Understanding Khelo India: Empowering Youth Athletes In India

Behind the big sporting success of any country, be it the USA or China, there’s a robust grassroots system. This is the structure on which the whole sports system depends for continued success. In this grassroot set-up, talent doesn’t go unnoticed, and there are enough opportunities for aspiring athletes to showcase their skills. India lags behind in terms of creating opportunities for young athletes, especially in 2nd-tier cities and remote villages. Because of the lack of a streamlined structure, we lose a lot of talent to obscurity. We can’t even imagine the immense talent India has, and yet, there’s no proper system to unearth it.

However, in 2018, the government of India took a step to overhaul the grassroot set-up. This initiative was called Khelo India program. It’s main objective to help sportspersons in every way possible, whether you are a young athlete looking to start your sports journey, or someone looking to become a coach. Through this program, the Indian government wants to foster a sporting culture, like Europe, where it’s seen as a solid career option. So, let’s try to understand Khelo India, which is empowering young athletes in India.

Also Read: Gadgets Every Athlete Should Know

Khelo India Program

As highlighted above, Khelo India is India’s flagship sports program that promotes sports at the grassroots level and aims to create robust sports ecosystem in the country. In total, there are 1059 Khelo India Centres (KICs) set up in 36 states and union territories across a total of 747 districts. These centres act as a platform to identify local talent and nurture it so that no possible champion goes unnoticed due to geographical location or economic background.

In addition, the Khelo India program has set up 32 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) across 31 States and Union Territories. These world-class facilities offer curated training to athletes across all sports, helping them unlock their full potential.

Main Objectives of Khelo India Program

Khelo India’s objective is to unearth talent and give them a platform to become world-class athletes. Let’s explore more:

  • Unearth talent and nurture them: Through various schemes and initiatives, Khelo India program helps in identifying talented athletes across the country, especially from rural areas, and give them access to resources and opportunities.
  • Infrastructure Development: Another objective of Khelo India program is to construct and upgrade sports facilities, including stadiums, training centers, and sports academies to create a professional environment for regional and national-level athletes.
  • Sports Education: Through Khelo India, the government is also trying to integrate sports in the school curriculum. This way, new opportunities will be opening up for students away from the field, such as sports journalism, sports management and more.
  • Fitness Awareness: Khelo India is also promoting a fitness related program named Fit India Movement, which encourages people, of every age, to indulge in activities such as Running.
  • Promoting Grassroots Participation: Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) and Khelo India University Games (KIUG) are part of the grassroot program aimed at the young budding athletes to showcase their talent.

Positive Impact of Khelo India on India’s Sports Success

Khelo India is still new to have a larger impact like the sports system in the USA, China, or Australia. But in only six years, this program has helped many athletes, with some of them going on to represent India at the global stage.

  • Olympics 2024: Out of India’s 117 contingent, 28 athletes were from the Khelo India program, which signifies the success of this sports initiative.
  • 2022 Asian Games: At the 2022 Asian Games in China, 124 out of 644 Indian athletes were from Khelo India Program. These athletes helped India win 42 medals at the event, which again highlights the program’s ongoing success.
  • Identifying Talent: Around 2781 athletes have been identified under the Khelo India Scheme.These athletes are also given support through coaching, equipment, medical care, and a monthly Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA).
  • Paralympics: In addition, out of 84 para-athletes who represented India at the Para Olympic 2024, 25 athletes came from Khelo India Scheme. It was India’s most successful paralympic campaaign as Indian athletes secured a record-breaking 29 medals—7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze. This was possible only due to Khelo India initiative.

More Opportunities for Athletes

Since its inception in 2018, the government of India has invested around ₹3616 in the program, which shows the government’s commitment to make this program a success.

  • Since 2018, there have been 15 Khelo India Games, which means, more opportunities for young athletes to rub shoulders against each other.
  • Out of these 15 games, 6 were Khelo India Youth Games, 4 were Khelo India University Games, 4 were Khelo India Winter Games, and 1 was Khelo India Para Games.
  • Over 1000 talented athletes have been identified from these competitions.
  • Khelo India has also set up a total of 302 Accredited Academies, over 1000 Khelo India Centres, and 32 Khelo India State Centers of Excellence.

Significant Opportunities for young athletes

  • Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG): A multi-disciplinary sports event for athletes under 17 years and for those below 21 years.
  • Khelo India University Games (KIUG): Gamed for athletes studying in universities.
  • Khelo India Fitness Assessment Program: To assess and strategize improvement on the fitness grounds of school-going children.

Financial Support Through Khelo India

Not only Khelo India program is creating opportunities for aspiring athletes at the various level, but athletes are also getting financial help from this scheme.

As per a report on Khelo India’s official website, talented players identified in various sports disciplines at will be getting annual financial assistance of INR 5 lakh per annum for 8 years. That’s massive. truly.

Conclusion

The Khelo India program is the evidence of India’s attempt to emerge as a global sports powerhouse. Such initiatives empower youth and establish a sporting culture across the nation. Also, the program is helping athletes with finances, which is the biggest driving factor for every human. If the program can penetrate into 2nd tier cities and villages, then the impact could be unfathomable, as there’s no dearth of talent in the country.

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BGT 2024-25: IND vs AUS 2nd Test Pre-match Analysis and Team Predictions

The upcoming India vs Australia second Test at Adelaide promises to be a thriller after India’s dominant win in the first test. India enters the second Test brimming with confidence and eyeing another victory.

The second test will be played under the lights with the pink ball. Here’s an in-depth look at IND vs AUS 2nd Test Pre-match Analysis and Team Predictions for BGT 2024-25.

