Gold Hunter: City’s talented paddler Jennifer Varghese wins 3 golds at Asian Junior and Cadet TT C’ship in Maldives

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, May 13, 2022

She participated in three permissible events and fetched gold from all of them.

Nagpur’s talented table tennis player Jennifer Varghese is on a golden hunt these days.

From two international outings, Jennifer has claimed four gold and one silver medals forcing all to shake their heads in disbelief.

The 13-year-old Centre Point School, Katol Road, Nagpur paddler, escorted the Indian table tennis team on a golden journey as Indian boys and girls wrapped up their outing with 11 gold and 10 silver medals in the South Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships that concluded in Male, Maldives.

Out of the 11 golds, Jennifer, who had won a gold and a  

silver at World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender in girls singles events at Salle Omnisport de Rades in Tunisia in March, claimed all gold medals up for grab in her cadet girls category.

Indian paddlers won four singles and four doubles titles, besides three team gold medals. To her credit, Jennifer won cadet girls singles, cadet girls team and cadet girls doubles titles making it another memorable international outing. Jennifer played with precision and showed her killer instincts devouring opponents after opponents. In the girls team final category, India defeated Nepal 3-0 with Jennifer winning her singles match against Evana 11-1, 11-5, 11-4. Later in the doubles section of the same event, Jennifer teamed up with Sandika Bhattacharjee and they defeated the pair of Evana and Bianca 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8 to claim the title. The Indian duo were up against the Pakistani pair of Hoor Fawad and Haiqa Hassan in the cadet doubles final and they did not give an inch to their arch-rivals claiming the gold in straight games 11-6, 11-6, 11-4.

Jennifer did not stop her and showed her hunger to win golds. She stepped up to aim for her third gold in the cadet girls singles sumit clash against hosts Maldives’ Fatimah D. Jennifer took the first game but lost the second. 

However, she grouped herself brilliantly in the remaining three games to clinch her third yellow metal with the scoreboard reading 13-11, 4-11, 11-5, 11-13, 11-6.

India did not field a team in the Junior Boys category, resulting in the loss of another sure-shot gold. 

With the near-sweep of gold apart, the team members also boosted their overall tally with 10 silver medals to stamp their authority in the regional event.

The four-day championships that began on May 9 saw complete domination of the Indian squads in both the team events, the doubles and the singles. The gold in the Junior Boys team went to Bangladesh. Teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the hosts, Maldives, had to settle for the lesser medals.

Midland’s sports academy to come up at NIT pool

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE Nagpur Improvement Trust’s (NIT) Swimming Pool in North Ambazari Road will not be limited for leisure swimming any more.

For decades, this most vaunted venue for city swimmers saw hoards of budding and fitness freaks thronging during summer seasons to beat the heat. Some even used it to slash that extra flab in their body by taking up swimming classes at this venue.

But from now onwards the NIT Swimming Pool will also become the address for an advanced sports academy apart from swimming.

The pool, which underwent a major renovation, opened to the general public on Saturday.

Midland Sports and Wellness Private Limited has taken the pool on a 15-year lease and will be operating the same.

That’s not all. The company has also started a sports academy—Hanuman Sports Academy — which will not be limited to swimming.

Prashant Ugemuge, Managing Director, Midland Sports and Wellness Private Limited, said that the pool will now be developed as a sports academy.

“When we took this venue on a 15-year lease, it was in a very bad condition. At one corner there was a statue of Hanuman. We were already planning to start an academy here. Hence we decided to name it as Hanuman Sports Academy,” said Ugemuge while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

Speaking further on the selection procedure for the academy, Ugemuge said, “the enrollment is on. We will hold competitions among the swimmers. Then we will select the best and deserving swimmers. The best would be then sponsored and coached year long. We want to produce champion swimmers from the city. We have set a target of 4-5 years where we wish to produce at least two national swimming champions.”

The Hanuman Sports Academy will not only impart swimming coaching. There will also be proper trainers, physios, dietitians, doctors and nutritionists who would look at the overall development of the swimmers.

“We want to produce national champions and for that we need a proper set-up. We have already appointed a couple of coaches and are in process of appointing other faculties,” informed Ugemuge.

Apart from swimming, the academy will also train sportspersons in triathlon. “I am also associated with cycling. We will be taking the services of internationally famed ultra-cyclist Dr Amit Samarth who will impart training in cycling and triathlon. We will also be constructing a virtual cycling arena with adjustable temperature modes. The sportspersons would be trained here so that they get a competitive feeling,” Ugemuge further explained.

“In next 3-4 months the complex will also boast of a gymnasium, a spa and will also have water yoga. We will also have a squash court,” Ugemuge proudly said.

The Midland Sports and Wellness Pvt Ltd also kept senior citizens in mind and has decided to provide fabulous discounts to them. “Those in the 60 to 75 years bracket will get a 50 per cent discount in their fee while those above 75 years of age will be allowed to use the pool free of cost,” Ugemuge said.

About the renovation of the pool, Ugemuge stated that around Rs 45-50 lakh have already been spent and would be investing more.

“We would be needing around Rs two crore for further upgradation which also includes installing Ozone treatment plant. Such plants are very less in the country and it filters water in a much better way than the present one,” mentioned the Managing Director.

The company faced a lot of difficulties in renovation work.

