Category Archives: Sports

Kashmiri MMA fighter Owais Yaqoob wins international championship

Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , ,

Muran Village (Pulwama District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Owais Yaqoob’s moment of victory at Guangzhou, China

New Delhi :

Owais Yaqoob, a 26-year-old mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, registered a win at an international competition in China by defeating Ian Paul “Choco” Lora of the Philippines, on Friday

He was fighting under the Bahrain-based BRAVE Combat Federation in China’s Guongzhou.

Born in Muran, a village surrounded by apple orchards, some 6 km from Pulwama town,  Owais has been active in sports since his childhood.

Just 3 minutes and 6 seconds into the match, Owais secured a takedown and then landed a barrage of powerful punches, knocking him to the ground. Lora surrendered and tapped out. This victory represented more than just winning a match for Owais. It was a dream come true, a dream that had come true after years of hard work, struggle, and dedication.

Owais Yaqoob began his martial arts journey in 2013 with taekwondo. Over the next ten years, he won 11 national gold medals, 6 silver medals, and 17 state-level titles. Owais’s exceptional performance earned him the titles of “Champion of Champions” and “Best Fighter Boy” in 2018.

In 2022, Owais participated in the WEKAF World Championships held in the Philippines, where he won a bronze medal and represented India in Filipino stick fighting (Eskrima). This performance established him as a world-class martial artist.

Owais’s inspiration for MMA came after watching a match featuring UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018. Owais was determined to pursue a career in the sport. Before entering the world of professional MMA, Owais also won three national amateur MMA titles.

Owais shared his bout on X:

He made his professional debut in 2023 and defeated Mohammed Azim Mokhlis by unanimous decision in March 2024. He then defeated Shetty Pratik Sadashiv by technical knockout (TKO) in April 2024. His professional record now stands at 3-1.

Owais had, for some time, deviated into stone pelting but was counseled and brought back into the mainstream, and today is an example of how positivity can change lives in Kashmir.

According to Kashmir media, his victory was celebrated in his village, where people visited his home to congratulate his parents. Friends and family celebrated his victory by distributing sweetmeats.

“His victory shows what Kashmiri fighters are capable of on the international stage,” said Waseem Ahmad, an athlete from Pulwama.

Rouf said the win has strengthened his brother’s resolve to push forward. “Every fight is a test. It will embolden him to train harder and prepare for bigger challenges ahead,” he added.

His achievement has sparked interest among youngsters in Pulwama, many of whom now aspire to pursue MMA professionally.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Sports / by Aasha Khosa / September 21st, 2025

Marium Fatima Becomes Bihar’s First Woman FIDE Master

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

Muzaffarpur, BIHAR :

Muzaffarpur :

Marium Fatima from Muzaffarpur has created history by becoming Bihar’s first Woman FIDE Master (WFM). The young chess player achieved this milestone after an impressive performance at the Barbera del Valles Open Chess Championship in Barcelona, Spain, where her rating crossed 2100, earning her the FIDE title.

Marium, originally from Chandwara Jamiran Gachi in Muzaffarpur, said she owes her success to her parents and the Bihar Chess Association. She added that her next target is to achieve the Grandmaster norm, which requires a rating of 2400. “There is no Grandmaster from Bihar yet, and I want to be the first to achieve that distinction,” she said.

Her success has been widely celebrated in the state. Director General of Bihar State Sports Authority Ravindran Shankaran congratulated her, while officials from the All Bihar Chess Association and Muzaffarpur Chess Association praised her achievement.

Secretary Dharmendra Kumar, Joint Secretary Nandkishore Srivastava, President Vinay Kumar, and others expressed pride that Marium has brought recognition not only to Bihar but to the entire country.

India has already established itself as a chess powerhouse, producing world-class players such as D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa from Tamil Nadu. With Marium’s breakthrough, Bihar is also carving out its place in the national chess landscape.

There are currently eight Women Grandmasters in India. Marium aspires to become the ninth, while also inspiring the next generation of players from Bihar to pursue the game at the highest level.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News > Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 22nd, 2025

India’s 11-year-old Hamza takes second place in X30 Championship in Sepang

Sports, World Opinion

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

11-year-old Hamza Balasinorwala impressed all with his racing skills as he fought his way from the back to clinch the second position on the podium of the IAME Asia Series.

