yogasana. Dr. Jaideep Arya, Secretary General of World Yogasana, shared insights on yogasana’s growing global stature. A colorful cultural showcase added vibrancy to the celebrations.

Dr. Sanjay Malpani, President of Asian Yogasana emphasized, “Yogasana not only strengthens the body but also nurtures mental resilience and focus qualities essential for holistic well-being and societal progress. Events like these spread this important message far and wide.”

Mr. Udit Sheth, President of Yogasana Bharat said, “I’m proud of our Indian National Team for their spellbinding yogasana competitiveness. Spectacular medal tally. Just amazing!! As the sport is growing rapidly we have a lot of competition coming up and we need to sustain our excellence. Well done team India.”

The championship saw participation from over 21 countries, including Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and others.

While India dominated with an unprecedented 83 Golds, Japan followed with 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze medals, while Mongolia, Oman and Nepal rounded off the top five standings.

Final Medal Tally Highlights:

– India — 83 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze (Rank 1)

– Japan — 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 4 Bronze (Rank 2)

– Mongolia — 1 Gold, 11 Silver, 6 Bronze (Rank 3)

– Oman — 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 7 Bronze (Rank 4)

– Nepal — 0 Gold, 27 Silver, 12 Bronze (Rank 5)

Countries such as Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Bhutan also showcased strong performances, highlighting the growing footprint of yogasana as a competitive sport across Asia.

The event concluded with a medal ceremony honoring the athletes and a formal farewell to the dignitaries, marking the end of a highly successful championship.

New Delhi, April 23, 2025: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Yogasana Bharat, officially announced that India will host the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sports Championship from April 25 to 27, 2025, at the prestigious Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

The press conference was addressed by leading dignitaries from the Yogasana movement: Shri Udit Sheth (President, Yogasana Bharat), Dr. Sanjay Malpani (President, Asian Yogasana), and Dr. Jaideep Arya (Secretary General, World Yogasana).

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, will grace the Opening Ceremony on April 25, 2025, as the Chief Guest, further reinforcing India’s commitment to promoting Yogasana as a competitive global sport.

The Championship will feature:
• Participation from over 20 plus Asian countries,
• 170 athletes, along with
• 40 technical officers, and
• 30 team managers and coaches.

This event is a landmark step toward establishing Yogasana on the global sporting map.

Speaking at the press briefing, Shri Udit Sheth emphasized: “It’s a milestone moment for Yogasana sport as we host the Asian Championship in India and establish a global platform for our sport; my best wishes to the Indian National Team as this historic moment will echo for a lifetime in competitive sports.”

Dr. Sanjay Malpani, President of Asian Yogasana, shared: “The overwhelming response from athletes and federations demonstrates that Yogasana is ready for mainstream global recognition. This edition will be more inclusive and grander, promising a truly world-class event.”

Dr. Jaideep Arya, Secretary General of World Yogasana, highlighted: “Yogasana’s journey from a sacred practice to a celebrated global sport reflects the vision, resilience, and leadership of India. This Championship is poised to set new standards in competitive Yogasana sports.”

The Championship will bring together the finest Yogasana athletes competing across strength, flexibility, endurance, and artistic categories, while reflecting the deep spiritual roots and rigor of Yogic traditions.

As part of the celebrations:

Team India was officially introduced, showcasing athletes from diverse regions across the country. Each athlete’s story is one of grit, dedication, and excellence.

The official mascot was unveiled, embodying the spirit and strength of Yogasana.

The official Championship anthem was launched, capturing the energy, pride, and vision behind Yogasana’s emergence as a global sport.