Latest news with #Bhupathi
Hans India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in India, says Mahesh Bhupathi
New Delhi: Mahesh Bhupathi has long been synonymous with Indian tennis glory, putting the nation firmly on the global tennis map. Now, the 12-time Grand Slam doubles champion is lending his experience and vision to another racket sport that's fast gaining traction - padel. With the World Padel League (WPL), Bhupathi believes the sport is on the cusp of a breakthrough. "Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Over the last couple of years, there's been exponential growth, with many tennis players taking it up as a secondary option. But I believe we're still at ground zero, and there's plenty of scope for growth," he told IANS. For Bhupathi, bringing the WPL from Dubai to India is more than just a marquee event; it's about accelerating this growth. 'One of our main goals is to be part of that journey and help it move faster. We are also working closely with the Federation to organise other ancillary events around it. Hopefully, in 5–10 years, we will see just how far this sport can go.' While the Indian audience may still be discovering padel, the sport already boasts a well-structured global calendar. 'Not many people know this, but padel already has four majors,' Bhupathi pointed out. 'They play Qatar Major, Italy Premier Padel Major, Paris Premier Padel Major and Mexico Premier Padel Major. Just like tennis, it has a full tour and the players are becoming increasingly popular. For Indian fans, getting to watch this level of play is rare, which is why the WPL is going to be really exciting.' Bhupathi also sees padel as a sport that can open new career pathways, not just for players but for sports professionals at large. 'In any sport, if you want to make a career out of it, you need to start young and put in the hard work. Most tennis coaches are former players, and the same will happen with padel; you need to play the sport at a certain level to coach it well,' he explained. 'Right now, many tennis coaches in India are also coaching padel and pickleball. So yes, job opportunities will naturally arise, and that's great for the overall ecosystem.' The third season of the World Padel League will be played at Mumbai's Nesco from August 12 to 16. Following the tremendous response in the second season, the league will feature two more teams, making the league more competitive with six teams and 36 world-class players.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Commandos plan final assault on Maoist top guns in Abujmarh
1 2 Nagpur: Maharashtra's elite C-60 commandos are gearing up for a final assault on Abujmarh, tottering headquarters of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army, buoyed by CM Devendra Fadnavis's historic visit to the area on Friday. In Odisha, police have intensified searches in Charmal forests of Sambalpur after reports about the influx of Maoists pushed out by security forces' offensives in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. The spotlight, though, remains on Abujmarh, where Operation Clean-up aims to decimate the last vestiges of the military wing of the five-decade old Maoist movement in Maharashtra's eastern flank, say top sources in the state's anti-Naxalite apparatus. A top guerrilla on the radar is central committee member Mallojula Venugopal Reddy, alias Bhupathi or Sonu. Intelligence inputs suggested he was holed up deep inside the booby-trapped forested hills of Abujmarh and spotted a few km off Kawande -- the hamlet CM Fadnavis visited two days ago. Although Bhupathi had appealed to the Centre for a ceasefire and despite his wife Tarakka surrendering a year ago, the veteran may opt to fight till his last breath. Apart from the uncertain terrain, the battle-hardened C60 commandos are also concerned about rains which would make the hills unapproachable with numerous overflowing rivulets and nullahs. Other Maoists on the hit list are Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy alias Kosa, Madvi Hidma, Devuji alias Devji and CPI (Maoist) general secretary Ganapathy. They are frequently shifting bases in Abujmarh and in the three-state junction of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Another top leader, Prabhakar, head of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, is also a challenge for the forces. Kosa, a veteran revolutionary, and Bhupathi are considered the ideological fountainhead and brother of the late Maoist leader Mallojula Koteswara Rao (Kishenji). Intelligence reports suggest the duo is desperately changing locations to evade capture, moving through the treacherous terrain of Abujmarh, a region known for its inaccessibility and strategic importance to the Maoists. Sources claimed the youngest among the last few politburo members, Hidma, heading "Battalion One" in Chhattisgarh, is likely to have suffered injuries in gun battles with forces last month and has gone underground. "All the top Telugu leaders of the Central Committee and Politburo are 60 years and above, which has made them unsuitable for this challenge," said a top cop. Pressure on top cadres intensified after 12 senior Maoists surrendered to Gadchiroli police on Friday, a significant setback for the outfit. The surrendered cadres, reportedly from the Maad area, are believed to have provided critical intelligence about the movements of Kosa and Bhupathi. In Odisha's Sambalpur, intelligence inputs suggested suspicious movement of some rebels from Chhattisgarh, prompting the searches. "It is not fully confirmed if the rebels dispersed and are trying to shift their bases. Considering their dwindling numbers in Odisha, it is not likely that they will mount offensive action against forces," said a senior police officer. Earlier, DGP Y B Khurania said Odisha police are working hard to nip Left-wing extremism in the bud, reiterating the police effort to meet the Centre's target of eliminating LWE violence by March 2026.
