It may be hard to believe, but the Indian football team once reached the semifinals of the Olympic Games in 1956. However, the current standard of the Indian football team has fallen below expectations compared to its past achievements. To regain its former glory, planned and systematic development is required. Former international legend and former chairman of the technical committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Shyam Thapa, revealed these insights in an interview with Sports Champ Magazine.
Thapa, a member of the Asian Games bronze medallist team and the Merdeka Tournament bronze medallist Indian team in 1970, has played many international matches. He also represented renowned clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, playing a pivotal role in their success in national-level competitions. One of his most memorable moments was scoring a goal through a bicycle kick, leading Mohun Bagan to a crucial victory against their traditional rivals, East Bengal, in August 1978. Thapa’s expertise in scoring goals, including the scissor kick, has made him famous. As the chairman of the AIFF technical committee, he introduced innovative changes to the sport.
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Every child who takes up Chess dreams of becoming the World Champion. On 12 December 2024, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju achieved this. His historic triumph in the 2024 World Cheess Championship Match not only crowned him the youngest undisputed World Champion but also ushered in a new era of hope and possibilities for Indian Chess
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From the ancient grandeur of the Roman Colosseum to the cuttingedge design of Beijing's Bird's Nest, stadiums around the world hold rich histories and enduring legacies. These structures not only host epic events but also reflect the cultural, political, and architectural advancements of their eras.
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Dr Tania Cassidy, is a professor of sports coaching at the School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Sciences at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Her research focus is pedagogy, and she uses educational theories to explore the interconnections between coach, athlete, content, and context. During the Sports Champ Talk Show with Chief Editor Bhushan Thakur, she spoke about talent identification, luck factors, and the early and later bloomers in sports. Excerpts:
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Shreya Nankar, a 22-year-old from Pune, has excelled in wall climbing and academics, earning over 40 medals in national competitions while pursuing her master’s degree at Arizona University, USA. Recently honoured with the Shiv Chhatrapati Award, she continues to inspire with her exceptional achievements.
