Sports

Shooting World Championship: Elavenil Sets New Record and Secures Bronze, Marking India’s First Medal in Munich

Published

8 months ago

June 11, 2025

Elavenil Valarivan, a two-time Olympian and one of India’s premier women’s air rifle shooters, made an impressive mark at the Olympic Shooting range in Munich, earning a bronze medal on the first day of the ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) stage. Ela finished the 24-shot final in third place, scoring 232.1, trailing behind gold medalist Wang Zifei of China (252.7) and silver medalist Eunji Kwon of Korea (252.6).

Earlier in the day, she set a national qualification record, scoring 635.9, averaging nearly 10.6 points per shot over 60 shots.

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Wang, who achieved a hat-trick of World Cup victories this year, surpassed Valarivan with a qualifying score of 637.9, setting a new world and junior world record. This surpassed the previous record of 636.9 held by Germany’s Anna Janssen from the New Delhi World Cup Finals last year.

With both the reigning Olympic champion Ban Hyojin of Korea and World Champion Han Jiayu of China qualifying for the final, the competition was bound to be intense.

The first five shooters were separated by only 0.6 after the initial series, shrinking to just 0.1 between the top four after the second. When Norwegian shooter Jeanette Hegg Duestad was eliminated in fourth place after the 20th shot, Ela held the lead by 0.6 points.

Ela’s scores included steady shots above 10.1 until her 21st shot, which registered 9.8. This drop caused her to fall 0.2 points short of Kwon after 22 shots, despite her strong finish with a 10.6.

The only competitor without Olympic experience was Elif Altun from Turkiye, who was the first to exit after the 12th shot.

Ela’s detailed scores in the final were: 10.7, 10.4, 10.8, 10.3, 10.7; 10.4, 10.9, 10.8, 10.3, 10.5; 10.8; 10.6; 10.5; 10.1; 10.4; 10.1; 10.7; 10.8; 10.3; 10.7; 9.8; and 10.6.

Other Indian athletes competing today included:

Women’s 10m Air Rifle: Ananya Naidu – 632.4 (13th on debut); Arya Borse – 628.2 (50th).

Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions (Eliminations): Chain Singh – 591; Swapnil Kusale – 585; Kiran Ankush Jadhav – 580 (all three advanced to qualifications).

Top eight qualify after Qualification on Wednesday (Final on the same day):

Women’s 25m Pistol (Day 1 of Qualification – Precision stage): Esha Singh – 98, 99, 97 = 294 (4th); Manu Bhaker – 97, 98, 95 = 290 (12th); Simranpreet Kaur Brar – 95, 97, 96 = 288 (19th).

Top eight qualify after Day 2 Rapid-Fire stage on Wednesday (Final on the same day):

Men’s 10m Air Pistol: Nishant Rawat – 582 (fifth in Qualification relay 1); Aditya Malra – 578 (18th in qualification relay 1); Varun Tomar – Scheduled to shoot in Qualification relay 2.

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Sports

Storm in the First Over: RCB Create New WPL Record

Published

1 week ago

January 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.

This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.

Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.

During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.

With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.

In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.

Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.

This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.

Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

2 months ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

2 months ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.