PUNE: Gera Developments Private Limited (GDPL), renowned pioneers in Real Estate, and recipients of multiple awards for their premium residential and commercial projects across Pune, Goa, and California, hosted the latest session in its signature series, ‘Meet the Champion’, featuring illustrious Indian Olympic boxer, Mary Kom.

The six-time World Amateur Boxing champion is part of the celebrity-led academies at Gera’s ChildCentric^® Homes, commencing her collaboration with Gera’s Island of Joy, East Kharadi^, Pune, via her academy, Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation.

The event featured Ms. Mary Kom in discussion with Kumar Gera, Chairman, of Gera Developments Private Limited, and meeting the customers of Gera’s Island of Joy. The 2012 Olympic medallist spoke about her journey of having come from a challenging background to becoming a boxing legend, a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and hard work. With medals in all eight AIBA World Boxing Championships, rising to World No.1 in the AIBA world rankings for a light flyweight, and winning India’s first-ever Olympic medal in the London 2012 Games, Ms. Mary Kom’s story resonates deeply, inspiring countless individuals worldwide.

This year’s event was particularly significant as it aimed to draw attention to the tenth anniversary of Gera’s ChildCentric^® Homes, coinciding with the launch of its largest project ever, Gera’s Island of Joy. GDPL has collaborated with world-renowned experts to bring world-class infrastructure directly to residents’ doorsteps. These partnerships offer children opportunities for high-quality coaching in various fields such as performing arts, sports, and personal development, ensuring they can explore and nurture their passions in a safe and supportive environment.

The recent event, aimed at showcasing the addition of Ms. Mary Kom as an expert to the academies integral to Gera’s ChildCentric^® Homes, received an overwhelming response from attendees.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mary Kom said, “I am honored to be associated with Gera’s ChildCentric^® Homes. It’s inspiring to see a brand dedicated to nurturing children’s talents and dreams, as this is crucial for fostering future champions. Together with Gera Developments, we can empower the next generation to achieve their greatest potential.”

Expanding on the concept, Rohit Gera, Managing Director, of Gera Developments said, “Gera’s ChildCentric® Homes intend to give parents the right environment to identify and nurture the talents of their children. Our academies are led by celebrities who are world-renowned experts in their respective fields, from P. Gopichand in Badminton to Shankar Mahadevan in Music. As we enter our tenth year, we are thrilled to collaborate with Ms. Mary Kom, and her academy, Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation, and add a new dimension to our offerings at Gera’s ChildCentric^® Homes.”

Rohit Gera further highlighted that the initiative was born from a vision to address the manifold challenges faced by urban parents. “By recognizing these challenges, GDPL embarked on a mission to transform residential spaces, and offered thoughtfully curated celebrity-led learning academies with top-notch coaching in various disciplines, reinforcing Gera’s commitment to nurturing talent and passion among children,” he concluded. The success of Gera’s ChildCentric® Homes is evident not only in industry accolades but also in the satisfaction of over 3,500 families. Esteemed platforms such as Realty+ Conclave & Excellence Awards have recognized the initiative as the “Themed Project Of The Year,” putting the spotlight on its impact and significance in the real estate industry.

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SPAIN: Girona FC is a Champions League team. And, for most fans of Los Blanquivermells, it still hasn’t sunk in yet that the biggest clubs from across Europe will be visiting the Estadi Montilivi next season. Not only has the club qualified for Europe for the first time in their 94-year history, but they’ve done so at the highest level of UEFA competition.

By putting on a show in the second half against FC Barcelona on Saturday, defeating their regional neighbors 4-2 for the second time this season, Míchel’s side have achieved an objective that they only set mid-way through the season. Even when they started with six wins and one draw from their first seven matches of the season, the coach kept insisting that the primary objective was avoiding relegation. Only in January did he admit that making it into Europe had become a target too.

After the achievement was confirmed on Saturday, the coach spoke to the media about how much this means to the club, stating: “What we have achieved this year is incredible. It’s historic. It’s a wonderful thing. The project is great. We’ve been able to work and grow day by day. We’ve been working in a calm yet demanding way and with a squad of players who want to grow. That’s how we’ve gone from the second tier to the Champions League, and deservedly so. I hope everyone enjoys it.”

The fans certainly did enjoy it, with 14,000 celebrating the victory in the stands of the Estadi Montilivi and many more taking to the streets of the city center on Saturday night to rejoice on arguably the greatest night in Girona FC’s history.

