April 26, 2025

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Emma

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When Life Bowled Bouncers, Rinku Hit Sixes

Dhruv Kapila: The Relentless Doubles Dynamo

Jagdeep Singh Bains: From Rising Star to Resilient Warrior of Indian Basketball

Sai Sudharsan: The Silent Warrior Carving His Own Path

February 2025

Anitha Pauldurai: The Trailblazer Who Revolutionized Indian Basketball

Basketball in India has seen its fair share of stars, but few have left a mark as deep as Anitha Pauldurai. With an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Anitha has been a trailblazer, inspiring generations of aspiring female basketball players. Her journey from a young girl in Tamil Nadu to becoming the captain of the Indian women’s basketball team is nothing short of extraordinary. Born and raised in Tamil Nadu, Anitha’s tryst with basketball began at an early age. Her natural talent and dedication quickly set her apart, leading her to represent her state in various national-level tournaments. It wasn’t long before she caught the attention of the national selectors, and by the age of 16, she had already donned the Indian jersey, marking the beginning of a historic career. Anitha Pauldurai played for the Indian women’s national basketball team for an incredible 18 years, making her one of the longest-serving basketball players in India. Her leadership qualities and exceptional skills as a point guard earned her the captaincy, a role she fulfilled with distinction for eight years. During her career, Anitha represented India in nine Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) Championships, competing against some of the best teams in the continent. Under her captaincy, the Indian team saw remarkable performances in multiple international tournaments. On the domestic front, Anitha led Tamil Nadu to multiple National Championship victories, solidifying her reputation as one of the finest basketball players in the country. Her vision on the court, precise passing, and ability to control the game’s tempo made her a formidable player in Indian basketball history. Anitha’s contributions to Indian basketball have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades, including the Stree Shakti Puraskar, a national award recognizing her role in empowering women through sports. She was also honored with an honorary doctorate, making her the first Indian woman basketball player to receive this distinction. Her impact extends beyond the court, as she continues to inspire young players through her mentorship and coaching initiatives. Even after retiring from competitive basketball, Anitha Pauldurai remains actively involved in the sport. She has taken on coaching roles, training young female athletes to pursue basketball at a professional level. Her efforts in promoting the game, especially for women in India, have helped bring greater recognition and support for female basketball players. Anitha’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and breaking barriers. She has not only set benchmarks in Indian basketball but has also played a crucial role in elevating the sport’s status in the country. Her journey serves as an inspiration to every young girl who dreams of making it big in basketball.
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Sunmitha 5 mins

A perfect example of not losing the HOPE.

India has won the ODI World Cup twice: once in the year 1983 and again in 2011. People witnessed exhilarating scenes during the 2011 World Cup, which took place in India. There was a match between India and the West Indies in which Yuvraj Singh came to bat, and fans suddenly realized he was not well but continued hitting the ball. That day, we saw him vomiting blood on the ground, suffering with chest pain and a continuous cough. Everyone thought he would leave the ground, and for some people, hopes for the World Cup victory started to fade because Yuvraj Singh was the backbone of the Indian cricket team in that edition of the World Cup. However, he did not leave. Despite his declining health, he continued hitting the ball up and over the rope. This man, battling cancer, scored a century that day and took a couple of wickets. It's a match that cannot be forgotten by Indian cricket fans. India ultimately won the World Cup that year, and I must say it happened only because of this man. He was named the Player of the Series in that tournament. Everyone thought the 2011 World Cup would mark Yuvraj Singh's final match, but he had other plans. He went to the USA for cancer treatment and did not lose hope. He overcame cancer and started playing cricket again. I must say, “Never lose hope” is perfectly exemplified by Yuvraj Singh. In March 2012, he was discharged from the hospital after completing the third and final cycle of chemotherapy and announced his return to the Indian cricket team in September against New Zealand. There was a T20 match between India and England. That year, the ICC introduced the T20 World Cup, and Yuvraj Singh made a record by hitting six sixes in an over and scoring the fastest half-century in just 12 balls, a record that remains unbeaten in cricket history and Yuvraj Singh is the only player to have won the Player of the Series award in both the T20 World Cup (2007) and the ODI World Cup (2011) on the winning side. Yuvraj Singh's story did not end there. After his comeback, he achieved many things. He was the highest-bid player in the 2013 and 2014 IPL auctions and won two IPL trophies after his comeback. In June 2019, the legend Yuvraj Singh retired from international cricket. Even today, he plays for the Indian Masters cricket team and remains a phenomenal fielder and a significant asset for the team. Yuvraj Singh was born in 1981, but for me, his rebirth was in 2012 when jersey number 12 returned to the field like a lion and a legend. Today, he is in this state because he trusted his process and kept his hope alive.
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ScorVault 5 mins

