Category: Sports

Former Australia cricketer Ricky Ponting has backed out-of-form India skipper Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the T20 World Cup, scheduled to kick off on February 7. Yadav has been struggling, managing just 218 runs across 19 innings with a below-par strike rate of 123.16 in 2025. However, Ponting expressed his trust in the Indian skipper and urged him to maintain his aggressive style of play.

Support for Yadav

“That’s as big a surprise for me, just looking at his recent form. He’s been such a solid and consistent contributor for India in T20 cricket for a long time and just hasn’t been able to find it of late,” Ponting told ICC. “He’s an interesting one because when I’ve seen him play his best, he’s taken six or eight or 10 balls to get going and then just lets it all go,” he added.

“ He plays all of his shots and backs himself, and a bit like Travis Head, where it almost looks like they don’t ever fear getting out,” Ponting observed. “That’s what I’d say to him. I’d be saying, think about scoring runs, don’t think about getting out. Trust yourself, back yourself. You’re proven to be as good as anybody in the world in the T20 format, and go and prove it to everybody once again.”

Axar Patel as Vice-Captain

Ponting also welcomed the appointment of 31-year-old Axar Patel as the vice-captain for the tour, praising his all-round abilities as the hosts aim to be the first T20 team to defend the title.

“I mean, actually, Patel’s been their go-to man, really hasn’t he?” said Ponting. “The last few series, he’s been their pinch hitter at different times. They’ve batted him up the order at number three. When they’ve needed that left-hand, right-hand combination, he’s been the man to go out and try and do it for them, and he’s obviously ever consistent with his left-arm off spin as well.”

Surprise Exclusion of Shubman Gill

Ponting was taken aback by the exclusion of India ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad but praised the team’s batting depth. The right-handed opener has struggled to cement his place in the top order, managing just 291 runs across 15 innings, with a highest score of 47.

“Yeah, I couldn’t believe that,” Ponting said while speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review. “I know his recent form hasn’t been great in white-ball cricket. And the last time that I really saw much of him play was the Test series against England in the UK, where he batted as well as I’ve ever seen anybody bat.”

Ponting noted that the wealth of options allows the selectors to leave out a player of Gill’s calibre. “I mean one, I’m surprised, but two, it just shows the depth of Indian cricket,” Ponting stated. “If you can think that someone as good as Shubman Gill doesn’t get picked in a World Cup squad, then it goes to show how many good players they do have.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the transformative power of sports in a special message as the second edition of Khelo India Beach Games commenced at Ghoghla Beach in Diu. The venue is adorned with a festive atmosphere, featuring the Games’ mascot ‘Pearl’ – an enthusiastic dolphin that welcomed athletes, support staff, volunteers, and all stakeholders.

“As the nation moves steadily towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, our youth stand at the forefront of this journey. Opportunities now span every sphere, whether sports or science, academics or administration, space or start-ups. This is creating an ecosystem where aspiration is matched by access,” said PM Modi in his message to the Games, which includes over 2,100 participants from across the nation and will conclude on January 10.

The Khelo India Beach Games, organised by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, is held under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India and national sports federations. More than 1,100 athletes will compete in eight different sports: volleyball, soccer, sepak takraw, kabaddi, pencak silat, open water swimming, mallakhamb, and tug-of-war. The first six are medal sports, with 32 gold medals available.

Wishing good luck to the athletes and congratulating the Union Territory for hosting KIBG 2026, PM Modi said, “The Khelo India Beach Games occupy a special place in India’s sporting landscape. Beach and coastal sports demand physical endurance, mental strength, and the ability to perform under constantly changing conditions. By bringing emerging disciplines to the forefront, these Games expand the horizons of Indian sport and create new pathways for talent to be discovered, recognised, and nurtured.”

PM Modi praised the UT organisers for choosing Ghoghla Beach as a venue. “The choice of Ghoghla Beach, a Blue Flag certified beach, as the venue is particularly noteworthy. Sport, when hosted in harmony with nature, becomes a powerful medium for both athletic achievements and environmental awareness. This setting reminds us that excellence and sustainability progress together.”

The Khelo India Beach Games 2026 were officially opened by Hon’ble Lt Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, after the parade of athletes and a ceremonial torch relay by four athletes who have excelled in beach sports – Don Remedios (beach football), Payal Parmar (beach volleyball), Ajish Patel, and Jalpa Solanki (both tug-of-war). The torch was ceremoniously placed by Shri Sinha and Shri Praful Patel, the Hon’ble administrator of DNH & DD and Lakshadweep.

