Tag: Sports News

Sports

Goa’s Lloyd Fernandes Selected for ITTF Asian Para Championship After Double Gold Victory

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

For many, an accident might seem like the end of life. But for some, it becomes the beginning of a powerful new chapter. Lloyd Fernandes from Goa is one such person who turned tragedy into triumph. In 2016, Lloyd’s life changed forever after a devastating accident left him paralyzed. While most would struggle to cope, Lloyd found strength in an unexpected place—table tennis.

Determined not to let his condition define him, Lloyd picked up the sport after the accident. It started as a form of therapy and evolved into a full-fledged passion. With every swing of the paddle, he built confidence, strength, and purpose. He trained rigorously, competed fiercely, and steadily carved a name for himself in the world of Para Table Tennis.

His hard work paid off in March 2025 when he clinched two consecutive gold medals—first at the Para Table Tennis National Ranking Championship held from March 17–19, and then again at the Para Senior Table Tennis National Championship from March 21–23. Both prestigious events were hosted at the Sama Indoor Sports Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Lloyd’s exceptional performance has now earned him a coveted spot in the ITTF Asian Para Championship, a major international tournament that gathers the best para-athletes from across the continent. His selection is not just a personal achievement, but also a proud moment for Goa and India.

Lloyd Fernandes’s journey from paralysis to the international stage is more than just a story of sports. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience, determination, and passion can overcome any obstacle. As he prepares to represent India at the ITTF Asian Para Championship, he carries with him the hopes of many and the undeniable spirit of a true champion.

Sports

Sumit Nagal Helps India Beat Switzerland for Davis Cup 2025 Qualifiers Spot

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

India scripted a memorable chapter in its tennis history on Saturday by defeating ninth-seeded Switzerland 3-1 in their Davis Cup 2025 World Group I tie at the Swiss Tennis Arena in Biel. This landmark victory has booked the Indian team a spot in the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers, scheduled for early next year. More significantly, it marks India’s first win against a European nation on their home soil in over three decades—since 1993 when the team famously beat France 3-2 in the quarter-finals with legends Leander Paes and Ramesh Krishnan.

Heading into the second day of the tie with a 2-0 lead, thanks to opening-day singles victories by Dhakshineswar Suresh and Sumit Nagal, India needed just one more win to close out the contest. However, the doubles pair of N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli couldn’t seal the deal, falling to Jakub Paul and Dominic Stricker in a tightly contested three-setter. Despite taking the first set via a tiebreak, the Indian duo was broken late in the second and third sets, resulting in a 6(3)-7(7), 6-4, 7-5 loss that lasted two hours and 21 minutes.

With the tie still open, Switzerland brought in 18-year-old Henry Bernet to face India’s top singles player, Sumit Nagal. Unfazed by the pressure, Nagal delivered a clinical performance, breaking Bernet three times in the opening set and once in the second to secure a commanding 6-1, 6-3 win. His victory ensured that India would advance to the 2026 Qualifiers, a significant milestone considering the team had not progressed beyond World Group I since the Davis Cup format was revamped in 2019.

India, a three-time Davis Cup runner-up in 1966, 1974, and 1987, continues to chase the elusive title. With this victory, the team not only progresses to the next stage but also boosts confidence in its younger players and sets the stage for a strong campaign next year.

Sports

India Wins Silver at Women’s Asia Cup 2025 After Intense Final Against Hosts China

Tanisha Cardozo

Hangzhou, 14th September 2025: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team wrapped up an inspiring campaign at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 with a Silver Medal, following a 1-4 defeat against hosts China in the final. The match began in the best possible fashion for India as veteran forward Navneet Kaur found the back of the net in the very first minute, converting a penalty corner with a powerful strike to give India an early 1-0 lead.

China responded quickly, increasing the intensity and pressing the Indian defense with persistent attacks throughout the first half. Despite the pressure, India’s defense held firm for much of the first quarter. Goalkeeper Bichu Devi produced a string of excellent saves, and defender Sunelita Toppo made a crucial goalline block in the fourth minute. Another penalty corner for China in the 15th minute was effectively nullified by India’s first rusher, preserving the lead.

In the second quarter, China continued to press, earning another penalty corner in the 17th minute and forcing another top-class save from Bichu Devi. However, their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when captain Ou Zixia converted a penalty corner to level the score. The teams went into halftime tied 1-1, with everything to play for.

India came out strong in the third quarter, dominating possession and making repeated circle entries in search of a go-ahead goal. However, a missed penalty corner in the 40th minute opened the door for a swift Chinese counterattack. Li Hong capitalized on the opportunity, making a solo run and delivering a backhanded shot into the bottom corner to give China a 2-1 lead.

China extended their advantage in the fourth quarter. In the 51st minute, Ying Zhang delivered a perfect pass inside the circle, which Zou Meirong tapped in with a first-touch finish. Just two minutes later, Zhong Jiaqi made a run from the right flank, cutting into the circle and slotting a precise shot past the Indian goalkeeper to make it 4-1.

Despite the loss, India’s performance in the final and throughout the tournament displayed resilience, talent, and determination. The Silver Medal marks a proud moment for Indian women’s hockey and highlights the continued rise of the team on the Asian stage. With promising young players and experienced leaders like Navneet Kaur, India remains a strong contender in international women’s hockey.

Sports

Lohakare Breaks Neeraj Chopra’s Services Record with 84.31m Throw

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At the 74th Inter Services Athletics Championship 2025, a new star emerged in Indian athletics. Young javelin thrower Lohakare stunned spectators by producing a throw of 84.31m, breaking the long-standing Services record set by Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra in 2018 (83.80m).

The achievement carries special significance, as Lohakare has long cited Chopra as his inspiration. To surpass his idol’s record on such a stage underlines both his talent and India’s growing depth in the javelin discipline.

However, the record will not be recognized by World Athletics, since the Inter Services meet is a non-certified event. Despite this, Lohakare’s performance is already being hailed as a potential stepping stone to international success.

India has seen an unprecedented surge in javelin throw talent following Chopra’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic triumph, and Lohakare’s rise further cements the nation’s strength in the discipline.

Athletics Federation officials and coaches are expected to closely monitor Lohakare’s progression as he eyes bigger stages, including certified national and international competitions.

With his 84.31m throw, Lohakare has signaled his arrival — and hinted that India’s javelin story is only just beginning.

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Goa’s Amaira Dhumatker Wins Triple Crown at Black Feather Open Junior Championship 2025

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Goa’s young badminton sensation Amaira Dhumatker showcased her extraordinary skills at the Black Feather Open Junior Championship, held on September 7, 2025, at MACHAXI Pragathi, Horamavu, Karnataka.

Triple Crown Achievement

Amaira delivered a stellar performance to clinch three gold medals in:

  • Under-9 girls’ singles
  • Under-11 girls’ singles
  • Under-13 girls’ singles

She defeated top-seeded players from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, proving her dominance across categories and underlining her versatility as a shuttler.

A Rising Star for Goa & India

Winning across three different age groups in a single tournament is an exceptional feat, reflecting both Amaira’s talent and determination. Her triumph has brought pride to Goa’s sporting community and is being hailed as a glimpse into the future of Indian badminton.

As she continues her journey, Amaira Dhumatker is already being celebrated as a name to watch — a young champion on the rise.