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After slow career start, Priya Ghanghas prepares for big step up in Asian Championships final On her senior international debut, the 20-year-old who once struggled to win a district title beat a former world champion en route to the final of the women’s 60kg category in the Continental Championships.It’s not easy for ambitious young boxers to get admitted to the Boxing Academy at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bhiwani. The academy—where Olympians including Akhil Kumar, Vijender Kumar, Manish Kaushik, Raj Kumar Sangwan, and Vikas Krishan Yadav have trained—has a reputation for excellence.So, in 2023, when Mahendra Ghanghas took his daughter Priya to the said academy, he tried to hype her up. Although she had been training for a few years at that point, she had little to show for it. She hadn’t even won a title at the district level. Nevertheless, Mahendra tried to convince the coaches there that she was a talent waiting to be discovered.“He was telling me that Priya was really talented. When I first saw her, I wasn’t so sure. She didn’t have any real results. And which parent doesn’t think their child isn’t special?” recalls Mahavir Singh, a two-decade-long veteran with the Indian national team.He eventually took the 16-year-old under his wings anyway.Few doubt just how special Priya is now. From left to right: Neeraj Ghanghas, his sister Priya, father Mahendra, and mother. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT From left to right: Neeraj Ghanghas, his sister Priya, father Mahendra, and mother. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT As the youngest boxer in the Indian squad and in what is her senior international debut, Priya has been one of the standout performers at the Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Having already beaten former world champion Chengyu Yang of China in the quarterfinals, Priya will take on North Korea’s Won Un Gyong in the final of the women’s 60kg category.At first it was just Priya’s father who believed in his daughter’s ability. He’d been an enthusiastic kabaddi player but had been forced by his family to give up the sport and earn a living. “In my time, no one in my family encouraged me to be a sportsperson. So when I became a father, I knew I wanted my children to become sportspersons,” he says.Boxing seemed like a good choice. “When Priya was only three years old, Vijender Singh won an Olympic bronze (at the 2008 Beijing Olympics). He is from Kaluwas, which is only about 20 kilometers from our village of Dhanana. There was a big craze surrounding the sport in the region then. So I wanted my children to be boxers and win a medal at the Olympics also,” he says.It runs in the familyPriya wasn’t the first in her family to pursue the sport. Dhanana, in fact, has a reputation of producing women’s boxers. Two, Sakshi Ghanghas and her cousin Nitu Ghanghas, have won titles at the World Championships.It wasn’t clear whether Priya was going to follow in the footsteps of her seniors, though. She and her brother Neeraj Ghanghas, who is a year older, started boxing in 2016. They were initially training at an academy in Charkhi Dadri—incidentally, where shooting Olympic medallist, Manu Bhaker had also taken a few classes.But while Priya trained diligently, she didn’t get the kind of results she would have wanted. “She took part in district-level competitions, but she didn’t win over there. I suspected the judges weren’t treating her fairly,” says Mahendra.That’s when he decided to shift his two children to Bhiwani. It wasn’t an easy choice. “Priya was also very good in studies. She scored 90 per cent in her class 12 board exams. So, she could have chosen to follow any line, but she wanted to make boxing her focus,” says Mahendra.READ: Asian Boxing Championships 2026: Eight Indians in gold-medal boutsAlthough coach Mahavir says there wasn’t anything that initially stood out about Priya, he soon realised her strengths. “Boxing isn’t purely a physical game. So, even if you have one or two excellent qualities and are average in others, you can still become a good boxer. Priya had some technical weaknesses early on. She often dropped her hands when punching, so we had to train her to stop doing that. But she also was genetically very strong, had a lot of tactical understanding of the sport, and had very good motor qualities,” he says.Most of all, though, Mahavir says Priya surprised him with her stubbornness. “ Badi diler boxer hai (She is a very courageous boxer). Her willpower is very strong. She refuses to accept defeat. She keeps pushing herself. A lot of boxers are talented but make excuses. I don’t recall a single day that she hasn’t showed up to train. I’ve made her spar against boys and boxers who are far heavier than her, and she never steps back,” he says.It wasn’t just Priya who had an adamant streak. So did her father. Although he ran a stone-crushing business in Dadri, he bought a house in Bhiwani and shifted with his family there. “I go to my business one or two days a week at most. Right now my priority is Priya. I take her to the academy and bring her back. When she travels for competitions, I always go with her. When we moved to Bhiwani, I bought a cow and a buffalo so that there’s enough milk for my children. My wife also makes sure that almonds are ground so that Priya gets the right nutrition. All these cost money, but mere mein bhi junoon hai (Even I have my passion). I have to make sure that Priya doesn’t lack anything,” he says.The hex comes undoneWithin a year of joining Bhiwani’s Boxing Academy, Priya’s luck began to change. She won the district and then State youth title in 2023, before following it up with the national title. After repeating the same wins the next year, she competed at the Asian Youth Championships, where she won silver. Her career graph has only gone one way since then. There’s always good-natured teasing between Neeraj and Priya. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT There’s always good-natured teasing between Neeraj and Priya. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Incidentally, her record has mirrored that of her elder brother Neeraj, who has also won a national youth title and a silver medal at the Asian Youth Championships. This often leads to some good-natured teasing between the two. “They’ll compare each other’s results. One of them will say, ‘I’ve won this medal, when are you going to win this?’” says Mahendra.This year, though, Priya has started making far bigger strides. She competed at her first senior national championships in Noida, where she took silver behind world champion Jaismine Lamboria. She might have fallen short of the title there, but she’s hoping to make up for it at the Asian Championships.Her path, though, won’t be easy—considering her opponent had got the better of Olympic champion Lin Yu Ting in the semifinal. For her part, Priya is upbeat. “I spoke to her before the final, and she was very confident. She said koi dikkat nahi hai (there’s no problem),” says Mahendra. Priya and her coach Mahavir. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Priya and her coach Mahavir. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT And although reaching a continental final in her first appearance is a significant achievement, Mahendra says her best is yet to come.According to the Boxing Federation of India’s selection process, boxers who reach the finals at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 secure direct qualification for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. “You look out for her after that also. She is a special talent,” he says.Published on Apr 08, 2026 #slow #career #start #Priya #Ghanghas #prepares #big #step #Asian #Championships #final

After slow career start, Priya Ghanghas prepares for big step up in Asian Championships final

On her senior international debut, the 20-year-old who once struggled to win a district title beat a former world champion en route to the final of the women’s 60kg category in the Continental Championships.

It’s not easy for ambitious young boxers to get admitted to the Boxing Academy at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bhiwani. The academy—where Olympians including Akhil Kumar, Vijender Kumar, Manish Kaushik, Raj Kumar Sangwan, and Vikas Krishan Yadav have trained—has a reputation for excellence.

So, in 2023, when Mahendra Ghanghas took his daughter Priya to the said academy, he tried to hype her up. Although she had been training for a few years at that point, she had little to show for it. She hadn’t even won a title at the district level. Nevertheless, Mahendra tried to convince the coaches there that she was a talent waiting to be discovered.

“He was telling me that Priya was really talented. When I first saw her, I wasn’t so sure. She didn’t have any real results. And which parent doesn’t think their child isn’t special?” recalls Mahavir Singh, a two-decade-long veteran with the Indian national team.

