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Vidit Gujrathi, the unassuming Indian chess prodigy, has emerged as a formidable contender in the prestigious Candidates Tournament. Despite not being a top seed or a prodigious talent, Gujrathi has persevered against the odds, carving his space in the competition with six decisive games in nine rounds.Gujrathi's journey to the Candidates has been a testament to his resilience. Unlike his fellow Indian prodigies, he has taken a longer path to the top. However, the pandemic and the rise of younger Indian GMs led him to question his place in the race.Undeterred, Gujrathi embarked on a rigorous preparation for the Grand Swiss in November 2023, which he won, securing his spot in the Candidates. At the tournament, he has displayed both brilliance and vulnerability. He has defeated world No. 3 Hikaru Nakamura twice, but has also suffered some costly time management errors.Gujrathi's team, including his sister Vedika and trainers Surya Sekhar Ganguly and Daniel Vucaturo, has played a crucial role in his success. They provide him with support and guidance, helping him navigate the emotional rollercoaster of the tournament.With only five rounds remaining, Gujrathi stands a point behind leaders Ian Nepomniachtchi and Gukesh. The contest is intensifying, and Gujrathi is determined to put up a fight to remember. He understands the pressure and emotions involved, but remains focused on staying in the zone and avoiding time-wasting mistakes.Gujrathi's journey is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big. He has proven that with hard work, perseverance, and a strong support system, anything is possible.

Ekta Vishnoi: A Trailblazing Senior Bureaucrat and Powerlifting ChampionAt an age when most people contemplate retirement, Ekta Vishnoi, a senior bureaucrat in Delhi, is defying societal norms and proving that age is merely a number when it comes to fitness and athleticism.Vishnoi, the Deputy Director General at the Sports Authority of India (SAI), is the driving force behind the successful Fit India Movement. However, her passion for fitness extends beyond her administrative role. She has recently made waves in the world of powerlifting, winning multiple medals and breaking records at the National Senior Powerlifting Championship in Hyderabad.Competing against women half her age, Vishnoi showcased her exceptional strength and determination. She secured a Silver medal in deadlift with a best lift of 165kg and a Bronze overall with best lifts of 132.5 kg in squat, 70 kg in bench press, and 165 kg in deadlift. These lifts shattered all records in the Master 2 category.Vishnoi's impressive achievements do not end there. She has previously won a gold medal in the national masters powerlifting championship and a gold and silver medal in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship and Asian Powerlifting Championship in 2022. Her remarkable feats earned her a certificate of honor from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman in 2023.Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Vishnoi is also making significant contributions as an administrator. As the Mission Director of the Fit India Movement, she is spearheading the government's initiative to promote health and fitness across the nation. Additionally, she leads the prestigious Khelo India Scheme, which aims to transform India into a sporting powerhouse.Vishnoi's unwavering commitment to fitness and her ability to excel in both athletics and administration serve as an inspiration to all. She is a testament to the fact that age is no barrier to achieving one's goals and making a positive impact on society.Her next target is to represent India and win medals at the World Masters Powerlifting Championship in South Africa in October this year. With her determination and unwavering spirit, Vishnoi is poised to continue breaking barriers and inspiring others to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.

In the annals of the NHL, a select group of seasoned veterans have toiled tirelessly, amassing an impressive resume of playoff appearances, yet the elusive Stanley Cup remains tantalizingly out of reach. Among them are Joe Pavelski, Brent Burns, Zach Parise, and Ryan Suter, all of whom have experienced the bitter sting of defeat in their quest for hockey's holy grail.Pavelski, a 39-year-old forward, has played over 1,500 games in the NHL, including a memorable run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016 with the San Jose Sharks. Despite his accolades, the Cup has remained elusive. Now with the Dallas Stars, Pavelski remains determined to add the championship to his legacy.Suter, a 40-year-old defenseman, has played more games in the NHL without a championship than any other active player. After stints with the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild, he now plays for the Stars, hoping that a change of scenery and the guidance of coach Peter DeBoer will finally lead him to the promised land.Parise, a 39-year-old forward, joined the Colorado Avalanche in January after a lengthy career with the New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild. Despite not playing a full season, Parise is eager to contribute to a team that has emerged as a contender.Burns, a 39-year-old defenseman, is in his second season with the Carolina Hurricanes after a long tenure with the Sharks. Known for his imposing physical presence and powerful shot, Burns is a key component of a Hurricanes team that has its sights set on the championship.These veterans, along with other seasoned players like Mark Giordano of the Toronto Maple Leafs, are driven by a burning desire to finally hoist the Stanley Cup. They have witnessed the highs and lows of the playoffs, and they understand the immense challenge that lies ahead. But with their experience, determination, and the support of their teammates, they are determined to make this their year.

