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Aahen Meitram secures Maharashtra berth for 64th National Roller Skating Meet

Aahen Meitram, a professional roller hockey player currently residing in Pune, has successfully cleared the National Selection Trials to represent Maharashtra at the upcoming 64th National Roller Skating Championship The prestigious national event is scheduled to take place from December 5 to 15, 2026, in Bengaluru Organized by the Skating Association of Maharashtra SAM , the selection trials were held today, November 1, 2026, at the Meenatai Skating Rink in Pimpri br br table align center cellpadding 5 width 610 tbody tr td table class capbox width 100 tbody tr td img width 600 src https www e paolive net galleries images News Related 2026 11 Aahen 20261102 jpg border 1 alt Aahen Meitram secures Maharashtra berth for 64th National Roller Skating Meet td tr tr td align center Aahen Meitram secures Maharashtra berth for 64th National Roller Skating Meet td tr tbody table td tr tbody table br br Aahen secured her place in the State squad after navigating intense competition at both the district and State levels Notably, her team clinched the gold medal at the recent Pune District Skating Competition She will compete in the Cadet Girls Quads Category 9 12 years and stands out as the youngest player in the lineup, according to the Roller Skating Federation of India RSFI format This marks the second consecutive year that the young prodigy has qualified through the national selection trials Aahen currently trains at the Speed Wheels Skating Club in Pashan under the expert guidance of coach Abhijeet Chaudhary She is the daughter of Dr Meitram Niraj Luwang and Ambica Shougrakpam, and has a sibling Niami Meitram Source The Sangai Express

E-Pao 2 Nov 2026 6:00 am

Student killed as water tanker runs over her at Kalewadi

The Times of India 2 Nov 2026 12:58 am

4 captive tigers may move to Pune zoo as Tadoba TTC bursts at seams

21 Big Cats Housed At Transit Facility With Only 7 Large Enclosures

The Times of India 2 Nov 2026 12:47 am

Sr citizen loses over 2 crore in elaborate cyber fraud

The Times of India 2 Nov 2026 12:38 am

Friend arrested for assaulting autorickshaw driver to death

The Times of India 2 Nov 2026 12:36 am

Sudden showers deal twin blow to Punes paddy growers

The Times of India 2 Nov 2026 12:25 am

Hinjewadi residents forced to micromanage civic solutions

The Times of India 2 Nov 2026 12:09 am

Dakar Youth Olympics: Shuttlers Dev Ruparelia, Tanvi Patri make winning starts

Digital Desk | Dakar (Senegal), Nov 1 (IANS) Second seed Dev Ruparelia and top star Tanvi Patri made winning starts in their respective men's and women's singles preliminary groups in the badminton competition at the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, on Sunday. Ruparelia, fresh off his international junior Grand Prix title in Pune, defeated H. Nournan of Senegal in straight sets in men's singles Group H, winning 21-9, 21-3 on Sunday. Tanvi Patri, seeded third, too, had it easy as she defeated Jang Yu Jeong of South Korea in womens singles Group F, winning 21-8, 21-11. Second seed Dev Ruparelia has been placed in Group H of the mens singles competition alongside Shaurya Gullaiya (Canada), Petr Briza (Czech Republic) and Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Diagne (Senegal). In the womens singles competition, third seed Tanvi Patri has been drawn in Group F, where she will face Smrithi Adepu (Australia), Sara Patricia Delgado Gonzalez (Mexico) and Jang Yu Jeong (Korea). The badminton competition at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games will feature mens and womens singles events, with 32 players competing in each category. The competition will be played across two stages - Group Stage followed by the Knockouts. The players have been divided into eight groups of four, with each player facing the other three players in their respective group. The group winner from each group will advance to the quarter-finals of the knockout stage, followed by the semi-finals and medal matches, with the gold and bronze medals decided on November 5. Both Indian shuttlers will look to top their respective groups and secure a place in the knockout stages as they aim to make their mark on the Youth Olympic stage. Meanwhile, Ecuador's Elvira Espinosa won the first gold medal of the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games on Sunday, clocking a personal-best 4 minutes, 22.87 seconds in the women's 400-metre freestyle. The Ecuadorian improved on her previous personal best of 4:25.34, set at the 2026 South American Youth Games. That's my best result in all the competitions I had, and this gold medal is the best of the best, she added. The fastest heat began at around 10:19 a.m. local time at the outdoor 50-meter pool at Complexe Tour l'Oeuf, with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius under cloudy skies. In my country, the weather is similar, but the sun is not that burning like this. The water was good. I don't have a problem with that, Espinosa said. South Africa's Leah Markgraaff took silver in 4:26.13, while Belgium's Celya Paques claimed bronze in 4:28.37.

