Category Archives: Sports

Tennis star Nazneen Rahman Zaffar proves age is just a number

Amazing Feats, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guwahati, ASSAM :

Nanzeen Rahman Zaffar at the World tennis Masters’ Tour in Portugal

A woman in her 40s; a homemaker, a doting mother, and an ideal daughter-in-law – Nazneen Rahman Zaffar of Guwahati is all this yet has a distinct identity. She is an international tennis player.

Nazneen proves that age is no bar to success She is a mother of two children manages her family well and is yet able to find the time and energy to excel in sports.

“I played sports in school but never got into sports professionally. In college, I was focused on studying. I started playing late in life after I got married.’  After 10 years of playing tennis, she took a break to care for her children and family.

“I started playing tennis in 2011 and the next year, I participated in the state-level tournaments. Tasting success, I was even more interested in playing, and later on, I trained well and played at the national level,” Zaffar told Awaz-The Voice.

Nazneen Zaffar playing tennis

Later Nazneen Zaffar finished among the top 10 at the ITF Masters.

She says her daughter encouraged and inspired her to play tennis. Her daughter is currently pursuing her higher studies at the A&M University in Texas.

“When I took my daughter Raina Zaffar to the stadium for tennis training, I too wanted to play. Some of my friends always told me that I played good tennis and I should continue. They told me that they wanted to see me at the international level in Indian colours. I thought; why not give it a try? I participated in the international games held by the All India Tennis Association in Haryana where I won my first trophy in the doubles event.”

Nazneer Zaffar with her trophis and receiving a trophy

Nazneen Zaffar won the All Assam CTC Mixed Doubles titles in 2023 and 2024, finished runner-up in World Masters Tournament 200 in Dubai in 2023, won titles in Masters Tournament 200 in Guwahati and in Darjeeling in 2023 and a Masters Tournament 100 in Gurugram in 2023.

She also won the doubles title in a Masters 400 in Thailand.

“I gradually started participating in more tournaments and my ranking improved. Then when India sent a women’s team for the World Championships, I was appointed its Captain.”

She took the first women’s tennis team to Portugal. “Most importantly, every player in our team was a mother. It’s nice to think that we have made a distinct identity after having children.”

Nazneen Zaffar with her husband Shahnawaz Zaffar.

Nazneen has broken the myth that it is difficult for women to maintain physical fitness after becoming mothers. Nazneen is an athlete and an active fitness influencer on social media as well.

“I think sports and physical education are always complementary. When I had to take my daughter to different places for sports, I had to take care of her body and fitness. Since it becomes too expensive to take a fitness coach with us every time, I studied how we can keep ourselves fit; and how a tennis player can take care of her fitness.”

“It becomes quite difficult for women of my age to keep fit after bearing children. Many women give up self-care. However, I believe that every woman should take care of herself, not just because she has to play sports, but for her physical and mental health. They must walk and do yoga. Muscle formation slows down in a woman after the age of 30. On the other hand, when the time of menopause comes at the age of 40, many hormonal imbalances occur.

Raina Zaffar in the tennis court (Left) Nazneen and his family in Tennis court

“We have to keep ourselves fit to deal with all these problems. There are so many women who after a certain age would say we can’t do this… we can’t do that. But I think there is no age to stop learning. Even a woman in her 80s and 90s can learn or do many things if she has the confidence and desire. When I started playing, there were very few women in Assam, but now many women have come out,” Nazneen said.

“I have been imparting free yoga training at the Khanapara ground. I believe apart from physical fitness, we must also focus on mental health. When we are mentally fit, we live happily and can also keep others happy; and deal with all the problems. When members of a family see this change in the woman, they too want to change,” the fitness influencer emphasized.

In many cases, a woman, especially a Muslim woman, finds going out a hassle. As a Muslim woman, Nazneen Zaffar has never encountered someone questioning or blocking her; rather she receives support from her family.

Nazneen Zaffar with the Indian team

“I get a lot of support from my family. My father supported me when I was young and later it was my husband Shahnawaz Zaffar. He is an NIS-accredited tennis coach. He guides me on many aspects of the game. Many women, especially Muslims, are reluctant to go out. I am very fortunate that my family supports me financially and mentally.”

