Ladakh's own Stanzil Dolkar leveraged her mountain running expertise to win the Ladakh Marathon, overcoming an early deficit against Saraswati Rai. Despite facing physical challenges during the race and running in her home region for the first time competitively, Dolkar finished with a time of 3 hours, 32 minutes, and 58 seconds, highlighting the advantage of local acclimatisation.
Nikhil Singh, an Indian elite runner from Mumbai, unexpectedly won the high-altitude Ladakh Marathon, attributing his success to mental strength and strategy.
Nawang Tsering of Ladakh won the Silk Route Ultra Marathon, crediting his prior experience at the challenging UTMB in France for his record-breaking performance. Despite experiencing pain and cramps during the 122km race, Tsering maintained his resolve, strategically allowing competitors to lead before overtaking them on steep elevations.
Suraj Meena, a non-Ladakhi runner, achieved a significant feat by finishing second in the 122km Silk Route Ultra Ladakh Marathon, clocking 12 hours and 35 minutes. He highlighted the extreme difficulty of high-altitude running for outsiders and shared his unique training and travel methods, including cycling to the event.
Suraj Meena, a non-Ladakhi marathoner from Rajasthan, achieved a remarkable feat by finishing second in the 122km Silk Route Ultra Ladakh Marathon. He completed the challenging high-altitude race in 12 hours and 35 minutes, setting a new record for non-Ladakhis and highlighting the extreme difficulty of running in such conditions. Meena also cycled 2,400km from Jaipur to Ladakh to participate.
Suraj Meena, a non-Ladakhi marathoner from Rajasthan, achieved a remarkable second-place finish in the 122km Silk Route Ultra Ladakh Marathon, clocking 12 hours and 35 minutes. This performance set a new record for non-Ladakhis in the event, significantly beating the previous best. Meena highlighted the extreme difficulty of high-altitude running for those not acclimatised and shared his unique training approach, which included cycling 2,400km from Jaipur to Ladakh.
Five-time Guinness World Records holder Sufiya Sufi is preparing to defend her Ladakh Silk Route Ultra Marathon title, aiming for a record-breaking performance. She shares her journey into ultra-running, which began in 2017 as an escape from a monotonous routine, and her ultimate dream of a 30,000-km circumnavigation run.
The Ladakh Marathon, known for its extreme high-altitude route and dramatic landscape, has become a significant attraction for distance runners worldwide. Despite not actively seeking sponsors, the event has garnered strong corporate backing due to its unique vision and the allure of Ladakh. Organisers prioritise runner safety and experience, acknowledging the psychological and physical challenges of racing at such elevations, where oxygen levels are significantly lower.
Indian football head coach Khalid Jamil believes playing five-time world champions Brazil and two-time winners Uruguay at home will be a historic turning point for the sport in the country. These high-profile matches are crucial for preparing the team for next year's Asia Cup qualifiers and will boost player confidence and learning.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer announced a massive nationwide talent hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15 to identify and nurture future athletes, aiming for 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics.
Former Asian Games gold medallist Ronjan Sodhi believes India's ambitious target of 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics is a 'distant prospect', citing significant delays in talent identification, scouting, and critical infrastructure improvements.
Indian golfing legend Jeev Milkha Singh offers crucial advice to the national golf team ahead of the Asian Games, emphasising the importance of a strong short game and adapting to Japan's fast greens and windy conditions to secure medals.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Soman Rana has highlighted the critical need for increased corporate support and permanent jobs for Indian para-athletes. He stressed that financial security is vital for athletes to focus on training and achieve consistent international success, including at events like the Paralympics and Para Asian Games. His views were echoed by PCI president Devendra Jhajharia and M3M Foundation chairperson Payal Kanodia, who noted the growing recognition and support for the Paralympic movement in India.
All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey has urged the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League. While Tata maintains it's a strategic move for grassroots development, Chaubey believes the decision should not be purely financial and highlights Tata's significant contributions to Indian football through the Tata Football Academy.
All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey has urged the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League. While Tata maintains it's a strategic move for grassroots development, Chaubey believes the decision should not be purely financial and highlights Tata's significant contributions to Indian football through the Tata Football Academy.
Para athlete Dilip Gavit, fresh off a Commonwealth Games gold in the 100m, is now focused on breaking world records in both the 100m and 400m events at the upcoming Para Asian Games in Japan. Gavit, who competes in the T47 category, also shared insights into his training, his past achievements in able-bodied events, and the crucial role of his coach, Vaijanath Kale, in his journey.
Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Selva Prabhu attributes his failure to secure a gold medal in Glasgow to food poisoning, stating that a performance near his personal best would have been sufficient for the top spot. He is now focused on qualifying for the upcoming Asian Games.
Jamshedpur FC players, including senior India footballers, have made an emotional appeal to the Tata Group to reverse its decision to withdraw the club from the Indian Super League (ISL) and dismantle the senior team, citing the impact on young players and the future of Indian football.
Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu is now setting her sights on an Asian Games medal, acknowledging the immense pressure that comes with high expectations after her successful Commonwealth Games campaign.
