Punjab FC Welcomes Spanish Midfielder Dani Ramírez Fernandez
Punjab FC has made a significant addition to its squad by signing Spanish attacking midfielder Dani Ramírez Fernandez ahead of the upcoming Super Cup set to kick off in Goa on Saturday. This move marks the club’s second overseas signing of the season following Samir Zeljkovic. Ramírez, a 33-year-old, has joined Punjab FC on a one-year contract on a free transfer, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the team.
Dani Ramírez Fernandez had most recently played for Manisa FK in Turkey’s TFF First League. His football journey began with his hometown club CD Leganes before moving on to Real Madrid, where he spent four seasons developing through the youth setup and featuring for Real Madrid C. Over the years, he has represented clubs such as Valencia CF B, Getafe CF, Internacional de Madrid, Stomil Olsztyn SA in Poland, ŁKS Łodz, Lech Poznan, and Zulte Waregem in Belgium.
His impressive resume includes winning the Ekstraklasa title in the 2021–22 season with Lech Poznan. During his time with Manisa FK in Turkey, he made 34 appearances in the 2024–25 season, contributing seven goals and four assists, showcasing his creativity and experience in midfield.
Indian Shuttlers Shine at Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Championships
Indian shuttlers have made a strong start at the Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Championships 2025, with several players securing key victories on the opening day of the tournament. Notable wins against Chinese opponents have set a positive tone for Team India in the competition.
In the U-15 category, players like SL Dhakshan Sugumaran and Wazir Singh displayed exceptional skill and determination to secure victories against tough opponents. While in the U-17 category, Punith Suresh, Aditi Deepak Raj, Jangjeet Singh Kajla, and Jananika Ramesh advanced to the next round with impressive performances.
India has a history of success in the Badminton Asia Championships, with previous editions yielding gold, silver, and bronze medals for the country. The current 36-member squad is poised to continue this tradition and compete for top honors in both age categories.
Prashant Singh Leads Indian Rugby Sevens Team at Asian Tournament
Prashant Singh has been appointed captain of the Indian men’s rugby sevens team, which is seeded third for the upcoming Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy in Muscat. The tournament will feature teams from various Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and more.
Under the coaching of former England Rugby Sevens star Ben Gollings, the Indian team is gearing up to face tough competition in Group C against Lebanon and Afghanistan. Singh’s leadership, coupled with the team’s preparation and strategy, will be crucial in their quest for success in the tournament.
Delhi Pickleball Association Granted Permanent Membership by Delhi Olympic Association
The Delhi Pickleball Association (DPA) has been officially recognized and granted permanent membership by the Delhi Olympic Association, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the capital. The affiliation will pave the way for structured tournaments, certified training, and official representation for Delhi’s pickleball players at the national level.
With more than 24 state associations under the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the sport is steadily gaining popularity and support across the country. The recognition of DPA by the Delhi Olympic Association underscores the efforts towards promoting and developing pickleball as a competitive sport.
Overall, Indian athletes across various disciplines are making their mark on the international stage, showcasing their talent, dedication, and potential for success in the global sporting arena.
The Rise of Badminton in India
Badminton has been steadily gaining popularity in India over the past decade, with the country producing world-class players who have made their mark on the international stage. The success of Indian shuttlers like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth has inspired a new generation of players to take up the sport and strive for excellence.
One of the key factors contributing to the rise of badminton in India is the increased investment in training facilities and coaching programs. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has been instrumental in providing support to talented players, identifying young prospects, and nurturing their skills to compete at the highest level.
Furthermore, the success of Indian players in international competitions has garnered significant media attention and sponsorship deals, raising the profile of the sport and attracting more fans across the country. The All India Badminton Championships and the Premier Badminton League have also played a crucial role in popularizing the sport and providing a platform for players to showcase their talent.
With the continued success of Indian shuttlers at the junior and senior levels, the future of badminton in India looks bright. The emergence of promising young players in the U-17 and U-15 categories bodes well for the country’s prospects in international tournaments and championships.
As more players like SL Dhakshan Sugumaran, Wazir Singh, Punith Suresh, and Aditi Deepak Raj continue to excel on the global stage, India’s reputation as a badminton powerhouse is only set to grow. The support from the government, sports authorities, and corporate sponsors will be crucial in sustaining this momentum and ensuring that Indian badminton achieves even greater heights in the years to come.
The Impact of Rugby Sevens in India
Rugby sevens has been gaining traction in India, with the sport attracting a growing number of players and fans across the country. The Indian men’s rugby sevens team’s participation in international tournaments like the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy highlights the growing interest and investment in the sport.
Under the leadership of captain Prashant Singh and coach Ben Gollings, the Indian team is looking to make a mark in the highly competitive Asian rugby sevens circuit. The exposure to top teams from countries like Afghanistan, Bahrain, and Iran will provide valuable experience to the Indian players and help them raise their game to international standards.
The inclusion of rugby sevens in major multi-sport events like the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games has also boosted the sport’s profile in India. The success of the Indian women’s rugby sevens team in regional competitions has further fueled interest and participation in the sport among women athletes.
With the support of the Rugby India Federation and the growing popularity of sevens rugby among young players, the future looks promising for the sport in India. The development of grassroots programs, coaching clinics, and school tournaments will be essential in nurturing talent and building a strong foundation for rugby sevens to thrive in the country.
The Growing Popularity of Pickleball in Delhi
Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, has been gaining momentum in Delhi, with the Delhi Pickleball Association (DPA) receiving permanent membership from the Delhi Olympic Association. This recognition underscores the sport’s growing appeal and the efforts to promote it as a competitive and organized activity in the capital.
The DPA’s affiliation with the Delhi Olympic Association will open up opportunities for pickleball players in Delhi to participate in official tournaments, training programs, and national-level competitions. The structured approach to the development of pickleball in Delhi will help attract more enthusiasts to the sport and elevate its status among other popular racquet sports.
With the support of state associations like the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and the Delhi Olympic Association, pickleball is poised to become a mainstream sport in Delhi and across India. The growth of pickleball clubs, leagues, and coaching academies will play a crucial role in nurturing talent, fostering a competitive spirit, and expanding the reach of the sport to a wider audience.
Overall, the recognition of pickleball by sports authorities and the increasing participation of players in Delhi reflect the diverse and vibrant sports culture in India. As different sports gain prominence and appeal to a wider demographic, the country’s sporting landscape continues to evolve, offering opportunities for athletes to excel and represent India on the global stage.
