Sports

Bhopal: Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday inaugurated the Bhopal Metropolitan Region (BMR), a major initiative to manage rapid urbanisation around Madhya Pradesh’s capital. The sprawling region, covering approximately 9,600 square kilometres and encompassing parts of five districts – Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Vidisha, and Rajgarh (including Biaora) – aims to enable coordinated development planning and arrest uncontrolled urban sprawl. Speaking at the event, held alongside the Bhopal Metro inauguration, Minister Khattar emphasised that the BMR would reduce pressure on core urban areas, allowing the state government to effectively implement development schemes. “The Central government will extend all possible cooperation to ensure integrated growth,” he assured, highlighting the framework’s role in delivering infrastructure, housing, and services more efficiently. The BMR, established under the Madhya Pradesh Metropolitan Planning and Development Act, 2025 (passed earlier this year), represents the expanding footprint of Bhopal, famously known as the “City of Lakes” for its abundant water bodies. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said this is another step and the inauguration of various development projects which will be developed with an investment of Rs 5800 crore in a phased manner, with BMR entire state will have booming economic activities. The 2011 Census recorded the Bhopal Urban Agglomeration at about 1.88 million residents; current estimates for the broader area stand at around 2.7 million, with the metropolitan region housing approximately 3.5 million people. Projections plan for sustainable accommodation of up to 6 million in the coming decades.

Hyderabad: Mohammed Ali Hussain, who has just turned 14, qualified as a nationally renowned shooting athlete in his very first attempt, becoming the youngest shooter from Telangana to achieve this distinction. He competed in the 50-metre Rifle Prone event under the Junior and Civilian categories, earning national recognition at one of India’s toughest shooting championships. Most competitive shooting event in country The event was part of the 68th National Rifle Shooting Championship of India 2025, held in Bhopal. It was one of the largest and most competitive shooting events in the country, with over 6,000 participants. Shooters included personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, IAS, IPS (Civil Services), various Central and State government departments and civilian athletes, ranging in age up to 75 years. The championship tested precision, discipline and consistency at the highest national level. Team from Telangana earns national recognition Ali’s success was a team effort, said his father, Asif Sohail. Along with Meraj, Huzaifa, and Mustafa, he trained under the mentorship of Imran (Armourer and Coach) and Omar, a former national-level shooter and gold medallist. Notably, the entire team qualified and earned national recognition. Ali’s journey from community service to national glory Currently a Class 8 student, Ali has successfully balanced academics, Hifz studies and social responsibility from a young age. He has actively participated in community service, including feeding people daily and teaching children in slum areas. His upbringing has instilled strong values of discipline, focus, empathy and perseverance, clearly reflected in his calm and mature approach to competition—shaped by the guidance and values imparted by his father and mother. “In a very short time and with limited practice, Ali has achieved this milestone. He has the potential to become a future wonder for India on the international shooting stage,” said Sandeep, Coach at the Sports Authority of Telangana (SATS).

Kapil Parmar, who won India’s first Paralympic medal in judo, questioned why the state government is discriminating against para athletes. “Why do they want to push us back?” he asked. Para athlete Harshit Choudhary said that almost all international tournaments provide opportunities for para players, so there is no reason for the state to ignore them. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Para sportspersons from Madhya Pradesh have expressed disappointment that they will not be able to participate in the Khelo Madhya Pradesh Youth Games 2025-26. Branded as the Olympics of Madhya Pradesh, the Games are scheduled from January 10 to 31 next year. The first edition of the Khelo MP Youth Games was held in October 2023. After a gap of three years and several postponements, the second edition will begin at the block level on January 10 and conclude at the state level from January 28 to 31. Competitions in 27 sporting disciplines are scheduled. However, the Games will not have a para edition. The Khelo India Youth Games, on which the MP version is modelled, includes a separate para edition, but the state version offers no platform for para athletes. Kapil Parmar, who won India’s first paralympic medal in judo, questioned why the state government is discriminating against para athletes. “Why do they want to push us back?” he asked. Para athlete Harshit Choudhary said that almost all international tournaments provide opportunities for para players, so there is no reason for the state to ignore them. Prachi Yadav, a paracanoe athlete who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and won bronze at the 2022 Paralympic World Cup, expressed disappointment. “Para athletes are quite talented and they should have been given a chance to participate in Khelo MP,” she said. Similarly, Shubham Mishra, a 100-metre athlete, said a Para edition would have provided a platform for players with disabilities. Vivek Singh Parihar, Working President of Para Sports Association of Madhya Pradesh, said that from Olympics to the Asiad, almost all international tournaments have separate para editions. “I don’t know why the Madhya Pradesh Government is ignoring para athletes,” he said. Mohammed Shahid, Secretary of MP Blind Sports Association, said that para players should not be excluded from any major tournament.

