Latest news with #KharGymkhana
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
07-07-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Anika Dubey wins bronze at Asian Junior Championship; 'She is part of a silent revolution,' says coach Abhinav Sinha
Anika's performance places Maharashtra on the Asian squash leaderboard and marks one of the state's best-ever finishes at the individual junior level. With this medal, she not only affirms her status as one of India's brightest young athletes but also shines a spotlight on the grit and excellence coming out of tier-2 cities. read more Maharashtra's youngest squash sensation, Anika Dubey, clinched a bronze medal at the prestigious 32nd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship held in South Korea, adding yet another milestone to her journey. At just 15, Anika competed in the fiercely-contested Girls Under-17 category and emerged as one of only four Indian medallists in the tournament. Her victory is especially significant for Pune, a city still emerging on India's mainstream sports map. Anika's performance places Maharashtra on the Asian squash leaderboard and marks one of the state's best-ever finishes at the individual junior level. With this medal, she not only affirms her status as one of India's brightest young athletes but also shines a spotlight on the grit and excellence coming out of tier-2 cities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read | Clarity, training and parents' sacrifice: The making of Indian squash prodigy Anika Dubey Speaking about this, Abhina Sinha, her mentor and coach, said, 'Anika's bronze is a statement from a generation that is rewriting what's possible in Indian sport. She is part of a silent revolution taking root in places like Pune, where children are showing that world-class talent can come from anywhere, not just metros. Her medal belongs as much to her as it does to every parent, coach, and child chasing big dreams in small towns.' Currently ranked India No. 2 in the Under-19 girls' division, Anika was also recently selected to represent India at the World Junior Squash Championships in Cairo this July, making her the youngest from Maharashtra to achieve this distinction. Anika trains under the mentorship of Abhinav Sinha through the Chance2Sports initiative and Kanga Kids system. Her training is supported by SportsSkill and Khar Gymkhana, where she continues to sharpen her competitive edge.
Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Humein natural vibe chahiye thi; jab main dekhu baahar, toh…': Take a tour of Kangana Ranaut's Bandra home that was sold due to financial issues
It was a home she poured her imagination into, one she 'conceived, perceived, and wrote' (the actor Kangana Ranaut said in an interview once), with a view that inspired scripts and conversations. Her Bandra home—although it's now been sold due to financial reasons, as the actor said she was 'facing trouble' in an interview—reflected her fiercely independent spirit. 'Ye mera edit room hai,' she said, ushering the crew in during her tour with Mashable. The entrance to the space was modest, but inside, it told a different story — of careful choices, white drapes, mushroom-style sitting, and lots of greenery. 'Waah yaar, bahut sundar hai!' the interviewer exclaimed, clearly captured by the natural light and uncluttered charm. Kangana, ever candid, shared an instance of the time when the BMC partially demolished her home, 'Sara tod diya tha upar se neeche tak' — and rebuilt it from scratch. 'Bacha kuch bhi nahi tha… fir se banwaya yaar,' she added. The house also doubled up as her creative headquarters. 'Ye poora office hai… Bandra mein hi hai… Khar Gymkhana ke saath mein,' she revealed. And indeed, the vibe was less celebrity mansion and more artist's studio. 'Yahan pe hum log ka Emergency ka edit chal raha hai,' she pointed out, referencing her film, which she wrote and edited right there. 'Ye hai jahaan par baith ke Emergency maine conceive ki hai, perceive ki hai, write ki hai… with various writers.' Even the smallest elements were thoughtfully picked. 'Humein natural vibe chahiye thi… jab main dekhu baahar, toh mujhe greenery dikhe… not buildings,' she said, standing by a large window. 'White drapes hone chahiye… aur natural light bahut important hai.' The home's warmth came through even in the layout, 'Ye hai meri seat… yahaan mera AD team baithta hai,' she pointed out, laughing. And while professionals did the interiors, 'Ye toh interior designer ne kiya hai… isko mushroom bolte hain'. A self-confessed 'authentic person' who 'hates farzi log,' Kangana spoke of her journey as a producer. 'I've been reaaally authentic… mujhe diva wali demands nahi thi,' she said. 'Woh toh reality check hai, woh toh karma hai,' she added, chuckling about earlier film shoots where she and her brother once insisted, 'Bhai, humein yahi hotel chahiye… nahi toh hum shoot nahi karenge.'
Hans India
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
15-year-old squash prodigy to represent India at World Championships
In a landmark moment for Indian squash, 15-year-old Anika Dubey from Pune has earned a spot on India's Under-19 Girls' team for the upcoming World Junior Squash Championships, set to take place in Cairo, Egypt, this July. The milestone makes her the youngest-ever player from Maharashtra to qualify in this age category, adding her name to the growing list of young Indian athletes making waves internationally. Currently ranked No. 2 in India in the U-19 girls' division, Anika secured her position following a stellar performance at the national selection trials earlier this year. Her achievement has been widely celebrated, especially in Maharashtra's sporting circles, where her rise is being hailed as a breakthrough for squash talent from smaller cities. 'This isn't just Anika's win—it's a moment of hope for every aspiring sportsperson in India's under-resourced towns,' said her coach and mentor Abhinav Sinha. 'She's shown how belief, grit, and love for the game can overcome limitations of geography and infrastructure.' Anika's journey has been one of persistence and passion. With limited training facilities in Pune, she has routinely commuted to Mumbai on weekends, training at the elite Khar Gymkhana. Her unwavering commitment to the sport, even while juggling school and travel, has earned admiration across the Indian squash community. Dubbed the 'Golden Girl of Pune', Anika is already a three-time National Champion and a key athlete in the Kanga Kids Program by Chance2Sports, which mentors India's most promising youth athletes. Her inclusion in the Indian squad for the World Juniors is not just a personal triumph, but a powerful symbol of what young athletes from non-metro cities can achieve with the right guidance and determination. Anika's most recent success came at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, where she clinched gold as part of Team Maharashtra, alongside Anjali Semwal, Sunita Patel, and Akanksha Gupta. The victory further solidified her standing as one of India's most exciting young squash players. Coach Abhinav Sinha, who has worked closely with Anika since her early days, noted: 'What sets Anika apart is her ability to meet challenges head-on without losing the joy she finds in playing. Watching her grow from a curious beginner into a player ready to compete at a global level has been incredibly fulfilling. And the best part—she's only getting started.' As she gears up for the World Junior Squash Championships in July 2025, Anika remains humble yet confident. 'I'm grateful for everyone who believed in me. This is just the beginning,' she said after the team announcement.
