Sports
T20 leagues are not just about money; learning & sharing knowledge is key: Chamari Athapaththu
New Delhi, Feb 7 (IANS) In the franchise T20 world of women’s cricket, Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu has been the first player from her country to take part in various leagues.
Since 2017, Chamari has literally become a globetrotting cricketer in the current era, featuring in the now-defunct Kia Super League and Women’s T20 Challenge, as well as in the Women’s Big Bash League, Women’s Caribbean Premier League, FairBreak Invitational, and Women’s Super Smash.
Despite the many opportunities to compete in T20 leagues and her remarkable performance for Sri Lanka in international cricket, Chamari was initially not picked for the 2023 WBBL and 2024 WPL. Later on, Sydney Thunder later recruited her as a replacement player for 2023 WBBL.
Chamari would go on to light up the tournament, making 511 runs at an average of 42.58. She finished at second place in the regular season run-scoring list and took nine wickets with her off-spin bowling at an economy rate of 6.79 to claim the Player of the Tournament award.
With England pacer Lauren Bell pulling out of WPL 2024 to make herself available for England’s tour of New Zealand, the UP Warriorz were quick to rope in Chamari for the tournament happening from February 23 to March 17. According to Chamari, playing in various T20 leagues has played a huge role in her evolution as a cricketer, on and off the field.
“These leagues are important, not just for me, but also for all cricketers around the world. Some people think these leagues are all about the money, but it is not like that. We can share our knowledge and culture with other players. Like, I can share the same dressing room with the world’s best cricketers.
“I learn a lot of things from them and share my knowledge with them as well. It’s a really good opportunity in world cricket by various boards to organise T20 leagues in women’s cricket. It is going to be a good thing for the future of women’s cricket around the world. I hope every country continues with these things and I do hope Sri Lanka will organise a new league for women’s as well in the future,” said Chamari in reply to a query from IANS question in a virtual interaction organised by the franchise.
Chamari believes that adapting her game to the conditions ahead of a specific tournament is crucial for her, especially with WPL 2024 scheduled to take place in Bengaluru and New Delhi. “I have been playing international cricket for more than 15-16 years. So, I have the experience to adjust to various conditions. I always try to play my natural game and always keep it simple, which is my method.”
“I don’t like to think a lot; I just keep it simple and assess the conditions because Australia had good pace and bounce, which is different as compared to New Zealand and Sri Lanka. So, I do know how to adjust to conditions – like change my batting stance, backlift and little bit more changes I make. But I always try to play my natural game freely and the approach to play positively is very important.”
When Chamari didn’t find any takers at the WPL 2024 player auction in Mumbai, there was huge surprise amongst the teams and pundits of the game. Chamari acknowledged feeling surprised but not shocked by being overlooked by all five franchises in the auction.
“I was not shocked, but I was surprised that they didn’t pick me at the auction. These things are not in my control. I don’t want to put too much pressure on my shoulders, because such decisions are taken by the coaches and people in the management. I only think about what I can control. I can control my batting and my bowling. I take these decisions in good spirits and try to do my best. If someone asks me if I can come (and play for the team), I am ready. If someone requests, I can accept their request.”
In situations like this, the explosive left-handed batter uses rejection as motivation to prove others wrong. “Actually, rejection is a kind of motivation for me. It is good for me, because I can learn from (that) rejection and show what I can do. My philosophy is that if someone says something cannot be done, I want to be the first one to do it. I always want to prove what I can do.
“I got an opportunity (to play) in WBBL at the last minute, as a replacement player, and I grabbed that opportunity with both hands. I showed everyone there what I can do. The Sydney Thunder management also helped me. I am a team player – I want to do good for my team, everywhere I go. I am now waiting for WPL. Let’s see what I can do,” she said.
