Himanshu Sharma, Author at SportSutra

India’s Rising Badminton Stars: Who to Watch Out For

Indian badminton has touched unprecedented heights in recent times, with icons like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy making waves on the global stage. The new crop of Indian Badminton players is ready to take the baton of legacy forward. Let’s look at India’s rising badminton stars that have been shining bright and poised to carry the torch forward.

1. Malvika Bansod

Malvika Bansod is the name you will hear more in the near future. This left-handed shuttler from Nagpur has proved her mettle at the junior level and has been hailed as a force to reckon with in Indian badminton. Born on September 15, 2001, Malvika Bansod’s love for badminton began early as she rose up the ranks.

At 16 years old, Malvika became the youngest-ever winner of the All-India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament on her debut in 2018. 2018 was her breakthrough year as she clinched two gold medals at the South Asian U21 Regional Badminton Championship. In 2019, she won the Maldives International and the Annapurna Nepal International Series. In 2021, she recorded victories at the Uganda International and Lithuanian International.

In January 2022, Malvika broke into the top 100 of the women’s singles world rankings. On her debut season on the BWF World Tour in 2022, she finished as Syed Modi International tournament runner-up losing to PV Sindhu in the final. Sindhu commended her performance and described her as a promising player with massive potential. Earlier in 2022, Malvika stunned the badminton world by defeating her idol, Saina Nehwal, at the India Open Super 500 tournament.

“I grew up watching Saina, and she has always been my inspiration,” Malvika said after the win. “To beat her in a tournament is something I’ll cherish forever.”

In 2023, Malvika faced setbacks due to medical complications from dengue and typhoid. Defeating Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, the Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, at the China Open in 2024 and reaching the final of the Hylo Open 2024 in Germany (only the third Indian women’s singles player after Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu) reinforced her reputation as a player capable of challenging the best in the world.

Malvika Bansod has her eyes set on breaking into the top 10 now and competing on the Olympic stage.

2. Unnati Hooda

Indian badminton is blessed with a young crop of extraordinary talents like Unnati Hooda. At the tender age of 14, Unnati scripted history by becoming the youngest Indian to win a Super 100 BWF World Tour title.

Unnati Hooda’s journey began when her father Upakar Hooda enrolled her in a badminton academy at Rohtak’s Chhotu Ram Stadium; she was seven years old at that time. She won under-11 junior events in district and state championships. She clinched a bronze medal in the U-13 national championships in 2018 and followed up with a U-15 national title in 2019.

2022 was Unnati’s breakthrough year as she won the Odisha Open, a Super 100 BWF World Tour event. She beat higher-ranked counterparts – Samiya Farooqui in the quarter-finals, Malvika Bansod in the semi-finals, and Smit Toshniwal in the final – to announce herself at the national stage. At just 14, Unnati became the youngest Indian to win a Super 100 title. Next, she was picked for India’s Uber Cup squad alongside her idol PV Sindhu, although she didn’t play any matches in the tournament.

Unnati added another feather to her cap win to clinch the gold medal at the 2022 Khelo India Youth Games, stunning top players like Aditi Bhatt and Tasnim Mir. The win and consistent performances helped her break into the top 100 in the world rankings in 2022.

In October 2023, Unnati won another Super 100 event, the Abu Dhabi Masters. On the back of successes in the recent years, this rising star in Indian badminton is now being hailed as the future. Check more athlete stories.

3. Anupama Upadhyaya

Anupama Upadhyaya was not always a shuttler as she began her sporting journey with swimming. Her swimming coach discouraged her from pursuing a career in the sport, citing her height and build as unsuitable. On her father’s insistence, Anupama picked up a racket at the age of nine. Despite being labeled “too thin” by critics, she worked on her game and physique. She won the Under-13 National Championship in women’s singles to make the headlines at first.

In 2022, she bagged the coveted title of World Junior No. 1. This was followed up by the Indian National Badminton Championship in women’s singles title a year later. In 2023, Anupama was picked to represent India at the 2023 Asian Games.

Already in the top 100 in the world rankings, Anupama’s sights are now set on international circuits and competing against higher-ranked players at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

4. Anmol Kharb

Anmol Kharb is another Haryana-born Indian badminton player who is making waves. At just 12, Anmol bagged her first national-level title, winning the U-17 All India Ranking tournament in Hyderabad in 2019. Later in the same year, she made it to the semi-finals of the Senior All India Ranking tournament in Visakhapatnam and played in India’s Khelo India program. In 2020, Anmol asserted dominance in the U-17 category, winning national titles in both singles and doubles. In 2022, she made it to the pre-quarterfinals of the Asian Junior Championships.

2023 was Anmol’s breakthrough year as she won her maiden senior women’s singles national title at the age of 16. She defeated higher-ranked players – Tanvi Khanna in the final and Ashmita Chaliha in the semi-finals – to announce herself on the senior circuit.

Anmol bagged India’s historic gold medal win at the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships in Selangor, Malaysia. She followed it with her first international women’s singles title at the Belgian International in September 2024 and won at the Polish International.

5. Tasnim Mir

Tasnim Mir made headlines at just 16 years old when she became the first Indian player to secure the No. 1 spot in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Under-19 Girls’ Singles Rankings.

She has won four junior international tournaments, including the Bulgarian Junior Championship, Alpes International, and Belgian Junior in 2021. She also won titles at the Asian Junior Championships in both the under-15 and under-17 categories.

Tasnim has her sights set on career goals as she wants to emulate the Olympic success of her idols, Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu. She is definitely someone we can pin hopes on and watch out for in the future.

6. Ayush Shetty

Ayush Shetty is hailed as one of India’s brightest badminton prospects. Ayush started playing badminton at the age of eight. His first major win came in 2022 at the All India Junior Ranking Tournament. Thereafter, he clinched a bronze medal at the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships in Spokane, United States.

For a long time, Ayush has been the highest-ranked junior men’s singles shuttler in India. Now he is ready for the transition from junior to senior level.

7. Sankar Muthusamy

S. Sankar Muthusamy rose to prominence in the Indian badminton scene at just 18 years of age. On 29 October 2022, Muthusamy became the fourth Indian to reach the finals of the coveted BWF Junior World Championships. Before him, only Aparna Popat, Saina Nehwal, and Siril Verma have reached the final of the tournament.

Sankar has showcased immense potential at the junior level so far and he is looked up as one to watch out for in the future. Let’s hope he does justice to his talent and the expectations of millions that rest on his shoulders.

The Journey of Neeraj Chopra: From Struggles to Stardom

The golden boy of India, Neeraj Chopra’s inspirational journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming an Olympic champion is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, let’s celebrate the javelin champ whose story teaches us many a life lesson. From struggles to stardom, let’s unravel the journey of Neeraj’s Chopra.

