Articles by Rahul Sadhu

Sports

'If That's Your Attitude, Just Give Up Chess': Sam Shankland's Bold Message After Knocking Out Vidit Gujrathi at FIDE World Cup 2025

American Grandmaster Sam Shankland stunned the chess world at the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa after eliminating India's Vidit Gujrathi (2.5-3.5) ??in the tie-breaks of Round 3 on Saturday. Following the dramatic result, the former US Champion spoke to Chessbase India and sent a strong message that showed his competitive mindset. "I never come into any tournament thinking that I'm gonna lose, if that's your attitude, just give up chess," Shankland said after his victory. "I thought if I played my best chess, I should go through as many matches as I can," he added. ?Reflecting on his form, Shankland hinted at rediscovering the level that once put him among the top performers globally. "When I had my best-ever performances, they were around 2900. I can't do that every time, but if I can do it once every few years or something and this happens to be the time, why not"? He said with a smile. On what turned out to be a dramatic day, S. L. Narayanan also had to concede defeat against Yangyi Yu of China in the first set of tie-break games, but V. Karthik continued his dream run and defeated Deac Bogdan-Daniel of Romania 1.5-0.5. Karthik reached the fourth round, which means there are five Indians left in the fray after the first three rounds. The two favourites, Arjun Erigaisi and R. Praggnanandhaa, along with P. Harikrishna, who has shown sublime form here, and world junior champion V. Pranav, who has proved that he is the next big Indian star in the making, have already qualified by winning games under the classical format. It will be a test of time for the five Indians in the last 32 stage of the event, which started with 206 players. With the top three slots at stake for the following Candidates' tournament, it seems that the battles will be even more interesting in the rounds to come.

Sports

‘From One Court to a Movement’: Pickleball’s Rise in Jammu & Kashmir Explained by J&K Secy

From the foothills of Jammu to the heart of Srinagar, Pickleball has quietly shaped a movement in Jammu & Kashmir. The game that was once played on a single court now thrives across multiple venues, a testament to how community passion can drive a national sporting revolution. Leading this transformation is Viraj Singh, Secretary of the Jammu & Kashmir Pickleball Association, whose leadership is helping the Union Territory carve out its own space in India’s growing pickleball ecosystem. From One Court to Many “From just one court a few years ago to multiple active venues today, pickleball’s rise in Jammu & Kashmir has been phenomenal,” Singh said. “What began as a small community is now a growing movement, uniting players of all ages and backgrounds under one fast-growing sport.” Youth at the Heart of the Movement At the centre of this surge is a generation of young players who’ve embraced pickleball’s energy and simplicity. “Pickleball’s simplicity and energy have captured the imagination of young athletes across J&K,” Singh shared. “We’ve been introducing it in schools, colleges, and academies, and the youth response has been incredible. It’s competitive, inclusive, and easy to start, which makes it a perfect fit for our sporting culture.” All Roads Lead to Bengaluru The upcoming IPA Nationals in Bengaluru mark another milestone for J&K. “This marks our second year sending a Jammu & Kashmir team to the IPA Nationals, and the excitement is higher than ever. Our players have trained hard and are ready to represent the state with pride,” Singh said. He also acknowledged the role of sponsors and partners in making the journey possible. “We’re deeply grateful to our 2025 partners, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Vector X, TCI Max Cement, Redroom Sessions, and WHS Sports Hub. Their continued support has made this journey possible and keeps the momentum alive across J&K.” Building Infrastructure, Overcoming Barriers Building the base for a relatively young sport like pickleball in Jammu & Kashmir has not been without its fair share of challenges. Viraj Singh acknowledged that the journey demanded creativity, persistence, and partnerships to overcome the region’s logistical and environmental challenges. “Building a new sport comes with its challenges, from limited facilities to harsh weather,” Singh admitted. “We’ve made progress through local collaborations, but to reach every district, we’ll need the support of the J&K Sports Council and the Department of Youth Services & Sports. Together, we can make pickleball accessible to everyone in the Union Territory,” he added. Playing for Pride and Representation Beyond competition, Singh views every match as a statement of identity. “For our players, the Nationals aren’t just about medals; it’s about representing Jammu & Kashmir with pride. Every match is a chance to showcase the spirit, resilience, and unity of our state on the national stage,” said the 32-year-old. Partnering with the IPA Collaboration with the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has been crucial in formalising the sport’s presence in Jammu and Kashmir. “We work closely with the Indian Pickleball Association to align development programs, talent scouting, and ranking events,” Singh said. “Their support has been key in giving our players national exposure and setting the foundation for structured growth in J&K.” Women Leading the Charge Singh believes that one of the most remarkable success stories in Jammu & Kashmir’s pickleball journey has been the growing participation of women. “The rise of women in pickleball has been one of our biggest successes,” he said proudly. “We’re seeing strong participation across age groups, with dedicated women’s events and mixed doubles encouraging inclusivity. Our goal is to build future champions, both male and female, from J&K,” he explained. Pickleball as a Bridge for Peace In a region where sports often serve as a unifying thread, Singh believes pickleball carries a special kind of power. “Pickleball is more than a sport; it’s a connector. It brings people from different communities together through friendly competition and shared passion. In a region like ours, that unity through sport carries deep meaning,” he explained. Vision 2026: One District, One Court Looking ahead, Singh spoke about his vision for a future where every district in Jammu and Kashmir has a thriving pickleball community. “By 2026, we aim to have pickleball in every district of Jammu & Kashmir with regular inter-district and national events,” he said before adding, “We want J&K to be recognised not just for its beauty, but as one of India’s most exciting pickleball destinations.” A Message to the Next Generation “Pickleball embodies everything I love about sport, community, opportunity, and growth. Watching our players evolve and represent J&K drives me every day,” Singh said before concluding by saying, “My message to young players, just start. Pick up a paddle, step on court, and let the game do the rest.”