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Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Kaska Watkins adds another gold medal to her haul as RI reclaim A Div netball crown
Raffles Institution's Kaska Watkins taking aim during the National School Games A Division netball final. She scored 20 out of 24 shots in the 45-40 win over Anglo-Chinese Junior College. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Kaska Watkins adds another gold medal to her haul as RI reclaim A Div netball crown SINGAPORE – Competing in the National School Games swimming finals in April, Raffles Institution's (RI) Kaska Watkins collected a total of four medals – including a relay gold. Transferring that athleticism from the pool to the court, she added another gold to her haul on May 28. The goal attack played a key role as RI defeated defending champions Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) 45-40 at Our Tampines Hub to reclaim the A Division netball title that they last won in 2023. Kaska converted 20 out of the 24 shots she attempted, putting up an impressive 83.3 per cent shot conversion rate. The 17-year-old had claimed silver medals in the 50m freestyle and 4x50m medley relay on April 24, before adding a gold in the 4x50m free relay and a 100m free bronze a day later. But the water sport has given her more than just medals. 'Swimming has given me a strong core,' said Kaska, who is of English nationality. 'So whenever my teammates pass me the ball, I can grab it at different directions. Also, when I do weight training in swimming, I work on my legs and it helps me jump higher.' However, standing at 1.73m, she knew it would be difficult going up on the court against ACJC's goalkeeper Alyssa Tan, who is taller at 1.78m, prompting a different offensive approach. 'We knew we couldn't do any high balls because she (Alyssa) would intercept it, so I had to try holding her (back) so that I would block her off and get the ball,' said Kaska. RI coach Chng Li Li, 53, added: 'The AC (defence) is much taller than my shooters. We cannot play high, so we had to play the low balls (along the floor).' RI were without their first-choice centre Wang Yun Xi, who had to attend the International Biology Olympiad at Nanyang Technological University. Reserve centres Caitlin Ong and Emily Loi took turns to deputise in her place, and they both performed admirably. 'I played three quarters (in total) in the preliminary round, so this was definitely quite an overwhelming moment for me when I stepped on court,' said Emily, 17, who started the final as a substitute. Centre Emily Loi (in black, holding the ball) played well in place of their absent first-choice centre Wang Yun Xi. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM 'Even though our main centre wasn't here, it doesn't mean that our team won't be able to play well. We are still a team overall so we'll all be working together,' she said. RI started the game on the front foot, leading 13-8 after the first quarter. A combination of turnovers high up the court and neat interplay saw them take a commanding 25-18 advantage into half-time. ACJC fought back in the third quarter as they sought to narrow a 32-28 deficit. But it was ultimately too little too late as RI closed the game out to avenge last season's defeat in the final, where they lost 44-43 to ACJC. RI captain Lim Ruici , 18, said: 'The team was really hungry this year. I think our team's focus was enjoying the game because that is when we are at our best.' RI celebrating with the trophy after winning the A Div netball final. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM ACJC captain Keira Baptista was on the sidelines after a full anterior cruciate ligament tear and a partial medial collateral ligament tear ruled her out for the season. 'At first, I felt very helpless that I wouldn't be there for my team physically on court, but regardless I made sure that they knew that I would have their back,' said the 18-year-old. On-court captain Alyssa said RI played a good game and deserved their win. 'We fought hard and no matter the outcome, I think we put in our best effort today,' added the 18-year-old. In the third-place play-off, Victoria Junior College beat Eunoia Junior College 48-35. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GoNetspeed Celebrates Growing Footprint and 10th State
Newport, Rhode Island Slated for GoNetspeed's Multigigabit Network NEWPORT, R.I., May 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In partnership with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, GoNetspeed, the Northeast's largest independent fiber optic network builder, today celebrated GoNetspeed's planned expansion into Newport, Rhode Island. Marking GoNetspeed's first Rhode Island community, Newport also signifies a significant milestone for the company, as Rhode Island is the tenth state in GoNetspeed's growing footprint. The combined $13 million investment was made possible through a $9 million award from Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's Capital Projects Fund (CPF) with a $3.9 million match from GoNetspeed. This expansion will bring more than 8,200 homes and businesses throughout Newport access to high-speed, 