Latest news with #Karkera
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
New low: India hockey lose seven games in a row, record longest-ever losing streak
'We are here to win, not to f***ing lose.' Craig Fulton was breathing fire. Eyes red, tone grave and not a hint of smile on the face of the man who always smiles easily and readily. The India coach instantly apologised for the f-bomb on live TV. But you wondered how mad he must have been inside the dressing room at half-time, if he was that furious in front of the world during a mid-game interview. Whatever Fulton must have said had an impact… for five minutes. India, trailing 0-2 at half-time to former Olympic and world champions Belgium, came out 'on the front foot' — as Fulton wished — and scored the game's 'next goal' — as the coach hoped. They, in fact, got the next two to make it 2-2. Then, something snapped. It looked like the team that was motoring forward and overwhelming Belgium with their surging runs pulled the handbrakes, and were a complete car wreck, losing 6-3 in their penultimate FIH Pro League match in Antwerp. The Olympic bronze medallists, who landed in Europe with their eyes on the big prize — the title and a 2026 World Cup spot — have now lost seven on the bounce. And regardless of what happens in their final league game on Sunday, also against Belgium, they will return home with a dubious record — the longest-ever losing streak. Before this tournament, the six consecutive defeats at the London Olympics were the men's team's longest losing run. The difference, however, between then and now is that at London 2012, the team was disjointed and looked completely hopeless. This time, despite them losing seven, the situation doesn't appear dire. Six out of the seven losses have been by one-goal margins. On Saturday, until the last few minutes, they were very much in the game. But the wheels came off as, in search of an equaliser at 2-3 down, they marched forward, leaving big gaps in the defence, which the Belgians masterfully exploited and India imploded. And although the management won't press the panic button yet, it is a concern that the team, which seemed destined for bigger things after back-to-back Olympic medals, suddenly looks like it has forgotten how to win. As has been the case many times in the last two weeks, India were again slow off the blocks. Suraj Karkera was behind his goal, arranging the equipment neatly, when the umpire blew the whistle to initiate the pushback. The Belgians saw an empty Indian goal, and without wasting any time, lobbed the ball close to the Indian 'D'. Karkera scrambled back to the goal but the defenders were instantly put under pressure and they conceded a corner after just 13 seconds. Alexander Hendrickx's drag-flick was straight at Karkera, at a comfortable height. The Indian goalkeeper, who had a good tournament until Saturday, used his glove to block it. But instead of directing the ball sideways, away from danger, he put it right in front of his goal and Arthur van Doren latched on to it to give the home team the lead. Belgium had three shots on the Indian goal inside the first minute. So intense was their pressing and so strong were they on the ball that the hosts barely gave India a moment to breathe. It must be a record of sorts that for the first 13 minutes and 10 seconds of the match, India could not even enter the Belgian 'D' even once. Fulton wanted 'controlled aggression' from his boys at the start of the match. But once again, they were being bullied. Belgium doubled their lead just before half-time, in the 28th minute, after Hendrickx flicked the ball through Karkera's legs. And at that point, the seventh loss loomed large. Fulton's half-time dressing down had a momentary impact and from wanting 'controlled aggression' his message to the players changed, asking them to play 'on the front foot'. The players responded. Dilpreet Singh scored within seconds of restart — from a rebound off a penalty corner — and then, in the 38th minute, Mandeep Singh equalised in somewhat fortunate circumstances, his deflection got deflected by a Belgian stick past the goalkeeper and into the goal. India must have felt at that moment that their luck had changed. They sustained the pressure for a couple of minutes more but Belgium then broke free once again, with the veteran Tom Boon starting to dictate play. Once Belgium reclaimed the lead again in the 49th minute, India went all out in desperation. The situation warranted cool minds. Instead, India looked frustrated and ended up conceding three more goals in the last seven minutes to lose 6-3. India will think they are lucky that Ireland have had a poorer run than them, else they could well have been relegated to the plate division of the global league. Belgium 6 (Arthur van Doren 1', 54', Alexander Hendrickx 28', Roman Duvekot 49', Thibeau Stockbroexx 53', Tom Boon 59') beat India 3 (Dilpreet Singh 36', Mandeep Singh 38', Amit Rohidas 58')
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
India loses fifth consecutive game, this time 2-3 to Australia in FIH Pro League