Hamza Balasinorwala

11-year-old Indian kart racer Hamza Balasinorwala impressed all with his racing skills as he fought his way from the back to clinch the second position on the podium in the 4th Round of the IAME Asia Series, Asia’s most prestigious X30 Championship, in Sepang on Monday night.

The Grade 6 student of Podar International School, Mumbai improved with every practice session but was hit by bad luck in the crucial qualifying round to take the twelfth position on the Cadet class grid.

As if that was not enough, Hamza suffered another setback in Heat 1, pulling out of the race – eventually won by Esteban Freihuber from the Philippines — in the first lap itself.

Undeterred, the Rayo Racing prodigy made a strong comeback in Heat 2, overtaking several experienced racers from around Asia to finish an impressive fourth. Singapore’s Aaron Mehta won this race, ahead of Thai racer Kamolphu Anuchatkul and Freihuber.

Hamza’s resilience continued in the pre-finals, where he expertly manoeuvred through the field from a 10th-place starting position, to finish an admirable fifth place. Mehta notched up his second consecutive win while Anuchatkul and Freihuber once again took the other two places on the podium.

As the finishing order of the pre-final decides the start order for the final, the Indian began from fifth on the grid. Getting off to a good start, Hamza soon found his way past Singapore’s Maximilian Schilling only to be passed by another Singaporean — Michael Lederer.

Hamza exhibited exceptional skill, maintaining a consistent and impressive pace throughout and went along with Lederer up the field. The duo got past Freihuber, Mehta and Anuchatkul.

Lederer eventually took the win 2 seconds ahead of Hamza. The Indian racer’s fantastic effort saw him seal the second position, ahead of Freihuber of Philippines.

“I am really happy to get my first international podium. I want to thank my family and team for their support,” the elated Hamza, who has already notched up multiple podiums in the IndiKarting Pro Races, said.

Rayomand Banajee, founder of Rayo Racing, said: “While this is just his third international race, this has been over 1 and a half years in the making. Hamza has a lot of potential and we are confident he will rise to bigger things soon. Being just 11, he has a promising future ahead.”

source: http://www.thebridge.in / The Bridge / Home> Motorsports / by The Bridge Desk / June 27th, 2023

Manipur’s Daniyal, a football legend in the making

Sports,

Yairipok (Thoubal District), MANIPUR :

Bengaluru: 

The 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup, played across five states, has introduced Indian football fans to a new talent. Eighteen-year-old Makakmayum Daniyal from Yairipok in Manipur’s Thoubal district made headlines by scoring the tournament’s first hat trick for Bengaluru-based South United FC. His finishing ability and composure have sparked hopes of a strong striker for the post-Sunil Chhetri era.

Daniyal’s three goals reflected variety and skill. In the first, he regained control after a slip, rounded the goalkeeper, and finished neatly. The second showcased his pace and dribbling as he beat defenders before slotting into the corner. The third was a powerful volley from inside the box. His performance stood out as one of the most clinical displays in the competition.

Speaking after the match, Daniyal said playing and scoring in the Durand Cup had been a childhood dream. This was also the first time his parents, watching on television from Manipur, saw him score in a live broadcast. His father, a farmer, and his mother, a homemaker, expressed pride in his achievements.

Daniyal began football with his cousins and later trained at the Future Football Coaching Centre Angtha. He also played for Eastern Sporting Union in the Manipur state league and spent time with the U17 and reserve squads of Chennaiyin FC before moving to South United.

Earlier this year, Daniyal was called to the Indian U19 probables squad for the SAFF Championship. Though not selected for the final team, he credited coach Bibiano Fernandes for improving his game. His ambition is clear: to represent India and become a legend of Indian football.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News > Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 21st, 2025

Umar Nazir creates history, scalps 9-wkts in an innings

Sports

Jammu, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Jammu :

J&K’s talented young fast bowler, Umar Nazir Mir not only made the red leather ball to dance, weave and sing with his magical fingers, strong wrist and high-arm action, but also forced the rival batsmen to dance on the music of the deliveries that either left their willow or their chin with a decent speed during a CK Nayudu trophy match against formidable Assam at GGM Science College Hostel Ground, here today.


