India Keen To Host 2036 Olympics

India Keen To Host 2030 Youth Olympics, 2036 Olympics: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday interacted with India’s Asian Para Games contingent here and said the country is making efforts to host the 2036 Olympics and 2030 Youth Games in the country.

Interacting with the para-athletes at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here, the Prime Minister said the approach of the government is “athlete-centric”.

He said India is growing in terms of its sporting culture and also as a “sporting society”.

The Prime Minister said there is another reason that India has gained the self-confidence to move forward. “We are trying to host the 2030 Youth Olympics and 2036 Olympics,” PM Modi said.

He lauded the performance of India’s Asian Para Games contingent at the Asian Para Games 2022 and motivated them for future competitions.

The programme was attended by the athletes, their coaches, officials from the Paralympic Committee of India and the Indian Olympic Association, representatives from National Sports Federations and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

“I keep finding opportunities to meet you…I have come between you people for only one thing and that is to congratulate you. You were outside India, playing in China…Every second, I was living your efforts and confidence sitting here. The way you all have made the country proud is absolutely unprecedented. Your performance has left the entire nation thrilled,” PM Modi said.

“Those of you who have been selected for the games, some won, some learned but no one lost…In sports, only two things happen, either you win or you learn. You never lose,” he added.

India ended their Para Asian Games campaign at Hangzhou in China with a total of 111 medals, consisting of 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze. India finished fifth in the medal tally. (ANI)

For more details visit https://lokmarg.com/

Shoaib Akhtar about team india

I Don’t Feel Indian Team Is Settled: Shoaib

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar feels that India has struggled to pick their final eleven for the past two years which has left the team unsettled. 

India’s efforts to pick up a balanced middle-order has posed a major challenge for the team due to injuries, availability of player and many other reasons.  

Since Rahul Dravid assumed the position of India’s men’s team head coach, experimentation has been a regular occurrence for the team hoping to find a set-up that works effectively in the batting and bowling department.

Ishan Kishan who is prominently recognised as an opener is now featuring in the middle order. Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya come out to bat according to the situation of India’s innings. The Indian pace trio has also undergone many changes over the past two years. 

The veteran speedster feels that the change in positions has left numerous questions than giving away answers.

“I don’t know why I have this feeling that India could not pick its final eleven for the past two years? I don’t feel the team is settled because now you all have injuries, three or four people have been replaced and your squad seems unsettled. It’s a strange thing for me that the squad doesn’t seem settled. We still don’t know who are the four main batsmen and who will bat at No.5, will Virat bat at No. 3 or 4?,” Shoaib Akhtar said during a virtual press conference organised by Star Sports.

He also went on to express his dissatisfaction over Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh’s absence from the Indian team. 

The former pacer reflected on how India needs to strengthen their bowling department rather than focusing on adding depth to their batting line-up.

“How they have not selected Chahal is beyond me. And again, I think Arshdeep needed to be in the squad because under pressure, when you are playing against someone like Pakistan, then you need that left-handed seamer. But the problem with the Indian team is that when they get out for 150 or 200, it’s not the batsmen but the bowlers who will have to perform. How long will you stretch your batting line-up? If the first five batsmen couldn’t do anything, then what will the No. 7 or No. 8 do? So, I literally believe that you’re playing with one bowler less,” Shoaib said.

The Rawalpindi Express also talked about the Hardik-Nehra duo that has been slowly building in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the past two years. 

The player-management duo’s hunger to strive for success has been quite evident since they combined together for the IPL franchise Gujarat Titans.  

“Hardik Pandya again, he turns out to be an asset for India. If we look at his all-round performance, then you feel as a captain, along with Ashish Nehra, he has taken his IPL side to such heights. He took his team to a final and won it and then reached the finals again next year. I think the combination of these two – Ashish Nehra and Pandya as a captain – can take India to new heights,” Shoaib added. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Sandeep Case Haryana Woman Coach

Sandeep Case: Haryana Woman Coach Claims Offered Rs 1Cr To Leave Country

The woman coach, who alleged sexual harassment by Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh, on Tuesday claimed that she is receiving phone calls asking her to leave the country for which she has been offered Rs 1 crore.

She claimed that Haryana Police is putting pressure on her.
Her remarks came while speaking to the media after she appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Chandigarh Police.

“I have told everything in detail to the Chandigarh Police SIT. I also told the pending issues to the SIT. I heard the Chief Minister’s statement this morning, in which the Chief Minister himself is taking the side of Sandeep Singh. Chandigarh Police did not put any pressure on me. Haryana Police is trying to put pressure on me,” she claimed.

“I’m receiving phone calls that I can leave and go to any country I want and I would get Rs 1 crore for a month,” she added.