He eventually took the 16-year-old under his wings anyway.

Few doubt just how special Priya is now.

After slow career start, Priya Ghanghas prepares for big step up in Asian Championships final On her senior international debut, the 20-year-old who once struggled to win a district title beat a former world champion en route to the final of the women’s 60kg category in the Continental Championships.It’s not easy for ambitious young boxers to get admitted to the Boxing Academy at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bhiwani. The academy—where Olympians including Akhil Kumar, Vijender Kumar, Manish Kaushik, Raj Kumar Sangwan, and Vikas Krishan Yadav have trained—has a reputation for excellence.So, in 2023, when Mahendra Ghanghas took his daughter Priya to the said academy, he tried to hype her up. Although she had been training for a few years at that point, she had little to show for it. She hadn’t even won a title at the district level. Nevertheless, Mahendra tried to convince the coaches there that she was a talent waiting to be discovered.“He was telling me that Priya was really talented. When I first saw her, I wasn’t so sure. She didn’t have any real results. And which parent doesn’t think their child isn’t special?” recalls Mahavir Singh, a two-decade-long veteran with the Indian national team.He eventually took the 16-year-old under his wings anyway.Few doubt just how special Priya is now. From left to right: Neeraj Ghanghas, his sister Priya, father Mahendra, and mother. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT From left to right: Neeraj Ghanghas, his sister Priya, father Mahendra, and mother. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT As the youngest boxer in the Indian squad and in what is her senior international debut, Priya has been one of the standout performers at the Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Having already beaten former world champion Chengyu Yang of China in the quarterfinals, Priya will take on North Korea’s Won Un Gyong in the final of the women’s 60kg category.At first it was just Priya’s father who believed in his daughter’s ability. He’d been an enthusiastic kabaddi player but had been forced by his family to give up the sport and earn a living. “In my time, no one in my family encouraged me to be a sportsperson. So when I became a father, I knew I wanted my children to become sportspersons,” he says.Boxing seemed like a good choice. “When Priya was only three years old, Vijender Singh won an Olympic bronze (at the 2008 Beijing Olympics). He is from Kaluwas, which is only about 20 kilometers from our village of Dhanana. There was a big craze surrounding the sport in the region then. So I wanted my children to be boxers and win a medal at the Olympics also,” he says.It runs in the familyPriya wasn’t the first in her family to pursue the sport. Dhanana, in fact, has a reputation of producing women’s boxers. Two, Sakshi Ghanghas and her cousin Nitu Ghanghas, have won titles at the World Championships.It wasn’t clear whether Priya was going to follow in the footsteps of her seniors, though. She and her brother Neeraj Ghanghas, who is a year older, started boxing in 2016. They were initially training at an academy in Charkhi Dadri—incidentally, where shooting Olympic medallist, Manu Bhaker had also taken a few classes.But while Priya trained diligently, she didn’t get the kind of results she would have wanted. “She took part in district-level competitions, but she didn’t win over there. I suspected the judges weren’t treating her fairly,” says Mahendra.That’s when he decided to shift his two children to Bhiwani. It wasn’t an easy choice. “Priya was also very good in studies. She scored 90 per cent in her class 12 board exams. So, she could have chosen to follow any line, but she wanted to make boxing her focus,” says Mahendra.READ: Asian Boxing Championships 2026: Eight Indians in gold-medal boutsAlthough coach Mahavir says there wasn’t anything that initially stood out about Priya, he soon realised her strengths. “Boxing isn’t purely a physical game. So, even if you have one or two excellent qualities and are average in others, you can still become a good boxer. Priya had some technical weaknesses early on. She often dropped her hands when punching, so we had to train her to stop doing that. But she also was genetically very strong, had a lot of tactical understanding of the sport, and had very good motor qualities,” he says.Most of all, though, Mahavir says Priya surprised him with her stubbornness. “ Badi diler boxer hai (She is a very courageous boxer). Her willpower is very strong. She refuses to accept defeat. She keeps pushing herself. A lot of boxers are talented but make excuses. I don’t recall a single day that she hasn’t showed up to train. I’ve made her spar against boys and boxers who are far heavier than her, and she never steps back,” he says.It wasn’t just Priya who had an adamant streak. So did her father. Although he ran a stone-crushing business in Dadri, he bought a house in Bhiwani and shifted with his family there. “I go to my business one or two days a week at most. Right now my priority is Priya. I take her to the academy and bring her back. When she travels for competitions, I always go with her. When we moved to Bhiwani, I bought a cow and a buffalo so that there’s enough milk for my children. My wife also makes sure that almonds are ground so that Priya gets the right nutrition. All these cost money, but mere mein bhi junoon hai (Even I have my passion). I have to make sure that Priya doesn’t lack anything,” he says.The hex comes undoneWithin a year of joining Bhiwani’s Boxing Academy, Priya’s luck began to change. She won the district and then State youth title in 2023, before following it up with the national title. After repeating the same wins the next year, she competed at the Asian Youth Championships, where she won silver. Her career graph has only gone one way since then. There’s always good-natured teasing between Neeraj and Priya. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT There’s always good-natured teasing between Neeraj and Priya. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Incidentally, her record has mirrored that of her elder brother Neeraj, who has also won a national youth title and a silver medal at the Asian Youth Championships. This often leads to some good-natured teasing between the two. “They’ll compare each other’s results. One of them will say, ‘I’ve won this medal, when are you going to win this?’” says Mahendra.This year, though, Priya has started making far bigger strides. She competed at her first senior national championships in Noida, where she took silver behind world champion Jaismine Lamboria. She might have fallen short of the title there, but she’s hoping to make up for it at the Asian Championships.Her path, though, won’t be easy—considering her opponent had got the better of Olympic champion Lin Yu Ting in the semifinal. For her part, Priya is upbeat. “I spoke to her before the final, and she was very confident. She said koi dikkat nahi hai (there’s no problem),” says Mahendra. Priya and her coach Mahavir. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Priya and her coach Mahavir. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT And although reaching a continental final in her first appearance is a significant achievement, Mahendra says her best is yet to come.According to the Boxing Federation of India’s selection process, boxers who reach the finals at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 secure direct qualification for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. “You look out for her after that also. She is a special talent,” he says.Published on Apr 08, 2026 #slow #career #start #Priya #Ghanghas #prepares #big #step #Asian #Championships #final

From left to right: Neeraj Ghanghas, his sister Priya, father Mahendra, and mother. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

lightbox-info

From left to right: Neeraj Ghanghas, his sister Priya, father Mahendra, and mother. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

As the youngest boxer in the Indian squad and in what is her senior international debut, Priya has been one of the standout performers at the Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Having already beaten former world champion Chengyu Yang of China in the quarterfinals, Priya will take on North Korea’s Won Un Gyong in the final of the women’s 60kg category.

At first it was just Priya’s father who believed in his daughter’s ability. He’d been an enthusiastic kabaddi player but had been forced by his family to give up the sport and earn a living. “In my time, no one in my family encouraged me to be a sportsperson. So when I became a father, I knew I wanted my children to become sportspersons,” he says.

Boxing seemed like a good choice. “When Priya was only three years old, Vijender Singh won an Olympic bronze (at the 2008 Beijing Olympics). He is from Kaluwas, which is only about 20 kilometers from our village of Dhanana. There was a big craze surrounding the sport in the region then. So I wanted my children to be boxers and win a medal at the Olympics also,” he says.