Umar was simply hell-bent upon to either knock the rival batsmen’s heads off or their wickets down to help Jammu and Kashmir enjoy a driver’s seat at stumps on day-3 of the 4-day match.
The strongly built, 6 feet 2 inch tall fast bowler, bowled his heart-out and hit the right areas with genuine speed throughout his morning spell to help Jammu and Kashmir bundle out Assam for a paltry total of 193 runs in 66.1 overs, thus gaining a decisive lead of 178 runs.


With this performance he made history as he became first bowler from J&K to take 9 wickets in an innings.


Earlier, resuming the day from 149/5, with overnight batsmen Sunzow Brahma and RL Das at 25 and 32 runs respectively, Assam batsmen struggled against Umar Nazir, who wrecked havoc, to collapse at 193 runs. Das remained top scorer with 44 runs, studded with 6 boundaries, while Brahma and AS Sinha contributed 31 runs each. For J&K, Umar Nazir took 9 wickets by conceding 53 runs in 21.1 overs, while another speedster, Mehjoor Ali Sofi claimed one wicket.


Though, after gaining a lead of 178 runs, J&K could have asked Assam to follow on, yet they decided against it and chose to bat themselves in the second essay. After scoring 197 runs in 63.4 overs by losing 6 wickets, J&K skipper Asif Khan declared the innings to set a target of 376 runs for Assam. Aamir Sofi emerged top scorer with 67 runs off 127 balls, including 2 boundaries and 2 sixes, while Asif Khan (44), UN Mir (31), Pranav Gupta (23) and Divya Pratap (17) were the other contributors. For Assam, PD Sonowal captured 3 wickets, while Krishna Das and MR Das claimed one wicket each.


Chasing a victory target of 376 runs, Assam in their second essay were struggling at 40/2 in their 8.4 overs. The two batsmen back into the pavilion were opener Rishav Das and Dipesh Sana, while another opener R Hazarika was unbeaten on 21 off 23 balls, studded with 4 delectable boundaries.

For J&K, Umar Nazir and Mehjoor Ali Sofi shared one wicket each. Assam have an uphill task at hand as they are still 336 runs behind having 8 wickets in their kitty with the last day’s game left in the match.

source: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com / Daily Excelsior / Home> Sports News / by DE, Sports Correspondent / November 18th, 2013

10-Year-Old Indian Atiqa Mir Scripts History By Winning UAE Race

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

Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR / Dubai, U.A.E :

Indian racing’s 10-year-old prodigy Atiqa Mir on Sunday created history by becoming the first woman in UAE karting to win a race in the Minimax category.

File photo of Atiqa Mir.© X (formerly Twitter)

Indian racing’s 10-year-old prodigy Atiqa Mir on Sunday created history by becoming the first woman in UAE karting to win a race in the Minimax category.

In a competitive field of 14 drivers including seasoned European race winners, Atiqa was the lone female but that was hardly a factor as she completed a commanding victory from pole position in the prestigious DAMC Championship opener at the Dubai Kartdrome.

In the finals, Atiqa kept it clean and within track limits to cross the chequered flag before anyone else.

The win makes her the first ever female to take a pole and a final win in the MiniMax category, marking a perfect start to her Middle Eastern Karting leg.

Recognising her rare talent, Formula 1 had signed her for its F1 Academy DYD program earlier this year, another first for an Indian driver.

“Im so happy with this win. Dubai Kartdrome is where I started karting so this track will always remain close to my heart. I got limited running in preparation for this race, but nonetheless I was still able to be on pace. Big thanks to my sponsors AKCEL Academy for all their support,” said Atiqa.

Fresh off a successful European season, Atiqa was in Dubai for a quick stop and will head to Slovakia next for Champions of the Future Academy Round 4 where she drives for the F1 DYD program.

Atiqa hails from a racing family with her father, Asif Nazir Mir, being a former Formula Asia vice-champion. She idolises reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen and her ultimate goal is to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

source: http://www.sports.ndtv.com / NDTV & NDTV Sports / Home> Sports Home> Other Sports> News / by Press Trust of India / September 14th, 2025

‘Special honour’: Mohammed Siraj named ICC Player of the Month for August after Manchester Test heroics

Amazing Feats, Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Siraj ended the Anderson Tendulkar trophy as the highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets from five games.

