logo
AP CM congratulates Army Doctor Kavitha for her 1,040 km Brahmaputra river rafting feat

AP CM congratulates Army Doctor Kavitha for her 1,040 km Brahmaputra river rafting feat

Visakhapatnam, Aug 5 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu today lauded Major Kavitha V, a doctor, for her daring 1,040-km Brahmaputra river rafting feat, etched in the World Book of Records (London) recently.
Her grit amid capsised rafts & whirlpools embodies true adventurism.
The CM met and commended Major Kavitha at CM office AP Secretariat, yesterday.
The CM applauded her exceptional contributions to adventure sports.
Her achievements have brought immense honour to the state.
Major Kavitha V had recently etched her name in the World Book of Records (London) as the only woman to complete a formidable 1,040-kilometer rafting expedition on the Brahmaputra River.
The perilous journey, led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, SM, VSM & Bar, Director of NIMAS, was marked by harrowing moments, including the raft capsizing four times and the team being ensnared in a powerful whirlpool.
Major Kavitha credited their triumph to unyielding teamwork and divine providence.
Beyond her river rafting exploits, Major Kavitha's valor is equally evident in high-altitude mountaineering. During an expedition to Mount Gorichen, she displayed extraordinary courage by saving a fellow climber who had lost consciousness at 5,900 meters for which she was awarded the COAS Commendation.
During their meeting, the Chief Minister congratulated Major Kavitha and expressed his conviction that her inspiring odyssey would galvanize the nation's youth to pursue their passions and careers in the field of adventure sports. UNI XR SSP
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Shooting League of India will be a landmark moment for the sport: Ronjan Sodhi
Shooting League of India will be a landmark moment for the sport: Ronjan Sodhi

United News of India

time11 hours ago

  • United News of India

Shooting League of India will be a landmark moment for the sport: Ronjan Sodhi

New Delhi, Aug 4 (UNI) Former world number one and Olympian Ronjan Sodhi is enthusiastically looking forward to the Shooting league of India (SLI) and has described it as a landmark moment for the sport. Sodhi, one of India's most decorated trap shooters said "The league format is something we have been discussing for a long time. With the kind of depth we now have in Indian shooting, this is the right step forward,' Sodhi said. 'It's going to be exciting for the fans, great for the young shooters, and much-needed for the sport.' "This league has the potential to transform Indian shooting. It's not just about medals anymore. It's about building a culture,' Sodhi added. Sodhi feels that apart from being a great platform for young domestic as well as International shooting talent the league will enhance visibility of the sport. "You can't love a sport you don't see. Kids have to see the sport to be inspired. Neeraj Chopra winning gold caused javelins to sell out across the country overnight. That's the power of visibility,' he said. "When international stars and Indian Olympians shoot together in a televised, high-energy league, it becomes a spectacle people will want to follow and join" he added. The Shooting League of India, scheduled to be held between November 20 and December 2, 2025, will feature eight franchise teams in a fast-paced mixed-team format. Events will include 10M and 25M Pistol, 10M and 50M Rifle (3P), and Shotgun (Trap & Skeet). Teams will compete in a two-pool league stage, with player selection strategically tiered into Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior & Youth Champions to create competitive balance. While praising government support through schemes like Khelo India and the National Centres of Excellence, Sodhi made a strong pitch for corporate involvement. 'You can't expect only the government to fund sport. Shooting has delivered medals consistently—at the Olympics, World Cups, and Asian Games. It is time to give back. Sponsors should see it as a national contribution, not just an investment.' Sodhi believes the franchise model can create financial sustainability for athletes. 'Shooting is a long-term sport- athletes can stay competitive for 20+ years. If we support them early with the right structure, they can build stable careers, just like in cricket or kabaddi.' Shedding light on the psychological side of the sport, Sodhi highlighted the mental resilience shooting demands. 'In shooting, you hold a gun-- you cannot show emotions. You cannot kick the turf or break your bat. You have to internalise everything. That's what makes it the most mentally demanding sport.' He also advocated for innovative broadcast elements, like cameras capturing facial expressions. 'At the 2012 Olympics, they zoomed in on our faces. Viewers could see me talking to myself between shots. That kind of intimacy builds emotional connection with the audience.' While not every registered shooter may get a team spot this season, Sodhi sees the league as a movement that will evolve. 'In the beginning, pick your favourite franchise, wear the jersey, cheer for your shooters. That is how fan bases grow. Give it time- it will happen.' As the Shooting League of India prepares to host top-tier international and Indian athletes, Ronjan Sodhi's words serve as both a reality check and a rallying cry- for fans, brands, and institutions alike. UNI RKM

Indonesia hold India at bay in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers opener
Indonesia hold India at bay in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers opener

United News of India

time16 hours ago

  • United News of India

Indonesia hold India at bay in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers opener

