CHAMAAR TAB AUR AB

1978 Bangkok Long Jump

1978 Bangkok Pentathlon

Asian Championships

1979 Tokyo 4×100 m relay

Angel Mary Joseph (born 24 September 1953) is a retired Indian track and field athlete. She specialized in 100 metres hurdles, Long Jump, Pentathlon, and once held national records in all the three and high jump and heptathlon. At the 1978 Asian Games in Tehran, she won silver medals in long jump and pentathlon. She also represented Karnataka and Railways playing basketball in the National Championships.

Recognizing her achievements in track and field, Mary was awarded the Arjuna Award by the government of India in 1979.

Anže Kopitar

Wikipedia

Anže Kopitar

Kopitar with the Los Angeles Kings in 2015

Born 24 August 1987

Jesenice, SR Slovenia, SFR Yugoslavia

Position Centre

Shoots Left

NHL team

Former teams Los Angeles Kings

HK Kranjska Gora

Södertälje SK

National team Slovenia

NHL Draft 11th overall, 2005

Los Angeles Kings

Playing career 2002–present

Website www.anzeseleven.com

Anže Kopitar (pronounced [anˈʒɛ kɔˈpiːtaɾ], born 24 August 1987) is a Slovene professional ice hockey centre and captain for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). The 11th overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Kopitar became the first Slovene to play in the NHL upon making his debut in 2006. Kopitar has spent his entire NHL career with the Kings, has led the team in scoring in all but two seasons and is fourth in franchise history in points, goals, and assists, scoring his 1,000th career point in 2021. Following the 2015–16 season, he was named the Kings' captain. Noted for both his offensive and defensive play, Kopitar was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward in the NHL in 2016, as well as the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for gentlemanly play the same year. He won his second Selke trophy in 2018.

Kopitar played junior hockey for his hometown team HK Acroni Jesenice before moving to Sweden at age 16 to play in a more competitive league. He spent one season with the junior teams of the Södertälje SK organization, and then with the senior team of the top-level Elitserien. He moved to North America to join the Kings in 2006, one year after he was drafted, and finished fourth in the Calder Memorial Trophy voting for the league's top rookie. Kopitar's offensive talent was immediately apparent when he joined the Kings, though his defensive developed in later seasons and he has become recognized for his two-way play, being a finalist for the Selke Trophy 3 times, and a Selke Trophy winner, twice. In 2018 he was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy. Praised as one of the best players in the League, Kopitar won the Stanley Cup championship with the Kings in 2012 and 2014, leading the playoffs in points on both occasions (tied with teammate Dustin Brown in 2012). Internationally, Kopitar has represented the Slovenian national team in several junior and senior tournaments, as well as at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. He also played for Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Playing career

European career

In 2002, Kopitar began playing for the youth team of his hometown, HK Acroni Jesenice. He split the year between the team's under-18 and junior clubs, and also appeared in 11 games for the senior team HK Kranjska Gora of the Slovenian Ice Hockey League. Kopitar had four goals and four assists in the senior league, and recorded 76 points in 14 games for the Jesenice under-18 team and 27 points in 20 games for the junior club. He led the Slovenian Ice Hockey League in scoring at the age of 16, and Swedish scout Lars Söder recruited Kopitar for the Elitserien in 2004 (Söder had originally discovered Kopitar when he was 13 at the 2001 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Vuokatti, Finland).

The Slovenian Ice Hockey League did not have a high enough skill level, so Kopitar decided that if he wanted to improve his career prospects, he would have to leave the country. He was offered a chance to play in Sweden for Södertälje SK, eventually joining their junior team where he led the League in scoring, with 49 points (28 goals, 21 assists) in 30 games. Prior to the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Kopitar was ranked the top European skater by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. After his first season in Sweden, he was chosen 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2005 Draft. Unlike most top-ranked prospects, Kopitar was not at the draft, but in Sweden playing in preseason games. Some members of the team had a party for the draft, including Niclas Bergfors, who was selected 23rd overall by the New Jersey Devils. Prior to the NHL Draft, Kopitar was also selected in the CHL Import Draft by the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He declined to move to North America, however, hoping to further his development by continuing to play against professionals in the Elitserien, rather than against major junior players in the WHL.

Los Angeles Kings (2006–present)

Early career in Los Angeles (2006–2011)

Kopitar signed an entry-level contract with the Kings on 7 September 2005, but returned to play in Sweden for another season. The next year, 2006, he accepted an invitation to Los Angeles' rookie camp. He made his NHL debut on 6 October 2006, against the Anaheim Ducks and scored two goals in the game. In January 2007, he was named to the NHL YoungStars Game, an event included at the All-Star Game festivities; Kopitar recorded two goals and three assists. Kopitar completed his first NHL season third among rookies in scoring, behind Evgeni Malkin and Paul Šťastný, with 20 goals and 41 assists for 61 points. It marked the fifth-highest point total by a Kings rookie, and the highest since Luc Robitaille in 1986–87.[9] He finished fourth in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year. Kopitar was awarded the Mark Bavis Memorial Award as the best first-year member of the Kings and was also named the Kings' Most Popular Player.

Kopitar practicing with the Kings in 2007. Kopitar made his NHL debut in the 2006–07 season.

The following season, 2007–08, Kopitar was selected to represent the Western Conference at the 56th NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta, his first all-star game appearance. He was the youngest player in the game, nearly two years younger than the second-youngest player, Paul Stastny (Sidney Crosby was younger, but had to withdraw prior to the game due to injury). Kopitar finished the regular season with 32 goals and 45 assists for 77 points; he led the Kings in assists and points and was second in goals. Kopitar won the Bill Libby Memorial Award as the most valuable player on the Kings.

Early in the 2008–09 season, on 11 October 2008, Kopitar signed a seven-year contract extension with the Kings worth $47.6 million. The contract would keep Kopitar with the team until the conclusion of the 2015–16 season. He finished the season with 66 points in 82 games, leading the Kings in both assists and points, while again finishing second in goals scored. The following season, Kopitar scored his first career NHL hat-trick (3 goals in one game) on 22 October 2009 against the Dallas Stars. He finished the 2009–10 season with a career-high 34 goals and 81 points. For the second time in his career, Kopitar won the Bill Libby Memorial Award as the Kings' most valuable player, and led the team in scoring for the third-straight year. Kopitar made his Stanley Cup playoff debut that season, as the Kings qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2002. The Kings lost in the Western Conference Quarterfinals to the Vancouver Canucks, and Kopitar finished tied for third on the team with five points in six games.

Kopitar played with Allsvenskan's Mora IK during the 2012–13 NHL lockout.

The 2010–11 season saw Kopitar play in his 325th consecutive NHL game, which set a new Kings team record, passing Marcel Dionne on 15 March 2011. However eleven days later, Kopitar's season and ironman streak came to an abrupt end at 330 games after he suffered a broken ankle. Despite the injury setback, Kopitar led the team in scoring for the fourth straight season with 73 points, and was named the team's most valuable player for the second time.

Stanley Cup titles (2012–2014)

In the 2011–12 season, Kopitar led the Kings in scoring with 76 points, including a career-best 51 assists. The Kings won the Stanley Cup as playoff champions, their first title in team history. Kopitar finished tied with Kings captain Dustin Brown to lead the team in playoff scoring, with each having 20 points from 20 games played. Kopitar became the first Slovenian-born player to win the Stanley Cup. In recognition of this, Kopitar was named as the 2012 Slovenian male Athlete of the Year.

The 2012–13 NHL season was delayed due to the NHL lockout, so Kopitar joined his younger brother Gašper on Mora IK of the Swedish second-tier league HockeyAllsvenskan, signing a contract with the team for the 2012–13 season. He played 31 games for Mora, scoring 34 points, before the NHL lockout ended in January 2013. A shortened, 48-game NHL season commenced, Kopitar recorded 42 points in 47 games to once again lead the Kings in scoring, and was named the team's best defensive player.

The 2013–14 season saw Kopitar lead the team in scoring for the seventh consecutive season, with 70 points, and was named both the team's most valuable player and best defensive player. He also was a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy as best defensive forward in the NHL for the first time. In the playoffs, Kopitar led the entire league in scoring, recording 26 points in 26 games, as the Kings won their second Stanley Cup championship.

Selke Trophy wins and continued success (2015–present)

The next season saw Kopitar tie Marcel Dionne as the only player in Kings history to lead the team in scoring eight times, having scored 16 goals and 48 assists for 64 points. Kopitar was a finalist for the Selke Trophy again, and also for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded for sportsmanship. During the 2015–16 season Kopitar signed an eight-year contract extension with the Kings. It would pay him an average of $10 million per season until the end of the 2023–24 season. He finished the season with 74 points, setting a team record by leading the Kings in scoring for a ninth consecutive season. Kopitar also was awarded both the Lady Byng and Frank J. Selke Trophies, the first player from the Kings to win either award. He also won the Bill Libby Memorial Award as the most valuable player on the Kings for the fifth time.

On 16 June 2016, Kopitar was named the captain of the Kings, replacing Dustin Brown. In his first season as captain of the Kings, Kopitar saw his production drop, and he finished with 52 points, second on the team and ending his nine-year streak of leading the team in scoring. Kopitar returned to form in the 2017–18 season scoring a career-high 35 goals and 57 assists for 92 points, helping the Kings get back to the playoffs. After the season, Kopitar was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy and was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the second time in his career.

On May 5, 2021, Kopitar recorded his 1,000th career point, becoming the 91st player to reach the mark.

International play

Kopitar with Slovenian national team at the 2008 IIHF World Championship.

Medal record

Representing Slovenia

Slovenian Ice Hockey League

Representing Team Europe

World Cup

2016 Toronto

Kopitar first played in an international tournament when he participated in the Division I (second level) tournament of the 2003 IIHF World U18 Championships for the Slovenian national junior team. He appeared in five games and recorded three points. The following year he appeared in the 2004 U18 tournament and the 2004 World Junior Championships. Slovenia competed in Division I at both tournaments, one level below the top division. Kopitar scored six goals and eight points in five games during the under-18 tournament and finished second overall for goals scored and third for points, leading Slovenia in both categories; at the World Juniors he had one goal and one assist in five games.

In 2005 Kopitar appeared in three international tournaments for Slovenia; he took part in the U18 Championship, World Juniors, and the senior World Championship, his first tournament with the Slovenian national team. Slovenia competed at the Division I level for both junior tournaments, but at the top level for the senior championship. He would play his last junior tournament in 2006 at the Division I level, with six points in five games. At the 2006 World Championship he played for Slovenia at the top level and recorded three goals and nine points in six games, tying for fifth among scoring leaders. Slovenia was relegated to Division I for 2007, where Kopitar had 13 assists and 14 points, leading the tournament in both categories. Back in the top division for the 2008 IIHF World Championship, Kopitar appeared in five games and had four points to lead his team, though Slovenia was once again relegated.

Slovenia qualified for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi; as the qualifying games were held during the NHL season Kopitar was unable to participate, though his father Matjaž coached the team and Gašper played in the matches.Though Gašper was part of the team that secured qualification for Slovenia, he was not named to the Olympic roster. Kopitar helped Slovenia reach the quarterfinals of the tournament by scoring two goals and one assist.

Kopitar was also named to play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey for Team Europe, which includes players from most of Europe (the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, and Sweden have their own teams). Prior to the announcement Kopitar had expressed excitement towards the concept, which was to be introduced during the tournament, noting that as a Slovenian he had few opportunities to play in tournaments like this.

Playing style

Kopitar (back) prepares to take a face-off in the NHL. Kopitar is known for being skilled at taking face-offs, holding one of the highest career averages in the NHL.

Kopitar is known in the NHL as one of the most effective two-way forwards, in that he is effective both as an offensive and defensive player. He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy, which is given to the best defensive forward in the NHL, in 2016, after being a finalist for the award in both 2014 and 2015 He is known for being skilled at taking faceoffs, with one of the highest averages in the league during his career. He is also skilled at offence, and led the Kings in team scoring from 2008 until 2016.

Personal life

Kopitar was born in Jesenice, Slovenia (then part of Yugoslavia) to Matjaž and Mateja Kopitar. Matjaž played hockey for HK Acroni Jesenice, winning the league title three times, and was a member of the Yugoslav and Slovenian national teams. He also coached HK Acroni Jesenice of the Austrian Hockey League during the 2006–07 season and the Slovenian national team from 2010 until 2015. Mateja worked at the family restaurant, Hrušica, a village about five kilometres from Jesenice.

When Kopitar was four, his father first taught him how to skate; Matjaž built an ice rink in their backyard in Hrušica, and Kopitar would play there whenever he could. Kopitar has a brother, Gašper, who is five years younger. Gašper also plays hockey; when the Kopitar family moved to Los Angeles, Gašper joined a junior team sponsored by the Kings. He then played for the Portland Winterhawks of the major junior Western Hockey League (WHL) and the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), before turning professional with Mora IK in Sweden. Kopitar's grandmother taught English at a local high school, and both Kopitar and his brother learned to speak English from her. Kopitar speaks five languages: Slovene, Serbian, German, Swedish, and English. He enjoys playing football and is a declared supporter of Slovenian football club NK Maribor.

Kopitar is renowned in Slovenia due to his hockey exploits, with a government-sponsored website declaring that after he won the Stanley Cup in 2012 he was "the most recognised Slovenian sportsman." As a youth, he played in the 2000 and 2001 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a team from Slovenia. He also hosts an annual charity golf tournament that benefits various groups, mainly youths.

Kopitar lived with his parents until moving to Sweden, where he lived alone in an apartment. After his first season in the NHL, the rest of Kopitar's family joined him in Los Angeles; Kopitar bought a home in Manhattan Beach in 2014. Kopitar met Ines Dominc in Slovenia in 2005; they married in July 2013. Their first child, a daughter named Neža, was born on 14 March 2015. Their second child, son Jakob, was born 5 October 2016.

Awards and honours

Kopitar celebrates with the Stanley Cup, after the Kings won the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals.

AwardYear

NHL

NHL YoungStars Game 2007

NHL All-Star Game 2008, 2011, 2015, 2018, 2020

Stanley Cup champion 2012, 2014

Frank J. Selke Trophy 2016, 2018

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy 2016

Los Angeles Kings

Most Popular Player 2007, 2011

Mark Bavis Memorial Award 2007

Bill Libby Memorial Award 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016

Leading Scorer Award 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Defensive Player 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015

Points Leader 2004

Ankita Das

From Wikipedia

Ankita Das

Full name Ankita Das

Nationality Indian

Residence Siliguri

Born 17 July 1993

Siliguri, West Bengal, India

Playing style Right-handed offensive

Equipment(s) Before butterfly and Now stag

Club German club II division league YMA club at Siliguri

Height 5.6

Weight 53

Ankita Das (born 17 July 1993)[citation needed] is an Indian table tennis player from Siliguri, West Bengal. She participated in World Championship and reached quarter-finals.[citation needed]

She represented India at the 2012 London Summer Olympics in Women's singles event. She was also the youngest girl in that Olympic.

Career

Ankita Das has won senior championship at the 75th senior National table tennis championships (2014)

Das has won championship at the 75th senior National table tennis championships (2014) Women's singles event. before was practicing under of Coach Mantu Gosh Arjuna Awardee. she was the youngest girl in that olympic. she played in junior world championship 2011, singles quarterfinalist and got fair play award. she made history in that tournament, she got most popular player award in senior asian championship, made history again, 10 years she played national final continues in her career, its history in indian table tennis. she played cadet world challenge, and got gold medal in the teams, and singles got 8th position, she played lusofonia games and got bronze, silver, gold in that tournament.

Ashim Biswas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ashim BiswasPersonal information

Full name Ashim Biswas

Date of birth 14 July 1982

Place of birth Ashoknagar, West Bengal, India

Height 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)

Position(s) Forward

Club information

Current team Tollygunge Agragami

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2001–2003 Tollygunge Agragami (19)

2003–2005 Mohun Bagan (14)

2005–2006 Salgaocar (1)

2006–2009 East Bengal (17)

2009–2010 Chirag United

2010–2012 Mohun Bagan

2012–2014 Mohammedan (6)

2015–2016 Tollygunge Agragami (8)

2016–2017 Southern Samity (4)

2017–2018 Jamshedpur 7 (1)

2018– Tollygunge Agragami (2)

National team

2003–2004 India 10 (4)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 18:02, 3 August 2018 (UTC)

Ashim Biswas (born 14 July 1982) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Tollygunge Agragami in the Calcutta Football League.

Club career

East Bengal

He had scored with a header against Mohammedan from a Syed Rahim Nabi cross, and then Ashim's cross was netted in by Edmilson Marques Pardal in the pre-quarterfinal of the 29th Federation Cup in 2007 at Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana, match which East Bengal won 3-1. In Calcutta Premier Division 2008, he had scored 2-0 against Mohammedan. He had scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Prayag United.

Jamshedpur

On 23 July 2017, Ghosh was selected in the 14th round of the 2017–18 ISL Players Draft by Kerala for the 2017–18 Indian Super League season. He made his debut for the club on 10 December 2017 against Pune City. He came on as a 66th minute substitute for Siddharth Singh as Jamshedpur lost 1–0. He then scored his first goal for the club on 17 January 2018 in their match against the Kerala Blasters. He found the net in the 31st minute as Jamshedpur won 2–1.

On 12 April 2018, in Jamshedpur's quarter-final match during the Super Cup, Biswas scored the consolation for the club in a 5–1 defeat to Goa.

Statistics

International

National teamYearAppsGoals

India 2003 6 4

2004 4 0

Total104

Abhishek Das

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Abhishek DasPersonal information

Full name Abhishek Das

Date of birth 15 November 1993

Place of birth Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Height 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)

Position(s) Right back

Club information

Current team TRAU

Youth career

Tata FA

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2010–2016 East Bengal 32 (1)

2010–2011 → Pailan Arrows (loan)

2012–2013 → United Sikkim (loan) 14 (0)

2014 → Chennaiyin (loan) 4 (0)

2015 → Chennaiyin (loan) 3 (0)

2016 Mohun Bagan A.C. 3 (0)

2016–2017 Chennai City 14 (0)

2017 Mohun Bagan A.C. 4 (0)

2018–2019 Gokulam Kerala 14 (0)

2019- TRAU 8 (0)

National team‡

2007 India U16

2009 India U19

2011 India U23

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 14 march 2019

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 29 December 2016

Abhishek Das (born 15 November 1993) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a right back for TRAU in the I-League.

Club career

East Bengal

Das began playing football from the age of 4 and eventually joined the Tata Football Academy. In 2010, Das graduated from the Tata Football Academy and signed for East Bengal of the I-League but was then sent on loan to Pailan Arrows, then known as the AIFF XI.[1] After spending the 2010–11 at Arrows, he returned to East Bengal. The 2011–12 season started off well for Das as he was included in East Bengal's 2011 Federation Cup squad. He made his first team debut for East Bengal against Mohammedan on 17 September 2011 during the Federation Cup.

Indian Super League

Abhishek represented Chennaiyin FC for the 2014 Indian Super League. He was retained by the club will also play for Chennaiyin in the 2015 Indian Super League season.

International career

Das made his youth international debut at the under-23 level for India U23 against Myanmar in the 2012 Olympic Qualifiers on 23 February 2011. He then made his second start for India U23 in the next match against Myanmar in the second leg which ended in a 1–1 draw but a 3–2 victory for India on aggregate. He then continued his run with the India U23 team during the 2nd Round of Olympic Qualifiers against Qatar. The match ended 3–1 in Qatar's favor. He was still not done though with the India U23 team as he still played during the second leg of the Olympic Qualifiers against Qatar U23 which ended with India getting knocked out of the qualifiers 4-2 on aggregate after the match ended in a 1–1 tie.

Career statistics

Club

Statistics accurate as of 30 May 2015

ClubSeasonLeagueFederation CupDurand CupAFCTotal

AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals

East Bengal 2011–12 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

United Sikkim (loan) 2012–13 14 0 0 0 0 0 – – 14 0

East Bengal 2012–13 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 4 0

2013–14 10 1 2 0 0 0 – – 12 1

Chennaiyin FC (loan) 2014 4 0 – – – – – – 4 0

East Bengal 2014–15 10 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 15 0

Career total3811000020501

Honors

Club

Chennaiyin FC

Indian Super League: 2015 - Champions

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi

اعصام الحق قریشی

Country (sports) Pakistan

Residence Lahore, Pakistan

Born March 18, 1980 (age 37)

Lahore, Pakistan

Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)

Turned pro 1998

Plays Right-handed (one-handed backhand)

Prize money US$ 2,570,033

Singles

Career record 30–25 (ATP Tour-level, Grand Slam-level, and in Davis Cup)

Career titles 0

Highest ranking No. 125 (10 December 2007)

Grand Slam Singles results

Australian Open Q2 (2002)

Wimbledon 2R (2007)

US Open 1R (2008)

Doubles

Career record 261-215

Career titles 13

Highest ranking No. 8 (6 June 2011)

Current ranking No. 40 (1 August 2016)

Grand Slam Doubles results

Australian Open 3R (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)

French Open SF (2012)

Wimbledon QF (2010)

US Open F (2010)

Mixed doubles

Grand Slam Mixed Doubles results

Australian Open QF (2012, 2014)

French Open SF (2013)

Wimbledon SF (2014, 2016)

US Open F (2010)

Last updated on: 6 August 2016.

Aisam-ul-Haq QureshiMedal record

Representing Pakistan

Men's Tennis

South Asian Games

2016 Guwahati Singles

2016 Guwahati Mixed Doubles

Islamic Solidarity Games

2005 Mecca Singles

2005 Mecca Doubles

2005 Mecca Team

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi (Urdu: اعصام الحق قریشی‎) (born 17 March 1980) is a professional tennis player from Pakistan. He is currently Pakistan's top player. A top-10 doubles player, his highest singles ranking was no. 125. He is the only Pakistani tennis player to reach the final of a Grand Slam, which he did in 2010, competing in both mixed doubles (partnering with Květa Peschke) and men's doubles (partnering with Rohan Bopanna) at the US Open.

As Pakistan no. 1, Qureshi has traditionally led Pakistan's Davis Cup campaigns. After shocking New Zealand in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group I second round play-off in 2004 to survive relegation, he took them to the World Group Play-Offs for the first time in 2005, before they were beaten by Chile. He has won the most Davis Cup matches for Pakistan, being the most successful singles and doubles player from his country ever. He is also part of the most successful doubles pairing for Pakistan (with Aqeel Khan) in the country's sporting history.

Early life

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi was born in a Muslim family and grew up in Lahore, Pakistan, swimming, playing cricket and football being his favorite pastimes at his alma-mater Crescent Model Higher Secondary School. He started playing tennis late at age of 14, when his maternal grandfather and first coach, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed, a former 10-time national champion, took him to a tennis club Model Town, Lahore.

His maternal grandfather, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed, was the All-British India champion, before Pakistan split from British India in 1947. His mother, Nosheen Ihtsham, was also a former women's tennis champion. At age 16, the ITF sponsored him for two years. He won the Pakistan International Junior Championships and went on to win the Casablanca Cup in Mexico and the LTA International Junior Championships in Roehampton, where he beat Olivier Rochus, Andy Ram, and Taylor Dent. In the World Super Junior Championships, he beat Andy Roddick. By 18, he was a top-20 junior player and decided to turn pro.

Aisam was educated at the University of Punjab.

Coaches

As a junior, he was coached by LTA. Aisam has been coached by American Robert Davis since 1998. Robert Davis has served as national coach for Peru, Panama, Thailand, and Indonesia. As a writer, he contributes to the ATP's Deuce Magazine, Tennis Magazine USA, tennis.com, Tennis Magazine Australia, and ITF publications, as well as non-sporting publications and newspapers.

Playing style

Qureshi prefers the quicker grass courts and has had seen his greatest success on grass and hard courts. His playing style is serve-and-volley, relying on his serve to win him points by putting pressure on his opponents.

Sponsorship

Qureshi's clothing and shoes sponsor is Lotto. On 29 March 2008, Aisam signed an agreement with Pepsi for sponsorship of coach for one year. He became the first Pakistani sportsman who wasn't a cricketer to star in a Pepsi advert and become one of their brand ambassadors.

Awards and accolades

Qureshi teamed with Israeli player Amir Hadad during Wimbledon and the US Open tournaments in 2002. He is now a member of the "Champions for Peace" club, a group of 54 athletes committed to serving peace in the world through sport, created by Peace and Sport, a Monaco-based international organisation.

In November 2010 Aisam was appointed The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) goodwill ambassador.

Aisam was awarded the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year, for 2010 along with his doubles tennis partner Rohan Bopanna of India. Along with Bopanna, Qureshi received the 2010 "Peace and Sport Image of the Year" award, in recognition of their dedicated efforts to spread the message of peace through sport. Qureshi and his doubles partner Bopanna also created a campaign, "Stop War Start Tennis", with their goal to play a match on the border of India and Pakistan.

He was also given the Pakistan President's Award for Performance in 2002, the Salam Pakistan Youth Award by the President of Pakistan in 2007 and was runner-up for the 2003 Anne Frank Award For Moral Courage by the Anne Frank Trust, UK.

In 2011, he was awarded Lux Style Award for Most Stylish Sports Person.

Arvind Panwar

Arvind Panwar has begun to share his knowledge and expertise. VeloInsight Coaching is his brainchild, through which he mentors and trains athletes who wish to grow to the National Level and beyond.

Training is done systematically and scientifically to improve fitness and ability both on and off the bike.

Born: 9 March 1990 , Meerut

Current team: Asfra Racing Team Oudenaarde

Top results

National Championships India - ITT ('16, '13)

National Championships India - Road Race ('12)

3x 2nd

National Championships India - ITT ('17, '16, '14)

3rd

National Championships India - Road Race ('16)

7th

Asian Cycling Championships - ITT ('19)

8th

CFI International race 2, Jaipur ('13)

9th

Asian Cycling Championships - ITT ('16)

14th

Asian Cycling Championships - ITT ('14)

27th

Asian Cycling Championships - Road Race ('17)

15th

CFI International race 3, Dehli ('13)

http://arvindpanwar.com/

Amit Rohidas

From Wikipedia

Amit RohidasPersonal information

Born 10 May 1993 (age 25)

Sundergarh district, Orissa, India

Playing position Defender

National team

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2013– India 41 (2)

Men's field hockey

Representing India

Asia Cup

2013 Ipoh Team

2017 Dhaka Team

Champions Trophy

2018 Breda

Amit Rohidas (born 10 May 1993) is an Indian field hockey player who plays as a defender.

Life and career

Rohidas was born on 10 May 1993 in Saunamara village of Sundergarh district. He started playing hockey in his village and joined the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela in 2004. He was selected in the national junior team in 2009.

Rohidas was selected in the senior squad for the 2013 Asia Cup in Ipoh where the Indian team won the silver medal. He made a comeback to the Indian side in 2017.

Ashish Mane

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Born : 14 August 1990 (age 29)

Maharashtra, India

Climbing career : Known for Climbing Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Manslu, Kanchenjunga

Ashish Mane (Born 14 August 1990) is one of the prominent professional mountaineer from India. He has scaled Mt. Everest (2012)., Mt. Lhotse (2013), Mt. Makalu (2014), Mt Manaslu (2017) and Kanchenjunga (2019) Ashish is the only climber from Maharashtra as of now, to ascend five of the fourteen Eight-thousander|peaks over 8,000 metres means about 26,000 ft above sea level. In the year 2016, he attempted to scale Daulagiri, but due to technical reasons he had to quit the expedition

Background

Ashish hails from Satara, Maharashtra. He is an alumnus of Raje Shivraya Pratishthan college in Kothrud, Pune. He holds a master's degree in Computer Science. He did his basic mountaineering course from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) at Uttarkashi.

His fascination towards mountains and trekking in Konkan region, inspired him to climb in Himalayas.

Expeditions

Year : Peak (Height in meters)

2012 : Mount Everest (8,848)

2013 : Lhotse (8,516)

2014 : Makalu (8,485)

2017 : Manaslu (8,163)

2019 : Kanchenjunga (8, 586)

Awards

Ashish has received following awards

Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports award for year 2014-15

Arvind Mani

Arvind Mani – “To put on the Indian tracksuit is like wearing an armor and getting ready for the Battlefield”

Fitness mantra

Swimming five hours a day and gyming two hours a day. This has been my routine since the past 10 years and this is my fitness mantra. Diet matters a lot and therefore I focus on maintaining a healthy one!

When did you start swimming?

I started swimming at the age of four. As a four year old I represented my state in the rowing competition twice and in order to further continue with rowing, my coach (my uncle who is currently the president of Karnataka rowing association ) asked me to learn swimming so I would be able to handle my boat if it topples. And I continued with swimming and never went back to rowing.

On field are you a Predator or a Buddha?

It depends on the kind of situation. I adapt myself to the circumstance and act accordingly.

One race that you are very proud of

One of the memorable moments is when I gave the best performance in the 200m backstroke in the 2016 senior nationals (India) which I didn’t expect at all, cutting down three seconds from my previous best time. I was proud because, I knew I had progressed.

The toughest punishment given to you by your coach

I was made to swim for 6 hours continuously from morning 5 to 11; that was the worst punishment.

What does it mean to you to represent India?

It is an incredible feeling, to put on the Indian tracksuit ,it’s almost like wearing an armor and getting ready for the battlefield with determination. It’s a mixture of pride and pleasure, knowing that you are one among the other few ones who are getting to represent the country.

You have a chance to play another sport. Which one would it be?

I would go for boxing. It’s an exhaustive sport, but you feel that it’s worth the exertion as it helps you maintain your fitness level.

Your ultimate achievement?

My ultimate achievement would be, when I’ll be able to put my country’s flag high, at the Commonwealth games or the Asian games by conquering a GOLD medal.

Is sports a natural talent or a skill that is developed?

For some it’s a natural talent and for some it’s a skill which they have to keep working on, in all type of ways.

Perk of being an athlete

Being an athlete promises you good fitness levels, and mind control, only when you’re serious about routines and diet etc.,

When was the first time you represented India?

It was in 2011 , when I participated in the world cup which was held in Dubai and I think it was the kick start of my international career. I came sixth in the meet.

Opponent you dislike racing with?

No names in particular , but on a very broad basis, I don’t like players who are cunning, jealous and backstabbers.

Who had the greatest influence in your life?

My coach Pradeep Kumar. I think without his guidance for 7 years I would not be in the place where I have reached now.

What matters the most during ‘Do or Die’ situations?

Will power is required during these situations, because somehow your determination is put to test, and you need to survive the test!

Your dream ride?

My love is for bikes! I would love to own a Hayabusa.

One tattoo you would like to have?

The Olympic rings, after I attend the Olympics.

Best sports movie ever

‘Creed’, is one of the best movies I have watched. I love that it is a fast-paced movie. The movie kept me glued to the screen throughout!

Goals

The upcoming Asian age group championship is the first thing I’m looking forward to.

Long term goals are to hit it big at the Asian Games and the Olympics.

One unforgettable moment

Winning the SAF games gold medal is an unforgettable experience!

Do you hold any record?

Yes!

5 Junior national records

1 Senior national record

1 National games record

1 Indian best performance

8 South zone records

Abhinas Ruidas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Abhinas RuidasPersonal information

Date of birth 12 September 1995

Place of birth Budge Budge, West Bengal, India

Playing position Left Winger

Club information

Current team Mohun Bagan

Number 34

Youth career

Mohun Bagan

Bhawanipore

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2014–2017 East Bengal 22 (1)

2016 Atlético de Kolkata (loan) 7 (0)

2017– Mumbai City FC 11 (0)

2018— Mohun Bagan 5 (0)

National team‡

2015– India U23 3 (0)

Abhinas Ruidas is an Indian professional footballer who played as a Left winger for Mohun Bagan.

Career

East Bengal

Born in Budge Budge, West Bengal, Ruidas began his career with the youth sides at Mohun Bagan and Bhawanipore. He eventually joined I-League club East Bengal and played for the club in the Calcutta Football League where he impressed pundits and coaches as East Bengal won the state league. Despite his impressive performance in the Calcutta Football League, Ruidas was left out of the squad for the teams Federation Cup campaign.

Ruidas then made his professional debut on 18 January 2015 in East Bengal's first match of the I-League season against Sporting Goa. He started the match and played 72 minutes as East Bengal drew the match 1–1. He then scored his first professional goal for East Bengal in the teams next game against reigning I-League champions Bengaluru FC. His 53rd-minute strike at the Salt Lake Stadium was the sole goal in a 1–0 victory.

International

Abinash debuted for the India U23s against Uzbekistan U23s on 27 March 2015 in a AFC U-23 qualifier in Dhaka's Bangabandhu National Stadium

Arvind Panwar - Cyclist

Interview with Arvind Panwar – Pro Cyclist from Ciclo Team Racing

By Abhishek Tarfe

Arvind Panwar. We’re sure you’ve heard the name. This 28-year-old Meerut Born cyclist is making a name at the international level along with Naveen John.

Recently, we happened to connect with him to showcase his journey to becoming one of the best cyclists India has ever produced. He tells us about his journey from getting into cycling to climbing his way to finishing 7th in a kermesse in Belgium.

So how did you get into cycling?

I was doing athletics (mid-long distance running) with my elder brother but didn’t see noticeable results than my cousin brother, Sachin Panwar. He got into the sport and got medals in MTB races. This was when I realised that I should take cycling as seriously as a sport. I was always into adventure and loved exploring new places, so I find it more exciting.

When did you start looking at cycling as a profession?

After becoming National Champion in U-23(ITT) & Elite Road Race in 2012, I got a job in Indian Railways along with a chance to represent India at World Railways. This seemed to be an eye-opener for me. That’s when I decided to do something remarkable in the sport with a professional approach.

What is that one thing that cycling has taught you in life?

Cycling isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life that keeps you moving ahead. It gives you chances to meet new people, see new places and makes you healthy. Besides, it’s also a growing sport in a country like ours.

Tell us about your biggest achievement?

I feel proud of myself whenever I see myself on the podium. I have won many titles at Nationals, National Games & Internationally. I have got a Gold medal in South Asian Games, Bronze in World Railways, participated in multiple Asian Championships, taken the start at Commonwealth Games-2014, World Road Championship-2016 and recently got a top 10(7th) in a kermesse race in Belgium.

Tell us something about your training?

I try to be as regular as possible on my bike. Mostly, I do one session on the bike in the morning and one easy session off the bike in the evening (2-3 times a week). I also have a personal structured training plan for each day based on my routine and goal for the season.

Tell us something about your nutrition?

I’m a vegetarian, so I need to give special attention to my diet to get proper nutrition. Most of my diet comes from natural, dairy and plant-based.

Tell us something about your recovery?

Recovery is as important as training, so I ensure to get proper sleep each night and diet after each session.

What are your plans for the future with cycling?

Well, my future plans are quite simple. Every year we as a “Ciclo Team Racing” Try to go to Belgium for a solid training and racing block. And whatever we learn there, apply those strategies and fitness back at home and at the Asian level to set a benchmark for the upcoming generation.

Tell us something about veloinsight? What was the whole idea to begin?

“Velo Insight Coaching” is an online cycling coaching program for competitive athletes. This was something I wanted to start once my competitive career. However, I realized that most of the athletes today in India don’t even know the basics of training like- How to prepare for an event? How to get peak performance on race day? How to manage a balance between training and recovery? etc. A pile of questions like this.

As it would be too late to start working with athletes after my career, I started right away!

How can we help promote cycling in Kolkata?

To be honest, competitive cycling training is tough to manage in Kolkata. You have to be in the outskirts of the city like any other big cities in India to get on the highways. It’s an ancient city with narrow roads but some small training camps may be organized and build some short technical safe route for juniors with the help of state association, local authorities and many club owners. Then organising weekend races to promote the sport should be helpful.

Tell us something about ASFRA Racing Team?

“ASFRA Racing Team” Is one of the earliest and famous cycling clubs in East-Flanders, Belgium. The club allowed cyclists from all over the world to come and participate under their name. ASFRA Team also gives the opportunity to a cyclist to enter in a local kermess to Pro-Kermess, one day classic to stage races and national to international circuit races. The club also provides all the necessary ground support to all its players.

How does your recovery look like?

I like to take active rest or power nap after my training session. I don’t feel good if can’t take rest. I also feel eating food at the right time post a training session lets you recover well.

Time trail or hill climbing? What’s your favourite and why?

To be honest, I like both. As most of the selections are based on Time-Trial, I have to spend quite a lot of time on my TT bike. I have special love for mountains, they attract me a lot. I find myself more concentrated and focused on mountains.

Tell us everything about Ciclo Team Racing?

“Ciclo Team Racing” is the first elite racing team in the country. The Team is based in Chennai. The team owners, Ashish and Bachi are very supportive and started this team with this idea to promote cycling not only in the country but also internationally. The team supporting it’s athletes with all the latest equipment and training & racing exposure in and outside the country.

Currently, team Ciclo has two elite athletes including Naveen John and me and two young talented development riders- Srinath & Gagan. Both of them are very hard working and looking for the podium at Nationals this year.

Any message you want to give cyclist in India who are looking to go Pro?

My message for upcoming athletes is to be realistic of goals, have patience and achieve goals step by step. Life of a sportsman is not easy, it takes a lot of sacrifices and discipline. And definitely work/train with someone who has deep knowledge into the sport.

Special Thanks to Arvind Panwar

https://www.velocrushindia.com/interview-with-arvind-panwar-ciclo-team-racing/

Abhinas Ruidas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Abhinas RuidasPersonal information

Date of birth 12 September 1995

Place of birth Budge Budge, West Bengal, India

Playing position(s) Left Winger

Club information

Current team TRAU

Youth career

Mohun Bagan

Bhawanipore

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2014–2017 East Bengal 22 (1)

2016 Atlético de Kolkata (loan) 7 (0)

2017–18 Mumbai City FC 11 (0)

2018-19 Mohun Bagan 5 (0)

2019- TRAU 0 (0)

National team‡

2015– India U23 3 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 03 September 2019

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 09:39, 1 April 2015 (UTC)

Abhinas Ruidas is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a Left winger for TRAU in the I-League.

Career

East Bengal

Ruidas then made his professional debut on 18 January 2015 in East Bengal's first match of the I-League season against Sporting Goa. He started the match and played 72 minutes as East Bengal drew the match 1–1.He then scored his first professional goal for East Bengal in the team's next game against reigning I-League champions Bengaluru FC. His 53rd-minute strike at the Salt Lake Stadium was the sole goal in a 1–0 victory.

International

Abinash debuted for the India U23s against Uzbekistan U23s on 27 March 2015 in an AFC U-23 qualifier in Dhaka's Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Alesh Sawant

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alesh SawantPersonal information

Date of birth 27 November 1994

Place of birth India

Playing position(s) Midfielder

Club information

Current team Churchill Brothers

Number 21

Alesh Sawant (born 27 November 1994) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Churchill Brothers S.C. in the I-League.

Career

Churchill Brothers

Sawant joined Churchill Brothers S.C. as a youth player from Brasil Futebol Academia in 2012. Sawant then made his professional debut for the first-team on 21 September 2013 in the I-League season opener against Salgaocar F.C. at the Duler Stadium in which he started and played 65 minutes before being replaced by Micky Fernandes as Churchill Brothers lost the match 0–1.

Ankur Diwakar

Ankur Diwakar

Born April 19, 1991

Mumbai, India

Nationality Indian

Other names JauntyTank

Occupation Esports Athlete

(born April 19, 1991) better known by his alias Jauntytank, is an Indian Professional eSports athlete. He is the winner of UCypher MTV India Season 1 tournament in India. He represented India in Asian Games 2018 and is the current South Asian Champion. He's a gaming veteran with many major championships and continues to educate others in esports.

Early life

Ankur Diwakar was born in Mumbai, India. Early on in his life he started playing FIFA on PlayStation One (FIFA 02) which spiked his interest in the gaming. He played volleyball for his high school, where he won many inter-school championships with his team. He also played professional football in MDFA for a season.

Esports career

Widely known for his prodigious achievements in Indian eSports, he continues to amaze the gaming community and the non-gamers alike. He specialises in FIFA, but like a cricketer switching formats, he also plays Pro Evolution Soccer and other games on consoles. He's also known as the 'The Most Versatile Pro Gamer' in India, by winning 3 majors in 3 different games in one year. Ankur Diwakar bursted into the Pro scene with a splash of headlines in 2007, with his mission to put India on the global map. He started dominating the local scene and soon he became a national sensation. After few years, his achievements did the talking & started headlining newspapers.

MTV UCypher

Diwakar was the winner of MTV India Ucypher Season 1. This was India's first televised multi-platform, multi-game, Esports tournament where six veteran teams competed over a prize pool of Rs. 51 lakhs.

Awards and honors

Esports (Latest)

2018 MTV India UCypher Season 1 Winner.

Indian Representative at Asian Games 2018 (eSports) Indian Team

South Asian Champion PES 2018

Aakarshi Kashyap

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aakarshi Kashyap

Personal information

Country India

Born 24 August 2001

Height 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)

Weight 60 kg (132 lb)

Women's singles

Highest ranking 104 (17 March 2020)

Current ranking 104 (17 March 2020)

Medal record

Women's badminton

Representing India

2019 Kathmandu-Pokhara Women's team

BWF profile

Aakarshi Kashyap (born 24 August 2001) is an Indian badminton player. She has been selected to be part of the India at the 2018 Asian Games. She was part of the national women's team that won the gold medal in 2019 South Asian Games.

Ashwini Nachappa

Ashwini Nachappa is an Olympian of extraordinary talent. This is the story of how she outran PT Usha twice in the span of two weeks.

By Team Bridge

Throughout India’s illustrious history when it comes to athletics, there have been some moments which are especially memorable; moments that ultimately went down in history as landmarks in time. This is a story of one such moment- a moment when two Indian Olympians – PT Usha and Ashwini Nachappa met on the National circuit. This is the story of a moment that stunned the sporting world of India once.

The Indian FloJo

Ashwini Nachappa was a noticeable figure on the track long before that fateful race in 1991. Fondly known as the Indian FloJo- after the beautiful American Olympic champion Florence-Griffith Joyner, she was hailed as one of the most glamorous figures in athletics with names like Shiny Wilson and PT Usha providing stiff competition for her.

The flamboyant way in which she carried herself drew the eyes of spectators both on home soil and away. But in 1991, Ashwini had given her admirers a different reason to adore her.

As a 9-year old growing up in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, Ashwini’s tryst with athletics began on the track instead of the field when she first took up long jump. She shifted to track soon after. Early on in her career, in 1985, Ashwini finished second to PT Usha both in 100m and 200m at the Chennai Inter State Championship. But that was soon about to change.

The first instance came in the Open National Championship at New Delhi where she ran a classic 200m race to dethrone the Payyoli Express to the second place. Ashwini registered a timing of 24.07s while Usha could clock 24.12s.

India’s FloJo had already had a remarkable career when she met PT Usha in the track again in the 1990 Open Nationals. She represented the country in almost every big sporting event like the Olympics, World Cup, World Championship, Asian Games, Asian Championships and SAF Games.

Not only that, she had also made several appearances on India’s silver screen which had all been met with wide appreciation and critical acclaim.

But then, there comes a turning point in every career, something they are best remembered for. For Ashwini Nachappa, it was the year 1990 which deserves a special mention in her sporting career. It was the year she got the better of PT Usha twice.

Barely two weeks later at the Permit Meet in New Delhi, she again defeated Usha. Thus she became the first Indian sprinter to beat Usha twice in a year.

Ashwini Nachappa beyond the track

Ashwini Nachappa is an Olympian of extraordinary talent. That is something that hardly needs saying. Despite retiring from competitive athletics in 1991, her association with the sport has not ended. That very year, she starred in a biopic of her life.

Currently, she is an active member of the Clean Sports initiative which is an organisation aiming to address the problem of drug use among athletes and facilitate better management of Olympic sports in India.

It’s always nice when athletes take a stand to give back something to their sport even after they have stopped actively competing.

Ashwini Nachappa may have risen to prominence for defeating PT Usha twice within a span of 2 weeks but this Olympian is so much more than that.

Aadnya Borkar

From Wikipedia

Aadnya Borkar

Borkar in 2004.

Personal information

Country represented

India

Born

15 September 1987

ISU personal best scores

Combined total

29.29

2004 JGP Germany

Short program

11.23

2004 JGP Germany

Free skate

18.73

2005 JGP Canada

Aadnya Borkar (born 15 September 1987 in Mumbai, India), is an Indian figure skater currently living and practicing in Oman. She is coached by Michael Fernandes. Borkar is the 2005-2006 Indian national champion and has competed internationally for three seasons on the Junior Grand Prix. She formerly studied in Indian School, Al Wadi Al Kabir in Oman.

Abhishek Ambekar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Abhishek AmbekarPersonal information

Full name Abhishek Ambekar

Date of birth 11 August 1991

Place of birth Santacruz, Mumbai, India

Position(s) winger/wingback

Club information

Current team East Bengal

Number 27

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2012–2013 Air India 3 (0)

2013–2014 Mumbai Tigers 0 (0)

2014–2015 Mumbai FC 0 (0)

2017–2018 Minerva Punjab 17 (0)

2018–2019 Mohun Bagan 15 (0)

2019–2021 East Bengal 22 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 12:51, 16 December 2020 (UTC)

Abhishek Ambekar (born 11 August 1991) is an Indian footballer who currently plays as a Wing back for East Bengal in the Indian Super League.

Career

Early career

He began playing football in school, Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School, Thane and represented his school team and his college and state team later. He was roped into the Air India FC under-19 team, coached by former Indian player Godfrey Pereira, who is also from Santacruz.

Air India

The winger eventually graduated to Air India's senior team. Ambekar made his debut for Air India FC of the I-League on 7 October 2012 coming on as a 54th-minute substitute for Ong Lepcha; Air India lost 5–1.

Career pitfalls

Air India FC couldn't play in the I-League further as it didn't satisfy the Asian Football Confederation norms, according to the All India Football Federation. But this didn't hinder Ambekar's career as he joined the newly-floated Mumbai Tigers, which had players like Steven Dias, Paresh Shivalkar under coach Bimal Ghosh, who helped Ambekar improve his game. But the club also couldn't survive for long. He joined Mumbai FC and later got a job with the Reserve Bank of India. The job rules didn't allow him to play at the professional level but he preferred RBI as it offered job security. During that time he played for Maharashtra in Santosh Trophy.

Later Ambekar was handed a lifeline by RBI, who agreed to release players and encouraged sportspersons to continue playing. It was what he had been waiting for. At the cost of risking his progress at work, Ambekar started sniffing at opportunities to play in the big leagues again. That chance came at fledgling side Minerva, who had finished 9th of 10 teams on their I-League debut last season.

Minerva Punjab

In 2017 he joined Minerva Punjab. He made his debut for Minerva on 25 November 2017 in I-League match against Mohun Bagan at Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana as he played full match and his team drew the match 1-1. He became an inevitable ingredient of the side which eventually won the silverware. The I-League title triumph gave Ambekar's CV a necessary kick which was missing earlier in his career

Ashwini Ponnappa

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ashwini Ponnappa

Ashwini in 2010

Personal information

Country India

Born 18 September 1989

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Residence Hyderabad, India

Height 1.64 m (5 ft 5 in)

Weight 60 kg (132 lb)

Years active 2007–present

Handedness Right

Women's & mixed doubles

Highest ranking 10 (WD 20 August 2015)

21 (XD 6 December 2018)

Current ranking 29 (WD), 19 (XD) (2 February 2021)

Women's badminton

Representing India

World Championships

2011 London Women's doubles

Uber Cup

2014 New Delhi Women's team

2016 Kunshan Women's team

Commonwealth Games

2018 Gold Coast Mixed team

2010 Delhi Women's doubles

2014 Glasgow Women's doubles

2010 Delhi Mixed team

2018 Gold Coast Women's doubles

Asian Games

2014 Incheon Women's team

Asian Championships

2014 Gimcheon Women's doubles

South Asian Games

2010 Dhaka Mixed doubles

2010 Dhaka Women's team

2016 Guwahati-Shillong Women's doubles

2016 Guwahati-Shillong Women's team

2010 Dhaka Women's doubles

2016 Guwahati-Shillong Mixed doubles

BWF profile

Ashwini Ponnappa Machimanda (born 18 September 1989) is an Indian badminton player who represents the country at the international badminton circuit in both the women's and mixed doubles disciplines. She had a successful partnership with Jwala Gutta as the pair has won many medals in international events including a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and bronze medals at the Uber Cup and the Asian Badminton Championships. They were consistently ranked among the top 20 in the BWF World Ranking reaching as high as no. 10. Ponnappa and Gutta also won the bronze medal at the BWF World Championships in 2011, becoming the first Indian pair and women and only the second overall to win a medal at the World Championships.

Early life

Ashwini Ponnappa was born on 18 September 1989 in Bangalore. She was educated at St. Francis Xavier Girls High School, Bangalore and at St. Mary's College, Hyderabad. Her father played hockey for India. However Ashwini preferred badminton over hockey and started training in badminton.

Career

In 2001, Ashwini Ponnappa won her first national title in 2004 in the sub-junior girls' doubles category. She also won the national title in sub-junior girls' doubles in 2005, and the Junior girls' doubles National title in 2006 and 2007. She won the gold medal in mixed doubles and the team events at the South Asian Games held in 2010. In the 2010 Commonwealth Games, she won the gold medal in Women's Doubles event pairing with Jwala Gutta, making history by winning the first gold medal for India in the event. Gutta and Ponnappa became household names after winning the medal in front of home crowd.

Later on in 2011 they came up with one of their finest performances when she and Gutta etched their names in history books becoming the first Indian pair to ensure a medal at the World Badminton Championships. The pair defeated 12th seeds Vita Marrisa and Nadya Melati of Indonesia 17–21, 21–10, 21–17 to storm into the women's doubles semifinal before losing out to Chinese fifth seeds in the semis in London, thereby winning a bronze in the Badminton World Championship.

She participated in the women's doubles at the 2012 London Olympics. Ponnappa and Gutta lost their opening women's doubles match against the Japanese duo of Mizuki Fujii and Reika Kakiiwa. They then went on to beat much higher ranked Wen Hsing Cheng and Yu Chin Chien of Chinese Taipei 25–23, 16–21, 21–18 to register their first win in the group stages. Jwala and Ashwini missed out on a quarterfinal berth by a difference of just one point, even though they beat Shinta Mulia Sari and Lei Yao of Singapore 21-16 21–15 in their last group B match, after tying with Japan and Taipei on the number of wins. Prior to India's final group game on Tuesday night, the World number five Japanese pair of Mizuki Fujii and Reika Kakiiwa had shockingly lost to Chinese Taipei's Cheng Wen Hsing and Chien Yu Chin, ranked 10th, 19-21 11–21. India lodged a formal protest with the Games organizers to probe if the women's doubles badminton match involving Japan and Chinese Taipei was played in the right spirit, following the elimination of medal hopes Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa but no action was taken. Following the Olympic Games Jwala went to a temporary sabbatical from the game. Ponnappa then partnered Pradnya Gadre for a brief period of time in 2013 and then re-united with Jwala later in the year. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Ponnappa and Gutta won the silver medal in the women's doubles, losing to a Malaysian pair in the final. On 29 June 2015, playing with Jwala, they won the Canada Open women's doubles title by defeating the top-seeded Dutch pair of Eefje Muskens and Selena Piek. She competed with Gutta at the 2016 Olympics, but they lost all three of their group stage matches and therefore did not progress further. At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Ponnappa was part of the Indian team which won gold in the mixed team event, and won bronze with N. Sikki Reddy in the women's doubles.

Personal life

On 24 December 2017, she married businessman and model Karan Medappa.

Aparna Balan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aparna Balan

Personal information

Country India

Born 9 August 1986

Kozhikode, Kerala, India

Height 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)

Handedness Right

Women's & mixed doubles

Highest ranking 26 (WD 1 July 2010)

41 (XD 20 November 2014)

Women's badminton

Representing India

Uber Cup

2014 New Delhi Women's team

2010 Delhi Mixed team

Asian Junior Championships

2004 Islamabad Women's team

2006 Colombo Women's team

2010 Dhaka Women's doubles

2010 Dhaka Women's team

2006 Colombo Women's doubles

2006 Colombo Mixed doubles

2010 Dhaka Mixed doubles

2002 Kuala Lumpur Girls' team

BWF profile

Aparna Balan (born 9 August 1986) is an Indian badminton player from Kozhikode, Kerala. She was part of the national team that won the silver medal in 2010 Commonwealth Games, also gold medals in 2004, 2006 and 2010 South Asian Games. She is 6 times National Champion in mixed doubles and 3 times National Champion in women's doubles. She represented India in many international badminton tournaments.

Career

In 2006, she won the national mixed doubles title partnering with V. Diju. At the same year, she competed at the 2006 South Asian Games and won two silver medals in the women's and mixed doubles event. In 2010 South Asian Games, Balan won the women's doubles gold with Shruti Kurien and mixed doubles silver with Sanave Thomas.

Major National Achievements

National champion in mixed doubles 2006

National champion in mixed doubles 2007

National champion in women doubles 2011

National champion in mixed doubles 2012

National champion in women doubles 2012

National champion in mixed doubles 2013

National champion in mixed doubles 2014

National champion in mixed doubles 2015

National champion in mixed doubles 2016

National champion in women doubles 2017

National games 2015 mixed doubles gold

Premier Badminton League 2016 winners

Asha Roy

Asha Roy is a former Indian track and field sprinter who specialized in the 100m and 200m events. Known for her explosive starts and compact, powerful frame, she earned the nickname "Pocket Dynamo."

Personal & Early Life

Full Name: Asha Roy
Date of Birth: 5 January 1990
Place of Birth: Chakdaha, Nadia district, West Bengal, India
Family Background: She hails from a humble, economically disadvantaged rural family. Her father, Bhabotosh Roy, was a farmer and part-time electrician, and her mother, Chobi Roy, worked as a domestic helper. Financial constraints were a major hurdle throughout her early life and initial career.
Marriage: She is married to fellow athlete and coach Satyadev Yadav.

Career Highlights & Achievements

Asha Roy was a dominant force in Indian sprinting in the early 2010s, holding national records and winning multiple medals.

National Dominance:

National Record Holder (Former): She held the Indian National Record in the 100m for several years with a time of 11.40 seconds, set at the 53rd National Open Athletics Championships in Kolkata in 2011. This record was later broken by Dutee Chand.
National Champion: She was the National Champion in the 100m in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Asian Level Performances:
- Won a Bronze medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea (with her teammates).
- Won a Silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2013 Asian Athletics Championships in Pune.
- Participated in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Key International Appearances:

Competed at the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow, running in the women's 100m.
Represented India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Struggle: A Story of Resilience

Asha's journey is a powerful narrative of overcoming socio-economic barriers:

Lack of Resources: She trained initially on muddy village paths, often barefoot or in cheap shoes. Proper nutrition, sports gear, and access to synthetic tracks were luxuries.
Financial Hardship: Her family's limited income meant that pursuing sports was seen as a risk. Her parents, however, supported her passion despite the odds.
Injury & Setbacks: Her career was hampered by persistent injuries, including chronic knee and heel problems (Achilles tendonitis), which eventually led to her early retirement.
Support System: Recognition from coaches like J.S. Bhatia and later support from the Indian Railways (which offered her a job as a Ticket Collector/Goods Guard) were crucial turning points that provided stability and training facilities.

Retirement & Legacy

Retirement: Plagued by injuries, Asha Roy announced her retirement from competitive athletics in 2018 at the age of 28.
Legacy: She is remembered as a trailblazer for Indian women's sprinting. At her peak, she was the fastest woman in India and proved that with determination, athletes from underprivileged backgrounds could reach the top. Her story inspired many young girls in rural India to take up athletics.
Life After Sports: Post-retirement, she has been involved in coaching and occasionally appears at athletic clinics and motivational events. She continues her service with Indian Railways.

Key Statistics (at her peak)

Primary Events: 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
Personal Bests:
- 100m: 11.40 sec (National Record at the time, 2011)
- 200m: 23.59 sec (2013)
Represented: India, West Bengal, Indian Railways.

In summary, Asha Roy's career is a testament to extraordinary talent fueled by sheer grit. She rose from a background of poverty to become India's fastest woman of her time, breaking records and winning medals for the country, before injuries cut her prime short. Her journey remains an inspirational chapter in Indian athletics.

Barkha Sonkar

Barkha Sonkar is an Indian international basketball player who belongs to the Sonkar community. The Sonkar surname is traditionally associated with the Khatik caste, which is classified as a Dalit in various Indian states, including her home state of Uttar Pradesh. imeuswe wikipedia She is recognized both for her athletic prowess as a point guard for the Indian national team and for her advocacy for the rights of marginalized communities.

Key Findings

Barkha Sonkar was born on December 24, 1996, and is a prominent member of the India women's national basketball team. wikipedia
Her community, the Sonkars, is officially categorized under the Scheduled Caste (SC) designation in India. wikipedia
She has been vocal about her identity, dedicating part of her career to advocating for Dalit rights and fighting against social discrimination. imeuswe
Professionally, she represented India in the 2017 FIBA Women's Asia Cup and played collegiate basketball in the United States for Lindsey Wilson College and Husson University.

Background and Identity

Barkha Sonkar hails from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a region where the Sonkar community has a significant presence.

Athletic Career

Sonkar is known for her role as a point guard. Her career highlights include:

National Team: Representing India at major international tournaments like the FIBA Asia Cup. wikipedia
Collegiate Play: She moved to the United States to play for Lindsey Wilson College (Kentucky) and later Husson University, becoming one of the few Indian women to play in the American collegiate system. lindseyathletics

Social Advocacy

Unlike many athletes who remain private about their social background, Sonkar has actively used her platform to highlight the struggles of marginalized communities. She is cited as a career advocate for the rights of Dalits, aiming to inspire others from similar backgrounds to pursue professional sports. imeuswe

Bijoy Barman

Bijoy Barman (full name: Bijoy Kumar Barman) was a pioneering Indian swimmer who represented his country on the international stage during the early years of independent India's sporting history. Born on December 1, 1928, he competed in both swimming and water polo at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, marking him as one of the earliest Olympians from India in aquatic sports. At the time of his Olympic participation, he was 23 years old, showcasing remarkable talent in an era when Indian swimming was still emerging globally. Tragically, detailed records of his life remain sparse, with much of his legacy preserved through Olympic archives and brief historical mentions rather than extensive biographies. As of December 1, 2025—his 97th birthday—no confirmed reports of his passing have surfaced in public records, suggesting he may still be alive, though he has long retired from active sports.

Early Life and Background

Barman was born in British India, likely in the northeastern region, given the prevalence of the "Barman" surname among communities in Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura. His early life details, such as exact birthplace, family, or education, are not well-documented in available sources. However, the surname "Barman" (also spelled Burman or Varman) often traces back to indigenous ethnic groups like the Barman Kachari, a Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in Assam and the Brahmaputra Valley. This group, part of the larger Kachari ethnic family with Tibeto-Burman roots, traditionally engaged in agriculture, fishing, and craftsmanship. They adopted Hinduism in the 18th century while retaining indigenous practices, including the endangered Barman Thar language.

In the context of 1950s India, athletes from ST backgrounds like Barman's were rare in elite sports, highlighting his achievement as a symbol of resilience against socio-economic barriers. No explicit confirmation of his caste or family exists in biographical records, but regional naming conventions and the ST status of Barman communities strongly suggest this affiliation over upper-caste interpretations of the surname (e.g., Kshatriya lineages in Bengal or royal titles in Tripura). He likely trained in local pools or rivers, as organized swimming infrastructure was limited in post-independence India.

Swimming and Water Polo Career

Barman's athletic prowess centered on backstroke swimming and water polo, two demanding disciplines requiring endurance, technique, and teamwork. He specialized in the 100-meter backstroke, a event that tests explosive power and streamlined form in a pool.

Olympic Debut (1952 Helsinki Olympics): Barman's crowning achievement was his selection for India's contingent at the XV Olympiad, held from July 19 to August 3, 1952. India sent a small delegation of 47 athletes, focusing on field hockey (where they won gold) alongside emerging sports like aquatics.
- Men's 100m Backstroke: Competing in Heat 3 on July 29, Barman finished with a time of 1:18.0, placing 6th out of 7 swimmers. The heat winner advanced with 1:07.4, reflecting the global gap India faced at the time. Despite not progressing, his participation was a milestone for Indian swimming, which had only debuted at the 1928 Olympics.
- Men's Water Polo: As part of India's national team, Barman featured in the preliminary round. The team, coached by the era's pioneers, lost their only match 2-7 to a strong Great Britain side on July 25. Water polo's physicality suited Barman's versatile skills, but India's program was nascent, with limited international exposure. Overall, Barman's Olympic showing, though without medals, contributed to India's 1 gold, 2 silvers, and 2 bronzes tally, dominated by hockey.

Beyond the Olympics, records of his national or regional competitions are scarce. He may have excelled in domestic meets organized by the Swimming Federation of India (founded in 1940s), potentially earning titles in backstroke events. In the 1950s, Indian swimmers like Barman trained under rudimentary conditions, often self-funded, paving the way for later stars like Bula Choudhury.

Achievements and Legacy

Barman's primary accolade was his Olympic participation, a rare honor in pre-professional sports India. No Arjuna Awards (instituted in 1961) or other national honors are recorded for him, likely due to the era's limited recognition for aquatics. His feats include:

Achievement	Year	Details
Olympic Qualification (100m Backstroke)	1952	Selected for Helsinki; competed in heats.
Olympic Qualification (Water Polo)	1952	Member of India's national team; played in preliminary round.
National Representation	1950s	Likely multiple domestic titles; exact wins undocumented.

His legacy endures as an inspiration for Northeast Indian athletes. In a time when ST communities faced marginalization, Barman's Olympic journey underscored swimming's potential as an equalizer. Today, he is remembered in Olympic databases (e.g., World Aquatics ID: 1160329; Swimrankings ID: 4847510) and historical retrospectives on Indian sports. As of 2025, with India's aquatics scene booming (e.g., via Asian Games successes), Barman's story highlights the long arc from colonial-era pools to modern facilities.

Personal Life and Later Years

Very little is known about Barman's personal life. No records mention his marriage, children, profession post-retirement, or residences beyond India. He may have pursued coaching or community roles in Assam, given regional ties, but this is speculative. In interviews or profiles (none found), he could have shared insights on training rigors or the thrill of Helsinki's Olympic Village. His low-profile existence reflects the era's athletes, who often faded from spotlight without media machinery.

If alive in 2025, Barman would be among India's oldest Olympians, potentially residing quietly in Assam or West Bengal. Efforts to locate him via sports federations could yield more, but public archives remain silent.

In summary, Bijoy Barman embodies the unsung grit of early Indian Olympians—diving into history with backstroke precision, only to surface briefly in records. His story, though brief, swims against the current of obscurity, reminding us of the pioneers who stroked toward a stronger sporting India.

Bimal Lakra

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bimal LakraPersonal information

Born 4 May 1980 (age 38)

Simdega, Jharkhand, India

Playing position Midfielder

National team

Years Team Apps (Gls)

India

Last updated on: 25 July 2016

Bimal Lakra (born 4 May 1980) is a former Indian field hockey player who played as a midfielder for national team. He was part of the team that won the silver medal at the 2002 Asian Games.

Lakra's younger brother Birendra Lakra and younger sister Asunta Lakra have also represented India in field hockey.

Birendra Lakra

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Birendra Lakra

Born February 3, 1990

Rourkela, Odisha, India

Height 167 cm (5 ft 6 in)

Weight 68 kg (150 lb)

Playing position Fullback

Senior career

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2012–present Chandigarh Comets

BPCL

–2008 Orissa Steelers

2013–2014 Ranchi Rhinos 15 (0)

2015–present Ranchi Rays

National team

Years Team Apps (Gls)

–present India 71 (7)

Medal record

Men’s Field Hockey

Representing India

Hockey World League

2015 Raipur

Asian Games

2014 Incheon Team

Champions Trophy

2018 Breda

Commonwealth Games

2014 Glasgow Team

Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

2012 Malaysia Team

Last updated on: 8 December 2015

Birendra Lakra (born 3 February 1990) is an Indian professional field hockey player. He represented India in Men's Hockey during the 2012 London Olympics. Lakra's elder brother Bimal has played as a midfielder for India. His sister Asunta Lakra has played for India's women's hockey team and has captained the side.Personal life

Birendra Lakra was born on 3 February 1990 in village Lachchada, Sundargarh District of Odisha. He was born to the Oraon tribe family in a small village of Lachhada in odisha in the border of Jharkand.

Career

Birendra Lakra is a player of the Rourkela Steel Plant's SAIL Hockey Academy. Included in the Indian junior team for the first time for Singapore tour in 2007. He represented India in the Test series against South Africa in 2012, the Champions Challenge tournament in South Africa in 2011, the SAAF Games at Dhaka in 2010, at the Youth Olympics at Sydney in 2009, at the Junior World Cup at Singapore in 2009.

He scored the first goal in India's stupendous victory in the final game of the Olympic Hockey Qualifying Tournament against France. He played a key role in taking India in to the semifinals of 2012 Champions trophy. India defeated Belgium with the help of a single goal that was produced by the magical pass given by Birendra Lakra to the forward. With this India entered the semifinals of champions trophy after eight long years.

Hockey India League

In the auction of the inaugural Hockey India League season, Lakra was bought by the Ranchi franchise for US$41,000 with his base price being US$9,250. The Ranchi team was named Ranchi Rhinos. The team finished first in the inaugural season and third in the 2014 season. Following disputes between the franchise and Hockey India, the team decided to pull out, after which Lakra signed with the Ranchi Rays franchise from the 2015 season.

Bhaichung Bhutia

Bhaichung Bhutia, often spelled Baichung Bhutia, is widely regarded as the torchbearer of modern Indian football and one of the greatest players the country has produced. Nicknamed the "Sikkimese Sniper" for his sharp shooting and goal-scoring prowess, he inspired a generation of footballers and elevated India's presence on the international stage.

revsportz.in

chakdebharat.com

Early Life and Background

Born on December 15, 1976, in Tinkitam, a small village in Sikkim, Bhutia grew up in a farming family. His parents were initially against his pursuit of sports, but his talent shone through. He attended Tashi Namgyal Academy in Gangtok, where he excelled, winning the best player award at the 1992 Subroto Cup. This caught the eye of scouts, leading him to Kolkata's football scene.

Club Career

Bhutia began professionally with East Bengal FC in 1993 at age 16, marking the start of a storied career. He had four spells with East Bengal, winning numerous domestic titles, including the National Football League (NFL) and the ASEAN Club Championship in 2003.

Key clubs:

JCT Mills Phagwara (1995–1997): Top scorer in the inaugural NFL season.
Mohun Bagan (multiple spells): Iconic rivalries in Kolkata derbies.
Bury FC (England, 1999–2002): Became the first Indian to sign for a European club on a professional contract and the second to play in Europe (after Mohammed Salim). Scored goals in English leagues.
Brief stints: Perak FC (Malaysia, 2003), Mohun Bagan again, and final return to East Bengal.

He scored the first hat-trick in a Kolkata derby (East Bengal vs. Mohun Bagan) and holds records for most goals in domestic matches. Retired in 2015 after a farewell season with East Bengal.

kreedon.com

youtube.com

International Career

Bhutia earned 104 caps for India (1995–2011), scoring around 40 goals – making him one of the most capped and prolific Indian players. He captained the team for many years.

Highlights:

Debut goal in 1995 Nehru Cup (youngest international scorer at 19).
Key role in wins like the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup (qualifying India for 2011 Asian Cup).
Led India to multiple SAFF Championship titles and Nehru Cup victories (e.g., 2007).
Farewell match: India vs. Bayern Munich (2012).

He retired from international football in 2011.

Awards and Honors

Arjuna Award (1998) – India's second-highest sporting honor.
Padma Shri (2008) – Fourth-highest civilian award.
AFC Hall of Fame inductee.
Banga Bhushan (2014).
A stadium named after him in Namchi, Sikkim (Baichung Stadium) – first active player to receive this honor.
Multiple "Player of the Year" awards.

Fellow legend I.M. Vijayan called him "God's gift to Indian football."

Post-Retirement Activities

Founded Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (2010) in partnership with Nike and Carlos Queiroz to nurture young talent.
Reality TV: Won Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 3 (2009).
Politics: Ran for AIFF President (2022, lost heavily); founded Hamro Sikkim Party (2018); involved in Sikkim politics.
Administration: Served as president of Sikkim Football Association; managed clubs like United Sikkim.

As of 2025, Bhutia remains vocal on Indian football's state, criticizing AIFF leadership and calling for structural changes after poor performances (e.g., FIFA ranking drop). He recently commented on the chaotic Lionel Messi event in Kolkata (December 2025), blaming "VIP culture" for genuine fans missing out, and expressed hope for 2025 to bring improvements, including finding a new striker post-Sunil Chhetri's retirement.

Bhutia's legacy endures as the pioneer who took Indian football global, inspiring millions in a cricket-dominated nation.

Brojen Das

Brojen Das (Bengali: ব্রজেন দাস; December 9, 1927 – June 1, 1998) was a pioneering Bangladeshi swimmer from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), renowned as the first Asian to successfully swim across the English Channel in 1958. He achieved this feat six times between 1958 and 1961, earning him the title "King of the Channel" from the Channel Swimming Association in the UK—a record that stood from 1960 to 1974. Das set multiple world records during his crossings and was a versatile athlete who excelled in both sprint and long-distance swimming. His accomplishments not only broke barriers for Asian swimmers but also inspired generations in South Asia, where open-water swimming was largely uncharted territory.

Early Life and Education

Brojen Das was born on December 9, 1927, in the rural village of Kuchiamora in Bikrampur (now Munshiganj District, Bangladesh), then part of the Bengal Presidency in British India. He was the son of Harendra Kumar Das, and from a young age, he displayed exceptional swimming talent, honing his skills in the turbulent waters of the Buriganga River (a tributary of the Ganges) near his home. This natural training ground, with its strong currents and challenges, shaped him into a resilient swimmer early on.

Das received his primary education in his native village before completing his matriculation in 1946 from K.L. Jubilee High School in Dhaka. He pursued higher studies in Kolkata, India, earning an Intermediate certificate and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vidyasagar College. During his student years, he balanced academics with competitive swimming, emerging as a champion in regional events.

Swimming Career

Das's swimming journey began in earnest in the early 1950s. In 1952, he won the 100-meter freestyle championship in West Bengal, India. By 1953, he had relocated his focus to East Pakistan (modern-day Bangladesh) and dominated local competitions, securing titles in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 1,500m freestyle events from 1953 to 1956. That same year, on his initiative, the East Pakistan Sports Federation launched an annual swimming competition in Dhaka, which helped popularize the sport in the region.

Das was primarily a short-course sprinter but transitioned to marathon swimming to tackle international challenges. In 1955, he represented Pakistan (which included East Pakistan at the time) and won national titles in the 100m and 400m freestyle. His training regimen was grueling: he swam in the Shitalakshya and lower Meghna Rivers, once covering 74 km (46 miles) from Narayanganj to Chandpur in a single endurance session. For international prep, he also trained in the Mediterranean Sea, including swims from Capri to Naples in Italy.

His breakthrough came in 1958 when he received an invitation to the Billy Butlin Cross Channel International Swim in England. Das arrived in June 1958 as the sole representative from South Asia among 39 swimmers from 23 nations. Starting at midnight on August 18 from France, he completed the 33.5 km English Channel crossing in 14 hours and 52 minutes, landing in England the next day at noon. This victory not only made him the first Asian to conquer the Channel but also won him the men's category in the competition.

Das returned annually, crossing the Channel five more times:

August 1959: France to England in 13 hours 53 minutes.
September 1959: England to France in 13 hours 26 minutes (a double-crossing year, making him the first to complete three major swims in one season).
August 1960: France to England in 14 hours 43 minutes.
September 1961: France to England in 11 hours 48 minutes.
September 1961: France to England in 10 hours 35 minutes (setting a world record for the fastest France-to-England crossing, which he held for three years).

These six crossings established four records and solidified his status as a global icon in open-water swimming. In July 1958, prior to his Channel debut, he placed 11th (3rd among men) in the 33 km Maratona del Golfo Capri-Napoli in Italy.

Major Achievements and Records

First Asian English Channel Crosser (1958).
Six English Channel Crossings (1958–1961), a record at the time.
World Record Holder: Fastest France-to-England crossing (10 hours 35 minutes, 1961).
King of the Channel® (1960–1974), awarded for four to six crossings.
Local and national dominance in Pakistan/East Pakistan freestyle events (1952–1956).
Pioneered marathon swimming in South Asia, inspiring the sport's growth.

Awards and Honors

Das's contributions were widely recognized:

Pride of Performance Award from the Pakistan government (1959).
Inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honour Swimmer (1965).
National Sports Award from Bangladesh (1976).
Atish Dipankar Medal and gold medals from various trusts.
Letona Trophy from the Channel Swimming Association, UK (1986).
Posthumous Independence Day Award, Bangladesh's highest civilian honor (1999).
In 2025, the Bangladesh government named a swimming pool in his honor, further cementing his legacy.

Dhaka University also awarded him in 1956 for his early successes.

Personal Life and Family

Details on Das's personal life are somewhat limited in public records, but he was a devoted family man and Bengali Hindu. He married and had at least one daughter, RKA Sanghita Pal, who has shared fond memories of her father. Sanghita described him as "mad about swimming" and her ultimate role model, recalling how he turned everyday challenges—like the Buriganga's rough waters—into training opportunities starting in 1953. For his 1958 Channel prep, he endured a 48-hour swim in a Dhaka pool after his river marathon, showcasing his unyielding discipline. Das settled in Bangladesh after 1970 and remained passionate about promoting swimming until his later years.

Death and Legacy

In June 1997, Das was diagnosed with cancer and sought treatment in Calcutta, India. He passed away there on June 1, 1998, at the age of 70. His body was brought back to Dhaka, where his funeral was held on June 3 at the Postagola cremation site.

Brojen Das's legacy endures as a symbol of perseverance and trailblazing for Bangladeshi and Asian athletes. As the first from his region to conquer the English Channel, he shattered cultural and geographical barriers, proving that world-class feats were possible from a small village in South Asia. His daughter continues to honor his memory through stories of his dedication, while institutions like the annual Dhaka swim meet he founded keep his spirit alive. In Bangladesh, he is celebrated not just as a sports hero but as a national pride, with his records and awards inspiring young swimmers to this day.

Bapi Saha

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bapi SahaPersonal information

Date of birth 28 September 1991

Place of birth India

Current team Prayag United

Number 3

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2011– Prayag United 1 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Bapi Saha (born 28 September 1991) is an Indian footballer who plays as a defender for Prayag United S.C. in the I-League.