It runs in the family

Priya wasn’t the first in her family to pursue the sport. Dhanana, in fact, has a reputation of producing women’s boxers. Two, Sakshi Ghanghas and her cousin Nitu Ghanghas, have won titles at the World Championships.

It wasn’t clear whether Priya was going to follow in the footsteps of her seniors, though. She and her brother Neeraj Ghanghas, who is a year older, started boxing in 2016. They were initially training at an academy in Charkhi Dadri—incidentally, where shooting Olympic medallist, Manu Bhaker had also taken a few classes.

But while Priya trained diligently, she didn’t get the kind of results she would have wanted. “She took part in district-level competitions, but she didn’t win over there. I suspected the judges weren’t treating her fairly,” says Mahendra.

That’s when he decided to shift his two children to Bhiwani. It wasn’t an easy choice. “Priya was also very good in studies. She scored 90 per cent in her class 12 board exams. So, she could have chosen to follow any line, but she wanted to make boxing her focus,” says Mahendra.

READ: Asian Boxing Championships 2026: Eight Indians in gold-medal bouts

Although coach Mahavir says there wasn’t anything that initially stood out about Priya, he soon realised her strengths. “Boxing isn’t purely a physical game. So, even if you have one or two excellent qualities and are average in others, you can still become a good boxer. Priya had some technical weaknesses early on. She often dropped her hands when punching, so we had to train her to stop doing that. But she also was genetically very strong, had a lot of tactical understanding of the sport, and had very good motor qualities,” he says.

Most of all, though, Mahavir says Priya surprised him with her stubbornness. “ Badi diler boxer hai (She is a very courageous boxer). Her willpower is very strong. She refuses to accept defeat. She keeps pushing herself. A lot of boxers are talented but make excuses. I don’t recall a single day that she hasn’t showed up to train. I’ve made her spar against boys and boxers who are far heavier than her, and she never steps back,” he says.

It wasn’t just Priya who had an adamant streak. So did her father. Although he ran a stone-crushing business in Dadri, he bought a house in Bhiwani and shifted with his family there. “I go to my business one or two days a week at most. Right now my priority is Priya. I take her to the academy and bring her back. When she travels for competitions, I always go with her. When we moved to Bhiwani, I bought a cow and a buffalo so that there’s enough milk for my children. My wife also makes sure that almonds are ground so that Priya gets the right nutrition. All these cost money, but mere mein bhi junoon hai (Even I have my passion). I have to make sure that Priya doesn’t lack anything,” he says.

The hex comes undone

Within a year of joining Bhiwani’s Boxing Academy, Priya’s luck began to change. She won the district and then State youth title in 2023, before following it up with the national title. After repeating the same wins the next year, she competed at the Asian Youth Championships, where she won silver. Her career graph has only gone one way since then.

There’s always good-natured teasing between Neeraj and Priya.

There’s always good-natured teasing between Neeraj and Priya. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

lightbox-info

There’s always good-natured teasing between Neeraj and Priya. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Incidentally, her record has mirrored that of her elder brother Neeraj, who has also won a national youth title and a silver medal at the Asian Youth Championships. This often leads to some good-natured teasing between the two. “They’ll compare each other’s results. One of them will say, ‘I’ve won this medal, when are you going to win this?’” says Mahendra.

This year, though, Priya has started making far bigger strides. She competed at her first senior national championships in Noida, where she took silver behind world champion Jaismine Lamboria. She might have fallen short of the title there, but she’s hoping to make up for it at the Asian Championships.

Her path, though, won’t be easy—considering her opponent had got the better of Olympic champion Lin Yu Ting in the semifinal. For her part, Priya is upbeat. “I spoke to her before the final, and she was very confident. She said koi dikkat nahi hai (there’s no problem),” says Mahendra.

Priya and her coach Mahavir.

Priya and her coach Mahavir. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

lightbox-info

Priya and her coach Mahavir. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

And although reaching a continental final in her first appearance is a significant achievement, Mahendra says her best is yet to come.

According to the Boxing Federation of India’s selection process, boxers who reach the finals at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 secure direct qualification for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. “You look out for her after that also. She is a special talent,” he says.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#slow #career #start #Priya #Ghanghas #prepares #big #step #Asian #Championships #final

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On her senior international debut, the 20-year-old who once struggled to win a district title beat a former world champion en route to the final of the women’s 60kg category in the Continental Championships.

It’s not easy for ambitious young boxers to get admitted to the Boxing Academy at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bhiwani. The academy—where Olympians including Akhil Kumar, Vijender Kumar, Manish Kaushik, Raj Kumar Sangwan, and Vikas Krishan Yadav have trained—has a reputation for excellence.

So, in 2023, when Mahendra Ghanghas took his daughter Priya to the said academy, he tried to hype her up. Although she had been training for a few years at that point, she had little to show for it. She hadn’t even won a title at the district level. Nevertheless, Mahendra tried to convince the coaches there that she was a talent waiting to be discovered.

“He was telling me that Priya was really talented. When I first saw her, I wasn’t so sure. She didn’t have any real results. And which parent doesn’t think their child isn’t special?” recalls Mahavir Singh, a two-decade-long veteran with the Indian national team.

He eventually took the 16-year-old under his wings anyway.

Few doubt just how special Priya is now.

From left to right: Neeraj Ghanghas, his sister Priya, father Mahendra, and mother.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

lightbox-info

From left to right: Neeraj Ghanghas, his sister Priya, father Mahendra, and mother.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

As the youngest boxer in the Indian squad and in what is her senior international debut, Priya has been one of the standout performers at the Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Having already beaten former world champion Chengyu Yang of China in the quarterfinals, Priya will take on North Korea’s Won Un Gyong in the final of the women’s 60kg category.

At first it was just Priya’s father who believed in his daughter’s ability. He’d been an enthusiastic kabaddi player but had been forced by his family to give up the sport and earn a living. “In my time, no one in my family encouraged me to be a sportsperson. So when I became a father, I knew I wanted my children to become sportspersons,” he says.

Boxing seemed like a good choice. “When Priya was only three years old, Vijender Singh won an Olympic bronze (at the 2008 Beijing Olympics). He is from Kaluwas, which is only about 20 kilometers from our village of Dhanana. There was a big craze surrounding the sport in the region then. So I wanted my children to be boxers and win a medal at the Olympics also,” he says.

It runs in the family

Priya wasn’t the first in her family to pursue the sport. Dhanana, in fact, has a reputation of producing women’s boxers. Two, Sakshi Ghanghas and her cousin Nitu Ghanghas, have won titles at the World Championships.

It wasn’t clear whether Priya was going to follow in the footsteps of her seniors, though. She and her brother Neeraj Ghanghas, who is a year older, started boxing in 2016. They were initially training at an academy in Charkhi Dadri—incidentally, where shooting Olympic medallist, Manu Bhaker had also taken a few classes.

But while Priya trained diligently, she didn’t get the kind of results she would have wanted. “She took part in district-level competitions, but she didn’t win over there. I suspected the judges weren’t treating her fairly,” says Mahendra.