Nickname	Sarpanch, Golden Boy
Birth date	24 December 1997
Birthplace	Khandra, Haryana, India
Education	DAV College, Chandigarh
Years Active	2010–present
Height	6 ft 1 in
Weight	86 kg
Military Career
– Allegiance	India
– Service/Branch	Indian Army
– Years of Service	2016–present
– Rank	Subedar Major
– Service Number	JC-471869A
– Unit	4 Rajputana Rifles
Awards	Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Padma Shri, Vishisht Seva Medal
Coach	Jan Železný (Czech Republic)
Achievements and Titles
– Olympic Finals	Gold (2020), Silver (2024)
– World Finals	Gold (2023), Silver (2022)
– Regional Finals	Gold (2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)
– Commonwealth Finals	Gold (2018)
Highest World Ranking	1 (11 May 2023)
Personal Best	89.94 m NR (2022), 86.48 m WJR (2016)

Early Struggles: Challenges and Obstacles Faced

Neeraj Chopra hails from Khandra village in Haryana, one of the northern states of India. He grew up in a humble family of farmers. He forayed into sports to lose weight and not for any ambition.

As a kid, he was overweight and was often teased by others. The family encouraged him to take up physical activity and sports. This led him to the local sports ground where he found out about javelin throw for the first time.

Neeraj Chopra’s potential didn’t go unnoticed. However, the lack of proper training facilities and equipment in his village was a challenge. Despite these constraints, he was determined to train hard fueled by a desire to excel.

The turning point of his career came when he was spotted by coach Naseem Ahmad at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula. The coach helped hone his skills and prepared him for the highest level.

In years, he was competing in international events. He could not keep up with competition for many years in his early career. He faced repeated losses and injuries.

Turning Point: Key Moments That Shaped His Career

In 2019, Neeraj Chopra faced a career-threatening injury that kept him out of action for an entire season. He underwent surgery on his right elbow and was sidelined for almost a year. He was now staring at defeat. This was one of the darkest phases of Neeraj’s career.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Neeraj started working on rebuilding his strength from scratch. During the recovery, he traveled to South Africa and trained with renowned biomechanics expert Klaus Bartoneitz. The rigorous therapy and focused training gave him a long of strength to return stronger than ever.

The results followed in the years to follow. The setback of 2019 injury was the key moment that shaped Neeraj’s career.

Achievements: What Neeraj Chopra Has Accomplished

In 2021, Neeraj Chopra brought laurels to India, winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The first Indian track and field athlete to secure an Olympic gold! It was the coronation of the ‘golden boy of India.’ Check more athlete stories.

Here’s Neeraj Chopra’s list of achievements:

Gold Medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020: Neeraj Chopra scripted history by winning gold in men’s javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Silver Medal at Paris Olympics 2024: In 2024, Neeraj proved that he is there to rule the hearts of Indian sports fans. He bagged a silver medal with a remarkable throw, to become the first Indian athlete to win both gold and silver in the Olympics.
Gold Medal at World Athletics Championships 2023: A gold medal win at the World Athletics Championships 2023 was another feather in the cap for Neeraj. The glory earned him status as a global icon.
Gold Medal at Asian Games 2018 and 2023: Neeraj Chopra has been the best javelin thrower in Asia for a long time now. He clinched gold at the 2018 and 2023 editions of Asian Games.
Diamond League Champion in 2022: Chopra secured the Diamond League trophy in 2022 to reaffirm his position among elite javelin throwers.
Gold at Commonwealth Games 2018: Neeraj Chopra achieved glory at Commonwealth Games 2018 and announced himself on the world stage.
Lausanne Diamond League 2024: Neeraj finished second at the Lausanne Diamond League 2024 edition, to close another year with consistent performances and wins.

Neeraj Chopra’s medal record

Event	1st (Gold)	2nd (Silver)	3rd (Bronze)
Olympic Games	1	1	–
World Championships	1	1	–
Diamond League	1	2	–
Commonwealth Games	1	–	–
Asian Games	2	–	–
Asian Championships	1	–	–
South Asian Games	1	–	–
Paavo Nurmi Games	1	1	–
World U20 Championships	1	–	–
Asian U20 Championships	–	1	–
Total	10	6	0

Conclusion: Lessons from Neeraj Chopra’s Journey for Other Athletes

Neeraj Chopra’s feats in recent years have made him a global sports icon who is looked up for his unmatched determination and work ethic. Here are some of the key takeaways for everyone from the journey of Neeraj Chopra.

Resilience: No matter how big the setbacks, it is all a part of the journey. In 2019, Chopra had to face the darkest times but chose to fight back and overcome it.
Consistent Hard Work: Success is a by-product of hard work. The achievements and laurels we see today are the result of years of perseverance.
Seek the Right Guidance: With the right mentorship and guidance, you can overcome any challenges and hurdles. Training under expert coaches like Naseem Ahmad and Klaus Bartoneitz helped Neeraj Chopra stay focused on his goals.
Stay Humble: Humility is what makes Neeraj Chopra such an admirable figure in Indian sports. Chopra remains grounded even after achieving everything that is there to achieve and global fame.

Neeraj Chopra’s life and sports journey is a tale of a true champion. More than achievements, accomplishments, medals, and trophies, it is the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines him. Take a bow, champ! Hope you continue to bring laurels to the country and keep inspiring us.

From Zero to Hero: How These Athletes Turned Failure Into Fame

Ever felt like the odds and the world are against you? Well, you’re not alone. Every sportsperson, no matter how successful, has faced plenty of challenges and setbacks. The key is to turn those obstacles into stepping stones. We have put together some inspiring athlete stories proving that perseverance can turn failure into fame.

1. Michael Jordan – From Cut to the Court’s King

Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time, endured a fair share of hardships on his way to becoming GOAT. He was not always a superstar. In high school, he could not make the cut to the school basketball team. He would have been broken. Like all the great players do, Jordan used this setback as fuel to get better and better every day. He honed his skills day in and out with practice and spending more time on the court. The hard yards paid off eventually with six NBA championships and five MVP awards in the bag.

“Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

2. Mary Kom – Punching Through Adversity

Mary Kom, India’s boxing legend, faced a plethora of challenges in her journey. She was from a modest background in Manipur and faced many a societal norm to pursue boxing as a career. Making her way through the obstacles, Mary Kom etched her name in history as a six-time world champion and an Olympic medalist. It was her resilience and determination that inspired millions in India and beyond.

“Boxing is not considered respectable for women and nobody believed I could be a boxing champion, not even my friends. Our neighbours said all kinds of things. I wanted to show that not just men, but even women can do anything they want.” – Mary Kom

3. Usain Bolt – Learning from Loss

The fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, faced several challenges growing up. As a budding athlete, Bolt struggled with injuries and early losses. A lot of people around him began to doubt his potential. Bolt, unfazed by setbacks, worked tirelessly on honing his technique and mindset. It was this winning mentality that helped him become an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and shattering world records in the 100m and 200m sprints.

“I’ve worked hard over the years, I’ve been injured and I’ve worked hard through it, and I’ve made it” – Usain Bolt

4. PV Sindhu – Rising After Olympic Final Loss

PV Sindhu is India’s most celebrated badminton player. She experienced a heartbreaking loss in the finals at the Rio Olympics in 2016. A loss in the Olympic event final would shatter anyone and their dreams. PV Sindhu showed mettle and courage to work harder than ever. The shuttler went on to win the World Championships in 2019 and multiple other international titles.

