Category Archives: Sports

From a remote MP village to Mumbai Indians, journey of cricketer Arshad Khan

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Gopalganj Village (Seoni District), MADHYA PRADESH :

Arshad with his team. | Picture by arrangement

Bhopal :

Ashfaq Khan (63) and his wife Aliya Khan (56), residents of Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh’s Gopalganj, were glued to the television set watching the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction as the league had put his youngest son Arshad Khan’s name in the auction list of IPL players. With the completion of every auction, the duo eagerly waits to hear the next name which might be of their son’s.

With dim hope, Ashfaq, a retired teacher-turn-farmer, who wants to see his son in the Indian cricket team, left home for the mosque to offer evening Namaz (Magrib), pondering on the future of his son. As he completed the Namaz, his eldest son Zakariya Khan whispered, “Arsad ko Mumbai Indians team ne kharid liya hai. Wo IPL khele ga.” 

Elated with the news, “I thanked Allah and offered namaz of shukrana,” recalled Ashfaq.

The left-arm seamer and left-hand batsman, Mohd Arshad Khan has been picked up by Mumbai Indians worth Rs 20 lakh in the mega auction of the 15th season of IPL 2022 held in Bangalore recently. His consistent performance in the Under-23 VK Naidu tournament organised by BCCI in the year 2020, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the same year caught the eyeballs of the selectors.  

In the VK Naidu tournament, Arshad took 36 wickets in 10 matches and also scored 400 runs. He shot into the limelight in 2019-20 when he took 5 wickets and scored a century, batting in the tail end. “The match was against Assam and my team had lost 7 wickets for 87 runs. I went in and scored 134 runs. That inning has been the best of my career,” said Arshad. He always punched above his weight, getting selected for under-14 when he was just 11-year-old.

It was an unforgettable moment for Ashfaq, who coached Arshad for almost eight years since he was eight-year-old. “He was born to be a cricketer. I saw a player in him when he performed well during a trial that took place in Chhindwara in 2008.”

With the selection in Mumbai Indians, Arshad became a superstar in his village as well as in the district. When an overwhelmed Ashfaq was rushing home, he was surrounded by the villagers who were rejoicing at Arshad’s selection. “It was like a village fair. Hundreds of people have gathered outside the home, crackers were burnt, drums have begun to beat and everyone is distributing sweets,” said Aliya, mother of Arshad. 

Recalling the contribution of Arshad’s father, his mother Aliya said, “Cricket is an expensive game and there were occasions when his father purchased his cricket kit way more expensive than his month’s salary. Besides, the efforts of his coaches Abdul Kalam, from Seoni and his coaches in Indore — Shantanu Tripathi and Chandrakant Pandit — have polished his talent to become a good cricketer.”

Belonging to a humble background and youngest among the four siblings, Arshad and his family live in Gopalganj village, around 13-km from Seoni town. “Even Seoni didn’t have a proper turf, what to talk of my village when I began playing cricket,” said Arshad speaking over the phone. “I was in Gujarat when I got a phone call that you have been selected for Mumbai Indians. 

“My phone was buzzing non-stop the day I got selected. I don’t even have time to speak with my father. It was the next morning when I spoke to him on a video call. He was blushing and smiling. It was an unforgettable smile which I have been waiting to see for years,” the budding cricketer Arshad giggled. 

Talking about the struggle, Arsad said, “From 2017 to 2019, it was the years of despair. I had multiple injuries and have stopped playing cricket. But then my father encouraged me to restart afresh and boosted my morale. From that day to today, I never looked back.”

“The journey would have been much more difficult if my partner-in-dream; Ashfaq Khan, my father, did not stand beside me like a rock,” said Ashfaq adding that I want to live his dream and will play for the Indian cricket squad.

Madness for cricket has forced Arshad to quit education after matriculation. But, now, he is determined to resume his studies.

Just like Arshad, Kuldeep Sen, a son of saloon shop owner from Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa, was also auctioned in the the15th edition of IPL. Rajasthan Royals took him at a base price of Rs 20 lakh. 

source: http://www.twocirlcles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story / by Kashif Kakvi, TwoCirlcles.net / Februrary 25th, 2022

Rashmikaa, Humera pair triumphs Haryana Women’s ITF $15k tennis tournament

Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabads Humera and Rashmikaa with the doubles trophies.