That’s when he decided to shift his two children to Bhiwani. It wasn’t an easy choice. “Priya was also very good in studies. She scored 90 per cent in her class 12 board exams. So, she could have chosen to follow any line, but she wanted to make boxing her focus,” says Mahendra.

READ: Asian Boxing Championships 2026: Eight Indians in gold-medal bouts

Although coach Mahavir says there wasn’t anything that initially stood out about Priya, he soon realised her strengths. “Boxing isn’t purely a physical game. So, even if you have one or two excellent qualities and are average in others, you can still become a good boxer. Priya had some technical weaknesses early on. She often dropped her hands when punching, so we had to train her to stop doing that. But she also was genetically very strong, had a lot of tactical understanding of the sport, and had very good motor qualities,” he says.

Most of all, though, Mahavir says Priya surprised him with her stubbornness. “ Badi diler boxer hai (She is a very courageous boxer). Her willpower is very strong. She refuses to accept defeat. She keeps pushing herself. A lot of boxers are talented but make excuses. I don’t recall a single day that she hasn’t showed up to train. I’ve made her spar against boys and boxers who are far heavier than her, and she never steps back,” he says.

It wasn’t just Priya who had an adamant streak. So did her father. Although he ran a stone-crushing business in Dadri, he bought a house in Bhiwani and shifted with his family there. “I go to my business one or two days a week at most. Right now my priority is Priya. I take her to the academy and bring her back. When she travels for competitions, I always go with her. When we moved to Bhiwani, I bought a cow and a buffalo so that there’s enough milk for my children. My wife also makes sure that almonds are ground so that Priya gets the right nutrition. All these cost money, but mere mein bhi junoon hai (Even I have my passion). I have to make sure that Priya doesn’t lack anything,” he says.

The hex comes undone

Within a year of joining Bhiwani’s Boxing Academy, Priya’s luck began to change. She won the district and then State youth title in 2023, before following it up with the national title. After repeating the same wins the next year, she competed at the Asian Youth Championships, where she won silver. Her career graph has only gone one way since then.

There’s always good-natured teasing between Neeraj and Priya.

There’s always good-natured teasing between Neeraj and Priya.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

lightbox-info

There’s always good-natured teasing between Neeraj and Priya.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Incidentally, her record has mirrored that of her elder brother Neeraj, who has also won a national youth title and a silver medal at the Asian Youth Championships. This often leads to some good-natured teasing between the two. “They’ll compare each other’s results. One of them will say, ‘I’ve won this medal, when are you going to win this?’” says Mahendra.

This year, though, Priya has started making far bigger strides. She competed at her first senior national championships in Noida, where she took silver behind world champion Jaismine Lamboria. She might have fallen short of the title there, but she’s hoping to make up for it at the Asian Championships.

Her path, though, won’t be easy—considering her opponent had got the better of Olympic champion Lin Yu Ting in the semifinal. For her part, Priya is upbeat. “I spoke to her before the final, and she was very confident. She said koi dikkat nahi hai (there’s no problem),” says Mahendra.

Priya and her coach Mahavir.

Priya and her coach Mahavir.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

lightbox-info

Priya and her coach Mahavir.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

And although reaching a continental final in her first appearance is a significant achievement, Mahendra says her best is yet to come.

According to the Boxing Federation of India’s selection process, boxers who reach the finals at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 secure direct qualification for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. “You look out for her after that also. She is a special talent,” he says.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

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Deadspin | MLB roundup: Paul Skenes’ pitching gem carries Pirates past Padres Apr 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each had clutch two-run hits to back up a gem by Paul Skenes and propel the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Skenes (2-1) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a one-out single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Throwing 87 pitches, Skenes gave up one run — a Xander Bogaerts homer in the seventh — on two hits in 6 1/3 innings and struck out six. He walked two and hit a batter. Rookie Konnor Griffin, Ryan O’Hearn and Henry Davis each had two hits for the Pirate, who erupted for five runs in the eighth off Adrian Morejon to cement their sixth win in the past seven games. Miguel Andujar had the only other hit for San Diego, which had scored 13 runs over its previous two games. Nick Pivetta (1-2) gave up two runs over five innings. Red Sox 3, Brewers 2 Trevor Story snapped a scoreless tie with a bases-loaded double in the sixth inning, Garrett Crochet took a shutout into the seventh and Boston held on for a victory over visiting Milwaukee. The Red Sox, who managed just three hits, converted three consecutive walks into three runs in the sixth off Jacob Misiorowski (1-1) for a 3-0 lead. Crochet (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Aroldis Chapman finished with a scoreless ninth for his third save. In the seventh, the Brewers scored a pair when David Hamilton was plunked and pinch hitter Christian Yelich bounced into a run-scoring groundout. Misiorowski, who struck out the first five batters he faced and finished with 11 K’s, allowed three runs on two hits in 5 1/3 innings. Guardians 2, Royals 1 Brayan Rocchio delivered a tiebreaking RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending host Cleveland to a victory over Kansas City. Rocchio was 0-for-3 until facing John Schreiber (0-1) with runners at first and second in the ninth, poking a single through the right side. Lane Thomas came up cleanly with Rocchio’s hit but could not throw out CJ Kayfus at the plate. Cade Smith (2-0) earned the victory, striking out two in a 1-2-3 ninth. Guardians pitchers limited the Royals to one hit, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Orioles 4, White Sox 2 Gunnar Henderson hit a tiebreaking two-run home run in the eighth inning as visiting Baltimore rallied past Chicago. Blaze Alexander and Taylor Ward hit back-to-back one-out doubles in the eighth as the Orioles tied the game off Jordan Hicks (0-1) before Henderson gave them their first lead with his fourth homer of the season. Trevor Rogers delivered six innings of two-run work for Baltimore, and Yennier Cano (1-1) recorded the win. Chase Meidroth drove in a run and had two hits for the White Sox, who saw Shane Smith last just 3 2/3 scoreless innings in his start, striking out eight but walking five. Mets 4, Diamondbacks 3 (10 innings) Ronny Mauricio delivered the game-winning single in his first plate appearance for host New York, which beat Arizona in 10 innings. Brett Baty and Jared Young each delivered a sacrifice fly and Francisco Alvarez scored on an error for the Mets, who extended their winning streak to four games. Luke Weaver (1-0) retired all three batters in the top of the 10th. Adrian Del Castillo (two-run single) and Nolan Arenado (double) had RBI hits in the fifth for the Diamondbacks, who lost for the third time in five games. Paul Sewald (0-2) recorded just one out in the 10th. Reds 6, Marlins 3 (10 innings) Cincinnati — scoreless against Sandy Alcantara until the ninth inning — rallied to defeat host Miami. The Reds tied the score in the ninth on a two-out wild pitch by Anthony Bender, and they took control in the 10th on Nathaniel Lowe’s go-ahead RBI single and Matt McLain’s two-run double. Alcantara allowed just three hits — two singles and one double — plus two walks and two runs in 8 1/3 innings, striking out six. Miami started the ninth with a 2-0 lead, and both runs were scored while Bender was on the mound. Marlins center fielder Jakob Marsee, who entered the game batting just .105, went 2-for-4 with one walk, two runs and a career-high four stolen bases. Cardinals 7, Nationals 6 (10 innings) Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt hit run-scoring doubles in the 10th inning and visiting St. Louis beat Washington. Saggese led off with a double off Cole Henry (0-2) to score automatic runner Masyn Winn with the go-ahead run. With two outs, Wetherholt doubled to right, scoring Saggese to make it 7-5. Jordan Walker homered for the second straight night and Church also went deep for the Cardinals. Nolan Gorman had three hits. James Wood homered for the third straight game for Washington, and Curtis Mead had three hits, including a home run. Rangers 3, Mariners 2 Nathan Eovaldi pitched six quality innings and Kyle Higashioka hit a go-ahead home run, rallying Texas to a win over struggling Seattle in Arlington, Texas. Eovaldi, making his 300th career major league start, picked up his first win of the season after two losses, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and a pair of walks. George Kirby (1-2) threw an eight-inning complete game for Seattle, which lost its fourth straight and its sixth in the past seven games. Cubs 9, Rays 2 Javier Assad threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Moises Ballesteros hit late-inning home runs to seal Chicago’s win over Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Fla. Seven Cubs, including Crow-Armstrong and Ballesteros, had two or more hits as part of a 16-hit output. Nico Hoerner went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Assad (1-0), making his season debut after beginning the year in Triple-A Iowa, allowed just one hit and two walks. Mason Englert (0-1) was a spot starter for Tampa Bay after Drew Rasmussen was a late scratch for personal reasons. Englert took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Yankees 5, Athletics 3 Amed Rosario gave New York the lead by hitting a three-run home run, his second of the game, in the eighth inning as the Yankees downed the visiting Athletics. Rosario also homered off A’s starter Aaron Civale in the second inning for New York’s first run. It was the veteran infielder’s third career multi-homer game. New York starter Cam Schlittler allowed his first three runs of the season, all in the third inning, scattering five hits over five innings. Nick Kurtz hit a two-run double and Tyler Soderstrom added an RBI double when the A’s had four hits in the third and took a 3-1 lead. Civale allowed two hits and one run over five innings before former Yankee Mark Leiter Jr. (0-1) took the loss. Rockies 5, Astros 1 Kyle Freeland pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, Willi Castro and Mickey Moniak homered and Colorado beat visiting Houston. Castro finished with three hits and three RBIs while TJ Rumfield singled twice for Colorado, which has won three in a row. Freeland (1-1) became the first Rockies starter to pitch into the seventh inning this season. He allowed one run on three hits. Antonio Senzatela threw 2 2/3 perfect innings to pick up his first career save. Christian Walker homered, one of just three hits for the Astros, who have lost three in a row. Mike Burrows (1-2) permitted three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. Dodgers 4, Blue Jays 1 Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched an effective six-plus innings and visiting Los Angeles defeated Toronto. Yamamoto (2-1) allowed one run, five hits and one walk with six strikeouts in his first appearance back in the stadium where he was named World Series MVP last year after closing out Game 7. Alex Freeland had three hits for the Dodgers, who have won five in a row while the Blue Jays have lost six straight. Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead in the third against Kevin Gausman (0-1), who opposed Yamamoto in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series. Gausman yielded three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. Twins 4, Tigers 2 Ryan Jeffers doubled and drove in a pair of runs as Minnesota held on for a win over Detroit in Minneapolis. Luke Keaschall and Josh Bell added one RBI apiece for the Twins. Taj Bradley (2-0) continued his red-hot start to the season, limiting the Tigers to one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (1-2) unraveled after four scoreless innings. He exited after giving up four runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Paul #Skenes #pitching #gem #carries #Pirates #PadresApr 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each had clutch two-run hits to back up a gem by Paul Skenes and propel the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.

