Author: Raghav Singh

Prasanna Behindre, who won a gold medal in pencak silat, has hailed the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) for providing a platform for youngsters. The Khelo India Beach Games, currently being held in Daman and Diu, presents a great opportunity for these sportspersons to showcase their talent and aspire to reach the international stage.

Celebrating the Victory

“Winning a gold medal is a proud moment for the UT; I have won a medal for the UT, and I am very happy. I hope to win more medals in the future. The experience was very good; I enjoyed it a lot, and it was a new experience for me. Khelo India is giving us a platform like beach games—it is such a big platform,” said Prasanna Behindre, a Pencak Silat athlete.

Sohail Gurung’s Silver Medal Journey

Sohail Gurung from Odisha, who participated in the 55-60 kg weight category and bagged a silver medal, expressed his excitement about the event.

“My name is. I played in the 55-60 category in the event and won a silver medal. Regarding winning a silver medal, I am happy and sad at the same time; I couldn’t get a gold medal in one step, but next time I will try to get a gold medal. Khelo India is a good platform where everyone is getting a good scope. This is a new beach game and the first time I have played on the beach. It was a good first-time experience. Usually, we play on the mat, and it requires a lot of stamina and power to play on the sand. Overall, it was a good first-time experience, and next time I will try to play better,” Sohail Gurung shared.

Overview of the Games

The Khelo India Beach Games 2026, organized by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, is being held under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India and national sports federations.

The second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 is witnessing over 1100 participants competing in eight different sports: volleyball, soccer, sepaktakraw, kabaddi, pencak silat, open water swimming, mallakhamb, and tug-of-war. Of these, the first six are medal sports, with 32 gold medals available for winners.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) successfully concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ahmedabad, bringing together representatives of National Sports Federations, athletes’ representatives, and IOA office-bearers to review recent initiatives and outline the roadmap for the Olympic movement in India.

At the commencement of the AGM, the House paid solemn tribute to the memory of two former IOA Presidents and other departed members of the IOA family. Members observed a moment of silence in their honour, acknowledging their enduring contributions to Indian sport and expressing condolences to their families.

During the meeting, the AGM reviewed and noted the progress made by the IOA in recent months, with emphasis on strengthening athlete representation through a more empowered Athletes’ Commission. This ensures that athletes’ voices remain central to policy formulation and decision-making. The House also took note of governance reforms introduced to enhance transparency, compliance, and ethical standards in line with international best practices.

The AGM further highlighted initiatives focused on athlete welfare, along with education programmes for athletes and support personnel. Capacity-building efforts for National Sports Federations and sports administrators were discussed, alongside increased international engagement aimed at improving exposure, collaboration, and the adoption of global best practices. Members also noted steps taken towards digital and operational modernisation to improve efficiency, accountability, and communication across the IOA ecosystem.

Addressing the AGM, IOA President Dr P.T. Usha said the meeting reflected a shared commitment to reform, transparency, and athlete-centric governance.

“This AGM reflects our collective commitment to reform, transparency, and above all, to our athletes. Over the last period, we have taken decisive steps to modernise the IOA and place athlete welfare at the heart of every initiative. Our journey is focused on building a strong, ethical, and globally respected Olympic movement for India,” she said.

She added that the IOA remained committed to carrying forward the legacy of its past leaders while working collectively with all stakeholders.

“As we honour the legacy of those who guided Indian sport before us, we also reaffirm our resolve to work together—federations, athletes, and administrators—to ensure that Indian sport continues to grow with integrity, inclusivity, and excellence,” Dr Usha said.

The AGM concluded with a renewed sense of unity and purpose, reaffirming the IOA’s commitment to good governance, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained efforts towards the long-term development of sport in the country, guided by the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

UP Warriorz begin their WPL 2026 campaign with their season opener against Gujarat Giants on Saturday at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, aiming to start strong under newly appointed captain Meg Lanning and head coach Abhishek Nayar.

A New Chapter for Warriorz

This upcoming season marks a fresh start for the Warriorz with Lanning leading a revamped squad that blends international experience with emerging domestic talent. The team includes proven match-winners like Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Harleen Deol, and Deandra Dottin, along with exciting young players adding depth and versatility across all departments.

Captain Meg Lanning shared her excitement about her first season with the Warriorz, highlighting the desire to build on the foundation already laid by the franchise. “I’m really excited to lead UP Warriorz this season. There’s been a lot of hard work over the last few years, and we want to build on that. We’ve got a balanced squad with experience and young talent, and now it’s about going out there, playing our brand of cricket and enjoying it.”

