Tag: fitness

Sports

M.S. Dhoni Inaugurates First 7Padel Centre in Chennai, Ushering a New Era for Padel in India

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Chennai | 7th August 2025

Former India skipper and cricket legend M.S. Dhoni has taken a big step into the world of sports entrepreneurship with the launch of his brand 7Padel. On Thursday, Dhoni inaugurated the first-ever 7Padel Centre in Palavakkam, ECR, Chennai, adjacent to Alphabet School on MGR Salai.

The sprawling 20,000 square feet facility is designed to promote both sport and wellness. It features:

  • Three premium padel courts
  • One pickleball court
  • Swimming pool
  • Fully equipped gym
  • Recovery room
  • On-site cafe
  • Sauna facilities

Dhoni was joined by Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad at the launch. Speaking at the event, Dhoni expressed his deep connection to Chennai:

“Chennai has always been special to me. The city has given me so much on and off the field, and it feels only right to launch my first padel centre here. Padel is exciting and addictive. More importantly, it’s inclusive and anyone, not just professionals, can try the sport. I want 7Padel to be a place where athletes, families, and fitness lovers all find their space.”

Why Padel?
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world — a blend of tennis and squash, played on smaller enclosed courts, making it accessible to all age groups. With 7Padel, Dhoni aims to popularise the sport in India, making it a fun, engaging, and community-driven activity.

The Chennai centre will serve as the flagship for future 7Padel expansions across India, offering world-class infrastructure and fostering a growing padel community.

With Dhoni’s passion and vision, 7Padel is set to not only introduce this thrilling sport to India but also create spaces where fitness meets fun.

Social

Goan Duo Dominates Rotary Rain Run 2025: Suraj Velip and Swezial D’souza Clinch 21 km Victory

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – July 29, 2025: The monsoons didn’t stop the spirit of over 2,400 runners from across India who descended upon Goa for the 11th edition of the Rotary Rain Run 2025. In a remarkable show of athleticism and community spirit, Suraj Velip (30) and Swezial D’souza (22) clinched top honours in the 21-kilometre open event for men and women, respectively.

The prestigious event, flagged off at the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) Athletics Stadium, brought together participants from Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and beyond. The event, organized annually by the Rotary Club of Porvorim in association with Rotary Parivar, serves a noble cause: the proceeds fund women’s health initiatives and education, including the Prakash Cancer Aid Project.

Velip, from Quepem, clocked an impressive 1:25:08, while D’souza, a student of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, won the women’s race with a time of 1:49:27. “Crossing that finish line was an incredible feeling,” said Swezial. “This win is for everyone who believed in me.”

In the 10 km timed run, Hari Velip (36:46) and Line Shetty (1:00:24) took top positions. Additionally, around 20 para-athletes, including Niranjan Jadhav, joined the celebration of resilience and determination, completing either the 2 km walk or 10 km run.

Rain showers at key locations like All India Radio and Dempo Nilaya added to the festive monsoon atmosphere. The Indian Armed Forces, as always, lent their steadfast support, managing hydration booths, medical stations, and logistics with precision.

From live music performances by Lavina Soares, Zumba and yoga warmups, to a buzzing Kids Fun Zone, the Rotary Rain Run 2025 was not just a marathon – it was a celebration of community, inclusion, and purpose.

The event remains AIMS-certified, ensuring international standards and credibility in distance measurement. Every participant was awarded a medal, while top finishers took home trophies and, most importantly, pride and purpose.

Rotary Rain Run 2025 – Run with the Rains. Run with Purpose.

TechPulse

Balaji Srinivasan’s “Network School” Island: A Visionary Hub for the Future of Work and Learning

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In a bold and unconventional move, Indian-origin tech entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan has bought a private island near Singapore and transformed it into “The Network School”—a living, learning, and building space tailored for today’s digital pioneers.

Srinivasan, known for his futurist ideas and as a former CTO of Coinbase and General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, has long championed decentralized governance and startup societies through his book The Network State. With “The Network School,” he’s bringing those philosophies to life—literally—on an island.

Designed as a real-world prototype of a “Network State,” the island functions as a blended innovation campus and intentional community. It offers:

  • Start-Up Studios for builders and hackers
  • Remote Work Retreats for digital nomads and coders
  • Biohacking & Wellness Zones for fitness enthusiasts and longevity seekers
  • Education Programs for alternative thinkers and self-learners

The island emphasizes physical and digital infrastructure designed to nurture deep work, collaboration, and personal growth. From high-speed satellite internet to calisthenics rings under palm trees, every detail is curated to support a balanced high-performance lifestyle.

