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NEW DELHI: Like the Delhi weather over the past two days, chilly and cold on Tuesday evening to warm and hot on Wednesday afternoon, Vaishnavi Adkar also had contrast in fortunes and performance in the BJK Cup.On Tuesday, against Indonesia's Aunchisa Chanta, she was swept aside by the left-hander's shot-making, letting nerves dictate her debut for the national team.A day later, starting the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie against New Zealand, she was on the money with her forehands and the errant serve had also subsided. In a contest lasting an hour and 30 minutes, she beat New Zealand's Aishi Das 6-2, 6-4 for her first win in the national team colours."This is something that I have been looking forward to for so many years. Like getting on to the team, not just as a reserve, but as one of the playing five. So being able to get the win is really special because it means a lot. Because there is a lot of emotion behind it," she told reporters after the win."So it really feels very special. Especially when it's at home, and I've got the crowd support and everything. It really means a lot," she continued.The far more experienced Indian, who became the top-ranked Indian this week, made the most of World No. 1151 Das's inconsistent show. Ironically, less than 24 hours after having her serve repeatedly put under the pump, Adkar closed out the first set with an ace. The 21-year-old had her lead cut and was broken to bring the second set to 4-4. But the Indian hit back immediately as Das' error count went against her chances to force a decider. The change in weather and conditions did play a role, she admitted."Yeah, when it's cold, the ball travels a bit faster. And when it's warm, the balls feel heavy, and it travels a bit slow. So definitely, it was more controlled today than yesterday. So I think that also really helped me a lot," she stated.Vaishnavi wasn't the only Indian to celebrate a milestone win. Sahaja Yamalapalli, too, notched her first win in India colours in the team competition. Since making her debut against China in 2024, she went through ties against New Zealand, Thailand, Korea, Slovenia, Netherlands and Thailand again only to come out second best.Having suffered a three-set defeat to Patcharin Cheapchandej in a match that resumed on Wednesday morning, Sahaja walked up to the court once again with the hope of picking her first win.It took her all of 76 minutes to dispatch Valentina Ivanov 6-1, 6-3 to not just seal her maiden 'W', but also assured India of an unbeatable scoreline."Definitely I'm happy. I know my record has not been great in the BJK Cup but I also played really tough matches. So it was tough to get a W. But I'm happy to get one win under my belt."I don't want to look at it that way also. I want to take it one match at a time and focus on what I can do and not on my records," she told TimesofIndia.com after the match.Sahaja, who has come through the US Collegiate system, was broken to start wtih but quickly bounced back to win the next eight games in a row, including the first set along the way.Ivanov tried to mount a comeback in the second set, bringing things back to serve, and then saving three break points but couldn't fend off a fourth.Yamalapalli sealed the deal on the first match opportunity, forcing Ivanov into an error.Rutuja Bhosale and Ankita Raina made it 3-0 to India, pocketing their second win of the day, after beating Monique Barry and Erin Routliffe 6-4, 6-2.
New Delhi: India will head into the Billie Jean King Cup (Asia/Oceania Group 1) women's team tennis competition starting at the DLTA courts here on Tuesday without Shrivalli Bhamidipati, who played a stellar role in taking the team to the playoffs last season. Shrivalli, who was training here with the India team, withdrew due to a back spasm. In Pune last year, Shrivalli came out with guns blazing, winning all her five singles matches and slaying higher-ranked opponents. It set the stage for Ind ...Read More >
Cricket: Glenn Maxwell has been forced to pull out of Australia's T20 international series against New Zealand after suffering a fractured arm in training. Maxwell fractures arm in training | 02:05A splendid all-round display saw India launch their ICC Women's World Cup campaign on the front foot , brushing aside Sri Lanka by 59 runs in the curtain-raiser in Guwahati on Tuesday. Half-centuries from Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur steadied the ship as India posted a competitive 269 for eight in a contest reduced by rain to 47 overs a side. Sri Lanka, chasing under lights, had a flying start at ...Read More >
Bengaluru: India has its task cut out in the Billie Jean King Cup playoffs, beginning at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium on Friday. The odds are stacked against the hosts, who are logged alongside higher-rated sides in Netherlands and Slovenia in Group G.The gulf in rankings between India and its opponents this weekend, underlines the challenge that lies ahead. Sahaja Yamalapalli, No. 309, leads India's singles lineup, followed by Shrivalli Bhamidipaty at No. 381. In contrast, the Netherlands boast ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 2 (ANI): The Indian women's tennis team has commenced a five-day preparatory camp at the DLTA Stadium in New Delhi as it gears up for the Billie Jean King Cup Group I - Asia/Oceania round-robin, with a clear focus on securing a third-ever qualification to the prestigious World Group. The Indian