Endurance cyclist John Gwite sets national record in Poland
WARSAW, July 9: India’s ultra-endurance cyclist John Gwite has set a national record at the Race Around Poland (RAP) — one of the world’s most demanding events — in under 10 days.Gwite finished the 3,600 km course in 237 hours (9 days, 21 hours) to better the previous Indian record of 274 hours. Over 60 international ultra-cyclists competed in the event.The race runs around Poland’s perimeter with an elevation gain of over 31,000m. The participants competed solo and unsupported. There were no team cars and no external aid.The RAP is recognized as one of Europe’s most difficult ultra-endurance cycling events and a qualifier for the Race Across America. (PTI)
Pro Kabaddi League season 12 to start from August 29
MUMBAI, July 9: The 12th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League will commence on August 29, the organisers announced on Wednesday.The new season will see the reigning champions Haryana Steelers return to defend their maiden title win from last year.“With all 12 franchises strengthening their squads through the recently concluded auction, the upcoming season promises to deliver unprecedented levels of competition and entertainment,” the organisers said.The venues and other details will be announced soon, event organisers Mashal Sports said.The auction for season 12 took place in Mumbai on May 31 and June 1, where a record-breaking 10 players secured contracts exceeding Rs 1 crore, setting a new benchmark for the competition. (PTI)
Personal coaches not allowed at national camp for boxing
NEW DELHI, July 9: The Interim Committee overseeing the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Wednesday reinforced its long-standing policy of disallowing personal coaches and support staff at official national camps.The directive underscores a critical shift in Indian boxing, away from fragmented, individual-led preparations and toward a single, united system designed for global impact and excellence.Both male and female boxers have shown significant progress, with India securing six medals at the World Boxing Cup in Brazil and a record-breaking haul of 11 medals, including three golds in the women’s categories, at the Astana edition earlier this year.“This process brings greater discipline, data-driven feedback, and long-term athlete development into focus. Our recent medal tally, including the landmark performance at the World Boxing Cup reinforces that a centralised model delivers results. We are committed to strengthening this system to sustain and scale elite-level success,” said Arun Malik, Executive Director, BFI and member of the Interim Committee.The national camps are currently being led by head coaches D S Yadav (men) and Dr Chandralal (women), ensuring technical alignment across weight classes and competition formats. (PTI)
Indian Open Athletics to be held in Pune on July 12
PUNE, July 9: The Indian Open Athletics will be organised by the Maharashtra Athletics Association here on Saturday and will feature around 350 athletes from across the country.Maharashtra will have the largest representation in the one-day even featuring 95 athletes whereas Army will have the second largest with 28 participants.Apart from featuring athletes from several states, there also will be teams from the Indian Army, CISF, IOCL, JSW, Indian Navy, NCOE Bangalore, NCOE Trivandrum, ONGC, Police Sports Control Board, Railway Sports, Reliance, and SSCB.The top athletes in the competition include TK Vishal, who finished fourth in 400m and won the gold medal in mixed relay and silver in 4x400m relay at the Asian Championships in Gumi in South Korea.Jay Kumar (400m), who won the silver in 4x400m relay in Gumi, Krishan Kumar (800m) who won the silver medal in Asian Championships in 2023 and Yoonus Shah will also be among the competitors. (PTI)