Nazneen also links sports with religion and spiritualism. “I pray and fast regularly except sometimes when I am playing for competitions. When I have to go out for sports, I stay in a single room so that I can carry on with my religious activities smoothly. Religion helps us keep our bodies healthy. We fast for a month which is a very positive practice and this rule of fasting has many scientific implications for an athlete,” she said.

Since a player faces various situations during sports how can the player maintain mental stability to cope with good and bad situations are some difficult aspects of sports. Nazneen Zaffar, an athlete and fitness influencer, has done a course in sports psychology. Through this, she has been advising many players on how to keep their mental state stable.

“I did a course in sports psychology. Tennis is a very difficult game. There are many good and bad experiences. Since my daughter and son play along with me, I’ve done this course,” she said.

Nazneen with Bollywood actor Gul Panag

“I have been able to help my children stay mentally stable. I also advise many other players to stay strong. The course teaches how to deal with situations after losing a game or how to be determined. For instance, I have to decide the moment I enter the court that I have to win this game anyway, no matter who the competitor is. It helps me to keep up with the expectations of the audience,” she explained.

Of late Nazneen has been promoting a relatively new sport in Assam – pickleball.

“Pickleball is a fast-spreading sport in Assam. It is spreading rapidly in the US as well as in Asian countries. It is spreading in India as well. This game is simple and convenient. It has no hard and fast rules. It is a mixture of tennis, table tennis, badminton, etc, and can be played by people of all ages. It is a game where a polymer ball is played with a small paddle made of fiber, micro-fiber, and wood.  We have brought this game to Assam. We recently demonstrated pickleball in several schools and IAS Colony and got a very good response.”

Pickleball has been launched in 23 states of India. In NCR, Delhi NCR, and Western India, new coaches are coming up and about 10,000 players have registered. An institute named Pickleball World Ranking was launched recently in Dubai.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Munni Begum, Guwahati / August 06th, 2024

Meet Hyderabad’s teenage female fencers: Sheikh Fouzia and Sheikh Naziya

Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , ,

Nalgonda ,TELANGALA :

Hyderabad: 

Sheikh Fouzia and Sheikh Naziya are two city teenagers who are working hard toward the sports of fencing, a summer Olympics game, to fulfil their dream of one day representing India at the International level.

Fencing is a combat game, also the first sport to be played in Olympics. Based on the traditional skills of swordsmanship, the modern sport arose at the end of the 19th century. Competitive fencing is one of the five activities which have been featured in every modern Olympic Games, the other four being athletics, cycling, swimming, and gymnastics.

Fouzia and Naziya are daughters of an RTC bus driver who has worked hard to make his daughters achieve their dreams. Natives of Nalagonda, the family of five (the girls have a younger brother who is also an active fencing player), have dedicated their lives to playing world-class fencing.

Nineteen-year-old Fouzia and 17-year-old Naziya have been training for the last eight and six years respectively. After getting selected at the district level, they got admission to the prestigious Telangana state Sports School in Hakkimpet, known for its sports coaching.

When Siasat.com asked about their choice, both the girls admitted that they were attracted to the way in which the game was played. The uniform, the sword shifting, the techniques of the game, studying the opponent; all this really got them interested.

When your whole day goes into sports coaching, one can lose track of studies. But for the girls, nothing has changed. In fact, both of them were toppers in their respective tenth class batch, thus balancing the study-sports pendulum.

Our father is a strong man:

Giving full credit to their father, the girls regard him as their biggest inspiration. “Our father wanted to join the Indian defence forces but due to family pressure, he could not. But he is a strong man. He taught us everything to ensure we get admission to the sports school,” said Fouzia.

She goes on to add, “My father faces much criticism from family and our village. Being girls everybody keeps questioning him why are they in such a sport, why is their hair so short, why can’t put them in regular school and then marry them off, all that. But he does not care about anyone’s opinion and does what he thinks is best for us.”

About Fencing:

The traditional game is divided into three parts depending on the speed – Epee, Foil, Sabre.