“After the 2016 Olympics, I had six to seven silver medals. People started telling me that ‘you have a final phobia. At the (2019) World Championships, I was in the final again…and I was like I have to win this match. So, I just wanted to give my 100 percent. I didn’t want people to say ‘Silver Sindhu’. At some point of time that gets into your mind and I told myself before the final ‘No, come on. I need to just give my 100 per cent no matter what and win this.” – PV Sindhu

5. Cristiano Ronaldo – From Humble Beginnings to the Top

Cristiano Ronaldo’s meteoric rise from poverty in Madeira, Portugal, to becoming one of the greatest footballers ever is a story for the ages. CR7 faced financial difficulties as a budding footballer and was often mocked for his ambition. It was the ‘never say never’ that made him a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most decorated footballers of all time.

“I see myself as the best footballer in the world. If you don’t believe you are the best, then you will never achieve all that you are capable of.”- Cristiano Ronaldo

6. Serena Williams – Overcoming Doubters and Racism

Serena Williams faced a lot of criticism throughout her tennis career. She would often encounter racism from those around her and even in the sports community. Nothing deterred Serena ever! With an unbreakable spirit, she went on to become one of the greatest female athletes of all time with 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

“As a Black tennis player, I looked different. I sounded different. I dressed differently. I served differently. But when I stepped onto the court, I could compete with anyone.” – Serena Williams

7. Lionel Messi – Overcoming Health Challenges

One of the most successful football players of all time, Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child. The medical condition quashed Messi’s football dreams. The Argentine overcame the odds with persistent hard work and support from FC Barcelona. He went on to become an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, a World Cup winner, and one of the greatest footballers in history.

“You can overcome anything, if and only if you love something enough.”- Lionel Messi

8. Milkha Singh – The Flying Sikh

One of India’s finest sprinters who also goes by the name “Flying Sikh,” Milkha Singh overcame immense personal tragedy during the Partition of India. His journey from a refugee to a Commonwealth Games champion is incredible and inspiring. This is what sheer determination can do.

“Life is not decided by lines on a palm but by the power of the will, hard work and discipline. In my teens, I had no idea about running as a sports event. For me, an orphan, it was not only about learning how to survive the brutal world, but also about carving an identity.” – Milkha Singh

What can we learn from these athlete success stories?

Resilience: A never-give-up mindset makes the best bounce back stronger after setbacks. Those who take setbacks in their stride, learn from them and have determination get the taste of success eventually.
Criticism is fuel for success: No matter how big your achievements are, you will face criticism, get booed, and be slammed on some days. Think of criticism as a part and parcel of life and a tool for growth.
Focus on self-improvement: The best of the best work on themselves day each day. They keep at it to reach their full potential and believe in long-term success.
Stay true to your passion: It is the desire that matters more than talent and skills. If you are passionate, difficult times won’t bother you a bit. Stay focused on the ultimate goal and maintain enthusiasm.

Conclusion: Your Setback is a Setup for a Comeback

Remember, every champion once struggled! They refused to give up through the setbacks. They embraced failures as learning experiences, stayed determined and hungry for success, and kept pushing forward. The journey to become a hero always starts from zero. Let these stories be a witness to ‘no dream is too big and no failure is too great to overcome.’

5 Proven Ways to Stay Injury-Free While Pushing Your Limits

An athlete is always striving to be in his best shape and form. When pushing limits, there is often a risk of injuries sneaking up here and there. Be it training and performance, athletes must be wary of injury risks to perform at the peak of their powers for the long haul.

We have put together simple yet proven ways to keep athletes injury-free and achieve more in their sport than ever.

Tip #1: Give warm-ups and cool-downs importance

Warm-ups and cool-downs are of utmost importance to prepare an athlete’s body for physical activity and recovery afterward.

Warm-Up

Pro athletes often start their training with aerobic exercises like jogging or jumping jacks. These help increase heart rate and blood flow to muscles.
The second warm-up activity should be stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and walking lunges. These help better flexibility and joint mobility.
In the buildup, athletes should build intensity and mimic the movements their sport requires.

Cool-Down

It’s imperative to bring the body to rest after intense physical activity. A 5-10 minute of cool-down is advised by the experts. It can be walking, light cycling, or similar light-intensity activity.
Cool-downs must also include stretching to relax the muscles and keep stiffness at bay.

Example: You would have seen basketball teams and players start their warm-up with light jogging and exercises like high knees and arm circles to loosen up. Towards the end of their warm-up, they are seen doing shooting drills at half intensity.

Tip #2: Strengthen muscles with targeted exercises

Sports require players to build strength, endurance, and agility over time. A well-rounded exercise regime with targeted exercises specific to their sports helps athletes strengthen muscles and at the same time avoid common sports injuries.

What are the muscle strengthening exercises to prevent injuries

Core Stability: To keep the body stable during movement, the core has to be strong. Planks, Russian twists, and bird dogs are some of the best exercises to incorporate into your regimen to strengthen your core. Yoga and Pilates can also work wonders for improved flexibility and core stability.
Lower Body Strength: Hamstring, knee, and ankle injuries are the most common sports injuries. It is paramount to build lower body strength to avoid these. Squats, lunges, and calf raises help in building lower body strength and stability.
Upper Body Strength: The upper body gets its strength from the hands, shoulders and neck. Push-ups, pull-ups, and shoulder presses are some of the best activities to promote upper body strength and prevent related injuries.

Example: Achilles tendon issues and knee pain are the most common injuries for runners. For that reason, activities like calf raises and hip bridges are an integral part of a runner’s training.

Tip #3: Attention to proper form and technique

If done incorrectly, training and exercises can take a toll on an athlete’s fitness and well-being. This is why experts emphasize using correct form, technique, and methods during training.

How to ensure maintaining proper form

Work with a Coach: While you may not be able to spot something wrong with your training technique, a coach would. Train under the supervision of a professional coach to learn proper techniques and seek advice when in doubt.
Video Analysis: You can also film yourself to identify and correct flaws. Check the recording of how you have been performing movements and make those subtle changes.

Example: In order to prevent lower back injuries, weightlifters focus on keeping the spine neutral during training and performance. They engage the core and avoid stress on the back.

Tip #4: Don’t let rest and recovery take a back seat

Rest and recovery often take a back seat in the competitive environment. Not enough rest and no recovery time may lead to fatigue, diminish performance, and put one’s body at great risk of injuries.

Follow recovery strategies

Scheduled Rest Days: To make the body stronger with rebuilding and healing, you must plan rest days.
Active Recovery: You don’t have to train every single day. During rest and recovery, engage in low-intensity activities like swimming.
Quality Sleep: The body must get its optimum rest, i.e., 7-9 hours of quality sleep every day.