Australia vs India Test Head-to-Head

(Last 5 Matches)

ResultDate
India won by 295 runs22 November 2024
Australia won by 209 runs7 June 2023
Match drawn9 March 2023
Australia won by 9 wickets1 March 2023
India won by 6 wickets17 February 2023

India Cricket Team in Pink Ball Test

Indian cricket team played their first pink ball test in 2019, hosting Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. India defeated Bangladesh to pass the first pink ball test with flying colors. To date, India has played four pink-ball Tests.

ResultOppositionVenueYear
Won by innings & 46 runsBangladeshEden Gardens2019
Lost by 8 wicketsAustraliaAdelaide2020
Won by 10 wicketsEnglandAhmedabad2021
Won by 238 runsSri LankaBengaluru2022

India’s Key Stats and Records in Pink Ball Tests

  • Highest Team Score: 347/9 declared (vs. Bangladesh, 2019)
  • Lowest Team Score: 36 all out (vs. Australia, 2020)
  • Leading Run-Scorer: Virat Kohli with 277 runs in four matches
  • Leading Wicket-Taker: Ravichandran Ashwin with 18 wickets

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Australian Cricket Team in Pink Ball Test

When it comes to the day-night tests, Australia is one of the most successful teams. Since their first day-night Test against New Zealand at Adelaide in 2015, Australia has asserted dominance in this particular ball game. To date, they have won a total of 11 matches out of 12 in day-night tests. 

Key Player Stats ahead of IND vs AUS 2nd Test basis recent form

Batsmen to watch out for

PlayerTeamMatchesRunsBatting Average
Mitchell MarshAUS1065741.06
Usman KhawajaAUS1059931.53
Yashasvi JaiswalIND10115764.28
Shubman GillIND873756.69

Bowlers to watch out for

PlayerTeamMatchesWicketsStrike Rate
Mitchell StarcAUS103846.18
Nathan LyonAUS83644.52
Ravichandran AshwinIND94040.27
Ravindra JadejaIND83936.64

What happened in the last day-night test between India and Australia? 

The last day-night test between India and Australia was in December 2020. It is remembered for the infamous 36 all-out as India was bowled out to their lowest total in Test cricket.

The match had begun with India getting to a respectable 244 in the first innings. In reply, Australia conceded India a lead of 53 runs, having bowled out for 191. The second innings of the test was embarrassing for India as Josh Hazlewood (5/8) ripped through Indian batting. With only 90 to get, Australia secured a comfortable 8-wicket victory.

What to Expect in India vs Australia 2024 day-night Test?

India vs Australia is arguably the biggest cricket rivalry. The fans are in for a treat when these two cricketing heavyweights lock horns in the day-night test at Adelaide, starting on 6 December 2024. 

Rohit Sharma returns after missing the first test due to personal reasons, Virat Kohli is back in form and Yashasvi Jaiswal shining bright. India has an assured batting lineup heading into the contest. Pace trio have asserted dominance over the Aussies in their backyard and with Ravichandran Ashwin’s proven record with pink ball, India has all bases covered 

Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

On the other hand, Australia are banking on their pink ball track record and experienced bowlers. Aussies are a great exponent of pink ball’s extra swing and seam movement and present a new challenge before Indian batsmen. However, they will sorely miss Josh Hazlewood who has been ruled out with an injury.

One thing for sure, it will be a high-octane cricket contest between the equals. Make sure you tune in and witness history as it unfolds.

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What makes the Pink Ball Test different from the Red Ball test?

  1. Under lights: The traditional test cricket has always been played with the red ball (red cherry ball). The day-night test/pink ball test was played in 2015 to target white-ball audiences who enjoy watching cricket under lights.
  2. No Draws: There has not been any instance of a drawn match in day-night tests thus far. All pink-ball tests have produced results.
  3. Challenging Twilight Period: The players who have played in day-night tests often talk about how the transition between daylight and artificial lights proves challenging. During the twilight period, the batsmen often struggle with the visibility of the ball while the bowlers get more swing to pose threats to their counterparts.

PM XI vs India Practice Match Key Performances

India cricket team had thorough practice at a pink-ball warm-up against the Prime Minister XI at Manuka Oval. After a washed-out Day 1 of the two-day match, it was a 50-over-a-side match.

India would be pleased with performances like Harshit Rana’s 4/44, Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 50, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 45, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s 42 off 32 balls and Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 42. With much-needed practice, India looks sharp and acclimatized for the Adelaide day-night Test against Australia.

Probable Australia Playing XI

Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitch Starc, Pat Cummins, Natan Lyon, Scott Boland

Australia’s Test Squad 

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

Probable India Playing XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Reddy, Ravi Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah

India’s Test Squad

Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal

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Wearable Tech in Sports: Gadgets Every Athlete Should Know

The world we are living in is changing at an exponential rate, and at the center of all the big changes is the evolution of technology. Think about what was happening a decade ago. It was an age of smart apps. Every day, it seemed, an app was being launched which was making people’s lives easy. Now think about today’s world—it’s all about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Now, we are at the age where we are talking about things such as smart fabrics and implantable sensors which can diagnose or monitor a condition. That’s insane.

The sports field is no different. Now the athletes are leveraging the technological advancements to improve their overall performance. There are gadgets that can track an athlete’s sleep pattern, his food habits, his stress level, and much more.

In simple words, technology is revolutionizing the sports industry. There are tools that can enhance performance, prevent injuries, and optimize training. These days, an athlete, at all levels, from beginners to professionals, must use these gadgets, if he is to improve his performance. Here’s a guide to some of the most impactful gadgets in wearable sports tech.