Player of the match India’s Mohammed Siraj after India won the match against England on day five of the fifth cricket test match between England and India at The Kia Oval in London, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Following his brilliant effort vs England in the 5th and final Test in Manchester last month, pacer Mohammed Siraj was on Monday selected as the ICC Player of the Month for August. Siraj had snapped up 3 wickets in the 5th day of the final Test, finishing with 9 scalps, helping India win the match by 6 runs and tie the series 2-2.

“It is a special honour to be named ICC Player of the Month. The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy was a memorable series, and it was one of the most intense contests I have been part of. I am proud that I could contribute with some important spells, especially in the decisive moments. Bowling against a top batting line-up in their home conditions was challenging, but it also brought out the best in me,” said Siraj.

Siraj ended the Anderson Tendulkar trophy as the highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets from five games. Not only was he able to play all the games, but also kept his pace high through the five Tests and was able to come back and pick up crucial wickets spell after spell.

Ben Stokes, England’s captain, would hail him as a “warrior”, Joe Root would say he is “someone you want on your team”. Root would also observe that Siraj’s stares and verbals are part of a “fake anger”. “He has got this fake anger about him sometimes, which I can see straight through. You can tell he is actually a really nice lad. But he tries incredibly hard. He is a very skilful player,” he says.

Also, Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast was also named the player of the month alongside Siraj with the cricketer winning the award ahead of Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali and the Netherlands’ seam bowler Iris Zwilling.

Prendergast was named the Player of the Series in a home T20I series, helping win 2-1 against Pakistan. She scored 144 runs and took four wickets in that series and maintained her fine form in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, aggregating 244 runs and finishing with seven wickets in the month of August.

(with agency inputs)

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> edition India> News> Sports> Cricket / by Sports Desk / September 15th, 2025

Arafath Sheikh, 12-Year-Old Karting Sensation from Pune, Wins Rotax Max National Championships; Set to Represent India at World Finals in Sarno, Italy

Amazing Feats, Sports,

Pune, MAHARASHTRA :

Arafath Sheikh, 12-Year-Old Karting Sensation from Pune, Wins Rotax Max National Championships; Set to Represent India at World Finals in Sarno, Italy

Pune (Maharashtra) :

Crest Motorsports is thrilled to announce that Arafath Sheikh, a remarkable 12-year-old karting prodigy from Pune, has emerged victorious in the Rotax Max National Championships. His impressive win not only showcases his talent but also secures his spot to represent India at the prestigious World Finals taking place from October 18 to October 26 in Sarno, Italy.

Arafath’s journey to the top was anything but easy. Over the past six months, he faced tough competition across five rounds of high-stakes kart racing. His unwavering dedication, consistent fitness training,sim training and relentless pursuit of excellence have culminated in making him the fastest go-kart race driver in the country today.

Mentored by his father, Sayeed Sheikh, who shares a deep passion for motorsports, Arafath has honed his skills at Pune Kartdrome, a race track owned by his father. Under his father’s guidance, Arafath has developed into an exceptional driver and recently made history as the youngest driver to race for the Mumbai Falcons Racing Team, where he clinched their first championship in karting. His extraordinary talent has garnered him as a fully sponsored driver and the Indian hopes for next formula driver, paving the way for a promising future in motorsports with Mumbai Falcons a 4 times UAE champions in formula racing.

Arafath Sheikh’s impressive track record includes an astonishing 27 national podiums and 5 international podiums. He has been 3 times micro vice- champion and 1 time okj vice champion.Notably, he is recognized as the youngest Asian driver to begin racing at the tender age of 6. Starting his racing career in the Bambino category in the UAE, Arafath has maintained an unbroken trajectory in the world of competitive karting ever since.

Arafath current coach and head tunner Paul Carr(Age 67) had come to provide assistance from the UK .He has worked with 21 formula 1 drivers in the past as well including big names as lando norris. Suresh and Nizam were directly involved with Paul Carr for getting Arafath win this national championships.

As he prepares for the World Finals in Sarno, Arafath is eager to showcase his skills on the international stage and make India proud. The entire Motorsports family and his supporters & sponsors are excited to cheer him on as he embarks on this incredible journey for the world finals.