The coach’s advocate Dipanshu Bansal alleged that the Chandigarh Police has not arrested the former minister, nor have the police interrogated him.

“This whole matter was of Chandigarh. Chandigarh Police had given notice under Section 160 after which we reached the police station to record the statement. There was interrogation for 8 hours. Whatever records were with my client were presented before the police. We have submitted the phone to the police. The police have neither interrogated Sandeep Singh nor arrested him. We have talked to the SIT in charge regarding the interrogation of Sandeep Singh. We have given the police two three days’ time to arrest the minister,” he said.

“Non-bailable sections have been imposed on Sandeep Singh, still why are the police not arresting him? The victim’s phone has also been seized by the police,” the advocate said.

Representatives from Dhankhar Khap along with the father of the woman coach, who accused sports minister Sandeep Singh of sexual harassment, met Haryana Home minister Anil Vij in Ambala today.

Earlier, the woman, who is a junior athlete coach, held a press conference at the office of the opposition Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), wherein she alleged that the minister harassed her from February to November last year, by repeated messages in social media and had touched her inappropriately and also threatened her in messages.

During the press briefing, the woman demanded that the Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana immediately sack Sandeep Singh and set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.

Notably, on Sunday, the woman told ANI that she opened up about the incident to the public after her she lost patience.

“I am also a player, think how much patience I would have to tolerate such ill behaviour of this person from February till now,” the woman said, adding that she didn’t open up about the incident earlier as she was afraid of negative impact on the sports industry.

“I tried as much as I could. He created such an atmosphere officially that a girl comes to him automatically,” she added.

The woman reiterated that she opened up to the public only after her patience broke.

Hours after sexual harassment allegations were leveled against him, Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh on Sunday said that he has handed over the responsibility of the Sports department to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar until the report of the investigation is out. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176

Sports Minister Sandeep

‘Sports Min Sandeep Harassed Me,’ Says Jr Athlete Coach

Former national-level player and junior athlete coach in Haryana and complainant against State’s sports minister Sandeep Singh over sexual harassment charges on Sunday said the Olympian continuously harassed me physically and mentally.

The alleged victim’s statement came while she was walking out after meeting State Home Minister Anil Vij to seek help from him at his official residence in Ambala.
“Home Minister has always helped us. Ever since he was the Sports Minister, there have been a lot of expectations from him. He has always helped. Even today I had full faith that he will hear me and will be on the side of justice,” she said.

Earlier this month, the woman, who is a junior athlete coach, held a press conference at the office of the opposition party Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), wherein she alleged that the minister harassed her from February to November last year, by repeated messages on social media and had touched her inappropriately and also threatened her in messages.

During the press briefing, the alleged victim demanded that the Manohar Lal Khattar government immediately sack Sandeep Singh and set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.

Notably, on Sunday, the woman told ANI that she opened up about the incident to the public after her patience went off.

“I am also a player, think how much patience I would have to tolerate such ill behaviour of this person from February till now,” the woman said, adding that she didn’t open up about the incident earlier as she was afraid of negative impact on the sports industry.

“I tried as much as I could. He created, such an atmosphere officially that a girl comes to him automatically,” she added.

The woman reiterated that she opened up to the public only after her patience broke up.

To a question about other victims, hesitating to open up, she said, “I have full hope as soon as he resigns and is behind bars, those people will definitely come forward.”

“Everyone should know how an Olympic-level athlete misbehaved with another national-level athlete,” she said, demanding strict action against the minister.

However, Olympian and Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh have been brushing off the allegations, levelled against him by the junior athlete coach.

The Chandigarh police have registered an FIR against the Haryana Sports Minister following a complaint by the female coach.

A case has been registered under sections 354, 354A, 354B, 342, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and begun an investigation into the matter.

Responding to the development, Haryana Sports Minister told ANI that he has handed over the responsibility of the Sports department to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar till pending enquiry. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176

Women in sports

India Realising Importance Of Women In Sports: Sravya Shivani

At the age of six, young Sravya Shivani Chilakalapudi was introduced to the sport of tennis. But with her education becoming a priority, the Hyderabad athlete had had to wait 10 more years to turn professional. Currently pursuing her Masters in Psychology Hons. from the Jain University, Bangalore, Sravya has become a known name in Indian tennis, having recently won the ITF W15 Women’s Double Tournament along with Celine Simunyu in Nairobi.

Sravya, who is competing in the Pro Tennis League Season 4 at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) in New Delhi, said that she is thankful to her parents for supporting her sporting career.

“It was very important for me to have the balance of education and sports, especially coming from an Indian family background. But I am thankful to my parents for being quite open-minded. They were able to support me, fund me, and helped in becoming a professional athlete,” the 22-year-old, who is playing for Lucknow Aviators in PTL 4 said.

