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The LPGA, the premier women's professional golf tour, has partnered with Hana Kuma, the production company founded by tennis superstar Naomi Osaka, to elevate the profiles of its players and strengthen the tour's brand.This innovative collaboration aims to make LPGA players household names by providing them with tailored assistance to enhance their personal brands. Eight players will be selected for an inaugural pilot program, receiving guidance on building their social media presence, engaging with fans, and developing their personal narratives.All LPGA athletes will also participate in a brand-building workshop in May, focusing on developing their personal brands and connecting with audiences. These initiatives are part of the LPGA's strategy to increase player recognition and build a stronger connection with fans.LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan emphasized the importance of showcasing the athletes' personal stories and athletic achievements. "Fans follow people and build strong affinity with those whom they know and connect," she said. "Our athletes are inspiring, particularly for young girls, and we can't wait to help give them the biggest platform possible."Osaka, who has been a vocal advocate for women's sports, expressed her excitement about the partnership. "With Hana Kuma, I want to pay it forward by helping empower and champion the LPGA players," she said. "Together, we can continue to uplift and inspire the next generation of female athletes."Stuart Duguid, Osaka's longtime agent and co-founder of Hana Kuma, believes the partnership has the potential to transform women's sports. "We're excited to embark on this journey with the LPGA," he said. "Our commitment extends to amplifying the diverse narratives of LPGA athletes, reshaping their interactions with fans and sponsors, and pushing the boundaries to elevate women's sports to new heights."The LPGA's revenue has grown significantly in recent years, but only two golfers made Forbes' list of highest-paid female athletes last year. This partnership with Hana Kuma aims to address this disparity by providing players with the tools and resources to build their brands and increase their earning potential.

Manu Gandas, the 27-year-old golfer from Gurugram, faced a challenging first season on the DP World Tour (European Tour) in 2023. Despite qualifying by topping the PGTI Order of Merit, he made only five cuts in 25 appearances."The results didn't go my way, but I've gained invaluable experience," said Gandas, whose best finish was a tied-20th at the ISPS HANDA World Invitational in Northern Ireland. "I now understand the demands of competing with world-class golfers in challenging conditions."Gandas has shown signs of improvement in the 2024 PGTI season, winning the Players Championship in Kolkata and finishing 13th at the Vooty Masters. He is now eyeing a strong performance at the Hero Indian Open, a DP World Tour event on his home course.This year's Indian Open will feature a record prize purse of $2.25 million and will be the second of five events comprising the Asian Swing. The tournament will attract 144 players, including 2015 champion Anirban Lahiri, Indian veteran Shiv Kapur, and three-time DP World Tour winner Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium."I'll try to apply my learnings," said Gandas, who finished tied-32nd last year. "The DLF course can be intimidating, especially in windy conditions."Reflecting on his European experience, Gandas highlighted the colder, windier, and wetter conditions, which affect warm-up time and distances. He also noted the longer courses, which test the long game.Gandas has been troubled by recurring niggles in his right wrist and left ankle. "I've been playing with pain for the past 2-3 years," he said. "This season, I'm prioritizing rest and physical strengthening to improve my yardage."Despite the challenges, Gandas remains determined. "There were times of self-doubt, but as an athlete, you must persevere," he said. "I had support from Shubhankar, but homesickness can be a factor. Technical and mental inputs from tour regulars were helpful, but speaking to my coach Anitya Chand was invaluable."Meanwhile, Indian Golf Union (IGU) President Brijinder Singh announced plans to hire a National Development Manager (NDM) and National High Performance Manager (NHPM). "We're interviewing candidates and expect to appoint an NDM by early April," he said. "The NHPM will be an established player with a strong commitment to golf."

The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has witnessed an electrifying start to its second season in Chennai, with thrilling matches and unexpected results.Ahmedabad Defenders, who had a dominant start with three consecutive straight-set victories, faced their first setback against Bengaluru Torpedoes. The Torpedoes, led by Muthusamy Appavu, halted the Defenders' winning streak, showcasing their resilience and determination.Mumbai Meteors have emerged as a formidable force, securing three consecutive wins. Shubham Chaudhary and Ajith Lal have been instrumental in the Meteors' success, guiding them to a 3-1 victory over Calicut Heroes. This marked the Heroes' first defeat of the season, after their impressive start with two straight-set wins.Delhi Toofans bounced back from their loss to the Meteors by defeating Hyderabad Black Hawks. Santhosh played a pivotal role in the Toofans' victory, showcasing his exceptional skills. The Black Hawks, on the other hand, continue to struggle, finding themselves in the bottom half of the table with only one win.Kolkata Thunderbolts, the Season 1 champions, finally secured their first win of the season. Turkish setter Onur Cukur played a crucial role in their 3-1 victory over Kochi Blue Spikers. The Blue Spikers have had a disappointing start, languishing at the bottom of the standings without a win.As the competition intensifies, all eyes are on Chennai Blitz and their potential to make a thrilling run to the final. Kolkata Thunderbolts and Kochi Blue Spikers face an uphill battle, relying on luck and improved performances to advance to the next stage.