Coaching Vision

Head coach Abhishek Nayar emphasized the intent and clarity within the squad as they head into the opener: “We wanted the best leader for this group, and Meg brings exactly that. This format is a captain’s format and having her allows the team to play with freedom. Our focus is on creating an environment where players express themselves, enjoy their cricket, and build a legacy for this franchise.”

All-rounder Deepti Sharma is expected to be central to the Warriorz plans, having had a strong year internationally. Both her batting and bowling will be crucial throughout the season. Sophie Ecclestone remains a key pillar of the bowling attack, while new additions like Harleen Deol will strengthen the batting core and fielding unit.

Competitive Mindset

Abhishek Nayar also stressed the team’s competitive mindset ahead of the first game: “It’s a fresh start for us this year. We have assembled a strong squad with contrasting skill sets that complement each other. The aim is simple, play fearless cricket, stay consistent, and compete deep into the tournament.”

The clash against Gujarat Giants will set the tone for the UP Warriorz campaign as they aim to convert potential into early momentum in Navi Mumbai.

Chennai will make history in Indian endurance sports by hosting the country’s first-ever IRONMAN 5i50 Triathlon, alongside the debut of the DuYoska Duathlon, on Sunday, January 11. With the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) as the presenting sponsor, this event positions India among a select group of nations to host the globally recognized IRONMAN 5i50 format.

With this launch, India becomes the third country in Asia and the sixth globally to host the IRONMAN Group’s Olympic-distance 5i50 Triathlon, featuring a 1.5 km swim, 40 km cycling leg, and a 10 km run, covering a total distance of 51.5 km.

The inaugural edition has attracted 529 registered athletes, including 83 women competitors, 17 international participants, and over 150 athletes from Tamil Nadu, highlighting strong domestic representation and growing international interest.

Deepak Raj, CEO of Yoska and Country Head, IRONMAN India, expressed gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for its support. “We are extremely grateful to the Government of Tamil Nadu and SDAT for their continued support, which has been instrumental in bringing IRONMAN’s 5i50 Triathlon to the state. Chennai is a fantastic location, and we are delighted to make this an annual event and grow it further in the years to come,” he stated during a press conference.

The event also featured the unveiling of the official finisher medal and T-shirt for IRONMAN 5i50 Chennai, attended by athletes and media members. Dignitaries present included Thiru Satyabrata Sahu, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Thiru Meghanatha Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary, SDAT.

In another first for Indian endurance sports, race day will showcase the DuYoska Duathlon, bringing the World Classic Duathlon Series to the country. The duathlon categories include Sprint Duathlon (5 km Run, 20 km Cycle, 2.5 km Run), Olympic Duathlon (10 km Run, 40 km Cycle, 5 km Run), and Policybazaar IRONKIDS events across 1 km, 2 km, and 3 km distances for children aged 6 to 16 years.

Welcoming the event, Thiru Satyabrata Sahu, IAS, Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), stated, “We are delighted that Chennai is hosting this landmark endurance sporting event for the first time, bringing together national and international athletes on a global platform. I congratulate the organizing team and encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship.”

Thiru Meghanatha Reddy emphasized that Chennai’s strong culture of cycling, running, and swimming played a crucial role in securing the event. “I thank the Government of Tamil Nadu, especially the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, for recognizing this vision and extending unwavering support to make this event possible,” he added.

The DuYoska Duathlon will begin at 6:00 AM at MGM Beach Resort, while the IRONMAN 5i50 Triathlon will start at 7:00 AM from Kovalam Beach.

The Pro Wrestling League has confirmed high-profile coaching benches across all six franchises ahead of its fifth season, assembling an impressive line-up of Olympdigihunt, national team architects, and internationally certified coaches as the league prepares for its return in 2026.

PWL 2026 Dates and Structure

Sanctioned by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), PWL 2026 will take place from January 15 to February 2, marking the league’s comeback after a seven-year absence. The season will feature nine bouts per tie, contested across five men’s and four women’s weight categories. The organizers are placing strong emphasis on structured preparation, competitive balance, and athlete development.

Coaching Appointments

The announcement of coaching appointments follows record-breaking player auctions and highlights the league’s intent to pair world-class wrestling talent with equally accomplished technical leadership.

• Delhi Dangal Warriors will be led by Jagminder Singh as chief coach. A two-time Olympian and Arjuna Award recipient, Jagminder is viewed as one of the most influential figures in Indian wrestling. He has mentored several elite athletes, including guiding Sushil Kumar to India’s first men’s freestyle World Championship gold in 2010. He will be supported by Vikram Sharma, an accomplished international Greco-Roman coach and former World Police Games champion, who has significantly contributed to India’s rise on the global wrestling stage.