“The biggest challenge was to make the pool water proof. A lot of hard work was required. With the pool shut due to COVID for over two years, the water pumping motors at the treatment plant got damaged and were of no use. We had to replace most of them. The water we are getting is of very poor quality and it had to be treated well. That is also a big challenge,” Ugemuge admitted.

Once the treated water is pumped in the main pool, which is 50 metres in length and 25 metres in width (10 lanes), it looks crystal clear with 

the blue tiles beneath clearly visible. 

A warm-up pool has also been constructed for beginners which is of 25 metres length and 15 metres width. “This pool is constructed under the stairs of spectators gallery and hence covered. It can be used by beginners as well as by professionals who can use it in the afternoon as well if they want to avoid the scorching heat,” informed Ugemuge.

“The area of the pool for kids has also been increased and the diving pool has also been renovated. Theses will also be opened in a few days,” concluded Ugemuge.

It’s time to make a splash!

Sarda: The ‘nursery’ student who became VHA president

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE passing away of Radheshyam Sarda, a steel businessman and former two-time President of Vidarbha Hockey Association, has created a big void in city’s hockey circle. He will be missed by the game’s lovers for his administrative skills.

Sarda, 67, passed away on Thursday.

Sarda came into limelight in the sports field in the year 2005 when he defeated much acclaimed late Balraj Aher in the VHA election. The election was much publicised as it was after more than 18 years, that the association was getting a new legally-elected executive committee. It was also for the first time the election was held as prior to 2005, the body was elected unanimously, till 1987.

From 1987 and till 2004, VHA was run by Aher who was its president and late Gurumurthy Pillay who acted as the secretary.

Late Arun Kokane fought a legal battle in the charity commissioner office and the election was announced on April 24, 2005.

Sarda, who himself termed his entry on hockey field as a “nursery student” stunned all by narrowly defeating Aher,  who was the sitting Vice-President of now defunct Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), by eight votes for the top post.

Sarda later continued to be associated with hockey and also served as its executive committee member, having no inclination in holding the top posts.

“I want to serve the game. Whether I am the president or an executive member, I will always be there for the development of hockey,” he had told ‘The Hitavada’

If his first executive body in 2005 was a mixed one, the 2014 election helped his Hockey Lovers and Promoters Panel make a clean sweep winning all the 13 posts available. Such was his relation with the life members of the association, which had a big number of businessmen.

It was a sort of return to the game for Sarda in 2014 as he claimed the president’s post from another well-known businessman BC Bhartia who was at the top for six years.

Sarda also helped in developing the lawn ground and during his tenure the association got a new office building.

Sarda’s passing away was mourned by his VHA colleagues. “Very sad news that Radheshyam Sarda left for heavenly abode today. He served Vidarbha Hockey Association as executive committee member as well as its President. We pray the departed soul rest in peace and impart strength to family at this time of grief,” said TN Sidhra, who is court-appointed administrator of the association.

Former VHA Vice-President Subhash Chander said, “Sarda was a dynamic personality. May Almighty give strength to his family.”

“He was a good administrator of the association. His administrative skills were excellent and has the ability to complete any task within time,” said other hockey lovers.

Former hockey goalkeeper is ‘World Golf Champion’

SUBHASH CHANDER WINS RI PRESIDENT ROTARY GOLF WORLD CUP 2022

NAGPUR, Apr 27

By Paritosh Pramanik

HE MIGHT have left the game of hockey more than a decade ago, but the sportsperson in him forced this former goalkeeper to continue with some sport as a hobby and today Subhash Chander (Gupta) has become a ‘world golf champion.’

Subhash Chander, a former JCT Phagwara and Central Excise goalkeeper took to golf some 15 years back and has won many a medals in his sporting career.

The defining moment came a few days ago when he won the RI President Rotary Golf World Cup 2022.

The winner of the tournament, organised by IGFR  International Golfing fellowship of Rotarian, was declared on the basis of the data submitted by participants online.

In the competition, Subhash Chander was invited by Rotary Club to participate in the competition.

A non-Rotarian, Subhash Chander enrolled himself as a Invitee of Rotarian and won the title in Virtual Golf in Dispersed Format.

“I participated in the competition and had to submit my data to the organisers after playing here in Nagpur. My score was 8 over 80. My local cordinator of the tournament were Dr Vinay Tule and Shashank Vishvrupe who took notes of my performance and submitted it to the International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarian.

“The same format was followed worldwide,” Subhash Chander told ‘The Hitavada.’

Col S Rajavelu, also of Nagpur, emerged champion in City Category.

“Thirty players from city participated in the tournament out of which 15 were Rotarians and 15 Invitee Non Rotarians,” informed Subhash Chander who last played hockey in early 2000.

“Around 1036 players took part in the competition from 28 countries and the tournament was played at 152 golf courses in 139 cities across the world,” said Subhash Chander.

“I am really happy to win this title. I have been playing golf since more than a decade and have won a few medals. This is really at the top of all the trophies,” said Subhash Chander who is a Certified Golf Teacher from National Golf Academy of India.

Chander was handed over the trophy by Suresh Sharma and Ashish Deshmukh.

In Febraury, Subhash Chander had won Best Gross of Baidyanath Golf Tournament 2022, which was held at AKSTSA Golf Course. His Gross Score was 80 with one Birdie and 10 Pars.