Epee – The epee is considered the original dueling sword. The whole body is considered a target.

Foil – The foil evolved from the short court sword of the 17th and 18th centuries. The front and back of the torsos are considered targets.

Sabre- In sabre, the target includes heads, arms and a button. It is the fastest out of the three weapons.

While Fouzia is a foil player, Naziya is an epee player and has competed at the international level.

When asked about her experience in playing international, Naziya said, “It was very difficult. I was scared. There were many big players. I have played Asian Championship at Tashkent where my team fetched a silver medal. I have also participated in World Championship in Dubai where I got 76th rank. I realised I had to work really hard if I need to get a seat at the international level.”

The Biggest Sacrifice:

“Family has been our biggest sacrifice to achieve our dreams,” echoed the girls. “Many a time we want to share our wins and loses with our parents but since they live in the village we cant afford to bring them here. We stay in a hostel. We miss them immensely,” the girls said.

While Fouzia wants to get into the Indian Army or the Air force and represent fencing through them the defence force, Nazyia’s only dream is to fetch an Olympic medal. The hope is that their dreams come true and that fencing, which is relatively unknown in the country, soon becomes a beloved sport.

source: http://www.alhaqeeqa.org / Al Haqeeqa / Home> Education> News> Personalities> Sports / by admin , (headline edited) / May 25th, 2022

Bhagalpur Boy Saad Hussaini Shines at State-Level Rifle Shooting Event

Amazing Feats, Sports, , , , ,

Bhagalpur, BIHAR :

Silver medal for the shooter has brought pride not only to his family but also to his city and the community.

Bhagalpur :

Syed Saad Hussaini, a promising young shooter from Bhagalpur in Bihar, has won the silver medal at the state-level Junior Rifle Shooting Championship. The victory has brought pride not only to his family but also to his city and the community.

Saad Hussaini, son of Syed Shah Fakhre Alam Hasan, a senior official of Pir Dumaria Shah’s monastery, competed against a large pool of state-level shooters at the five-day championship held by the Bihar State Rifle Association in Siwan district.

The recent competition saw participation from numerous shooters across Bihar. Saad’s exceptional performance in the 50m rifle shooting category earned him the silver medal, marking a historic achievement for Bhagalpur. This is the first time a shooter from Bhagalpur has secured such a high rank in a junior shooting event at the state level.

In a ceremony hosted by the Monger Rifle Association Shooting Club, Saad was felicitated by Monger SSP Imran Masood for his outstanding performance. The recognition is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

Saad Hussaini expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am thrilled to have achieved this milestone. It is the result of relentless effort and dedication. I extend my thanks to everyone who supported me throughout this journey.” He further mentioned his aspirations to compete at the national and international levels, with plans to prepare for the Olympics in the future.

Currently focused on memorisation of the Noble Qur’an, Saad plans to chart his path forward in shooting while continuing his religious studies. His achievement has sparked a sense of pride and inspiration within the community, highlighting the potential and talent emerging from Bhagalpur.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editors’s Pick> Indian Muslim> by Team Clarion / August 07th, 2024

Aaqib Khan, Rising Cricket Star from UP, Selected for India ‘A’ Team

Sports,

Sahranpur, UTTAR PRADESH :

The selection of the young lad from Saharanpur to the national cricket team comes at a time when India is looking to rebuild and experiment with new talent

New Delhi :

Aaqib Khan, a rising cricketer from the domestic circuit, has earned his maiden call-up to the Indian national cricket team. He has been selected for India ‘A’ team for the forthcoming ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled in Oman from October 18 to 27.

The selection marks a significant moment in Khan’s career, signalling his emergence as one of the most promising cricketers in the country. Hailing from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, he received recognition for his outstanding performance in the recent Duleep Trophy, during which he claimed eight wickets across two matches.

Aaqib Khan has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, particularly excelling in first-class and T20 formats. His journey began with the domestic leagues, where he showcased exceptional skills as both a bowler and a batsman. Known for his sharp bowling variations, Khan has been particularly effective in the T20 format, with his ability to adapt to different match situations.

