Category Archives: Games & Sports

Games & Sports

Kolkata Introduces “Chessminton,” a Unique Hybrid Game Combining Chess and Badminton

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, April  22,  2025, Kolkata :  On the occasion of World Soil Day, the city of Kolkata witnessed the unveiling of an innovative hybrid game that promises to capture the imagination of sports enthusiasts worldwide. The “Bengal Badminton Lovers Academy” and “Sanatan Bharat Chess Club” have jointly introduced “CHESMINTON,” a novel concept game that merges the strategic depth of chess with the dynamic physicality of badminton.


Dr. Chandrachud Goswami, President of the Bengal Badminton Lovers Academy, explained the unique appeal of Chessminton. According to Goswami, this new game brings together two world-renowned sports, aiming to enhance both the mental fortitude and physical fitness of players. “In today’s fast-paced world, where challenges are omnipresent, it is essential to have both mental and physical resilience. Chessminton offers a holistic approach to this by combining the cerebral challenge of chess with the physical vigor of badminton,” he said.

The concept of Chessminton, according to Goswami, is designed to not only improve cognitive abilities but also to develop physical strength. He emphasized that this game would be a perfect platform for players to sharpen their minds while keeping their bodies fit, preparing them for the challenges of life. He also mentioned that in the coming days, the official logo and rules of Chessminton would be released through a press conference. Subsequently, the academy plans to organize competitive tournaments both at the state and national levels, with a long-term goal of launching a “Chessminton Premier League,” modeled on the highly successful Indian Premier League (IPL).

Susnat Biswas, the Convener of the Bengal Badminton Lovers Academy, reflected on the growing trend of hybrid sports. While the concept of hybrid games like chessboxing has gained popularity, he believes that Chessminton has the potential to surpass other hybrid games in global popularity. “We believe Chessminton will become the next big thing in the world of sports,” he added.

The event, which marked the introduction of this groundbreaking game, attracted representatives from various fields beyond the sports world, thanks to the novelty and broad appeal of the game. Dr. Surath Chakraborty, a renowned painter, musician Pandit Subhash Singh Roy, famous model Sharmistha Roy Chowdhury, and others attended the event as special guests.

Along with Goswami and Biswas, several notable figures were present, including Simantini Biswas, Arup Kumar Roy, Vishal Chowdhury, Dr. Soumitra Das, Dr. Abhishek Lath, Anamika Mondal, and celebrated badminton coach Tapas Biswas. These individuals form the core team behind the establishment of the global Chessminton organization, which is set to make its debut soon.

The launch of Chessminton is expected to make waves in the international sports community. With its innovative fusion of mental and physical challenges, the game is poised to gain widespread popularity, captivating sports lovers and providing a fresh, exciting challenge to players around the world.
Games & Sports, West Bengal

Atanu Haldar from Baidyabati Triumphs at World Yoga Championship Despite Adversity

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, April  7,  2025, Kolkata :  Atanu Haldar, a young yoga prodigy from Baidyabati, Hooghly, has made the nation proud by winning two gold medals at the 10th World Yoga Championship held in Hanoi, Vietnam. Born into a family facing extreme poverty, Atanu’s journey to success has been one of sheer determination and resilience. Despite the challenges, he has emerged as a beacon of hope for many, showcasing that dedication can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.


Atanu’s father, Sanjay Haldar, works as a van driver and struggled to make ends meet. Though sending Atanu abroad for such a prestigious competition seemed like an impossible dream, the local community rallied together to support him. Through their combined efforts, they managed to raise the necessary funds to send Atanu to Vietnam, where he competed against 250 participants from 10 different countries.

In the championship, Atanu clinched gold in both the Traditional and Rhythmic Yoga categories, showcasing his exceptional skill and dedication to the discipline. His victory comes as a testament to his hard work and the unwavering support of his family, friends, and the local community.

Atanu, a student of the 11th class arts department at Banamali Mukherjee Institution in Baidyabati, has always had a deep passion for yoga. Despite the financial struggles his family faces, yoga has become his life’s focus, driving him to push through every obstacle. In addition to his recent world championship win, Atanu also participated in the 36th National Yogasana Championship in Medinipur, further proving his commitment to the sport.

Living in an abandoned factory on Dwarik Jungle Road in Baidyabati, Atanu’s circumstances are far from ideal. Yet, it is his spirit and the spiritual and moral support of his school and community that have propelled him to achieve greatness. His goal is to continue representing India on the global stage, hoping to win even more medals in the future.

