I will try to give my best, says Dubey ahead of Duleep tie

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Aug 27, 2025

HE HAS waited for this opportunity for more than a year after he missed the bus last year He did not sulk over it. Instead, Harsh Dubey produced much better performance with 69 scalps in last Ranji Trophy season for Vidarbha forcing selectors to pick him in Central Zone Duleep 

trophy squad.

Left-arm spinner Dubey, who will be making his debut in the tournament starting Thursday, said he is excited to play one of the prestigious competitions of our country. He said he won’t be under any pressure and would try to keep it simple and give his best.

Dubey has been training in Bengaluru since July and said the preparation has been on the right track.

“The preparation was going on from July. I was in Bengaluru for last one month. There was a skill camp and we have been training hard,” Dubey told ‘The Hitavada’ on the eve of their match against North East Zone.

“Duleep Trophy is an important tournament, one of the prestigious competitions of our country. 

“I am excited to play my maiden game. There is no pressure as such and I would like to keep my game simple,” said Dubey.

“I don’t thing there would be huge challenges for me. I only want to give my best and concentrate on my game. I will try to play the game as it comes. I don’t want to look too further, 

but want to remain in present 

and give my best,” Dubey 

concluded.

Meeting President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan was a memorable moment: Asheer

By Paritosh Pramanik

Aug 28, 2025

IT WAS a moment to cherish forever for Kamptee’s Asheer Akhtar.

Akhtar, who was part of the Durand Cup title winning NorthEast United Football Club, was one of the few players, present at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday during the felicitation function.

In a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President of India Droupadi Murmu felicitated NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC) for their historic victory in the 2025 edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup. 

In the final, NEUFC thrashed Diamond Harbour 6-1 to retain the title. Asheer, son of former AG Office footballer Mehfooz Akhtar, was the man who opened the floodgates for the Highlander team in the 30th minute of play as they went on to pump in five more to lift the glittering trophy.

President Murmu presented the President’s Cup, one of the three iconic trophies awarded to the champions, marking a moment of pride for the club, its supporters and the footballing community.

The function was attended by Bollywood actor John Abraham who is also the owner of NEUFC, team captain Redeem Tlang, defender Akhtar, and Mandar Vijaykumar Tamhane, CEO, NEUFC in the presence of dignitaries and members of the Durand Football Tournament Society and the Durand Cup Organising Committee.

“It was a totally different feeling ... a beautiful experience meeting the President of the country,” an elated Asheer told ‘The Hitavada’ immediately after landing in Guwahati from New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience. This was for the first time that a Durand Cup winning team was invited in the Rashtrapati Bhavan and President handed over the trophy. Last year, we got the trophy (President’s Cup) in a simple ceremony. But this time, we were invited in New Delhi for the function,” said Asheer, a former Rabbani Club player.

Asheer said it was a proud moment for him talking with top officials of Armed Forces. “All the top officials of Indian Armed Forces were there and all interacted with us freely. They too were proud for us for winning the back-to-back title,” Asheer stated.

Asheer was one of the lucky few to get a chance to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan. “Most of the players returned home after the final. I, along with a few others, were there and hence got the chance to meet the President Murmu,” an elated Asheer said.

“Such moments are rare. This will be etched in my memory forever,” Asheer signed off.

Kamptee footballer Asheer basking in Durand Cup title glory

By Paritosh Pramanik

Aug 26, 2025

THEY were also-rans just a few years ago. But NorthEast United Football Club has grown leaps and bounds only to be counted as one of the best football clubs in the country.

In 2023, NorthEast United were the semi-finalists of the prestigious Durand Cup. 

Cut to 2025, the Highlanders are now two-time champions!

Most must have thought that the 2024 maiden Durand Cup title win was a fluke, but the Spaniard Juan Pedro Benali Hammou coached side proved all their critics wrong as they went on to defend the title crushing Diamond Harbour 6-1 in a one-sided final at Kolkata last Saturday.

The Highlanders, thus became the first team since East Bengal FC in 1991 to successfully defend the Durand Cup.

The NorthEast United’s success must be attributed to Kamptee’s Asheer Akhtar who changed the team’s fortunes when he joined them in 2023 from Sreenidi Deccan Football Club. The ‘Wall’ of NE United FC defender Asheer was the one who opened the floodgates in their thumping 6-1 over Diamond Harbour in the final.

Diamond Harbour had managed to hold the defending champions at bay until defender Asheer ran from the back line to score the opener in the 30th minute. From there on it was one-way traffic as Parthib Sundar Gogoi (45+1), Thoi Singh (50th), Jairo Samperio Bustara (81st), Andy Rodriguez (86th) and Alaaeddine Ajaraie (90+3th) scored in the huge title win.

“It looked a one-sided game but we worked hard to defend the title,” Asheer told ‘The Hitavada’ from his team base in Guwahati on Monday.

“We were determined to defend the title. Unlike other teams, we started our preparations in advance and had only one goal — to retain the cup. 

“Our management, coach and every single member had only one target — lifting the Durand Cup again,” said Asheer, son of former AG Office footballer Mehfooz Akhtar.

“We played to a plan and executed it well. We did not make any big changes in our style of play. We played as a cohesive unit and supported each other,” said Asheer about the team’s approach in the tournament.

In 2024, Asheer was part of that history making NE United team which came from a two -goal deficit to score two in three minutes of the second half and take the match into shoot-out where they emerged winners with a 3-2 verdict defeating football giants Mohun Bagan in their own den in Kolkata.

