The World around U

  Introduction Ivan Lendl was born on March 7, 1960, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). He is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, dominating the sport during the 1980s. Lendl was known for his powerful baseline game, relentless consistency, and exceptional fitness. He revolutionized modern tennis with his aggressive playing style, emphasizing heavy topspin and intense physical conditioning. Style of Play Lendl was a baseline powerhouse who relied on strong groundstrokes, heavy topspin, and excellent footwork . He had a particularly devastating forehand and a strong two-handed backhand. His serve was also effective, helping him dictate play. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who preferred serve-and-volley tennis, Lendl was among the pioneers of baseline dominance. His mental toughness and rigorous training regimen set new standards in professional tennis. Career Highlights Ranked World No. 1 for 270 weeks , a record at the time (l...

  India Women endured a challenging opening day in their first-ever day-night Test, played at the lively Perth surface, as Australia’s disciplined pace attack left the visitors under pressure. With the conditions favouring the bowlers, wickets tumbled throughout the day. While India’s batters largely faltered, the bowlers fought back bravely to keep the contest alive. A total of 13 wickets fell on the opening day, including 10 from India, highlighting the demanding nature of the pitch. Batting first after Australia captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and opted to field, India were bundled out for 198 in their first innings. The innings began poorly for India as Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for just 4 runs bowled by debutant Luis Hamilton. The opening pair of Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal tried to stabilise the innings but failed to convert their starts into substantial contributions. Shafali looked promising, played some glorious  drives but fell for 35, attempting to acceler...

  India booked their place in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating England by a thrilling seven-run margin in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium. In a high-scoring contest packed with drama, India posted a formidable 253 for 7 in 20 overs. England responded bravely but fell just short, finishing on 246 for 7 despite a magnificent century from Jacob Bethell. England required 30 runs in the final over and managed to score 22, but India held their nerve to seal victory. Bethell was the standout performer for England with a sensational 105. For India, Hardik Pandya claimed two wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel took one each. India will now face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Bethell’s Century Keeps England in the Hunt Chasing a daunting target of 254, England did not begin well and lost two early wickets at 38. Phil Salt (5) and captain Harry Brook (7) were dismissed...

    South Africa walked into the T20 World Cup semi-final as overwhelming favourites. Unbeaten in the tournament and brimming with confidence, Aiden Markram’s men seemed poised to shed their long-standing “chokers” tag. Instead, the Proteas suffered yet another crushing knockout blow. In a one-sided contest at Eden Gardens, New Zealand dismantled South Africa with clinical precision to book their place in a second T20 World Cup final. A packed Eden had gathered in anticipation of a high-octane thriller. What unfolded, however, was a stark mismatch. Winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to bowl first — a decision that paid instant dividends. The relatively unheralded Cole McConchie struck twice in the second over, jolting South Africa early  with wickets of southpaws DeKock (10) & Rickleton (0) . From that point onward, the Proteas never truly recovered. Markram’s (18) controversial dismissal further deepened the crisis. David Miller (6) , the he...

  Zico, born Arthur Antunes Coimbra, is widely regarded as one of the greatest attacking midfielders in football history. Known as the “White Pelé,” he was the creative heartbeat of Brazil during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Zico combined elegance, vision and extraordinary technical ability, becoming one of the finest playmakers and free-kick specialists the game has ever seen.   Early stages  Zico was born on 3 March 1953 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a young boy, he was physically slight and initially doubted by coaches. However, through disciplined strength training and relentless practice, he developed into a complete footballer. His rise from a frail youth prospect to a global superstar remains one of the most inspiring stories in Brazilian football. Style of Play Zico was an attacking midfielder blessed with superb ball control, sharp vision and exceptional passing accuracy. He had the ability to dictate tempo, unlock defenses with through balls and score spectac...

  Jackie Joyner-Kersee is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in the history of track and field. She dominated the heptathlon and long jump during the 1980s and 1990s and became an icon of versatility, strength and competitive spirit. Her performances made her one of the most celebrated Olympians of all time, and she set records that still stand decades after her retirement. Date of Birth and Early Life Jackie Joyner-Kersee was born on March 3, 1962, in East St. Louis, Illinois, USA. From a young age she showed remarkable athletic talent across multiple sports, including track and field, basketball and volleyball. Her early success in athletics during high school paved the way for a scholarship at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she eventually focused on the heptathlon under the guidance of coach Bob Kersee, whom she later married.  Style of Play (Sporting Style) Joyner-Kersee excelled in the heptathlon, a demanding track and field ev...

