No roti and rice: Inside Sarfaraz Khan's incredible body transformation
"We have controlled our diet a lot. We have stopped eating roti, rice, etc. We haven't eaten roti or rice at home for 1 to 1.5 months. We eat broccoli, carrot, cucumber, salad, and green vegetable salad. Along with that, we eat grilled fish, grilled chicken, boiled chicken, boiled egg, etc. We are also having green tea and green coffee," said Naushad to Hindustan Times. "We eat avocados also. There are sprouts also. But the main thing is that we have stopped eating roti and rice. We have stopped eating sugar. We have stopped eating maida (flour) and bakery items."Naushad said that he is also participating in the diet plan with his son as he is planning on getting a surgery on his knee. He went on to say that Sarfaraz plans to lose more weight in the coming months. "He has almost lost 10 kgs within 1.5 months. He is working on reducing his weight even further. I have reduced 12 kgs myself because I had a knee issue. So, I also benefited from it. The doctor told me that I have to do a knee replacement. So, I told him that I had to delay it. He told me that I have to reduce my weight for that," said Naushad. Sarfaraz's India career so farAfter being a run-machine on the domestic circuit for Mumbai, Sarfaraz finally got his chance to play for the Indian team during the series at home against England in 2024. The 27-year-old impressed everyone with his batting but has found it tough to seal a spot in the side. advertisementWhile he was part of the touring squad to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sarfaraz didn't get to play a single game and was subsequently not considered to be a part of the team for the ongoing series against England. However, he did impress during the India A vs England Lions games and the intra-squad match, where he scored a hundred. - Ends
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The Hindu
21 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Rural grounds light up, signify a bright and new era
Indian sports is aspiring to take wings and reach higher levels of excellence in the global arena. The government understands the enormous power of sports, as it aims to project the country's might by hosting the Olympics, an event that unites the whole world. The new Sports Governance Bill, tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, attempts to cut though the complicated web that has been clutching and holding back Indian sports from realising its full potential. The objective is to ease the path of the young athletes and help them reach global glory. The power of sports is often noticed and understood through the influence of sports stars who can engage the world and drive any campaign to great success. Of course, it is a long journey for a young athlete to grow into a star. That hard path with many hurdles is less known to the world, as it is often unlit. It calls for real commitment in the glamour-driven world, where every investment seeks multiple levels of returns, to do the hard work at the grass roots level and drive the youth to higher standards and lead them towards the best stages in sports. A global leader in lighting, Signify has been doing that quietly for some years now, lending a new dimension to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, by lighting up nearly 200 play grounds so far and sowing seeds for a sports culture in society in a significant way. What stands out is the way the company joined hands with the Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) in Assam, founded and managed by the former national volleyball captain, Abhijit Bhattacharya, driving the vision to its fulfilment. The BVL was launched in 2020 with the idea of building a strong sporting culture in rural Assam, and offer a platform for the children, passionate about playing volleyball. It started with 50 teams and 400 children. Thanks to Signify jumping in and joining the movement, installing lights in 20 grounds at first, and then stepping it up to 120 grounds, after seeing the transformative power of sport under lights in rural environment, the BVL became a roaring success. Abhijit recalls how the league used to take five months to complete about 780 matches. 'The children return from school around 3.30 p.m. They got to play only for an hour or so before darkness,' he said. With its Khel Jyoti scheme, Signify ensured extended hours of play for the children. 'Now we could complete 783 matches in three months. With increased practice time and better preparation, there is a 100% representation of BVL players in the under-17 and under-14 teams of Assam,' said Abhijit. 'We carried out the installation of lights in two phases with a strong focus on impact and long-term sustainability. In the first phase, 20 rural volleyball centres were illuminated with permanent 10-metre high masts and high quality floodlights. These centres were selected on the basis of regular participation of young athletes, presence of coaches, equal participation of girls, a dedicated registered local club to take care of the installed lighting system, and the overall performance in the earlier seasons of BVL,' said Nikhil Gupta, the Marketing and CSR head of Signify. The encouraging results after a careful study of the impact of the lights helped Signify get into the BVL in a big way. 