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Paralympic gold medallist Jhajharia, ex-Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh recommended for Khel Ratna

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Devendra Jhajharia

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Adding another first to his credit, javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia set to be the only paralympic athlete yet to be awarded the country’s highest sporting honour, awards selection committee also names 17 sportspersons for Arjuna Award, including cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Harmanpreet Kaur. But Indian women’s cricket captain Mithali Raj misses out

Two-time paralympic gold medallist Devendra Jhajharia and former Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh have been selected to be awarded the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awards this year. The awards selection committee has recommended both Jhajharia and Sardar to be considered for the award jointly.

If the Union sports ministry accepts the recommendations of the awards selection committee, Jhajharia, a javelin thrower, will become the first paralympian to be conferred with the country’s highest sporting honour. The 36-year-old was also the first Indian to have won two Paralympic gold medals in his sporting discipline.

It is learnt that Jhajharia was the first choice of the awards selection committee headed by Justice (Retd) C K Thakkar although it also picked 31-year-old midfielder Sardar Singh as its second nominee for the top honour.

Sardar, who was previously awarded the Arjuna Award in 2012, is now one of the senior players leading the team. He is one of modern hockey’s finest defensive mid-fielders, leading India to two successive silver medal finishes in the Commonwealth Games.

“My hard work of the last 15-20 years has paid off. It is the biggest of all sporting honours and the credit for that goes to my teammates because without them I couldn’t have achieved what I have,” Sardar said soon after the announcement of the committee’s recommendation.

The final call on whether the duo will jointly receive the sporting honour will now be taken by the Union sports ministry.

17 names recommended for Arjuna Awards

The awards selection committee has also recommended 17 names for the Arjuna award. The list includes men’s cricket team Test regular Cheteshwar Pujara, women’s team World Cup sensation Harmanpreet Kaur, paralympic medallists Mariyappan Thangavelu and Varun Bhati, golfer SSP Chawrasia and hockey player SV Sunil.

However, the list of sporting award nominees is likely to raise some eyebrows as the committee hasn’t recommended Mithali Raj, the Indian women’s cricket team skipper who led her side to the World Cup finals against England recently, for the Khel Ratna.

It is learnt that the BCCI failed to recommend Mithali’s name for the top sporting honour before the April 30 deadline. However, the awards selection committee has in the past broken with convention and recommended names of sportspersons for the honours despite their names not being forwarded by their respective sporting bodies ahead of the deadline – the most recent examples being of medal-winning Olympians PV Sindhu and Sakshi Malik.

Mithali became the highest scorer in the history of Women’s ODI cricket during the World Cup 2017 and also the first Indian batter to strike 1000 runs in a World Cup.

The ace cricketer, however, declined to comment on her name not figuring in the list of award nominees, stating simply that “it is a matter on which the BCCI should have taken a call.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Cricket news

Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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Cricket news

At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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Cricket news

Guwahati weather poses threat to RR vs MI blockbuster as rain delays toss

The IPL 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians faces a delay as the Guwahati weather brings persistent rain to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

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Guwahati weather

The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has hit a weather hurdle. Scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the toss for Match 13 has been officially delayed due to persistent rain in the city.

Rain intensifies at Barsapara Stadium

The Guwahati weather has taken a turn for the worse as heavy drizzle forced the groundstaff to keep the pitch and square under covers. While the rain had momentarily eased, allowing for a brief inspection, it returned shortly after, frustrating both fans and players. According to media reports, the probability of rain during match hours has surged to nearly 50%, a significant increase from earlier forecasts.

Cut-off time and over reductions

As the clock ticks, the pressure on the match officials increases. Overs were scheduled to start being reduced from 8:40 PM IST. For those hoping for at least a shortened game, the cut-off time for a minimum five-over-a-side contest has been established at 10:56 PM IST. The city remains under a weather alert, with cloud cover expected to be a major factor throughout the evening.

High-stakes encounter on hold

Rajasthan Royals enter this game with a perfect record, having won their first two matches of the season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to bounce back after a mixed start. A key highlight of this match is the potential battle between 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah.

Historically, the two teams share a fierce rivalry, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to Rajasthan’s 14 in their 31 previous meetings.

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