Example: Professionals in long-duration sports like Football and Cricket often have a full rest day after matches for the simple reason – avoid burnout and injuries.

Tip #5: Consult professionals and listen to your body

More often than not, your body will tell you in case you are doing activities wrong. Listen to that voice! Besides being self-aware, you must seek professional guidance on various dos and don’ts in order to prevent injuries.

Seek and incorporate expert advice

Sports Physiotherapists: Seeing physio on a regular basis can be helpful in spotting muscle imbalances early.
Nutritionists: Check with a certified nutritionist on a regular basis to see if you require any nutritional changes to better muscle repair and energy levels.

How do you listen to your body

Your body will warn you with signs like persistent pain, fatigue, or discomfort. Pay attention to the signs.
Sometimes we ignore minor pain but if it persists for long, it may grow into a serious injury.

Conclusion: Encourage Sustainable Training Practices

Achieving athletic goals requires every athlete to tread with safety and caution. For your body’s well-being and best performance, you must strike a balance between performance and safety. So, keep the aforementioned injury prevention tips for athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is warm up important before workouts?

Warm up gets your body ready for the high intensity activity – be it workout or performance. Warming up increases blood flow to muscles, enhances flexibility, and reduces injury risks.

Does strength training help prevent injuries?

Yes, strength training reduces the likelihood of injuries by building muscle support around joints and improving stability.

How does proper exercise form help in staying injury-free in sports?

Correct form and shape ensure that muscle movements are performed safely. There is minimal stress on muscles and joints.

What are the signs of overtraining to watch for?

The common signs of overtraining are persistent fatigue, prolonged muscle soreness, and hampered performance.

When to consult a healthcare professional about pain or discomfort?

If pain or discomfort persists for days and affects your daily routine activities, it’s advisable to seek professional help.

Can flexibility exercises help prevent injuries?

Yes, flexibility exercises go a long way in keeping athletes injury-free. These improve the range of motion and reduce muscle tension.

5 Insider Tips from Pro Athletes You Won’t Learn in School

Pro Athletes don’t have a magic wand to help them achieve all that they desire. Their journey to athletic excellence is all about building habits, staying focused, making healthy connections, fueling the body the right way, and bouncing back when things hit rock bottom.

We have put together the best advice and five insider tips from professional athletes that may help give you a headstart in your sporting journey!

Tip #1: The Power of Routine and Discipline

Pro athletes swear by their daily routines. Yes! It is all about being consistent. The professionals and most successful athletes do the same things again and again every day, whether it’s training at the same time, abiding by a sleep schedule, or warm-up routine before performances. The power of routine and discipline goes a long, long way.

Take Cristiano Ronaldo’s example. Arguably the best footballer of this generation has a repeatable routine that features regular training, a balanced diet, and proper sleep. Sticking to his routine prepares him to be at the top of his game year after year.

How to tap into the power of routine and discipline

Make a workout schedule that you can follow every day.
Plan your eating and sleep cycle.
Stay consistent and stick to it.

Tip #2: Mental Preparation and Visualization Techniques

One of the hallmarks of pro athletes is calm and composed nature. The best in business give equal importance to their mental well-being and train their brain with tools like visualization, meditation, and breathing exercises. The trained mind that stays calm under pressure helps pros get the best out of them.

You can take the example of India’s greatest cricket captain MS Dhoni who is also known as captain cool for a reason. MS Dhoni keeps the pressure at bay, never looks in panic, and more often produces a clutch performance.

How to prepare your mind?

Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing daily.
Spend 5-10 minutes every day to visualize yourself succeeding in your sport.
Practice staying calm before a performance.

Tip #3: The Importance of Connections in Sports

Great connections can take you far in life and sports. If you surround yourself with people who care for you and make new connections that have a positive impact on you, it opens several doors for you. The connections often help land a mentor you always needed, sponsorships, and career opportunities beyond sports.

How to make connections in sports

Don’t confine yourself to your sport, you can draw inspiration from coaches and experienced athletes in other disciplines.
You can always enroll in upcoming sports camps and workshops to get insights.
Social media is an excellent platform to share your journey with like-minded people and the sports fraternity.

Tip #4: Always remember – Food fuels Performance

‘You are what you eat.’ You may have often heard this from a healthcare professional. A sportsman requires optimum nutrition for peak performance. So, the coaches and nutritionists stress significantly tailored nutrition programs and diets for a simple reason – food fuels performance.

How to fix your nutrition needs

First and foremost is eating a balanced diet with all food groups – protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
Athletic training and performance burns a lot of calories and breaks a lot of sweat. Make sure to stay hydrated.
Athletes’ nutritional needs are greater than a layman. Include whole foods like fruits, veggies, lean meats, and nuts in your diet.
Take nutritional advice from a certified nutritionist only.

Tip #5: Dealing with Setbacks and Staying Consistent

Pros don’t quit! Tough times are a part of every athlete’s journey. Be it injuries, losses, or personal struggles, there will be countless challenges and hurdles. Unfazed by setbacks, you should keep pushing forward and learn from setbacks like Pros do.

Take Rishabh Pant’s comeback story for the ages. When he met with a horrific car accident in 2022, the Indian cricketer didn’t give up. Most thought it was the end of his cricket career. He prioritized his well-being and bounced back stronger in about a year. Check inspiring Athlete Stories.

How to Deal with Setbacks and Bounce Back Stronger:

Don’t dwell on setbacks or failures.
Keep your focus on long-term goals.
When feeling low, ask your support system for motivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do professional athletes eat?

Pro athletes eat a well-rounded diet that serves their nutritional needs. The professional athletes’ diet has lean protein (like chicken or fish), complex carbs (such as quinoa or sweet potatoes), and healthy fats (like avocado and nuts) along with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and a lot of water.

2. How do professional athletes stay motivated every day?

Pro athletes have clear goals! They take pride in personal growth and celebrate small wins. However, at the same time, pros don’t let short-term success get to their heads. Additionally, they are always in the company of supportive folks who have a positive impact on them.

3. What are some best mental training techniques used by athletes?

Athletes envision winning moments and mentally rehearse their performance. They practice mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing to help stay calm.

4. How can budding athletes build a professional network?

They can enroll in workshops by industry leaders, engage with mentors in online communities, and use social media to their advantage.

5. What foods athletes avoid for better performance?

Diet is key to athletic performance. Stay away from sugary treats, excessive caffeine, and processed foods. These may affect energy levels in a negative way and keep you from fulfilling nutritional needs.

6. How do athletes balance training and rest for optimal results?

A routine must have ample rest time for muscle repair and active recovery. Besides scheduling rest days, activities like yoga or stretching help muscles relax before rest. Also, you must listen to your body and don’t exert pressure in case it doesn’t allow it.

7. How do professional athletes overcome failure and setbacks?

Pro athletes view setbacks as stepping stone to success. They take failure in their stride and learn from it. They keep training and strive to get better.