'The impact assessment was very encouraging. Children, especially girls, were now able to practice for three to four extra hours in the evening. Many girls started attending evening coaching sessions, and the community began actively participating by coming out to watch the matches. The lighting infrastructure also served other purposes, such as hosting community celebrations like Bihu. That made us support 100 more volleyball grounds with more than 1200 high quality sports floodlights, bringing a wider reach and greater impact across rural Assam,' said Nikhil. 'The BVL now has 401 teams and we have seen more than 10,000 children play the game in Assam in the last few years,' said Abhijit with pride. Care had to be taken to ensure the sustainability of the lit up project. 'A proper service chain was created and the responsible teams were briefed about the methods and procedures. The local volleyball clubs or committees now take care of the electricity bills and maintenance of the lighting systems, promoting local ownership and long-term use of the infrastructure,' said Nikhil. If volleyball in the remote parts of Assam became an inspiring story, Signify turned its focus on many other games, especially athletics, to light up the track of many promising talent. It was Mundgod, a small town in Karnataka, home of the Siddi tribe, a African-origin community with natural talent and exceptional athletic abilities, that benefited from the lighting up drive. Young athletes from this part faced challenges due to limited access to proper training facilities. Training Bridges of Sports (BoS), an NGO founded by Nitish Chiniwar, chose to take up the task of training about 50 young athletes from the community in various track and field events. The community ground lacked lighting and that hurdle was crossed with the help of Khel Jyoti. Nayana Kokare is a shining example for the Siddi community, with her inspiring journey, as she has already won a relay medal for the country in the Asian under-20 athletics championships. Nitish throws more light on her path. 'Nayana is from a Gowli tribal family. Her father is a farmer and mother is a homemaker. Nayana stood out for her dedication and determination, by becoming the first girl from her village to complete 12th grade, a big milestone for her and the community. She was 14 when we identified her talent and took her into our athlete development program. She has been given full support for training, education and life skills. Over the years, her progress has been remarkable, from the State, Zonal, to national and international levels. She was fourth in 200 metres in Asia, and had won a 4 x 100 metre relay medal in the Asian under-20 championship in Korea,' said Nitish. There is more to the success story, and Nayana is not alone. 'Today, Nayana is part of our Performance Program in the United Kingdom, training under some of the best coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists, and nutritionists professionals who have helped athletes reach the Olympics and other international events. She is pursuing a course in Sports Management, which will lead her to a brighter future,' Nitish said. 'Through our grass-roots mode, we now engage with over 70% of Siddi athletes across many villages, providing them professional coaching, educational pathways and mentorship. The transformation is visible, not just in medals and achievements, but in confidence, discipline and aspiration. One of the best examples is Nimeksha Siddi, who is also now part of our programme in the UK, along with Nayana. She is receiving elite training and pursuing higher education. Both girls are training hard to qualify for international competitions, including the Olympics, hungry to show the world what is possible, when opportunity meets belief,' said Nitish, who states with contentment, 'we help young leaders own their future'. Nitish does acknowledge the role of the lights, in lending a better pathway for the young aspirants. 'One of the biggest improvements in our training infrastructure has been the installation of floodlights through the Khel Jyoti initiative. These high-quality lights have made a real difference in how and when our athletes train. In a place like Mundgod, where it is dark early in the morning or after sunset, having access to lighted tracks means athletes don't have to depend on day light. They can train before school, or late in the evening, helping them stay consistent and focused. The impact of the lights goes beyond the athletes. These lights help host local tournaments, night-time training, and village sports events, encouraging more community participation,' said Nitish. It is not just the rural parts that get support from Khel Jyoti. If the criteria are fulfilled, any scheme can get support in any part of the country. Sudeva, which scouts