Mid East Info
17-02-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
International Modern Hospital Dubai Provides Specialized Knee Treatment for Tennis Legend Mahesh Bhupathi with Dr. Azam Badar Khan
Dubai, UAE: Indian tennis icon Mahesh Bhupathi, known for his exceptional achievements on the global stage, recently chose Dr. Azam Badar Khan, aka Dr. Knee, for specialized knee care. Following his consultation, Bhupathi was directed to International Modern Hospital (IMH), Dubai, for further treatment. Renowned for his precision on the court, Bhupathi's visit highlights the trust that elite athletes place in Dr. Azam Badar Khan's expertise in orthopedic and knee care. Years of high-impact sports take a toll on joints, and for world-class athletes like Bhupathi, expert knee treatment is essential for maintaining mobility and long-term performance. 'Athletes push their bodies to the limit, and proper knee care is essential for long-term health. Dr. Khan's expertise and approach to knee health are truly world-class. I'm grateful for his guidance,' said Bhupathi. Dr. Azam Badar Khan, a leading orthopedic surgeon and knee specialist, is also the founder of the Let's Walk Again with Dr. Knee Foundation, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about knee health. His mission includes advocating for the establishment of a dedicated World Knee Health Day, emphasizing the importance of proactive knee care across all age groups. Dr. Kishan Pakkal, CEO of International Modern Hospital, emphasized the hospital's commitment to advanced orthopedic care: 'We are proud to collaborate with Dr. Azam Badar Khan, whose expertise in knee health has made a significant impact. At International Modern Hospital, we are committed to providing world-class treatment, ensuring that athletes and individuals receive the best possible care for their orthopedic needs.' As more sports icons turn to Dr. Azam Badar Khan aka Dr. Knee for expert care, the movement for greater knee health awareness continues to gain momentum.
Zawya
13-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Tennis icon Mahesh Bhupathi chooses Dr. Azam Badar Khan at International Modern Hospital Dubai
Dubai, UAE – Indian tennis icon Mahesh Bhupathi, known for his exceptional achievements on the global stage, recently chose Dr. Azam Badar Khan, aka Dr. Knee, for specialized knee care. Following his consultation, Bhupathi was directed to International Modern Hospital (IMH), Dubai, for further treatment. Renowned for his precision on the court, Bhupathi's visit highlights the trust that elite athletes place in Dr. Azam Badar Khan's expertise in orthopedic and knee care. Years of high-impact sports take a toll on joints, and for world-class athletes like Bhupathi, expert knee treatment is essential for maintaining mobility and long-term performance. "Athletes push their bodies to the limit, and proper knee care is essential for long-term health. Dr. Khan's expertise and approach to knee health are truly world-class. I'm grateful for his guidance," said Bhupathi. Dr. Azam Badar Khan, a leading orthopedic surgeon and knee specialist, is also the founder of the Let's Walk Again with Dr. Knee Foundation, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about knee health. His mission includes advocating for the establishment of a dedicated World Knee Health Day, emphasizing the importance of proactive knee care across all age groups. Dr. Kishan Pakkal, CEO of International Modern Hospital, emphasized the hospital's commitment to advanced orthopedic care: 'We are proud to collaborate with Dr. Azam Badar Khan, whose expertise in knee health has made a significant impact. At International Modern Hospital, we are committed to providing world-class treatment, ensuring that athletes and individuals receive the best possible care for their orthopedic needs.' As more sports icons turn to Dr. Azam Badar Khan aka Dr. Knee for expert care, the movement for greater knee health awareness continues to gain momentum. For more information please visit our website:
Khaleej Times
07-02-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Tennis icon Mahesh Bhupathi chooses Dr Azam Badar Khan at IMH Dubai for specialised knee treatment
Indian tennis icon Mahesh Bhupathi, known for his exceptional achievements on the global stage, recently chose Dr Azam Badar Khan, aka Dr Knee, for specialised knee care. Following his consultation, Bhupathi was directed to International Modern Hospital (IMH), Dubai, for further treatment. Renowned for his precision on the court, Bhupathi's visit highlights the trust that elite athletes place in Dr Azam Badar Khan's expertise in orthopedic and knee care. Years of high-impact sports take a toll on joints, and for world-class athletes like Bhupathi, expert knee treatment is essential for maintaining mobility and long-term performance. "Athletes push their bodies to the limit, and proper knee care is essential for long-term health. Dr Khan's expertise and approach to knee health are truly world-class. I'm grateful for his guidance," said Bhupathi. Dr Azam Badar Khan, a leading orthopedic surgeon and knee specialist, is also the founder of the Let's Walk Again with Dr. Knee Foundation, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about knee health. His mission includes advocating for the establishment of a dedicated World Knee Health Day, emphasising the importance of proactive knee care across all age groups. Dr Kishan Pakkal, CEO of International Modern Hospital, emphasised the hospital's commitment to advanced orthopedic care. "We are proud to collaborate with Dr. Azam Badar Khan, whose expertise in knee health has made a significant impact. At International Modern Hospital, we are committed to providing world-class treatment, ensuring that athletes and individuals receive the best possible care for their orthopedic needs." As more sports icons turn to Dr Azam Badar Khan aka Dr Knee for expert care, the movement for greater knee health awareness continues to gain momentum.