8. What are some quick nutrition hacks for athletes?

Athletes have busy and tight schedules but at the same time must ensure nutritional requirements are met. They often have on-the-go healthy snacks in their bag like nuts or protein bars. They carry a couple of water bottles in their bag everywhere to stay hydrated throughout the day.

9. What is the optimum sleep duration for athletic performance and recovery?

Most athletes aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each day to ensure muscle recovery and hormone balance.

10. Why is having a routine important for athletes?

Routine paves way to consistency which in turn helps athletes stay focused and avoids burnout. The routine builds muscle memory for physical and mental preparation.

Conclusion: Apply These Tips and Level Up!

Now that the pro athletes’ secrets are out, it’s time to emulate and chase your athletic dreams. Build the foundation of a successful sports career by inculcating healthy habits. And, remember success will follow. Trust the process, stick to it and the results will show up.

Start with these pro strategies and up the ante!

Why 99% of Athletes Quit… But the 1% Succeed

The journey an athlete embarks on is filled with challenges and hurdles. Unless there is a resolve to overcome physical endurance, mental resilience, and emotional strength, the athlete is bound to fail.

One may be a reservoir of talent and potential, but one will only realize one’s dreams of glory and reach the pinnacle of success if one remains unwaveringly committed to the goal of being the best. Persistence is key to success in a sportsperson’s journey which is long and arduous.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ― Winston S. Churchill defines the meaning of persistence aptly. Check inspiring Athlete Stories.

Let’s get into details of why 99% of athletes quit and what sets the successful 1% apart.

The Common Roadblocks: Mental, Physical, and Financial Challenges

Mental Challenges:
- Performance Pressure: Athletes often falter under immense pressure to excel, and are often reminded of it by parents, coaches, and teammates. The stress of being the best, and burnout in the process may stall athlete growth and prompt sportspersons to drop out of their programs.
- Lack of Motivation: Athletes require constant motivation, day in and day out. Otherwise, the passion for the sport may wane and die eventually. Lack of motivation is the most common reason why athletes quit.
Physical Challenges:
- Injuries: There are plenty of fitness and injury challenges that athletes deal with and must overcome on a regular basis. The prolonged injuries often cut careers short in sports. Sometimes, the fitness concern can be demoralizing for an athlete to think about alternate career options.
- Overtraining: To deliver peak performance, training is of utmost importance. There is a fine line between training and overtraining. In case an athlete breaches that line, it may lead to physical exhaustion, diminished performance and increased risk of injuries.
Financial Challenges:
- Financial Constraints: The cost of training, equipment, and travel in some sports can take a toll on the growth of athletes, especially for athletes from underprivileged sections. India’s renowned archer Deepika Kumari grew up in a financially struggling household. She began practicing by aiming at mangoes on trees unable to afford professional equipment crafting bows and arrows from bamboo. Financial hurdles did not deter her as she climbed the ranks in the world of archery.
- Lack of Sponsorship: For the talent to meet opportunity there has to be financial support and backing. Without financial support and athlete resources, sustaining a sports career can become a challenge and may prompt budding athletes to let go of their sports aspirations.

Traits of Successful Athletes: Habits That Lead to Success

Goal-Setting
- Set the Target: What you want to achieve should be clear in your head. Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian, has often talked about setting performance benchmarks throughout his career.
- Long-Term Vision: A successful athlete does not get fazed by short-term success. They believe in ruling the sport and maintaining a long-term perspective. Many successful often advocate the adage, ‘Think of your career as a marathon, not a sprint.’

I have only one talent. I can work harder than anyone else.— Abhinav Bindra

Resilience
- Mental resolve: Mentality is often talked out in sports. It is indeed one of the hallmarks of successful teams and athletes. Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s comeback after multiple injuries and setbacks exemplifies what mental toughness actually means.
- Adaptability: To taste success in the long term, athletes must embrace change and work on themselves to adapt accordingly. Their adaptability and commitment to get better and better is what separates them from one-trick ponies or one-season wonders.

“I want to be the best, it’s not about the ranking, it’s about being consistent over a period of time.” – Saina Nehwal

Mentorship
- The guiding light: Mentors are a vital cog in nurturing talent and teams. The invaluable advice, whole-hearted support, and perspective go a long way in helping athletes overcome challenges in sports. A mentor or coach can also help take care of aspects like a nutrition program that’s best for your body’s needs.
- Learning from Role Models: The best learn from the best. They draw inspiration from their role models and emulate the habits that served their heroes for good.

Tips to Join the 1% Bandwagon: How to Stay Motivated and Focused

Develop a Growth Mindset
- Embrace Challenges: Don’t get bothered by obstacles and hundreds. Always be an optimist; keep striving to learn and improve.
- Persist Despite Setbacks: The sooner you understand that failure is a stepping stone toward success the better.

Your failures teach you more than your successes. So, don’t be afraid of failing.— Saina Nehwal

Prioritize Mental Health
- Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: You must always be in a good mental space to train and perform at your best. To manage stress and maintain mental well-being, surround yourself with people who have a positive impact on you. Family, friends, coaches, and teammates can provide encouragement and accountability.
- Practice Mindfulness: To stay focused and keep distractions at bay, you can practice mindfulness and meditation.
Maintain Balance
- Pursue Dual Careers: You should know when to Switch Off and Switch On. Make sure to take time off. For that, you can pursue interests outside of sports to help maintain balance.
- Ensure Adequate Rest: Rest often takes a back seat in a competitive environment. Give it equal value to help your body and mind recover.

Conclusion: The Value of Perseverance in Sports

The road to excellence in sports is laden with challenges. To succeed, one must be resilient, set clear goals, seek mentorship, and maintain balance. Perseverance is not just to keep at it but to embrace the journey, learn from experiences, and strive to get better every day.

Top 10 Indian Athletes to Watch Out For in 2025

The year 2025 promises to be exciting for Indian sports and athletes. There is a host of talented athletes poised to etch their names in history books. Let’s look at the 10 Indian athletes who are primed to shine in 2025.

1. Lakshya Sen

Lakshya Sen emerged as India’s new superstar at the Paris Olympics 2024. The shuttler would look to enhance his reputation at upcoming events like the BWF World Tour Finals in China, World Badminton Championships in Paris India Open 2025, All England Open, Syed Modi International 2025 tournament, and more global events.

2. Manu Bhaker

Manu Bhaker is India’s athlete of the year 2024. Looking at the achievements and laurels of this sports legend in recent years, the two-medal winner is likely to win more accolades in 2025. She would have her eyes set on the World Rifle and Pistol Championships in Cairo later this year.

3. D Gukesh

The world chess champion and India’s pride D Gukesh has had a year to remember. The young chess prodigy has a packed schedule for 2025 and a chance to script history with more feathers in the cap.

4. Neeraj Chopra

India’s golden boy had a quiet and challenging 2024 season by his standards due to injury. In 2025, he would look to comeback stronger and regain peak performance. The javelin champ will have his eyes on the 2025 Tokyo World Championships to bag top honor on the world stage.

5. Swapnil Kusale

Swapnil Kusale bagged a bronze medal for India at the Paris Olympics. The shooter impressed sports fans with composure and precision and is now touted as the next big thing in the Indian shooting circuit.