Amjyot Singh: Breaking Barriers in Indian Basketball

Amjyot Singh’s journey from the streets of Chandigarh to the professional basketball courts of the NBA G-League is a testament to perseverance and talent. Born on January 27, 1992, in India, Amjyot started as a young boy with big dreams and raw talent. Initially playing as a forward, his height (6 feet 8 inches) and versatility on the court quickly made him stand out. His ability to handle the ball, shoot from distance, and dominate in the paint made him one of India's finest basketball prospects. His breakthrough came when he represented India in multiple international tournaments, helping the national team secure crucial victories in the FIBA Asia Cup and the SABA Championship. His standout performances earned him recognition, and in 2017, he took a major leap by entering the NBA G-League, playing for the Oklahoma City Blue and later the Wisconsin Herd. Though he didn’t make it to the NBA, his presence in the G-League was a historic achievement for Indian basketball, proving that Indian players could compete at the highest levels. Beyond his professional career, Amjyot has been a pillar of Indian basketball, consistently representing the country in international competitions. He has inspired a new generation of players to dream big and work hard to break into the global basketball scene. His story is not just about talent, but also about resilience, dedication, and the belief that an Indian player can make an impact on the world stage. Even today, he continues to be an influential figure, proving that with the right mindset, no dream is too big to chase.
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Sunmitha 3 mins

Parupalli Kashyap: The Fighter Who Never Gave Up

Parupalli Kashyap’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unbreakable spirit. Born in Hyderabad, he fell in love with badminton at a young age, dreaming of representing India on the world stage. But dreams don’t come easy. Just as he was starting to make a name for himself in the junior circuit, life threw him a challenge that could have ended his career before it even began. Diagnosed with asthma in 2004, Kashyap faced a battle much tougher than any opponent on the court. For an athlete, struggling to breathe during matches was a nightmare. Many thought he would give up, but he chose to fight. With sheer determination, Kashyap worked on his fitness, learned to control his breathing, and refused to let his condition define his career. Training under Pullela Gopichand, he transformed his game and started making waves in international badminton. His breakthrough moment came at the 2012 London Olympics, where he became the first Indian male shuttler in 32 years to reach the quarterfinals. This achievement wasn’t just about personal success—it was a statement that Indian men’s singles players could compete with the best in the world. Then came the defining moment of his career—the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Match after match, he fought his way through some of the toughest competitors, displaying incredible skill and mental strength. In the final, he faced Singapore’s Derek Wong in a nail-biting contest. With the weight of expectations on his shoulders, Kashyap played with heart and determination, eventually winning the gold medal. That victory wasn’t just his—it belonged to every young Indian player who dared to dream. He had become the first Indian man in 32 years to win a Commonwealth Games singles gold, inspiring an entire generation of shuttlers. Even after facing multiple injuries later in his career, Kashyap never lost his passion for the game. He continued playing, mentoring young players, and supporting Indian badminton’s growth. His journey is proof that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about fighting through hardships, believing in yourself, and never giving up. Parupalli Kashyap may not always be in the spotlight, but his story will forever be a reminder that true champions are the ones who refuse to quit, no matter how tough the road gets. "Success is not just about talent; it’s about fighting for your dreams, no matter how tough the journey gets."
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Rohini 4 mins

A leader who delivered the answer to the drought that Indian cricket team has faced.

