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Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has implored the Supreme Court to expedite its judgment in the heinous Kolkata rape-murder case. Ganguly lauded the unwavering movement for justice in Kolkata and emphasized the significance of the court's verdict as a global precedent. He stressed that the judgment should serve as a stern warning to deter future perpetrators of such heinous crimes.The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the RG Kar case again on September 17, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) directed to submit a fresh status report. Ganguly expressed his ardent desire for a swift resolution, stating, "I urge the Supreme Court to deliver its ruling in this case as soon as possible. The judgment should be an example to the entire world, ensuring that no one dares to commit such a crime in the future."The case has brought the role of the police under scrutiny, with the BJP demanding the dismissal of Kolkata's police chief, Vineet Goyal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has requested patience, citing the upcoming Durga Puja festival and the need for heightened security. She stated, "The Kolkata Police Commissioner has offered to resign several times last week. However, we have pujo coming up, and we need someone experienced in law and order to be in place. If you can have patience for a few days, will it be a Mahabharat (big deal)?"Ganguly's plea for a swift judgment underscores the public's demand for justice and the need to hold perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions. The Supreme Court's verdict is eagerly awaited, as it is expected to set a precedent for the handling of such cases and send a strong message against gender-based violence.

Pakistan Contingent Departs for South Asian Athletics Federation Junior Championships in ChennaiA 12-member Pakistani contingent has embarked on a journey to Chennai, India, to participate in the South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Junior Championships. The contingent received visas from the Indian High Commission on Saturday, paving the way for their departure.The contingent, comprising athletes and officials, crossed the Wagah border into India and proceeded to Amritsar. From there, they boarded a flight to Chennai, where the SAAF Junior Championships will be held from September 11 to 13.The Pakistani contingent will compete in various track and field events, including sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws. They will face stiff competition from athletes from other South Asian countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.The SAAF Junior Championships serve as a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and gain international experience. The event also provides an opportunity for athletes to qualify for regional and global competitions.Pakistan has a strong tradition in athletics, having produced several world-class athletes over the years. The contingent will be hoping to continue this legacy by performing well in Chennai and bringing home medals.

India's para-athletes have etched their names in history with a record-breaking medal haul of 29 at the Paralympics. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the country's Paralympic journey, surpassing the previous record of 19 medals in Tokyo.The contingent of 84 athletes showcased exceptional determination and talent, with established stars delivering on expectations and new faces making their mark. Seven of the 29 medals were gold, a first for India, which has only recently emerged as a force in Paralympic sports.Track and field events proved to be a major source of success, with 17 medals, including a bronze for sprinter Preethi Pal in the women's 100m T35 class. Pal's achievement is particularly inspiring, as she was born with weak legs that have progressively worsened.Another first-ever medal came in judo, with Kapil Parmar securing a bronze in the men's 60kg J1 class. Parmar's story is one of resilience, having overcome a life-altering accident in his childhood.Archery and club throw also contributed significantly to India's medal tally. Harvinder Singh won gold in archery, while Dharambir and Pranav Soorma finished first and second in the club throw event.Armless archer Sheetal Devi, who uses her legs to shoot, became a crowd favorite with her mixed team bronze. Her determination and spirit inspired millions, demonstrating that anything is possible with perseverance.Defending champions Sumit Antil and Avani Lekhara lived up to expectations, winning gold in javelin throw and air rifle shooting, respectively. Badminton player Kumar Nitesh also claimed gold, overcoming a train accident that resulted in the loss of his leg.India's success at the Paralympics is a testament to the government's increased investment in training, recovery, and support staff. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme has played a crucial role in providing resources to para-athletes.While India has made significant progress, there is still room for improvement. Creating a pool of para swimmers would enhance the country's chances of finishing in the top 10 at future Paralympics.