6. Sarabjot Singh

Sarabjot Singh is another who proved his mettle on the biggest global stage, securing a medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Fans have high hopes for the shooter in 2025.

7. Aman Sehrawat

Aman Sehrawat took the baton forward of India’s rich tradition of wrestling excellence at the Paris Olympics 2024 with a bronze medal. Sehrawat’s impressive performance has raised the hopes of enthusiasts and he has the potential to go up a notch in 2025.

8. Harmanpreet Singh

Harmanpreet Singh has established himself as one who would take Indian Hockey legacy forward. The 2024 year was incredible for the Indian Hockey team with a medal at the Paris Olympics. With him at the helm, Indian hockey fans are expecting bigger things in 2025 and in years to come.

Photo by Salman Ali/Hindustan Times via Getty Images Times

9. Praveen Kumar

Praveen Kumar, a para-athlete who won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, the silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and the Asian Para Games 2022 gold medalist, continues to thrive. With stronger performances year after year, Praveen is primed to shine in 2025.

10. Abhay Singh

Abhay Singh has made waves in the Indian Squash circuit over the years. He has won gold and bronze medals at the Asian Games and three gold medals at the Asian Championships. As of November 2024, he is ranked 51st in the world. 2025 could be Abhay’s breakthrough year.

Hoping for the best year yet for Indian Sports!

Sports Calendar 2025

Date	Event	Sport
December 28, 2024 – February 1, 2025	Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25	Hockey
January 12-26	Women’s Hockey India League 2024-25	Hockey
January 12-26	2025 Australian Open	Tennis
January 13-19	2025 Kho Kho World Cup	Kho Kho
January 14-19	India Open 2025, New Delhi	Badminton
January 18 – February 2	Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup	Cricket
February 7-14	2025 Asian Winter Games	Multi-sport
February 15 – June 29	FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Women)	Hockey
February 15 – June 22	FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Men)	Hockey
February 19 – March 9	2025 ICC Champions Trophy	Cricket
March 1-12	15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025	Hockey
March 10-11	World Athletics Relays, China	Athletics
March 11-16	All England Open	Badminton
March 14 – May 25	2025 Indian Premier League	Cricket
March 14-16	Australian Grand Prix – Melbourne	Motor Sport
March 16	English League Cup Final, London	Football
March 21-23	Chinese Grand Prix – Shanghai	Motor Sport
April 4-6	Japanese Grand Prix – Suzuka	Motor Sport
April 4-15	15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2025	Hockey
April 7-13	2025 Masters Tournament	Golf
April 11-13	Bahrain Grand Prix – Sakhir	Motor Sport
April 18-20	Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah	Motor Sport
April 19 – May 5	World Snooker Championship	Snooker
April 27	London Marathon	Athletics
May 2-4	Miami Grand Prix – Miami	Motor Sport
May 15-18	PGA Championship, Charlotte, USA	Golf
May 16-18	Imola Grand Prix – Imola	Motor Sport
May 17-25	2025 World Table Tennis Championships	Table Tennis
May 21	Europa League Final, Bilbao, Spain	Football
May 23-25	Monaco Grand Prix – Monaco	Motor Sport
May 24	German Cup Final, Berlin	Football
May 24	French Cup Final, Paris	Football
May 24	Women’s Champions League Final, Lisbon	Football
May 25 – June 7	2025 French Open	Tennis
May 27-31	2025 Asian Athletics Championships	Athletics
May 28	Europa Conference League Final, Wroclaw	Football
May 30 – June 1	Spanish Grand Prix – Barcelona	Motor Sport
May 31	Champions League Final, Munich	Football
June 4-8	UEFA Nations League Finals	Football
June 5-22	NBA Finals, United States	Basketball
June 12-15	US Open, Oakmont, Pennsylvania	Golf
June 13-15	Canada Grand Prix – Montreal	Motor Sport
June 14 – July 13	FIFA Club World Cup 2025	Football
June 14 – July 6	Concacaf Gold Cup	Football
June 27-29	Austrian Grand Prix – Spielberg	Motor Sport
June 30 – July 13	2025 Wimbledon Championships	Tennis
July 2-27	UEFA Women’s EURO	Football
July 4-6	British Grand Prix – Silverstone	Motor Sport
July 5-26	CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations	Football
July 5-29	FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025	Chess
July 11 – August 3	2025 World Aquatics Championships	Aquatics
July 12 – August 2	CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina	Football
July 17-20	The Open Championship, Portrush	Golf
July 25-27	Belgian Grand Prix – Spa	Motor Sport
August 1-3	Hungarian Grand Prix – Budapest	Motor Sport
August 7-17	2025 World Games	Multi-sport
August 15 – September 15	Women’s World Cup, India	Cricket
August 25 – September 7	US Open	Tennis
August 25-31	World Badminton Championships, Paris	Badminton
August 27-28	Diamond League Final, Weltklasse	Athletics
August 29-31	Dutch Grand Prix – Zandvoort	Motor Sport
September 5-12	2025 World Archery Championships	Archery
September 5-7	Italian Grand Prix – Monza	Motor Sport
September 13-21	2025 World Athletics Championships	Athletics
September 13-21	2025 World Wrestling Championships	Wrestling
September 19-21	Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku	Motor Sport
September 25-28	Ryder Cup, New York, USA	Golf
September 27 – October 19	2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup	Football
October 1-10	World Weightlifting Championships, Forde, Norway	Weightlifting
October 3-5	Singapore Grand Prix – Singapore	Motor Sport
October 13-19	2025 BWF World Junior Championships	Badminton
October 17-19	US Grand Prix – Austin	Motor Sport
October 19-25	2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships	Gymnastics
October 24-26	Mexico Grand Prix – Mexico City	Motor Sport
November 6-16	World Rifle and Pistol Championships, Cairo	Shooting
November 7-9	Brazilian Grand Prix – São Paulo	Motor Sport
November 15-26	2025 Summer Deaflympics	Multi-sport
November 20-22	Las Vegas Grand Prix – Las Vegas	Motor Sport
November 25-30	Syed Modi International 2025, Lucknow	Badminton
November 28-30	Qatar Grand Prix – Lusail	Motor Sport
December 5-7	Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina	Motor Sport
December 10-14	BWF World Tour Finals, China	Badminton
December 21 – January 18, 2026	2025 Africa Cup of Nations	Football

IPL 2025: 7 Newcomers to watch out for

Indian Premier League is a dream for all cricketers growing up. IPL Trophy is inscribed with Sanskrit shloka, “yatra pratibha avsara prapnotihi” which translates to “where talent gets opportunity”. The tournament offers an opportunity for over 200 players in each edition to showcase their skills and talent. In the upcoming IPL 2025 edition, there are opportunities for a lot of exciting newcomers to play and show the world what they are built of.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricket prodigy from Bihar, has created a massive buzz. Suryavanshi is the youngest player to have been picked for Indian Premier League. Born in Tajpur village on 27 March 2011, Vaibhav is blessed with enormous talent.