His breakthrough came during the Ranji Trophy, where he played a pivotal role for his team by taking key wickets and maintaining a strong economy rate. His performances did not go unnoticed, and soon he became a sought-after player in the domestic T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was picked by a top franchise. His impressive stint in the IPL, where he played alongside international stars, further solidified his reputation as a bright prospect for the national team.

Khan is primarily known for his fast bowling, with the ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 140 km/h. His control and accuracy in delivering yorkers and slower balls make him a lethal bowler in the shorter formats of the game. In addition, he has demonstrated the ability to swing the ball both ways, making him a potent threat in all conditions. His ability to maintain composure under pressure has been a key factor in his rise to prominence.

As a lower-order batsman, Khan has shown resilience and the ability to contribute valuable runs in crunch situations, making him a versatile all-rounder option for the team. His fitness levels and work ethic have also been highly praised by coaches and teammates alike.

On his selection for the India ‘A’ team, Aaqib Khan, while speaking to the Times of India, said, “I learned about my selection through social media when the squad was announced today. I am extremely pleased to see my name included. I extend my gratitude to the BCCI and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association for acknowledging my efforts and providing me with this opportunity.”

The selectors see Khan as a potential game-changer, especially in the T20 and One-Day International (ODI) formats. His inclusion is part of India’s strategy to inject fresh talent into the squad and build a strong, competitive unit for upcoming international tournaments.

Aaqib Khan’s selection is a testament to his hard work, talent, and dedication. As he prepares to don the Indian jersey, cricket fans across the country will be eagerly watching his progress, hoping he can contribute to India’s success on the world stage.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editors’s Pick> Indian Muslim> Sports / by Team Clarion / October 16th, 2024

Ishrat Akhter : First international wheelchair basketball player from Kashmir

Amazing Feats, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Meet 25-year-old specially-abled girl, who plays basketball, does motivational speaking and drives a car.

Ishrat Akhter in Team India jersey | eNewsroom India

Delhi:

Ishrat Akther from Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir is a multi-faceted personality. She is an international wheelchair basketball player, a motivational speaker, Kashmir’s young leader and an achiever’s award-winner. Indeed, six years back, Ishrat’s life had no meaning — but an incident changed it all.

Now, Ishrat has become an inspiration for all those individuals who set limitations for themselves. Who refuse to dream and achieve their ambitions.

The girl next door

Ishrat was born in a village where women did not participate in sports. Like any other girl, she believed whatever her family taught her and did not dare to dream big. However, her life changed on August 24, 2016, when she fell from the balcony of her house. The injury was serious, it damaged her spinal cord – making her physically challenged.

Life changed for the good when the 25-year-old girl from the Authoora area in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district started her basketball career in 2018. For her, playing basketball was not just a love for the sport but a passion for standing against all odds, come what may.

“I never played any sport before 2016, not even in school, but in 2016 when I was just 18 years old, I met with an accident. I fell off from the balcony of my house and this made me bedridden for two long years,” recalls Ishrat.

Did not surrender to fate

A brave and resilient girl, she developed the will power to transform adversity into hope. Certainly, she did not wish to live a life of hopelessness and despair.

“After that accident, I was a patient at the Voluntary Medicare Society. I saw some boys coming to play basketball on the court which was in the society and all of them were in wheelchairs! Seeing them play, I was deeply influenced. I was inspired. I thought, “I don’t want to sit idle. Let people form their own, biased opinions,” she says and continues:

I, therefore, decided to play basketball. I remember that when the selection process for the Indian team started, police and army people came to my home and informed me that my name was in the list and if I wanted to attend the three-day selection process for the Indian team, I must leave for Chennai within a day. For me, this was a golden opportunity, so I left for Chennai all alone, and participated in the selection process. Luckily, and to my great joy, I got selected. Since then, I have been determined to live a life based on self-conviction, will power and courage.

At the Medicare Society, I joined the Wheelchair Basketball Team and got selected for the ‘nationals’ in Tamil Nadu, representing Delhi. Jammu and Kashmir did not have a team at that time. I was part of a team of good players. Eventually, a team for the state was conceived. I played the second national game at Mohali, representing J&K.

