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Ratan Tata's Legacy: A Nation Mourns the Loss of an Industrial TitanThe passing of Ratan Tata, the revered industrialist and former chairman of the Tata Group, has sent shockwaves across India. The nation is in mourning, paying tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the country's economic and social landscape.Tata, who passed away at the age of 86, was known for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to philanthropy. Under his stewardship, the Tata Group grew into a global conglomerate, spanning industries from steel and automobiles to IT and telecommunications.Beyond his business acumen, Tata was deeply involved in social causes. He established the Tata Trusts, one of India's largest philanthropic organizations, which supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and rural development. His love for animals was also well-known, and he was a passionate advocate for their welfare.The news of Tata's demise has evoked an outpouring of grief and admiration from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as "a pillar of our industry" and "a true son of India." Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Tata's last rites would be performed with full state honors.Among the first to pay their respects was legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Tendulkar praised Tata's love for animals and his unwavering commitment to social progress. "Such is his impact," Tendulkar wrote. "Millions, who have never met him, feel the same grief that I feel today."India cricket captain Rohit Sharma also expressed his condolences, describing Tata as "a man with a heart of gold." He added, "Sir, you will forever be remembered as someone who truly cared and lived his life to make everyone else's better."Tata's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His unwavering belief in the power of education, philanthropy, and animal welfare has left a lasting impact on India. As the nation mourns his loss, it is his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to making a difference that will be remembered and celebrated.

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers Appoint Australian Coaches for Hockey India League DebutShrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, the Kolkata-based franchise making its debut in the Hockey India League (HIL) this year, has appointed Australian coaches Colin Batch and Glenn Turner to lead its men's and women's teams, respectively.The franchise announced the appointments at a press conference in Kolkata on Wednesday. The Bengal Tigers teams will begin training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) astro-turf ground in Kolkata from December 10 to 19 before moving to Rourkela for the final leg of the camp ahead of the HIL's start on December 28.Colin Batch, a former Australian international and Olympic gold medalist, brings a wealth of experience to the Bengal Tigers. He has previously coached the Australian women's team and the Indian men's team. Glenn Turner, also a former Australian international, has extensive experience in coaching at the club and national levels.Romesh Pathania, a renowned coach who has been roped in as the Bengal Tigers' advisor, emphasized the franchise's commitment to building a strong team and developing grassroots hockey in West Bengal. "We want to create a team that can compete at the highest level," Pathania said. "But we also want to focus on grooming young players and preparing them for the future."Tennis icon Leander Paes, whose father Vece Paes was an Olympic bronze medalist in hockey, expressed his support for the franchise. "The grassroots feeder system needs to improve in India," Paes said. "Shrachi Sports looks at the full pyramid of sports."The Bengal Tigers' debut in the HIL is a significant development for hockey in West Bengal. The franchise aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for the sport, from grassroots development to elite-level competition.