Asheer still aspires to play for the country at the highest level. “I want to wear India Blue. That is my ultimate dream and I am working hard to fulfill it,” Asheer, who started playing as a forward in school (MM Rabbani) and Rabbani Club, concluded.

---------------------------------------

Asheer has been playing professional football since 2010. He joined SAIL Football Academy Bokaro and stayed there for two seasons. He then returned to Nagpur and played for Rabbani Club, Kamptee and then played for Pune FC Under-19 team. His journey went northward as he shifted to Kashmir in 2014 to play second division and then played the Goa League in 2015. In 2016, Asheer got first hand experience of playing in I-League for Mumbai FC. His career took wings and he joined Bengaluru FC for another couple of years (2018-19). The former Rabbani Club player then moved to East Bengal and then joined mighty Mohammedan Sporting Club, Kolkata before moving to Sreenidi Deccan Football Club in 2022. He was then picked by NorthEast United and is serving the Highlanders till date.

Nagpur’s Irshad to play Lanka Premier Hockey League

By Paritosh Pramanik

Aug 23, 2025

Hockey talent of the city is going to shores. For decades, players of the city have shown immense talent but lack of proper infrastructure and controversies surrounding the game in the city, has forced the dribblers to move to greener pastures.

Players like Niyaz Rahim, Aakib Rahim, Himanshi Gawande and a few others have moved away from Vidarbha only to secure a place of pride in Indian hockey.

Now, another senior player, Irshad Mirza, will be once again seen in action during the second season of Premier Hockey League in Sri Lanka.

The lanky striker has been picked by Sri Lanka Police for the coming season which will begin in the month of November.

A total of 10 teams will be vying for the top honours and Mirza would try to help his side Sri Lanka Police win the title.

“Last year, I played the Sri Lanka Premier Hockey League for the Sri Lanka Air Force.

“This year, too, there were offers from Sri Lankan Army, Air Force, Royal College Hockey Club and Sri Lanka Police. All the teams fought hard but in the end it was the police team which managed to acquire my services during the bidding,” said Irshad while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

The Sri Lanka Air Force, of which Irshad was part, finished second best last year losing the final to Sri Lankan Army.

“This year, I hope to do well for the Sri Lanka Police. The hockey structure is getting better in Sri Lanka and it is a good opportunity for us Indian players to show our talent,” said Irshad who has been a veteran in Indian domestic hockey, having played for more than half a dozen States in Hockey India nationals. He is also a regular member of Central Railways Headquarters team, and currently employed with Central Railways, Nagpur.

“This year, Sri Lanka Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, BRC, CH, CR, Old Senanayakians Sports Club (DS) and Royal College Hockey Club are among the nine formidable teams that will compete in the tournament,” informed Irshad who grew up playing hockey with Orange City Club, which was started by his late father Iqbal Mirza.

Like all the other players, Irshad felt that hockey players from Vidarbha and specially from Nagpur are best in the State. What is needed is to groom the talent with proper facilities and match practise.

“We have the best players in the State. I can confidently say that we (players of Nagpur and a few from other districts of Vidarbha) can beat teams of Hockey Maharashtra. We have immense talent. Only thing is we lack infrastructure and game time. 

“The poor state of affairs in running the game in the city is also hampering the players’ prospects. What is the fault of players in these controversies which has surrounded the game for decades,” he asked.

“I wish everyone come together to take hockey of Nagpur to greater heights.”

‘Prince’ Yuvraj engaged with MLA Thakre’s daughter Veeha

 MARRIAGE ON VALENTINE’S DAY IN NAGPUR

August 20, 2025

By Paritosh Pramanik

HE HAS beaten many a robust defence, earning accolades in world hockey. But striker Yuvraj Walmiki could not dribble past this Nagpur girl and was forced to concede a ‘goal’.

Yuvraj, once the ‘Prince of Indian hockey’ got hooked to Veeha, daughter of West Nagpur MLA Vikas Thakre, and within a span of a few months the two exchanged rings at a simple engagement ceremony held on Saturday in Nagpur. The marriage will take place on February 14, Valentine’s Day in Nagpur.

Yuvraj, the Indian team’s striker with over 50 international caps, was taught to take first strike at the opponent’s citadel. He did it in personal life, too! “It was love at first sight,” Yuvraj told ‘The Hitavada’ after the ring ceremony which took place on Saturday in the city.

“I met Veeha, who is studying LLM in Criminal Law, on Instagram and started chatting with her. It struck immediately. I never believed in spending time in coffee shops and roaming around. We were serious from the start itself,” said Yuvraj about his first meeting. “I stalked her insta posts and liked her at first shot,” revealed Yuvraj, the only Indian player to have played German Hockey League for eight years continuously. Yuvraj, himself a sportstar, didn’t know that he was dating the daughter of a top politician until Veeha said that she can’t meet him alone due to ‘security reasons’.

“We used to chat a lot but I never knew that she was the daughter of such a big political leader of the State. Once, when I asked her to meet, she said that she can’t due to security reasons. I was like, what? Security reasons? Then she said that she is the daughter of MLA Thakre,” stated Yuvraj, who represented Indian at the 2014 Hockey World Cup in Netherlands.

“That was surprisingly shocking for me,” added Yuvraj.

Yuvraj then met MLA Thakre on a few occasions during Maharashtra Assembly’s Monsoon Session in Mumbai. 