  Inzamam-ul-Haq was born on March 3, 1970, in Multan, Pakistan. He was one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen, known for his calm demeanor, exceptional timing, and ability to play under pressure. Inzamam was a technically sound middle-order batsman who could anchor innings as well as accelerate when required. He played a crucial role in Pakistan’s success during the 1990s and early 2000s and later served as the team’s captain and chief selector. Style of Play Inzamam was a classical right-handed batsman with a strong technique and elegant stroke play. He was known for his ability to pace his innings perfectly, shifting gears when necessary. Despite his large frame, he had remarkable agility when playing his shots, particularly his flicks and drives. He was strong on pulls & hooks off genuine quick bowling .  While he wasn’t the quickest runner between the wickets, he made up for it with his excellent placement and shot selection. Batting, Bowling & Fielding Records ...

  Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal, but it's also observed in other parts of the world with Hindu communities. It signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Here's how it's celebrated in detail: 1. **Holika Dahan**: The festivities usually begin with the lighting of a bonfire the night before Holi, known as Holika Dahan. This ritual symbolizes the burning of the demoness Holika, who tried to kill Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. 2. **Play with Colors**: The main event of Holi involves people throwing colored powders and water at each other. People roam the streets, parks, and temples, smearing each other with colors, water balloons, and water guns. It's a joyful and colorful celebration, where social norms are relaxed, and people of all ages participate. 3. **Music and Dance**: Holi is also celebrated with music, dance, and traditional folk songs. People gather to sing and dance, often accompanied by drums and ot...

  This is how a comeback is scripted. Days ago, it seemed Sanju Samson might spend the World Cup on the bench. Instead, he powered India into the semifinals with a superb unbeaten 97, guiding a five-wicket win over West Indies at Eden Gardens. India will now face England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, though concerns over spin bowling, fielding lapses and Abhishek Sharma’s form remain. West Indies posted 195/4 after Suryakumar Yadav chose to bowl. Roston Chase and Shai Hope added 68 for the first wicket, with India missing chances in the field. Late hitting from Rovman Powell (34*)and Jason Holder (37*) lifted the total beyond 190. Heytmer (27) & Rutherford (14) were dismissed in time before they could create further damage .Bumrah took 2 wickets.  India’s chase began nervously. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan fell early, and Suryakumar could not convert his start. But Samson looked in complete control, reaching his fifty in 26 balls and keeping the required rate in c...

  Holi ka Dahan , also known as Chhoti Holi , is an important ritual celebrated a day before Holi , symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The festival involves lighting a bonfire in the evening, signifying the burning away of negativity, evil forces, and impurities. Mythological Story Behind Holi ka Dahan The most popular legend associated with Holi ka Dahan is the story of Prahlad and Holika : King Hiranyakashipu , a demon king, was granted a boon that made him nearly invincible. His arrogance led him to believe that he was a god, and he demanded that everyone worship him instead of Lord Vishnu. However, his own son Prahlad was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to bow to his father’s commands. Enraged, Hiranyakashipu tried several times to kill Prahlad, but all his attempts failed. Finally, he sought the help of his sister Holika , who had a divine cloak that made her immune to fire. She tricked Prahlad into sitting on a pyre with her. As the fire was li...

  Unbeaten South Africa marched into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup after registering their seventh consecutive win. Led by Aiden Markram, the Proteas defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets in their final Super Eight match on Sunday. Zimbabwe, powered by a fine all-round effort from Sikandar Raza, posted 153 for 7 after being asked to bat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. In reply, South Africa chased down the target in 17.5 overs, finishing on 154 for 5. They will now face New Zealand national cricket team in the first semi-final at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. South Africa had a shaky start, losing two wickets for just 14 runs. Markram managed only 4, while Quinton de Kock was dismissed for a duck. The innings was stabilised by Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis. Rickelton struck 31 off 22 balls, including four sixes, while Brevis counter-attacked with a brisk 42 off 18 deliveries, smashing two fours and four sixes. David Miller contributed 22 off 16 balls, hitting two fours and two ...

