was the semifinal day of the 2024 Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir. Conventionally speaking, Bihar is not known for anything related to the sport. Odisha, followed by Jharkhand, and to a certain extent Chennai have come to be known as the centers of hockey when it comes to existing in recent times. However, the roar the crowd let out when the ground announcer started introducing the Indian players at the Rajgir Sports Complex in late November would tell you that the state of Bihar had embraced the sport like never before.
It is not just hockey, women's sports in India are slowly and steadily gaining the imagination of people. The crowd at various sporting events are an indication of what is to unfold in the coming years.
Female athletes, who have played in front of empty chairs in the not-so-distant past, feel this is one of those watershed moments they never thought they would witness in their careers. Take Harmanpreet Kaur, for example, current captain of the national side played in the 2013 ODI World Cup hosted in India. The fixtures were played across two cities, Mumbai and Cuttack, on five grounds. Despite Wankhede Stadium being within walking distance, the Indian team played their matches at the Cricket Club of India's Brabourne Stadium. The final of the ICC event was played at the same venue with empty stands and minimum fanfare.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I will be directing my brother Darshan: Dinakar Thoogudeepa
CE FEATURES
Into the world of UI
It's been a week since the release of Upendra's UI, a film that Upendra not only directed but also starred in.
Sanjith Hegde strikes the right chord with 'Hoo Dumbi' from Manada Kadalu
Manada Kadalu, directed by Yogaraj Bhat, stars Sumukha, Rashika Shetty, and Anjali Anish
My favourite books of the year
2024 was a fantastic bookish year for me. I completed two bucket list items: speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival in January and opening an antiquarian bookstore in Bengaluru in November.
Karavali Peeks Into The Prestige Of The 'Pishachi' Chair
Directed by Gurudatha Ganiga and starring Prajwal Devaraj, Karavali takes a bold approach to storytelling, with the latest teaser setting the bar even higher
Bejewelled in History
From the viral emerald and diamond necklace she donned for Anant Ambani's wedding to sporting Shah Jahan's jewels as a bajuband and wearing a pair of jhumkas owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad, Nita Ambani's love for luxurious jewellery with a touch of history is well documented.
Mattress brand spreads festive cheer with Christmas drive
Magniflex India, a mattress brand, organised its annual 'MagniflexXmas' Christmas collection drive across cities, including Bengaluru.
Jubilant Jubilee
One of the best wicket-keepers of his time and key member of the 1983 World Cup winning cricket team, Syed Kirmani, launched his autobiography Stumped: Life Behind and Beyond the Twenty-Two Yards, on his 75th birthday on Sunday, with the who's who of Bengaluru in attendance.
FRESH BEGINNINGS
As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025, this is a time for reflection as much as preparation.
Jamshedpur FC pip Kerala Blasters in ISL
PRATIK Chaudhari's goal proved to be the difference-maker as Jamshedpur FC edged Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 in the ongoing Indian Super League at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Sunday.
