Tag: sport

Sports

Raahul V S Becomes India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster After Winning ASEAN Individual Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s chess fraternity is celebrating a new milestone as Raahul V S becomes the nation’s 91st Grandmaster, following his outstanding victory at the ASEAN Individual Championship. Raahul clinched the title with a round to spare, showcasing remarkable skill, strategy, and composure throughout the tournament. His achievement marks another shining chapter in Bharat’s rapidly growing chess legacy.

Raahul’s journey to the Grandmaster title has been one of consistent dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. Over the years, he has demonstrated exceptional promise in national and international tournaments, steadily building his reputation as one of India’s brightest young chess talents. His victory at the ASEAN Championship not only earned him the coveted GM title but also reaffirmed India’s position as one of the world’s strongest chess nations.

Becoming a Grandmaster is a defining milestone for any chess player, representing mastery over one of the most intellectually demanding sports. Raahul’s success adds to India’s remarkable tally of chess achievements, following a golden era that has seen the rise of young prodigies continuing the legacy started by legends such as Viswanathan Anand.

The achievement is being celebrated across the Indian chess community, with fans and peers hailing Raahul’s performance as an inspiration to aspiring players across the country. His success story reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and India’s growing investment in nurturing chess at the grassroots level.

As the 91st Grandmaster of Bharat, Raahul V S embodies the nation’s rising dominance in the world of chess — a game that continues to capture the imagination of millions. With his latest triumph, he joins an elite league of minds who have carried India’s intellectual tradition onto the global stage.

Heartiest congratulations to Grandmaster Raahul V S — may this be just the beginning of a long and victorious journey ahead, inspiring generations of young players to make Bharat proud.

Human Interest

Virat Kohli Ranks 6th Among World’s Most Influential People on Instagram in 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of all time, has achieved yet another milestone — this time beyond the cricket field. In 2025, he has been ranked as the 6th most influential person in the world on Instagram, according to global influencer rankings and industry reports. This recognition places Kohli among an elite list of global figures from entertainment, sports, and fashion, reaffirming his unparalleled global influence.

Known for his passion, performance, and leadership on the field, Kohli has seamlessly translated his sporting excellence into digital impact. His Instagram following, spanning hundreds of millions, reflects not only his athletic achievements but also his authentic personality, disciplined lifestyle, and powerful brand presence. His posts — whether celebrating a victory, sharing glimpses of fitness routines, or moments with family — consistently generate some of the highest engagement rates among athletes worldwide.

Over the past decade, Kohli has emerged as one of the world’s most recognized and respected athletes. From captaining India to historic wins to becoming the face of a new generation of fitness-conscious sports fans, his influence extends far beyond cricket. His online persona mirrors his professional ethos — confident, focused, and inspirational — resonating with fans from every corner of the world.

Industry experts credit Kohli’s global appeal to his ability to balance authenticity with ambition. While he remains rooted in Indian values, his voice and personality connect across cultures, making him one of the few athletes whose fame transcends sport. His Instagram presence also serves as a platform for advocacy — from fitness and mental wellness to sustainability and animal welfare — further amplifying his impact as a responsible global citizen.

Brands have long recognized the power of Kohli’s digital influence. His collaborations and campaigns are known for record engagement and reach, making him one of the most valuable brand ambassadors in sports marketing today. This recognition as the 6th most influential person globally cements his status not only as a cricketing legend but also as a global cultural force.

For millions of fans, Virat Kohli represents the spirit of dedication, resilience, and excellence. His journey from a young Delhi cricketer to a world leader in both sport and social influence is a testament to the transformative power of authenticity and hard work. Whether on the field or online, Kohli continues to inspire, lead, and redefine what it means to be a modern global icon.

Special Occasion

Melbourne Cup Day: The Race That Stops a Nation

Tanisha Cardozo

Every year on the first Tuesday of November, the city of Melbourne and indeed all of Australia comes to a thrilling halt for one of the most celebrated sporting and social events in the world — the Melbourne Cup. Held at the historic Flemington Racecourse, the Melbourne Cup Day is more than a horse race; it’s an event that reflects Australia’s love for sport, fashion, and community spirit.

Known as “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup captures the hearts of millions who tune in to watch the race live, whether they’re at the track, in workplaces, pubs, or hosting backyard gatherings. The excitement builds as the nation collectively holds its breath, watching elite racehorses compete for glory in one of the richest turf races in the world.

Beyond the thundering hooves and cheering crowds, Melbourne Cup Day is a grand celebration of fashion and culture. The famous Myer Fashions on the Field competition turns Flemington into a runway of creativity, where participants showcase exquisite outfits, elaborate fascinators, and vibrant colors that make the event as much about style as sport. Across the country, Australians embrace the day by dressing up in their finest, bringing elegance and joy to every celebration.

The history of the Melbourne Cup stretches back to 1861 when it was first organized by Frederick Standish to elevate Victoria’s profile and attract visitors. The inaugural race saw 17 horses compete before a crowd of 4,000, with a horse named Archer taking home the first trophy. Over the years, the Cup’s popularity soared, turning it into a public holiday in Victoria by 1877 — a testament to its deep cultural significance. The race’s unique handicap format, where each horse carries a different weight, adds an element of unpredictability that has long fascinated punters and fans alike.