Also Read: Essential Strength Training Equipment Every Athlete Needs

Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches

Fitness trackers are changing the way athletes are training these days. Everything can be tracked with the use of technology. Devices like the Garmin Forerunner series, Fitbit Charge 6, and Apple Watch Ultra provide real-time data on heart rate, step count, distance, calories burned, and even oxygen levels. Then there are some advanced tools that can monitor recovery times an athlete take after a match or an intense work out, and then these tools can suggest training routines to as per performance data.

Why an athlete should use Fitness trackers and smartwatches?

  • Sleep Tracking
  • Stress Monitoring
  • Skin Temperature
  • Step Counting
  • Calories Intake and Burn count
  • GPS Tracking

Heart Rate Monitors

Heart rate monitors are advanced tools that an athlete can use to measure and track heart rate in real-time. These heart rate monitors are wearable devices that can be used by anyone. Some of the best heart-rate monitors are Polar H10 and the Garmin HRM-Pro. These gadgets are especially designed to maximize performance in endurance sports like cycling and running. They can analyze heart rate variability, and can provide insights into stress levels and recovery needs.

Why an athlete should use Heart Rate Monitors?

  • Track Real-time heart rates
  • Help optimize work-out intensity
  • Monitor Recovery
  • Detect Abnormalities in heart-beat
  • Improve performance
  • Track Calories Burned

Types of Heart Rate Monitors

  • Chest-Strap Monitors
  • Wrist-Based Monitors
  • Arm or Hand Monitors

Smart Rings

Smart rings are in high demand due to their compact wearable design and the impact they can have on an athlete’s day-to-day activities. They are small in size and come with a variety of features. Oura Ring and the new Amazfit Helio are amongst the best in terms of keeping a track on track sleep patterns, readiness scores, and physical activity. While some Smart Rings such as Evie Smart Ring offer AI-driven insights to help athletes optimize workouts.​

Why an athlete should use Smart Rings?

  • Menstrual Cycle Tracking
  • Body Temperature Monitoring
  • Stress and Recovery Tracking
  • Blood Oxygen Monitoring
  • Sleep Tracking
  • Goal setting and feedback

GPS Sensors and Motion Trackers

If you are into teams sports than using GPS-enabled gadgets like the Catapult Sports PlayerTek Vest and Garmin Enduro 2 could be the ultimate difference maker. These gadgets can track location, speed, and movement patterns of an athlete and teams. Velocity-based training (VBT) devices are also gaining popularity as they can monitor training efficiency.

Why an athlete should use GPS Sensors and Motion Trackers?

  • Real-time data collection
  • Technique Improvement
  • Positional Awareness
  • Load Monitoring
  • Recovery Insights
  • Biomechanical Feedback
  • Fatigue Monitoring

Sleep Trackers

Forget about the diet and the intense work-out, if an athlete is not getting quality sleep, then he won’t be able to give his 100%. Sleep is essential for keeping mind stress free and during recovery. It’s as essential as the diet. Sleep depends on a variety of factors like the environment, stress and habits. But thankfully, devices like the Withings Sleep Analyzer and sleep-focused features can monitor sleep cycles and quality. With the help of Insights from these gadgets, an athlete can improve recovery and overall performance​.

Why an athlete should use Sleep Trackers?

  • Track Sleep Stages
  • Monitor Sleep Duration
  • Detect Sleep Disruptions
  • Measure Heart Rate
  • Monitor Respiratory Rate
  • Analyze Sleep Environment
  • Can Wake Gently

Recovery-Focused Gadgets

Recovery plays a huge role in the life of an athlete. Irrespective of the sport an athlete is playing, the way sports calendar is constructed, with games every 3-4 days, athletes have to recover fast in order to remain at the peak of their powers. Now with the help of gadgets like the Whoop Strap, athletes now can track heart rate variability, sleep quality, and strain to to keep a track on their recovery cycle. Gadgets such as Hyperice Normatec Boots, use air compression to enhance circulation and reduce muscle soreness.

Why an athlete should use Recovery-Focused Gadgets?

  • Real-Time feedback
  • Improve Muscle Recovery
  • Enhance Circulation and reduce swelling
  • Monitor Recovery Metrics
  • Relieve tension and pain
  • Boost Relaxation and mental recovery
  • Optimize Training Cycles

Biomechanical Analysis Wearables

With the help of Biomechanical Analysis Gadgets, athletes now can monitor and analyze their movement patterns and based on the insights, they can improve their performance. These devices can track if an athlete is over-running, or needs more recovery time before hitting the field or the zym. These gadgets, such as RunScribe Pods, are equipped with accelerometers and gyroscopes, that can analyze running mechanics like stride length, and ground contact time.

Why an athlete should use Biomechanical Analysis Wearables?

  • Motion Tracking
  • Offers performance metrics such as running, cycling
  • Load and force monitoring
  • Injury Prevention
  • Rehabilitation and recovery
  • Sport-Specific insights

Injury Prevention Devices

Lebron James and Cristiano Ronaldo are still playing at the top level because they have managed to look after body better than their compatriots. That means, they had less injury issues during their career. Injuries can never be predicted but an athlete should be prepared for the setbacks related to injuries. Thankfully, we are living in an age when there are wearable tech that can hep in this regard.

Why an athlete should use Injury Prevention Devices?

  • Monitor and Analyze Movement
  • Reduce Impact and Stress
  • Manage Training Loads
  • Support Recovery and Muscle Protection
  • Environmental Adaptation

Future Trends in Wearable Sports Technologies

Indeed, technology is making life way more easy for everyone than what we might have envisioned a decade ago. The technological evolution started with apps in smart phones and now it’s shifting towards the next wave of technology, which is the AI. With improved biometric analysis, the data generated from AI would be a game-changer.