Career

Prayag United

Saha made his debut for Prayag United in an I-League match on 21 January 2011 against Viva Kerala in which Prayag United drew the match 1–1 and in which Saha played the whole 90 minutes. In 2014-15 SESSION He joined Peerless F.C. IN 2015-16 SEASON. In 2015-16 Season Bapi will be playing Southern Samity football club in CFL.

mahamayatala sporting

In 2017, Bapi joined Mahamayatala sporting as a full time khep player. In 2019 Bapi was arrested for a domestic violence, theresult of which Mahamayatala kicked him off the team.

Babe Ruth
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Babe Ruth

Ruth in 1920

Outfielder / Pitcher

Born: February 6, 1895

Baltimore, Maryland

Died: August 16, 1948 (aged 53)

New York City

Batted: Left Threw: Left

MLB debut

July 11, 1914, for the Boston Red Sox

Last MLB appearance

May 30, 1935, for the Boston Braves

MLB statistics

Batting average .342

Hits 2,873

Home runs 714

Runs batted in 2,213

Win–loss record 94–46

Earned run average 2.28

Teams

Boston Red Sox (1914–1919)

New York Yankees (1920–1934)

Boston Braves (1935)

Career highlights and awards

2× All-Star (1933, 1934)

7× World Series champion (1915, 1916, 1918, 1923, 1927, 1928, 1932)

AL MVP (1923)

AL batting champion (1924)

12× AL home run leader (1918–1921, 1923, 1924, 1926–1931)

6× AL RBI leader (1919–1921, 1923, 1926, 1928)

AL ERA leader (1916)

New York Yankees No. 3 retired

Monument Park honoree

Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame

Major League Baseball All-Century Team

Major League Baseball All-Time Team

Other career achievements and records

Member of the National

Baseball Hall of Fame

Induction 1936

Vote 95.13% (first ballot)

George Herman "Babe" Ruth (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948) was an American professional baseball player whose career in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanned 22 seasons, from 1914 through 1935. Nicknamed "The Bambino" and "The Sultan of Swat", he began his MLB career as a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, but achieved his greatest fame as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth established many MLB batting (and some pitching) records, including career home runs (714), runs batted in (RBIs) (2,213), bases on balls (2,062), slugging percentage (.690), and on-base plus slugging (OPS) (1.164); the last two still stand as of 2021. Ruth is regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes in American culture and is considered by many to be the greatest baseball player of all time. In 1936, Ruth was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of its "first five" inaugural members.

At age seven, Ruth was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory where he was mentored by Brother Matthias Boutlier of the Xaverian Brothers, the school's disciplinarian and a capable baseball player. In 1914, Ruth was signed to play minor-league baseball for the Baltimore Orioles but was soon sold to the Red Sox. By 1916, he had built a reputation as an outstanding pitcher who sometimes hit long home runs, a feat unusual for any player in the pre-1920 dead-ball era. Although Ruth twice won 23 games in a season as a pitcher and was a member of three World Series championship teams with the Red Sox, he wanted to play every day and was allowed to convert to an outfielder. With regular playing time, he broke the MLB single-season home run record in 1919.

After that season, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Ruth to the Yankees amid controversy. The trade fueled Boston's subsequent 86-year championship drought and popularized the "Curse of the Bambino" superstition. In his 15 years with the Yankees, Ruth helped the team win seven American League (AL) pennants and four World Series championships. His big swing led to escalating home run totals that not only drew fans to the ballpark and boosted the sport's popularity but also helped usher in baseball's live-ball era, which evolved from a low-scoring game of strategy to a sport where the home run was a major factor. As part of the Yankees' vaunted "Murderers' Row" lineup of 1927, Ruth hit 60 home runs, which extended his MLB single-season record by a single home run. Ruth's last season with the Yankees was 1934; he retired from the game the following year, after a short stint with the Boston Braves. During his career, Ruth led the AL in home runs during a season 12 times.

During Ruth's career, he was the target of intense press and public attention for his baseball exploits and off-field penchants for drinking and womanizing. After his retirement as a player, he was denied the opportunity to manage a major league club, most likely due to poor behavior during parts of his playing career. In his final years, Ruth made many public appearances, especially in support of American efforts in World War II. In 1946, he became ill with nasopharyngeal cancer and died from the disease two years later. Ruth remains a part of American culture, and in 2018 President Donald Trump posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Early years

Ruth's birthplace in Baltimore, Maryland, is now a museum.

George Herman Ruth Sr. family in the 1900 US Census

George Herman Ruth Jr. was born in 1895 at 216 Emory Street in the Pigtown section of Baltimore, Maryland. Ruth's parents, Katherine (née Schamberger) and George Herman Ruth Sr., were both of German ancestry. According to the 1880 census, his parents were born in Maryland. His paternal grandparents were from Prussia and Hanover. Ruth Sr. worked a series of jobs that included lightning rod salesman and streetcar operator. The elder Ruth then became a counterman in a family-owned combination grocery and saloon business on Frederick Street. George Ruth Jr. was born in the house of his maternal grandfather, Pius Schamberger, a German immigrant and trade unionist. Only one of young Ruth's seven siblings, his younger sister Mamie, survived infancy.

Many details of Ruth's childhood are unknown, including the date of his parents' marriage. As a child, Ruth spoke German. When Ruth was a toddler, the family moved to 339 South Woodyear Street, not far from the rail yards; by the time he was six years old, his father had a saloon with an upstairs apartment at 426 West Camden Street. Details are equally scanty about why Ruth was sent at the age of seven to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory and orphanage. However, according to Julia Ruth Stevens' recount in 1999, because George Sr. was a saloon owner in Baltimore and had given Ruth little supervision growing up, he became a delinquent. Ruth was sent to St. Mary's because George Sr. ran out of ideas to discipline and mentor his son. As an adult, Ruth admitted that as a youth he ran the streets, rarely attended school, and drank beer when his father was not looking. Some accounts say that following a violent incident at his father's saloon, the city authorities decided that this environment was unsuitable for a small child. Ruth entered St. Mary's on June 13, 1902. He was recorded as "incorrigible" and spent much of the next 12 years there.

Although St. Mary's boys received an education, students were also expected to learn work skills and help operate the school, particularly once the boys turned 12. Ruth became a shirtmaker and was also proficient as a carpenter. He would adjust his own shirt collars, rather than having a tailor do so, even during his well-paid baseball career. The boys, aged 5 to 21, did most of the work around the facility, from cooking to shoemaking, and renovated St. Mary's in 1912. The food was simple, and the Xaverian Brothers who ran the school insisted on strict discipline; corporal punishment was common. Ruth's nickname there was "Niggerlips", as he had large facial features and was darker than most boys at the all-white reformatory.

Ruth was sometimes allowed to rejoin his family or was placed at St. James's Home, a supervised residence with work in the community, but he was always returned to St. Mary's. He was rarely visited by his family; his mother died when he was 12 and, by some accounts, he was permitted to leave St. Mary's only to attend the funeral. How Ruth came to play baseball there is uncertain: according to one account, his placement at St. Mary's was due in part to repeatedly breaking Baltimore's windows with long hits while playing street ball; by another, he was told to join a team on his first day at St. Mary's by the school's athletic director, Brother Herman, becoming a catcher even though left-handers rarely play that position. During his time there he also played third base and shortstop, again unusual for a left-hander, and was forced to wear mitts and gloves made for right-handers. He was encouraged in his pursuits by the school's Prefect of Discipline, Brother Matthias Boutlier, a native of Nova Scotia. A large man, Brother Matthias was greatly respected by the boys both for his strength and for his fairness. For the rest of his life, Ruth would praise Brother Matthias, and his running and hitting styles closely resembled his teacher's. Ruth stated, "I think I was born as a hitter the first day I ever saw him hit a baseball." The older man became a mentor and role model to Ruth; biographer Robert W. Creamer commented on the closeness between the two:

Ruth revered Brother Matthias ... which is remarkable, considering that Matthias was in charge of making boys behave and that Ruth was one of the great natural misbehavers of all time. ... George Ruth caught Brother Matthias' attention early, and the calm, considerable attention the big man gave the young hellraiser from the waterfront struck a spark of response in the boy's soul ... [that may have] blunted a few of the more savage teeth in the gross man whom I have heard at least a half-dozen of his baseball contemporaries describe with admiring awe and wonder as "an animal."

Ruth (top row, center) at St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1912

Ruth (top row, left, holding a catcher's mitt and mask) at St. Mary's, 1912

The school's influence remained with Ruth in other ways. He was a lifelong Catholic who would sometimes attend Mass after carousing all night, and he became a well-known member of the Knights of Columbus. He would visit orphanages, schools, and hospitals throughout his life, often avoiding publicity. He was generous to St. Mary's as he became famous and rich, donating money and his presence at fundraisers, and spending $5,000 to buy Brother Matthias a Cadillac in 1926—subsequently replacing it when it was destroyed in an accident. Nevertheless, his biographer Leigh Montville suggests that many of the off-the-field excesses of Ruth's career were driven by the deprivations of his time at St. Mary's.

Most of the boys at St. Mary's played baseball in organized leagues at different levels of proficiency. Ruth later estimated that he played 200 games a year as he steadily climbed the ladder of success. Although he played all positions at one time or another, he gained stardom as a pitcher. According to Brother Matthias, Ruth was standing to one side laughing at the bumbling pitching efforts of fellow students, and Matthias told him to go in and see if he could do better. Ruth had become the best pitcher at St. Mary's, and when he was 18 in 1913, he was allowed to leave the premises to play weekend games on teams that were drawn from the community. He was mentioned in several newspaper articles, for both his pitching prowess and ability to hit long home runs.

Professional baseball

Minor league, Baltimore Orioles

In early 1914, Ruth signed a professional baseball contract with Jack Dunn, who owned and managed the minor-league Baltimore Orioles, an International League team. The circumstances of Ruth's signing are not known with certainty; historical fact is obscured by stories that cannot all be true. By some accounts, Dunn was urged to attend a game between an all-star team from St. Mary's and one from another Xaverian facility, Mount St. Mary's College. Some versions have Ruth running away before the eagerly awaited game, to return in time to be punished, and then pitching St. Mary's to victory as Dunn watched. Others have Washington Senators pitcher Joe Engel, a Mount St. Mary's graduate, pitching in an alumni game after watching a preliminary contest between the college's freshmen and a team from St. Mary's, including Ruth. Engel watched Ruth play, then told Dunn about him at a chance meeting in Washington. Ruth, in his autobiography, stated only that he worked out for Dunn for a half hour, and was signed. According to biographer Kal Wagenheim, there were legal difficulties to be straightened out as Ruth was supposed to remain at the school until he turned 21, though SportsCentury stated in a documentary that Ruth had already been discharged from St. Mary's when he turned 19, and earned a monthly salary of $100.

Baseball card showing Ruth as a Baltimore Oriole, 1914

The train journey to spring training in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in early March was likely Ruth's first outside the Baltimore area. The rookie ballplayer was the subject of various pranks by the veterans, who were probably also the source of his famous nickname. There are various accounts of how Ruth came to be called "Babe", but most center on his being referred to as "Dunnie's babe" or a variant. SportsCentury reported that his nickname was gained because he was the new "darling" or "project" of Dunn, not only due to Ruth's raw talent, but also because of his lack of knowledge of the proper etiquette of eating out in a restaurant, being in a hotel, or being on a train. "Babe" was, at that time, a common nickname in baseball, with perhaps the most famous to that point being Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and 1909 World Series hero Babe Adams, who appeared younger than his actual age.

Ruth made his first appearance as a professional ballplayer in an inter-squad game on March 7, 1914. He played shortstop and pitched the last two innings of a 15–9 victory. In his second at-bat, Ruth hit a long home run to right field; the blast was locally reported to be longer than a legendary shot hit by Jim Thorpe in Fayetteville. Ruth made his first appearance against a team in organized baseball in an exhibition game versus the major-league Philadelphia Phillies. Ruth pitched the middle three innings and gave up two runs in the fourth, but then settled down and pitched a scoreless fifth and sixth innings. In a game against the Phillies the following afternoon, Ruth entered during the sixth inning and did not allow a run the rest of the way. The Orioles scored seven runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to overcome a 6–0 deficit, and Ruth was the winning pitcher.

Once the regular season began, Ruth was a star pitcher who was also dangerous at the plate. The team performed well, yet received almost no attention from the Baltimore press. A third major league, the Federal League, had begun play, and the local franchise, the Baltimore Terrapins, restored that city to the major leagues for the first time since 1902. Few fans visited Oriole Park, where Ruth and his teammates labored in relative obscurity. Ruth may have been offered a bonus and a larger salary to jump to the Terrapins; when rumors to that effect swept Baltimore, giving Ruth the most publicity he had experienced to date, a Terrapins official denied it, stating it was their policy not to sign players under contract to Dunn.

The competition from the Terrapins caused Dunn to sustain large losses. Although by late June the Orioles were in first place, having won over two-thirds of their games, the paid attendance dropped as low as 150. Dunn explored a possible move by the Orioles to Richmond, Virginia, as well as the sale of a minority interest in the club. These possibilities fell through, leaving Dunn with little choice other than to sell his best players to major league teams to raise money. He offered Ruth to the reigning World Series champions, Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics, but Mack had his own financial problems. The Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants expressed interest in Ruth, but Dunn sold his contract, along with those of pitchers Ernie Shore and Ben Egan, to the Boston Red Sox of the American League (AL) on July 4. The sale price was announced as $25,000 but other reports lower the amount to half that, or possibly $8,500 plus the cancellation of a $3,000 loan. Ruth remained with the Orioles for several days while the Red Sox completed a road trip, and reported to the team in Boston on July 11.

Boston Red Sox (1914–1919)

Developing star

Ruth pitching for the Boston Red Sox

On July 11, 1914, Ruth arrived in Boston with Egan and Shore. Ruth later told the story of how that morning he had met Helen Woodford, who would become his first wife. She was a 16-year-old waitress at Landers Coffee Shop, and Ruth related that she served him when he had breakfast there. Other stories, though, suggested that the meeting occurred on another day, and perhaps under other circumstances. Regardless of when he began to woo his first wife, he won his first game as a pitcher for the Red Sox that afternoon, 4–3, over the Cleveland Naps. His catcher was Bill Carrigan, who was also the Red Sox manager. Shore was given a start by Carrigan the next day; he won that and his second start and thereafter was pitched regularly. Ruth lost his second start, and was thereafter little used. In his major league debut as a batter, Ruth went 0-for-2 against left-hander Willie Mitchell, striking out in his first at bat before being removed for a pinch hitter in the seventh inning.[35] Ruth was not much noticed by the fans, as Bostonians watched the Red Sox's crosstown rivals, the Braves, begin a legendary comeback that would take them from last place on the Fourth of July to the 1914 World Series championship.

Egan was traded to Cleveland after two weeks on the Boston roster. During his time with the Red Sox, he kept an eye on the inexperienced Ruth, much as Dunn had in Baltimore. When he was traded, no one took his place as supervisor. Ruth's new teammates considered him brash, and would have preferred him, as a rookie, to remain quiet and inconspicuous. When Ruth insisted on taking batting practice despite being both a rookie who did not play regularly, and a pitcher, he arrived to find his bats sawn in half. His teammates nicknamed him "the Big Baboon", a name the swarthy Ruth, who had disliked the nickname "Niggerlips" at St. Mary's, detested. Ruth had received a raise on promotion to the major leagues, and quickly acquired tastes for fine food, liquor, and women, among other temptations.

Manager Carrigan allowed Ruth to pitch two exhibition games in mid-August. Although Ruth won both against minor-league competition, he was not restored to the pitching rotation. It is uncertain why Carrigan did not give Ruth additional opportunities to pitch. There are legends—filmed for the screen in The Babe Ruth Story (1948)—that the young pitcher had a habit of signaling his intent to throw a curveball by sticking out his tongue slightly, and that he was easy to hit until this changed. Creamer pointed out that it is common for inexperienced pitchers to display such habits, and the need to break Ruth of his would not constitute a reason to not use him at all. The biographer suggested that Carrigan was unwilling to use Ruth due to poor behavior by the rookie.

Providence Grays with Babe Ruth (top row, center), 1914

On July 30, 1914, Boston owner Joseph Lannin had purchased the minor-league Providence Grays, members of the International League. The Providence team had been owned by several people associated with the Detroit Tigers, including star hitter Ty Cobb, and as part of the transaction, a Providence pitcher was sent to the Tigers. To soothe Providence fans upset at losing a star, Lannin announced that the Red Sox would soon send a replacement to the Grays. This was intended to be Ruth, but his departure for Providence was delayed when Cincinnati Reds owner Garry Herrmann claimed him off of waivers. After Lannin wrote to Herrmann explaining that the Red Sox wanted Ruth in Providence so he could develop as a player, and would not release him to a major league club, Herrmann allowed Ruth to be sent to the minors. Carrigan later stated that Ruth was not sent down to Providence to make him a better player, but to help the Grays win the International League pennant (league championship).

Ruth joined the Grays on August 18, 1914. After Dunn's deals, the Baltimore Orioles managed to hold on to first place until August 15, after which they continued to fade, leaving the pennant race between Providence and Rochester. Ruth was deeply impressed by Providence manager "Wild Bill" Donovan, previously a star pitcher with a 25–4 win–loss record for Detroit in 1907; in later years, he credited Donovan with teaching him much about pitching. Ruth was often called upon to pitch, in one stretch starting (and winning) four games in eight days. On September 5 at Maple Leaf Park in Toronto, Ruth pitched a one-hit 9–0 victory, and hit his first professional home run, his only one as a minor leaguer, off Ellis Johnson. Recalled to Boston after Providence finished the season in first place, he pitched and won a game for the Red Sox against the New York Yankees on October 2, getting his first major league hit, a double. Ruth finished the season with a record of 2–1 as a major leaguer and 23–8 in the International League (for Baltimore and Providence). Once the season concluded, Ruth married Helen in Ellicott City, Maryland. Creamer speculated that they did not marry in Baltimore, where the newlyweds boarded with George Ruth Sr., to avoid possible interference from those at St. Mary's—both bride and groom were not yet of age and Ruth remained on parole from that institution until his 21st birthday.

In March 1915, Ruth reported to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for his first major league spring training. Despite a relatively successful first season, he was not slated to start regularly for the Red Sox, who already had two "superb" left-handed pitchers, according to Creamer: the established stars Dutch Leonard, who had broken the record for the lowest earned run average (ERA) in a single season; and Ray Collins, a 20-game winner in both 1913 and 1914. Ruth was ineffective in his first start, taking the loss in the third game of the season. Injuries and ineffective pitching by other Boston pitchers gave Ruth another chance, and after some good relief appearances, Carrigan allowed Ruth another start, and he won a rain-shortened seven inning game. Ten days later, the manager had him start against the New York Yankees at the Polo Grounds. Ruth took a 3–2 lead into the ninth, but lost the game 4–3 in 13 innings. Ruth, hitting ninth as was customary for pitchers, hit a massive home run into the upper deck in right field off of Jack Warhop. At the time, home runs were rare in baseball, and Ruth's majestic shot awed the crowd. The winning pitcher, Warhop, would in August 1915 conclude a major league career of eight seasons, undistinguished but for being the first major league pitcher to give up a home run to Babe Ruth.

Ruth during batting practice in 1916.

Carrigan was sufficiently impressed by Ruth's pitching to give him a spot in the starting rotation. Ruth finished the 1915 season 18–8 as a pitcher; as a hitter, he batted .315 and had four home runs. The Red Sox won the AL pennant, but with the pitching staff healthy, Ruth was not called upon to pitch in the 1915 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Boston won in five games; Ruth was used as a pinch hitter in Game Five, but grounded out against Phillies ace Grover Cleveland Alexander. Despite his success as a pitcher, Ruth was acquiring a reputation for long home runs; at Sportsman's Park against the St. Louis Browns, a Ruth hit soared over Grand Avenue, breaking the window of a Chevrolet dealership.

In 1916, there was attention focused on Ruth for his pitching, as he engaged in repeated pitching duels with the ace of the Washington Senators, Walter Johnson. The two met five times during the season, with Ruth winning four and Johnson one (Ruth had a no decision in Johnson's victory). Two of Ruth's victories were by the score of 1–0, one in a 13-inning game. Of the 1–0 shutout decided without extra innings, AL President Ban Johnson stated, "That was one of the best ball games I have ever seen." For the season, Ruth went 23–12, with a 1.75 ERA and nine shutouts, both of which led the league. Ruth's nine shutouts in 1916 set a league record for left-handers that would remain unmatched until Ron Guidry tied it in 1978. The Red Sox won the pennant and World Series again, this time defeating the Brooklyn Robins (as the Dodgers were then known) in five games. Ruth started and won Game 2, 2–1, in 14 innings. Until another game of that length was played in 2005, this was the longest World Series game, and Ruth's pitching performance is still the longest postseason complete game victory.

Carrigan retired as player and manager after 1916, returning to his native Maine to be a businessman. Ruth, who played under four managers who are in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, always maintained that Carrigan, who is not enshrined there, was the best skipper he ever played for. There were other changes in the Red Sox organization that offseason, as Lannin sold the team to a three-man group headed by New York theatrical promoter Harry Frazee. Jack Barry was hired by Frazee as manager.

Emergence as a hitter

Ruth went 24–13 with a 2.01 ERA and six shutouts in 1917, but the Sox finished in second place in the league, nine games behind the Chicago White Sox in the standings. On June 23 at Washington, when home plate umpire 'Brick' Owens called the first four pitches as balls, Ruth threw a punch at him, and was ejected from the game and later suspended for ten days and fined $100. Ernie Shore was called in to relieve Ruth, and was allowed eight warm-up pitches. The runner who had reached base on the walk was caught stealing, and Shore retired all 26 batters he faced to win the game. Shore's feat was listed as a perfect game for many years. In 1991, Major League Baseball's (MLB) Committee on Statistical Accuracy amended it to be listed as a combined no-hitter. In 1917, Ruth was used little as a batter, other than for his plate appearances while pitching, and hit .325 with two home runs.

Ruth in 1918, his penultimate year with the Red Sox

The United States' entry into World War I occurred at the start of the season and overshadowed baseball. Conscription was introduced in September 1917, and most baseball players in the big leagues were of draft age. This included Barry, who was a player-manager, and who joined the Naval Reserve in an attempt to avoid the draft, only to be called up after the 1917 season. Frazee hired International League President Ed Barrow as Red Sox manager. Barrow had spent the previous 30 years in a variety of baseball jobs, though he never played the game professionally. With the major leagues shorthanded due to the war, Barrow had many holes in the Red Sox lineup to fill.

Ruth also noticed these vacancies in the lineup. He was dissatisfied in the role of a pitcher who appeared every four or five days and wanted to play every day at another position. Barrow used Ruth at first base and in the outfield during the exhibition season, but he restricted him to pitching as the team moved toward Boston and the season opener. At the time, Ruth was possibly the best left-handed pitcher in baseball, and allowing him to play another position was an experiment that could have backfired.

Inexperienced as a manager, Barrow had player Harry Hooper advise him on baseball game strategy. Hooper urged his manager to allow Ruth to play another position when he was not pitching, arguing to Barrow, who had invested in the club, that the crowds were larger on days when Ruth played, as they were attracted by his hitting. In early May, Barrow gave in; Ruth promptly hit home runs in four consecutive games (one an exhibition), the last off of Walter Johnson. For the first time in his career (disregarding pinch-hitting appearances), Ruth was assigned a place in the batting order higher than ninth.

Although Barrow predicted that Ruth would beg to return to pitching the first time he experienced a batting slump, that did not occur. Barrow used Ruth primarily as an outfielder in the war-shortened 1918 season. Ruth hit .300, with 11 home runs, enough to secure him a share of the major league home run title with Tilly Walker of the Philadelphia Athletics. He was still occasionally used as a pitcher, and had a 13–7 record with a 2.22 ERA.

In 1918, the Red Sox won their third pennant in four years and faced the Chicago Cubs in the World Series, which began on September 5, the earliest date in history. The season had been shortened because the government had ruled that baseball players who were eligible for the military would have to be inducted or work in critical war industries, such as armaments plants. Ruth pitched and won Game One for the Red Sox, a 1–0 shutout. Before Game Four, Ruth injured his left hand in a fight but pitched anyway. He gave up seven hits and six walks, but was helped by outstanding fielding behind him and by his own batting efforts, as a fourth-inning triple by Ruth gave his team a 2–0 lead. The Cubs tied the game in the eighth inning, but the Red Sox scored to take a 3–2 lead again in the bottom of that inning. After Ruth gave up a hit and a walk to start the ninth inning, he was relieved on the mound by Joe Bush. To keep Ruth and his bat in the game, he was sent to play left field. Bush retired the side to give Ruth his second win of the Series, and the third and last World Series pitching victory of his career, against no defeats, in three pitching appearances. Ruth's effort gave his team a three-games-to-one lead, and two days later the Red Sox won their third Series in four years, four-games-to-two. Before allowing the Cubs to score in Game Four, Ruth pitched 29+2⁄3 consecutive scoreless innings, a record for the World Series that stood for more than 40 years until 1961, broken by Whitey Ford after Ruth's death. Ruth was prouder of that record than he was of any of his batting feats.

Ruth in 1919

With the World Series over, Ruth gained exemption from the war draft by accepting a nominal position with a Pennsylvania steel mill. Many industrial establishments took pride in their baseball teams and sought to hire major leaguers. The end of the war in November set Ruth free to play baseball without such contrivances.

During the 1919 season, Ruth was used as a pitcher in only 17 of his 130 games and compiled an 8–5 record. Barrow used him as a pitcher mostly in the early part of the season, when the Red Sox manager still had hopes of a second consecutive pennant. By late June, the Red Sox were clearly out of the race, and Barrow had no objection to Ruth concentrating on his hitting, if only because it drew people to the ballpark. Ruth had hit a home run against the Yankees on Opening Day, and another during a month-long batting slump that soon followed. Relieved of his pitching duties, Ruth began an unprecedented spell of slugging home runs, which gave him widespread public and press attention. Even his failures were seen as majestic—one sportswriter said, "When Ruth misses a swipe at the ball, the stands quiver."

Two home runs by Ruth on July 5, and one in each of two consecutive games a week later, raised his season total to 11, tying his career best from 1918. The first record to fall was the AL single-season mark of 16, set by Ralph "Socks" Seybold in 1902. Ruth matched that on July 29, then pulled ahead toward the major league record of 25, set by Buck Freeman in 1899. By the time Ruth reached this in early September, writers had discovered that Ned Williamson of the 1884 Chicago White Stockings had hit 27—though in a ballpark where the distance to right field was only 215 feet (66 m). On September 20, "Babe Ruth Day" at Fenway Park, Ruth won the game with a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, tying Williamson. He broke the record four days later against the Yankees at the Polo Grounds, and hit one more against the Senators to finish with 29. The home run at Washington made Ruth the first major league player to hit a home run at all eight ballparks in his league. In spite of Ruth's hitting heroics, the Red Sox finished sixth, 20+1⁄2 games behind the league champion White Sox. In his six seasons with Boston, he won 89 games and recorded a 2.19 ERA. He had a four-year stretch where he was second in the AL in wins and ERA behind Walter Johnson, and Ruth had a winning record against Johnson in head-to-head matchups.

Sale to New York

As an out-of-towner from New York City, Frazee had been regarded with suspicion by Boston's sportswriters and baseball fans when he bought the team. He won them over with success on the field and a willingness to build the Red Sox by purchasing or trading for players. He offered the Senators $60,000 for Walter Johnson, but Washington owner Clark Griffith was unwilling. Even so, Frazee was successful in bringing other players to Boston, especially as replacements for players in the military. This willingness to spend for players helped the Red Sox secure the 1918 title. The 1919 season saw record-breaking attendance, and Ruth's home runs for Boston made him a national sensation. In March 1919 Ruth was reported as having accepted a three-year contract for a total of $27,000, after protracted negotiations. Nevertheless, on December 26, 1919, Frazee sold Ruth's contract to the New York Yankees.

Ruth in his first year with the New York Yankees, 1920

Not all the circumstances concerning the sale are known, but brewer and former congressman Jacob Ruppert, the New York team's principal owner, reportedly asked Yankee manager Miller Huggins what the team needed to be successful. "Get Ruth from Boston", Huggins supposedly replied, noting that Frazee was perennially in need of money to finance his theatrical productions. In any event, there was precedent for the Ruth transaction: when Boston pitcher Carl Mays left the Red Sox in a 1919 dispute, Frazee had settled the matter by selling Mays to the Yankees, though over the opposition of AL President Johnson.

According to one of Ruth's biographers, Jim Reisler, "why Frazee needed cash in 1919—and large infusions of it quickly—is still, more than 80 years later, a bit of a mystery". The often-told story is that Frazee needed money to finance the musical No, No, Nanette, which was a Broadway hit and brought Frazee financial security. That play did not open until 1925, however, by which time Frazee had sold the Red Sox. Still, the story may be true in essence: No, No, Nanette was based on a Frazee-produced play, My Lady Friends, which opened in 1919.

There were other financial pressures on Frazee, despite his team's success. Ruth, fully aware of baseball's popularity and his role in it, wanted to renegotiate his contract, signed before the 1919 season for $10,000 per year through 1921. He demanded that his salary be doubled, or he would sit out the season and cash in on his popularity through other ventures. Ruth's salary demands were causing other players to ask for more money.Additionally, Frazee still owed Lannin as much as $125,000 from the purchase of the club.

Although Ruppert and his co-owner, Colonel Tillinghast Huston, were both wealthy, and had aggressively purchased and traded for players in 1918 and 1919 to build a winning team, Ruppert faced losses in his brewing interests as Prohibition was implemented, and if their team left the Polo Grounds, where the Yankees were the tenants of the New York Giants, building a stadium in New York would be expensive. Nevertheless, when Frazee, who moved in the same social circles as Huston, hinted to the colonel that Ruth was available for the right price, the Yankees owners quickly pursued the purchase.

Frazee sold the rights to Babe Ruth for $100,000, the largest sum ever paid for a baseball player. The deal also involved a $350,000 loan from Ruppert to Frazee, secured by a mortgage on Fenway Park. Once it was agreed, Frazee informed Barrow, who, stunned, told the owner that he was getting the worse end of the bargain. Cynics have suggested that Barrow may have played a larger role in the Ruth sale, as less than a year after, he became the Yankee general manager, and in the following years made a number of purchases of Red Sox players from Frazee. The $100,000 price included $25,000 in cash, and notes for the same amount due November 1 in 1920, 1921, and 1922; Ruppert and Huston assisted Frazee in selling the notes to banks for immediate cash.

The transaction was contingent on Ruth signing a new contract, which was quickly accomplished—Ruth agreed to fulfill the remaining two years on his contract, but was given a $20,000 bonus, payable over two seasons. The deal was announced on January 6, 1920. Reaction in Boston was mixed: some fans were embittered at the loss of Ruth; others conceded that Ruth had become difficult to deal with. The New York Times suggested that "The short right field wall at the Polo Grounds should prove an easy target for Ruth next season and, playing seventy-seven games at home, it would not be surprising if Ruth surpassed his home run record of twenty-nine circuit clouts next Summer." According to Reisler, "The Yankees had pulled off the sports steal of the century."

According to Marty Appel in his history of the Yankees, the transaction, "changed the fortunes of two high-profile franchises for decades". The Red Sox, winners of five of the first 16 World Series, those played between 1903 and 1919, would not win another pennant until 1946, or another World Series until 2004, a drought attributed in baseball superstition to Frazee's sale of Ruth and sometimes dubbed the "Curse of the Bambino". The Yankees, on the other hand, had not won the AL championship prior to their acquisition of Ruth. They won seven AL pennants and four World Series with Ruth, and led baseball with 40 pennants and 27 World Series titles in their history.

New York Yankees (1920–1934)

Initial success (1920–1923)

When Ruth signed with the Yankees, he completed his transition from a pitcher to a power-hitting outfielder. His fifteen-season Yankee career consisted of over 2,000 games, and Ruth broke many batting records while making only five widely scattered appearances on the mound, winning all of them.

At the end of April 1920, the Yankees were 4–7, with the Red Sox leading the league with a 10–2 mark. Ruth had done little, having injured himself swinging the bat. Both situations began to change on May 1, when Ruth hit a tape measure home run that sent the ball completely out of the Polo Grounds, a feat believed to have been previously accomplished only by Shoeless Joe Jackson. The Yankees won, 6–0, taking three out of four from the Red Sox. Ruth hit his second home run on May 2, and by the end of the month had set a major league record for home runs in a month with 11, and promptly broke it with 13 in June. Fans responded with record attendance figures. On May 16, Ruth and the Yankees drew 38,600 to the Polo Grounds, a record for the ballpark, and 15,000 fans were turned away. Large crowds jammed stadiums to see Ruth play when the Yankees were on the road.

"How Does He Do It?" In this Clifford Berryman cartoon, presidential candidates Warren G. Harding and James M. Cox wonder at Ruth's record home run pace.

The home runs kept on coming. Ruth tied his own record of 29 on July 15 and broke it with home runs in both games of a doubleheader four days later. By the end of July, he had 37, but his pace slackened somewhat after that. Nevertheless, on September 4, he both tied and broke the organized baseball record for home runs in a season, snapping Perry Werden's 1895 mark of 44 in the minor Western League.[The Yankees played well as a team, battling for the league lead early in the summer, but slumped in August in the AL pennant battle with Chicago and Cleveland. The pennant and the World Series were won by Cleveland, who surged ahead after the Black Sox Scandal broke on September 28 and led to the suspension of many of Chicago's top players, including Shoeless Joe Jackson. The Yankees finished third, but drew 1.2 million fans to the Polo Grounds, the first time a team had drawn a seven-figure attendance. The rest of the league sold 600,000 more tickets, many fans there to see Ruth, who led the league with 54 home runs, 158 runs, and 137 runs batted in (RBIs).

In 1920 and afterwards, Ruth was aided in his power hitting by the fact that A.J. Reach Company—the maker of baseballs used in the major leagues—was using a more efficient machine to wind the yarn found within the baseball. The new baseballs went into play in 1920 and ushered the start of the live-ball era; the number of home runs across the major leagues increased by 184 over the previous year. Baseball statistician Bill James pointed out that while Ruth was likely aided by the change in the baseball, there were other factors at work, including the gradual abolition of the spitball (accelerated after the death of Ray Chapman, struck by a pitched ball thrown by Mays in August 1920) and the more frequent use of new baseballs (also a response to Chapman's death). Nevertheless, James theorized that Ruth's 1920 explosion might have happened in 1919, had a full season of 154 games been played rather than 140, had Ruth refrained from pitching 133 innings that season, and if he were playing at any other home field but Fenway Park, where he hit only 9 of 29 home runs.

Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson looking at one of Babe's home run bats, 1920

Yankees business manager Harry Sparrow had died early in the 1920 season. Ruppert and Huston hired Barrow to replace him. The two men quickly made a deal with Frazee for New York to acquire some of the players who would be mainstays of the early Yankee pennant-winning teams, including catcher Wally Schang and pitcher Waite Hoyt. The 21-year-old Hoyt became close to Ruth:

The outrageous life fascinated Hoyt, the don't-give-a-shit freedom of it, the nonstop, pell-mell charge into excess. How did a man drink so much and never get drunk? ... The puzzle of Babe Ruth never was dull, no matter how many times Hoyt picked up the pieces and stared at them. After games he would follow the crowd to the Babe's suite. No matter what the town, the beer would be iced and the bottles would fill the bathtub.

In the offseason, Ruth spent some time in Havana, Cuba, where he was said to have lost $35,000 (equivalent to $507,826 in 2020) betting on horse races.

Ruth hit home runs early and often in the 1921 season, during which he broke Roger Connor's mark for home runs in a career, 138. Each of the almost 600 home runs Ruth hit in his career after that extended his own record. After a slow start, the Yankees were soon locked in a tight pennant race with Cleveland, winners of the 1920 World Series. On September 15, Ruth hit his 55th home run, shattering his year-old single season record. In late September, the Yankees visited Cleveland and won three out of four games, giving them the upper hand in the race, and clinched their first pennant a few days later. Ruth finished the regular season with 59 home runs, batting .378 and with a slugging percentage of .846. Ruth's 177 runs scored, 119 extra-base hits, and 457 total bases set modern-era records that still stand as of 2021.

The Yankees had high expectations when they met the New York Giants in the 1921 World Series, every game of which was played in the Polo Grounds. The Yankees won the first two games with Ruth in the lineup. However, Ruth badly scraped his elbow during Game 2 when he slid into third base (he had walked and stolen both second and third bases). After the game, he was told by the team physician not to play the rest of the series. Despite this advice, he did play in the next three games, and pinch-hit in Game Eight of the best-of-nine series, but the Yankees lost, five games to three. Ruth hit .316, drove in five runs and hit his first World Series home run.

Ruth in the stands on Opening Day, April 12, 1922, at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C.

After the Series, Ruth and teammates Bob Meusel and Bill Piercy participated in a barnstorming tour in the Northeast. A rule then in force prohibited World Series participants from playing in exhibition games during the offseason, the purpose being to prevent Series participants from replicating the Series and undermining its value. Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis suspended the trio until May 20, 1922, and fined them their 1921 World Series checks. In August 1922, the rule was changed to allow limited barnstorming for World Series participants, with Landis's permission required.

On March 6, 1922, Ruth signed a new contract for three years at $52,000 a year (equivalent to $803,984 in 2020). This was more than two times the largest sum ever paid to a ballplayer up to that point and it represented 40% of the team's player payroll.

Despite his suspension, Ruth was named the Yankees' new on-field captain prior to the 1922 season. During the suspension, he worked out with the team in the morning and played exhibition games with the Yankees on their off days. He and Meusel returned on May 20 to a sellout crowd at the Polo Grounds, but Ruth batted 0-for-4 and was booed. On May 25, he was thrown out of the game for throwing dust in umpire George Hildebrand's face, then climbed into the stands to confront a heckler. Ban Johnson ordered him fined, suspended, and stripped of position as team captain. In his shortened season, Ruth appeared in 110 games, batted .315, with 35 home runs, and drove in 99 runs, but the 1922 season was a disappointment in comparison to his two previous dominating years. Despite Ruth's off-year, the Yankees managed to win the pennant and faced the New York Giants in the World Series for the second consecutive year. In the Series, Giants manager John McGraw instructed his pitchers to throw him nothing but curveballs, and Ruth never adjusted. Ruth had just two hits in 17 at bats, and the Yankees lost to the Giants for the second straight year, by 4–0 (with one tie game). Sportswriter Joe Vila called him, "an exploded phenomenon".

After the season, Ruth was a guest at an Elks Club banquet, set up by Ruth's agent with Yankee team support. There, each speaker, concluding with future New York mayor Jimmy Walker, censured him for his poor behavior. An emotional Ruth promised reform, and, to the surprise of many, followed through. When he reported to spring training, he was in his best shape as a Yankee, weighing only 210 pounds (95 kg).

The Yankees' status as tenants of the Giants at the Polo Grounds had become increasingly uneasy, and in 1922, Giants owner Charles Stoneham said the Yankees' lease, expiring after that season, would not be renewed. Ruppert and Huston had long contemplated a new stadium, and had taken an option on property at 161st Street and River Avenue in the Bronx. Yankee Stadium was completed in time for the home opener on April 18, 1923, at which Ruth hit the first home run in what was quickly dubbed "the House that Ruth Built". The ballpark was designed with Ruth in mind: although the venue's left-field fence was further from home plate than at the Polo Grounds, Yankee Stadium's right-field fence was closer, making home runs easier to hit for left-handed batters. To spare Ruth's eyes, right field—his defensive position—was not pointed into the afternoon sun, as was traditional; left fielder Meusel was soon suffering headaches from squinting toward home plate.

During the 1923 season, The Yankees were never seriously challenged and won the AL pennant by 17 games. Ruth finished the season with a career-high .393 batting average and 41 home runs, which tied Cy Williams for the most in the major-leagues that year. Ruth hit a career-high 45 doubles in 1923, and he reached base 379 times, then a major league record. For the third straight year, the Yankees faced the Giants in the World Series, which Ruth dominated. He batted .368, walked eight times, scored eight runs, hit three home runs and slugged 1.000 during the series, as the Yankees christened their new stadium with their first World Series championship, four games to two.

Batting title and "bellyache" (1924–1925)

Ruth after losing consciousness from running into the wall at Griffith Stadium during a game against the Washington Senators on July 5, 1924. Ruth insisted on staying in the game, despite evident pain and a bruised pelvic bone, and hit a double in his next at-bat. Note the absence of a warning track along the outfield wall.

In 1924, the Yankees were favored to become the first team to win four consecutive pennants. Plagued by injuries, they found themselves in a battle with the Senators. Although the Yankees won 18 of 22 at one point in September, the Senators beat out the Yankees by two games. Ruth hit .378, winning his only AL batting title, with a league-leading 46 home runs.

Ruth did not look like an athlete; he was described as "toothpicks attached to a piano", with a big upper body but thin wrists and legs. Ruth had kept up his efforts to stay in shape in 1923 and 1924, but by early 1925 weighed nearly 260 pounds (120 kg). His annual visit to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he exercised and took saunas early in the year, did him no good as he spent much of the time carousing in the resort town. He became ill while there, and suffered relapses during spring training. Ruth collapsed in Asheville, North Carolina, as the team journeyed north. He was put on a train for New York, where he was briefly hospitalized. A rumor circulated that he had died, prompting British newspapers to print a premature obituary. In New York, Ruth collapsed again and was found unconscious in his hotel bathroom. He was taken to a hospital where he suffered multiple convulsions. After sportswriter W. O. McGeehan wrote that Ruth's illness was due to binging on hot dogs and soda pop before a game, it became known as "the bellyache heard 'round the world". However, the exact cause of his ailment has never been confirmed and remains a mystery. Glenn Stout, in his history of the Yankees, writes that the Ruth legend is "still one of the most sheltered in sports"; he suggests that alcohol was at the root of Ruth's illness, pointing to the fact that Ruth remained six weeks at St. Vincent's Hospital but was allowed to leave, under supervision, for workouts with the team for part of that time. He concludes that the hospitalization was behavior-related. Playing just 98 games, Ruth had his worst season as a Yankee; he finished with a .290 average and 25 home runs. The Yankees finished next to last in the AL with a 69–85 record, their last season with a losing record until 1965.

Murderers' Row (1926–1928)

Ruth spent part of the offseason of 1925–26 working out at Artie McGovern's gym, where he got back into shape. Barrow and Huggins had rebuilt the team and surrounded the veteran core with good young players like Tony Lazzeri and Lou Gehrig, but the Yankees were not expected to win the pennant.

Ruth returned to his normal production during 1926, when he batted .372 with 47 home runs and 146 RBIs. The Yankees built a 10-game lead by mid-June and coasted to win the pennant by three games. The St. Louis Cardinals had won the National League with the lowest winning percentage for a pennant winner to that point (.578) and the Yankees were expected to win the World Series easily. Although the Yankees won the opener in New York, St. Louis took Games Two and Three. In Game Four, Ruth hit three home runs—the first time this had been done in a World Series game—to lead the Yankees to victory. In the fifth game, Ruth caught a ball as he crashed into the fence. The play was described by baseball writers as a defensive gem. New York took that game, but Grover Cleveland Alexander won Game Six for St. Louis to tie the Series at three games each, then got very drunk. He was nevertheless inserted into Game Seven in the seventh inning and shut down the Yankees to win the game, 3–2, and win the Series. Ruth had hit his fourth home run of the Series earlier in the game and was the only Yankee to reach base off Alexander; he walked in the ninth inning before being thrown out to end the game when he attempted to steal second base. Although Ruth's attempt to steal second is often deemed a baserunning blunder, Creamer pointed out that the Yankees' chances of tying the game would have been greatly improved with a runner in scoring position.

Ruth took time off in 1927 to star with Anna Q. Nilsson in this First National silent production Babe Comes Home. This film is now lost.

The 1926 World Series was also known for Ruth's promise to Johnny Sylvester, a hospitalized 11-year-old boy. Ruth promised the child that he would hit a home run on his behalf. Sylvester had been injured in a fall from a horse, and a friend of Sylvester's father gave the boy two autographed baseballs signed by Yankees and Cardinals. The friend relayed a promise from Ruth (who did not know the boy) that he would hit a home run for him. After the Series, Ruth visited the boy in the hospital. When the matter became public, the press greatly inflated it, and by some accounts, Ruth allegedly saved the boy's life by visiting him, emotionally promising to hit a home run, and doing so. Ruth's 1926 salary of $52,000 was far more than any other baseball player, but he made at least twice as much in other income, including $100,000 from 12 weeks of vaudeville.

The 1927 New York Yankees team is considered one of the greatest squads to ever take the field. Known as Murderers' Row because of the power of its lineup, the team clinched first place on Labor Day, won a then-AL-record 110 games and took the AL pennant by 19 games. There was no suspense in the pennant race, and the nation turned its attention to Ruth's pursuit of his own single-season home run record of 59 round trippers. Ruth was not alone in this chase. Teammate Lou Gehrig proved to be a slugger who was capable of challenging Ruth for his home run crown; he tied Ruth with 24 home runs late in June. Through July and August, the dynamic duo was never separated by more than two home runs. Gehrig took the lead, 45–44, in the first game of a doubleheader at Fenway Park early in September; Ruth responded with two blasts of his own to take the lead, as it proved permanently—Gehrig finished with 47. Even so, as of September 6, Ruth was still several games off his 1921 pace, and going into the final series against the Senators, had only 57. He hit two in the first game of the series, including one off of Paul Hopkins, facing his first major league batter, to tie the record. The following day, September 30, he broke it with his 60th homer, in the eighth inning off Tom Zachary to break a 2–2 tie. "Sixty! Let's see some son of a bitch try to top that one", Ruth exulted after the game. In addition to his career-high 60 home runs, Ruth batted .356, drove in 164 runs and slugged .772. In the 1927 World Series, the Yankees swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in four games; the National Leaguers were disheartened after watching the Yankees take batting practice before Game One, with ball after ball leaving Forbes Field. According to Appel, "The 1927 New York Yankees. Even today, the words inspire awe ... all baseball success is measured against the '27 team."

Lou Gehrig, Tris Speaker, Ty Cobb, and Ruth, 1928

The following season started off well for the Yankees, who led the league in the early going. But the Yankees were plagued by injuries, erratic pitching and inconsistent play. The Philadelphia Athletics, rebuilding after some lean years, erased the Yankees' big lead and even took over first place briefly in early September. The Yankees, however, regained first place when they beat the Athletics three out of four games in a pivotal series at Yankee Stadium later that month, and clinched the pennant in the final weekend of the season. Ruth's play in 1928 mirrored his team's performance. He got off to a hot start and on August 1, he had 42 home runs. This put him ahead of his 60 home run pace from the previous season. He then slumped for the latter part of the season, and he hit just twelve home runs in the last two months. Ruth's batting average also fell to .323, well below his career average. Nevertheless, he ended the season with 54 home runs. The Yankees swept the favored Cardinals in four games in the World Series, with Ruth batting .625 and hitting three home runs in Game Four, including one off Alexander.

"Called shot" and final Yankee years (1929–1934)

Further information: Babe Ruth's called shot

1933 Goudey Sport Kings baseball card

Before the 1929 season, Ruppert (who had bought out Huston in 1923) announced that the Yankees would wear uniform numbers to allow fans at cavernous Yankee Stadium to easily identify the players. The Cardinals and Indians had each experimented with uniform numbers; the Yankees were the first to use them on both home and away uniforms. Ruth batted third and was given number 3.According to a long-standing baseball legend, the Yankees adopted their now-iconic pinstriped uniforms in hopes of making Ruth look slimmer. In truth, though, they had been wearing pinstripes since 1915.

Although the Yankees started well, the Athletics soon proved they were the better team in 1929, splitting two series with the Yankees in the first month of the season, then taking advantage of a Yankee losing streak in mid-May to gain first place. Although Ruth performed well, the Yankees were not able to catch the Athletics—Connie Mack had built another great team Tragedy struck the Yankees late in the year as manager Huggins died at 51 of erysipelas, a bacterial skin infection, on September 25, only ten days after he had last directed the team. Despite their past differences, Ruth praised Huggins and described him as a "great guy". The Yankees finished second, 18 games behind the Athletics. Ruth hit .345 during the season, with 46 home runs and 154 RBIs.

On October 17, the Yankees hired Bob Shawkey as manager; he was their fourth choice. Ruth had politicked for the job of player-manager, but Ruppert and Barrow never seriously considered him for the position. Stout deemed this the first hint Ruth would have no future with the Yankees once he retired as a player. Shawkey, a former Yankees player and teammate of Ruth, would prove unable to command Ruth's respect.

On January 7, 1930, salary negotiations between the Yankees and Ruth quickly broke down. Having just concluded a three-year contract at an annual salary of $70,000, Ruth promptly rejected both the Yankees' initial proposal of $70,000 for one year and their 'final' offer of two years at seventy-five—the latter figure equalling the annual salary of then US President Herbert Hoover; instead, Ruth demanded at least $85,000 and three years When asked why he thought he was "worth more than the President of the United States," Ruth responded: "Say, if I hadn't been sick last summer, I'd have broken hell out of that home run record! Besides, the President gets a four-year contract. I'm only asking for three." Exactly two months later, a compromise was reached, with Ruth settling for two years at an unprecedented $80,000 per year. Ruth's salary was more than 2.4 times greater than the next-highest salary that season, a record margin as of 2019.

In 1930, Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs (his best in his years after 1928) and 153 RBIs, and pitched his first game in nine years, a complete game victory. Nevertheless, the Athletics won their second consecutive pennant and World Series, as the Yankees finished in third place, sixteen games back. At the end of the season, Shawkey was fired and replaced with Cubs manager Joe McCarthy, though Ruth again unsuccessfully sought the job.

McCarthy was a disciplinarian, but chose not to interfere with Ruth, who did not seek conflict with the manager. The team improved in 1931, but was no match for the Athletics, who won 107 games, 13+1⁄2 games in front of the Yankees. Ruth, for his part, hit .373, with 46 home runs and 163 RBIs. He had 31 doubles, his most since 1924. In the 1932 season, the Yankees went 107–47 and won the pennant. Ruth's effectiveness had decreased somewhat, but he still hit .341 with 41 home runs and 137 RBIs. Nevertheless, he was sidelined twice due to injuries during the season.

The Yankees faced the Cubs, McCarthy's former team, in the 1932 World Series. There was bad blood between the two teams as the Yankees resented the Cubs only awarding half a World Series share to Mark Koenig, a former Yankee. The games at Yankee Stadium had not been sellouts; both were won by the home team, with Ruth collecting two singles, but scoring four runs as he was walked four times by the Cubs pitchers. In Chicago, Ruth was resentful at the hostile crowds that met the Yankees' train and jeered them at the hotel. The crowd for Game Three included New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Democratic candidate for president, who sat with Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak. Many in the crowd threw lemons at Ruth, a sign of derision, and others (as well as the Cubs themselves) shouted abuse at Ruth and other Yankees. They were briefly silenced when Ruth hit a three-run home run off Charlie Root in the first inning, but soon revived, and the Cubs tied the score at 4–4 in the fourth inning, partly due to Ruth's fielding error in the outfield. When Ruth came to the plate in the top of the fifth, the Chicago crowd and players, led by pitcher Guy Bush, were screaming insults at Ruth. With the count at two balls and one strike, Ruth gestured, possibly in the direction of center field, and after the next pitch (a strike), may have pointed there with one hand. Ruth hit the fifth pitch over the center field fence; estimates were that it traveled nearly 500 feet (150 m). Whether or not Ruth intended to indicate where he planned to (and did) hit the ball (Charlie Devens, who, in 1999, was interviewed as Ruth's surviving teammate in that game, did not think so), the incident has gone down in legend as Babe Ruth's called shot. The Yankees won Game Three, and the following day clinched the Series with another victory. During that game, Bush hit Ruth on the arm with a pitch, causing words to be exchanged and provoking a game-winning Yankee rally.

Ruth remained productive in 1933. He batted .301, with 34 home runs, 103 RBIs, and a league-leading 114 walks, as the Yankees finished in second place, seven games behind the Senators. Athletics manager Connie Mack selected him to play right field in the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game, held on July 6, 1933, at Comiskey Park in Chicago. He hit the first home run in the All-Star Game's history, a two-run blast against Bill Hallahan during the third inning, which helped the AL win the game 4–2. During the final game of the 1933 season, as a publicity stunt organized by his team, Ruth was called upon and pitched a complete game victory against the Red Sox, his final appearance as a pitcher. Despite unremarkable pitching numbers, Ruth had a 5–0 record in five games for the Yankees, raising his career totals to 94–46.

In 1934, Ruth played in his last full season with the Yankees. By this time, years of high living were starting to catch up with him. His conditioning had deteriorated to the point that he could no longer field or run. He accepted a pay cut to $35,000 from Ruppert, but he was still the highest-paid player in the major leagues. He could still handle a bat, recording a .288 batting average with 22 home runs. However, Reisler described these statistics as "merely mortal" by Ruth's previous standards. Ruth was selected to the AL All-Star team for the second consecutive year, even though he was in the twilight of his career. During the game, New York Giants pitcher Carl Hubbell struck out Ruth and four other future Hall-of-Famers consecutively. The Yankees finished second again, seven games behind the Tigers.

Boston Braves (1935)

By this time, Ruth knew he was nearly finished as a player. He desired to remain in baseball as a manager. He was often spoken of as a possible candidate as managerial jobs opened up, but in 1932, when he was mentioned as a contender for the Red Sox position, Ruth stated that he was not yet ready to leave the field. There were rumors that Ruth was a likely candidate each time when the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Tigers were looking for a manager, but nothing came of them.

Just before the 1934 season, Ruppert offered to make Ruth the manager of the Yankees' top minor-league team, the Newark Bears, but he was talked out of it by his wife, Claire, and his business manager, Christy Walsh. Tigers owner Frank Navin seriously considered acquiring Ruth and making him player-manager. However, Ruth insisted on delaying the meeting until he came back from a trip to Hawaii. Navin was unwilling to wait. Ruth opted to go on his trip, despite Barrow advising him that he was making a mistake; in any event, Ruth's asking price was too high for the notoriously tight-fisted Navin. The Tigers' job ultimately went to Mickey Cochrane.

Early in the 1934 season, Ruth openly campaigned to become the Yankees manager. However, the Yankee job was never a serious possibility. Ruppert always supported McCarthy, who would remain in his position for another 12 seasons. The relationship between Ruth and McCarthy had been lukewarm at best, and Ruth's managerial ambitions further chilled their interpersonal relations. By the end of the season, Ruth hinted that he would retire unless Ruppert named him manager of the Yankees. When the time came, Ruppert wanted Ruth to leave the team without drama or hard feelings.

During the 1934–35 offseason, Ruth circled the world with his wife; the trip included a barnstorming tour of the Far East. At his final stop in the United Kingdom before returning home, Ruth was introduced to cricket by Australian player Alan Fairfax, and after having little luck in a cricketer's stance, he stood as a baseball batter and launched some massive shots around the field, destroying the bat in the process. Although Fairfax regretted that he could not have the time to make Ruth a cricket player, Ruth had lost any interest in such a career upon learning that the best batsmen made only about $40 per week.

Also during the offseason, Ruppert had been sounding out the other clubs in hopes of finding one that would be willing to take Ruth as a manager and/or a player. However, the only serious offer came from Athletics owner-manager Connie Mack, who gave some thought to stepping down as manager in favor of Ruth. However, Mack later dropped the idea, saying that Ruth's wife would be running the team in a month if Ruth ever took over.

While the barnstorming tour was underway, Ruppert began negotiating with Boston Braves owner Judge Emil Fuchs, who wanted Ruth as a gate attraction. The Braves had enjoyed modest recent success, finishing fourth in the National League in both 1933 and 1934, but the team drew poorly at the box office. Unable to afford the rent at Braves Field, Fuchs had considered holding dog races there when the Braves were not at home, only to be turned down by Landis. After a series of phone calls, letters, and meetings, the Yankees traded Ruth to the Braves on February 26, 1935. Ruppert had stated that he would not release Ruth to go to another team as a full-time player. For this reason, it was announced that Ruth would become a team vice president and would be consulted on all club transactions, in addition to playing. He was also made assistant manager to Braves skipper Bill McKechnie. In a long letter to Ruth a few days before the press conference, Fuchs promised Ruth a share in the Braves' profits, with the possibility of becoming co-owner of the team. Fuchs also raised the possibility of Ruth succeeding McKechnie as manager, perhaps as early as 1936. Ruppert called the deal "the greatest opportunity Ruth ever had".

There was considerable attention as Ruth reported for spring training. He did not hit his first home run of the spring until after the team had left Florida, and was beginning the road north in Savannah. He hit two in an exhibition game against the Bears. Amid much press attention, Ruth played his first home game in Boston in over 16 years. Before an opening-day crowd of over 25,000, including five of New England's six state governors, Ruth accounted for all the Braves' runs in a 4–2 defeat of the New York Giants, hitting a two-run home run, singling to drive in a third run and later in the inning scoring the fourth. Although age and weight had slowed him, he made a running catch in left field that sportswriters deemed the defensive highlight of the game.

Ruth had two hits in the second game of the season, but it quickly went downhill both for him and the Braves from there. The season soon settled down to a routine of Ruth performing poorly on the few occasions he even played at all. As April passed into May, Ruth's physical deterioration became even more pronounced. While he remained productive at the plate early on, he could do little else. His conditioning had become so poor that he could barely trot around the bases. He made so many errors that three Braves pitchers told McKechnie they would not take the mound if he was in the lineup. Before long, Ruth stopped hitting as well. He grew increasingly annoyed that McKechnie ignored most of his advice. McKechnie later said that Ruth's presence made enforcing discipline nearly impossible.

Ruth soon realized that Fuchs had deceived him, and had no intention of making him manager or giving him any significant off-field duties. He later said his only duties as vice president consisted of making public appearances and autographing tickets. Ruth also found out that far from giving him a share of the profits, Fuchs wanted him to invest some of his money in the team in a last-ditch effort to improve its balance sheet. As it turned out, Fuchs and Ruppert had both known all along that Ruth's non-playing positions were meaningless.

By the end of the first month of the season, Ruth concluded he was finished even as a part-time player. As early as May 12, he asked Fuchs to let him retire. Ultimately, Fuchs persuaded Ruth to remain at least until after the Memorial Day doubleheader in Philadelphia. In the interim was a western road trip, at which the rival teams had scheduled days to honor him. In Chicago and St. Louis, Ruth performed poorly, and his batting average sank to .155, with only two additional home runs for a total of three on the season so far. In the first two games in Pittsburgh, Ruth had only one hit, though a long fly caught by Paul Waner probably would have been a home run in any other ballpark besides Forbes Field.

Ruth played in the third game of the Pittsburgh series on May 25, 1935, and added one more tale to his playing legend. Ruth went 4-for-4, including three home runs, though the Braves lost the game 11–7. The last two were off Ruth's old Cubs nemesis, Guy Bush. The final home run, both of the game and of Ruth's career, sailed out of the park over the right field upper deck–the first time anyone had hit a fair ball completely out of Forbes Field. Ruth was urged to make this his last game, but he had given his word to Fuchs and played in Cincinnati and Philadelphia. The first game of the doubleheader in Philadelphia—the Braves lost both—was his final major league appearance. Ruth retired on June 2 after an argument with Fuchs. He finished 1935 with a .181 average—easily his worst as a full-time position player—and the final six of his 714 home runs. The Braves, 10–27 when Ruth left, finished 38–115, at .248 the worst winning percentage in modern National League history. Insolvent like his team, Fuchs gave up control of the Braves before the end of the season; the National League took over the franchise at the end of the year.

Of the 5 members in the inaugural class of Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 (Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson and Ruth himself), only Ruth was not given an offer to manage a baseball team.

Retirement

Gary Cooper and Ruth in the 1942 film The Pride of the Yankees

Although Fuchs had given Ruth his unconditional release, no major league team expressed an interest in hiring him in any capacity. Ruth still hoped to be hired as a manager if he could not play anymore, but only one managerial position, Cleveland, became available between Ruth's retirement and the end of the 1937 season. Asked if he had considered Ruth for the job, Indians owner Alva Bradley replied negatively. Team owners and general managers assessed Ruth's flamboyant personal habits as a reason to exclude him from a managerial job; Barrow said of him, "How can he manage other men when he can't even manage himself?" Creamer believed Ruth was unfairly treated in never being given an opportunity to manage a major league club. The author believed there was not necessarily a relationship between personal conduct and managerial success, noting that McGraw, Billy Martin, and Bobby Valentine were winners despite character flaws.

Ruth played much golf and in a few exhibition baseball games, where he demonstrated a continuing ability to draw large crowds. This appeal contributed to the Dodgers hiring him as first base coach in 1938. When Ruth was hired, Brooklyn general manager Larry MacPhail made it clear that Ruth would not be considered for the manager's job if, as expected, Burleigh Grimes retired at the end of the season. Although much was said about what Ruth could teach the younger players, in practice, his duties were to appear on the field in uniform and encourage base runners—he was not called upon to relay signs. In August, shortly before the baseball rosters expanded, Ruth sought an opportunity to return as an active player in a pinch hitting role. Ruth often took batting practice before games and felt that he could take on the limited role. Grimes denied his request, citing Ruth’s poor vision in his right eye, his inability to run the bases, and the risk of an injury to Ruth.

Ruth got along well with everyone except team captain Leo Durocher, who was hired as Grimes' replacement at season's end. Ruth then left his job as a first base coach and would never again work in any capacity in the game of baseball.

On July 4, 1939, Ruth spoke on Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium as members of the 1927 Yankees and a sellout crowd turned out to honor the first baseman, who was forced into premature retirement by ALS, which would kill him two years later. The next week, Ruth went to Cooperstown, New York, for the formal opening of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Three years earlier, he was one of the first five players elected to the hall. As radio broadcasts of baseball games became popular, Ruth sought a job in that field, arguing that his celebrity and knowledge of baseball would assure large audiences, but he received no offers. During World War II, he made many personal appearances to advance the war effort, including his last appearance as a player at Yankee Stadium, in a 1943 exhibition for the Army-Navy Relief Fund. He hit a long fly ball off Walter Johnson; the blast left the field, curving foul, but Ruth circled the bases anyway. In 1946, he made a final effort to gain a job in baseball when he contacted new Yankees boss MacPhail, but he was sent a rejection letter. In 1999, Ruth's granddaughter, Linda Tosetti, and his stepdaughter, Julia Ruth Stevens, said that Babe's inability to land a managerial role with the Yankees caused him to feel hurt and slump into a severe depression.

Personal life

Ruth and his first wife, Helen Woodford, 1915

Ruth met Helen Woodford (1897–1929), by some accounts, in a coffee shop in Boston where she was a waitress, and they were married as teenagers on October 17, 1914. Although Ruth later claimed to have been married in Elkton, Maryland, records show that they were married at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Ellicott City. They adopted a daughter, Dorothy (1921–1989), in 1921. Ruth and Helen separated around 1925, reportedly due to his repeated infidelities and neglect. They appeared in public as a couple for the last time during the 1926 World Series. Helen died in January 1929 at age 31 in a house fire in Watertown, Massachusetts, in a house owned by Edward Kinder, a dentist with whom she had been living as "Mrs. Kinder". In her book, My Dad, the Babe, Dorothy claimed that she was Ruth's biological child by a mistress named Juanita Jennings. Juanita admitted to this fact to Dorothy and Julia Ruth Stevens, Dorothy's stepsister, in 1980, who was at the time already very ill.

On April 17, 1929 (three months after the death of his first wife) Ruth married actress and model Claire Merritt Hodgson (1897–1976) and adopted her daughter Julia (1916–2019). It was the second and final marriage for both parties. Claire, much unlike Helen, was well-travelled and educated, and went on to put structure into Ruth's life, like Miller Huggins did with him on the field.

By one account, Julia and Dorothy were, through no fault of their own, the reason for the seven-year rift in Ruth's relationship with teammate Lou Gehrig. Sometime in 1932, during a conversation that she assumed was private, Gehrig's mother remarked, "It's a shame [Claire] doesn't dress Dorothy as nicely as she dresses her own daughter." When the comment inevitably got back to Ruth, he angrily told Gehrig to tell his mother to mind her own business. Gehrig, in turn, took offense at what he perceived as Ruth's comment about his mother. The two men reportedly never spoke off the field until they reconciled at Yankee Stadium on Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day, July 4, 1939, which was shortly after Gehrig's retirement from baseball.

Although Ruth was married throughout most of his baseball career, when team co-owner Tillinghast 'Cap' Huston asked him to tone down his lifestyle, the player said, "I'll promise to go easier on drinking and to get to bed earlier, but not for you, fifty thousand dollars, or two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars will I give up women. They're too much fun".A detective that the Yankees hired to follow him one night in Chicago reported that Ruth had been with six women. Ping Bodie said that he was not Ruth's roommate while traveling; "I room with his suitcase". Before the start of the 1922 season, Ruth had signed a three-year contract at $52,000 per year with an option to renew for two additional years. His performance during the 1922 season had been disappointing, attributed in part to his drinking and late-night hours. After the end of the 1922 season, he was asked to sign a contract addendum with a morals clause. Ruth and Ruppert signed it on November 11, 1922. It called for Ruth to abstain entirely from the use of intoxicating liquors, and to not stay up later than 1:00 a.m. during the training and playing season without permission of the manager. Ruth was also enjoined from any action or misbehavior that would compromise his ability to play baseball.

Cancer and death (1946–1948)

Babe Ruth's number 3 was retired by the New York Yankees in 1948.

As early as the war years, doctors had cautioned Ruth to take better care of his health, and he grudgingly followed their advice, limiting his drinking and not going on a proposed trip to support the troops in the South Pacific. In 1946, Ruth began experiencing severe pain over his left eye and had difficulty swallowing. In November 1946, Ruth entered French Hospital in New York for tests, which revealed that he had an inoperable malignant tumor at the base of his skull and in his neck. The malady was a lesion known as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, or "lymphoepithelioma." His name and fame gave him access to experimental treatments, and he was one of the first cancer patients to receive both drugs and radiation treatment simultaneously. Having lost 80 pounds (36 kg), he was discharged from the hospital in February and went to Florida to recuperate. He returned to New York and Yankee Stadium after the season started. The new commissioner, Happy Chandler (Judge Landis had died in 1944), proclaimed April 27, 1947, Babe Ruth Day around the major leagues, with the most significant observance to be at Yankee Stadium. A number of teammates and others spoke in honor of Ruth, who briefly addressed the crowd of almost 60,000. By then, his voice was a soft whisper with a very low, raspy tone.

Around this time, developments in chemotherapy offered some hope for Ruth. The doctors had not told Ruth he had cancer because of his family's fear that he might do himself harm. They treated him with pterolyl triglutamate (Teropterin), a folic acid derivative; he may have been the first human subject. Ruth showed dramatic improvement during the summer of 1947, so much so that his case was presented by his doctors at a scientific meeting, without using his name. He was able to travel around the country, doing promotional work for the Ford Motor Company on American Legion Baseball. He appeared again at another day in his honor at Yankee Stadium in September, but was not well enough to pitch in an old-timers game as he had hoped

The improvement was only a temporary remission, and by late 1947, Ruth was unable to help with the writing of his autobiography, The Babe Ruth Story, which was almost entirely ghostwritten. In and out of the hospital in Manhattan, he left for Florida in February 1948, doing what activities he could. After six weeks he returned to New York to appear at a book-signing party. He also traveled to California to witness the filming of the movie based on the book.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning photo of Ruth by Nat Fein

On June 5, 1948, a "gaunt and hollowed out" Ruth visited Yale University to donate a manuscript of The Babe Ruth Story to its library. At Yale, he met with future president George H. W. Bush, who was the captain of the Yale baseball team. On June 13, Ruth visited Yankee Stadium for the final time in his life, appearing at the 25th-anniversary celebrations of "The House that Ruth Built". By this time he had lost much weight and had difficulty walking. Introduced along with his surviving teammates from 1923, Ruth used a bat as a cane. Nat Fein's photo of Ruth taken from behind, standing near home plate and facing "Ruthville" (right field) became one of baseball's most famous and widely circulated photographs, and won the Pulitzer Prize.

Ruth made one final trip on behalf of American Legion Baseball, then entered Memorial Hospital, where he would die. He was never told he had cancer, but before his death, had surmised it. He was able to leave the hospital for a few short trips, including a final visit to Baltimore. On July 26, 1948, Ruth left the hospital to attend the premiere of the film The Babe Ruth Story. Shortly thereafter, Ruth returned to the hospital for the final time. He was barely able to speak. Ruth's condition gradually grew worse; only a few visitors were allowed to see him, one of whom was National League president and future Commissioner of Baseball Ford Frick. "Ruth was so thin it was unbelievable. He had been such a big man and his arms were just skinny little bones, and his face was so haggard", Frick said years later.

Thousands of New Yorkers, including many children, stood vigil outside the hospital during Ruth's final days. On August 16, 1948, at 8:01 p.m., Ruth died in his sleep at the age of 53. His open casket was placed on display in the rotunda of Yankee Stadium, where it remained for two days; 77,000 people filed past to pay him tribute. His funeral Mass took place at St. Patrick's Cathedral; a crowd estimated at 75,000 waited outside. Ruth rests with his second wife, Claire, on a hillside in Section 25 at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.

Memorial and museum

Tribute to Babe Ruth, Monument Park, as seen at the original Yankee Stadium

On April 19, 1949, the Yankees unveiled a granite monument in Ruth's honor in center field of Yankee Stadium. The monument was located in the field of play next to a flagpole and similar tributes to Huggins and Gehrig until the stadium was remodeled from 1974 to 1975, which resulted in the outfield fences moving inward and enclosing the monuments from the playing field. This area was known thereafter as Monument Park. Yankee Stadium, "the House that Ruth Built", was replaced after the 2008 season with a new Yankee Stadium across the street from the old one; Monument Park was subsequently moved to the new venue behind the center field fence. Ruth's uniform number 3 has been retired by the Yankees, and he is one of five Yankees players or managers to have a granite monument within the stadium.

The Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum is located at 216 Emory Street, a Baltimore row house where Ruth was born, and three blocks west of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, where the AL's Baltimore Orioles play. The property was restored and opened to the public in 1973 by the non-profit Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation, Inc. Ruth's widow, Claire, his two daughters, Dorothy and Julia, and his sister, Mamie, helped select and install exhibits for the museum.

Contemporary impact

Ruth was the first baseball star to be the subject of overwhelming public adulation. Baseball had been known for star players such as Ty Cobb and "Shoeless Joe" Jackson, but both men had uneasy relations with fans. In Cobb's case, the incidents were sometimes marked by violence. Ruth's biographers agreed that he benefited from the timing of his ascension to "Home Run King". The country had been hit hard by both the war and the 1918 flu pandemic and longed for something to help put these traumas behind it. Ruth also resonated in a country which felt, in the aftermath of the war, that it took second place to no one. Montville argued that Ruth was a larger-than-life figure who was capable of unprecedented athletic feats in the nation's largest city. Ruth became an icon of the social changes that marked the early 1920s. In his history of the Yankees, Glenn Stout writes that "Ruth was New York incarnate—uncouth and raw, flamboyant and flashy, oversized, out of scale, and absolutely unstoppable".

During his lifetime, Ruth became a symbol of the United States. During World War II Japanese soldiers yelled in English, "To hell with Babe Ruth", to anger American soldiers. Ruth replied that he hoped "every Jap that mention[ed] my name gets shot". Creamer recorded that "Babe Ruth transcended sport and moved far beyond the artificial limits of baselines and outfield fences and sports pages" Wagenheim stated, "He appealed to a deeply rooted American yearning for the definitive climax: clean, quick, unarguable." According to Glenn Stout, "Ruth's home runs were exalted, uplifting experience that meant more to fans than any runs they were responsible for. A Babe Ruth home run was an event unto itself, one that meant anything was possible."

Although Ruth was not just a power hitter—he was the Yankees' best bunter, and an excellent outfielder—Ruth's penchant for hitting home runs altered how baseball is played. Prior to 1920, home runs were unusual, and managers tried to win games by getting a runner on base and bringing him around to score through such means as the stolen base, the bunt, and the hit and run. Advocates of what was dubbed "inside baseball", such as Giants manager McGraw, disliked the home run, considering it a blot on the purity of the game According to sportswriter W. A. Phelon, after the 1920 season, Ruth's breakout performance that season and the response in excitement and attendance, "settled, for all time to come, that the American public is nuttier over the Home Run than the Clever Fielding or the Hitless Pitching. Viva el Home Run and two times viva Babe Ruth, exponent of the home run, and overshadowing star." Bill James states, "When the owners discovered that the fans liked to see home runs, and when the foundations of the games were simultaneously imperiled by disgrace [in the Black Sox Scandal], then there was no turning back." While a few, such as McGraw and Cobb, decried the passing of the old-style play, teams quickly began to seek and develop sluggers.

According to contemporary sportswriter Grantland Rice, only two sports figures of the 1920s approached Ruth in popularity—boxer Jack Dempsey and racehorse Man o' War. One of the factors that contributed to Ruth's broad appeal was the uncertainty about his family and early life. Ruth appeared to exemplify the American success story, that even an uneducated, unsophisticated youth, without any family wealth or connections, can do something better than anyone else in the world. Montville writes that "the fog [surrounding his childhood] will make him forever accessible, universal. He will be the patron saint of American possibility." Similarly, the fact that Ruth played in the pre-television era, when a relatively small portion of his fans had the opportunity to see him play allowed his legend to grow through word of mouth and the hyperbole of sports reporters. Reisler states that recent sluggers who surpassed Ruth's 60-home run mark, such as Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds, generated much less excitement than when Ruth repeatedly broke the single-season home run record in the 1920s. Ruth dominated a relatively small sports world, while Americans of the present era have many sports available to watch.

Legacy

The unveiling of a Babe Ruth memorial plaque in Baltimore's old Memorial Stadium in 1955 with Claire Ruth, his widow, present.

Creamer describes Ruth as "a unique figure in the social history of the United States" Thomas Barthel describes him as one of the first celebrity athletes; numerous biographies have portrayed him as "larger than life". He entered the language: a dominant figure in a field, whether within or outside sports, is often referred to as "the Babe Ruth" of that field Similarly, "Ruthian" has come to mean in sports, "colossal, dramatic, prodigious, magnificent; with great power". He was the first athlete to make more money from endorsements and other off-the-field activities than from his sport.

In 2006, Montville stated that more books have been written about Ruth than any other member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. At least five of these books (including Creamer's and Wagenheim's) were written in 1973 and 1974. The books were timed to capitalize on the increase in public interest in Ruth as Hank Aaron approached his career home run mark, which he broke on April 8, 1974. As he approached Ruth's record, Aaron stated, "I can't remember a day this year or last when I did not hear the name of Babe Ruth."