Prior to this title, Subhash Chander clinched the Field Masters Cup at the Garuda Golf Course, Kamptee.

Synthetic track work nearing completion

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE dream of hundreds of athletes of a second synthetic track in the city will be fulfilled in a few months.

The work of laying synthetic track for athletics at the ground of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University at its sports complex in Ravi Nagar is in full swing.

If all goes well, the track will be ready to use within few months. This will be for the first time that any sports construction work is being done within the time frame in the city. A couple of weeks ago an international measurement observer and athletics technical expert of International Athletics Federation visited the construction site. He looked satisfied with the laying work of the synthetic track.

“Low Kok Kwong, an International Measurement Observer and athletics technical expert was nominated for verification and compliance of international standard. He was deputed by International Athletics Federation and Athletics Federation of India. Kwong, who hails from Malaysia, was pretty much satisfied with the progress,” said Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Director, Department of Sports and Physical Education, RTMNU, while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ on Friday.

“There will be two more visits of the observer in coming months,” informed Dr Suryawanshi.

In his first visit Kwong checked the dimensions and tolerance level of the track.

“The density of the track should be of 23mm. At present it is of 2mm and full layering is yet to be done. Kwong rated the work as excellent,” said Dr Suryawanshi, adding, “Kwong will be sending his report to World Athletics Federation and Athletics Federation of India.”

“The football field in the centre has been levelled and last layering work of garden soil is in progress. This will be completed be in a couple of days and then the lawn will be laid. After completion of laying of lawn on football field, the asphalting work of the track will begin,” explained Dr Suryawanshi.

The laying of synthetic track might be delayed if RTMNU think whether to test the heat and drainage systems during the monsoon.

“It is up to us when to lay the final layer of the track. If we wait to check the drainage system then we will have to do the laying work after monsoon,” said Dr Suryawanshi.

Apart from that the university is planning to construct practice arena outside the chained fencing area. “We will be concreting the area and that will be used for hurdles for juniors. Similarly, two lanes will be for seniors and two for women athletes.

“The high jump and pole vault arena will also be constructed. “We will also be utilising the area near the Open University for throwing events like hammer throw and shot put. This will be used for practice,” Dr Suryawanshi explained.

University will also be improving the lighting system. “At present we will construct a structure for the light poles. We will be strengthening the present poles so that it can carry the burden of around 400 kgs of lightings,” Dr Suryawanshi concluded.

Meenatai - A paddler par excellence

NAGPUR, Apr 2, 2022

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE passing away of former international paddler Nagpur’s Meena Parande has left the table tennis fraternity and the game poorer. 

Meenatai, as she was fondly known in the table tennis circle, left for heavenly abode at the ripe age of 92.

Meenatai changed the fabric of the game in the early 1950s and dominated the circle for the next few decades with her exploits all over the country and abroad. 

Those were the days when girls were barred from venturing out of their kitchens, leave aside playing any sport. But Meenatai got full support from her family, specially from her grandmother who encouraged her to take to table tennis. Her father late DK Parande, who was a barrister and was an excellent cricketer and tennis player himself, backed Meenatai to chase her dream.

Born on December 12, 1931, Meenatai learnt the tricks of trade very quickly. She started dominating the scene by the time she turned 20 and started showing her exploits in late 1940s.

Meenatai had exceptional skills. She was quick in her reflexes. Her supple wrist work at times foxed her opponents who envied the beautiful looking paddler.

In early 50s, the national scene was dominated by Syeed Sultana who was invincible winning national titles every single year from 1949 to 1953. But Sultana’s citadel was breached by Meenatai when she stunned the much-experienced player in 1954 for her first national championship in Baroda. The next year Sultana avenged her defeat at Guntur, but Meenatai was determined as she snatched the next year’s trophy at Saharanpur in 1956.

Meenatai, who was as beautiful as her game, went on to win two more national titles in 1958 (Ahmedabad) and 1959 (Calcutta).

Meenatai represented Maharashtra from 1953 to 1958 and then played for Indian Railways from 1959 to 1965.

Immediately after Meenatai dethroned Sultana from the top in 1954, she was rewarded with a place in the Indian team in World Championships at England in 1954 and at Japan in 1956. She became the first Maharashtrian to represent India at the Worlds.

Meenatai, who took table tennis lessons from Mr Chandorkar of Nagpur, also won accolades in Singapore (1954), Bangkok (1955), Vietnam (1961) and Bombay (1963) in Asian Table Tennis Championships.

Meenatai, who was ranked third in Asia in 1954, also toured Pakistan and Sri Lanka and returned with bagful of medals. Her cupboard overflowed with hundreds of trophies and medals as Meenatai decided to call it quits in mid 60s.

After retiring from Indian Railways, Meenatai coached several players from 1965 to 1985. Dr Charudatta Apte, Rajeev Bodas, Suhas Kulkarni, Ajay Shidhaye, Neela Kulkarni, Nandini Kulkarni and Sunanda Kane were the lucky few to get training from the legend.

Meenatai enjoyed her retired life by taking interest in yoga. She visited many Yoga-Ashrams at Munger in Bihar, Yogniketan in Hrishikesh, Arvind Ashram in Pondicherry, Vivekananda Kendra in Kanyakumari, Raman Mahershi’s Ashram and learnt various techniques and asanas. 