bhaskarlive 1 Nov 2026 11:57 pm

Pune varsity offers scholarships to 8 NE students

The Times of India 1 Nov 2026 11:32 pm

Pune Metro Line 3: Route, station list, timings and connectivity - all you need to know

Pune Metro Line 3, connecting Maan and Hinjewadi IT Park with Shivajinagar, will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on November 3. Services on the 23.2-km corridor will begin at 6 am on November 4, with 17 of its 23 stations opening initially.

Livemint 1 Nov 2026 11:21 pm

Goa bounce back to beat Inter Kashi in ISL thriller

FC Goa secured their first Indian Super League season victory, defeating Inter Kashi FC 2-1 in Pune on Sunday. Goals from Francisco Feuillassier and Christian Borrego sealed the win for the Gaurs, despite a temporary equalizer from Sumeet Passi for Inter Kashi. This marks Inter Kashi FC's third defeat of the campaign.

Rediff 1 Nov 2026 11:14 pm

ISL 2026/27: Franchu, Chiki strike as FC Goa beat Inter Kashi to secure first win of campaign

Digital Desk | Pune, Nov 1 (IANS) FC Goa registered their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026/27 season with a 2-1 victory over Inter Kashi FC, producing a strong second-half performance to secure all three points at the football stadium at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Sunday. Goals from Francisco Feuillassier (35) and Christian Borrego (66) on either side of a Sumeet Passi strike (51) helped the Gaurs turn the contest in their favour, handing Inter Kashi FC their third defeat of the campaign. Inter Kashi looked to create opportunities early in the game, with Jeetu attempting to connect with a delivery into the box, but his header went wide. Ayush Chikkara also tried his luck from distance, unleashing an effort from nearly 25 yards, but failed to make the required connection as the ball sailed over the crossbar. FC Goa gradually grew into the contest and took the lead in the 32nd minute through Franchu, with Isak Ralte playing a key role in the move. Driving forward, the Goa winger turned away from his marker before setting up Franchu, who calmly side-footed the ball into the bottom corner. Isak came close to doubling the Gaurs' advantage only five minutes later, but his floated effort towards the far corner narrowly missed the target. Inter Kashi found their way into the game in the second period, scoring the equaliser only five minutes after the restart when Rosenberg Gabriel produced an excellent cross from the right to find Sumeet Passi, who slotted past a rooted Bob Jackson between the Goa sticks. Gouramangi Singhs side looked to respond soon after when Sandesh Jhingan got on the end of a set-piece, but his header went wide of the mark. Moments later, Feuillassier broke the Inter Kashi lines to needle a pass for substitute Muhammed Nemil, who squared the ball away from an onrushing Albino Gomes and towards Chiki. The Spaniard made no mistake, scoring past Pratik Chaudharys attempted block to score his second goal of the season and put the Gaurs back in the lead. Inter Kashi attempted to fight their way back into the contest, but FC Goa maintained their advantage as the match approached its closing stages. Goa boss Gouramangi was sent off in the closing stages after kicking the ball away in an attempt to delay the restart. Despite their efforts, Inter Kashi could not find a way back into the game, as FC Goa held on to register their first win of the season.