• Maharashtra Kesari have appointed Anil Kumar Mann as chief coach. A former Commonwealth Games medallist, Mann has successfully transitioned from elite competitor to mentor, coaching Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya. He will be assisted by Bharti Baghel, a UWW-certified women’s coach and former international wrestler with junior world and Asian championship experience, reflecting the franchise’s focus on blending experience with modern coaching methods.

• Haryana Thunders have entrusted their programme to Virender Dahiya, India’s national women’s wrestling coach, as chief coach. Dahiya has played a central role in India’s dominance in women’s wrestling, with decades of experience across Olympic, World, Asian, and Commonwealth competitions. Assisting him is S.B. Prasad, an Indian Air Force officer and seasoned international coach with extensive experience in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling at U-23 and senior levels.

• Punjab Royals will operate under Hargobind Singh Sandhu as chief coach. An Olympian and India’s chief national coach for Greco-Roman wrestling at the Sports Authority of India, Sandhu has guided athletes to medals at Commonwealth, Asian, and World events. He will be assisted by Sonu Khatri, a UWW Level 1 and 2 certified coach from the Railways, recognized for his work across age-group and senior international competitions.

• Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals have appointed Chandra Vijay Singh as Chief Coach. A decorated national coach and former Olympian, Singh has represented India at the Olympics, Asian Games, and World Championships, guiding athletes to U-23 world gold. Assisting him is Devki Rajput, one of India’s leading women’s wrestling coaches, known for her successful leadership at the 2025 U20 World Championships and her emphasis on discipline and holistic athlete development.

• UP Dominators will be led by Vinod Kumar as Chief Coach. A Seoul 1988 Olympian, Dronacharya Award recipient, and former chief national coach, Kumar brings decades of experience accrued across Olympic cycles, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. He will be supported by Pardeep Kharia, one of India’s youngest international Greco-Roman coaches, UWW Level 1 and 2 certified, with experience in U-17, U-23, and senior Asian competitions.

Conclusion

With the coaching units now in place, PWL 2026 enters its final build-up phase with clarity and structure across all franchises. These appointments complete a key pillar of the league’s reimagined framework, linking elite coaching, global athlete participation, and professional governance as the Pro Wrestling League aims to re-establish itself as a premier platform for wrestling in India.

Kickstart FC achieved only their second victory of the Indian Women’s League 2025-26, defeating Sesa Football Academy 3-1 at the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata on Friday. Nigerian forward Emem Peace Essien (2′, 61′, 90+3′) scored a hat-trick, securing the win for Kickstart, while Sesa FA captain Aniela Barretto (17′) netted one.

Match Overview

Despite both teams being in the relegation zone, Kickstart is just a point behind Gokulam Kerala in sixth position and has a solid chance to avoid relegation in Phase 2 of the competition. In contrast, Sesa is still searching for their first top-flight victory, having collected only one point from their seven matches.

First Half Action

Kickstart took early control when Ranjana Chanu’s cross from the left was mishandled by Sesa goalkeeper Beatrice Nketia. Emem reacted quickly and scored into an empty net in the second minute.

Though the team from Karnataka dominated possession, Sesa fought back. Against the run of play, Jeewanti broke free on the right, delivering a cross that was converted by Aniela.

Kickstart continued to seek the goal that would tilt the match in their favor, but clear opportunities were limited. In the 36th minute, Ranjana tested Beatrice with a powerful long-range shot, which the Ghanaian keeper managed to deflect.

Second Half Highlights

Kickstart’s dominance persisted into the second half, and they finally regained the lead just after the hour mark. A cross from Ranjana found Emem at the edge of the box, and she expertly controlled the ball before shooting on the turn for a 2-1 lead.

In the 72nd minute, Kickstart’s Rafiat Aweda surged down the right, sending a low cross aimed at substitute Olivia Chanu, who struck the upright with her glancing effort.

Sesa had limited opportunities, mainly producing long-range shots. In the 84th minute, substitute Sarjida Khatun almost surprised Kickstart goalkeeper Haripriya Deka when she cut in from the right and shot. Haripriya, however, managed to palm it away and gathered the ball.

Final Moments

Emem sealed the victory in injury time, when Bibicha Devi made a run down the right and found Babysana Devi with a low cross. Although Babysana’s shot was initially saved, the rebound fell to Emem, who slotted it home.

After two weeks of high-octane hockey action featuring 12 matches that saw 37 goals in the Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26, the stage is set for SG Pipers and Shrachi Bengal Tigers to clash in the final, scheduled at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Saturday.

