Latest news with #Worlds'
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
National Inter-state meet: Top stars chase Worlds berth
New Delhi: The National Inter State Athletics meet starting in Chennai on Wednesday will be the last opportunity for Indian athletes to book their places for the World Championships in Tokyo. The Worlds' cut-off date is August 24, which will be the last day of the five-day domestic meet in Chennai. File image of Animesh Kujur at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games. (HT) There will be a lot of excitement around 200m sprinter Animesh Kujur, who is inside the qualification cut-off through Road to Tokyo rankings (rank 42 out of 48 possible entries) and would be looking to bolster his chances in Chennai towards making his debut at the World Championships. Kujur has attracted eyeballs this season, producing fast timings in a discipline where Indians do not have much of a pedigree. At the Asian Championships in Gumi, he won bronze, shattering the national record (20.32s). Similar buzz will be around seasoned long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, who came close to breaching the Worlds' entry standard of 8.27m at the World Athletics Continental Tour bronze meet in Bhubaneswar just days back. That Sreeshankar has been able to leap beyond 8m just a month into his long comeback from knee surgery has brought the focus back on the long jump pit, which was seeing some ordinary performances in his absence. In javelin, defending world champion and two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra will lead the Indian charge in Tokyo. Sachin Yadav (ranked 22) and Yashvir Singh sit inside the top-36 cut-off as well. Sachin, silver medallist at the Asian Championships with 85.16m, fell just short of the direct entry mark of 85.50m. Though he has not matched that throw in four outings since, his ranking keeps him safe. Rohit Yadav is close to the cut-off and could sneak in with a strong performance in Chennai. In women's javelin, Annu Rani has hit form at the right time. The Asian Games champion threw 62.59m to win in Poland and added 62.01m for gold at the Indian Open in Bhubaneswar. Another solid effort in Chennai would confirm her ticket to Tokyo. Praveen Chithravel's 17.37m jump has given him a direct berth in triple jump for the Worlds, while Commonwealth Games silver medallist Abdulla Aboobacker, who is holding on to 30th spot (top 36 qualify) in rankings, will be eyeing gold in Chennai to enhance his chances. Their presence promises a lively contest. The relay squads have been India's biggest disappointment this season. Neither the men's nor mixed 4x400m teams managed automatic qualification at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou. The men's team had clocked a stunning 2:59.05 national record at the 2023 Worlds in Budapest but has struggled since due to poor form and injuries. Fourteen nations qualified in Guangzhou, while Japan and Zambia are ahead on time. India sits 19th with 3:00.58 from the Paris Olympics, but this season's best of 3:03.73 in Gumi makes a sub-3 minute effort look unlikely. Among distance runners, Gulveer Singh is one of the few to qualify outright, breaking the 5000m standard (13:01.00) with his 12:59.77 in Boston, a new national record. He is also close in the 10,000m via rankings, though he will not compete in Chennai. Steeplechaser Parul Chaudhary, already qualified with a national mark of 9:12.46, is also absent. That leaves Ankita Dhyani, just outside the rankings cut-off, to chase her Worlds dream in Chennai. For Indian athletes, the meet will be the last push to turn rankings and form into tickets for Tokyo.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Winners of the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships revealed
More than 35,000 spectators attended the two-day event, which brings together the best pipers and drummers from around the globe to compete in what is described as the 'ultimate battle of the bands'. This year's championships finished on Saturday, August 16, with last year's winners, Inveraray & District Pipe Band, retaining the top title. (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) It is the fourth time that the Scottish band, from Argyll and Bute, has been crowned World Pipe Band Champions, first in 2017, then again in 2019, 2024, and 2025. Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, took home second place while North Lanarkshire's Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band won third place. READ NEXT: 11 images from 'Stop The War' demonstration in Glasgow (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: 'We are grateful to all of the competing bands, supporters and spectators who joined us for our 2025 championships. 'This year's 'Worlds' proved to be a fiercely fought contest, and our 2025 World Pipe Band Champions, Inveraray & District Pipe Band, deserve huge congratulations for winning the global title for a second year running. 'Every one of the bands can take great pride in their wonderful performances. They gave us a splendid competition and demonstration of their dedication to excellence, and their outstanding skills and talent.' The event was delivered by Glasgow Life on behalf of The Royal Pipe Band Association with support from EventScotland. Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, added: 'Glasgow is proud to host the global pinnacle of the competitive piping calendar, and of the city's long association with 'the Worlds. 'The championships are hugely valued by us as they shine an international spotlight on Glasgow as a fantastic and welcoming destination for events, attract visitors here from all over the world – boosting tourism and contributing greatly to the Scottish and the city's economy. 'We are grateful to all of this year's fantastic competitors for playing their part in ensuring the great success of the 2025 'Worlds' – and our congratulations go to Inveraray & District Pipe Band on retaining the World Champions title." READ NEXT: 10 pictures from Glasgow's poignant VJ Day parade (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) The 2025 World Pipe Band Championships saw 15 countries represented by 207 bands, 53 of which were from overseas destinations such as Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe. Scotland had the largest national contingent with 122 bands, followed by Northern Ireland with 25 bands, and the USA with 14 bands. Audiences from all over the world were able to view the highlights from the championships on both days via live streaming. This year, the major event included a dedicated youth competition. More than 1500 under-18s took part in the new feature, which celebrated and recognised young talent in piping and drumming. The grade winners were: Juvenile - George Watson's College; Novice Juvenile A - West Lothian Schools; Novice Juvenile B - St John's College Harare of Zimbabwe. Highlights from the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on Thursday, August 21.