bhaskarlive 1 Nov 2026 10:40 pm

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express flagged off by Railway Minister

The overnight service will connect Bengaluru with Mumbai via Anantapur, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur and Pune, improving connectivity across three States

The Hindu 1 Nov 2026 9:16 pm

Polls concluded largely peacefully: AP Election Commissioner

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Sunday, November 1, said polling for 100 urban local bodies across the state was peaceful in most areas, barring a few incidents reported from certain places. Addressing a press conference here, Punetha said the State Election Commission has accorded the highest priority to maintain law and Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 1 Nov 2026 7:47 pm

Polling ends for elections to 92 urban bodies in Andhra Pradesh

Digital Desk | Amaravati, Nov 1 (IANS) Polling for elections to 92 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Andhra Pradesh was peaceful, barring minor incidents, State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha said on Sunday. The polling, which began at 7 a.m. in 13 Municipal Corporations and 79 Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats, ended at 5 p.m. Those standing in queues at 5 p.m. were allowed to cast their votes. Based on preliminary information received from the districts, a voter turnout of 48.03% was recorded up to 3:00 p.m. The polling staff will arrive at the reception centres with the ballot boxes and election materials. The details of votes cast at each polling station will be verified to calculate the final voter turnout percentage. The turnout percentage will be announced by Monday, once complete details are received from the reception centres, he said. As many as 99.35 lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes at 11,378 polling centres. The fate of 10,262 candidates contesting for mayoral, chairperson and ward-level posts will be known on November 3 when the counting of votes will be taken up. Elections for the posts of chairpersons of 17 Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats were unanimous. Both chairpersons and ward members were elected unopposed in eight Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats. A total of 153 candidates contested for mayor posts in 13 municipal corporations while 367 candidates were in the fray for the posts of chairpersons in 70 Municipalities. Of the total 922 corporator wards, polling was held for 804 wards as the election was unanimous in the remaining 118 wards. A total of 3,077 candidates contested for 804 municipal wards. A total of 6,669 candidates were in the fray for 2,382 wards in Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats. The SEC said he conducted review meetings with District Collectors, Superintendents of Police (SPs), Police Commissioners, DIGs, and election observers to ensure a peaceful polling process. The Commissioner stated that complaints and representations regarding the conduct of the elections had been received from representatives of various political parties in the state. He directed the police department, District Collectors, SPs, and Police Commissioners to look into these complaints and take necessary action. The Commissioner stated that he held a discussion lasting approximately 45 minutes with the District Collectors of Nandyal, Kadapa, Palnadu, Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Anantapur, Kurnool, Annamayya, and Sri Satya Sai districts regarding the polling process, complaints received, and any incidents of violence. He mentioned that the Collectors reported that polling was proceeding peacefully in the majority of the districts, with only minor complaints received in a few areas. He clarified that in some districts, no complaints or incidents of violence were reported at all. Anil Chandra Punetha announced that in ward 55 of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, where polling began about two and a half hours late due to technical and other issues, the voting hours have been extended from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to ensure that voters have the opportunity to exercise their franchise. He stated that this decision was made after considering a request from the District Collector and in accordance with the powers vested in the Election Commission. The Commissioner noted that the District Collectors of Palnadu and Anantapur had brought certain incidents that occurred in their respective districts to his attention. It was stated that after the polling concludes, reports from the Presiding Officers (POs) and other evidence will be examined; if the complaints are found to be substantiated, further action will be taken in accordance with the regulations. IG Raja Kumari stated that approximately 40 incidents were reported during the polling on Sunday, and 275 FIRs have been registered. She mentioned that all these incidents are being thoroughly examined, and FIRs are being filed in cases where criminal elements are identified.