From LALIGA HYPERMOTION in 2021/22 to the Champions League in 2024/25

As Míchel pointed out during his speech, it wasn’t all that long ago that this was a team in the second division. It was only in 2021/22 that Los Blanquivermells finished sixth in LALIGA HYPERMOTION under Míchel and achieved promotion through the playoffs. Playing an ambitious and direct brand of football, they then took LALIGA EA SPORTS by storm last season before ultimately finishing 10th, matching the club’s previous highest finish in the top tier.

Then, in 2023/24, Girona FC stepped up and reached the next level. The spine of the team remained the same, with the likes of Paulo Gazzaniga, David López, Aleix García, and Yangel Herrera. But, the new additions significantly improved the squad, even at a low cost.

In central defense, the veteran Daley Blind arrived on a free transfer to bring his experience to the back line, while Eric García arrived on loan from FC Barcelona to add another skilled passer at the back.

In midfield, the low-cost signings of Iván Martín and Portu proved to be extremely astute, as both players could play in several different positions in the middle and could get forward in attack, with Martín scoring five goals and Portu seven, including two in the win against Barça. 

Then, there was the arrival of Artem Dovbyk, arguably the best transfer in all of LALIGA EA SPORTS last summer when looking at value for money. The Ukrainian striker has reached 20 goals and is the division’s top scorer, and has made everyone forget about the departure of Taty Castellanos, the Catalan side’s top scorer last season. With the Brazilian winger Sávio also coming in last summer, scoring eight goals and assisting nine alongside Dovbyk in attack, Girona FC’s summer 2023 recruitment was something special, and sporting director Quique Cárcel deserves every bit of praise.

Coach Míchel also deserves to bask in the glory of this masterpiece, as he has not only built a successful team but he has built an entertaining one too. Girona FC is scoring 2.15 goals per game this season and always plays on the front foot. This hasn’t been achieved by any sort of rigid system, as Míchel has used many different formations throughout the season, from a 4-1-4-1 to a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-3. Even with Girona FC having suffered many injuries along the way, the tactician has been flexible and has adapted, always finding solutions and achieving positive results.

At home, they’ve been particularly impressive and have won 14, drawn two, and lost one from their 17 games so far at the Estadi Montilivi, scoring 46 goals too, which is the most of any home side in the competition. The Girona FC faithful have had a lot to cheer about, then, and the biggest cheers of all came at full-time on Saturday when this modest club became a Champions League team for the first time.

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The results of Matchday 34 of LALIGA EA SPORTS meant several teams could start celebrating already, such as Real Madrid for winning the title or Girona FC for qualifying for the Champions League. Here’s all you need to know

Real Madrid, LALIGA EA SPORTS champions

The results in Matchday 34 mathematically confirmed Real Madrid as champions of the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season. Carlo Ancelotti’s side defeated Cádiz CF 3-0 at the Bernabéu to move on to 87 points, a tally none of their challengers can match. It is the 36th time the capital city institution has won Spanish football’s top flight.

Girona FC will play in the Champions League next season

Girona FC also had a lot to celebrate this weekend, as they clinched the club’s first-ever Champions League qualification with a 4-2 victory over Catalan neighbors FC Barcelona. That result means Míchel’s side will play in Europe’s top club competition next campaign, and Los Blanquivermells are currently in second place and on course for Spanish Super Cup qualification too.

Isco, April Player of the Month

For the first time in his career, Isco has been named as the LALIGA EA SPORTS Player of the Month, with the Real Betis playmaker winning for his excellent performances throughout April. As well as scoring a goal in ELGRAN DERBI and assisting one in a victory over RC Celta, Isco consistently drove his team forward and has been recognized with this individual honor.

The rest of the LALIGA AWARDS winners for April

The other winners of the ‘LALIGA AWARDS, The Pride of our Fútbol’ were also revealed this past week. The Best Coach for April was Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, the Best U-23 Player was Girona FC’s Miguel Gutiérrez, the Best Goal was FC Barcelona forward João Félix’s overhead kick against Cádiz CF and the Best Play was the goal Real Betis scored against RC Celta when Isco assisted Nabil Fekir.

CA Osasuna, Sevilla FC and Deportivo Alavés are staying up

As the end of the season approaches, several clubs in the bottom half of the table have already secured their place in the top division for next season. Following the Matchday 34 results, CA Osasuna, Sevilla FC, and Deportivo Alavés are now mathematically safe.

RC Celta takes a big step toward safety

They’re not safe yet, but RC Celta took a big step towards avoiding relegation this past weekend. The Galician side edged a thrilling game against Villarreal CF, winning 3-2 to mean they’re now eight points ahead of 18th-placed Cádiz CF. The Galician side has even moved ahead of Rayo Vallecano and RC Mallorca, currently sitting 15th.