Atanu’s victory is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that dreams can come true, no matter how challenging the journey may seem.
Games & Sports, West Bengal

Bengal Chief Minister Honors Santosh Trophy-Winning Team, Announces Government Jobs and Financial Rewards

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 3, 2025, Kolkata : The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, celebrated the historic victory of Bengal’s football team in the Santosh Trophy, a triumph that ended a long wait for the state. Bengal secured the coveted title by defeating Kerala 1-0 in the final on Tuesday, with Ravi Hansda scoring the decisive goal in the final moments of the match. This victory marked Bengal’s first Santosh Trophy win since the 2016-17 season, ending a streak of disappointments, including two final losses and an early exit in the previous season.

The victorious footballers were warmly received by the Chief Minister on Thursday at the Nabanna meeting hall. Banerjee, who had expressed her joy on social media immediately after the win, took a moment to honor the team’s achievement. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she congratulated the players and coaching staff, highlighting the contribution of Ravi Hansda, who not only scored the match-winning goal but also emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals, earning the Golden Boot. Banerjee wrote, “The victory was confirmed by the swift goal of Ravi Hansda, who scored the most goals in the tournament. Heartiest congratulations to Coach Sanjay Sen, Captain Chaku Mandi, and the entire team, management, and staff for this historic achievement. Bengal is shining as the hub of Indian football. Many more glorious moments await ahead!”

During the meeting, the Chief Minister handed out special gifts to each member of the championship-winning squad and announced a government job for every player. The announcement was met with applause, marking a gesture of appreciation for the players’ hard work and dedication. Additionally, Banerjee revealed that the West Bengal government would provide a special financial package to further reward their achievement.

This victory is seen as a resurgence of Bengal’s footballing prowess, bringing the state back to the forefront of Indian football after several years of struggles. The team, coached by Sanjay Sen, received widespread praise for their determination and skill throughout the tournament, and their triumph has undoubtedly rekindled the passion for football in the region.

Games & Sports, Politics, West Bengal

Swapan Banerjee, Mamata’s Brother, Loses Bengal Olympic Association Election to Opposition Candidate Chandan Roy Chowdhury

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 1, 2024, Kolkata:

 In a dramatic turn of events, Swapan Banerjee, also known as Babun, the 52-year-old brother of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata  Banerjee, lost his bid for the presidency of the Bengal Olympic Association (BOA) in a major electoral upset. Babun, who secured just 20 votes in the contest, was decisively defeated by opposition candidate Chandan Roy Chowdhury, who garnered 45 votes.

This election outcome has stirred significant political and sporting circles, especially as Babun, a prominent figure in the Bengal sports scene, faced off against a rival from within the same extended family. In a twist of irony, Chandan Roy Chowdhury, the winner, is also a part of Mamata’s family, as he is closely aligned with her uncle, Ajit Banerjee (Sasthi), who had previously served as the president of the BOA.

The Bengal Olympic Association elections have always been a fiercely contested affair, but this time, the stakes were particularly high due to the involvement of Mamata Banerjee’s family members. Babun’s candidacy was seen as a challenge to his own sister, the Chief Minister, as well as to Babun’s elder brother Ajit, who had been a significant figure in Bengal’s sports administration.

In the lead-up to the election, there were rumors that Babun might join the BJP, a move that reportedly led Mamata to distance herself from him. This created a rift within the family, and many of Mamata’s close allies within the BOA made it clear that Babun would not be allowed to succeed. Sports Minister Arup Biswas, along with key members of Mamata’s inner circle, worked to ensure Babun’s defeat, a strategy that eventually proved successful.
Four years ago, the election to the BOA presidency had seen a similar rivalry between Babun and Chandan Roy Chowdhury, who was supported by the faction aligned with Ajit Banerjee. In that contest, Babun had narrowly won, defeating Roy Chowdhury by a slim margin. This time, however, the political landscape had shifted dramatically.

Before the elections, Babun had publicly accused his brother, Ajit Banerjee, of conspiring against him in the BOA elections, though Ajit did not directly contest the position himself. Ajit Banerjee served as the election officer, and Babun questioned his impartiality, claiming bias in the electoral process. This accusation added fuel to the already intense rivalry, with both sides sparring over the integrity of the election.

Babun had long been a dominant figure in Bengal’s sporting arena, having served as the secretary of the Bengal Olympic Association in 2016 after narrowly defeating Chandan Roy Chowdhury. His involvement in various sports, including football, hockey, and boxing, as well as his leadership roles in workers’ unions at several private hospitals in Kolkata, had cemented his reputation as a key player in the state’s sporting and political circles.