Yangon (Myanmar), Aug 6 (UNI) The India U20 Women's Team were held to a goalless draw by Indonesia at the Thuwunna Stadium today, in their opening Group D encounter of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. The Young Tigresses have one point in the group, which is currently topped by hosts Myanmar, who defeated Turkmenistan 6-1 at the same venue, earlier in the day. An intense midfield battle began right from the kick-off, as both sides looked to assert their dominance. India managed to settle into the game early on, as they were able to pass it around in the opposition half, often creating chances down the wings. Neha's sixth-minute cross from the left wing deceived the Indonesian defence, leaving Pooja and Sulanjana Raul on the chase at the far post. A simple touch could have posed serious questions to Indonesia goalkeeper Alleana Ayu Arumy, but the ball eluded everyone. As the clock ticked past the half-hour mark, Sulanjana and Pooja tried their luck from long range. While the former's effort missed the target by inches, the latter saw her shot fly straight into Alleana's hands. Neha looked lively down the left flank after the change of ends, but the Indonesia defenders worked in unison to isolate the former and gain possession of the ball. With a little over 20 minutes left, India began to press high in order to induce some panic among the Indonesia defence. Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam intercepted a pass in the attacking third and cut it back for substitute Babita Kumari, who had replaced Neha. The latter, however, was unable to get a touch on the ball. Minutes later, Sibani looked to find Babita again with a cross from the left, but Alleana collected it calmly. Indonesia's only notable chance of the match came in the 87th minute, when substitute Ajeng Sri Handayani bounded past the India defence and attempted to place the ball at the far post. India goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, however, got down low to make a save before Thoibisana Chanu Toijam cleared. India had two good chances in injury time, both off free-kicks by Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, one from each flanks. While both the free-kicks were on target, the Indonesia goalkeeper managed to palm them away. The Young Tigresses will square off against Turkmenistan in their second match at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on August 8, at 18:00 IST, in Group D of the Qualifiers. India U20 Women: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem (GK), Remi Thokchom, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam (Bhumika Devi Khumukcham 67'), Neha (Babita Kumari 67'), Pooja (Deepika Pal 90+3'), Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Shubhangi Singh (C), Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Sulanjana Raul (Monisha Singha 84'). UNI BM

IGPL will be launchpad for future generations: Gaganjeet Singh Bhullar
IGPL will be launchpad for future generations: Gaganjeet Singh Bhullar

United News of India

time17 hours ago

  • United News of India

IGPL will be launchpad for future generations: Gaganjeet Singh Bhullar

New Delh, Aug 6(UNI) Gaganjeet Singh Bhullar, the veteran Indian golfer, has signed on with the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) as an Icon player, and will be leading one of the six franchises in the highly-anticipated tournament. The Arjuna Awardee, during a media briefing, expressed his excitement, describing IGPL as one of the most exciting golf ventures in many years, and explained the reasons behind his participation. 'Golf is an individual sport. But whenever I have had the opportunity to represent my country, I have really enjoyed playing as a team,' Bhullar, who was part of India's silver medal-winning team at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, said. 'When I heard the news regarding a golf league, I knew it was exactly what I was looking forward for. Because we do not often get to play as a team. I think that was one part which was missing and I was really looking forward to do that,' the 37-year-old said. IGPL will be hosting India's first-ever professional league tour to feature both men and women playing on the same platform, competing across franchise teams and regional circuits. The integrated format not only redefines how golf is played in India but also reflects their commitment to promote inclusive excellence and athlete empowerment. From having the Indian cricket legend and golf enthusiast Yuvraj Singh as a co-owner and the brand ambassador, to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Golf Union (IGU) — the official governing body for men's amateur golf in India - the IGPL has already made major moves to establish themselves as a premier league competition for men's, women's and amateur golf talent. Bhullar views the tournament as an opportunity to nurture, groom and spot fresh talent – and is eager to help in this endeavour. 'When I got the opportunity to be a captain of one of the teams, I thought I could mentor the next generation of Indian golfers. I am personally going to really enjoy this aspect. There are other icon stars with the likes of Shiv Kapur, Gaurav Ghei, SSP Chawrasia – who all have been veterans of the sport. This will be really beneficial for the young players to quicken their growth,' he further added. Further, to create an overall impact on the ecosystem and to funnel rising talent into the league, IGPL tour will be played across different cities in the build-up to the first edition of the league between September and December. 'One of the things that people don't realise is that golf is a very expensive sport. And for some of the youngsters to get a launchpad like the IGPL at early stages of their careers is immensely helpful. It's not just a ceremonial league. It's going to be very competitive and there's going to be serious prize money to win here,' Bhullar said. 'Hence, for some youngsters to come out and get that opportunity to make money and invest it in themselves, and then to go and play across different tournaments is a big thing. Because golf being an expensive sport, it's sometimes very difficult to have the resources to invest in your own game at the starting point of your career. I think that's something that the league will also do,' Bhullar added. IGPL also aims to transform the golf ecosystem by paving pathways for mentorship for amateurs by bringing on overseas talent and legends of the sport to give the best possible exposure and guidance for athletes. With a heavy focus on developing athletes at grassroots level and developing a pipeline of athletes, IGPL will also be tying up with various schools and universities in India. Furthermore, to promote inclusivity in golf, IGPL has also partnered with Women's Golf Association of India (WGAI)to elevate women's golf and provide structured, high-visibility platforms for female athletes. UNI RKM

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store