Sinha highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s prominence through the Khelo India Beach Games, stating, “It gives me immense pleasure to inform you that the first Khelo India Beach Games 2025, held at this very beach, witnessed an exceptional performance by the players from Jammu and Kashmir. Competing in pencak silat, our athletes brought pride by securing a total of nine medals.”

“Since 2014, the Union Territory Administration has undertaken remarkable development initiatives in Diu. These include the redevelopment of the INS Khukri Memorial, the achievement of Blue Flag certification for Ghoghla Beach, and significant progress in strengthening both urban and rural infrastructure. These efforts reflect the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and tourism promotion,” Sinha added.

PM Modi once again highlighted the transformative power of sports. “Today, India is witnessing a deep transformation of its sporting culture. Across the country, a renewed emphasis on institutional outreach, grassroots participation, and cultural change is reshaping how sporting talent is identified and supported. Modern infrastructure, scientific training methods, and transparent competition platforms are increasingly accessible to young athletes, irrespective of background or geography.”

The PM emphasized that initiatives like Khelo India, the Sansad Khel Mahotsav, and the Target Olympics Podium Scheme are redefining how India prepares its athletes for global competitions and long-term success.

Earlier on Monday, competition began in Beach Soccer and Beach Kabaddi, with top teams setting the tone early.

In women’s Beach Soccer, defending champions Odisha defeated Maharashtra 11-3 in Group A, while debutants Himachal Pradesh came from behind in the third quarter to outscore hosts Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 7-5 in Group B.

In Beach Kabaddi, both Maharashtra men’s and women’s teams secured comfortable victories. In the women’s section, Maharashtra triumphed over Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 64-22, while the men defeated Delhi 47-20.

MONDAY’S RESULTS

Beach Kabaddi
(Women): Pool A – Haryana bt Punjab 51-23; Maharashtra bt Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 71-18. Pool B – Uttar Pradesh bt Himachal Pradesh 43-35; Rajasthan bt Andhra Pradesh 64-22.
(Men): Pool A – Haryana bt Andhra Pradesh 53-16; Uttar Pradesh bt Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 55-33. Pool B – Rajasthan bt Uttarakhand 44-36; Maharashtra bt Delhi 47-20.

Beach Soccer
(Women) Group A: Odisha bt Maharashtra 11-3; Group B: Himachal Pradesh bt Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 7-5.

UP Warriorz celebrated the announcement of Meg Lanning as the team’s new captain with a special event in Navi Mumbai on Monday. Groups of young fans and cricketers under the age of 12 gathered to surprise their newly-appointed leader.

A Joyous Celebration

The celebration featured girls welcoming Lanning with music and song, showcasing a thoughtfully curated mix of popular Hollywood tracks and cultural melodies in honor of the Australian cricket star. During the event, Lanning answered various questions from the young fans. She revealed that dosa is one of her favorite Indian dishes and shared that Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting were her cricketing idols while growing up.

The girls also presented Lanning with heartfelt messages on a board, wishing her and the team luck for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. Warm interactions followed as Lanning signed autographs, posed for group photographs, and spent quality time with the children, making the event memorable for all attendees. This occasion highlighted UP Warriorz’s commitment to inspire young talent both on and off the field.

Inspiring Young Talent

The celebration further illustrated the growing fanbase for women’s cricket and demonstrated how UP Warriorz are fostering aspirations among young girls. With Meg Lanning at the helm, the franchise is poised for an exciting new chapter in the upcoming fourth season of the Women’s Premier League.

Earlier that day, UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar expressed confidence in the team’s potential to make a significant impact in the 2026 WPL season, should the squad successfully gel and perform as a cohesive unit.

At last year’s mega auction, UP Warriorz assembled a mix of experienced and young talents, aiming to secure their maiden title under Lanning’s leadership. “My message is very simple. This sport is about the players, not the coach. The type of cricket you are playing, just play that type of cricket. It is important that you play as a team. If this team can play together, it will be very good. The vision is clear. We will try to play good cricket. Whenever you enter a tournament, the mindset is always to win it. We will keep an eye on every player’s form and try to perform well,” Nayar stated during a pre-season press conference.

A Platform for Future Stars

The WPL has proven fruitful in discovering talent that has transitioned to the Indian national team, and Nayar promised that this trend will continue in the upcoming season, scheduled to take place from January 9 to February 5. “The format and the specialty of this tournament is that they are continuously giving good players to India and the Indian team. This time, we will try to get a new star from this tournament.”

