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The National Basketball Association (NBA), ACG, a global leader in pharmaceutical solutions, and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) have joined forces to launch the ACG Jr. NBA program, a nationwide 3v3 tournament for the top U-14 players across India. This initiative marks the largest school-based basketball program in the country.The ACG Jr. NBA program will feature boys' and girls' divisions with teams representing schools from across the country. The tournament will tip off on Tuesday, September 24, with tournaments in Chennai and Mumbai. It will then visit Aizawl, Delhi, Kolkata, and Ludhiana.The top eight boys' and girls' teams from each city will compete in a league phase within each city. The top three boys' and girls' teams and one all-star team from each of the boys' and girls' divisions will advance to the league finals early next year. The dates of the remaining city tournaments, league phases, and league finals will be announced later."Over the past decade, we've engaged millions of children through the Jr. NBA program, and we look forward to expanding our development efforts in India alongside our partners and providing more opportunities for boys and girls to play the game and maximize their potential," said NBA Asia Strategy Head and NBA India Country Head Rajah Chaudhry.In addition to the ACG Jr. NBA program, the collaboration aims to enhance youth basketball development at the local level, expand elite talent identification nationally, and provide new development opportunities for players, coaches, and referees at all levels. This collaboration builds on the prior association between the NBA and ACG, which included the launch of ACG-NBA Jump, a nationwide basketball talent search program. This marks the first time BFI will serve as an ACG Jr. NBA partner."This initiative goes beyond the game – it's about building character, instilling values, and offering young athletes a platform to grow and shine," said ACG Managing Director Karan Singh.The announcement was made at a press conference in Mumbai by BFI President Aadhav Arjuna, NBA Asia Strategy Head and NBA India Country Head Rajah Chaudhry, ACG Chief Marketing Officer Alex Robertson, and CEO of Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd. Rahul Vira.The Jr. NBA program has reached more than 14 million youth and 15,000 physical education instructors across 35 cities in India since 2013. The ACG Jr. NBA program is part of the NBA's broader basketball development initiatives in India, which include NBA Basketball School and Basketball Without Borders Asia.

Two-time Paralympic silver medalist Yogesh Kathuniya bestowed a heartfelt title upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at the PM's residence. Kathuniya, who recently claimed silver in the F56 category at the World Para-Athletics Championships, expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister's unwavering support, calling him "Param Mitra" (best friend).Kathuniya's remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics, where he secured a silver medal in the Men's Discus Throw - F56 event with a season-best throw of 42.22m, was a testament to his dedication and resilience. The Prime Minister, recognizing the para-athletes' exceptional achievements, hosted them at his residence to celebrate their record-breaking haul of 29 medals at the Games.In a heartfelt address, Kathuniya acknowledged the Prime Minister's role in fostering a supportive environment for para-athletes. "The consistency (in performance) came because of you; it came because of the schemes you have launched like TOPS, Khelo India etc. For everybody, PM means Prime Minister but for us, you are our 'param mitra' (best friend)," he said.Prime Minister Modi expressed his pride in the para-athletes' accomplishments and emphasized his commitment to supporting their endeavors. "I feel proud for this post and I also want to work as a 'mitra' with you all," he replied.India's impressive performance at the Paris Paralympics, with seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals, marked a significant milestone in the country's Paralympic history. The contingent surpassed its previous record set at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics (19) and crossed the 50-medal mark, bringing its overall medal tally to 60 (16 gold, 21 silver, and 23 bronze).A record 84 para-athletes represented India at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, competing across 12 disciplines, three more than at Tokyo 2020. Their determination and unwavering spirit have inspired the nation and set a new benchmark for para-sports in India.

Indian para-javelin thrower Navdeep Singh, who won the gold medal in the javelin throw F41 category at the Paris Paralympic Games, had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Navdeep, who hails from Haryana, presented a cap to the Prime Minister and also requested him to sign his kit. PM Modi obliged and signed an autograph on Navdeep's left arm, which is his throwing arm.During the interaction, PM Modi also asked Navdeep about the video that went viral following his triumph. "Have you seen your video or not. How do you perform with such aggression," PM Modi asked. To which, Navdeep replied, "Last time (Tokyo Paralympics), I had finished fourth. Before leaving for Paris, I had promised you, so the promise has been fulfilled."Navdeep's gold medal was upgraded from silver after the initial winner, Islamic Republic of Iran's Sadegh Beit Sayah, got disqualified from the final. Navdeep had initially finished second with a season-best throw of 47.32m, while Sadegh, before the disqualification, stood at the top with a Paralympic record of 47.64m.In the jam-packed Stade de France, it was a redemption arc for Navdeep after he finished fourth in Tokyo. Navdeep was second in order among the six participants and started his campaign in the final with a foul attempt. He failed to stop the momentum and fell over the line, which resulted in a foul attempt.In his third attempt, Navdeep dug deep and delivered his season best with a massive 47.32m throw and moved to the top spot. He maintained his lead till the end and eventually won the gold medal.Navdeep's victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has overcome many challenges in his life, including a childhood accident that left him with a disability. But he has never given up on his dreams, and his success is an inspiration to us all.