However, this election result marks a significant shift in the balance of power within the Bengal Olympic Association and highlights the growing political divides within Mamata Banerjee’s own family. With Babun’s defeat, the influence of his rival, Chandan Roy Chowdhury, and the faction aligned with Mamata’s uncle Ajit Banerjee, appears to be on the rise.

As the dust settles, the ramifications of this family feud within the Bengal Olympic Association will undoubtedly continue to unfold, shaping both the political and sporting future of West Bengal in the years to come. 
Games & Sports, National

Mahendra Singh Dhoni Appointed Election Brand Ambassador for Jharkhand Elections

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 26, 2024, Kolkata: The National Election Commission has appointed former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the election brand ambassador for the upcoming Jharkhand elections, as announced by Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravikumar during a press conference.


Dhoni, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, has been a prominent leader of the national team for many years. This time, he has been entrusted with a significant responsibility by the Election Commission. “Mahendra Singh Dhoni has granted permission to the Election Commission to use his image. He will play a crucial role in sensitizing and encouraging the public to participate in the voting process,” Ravikumar stated.

The Election Commission is actively engaging with Dhoni to strategize on future election-related initiatives. Experts believe that Dhoni’s immense popularity, especially among the youth, will be instrumental in motivating the new generation to vote. Given this, the Election Commission has chosen him as the brand ambassador to foster greater voter turnout.

While this initiative is not entirely new, as former cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar was appointed as the National Icon in 2023, the trend continues with cricketer Shubman Gill recently selected as the state icon for Punjab.

The Jharkhand Assembly elections are set to take place in two phases on November 13 and 20, with counting scheduled for November 23. The first phase will cover 43 assembly constituencies, while the second phase will encompass 38 constituencies, marking a significant opportunity for voter engagement in the region.
Education, Games & Sports, Northeast, Regional, West Bengal

Rockvale Academy Shines as Students Compete in National Boxing Championship for the First Time

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KalimNews, October 8, 2024, Kalimpong: In a remarkable achievement for Rockvale Academy of Kalimpong, two students have been selected to represent their school in the upcoming National Boxing Championship organized by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). This milestone comes after the students, Chhuman Tamang and Seamima Subba, both competing in the under-19 category, secured gold medals in their respective weight classes at the West Bengal and Northeast Region level of the CISCE National School Games & Sports.

Capt. Prakash Mani Pradhan, Principal of the Rockvale Academy praised the students for their outstanding accomplishments, highlighting the significance of this achievement for the academy and the broader CISCE community. “It is a proud moment for Rockvale Academy to have our students compete at the national level, showcasing their hard work and dedication,” he stated.

Since the CISCE and CBSE affiliations to SGFI in 2018, Rockvale Academy has actively participated in a range of sports, including volleyball, badminton, table tennis, karate, and yoga. The academy has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering athletic talent, with students competing across 35 different events.

Chhuman Tamang and Seamima Subba

In addition to the two girl students of Rockvale Academy, Angela Rai from Saptashree Gyanpeeth is also participating in the national boxing championships. Chhuman Tamang (57-60 kg) and Seamima Subba (54-57 kg) will represent CISCE schools in the boxing competition, set to take place in Delhi during the fourth week of November 2024.

The academy’s athletic prowess extends beyond boxing, with notable achievements in volleyball. Krishik Basor in the under-19 category,, who secured a silver medal and was named the best player, is also selected for the national volleyball team representing CISCE. Other talented volleyball players from Saptashree Gyanpeeth and St. Augustine’s School will join him in the competition scheduled for Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, from November 6 to 10, 2024.

Rockvale Academy has also excelled in table tennis, with Abrona Pandi Lepcha earning a gold medal in the under-19 singles quarter-finals and Neyrum Tshering Lepcha securing bronze in the under-17 category.

The achievements of Rockvale Academy’s students not only reflect their individual talents but also the supportive environment fostered by their coaches, including boxing coach Suresh Rai, who also runs a boxing academy. With such a strong foundation and continued commitment to excellence, the academy looks forward to further successes in the upcoming national competitions.

Games & Sports, West Bengal

East Bengal Club Head Coach Carlos Cuadrat Resigns

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Kalim News, September 30, 2024, Kolkata: Carlos Cuadrat has officially resigned as the head coach of East Bengal Club following a disappointing start to the season.


Under Cuadrat’s leadership, East Bengal ended a 12-year trophy drought by winning the Super Cup last year. The team also managed to defeat their long-time rivals, Mohun Bagan, in the Durand Cup group stage after eight consecutive derby losses. However, they ultimately finished as runners-up in the competition, losing to Mohun Bagan in the final.