Three 17-year-olds, Pune’s Arjun Chheda and Sai Shiva Makesh Sankaran, along with Ishaan Madesh from Bengaluru, shone brightly with victories in the MRF single-seater categories as the third and penultimate round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2025 concluded at the Madras International Circuit in Chennai on Monday.

Race Highlights

• MRF Formula 2000: Arjun Chheda and reigning National karting champion Ishaan Madesh each secured a win.
• MRF Formula 1600: Sai Shiva Sankaran dominated, winning all three races this round, achieving a total of five victories this season. The championship will wrap up at the same venue later this month.

The results left Arjun Chheda at the top of the provisional championship standings with five wins, just five points ahead of Ishaan Madesh. Sai Shiva Sankaran holds a 24-point lead over Bengaluru’s Arjun Nair.

Mechanics’ Triumph

A significant narrative emerged as the team at Arka Motorsports worked late into the night, preparing their cars for two races in the Indian Touring Cars class. Their efforts paid off with Chennai’s Ritesh Rai (Buzzing Hornet), whose car was tuned by Arka Motorsports, clinching a double victory.

Karna Kadur’s Return

Multiple National Rally champion Karna Kadur (Arka Motorsports), who missed Sunday’s Race-1, marked his return by securing one podium finish. This 8-time National rally champion came back to racing after a 20-year hiatus.

Challenges for Leading Competitors

In the midst of this intense competition, former National champion and points leader, Coimbatore’s Arjun Balu (Race Concepts), faced tough luck with three retirements due to various car issues.

Current Standings

At the end of the round, Lonavla’s Dhruv Chavan, a private entry, emerged as the only competitor in the ITC Class to finish all nine races so far, leading the championship with just a three-point advantage over Pithawalla. Ritesh Rai has moved to P3 in the provisional standings, ahead of Arjun Balu.

Additional Wins

• Super Stock Class: Thrissur’s Dilijith TS (DTS Racing) notched his sixth consecutive win, keeping himself in title contention, while Sri Lanka’s Kesara Godage (Performance Racing) continues to lead the points table with three P2 finishes.
• Indian Junior Touring Cars: Nellore’s Viswas Vijayaraj (Performance Racing) enjoyed a successful Monday with a double win.
• Formula LGB 1300: Ernakulam’s Joel Joseph (DTS Racing) completed a successful round, winning both races on Monday, despite the first race being marred by multiple stoppages due to on-track incidents. He moved to the top of the points table in both Open and Junior classes.

MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) Category: Coimbatore’s Akshay Muralidharan and local challenger Mohamed Arfath each won a race. Muralidharan leads in this championship category.

The Kalinga Lancers began the men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 season on a high note with a 4-2 victory over Ranchi Royals at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Monday. Alexander Hendrickx (7’, 28’) and Gursahibjit Singh (16’, 26’) each scored two goals, helping the Lancers recover from an early deficit and secure their first points of the season.

Match Summary

The Lancers adapted quickly after conceding an early goal, initially trailing 1-2 in the first quarter. They improved their structure and ball circulation significantly. Hendrickx equalised with a well-taken penalty corner, while Gursahibjit Singh scored two field goals in the second quarter to give Kalinga Lancers the lead. Later, Hendrickx converted another penalty corner before halftime, extending their advantage to two goals.

Second Half Control

Kalinga Lancers maintained their discipline in the second half, absorbing pressure and defending strongly to hold onto their lead. They successfully prevented several penalty corner opportunities and maintained control as the match neared its conclusion, culminating in a well-deserved victory.

Player Reflections

Double goal scorer Gursahibjit Singh expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It feels really good that I was able to net 2 goals, and it was a complete team effort. Our focus is to improve match by match and finish well on the podium.” He highlighted the positive dynamics within the team, saying, “It’s a great learning experience for all of us young players. The team is bonding really well, and we want to keep improving that.”

Coaching Insights

Head coach Jay Stacy spoke about the team’s progress, indicating, “It’s going pretty well. From our camp in Bhubaneswar, the boys started to get to know each other right from the start. Off the pitch, there was good energy from the beginning. On the pitch, there was some early miscommunication, but that has been improving with every session and continued to grow in this match.”

He further assessed the league’s competitive nature, adding, “All teams in this league are very strong, with quality foreign and Indian players, so the focus for us is on our structures and discipline within those structures.”

Highlighting areas for improvement, Stacy remarked, “I think we worked very hard in defence as a team. There is still room to improve, but the effort was strong. Moving forward into attack, we can look to improve our flow at the right times. Our decision-making on when to counterattack and when to build with possession is an area we can continue to refine.”