bhaskarlive 1 Nov 2026 7:32 pm

Bullet Train Corridor to connect Bengaluru with Hyderabad & Chennai, Vande Bharat linking Bengaluru & Mangaluru soon: Vaishnaw

Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Nov 1 (IANS) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday announced that the proposed South Bullet Train corridor would connect Bengaluru with Hyderabad, Amaravati, and Chennai, while a Vande Bharat train service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru would be introduced in the coming weeks after the completion of electrification and testing work. In his remarks on the occasion of the flagging off of the Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai on the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava, Vaishnaw said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved the South Bullet Train corridor, which would integrate major technology and economic centres in the region and create a multiplier effect for southern states. He said the proposed corridor would significantly reduce travel time, with the journey between Bengaluru and Chennai expected to take just 73 minutes and Bengaluru and Hyderabad around two hours and 10 minutes. These two cities, Bengaluru and Chennai, will become one city, he said, adding that the connectivity would strengthen economic integration among major cities in southern India. Vaishnaw said that as India moved towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister had approved 4,000 km of bullet train corridors, and another 3,000 km would be announced in the coming days. He expressed confidence that the proposed Bengaluru-Pune bullet train corridor, which would cover the northern parts of Karnataka, would also become a reality. Referring to the demand for better railway connectivity along the Karnataka coast, the Union Minister said Mangaluru was an important city, and that electrification and testing work on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route would be completed in the next few weeks. We will have a Mangaluru-Bengaluru Vande Bharat train. That will connect the entire region with very good, high-class connectivity, he said. Vaishnaw also announced plans for another Vande Bharat Sleeper service in Karnataka, which would connect Bengaluru with northern Karnataka, travel towards Hubballi, and proceed to Pune and Mumbai. On the route of the newly introduced Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai, he said the train would travel from Bengaluru through Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh before re-entering Karnataka through Raichur, Yadgir, and Kalaburagi and proceeding to Maharashtra. He said the route would cover a significant portion of North Karnataka, which had not received adequate railway connectivity earlier. The route was finalised after consultations with Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and V. Somanna. Recalling the commitment behind the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper service, Vaishnaw said November 1, Karnataka Rajyotsava, was an auspicious occasion to launch the service. He said the Prime Minister had guided the Railways to keep the common man and middle-class families in mind while introducing modern railway services, ensuring that the poorest of the poor, youth and women also benefited. Keeping this in mind, three different types of trains Namo Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Vande Bharat have been introduced, and their services are being made available to people, he said. Vaishnaw said the new sleeper service would connect Bengaluru, the country's technology and start-up capital, with Mumbai, the financial capital. During his address, Union Minister Joshi stood up to congratulate Vaishnaw following his announcement on the proposed bullet train corridor. Subsequently, the leaders joined hands and raised slogans of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Vaishnaw attributed the expansion of railway infrastructure and improved connectivity to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, saying the initiatives were contributing to building a new image for India.

bhaskarlive 1 Nov 2026 7:23 pm

Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper train flagged off

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the next Vande Bharat Sleeper train for Karnataka will originate from Bengaluru, connect several parts of North Karnataka towards Hubballi, and then proceed towards Pune and Mumbai

Mid Day 1 Nov 2026 6:34 pm

Bengaluru Pune Could Be Among Next High-Speed Corridors: Vaishnaw

He announced that the Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express would be introduced within the next few weeks, as electrification and testing on the route had been completed

Deccan Chronicle 1 Nov 2026 5:04 pm

EKA Mobility expands manufacturing footprint

The company said the six plants in Pune and Pithampur are part of an 11-facility network spread across 120 acres, with annual capacity for more than 40,000 electric vehicles and investment exceeding Rs 3,500 crore.

