India Celebrates Historic Milestone with First Freediving Judges

Mumbai, India July 2, 2025: – In a landmark achievement for Indian watersports, the country now proudly welcomes its first-ever certified AIDA freediving competition judges – Akshay Thatte and Archana Sankaranarayanan. Their certification marks a pivotal moment for the Indian freediving community, as the sport gains official recognition and the ability to host nationally sanctioned competitions.

Both Akshay and Archana are already trailblazers in the sport. Akshay Thatte, a former Indian Army Major and India’s first PADI Instructor Trainer, currently holds the national record in Dynamic with Fins (DYN). Archana Sankaranarayanan, a practicing lawyer-turned-athlete, made history as the first Indian woman to break nine national freediving records in a single year, and the first to hold all national depth records.

Their recent certification as AIDA Judge Level E – Depth & Pool, awarded by the Association Internationale pour le Développement de l’Apnée (AIDA), positions them at the forefront of competitive freediving in India. The training, conducted by renowned freediving pioneer Jean Pol Francois at Kaizen Freediving in Koh Tao, Thailand, emphasized safety, rule enforcement, and hands-on judging across pool and depth disciplines.

With the appointment of two certified judges, India can now host official AIDA competitions, particularly pool disciplines. This is a big step forward for the Indian freediving community.

This achievement not only showcases the expertise and commitment of Thatte and Sankaranarayanan but also opens the door for Indian freedivers to compete within the country—removing the challenges of international travel, visas, and logistical constraints. Their presence ensures adherence to AIDA rules, bringing transparency, fairness, and global standards to Indian competitions.

Archana reflected on the personal significance of this milestone, noting, “My parents always envisioned me as a judge in a courtroom. Today, they take equal pride in seeing me judge a freediving competition—a sport that has become my true passion.”

Akshay, a veteran of the Indian Army, also follows the sporting footsteps of his father, Captain Sanjay Thatte (Indian Navy), an international-level shooter and ISSF Judge (International Sports Shooting Federation). As an Instructor Trainer, Competitor, and Judge, he plays an important part in developing the sport of freediving in India.

With their certification, the duo not only represents India on the international freediving stage but also lays the foundation for a new era in Indian aquatic sports—one defined by opportunity, regulation, and a strong spirit of adventure.

St. Xavier’s Calcutta Becomes First Indian Youth Team in MADCUP Football 2025

St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Calcutta Creates History; The First Indian Youth Team To Participate In the MADCUP Football 2025 In Madrid

KOLKATA, INDIA – June 16, 2025 – St. Xavier’s Collegiate School from Park Street, Calcutta, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first-ever Indian youth team to officially participate in the iconic MADCUP Football Tournament 2025 – the fifth edition of the world’s largest federated international tournament for grassroots football. The prestigious tournament is set to take place in Spain, from 20th June onwards and will be hosted across 32 sporting facilities in Madrid; including iconic venues such as the Atlético de Madrid Sports Centre, Ciudad Deportiva del Real Madrid, and Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas.

A significant moment for Indian youth football on the global stage. The young Kolkata side will test their mettle against youth teams from some of the biggest names in world football, including Real Madrid CF, Atlético de Madrid, Juventus FC, Sevilla FC, CA River Plate, Valencia CF, CD Leganés, and other leading global academies from approximately 40 countries across five continents.

In a truly historic opening group game, team from India will face host club Atlético de Madrid. They are also slated to compete against SO Caillolais, an associate club of Olympique Marseille. This participation continues St. Xavier’s long-standing football legacy, which includes competing in historic Indian tournaments like the Durand Cup and IFA Shield before India’s independence.

Speaking about the team’s historic participation, Senior Teacher, Mr. Farino Torcato, said: “St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata, India participating in the MadCup 2025 is not only the creation of history for our school but for Indian youth football itself. I am not thinking of winning the tournament or something like that but yes, we Xavierians are on a mission to show the world we also know and play football and will leave no stone unturned in making our school, city, state and country proud.”

The school’s participation has been meticulously coordinated by the Father Principal and Vice Principal, with Mr. Farino Torcato and Mr. Romario Topno playing pivotal roles. ‘Trak Only’, the official kit partner for prominent Indian football clubs, will serve as the official kit partner for St. Xavier’s. The journey is also supported by generous sponsors Kamal’s Ice Creams and ICICI Lombard.

Organized by Atlético de Madrid, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the Government of the Community of Madrid, and UN Tourism; the tournament draws nearly 250,000 spectators and provides invaluable exposure, including access to advanced football technologies. With a focus on instilling values such as respect, hard work, and teamwork through sport. Major Spanish media outlets such as MARCA and DAZN will provide extensive coverage of the event.

Thane Gears Up for the 01st Pinnacle FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament at Korum Mall

Thane, 12th June 2025: Korum Mall is all set to bring the community together with a chess tournament that will put your mental endurance to the ultimate test. Come join us for a day of strategic battles, camaraderie, and checkmates!

On 15th June, Korum Mall in association with Thane District Chess Association (TDCA) will host the 1st Pinnacle FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament, drawing chess enthusiasts from across Maharashtra and beyond. Unlike earlier editions, this tournament adopts the “Rapid” format—making each match a test of quick thinking and deep strategy.  The tournament is a symbol of inclusivity with special prizes for visually impaired.

Rated under the aegis of Thane District Athletic Association (TDCA), Maharashtra Chess Association, All India Chess Federation (AICF), and FIDE, the event is expected to attract over 300 players. This is not just a tournament—it is a celebration of India’s growing chess culture in the heart of Thane. Calling all kings, queens, and checkmates!

Where: Ground Floor Atrium, Korum Mall

When: Sunday, 15th June 2025 | Matches begin 9:30 AM onwards

Prize Pool: ₹3,00,000 and 43 TROPHIES

Organised by: Korum Mall & Thane District Chess Association (TDCA)

Entry fee: 2000 (Registration closes on 13th June)

T20 Mumbai League Caravan Ignites Cricket Passion at Mumbai’s Iconic Maidans

Mumbai, May 27, 2025: As anticipation builds for the highly anticipated T20 Mumbai League, returning after a six-year hiatus, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) launched a vibrant city-wide campaign — the T20 Mumbai League Caravan – to bring the tournament’s excitement to the city’s iconic maidans and locations.

The Caravan began its journey on Saturday with stops at Shivaji Park and Worli Sports Club, engaging fans and budding cricketers. On Sunday, it continued with a visit at Azad Maidan and moved through Fashion Street, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Nariman Point, Parsi Gymkhana, Kirti College and Ruia College with some exciting activities for fans like cricket challenges, trivia contests, and exclusive merchandise giveaways at every stop.

The campaign is set to unfold every day across Mumbai, taking the excitement of the league to different parts of the city and engaging fans at its most popular maidans and public landmarks.

Season 3 of the T20 Mumbai League 2025, one of India’s leading franchise-based domestic tournaments, is set to take place from June 4 to 12 at the Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium.

Vedanta Sesa Goa Strengthens Sakshi Kale’s Resolve to Win at the International Stage

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 2nd 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 8th 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.

Tottenham’s Grit, Son’s Glory: A Blueprint for Next-Gen Leadership Under Pressure By Dr (HC) Prachetan Potadar

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.

TNT Sports and Eurosport’s Global Production to Deliver Most Comprehensive Coverage of Roland-Garros Ever

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.

Gracenote transforms connected cars into sports hubs

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.” 

The Scindia School Hockey Captain Kavin Singh Chattwal Addresses Youth at Historic Pietermaritzburg Railway Station in South Africa

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.

The Good Club Padel League 2025 finishes the thrilling second phase

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