Key Takeaways

Summarising his thoughts, Stacy added, “Game management is important. When we are leading, we need to avoid unnecessary risks and adapt to the situation. Holding the ball when required and choosing the right moments to attack will be important because most matches are going to be close.”

Looking ahead, Kalinga Lancers will face defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers in their next fixture on January 8.

The Ahmedabad Polo Tournament, Gujarat’s biggest polo event, concluded on Sunday after three days of intense competition, equestrian sports, and cultural performances.

A Festive Finale

Organised by the Gujarat Polo Association and supported by the Adani Group, the final day merged sports with entertainment. It kicked off with a dance performance and an exciting Trone Act, creating a festive atmosphere. Equestrian demonstrations showcased the discipline and skill inherent in horse sports.

Women’s Teams Shine

A key highlight of the third day was the match between Apollo Aviators and Lion’s Den Legends, the two women’s teams in the tournament. In a closely contested encounter, Lion’s Den Legends edged past Apollo Aviators 4–3. Sanjula Mann scored all three goals for Apollo Aviators, while Dr. Shivangi Jai Singh led Lion’s Den Legends with three goals. Lavanya Shekhawat contributed another goal, sealing the victory.

Men’s Final Thrills

The men’s final featured Mayfair Polo against Pune Warriors, concluding with an exciting finish. Both teams were tied at 7–7 at the end of regulation time, but Pune Warriors claimed victory with a Golden Goal, ending the match 8–7.

Lance Watson was pivotal for Pune Warriors with seven goals, supported by one from Major Anant Rajpurohit. For Mayfair Polo, Dino Dhankhar and Daniel Otamendi each scored three goals, while Lt. Col Vishal Chauhan added one.

Celebrating Polo’s Future

The tournament wrapped up with a felicitation and prize distribution ceremony.

Arpan Gupta, Promoter of Gujarat Polo Club, expressed, “The response to the Ahmedabad Polo Tournament has exceeded our expectations. From the quality of play to the enthusiasm of the spectators, the tournament reflects the growing interest in polo in Gujarat. Our objective was to celebrate the sport’s heritage while making it engaging and accessible for a wider audience, and I believe we have achieved that.”

Sanjay Paladia, also a Promoter of Gujarat Polo Club, stated, “This tournament has demonstrated that Ahmedabad has both the appetite and infrastructure to host polo at a national level. The participation of leading national and international players, inclusion of women’s teams, the standard of competition, and the scale of the event point to a strong future for polo in Gujarat. We see this as the beginning of a long-term sporting tradition.”

The Ahmedabad Polo Tournament has successfully established itself as an event that connects sport, culture, and heritage, setting the stage for the revival of the “king of games” in the state.

International tennis is set to make a return to Bengaluru with Sumit Nagal, India’s top singles player, at the forefront of the home contenders for the prestigious 10th Bengaluru Open. This tournament is recognized as one of the most esteemed ATP Challenger events on the global calendar. The main draw will kick off on Monday at the historic SM Krishna Tennis Stadium.

### Sumit Nagal’s Journey

Nagal has established himself as one of India’s leading singles players in recent years, bringing a wealth of experience to the 2026 edition. His remarkable achievements include representing India at the Olympics, being a consistent member of the Davis Cup team for over a decade, and achieving a career-high ATP singles ranking within the Top 100. He has secured multiple ATP Challenger titles and has several ATP Tour victories to his name, notably being the first Indian singles player in over twenty years to win a main draw match at the Australian Open.

Prior to the Bengaluru Open, Nagal focused on enhancing his fitness and establishing a steady rhythm. “For me, preparation is key,” he stated. “Arriving early, understanding the conditions, and spending more time on the court makes a big difference, especially at the start of the year.”

### Bengaluru’s Impact on His Career

As Nagal’s international career progressed, Bengaluru became increasingly vital to his journey. Speaking on his connection to the city, he said, “This city means a lot to me. My professional career really started here. I trained in Bengaluru early on, and many of my most important milestones have come on these courts.”

The Bengaluru Open has been a crucial part of Nagal’s career, where he claimed his first ATP Challenger title in 2017—a breakthrough he still views as a defining moment. “Winning that title here gave me belief. It showed me that I belonged at this level and that I could compete consistently. I’ve said it earlier, and I’ll say it again – the Bengaluru Open is one of the best Challenger tournaments in the world that I have played,” Nagal recalled.

### The Atmosphere in Bengaluru

Bengaluru remains a preferred hub not just for training but also for competition. “It’s not just about tennis; I have great memories here, good friends, and it’s always been a very comfortable place for me to prepare. The atmosphere is relaxed, the people are welcoming, and the support you get as a player is special,” he expressed.

