Virat Kohli on Yuvraj Singh: A bond I will cherish forever
'My earliest memory of meeting Yuvi pa was after we won the Under-19 World Cup. There was a north-zone tournament happening in Bangalore, and that's the first time I met him. He had maybe seen a couple of Under-19 games or heard about me. We had a chat briefly, and it was very intimidating, honestly. I knew nothing about him,' Kohli said at Yuvraj Singh's YouWeCan Gala on Tuesday.
He further spoke at length in recalling his bond with Yuvraj: 'And then when we played for India together, when I got my first opportunity, he, Zaheer Khan, and Ajit (Agarkar) bhai all kind of took me under their wing and really helped me grow as a player, made me comfortable in the changing room, which I think is a very important thing for any young player coming in.'
'We had a lot of fun times on the field and off the field. This surely made me aware of the lifestyle of getting to the top. But, all in all, these are the bonds I will cherish for the rest of my life.'
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The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Long camps, young blood, and tactical clarity: How India's women qualified for AFC Asian Cup 2026
After years of dealing with a sense of apathy from stakeholders, cases of alleged harassment, and the Indian Women's League (IWL) being little more than an afterthought, the Indian women's national football team has quietly qualified for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup. This is the first time that the Blue Tigresses have made it to the continental tournament through the qualification route. In 2003, qualifiers did not exist. In 2022, India made it to the tournament as the host. The Crispin Chettri-coached squad topped Group B after an unbeaten qualifying campaign, which included dominant wins over Mongolia (13-0), Timor Leste (4-0), and Iraq (5-0), before grinding out a decisive 2-1 win against higher-ranked Thailand. Three years in the making Forward Pyari Xaxa, who top-scored for India in the qualifiers with five goals, still remembers the heartbreak she and her teammates suffered at the 2022 edition of the Asian Cup. After a goalless draw against Iran in its opening game, India was forced to withdraw from the tournament after a majority of its players tested positive for COVID-19. 'When I tested positive for COVID, it felt as if the ground beneath me opened up. I cried a lot, but I hid my tears from my teammates so that they wouldn't get disheartened. Unfortunately, most of them tested positive as well. All the hard work had gone to waste,' Pyari recalls to Sportstar. Cut to three years later, the 28-year-old seems to have manifested India's ticket to Australia, the host of the next edition. 'I'd written down my dreams in my diary about five to six years back. It's free to dream. After we qualified this time, I ticked it off the list. Next, the World Cup remains.' After Pyari, Sangita Basfore was India's next highest scorer in the qualifiers, netting four times. But it was her brace in the winner-takes-all match against Thailand that capped off a journey marked by perseverance and patience. 'I still haven't mentally returned from that stadium in Thailand,' she says of the match, at the end of which she broke down in tears. In 2021, during the home camp for the Asian Cup, Sangita suffered an ACL injury that sidelined her for nearly three years. While it took the Bengal player time to regain her rhythm and command in midfield, coach Chettri always believed in her potential. 'He gave me the confidence to go up the pitch and have a free role in midfield,' Sangita reveals. That decision bore fruit in the 29th minute against Thailand. Anju Tamang passed the ball to an onrushing Sangita, who took a touch and half-volleyed it into the far corner from outside the box. Her second goal – the winner in the 74th minute – was a team move straight off the training ground. Qualifying clutch: Sangita Basfore's stunning brace lit up Chiang Mai as India edged Thailand 2-1 in a high-stakes, do-or-die encounter. | Photo Credit: AIFF MEDIA Brushing up on the basics 'The set piece goal which Sangita scored, it was done for 53 days in training and then in three matches, but it came in use in the fourth match. That's why longer camps are always helpful,' India head coach Chettri says. In the lead-up to the qualifiers in Thailand, the Blue Tigresses trained at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru for almost two months. The extended camp allowed the team to play practice matches against local sides and two international friendlies against Uzbekistan, both narrowly lost 0-1. 🗣️ Sangita Basfore: It's not just about the Asian Cup! The World Cup is our target. 💫#WAC2026#BlueTigresses#IndianFootball ⚽️ — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 5, 2025 Chettri, who took charge in late January, believes such long camps are particularly important in the context of Indian women's football, where tactical basics are often underdeveloped. 