Montville suggested that Ruth is probably even more popular today than he was when his career home run record was broken by Aaron. The long ball era that Ruth started continues in baseball, to the delight of the fans. Owners build ballparks to encourage home runs, which are featured on SportsCenter and Baseball Tonight each evening during the season. The questions of performance-enhancing drug use, which dogged later home run hitters such as McGwire and Bonds, do nothing to diminish Ruth's reputation; his overindulgences with beer and hot dogs seem part of a simpler time.

In various surveys and rankings, Ruth has been named the greatest baseball player of all time. In 1998, The Sporting News ranked him number one on the list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players". In 1999, baseball fans named Ruth to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. He was named baseball's Greatest Player Ever in a ballot commemorating the 100th anniversary of professional baseball in 1969. The Associated Press reported in 1993 that Muhammad Ali was tied with Babe Ruth as the most recognized athlete in America. In a 1999 ESPN poll, he was ranked as the second-greatest U.S. athlete of the century, behind Michael Jordan In 1983, the United States Postal Service honored Ruth with the issuance of a twenty-cent stamp.

Several of the most expensive items of sports memorabilia and baseball memorabilia ever sold at auction are associated with Ruth. As of November 2016, the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever sold is Ruth's 1920 Yankees jersey, which sold for $4,415,658 in 2012 (equivalent to $4.98 million in 2020). The bat with which he hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium is in The Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive baseball bat sold at auction, having fetched $1.265 million on December 2, 2004 (equivalent to $1.7332 million in 2020). A hat of Ruth's from the 1934 season set a record for a baseball cap when David Wells sold it at auction for $537,278 in 2012. In 2017, Charlie Sheen sold Ruth's 1927 World Series ring for $2,093,927 at auction. It easily broke the record for a championship ring previously set when Julius Erving's 1974 ABA championship ring sold for $460,741 in 2011.

Ruth memorabilia at the Baseball Hall of Fame (2014)

One long-term survivor of the craze over Ruth may be the Baby Ruth candy bar. The original company to market the confectionery, the Curtis Candy Company, maintained that the bar was named after Ruth Cleveland, daughter of former president Grover Cleveland. She died in 1904 and the bar was first marketed in 1921, at the height of the craze over Ruth. He later sought to market candy bearing his name; he was refused a trademark because of the Baby Ruth bar. Corporate files from 1921 are no longer extant; the brand has changed hands several times and is now owned by Ferrero. The Ruth estate licensed his likeness for use in an advertising campaign for Baby Ruth in 1995. Due to a marketing arrangement, in 2005, the Baby Ruth bar became the official candy bar of Major League Baseball.

In 2018, President Donald Trump announced that Ruth, along with Elvis Presley and Antonin Scalia, would posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Montville describes the continuing relevance of Babe Ruth in American culture, more than three-quarters of a century after he last swung a bat in a major league game:

The fascination with his life and career continues. He is a bombastic, sloppy hero from our bombastic, sloppy history, origins undetermined, a folk tale of American success. His moon face is as recognizable today as it was when he stared out at Tom Zachary on a certain September afternoon in 1927. If sport has become the national religion, Babe Ruth is the patron saint. He stands at the heart of the game he played, the promise of a warm summer night, a bag of peanuts, and a beer. And just maybe, the longest ball hit out of the park

Baboo Nimal

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Baboo Nimal

Born 15 March 1908
Khadki, British India
Died 21 February 1998 (aged 89)
Playing position Fullback
National team
Years Team Apps (Gls)
India

Men’s Field Hockey
Representing India
Olympic Games
1936 Berlin Team competition

Baboo Nimal with the Indian team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

Baburao Narasappa "Baboo" Nimal (15 March 1908 – 21 February 1998) was an Indian field hockey player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was a member of the Indian team which won the gold medal at the 1936 Olympic Games. He played three (including the final) matches as a fullback.

Biswajit Saha

Biswajit Saha (Bengali: বিশ্বজিৎ সাহা) is a retired Indian professional footballer, best known as a dependable left-back who contributed to one of the biggest milestones in modern Indian football—the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) title win in 2014.

Early Life and Background
Born on December 15, 1987, in Bandel, Hooghly district, West Bengal, Saha grew up in a football-loving family—his entire family were avid Mohun Bagan supporters. He started his career in local leagues, joining Milan Samity in 2006 after early success, and then moved to George Telegraph S.C., where he established himself as a solid left-back under coach Raghu Nandy.
His breakthrough came at George Telegraph, where he played a key role in notable upsets, including a 3–1 victory over East Bengal in 2007 and defeats of both East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting in 2008, helping the team finish third in the Calcutta Football League (CFL).
Club Career
Saha's professional journey took him through several prominent Indian clubs:
Mohun Bagan (2009–2011, and again 2012–2013): Received offers from Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Chirag United but chose Mohun Bagan due to family loyalty. Played regularly, including 20 matches in the 2012–13 I-League.
Salgaocar FC (2011–2012): Moved for a better offer and under coach Karim Bencherifa. Had his best season, winning the 2011 Federation Cup (Salgaocar's first in 14 years). He was the only Bengali player in the squad.
Eagles FC (2013–2014, on loan): Brief stint in Kerala.
Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) (2014): Part of the inaugural ISL season, playing most league matches (except semifinal and final) as ATK became the first-ever ISL champions.
Later clubs: Sporting Clube de Goa, and a short pre-season with Mumbai City FC in 2018, which ended due to a severe hamstring injury.
His career highlights include domestic titles and consistent performances in the I-League and CFL. He also represented West Bengal in the Santosh Trophy, finishing as runners-up.
Post-Retirement and Challenges
Saha has been without a club since July 2018, following the injury that sidelined him during Mumbai City FC's pre-season. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced financial hardships and opened a fast-food stall with his brother in Bandel to make ends meet. Reports highlighted his struggles, noting the stall was on the verge of closing due to lockdowns.
As of 2025 (at age 37), there are no recent reports of a comeback or involvement in professional football. His story reflects the challenges many Indian footballers face post-retirement, lacking long-term financial security despite contributing to historic achievements like the first ISL title.
Biswajit Saha's career exemplifies the grit of Kolkata's football talent pool, rising from local leagues to national prominence, but also underscores the need for better support systems in Indian football.

Barkha Sonkar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Barkha SonkarPersonal information

Native name बरखा सोनकर

Nickname(s) BK

Nationality Indian

Citizenship India

Born 24 December 1996

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Education Graduate

Alma mater High school: IMG Academy,

University: Hillsborough Community College, Lindsey Wilson College, Husson University.

Occupation Sports

Years active 2016 - present

Employer India women's national basketball team

Height 164.592 cm (5 ft 5 in)

Weight 61 kg (134 lb)

Sport

Country India

Sport Basketball

Position 1

Club Hillsborough Hawks

Team India women's national basketball team

Barkha Sonkar (24 December 1996) is an International basketball player. She is a member of India women's national basketball team and represented India in "2017 FIBA Women's Asia Cup Division B".

Early life and education

She was selected for the IMG Reliance scholarship programmes in the US for schooling and training. Studied high school at IMG Academy Bradenton, Florida, and graduated from IMG Academy in 2016, after that went to Hillsborough Community College, played for hawks (National Collegiate Athletic Association) for 2 years.

Currently playing for Lindsey Wilson College, Kentucky

Championship

During the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup held at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, Barkha played well and India defeated Kazakhstan by 75-73. Barkha has been top 3rd player in the match.

Bombayla Devi Laishram

Carey Price

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Carey Price

Price in 2015

Born August 16, 1987

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Website www.careyprice.net

Carey Price (born August 16, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is considered to be one of the best goaltenders in the world by many colleagues, fans, The Hockey News, and EA Sports; and one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of the Montreal Canadiens by several media outlets.

Beginning his junior career with the Tri-City Americans in the Western Hockey League in 2002, Price was drafted fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft following his second season with the Tri-City Americans. Following a further two seasons with the Americans, where he won both the Del Wilson Trophy as the top goaltender in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and CHL Goaltender of the Year in his final season of major junior in 2007. Joining the Canadiens' farm team, the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League (AHL) just as the Calder Cup playoffs begun, Price led the Bulldogs to the Calder Cup championship, winning the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the tournament MVP. Price made the Canadiens roster for the 2007–08 season as the backup goaltender before ultimately becoming the starting goaltender later that season. In 2015, he won the Ted Lindsay, Jennings, Vezina, and Hart trophies, becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to win all four individual awards in the same season. In 2021, Price led the Canadiens to their first Stanley Cup Finals in 28 years, but eventually lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games.

Internationally, Price has represented Canada at various tournaments at junior levels, winning silver medals at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge in 2004 and the IIHF World U18 Championship in 2005. He won a gold medal at the 2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Sweden. In 2014, Price was named to the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team and won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Price's play also earned him the tournament's top goaltending award, from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) directorate. In 2016, Price went undefeated to win his first World Cup of Hockey championship.

Early life

Carey Price was born in Vancouver to Lynda and Jerry Price. His mother is the chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation. His father was also a goaltender, drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the eighth round, 126th overall, in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. Although Jerry never played in the NHL, he did play four seasons of professional hockey in various leagues and was for a time the goaltending coach of the Tri-City Americans. Price has a sister, Kayla, and his second cousin is fellow ice hockey player Shane Doan.

When Price was three, his family moved to the remote town of Anahim Lake in central British Columbia where he was raised. He was taught to play goaltender by his father on a frozen creek during the winter months and played organized hockey in Williams Lake over five hours and 320 kilometres (200 mi) away by car on Highway 20. Having to make the ten-hour round trip three days a week, Carey's father bought a plane to fly him to practice and games. Growing up, Price's favourite NHL team was the Edmonton Oilers and he idolized Marty Turco and Patrick Roy.

Playing career

Tri-City Americans

Price made his first appearance in the Western Hockey League (WHL) in a single game for the Tri-City Americans during the 2002–03 season. He then made the Tri-City roster the next season, appearing in 28 games as the backup for Colorado Avalanche prospect Tyler Weiman, posting a 2.38 Goals against average (GAA) and .915 save percentage. The next season, Price took over as the primary starter of the team and established himself as a top goaltender, playing in a league-high 63 games with a 2.34 GAA and .920 save percentage and eight shutouts, both in the league top ten. Ranking as the best North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting, Price was drafted fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens, a move considered surprising by many who thought Price would not be drafted until the middle of the first round.

During the 2005–06 season, Price's play in Tri-City suffered considerably and he ended the season with a 2.87 GAA and a .906 save percentage while starting 55 games. Price rebounded the next season with a very strong 2006–07 season, posting an excellent 2.45 GAA and .917 save percentage while winning both the Del Wilson Trophy as the top WHL goaltender and the CHL Goaltender of the Year award. Despite this, the Americans were eliminated in six games during the 2007 playoffs.

Hamilton Bulldogs

Price playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs during the 2007 Calder Cup finals

Following Tri-City's early playoff exit, later that spring, Price joined the Montreal Canadiens farm team, the Hamilton Bulldogs, just before the start of the 2007 Calder Cup playoffs. In two regular season appearances with the Bulldogs, Price allowed only three goals and won one game. Price led the Bulldogs on a remarkable run that spring, defeating the Hershey Bears four games to one in the finals as the team won their first Calder Cup. Price became only the third teenage goaltender to win the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as AHL playoff MVP, posting a 2.06 GAA and .936 save percentage.

Montreal Canadiens (2007–2021)

Price made his highly anticipated Canadiens debut on October 10, 2007, against the Pittsburgh Penguins and recorded 26 saves in a 3–2 win. After the first month of the season, he was awarded the Canadiens' Molson Cup for October, given to the player with the most first-star selections. Although reassigned to the Hamilton Bulldogs midway through the season in January, he was called back up shortly over a month later. With the trading of starting goaltender Cristobal Huet to the Washington Capitals before the trading deadline, Price assumed the starting role for the Canadiens. He was subsequently named the NHL Rookie of the Month for March and the NHL First Star of the Week (ending April 6, 2008) as the Canadiens finished first overall in the Eastern Conference and earned their first division title since 1991–92. Price completed the regular season leading all rookie goaltenders in wins (24), save percentage (.920) and shutouts (3). He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in recognition for his accomplishments in his first year in the NHL.

Price warming up prior to a game in the 2008–09 season.

Entering the playoffs against the Boston Bruins, Price recorded a 1–0 win on April 15, 2008, becoming the first Canadiens rookie to post a playoff shutout since Patrick Roy in 1986. He would go on to record another shutout in game seven to eliminate Boston. Montreal lost in the second round to the Philadelphia Flyers, with Price losing three of the last four games.

After a strong start to the 2008–09 season, in which he earned a second Molson Cup in November, Price injured his ankle on December 30, 2008. Forced out of action for nearly a month, during which he was voted in as a starting goaltender for the 2009 NHL All-Star Game in Montreal (along with teammates Alexei Kovalev, Andrei Markov and Mike Komisarek) he made his return to action on January 20, 2009, after backup Jaroslav Halák was pulled in a 4–2 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers. Going into the 2009 playoffs as the eighth and final seed, the Canadiens played the Boston Bruins in the opening round for the second consecutive season. They were swept in four games, with the Bruins scoring at least four times in each game. In the final game at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Price surrendered four goals in two periods. After stopping a weak dump-in, the crowd cheered sarcastically and Price responded by putting his arms up in the air, similar to Patrick Roy's gesture on December 2, 1995, in a game after which Roy requested a trade from the Canadiens.

Price struggled throughout the 2009–10 season, winning only 13 games and losing the starting job to Halák as the Canadiens entered the playoffs as the eighth and final seed. Although the Canadiens made a surprise run to the Eastern Conference final, upsetting both the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins along the way, Price appeared in only four games, losing one and getting no decision in each of the others, only coming off the bench when the game was out of hand. The highlight of the season for Price was stopping 37 of 38 shots in a 5–1 win over the Boston Bruins in the Canadiens' 100 year anniversary game on December 4, 2009, and the low point was surrendering four goals in his only start of the playoffs. In the 2010 off-season, both Price and Halák became restricted free agents and a goaltending debate emerged in Montreal over who would remain with the team – the playoff hero Halák or the younger Price. After weeks of media speculation, the Canadiens chose Price, trading Halák to the St. Louis Blues and re-signing Price to a two-year, $5.5 million contract to return to his role as starting goaltender.

Price defends the net against Jeff Skinner in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes

The 2010–11 pre-season was a tough start for Price. During the 2010–11 regular season, however, Price played in 72 games recording new career highs including 38 wins, eight shutouts a 2.35 GAA and a .923 save percentage, and was selected to play in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game. This play from Price allowed the Canadiens to enter the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs. This strong play continued for Price in the playoffs posting a .935 save percentage. It was not enough, however, to lead the Canadiens to victory, as they ultimately fell in seven games in the first round to the Boston Bruins. On October 26, 2011, Price earned his 100th win in his NHL career in his 214th game. A few months later, he participated to his third All-Star Game. The 2011–12 season, however, did not go well for the Canadiens, and they missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2006–07 season. Price missed the last four games of the season due to a concussion.

On July 2, 2012, Price re-signed with the Canadiens on a six-year contract worth US$39 million.

During the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, Price started the year very well, winning 18 of his first 28 starts as the Canadiens, in stark contrast to the previous season, were one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, going 29–14–5, good enough for second in the conference. Price's play, however, dropped off in the final weeks of the season, going 2–6 and allowing 27 goals. Nonetheless, the Canadiens went into the playoffs against the seventh seeded Ottawa Senators. In Game 4, with the score tied 2–2 as the third period came to an end, Price suffered a groin injury and did not return for the overtime period and was replaced by Peter Budaj; the Senators would go on to score and win the game. Price's injury sidelined him for the rest of the series and the Canadiens were eliminated in five games. Price ended the playoffs with a sub-par 3.26 GAA and an .894 save percentage.

Price during a practice with the Canadiens during the 2012–13 season.

Return to form

The 2013–14 season saw Price return to form, recording 34 wins to go along with a career best 2.32 GAA and .927 save percentage, leading the Canadiens to their second 100-point season since the 2007–08 season. The Canadiens entered the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference against the Tampa Bay Lightning, whom they swept in four games, marking Price's first playoff series win since his rookie year. The Montreal Canadiens then faced the President's Trophy-winning Boston Bruins in the second round for the fourth time of Price's NHL career. In contrast to the previous two postseason meetings, the Canadiens upset the Bruins, ousting them in seven games. Following a 4–2 defeat in Game 5 at TD Garden, Price shut out the Bruins in Game 6 by a score of 4–0 before stopping 29 shots in a 3–1 victory in Game 7 to eliminate Boston and advance to the Conference Finals. His and the Canadiens' run, however, ended against the New York Rangers. In Game 1 at the Bell Centre, with the Rangers up 2–0 near the end of the second period, Rangers forward Chris Kreider crashed into Price. He would stay in net for the remainder of the period, allowing two more goals before the intermission. Price was then replaced by backup Peter Budaj in the third period as the Rangers scored three more goals to hammer the Canadiens 7–2 in Game 1. Price was soon ruled out for the rest of the series with an unspecified lower-body injury, as the Canadiens fell in six games to the Rangers, the second year in-a-row Price had a premature ending to his playoffs due to injury.

Hart Trophy-winning season

Price during the 2014–15 season, in which he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player.

Price would follow up 2014–15 with the best season of his career, as he would finish the season as the leader of the three leading categories for goaltenders: GAA (1.96), save percentage (.933), and wins (44), all career highs as he would help the Canadiens win the Atlantic Division. That season he would go on to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player, the Vezina Trophy as best goaltender, the Ted Lindsay Award as most valuable player as voted by the NHLPA, and the William M. Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed (in a tie with Corey Crawford of the Chicago Blackhawks with 189 goals allowed). He became only the second player in franchise history to win 4 awards in one season.

Early in the 2015–16 season, Price suffered a knee injury. At the time of the injury, he was expected to return after six weeks. However, on April 6, 2016, the Canadiens announced that Price would not return for the remainder of the season. The extent of Price's injury was revealed to be a medial collateral ligament injury (MCL sprain).

At the beginning of the 2016–17 season, Price set a record for most consecutive wins to start a season with 10 (his record would later be surpassed by Jack Campbell of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2020–21 season).

On July 2, 2017, it was announced that Price signed an eight-year contract extension with an annual cap hit of US$10.5 million totalling to US$84 million for the entire contract. His new contract will run through the 2025–26 season. This made Price the highest paid goaltender in the 2018–2019 NHL season, surpassing goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

After a dismal month at the start of the 2017–18 season, Price was out for the count with a minor lower body injury, leaving goaltenders Al Montoya and Charlie Lindgren to take his place. On February 22, 2018, Price was ruled out indefinitely after sustaining a concussion in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. On March 19, 2018, Price returned from his concussion and dressed for the first time in 13 games for a game against the Florida Panthers. Despite his injuries, Price made in his 557th career NHL start for the Canadiens on April 3, 2018, surpassing the previous franchise record holder Jacques Plante.

On October 27, 2018, after a 3–0 win over the Boston Bruins, Price surpassed Patrick Roy for second place in Canadiens franchise career wins with his 290th career victory. Price was named to the 2019 National Hockey League All-Star Game, his sixth All-Star nomination, but he chose to defer due to a lower-body injury.

On March 12, 2019, with a 3–1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, Price surpassed Jacques Plante for first place in Canadiens franchise career wins with his 315th.

For the 2019–20 season, Price played 58 games in the regular season, recording a disappointing .909 save percentage. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the regular season was ended prematurely. Price's presence on the Canadiens' lineup became a point of discussion in the media during the NHL's debates on the format for the belated 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, which were to be held in an expanded format that allowed the Canadiens to participate for the first time in three years. The Canadiens were scheduled to play a qualifying round against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and it was reported that the Penguins had objected to the idea of a best-of-three series on the basis that Price's presence gave the Canadiens an unfair advantage relative to their regular season performance. The Penguins publicly denied this subsequently. Ultimately a best-of-five format was chosen instead. The Canadiens defeated the Penguins 3–1 in the qualifying round, with Price recording a .947 save percentage. The team went on to lose the first round to the Philadelphia Flyers 4 games to 2.

2021–present

Stanley Cup Final run

With the pandemic still raging, the NHL temporarily arranged that all teams would play exclusively within realigned divisions for the 2020–21 season, with all Canadian teams playing in the new North Division. Price began the season well, but subsequently struggled. On April 19, 2021, Price sustained a concussion after a collision with Alex Chiasson of the Edmonton Oilers. As part of his return to the ice, he played a game with the Canadiens' AHL affiliate the Laval Rocket on May 17. The Canadiens managed to qualify to the playoffs as the final seed, a result which was widely attributed to the performance of Price's new backup goaltender, Jake Allen in the period when Price was absent.

Price would, however, return to form in the playoffs, as the Canadiens advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final in 28 years and the first in his career. The Canadiens beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games by overcoming a 3-1 series deficit in round 1, then swept the Winnipeg Jets in round 2, and finally defeated the Vegas Golden Knights four games to two in the semifinals to win the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl. Price was widely cited as the most important player in the Canadiens' deep run to the Final. When asked about the difference between Price's regular and post-season performances in recent years, Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin remarked "I guess the expression we could use he’s a big-game player. He rises to the occasion. He does extremely well under pressure."

In the first round against the Maple Leafs, Price made a notorious stick save on Jason Spezza in the Canadiens' Game 3 loss, then made 41 saves in their Game 6 overtime win, and finally stopped 30 shots in their clinching Game 7 victory. He then had a 30 save shutout against the Jets in Game 2 of the second round, and later a 43 save performance against the Golden Knights in Game 3 of the semifinals which the Canadiens won in overtime. Afterwards, Price made 37 saves in Game 6 against the Golden Knights, including two big ones in overtime, the first one against former teammate Max Pacioretty and then the second against Alec Martinez, which led to Artturi Lehkonen scoring the series winner moments later when the puck ricocheted off Price back into play.

In the Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Price and the Canadiens lost the first three games, but won Game 4 in overtime to avoid getting swept. Price made 32 saves in the win and then 29 saves in Game 5, which the Canadiens lost 1-0 as the Lightning won their second-consecutive Stanley Cup title.

Expansion Draft

With the arrival of the Seattle Kraken as the League's thirty-second team, the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft was scheduled. As each team was only allowed to protect one goaltender and Price had a contractual guarantee of protection in such situations, it was widely assumed that the Kraken would select Price's backup Allen on the basis of his strong performance in the previous season and economical contract. In a major surprise, Price proposed to waive his no movement clause so the Canadiens could instead protect Allen, with Price and General Manager Bergevin's calculation being that the Kraken would not want to take up Price's contract due to its cap hit and duration.

Ultimately, the Kraken declined the opportunity to select Price, opting instead for younger goaltenders with cheaper contracts. Seattle selected defenceman Cale Fleury from Montreal.The Athletic remarked afterward that "now that Seattle has taken a pass, the reality that Price will play his entire career in a Canadiens uniform seems impossible to refute."

Leave of absence

Price underwent knee surgery in July of 2021, and was initially expected to be ready to begin the season on October 13 However, on October 7 it was announced that he was entering the NHL's player assistance program to deal with unspecified mental health issues. His wife Angela released a statement saying "part of the privilege of being in the position our family is in, is that we also get a public platform to show how there is and can be a path for anyone who is struggling." The Canadiens stated that Price would be absent for at least a month.

International play

Price made his international debut for Canada at the 2005 IIHF World U18 Championships in the Czech Republic. He appeared in four games, earning a silver medal as Team Canada was defeated by the United States 5–1 in the gold medal game. Two years later, in his final year of major junior, Price was named to Team Canada for the 2007 World Junior Championships in Sweden. He led Team Canada to a third consecutive gold medal and was named Tournament MVP and Top Goaltender after going 6–0 with two shutouts, a 1.14 GAA and .961 save percentage. He was also named to the Tournament All-Star Team along with teammates Jonathan Toews and Kris Letang. He led the 2005 IIHF world U18 Championships in save percentage and wins. Price sold his U18 Championship helmet for charity.

On January 7, 2014, Price was named to the 2014 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team along with goaltenders Mike Smith of the Phoenix Coyotes and Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks. Price, along with close friend and teammate P. K. Subban, became the first Montreal Canadiens players to be selected for Team Canada since Mark Recchi in the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Soon after arriving in Sochi, it was announced that Price would start in Canada's first game of the tournament against Norway. Price had a strong debut, stopping 18 of 19 shots against Norway in a 3–1 Canadian win. Price's strong play continued, allowing only a single goal in a 2–1 victory against Finland in the round-robin tournament. In Canada's quarter-final game, Price backstopped Canada over Latvia 2–1. On February 21, 2014, Price played a pivotal role in a 1–0 victory against Team USA in the semifinals. Price stopped all 31 shots and shutout Team USA, powering Team Canada into the gold medal game against Sweden. In his second consecutive shutout of the Olympics, Price made 24 saves in a 3–0 victory and won his first gold medal as an Olympian. Price ended the tournament undefeated in five games with a 0.59 GAA and .971 save percentage, and was named the tournament's best goaltender by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

Playing style

Like many modern goaltenders, Price uses the "butterfly hybrid" technique, a mix of "stand-up" and "butterfly style" goaltending. Elements of the butterfly style, were first used by Glenn Hall in the mid 1950s. Tony Esposito used it in the late 1960s, and it was later popularized and adapted to its current hybrid form by Patrick Roy in the mid 1980s. Using this style, Price will stay on his feet for high shots, and drop to his knees, pointing his skates outwards with his pads covering the bottom width of the net. He is also known for his quick reflexes which are considered to be some of his best attributes as a goaltender. He can read the play very well and has very good reaction time. He is noted for his calm demeanor on the ice that allows him to remain focused and rarely appears rattled or upset in the net. Price is considered by the Canadiens' management and coaches to be one of the leaders of the team and is present during meetings with the team's captain and alternate captains.

Philanthropy

In 2015, Price teamed up with CCM to donate $10,000 worth of equipment to a minor hockey league in Williams Lake, B.C. Additionally, Price funds a breakfast program at his old school in Anahim Lake, B.C.

During the 2019 NHL Awards, Price, together with model Camille Kostek, presented Canadien hockey fan Anderson Whitehead the Feel Good Moment Award. Whitehead's mother always wanted her son to meet the goaltender, but was not able to arrange it before she died from cancer in November 2018.

Personal life

Price, who is of Ulkatcho First Nation descent through his mother, was named as an honorary co-chair at the 2010 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships that were held in Ottawa, Ontario, in May 2010. Price is of the Nuxalk and Southern Carrier Aboriginal heritage. Price is very proud to be of the descent from the line of chiefs and leaders including his mother, Lynda.

Price grew up in Anahim Lake, B.C., which is a predominately aboriginal community He is extremely proud of his Indigenous heritage. He gave a speech to young people encouraging them to be who they are and proud of their roots.

Price is also very active in teaching younger athletes valuable lessons regarding hockey. Price mentors fellow William Lakes goaltender Cody Call. Call states that Price has been a great influence in his young hockey career.

Awards

Multiple honours

Molson Cup for Montreal Canadiens: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019

NHL All-Star Game: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

2007

IIHF World U20 Championship Gold Medal (2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships)

Tournament MVP (2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships)

WHL West First All-Star Team for 2006–07 WHL season

Del Wilson Trophy (WHL Top Goaltender)

CHL Goaltender of the Year Award

Calder Cup with the Hamilton Bulldogs

Jack A. Butterfield Trophy (Calder Cup MVP)

2008

NHL Rookie of the Month, March 2008

NHL All-Rookie Team for 2007–08 NHL season

2009

NHL YoungStars Game at 2009 NHL All-Star Game

2014

Olympic gold medal in Men's Hockey at 2014 Sochi Olympics

Best Goaltender at 2014 Sochi Olympics (voted by IIHF)

2015

William M. Jennings Trophy (fewest goals allowed), (shared with Corey Crawford of the Chicago Blackhawks)

Vezina Trophy (best goaltender)

Ted Lindsay Award (most valuable player, voted by NHL Players Association)

Hart Memorial Trophy (most valuable player, voted by Professional Hockey Writer's Association)

NHL First All-Star Team (voted by Professional Hockey Writer's Association)

Lou Marsh Trophy (Canada's Top Athlete voted by a panel of journalists)

Lionel Conacher Award (selected by sports writers of the Canadian Press)

2016

Indspire Award (Sports)

2016 World Cup of Hockey Gold medal

Chandro Tomar

"Shooter Dadi"

Chandro Tomar (10 January 1932 – 30 April 2021)was an Indian sportswoman who defied age, gender norms, and social barriers to become an internationally acclaimed sharpshooter. Her story is one of the most remarkable in Indian sports history.

1. Early Life and Background

Birth: 1931 in Johri village, Uttar Pradesh.
Family & Community: She belonged to the Valmiki (Balmiki) community, a Scheduled Caste (SC). She was married into a family of farmers in the village of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.
Life Before Shooting: She lived a traditional life as a homemaker and grandmother, with no prior exposure to sports.

2. The Unlikely Beginning: How It All Started

The turning point came in 1999, when she was in her late 60s.

Accidental Discovery: She accompanied her granddaughter, Shefali Tomar, to the Johri Rifle Club for shooting practice. Out of curiosity, she picked up a pistol and fired a shot.
Natural Talent: To everyone's astonishment, especially the coach, Dr. Rajpal Singh, she hit the bullseye on her very first attempt. Recognizing her innate talent, the coach encouraged her to train formally.

3. Career and Achievements

Despite starting in her 60s, Chandro Tomar built an impressive competitive record.

Nickname: "Shooter Dadi" (Shooter Granny) and "Revolver Dadi."
Discipline: 10m Air Pistol.
Key Achievements:
- Won over 25 national and state-level championships in the veteran category.
- Won her first gold medal at the Veteran Shooting Championship in Chennai.
- Represented India at international veterans' shooting championships.
- Along with her sister-in-law Prakashi Tomar (also a champion shooter), she became the oldest female sharpshooter in India.

4. The Larger Impact and Symbolism

Chandro Tomar's true legacy lies beyond medals. She became a global symbol of empowerment and breaking stereotypes.

Defied Ageism: Proved that passion and skill have no age limit.
Challenged Gender Norms: Inspired women, especially in rural and conservative settings, to pursue their dreams outside traditional roles.
Broke Caste Barriers: As an elderly woman from a marginalized Dalit community, her success in an elite, precision sport challenged deep-seated social hierarchies.
Family of Shooters: She ignited a shooting revolution in her family. Her granddaughter Shefali became a national-level shooter, and over 30 female relatives from her village took up the sport because of her.

5. Public Recognition and Portrayal

Film: Her life story, along with Prakashi Tomar's, was the inspiration for the 2019 Bollywood film "Saand Ki Aankh," starring Bhumi Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu.
Documentaries & Media: Featured in numerous national and international documentaries, news features, and talk shows, including BBC and The Guardian.
Awards: Honored with several awards for her contribution to sports and women's empowerment.

6. Later Life and Death

Active Till the End: She remained an active ambassador for sports and women's rights well into her 80s.
Death: She passed away on April 30, 2021, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, due to COVID-19 complications. Her death was mourned nationwide as the loss of a true icon.

7. Legacy

Chandro Tomar's story is a timeless lesson in courage and transformation. She demonstrated that talent can bloom anywhere, at any time, if given a chance. She transformed the Johri Rifle Club into a hub for young girls, particularly from her village, and her life continues to inspire millions to challenge societal limitations.

In short, Chandro Tomar was not just a shooter; she was a revolutionary who used a pistol to shatter glass ceilings and rigid social structures, becoming an everlasting icon of hope and defiance.

Chinnaswamy Muniyappa

1. Introduction & Significance

Chinnaswamy Muniyappa, commonly known as C. Muniyappa, is an Indian professional golfer best known for his stunning victory at the 2009 Indian Open, one of Asia's most prestigious golf tournaments. His story is iconic not for his trophy count, but for his extraordinary rise from poverty and hardship—from being a caddie and vegetable vendor to a national champion.

2. Early Life & Background: A Story of Extreme Hardship

Birth & Origin: Born on July 15, 1977, in Karnambadi, a small village near Mysore, Karnataka.
Family & Socioeconomic Status: He hails from a family of landless agricultural laborers who lived in acute poverty. His parents, Muniyappa and Chikkamma, worked as daily wage laborers and vegetable vendors.
Childhood Struggles: To support his family, he started working at a very young age. One of his first jobs was selling vegetables with his mother in Mysore, often walking barefoot for miles. He had no formal education and is illiterate.
Introduction to Golf: At age 12, he followed his uncle to the Mysore Golf Club, where he started as a caddie, earning ₹ 5-10 per day. This is where he first saw golf and began teaching himself by watching players and occasionally hitting discarded balls with a broken club.

3. The Grueling Path to Professional Golf

Muniyappa's journey to becoming a pro golfer was paved with immense struggle, unlike most golfers who come from privileged backgrounds.

Self-Taught Golfer: He never had a formal coach in his early years. He learned by observing, practicing with borrowed or found equipment, and developing a unique, self-made swing.
Breaking In: His raw talent was noticed by a few members at the Mysore Golf Club. With some sporadic support, he began playing in local caddie tournaments.
Turning Professional: He earned his professional tour card in 2006 at the age of 29, a relatively late start, after years of financial and social barriers.

4. Career Highlights & The Pinnacle: 2009 Indian Open

The Historic Win (2009): His crowning achievement came at the Indian Open, held at the Classic Golf Resort in Gurgaon. As a 300-to-1 underdog, he held his nerve against top Asian Tour professionals to win the title. The victory earned him $450,000—a life-changing sum.
Reaction to Victory: The moment was emotional and symbolic. He famously said, "I used to earn ₹ 20 a day, and now I have won ₹ 2 crore. I can't believe this is happening to me." His victory was celebrated as a triumph of human spirit.
Other Notable Performances:
- Won the 2010 Tamil Nadu PGA Championship.
- Had several top-10 finishes on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and Asian Tour.
- Represented India in international team events.

5. Playing Style & Challenges

Unique Swing: Known for an unorthodox, self-taught swing that coaches described as "natural" but effective. He had immense hand-eye coordination and feel, compensating for a lack of technical schooling.
Later Career Challenges: After his big win, he struggled with consistency and injuries. The pressure of expectations and the difficulty of adapting his game at a higher level with limited foundational coaching posed ongoing challenges. He has remained a competitive figure on the PGTI circuit.

6. Personal Life & Legacy

Family: He is married and has children. He used his winnings to build a house for his family in his village, the first permanent home they ever owned.
Symbolism: Muniyappa is a powerful symbol of hope and possibility in Indian sports. His story is frequently cited to highlight how talent can emerge from the most unlikely circumstances and to critique the often elitist nature of golf.
Inspiration: He inspired a generation of caddies and young golfers from poor backgrounds, proving that the sport is not exclusively for the wealthy.
Awards & Recognition: Received the Ekalavya Award (Karnataka's highest sporting honor) in 2010.

7. Socioeconomic Context (Addressing Caste & Class)

Economic Background: Universally documented as coming from a severely economically disadvantaged, "low-class" background.
Caste Identity: His specific caste has never been a part of his public narrative. Media and sports reports exclusively focus on his economic poverty, not his caste. Therefore, while he is definitively from a disadvantaged class, any assertion about his caste (including Dalit status) would be speculative without his own confirmation. His story is framed as one of class struggle, not caste identity.

Key Takeaways:

Ultimate Underdog: Chinnaswamy Muniyappa's life is one of the most dramatic rise-from-poverty stories in world golf.
Self-Made Talent: A testament to raw, natural talent and relentless determination, overcoming a complete lack of resources, education, or early coaching.
Cultural Icon: His 2009 Indian Open victory is folklore in Indian golf, a moment where the sport's elitist barriers were visibly broken.
Enduring Struggle: His career also highlights the difficulties of sustaining success when the foundational support systems (financial, coaching, nutritional) were absent for most of his life.

In summary, C. Muniyappa is more than a golfer; he is an enduring symbol of resilience, proving that greatness can emerge from the most unforgiving circumstances. His legacy is firmly rooted in his socioeconomic journey, making him a perennial inspiration.

Chandan Biswas

Chandan Biswas is an accomplished Indian track cyclist from West Bengal, known for his speed and endurance in sprint and keirin events. Born in 1993 in Kolkata, he has emerged as one of India's promising talents in the sport, representing the nation at international levels while dominating domestic competitions. Standing at approximately 1.75m (5'9") and weighing around 75kg, Biswas combines explosive power with tactical acumen, making him a formidable competitor in high-stakes races. He trains at the National Cycling Academy in Bangalore under the guidance of coaches from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and is affiliated with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI).

Early Life and Background

Origins: Hailing from a modest family in West Bengal, Biswas developed an interest in cycling during his school days in Kolkata. He comes from the Namasudra community, a Scheduled Caste (SC) group historically involved in fishing and agriculture, which has benefited from India's reservation policies to support athletes from underrepresented backgrounds.

Entry into Sports: Biswas started cycling casually before joining local clubs. His breakthrough came through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), a government initiative funding elite athletes. He balances training with occasional studies, though his primary focus is sports.

Career Highlights

Biswas's career trajectory has been marked by steady progression from junior to senior levels:

Domestic Success:

Multiple gold medals in the National Cycling Championships, including the men's sprint (2015, 2017) and keirin (2018).

Champion at the East Zone Championships and winner of the All India Police Cycling Meet.

International Debut and Achievements:

Represented India at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, competing in the men's keirin (finished 7th in heat) and sprint events, gaining valuable experience against global elites.

Participated in the Asian Cycling Championships (2017 in New Delhi, 2019 in Indonesia), where he reached the quarterfinals in sprint and contributed to team pursuits.

Competed at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, part of the Indian track squad.

Medaled at the South Asian Games (2016, silver in team sprint).

Recent Developments: As of 2025, Biswas has been active in UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Track Cycling Cup events, including the 2024 Bangkok leg. He qualified for the 2023 Asian Championships and is preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. His personal best times include 10.45 seconds in the 200m flying lap and 34.2 seconds in the 1km time trial.

Playing Style and Strengths

Specialties: Elite sprinter excelling in keirin (a race with a motorized pace bike) and match sprint events. His explosive starts and bike-handling skills in tight packs are his hallmarks.

Weaknesses: Less dominant in endurance-based road races, focusing primarily on track.

Equipment: Rides a custom track bike from British manufacturer Reynolds, with Shimano Dura-Ace components, optimized for velodrome conditions.

Personal Life

Family: Little is publicly known about his family, but he credits his parents for support. He is unmarried as of 2025.

Interests: Outside cycling, Biswas enjoys Bengali literature, street food from Kolkata, and mentoring young cyclists in West Bengal academies.

Social Media: Active on Instagram (@chandanbiswascycle) with ~15k followers, sharing training clips and motivational posts.

Awards and Recognition

YearAward/EventAchievement2015 National Cycling Championship Gold - Men's Sprint

2016 South Asian Games Silver - Team Sprint

2017 Asian Cycling Championships Quarterfinalist - Sprint

2018 Commonwealth Games Participant - Keirin & Sprint

2019 Arjuna Award (Nominated) Recognition for consistent performance

2023 TOPS Scholarship Extended funding for Olympic prep

Challenges and Future Prospects

Biswas has overcome hurdles like limited funding in Indian cycling and injuries (e.g., a minor shoulder strain in 2020). With India's push for Olympic medals in cycling, he is a contender for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Experts predict he could medal in Asian-level sprints if he refines his tactical positioning.

Chitra Magimairaj

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chitra Magimairaj

Born 7 April 1973

India

Sport country India

Nickname Sports

Highest ranking World ranking 10

Medal record

Women's snooker

Representing India

World Women's Senior Snooker Championship

Individual competition 2014

Individual competition 2016

Chitra Magimairaj (born 7 April 1973, Bangalore), is an Indian professional player of snooker, English billiards, and pool. She is a two-time World Ladies Billiards and Snooker Association World Champion (2006, 2007), a two-time national pool champion, and more recently the World Women's Senior Snooker Championship (2014). She has also been a national-class amateur cricket and field hockey player.

Her highest breaks are 91 at snooker and 49 at English billiards.

Early life

Born in Bangalore, India, Magimairaj was educated at St. Anne's Girls High School, and graduated from Teresian College, Mysore. She started playing cricket and field hockey at a young age.

Career

On 22 April 2014, Magimairaj won the World Women's Senior Snooker Championship, after defeating Alena Asmolava of Belarus, in Leeds, UK.

Magimairaj was the first Indian woman cueist to win a medal in Asian Games and Asian Indoor Games, the First Indian woman to have won two World Billiards Championships (women's division) titles (in 2006 and 2007) and the first Indian to win an Australian Open Women's Snooker Championship (2008).[citation needed]

Inn 2007 she received a Kempegowda Award and an Ekalavya Award.

Other sports

Magimairaj played cricket for Falcon Sports Club under Shanta Rangaswamy, and represented Karnataka, which won the South Zone Cricket Championship in the year 1989.

She played field hockey for Sports Hostel Mysore for seven years, and represented Karnataka in sub-junior, junior, and senior nationals, the All-India Inter-University Invitation Cup, and the South Zone Championship.

Titles and achievements

English billiards

OutcomeNo.YearChampionshipOpponentScoreRef.

Winner 1 2006 World Ladies Billiards Championship Emma Bonney 193–164

Winner 2 2007 World Ladies Billiards Championship Emma Bonney 187–148

Runner-up 3 2009 World Ladies Billiards Championship Emma Bonney 118–272

Runner-up 4 2010 World Ladies Billiards Championship Emma Bonney 220–269

Runner-up 5 2013 Indian National Billiards Championship

Snooker

OutcomeNo.YearChampionshipOpponentScoreRef.

Winner 1 2008 Australian Open Snooker Championship

Runner-up 2 2009 Australian Open Snooker Championship

Winner 3 2011 Indian National Six-red Snooker Championship

Winner 4 2012 Indian National Snooker Championship

Runner-up 5 2013 Indian National Snooker Championship

Pool

OutcomeNo.YearChampionshipOpponentScoreRef.

Winner 1 2006 Indian National Eight-ball Pool Championship

Winner 2 2007 Indian National Nine-ball Pool Championship

Chitra Kulathummuriyil Soman

Chitra Kulathummuriyil Soman (born 10 July 1983) was born in Kottayam , Kerala. Her father is from Kottayam and her mother is from kanjirappally, [kerala]]. She is an Indian sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres. Soman finished seventh in 4 x 400 metres relay at the 2004 Summer Olympics, together with teammates Satti Geetha, K. M. Beenamol and Rajwinder Kaur. This team, only with Manjeet Kaur running instead of Geetha, had set a national record of 3:26.89 minutes in the heat. Soman also ran for the Indian team who won a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. In 2007, Chitra Soman won gold medal in 400m race at Asian Grand Prix series held at Guwahati on 23 June 2007 and at Puen held on 27 June 2007. She also led Indian women 4 × 400 m relay team to Gold in Asian Athletics Championship held at Amman in July 2007. In 2008, Chitra again showed her class by leading another win for Indian women 4 × 400 m relay team in 3rd Asian Indoor Championship in Athletics held in Doha in Feb 2008.(From Wikipedia)

Her personal best time in 400 m is 51.30 seconds, achieved in June 2004 in Chennai.she got married 2011 and he is from punjab.

Cael Sanderson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cael Sanderson

College Iowa State University

NCAA championships 12 (4 competing, 8 coaching)

Olympic team United States of America

Olympic medal Gold

Status Head Coach for Penn State Nittany Lions Wrestling

Cael Norman Sanderson (/ˈkeɪl/ KAYL; born June 20, 1979) is an American former folkstyle and freestyle wrestler who is the current head coach of Penn State University's wrestling team. As a wrestler, he won an Olympic Gold medal and was undefeated in four years of college wrestling at Iowa State University (ISU) (159–0), becoming a four-time NCAA Division I champion (1999–2002). He is the only wrestler in NCAA Division I history to go undefeated in official matches with more than 100 wins. Sports Illustrated named his college career as the second most impressive college sports feat behind the setting of four world records by Jesse Owens in a single hour at the 1935 Big Ten track and field conference championship meet.

Early life

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Steve and Debbie Sanderson, Cael attended Wasatch High School in Heber City, Utah, where he was coached by his father, a former wrestler at the Brigham Young University. As a high school wrestler, Sanderson was a four-time UHSAA state champion (1994–97), like his brother Cody, and compiled a record of 127 wins and 3 losses.

Wrestling career

College

Upon graduation, Sanderson followed his brothers, Cody and Cole, to ISU. After redshirting in 1997-98, Sanderson won all 39 of his matches to his first NCAA and Big 12 Conference titles at 184 pounds (his brother, Cody, was the runner-up at 133 pounds). He was also the first freshman in NCAA history to be named the Outstanding Wrestler (OW) at Nationals. His next three seasons were virtually identical, compiling 40 wins and no losses in each and finishing with the only perfect record in NCAA Division I history at 159-0. By winning all of his matches, he became only the second wrestler in history to that point to win four NCAA Division I titles. He was also named the OW in all of the NCAA tournaments he competed in.

Sanderson was a three-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner (equivalent to the Heisman Trophy), being the first to win the award multiple times and the only person to win it three times. He holds the longest win-streak across all NCAA divisions. All of this combined, makes him the most accomplished collegiate wrestler in the history of the sport.

In 2017, Sanderson was inducted into the ISU Hall of Fame.

Freestyle

Sanderson was a two-time US Cadet World Team Member, placing third and fourth in 1994 and 1995, respectively. He was also a US University National Champion in 1999 and a University World Champion in 2000.

He became the US National Champion in 2001, 2002 and 2003. He was also an original US World Team Member in 2001 and 2002, however, he chose not to participate at the 01' World Championships to focus in folkstyle, and the USA team chose to not compete in 2002.

In 2003, he won the Manitoba Open in Canada in February, placed second at the World Cup in April, third at the 2003 Pan American Games and second at the World Championships. In 2004, he once again claimed the Manitoba Open title and won the US Olympic Team Trials.

At the 2004 Summer Olympics, Sanderson claimed wins over Magomed Kurugliyev, Siarhei Borchanka, Majid Khodaei, Yoel Romero and Moon Eui-jae to become an Olympic Gold medalist in Athens, Greece.

While already a full-time coach at Penn State, Sanderson came out of retirement in 2011 and took home an Ion Corneanu Memorial title, won the US World Team Trials and placed fifth at the World Championships.

Coaching career

Iowa State

Sanderson began his coaching career with the season ending in 2004 as a special assistant for the wrestling team at ISU. After short stints in associate head coaching positions, he became the head coach for the season ending in 2007. In three seasons, Sanderson led ISU's wrestling team to NCAA Division I national placements of second, fifth, and third. He also coached his wrestlers to two individual NCAA Division I national titles.

Penn State

Before the 2010 season ended, Sanderson became the head coach of Penn State's wrestling team. As of 2019, Sanderson's Penn State teams have won eight NCAA Division I team titles. During that time, he also coached his wrestlers to 23 individual Division I titles.Awards and honors

2011

Ion Corneanu Memorial2004

Summer Olympics

Manitoba Open

John Smith Award as the Freestyle Wrestler of the Year2003

World Wrestling Championships

Pan American Games

Manitoba Open

John Smith Award as the Freestyle Wrestler of the Year2002

Best Male College Athlete ESPY Award

Dan Hodge Trophy winner

NCAA Division I Championships Outstanding Wrestler

NCAA Division I

Big 12 Conference2001

Dan Hodge Trophy winner

NCAA Division I Championships Outstanding Wrestler

NCAA Division I

Big 12 Conference2000

Dan Hodge Trophy winner

NCAA Division I Championships Outstanding Wrestler

NCAA Division I

Big 12 Conference1999

NCAA Division I Championships Outstanding Wrestler

NCAA Division I

Big 12 Conference

Other honors

Iowa Sports Hall of Fame inductee

Wheaties cereal box appearance

Corey Perry

Why He’s Untouchable: Great scoring winger with a big multi-year contract

Corey Perry Bio

Born: 16 May 1985, Haileybury, Temiskaming Shores, Canada

Perry combines a 6-foot-3 frame with a long reach and powerful skating stride to get past defenders. But the Peterborough, Ontario, native is also one of the NHL's biggest agitators; he has gotten under the skin of rivals by doing things such as spraying water in opponents' gloves and grabbing their sticks.

However, Perry, selected by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the first round (No. 28) of the 2003 NHL Draft, also became one of the best goal-scorers of his generation. He became the third player from his draft class to reach 300 goals when he scored against the Edmonton Oilers on Nov. 11, 2015. Perry then scored No. 301 two nights later to move past Paul Kariya into second place in Anaheim history, behind Teemu Selanne.

At age 20, Perry began his NHL career in 2005-06 with at least one point in each of his first four games, including his first goal Oct. 10, 2005. He was later demoted to the minors for six weeks but returned to the NHL to stay in January 2006 and finished the season by scoring 12 goals and 19 points in Anaheim's last 41 games. He also played in 11 of the Ducks' 16 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and had three assists.

Perry played all 82 games in 2006-07, bumping up his offensive totals to 17 goals and 44 points, then played a key role in the Ducks' run to the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. He tied for second on the team with 15 points, and the last of his six playoff goals capped Anaheim's Cup-clinching 6-2 win against the Ottawa Senators in Game 5 of the Final.

Perry played in his first NHL All-Star Game in 2008-09. He led the Ducks in goals and finished second on the team in scoring in 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10. Perry led the NHL with 50 goals in 2010-11, when he finished third with 98 points and was voted winner of the Hart Trophy as the League's most valuable player.

Perry was second in the NHL in 2013-14 with 43 goals, beginning a streak of three seasons in which he finished in the top 10.

He had knee surgery in September 2018 and was limited to 31 games in 2018-19, the last of his 14 seasons with Anaheim. Perry signed with the Dallas Stars as a free agent July 1, 2019. He played his 1,000th NHL game Nov. 13, 2019, but scored just five goals and 21 points in 57 games. However, his scoring touch returned during the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning, when he scored three goals. However, Perry and the Stars would lose that series in six games.

After the season he signed one-year, $750,000 contract with the Montreal Canadiens.

With the Canadiens, Perry scored 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 49 regular-season games. He then scored 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 22 playoff games to help Montreal advance to the Cup Final for the first time since 1993. But for the second season in a row, Perry fell short at the hands of the Lightning, this time losing in five games.

On July 29, 2021, Perry decided to join the team he had lost to the previous two seasons, signing a two-year, $2 million contract with Tampa Bay.

Perry also has had plenty of international success. He was a member of Canada's gold medal-winning Olympic teams in 2010 and 2014, and he helped Canada win the 2016 IIHF World Championship. Perry also played on Canada's gold medal-winning team at the 2005 World Junior Championship and helped London of the Ontario Hockey League win the Memorial Cup that year.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

OHL First All-Star Team (2004, 2005)

Canadian Major Junior Second All-Star Team (2004)

Canadian Major Junior First All-Star Team (2005)

OHL Playoff MVP (2005)

NHL First All-Star Team (2011, 2014)

Played in NHL All-Star Game (2008, 2011, 2012, 2016)

Signed as a free agent by Dallas, July 1, 2019.

Signed as a free agent by Montreal, December 28, 2020.

Signed as a free agent by Tampa Bay, July 29, 2021.

Chetan Anand

Wikipedia

Chetan Anand

XIX Commonwealth Games-2010 Delhi Badminton (Men’s Single) Chetan Anand of India in an action against Snider of Canada, at Sirifort Sports Complex, in New Delhi on 7 October 2010.

Personal information

Country India

Born 8 July 1980 (age 40)

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)

Weight 162 lb (73 kg)

Handedness Right

Coach S. M. Arif

Men's singles

Highest ranking 10 (February 2009)

Men's badminton

Representing India

2010 New Delhi Mixed team

2006 Melbourne Men's singles

2006 Melbourne Mixed team

2004 Islamabad Men's singles

2004 Islamabad Men's team

2006 Colombo Men's singles

2006 Colombo Men's team

2010 Dhaka Men's singles

2010 Dhaka Men's team

2010 Dhaka Men's doubles

BWF profile

Chetan Anand Buradagunta (born 8 July 1980) is a badminton player from India. Anand was a four time national champion in 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2010, also three times South Asian Games men's singles champion in 2004, 2006 and 2010. He has a career best world ranking of world no 10. His ranking has dropped to 54 since October 2010 due to his ankle injury. He is also the recipient of the Indian Arjuna Award in 2006.

Badminton career

Anand started his badminton career in 1992 at the Mini Nationals in Mumbai. He was successful in doubles in his early badminton career, pairing with A. Prithvi, winning 12 year and 15 years age groups. He reached his first open nationals singles final in Kerala at age fifteen, but failed to win the title and was runner-up though he won the doubles pairing with A. Prithvi. Later, Prakash Padukone sent him to the World Academy camp in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he made significant improvements to his game. Anand won the first singles title of his career at Chennai in a Junior major ranking tournament. The same year he made his mark in the senior category as well, reaching the semi-finals in all of the senior ranking tournaments, and reaching the top eight in the country. He became the Junior National Champion in 1999. In 2001, he won his first Asian Satellite tournament in Bangalore which marked his beginning in seniors. Later he won more than 15 major ranking tournaments in India.

Anand became the national badminton champion for first time in 2004 after faltering in the finals in 2002 and 2003 to Abhinn Shyam Gupta. He also won the Toulouse Open in France in 2004, recovering from a back injury during the summer 2004. In 2005 he won Irish and Scottish open badminton tournaments in Ireland and Scotland. In 2008 he won his first Grand Prix title at the Bitburger Open. He was also the Runner-up in Dutch Grand Prix in 2008 and followed them with a couple of quarterfinal appearances. He touched his career best world ranking 10 in 2009 February. In 2009, he won the Dutch Open Grand Prix which he lost in the finals in 2008. He also won the Jaypee Syed Modi Memorial Grand Prix at Lucknow in December 2009.

Personal life

Anand was born to Harshavardhan and Suguna in Vijayawada, India and has a younger brother Sandeep Anand. Anand's father Harshavardhan had formerly been an annual participant in the Inter-state Lecturer's Tournaments. Anand also took a personal interest in badminton, and he started playing with his father. He did his schooling at Veeramachineni Paddayya Siddhartha public school and bachelors in engineering in Mechanical Manufacturing from the Potluri V Prasad Siddhartha Institute of Technology in Vijayawada. On 17 July 2005, Anand married fellow badminton player Jwala Gutta. And they got divorced in 2010. Chetan got married again to Sarada Govardhini Jasti in October 2012 and has two daughters. He is employed by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. He was signed as first Brand Ambassador for promoting Li Ning Sporting goods in India in 2009.

Dharmalingam Kannan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dharmalingam KannanPersonal information

Date of birth 8 July 1936

Place of birth Secunderabad, India

Date of death 19 May 2006 (aged 69)

Place of death Hyderabad, India

Position(s) Centre forward

National team

– India

Dharmalingam Kannan (8 July 1936 – 19 May 2006) was an Indian footballer. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics.

Kannan played for Hyderabad from 1956 to 1958 and Bengal from 1959. He represented India in the 1958 Asian Games. He was employed with the Vehicle Depot, Secunderabad but moved to East Bengal

Deep Grace Ekka

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Deep Grace Ekka

Personal information

Born 3 June 1994

Odisha, India

Height 1.58 m (5 ft 2 in)

Weight 63 kg (139 lb)

Playing position Defender

Club information

Current club SAI-SAG Centre

National team

Years Team Apps (Gls)

India 181 (13)

Women's field hockey

Representing India

IPC World Championships

2018 Jakarta Team

2014 Incheon Team

Asian Cup

2017 Gifu Team

Deep Grace Ekka (born 3 June 1994) is an Indian female field hockey player. She plays for the Indian Women's Hockey Team.

Early life

Deep Grace Ekka was born on 3 June 1994 in a small village called Lulkidhi in the Sundergarh district of Odisha. She is the daughter of Charles and Jayamani Ekka.

She started playing hockey in school and was coached by Tej Kumar Xess (2005–06). During a round of hockey selections at her school, she was selected to join the SAI-SAG centre of the Sports Authority of India in September 2007 and started playing at state level at the age of 13. She began to be coached by Lucela Ekka and Saroj Mohanty.At the age of 16, she played at the senior nationals in Sonepat.

In 2011, she played at the National Games in Ranchi. She was also selected for the Junior National Camp and travelled to Bangkok for the Junior Asia Cup.

She started as a defender but her desire was to become a goalkeeper as her brother and she used to play sometimes but her uncle who was her coach didn't allow her to pursue or practise as a goalkeeper so having no choice she became defender.

Career

She has 150 international caps and has scored 3 international goals.

International

She doubles up drag flicker defending and winning performances at the 9th women Asia cup in japan last year.

Indian Hockey second match at Gold Coast 2018 against Malaysia in Commonwealth Games completed 150 international cabs.

Made her international debut in the Four-Nation Tournament in Argentina in 2011 in which India won Bronze medal.

Helped India win the bronze medal in the U-18 Girls` Asia Cup Hockey Championship at Bangkok, Thailand in 2011.

Represented Indian senior women`s team in the FIH World League (Round 2) held at New Delhi from 18 to 24 February 2013.

She was a part of the Indian team that made history by winning the bronze medal for the first time in Women Junior Hockey World Cup at Monchengladbach in Germany on 4 July 2013.

She was part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal in the Women's Hockey Asia Cup in 2013.

She was part of the senior Indian team that won the silver medal in the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in 2013.

She was a member of the Indian team that won the women's hockey test series 6–0 against Malaysia held at Kualalumpur from 9 to 17 June 2014.

She was part of the Indian women team that finished fifth in the 20th Commonwealth Games, held in Glasgow from 23 July to 3 August 2014.

She was a member of the Indian women hockey team that won the bronze medal in the 17th Asian Games at Incheon (South Korea) on 1 October 2014.

She was a member of the Indian women team that finished seventh in the Hawkes Bay Cup Tournament, held at Hastings in New Zealand from 11 to 19 April 2015.

She was part of the Indian team that won the FIH World League Round 2 in New Delhi in 2015.

She was a member of Indian women hockey team that won five matches, drew one and lost two on its South Africa tour, which took place from 20 February to 1 March 2016.

She was a member of the India team that finished sixth in the Hawkes Bay Cup Women Hockey Festival, held at Hasting in New Zealand from 2 to 10 April 2016.

Completed her 100th international cap in India's final group stage match against Australia on her 22nd birthday at the FourNation Women Tournament at Darwin in Australia on 3 June 2016.

She was selected for Rio Olympics 2016, Brazil.

National

Helped Odisha win the title in National School (U-17) Hockey Championship in 2009.

Helped Odisha finish runners-up in the Hockey event of the Women's National Sports Festival at Bhopal in 2010.

She was a member of the Odisha team that finished 3rd in the inaugural Hockey India Senior National Championship at Sonepat in 2011.

Represented Odisha in 34th National games at Ranchi (Jharkhand) in 2011.

Selected by Hockey India to join the Senior National Women coaching camp to be held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadiumin New Delhi from 27 December to 15 February 2011.

Deepa Malik

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Deepa Malik

Malik in 2016

Personal information

Full name Deepa Malik

Born 30 September 1970

Bhainswal, Haryana, India

Sport

Country India

Event(s) Shot Put, Javelin Throw, Discus Throw, Swimming & Motorcycling

Achievements and titles

Paralympic finals 2016 Rio de Janeiro

Representing India

Women's athletics

Paralympic Games

2016 Rio de Janeiro Shot put – F53

2011 Christchurch Shot put – F52-53

Asian Para Games

2010 Guangzhou Javelin Throw – F33-34-52-53

2014 Incheon Javelin Throw – F53-54

2018 Jakarta Discus Throw – F51-52-53

2018 Jakarta Javelin Throw – F53-54

Deepa Malik (born 30 September 1970) is an Indian athlete. She started her career at the age of 30. She is the first Indian woman to win a medal in Paralympic Games and won a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in shot put. She also won gold in the F-53/54 Javelin event at the para athletic Grand Prix held in Dubai in 2018. She is currently the world number one in the F-53 category. She has won accolades for her participation in various adventure sports. She is associated with Himalayan Motorsports Association (H.M.A.) and Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (F.M.S.C.I.). She has undertaken an 8-day, 1,700-km drive in sub-zero temperatures which included a climb to 18,000 feet (5,500 m). It was – Raid De Himalaya. This journey covers many difficult paths including remote Himalayas, Leh, Shimla and Jammu.

She is a member of the working group in the formulation 12th five-year plan (2012–2017) on sports and physical education as nominated by the Planning Commission HRD Division on behalf of the Sports Ministry. She is also the 'Clean India' brand ambassador for NMDC and expert consultant for Disability Inclusive Accessible Infrastructure for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs 'Smart Cities' project. In 2020, she was elected as President of the Paralympic Committee of India.

Achievements

Deepa Malik is the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics. She won the silver medal in the shot put in 2016 Paralympic Games. She was previously honored with the Arjuna award in 2012, at the age of 42 years. She has also been conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2017. She created a New Asian Record in Asian Para Games 2018 and is the only Indian woman to win medals in 3 consecutive Asian Para Games (2010, 2014, 2018). She has won 58 national & 23 International medals across all disciplines to date.

International participation and medals

Asian Para Games 2018, Jakarta 2018 | 2 Bronze Medals(3rd Position) - 1 Bronze F53/F54 Category (Javelin Throw), 1 Bronze F51/52/53 Category (Discus Throw)

Paralympic Games 2016, Rio 2016 | Silver Medal (2nd Position) - First Ever Indian Woman to win a Paralympic Medal (shot put)

IPC Athletics World Championship, Doha, Qatar 2015 | Diploma (5th Position) – (shot put)

IPC Oceania Asian Championship, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 2016 | 1 Gold (javelin), 1 Silver (shot put)

Won Incheon Asian Para Games 2014 – Silver medal in women's 53–54 Javelin with a new Asian Record and has now qualified to be at IPC World Athletics Championship Doha 2015 to be held in Oct 2015

IPC 2nd China Open Athletics Championship Beijing 10–17 April 2014– Shotput F53-55 Gold

German open athletics championship Berlin 2013 – IPC Qualification event – Only women from India to earn qualification for IPC world athletics championship Lyon 2013

IPC World Athletics Championship, Lyon 2013 – Diploma Position

First Malaysian Open Athletics Championship April 2012 – Two Gold Medals – (Javelin and discus) – New Official Asian Record In Javelin F-53 Women – Felicitated by Milkha Singh Ji and P.T.Usha Ji.

IWAS World Games Sharjah Dec-2011- Two Bronze Medals – Two New Asian Records

IPC World Athletics Championship Christchurch Jan 2011 – Silver Medal

IPC World Athletics Championship New Zealand 2011 – Only women para-athlete to qualify for the same *Commonwealth Games 2010 – Diploma Position – Shot Put

CP Sports Nottingham England Sep 2010 – Three Gold Medals – Shot-put, Discus, Javelin

IWAS World Games, India 2009– shot put- Bronze Medal

World Open Swimming Championship- Berlin 2008 – 10th Position S-5 Swimming Backstroke

IWAS World Games Taiwan- 2007 – Diploma Position – Javelin F53 Women

FESPIC Games Kuala Lumpur 2006 – 2ND Position S-5 Swimming Backstroke

Qualified B Level – Javelin Throw F-53 For Beijing Olympics 2008 – Felicitated By Mr. Kapil Dev

National and State level medals: 51 Gold, 5 Silver, 2 Bronze

International medals- 23

Motor sports

Deepa Malik was the first person ever to receive a license for an invalid (modified) rally vehicle, a case she consistently pursued for 19 months in Maharashtra. She is also the first physically challenged individual in the country to receive an official rally license from the Federation Motor Sports Club of India (FMSCI) and become a navigator and driver in the toughest car rallies of the country- Raid-de-HIMALAYA 2009 and Desert Storm 2010.

Malik participated in the grid and national anthem ceremony at the start of the 2013 Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit.

Her aim of joining motorsports is to spread awareness towards the fact that physically challenged individuals can obtain an official license and attain independence and self-reliance through driving. Deepa Malik has undertaken numerous rallies to promote this cause.

Awards and recognition

National awards

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Shri Award to Ms. Deepa Malik, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on March 30, 2017

President Role Model Award (2014)

Arjuna Award (2012)

Maharashtra Chhatrapati Award (sports) (2009–10)

Haryana Karambhoomi Award (2008)

Swawlamban Puruskar Maharashtra (2006)

Padma Shri Award (2017)

First Ladies Award - Ministry of Women & Child Development.

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2019)

Other awards

WCRC Leaders Asia Excellence Award 2014

Limca people of the year award 2014

iCONGO Karamveer Puruskar 2014

Amazing Indian Awards Times Now-2013

Cavinkare National Ability Mastery Award −2013

Karamaveer Chakra award 2013

Nominee for L'Oreal Femina Awards 2013 in “Women We Love Category”

Batra Positive Health Hero Award 2012

AWWA Excellence Award For Sports 2012

Media Peace & Excellence Award For Sports 2012

Maharana Mewar Arawali Sports Award 2012

Misaal-e-Himmat Award (2012)

International Women's day appreciation Award 2011 – Cancer Patient Aid Association New Delhi.

Shree Shakti Puruskar CARE- 2011

District Sports Award Ahmednagar-2010

Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar 2009

Naari Gaurav Puraskar 2009

Guru Gobind Shaurya Puraskar 2009

Rotary Women Of The Year Award 2007For the silver medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympics

₹4 crore (US$560,000) from the Government of Haryana

₹50 lakh (US$70,000) from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Records and rankings

Holds An Official IPC Asian Record In Javelin F-53 Category – Felicitated by Milkha Singh and P.T.Usha.

Holds All Three National Records In Throws {Discus, Javelin, Shot-put} In F-53 Category

Holds All Three National Records In S-1 Swimming Category {Back Stroke, Breast Stroke, Free Style }

World Ranking 2010–12 – 2nd Shot-put, 3rd -Discus, 3rd Javelin

Asian Ranking 2010–12 – 1st In All Three Throws

LIMCA World Records

Longest Pan-India drive done by a paraplegic women. Chennai-Delhi 3278 km – 2013

Driving Across Nine High Altitude Passes in Nine Days on Leh-Ladakh Highest Motorable Roads. (First Woman in the world in her disability to attempt a journey like this – 2011)

Riding Special Bike −2009

Swimming in River Yamuna Against The Current For 1 km. Allahabad-2008

Derek Jeter

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Derek Jeter
Jeter at TechCrunch Disrupt in 2017
Shortstop
Born: June 26, 1974
Pequannock Township, New Jersey

Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 29, 1995, for the New York Yankees
Last MLB appearance
September 28, 2014, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Batting average .310
Hits 3,465
Home runs 260
Runs batted in 1,311
Teams

New York Yankees (1995–2014)
Career highlights and awards

14× All-Star (1998–2002, 2004, 2006–2012, 2014)
5× World Series champion (1996, 1998–2000, 2009)
World Series MVP (2000)
AL Rookie of the Year (1996)
5× Gold Glove Award (2004–2006, 2009–2010)
5× Silver Slugger Award (2006–2009, 2012)
2× AL Hank Aaron Award (2006, 2009)
Roberto Clemente Award (2009)
New York Yankees captain (2003–2014)
New York Yankees No. 2 retired
Monument Park honoree
Member of the National
Baseball Hall of Fame
Induction 2020
Vote 99.75% (first ballot)

Derek Sanderson Jeter (/ˈdʒiːtər/ JEE-tər; born June 26, 1974) is an American former professional baseball shortstop, businessman, and baseball executive. He has been the chief executive officer (CEO) and part owner of the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB) since September 2017. As a player, Jeter spent his entire 20-year MLB career with the New York Yankees. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2020; he received 396 of 397 possible votes (99.75%), the second-highest percentage in MLB history (behind only Mariano Rivera) and the highest by a position player.

A five-time World Series champion, Jeter is regarded as one of the primary contributors to the Yankees' success of the late 1990s and early 2000s for his hitting, base-running, fielding, and leadership. He is the Yankees' all-time career leader in hits (3,465), doubles (544), games played (2,747), stolen bases (358), times on base (4,716), plate appearances (12,602) and at bats (11,195). His accolades include 14 All-Star selections, five Gold Glove Awards, five Silver Slugger Awards, two Hank Aaron Awards, and a Roberto Clemente Award. Jeter was the 28th player to reach 3,000 hits and finished his career ranked sixth in MLB history in career hits and first among shortstops. In 2017, the Yankees retired his uniform number 2.

The Yankees drafted Jeter out of high school in 1992, and he debuted in the major leagues at age 20 in 1995. The following year, he became the Yankees' starting shortstop, won the Rookie of the Year Award, and helped the team win the 1996 World Series over the Atlanta Braves. Jeter continued to excel during the team's championship seasons of 1998–2000; he finished third in voting for the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 1998, recorded multiple career-high numbers in 1999, and won both the All-Star Game MVP and World Series MVP Awards in 2000. He consistently placed among the AL leaders in hits and runs scored for most of his career, and served as the Yankees' team captain from 2003 until his retirement in 2014. Throughout his career, Jeter contributed reliably to the Yankees' franchise successes. He holds many postseason records, and has a .321 batting average in the World Series. Jeter has earned the nicknames "Captain Clutch" and "Mr. November" due to his outstanding play in the postseason.

Jeter was one of the most heavily marketed athletes of his generation and is involved in numerous product endorsements. As a celebrity, his personal life and relationships with other celebrities have drawn the attention of the media.

Early life
Jeter with his boyhood idol Dave Winfield at Dodger Stadium, June 2010

Derek Sanderson Jeter was born on June 26, 1974, in Pequannock Township, New Jersey, the son of accountant Dorothy (née Connors) and substance abuse counselor Sanderson Charles Jeter. His mother is of English, German, and Irish ancestry, while his father is African-American. They met while serving in the United States Army in Germany. His father played baseball at Fisk University in Tennessee as a shortstop, and holds a PhD. When Jeter was a child, his parents made him sign a contract every year that defined acceptable and unacceptable forms of behavior. Dorothy instilled a positive attitude in her son, insisting that he not use the word "can't." It was a baseball family, and Jeter's younger sister Sharlee (born c. 1979) was a softball star in high school.

The Jeters lived in New Jersey until Derek was four years old, at which point they moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan. At age five Jeter began playing little league baseball. The children lived with their parents during the school year and spent their summers with their grandparents in New Jersey. Attending New York Yankees games with his grandparents, Jeter became a passionate fan of the team. Watching star outfielder Dave Winfield inspired him to pursue a career in baseball.

Jeter attended Kalamazoo Central High School, where he ran cross country in the fall, played basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring. Jeter posted high batting averages for the school's baseball team; he batted .557 in his sophomore year and .508 as a junior. In his senior year, he batted .508 and compiled 23 runs batted in (RBIs), 21 walks, four home runs, a .637 on-base percentage (OBP), a .831 slugging percentage (SLG), 12 stolen bases (in 12 attempts), and only one strikeout

Jeter received several honors after his senior season, including the Kalamazoo Area B'nai B'rith Award for Scholar Athlete, the 1992 High School Player of the Year Award from the American Baseball Coaches Association, the 1992 Gatorade High School Player of the year award, and USA Today's High School Player of the Year. He also received an All-State honorable mention in basketball. Jeter earned a baseball scholarship to attend the University of Michigan and play college baseball for the Michigan Wolverines.

Professional career
Draft

The Houston Astros held the first overall pick in the 1992 MLB draft. Hall of Fame pitcher Hal Newhouser, who worked for the Astros as a scout, evaluated Jeter extensively and lobbied team management to select him. Fearing Jeter would insist on a salary bonus of at least $1 million to forgo college for a professional contract, they chose Cal State Fullerton outfielder Phil Nevin, who signed for $700,000. Newhouser felt so strongly about Jeter's potential that he quit his job with the Astros in protest after they ignored his drafting advice.

The Yankees, who selected sixth, also rated Jeter highly. Yankees scout Dick Groch, assigned to scout in the Midwest, watched Jeter participate in an all-star camp held at Western Michigan University. Though Yankees officials were concerned that Jeter would attend college instead of signing a professional contract, Groch convinced them to select him, saying, "the only place Derek Jeter's going is to Cooperstown."The second through fifth picks were Paul Shuey, B. J. Wallace, Jeffrey Hammonds, and Chad Mottola; those five would combine for two All-Star Game appearances (Nevin and Hammonds).The Yankees drafted Jeter, who chose to turn pro, signing for $800,000.

Minor leagues (1992–1995)

Jeter played four seasons in Minor League Baseball, formally known as the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL). Jeter began the 1992 season with the Gulf Coast Yankees of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, based in Tampa, Florida. In his first professional game, Jeter failed to get a hit in seven at-bats, going 0-for-7, while striking out five times. Jeter continued to struggle during the rest of the season, batting .202 in 47 games. Manager Gary Denbo benched Jeter in the season's final game to ensure his average would not drop below .200, known in baseball as the Mendoza Line. Frustrated by his lack of success and homesick, Jeter accrued $400-per-month phone bills from daily calls to his parents.

The Yankees promoted Jeter to the Greensboro Hornets of the Class A South Atlantic League (SAL) to give him more at-bats. He batted .247 in his first 11 games with Greensboro, and struggled defensively, making nine errors in 48 chances. Weighing 156 pounds (71 kg), Jeter had a scrawny appearance that did not match his reputation as the Yankees' future leader.Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte, who played for the Hornets that season, at first questioned the hype surrounding Jeter, but recognized his talent and poise.

Jeter focused the next offseason on his fielding. Baseball America rated Jeter among the top 100 prospects in baseball before the 1993 season, ranking him 44th. Returning to the Hornets in 1993, his first full season of professional baseball, Jeter hit .295 with five home runs, 71 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases; SAL managers voted him the "Most Outstanding Major League Prospect" in the league. He finished second in the SAL in triples (11), third in hits (152), and 11th in batting average, and was named to the postseason All-Star team. Jeter committed 56 errors, a SAL record. Despite this, he was named the SAL's Best Defensive Shortstop, Most Exciting Player, and Best Infield Arm by Baseball America

Coming off his strong 1993 season, Baseball America rated Jeter as the 16th-best prospect in baseball. Jeter played for the Tampa Yankees of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League (FSL), the Albany-Colonie Yankees of the Class AA Eastern League, and the Columbus Clippers of the Class AAA International League during the 1994 season, combining to hit .344 with five home runs, 68 RBIs, and steal 50 bases across the three levels. He was honored with Minor League Player of the Year Awards by Baseball America, The Sporting News, and Topps/ NAPBL. He was also named the most valuable player of the FSL.