Oscar Piastri has clarified that he will not automatically defer to his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in every remaining race of the 2023 Formula 1 season, despite the team's decision to implement team orders in support of Norris's title bid.Speaking to reporters ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Piastri acknowledged the principle of assisting Norris to bolster both his and the team's standings. However, he emphasized that he would retain the freedom to compete against Norris in certain races and circumstances."It's not going to be a case of me pulling over for Lando at every single race," Piastri stated. "That's not how any of us, including Lando, want to go racing."Piastri explained that the team would need to carefully consider each scenario and reward the driver who had performed better on a given weekend. He stressed that the team's goal was not to simply prioritize Norris in every decision but to maintain a balance that would benefit both drivers and the team as a whole."We're not leading the constructors' championship, so we need to make sure we win that," Piastri said. "It's important we maintain that kind of trust."McLaren team principal Andrea Stella had previously announced that the team would employ team orders in specific situations to support Norris's pursuit of the drivers' championship. Norris currently trails reigning champion Max Verstappen by 62 points.Piastri acknowledged that team orders could be challenging for drivers, but he recognized the broader context and the team's objectives."I race for a team that's given me my opportunity in F1 and a team that has given me the opportunity to win races within 18 months of being here," Piastri said. "I have a lot of gratitude for that. The bigger picture is about more than just me."Piastri emphasized the team's goal of winning both the drivers' and constructors' championships, acknowledging that such an achievement would be a significant milestone for McLaren.

Paralympian Navdeep Singh's emotional outburst at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris has sparked a discussion about the pressures and challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. Singh, who ultimately secured the gold medal in the men's javelin F41 final, was captured on camera displaying raw frustration and using strong language after a throw that initially secured him a silver medal.The incident occurred after Sadegh Beit Sayah of Iran was disqualified for displaying a controversial flag during the competition. Singh's silver medal was subsequently upgraded to gold, giving India its seventh gold medal at the Paris Para Games.In an interview with IANS, Singh admitted to being carried away by the aggression of the moment. "We have put in lots of hard work in our preparation, so it all happens," he said. "I have practiced for five years in Delhi, so it's in the air and water of Delhi that these things happen."Singh's frustration stemmed from the fact that he had gone beyond the 42-meter mark in training but had not expected to throw as far as he did in the final. "I was fully prepared before the final," he said. "Coach was happy with my throw, so I was also happy. I didn't expect the distance which I threw in the final, but it all went good."Despite the emotional outburst, Singh expressed gratitude for the support he received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We met out Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he wished us luck and told that Paralympians are nation's pride," he said.Singh's victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of athletes with disabilities. It also highlights the importance of providing support and understanding to these athletes as they navigate the challenges of competition and the pressures of representing their country.

Defending champions India continued their dominant run at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Hulunbuir, China, with a convincing 3-1 victory over Korea on Thursday, September 12, 2024.India, who had already secured a semifinal berth with three consecutive wins, extended their unbeaten streak to four matches. Araijeet Singh Hundal (8th minute) and skipper Harmanpreet Singh (9th, 43th) were the goal scorers for India, while Jihun Yang (30th minute) netted the lone goal for Korea from a penalty corner.India started the match aggressively and took the lead early on through Hundal, who deflected a cross from the right flank into the Korean net. Just a minute later, Harmanpreet doubled India's advantage with a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner.Korea fought back in the second quarter and earned a penalty corner, which Yang converted to reduce the deficit. However, India maintained their composure and regained control of the game in the third quarter.Harmanpreet extended India's lead to 3-1 with another penalty corner goal in the 43rd minute. Korea tried to mount a comeback in the final quarter but failed to breach the Indian defense.With this victory, India finished the league stage with a perfect record of four wins from four matches. They will now face arch-rivals Pakistan in their last league match on Saturday before advancing to the semifinals.The top four teams from the league stages will qualify for the semifinals, while the final will be played on Sunday.

