Sports

Prime Volleyball League 2025: Goa Guardians Set for Semi-Final Showdown Against Mumbai Meteors


Goa’s volleyball dream continues to soar. In their debut season in the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia, the Goa Guardians have stormed into the semi-finals and now face a formidable challenge against the Mumbai Meteors on Friday, October 24th, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad at 6.30 p.m.

Goa’s path to the semis was sealed dramatically after the Delhi Toofans edged out Kolkata Thunderbolts in a tense five-set thriller. That result secured Goa’s place among the final four – a remarkable feat for a franchise competing for the first time on India’s premier volleyball stage.

Led by captain Chirag Yadav, the Guardians have impressed with their balanced gameplay and fearless attitude. Star attacker Nato Dickinson and blocker Prince Malik have been central to Goa’s success, combining sharp serves with high-energy blocks. Their chemistry on the court has given the team a creative edge, while libero Ramanathan’s defensive resilience has frustrated opponents throughout the campaign.

Mumbai, on the other hand, enter the semi-final as one of the most consistent teams of the season, known for their attacking depth and cohesive unit play. With powerful spiker Amit Gulia and setter Om Vasant Lad dictating the rhythm, the Meteors have been one of the most clinical sides this year.

However, Goa’s unpredictable style and rising momentum make them dangerous underdogs. They have nothing to lose and everything to prove. For the Meteors, it’s about maintaining composure and converting experience into execution.

When the lights shine on Friday night, Hyderabad will witness a thrilling contest between ambition and experience – a semi-final that promises intensity, noise, and volleyball of the highest caliber.

Sports

Divya Deshmukh Enters Semi-Finals of FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, Joins Koneru Humpy


Batumi, Georgia | July 16, 2025: India’s rising chess star International Master Divya Deshmukh has etched her name into the history books by advancing to the semi-finals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, becoming only the second Indian woman ever to do so.

Joining her in the Final 4 is none other than Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, making it a historic occasion for Indian chess — with two Indian women fighting for a spot in the final on the global stage.

Divya’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by tactical brilliance, calm under pressure, and a maturity beyond her years. Her performances have captured the attention of the global chess community and renewed India’s dominance in women’s chess.

The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, held in Batumi, Georgia, has seen fierce competition among the world’s best, and Divya’s advancement is a testament to India’s growing bench strength in international chess.

In a post-match interaction, Divya expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying, “It’s an honour to represent India at this level. Every game is a new challenge, and I’m thrilled to have made it to the semis.”

With Humpy and Divya both in the semis, India has doubled its chances for gold and reaffirmed its place as a global chess powerhouse.

The chess world now eagerly awaits the semi-final clashes as India watches with pride.

Stay tuned for more updates from FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025.