Considered the fourth-best prospect in baseball by Baseball America heading into the 1995 season, Jeter was projected as the starting shortstop for the Yankees. However, he suffered mild inflammation in his right shoulder in the Arizona Fall League after the conclusion of the 1994 regular season. As a precaution, the Yankees signed Tony Fernández to a two-year contract. With Fernández the starting shortstop, the Yankees assigned Jeter to Class AAA During the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike, Gene Michael, the Yankees' general manager, offered Jeter the opportunity to work out for the MLB team with replacement players in spring training before the 1995 season. Jeter denied receiving the offer, and he did not cross the picket line.

Major leagues (1995–2014)
1995–1998

Early in the 1995 season, Fernández and infielder Pat Kelly were injured. Consequently, Jeter made his MLB debut on May 29, 1995. He was assigned uniform number 2, which was most recently worn by Mike Gallego from 1992 to 1994. Batting ninth, he went hitless in five at bats, striking out once. The following day, he recorded his first two major league hits and scored his first two career runs. Jeter batted .250 and committed two errors in 13 games before being demoted to Class AAA Columbus; Fernández replaced Jeter at shortstop. The Yankees advanced to the postseason in 1995. Jeter traveled with the team during the 1995 American League Division Series (ALDS), though he was not on the active roster. The Yankees lost to the Seattle Mariners.
Jeter tagging out Miguel Tejada in 2007

After Fernández batted a disappointing .245 and appeared in only 108 games due to injuries in 1995, newly hired Yankees manager Joe Torre turned to Jeter for the 1996 season, hoping for a .250 batting average and dependable defense. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, often skeptical of younger players, was unconvinced. After Clyde King, a close Steinbrenner advisor, observed Jeter for two days in spring training in 1996, he came away with the impression that Jeter was not yet ready to contribute at the major league level. To provide depth to the team at the shortstop position after an injury to Fernández, Steinbrenner approved a trade that would have sent pitcher Mariano Rivera to the Mariners for shortstop Félix Fermín, but Michael, by then the vice president of scouting, and assistant general manager Brian Cashman convinced Steinbrenner to give Jeter an opportunity.

Rated the sixth-best prospect in baseball by Baseball America heading into the 1996 season, Jeter started on Opening Day, the first Yankee rookie to start as shortstop for the team since Tom Tresh in 1962 He hit his first MLB home run that day. With his speed and ability to execute the hit and run, Jeter served as a complement to leadoff hitter Tim Raines while batting in the ninth spot in the batting order. By year's end Jeter far exceeded Torre's expectations – and anyone's – hitting .314 with 10 home runs, 104 runs scored, and 78 RBIs. He was named the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year, receiving all 28 first-place votes in only the fifth sweep in the honor's 50-year history.

The Yankees reached the 1996 postseason, and Torre batted Jeter in the leadoff spot based on his strong year-long performance. During Game 1 of the 1996 American League Championship Series (ALCS), the Yankees trailed the Baltimore Orioles 4–3 in the eighth inning when Jeter hit a fly ball to right field that was ruled a home run by the umpires after 12-year-old fan Jeffrey Maier reached over the wall to catch the ball. Though the ball would have remained in play if not for Maier, and could have been caught by Tony Tarasco, the home run stood as called, tying the game. It marked the first home run of Jeter's postseason career. The Yankees won the game and defeated the Orioles in five games. Overall, Jeter batted .361 in the 1996 postseason, helping to lead the Yankees offensively with Bernie Williams, as Wade Boggs, Paul O'Neill, and Tino Martinez struggled. The Yankees defeated the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series to win their first championship since the 1978 World Series.

Following his Rookie of the Year campaign, considered the "new crop" of shortstops, along with Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra, as the careers of older shortstops such as Cal Ripken Jr., Barry Larkin, Ozzie Smith, and Alan Trammell were concluding. Rodriguez, the first overall selection in the 1993 MLB draft, first contacted Jeter about his experiences as a high-first round pick. The two became friends to the extent that The New York Times journalist Jack Curry commented "[r]arely have two higher-profile opponents been as close." Rodriguez described Jeter as being "like my brother," even though they were on-field adversaries.

Before the 1997 season, Jeter and the Yankees agreed on a $540,000 contract with performance bonuses. Becoming the Yankees' leadoff batter, Jeter batted .291, with 10 home runs, 70 RBIs, 116 runs, and 190 hits. Though he hit two home runs during the 1997 American League Division Series, the Yankees lost to the Cleveland Indians, three games to two.

Jeter earned $750,000 for the 1998 season. That year, Jeter was selected for his first All-Star Game. In the regular season, he batted .324 with a league-leading 127 runs, 19 home runs, and 84 RBIs, for a team that won 114 games during the regular season and is widely considered to be one of the greatest of all time. In the playoffs, Jeter hit only .176 in the 1998 ALDS and ALCS, but batted .353 in the World Series, as the Yankees defeated the San Diego Padres in four games. At season's end, Jeter finished third in voting for the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.

1999–2002
Jeter in his distinctive early career upright batting stance at the new Comiskey Park, 1999

Eligible for salary arbitration for the first time before the 1999 season, Jeter was awarded a $5 million salary. Jeter led the AL in hits that season with 219, while finishing second in the league in batting average (.349) and runs scored (134), appearing in his second All-Star game that year. His season totals in batting average, runs, hits, runs batted in, doubles (37), triples (9), home runs (24), SLG (.552), and OBP (.438) are all personal bests. Jeter, who for part of the year hit third in the batting order, also drove in 102 runs, becoming only the second Yankee shortstop to do so, following Lyn Lary's 107 RBIs in 1931. In the postseason, Jeter batted .455 in the ALDS, .350 in the ALCS, and .353 in the World Series, as the Yankees defeated the Braves to win another championship, Jeter's third.

During the 1999–2000 offseason, the Yankees negotiated with Jeter, tentatively agreeing to a seven-year, $118.5 million contract. However, because Steinbrenner did not want to set a record for the largest contract, Steinbrenner waited while Juan González and the Detroit Tigers negotiated on a reported eight-year, $143 million contract extension. When that agreement fell through, so did Jeter's tentative deal. To avoid arbitration, Jeter and the Yankees agreed to a one-year deal worth $10 million.

Jeter batted a team-best .339 in the 2000 regular season and added 15 home runs, 73 RBIs, 119 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases. In the 2000 MLB All-Star Game, he recorded three hits, including a two-run single that gave his team the lead and victory. The performance earned him the All-Star Game MVP Award, the first time a Yankee won the award. During the postseason, he batted only .211 in the Division Series but rebounded to hit .318 in the Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, and .409 in the World Series against the New York Mets. Jeter added two home runs, a triple, and two doubles in the World Series, including a leadoff home run on the first pitch of Game 4 and a triple later in the third inning. His home run in Game 5 tied the game and extended his World Series hitting streak to 14 games.The Yankees defeated the Mets in five games for their third consecutive title and fourth in Jeter's first five full seasons. Jeter won the World Series MVP Award, becoming the only player to win the All-Star Game MVP and World Series MVP Awards in the same season.

With one year remaining until he would become eligible for free agency, Jeter signed a ten-year, $189 million contract before the 2001 season to remain with the Yankees. Alex Rodriguez had signed a ten-year, $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers earlier in the offseason, setting the market for Jeter's negotiations. Jeter became the second-highest-paid athlete across all team sports and auto racing, trailing only Rodriguez. The $18.9 million average annual value of Jeter's contract was the third-highest in baseball, behind only Rodriguez ($25.2 million) and Manny Ramirez ($20 million).

In 2001, Jeter posted another strong season, batting .311 with 21 home runs, 74 RBIs, 110 runs scored, and 27 stolen bases, making his fourth All-Star appearance Jeter made a notable defensive assist in Game 3 of the 2001 American League Division Series against the Oakland Athletics. With Jeremy Giambi on first base, Oakland right fielder Terrence Long hit a double off Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina into the right-field corner. As Giambi rounded third base and headed for home plate, Yankees right fielder Shane Spencer retrieved the ball and made a wild throw that missed cut-off man Tino Martinez and dribbled down the first-base line. Jeter ran from shortstop to grab the ball and flipped it backhanded to catcher Jorge Posada, rather than throwing it overhand. Posada tagged Giambi out on the leg just before he crossed home plate, preserving the Yankees' one-run lead. Facing elimination, the Yankees eventually won the game, as well as the series. The play, known as "The Flip," was later voted seventh in Baseball Weekly's 10 Most Amazing Plays of all time, and won the 2002 Best Play ESPY Award.
Jeter chats with President George W. Bush before Game 3 of the 2001 World Series

Jeter batted .297, with 18 home runs, 75 RBIs, 124 runs scored, 191 hits, and a career-best 32 stolen bases during the 2002 regular season. He led the majors in stolen base percentage (91.4%), getting caught only three times. He made his fifth All-Star appearance. In the 2002 postseason, the Anaheim Angels defeated the Yankees in the ALDS on their way to winning the World Series.

2003–2008

On Opening Day of the 2003 season, Jeter dislocated his left shoulder when he collided with Toronto Blue Jays catcher Ken Huckaby at third base. He was placed on the disabled list for six weeks and missed 36 games; he had never played fewer than 148 games in the prior seven full seasons. Jeter returned to bat .324, finishing third in batting average to Bill Mueller, who batted .326. Ramirez finished second.

Steinbrenner named Jeter the captain of the Yankees on June 3, 2003, following eight seasons without a captain after Don Mattingly retired in 1995. That postseason, Jeter batted .314 with two home runs, five RBIs, and 10 runs scored across 17 playoff games, including three hits in Game 3 of the 2003 World Series against the Florida Marlins – the only three hits Josh Beckett allowed during the game. Jeter committed a crucial error in a Game 6 loss, and the Marlins won the series in six games.
Jeter during batting practice before a game in 2004

The Yankees acquired Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers during the 2003–04 offseason. Rodriguez had won two Gold Glove Awards at shortstop and was considered the best shortstop in baseball. Jeter—who had no Gold Gloves at the time—remained the team's starting shortstop while Rodriguez moved to third base. Rodriguez's fielding range allowed Jeter to cede ground to his right to Rodriguez and cheat to his left: fielding balls hit to his left is a weakness identified by scouts. The 2004 season began with Jeter mired in a slump, at one point getting only one hit in a span of 36 at-bats; through April, he batted .168. His batting average improved to .277 by the All-Star break in July.

Jeter made the All-Star team and finished the season with a .292 average; 23 home runs, the second-most of his career; 78 RBIs; 111 runs scored; and a career-best 44 doubles, which broke the Yankee single-season record for doubles by a shortstop, besting Tony Kubek's 38 in 1961. He batted .316 with a team-leading four RBIs as the Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins in the 2004 ALDS. Jeter struggled in the 2004 ALCS, batting .200 with one extra base hit, as the Yankees lost the series to the Red Sox in seven games, despite winning the first three games.

In the 12th inning of a tied game on July 1, 2004, against their rivals, the Boston Red Sox, Trot Nixon hit a pop fly down the left field line. Jeter ran from his position at shortstop and made an over-the-shoulder catch. He launched himself over the third-base side railing and two rows of seats, receiving a lacerated chin and bruised face. The Yankees went on to win the game in the bottom of the 13th inning. This was voted the Play of the Year in the This Year in Baseball Awards competition, as voted on by fans at MLB.com. Following the 2004 season, Jeter was presented with his first Gold Glove Award; his diving catch on July 1 was cited as a reason for the award. Though Jeter was fourth among shortstops in fielding percentage and errors, two traditional fielding statistics, critics pointed to his lower ratings in the more advanced sabermetric statistics, such as range factor and ultimate zone rating (UZR).

Jeter was second in the AL in runs scored (122) in the 2005 season, and was third in the league in both at bats (654) and hits (202). Though his critics continued to see Jeter as a liability defensively, he won his second consecutive Gold Glove in 2005. Orlando Cabrera of the Angels had a higher fielding percentage and committed fewer errors, but voters noted that Jeter had more assists. Though Jeter batted .333 during the 2005 ALDS, the Yankees lost to the Angels.
Jeter connects for a hit against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2006

For the 2006 season, the Yankees signed Johnny Damon to play center field and lead off, moving Jeter to the second position in the batting lineup. During the 2006 season, Jeter recorded his 2,000th career hit, becoming the eighth Yankee to reach the milestone. Jeter finished the season second in the AL in both batting average (.343) and runs scored (118), third in hits (214), and fourth in OBP (.417), earning his seventh All-Star selection. Jeter batted .500 with one home run in the 2006 ALDS, including a perfect 5-for-5 performance in Game 1, making him the sixth player to record five hits in one postseason game. The Yankees lost to the Detroit Tigers, three games to one.

Many expected Jeter would win the AL MVP Award for 2006. In a close vote, Jeter finished second in the voting to Justin Morneau of the Twins. It was his sixth top-10 finish in the MVP balloting in 11 full seasons through 2006. Though he lost the MVP Award, he won the Hank Aaron Award, given for superior offensive performance. He also won his third consecutive Gold Glove Award.
Jeter in 2007

Though the Yankees continued to struggle with postseason failures, Jeter remained a consistent contributor. During the 2007 season, Jeter was third in the AL with 203 hits, his third consecutive season and sixth overall, with at least 200 hits. He also finished ninth in batting average (.322). He was selected for his eighth All-Star appearance. In the field, he was involved in turning a career-high 104 double plays. He struggled during the 2007 ALDS, batting 3-for-17 (.176) with one RBI, as the Indians defeated the Yankees.

Jeter hit his 400th career double on June 27, 2008, and his 200th home run on July 12. Jeter's slugging percentage (SLG) dropped to .410 in the 2008 season, his lowest mark since 1997. His offense took an upward turn after May as he hit .322 with a .824 OPS after June 1. Jeter was elected to his ninth All-Star game as the starting shortstop. He finished the season with a .300 batting average.

Jeter tied Lou Gehrig's record for hits at Yankee Stadium (1,269) with a home run off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price on September 14, 2008. On September 16, he broke the record against Chicago White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd.The Yankees were eliminated from postseason contention, the only full season in Jeter's career where he did not compete in the playoffs. Following the final game in Yankee Stadium history, Jeter made a speech at the request of the Yankees, thanking the Yankees fans for their support—a moment later voted by fans as the Moment of the Year in MLB.com's This Year in Baseball Awards:

From all of us up here, it's a huge honor to put this uniform on every day and come out here and play. Every member of this organization, past and present, has been calling this place home for 85 years. There's a lot of tradition, a lot of history and a lot of memories. The great thing about memories is you're able to pass them along from generation to generation. Although things are going to change next year and we're going to move across the street, there are a few things with the New York Yankees that never change. That's pride, tradition and most of all, we have the greatest fans in the world. We're relying on you to take the memories from this stadium and add them to the new memories we make at the new Yankee Stadium and continue to pass them on from generation to generation. We just want to take this moment to salute you, the greatest fans in the world.

2009–2013

For the 2009 season, Yankees manager Joe Girardi switched Jeter and Damon in the batting order, with Damon moving to second and Jeter to the leadoff role. Jeter batted .334, third-best in the AL, with a .406 OBP, an .871 OPS, 18 home runs, 66 RBIs, 30 stolen bases in 35 attempts, 107 runs scored, 72 walks, and 212 hits (second in MLB). Defensively, Jeter committed a career-low eight errors, and his .986 fielding percentage was his career best. The addition of Gold Glove-winning first baseman Mark Teixeira allowed second baseman Robinson Canó to shift his focus to his right, helping Jeter. During the season, the Sporting News named Jeter eighth on their list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball.
Jeter saluting the crowd after becoming the all-time Yankees hits leader in 2009

Jeter achieved two career hit milestones in the second half of the 2009 season. On August 16, 2009, against the Seattle Mariners, Jeter doubled down the right-field line for his 2,675th hit as a shortstop, breaking Luis Aparicio's previous major league record. Then, Jeter became the all-time hits leader as a member of the Yankees (2,722), passing Lou Gehrig on September 11, 2009. The hit was a single off Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman in the third inning.

In the 2009 postseason, Jeter batted .355, including .407 in the 2009 World Series, as he won his fifth World Series championship. He was named Sportsman of the Year for 2009 by Sports Illustrated, and won the Roberto Clemente Award, Hank Aaron Award, his fourth Gold Glove Award and his fourth Silver Slugger Award. Jeter also finished third in the AL MVP voting, behind Minnesota's Joe Mauer and Yankee teammate Mark Teixeira. It was also the fifth championship for Pettitte, Posada, and Rivera, who along with Jeter were referred to as the "Core Four."

In 2010, Jeter, along with Posada and Rivera, became the first trio of teammates in any of the four major league sports in North America (MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL) to play in at least 16 consecutive seasons on the same team as teammates. The 2010 season was statistically Jeter's worst in many respects. The Yankee captain batted .270 with a .340 OBP and .370 SLG, all career lows, as he hit more ground balls than usual. Despite this, Jeter was elected to start at shortstop in the All-Star Game. He rebounded to bat .342 in his last 79 at-bats after making adjustments to his swing with the help of Kevin Long, the Yankees hitting coach, who had successfully helped Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson make adjustments that improved their production. With Long, Jeter changed the way he strode with his left leg Following the season, Jeter won his fifth Gold Glove award. Jeter committed six errors during the season, his lowest total in 15 full seasons.

"He might go down, when it's all over, as the all-time Yankee."

—Don Zimmer, September 13, 2009

After the 2010 season, Jeter became a free agent for the first time in his career. At age 36, Jeter appeared to be in decline; Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus suggested that Jeter, once a "good, not great" shortstop, had declined to become "below average" defensively. to the extent that he would likely need to change positions; Cashman later acknowledged that Jeter might need to shift to the outfield. Though Jeter stated that he wanted to remain with the Yankees, negotiations became tense. Jeter's agent, Casey Close, stated that he was "baffled" by the Yankees' approach to the negotiations, and Cashman, now the team's general manager, responded publicly that Jeter should test the open market to ascertain his value, which angered Jeter. According to reports, Jeter initially sought a four-year contract worth between $23 million and $25 million per season. He reached an agreement with the Yankees on a three-year contract for $51 million with an option for a fourth year. He spent the offseason working with Long on adjustments to his swing.

The adjustments left Jeter frustrated, as he batted .242 in the first month of the 2011 season. As he struggled, it appeared that the 2011 season was the continuation of Jeter's decline. Jeter broke Rickey Henderson's franchise record for stolen bases when he stole his 327th base against the Mariners on May 28, 2011. He suffered a calf injury on June 13 that required his fifth stint on the 15-day disabled list, and his first since 2003 At that point, he was batting .260 for the 2011 season with a .649 OPS. Rehabilitating from his injury in Tampa, Jeter worked on his swing with Denbo, his former minor league manager. With Denbo, Jeter returned to the mechanics he used in his minor league days. Following his activation from the disabled list, he hit .326 with an .806 OPS in his last 64 games of the season. Jeter finished the year with a .297 batting average, six home runs, 61 runs batted in, 84 runs, and 16 stolen bases He credited the turnaround to his work with Denbo; Log acknowledged that his attempt to adjust Jeter's swing did not work.
Jeter crosses home plate after recording his 3,000th hit in 2011, his teammates waiting to congratulate him

On July 9, 2011, Jeter recorded his 3,000th career hit, a home run off of David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeter finished the day with five hits in five at-bats, the second player to have five hits on the day he achieved his 3,000th hit (the first was Craig Biggio). He also became the second player to hit a home run for his 3,000th hit, Wade Boggs having done so in 1999. The last of Jeter's five hits proved to be the game-winning hit. He is the only member of the 3,000 hit club to record all of his hits with the New York Yankees, and the only player to join the club as a Yankee. Jeter joined Honus Wagner as only the second regular shortstop to reach the 3,000 hit plateau. Only Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, and Robin Yount were younger than Jeter on the day of their 3,000th hit. MLB and HBO produced Derek Jeter 3K, a documentary that profiled his path to 3,000 hits and originally aired on July 28, 2011.

Fatigued from the stress of chasing 3,000 career hits and wanting to rest his calf, Jeter opted not to attend the 2011 MLB All-Star Game. Jeter and Posada played their 1,660th game together on July 14, 2011, breaking the previous franchise record of 1,659 by Gehrig and Tony Lazzeri. Jeter played his 2,402nd game with the Yankees on August 29, 2011, breaking Mickey Mantle's record for most games played as a Yankee. He finished the 2011 season with 162 hits, his 16th consecutive season with 150 hits, which tied him with Pete Rose for the second-most consecutive 150-hit seasons, one behind Hank Aaron for the MLB record Jeter was honored with the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, given in recognition of charitable endeavors.

Despite continuing concerns about his age, the beginning of the 2012 season saw Jeter on a hot streak: he batted .420 through April 25. Rodriguez commented that Jeter is playing as he did in 1999, while Girardi said Jeter looks like he is 25 years old In the 2012 MLB All-Star Game, Jeter recorded his 11th All-Star hit, passing Mantle for the most All-Star Game hits in Yankees history. Jeter went 1-for-2 in the game, moving into fourth all-time with a .458 average among players with a minimum of 12 plate appearances in the All-Star Game.

Jeter finished the 2012 season with the most hits in MLB (216). Against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 14 of that year, he moved into the Top 10 on the all-time hit list, surpassing Willie Mays by beating out an infield single for his 3,284th career hit. After hitting .364 in the 2012 ALDS, Jeter fractured his left ankle during Game 1 of the 2012 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers reaching for a ground ball, an injury which ended his season. Jeter had received a cortisone shot to treat a bone bruise in his left foot in September, which could have contributed to the break. Jeter had surgery on his broken left ankle on October 20, with an expected recovery time of four to five months.

While rehabilitating, Jeter suffered a small crack in the area of his previous ankle fracture. As a result, Jeter began the 2013 season on the disabled list. The Yankees activated Jeter on July 11, but after playing in one game, Jeter returned to the disabled list with a quadriceps strain. He returned to the Yankees lineup on July 28, hitting a home run on the first pitch off of Matt Moore of Tampa Bay. Jeter was again placed on the 15-day disabled list on August 5 due to a Grade 1 calf strain, and after a brief return to the lineup, he was placed on the 15-day disabled list for a third time on September 11 due to problems with his ankle, ending his season. On September 14, 2013, Jeter was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. Jeter batted .190 in only 17 games played during the 2013 season.

Final season (2014)
A fan holding a sign honoring Jeter during his final season

Jeter re-signed with the Yankees on a one-year, $12 million contract for the 2014 season. Jeter announced on his Facebook page on February 12, 2014, that the 2014 season would be his last. During his final season, each opposing team honored Jeter with a gift during his final visit to their city, which has included donations to Jeter's charity, the Turn 2 Foundation.

On July 10, Jeter recorded his 1,000th career multi-hit game, becoming the fourth player to do so. He was elected to start at shortstop in the 2014 All-Star Game, and batted leadoff for the AL. Jeter went 2-for-2, scored one run and received two standing ovations in the four innings he played at the 2014 All-Star Game.As a result, Jeter's .481 career All-Star batting average (13-for-27) ranked him fifth all-time (among players with at least 10 at-bats). At 40, Jeter also became the oldest player to have two or more hits in an All-Star Game. In July, Jeter broke Omar Vizquel's MLB career record of 2,609 games started at shortstop, and Gehrig's franchise career record of 534 doubles. On July 17, Derek scored the 1,900th run of his career becoming the 10th player in MLB history to do so. Jeter passed Carl Yastrzemski for seventh place on MLB's all-time career hit list on July 28 and on August 11 he passed Honus Wagner climbing to sixth on the all-time hits list.
Jeter saluting the crowd during his final All Star Game appearance in the 2014 All Star Game

The Yankees honored Jeter with a pregame tribute on September 7. Beginning with that day's game, the Yankees wore a patch on their hats and uniforms honoring Jeter for the remainder of the season. In the final week of Jeter's career, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig honored him as the 15th recipient of the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award for being "one of the most accomplished shortstops of all-time."

During Jeter's final series at Yankee Stadium, Louisville Slugger announced they would retire their "P72" model baseball bat, the bat Jeter uses, though it will be sold under the name "DJ2," in Jeter's honor. The average ticket price for Jeter's final home game, on September 25, reached $830 on the secondary market. In his final game at Yankee Stadium, Jeter hit a walk-off single against Orioles pitcher Evan Meek to win the game, 6–5.

Jeter decided to play exclusively as the designated hitter in the final series of his career, at Fenway Park in Boston, so that his final memories of playing shortstop would be at Yankee Stadium. The Red Sox honored Jeter with a pregame ceremony including Red Sox retired stars Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, Luis Tiant and Rico Petrocelli, the Boston Bruins' Bobby Orr, New England Patriots receiver Troy Brown and the Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce, while many Boston fans at Fenway Park loudly cheered for Jeter and gave him a standing ovation. In his final at-bat, he hit an RBI infield single against Clay Buchholz, before being substituted for pinch runner Brian McCann; he received an ovation from the Red Sox fans as he exited the field.

World Baseball Classic

Jeter started at shortstop for the United States national baseball team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He hit 9-for-20 (.450) and scored five runs in six games. Only teammate Ken Griffey Jr. (.524) and Cuba's Yoandy Garlobo (.480) had a higher batting average with a minimum of 20 at-bats. Jeter's play earned him recognition as the shortstop selection on the All-Tournament Team.

In the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Jeter again started at shortstop. He was named captain of the United States team by manager Davey Johnson, and he batted 8-for-29 (.276) in eight games. Jeter and the United States team faced the Yankees at Steinbrenner Field in an exhibition game, the only time Jeter played against the Yankees.

Player profile
Jeter signing autographs in Baltimore prior to his final game at Camden Yards

Jeter is considered to be one of the most consistent baseball players of all time. He played fewer than 145 games a season only three times in his career: when he dislocated his left shoulder on Opening Day 2003 (119 games), when he injured his calf in 2011 (131 games), and in 2013 when he struggled with a myriad of injuries (17 games). For his career, he averaged 204 hits, 113 runs scored and 21 stolen bases per 162 games. He is currently sixth on the all-time hits list in MLB history. Highly competitive, Jeter once said, "If you're going to play at all, you're out to win. Baseball, board games, playing Jeopardy!, I hate to lose." Jeter has been viewed as one of the best players of his generation.

"Derek Jeter has always been above the fray. As someone who's wallowed in it, 'foot-in-mouthed' it hundreds of times, said dumb things and backed up dumber ones, it's refreshing. He's shown up, played, and turned in a first-ballot Hall of Fame career in the hardest environment in sports to do any/all of the above."

—Curt Schilling, September 14, 2009

An aggressive hitter, Jeter swung at most pitches in the strike zone and many near it. Though right-handed hitters often pull the ball into left field, Jeter's signature inside-out swing, dubbed the "Jeterian Swing," resulted in most of his hits going to center and right field. Similarly, most of his home runs were hit to right field rather than to center or to left, as his swing took advantage of Yankee Stadium's close right-field fences.

Jeter is also known for his professionalism. In an age where professional athletes often find themselves in personal scandals, he mostly avoided major controversy in a high-profile career in New York City while maintaining a strong work ethic. Due to his style of play, opponents and teammates held him in high esteem. A clubhouse leader, Jeter often defused confrontations between teammates.

Postseason performance

Jeter is noted for his postseason performances and has earned the titles of "Captain Clutch," and "Mr. November" due to his outstanding postseason play. He had a career .309 postseason batting average, and a .321 batting average in the World Series. Except for 2008, 2013 and 2014, the Yankees qualified for the postseason every year of Jeter's major league career. He holds MLB postseason records for games played (158), plate appearances (734), at-bats (650), hits (200), singles (143), doubles (32), triples (5), runs scored (111), total bases (302) and strikeouts (135). Jeter is also third in home runs (20), fourth in runs batted in (61), fifth in base on balls (66) and sixth in stolen bases (18).

Defense
Jeter practices fielding in August 2011

Jeter won five Gold Glove Awards, trailing only Vizquel, Ozzie Smith, Luis Aparicio, Dave Concepción, and Mark Belanger for most by a shortstop He was credited with positioning himself well and for a quick release when he threw the ball. One of his signature defensive plays is the "jump-throw," by which he leapt and threw to first base while moving towards third base.

Despite this, Jeter's defense was the subject of criticism from a number of sabermetricians, including Rob Neyer and the publication Baseball Prospectus. The 2006 book The Fielding Bible by John Dewan contains an essay by Bill James in which he concluded that Jeter "was probably the most ineffective defensive player in the major leagues, at any position" over his entire career. A 2008 study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that, from 2002 through 2005, Jeter was the worst defensive shortstop in MLB. Two sites that rely on advanced defensive statistics, FanGraphs.com and FieldingBible.com, rated Jeter below middle-of-the-pack status in 2010, despite his receiving his fifth Gold Glove Award that season

Jeter committed 18 errors in 2007, his highest total since finishing with 24 in 2000. After the season, Cashman and his staff saw Jeter's defense as an area that needed to be addressed. At the Yankees' request, Jeter embarked on a rigorous training program to combat the effects of age, by focusing on lateral movement and first-step quickness. Jeter's ultimate zone rating (UZR) improved from worst in the AL for shortstops in 2007 to close to league average in 2008.

When asked to respond to criticism of his defense, Jeter replied: "I play in New York, man. Criticism is part of the game, you take criticism as a challenge." Jeter further asserted that many defensive factors cannot be quantified. The controversy over Jeter's fielding became a flash point for the debate over whether the analyses of statistics or subjective observation is the better method to assess a player's defensive ability and for criticism of the Gold Glove Award.

Personal life

Jeter maintains homes in Marlboro Township, New Jersey; Greenwood Lake, New York; and the Davis Islands neighborhood of Tampa, Florida He previously owned a penthouse apartment in Manhattan's Trump World Tower. Jeter settled a tax dispute regarding his official residence with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in 2008. New York State alleged that Jeter should have paid state income tax from 2001 to 2003, as Jeter resided in the Manhattan apartment he bought in 2001; Jeter claimed to have established his residence in Tampa Bay, Florida, in 1994, and that he was still a resident of Florida at the time. Florida has no state income tax. Jeter and his wife (the former Hannah Davis) currently reside in Miami. In September 2020, the couple listed their waterfront Tampa home for $29 million. They subsequently listed their Greenwood Lake home in March 2021.

In December 2002, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner criticized Jeter for staying out until 3 a.m. at a birthday party during the 2002 season, saying that his star shortstop "wasn't totally focused" and that "it didn't sit well" with him. The two mocked the incident in a May 2003 Visa commercial, similar to the manner in which Steinbrenner and former Yankees manager Billy Martin made light of their feud in a Miller Lite commercial during the 1970s.
Jeter in 2007

Jeter's personal life has been a frequent topic in gossip columns and celebrity magazines since his rookie year in 1996. He had a well-publicized relationship with singer-songwriter Mariah Carey from 1997 to 1998. Carey cowrote the song The Roof (Back in Time) about their first kiss. Jeter has also dated model Vida Guerra, former Miss Universe Lara Dutta singer Joy Enriquez, television personality Vanessa Minnillo, and the actresses Jordana Brewster, Jessica Biel, and Minka Kelly.

Jeter is Catholic, having been raised in the faith, attending Catholic schools as a child and identifying with the faith while playing for the Yankees.

Jeter and model Hannah Davis, who had been dating since 2012, became engaged in 2015. In July 2016, the two married. On February 13, 2017, Hannah announced that she was pregnant with a daughter. Their first child was born in August 2017. Their second daughter was born in January 2019.

Business interests

During his injury-shortened 2013 season, Jeter arranged a partnership with Simon & Schuster to form an imprint called Jeter Publishing. He called it "the blueprint for postcareer." It will begin publishing nonfiction books for adults, children's picture books, elementary grade fiction, and books for children who are learning to read. Eventually, the partnership could lead to film and television productions.

On October 1, 2014, Jeter's new website, ThePlayersTribune.com, appeared online; it was billed as "a new media platform that will present the unfiltered voice of professional athletes, bringing fans closer to the games they love than ever before." It was reported by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in March 2015 that Jeter had partnered with Concessions Tampa to bid for a space within the Tampa International Airport, and plans to open a restaurant named after his website.

Jeter also serves as a brand development officer for Luvo Inc.[260] and has investment interests in multi-channel video network company, Whistle Sports Network.e explored purchasing the Buffalo Bills football team in 2014.

Jeter joined the board of Rockefeller Capital Management in April 2021.

Miami Marlins

In July 2017, Jeter engaged in the bidding for ownership of the Miami Marlins.[265] In August 2017, Jeter and Bruce Sherman finalized a deal to purchase the Miami Marlins. The sale was completed in September 2017, following unanimous approval of the other 29 MLB team owners. Though Jeter only owns a 4% stake in the franchise, he was named chief executive officer of the team, and controlling owner Bruce Sherman entrusted him to oversee day-to-day operations of the team.

Appearances outside of baseball
Jeter joking with other players during Spring training in 2007
Philanthropy

Jeter created the Turn 2 Foundation, a charitable organization, in 1996. It was established to help children and teenagers avoid drug and alcohol addiction, and to reward those who show high academic achievement. In 2012, Jeter received an honorary doctorate from Siena College honoring him for his foundation's work.

Since 2009, Jeter has served as an ambassador for Weplay, a website designed to encourage children to get involved in sports. Jeter, along with Japanese baseball player Hideki Matsui, took part in a charity baseball game at Tokyo Dome to raise funds for survivors of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

In 2018, Jeter donated furniture and household items to families forced to relocate by Hurricane Irma.

In July 2019, Jeter donated $3.2 million from the Turn 2 Foundation to the Kalamazoo Public School District to renovate the school's baseball and softball complex.
Endorsements

Jeter has appeared in national ad campaigns for Nike, Gatorade, Fleet Bank, Ford, VISA,Discover Card, Florsheim, Gillette, Skippy, and XM Satellite Radio He endorses a cologne named Driven, designed in collaboration with and distributed by Avon. Jeter has his own Jumpman shoe. To commemorate Jeter's final year, the Jordan brand made a tribute commercial titled "#RE2PECT," which had many baseball players (such as Jon Lester) and celebrities, even rival Boston Red Sox fans tip their caps.

In 2006, Jeter was the second-highest paid endorser in baseball, behind Ichiro Suzuki, who received endorsement deals in Japan. He was ranked as the most marketable player in baseball according to the 2003, 2005, and 2010 Sports Business Surveys. A 2011 list by the marketing firm Nielsen ranked Jeter as the most marketable player in baseball, accounting for personal attributes such as sincerity, approachability, experience, and influence.

Other appearances

Jeter has appeared on television as a guest actor in the sitcom Seinfeld in the episode titled, "The Abstinence" and Saturday Night Live, a late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show, in episode 7 during season 27. He had cameo appearances in the comedy films Anger Management and The Other Guys. Jeter was the subject of a 2005 segment on the TV news magazine 60 Minutes and a 2014 episode of Finding Your Roots, a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) public television series. Jeter also appears as a character in the Broadway play Bronx Bombers. Jeter made an appearance alongside Peyton Manning to celebrate Saturday Night Live's 40th Anniversary in February 2015.

Video games have featured Jeter on their cover, including 2K Sports' MLB 2K5, MLB 2K6, and MLB 2K7, Acclaim Entertainment's All-Star Baseball series of video games and Gameloft's wireless phone baseball game, Derek Jeter Pro Baseball 2008. A wax figure immortalizes Jeter at the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in New York, and a sculpture at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, Kentucky.

Career highlights

Honors
Derek Jeter's number 2 was retired by the New York Yankees in 2017.

Kalamazoo Central High School inducted Jeter into its athletic hall of fame in 2003 and renamed its baseball field in his honor in 2011. In 2015, Jeter was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. The Yankees retired Jeter's uniform number and unveiled a plaque in his honor that was installed at Monument Park in a pregame ceremony on May 14, 2017.

On January 21, 2020, Jeter was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame as part of its class of 2020 in his first year of eligibility, only one vote shy of being only the second unanimous selection in Hall of Fame history. His 99.7% of the vote was second only to Mariano Rivera (100%), and ahead of Ken Griffey (99.3%) in the history of Hall of Fame voting. He was formally enshrined in a ceremony on September 8, 2021 in Cooperstown, New York.

Awards
Jeter receives his 2009 World Series Championship ring
Jeter warming up before a game in 2011
Award / HonorTime(s)Date(s)AL All-Star 14 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014
New York Yankees Player of the Year 5 1998, 1999, 2000, 2006, 2009
AL Gold Glove Award (SS) 5 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010
AL Silver Slugger Award (SS) 5 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012
GIBBY Awards Moment of the Year 2 2008, 2009
Hank Aaron Award 2 2006, 2009
GIBBY Awards Performance of the Year 1 2011
GIBBY Awards Moment of the Year 1 2014
GIBBY Awards Walk-Off of the Year 1 2014
Lou Gehrig Memorial Award 1 2010
Sporting News All-Decade Team (shortstop) 1 2009
Sports Illustrated MLB All-Decade Team (shortstop) 1 2009
Roberto Clemente Award 1 2009
Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year 1 2009
ESPY Awards Best MLB Player 1 2007
Inductee in Kalamazoo Central High School Athletic Hall of Fame 1 2007
Baseball Digest Player of the Year 1 2006
GIBBY Awards Hitter of the Year Award 1 2006
Baseball America 1st-Team Major League All-Star (SS) 1 2006
GIBBY Awards Play of the Year 1 2004
Players Choice Award Rookie of the Year 1 2004
The Sporting News "Good Guy in Sports" Award 1 2002
ESPY Awards Best Play ESPY Award 1 2002
Babe Ruth Award 1 2000
All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award 1 2000
World Series Most Valuable Player Award 1 2000
Joan Payson Award for Community Service 1 1997
AL Rookie of the Year 1 1996
International League All-Star 1 1995
Florida State League All-Star 1 1994
Florida State League Most Valuable Player 1 1994
Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year 1 1994
The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year 1 1994
Topps/NAPBL Minor League Player of the Year 1 1994
New York Yankees Minor League Player of the Year 1 1994
South Atlantic League All-Star1 1993
South Atlantic League's Best Defensive Shortstop, Most Exciting Player, Best Infield Arm. 1 1993
American Baseball Coaches Association High School Player of the Year 1 1992
USA Today High School Player of the Year 1 1992
Gatorade High School Athlete of the Year 1 1992

Deepak Prakash

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Deepak Prakash

Personal information

Date of birth 10 March 1992

Place of birth Bangalore, India

Playing position(s) Midfielder

Club information

Current team Students Union

Youth career

2007–2010 TFA

2010–2011 Mumbai F.C.

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2011–2012 HAL 2 (0)

2012–2013 Pailan Arrows 0 (0)

2013 → DSK Shivajians (loan)

2014– Students Union

National team

2012 India U23 1 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Deepak Prakash (born 10 March 1992 in Bangalore, Karnataka) is an Indian footballer who currently plays for Students Union of the Bangalore Super Division.

Career

Early career

Deepak got addicted to football when he was in class IV in the Corporation Government School in Jogpalya.

The talented youngster was forced to quit studies when in Class X but it got him more and more into football and the beautiful game showed him the way forward.

"After reading the news about the selection for the state U-16 side he went for the trials and got selected. In 2006, he was called for the national camp and then got selected to the Tata FA in 2007.

"He was the top-scorer when Karnataka finished runners-up in the South Zone and reached the semifinals of the U-16 nationals in 2007.

He emerged as the joint top-scorer for Jharkhand in the junior nationals in Mandya.

After passing out from Tata FA in 2010, Deepak played for Mumbai F.C.. In 2011-12 season was a homecoming of sorts for the talented Murphy Town boy when he signed for the Aircraftmen. However, he had a barren season for HAL as he was hardly seen playing in I-League.

Pailan Arrows

On 13 August 2012 it was officially confirmed that Prakash had signed for Pailan Arrows of the I-League after HAL S.C. were relegated from the I-League.

While with Arrows, Prakash was loaned out to I-League 2nd Division side DSK Shivajians for the 2013 I-League 2nd Division season.

Debabrata Roy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Full name Debabrata Roy

Date of birth 4 November 1986

Place of birth Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Position(s) Right Back

Club information

Current team Mohun Bagan

Number 2

Youth career

2000–2002 Sporting Union Club

2002–2004 Tata FA

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2004–2005 Mahindra United 19 (0)

2005–2009 East Bengal

2009 → United SC (loan)

2009–2010 Mahindra United

2010 Dempo 53 (1)

2014 → FC Goa (loan) 15 (0)

2015–2016 FC Goa 14 (0)

2016 Chennai City (loan) 14 (0)

2017–2018 Mohun Bagan 1 (0)

National team

2004– India 16 (1)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17:59, 20 December 2015 (UTC)

Debabrata Roy (born 4 November 1986 in Kolkata, West Bengal) is an Indian football player. He is currently playing for FC Goa in the I-League as a Right Back.

Career

Roy started his career playing in the Subroto Cup and the under-16 league in West Bengal for Sporting Union Club. His prodigious talent prompted his coaches to despatch him to the prestigious Tata Football Academy in 2000. His first taste of NFL/I-League action came while playing for Mahindra United in 2004-05 where the jeepmen finished a creditable fourth.

In 2005-06, he transferred home to East Bengal F.C. for whom he played for three years before joining United S.C. on a three-month loan spell in 2009. In 2009-10, he returned to Mahindra United who seemed destined for I-League glory till Dempo spoiled their party. After the Mumbai outfit disbanded, he joined Dempo S.C. in 2010-11 and continues to serve them with distinction. He has represented India at all levels right from the age groups teams to the senior team in a host of tournaments.

Deepak Tanwar

Nickname: Often referred to as the "Sonipat Slugger" in boxing circles.

Born: March 15, 1997

Hometown: Chhara Village, Sonipat District, Haryana, India.
Weight Category: Flyweight (52 kg).
Style: Orthodox stance, known for his aggressive approach and power punches.

Personal Background & Early Life: A Story of Grit

Deepak's story is one of the most compelling narratives of triumph over socio-economic hardship in Indian sports.

Humble Origins: He was born into a family of farmers in Chhara village, Sonipat—a region known as India's "boxing belt" but also one marked by stark economic disparities.
Family & Financial Struggle: His father, a small-scale farmer, struggled to make ends meet. The family lived in a kutcha house (mud house) and faced severe financial constraints. To fund Deepak's initial training, travel, and diet, his father made the immense sacrifice of selling a portion of their agricultural land and taking on debt.
Caste & Community Context: Hailing from Chhara village, which has a significant Jatav (Chamar) community population, Deepak comes from a Scheduled Caste (SC) background. His journey is intrinsically linked to overcoming the dual challenges of economic poverty and social marginalization.
Inspiration: He was inspired to take up boxing after watching videos of legendary boxers like Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali, and closer to home, the success of fellow Haryanvi boxer Vijender Singh.

Boxing Career & Achievements

Deepak rose through the ranks with sheer determination, representing India at the highest levels.

Key Career Timeline & Achievements:

Early Training: Trained at the Sonipat Boxing Academy under coaches who recognized his raw power and dedication.
National Success: He became a National Champion at the senior level, establishing himself as the country's top boxer in the 52kg category.
International Debut & Medals:
- 2017: Won a Bronze medal at the Asian Boxing Championships in Tashkent, a breakthrough performance on the continental stage.
- 2018: Secured a Silver medal at the prestigious Strandja Memorial Tournament in Bulgaria, one of Europe's oldest boxing tournaments.
- 2018 Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast): He was a member of the Indian boxing contingent. However, his campaign was halted in the quarter-finals after a controversial split-decision loss to Scotland's Aqeel Ahmed, a bout many observers felt he had won.
Style & Strengths: Known for his relentless aggression, solid chin, and powerful hooks. He is a pressure fighter who prefers to engage in close-range battles.

The Controversial Omission & Setback

A major turning point in his career was his non-selection for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021).

The Scenario: Despite being India's top-ranked boxer in the 52kg category and having earned an Olympic quota spot for the country through his performances in the continental qualifiers, he was not sent to Tokyo.
The Reason: The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) used a controversial "discretionary" approach. They argued that Deepak's form had dipped based on a few subsequent losses, including at the 2021 Asian Championships. They selected Amit Panghal (a world silver medalist and higher-profile name, but from a higher weight class who had to cut down to 52kg) over him.
Impact: This decision was widely debated and criticized by many boxing enthusiasts and analysts as unfair. It was a devastating personal and professional blow for Deepak, who had dedicated his life to reaching the Olympics. The episode highlighted the sometimes-opaque selection policies in Indian sports.

Life After the Olympic Snub & Current Status

Resilience: Deepak has shown tremendous resilience. After the disappointment, he continued to train and compete, moving up in weight classes.
Professional Shift: Like many Indian amateurs, he has explored the professional boxing circuit. He fought in the Super Boxing League to gain more experience and exposure.
Symbol of Struggle: His story remains a powerful symbol. He is often cited in discussions about the barriers athletes from underprivileged backgrounds face—not just in training, but also in navigating sports politics.

Legacy and Significance

Deepak Tanwar represents more than just his medal tally. He embodies:

The Fight Outside the Ring: His battle against poverty, societal barriers, and institutional hurdles is as significant as his fights inside the ring.
The Raw Talent of India's Hinterland: He is a product of Haryana's gritty boxing culture, where talent is abundant but resources are scarce.
A Cautionary Tale: His Olympic omission story is a critical case study in the need for transparent, merit-based selection processes in Indian sports administration.

While his prime Olympic dream was unfulfilled, Deepak Tanwar's journey from selling family land for gloves to standing on the Asian podium continues to inspire countless young boxers from similar villages across India.

Durga Boro

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Durga BoroPersonal information

Date of birth 28 June 1987

Place of birth Gendrabil, Assam, India

Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)

Playing position Striker

Club information

Current team Ozone

Number 7

Youth career

SAI

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2004–2009 Oil India

2009–2012 Churchill Brothers

2012–2014 Mumbai Tigers

2014 → Shillong Lajong (loan) 6 (1)

2014– Shillong Lajong 13 (1)

2014 → NorthEast United FC (loan) 11 (1)

2015 club Anonymous 12 (7)

2015–16 Guwahati F.C. 7 (3)

2017– Ozone 4 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 14:14, 3 March 2018 (UTC)

Durga Boro (born 28 June 1987) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Ozone F.C. of the I-League 2nd Division.

Career

Early career

Born in the small village of Gendrabil, in the Kokrajhar district of Assam, Boro started playing his football for the Kokrajhar HNMP School, for which he played for the team in the Subroto Cup under-14 tournament. Then, after impressing during the Subroto Cup, Boro started to train with the Sports Authority of India in Guwahati. In 2004 Boro signed with Oil India and played with them in the Assam State Premier League and the I-League 2nd Division while also working for the company itself.

Churchill Brothers

After an impressive performance during the Federation Cup in Kolkata in 2009 in which Boro and Oil India played against I-League sides such as Mohun Bagan, Vasco, and Air India, he signed his first professional contract with fellow I-League side, Churchill Brothers. The move to a professional club was massive for Boro as that meant he would be granted one-year leave from his former day-job with Oil India and he would move into a more professional footballing environment which included free food and travel. Boro scored his first professional goal for Churchill Brothers on 8 January 2011 against Salgaocar, however, his 34th-minute strike could not prevent Churchill Brothers from losing 3–4.

Mumbai Tigers

After spending two seasons with Churchill Brothers, Boro made a surprising move by signing for upstart I-League 2nd Division club Mumbai Tigers, then known as Dodsal FC. While with Mumbai Tigers, Boro played for the side during the I-League 2nd Division season.

Shillong Lajong

After Mumbai Tigers disbanded, on 6 February 2014 Boro made his return to the I-League after he signed for Shillong Lajong. This was Lajong's third attempt at signing Boro after they attempted to sign him in both 2009 and 2012. He made his debut for Shillong Lajong on 23 February 2014 against United. Boro started the match and even scored a goal as Shillong Lajong drew the match 2–2.

NorthEast United (loan)

In the summer of 2014 it was announced that Boro and a bunch of other Shillong Lajongplayers would sign on loan for the Indian Super League side NorthEast United. Boro made his debut for NorthEast United during the teams first ever game on 13 October 2014 against Kerala Blasters. He started the match and played 62 minutes as NorthEast United won 1–0. Boro eventually scored his first goal for the team on 27 November 2014 against Chennaiyin. His 10th-minute strike contributed to a 3–0 victory for NorthEast United

Dilip Tirkey

The Wall of Indian Hockey

Full Name: Dilip Tirkey

Date of Birth: 25 November 1977

Place of Birth: Saunamara village, Sundargarh district, Odisha

Community: Tribal Christian (Oraon / Kurukh Adivasi community) – Scheduled Tribe

Religion: Converted to Christianity (baptised name: Dilip Xavier Tirkey)

Journey from a Tribal Village to Global Hockey Legend

Early Life & Introduction to Hockey

Born into a poor Adivasi family in the hockey heartland of Sundargarh, Odisha.
Father Vincent Tirkey was a railway employee and former hockey player; mother Regina Tirkey.
Started playing hockey with bamboo sticks on village grounds at age 6.
Studied at Saunamara Government High School and later at Panposh Sports Hostel, Rourkela.
First major break: Selected for Odisha state team at age 14 (1991).

International Career Highlights (1995–2010)

Debut for India: 1995 (age 17) – SAF Games, Chennai
Position: Full-back (left-half / deep defender) – regarded as one of the best drag-flicking defenders ever
Total International Caps: 412 (second-highest in Indian hockey history after Dhyan Chand’s unofficial tally)
Goals scored: 65+ (most by any Indian defender)

Major Achievements

Junior World Cup 2001 – Captained India to bronze (first medal in 12 years)
Asia Cup
- Gold: 2003 (Kuala Lumpur), 2007 (Chennai) – Captain in 2007
- Silver: 2004, 2009
Asian Games
- Silver: 1998 Bangkok, 2002 Busan
- Bronze: 2006 Doha
Commonwealth Games
- Silver: 2006 Melbourne
Champions Trophy
- Bronze: 2002 Cologne (first podium in 22 years)
Azlan Shah Cup – Multiple medals (gold 2009 as captain)
Arjuna Award – 2002
Padma Shri – 2009 (fourth-highest civilian award)
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna – 2019 (India’s highest sporting honour – first hockey player from Odisha to receive it)
Captained India in 2004–2009 period (including 2008 Beijing Olympics qualifier)

Playing Style & Legacy

Nicknamed “The Wall” for impenetrable defence
Master of the drag-flick from the left-half position (rare skill for a defender)
Revolutionised the role of full-back by contributing heavily in penalty-corner conversions
Played in an era when India struggled internationally; his consistency kept the team competitive
Part of the famous “Odisha trio” with Lazarus Barla and Ignace Tirkey

Post-Retirement Career

Retired from international hockey: 2010
Founded Dilip Tirkey Hockey Academy in Rourkela (now trains hundreds of tribal children)
Chairman, Hockey Odisha (2010–present)
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) – 2012–2018 (nominated by President of India as eminent sportsperson)
President, Hockey India – Elected unopposed in October 2022 (first former player and first tribal person to head Hockey India)
Key role in bringing Hockey World Cup 2023 to Odisha (Bhubaneswar & Rourkela)

Personal Life

Married: Meera Tirkey
Children: Two sons – Alok Tirkey & Aryan Tirkey (both play hockey at junior level)
Lives in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela

Social Impact

Strong advocate for tribal and women’s hockey
Runs free hockey hostels for underprivileged Adivasi children
Instrumental in development of world-class Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela (largest all-seater hockey stadium in India, inaugurated 2023)

Dilip Tirkey remains a living symbol of how talent from India’s remotest tribal villages can reach the pinnacle of world sport. His journey from barefoot hockey in Saunamara to becoming the most powerful administrator in Indian hockey is one of the greatest rags-to-riches stories in Indian sports.

Divakar Ram

Diwakar Ram is a teen-age sensation in present hockey. Recently, he top-scored in the inter-petroleum tournament, that led to his ONGC team win the event for the first time.

Diwakar Ram scored 7 goals in Sydney at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival. He was among the goals in all the league matches, by which the team has ensured its place in Final.

He is a good defender and also emerging as a shrewd penalty corner converter. AHF recently honoured him with Rising Star of Asia award

An up and coming defender, Diwakar Ram of Uttar Pradesh is being hailed as a bright future prospect. He is a good defender and also emerging as a shrewd penalty corner converter.

Diwakar Ram hails from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, had his preliminary introduction to hockey at the UP Sports Hostel, Lucknow. He made his junior international debut at the Monchengladbach 8-Nation tournament in 2007, and the senior debut in 2008 in the Belgium Test Series. He scored 12 goals through penalty corners at the Kuala Lumpur 8-Nation Invitation Tournament (2008) and four in the silver winning Azlan Shah Cup, May 2008. Long term material, bright future awaits.

Diwakar also scored the golden goal in the 6th Junior Asia Cup for India to successfully defend the title at Hyderabad in July 2008. Asian Hockey Federation declared him as the 'Upcoming Star of Asia' in Dec.2008.

Last International Appearance: 2010 World Cup

Profile updated upto 31-12-2010 ie after the 2010 Asian Games

Dutee Chand

From Wikipedia

Dutee ChandPersonal information

Born 3 February 1996

Gopalpur, Odisha, India

Sport

Country India

Sport Athletics

Event(s) 100 metres

Club ONGC

Achievements and titles

Personal best(s) 100 m: 11.24

(Almaty 2016)

200 m: 23.73

(Ranchi 2013)

4X100 m relay: 43.42

(Almaty 2016)

Asian Championships

2013 Pune 200 m

Updated on 20 August 2016.

Dutee Chand (born 3 February 1996) is an Indian professional sprinter and current national champion in the women's 100 metres event. She is the third Indian woman to ever qualify for the Women's 100 metres event at the Summer Olympic Games, having qualified for the event in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Early life

Chand was born on 3 February 1996 to Chakradhar Chand and Akhuji Chand in Gopalpur, Odisha, in the Jajpur district of Odisha. She is from a below poverty line weavers family. Her source of inspiration comes from her elder sister Saraswati Chand, who was an athlete herself. In 2013, she enrolled in the KIIT University to pursue law.

Career breaks

Dutee Chand in 2012 became a national champion in the under-18 category when she clocked 11.8 seconds in the 100 metres event. Clocking 23.811 seconds, Chand won the bronze in the 200 metres event at the Asian Championships in Pune. The year also saw her become the first Indian to reach the final of a global athletics 100 metres final, when she reached the final in the 2013 World Youth Championships. In the same year, she became the national champion in 100 metres and 200 metres when she won the events clocking 11.73 s in the final in 100 metres and a career-best 23.73 s in 200 metres at the National Senior Athletics Championships in Ranchi.

Dutee clocked 11.33 secs in women’s 100m dash to win the gold and erase Rachita Mistry’s 16-year-old earlier national record of 11.38 secs in the 2016 Federation Cup National Athletics Championships in New Delhi, however she missed the Rio Olympics qualification norm of 11.32 secs by one-hundredth of a second. But finally on 25 June 2016, Dutee broke the very same National record twice in one day after clocking 11.24 at the XVI International Meeting G Kosanov Memorial in Almaty, Kazakhstan, thereby qualifying for the Olympic Games.

Commonwealth Games controversy

Chand was dropped from the 2014 Commonwealth Games contingent at the last minute after the Athletic Federation of India stated that hyperandrogenism made her ineligible to compete as a female athlete. There has been no suggestion that Chand has been involved in cheating or doping—the decision was made in compliance with International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations on “female hyperandrogenism” designed to address a perceived advantage for female athletes with high androgen levels. The decision has been condemned by Australian intersex advocates. The Athletic Federation of India and IAAF’s actions were widely criticised as an affront to Chand’s privacy and human rights.

“They have tested Dutee at the last minute, humiliated her and broken her heart, all sorts of things have been written about her. Now, if she re-enters the sports field, things will not be normal. Even if she takes treatment, people will kill her with their suspicious gaze. The matter could have been dealt with discreetly. That things became public, is wrong. Would they have done it if it was their daughter? Who is responsible for her future now? The job and the money are secondary problems. Think about how much she would have suffered. She is not from a wealthy or powerful family; just another ordinary family. Even if she gets help from the State association, can she stay in peace in her village? She will find it tough to get married. Dutee is not the problem but the system is problem, a athlete cannot fail their gender.”— Santhi Soundarajan about Dutee Chand

The Indian government appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on behalf of Chand, and in July 2015 the CAS issued a decision to suspend the hyperandrogenism regulation for female track and field sports for two years, stating that insufficient evidence had been produced to indicate that there is any link between enhanced androgen levels and improved athletic performance.The court allowed two further years for convincing evidence to be submitted by the IAAF, after which the regulation will be automatically revoked if evidence has not been provided. This effectively removes the suspension of Chand from competition, clearing her to race again.

Dutee Chand

Dutee Chand renewed our faith that indeed anything is possible

Born into a poor family of weavers, Dutee missed the Olympics qualifying score by 0.01 seconds but clocked 11.30 seconds in Almaty, Kazakhstan to qualify for the Summer Games.

The Orissa-born sprinter who competes in 100m belongs to a tribal village in Odisha. She was the national champion before her world came crashing down in 2014. A few days before her first major international tournament (Commonwealth Games), the ace sprinter was found to have 'hyperandrogenism'. The 20-year-old was asked by AFI to quit racing but she filed a case and won in 2015.

She beat the Rio Olympics qualification mark of 11.32 secs at XXVI International Meeting G.Kosanov Memorial and booked an August date in Rio. Let's hope Dutee gains experience in Brazil for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Deepika Kumari

Deepika Kumari comes from India's tribal heartland - Jharkhand. She is a symbol of how far we have come as a nation. As a child, Deepika Kumari used to target fruit on the mango trees in Ratu Chati, 15 kms from Ranchi, Jharkhand's capital.

At the London 2012 Games, she was the number one archer in the recurve category and one of India's medal hopefuls. But she failed to hit a single bulls eye and went down tamely in the first round.

Four years later, she is again a name to reckon with in world archery after innumerable success in the past couple of years. Recently she equalled the feat of London Olympic gold medalist, Ki Bo Bae of Korea to set a new world record.

The only thing that eludes her is an Olympic medal, and, with it, sporting history. Will she finally hit the Olympic bull’s-eye in August? Only time will tell.

Devindar Walmiki

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Devindar WalmikiPersonal information

Born 28 May 1992 (age 25)

Bombay, Maharashtra, India

Playing position Midfielder

National team

2014-present India

Medal record

Men’s Field Hockey

Representing India

Hockey Champions Trophy

2016 London Men's team

Last updated on: 8 July 2016

Devindar Sunil Walmiki (born 28 May 1992) is an Indian field hockey player who plays as a midfielder. He was named in the Indian squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Walmiki's elder brother Yuvraj Walmiki has also played field hockey for India.

India has come a long way in the world of sports and that is very much evident from what the women of a few places have accomplished. The women have broken free from barricades of their villages in the tribal regions and marched forward to establish a name for themselves in the world.

They have successfully made a mark on the international arena and are winning recognition along with fame and accolades. Let's have a look at five such women from the Indian Olympic contingent who come from tribal regions of India:

Dipsan Tirkey

Dipsan Tirkey(born 15 October 1998) is an Indian field hockey player renowned for his defensive prowess, tactical acumen, and leadership on the pitch. Hailing from the tribal belt of Odisha, he plays primarily as a defender for the senior national team and the club BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited). Tirkey rose to prominence as the vice-captain and youngest member of the unbeaten Indian junior squad that clinched the 2016 Men's Hockey Junior World Cup in Lucknow, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Since his senior debut in 2017, he has contributed to several international medals, including golds and bronzes in Asia-level tournaments, while embodying the grit of Odisha's hockey legacy—though unrelated to the famous Dilip Tirkey, he shares the surname's tribal roots in the region. As of 2025, at age 27, Tirkey remains an active player, recently praised for his "brilliant game" in domestic competitions and exhibition matches.

Early Life

Dipsan Tirkey was born on 15 October 1998 in Saunamara village, Sundergarh district, Odisha—a rural, tribal-dominated area known as a cradle of Indian hockey talent. He comes from a humble farming family: his father is a farmer, his mother a housewife, and he was inspired to take up the sport by his elder brother Prashant, who played recreationally. Financial constraints defined his childhood; unable to afford equipment, Tirkey practiced on village roads using a borrowed hockey stick, honing his skills amid adversity. At age 11, in 2009, he joined the Odisha State Sports Hostel in Rourkela, where he received formal training and transformed from a raw talent into a disciplined athlete. He credits the hostel's rigorous regimen and Bhubaneswar's sports infrastructure for his breakthrough, noting it as the only Odisha defender in the 2016 Junior World Cup-winning squad. Tirkey's tribal background (likely from the Munda or similar Adivasi community, common in Sundergarh) adds to his narrative as a "rising star" overcoming socio-economic barriers.

Career

Junior Career

Tirkey's international journey began early. In 2014, at just 16, he debuted for the India U-21 team at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, showcasing his defensive solidity. By July 2016, he was appointed captain for the EurAsia Cup in Russia and a tour of England, leading the side to victories in three of five matches. His pinnacle came as vice-captain of the 2016 Men's Hockey Junior World Cup in Lucknow, where India went unbeaten (5 wins, 2 draws) to secure the title against Belgium in the final—Tirkey's interceptions and leadership were hailed as "wizardly." He also captained the U-23 team to a bronze at the Five-Nation Tournament in Antwerp, Belgium, in July 2017.

Senior Career

Tirkey earned his senior call-up in 2017, debuting at the Asia Cup in Dhaka, where India won gold. He has since accumulated 37 international caps (as per last detailed FIH records from 2023), scoring 5 goals, with notable contributions in midfield transitions and penalty corner defenses. Key tournaments include:

Bronze at the 2021 Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka.
Bronze at the 2022 Men's Asia Cup in Jakarta.
Participation in the 2023 Men's Hockey5s Asia Cup in Salalah, Oman (7 matches, 1 goal, helping India to silver).

Though included in the 39-member probable squad for the Paris Olympics 2024 preparatory camp in January 2024, Tirkey did not make the final 16-member roster, which featured younger defenders like Sanjay. He continued shining domestically, scoring a crucial goal in the 59th minute for Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB, under BPCL) during the 4th Hockey India Senior Men Inter-Department National Championship on 8 September 2024. In 2025, he featured in an electrifying exhibition match on Olympic Day (24 August 2025) at the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre, blending competitive edge with promotional flair. Tirkey's versatility extends to Hockey5s formats, where his 2023 stats (6 wins, 1 loss in 7 games) underscore his adaptability.

Club and Domestic Career

Tirkey entered professional leagues young: In 2014, at age 16, he became one of the youngest picks for the Hockey India League (HIL), joining Kalinga Lancers and impressing with his poise. Post-HIL's revival in 2023, he played 9 matches for Gonasika (0 goals, no cards). Domestically, he represents BPCL/PSPB, contributing to their successes in national championships. His club form has been key to national recalls, especially after a "rough patch" in 2020 when he awaited re-selection.

Personal Life

Standing at 172 cm, Tirkey maintains a low-profile life, focusing on hockey and family. He is unmarried as of 2025 and resides in Odisha, often crediting his brother and hostel mentors for his resilience. A devout supporter of tribal youth in sports, he advocates for grassroots development, echoing Odisha's hockey heritage. Social media glimpses (e.g., Instagram @dipsantirkey_12) show him engaging in community events and training sessions.

Legacy and Recent Updates

Dipsan Tirkey's journey from village roads to international podiums inspires tribal aspirants, positioning him as a bridge between Odisha's storied hockey past (e.g., Dilip Tirkey) and its future. Despite missing Paris 2024, his 2024-2025 form—highlighted by a recent Facebook tribute calling him a "rising star" who "won everyone's hearts"—signals a strong comeback trajectory. As India eyes the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Tirkey's experience could prove invaluable in defensive rebuilds. His story underscores hockey's role in social mobility for India's Adivasi communities.

Dulal Biswas

Dulal Biswas (born November 17, 1973, in Kolkata, West Bengal) is a retired Indian professional footballer best known as a reliable right-back defender who captained two of Kolkata's football giants—East Bengal FC (1997) and Mohun Bagan AC (2002). Standing at 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in), Biswas was celebrated for his consistency, strong tackling, precise crossing, and versatility to shift into defensive midfield. He played during the golden era of Kolkata football in the late 1990s and 2000s, contributing to rival derbies and national leagues. An "ex-Indian footballer" as per his social media, he earned caps for the national team, though exact numbers are not widely documented. Post-retirement around 2010, he transitioned to coaching and mentoring, remaining active in the sport's ecosystem. Today, November 17, 2025, marks his 52nd birthday.

Early Life and Family

Biswas was born and raised in Kolkata, the epicenter of Indian club football, where the passion for the sport permeates daily life. Specific details about his childhood, parents, or siblings are not publicly available, reflecting his low-profile personal life. Growing up in a city divided by the historic East Bengal-Mohun Bagan rivalry, he likely developed his love for football on local maidans (grounds). No information on his education surfaces in profiles, but his early entry into senior football at age 20 suggests he prioritized the sport from a young age.

Football Beginnings

Biswas honed his skills in Kolkata's competitive youth leagues before breaking into professional ranks. His defensive acumen and leadership qualities were evident early, leading to a debut with East Bengal in 1993 at just 20 years old. Influenced by the club's red-and-gold ethos of resilience, he quickly became a fixture in their backline.

Club Career

Biswas's career spanned three major clubs, marked by loyalty, rivalry triumphs, and title wins. He was a key player in the National Football League (NFL) era and Calcutta Football League (CFL) dominance.

East Bengal FC (1993–1998): Debuted as a promising defender, playing over 100 matches. Known for solid performances in derbies, he captained the team in the 1997–98 season, leading them to CFL and IFA Shield successes. His tenure symbolized the club's fighting spirit, with standout crosses setting up attacks.
Mohun Bagan AC (1999–2007): Switched to the arch-rivals in 1999, a bold move that fueled intense Kolkata derbies. Played nearly 200 games, captaining in 2002 during a treble-winning campaign (CFL, Federation Cup, Super Cup). Versatile enough to score (e.g., a hat-trick in a 5-0 CFL win vs. FCI in 2004), he anchored defenses alongside players like Subrata Pal and Bhaichung Bhutia. His consistency earned him fan respect despite the club switch.
Prayag United SC (2007–2010): Ended his playing career with the Kolkata-based side, contributing to their rise in the I-League. Retired at age 36 after modest stats, focusing on leadership.

Overall club stats are sparse due to pre-digital record-keeping, but estimates place him at 400+ appearances with 10–15 goals, mostly from set-pieces.

International Career

Biswas represented India in limited-overs internationals during the early 2000s, earning recognition for his national team stints alongside stars like I.M. Vijayan and Jo-Paul Ancheri. Specific caps, goals, or tournaments (e.g., SAFF Cup or Nehru Cup) are not detailed in sources, but his defensive prowess made him a reliable pick for Asian qualifiers. He is often cited as part of the "ex-Indian national team" in alumni events.

Coaching Career

After hanging up his boots, Biswas turned to coaching, leveraging his experience to nurture talent. He served as coach for Peerless F.C. in the Calcutta Football League, guiding the club through competitive seasons. More recently, he mentors young players via academies and workshops, emphasizing discipline and tactical awareness. In 2023, he was a guest speaker at National Sports Day events at institutions like IISWBM, sharing insights on Kolkata football's legacy.

Records and Achievements

Captaincies: One of few to lead both East Bengal (1997) and Mohun Bagan (2002), embodying the derby's spirit.
Titles: Multiple CFL wins (e.g., 1997 with East Bengal, 2002 with Mohun Bagan); Federation Cup (2006 with Mohun Bagan); IFA Shield; Super Cup.
Notable Performances: Hat-trick in CFL (2004, Mohun Bagan vs. FCI); Key role in 2001 derby win over East Bengal.
Awards: No individual Arjuna or major honors listed, but club legends like him are immortalized in Kolkata football lore. Featured in "combined XI" retrospectives for derbies.

Personal Life and Legacy

Biswas maintains a grounded life in Kolkata, active on Instagram (@dulal_biswas_) where he shares football memories, family glimpses (though details private), and motivational posts like "Born to win... helping others to achieve their dreams." No public info on marriage or children, but he appears family-oriented in photos. Post-retirement, he's avoided controversies, focusing on youth development amid Indian football's ISL evolution.

His legacy lies in bridging eras— from CFL dominance to I-League professionalism— and captaining rivals without bitterness. As one retrospective noted, he's "an often forgotten figure" yet an "epitome of consistency," inspiring a new generation in a sport grappling with infrastructure woes. Fans remember him as the defender who "parried danger" in high-stakes derbies, a true son of Kolkata maidan.

Debashree Mazumdar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Debashree Mazumdar

Debashree in 2017

Personal information

Nationality Indian

Born 6 April 1991

India

Weight 53

Sport

Country India

Sport Athletics

Event(s) Sprint Athlete

Team India

Coached by Mr. Tapan Kumar Bhandari

Now coaching Mr.Amit Khanna

Achievements and titles

World finals 1.Gold medalist - Asian championship in 4*400 meters relay races in 2017 at bhubaneswar In India . 2. Silver medalist - Asian championship in 4*400 meters relay races in 2015 at whuhan China.

Debashree Mazumdar (born 6 April 1991) is an Indian sprint athlete from Kolkata who specializes in 4 × 400 metres relay races.

Career

Debashree Mazumdar works for the Income Tax department as an Income Tax Inspector in Delhi.

In 2017 she was part of the winning 4 × 400 m relay team at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneshwar along with M. R. Poovamma, Jisna Mathew and Nirmala Sheoran.

Dipsan Tirkey

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dipsan TirkeyPersonal information

Born 15 October 1998

Sundergarh district, Orissa, India

Playing position Defender

National team

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2017– India

Men’s field hockey

Representing India

Asia Cup

2017 Dhaka

Junior World Cup

2016 Lucknow

Dipsan Tirkey (born 15 October 1998) is an Indian field hockey player who plays as a defender. He was the vice-captain of the Indian squad that won the 2016 Men's Hockey Junior World Cup.

Life and career

Tirkey was born on 15 October 1998 in Saunamara village of Sundergarh district to a farmer father and housewife mother. Due to his family's difficult financial situation, he had to practice hockey with a borrowed hockey stick on the village roads. Inspired by his elder brother Prashant to take up the sport, he joined the State Sports Hostel in Rourkela in 2009 where he learned the game.

Tirkey first played for the India junior team at the 2014 Sultan of Johor Cup. The same year, he was picked by the Kalinga Lancers franchise in the Hockey India League. He also captained the Indian junior team for EurAsia Cup in Russia and England tour in July 2016.

Tirkey was the vice-captain and the youngest member of the Indian squad that went unbeaten en route to the title at the 2016 Men's Hockey Junior World Cup in Lucknow.

Erik Karlsson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Erik Karlsson

Karlsson with the Ottawa Senators in 2017

Born 31 May 1990

Landsbro, Sweden

Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)

Weight 190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)

Position Defence

Shoots Right

NHL team

Former teams San Jose Sharks

Frölunda HC

Ottawa Senators

Jokerit

National team Sweden

NHL Draft 15th overall, 2008

Ottawa Senators

Playing career 2008–present

Erik Sven Gunnar Karlsson (pronounced [ˈêːrɪk ˈkɑ̌ːɭsɔn]; born 31 May 1990) is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman and alternate captain for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Karlsson was drafted in the first round, 15th overall, by the Ottawa Senators at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, with whom he spent his first nine NHL seasons. Karlsson is a two-time winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman, winning the award in 2012 and 2015.

Playing career

Sweden

Karlsson with Frölunda HC in 2008.

Karlsson made his Elitserien debut for Frölunda HC on 1 March 2008, recording 8:48 of ice time during a sold out home game in Scandinavium against league leaders HV71. Karlsson scored the game-winning goal, assisted by Tomi Kallio and Magnus Kahnberg, with a slap shot in overtime during a man advantage. The win secured a playoff berth for Frölunda with three games remaining in the regular season.

Karlsson finished the season with Frölunda's J20 team playing in the J20 SuperElit playoffs, where Frölunda took home the Anton Cup when they won, two games to one, against Brynäs IF's J20 team in the Swedish Junior Ice Hockey Championship final.

Ottawa Senators

Prior to the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Karlsson was ranked fourth among European skaters by the NHL's Central Scouting Service.He was ultimately drafted 15th overall by the Ottawa Senators in front of their hometown fans at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. The selection was made by Ottawa's captain Daniel Alfredsson, a native of Gothenburg, who played for Frölunda before entering the NHL. Then-Ottawa general manager Bryan Murray traded Ottawa's first-round pick, 18th overall, and their third-round pick in 2009 to the Nashville Predators in exchange for the Predators' first-round pick, 15th overall, to ensure that no other team would select Karlsson before them.

A few weeks before the 2008–09 Elitserien season premiere, Frölunda announced that Karlsson was brought up to the senior team as a regular roster player.

In September 2009, Karlsson attended the Senators' training camp ahead of the 2009–10 season. On 29 September 2009, the Senators announced that Karlsson had made the team's NHL roster. After struggling in nine regular season games with Ottawa, he was assigned to the team's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Binghamton Senators. On 27 November 2009, exactly one month after being sent down, Karlsson was recalled from Binghamton. He would score his first NHL goal against the Minnesota Wild's Niklas Bäckström in a 4–1 win for Ottawa on 19 December 2009, and would remain in the NHL for the remainder of the season and play in all of Ottawa's 2010 Stanley Cup playoff games.

Karlsson was selected to participate in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game, set for 30 January 2011, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, having recorded 25 points in 41 games.

The 2011–12 season saw Karlsson continue his development. On 16 December 2011, with his third assist of the night, Karlsson registered his 100th regular-season NHL point (in 168 games) in a game against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins. Karlsson was the NHL's leading vote-getter in All-Star voting, receiving 939,951 fan votes and becoming one of four Senators players selected to partake in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game. Karlsson finished the season as the leading scorer among NHL defencemen, leading second-place Dustin Byfuglien and Brian Campbell by 25 points. Karlsson was being mentioned as a James Norris Memorial Trophy candidate, if not the favourite for the award.

Karlsson during his NHL debut on 28 November 2009

On 19 June 2012, Karlsson signed a reported seven-year, $45.5 million contract with the Senators The following day, Karlsson was announced as the winner of the James Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman, beating Zdeno Chára of the Boston Bruins and Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators. He became the second Swede after seven-time winner Nicklas Lidström to win the award, joining the ranks of Hall of Famers Bobby Orr and Denis Potvin as the only players to win the award under age 23.