Hyderabad: 

Hyderabad tennis players Shrivalli Rashmikaa and Humera Baharmus pair lifted the women’s doubles crown at the Haryana Women’s ITF $15k tennis tournament, in Gurugram on Saturday.

The talented youngsters, who were unseeded in the tournament, defeated top seeds Kovapitukted Punin of Thailand and Anna Ureke of Russia 6-3, 1-6, 10-3.

This is their maiden ITF women’s title. In the singles, Rashmikaa lost to Kovapitukted Punin in quarterfinals on Friday.

Result: Doubles Final: Shrivalli Rashmikaa B/Humera Baharmus (Ind) bt Kovapitukted Punin (THA)/Anna Ureke (RUS) (1) 6-3, 1-6, 10-3.

source: http://www.telanganatoday.com / Telangana Today / Home / by Telangana Today / February 19th, 2022

WORLD RECORD : Bihar’s Sakibul Gani Creates World Record With Triple Century On First-Class Debut

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Motihari Town, BIHAR :

Sakibul Gani scored 341 runs off just 405 balls with the help of 56 fours and 2 sixes. He maintained a strike rate of 84.20.

Bihars Sakibul Gani Creates World Record With Tripe Century On First-Class Debut

Bihar’s 22-year-old batter Sakibul Gani etched his name on the history books by breaking the record for the highest individual score by a cricketer on first-class debut. Becoming the first batter to score a triple hundred on first-class debut, Gani amassed 341 runs off just 405 balls with the help of 56 fours and 2 sixes in a Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Mizoram at Jadavpur University Campus 2nd Ground in Kolkata on Friday. He maintained a strike rate of 84.20.

The previous highest on first-class debut also belonged to an Indian. Madhya Pradesh’s Ajay Rohera held the record for more than three years. He had scored an unbeaten 267 against Hyderabad in Indore in December 2018. The third on the list is former Mumbai captain Amol Mazumdar. He had scored 260 on debut way back in the 1993-94 season.

Sakibul, who has a decent List A record with 377 runs in 14 matches, came in to bat at No.5 when Bihar were 71 for 3. He then forged a mammoth 538-run stand for the fourth wicket with Babul Kumar, who was unbeaten on 229 when Bihari decided to declare their first innings at 686 for 5.

On Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy on Thursday, Ajinkya Rahane scored a century for Mumbai in the match against Saurashtra.

Delhi batter Yash Dhull also registered a ton on his first-class debut against Tamil Nadu in Guwahati.

The Ranji Trophy would be held in two phases and now it has been confirmed that the pre-Indian Premier League (IPL) phase would run from February 10 to March 15. The post-IPL-phase would run from May 30 to June 26. The Ranji Trophy this season would see 64 matches being played across 62 days.

There are eight Elite Groups and one Plate Group. There would be four teams in Elite Groups and six teams would make up the Plate Group. One team from each Elite Group will qualify for the quarterfinal stages. The lowest-ranked of the eight qualified teams will have to play a pre-quarterfinal with the top team from the Plate Group.

(With ANI inputs)

source: http://www.sports.ndtv.com / NDTV Sports / Sports Home> Cricket> News / by NDTV Sports Desk / February 18th, 2022

Hyderabad: Burqa-clad women are the heroes in this boxing academy

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad :

Considered to be one of the academy’s finest students, Amena (name changed) makes it a point to train at least for three hours a day. A burqa-clad woman, she resolved to break the shackles of the oppression that is often wrongly associated with the piece of clothing. She is 39-year-old and one of the fifteen women in this boxing school between the ages of 35-50.

Surprisingly enough, both Amena and her 15-year-old son Uzair train together. “The duo gives each other a good fight in the boxing ring,” said their coach Shaikh Aijaz Ahmed.

A national-level gold medalist himself, Aijaz Ahmed set up Golconda Boxing Academy in 2002 at Owaisi playground, Golconda and has been giving free coaching to all. “I believe that women must train for boxing, as it is best for self-defence. I am glad that more women are willing to learn boxing at my academy,” he said.