The men's javelin F41 final at the Paris Paralympics witnessed a dramatic turn of events, with initial gold medal winner Sadegh Beit Sayah of Iran being disqualified for displaying a controversial flag. This resulted in India's Navdeep Singh's silver medal being upgraded to gold, marking India's seventh gold medal at the Games.Navdeep's initial reaction was one of surprise and confusion, as he was unaware of the reason for Sayah's disqualification. However, upon seeing his opponent's emotional breakdown, Navdeep was overcome with empathy and embraced Sayah in a gesture of consolation."I was so surprised when the red card was shown to the Iranian javelin thrower. He started crying. He was in tears and weeping. I also became so emotional that I went to him and hugged him. I consoled him. Until then, I didn't know what exactly had happened and the reason behind this big decision," Navdeep recounted.The disqualification stemmed from Sayah's display of the Hamas flag, which is associated with a terrorist organization. This act was deemed inappropriate conduct by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).Navdeep's subsequent joy at winning the gold medal was tempered by the realization that it came at the expense of Sayah's disqualification. "When I was given the gold medal, I was so happy. Tokyo is in the past now, Paris is the present. I am really delighted that I could make my country proud. I'm really happy I could add one more gold medal to India's tally. People always remember gold," Navdeep said.Reflecting on his performance, Navdeep expressed surprise at his distance of 47.32 meters, which exceeded his expectations. "I never imagined I would throw 47-plus, honestly. I don't have any idea how I did this. Because during my training just before departing for Paris, I was throwing 41 or 42. But I don't know how I managed to throw 47-plus," he remarked.Navdeep's victory is a testament to his determination and resilience, and it adds to India's impressive medal tally at the Paris Paralympics.

India's Hockey Champions Reignite with Commanding Win in Asian Champions TrophyThe Indian men's hockey team commenced their title defense in the Asian Champions Trophy with an emphatic 3-0 victory over hosts China in Hulunbuir, China. The triumph marks a promising start for the team, which recently secured a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal.India's dominance was evident from the outset, with Sukhjeet Singh opening the scoring in the 14th minute. Uttam Singh extended the lead in the 27th minute, and Abhishek sealed the victory with a spectacular reverse hit just two minutes into the second half.The Indian defense proved impenetrable, thwarting China's attempts to penetrate their ranks. The team's cohesive play and clinical finishing were a testament to their preparation and determination.Last year, India emerged victorious in the tournament on home soil, becoming the only team to claim four titles in its history. This year's triumph sets the stage for another successful campaign.In other matches, Malaysia and Pakistan played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Japan and Korea engaged in a high-scoring affair that ended in a 5-5 stalemate.India will face Japan in their second pool match on Monday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum. The team's performance in the Asian Champions Trophy will serve as a valuable test ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

The Paris Paralympic Games 2024 concluded with India achieving its most successful campaign ever, securing 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. This remarkable performance placed India at the 18th position in the points table, surpassing several top nations.India's medal haul was led by track-and-field, which contributed 17 medals, including four golds. Navdeep Singh's gold medal in the men's javelin throw F41 classification was particularly noteworthy, as he originally finished with a silver but was upgraded to gold after the disqualification of Iran's Sadegh Beit Sayah for displaying an objectionable flag. Simran also added a bronze in the women's 200m (T12) event, setting a personal best time.India's success in Paris was a testament to the significant progress made in para-sports in the country. The team outperformed traditional Paralympic powerhouses such as Switzerland, Belgium, South Korea, Turkey, and Argentina, finishing among the top 20 nations in the world.In comparison, Paralympic heavyweights China, Great Britain, USA, and Italy continued to dominate, finishing among the top 10 nations. India's performance in Paris sets the stage for an even stronger showing at the 2028 LA Para Games.