The festivities extend far beyond the racecourse. From office sweepstakes to community events, the Melbourne Cup brings people together in the spirit of friendly competition and celebration. Many host garden parties, enjoy gourmet spreads, and place small bets to feel part of the action. Local venues, from pubs to restaurants, host live screenings and themed events, ensuring no one misses out on the excitement.

Equally significant is the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s contribution to charity and community engagement. The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour takes the iconic trophy across Australia and abroad, raising funds and sharing stories that unite communities. This enduring spirit of generosity and connection underscores why the event remains such a vital part of Australia’s national identity.

Whether celebrated in the grandeur of Flemington’s stands or the comfort of a backyard picnic, Melbourne Cup Day continues to embody Australia’s zest for life, camaraderie, and celebration. It’s not just a race — it’s a moment when the nation comes together, united in cheer, style, and timeless tradition.

Sports

4th Vedanta Youth Cup Kicks Off in Goa with Top U-16 Talent from Across India

Tanisha Cardozo

The 4th edition of the Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup officially kicked off on 21st October 2025 in Goa, welcoming elite youth football teams from across India. Organised by the Sesa Football Academy (SFA), the tournament represents a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing young footballing talent at the grassroots level.

This year’s edition features eight high-performing teams: AIFF Talent Academy, Cortalim Villagers, Bengaluru FC, Dempo SC, Muthoot FA, Sesa FA, FC Goa, and Belgaum United Football Academy. These teams will compete across three venues — SFA’s Sirsaim Campus, Vagator Ground, and FC Goa Guirim Ground — as they battle it out for the prestigious title.

The tournament follows a pool format with two groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals, set for 27th October at SFA Sirsaim, with the grand finale scheduled for 29th October at Duler Ground. Defending champions Muthoot Football Academy are back in the fray and are expected to present a strong challenge.

The opening day saw thrilling action as AIFF Talent Academy dominated Dempo SC with a commanding 4-1 win. Bengaluru FC launched their campaign with an emphatic 9-0 victory over Cortalim Villagers. In another close match, Sesa FA edged past Belgaum United 2-1. The result of the Muthoot FA vs FC Goa clash was pending at the time of publication.

As Indian football continues to demand more robust player pipelines and structured developmental competitions, the Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup serves as a vital cog in this larger ecosystem. Supported by the Goa Football Association (GFA) and Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), the tournament aligns with key priorities such as grassroots scouting, community participation, and long-term fan engagement.

The cup also holds special significance for Sesa Football Academy, which has been investing in local talent since 1999. Leena Verenkar, Head of SCDF & CSR at Sesa Goa, emphasized that the tournament reflects the academy’s commitment to developing players from Goa’s rural and mining belts. “SFA has since 1999 been focussing on nurturing homegrown talent from the rural and mining belts of Goa. It has been a vessel for developing and nurturing the rich legacy of Goan and National football.”

Technical Director of SFA, Gavin Araujo, highlighted the tournament’s value as a high-stakes developmental opportunity for young players. “It’s a superb platform that provides the right impetus to the young footballers and gives them the much-needed edge in terms of honing skills and sharpening key attributes including mental robustness.”

The tournament also marks another successful step for SFA as a dependable organiser of national-level competitions. After hosting I-League 3 and IWL 2 matches, the academy continues to grow as a hub of football excellence, helping pave the way for India’s next generation of players. The Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup is not just a competition — it’s a launchpad for dreams.

Sports

Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Announces Selection Criteria for Asian Games 2026 Participation

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has unveiled the official selection criteria for the participation of individuals and teams in the Asian Games 2026 and other multi-sports events. This new framework aims to create a transparent and equitable process to ensure that only athletes with a genuine chance of winning medals are considered for selection, thereby enhancing India’s competitive edge in international sports.

The criteria cover both measurable and non-measurable sports events, providing clear benchmarks for athlete and team eligibility. For measurable individual sports and events, athletes must have matched or bettered the performance of the 6th place finisher from the last Asian Games at recognized international competitions held within 12 months before the upcoming Games. If a sport or event was not part of the last Asian Games, the standards will refer to the Senior Asian Championships held within the same timeframe.

For non-measurable individual sports, athletes must have achieved a top-6 finish in the most recent Senior Asian Championships or hold a world ranking within the top 6 among Asian nations in their event. In cases where no recent championships or rankings exist, equivalent international competitions will be considered.

Team sports and team events will be eligible for selection if the team has secured a top-8 finish in the last Senior Asian Championships or is ranked within the top 8 in Asian countries based on international rankings. If such rankings or championships are unavailable, performance in equivalent international competitions will be used as a benchmark.

The Ministry has also included a relaxation clause, which allows for discretion in selecting individuals or teams when justified by expert opinions or recommendations from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). However, participation solely for the sake of presence without aiming for excellence will not be approved. The Ministry also cautions against irregular scheduling of qualifying competitions to circumvent the rules and will not approve participation if such practices compromise competitive standards.

Additionally, the selection criteria specify that only those sportspersons, coaches, and support staff who are cleared at government cost will be included in the contingent. No additional members will be added, even if they do not incur government expenditure.

This rigorous selection framework is intended to focus resources on high-performing athletes and teams, promoting excellence and better medal prospects for India at the Asian Games 2026 and other major multi-sport events. It reflects the Ministry’s commitment to supporting a merit-based system and enhancing India’s stature in international sports.