As many as 150 students are enrolled in the academy as of now. Of them, there are children, young girls and married women.

35-year-old Naseema Begum believes ‘hijab’ is not an excuse to quit learning new things. “It is all about dedication and enthusiasm for learning and productivity,” Begum says. “Even if we don’t participate in any tournaments, it at least keeps us healthy and fit,” said 41-year-old Najma Sultana, who trains with her 6-year-old granddaughter.

Many women prefer to take these classes as a break from their routine and also because the classes are given for free.

Young girls between the ages of 13 – 20, seen in a headscarf, give a tough fight to the boys. Many of them are very keen on taking boxing as their career ahead too. One of them is Afsha Shah, a 14-year-old, who is already making a mark. She took part in the national and state-level games and won prizes. “At times these girls give a tough time to me as well,” Ahmed laughs, saying it also builds their character.

youtube.com / The Siasat Daily

It was Ahmed’s grandfather Subedar Major Shaik Ahmed inspired him to continue the tradition. “My grandfather dreamt of these changes in the community. He was a great boxer and even served the Army. My father Shaik Abdul Gani, participated in national-level tournaments before he retired from the army in 1980. He set up this Golconda Boxing Association in 1990,” Ahmed added.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured News / by Nihad Amin edited by Sruthi Vibhavan / January 21st, 2021

Avesh Khan most expensive uncapped Indian ever after Lucknow Super Giants gets him for Rs 10 crore

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Indore, MADHYA PRADESH :

Avesh Khan became the most expensive uncapped Indian player after Lucknow Super Giants signed him for Rs 10 crore.

Avesh Khan was released by Delhi Capitals.   –  IPL/SPORTZPICS

Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants were locked in a bidding war initially before Mumbai Indians came in as the bid jumped past Rs 4 crore.

Mumbai and Lucknow were then locked in a bidding war, with Sunrisers Hyderabad entering the fray as the bid reached Rs 9.75 crore.

Lucknow then held the bid at Rs 10 crore and acquired Avesh’s services.

source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sport Star / Home> IPL Auction> Auction / by Team Sportstar / February 12th, 2022

Junior World No 1 Tasnim Mir wins Iran Fajr International Challenge

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Gujarat, INDIA :

The 16-year-old from Gujarat, who became the first Indian woman shuttler to claim the world no. 1 status in u-19 singles, beat second seed Susato 21-11, 11-21, 21-7 in 51 minutes.

India’s Tasnim Mir beat Indonesia’s Yosephine Susanto at the 30th Iran Fajr International Challenge 2022. (Photo | Twitter, @BAI_Media)

Shiraz :

Junior World No 1 Indian shuttler Tasnim Mir on Friday notched a three-game win over Yulia Yosephine Susanto of Indonesia in the final to claim the women’s singles title at the Iran Fajr International Challenge here.

The 16-year-old from Gujarat, who became the first Indian woman shuttler to claim the world no. 1 status in u-19 singles, beat second seed Susato 21-11, 11-21, 21-7 in 51 minutes.

Tasnim, ranked number 404 in the senior world rankings, lagged 1-3 early on but she soon clawed back at 5-5 before reeling off six straight points to create a huge gap, which her rival couldn’t bridge.

The Indonesian came out all cylinders blazing in the second game, jumping to a 9-2 advantage.

She kept moving ahead to roar back into the contest in a jiffy.

In the decider, Tasnim got her bearings back, zooming to 6-1.

She didn’t look back and shut the door on her rival to comfortably pocket the title.

En route to the title, Tasnim defeated Iran’s Nazanin Zamani, Armenia’s Lilit Poghosyan, Iran’s Fatemeh Babaei, India’s Samayara Panwar before outwitting top seed and World Number 71 Martina Repiska in the semifinals.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sports> Cricket / by PTI / February 11th, 2022

Winners Of World Online Karate Championship

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Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

The Karatekas of IKA Karate Academy, Mysuru and Kali Warriors Academy, Karnataka, under Pekiti Tirsia Kali India, have bagged various medals in the World Online Karate Championship-2022 organised by Dynamic Shotokan Karate Do Association, World Union of Martial Arts Federations, World Karate Alliance and Evolution of Karate between Jan. 20 and Jan. 25, 2022.

