RUGBY
GMR Sports announces partnership with Rugby India to launch Rugby Premier League
GMR Sports announced a 10-year strategic partnership with Rugby India, the national governing body for rugby, to launch the Rugby Premier League (RPL) on Monday.
Set to debut in 2025, the RPL will be one of the world’s first franchise-based rugby leagues, featuring six city-based teams.
The unveiling of city-based franchises, ownership details, and international coaches is scheduled for five weeks from now.
TENNIS
Ahmedabad ITF Women’s Tennis Tournament: Rajeshwaran to face Khushali in first round
Maaya Rajeshwaran will be watched with interest as she takes on fellow wild card entrant Khushali Modi in the first round of the $15,000 ITF Women’s Tennis Tournament at the Ace Tennis Academy in Palodiya.
The 15-year-old Maaya, a bright prospect from Coimbatore who had reached the women’s final of the National championship recently, has joined Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain to further her tennis career.
She has been doing well in the international junior circuit and looks better equipped to negotiate the international women’s circuit.
It will also be an opportunity for other leading Indian players like Zeel Desai, Vaishnavi Adkar, Tanisha Kashyap and Akanksha Nitture to gain valuable ranking points to bolster their status.
The seedings:
1. Ekaterina Yashina, 2. Zeel Desai, 3. Vaishnavi Adkar, 4. Honoka Kobayashi (Jpn), 5. Elena Jamshidi (Den), 6. Tanisha Kashyap, 7. Akanksha Nitture, 8. Anri Nagata (Jpn).
-Kamesh Srinivasan
BASKETBALL
Who is Ulhas KS, the first Indian in Serbian National Basketball League Division 1?
India’s Ulhas KS in action.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
India’s Ulhas KS in action.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Making history and blazing a trail for Indian basketball, Ulhas KS has become the first Indian player to compete in the prestigious Serbian National Basketball League Division 1, Košarkaška Liga Srbije (KLS).
Playing for Novi Pazar, Ulhas debuted in a match against BKK Radnički, marking a significant milestone for Indian sports on the international stage.
The Serbian National Basketball League is renowned as one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, featuring 16 elite clubs and numerous players who were part of Serbia’s bronze medal-winning squad at the Paris Olympics. Against this formidable backdrop, Ulhas’ participation represents a leap forward for Indian basketball players aspiring to compete in global arenas.
Ulhas’ journey to his historic debut has been nothing short of extraordinary. Just a few months ago, he suffered a broken jaw, which could have jeopardized his playing career. However, with unwavering determination, he made a strong comeback, stepping onto the court amidst loud applause from teammates and fans. Wearing a protective mask, Ulhas played for five minutes in his debut game, recording an assist and a steal.
Speaking about this achievement, Ulhas said: “It is an incredible honour to represent India in the Serbian National Basketball League. The journey has been challenging, especially recovering from my injury, but the support from my family, coaches, and teammates kept me going. Competing in such a high-caliber league is a dream come true, and I hope this inspires more Indian players to aim for international opportunities.”
Ulhas has previously represented India in several key international matches, including the World Cup qualifier against Lebanon in October 2022, and games against Jordan and Saudi Arabia in February 2023. His transition to Europe’s competitive basketball circuit signifies the growing recognition of Indian talent on the global stage.
-Team Sportstar
WEIGHTLIFTING
Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships: Sanjana wins 2 silver medals
Indian weightlifter Sanjana added another feather to the country’s cap, claiming silver medals in both the 76kg youth girls and junior women’s sections at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships here on Monday.
Sanjana completed all six of her lifts successfully, with a best snatch of 90 kg and a clean and jerk of 120 kg.
Kazakhstan’s Zhumagali Ayanat won the gold medal with a total lift of 215 kg (94+121).
With this, India’s medal tally in the continental event rose to eight.
On Saturday, Koyel Bar and L. Nilam Devi had won silver medals in the 55kg youth and junior categories.
India’s Jyoshna Sabar had set a youth Asian record for the total lift on Friday, securing a gold medal in the 40kg weight category.
Payal also claimed gold in the youth girls’ 45kg section.
In addition, another athlete named Payal secured a bronze medal in the junior girls’ 45kg competition, while Babulal Hembrom finished third in the 49kg youth boys’ section.
– PTI