team comprises Ankita Raina, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Rutuja Bhoosale and Vaidehee Chaudhari, according to a release. The five-day camp, running from April 1 to April 5, serves as a critical build-up phase ahead of the tournament scheduled at ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 3 (ANI): Former Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna has wished the Indian women's team for the Billie Jean King Cup, which is set to run from April 7 to April 11. Notably, the Indian contingent has commenced a five-day preparatory camp at the DLTA Stadium in New Delhi as they gear up for the Billie Jean King Cup Group I - Asia/Oceania round-robin, with a clear focus on securing a third-ever qualification to the prestigious World Group, according to a release. Rohan Bopanna wished the Indian women's team the best for the tournament, encouraging them to believe in thems ...Read More >
New Delhi, Apr 7 (PTI) India's Vaishnavi Adkar faltered under the weight of unforced errors, slumping to a shock straight-set defeat against Aunchisa Chanta as the hosts trailed 0-1 against Thailand in their opening Asia/Oceania Group I tie of the Billie Jean King Cup here on Tuesday. Ranked 73 places above her opponent at 383, Vaishnavi went down 1-6, 3-6 in one hour and 13 minutes at the DLTA Centre Court after play was delayed by more than three hours due to persistent drizzle which caused unusually cool conditions. The onus is now on Sahaja Yamlapalli (384), who takes on Patcharin Cheapc ...Read More >
Syndrela Das and Divyanshi Bhowmick have achieved a historic milestone by climbing to the No. 1 spot in the latest ITTF Under-19 Girls' Doubles World Rankings, released on Tuesday. The Indian duo topped the global standings with 3910 points, ahead of Chinese Taipei's Wu Jia-En and Wu Ying-Syuan (3195) and France's Leana Hochart and Nina Guo Zheng (3170). In another first for the Indian table tennis, six Indian girls have broken into the top 100 of the world doubles rankings, underlining the cou ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 2 (ANI): Indian tennis player Sahaja Yamalapalli expressed excitement ahead of the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup, highlighting the advantage of playing on home soil in Delhi. "I'm really excited to be part of this. We have a strong team again this year, and I'm looking forward to getting started. Playing at home is always special -- last year we were in Pune and Bangalore, and now Delhi is hosting the Billie Jean King Cup. The energy and support from the crowd will be crazy," Sahaja told ANI. On the Billie Jean King Cup, Tennis Player, Vaidehi Chaudhari told ANI, ".. ...Read More >
New Delhi: India were dealt multiple blows days before the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1 round robin matches in New Delhi from 7-11 April. Shrivalli Bhamidipaty picked up a back spasm and Vaidehee Chaudhari twisted her ankle during the practice on Thursday. Zeel Desai, who was playing a W15 tournament in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (earlier called Aurangabad), decided to give a walkover in the semi-final stage and answer to non-playing captain Vishal Uppal's call."Excited to be here and be part of the Indian team. Obviously, I am sad that one of the teammates got injured, I wish her ...Read More >
Bareilly (UP), Jul 17 (PTI) A teacher from Bahedi district, who went viral recently after reciting a poem mentioning Kanwar Yatra, approached the police on Thursday stating a threat to his life from anti-social elements. A case has been registered at Bahedi police station based on a complaint from Dr Rajneesh Kumar Gangwar, a teacher at MGM Inter College in the district. According to Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh, Gangwar's complaint says that ever since his recitation of the poem 'Tum Kanwad Lene Mat Jana, Gyaan Ka Deepak Jalaana' (You don't go get Kavad, light the lamp of knowledge inste ...Read More >
New Delhi, April 6: India will look to capitalize on home conditions and strong local support when the Asia-Oceania Group I ties of the Billie Jean King Cup begin at the DLTA Complex on Tuesday, with a place in the 2026 play-offs firmly on their radar. However, the hosts have been dealt a setback with the withdrawal of talented youngster Shrivalli Bhamidipati due to injury. India returns to the competition after a disappointing 2025 play-offs campaign in Bengaluru, where they finished third in a three-team group following defeats to Slovenia and the Netherlands. Despite spirited performances, ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 6 (ANI): The Indian team will begin its campaign in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tournament against Thailand at the DLTA Stadium on Tuesday, according to a release. Speaking at a press conference in the capital, India captain Vishal Uppal expressed confidence in his team's preparation and readiness to perform in front of the home crowd. "We are used to much hotter conditions in April in Delhi," Uppal told the media on Monday. Also Read | Double Olympic Medallist Blanka Vlasic Named Ambassador for World 10K Bengaluru 2026 Scheduled for April 26. "But ...Read More >