100% fiber internet with speeds scaling up to two gigabits per second. "Rhode Islanders deserve access to fast, reliable internet," said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. "This investment is not just about connectivity; it's about strengthening our economy, supporting local businesses, and ensuring everyone can participate in today's digital world—key goals of our RI 2030 plan." "With ConnectRI, we're delivering targeted broadband solutions that make a real difference in the lives of residents and businesses," said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. "These investments will help strengthen Rhode Island's infrastructure and keep us competitive." "GoNetspeed is continuing to elevate the quality of life in communities throughout the Northeast with access to 100% fiber internet, and we aren't slowing down. We are thrilled to celebrate Newport as the first Rhode Island community slated to gain access to our high-speed fiber-optic network," said Richard Clark, GoNetspeed President and CEO. "We are grateful for the support we have received from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, as they have made it possible for us to ensure that Rhode Island communities have the resources needed to thrive." Construction is expected to begin as early as fall of 2025, with the first customers expected to be connected by spring 2026. As construction begins this fall, homes and businesses will be connected neighborhood by neighborhood. The full construction process is expected to be complete by the end of 2026. Residents can visit to pre-order service and receive an exclusive pre-order offer, along with construction updates. GoNetspeed's expansion into Rhode Island underscores its commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing communities access to the latest technology. The company's 100% fiber-optic network is future-proof, capable of supporting the ever-increasing bandwidth demands of emerging technologies and applications. Recently, GoNetspeed unveiled a $250 million investment that will bring fiber-optic internet to 27 communities throughout Massachusetts. This significant investment follows continued network additions and expansions throughout New York and Connecticut, and most recently, full network upgrades in four Vermont communities. The privately funded company continues to scale, bringing access to 100% internet throughout the Northeast. About the Capital Projects Fund This initial investment from the state CPF is part of a larger effort by Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's ConnectRI program to connect all remaining unserved and underserved locations – meaning locations without access to 100/20Mbps service – across Rhode Island to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet. This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number CPFFN0169 awarded to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. About GoNetspeed: GoNetspeed, a high-speed fiber internet provider serving residential and business customers in Maine, Alabama, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia, formed a partnership with Oak Hill Capital ("Oak Hill") in January 2021, allowing GoNetspeed to accelerate the expansion of its fiber network throughout the Northeastern U.S. Adding thousands of new service areas every year, GoNetspeed is one of the largest independent internet providers in the Northeast. For more information about GoNetspeed, or to inquire about service in your residence, business or community, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Katie Bartholomai502.821.6784Katie@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Raffles Institution learn from past mistake to win first A Div cricket title since 2018
SINGAPORE – During their previous meeting in the National School Games A Division boys' cricket competition on May 13, Raffles Institution (RI) were confident they could outscore the 114 runs in 20 overs accumulated by defending champions Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). Confidence soon turned into complacency however, as RI, batting second, fell just short, amassing 113 runs in the same amount of overs, losing by just one run. As the two schools squared off again in the final at Ceylon Sports Club on May 23, RI were determined to not repeat that mistake. Keeping their focus in the sweltering heat, they won by eight wickets. RI captain Shreevathsa Chihnan said: 'That loss (by one run) helped us realise that we shouldn't be complacent at any moment of the game, regardless of whether we're leading or when we're losing. 'That's what we learnt from that game, and we won today because of that loss. It was a really needed loss.' Captain and wicket-keeper Shreevathsa Chihnan (centre) celebrating with bowler Sehgal Aarav (left) after bowling out Anglo-Chinese School's (Independent) captain and batsman Bhatnagar Aditya (right). RI recovered from their earlier loss to ACS(I) to win the title. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The win marks RI's first A Division cricket title since 2018 and ended ACS (I)'s run of four straight titles from 2019 to 2024, excluding the Covid-19 pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. 