Now, we are living in an age where the gadgets we are wearing can make the biggest of the difference. Improving performance and inculcating new habits that bring positive impacts in your sport is possible by choosing the devices that fit your needs.

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India vs Australia 2025: 1st Test Match Analysis and Key Performance

Indian National Cricket Team has scripted history Down Under, hammering Australia by 295 Runs in Perth. Under the stand-in captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah, Indian Cricket pulled off one of the most iconic overseas Test victories in the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 

India vs Australia 2025: 1st Test Match Analysis 

Captain Jasprit Bumrah put on an inspired performance, as he always does with the ball. The fast bowler claimed eight wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. 

India were battered in the first day of the Perth Test, having bowled out for a meager 150 to start the tour. Then Jaspirt Bumrah proved why he is the best bowler in the world, pegging Aussies back with a fiery spell of fast bowling.

It was one of the best bowling performances in an overseas Test by an Indian captain. Let’s dive into detail as the action unfolded on each day of the test match.

Day 1: India off to the worst possible start with the bat, Bumrah to the rescue 

India was welcomed to Australian shores with a spicy pitch. India won the toss and elected to bat first in bowling-friendly conditions. In the first session, India were reeling and found themselves in a spot of bother. Eventually, India were bundled for a modest total of 150. 

In reply, Australia too had some trouble coping with a lethal spell of fast bowling from the Indian pace trio of Bumrah, Siraj, and Rana. In particular, Jasprit Bumrah breathed fire to reduce Australia to 67/7 at the end of Day 1.

Day 2: Jaiswal & KL Rahul stitch together a record partnership

It was not long before India wrapped Australia’s first innings for 104 on Day 2. After the bowlers helped ICT get back in the match, the onus was on batsmen now to assert dominance over the Oz. The Indian opening duo of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal frustrated the experienced Australian pace attack for the entire day and went unbeaten at the stumps on the second day.

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Day 3: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli centuries put India in Driver’s Seat

India’s openers resumed from where they had left and piled runs. A record-breaking 201-run partnership between the two is the highest opening partnership by a visiting team in Australia since 1991.

Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) scored a scintillating hundred on his first test outing in Australia. Virat Kohli also racked up his 30th Test century to add misery for the hosts and bat them out of the match. The declaration came at 487/6d, setting Australia an imposing target of 534 runs.

Photo by Izhar Khan/Getty Images

The mighty Aussies faltered under pressure once again in the second innings. At the end of Day 3, Australia’s score read 12/3

Day 4: India breach Perth fortress, set the tone for BGT 2024-25 series

Australians started tentatively in the pursuit of 534 on Day 4 morning. However, the scoreboard pressure was too much and the Indian Cricket Team kept getting wickets at regular intervals. Baring Travis Head’s resistance, there wasn’t much to stop India as Australia eventually folded well short of the target.

5 Reasons India’s Perth Test 2024 Win is One of the Greatest

  1. Historic Margin: It was India Cricket Team’s third-largest Test win by runs on foreign soil.
  2. WTC Table Toppers: The win gives a huge boost to India’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final as they assert dominance at the top of the World Championship 2023-25 points table.
  3. Rare Feat in Australia: Winning the opening Test of a series Down Under is indeed a rare achievement. The first test win in a series in Australia was last achieved by India during the 2018-19 series.
  4. Comeback for the ages: Only once before had a team managed to win by a bigger margin after scoring 150 or less in their first innings — West Indies’ 343-run victory against Australia in Bridgetown, 1991.

India eye 3rd Back-to-Back BGT win in Australia

Most cricket pundits and experts doubted India’s chances at one of the fastest wickets (Optus Stadium, Perth) in Australia. India has defied all odds in the first test and with the return of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, there will be a confidence boost ahead of the second test.

Cricket fans around the world have been treated to a thrilling start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and for sure there will be no dearth of entertainment further.

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Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Schedule

Starting DateMatch DetailsVenueResult/Start Time
22 November 2024India vs Australia, 1st TestPerth Stadium, PerthIndia won by 295 runs
7:50 AM IST
10:20 AM LOCAL
30 November 2024Prime Ministers XI vs India, 2-day Warm-up MatchManuka Oval, CanberraIndia won by 6 wickets
9:10 AM IST
02:40 PM LOCAL
6 December 2024Australia vs India, 2nd TestAdelaide Oval, Adelaide9:30 AM IST
2:30 PM LOCAL
14 December 2024Australia vs India, 3rd TestThe Gabba, Brisbane5:50 AM IST
10:20 AM LOCAL
26 December 2024Australia vs India, 4th TestMelbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne5:00 AM IST
10:30 AM LOCAL
3 January 2024Australia vs India, 5th TestSydney Cricket Ground, Sydney5:00 AM IST
10:30 AM LOCAL

How to Watch India vs Australia Test Series 2024 Live

Watch the India vs Australia Test series live action on Disney+ Hotstar – complete coverage of the matches, live commentary, expert analysis, and match highlights. 

Those looking for TV information can watch BGT live telecast on Star Sports TV channels. Star Sports 1 HD/SD or Star Sports 2 HD/SD can be tuned in for English commentary while Star Sports Hindi HD/SD will telecast Border Gavaskar Trophy matches coverage in Hindi.

Besides, you can enjoy Australia vs India Test series live on DD Sports without any subscription.

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Key Events for Women in Sports in 2025

As we get ready to welcome 2025, the calendar is already set to host multiple high-profile women’s sports and tournaments scheduled across several disciplines. From Cricket to Rugby and Football, different disciplines are all set to host their major tournaments. As the year 2025 is set to be a monumental one for women in sports, let us discuss four key events for women in sports in 2025 and explore their significance on the world stage.

ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (May 2025, India)

The International Cricket Council is all set to host the 13th edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. The tournament will take place in May, and this will be the fourth edition in the country. Australia are the defending champions as they won their 7th title in 2022 in New Zealand against England. The Aussie women defeated the English women by 71 runs at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch to claim the elusive title for the 7th time. The ICC is yet to decide the venues and schedule for the 2025 Women’s World Cup as it is too early.

Also Read: Know everything about India’s first ESports Academy

UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 (July 2–27, Switzerland)

Switzerland will be hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro Cup in 2025 for the first time in history.- This would be the 14th edition of the tournament. The tournament comprising 16 teams, will be hosted across 8 cities in Switzerland, namely- Basel, Bern, Thun, Sion, Geneva, Zurich, St. Gallen, and Lucerne. The English team is the favorite to lift the cup yet again, having won the previous edition in 2022.

Women’s Rugby World Cup (September 2025, England)

The Women’s 2025 Rugby World Cup is one of the most awaited women’s sporting events of the year. The 10th edition is all set to be hosted in England from 22nd August to 27th September. The tournament will be played between 16 teams with New Zealand entering as the defending champions. They won the last edition at home in 2021 against England. The World Cup will be hosted across 8 cities including London, Exeter, Sunderland, Northampton, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Manchester, and York. The opening game will be played between the hosts England and the United States of America at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on August 22. The final will take place at the famous Twickenham Stadium in London on 27th September which capacitates 82,000 people.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 29: Sadia Kabeya of England wins a lineout during the TikTok Women’s Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on April 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

UEFA Women’s Nations League 2025 (Second Leg 22-28 October, 2025)

The UEFA Women’s Nations League 2025 will be running throughout the year and will comprise multiple high-stake matches. The league phase will be contested between February and June, whereas, the finals will take place between October and December. The results of this tournament will be essential in determining the league phase for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Qualifiers slated to take place in Brazil. Check out some of the key dates of the tournament.

Key Dates:

  • Finals Draw: June 6, 2025
  • Semi-Finals: October 20–28, 2025 (two legs)

Third-Place Playoff: November 26–December 2, 2025 (two legs)

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National Coaching Scheme: Government’s Efforts To Build A Strong Coaching Infrastructure

For every successful athlete, there’s a coach who transformed his career, and made him a champion. In a robust sports ecosystem, quality coaching is as important as unearthing talent. From decision-making to the thought process, coaches directly influence the players in more aspects than one can imagine. Cricket has become a cultural identity for India because we are successful in this sport.

If Tendulkar is retiring, then there’s a Kohli, and now Jaiswal and Gill look ready to take over the reins. And this is down to quality of coaching which keeps producing talent. Other sports needs to do some catching up in making the system more streamlined for coaches and athletes.

Thankfully, the Government of India has put emphasis upon building a stronger coaching infrastructure through various initiatives through the National Coaching Scheme (NCS). The NCS is operated under the aegis of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and is a proven vehicle for development and implementation of various initiatives aimed at coaching and talent development in the country.

Let’s highlights what the National Coaching Scheme is all about and how different programs can impact sports ecosystem in India.

Also read: How to maintain a balanced diet as an athlete?

The National Coaching Scheme

Started in the 1980s, the National Coaching Scheme is a flagship program to recruit, train, and deploy qualified coaches across India. The program is administered through Sports Authority of India and provides a structured way of professional development for coaches.

Its primary objective is to contribute to developing a world-class sporting ecosystem at the grassroots, through talent identification and athlete preparation for global competitions. Coaches through NCS are deployed in various sports programs at the grassroot level and directly influence India’s talent pool.

How National Coaching Scheme Affect India’s Sports Ecosystem

1. Khelo India Program

India’s flagship sports program at the grassroot level. Khelo India was launched in 2018 to to develop and nurture sports talent.

The trained coaches under the NCS work in the Khelo India Programs. So these coaches have a direct impact on the life of an athlete. If the coach lacks in critical thinking or let’s day, isn’t updated with the modern training drills, chances are, he will be producing average athletes.

2. SAI Training Centers (STCs)

Sports Authority of India (SAI) is an apex sports body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. It’s objective is to promote sports and achieving sporting excellence at the National and International level.

Just like Khelo India, the NCS assigns its coaches at SAI Training Centres which are spread across the country. These coaches play a critical role in mentoring and developing athletes at the international and national levels.

3. Special Area Games (SAG) Scheme

These scheme promotes sports in tribal, rural and remote areas. Coaches hired under NCS then visit SAG centres to scout, identify and nurture talent in traditional and indigenous sports. Such initiatives play a critical role in India’s sports ecosystem and it’s success depend on coaches’ ability to identify talent and mold them into world beaters.

4. National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs)

These are top-notch centers of elite training which prepares athletes for Olympic and international events. Coaches at these top-level centres are often former players but NCS does play its role in providing performance-based training using modern technology, analytics, and sports science methods to trainers.

5. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

Although TOPS primarily caters to senior and elite athletes, it still has the NCS coaches playing a vital role. NCS coaches works with sports scientists, physiotherapist or nutritionist in achieving optimal performance for athletes.

6. Rural Sports Program

This is the program under which NCS cooperates with state governments to introduce sports in rural areas. Under this scheme, NCS coaches identify talents from rural and economically weaker sections and provide them a pathway in India’s sports ecosystem.