Karlsson with Jokerit, a team he signed with during the 2012–13 NHL lockout

During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Karlsson signed with Jokerit of the Finnish SM-liiga. He received a one-game suspension for allegedly throwing his stick at a referee following a game on 8 December 2012. He finished his stint in Jokerit with 9 goals and 25 assists (34 points) in 30 games, leading all defencemen in scoring. Once the lockout ended and the NHL season commenced, Karlsson promptly recorded a goal and two assists as Ottawa defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4–1 in their season opener. On 13 February 2013, Karlsson's Achilles tendon was lacerated when Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke had his skate land on the back of Karlsson's left leg, requiring surgery and taking him out of Ottawa's lineup indefinitely. Cooke had been suspended several times previously for much-criticized incidents resulting in injury to opposing players, but was not suspended for this incident. At the time of the injury, Karlsson led all NHL defencemen with six goals. Though initial estimates had him out of the lineup for four-to-six months, Karlsson returned to the Ottawa lineup against the Washington Capitals on 25 April 2013, ten weeks to the day after the injury occurred. The Senators made the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs but were eliminated by Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference Semifinal, with Karlsson registering one goal and seven assists in ten games.

Karlsson appeared in all 82 games during the 2013–14 season and finished the season with 20 goals and 74 points, resulting in Karlsson being the first defenceman since Brian Leetch in 2000–01 to have at least 20 goals and 50 assists in the same season. However, the Senators would fail to qualify for the 2014 playoffs.

On 2 October 2014, the Senators organization announced that Karlsson would serve as the ninth captain in the team's modern history, replacing the recently-traded Jason Spezza. In his first season as team captain, Karlsson led all NHL defencemen in points for the third time in four seasons, including a career-high 21 goals. He also played in all 82 of Ottawa's games for the second season in a row and ranked third in the NHL in total ice time (2,234:55) and average ice time (27:15) to carry the Senators to a 23–4–4 record on the way to an unlikely playoff spot. On 24 June 2015, it was announced Karlsson won his second Norris Trophy, beating out fellow nominees Drew Doughty and P. K. Subban.

Karlsson appeared in all 82 games for the third-straight season during the 2015–16 season and led the league in assists with a career high 66 assists and set a career high in points (82), finishing fourth in the league in scoring alongside San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton. With his 81st point, Karlsson broke the record for most points in a single season by a Swedish defenceman, which was previously set by Nicklas Lidström during the 2005–06 season. Karlsson was also the first defenceman since Paul Coffey in the 1985–86 season to finish in the top five in scoring and the first since Bobby Orr in the 1974–75 season to lead the league in assists. Karlsson's performance earned him his third Norris Trophy nomination, though Drew Doughty won the trophy with Karlsson finishing in second place in vote totals.

Karlsson playing in a game against the Penguins, during the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs

During the 2016–17 season, Karlsson set a Senators record on 4 March 2017 when he appeared in his 312th consecutive game, breaking the previous set by defenceman Chris Phillips. However, he would miss his first game in almost four years in late March 2017 after sustaining an injury from blocking a shot during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers, ending his consecutive game streak at 324 games. Karlsson finished the regular season in third place among defencemen in points and second place among defencemen in assists and blocked shots, earning him his fourth Norris Trophy nomination. Karlsson would finish second in voting, with the award going to Brent Burns. Karlsson's performance continued into the 2017 playoffs, helping the Senators reach the Eastern Conference Final, the first time the team had done so since 2007. Although the Senators would be eliminated by the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven games, Karlsson was praised for his performance during the Senators' playoff run and how he continued playing despite suffering two hairline fractures in his left heel. Karlsson would also set a playoff team record for most assists and points for a defenceman in the playoffs.

Shortly after the Senators were eliminated from the playoffs, Karlsson had surgery to repair torn tendons in his left foot, resulting in him missing the beginning of the 2017–18 season. Karlsson's productivity dwindled in this season, finishing the season with 62 points in 71 games, partly due to coping with injuries and the loss of his child towards the end of the season. Despite his lower-than-average performance, Karlsson moved into third place on the franchise's all-time points list (with 492 points) on 8 February 2018 after a 4–3 win over the Nashville Predators. The Senators also struggled during the season, finishing the season in 30th place in the league. In the midst of a rebuild, the Senators attempted to trade Karlsson before the NHL trade deadline, as his seven-year contract was ending in 2019 and the organization was uncertain about re-signing him, though a deal could not be reached before the deadline. However, the day after the deadline, Karlsson expressed his interest in staying in Ottawa and said that he never requested a trade.

San Jose Sharks

On 13 September 2018, Karlsson (along with Francis Perron) was traded to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Chris Tierney, Dylan DeMelo, Josh Norris, Rūdolfs Balcers, the Sharks' first-round pick in 2020, second-round pick in 2019 and a conditional second-round pick in 2021.[40] He scored his first goal with the Sharks on 18 November in a 4–0 win over the St. Louis Blues. After a slow start to the season, Karlsson became the fifth defenceman in league history to have at least one assist in 14 consecutive games following a 7–2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on 8 January 2019. On 23 December, Karlsson was suspended for the first time in his career for two games for an illegal check to the head of Los Angeles Kings player Austin Wagner. A groin injury resulted in Karlsson missing many games near the end of the season before returning for the last game of the season against the Colorado Avalanche. He would finish the season with 45 points in 53 games, his lowest point tally since the 2012–13 season. Karlsson assisted San Jose in reaching the Western Conference Finals during the 2019 playoffs, though he sustained another groin injury in a game against the St. Louis Blues, resulting in him missing San Jose's final game of the playoffs when the team lost 5–1 in Game 6. He would finish the playoffs with 16 points in 19 games. On 31 May, he underwent groin surgery.

On 17 June 2019, Karlsson signed a new eight-year, $92 million contract to remain with the Sharks, with an annual value of $11.5 million. His new contract made Karlsson the highest-paid defenceman in league history and the third highest-paid player in the league at the time, behind Auston Matthews ($11.6 million annually) and Connor McDavid ($12.5 million annually). He broke his thumb on 14 February 2020, in a game against the Winnipeg Jets. He was placed on injured reserve and would miss the remainder of the 2019–20 season.

Style of play

Karlsson skating forward during a game. Karlsson has been noted for his speed.

Karlsson's performance has been widely acclaimed by current and former ice hockey players, head coaches and the media. He is well known for his speed, such as his ability to lead a rush and be the first man to return to defend, and for making plays. In 2012, Bobby Orr praised Karlsson for his fast skating and performance, comparing him to former defencemen such as Larry Robinson and Paul Coffey, while Coffey himself praised Karlsson as an "elite player" and one of the best players in the NHL. Ken Hitchcock praised Karlsson for his skating skill and reading of plays, saying that he is "ahead of the curve everywhere". Henrik Lundqvist also called Karlsson "one of the best players in the game", complimenting his skating skills and vision of the game. Despite his performance, he has also been criticized for not playing a more defensive role as a defenceman.

Karlsson is known as being a more offensive defenceman. He has earned more than 70 points in four different seasons and is the second defenceman in league history to lead his team in scoring in four consecutive campaigns.

Karlsson has also shown his grit and toughness as he has played in numerous games and playoff series with very noticeable injuries. In the Ottawa Senators playoff run in 2017, Karlsson was reported to have played on a broken heel which he had to get a surgery the following off season. Karlsson also rushed himself back from a groin injury in the 2019 NHL playoffs to help with the San Jose Sharks playoff run which also ended in the conference final series. Karlsson is recognized for using Snus, a Swedish form of dipping tobacco, during the games.

International play

Medal record

World Junior Championships

Representing Sweden

Winter Olympics

2014 Sochi

World Championships

2010 Cologne

2009 Ottawa

Karlsson was selected as the tournament's best defenceman at the 2008 IIHF World U18 Championships. He was the tournament's plus/minus leader with a plus eight rating. He led team Sweden in assists, finishing third overall in the tournament with seven in six games,which also tied him for first place in defencemen scoring. During the 2008 U20 4-Nations tournament which Sweden won, Karlsson scored one goal and one assist which tied him with David Rundblad, Viktor Ekbom and Tim Erixon as Sweden's defenceman scoring leader.[ A the 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, Karlsson was selected to the all-star team, and as the tournament's best defenceman. With two goals and seven assists in six games, he led all Swedish players in points,and was tied for the tournament lead among defencemen.

Karlsson played at the 2010 World Championships and was the highest scoring defenceman for Sweden with one goal and three assists in nine games.

Karlsson tied for fourth in team scoring with Senators teammate Daniel Alfredsson at the 2012 World Championship with seven points and led all Swedish defencemen in that category. He also finished tied for fifth in points and tied third in goals by defencemen overall in the tournament.

At the 2014 Olympic Tournament held in Sochi, Karlsson led all players with eight points and was tied for second in goals. On 21 February 2014, Karlsson's scored a powerplay goal in the semi-final against Finland to earn Sweden a spot in the gold medal final against Canada. The Swedes would later lose 3–0. Along with a silver medal, Karlsson was named the Best Defenceman of the tournament and was selected to the All-Star team.

Karlsson declined an invitation to play for Sweden at the 2015 World Championship due to an undisclosed injury.

On 1 March 2016, Karlsson was announced to represent Sweden at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. In September, he was named alternate captain alongside Daniel Sedin.

Personal life

Karlsson and his first wife, Therese, were divorced in 2013. He married his second wife, Melinda Currey, in Ottawa in August 2017. On 22 November 2017, Karlsson and Currey announced via Instagram that they were expecting their first child, and on 18 December, they revealed it was a boy. On 20 March 2018, the Karlssons announced that their son was stillborn. On 3 October 2019, Karlsson and Melinda announced the birth of a daughter.

On 12 June 2018, Karlsson's wife filed a protection order against Monika Caryk, girlfriend of Senators' teammate Mike Hoffman, for harassment both before and after the passing of their son. The nature of the alleged harassment included using fake accounts to direct over 1,000 malicious comments towards the Karlssons, including some made regarding the stillbirth of the Karlssons' son. The situation would soon result in legal action against Caryk and the trades of both Karlsson and Hoffman from the Senators' organization.

During a 2018 court deposition, Caryk burst into tears and threatened to leave the room during questioning. She told the court that she and Melinda Karlsson began as friends and that the Karlssons were never outwardly hostile towards her. When asked how the friendship deteriorated, Caryk stated that she became offended after her Facebook and Instagram posts stopped receiving "likes" from Melinda Karlsson, and Caryk became more upset when she stopped receiving invitations to team dinners organized for wives and girlfriends of Senators' players. The deposition revealed that wives and girlfriends of several players associated with the Senators and other organizations had contacted Caryk privately before the matter went public, admonishing her for her continued and increasing hostility towards the Karlssons.

Later that year, Karlsson and his wife organized the charity "Can't Dim My Light" to raise funds and awareness about bullying in schools.

Karlsson's childhood idols included Nicklas Lidström, Daniel Alfredsson, Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg. He is a supporter of English Premier League football club Arsenal.

F Lalrinpuia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

F LalrinpuiaPersonal information

Date of birth 3 October 1989

Place of birth Mizoram, India, Republic veng

Position(s) Forward

Club information

Current team Mizoram Police

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2012–2015 Mizoram Police

2015 Chanmari

2016 Aizawl 10 (0)

2016– Mizoram Police

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 18:40, 20 March 2018 (UTC)

F Lalrinpuia (born 3 October 1989) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Mizoram Police in the Mizoram Premier League.

Career

Born in Mizoram, Lalrinpuia began his career with Mizoram Police in the Mizoram Premier League. He then joined Chanmari, where he played for the side in the I-League 2nd Division. He also represented Mizoram in the Santosh Trophy and helped the state win their first championship in the tournament.

On 16 January 2016 Lalrinpuia made his professional debut with newly promoted I-League club, Aizawl, against Bengaluru FC. He came on as a 79th minute substitute as Aizawl lost 1–0.

Mizoram Police

After spending the season with Aizawl, Lalrinpuia returned to Mizoram Police for the 2016–17 and 2017–18 Mizoram Premier League seasons.

Lalrinpuia was also part of the Mizoram side that participated in the Santosh Trophy in 2016, 2017, and 2018. On 20 March 2018, Lalrinpuia scored the equalizer for Mizoram in their opening match of the 2017–18 edition against Goa.

G. Muthuraj

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Muthuraj

Born 1 July 1927

Bangalore

Died 21 May 2006 (aged 78)

Spouse(s) Padmavathy

G. Muthuraj (1 July 1927 – 21 May 2006) was a football player from Karnataka, India.

Footballing career

Fondly known as Muthu, Muthuraj started his career as a defender with the Bangalore Mars in 1947. He also became the captain of the Karnataka state team and played for his state for nearly a decade. he made his international debut in an away series in 1953 against Myanmar (then called Burma).

He represented India at the 1954 Asian Games in Manila.

Professional career

Muthu joined the 515 Army Base Workshop in 1950 and retired in 1962. From then on, he coached the Army team until he quit in 1990.

Personal life

Muthuraj is survived by two sons, both of whom were footballers, and three daughters.

Grace Dangmei

Wikipedia

Date of birth 5 February 1996

Place of birth Dimdailong, Churachandpur, Manipur, india

Position(s) Forward

Club information

Current team Gokulam Kerala FC

Number 11

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2016–2018 KRYPHSA 9 (8)

2019 Sethu 7 (8)

2021 Gokulam Kerala 0 (0)

National team‡

2014 India U19 3 (1)

2013– India 43 (12)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 23 May 2019

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 2 December 2021

Grace Dangmei (born 5 February 1996) is an Indian footballer, who plays as a forward for the India Women's National Football Team. She was part of the team at the 2014 Asian Games and at the 2016 South Asian Games where she scored two goals against Sri Lanka. During the 2016 SAFF Women's Championship, she scored a goal in the first half of the final, helping India clinch its fourth consecutive title at the tournament.

Early life

Grace Dangmei was born to Simon Dangmei and Rita Dangmei and belongs to Rongmei Tribe from Dimdailong Village, Kangvai Sub-Division, Churachandpur District, Manipur.

Career

International career

Grace played her debut international match in AFC Qualifiers on 2013. Then she becomes regular members of women's national team.

Club career

Dangmei played the inaugural edition of Indian Women's League with Kryphsa F.C. and also 2nd edition. She joined Sethu FC in 2019 for 3rd edition of IWL.During the 2018 Indian Women's League she was awarded as Emerging Player Award. She scored a brace in her first match with Sethu FC against Manipur Police Sports Club on 6 May 2019.

Gopi Sonkar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gopi SonkarPersonal information

Full name Gopi Kumar Sonkar

Ethnicity Khatik

Citizenship India

Born 10 April 2000

Banaras

Residence Banaras

Occupation sport

Sport

Country India

Sport Hockey

Position Midfielder

Team Uttar Pradesh Hockey

Gopi Sonkar (born 10 April 2000), also known as Gopi Kumar, is an Indian field hockey player and a member of Indian field hockey team. He represented India in 2018 Sultan of Johor Cup held at Malaysia.

He also participated in 9th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2019 (Div ‘A’) held at the Sports Authority of India, Western Training Centre, Aurangabad.

Early life and career

He started training at Vivek Singh Academy, then joined Saifai Sports Hostel where his maternal uncle Rajesh trained him. He is the elder between two sisters and three brothers.[ His father Pyarelal Sonkar used to sell fruits at Pandeypur Chowk.

Gadde Ruthvika Shivani

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gadde Ruthvika Shivani

గద్దె రుత్విక శివాని

Personal information

Birth name Gadde Ruthvika Shivani

Country India

Born 26 March 1997

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Residence Khammam, Telangana, India

Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)

Weight 60 kg (132 lb)

Handedness Right handed

Coach Pullela Gopichand

Women's singles

Career title(s) 5

Highest ranking 49 (1 December 2016)

Women's badminton

Representing India

Uber Cup

2016 Kunshan Women's team

2018 Gold Coast Mixed team

Asian Junior Championships

2016 Guwahati-Shillong Women's singles

2016 Guwahati-Shillong Women's team

2011 Lucknow Mixed team

BWF profile

Gadde Ruthvika Shivani (born 26 March 1997) is an Indian badminton player who currently plays singles. She trains at the Gopichand Badminton Academy.

Childhood and Early Training

Gadde Ruthvika Shivani, the daughter of G. Bhavani Prasad and G. Prameela Rani, was born in a Telugu family on 26 March 1997. Her father is a small business man and her mother is a homemaker and Shivani's elder brother is G. S. Chaitanya Prasad. Shivani getting interested in playing badminton at the age of five, she used to go along with his father to play with club members at Khammam's Sequel Resorts. Her father and his friends noticed her keen interest to the sport, from then she started playing it every single day and make it as a career.

In 2002, Shivani initially took in the nuts and bolts of the game with the direction of club coach Prem Singh at Khammam's Sequel Resorts. Later, she joined in the Sports Authority Academy, Khammam, in 2004 under the guidance of coach G. Sudhakar Reddy till 2011. During her training she sharpened her repertoire of mix-and-match shots to bait and confuse her opponents. One of the others things she did was to play singles and doubles with boys. While their physicality made Shivani work harder, her techniques refined her game, making her stand out.

Soon after Shivani joined in the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in 2012, she won several medals after joining in the Gopichand Badminton Academy, one of the biggest triumph is winning the women's singles title in Russian Grand Prix. About Shivani's performance at the Russian Grand Prix, Gopichand said: "She had the habit of playing against the boys in her early days". "So, her fitness and power is automatically developed and it is likely to make the difference from the other students of this academy. And after she joined the academy, I did not overwrite her game style. Rather I tried to polish it".

Shivani was National Champion at sub-junior, junior, senior level categories in all age groups and in all formats of badminton events, respectively she won 115 national medals. In the international level she won 20 medals. Shivani completed her schooling from Harvest Public School, Khammam. She completed her 11th, 12th standards from Jubilee Hills Public School, Hyderabad and B.Com from St. Ann's College for Women, at present she is pursuing her M.B.A in the same college located in Hyderabad.

Career

In the international circuit, Shivani made her first international sub-junior debut in 2010, she was a bronze medallist in women's doubles category at the Badminton Asia Youth U17 & U15 Championships held in Chiba, Japan, that was her first medal in international level. In the same year she was a silver medallist in women's doubles category at the Li-Ning Singapore Youth International held in Singapore. In 2011, Shivani was a silver medallist in women's singles category at the Badminton Asia Youth U17 & U15 Championships held in Chiba, Japan. She was also a silver medallist in women's doubles category at the DJARUM SIRNAS REG.IV FLY POWER PERTAMINA JATIM OPEN held in Surabaya, Indonesia.

2011

In 2011, Shivani made her first international junior debut at Ramenskoe Junior International held in Ramenskoe, Russia. She vanquished Russian Player Evgeniya Kosetskaya and won women's singles title. She was also a bronze medallist in women's doubles. At Asian Junior Championships she was a bronze medallist in mixed team event.

2012

In 2012, Sushant Chipalkatti Memorial India Junior International held in Pune, Maharastra. She won the women's singles title by defeating Rituparna Das in straight sets and also won the women's doubles title.

2013

In the 2013 Indian Badminton League, She was the team member of the Awadhe Warriors. Her team lost in finals against Hyderabad HotShots and finished as runner's-up. Shivani won women's singles title at Sushant Chipalkatti Memorial India Junior International held in Pune, Maharastra. By defeating Liang Xiaoyu in finals. She won in women's doubles at Vankina Anjana Devi Memorial All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Hyderabad, Telangana.

2014

In December, Shivani won the Tata Open India International women's singles title after beating her opponent Arundhati Pantawane in the final. This was her first international challenge title held in Mumbai, Maharastra. On 7 September 2014 she won her third consecutive year of winning women's singles title in Sushant Chipalkatti Memorial India Junior International held in Pune, Maharastra defeating her opponent Karthik Reshma in the final. Winner in women’s singles at All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Gandhidham, Gujarat.

2015

At the 2015 December, Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh Open International held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She won the women's singles title by defeating top seeded player Iris Wang of United States. In October, Sofia, Bulgaria she was a bronze medallist in women's singles at the Babolat Bulgarian International. In September, playing at the Sushant Chipalkatti Memorial India Junior International held in Pune, Maharastra. She defeated second seeded player Supamart Mingchua in the final and winning the women's singles title for the fourth consecutive year. At Radhey Shyam Gupta Memorial All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh she was winner in women's singles.

2016

At the 2016 South Asian Games held in Guwahati and Shillong, she won two gold medals, in women's team and women's singles. Rising star Shivani created the biggest upset by defeating P. V. Sindhu in straight games and won the women's singles title. She was a women's team member in India's national team at the 2016 Uber Cup and secured bronze medal in 2016 Thomas & Uber Cup World Team Championships Finals held in Kunshan, China. In the quarter finals she defeated Thailand's top player Nichaon Jindapol by 21-18, 21-16[9] with that victory Indian women's team secured bronze medal in Uber Cup. Later, they lost in semi-finals against china. In the 2016 Premier Badminton league, Shivani was the team member of the Mumbai Rockets. Her team finished as runner's-up after losing in finals against Delhi Acers. On 9 October 2016, Shivani won Russian Open women's singles title, beating her opponent from Russia Evgeniya Kosetskaya in finals. This is Shivani's maiden Grand Prix title held in Vladivostok, Russia. Shivani was a silver medallist in Sats-Yonex Sunrise India International Series held in Hyderabad, Telangana. In Pune, Maharashtra she was winner in women’s singles at V. V. Natu Memorial All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament.

International Achievements (Senior)

International Senior Medals (6)

S. No.YearTournamentOpponent/Opponent in finalScoreResult

1 2014 Tata Open India International Arundhati Pantawane 19–21, 21–18, 21–14 Gold

2 2015 Babolat Bulgarian International Maria Ulitina 20-22, 15-21 Bronze

3 2015 Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh Open International Iris Wang 23–21, 19–21, 21–18 Gold

4 2016 South Asian Games P.V.Sindhu 21–11, 22–20 Gold

5 2016 Russian Open Evgeniya Kosetskaya 21-10, 21-13 Gold

6 2016 Sats-Yonex Sunrise India International Series Rituparna Das 7-11, 11-8, 7-11, 12-14 Silver

7 2017 Tata Open India International Mukherjee Riya 21-12, 23-21 Gold

Recent achievements: Won tata open India international challenge in 2017 Grand Prix International Challenge International Series

Gaurav Natekar

Wikipedia

Gaurav Natekar (born 4 April 1972) is a seven-time Indian National Tennis Champion. He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1996 for Tennis.

His father, Nandu M. Natekar, was a national-level Indian badminton champion.

Achievements

Represented the country in Davis Cup from 1992-97. Was member of the team that reached the semi-final in '93

Double gold medallist at the Hiroshima Asian Games in 1994 (team event and doubles with Leander Paes)

Double gold medallist in SAF Games in Colombo '93, Dhaka '95, and Madras '97.

Won the National hard & grasscourt titles in singles and doubles in the same year (1992)

Two National singles, seven doubles and five junior titles. Highest ATP ranking: singles 272, doubles 167.

Gouranga Biswas

Gouranga Biswas (born December 17, 1987, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India) is a former Indian professional footballer who played primarily as a midfielder (sometimes listed as an attacker).

Career Overview

Position: Midfielder / Attacker
Clubs and Associations:
- Associated with Eagles F.C. (a Kerala-based club, formerly known as Chirag United Kerala or Viva Kerala) around 2013–2014, where he was on loan from IMG-Reliance (AIFF's commercial partner at the time, involved in player contracts for potential IPL-style football leagues).
- Previously linked to United SC (formerly Chirag United or Prayag United), where he scored goals, including in tournaments like the Durand Cup (e.g., a goal against Salgaocar in 2011).
- Signed by IMG-Reliance in 2013 as part of their player pool for proposed franchise-based tournaments.
- Participated in competitions like the Federation Cup (2014 with Eagles FC) and other domestic events.
Last Known Status: Without a club since July 1, 2013 (per Transfermarkt records). His professional career appears to have been short and mostly in lower-tier or second-division Indian football, with no recorded international caps for India.
Notable Mentions: Described as a versatile midfielder; part of squads relying on IMG-Reliance loanees for tournaments on home soil.

Personal Details

Age: 38 (as of 2025)
Height/Other Stats: Limited public data; no detailed physical or performance stats widely available beyond basic profiles.
Current Status: Retired from professional football; no recent news or activity in the sport.

Gouranga Biswas was not a high-profile player in Indian football (e.g., no ISL appearances or major trophies noted). His career peaked in the early 2010s amid efforts to revamp Indian football through corporate partnerships, but details are sparse due to his lower-division involvement.

m.thehinduimages.com

MATCH WINNER: Gouranga Biswas of West Bengal who scored two ...

(Note: Public images specifically confirmed as him are rare; the above is the most relevant archival photo associated with the name in football contexts.)

Hridayeshwar Singh Bhati

Wikipedia

Hridayeshwar Singh Bhati

Bhati age 11, with his chess variants

Born 3 September 2002

Jaipur, India

Nationality Indian

Known for Inventing six-, twelve-, and sixty-player circular chess variants

Website Hridayeshwarsinghbhati.com

Hridayeshwar Singh Bhati (born 3 September 2002) is an Indian student who invented a six-player variant of chess at the age of 9 with assistance from his father. He earned a patent for his invention in 2012, making him the youngest patent-holder in India at that time. For his invention Bhati received the CavinKare Ability Special Recognition Award and the Sri Balaji Society's Child Innovator Award. He has since designed and received patents for twelve- and sixty-player versions of his game, with his boards capable of 100 distinct variations altogether.

Besides circular chess, Bhati has developed a ramp system enabling easy access to vehicles for the disabled In 2014 he was presented a Dr. Batra's Positive Health Award by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Bhati suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. He credits his passion for invention to his admiration of British physicist Stephen Hawking: "I want to be like Hawking who became a famous scientist despite suffering from motor neuron disease."

Six-player circular chess

Bhati's version of multiplayer chess is played on a circular board with 228 black and white cells (or spaces). The 12 red spaces are not used. Up to six players in teams of two or three can play. Bhati's design employs all the standard chess pieces and their moves. Individual armies are distinguished by colour.

Six-player circular chess, starting setup

Rules

Each player starts the game with the same number and types of pieces as in standard chess. Non-pawn pieces start in their normal positions on the back ranks (the 8×1 extensions at the board perimeter), with queens always placed to the left of kings. Pawns are placed on the rank in front of the pieces as in standard chess.

Red spaces cannot be occupied or passed through when moving or capturing. The multicoloured central area can be passed through but not occupied. It is considered a single "null" space, so a cell bordering it is considered adjacent to the cell on the direct opposite side of the null area. (E.g., a pawn on a cell bordering the null space that moves one step straight forward, will end its move on the opposite side of the null space on the same-coloured cell.)

The king, knight, and pawn have their standard chess moves, unaffected when crossing the central null space, where a cell directly across is considered adjacent. A pawn promotes as normal when reaching any player's back rank. A rook moves horizontally along concentric rings of cells, and vertically along files, including crossing the central null space and continuing along the same file in a straight line. When moving horizontally, a rook cannot end its move on the same cell it started from. The queen moves horizontally and vertically the same as a rook. When a queen or bishop moves diagonally and then crosses the central null space to the opposite side, it must continue from a cell of the same colour it started from: it is moved one cell clockwise or anticlockwise after passing the null space, consistent with whether it began its diagonal movement in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

When a player is checkmated or resigns, all their remaining pieces are removed from play. In games where teams compete, the last team standing is the winner.

Hima Das

The "Dhing Express" – India's Trailblazing Sprinter

Hima Das, affectionately nicknamed the Dhing Express after her hometown near Dhing in Assam, is one of India's most celebrated athletes. Born on January 9, 2000, she rose from humble rural roots to become a global track sensation, making history as the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in a track event at an international championship.

Background: Humble Origins and Identity

Family & Economic Status: Hima was born into a family of subsistence rice farmers. Her parents, Ronjit and Jonali Das, worked in paddy fields. The family's economic condition was modest, and Hima grew up assisting with farm work and playing sports in open fields.
Community: She belongs to the indigenous Sonowal Kachari community, which is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in Assam. Her rise is a celebrated story of talent emerging from a rural, tribal, and economically disadvantaged background.
Early Sports Interest: Surprisingly, her first love was football. She played as a striker in local matches, often barefoot on muddy fields. Her raw speed and aggression on the football pitch caught the attention of a local coach, who suggested she try running.

Hima was born in Kandhulimari village, Nagaon district, Assam, to parents Ronjit Das and Jonali Das, who are rice farmers. The youngest of five siblings, she grew up in modest circumstances, often running barefoot on muddy fields. Initially passionate about football, a school coach spotted her raw speed and encouraged her to switch to athletics. She trained initially in Guwahati under coaches Nipon Das and Nabajit Malakar, later moving to specialized training. Hima completed her early education at Dhing Public High School and pursued higher studies while balancing her athletic career.

Rise to Fame and Major Achievements

Hima's breakthrough came in 2018, a year that catapulted her to stardom:
July 12, 2018: Won gold in the women's 400m at the IAAF World U-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, clocking 51.46 seconds. This made her the first Indian athlete (male or female) to win gold in a track event at any global athletics championship.
2018 Asian Games (Jakarta):
Silver in individual 400m with a new Indian national record of 50.79 seconds (still standing).
Gold in women's 4x400m relay.
Gold in the inaugural mixed 4x400m relay (initially silver, upgraded to gold after a rival team's disqualification).
2019 Golden Streak: In July alone, she won five gold medals in European meets:
200m at Poznan Grand Prix (Poland) – 23.65s.
200m at Kladno Meet (Czech Republic) – 23.43s.
Three more 400m/200m golds in Czech meets.
Other notable feats include her international debut at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (6th in 400m) and consistent junior-level successes. She holds the Indian national record in 400m.

Awards and Recognition

Arjuna Award (2018) – India's second-highest sporting honor.
Appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Assam Police (2021) via direct entry for sportspersons.
Brand endorsements (e.g., Adidas) and gifts like luxury vehicles from the Assam government.
Inspired countless young athletes, especially from rural and Northeast India.
sportsmatik.com

Challenges and Setbacks

Despite her meteoric rise, Hima faced hurdles:
Recurring back and hamstring injuries post-2019, causing her to miss major events like the 2019 World Championships, Tokyo Olympics qualifiers, and 2022 Commonwealth Games.
In 2023, a hamstring injury sidelined her further.
Doping-related issue: Provisionally suspended by NADA in September 2023 for three whereabouts failures (administrative, not positive test). After hearings, she received a retrospective 16-month ban from July 22, 2023, to November 21, 2024.

Current Status (as of January 2026)

Hima's suspension ended in late 2024, clearing her for comeback. She has been training and expressed eagerness to return to competition. Recent reports indicate she participated in events like visiting the Maha Kumbh in 2025, signaling her active preparation. At 26, fans await her potential resurgence in national and international meets, hoping the "Dhing Express" regains full speed.

Hima Das's journey from Assam's rice fields to world podiums remains an inspiring tale of talent, grit, and breaking barriers in Indian athletics.

I. M. Vijayan

(Inivalappil Mani Vijayan (Malayalam: അയിനിവളപ്പില്‍ മണി വിജയന്‍)

Senior career*

Years Team Apps† (Gls)†

1987–1991 Kerala Police

1991–1992 Mohan Bagan A.C.

1992–1993 Kerala Police

1993–1994 Mohan Bagan A.C.

1994–1997 JCT Mills Phagwara

1997–1998 FC Kochin

1998–1999 Mohan Bagan A.C.

1999–2001 FC Kochin

2001–2002 East Bengal Club 6 (1)

2002–2004 JCT Mills Phagwara 34 (10)

2004–2005 Churchill Brothers SC

2005–2006 East Bengal Club

National team

1989–2004 India 79 (40)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.

† Appearances (Goals).

Inivalappil Mani Vijayan (Malayalam: അയിനിവളപ്പില്‍ മണി വിജയന്‍) (born 25 April 1969) is a former professional Indian football player. Playing in the striker position, he formed a successful attacking partnership with Baichung Bhutia for the Indian national team in the late nineties and early 2000s. Vijayan was crowned Indian Player of the Year in 1993, 1997 and 1999, the first player to win the award multiple times.He was also awarded the Arjuna award in 2003.

Vijayan started out as a seller of soda in the Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium, Kerala earning 10 paise (0.02 Cents) a bottle. Eventually he was chosen to play for the Kerala Police club and rose to become one of the top names in domestic football. A highly aggressive player, he eventually became the highest earner in Indian club football as well as a regular in the India team. He scored one of the fastest ever international goals in a match against Bhutan in the 1999 SAF Games, when he managed to do the same in 12 seconds. Faster international goals on record include ones by Davide Gualtieri in 8 seconds and Hakan Şükür in 11 seconds. Vijayan's talents attracted interest from clubs in Malaysia and Thailand, although he spent his entire career in India until retirement. By the end of his career he had scored 40 international goals in 79 matches for India. Since retiring Vijayan has set up a football academy to train young players in his home town.

Vijayan was born in a back ward Pulaya community on 25 April 1969 at Thrissur City, Kerala. He began his life in a gravely poor environment, and had to sell soda bottles in the Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium for helping his family. He studied in CMSHS Thrissur. He had a passion for the game of football, and somehow caught the eye of the then DGP of Kerala, M.K. Joseph who got him selected for the Kerala Police football club at the age of 17 years. Vijayan delivered brilliant performance for Kerala Police at Quilon Nationals 1987, and was able to impress the national football fraternity very soon with his impeccable skills and highly aggressive style of playing. He continued to play for Kerala Police until the year 1991, when he switched to Mohun Bagan He came back to Kerala Police in 1992 and the next year switched back to Mohun Bagan. The very next year in 1994 he joined JCT Mills Fagwara, and stayed with them for 3 years till 1997, when he left JCT to join FC Kochin. After spending a one year tenure with the club, he again moved to Mohun Bagan in 1998 and came back to FC Kochin in 1999.Early

Life & Domestic Career

Vijayan left FC Cochin in 2001 and joined East Bengal Club, which he left in 2002 to join JCT Mills Phagwara once again. After finishing a two year stint with the club, he left JCT in 2004 and joined Churchill Brothers S.C. He left the club after one year and moved to East Bengal Club in 2005, which was his last professional football club as an active football player. He left East Bengal in the year 2006.

International career

Shri I.M. Vijayan made his debut in international football in the year 1989 and played in a number of tournaments such as Nehru Cup, pre-Olympics, pre-World Cup, SAAF Cup and SAF Games. Vijayan and Baichung Bhutia formed one of the deadliest forward lines the Indian Football team had ever seen, and helped the team score various vital goals in international tournaments. Vijayan was part of the victorious Indian team in the 1999 South Asian Football Federation Cup and scored one of the fastest international goals in history during the tournament, hitting the net against Bhutan after only 12 seconds. He also finished top scorer in the Afro-Asian Games event held in India in 2003 with four goals. Vijayan formally retired from international football after the Afro-Asian Games of 2003.

Kalo Harin

The unmatching rags to riches story of Vijayan translated into celluloid in 1998. The film, Kalo Harin, was directed by Cherian Joseph. Other members of the team: A. N. Raveendra Das, N. P. Chandrasekharan (Script), N. P. Chandrasekharan (Lyrics), K. Raghavan Master (Music) and P. J. Cherian (Cinimatography). The title of the film which means black buck is a reference to Vijayan's popular nickname during his playing days in Kolkata. This film finds the life of Vijayan as the struggle for existence and expression by a poor Dalit in modern India. This film won the National Award and the John Abraham Award in 1999. It also attracted mass appeal in Kerala, the home state of Vijayan at that time. Even though a short non feature film, it was exhibited in local theaters through ticket selling. That was a new episode in the history of Malayalam Film Industry. And, the songs of this film, with their folk touch and Dalit vigour, also became hits then.

Acting career

Vijayan acted as the leading character in internationally acclaimed Indian film "Shantham" (Peace) which won the national award for best film, playing a young man who kills his friend and then is tormented by remorse.His second movie is along with Kalabhavan Mani in Akashathile paravakal, in which he played a negative role. He is currently building a reputation for his character roles in Malayalam movies. He has also acted in some Tamil films, Thimiru being one.

Other Activities

After retirement from active football, Vijayan concentrated his attention upon his Football School that he had opened in Thrissur. In 2010 Vijayan formally took over a coaching job with Southern Samity, a premier division side in the Calcutta Football League. He was also a member of the now defunct National Congress

Ignace Tirkey

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ignacious ("Ignace") Tirkey is an Indian field Hockey player. He plays as a Fullback and has captained the Indian team.

He also serves the Madras Engineering Group (Madras Sappers corps of engineers) Indian army as a commissioned officer. He holds the rank of Captain.

Early life

Ignace Tirkey's younger brother Prabodh Tirkey also represented India in hockey. He is a product of Panposh Sports Hostel, Rourkela where he was spotted by Indian Army to help him pursue his career.

Career

Tirkey made his debut for the national side in February 2001 at the Akbar el Yom Tournament in Cairo against Belgium. He was a member of Indian team that participated in the Athens Olympic in 2004, where India finished seventh. In club hockey, Tirkey played for Services.

He is most remembered for his goal that he scored between Pakistan's ace striker, Sohail Abbas's legs in the final minutes of 2003 Asia Cup final to give India the winning lead after both teams were locked at 2-2 (India eventually added a 4th goal in the last minute). The match won India its first gold in Asia Cups.

Another highlight of his was in the Muruguppa Gold Cup in Aug 2001, where he scored a golden goal to win final, and thereafter in December 2002 during the National Games in Hyderabad.

Awards

Ignacious TirkeyPersonal information

Born 10 May 1981 (age 37)

Lulkidihi, Navapara, Sundergarh

Orissa, India

Playing position Fullback

Senior career

Years Team Apps (Gls)

Services

2005–? Chennai Veerans

2007–2008 Orissa Steelers

National team

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2001–2012 India 250+

Medal record

Men’s field hockey

Representing India

Asia Cup

2003 Kuala Lumpur Team

Asian Champions Trophy

2011 Ordos Team

S.No.AwardsYear

1 Padma Shree 2010

2 Arjuna Award 2009

3 Ekalavya Puraskar 2003

4 Services Sportsman of the Year 2004

Jim Thorpe

Thorpe won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon in the 1912 Olympics.

His accomplishments didn't end there.

He also played professional football, baseball and basketball.

Former President Dwight Eisenhower said this about him after a Carlisle/Army football game in which Thorpe scored 22 out of his team's 27 points: "My memory goes back to Jim Thorpe. He never practiced in his life, and he could do anything better than any other football player I ever saw."

Jyoti Sunita Kullu

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jyoti Sunita KulluPersonal information

Born 9 September 1978

Sundargarh, Odisha

Women’s Field Hockey

Representing India

Champions Challenge

2002 Johannesburg Team

2002 Manchester Team

Asia Cup

2004 New Delhi Team

2006 Doha Team

Jyoti Sunita Kullu (born 9 September 1978[1] in Sundargarh, Odisha [2]) is a female field hockey player from India, who made her international debut for her native country in 1996 in Delhi at the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup. In 2002, she became the topscorer of the Champions Challenge tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa, with five goals in six matches. In the same year Kullu won the golden medal with India at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England.

International Senior Tournaments

1996 – Indira Gandhi Gold Cup, New Delhi

1997 – World Cup Qualifier, Harare (4th)

1998 – World Cup, Utrecht (12th)

1998 – Commonwealth Games, Kuala Lumpur (4th)

1998 – Asian Games, Bangkok (2nd)

1999 – Hockey Asia Cup, New Delhi (2nd)

2000 – Olympic Qualifier, Milton Keynes (10th)

2001 – World Cup Qualifier, Amiens/Abbeville (7th)

2002 – Champions Challenge, Johannesburg (3rd)

2002 – Commonwealth Games, Manchester (1st)

2002 – Asian Games, Busan (4th)

2003 – Afro-Asian Games, Hyderabad (1st)

2004 – Hockey Asia Cup, New Delhi (1st)

2006 – Commonwealth Games, Melbourne (2nd)

2006 – World Cup, Madrid (11th)

Awards

The President, Smt. Pratibha Patil presenting the Arjuna Award -2006 to Ms. Jyoti Sunita Kullu for Hockey (Women) at a glittering function, in New Delhi on August 29, 2007

Arjuna Award, 2007

John Peter

(field hockey)

Wikipedia

Full name Victor John Peter

Born 19 June 1937

Madras (now Chennai), Madras Presidency

(now in Tamil Nadu), British India

Died 30 June 1998 (aged 61)

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Playing position Halfback

Victor John "V. J." Peter (19 June 1937 – 30 June 1998) was an Indian professional field hockey player. A three-time Olympian who played as a halfback, he was a part of the Indian national team that won the silver, gold and bronze medals respectively in the 1960, the 1964 and the 1968 Olympic Games.Peter's brother, Victor Philips, was a member of the 1975 World Cup-winning team.

Born in Madras (now Chennai), Peter represented his employer Madras Engineer Group, and Services at the club level. He was renowned for his "dribbling skills, ball control and playmaking" and was called by former teammates Harbinder Singh and Inam-ur Rahman as "one of the best inside-rights India ever produced". Another former teammate Gurbux Singh credited him as having been the "architect of India's triumph over Pakistan in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics final." Peter was also instrumental in India's gold medal winning campaign at the 1966 Asian Games. Following his death in June 1998, another former teammate Charles Cornelius recalled, "Peter was pure magic, and I will never forget the combination of Mohinder Lal, Joginder and Peter." M. P. Ganesh felt he was a "very artistic player and his passing was accurate and well-timed."

Joseph Barss (ice hockey)

From Wikipedia

Joseph Barss

Barss from 1924 Michiganensian

Born

Joseph Barss

February 27, 1892

Madras, British India

Died January 26, 1971 (aged 78)

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

Occupation Ice hockey coach, Medical doctor and surgeon

Joseph Ernest Barss (February 27, 1892 – January 26, 1971) was an ice hockey player and coach. He was the first head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team, holding the position from 1922 to 1927. He was later employed as a medical doctor and surgeon in the Chicago area.

Early years

Barss was born in Madras, India (now known as Chennai) in February 1892. His father, John Howard Barss (born Wolfville, Nova Scotia) was ordained in July 1891 and traveled to India as a Baptist missionary. In 1893, while still an infant, Barss returned to Canada with his parents. He traveled with his parents from Liverpool, England, arriving in New York on October 30, 1893. They returned to their home in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where Barss' father operated a grocery store and served as a Baptist minister. Barss was enrolled at Acadia University in Wolfville, receiving his degree in 1912. After graduating from Acadia, Barss played professional hockey for the Montreal Wanderers of the National Hockey Association.

World War I

Barss in World War I uniform posing with his parents.

In April 1915, Barss entered the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force following the outbreak of World War I. At that time, he listed his occupation as clerk and indicated that he had three years of prior military service. In his history of the University of Michigan's hockey program, author John U. Bacon provides a lengthy account of Barss' war-time service and its impact on his decision to become a medical doctor. According to Bacon, Barss was wounded by shrapnel and gassed at the Second Battle of Ypres in April and May 1915. However, Barss' military records indicate that Barss' Attestation Paper for the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force was completed on April 30, 1915 in Montreal. Accordingly, it appears that Barss likely did not see combat action at the Second Battle of Ypres. Barss' Service Record states that he was wounded on June 2, 1916. He was a machine gunner sergeant with the P.P.C.L.I and badly wounded in Sanctuary Wood during the first day of the Battle of Mt. Sorrel on the eastern border of Ypres, Belgium. According to Bacon, Barss suffered permanent lung damage and a severe abdominal injury from shrapnel while serving in Belgium. After a lengthy hospitalization in France, Barss was sent to Camp Hill Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia in November 1917. Barss arrived in Halifax weeks before the Halifax Explosion, an explosion of a ship in Halifax harbor loaded with 10 tons of gunpowder, 35 tons of airplane fuel and 200 tons of TNT. More than 1,700 people were killed in the explosion. Barss was not injured and helped tend to the injured in the aftermath of the disaster.

University of Michigan

In 1919, Barss enrolled at the University of Michigan as a graduate student in bacteriology. In 1920, he enrolled at the Medical School, receiving a medical degree from the university in 1924.

While attending medical school at Michigan, Barss also served as the first coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team. According to Wilfred Byron Shaw's four-volume history of the University of Michigan, hockey had its beginning at Michigan in 1921 with Barss as the coach. Other sources indicate that Barss became the coach of the Michigan hockey team in 1922 According to Bacon, Barss officiated many of the games for the 1922 team and then asked athletic director Fielding H. Yost if he could start a varsity hockey team. Bacon wrote that Yost "might not have known much about hockey, but he knew a natural coach when he met one" and accepted Barss' offer.

It was not until 1923 that the Michigan hockey team received formal recognition as a varsity sport. The first "official" college hockey game played west of the Alleghenies was a game between Michigan and Wisconsin, played on January 12, 1923, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The game went into overtime with Michigan prevailing by a score of 2-1.

Barss coached the Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team during its first five years as a formal varsity sport. During those five years (1923 to 1927), the Michigan hockey team compiled a record of 26-21-4.

As the popularity of college hockey grew in the early 1920s, other colleges looked to Barss' pupils for coaching candidates. In January 1923, former Michigan hockey star Russell Barkell was hired as the coach of the hockey team at Williams College.

In February 1924, after a 3-0 victory by Michigan over Wisconsin, a Madison newspaper praised the defensive play of the Barss-coached Wolverines: "With an almost air-tight defense and a definite scoring attack the Michigan hockey team defeated the Badger six by a score of 3 to 0 yesterday afternoon. Wisconsin could not stop Michigan's fast team work and was unable to penetrate their defense to take any close shots at the goal."

By January 1925, the Michigan ice hockey team had four returning letter men from the prior year's team, and a call for candidates by Coach Barss "brought out 20 aspirants."

Medical career

After retiring as Michigan's hockey coach in 1927, Barss moved to Riverside, Illinois. He worked at the Hines Veteran Hospital in Maywood, Illinois, eventually becoming the chief of surgery there. In June 1930, Barss became a naturalized United States citizen. That same year, U.S. Census records show that Barss was living in Riverside, Illinois with his wife, Helen Kolb Barss, and two children, Joseph (age 6) and Elizabeth (age 2) In his registration card for the draft at the time of World War II, Barss indicated that he was a physician and surgeon residing in Riverside and having his place of business at 1011 Lake Street in Oak Park, Illinois.

Later years and death

Barss retired from his medical practice in 1962 and moved to Florida. In 1971, Barss died of Alzheimer's disease in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at age 79.

Jeje Lalpekhlua
Jeje Lalpekhlua — one of India’s most iconic and prolific footballers — is a celebrated striker known for his goal-scoring ability, sportsmanship, and humble demeanor. Here's a comprehensive overview of his life, career, achievements, and legacy:
📌 Basic Information

Full Name: Jeje Lalpekhlua
Date of Birth: 18 August 1991
Place of Birth: Saiha, Mizoram, India
Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position: Striker / Forward
Community: Mizo (Scheduled Tribe — ST)
Status: Retired from professional football (as of 2023)

🌱 Early Life & Background

Born in Saiha, a remote town in southern Mizoram, near the Myanmar border.
Grew up in a modest family — his father was a government employee.
Began playing football on muddy grounds with a makeshift ball made of banana leaves or rags.
Joined the Tata Football Academy (TFA), Jamshedpur, in 2007 — a turning point in his career.
Represented India at youth levels: U-16, U-19, and U-23.
⚽ Club Career Highlights

➤ Pune FC (2009–2014)

Made his senior debut at age 17.
Became a key player, helping Pune finish runners-up in the 2012–13 I-League.
Scored consistently and earned the nickname “Jeje Goal” for his clutch performances.

➤ Dempo SC (Loan, 2013)

Short loan stint; won the 2012–13 Goa Professional League.

➤ Mohun Bagan (2014–2017)

Joined in 2014 and became a fan favorite at the historic Kolkata club.
Played a pivotal role in Mohun Bagan’s 2014–15 I-League title win — their first in 9 years.
Scored the match-winning goal in the title-clinching game vs Bengaluru FC.

➤ Chennaiyin FC (2015–2021)

Joined on loan in 2015 (later permanent), becoming the club’s all-time top scorer (29 goals in 87 matches as of 2022).
ISL Champion:
🏆 2015 — Scored in the final vs FC Goa; named Hero of the Match.
🏆 2017–18 — Key contributor; scored crucial goals in playoffs.
Known for big-match temperament — 13 goals in knockout/semifinal/final matches across ISL seasons.

➤ East Bengal (2021–2022)

Joined on loan, marking a historic move as he became the first player to represent all three Kolkata giants (Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan SC — though he didn’t play for Mohammedan).
Faced fitness challenges but remained respected for his leadership.

➤ Retirement

Officially announced retirement on 30 January 2023, at age 31, citing persistent knee injuries and desire to give opportunities to younger players.
Chennaiyin FC retired his jersey No. 10 in his honor — a rare tribute in Indian football.
🇮🇳 International Career (Indian National Team)

Debut: 2011 vs Turkmenistan (World Cup Qualifier)
Caps: 43 appearances
Goals: 10 goals
Represented India in:
AFC Challenge Cup (2014 — champions 🏆)
SAFF Championship (2011, 2013, 2015)
World Cup & Asian Cup qualifiers
Known for selfless play — often dropped deep to assist, prioritizing team over personal stats.
💡 Fun Fact: Despite being a striker, Jeje ranks among India’s top assist providers in ISL — highlighting his unselfish style.

🏅 Major Honours & Achievements

Competition
Achievement
Year
I-League
Champion (Mohun Bagan)
2014–15
ISL
Champion (Chennaiyin FC)
2015, 2017–18
AFC Challenge Cup
Champion (India)
2014
SAFF Championship
Runner-up
2013
Federation Cup
Runner-up (Pune FC)
2014

Competition	Achievement	Year
I-League	Champion (Mohun Bagan)	2014–15
ISL	Champion (Chennaiyin FC)	2015, 2017–18
AFC Challenge Cup	Champion (India)	2014
SAFF Championship	Runner-up	2013
Federation Cup	Runner-up (Pune FC)	2014

🏆 Individual Awards:

FPAI Indian Player of the Year: 2016–17
AIFF Player of the Year (Runner-up): 2016
ISL Emerging Player of the League: 2014 (though already established, awarded due to age & impact)
ISL Hero of the Match (Final): 2015
Padma Shri Nominee (multiple years; widely regarded as deserving)
🌟 Legacy & Impact

Role Model from Northeast India — inspired a generation of Mizo & Northeastern footballers (e.g., Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sahal Abdul Samad looked up to him).
Embodied sportsmanship — never received a red card in his entire senior career.
Advocate for grassroots development; runs football clinics in Mizoram.
Appointed as Chairman of the North East Region Development Council under the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in 2023 to promote football in the region.
❤️ Personal Life & Values

Deeply rooted in Christian faith; known for humility and gratitude.
Married to Lalrinhlui, a nurse; they have two children.
Active on social media, often sharing motivational messages and promoting unity in Indian football.
Vocal about mental health, fair play, and ethical conduct in sports.
“Football gave me everything. I never played for fame or money — only for joy and pride for my family, Mizoram, and India.”
— Jeje Lalpekhlua
📚 Documentary & Media

Featured in the acclaimed documentary “The Other Side of the Ball” — showcasing football in the Northeast.
Subject of a biography: “Jeje: The Goal Man” (2020, by Lalthlamuong Keivom).
🏛️ Post-Retirement Roles

Technical Director & Mentor at Chennaiyin FC Academy
AIFF Committee Member for Grassroots & Youth Development
Brand Ambassador for Mizoram’s sports & tourism initiatives
Frequent commentator & analyst on football broadcasts (Star Sports, Sony)

Jeje Lalpekhlua remains a unifying figure in Indian football — admired not just for his goals, but for his character, integrity, and contribution to making Indian football more inclusive and aspirational.

JASVIR SINGH BANGAR

www.ambedkartimes.com congratulates Mr. Jasvir Singh (Banger) (Olympic Participant in

JASVIR SINGH BANGAR WON THE GOLD MEDAL

IN THE NORTH AMERICAN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 had won all rounds of Senior Canadian Weightlifting Championship on

May 16th & 17 th, 2009 in Kelowna, B.C. (Canada)

Vancouver: Mr. Jasvir Singh won Gold Medal in North American Open Championship, Chandler ( Arizona ) USA. He was in the weight lifting category and lifted 62 kilograms. The championship was December 4th -7th, 2008. Mr. Jasvir Singh lifted the weights on December 5th, 2008 and he was represented by Canada. Mr. Bangar was honored in the Annual Christmas Party which was organized by the Indian Community at Fraserview Banquet Hall in Vancouver ( Canada ) on Saturday night of December 20th, 2008.

Jyoti (wrestler)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

JyotiPersonal information

Nationality Indian

Born 17 December 1985 (age 33)

Delhi, India

Weight 75 kg (165 lb)

Sport

Sport Sport wrestling

Event(s) Freestyle

Medal record

Women's freestyle wrestling

Representing India

Asian Championships

2013 New Delhi 72 kg

2014 Astana 75 kg

2017 New Delhi 75 kg

Commonwealth Championship

2005 Stellenbosch 72 kg

2007 London 67 kg

Jyoti (born 17 December 1985) is an Indian wrestler. She represented India in the women's freestyle 75 kg category at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in which she placed fourth

Jaipal Singh Munda

Jaipal Singh Munda is one of the most significant and multifaceted figures in modern Indian history—a tribal rights icon, hockey Olympian, constitutionalist, and intellectual. His life uniquely bridges the worlds of elite sports, politics, and social justice.

1. Early Life and Education

Birth: Born on 3 January 1903 in a Munda tribal family in Takra, Khunti district, Bihar and Orissa Province (now in Jharkhand).
Community: Belonged to the Munda tribe, one of the largest and most historically resilient Adivasi (Scheduled Tribe) communities of eastern India, known for the Munda Rebellion against British colonial rule.
Early Education: Despite belonging to a marginalized Adivasi community under colonial rule, his academic brilliance was recognized early. He studied at St. Paul’s School, Ranchi, and was later selected by missionaries for higher education.
Oxford Education: He won a scholarship to study at St. John’s College, Oxford University, where he excelled academically and in sports. He earned a degree in Economics and was a prominent debater.

2. Hockey Career: Olympic Gold Medallist

Position: Defender.
1928 Amsterdam Olympics: Jaipal Singh was the captain of the Indian hockey team that won India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in hockey.
- Crucial Twist: He could not play in the final due to an injury sustained earlier, but his leadership in the initial matches and strategies were pivotal. The team, under his guidance, dominated the tournament, winning all matches without conceding a single goal.
- Historic Significance: This victory marked the beginning of India’s golden era in hockey (1928–1956).
Legacy in Sports: He remains the only Indian Olympic captain from a Scheduled Tribe (Adivasi) background and a symbol of Adivasi excellence in elite sports.

3. Political and Social Leadership: "The Adivasi Voice"

After his sports career, Jaipal Singh dedicated his life to the political empowerment of Adivasis.

Founder of the Adivasi Mahasabha (1938): He formed this organization to unite tribal communities (across present-day Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha) and demand political rights, cultural preservation, and economic justice.
Member of the Constituent Assembly (1946–1950): He was a key voice for tribal rights during the drafting of the Indian Constitution.
- Famous Speeches: His powerful interventions demanded autonomy, protection of tribal land (via the Fifth and Sixth Schedules), and respect for Adivasi identity. He famously stated, "I want that my people should be able to stand on their own feet... they should not be crushed."
- Advocacy: He argued for reservations, separate electorates initially, and strong safeguards against exploitation by outsiders.
Demand for Jharkhand: He is revered as the "Father of the Jharkhand Statehood Movement". His advocacy laid the groundwork for the eventual creation of the state of Jharkhand in 2000.
Political Career: He served as a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly and was a charismatic, often controversial, leader who fiercely challenged the mainstream political neglect of tribal issues.

4. Intellectual and Oratorical Prowess

Eloquent Orator: Known for his flawless English, sharp wit, and logical rigor in parliamentary debates, often discomfiting his opponents.
Writer and Thinker: He wrote extensively on tribal issues, economics, and politics, blending his Western education with a deep commitment to his roots.
Vision: He envisioned a modern India where Adivasis were not assimilated but empowered as equal partners with a distinct cultural and political space.

5. Personal Life and Challenges

Marriage: He married a British woman, Teresa,
which was unusual for the time and added to his complex identity as a global Indian.
Opposition: He faced opposition from both British colonial administrators (who saw him as a troublemaker) and mainstream Indian political elites (who often sidelined tribal demands).
Later Years: He remained active in politics and social work until his death on 20 March 1970.

6. Legacy and Honors

Constitutional Safeguards: His advocacy directly influenced the Fifth Schedule (Tribal Areas Governance) and Sixth Schedule (Autonomous Tribal Councils) of the Indian Constitution.
Jharkhand’s Founding Father: His portrait hangs in the Jharkhand Assembly, and he is celebrated annually on his birth anniversary.
Sports Icon: The Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi is named in his honor. He is a role model for tribal athletes across India.
Symbol of Tribal Intellectualism: He shattered stereotypes by proving that an Adivasi could excel at the highest levels of academia, sports, and statecraft.
Posthumous Recognition: The Government of India issued a postage stamp in his honor in 2008.

7. Quotes Reflecting His Ideals

"I want that the Adivasi should not be treated as a mere exhibit in the Indian Museum... They must be given a proper place in the Indian Union."
"Sir, I am proud to be a Jungli (Adivasi). That is the name by which we are known in my part of the country." (Constituent Assembly speech, 1946).

Conclusion

Jaipal Singh Munda was a Renaissance man of tribal India—an Olympic gold medalist, a visionary political leader, and a constitutional architect. His life is a testament to the power of education, sport, and relentless advocacy in the fight against marginalization. He ensured that the voice of India's Adivasi communities was embedded in the nation's founding document, making him an immortal figure in the histories of Indian sports, politics, and social justice.

Jahar Das

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jahar Das

Personal information

Date of birth 5 April 1947

Place of birth West Bengal, India

Playing position(s) Striker

Club information

Current team Aizawl (Head Coach)

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

Port Commissioner

Mohun Bagan

Teams managed

West Bengal

India U17

2005–2006 Mohun Bagan

2016-2017 Aizawl

2019- Peerless

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Jahar Das (born 5 April 1947) is a former Indian football player and is the current head coach of Indian I-League side Aizawl. During his playing days, Das played for Mohun Bagan in the seventies.

Playing career

Born in West Bengal, Das had played for Port Commissioner and Mohun Bagan as a striker.

Coaching career

Das began his coaching career managing the West Bengal football team in the Santosh Trophy. He also had a spell as coach of the India under-17 side. In 2005, after the departure of Sukhwinder Singh, Das was reportedly one of the candidates put up for the vacant India senior head coach position. The position was eventually given to Syed Nayeemuddin.

On 7 December 2005, Das was given the head coaching job at National Football League side, Mohun Bagan. His first match in charge came in the club's opening NFL game of the season against Mahindra United, a 0–0 draw. Das was eventually relieved of his duties on 6 March 2006 after Mohun Bagan found themselves in ninth place in the NFL table. Das would return to his previous post at Mohun Bagan as the technical director of their academy.

On 20 August 2015 it was announced that Das would become the "Head of Youth Development" at newly promoted I-League club, Aizawl. Then, on 7 February 2016, after Aizawl sacked head coach, Manuel Retamero Fraile, Das was announced as the new head coach.

Joshna Chinappa

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Joshna Chinappa

Born 15 September 1986

Chennai, India

Turned Pro 2003

Coached by Hadrian Stiff

Racquet used Harrow

Women's singles

Highest ranking No. 10 (July 2016)

Current ranking No. 14 (November 2018)

Title(s) 7

Tour final(s) 14

Women's squash

Representing India

2014 Glasgow Doubles

2018 Gold Coast Doubles

2014 Incheon Team

2018 Jakarta Team

2010 Guangzhou Team

2018 Jakarta Singles

Asian Individual Championships

2016 India Singles

2017 Chennai Singles

2019 Kuala Lumpur Singles

Last updated: April 2019.

Joshna Chinappa (born 15 September 1986) is an Indian professional squash player. She reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 10 in July 2016. She was the first Indian to win the British Junior Squash Championship title in 2005 in the under-19 category and was also the youngest Indian women's national champion. She is the current record-holder of most national championship wins, with 18 titles.

At the 2014 Commonwealth Games Joshna, along with Dipika Pallikal Karthik, won the squash women's doubles gold medal, India's first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in the sport The pair won a silver medal at the event's 2018 Gold Coast edition, losing to team New Zealand, Joelle King and Amanda Landers-Murphy. Joshna trains at the Indian Squash Academy, Chennai. At the 2017 Women's Asian Individual Squash Championships, she won the gold medal, becoming the first Asian Squash Champion from India.

In April 2018, Joshna upset Nicol David in the second round, in straight games, of the El Gouna World Series Event. This was one of her more prominent upsets.

Early life

Joshna Chinnappa was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on 15 September 1986. Her father Anjan Chinappa runs a coffee plantation at Coorg.[8] Her great granduncle, K.M. Cariappa, who was the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in independent India, grandfather, and father were all squash players. Joshna started playing squash at the age of seven. When she was eight, she considered whether to pursue badminton or tennis. Eventually, she chose squash which she started playing at the Madras Cricket Club. Her father, who represented the Tamil Nadu squash team, was also her first coach.

Joshna was the first beneficiary of the Mittal Champions Trust established by Mahesh Bhupati with funding from Lakshmi Mittal.

Career

Joshna receiving a prize from Sunil Dutt, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, after winning the 2005 British Junior Open

2000–2008

In 2000, Joshna won her first junior and senior national championship titles. She became the youngest player to hold both titles at the age of 14. In 2003, Joshna made history by winning the British Junior Open title in the U17 category when she was 16. The next year, she reached the final of the U19 category of the same competition, losing to Egypt's Omneya Abdel Kawy. In 2005, she came back to the same tournament again and clinched the title after beating Tenille Swartz of South Africa. In July 2005, Joshna competed in the World Junior Squash Championships in Belgium, reaching the finals. She was defeated by Raneem El Weleily of Egypt. She had also played this tournament in 2003, when she reached the last eight.

In 2007, Joshna said that she had decided to change coaches from Mohammad Medhaat to Malcolm Willstrop. Joshna won her first WISPA tour title in 2008 when she won the NSC Super Satellite No 3 in Malaysia, by beating Low Wee Wern. The following week, she defeated Wern again in the NSC Super Satellite to claim her second tour title. At this time, she was at her career best PSA World rank of 39.

2010–2012

In 2010, Joshna won the German Ladies Open, beating Gaby Schmohl 11–6, 11–7, 11–6 at Saarbrücken. This was her fourth tour title and first in Europe. In 2011, she won the Windy City Open by beating her compatriot Dipika Pallikal 3–2 in the final.

Joshna faced an injury layoff in August while playing in the Hamptons Open. When she came back after a seven-month break in May 2012, she clinched the WISPA title in the 2012 Chennai Open in her hometown Joshna defeated Sarah Jane Perry of England 9–11, 11–4, 11–8, 12–10.

2014

Joshna with Dipika Pallikal

In February, Joshna won the Winter Club Women's Open. In April, she won the Richmond Open, upsetting Australia's former world champion Rachael Grinham 11–9, 11–5, 11–8. This was her first win against Rachael in six meetings. In March, she reached her new career-high PSA world ranking of 19.

In August, Joshna and Dipika entered the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as the fifth-seeds in women's doubles. After winning every match in the group stage, they advanced to quarterfinals, in which they beat Joelle King and Amanda Land-Murphy in straight games They beat the second-seeded Australian pair of Rachael Grinham and Kasey Brown in the semifinals to reach the final, where they defeated the English pair of Jenny Duncalf and Laura Massaro. They accomplished the upset win against the top-seeded pair in less than 28 minutes with scores of 11–6, 11–8. Joshna and Dipika made history by winning the gold medal at the event. This was India's first-ever squash medal in the Commonwealth Games.

2015

In May, Joshna reached the semifinals at the 2015 HKFC International, but failed to beat Annie Au from Hong Kong. In August, she won the Victorian Open in Australia for her tenth tour title. She beat Line Hansen from Denmark 11–5, 11–4, 11–9.[28] In September, she won the NSCI Open title, by beating Egypt's Habiba Mohamed 11–8, 11–9, 11–6. Joshna was injured during the second game of the match, after Mohamed unintentionally struck her on the face with the racket.

In October, Joshna beat Salma Hany from Egypt 11–9, 8–11, 5–11, 11–8, 11–9 to reach the semifinals of the 2015 Carol Weymuller Open Joshna was defeated by Joelle King in the semifinals. In the first round of the Qatar Classic, Joshna defeated Raneem El Welily from Egypt, the World No. 1 at the time. In December 2015, Joshna achieved her career-high world rank of 13. She become the highest-ranked Indian woman player, overtaking Dipika in rankings for the first time.

2016

Joshna after winning the gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games, Guwahati, 2016

In February, Joshna participated in the 2016 Cleveland Classic in the United States, where she was knocked out by Camille Serme in the quarterfinals. Then she competed at the 2016 South Asian Games in Guwahati as the top-seed. She won gold after defeating her Pakistani rival Maria Toorpaki Wazir 10–12, 11–7, 11–9, 11–7.

In May, Joshna reached the semifinals of the 2016 HKFC International in Hong Kong. This time she was able to beat Annie Au 3–2, to whom she had lost the same title the previous year. However, she lost in the finals to New Zealand's Joelle King. In July, Joshna rose to her new career-high ranking of 10, becoming the second Indian to break into the world's top 10 after Dipika. In August, Joshna participated in the 2016 SRAM Invitational in Malaysia. She managed to reach the finals after beating Joelle King in the semifinal, but was defeated by Malaysian Nicol David in the final.

In October, Joshna reached the finals of the 2016 Otters International in Mumbai after beating Tesni Evans 3–1, 11–6, 15–13, 9–11, 11–8. She lost to Hong Kong rival Annie Au in the finals 9–11, 11–13, 7–11. In November, she participated in the 2016 World Team Squash Championships in Paris with Dipika, Akanksha Salunkhe, and Sunayna Kuruvilla on the women's team.The Indian team did not qualify for the knockout stage of the championship.

2017

In March, Joshna competed in the 2017 British Open Squash Championship. She lost in the second round match against Raneem El Welily. In April, she participated in the 2017 Asian Individual Squash Championships, which took place in Chennai. She reached the finals where she faced Palikkal. Joshna won the long match 13–15, 12–10, 11–13, 11–4, 11–4, becoming the first Asian Squash Champion from India. In an interview, she said that winning this title was her biggest achievement.

In August, Joshna partnered with Dipika to play in the World Doubles Squash Championship. As the second-seeds, they cruised into the quarterfinals and beat Samantha Cornett and Nikole Todd 10–11, 11–6, 11–8 to enter the semifinals. They settled for a bronze medal after being defeated by Jenny Duncalf and Alison Waters.

In September, Joshna won her 15th national championship title at the 74th National Squash Championships which took place in Greater Noida. This put her only one title short of the record for most number of national championship titles. Later that month, she played in the 2017 HKFC International as the third-seed. She advanced to the final, but lost to Nour El Tayebl.

2018

In April, Joshna participated in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She reached the quarterfinals of the women's singles event after beating Tamika Saxby from Australia, but lost to Joelle King 11–5, 11–6, 11–9. In April, Joshna won her second-round match at El Gouna International against the eight-time world champion Nicol David in straight games. She lost in the quarterfinals In August, Joshna reached the semifinals at the 2018 Asian Games. She won the semifinal match against Nicol David 12–10, 11–9, 6–11, 10–12, 11–9. She lost to Sivasangari Subramaniam in the final, and settled for the silver medal. In October, Joshna reached the quarterfinals of the Carol Weymuller Open.

2019

In March, Joshna reached the quarterfinals of the Black Ball Open, where she lost to Joelle King. She went down in the semifinals of the Macau Open in April. In May, she won the 2019 Asian Individual Squash Championships, after beating Annie Au in the final.[ won her 17th national squash champion title in June, breaking the record held by Bhuvneshwari Kumari who had won the national title 16 times. In the World Squash Championship which took place in October, Joshna lost to Nour El Sherbini of Egypt in the pre-quarterfinal.

2020

In February, Joshna won her 18th national title in the 77th Senior National Championship.

Titles

On 2 February 2014, Joshna won the Winnipeg Winter Open trophy – her maiden WSA world title, by defeating Egypt's Heba El Torky 11-13 11-8 11-5 3-11 12–10 in the final. Her other titles are:

Asian Games, 2018 - Bronze (Singles), Silver (Team)

Commonwealth Games, 2018 - Silver (Doubles)

Asian Squash Title, 2017- Winner

NSC Series No. 6 (Tour 12) 2009 – Winner

British Junior Open, 2005 – Winner

Asian Junior, 2005 – Winner

World Junior Championships, Belgium, 2005 – Runner-up

British Open Junior, 2004 – Runner-up

SAF Games, Pakistan, 2004 – Gold

Hong Kong event, 2004 – Runner-up

Asian Championship, 2004 – Bronze

Malaysian Junior, 2004 – Winner

Indian National Junior, 2004 – Winner

Indian National Senior, 2004 – Winner

Rivalry with Dipika Pallikal Karthik

Joshna and Dipika are India's best and most talented women players of all time, as they were both ranked in the top 10 in the world. Joshna says that the so-called rivalry between the two is hyped up by the media. They are both competitive but get along well, as they are often roommates for events, and teammates in events such as the Commonwealth Games.

Jerry Rice

Jerry Rice, born October 13, 1962, in Starkville, Mississippi, is widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in National Football League (NFL) history and one of the most iconic athletes in American sports. His unparalleled career, spanning 20 seasons (1985–2004), includes record-breaking achievements, three Super Bowl titles, and a legacy defined by an unmatched work ethic. Raised in a working-class African American family in rural Mississippi, Rice overcame socioeconomic and systemic challenges to become a global sports legend. Below is a detailed account of his life, career, and impact.

Personal Background

Early Life:
- Born in Starkville, Mississippi, and raised in Crawford (Oktibbeha County), a small, predominantly African American town in the Mississippi Delta.
- Son of Joe Nathan "Eddie" Rice, a brick mason, and an unnamed mother (details sparse in public records). One of eight children, growing up in a large, low-income household reliant on his father’s labor-intensive trade.
- Grew up during the tail end of the Jim Crow era, facing systemic racism and economic hardship typical of rural Black communities in the 1960s South. The family was working-class but financially strained, with Rice assisting in bricklaying during summers, shaping his discipline and resilience.
- Nicknamed "World" by family for his ability to catch anything, a nod to his early athletic promise.
Education:
- Attended B.L. Moor High School in Oktoc, Mississippi, a segregated school for Black students with limited resources. Excelled in football, basketball, and track, earning all-state football honors.
- Discovered by chance when a school principal saw him sprint after skipping class, leading to his recruitment to the football team.
- Received no major college scholarships due to his small-town background. Enrolled at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), a historically Black college in Itta Bena, Mississippi, on partial aid.
Socioeconomic Context:
- Grew up in a low-income, working-class family in a disadvantaged rural community. The Mississippi Delta was among the poorest U.S. regions, with Black families facing systemic barriers like underfunded schools and discriminatory employment practices.
- While not in abject poverty, the family’s reliance on manual labor and lack of financial cushion placed them in a low socioeconomic class, with Rice’s memoirs (Rice, 1996; Go Long, 2007) describing a humble upbringing marked by frugality and hard work.

Football Career

Jerry Rice’s NFL career is a benchmark of excellence, defined by record-setting statistics, versatility, and longevity. Playing primarily for the San Francisco 49ers, he revolutionized the wide receiver position with his precision, athleticism, and relentless preparation.

College Career (Mississippi Valley State, 1981–1984):
- Played under coach Archie Cooley in the “Satellite Express” offense, paired with quarterback Willie Totten.
- Set NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) records, including 112 receptions for 1,845 yards and 27 touchdowns in his senior year (1984).
- Earned All-American honors and the nickname “World” for his catching prowess. His small-school background initially limited his visibility to NFL scouts.
NFL Draft:
- Selected 16th overall in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, after coach Bill Walsh traded up to acquire him, recognizing his potential from MVSU game tapes.
Professional Career:
- San Francisco 49ers (1985–2000):
  - Spent 16 seasons with the 49ers, forming a legendary partnership with quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young.
  - Won three Super Bowls (XXIII, XXIV, XXIX), earning Super Bowl MVP in 1989 (XXIII) for 11 catches, 215 yards, and a touchdown.
  - Key stats: 1,281 receptions, 19,247 yards, and 176 touchdowns with the 49ers alone, contributing to their 1980s–1990s dynasty.
  - Known for precise route-running, exceptional hands, and a grueling training regimen (e.g., running “The Hill” in San Francisco for conditioning).
- Oakland Raiders (2001–2004):
  - Joined at age 39, proving his longevity with 1,139 yards in 2001 and a Pro Bowl season in 2002.
  - Played in Super Bowl XXXVII (2003, loss to Tampa Bay).
- Seattle Seahawks (2004): Brief stint, traded mid-season, with limited impact.
- Denver Broncos (2005): Signed but retired before the regular season at age 42, after a training camp stint.
- Career Records (as of retirement, many still stand):
  - All-time NFL leader in receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and touchdown receptions (197).
  - Most 1,000-yard receiving seasons (14) and consecutive games with a catch (274).
  - Holds 36 NFL records, per the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Accolades:
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2010, first ballot).
- 13× Pro Bowl (1986–1996, 1998, 2002), 10× First-Team All-Pro.
- NFL MVP (1987), Super Bowl MVP (1989), and part of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team (2019).
- Named to the NFL 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Teams.
Playing Style:
- Renowned for work ethic, often outworking younger players with intense offseason training (e.g., sprinting hills, catching bricks to strengthen hands).
- Exceptional speed (4.5-second 40-yard dash), agility, and football IQ, making him a matchup nightmare despite not being the largest receiver (6’2”, 200 lbs).
- Mastered the West Coast offense, excelling in short and deep routes.

Post-NFL Career and Ventures

Business and Media:
- Founded the Jerry Rice 127 Foundation to support underserved youth with scholarships and health programs, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
- Launched G.O.A.T. Fuel, an energy drink brand, in 2020, co-founded with his son, Brenden Rice.
- Appeared in media, including TV shows (Dancing with the Stars, 2006, 2nd place), commercials (Visa, Nike), and as a guest analyst on ESPN and NFL Network.
- Co-authored books: Rice (1996) and Go Long: My Journey Beyond the Game and the Fame (2007), detailing his life and career.
Coaching and Mentorship:
- Served as a guest coach for the 49ers and mentored young receivers, emphasizing preparation and discipline.
- Supported his son, Brenden Rice, a USC wide receiver drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.
Net Worth:
- Estimated at $50–55 million (2025), amassed from NFL salaries (peaking at $4.8 million/year with the Raiders), endorsements (Reebok, Visa), and business ventures.