### Tournament Details

Organized by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), the 10th Bengaluru Open will take place from January 5 to 10 at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium. As a significant event on the ATP Challenger Tour, the tournament features a total prize purse of USD 225,000 and awards 125 ATP ranking points to the singles winner, emphasizing its growing importance on the global tennis stage.

Host Karnataka claimed the boys’ title in the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship with a thrilling 35-30 victory over defending champions Maharashtra in the final. In the girls’ category, Maharashtra defended their title by defeating Odisha 34-33 in a high-octane final played at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Gunjur on Sunday.

Boys’ Semifinals Highlights

• Maharashtra edged out Kolhapur 33-31.
• Karnataka dominated Madhya Bharat 33-20.

Girls’ Semifinals Highlights

• Maharashtra triumphed over Punjab 28-14.
• Odisha beat Kolhapur 29-27.

Individual Awards

• Sneha Lamkane (Maharashtra) won the ‘Janaki Award’ as the best player in the girls’ category.
• B. Vijay (Karnataka) received the ‘Veer Abhimanyu Award’ as the best player in the boys’ category.

Among the finalist teams, Diksha Katekar (Maharashtra) was named best attacker and Archana Pradhan (Odisha) best defender in the girls’ category. Raj Jadhav (Maharashtra) was named best attacker, and Prajjwal Y. (Karnataka) best defender in the boys’ category.

The championship, held at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Gunjur from December 31 to January 4, showcased emerging talent and highlighted Kho Kho’s growing grassroots stature.

Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), expressed his congratulations: “My heartiest congratulations to all participants, including the winning teams and runners-up. Junior Nationals is a vital platform for identifying, nurturing, and promoting young talent. It aligns with the aspirations of junior athletes nationwide and offers valuable learning for everyone involved.”

Dr. M.S. Tyagi, Chairman, Organisation & Administration, KKFI, emphasised the importance of competitive exposure: “Championships like the Junior Nationals are essential for instilling discipline, teamwork, and professionalism in young players.”

Lokeshwara, President of the Karnataka State Kho Kho Association, noted the success of the event: “It has been a privilege to host the Junior National Championship successfully. Our focus was on smooth organisation, fair competition, and a positive experience for all teams and officials.”

Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary, KKFI, highlighted the importance of talent identification: “The pan-India participation reflects Kho Kho’s strong grassroots presence. These young athletes have a bright future, with more youth pursuing careers in the sport.”

Looking ahead, the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship (Men & Women) 2025-26 will be held from January 11-15 in Kazipet, Telangana. The 35th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship (Boys & Girls) 2025-26 is scheduled for January 31 to February 4 in Kurukshetra, Haryana.

Stasya Pandya, representing Mumbai’s Amateur Riders’ Club (ARC), and Taarini Lodha, competing in the Junior National Equestrian Championship (JNEC), delivered standout performances.

Medal Highlights

In the Children Group 1 Dressage (Team) category, Stasya’s team clinched a silver medal, while Taarini’s team secured a bronze medal, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork.

The silver medal-winning team included:

• Stasya on horse Kirrhi Taonga (67.463%)
• Haripriya Singh on Fritz (71.243%)
• Amara Singh on her horse Count Me In D’Grading (68.581%)
• Dev Harish Kapoor on Serrano (65.934%)

This team finished second with a cumulative score of 273.221.

Taarini’s Success

Taarini’s bronze medal-winning team featured:

• Taarini on Knock Out (70.154%)
• Maanya Vishwanathan on Lady Ann NS (67.286%)
• Aanya Vinayak on Bella Nochi (68.919%)
• Kevin Gabriel on Duncan (66.220%)

They secured third place with a total score of 272.579.

Reflections from Competitors

After her successful showing at the JNEC, Stasya expressed, “I am really grateful for the faith and trust my coach Bobin sir has put in me, along with my club, The Amateur Riders Club, for providing world-class training facilities for my training and development. I also thank my school, Billabong High International School, and my parents for being constantly supportive throughout.”

Taarini shared her thoughts, stating, “JNEC is always one of the biggest events of the year, where the best riders compete. I am grateful for the support and coaching from ARC and my family for their encouragement. With a score of 70.15%, I’m very pleased with my horse’s performance, Knock Out. My team secured a bronze, and I’m very pleased with my role in that.”

Both Stasya and Taarini train under coach Bobin Tshering at the Amateur Riders’ Club, where they benefit from international-standard facilities and expert coaching, enabling them to compete successfully at national and international levels.