Sports Minister Expresses Surprise at Dipa Karmakar's RetirementSports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has expressed his surprise at Dipa Karmakar's decision to retire from gymnastics. In a letter to the trailblazing Indian gymnast, Mandaviya conveyed his respect for her decision while acknowledging her remarkable journey in the sport.Karmakar, 31, announced her retirement on Monday after a career that saw her become the first Indian woman gymnast to represent the country at the Olympics. She finished fourth in the 2016 Rio Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal by 0.15 points.Mandaviya praised Karmakar's achievements, including her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri honor. He highlighted her inspirational journey, which began at the age of six and saw her overcome numerous challenges."Your journey in gymnastics has been inspirational. You have scaled the highs in the sport and made the country proud despite facing so many difficulties," Mandaviya wrote.The minister also acknowledged Karmakar's pioneering role in Indian gymnastics. "You added a new chapter in Indian gymnastics by participating in the Olympics, which was not only the outcome of our hard work but it is a great matter of pride for the entire country," he said.Mandaviya expressed his belief that Karmakar's achievements have inspired countless young girls in India. "Your achievements have not only inspired those who love sports but especially our daughters, who have got the strength to fulfill their dreams," he said.The minister concluded by expressing his hope that Karmakar would continue to share her knowledge and experience with young athletes in the future.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that the 38th edition of the National Games will be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025. The Games will feature competitions in 38 sports, with over 10,000 athletes, officials, and coaches expected to participate.The IOA and the Government of Uttarakhand are working closely to ensure that the Games will be an exceptional experience for all involved. Venues are being constructed and upgraded to international standards, and necessary logistical arrangements are being made to accommodate participants and visitors.The picturesque state of Uttarakhand, known for its natural beauty and rich culture, is preparing to host the multi-disciplinary event for the first time. Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, expressed his gratitude to the IOA for entrusting the state with the responsibility of hosting the Games, stating, "We are committed to delivering a world-class sporting experience. The National Games will not only be a celebration of sports but also a showcase of Uttarakhand's rich culture and hospitality."The National Games provide a vital platform for athletes from all over the country to showcase their talents and continue their journey towards international sporting success. IOA chief PT Usha said, "We are thrilled to bring the National Games to Uttarakhand, a state that has shown remarkable enthusiasm and commitment to hosting this prestigious event."The State Government has initiated significant infrastructure development projects to ensure the success of the event. Venues are being constructed and upgraded to international standards, and necessary logistical arrangements are being made to accommodate participants and visitors.The 38th National Games are expected to be a major sporting event, showcasing the best of Indian athletic talent. The Games will also provide a boost to the economy of Uttarakhand, as well as promote tourism in the state.

WWE NXT kicked off a new era from The Factory in St. Louis, Missouri, with a star-studded lineup featuring 14-time World Champion Randy Orton.In a rare NXT appearance, Orton faced wrestling prodigy Je'Von Evans. Despite Evans' impressive skills, Orton's experience proved too much, and he emerged victorious.Meanwhile, Tony D'Angelo dethroned Oba Femi in a thrilling North American Championship match. D'Angelo ended Femi's record-breaking reign of 273 days and 30 consecutive wins.The NXT Tag Team Championships were also on the line as Nathan Frazer and Axiom defended against SmackDown's A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller). Fraxiom retained their titles in a hard-fought battle.In the women's division, Kelani Jordan teamed up with WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill to defeat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne, and Jazmyn Nyx).Trick Williams, the newly crowned NXT Champion, broke his silence after reclaiming the title from Ethan Page. He was interrupted by WWE Intercontinental Champion Jey Uso and Wes Lee, who both expressed their desire to challenge for the championship.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has strongly criticized former wrestler Vinesh Phogat for blaming the association for her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Usha asserted that the responsibility lies with Phogat's team, not the IOA.Phogat, who recently entered politics and won her debut election in Haryana, had accused the IOA of mishandling her disqualification. However, Usha refuted these claims, stating that the IOA had provided Phogat with all the necessary support."She was a sportsperson. She should carry the qualities of a sportsman," Usha said. "We all wanted medals from her. After meeting her, we went to the World Wrestling Federation president to protest. They said, 'rules are rules.'"Usha emphasized that Phogat's team was aware of the weight regulations and should have taken appropriate measures to ensure compliance. "For us, it's new, only 100 gms, but for them it is not new. This had happened earlier as well so she should know what to do, and how to tackle it," Usha said.Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg category women's freestyle final for being 100 gm overweight in the second weigh-in. She challenged the verdict in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) but was unsuccessful.Usha expressed disappointment that Phogat had chosen to criticize the IOA instead of acknowledging her own team's shortcomings. "It is not our or our sport science doctor's fault, it is her and her team's fault but still, she criticises us," Usha said.Phogat's disqualification ended her hopes of becoming the first woman Indian wrestler to win silver or gold in the Olympics. She announced her retirement from the sport shortly after the incident.

