Author: Raghav Singh

When Raja Das isn’t practicing his Pencak Silat skills, the 33-year-old helps his father deliver ice to local blood banks in Kolkata. His father has been a street hawker for decades, and Raja has been supporting him since childhood while also pursuing his dream of establishing a name in the sport.

Khelo India Beach Games Success

The West Bengal athlete has consistently secured medals at the national level, and on Tuesday, he won one of the first two gold medals at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 at Ghoghla Beach, defeating the defending champion and local favourite, Prasanna Bendre.

Raja, a commerce graduate, has always been fascinated by martial arts, finding his passion in Pencak Silat, a comprehensive combat style involving strikes, grappling, throws, and weapon handling.

“Since childhood, I have always been fascinated towards martial arts, but never truly liked karate and taekwondo. I was more inclined towards choreography, especially weapon choreography, and that’s how I landed in the sport. After a lot of research, I found out Pencak Silat was part of the 2018 Asian Games,” said Raja, who began training for the sport in 2017.

Challenges and Family Obligations

Raja’s early ambitions took him to Indonesia, where he attended an advanced training camp before the 2018 Asian Games. However, he had to pause his dreams. “At that time, I had just started out and didn’t have any international exposure. I couldn’t qualify, but that experience showed me the level I needed to reach,” he recalled.

Tragedy struck in 2018 when he lost his younger brother in a train accident in Howrah, compelling him to take on additional responsibilities to support his family’s financial needs.

“We do what we have to do to support the family. I assist my father in his work, but the income is meagre. My family is fully supportive of my choice, and that’s where all the strength comes from,” said Raja, who has also completed a physical therapy course to supplement his income during training periods.

A Bright Future Ahead

Winning the gold medal at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 is another landmark in Raja’s diverse career. Previously, he secured silver medals at the 2025 Khelo India Beach Games and the 22nd National Games in Goa. At 33 years old, he has consistently grown into one of India’s top Artistic Pencak Silat practitioners.

Raja Das has excelled domestically, securing gold medals in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He has come close to podium finishes internationally, placing fourth in the 2018 and 2019 Asian Championships, fifth at the 2018 World Beach Championships in Thailand, and fifth at the 2024 World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

For Raja, winning the gold medal in Diu is excellent preparation for the upcoming Senior National Championships, which will qualify him for the 2027 National Games and the international season.

“My aim is now to win some medals for India on the international circuit, and I am confident that given the support I am getting from the federation and the government, that dream will also soon come true,” he added.

Hockey India has confirmed that Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, will be the chief guest at the women’s final of the Hockey India League, scheduled for January 10 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium.

Jharkhand’s Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Sudivya Kumar, and International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Dato Tayyab Ikram will serve as the Guests of Honour, while Member of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kalpana Soren will be the Distinguished Guest for the summit clash.

The final will feature SG Pipers and Shrachi Bengal Tigers, both of whom have shown consistency in attack and defence throughout the season, as they compete for the coveted trophy.

The presence of esteemed global and national leaders at the final highlights the increasing stature of the Hero Hockey India League and its significant impact on the development of women’s hockey in India.

Hockey India President and Hockey India League (HIL) Governing Committee Chairperson Dilip Tirkey remarked, “It is a matter of great pride for Hockey India to welcome Honourable Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, as our Chief Guest, Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs of Jharkhand Sudivya Kumar, FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram as the Guest of Honour; and Distinguished Guest MLA Kalpana Soren for the Final of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League. Their presence reflects the government’s continued support for the sport and the international recognition of the league.”

Hockey India Secretary General and HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh stated, “The Women’s Hero Hockey India League has been a landmark initiative in providing a strong platform for elite and emerging female hockey players. Having such distinguished dignitaries at the Final is a testament to the league’s success and its role in strengthening the future of women’s hockey in India.”

Mumbai Inddigihunt skipper Harmanpreet Kaur stated that her team’s mindset heading into the Women’s Premier League (WPL) remains unchanged: to win, just as in the previous editions. MI is the most successful franchise in the tournament, having claimed the title twice, in 2023 and 2025.

Successful Mega-Auction

Ahead of the upcoming season, MI had a fruitful mega-auction, successfully retaining their core players while enhancing their squad with quality Indian domestic cricketers. With many new names rising in the circuit, Harmanpreet expressed satisfaction about the addition of fresh talent, given the extensive pool of players available across the country.

