Tag: Sports

Sports

Deepti Sharma: The Calm in India’s Storm and the Heart of a Historic World Cup Win

Tanisha Cardozo

In the storm of high-pressure moments, Deepti Sharma is India’s calm — steady, composed, and unshakeably resilient. Not just a cricketing star, she is also a proud Deputy Superintendent of Police in Uttar Pradesh, carrying both the India jersey and the police star with equal honour and pride.

Yesterday, as India created history by lifting their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Deepti stood right at the heart of that glory — named Player of the Tournament for her exceptional all-round performance. Her consistent contributions with both bat and ball turned tight moments into triumphs and inspired millions watching around the world.

As celebrations erupted across the nation, emotions overflowed in her home in Agra. Her mother, Sushila Sharma, holding back tears of joy, said, “Deepti has fulfilled the dream of the entire nation… She has made India proud.” It was a moment that captured the spirit of not just victory, but of perseverance, sacrifice, and love.

Born on 24 August 1997, Deepti’s journey began with one fateful throw at the age of eight that caught the attention of former India cricketer Hemlata Kala — an instant that changed her life forever. Her brother, Sumit Sharma, became her first coach and guiding force. Leaving behind the comfort of a stable job, he dedicated himself fully to Deepti’s cricketing dream. Against all odds and in the face of constant societal skepticism, the Sharma family stood tall — proving that belief can silence doubt and courage can conquer convention.

From her selection in the Uttar Pradesh state team at just 12 to making her international debut at 17, Deepti’s rise has been marked by relentless discipline and quiet determination. Over the years, she has become India’s crisis warrior — the one who steps in when pressure peaks and delivers when it matters most.

Her heroics in the 2025 World Cup, both with the bat and ball, have now etched her name permanently in India’s cricketing history. Beyond the numbers, Deepti Sharma’s story is a celebration of patience, perseverance, and purpose — a reminder that true champions are not born in comfort, but forged in courage.

Today, as both a World Cup champion and a DSP, Deepti stands as a symbol of discipline, service, and strength. She represents the new India — one where women break boundaries, wear multiple hats with pride, and lead by example. Her story continues to inspire a generation to dream beyond limits and to rise, every time, with unwavering belief.

Sports

Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan Excels at Yogasana State Championship – Wins 13 Medals for Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The Yogasana State Championship 2025, organized by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, witnessed an inspiring display of talent, discipline, and teamwork from Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan, as their athletes secured a total of 13 medals — 4 Gold, 7 Silver, and 2 Bronze — across multiple Yogasana events. The championship was held on 29th October 2025 at the Campal Indoor Stadium, Goa, and brought together some of the state’s finest young yogis.

Under the expert guidance of Mr. Vishal Gawas, Yoga Trainer at Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan, the team achieved remarkable success in various Yogasana categories, including Group Yogasana, Rhythmic Yogasana, and Artistic Yogasana. His scientific approach to training, emphasis on discipline, and motivation helped the students deliver top performances.

Among the standout performers was Arif Khan, who won two Gold medals in Artistic and Individual Yogasana, and Yash Shirodkar, who claimed a Gold, a Silver, and a Bronze medal across different events. Sharada Bandekar secured a Gold medal in Rhythmic Yogasana, while Ganesh Ramadurg earned two Silver and one Bronze medal. Other medal winners included Khushi Pal, Shaunak Barazankar, Tanmay, and Aarya, each contributing to the team’s outstanding tally.

The athletes’ success not only reflects their own hard work but also highlights the strong foundation of yoga education and mentorship provided by Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan. The institution continues to play a vital role in nurturing young talent and promoting Yogasana as a sport that strengthens both body and mind.

President Shri Balkrishna Naik, along with other Executive Committee members of Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan, congratulated the students and expressed immense pride in their achievements. They commended the dedication of the young athletes and the tireless efforts of Mr. Vishal Gawas in uplifting the standard of yoga in Goa.

This stellar performance stands as a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance, guidance, and passion — and marks yet another milestone for Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan in its mission to promote Yogasana excellence across the state.

Sports

Goa Has Sporting Talent but Needs the Right Guidance and Support: Mandar Rao Dessai

Tanisha Cardozo

Panjim, Goa – The passion for football in Goa remains as vibrant as ever, and former Indian national team footballer and current Chennaiyin FC player Mandar Rao Dessai believes that the state has the potential to produce even more world-class athletes — provided they receive the right guidance and support.

Speaking at a sports kit distribution event in Arpora–Nagoa, organized by the V.P. Arpora–Nagoa Panchayat, Mandar emphasized the importance of nurturing young sporting talent through community involvement and mentorship. Reflecting on his own journey, the 33-year-old footballer recalled the challenges he faced during his early days. “When I started playing, there were challenges — lack of kits, infrastructure, and support. But today, everything is available,” he said.

Mandar noted that while opportunities for sports have grown significantly across India, many young players still struggle due to limited financial and infrastructural support. He urged everyone — from local organizations and coaches to families and sports clubs — to come together to provide the right environment for emerging athletes. “We all should come together to motivate and guide young players so they can become great athletes,” he said.