Esports in India: A Rapidly Growing Industry with Government SupportEsports, a competitive form of video gaming, has witnessed a meteoric rise in India, garnering recognition as a legitimate sport. In a groundbreaking move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently convened a roundtable discussion with prominent gaming personalities to discuss the industry's growth and potential.Animesh Aggarwal, founder and CEO of 8Bit Creatives and co-founder of S8UL, expressed his honor at discussing the industry's rapid ascent with the Prime Minister. He emphasized the need for support rather than regulation from the government to foster its growth.Naman Mathur (Mortal), co-founder and CMO of 8Bit Creatives, described the interaction as "surreal." He highlighted the Prime Minister's understanding of the industry's nuances and his vision for game development centered around Indian culture and environmental issues.Payal Dhare (PayalGaming) shared her insights on the prospects for female gamers in India. She noted the Prime Minister's keen listening skills and his ability to differentiate between esports and gaming content creation.Lokesh 'Goldy' Jain, co-founder of 8Bit Creatives, expressed his pride in the industry's recognition. He emphasized his alignment with the Prime Minister's vision and his commitment to working towards its realization.The discussion covered various aspects of gaming, including esports, game development, its impact on youth, and India's global presence in the industry. The gamers shared their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs.Esports in India has evolved from a pastime to a multi-sport event, officially recognized by the government. The FICCI-EY report estimates that participation in esports tournaments surged to 1.8 million in 2023, with an expected increase to 2.5 million in 2024. Game streamers have also witnessed a significant rise in viewership, particularly in Tier-II cities.The government's support for esports is a testament to its recognition as a legitimate sport and its potential to contribute to the nation's economic and social development. With continued support and collaboration between the government and the industry, esports in India is poised for even greater growth and success.

Chase Elliott's long-awaited victory at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday marked a significant milestone for the popular NASCAR driver. After a 42-race winless streak, Elliott surged ahead of Ross Chastain on the first lap of overtime, securing his first triumph since Talladega in October 2022.The race was a rollercoaster of emotions, with multiple cautions and intense battles for the lead. Elliott and Denny Hamlin were locked in a fierce duel when Hamlin lost control and crashed into the wall, triggering the 14th caution and sending the race into overtime.On the first restart in overtime, Elliott faced a strong challenge from Brad Keselowski, but Harrison Burton's subsequent wreck brought out another caution. The second restart saw Elliott take the lead and hold off Chastain, who had been running strong throughout the race.The victory was a testament to Elliott's resilience and the strength of his Hendrick Motorsports team. It was the fifth win of the season for Hendrick and the 306th for the winningest team in NASCAR history.The race also featured several other notable incidents. Michael McDowell crashed while battling for the lead, while Kyle Larson, the polesitter, wrecked after a chaotic four-wide jumble. Hamlin, who had led laps in every race this season, became the third driver to crash while running second.Despite the numerous cautions, the race showcased the competitive nature of NASCAR's Cup Series. With 13 different leaders and several drivers vying for the win, the race kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Oakland Athletics staged a remarkable comeback on Sunday, rallying from a 6-1 deficit to defeat the Washington Nationals 7-6 in the series finale at the Oakland Coliseum. The victory marked the A's third consecutive series win, a feat they had not achieved since 2021.Abraham Toro played a pivotal role in the A's resurgence, delivering a go-ahead, two-run single in a six-run sixth inning. The rally began with a walk to Toro and a double by JJ Bleday. Tyler Nevin and Lawrence Butler followed with run-scoring singles, while Derek Law's wild pitch brought Oakland within two runs.With the bases loaded, Jordan Weems forced in a run with a full-count pitch in the dirt. Toro then delivered the decisive blow, blooping a hit to short left that dropped just in front of Jesse Winker's diving attempt.Bleday and Butler each collected three hits for the A's, while Mitch Spence earned his first major league win in relief. Mason Miller struck out the side in the ninth inning to secure the save.The Nationals, who had led 6-1 in the sixth, were unable to hold on to their advantage. Joey Meneses and Lane Thomas drove in runs off Spence, but it was not enough to prevent the A's from completing the comeback.The victory improved Oakland's record to 6-3, while Washington dropped to 3-6. The A's have now won three consecutive series for the first time since 2021, a sign of progress for a team that struggled last season.

