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P.R. Sreejesh, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper, has officially announced his retirement from international hockey and will withdraw from the upcoming Hockey India League Player Auction. This decision marks the end of an illustrious career that has seen Sreejesh achieve unprecedented success on the global stage.Sreejesh's decision to retire stems from his desire to focus on coaching and mentorship roles, paving the way for younger players to emerge. He has already been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the junior Indian men's team, pending final approval from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the sports ministry.In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Sreejesh expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent India and his pride in ending his career on a high note. He recalled the unforgettable moment of standing atop the Olympic podium for the second consecutive Games and the emotional celebration with his teammates.Sreejesh believes that his experience and knowledge can be invaluable to the next generation of Indian hockey players. He will continue to be involved with the Hockey India League as a Brand Ambassador, working closely with team staff and players to provide guidance and support.Hockey India has reportedly approved Sreejesh's contract for an initial period of three years, which will not conflict with his national duties. The federation has also expressed its appreciation for Sreejesh's contributions to Indian hockey and its commitment to supporting his transition into a coaching role.Sreejesh's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. He has been a cornerstone of the team's success in recent years, playing a pivotal role in India's historic bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.His exceptional skills, leadership qualities, and unwavering determination have inspired countless young players and fans alike. Sreejesh's legacy will continue to shape the future of Indian hockey as he embarks on a new chapter as a mentor and coach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent letter to Neeraj Chopra's mother, Saroj Devi, has garnered widespread attention and admiration. In the letter, PM Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the delicious "choorma" (a traditional delicacy from Haryana and Rajasthan) that she had prepared for him.The story began earlier this year when PM Modi requested Neeraj to bring homemade "choorma" for him. Saroj Devi, a dedicated mother, promised to fulfill the Prime Minister's wish. On Tuesday, during a meeting with Neeraj amidst the Jamaican Prime Minister's visit to India, PM Modi had the opportunity to savor the delectable "choorma."In his letter to Saroj Devi, PM Modi revealed that he was deeply moved after tasting the "choorma." He admitted that he couldn't resist writing a letter to her to express his appreciation. "Respected Saroj Devi ji, Regards! Hope you are healthy, safe, and happy. Yesterday at a banquet organized on the occasion of the visit of the Prime Minister of Jamaica to India, I got the opportunity to meet Neeraj. My happiness went up multiple times when he gave me delicious choorma made by you. After eating this choorma today, I could not stop myself from writing a letter to you," PM Modi wrote.PM Modi went on to praise Saroj Devi's culinary skills and the love and dedication she embodies as a mother. He noted that Neeraj had often spoken about her "choorma" with him, but tasting it firsthand had filled him with emotion. "Mother is the embodiment of strength, affection, and dedication. It's a coincidence that I got this prasad a day before Navratri begins. I fast during these nine days of Navratri. In a way, this choorma of yours has become my main food before my fasting period," PM Modi wrote.The Prime Minister also drew a parallel between the energy that "choorma" provides Neeraj to win medals for the country and the strength it would give him to serve the nation during the upcoming Navratri festival. "Just like the food prepared by you gives Neeraj the energy to win medals for the country, similarly, this choorma will give me the strength to serve the nation for the next 9 days. On this occasion of festival Navratri, I assure you and the women of this country that I will continue to work with more dedication to make the resolution of a developed India a reality. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" PM Modi added.PM Modi's letter has not only touched Saroj Devi but has also resonated with countless Indians who appreciate the bond between a mother and her child. It serves as a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the power of simple gestures.

