Delhi Boy Jagreet Misra Emerges Victorious in FIDE Rapid Rating Event
Delhi’s young chess prodigy, Jagreet Misra, showcased his exceptional skills by securing 8.5 points in nine rounds to claim victory in the ChessVeda FIDE Rapid Rating Tournament held in Greater Noida. The 13-year-old’s impressive performance resulted in a significant increase of 90 rating points, underscoring his tactical acumen and competitive spirit as he went undefeated throughout the competition.
The Mount Carmel School student was awarded a cash prize of Rs 25,000 for his remarkable win. The tournament witnessed a total of 592 participants, comprising both Indian and international players, including International Masters, FIDE Masters, and Candidate Masters. Notably, Jagreet had recently defeated Grandmaster Blagojevic Dragisa (ELO 2446) from Montenegro.
Sanjay Takale Represents India at Dakar Rally
Rally driver Sanjay Takale, the sole Indian participant in the four-wheeler category at the Dakar Rally, is set to make his second consecutive appearance in the prestigious event scheduled to commence in Saudi Arabia on January 3. Following his debut earlier this year, Takale secured the 18th position overall and 10th in his class, the Dakar Classic category, which is known for vintage vehicles.
For the upcoming rally, Takale will compete for Team Aerpace Racers alongside French navigator Maxime Raud. He will receive technical and logistical support from Compagnie Saharienne, based in France. With a career spanning three decades, Takale has previously clinched the Asia-Pacific Production Cup title and participated in select World Rally Championship events.
Roundglass Punjab Triumphs in Hockey India Sub Junior Men Academy Championship
Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy emerged victorious in the third Hockey India Sub Junior Men Academy Championship 2025, claiming the Zone A & B title at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Hockey Ground in Surat, Gujarat. The team secured a 2-0 win against Army Boys Sports Company in the finals, with players Ali Razzaq and Sanmukh Singh scoring crucial goals.
The third-place match witnessed Sail Hockey Academy securing a 7-0 win against Ritu Rani Hockey Academy, with multiple players contributing to the victory. In the semifinals, Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy and S.G.P.C. Hockey Academy secured victories to advance to the finals, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
Neeru Dhanda Shines at 68th NSCC with Women’s Trap Gold
Asian Championship gold medallist Neeru Dhanda showcased her prowess by clinching the women’s trap gold at the 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions held at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range. Neeru’s composed performance, resulting in 41 hits in the final, allowed her to outshine competitors and secure the top spot.
In the team events, Madhya Pradesh dominated the women’s trap team event, while Haryana claimed the junior men’s trap team gold. Delhi emerged victorious in the junior women’s trap team event, highlighting the talent and dedication of shooters across different states.
Kumar Bangarappa Elected President of Karnataka Badminton Association
Kumar Bangarappa, son of former Karnataka Chief Minister S. Bangarappa and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, was elected as the president of the Karnataka Badminton Association (KBA). The election saw the selection of 19 office-bearers for the 2025-29 term, with Kumar Bangarappa leading the association.
However, the KBA’s structure deviates from the Badminton Association of India (BAI) bylaws and is considered non-conformist towards the National Sports Code. The presence of former India international badminton player Anup Sridhar in the list of officials adds an intriguing element to the association’s leadership.
As the KBA navigates through potential challenges and changes in the national sports governance landscape, the sport of badminton in Karnataka is poised for new developments under Kumar Bangarappa’s leadership.
The Rise of Badminton in Karnataka
Badminton has been gaining popularity in Karnataka over the years, with a growing number of players showcasing their talent on both national and international platforms. The state has produced several talented shuttlers who have made a mark in the sport, contributing to Karnataka’s reputation as a hub for badminton excellence.
Karnataka has a rich history in badminton, with the state hosting various tournaments and championships to nurture young talents and provide them with opportunities to excel. The Karnataka Badminton Association (KBA) plays a crucial role in promoting the sport and developing a strong badminton infrastructure across the state.
Challenges and Opportunities for Badminton in Karnataka
While the sport of badminton continues to grow in Karnataka, there are challenges that need to be addressed to further enhance its development. Ensuring access to quality coaching, training facilities, and competition opportunities for aspiring players is essential to nurture talent and groom future champions.
Additionally, promoting badminton at the grassroots level and encouraging participation among youth from diverse backgrounds can help in expanding the talent pool and diversifying the sport. Developing partnerships with schools, colleges, and local communities to create a robust badminton ecosystem can pave the way for sustained growth and success in Karnataka.
The Role of Kumar Bangarappa in Elevating Badminton in Karnataka
As the newly elected president of the Karnataka Badminton Association, Kumar Bangarappa brings a fresh perspective and dynamic leadership to the organization. With his background in politics and passion for sports, Bangarappa is well-positioned to drive positive changes and initiatives that will benefit the badminton community in Karnataka.
Under Bangarappa’s leadership, the KBA can explore new avenues for promoting the sport, enhancing player development programs, and fostering a culture of excellence in badminton. By leveraging his influence and networks, Bangarappa can attract investments, sponsors, and partnerships that will elevate the profile of badminton in Karnataka and create more opportunities for players to excel.
Future Prospects for Badminton in Karnataka
With Kumar Bangarappa at the helm of the Karnataka Badminton Association, the future looks promising for the sport in the state. By implementing strategic plans, fostering collaborations, and prioritizing the growth of badminton at all levels, Karnataka has the potential to produce world-class players and establish itself as a powerhouse in Indian badminton.
As the sport continues to evolve and capture the interest of a wider audience, Karnataka’s badminton landscape is poised for significant advancements under the visionary leadership of Kumar Bangarappa and the dedicated efforts of the Karnataka Badminton Association.
By focusing on nurturing talent, expanding access to resources, and fostering a culture of excellence, badminton in Karnataka is set to reach new heights and inspire generations of players to pursue their passion for the sport.