The Herald Scotland
07-08-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow gears up for 2025 World Pipe Band Championships
The global pinnacle of the piping competitive circuit, the championships bring together the world's finest pipers and drummers to compete for glory in the ultimate, fiercely-fought 'battle of the bands'. Last year's 'World's' saw more than 7,000 competitors demonstrating their dedication, passion, skills and talent. The event attracted over 35,000 attendees and was also watched by huge virtual audiences worldwide. The two-day contest culminated in Scotland's Inveraray & District Pipe Band taking the title of 2024 World Champions. Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band of Lisburn, Northern Ireland were runners-up and Simon Fraser University of Canada took third place. READ MORE: Pipe bands linked to better exam results for pupils Glasgow tunes up for Scotland's biggest week of bagpipes Bagpipe sales 'in the doldrums' after decline warning This year, with even more bands taking part – a total of 207, representing 15 countries from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand, Oman and Zimbabwe – the competition promises to be intense and exciting. Organisers The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is introducing a new format for the 2025 'Worlds'. On the first day, following the initial performances by Grade 1 bands, the focus will be on young talent. The Juvenile, and Novice Juvenile A and B bands will compete in a dedicated youth competition, giving more than 1,540 under 18s an unprecedented opportunity to shine on 'the Worlds' stage. Friday's finale will be a massed performance by all the young bands followed by their prize-giving celebration, ensuring a memorable, inspiring experience for competitors and spectators alike. On Saturday, the spotlight is on the senior bands as their competition hots up. The two-day 'Worlds' will culminate in the final awards ceremony, when the top six senior grade bands and three drum major grades receive their awards before the announcement of the 2025 World Pipe Band Champions. Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: 'Our decision to stage a dedicated youth competition as part of the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships is underpinned by our mission to nurture young talent in piping and drumming. Showcasing the incredible talent and skills of the next generation, the youth competition also reinforces our ongoing commitment to the future of pipe band music. Inveraray & District Pipe Band won the World Pipe Band Championships in 2024 (Image: Alan Harvey - SNS Group) 'We hope as many people as possible will come to support these brilliant young performers as they take their well-earned place at the heart of the world's premier pipe band event. 'As ever, tickets are in great demand for the event, so anyone who doesn't want to miss out on the experience should book now for Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August.' The championships take place during the world's biggest week of piping, alongside Glasgow International Piping Festival Piping Live! which this year celebrates its 22nd edition, with events taking place from Monday 11 August to Sunday 17 August. 'The Worlds' are staged on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association by Glasgow Life – the charity which delivers culture and active living events and experiences to support mental, physical and economic wellbeing in Glasgow. The event is supported by funding from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland. Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: 'Glasgow is privileged to be home to the world's biggest celebration of Scotland's national instrument. Every summer our great UNESCO City of Music is filled with sensational sounds and sights as the traditional and contemporary music of the bagpipes is showcased during our prestigious World Pipe Band Championships and vibrant Piping Live! festival. The continued success of both events demonstrates the thriving interest there is worldwide in Scottish culture and music. 'The Worlds and Piping Live! are extremely important to, and valued by, Glasgow; they enhance the city's international profile, boost tourism, and contribute significantly to our economy. We are therefore delighted once again to welcome performers, competitors and visitors to these wonderful events.' Rob Dickson, VisitScotland Director of Industry and Events, said: 'There is definitely no better place in the world than Scotland to experience the magic of piping, and both the World Pipe Band Championships – the pinnacle of the competitive piping calendar – and the vibrant Piping Live! as part of our diverse portfolio of events and festivals taking place this summer. 'Events like these not only bring people together to share unforgettable experiences, they also play a vital role in helping driving Scotland's visitor economy. They attract audiences and participants from across the globe, boosting local businesses, supporting jobs, and showcasing our rich cultural heritage to the world. 'Glasgow will once again provide the perfect stage as competitors from across the globe come together to showcase their talents at 'the Worlds', while Piping Live! brings the city to life with a vibrant celebration of both traditional and contemporary bagpipe music.' Further details of the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships, and tickets for the event, are available at