Despite still being a young player, Sravya is a part of the ITF’s World Women’s Tennis Player Panel representing Asia/Oceania and has been quite vocal about the participation and rights of women’s tennis players in Asia.

“On the women’s tour, there are not enough mentors because it is such a competitive field. We are all so busy that no one really has time. Asia has really little representation on the Women’s panel as it is dominated by Europeans. I wanted to be someone who brings Asia to light, as we are equally talented and deserve equal opportunities,” Sravya said.

She further went on to explain the importance of having a younger athlete as part of the panel. “Sports is a vicious cycle, as you can make money after reaching the top, but you need to invest money to reach the top. A young athlete’s struggles are very different from those of senior ones. Hence, to make our voices heard, it is important for young players to use all the platforms where we can make our voices heard.”

Growing up, Sravya was inspired by women athletes from Hyderabad, such as Sania Nehwal, PV Sindhu, and Sania Mirza, who all have won numerous accolades for India. She believes that because of the efforts of such women heroes in sports, India has started realizing the importance of female athletes in the country.

“Especially, in the recent Olympics, the women’s athletes put up a great show. I think that the world, especially India, is realizing the importance of women in sports and are understanding that they deserve as much as men are getting,” she said.

Apart from 24 Pro Men’s players, 8 Pro Women’s players and 8 Junior Women’s players are also competing in the ongoing Pro Tennis League 4. While Sravya wishes for more participation for women, she believes leagues such as these will help in the growth of young women tennis players in India.

“I would like to see more opportunities for girls as well. We are the best of the best right now. Because with leagues such as these, the junior girls are getting to learn a lot from pro players. There are not many opportunities where junior players get to interact with us or we get to interact with them or with the men’s players as well. So, this format is unique and very helpful and I am grateful to be a part of this,” she said.

On being asked about the future of women’s sports in India in the coming years, Sravya said that the parents are now empowering their girl child to pick up professional sports.

“I feel like being a woman is not a disadvantage. It is a privilege. I see a lot of parents caring a lot about their girl child and empowering them and it’s a very positive direction we are heading in,” she said.

“I would like to see a similar trend continue in the coming years. I would like to see a lot more unity among the women players because I feel, together, we will achieve our goals a lot faster than if we are pitted against each other. I really like that Pro Tennis League is giving players a chance to know each other and develop team spirit, which is not something we experience a lot on tours,” Sravya signed off. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Achanta Sharath Kamal

Khel Ratna Award Is The Best Way To Finish 2022: Achanta Sharath Kamal

Table Tennis legend and Commonwealth Games medalist Achanta Sharath Kamal said that winning three gold and one silver and receiving the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2022 is the best way to finish the year.

The CWG gold medallist will receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the country’s highest sporting honour, from President Droupadi Murmu on November 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.
It is India’s highest sporting honour given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It was rechristened from Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award last year.

“It is a fantastic moment. Not just for me but for the whole Table Tennis fraternity because of the kind of performances that I have had over the last three-four years. I am slowly starting to peak now in my career and the way I played the 2022 Birmingham Games. I got these three medals. Three gold and one silver. I can’t ask for more 2022 has been fantastic and this is the best way to finish 2022 with the Khel Ratna award. The government giving me this recognition. I am really happy that it has finally come now after 30 years of being in sports I have come to the stature and the best sportsperson in the country. Initially, I was the best sportsperson in Table Tennis. Slowly over the years, I have scaled up to the height where I am the best spokesperson in the country. I am really happy to get the award now,” Achanta Sharath Kamal told ANI.

Kamal will become the second TT player after Manika Batra to receive the honour, as per Olympics.com. The 40-year-old has had a great 2022, in which he won three gold medals and a silver at Commonwealth Games in Birmingham earlier this year in August.

“Getting an award in front of family. My wife is here and a few other friends are here so really excited to go in the evening and be there. Part of the ceremony and share the moment with friends and family,” said the CWG champion.

He is the only player nominated for the award this year by India’s national sports awards selection committee, which recommended 11 players last year and five in 2020.

Speaking about the time he claimed a place in the top 50 rankings in the world and won Commonwealth Games gold Kamal said he has a fantastic career and he has come so far in it.

“I just played the sport because I liked it. I liked playing the sport. I liked going to the club and being around the kids but I think when I wanted to take the sport professionally up at the age of 15-16 at that point of time I wanted to be the best player from India to have played the sport. So, at that point in time it was like breaking into the top 50 in the world or getting a commonwealth gold but with such a long career a fantastic one I have been able to win 7 gold medals. I am really happy that I have come this far,” he added.