Ishrat Akhter receiving an award by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha | eNewsroom India

Conquering world

“I was selected to represent India at the Asia Oceania Wheelchair Basketball Championship at Pattaya, Thailand in 2019. I am the only girl from my state who has represented India at the international level. Besides, I have participated in a Boys’ Wheelchair Race, I being the only girl in the race. Happily, I secured the first position. I also play Wheelchair Table Tennis,” says Ishrat, with great pride.

Among others, Colonel Isenhower has been a constant support for Ishrat. He has been her guide, mentor and guru. And she is full of praise for him.

“When the selection process for the Indian team was going on, communication services were suspended in Kashmir. Hence, Colonel Isenhower, who was in Kochi, traced me out in two days and arranged everything. Since then, he has been an inspiration for me. He has always been motivating me to do much, much more. He always says that I have to make my name and thus refuse to be restrained — because I am a wheelchair-bound person,” says Ishrat.

Ishrat’s family has always acted with amazing positivity and magnanimity, giving her optimism and courage. She feels that, undoubtedly, it is due to the support of her family that she has reached the international forum, something impossible to conceive for a girl with the kind of difficulties she had faced in her life.

On the flip side, she believes that her life has completely changed because of the accident which resulted in her opting for basketball.

Indeed, after four years of the accident, Ishrat has resumed her academic life, and is currently pursuing a diploma in the Women’s Polytechnic College, Srinagar.

Truly, she represents the eternal metaphor of hope. For her, sky is the limit.

“Not just an international recognition but after 4 years of my accident, I resumed my studies. I passed my Class 10 and also appeared for my Class 12 exams. Now, I’m also pursuing my Diploma,” she says.

Controls her life

The specially-abled Ishrat, braving all odds drives a car, all by herself without anyone’s support.

“In the beginning, it was very difficult, but I wanted to drive by myself. If one has courage and willpower – one can achieve anything in life,” she adds.

“I remember, I used to feel scared even if I had to go some miles away from my home but today I travel alone, even when I have to go to some places outside Kashmir. There are instances when I observe people looking at me and seeing how I manage things but at the same time I’m proud of the fact that today, I get invited to speak as a motivational speaker across India,” she points out.

In 2019, she was also selected for a Sports Visitors Program- Wheelchair Basketball and Accessibility in the USA but because of personal issues she was not able to attend it.

Ishrat is also a motivational speaker and has delivered many talks in Kashmir and other states. She was presented the Kashmir Young leadership award and Kashmir Young Achievers Award 2021 by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha.

She has also received the Women Steel award 2022 from JKPCC.

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNews Room India / Home> Play On> She / by Varalika Mishra / May 08th, 2022

Mechanic Tasawwur’s son Shahrukh is a dribbling star

Sports, , , , , , ,

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Shahrukh Ali with his father Tasawwur Ali

As one sees the young Shahrukh Ali training hard to be a professional hockey player at the KD Singh Babu Hockey Society, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, his father Tasawwur Ali is parked at the Shahnajaf Gate of the city with an iron box.

Tasawwur repairs two-wheelers  – moped and scooter – to support his family, including Shahrukh. Braving all the financial constraints and with his meager and erratic income, he has never allowed his son’s hockey training to get affected.

As a result, 12-year-old Shahrukh Ali scored a hat-trick in the final of the National Sub Junior Hockey Championship that took the Uttar Pradesh team to become the winner of the championship for the first time. Shahrukh scored five goals in the final competition.

Rashid Aziz, a former hockey coach in KD Singh Babu Stadium, told Awaz-the voice, the story of Shahrukh Khan.

It was about seven years ago that Shahrukh came to Chandrabhanu Gupta Ground with his father and brother Amir Ali. “He must have been five years old, but his passion for playing hockey soon made him a big player. He made a place for himself in sports. At the age of nine, he played in the Sub Junior KD Singh Babu Hockey tournament in Lucknow and made people including big hockey stars turn into his admirers.”

Within some time, Shahrukh became a permanent member of the UP Sub Junior Team. He became a star player with his performance in the National Sub Junior Hockey Championship. Sports Authority of India coaoch said that Shahrukh’s biggest strength is the game inside D. “If Shahrukh somehow manages to get the ball in the opponent’s D (area), then the chances of the team scoring a goal increase manifold.