On 13th November 2014, a world record was shattered by an Indian batter at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It was an India vs Sri Lanka ODI match. The Indian batters had fallen early, and an out-of-form batsman was on strike. With Robin Uthappa at the non-striker's end, giving singles on every ball, this man was hitting sixes with almost every shot. He is the master of sixes, Rohit Sharma, jersey number 45. Born in Maharashtra, with Telugu as his mother tongue, Rohit Sharma faced disappointment in 2007 when he was not selected for the ODI World Cup squad. Feeling disheartened, he tweeted about improving himself without criticizing anyone. In the same year, he was selected for the T20 World Cup squad. It was a bittersweet year for Indian cricket; first, they lost the ODI World Cup, but then they triumphed in the T20 World Cup. Rohit's comeback did not take long. In 2008, Rohit was made vice-captain for the Deccan Chargers under the leadership of the legendary Adam Gilchrist. The DC team won the IPL that year, and in the same edition, Rohit took a hat-trick. In 2011, Rohit joined Mumbai Indians (MI), and the rest is history. He first won the IPL as vice-captain and then as captain of MI, leading the team to five titles. In 2013, Rohit was made an opener by the mastermind MS Dhoni. From that day to today, nobody has doubted that decision. Records were broken brutally. As an opener, Rohit has three double centuries, 32 centuries, and 57 fifties to his name, along with the highest score in ODI cricket. He also became the oldest captain to hit a century, which happened just a few days ago. The Indian cricket team has faced a drought of ICC tournament victories since 2013. In February 2022, Virat Kohli stepped down as Indian captain, and the BCCI decided to appoint Rohit Sharma as captain. In November 2023, emotions ran high when India lost the ODI World Cup final, held in India. Rohit Sharma cried in the dugout, feeling the pain as deeply as the fans. One thing remains true: people raise questions when you fail and praise you when you succeed. Many questions were raised that day, but Rohit wanted to give only one answer—not at that time.
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ScorVault 5 mins

Breaking Barriers: A Story Beyond Opinions

Imagine growing up in the bustling city of Varanasi, where the narrow lanes echo with the sounds of daily life, but amidst it all, there's a young boy dribbling a basketball with dreams far bigger than the streets he played on. That boy was Vishesh Bhriguvanshi, born on November 7, 1991, whose love for basketball wasn't just a hobby—it was a calling. At just 17, Vishesh achieved something extraordinary—he wore the Indian jersey for the first time at the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship. Picture being that young, standing tall among seasoned international players, and yet, holding your ground with sheer skill and determination. That debut marked the beginning of what would become an inspiring legacy. Fast forward to 2014, a year etched in Indian basketball history. Vishesh led India to a sensational victory against China at the FIBA Asia Cup. This wasn't just any win; it was an underdog story, where his fearless drives, sharp plays, and leadership turned the improbable into reality. That game wasn't just about points; it was about proving that Indian basketball had a voice loud enough to be heard on the global stage. But Vishesh's journey didn't stop there. In 2017, he broke new ground by signing with Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), joining the Adelaide 36ers. This was more than a professional contract; it was a milestone that showed Indian talent could thrive internationally. From the local courts of Varanasi to professional arenas in Australia, his journey inspired countless young athletes across India. Watching Vishesh play is like watching poetry in motion. His swift moves, strategic plays, and clutch shots are nothing short of electrifying. But it's not just about what he does on the court. Off the court, his accolades speak volumes. In 2020, he received the prestigious Arjuna Award, one of India's highest sporting honors, celebrating his immense contributions to basketball. Vishesh Bhriguvanshi's story is more than just about basketball; it's about dreams, dedication, and the spirit of never giving up. He's not just an athlete; he's an inspiration, showing us that with passion in your heart and determination in your stride, you can conquer even the tallest hurdles.
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Sunmitha 4 mins

Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The Young Sensation Redefining Indian Cricket!