The venture has drawn global attention—not just from the startup world but also from futurists, educators, and urban planners eager to see how such an environment could redefine how we live, learn, and create.

Srinivasan calls it a “prototype of a parallel society”—and possibly a glimpse into what future decentralized nations might look like.

As global debates around remote work, education reform, and digital citizenship heat up, The Network School island stands as a bold, tangible experiment in living differently.

Sports

Cycling 330 km in 3 Days: What Fuels Milind Soman’s Fitness at 59

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Mumbai–Goa | July 2025 — Supermodel, ultramarathoner, and fitness icon Milind Soman has once again proven that age is just a number. At 59, he completed a challenging 330 km endurance challenge from Mumbai to Goa, combining daily long-distance cycling with cross-training on foot—a feat that would test even the fittest of athletes.

Part of the ongoing #FitIndiaRun campaign, Milind’s expedition wasn’t just about physical endurance—it was a call to action, encouraging Indians to take charge of their health. Over three days, Milind cycled approximately 90 km each day, followed by a 20 km run or walk, traversing steep Western Ghats, winding coastal highways, and humid terrains.

“It’s not about pushing limits. It’s about consistency, simplicity, and loving movement,” Milind shared on social media.

But with such an intense regimen, one naturally wonders: what keeps him going—physically and nutritionally?

🥗 What Milind Soman Eats in a Day

Milind has long followed a minimalist, plant-based diet. His approach is simple: eat natural, eat local, eat light.

Here’s a typical day in his diet:

  • Morning Routine:
    • Starts the day with a glass of warm water and a handful of soaked almonds or walnuts
    • Often skips a heavy breakfast if not training hard
  • Lunch (Main Meal of the Day):
    • A large portion of seasonal vegetables, usually stir-fried or lightly spiced
    • A serving of rice or millets
    • Dal or legumes for protein
    • Sometimes includes a glass of buttermilk
  • Snacks & Hydration:
    • Coconut water, bananas, or dates during long rides or runs
    • No packaged energy bars or supplements
  • Dinner:
    • Very light, often just vegetables or a fruit-based meal
    • Occasionally skips dinner after intense travel or training days
  • No caffeine, no sugar, and minimal salt—a conscious decision he says helps him “feel clean inside.”

🧘‍♂️ Discipline Over Diet Fads

Despite global trends pushing high-protein, supplement-heavy fitness routines, Milind’s success lies in his consistent routine and natural lifestyle. He avoids processed foods and swears by barefoot running, daily movement, and mental clarity as much as physical strength.

He has previously said, “Health is not six-pack abs. It’s freedom from disease, clarity of thought, and the energy to live fully.”

🚴 Fit at 59: The Takeaway

Milind’s 330 km challenge is more than just an athletic milestone. It’s a powerful reminder that long-term health is about everyday choices—what you eat, how you move, and how you rest. His story continues to inspire millions who look to live healthier, more intentional lives.

Social

Rotary Republic Cyclothon: A Celebration of Endurance and Community Spirit

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The 3rd edition of the Rotary Republic Cyclothon, organized by the Rotary Club of Mhapsa Millennials, was flagged off by Mapusa MLA Joshua De Souza on a crisp morning. The event, which aimed to promote fitness and community spirit, saw over 300 participants riding across 5 constituencies, showcasing their endurance and enthusiasm.

A True Celebration of Cycling
The Rotary Republic Cyclothon featured two exciting categories: the Half Century Ride (50km) and the Fun Ride (17km). The Half Century Ride was designed for serious cyclists, while the Fun Ride was open to participants of all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect opportunity for families and friends to ride together.

Honoring the Spirit of Community
Mapusa MLA Joshua De Souza, who flagged off the event, expressed his gratitude to the Rotary Club of Mhapsa Millennials for organizing the Cyclothon. He emphasized the importance of promoting fitness and community spirit, especially among the younger generation.

Recognizing the Unsung Heroes
The event also recognized the efforts of Colonel Rajeev, who was the Guest of Honor, and President Kanak Nachinolkar, Event Head Pratik Pilankar, and the entire team behind the Rotary Republic Cyclothon. Their dedication and hard work made the event a resounding success.

A Testament to Community Spirit
The Rotary Republic Cyclothon was more than just a cycling event; it was a testament to the power of community spirit. The event brought together people from all walks of life, united by their passion for cycling and their commitment to promoting fitness and well-being.