“Mumbai has always been special to me. It’s a special city for me, and I’ve got a lot of positive results. This season is going to be very special, hopefully. Our mindset will remain the same; that is, to win the WPL again. 4-5 years back, there was a group of just 20-25 players, but there’s a larger pool of players now. We are happy to have more talent around,” the two-time WPL-winning captain mentioned while addressing the media prior to the tournament’s fourth edition.

Focus on the T20 World Cup

The tournament will be crucial for players across all teams as they aim to secure a place in their national team’s T20 World Cup squad, with the global tournament scheduled in England later this year in June.

Harmanpreet will be particularly focused, having recently led India to the ODI World Cup title in November 2025. The Women in Blue clinched their first-ever ICC title after defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final on November 2 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. All eyes will be on the Indian skipper and her team as they aim to capture their maiden T20 World Cup crown.

Pravin Kumari’s journey has been defined by resistance and resilience — first in pushing back against deep-rooted social norms in a remote village of Himachal Pradesh, and now as the last line of defence on the football field.

A natural fighter, the 26-year-old goalkeeper has overcome social stigma, scarce resources, and personal challenges to establish herself as one of the emerging faces of women’s football in Himachal Pradesh.

Khelo India Beach Games 2026

At the ongoing Khelo India Beach Games 2026 at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, Pravin’s grit and refusal to give in — despite suffering a painful leg injury — proved decisive as Himachal Pradesh pulled off a spirited comeback to defeat hosts Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH&DD) in their maiden women’s Beach Soccer outing on Monday.

Pravin produced a string of vital saves during the third quarter to prevent the hosts from stretching their lead, before inspiring a late surge that saw Himachal Pradesh clinch a 7-5 victory.

Hailing from Khatgaon village in Una district, Pravin was born to a daily-wage mason and is the youngest of three siblings. Now the family’s key breadwinner, she juggles her football career with her job as a physical education teacher at a private school in Una, ensuring a steady income while continuing to pursue her sporting aspirations.

Path to Football

Her pathway into football was far from straightforward. In a setting where girls were discouraged from participating in sports, Pravin began training alongside boys, brushing aside societal disapproval and the lack of formal coaching. Over time, her determination drew other girls to the field. What began as an informal and resource-starved group slowly evolved into a functioning team driven by belief and persistence.

“Life isn’t easy, especially when a girl wants to pursue sports. Ten years back when I started training, our village would only encourage boys. There was no place for girls. I started training with boys, but then gradually got a few more girls to play. Without any formal training, it was inconsistent, but we wanted to set the tone for the next generation of girls, and gradually things are falling in place. Now we have a full team, and we compete regularly in local tournaments,” Pravin told SAI Media.

Adapting to Challenges

Himachal Pradesh’s participation at the Khelo India Beach Games also marked its first serious exposure to Beach Soccer. The team had trained for about 10 days on a specially prepared sand surface, but adapting to actual beach conditions — where the pace is quicker and physical fatigue sets in faster — posed a fresh challenge.

Despite that, Himachal Pradesh matched the hosts through the first two quarters, with the scores level at 4-4. The team then conceded after Pravin sustained a leg injury and was forced off the field. However, with rolling substitutions permitted in Beach Soccer, her return proved pivotal. She marshalled the defence, urged her teammates on, and repeatedly denied DNH&DD as Himachal Pradesh regained control.

“The injury came at a crucial phase; we had almost wasted the initial lead. But credit to the girls for bouncing back at the right time. Overall we are very happy with the performance, but this is just the start, and we need to keep the momentum now,” Pravin said.

India’s ace cricketer Virat Kohli drew massive attention upon arriving at Vadodara airport on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11, 2026. The series opener is set to be held at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi.

A large crowd gathered to welcome the chase master, with chants of “Kohli, Kohli” echoing across the airport. Despite strict security, the scene became chaotic when Kohli left the terminal, as fans rushed to catch a glimpse of him. The stalwart eventually needed security help to reach his car safely.

Apart from Kohli, his teammate Nitish Reddy also arrived in Vadodara, with several other players expected to arrive in the city soon.

The senior pro recently returned to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, competing in the List A format for the first time in 15 years. The former India captain has been in impressive form, following a strong 131 with a smooth 77 in his two matches. Kohli also surpassed 16,000 runs in List A cricket, becoming the fastest to reach this milestone and breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record.

Kohli has been in outstanding form ever since he returned to international cricket during the Australia tour in October last year. Although his start was slow with two ducks, he has since been performing exceptionally well. In the recent ODI series against South Africa, Kohli scored consecutive centuries and was India’s leading scorer.

He is only 25 runs short of becoming the fastest cricketer to score 28,000 runs in international cricket. He will join Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara as the third player to reach this achievement if he manages to get past the 25-run mark in the first ODI.