Tassawur says first it was Aamir and now Shahrukh: I had never thought that my sons would play hockey.

Tasavvur recalls the day he had taken Sghahrusk to the Chandrabhanu Gupta ground on an amateurish basis. “ I feel proud to see his performance today; it’s a great feeling to realize that it’s my little Shahrukh playing.” He told this reporter on the phone. 

Tassawur sounds happy and proud. “I pray that one day he plays for the country and wins medals in the Olympics,” he said with an emotion-choked voice.

Hockey Olympian and Secretary of Babu Society, Syed Ali says that Shahrukh Ali has achieved a big position today. While training at Chandrabhanu Gupt ground, Shahrukh established himself as an accomplished hockey player. Hopefully, his career will go a long way.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by M Mishra, Lucknow / May 24th, 2022

Lucknow boy Amir Ali to lead Indian junior hockey team

Leaders, Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Lucknow :

City lad Amir Ali will lead the 18-member Indian junior men’s hockey team in the 12th edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia. The team, announced on Sunday by Hockey India, also includes Shardanand Tiwari, a defender also from Lucknow.

The team, which will play under newly appointed head coach PR Sreejesh, will have Rohit as Amir’s deputy, said a Hockey India press release.

India will begin their campaign against Japan on Oct 19, followed by matches against Great Britain (Oct 20), hosts Malaysia (Oct 22), Australia (Oct 23), and New Zealand (Oct 25). The top two teams will advance to the final, scheduled for Oct 26.

Amir, son of a motorcycle mechanic Tasawar Ali, used to help at his father’s makeshift shop as a child. He began his hockey journey at the age of 10 at the KD Singh ‘Babu’ Society ground, where he was groomed by his coach, Rashid Aziz Khan. He was also guided by veteran players Syed Ali and Sujeet Kumar, who run the ‘Babu’ Society.

Talking about Amir, Rashid said, “Amir and his brother Shahrukh learned the basics of hockey from me. Amir is a very hardworking boy, and his growth is commendable.”

“After being announced as the Indian junior captain, Amir called me to share the news. I wish him and Shardanand Tiwari a fantastic career,” Rashid added.

Meanwhile, Amir’s brother Shahrukh was ecstatic over the news. “I am very happy that Amir will lead the country in the Sultan of Johor Cup,” he said, adding that he couldn’t talk to Amir as he was representing the Uttar Pradesh team in the All India KD Singh ‘Babu’ Tournament, but he will meet him soon.

“I must thank Rashid Aziz, Sujeet Kumar, and Syed Ali, and express my gratitude to the chief selector of Hockey India, RP Singh, for promoting hockey in Uttar Pradesh and supporting the players,” he said.

THE TEAM: Goalkeepers: Bikramjit Singh, Ali Khan; Defenders: Amir Ali (C), Talem Priyobarta, Shardanand Tiwari, Sukhvinder, Anmol Ekka, Rohit (VC); Midfielders: Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, Rosan Kujur, Mukesh Toppo, Chandan Yadav; Forwards: Gurjot Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Dilraj Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Mohd. Konain Dad.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Sports News> Hockey News / by Fazal Khan, TNN (headline edited) / October 07th, 2024

Sarthak Chavan, Abdul Basim grab pole positions

Amazing Feats, Sports, , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Pune, MAHARASHTRA :

Sarah Khan takes pole in Girls Apache RTR 200 class.

Abdul Basim took pole position in the Novice (Stock 165cc) category at MIC on 20 Oct 2023. Photo by Anand Philar

Chennai :

Two teenagers, Sarthak Chavan from Pune and Chennai collegian Abdul Basim put in sizzling laps to qualify for pole position in their respective categories as the fifth and final round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2023 got underway at the Madras International Circuit, here on Friday.

The 16-year-old Sarthak, who joined Petronas TVS Racing team this season, took pole position in the premier Pro-stock 301-400cc Open category with a best lap of one minute, 50.854 seconds.