Unai Simón earns another clean sheet

Athletic Club earned a 2-0 victory away at Getafe CF to keep their chances of earning Champions League qualification alive, and they even did so despite receiving two red cards in the game. The clean sheet was also important for goalkeeper Unai Simón, as he is closing in on the Zamora Trophy. His record of 0.94 goals conceded per game is the best in LALIGA EA SPORTS among eligible players.

Dovbyk remains top of the Pichichi standings

As for the individual prize for the best goalscorer, Girona FC’s No.9 Artem Dovbyk remains the leader as he moved on to 20 goals with his effort against FC Barcelona on Saturday. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is his closest pursuer and also scored in Matchday 34, meaning the Englishman has 18 goals.

Thibaut Courtois makes his long-awaited return

There was another reason for Real Madrid fans to celebrate this week, besides becoming LALIGA EA SPORTS champions. And, that was the return of Thibaut Courtois from injury. The Belgian started against Cádiz CF on Saturday for his first minutes of the 2023/24 campaign, having recovered from a pair of serious knee injuries.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich will be decided at the Bernabéu

The first legs of the Champions League semi-finals took place last week and Real Madrid traveled to Germany to play out an enthralling 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, with Vinícius scoring both of Los Blancos’ goals. That first-leg result means the tie will be decided in the second leg at the Bernabéu on Wednesday.  

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The World Championship of Legends is known for its outstanding contributions to cricket, and with EaseMyTrip as its presenting partner, the league is poised for further global recognition and engagement.

Nishant Pitti, CEO and Co-founder of EaseMyTrip shared his thoughts about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to serve as the presenting partner of the World Championship of Legends. This partnership underscores our unwavering dedication to championing sporting excellence and curating unforgettable experiences for cricket enthusiasts around the globe.”

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, who has also invested in the World Championship of Legends, expressed his support, saying, “I welcome EaseMyTrip as the main presenters of the World Championship of Legends and am happy that we are on a path of creating new entertaining moments with our legendary cricketing heroes.“

Harshit Tomar, the visionary founder, and CEO of the World Championship of Legends, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “EaseMyTrip is the second-largest travel company in India and from cricket to tennis to kabaddi, EaseMyTrip has been associated with numerous sports leagues. I am confident that with EaseMyTrip on board, WCL will significantly strengthen“

Suresh Raina, a cricketing icon and valued member of the World Championship of Legends, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled to join India Champions in WCL! With EaseMyTrip powered by sponsors, the foundation of WCL is stronger than ever. Can’t wait to get back on the field alongside other cricketing legends and compete at Edgbaston. See you all there!“

Harbhajan Singh, another revered figure in cricket, echoed Raina’s sentiment, saying, “I am excited to join Indian Champions in WCL. Things are going in the perfect direction, Getting ECB approval, a huge response for ticket sales and now getting respected brands as sponsors. It strengthens the structure of WCL.”

The World Championship of Legends kicks off on the 3rd of July at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, UK. Six teams will be vying for glory, including India Champions, Australia Champions, Pakistan Champions, England Champions, South Africa Champions, and West Indies Champions.

Legendary players such as Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, Brett Lee, Ian Bell, and Daren Sammy will grace the field, adding to the excitement and prestige of the tournament.

With EaseMyTrip as the presenting partner and the shared excitement of cricketing legends and investors, the World Championship of Legends is set to captivate audiences and solidify its position as a premier cricketing event.

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HA’IL SAUDI ARABIA: The third edition of Rally Jameel, the thrilling world-class navigational rally for women in the region, officially kicked off today in Ha’il, Saudi Arabia.

This year’s event boasts a record number of participants and international representation, with 110 drivers and co-drivers from 36 countries competing for the championship title, building upon the success of the previous editions.

The third edition of Rally Jameel, themed “She Shifts the World,” reflects the rally’s commitment to showcasing women’s empowerment in motorsports. The event culminates on International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2024, adding another layer of significance to this to this unique race. Throughout the rally, competitors will navigate a challenging yet scenic 1,600-kilometer route spanning five diverse landscapes, from the hills of Ha’il to the coastal splendor of Umluj, and including iconic historical sites like AlUla and Yanbu before ending at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh. 

Ewelina Chlebowska of Poland, the returning champion of the previous edition from the team Sandstorm Express, said “I’m thrilled to embark on this amazing journey once more with women from around the globe. This rally shows that women have the bravery and determination to tackle new challenges. Best of luck to all participants, let’s embrace this wonderful journey together“. 

