National Sports Day: Rajnath Singh, Kharge, CMs pay tribute to Major …

New Delhi [India], August 29 (ANI): On the occasion of National Sports Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and several Chief Ministers on Saturday paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and lauded Indian sportspersons for their contribution to the country. sportbet.reviews

Rajnath Singh remembered Major Dhyan Chand, whose birth anniversary is observed as National Sports Day, and praised his contribution to Indian hockey.

“On National Sports Day, I pay homage to Major Dhyan Chand ji, whose unparalleled skill, dedication and love for hockey continue to inspire generations of Indians. I also salute our sportspersons who through their skills, hard work and remarkable achievements are carrying India’s tricolour with pride across the world. Under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, a stronger sporting ecosystem is being built to empower athletes, nurture young talent and turn sporting aspirations into national achievements," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X.

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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to the hockey legend and extended wishes to players and sports enthusiasts.

“Saluting the unparalleled contributions and glorious legacy of ‘The Wizard of Hockey’ Major Dhyan Chand Ji on his birth anniversary. Heartfelt wishes to all players and sports enthusiasts on National Sports Day," Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on X.

“Sports instills discipline, confidence, positive thinking, and the ability to strive in our youth. We must encourage sports more at the grassroots level, so that every talent gets the opportunity to advance. Heartfelt gratitude to all players who have brought glory to India in various sports around the world," he added.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the state’s growing sports infrastructure and emerging talent.

“On National Sports Day, as we pay tributes to the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, we celebrate Assam’s growing sports infra and the young talent emerging from every corner of the State. From Khel Maharan to the national and international arena, our athletes are shining everywhere," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also remembered Major Dhyan Chand and highlighted the values associated with sports.

“On National Sports Day, I pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, whose remarkable dedication and mastery of hockey continue to inspire generations. His contribution to Indian hockey and his three Olympic gold medals remain a proud chapter in our sporting history," Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wrote on X.

“As someone who has always valued sports, I know the discipline, determination and resilience they instil in us stay with us well beyond the field. These moments on the field are close to me because sport has always been about the joy of participation, the spirit of competition and the commitment to give our best," he added.

“Karnataka is home to immense sporting talent, and it is our responsibility to ensure that young athletes have access to quality training, infrastructure and opportunities. We are working to build a stronger sporting ecosystem across the State, so that talent from every part of Karnataka gets the support and platform it deserves," the Karnataka CM wrote.

“To every young sportsperson pursuing a dream, I say this, stay committed, embrace every challenge and keep striving for excellence. Your journey may begin on a field in Karnataka, but with the right determination, there is no limit to how far you can go," he concluded.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also remembered Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary.

“Remembering the legendary hockey maestro and Padma Bhushan Major Dhyan Chand, whose three consecutive Olympic gold medals carved India’s name in golden letters on the world stage, on his Birth Anniversary!" Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also paid tribute to the hockey legend and called for inspiring young Indians to take up sports.

“On National Sports Day, we honour the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand ji and celebrate the passion, perseverance and sporting spirit of every Indian athlete. Let us inspire our youth to play, excel and make India proud on the world stage," Education Minister Pralhad Joshi wrote on X.

National Sports Day is observed in India every year on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, one of the country’s most celebrated hockey players. The day highlights the importance of sports and physical activity while promoting fitness, discipline, teamwork and sporting excellence.

The occasion holds significance for students, families, schools and communities as it encourages people to adopt active and healthy lifestyles. It also provides an opportunity to remember India’s rich sporting legacy and recognise the contributions of athletes, coaches and other members of the sporting community. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to clinch the Grand Chess Tour title, beating Fabiano Caruana of the US with a stunning comeback win in the grand finale here.

Praggnanandhaa made a remarkable turnaround on Thursday after trailing Caruana by six points at the start of the day at the Saint Louis Chess Club here. The Indian eventually prevailed 15-13 to win his maiden GCT title and pocket USD 200,000 as the winning purse.

The title win also guaranteed Praggnanandhaa a spot in the next year’s Grand Chess Tour along with Caruana, and another American Wesley So, who defeated Vincent Keymer of Germany 18-12 to take the third place. “Honestly, I didn’t think I had many chances today… It’s not every day that you can get one win from Fabi, but to get two, it was important in the rapid,” Praggnanandhaa told Chess.com.

The 21-year-old Chennai lad, who has been mentored by five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, started the day six points behind, but pulled another rabbit out of the hat and took a lead of two points after winning both the rapid games (four points to winner per game).

It was even-stevens in the subsequent four games of blitz, with Praggnanandhaa and Caruana winning one each while the remaining two were drawn. The two-point lead at the end of the rapid games proved decisive for the Indian Grandmaster. The first game of the blitz section was a drawn affair before Caruana won the second to level the scores at 12-12.