India to Host Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in 2023The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has announced that the first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup will be held in India next year. The tournament will feature 16 men's and women's teams from 24 countries across six continents.Kho Kho, a traditional Indian sport, has gained significant popularity globally in recent years. It is now played in 54 countries worldwide. The KKFI aims to further promote the sport and secure its recognition as an Olympic discipline by 2032."Kho Kho has its roots in India, and this World Cup will showcase the sport's rich cultural heritage and competitive spirit," said KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal. "Our ultimate goal is to see Kho Kho recognized as an Olympic sport, and this World Cup is a crucial step towards that dream."The tournament will provide a platform for the world's best Kho Kho players to compete and showcase their skills. It is expected to attract a large audience and generate significant interest in the sport.The KKFI is working closely with the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) to ensure the success of the World Cup. The tournament will be held in accordance with international standards and will feature state-of-the-art facilities.The announcement of the Kho Kho World Cup has been met with enthusiasm by the Indian sporting community. It is seen as a major milestone in the development of the sport and a testament to India's growing stature in the global sporting arena.

India's shooting contingent continued their golden run at the ISSF Junior World Championship in Lima, Peru, adding five more gold medals to their tally on day four. Divanshi and Mukesh Nelavalli emerged as the stars of the day, claiming two gold medals each.Divanshi Nelavalli showcased her exceptional precision in the women's 25m pistol event, edging out Italian Cristina Magnani by a narrow margin of two points. She also teamed up with Tejaswini and Vibhuti Bhatia to secure gold in the junior women's 25m pistol team competition.Mukesh Nelavalli, who had already won gold in the mixed team event, added two more to his collection. He triumphed in the junior men's 25m pistol individual event, followed by compatriot Suraj Sharma who clinched silver. Nelavalli also played a crucial role in India's victory in the junior men's 25m pistol team event, alongside Sharma and Pradhyumn Singh.India's dominance extended to the rifle events as well. The trio of Shourya Saini, Vedant Nitin Waghmare, and Parikshit Singh Brar shattered the junior world record in the elimination round of the junior men's 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) team competition. They went on to claim gold, with Norway and Sweden finishing second and third respectively.With these impressive performances, India's overall medal count at the championship rose to 14, including 10 gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. The United States and Italy trailed behind with 10 and 8 gold medals respectively.

Neeraj Chopra, India's star javelin thrower, is set to bid farewell to his long-time coach, Klaus Bartonietz, after a successful five-year partnership. The 75-year-old German coach has decided to step down due to his age and family commitments."He (Bartonietz) is 75 and he now wants to be with his family and does not want too much travel also," an official from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) told PTI. "It is not that Neeraj wants to end the association, it is Bartonietz who has expressed his inability to continue as his (Neeraj's) coach."Chopra, 26, has been working with Bartonietz, a biomechanics expert, since 2019. The German initially joined as a biomechanical expert but later took over as Chopra's coach after Uwe Hohn's fallout with the AFI and the Sports Authority of India.Under Bartonietz's guidance, Chopra has achieved remarkable success. He won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, the silver medal at the Paris Games, and became the world champion and Diamond League champion. He also won the gold medal at the Asian Games.Chopra's partnership with Bartonietz has been a key factor in his rise to the top of the javelin throwing world. Bartonietz's expertise in biomechanics has helped Chopra improve his technique and maximize his potential.The AFI is now looking for a new coach for Chopra. The federation is expected to announce the new coach in the coming weeks.