There was no end to Indian men's hockey team's woes in the FIH Pro League as the side slumped to its fifth straight defeat, losing 2-3 to Australia despite leading the contest by two goals after Abhishek's brace, here Saturday. The Indian team has already lost twice to Netherlands and Argentina in the tournament. After suffering four close defeats against Netherlands and Argentina in the their first four matches of the European leg of Pro League, the Indians looked a motivated lot against Australia and dominated the share of exchanges in the first two quarters. It took a 2-0 lead by the 35th minute through Abhishek's (8th, 35th minutes) brace. But the Kookaburras came out all attacking after the change of ends, scoring through Nathan Ephraums (42nd), and two penalty corner conversions by Joel Rintala (56th) and Tom Craig (60th) to secure the win. The Indians were without skipper and ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh as he has been rested due to a injury suffered in the last match against Argentina. The Indians showed intent from the word go and took lead in the eighth minute through Abhishek, who flicked from top of the circle after receiving a pass from Manpreet Singh. In the 11 minute, Australia secured a penalty corner but goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a good save to deny the opposition. Abhishek nearly put India two up with some sensational play in the opposition defensive area but his backhand flick just went inches wide off the goal. In the 19th minute, Karkera made a fine save to deny Joel Rintala from close range. ALSO READ: India targeting Asia Cup to boost 2026 FIH World Cup hopes, says women's hockey coach Harendra Singh India had anther chance in the form a penalty corner in the 22nd minute but Jugraj Singh could not go past the first rusher in Tim Brand. After the change of ends, India doubled the lead when Sukhjeet Singh disposed an Australian player in front of their circle and passed it it on to Abhishek, who slapped a reverse hit into the goal past the opposition goalkeeper to score his second of the day. Australia earned a penalty corner in the 37th minute but Karkera made a fine save. Australia pulled a goal back when Tom Craig's reverse hit was saved by Karkera but Ephraumus scored from rebound. India secured back-to-back penalty corners in the 48th minute but could to covert. The Australians pressed hard in the final 10 minutes, earning four penalty corners in quick succession, the last of which was converted by Rintala. Just 42 seconds from the hooter, India conceded another penalty corner and Craig deflected in Jeremy Hayward's flick to hand Australia the win.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Late goals sink India again, lose 2-3 to Australia in Pro League
Antwerp , There was no end to Indian men's hockey team's woes in the FIH Pro League as the side slumped to its fifth straight defeat, losing 2-3 to Australia despite leading the contest by two goals after Abhishek's brace, here Saturday. The Indian team has already lost twice to Netherlands and Argentina in the tournament. Starting strong, India took a 2-0 lead by the 35th minute through Abhishek's brace. But the Kookaburras came out all attacking after the change of ends, scoring through Nathan Ephraums , and two penalty corner conversions by Joel Rintala and Tom Craig to secure the win. After suffering four close defeats against Netherlands and Argentina in the their first four matches of the European leg of Pro League, the Indians looked a motivated lot against Australia and dominated the share of exchanges in the first two quarters. The Indians were without skipper and ace dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh as he has been rested due to a injury suffered in the last match against Argentina. The Indians showed intent from the word go and took lead in the eighth minute through Abhishek, who flicked from top of the circle after receiving a pass from Manpreet Singh. In the 11 minute, Australia secured a penalty corner but goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a good save to deny the opposition. Abhishek nearly put India two up with some sensational play in the opposition defensive area but his backhand flick just went inches wide off the goal. In the 19th minute, Karkera made a fine save to deny Joel Rintala from close range. India had anther chance in the form a penalty corner in the 22nd minute but Jugraj Singh could not go past the first rusher in Tim Brand. After the change of ends, India doubled the lead when Sukhjeet Singh disposed an Australian player in front of their circle and passed it it on to Abhishek, who slapped a reverse hit into the goal past the opposition goalkeeper to score his second of the day. Australia earned a penalty corner in the 37th minute but Karkera made a fine save. Australia pulled a goal back when Tom Craig's reverse hit was saved by Karkera but Ephraumus scored from rebound. India secured back-to-back penalty corners in the 48th minute but could to covert. The Australians pressed hard in the final 10 minutes, earning four penalty corners in quick succession, the last of which was converted by Rintala. Just 42 seconds from the hooter, India conceded another penalty corner and Craig deflected in Jeremy Hayward's flick to hand Australia the win.