Your Story 1 Nov 2026 3:10 pm

Vaishnaw Flags Off Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express

The service' scheduled stoppages are Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan

Deccan Chronicle 1 Nov 2026 1:37 pm

Urban local body elections begin in Andhra Pradesh

State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha and his team of officers are personally monitoring the conduct of the elections, for which elaborate arrangements were made, including the installation of CCTV cameras and deployment of drones at places where clashes are anticipated

The Hindu 1 Nov 2026 11:30 am

PMC mulls policy for financial aid to accident victims

The Times of India 1 Nov 2026 1:10 am

Man shoots himself dead in hotel room

The Times of India 1 Nov 2026 1:06 am

Pune Rural police withdraw Rana Suryavanshis security

The Times of India 1 Nov 2026 12:59 am

Accused in Ketank Agarwal Murder Case Seeks Bail in Pune Court

Sia Goyal, accused in the Ketank Agarwal murder case, filed a bail application in Pune as hearings begin. Accused in Ketank Agarwal Murder Case Seeks Bail in Pune Court

Daily Kiran 31 Oct 2026 10:57 pm

Punes Metro Service from Maan-Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar Set to Launch on November 4

Punes long-awaited metro service will begin on November 4, connecting Maan-Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, enhancing daily commutes. Punes Metro Service from Maan-Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar Set to Launch on November 4

Daily Kiran 31 Oct 2026 10:51 pm

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham | Song - Deewana Hai Dekho

Watch the song 'Deewana Hai Dekho' from the Hindi movie 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' starring Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor. The original song is sung by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik, with music composed by Sandesh Shandilya and lyrics penned by Sameer Anjaan. This reimagined version is performed by Shruti Dhasmana, with music composed by Aatman. The music video has been directed by Puneet Chalana. To know more about 'Deewana Hai Dekho' song from Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor starrer 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', watch the video.

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 7:47 pm

PM Modi to virtually inaugurate Pune Metro Line-3 on Nov 4

Digital Desk | Pune, Oct 31 (IANS) In a major milestone for Pune city's public transport system, the long-awaited Pune Metro Line-3 (Maan-Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar) will be inaugurated via videoconferencing by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 4. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Sunetra Ajit Pawar will grace the occasion as chief guests. The ceremony will take place at 10:30 AM at the Badminton Hall of the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Mhalunge-Balewadi. Actual passenger services on this line will commence at 6:00 AM on November 4, 2026. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority Commissioner, Dr Abhijit Chaudhari, told reporters on Saturday that Pune Metro Line-3 is a 23.203-kilometre fully elevated metro corridor, popularly known as Puneri Metro and the Pink Line. Originating at Maan, the route passes through Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjawadi to connect with Shivajinagar, a major administrative and commercial hub of Pune. The total estimated cost of the project, including land acquisition and utility shifting, is Rs 8,313 crore. It has been executed on a DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under the Central Governments 'National Metro Rail Policy, 2017'. As per the concession agreement with PMRDA, the project is being implemented by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed through a joint venture between TRIL Urban Transport Private Limited and Siemens Project Ventures GmbH. Out of the total 23 stations on this line, 17 stations will be opened to passengers starting November 3. Among these, seven stations will open with a single staircase operational. These include Station No. 1 (Maan), 2 (Maan-MIDC Circle Phase-2), 3 (Maan-Bus Depot), 5 (Hinjawadi Phase-2 Circle-1), 6 (Padmabhushan Chowk), 21 (College of Agriculture), and 23 (District and Sessions Court). The remaining ten stations will have both staircases open to commuters. These include Station No. 4 (Hinjawadi Phase-2 Circle-2), 7 (Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Hinjawadi), 8 (Hinjawadi Phase-1), 9 (Wakad Chowk), 10 (Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mhalunge), 11 (MITCON, Balewadi), 12 (R. K. Laxman Museum, Balewadi), 17 (Aundh), 18 (Sakal Nagar), and 19 (Savitribai Phule Pune University). Among the remaining six stations, work on Station Nos. 13 and 14 is in its final phase and will be completed by the end of November 2026. The remaining four stations (Nos. 15, 16, 20, and 22), along with their staircases, will be completed and commissioned in phases by January 2027. To ensure seamless onward travel after exiting the metro, multi-modal integration is being implemented. Dedicated pick-up and drop-off points are being set up right outside the stations for PMPML buses, rickshaws, app-based taxis (Ola, Uber), and e-bikes. Parking facilities for two-wheelers and four-wheelers are also being made available near metro stations to ensure safe vehicle parking. Priority has also been given to pedestrian and cyclist safety alongside road traffic. For this purpose, dedicated cycle tracks, wide footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and foot overbridges are being constructed. This will significantly help reduce traffic congestion, particularly in the Hinjawadi area, said Dr Chaudhari. The entire corridor has been inspected by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). Final safety approval was granted by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) on July 23, 2026, for the first phase of 12.60 km from Maan (PMR-1) to R. K. Laxman Museum, Balewadi (PMR-12), and on September 23, 2026, for the section covering the remaining five stations. For station security, 350 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC) have been deployed. An advanced passenger information system and ticketing system have been developed to assist commuters with trip planning, station navigation, and a hassle-free travel experience. A joint mobile app has been developed for passengers travelling on both Maha Metros existing lines and the newly launching Metro Line-3. Under this project, a total solar power generation capacity of 7.60 MW has been installed6.10 MW at metro stations and 1.50 MW at the car depot. This green energy will fulfil nearly 30% of the project's overall power requirements. All trains on Pune Metro Line-3 will be operated by around 100 women train pilots. Furthermore, about 50% of the total station staff, including station controllers, ticketing staff, and station attendants, will be women. Chaudhari stated that this initiative underlines a strong commitment to women empowerment, gender equality, and increasing female participation in modern transport. The project will help ease daily traffic congestion in Hinjawadi IT Park, Aundh, Baner, Balewadi, Mhalunge, Ganeshkhind Road, and Shivajinagar. Around 2 to 2.5 lakh citizens will use this metro service daily.