The 37-year-old has scored a total of 27,975 runs over 623 innings, with 84 centuries and 145 half-centuries. Tendulkar reached this milestone in his 644th innings, and Sangakkara did so in his 666th innings.

Kohli also has a strong record against New Zealand, having accumulated 1,657 runs in 33 ODIs, with nine half-centuries and six centuries.

UP Warriorz Unveils New Jersey for Women’s Premier League Season

UP Warriorz has revealed their new jersey for the upcoming Women’s Premier League season, a kit that combines Banarasi textile traditions with high-performance sports, embodying the Warriorz spirit of bravery, identity, and fearless cricket.

Design Collaboration

The jersey has been created in partnership with Ekaya Banaras, the team’s official designer. The UP Warriorz x Ekaya collaboration introduces the “A Blooming Rebellion” jersey, blending modern sports design with traditional craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from Banaras’ floral heritage and Ekaya’s renowned weaving, the design modernizes cultural motifs through a performance-oriented approach.

Cultural Significance

Inspired by the symbolic significance of flowers in Banarasi culture—representing strength, tradition, and renewal—the jersey tells the stories of silk in a bold, athletic style. Created to celebrate culture, identity, and modern femininity, it stands as a visual testament to women carrying their heritage with confidence and independence.

Jersey Features

The jersey incorporates Banarasi-inspired motifs integrated into a sleek athletic design tailored for elite T20 cricket, offering comfort, mobility, and a distinct visual identity. It aims to instill a sense of belonging and purpose in players every time they step onto the field, symbolizing not only Uttar Pradesh but also the growing development of women’s cricket across India.

Upcoming Matches

The UP Warriorz will wear the jersey during the forthcoming Women’s Premier League season, which fans can purchase through official merchandise channels. Their first match is against Gujarat Giants on January 10 at the DY Patil Stadium.

The tournament kicks off on January 9, with the inaugural match featuring two-time champions Mumbai Inddigihunt, led by India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, facing off against 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, captained by Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.

Team Leadership Change

Previously, UP Warriorz was led by Alyssa Healy in the first three editions since the tournament’s inception. However, with the mega-auction leading to changes in all teams, the franchise released Healy ahead of the auction. The team has now brought in former Australia and Delhi Capitals skipper Meg Lanning, handing her the captaincy.

The Women in Purple and Yellow will now be led by the multiple-time World Cup-winning captain, as Lanning aims to finally lift the crown after finishing runner-up with her former team, DC, three times consecutively.

Former India cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar’s son, Arjun, is set to marry entrepreneur and qualified veterinary technician Saaniya Chandhok on March 5 this year.

Sources confirmed that Arjun, who was recently traded from the Mumbai Inddigihunt to the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is ready to tie the knot on March 5. The wedding celebrations are expected to kick off on March 3 and will reportedly take place in Mumbai, featuring an intimate gathering of close family and friends.

According to reports, the couple got engaged last August in a private ceremony attended by only their closest loved ones. The wedding festivities will commence on March 3 in Mumbai.

Saaniya is a successful entrepreneur and the granddaughter of prominent Mumbai businessman Ravi Ghai.

Arjun has made a distinct mark in domestic cricket, transitioning from his early days in Mumbai to becoming a vital bowling all-rounder for Goa. A tall left-arm fast bowler as well as a capable lower-order batsman, he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Goa in 2022, scoring a century and famously emulating his father’s milestone of reaching three figures in his maiden first-class match.

In 2021, Arjun Tendulkar was acquired in the IPL auction for his base price of Rs 20 lakh by the Mumbai Inddigihunt (MI). An injury ruled him out of the IPL that year, leading Mumbai Inddigihunt to bring in Simarjeet Singh as his replacement.

Mumbai Inddigihunt bought Tendulkar again at the IPL 2022 auction for Rs 30 lakh. He made his IPL and Mumbai Inddigihunt debut against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2023. His first wicket came against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to secure a 14-run victory for his team.

Arjun took two more wickets in IPL 2023 and was retained by the Mumbai Inddigihunt for the 2024 season.

Despite Jacob Bethell’s fighting knock under pressure, Australia concluded Day 4 of the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in a commanding position. The hosts reduced England to 302/8 at stumps, holding a narrow 119-run lead.

Australia’s First Innings

Australia began the day at 518/7 and added 49 runs to their overnight total before being bowled out for 567, securing a 183-run first-innings lead.