A determined Praggnanandhaa prevailed over his opponent in the third game to restore his two-point lead (14-12). Had Caruana won the last blitz game, he would have forced two more games with the peculiar time control, followed by armageddon. But, a draw was enough for Praggnanandhaa to win the match, and he did just that to seal a famous title.

“Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa on winning his first-ever Grand Chess Tour title!” Grand Chess Tour’s official handle posted on X. “Pragg defeats Fabiano Caruana in a thrilling final match to cap off an incredible season and claim the GCT crown for the first time in his career! What a comeback, what a fight, and what a way to become champion!”

Earlier this year, Praggnanandhaa had become the first Indian to win the Norway Chess title, a campaign that featured two wins over world number one and tournament favourite Magnus Carlsen.

TKR vs BBT Dream11 Prediction: Nicholas Pooran-led Trinbago Knight Riders will face Chris Green-led Barbados Tridents in the 19th match of the CPL 2026, played at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad.

TKR vs BBT Squad

Trinbago Knight Riders

Colin Munro, Sunil Narine, Matthew Breetzke, Nicholas Pooran(w/c), Matthew Tromp, Kieron Pollard, Dominic Drakes, Akeal Hosein, Abdul Raheem Toppin, Usman Tariq, Alex Hales, Justin Greaves, Terrance Hinds, Amshi de Silva, Joshua Da Silva, Nathan Edward, Ajay Kumar, Dexter Sween

Barbados Tridents

Zachary Carter, Shian Brathwaite, Quinton de Kock(w), Rivaldo Clarke, Kevlon Anderson, Sherfane Rutherford, Chris Green(c), Gudakesh Motie, Daniel Sams, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ramon Simmonds, Brandon King, George Linde, Johann Layne, Sadrack Descarte, Zishan Motara, Jakeem Pollard

Trinbago Knight Riders Unavailable Players

• Injury: NIL
• Others: NIL

Barbados Tridents Unavailable Players

• Injury: NIL
• Others: NIL

TKR vs BBT Probable Playing 11

Trinbago Knight Riders

Colin Munro, Matthew Breetzke, Nicholas Pooran (c), Kieron Pollard, Jyd Goolie, Matthew Tromp, Sunil Narine, Akeal Hosein, Usman Tariq, Dominic Drakes, Abdul-Raheem Toppin

Barbados Tridents

Quinton de Kock (wk), Zachary Carter, Rivaldo Clarke, Sherfane Rutherford, Kevlon Anderson, Chris Green (c), Shian Brathwaite, Daniel Sams, Gudakesh Motie, Ramon Simmonds, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

TKR vs BBT Pitch Report

The surface at Queen’s Park Oval favours batters, but tends to slow down as the game progresses. The bounce can be sluggish at times, with spinners able to get grip and turn off the wickets.

Seam bowlers will be effective with variable bounce in the middle and death overs. Dew will play a crucial role in the upcoming game.

TKR vs BBT Dream11 Prediction

• Batters: K Pollard, S Rutherford, C Munro
• All-rounders: S Narine, C Green, D Sams
• Bowlers: A Hosein, G Motie, MU Rahman
• Wicketkeeper: N Pooran, QD Kock
• Captain: N Pooran
• Vice-Captain: A Hosein

CPL 2026 TKR vs BBT Highlights: Nicholas Pooran-led Trinbago Knight Riders secured a 7-wicket victory against Chris Green-led Barbados Tridents in the 19th match played at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

CPL 2026 TKR vs BBT Playing 11

Trinbago Knight Riders

Barbados Tridents

Zachary Carter, Shian Brathwaite, Quinton de Kock(w), Rivaldo Clarke, Kevlon Anderson, Sherfane Rutherford, Chris Green(c), Gudakesh Motie, Daniel Sams, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ramon Simmonds

CPL 2026 TKR vs BBT Scoreboard

CPL 2026 TKR vs BBT Scorecard

Barbados Tridents Batting

Trinbago Knight Riders Bowling

Trinbago Knight Riders Batting

Barbados Tridents Bowling

CPL 2026 TKR vs BBT Highlights

To Watch CPL 2026 TKR vs BBT Highlights Click >> HERE

Player of the Match

Sunil Narine | Trinbago Knight Riders

Tonight was a bit drier. Lines and lengths were better. As a collective group, we applied pressure from both ends. It’s based on the way the game is going. The lineup we have, we have to try to win the powerplay. It’s to lengthen the batting.

The opportunity came and I grabbed it with both hands. It’s a god-given talent I have and I’m trying to make the most of it. It’s good – nice of the Queen’s Park Cricket Club to give us that for our achievement.