Qualifying for P2 was championship leader, Chennai’s Rajiv Sethu (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate) who clocked a best of 01:51.076 despite nursing a healing left shoulder that was dislocated following a crash in the previous round. Completing the front row was Hyderabad’s Rahil Pillarisetty (KTM Gusto Racing) with a hot lap of 01:51.823.

Later, 17-year-old Abdul Basim of Gulf Rockers Racing team, the younger brother of KY Ahamed who last month participated in the Moto3 class of Indian MotoGP, put in a lap of 02:07.685 for his maiden pole position in the Novice (Stock 165cc) category, ahead of Vadodara’s Adit Shah (Axor Sparks Racing, 02:08.260) and Bengaluru’s Manvith Reddy K (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate, 02:08.253).

In the other premier category, the Pro-Stock 165cc Open, KY Ahamed (01:56.224) of Petronas TVS Racing was the quickest in the practice session, followed by team-mates Sarthak Chavan (01:57.069) and Chiranth Vishwanath (01:57.540).

Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup: Championship leader in the NSF 250R category Chennai’s Kavin Quintal (01:52.262), who is gunning for his sixth win of the season, topped the timesheets in the official practice session. Another Chennai youngster Rakshith Dave was the second quickest in 01:53.367.

Petronas TVS One-Make Championship: Bengaluru teenager Chiranth Vishwanath, who has four wins from seven starts, expectedly qualified for pole position in the Open (RR 310) category, clocking a best lap of 01:54.621, followed by Coimbatore’s Senthilkumar C (01:54.848) and G Balaji (01:56.100) from Chennai.

Mumbai’s Sarah Khan, with a hot lap of 02:13.553, qualified for the pole position in the Girls (Apache RTR 200) category, ahead of Chennai’s Nadine Faith Balaji (02:14.714) and Pune’s Saimah Ajaz Baig (02:16.499).

The results (Qualifying – Top 3 best laps):

National Championship – Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open: 1. Sathak Chavan (Pune, Petronas TVS Racing) (1min, 50.854sec); 2. Rajiv Sethu (Chennai, RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate) (01:51.076); 3. Rahil Pillarisetty (Hyderabad, KTM Gusto Racing) (01:51.823);

Novice (Stock 165cc): 1. Abdul Basim (Chennai, Gulf Rockers Racing) (02:07.685); 2. Aadit Shah (Vadodara, Axor Sparks Racing) (02:08.260); 3. Manvith Reddy K (Bengaluru, Team RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate) (02:08.253).

Support Race – 301-400cc Novice: 1. Aldrin Babu (Chennai, RACR Castrol Power Ultimate1) (02:04.717); 2. Rajeswaran K (Chennai, KTM Gusto Racing India) (02:07.101); 3. Dhanush Ram K (Bengaluru, Pvt) (02:07.332).

Petronas TVS One-Make Championship: Open (301-400cc, RR 310): 1. Chiranth Vishwanath (Bengaluru) (01:54.621); 2. Senthilkumar C (Coimbatore) (01:54.848); 3. G Balji (Chennai) (01:56.100).

Girls (Apache RTR 200): 1. Sarah Khan (Mumbai) (02:13.553); 2. Nadine Faith Balaji (Chennai) (02:14.714); 3. Saimah Ajaz Baig (Pune) (02:16.499).

source: http://www.indiainf1.com / INDIA IN F1 / Home> Non-F1> Domestic> National Championship / by IndiainF1 News Desk / October 20th, 2023

Big win for Alimon Saidalavi, Hemanth Muddappa

Amazing Feats, Karnataka (under research project), Sports, , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru riders Alimon Saidalavi and Hemanth Muddappa scored dominating wins in their respective superbike categories in the third round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2022 at the Madras International Circuit, here on Thursday.

Alimon continued his win-spree in the Unrestricted category as he took the honours on a Kawasaki Ninja H2, in a record time of 07.556 seconds over 302 metres to repeat his Round-2 victory yesterday, as he finished ahead of Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing) and Attaulla Baig, also from Bengaluru.

