Essex (London)’s Lover Global Academy’s budding under-12 cricketers, are on a 9-day tour of Mumbai , playing friendly matches with local premier local clubs. On Sunday during the nets, they were thrilled to get tips from well-known coach Jwala Singh at Oval Maidan.
Well-known Mumbai coach Jwala Singh giving tips to the budding cricketers from England’s Essex Cricketers lovers Academy, who are on a exposure tour of India.
Jwala also spent some time , giving them talk on spin bowling which is vital part of the game especially in this part of the contingent. He also spoke on various aspects of fitness and how to improve their mental strength/ health. Jwala Singh also spent time showing them some vital bowling and batting drills.
Thanks to the initiative of CLG Co-founders Piyush Somaiya and Rahul Vyas, the boys/girls were on a exposure trip here , playing friendly matches in the sub continent.
In a heart-stopping thriller that went down to the wire, Mafatlal SC emerged champions securing a last-ball win over DTDC Sports Club in the final of the RCF T20 Cricket Tournament 2025 for the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Cup, organized by Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF) Sports Club under the auspices of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and played at the RCF ground.
DTDC making first use of the RCF cricket pitch put on 203 for 7 but Dashrath Chavan with an unbeaten century of 103 runs saw Mafatal scrape home scoring 204 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Man of the Match Dashrath was singularly responsible for taking Mafatlal home with his heroic century which he got in 45 balls which included seven sixes and four boundaries.
Even as wickets fell at the other end at regular intervals, Dashrath stayed firm steering Mafatlal to a deserving win. Saurabh Singh with 38 runs provided the necessary support. Earlier Gautam Waghela 62 (36-balls, 4×4,3×6), Omkar Ghule 57 (30-blls, 3×4,4×6) and Anish Choudhary 38 helped DTDC put up challenging total.
Anish Choudhary of DTDC was named the Best Batsman, right arm off-break bowler Kartik Mishra of Mafatlal got the best bowler award while Dashrath Chavan secured the best fielder award.
Brief scores (final): DTDC Sports Club 203 for 7, 20 overs (Gautam Waghela 62 (36-balls, 4×4,3×6), Omkar Ghule 57 (30-balls, 3×4,4×6), Anish Choudhary 38; Kartik Mishra 2/31, Saurabh Singh 2/32) lost Mafatlal SC 204 for 7, 20 overs (Dashrath Chavan 103 not out (45-balls, 9×4 7×6), Saurabh Singh 38; Saksham Parashar 2/33, Pratik Mishra 2/42). Result: Mafatlal SC won by 3 wickets
In a thrilling finale held at Poornaprajna College Grounds, Udupi, the host team Mangalore University edged past Mumbai University to win the All-India Inter-University Men’s Kho-Kho Championship 2025. Displaying exceptional teamwork and spirit, Mumbai University secured the runners-up position after a fierce and closely contested final match.
16 Teams from Across the Nation
This prestigious tournament witnessed participation from the top 16 university teams across India, representing the East, West, South, and North zones. In the final clash, Mangalore University narrowly defeated Mumbai University with a score of 11-10, sealing the match with 5 minutes and 10 seconds to spare. The game kept spectators on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn.
Akash Kadam Shines Bright
Mumbai University’s captain Akash Kadam from Ratnagiri stood out as the star of the tournament. With resilient defensive stints of 1.50 and 1.40 minutes and securing a crucial point, his stellar performance earned him the Best All-Round Player of the Tournament award.
He was ably supported by teammates:
Sanket Jadhav (1.20 & 1.50 min defence), Shubham Jadhav (1.50 min defence), Prathamesh Durgavale and Aditya Kamble (1 min defence and 2 points each), and Abhay Ratnakar (3 points). Despite their valiant effort, victory remained just out of reach.
The Winning Trio from Mangalore
Mangalore University’s success was anchored by outstanding performances from: Mareppa (1.50 & 2.50 min defence), Swami (1.50 & 3.20 min defence, 1 point), and, Suhas (1.50 & 1 min defence, 2 points). Swami’s remarkable 3.20-minute defence proved to be a game-changer.