Prize Money Details

The winner of the Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26 will receive Rs 1.5 crore, while the runners-up will take home Rs 1 crore. Ranchi Royals, finishing in third place, will be awarded Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, the Player of the Tournament will earn Rs 20 lakh, with individual awards like the Best Goalkeeper, Upcoming Player, and Top Scorer of the Tournament each carrying a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The Fairplay Trophy will also be awarded to the team that best upholds the spirit of the game throughout the season.

Finalists Overview

Both finalists have displayed fairly similar playing styles and have held their own in what was a highly competitive season in the Women’s HIL. The SG Pipers topped the table with 11 points, shining in the league stage. Meanwhile, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers secured second place with two wins in regular time and two wins in shootouts, finishing with 10 points, edging out the Ranchi Royals, who ended up with 9 points.

The top two teams faced off twice in the league stage, with Shrachi Bengal Tigers winning both encounters via penalty shootouts. After a 3-3 draw in their first match, the Tigers clinched a 4-3 victory in the shootout. In the second game, they won 7-6 in the shootout after a goalless draw.

Statistical Insights

The SG Pipers hold a slight edge statistically, as they are the second-highest goal scorers in the tournament with 11 goals, only surpassed by Ranchi Royals, who scored 13 goals. SG Pipers’ captain, Navneet Kaur, leads her team with 4 goals so far. Lola Riera (3 goals) and Sunelita Toppo (2 goals) have also made their contributions. The Pipers possess the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding just 9 goals during the group stage.

Captain’s Reflection

Navneet Kaur, Captain of SG Pipers, stated, “It’s been an incredible campaign for us, and reaching the Final is a reflection of the hard work every player has put in. From finishing at the bottom of the table last season to topping the table this year, the comeback has been special. We’ve played some fearless hockey along the way, and the goal now is to finish on a high. The team is confident and hungry to bring the trophy home.”

Shrachi Bengal Tigers’ Status

On the other hand, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers have netted seven goals in the tournament thus far, with five of those coming from penalty corner specialist Agustina Gorzelany. Lalremsiami has also contributed with a couple of goals. The team seeks to tighten its defense after conceding 11 goals in the league stage. With Vandana Katariya leading the side, they have considerable experience to rely on as they prepare for the climax.

Skipper’s Comments

Lalremsiami expressed her thoughts, saying, “From the start, our coach’s message was clear – he wanted us to fight for the title. He won it in the Men’s league last season, and his aim was to achieve the same with us. So, that’s the mindset we’ve played with throughout the season. We’ve improved game by game, and now it’s about staying consistent. As a team, we’ve bonded tightly through team meetings, understanding each other’s game. Now, all our focus is on becoming champions.”

With two evenly-matched teams in form, hockey fans can look forward to a thrilling contest as a new champion will be crowned in Ranchi.

Three-time Premier League champions Manchester City have secured the signing of AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, enhancing their attacking options midway through the season. The Ghana international has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.

Semenyo has experienced a meteoric rise to become one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards. He is currently on a golden patch this season, having scored 10 goals so far. At 26 years old, he ranks among the best attackers in English football and will be eligible to feature immediately for City, including in the upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Newcastle.

“I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup,” said Semenyo on joining the club.

“They have set the highest of standards, and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep,” he added.

Semenyo also hinted at further improvements as he joins his new club. He expressed excitement about playing in front of Manchester City fans. “I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here. My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position, still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season,” he said.

“The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here, and I hope to show everyone what I can do,” he added.

Australia’s Alex de Minaur secured a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, sending the last United Cup quarterfinal to a deciding mixed doubles tie in Sydney on Friday. The World No. 6 successfully saved all nine break points he faced during his opening four service games, including four in the second game of the match, keeping Australia alive after world No. 2 Iga Swiatek’s straight-sets win over rising star Maya Joint.

Deciding Mixed Doubles

The tie will now progress to mixed doubles, with the winner advancing to Saturday night’s semi-final against the defending champions, the United States.

Hurkacz, playing his first tournament since last year’s grass season, was nearly untouchable in his first three service games, conceding just one point on serve. However, he became increasingly frustrated by his inability to convert chances in return games, leading to a rising number of unforced errors in the closing stages of the set, as reported by ATP.

After De Minaur saved three break points to level at 4-4, the 26-year-old made a decisive break and then won 21 consecutive points on serve before unexpectedly dropping his serve at the end of the second set. He broke early in the third set to record his eighth win in 11 United Cup singles appearances.

Swiatek Dominates

Earlier, Swiatek had a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory over Joint in just 57 minutes. The Aussie rising star initially held serve for a 1-0 lead, but the six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek took control of the rallies, often forcing Joint to scramble from side to side just to stay in the points, according to WTA.

