In preparation for the fifth season of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) powered by Clear, the eight franchises emerged from the auction after assembling competitive rosters with a mix of fascinating talent from across the globe and Indian players during the event conducted at the Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai.
Sumit Nagal, the current All-India Tennis Association (AITA) Hyderabad Strikers' Strategic Picks No. 1 men's singles player, was introduced to the league ahead of Season 5 of the TPL as the marquee player and became the most expensive pick at the auction. Despite stiff competition from other franchises for the signature of India's star tennis player, he was acquired by the Ramku Patgirowned Gujarat Panthers for Rs18.5 lakhs, thanks to decisive bidding by the Panthers' celebrity ambassador, Arjun Kapoor.
Additionally, the Gujarat Panthers secured Karman Kaur Thandi for Rs 8.5 lakhs, a player with three singles ITF titles to her name. The Panthers also added Mukund Sasikumar to their roster, demonstrating a knack for savvy business by picking up the up-and-coming Indian player.
Hyderabad Strikers' Strategic Picks
Defending champions Hyderabad Strikers, supported by the graceful Rakul Preet Singh, displayed a keen strategy during the auction. The most expensive acquisition for the ENN Sport-owned franchise was Ellen Perez at Rs 14 lakhs. Perez boasts five doubles titles on the WTA Tour, two doubles titles on the WTA Challenger Tour, and two singles and 19 doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. The Australian player will bring a wealth of experience and talent to the Hyderabad team, as they aim for their third consecutive TPL title. They also retained the services of Nikki Poonacha, who played a pivotal role in the team's success last season. The Strikers' roster was completed with the addition of Saketh Myneni, a recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2017 who represents India in the Davis Cup.
Bu hikaye Sports Champ dergisinin November 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Sports Champ dergisinin November 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
DREAMING OF A BIG 'CHASE'
Kho Kho, India's thrilling indigenous sport, is chasing an Olympic dream. With the success of the inaugural Kho Kho World Championship, which saw participation from 20 nations, hopes are high for its inclusion in global sporting events.
THE KING OF POOL
Nurturing talent is a journey fraught with challenges, more so when it involves the sacrifices of a single mother. In India, there are countless inspiring stories of mothers who have gone above and beyond to shape their children into international athletes. Among these remarkable women stands VJ Shantymol, a former international athlete who defied the odds to guide her son, Olympian swimmer Sajan Prakash, to unparalleled heights in the world of competitive swimming.
RISING STAR
India is steadily cementing its place as a global chess superpower, with young talents like D. Gukesh and WGM Vantika Agarwal leading the charge. While Gukesh upholds Viswanathan Anand's legacy, Vantika, at just 22, shines as a trailblazer among women players, with her recent Arjuna Award and Chess Olympiad gold medal underscoring her rise to prominence.
Developing a mindset as vital as physical fitness
Sports Champ recently organised a workshop titled Psychology in Sports, conducted by Dr Swaroop Savanur, a Mental Conditioning and Peak Performance Coach. Dr Savanur, a senior sports psychology consultant and founder of MyMental Coach, covered various aspects during the session. Here are some key highlights from the workshop:
AVOID EARLY SPECIALISATION
Dr Jean Cote, a professor and director of the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen's University at Kingston in Canada speaks about sports psychology and says experiencing multiple sports not only enhances your physical and mental abilities but also allows you to find the one you are truly passionate about. Excerpts:
SPORTS GADGETS
Sports gadgets are transforming the way athletes train, recover, and enjoy their favourite activities.
The journey of pickleball in India
In 2007, pickleball was introduced to India by Sunil Valavalkar, who recognised the potential of this dynamic sport.
Every sport needs its HEROES
Arvind Prabhoo, president of AIPA and IPF feels that India's performance at the recently concluded World Pickleball Championship (WPC) series has created a new wave of role models.
'Talent is not the only defining factor in sports'
Dr Joe Baker is the Tannenbaum Researcher in Sports Science, Data Modelling, and Sports Analytics at the University of Toronto, Canada.
NEW ERA IN INDIAN CHESS
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