Renault, a French automobile manufacturer, has announced its decision to cease production of Formula One engines from 2026. This marks the end of nearly half a century of Renault's involvement in the pinnacle of motorsport. The announcement was made by Renault's Alpine team on Monday.Renault's departure from Formula One engine manufacturing had been hinted at earlier this year by Alpine's former team boss, Bruno Famin. The team is expected to switch to Mercedes power units from 2026.Renault's entry into Formula One in 1977 revolutionized the sport. The French manufacturer introduced the turbo engine to Formula One, which quickly became the dominant engine type. Renault's turbocharged engines powered drivers to five drivers' titles and six constructors' crowns.The decision to end engine production is part of Renault's broader strategy to focus on sustainable mobility. The company's F1 engine factory at Viry-Chatillon, near Paris, will be transformed into an engineering center for future Renault and Alpine cars."Formula 1 activities at Viry, excluding the development of a new engine, will continue until the end of the 2025 season," Alpine's statement announced.Renault's exit from Formula One engine manufacturing is a significant moment in the history of the sport. The French manufacturer has been a major player in Formula One for decades, and its departure will leave a void in the paddock.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has expressed deep concern over the Executive Committee's (EC) failure to honor Olympic medalists and the Finance Committee's blockage of funds intended for athletes' preparation for the Paris Games.Usha lamented that despite India's historic medal haul of six, including two bronze by Manu Bhaker, the EC has not organized a formal felicitation ceremony. She emphasized the importance of celebrating athletes' achievements and expressed disappointment that the EC "does not want to celebrate their success."The IOA President also revealed that a proposal for a preparatory grant of Rs 2 lakh for each Olympic-bound athlete and Rs 1 lakh for each coach had been blocked by the Finance Committee, particularly by IOA Treasurer Sahdev Yadav. Usha believes this grant would have provided crucial support to athletes in the lead-up to the Games.Usha highlighted the contrast with previous leadership, which organized a successful felicitation ceremony for the Tokyo 2021 medalists despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She questioned the commitment of some EC members, especially former athletes, to recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of athletes.The IOA had planned to award each individual medalist between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore, with coaches receiving Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. Usha urged the EC to take immediate action and ensure that athletes receive the honors they deserve.She reaffirmed her commitment to stand by the athletes, stating, "Our athletes are the heart and soul of Indian sport. I will not rest until they are given the due respect, support, and acknowledgment they have earned."Usha's concerns come amidst allegations of "autocratic" leadership and a demand by 12 EC members to remove IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer. Usha has dismissed these accusations as "malicious and false," asserting that they aim to undermine her leadership and efforts to improve Indian sports.

The Indian Railways hockey team emerged victorious in the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup all-India hockey tournament, defeating Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 5-3 in a thrilling final. The Railways team, the defending champion, displayed dominance throughout the tournament and continued their impressive form in the summit clash.Despite having a squad featuring several Olympians and internationals, IOC struggled to find their footing against a determined Railways side. The Railways team earned nine penalty corners in the first quarter alone, but managed to convert only one. However, their relentless pressure paid off in the third quarter when they extended their lead to 4-2, leaving IOC with a mountain to climb.IOC made several attempts to rally back, but their efforts were thwarted by the Railways defense. The former champion also had eight penalty corners, but could only convert one. Railways head coach Sunil Kumar Singh attributed the victory to his team's superior fitness and the exceptional skills of youngster Simranjot Singh."Though IOC had many stars, our players were fitter and better. I would also like to pick youngster Simranjot Singh for not just his ability to score but also his receiving skills. Of course, it has been a 100% team effort," said Singh.The match was a testament to the growing strength of Indian hockey, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. The Railways team's victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and serves as a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead for Indian hockey.

Indian shooters commenced their ISSF Junior World Championship campaign in Peru with a resounding start, securing team gold medals in both the men's and women's 10m air pistol events. However, a potential individual gold medal was lost due to a two-point penalty for reporting late to the final.In the men's 10m air pistol team competition, the trio of Umesh Choudhary, Pradhyumn Singh, and Mukesh Nelavalli emerged victorious with a combined score of 1726 points. They outshot Romania by 10 points, while Italy claimed the bronze with 1707 points.Choudhary, who had qualified third for the individual final, missed out on a potential gold medal after being penalized two points for tardiness. Despite shooting 580 in the qualification round, he finished sixth in the final. Singh, who qualified fourth, ended up eighth with a score of 578. Romania's Luca Joldea clinched the individual gold, while Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Hsiang-Chen took the silver.In the women's 10m air pistol team event, the Indian trio of Kanishka Dagar, Lakshita, and Anjali Chaudhary combined for a score of 1708 points, edging out Azerbaijan by a single point and Ukraine by four points.Dagar also qualified for the individual final in third place with a score of 573, along with Kanika, who shot the same score but with fewer inner 10s. In the final, Kanika secured the bronze medal with a score of 217.6, while Dagar finished eighth. Chinese Taipei's Chen Yu-Chun won the gold, and Slovakia's Manja Slak took the silver.