This season, East Bengal, in partnership with investor Emami, invested heavily to assemble a competitive squad, signing Indian stars like Jackson Singh and Anwar Ali for approximately 6 crore rupees. Additionally, they brought in high-profile players such as last year’s golden boot winner, Diamantaks, and Madhi Talal. Despite these efforts, the team struggled, losing all three of their opening matches.

Following a recent home defeat to Goa FC, fan frustration boiled over, with chants of “go back” directed at Cuadrat during the match. This marks East Bengal’s worst performance since the 2020-21 season.

The decision for Cuadrat’s resignation was made after discussions between the Emami East Bengal board and the coach. In the interim, Bino George will take over head coaching duties.

Shri Bivas Aggarwal from the Emami Group commented, “Carlos Cuadrat led the team to the Super Cup championship last year and coached us to a runner-up position in the Durand Cup. Under his guidance, we qualified for international competitions like the AFC Cup. We wish him a bright future on behalf of the club.”

Sources indicate that former Bengaluru FC coach Simon Gration is poised to take over as East Bengal’s new head coach, having led his previous team to the finals of three competitions in one season. However, no official announcement has been made regarding this appointment yet.
Games & Sports, International, National

Lee, Plays His First Test Match Fifteen Years After Being Declared Dead

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 12, 2024, Kolkata: In 1915, while World War I raged across Europe, the Germans launched a heavy assault on Great Britain, leading to a rising death toll. Young men who had joined the military were dying in various regiments. Among them was Harry Lee, a cricketer from Middlesex, who served with the 13th Battalion of the London Regiment. From May 9, 1915, he fought at Auber’s Ridge, where he was presumed to have died in battle. His parents even held a funeral and memorial service for him. Yet, fifteen years after his presumed death, Lee played his first Test match against South Africa at Johannesburg on February 13, 1931.


Harry Lee was initially reported dead, but his story took a miraculous turn. During the war, his father was injured by a bullet and taken by German soldiers to a hospital in Valenciennes, France. After six weeks of treatment, he was handed over to the German Red Cross Society and later allowed to return to England in October. Harry Lee, too, managed to survive and returned home. He was discharged from military service in December and was awarded the British War Medal 1914-15, the Silver War Badge, and the Victory Medal.

While in the military, Lee sustained leg injuries that left his legs uneven in length, a disability he lived with for the rest of his life. Despite this, he continued to play cricket, scoring a century against Lancing College for the Royal Army Service Corps. After the war, Lee decided to move to India, where he became a cricket and football coach under the Maharaja of Cooch Behar.

In March 1918, Lee began playing first-class cricket in India for the Maharaja’s XI of Cooch Behar. In his first game, he took five wickets in the first innings and three in the second, although his team lost by one wicket. He continued to play cricket in India for several years, and India’s first Test cricket captain, CK Naidu, described him as “a very nice batsman.”

After the war ended in 1919, county cricket resumed in England, and Lee returned to play for Middlesex. He had a successful season, scoring 1,223 runs in 19 matches in 1919. The following season, he scored 1,518 runs in 23 matches at an average of 43.37. Over his career, he scored more than a thousand runs in 16 seasons of first-class cricket.

By 1931, Harry Lee was working at St. Andrews College in South Africa and Rhodes University in Grahamstown. At that time, several players of the Percy Chapman-led England team were injured. Lee, remarkably, was called up to play for England in the third Test. On February 13, 1931, Harry Lee made his Test debut against South Africa, 15 years after he had been declared dead.

Lee’s life is a testament to resilience and the unpredictable turns of fate, making his journey from the presumed dead in war to a Test cricketer an extraordinary tale in cricket history.
Games & Sports, National

Lakshya Sen Aims to Become the ‘Virat Kohli’ of Indian Badminton

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 30, 2024, Kolkata: Indian badminton sensation Lakshya Sen has expressed his ambition to become the “Virat Kohli of Indian Badminton,” following his impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite falling short of winning a medal, Sen’s remarkable journey to the semi-finals captured the hearts of fans and showcased his potential to become a dominant force in the sport.


In the semi-final match, Sen faced off against the world’s top-seeded player, Viktor Axelsen, in a fiercely contested match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Although Sen ultimately lost to Axelsen, his performance demonstrated resilience and skill. He narrowly missed out on a bronze medal after a close defeat by South Korea’s Lee Ji Gr in the third-place playoff. Despite the disappointment of missing out on a podium finish, Sen earned widespread praise for his sportsmanship and determination.