Rhythm Sangwan, the rising star of Indian shooting, will be the sole Indian competitor in two events at the season-ending ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi. The 20-year-old will participate in both the women's 10m air pistol and 25m pistol competitions.Sangwan's selection comes after double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker opted for a three-month break following her exploits in Paris. Bhaker made history by winning bronze medals in the women's 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event in Paris.The Indian squad for the ISSF World Cup Final features nine members from the Paris Olympics team, which returned with three bronze medals. A total of 11 Indian Olympians will compete for the title of the best shooter of the year along with the world's best in 12 individual Olympic events.The 23-member Indian squad includes four shooters who were selected directly by the ISSF: Divyansh Singh Panwar (men's 10m air rifle), Sonam Uttam Maskar (women's 10m air rifle), Rhythm Sangwan (women's 10m air pistol and 25m pistol), and Ganemat Sekhon (women's skeet). The rest of the members were selected based on their Olympic trials rankings.Seasoned shooters and Olympians Mairaj Ahmed Khan (men's skeet) and Chain Singh (men's 50m rifle 3 positions) have returned to the team. Other Paris Olympians in the squad include Arjun Babuta (men's 10m air rifle), Arjun Singh Cheema (men's 10m air pistol), Anish and Vijayveer Sidhu (men's 25m rapid-fire pistol), Shreyasi Singh and Rajeshwari Kumari (women's trap), Maheshwari Chauhan (women's skeet), and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka (men's skeet).The ISSF World Cup Final will be held from October 13 to 18 at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. The Indian shooters will look to carry on the momentum from their success in Paris and perform strongly on home soil.

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who suffered a heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024, has embarked on a new chapter in her life by joining the Congress party and announcing her political debut.Phogat's decision to retire from wrestling after the Olympic setback has led her to seek a new path in politics. She has filed her nomination for the upcoming Haryana elections, contesting from the Julana Constituency in Jind.An affidavit submitted by Phogat during her nomination filing reveals insights into her financial status. She owns three cars: a Volvo XC 60 (valued at Rs 35 lakh), a Hyundai Creta (valued at Rs 12 lakh), and a Toyota Innova (valued at Rs 17 lakh). She is also repaying a loan related to one of her cars.Phogat's immovable property is valued at Rs 2 crore. She has Rs 1.95 lakh in hand and her Income Tax returns for the financial year 2023-24 show an income of Rs 13,85,000.Phogat's uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestling coach, expressed his support for her political aspirations. He stated that his daughter, Sangeeta Phogat, will now carry forward his dream of an Olympic medal in wrestling, as he prepares her for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Last Friday, Phogat and Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia (Sangeeta's husband) joined the Congress party. Phogat will make her electoral debut from Julana in Jind district.Mahavir Phogat emphasized that Sangeeta will now focus on the 2028 Olympics, as Vinesh's political career has opened up a new opportunity for her. He also mentioned that Babita Phogat's knee injuries have hindered her return to the mat.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing face a crucial weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as they aim to regain their dominance in the Formula One title race. After a six-race winless streak, Verstappen's lead in the drivers' championship has been reduced to 62 points, while Red Bull's advantage in the constructors' standings has narrowed to just eight points.Verstappen's last victory came at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, while his teammate Sergio Perez triumphed in Baku last year. Red Bull's supremacy, which has seen them lead the constructors' championship since 2022, is under threat if McLaren outscores them by nine points on Sunday.Both Verstappen and Perez have been working tirelessly to address their recent struggles. "Monza was a tough race for us, and it's our priority to get our form back," said Verstappen. "We've had a good period of reflection and work since the last race."Perez, who has fond memories of Baku, is eager to return to a track where he has excelled. "Street circuits suit my style, and Baku is a fun track," he said.Ferrari, buoyed by their success at Monza, will also be a threat in Baku. Team chief Fred Vasseur emphasized the importance of consistency rather than focusing on the championship standings.McLaren and Mercedes have also claimed recent victories, setting the stage for a close battle on the fast and challenging street track. Haas will field reserve driver Oliver Bearman alongside Nico Hulkenberg, as Kevin Magnussen serves a suspension for accumulating penalty points.With the title race heating up, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2023 Formula One season.