Sports
Odisha’s tribal youth excel in Pencak Silat martial art
The Bhatra family from Modiguda village in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district has scripted an inspiring tale of triumph over challenges as the young athletes overcome all odds with perseverance and indomitable will
The MGNREGA worker who won an Asian Games medal
From digging pits as a daily wage labourer to taking the podium at Hangzhou, China, Asian Games medallist Ram Baboo has come a long way. But his village continues to wait for many facilities, the athlete tells us.
Football bridges social divides in Odisha village of Lodhas
In a village in Odisha where dominant tribal groups had set unwritten rules of divisive boundaries, a unique social transformation of inclusion is taking place through football.
Rural youth pioneer water sports on Mahanadi
In Odisha, water sports that were once confined to the marine drive thrive in the Mahanadi River, attracting rural youth and offering them a new livelihood.
Traditional snake boat race in Kerala waters
During monsoon season, southern Kerala hosts Vallam Kali, a thrilling water sport. Snake boats called Chundan Vallams race for victory, drawing crowds from India and abroad to witness this spectacular event.
Young football coach helps girls kick their way to empowerment
From a stone hurled at her to being locked up by her family, teen Muskan Kumari endured pain. But her passion for football is taking her places.
MP ‘redlight village’ seeks redemption through sports
Close to famous Sanchi stupas, Sookha Karar is starting to shed its infamy by allowing its children to take up sports and chart a different career.
Karnataka tribal athlete aims high with javelin
Archana M Siddi, a 19-year-old from the marginalised Siddi community, overcomes adversity with ambition. Rising from her impoverished background, she clinched javelin honours in an athletics meet, aspiring to make her mark in the Olympics. Her story, in her words:
This paralympian battled odds to smash records
At 18, Palak Kohli became the youngest para-athlete to compete in 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. Kohli and her badminton coach Gaurav Khanna talk about her battles and emphasise that society’s attitude needs to change towards people with disabilities.
Mizoram’s soccer-struck footballers are on the ball
Football has been an integral part of Mizoram since the British introduced the game here over a century ago. This millennium, the small northeastern state has become the cradle of football, producing a bunch of talented players.
Odisha’s blind women cricketers eye spot in Indian squad
For five young Odia women who started playing blind women’s cricket for their state just four years back, being shortlisted for the national team fills them with hope to represent India internationally.
Fit to core: Kashmiri women smash patriarchy
Hundreds are enrolling in female-only gyms in cities and the countryside, smashing taboos and stereotypes that forbade women from sports and fitness training.
Trials and tribulations of Manipur’s six-a-side football
Popularity of football matches with lesser number of players are at its peak in Ukhrul district of Manipur despite state and national federations decreeing against it.
What’s it like to run on a frozen lake?
Ladakh’s picturesque Pangong Lake hosts the world's highest frozen lake half marathon with an aim to raise awareness about sustainable tourism and ecological concerns of the region.
Real life Dangal: All I see is an Olympics gold
Script of the movie Dangal starring Aamir Khan seems to be playing out in a Madhya Pradesh town where 18-year-old Hansaben Rathore – nicknamed Mahi – trains hard against odds for wrestling gold in the Olympics.
Manipur youngster tackles life’s odds to scorch football pitch
Scolded often for neglecting studies and obsessing over football in earlier times, Hormipam Ruivah from Manipur today plays for Kerala Blasters and is a sporting icon.
Hockey popularity prompts Odisha children to wield sticks
Children of Khambesi in remote Rayagada district throng to the playing arena, underscoring the ever-increasing love for the game in India’s hockey cradle.
Sports for Transformation Fellowship by Dani Foundation
Sports for Transformation Fellowship (SFTF) by Dani Foundation is a one-of-a-kind program that combines the power of sports with the goal of community development.
Ice hockey – a popular winter sport playing out in Ladakh
Odisha isn’t the only place in India swept by hockey fever. Leh in Ladakh – more than 2,500 km away from Bhubaneswar that is hosting the World Hockey Championship – is caught up in a similar frenzy, with a slight twist though. It’s ice hockey that is keeping the Ladakhis engaged and entertained. Ice hockey – an annual affair in January when temperatures plummet and ponds freeze – is a source of immense pride to the Ladakhis.
Kashmir’s cricket bats go global, give English willow a run for its money
Bat-maker Fawzul Kabeer helps bring Kashmiri willow bats the attention and market they deserve.