She attended Vipashana shibirs (camp) in Igatpuri and rendered her services there for around six months.

Meenatai carried table tennis flag with aplomb for years. She was a paddler par excellence who will be remembered for making the game popular all over.

After Jitesh, Vid’s Nalkande makes dream IPL debut

April 9, 2022

By Paritosh Pramanik

VIDARBHA cricketers are having a dream Indian Premier League season.

After wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma made an excellent debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) last Sunday, bowling all-rounder Darshan Nalkande was inducted into the Gujarat Titans playing XI in their match against PBKS on Friday to become the second player from Vidarbha to play in the cash lucrative league this season.

And Nalkande didn’t disappoint his captain Hardik Pandya as he bowled his heart out taking two crucial wickets after the Titans elected to bowl at the Brabourne Cricket Stadium in Mumbai.

Nalkande was introduced in the 8th over of the innings and was hit for a maximum from Liam Livingstone. His first over went for 11 runs.

In his second over, the Wardha-born bowler was more expensive as he went for 16 runs.

In the meantime, another Vidarbha player PBKS’ Jitesh Sharma was going hammer and tongs, The stumper had hit two sixes off Rahul Tewatia and was looking dangerous.

For the first time in the match, two Vidarbha players came face to face when Nalkande was back on his bowling mark in the 14th over.

Despite being hit for a few boundaries and sixes, captain Pandya believed in Nalkande’s abilities and handed the pacer another over.

The moment of his life came in his third over when Nalkande got the better of his Vidarbha team-mate Sharma off his first ball.

Knowing the batter Sharma well, Nalkande bowled a slower one, his first delivery of his third over, which Sharma failed to read. The PBKS batter went for a big heave but holed it to Shubman Gill  who took a good catch close to the circle.

One brought two as Nalkande gave Gujarat Titans another wicket on his next delivery. A smart bowler he is, Nalkande bowled a knuckle ball to Odean Smith who tried to dominate the debutant opponent from the first ball. Smith aimed to send the ball over long-on boundary but skied it up only to find Gill, who ran to his right and waited patiently for the ball to land into his hands.

Nalkande admitted that there were nerves before the start of the game but coach Ashish Nehra motivated him.

“Yes I was nervous before the start of the match but Ashish bhai motivated me,” said Nalkande during the innings break. Nalkande said that he had to wait for long for his debut but in the same breath said that he would work hard to contribute in team’s success. “It has been a long wait. I was working hard and finally the day has arrived. I will work hard and would love to contribute in team’s success,” added the pacer.

The Vidarbha pacer said he bowled to a plan and followed what captain Pandya said. “I was asked to bowl according to a plan. I delivered what Hardik wanted. The track looked good for batting and I hope we can cross the line,” he said. Nalkande’s three-over spell read 3-0-37-2.

Feels amazing to win two medals on maiden international tourney: Jennifer

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Mar 30, 2022

“Cho!” shouted a jubilant Jennifer Varghese, the 13-year-old Indian paddler immediately after winning the final point which fetched her the gold medal in the Under-15 age category in the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender in girls singles events at Salle Omnisport de Rades in Tunisia on Sunday night.

Nagpur’s table tennis player Jennifer did the unthinkable, that too on her first attempt.

The lanky Centre Point School, Katol Road student, clinched twin medals, a silver in Under-17 age category and then bettered her performance to clinch the gold in Under-15 age group on her first attempt on the international circuit.

Nobody expected Jennifer to win two medals on her first attempt, even the paddler herself. And she is glad to mark her arrival on the international arena with a thunderous medal winning performance.

“It is an amazing feeling. Winning medals in my first international tournament, something that I hadn’t been expecting with the level of competitiveness that is present in international tournaments,” said Jennifer while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

“I am certainly very glad that I was given this opportunity and I tried my best to reach the finals in both the categories,” she added.

Both the medals, the U-17 silver and U-15 gold, satisfied her and there was no comparison as to which she loved winning most. “Both (medals) are satisfying. For both the medals, I played (against) formidable opponents in both categories. The silver motivated me to try harder and the gold inspired me to look forward to more opponents and try my best in all categories,” explained Jennifer, daughter of Thomas and Tina.

Entering into her first maiden international tournament, Jennifer was a bit nervous and had her doubts too as to how things would pan out. But she gave her best and the result was there to be seen.

“Everyone who participates in a tournament wants to win it. I, too, hoped the same but considering that it was my maiden international tournament I had my doubts too. But I gave my best and I am happy that I could win medals in both categories,” she said.

Jennifer followed a set practice pattern to prepare for this tournament and gave more stress on her fitness routines.

“I followed certain practice routines set up by my coaches (Chennai’s R Rajesh and Ujjwal Wani at Nagpur). I did fitness routines regularly to prepare for the tournament.

“I was playing after a long COVID break which had hampered her preparation.

“When the COVID situation occurred, I was quite unhappy since I couldn’t continue with my practice. I could not focus on my training and my confidence got wavered. But I am extremely thankful for my coach and my family who supported me and helped me get my focus straight,” Jennifer mentioned.

Jennifer, who gave stress on improving her fitness and fine-tuning her stroke play, is aware that the road from here on would get tougher and she will have to work more hard. She wants to play more tournaments so that she can be ready to face toughest of the opponents. “The road ahead is indeed tough but I hope I can prepare for it by playing more tournaments, improving my fitness and ultimately my game,” Jennifer concluded.