Dominik Hernler's Historic Wakeboarding Feat in Kerala's BackwatersRenowned Austrian wakeboarder and Red Bull athlete Dominik Hernler has etched his name in history by executing an unprecedented feat in the serene backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala. In a breathtaking display of skill and courage, Hernler soared over 500 people aboard five iconic snake boats, showcasing his elite wakeboarding prowess against a backdrop of traditional Indian culture.Hernler's journey in Alleppey began with a daring challenge: to jump over two massive snake boats. With effortless precision and control, he cleared them with ease, leaving onlookers in awe. Undeterred, he raised the stakes by adding two more boats, successfully navigating over four snake boats with style and grace.The ultimate test came with the addition of a fifth boat, bringing the total to nearly 500 people aboard the vessels. In a heart-stopping moment, Hernler executed a flawless jump over all five boats, capping off the stunt with a celebratory backflip into the waters of Alleppey. His daring feat not only showcased his exceptional talent but also brought international attention to the scenic and cultural richness of Kerala.Beyond the snake boat jump, Hernler explored the backwaters further, wakeboarding along the rails of a traditional houseboat and navigating the narrow canals that wind through the town. His time in Alleppey was a blend of high-octane action and a deep appreciation for the local culture, making it a memorable experience for both the athlete and those who witnessed his incredible feats.Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East," is nestled in Kerala's backwaters, a region fondly called "God's Own Country" for its lush landscapes and cultural richness. This picturesque setting, with its winding canals and serene waters, became God's Own Playground as Hernler showcased his wakeboarding skills amidst Kerala's enchanting beauty.The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a historic event in Kerala, where teams of nearly 100 rowers compete in iconic "Chundan Vallams" or snake boats, originally designed for warfare. With their beaked prows and sleek design, these boats are now central to Kerala's racing tradition. Inspired by this dynamic setting, Hernler decided to push the limits of his sport.Speaking about his experience wakeboarding on the backwaters of Alleppey, including pulling off a one-of-a-kind jump over five snake boats holding nearly 500 people, Red Bull Athlete Hernler was thrilled as he said, "My time in Kerala has been amazing. There are many experiences for me to take home. I enjoyed hanging out with the people here and of course, wakeboarding through the backwaters was great but my favorite was certainly jumping over the snake boats. We were questioning it when we set up for it, but I always want to do more. I am stoked I got to be here, I'm happy at how everything turned out and I've made many good memories from this trip."Dominik Hernler's successful attempt is sure to inspire other athletes and highlight the unique charm of Alleppey, cementing its place as a destination where tradition meets adventure. The Red Bull athlete achieved this stunning feat and showcased his elite wakeboarding skills in the backwaters of Kerala over a week, in partnership with Volkswagen.

India has set its sights on hosting the 2030 Youth Olympics, a stepping stone towards its ultimate goal of hosting the 2036 Olympics. The announcement was made by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).The 2030 Youth Olympics, the fifth edition of the event, will serve as a precursor to India's bid for the 2036 Olympics. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are going to bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics, but our focus remains on hosting the 2036 Olympics," Mandaviya stated.India's bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics is part of its broader strategy to establish itself as a global sporting hub. The country has successfully hosted several major international sporting events in recent years, including the Cricket World Cups and the FIFA U-17 World Cup."Under Modiji's leadership, we have been able to host multiple international sporting events," added BJP president JP Nadda, who was the chief guest at the OCA General Assembly.India will face competition from several other countries for the hosting rights of the 2030 Youth Olympics, including Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina.The Youth Olympics, first held in 2010, are a multi-sport event for young athletes aged 15 to 18. The event aims to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, while also providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents.India's bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics is a testament to its growing stature in the global sporting arena. The country has a rich sporting history and a passionate fan base, making it an ideal candidate to host major sporting events.

Indian Paralympic athletes were accorded a grand welcome at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport upon their return from the Paris Paralympics, where they showcased an exceptional performance. On Saturday morning, half of the Indian contingent arrived home after participating in the prestigious event.Among the returning athletes were Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Pranav Soorma, Rakesh Kumar, and Manish Narwal. Fans gathered in large numbers outside the airport, showering the para-athletes with flower petals and expressing their admiration.India's Paralympic stars, including gold medalist Avani Lekhara, silver medalist Manish Narwal, Pranav Soorma, and bronze medalists Rubina, returned to a hero's welcome. The remaining athletes of the Indian contingent will return after the conclusion of the multi-sport event.Star Indian parashooter Avani Lekhara expressed her gratitude for the support and recognition. "It has been a good journey, and we have won many good medals this time," she said.Para shooter Mona Agarwal shared her excitement about her first Paralympic experience. "I am feeling very good as I am receiving so much love... My Paralympic journey was very good," she said.Reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara continued her winning streak, securing gold in the women's 10m air rifle final. She became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in the Games' history. Shooter Mona Agarwal also bagged a bronze medal in the same event.Para-archer Rakesh Kumar attributed his victory to his coaches. "I am feeling very good... The credit for my victory goes to my coaches... We will work hard and perform better at the next Paralympics," he said.The Indian archery pair of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi clinched the bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound event, defeating Italy's Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonnacina.India's medal tally at the ongoing Paralympics has reached 27, including six gold medals, nine silver medals, and 12 bronze medals. This is the highest number of gold medals India has ever won at a Paralympics Games event, surpassing the previous record of five golds in Tokyo 2020.Indian para-athletes have made the nation proud with their exceptional performance, contributing three golds, six silvers, and six bronze medals to the country's overall tally.