In a recent interview on the popular podcast “The Ranveer Show,” Sen spoke candidly about his aspirations and his admiration for cricketing legend Virat Kohli. “My dream is to be the Virat Kohli of Indian Badminton in the next few years,” Sen said. “Kohli has given a lot to Indian cricket, and I want to have a similar impact in Indian badminton.”

Sen’s comparison to Kohli, one of the most iconic figures in Indian sports, reflects his desire to not only excel individually but also to elevate Indian badminton on the global stage. “We trained together for two weeks, and I faced him in the semi-finals,” Sen said, referring to his recent training sessions with Axelsen. “I have won against Axelsen in the past, and I know I am on the right track and have to keep pushing forward.”

Axelsen, who has often spoken highly of Sen, praised the young Indian player once again in a recent interview. “Lakshya is an amazing player,” Axelsen said. “He has shown in these Olympics that he will be a gold medal contender in the next four years. He is a tremendous talent, and I wish him success.”

Lakshya Sen’s meteoric rise in the world of badminton has been nothing short of spectacular. Born in Almora, Uttarakhand, Sen quickly made a name for himself with his aggressive playing style and mental toughness. Trained at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru, Sen has been steadily climbing the ranks and earning accolades on the international circuit. His victories over top players, including past wins against Axelsen, have established him as one of India’s brightest badminton prospects.

Sen’s declaration to become the “Virat Kohli of Indian Badminton” signals his intent to dominate the sport with the same intensity and commitment that Kohli has shown in cricket. Kohli, known for his unmatched work ethic, leadership, and consistency, revolutionized Indian cricket during his tenure as captain, leading India to several historic victories. Sen hopes to bring a similar transformation to Indian badminton, inspiring a new generation of players.

Following his Olympic performance, Sen has returned to rigorous training, aiming to build on his strengths and work on areas of improvement. With his eyes set on the 2028 Olympics and other major international tournaments, Sen is determined to bring home accolades and make his mark in the sport. His next target is to win major titles like the All England Open and the BWF World Championships, which will not only solidify his position as a world-class player but also bring glory to Indian badminton.

The badminton fraternity and fans alike are excited to see what the future holds for Lakshya Sen. With his talent, drive, and ambition, he could very well become the next big name in Indian sports, following in the footsteps of legends like Virat Kohli.
Games & Sports, International

Young Uruguayan Footballer Dies of Heart Attack on the Field

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 30, 2024, Kolkata: In a tragic incident, 27-year-old Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, playing for Brazil’s National Club, died of a heart attack on the field during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo FC 

at the Brazilian city’s Morumbi Stadium. The Copa Libertadores is one of the most prestigious football competitions in Latin America, showcasing top clubs from across the continent.

The heartbreaking incident occurred in the 84th minute of the game when Juan suddenly collapsed on the field, clutching his chest. Medical personnel quickly rushed to his aid, and he was immediately transferred by ambulance to Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Juan was declared dead soon after his arrival. According to doctors, Juan was suffering from arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

The club confirmed the tragic news on its social media platforms with a black-and-white photo of Juan, stating, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Juan Izquierdo.” The post has drawn an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, fellow players, and football clubs worldwide.

The news comes just a week after Juan and his wife, Selena, welcomed their second child, making the loss even more devastating for his family. The football community has rallied around his family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time.

The National Sports Secretariat, Sebastian Bauza, revealed that Juan had been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat during a fitness test with a youth team several years ago. However, Club President Alejandra Balbi clarified that Juan’s physical examination prior to joining the Brazilian National Club in January this year showed no signs of heart disease, raising questions about the adequacy of current fitness screening methods in professional sports.

Born in Montevideo in 1997, Juan Izquierdo began his professional football career in 2017. Over the years, he played for various first-division clubs in Uruguay, making a name for himself as a talented and dedicated defender. He also played for the Mexican club Atlético San Luis, where he was known for his strong defensive skills and commitment on the field.

Juan’s untimely death has once again highlighted the issue of cardiac health in sports, particularly in young athletes. Recent studies have shown that sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death among athletes. This tragic incident has reignited discussions on the need for more rigorous health screenings and better awareness of heart conditions among athletes, both at the professional and amateur levels.

The football world mourns the loss of a young talent taken too soon. Clubs across Latin America and beyond have expressed their condolences, and moments of silence were observed at various football matches as a tribute to Juan Izquierdo. The National Club has announced that they will hold a special memorial service to honor Juan’s memory and support his grieving family.
Games & Sports, International

Taliban Government Bans Mixed Martial Arts in Afghanistan

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 30, 2024: The Taliban government in Afghanistan has announced a ban on mixed martial arts (MMA), citing the sport as being “against Islam.” The decision was announced yesterday by Afghanistan’s sports organization, which stated that MMA violates Islamic law, or Sharia.