'Women's football and men's football are completely different. The latter is thoroughly professional; they earn money in crores. But when it comes to women, as soon as the IWL is over, they are not that professional to take care of themselves.' Dynamic duo: After a carousel of coaching changes, the AIFF finally struck gold in 2025 — Crispin Chhetri took charge with Priya PV as his deputy, and together, the duo has forged a winning formula. | Photo Credit: AIFF MEDIA Planning ahead Chettri's first assignment was the Pink Ladies Cup in the UAE, where India faced Jordan, Russia, and South Korea. That tournament, along with his stint with Odisha FC in the AFC Women's Champions League, gave him insight into where India stood in comparison to stronger sides. 'I took a younger side because I knew technically we might not be there with these teams, but physically we could be. I needed more energy on the field. Mentally, I was building a team of players which could be suitable for all kinds of matches. While I did lose some players to injury, I had the core in mind,' he explains. 'I need hungry players. I need good players who make a team great, not great players who think about their names rather than the badge. I think I took a risk [taking a young side] but the federation supported me in this, and I think now we know the result.' The 24-member squad for the qualifiers featured players like Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei, Soumya Guguloth, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, and Kiran Pisda – all of whom brought valuable overseas club experience. 'When our players go to Europe, they play at a certain intensity which we don't get regularly in IWL. With intensity, you improve your decision-making. That helps when they come and be part of the national team and inspire others to become better.' Room for improvement 'There were no shortcuts to success – this achievement was the result of a long-term vision and structured preparation,' an All India Football Federation (AIFF) release stated, while announcing a USD 50,000 reward for the team. The release also cited the impact of the ASMITA Leagues – a nationwide initiative launched in 2023 – which has contributed to a 232% increase in registered women footballers over the past year. 'How many people know about it? Can we share data about it? What we have started is good, but we have to promote it, share data and be transparent. Now that everyone is aware, we have to make parents aware of it, so that good players come through,' Chhetri said. 'While the federation and States have been working towards improving the women's game, the speed has been slow. This [qualification] will boost this process as well,' says assistant coach Priya P.V. 'We need to improve scouting from the grassroots level. You can find talent in schools, colleges, and even in random pockets. We shouldn't just stick to professional players because they have the IWL to play in,' adds the former Kerala footballer, who's been coaching for the past 15 years. Road to Australia – and beyond Financial boost: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a reward of USD 50,000 (around ₹42.75 lakh) for the Indian women's team in recognition of its historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: AIFF MEDIA Next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia will be the final edition that serves as a direct qualifier for the FIFA World Cup. The semifinalists will earn direct qualification for the 2027 tournament in Brazil, while losing quarterfinalists will contest for two additional spots through playoffs. Teams missing out here will still have a final chance via the inter-confederation playoffs. 'I'm showing them dreams here. It's important because when you have a dream, only then do you work towards it. After the Thailand match, I think everyone has started believing in themselves. We lacked that before,' says Chettri. The Asian Cup will also act as a qualification route for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with all quarterfinalists progressing to the second round of qualifiers. On July 11, the AIFF unveiled a 'roadmap' to support the team's preparation for the tournament. This includes an early IWL season (September to January) and an 83-day camp spread over three phases. The plan envisions '10-12 international friendlies and five to seven matches with domestic teams'. 'According to the draw we get, we can dedicate one phase of the camp to each team. By the time the AFC comes, we have a camp of around 40 days and play friendlies against different nations with different playing styles. They could be an African country, a European team with a lot of intensity, or even a Latin American team that is very skilled. This will help us adapt to all situations,' Chettri explains. The draw will be held on July 29. Until then, the Indian team and its well-wishers can dare to dream about a successful tournament – one that could become a watershed moment for women's football in the country. 'It's high time we start supporting them. They should feel wanted. They should feel wanted. I think we'll go a long way,' Chettri concludes. Related Topics AFC Women's Asian Cup
News18
15 hours ago
- News18
Shubman Gill Breaks Virat Kohli's Record, Becomes 1st Indian Captain To...