football talent across the country and trains them in Civil Lines, Delhi, has got the lighting support. Rani Laxmibai Sports Academy, in Siwan, Bihar, a football and handball centre, run by Sanjay Pathak, a government school teacher, has got lighting support. Over 40 girls from the academy have competed at the national and international levels. Likewise, Neelam Sahu who has been coaching girls in kabaddi, and helping them reach national and international levels for more than two decades, got the lighting support for her centre at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya in Dwarka, Delhi. The Har Sahay Inter College in Kanpur, that trains boys and girls in kho-kho got the support. The players from this centre have competed in the Ultimate Kho-Kho league, and also the World Cup held this year. New initiatives Signify continues to expand the Khel Jyoti programme with new initiatives. There is a focus on improving sports facilities in Punjab's Schools of Eminence. In a partnership with Hoshiarpur District administration, there is a drive to light up 17 playgrounds that have strong sports training program. 'The selection of grounds was based on their use for regular training sessions, higher athlete participation and the availability of professional coaches. These schools have a history of producing national and international athletes, making them ideal candidates for the initiative. It will support young talent in Hoshiarpur to reach full potential,' said Nikhil Gupta. Even as it engages with former cricket captain Rahul Dravid through a television campaign, 'Hum raaton mein sooraj ugaate hain', and lights up the prominent cricket grounds in Dharamshala, Ahmedabad and Navi Mumbai that host international matches, Signify is categorical that no region or game is beyond its support. In fact, the athletics field of the Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS) that is professionally run by JSW Sports, also got lighting support to help elite athletes reach Olympic standards. It has been a satisfying journey for Khel Jyoti so far, even as it ventures further to light up many more sporting arenas, helping many athletes build a shining career. 'Investing in programmes focused on sports fosters the holistic development of society and the sporting ecosystem. We strengthen community bonds by encouraging youth participation and instil qualities of discipline and teamwork. The drive builds a healthier society by promoting physical activity. It creates a robust sporting culture in the country, paving the way for future champions and inspiring the next generation,' said Nikhil. Through Khel Jyoti, Signify indeed captures the essence of the mantra, 'Tamasoma jyotir gamaya'. From darkness, lead me to light!
Indian Express
21 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Squash: India's Anahat Singh ends her elusive wait for a World Junior Championships medal; finally breaks the quarterfinals jinx
After coming close thrice in the past, India's teenage squash prodigy Anahat Singh finally ended her quest for winning a medal at the prestigious World Junior Championships as she beat Egypt's Mallika Elkaraksy in the quarterfinals in New Cairo on Thursday. The 11-6 13-11 11-5 win took Anahat into the semifinals, which assures her a place on the podium. She is the first Indian female WJC semi-finalist since 2010, according to World Squash. After a bye in the opening round, Anahat defeated Joelle Kim of Canada 11-4, 11-4, 11-2 in the round of 64. In the next round, she ovecame Ines Guyot of France even more comfortably, 11-1 11-6 11-1. The prequarterfinals saw the Indian beat Brazil's Laura Da Silva 11-5 11-2 11-6. In her first Egyptian test on Thursday against Elkaraksy, Anahat was finally pushed, especially in the second game, but she prevailed 13-11 to ensure her run of not dropping a game continued on. In an interview with The Indian Express earlier this year, Anahat had said that she will approach this year's World Juniors with a mindset of winning the title and not just wanting a medal. 'I need to turn those quarterfinal finishes into a win. This time I am going into the tournament aiming to win. Not focusing on just winning a medal anymore, it doesn't seem to be working out if I am thinking like that! If I am supposed to win it, I am supposed to win it now.' Her mentor and Indian legend Saurav Ghosal approved. 'I am glad she is thinking that way.' Anahat will next face a familiar foe in Nadien Elhammamy, the Egyptian who ended her run in the last eight in the 2024 edition. But Anahat had beaten Elhammamy in the round of 16 in 2023. After her quarterfinal win, Anahat told Squash TV that she was glad to end the streak of quarterfinal exits. 'I'm really, really happy. The World Juniors is something really special to me. I've lost in the quarters for three years in a row, and I'm really glad I was able to reach the semis this time.' The biggest challenge in squash at any level is taking on Egyptians, and Anahat has to beat two more players from the powerhouse if she has to achieve her dream of winning the gold. 