The event not only offers a platform for women racers but also attracts international participation, with the presence of auto federations and companies, such as The Swedish Automobile Sports Federation, Motorsport Ireland, China Hanwei Motorsport team, and Toyota Gazoo Racing Jordan.

This year’s edition boasts a mix of returning champions and exciting newcomers. Last year’s winner, Hanna Riehle of Germany is joined by a strong Saudi Arabian rally drivers. Among them is the highly decorated Dania Akeel, who returns for her second shot at the title. Veteran driver Maha Al Hamali, who impressed with a third-place finish in the inaugural edition, also makes a welcome return. Completing the Saudi trio is Reem Al Aboud, a recent graduate of the GR Saudi Driving School, eager to make her mark in her first-ever rally. Catie Munnings, the British rally driver, and Carina Munte, the Chief Championship Officer and co-founder of the FIM E-Xplorer Championship, will also compete in the rally. Finally, Yara Bou Monsef of Lebanon and Raghda Kouyoumdjian of Jordan add an international touch to the diverse lineup.

Reem Al Aboud, from the GR Saudi team, said “Stepping onto the starting line of this year’s rally is an incredible feeling. As a recent graduate of the GR Saudi Driving School, I’m brimming with newfound skills and a thirst to put them to the test. While this might be my first official participation, I’m not here to simply observe. I’m here to soak up every ounce of experience, learn from the legends on the track, and push myself to the absolute limit. “

Text Credits: Rally Jameel 
Photo Credits: Rally Jameel 
Video Credits: ICARUS Sports

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The day began with thrilling qualifying rounds setting the stage for tomorrow’s race 1. The reigning world champions, Team GB, clinched the coveted pole position, showcasing their prowess on the water. However, their triumph was marred by a spectacular incident that caused significant damage to their vessel.

Taking the second position on the grid is the Italian powerhouse, HPI, demonstrating their competitive edge in the championship. Meanwhile, the Emirati team Victory marked their return to XCAT with a triumphant third-place qualification, setting the stage for an intense race day.

In addition to the on-water action, the afternoon saw a mesmerizing parade, featuring boats and crews parading through the city streets, captivating spectators and fans alike.

As anticipation mounts for tomorrow’s (March 02, 2024) race, fans can expect fierce competition and adrenaline-pumping moments as the world’s top XCAT teams vie for supremacy on the waves.

Text Credits: XCAT
Photo Credits: XCAT
Video Credits: ICARUS Sports

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Clark emphasized the importance of resilience and maintaining unwavering belief in one’s abilities despite the inevitable setbacks in the sport. He stressed the virtues of patience and mental strength, underlining the significance of cultivating a positive mindset and staying committed to one’s journey in the highly competitive golfing arena.

Consistency emerged as a pivotal theme in Clark’s counsel, as he urged young players to stick to their chosen processes and routines, even when faced with temporary setbacks. The seasoned golfer pointed out that enduring success in the professional circuit is often marked by consistent practices over time, underscoring the value of a resolute approach to the game.

Reflecting on his U.S. Open triumph, Clark conveyed a mix of awe and humility when contemplating his name alongside golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Despite the monumental victory, he admitted that the full impact of the achievement had not yet fully settled in, anticipating a deepening appreciation for the win as time went on.

The interview also delved into Clark’s current participation in the Hero World Challenge, where he acknowledged the formidable field and recognized the invaluable experience gained from competing against top players. He believed that such exposure contributes significantly to a player’s comfort and confidence, particularly when heading into signature events.

Addressing the evolving dynamics in professional golf, Clark concurred with the sentiment that winning on the PGA Tour now demands a more focused and dialled-in approach, considering the heightened competition with top players participating in fewer events.

Wyndham Clark’s insights and advice offer valuable lessons for aspiring golfers looking to make their mark in the sport. His emphasis on mental fortitude, consistency, and resilience serves as a reminder that success in golf, as in any other field, requires dedication, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to one’s goals.

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Starting with the vision of the SFA Founders, the inaugural episode is a curtain raiser, narrating the journey of discovering the future Champions. Focusing on individual cities, each episode has hosts Rajat Sood and Aanchal Agrawal discuss details of the Championships, bytes from the athletes, coaches, and the sporting culture of that city. The episode also provides details of the ‘number one school in sports’, ‘golden boy’ & ‘golden girl’ in the city.

SFA Championships are India’s largest multi-sport school competitions, enabling youth to unleash their fullest potential through joyful and inspiring sporting experiences. These Championships are revolutionizing the way school sports are experienced in India.