Seen in the picture are (sitting from left):  Raihan (Gold medal), Daniyal (Gold medal), Navanidh Surya (Silver), Saatvik (Silver), Md. Abdul Malik (Gold), Tharun (Bronze) and Abhimaanm (Silver);

Standing from left: Noushin (Gold), S. Pooja (Silver), Diganth (Gold), Sensei Mohamed Saqeeb Ur Rahman and  Sensei Abdul Waseem (Senior Instructors and Head Coaches of IKA), Sempai Lali Vishnu (Instructor and Coach of IKA), Rihaana (Bronze), Poojitha (Silver) and Keerthana (Bronze).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / February 11th, 2022

Shaik Rasheed credits success to Laxman, support staff

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Guntur, ANDHRA PRADESH :

Shows his mettle: Rasheed was one of India’s star batters in the Under-19 World Cup with a 94 in the semifinals and a 50 in the final. 

India U-19 vice-captain says ‘we were fortunate to have people like Kanitkar and Bahutule’

“Hold a cricket bat, close your eyes, keep visualising the bowlers whom you are likely to face on the cricket field and do shadow practise.”

Vice-captain of victorious Indian under-19 team in the recent World Cup in West Indies, Shaik Rasheed, said this advice from the cricketing great and now NCA Director V.V.S. Laxman made a huge difference to his batting in the semifinals and the final.

Difficult times

“After the first league match, I tested positive. There were too many negative thoughts. Was finding it difficult to handle the situation.

But, Laxman sir (who was with the Indian team during the World Cup) kept talking to all of us (whoever tested positive) during quarantine daily and kept encouraging,” Rasheed recalled in an exclusive chat with The Hindu.

“I should say we were fortunate to have such wonderful support staff which includes head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. I remember even Kanitkar sir telling me ‘We don’t look to you to score runs. We would love to see you stay at the wicket as long as possible’,” 18-year-old Rasheed said.

“I owe everything to my father. He never ever made me feel uncomfortable. Whatever I asked, he always provided despite the financial problems,” Rasheed said.

“No. There was never ever a thought of quitting cricket because of the poor financial background of my family. Me and my father always felt cricket is the way out for us,” he said.

“I am always grateful to ACA, J. Krishna Rao sir (Mangalagiri ACA Residential Academy), MSK sir and Bharat anna (wicketkeeper-batter K. Srikar Bharat). They all ensured that I didn’t miss anything in continuing my passion in my early days,” the young cricketer said.

First priority

On his own batting, Rasheed said his first priority was to stay as long as possible and not think too much about individual goals. “For me, team’s win is always important,” he said.

What next? “Hoping to be in the Ranji Trophy squad as I have been called to join the State team’s preparations in Vizianagaram ACA Sports Complex. Looking forward to doing well and keep scoring and then, of course, play for India seniors one day,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Cricket / by V V Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – February 10th, 2022

Skier Arif Khan leads Indian contingent at Beijing Winter Olympics

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Baramulla District, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Arif Mohd Khan, of India, leads their team in during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing.   | Photo Credit: AP

Arif is the first Indian to secure qualification in two events of the same edition of the Games and his competitions are slated for February 13 and 16

Beijing Skier Arif Khan led a small four-strong Indian contingent during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony here on Friday amid a diplomatic boycott of the event by the country.

The 31-year-old Arif will be the lone Indian competitor at the Games, having qualified in Slalom and Giant Slalom events. India sent a six-member contingent to the Games including a coach, a technician and a team manager.

Arif is the first Indian to secure qualification in two events of the same edition of the Games and his competitions are slated for February 13 and 16.

India was the 23rd contingent to walk in during the grand ceremony at the iconic Bird’s Nest stadium here as China welcomed athletes from 84 countries amid a diplomatic boycott by powerful nations such as the USA and Britain over its alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang region.

India announced a diplomatic boycott of the Games after China fielded Qi Fabao, the regimental commander of the People’s Liberation Army, who was injured during the 2020 military face-off with Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, as a torchbearer for the event’s Torch Relay.

India said China’s move was “regrettable” and it has chosen to “politicise” the Olympics.