Positive Impact of the National Coaching Scheme

Here we highlighting the impact of National Coaching Scheme on India’s sports ecosystem:

  1. Improved Medal Performances: Although India performed poorly at the 2024 Olympics, India’s overall performance as a nation at the marquee international events like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games has improved significantly if we compare it with the period before 2000. This is down to NCS initiative.
  2. Empowering Women in Sports: Initiatives under the NCS are also focusing on empowering female athletes. Now we are seeing more and more female athletes like PV Sindhu and Mary Kom representing India at the global level.
  3. Helping In Regional Development: Schemes like the SAG and Rural Sports Program are helping in identifying the talent from remote areas, as coaches are sent specifically to far corners of India for scouting purposes.
  4. Modern Training Methods: With the help of modern training methods and equipment, NCS coaches are also helping aspiring athletes achieve their peak performance levels.

Challenges Faced by National Coaching Scheme

Despite the success, the NCS faces several challenges within India’s sports ecosystem.

  • Quality of Coaches: The supply of skilled coaches, especially in non-mainstream sports such as football, continues to fall short than demand.
  • Uneven Resource Distribution: There’s no regulations on distributing funds equally across regions. Metro cities benefit more from NCS initiatives than the remote areas, creating imbalances in access to coaching and facilities.
  • Low Pay: Money is a driving force for everybody. Coaches at the grassroot level are paid low salaries which may result in half-hearted approach towards athlete development from the coaches. A better pay can keep the coaches motivated.
  • Use of Technology: While elite centers use advanced tools, grassroots-level coaching still relies on traditional methods, leaving athletes from those regions less prepared.

Conclusion

The National Coaching Scheme is indeed a great program to improve the coaching standard in India. It helps in laying a strong foundation for sports persons looking to become a coach. But, as mentioned above, this program is not without faults. Most of India’s population reside in 2nd tier cities and villages and there’s definitely a dearth of quality coaches in those regions. Also, du to lack of a robust scouting system, a lot of talent is going unnoticed. Wheat India need is a sound coaching infrastructure, complemented by a good scouting network to make India a global sporting giant.

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India’s First Esports Academy- What it Means for Gamers

The Indian esports industry is expanding with leaps and bounds. The country is all set to get its first-ever online gaming industry named- MP State Esports Academy in Madhya Pradesh.

This marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards adopting Esports as a career option. The initiative also helps to bridge the gap between passion and professionalism for budding gamers, as this academy will offer them a structured platform for all their esports needs.

Let’s move ahead and discuss What this academy will mean to the gamers.

Also Read: Esports as a career

ESports Academy: Nurturing Talent

The MP State Esports Academy will be focusing on identifying and nurturing budding talent in the world of esports. The talented players will get access to professional coaches with cutting-edge gaming gear and training plans customized for different games, the academy will assist aspiring gamers in honing their tactics, reflexes, and collaboration. The Indian youth has been more into esports of late and the MP State Esports Academy will leave no stone unturned in nurturing the talent.

To Professionalize Esports in the Country

Gone are those days when Esports was just about casual gaming. People have started looking at Esports as a legitimate career choice. The launch of MP State Esports Academy signifies a step towards professionalizing the Esports industry in the country. The academy is all set to play a crucial role in fostering talent and setting industry standards to elevate the stature of Indian esports on the world stage.

Economic and Social Impact

Not only the gamers but also the establishment of an Esports Academy like this are testaments to the government’s recognition of esports as an evolving sector. The industry is expected to boost employment and investment in the sector and foster a vibrant gaming community. Also, this initiative may inspire other states and cities to launch similar academies and expand the Esports community in the country.

Prospects other than Gaming

The academy not only focuses on training players and making them compete at the highest level. It also aims to create an ecosystem for the e-gaming industry by offering players training in the fields of game development, content creation, streaming, and event management. This approach will open doors for diverse career opportunities for all enthusiasts.

With the growing popularity of esports, the demand for skilled professionals in the field will be upright. Contributing to the industry in various capacities will serve as a launchpad for enthusiasts who can then look for dispersed opportunities in the field.

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Mohammad Kaif Biography: Early Life, Cricket Career, Stats, Wife, Coaching, Politics, Commentary

Mohammad Kaif is a renowned former Indian cricketer, commentator and coach. When it comes to the best fielder Indian cricket has seen, Mohd Kaif is one of the first names on the list.

Birth Date1 December 1980
CityAllahabad, Uttar Pradesh
SiblingsM Saif (Brother)
FatherM Tarif
Teams Played ForIndia, California Knights, Gloucestershire, India Maharajas, Kings XI Punjab, Leicestershire, Manipal Tigers, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Uttar Pradesh

Early Life

Mohammad Kaif hails from Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh. He was born to M Tarif, a professional cricketer who played for Uttar Pradesh and Railways. Like Kaif, his brother Mohammad Saif is a professional cricketer who has played for the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh cricket teams. Coming from a family with a cricket background, Kaif was drawn to the sport at an early age.

Related Top 5 Esports Games Popular in India

Cricket Career

Mohammad Kaif was a great talent and was always touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket. He got his first break early, in the U-19 Cricket World Cup in 2000. He led India Colts to a World Cup win in the tournament and was fast-tracked into the national team.

Kaif got his Test debut cap in March 2000 against South Africa and debuted in ODI cricket in January 2002. Kaif represented India in 13 Tests and 125 ODIs in his successful India career.

Kaif featured in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The highlight of his cricketing career was a record partnership alongside Yuvraj Singh in the 2002 NatWest Trophy tri-series final against England as he helped India chase down a mammoth 326 with 87* (off 75 balls).

