Fishermen from tamil nadu win silver at khelo india beach games
Tamil Nadu
's fishing community who smashed their way to a silver at the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025 last week in Diu, say they got the hang of beach volleyball because "playing on the sand is second nature" to them.
"We live on the beach. Walking, working, and playing on the sand is life," says 23-year-old Bharath, who hails from Palavakkam.
"We also represented India at international events such as the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Continental Cup in Bangladesh in 2023, winning bronze," says Ravi of Mayiladuthurai. "Our wins have kindled a passion for the sport among young boys and girls from the fishing hamlets."
The fishing community has a natural advantage, says A J Martin Sudhakar, veteran volleyball coach and administrator who was also the competition manager for the sport at KIBG 2025. "The community has given us some of the strongest players in the game. Their lifestyle of pulling fishing nets, walking on shifting sand, and constant exposure to the sun builds stamina, balance, and strength needed for beach volleyball.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
O brinde do momento
Balinhas Personalizadas
Compre já
Undo
Their lower bodies are already conditioned for the uneven terrain. That's why they excel."
Bharat and Robin say the biggest deterrent for them is a lack of funds to train and travel for tournaments. "We were selected in the first round of the Asian Games last year, but because we couldn't afford tickets to attend the second round, we lost the opportunity to take part in the Olympics. Our coach, though, is helping us now," says Bharath, whose father is a plumber. He adds that he and Robin are pursuing a master's degree in hopes of finding a govt job.
"If these players get govt jobs, more youngsters from the community will take up the sport professionally."
Email your feedback with name and address to southpole.toi@timesofindia.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bryce Harper and Weston Wilson caught in bizarre sexual handshake during Phillies vs Tigers game
Bryce Harper and Weston Wilson caught in bizarre sexual handshake during Phillies vs Tigers game (Image Via X) A completely bizzare moment occurred in Philadelphia on Friday,August 1. Fans in Citizens Bank Park during the Philadelphia Phillies vs. the Detroit Tigers game saw a dugout handshake that grabbed everyone's attention. Bryce Harper walked toward Weston Wilson after a moment in the game. They slapped hands, then appeared to check each other's gear, in a motion many called very odd. The handshake clip quickly spread online. It caused a mix of surprise and amusement. The unusual moment overshadowed the game for many viewers. Everyone is talking about it, not just what happened on the field. Bryce Harper and Weston Wilson handshake moment sparks reaction Bryce Harper walked over to first baseman Weston Wilson in the dugout during the Philadelphia Phillies vs. Detroit Tigers game on August 1, 2025. They gave each other a standard high five. Then, reporters noticed they swept their hands lower and seemed to touch near their athletic supporters. This happened right after Harper had been ejected from the game, and Wilson replaced him at first base. The handshake was recorded and quickly shared online as fans reacted in real time. This brief gesture has been called a 'bizarre sexual handshake.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Things Women Should NEVER Wear! Undo Some viewers termed it strange. Others said it was teammates just acting playful and relaxed. Bryce Harper and Weston Wilson's handshake draws social media comments After the clip went online, fans shared strong reactions. Some joked that teammates close enough would 'double check if their cups' were in place. Others used witty remarks like, 'Keep that play in the clubhouse, fellas.' One comment even criticized, 'Get Weston Wilson off this team now. Bryce's non‑reaction too… I'm watching.' Another said simply: 'Harper and Wilson's handshake is nuts.' Also Read: Rob Manfred Reveals Wrigley Field As 2027 All-Star Game Venue In Chicago Many compared it to other strange MLB team interactions or celebrations. Despite the game's outcome, those comments and jokes spread on Twitter, Reddit, and sports forums. It became a viral moment not for the win, but for a handshake fans won't forget. This unusual handshake between Bryce Harper and Weston Wilson on August 1, 2025, in the Phillies' dugout at Citizens Bank Park, has gained more attention than much of the actual game. It shows how a short off‑field gesture can become the highlight of a big league baseball night. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
WWE SummerSlam 2025 Pre-Show Breakdown (August 2): Full Matchcard, Storylines and What's at Stake