Born in Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Arif took up skiing quite early in life, winning his first national slalom championship at the age of just 12.

He later went on to win two gold medals in the Slalom and Giant Slalom events of the South Asian Winter Games in 2011.

He has also participated in both the editions of the Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.

Arif’s inspiration was his father Yasin Khan, who owns a ski equipment shop in Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir.

Previously, India’s Winter Olympics campaigns have been identified with one man — veteran luge athlete Shiva Keshavan, who represented the country in six editions of the mega-event.

The 40-year-old from Manali, Himachal Pradesh has now taken up the role of promoting winter sports in India.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport / by PTI / February 04th, 2022

Alishan Sharafu feeling ‘blessed’ ahead of UAE’s U19 World Cup campaign

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Kerala / UAE :

Captain has high expectations for his side before opener against Canada in St Kitts

UAE captain Alishan Sharafu in action against Pakistan during the Under 19 Asian Cup at the ICC Academy, Dubai, in December. Chris Whiteoak/ The National

The Covid-enforced dearth of international cricket in 2021 was keenly felt by all of UAE’s leading players, but none more so than CP Rizwan.

The Kerala-born batsman must have thought he had finally cracked international cricket when he scored an uplifting century in a one-day international against Ireland a year ago.

Alishan Sharafu says the UAE are capable of achieving “great things” at the U19 World Cup in the Caribbean.

The national team start their campaign on Saturday against Canada in St Kitts. They then face pool matches against England and holders Bangladesh next week.

The competition marks just the third time the UAE have appeared on the global scale at U19 level. They had free admission as hosts in 2014, before qualifying on the field to play in South Africa two years ago.

A return to the event was sealed in absentia this time. The qualifying process was derailed by Covid, and the UAE qualified on the basis of their record in recent years.

Sharafu, the side’s captain, is one of three players who also represented the country in South Africa in 2020.

The middle-order batsman is grateful to be returning for another crack at the event, and the chance to avenge the disappointment of last time.

The UAE missed out on the business phase of the competition back then after a storm ruined their shot at chasing a win against hosts South Africa.

“It really hurt when a chance of a lifetime of going through to a Super Eight of the U19 World Cup was taken away but fortunately we’ve been blessed with another opportunity and been given another shot at it,” Sharafu said.

“I feel we have a very, very talented group of boys and a more balanced with our bowling being our strength, especially our spin attack.

“A few of us were at the last World Cup and it’s great to pass on that experience to the newer boys and make them want to do well at this one because not many are blessed with this opportunity.”

Although the age-group players regularly train with their senior compatriots, Sharafu is the only player in the U19 squad to have sampled full international cricket so far.

The Kerala-born teen has played six T20 internationals and one one-day international for the national team to date. He is hoping to bring some of that experience to bear when the U19 event gets under way.

“Being around the men’s setup for a while just adds a confidence booster because the challenges here were already simulated or experienced there,” Sharafu said. “That obviously helps to figure and work out solutions to problems at the U19 level.

“What I want to pass on to my players is to just enjoy the opportunity and challenges, and be positive and believe that we together can achieve great things.”

UAE v Pakistan, U19 Asia Cup in December

video

As well as the benefit of experience of Sharafu, Kai Smith and Ali Naseer, each of whom played last time, the players will also be able to lean on the wisdom of Mudassar Nazar. The 65-year-old coach played nearly 200 times for Pakistan, including touring West Indies.

“Most of them are already relishing the chance to rub shoulders against the best in the world,” Mudassar said of his young charges. “So far the confidence is high. Having Alishan and Kai amongst us is a real bonus. Their experience is of immense value.”

The UAE’s two warm up matches on tour included a hefty win over Papua New Guinea , plus a narrow loss to England. Mudassar believes the UAE have a well-balanced side who are capable of improving on their pool-stage exit two years ago.

“I was not around then but I am fairly confident that this bunch of players will be very competitive,” Mudassar said. “I guess our top order batting is settled but we have plenty of allrounders, which provide us with depth.

“Spin bowling is a real asset with at least five who bowl spin. Pitches in West Indies are helpful to spinners. We should be able to defend any reasonable total.”

source: http://www.thenationalnews.com / The National / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Paul Radley / January 14th, 2022