New Delhi: When Sahaja Yamalapalli rushed to the net and struck a backhand volley beyond Patcharin Cheapchandej's reach to claim the second set, the Indian bench led by captain Vishal Uppal, found its voice again. There was still plenty to play for, with India trailing 1-0 in the opening tie against Thailand in the Billie Jean King Cup (Asia-Oceania Group 1) here on Tuesday. With Sahaja drawing level and pushing the second singles into the decider, there was a renewed sense of fight and hope. Ho ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: April in India is usually defined by rising temperatures, dry winds and sweltering afternoons. This year, however, has broken the pattern, bringing milder conditions, cleaner air and spells of unseasonal rain. On Tuesday, that unexpected weather played a decisive role in India's opening tie of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I, disrupting schedules and tilting conditions away from the hosts' advantage.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India captain Vishal Uppal had anticipated the typical April heat and humidity -- conditions that often troub ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 8 (ANI): Straight sets wins from Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamalapalli eased Team India to a victory against New Zealand in their second Billie Jean King Cup Group I - Asia/Oceania fixture on Wednesday, the hosts bouncing back hours after conceding their opener versus Thailand at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association Complex. Representing India in the singles' rubbers, 21-year-old Adkar-who made her BJK Cup bow in the previous match-defeated New Zealand's Aishi Das 6-2, 6-4. Yamalapalli sealed the win with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Valentina Ivanov before Rutuja Bhosale an ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs Pabitra Margherita inaugurated the 73rd edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) on Tuesday. The inauguration took place in the presence of Chairman AEPC Sudhir Sekhri, prominent industry leaders and a large number of international buyers and exhibitors. Delivering his inaugural address, Margherita said, '73rd edition of the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) is Asia's largest and most dynamic garment fair. This fair is not just a showcase of fabrics and fashion; it is a celebration of t ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: India's strength in doubles, and its parallel struggle in singles has again come into focus ahead of next week's Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie in the Capital. None of the host squad members - Ankita Raina, Vaishnavi Adkar, Rutuja Bhosale, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Sahaja Yamalapalli - are currently ranked inside the top 300 in singles. Sahaja, the highest-ranked among them, sits at No. 385, underlining the stiff climb required to compete at the highest level of the women's game.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Tennis star Sania Mir ...Read More >
New Delhi, Apr 6 (PTI) India captain Vishal Uppal on Monday exuded confidence in his team's depth and preparation ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group I ties, saying the hosts are ready to "give their best" despite an injury setback in the squad. Speaking at the DLTA Complex, Uppal said unseasonal rain in the capital has not disrupted India's build-up. "We are used to much hotter conditions in April in Delhi, but weather is something we can't control. We've had good practice sessions and I feel the team is ready to perform at its optimum level," he said. India will compete i ...Read More >
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) Young debutant Vaishnavi Adkar bounced back in style, registering a 6-2, 6-4 win over Aishi Das in the opening singles to give India a 1-0 lead against New Zealand in their second Asia/Oceania Group I tie of the Billie Jean King Cup here on Wednesday. Vaishnavi had endured a disappointing start to her campaign on Tuesday as India went down 1-2 to Thailand in a rain-hit opener. Entrusted with the responsibility again, the youngster showed marked improvement, cutting down on unforced errors and executing her shots with far greater control to outplay Das in an hour and 30 ...Read More >
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) India's Rutuja Bhosale on Wednesday voiced her frustration over "crucial" line calls that, she felt, disrupted momentum during the last two days of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I ties. Rutuja, who partnered Ankita Raina to record doubles victories against Thailand and New Zealand, was visibly animated during the latter tie and later said questionable officiating at key moments made things difficult. "It's definitely frustrating to have such calls at crucial moments," she said during the press conference. "Sometimes we feel the ball was in or out and thos ...Read More >
India is set to host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup at New Delhi’s IGI Stadium from January 13-19, 2025, marking a historic milestone for the indigenous sport. Organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) in collaboration with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the tournament has garnered strong backing from IOA President PT Usha, who pledged comprehensive support to enhance its global appeal. Featuring 24 teams from six continents, including powerhouses like India, England, Brazil, and Australia, the event celebrates Kho Kho’s rich cultural heritage. This groundbreaking tournament ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 6 (ANI): India's non-playing captain Vishal Uppal has acknowledged the challenge posed by a strong group in this year's Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania, stressing that while the competition is tough, his team will take it head-on. Speaking at the DLTA Complex to reporters, Uppal noted, "It's a very tough group. New Zealand is strong, and so is Indonesia. Korea and Thailand have always been challenging, and we can't take Mongolia lightly either, as they have earned their place in Group 1. We have a lot of respect for every team, but we definitely don't fear them and ...Read More >