Curated By : Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 22:45 IST Shubman Gill becomes first Indian captain to score 600 runs in a Test series in England. (Picture Credit: AFP) Shubman Gill is in red-hot form these days. Since taking charge of the Indian Test team, the right-handed batter from Punjab has been scoring runs for fun. After amassing a total of 585 runs in the four innings of the first two matches, Gill on Friday (July 11) broke Virat Kohli's record of scoring the most runs by an Indian captain in a Test series played in England. During the India tour of England in 2018, Kohli played all five matches for India and amassed a total of 593 runs. But by crossing the nine-run run in India's first innings of the third Test against England at Lord's on Friday, Gill broke Kohli's record. After breaking Kohli's record, Gill, who sits at the No. 6 position in the ICC Test batter's ranking, also became the first Indian captain to score 600 runs in a Test series played in England. Most runs by India captain in a Test series in England PLAYER YEAR MATCHES RUNS BEST SCORE Shubman Gill 2025 3* 601* 269 Virat Kohli 2018 5 593 149 Mohammad Azharuddin 1990 3 426 179 Sourav Ganguly 2002 4 351 128 MS Dhoni 2014 5 349 82 But the right-handed batter narrowly missed out on breaking Rahul Dravid's record of scoring most runs in a Test series for India in England. During the India tour of England in 2002, Dravid scored 602 runs in four matches for Sourav Ganguly-led side. Most runs in a Test series for India in England PLAYER YEAR MATCHES RUNS BEST SCORE Rahul Dravid 2002 4 602 217 Shubman Gill 2025 3* 601 269 Virat Kohli 2018 5 593 149 Sunil Gavaskar 1979 4 542 221 Rahul Dravid 2011 4 461 146* Sachin Tendulkar 1996 3 428 177 Mohammad Azharuddin 1990 3 426 179 Murali Vijay 2014 5 402 146 Sachin Tendulkar 2002 4 401 193 The overall record of scoring the most runs in a Test series for India is held by Yashasvi Jaiswal. During the India-England series in 2024, Jaiswal, with the help of two double centuries, scored a total of 712 runs in five matches. Most runs in a Test series for India against England Swipe Left For Next Video View all PLAYER YEAR VENUE MATCHES RUNS BEST SCORE Yashasvi Jaiswal 2024 India 5 712 214* Virat Kohli 2016 India 5 655 235 Rahul Dravid 2002 England 4 602 217 Shubman Gill 2025 England 3* 601 269 Virat Kohli 2018 England 5 593 149 Gill scored 16 runs from 44 balls for India in the first innings of the Lord's Test. During his stay at the crease, he hammered two fours and added 33 runs for the third wicket with KL Rahul. He was caught behind by Jamie Smith off Chris Woakes' bowling on the first ball of the 34th over. view comments News cricket Shubman Gill Breaks Virat Kohli's Record, Becomes 1st Indian Captain To... Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
From Chhattisgarh's tribal village to global track: Jashpur's Animesh Kujur becomes India's fastest man
Animesh Kujur RAIPUR: In a story that reads like a sports fairy tale, 22-year-old Animesh Kujur sprinted his way from the rustic fields of Ghuitangar village in Chhattisgarh's tribal Jashpur district to the international tracks of Greece, shattering a national record on July 5, at the Dromia International Sprint Meet in Vari, Greece, clocking an astonishing 10.18 seconds in the 100-meter dash — the fastest ever recorded by an Indian athlete. Though he finished third behind competitors from South Africa and Oman, the timing set a new national record, breaking the previous mark of 10.20 seconds, and announced India's arrival on the global sprinting map. Kujur, 22, who is now also serving as forest guard in state forest department, started off as a football player, when his speed was first caught the eye of a local coach during a state-level under-18 athletics tournament in Raipur. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated Animesh warmly, calling his achievement 'a moment of immense pride' for the state and the nation. 'Animesh's historic accomplishments symbolize the power of belief and determination. His journey from a small tribal village to international glory will inspire millions of young athletes,' he said. 'I Didn't Understand What 10.18 Meant at First' Reflecting on his record-breaking run, Animesh humbly recalls, 'When I was told I ran 10.18 seconds, I didn't understand its significance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure your family's future! ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo It was only after seeing it on TV and newspapers that I realized I had made history for India.' Animesh credits his admission to Sainik School Ambikapur as a turning point in his life. 'The discipline and encouragement there changed my outlook,' he says. His father, Amrit Kujur, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, shares, 'Getting into Sainik School was like a dream come true. That place instilled the focus and resilience he needed.' His first coach Dinesh Tandi told TOI, 'Recognizing Animesh Kujur's immense potential after initial performances in 2019, a giant foundation, known for promoting top-level athletes, selected Kujur for specialized training at their Odisha center in Bhubaneswar. Under the mentorship of expert coach Martin Owens, Kujur refined his technique and fitness, transforming from a raw tribal talent into a national sprinting sensation.' 'His parents are both police officers, which instilled discipline in him early,' said the coach. 'Animesh was bright since his childhood, we motivated him, got him admitted to engineering studies in Raipur, and trained him rigorously. Soon, Animesh broke the national record for 200 meters at the Under-23 Nationals in Bilaspur, clocking 21.12 seconds,' said Animesh's father Amrit Kujur. From winning five gold medals in district-level events spanning sprints and jumps to competing nationally wearing professional spike shoes for the first time, Animesh's journey is a testament to perseverance. Jashpur's remote, forested terrain is not the usual breeding ground for international sprinters. Yet Animesh has shown that with the right support and opportunities, talent from India's most marginalized regions can shine on the world stage. In 2022, he took up a job as a forest guard in Jashpur's Forest Department, balancing his career with relentless training. Now, foreign coaches and athletics experts are closely watching his progress, marking him as a future medal contender in global events. The Road Ahead With national and international records now under his belt, Animesh Kujur is eyeing bigger stages, including the Olympic Games. His story is a powerful reminder: talent combined with opportunity can break all barriers, whether economic, geographic, or social. From barefoot runs on muddy village paths to standing tall on global podiums, Animesh Kujur's sprint is much more than a race, it's a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of Indian youth.