City comes out in ‘Jhund’ for Prof Barse

By Paritosh Pramanik

“IT’S 100 per cent real. My life’s journey with Slum Soccer and ‘Jhopadpatti’ football has been beautifully enveloped in three hours by Director Nagraj Popatrao Manjule,” said Prof Vijay Barse after the first screening of the movie ‘Jhund’ in the city on Friday afternoon.

The Amitabh Bachchan-starrer movie is the real story of Prof Barse, who decided to change the lives of kids from slums through football. The atmosphere during the first screening was festive on Friday morning. Rose petals were distributed to all the ‘special’ ones who arrived ahead of time for the movie. At a far corner, the ‘dhol’ was getting ready. As Prof Barse alighted his car, he was mobbed by his loving supporters. Prof Barse is a celebrity now. He has become Nagpur’s Amitabh Bachchan.

Prof Barse, his wife Ranjana and other family members were escorted towards the hall on dhol beats, adding spice to 

the occasion. Prof Barse even shook a leg as he climbed the stairs with a broad smile and a sense of pride on his face.

There were a few ‘Barse Sir ki Jai’ slogans during the movie, which was gripping till the end. The special spectators include some former students of St John’s High School, where the movie was filmed. They, too, felt proud whenever the school building or the football ground was on the screen.

“The entire movie is based on my life with Slum Soccer and Jhopadpatti football. I am really happy that my role was played by Amitabh Bachchan,” said Prof Barse after watching the movie with his family and close friends.

Prof Barse was all praise for the way the movie is directed by Manjule.

“He (Manjule) is a world class director. He delivered the message in the best form and I am surprised that he did it in three hours,” added Prof Barse.

“My entire life story is portrayed in this movie and not a single scene is added to make it more dramatic,” claimed Prof Barse while replying to a query by ‘The Hitavada.’

“This is one of the best days of my life. I never imagined that whatever I was doing would be brought forth and the message would be delivered to the public through a movie.

“My only message to the society is to love everybody and help anybody. Your neighbours are important, always be ready to help them. That’s what I have learned from my parents,” said Prof Barse.

Prof Barse, who started slum soccer some two decades back, said Amitabh Bachchan played the role to perfection.

“He (Bachchan) was fantastic. He is a great actor, ruling Bollywood for more than 50 years. He does not need any certification from anybody. His acting really mesmerised me. What a person he is on and off the screen both. I am highly obliged that Bachchan ji played the role of Prof Vijay Borade,” exclaimed Prof Barse.

Immediately after the movie, Prof Barse was again mobbed by a ‘Jhund’ who wanted to click photos with him. Some hugged him, some only shook their hands, a few just looked at him in awe, from a distance.

Prof Barse, the football coach, the teacher, the educator, the instructor, obliged all as Nagpur’s Amitabh Bachchan walked down the stairs to continue his journey with the downtrodden.

WGM Divya is national women chess champion

By Paritosh Pramanik

UNCONQUERED!

After nine rounds, seven wins and two draws, Woman Grandmaster (WGM) of Nagpur Divya Deshmukh is the new National Women Chess Champion 2022, probably the youngest woman to do so in 

the country.

The 16-year-old city lass, who became WGM last October, was playing only her third Over-The-Board Tournament since the Latvia competition in October. In Latvia, Divya played two tournaments after the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to play a series of online meets.

Those two OTB tournaments helped her gain momentum for this ‘actual chess’. On Wednesday, the talented and one of the most promising chess players of the country stunned all to claim the title with eight points from nine rounds at the MPL 47th National Women Chess Championship in Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

Once again, ‘A Wednesday’ which turned lucky for Divya as her final WGM norm was also secured on a Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

Divya gained valuable 25 ELO rating points and grabbed a  purse of Rs 5.50 lakh (US$ 7250) for her achievement.

WIM Sakshi Chitlange of Maharashtra finished second while Andhra Pradesh’s WIM Priyanka Nutakki ended third.

Playing her ninth round on the top board against International Master and fifth seed Soumya Swaminathan of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB), Divya, who was seeded eighth in the competition, played it safe for a quick 18-move draw to earn the half point she needed to wrest the crown.

On her way to the top of the standings, Divya started with a draw against Varshita Jain of Madhya Pradesh and then improved her game winning seven on the trot. She defeated Sherali Pattnaik of Uttarakhand, WFM A Harshini of Tamil Nadu, IM Nisha Mohta of PSBP, WIM Priyanka Nutakki of Andhra Pradesh, WIM Sakshi Chitlange of Maharashtra, Goa’s IM Bhakti Kulkarni, IM Vaishali R of Tamil Nadu before splitting point with Swaminathan.

“Divya played two OTB tournaments in Latvia last October. That has helped her prepare for this meet. She was playing those two tournaments after a long COVID-19 break,” said Dr Jitendra Deshmukh, Divya’s father, who was with her at Bhubaneswar.

On her title victory, Divya said it is yet to sink in and she is happy with the way things have panned out.

“Feeling happy even though I haven't completely digested it,” was all she had to say about the victory.

Divya said that the competition at Bhubaneswar was tough and all the matches were very interesting.

“The competition was quite tough as we had the best women players from all over the country. There was no easy game in the entire tournament,” added Divya.