“I was invited by Mr Thakre a few months back and I flew down to Nagpur to meet him. I was in awe looking at the security with which dad (MLA Thakre) came to receive me at the airport. The reception at their house was homely and I felt a sense of pride on my decision,” said Yuvraj, who was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos.

The ring ceremony was a private affair with Yuvraj’s family members including his brother international hockey player Davinder and his mentor legendary Dhanraj Pillay in attendance.

There was no opposition from both sides and Thakre family accepted ‘the prince’ for their ‘princesses’.

“Dad (Thakre) told me if both of us are happy in each other’s company then they have no problem. The Thakre family is very down-to-earth and they are sure that their daughter will live a life of princesses in Walmiki family,” Yuvraj signed off.

YEH DIL MAANGE MORE: Not satisfied, GM Divya Deshmukh hungry for more

Special Correspondent

July 31, 2025

WINNERS are always unsatisfied with their performances. They yearn for more. Without trophies and crowns in their bag, they feel empty. They remain hungry for more success, always, even if they have won a title a day ago or a month back. Whenever they step into a new battlefield, they search for another title.

Newly-crowned Women Chess World Cup winner and Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh is no different. She is not satisfied with what she has achieved in her short career. Divya has every trophy in her Shankar Nagar residence cupboard. Be it a cadet girls’ crown or chess Olympiad gold medals, Junior World crown or Senior Women World Cup. Yet, she feels she has won nothing. Hence, when The Hitavada’ asked her whether she is satisfied with what she has achieved thus far, the answer came in negative.

“No, I am not satisfied. I think this is just the beginning and I definitely want to achieve more,” she replied during a press conference organised by Maharashtra Chess Association President Parinay Fuke on Thursday evening.

Flanked by her parents — Dr Jirendra and Dr Namrata Deshmukh — who both tried to avoid the media and the limelight which came to them due to their daughter’s heroics, Divya ‘opened’ the presser confidently. During the ‘middle game’ when the queries were a bit repetitive, she ‘moved her pieces’ (read answers) calmly as she knew that repeating the same answers thrice won’t ‘draw the game’ like in chess. With a bright smile on her face, Divya coolly replied to the same queries, like, when asked how was the feeling when she won the final against Koneru Humpy... how she felt by the reception at Nagpur Airport?..

Her replies were stitched with enthusiasm.

“I am grateful to the crowd for such a huge reception. The way they came out to celebrate my victory, it feels great to see chess getting such a huge response. I don’t have much to say. I am just thankful,” Divya repeated the same answer on a few occasions.

The ‘middle game’ queries continued and maturity reflected in her replies.

Divya did admit that she realised late that she was on cusp of winning the world title. “I realised quite late that I am in a winning position. Also, it was a rapid format and I did not have much time to process that I had won the final. My first reaction was... I just cried and searched for my mother who was not allowed inside the hall during the final,” Divya narrated the last moments of the exciting final.

The World Cup winner once again said that this win will help chess grow further, especially among girls.

“Just last December, Humpy won the World Rapid Championship and now, this win, I think, it will (give) boost (to) chess specially among young girls.”

There was a sweet little chuckle when she was compared with former India cricket captain MS Dhoni’s attacking style of play.

When asked about this style of play, Divya said, “There was always an aggressiveness in my style of play. I think, on a chess board, I am an aggressive player. It is easier for me to go into tactics with aggression, so I think that’s just my style of play.”

Divya lauded her senior opponent Humpy’s performance in the final, but said that, the first game loss with white was due to her own failure.

“It was more to do with my failure than her success. I was quite upset after the first game because I was in a very good position and I knew I didn’t play well. So, it definitely added more pressure in the second game as I was playing with the black pieces. But I gained confidence after the second game (which she drew to take the game into the tie-breaker round.) Yes, Humpy is a world rapid champion and I respect her a lot, But you can’t play with that (opponent’s world champion) tag behind your mind so I don’t think that there was any pressure because I was confident in my abilities,” Divya explained how she went into the final.

She also said that the similarity in her and Gukesh’s game is their attacking style of play.

“We both started playing chess at the same age. We both play attacking games and that’s the similarity in our style of play.”

Divya, who is now a Grandmaster as well as a world champ, said that these twin tags won’t put any added pressure on her.

“The pressure has been there for many years. But after a point it doesn’t matter whether there is a pressure of 100 players or a lakh players. For me what matters is my expectations and my own goals. So obviously, p

ressure always remains there but I try not to think much about it.”

Divya once again said that it was a proud feeling to carry the national flag and listen to the National Anthem. “I felt very proud when the National Anthem was played. Anyway, it was to be played as we both were Indians, but it was played because I won.. I felt really proud,” she said.

Despite Nagpur now boasting of three Grandmasters with Raunak Sadhwani and Sankalp Gupta being the other two, Divya rated Chennai as the hub of chess in the country.

“No I don’t think so. Chennai is way ahead of us (Nagpur) and there is no comparison. Chess is more popular in the Southern part of India. But yes, I would love to see chess get more popular in Nagpur and the younger generation get attracted to the game,” Divya frankly said.

Divya revealed that she never knew that she would become a Grandmaster if she wins the World Cup.

“I was totally unaware about getting the GM title prior to this tournament. When I reached the semi-final then I came to know that I got the first norm. And then I got to know that if I win this tournament I would be a GM. I was very happy but I wanted to concentrate on the remaining matches and did not want to put any added pressure on myself,” said Divya even as GM Abhijit Kunte posed a satisfied look.