Skenes (2-1) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a one-out single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Throwing 87 pitches, Skenes gave up one run — a Xander Bogaerts homer in the seventh — on two hits in 6 1/3 innings and struck out six. He walked two and hit a batter.

Rookie Konnor Griffin, Ryan O’Hearn and Henry Davis each had two hits for the Pirate, who erupted for five runs in the eighth off Adrian Morejon to cement their sixth win in the past seven games.

Miguel Andujar had the only other hit for San Diego, which had scored 13 runs over its previous two games. Nick Pivetta (1-2) gave up two runs over five innings.

Red Sox 3, Brewers 2

Trevor Story snapped a scoreless tie with a bases-loaded double in the sixth inning, Garrett Crochet took a shutout into the seventh and Boston held on for a victory over visiting Milwaukee.

The Red Sox, who managed just three hits, converted three consecutive walks into three runs in the sixth off Jacob Misiorowski (1-1) for a 3-0 lead. Crochet (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Aroldis Chapman finished with a scoreless ninth for his third save.

In the seventh, the Brewers scored a pair when David Hamilton was plunked and pinch hitter Christian Yelich bounced into a run-scoring groundout. Misiorowski, who struck out the first five batters he faced and finished with 11 K’s, allowed three runs on two hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Guardians 2, Royals 1

Brayan Rocchio delivered a tiebreaking RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending host Cleveland to a victory over Kansas City.

Rocchio was 0-for-3 until facing John Schreiber (0-1) with runners at first and second in the ninth, poking a single through the right side. Lane Thomas came up cleanly with Rocchio’s hit but could not throw out CJ Kayfus at the plate.

Cade Smith (2-0) earned the victory, striking out two in a 1-2-3 ninth. Guardians pitchers limited the Royals to one hit, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning.

Orioles 4, White Sox 2

Gunnar Henderson hit a tiebreaking two-run home run in the eighth inning as visiting Baltimore rallied past Chicago.

Blaze Alexander and Taylor Ward hit back-to-back one-out doubles in the eighth as the Orioles tied the game off Jordan Hicks (0-1) before Henderson gave them their first lead with his fourth homer of the season. Trevor Rogers delivered six innings of two-run work for Baltimore, and Yennier Cano (1-1) recorded the win.

Chase Meidroth drove in a run and had two hits for the White Sox, who saw Shane Smith last just 3 2/3 scoreless innings in his start, striking out eight but walking five.

Mets 4, Diamondbacks 3 (10 innings)

Ronny Mauricio delivered the game-winning single in his first plate appearance for host New York, which beat Arizona in 10 innings.

Brett Baty and Jared Young each delivered a sacrifice fly and Francisco Alvarez scored on an error for the Mets, who extended their winning streak to four games. Luke Weaver (1-0) retired all three batters in the top of the 10th.

Adrian Del Castillo (two-run single) and Nolan Arenado (double) had RBI hits in the fifth for the Diamondbacks, who lost for the third time in five games. Paul Sewald (0-2) recorded just one out in the 10th.

Reds 6, Marlins 3 (10 innings)

Cincinnati — scoreless against Sandy Alcantara until the ninth inning — rallied to defeat host Miami. The Reds tied the score in the ninth on a two-out wild pitch by Anthony Bender, and they took control in the 10th on Nathaniel Lowe’s go-ahead RBI single and Matt McLain’s two-run double.

Alcantara allowed just three hits — two singles and one double — plus two walks and two runs in 8 1/3 innings, striking out six. Miami started the ninth with a 2-0 lead, and both runs were scored while Bender was on the mound.

Marlins center fielder Jakob Marsee, who entered the game batting just .105, went 2-for-4 with one walk, two runs and a career-high four stolen bases.

Cardinals 7, Nationals 6 (10 innings)

Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt hit run-scoring doubles in the 10th inning and visiting St. Louis beat Washington.