Mint
09-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Borrowed time: Investors bullish on near-term upside increase leveraged bets on Tata Motors, SBI, HAL, Jio Financial
Mumbai: Indian investors are taking on more leveraged bets in the equity markets through margin trading, suggesting a near-term upside, as they put concerns over global and domestic headwinds behind them. Margin trading, which allows investors to borrow funds to buy or sell securities without paying the full amount upfront, has rebounded to levels last seen during the previous market peak in September, driven by improved sentiment among retail investors and high net-worth individuals. The National Stock Exchange of India's Margin Trading Facility book stood at ₹81,217 crore as of 6 June, almost at the level of ₹81,728 crore on 26 September. The amount had declined to ₹68,004 crore on 7 April, when the Nifty 50 index declined 3.24% in a single day on the back of fears of a global trade war. Shares of Tata Motors, Jio Financial Services, Hindustan Aeronautics, State Bank of India, and Mazagaon Docks were the most popular among retail investors and HNIs through the MTF route, the NSE data showed. The amount financed for Tata Motors as of 6 June was ₹1,282 crore, while it was ₹1,119 crore for Jio Financial Services and ₹1,055 crore for Hindustan Aeronautics. Also Read | How gains through margin trading facility transactions are taxed in India Experts said that the increase in the MTF book shows that investors are taking a positive near-term view of the markets. The recent Reserve Bank of India 50 basis point repo rate cut will also allow brokers, who provide this facility to clients, more room to pass on the benefits to investors. By maintaining their spreads and offering lower rates, brokers are expected to attract greater participation in margin trading. Tariffs, border tension Nirav Karkera, head of research at wealth tech platform Fisdom, said that a combination of domestic and global headwinds had earlier weighed on investor sentiment. Globally, risks were mounting with the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict and tariff-related uncertainties, he said, adding that on the domestic front, border tensions added to the anxiety. 'Domestic inflation wasn't easing, there was no clarity on the interest rate trajectory, and corporate earnings were dismal," said Karkera. 'There was little reason for optimism in the markets, and more than enough for investors to go light on leveraged positions through MTF." Karkera also said that MTF is highly sensitive to interest rates. Also Read | The Reserve Bank's growth stimulus is a bold bet on price stability 'When the borrowing rates come down after the 50-basis points rate cut—it could further boost interest in MTF. While a cut in the repo rate doesn't immediately reduce MTF rates, it does lower the cost of funds for brokers, who may then refinance at lower rates," he said. On 6 June, the RBI's six-member Monetary Policy Committee slashed the repo rate to 5.5%, its third consecutive cut since February. Positive sentiment Others said the MTF book is a gauge of market sentiment. Feroze Azeez, joint chief executive officer at Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd, said the MTF book should be seen more as a barometer of broader market sentiment than a reliable indicator of market direction. Azeez said that after months of volatility, investors have started becoming a lot more mature. 'The buy-on-dip strategy has become popular, and with easier access to leverage, more investors are using MTF to build positions, which also shows positive conviction in the market," said Azeez. He added that people are taking a view that the markets will continue to do well, at least in the near term. Also Read | Sebi seeks more details from bourses before options date shift The market's decline after September 2024 also coincided with a shift in the futures and options expiry structure, which led to a decline in derivative volumes, according to Trivesh D, chief operating officer at trading platform Tradejini. However, as the market began recovering in February, there was a resurgence in both F&O and cash market volumes. This uptick in trading activity improved price discovery, further driving investor participation in margin trading, he added.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Smart helmet innovator from M'luru gains global attention for unique headphones
1 2 Mangaluru: When Navajith Karkera first tinkered with ideas during his engineering days at Sahyadri College of Engineering, little did he know that his innovation journey would soon grab global attention. It all began with a smart helmet project, developed alongside his batchmate Jagath Biddappa and a team of students. Their prototype went on to win accolades at a national-level competition. Karkera, now co-founder and CEO of Rapture Innovations , told TOI that after graduation, the team was keen to commercialise the smart helmet. The seed funding from the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, and initial interest from taxi and logistics companies kept their hopes alive. But they faced challenges around pricing and partnerships with helmet manufacturers, he said. While working on enhancing the helmet's audio features, Karkera and Jagath, (co-founders) experimented with sound being experienced not just through the ears, but felt through the body. Further experiments went on to lay the foundation for their next big innovation for eargasmic experiences. He said, "In Feb 2019, we experimented with 3D-printed headphone prototypes embedding this technology. Friends and audio enthusiasts who tried them appreciated the experience. Encouraged by the overwhelming response at demo kiosks and events, we realised they had something truly unique, and thus was born Sonic Lamb headphones that allow users to feel the music through their bodies, not just hear it." Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo "Over three years, the team perfected the product, developing more than 15 prototypes, refining the hybrid driver technology, and benchmarking Sonic Lamb against leading premium headphone brands," he said. Designed and engineered in India through Rapture Audio Labs and fine-tuned in Denmark, Sonic Lamb was one of only seven startups globally selected for the SoundTech accelerator programme by Sound Hub Denmark. The Karnataka govt recognised it among the top 100 startups in 2022, and it was also named among the top 75 promising startups in India under the department of science and technology's Nidhi Prayas programme. They also won the Best Young Innovations Award 2015, conferred by Harsh Vardhan, former Union minister, and the Gold Award 2018, conferred by Dr Harkesh Mittal (NSTEDB). They were incubated at Deshpande Startups, Hubballi. Sonic Lamb's audio technology is now patented in India, the US and China, with patents pending in 23 other countries. The innovation is backed by a strong network of investors and mentors from tech giants like Google, Qualcomm, Microsoft, Bose, and B&O. This year, Sonic Lamb also won funding from Shark Tank India, said Karkera. "Our first 500 orders last financial year came from outside India. Now, we are working on integrating this technology into vehicle seats to allow passengers to physically experience sound while driving," said Karkera.
