In the realm of human emotions, there are moments when anger propels individuals to commit grave crimes, leading them to face severe consequences. However, it is crucial to remember that behind those crimes lies a glimmer of humanity. As I represented India in the third Intercontinental Chess Tournament for Prisons, I was fortunate to witness a transformation that affirms this very belief.
The setting was Pune’s Yerwada Central Jail, where a team of inmates achieved a remarkable victory over their Latin American counterparts from El Salvador. Winning the championship among 80 prison teams hailing from 50 countries around the globe is an achievement that fills not only me but the entire nation with immense pride. This victory is remarkable because it stems from a segment of society often overlooked and marginalized - those serving sentences in prisons.
The inspiration
This triumph marked the second year in a row that we claimed a spot on the prestigious victory podium. In the preceding year, we secured the bronze medal in the same competition. The significance of this performance goes beyond the medals; it represents a lifelong achievement for me and a testament to the power of transformation and second chances.
The journey began in October 2021, and for six consecutive months, I found myself visiting the Yerwada Central Jail five days a week. If I had shared this endeavour without context, it might have seemed perplexing or even imprudent. However, there’s a deeper story behind it all.
Bu hikaye Sports Champ dergisinin December 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Sports Champ dergisinin December 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
ICONIC STADIUM
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.
JUNIOR TALENT RARELY GUARANTEES ELITE SUCCESS
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:
PURVA EYES GLOBAL SUCCESS
With over 50 medals to her name, including the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati Award, Purva Kinare shares her journey in Yoga and her hopes for representing India in future international competitions.
Ayush Shukla eyes Olympic dream
After claiming India’s first-ever bronze in the World Junior Taekwondo Championship, 17-year-old Ayush Shukla from Ahmedabad is now looking ahead to bigger challenges, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Olympics.
SCALING HEIGHTS
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.
Channelise your energy in the proper manner
Tell us about your childhood and liking for sports at an early age
India's fabulous fifth
India secured their fifth Asian Champions Trophy Hockey title with a 1-0 win over China, extending their record in the prestigious tournament. Jugraj Singh's crucial goal brought home the victory, while captain Harmanpreet Singh led the team to their sixth overall title, capping off a dominant campaign.
WINNING TOGETHER
Dr Deepa Malik, former president of the Paralympic Committee of India and a silver medall at the Paralympic Games underscores the pivotal role of collective efforts, meticulous plannin talent discovery, and international exposure in India's remarkable performance at the Pa Paralympics.
KAPIL'S BRONZE BLITZ
Triumph Amidst The Roar
MAKING OF A CHAMPION
Becoming an Olympic gold medallist is no easy feat. For coaches, the process is a long and arduous journey that demands immense dedication, perseverance, and skill.