Saggese led off with a double off Cole Henry (0-2) to score automatic runner Masyn Winn with the go-ahead run. With two outs, Wetherholt doubled to right, scoring Saggese to make it 7-5. Jordan Walker homered for the second straight night and Church also went deep for the Cardinals. Nolan Gorman had three hits.

James Wood homered for the third straight game for Washington, and Curtis Mead had three hits, including a home run.

Rangers 3, Mariners 2

Nathan Eovaldi pitched six quality innings and Kyle Higashioka hit a go-ahead home run, rallying Texas to a win over struggling Seattle in Arlington, Texas.

Eovaldi, making his 300th career major league start, picked up his first win of the season after two losses, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and a pair of walks.

George Kirby (1-2) threw an eight-inning complete game for Seattle, which lost its fourth straight and its sixth in the past seven games.

Cubs 9, Rays 2

Javier Assad threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Moises Ballesteros hit late-inning home runs to seal Chicago’s win over Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Seven Cubs, including Crow-Armstrong and Ballesteros, had two or more hits as part of a 16-hit output. Nico Hoerner went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Assad (1-0), making his season debut after beginning the year in Triple-A Iowa, allowed just one hit and two walks.

Mason Englert (0-1) was a spot starter for Tampa Bay after Drew Rasmussen was a late scratch for personal reasons. Englert took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Yankees 5, Athletics 3

Amed Rosario gave New York the lead by hitting a three-run home run, his second of the game, in the eighth inning as the Yankees downed the visiting Athletics.

Rosario also homered off A’s starter Aaron Civale in the second inning for New York’s first run. It was the veteran infielder’s third career multi-homer game. New York starter Cam Schlittler allowed his first three runs of the season, all in the third inning, scattering five hits over five innings.

Nick Kurtz hit a two-run double and Tyler Soderstrom added an RBI double when the A’s had four hits in the third and took a 3-1 lead. Civale allowed two hits and one run over five innings before former Yankee Mark Leiter Jr. (0-1) took the loss.

Rockies 5, Astros 1

Kyle Freeland pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, Willi Castro and Mickey Moniak homered and Colorado beat visiting Houston. Castro finished with three hits and three RBIs while TJ Rumfield singled twice for Colorado, which has won three in a row.

Freeland (1-1) became the first Rockies starter to pitch into the seventh inning this season. He allowed one run on three hits. Antonio Senzatela threw 2 2/3 perfect innings to pick up his first career save.

Christian Walker homered, one of just three hits for the Astros, who have lost three in a row. Mike Burrows (1-2) permitted three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Dodgers 4, Blue Jays 1

Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched an effective six-plus innings and visiting Los Angeles defeated Toronto. Yamamoto (2-1) allowed one run, five hits and one walk with six strikeouts in his first appearance back in the stadium where he was named World Series MVP last year after closing out Game 7.

Alex Freeland had three hits for the Dodgers, who have won five in a row while the Blue Jays have lost six straight.

Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead in the third against Kevin Gausman (0-1), who opposed Yamamoto in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series. Gausman yielded three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Twins 4, Tigers 2

Ryan Jeffers doubled and drove in a pair of runs as Minnesota held on for a win over Detroit in Minneapolis.

Luke Keaschall and Josh Bell added one RBI apiece for the Twins. Taj Bradley (2-0) continued his red-hot start to the season, limiting the Tigers to one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings,

Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (1-2) unraveled after four scoreless innings. He exited after giving up four runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Paul #Skenes #pitching #gem #carries #Pirates #Padres">Deadspin | MLB roundup: Paul Skenes’ pitching gem carries Pirates past Padres Apr 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each had clutch two-run hits to back up a gem by Paul Skenes and propel the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Skenes (2-1) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a one-out single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Throwing 87 pitches, Skenes gave up one run — a Xander Bogaerts homer in the seventh — on two hits in 6 1/3 innings and struck out six. He walked two and hit a batter. Rookie Konnor Griffin, Ryan O’Hearn and Henry Davis each had two hits for the Pirate, who erupted for five runs in the eighth off Adrian Morejon to cement their sixth win in the past seven games. Miguel Andujar had the only other hit for San Diego, which had scored 13 runs over its previous two games. Nick Pivetta (1-2) gave up two runs over five innings. Red Sox 3, Brewers 2 Trevor Story snapped a scoreless tie with a bases-loaded double in the sixth inning, Garrett Crochet took a shutout into the seventh and Boston held on for a victory over visiting Milwaukee. The Red Sox, who managed just three hits, converted three consecutive walks into three runs in the sixth off Jacob Misiorowski (1-1) for a 3-0 lead. Crochet (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Aroldis Chapman finished with a scoreless ninth for his third save. In the seventh, the Brewers scored a pair when David Hamilton was plunked and pinch hitter Christian Yelich bounced into a run-scoring groundout. Misiorowski, who struck out the first five batters he faced and finished with 11 K’s, allowed three runs on two hits in 5 1/3 innings. Guardians 2, Royals 1 Brayan Rocchio delivered a tiebreaking RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending host Cleveland to a victory over Kansas City. Rocchio was 0-for-3 until facing John Schreiber (0-1) with runners at first and second in the ninth, poking a single through the right side. Lane Thomas came up cleanly with Rocchio’s hit but could not throw out CJ Kayfus at the plate. Cade Smith (2-0) earned the victory, striking out two in a 1-2-3 ninth. Guardians pitchers limited the Royals to one hit, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Orioles 4, White Sox 2 Gunnar Henderson hit a tiebreaking two-run home run in the eighth inning as visiting Baltimore rallied past Chicago. Blaze Alexander and Taylor Ward hit back-to-back one-out doubles in the eighth as the Orioles tied the game off Jordan Hicks (0-1) before Henderson gave them their first lead with his fourth homer of the season. Trevor Rogers delivered six innings of two-run work for Baltimore, and Yennier Cano (1-1) recorded the win. Chase Meidroth drove in a run and had two hits for the White Sox, who saw Shane Smith last just 3 2/3 scoreless innings in his start, striking out eight but walking five. Mets 4, Diamondbacks 3 (10 innings) Ronny Mauricio delivered the game-winning single in his first plate appearance for host New York, which beat Arizona in 10 innings. Brett Baty and Jared Young each delivered a sacrifice fly and Francisco Alvarez scored on an error for the Mets, who extended their winning streak to four games. Luke Weaver (1-0) retired all three batters in the top of the 10th. Adrian Del Castillo (two-run single) and Nolan Arenado (double) had RBI hits in the fifth for the Diamondbacks, who lost for the third time in five games. Paul Sewald (0-2) recorded just one out in the 10th. Reds 6, Marlins 3 (10 innings) Cincinnati — scoreless against Sandy Alcantara until the ninth inning — rallied to defeat host Miami. The Reds tied the score in the ninth on a two-out wild pitch by Anthony Bender, and they took control in the 10th on Nathaniel Lowe’s go-ahead RBI single and Matt McLain’s two-run double. Alcantara allowed just three hits — two singles and one double — plus two walks and two runs in 8 1/3 innings, striking out six. Miami started the ninth with a 2-0 lead, and both runs were scored while Bender was on the mound. Marlins center fielder Jakob Marsee, who entered the game batting just .105, went 2-for-4 with one walk, two runs and a career-high four stolen bases. Cardinals 7, Nationals 6 (10 innings) Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt hit run-scoring doubles in the 10th inning and visiting St. Louis beat Washington. Saggese led off with a double off Cole Henry (0-2) to score automatic runner Masyn Winn with the go-ahead run. With two outs, Wetherholt doubled to right, scoring Saggese to make it 7-5. Jordan Walker homered for the second straight night and Church also went deep for the Cardinals. Nolan Gorman had three hits. James Wood homered for the third straight game for Washington, and Curtis Mead had three hits, including a home run. Rangers 3, Mariners 2 Nathan Eovaldi pitched six quality innings and Kyle Higashioka hit a go-ahead home run, rallying Texas to a win over struggling Seattle in Arlington, Texas. Eovaldi, making his 300th career major league start, picked up his first win of the season after two losses, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and a pair of walks. George Kirby (1-2) threw an eight-inning complete game for Seattle, which lost its fourth straight and its sixth in the past seven games. Cubs 9, Rays 2 Javier Assad threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Moises Ballesteros hit late-inning home runs to seal Chicago’s win over Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Fla. Seven Cubs, including Crow-Armstrong and Ballesteros, had two or more hits as part of a 16-hit output. Nico Hoerner went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Assad (1-0), making his season debut after beginning the year in Triple-A Iowa, allowed just one hit and two walks. Mason Englert (0-1) was a spot starter for Tampa Bay after Drew Rasmussen was a late scratch for personal reasons. Englert took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Yankees 5, Athletics 3 Amed Rosario gave New York the lead by hitting a three-run home run, his second of the game, in the eighth inning as the Yankees downed the visiting Athletics. Rosario also homered off A’s starter Aaron Civale in the second inning for New York’s first run. It was the veteran infielder’s third career multi-homer game. New York starter Cam Schlittler allowed his first three runs of the season, all in the third inning, scattering five hits over five innings. Nick Kurtz hit a two-run double and Tyler Soderstrom added an RBI double when the A’s had four hits in the third and took a 3-1 lead. Civale allowed two hits and one run over five innings before former Yankee Mark Leiter Jr. (0-1) took the loss. Rockies 5, Astros 1 Kyle Freeland pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, Willi Castro and Mickey Moniak homered and Colorado beat visiting Houston. Castro finished with three hits and three RBIs while TJ Rumfield singled twice for Colorado, which has won three in a row. Freeland (1-1) became the first Rockies starter to pitch into the seventh inning this season. He allowed one run on three hits. Antonio Senzatela threw 2 2/3 perfect innings to pick up his first career save. Christian Walker homered, one of just three hits for the Astros, who have lost three in a row. Mike Burrows (1-2) permitted three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. Dodgers 4, Blue Jays 1 Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched an effective six-plus innings and visiting Los Angeles defeated Toronto. Yamamoto (2-1) allowed one run, five hits and one walk with six strikeouts in his first appearance back in the stadium where he was named World Series MVP last year after closing out Game 7. Alex Freeland had three hits for the Dodgers, who have won five in a row while the Blue Jays have lost six straight. Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead in the third against Kevin Gausman (0-1), who opposed Yamamoto in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series. Gausman yielded three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. Twins 4, Tigers 2 Ryan Jeffers doubled and drove in a pair of runs as Minnesota held on for a win over Detroit in Minneapolis. Luke Keaschall and Josh Bell added one RBI apiece for the Twins. Taj Bradley (2-0) continued his red-hot start to the season, limiting the Tigers to one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (1-2) unraveled after four scoreless innings. He exited after giving up four runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Paul #Skenes #pitching #gem #carries #Pirates #Padres

