Connect with us
Wednesday,02-April-2025
Breaking News

National

National 2-wheeler Championship: All eyes on Mathana Kumar, Prabhu Arunagiri, Rajani Krishnan

Published

on

 Focus will be on top racers Mathana Kumar, Prabhu Arunagiri and Rajani Krishnan as the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2022 moves to the recently rebranded Madras International Circuit, Sriperumbudur, near here, for the second round from July 8-10.

After an action-packed season-opener in Coimbatore last month, the proceedings this weekend are expected to witness more of the high-octane action with some 200 entries in the fray. The results in the first round have injected heightened expectations of stirring duels over the coming weekend.

The first round dished out some surprise results, notably a double 1-2 finish by Pacer Yamaha riders in the Pro-Stock 165cc category with Trichy’s Mathana Kumar winning both the races ahead of Prabhu Arunagiri (Chennai). The pair virtually overshadowed established and hitherto dominant Petronas TVS Racing and arch-rivals Honda SK69 Racing teams.

In contrast, veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1), who notched his 10th National title last season, looked imperious in the premier Pro-Stock 301-400cc category, winning both races on a Yamaha R3. He looks set to further distance himself from the pack in the Championship standings, the organisers informed in a release on Thursday.

The girls’ category (Stock 165cc) race will witness its share of twists and turns with former champion Ann Jennifer (Sparks Racing) securing a win after race-winner Lani Zena Fernandez (Speed Up Racing) was disqualified for a technical infringement. Defending champion Ryhana Bee (Pacer Yamaha), who won all five races last season, managed just one point with a 10th place finish, but will be keen to make up this weekend.

In the Novice category (Stock 165cc), which has always attracted over 40 entries, Hubballi’s Sarvesh Balappa had a bright start, winning both the races, to lead the points table in this class.

The 19-race programme this weekend also includes two One-Make Championships organised by the promoters Madras Motor Sports Club, celebrating their 70th anniversary — the Petronas TVS One-Make Championship (Open, Rookie and Girls) and the Honda India Talent Cup (NSF 250R and CBR 150, besides Hornet 2.0 as a support race).

Both these One-Make Championships are bubbling with young, talented riders, hailing from all parts of India, who have been provided a platform to showcase their skills.

Rains that are forecast for the weekend, could add some spice and drama to the proceedings, putting a premium on experience.

MMSC president Ajit Thomas, welcoming the stakeholders to the second round, said: “We are happy that the new season got off to a flier in Coimbatore with the Rolon Round last month and which also reflected the unpredictable nature of the sport.”

health

Health Ministry asks IPL to ban direct and indirect ads promoting alcohol, tobacco

Published

on

New Delhi, March 10: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has asked officials at the Indian Premier League to ban all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertisements from upcoming sports events.

Notably, the letter by Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services urges Arun Singh Dhumal, Chairperson, IPL, to regulate tobacco and alcohol advertisements including surrogate advertisements and sales during the upcoming cricket season, slated to begin on March 22.

The ban extends both to stadium premises as well as a live telecast on television.

“The IPL being India’s most viewed sports event, direct or indirect promotion of tobacco/alcohol on any platform linked to sports sends a contradictory message to the public about health and fitness,” said Goel, in the letter, dated March 5.

He cited that tobacco and alcohol are significantly responsible for the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in the country. “Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc. account for more than 70 per cent of deaths annually.

Tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs. “India ranks second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide; with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians,” the health ministry official said.

The letter, also marked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, asked IPL officials to “strictly implement” the regulations to ban all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, “within the stadium premises where the games and related IPL games/events are held as well as during telecast sessions on national television”.

The sale of tobacco or alcohol products must also be regulated “in all affiliated events and sports facilities”.

The letter also sought to “discourage the promotion of sportspersons (including commentators) who directly or indirectly endorse products directly or indirectly linked to alcohol or tobacco”.

The letter stated that “cricket players are role models for the youngsters” and that promoting tobacco or alcohol products by them can have a poor impact on youngsters’ minds.

Instead, they should promote “a healthy, active lifestyle”. Goel asked IPL to share a “social and moral obligation to promote public health and support health initiatives of the government”.

Continue Reading

National

Ex-Mumbai captain Milind Rege passes away; players wear black armbands in Ranji Trophy match

Published

on

New Delhi, Feb 19: Former Mumbai captain Milind Rege passed away on Wednesday in Mumbai due to cardiac arrest. He was 76. He is survived by his wife Raj and two sons.

The Mumbai Cricket Association took to X to share the condolence message: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Milind Rege. A stalwart of Mumbai cricket, he served with dedication as Captain, Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee, Managing Committee Member, and Advisor. His legacy will forever be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

The stalwart of Mumbai cricket, Rege was part of five consecutive Ranji Trophy title-winning seasons. An off-spinning all-rounder claimed 126 wickets in 52 first-class matches between 1966-67 and 1977-78. He also amassed 1532 runs, averaging 23.56 in those games.

Following his playing career, Rege remained closely involved with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), holding various roles including selector and chief selector at different times. In 2020, he was appointed as an advisor to the MCA.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Milind Rege Sir. A true stalwart of Mumbai cricket, his invaluable contributions as a player, selector, and mentor shaped generations of cricketers. His unwavering support and guidance will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire. He always stood by me, and I will forever be grateful. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace,” said MCA chief Ajinkya Naik.

Both the Mumbai and Vidarbha teams in the ongoing Ranji Trophy semi-final in Nagpur observed a minute’s silence before the start of the third day’s play in Rege’s memory. The Mumbai players also wore black arm bands.

Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri also condoled the demise of his friend. “Really sad to hear about the demise of a dear friend Milind Rege. A true champion in his contribution to Mumbai and Tata’s cricket all-round. A Mentor Par Excellence. Heartfelt condolences to Raj and family. God bless his soul,” he shared on X.

Continue Reading

National

Air India Super League 2025: Travel High Titans Clinch Title In First-Ever Pan-India Cricket Tournament

Published

on

Travel High Titans won the first edition of Air India Super League 2025, Air India’s first-ever pan-India cricket tournament. The Air India Super League 2025 brought together over 500 participants from 48 leading travel partners spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai strengthening its ties with the industry.

Designed as both a competitive sporting event and a dynamic networking platform, the Air India Super League 2025 aimed to foster camaraderie between Air India and its valued travel partners, including travel management companies and online travel agents.

During the tournament, teams from various cities competed in regional Round Robin matches, with winners advancing to the National Finale in New Delhi. Air India flew down qualifying teams to the capital for the grand finale, held on Sunday at Chanakyapuri in New Delhi. Team Travel High Titans won the first Air India Super League 2025 trophy by 62 runs, beating Tripjack Warriors in a thrilling final match.

The Round Robin Winner trophy was awarded to the top team from each of the four cities, while finalists competed for the ultimate championship title. Participants and winners were also recognized in multiple categories, including ‘Man of the Match’, ‘Best Fielder’, ‘Most Catches in Air India Super League 2025’, ‘Player of Air India Super League 2025’, among others.

“With the Air India Super League 2025, Air India aims to create engaging and memorable experiences for its travel partners while also offering them a platform for networking,” said an official from Air India.

Continue Reading

Trending