The ‘end game’ was more tiring and exhausting for Divya with TV channels, portals and youtubers mobbing her for ‘exclusive interviews’.

This was not the first time Divya was giving so many interviews.

“Not at all. I have given many more interviews on the go once in Delhi,” she told this newspaper.

One after another, the video camera lights flashed on Divya’s face and she cleverly replied in ‘rapid format’ before the cameramen were ‘pushed to the corner’ and Divya emerged ‘champion’ once again.

However, that’s not the end as felicitations and interviews will continue and Divya will keep on ‘winning’ them until she is satisfied.

How 'Unstoppable' song helped Divya conquer the world

By Paritosh Pramanik

July 30, 2025

I’m unstoppable

I’m a Porsche with no brakes

I’m invincible

Yeah, I win every single game

I’m so powerful

I don’t need batteries to play

I’m so confident

Yeah, I’m unstoppable today

Unstoppable today.. Unstoppable today..

What powerful lyrics by Australian singer Sia!

Ditto what the newly-crowned Women’s Chess World Cup winner Nagpur’s Divya Deshmukh did at Batumi in Georgia during her “exhausting 25 days” where she dethroned some big names in the world of chess to become the first Indian to claim the world title.

Divya repeatedly listened to the song ‘Unstoppable’ and followed every word it to the T.

‘I’m unstoppable’

She was unstoppable during the entire tournament winning match after match.

‘I’m a Porsche with no brakes’

She moved in the tournament like a Porsche without brakes as she vroomed ahead of others.

‘I’m invincible, ‘Yeah, I win every single game’

She looked invincible and lost only one game against Zhu Jiner of China in the fourth round but bounced back to beat her in the tie-breaker.

‘I’m so powerful, I don’t need batteries to play’

Winning all but one game, Divya looked powerful with her attacking style of play. She overpowered her opponents with her calculated moves and never looked drained.

She never needed any break or refreshment to get recharged, even though she kept a banana beside her board, in case of need. But that need didn’t arise as she was hungry for the world title.

‘I’m so confident’

Yes, she was confident. She charged onto her opponents and never looked defeatable, even when she made some mistakes in the first game of the final against Koneru Humpy.

‘Yeah, I’m unstoppable today. Unstoppable....’

Following the lyrics penned by Sia, Divya was unstoppable in the second tie-breaker of the final and pushed the much acclaimed, double her age Humpy to the backfoot to romp home.

“I don’t listen to any specific type of music. I love to listen to songs in different languages — English, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, even Telugu and Tamil. 

“For this tournament, I repeatedly listened to the song ‘Unstoppable’ by Sia. That’s what spurred me, gave me confidence, helped me in conquering my opponents,” said Divya in an exclusive interview to ‘The Hitavada’ on Tuesday before she boarded the flight back home.

The prize distribution ceremony, too, was emotional for Divya. She had carried the Indian flag around her shoulders on many occasions but this time it was different. She neatly folded the tricolour and draped it around her shoulders as she walked towards the podium. 

Humpy, at the second spot and Chinese Tan Zhongyi at third waited for the new champion.

Divya stepped onto the middle of the podium and received the coveted trophy as the National Anthem was being played in the background.

“It was a very emotional moment when I draped the tricolour across my shoulders and stood as a champion on the podium. I am a very emotional girl and love my country. It was  the biggest honour to hear the National Anthem being played in another country, so it was a very emotional moment for me,” she narrated the moment of glory.

On the eve of the final match, Divya’s mother Dr Namrata tried to keep her daughter’s nerves calm. “We discussed a few things and my mom only asked me to be calm and trust my abilities. She also asked me to manage my time better,” said Divya.

“I was definitely under a lot of pressure and my mom calmed me down. Every mom knows how to calm their kids and my mom is the same. She kept on telling me to keep faith in my abilities,” Divya added.

“Not only my mother but my entire family has a big role in my success...not only my parents and sister but also my uncle, my aunt, my aaji, my cousin brother... all are very helpful and they are the pillars of my strength,” said Divya.

The two-time national champion has a habit to talk to father Dr Jitendra when on tours and she did the same in Batumi as well. “We always talk whenever I am on tour. This time also we had a chat and he did say some ‘special things’ which helped me a lot,” added the 19-year-old Nagpurian.

Living in a joint family, Divya is a darling of her grandmother who always wanted to see her granddaughter become a Grandmaster. 

“My Aaji is very proud of me. She congratulated me at 2 am. I am very excited to meet her. She always wanted me to become a Grandmaster and I think this (title) is for her,” Divya proudly said. The toast of the nation, Divya admitted that the last 25 days in Batumi were very exhausting.

“The last 25 days were really exhausting. It has been a test of my stamina, resilience and my nerves. I think the reward is worth it as it was very exhausting.

Of the toughest opponents she faced, Divya said, “There were two opponents who were different in their own ways. Zhu was the first one because I had a bad score against her and she was really strong and that was an emotional battle for me because it was more to do with my belief in myself and trusting myself. After coming so far I didn’t want to go back empty-handed. So it was quite tough,” she recalled.

The Junior World Champion hopes that her victory will motivate young girls. “I think my title win will have a major impact on young girls. They will feel more motivated and they will feel that nothing is too hard to achieve. I hope that this win will increase the love for chess in Nagpur. There is a very less chess culture in Nagpur as compared to Chennai and I wish that my tribe grows all over Maharashtra.”