'I think if any batch could do it, it would have been our batch because it's not about the skills or the talent. It's about how much chemistry we have and how well bonded we are. And I think truly for the last six, seven months of training, we deserve this really much,' added Chihnan, 18. There was immediately a sense of deja vu when ACS (I), just like in their last meeting, won the coin toss, elected to bat first and racked up 125 runs in 20 overs . Shree Bhala Raj, 17, who contributed 46 of those runs, said: 'I batted well and bowled well. Even when you're not on the right side of the score, it's important that you (still) get a (sense of) self-satisfaction that I've given my best.' It gave RI an even bigger mountain to climb when the teams changed hands between innings. What followed was a stellar batting performance from the Rafflesians, in particular, Nikhil Arora . In extraordinary circumstances, Nikhil found himself out on the pitch for the entirety of the inning, having not been caught out. In that spell, he greatly contributed to his team's score, slamming the ball out of bounds without bounce five times, a hit typically known as a six. Nikhil Arora (centre) scored five 6s during his time batting. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM RI went on to overcome ACS (I)'s 125 runs in emphatic fashion, scoring 126 in 18.5 overs, resulting in them winning by eight wickets. 'I think for every batter, hitting a six feels magnificent,' said Nikhil. 'But you have to tell yourself to not get carried away. In the game against ACS (which they lost by one run), we lost right at the end. So I just made sure that this time I had to be there to finish it.' The 17-year-old admitted that he got tired during the second inning, but 'all the adrenaline' kept him going. He added: 'We've really had such a shortage of trophies in the past. I hope my team has influenced the younger generation to carry on a tradition of success.' ACS (I) captain Aditya Bhatnagar had mixed emotions about his side's loss in the final, but they were not 'entirely negative'. 'We didn't panic today, nor did we choke. If you go to all 11 people who played, we all consider each other brothers. Everybody was calm and composed until the very last ball. That's the way it should be,' said Bhatnagar, 18. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Raffles Institution hockey boys reclaim A Div title amid penalty controversy
SINGAPORE – With the score finely poised at 2-2, both Raffles Institution (RI) and defending champions Victoria Junior College (VJC) knew only too well that there was little margin for error. The National School Games A Division boys' hockey title hung in the balance and any mistake in the May 22 final at Sengkang Hockey Stadium , no matter how small, would be punished. With 10 minutes remaining in the final quarter, the balance was tilted in favour of RI, who were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the shooting circle. Facing off against goalkeeper Jovan Teo in the VJC net, RI's Jaydon Poh stepped up and stroked the ball home to make it 3-2. It proved to be the winning goal, as RI reclaimed the title they lost to the same opponents in 2024. Speaking after the game, Jaydon said penalties were something he had been working on tirelessly. 'Usually during breaks (in training), I would just put the ball at the penalty spot and practise a few strokes against the 'keeper. I think such training paid off. (Today) I scored a crucial goal,' said the 17-year-old. RI's Jaydon Poh (right, in black) scored a crucial penalty that turned out to be the winning goal. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR He added: 'In the second half, VJC was on the ball more. They had more chances. So to score that goal really calmed the pressure down.' The penalty was given against the run of play, much to the frustration of those in the VJC dugout, who thought the decision was a controversial one. 'Our player got the ball first, very clearly,' said VJC coach Nordin Manaff . 'Then his momentum went into the defender and they clashed, but we have to respect the umpire's decision.' Despite the contentious circumstances, he was glad to be a part of a highly entertaining game after missing last year's final as he was overseas with the national women's indoor hockey team. 'I have not seen this kind of intensity in 10 years. Both teams played very well. I thought our players played better in the second half, just that we couldn't get the goal,' said the 58-year-old. Both RI and VJC played out an entertaining final. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR RI opened the scoring just four minutes into the game when Noor Adli Raimi stretched to stroke the ball into the goal and give his team an early lead. 'I thought it was a far effort, back stick. But then I suddenly heard everyone scream and that's when I realised I scored, and I was over the moon after that,' said Adli, 18. RI were pegged back when VJC's Pradeeban Krishnamoorthi latched onto a deflected through ball and smashed the ball beyond goalkeeper Sarthak Basak for the equaliser. But RI regained their lead before halftime, with Ajay Shanmugam lashing the ball into the net following a penalty corner in the 22nd minute. VJC restored parity with a goal from a penalty corner of their own. Their relentless second-half pressure was rewarded as Maheswar Chandramohan made it 2-2 before Jaydon's penalty nudged RI into the lead for the third and final time. 