It was a farewell befitting a champion. Alyssa Healy brought down the curtain on her international career in spectacular fashion, smashing 158 off 98 balls in the third ODI against India on Sunday to power Australia to a commanding 185-run victory. Playing their first 50-over series after winning the ODI World Cup at home, India endured a humbling whitewash at the hands of the hosts, led brilliantly by Healy in Hobart. Her husband, Mitchell Starc, was present in the stands to witness the memorable knock, as Healy ensured she left the international stage with an indelible mark. Australia Post 409 on the Back of Healy’s Masterclass After being asked to bat first, Australia built their innings around Healy’s aggressive intent from the outset. Although Phoebe Litchfield failed to convert her start, Healy dominated proceedings. She found strong support from Georgia Voll, who followed up her century in the previous match with a brisk 62 off 52 balls. The pair added 104 runs for the second wi...

  The Sivadol (also spelled Shivadol) is one of the most magnificent and tallest Shiva temples in Northeast India. Located on the banks of the historic Sivasagar Tank (Borpukhuri) in Sivasagar district, Assam, it is a grand symbol of the Ahom dynasty’s architectural brilliance and devotion to Lord Shiva. The temple complex includes three major shrines: Sivadol – dedicated to Lord Shiva Vishnudol – dedicated to Lord Vishnu Devidol – dedicated to Goddess Durga Together, they form one of Assam’s most sacred temple clusters. History (In Detail) Ahom Dynasty Construction The Sivadol was constructed in 1734 CE by Queen Ambika, the queen of Ahom king Siva Singha. After the king’s death, Queen Ambika commissioned the temple as an expression of devotion and royal patronage toward Shaivism. Ahom Religious Influence The Ahoms originally followed Tai religious traditions but gradually adopted Hinduism, especially Shaivism and Shaktism, blending Assamese and Indic traditions. Sivadol became: A ...

  For long stretches on Saturday, it was difficult to tell whether this was a World Cup match or a mathematics examination. Pakistan appeared to walk onto the field with calculators firmly in hand. This was a do-or-die encounter for them, and the permutations were relentless. With England defeating New Zealand earlier, a narrow window to the semifinals in Super Eight Group 2 had reopened for Pakistan. But despite throwing everything they had into the contest, Salman Ali Agha’s side failed to crack the decisive equation. Even before the match ended, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign effectively came to a close. The decisive moment arrived in the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s chase, when their score crossed 147. That single figure sounded Pakistan’s death knell. With that, the semifinal ticket was sealed for New Zealand, who will now play at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, in what promises to be a marquee occasion at cricket’s much-loved venue. Batting first in a match of enormous consequence, Pak...

  Sepp Maier, born on February 28, 1944, is a former German football goalkeeper celebrated for his remarkable career primarily with Bayern Munich and the West German national team. A crucial part of Bayern Munich's dominance during the 1970s, Maier won numerous titles, including three consecutive European Cups from 1974 to 1976. His agile and acrobatic goalkeeping style made him a fan favorite, earning him the nickname "Die Katze von Anzing" (The Cat from Anzing). Maier played a pivotal role in West Germany's triumph in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his exceptional shot-stopping abilities. His career spanned over two decades, and upon retirement, Sepp Maier solidified his legacy as one of the all-time great goalkeepers in football history. Sepp Maier, a legendary German goalkeeper, achieved significant success throughout his illustrious career. Spending the majority of his playing years with Bayern Munich, Maier played a pivotal role in the club's golden era...

  Dino Zoff, an Italian football legend, was born on February 28, 1942. Renowned as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport, Zoff's illustrious career spanned from the 1960s to the early 1980s. He achieved global recognition for his remarkable performances, notably leading Italy to victory in the 1982 FIFA World Cup at the age of 40, making him the oldest goalkeeper to win the prestigious tournament. Zoff's exceptional shot-stopping ability, leadership on the field, and longevity have solidified his legacy as an icon in football history. Dino Zoff's illustrious football career is marked by numerous achievements and accolades. He began his professional journey with Udinese in 1961 and later played for Mantova and Napoli before joining Juventus in 1972. At Juventus, Zoff enjoyed considerable success, winning six Serie A titles and capturing the UEFA Cup in 1977. One of his crowning achievements came in 1982 when, as the captain and goalkeeper for the Itali...

  New Zealand squandered a golden opportunity to book their place in the semifinals, going down in a nerve-shredding last-over thriller against England on Friday. A victory would have sealed their passage to the final four, but England held their nerve to snatch a dramatic win. Already through to the semifinals, England had little at stake — yet their triumph may have delighted Pakistan the most, as it keeps them mathematically alive in the tournament. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand made a blistering start. Their openers attacked from the outset, scoring so fluently that a total in excess of 200 looked well within reach. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the seventh over. Adil Rashid struck with the final ball of the over, deceiving Tim Seifert (35) with a clever leg-spin delivery. Almost immediately, Will Jacks removed Finn Allen (29), who perished attempting an ambitious stroke, caught at deep midwicket. From a commanding 64 without loss, New ...