At UP Warriorz, Chamari will face stiff competition from captain Alyssa Healy, Danni Wyatt, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris and Sophie Ecclestone to be amongst the four overseas players in the playing eleven. Last year, the Warriorz had a similar situation, leading to an accomplished speedster like South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail being on the sidelines for most of the competition.
If she gets a place in the starting eleven, Chamari will become the first Sri Lanka player to be a part of the WPL. While she has received acclaim as an opener, Chamari expressed her flexibility to bat at any position within the team.
“I do know that only four overseas players can play in the eleven. I know Alyssa Healy is an opener, my favourite Danni Wyatt is also an opener. Even Tahlia McGrath can open, Grace Harris opens for Brisbane Heat (in the WBBL).
“We have to adjust, and the most important thing is the (requirement of the) team, and everything comes secondary. If the coaches and team need me to bat at any position, I am happy to bat anywhere between numbers one to six. I can do anything for my team; I am not looking to just bat at one place as I am always a team player,” Chamari said.
–IANS
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Paris, July 30 (IANS) India boxer Amit Panghal was knocked out of the Paris Olympics after losing to Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba 1-4 on points in the 51kg Round of 16 bout here on Tuesday. The 2019 world championship silver medallist faced considerable pressure from the energetic Zambian, the reigning African Games champion, right from the opening round.
Panghal’s defensive strategy proved costly as the third-seeded Chinyemba took on the role of aggressor in the first three minutes. The seasoned boxer, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games 2022, could not get going against his third-seeded opponent and went down 29-28, 27-28, 28-29, 27-30, 28-29.
Trailing on three cards in split decision in the first rounds, Panghal came out aggressively but struggled to land his punches, The judges gave the second round too to Chinyemba.
Both boxers had significant exchanges in the last three minutes, with Panghal trying to exert pressure. But the Indian was not able to persuade the judges as all five ruled in favour of the Zambian. For Panghal, the defeat brought back memories of his early elimination from the Tokyo Olympics.
–IANS
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Chateauroux (France), July 30 (IANS) The 2024 Paris Olympics has been a breakthrough event and life-changing experience for Manu Bhaker as she broke many records for India, contributing to both the medals India has won in the event so far. Manu who shot some good scores till then, managed 9.4 with her final shot but Sarabjot salvaged the situation for India with a clutch 10.2 to seal victory as the Koreans managed scores in the 9s.
Following her victory alongside Sarabjot in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event, Bhaker took time out to speak with IANS and revealed what her thoughts were before her game-winning shots in the bronze medal match.
“I have always been nervous before the matches, that is me I will always be nervous before matches but in the moment of the final shot, I was nervous but I was just thinking of how God has protected me till here and he will keep protecting further. Just try your best however it goes, keep following your technique, keep giving your best effort in every shot and just believe,” Bhaker told IANS in an interview on Tuesday.
The Manu-Sarbajot pair defeated South Korea 16-10 in the intense bronze medal match breaking an array of records by becoming the first Indian team to win a medal at any shooting event in the Games.
However, the spotlight was on Manu for a completely different reason as she became the first Indian to win multiple medals in one Olympic campaign post-independence. She revealed how ‘grateful’ she was to have achieved the tremendous feat.
“I feel great, really nice and I am truly grateful for the two beauties on my neck (medals) but my journey is not over yet, I have another match to shoot so I am focusing on that now,” added the 22-year-old.
Bhaker will now take part in the qualification event for the women’s 25m pistol event which will take place on August 2 in her bid to become the first Indian to win three Olympic medals in individual events. She also took the time to acknowledge the upcoming event and revealed what her plan would be at the event.
“The plans will always be to not give up, try to put in your best effort and to keep going on so that will be my gameplan in the next match also but nobody can control the results so let’s see how it goes and just pray for me,” she concluded.
–IANS
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Pallekele, July 30 (IANS) Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first against India in the inconsequential third and final T20I of the series at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday. India have rested Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh for the match as they have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said they have made one change in the side.