Divya also acknowledged the role Nagpur District Chess Association played in her career. “When I was a kid, NDCA used to organise a lot of rapid and blitz tournaments which really helped me a lot in my career.”

“I am super grateful to NDCA as they used to come and felicitate me whenever I used to win any title and that meant 

a lot to me. I owe a lot to them,” Divya thanked the local chess body.

Divya is unstoppable and in her own words “this is just the beginning.”

Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh: The meteoric rise of Queen of 64 squares

By Paritosh Pramanik

July 29, 2025

THOSE were the days when there was no internet and mobile phones. Dr Jitendra Deshmukh was fond of chess and used to play it during his leisure time while Divya’s great grandfather (maternal) used to spend Saturdays challenging the great revolutionary Vinoba Bhave in the game of 64 squares.

By the turn of the century, cable TV had captured country’s home and mobile phones had just arrived.

But Dr Jitendra and Dr Namrata decided to take their daughters Aarya and Divya to a sports field in city’s Shankar Nagar locality.

Outdoor sports like badminton and basketball attracted Aarya but chess turned out to be ‘love at first sight’ for Divya.

Age: 5 years!

Inculcating father’s hobby and grandfather’s ‘roots’, city’s Divya carved a niche for herself to become world champion and a Grandmaster at the age of 19!

She won the Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia on Monday defeating much accomplished GM Koneru Humpy in the tie-breaker round after drawing the first two games in classical format.

Divya’s rise was meteoric.

At 14, she became a Woman International Master and the upwards journey took off. From there on she did now moved up, she vroomed... crushing top rated players and capturing title after title.

In just five years, she has dethroned some top names in the world of chess to become an undisputed Queen of 64 squares.

On her way to winning the coveted title, Divya has scratched several records as she also booked a berth for the Candidates tournament.

“She has been a very obedient and hard-working kid. Her interest in chess generated slowly over a period of time. My husband used to play chess as a hobby. I knew the game because my grandfather used to play chess with Vinoba Bhave every Saturday. So it was not new to our family,” Divya’s mother Dr Namrata had told ‘The Hitavada’ when her daughter was crowned Woman International Maters in 2021.

On July 5, she did not have even a single GM norm and in space of three weeks she has been crowned a Grandmaster.

Another history made and more to be created.

Till then Grandmaster Divya, the Queen of 64 Squares, will enjoy the new stardom!

---------------------

GM Dhopade, IM Deshmukh hail Divya’s coronation

n By Paritosh Pramanik

GRANDMASTER Swapnil Dhopade and Nagpur’s first International Master Anup Deshmukh hailed Divya Deshmukh for becoming the world champion and Grandmaster on Monday.

Divya was coronated as the new women’s world chess champion and Grandmaster after she won the second tie-break against compatriot Koneru Humpy in the Women’s World Cup final at Batumi in Georgia.

Lauding the achievement, Dhopade, who was Divya’s coach during the World Cup held in Chennai, said it was a proud moment for the entire country and Vidarbha that Divya emerged champion of the world. “She is very talented and hardworking. I have seen her when I was the women’s team’s coach at the chess Olympiad held in Chennai in 2022,” said Amravati lad Dhopade who is presently working with Central Railways, Nagpur.

“Winning World Cup as well as a Grandmaster title in the same tournament is a big achievement. She has really worked hard during her formative years which are now bearing fruits,” said Dhopade.

IM Deshmukh too was full of praise of her ‘opponent’ Divya.

“We have played against each other long back when she was too young. She was brilliant. The best thing of Divya is that she is a very fast learner. She picks new strategies very fast,” said Deshmukh.

Apart from the hardwork put in by Divya’s parents, Anup Deshmukh credited Nagpur District Chess Association (NDFCA) for giving Divya a chance to play chess in her formative years.

“NDCA should also be credited for what Divya has achieved. They have organised tournaments in big numbers which helped all of getting match practise. Vinod Trivedi, Adv Bade, Manoj Itkelwar,  KK Barat, Dilip Pagay, late Umesh Panbude, Bhushan Shriwas and several others have provided the platform to players like Divya, GM Raunak Sadhwani and GM Sankalp Gupta.

“They all should be feeling proud today,” said IM Deshmukh.

-----------------

City GMs welcome Divya to their club

Grandmasters of city Raunak Sadhwani and Sankalp Gupta welcomed Divya Deshmukh to their Grandmasters’ Club after the city girl became the 88th GM of the country by winning the Women’s Chess World Cup.

“Divya winning Women’s World Cup is a proud moment for all of us. We have practised and played chess together for several years starting from age categories to open events. Congratulations & Well done Divya you deserve all the Accolades!! This moment is quite Inspirational. Well come to the club,” GM Raunak Sadhwani said.

“Huge congratulations to Divya and India! What she has achieved is truly phenomenal — becoming the first Indian woman to win the World Cup, qualifying for the Candidates, and clinching the GM title all in one go. Throughout the tournament, she showed incredible fighting spirit and resourcefulness. Her opening ideas were fresh and ambitious, and she handled pressure with remarkable composure. Wishing her all the very best for the Candidates,” added GM Sankalp Gupta.