'Egyptians are dominating right now so every tournament is like this where I'm always playing Egyptians in many matches. But she's just another opponent for me, it doesn't really matter which country she's from but I mean she's still really young, and she's doing well, she's a great player and I'm really glad I was able to win today.' 🇮🇳 @indiasquash's first female World Championship semi-finalist since 2010! 👏 Result: 2025 World Squash Junior Championships Women's QF 🇮🇳 [2] Anahat Singh beats [5/8] Malika Elkaraksy 🇪🇬 3-0: 11-6, 13-11, 11-5#WorldJuniorsSquash — World Squash (@WorldSquash) July 24, 2025 Anahat has recently started transitioning to the senior PSA circuit while competing at the major junior events like the Worlds and British Open (which she won earlier this year). 'There is a huge difference (in the two levels), because when I'm playing a junior tournament I expect a lot from myself going into it. When I'm playing seniors it's more of just going in and playing my best because most of the people playing are better than me. So it is a lot different and the pressure is also quite different as well but yeah I mean I'm learning to like you know overcome it.' Coincidentally, it was Elkarasky that Anahat had defeated in the British Open final this year. After the third game, she was in trouble, trailing 1-2. As she came out of the court in Birmingham before the fourth game started, Ghosal was upset, not because she was losing the final but because he was certain Anahat wasn't playing to the level she was capable of. 'Initially, just nothing was working out,' Anahat had said. 'When I came out of the court after the third game when I was 1-2 down, he was quite angry with me. That was one reason I started playing better.' But on Thursday, she was able to finish the job in three games. Vinayakk Mohanarangan is Senior Assistant Editor and is based in New Delhi. ... Read More
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 4th Test: Wayward Indian bowling allows England to fester; reach 225/2 at stumps
Zak Crawley (84) and Ben Duckett (94) stitched a 166-run opening wicket partnership on Day 2 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford in Manchester. (Image: X) England established control on Day 2 of the fourth Test against India at Manchester, reaching 225 for two at stumps on Thursday, powered by Ben Duckett 's aggressive 94 and Zak Crawley 's 84. Earlier, India posted 358 in their first innings, highlighted by an inspiring 54 from Rishabh Pant, who batted with a broken foot . Duckett and Crawley put on a commanding 166-run opening partnership off 192 balls, effectively neutralising India's bowling attack. The duo scored at nearly five runs per over, taking advantage of wayward bowling from the Indian pacers. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! India's pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and debutant Anshul Kamboj struggled to maintain accuracy, frequently offering loose deliveries on the leg side. The England openers capitalised on these opportunities, particularly Duckett, who scored freely. Kamboj, who joined the squad as a late replacement due to injuries, managed to claim his first Test wicket by dismissing Duckett. The length delivery that got extra bounce resulted in a catch behind the wickets. Shardul Thakur's expensive bowling spell added to India's difficulties, with England's batters facing more favourable batting conditions under sunshine compared to India's innings under overcast skies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like My 4-year-old kidneys are failing, only you can help Donate For Health Donate Now Undo In the earlier part of the day, Ben Stokes claimed his first five-wicket haul in eight years as England bowled out India for 358. The morning session saw India resume at 264 for four, with conditions favouring the seamers. Jofra Archer struck early, removing the in-form Ravindra Jadeja for 20. The delivery shaped away from leg stump, taking the outside edge with Harry Brook completing a low catch at second slip. Shardul Thakur showed attacking intent during his 41-run innings, including impressive boundaries off Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes. However, Stokes eventually dismissed him with a clever delivery that induced a catch to Ben Duckett at gully. How and why Rishabh Pant's England tour could come to an abrupt end due to toe fracture The most remarkable moment of the day came when Rishabh Pant walked out to bat with a broken foot. Despite his visible struggle to run between wickets, Pant displayed exceptional courage and skill. Pant's innings included a spectacular six off Archer's slower ball between mid-wicket and square leg. He followed this with a boundary through cover off Stokes to reach his fifty, earning a standing ovation from the crowd. Archer eventually ended Pant's brave innings by cleaning up his stumps with an excellent delivery. Joe Root's gesture of patting Pant on his way back reflected the opposition's appreciation for his valiant effort. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