Advertisement Advertisement Discover more Activewear Sports tennis Athletics Sport Tennis Cricket bats and balls Artificial Intelligence Insights Politics News Feed Hyderabad city maps Digvijay Pratap Singh replicated his recent success at the ITF M25 Tennis Tournament in Bhopal, edging past academy-mate Nitin Kumar Sinha 6-4, 7-6 in a tightly contested final. The win gives both tennis players a near-flawless momentum as they move to Gwalior for the next event on the ITF Men’s World Tennis Tour ($15k), where they will look to carry this form. Also Read – Satterthwaite, Peterson and Tsukigawa appointed as NZ’s regional female pathway leads A day after Roundglass Tennis Academy’s Praneel Sharma defeated fellow trainee Aashravya Mehra to clinch the ITF Juniors J100 singles title in Delhi, the academy produced another champion; this time on the pro circuit. In addition to his impressive singles run, Nitin also fought his way to the doubles final at the same tournament, only to be denied the title in a razor-thin contest. Teaming up with SD Prajwal Dev, he pushed the pairing of Aryan Shah and Atharva Sharma to the brink before the duo eventually went down 6-1, 4-6, 6-10. Also Read – Keshav Maharaj named Pretoria Capitals captain ahead of SA20 Season 4 Currently ranked No.23 in the country, Digvijay opened his campaign with a gritty three-set win over the Netherlands’ Freek van Donselaar, before shifting gears to dispatch compatriot Kabir Hans 6-2, 6-2. In the quarterfinals, he staged an impressive comeback after dropping the first set, eventually overcoming Rohan Mehra 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. His semifinal against Siddhant Banthia ended prematurely, with Banthia forced to retire midway through the first set as Digvijay led 3-1. Also Read – Gavaskar moves Delhi HC seeking protection of personality rights Sunday’s final marked only the second meeting between Digvijay and Nitin on the pro circuit; Nitin had won their first encounter in Delhi back in 2021. This time, however, Digvijay held the edge. The eighth-seeded Nitin had stitched together a remarkable run of his own. He survived a tough second-round battle against Roundglass Tennis Academy’s Arjun Rathi, clawing back from a set down in a tightly fought contest. He then produced one of the standout performances of the tournament, defeating third seed Grigoriy Lomakin of Kazakhstan in straight sets to reach the last four. Also Read – Lionel Messi to Unveil 21-Metre Statue During India GOAT Tour, Kolkata Gears Up for a Historic Tribute His semifinal brought an all-too-familiar opponent: doubles partner and top seed S D Prajwal Dev. As expected, the clash went the distance, with Nitin showing admirable composure in the defining moments to prevail 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Both Nitin and Digvijay train at the Roundglass Tennis Academy in Chandigarh under renowned coach Aditya Sachdeva, who expressed his delight at the result. “With our juniors sweeping the singles and doubles titles in Delhi earlier this week, this result in Bhopal adds another layer of confidence to the work being done at the Roundglass Tennis Academy,” Sachdeva, the Technical Director at the Roundglass Tennis Academy, said. “Success across the spectrum — from juniors to men — reflects that our process works. This is just the beginning, and we will look to build an even more robust system going forward.” The duo will return to action on December 2 in the opening round of the Roundglass ITF Men’s World Tennis Tour in Gwalior, with Hitesh Chauhan – India’s top-ranked junior player – also joining them in the main draw.

Bhopal, 7 December 2025 – The sprawling grounds of St. Joseph’s Convent Senior Secondary School, Idgah Hills, turned into a riot of colour, rhythm and energy as the institution celebrated its 42nd Annual Sports Day – grandly themed AAROHAN: The Ascent to Victory. The chief guest, Brig. Rajneesh Singh Gaur, DDG, NCC (MP & CG Directorate), a highly decorated officer with two Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards and multiple gallantry recognitions, was accorded a ceremonial welcome with the school band’s VIP fanfare and an NCC cadet escort. Rev. Sr. Maurice George CSJ, Provincial Superior, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. The morning unfolded like a cinematic spectacle. Iris, the school’s beloved robot, stole hearts with her charming greetings. The sports flag was unfurled, the torch lit and carried aloft by Sports Minister Sanskriti Shivhare and Dy. Sports Minister Saumya Nahar, while athletes took the solemn oath. A breathtaking march past led by School Prime Minister Wania Alam and mascot Joseita was followed by mesmerizing displays: Tiny tots of KG in “Crown of Freedom” Classes I-II with glowing “Lanterns of Harmony” Classes III-V as naval guards building an “Empire of Green Energy” Veeranganas of VI-VIII celebrating women empowerment in “Rhythm of Life” Seniors IX-XII creating “Waves of Change” with feathers symbolising societal transformation The school choir, band and dancers fused Indian and Western notes into a powerful message of peace, progress and prosperity. In his address, Brig. Gaur praised the flawless execution and emphasized how sports build discipline, ethics and national spirit. Principal Dr. Sr. Lilly expressed gratitude in the vote of thanks. Amid thunderous applause, prizes were distributed, the sports flag lowered with Beating Retreat ceremony, and the National Anthem brought the unforgettable day to a patriotic close. AAROHAN 2025-26 wasn’t just a sports day – it was St. Joseph’s soaring declaration that every child is born to rise, shine and win.