Personal Life

Family:
- Married Jacqueline “Jackie” Bernice Mitchell (1987–2009, divorced). They have three children: Jaqui Bonet (b. 1987), Jerry Rice Jr. (b. 1991), and Jada Symone (b. 1996).
- Married Tammy (Latamisha) Rice in 2018 after a long-term relationship.
- Father to Brenden Rice (b. 2002, from a previous relationship), a promising NFL player.
- Maintains close ties with his extended family in Mississippi, often visiting Crawford.
Health and Lifestyle:
- Known for maintaining elite physical condition post-retirement, adhering to fitness routines inspired by his playing days.
- No major publicized health issues, unlike many NFL peers with concussion-related concerns.
Public Persona:
- Viewed as a humble, driven figure who credits his success to hard work and family values.
- Avoids controversy, focusing on philanthropy and family. His mantra, “You perform better when you’re prepared,” resonates in his public appearances.

Socioeconomic and Cultural Context

Disadvantaged Background:
- Grew up in a low-income, working-class family in a racially segregated, economically depressed region. His father’s bricklaying provided stability but not wealth, with the family facing systemic barriers (e.g., underfunded schools, limited job prospects for Black families).
- Not from extreme poverty (e.g., homelessness or welfare dependency), but his rural Mississippi roots placed him in a disadvantaged community relative to national standards. Systemic racism and economic isolation shaped his early challenges.
Cultural Significance:
- As an African American from the Deep South, Rice’s rise symbolizes overcoming racial and economic barriers, resonating with the “American Dream” narrative.
- His success parallels the broader struggle of Black athletes in the 1980s–1990s, breaking barriers in a predominantly white sports industry.
- Unlike caste-based systems (e.g., India’s Dalit communities), Rice’s challenges were rooted in U.S. race-class intersections, with parallels to systemic marginalization.

Legacy and Impact

On Football:
- Redefined the wide receiver role, setting a standard for work ethic and longevity that influences players like Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and modern stars like Davante Adams.
- His records remain benchmarks, with few players approaching his career totals despite modern passing-heavy offenses.
- The “Jerry Rice Rule” (NFL’s emphasis on illegal contact penalties) reflects his impact, as defenses struggled to cover him legally.
Social Impact:
- Through his foundation and public speaking, Rice advocates for education and opportunity for underserved youth, mirroring his own path.
- His story inspires athletes from marginalized backgrounds, proving talent and discipline can transcend systemic barriers.
Cultural Icon:
- Featured in pop culture (e.g., The Simpsons, video games like Madden NFL), cementing his status beyond sports.
- Honored with statues at Levi’s Stadium (49ers) and MVSU, and streets named after him in Mississippi.

Johnny Gaudreau
a.k.a. "Johnny Hockey"

SCORING LEADERS
NHL

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Player Facts
Date of Birth
Aug 13, 1993
Position
LW
Age : 28
Height : 175 cm / 5'9"
Place of Birth
Salem, NJ, USA
Weight : 75 kg / 165 lbs
Nation
USA
Shoots
L
Youth Team
-
NHL Rights

Calgary Flames / Signed
Drafted
2011 round 4 #104 overall by Calgary Flames
Agency
PREMIUM

"Johnny Hockey" is a diminutive, offensively dominant winger with an incredibly high level of skill. Possesses the elusiveness to avoid being taken out, and the creativity to start and finish plays. Exhibits incredible puck control, strength on his skates, stickhandling ability, and a very good forehand and backhand shot which is off of his stick in the blink of an eye. All-in-all, the prototypical offensive winger that can put up points, and be relied upon to create scoring chances, whenever he is on the ice. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)
Jack Eichel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jack Eichel
Eichel with the Buffalo Sabres in 2016
Born October 28, 1996
North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, U.S.
Position Center
Shoots Right
NHL team Buffalo Sabres
National team United States
NHL Draft 2nd overall, 2015
Buffalo Sabres
Playing career 2015–present

Jack Eichel (born October 28, 1996) is an American professional ice hockey center and captain of the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed the "Eichel Tower" for his dominating presence, Eichel was selected second overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Before entering the league, Eichel was described at the age of 17 as "the new face of American hockey," and he is considered a member of a rising class of generational talents in the sport, along with fellow 2015 draftee Connor McDavid.

Eichel was the recipient of the 2015 Hobey Baker Award, given to the top National Collegiate Athletic Association men's ice hockey player. He was the second freshman to win the award and the first since Paul Kariya who won it first in 1993.

Playing career

Amateur

Eichel grew up in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts. He played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program team during the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons, and was recognized for his outstanding play during the 2013–14 season when he was named to the United States Hockey League Second All-Star Team. After his second season within the Development Program, Eichel signed a letter of intent to commit to Boston University of the Hockey East on April 29, 2014.

On April 10, 2015, Eichel became the second freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award, which was previously won by Paul Kariya in 1993. In 40 games with Boston University, Eichel led the nation in scoring with 26 goals, 45 assists, and 71 points. Eichel was also the Hockey East scoring champion, Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, First Team Hockey East and a member of the All-Rookie Team, and was named MVP of the conference tournament. Eichel was projected to be the second overall selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft behind projected first overall pick Connor McDavid.

Professional

Buffalo Sabres

On June 26, 2015, Eichel was selected 2nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, one pick after the Edmonton Oilers selected Connor McDavid. In the months leading up to the draft, considerable interest and hype arose surrounding Eichel and McDavid, both seen as generational talents. For example, the sports section of the Buffalo News regularly published the "McEichel Derby," a graphic of the teams at the bottom of the standings. On July 1, 2015, Eichel signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Sabres.

On August 13, 2015, Eichel signed a sponsorship deal with Bauer Hockey, which states Eichel will wear its equipment exclusively and Bauer will provide him with its apparel.

Eichel scored his first NHL goal on October 8, 2015, becoming the youngest player in Sabres history to do so, in his first game in the NHL against the Ottawa Senators. He finished his rookie campaign with 24 goals and 56 points in 81 games, being the Sabres' top goalscorer and second in points (after Ryan O'Reilly) and second in both criteria among rookies, after Artemi Panarin. On October 12, 2016, Eichel suffered a severe high ankle sprain to his left ankle in practice and had to be helped off of the ice; he missed the first two months of the season before making his season debut on November 29. He finished the year with 24 goals and 33 assists in just 61 games.

Before the 2017–18 season, on October 3, 2017, the Sabres signed Eichel to an eight-year, $80 million contract extension worth $10 million annually which began at the start of the 2018–19 season. On December 15, 2017, Eichel scored his first career hat trick against the Carolina Hurricanes in a 5–4 loss. On January 11, 2018, Eichel was selected as the sole representative of the Sabres for the 2018 NHL All-Star game. This was the first NHL All-Star game of Eichel's career. During a game in February against the Boston Bruins, Eichel sprained his ankle and was ruled out for 4–6 weeks. He returned 15 games later to help the Sabres beat the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time since 2009. Eichel finished the 2017–18 season with 25 goals and 39 assists for a total of 64 points in only 67 games.

During the summer before the 2018–19 season, Eichel changed his jersey number from 15 to 9, the same number he wore at Boston University. On October 3, 2018, before the beginning of the regular season, Eichel was named the captain of the Sabres. On March 10, 2019, Eichel was suspended for two games for illegally checking Colorado Avalanche player Carl Söderberg in the head. On March 28, 2019, Eichel scored his 100th career goal in a 5–4 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

On November 16, 2019, Eichel scored four goals in a 4–2 win over the Ottawa Senators. He was the seventh Sabres player to record four goals in one game and first since Thomas Vanek did it on April 10, 2010. On December 7, Eichel recorded two assists to reach 300 career points in a 6–5 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks.[29] On January 2, 2020, Eichel became the first player in Sabres history to score a penalty shot goal in overtime, and also set a franchise record for goals scored in overtime, as the Sabres won 3–2 against the Edmonton Oilers. On February 1, Eichel scored the eighth overtime goal of his career in a 2–1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, improving the previous franchise record for most regular-season overtime goals.

On April 14, 2021, it was announced that Eichel would miss the remainder of the 2020–21 season in order to recover from surgery required to repair a spinal disc herniation. In May, Eichel, along with Sam Reinhart, expressed their frustration with the Sabres. He stated, "I have a lot of thinking to do in this offseason... there's a lot I have to consider."

International play

Medal record
Representing United States
Ice hockey
World Championships
2015 Czech Republic
IIHF World U18 Championship
2014 Finland
2013 Russia

As a 15-year-old Eichel represented the United States at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics. He won a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and a silver medal at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships. The following season he helped the USA squad capture the gold medal at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships, and he competed as a 17-year-old as Team USA's youngest player at the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Eichel represented Team USA in the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.

At the conclusion of his freshman season with the Terriers, Eichel was named to make his full international debut with Team USA at the 2015 World Championships. Eichel scored 2 goals, including a game winner in the group stage against Slovakia, and 5 assists during the tournament, where Team USA won bronze. Eichel was selected to the 2017 Team USA IIHF World Championship roster. Team USA was eliminated in the quarter finals and placed 5th overall. Eichel recorded zero goals and five assists in eight games at the championship.

On April 19, 2019, Eichel was selected to represent Team USA at the 2019 IIHF World Championship, held in Bratislava and Kosice, Slovakia.

Jackie Robinson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jackie Robinson

Robinson with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954

Second baseman

Born: January 31, 1919

Cairo, Georgia, U.S.

Died: October 24, 1972 (aged 53)

Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.

Batted: Right Threw: Right

Professional debut

NgL: 1945, for the Kansas City Monarchs

MLB: April 15, 1947, for the Brooklyn Dodgers

Last MLB appearance

October 10, 1956, for the Brooklyn Dodgers

MLB statistics

Batting average .313

Home runs 141

Runs batted in 761

Teams

Negro leagues

Kansas City Monarchs (1945)Major League Baseball

Brooklyn Dodgers (1947–1956)

Career highlights and awards

NgL All-Star (1945)

6× All-Star (1949–1954)

World Series champion (1955)

NL MVP (1949)

MLB Rookie of the Year (1947)

NL batting champion (1949)

2× NL stolen base leader (1947, 1949)

Los Angeles Dodgers No. 42 retired

No. 42 retired by all MLB teams

Monument Park honoree

Major League Baseball All-Century Team

Member of the National

Baseball Hall of Fame

Induction 1962

Vote 77.5% (first ballot)

Jack Roosevelt Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) was an American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. When the Dodgers signed Robinson, it heralded the end of racial segregation in professional baseball that had relegated black players to the Negro leagues since the 1880s. Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

During his 10-year MLB career, Robinson won the inaugural Rookie of the Year Award in 1947, was an All-Star for six consecutive seasons from 1949 through 1954, and won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949—the first black player so honored. Robinson played in six World Series and contributed to the Dodgers' 1955 World Series championship.

In 1997, MLB retired his uniform number 42 across all major league teams; he was the first professional athlete in any sport to be so honored. MLB also adopted a new annual tradition, "Jackie Robinson Day", for the first time on April 15, 2004, on which every player on every team wears No. 42.

Robinson's character, his use of nonviolence, and his talent challenged the traditional basis of segregation that had then marked many other aspects of American life. He influenced the culture of and contributed significantly to the civil rights movement. Robinson also was the first black television analyst in MLB and the first black vice president of a major American corporation, Chock full o'Nuts. In the 1960s, he helped establish the Freedom National Bank, an African-American-owned financial institution based in Harlem, New York. After his death in 1972, Robinson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his achievements on and off the field.

Early life

Family and personal life

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, into a family of sharecroppers in Cairo, Georgia. He was the youngest of five children born to Mallie (McGriff) and Jerry Robinson, after siblings Edgar, Frank, Matthew (nicknamed "Mack"), and Willa Mae. His middle name was in honor of former President Theodore Roosevelt, who died 25 days before Robinson was born.After Robinson's father left the family in 1920, they moved to Pasadena, California.

The extended Robinson family established itself on a residential plot containing two small houses at 121 Pepper Street in Pasadena. Robinson's mother worked various odd jobs to support the family. Growing up in relative poverty in an otherwise affluent community, Robinson and his minority friends were excluded from many recreational opportunities. As a result, Robinson joined a neighborhood gang, but his friend Carl Anderson persuaded him to abandon it.

John Muir High School

In 1935, Robinson graduated from Washington Junior High School and enrolled at John Muir High School (Muir Tech). Recognizing his athletic talents, Robinson's older brothers Mack (himself an accomplished athlete and silver medalist at the 1936 Summer Olympics)[20] and Frank inspired Jackie to pursue his interest in sports.

At Muir Tech, Robinson played several sports at the varsity level and lettered in four of them: football, basketball, track, and baseball. He played shortstop and catcher on the baseball team, quarterback on the football team, and guard on the basketball team. With the track and field squad, he won awards in the broad jump. He was also a member of the tennis team.

In 1936, Robinson won the junior boys singles championship in the annual Pacific Coast Negro Tennis Tournament and earned a place on the Pomona annual baseball tournament all-star team, which included future Hall of Famers Ted Williams and Bob Lemon. In late January 1937, the Pasadena Star-News newspaper reported that Robinson "for two years has been the outstanding athlete at Muir, starring in football, basketball, track, baseball and tennis."

Pasadena Junior College

After Muir, Robinson attended Pasadena Junior College (PJC), where he continued his athletic career by participating in basketball, football, baseball, and track. On the football team, he played quarterback and safety. He was a shortstop and leadoff hitter for the baseball team, and he broke school broad-jump records held by his brother Mack. As at Muir High School, most of Jackie's teammates were white. While playing football at PJC, Robinson suffered a fractured ankle, complications from which would eventually delay his deployment status while in the military. In 1938, he was elected to the All-Southland Junior College Team for baseball and selected as the region's Most Valuable Player.

That year, Robinson was one of 10 students named to the school's Order of the Mast and Dagger (Omicron Mu Delta), awarded to students performing "outstanding service to the school and whose scholastic and citizenship record is worthy of recognition." Also while at PJC, he was elected to the Lancers, a student-run police organization responsible for patrolling various school activities.

An incident at PJC illustrated Robinson's impatience with authority figures he perceived as racist—a character trait that would resurface repeatedly in his life. On January 25, 1938, he was arrested after vocally disputing the detention of a black friend by police.Robinson received a two-year suspended sentence, but the incident—along with other rumored run-ins between Robinson and police—gave Robinson a reputation for combativeness in the face of racial antagonism. While at PJC, he was motivated by a preacher (the Rev. Karl Downs) to attend church on a regular basis, and Downs became a confidant for Robinson, a Christian. Toward the end of his PJC tenure, Frank Robinson (to whom Robinson felt closest among his three brothers) was killed in a motorcycle accident. The event motivated Jackie to pursue his athletic career at the nearby University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he could remain closer to Frank's family.

UCLA and afterward

Robinson doing the long jump for UCLA

After graduating from PJC in spring 1939, Robinson enrolled at UCLA, where he became the school's first athlete to win varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track.

He was one of four black players on the Bruins' 1939 football team; the others were Woody Strode, Kenny Washington, and Ray Bartlett. Washington, Strode, and Robinson made up three of the team's four backfield players. At a time when only a few black students played mainstream college football, this made UCLA college football's most integrated team. They went undefeated with four ties at 6–0–4.

In track and field, Robinson won the 1940 NCAA championship in the long jump at 24 ft 10+1⁄4 in (7.58 m). Baseball was Robinson's "worst sport" at UCLA; he hit .097 in his only season, although in his first game he went 4-for-4 and twice stole home.

While a senior at UCLA, Robinson met his future wife, Rachel Isum (b.1922), a UCLA freshman who was familiar with Robinson's athletic career at PJC. He played football as a senior, but the 1940 Bruins won only one game. In the spring, Robinson left college just shy of graduation, despite the reservations of his mother and Isum. He took a job as an assistant athletic director with the government's National Youth Administration (NYA) in Atascadero, California.

After the government ceased NYA operations, Robinson traveled to Honolulu in the fall of 1941 to play football for the semi-professional, racially integrated Honolulu Bears. After a short season, Robinson returned to California in December 1941 to pursue a career as running back for the Los Angeles Bulldogs of the Pacific Coast Football League. By that time, however, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor had taken place, which drew the United States into World War II and ended Robinson's nascent football career.

Military career

In 1942, Robinson was drafted and assigned to a segregated Army cavalry unit in Fort Riley, Kansas. Having the requisite qualifications, Robinson and several other black soldiers applied for admission to an Officer Candidate School (OCS) then located at Fort Riley. Although the Army's initial July 1941 guidelines for OCS had been drafted as race neutral, few black applicants were admitted into OCS until after subsequent directives by Army leadership. As a result, the applications of Robinson and his colleagues were delayed for several months. After protests by heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis (then stationed at Fort Riley) and with the help of Truman Gibson (then an assistant civilian aide to the Secretary of War), the men were accepted into OCS. The experience led to a personal friendship between Robinson and Louis. Upon finishing OCS, Robinson was commissioned as a second lieutenant in January 1943. Shortly afterward, Robinson and Isum were formally engaged.

Robinson, wearing his Army uniform, receives a military salute from his nephew Frank during a visit to his home in Pasadena, California, circa 1943.

After receiving his commission, Robinson was reassigned to Fort Hood, Texas, where he joined the 761st "Black Panthers" Tank Battalion. While at Fort Hood, Robinson often used his weekend leave to visit the Rev. Karl Downs, President of Sam Huston College (now Huston–Tillotson University) in nearby Austin, Texas; in California, Downs had been Robinson's pastor at Scott United Methodist Church while Robinson attended PJC.

An event on July 6, 1944, derailed Robinson's military career. While awaiting results of hospital tests on the ankle he had injured in junior college, Robinson boarded an Army bus with a fellow officer's wife; although the Army had commissioned its own unsegregated bus line, the bus driver ordered Robinson to move to the back of the bus. Robinson refused. The driver backed down, but after reaching the end of the line, summoned the military police, who took Robinson into custody. When Robinson later confronted the investigating duty officer about racist questioning by the officer and his assistant, the officer recommended Robinson be court-martialed.

After Robinson's commander in the 761st, Paul L. Bates, refused to authorize the legal action, Robinson was summarily transferred to the 758th Battalion—where the commander quickly consented to charge Robinson with multiple offenses, including, among other charges, public drunkenness, even though Robinson did not drink.

By the time of the court-martial in August 1944, the charges against Robinson had been reduced to two counts of insubordination during questioning. Robinson was acquitted by an all-white panel of nine officers.

Although his former unit, the 761st Tank Battalion, became the first black tank unit to see combat in World War II, Robinson's court-martial proceedings prohibited him from being deployed overseas; thus, he never saw combat action.

After his acquittal, he was transferred to Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, where he served as a coach for army athletics until receiving an honorable discharge in November 1944. While there, Robinson met a former player for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League, who encouraged Robinson to write the Monarchs and ask for a tryout. Robinson took the former player's advice and wrote to Monarchs co-owner Thomas Baird.

Post-military

After his discharge, Robinson briefly returned to his old football club, the Los Angeles Bulldogs. Robinson then accepted an offer from his old friend and pastor Rev. Karl Downs to be the athletic director at Samuel Huston College in Austin, then of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The job included coaching the school's basketball team for the 1944–45 season. As it was a fledgling program, few students tried out for the basketball team, and Robinson even resorted to inserting himself into the lineup for exhibition games. Although his teams were outmatched by opponents, Robinson was respected as a disciplinarian coach, and drew the admiration of, among others, Langston University basketball player Marques Haynes, a future member of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Playing career

Negro leagues and major league prospects

Robinson during his stint in the Negro leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs

In early 1945, while Robinson was at Sam Huston College, the Kansas City Monarchs sent him a written offer to play professional baseball in the Negro leagues. Robinson accepted a contract for $400 per month. Although he played well for the Monarchs, Robinson was frustrated with the experience. He had grown used to a structured playing environment in college, and the Negro leagues' disorganization and embrace of gambling interests appalled him. The hectic travel schedule also placed a burden on his relationship with Isum, with whom he could now communicate only by letter In all, Robinson played 47 games at shortstop for the Monarchs, hitting .387 with five home runs, and registering 13 stolen bases. He also appeared in the 1945 East–West All-Star Game, going hitless in five at-bats.

During the season, Robinson pursued potential major league interests. No black man had played in the major leagues since Moses Fleetwood Walker in 1884, but the Boston Red Sox nevertheless held a tryout at Fenway Park for Robinson and other black players on April 16. The tryout, however, was a farce chiefly designed to assuage the desegregationist sensibilities of powerful Boston City Councilman Isadore H. Y. Muchnick. Even with the stands limited to management, Robinson was subjected to racial epithets. He left the tryout humiliated, and more than 14 years later, in July 1959, the Red Sox became the last major league team to integrate its roster.

Other teams, however, had more serious interest in signing a black ballplayer. In the mid-1940s, Branch Rickey, club president and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, began to scout the Negro leagues for a possible addition to the Dodgers' roster. Rickey selected Robinson from a list of promising black players and interviewed him for possible assignment to Brooklyn's International League farm club, the Montreal Royals. Rickey was especially interested in making sure his eventual signee could withstand the inevitable racial abuse that would be directed at him. In a famous three-hour exchange on August 28, 1945, Rickey asked Robinson if he could face the racial animus without taking the bait and reacting angrily—a concern given Robinson's prior arguments with law enforcement officials at PJC and in the military. Robinson was aghast: "Are you looking for a Negro who is afraid to fight back?" Rickey replied that he needed a Negro player "with guts enough not to fight back." After obtaining a commitment from Robinson to "turn the other cheek" to racial antagonism, Rickey agreed to sign him to a contract for $600 a month, equal to $8,625 today. Rickey did not offer compensation to the Monarchs, instead believing all Negro league players were free agents due to the contracts not containing a reserve clause. Among those with whom Rickey discussed prospects was Wendell Smith, writer for the black weekly Pittsburgh Courier, who, according to Cleveland Indians owner and team president Bill Veeck, "influenced Rickey to take Jack Robinson, for which he's never completely gotten credit."

Although he required Robinson to keep the arrangement a secret for the time being, Rickey committed to formally signing Robinson before November 1, 1945. On October 23, it was publicly announced that Robinson would be assigned to the Royals for the 1946 season On the same day, with representatives of the Royals and Dodgers present, Robinson formally signed his contract with the Royals. In what was later referred to as "The Noble Experiment", Robinson was the first black baseball player in the International League since the 1880s. He was not necessarily the best player in the Negro leagues, and black talents Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson were upset when Robinson was selected first. Larry Doby, who broke the color line in the American League the same year as Robinson, said, "One of the things that was disappointing and disheartening to a lot of the black players at the time was that Jack was not the best player. The best was Josh Gibson. I think that's one of the reasons why Josh died so early—he was heartbroken."

Rickey's offer allowed Robinson to leave behind the Monarchs and their grueling bus rides, and he went home to Pasadena. That September, he signed with Chet Brewer's Kansas City Royals, a post-season barnstorming team in the California Winter League. Later that off-season, he briefly toured South America with another barnstorming team, while his fiancée Isum pursued nursing opportunities in New York City. On February 10, 1946, Robinson and Isum were married by their old friend, the Rev. Karl Downs.

Minor leagues

In 1946, Robinson arrived at Daytona Beach, Florida, for spring training with the Montreal Royals of the Class AAA International League. Clay Hopper, the manager of the Royals, asked Rickey to assign Robinson to any other Dodger affiliate, but Rickey refused.

Robinson with the Montreal Royals in July 1946, the year before he was called up to the Majors

Robinson's presence was controversial in racially segregated Florida. He was not allowed to stay with his white teammates at the team hotel, and instead lodged at the home of Joe and Dufferin Harris, a politically active African American couple who introduced the Robinsons to civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. Since the Dodgers organization did not own a spring training facility, scheduling was subject to the whim of area localities, several of which turned down any event involving Robinson or Johnny Wright, another black player whom Rickey had signed to the Dodgers' organization in January. In Sanford, Florida, the police chief threatened to cancel games if Robinson and Wright did not cease training activities there; as a result, Robinson was sent back to Daytona Beach In Jacksonville, the stadium was padlocked shut without warning on game day, by order of the city's Parks and Public Property director. In DeLand, a scheduled day game was postponed, ostensibly because of issues with the stadium's electrical lighting.

After much lobbying of local officials by Rickey himself, the Royals were allowed to host a game involving Robinson in Daytona Beach. Robinson made his Royals debut at Daytona Beach's City Island Ballpark on March 17, 1946, in an exhibition game against the team's parent club, the Dodgers. Robinson thus became the first black player to openly play for a minor league team against a major league team since the de facto baseball color line had been implemented in the 1880s.

Robinson (holding bats) playing in Montreal

Later in spring training, after some less-than-stellar performances, Robinson was shifted from shortstop to second base, allowing him to make shorter throws to first base. Robinson's performance soon rebounded. On April 18, 1946, Roosevelt Stadium hosted the Jersey City Giants' season opener against the Montreal Royals, marking the professional debut of the Royals' Jackie Robinson and the first time the color barrier had been broken in a game between two minor league clubs. Pitching against Robinson was Warren Sandel who had played against him when they both lived in California. During Robinson's first at bat, the Jersey City catcher, Dick Bouknight, demanded that Sandel throw at Robinson, but Sandel refused. Although Sandel induced Robinson to ground out at his first at bat, Robinson ended up with four hits in his five trips to the plate; his first hit was a three-run home run in the game's third inning. He also scored four runs, drove in three, and stole two bases in the Royals' 14–1 victory. Robinson proceeded to lead the International League that season with a .349 batting average and .985 fielding percentage, and he was named the league's Most Valuable Player. Although he often faced hostility while on road trips (the Royals were forced to cancel a Southern exhibition tour, for example) the Montreal fan base enthusiastically supported Robinson.2Whether fans supported or opposed it, Robinson's presence on the field was a boon to attendance; more than one million people went to games involving Robinson in 1946, an astounding figure by International League standards. In the fall of 1946, following the baseball season, Robinson returned home to California and briefly played professional basketball for the short-lived Los Angeles Red Devils.

Major leagues

Breaking the color barrier (1947)

In 1947, the Dodgers called Robinson up to the major leagues six days before the start of the season. With Eddie Stanky entrenched at second base for the Dodgers, Robinson played his initial major league season as a first baseman. Robinson made his debut in a Dodgers uniform wearing number 42 on April 11, 1947, in a preseason exhibition game against the New York Yankees at Ebbets Field with 24,237 in attendance. On April 15, Robinson made his major league debut at the relatively advanced age of 28 at Ebbets Field before a crowd of 26,623 spectators, more than 14,000 of whom were black.Although he failed to get a base hit, he walked and scored a run in the Dodgers' 5–3 victory. Robinson became the first player since 1884 to openly break the major league baseball color line. Black fans began flocking to see the Dodgers when they came to town, abandoning their Negro league teams.

Robinson's promotion met a generally positive, although mixed, reception among newspapers and white major league players. However, racial tension existed in the Dodger clubhouse. Some Dodger players insinuated they would sit out rather than play alongside Robinson. The brewing mutiny ended when Dodgers management took a stand for Robinson. Manager Leo Durocher informed the team, "I do not care if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has stripes like a fuckin' zebra. I'm the manager of this team, and I say he plays. What's more, I say he can make us all rich. And if any of you cannot use the money, I will see that you are all traded."

Robinson was also derided by opposing teams. According to a press report, the St. Louis Cardinals threatened to strike if Robinson played and to spread the walkout across the entire National League. Existence of the plot was said to have been leaked by the Cardinals' team physician, Robert Hyland, to a friend, the New York Herald Tribune's Rutherford "Rud" Rennie. The reporter, concerned about protecting Hyland's anonymity and job, in turn leaked it to his Tribune colleague and editor, Stanley Woodward, whose own subsequent reporting with other sources protected Hyland. The Woodward article made national headlines. After it was published, National League President Ford Frick and Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler let it be known that any striking players would be suspended. "You will find that the friends that you think you have in the press box will not support you, that you will be outcasts," Frick was quoted as saying. "I do not care if half the league strikes. Those who do it will encounter quick retribution. All will be suspended and I don't care if it wrecks the National League for five years. This is the United States of America and one citizen has as much right to play as another." Woodward's article received the E. P. Dutton Award in 1947 for Best Sports Reporting. The Cardinals players denied that they were planning to strike, and Woodward later told author Roger Kahn that Frick was his true source; writer Warren Corbett said that Frick's speech "never happened". Regardless, the report led to Robinson receiving increased support from the sports media. Even The Sporting News, a publication that had backed the color line, came out against the idea of a strike.

Robinson nonetheless became the target of rough physical play by opponents (particularly the Cardinals). At one time, he received a seven-inch gash in his leg from Enos Slaughter. On April 22, 1947, during a game between the Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies, Phillies players and manager Ben Chapman called Robinson a "nigger" from their dugout and yelled that he should "go back to the cotton fields". Rickey later recalled that Chapman "did more than anybody to unite the Dodgers. When he poured out that string of unconscionable abuse, he solidified and united thirty men."

Robinson did, however, receive significant encouragement from several major league players. Robinson named Lee "Jeep" Handley, who played for the Phillies at the time, as the first opposing player to wish him well. Dodgers teammate Pee Wee Reese once came to Robinson's defense with the famous line, "You can hate a man for many reasons. Color is not one of them." In 1947 or 1948, Reese is said to have put his arm around Robinson in response to fans who shouted racial slurs at Robinson before a game in Boston or Cincinnati. A statue by sculptor William Behrends, unveiled at KeySpan Park on November 1, 2005, depicts Reese with his arm around Robinson. Jewish baseball star Hank Greenberg, who had to deal with ethnic epithets during his career, also encouraged Robinson. Following an incident where Greenberg collided with Robinson at first base, he "whispered a few words into Robinson's ear", which Robinson later characterized as "words of encouragement." Greenberg had advised him to overcome his critics by defeating them in games. Robinson also talked frequently with Larry Doby, who endured his own hardships since becoming the first black player in the American League with the Cleveland Indians, as the two spoke to one another via telephone throughout the season.

Robinson finished the season having played in 151 games for the Dodgers, with a batting average of .297, an on-base percentage of .383, and a .427 slugging percentage. He had 175 hits (scoring 125 runs) including 31 doubles, 5 triples, and 12 home runs, driving in 48 runs for the year. Robinson led the league in sacrifice hits, with 28, and in stolen bases, with 29. His cumulative performance earned him the inaugural Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award (separate National and American League Rookie of the Year honors were not awarded until 1949).

MVP, Congressional testimony, and film biography (1948–1950)

Following Stanky's trade to the Boston Braves in March 1948, Robinson took over second base, where he logged a .980 fielding percentage that year (second in the National League at the position, fractionally behind Stanky). Robinson had a batting average of .296 and 22 stolen bases for the season. In a 12–7 win against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 29, 1948, he hit for the cycle—a home run, a triple, a double, and a single in the same game. The Dodgers briefly moved into first place in the National League in late August 1948, but they ultimately finished third as the Braves went on to win the league title and lose to the Cleveland Indians in the World Series.

Robinson in 1950

Racial pressure on Robinson eased in 1948 when a number of other black players entered the major leagues. Larry Doby (who broke the color barrier in the American League on July 5, 1947, just 11 weeks after Robinson) and Satchel Paige played for the Cleveland Indians, and the Dodgers had three other black players besides Robinson. In February 1948, he signed a $12,500 contract (equal to $134,643 today) with the Dodgers; while a significant amount, this was less than Robinson made in the off-season from a vaudeville tour, where he answered pre-set baseball questions and a speaking tour of the South. Between the tours, he underwent surgery on his right ankle. Because of his off-season activities, Robinson reported to training camp 30 pounds (14 kg) overweight. He lost the weight during training camp, but dieting left him weak at the plate. In 1948, Wendell Smith's book, Jackie Robinson: My Own Story, was released.

In the spring of 1949, Robinson turned to Hall of Famer George Sisler, working as an advisor to the Dodgers, for batting help. At Sisler's suggestion, Robinson spent hours at a batting tee, learning to hit the ball to right field. Sisler taught Robinson to anticipate a fastball, on the theory that it is easier to subsequently adjust to a slower curveball. Robinson also noted that "Sisler showed me how to stop lunging, how to check my swing until the last fraction of a second". The tutelage helped Robinson raise his batting average from .296 in 1948 to .342 in 1949. In addition to his improved batting average, Robinson stole 37 bases that season, was second place in the league for both doubles and triples, and registered 124 runs batted in with 122 runs scored. For the performance Robinson earned the Most Valuable Player Award for the National League. Baseball fans also voted Robinson as the starting second baseman for the 1949 All-Star Game—the first All-Star Game to include black players

That year, a song about Robinson by Buddy Johnson, "Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?", reached number 13 on the charts; Count Basie recorded a famous version. Ultimately, the Dodgers won the National League pennant, but lost in five games to the New York Yankees in the 1949 World Series.

Summer 1949 brought an unwanted distraction for Robinson. In July, he was called to testify before the United States House of Representatives' Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) concerning statements made that April by black athlete and actor Paul Robeson. Robinson was reluctant to testify, but he eventually agreed to do so, fearing it might negatively affect his career if he declined.

Lobby card for The Jackie Robinson Story, 1950, with Minor Watson (left, playing Dodgers president Branch Rickey) and Robinson

In 1950, Robinson led the National League in double plays made by a second baseman with 133. His salary that year was the highest any Dodger had been paid to that point: $35,000 ($376,480 in 2020 dollars). He finished the year with 99 runs scored, a .328 batting average, and 12 stolen bases. The year saw the release of a film biography of Robinson's life, The Jackie Robinson Story, in which Robinson played himself, and actress Ruby Dee played Rachel "Rae" (Isum) Robinson. The project had been previously delayed when the film's producers refused to accede to demands of two Hollywood studios that the movie include scenes of Robinson being tutored in baseball by a white man. The New York Times wrote that Robinson, "doing that rare thing of playing himself in the picture's leading role, displays a calm assurance and composure that might be envied by many a Hollywood star.

Robinson's Hollywood exploits, however, did not sit well with Dodgers co-owner Walter O'Malley, who referred to Robinson as "Rickey's prima donna". In late 1950, Rickey's contract as the Dodgers' team President expired. Weary of constant disagreements with O'Malley, and with no hope of being re-appointed as President of the Dodgers, Rickey cashed out his one-quarter financial interest in the team, leaving O'Malley in full control of the franchise. Rickey shortly thereafter became general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Robinson was disappointed at the turn of events and wrote a sympathetic letter to Rickey, whom he considered a father figure, stating, "Regardless of what happens to me in the future, it all can be placed on what you have done and, believe me, I appreciate it."

Pennant races and outside interests (1951–1953)

Before the 1951 season, O'Malley reportedly offered Robinson the job of manager of the Montreal Royals, effective at the end of Robinson's playing career. O'Malley was quoted in the Montreal Standard as saying, "Jackie told me that he would be both delighted and honored to tackle this managerial post"—although reports differed as to whether a position was ever formally offered

During the 1951 season, Robinson led the National League in double plays made by a second baseman for the second year in a row, with 137. He also kept the Dodgers in contention for the 1951 pennant. During the last game of the regular season, in the 13th inning, he had a hit to tie the game and then hit a home run in the 14th inning, which proved to be the winning margin. This forced a best-of-three playoff series against the crosstown rival New York Giants.

Jackie Robinson comic book, issue No. 5, 1951

Despite Robinson's regular-season heroics, on October 3, 1951, the Dodgers lost the pennant on Bobby Thomson's famous home run, known as the Shot Heard 'Round the World. Overcoming his dejection, Robinson dutifully observed Thomson's feet to ensure he touched all the bases. Dodgers sportscaster Vin Scully later noted that the incident showed "how much of a competitor Robinson was." He finished the season with 106 runs scored, a batting average of .335, and 25 stolen bases.

Robinson had what was an average year for him in 1952. He finished the year with 104 runs, a .308 batting average, and 24 stolen bases. He did, however, record a career-high on-base percentage of .436. The Dodgers improved on their performance from the year before, winning the National League pennant before losing the 1952 World Series to the New York Yankees in seven games. That year, on the television show Youth Wants to Know, Robinson challenged the Yankees' general manager, George Weiss, on the racial record of his team, which had yet to sign a black player. Sportswriter Dick Young, whom Robinson had described as a "bigot", said, "If there was one flaw in Jackie, it was the common one. He believed that everything unpleasant that happened to him happened because of his blackness." The 1952 season was the last year Robinson was an everyday starter at second base. Afterward, Robinson played variously at first, second, and third bases, shortstop, and in the outfield, with Jim Gilliam, another black player, taking over everyday second base duties. Robinson's interests began to shift toward the prospect of managing a major league team. He had hoped to gain experience by managing in the Puerto Rican Winter League, but according to the New York Post, Commissioner Happy Chandler denied the request.

In 1953, Robinson had 109 runs, a .329 batting average, and 17 steals, leading the Dodgers to another National League pennant (and another World Series loss to the Yankees, this time in six games). Robinson's continued success spawned a string of death threats. He was not dissuaded, however, from addressing racial issues publicly. That year, he served as editor for Our Sports magazine, a periodical focusing on Negro sports issues; contributions to the magazine included an article on golf course segregation by Robinson's old friend Joe Louis. Robinson also openly criticized segregated hotels and restaurants that served the Dodger organization; a number of these establishments integrated as a result, including the five-star Chase Park Hotel in St. Louis.

World Championship and retirement (1954–1956)

In 1954, Robinson had 62 runs scored, a .311 batting average, and 7 steals. His best day at the plate was on June 17, when he hit two home runs and two doubles.The following autumn, Robinson won his only championship when the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in the 1955 World Series. Although the team enjoyed ultimate success, 1955 was the worst year of Robinson's individual career. He hit .256 and stole only 12 bases. The Dodgers tried Robinson in the outfield and as a third baseman, both because of his diminishing abilities and because Gilliam was established at second base. Robinson, then 36 years old missed 49 games and did not play in Game 7 of the World Series. Robinson missed the game because manager Walter Alston decided to play Gilliam at second and Don Hoak at third base. That season, the Dodgers' Don Newcombe became the first black major league pitcher to win twenty games in a year.

In 1956, Robinson had 61 runs scored, a .275 batting average, and 12 steals.[159] By then, he had begun to exhibit the effects of diabetes and to lose interest in the prospect of playing or managing professional baseball. Robinson ended his major league career when he struck out to end Game 7 of the 1956 World Series. After the season, the Dodgers traded Robinson to the arch-rival New York Giants for Dick Littlefield and $35,000 cash (equal to $333,164 today). The trade, however, was never completed; unbeknownst to the Dodgers, Robinson had already agreed with the president of Chock full o'Nuts to quit baseball and become an executive with the company. Since Robinson had sold exclusive rights to any retirement story to Look magazine two years previously, his retirement decision was revealed through the magazine, instead of through the Dodgers organization.

Legacy

Robinson and his son David are interviewed during the March on Washington, August 28, 1963.

Further information: History of baseball in the United States § Racial integration in baseball

Robinson's major league debut brought an end to approximately sixty years of segregation in professional baseball, known as the baseball color line. After World War II, several other forces were also leading the country toward increased equality for blacks, including their accelerated migration to the North, where their political clout grew, and President Harry Truman's desegregation of the military in 1948. Robinson's breaking of the baseball color line and his professional success symbolized these broader changes and demonstrated that the fight for equality was more than simply a political matter. Civil rights movement leader Martin Luther King Jr. said that he was "a legend and a symbol in his own time", and that he "challenged the dark skies of intolerance and frustration." According to historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Robinson's "efforts were a monumental step in the civil-rights revolution in America ... [His] accomplishments allowed black and white Americans to be more respectful and open to one another and more appreciative of everyone's abilities.

Beginning his major league career at the relatively advanced age of 28, he played only ten seasons from 1947 to 1956, all of them for the Brooklyn Dodgers During his career, the Dodgers played in six World Series, and Robinson himself played in six All-Star Games. In 1999, he was posthumously named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

Robinson's career is generally considered to mark the beginning of the post–"long ball" era in baseball, in which a reliance on raw power-hitting gave way to balanced offensive strategies that used footspeed to create runs through aggressive baserunning. Robinson exhibited the combination of hitting ability and speed which exemplified the new era. He scored more than 100 runs in six of his ten seasons (averaging more than 110 runs from 1947 to 1953), had a .311 career batting average, a .409 career on-base percentage, a .474 slugging percentage, and substantially more walks than strikeouts (740 to 291). Robinson was one of only two players during the span of 1947–56 to accumulate at least 125 steals while registering a slugging percentage over .425 (Minnie Miñoso was the other). He accumulated 197 stolen bases in total, including 19 steals of home. None of the latter were double steals (in which a player stealing home is assisted by a player stealing another base at the same time). Robinson has been referred to by author David Falkner as "the father of modern base-stealing".

I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me ... all I ask is that you respect me as a human being.

—Robinson, on his legacy

Historical statistical analysis indicates Robinson was an outstanding fielder throughout his ten years in the major leagues and at virtually every position he played. After playing his rookie season at first base, Robinson spent most of his career as a second baseman. He led the league in fielding among second basemen in 1950 and 1951. Toward the end of his career, he played about 2,000 innings at third base and about 1,175 innings in the outfield, excelling at both.

Assessing himself, Robinson said, "I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me ... all I ask is that you respect me as a human being." Regarding Robinson's qualities on the field, Leo Durocher said, "Ya want a guy that comes to play. This guy didn't just come to play. He come to beat ya. He come to stuff the goddamn bat right up your ass."

Portrayals on stage, film and television

Depiction of Robinson in lobby card for The Jackie Robinson Story

Robinson portrayed himself in the 1950 motion picture The Jackie Robinson Story. Other portrayals include:

John Lafayette, in the 1978 ABC television special "A Home Run for Love" (broadcast as an ABC Afterschool Special).

David Alan Grier, in the 1981 Broadway production of the musical The First

Michael-David Gordon, in the 1989 Off-Broadway production of the musical Play to Win

Andre Braugher, in the 1990 TNT television movie The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson.

Blair Underwood, in the 1996 HBO television movie Soul of the Game.

Antonio Todd in "Colors", a 2005 episode of the CBS television series Cold Case.

Chadwick Boseman, in the 2013 motion picture

Robert Hamilton in "Sundown", a 2020 episode of the HBO television series Lovecraft Country.

Robinson was also the subject of a 2016 PBS documentary, Jackie Robinson, which was directed by Ken Burns and features Jamie Foxx doing voice-over as Robinson.

Post-baseball life

Robinson once told future Hall of Fame inductee Hank Aaron that "the game of baseball is great, but the greatest thing is what you do after your career is over." Robinson retired from baseball at age 37 on January 5, 1957. Later that year, after he complained of numerous physical ailments, he was diagnosed with diabetes, a disease that also afflicted his brothers. Although Robinson adopted an insulin injection regimen, the state of medicine at the time could not prevent the continued deterioration of Robinson's physical condition from the disease.

In October 1959, Robinson entered the Greenville Municipal Airport's whites-only waiting room. Airport police asked Robinson to leave, but he refused. At a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) speech in Greenville, South Carolina, Robinson urged "complete freedom" and encouraged black citizens to vote and to protest their second-class citizenship. The following January, approximately 1,000 people marched on New Year's Day to the airport, which was desegregated shortly thereafter.

In his first year of eligibility for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, Robinson encouraged voters to consider only his on-field qualifications, rather than his cultural impact on the game He was elected on the first ballot, becoming the first black player inducted into the Cooperstown museum.

Robinson as an ABC sports announcer, 1965

In 1965, Robinson served as an analyst for ABC's Major League Baseball Game of the Week telecasts, the first black person to do so. In 1966, Robinson was hired as general manager for the short-lived Brooklyn Dodgers of the Continental Football League. In 1972, he served as a part-time commentator on Montreal Expos telecasts.

On June 4, 1972, the Dodgers retired his uniform number, 42, alongside those of Roy Campanella (39) and Sandy Koufax (32) From 1957 to 1964, Robinson was the vice president for personnel at Chock full o'Nuts; he was the first black person to serve as vice president of a major American corporation. Robinson always considered his business career as advancing the cause of black people in commerce and industry. Robinson also chaired the NAACP's million-dollar Freedom Fund Drive in 1957, and served on the organization's board until 1967. In 1964, he helped found, with Harlem businessman Dunbar McLaurin, Freedom National Bank—a black-owned and operated commercial bank based in Harlem. He also served as the bank's first chairman of the board. In 1970, Robinson established the Jackie Robinson Construction Company to build housing for low-income families.

Robinson was active in politics throughout his post-baseball life. He identified himself as a political independent, although he held conservative opinions on several issues, including the Vietnam War (he once wrote to Martin Luther King Jr. to defend the Johnson Administration's military policy). After supporting Richard Nixon in his 1960 presidential race against John F. Kennedy, Robinson later praised Kennedy effusively for his stance on civil rights. Robinson was angered by conservative Republican opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He became one of six national directors for Nelson Rockefeller's unsuccessful campaign to be nominated as the Republican candidate for the 1964 presidential election. After the party nominated Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona instead, Robinson left the party's convention commenting that he now had "a better understanding of how it must have felt to be a Jew in Hitler's Germany". He later became special assistant for community affairs when Rockefeller was re-elected governor of New York in 1966. Switching his allegiance to the Democrats, he subsequently supported Hubert Humphrey against Nixon in 1968.

A still from a color movie featuring Robinson in the 1960s in The Torch of Friendship promo

Robinson protested against the major leagues' ongoing lack of minority managers and central office personnel, and he turned down an invitation to appear in an old-timers' game at Yankee Stadium in 1969. He made his final public appearance on October 15, 1972, throwing the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of the World Series at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. He gratefully accepted a plaque honoring the twenty-fifth anniversary of his MLB debut, but also commented, "I'm going to be tremendously more pleased and more proud when I look at that third base coaching line one day and see a black face managing in baseball." This wish was only fulfilled after Robinson's death: following the 1974 season, the Cleveland Indians gave their managerial post to Frank Robinson (no relation to Jackie), a Hall of Fame-bound player who would go on to manage three other teams. Despite the success of these two Robinsons and other black players, the number of African-American players in Major League Baseball has declined since the 1970s.

Family life and death

After Robinson's retirement from baseball, his wife Rachel Robinson pursued a career in academic nursing. She became an assistant professor at the Yale School of Nursing and director of nursing at the Connecticut Mental Health Center. She also served on the board of the Freedom National Bank until it closed in 1990 She and Jackie had three children: Jackie Robinson Jr. (1946–1971), Sharon Robinson (b. 1950), and David Robinson (b. 1952).

Robinson's family gravesite in Cypress Hills Cemetery. Robinson is buried alongside his mother-in-law Zellee Isum and his son Jackie Robinson, Jr.

Robinson's eldest son, Jackie Robinson Jr., had emotional trouble during his childhood and entered special education at an early age. He enrolled in the Army in search of a disciplined environment, served in the Vietnam War, and was wounded in action on November 19, 1965. After his discharge, he struggled with drug problems. Robinson Jr. eventually completed the treatment program at Daytop Village in Seymour, Connecticut, and became a counselor at the institution. On June 17, 1971, he was killed in an automobile accident at age 24. The experience with his son's drug addiction turned Robinson Sr. into an avid anti-drug crusader toward the end of his life.

Robinson did not long outlive his son. Complications from heart disease and diabetes weakened Robinson and made him almost blind by middle age. On October 24, 1972, Robinson died of a heart attack at his home on 95 Cascade Road in North Stamford, Connecticut; he was 53 years old. Robinson's funeral service on October 27, 1972, at Upper Manhattan's Riverside Church in Morningside Heights, attracted 2,500 mourners.Many of his former teammates and other famous baseball players served as pallbearers, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson gave the eulogy. Tens of thousands of people lined the subsequent procession route to Robinson's interment site at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, where he was buried next to his son Jackie and mother-in-law Zellee Isum.Twenty-five years after Robinson's death, the Interboro Parkway was renamed the Jackie Robinson Parkway in his memory. This parkway bisects the cemetery in close proximity to Robinson's gravesite.

After Robinson's death, his widow founded the Jackie Robinson Foundation, and she remains an officer as of 2021. On April 15, 2008, she announced that in 2010 the foundation would open a museum devoted to Jackie in Lower Manhattan. Robinson's daughter, Sharon, became a midwife, educator, director of educational programming for MLB, and the author of two books about her father. His youngest son, David, who has ten children, is a coffee grower and social activist in Tanzania.

Awards and recognition

Memorial in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda inside Citi Field, dedicated April 15, 2009

According to a poll conducted in 1947, Robinson was the second most popular man in the country, behind Bing Crosby. In 1999, he was named by Time on its list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. Also in 1999, he ranked number 44 on the Sporting News list of Baseball's 100 Greatest Players and was elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team as the top vote-getter among second basemen. Baseball writer Bill James, in The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract, ranked Robinson as the 32nd greatest player of all time strictly on the basis of his performance on the field, noting that he was one of the top players in the league throughout his career. Robinson was among the 25 charter members of UCLA's Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984. In 2002, Molefi Kete Asante included Robinson on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans. Robinson has also been honored by the United States Postal Service on three separate postage stamps, in 1982, 1999, and 2000.

The City of Pasadena has recognized Robinson with a baseball diamond and stadium named Jackie Robinson Field in Brookside Park next to the Rose Bowl, and with the Jackie Robinson Center (a community outreach center providing health services). In 1997, a $325,000 bronze sculpture (equal to $523,948 today) by artists Ralph Helmick, Stu Schecter, and John Outterbridge depicting oversized nine-foot busts of Robinson and his brother Mack was erected at Garfield Avenue, across from the main entrance of Pasadena City Hall; a granite footprint lists multiple donors to the commission project, which was organized by the Robinson Memorial Foundation and supported by members of the Robinson family.

Jackie Robinson Stadium, with the No. 42 on the center field wall

Major League Baseball has honored Robinson many times since his death. In 1987, both the National and American League Rookie of the Year Awards were renamed the "Jackie Robinson Award" in honor of the first recipient (Robinson's Major League Rookie of the Year Award in 1947 encompassed both leagues). On April 15, 1997, Robinson's jersey number, 42, was retired throughout Major League Baseball, the first time any jersey number had been retired throughout one of the four major American sports leagues. Under the terms of the retirement, a grandfather clause allowed the handful of players who wore number 42 to continue doing so in tribute to Robinson, until such time as they subsequently changed teams or jersey numbers. This affected players such as the Mets' Butch Huskey and Boston's Mo Vaughn. The Yankees' Mariano Rivera, who retired at the end of the 2013 season, was the last player in Major League Baseball to wear jersey number 42 on a regular basis. Since 1997, only Wayne Gretzky's number 99, retired by the NHL in 2000, has been retired league-wide in any of the four major sports. There have also been calls for MLB to retire number 21 league-wide in honor of Roberto Clemente, a sentiment opposed by the Robinson family.

As an exception to the retired-number policy, MLB began honoring Robinson by allowing players to wear number 42 on April 15, Jackie Robinson Day, which is an annual observance that started in 2004. For the 60th anniversary of Robinson's major league debut, MLB invited players to wear the number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day in 2007. The gesture was originally the idea of outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr., who sought Rachel Robinson's permission to wear the number. After Griffey received her permission, Commissioner Bud Selig not only allowed Griffey to wear the number, but also extended an invitation to all major league teams to do the same. Ultimately, more than 200 players wore number 42, including the entire rosters of the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. The tribute was continued in 2008, when, during games on April 15, all members of the Mets, Cardinals, Washington Nationals, and Tampa Bay Rays wore Robinson's number 42.On June 25, 2008, MLB installed a new plaque for Robinson at the Baseball Hall of Fame commemorating his off-the-field impact on the game as well as his playing statistics. In 2009, all of MLB's uniformed personnel (including players) wore number 42 on April 15; this tradition has continued every year since on that date.

Planned home of the Jackie Robinson Museum and Learning Center

At the November 2006 groundbreaking for Citi Field, the new ballpark for the New York Mets, it was announced that the main entrance, modeled on the one in Brooklyn's old Ebbets Field, would be called the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. The rotunda was dedicated at the opening of Citi Field on April 16, 2009. It honors Robinson with large quotations spanning the inner curve of the facade and features a large freestanding statue of his number, 42, which has become an attraction in itself. Mets owner Fred Wilpon announced that the Mets—in conjunction with Citigroup and the Jackie Robinson Foundation—will create a Jackie Robinson Museum and Learning Center, located at the headquarters of the Jackie Robinson Foundation at One Hudson Square, along Canal Street in lower Manhattan. Along with the museum, scholarships will be awarded to "young people who live by and embody Jackie's ideals."The museum hopes to open by 2020. At Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, a statue of Robinson was introduced in 2017. The New York Yankees honor Robinson with a plaque in Monument Park.

Since 2004, the Aflac National High School Baseball Player of the Year has been presented the "Jackie Robinson Award".

Robinson has also been recognized outside of baseball. In December 1956, the NAACP recognized him with the Spingarn Medal, which it awards annually for the highest achievement by an African-American. President Ronald Reagan posthumously awarded Robinson the Presidential Medal of Freedom on March 26, 1984, and on March 2, 2005, President George W. Bush gave Robinson's widow the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress; Robinson was only the second baseball player to receive the award, after Roberto Clemente. On August 20, 2007, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, announced that Robinson was inducted into the California Hall of Fame, located at The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts in Sacramento.

Rachel Robinson (holding the award) accepts the posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for her husband from President George W. Bush in a March 2, 2005, ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. Also pictured are Nancy Pelosi and Dennis Hastert.

A number of buildings have been named in Robinson's honor. The UCLA Bruins baseball team plays in Jackie Robinson Stadium, which, because of the efforts of Jackie's brother Mack, features a memorial statue of Robinson by sculptor Richard H. Ellis. The stadium also unveiled a new mural of Robinson by Mike Sullivan on April 14, 2013. City Island Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Florida was renamed Jackie Robinson Ballpark in 1990 and a statue of Robinson with two children stands in front of the ballpark. His wife Rachel was present for the dedication on September 15. 1990. A number of facilities at Pasadena City College (successor to PJC) are named in Robinson's honor, including Robinson Field, a football/soccer/track facility named jointly for Robinson and his brother Mack. The New York Public School system has named a middle school after Robinson, and Dorsey High School plays at a Los Angeles football stadium named after him. His home in Brooklyn, the Jackie Robinson House, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, and Brooklyn residents sought to turn his home into a city landmark. In 1978, Colonial Park in Harlem was renamed after Robinson. Robinson also has an asteroid named after him, 4319 Jackierobinson. In 1997, the United States Mint issued a Jackie Robinson commemorative silver dollar, and five-dollar gold coin. That same year, New York City renamed the Interboro Parkway in his honor. A statue of Robinson at Journal Square Transportation Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, was dedicated in 1998.

In 2011, the U.S. placed a plaque at Robinson's Montreal home to honor the ending of segregation in baseball.[ The house, at 8232 avenue de Gaspé near Jarry Park, was Robinson's residence when he played for the Montreal Royals during 1946. In a letter read during the ceremony, Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow, wrote: "I remember Montreal and that house very well and have always had warm feeling for that great city. Before Jack and I moved to Montreal, we had just been through some very rough treatment in the racially biased South during spring training in Florida. In the end, Montreal was the perfect place for him to get his start. We never had a threatening or unpleasant experience there. The people were so welcoming and saw Jack as a player and as a man."

On November 22, 2014, UCLA announced that it would officially retire the number 42 across all university sports, effective immediately. While Robinson wore several different numbers during his UCLA career, the school chose 42 because it had become indelibly identified with him. The only sport this did not affect was men's basketball, which had previously retired the number for Walt Hazzard (although Kevin Love was actually the last player in that sport to wear 42, with Hazzard's blessing). In a move paralleling that of MLB when it retired the number, UCLA allowed three athletes (in women's soccer, softball, and football) who were already wearing 42 to continue to do so for the remainder of their UCLA careers. The school also announced it would prominently display the number at all of its athletic venues.

A jersey that Robinson brought home with him after his rookie season ended in 1947 was sold at an auction for $2.05 million on November 19, 2017. The price was the highest ever paid for a post-World War II jersey.

Jamie Benn

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Jamie Benn

Benn with the Dallas Stars in 2016

Born July 18, 1989

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Jamie Randolph Benn (born July 18, 1989) is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger and captain of the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). Benn played his junior hockey career with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL) prior to turning professional. He represented Canada at the 2009 World Junior Championships, where he helped capture a gold medal. With Team Canada, he won a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He is the younger brother of defenseman Jordie Benn, who plays for the Minnesota Wild, and is a former teammate of Jamie's. In the 2014–15 season, Benn was awarded the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer with 87 points. The Dallas Stars went to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020 under the leadership of Jamie Benn.

Playing career

Junior

Benn grew up playing hockey for the Peninsula Eagles minor hockey association and attended Stelly's Secondary School as a teenager. He played for the Peninsula Panthers of the VIJHL, a local Junior B team located in North Saanich, British Columbia, during the 2005–06 season. Following this, he played for the Victoria Grizzlies of the Junior A British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for parts of three seasons from 2006-2008.

Kelowna Rockets

Benn was drafted by the Dallas Stars 129th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft from the Victoria Grizzlies. Following his draft, Benn began his major junior career with the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL. He scored 65 points in his rookie season in 2007–08, then improved to a team-high 46 goals to go with 36 assists and 82 points in just 56 games in 2008–09. After being named to the WHL West First All-Star Team, Benn paced the Rockets with a playoff-leading 33 points en route to the 2009 Ed Chynoweth Cup title. In the subsequent 2009 Memorial Cup tournament, held in Rimouski, Quebec, Benn notched a four-goal game and added an assist in the second round-robin match against the Drummondville Voltigeurs, a 6–4 win, to secure the Rockets a berth in the tournament final. Although Benn's Rockets lost to the Windsor Spitfires 4–1 in the Final, Benn was named to the Tournament All-Star Team, along with teammate Tyler Myers.

Professional hockey player

Dallas Stars

Benn in his second NHL regular-season game, October 2009

Benn made the Stars' roster for the 2009–10 season and scored his first NHL goal on October 11, 2009, against Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks. Benn tied the score 3–3 late in the game, but the Stars lost later in the shootout.

At the end of his rookie season, he was sent down to the Stars' AHL affiliate Texas Stars in the suburbs of Austin for the 2010 Calder Cup playoffs. He scored 14 goals and had 26 points in 24 playoffs games as Texas fell to the Hershey Bears in the Calder Cup Finals. Benn later spoke of the experience, "I had a fun summer here...it was a big part of my hockey career and helped me develop my game. I definitely loved playing here."

Benn took an opportunity in February 2011 after teammate Brad Richards' concussion to take a leading role with the team. During the All Star Game's SuperSkills Competition, Benn participated in the Accuracy Shooting contest and won his leg against Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Drouin then the finals against Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matt Read with times of 13.583 and 10.204 seconds respectively.

With the 2012–13 season delayed due to the labour lock-out, Benn signed a contract for the duration of the dispute with the Hamburg Freezers of the German DEL on October 2, 2012. Unable to initially agree to a contract with the Stars, Benn missed the first four games of the shortened NHL season before re-signing to a five-year, $26.25 million contract on January 24, 2013.

Benn during the 2013–14 season. Benn was named the captain of the Dallas Stars during the 2013 off-season.

Benn was named the sixth captain of the Dallas Stars on September 19, 2013.

On April 11, 2015, Benn scored 4 points in the Stars' last regular-season game to finish with 87 points on the season and win the Art Ross Trophy. His final point, a secondary assist with 8.5 seconds left in the game, allowed him to overtake John Tavares for the award.

On July 15, 2016, Benn agreed to an eight-year, $76 million contract extension with Dallas that runs through the 2024–25 NHL season at an average annual value of $9.5 million.

International play

Playing in his second WHL season, Benn was named to Team Canada, along with Kelowna Rockets teammate Tyler Myers, for the 2009 World Junior Championships in Ottawa. He contributed 4 goals and 2 assists in 6 games, helping Canada to its record-tying fifth straight gold medal, defeating Sweden 5–1 in the final. Benn first represented the senior team at the 2012 IIHF World Championship.

On January 7, 2014, Benn was named to the Canadian Olympic hockey team for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi despite not being invited to the orientation camp during the summer of 2013. In his first game as an Olympian, Benn scored the game-winning goal in Canada's first game against Norway in a 3–1 victory. He scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against the United States in the semi-final, to advance Canada to the gold medal game, where they eventually beat Sweden 3–0.

Awards and honours

AwardYear

CHL / WHL

West First All-Star Team 2008–09

Ed Chynoweth Trophy – Memorial Cup Leading Scorer 2009

Ed Chynoweth Cup 2008–09

CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team 2009

NHL

NHL All-Star Game 2012, 2016

NHL First All-Star Team 2014, 2016

Art Ross Trophy 2015

NHL Second All-Star Team 2015

Jonathan Toews

(Wikipedia)

Jonathan Toews

Toews with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2009

Born April 29, 1988

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Position Centre

Shoots Left

NHL team Chicago Blackhawks

National team Canada

NHL Draft 3rd overall, 2006

Chicago Blackhawks

Playing career 2007–present

Jonathan Bryan Toews OM (/ˈteɪvz/ TAYVZ; born April 29, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Nicknamed "Captain Serious", Toews was selected by the Blackhawks with the third overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He joined the team in 2007–08 and was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year. The following season he was named team captain, becoming the second-youngest captain in NHL history (after Sidney Crosby) at the time. Toews won the Stanley Cup in 2010, along with the Conn Smythe Trophy for the most valuable player in the playoffs. After winning the Cup, Toews passed Peter Forsberg as the youngest player to join the Triple Gold Club. He won the Stanley Cup again in 2013 and 2015.

Toews competes internationally for Team Canada and has won gold medals at the 2005 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, 2006 and 2007 World Junior Championships, 2007 World Championships, the 2010 Winter Olympics (a tournament in which he was named best forward) and the 2014 Winter Olympics. In 2017, he was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players.

Playing career

Amateur

Toews was selected first overall in the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft by the Tri-City Americans,[4] but chose instead to play midget AAA hockey at Shattuck-Saint Mary's, a boarding school in Faribault, Minnesota, during the 2003–04 and 2004–05 seasons. The decision enabled him to retain his NCAA eligibility. Toews scored 110 points in 64 games in his second season with Shattuck-Saint Mary's before moving on to play college ice hockey.

Toews played two seasons at the University of North Dakota, compiling 85 points (40 goals and 45 assists), a +38 plus-minus rating and a 56.7% faceoff winning percentage in 76 games. He helped UND reach the NCAA Frozen Four in both 2006 and 2007, serving as an alternate captain in his sophomore season. Toews registered 39 points as a freshman and earned Rookie of the Week honours twice. He helped North Dakota capture the Broadmoor Trophy as Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) conference champions and also was named West Regional MVP after tallying five points.

Going into the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Toews was ranked third among North American prospects by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau,[and was ultimately chosen third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.

Professional

Chicago Blackhawks

In 2007–08, he opted out of his final two years of college hockey eligibility to debut with the Blackhawks after signing a three-year, entry-level contract on May 16, 2007. He scored his first career NHL goal on his first shot in his first game on October 10, 2007, against the San Jose Sharks. He then recorded the second-longest point-scoring streak to start an NHL career, registering a point in each of his first ten games (five goals and five assists). On January 1, 2008, Toews sprained his knee in a game against the Los Angeles Kings. Despite missing 16 games from the injury, Toews led all rookies in goal-scoring and finished third in points. Toews finished second in team scoring behind fellow rookie Patrick Kane. Toews and Kane battled all season for the lead in team and rookie scoring before Toews went down to injury. The two were both nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL rookie of the year along with Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Bäckström; Toews finished as a runner-up to winner Kane.

Toews with the Blackhawks during their home opener for the 2010–11 season on October 9, 2010

Following his successful rookie campaign, Toews was named team captain of the Blackhawks on July 18, 2008. At 20 years and 79 days, he became the third-youngest team captain in NHL history, behind Sidney Crosby and Vincent Lecavalier. This feat was later surpassed by Gabriel Landeskog and Connor McDavid.[9] Toews had previously been named an alternate captain in December 2007, during the 2007–08 season. In the subsequent season, he was voted as a starter, along with teammates Patrick Kane and Brian Campbell, for the 2009 NHL All-Star Game in Montreal, Quebec. He netted his first career hat-trick in the NHL on February 27, 2009, in a 5–4 overtime loss to Pittsburgh. Toews finished the 2008–09 season with 69 points in 82 games, helping the Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup playoff appearance since 2002. He then added 13 points in 17 playoff games as the Blackhawks advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they were eliminated by the Detroit Red Wings in five games.

Less than a month into the 2009–10 season, Toews was sidelined with concussion-like symptoms after receiving an open-ice hit from defenceman Willie Mitchell in a 3–2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on October 21, 2009. Toews had his head down while receiving a pass in the neutral zone when Mitchell left the penalty box and checked him with his shoulder. Toews was sidelined for several games before returning to the line-up.

In the final year of his contract, Toews, as well as teammates Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane, agreed to extensions in early December 2009. His deal was structured similarly to Kane's, worth about $6.5 million annually for five seasons. Toews finished the season with 68 points in 76 games.

During the 2010 playoffs, Toews recorded his second career hat-trick, along with two assists, leading the Blackhawks in a 7–4 playoff victory against Vancouver on May 7, 2010. On June 9, 2010, Toews led Chicago to the franchise's first Stanley Cup championship since 1961, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 6 of the Finals. He became the second-youngest captain in the history of the NHL to win the Cup, behind Sidney Crosby, who led the Pittsburgh Penguins to the championship the previous season. Toews scored seven goals and 29 points in the playoffs, and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. By winning the Stanley Cup, he also became the youngest player, at 22 years of age, to become a member of the Triple Gold Club (Olympic gold, the Stanley Cup and World Championship).

In the off-season, Toews was selected to be the cover player for EA Sports' video game NHL 11 on June 21, 2010. It marked the first time in EA Sports history that two players of the same team were featured on a video game cover two years in a row, as teammate Patrick Kane had been on the cover of NHL 10.

Toews at the NHL Store in New York City in 2011.

During the 2010–11 season, Toews recorded a career-high 76 points in 80 games. Due to salary cap constraints, the Blackhawks were forced to trade away many of their players from the previous season's championship-winning team, including Antti Niemi, Dustin Byfuglien, Kris Versteeg and Andrew Ladd. As a result, the Blackhawks narrowly made the 2011 playoffs, ending the regular season as the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference. Down three games to none in the opening round against the Vancouver Canucks, the Blackhawks won three straight games to force a deciding Game 7. In the contest, Toews scored a short-handed game-tying goal with 1:26 remaining in regulation. The Canucks, however, went on to score five minutes into the ensuing overtime period to eliminate the Blackhawks.Toews had four points in the seven-game series.

Toews was to play in the 2012 All-Star Game, but an injury sustained during a 5–2 loss to the Nashville Predators kept him from playing; he was replaced by Scott Hartnell. Toews finished the 2011–12 season with 57 points in an injury-shortened year. He returned to play at the start of the 2012 playoffs, where he scored the overtime winner in Game 5 to send the series back to Chicago for Game 6, where the opposition Phoenix Coyotes won 4–0 to eliminate the Blackhawks from the playoffs.

In the lockout-shortened season of 2013, Toews returned to top form. He helped the Blackhawks win the Presidents' Trophy as the team with the best regular-season record. In the 2013 playoffs, Toews led the Blackhawks to a Finals over the Boston Bruins, Chicago's second title in three seasons. At the end of the year, he was also awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the League's top defensive forward and was named to the NHL Second All-Star Team.

Toews with the Blackhawks during a preseason game, September 2013

Toews scored the second natural hat-trick of his NHL career on October 29, 2013, against Craig Anderson of the Ottawa Senators. The 2013–14 season finished as another productive campaign for Toews. In 76 games, he scored 28 goals and 40 assists for 68 points. The Blackhawks' 2014 playoff run lasted to overtime of Game 7 of the Western Conference Final, and Toews put up 17 points (nine goals and eight assists) in 19 games. For the second year in a row, he finished as a finalist for the Selke Trophy, though he came third in voting behind the winner Patrice Bergeron and first runner-up Anže Kopitar.

On July 9, 2014, the Blackhawks announced that Toews, along with teammate Patrick Kane, had signed an eight-year extension with the Blackhawks at an average annual salary of $10.5 million. The contract will come into effect on July 1, 2015, for the 2015–16 season.

During Game 7 of the 2015 Western Conference Final, Toews scored the game's first two goals en route to a 5–3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. In the Finals, Toews led the Blackhawks to their third Stanley Cup championship in six seasons after the team's Game 6 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, 2–0. On June 24, Toews was named the recipient of the Mark Messier Leadership Award, awarded to the individual "in recognition of his commitment and service to charities in his community," as well as exemplifying a superior leadership ability in hockey, beating-out fellow finalists Ryan Getzlaf and Andrew Ladd. Toews also won an ESPY Award for 'Best NHL Player' in 2015. Electronic Arts selected Toews to appear on the cover of NHL 16.

Toews was selected to play in the 2016 All-Star Game, but missed the game on account of illness. He was suspended for one game per NHL rules for not attending the All-Star game.

During the 2016–17 Chicago Blackhawks season, Toews suffered a back injury that forced him to miss nine games. He was voted into the 2017 National Hockey League All-Star Game.

Toews' productivity declined during the 2017–18 season, where he posted a career-low 52 points He revealed he adopted a new training regiment and nutrition plan to help him better prepare for the upcoming season. A rejuvenated Toews tallied a career-high 81 points while appearing in all 82 games for Chicago during the 2018–19 season.

Toews appeared in 70 games during the 2019–20 Chicago Blackhawks season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He recorded 18 goals and 42 assists during the campaign while eclipsing the 800-career point milestone. Toews also totaled a team-high nine points in nine games during the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Before the start of the 2020–21 season, the Blackhawks announced Toews would be out indefinitely while recovering from an undisclosed illness. He missed the entire season before announcing in June 2021 that he was diagnosed with chronic immune response syndrome and that he plans to return for the 2021–22 season. In September 2021, he said an antibody test revealed he had COVID-19 at some point.

International play

Toews with the Canadian national men's hockey team in the 2010 Winter Olympics

Medal record

Representing Canada

World Junior Championships

Winter Olympics

2014 Sochi

2010 Vancouver

World Championships

2008 Canada

2007 Russia

Canada Cup / World Cup

2016 Toronto

2007 Sweden

2006 Canada

Representing Canada West

World U-17 Hockey Challenge

2005 Alberta

In 2005, Toews captained Canada West at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge to a gold medal. He scored the game-winning goal in a 3–1 win over Canada Pacific in the championship game. He finished with 12 points, ranked first in tournament scoring, and was named tournament MVP.

In his draft year, Toews competed on Canada's junior team at the 2006 World Junior Championships as the youngest player on the team. He tallied two assists during the tournament, both against Norway in preliminary play, as Canada ultimately defeated Russia in the gold medal game, 5–0.

In 2007, Toews earned a second-straight World Junior gold medal. In the tournament semi-final against the United States, Toews scored three times in the shootout to advance to the final. With seven points, Toews led Canada in scoring and was named to the Tournament All-Star Team alongside teammate Carey Price. Shortly after his gold medal win, Toews was honoured by his hometown American Hockey League (AHL) team, the Manitoba Moose, on February 3, 2007, as he was presented with an honorary jersey for his tournament efforts.

Toews guards the puck from Ryan Suter during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

That same year, Toews also made his senior international debut at the 2007 World Championships and recorded seven points in nine games competing against mostly professional players after just his second year of college hockey (at the time of selection, Toews had not yet turned professional). Canada earned gold over Finland 4–2 in the championship game. After the victory, Toews became the first Canadian to win a World Junior championship and a World Championship in the same year. On June 29, 2007, Toews was awarded the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, an award given by the Province of Manitoba in honour of sporting achievements, for his play in the junior and senior world championships.

After Toews' rookie year in the NHL, he competed in his second World Championships in 2008.

On December 30, 2009, Toews was selected to play for Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. He was named to the squad along with Blackhawks teammates Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith. He ended the tournament with a team-leading eight points, while his seven assists tied with Pavol Demitra of Slovakia for the tournament lead. Toews' lone goal of the tournament opened the scoring in Canada's 3–2 overtime win in the gold medal game against the United States. As a result, he was awarded Best Forward and tournament all-star team honours. At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, he scored the first goal in the gold medal game against Sweden on the way to Canada's second-straight Olympic gold medal.

Personal life

Jonathan was born to Brian Toews, an electrician at the University of Manitoba, and Andrée Gilbert, a native of Sainte-Marie, Quebec, who was the managing director and finance expert for a credit union in the Winnipeg region before retiring to oversee Toews' media relations. He is bilingual, speaking fluent French and English.

Like Toews, his brother David also attended Shattuck-Saint Mary's and began his freshman year at the University of North Dakota in 2008–09.His cousin Kai Toews is a professional basketball player.

In January 2007, Toews and former North Dakota teammate T. J. Oshie received alcohol-related citations for being minors in a Grand Forks, North Dakota, tavern. Toews and Oshie pleaded guilty to the charges. The two were later placed on probation and ordered to perform community service.

In the spring of 2010, a large mural of Toews visible from the Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago received a degree of notoriety.The mural depicted Toews with an abnormally shaped nose and mouth, posed beside a picture of the Stanley Cup (appropriately, Toews would end up holding the Cup after winning it later that year) Toews commented on the mural, stating: "I guess it's from a picture and they must have embellished it a little bit. They're not helping me by any means."

Following the celebration of Toews bringing the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba announced that it would be naming a northern lake after Toews in honour of his success.The lake is located 150 km (93 mi) north of Flin Flon and is named Toews Lake. The same day, the Dakota Community Centre in St. Vital where Toews first played organized hockey was renamed the Jonathan Toews Community Centre. Additionally, he was given the Keys to the City to honour his achievement and strong work ethic.

Awards, honours and championships

Toews holds onto the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to him after the Stanley Cup Finals; as his teammate, Patrick Kane, hoists the Stanley Cup during the 2010 Stanley Cup victory parade

Toews hoists the Stanley Cup during the 2013 Stanley Cup victory parade

Toews hoists the Stanley Cup during the 2015 Stanley Cup victory rally

AwardYear

All-WCHA Second Team 2006–07

AHCA West First-Team All-American 2006–07

WCHA All-Tournament Team 2007

Championships

2010 Stanley Cup Champion

2013 Stanley Cup Champion

2015 Stanley Cup Champion

World U-17 Hockey Challenge MVP — 2005 World U-17 Hockey Challenge — 2005

WCHA Rookie of the Week — twice in 2005–2006

NCAA West Regional MVP — 2006

World Junior All-Star Team — 2007

Nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy — 2008

5× NHL All-Star (2009, 2011, 2012,* 2015, 2016*, 2017)

* – Did not attend due to injury/illness.

