Sports News

Agra erupted in joy as Indian cricket star Deepti Sharma — a key player in India’s ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 triumph — returned to her hometown to a massive celebration. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Agra to cheer the 10-kilometre roadshow organized by the District Cricket Association in her honor. Residents, school children, sports enthusiasts, and local dignitaries waved flags, showered flowers, and welcomed Deepti with great enthusiasm. Deepti played a pivotal role in India’s maiden Women’s World Cup victory, helping lead the team to glory and earning the Player of the Tournament accolade for her exceptional all-round performance. Overwhelmed by the reception, Deepti expressed her disbelief and gratitude, saying she still “can’t sink it in” and describing the welcome as a dream come true. She also said she hoped her success would inspire young athletes to aim high and work hard toward their goals. To manage the large crowds during the celebrations, more than 150 police and traffic personnel were deployed across Agra. 🏏 Context: India’s Historic Women’s World Cup Win India clinched their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title in 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final held at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Deepti Sharma’s all-round contributions — including a crucial batting performance and impactful bowling — were instrumental in the team’s success.

Published in The Times of India — Cricket News Dhruv Jurel’s journey from Agra to the Indian Test team has been marked by his relentless work ethic, meticulous training, and remarkable temperament. His consistent performances and cricketing mindset impressed national selectors and coaches alike, earning him a spot in the Indian Test side. Jurel’s wicketkeeping has drawn comparisons to Wriddhiman Saha’s safe glovework, reflecting his attention to detail and reliability behind the stumps. As a batter, he exhibits a calm and composed temperament similar to Rahul Dravid, showing patience and maturity under pressure — qualities that are highly valued in Test cricket. Mentored by Vikram Rathour and trained under coaches at the Rajasthan Royals’ academy, Jurel has steadily developed his game to meet the demands of the highest level. His temperament and skills have been key elements in his rise from domestic cricket to representing India on the international stage. Image caption from the original article:Dhruv Jurel (PTI Photo) — highlighting his journey and evolving role as a wicketkeeper-batter for India.

Agra: National Sports Day was celebrated at Eklavya Stadium on Friday to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The event was attended by Union minister S P Singh Baghel, Fatehpur Sikri MP Rajkumar Chahar and Etmadpur MLA Dharampal. As part of the celebrations, participants watched a live telecast of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s address from Lucknow, during which he honoured 88 medal winners and handed out appointment letters to new assistant sports trainers. Congratulating the athletes, Baghel said National Sports Day honours Major Dhyan Chand’s unmatched service to Indian hockey. He highlighted state incentives for sports persons, including cash prizes of ₹6 crore for Olympic gold medalists, ₹4 crore for silver medalists, and ₹2 crore for bronze medalists. He also unveiled the poster of the upcoming ‘Sansad Khel Mahotsav’, which will feature sports such as powerlifting, badminton, wrestling, shooting, gymnastics and judo. Baghel said, “Today, India’s sons and daughters are excelling at the global level. From remembering legends like Milkha Singh in general knowledge, we have now reached the stage where our athletes are winning medals across the Commonwealth, Asian Games and Olympics.” He added that the Sansad Khel Mahotsav would help nurture future champions. MP Chahar recalled Major Dhyan Chand’s role in India’s Olympic gold wins in 1928, 1932, and 1936. He also announced plans to build an international-level stadium in Agra’s rural area to boost sporting facilities. Regional sports officer Sanjay Sharma said around 400 players are training at the stadium in indoor games such as gym, powerlifting, badminton, wrestling and shooting, while nearly 2,000 registered players are active in outdoor sports.