bhaskarlive 31 Oct 2026 7:21 pm

Pune Tragedy: Woman Jumps From 18th Floor With 6-Year-Old Son, Police Recover Note

Police are examining a seven- to eight-page note and CCTV footage as they investigate the deaths at Signature Park in Thergaon-Wakad.

NDTV 31 Oct 2026 7:19 pm

Woman Jumps To Death With 6-Year-Old Son From 18th Floor Of Building In Pune

Ekta Bhangde, 33, a resident of Signature Park, a high-profile society in the Thergaon Wakad area of Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, went to the 18th floor of the apartment complex and jumped from there with her 6-year-old son, Madhav Bhangde.

NDTV 31 Oct 2026 4:32 pm

All Of Us Were Very Excited': Shubhangi Kulkarni Recalls Indias First Womens Test In 1976

ODI World Cup: Exactly fifty years after she walked out at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for Indias first womens Test against the West Indies, Shubhangi Kulkarni still remembers how excited the dressing room was that morning. The match also marked the first international game played by India womens cricket team. All of us were very excited. We were all very young, mostly college-going girls around 17 or 18 years old. We were just getting exposed to international competition, and all of us were thrilled to be playing international matches, Shubhangi was quoted as saying by bcci.tv as Indian womens cricket marks its golden jubilee on Saturday. In that game, Shubhangi, a leg-spinner from Pune, became the third-youngest debutant in womens Test history at 17 years and 104 days. She took 5-48 in the first innings and finished the match with figures of 7-76. The squad had trained under former India batter Lala Amarnath, and the excitement came with a fair amount of self-belief. We had a camp before the series with Lala Amarnath, and then we played the West Indies team, which was known for having good fast bowlers. We thought our spinners were very good, and we were really looking forward to the competition. The first Test match was very memorable for me because I got five wickets. It was the first time I was bowling to international cricketers. I had just learned a few tricks and was trying them out, she added. The excitement turned to celebration in the fourth Test at Patnas Moin-ul-Haq Stadium. Shubhangi took 3-43 and 4-14 as India won a Test match for the first time. Her 23 wickets in the six-match series are still a joint record for the most in a womens Test series. The kind of response we got from the crowd was something we had never anticipated. After we won, the crowd response was so overwhelming that it took us a long time to get back to the hotel because the crowds wouldnt allow the bus to move. We kept signing autographs. Initially, people came out of curiosity just to see us play. But once they started watching, they appreciated our skills and realised that girls could play cricket too. It took people a lot of time to accept us playing the sport, recalled Shubhangi. For many players, she said, the first hurdle was at home, and the second was money. The biggest challenge for most girls was getting permission from home to play cricket. Parents were worried about the hard ball causing injuries, or that playing for long hours in the sun would make the girls dark. Another major challenge was funding. We had to spend money from our own pockets to travel for domestic events, often paying our own train fares. We stayed in dormitories and travelled in unreserved or second-class train compartments, sometimes carrying our own food to save money, she added. Shubhangis international career lasted 15 years. She played 17 consecutive Tests, the seventh-longest run in the format, and bowled 3,329 deliveries, ninth on the all-time list. She took 60 Test wickets with five five-wicket hauls, a joint world record, and her 16 stumpings are the second-most in womens Tests. She also took 38 ODI wickets at an economy rate of 3.49. Her best innings came on her captaincy debut