Puneri Paltan's triumph in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 final marked a historic moment for the Pune-based team. After a heartbreaking loss in last season's final, Paltan emerged victorious this time, defeating Haryana Steelers 28-25 in a nail-biting encounter at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on March 1.The low-scoring match was a testament to the defensive prowess of both teams. However, Paltan's raider Pankaj Mohite proved to be the game-changer, scoring a crucial nine points and leading his team's offensive charge.The first half was a close contest, with Paltan maintaining a narrow lead. A crucial four-point raid by Mohite near half-time pushed the Steelers on the brink of an all-out, but substitute raider Vishal Tate kept them in the game with a crucial touch.The second half continued to be a tense affair, with Paltan eventually pulling away for an eight-point lead in the final two minutes. Strong defensive play by Gaurav Khatri, who secured four tackle points, helped Paltan slow down the game and secure its historic victory.On the other hand, it was a disappointing night for the Steelers, who struggled defensively, only managing six tackle points throughout the match. This was the third final defeat for Steelers' coach Manpreet Singh, who has previously failed to cross the final hurdle with Gujarat Giants.This win continues the recent trend in PKL, where the team finishing atop the league stage emerges as the ultimate champion. Paltan captain Aslam Inamdar was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season for his impressive performance, which included 142 raid points and 26 tackle points. Its vice-captain Mohammadreza Chiyaneh won the Best Defender award for 99 tackle points, while Dabang Delhi's Ashu Malik bagged the Best Raider trophy for 276 raid points.

Indian hockey is once again facing turmoil, with allegations of financial irregularities and election process violations surfacing. Former Delhi Hockey secretary Mahesh Dayal has raised concerns about the validity of the current Hockey India (HI) dispensation and the 2022 election process, claiming violations of the National Sports Code.Dayal's allegations center around the eligibility of secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, treasurer Sekar Manoharan, and executive director Cdr. RK Srivastava. He claims that Singh has exceeded his tenure limits and that the election process did not comply with the Sports Code.Singh has dismissed the allegations, stating that he is within the provisions of the code and that his election was not in violation of the rules. However, Dayal has also questioned the absence of an arbitration committee and an ombudsman, as well as the lack of age and tenure limits for district-level officials.The allegations come amidst the recent resignations of women's chief coach Janneke Schopman and long-serving CEO Elena Norman. Both Schopman and Norman have hinted at internal issues within HI, with Schopman claiming "disrespect" and Norman naming the three officials as being more interested in power.Furthermore, there is an ongoing case in the Delhi High Court over a forensic audit of HI accounts. Questions have been raised about HI's income-tax assessment and its finances, including sponsorship money and payments allegedly made to the International Hockey Federation (FIH).The allegations have raised concerns about the governance and transparency of HI. The sports ministry and HI president Dilip Tirkey have been urged to investigate the matter and ensure that the National Sports Code is adhered to.

Odisha's Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, unveiled a commemorative coffee table book titled 'FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023' on Friday. Published by Sportstar, the sports magazine of The Hindu Group, the book chronicles the 15th edition of the prestigious tournament, which was hosted by Odisha in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.The coffee table book captures the grandeur and excitement of the World Cup, showcasing the on-field action, off-field moments, and the cultural extravaganza that accompanied the event. Through captivating photographs and rich printing, the book preserves the memories of the tournament for posterity.In his message, Chief Minister Patnaik expressed his delight at Odisha's successful hosting of the World Cup. He highlighted the state's commitment to hockey and its efforts to promote sports at all levels. Patnaik expressed hope that the tournament's success would inspire the younger generation to embrace hockey and revive the glory days of Indian hockey.The 252-page coffee table book features stunning images of the sporting action, the vibrant cultural performances, and the enthusiastic spectators. It provides an immersive experience for readers, allowing them to relive the excitement of the World Cup.Ayon Sengupta, Editor of Sportstar, praised Odisha's unwavering support for hockey and its commitment to promoting sports. He said that Sportstar and The Hindu were honored to be part of the endeavor to share the story of Odisha's love for hockey through this book.The release of the coffee table book was attended by Odisha's Sports and Youth Services Department Secretary R. Vineel Krishna and Sridhar Aranala, Vice President, and SDT Rao, General Manager, of The Hindu Group.