In the second set, both Swiatek and Joint traded holds, with the latter receiving some encouragement from the home crowd. However, Swiatek quickly regained the lead with a break and maintained her momentum, achieving the double breadstick victory.

Schedule Change Due to Hot Weather

Meanwhile, the start time for Saturday’s play at the United Cup has been adjusted. With high temperatures expected for Saturday (January 10) afternoon, the Belgium-Switzerland Day Session semi-final will commence at 10 a.m., a change from the previously scheduled 10:30 a.m. Gates and arena doors will open at 9 a.m.

As all five franchises gear up to put their best foot forward in the quest for winning the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL), numerous female fast bowlers in U19 and U23 categories have been busy giving trials in the Delhi-NCR region under the ‘WPL Speed Queen’ initiative.

Aim of the Initiative

The premise of the initiative by the WPL and BCCI is straightforward – to unearth hidden female fast-bowling talent in the U-19 and U-23 age groups in India. It began on January 5, with trials in the Delhi-NCR region continuing until Sunday, and is set to travel through Lucknow, Gujarat, Bengaluru, and Mumbai zones. This initiative aims to address one of the most critical gaps in Indian women’s cricket: the need for a pool of pacers.

Current Statistics

The numbers tell a stark story. In the 2025/26 Senior Women’s Elite T20 Trophy, all top ten wicket-takers were spinners. In the Women’s U-19 T20 Trophy Elite, all five leading wicket-takers were also spinners. Similarly, in the Women’s U-23 T20 Trophy Elite, two of the three highest wicket-takers were spinners. Since 2023, only six pacers and all-rounders have made their India debuts across formats, which is half the number of debutant spinners.

The trend continued during India’s U-19 T20 World Cup triumph in 2025, where the top three wicket-takers for India were all spinners – Vaishnavi Sharma, Aayushi Shukla, and Parunika Sisodia, finishing among the top four bowlers in the competition. This recurring pattern highlights a pipeline problem – India’s system for identifying and grooming fast bowlers remains weak, and the Speed Queen initiative represents a potentially game-changing intervention.

Quotes from Officials

“This thought process came when we were discussing how to get to the grassroots after the Women’s ODI World Cup win was achieved. The first thing everyone agreed on was to hold the speed queen contest. We decided to have it first in the districts around the five WPL franchises, which totals to trials in 25 places,” said Jayesh George, WPL Committee Chairman.

“This year, we are doing it wherever these franchises hail from and we will update accordingly if it goes to other areas in the future. This isn’t just a thought process to bring more talent; it’s a first initiative from us so that we can organize more hunts like this to bring it under a common platform and unearth more talented players,” he added.

How It Works

The process is simple: aspiring bowlers register in their age group (U-19 or U-23) and select their nearest WPL franchise zone. They then upload side-on bowling videos, preferably with white leather balls, in landscape mode, showing full run-ups and clear ball release.

AI technology, combined with expert coach reviews, screens all submissions. Shortlisted candidates receive invites for physical trials based on their zones. The system accepts videos up to 10MB in various formats like MP4, MOV, M4V, MKV, WEBM, and AVI.

Pathways for Selected Bowlers

Beyond just identification, the initiative offers a clear pathway: selected bowlers could serve as net bowlers for WPL franchises, gaining invaluable exposure and a potential fast track into the main squads, or attract the attention of the national women’s selection committee.

Reactions from the Cricket Community

“We have been discussing that this feels like living in the post-1983 Men’s World Cup victory moments. After that, Indian cricket got a movement in the sport and everything changed. Despite WPL or women’s cricket being present for so many years, we fell short of lifting the World Cup twice,” George remarked.

Anjum Chopra, former India captain, sees the campaign as a crucial step in filling the fast-bowling gap. “These talent hunts provide the opportunity for those players who are unable to break into the WPL to showcase their talent.”

Former India international and BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee member Jatin Paranjape stated, “It’s a good initiative. It should have happened two or three months before the WPL, but it’s definitely a positive step.”

Conclusion

The intent to create a pool of fast bowlers in women’s cricket is something current head coach Amol Muzumdar and his predecessor Ramesh Powar had noted before. Whether the Speed Queen initiative produces the next Jhulan Goswami or Shikha Pandey remains to be seen. However, the effort to expand the fast-bowling pool using the WPL’s growing resources is commendable.

As the WPL prepares for its fourth season, the Speed Queen campaign is setting the stage for the next glorious chapter in India’s women’s fast bowling story, one trial at a time.