------

Now, only clubs registered with Charity Commissioner permitted in NDFA Leagues

By Paritosh Pramanik

July 25, 2025

TO BRING more transparency and discipline among football clubs of the city, Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) has made it mandatory for all affiliated clubs to get registered with the Charity Commissioner’s Office if they wish to participate in the leagues organised by the football governing body of the district.

The rule will be implemented from the coming season, likely to start in the month of September.

NDFA issued a circular to all its affiliated clubs on Friday which stated that those who have completed the formalities of getting Charity Commissioner’s Office registration will be permitted to take part in the NDFA leagues.

The football season will begin with the Elite Division and NDFA will start issuing entry forms to clubs from August One. The forms will be given to only those clubs who have started the process of getting registered with the Charity Commissioner’s Office.

“The registration and entry forms for the season 2025-26 of NDFA leagues will be issued from 1.8.25 to 14.8.25 at NDFA Office, Nagpur from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm. All Elite, Super, Senior and First Division clubs, who have completed the formalities of the Charity Commissioner Office, will be able to take the forms from NDFA office,” read the message from NDFA to all clubs.

“Those clubs who have not completed the formalities with the Charity Commissioner Office can complete it before 14.8.25 so that they are eligible (to take part in the league),” read the NDFA circular. 

The decision was taken after speaking with all the stakeholders. A meeting of all club representatives was held a couple of months back where officials of the Charity Commissioner Office were also present to explain the process.

“We had called a meeting two months back where all club representatives and officials from the Charity Commissioner’s Office were invited. They explained to the club representatives why it is beneficial for them to get registered,” said Iqbal Kashmiri, Secretary, NDFA, while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

The decision was also taken after some of the indisciplined clubs tried to overpower NDFA last season. A few members tried to bring disrepute to the game by challenging NDFA’s decisions and using abusive language against  the officials. When NDFA tried to take action against the ‘culprits’ it came to notice that they were not the official members of the club.

“In such a situation, we were unable to take any action against the ‘hooligans’ as the club owners claimed that the ‘person/s’ in question does not belong to their club,” stated Kashmiri.

“The committee then decided to get all the clubs registered so that a proper executive body of all clubs is in place and they could be held accountable if any untoward incident takes place,” explained Kashmiri.

There are 60 clubs affiliated with NDFA (Elite Division 10, Super 12, Senior 24 and First 14) and all, along with a few women clubs, will have to get registered with the Charity Commissioner. Kashmiri also stated that it will be beneficial for clubs in getting sponsorship.

“Today, managing a club financially is very difficult. It requires a lot of money to run a club. There are many big corporate houses in Nagpur but to get sponsorship, clubs need registration number of charity commissioner along with audited statements. This is essential for corporate houses to grant sponsorship through their CSR funds. Now, if the clubs are registered with the Charity Commissioner Office it would be easy for them to approach corporate houses and ask for sponsorship. So, this is beneficial for the clubs only,” Kashmiri signed off.

Nair returns to Karnataka

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

July 23, 2025

PROFESSIONAL Karun Nair will finally be returning to his home State Karnataka after Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) gave him the No Objection Certificate (NOC) on Monday.

Nair, who played for Vidarbha in last domestic season, had applied for the NOC on Saturday and VCA decided to release him with immediate effect.

“He had applied for the NOC last Saturday and we released him immediately,” said VCA CEO Farokh Dastoor while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ on Tuesday evening.

According to Dastoor, Nair thanked VCA for giving him a chance to play for the side, which won its third Ranji title in March.

“He wholeheartedly thanked VCA for providing the platform which helped him re-establish himself. His stint was fruitful for both VCA and himself as he got another chance to get back into the Indian Test squad,” said Dastoor.

Nair is currently with the Indian team playing the five-match series for Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Nair was one of the architects of Vidarbha’s title-winning run in the 24-25 Ranji season. 

He amassed 863 runs at an average of 53 which included a hundred in the final against Kerala.

Apart from his Ranji heroics, Nair hit five successive centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy (50 overs) as he collected 779 runs in the competition.

Along with that strong outing, Nair also set a new List A record, scoring 542 runs without getting dismissed.

The right-handed batter however, could not replicate that form in the ongoing England series as he could muster 0, 20, 31, 26, 40 and 14 in the first three Tests. The fourth Test starts Wednesday at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Before Nair, Vidarbha stumper Jitesh Sharma had sought NOC and, in all probability, will be playing for Baroda.

When asked whether any other professional approached VCA, CEO Dastoor replied in negative.

Rahim bros Niyaz and Aakib ‘FASTEST AND STRONGEST’

 City’s Niyaz wins second Murugappa Cup Trophy as captain for Indian Rlys; Aakib leads Indian Navy team to runners-up title

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, July 22, 2025

THEY fought against each other, as expected, in the final. But it was once again the elder brother who came out victorious. Syed Niyaz Rahim and Aakib Rahim — cousin brothers of the city — led India’s top hockey departmental teams Indian Railways and Indian Navy respectively and clashed in the final of the prestigious 96th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium which was organised by Madras Cricket Club and Murugappa Group.

However, like in the Shastri Gold Cup Hockey, it was once again elder brother Niyaz, who lifted the trophy. 

Aakib had once beaten Niyaz in the Nehru Gold Cup but the latter made it a point that there is no more slip-ups.

In the final Niyaz’s Indian Railways beat Aakib’s Indian Navy 3-1. The two Nagpurians, who rose to national level hockey scene with their sheer hard work and determination, captained their respective sides and were instrumental in taking their teams to the summit clash.

