Latest news with #JN
Hans India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
TG athletes can gain from new sports policy
If Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has his say and goes all-out to implement his ambitious sports agenda, then the State, and its capital city in particular, will boast of world-class sports infrastructure across disciplines in the next couple of years. On the face of it, this is a praiseworthy effort as the bane of the Indian political apparatus has been the insipid promotion of sports, baring a select few. Budgetary allocations for sports have never been inspirational. In fact, the neglect is such that some allocations have been reduced here and there. The ambitiously carved out 32-page sports policy unveiled by Revanth Reddy the other day makes for a wonderful reading as he promises everything under the moon to realise his dream of making the state the hub of international sports. The comprehensive vision lays stress on strengthening governance, boosting infrastructure, and ushering in a breathtaking sports ecosystem that would result in the emergence of medal-winning athletes. There is no doubt that once he goes about the implementation process and enhances budgetary allocations, there would be smiles on the faces of countless sportspersons, coaches and the support staff. Over a period, Telangana can indeed be the envy of the nation going by the manner it brings about the best of infrastructure and sports avenues, including supporting budding talent coming from the poorer strata. Alas, carried away by the moment, Reddy revealed the politician in him when he spoke rather exaggeratedly that Hyderabad would be fit enough to host some Olympic disciplines by 2036. This is too ambitious a remark given that preparing grounds and facilities and putting in place infrastructure of an extraordinary kind for the mega event is no child's play. What the city has, as of now, is not sound enough to host even a fraction of the events that feature in Olympics. He should take cue from his political mentor N Chandrababu Naidu, who, in his effort to provide the best of facilities for the 2002 National Games, came up with the finest stadiums and playing surfaces. Budget was no problem. J Jayalalithaa constructed the magnificent JN stadium in nine months. Can Revanth Reddy emulate these records? The fact is that the stadiums constructed by Naidu like GMC Balayogi athletics stadium, KVBR stadium, tennis complex and the velodrome are all outdated as the wear and tear must have worn them out. They need to be refurbished before the city is good enough to host the National Games two years down the line, towards which Reddy is to approach the Indian Olympic Association. However, realising the herculean task that lies up ahead, the Chief Minister has played his masterstroke-a Public Private Participation (PPP). This will go a long way in helping him realise the dream of nurturing Olympic gold medallists and world champions across disciplines. Adding to this is the smart move to constitute a 14-member Board of Governors to oversee handling of the Telangana Sports Development Fund (TSDF). Featuring some big names from the world of sports and industry, including Kapil Dev, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Bhaichung Bhutia, it will be headed by industrialist Sanjeev Goenka, which ensures transparent and accountable utilisation of resources that will be raised through the PPP mode. A good beginning has been made as the state was able to sign MoUs with many keen investors and sponsors. This can help promote exchange programmes with other nations and invest in proven international coaches. Hopefully, this will mark the beginning of rewarding days for sportspersons from Telangana.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Is the JN.1 COVID-19 variant more dangerous than we think?
The sudden surge in COVID-19 cases, especially with the discovery of the JN. 1 variant, has naturally been a cause for concern in the population. As a doctor, I want to reassure you that there is no need for widespread panic, although vigilance is never a bad thing. We are much better prepared today than when the epidemic first started. The JN is highly contagious despite being highly pathogenic. One strain tends to produce mild symptoms similar to the common cold or seasonal flu. Many patients report fever, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, and fatigue. Perhaps most important, fatalities, hospitalizations, and serious illness already appear to be less frequent, especially among people who have had prior exposure to the virus or have gotten vaccinated. This indicates that the severity is being reduced by high levels of community immunity. Rather than succumb to worry, focus on proactive measures to protect yourself. You also will want to rely on your first line of defense: good old-fashioned hygiene, including washing your hands often and thoroughly, not touching your face, and practicing good respiratory etiquette, which includes coughing and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue. The well-fitting mask on your face is going to provide an extra degree of protection, especially in an indoor environment with a lot of people or if you're in a high-risk group. It's essential to self-isolate and consider getting tested if you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, to limit the spread of infection. By doing the right thing, you protect yourself and the most vulnerable among us in the community. Besides antiviral measures, the most important thing is the general health of your body. Strong immunity requires a diet of nutrient-rich foods, regular exercise, sound sleep, and effective stress management. These natural methods work for promoting your body's natural defenses against all ills. In short, the surge in infections should raise appropriate concerns but not sound alarms, even if it needs to be talked about. Stay informed, embody healthy behaviors, and remember that the prevention strategies we have been taught and our collective resilience will guide us through this evolving health environment. Dr Pradeep Narayan Sahoo, Consultant - Internal medicine, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
