Bhagat leads India’s charge in Spanish Para Badminton Int’l
Toledo (Spain), March 29: Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat bagged one gold and two silver medals, leading India’s impressive performance at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2026 – Level 1 here. Bhagat’s campaign was highlighted by a gold medal finish in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 category, where he partnered Manisha Ramdass. The Indian duo displayed excellent chemistry and resilience as it defeated compatriots Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan 21-15, 24-22. In the men’s singles SL3 final, Bhagat put up a determined fight but settled for silver after going down to fellow Indian Nitesh Kumar 10-21, 17-21. Bhagat added a second silver in the men’s doubles SL3-SU5 event alongside Sukant Kadam. The pair fought valiantly against the Indian combination of Naveen Sivakumar and Surya Kant Yadav but lost 16-21, 21-12, 15-21. Nitesh Kumar secured gold in men’s singles SL3, while Manasi Joshi and Thulasimathi Murugesan clinched gold in women’s doubles SL3-SU5. Thulasimathi also secured gold in women’s singles SU5, with Manisha finishing with silver in the same category. (PTI)
Pankaj Advani storms into semis of Pool National
Ludhiana, March 29: Ace cueist Pankaj Advani of PSPB outclassed Piyush Kushwaha to enter the men’s semifinal of the 9-ball Pool National Championships here on Sunday. The multiple-time world champion, known more for his prowess in snooker and billiards, scored a lopsided 9-3 win over the Madhya Pradesh player and set up a semifinal meeting with the winner of the match between Kushal C and Kamal Chawla. The other semifinal will be played between Nitin Sharma and S Shrikrishna. (PTI)
Indians shine in World Wushu Championship
Tianjin (China), March 29: Indian athletes secured two bronze medals while four others moved to the finals in different categories at the 10th World Wushu Championship here on Sunday. In the semifinal matches, India’s Anu faced a tough contest against China’s Zhang Lining but lost the bout, earning a bronze medal in the girls section while in the boys’ semifinal, Goutam Mankas was defeated by his opponent to secure another bronze. Furthermore, four Indian players registered victories to enter the finals. Upendro Thougam defeated Ahmed Mohamed of Egypt to reach the final, while Pama Heiba Singh beat Alimou Sy of Senegal to secure a place in the title clash. Yuvraj defeated Xiviel Bantali of the Philippines to enter the final , while Victor overcame Said Karim Mohamed of Egypt to progress to the summit clash. (PTI)
Mary Kom considers move into professional boxing
New Delhi, March 29: Olympic bronze medallist and six-time world champion Indian boxer M C Mary Kom on Sunday said she is considering a move into professional boxing. The 43-year-old, who became the first Indian woman boxer with an Olympic medal when she bronze in the 2012 London Games, is past the age eligibility to compete on the amateur circuit. “What can I say about the high points? Winning six World Championships was incredible. Although I reached a stage where age restrictions prevented me from competing further in amateur boxing for the country, a new opportunity has surfaced in Professional Boxing,” she said on the sidelines of Sundays on Cycle event. “I am currently taking some time to consider it. I am working hard and trying to make a comeback to show people what I can still do.” (PTI)