It’s not every day you hear about a 12-year-old making history in a tournament as prestigious as the Ranji Trophy. But in 2024, that’s exactly what happened. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a young boy with a hunger for cricket, walked onto the field not as a mascot or ball boy, but as a player. And not just any player – he became the youngest debutant in the history of the Ranji Trophy, an achievement that left everyone in awe. Vaibhav’s love for cricket started early. Growing up, he was known for his remarkable skills that seemed too mature for his age. Coaches saw something special in him right from the start, and before long, he was playing in age-group cricket. It didn’t take long for him to rise through the ranks, and soon, he found himself representing Bihar in the senior domestic circuit. His composure under pressure, his flawless technique, and his ability to handle intense situations made him stand out. He wasn’t just playing for the sake of it; he was playing with the kind of maturity that could rival cricketers much older than him. His list of records grew quickly. He became the youngest player to represent Bihar in List A cricket, breaking new ground every time he stepped onto the field. Then came a milestone that stunned everyone – Vaibhav scored a half-century in List A cricket, making him the youngest Indian to do so. This wasn’t just a lucky knock; it was proof of his ability to thrive in high-pressure moments, to perform when the stakes were high. But the most jaw-dropping moment of all came in a Youth Test against Australia’s U-19 team. Imagine facing some of the best bowlers at that age and scoring a century in just 58 balls. That’s exactly what Vaibhav did, becoming the fastest Indian to score a century in Youth Tests. Not only was it the fastest century by an Indian, but it also placed him second on the all-time list, just behind Moeen Ali. It was an innings that showcased his ability to balance aggression with smart shot selection, all while keeping his cool under pressure. Then came the IPL 2025 auction – and Vaibhav made history once again. At just 12 years old, he was shortlisted for the auction, becoming the youngest player ever to be part of it. And if that wasn’t enough, Rajasthan Royals saw his immense potential and signed him for INR 1.1 crore. For a young cricketer to earn a contract in the IPL is no small feat, and it was clear that the Rajasthan Royals saw the same potential that had impressed everyone so far.
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Ajay 6 mins

More Than a Player: The Man Who Built Champions

Let me tell you a story about a man who turned his dreams into reality, not just for himself but for an entire nation. Pullela Gopichand was once a young boy with a passion for badminton, playing on the dusty courts of Andhra Pradesh. With sheer dedication, he rose through the ranks, facing challenges that would have crushed an ordinary spirit. In 2001, he etched his name in history by winning the All England Open Badminton Championship, becoming only the second Indian to achieve this feat after Prakash Padukone. But little did the world know that this victory was just the beginning of a far greater mission.
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Rohini 3 mins

The comeback which showed us opinions don’t matter.

On February 21, 2017, sports news in Hyderabad was dominated by the selection of a local boy in the IPL auction for a whopping 2.6 crores for SRH. His name is Mohammad Siraj. Siraj’s career has been a roller-coaster ride. Although he got selected in IPL 2017, he did not get many chances to prove himself. Later, in 2018, he was selected by RCB, and that’s where his real journey began. It was not an easy journey. Siraj’s journey was not one from up to down but from down to up. There was a tough match between RCB and KKR in 2019 where Russell was on strike and Siraj had the ball. Russell smashed Siraj for some big hits, and that day Siraj’s over was also called off. People had their opinions on his bowling. There is fire in everyone; during tough phases, people give their opinions to us. It's about how we take it—as water that kills the fire or as fuel that makes the fire explode. That day, Siraj took those opinions as a fuel. Time changed. In IPL 2020, The same RCB vs KKR match in Dubai, Siraj started bowling and took two wickets in his first over and created a record as the first bowler to bowl two maiden overs in an IPL match. He was player of the match that day. In the same year, it was again Russell with the bat and Siraj with the ball. This man kept it very tight, hitting six Yorkers to Russell and conceding only one run. Somehow, everyone felt the revenge was not complete; even Siraj wanted Russell’s wicket. Although He got him in IPL 2023 by bowling a good Yorker and knocking Russell out. Siraj was selected for the Indian team in 2020 for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. They flew to Australia, and unfortunately, he received the news that his father had passed away. He was crying; everyone thought he would return to India. He didn’t. He informed his captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri that he would continue to play.
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ScorVault 6 mins
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