“We are going to bowl first. Looks like a dry pitch. There was a batting collapse, when the ball gets older it’s a bit harder to bat. We have planned a little bit differently. One change, Wickramasinghe comes in for Shanaka,” he said at the toss.
On the other hand, India made four changes in their playing eleven to give match time for other squad members.
“Would’ve liked to chase as well with the weather around. Becomes difficult for the bowling team to control the ball later. We have 4 guys resting — Hardik, Axar, Rishabh and Arshdeep. We spoke about the brand of cricket we want to play and it’s about topping it up every game and being the best version of ourselves,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav said.
Playing XIs:
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Khaleel Ahmed
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.
–IANS
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Sports
Paris Olympics: You brought pride and honour to the nation, PM Modi calls Sarabjot after bronze medal win
New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a vocal supporter of Indian athletes across sports over the years. From hosting the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team to bidding the athletes farewell for the Paris Olympics, he has been a pillar of support for all sportspersons representing the country.
Following Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh’s historic bronze medal in the 10 m Air Pistol Mixed Team event in the shooting competition in Chateauroux, France, PM Modi spoke to Sarabjot to congratulate him for his achievement.
“Congratulations Sarabjot, you have brought pride and honour to the country and your hard work has paid off. Please wish Manu from my side too. You just missed out in the individual round but did it in the mixed team round. The way you and Manu have performed has been brilliant, what’s the secret behind your teamwork?” PM Modi asked Sarabjot during their phone conversation.
Sarabjot replied. “We have been together since the 2019 nationals, Junior World Cup and other tournaments and have won gold medals on a number of occasions. I hope to perform better next time and will try my best to bring a gold medal for the country.”
This was Sarabjot’s first medal in what was his debut in the quadrennial event, joining the illustrious group of RVS Rathore, Abhinav Bindra, Vijay Kumar, Gagan Narang, and Manu Bhaker all of whom have won medals for India at the Olympic Games.
Manu’s historic campaign in the Paris Olympics keeps on breaking more records. She started off by becoming the first woman to win a medal in shooting and followed it by becoming the first athlete to win two medals in the same campaign post India’s independence. She and Sarabjot also became the first Indian shooters to win a medal in a team event at the Olympics.
However, Manu’s journey has not ended yet as the 22-year-old still has one more event to play in Paris 2024, the Women’s 25 m Pistol event.
“Manu has to prepare for the 25 meter as well, wish her all the best from my side and I want to congratulate both of you one last time and wish all Indian athletes from my side, Jai Hind,” concluded the Prime Minister.
–IANS
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Sports
Paris Olympics: Proud to perform at biggest stage: Manu on making history by winning 2nd medal
Chateauroux (France), July 30 (IANS) On Tuesday, Manu Bhaker made history once again in less than 48 hours by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympic Games. After her dual podium finish, the sharpshooter is on cloud nine and said she is ‘proud to perform at the biggest stage’ for her country.
Manu made history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal, bagging a bronze in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol Individual event.
She then added more lustre to her success by securing her second bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team competition with Sarabjot Singh earlier on Tuesday, becoming the first Indian to win multiple medals in one edition of the Games.
The duo showcased resilience and composure, overcoming a slow start to open up a big lead before emerging 16-10 winner against South Korean pair, Lee Won Ho and Oh Ye Jin 16-10 in a thrilling match.
“Extremely humbled by the support and wishes that have been pouring in. This is something that I’ve always dreamt of. Proud to perform at the biggest stage for my country,” Manu wrote on X on Tuesday.
Manu became the second Indian woman to win two Olympic medals after shuttler PV Sandhu, who clinched consecutive medals in the 2016 (silver) and 2020 (bronze) Olympics.
Manu still has the 25m pistol event left to compete in, where she will compete alongside Esha Singh, giving her a chance to win a hat-trick of medals in Paris. With several records broken, this accomplishment represents a critical turning point in Indian sports history.
–IANS
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