Mumbai’s Impressive Journey
Before reaching the final, Mumbai University overcame formidable opponents, defeating Delhi University in the quarter-finals and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in the semi-finals.
Institutional Support and Encouragement
The exceptional performance of the team was lauded by Prof. Dr. Ravindra Kulkarni (Vice-Chancellor), Dr. Ajay Bhamre (Pro-Vice Chancellor), and Dr. Prasad Karande (Registrar) of Mumbai University, who extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the players.
Special credit goes to coaches Dalesh Desai and Shashank Upshete, and to Dr. Manoj Reddy, Director of Sports, for their meticulous planning and dedicated support throughout the championship.
A Finale to Remember
With rapid momentum shifts, intense matchups, and unforgettable performances, this year’s championship finale has etched itself as a remarkable chapter in university sports history.
Though the title eluded them, Mumbai University’s unity, sportsmanship, and high-caliber gameplay left a lasting impression.
Acclaimed writer and filmmaker Sonu Tyagi has set hearts racing with a tantalizing glimpse into his latest creative endeavor—a novel centered on the bittersweet theme of one-sided love, inspired by his own experiences in the worlds of advertising, journalism, and films.
The announcement came subtly through a haunting couplet posted on his website, sonutyagi.com, titled Vo Khanjar Leke Baithe The: “ वो खंजर लेके बैठे थे, और हम अपना दिल / मुगालता हसीन था, और हसीना क़ातिल ” (translated: “They sat with a dagger, and we with our heart / The illusion was beautiful, and the beauty a killer”). Accompanied by a minimalist yet evocative design, the verse has ignited a firestorm of excitement about the forthcoming novel, slated for release soon.
Whispers among literary circles suggest that Sonu Tyagi may unveil exclusive snippets at an intimate Mumbai event, while rumors swirl of a limited-edition release featuring his own handwritten notes, adding a personal touch to this already intriguing project.
Known for his evocative storytelling across films and media, Sonu Tyagi is now channeling his creative prowess into the literary world with this novel, which promises to explore the raw, unreciprocated emotions of love drawn from his colorful career. The poem’s imagery—daggers, hearts, and deceptive beauty—hints at a narrative steeped in passion, pain, and poetic depth, themes that resonate deeply with Tyagi’s signature style and his life’s journey through the cutthroat realms of advertising, the relentless pace of journalism, and the glamorous yet unpredictable film industry. Fans and literary enthusiasts alike are already hailing it as a potential masterpiece, with one social media user commenting, “If this couplet is a taste of the novel, we’re in for an emotional rollercoaster.”
The buzz around the novel is palpable, with social media abuzz over the couplet’s lyrical finesse. “Sonu Tyagi has a way of turning emotions into art—this novel is going to break hearts,” wrote one follower. Another praised the poetic teaser, calling it “a shayari that stabs you with its beauty.” The teaser, shared via https://sonutyagi.com/vo-khanjar-leke-baithe-the/, offers little beyond the cryptic lines, a move that has only heightened anticipation. Industry insiders hint that Approach Communications, Tyagi’s PR venture, might soon drop an immersive campaign featuring audio renditions of his poetry narrated by a Bollywood icon, while speculation mounts about a cinematic adaptation that could bring this tale of unrequited love to the silver screen.
Sonu Tyagi, a seasoned creative force, brings a rich and multifaceted background to this project. With years of experience as a writer, director, and producer, he has carved a niche in the entertainment industry through his ability to blend artistry with emotional resonance. Hailing from a modest upbringing, Tyagi’s journey reflects a relentless passion for storytelling, shaped by his time crafting persuasive narratives in advertising, chasing deadlines and truth in journalism, and navigating the highs and lows of the film world.