Cricket Career Stats

FormatMatchesRunsHighest ScoreAverage100s50s
Tests13624148*32.8413
ODIs1252753111*32.01217

Related 5 Essential Drills Every Cricketer Should Master

Personal Life

Mohammad Kaif is married to Pooja Yadav, a journalist by profession. They met in 2007 at a party through mutual friends. After a relationship of 4 years, they tied the knot in 2011 in a private ceremony. The couple has two children.

Photo by Manoj Verma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

Coaching

Mohammad Kaif has been seen taking up several coaching roles in recent years. A natural thinker and leader, he has helped IPL teams like Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) in a coaching role.

Related A Beginner’s Guide to Sports Nutrition for Indian Athletes

Commentary

Commentary is another role that keeps Mohammad Kaif involved deeply in the sport. He has been entertaining cricket fans with insightful commentary stints during International and domestic matches.

Politics

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif forayed into politics for a brief period. In 2014, the cricketer contested in the Lok Sabha polls from Phulpur, Uttar Pradesh, on a Congress ticket but was unsuccessful.

Photo by Sheeraz Rizvi/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

Mohammad Kaif remains one of the most celebrated figures in the Indian cricket fraternity and an admired athlete in India.

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The Growth of Esports: Career Opportunities in the Gaming World

From being a pastime niche, to a career opportunity, esports has come a long way to become a global phenomenon. Not so long ago, it was once considered a fad for games, but it has now turned into a billion-dollar business. From professional gaming, production, management, and marketing and coaching, there are promising careers up for grabs within this esports ecosystem. But it takes more than just having a passion for gaming, one has to be technologically sound as well to enjoy a fulfilling career.

Also Read: Revenue models in professional sports league in India

Numbers Backing Exponential Growth of Esports

This is not an exaggeration but esports has grown at an exponential rate, fueled by technological advancements, internet accessibility, and the ever-increasing video gaming culture. Here is an overview of the numbers backing that discussion

  • The global esports market is expected to reach a valuation of over $1.6 billion by 2024.
  • Games such as Diablo, Dota 2 and League of Legends World Championship draw millions of viewers worldwide.
  • Social media platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming boast robust communities where fans watch their favorite players and teams compete live.

Career Opportunities in Esports

This unprecedented growth within the Esports Ecosystem is creating a demand for professionals, who can handle various activities.

1. As a Professional Player

  • Role: Playing games for a pastime and relieve stress is a different thing than playing it professionally. Becoming a professional gamer requires skills such as faster reflexes, quick decision making, and creative thinking. Competitions are held worldwide were professional gamers participate in tournaments and leagues for games such as Fortnite, CS:GO, and Valorant.
  • Earning Potential: Big companies are always on the look out for professional gamers with great skills. Gamers are paid handsome salaries and earn sponsorships as well.
  • Challenges: There is tough competition in this field. The need to perform consistently, and the shorter lifespan of an esport player, makes this a challenging job option.

2. As a Streamer or Content Creator

  • Role: Many gamers are now making streaming their full-time career as platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming rope in audiences. Streamers entertain by playing games, and discussing a whole lot of other things to engage their users.
  • Earning Potential: Streamers like iShowSpeed earn in millions through advertising, subscriptions or sponsorships.
  • Challenges: Building your own following is hard considering a huge community of E-Gamers already exist. The biggest hurdle is to keep creating engaging content which requires top creative skills.

3. As an Esports Team Manager

  • Role: With Esports becoming a billion dollar industry, there’s a demand for managers who can handle logistics, work on contracts, maintain schedules, and keep a tab on subjects such as sponsorships. The focus point for team managers is to ensure that there is nothing left for the players but to focus on their games.
  • Earning Potential: Just like any other domain, there’s no limit to what a manager in the ESports Ecosystem can earn.
  • Challenges: As the ESports ecosystem is relatively new, opportunities are few and far between.

4. As a Coach or Analyst

  • Role: Coaches and analysts help teams in strategizing and analyzing gameplay to improve performance in esports. Their role become critical for teams fighting for the titles.
  • Responsibilities: Analysing opposing teams, developing training schedules, and giving tactical insight during matches.
  • Challenges: Someone looking to become coach or analyst, must possess skills better than actual game players.

5. As an Event Producer and Broadcaster

  • Role: As someone working in production and broadcast, his role could be of a host, cameramen, sound engineers, or event managers.
  • Responsibilities: They can work as event managers, video producers, commentators, or broadcasting professionals.
  • Growth Prospects: The more these events go into large numbers, the more will be the demand for talented production teams.

6. As a Game Developer and Designer

  • Roles: They are the ones who develop and design the games. But someone developing the game should have skills more then being of a developer. Interest in gaming helps a lot.
  • Responsibilities: Game Designer, Developer, Quality Assurance Tester, and UX/UI Designer.
  • Skills Required: Programming, creativity, and love for gaming.

7. As an ESports Marketing Professional

  • Roles: As e-sports takes more and more centre stage, there’s demand for individuals who are skilled in marketing, branding, and sponsorship.
  • Responsibilities: As someone working as a ESports marketing professional, the individual should have skill set in marketing campaigns; acquisition of sponsorships; and marketing of tournaments or teams.
  • Skills Required: This role requires esports Culture Understanding, Creativity, and Negotiating Skills.

8. As an E-Sports Journalist

  • Roles: Journalists write stories from tournaments, interview players, or focus on trends within the industry.
  • Responsibilities: Craft engaging content for the internet. Post articles on trending topics and egamers.
  • Opportunities: From Writers, Editors, Social Media Managers, and Video Content Producers, there are a host of opportunities for individuals.