The footballer also highlighted the crucial role that families play in shaping the careers of young sportspersons. “Support from family and friends — whether moral or financial — is crucial. I have represented my state and country, and I know there are many more talented players in Goa who just need the right training and guidance,” he added.

Calling discipline and dedication the cornerstones of success, Mandar expressed optimism that Goa will continue to produce outstanding athletes who can make India proud. “Football runs in the blood of every Goan,” he said, capturing the enduring spirit of the state’s connection with the sport.

During the event, Mandar thanked the Panchayat officials for their efforts in promoting grassroots sports and encouraged further development of local sporting infrastructure. His message was clear — with passion, perseverance, and community backing, Goa’s next generation of athletes can achieve greatness on national and international stages.

Human Interest

“Am I Still Dreaming?” — Palash Muchhal Celebrates Fiancée Smriti Mandhana’s Historic World Cup Win

Tanisha Cardozo

After India’s women’s cricket team created history by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup title against South Africa, the nation erupted in joy — and so did Smriti Mandhana’s fiancé, filmmaker and music composer Palash Muchhal. The emotional victory unfolded on November 2 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where Mandhana played a key role in leading the team to their maiden championship glory.

Soon after the win, Palash Muchhal took to Instagram to share a heartwarming moment with Smriti. In the picture, the Indian opener is seen draped in the tricolour, proudly holding the glittering World Cup trophy, while Palash stands beside her with his arm around her shoulders. Captioning the photo, he wrote, “Am I still dreaming?”, a simple yet touching expression of pride and disbelief at her monumental achievement.

Just days before the final, Muchhal had shared another celebratory post following India’s dramatic victory over Australia in the semifinals, captioning it, “This part of my life right here is called… happiness.”

Last month, Palash Muchhal confirmed his wedding to Smriti Mandhana at a press event in Indore. When asked about their relationship, he hinted at the upcoming nuptials with a smile, saying, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore… that is all I want to say. I have given you the headline.”

According to reports, the couple will begin their wedding celebrations on November 20 in Sangli, Maharashtra. The two have reportedly been dating since 2019 but kept their relationship private until making it Instagram official last year.

Palash Muchhal, known for composing music for several Bollywood films alongside his sister Palak Muchhal, is currently directing his film Raju Bajewala, featuring Avika Gor and Chandan Roy. With Smriti Mandhana’s career soaring and their wedding on the horizon, both are entering a new chapter in life filled with celebration, pride, and love — marking a fairytale moment where sports and art come beautifully together.

Sports

Jay Shah’s reformist vision ushers in a Golden Era for Cricket

Tanisha Cardozo

Under the transformative leadership of Jay Shah, cricket has entered a golden era defined by equality, reform, and global expansion. As BCCI Secretary and now ICC Chairman, Mr. Shah has led a movement that reshaped not just how cricket is governed but how it is envisioned for future generations.

At the helm of the ICC, he has brought reformist energy and a commitment to inclusivity that have set new global benchmarks. His landmark decision to introduce equal prize money for men’s and women’s tournaments in 2023 was a turning point for gender equality in sports. Strengthening the ICC’s financial framework after the COVID-19 pandemic, he championed sustainability, transparency, and strategic growth—ensuring that cricket continues to thrive across emerging nations.

Mr. Shah’s instrumental role in cricket’s return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics stands as a historic achievement. Personally leading the ICC’s successful pitch to the International Olympic Committee, he fulfilled a decades-long dream of bringing cricket back to the world’s biggest sporting arena.

His journey began at the BCCI, where he revolutionized Indian cricket’s operations with governance reforms that prioritized transparency, professionalism, and data-driven decision-making. Under his leadership, the IPL grew into a global sports phenomenon with record-breaking media rights, and the Women’s Premier League emerged as the largest women’s sporting league in the world. He implemented India’s landmark pay parity policy, ensuring equal match fees for men and women cricketers—a step that inspired other sports bodies globally.

Beyond the glamour of leagues, Mr. Shah revitalized the domestic structure, significantly increasing prize money and match fees, and launching the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme to reignite interest in red-ball cricket. He also expanded the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru into a world-class hub for high-performance training and rehabilitation, setting new standards for player development.

These reforms have yielded remarkable success on the field. India’s cricketing dominance reached new heights with five ICC trophies in just three years across men’s and women’s categories, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and most recently, India’s first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025.

Reflecting on the historic women’s victory, Jay Shah remarked, “India finally lifts the World Cup! Last night was a landmark in the history of women’s cricket. Increased investment, pay parity with men’s cricketers, and the competitive spirit born from the WPL have shaped this incredible achievement.”

With vision and conviction, Jay Shah has not only modernized cricket’s governance but redefined its spirit. His leadership continues to unite the game under one purpose—to make cricket truly global, equitable, and limitless in possibility.