against England at Collingham in 1986. With India at 105/5, she made a career-best 118 and added 106 for the eighth wicket with Minoti Desai, the fifth-highest eighth-wicket stand in womens Tests, as India reached 323. She received the Arjuna Award in 1985. Off the field, as honorary secretary of the Womens Cricket Association of India (WCAI), Shubhangi helped bring about its merger with the BCCI in 2006. She credited former BCCI president Sharad Pawar with making that happen. That is where things changed for womens cricket in India and that is when the girls started getting the facilities. Those were challenging times. But looking back at where we are today, it gives us a sense of satisfaction that what we did in the beginning has borne fruit. She credited ICC chairman Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary, and the present board administration with speeding up the games growth, adding that todays players have support her generation could not have imagined. The facilities that the BCCI is providing to women cricketers are excellent now. If you compare it to our time, when we played on college grounds, club grounds, and uneven surfaces, today these girls are playing on top-class grounds, which significantly improves fielding and overall play. The facilities provided, such as state teams staying in four-star or five-star hotels and travelling by air, are a stark contrast to our struggles. The equal match fees and the central contracts that the girls are getting allow them to focus entirely on their game without worrying about finances. They are well-provided for, and the BCCIs support has completely transformed the sport. The most significant change has been the introduction of the Womens Premier League (WPL), which has opened up numerous opportunities for domestic players to play alongside international stars and learn from them in the dressing room, she said. India won their first ICC Womens ODI World Cup on November 2 last year, and Shubhangi said the title meant as much to former players as to the team. It was a dream come true for most of us former players because winning a World Cup is something we all wanted. Seeing this team achieve it gave me immense satisfaction. The team performed exceptionally well; they gave their 100% and never gave up. There were challenges, but they overcame them, making it a total team effort. The way they played, hats off to Harmanpreet and the entire team. Shubhangi further said she valued the way Harmanpreet Kaurs side has honoured the pioneers. It is very nice of the current players to appreciate and recognise the efforts of the earlier players. During our time, we played for the love and passion of the game. It felt like they truly valued all of that, and I am really proud that the team felt that way. She also recalled the contribution of the founders of the womens game in India: Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Pramila Bai Chavan and Chandra Tripathi. In 1973, when the organisation was formed and Mr Sharma registered it, he actually gave the girls a platform to play a sport and turn what had been a hobby into a national sport, she said. Looking ahead, Shubhangi signed off by welcoming Indias hosting of the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in February 2027. I think the timing is absolutely right for hosting the first-ever Womens Champions Trophy. After winning the World Cup last year and then the match at Lords, I think we have the momentum, and this is the fastest-growing sport in India. She also recalled the contribution of the founders of the womens game in India: Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Pramila Bai Chavan and Chandra Tripathi. In 1973, when the organisation was formed and Mr Sharma registered it, he actually gave the girls a platform to play a sport and turn what had been a hobby into a national sport, she said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 31 Oct 2026 3:14 pm