India to Defend Women's Asian Champions Trophy Title in BiharTwo-time champions India will embark on their title defense in the Women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, scheduled to commence on November 11 in Bihar. The tournament will witness the participation of six teams, including hosts India, China, three-time winners Korea, two-time champions Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand.The tournament, to be held in Rajgir, will conclude on November 20, as per the official schedule announced by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). India emerged victorious in the 2016 edition in Singapore and reclaimed the title in Ranchi last year.India's opening match will be against Malaysia on November 11, followed by a clash with Korea on November 12. They will then face Thailand (November 14), China (November 16), and Japan (November 17).The top four teams after the round-robin format will advance to the semifinals on November 19, with the summit clash scheduled for November 20.AHF president Dato Fumio Ogura expressed his confidence in the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, stating, "The Rajgir Hockey Stadium stands as a symbol of the region's commitment to fostering world-class sports, and we are confident that it will provide an exceptional experience for players and fans."Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey highlighted the significance of the event for Bihar, saying, "The newly constructed Rajgir Hockey Stadium will serve as the perfect stage for this prestigious tournament, and we are excited to see India defend their title against some of the best teams in Asia."The tournament promises to showcase high-level hockey action, with India aiming to retain their title and other teams eager to challenge their dominance.

India is set to host the prestigious World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. The event, scheduled to take place in Mumbai from November 12th to 17th, 2024, will bring together the world's top pickleball players following the successful legs of the championship in Vietnam and Bali, where Indian teams secured multiple medals.Powered by the World Pickleball League (WPBL), the WPC Series in India is expected to attract approximately 650 players from around the globe, including countries like Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore. The championship will feature competitions in various categories, showcasing the diverse talents of international teams and drawing attention from pickleball enthusiasts worldwide.Arvind Prabhoo, President of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), expressed his pride in hosting the WPC Series in India. He emphasized the opportunity to promote the growth of pickleball at all levels and inspire people to embrace the sport both competitively and recreationally. AIPA, along with its stakeholders, is committed to ensuring the success of the championship in India.Jan Papi, Founder of Pickleball Global and WPC Series, shared his enthusiasm for the event. He recognized India's potential for pickleball and expressed eagerness to collaborate with AIPA to elevate the sport's profile both domestically and internationally. Papi anticipates the energy and passion that India will bring to the championship.Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has gained immense popularity globally, and India has witnessed a growing number of enthusiasts. The WPC Series promises to be a turning point for the development of the sport in the country and beyond.AIPA, as the governing body of pickleball in India, aims to popularize the sport and ensure its grassroots development. The association has initiated programs to identify talented players and provide them with comprehensive training under the guidance of experts. AIPA is also working towards gaining recognition from the Government and the Sports Authority of India.The WPC Series in India is expected to generate significant interest and excitement among pickleball enthusiasts and the general public. The event will provide a platform for Indian players to showcase their skills and compete against the world's best, while also promoting the sport and inspiring future generations of pickleball players.

WWE Raw witnessed a thrilling night of action, with Gunther retaining his World Heavyweight Championship against Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes emerging as his next challenger.The main event saw Zayn put up a valiant effort, but Gunther's dominance proved insurmountable. The champion weathered Zayn's relentless attacks, showcasing his incredible strength and resilience. As the match reached its climax, Cody Rhodes made a surprise appearance, setting his sights on Gunther and the newly unveiled WWE Crown Jewel Championship.Earlier in the night, CM Punk addressed his Hell in a Cell victory over Drew McIntyre. However, his moment was interrupted by Seth Rollins, who issued an open challenge to Bronson Reed. The discontent within The New Day continued, with Xavier Woods suffering another defeat against Intercontinental Champion Jey Uso. Woods' frustration has been building, hinting at a potential heel turn.In other matches, Sheamus defeated Pete Dunne in a brutal Donnybrook Match, while Team Natalya emerged victorious in a chaotic tag team contest.