Divya was not sure who was her toughest opponent but said that the game against top seed Vaishali was the most difficult and exciting one.

“I’m not sure who the toughest opponent was because everyone here was strong but the toughest game I would have to say was with R Vaishali of Tamil Nadu. The game got extremely intense towards the end and we both ended up with seconds on the clock,” explained Divya.

When she started her first round against Madhya Pradesh’s Varshita Jain, Divya was not aiming at the title shot. All she wanted was to play to the best of her abilities. But once she got into the groove and won six games on the trot, the thought of winning the coveted title crossed her mind.

“I guess around the 8th round (against Vaishali) I thought, maybe, I can clinch this for sure,” revealed Divya.

“Honestly speaking, I had no expectations regarding this tournament and I just wanted to give my best like in every other tournament. I don’t entirely know about the importance of this title win but it feels nice,” concluded Divya.

Proud to be a Russian but war is not the solution: Anna

Proud to be a Russian but war is not the solution: Anna

By Paritosh Pramanik

ANNA Ureke, a “proud Russian”, participating in the Aryan Pumps-MSLTA Women’s $15K Tennis Tournament in Nagpur, feels that war is not the solution to any problem and it should be stopped soon. Russia has invaded Ukraine and the fight has entered fifth day with heavy casualties on the Ukraine side.

Anna, seeded second in the tournament hosted by Nagpur District Hardcourt Tennis Association, shared her views with ‘The Hitavada’ on Tuesday evening in a court-side interview.

Anna said, she has been away from home for quite some time now as she is playing tennis all over the world. She is now not sure how she would be able to return to Russia.

“I have been away from home for a long time as I am continuously travelling for tournaments. I don’t know how I would go back to Moscow after this tournament on Monday,” said the 21-year-old.

Like any other person Anna was appalled with the situation.

“Nobody wants war and it’s very dangerous. I don’t want to be political and I don’t understand politics but I hope that every country and every citizen is safe. I think war should not be the solution,” she said in her broken English.

“It’s a crazy situation now. It is very difficult now to go back home as there are travel restrictions in place from all over the world. The sky is closed. The flights are canceled. I will be booking my tickets on Monday and hope I return safely,” Anna prayed.

“I don’t know who is right and who is wrong. I only know that people don’t want to fight and hope everything will be fine soon. I am proud to be Russian,” said Anna, who is an Economics and Mathematics student at Moscow University.

Anna started her India sojourn with a singles title win at Jhajjar in Haryana. In the final, Anna, who was seeded second, defeated top seed India’s Zeel Desai 6-4, 6-6, 6-4.

In the second tournament in Gurugram, she suffered a hand injury and had to retire midway in the first round against Soha Asdiq. At Ahmedabad, she was stunned by unseeded Akanksha Nitture in the first round.

But Anna, who started playing tennis at the age of six years, is happy with her performance. “Nothing changed from Jhajjar where I won the title. In the second tournament (Gurugram), I was a bit relaxed. I played the doubles final but could not win there. I had pain in my hand in the second tournament but now it is fine. I am happy with my performance,” added the Russian who started her sporting career as a synchronised swimmer.

“I started playing tennis when I was 6-7 years old. My friends suggested that I play tennis for some club. Earlier, I used to do synchronised swimming when I was young. But it has been 10 years since I stopped synchronised swimming and now I am totally concentrating on my tennis career,” said Anna.

Anna does not have any idol and she does not follow any star tennis player. She wants to be herself and make her own identity and climb in top 100 (rankings) in next two years.

“I like to watch everyone but have no idol. I like the games of Novak Djokovic (Serbia), Garbine Muguruza (Spain). I love to play my own game. I have been the world junior number in 2014-2015 and also have won the European Championship,” she signed off.

SWITCH HIT: National tennis star Sai shuns racquet, picks up cricket bat

Target set: Sai, who won best batter award recently, targets place in Indian women’s cricket team in two years

By Paritosh Pramanik

INJURIES and ailments ruin many sportsperons’ careers. But for a lucky few it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Same is the story of Sai Rajesh Bhoyar, a national-level tennis champion in her age group who now 

wants to make a career in women’s cricket.

Not even a year old in cricket, Sai has set a target of two years to don India colours. She has started hitting the red cherry to all parts of the field. In a recently held women’s cricket tournament she won best player award for hitting a century, a couple of half centuries and clobbering over 200 runs (231) from five games. In her first competitive cricket tournament — Women’s T20 organised by Gitanjali Sporting Club — Sai scored runs at an average of 57.75 and a whopping strike rate of 150.98 which had 42 boundaries. For her heroics, she was named as the Most Valuable Player and Best Batswoman of the Tournament. Not a mean achievement given that there were several Vidarbha U-19 and U-23 players participating in the tournament.

A video of Sai batting in the nets shows how composed she is while playing the drives, pull shots and backfoot defence.

It was not that she got tired of playing tennis day in and day out. The ‘switch’ was a forced one for her after discovery of an ailment. Despite being unwell, Sai managed to win Khelo India Youth Games 2020 bronze medal, her last in tennis.

The 17-year-old has won almost all the tennis titles in her age categories. She could have still achieved more in the racquet sport in coming years. But life dealt a cruel blow when she suffered vertigo problem in 2019 which forced her to leave the racquet and pick up the cricket bat.