Vaibhav’s journey is another tale of hardships that is ultimately yielding fruits. The father of the budding cricket identified his potential early and sold his farm back home to support his passion for cricket.

The cricketer debuted in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy at the tender age of 12, scoring 400 runs in five matches. In January 2024, Vaibhav became the youngest Indian cricketer to make a first-class debut, playing for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy. At the time of FC debut, Vaibhav was just 12 years and 284 days old.

He grabbed eyeballs with a record-breaking 62-ball century in a youth Test against Australia. And, then came the IPL 2025 selection at just 13 when he was bagged by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.1 crore. After a few weeks, he proved his mettle again in the U-19 Asia Cup and India U-19 and is now being touted as a future star of Indian cricket.

2. Musheer Khan

Musheer Khan has made a name for himself in the last couple of years, coming out of the shadow of his elder brother Sarfaraz Khan. Musheer grew up honing batting skills at Azad Maidan under the guidance of his father, Naushad Khan, a former cricketer.

At the 2024 U19 World Cup, Musheer was one of the shining lights for India racking up 360 runs. Add to that, seven wickets with his left-arm spin in the tournament proved what a valuable player he could be.

He didn’t stop there! The exploits continued in first-class cricket as Musheer smashed a double century for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024 quarter-final against Baroda.

3. Allah Ghazanfar

Allah Ghazanfar is another budding mystery spin bowler from Afghanistan. Eighteen-year-old secured a ₹4.8 crore contract with the Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2025 season. The teenage spinner caught eyeballs during the 2024 U19 World Cup, where he bamboozled batsmen with a wide range of tricks. Later in 2024, Ghazanfar added to his reputation at the Emerging Asia Cup with the ability to trouble top-order batters over the course of the tournament. Now that one of the biggest IPL franchises Mumbai Indians is backing him, sure he is one to watch out for in the future.

4. Gurjapneet Singh

Gurjapneet Singh is a tall fast bowler who has been bagged by Chennai Super Kings for a whopping INR 2.2 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. The Punjab bowler moved to Chennai at 17 and was primed for success. During TNPL, he has been mentored by Ravichandran Ashwin and Yo Mahesh playing for Dindigul Dragons.

He has been a net bowler for CSK in the previous edition of the Indian Premier League. CSK management has put a trust in him this time for his ability to swing the ball consistently, both with the new and old ball.

5. Jacob Bethell

Jacob Bethell has already shown a glimpse of the cricketing talent he possesses in his short career with the England International side. Touted as the next white-ball star in England, Royal Challengers Bengaluru bagged 21-year-old Jacob Bethell for INR 2.6 crore in the IPL 2025 auction.

Bethell was impressive at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup and added to his repertoire in the following years at various levels.

Besides being a batting powerhouse, Bethell gives value to his side with accurate left-arm spin bowling and is a livewire on the field. Now, he will share the dressing room with modern masters like Virat Kohli and it may unlock all his potential in the coming years.

6. Eshan Malinga

Eshan Malinga is one of the most talked about young players from Sri Lanka. For the skill and potential Malinga possesses, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) signed him for a significant sum.

ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 threw the Sri Lankan in the limelight. He continued to impress in the Lanka Premier League and Sri Lanka A program. We may get to see something special from the fast bowler who comes from the stable of Lasith Malinga.

7. Priyansh Arya

Priyansh Arya exploits in the inaugural Delhi Premier League earlier this year put him in the spotlight. Priyash sent social media into a frenzy by hitting six consecutive sixes in an over during his 120-run innings for South Delhi Superstarz. A few months later, the 23-year-old all-rounder was acquired by Punjab Kings for a staggering Rs 3.80 Crore.

Arya made sure to back DPL performances with a successful Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign where he emerged as Delhi’s top run-scorer.

For sure, the upcoming Indian Premier League is poised to be a spectacle of cricketing skill and talent. Looking forward to these exciting young talents to burst onto the stage and showcase their potential.

India vs Australia 5th Test Match Prediction, Possible Playing XI, Stats and Records

India and Australia will lock horns one last time in the thrilling Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in the fifth test match of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). With the series lead 2-1 in favor of the hosts, there is still a lot to play for in the match.

India cricket team was handed a crushing 184-run defeat in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. They must regroup to draw the series 2-2 level and retain the BGT trophy. Moreover, the match result holds immense significance for India’s likelihood of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

India vs Australia 5th Test Match Details

Date: 3 January 2024

Start Time: Starts at 5:00 AM IST; Toss at 4:30 AM IST

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

TV Broadcaster in India: Star Sports Network

Live Streaming in India: Disney+ Hotstar

India at the SCG

India’s test record at the SCG is not great, but the tourists can draw inspiration from some inspired past performances. In 13 Tests played at the SCG, India has only a solitary win to show. The only win for Team India at this venue came in 1978.

India’s SCG Record

Matches	13
Wins	1
Losses	5
Draws	7
Highest Total	705/7 declared (2004)
Lowest Total	150 all out (2000)

Player Stats

Highest Individual Score	Sachin Tendulkar’s 241* in 2004
Most Runs (Overall)	Sachin Tendulkar – 785 runs in 9 innings
Most Runs (Current Player)	Rishabh Pant – 292 runs in 3 innings
Best Bowling Innings	Anil Kumble – 8/141 in 2004
Best Bowling Match	Anil Kumble – 12/279 in 2004

India Recent Results at the SCG

Team	Result	Margin of Result	Start Date
India	draw	–	7 Jan 2021
India	draw	–	3 Jan 2019
India	draw	–	6 Jan 2015
India	lost	inns & 68 runs	3 Jan 2012
India	lost	122 runs	2 Jan 2008

Australia at the SCG

Australia enjoys an exceptional record at the Sydeny Cricket Ground (SCG) in test cricket. In 112 matches played at the iconic ground, the Aussie have won 67, lost 32, and drawn 17.

Australia’s SCG Record

Matches	112
Won	61
Lost	28
Drawn	23
Won Batting First	28
Won Batting Second	33
Highest Total	659/4 Declared vs India in 2012
Lowest Total	42 All Out vs England in 1888

Player Stats

Category	Record Holder	Score/Wickets
Highest Individual Score	Michael Clarke	329*
Most Runs (Overall)	Ricky Ponting	1480 runs
Most Runs (Current)	Steve Smith	1059 runs
Most Wickets (Overall)	Shane Warne	64 wickets
Most Wickets (Current)	Nathan Lyon	48 wickets

Australia Recent Results at the SCG

Year	Match	Result
2024	Australia vs Pakistan	AUS won by 8 wickets
2023	Australia vs South Africa	Match drawn
2023	Australia vs England	Match drawn
2021	Australia vs India	Match drawn
2020	Australia vs New Zealand	AUS won by 279 runs

India’s Probable XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal: India’s leading run-scorer this series with 359 runs at an average of 51.
Rohit Sharma (C): Rohit Sharma has struggled for form but will keep his place at the top of the batting order.
KL Rahul: KL Rahul has had a successful stint at the top of the batting order but he will continue to bat No. 3.
Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli has scored a hundred in the series and would look to add another in this IND vs AUS test.
Rishabh Pant (wk): Rishabh Pant has memorable performances at this venue – 159* in 2019 and 97 in 2021.
Ravindra Jadeja: The experienced all-rounder is likely to keep his place in the side despite modest performances in the BGT series so far.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Nitish has been a consistent performer with the bat lower down the order and would be brimming with confidence heading into the Sydney test.
Washington Sundar: Washington Sundar has shown value with both bat and ball.
Akash Deep: Akash Deep can play as the third seamer for Team India.
Jasprit Bumrah: With 30 wickets at an average of 12.83 in the bag, Jasprit Bumrah would look to another match-winning performance here.
Mohammed Siraj: Siraj has had a mixed bag on the tour so far but with limited options, he will be India’s second seam bowler.