All-Star selection of the 2010 Olympic Hockey Tournament

2010 Winter Olympics — Gold Medalist, Best Forward

2010 Conn Smythe Trophy winner

Second-youngest to win the Conn Smythe Trophy (22 years, 41 days; only Patrick Roy was younger); youngest captain to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Youngest person to gain entry into the Triple Gold Club (22 years, 41 days at time last component was achieved)

Named full captain of an NHL team after only 64 NHL games; fifth-youngest full captain (Connor McDavid, Gabriel Landeskog, Sidney Crosby and Vincent Lecavalier being the others) in NHL history.

One of only eight players to win Olympic gold and the Stanley Cup in the same year.

2013 Frank J. Selke Trophy winner

2013 NHL Second All-Star Team

2014 Winter Olympics — Gold Medalist

2015 Mark Messier Leadership Award winner

2015 ESPY Best NHL Player

2016 World Cup of Hockey gold medal

Named on 100 Greatest NHL Players list for NHL's Centennial Anniversary

NHL 11 cover athlete

NHL 16 cover athlete

Jack Johnson

- First Black Heavyweight Boxing Champ

Jack Johnson

Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Known as the "Galveston Giant," Jack Johnson lived his life fearlessly as one of the most famous and scandalous Black athletes in America.

With the Jim Crow era in full force, Johnson's 1910 match-up with undefeated white opponent James J. Jeffries was coined the "fight of the century." After Johnson knocked Jeffries out in the 15th round, race riots exploded all over the country.

Although he lived in dangerous times, Johnson didn't flinch when taking advantage of his celebrity. When he wasn't knocking out his opponents, he was busy expanding his businesses and banking on endorsement deals. He also had a penchant for white women, which eventually landed him in legal trouble (caused by racist laws). After he fled the country for seven years, he returned in 1920 and served jail time in federal prison.

In 2018, President Donald Trump posthumously pardoned him.

https://www.biography.com/news/jackie-robinson-black-athletes-first-sports

Jack Johnson (boxer)

(Wikipedia)

Jack Johnson

Johnson in 1915

Statistics

Nickname(s) Galveston Giant

Weight(s) Heavyweight

Height 6 ft 1⁄2 in (184.2 cm)

Reach 74 in (188 cm)

Born March 31, 1878

Galveston, Texas, U.S.

Died June 10, 1946 (aged 68)

Franklinton, North Carolina, U.S.

Stance Orthodox

Boxing record

Total fights 95

Wins 72

Wins by KO 38

Losses 11

Draws 11

No contests 3

John Arthur Johnson (March 31, 1878 – June 10, 1946), nicknamed the "Galveston Giant", was an American boxer who, at the height of the Jim Crow era, became the first Black American world heavyweight boxing champion (1908–1915). Widely regarded as one of the most influential boxers of all time, his 1910 fight against James J. Jeffries was dubbed the "fight of the century". According to filmmaker Ken Burns, "for more than thirteen years, Jack Johnson was the most famous and the most notorious African-American on Earth". Transcending boxing, he became part of the culture and history of racism in the United States.

In 1912, Johnson opened a successful and luxurious "black and tan" (desegregated) restaurant and nightclub, which in part was run by his wife, a white woman. Major newspapers of the time soon claimed that Johnson was attacked by the government only after he became famous as a black man married to a white woman, and was linked to other white women. Johnson was arrested on charges of violating the Mann Act—forbidding one to transport a woman across state lines for "immoral purposes"—a racially motivated charge that embroiled him in controversy for his relationships, including marriages, with white women. Sentenced to a year in prison, Johnson fled the country and fought boxing matches abroad for seven years until 1920 when he served his sentence at the federal penitentiary at Leavenworth.

Johnson continued taking paying fights for many years, and operated several other businesses, including lucrative endorsement deals. He died in a car crash on June 10, 1946, at the age of 68. He is buried at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. On May 24, 2018, Johnson was formally pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Early life

Johnson was the third child of nine born to Henry and Tina Johnson, former slaves who worked service jobs as a janitor and a dishwasher. His father had served as a civilian teamster of the Union's 38th Colored Infantry. He was described by his son as the "most perfect physical specimen that he had ever seen", although Henry had been left with an atrophied right leg from his service in the war.

Growing up in Galveston, Texas, Johnson attended five years of school. As a young man, Johnson was frail though, like all of his siblings, he was expected to work.

Although Johnson grew up in the South, he said that segregation was not an issue in the somewhat secluded city of Galveston, as everyone living in the 12th Ward was poor and went through the same struggles.Johnson remembers growing up with a "gang" of white boys, in which he never felt victimized or excluded. Remembering his childhood, Johnson said: "As I grew up, the white boys were my friends and my pals. I ate with them, played with them and slept at their homes. Their mothers gave me cookies, and I ate at their tables. No one ever taught me that white men were superior to me."

After Johnson quit school, he began a job working at the local docks. He made several other attempts at working other jobs around town until one day he made his way to Dallas, finding work at the race track exercising horses. Jack stuck with this job until he found a new apprenticeship with a carriage painter by the name of Walter Lewis. Lewis enjoyed watching friends spar, and Johnson began to learn how to box. Johnson later declared that it was thanks to Lewis that he became a boxer.

At 16, Johnson moved to New York City and found living arrangements with Barbados Joe Walcott, a welterweight fighter from the West Indies. Johnson again found work exercising horses for the local stable, until he was fired for exhausting a horse. On his return to Galveston, he was hired as a janitor at a gym owned by German-born heavyweight fighter Herman Bernau. Johnson eventually put away enough money to buy boxing gloves, sparring every chance he got.

At one point, Johnson was arrested for brawling with a man named Davie Pearson, a "grown and toughened" man who accused Johnson of turning him in to the police over a game of craps. When both of them were released from jail, they met at the docks, and Johnson beat Pearson before a large crowd. Johnson then fought in a summer boxing league against a man named John "Must Have It" Lee. Because prize fighting was illegal in Texas, the fight was broken up and moved to the beach, where Johnson won his first fight and a prize of one dollar and fifty cents.

Boxing career

Johnson made his debut as a professional boxer on November 1, 1898, in Galveston, when he knocked out Charley Brooks in the second round of a 15-round bout for what was billed as "The Texas State Middleweight Title". In his third pro fight on May 8, 1899, he faced "Klondike" (John W. Haynes, or Haines), an African American heavyweight known as "The Black Hercules", in Chicago. Klondike (so called as he was considered a rarity, like the gold in the Klondike), who had declared himself the "Black Heavyweight Champ", won on a technical knockout (TKO) in the fifth round of a scheduled six-rounder. The two fighters met twice again in 1900, with the first rematch resulting in a draw, as both fighters were on their feet at the end of 20 rounds. Johnson won the third fight by a TKO when Klondike refused to come out for the 14th round. Johnson did not claim Klondike's unrecognized title.

Joe Choynski

Johnson standing behind Choynski in Chicago in 1909

On February 25, 1901, Johnson fought Joe Choynski in Galveston. Choynski, a popular and experienced heavyweight, knocked out Johnson in the third round. Prizefighting was illegal in Texas at the time and they were both arrested. Bail was set at $5,000, which neither could afford. The sheriff permitted both fighters to go home at night so long as they agreed to spar in the jail cell. Large crowds gathered to watch the sessions. After 23 days in jail, their bail was reduced to an affordable level and a grand jury refused to indict either man. Johnson later stated that he learned his boxing skills during that jail time. The two would remain friends.

Johnson attested that his success in boxing came from the coaching he received from Choynski. The aging Choynski saw natural talent and determination in Johnson and taught him the nuances of defense, stating: "A man who can move like you should never have to take a punch".

Top contender

Johnson beat former black heavyweight champion Frank Childs on October 21, 1902. Childs had twice won the black heavyweight title and continued to claim that he was the true black champion despite having lost his title in a bout with George Byers and then, after retaking the title from Byers, losing it again to Denver Ed Martin. He also claimed the unrecognized black heavyweight title as well.[citation needed] Johnson won by a TKO in the 12th round of the scheduled 20-rounder, when Childs's seconds signaled he could not go on, claiming a dislocated elbow. The defeat by Johnson forever ended Childs's pretensions to the black heavyweight crown.

World colored heavyweight champ

Jack Johnson, Sydney, c. 1908

Johnson in 1908 (photograph by Otto Sarony)

By 1903, though Johnson's official record showed him with nine wins against three losses, five draws and two no contests, he had won at least 50 fights against both white and black opponents. Johnson won his first title on February 3, 1903, beating Denver Ed Martin on points in a 20-round match for the World Colored Heavyweight Championship. Johnson held the title until it was vacated when he won the world heavyweight title from Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia on Boxing Day 1908. His reign of 2,151 days was the third longest in the 60-year-long history of the colored heavyweight title. Only Harry Wills at 3,103 days and Peter Jackson at 3,041 days held the title longer. A three-time colored heavyweight champion, Wills held the title for a total of 3,351 days.

Johnson defended the colored heavyweight title 17 times, which was second only to the 26 times Wills defended the title. While colored champ, he defeated colored ex-champs Denver Ed Martin and Frank Childs again and beat future colored heavyweight champs Sam McVey three times and Sam Langford once. He beat Langford on points in a 15-rounder and never gave him another shot at the title, when he was either colored champ or the world heavyweight champ.

Johnson, Jeanette and Langford

Johnson fought Joe Jeanette a total of seven times, all during his reign as colored champion before he became the world's heavyweight champion, winning four times and drawing twice (three of the victories and one draw were newspaper decisions). In their first match in 1905, they had fought to a draw, but in their second match on November 25, 1905, Johnson lost as he was disqualified in the second round of a scheduled six-round fight. Johnson continued to claim the title because of the disqualification.

After Johnson became the first African-American Heavyweight Champion of the World on December 26, 1908, his World Colored Heavyweight Championship was vacated. Jeanette fought Sam McVey for the title in Paris on February 20, 1909, and was beaten, but he later took the title from McVey in a 49-round bout on April 17 of that year in Paris for a $6,000 purse. Sam Langford subsequently claimed the title during Jeanette's reign after Johnson refused to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against him. Eighteen months later, Jeanette lost the title to Langford.

During his reign as world champion, Johnson never again fought Jeanette, despite numerous challenges, and avoided Langford, who won the colored title a record five times. In 1906 Jack Johnson fought Sam Langford. Langford took severe punishment and was knocked down 3 times; however, he lasted the 15-round distance.

On November 27, 1945, Johnson finally stepped back into the ring with Joe Jeanette. The 67-year-old Johnson squared off against the 66-year-old Jeanette in an exhibition held at a New York City rally to sell war bonds. Fellow former colored heavyweight champ Harry Wills also participated in the exhibition.

World heavyweight champion

Johnson's efforts to win the world heavyweight title were initially thwarted, as at the time world heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries refused to face him, and retired instead. However, Johnson did fight former champion Bob Fitzsimmons in July 1907, and knocked him out in two rounds

Johnson finally won the world heavyweight title on December 26, 1908, a full six years after lightweight champion Joe Gans became the first African American boxing champion. Johnson's victory over the reigning world champion, Canadian Tommy Burns, at the Sydney Stadium in Australia, came after following Burns around the world for two years and taunting him in the press for a match. Burns agreed to fight Johnson only after promoters guaranteed him $30,000. The fight lasted fourteen rounds before being stopped by the police in front of over 20,000 spectators, and Johnson was named the winner.

Johnson arriving in Vancouver on March 9, 1909 as the World Heavyweight Champion

After Johnson's victory over Burns, racial animosity among whites ran so deep that some called for a "Great White Hope" to take the title away from Johnson. While Johnson was heavyweight champion, he was covered more in the press than all other notable black men combined. The lead-up to the bout was peppered with racist press against Johnson. Even the New York Times wrote of the event, "If the black man wins, thousands and thousands of his ignorant brothers will misinterpret his victory as justifying claims to much more than mere physical equality with their white neighbors." As title holder, Johnson thus had to face a series of fighters each billed by boxing promoters as a "great white hope", often in exhibition matches. In 1909, he beat Tony Ross, Al Kaufman, and the middleweight champion Stanley Ketchel.

The match with Ketchel was originally thought to have been an exhibition, and in fact it was fought by both men that way, until the 12th round, when Ketchel threw a right to Johnson's head, knocking him down. Quickly regaining his feet, and very annoyed, Johnson immediately dashed straight at Ketchell and threw a single punch, an uppercut, a punch for which he was famous, to Ketchel's jaw, knocking him out. The punch knocked out Ketchell's front teeth; Johnson can be seen on film removing them from his glove, where they had been embedded.

"Fight of the Century"

In 1910, former undefeated heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries came out of retirement to challenge Johnson, saying "I am going into this fight for the sole purpose of proving that a white man is better than a Negro".[32] He had not fought in six years and he also had to lose well over 100 pounds in order to get back to his championship fighting weight. Efforts to persuade Jeffries to "retrieve the honor of the white race" began immediately after the Burns-Johnson fight. Initially Jeffries had no interest in the fight, being quite happy as an alfalfa farmer. On October 29, 1909, Johnson and Jeffries signed an agreement to "box for the heavyweight championship of the world" and called promoters to bid for the right to orchestrate the event.

In early December 1909, Johnson and Jeffries selected a bid from the nation's top boxing promoters—Tex Rickard and John Gleason. The bid guaranteed a purse of $101,000 to be divided 75% to the winner and 25% to the loser, as well as two-thirds of the revenues collected from the sales of the right to film the fight (each boxer received one third of the equity rights).Although it was well understood that a victory for Jeffries was likely to be more profitable than a victory for Johnson, there were no doubts that the event would produce record profits.. Legal historian Barak Orbach argues that in "an industry that promoted events through the dramatization of rivalries, a championship contest between an iconic representative of the white race and the most notorious [black fighter] was a gold mine."

James J. Jeffries fights Johnson in 1910

Jeffries mostly remained hidden from media attention until the day of the fight, while Johnson soaked up the spotlight. John L. Sullivan, who made boxing championships a popular and esteemed spectacle, stated that Johnson was in such good physical shape compared to Jeffries that he would only lose if he had a lack of skill on the day of the fight. Before the fight, Jeffries remarked, "It is my intention to go right after my opponent and knock him out as soon as possible." While his wife added, "I'm not interested in prizefighting but I am interested in my husband's welfare, I do hope this will be his last fight." Johnson's words were "May the best man win."

Racial tension was brewing in the lead up to the fight and in order to prevent any harm from coming to either boxer, guns were prohibited within the arena along with the sale of alcohol and anyone who was under the effects of alcohol. Apples were also banned as well as any weapon whatsoever. Behind the racial attitudes which were being instigated by the media was a major investment in gambling for the fight, with 10–7 odds in favor of Jeffries.

The fight took place on July 4, 1910, in front of 20,000 people, at a ring which was built just for the occasion in downtown Reno, Nevada. Jeffries proved unable to impose his will on the younger champion and Johnson dominated the fight. By the 15th round, after Jeffries had been knocked down twice for the first time in his career, Jeffries' corner threw in the towel to end the fight and prevent Jeffries from having a knockout on his record.

Johnson later remarked he knew the fight was over in the 4th round when he landed an uppercut and saw the look on Jeffries face, stating, "I knew what that look meant. The old ship was sinking." Afterwards, Jeffries was humbled by the loss and what he'd seen of Johnson in their match. "I could never have whipped Johnson at my best", Jeffries said. "I couldn't have hit him. No, I couldn't have reached him in 1,000 years."

The "Fight of the Century" earned Johnson $65,000 (over $1.8 million in 2020 dollars) and silenced the critics, who had belittled Johnson's previous victory over Tommy Burns as "empty", claiming that Burns was a false champion since Jeffries had retired undefeated. John L. Sullivan commented after the fight that Johnson won deservedly, fairly, and convincingly:

The fight of the century is over and a black man is the undisputed champion of the world. It was a poor fight as fights go, this less than 15-round affair between James J. Jeffries and Jack Johnson. Scarcely has there ever been a championship contest that was so one-sided. All of Jeffries much-vaunted condition amounted to nothing. He wasn't in it from the first bell tap to the last ... The negro had few friends, but there was little demonstration against him. (Spectators) could not help but admire Johnson because he is the type of prizefighter that is admired by sportsmen. He played fairly at all times and fought fairly. ... What a crafty, powerful, cunning left hand (Johnson) has. He is one of the craftiest, cunningest boxers that ever stepped into the ring. ... They both fought closely all during the 15 rounds. It was just the sort of fight that Jeffries wanted. There was no running or ducking like Corbett did with me in New Orleans (1892). Jeffries did not miss so many blows, because he hardly started any. Johnson was on top of him all the time.... (Johnson) didn't get gay at all with Jeffries in the beginning, and it was always the white man who clinched, but Johnson was very careful, and he backed away and took no chances, and was good-natured with it all ... The best man won, and I was one of the first to congratulate him, and also one of the first to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the beaten man.

Riots and aftermath

The LA Times noted the explosive nature of Johnson's victory by featuring this cartoon in which a stick of dynamite suggests that it would not have caused as much violence as the fight did.

The outcome of the fight triggered race riots that evening—the Fourth of July—all across the United States, from Texas and Colorado to New York and Washington, D.C. Johnson's victory over Jeffries had dashed white dreams of finding a "great white hope" to defeat him. Many whites felt humiliated by the defeat of Jeffries.

Blacks, on the other hand, were jubilant, and celebrated Johnson's great victory as a victory for racial advancement. Black poet William Waring Cuney later highlighted the black reaction to the fight in his poem "My Lord, What a Morning". Around the country, blacks held spontaneous parades and gathered in prayer meetings.

Race riots erupted in New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Louis, Little Rock and Houston. In all, riots occurred in more than 25 states and 50 cities. At least twenty people were killed across the US from the riots,[40] and hundreds more were injured.

Film of the bout

The Johnson–Jeffries Fight film received more public attention in the United States than any other film to date and for the next five years, until the release of The Birth of a Nation. In the United States, many states and cities banned the exhibition of the Johnson–Jeffries film. The movement to censor Johnson's victory took over the country within three days after the fight.

Two weeks after the match former President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid boxer and fan, wrote an article for The Outlook in which he supported banning not just moving pictures of boxing matches, but a complete ban on all prize fights in the US. He cited the "crookedness" and gambling that surrounded such contests and that moving pictures have "introduced a new method of money getting and of demoralization". The controversy surrounding the film directl motivated Congress to ban distribution of all prizefight films across state lines in 1912; the ban was lifted in 1940.

In 2005, the film of the Jeffries–Johnson "Fight of the Century" was entered into the United States National Film Registry as being worthy of preservation.

The six fights for which the major films were made, starring Johnson, were:

Johnson–Burns, released in 1908

Johnson–Ketchel, released in 1909

Johnson–Jeffries, released in 1910

Johnson–Flynn, released in 1912

Johnson–Moran, released in 1914

Johnson–Willard, released in 1915

Maintaining the color bar

The color bar remained in force even under Johnson. Once he was the world's heavyweight champ, Johnson did not fight a black opponent for the first five years of his reign. He denied matches to black heavyweights Joe Jeanette (one of his successors as colored heavyweight champ), Sam Langford (who beat Jeanette for the colored title), and the young Harry Wills, who was colored heavyweight champ during the last year of Johnson's reign as world's heavyweight champ.

Blacks were not given a chance at the title allegedly because Johnson felt that he could make more money fighting white boxers. In August 1913, as Johnson neared the end of his troubled reign as world heavyweight champ, there were rumors that he had agreed to fight Langford in Paris for the title, but it came to naught. Johnson said that Langford was unable to raise $30,000 for his guarantee.

Because black boxers with the exception of Johnson had been barred from fighting for the heavyweight championship because of racism, Johnson's refusal to fight African-Americans offended the African-American community, since the opportunity to fight top white boxers was rare. Jeanette criticized Johnson, saying, "Jack forgot about his old friends after he became champion and drew the color line against his own people."

Johnson v. Johnson

When Johnson finally agreed to take on a black opponent in late 1913, it was not Sam Langford, the current colored heavyweight champ, that he gave the title shot to. Instead, Johnson chose to take on Battling Jim Johnson, a lesser-known boxer who, in 1910, had lost to Langford and had a draw and loss via KO to Sam McVey, the former colored champ. Battling Jim fought former colored champ Joe Jeanette four times between July 19, 1912 and January 21, 1913 and lost all four fights. The only fighter of note who he did beat during that period was the future colored champ Big Bill Tate, whom he KO-ed in the second round of a scheduled 10-round bout. It was Tate's third pro fight.

In November 1913, the International Boxing Union had declared the world heavyweight title held by Jack Johnson to be vacant. The fight, scheduled for 10 rounds, was held on December 19, 1913 in Paris. It was the first time in history that two blacks had fought for the world heavyweight championship.

While the Johnson v. Johnson fight had been billed as a world heavyweight title match, in many ways, it resembled an exhibition. A sportswriter from the Indianapolis Star at the fight reported that the crowd became unruly when it was apparent that neither boxer was putting up a fight.

Jack Johnson, the heavyweight champion, and Battling Jim Johnson, another colored pugilist, of Galveston, Texas, met in a 10-round contest here tonight, which ended in a draw. The spectators loudly protested throughout that the men were not fighting, and demanded their money back. Many of them left the hall. The organizers of the fight explained the fiasco by asserting that Jack Johnson's left arm was broken in the third round. There is no confirmation of a report that Jack Johnson had been stabbed and no evidence at the ringside of such an accident. During the first three rounds he was obviously playing with his opponent. After that it was observed that he was only using his right hand. When the fight was over he complained that his arm had been injured. Doctors who made an examination, certified to a slight fracture of the radius of the left arm. The general opinion is that his arm was injured in a wrestling match early in the week, and that a blow tonight caused the fracture of the bone.

Because of the draw, Jack Johnson kept his championship. After the fight, he explained that his left arm was injured in the third round and he could not use it.

Title loss

A panorama of the Willard - Johnson fight, Havana, Cuba

On April 5, 1915, Johnson lost his title to Jess Willard, a working cowboy from Kansas who started boxing when he was twenty-seven years old. With a crowd of 25,000 at Oriental Park Racetrack in Havana, Cuba, Johnson was knocked out in the 26th round of the scheduled 45 round fight. Johnson, although having won almost every round, began to tire after the 20th round, and was visibly hurt by heavy body punches from Willard in rounds preceding the 26th-round knockout.

Johnson is said by many a year after the fight to have spread rumors that he took a dive. but Willard is widely regarded as having won the fight outright. Many people thought Johnson purposely threw the fight because Willard was white, in an effort to have his Mann Act charges dropped. Willard ironically responded, "If he was going to throw the fight, I wish he'd done it sooner. It was hotter than hell out there."

Post-championship

After losing his world heavyweight championship, Johnson never again fought for the colored heavyweight crown.[clarification needed] His popularity remained strong enough that he recorded for Ajax Records in the 1920s. Johnson continued fighting, but age was catching up with him. He fought professionally until 1938 at age 60 when he lost 7 of his last 9 bouts, losing his final fight to Walter Price by a 7th-round TKO. It is often suggested that any bouts after the age of 40—which was a very venerable age for boxing in those days—not be counted on his actual record, since he was performing in order to make a living.

He also indulged in what was known as "cellar" fighting, where the bouts, unadvertised, were fought for private audiences, usually in cellars, or other unrecognized places. There are photographs existing of one of these fights. Johnson made his final ring appearance at age 67 on November 27, 1945, fighting three one-minute exhibition rounds against two opponents, Joe Jeanette and John Ballcort, in a benefit fight card for U.S. War Bonds.

Boxing style

Throughout his career Johnson built a unique fighting style of his own, which was not customary in boxing during this time. Though he would typically strike first, he would fight defensively, waiting for his opponents to tire out, although becoming more aggressive as the rounds went on. He often fought to punish his opponents through the rounds rather than knocking them out, and would continuously dodge their punches. He would then quickly strike back with a blow of his own. Johnson often made his fights look effortless, and as if he had much more to offer, but when pushed he could also display some powerful moves and punches. There are films of his fights in which he can be seen holding up his opponent, who otherwise might have fallen, until he recovered.

Personal life

Jack Johnson, c. 1910–1915

Johnson earned considerable sums endorsing various products, including patent medicines, and had several expensive hobbies such as automobile racing and tailored clothing, as well as purchasing jewelry and furs for his wives. He challenged champion racer Barney Oldfield to a match auto race at the Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn dirt track. Oldfield easily out-distanced Johnson. Once, when he was pulled over for a $50 speeding ticket, he gave the officer a $100 bill; when the officer protested that he couldn't make change for that much, Johnson told him to keep the change as he was going to make his return trip at the same speed. In 1920, Johnson opened the Club Deluxe, a Black and Tan night club in Harlem; he sold it three years later to a gangster, Owney Madden, who renamed it the Cotton Club.

Johnson's behavior was looked down upon by the African-American community, especially by the black scholar Booker T. Washington who said it "is unfortunate that a man with money should use it in a way to injure his own people, in the eyes of those who are seeking to uplift his race and improve its conditions, I wish to say emphatically that Jack Johnson's actions did not meet my personal approval and I am sure they do not meet with the approval of the colored race."

Johnson flouted conventions regarding the social and economic "place" of blacks in American society. As a black man, he broke a powerful taboo in consorting with white women and would verbally taunt men (both white and black) inside and outside the ring. Asked the secret of his staying power by a reporter who had watched a succession of women parade into, and out of, the champion's hotel room, Johnson supposedly said "Eat jellied eels and think distant thoughts".

In 1911 Johnson, through an acquaintance, attempted to become a Freemason in Dundee. Although he was admitted as a member of the Forfar and Kincardine Lodge No 225 in the city, there was considerable opposition to his membership, principally on the grounds of his race, and the Forfarshire Lodge was suspended by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Johnson's fees were returned to him and his admission was ruled illegal.

In July 1912, Johnson opened an interracial nightclub in Chicago called Café de Champion.

Johnson wrote two memoirs of his life: Mes combats in 1914 and Jack Johnson in the Ring and Out in 1927.

In 1943, Johnson attended at least one service at the Angelus Temple in Los Angeles, California. In a public conversion, while Detroit, Michigan, burned in race riots, he professed his faith to Christ in a service conducted by evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson. She embraced him as "he raised his hand in worship".

Marriages

Johnson with his wife Etta, who killed herself in 1912

Johnson engaged in various relationships including three documented marriages. All of his documented wives were white. At the height of his career, Johnson was excoriated by the press for his flashy lifestyle and for having married white women.

According to Johnson's 1927 autobiography, he married Mary Austin, a black woman from Galveston, Texas. No record exists of this marriage.

While in Philadelphia in 1903, Johnson met Clara Kerr, a black prostitute. According to Johnson's autobiography, Kerr left him for Johnson's friend, a racehorse trainer named William Bryant. They took Johnson's jewelry and clothing when they left. Johnson tracked the couple down and had Kerr arrested on burglary charges. Johnson and Kerr reconciled for a while before she left him again.

During a three-month tour of Australia in 1907, Johnson had a brief affair with Alma "Lola" Toy, a white woman from Sydney. Johnson confirmed to an American journalist that he intended to marry Toy. When The Referee printed Johnson's plans to marry Toy, it caused controversy in Sydney. Toy demanded a retraction and later won a libel lawsuit from the newspaper.

After returning from Australia, Johnson said that "the heartaches which Mary Austin and Clara Kerr caused me led me to forswear colored women and to determine that my lot henceforth would be cast only with white women."

Johnson met Etta Terry Duryea, a Brooklyn socialite and former wife of Clarence Duryea, at a car race in 1909. In 1910, Johnson hired a private investigator to follow Duryea after suspecting she was having an affair with his chauffeur. On Christmas Day, Johnson confronted Duryea and beat her to the point of hospitalization. They reconciled and were married on January 18, 1911. Prone to depression, her condition worsened due to Johnson's abuse and infidelity in addition to the hostile reaction to their interracial relationship. Duryea attempted suicide twice before she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on September 11, 1912.

In the summer of 1912 Johnson met Lucille Cameron, an 18-year-old prostitute from Minneapolis who relocated to Chicago, at his nightclub Café de Champion. Johnson hired her as his stenographer, but shortly after Duryea's funeral they were out in public as a couple. They married on December 3, 1912, 3:00 in the afternoon. Cameron filed for divorce in 1924 due to his infidelity.

Johnson met Irene Pineau at the race track in Aurora, Illinois in 1924. After she divorced her husband the following year, they were married in Waukegan in August 1925. Johnson and Pineau were together until his death in 1946. When asked by a reporter at Johnson's funeral what she had loved about him, she replied: "I loved him because of his courage. He faced the world unafraid. There wasn't anybody or anything he feared."

Prison sentence

Johnson with his wife Lucille in 1921. Their relationship led to Johnson's first 1912 arrest.

On October 18, 1912, Johnson was arrested on the grounds that his relationship with Lucille Cameron violated the Mann Act against "transporting women across state lines for immoral purposes" due to her being an alleged prostitute. Her mother also swore that her daughter was insane. Cameron, soon to become his second wife, refused to cooperate and the case fell apart. Less than a month later, Johnson was arrested again on similar charges.

This time, the woman, another alleged prostitute named Belle Schreiber, with whom he had been involved in 1909 and 1910, testified against him. In the courtroom of Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the future Commissioner of Baseball who perpetuated the baseball color line until his death, Johnson was convicted by an all-white jury in June 1913, despite the fact that the incidents used to convict him took place before passage of the Mann Act. He was sentenced to a year and a day in prison.

Johnson skipped bail and left the country, joining Lucille in Montreal on June 25, before fleeing to France. To flee to Canada, Johnson posed as a member of a black baseball team. For the next seven years, they lived in exile in Europe, South America and Mexico. Johnson returned to the U.S. on July 20, 1920. He surrendered to federal agents at the Mexican border and was sent to the United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth to serve his sentence in September 1920. He was released on July 9, 1921.

Presidential pardon

There were recurring proposals to grant Johnson a posthumous presidential pardon before one was granted in 2018. A bill which requested that President George W. Bush pardon Johnson passed the House in 2008, but failed to pass in the Senate. In April 2009, Senator John McCain, along with Representative Peter King, film maker Ken Burns and Johnson's great-niece, Linda Haywood, requested a presidential pardon for Johnson from President Barack Obama. In July of that year, Congress passed a resolution calling on President Obama to issue a pardon.

In 2016, another petition for Johnson's pardon was issued by McCain, King, Senator Harry Reid and Congressman Gregory Meeks to President Obama, marking the 70th anniversary since the boxer's death. This time citing a provision of the Every Student Succeeds Act, signed by the president in December 2015, in which Congress expressed that this boxing great should receive a posthumous pardon, and a vote by the United States Commission on Civil Rights passed unanimously a week earlier in June 2016 to "right this century-old wrong."

Mike Tyson, Harry Reid and John McCain lent their support to the campaign, starting a Change.org petition asking President Obama to posthumously pardon the world's first African-American boxing champion for his racially motivated 1913 felony conviction.

After various attempts by the former WBC president, Jose Sulaiman, who reached out to presidential administrations dating back to Ronald Reagan's, in April 2018, President Donald Trump announced that he was considering granting a full pardon to Johnson after speaking with a World Boxing Council committee, along with actor Sylvester Stallone. Trump pardoned Johnson on May 24, 2018, 105 years after his conviction during a ceremony which included special guests Mauricio Sulaiman (WBC President), Hector Sulaiman (President of the Board of Advisors of Scholas Occurrentes), Sylvester Stallone (actor), Deontay Wilder (then current WBC Champion) and Lennox Lewis (WBC Former Champion).

Monkey wrench

A persistent hoax on social media claims that Johnson invented the monkey wrench and it was named a monkey wrench as a racial slur. Johnson received a patent for improvements which he made in the monkey wrench, but the first patent for a monkey wrench was awarded in the 1840s, around 30 years before he was born.

Death

Graves of boxer Jack Johnson and Etta

On June 10, 1946, Johnson was involved in a car crash on U.S. Highway 1 near Franklinton, North Carolina (36°5′41.96″N 78°27′40.81″W) after driving angrily away from a segregated diner which had refused to serve him His friend survived the high-speed collision with a telegraph pole but an injured Johnson was taken to the nearest black hospital, Saint Agnes Hospital, 25 miles away in Raleigh where he died. He was 68 years old.

Johnson was buried next to his first wife, Etta Duryea Johnson who died of suicide in 1912, at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. His grave was initially unmarked, but later it was marked with a large stone which only bore the name "Johnson." This marker was replaced with a new marker after Ken Burns released a film about Johnson's life in 2005. Johnson's (new, smaller) gravestone reads [top] "Jack / John A. Johnson / 1878-1946" [front] "First black heavyweight / champion of the world". Johnson's signature is on the back of the stone.

Legacy

Jack Johnson Park -- Galveston

Jack Johnson Bronze Statue in Jack Johnson Park -- Galveston

Johnson was an inaugural 1954 inductee to The Ring magazine's Boxing Hall of Fame (disbanded in 1987), and was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993. In 2005, the United States National Film Preservation Board deemed the film of the 1910 Johnson-Jeffries fight "historically significant" and put it in the National Film Registry.

During his boxing career, Jack Johnson fought 114 fights, winning 80 matches, 45 by knockouts. BoxRec ranked him among the world's 10 best heavyweights 12 times, and placed him at No.1 from 1905 to 1909.

In the short term, the boxing world reacted against Johnson's legacy. But Johnson foreshadowed one of the most famous boxers of all time, Muhammad Ali. In fact, Ali often spoke of how he was influenced by Jack Johnson. Ali identified with Johnson because he felt America ostracized him in the same manner because of his opposition to the Vietnam War and affiliation with the Nation of Islam.

In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante listed Jack Johnson on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans.

In 2012, the City of Galveston dedicated a park in Johnson's memory as Galveston Island's most famous native son. The park, called Jack Johnson Park, includes a life-size, bronze statue of Johnson.

Popular culture

The first filmed fight of Johnson's career was his bout with Tommy Burns, which was turned into a contemporary documentary The Burns-Johnson Fight in 1908.

Folksinger and blues singer Lead Belly referenced Johnson in a song about the Titanic: "Jack Johnson wanna get on board, Captain said I ain't hauling no coal. Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well. When Jack Johnson heard that mighty shock, mighta seen the man do the Eagle rock. Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well" (The Eagle Rock was a popular dance at the time). In 1969, American folk singer Jaime Brockett reworked the Lead Belly song into a satirical talking blues called "The Legend of the S.S. Titanic." There is no convincing evidence that Johnson was in fact refused passage on the Titanic because of his race, as these songs allege.

Johnson's story is the basis of the play The Great White Hope and its 1970 film adaptation, starring James Earl Jones as "Jack Jefferson", and Jane Alexander as his love interest. Both Jones and Alexander won Tonys and were nominated for Oscars.

Also in 1970, Jimmy Jacobs and Bill Cayton brought together much of the rare archive footage of Johnson which they had saved and restored, and made the film Jack Johnson, with Johnson's words voiced by Brock Peters, and music by Miles Davis. Davis' score later became the 1971 album named after the boxer. It features the actor Peters (as Johnson) saying:

I'm Jack Johnson. Heavyweight champion of the world.

I'm black. They never let me forget it.

I'm black all right! I'll never let them forget it!

In 2005, filmmaker Ken Burns produced a two-part documentary about Johnson's life, Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson, based on the 2004 nonfiction book of the same name by Geoffrey C. Ward, and with music by Wynton Marsalis. The book won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year (2006).

Jack Johnson's life was the subject of a three-part series of the podcast History on Fire by historian Daniele Bolelli.

Several hip-hop activists have also reflected on Johnson's legacy, most notably in the album The New Danger, by Mos Def, in which songs like "Zimzallabim" and "Blue Black Jack" are devoted to the artist's pugilistic hero. Additionally, both Southern punk rock band This Bike is a Pipe Bomb and alternative country performer Tom Russell have songs dedicated to Johnson. Russell's piece is both a tribute and a biting indictment of the racism Johnson faced: "here comes Jack Johnson, like he owns the town, there's a lot of white Americans like to see a man go down ... like to see a black man drown." In Run the Jewels' 4th album (RTJ4) Killer Mike (Michael Render) reinvokes his image: "I'm Jack Johnson, I beat a slave-catcher snaggletooth." Tiger Flowers appears in the next line.

In the trenches of World War One, Johnson's name was used by British troops to describe the impact of German 150 mm heavy artillery shells which had a black color. In his letters home to his wife, Rupert Edward Inglis (1863–1916), a former rugby international who was a Forces Chaplain, describes passing through the town of Albert:

We went through the place today (2 October 1915) where the Virgin Statue at the top of the Church was hit by a shell in January. The statue was knocked over, but has never fallen, I sent you a picture of it. It really is a wonderful sight. It is incomprehensible how it can have stayed there, but I think it is now lower than when the photograph was taken, and no doubt will come down with the next gale. The Church and village are wrecked, there's a huge hole made by a Jack Johnson just outside the west door of the Church.

Jack Johnson was painted several times by Raymond Saunders.

In Joe R. Lansdale's short story The Big Blow, Johnson is featured fighting a white boxer brought in by Galveston, Texas's boxing fans to defeat the African American fighter during the 1900 Galveston Hurricane. The story won a Bram Stoker Award and was expanded into a novel.

Johnson is a major character in the novel The Killings of Stanley Ketchel (2005), by James Carlos Blake.

The Royale, a play by Marco Ramirez, uses the life of Jack Johnson as inspiration for its main character, Jay Jackson. It premiered in March 2016 at Lincoln Center Theater directed by Rachel Chavkin, and was nominated for a Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Play, Outstanding Director of a Play, and a Special Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble.

Jaspal Parmar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jaspal Singh

Personal information

Full name Jaspal Parmar Singh

Date of birth 6 August 1984

Place of birth Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India

Height 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)

Position(s) Defender

Senior career*

Years Team Apps (Gls)

2006–2010 JCT

2010–2012 Salgaocar 36 (1)

2012–2013 East Bengal 0 (0)

National team

2011– India 3 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Jagpal Singh (born 6 August 1984, in Punjab) is an Indian football player who last played as a defender for East Bengal F.C. in the I-League

John Tavares

From Wikipedia

John Tavares

Tavares with the New York Islanders in 2018

Born September 20, 1990

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

NHL team

Former teams Toronto Maple Leafs

New York Islanders

SC Bern

National team Canada

NHL Draft 1st overall, 2009

New York Islanders

Playing career 2009–present

John Tavares (born September 20, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected first overall by the New York Islanders in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, where he spent nine seasons and served as captain for five seasons.

Previously, Tavares competed at the major junior level as a member of the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) before being traded to the London Knights at the 2009 OHL trading deadline along with Michael Del Zotto. Tavares broke into the OHL after gaining "exceptional player" status at age 14, allowing the Generals to select him in the OHL Priority Draft as an underage player in 2005. Tavares was named the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Rookie of the Year in 2006 and CHL Player of the Year in 2007. In 2009, he finished the season with a career total of 215 goals, breaking Peter Lee's OHL record by two.

Tavares was the focus of an unsuccessful push to have the NHL's draft rules changed to allow him to participate in the 2008 Entry Draft, as well as an attempt to allow him to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a 17-year-old in 2007. Tavares was ranked as the top prospect for the 2009 Draft by both the NHL Central Scouting Bureau and International Scouting Services.

Tavares has represented Canada at five International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)-sanctioned events, including the 2010 and 2011 World Championships. At the under-20 level, he won gold medals at the 2008 and 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He was named the most valuable player of the 2009 tournament after scoring eight goals and 15 points in six games. He also participated in the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships, but failed to medal. Additionally, Tavares represented Team Ontario at the 2006 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and 2007 Super Series. On January 7, 2014, he was named to the 2014 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team, winning a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics despite an injury preventing him from participating in the final two games.

Early career

Tavares was born on September 20, 1990 in Mississauga, Ontario, to Barbara and Joe Tavares, who are of Polish and Portuguese descent, respectively. His maternal grandparents, Bolesław and Josephine Kowal, immigrated from Poland to Sudbury, Ontario, and his paternal grandparents Manuel and Dorotea Tavares immigrated from Portugal to Toronto, Ontario. At a very young age, Tavares moved to Oakville, Ontario. This is where he was first exposed to minor hockey through the Minor Oaks Hockey Association. Tavares also played soccer and lacrosse, and his highly competitive nature often led him to fight with other players. Tavares excelled at lacrosse, following in the footsteps of his uncle John Tavares, the all-time scoring leader in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), and was a ball boy for his uncle's NLL team, the Buffalo Bandits. The younger Tavares credits his uncle with teaching him the importance of remaining unselfish, stating what he learned by following his uncle with the Bandits has made him better both as a person and a hockey player. Many skills he learned in lacrosse—such as spinning off checks and battling in traffic—transferred to ice hockey and improved Tavares' abilities as a goal scorer.

In Oakville, Tavares attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School.[5] He lived five minutes from Sam Gagner, who later signed a contract with the Edmonton Oilers, and the two quickly established a friendship. Gagner's father, former NHL player Dave Gagner, built a backyard ice rink on which Tavares spent much of his time honing ice hockey skills. In the OHL, Tavares placed an emphasis on his education, earning honours as well as the Oshawa Generals' Scholastic Player of the Year in 2007–08. Tavares also spends some of his time working with the Special Olympics.

Tavares showed such promise as a hockey player that when he was seven, his parents moved him up one age group and he began playing with older children. From there, he moved on to the Mississauga Braves of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). After playing the 1998–99 season with the Braves' novice team, Tavares moved to the Mississauga Senators of the GTHL the following season. With the Senators' AAA minor atom team, Tavares won the GTHL minor atom championship in the 1999–2000 season. Tavares eventually moved to the Toronto Marlboros of the GTHL. During the 2003–04 season Tavares was teammates with his friend Sam Gagner, and scored 95 goals and 187 points in 90 games to lead the Marlboros' bantam team to the 2004 Bantam AAA Provincial Hockey Championships, where the Marlboros defeated Drew Doughty and the London Jr. Knights 5–0 in the championship game. Tavares scored one goal in the game and was named the tournament's top forward. The following season, Tavares joined the Marlboros' minor midget team, where he recorded 91 goals and 158 points in 72 games. For his achievements, Tavares shared the Buck Houle Award with Bryan Cameron, "in recognition of outstanding on ice performance, leadership and loyalty". During this season, he also played 16 games with the Milton Icehawks of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League (OPJHL), during which he recorded 11 goals and 23 points. Tavares' debut with the Icehawks came while he was only 13, making him one of the youngest players to ever play junior hockey.

Playing career

Junior

Tavares takes a face-off during the 2006–07 OHL season. During that season he was selected as an OHL representative for the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge.

Tavares petitioned to gain eligibility to play major junior in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the spring of 2005. As OHL rules did not allow for players under age 15 to be drafted, the OHL introduced an "exceptional player" clause, allowing the 14-year-old Tavares to be drafted one year sooner than he would otherwise have been eligible. Consequently, Tavares is the youngest player to ever be drafted in the OHL, although Bobby Orr was signed and had played at a younger age. The Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the umbrella organization which governs major junior hockey in Canada, sent a proposal to Hockey Canada recommending that the rule be expanded across junior hockey, which eventually was granted. To date, only five other players—Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid, Sean Day, Joe Veleno and Shane Wright—have been granted the same status.

The Oshawa Generals held the first pick in the 2005 draft, and they selected Tavares, earning him the Jack Ferguson Award, which is given to the player picked first overall in the OHL Priority Selection. Tavares played his first OHL game on September 23, 2005, scoring his first OHL goal in a game held just three days after his 15th birthday. He showed he could play in the OHL immediately, scoring ten goals in his first nine games with the Generals, and finished the 2005–06 season with 77 points, including 45 goals. Tavares was named to the OHL's all-rookie team, and won both the Emms Family Award and CHL Rookie of the Year awards as the top first-year player in both the OHL and CHL respectively.

As a 16-year-old in 2006–07, Tavares was selected to represent the OHL for two games in January for the annual ADT Canada-Russia Challenge, including one game in Oshawa. Later that month, on January 25, 2007, Tavares registered a seven-point night in a 9–6 win against the Windsor Spitfires. He scored four goals and three assists, including his 50th goal of the season in his 44th game. Towards the end of the season, on March 16, 2007, Tavares recorded his 70th and 71st goals of the season, breaking Wayne Gretzky's OHL record for most goals by a 16-year-old. He was awarded the Red Tilson Trophy as the most outstanding player in the league, and named the CHL Player of the Year.

Tavares scored 40 goals in 59 games for the Generals during the 2007–08 season, while his 118 points was placed him third in OHL scoring. Tavares led the OHL in scoring until he missed several games to represent the Canada men's national junior ice hockey team at the 2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. As Tavares was participating in the 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, it was speculated that the Generals were ready to trade him to the London Knights. Tavares' future with the Generals had been questioned since the beginning of the season as the Generals were not expected to seriously contend for the championship, while the Knights were among the league leaders. The deal was made official on January 8, 2009, as Oshawa sent Tavares, Michael Del Zotto and Darryl Borden to the Knights in exchange for Scott Valentine, Christian Thomas, Michael Zador and six draft picks.

Tavares with Oshawa Generals in November 2008. He was later traded to the London Knights in January 2009.

Tavares made his debut with the Knights on January 11 against the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors. Making his return to Oshawa at the 2009 CHL Top Prospects Game as captain of Team Orr, he recorded an assist in a 6–1 win over Team Cherry, but injured his shoulder after Zack Kassian of the Peterborough Petes checked him behind the net. On March 8, 2009, Tavares set the OHL goal-scoring record with his 214th goal, passing the previous record held by Peter Lee. The next day, he received his third OHL Player of the Week recognition of the season.

Professional

Although he was born five days after the September 15 cutoff date for eligibility in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, there was a significant effort made to allow Tavares into the Draft. Following his 72-goal campaign in 2006–07, Tavares' agents asked the NHL and NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) to make an exception for Tavares similar to the one the OHL had made in 2005. The attempt was unsuccessful and Tavares was required to wait until 2009 to participate in the NHL Entry Draft. In October 2007, it was reported that then-Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Ferguson Jr. had offered the 17-year-old Tavares a spot with the team's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. However, like the NHL, the AHL declined to amend its by-laws and Tavares subsequently returned to the OHL.

The NHL International Scouting Services ranked Tavares as the top draft prospect in the world, ahead of defenceman Victor Hedman and forwards Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson and Matt Duchene in its March 2009 update. The 2009 draft class was led by Tavares, who was selected first overall by the New York Islanders.

New York Islanders (2009–2018)

Tavares as a rookie with the New York Islanders in the 2009–10 season.

On July 15, 2009, Tavares signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Islanders. His first NHL game was in the pre-season in a game against the Edmonton Oilers. He spent 22 minutes and 50 seconds on the ice alongside linemates Doug Weight and Sean Bergenheim in the Islanders' 3–2 loss. Weight, a veteran NHLer, said, "John's going to be a big piece of [an Islander rebuilding effort]." Tavares scored his first career NHL goal and assist in his first ever professional game, scoring on a backhander against Marc-André Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 3, 2009.

Tavares led NHL rookies in scoring throughout much of his first season. In December 2009, he scored five consecutive Islanders goals over a four-game span to tie the club record for most consecutive goals by one player. He scored an empty-net goal against the Atlanta Thrashers on December 3, and both Islanders goals on both December 9 against the Philadelphia Flyers and December 10 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The record was originally set by Bryan Trottier, when he scored five consecutive goals in a 1982 game against Philadelphia. On March 17, 2010, Tavares scored five points (two goals and three assists) in a 5–2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. At the end of the season, Tavares finished second in rookie scoring, behind Matt Duchene, with 54 points.

As New York opened up their season at home against the Dallas Stars on October 9, 2010, Tavares suffered a mild concussion late during the first period. The Stars' Adam Burish bumped into Tavares, and the latter was unable to return to the game. He scored his first career hat-trick on October 23, 2010, in a loss to the Florida Panthers. He then scored his second career NHL hat-trick, as well as his first career natural hat-trick, on January 15, 2011, in a win against the Buffalo Sabres.

Tavares in his second year as the Islanders' alternate captain. He was named to the position during the 2011–12 season.

On September 14, 2011, Tavares signed a new six-year, $33 million contract with the Islanders effective from the 2012–13 season through to the end of the 2017–18 season. After being held pointless in the first two games of the 2011–12 season, Tavares had back-to-back four-point games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers. From December 29, 2011, to January 21, 2012, Tavares had 21 points in a 12-game point streak, seven of which were multi-point games. He was selected to play in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game. In his first career All-Star Game, he recorded one goal and one assist. Additionally, during the 2011–12 season, Tavares was named as an alternate captain for New York.

Tavares played with Mark Streit in Switzerland for SC Bern while the 2012–13 NHL lock-out took place. During the shortened 2012–13 season, Tavares was third in the NHL with 28 goals. He helped the Islanders reach the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2007, scoring 47 points in 48 games. Tavares was also named a finalist for the 2013 Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's most valuable player, on May 10, 2013. Tavares scored his first career Stanley Cup playoff goal against Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-André Fleury in Game 3 of the 2013 playoffs. He would finish with three goals and five points in six games as the Islanders were eliminated by the Penguins.

On September 9, 2013, Tavares was named as the 14th captain in New York Islanders history, replacing former Islander Mark Streit of the Philadelphia Flyers, who served as team captain since 2011. On February 19, 2014, during the 2014 Winter Olympics, Tavares suffered a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) and a torn meniscus in his knee during the quarterfinal game against Latvia, forcing him to miss the remainder of the Olympics as well as the remainder of the Islanders' season. At the time of his injury, Tavares ranked third in the NHL with 66 points in 59 games. The following season, he was selected for the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, along with teammate Jaroslav Halák. Tavares finished the 2014–15 NHL season as runner up for the Art Ross Trophy with 86 points, one point behind the recipient, Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn. Additionally, Tavares was named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy for the second time in his career; ultimately ceding the award to Carey Price.

Tavares during the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs.

On April 19, 2015, Tavares scored 15 seconds into overtime against Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2015 playoffs. The goal, which gave the Islanders a 2–1 victory, was the first game-winning overtime goal in the playoffs for the Islanders since 1993. Despite this, the Capitals won the series in seven games.

Tavares scored the first regular season goal for the Islanders at Barclays Center in a 3–2 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks during the first game of the 2015–16 NHL season. On March 12, 2016, Tavares scored his 200th career NHL goal in a game against the Boston Bruins. That season, he was also named to the NHL All-Star Game for the third time in his career and was voted captain of the Metropolitan Division.

On April 24, 2016, Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Florida Panthers, trailing 1–0 in the final minute of play, assisted by Nikolay Kulemin and Nick Leddy, Tavares scored the game-tying goal off a loose puck in the crease with 53.2 seconds left in regulation. He finished the job by scoring the series-clinching goal in double overtime, winning a playoff series for the Islanders for the first time since 1993.

On January 13, 2017, in a game against Florida, Tavares scored his 500th NHL point in his 550th career NHL game, making him the first player from his draft class to reach the milestone.

Tavares during the 2017–18 season, his last with the Islanders.

Tavares' contract with the Islanders was set to expire following the completion of the 2017–18 season, during which he recorded 84 points in 82 games. With Tavares set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, he decided to test the free-agent market by meeting with six teams in the days leading up to the opening of the signing window on July 1, including a meeting with the Islanders to contemplate re-signing before hitting free agency. Although many analysts predicted that Tavares would sign a new contract with New York before he hit the open market, the re-sign deadline passed without a new contract being signed, and Tavares officially became a free agent at noon (EDT) on July 1. Many publications called Tavares the biggest free agent in the modern history of the NHL. Just before 1 pm, almost one hour into the free agency period, it became public knowledge that Tavares had informed the Islanders he would be leaving the team and signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto Maple Leafs (2018–present)

On July 1, 2018, it was announced that Tavares had signed a seven-year, $77 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tavares cited Toronto's chances as a Stanley Cup contender, as well as living out his childhood dream to play for his hometown team, as his reason for signing the contract. Tavares rejected higher-paying offers in favour of joining the Maple Leafs, such as the San Jose Sharks (one of the six teams vying for his services), who offered him a seven-year, $91 million contract. The Sharks' contract offer would have made Tavares the highest-paid player in the NHL. Tavares' decision to sign with the Maple Leafs proved to be divisive. Many were critical of the signing due to Tavares' decision to leave the Islanders despite the then-recent hirings of Hall of Fame general manager Lou Lamoriello and Stanley Cup-winning head coach Barry Trotz. Many argued Tavares abandoned the team that drafted him after coming to the conclusion he could not win with them, but others countered with the notion that the Islanders had never put competent rosters and management around Tavares to give him the chance to win, and by the time they attempted to change the culture of the organization with the Lamoriello and Trotz hirings, it was too late to change Tavares' mind. Regardless, the signing was, and continues to be, one of the most controversial free-agent signings in league history. Sentiment in the Islanders organization continued to be bitter regarding the signing, as evidenced by Tavares' former number with the Islanders, "91", being retired in honor of Butch Goring, in 2020.

In his debut for the Maple Leafs on October 4 against the Montreal Canadiens, Tavares scored his first goal for the club in a 3–2 overtime win. On October 7, Tavares recorded his ninth career NHL hat-trick (and first for Toronto) in a 7–6 overtime victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Tavares made his first return to Long Island to play the Islanders on February 28, 2019, in a highly-publicized, sold-out game. Tavares was relentlessly booed and heckled by Islanders fans throughout the match, including during his tribute video, and items were thrown at Tavares on the ice. The Islanders would win the game 6–1, scoring six unanswered goals after Toronto initially scored early in the game. On March 17, Tavares recorded his 700th career NHL point with his 40th goal of the season in a 6–2 loss to the Ottawa Senators; in scoring that goal, Tavares also became the third player in Maple Leaf history to record 40 goals in his first season with the team. On March 26, Tavares recorded his tenth career NHL hat-trick (and first four-goal game) in a 7–5 win over the Florida Panthers. In so doing, he became just the third player in modern team history (since 1943) to record multiple hat-tricks in his debut season with the club, following Wilf Paiement and Daniel Marois. In the Maple Leafs' next game against the Islanders, Tavares recorded his 87th point of the season (a new career-high and his first point against his former team) in the 2–1 win, which clinched a playoff berth for Toronto.

Prior to the 2019–20 season, Tavares was granted leave from the teams first pre-season game in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador to spend with his wife and newborn son. On October 2, 2019, just before the first game of the NHL season, Tavares was named the 25th captain in the history of the Maple Leafs, filling a position that had been vacant for more than 3+1⁄2 years.

On April 5, 2021, Tavares recorded his 800th career NHL point with an assist in the Maples Leafs' 5–3 win over the Calgary Flames.

On May 20, 2021, in the Leafs' opening Stanley Cup Playoff game against the Canadiens, Tavares was upended by Canadiens defencemen Ben Chiarot. While laying on the ice, Canadiens forward Corey Perry attempted to jump over Tavares' head, however, Perry's knee clipped Tavares in the head. Ultimately, Tavares was stretchered off the ice and was transported to the hospital. After the game, Perry felt remorse for his role on the incident: "I don’t know what else to do there. I tried to jump. I know Johnny pretty well and just hope he’s OK." Tavares was taken to St. Michael's Hospital, and was discharged the following day, but was ruled out indefinitely with concussion. In his absence, the Leafs would lose the series to the Canadiens in seven games, surrendering a 3–1 series lead in the process.

International play

Medal record

World Junior Championships

Representing Canada

Olympic Games

2014 Sochi

2008 Czech Republic

2009 Canada

Canada Cup / World Cup

2016 Toronto

Spengler Cup

2012 Davos

Junior

During his rookie season in the OHL, Tavares competed for Team Ontario in the 2006 World U-17 Hockey Challenge in Saskatchewan as a 15-year-old, but failed to medal. Later that year, at the end of the 2005–06 season, he was selected to join Canada's under-18 team for the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships in Sweden, but failed to medal once more, falling to the Czech Republic in the bronze medal game. Later in the off-season, he was invited to the under-18 team's summer training camp to prepare for the 2006 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, though an injury ultimately prevented him from participating.

During the following season, Tavares was invited to Canada's national junior selection camp in preparation for the 2007 World Junior Championships, but was not named to the final roster. After completing his second OHL season, however, Tavares was named to the Canada's junior team for the 2007 Super Series against Russian junior players. He scored four goals and one assist as Canada won the series 7–0–1.

Tavares earned another invite to the selection camp for the 2008 World Junior Championships and made the final roster for the tournament on his second attempt. He scored four goals to help Canada to its fourth-straight gold medal in the competition. Returning the next year, along with Zach Boychuk, P. K. Subban and Thomas Hickey from the previous year's gold medal-winning team, Tavares was selected to compete in the 2009 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Ontario. He scored three points in the first round-robin game against the Czech Republic, an 8–1 win, and was named Player of the Game. In the final round-robin game against the United States, Tavares scored a hat-trick for his 12th career goal of the tournament to tie Eric Lindros and Jeff Carter for the all-time Canadian junior record. In doing so, Tavares helped propel Canada to a 7–4 win that gave them the top spot in their pool and a subsequent bye to the tournament semifinal. He was also named Player of the Game for the second time in the tournament for his performance on the night. Meeting Russia in the semifinal and down 5–4 with less than ten seconds left in regulation, Tavares fought off two Russian players along the boards and backhanded a shot towards the goal. The shot was blocked by defenceman Dmitri Kulikov a few feet in front of the net, but after the puck came loose, teammate Jordan Eberle retrieved it and sent it into the right side of the net to dramatically tie the game with 5.4 seconds left. Then, as the game was forced into a shootout, Tavares scored to put Canada up 2–0 in the tie-breaker and into the gold medal game against Sweden. Recording an assist in the final, he helped Canada defeat the Swedes 5–1 to capture their fifth-straight gold medal. Tavares finished the tournament with eight goals and seven assists for 15 points in six games, second only to teammate Cody Hodgson in tournament scoring. Tavares was also named one of the top three players on the Canadian team by its coaching staff, as well as a tournament All-Star, Top Forward and MVP.

Senior

Tavares as a member of the Canadian ice hockey team during the 2012 Spengler Cup.

As the New York Islanders failed to qualify for the playoffs in Tavares' rookie season in the NHL, he was selected to the Canadian men's team for the 2010 IIHF World Championship in Germany. Canada General Manager Mark Messier made a specific effort to assemble a young team; as a result, Tavares was one of five teenagers on the final roster. With seven goals in seven games, Tavares led all tournament players in goal-scoring. Despite recording no assists, he ranked fifth in points. He helped Canada to the quarterfinal against Russia, where they were defeated 5–2.

The following year, Tavares returned to the national team for the 2011 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia. He improved to nine points over seven games with five goals and four assists to lead Canada in scoring; he ranked fifth among all tournament players for the second consecutive year. As Canada again reached the quarterfinal, they were eliminated once more by Russia, losing 2–1. Tavares was chosen by coaches as one of the three best players on Team Canada, along with defenceman Alex Pietrangelo and forward Andrew Ladd.

Tavares played for SC Bern in Switzerland during the 2012–13 NHL lock-out and quickly became the PostFinance Top Scorer, tallying 42 points—including 17 goals—in just 28 games. He also played for Team Canada at the 2012 Spengler Cup, which the nation ultimately won after defeating HC Davos in the final.

At the 2014 Winter Olympics, Tavares injured his knee in Canada's quarterfinal match, rendering him unable to play for the remainder of the tournament as well as the 2013–14 NHL season.

On 26 April 2019, it was announced that Tavares had committed to play for Team Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia. However, shortly before the first game of the tournament, it was announced on 9 May 2019 that Tavares had suffered an oblique injury and would be returning to Toronto.

Playing style

Tavares (left) races Olli Maatta for the puck during a game in the 2017–18 season.

Tavares has been praised by his coaches for his ability to anticipate the play since he joined the OHL. A lack of speed had been the most common criticism of Tavares' play, something he spent his junior career attempting to improve. Tavares' skating speed is something he greatly improved since turning professional, and he is now considered one of the NHL’s faster skaters.

The media hype he has encountered has led Tavares to remain guarded when speaking to the media, while his teammates and family attempt to shield him from the spotlight where they can. However, Tavares is regarded as a natural leader on the ice, and a player who puts his team first. The Oshawa Generals named Tavares their team captain in 2008, while he also served as the alternate captain with the Canadian junior team in 2009

Jose Canseco

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jose Canseco

Canseco in 2009

Outfielder / Designated hitter

Born: July 2, 1964

Havana, Cuba

Batted: Right

Threw: Right

MLB debut

September 2, 1985, for the Oakland Athletics

Last MLB appearance

October 6, 2001, for the Chicago White Sox

MLB statistics

Batting average .266

Home runs 462

Runs batted in 1,407

Teams

Oakland Athletics (1985–1992)

Texas Rangers (1992–1994)

Boston Red Sox (1995–1996)

Oakland Athletics (1997)

Toronto Blue Jays (1998)

Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1999–2000)

New York Yankees (2000)

Chicago White Sox (2001)

Career highlights and awards

6× All-Star (1986, 1988–1990, 1992, 1999)

2× World Series champion (1989, 2000)

AL MVP (1988)

AL Rookie of the Year (1986)

4× Silver Slugger Award (1988, 1990, 1991, 1998)

2× MLB home run leader (1988, 1991)

MLB RBI leader (1988)

José Canseco Capas Jr. (born July 2, 1964) is a Cuban-American former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder and designated hitter. During his time with the Oakland Athletics, he established himself as one of the premier power hitters in the game. He won the Rookie of the Year (1986), and Most Valuable Player award (1988), and was a six-time All-Star. Canseco is a two-time World Series champion with the Oakland A's (1989) and the New York Yankees (2000).

In 1988 Canseco became the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in one season and won the Silver Slugger award four times: three as an AL outfielder (1988, 1990, 1991), and once as a designated hitter (1998). He ranks 4th all time in A's history with 254 home runs and is one of 14 players in MLB history with 400 home runs and 200 stolen bases. Despite his many injuries during the later part of his career, Canseco averaged 40 home runs, 120 RBIs and 102 runs scored every 162 games.

As of 2021, Canseco's 462 career home runs rank him 37th on the MLB all-time list, among active players, slugger Edwin Encarnacion is the closest to Canseco on the list, with 424 home runs. At one time Canseco was the all-time leader in home runs among Latino players; but was later surpassed by Manny Ramirez, Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Carlos Delgado, Rafael Palmeiro, Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, and Miguel Cabrera. He was the first player to hit 30 home runs for four different teams: Oakland (1986–88, 1990, 1991), Texas (1994), Toronto (1998), and Tampa Bay (1999). This record was later surpassed by Fred McGriff and Gary Sheffield who did it for five different teams.

Canseco admitted using performance-enhancing drugs during his major-league playing career, and in 2005 wrote a tell-all book, Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big, in which he claimed that the vast majority of MLB players use steroids. After retiring from Major League Baseball, he also competed in boxing and mixed martial arts.

Although he has not played Major League Baseball since 2001, Canseco has played for numerous minor-league teams over the years, most recently in 2018, when he was 53 years of age, for the Normal CornBelters of the Independent Frontier League. In recent years, he has usually played just a few games per season, but in 2011, he played 64 out of 88 games for the Yuma Scorpions of the North American League. Canseco has played 30 seasons of professional baseball over a span of 36 years between 1982 and 2018.(Wikipedia)

JOSE CANSECO STATS

Jose Canseco was born on Thursday, July 2, 1964, in Havana, Cuba. Canseco was 21 years old when he broke into the big leagues on September 2, 1985, with the Oakland Athletics. His biographical data, year-by-year hitting stats, fielding stats, pitching stats (where applicable), career totals, uniform numbers, salary data and miscellaneous items-of-interest are presented by Baseball Almanac on this comprehensive Jose Canseco baseball stats page.

"Oakland outfielder Jose Canseco is hitting .330 at home and .290 on the road, while first baseman Mark McGwire is hitting .258 at home and .290 on the road. Said Athletics Manager Tony La Russa: 'I think that's because McGwire's a married man. McGwire gets more rest on the road, and Canseco gets more rest at home.'" - McLemore, Ivy. Columnist. The Houston Post: Around the Majors. 5 June 1988.

Jose Canseco

Jose 'Parkway Joe' Canseco Autograph on a 1988 Donruss Baseball Card (#302)

Career All-Star Wild Card Division LCS World Series Trades Awards Videos Cards

Biographical Data

Birth Name: José Canseco (Twitter: @JoseCanseco)

Nickname: Parkway Joe

Born On: 07-02-1964 (Cancer)

Born In: Havana, Cuba

Died On: Still Living (500 Oldest Living)

Died In: Still Living

Cemetery: n/a

High School: Miami Coral Park High School (Miami, FL)

College: None Attended

Bats: Right Throws: Right

Height: 6-04 Weight: 240

First Game: 09-02-1985 (Age 21)

Last Game: 10-06-2001

Draft: 1982 : 15th Round (391st)

Early life

Canseco was born in Havana, Cuba, the son of Jose Sr. and Barbara Canseco. He has a twin brother Ozzie Canseco, who is also a former major league player. When Fidel Castro came into power in 1959, Jose Sr., a territory manager for the oil and gasoline corporation Esso as well as a part-time English teacher, lost his job and eventually his home. The family was allowed to leave Cuba in 1965, when the twins were barely 1 year old, and settled in the Miami area, where Jose Sr. became a territory manager for another oil and gasoline concern, Amoco, and a part-time security guard.

The younger Jose Canseco played baseball at Miami Coral Park High School, where he failed to make the varsity team until his senior year. He was named Most Valuable Player of the junior varsity team in his junior year, and of the varsity team the following year. He graduated in 1982.

Baseball career (1982–2001)

Minor League Baseball (1982–1985)

The Oakland Athletics drafted Canseco in the 15th round of the 1982 Major League Baseball draft. He made his professional baseball debut with the Miami Marlins of the Florida State League and also played Minor League Baseball with the Medford A's, Madison Muskies, Idaho Falls A's, and the Modesto A's, along with the Tacoma Tigers. Canseco started the 1985 season with the Class-AA Huntsville Stars and became known as "Parkway Jose" for his long home runs (25 in half a season) that went close to the Memorial Parkway behind Joe Davis Stadium.[2] Canseco was nicknamed "The Natural", with some analysts saying he was the best prospect since Willie Mays. Oakland A's hitting coach Bob Watson said that Canseco was a mixture of Roberto Clemente, Dale Murphy, and Reggie Jackson. Others touted Canseco as the next Mickey Mantle.

Major League Baseball (1985–2001)

Oakland Athletics (1985–92)

In 1985, Canseco won the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award, and was a late season call-up for the Oakland Athletics. He made his Major League debut on September 2 and struck out in his one at-bat against the Baltimore Orioles. His first hit was off Ron Guidry of the New York Yankees on September 7. and his first home run was off Jeff Russell of the Texas Rangers on September 9. He played in 29 games in the major leagues in 1985. He established himself in 1986, his first full season, being named the American League's Rookie of the Year (the first by an Athletic since Harry Byrd in 1952 with what were then the Philadelphia Athletics), with 33 home runs and 117 RBIs. In 1987, Mark McGwire joined Canseco on the Athletics; McGwire hit 49 home runs that year and was also named the American League Rookie of the Year. Together, he and Canseco formed a fearsome offensive tandem, known as the "Bash Brothers". He followed his rookie season with an equal performance in 1987, his sophomore year. He improved his batting average from .240 in '86 to .257 in '87, hitting 31 home runs, 113 runs batted in (6th in the AL), 35 doubles (10th) in 691 at bats (9th), while missing only 3 games the entire season. He was also 5th in the league with 157 strike outs. He finished 23rd in the MVP ballot. He combined with Mark McGwire for a total of 80 home runs and 236 runs batted in, making the young tandem (Canseco was 22 years old and McGwire 23) the most dangerous in years to come, drawing comparisons to the likes of Mickey Mantle/Roger Maris and Hank Aaron/Eddie Mathews.

Canseco with the A's in 1989

In April 1988, Canseco guaranteed he would hit at least 40 home runs and steal at least 40 bases in the upcoming season. He went on to record 42 home runs and 40 steals becoming the first player in MLB history to hit the 40–40 mark in a single season (a fact unknown to him at that time). In recognition of his record, the street in front of his former high school was named after him but was later rescinded in 2008 after he admitted to previously using drugs throughout his career. That same year the Athletics swept the Boston Red Sox in 4 games in the ALCS, for the series Canseco had a .313 batting average with 3 home runs in 4 games. The A's met the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, a matchup that would feature the best hitter in the AL facing the best pitcher and eventual NL Cy Young Award winner Orel Hershiser, the Dodgers prevailed, upsetting the A's in five games. Canseco hit a grand slam in Game 1 on his first official World Series at-bat (second plate appearance, he was hit by a pitch in the first inning) but it would be his only hit in the Series. He was unanimously named the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1988, with a .307 batting average, 120 runs scored, 124 RBIs, 42 home runs a .569 Slugging Percentage and 40 stolen bases. He also won his first Silver Slugger Award and was a starter in the outfield in the all star game, batting cleanup.

In 1989, Canseco missed 97 games of the regular season, most of them because of a broken wrist during the preseason. Despite not playing a single game in the first half of year, he was voted as one of the starting outfielders for the American League All-Star squad. He managed to hit 17 home runs with 57 RBIs in barely 65 games played (an equivalent to 40+ home runs and 130+ RBIs had he played a full season) as the Athletics won the AL West and their first World Series since 1974, beating the San Francisco Giants in four games. Canseco had a solid postseason hitting for a .323 batting average and 2 home runs including one in the ALCS against the Blue Jays that reached the upper deck of the SkyDome. Against the Giants, in the World Series, he hit for a .357 average with a home run in Game 3. The 1989 Series was interrupted before Game 3 by a major earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Area.

As the reigning World Series Champs, the Oakland Athletics were favorites to repeat, and they were hopeful that Canseco would remain healthy throughout the 1990 season. Canseco started to have back problems, an issue that would become recurrent. Despite missing over 20 games due to injury during the first part of the season, he received a then-record 5-year, $23.5 million dollar contract, making him the highest paid player in Major League history. By the All Star Break, he had played only in 64 games, hitting .258 with 18 home runs (10 behind the American League leader Cecil Fielder). Despite a subpar first half, Canseco was voted to start in the All Star Game with the most votes in the American League. He finished 3rd in the league with 37 home runs, behind Fielder (52) and teammate Mark McGwire (39). In 131 games he had 101 runs batted in and 19 stolen bases. It was the 4th time in 5 years that he had 100+ RBIs. The Oakland A's won their division with a league-best 103 wins and were the favorites to win the World Series. Canseco had a discrete ALCS hitting .182 (2 for 11) with 5 strikeouts, but the A's swept the Boston Red Sox 4 games to 0, and moved on to play in their third World Series in a row, this time against the Cincinnati Reds. Canseco struggled both at the plate and in the outfield, missing on two key plays in game 2. In the same game, he had his only hit of the series, a 2-run home run against Danny Jackson. After going 0 for 4 in game 3, and 1 for 11 in the series, Canseco was benched in game 4. Manager Tony LaRussa cited Jose's sore back and injured middle finger as the reasons for taking him out of the lineup, but there was speculation that his own teammates requested LaRussa to bench Canseco due to his poor outfield performance. Down 2 runs to 1 and facing elimination in game 4, Canseco entered as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the 9th, but he grounded out to third for the second out of the inning. One batter later, the Reds completed the sweep over a heavily-favored Oakland team. At the end of the year, Canseco won his second Silver Slugger award and finished 12th in the AL MVP ballot.

Canseco continued to be productive the following year; by the All-Star break of the '91 season he was leading the league with 21 home runs (tied with Cecil Fielder) and had 63 RBIs but inexplicably did not receive All-Star Game considerations by either the fans or as a back up, as his own A's skipper Tony LaRussa, managing the AL for the 3rd straight year, did not selected Jose as a substitute. Fans instead went with Athletics outfielder Dave Henderson, who had lesser offensive numbers than Jose, and LaRussa selected Kirby Puckett, Joe Carter and Ruben Sierra. Canseco not being selected by his own manager lead many to believe that the relationship between Canseco and LaRussa had started to deteriorate. His best month that season was July, hitting 10 home runs in 27 games (1 every 11.1 at bats) with a .315 batting average. He finished the 1991 season batting .266 with 44 home runs earning the second home run crown of his career (tied with Detroit's Cecil Fielder), 122 RBI, 26 stolen bases and a .556 slugging while finishing 4th in the MVP ballot. He won his 3rd Silver Slugger Award in 4 years. Towards the end of the season, there were mixed opinions from the Oakland fans in regards to Jose, some would boo him and some would cheer. On a home game on September 20th and after rumors that Jose was on his way out from Oakland, he received a standing ovation by the fans. Canseco responded with his 42nd home run of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays, tying his career-best. The Athletics however missed the playoffs for the first time in three years, finishing 4th in the AL West.

The Athletics returned to contention in 1992 and with 18 home runs by the All-Star break, Canseco was voted to start his 4th Mid Summer Classic in 5 years but he was unable to play due to injury and was replaced with Joe Carter.

From 1986 to 1992 with the A's and despite missing roughly 120 games between 1989 and 1990 and about 20 more during the first half of the 1992 season, Canseco averaged 32 home runs a year, had 100+ RBIs 5 times, also averaged 40 Home Runs, 125 RBI and 22 Stolen Bases per every 162 games played, captured AL Rookie of the Year honors, 2 home run titles, an MVP award, 3 Silver Slugger Awards, 3 American League Pennants, a World Series ring, and was selected to 5 All-Star Games in his first 7 full Major League seasons. His 7 career postseason home runs are the all-time record for the Athletics franchise (1901–2021)

Texas Rangers (1992–94)

On August 31, 1992, in the middle of a game and while Canseco was in the on-deck circle, the A's traded him to the Texas Rangers for Rubén Sierra, Jeff Russell, Bobby Witt, and cash. At the moment of the trade, the A's were leading the American League West Division by 6 1/2 games, and the Oakland front office was looking to fortify their pitching down the stretch. A's general manager Sandy Alderson announced the trade while the Athletics were still playing the Orioles that night. The trade caught fans, the media and people throughout Major League Baseball, as Canseco was considered at the time the best player, but also the most scrutinized. From 1986 until the date of the trade no other player had hit more home runs (226) in the major leagues. In Texas Canseco joined Latino stars Rafael Palmeiro, Juan González and Iván Rodríguez. He had a good start with the Rangers, hitting .367 (11 of 30) with 3 home runs and 11 RBI in his first 8 games, but had only 6 hits in his last 43 at bats (.140) and one home run. Despite injuries and the trade to the Rangers, Canseco managed to hit 26 home runs and had 87 runs batted in, playing 115 games in 1992 for the Athletics and the Rangers. From 1986 until the end of 1992 Canseco’s 230 home runs were the most by any major league player in that span.