These experiences, fraught with unfulfilled dreams and unspoken emotions, form the backbone of his upcoming novel. Beyond his creative pursuits, Sonu Tyagi is deeply inclined toward spirituality, a dimension that often subtly informs his work. His spiritual outlook, rooted in introspection and a quest for deeper meaning, adds a unique layer to his storytelling, making it both soulful and thought-provoking. This inclination also led him to establish Go Spiritual, a platform dedicated to promoting spiritual awareness and holistic well-being, reflecting his commitment to balancing material creativity with inner growth.
Behind this literary endeavor stands the Approach Entertainment Group, a dynamic conglomerate Sonu Tyagi founded to push creative boundaries. Approach Entertainment, the group’s flagship, is renowned for producing innovative content, including films, web series, and music projects that resonate with modern audiences. Complementing this is Approach Communications, a PR and media strategy arm that has successfully amplified brands and talents across industries. The group also includes Approach Bollywood, a platform dedicated to celebrating and promoting Indian cinema.
Together, these entities reflect Sonu Tyagi’s vision of a holistic entertainment ecosystem, one that seamlessly merges creativity, production, and outreach, while his Go Spiritual initiative underscores his belief in nurturing the human spirit alongside artistic expression. As of April 7, 2025, no official release date for the novel has been confirmed, but the promise of “coming soon” has fans eagerly awaiting further details, confident that Tyagi’s blend of lived experience, emotional depth, and spiritual insight will deliver yet another unforgettable experience.
Skipper Vishwajit Jagdale led from the front steering Mafatlal SC past Space SC with a facile 82-run victory into the final of the RCF T20 Cricket Tournament 2025 for the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Cup, organized by Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF) Sports Club under the auspices of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and played at the RCF.
Mafatlal SC Skipper Vishwajit Jagdale receives the Man of the Match award from Vikram Jawale, ED (TR), RCF.
Southpaw Jagdale coming in the middle order was a man with a mission as he smashed an unbeaten 68 runs to help Mafatlal total 230 for six at the RCF cricket ground. Jagdale’s 38-ball knock included four sixes and five boundaries. Opening bat Kunal Nar 51 and Saurabh Singh’s 49 had provided momentum to the Mafatlal effort.
In response, Space were bowled out for 148 in 16.4 overs. Wily Sahil Phegade 4/16, Kartik Mishra 3/30 and Ajay Mishra 2/41 were the bowlers who restricted Space to the modest total.
For Space Rohan Gajjar 56 and Aaditya Parab with 37 did the bulk of the scoring.
In the second semi-final, DTDC Sports Club defeated Viva Supermarket by 27 runs and to face Mafatlal in the final. Opener Vedant Murkar cracked an unbeaten century 113 runs (52-balls, 13×4,5×6), while his partner Anish Choudhary scored 81 runs to power their team to a huge total of 246 for 4 wickets from their 20 overs.
Later, DTDC restricted Viva Supermarket to 219 for 7 wickets to secure their win.
Brief scores: Mafatlal SC 230 for 6, 20 overs (Vishwajit Jagdale 68* (38-balls, 5×4,4×6), Kunal Nar 51 (24-balls, 4×4, 5×6), Saurabh Singh 49 (14-balls, 2×4,6×6); Vaibhav Mali 3/20, Rohan Gajjar 3/40) beat Space Sports Club 148 all out, 16.4 overs (Rohan Gajjar 56 (27-balls, 3×4,5×6), Aaditya Parab 37; Sahil Phegade 4/16, Kartik Mishra 3/30, Ajay Mishra 2/41). Result: Mafatlal SC won by 82 runs.
If Table Tennis players from Mumbai Suburbs are waiting for good table tennis facility at a centrally located place, then an exciting news is here for them. The TSTTA Secretary General Mr. Sameer Bhate has announced that they are thrilled to share some fantastic developments for the table tennis community in Suburban Mumbai.
Mr. Sameer Bhate is not only an active player but also a highly capable administrator. His leadership has brought about numerous positive changes for the sport. One of the most significant milestones was at the Prabodhankar Thackeray Krida Sankul (PTKS), where one of the largest table tennis academies in Maharashtra and Mumbai, was created. Initiated by Mr. Sameer Bhate in 2017-2018, PTKS has played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of table tennis in the region.