The 2023 edition is being hosted across 10 cities – Indore, Jaipur, Uttarakhand (Dehradun), Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Nagpur. Within a span of 4 months, the school, SFA has envisioned to encourage close to 1.5 lakh athletes to play and compete at 10 SFA Championships, for the 2023-2024 season.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Qy2xlJnbr/?igshid=NGEwZGU0MjU5Mw%3D%3D

Watch SFA Championships 2023-2024 on Jio Cinema, Sports18-2, and Sports18 Khel starting from 3rd December 2023.

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The teams from Yerawada Central Jail Pune and Children Correctional Home Bhopal have been coached under the Parivartan-Prison to Pride initiative, which covers 105 prison and juvenile homes, 29 state and UT, and over 5,000 inmates and juveniles in five phases. The initiative provides training in various sports, including chess, basketball, badminton, volleyball, and carrom, to inmates across prisons in India, promoting their physical and mental well-being.

The IndianOil coaches include former Women’s National Champion Manjusha Kanwar, Arjuna awardee Abhinn Shyam Gupta, former Doubles National Champion S Arun Vishnu, Chess Woman Grand Masters Soumya Swaminathan and Padmini Raut, Grand Masters Lalith Babu and Abhijit Kunte, Tennis ace Rushmi Chakravarthi, and renowned International Carrom players Yogesh Pardeshi, Mohd Gufran, and Kajal Kumari. Former first-class cricketer Mr. B G Joglekar has guided the inmates throughout the program.

The Intercontinental “Chess for Freedom” online chess championship for prisoners brought together 118 teams from 50 countries, representing all continents, offering inmates a unique opportunity to connect with peers across the globe. The Corporation, in association with the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Prison Authorities, provided essential facilities for the tournament, including training, computers, and internet access to all participating Indian prisons.

Felicitating the team members from both locations, Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman, of IndianOil, said, “We are extremely proud of this ‘beyond business’ intervention, and successes like this give us confidence to further invest in such social stewardship initiatives that have the potential to truly make a difference at the grassroots. This remarkable achievement will further strengthen our resolve to uplift the lives of inmates and offer resilience, hope, and second chances.“

IndianOil has garnered recognition and accolades for this outstanding social work. It received the “Sports for Social Good” award from “The Hindu” and Sports Star for its remarkable contributions through the Parivartan-Prison to Pride Initiative. The World Chess Federation (FIDE) also invited the team to the first “Chess for Freedom” conference in Chicago in May 2023.

IndianOil is a diversified, integrated energy major with a net profit of Rs. [?]8,242 crores for fiscal 2022-23, touching the lives of over a billion Indians. With a 31,000-plus workforce, extensive refining, distribution & marketing infrastructure, and advanced R&D facilities, IndianOil has provided energy access to millions of people across the length and breadth of the country through its ever-expanding network of customer touchpoints, currently numbering over 60,000.

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The league has successfully attracted riders of unmatched caliber from all over the world, ensuring a season like no other. Among the roster of esteemed riders, the league proudly presents some of the most decorated names in Supercross, including Matt Moss, a 9-time Australian MX and SX Champion, 4X Italian Supercross Champion Lorenzo Camporese, 4X South Africa Champion Anthony Raynard, Cedric Soubeyras, 6X French Supercross Champion & 3X European Supercross Champion, and many others.

As the league progresses towards its highly anticipated debut, the CEAT ISRL has announced the formation of four teams, with more teams slated for unveiling shortly. The inaugural season will witness multiple rounds hosted across various cities in India, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for motorsport enthusiasts.

The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League’s Season One boasts four exhilarating racing categories, featuring the 450cc international riders, 250cc international riders, 250cc India-Asia mix, and the fiercely competitive 85cc junior class. With a focus on fostering talent development and delivering heart-racing action, the league is all set to redefine the landscape of Supercross racing in India and beyond.

The league’s Director and co-founder, Eeshan Lokhande, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are ecstatic about the remarkable and overwhelming response that we have received from racers globally. Our mission is to uplift the quality of Supercross racing in India and create a worldwide stage for Indian talent to shine. We are fully committed to delivering a season that will leave an electrifying impact on the world of motorsport, and we are confident that our efforts will be successful.“

The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League is the world’s first franchise-based Supercross league, set to revolutionize the way sports are perceived in India. The league is committed to providing a safe and competitive environment for riders of all ages and skill levels. The league also believes in giving back to the community and partnering with local organizations to promote youth development and environmental sustainability.

For more information on the CEAT ISRL, including updates on team announcements, rider profiles, and the upcoming racing schedule, please visit the official website at https://indiansupercrossleague.com/.

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