NDTV
25-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Bengaluru Man With Severe Comorbidities, Infected With Covid, Dies
Bengaluru: An 84-year-old man with severe comorbidities has died in Bengaluru, and his Covid-19 test results came positive on Saturday, said health officials. The man with severe comorbidities was admitted to a private hospital in Whitefield, Bengaluru, on May 13 and died on May 17. The results of Covid-19 test taken on him when he was alive came on Saturday, showing positive, officials said. According to the health department, 38 Covid-19 cases have been reported in the state, including 32 in Bengaluru. Earlier Saturday, State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao asked people to stay calm and continue with their daily routines. His remarks came following a surge in Covid cases across the state in the past few days. Addressing reporters here, Rao said, "I appeal to everyone not to panic because when you see reports in the media that COVID-19 has returned to haunt, people get alarmed." He also appealed to the media to present an accurate picture of the situation and not exaggerate the severity of the Covid-19 disease, which turned into a pandemic five years ago. The Minister also said the state government is on alert and has taken all necessary precautions to contain the spread of the virus. Referring to the spike in cases in neighbouring Kerala, Dinesh Gundu Rao said increased testing there could result in higher number of cases. The Centre's guidelines clearly state that monitoring is sufficient and there is no need for special measures. Rao clarified that there are no Covid-19-related restrictions and people can move around freely. "People can go and come from any part of the country. People can lead their lives in a normal way," he said. Regarding the recent spurt in cases, Rao said there was a possibility of a sub-category of coronavirus. "It could be a sub-variant of JN. 1. These were detected in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia. There is no panic in those countries as well," he told reporters.
USA Today
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Jack Nicklaus, 6-time Masters champ, sits for Golfweek's survey and doesn't disappoint
Jack Nicklaus, 6-time Masters champ, sits for Golfweek's survey and doesn't disappoint AUGUSTA, Ga. – Jack Nicklaus and the Masters go together like pimento cheese and white bread in April. Six Green Jackets spread over a span of 23 years between 1963 and 1986 is quite an impressive haul. Nicklaus will hit the opening tee shot once more on Thursday, but first he took time to answer Golfweek's Annual Survey, and it's a safe bet you'll learn a few new things you didn't know about the Golden Bear along the way. GWK: What's your greatest Masters keepsake? JN: A lot of people might say a locket. But I don't even know where my locket is. … I would have to say when I finally got my Green Jacket in 1998. You know the story there, but yes, my Green Jacket. GWK: What's one ritual you have or had Masters week? JN: Obviously, it's the Champions Dinner. And the ritual I always like is how prior to the dinner, just going around and talking to everybody you haven't probably seen for a year. GWK: One word to describe the drive down Magnolia Lane? JN: Well, I get a chill every time I drive down Magnolia Lane. No different than to me now than it was the first time I drove down it in 1959. It's hard to compare it to something that people might better understand the feeling. For me, it's sort of like each time I hear our National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. It's almost the same thing, because of the pride and emotions that come with it. I always get a chill, even now. To me, it's sensational. GWK: What's your funniest caddie story at the Masters? JN: Probably how I got Willie Peterson. You know that one, right? It was 1960, and the caddiemaster was asking who wanted to caddie for me. Pond, who caddied for me in 1959, said, 'I don't want Mr. Jack.' He went on to say, 'Mr. Jack works too hard.' So, then he asked, 'Does anybody here want to take him?' And Willie says, 'I'll take him!' Willie took me and went on to win five Masters Tournaments with me. Willie was a character. He was a good man, and he became a good friend. When I found out in 2020 that Willie's grave site in Augusta didn't have a headstone – which sadly was the case for many Augusta caddies through the years – we made sure to right that wrong. GWK: What's your favorite Masters Par 3 Contest story? JN: Probably 2018, when Watson, Player and I all finished in the top 10. Tom, at 68, won it; I finished fourth; and Gary, at 82, was 10th. Oh, and another little thing happened that year. My 15-year-old grandson GT (Gary's son) got a hole-in-one. 