Doctors prescribed medicines but that gave only temporary relief. The COVID-19 lockdown in March, 2020 gave Sai time to recuperate.

After a few months, she thought she had overcome it. But the ailment struck back during the Sports Authority of India camp in Delhi which she had to leave mid-way.

Doctors said that any jerk or sudden body movement would increase the problem, though it won’t be life-threatening. It was then that Bhoyars decided to switch the sport.

Though Sai still plays tennis and is a regular at Nagpur District Hardcourt Tennis Association courts, she has decided to play cricket and that too at the highest level.

“The Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) for which there is no medicine in the world, forced us to think about other sports. Sai loves cricket and always prefers watching it on TV. She is very excited with the switch,” said Rajesh Bhoyar, Sai’s father while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ at their Bharat Nagar residence.

Sai’s brother Satyam is an Under-25 Vidarbha all-rounder and is knocking the senior team’s door with his superlative performance. Sai wants to join Satyam in the white flannels, probably becoming the only brother-sister duo in the country to play First-Class cricket.

A quick learner that she is, Sai has picked the nuances of cricket very fast and is knocking the ball really hard, if her father is to be believed.

“Being a tennis player has helped Sai a lot. She knows at what speed the balls come, though the speed is far less than a tennis shot.

“Sai hits the ball really hard and has injured me thrice,” said Rajesh who coaches her at Jawahar Cricket Academy situated at Katol Road.

“Though she used to play with her brother in our courtyard, she picked the basics in no time,” added Rajesh who himself is a former junior Vidarbha and Nagpur University cricketer.

“I train her daily and I am sure she will make Vidarbha women’s team next season,” he hoped.

Sai herself is excited. “I love cricket and enjoying the training at present. I do not regret leaving tennis. Injuries are part and parcel of a sportsperson. Careers get ruined and there are many sportspersons who could not play any sport after injury. I am lucky that I can continue playing a sport,” she explained.

Bhoyars always dreamt of Sai playing a Grand Slam but lack of financial assistance from any authority and paucity of sponsors is one of the reasons for switching to cricket.

“Neither the federation nor the state body provides financial assistance to tennis players. If Sai wants to play a Grand Slam, which we in the family always dreamt of, she would need to play as many ranking tournaments as she can. But for that we need lakhs of rupees which is near to impossible,” admitted Rajesh.

“Also there are very few ITF and WTA organised tournaments in India,” he rued.

“(But) it is completely different in cricket. The BCCI pays even to the age group players. For a parent, half of their worries are solved after financial assurance. If Sai performs well with the bat and learns the tricks of trade, she should be in the Indian women’s team in two years,” prayed Rajesh.

“In tennis, a player mostly plays as a professional. In the coming days, cricket is bound to be included in the Commonwealth Games and Olympics and there is a great chance for Sai to represent the country at the highest level. She is a very hard worker and I am sure she would make the grade,” Rajesh signed off.

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

Sai’s Major Achievements in Tennis

Best all India Rankings U-14: 7th (2018) U-16: 5th (2020) U-18: 10th (2021)

Won over 25 All India Championships in U-14, U-16, U-18 organised by AITA

Won Asian U-14 Girls Doubles Championship twice

Silver medallist in U-14 and U-17 School Nationals and U-17 CBSE Nationals

Silver medallist in Khelo India Youth Games, 2019

Bronze medallist Khelo India Youth Games, 2020

Awarded Future Prospect Scholarship by MSLTA

Received Annual Performance Award of MSLTA twice

Felicitated by Mah Govt for winning medals in KIYG in 2019 and 2020

Selected for U-18 India camp in 2021 by AITA, SAI and Sports Ministry

NDHTA getting ready for ITF women’s event

CITY PLAYERS CAN BE SEEN IN ACTION AS WILDCARD ENTRIES

By Paritosh Pramanik

WORKERS were busy sprinkling murum soil on the courts. Heavy watering and then rolling followed the procedure. This routine is being done for the past one week at the Nagpur District Hardcourt Tennis Association (NDHTA) Courts in Bajiprabhu Nagar. The venue is being getting ready for the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) Women’s Championship which is going to be held in city for the first time in two decades from February 28.

All India Tennis Association (AITA) and Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) have allotted the 15,000$ prize money women’s event to the city a couple of months back.

The preparation is in full swing and members of NDHTA are working round the clock to prepare four clay courts for the competition which will see some top women tennis players of the world participate.

“We are very excited and will make it a memorable event,” Vikram Naidu, Joint Secretary, NDHTA, told ‘The Hitavada’ on Saturday morning.

Despite COVID restrictions, the association continued their preparation work and are happy that they are on time and will be ready when the competition starts.

“On Monday we received a few trucks of murum for clay courts. We have started preparing the courts. Only two clay courts need repair work. The remaining two needs just touch-ups,” said Vijay Naidu, Treasurer, NDHTA.

The officials are upbeat as they have the opportunity to field three wildcards for the competition.

“We can field two wildcards in qualifying draw and one in main draw. We are happy that some of the city players will get chance to play and gain some valuable ranking points,” said Vijay Naidu.

The qualifying draw will be of 48 while the main draw will be of 32 players.

The organisers are expecting the courts to be ready in a couple of weeks.

