Tag: Sports

Sports

Global Chess League Season 3: Caruana, Giri, Hou, and Praggnanandhaa Headline SG Pipers’ Star-Studded Squad

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Global Chess League is set to return for its highly anticipated third season, and this year brings a historic first—the tournament will be held in India, a country deeply rooted in chess tradition and boasting a rapidly expanding fan base. Scheduled from December 13 to 24, the event will feature the Alpine SG Pipers as one of its most promising teams, with a carefully assembled roster of global chess elites and rising stars.

Retaining their core from last season, the SG Pipers will once again be led by R Praggnanandhaa, who was named Player of the Season in 2024, and Hou Yifan, the current World No.1 among women. These two remain the cornerstone of the team, offering a potent mix of talent, experience, and popularity.

Joining them this year are four high-profile additions. Fabiano Caruana, the American Grandmaster and former World Championship challenger, comes on board as the team’s Icon Player. Anish Giri, a well-established super-GM known for his consistent top-level play, joins the lineup as one of the Superstar Men. From Georgia, Nino Batsiashvili brings both experience and firepower as Superstar Women, having previously won an Olympiad gold medal. And adding youthful energy is Indian prodigy Leon Luke Mendonca, a player known for his fearless and creative style on the board.

The team will be coached by Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay, who expressed full confidence in the squad’s balance and depth. “This is a solid and balanced team,” Thipsay said. “Fabiano brings world-class strength, Anish is extremely reliable, and our retained players—Pragg and Hou—are already fan favorites and strong performers. Nino adds proven international experience, and Leon represents the next generation of Indian chess. I believe we are in for an excellent season.”

The league’s arrival in India also marks a pivotal moment for the sport’s growth in the region. Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SG – Media – Entertainment, sees this as more than just competition. “The Global Chess League coming to India for the first time is a landmark moment for the sport and its growing community of fans here,” he said. “We aim to go beyond the game by building teams that not only compete but also inspire. With this incredible lineup, we’re looking to create something special.”

With India at the center of this edition and the SG Pipers boasting one of the most star-studded squads in the tournament, all eyes will be on the action come December.

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.

Sports

India’s First Formula Night Street Race Announced for Navi Mumbai This December

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, team Allycaral

India is gearing up for its first-ever Formula Night Street Race, and Navi Mumbai is the city chosen to make history. This December, the city will host the grand finale of the Indian Racing Festival on a brand-new 3.753 km street circuit that winds through the scenic Palm Beach Road and alongside the serene Nerul Lake. This major announcement comes just weeks after the reveal of a Goa Street Circuit, further cementing India’s emergence in global motorsports.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has partnered with Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) to bring this ambitious project to life, marking Maharashtra’s debut in the elite tier of street racing. The F4 India finale will take place under lights, making it the first night street race of its kind in the country. With 14 technical turns, the track promises to deliver high-speed action and showcase the raw talent of India’s growing racing community.

This event is more than just motorsport—it is an effort to redefine Maharashtra’s global image and turn it into Asia’s motorsport hub. State leadership believes the event will inspire a new generation of racers, create jobs, boost tourism, and demonstrate India’s capacity to host world-class racing events.

Adding glamour and nationwide buzz to the event are the celebrity team owners: John Abraham (Goa Aces), Arjun Kapoor (Speed Demons Delhi), Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Royal Tigers), Sudeep Kichcha (Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru), Naga Chaitanya (Hyderabad Blackbirds), and Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand (Chennai Turbo Riders). These high-profile names bring not only star power but also a deep passion for the sport, helping motorsport reach new audiences.

Previously, the Indian Racing Festival has held races in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Coimbatore, with Goa slated as the next destination. However, the Navi Mumbai finale represents the boldest leap yet toward building a sustainable motorsport ecosystem in India. More details, including the full driver lineup, event schedule, and fan experiences, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

As the engines prepare to roar under city lights, one thing is clear: Navi Mumbai is ready to shine on the global racing map.

Sports

Sangram Singh Announces MMA Comeback at 40, Set to Fight in Poland

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Sangram Singh, the Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion and one of India’s most inspiring athletes, has officially announced his return to the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). At 40, an age when most athletes hang up their gloves, Sangram is preparing for his second professional MMA bout, which will take place in Poland. The details of the event and his opponent are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Singh made headlines across the world during his debut at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia. There, he stunned audiences with a dominant victory over Pakistan’s Ali Raza, ending the fight in just 90 seconds. This achievement not only marked his successful transition from wrestling to MMA but also made him the first Indian male wrestler to win an international MMA fight.

Now, as he prepares for his second fight, Sangram Singh continues to embody perseverance and strength. Having once been wheelchair-bound, his transformation into an international combat sports figure is a testament to the power of will and belief. Speaking during his training, he said, “Age is just a number when your soul refuses to give up. When I stepped into that octagon in Georgia at 40, fighting against a fighter 17 years younger than me, I wasn’t just fighting for myself – I was fighting to show every dreamer in their 20s, 30s, and 40s that their time is still ahead. This Poland tournament is my second chapter, not the final one.”

More than just a fighter, Sangram Singh is also an advocate for health and sustainability. He has continued to promote an all-vegetarian diet as a viable and powerful option for elite athletes, challenging long-standing beliefs in the combat sports world. “My vegetarian lifestyle is not a limitation – it’s my superpower. Every lentil, every vegetable, every morning’s ghee and ashwagandha not only powers my muscles but also fuels my mission to prove that Indian traditions can dominate on the world stage,” he explained.

In a country where MMA is still finding its footing, Sangram Singh continues to be a trailblazer. His return to the international arena is not just a personal milestone but also an inspirational story for millions across India and beyond. His upcoming fight in Poland will be another opportunity to break stereotypes, defy odds, and raise the Indian flag on a global stage once again.

Sports

Goa Hosts 6th All Goa Deaf Football Tournament; Set to Welcome Nationals in October

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Sports Council of the Deaf (GSCD), in collaboration with Rudhra Sports Club, Comba-Margao, hosted the 6th All Goa Deaf Football Tournament at Fatorda-Margao. In an exciting final, North Goa triumphed over South Goa with a decisive 3-0 victory, reaffirming their dominance in the local deaf football circuit. Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Sanjil Parab winning Best Goal, Nitin Sonshikar securing the Golden Boot, and Kalpesh Ghadi being named Best Goalkeeper.

Gracing the event were key dignitaries including Vivekanand R. Tambi (TSO/Quepem), John Justine Fernandes (Executive Committee Member, AISCD), Prasad Joshi (General Secretary, GSCD), and the GSCD Board Members. Their presence underscored the growing importance and recognition of inclusive sports platforms in the state.

The tournament wasn’t just about accolades—it served as a critical scouting opportunity ahead of the upcoming National Football Championship for the Deaf (Junior Boys category), scheduled for October 9–12, 2025. In a historic first, Goa will host this national-level event at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. Organised by GSCD and Rudhra Sports Club under the aegis of the All India Sports Council of the Deaf (AISCD), the event is being supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of Goa, as part of the International Purple Feast, in collaboration with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

This moment marks a major milestone in GSCD’s 28-year journey, as the organisation steps into the national spotlight as a host for the first time. Adding to Goa’s growing pride in the sports arena, local swimming talent Aahil Sheikh has been selected to represent India at the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo, which will take place from November 15–26. Aahil’s selection signals the rising wave of deaf athletes from the state making their mark on international platforms.

As Goa prepares to host the nation and send its best abroad, the message is clear: inclusivity in sports is no longer a footnote—it’s center stage.