Speaking to arafath he would also like to thank The Bishop’s school camp for their support and blessings. His nutrition expert Aruna Prasad and physical trainer Dr Moses.

Join us in wishing Arafath Sheikh all the best at the World Finals as he represents team India on the global karting stage!

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Partner Content> Press Releases ANI / October 03rd, 2024

Grand double for Ishaan, Shonal, Rivaan,and Shiv

Karnataka (under research project), Sports, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA /Pune, Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

The winners in various categories, standing from left, Shonal, Rivaan, and Shiv Tummala. Sitting: Ishaan. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Ishaan Madesh, a seven-time National champion across various categories, held off his sibling Rohaan in both the Pre-Finals and Finals in the Senior Max class for a grand double in the second round of the MECO-FMSCI National Karting Championship Rotax Max Classes at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore on Sunday.

Shonal Kunimal from Kozhikode (Birel Art India) and Pune’s Arafat Sheikh (Crest Motorsports) won the Finals and the Pre-Finals respectively in the Junior Max category.

Expectedly, Chennai’s Rivaan Dev Preetham (MSPORT) dominated the newly introduced Mini Max category, winning both the Finals and the Pre-Finals to complete a double, as did Shiv Tummala from Bengaluru (Peregrine Racing), who was an equally facile winner in the Micro Max class, where he comfortably held off his rivals.

The results (provisional):

Senior Max: Finals (20 laps): 1. Ishaan Madesh (Peregrine Racing) 15mins, 06.320s, 2. Arjun Vijay Chheda (Crest Motorsports) 15:14.080, 3. Rohaan Madesh (Peregrine Racing) 15:15.424.

Pre-Finals (15 laps): 1. Ishaan 11:24.689, 2. Rohaan 11:34.956, 3. Laksh Manish Bafna (Kart Crew Motorsports) 11:35.157.

Junior Max: Finals (18 laps): 1. Shonal Kunimal (Birel Art India) 13:51.050, 2. Eshanth Vengatesan (MSPORT) 13:53.974, 3. B. Kumar Gowda (Rayo Racing) 14:04.270.

Pre-Finals (16 laps): 1. Arafath Sheikh (Crest Motorsports) 12:04.909, 2. Hridaan Sanadhya (Crest Motorsports) 12,21.680, 3. Shonal 12:24.750.

Mini Max: Finals (16 laps): 1. Rivaan Dev Preetham (MSPORT) 12:31.339, 2. Hamza Balasinorwala (Crest Motorsports) 12:35.028, 3. Yatharth Gaur (Leapfrog Racing) 12:35.630.

Pre-Finals (14 laps): 1. Rivaan 10:59.312, 2. Yatharth 11:04.510, 3. Danish Dalmiya (Rayo Racing) 11:14.365.

Micro Max: Finals (13 laps): 1. Shiv Tummala (Peregrine Racing) 10:34.726, 2. Zidaan Arshaan Anees (Peregrine Racing) 10:39.957, 3. Aarav Surekha (Rayo Racing) 10:40.030.

Pre-Finals (12 laps): 1. Shiv Tummala 09:43.943, 2. Zidaan 09:47.055, 3. Aarav 09:54.239.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Motorsport / by Sports Bureau / August 04th, 2025

Three siblings from Bhatkal excel at state-level Karate Championship

Karnataka (under research project), Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bhatkal (Uttara Kannada District) / Mangaluru , KARNATAKA :

PIX

Bhatkal/Mangaluru:

Three siblings from Bhatkal, currently studying in Mangaluru, secured top honours at the State-level Karate Championship held in Moodbidri on September 1, 2025 The event was organised by the Shorin-Ryu Karate Association in association with Swami’s Strength Training and MK Ananthraj College of Physical Education.

Ismail Nameer, a 15-year-old student of Huda Islamia School, Mangaluru, won first place in Kumite (fight). 

His younger brother, Hamdan (11 years), a student of Presidency School, Mangaluru, secured first place in Kumite (Fight) and second place in Kata in the under-11 category.

Their sister, Umme Kulsum, also a student of Presidency School, claimed first place in the Fighting category in the under-8 category.

The siblings are children of Nisar Ahmed Ruknuddin and Nada of Bhatkal, who are presently residing in Mangaluru.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 03rd, 2025