A delegation of Commonwealth Sport began its four-day Gujarat visit on Wednesday to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad city.

The five-member delegation, led by Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare, along with officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), will be in the state from April 8 to 11, officials said.

Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city was formally awarded the hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games during the Commonwealth Sport’s general assembly in November last year, paving the way for the multi-sport event’s return to the country after two decades.

The delegation began its tour with a courtesy meeting with State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the capital Gandhinagar.

Commonwealth Sport president Rukare and CEO Katie Sadleir appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality they received in Gujarat, an official release said.

CM Patel wrote on X, “It was a pleasure to meet the Commonwealth sport delegation in Gandhinagar during their first official visit to Gujarat to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, led by President Donald Rukare.”

READ: Off-side: India’s sporting boom is a one-sport story, for now

“We discussed our time-bound, qualitative, and effective planning, inspired by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to deliver the centenary edition with excellence through strong teamwork,” he added.

The CM assured the delegation and the IOA that the State Government would provide all necessary facilities and infrastructure for the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games.

“Showcasing our world-class infrastructure and readiness, we reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the successful hosting of CWG 2030,” Patel said on the social media platform.

Rukare and Sadleir invited CM Patel to attend and study the arrangements for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, and the CM accepted the invitation.

“Thanked the delegation for their invitation to attend the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026, which will offer valuable learning as we prepare to set new global benchmarks in sports hosting,” he wrote.

During the four-day visit, the Commonwealth Sport delegation will inspect key venues proposed for the Games, including Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Narendra Modi Stadium, EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Vadodara Cricket Stadium, and the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, the release said.

Highlighting that the Commonwealth Games 2030 will mark the centenary edition, Rukare described it as a matter of great pride for Gujarat and Ahmedabad to host the event. He also praised PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and encouragement toward sports, it added.

Rukare also expressed enthusiasm to work collaboratively so that the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat become not only a sporting event but also a celebration of cultural vibrancy, the release said.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#Commonwealth #Sport #delegation #begins #fourday #Gujarat #visit #review #preparations #Games">Commonwealth Sport delegation begins four-day Gujarat visit to review preparations for 2030 Games A delegation of Commonwealth Sport began its four-day Gujarat visit on Wednesday to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad city.The five-member delegation, led by Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare, along with officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), will be in the state from April 8 to 11, officials said.Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city was formally awarded the hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games during the Commonwealth Sport’s general assembly in November last year, paving the way for the multi-sport event’s return to the country after two decades.The delegation began its tour with a courtesy meeting with State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the capital Gandhinagar.Commonwealth Sport president Rukare and CEO Katie Sadleir appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality they received in Gujarat, an official release said.CM Patel wrote on X, “It was a pleasure to meet the Commonwealth sport delegation in Gandhinagar during their first official visit to Gujarat to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, led by President Donald Rukare.”READ: Off-side: India’s sporting boom is a one-sport story, for now“We discussed our time-bound, qualitative, and effective planning, inspired by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to deliver the centenary edition with excellence through strong teamwork,” he added.The CM assured the delegation and the IOA that the State Government would provide all necessary facilities and infrastructure for the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games.“Showcasing our world-class infrastructure and readiness, we reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the successful hosting of CWG 2030,” Patel said on the social media platform.Rukare and Sadleir invited CM Patel to attend and study the arrangements for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, and the CM accepted the invitation.“Thanked the delegation for their invitation to attend the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026, which will offer valuable learning as we prepare to set new global benchmarks in sports hosting,” he wrote.During the four-day visit, the Commonwealth Sport delegation will inspect key venues proposed for the Games, including Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Narendra Modi Stadium, EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Vadodara Cricket Stadium, and the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, the release said.Highlighting that the Commonwealth Games 2030 will mark the centenary edition, Rukare described it as a matter of great pride for Gujarat and Ahmedabad to host the event. He also praised PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and encouragement toward sports, it added.Rukare also expressed enthusiasm to work collaboratively so that the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat become not only a sporting event but also a celebration of cultural vibrancy, the release said.Published on Apr 08, 2026 #Commonwealth #Sport #delegation #begins #fourday #Gujarat #visit #review #preparations #Games

Off-side: India’s sporting boom is a one-sport story, for now

“We discussed our time-bound, qualitative, and effective planning, inspired by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to deliver the centenary edition with excellence through strong teamwork,” he added.