The Taliban government’s sports department told AFP, “This sport is against Sharia rules and the teachings of Islam. It is in this context that it has been decided to ban this sport in Afghanistan.” An official from the sports department further explained to local media that MMA was banned due to its potential for causing serious injury or even death.

Since forming a government in 2021, the Taliban has implemented some relaxations of its strict Islamic laws, such as the ban on wearing “human clothing” (with specific mention of men’s pants above the knee). However, they continue to enforce conservative regulations on various aspects of Afghan society, including sports.

Martial arts is a popular sport in Afghanistan. At the Paris Olympics, four out of the eleven Afghans who competed, either representing the Afghanistan national team or the Refugee Olympic Team, were martial arts athletes. Despite its popularity, MMA is not recognized as an Olympic sport due to safety concerns.
Games & Sports, Politics, Sikkim

After consecutive defeats, Bhaichung Bhutia quits politics, ‘Simply not for me’

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 After the 2024 election results, I have had the realisation that electoral politics is simply not for me, he said

PTI, Gangtok, Jun 25 2024 : Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia on Tuesday announced that he was quitting politics, following his defeat in the recently held assembly elections in Sikkim.
Bhaichung, the vice president of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), lost to SKM’s Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia in the Barfung seat, which marked his sixth electoral defeat.
He joined politics in 2014 when the ruling TMC in West Bengal named him as its candidate for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat. In 2018, he took the plunge into the political arena of his state by forming the Hamro Sikkim Party. Last year, he merged his party with the Pawan Chamling-led SDF.
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate Mr PS Tamang and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) for winning the assembly elections. The people of Sikkim have given them a resounding mandate and I hope the SKM govt will work to fulfil their promises and take Sikkim to greater heights across all sectors,” he said in a statement. 
“After the 2024 election results, I have had the realisation that electoral politics is simply not for me. I am therefore quitting all forms of electoral politics with immediate effect,” he added.
After losing the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency to the BJP in 2014, the TMC fielded Bhutia as its candidate for the 2016 West Bengal assembly elections in the Siliguri seat, but he lost to the CPI(M). Following the formation of his party in 2018, he contested the 2019 Sikkim assembly elections from two seats but lost in both. He again unsuccessfully contested the by-election to the Gangtok assembly seat, which was held later that year.
He lost the recently held elections to the SKM by 4,346 votes.
Bhutia, the former Indian football captain, said he felt he had great ideas for the development of sports and tourism in Sikkim.
“…given a chance, I would have loved to implement and contribute to the growth of the state in a very honest and sincere way,” he said.
“Unfortunately it was not to be. I am certain there will be more people with better ideas to do so,” he said.
Bhutia said that his intention in politics was to do good for the people of the state and the country.
Games & Sports, Regional

Tourism boost: Commercial paragliding begins in Kurseong

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Amitava Banerjee, MP, 2 June 2024, Darjeeling: The first ever commercial paragliding in Kurseong commenced with two flights on Sunday. Kurseong Aero Club — a company — with the support from the Tourism department of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), has started this adventure sport facility in Kurseong. 

“The booking counter is located next to the Rohini Guest House. From here we will provide transportation to the take off point 3 km away. Once they fly to the landing point, they will be transported back to the booking counter area. 
The cost is Rs 4,000 per person for the 5 to 10 minute flight. If a person wants video clips of the flight done by us, an additional Rs 500 will have to be paid,” stated Pratish Chettri of the Kurseong Aero Club while speaking to Millennium Post. 
The booking counter is located 10 km away from Kurseong town and around 6 km away from Simulbari. The take off point at Chisopani is at an altitude of 840 m above mean sea level. The landing point is at an altitude of 440 m above mean sea level. 
The aerial distance between the two points is 1 km. When questioned on the safety provisions, Chettri stated: “We will provide an extra parachute for the flier. It is one of the safest flights as the take off and landing spots are in very safe areas. 
The landing area is so big that if one misses the demarcated landing spot one can easily land outside, which is a huge field. We have well trained and experienced pilots from Sikkim.” 
At present there are 6 to 10 gliders. There are three pilots from Sikkim. “One of the pilots has been flying since 2007, the other since 2012 and one since 2014. We will get more pilots in the near future,” added Chettri. 
There have been a number of test flights before the inauguration. The flag off was done by Anit Thapa, Chief Executive, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) on Saturday. “Tourism is the economic mainstay of the Hills. It provides opportunities for self-employment and is a major avenue of employment generation in the Hills. 
This endeavour will definitely emerge as a major boost to tourism in Kurseong as well as the Hills.” He stated that in the past also there have been unsuccessful attempts of introducing paragliding in Kurseong with problems with the landing point. 
“Kurseong Aero Club has been working for the past one year to make paragliding a success,” added Thapa. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/tourism-boost-commercial-paragliding-begins-in-kurseong-566262
Games & Sports, National, Regional, Sikkim