How to Start a Career in Esports

  1. Identify Your Passion: Identify whether you want to be a coach, content creator or someone else within the esports ecosystem.
  2. Develop Your Skills: Make sure to invest time in honing the skills relevant to your chosen role.
  3. Build a Portfolio: Showcase your achievements, whether it’s a high rank in a game, a popular YouTube channel, or articles on gaming platforms.
  4. Create Network: Attend gaming events, join online communities, and connect with industry professionals.

Challenges in the Esports Industry

  • Player Burnout: Intense schedules can lead to physical and mental exhaustion.
  • Lack of Regulation: In India, there’s certainly a lack of standardized rules and regulations.
  • Gender Disparity: Women face challenges due to stereotypes.
  • Monetization: It’s hard to create a following on any streaming platform due to already existing strong esports community.
Conclusion

Whether you are a player, coach, manager, or creator, emerging opportunities in this field make it a good career choice for an ethusiasts who have interest in playing games. It can be a win-win situation for someone who loves playing games and have coding skills as well. As Esports continues to grow, the industry will only grow in future with an increasingly deeper impact on entertainment and culture. But playing and the dedication alone will not make Esports a job. One has to be innovative to become part of an explosive industry.

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Mental Resilience: Building Confidence As An Athlete

Lionel Messi was a born talent. There’s no doubt about that. But he wouldn’t have become even an iota of a player that he became had he not developed mental resilience. Even a supremely talented player can have an average career if they mentally weak. Developing mental resilience is as important for an athlete as reaching a peak fitness level. The mental aspect is the real differentiator between average, good and great athletes. Some kids are naturally mentally tough but others needs guidance and practice to develop this important skill.

Understanding Mental Resilience

What actually is mental resilience? In simple words, it – the ability to bounce back from setbacks, keep focus under pressure, and keep the head high during tough times. The confidence built by an athlete is a form of mental resilience, and developing such a quality is essential for long-term and sustained growth and success in sports.

Why developing mental resilience is important? In a match between Liverpool and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Mo Salah and Kylian Mbappe both missed a penalty for their respective team. This is not the first time that these players missed a penalty in a game and this won’t be last either. But one thing is certain that both players will bounce back from their personal setbacks. This is due to the mental resilience. Players who play ay their peak level for a long time are often tougher mentally than most other players. It’s their ability to resist hardship as well as adapting and recovering from the obstacles.

Why confidence is a big factor in developing mental toughness? Confidence is the belief with which a person believes he can succeed. It is developed through practice and preparation. A confident athlete doesn’t lose hope in his ability despite hitting a rock bottom. Like Virat Kohli, who hit a remarkable century in the Perth test, which was his first in over 16 months.

Also Read: 10-Minute Warm-Up Routine For Athletes

Key Factors that affect Mental resilience

Mental toughness can be developed by hard work and effort. It’s a form of thinking that removes the attention of the athlete from worrying about failure and allows him to view challenges as opportunities to learn. Here’s how one can develop mental resilience.

Also Read: How To Maintain A Balanced Diet

  • Positive self-talk: Internal dialogue plays a significant role in the construction of one’s confidence. Some of the statements include: “I have trained for this” or “I can take the pressure,” which are some statements that help in aiding the self-doubt level of an athlete.
  • Imagine Success: Whatever you can imagine can happen if you make efforts for it. Successful athletes visualize performing in a game, making contribution, or outperforming others. Everything can be put into reality if one can image.
  • Setting Realistic Goals: Always set goals that are realistic. Confidence-building starts with realistic goals because unrealistic ones can only lead to disappointment, while achievable goals can build up momentum and self-belief.
  • Short-Term Goals: These should focus on getting better day-by-day by tackling something like mastering a particular technique or increasing stamina. These are short-term goals, and achieving them can build confidence, which helps in mental resilience.
  • Long-Term Vision: Always keep in mind the larger picture, like breaking into a specific team, like an IPL or ISL team, or winning a championship, but it should be broken down into smaller manageable steps.

How To Train and develop Mental Resilience

  • Focus On Mental Training: Athletes generally put more emphasis on physical training, but mental conditioning is equally a must for an athlete’s success.
  • Through Meditation: Meditation reduces stress and improves concentration. If an athlete can focus on what is happening during the game, it will keep him from thinking about his past mistakes, thus reducing stress.
  • Breathing Activities: Deep breathing calms the nervous system and helps athletes stay cool, collected, and confident under high-stress conditions.
  • Keeping a Diary: Writing helps in keeping a tab on the current events in life, its problems. It can also be used for progress documentation, which ultimately results in building up self-belief.
  • Fitness compliments healthy mind: Confidence is not only mental but also based on prior preparation. So, an athlete who is regularly training and preparing will feel more and more confident.
  • Constant Practice: Repeated practice of skills prepares an athlete to perform in competitions. The athlete then knows that he has done all that is required and thus exudes self-confidence.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Nutrition, sleep, and recovery are essential for top performance. Anything in these three areas neglected over a period can affect an athlete in a negative way, which diminishes self-confidence.
Conclusion

Physical and skill training are essential for an athlete to improve his game and become a better player, but mental resilience is equally important. While it is critical to put oneself into training, proving one’s mettle through skill development, determination in facing obstacles, and faith in self would often separate outstanding athletes from good athletes.

To improve mental resilience, young athletes need a perfect environment which depends on parents, coaches, and teammates. Factors such as realistic goal setting, and perseverance in training, an athlete can build mental toughness and belief that’s essential for peak performance-not just in sport but in life. Resilience is not simply about bouncing back; it is about bouncing forward, much tougher and more determined than before. It becomes the foundation of endurance on that part for the athlete’s success, allowing them to maximize their potential.

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