England’s Struggles

England’s second innings got off to a poor start as opener Zak Crawley fell in the very first over. However, Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett stabilized the innings, taking England to lunch at 80 for 1.

The second session opened with Duckett’s wicket, dismissed by Michael Neser. Joe Root, England’s top scorer in the series, seemed unsettled and was dismissed by Scott Boland in the 32nd over.

Partnerships and Key Moments

Vice-captain Harry Brook and Bethell then formed a crucial 102-run partnership, reaching 179 for 3 at tea. After the break, they resumed batting confidently, with Bethell scoring his maiden Test century off 162 balls.

Just as optimism grew for Ben Stokes’ team, all-rounder Beau Webster shifted the game’s momentum. He dismissed Harry Brook, who made 42 from 48 balls, and also took out Will Jacks for a duck.

Bethell continued to build his innings, adding a 45-run stand with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who was out in the 65th over after scoring 26 off 41 balls.

England’s challenge worsened after captain Ben Stokes was dismissed soon after Jacks. Stokes edged Beau Webster’s delivery to Steve Smith in the 66th over.

New batsman Brydon Carse started well, hitting three boundaries, but was eventually dismissed by Scott Boland in the 71st over. England closed the day on 302 for 8, with Bethell remaining their key batsman. The visitors now hope the 22-year-old can add more runs and push toward a double century.

Bowling Highlights

For Australia, Beau Webster took 3 for 51, Scott Boland claimed 2 for 34, Mitchell Starc took 1 for 61, and Michael Neser finished with 1 for 55.

Top seed Daniil Medvedev showcased his prowess by sweeping past former world No. 10 Frances Tiafoe on Wednesday, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International. Following a convincing first-round win over Marton Fucsovics, the 29-year-old Russian delivered a clinical performance, securing a 6-3, 6-2 victory in just one hour.

Match Highlights:

• Medvedev hit a remarkable 21 winners, including nine aces, nearly double his opponent’s total.
• He won 91 percent of his first-serve points and faced no break points throughout the match.

Medvedev commented, “The court is pretty fast, so you need to serve well and I’m happy with how I served. I feel like it was better than the first round. From the first point it puts a lot of pressure on your opponent, got a couple of good games on his serve. It was enough today, that’s how tennis is sometimes.”

In other developments, reigning champion Jiri Lehecka unfortunately had to retire due to a right ankle injury while trailing 3-6, 2-1 against American Sebastian Korda. Lehecka’s injury retirement now sets up Korda for a matchup against Alex Michelsen in the quarterfinals, after Michelsen defeated eighth seed Learner Tien.

WTA Action:

Elsewhere, fourth seed Jessica Pegula began her season with a victory, defeating Anna Kalinskaya 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 to reach the third round in Brisbane. Pegula improved her head-to-head record to 4-1, having rebounded from a break down twice in the deciding set.

“I can’t believe I played Anna first match of the year. We’ve had so many long intense crazy matches last year, so it was a real test for me today, especially having a bye the first round, not having any matches under me,” Pegula said.

She added, “I knew it was going to be tough, she’s such a great player. She can really take the racquet out of your hand, change the direction of the ball so well, so I kind of figured out just in time and competed really well, maybe got a little lucky here and there too.”

Indian middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson has announced his retirement from competitive athletics, concluding a remarkable career spanning 15 years.

Career Highlights

Johnson competed in the 800m at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where he became the first Indian male runner to qualify for the event since Sriram Singh in 1980. He ended his career boasting the 1500m national record, which he set at the ISTAF Berlin meet in 2019, clocking a time of 3:35.24.

In a heartfelt social media post, Jinson reflected on his journey, saying, “From a boy with a dream started the journey from Kolkata and reached up to Asian Games podium in Hangzhou 2023. Thank you Athletics. Some journeys are measured in meters and seconds. Some are measured in tears, sacrifices, faith, and the people who never let you fall.”

Medal Achievements

The 34-year-old athlete is a three-time Asian Games medallist, having won gold in the 1500m in 2018, silver in the 800m in 2018, and bronze in the 1500m in 2023. He also earned silver and bronze medals at the Asian Athletics Championships in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

In 2018, Jinson set the 800m national record, breaking Sriram Singh’s 42-year-old record with a time of 1:45.65. This record was later surpassed by Mohammed Afsal in 2025.

Retirement Reflections

As he steps away from competitive athletics, Jinson expressed, “I do so with humility, gratitude, and peace. The track taught me discipline, resilience, and respect. Though I retire from racing, athletics will always live in my heart.”

He concluded his post with a message of appreciation: “Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you, India.”