Australia’s Probable XI

Sam Konstas: The youngster impressed everyone with his fearless approach on debut and is one to watch out for here.
Usman Khawaja: Usman Khawaja has had an average series but he would look to draw confidence from a stellar record at this venue.
Marnus Labuschagne: Marnus Labuschagne looked in good touch in the last match and would look to build on the recent return in form.
Steve Smith: Steve Smith the in-form Aussie batsman and would look to cash in at his home ground.
Travis Head: India’s nemesis in recent years, Head is the leading run-scorer in the BGT 2024-25 series with 443 runs at a batting average of 58.
Mitchell Marsh: Mitchell Marsh has not had the best of series but would keep his place in the side for the balance he provides to the XI.
Alex Carey (wk): Alex Carey has been reliable with the gloves and has put in some vital performances.
Pat Cummins (C): Pat Cummins has led from the front, contributing with both ball and lower down the batting order.
Mitchell Starc/Jhye Richardson: There is a question mark over Mitchell Starc’s fitness and if deemed unfit, Jhye Richardson or Sean Abbott is likely to come in.
Nathan Lyon: Nathan Lyon is Australia’s most successful bowler at the SCG and would look to exploit bowling conditions.
Scott Boland: Scott Boland has not let Aussie miss Josh Hazlewood and remains as big a threat for the tourists.

How Can India Qualify for the World Test Championship Final?

India’s road to the World Test Championship (WTC) final is still open. For India to secure their place in the WTC 2025 final at Lord’s, the team must secure a win in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. At the same time, India would root for Sri Lanka to defeat Australia in their upcoming series so that Australia drops WTC points for India to move up the WTC points table.

The stage is set for the high-stakes encounter! With pride to salvage and a spot in the WTC final to secure, expect a hard-fought battle between the two evenly matched teams at the SCG.

Top 10 Highest Paid Athletes in the World

Sport is turning out to be one of the most lucrative professions worldwide. Year after year we see record-breaking earnings as athletes across various disciplines reach new financial heights. Here’s a sneak peek into the top 10 highest paid athletes in 2024.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2024

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 highest-paid athletes in 2024, including their total earnings, on-field earnings, and off-field earnings

	Athlete	Sport	Total Earnings in INR	On-Field Earnings (INR)	Off-Field Earnings (INR)
1	Cristiano Ronaldo	Soccer	₹2081 Crore	₹16,00,00,000	₹4,81,00,000
2	Jon Rahm	Golf	₹1712 Crore	₹15,84,00,000	₹1,60,00,000
3	Lionel Messi	Soccer	₹1074 Crore	₹4,60,00,000	₹5,60,00,000
4	LeBron James	Basketball	₹990 Crore	₹3,86,00,000	₹6,40,00,000
5	Giannis Antetokounmpo	Basketball	₹873 Crore	₹3,68,00,000	₹4,60,00,000
6	Kylian Mbappé	Soccer	₹881 Crore	₹7,20,00,000	₹1,60,00,000
7	Neymar	Soccer	₹864 Crore	₹5,60,00,000	₹2,20,00,000
8	Karim Benzema	Soccer	₹864 Crore	₹7,20,00,000	₹40,00,000
9	Stephen Curry	Basketball	₹797 Crore	₹3,86,00,000	₹3,60,00,000
10	Lamar Jackson	American Football	₹790 Crore	₹7,88,00,000	₹1,60,00,000

The above figures are approximate conversions from USD to INR

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be at the top of the highest-paid athletes list in 2024. The Portuguese footballer has a total earning of approximately ₹2081 crore INR. CR7’s on-field earnings from his contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia amounts to ₹16 billion. Off the field, the Sports Legend Ronaldo earns an additional ₹4.81 billion from brand endorsements and personal ventures.

Jon Rahm

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has exponentially increased his earnings to catapult to #2 on this list this year. The total earnings of the golfer stand at ₹1712 Crore. His on-field earnings stand at ₹15.84 billion, primarily from his performance in the LIV Golf Tour. Other off-field activities and endorsements contribute ₹1.6 billion to his income.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is arguably the most popular footballer of all time. The Argentine ranks third in the list with total earnings of ₹1074 crore INR. For his contract with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi earns ₹4.6 billion. From endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and Apple, the football wizard adds another ₹5.6 billion to his income.

LeBron James

NBA superstar LeBron James stands fourth in this list of highest paid athletes worldwide. The basketball star earns ₹990 Crore with his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers contributing ₹3.86 billion. James’ business ventures and endorsements add another ₹6.4 billion to his total income.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Greek basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo is fifth on the list with total earnings of ₹873 Crore. His on-field contract with the Milwaukee Bucks gives him ₹3.68 billion while brand endorsements like Nike and WhatsApp add another ₹4.6 billion to his total income and earnings.

Kylian Mbappé

The FIFA World Cup-winning French superstar Kylian Mbappé ranks sixth in this tally. The striker has total earnings of around ₹881 crore in which his on-field earnings from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) contribute ₹7.2 billion. From the brand endorsements and off-field activities, Mbappé makes another ₹1.6 billion to add to his income.

Neymar Jr

The Brazilian football sensation, Neymar Jr ranks seventh with total earnings of ₹864 crore. PSG contract gives Neymar ₹5.6 billion while endorsements add another ₹2.2 billion to Nemar Jr’s income and earnings.

Karim Benzema

French footballer and forward Karim Benzema is in the eighth position in this list with a total earnings of ₹864 crore. From Saudi Pro League stint at Al-Ittihad fetches Benzema ₹7.2 billion while brand endorsements contribute ₹400 million.

Stephen Curry

NBA star Stephen Curry stands ninth with total earnings of ₹797 crore wherein his contract with the Golden State Warriors gives him ₹386 billion. The lucrative endorsement deals add ₹360 million to Stephen Curry’s income and earnings.

Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson is one of the highest paid American Football players. The star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens has a total income and earnings of ₹790 Crore. His Baltimore Ravens’ contract earns him ₹7.88 billion while endorsement deals get him an additional ₹160 million.