'I'm very proud of the team. Everyone gave their all. We fought for the past two years together, some of us for the past six, really,' said RI vice-captain Raynard Lim , 18. 'Most of the time they (VJC) end up being our toughest opponents and we face our toughest difficulties against (them). We always somehow inevitably meet, so winning this one really made us proud,' he added, acknowledging the fierce rivalry between the two schools in this competition. VJC captain Joven Woo n shared the same sentiments. 'It's always back and forth. They win one year, we win one year,' said the 18-year-old. VJC's Joven Woon (far left) fighting for the ball against RI's Ethan Wong. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR 'They were hungry to win following their defeat last year, and I think they were the better team today. (But) I'm proud of my team for pushing so hard to try and get a result that we wanted.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
A great ambassador for science: Jayant Narlikar's efforts to popularise science in India
Jayant V Narlikar did more than perhaps any other scientist to take science to the masses. He acted out of a deep conviction of its necessity, and of a lifetime of seeing the benefits of a scientific education and temper. Here are two examples. Lectures series: from England to India The lectures that Jayant V Narlikar attended at the Royal Institution (RI) during his time as an undergraduate student at Cambridge University had a powerful impact on the young researcher. He particularly recalled attending Nobel laureate Sir Lawrence Bragg's RI lecture on the importance of science popularisation and the various programs by RI to bring science to the masses. Narlikar's mentor and PhD guide, Fred Hoyle, had a great influence on his outlook towards science popularisation. Subsequently, Narlikar would use every opportunity that came his way to tell science stories in a manner that both children and grown-ups would like. His narrations in Marathi and Hindi found as many takers as those in English. His science popularisation efforts also made him popular, Narlikar recalled in one of his blogs. Following the publication of the Hoyle-Narlikar theory in the early 1960s, Discovery magazine reached out to Narlikar, then a research student, for a popular science article. Narlikar was initially hesitant, but Hoyle encouraged him. The article, titled 'Gravitational Collapse', was well received, and there were follow-up questions, new ideas, and mounting demand for copies of the article. On June 18, 1964, Hoyle and Narlikar got an opportunity to present their theory at the Proceedings of the Royal Society, a memorable day in his life, as Narlikar would recall later. That presentation fuelled more interest in the press and among the public about their work, which was compared with the work of Issac Newton and Albert Einstein. All this, Narlikar said, caught the attention of Indian diplomats, who urged him to plan a series of lectures in India. Narlikar was open to the idea of giving lectures in universities, colleges and research institutions, but he remained unimpressed by 'publicity'. Bharat Darshan: taking science to the masses To popularise science in the country, Narlikar took part in a 'Bharat Darshan' tour in February-March 1965. The tour, organised by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), covered Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bombay, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Madras, Calcutta, Banaras and Agra. The tour was a great success, and Narlikar met with President S Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Education Minister M C Chagla. After the Bharat Darshan tour concluded, Narlikar went on a private visit to Pune, during which he visited the famous Singhagad fort accompanied by the Pune District Collector and local dignitaries. By then, Narlikar's popularity had grown so much that local villagers requested that his car be briefly stopped so that they could catch a glimpse of the brilliant scholar, whom they described as a modern-day Sant Dnyaneshwar. Narlikar recounted that he was touched and humbled by these sentiments, a true appreciation of his idea of taking science to people. In Pune, the attendance for the 'Ask a Scientist' segment organised at 2 pm on every annual National Science Day (NSD) drew a full house at the Chandrashekhar auditorium of the Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). Narlikar was a star, with students and parents patiently waiting to get a photo clicked with him. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Science Day celebrations went online, Jayant Narlikar and his wife Mangala continued to be part of the celebrations. Mangala read out the questions, and Jayant engaged online with students for about an hour. IUCAA's science popularisation today has borne fruit from the seed that Narlikar had sown three decades ago.