Sheer hard work, passion and professionalism set Chhetri apart from other players: Bhutia

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PTI, New Delhi, May 16, 2023 : Retiring India football captain Sunil Chhetri’s sheer hard work, passion and professionalism made him different from other players of his generation as he went on to become an iconic player, feels his former skipper Bhaichung Bhutia.


The 39-year-old Chhetri on Thursday announced his decision to retire after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6 in Kolkata, bringing the curtains down on a glorious career that is unparalleled in Indian football for its longevity and consistency.

“The sheer hard work, passion, dedication and true professionalism, his focus and desire to get better everyday is something which makes him different. As a young boy, he was always willing to learn and do everything possible (to excel),” Bhutia told PTI on Thursday, paying glowing tribute to Chhetri.

“Sunil has done a huge service for Indian football and his contribution is immense. It is a big loss for Indian football. He will go down as one of the greatest players India has ever produced.” Bhutia was already Indian football’s poster-boy and captain by the time Chhetri made his debut in 2005. They formed a great strike partner in the six years they played together in the Indian team, mostly under Englishman Bob Houghton. Chhetri later took over the mantle from Bhutia, who retired in 2011. In fact, Chhetri surpassed almost all the records set by Bhutia.

“We had a great understanding as a strike partner and we enjoyed it. I am honoured to have played along with him,” said the 47-year-old legendary player.

“When I came in, (IM) Vijayan was senior to me and when I was about to retire, Sunil came in. I have been fortunate to have been in between two of them.” Chhetri had in the past admitted Bhutia’s influence in his career, especially during his younger days.

Bhutia said Chhetri was different from others and he knew it from the time the youngster first joined the iconic club Mohun Bagan in 2002.

“From the day one he came to Kolkata as a professional, I was there in Mohun Bagan. As we are from the hills, we have always developed a relationship on and off the field,” said the ‘Sikkimese Sniper’.

“He (Sunil) did not lose track and focus. There were a lot of players who were with him and who came to Mohun Bagan at that time but many of them lost way. But Sunil was different.” 
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Stalwart Chhetri announces retirement, World Cup qualifier match in Calcutta on June 6 to be his last game

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Chhetri, who made his debut in 2005, has scored 94 goals for the country. He will leave the scene as India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player

PTI, New Delhi, 16.05.24 : The iconic Sunil Chhetri on Thursday announced his decision to retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6, bringing the curtains down on a career that is unparalleled in Indian football for its longevity and consistency.

The long-serving national team captain announced his decision via a video he posted on his social media accounts.
Chhetri, who made his debut in 2005, has scored 94 goals for the country. He will leave the scene as India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player.

He is also third in the list of goal scorers among active players behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and currently sits as the fourth in the all-time list of international goal-scorers as well.

Chhetri, 39, will walk into international sunset after rendering yeoman service for nearly two decades, 19 years to be precise, to a team that was heavily reliant on the 5’7″ forward to deliver the goods every time he wore the blue jersey.

https://assets.telegraphindia.com/telegraph/2024/May/1715837464_chhetri-sunil-2.jpg
“The match Against Kuwait is the last,” Chhetri said while announcing his decision.

Chhetri’s final match will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, and it is appropriate that he will end his journey in a city, where he has played a lot of his football while evolving into a potent striker.

India are currently second in Group A with four points, behind leaders Qatar.

Chhetri had made his 150th national appearance in March and scored on the occasion against Afghanistan in Guwahati. India, though, stunningly lost that game 1-2.

On his international debut against Pakistan way back in 2005, Chhetri, who would go on to become one of the game’s most lethal strikers, scored, and he rated it as his best moment.

“There is one day that I never forget and remember it quite often is the first time I played for my country man, it was unbelievable.

“But the day before, morning of the day, Sukhi sir (Sukhwinder Singh), my first national team coach, in the morning he came to me and he’s like, you’re going to start? I can’t tell you how I was feeling man,” Chhetri recalled.