New Delhi: India will head into the Billie Jean King Cup (Asia/Oceania Group 1) women's team tennis competition starting at the DLTA courts here on Tuesday without Shrivalli Bhamidipati, who played a stellar role in taking the team to the playoffs last season. Shrivalli, who was training here with the India team, withdrew due to a back spasm. In Pune last year, Shrivalli came out with guns blazing, winning all her five singles matches and slaying higher-ranked opponents. It set the stage for India to progress to the playoffs for only the second time in the history of the tournament, which was ...Read More >
India's women's tennis team is gearing up for the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tournament from April 7-11 in New Delhi, with captain Vishal Uppal expressing confidence in a balanced squad of experienced and young players. The team aims for a playoff berth, building on recent successes after a 42-year drought. New Delhi, India have begun their preparations for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tournament in the national capital, with captain Vishal Uppal expressi ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Shrugging off an early setback against Thailand, India produced a stirring comeback to blank New Zealand 3-0 and keep their World Group playoff hopes alive at the Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie here.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Wednesday began under pressure for the hosts. Resuming their rain-hit tie against Thailand, India needed a spark but fell short in the decisive singles. Sahaja Yamlapalli, after an impressive recovery from a set down, lost a hard-fought battle 4-6, 6-1, 4-6 to Patcharin Cheapchandej in over two hours. Tho ...Read More >
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) Rutuja Bhosale and Ankita Raina salvaged some pride with a consolation win in the doubles after Sahaja Yamalapalli's narrow defeat in the second singles as India went down against Thailand 1-2 in the rain-hit opening Asia/Oceania Group I tie of the Billie Jean King Cup here on Wednesday. A lot was riding on world No. 384 Sahaja as she resumed the match after it was halted due to rain on Tuesday evening. However, the 25-year-old could not keep India in the hunt, losing 4-6, 6-1, 4-6 to Patcharin, ranked 449, in a match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes. Doubles pair ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Indian women's tennis team has commenced a five-day preparatory camp at the DLTA Stadium in New Delhi as it gears up for the Billie Jean King Cup Group I - Asia/Oceania round-robin, with a clear focus on securing a third-ever qualification to the prestigious World Group. The Indian team comprises Ankita Raina, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Rutuja Bhosale, and Vaidehee Chaudhari. The five-day camp, running from April 1 to 5, serves as a critical build-up phase ahead of the tournament scheduled at the same venue from April 7 to 11. Under the mentors ...Read More >
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) Young debutant Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamalapalli notched up convincing wins as India bounced back in style, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead against New Zealand in their second Asia/Oceania Group I tie of the Billie Jean King Cup here on Wednesday. Vaishnavi and Sahaja had endured disappointing defeats as India went down 1-2 to Thailand in a rain-hit opener. However, the hosts scripted a swift turnaround, with both players showing composure under pressure in their respective singles matches. Entrusted with the responsibility again, Vaishnavi showed marked improvem ...Read More >
New Delhi: India had to produce something special to stay afloat after losing their opening tie against Thailand 2-1 in the Billie Jean King Cup (Asia/Oceania Group 1). After losing to the Thais -- the tie could not be completed overnight due to rain interruptions -- India swept aside New Zealand 3-0. There is a long way to go to secure a playoff berth for the second successive year. India must fight it out against the other teams -- Korea, Mongolia and Indonesia, which has world No.41 Janice Tjen. The tie against Thailand was a jolt as India lost the tie after losing the second singles rubb ...Read More >
New Delhi, April 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Straight sets wins from Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamalapalli eased Team India to victory against New Zealand in their second match of the Billie Jean King Cup Group I - Asia/Oceania fixture in New Delhi on Wednesday. The hosts bounced back hours after conceding their opener versus Thailand at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association Complex. Representing India in the singles' rubbers, the 21-year-old Adkar, who made her BJK Cup bow in the previous match, defeated New Zealand's Aishi Das 6-2, 6-4. Yamalapalli sealed the win with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Valentina ...Read More >