Viswanathan Anand, the legendary Indian chess grandmaster, recently showcased his wit and love for chess on social media. On Friday, he posted a humorous plea on Twitter, claiming to be kidnapped by chess players Alexandra Botez and Andrea Botez."At the Airport! My Kidnappers, let me go. @alexandrabotez @itsandreabotez," Anand tweeted.The post initially raised concerns among fans, but Anand quickly clarified that it was a joke related to a chess move."Alexandra Botez told me I had to solve a chess position to win my freedom. Andrea asked what Black should play in this position. I told her Kd5, and they let me go," Anand explained in a subsequent tweet.He further elaborated, "Since this is a race, black should play Kd5 Slowing the white king march to the Queen side. And a quicker hostage release!"Anand's post highlights his playful nature and his ability to connect with chess enthusiasts on a personal level. It also demonstrates the growing popularity of chess, particularly among younger generations.In recent years, Anand has been vocal about the golden era of Indian chess. He has praised the exceptional talent and achievements of young Indian chess players, who have consistently performed at the highest levels."I'm throwing in the title early, but they are a golden generation. They are all in the 2,700-plus group (Elo rating). And they're all under 20. That just does not happen; it's really something special," Anand said.Anand's passion for chess extends beyond the board. He recently attended Lollapalooza 2024, where he was spotted enthusiastically singing along to Sting's performance of "Roxanne.""When I was very young, songs like 'Every Breath You Take' and 'Roxanne' by The Police made a huge impression on me. Fast forward to now, and I can say I know most of their songs and Sting's solo albums as well. They've been a constant on my playlist over the years," Anand shared on social media.Viswanathan Anand's contributions to chess and his ability to inspire young players make him a true legend of the sport. His recent social media posts showcase his humor, passion, and the enduring appeal of chess.

Franchise sports have gained immense popularity in India, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) leading the way. The success of IPL has inspired franchise competitions in various other sports, including basketball. The Elite Pro Basketball League (EPBL) and Elite Women's Pro Basketball League (EWPBL) are the latest additions to this growing trend.Unlike other franchise competitions, EPBL and EWPBL not only include a category for men but also have a dedicated competition for women. Despite their promising start in 2022, these leagues have faced challenges from the Basketball Federation of India (BFI). The BFI has issued warnings and circulars against EPBL and EWPBL, citing unauthorized events.However, the leagues remain optimistic about their future. Sunny Bhandarkar, CEO of Elite Pro Basketball, believes that basketball's lack of popularity in India stems from the absence of a clear roadmap and professional ecosystem. EPBL and EWPBL aim to bridge this gap by providing a platform for players to pursue basketball as a profession.Bhandarkar also acknowledges the role of the BFI in hindering basketball's growth. He urges the federation to support private tournaments and allow athletes to participate in them. He believes that this will enhance the level of play and benefit the national teams.EPBL and EWPBL aspire to reach the popularity of IPL or ISL in the future. They aim to create a comprehensive ecosystem for basketball in India, including grassroots development, collegiate tournaments, and advanced coaching camps.Despite the challenges posed by the BFI, EPBL and EWPBL remain committed to their mission of promoting basketball in India. They believe that by providing a professional platform and a clear roadmap, they can inspire a new generation of players and elevate the sport to new heights.

India's women's junior cycling team made a remarkable start at the Asian Track Cycling Championships, securing a gold medal in the sprint event on the opening day. The team, comprising Sarita Kumari, Niya Sebastian, Zaina Mohammed Ali Pirkhan, and Sabina Kumari, showcased exceptional teamwork and determination to outpace South Korea, the reigning Asian champions, with an impressive timing of 53.383 seconds. This historic victory marks a significant achievement for Indian cycling and sets the tone for a promising performance throughout the championships.The men's junior team, consisting of Narayan Mahto, Syed Khalid Baghi, and Mayanglambam Wattaba Meitei, also displayed their prowess on the track, securing a silver medal in the team sprint event. Despite facing stiff competition from the Korean team, the Indian cyclists demonstrated resilience and determination, finishing with a time of 47.936 seconds. Their performance highlights the growing talent and potential of India's young cyclists.Adding to India's medal tally, the women's junior team of Harshita Jakhar, Suhani Kumari, Dhanyadha JP, and Bhumika clinched a bronze medal in the team pursuit event. In a closely contested race, the Indian cyclists edged out their Chinese Taipei counterparts, showcasing their endurance and tactical skills. This achievement further underscores the depth and strength of India's cycling contingent.The para-cycling team also contributed to India's medal haul, securing a silver medal in the para team sprint event. Arshad Shaikh, Jalaluddin Ansari, and Basavaraj Horaddi displayed remarkable determination and skill, demonstrating the indomitable spirit of para-athletes. Their performance serves as an inspiration to aspiring cyclists with disabilities.The Indian senior team, featuring experienced cyclists such as Esow Alben, Rojit Singh, and Ronaldo Singh, will be expected to continue the nation's success in the senior category. With nearly 500 riders from 18 countries participating in the tournament, including Olympic and world championships medallists, the competition is expected to be fierce. India's strong contingent of 42 cyclists will aim to rise to the challenge and bring home more medals.The Asian Track Cycling Championships serve as an Olympic qualification event, adding to the significance of the competition. The Indian cyclists will be determined to make the most of this opportunity and secure their spots at the upcoming Olympic Games. Their performances in the tournament will be closely watched by cycling enthusiasts across the country, who will be cheering them on to achieve even greater success.