Zac Gallen's stellar outing and Corbin Carroll's timely hit propelled the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 5-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. Gallen, a former Cardinals draft pick, showcased his dominance over six innings, allowing only four hits and two walks while striking out seven batters.In the pivotal fifth inning, the Diamondbacks offense came alive. Christian Walker's single and Joc Pederson's double set the stage for Jace Peterson's sacrifice fly, which brought in the first run. Jake McCarthy's double scored Pederson, and after two walks loaded the bases, Carroll delivered a two-run single off Andre Pallante. A wild pitch by Pallante allowed the fifth run to score.Miles Mikolas, the Cardinals' starter, had a solid outing through four innings but faltered in the fifth, allowing all five runs. Joe Mantiply and Bryce Jarvis combined for three hitless innings to complete the shutout for Gallen.The Diamondbacks' victory was marred by a near-collision between Carroll and McCarthy in the sixth inning. As they chased Willson Contreras' drive to the wall, Carroll appeared to trip over McCarthy and fell hard to the ground. However, he remained in the game.Before the game, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced that left-hander Jordan Montgomery is on track to make his season debut soon. Montgomery, a free agent signing, had a rough outing in his Triple-A start, but Lovullo remains optimistic about his return.The Cardinals, meanwhile, are set to begin a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics on Monday, with former A's pitcher Sonny Gray taking the mound. The Diamondbacks will open a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field, with Merrill Kelly starting for Arizona.

Blake Snell's return to Tropicana Field as a member of the San Francisco Giants was a disappointing one, as the two-time Cy Young Award winner struggled mightily against his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays. Snell allowed seven runs over four innings, including a pair of home runs, in a 9-4 loss.Amed Rosario opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the first inning, and René Pinto added a three-run drive in the fourth. Pinto, who had just two hits and nine strikeouts in his previous 13 at-bats, made Snell pay for his mistakes.Snell, who signed a $62 million, two-year contract with the Giants in the offseason, gave up six hits, two walks, and struck out four. He threw 48 of 78 pitches for strikes."I got to get better. I just go to locate pitches better," Snell said. "I get mad when I don’t do good. Bad location. I’ll get better results, but until then nothing’s going change until I start commanding.”The seven earned runs tied Snell's career high, and only one San Francisco starter gave up more than seven earned runs last season."I think the guys had patience today,” Rosario said through a translator. "I think they had the plan and I think we executed it right, and did what we wanted to do."Snell, who won his first Cy Young with the Rays in 2018, said he felt no emotions returning to Tropicana Field."I already went through that,” he said.Giants manager Bob Melvin said he believes Snell is still adjusting to his new team."He’ll give up some walks and get nicked up a little bit but it’s rare that you see him get hit like that and I think that’s just more kind of still feeling his way,” Melvin said.Snell will look to bounce back in his next start, which is scheduled for Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Collin Morikawa, the two-time major champion, has rediscovered his golfing prowess after experiencing a breakthrough moment at the Masters. Known for his exceptional iron play, Morikawa had been struggling in recent years. However, a revelation at the driving range on Monday ignited a resurgence in his game.Morikawa's newfound confidence with his irons was evident in his performance at Augusta National. He shot a solid 69 on Saturday, the second-best round of the day, and was just one stroke behind leader Scottie Scheffler. His precision with his irons allowed him to create numerous birdie opportunities.In addition to his improved iron play, Morikawa also made a bold decision to switch putters mid-tournament. Despite the reluctance of players to make equipment changes during competition, Morikawa reverted to his old Olson prototype blade after using a Spider Tour X mallet in the first round. This change proved to be a masterstroke, as he felt more comfortable and confident with his putting.Morikawa's resurgence is a testament to his resilience and determination. After a difficult period, he has found a way to rediscover his form and is now a contender for the Masters title. A victory would bring him one step closer to a career grand slam, with only the US Open trophy missing from his collection.Morikawa's journey serves as a reminder that even the most talented players can experience setbacks. However, with perseverance and a willingness to adapt, they can overcome adversity and return to their peak performance.