NRIs Buying Real Estate In India In Record Numbers. These Cities Top The List

Several Indian cities are emerging as preferred destinations for NRI property buyers. Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Pune and Hyderabad top the list.

NDTV 31 Oct 2026 2:50 pm

MACT awards Rs 1.80 cr to kin of couple killed in Mumbai-Pune Expressway crash

The accident took place on December 23, 2018, when a car driven by Ankit Bhupindersingh Chugh rammed into the rear of a truck after the heavy vehicle applied its brakes

Mid Day 31 Oct 2026 2:41 pm

Revanth urges Centre to expedite Hyderabad-Pune bullet train

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday, October 30, urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to expedite the Hyderabad-Pune bullet train project. Reddy sought early approval for alignments for the project that would connect Hyderabad with Pune, Chennai and Bengaluru. In a meeting with Vaishnaw at the Rail Bhavan in New Delhi, Reddy Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 31 Oct 2026 1:58 pm

This Woman Quit Her High-Paying Job In Singapore To Start A Millet Food Brand

Krishnaa Kantthawala launched Smart Eleven in Pune in 2021 and now exports its products to various countries.

NDTV 31 Oct 2026 11:52 am

Karishma Shahani Khans TARA showcase in Mumbai explores upcycled fashion and Indian crafts

At TARA, a showcase at Mumbais Khotachiwadi, Pune-based designer Karishma Shahani Khan explores how textile waste can be transformed into new garments and objects. Through her labels Ka-Sha and Heart to Haat, she makes a case for upcycling, Indian craft traditions and clothing designed to last

The Hindu 31 Oct 2026 10:38 am

Karnataka sugarcane farmers' agitation intensifies over sugarcane prices, as farmers call for statewide bandh

Amid the ongoing agitation by sugarcane farmers demanding a payment of Rs 5,500 per tonne for their produce, Dharwad Deputy Commissioner Snehal R, IAS, has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, on four National Highways in the district to prevent highway blockades and maintain law and order. The restrictions cover the Pune

devdiscourse 31 Oct 2026 10:06 am

Woman Secretly Returns To Pune From UK. How Food Delivery Led To Her Body

Mugdha Deshmukh, a native of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, went to the UK in July last year to pursue an MBA. She lived alone and took up part-time jobs.

NDTV 31 Oct 2026 9:41 am

Woman who secretly returned from UK without informing family found dead in Pune flat

Mugdha Deshmukh, a 34-year-old woman who returned to India, was found dead in Pune this week. Her family was unaware of her return and suspected something was wrong when she could not be contacted. They discovered food delivery transactions that indicated her presence in India, prompting further investigation. Police located her rented apartment and found her body without visible injuries.

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 9:35 am

4 FDA officials suspended over alleged unauthorised raids in Pune, 21 others to face inquiry

Four officials from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration have been suspended for conducting unauthorized raids. The Chief Minister approved this action following allegations regarding the officials' misconduct. A departmental inquiry is also being initiated against 21 other officials involved in the matter. This inquiry will investigate the actions of officials from the Thane and Pune divisions. Further action will be determined based on the findings of this investigation.

The Economic Times 31 Oct 2026 9:13 am

Maharashtra FDA suspends four officials over unauthorised Pune raids

The News Mill

The News Mill 31 Oct 2026 9:07 am

Woman, 6-year-old son jump to death from 18th floor in Wakad

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 12:53 am

PMC to use Ather Energy data to fix roads

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 12:48 am