Alimon, thus, set the fastest time at the MIC, bettering the previous best of 07.749 by Muddappa. The victory also gave Alimon an unassailable 32-point lead over Baig in the championship standings with a round to spare.

Earlier, Muddappa, the multiple National champion, was in his elements in the 1051-1650cc category astride a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, with a winning time of 07.910 seconds while Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru) and yesterday’s Round-2 winner Md Riyaz (Hyderabad) came in second and third, respectively. After three rounds, Muddappa leads Riyaz by 20 points in the championship stakes.

Another Bengaluru rider, Anish Damodara Shetty (PRN Motorsports) notched a splendid win in the 361-550cc class on a KTM RC-390 bike while Mumbai’s Sarah Khan (Axor Sparks Racing) topped in the Girls category (Stock 165cc), riding a Yamaha R15. The fourth and concluding round of the 2022 Championship will be run at the same venue on Friday.   

source: http://www.afternoonnews.in / Afternoon News / Home / December 30th, 2022

Sarah Khan, fighting the odds to shine in bike racing: A profile

Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

  File photo of Sarah Khan. INDIAinF1.com

A series of Special articles and profiles of promising riders and drivers will be published for all fmsci National championship till the season begins. Here is the first…

Bengaluru :

Sarah Khan began the 2023 season with a podium in the TVS One-Make Championship (OMC) ladies class at the Rolon Round, the first round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship for two-wheelers 2023 which concluded at the Kari Motor Speedway in June first week.

Rookie Sarah Khan, who gave a tough fight to celebrated champions in the very first year of her participation in the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2022, finally ended up third in the Championship due to lack of exposure and experience, but the determined lady rider worked hard and won many hearts with her perseverance. Amidst all the competition, one rider who silently improved every round as she notched up a podium every time she took part in a race is Sarah Khan. She began with a third place in the first round itself and went on to become the 2nd runner up National Championship and bagged a total of 11 podiums overall in her rookie season itself.

Sarah Khan is a modest, soft-spoken girl in early twenties. She is born on February 19, in the last year of the last millennium, in a traditional Muslim family. Behind the tall athlete’s humble appearance, lies a strong will to achieve and the reason is her passion for speed. A dedicated and hardworking biker, she worked hard to save every penny after acquiring a Bachelor of Business Management degree in Mumbai’s MMK College of Commerce and Economics. Without a single penny in her pocket, she started to fund her motorsports activities on her own by trading stocks, working hard to save every rupee. Striving to be a high-performance motorsports athlete, competing with men on equal footing, she overcame many hardships both at home at the tracks to pursue a career that is not easy for girls.

“The spark for me is the feeling of thrill and speed. And the adrenaline rush that pumps up my blood. Racing gives me a sense of being alive, a genuine happiness. Despite the struggles and hurdles, I cannot quit racing or do something else. I feel like it’s in my blood… intricately woven into my soul. All I think about is racing all day, everyday… That’s just how my brain is wired,” says Sarah, the eternal optimist.

The struggles she went through to make her childhood dream a reality did not deter her. Her perseverance conquered and she finally made her racing debut in 2022, at the Mecca of Racing in India, the Madras International Circuit. Despite coming from a non-motorsport background and having no support, she opted for racing and made it on her own, traditionally considered a man’s world and she is breaking all stereotypes, which the MIC is known for, promoting many a woman from traditional communities.

“I have genuine love for racing. And I could not keep quiet. I did fight hard to get out of the house to race. It made me stronger. And I will continue to race, even when I turn old, as long as I am physically fit. Later, too, I plan on train young riders with a similar dream, who aspire to be great one day. I just want to race at the highest platform possible on earth,” she says. What she does not say is, she threatened her family that she will leave the house, if anyone tries to come in her way of becoming a racing athlete. A reluctant loving mother had no choice but to agree.

Thus began a career, which broke all the stereotypes.“Being stubborn towards my dream was the only way to make it happen,” says Sarah. The struggle behind her journey is one of the reasons for her determination to win.

source: http://www.indiainf1.com / INDIA IN F1 / Home> Non-F1> Domestic> Drag Racing / by IndiainF1 News Desk / January 02nd, 2024