He added, “I took my jersey, I sprayed some perfume on it, I have no idea why. So that day, everything that happened, once he told me, from breakfast to lunch and to the game and to my first goal in my debut, to conceding late in the 80th minute, that day is probably that I will never forget and is one of the best days of my national team journey.” Speaking on the future of Indian football, Chettri said that it was time for the country to find the next 9. He felt the team is currently handicapped as none of the current lot of players play as the main striker for their respective clubs and sees the massive hole in the current national team.

In recent times, Chhetri said he could sense that he was heading towards the end of his glorious journey.

“You know the feeling that I recollect in the last 19 years is a very nice combination between duty, pressure and immense joy. I never thought individually, these are the many games that I’ve played for the country, this is what I’ve done, good or bad, but now I did it.

“This last one and a half, two months, I did it and it was very strange. I did it because probably I was going towards the decision that this game, this next game is going to be my last.” The moment he had arrived at the decision, memories came flooding back to his mind.

“And the moment I told myself first, that yes, this is the game that is going to be my last, is when I started recollecting everything.

“It was so strange, I started thinking about this game, that game, this coach, that coach, that team, that member, that ground, that away match, this good game, that bad game, all my individual performances, everything came, all the flashes came. So when I did decide that this is it, this is going to be my last game.” His family members reacted differently to his big decision.

“I told my mom, my dad and my wife, my family first, my dad was…he was normal, he was relieved, happy, everything, but my mom and my wife started crying,” he said.

“…they couldn’t express to me as to why they burst into tears. It’s not that I was feeling tired, it’s not that I was feeling this or that, when the instinct came that this should be my last game, then I thought about it a lot.” Among major successes, Chhetri helped India win the Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012) as well as the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship (2011, 2015, 2021).

He also played a part in India’s 2008 AFC Challenge Cup win, which helped them qualify for the first AFC Asian Cup (2011) in 27 years.

The Secunderabad-born footballer, who made his club debut for Mohun Bagan in 2002, went on to play for USA’s Major League Soccer team Kansas City Wizards in 2010 as well as for the reserve team of the Sporting CP in the Portuguese football league back in 2012.

The seven-time AIFF Player of the Year winner has also represented major Indian clubs like East Bengal (2008-2009), Dempo (2009-2010), and Indian Super League sides Mumbai City FC (2015-2016) and Bengaluru FC.

In club football, he has tasted most success at Bengaluru FC, winning major trophies like the I-League (2014 and 2016), ISL (2019), Super Cup (2018). He also led Bengaluru FC to the AFC Cup final in 2016.

Chhetri was felicitated ahead of his 150th outing for the Blue Tigers in the World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan in Guwahati.
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मसीही कलीसिया चर्च में हुआ खेलकूद प्रतियोगिता का आयोजन, वर्ष 2024 प्रार्थनाओं का वर्ष : रेव्ह. संजय पॉल

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बरेली। इज़्ज़तनगर क्षेत्र में स्थित मसीही कलीसिया चर्च में वर्ष 2023 के अन्तिम दिन रेव्ह. संजय पॉल ने छोटे बच्चों को गिफ़्ट देकर 2023 के अन्तिम दिन पूरे वर्ष में परमेश्वर के किये हुए कार्यों व उसकी दया के लिए धन्यवाद दिया और नववर्ष 2024 को प्रार्थनाओं का वर्ष बताया और देशहित के लिए प्रार्थना कर सबको आशीष दी। आज के दिन पास्टर जॉनसन, पास्टर रविन्द्र, पास्टर मुकेश आदि मौजूद रहे।


चर्च प्रांगण में ही मसीही कलीसिया चर्च की ओर से खेलकूद प्रतियोगिता का आयोजन किया गया जिसका संचालन भाई सोनू ने किया, जिसमें बोरी दौड़, चम्मच दौड़, रस्सा-कस्सी, ब्लाइंड फोल्ड आदि खेलों का आयोजन किया गया।


खेलकूद में बच्चों व वयस्कों सभी ने हिस्सा लिया, जीतने वालों को पुरस्कार देकर पुरस्कृत किया गया तत्पश्चात सामुहिक भोज, चाय आदि की व्यवस्था भी कलीसिया की तरफ सी की गई।


खेलकूद प्रतियोगिता में प्रिंस, जैफ, रेव्ह. संजय पॉल, मंतशा, मुन्नी आंटी, रिनी, अनिल कुमार, पूनम, ज़िदान, गैवी, शालू आदि विजेता रहे। रेव्ह. संजय पॉल ने सभी के लिए प्रार्थना कर आशीर्वाद दिया तथा समाज व देशहित के लिए दुआएं की व आराधना का संचालन पास्टर मुकेश ने किया।