Both won individual awards as well.

The two brothers were electrifying on the field and were rightly awarded for their performances. Niyaz was named fastest player of the tournament while Aakib was declared as the strongest player of the meet.

The final was exciting. Aakib scored the leveller for Indian Navy at the stroke of first quarter (15th) after Shivam Anand had given Indian Railways the lead in the 8th.

Niyaz then almost scored their second in the second minute of third quarter but Aakib made a goal line save to thwart his chance.

“I took a strong hit from inside the circle but Aakib was fast enough to block it resulting a penalty corner. But we took the lead again with Pankaj Rawat scoring from the short corner,” said captain Niyaz.

It was Niyaz who sealed the deal in favour of Indian Railways with a beautiful goal three minutes before the final hooter.

Receiving the ball at the top of the circle, Niyaz moved a couple of steps in and slammed a powerful hit which banged into the board.

“It feels great to win awards in such a prestigious tournament like Murugappa Cup. Hockey runs in our blood and we will keep performing for our teams,” said striker Aakib.

“In the final we made a few mistakes which proved costly,” rued Aakib.

Midfielder Niyaz said his team was lucky to score from the chances they got.

“We grabbed the opportunities we got in the semis as well as in the final. Navy missed some easy sitters while we managed to score from the opportunities we got. But Navy played brilliantly,” Niyaz said.

After the final, both the brothers exchanged pleasantries and talked about their families before moving to their respective destinations.

While Niyaz moved to Hyderabad and will prepare for Hockey India’s Departmental Nationals which he has won several times, Aakib reached Bhubaneswar for another shot at glory, this time in the 2nd JRD Invitation Hockey Tournament 2025 starting from July 24.

Rahim brothers to lead teams in Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey

 

Experienced Niyaz will once again lead Indian Railways side while his cousin brother Aakib will make debut as Indian Navy captain

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, July 12, 2025

WILL Aakib Rahim get a chance to take ‘revenge’ from his cousin brother Niyaz Rahim?

Only time will tell.

Nagpur’s Rahim brothers will be up against each other during the prestigious 96th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament underway at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium jointly organised by Madras Cricket Club and Murugappa Group.

It will be a proud moment for the city as both of them —Niyaz and Aakib — will captain their respective sides.

While senior pro Niyaz will lead the Indian Railways team, his cousin brother Aakib will don the captain’s armband for the Indian Navy team.

Niyaz’s Indian Railways team is clubbed with Indian army NCOE Bhopal, Hockey Maharashtra and Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu in Group A.

Aakib’s Indian Navy is in Group B with Indian Oil Corporation, Malaysia Junior National, Hockey Karnataka and Central Board of Direct Taxes.

Top two teams from each group will make it to the semis. Rahim brothers may lock horns with each other if they finish first or second from their respective groups or in the final if their teams make it to the summit clash.

Niyaz has led Indian Railways to title victory last season and will be captaining the side on the third occasion.

For Aakib, this will be his first attempt to Marshall the Indian Navy team. He has played for Services on many occasions before joining the Indian Navy squad.

At the Nehru Cup hockey meet, the brothers crossed swords and it was Niyaz who emerged the winner.

“This time I will try to take the revenge of that Nehru Cup loss,” Aakib told jokingly while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ over phone from Chennai.

Niyaz, who is leading Indian Railways since 2017 and has lifted the Murugappa Gold Cup last year, has many titles under his belt including Shastri Gold Cup, Nehru Gold Cup, Surjit Gold Cup, to name a few.

Niyaz was confident of his side retaining the title despite missing a few players. “Our star forward Yuvraj Walmiki is not available this time. Pratap Lakra is with the Indian team. But we have a few new players. We have had a 20 days camp in Hyderabad and have reached Chennai two days earlier. So the training is going great. We have played a couple of practice matches against Navy and Indian Oil. We will go all out to defend the title,” Niyaz confidently said.

As for Aakib leading the Indian Navy, there won’t be any pressure on him.

“I have played with this bunch of players for several years, either for the same team or against them. Most of them were with me when I led the Services team. They all are accommodative and know what I want from them. We will go for the kill and try to lift the title,” concluded Aakib.

Hockey Maharashtra did not give TNDUHA permission to hold elections: Secretary Anand

By Paritosh Pramanik

Nagpur, July 1

THERE seems to be a big trouble building up for The Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association after it conducted its elections against the ruling of Hockey Maharashtra.

Hockey Maharashtra, which controls hockey in the State, is planning to take legal course against TNDUHA for not following its directives.

The controversial elections took place on June 28 Khatijabai Technical Institute, Sadar, where MLC Sandip Joshi was elected as President and Parvez Qureshi was retained as Secretary. The entire 15-member body was elected unopposed. As reported by ‘The Hitavada’ in its June 29 ‘CityLine’ edition, the elections were held without any observer from Hockey Maharashtra, which is mandatory, for any district conducting the polls.

Hockey Maharashtra had asked TNDUHA Secretary Parvez Qureshi to put the elections on hold as “there were many complications” but he overruled the directions and went ahead with the elections.

Talking with ‘The Hitavada’ Hockey Maharashtra Secretary Manish Anand said that the association will be taking legal action against TNDUHA.

Though he did not say that the elections were illegal, the State hockey Secretary added that “despite not sending an observer, TNDUHA went ahead with the polls.”

