Sports

KIPG 2025: After Excelling in Wheelchair Cricket and Arm Wrestling, MBA Gyan Prakash Shifts His Focus to Badminton

Published

1 year ago

March 22, 2025

Gyan Prakash Sharma thrives on challenges. A gifted athlete, he started playing wheelchair cricket for Uttar Pradesh, and at the encouragement of others, ventured into arm wrestling, where he secured a bronze medal at the national Open Championship.

However, the Patna native—who has been paralyzed in both legs since birth—has developed a deep emotional connection to badminton. As he participated in the Khelo India Para Games 2025 for the first time, Gyan expressed his ambition to excel in this sport.

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Competing in the Wheelchair (SL4) category, Gyan also earned an MBA in HR specialization from Dr. Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University (Lucknow) this year, where he practices badminton on campus. Notably, he is the only wheelchair badminton player from Bihar participating in the second edition of the Khelo India Para Games that began on Thursday.

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When asked about how he got started in the sport, Gyan explained, “The Para National Championship of Badminton took place in Lucknow in 2023. At that time, I was employed by a company managing hospitality for the event. I had the opportunity to meet players, officials, and referees, which inspired me to take up the sport.”

Hailing from a farming family, he became the Bihar champion in his category in 2024 and subsequently competed in the Senior National Para Championship in Jamshedpur.

“That was my first tournament. I progressed to the pre-quarterfinals out of 64 players in my category. This achievement led to my selection for the second edition of the Khelo India Para Games. That’s why I am here today, eager to witness the support provided to disabled athletes.”

Gyan traveled to Delhi with a wheelchair borrowed from a friend in Uttar Pradesh. He is not only skilled in arm wrestling but also a regular member of the Uttar Pradesh wheelchair cricket team, where he won a bronze medal in the 57kg category at the All India Open Arm Wrestling Championships in Indore last year.

“My arm wrestling career began by chance. A friend from Madhya Pradesh, Rinku, jokingly suggested I try it out. When I did, he couldn’t beat me. He then encouraged me to participate in a competition in Indore, where I went unprepared and ended up winning a bronze medal!”

Gyan mentioned that earning his MBA was crucial for fulfilling his family responsibilities, and securing a job is his primary goal. Yet, his passion for badminton drives him to achieve recognition in the sport.

“At times, my family obligations prevent me from practicing regularly, but I am actively seeking an assistant professor position. However, badminton is always on my mind. I aim to establish my name in this sport, with the Khelo India Para Games being a significant milestone along the way.”

Commenting on the Khelo India Para Games, Gyan praised the excellent arrangements made by the government in the capital.

“Such tournaments should continue, as they provide emerging athletes like me a chance to shine. The accommodations are exemplary. The stadium is fully accessible for disabled players, and the food and other arrangements have been meticulously handled. The friendliness of everyone—from hospitality staff to volunteers—has been exceptionally nice,” he concluded.

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Sports

Tim David Faces Criticism for Obscene Celebration against Mumbai Indians

Published

1 week 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.