The CM assured the delegation and the IOA that the State Government would provide all necessary facilities and infrastructure for the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games.

“Showcasing our world-class infrastructure and readiness, we reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the successful hosting of CWG 2030,” Patel said on the social media platform.

Rukare and Sadleir invited CM Patel to attend and study the arrangements for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, and the CM accepted the invitation.

“Thanked the delegation for their invitation to attend the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026, which will offer valuable learning as we prepare to set new global benchmarks in sports hosting,” he wrote.

During the four-day visit, the Commonwealth Sport delegation will inspect key venues proposed for the Games, including Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Narendra Modi Stadium, EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Vadodara Cricket Stadium, and the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, the release said.

Highlighting that the Commonwealth Games 2030 will mark the centenary edition, Rukare described it as a matter of great pride for Gujarat and Ahmedabad to host the event. He also praised PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and encouragement toward sports, it added.

Rukare also expressed enthusiasm to work collaboratively so that the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat become not only a sporting event but also a celebration of cultural vibrancy, the release said.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#Commonwealth #Sport #delegation #begins #fourday #Gujarat #visit #review #preparations #Games">Commonwealth Sport delegation begins four-day Gujarat visit to review preparations for 2030 Games

A delegation of Commonwealth Sport began its four-day Gujarat visit on Wednesday to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad city.

The five-member delegation, led by Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare, along with officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), will be in the state from April 8 to 11, officials said.

Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city was formally awarded the hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games during the Commonwealth Sport’s general assembly in November last year, paving the way for the multi-sport event’s return to the country after two decades.

The delegation began its tour with a courtesy meeting with State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the capital Gandhinagar.

Commonwealth Sport president Rukare and CEO Katie Sadleir appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality they received in Gujarat, an official release said.

CM Patel wrote on X, “It was a pleasure to meet the Commonwealth sport delegation in Gandhinagar during their first official visit to Gujarat to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, led by President Donald Rukare.”

READ: Off-side: India’s sporting boom is a one-sport story, for now

“We discussed our time-bound, qualitative, and effective planning, inspired by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to deliver the centenary edition with excellence through strong teamwork,” he added.

The CM assured the delegation and the IOA that the State Government would provide all necessary facilities and infrastructure for the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games.

“Showcasing our world-class infrastructure and readiness, we reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the successful hosting of CWG 2030,” Patel said on the social media platform.

Rukare and Sadleir invited CM Patel to attend and study the arrangements for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, and the CM accepted the invitation.

“Thanked the delegation for their invitation to attend the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026, which will offer valuable learning as we prepare to set new global benchmarks in sports hosting,” he wrote.

During the four-day visit, the Commonwealth Sport delegation will inspect key venues proposed for the Games, including Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Narendra Modi Stadium, EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Vadodara Cricket Stadium, and the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, the release said.

Highlighting that the Commonwealth Games 2030 will mark the centenary edition, Rukare described it as a matter of great pride for Gujarat and Ahmedabad to host the event. He also praised PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and encouragement toward sports, it added.

Rukare also expressed enthusiasm to work collaboratively so that the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat become not only a sporting event but also a celebration of cultural vibrancy, the release said.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#Commonwealth #Sport #delegation #begins #fourday #Gujarat #visit #review #preparations #Games
Deadspin | Timberwolves end skid with win over Pacers, clinch playoff berth Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis. Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday. Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who suffered their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points. Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness. The Pacers jumped ahead 7-3 before the Timberwolves turned the tables with a 26-7 tear to take control of the contest for good. Minnesota instigated its fightback from the perimeter, going 6 of 9 from deep for the quarter — led by Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — to lead 35-27 after one. Toppin helped Indiana close the gap to 58-53, but turnovers continued to be a big problem. The Pacers coughed up the ball 10 times in the second period, and 16 for the first half for 21 points conceded, to trail 63-53 at the break. Veteran Mike Conley was active as the Wolves pressed home their advantage with a 15-3 run either side of the halftime interval. Conley finished the game with eight points, three assists and three steals. Dosunmu had 11 points in the third period, during which Minnesota shot 15 of 23 for a 39-24 quarter to lead 102-77 with one to play. The Timberwolves’ advantage grew to 116-85 when DiVincenzo buried his third three, capitalizing on another Indiana turnover. DiVincenzo and Jaylen Clark each posted 11 points for Minnesota. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Timberwolves #skid #win #Pacers #clinch #playoff #berthApr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday.

Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who suffered their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points.

Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness.

The Pacers jumped ahead 7-3 before the Timberwolves turned the tables with a 26-7 tear to take control of the contest for good.


Minnesota instigated its fightback from the perimeter, going 6 of 9 from deep for the quarter — led by Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — to lead 35-27 after one.

Toppin helped Indiana close the gap to 58-53, but turnovers continued to be a big problem.

The Pacers coughed up the ball 10 times in the second period, and 16 for the first half for 21 points conceded, to trail 63-53 at the break.

Veteran Mike Conley was active as the Wolves pressed home their advantage with a 15-3 run either side of the halftime interval. Conley finished the game with eight points, three assists and three steals.

Dosunmu had 11 points in the third period, during which Minnesota shot 15 of 23 for a 39-24 quarter to lead 102-77 with one to play.

The Timberwolves’ advantage grew to 116-85 when DiVincenzo buried his third three, capitalizing on another Indiana turnover. DiVincenzo and Jaylen Clark each posted 11 points for Minnesota.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Timberwolves #skid #win #Pacers #clinch #playoff #berth">Deadspin | Timberwolves end skid with win over Pacers, clinch playoff berth Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis. Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday. Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who suffered their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points. Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness. The Pacers jumped ahead 7-3 before the Timberwolves turned the tables with a 26-7 tear to take control of the contest for good. Minnesota instigated its fightback from the perimeter, going 6 of 9 from deep for the quarter — led by Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — to lead 35-27 after one. Toppin helped Indiana close the gap to 58-53, but turnovers continued to be a big problem. The Pacers coughed up the ball 10 times in the second period, and 16 for the first half for 21 points conceded, to trail 63-53 at the break. Veteran Mike Conley was active as the Wolves pressed home their advantage with a 15-3 run either side of the halftime interval. Conley finished the game with eight points, three assists and three steals. Dosunmu had 11 points in the third period, during which Minnesota shot 15 of 23 for a 39-24 quarter to lead 102-77 with one to play. The Timberwolves’ advantage grew to 116-85 when DiVincenzo buried his third three, capitalizing on another Indiana turnover. DiVincenzo and Jaylen Clark each posted 11 points for Minnesota. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Timberwolves #skid #win #Pacers #clinch #playoff #berth

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