The Secretary said, “There were many complications in the election process and we had mailed a letter to TNDUHA to put the elections on hold well in advance. But they went ahead. Now, whatever legal procedure will be there, it will be followed,” Anand declared.

“The procedure was not followed. They will now have to face the legal process,” Anand repeated.

The elections of TNDUHA was opposed by many of its own members including President Pramod Thakre, Joint Secretary Pramod Jain and life member (of Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association, (NDUHA) Sunil Madne.

While Jain called the elections as ‘fraud’, President Thakre called it illegal stating that the entire election process was conducted without his knowledge.

Jain had claimed that Qureshi got the affiliation from Hockey Maharashtra by fraudulent means and that the body is not registered with the Charity Commissioner, Nagpur.

He had alleged that Qureshi was deceiving both Hockey Maharashtra and Charity Commissioner, Nagpur.

Life member Madne stated that TNDUHA is using the registration number of NDUHA (BPT No 1676-12N). “Please note that there is no association registered with the name ‘THE’ Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association with the Charity Commissioner,” Madne had said in a legal notice to the Returning Officer of TNDUHA.

The controversy did not end there. The Returning Officer was replaced at the 11th hour without any knowledge of the members.

Earlier, Adv Bhushan Mohata was the Returning Officer but according to Qureshi, he resigned for “personal reasons” and was replaced by Adv Nitin Deshmukh who declared the election results on June 28.

Word ‘The’ added to NDUHA before our body took charge, claims Secretary Qureshi

Special Correspondent

June 27, 2025

THE Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association (TNDUHA) Secretary Parvez Qureshi finally broke his silence and claimed that his association is the legal one and is working for the betterment and promotion of the game in the district.

A huge controversy broke when members of Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association (NDUHA), which is registered with Charity Commissioner Office, Nagpur since 2012, alleged that Qureshi, has fraudulently changed the name of the association (by adding a word ‘The’).

However, Qureshi claimed that the word ‘The’ was added to NDUHA prior to his body taking charge. 

“At the time of its inception it was Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association, when it was registered in 2012 by Late DS Karuna Shankar and Salim Baig. Vinod Trivedi was the first President while Salim Baig was Secretary of the association. Pramod Thakre and myself were elected as the President and Secretary for the term 2021-2025. The word ‘The’ was added to Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association, Nagpur and the constitution was amended prior to our taking charge of the office. After taking charge, The Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association, Nagpur got the affiliation from Hockey Maharashtra in the name of TNDUHA,” claimed Qureshi while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

Qureshi alleged that a few with vested interested are creating confusion. 

“The association was running well till the time the hearing before the District Collector, Nagpur was fixed to decide the lease matter of VHA. Pramod Jain, for obvious reasons, revolted against our group and presented an application seeking intervention in the matter. From that day onwards we are facing problems,” alleged Qureshi.

On Thakre’s claims that he was not part of the election process, Qureshi stated, “The proceedings of the Executive Committee meeting dated 02/04/2025 and 08/06/2025 are well videographed for anybody to deny the decisions adopted in the two meetings.

“I have been relentlessly working for the betterment of hockey. All the unwanted problems are being created by the vested interest persons who were denied the desired posts,” alleged Qureshi.

To prove his point and authenticity, Qureshi stated, “After I was elected Secretary for 2021-2025, Vinod Trivedi (President), Salim Baig (Secretary) and Mamta Trivedi (Treasurer) gave an authority letter in favour of Pramod Thakre, Parvez Qureshi and Anil Daral to operate and continue the bank account of the association. The same is ample proof of my office and that of the entire executive body. The Letter Head on which the said authority letter was issued was of The Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association, Nagpur.”

On how the body functioned from 2012 to 2021, Qureshi claimed that the previous executive members held meetings and conducted elections regularly. “The election of executive members was done by raising of hands,” he claimed.

It may be mentioned here that the current body headed by Thakre and Qureshi was also appointed and not elected, as confirmed by Qureshi.

NDUHA member Madne requests TNDUHA Returning Officer Mohata to stop polls

Special Correspondent

June 26

THE members of Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association (NDUHA) which is registered with Charity Commissioner’s Office since 2013, are now openly opposing the elections of ‘The’ Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association (TNDUHA).

After Pramod Jain, life member Sunil Madne has termed TNDUHA as an illegal body and has sent a notice to Returning Officer Adv Bhushan Mohata through his advocate Anurag Mankar. Madne had received the election programme from TNDUHA, through Adv Mohata.

Through the notice, Madne submitted that a fraud is being played by few people by giving misleading information regarding the association by playing with the words and asked Adv Mohata to stop the procedure of elections. 

“Please note that the notice (Election Programme) issued by you (Adv Mohata) is regarding conducting elections of ‘THE’ Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association. However, there is no such association registered with the name ‘THE’ Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association.” 

Without naming TNDUHA Secretary Parvez Qureshi, the notice further stated, “they are using the registration number of Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association which is BPT No 1676/12N. Please note that there is no association registered with the name ‘THE’ Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association with the Charity Commissioner as well.” 

The notice, a copy of which is in possession of ‘The Hitavada’, further stated, “Similar attempts of misleading are being made in one of the proceedings pending before the Hon’ble Collector, Nagpur. Please note that Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association has already objected to the said proceedings before the Hon’ble Collector, Nagpur.

“My client has not instructed anyone to hold/conduct election nor the Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association has instructed anyone to hold/conduct the election,” the notice read. 

Madne requested Returning Officer Mohata to immediately stop the election process as “the same is happening with false and fraudulent information.”