WWE SummerSlam 2025 Pre-Show (Image Source: Getty) The pageantry opening of WWE SummerSlam 2025 has begun at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It's the first-ever two-night SummerSlam in history and marks history for night one. Night 1, August 2, will feature action, rivalries and moments to remember in front of thousands of fans in the arena. Before we get into the headline-making main card action, let's take a look at how the pre-show set the stage with expert breakdown, hot teases and intrigue for the stories coming home to roost. Gunther vs. CM Punk headlines night 1 with world title implications As far as matchups go, one of the highlights of the night would have to be the World Heavyweight Championship match featuring Gunther vs CM Punk. Dominant and technical, Gunther has established himself as one of WWE's most dangerous champions. CM Punk, in contrast, is a man on the mission, for redemption and glory, hungry for the first taste of gold he's experienced in over 10 years. Countdown to SummerSlam Saturday: August 2, 2025 The longstanding rivalry between these two wrestling powerhouses is months in the making and should close out Night 1. Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill: WWE Women's Championship (Women's Division). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dhaka Knee Pain Treatments Might Surprise You Knee Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo It will be a battle of two star prospects, as Cargill brings all the charisma and power of a fresh off a dominating Queen of the Ring victory. Tag team drama and celebrity match add excitement and star power In what is only going to further the fire, Roman Reigns & Jey Uso face off against powerhouses Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. A tag team match might have been the final clue that this was not just a match, but rather a battle of legacy vs. evolution, including a wild card known as Paul Heyman's influence. But the gimmick excitement enters a whole new level with the celebrity tag team match, where Randy Orton teams up with country music star Jelly Roll to take on Drew McIntyre and social media figure Logan Paul. Not only is this a crossover plate miracle, but Orton also returns to make his 17th SummerSlam appearance—an all-time WWE record. Looking ahead to night 2: John Cena's final SummerSlam and more high-stakes battles Night 2, as the pre-show panel hinted at some of what was to come, features one of the most emotional, tension-filled bouts we've seen in some time, as John Cena faces Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight for the Unified WWE Championship. Now, this is also Cena's last 'SummerSlam', and so the fans are already speculating about Cena passing the torch to Walker. Also Read: WWE SummerSlam 2025: Is Cody Rhodes turning Heel against John Cena? Possibilities Explored Night 2 also has a triple threat for the Women's World Championship with Naomi, Rhea Ripley, and Iyo Sky, plus Intercontinental and Women's Tag Title matches to up the anticipation. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Pitch perfect: Himachal player's nat'l cricket dreams take flight
Amritsar: Amit Thakur, 32, a resident of the remote village of Makdoga in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, has been selected to represent India-B in the National Triangular Wheelchair Cricket Series. The event is to be held from August 7 to 9, 2025, at the Amma Cricket Ground in Melmaruvathur, Chennai. What makes Amit's selection particularly remarkable is that he is the only player from HP in the tournament and plays with 85% physical disability. Amit's story is one of courage and hope in the face of monumental odds. In 2018, he visited a private university where he happened to see a wheelchair cricket match. The episode gave a new direction to his life. Despite being confined to a wheelchair since childhood, he loved cricket—but he thought that the pitch was lost to him forever. "Seeing players on the field reignited that childhood dream in me. Inspired and motivated, I returned to HP with a mission to form a wheelchair cricket team in a state where no such initiative existed," he said. He began reaching out to players from various cities of HP, including Una, Kangra, Chamba, Nalagarh, and others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo His efforts culminated with Himachal's first wheelchair cricket match held in Chandigarh in 2018. Since then, he has consistently conducted training camps at Anu Ground, Hamirpur, mentoring and encouraging new players. In the wake of his efforts, the Himachal Pradesh Wheelchair Cricket Team has emerged as a competitive unit in national-level tournaments, with Amit leading the team as captain in two national events. Besides cricket, he likes bowling, and his skills with the ball have earned him a spot in the prestigious India-B squad. A govt primary teacher in Chauri educational block, Amit cherishes the unconditional support offered by his parents, younger brother, and sister. For all his achievements, he is not about to rest on his laurels. His aim is to bring the HP Wheelchair Cricket Association under the official jurisdiction of the HP Cricket Association, seeking better recognition and infrastructure for future players. He is also determined to establish the state's first women's wheelchair cricket team, aiming to create equal opportunities for disabled women in sports. About the ensuing event, he said that it was being organised by the Tamil Nadu Wheelchair Cricket Association. The series will feature three elite teams—India-A, India-B, and India-C. MSID:: 123061148 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