“Members of MSLTA and AITA will be visiting in next 12-14 days to inspect the preparation. We are doing all we can. Our Secretary Dr Sudhir Bhiwapurkar is at Pune for Tata Open. He will join us on Monday,” added Vijay.

The tournament had a prize money of $25,000 but due to COVID, it has been reduced to $15,000.

“It’s not in our hands (the prize money). It’s ITF who decides it. We are making available all the facilities required by the ITF and AITA. It is a long list and we will try to fulfill all of them. We are searching sponsors also. Hope corporates from Nagpur show some benevolence,” said Vikram Naidu.

Sharma’s photo of Hijab-wearing girls playing soccer wins UNESCO award

By Paritosh Pramanik

HE IS not a professional photographer but his association with Slum Soccer’s EduKick programme pushes him to capture some candid moments which can not be explained in thousand words.

Some of his photographs were displayed on world platform and on occasions he also managed to fetch awards.

Taking his photography ‘passion’ further, city’s Ashutosh Sharma, a proprietor of Mindwings Creativity, participated in a photo contest and once again clinched an award from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The international organisation had conducted UNESCO Chair’s TRUST - Sport As It Should Be Photo Competition - recently where Sharma won the first prize in the amateur category. Adding icing to the cake his another photograph was shortlisted in the same category.

It was Slum Soccer CEO Abhijeet Barse who insisted Sharma to participate in the competition.

Sharma’s photograph was also displayed at the UN Expo on Sports and Education in Geneva a few years back.

Sharma, a former student of St John’s High School and Shree Datta Meghe Polytechnic, clicked the photograph of Hijab-wearing girls from Municipal Urdu Girls School in Kamptee playing soccer while learning through Slum Soccer’s Edukick initiative.

“Congratulations on winning one award and being shortlisted for another of your photos,” read the mail from Aisling Clardy (She/Her), MSc, Bsc, UNESCO Chair, Capacity Building & Research.

Sharma, who is the only Indian to win the award, also received certificates from the organisation. 

The awards function will be held online in the month of March.

UNESCO Chair’s Trust will also be showcasing the winning and shortlisted photos at the Munster Technological University’s Month of Enterprise on March 23.

“Edukick is an initiative by Slum Soccer which focuses on the promotion of primary education for the children from the underprivileged section of the society who don’t get a chance to attend school. 

“Edukick provides a fun, informative, a football–themed programme that encourages children to ask questions, learn by doing and feel happy while doing so,” Sharma informed about Slum Soccer’s initiative.

“I am delighted to win this international award once again. I dedicate this to my father whom I lost a few years back and to family and friends who stood by me all through,”  Sharma, who had finished second in UNESCO’s ‘Power of Sports Values’ category in 2015, concluded.

Paddler Jennifer working on improving her top spin, power

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE unwanted interruption due to COVID-19 might be frustrating for all. But for city’s talented table tennis player Jennifer Varghese, it is time to iron out her flaws and strengthen the weak areas.
Jennifer, 13, who had settled for bronze medal in the Under-17 category at Indore Nationals last month, is preparing for the junior and youth nationals which is going to be held at Alleppey in Kerala later this month, provided COVID does not play spoilsport, again.
Jennifer is practising at Smashes Academy in Chennai under former national paddler R Rajesh and is working on improving her top spin apart from overall game.
“There will be a few international tournaments in coming months and I am thinking of participating in those. But, nothing is final as yet. We had national championships in January but that got postponed due to COVID. There is one (tournament) lined up in February (21 to 28) at Kerala but all depends on COVID situation,” Jennifer said while interacting with The Hitavada over phone from Chennai.
If all goes well, Jennifer will be participating in the Under-17 and U-19 age categories.
“All tourneys are over and this would be the last meet of the season. The season has been delayed due to pandemic. I hope I get selected in the Indian team with my recent performance,” said Jennifer.
Despite no tournaments due to coronavirus, Jennifer is not feeling frustrated but is taking this break in stride and is preparing herself for future meets.
“The present situation is not frustrating one as it helps one in preparing well for the tournaments. The championships are not held but we can train more. It’s not that frustrating as the seedings will be the same. Top four seeded players are allowed to participate in the international events. I am ranked second in the Under-15 age category and with no competitions, my ranking will be the same. So in the given scenario, I am happy,” said Jennifer.
“I think it (the break) is good for players also as we get time to practice and improve our performance,” added the paddler who won bronze in U-17 age category at Indore nationals.
Jennifer wants to improve her overall game but is giving more stress on bettering her top spin shots.
“I am working hard on developing my spin shots. I will be playing in higher (age) category, so I need to improve my overall game. We can’t go far ahead in any competition if we don’t have spin in our game. Speed is not everything. We need speed as well as spin in our armoury. Both go together, hand in hand and I am working on these areas,” Jennifer elaborated.
The city paddler said she wants to rectify her mistakes done during the last competition.
“I would like to rectify my mistakes which I committed in Indore nationals. I didn’t pull my opponent to the corner in that match (semis). I need to work on my serves and top spins and iron out my minor mistakes. Yes, I want to improve my overall game but these are the areas I am working hard on,” she admitted.
Jennifer wants to improve her overall skills to produce consistent performance.
“I also need to work on my consistency more. I am also working on my fitness. At present I am doing training for around 4-5 hours daily,” the Standard VIII Centre Point School, Katol Road student
concluded.