Sports

Bharati Ghosh, Pioneering Table Tennis Player, Dies at Age [Age]

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2025

Bharati Ghosh, a trailblazing table tennis teacher and coach who played a crucial role in making Siliguri known as the ‘City of Table Tennis,’ passed away today at the age of 86.

She had been facing age-related health challenges for several days, and her condition had worsened recently, leaving her mostly bedridden.

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Bharati Ghosh’s impact on the sport was profound. Her mentorship helped many students achieve remarkable success at state and national levels, with some receiving prestigious honors such as the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. Despite her invaluable contributions, recognition from official authorities often eluded her.

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Her legacy is cherished in Siliguri. Just days ago, Mayor Goutam Deb visited her home to check on her wellbeing and assured her family of his support. In 2016, Bharati was honored with the Kanchenjunga Award and a cash prize from the Siliguri Journalists’ Club (SJC) for her exceptional contributions to table tennis and her role in nurturing local talent. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee presented the award and later recognized her as a ‘Shiksha Guru.’ In 2019, the state government awarded her the Banga Ratna Award.

Bharati Ghosh’s journey in table tennis began under the guidance of Bhabani Mukherjee, a Dronacharya Awardee. She served as a national-level coach for the Indian team, assisting Mukherjee, and dedicated herself to training physically challenged boys and girls, achieving significant success in that area.

Mantu Ghosh, an Arjuna Awardee and one of her students, fondly recalled her as a motherly figure: “Bharati Ghosh was like a mother to us. She guided us not only as a teacher but with the love and care of a mother. Today, we have lost both a teacher and a mother,” he shared.

Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh also expressed his condolences, acknowledging that while official recognition may have been delayed, the people of Siliguri will always celebrate her contributions. “She gave Siliguri an identity by producing talented table tennis players who excelled at the national level,” he noted.

The passing of Bharati Ghosh marks the end of an era, but her legacy as a mentor, coach, and source of inspiration will continue to resonate in the hearts of her students and the table tennis community.

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Sports

Tim David Faces Criticism for Obscene Celebration against Mumbai Indians

Published

7 days ago

May 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

IPL 2026 : In a dramatic IPL 2026 clash, Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Tim David has landed in controversy for allegedly making an obscene gesture after his team’s thrilling win against Mumbai Indians.

The incident took place during the 54th match of the Indian Premier League in Raipur. Batting first, Mumbai Indians scored 167 runs in 20 overs and set a competitive target for RCB.

While chasing the target, Royal Challengers Bengaluru needed 15 runs in the final over. The match went down to the last ball, where RCB required two runs for victory. Rasikh Dar helped the team secure a thrilling win in the final delivery.

Soon after the victory, Tim David, who was in the dugout, was seen allegedly showing his middle finger towards the Mumbai Indians camp during the celebrations. The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media and triggered criticism from cricket fans.

Reports suggest that match officials could take disciplinary action against the Australian batter. Under the ICC Code of Conduct, obscene or offensive gestures are considered a serious offence.

Such behaviour usually falls under Level 1 or Level 2 breaches of the ICC rules. Players found guilty can face fines ranging from 50 percent to 100 percent of their match fees. Demerit points may also be added to their disciplinary record. Repeated offences can even lead to suspension from matches.

Similar incidents have happened in the past as well. In 2012, Virat Kohli was fined 50 percent of his match fee for showing the middle finger to spectators during a match in Sydney.

Cricket is widely known as a “gentleman’s game,” and players are expected to maintain discipline and respect on the field. Tim David’s celebration has now sparked debate among fans and experts about sportsmanship in modern cricket.

Sports

Pooran Super over Call Sparks Criticism

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Lucknow Super Giants’ captain Rishabh Pant faced criticism after a failed Super Over decision against Kolkata Knight Riders. LSG sent Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram to bat, with Pooran on strike against Sunil Narine.

Pooran was bowled on the first ball, leading to heavy criticism from fans. Many questioned the decision, especially because Narine had earlier troubled Pooran in a past Super Over.

LSG coach Justin Langer defended the move. He said the team trusted Pooran as he has faced Narine many times and has a strong record against him. He added that teams must back their best players even in difficult moments.

Langer also said Pooran is one of the best T20 players in recent years but is currently low on confidence. He assured that the team is working hard to help him regain form

Despite being at the bottom of the table, LSG remains hopeful. Langer said the team will use the break to improve and aim to win their remaining matches.

Sports

King Kohli Creates Two Records in One Match

Published

3 weeks ago

April 25, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Virat Kohli made history in a match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium against Gujarat Titans. He achieved two big records in a single game.

Kohli became the first player in Indian Premier League history to hit 800 boundaries. He now has 807 fours. Shikhar Dhawan is second with 768, followed by David Warner and Rohit Sharma.

He also became the third player to hit 300 sixes in IPL. He reached this mark with his first six in the match. Chris Gayle leads with 357 sixes, while Rohit Sharma has 310.