In 2020, recognizing the world-class facilities at PTKS, The Maharashtra State Table Tennis Association( MSTTA) affiliated The Suburban Table Tennis Association ( TSTTA). Since then, there has been no looking back. The growth of table tennis in Suburban Mumbai has accelerated, marked by continuous improvements in both the sport and the functioning of the TSTTA. Thanks to the backing received from Shri. Arvind Prabhoo, CEO, PTKS and Chief of TSTTA.
With each passing year, Mr. Sameer Bhate has continued to make a difference—not just as an administrator, but as a visionary. Driven by his passion for creating top-tier infrastructure for players, now he has successfully secured a 7,500 sq. ft. space at the Andheri Sports Complex. This initiative, under his visionary Mission Lakshawedh, aims to establish a High Performance Center / Center of Excellence that will be a game-changer for Suburban Mumbai players.
This has never happened in last 40 years in Mumbai Suburbs for the game of table tennis. With India bidding to host the 2036 Olympics, this aligns perfectly with the government’s push to enhance sports infrastructure. Maharashtra has already allocated Rs 160 crore for ‘Lakshyavedh’ scheme, which aims to prepare 3,740 sportspersons for Olympic Games in 12 sports and table-tennis is one of them. Mission Lakshawedh is a timely and strategic step in that direction.
It is high time to support and applaud Mr. Sameer Bhate for his unwavering dedication and vision to uplift table tennis in Mumbai. His tireless efforts continue to open new avenues for players and elevate the sport to new heights.
Left-arm spinner Bhavesh Chauhan delivered the goods in grand style for Viva Supermarket propelling them into the semi-finals of the RCF T20 Cricket Tournament 2025 for the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Cup, organized by Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF) Sports Club under the auspices of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and played at the RCF Colony ground in Chembur on Wednesday.
Left-arm spinner Bhavesh Chauhan receives the Man of the Match award from Jai Bhagwan Sharma ED (Legal Admn) Company Secretary, RCF.
Chauhan’s deliveries brooked no answer from Automotive Manufacturers SC who were skittled out for 80 runs in 11 overs. Chauhan’s impeccable bowling display saw him finish with a splendid haul of six wickets for 16 runs. The lone batsman to offer a semblance of resistance was Jash Ganiga who scored 25 runs.
Earlier, Viva making first use of the RCF sports ground wicket scored 171 for 8 in their 20 overs. Captain Bharat Patil’s unbeaten 45 made from 21 balls included two sixes and five boundaries. Shreyas Gurav with 29, Saurabh Pawar contributed 23 and Ruturaj with 20 made meaningful contributions.
OVER 500 swimmers that include national and state level stars, will be in vying for top honours in their 38th Otters Club’s open Swim Gala, to be held on April 19 (Saturday) and April 20) at their swimming pool at Bandra (West). The hosts, who have produced over 70 national gold medalists over the years, have received tremendous response from swimmers from both 32 city and suburban Clubs in various categories .
The added feature this time for their two-day event is the boost given by the sponsors ‘Mansons Foundations’, a non-government organisation, by providing various sports facilities to the budding boys and girls, especially belonging to marginalised section of the society. Messrs Speedo India , too have pipped in with part sponsorship by providing with sports gears to the swimmers.
The Maharashtra women’s team showcased a stellar performance to clinch the title in the 57th National Kho-Kho Championship. In a thrilling final, they defeated hosts Odisha 25-21. Meanwhile, in the men’s category, the Railways team outplayed defending champions Maharashtra with a 36-28 victory. This marks Maharashtra women’s 26th national title and Railways’ 12th in the men’s division.
Maharashtra women with their National Kho Kho champiuonship trophy
In the final held at the District Sports Complex in Puri, Maharashtra’s women played with resilience till the very end, overcoming stiff resistance from the host team Odisha. At halftime, the scores were level at 10-10. However, Maharashtra displayed superior strategy and robust defense in the second half to secure a well-deserved victory.