List of Indian athletes recommended for Arjuna Award for 2022: Seema Punia (athletics), Eldhose Paul (athletics), Avinash Sable (athletics), Lakshya Sen (badminton), HS Prannoy (badminton), Amit Panghal (boxing), Nikhat Zareen (boxing), Bhakti Kulkarni (chess), R Praggnanandha (chess), Deep Grace Ekka (hockey), Shushila Devi (judo), Sakshi Kumari (kabaddi), Nayan Moni Saikia (lawn bowls), Sagar Ovhalkar (mallakhamb), Elavenil Valarivan (shooting), Om Prakash Mitharval (shooting), Sreeja Akula (table tennis), Vikas Thakur (weightlifting), Anshu Malik (wrestling), Sarita Mor (wrestling), Parveen (wushu), Manashi Joshi (para-badminton), Tarun Dhillon (para-badminton), Swapnil Patil (para swimming), Jerlin Anika J (deaf badminton). (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Thakur On Ramiz's World Cup Remarks

No Country Can Overlook India: Thakur On Ramiz’s World Cup Remarks

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has said India is a major power in the world of sports and no country can overlook the country.

He was responding to a query about remarks of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja that if India does not come for Asia Cup, Pakistan won’t go for the 2023 World Cup to be hosted by India.
“Wait for the right time. India is a major power in the world of sports & no country can overlook India,” Thakur said.

Earlier in October, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had indicated that Asia Cup could be held at a neutral venue.

After Shah’s remarks about holding Asia Cup at a neutral venue, PCB issued a statement it can impact Pakistan’s visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

“The overall impact of such statements has the potential to split the Asian and international cricketing communities and can impact Pakistan’s visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and future ICC Events in India in the 2024-2031 cycle,” PCB said,

Following PCB’s statement, Thakur had said that India will host the 2023 WC with all teams.

“It is an internal matter of BCCI and it will handle the issue smartly. We have not done anything wrong yet while hosting international tournaments before. We have hosted World Cup successfully before and all teams participated happily. We will host the tournament next year and all teams will play in it,” Thakur had said in October.

BCCI President Roger Binny also said that touring Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 is not the board’s call, but they will rely on the government’s decision.

“That is not our call. We cannot say where our team has to go. We need to take clearance from the government if we leave the country, or other countries come here. We cannot take that decision on our own, we have to rely on the government,” Binny had said.

2023 will mark the first time ever that India will host the marquee cricketing event by itself. It co-hosted the 1987 World Cup with Pakistan and the 1996 World Cup with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament made its return to India in 2011 when it co-hosted it along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India also emerged victorious in the 2011 edition of the tournament. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Narendra Modi

Modi To Visit Ayodhya On Diwali Eve

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a jam-packed schedule this festive season with back-to-back visits to Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh which will include a visit to Ayodhya on the eve of Diwali.

The Prime Minister’s visits would cover sectors such as education, environment, spiritual heritage, sports, roads, ropeways, temple rejuvenation, tourism, lighthouse, LiFE, infrastructure, and industries.
His schedule begins with the two-day visit to Gujarat starting October 19. He will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs 15,670 crore.

On October 19, PM Modi will participate in five different events. He will inaugurate the DefExpo22 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. He will launch the Mission Schools of Excellence at Adalaj. He will lay the foundation stone for various development projects in Junagadh. He will inaugurate India Urban Housing Conclave 2022 and dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple key projects in Rajkot. He will also inaugurate the exhibition of innovative construction practices.

On October 20, the Prime Minister will launch Mission LiFE, followed by his participation in the 10th Heads of Missions Conference in Kevadia, after which he will lay the foundation stone of various development initiatives at Vyara.

After concluding his visit to his home state, PM Modi will head towards the spiritual destinations of Kedarnath and Badrinath, where he will lay the foundation stone of connectivity projects worth around Rs 3,500 crore.

The Prime Minister will perform darshan and pooja at Shri Kedarnath Temple and at Shri Badrinath Temple. He will also review the progress of development work at Kedarnath and Badrinath.

On October 22, PM Modi will return from Uttarakhand. Later in the day, the Prime Minister will participate in the Griha Pravesham function of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (Gramin) beneficiaries in Madhya Pradesh via video conferencing. He will also participate in an important program that will impact youth across the country, details of which will be revealed soon.

On October 23, PM Modi will reach Ayodhya where he will perform pooja and Darshan of Bhagwan Shri Ramlala Virajman followed by an inspection of the Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra site.

He will attend the Rajya-Abhishek of Bhagwan Shri Ram. Prime Minister will also witness the spectacular aarti at New Ghat of Saryu ji, followed by his participation in the grand Deepotsav celebrations. (ANI)

Read More:http://13.232.95.176/