  India were comprehensively outplayed by Australia in the second ODI at Hobart, as the visitors clinched the series with a game to spare. Playing their first ODI series after being crowned world champions, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side has stumbled badly, suffering back-to-back defeats. Chasing 252, Australia cruised home in just 36.1 overs with five wickets in hand, underlining their dominance. Earlier, India posted a competitive but underwhelming 251 for 9 after being asked to bat. Returning from injury, Pratika Rawal finally found some runs but consumed valuable deliveries. Her 52 off 81 balls lacked fluency and stalled India’s momentum early on. Smriti Mandhana chipped in with 31 off 37, and the opening pair added a steady 78, but the scoring rate remained modest. Jemimah Rodrigues endured another disappointing outing, managing just 11. Since her match-winning century against Australia in the World Cup semifinal, runs have dried up for her. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur registered yet an...

  Graeme Pollock is a former South African cricketer, born on February 27, 1944. He was a left-handed batsman and is widely regarded as one of the finest cricketers in the history of the game. Pollock played 23 Tests for South Africa between 1963 and 1970. During his career, Pollock showcased exceptional batting skills, scoring 2,256 runs at an impressive average of 60.97, including seven centuries and 11 half-centuries. His elegant and powerful style made him a formidable force in international cricket. Unfortunately, his Test career was cut short due to South Africa's exclusion from international cricket during the apartheid era. Despite the limited number of matches, Pollock's impact on the game and his statistical achievements solidify his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. Graeme Pollock was renowned for his impeccable batting skills, characterized by a combination of elegance, technique, and power. As a left-handed batsman, he displayed a fluid and ...

  Abhishek’s Comeback Fifty, All-Round India Ease Past Zimbabwe; Proteas’ Favourable Result Adds to Suryavanshi’s Relief Even before the match began, South Africa had already made life a lot easier for the Indian camp by defeating West Indies. With that result working in their favour, the Indian stars took care of the remaining task in commanding fashion. The biggest relief for the team, ahead of their arrival in Kolkata, was the return to form of Abhishek Sharma. Recovering from illness, the young southpaw rediscovered his rhythm and announced it emphatically with a sparkling half-century. Smashing four boundaries and four sixes, he scored a fluent 55, underlining the old adage — class is permanent. Critics may argue that the knock came against Zimbabwe, but after a sequence of low scores, the confidence with which he dispatched pulls and sweeps to the boundary will serve as a huge boost for the matches ahead. With Rinku Singh unavailable, Sanju was drafted into the XI and promote...

  Before landing in Chennai, India’s focus was firmly fixed 1,404 kilometres away in Ahmedabad, where South Africa took on West Indies. Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates were desperately hoping for a Proteas victory — and they got exactly that. Riding on a dominant batting display, South Africa brushed aside West Indies by nine wickets with minimal fuss. The comprehensive win significantly helped India’s equation, as victories in their remaining two matches would now ensure qualification without having to rely on net run rate. Captain Aiden Markram, who had earlier played a crucial role in South Africa’s win over India, once again led from the front with an unbeaten half-century to seal the chase in style. West Indies posted 176/8 after being put in to bat, but South Africa chased down the target comfortably, losing just one wicket in the process. The defeat also dented West Indies’ net run rate (1.791), while South Africa’s impressive NRR of 2.890 has virtually secured their semi...

  Li Na was born on 26 February 1982 in Wuhan, Hubei, China. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential tennis players in history and the greatest Asian female tennis player of the Open Era. By breaking long-standing barriers in global tennis, Li Na transformed the sport’s popularity across Asia and inspired a generation of players from non-traditional tennis nations. Style of Play Li Na was an aggressive baseline player known for: A devastating flat forehand Powerful two-handed backhand Early ball striking and sharp angles Fearless attacking mindset She thrived on hard courts and clay, using pace and precision to dictate rallies. Unlike many defensive players of her era, Li preferred to take the ball early and finish points quickly, often overwhelming opponents with controlled aggression. Career Highlights in Detail Rise in International Tennis Li Na turned professional in 1999 and initially competed under China’s state sports system before becoming one of the first Chi...