Key contributors in defense included Priyanka Ingle (1.30 mins), Reshma Rathod (1.40 mins), and Ashwini Shinde (1.40 mins) in the first innings, while Tanvi Bhosale (3.00 mins), Sampada More (1.30 mins), and Sanika Chafe (1.20 mins) stood strong in the second. In attack, Reshma claimed 6 dismissals and Priyanka added 4, playing vital roles in the win.
From Odisha, Shubhashree Singh (1.20 mins defense and 6 points) and Smaranika Sahu (1.30 mins unbeaten defense and 4 points) gave a commendable all-round performance but fell short in the end.
Railways team which dominated in men’s finalpose with their trophy.
In the men’s final, Railways registered a decisive 36-28 win over Maharashtra. By halftime, Railways had built a crucial 21-12 lead. Though Maharashtra fought back to level the second half 15-15, the first-half advantage ensured Railways’ title win.
Notable contributors for Railways included Arun Gunkhi (1.20 mins defense and 6 points), Rahul Mandal (1.40 mins defense and 4 points), Dilip Khandvi (6 points), Jagannath Das (1.40 mins defense and 4 points), and Mahesh Shinde (1.40 mins and 1.20 mins defense).
For Maharashtra, Laxman Gavas and Milind Chawarekar tried to anchor the team with 1.40 mins of defense each in the second half. Piyush Gholam scored 6 points, while Nihar Dubale, Rudra Thopte, and Suyash Gargate contributed 4 points each. However, their efforts were not enough, and Maharashtra had to settle for the runner-up position.
Coach Narendra Mengal (Thane) credited the Maharashtra women’s team’s victory to the collective efforts of the players and the management. He appreciated the team’s excellent performance and mentioned that the girls raised the state flag high on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa.
Hosts RCF Sports Club went down fighting to Viva Supermarkets CC by four wickets in a first-round match of the RCF T20 Cricket Tournament 2025 for the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Cup, organized by Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF) Sports Club under the auspices of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and played at the RCF Colony ground in Chembur on Thursday.
Viva Supermarkets bowler Parth Naik receives the Man of the Match award from Nanda Kulkarni, CGM (HRD) RCF.
Batting first RCF Sports Club posted a low total of 143 for the loss of 9 wickets from their quota of 20 overs. Opening batsman Sagar Gupta top-scored with 70 runs (50-balls, 6×4,x6), while his partner Suraj Patil contributed 20 runs. Viva Supermarket CC spinner Parth Naik with his impressive bowling performance took 3 wickets for 16 runs.
Later, Viva Supermarket CC easily reached the target making 144 for 6 wickets in 15.3 overs. Jigar Rana 34 runs, Shreyas Gurav 30 runs, Ruturaj 24 runs, and Saurabh Pawar 24 runs ensured they sealed the win. Sachin Kakdekar 2 for 14, and Aary Gaikwad 2 for 30 tried to put up a fight.
Brief scores: RCF Sports Club 143 for 9, 20 overs (Sagar Gupta 70 (50-balls, 6×4,x6), Suraj Patil 20; Parth Naik 3/16) lost Viva Supermarket CC 144 for 6, 15.3 overs (Jigar Rana 34, Shreyas Gurav 30, Ruturaj 24, Saurabh Pawar 24; Sachin Kakdekar 2/14, Aary Gaikwad 2/30). Result: Viva Supermarket CC won by 4 wickets.
DM Cricket Club 182 for 8, 20 overs (Om Bhosale 65 (40-balls, 6×4,4×6), Yash Kshirsagar 43* (23-balls, 3×4,3×7), Pavan Shah 24, Heramb Parab 23; Yogesh Sawant 3/34, Bharat Solanki 2/37, Akhtar Shaikh 2/38) lost Automotive Manufacturers CC 185 for 5, 18.3 overs (Aditya Shemadkar 70 (36-balls, 5×4,5×6), Jash Ganiga 40 (33-balls, 5×4), Dharsh Murkute 24; Heramb Parab 2/30). Result: Automotive Manufacturers CC won by 5 wickets.