😊 I said then and I still feel the same, when asked where that ranks among my Masters memories, it's right up there at the top. GWK: What's an unwritten rule at Augusta National Golf Club that's not well known? JN: An unwritten rule? Oh, one that is not well known. Ok, to have a little fun, the Chairman prefers you wear socks. I remember once Billy Payne, during the Jamboree when they were taking a photo of all the members, saw that two of them didn't have socks on. Billy made them go back to their rooms and get socks on to take the picture. GWK: What's the one thing you miss most about the Masters now that your playing career there is over? JN: Winning it. GWK: Who's your favorite Augusta National member and why? JN: Bobby Jones. He was my father's idol, and mine. GWK: Have you ever taken an item from the club? Could be as small as a box of matches. JN: I took a picture. As in, I took a photo of something. They had these waste-paper baskets in the rooms that we really liked. We wanted something like it at Muirfield Village. So, we took a photo of them. Also, we liked the hooks under the corners of the tables at Augusta National to hang a hat (Barbara interjects and says, 'It's a purse-holder.' Ok, hooks as a purse-holder or for caps.') So, we took photos of those, and we put them in at Muirfield Village and The Bear's Club. GWK: What's your favorite place to eat in Augusta? JN: The Club. GWK: Who do you have sit on each side of you at the Champions dinner? JN: Well, when Arnold was still alive, every year I would have Tiger on one side and Arnold on the other. For years! After Arnold passed, it's been Watson on one side and Tiger sits on the other side. GWK: What's the one change you'd make to Augusta National? JN: I did plans for redoing the second hole for Hord Hardin a long, long time ago. I suggested dropping the fairway and bunkering on the left side. I think it could be argued that the second shot at No. 2 could be considered the weakest shot on the golf course. You stand there on a right-to-left slope, downhill, with a tree in your way that you have to hit a hook around, and the green wants you to hit a high fade. It's really hard to play. There's no easy way to play the second shot at Augusta with a proper tee shot. And another thing. Now that I am 85, and half the membership is probably over 80, and they have added a number of women as members, I would add forward tees. Your perfect foursome for one last round at Augusta National? JN: Easy. My kids. GWK: What's the best shot you've ever hit at Augusta National? JN: It would be hard not to say the eagle putt I made at No. 15 in 1986. If I don't make that putt, I'm not going to get there. I loved the 1-iron I hit into No. 15 in 1975, but I missed the putt. GWK: What's the worst shot you've ever hit at Augusta? JN: The shank over Bob Jones' head on the 12th hole in 1964.
Arab News
29-01-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith target more success at season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh
RIYADH: Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann returns to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 LIV Golf season opener in Riyadh with fond memories of competing in the Kingdom. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Chilean star landed the LIV Golf Jeddah title in the third event of the 2024 LIV Golf season, a month after lifting the LIV Golf Mayakoba trophy. While the venue for the tournament in Saudi Arabia has moved to Riyadh this year, Niemann knows how to win there too. Only last month, he claimed victory at the PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisors at Riyadh Golf Club, the 10th and final International Series event of 2024, where he beat Cameron Smith in a dramatic playoff. Arab News spoke to the two players in the run-up to this year's event. AN: Looking ahead to 2025, how are you preparing to defend your title in Saudi Arabia, and what's your mindset going into LIV Golf's first event in Riyadh? JN: 'I'm pretty excited. I played there for the Saudi International back in December, so we were able to see the course and what it was going to be like. I think it's going to be similar weather, too, so I'm excited to go back. There were good crowds, so it's going to be a fun week.' AN: What did the victory in Riyadh at the International Series event in December signify for you, and what does it feel like to have twice won in Saudi now? JN: 'It was pretty special. I feel like it was an interesting week because I was playing great, I felt like I had a great chance and I was almost getting it done on the last couple of holes but then it got a little bit complicated, Cam was playing great. It was a good experience. I played great on those playoff holes. I struggled on a few short putts but that's part of it. It was great.' AN: Having claimed two titles in Saudi, you've built a strong connection with the region, what do you enjoy most about playing and competing in Saudi — both on and off the course? JN: 'I've been playing great in Saudi. I don't know… I just like Saudi, I think. Australia's Cameron Smith, meanwhile, returns to Riyadh Golf Club determined to go one better after his near miss at the event in December. The 2022 Open Champion led Ripper GC to Team Championship glory last season and is seeking a strong start to their title defense. AN: Heading into LIV Golf Riyadh having finished as runner-up in the recent PIF Saudi International at Riyadh Golf Club, do you feel there's any unfinished business to see to? CS: 'I really wasn't expecting to finish where I finished on that last day, I had a great last day. It was such a blur, and I wasn't expecting it. I like the golf course, it's a golf course that lends itself well to me. There are plenty of wedges and plenty of birdie opportunities, so hopefully I can get back there and start the season off well and walk away with the trophy.'