On May 26, 1993, during a game against the Cleveland Indians, Carlos Martínez hit a fly ball that Canseco lost sight of as he was crossing the warning track. The ball hit him in the head and bounced over the wall for a home run. The cap Canseco was wearing on that play, which This Week in Baseball rated in 1998 as the greatest blooper of the show's first 21 years, is in the Seth Swirsky collection. After the incident, the Harrisburg Heat offered him a soccer contract. Three days later, Canseco asked his manager, Kevin Kennedy, to let him pitch the eighth inning of a runaway loss to the Boston Red Sox; in his inning-long appearance, he injured his arm, requiring Tommy John surgery and putting himself out of the lineup for the remainder of the season. In his pitching appearance, Canseco allowed three earned runs on two hits and three walks, throwing 33 pitches, but only 12 for strikes. He finished the '93 season hitting .256 with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs in 60 games.

In the 1994 strike-shortened season, Canseco again returned to his former status of a power hitter with 31 home runs and 90 RBIs in 111 games. Canseco also stole 15 bases and posted a .282 batting average. He was named The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year in 1994 and finished in 11th place in the American League Most Valuable Player voting.

Boston Red Sox (1995–1996)

After playing with the Rangers from 1992 to 1994, Canseco moved on to play with the Boston Red Sox in 1995 along with 1986 AL MVP Roger Clemens and Mo Vaughn, the MVP of the ‘95 season. The Red Sox captured the AL East Division title to advance to the ALDS, making it Canseco's first postseason in 5 years. The Red Sox were swept by the Cleveland Indians in the American League Division Series 3 games to 0. In Game 2, Canseco once again faced Orel Hershiser, going 0 for 3 with a Strikeout. Dating back to the ‘88 World Series, Canseco was 0 for 11 with 3 strikeouts against Hershiser, lifetime in 3 postseason matchups. During the regular season, he hit 24 home runs with a .306 batting average, his highest since 1988. His last home run of the '95 season against Jesse Orosco was the 300th of his career.

Canseco had a great first half to the 1996 season, hitting 26 home runs by the All-Star break (3rd in the league at that point), but he was sidelined during August and part of September due to a back injury. He finished the season with a .289/.400/.589 slash line with 28 home runs, 82 runs batted in and 22 doubles in 96 games.

Although he was productive when he was in the lineup, Canseco missed over 100 games during his 2-year tenure with Boston, playing 102 and 96 games in the ‘95 and ‘96 seasons. He averaged 43 home runs, 134 RBIs, 108 runs, 39 doubles and a .289 batting average per every 162 games played with the Red Sox.

Return to Oakland (1997)

In January 1997, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics, reuniting him with Bash Brother Mark McGwire. Health-wise, he had a promising start to the season, playing in 83 games in the first half with 18 home runs by the All-Star break but he suffered a back injury yet again. In his book Juiced, Canseco mentioned that upon his return from injury during the '97 season, he was informed by manager Art Howe that the front office instructed him not to play Canseco to prevent him from getting the minimum plate appearances that would trigger the renewal of his contract for the following year.

Canseco's 23 home runs that season gave him a total of 254 in an A's uniform, placing him 4th in franchise history.

Toronto Blue Jays (1998)

After signing a one-year/$3.8 million contract, Canseco had a productive season again with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1998 playing alongside former Red Sox teammate Roger Clemens. For the first time in his career he wore a number other than his traditional #33, switching to #44 for the first part of the season (long-time Blue Jay and World Series hero Ed Sprague wore #33 for the Jays until he was traded later in the '98 season). He finished the season playing 151 games, his highest in 8 years. Splitting duties as DH and in the outfield, he hit a career-high 46 home runs, 3rd best in the AL, and stole 29 bases, the most he had stolen since the 40 he stole in 1988. He also led the league in strikeouts with 159. He won the AL Silver Slugger award (4th of his career) but his comeback was missed by most fans because of the home run race in the National League between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.

Final seasons (1999–2001)

Despite hitting a career-high 46 home runs in 1998, Canseco drew minimal attention in the free agent market. In 1999, he signed a three-year contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The contract included a clause stating that if Canseco were to be elected to the Hall of Fame he would be depicted as a member of the Devil Rays. That year he took the American League by storm, hitting 10 home runs in April, and leading the AL with 31 by the All-Star break, including number 400 for his career against Toronto's Kelvim Escobar. On pace for 60+ homers for the season, he was voted to the AL All-Star team as the starting DH for the American League, making his first All Star selection in 7 years. At that point, Canseco was the 14th player in MLB history to hit 30+ Home Runs before the All Star Break (After Shohei Ohtani did it in 2021, he's now 1 of 31 players to do so) However, he injured his back days before the mid-summer classic and missed the game, as well as the Home Run Derby in Fenway Park. He finished the season with 34 home runs for the 1999 season.

Despite missing around 350 games due to injury, by the end of 1999 Canseco had a total of 303 home runs (in 1145 games), which placed him 8th in the majors for the 90’s decade.

In February 2000 before the start of spring training for the following MLB season, Canseco played in the MLBPA organized Big League Challenge home run derby in Las Vegas at Cashman Field. He competed against a field of 12 that included notable sluggers such as Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Mike Piazza Canseco won the tournament, defeating Rafael Palmeiro in the final.

Canseco began the 2000 season with the Devil Rays, hitting only 9 home runs in 61 games, and, by August, was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees, which caught many, including Yankees manager Joe Torre, off guard, as the Yankees had four other players who fulfilled a similar role as Canseco, such as Dave Justice and Glenallen Hill. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman made the claim to prevent the Athletics, Red Sox and Blue Jays, who were in a close race with the Yankees, from acquiring Canseco.

In a lesser role, splitting duties as an outfielder, DH and pinch hitter, Canseco played in 37 games hitting .243 with 6 home runs. He struck out in his only plate appearance in the 2000 World Series against the New York Mets, but earned his second World Series ring when they defeated the Mets in five games. Despite this achievement Canseco later called his Yankees tenure "the worst time of [his] life" due to receiving limited playing time. His short stint with the Yankees marked the third time he was Roger Clemens's teammate, a fact later magnified by the media due to the steroid controversy, the Mitchell Report and the infamous pool party at Canseco's house two years prior while both played with the Blue Jays.

The Anaheim Angels cut Canseco in spring training in 2001. Coincidentally, he lost the DH spot to Glenallen Hill, with whom he shared at-bats with the Yankees. (Hill finished the season hitting .136, with 1 Home Run in 16 games). He spent half of the season with the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League before joining the Chicago White Sox. As the White Sox DH, he finished the season with 16 home runs and 49 RBI in only 76 games (a rate of 34 home runs and 104 RBIs had he played the entire season), including the last multi-home run game of his career against the Kansas City Royals on August 1. His 462nd and final career home run came against Mike Mussina of the New York Yankees. In 2002, Canseco was signed by the Montreal Expos, at that time owned by Major League Baseball and had Omar Minaya as General Manager and Frank Robinson as Manager. He was expected to be their left fielder, and DH during inter-league play, in what would have been Canseco's first time playing for a National League team; however, he was again released prior to the regular season beginning, this time on March 27. Opening Day was scheduled to be March 31. With very little time before the season started, Canseco did not find a team looking for a DH and signed a minor league contract with the White Sox, but did not appear in a major league game for the 2002 season.

38 home runs shy of 500 for his career, Canseco officially retired from Major League Baseball in May 2002 after spending some time playing for the White Sox Triple-A affiliate Charlotte Knights. He made a brief comeback attempt in 2004, but was not offered a spot with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Independent League career (2006–present)

Canseco pitching for the Yuma Scorpions

On June 29, 2006, the independent Golden Baseball League announced Canseco had agreed to a one-year contract to play with the San Diego Surf Dawgs. The League said Canseco had agreed to be subjected to its drug-testing policy "that immediately expels any players found using steroids or illegal drugs." After playing one game for the Surf Dawgs, Canseco was traded to the Long Beach Armada on July 5, 2006. He requested the trade due to "family obligations." On July 31, 2006, Canseco won the Golden Baseball League's Home Run Derby.

Canseco signed a short team deal with the Laredo Broncos of the United Baseball League on August 14, 2010. He served as bench coach and designated hitter.

On April 11, 2011, Canseco signed a deal as a player/manager for the Yuma Scorpions of the North American League. At the age of 46, he played 64 out of 88 games and batted .258 with 8 home runs and 46 RBI. He was not the oldest player on the team: his twin brother Ozzie appeared in 12 games, mostly as a designated hitter, and 52-year-old Tony Phillips appeared in 24 games, mostly as a third baseman.

Canseco joined the Quintana Roo Tigres of the Mexican League in 2012, but was reportedly banned for using testosterone.

On April 20, 2012, the Worcester Tornadoes, of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, announced that they had signed Canseco to a one-season contract for a salary of one thousand dollars a month. In the beginning of August 2012, Canseco left the Tornadoes due to concerns of not receiving his salary, a conflict which led him to sue the team. Canseco quickly signed with the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings of the North American League. However, his debut was delayed due to a family emergency.

In early 2013 Canseco played in the Texas Winter League but was only 3 for 16 at the plate. He signed with the Fort Worth Cats of the United League to start the 2013 season.

In 2015, 2016 and 2017, Canseco had short playing stints in the Pacific Association, mostly with the Pittsburg Diamonds. He played three games for the Frontier League's Normal CornBelters in 2018.

Amateur Adult Baseball (2011 and 2016)

In March 2011, Canseco played a few games with the Valley Rays in the Pacific Coast Baseball League in Los Angeles.

In May 2016, Canseco made an appearance for the SoCal Glory in the 35+ MSBL Las Vegas Open – National Tournament.

Performance-enhancing drugs

In 2005, Canseco admitted to using anabolic steroids with Jorge Delgado, Damaso Moreno, and Manuel Collado in a tell-all book, Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big. Canseco also claimed that up to 85% of major league players took steroids, a figure disputed by many in the game. In the book, Canseco specifically identified former teammates Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Jason Giambi, Iván Rodríguez, and Juan González as fellow steroid users, and admitted that he injected them. Most of the players named in the book initially denied steroid use, though Giambi admitted to steroid use in testimony before a grand jury investigating the BALCO case and on January 11, 2010, McGwire admitted publicly to using steroids.

At a Congressional hearing on the subject of steroids in sports, Palmeiro categorically denied using performance-enhancing drugs, while McGwire repeatedly refused to answer questions on his own suspected use, saying he "didn't want to talk about the past." Canseco's book became a New York Times bestseller. On August 1, 2005, Palmeiro was suspended for 10 days by Major League Baseball after testing positive for steroids.

On December 13, 2007, José Canseco and Jorge Delgado were cited in the Mitchell Report (The Report to the Commissioner of Baseball of an Independent Investigation into the Illegal Use of Steroids and Other Performance Enhancing Substances by Players in Major League Baseball). On December 20, 2007, Canseco was also named in Jason Grimsley's unsealed affidavit as a user of steroids. Canseco and Grimsley were teammates on the 2000 New York Yankees.

On December 30, 2007, it was announced that Canseco had reached a deal for his sequel to Juiced. The sequel is titled Vindicated, which hit bookstores by Opening Day 2008. This book has information on Alex Rodriguez and Albert Belle, as suggested by Canseco. The book was a "clarification" of names that should've been mentioned in the Mitchell Report.

In 2010 Canseco spoke out against PEDs that was covered by ESPN and other news outlets by advocating baseball's youth to not try them and criticized their effectiveness overall:

"These kids don't need steroids to become players... we overemphasize the steroids and not the athletic ability and skills of these people. We're taking away the hard work the athlete puts in and saying he became great just because of steroids. Let me give you a perfect example. I have an identical twin brother, Ozzie. He is the closest thing to me genetically. And in my prime I was a super athlete". "My twin brother used the same chemicals, same workouts, the same nutrition. Why didn't he make it in the big leagues? That is the perfect example that we are giving steroids way too much credit. If steroids are that great it would have made him a superstar."

In a 2012 Sportsnet Interview article, Canseco said one of his only seasons without performance-enhancing drugs was in 1998 with the Toronto Blue Jays because he was in the process of a divorce and "didn't want to use steroids while handling breakup-induced depression".

Outside baseball

While still a player, he was a guest star on The Simpsons and Nash Bridges. Since his retirement, Canseco has appeared on Late Show with David Letterman, 60 Minutes, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, "Boomer and Carton", Howard Stern, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CMI: The Chris Myers Interview, and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List. In 2003, he was featured in the reality-TV special Stripper's Ball: Jenna Jameson with Dennis Rodman and Magic Johnson. He was a cast member in Season 5 of The Surreal Life with Janice Dickinson, Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa, Bronson Pinchot, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, Caprice Bourret, and Carey Hart. Canseco has a film cameo playing himself in the 2017 basketball drama Slamma Jamma as a judge in a slam dunk competition.

In 2007, he received 6 Hall of Fame votes. This accounted for 1.1% of the ballots, failing to reach the 5% threshold necessary to stay on the ballot for another year. However, he can be elected to the Hall of Fame by the Committee of Baseball Veterans.

In May 2008, Philadelphia sportscaster and former NFL football player Vai Sikahema accepted a challenge from Canseco to fight him for $30,000. Canseco claims to have earned black belts in kung fu and taekwondo, while Sikahema fought in the Golden Gloves tournament won by Sugar Ray Leonard. The fight took place on July 12 in Atlantic City at the Bernie Robbins stadium. The 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) Sikahema knocked out the 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) Canseco in the first round.

On January 24, 2009, Canseco fought radio personality and former child actor Danny Bonaduce in Aston Township, Pennsylvania; the three-round match ended in a majority draw.

Canseco claims to hold black belts in karate and taekwondo, and to practice Muay Thai, as well as describing himself as "an expert with nunchakus". He made his mixed martial arts debut at Dream 9 on May 26, 2009, where he fought 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) kickboxer Hong-man Choi as part of Dream's Super Hulk Tournament. Canseco would lose the fight after slipping, and tapping out to Choi's ground and pound.

On November 6, 2009, Canseco defeated Todd Poulton in a Celebrity Boxing Federation bout in Springfield, Massachusetts. As of December 2010, he had launched a Twitter campaign in hopes of getting invited to spring training by Mets GM Sandy Alderson.

Beginning March 6, 2011, Canseco was a contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice. He quit the show on the April 3, 2011, citing his father's ailing health. Canseco later announced on Twitter that his father died shortly after he left the show. Canseco did earn $25,000 for his charity, the Baseball Assistance Team.

In 2012, Canseco accepted a home run derby challenge by Canadian Twitter user Evan Malamud, father of an autistic child, as part of a fundraiser for an initiative called Home Runs For Autism. Canseco still remains active with the charity as their spokesperson.

He is also a columnist for Vice magazine.

Lane Patorti and Edward Stoney Landon finished a reality show concept based on former professional athletes being placed into smalltown sports leagues. TMZ reported Canseco was in talks to star in the show, A League of His Own.

In May 2013, Canseco provided the foreword to the novel Air Force Gator 2: Scales of Justice by Dan Ryckert. In it, he claims the book about the alcoholic alligator pilot is a "weakly veiled" metaphor for his own life.

On October 28, 2014, Canseco accidentally shot himself on his left hand injuring one of his fingers while attempting to clean his gun at home in Las Vegas. After having surgery performed he was able to recover the full use of the hand.

Canseco was also portrayed by Andy Samberg in The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience alongside Mark McGwire (portrayed by Akiva Schaffer). The visual poem describes the two baseball players' careers and rampant steroid use in the 1980s.

On October 26, 2019, Canseco opened up his own car wash in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he signs autographs every Wednesday.

Canseco fought Billy Football from Barstool Sports in a boxing match on February 5, 2021, and was knocked out in the first round.

Legal issues and controversies

On February 10, 1989, Canseco was arrested in Florida for reckless driving after allegedly leading an officer on a 15-mile chase. He was found guilty and fined $500.

On April 11, 1989, Canseco was arrested in California for carrying a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his car. He was released on $2,500 bail and pleaded no contest.

On February 13, 1992, Canseco was charged with aggravated battery for ramming his Porsche into a BMW driven by his then-wife Esther Canseco after a verbal altercation. On March 19, 1992, Canseco pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated assault and later underwent counseling and fulfilled a community-service requirement.

In November 1997, Canseco was arrested for beating his then-wife Jessica Canseco. In January 1998, he pleaded no contest and was sentenced to one year of probation and required to attend counseling.

In October 2001, Canseco and his brother, Ozzie, got into a fight with two men at a Miami Beach nightclub that left one man with a broken nose and another needing 20 stitches in his lip; both were charged with two counts of aggravated battery. The brothers both pleaded guilty and received both probation and community service.

Following his retirement in May 2002, Canseco speculated about having been "blackballed" from Major League Baseball; it was then he announced he was writing a tell-all book about his baseball career and the increasing usage of anabolic steroids in baseball.

In March 2003, Canseco missed a court appearance while in California working out a custody dispute over his 6-year-old. The judge revoked his probation and sentenced him to two years under house arrest followed by three years' probation.

In June 2003, Canseco was arrested at his home for probation violation after he tested positive for steroids. Canseco spent a month in jail without bail.

In May 2008, Canseco revealed that he had lost his house in Encino, California to foreclosure saying his two divorces had cost him $7 to $8 million each.

On October 10, 2008, Canseco was detained by immigration officials at a San Diego border crossing as he tried to bring a fertility drug from Mexico. He stated the drug was to help with his hormone replacement therapy, needed due to his use of steroids. On November 4, 2008, Canseco pleaded guilty in Federal court and was sentenced to 12 months' unsupervised probation by U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruben B. Brooks.

The 2008 A&E Network documentary Jose Canseco: Last Shot chronicles Canseco's attempts to end his steroid use. In it he also regrets ever writing his tell-all books and naming former teammates as steroid users, as he was never given the opportunity to participate in MLB-affiliated baseball. Since, he has tried unsuccessfully to reach out to former Bash Brother Mark McGwire and other ex-teammates. In 2014, he returned to the Oakland Coliseum to take part in the reunion celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 1989 World Series championship team; this marked the first time Canseco took part in an official Major League Baseball event in almost 13 years. Mark McGwire, at the time coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, did not attend the event.

On May 22, 2013, Canseco was named as a suspect in a rape allegation in Las Vegas. He broke the news himself on Twitter, denying the allegations and posting pictures and defamatory information about his accuser. On June 7, 2013, Canseco was cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation. He was never charged.

Jhano Hansdah

Archer

QUICK FACTS

Date of Birth October 24, 1975

Place of Birth

Country India

Religion Not Available

Age 46 Years, 0 Months, 11 Days

Horoscope

Jhano Hansdah Birthday Countdown

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Jhano Hansdah Biography

Jhano Hansdah (born (1975-10-24 ) 24 October 1975) is an Indian female compound archer and part of the national team. She competed at the 2013 World Archery Championships.

Jhano Hansdah Net Worth

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JHANO HANSDAH NET WORTH & SALARY

Net Worth $1.5 Million

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Facts & Trivia

Ranked on the list of most popular Archer. Also ranked in the elit list of famous celebrity born in India. Jhano Hansdah celebrates birthday on October 24 of every year.

[X]You may read full biography about Jhano Hansdah from Wikipedia.

Jauna Murmu

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jauna Murmu

Personal information

Full name Jauna Murmu

Nationality India

Born August 16, 1990

Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India

Sport

Country India

Sport Sprinter, Hurdler

Event(s) 400 metres, 400 metre hurdles

New York City, New York

2016 Guwahati 400m Hurdles

Jauna Murmu (born 16 August 1990) is an Indian sprint runner and hurdler from Odisha who specializes in 400 metres and 400 metres hurdles. She belongs to Mayurbhanj District of Odisha. She has received coaching from Arun Kumar Das and Subash Chandra Dasmohapatra. She is presently employed by with ONGC

Achievements

She has multiple International and national achievements.

International

Finished 4th in 400m hurdles in 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China.

Won one gold medal in women’s 400 metre hurdles event, clocking 57.39 seconds and claimed one bronze in 400 metres sprint with a timing of 53.17 seconds in the 3rd Asian All Star Athletics Meet, which concluded at New Delhi on July 30, 2010.

Two gold medals in the 2016 South Asian Games: in the 400m hurdles and the 4 × 400 m relay.

National

Won the silver medal in women's 400m event of the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championship, clocking 52.78 seconds at Patiala, Punjab on August 6, 2010.

Doping

Murmu tested positive for the anabolic steroid Methandienone in an out of competition test 25 May 2011 and was subsequently handed a two-year doping ban

K. D. Jadhav

1. Introduction & Historic Significance

Full Name: Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav
Popularly Known: K. D. Jadhav or "Pocket Dynamo"
Birth: 15 January 1926, Goleshwar village, Satara district, Maharashtra, India.
Death: 14 August 1984, Karad, Maharashtra.
Historic Achievement: He was independent India's first individual Olympic medalist.
Olympic Medal: Bronze in Men's Freestyle Wrestling (Bantamweight, 57 kg) at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.

2. Early Life & Background

Family: Born into a wrestling family from the Maratha community. His father, Dadasaheb Jadhav, was a renowned wrestler who trained him from a young age.
Early Training: He trained in the traditional Indian style of wrestling (kusti) on mud pits (akhada), which gave him a strong foundation in strength and technique.
Education: He was a bright student and an exceptional athlete. He attended Rajaram College, Kolhapur, where he also excelled in gymnastics, swimming, and running.

3. The Olympic Journey (1952 Helsinki)

His path to the podium was a story of extraordinary determination and improvisation.

Qualification: He won the trials at the 1951 National Championships in Delhi.
The Challenge: The Indian contingent had no government funding. His travel was sponsored by the Maharaja of Kolhapur, and his coach, Reese Gardner, paid for his own travel.
The Bout: Jadhav competed in the Freestyle Bantamweight division. He was known for his speed, agility, and unconventional moves, adapted from Indian kusti.
Historic Match: He defeated wrestlers from Canada, Mexico, and Germany before losing to the eventual gold medalist, Shohachi Ishii of Japan. He won the bronze medal match against Edmond Spenst of Iran.
Significance: This was India's first individual Olympic medal since Norman Pritchard's medals in 1900 (under colonial rule). It broke India's medal drought in the modern Olympics and came in a sport other than hockey.

4. Wrestling Style & Nickname

Style: He was a technical and agile wrestler, relatively short (5'5") but incredibly strong and fast. He used a wide repertoire of moves, blending traditional Indian techniques with international freestyle wrestling.
Nickname – "Pocket Dynamo": Given for his compact build and explosive power.

5. Later Life, Struggles & Neglect

Tragically, his post-Olympic life was marked by struggle and institutional neglect.

Career: He joined the Maharashtra Police and continued wrestling, but received little recognition or support.
Financial Hardship: He lived in relative obscurity and financial difficulty. His Olympic medal was reportedly pawned at one point to cover family expenses.
Government Neglect: For decades, his achievement was largely overlooked by the sporting establishment. He did not receive the Arjuna Award during his lifetime.
Demise: He died in a road accident in 1984. His wife later sold his bronze medal to the government; it is now displayed at the National Wrestling Academy in Goleshwar.

6. Posthumous Recognition & Legacy

Arjuna Award: Finally conferred upon him posthumously in 2001.
Bioscope Film: The biographical film "Pocket Dynamite: The KD Jadhav Story" (2012) brought his story to a wider audience.
Stadium & Academy: The Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi was renamed the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range & KD Jadhav Wrestling Hall. A wrestling academy stands in his village, Goleshwar.
Legacy: He is remembered as a pioneer who proved India could win individual Olympic glory. His story is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by early Indian athletes and the importance of honoring sporting history.

Summary Table

Category	Details
Full Name	Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav
Olympic Medal	Bronze (1952 Helsinki) – Freestyle Wrestling, Bantamweight (57 kg)
Historic Title	Independent India's first individual Olympic medalist
Community	Maratha (Marathi Hindu community from Maharashtra)
Nickname	"Pocket Dynamo"
Posthumous Award	Arjuna Award (2001)
Significance	Broke India's reliance on hockey for Olympic medals; inspired generations of wrestlers.

In essence, K. D. Jadhav's story is one of monumental triumph and tragic neglect. He was a fearless athlete who, against all odds, put India on the individual Olympic medal map. His legacy is now firmly cemented as that of a true sporting pioneer whose determination paved the way for future champions.

Kushang Sherpa

Wikipedia

Kushang Sherpa

Main discipline Mountaineer and

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute , Instructor

Born 15 February 1965

Makalu Area, Nepal

Nationality Indian

Career

Notable ascents First in The World who summited Mount Everest from three sides. Two times from south col ,two times from North col and once from difficult khangsung face.

Family

Children 4

Kushang Sherpa (Bengali: কুশাং শেরপা; born 15 Feb 1965) is an Indian mountaineer, who in 1998 became the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest from three sides. In recognition of his achievements, Government of India in 2003 awarded him with Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.

Early life

Kushang Sherpa was born on 15 February 1965 in a village in the Himalayas named Walung near Makalu base, Nepal. He ran away from home the first time at the age of 14 to work as a porter on an expedition that was passing through his village. He is the first person to have summited Mount Everest from three points of the compass. Kushang Dorjee Sherpa is from Makalu originally, presently he lives in Darjeeling, West Bengal of India.

Ascents

Sherpa is the first person who has summited Mount Everest from three points of the compass. Kushang Dorjee Sherpa first summited Everest on May 10, 1993 via the standard south east ridge route. Next, he summited via the standard north east ridge route on May 17, 1996. On May 28, 1998, he summited a third time the standard south east ridge. His fourth summit was via the east face (Khangsung face) of Everest on May 28, 1999. Kushang Sherpa lives in Darjeeling today.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Abdul-Jabbar in 2014

Personal information

Born April 16, 1947

Nationality American

Listed height 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)

Listed weight 225 lb (102 kg)

Career information

High school Power Memorial

(Manhattan, New York)

College UCLA (1966–1969)

NBA draft 1969 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall

Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks

Playing career 1969–1989

Position Center

Number 33

Coaching career 1998–2011

Career history

As player:

1969–1975 Milwaukee Bucks

1975–1989 Los Angeles Lakers

As coach:

1998–1999 Alchesay HS (assistant)

2000 Los Angeles Clippers (assistant)

2002 Oklahoma Storm

2005–2011 Los Angeles Lakers (assistant)

As head coach:

USBL champion (2002)

As assistant coach:

2× NBA champion (2009, 2010)

Career NBA statistics

Points 38,387 (24.6 ppg)

Rebounds 17,440 (11.2 rpg)

Assists 5,660 (3.6 apg)

Stats at NBA.com

Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

Basketball Hall of Fame as player

College Basketball Hall of Fame

Inducted in 2006

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr.; April 16, 1947) is an American former professional basketball player who played 20 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. During his career as a center, Abdul-Jabbar was a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), a record 19-time NBA All-Star, a 15-time All-NBA selection, and an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. A member of six NBA championship teams as a player and two more as an assistant coach, Abdul-Jabbar twice was voted NBA Finals MVP. In 1996, he was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. NBA coach Pat Riley and players Isiah Thomas and Julius Erving called him the greatest basketball player of all time.

With him on the team, parochial high school Power Memorial, in New York City, won 71 consecutive basketball games. He was recruited by Jerry Norman, the assistant coach at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played for coach John Wooden on three consecutive national championship teams. He was a record three-time MVP of the NCAA Tournament. Drafted with the first overall pick by the one-season-old Bucks franchise in the 1969 NBA draft, Alcindor spent six seasons in Milwaukee. After leading the Bucks to its first NBA championship at age 24 in 1971, he took the Muslim name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Using his trademark "skyhook" shot, he established himself as one of the league's top scorers. In 1975, he was traded to the Lakers, with whom he played the final 14 seasons of his career in which they won five additional NBA championships. Abdul-Jabbar's contributions were a key component in the "Showtime" era of Lakers basketball. Over his 20-year NBA career, his teams succeeded in making the playoffs 18 times and got past the first round 14 times; his teams reached the NBA Finals on 10 occasions.

At the time of his retirement at age 42 in 1989, Abdul-Jabbar was the NBA's all-time leader in points scored (38,387), games played (1,560), minutes played (57,446), field goals made (15,837), field goal attempts (28,307), blocked shots (3,189), defensive rebounds (9,394), career wins (1,074), and personal fouls (4,657). He remains the all-time leader in points scored, field goals made, and career wins. He is ranked third all-time in both rebounds and blocked shots. ESPN named him the greatest center of all time in 2007, the greatest player in college basketball history in 2008, and the second best player in NBA history (behind Michael Jordan) in 2016. Abdul-Jabbar has also been an actor, a basketball coach, a best-selling author, and a martial artist, having trained in Jeet Kune Do under Bruce Lee and appeared in his film Game of Death (1972). In 2012, Abdul-Jabbar was selected by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to be a U.S. global cultural ambassador. In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Early life

Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. was born in New York City, the only child of Cora Lillian, a department store price checker, and Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr., a transit police officer and jazz musician. He grew up in the Dyckman Street projects in the Inwood neighborhood of Upper Manhattan. At birth, Alcindor weighed 12 lb 11 oz (5.75 kg) and was 22+1⁄2 inches (57 cm) long. He was always very tall for his age. By age nine, he was already 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) tall. Alcindor was often depressed as a teenager because of the stares and comments about his height. By the eighth grade (age 13–14), he had grown to 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) and could already slam dunk a basketball.

Alcindor began his record-breaking basketball accomplishments when he was in high school, where he led coach Jack Donohue's Power Memorial Academy team to three straight New York City Catholic championships, a 71-game winning streak, and a 79–2 overall record. This earned him "The Tower from Power" nickname. His 2,067 total points were a New York City high school record. The team won the national high school boys basketball championship when Alcindor was in 10th and 11th grade and was runner-up his senior year. He had a strained relationship in his final year with Donohue after the coach called him a nigger.

College career

Alcindor with the reverse two-hand dunk against Stanford.

Now 7-foot-1-inch (2.16 m) tall, Alcindor was relegated to the freshman team in his first year at UCLA, as freshman were ineligible to play varsity until 1972. The freshman squad included fellow high school All-Americans Lucius Allen, Kenny Heitz and Lynn Shackelford. On November 27, 1965, Alcindor made his first public performance in UCLA's annual varsity–freshman exhibition game, attended by 12,051 fans in the inaugural game at the Bruins' new Pauley Pavilion. The 1965–66 varsity team was the two-time defending national champions and the top-ranked team in preseason polls. The freshman team won 75–60 behind Alcindor's 31 points and 21 rebounds. It was the first time a freshman team had beaten the UCLA varsity squad. The varsity had lost Gail Goodrich and Keith Erickson from the championship squad to graduation, and starting guard Freddie Goss was out sick. After the game, UPI wrote: "UCLA's Bruins open defense of their national basketball title this week, but right now they're only the second best team on campus." The freshman team was 21–0 that year, dominating against junior college and other freshman teams.

Alcindor versus USC

He made his varsity debut as a sophomore in 1966 and received national coverage: Sports Illustrated described him as "The New Superstar" after he scored 56 points in his first game, which broke the UCLA single-game record held by Gail Goodrich.He averaged 29 points per game during the season and led UCLA to an undefeated 30–0 record and a national championship. After the season, the dunk was banned in college basketball in an attempt to curtail his dominance.The rule was not rescinded until the 1976–77 season. Alcindor was the main contributor to the team's three-year record of 88 wins and only two losses: one to the University of Houston in which Alcindor had an eye injury, and the other to crosstown rival USC who played a "stall game"; there was no shot clock in that era, allowing the Trojans to hold the ball as long as it wanted before attempting to score. They limited Alcindor to only four shots and 10 points.

During his college career, Alcindor was a three-time national player of the year (1967–1969); was a three-time unanimous first-team All-American (1967–1969); played on three NCAA basketball champion teams (1967, 1968 and 1969); was honored as the Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Tournament three times and became the first-ever Naismith College Player of the Year in 1969. He was the only player to win the Helms Foundation Player of the Year award three times.

Alcindor had considered transferring to Michigan because of unfulfilled recruiting promises. UCLA player Willie Naulls introduced Alcindor and teammate Lucius Allen to athletic booster Sam Gilbert, who convinced the pair to remain at UCLA.

During his junior year, Alcindor suffered a scratched left cornea on January 12, 1968, in a game against Cal when he was struck by Tom Henderson in a rebound battle. He would miss the next two games against Stanford and Portland. This happened right before the showdown game against Houston. His cornea would again be scratched during his pro career, which subsequently caused him to wear goggles for eye protection.

At the time, the NBA did not allow college underclassmen to declare early for the draft. He completed his studies and earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in history in 1969. In his free time, he practiced martial arts. He studied aikido in New York between his sophomore and junior year, before learning Jeet Kune Do under Bruce Lee in Los Angeles.

Game of the Century

Alcindor performs ceremonial net cutting at Freedom Hall in Louisville in 1969 after a 20-point win over Purdue and Rick Mount in unprecedented third-straight national title en route to seven consecutive national championships for UCLA.

On January 20, 1968, Alcindor and the UCLA Bruins faced coach Guy Lewis's Houston Cougars in the first-ever nationally televised regular-season college basketball game, with 52,693 in attendance at the Astrodome. Cougar forward Elvin Hayes scored 39 points and had 15 rebounds, while Alcindor, who suffered from a scratch on his left cornea, was held to just 15 points as Houston won 71–69. The Bruins' 47-game winning streak ended in what has been called the "Game of the Century". Hayes and Alcindor had a rematch in the semi-finals of the NCAA Tournament, where UCLA, with a healthy Alcindor, defeated Houston 101–69 en route to the national championship. UCLA limited Hayes, who was averaging 37.7 points per game, to only ten points. Wooden credited his assistant, Jerry Norman, for devising the diamond-and-one defense that contained Hayes. Sports Illustrated ran a cover story on the game and used the headline: "Lew's Revenge: The Rout of Houston."

Conversion to Islam and 1968 Olympic boycott

During the summer of 1968, Alcindor took the shahada twice and converted to Sunni Islam from Catholicism. He adopted the Arabic name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, though he did not begin using it publicly until 1971. He boycotted the 1968 Summer Olympics by deciding not to try out for the United States Men's Olympic Basketball team, who went on to easily win the gold medal. Alcindor's decision to stay home during the 1968 Games was in protest of the unequal treatment of African-Americans in the United States.

An episode of Black Journal produced by WNET and broadcast on May 2, 1972, features Kareem Abdul Jabbar discussing his boycott of the 1968 Olympics to his practice of the Islamic religion.

Though he denied any connection with the radical Nation of Islam, Jabbar was linked to them in a story that appeared in Sports Illustrated dated February 19, 1973, specifically to members of the group in Washington D.C..

School records

As of the 2019–2020 season, he still holds or shares a number of individual records at UCLA:

Highest career scoring average: 26.4

Most career field goals: 943 (tied with Don MacLean)

Most points in a season: 870 (1967)

Highest season scoring average: 29.0 (1967)

Most field goals in a season: 346 (1967) (also, the second most: 303 (1969), and third: 294 (1968))

Most free throw attempts in a season: 274 (1967)

Most points in a single game: 61

Most field goals in a single game: 26 (vs. Washington State, February 25, 1967)

He is represented in the top ten in a number of other school records, including season and career rebounds, second only to Bill Walton.

Professional career

Milwaukee Bucks (1969–1975)

Alcindor displaying the sky-hook over Wes Unseld of the Baltimore Bullets. The shot was almost impossible to block.

The Harlem Globetrotters offered Alcindor $1 million to play for them, but he declined and was picked first in the 1969 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, who were in only their second season of existence. The Bucks won a coin-toss with the Phoenix Suns for first pick. He was also chosen first overall in the 1969 American Basketball Association draft by the New York Nets. The Nets believed that they had the upper hand in securing Alcindor's services because he was from New York; however, when Alcindor told both the Bucks and the Nets that he would accept only one offer from each team, the Nets bid too low. Sam Gilbert negotiated the contract along with Los Angeles businessman Ralph Shapiro at no charge. After Alcindor chose the Milwaukee Bucks' offer of $1.4 million, the Nets offered a guaranteed $3.25 million. Alcindor declined the offer, saying, "A bidding war degrades the people involved. It would make me feel like a flesh peddler, and I don't want to think like that."

Alcindor's presence enabled the 1969–70 Bucks to claim second place in the NBA's Eastern Division with a 56–26 record (improved from 27–55 the previous year). On February 21, 1970, he scored 51 points in a 140-127 win over the SuperSonics. Alcindor was an instant star, ranking second in the league in scoring (28.8 ppg) and third in rebounding (14.5 rpg), for which he was awarded the title of NBA Rookie of the Year. In the series-clinching game against the 76ers, he recorded 46 points and 25 rebounds. With that, he joins Wilt Chamberlain as the only rookies to record at least 40 points and 25 rebounds in a playoff game in their rookie season.[citation needed] He also set an NBA rookie record with 10 or more games of 20+ points scored during the playoffs, tied by Jayson Tatum in 2018.

The next season, the Bucks acquired All-Star guard Oscar Robertson. Milwaukee went on to record the best record in the league with 66 victories in the 1970–71 season, including a then-record 20 straight wins. Alcindor was awarded his first of six NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, along with his first scoring title (31.7 ppg). He also led the league in total points, with 2,596. The Bucks won the NBA title, sweeping the Baltimore Bullets 4–0 in the 1971 NBA Finals. Alcindor posted 27 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in Game 4, and he was named the Finals MVP after averaging 27 points per game on 60.5% shooting in the series. During the offseason, Alcindor and Robertson joined Bucks head coach Larry Costello on a three-week basketball tour of Africa on behalf of the State Department. In a press conference at the State Department on June 3, 1971, he stated that going forward, he wanted to be called by his Muslim name, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Arabic: كريم عبد الجبار‎, Karīm Abd al-Jabbār), its translation roughly "noble one, servant of the Almighty [i.e., servant of Allah]". He had converted to Islam while at UCLA.

Abdul-Jabbar lines up a free-throw. He started wearing goggles in order to avoid damage to his corneas.

Abdul-Jabbar remained a dominant force for the Bucks. The following year, he repeated as scoring champion (34.8 ppg and 2,822 total points) and became the first player to be named the NBA Most Valuable Player twice in his first three years. In 1974, Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to their fourth consecutive Midwest Division title, and he won his third MVP Award in four years. He was among the top five NBA players in scoring (27.0 ppg, third), rebounding (14.5 rpg, fourth), blocked shots (283, second), and field goal percentage (.539, second).

Robertson, who became a free agent in the offseason, retired in September 1974 after he was unable to agree on a contract with the Bucks. On October 3, Abdul-Jabbar privately requested a trade to the New York Knicks, with his second choice being the Washington Bullets (now the Wizards) and his third, the Los Angeles Lakers. He had never spoken negatively of the city of Milwaukee or its fans, but he said that being in the Midwest did not fit his cultural needs. Two days later in a pre-season game before the 1974–75 season against the Boston Celtics in Buffalo, New York, Abdul-Jabbar caught a fingernail in his left eye from Don Nelson and suffered a corneal abrasion; this angered him enough to punch the backboard stanchion, breaking two bones his right hand. He missed the first 16 games of the season, during which the Bucks were 3–13, and returned in late November wearing protective goggles. On March 13, 1975, sportscaster Marv Albert reported that Abdul-Jabbar requested a trade to either New York or Los Angeles, preferably to the Knicks. The following day after a loss in Milwaukee to the Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar confirmed to reporters his desire to play in another city. He averaged 30.0 points during the season, but Milwaukee finished in last place in the division at 38–44.

Los Angeles Lakers (1975–1989)

In 1975, the Lakers acquired Abdul-Jabbar and reserve center Walt Wesley from the Bucks for center Elmore Smith, guard Brian Winters, blue-chip rookies Dave Meyers and Junior Bridgeman, and cash. In the 1975–76 season, his first with the Lakers, he had a dominating season, averaging 27.7 points per game and leading the league in rebounding (16.9), blocked shots (4.12), and total minutes played (3,379). His 1,111 defensive rebounds remains the NBA single-season record (defensive rebounds were not recorded prior to the 1973–74 season). He earned his fourth MVP award, becoming the first winner in Lakers' franchise history, but missed the post-season for the second straight year as the Lakers finished 40–42.

Abdul-Jabbar (33) receiving a pass from Magic Johnson during the 1985 NBA Finals.

Afer acquiring a cast of no-name free agents, the Lakers were projected to finished near the bottom of the Pacific Division in 1976–77. However, Abdul-Jabbar helped lead the team to the best record (53–29) in the NBA. He won his fifth MVP award, tying Bill Russell's record. Abdul-Jabbar led the league in field goal percentage (.579), was third in scoring (26.2), and was second in rebounds (13.3) and blocked shots (3.18). In the playoffs, the Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semi-finals, setting up a confrontation with the Portland Trail Blazers. The result was a memorable matchup, pitting Abdul-Jabbar against a young, injury-free Bill Walton. Although Abdul-Jabbar dominated the series statistically, Walton and the Trail Blazers (who were experiencing their first-ever run in the playoffs) swept the Lakers, behind Walton's skillful passing and timely plays.

Two minutes into the opening game of the 1977–78 season, Abdul-Jabbar broke his right hand punching Milwaukee's Kent Benson in retaliation to the rookie's elbow to his stomach. Benson suffered a black right eye and required two stitches. According to Benson, Abdul-Jabbar initiated the elbowing, but there were no witnesses and it was not captured on replays. Abdul-Jabbar, who broke the same bone in 1975 after he punched the backboard support, was out for almost two months and missed 20 games. He was fined a then-league record $5,000 but was not suspended. Benson missed one game but was not punished by the league] The Lakers were 8–13 when Abdul-Jabbar returned. He was not named to the 1978 NBA All-Star Game, the only time in his 20-year career he was not selected to an All-Star Game.Chicago's Artis Gilmore and Detroit's Bob Lanier were chosen as reserves for the West, with Walton starting at center. Amid criticism from the media over his performance, Abdul-Jabbar had 39 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and four blocks in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers the day the All-Star rosters were announced. He added 37 points and 30 rebounds in a victory over the New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn) in the final game before the All-Star break.

Abdul-Jabbar's play remained strong during the next two seasons, being named to the All-NBA Second Team twice, the All-Defense First Team once, and the All-Defense Second Team once. The Lakers, however, continued to be stymied in the playoffs, being eliminated by the Seattle SuperSonics in both 1978 (first round) and 1979 (semifinals).

In 1979, the Lakers selected Magic Johnson with the first overall pick of the draft. They had acquired the pick from the New Orleans Jazz (later Utah) in 1976, when league rules required that they compensate Los Angeles for their signing of free agent Gail Goodrich The addition of Johnson paved the way for a Laker dynasty of the 1980s, appearing in the finals eight times and winning five NBA championships. While less dominant than in his younger years, Abdul-Jabbar reinforced his status as one of the greatest basketball players ever adding an additional four All-NBA First Team selections and two All-Defense First Team honors. He won his record sixth MVP award in 1980 and continued to average 20 or more points per game in the following six seasons. At age 38, he won his second Finals MVP in 1985. On April 5, 1984, Abdul-Jabbar broke Chamberlain's record for most career points. Later in his career, he bulked up to about 265 pounds (120 kg), to be able to withstand the strain of playing the highly physical center position into his early 40s.

Abdul-Jabbar against the Boston Celtics in the 1980s

While in Los Angeles, Abdul-Jabbar started doing yoga in 1976 to improve his flexibility, and was notable for his physical fitness regimen. He says, "There is no way I could have played as long as I did without yoga."

In 1983, Abdul-Jabbar's house burned down. Many of his belongings, including his beloved jazz LP collection of about 3,000 albums, were destroyed. Many Lakers fans sent and brought him albums, which he found uplifting.

The Lakers made the NBA Finals in each of Abdul-Jabbar's final three seasons, defeating Boston in 1987, and Detroit in 1988. The Lakers lost to the Pistons in a four-game sweep in his final season. After winning Game 7 of the 1988 finals, the 41-year-old Abdul-Jabbar announced in the locker room that he would return for one more season before retiring His points, rebounds, and minutes had dropped in his 19th season, and there were reports prior to the game that he was retiring after the contest. On his "retirement tour" he received standing ovations at games, both home and away, and gifts ranging from a yacht that said "Captain Skyhook" to framed jerseys from his career to a Persian rug. At the Forum against Seattle in his final regular season game, every Laker came onto the court wearing Abdul-Jabbar's trademark goggles.

At the time of his retirement, Abdul-Jabbar held the record for most games played by a single player in the NBA; this would later be broken by Robert Parish. He also was the all-time record holder for most points (38,387), most field goals made (15,837), and most minutes played (57,446).

Post-NBA career

In 1995, Abdul-Jabbar began expressing an interest in coaching and imparting knowledge from his playing days. His opportunities were limited despite the success he enjoyed during his playing days. However, during his playing years, Abdul-Jabbar had developed a reputation for being introverted and sullen. He was often unfriendly with the media. His sensitivity and shyness created a perception of him being aloof and surly. At the time, his mentality was that he either did not have the time or did not owe anything to anyone. Magic Johnson recalled as a kid being brushed off after asking him for an autograph. Abdul-Jabbar might freeze out a reporter if they touched him, and he once refused to stop reading the newspaper while giving an interview.

Abdul-Jabbar believes that his reputation as a difficult person might have impacted his chances of being a head coach in the NBA or NCAA. In his words, he said he had a mindset he could not overcome, and proceeded through his career oblivious to the effect his reticence might have on his future coaching prospects. Abdul-Jabbar said: "I didn't understand that I also had affected people that way and that's what it was all about. I always saw it like they were trying to pry. I was way too suspicious and I paid a price for it."

Abdul-Jabbar worked as an assistant for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Seattle SuperSonics, helping mentor, among others, their young centers, Michael Olowokandi and Jerome James. Abdul-Jabbar was the head coach of the Oklahoma Storm of the United States Basketball League in 2002, leading the team to the league's championship that season, but he failed to land the head coaching position at Columbia University a year later. He then worked as a scout for the New York Knicks. He returned to the Lakers as a special assistant coach to Phil Jackson for six seasons (2005–2011). Early on, he mentored their young center, Andrew Bynum. Abdul-Jabbar also served as a volunteer coach at Alchesay High School on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona, in 1998. He moved on from coaching in 2013 after unsuccessfully lobbying for open head coach positions with UCLA and the Milwaukee Bucks.

In 2016, he performed a tribute to friend Muhammad Ali along with Chance the Rapper.

Player profile

On offense, Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant low-post threat. In contrast to other low-post specialists like Wilt Chamberlain, Artis Gilmore or Shaquille O'Neal, Abdul-Jabbar was a relatively slender player, standing 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) tall but weighing only 225 lb (102 kg) (though in his latter years the Lakers listed Abdul-Jabbar's weight as 265 pounds (120 kg)). However, he made up for his relative lack of bulk by showing textbook finesse, and was famous for his ambidextrous skyhook shot. It contributed to his high .559 field goal accuracy, making him the eighth-most accurate scorer of all time and a feared clutch shooter. Abdul-Jabbar was also quick enough to run the Showtime fast break led by Magic Johnson and was well-conditioned, standing on the hardwood an average 36.8 minutes. In contrast to other big men, Abdul-Jabbar also could reasonably hit his free throws, finishing with a career 72% average.

Abdul-Jabbar maintained a dominant presence on defense. He was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team eleven times. He frustrated opponents with his superior shot-blocking ability and denied an average of 2.6 shots a game. After the pounding he endured early in his career, his rebounding average fell to between six or eight a game in his latter years.

As a teammate, Abdul-Jabbar exuded natural leadership and was affectionately called "Cap" or "Captain" by his colleagues. He had an even temperament, which Riley said made him coachable. A strict fitness regime made him one of the most durable players of all time. In the NBA, his 20 seasons and 1,560 games are performances surpassed only by former Celtics center Robert Parish.

Abdul-Jabbar began wearing his trademark goggles after getting poked in the eye during preseason in 1975. He continued wearing them for years until abandoning them in the 1979 playoffs. He resumed wearing goggles in October 1980 after being accidentally poked in the right eye by Houston's Rudy Tomjanovich. After years of being jabbed in the eyes, Abdul-Jabbar developed corneal erosion syndrome, occasionally experiencing pain when his eyes dry up. He missed three games in December 1986 due to the condition.

Skyhook

Abdul-Jabbar was well known for his trademark "skyhook", a hook shot in which he bent his entire body (rather than just the arm) like a straw in one fluid motion to raise the ball and then release it at the highest point of his arm's arching motion. With his long arms and great height, the skyhook was difficult for a defender to block without committing a goaltending violation. As a right-handed player, he was stronger shooting the skyhook with his right hand than he was with his left, although he was adept at shooting it with either hand, making it a reliable and feared offensive weapon. According to Abdul-Jabbar, he learned the move in fifth grade after practicing with the Mikan Drill and soon learned to value it, as it was "the only shot I could use that didn't get smashed back in my face".

Legacy

Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points, and he won a league-record six MVP awards.He earned six championship rings, two Finals MVP awards, 15 NBA First or Second Teams, a record 19 NBA All-Star call-ups and averaging 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. He is ranked as the NBA's third leading all-time rebounder (17,440). He is also the third all-time in registered blocks (3,189), which is especially impressive because this stat was not recorded until the fourth year of his career (1974).

Abdul-Jabbar combined dominance during his career peak with the longevity and sustained excellence of his later years. He credited Bruce Lee with teaching him "the discipline and spirituality of martial arts, which was greatly responsible for me being able to play competitively in the NBA for 20 years with very few injuries." After claiming his sixth and final MVP in 1980, Abdul-Jabbar continued to average above 20 points in the following six seasons, including 23 points per game in his 17th season at age 38. He made the NBA's 35th Anniversary Team, and was named one of its 50 greatest players of all time in 1996. Abdul-Jabbar is regarded as one of the best centers ever, and league experts and basketball legends frequently mentioned him when considering the greatest player of all time. Former Lakers coach Pat Riley once said, "Why judge anymore? When a man has broken records, won championships, endured tremendous criticism and responsibility, why judge? Let's toast him as the greatest player ever." Isiah Thomas remarked, "If they say the numbers don't lie, then Kareem is the greatest ever to play the game." Julius Erving in 2013 said, "In terms of players all-time, Kareem is still the number one guy. He's the guy you gotta start your franchise with." In 2015, ESPN named Abdul-Jabbar the best center in NBA history, and ranked him No. 2 behind Michael Jordan among the greatest NBA players ever. While Jordan's shots were enthralling and considered unfathomable, Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook appeared automatic, and he himself called the shot "unsexy". Abdul-Jabbar's only recognized rookie card became the most expensive basketball card ever sold when it went for $501,900 at auction in 2016. That record has since been surpassed.

NBA career statistics

Legend GP Games played GS Games started MPG Minutes per game

FG% Field goal percentage 3P% 3-point field goal percentage FT% Free throw percentage

RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game

BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high

† Won an NBA championship * Led the league NBA record

Source:

Athletic honors

Main article: List of career achievements by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (May 15, 1995)

College:

2× Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year (1967, 1969)

2× Oscar Robertson Trophy winner (1967, 1968)

2× UPI College Basketball Player of the Year (1967, 1969)

Three-time First Team All-American (1967–1969)

Three-time NCAA champion (1967–1969)

Most Outstanding Player in NCAA Tournament (1967–1969)

Naismith College Player of the Year (1969)

3× First-team All-Pac-8 (1967–1969)

National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame (2007)

National Basketball Association:

Rookie of the Year (1970)

Six-time NBA champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)

NBA MVP (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980)

Sporting News NBA MVP (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980)

Finals MVP (1971, 1985)

Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sportsman of the Year" (1985)

One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996)

First player in NBA history to play 20 seasons

Ranked No.2 in ESPN's 100 greatest NBA players of all time #NBArank

November 16, 2012 – A statue of Abdul-Jabbar was unveiled in front of Staples Center on Chick Hearn Court, in Los Angeles.

Film and television

Actor Shavar Ross and Abdul-Jabbar on the set of Diff'rent Strokes, circa 1982

Playing in Los Angeles facilitated Abdul-Jabbar's trying his hand at acting. He made his film debut in Bruce Lee's 1972 film Game of Death, in which his character Hakim fights Billy Lo (played by Lee).

In 1980, he played co-pilot Roger Murdock in Airplane!. Abdul-Jabbar has a scene in which a little boy looks at him and remarks that he is in fact Abdul-Jabbar, spoofing the appearance of football star Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch as an airplane pilot in the 1957 drama that served as the inspiration for Airplane!, Zero Hour!. Staying in character, Abdul-Jabbar states that he is merely Roger Murdock, an airline co-pilot, but the boy continues to insist that Abdul-Jabbar is "the greatest", but that, according to his father, he doesn't "work hard on defense" and that he does not "really try, except during the playoffs". This causes Abdul-Jabbar's character to snap, "The hell I don't!", then grabs the boy and snarls that he has "been hearing that crap ever ever since I was at UCLA" and been "busting my buns every night!". He instructs the boy to "Tell your old man old man to drag [Bill] Walton and [Bob] Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes". When Murdock loses consciousness later in the film, he collapses at the controls wearing Abdul-Jabbar's goggles and yellow Lakers' shorts. In 2014, Abdul-Jabbar and Airplane! co-star Robert Hays (character Ted Striker) reprised their Airplane! roles in a parody commercial promoting Wisconsin tourism.

Abdul-Jabbar (center) at the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear with Comedy Central hosts Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart

Abdul-Jabbar has had numerous other television and film appearances, often playing himself. He has had roles in movies such as Fletch, Troop Beverly Hills and Forget Paris, and television series such as Full House, Living Single, Amen, Everybody Loves Raymond, Martin, Diff'rent Strokes (his height humorously contrasted with that of diminutive child star Gary Coleman), The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Scrubs, 21 Jump Street, Emergency!, Man from Atlantis, and New Girl. Abdul-Jabbar played a genie in a lamp in a 1984 episode of Tales from the Darkside. He also played himself on the February 10, 1994, episode of the sketch comedy television series In Living Color.

He also appeared in the television version of Stephen King's The Stand, played the Archangel of Basketball in Slam Dunk Ernest, and had a brief non-speaking cameo appearance in BASEketball. Abdul-Jabbar was also the co-executive producer of the 1994 TV film The Vernon Johns Story. He has also made appearances on The Colbert Report, in a 2006 skit called "HipHopKetball II: The ReJazzebration Remix '06" and in 2008 as a stage manager who is sent out on a mission to find Nazi gold. Abdul-Jabbar also voiced himself in a 2011 episode of The Simpsons titled "Love Is a Many Strangled Thing". He had a recurring role as himself on the NBC series Guys with Kids, which aired from 2012 to 2013. On Al Jazeera English he expressed his desire to be remembered not just as a player, but also as somebody who used their mind and made other contributions.

In February 2019, he appeared in season 12 episode 16 of The Big Bang Theory, "The D&D Vortex".

Abdul-Jabbar made a guest appearance as himself in a season 2 episode of Dave. The episode he appeared in was also named after him.

Writing

In September 2018, Abdul-Jabbar was announced as one of the writers for the July 2019 revival of Veronica Mars.

Documentaries

On February 10, 2011, Abdul-Jabbar debuted his film On the Shoulders of Giants, documenting the tumultuous journey of the famed yet often-overlooked Harlem Renaissance professional basketball team, at Science Park High School in Newark, New Jersey. The event was simulcast live throughout the school, city, and state.

In 2015, he appeared in an HBO documentary on his life, Kareem: Minority of One.

In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar was the executive producer and narrator of the History channel special Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his narration.

Reality television

Abdul-Jabbar participated in the 2013 ABC reality series Splash, a celebrity diving competition.

In April 2018, Abdul-Jabbar competed in the all-athlete season of season 26 of Dancing with the Stars and partnered with professional dancer Lindsay Arnold.

Writing and activism

Abdul-Jabbar at a book signing in 2007

Abdul-Jabbar became a best-selling author and cultural critic. He published several books, mostly on African-American history. His first book, his autobiography Giant Steps, was written in 1983 with co-author Peter Knobler. The book's title is an homage to jazz great John Coltrane, referring to his album Giant Steps. Others include On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance, co-written with Raymond Obstfeld, and Brothers in Arms: The Epic Story of the 761st Tank Battalion, World War II's Forgotten Heroes, co-written with Anthony Walton, which is a history of an all-black armored unit that served with distinction in Europe.

Abdul-Jabbar has also been a regular contributor to discussions about issues of race and religion, among other topics, in national magazines and on television. He has written a regular column for Time, for example, and he appeared on Meet the Press on Sunday, January 25, 2015, to talk about a recent column, which pointed out that Islam should not be blamed for the actions of violent extremists, just as Christianity has not been blamed for the actions of violent extremists who profess Christianity. When asked about being Muslim, he said: "I don't have any misgiving about my faith. I'm very concerned about the people who claim to be Muslims that are murdering people and creating all this mayhem in the world. That is not what Islam is about, and that should not be what people think of when they think about Muslims. But it's up to all of us to do something about all of it.

In November 2014, Abdul-Jabbar published an essay in Jacobin magazine calling for just compensation for college athletes, writing, "in the name of fairness, we must bring an end to the indentured servitude of college athletes and start paying them what they are worth."

Commenting on Donald Trump's 2017 travel ban, he strongly condemned it, saying, "The absence of reason and compassion is the very definition of pure evil because it is a rejection of our sacred values, distilled from millennia of struggle."

Government appointments

Cultural ambassador

Hillary Clinton and Abdul-Jabbar, 2012

In January 2012, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that Abdul-Jabbar had accepted a position as a cultural ambassador for the United States. During the announcement press conference, Abdul-Jabbar commented on the historical legacy of African-Americans as representatives of U.S. culture: "I remember when Louis Armstrong first did it back for President Kennedy, one of my heroes. So it's nice to be following in his footsteps." As part of this role, Abdul-Jabbar has traveled to Brazil to promote education for local youths.

President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition

Former President Barack Obama announced in his last days of office that he has appointed Abdul-Jabbar along with Gabrielle Douglas and Carli Lloyd to the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.

Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee

In January 2017, Abdul-Jabbar was appointed to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee by United States Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin. According to the United States Mint, Abdul-Jabbar is a keen coin collector whose interest in the life of Alexander Hamilton had led him into the hobby. He resigned in 2018 due to what the Mint described as "increasing personal obligations".

Personal life

Abdul-Jabbar surrounded by children's division players during an exhibition at Club Ferro Carril Oeste of Buenos Aires, 1993

Abdul-Jabbar (below, far right) and other former NBA players visit the New York NBA Store in January 2005

Abdul-Jabbar met Habiba Abdul-Jabbar (born Janice Brown) at a Lakers game during his senior year at UCLA. They eventually married and together had three children: daughters Habiba and Sultana and son Kareem Jr., who played basketball at Western Kentucky after attending Valparaiso. Abdul-Jabbar and Janice divorced in 1978. He has another son, Amir, with Cheryl Pistono. Another son, Adam, made an appearance on the TV sitcom Full House with him.

Religion and name

At age 24 in 1971, he converted to Islam and became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which means "noble one, servant of the Almighty." He was named by Hamaas Abdul Khaalis. Abdul-Jabbar purchased and donated 7700 16th Street NW, a house in Washington, D.C., for Khaalis to use as the Hanafi Madh-Hab Center. Eventually, Kareem "found that [he] disagreed with some of Hamaas' teachings about the Quran, and [they] parted ways." He then studied the Quran on his own, and “emerged from this pilgrimage with my beliefs clarified and my faith renewed.”

Abdul-Jabbar has spoken about the thinking that was behind his name change when he converted to Islam. He stated that he was "latching on to something that was part of my heritage, because many of the slaves who were brought here were Muslims. My family was brought to America by a French planter named Alcindor, who came here from Trinidad in the 18th century. My people were Yoruba, and their culture survived slavery... My father found out about that when I was a kid, and it gave me all I needed to know that, hey, I was somebody, even if nobody else knew about it. When I was a kid, no one would believe anything positive that you could say about black people. And that's a terrible burden on black people, because they don't have an accurate idea of their history, which has been either suppressed or distorted."

In 1998, Abdul-Jabbar reached a settlement after he sued Miami Dolphins running back Karim Abdul-Jabbar (now Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar, born Sharmon Shah) because he felt Karim was profiting off the name he made famous by having the Abdul-Jabbar moniker and number 33 on his Dolphins jersey. As a result, the younger Abdul-Jabbar had to change his jersey nameplate to simply "Abdul" while playing for the Dolphins. The football player had also been an athlete at UCLA.

Health problems

Abdul-Jabbar suffers from migraines, and his use of cannabis to reduce the symptoms has had legal ramifications.

In November 2009, Abdul-Jabbar announced that he was suffering from a form of leukemia, Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The disease was diagnosed in December 2008, but Abdul-Jabbar said his condition could be managed by taking oral medication daily, seeing his specialist every other month and having his blood analyzed regularly. He expressed in a 2009 press conference that he did not believe that the illness would stop him from leading a normal life. Abdul-Jabbar is now a spokesman for Novartis, the company that produces his cancer medication, Gleevec.

In February 2011, Abdul-Jabbar announced via Twitter that his leukemia was gone and he was "100% cancer free". A few days later, he clarified his misstatement. "You're never really cancer-free and I should have known that," Abdul-Jabbar said. "My cancer right now is at an absolute minimum."

In April 2015, Abdul-Jabbar was admitted to hospital when he was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Later that week, on his 68th birthday, he underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery at the UCLA Medical Center.

Non-athletic honors

In 2016, Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama.

In 2011, Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Double Helix Medal for his work in raising awareness for cancer research. Also in 2011, Abdul-Jabbar received an honorary degree from New York Institute of Technology.

In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for his work on the documentary special Black Patriots: Heroes of The Revolution.

Kelly Slater

Wikipedia

Kelly Slater

Slater in 2017

Personal information

Born Robert Kelly Slater

February 11, 1972

Cocoa Beach, Florida, U.S.

Residence California, U.S.

Hawaii, U.S.

Los Angeles, California U.S.

Height 5'8 ft (173cm)

Weight 160 lb (73 kg)

Surfing career

Years active 1989–present

Best year Ranked 1st on the World Surf League: 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011

Career earnings $4,071,360 (as of 4th January 2018)

Surfing specifications

Favorite maneuvers Barrels

Website www.kellyslater.com

Robert Kelly Slater (born February 11, 1972) is an American professional surfer, best known for his unprecedented 11 world surfing championship wins. He is widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time.

Early years and personal life

Slater grew up in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where he still lives. He is the son of Judy Moriarity and Stephen Slater. He has two brothers, Sean and Stephen, and a daughter, Taylor, born in 1996.

The son of a bait-store proprietor, Slater grew up near the water, and he began surfing at age five. By age 10 he was winning age-division events up and down the Atlantic coast, and in 1984 he won his first age-division United States championship title. Two years later he finished third in the junior division at the world amateur championships in England, and he won the Pacific Cup junior championship in Australia the following year.

After turning professional in 1990, Slater struggled during his first two years on the professional tour, finishing 90th and 43rd in the world rankings those years. In 1992 he secured podium (top-three) finishes in three of his first five events before winning his first professional tour event, the Rip Curl Pro, in France. His win in that year's prestigious Pipeline Masters in Hawaii secured his first world title, and at age 20 he became the youngest surfing world champion ever. Slater finished sixth in the 1993 rankings but came back in 1994 to win the world tour during 1994–1998, during which time televised surfing events had become increasingly popular. He then took a break from competitive surfing at the end of 1998, before returning to the world pro tour in 2002.

Accomplishments

Surfing

Slater, having grown up in Florida, was never truly comfortable in waves of consequence until a trip to Oahu in 1987. A giant northwest swell was pounding the coast, closing out breaks from Waimea to Sunset. He drove to Makaha, where he was greeted with 40' (Hawaiian scale) waves breaking across the bay. Slater parked and saw charger[clarification needed] Brandon "Big Wave" Davis waxing up his 11' board. Big Wave Davis simply gave Slater a wink and they paddled out, trading waves all afternoon. Slater credits Davis in his biography stating "Brandon's knowledge and poise in large surf had a huge impact on my career. Anytime I'm dropping in a big wave, I think back to that wink in the Makaha parking lot and I push myself over the ledge."

Slater at Trestles, San Clemente State Beach, California

Some of his favorite surf spots include Mondos in Ventura, California, Pipeline in Hawaii, Kirra in Australia, Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, Minis in Ireland, Taghazout in Morocco, Veiny's in New Zealand, Soup Bowls in Barbados, and Sebastian Inlet near his home in Florida.

Musical appearances and collaborations

Slater plays guitar and ukulele, and has performed with Jack Johnson and Angus Stone. Kelly Slater joined Rob Machado and Peter King in a band called The Surfers.

Slater performed a song with Ben Harper during Harper's concert in Santa Barbara on August 1, 2006. He also performed Rockin' in the Free World with grunge band Pearl Jam on July 7, 2006 in San Diego.

In 1999, he appeared alongside Garbage singer Shirley Manson in the promotional video for the band's single "You Look So Fine". He played a man washed up on a seashore, then rescued by Manson.

Mixed media

Slater played the recurring character Jimmy Slade on twenty-seven episodes of the popular TV show Baywatch in the early 1990s. He appeared in an episode of the reality show The Girls Next Door, and has starred in many surf films during his career.

In the late 1990s Slater, with friends and fellow pro surfers Rob Machado and Peter King, formed a band called The Surfers. The trio released an album in 1998 titled Songs from the Pipe, a reference to the famous surf spot Pipeline on Oahu, Hawaii. Slater toured Australia with his band, performing in venues such as the Opera House and parliament house.

A video game named Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer by Treyarch and published by Activision was released in 2002. Slater also appeared as a playable character in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 prior to this, complete with a surfboard.

In addition to the ASP tour, Slater competed in the X-Games in 2003 and 2004 winning back to back Gold Medals.

Environmentalism and philanthropy

Slater is an advocate of a sustainable and clean living lifestyle. Slater is also a fundraiser and spokesperson for suicide prevention awareness. He has surfed in celebrity events for Surfers Against Suicide, telling sports website 'Athletes Talk': "I've lost a couple of friends myself to suicide and it's just a horrible thing that can be prevented. People get in this dark place and they don't know what to do so it's always nice to see a non-profit that isn't turning into anything else other than just trying to help people."

Slater is passionate about preserving oceans globally and protecting temperate reefs in California through his relationship with Reef Check.

In February 2017, Slater and fellow competitive surfer Jérémy Florès called for a daily cull of bull sharks by French authorities on Réunion following eight shark-related fatalities over the preceding six years. Environmentalists criticized the proposal, with Dr. Ken Collins of the University of Southampton describing it as “insane”.

On May 8, 2010, the United States House of Representatives honored Slater in H. Res. 792 for his "outstanding and unprecedented achievements in the world of surfing and for being an ambassador of the sport and excellent role model." This resolution, sponsored by Florida representative Bill Posey and sponsored by 10 representatives, passed without objection by a voice vote.

Slater is on the Board of Advisors (the Ocean Advocacy Advisory Board) of ocean conservation organization Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Professional development

Slater historically and exclusively rode Channel Islands Surfboards equipped with his own signature series of FCS fins. As the media hype grew around Slater's lack of board stickers in 2015, Slater had been seen riding unlabelled Firewire surfboards, acquiring the company in 2014. In 2016 Slater released his own line of boards. As of August 2017 there are four Slater Designs models in the Firewire range: the Gamma, Cymatic, Omni and Sci-fi.

Since 1990 Slater had been sponsored primarily by surfwear industry giant Quiksilver until his departure on April 1, 2014 to collaborate with fashion brand conglomerate Kering. In a statement released on his social media accounts, Slater states "For years I've dreamt of developing a brand that combines my love of clean living, responsibility and style. The inspiration for this brand comes from the people and cultures I encounter in my constant global travels and this is my opportunity to build something the way I have always wanted to." After Leaving Quiksilver, Slater, in collaboration with Kering, established the eco-friendly and sustainable apparel company 'Outerknown'.

Slater also established the beverage company Purps, and became a brand ambassador for The Chia Co.

Wave Pool

Wave Pool was a ten-year 'experiment' to create the perfect inland wave situated in inland California. Kelly modeled the wave after a combination of Lower Trestles, California, a tubing wave on Oahu, Hawaii, and a secret right in Micronesia in the Marshall Islands. The project was a success and the surfing world was abuzz with the possibilities, mostly due to the wave's perfect shape and speed. In 2016 the World Surf League (WSL) acquired a majority stake in the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) for an undisclosed sum. The WSL held a test event for professional surfers, including Filipe Toledo, Mick Fanning, Kanoa Igarashi, Gabriel Medina and others, at the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch on Tuesday, September 19, 2017. The Surf Ranch also hosted the WSL Founders Cup on May 5–6, 2018. The contest featured five teams - US, Brazil, Australia, Europe and World - made up of men's and women's surfers from the WSL Championship Tour. The WSL Surf Ranch was constructed outside of Lemoore, California and has remained private and exclusive.

There is speculation he is developing Surf Ranch Florida, a man-made surfing lake in Palm Beach County. County commissioners unanimously approved plans for the county to evaluate the proposed surf facility in 2017. Brian Waxman, project leader for Surf Ranch Florida, said the World Surf League is considering bringing the wave lake to the Sunshine State for its weather and heritage of world-class surfers. It would encompass an 80-acre industrial lot east of Jupiter Farms, near the Pine Glades natural area.

Coral Mountain is a proposed $200-million complex on 400 acres (160 ha) in La Quinta, California that would include a hotel and housing built around a surfing basin created by Kelly Slater Wave Co.

Competitive achievements

Slater with fellow pro surfers Rob Machado and Christiaan Bailey

Slater has been crowned World Surf League Champion a record 11 times, including five consecutive titles in 1994–98. He is the youngest (at age 20) and the oldest (at age 39) to win the WSL men's title. Upon winning his fifth world title in 1997, Slater passed Australian surfer Mark Richards to become the most successful male champion in the history of the sport. In 2007 he also became the all-time leader in career event wins by winning the Boost Mobile Pro event at Lower Trestles near San Clemente, California. The previous record was held by Slater's childhood hero, three-time world champion Tom Curren. After earlier being awarded the title prematurely as a result of a miscalculation by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), on November 6, 2011 Slater officially won his eleventh ASP world title at the Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco, by winning his 4th round heat.

Slater competing at the US Open at Huntington Beach, 2011

In May 2005, in the final heat of the Billabong Tahiti Pro contest at Teahupo'o, Slater became the first surfer ever to be awarded two perfect scores for a total 20 out of 20 points under the ASP two-wave scoring system (fellow American Shane Beschen made the first perfect score under the previous three-wave system in 1996).

Slater did it again in June 2013 at the quarter finals at the Volcom Fiji Pro with two perfect ten waves, only the fourth person in history to do so.

Slater is also the oldest surfer to perform a 10 point ride in World Surf League competition at the age of 47 at the 2019 Billabong Pipe Masters.

2013 stats and results

World ranking: 1st

Points: 54,150

Event results in 2013 Quiksilver Pro (Gold Coast, Australia): 1st

Rip Curl Pro (Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia): 13th

Volcom Fiji Pro (Tavarua/Namotu, Fiji): 1st

Oakley Pro Bali (Keramas, Bali, Indonesia): 9th

Billabong Pro Teahupoo (Teahupoo, Taiarapu, French Polynesia): 2nd

Billabong Pipeline Masters (Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii): 1st

He also won many other surfing titles.

2012 stats and results

World ranking: 2nd

Points: 55,450

Event results in 2012

Quiksilver Pro presented by Land Rover (Gold Coast, Snapper Rocks, Australia): 5th

Rip Curl Pro presented by Ford Ranger (Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia): 2nd

Billabong Rio Pro (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): INJ

Volcom Fiji Pro (Tavarua/Namotu, Fiji): 1st

Billabong Pro Tahiti (Teahupoo, Tahiti): 13th

Hurley Pro (Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California): 1st

Quiksilver Pro France (Hossegor-Landes, France): 1st

Rip Curl Pro (Peniche, Portugal): 13th

O'Neill Coldwater Classic Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, California): 9th

Billabong Pipeline Masters (Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii): 3rd

2011 stats and results

World ranking: 2011 Champion

Points: 68,100

Event results in 2011

Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast (Snapper Rocks, Australia): 1st

Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, (Victoria, Australia): 5th

Billabong Rio Pro (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): 13th

Nike Pro US Open (Huntington Beach, California, US): 1st

Billabong Pro Teahupoo (Teahupoo, Tahiti): 1st

Quiksilver Pro New York (Long Beach, New York, US): 2nd

Hurley Pro (Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California, US): 1st

Quiksilver Pro France (Hossegor, France): 5th

Rip Curl Pro Portugal (Peniche, Portugal): 2nd

Rip Curl Search (Ocean Beach, San Francisco, US): 5th

Billabong Pipeline Masters (Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii): 3rd

2010 stats and results

World ranking: 2010 Champion

Points: 69000

Event results in 2010

Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast (Snapper Rocks, Australia): 9th

Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach (Australia): 1st

Hang Loose Pro (Santa Catarina, Brasil): 2nd

Billabong Pro (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa): 17th

Billabong Pro Teahupoo (Teahupoo, Tahiti): 3rd

Hurley Pro (Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California): 1st

Quiksilver Pro France (Hossegor, France): 2nd

Rip Curl Pro Portugal (Peniche, Portugal): 1st

Rip Curl Pro Search 2010 (Middles Beach, Isabela, Puerto Rico): 1st

Billabong Pipeline Masters (Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii): 3rd

2009 stats and results

World ranking: 6th.

Event results in 2009

Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast (Snapper Rocks, Australia): 17th

Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach (Australia): 17th

Billabong Pro, Tahiti (Teahupoo, Tahiti): 17th

Hang Loose Pro (Santa Catarina, Brasil): 1st

Billabong Pro (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa): 9th

Hurley Pro (Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California): 3rd

Quiksilver Pro France (Hossegor, France): 5th

Billabong Pro, Mundaka (Mundaka, Spain): 3rd

Rip Curl Search (Peniche, Portugal): 17th

Billabong Pipeline Masters (Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii): 2nd

2008 stats and results

World ranking: 2008 Champion

Points: 8832

Event results

Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast (Snapper Rocks, Australia): 1st

Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach (Australia): 1st

Billabong Pro, Tahiti (Teahupoo, Tahiti): 17th

Globe Pro, Fiji (Tavarua, Fiji): 1st

Billabong Pro, J-Bay (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa): 1st

Rip Curl Search (Bali, Indonesia): 17th

Boost Mobile Pro (Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California): 1st

Quiksilver Pro France (Hossegor, France): 2nd

Billabong Pro, Mundaka (Mundaka, Spain): 9th

Hang Loose Pro (Santa Catarina, Brasil): DNS

Billabong Pipeline Masters (Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii): 1st

History of wins

2019

Triple Crown of Surfing (Specialty-Hawaii)

2016

Billabong Pro (Teahupoo, Tahiti) - WT

2014

Volcom Pipe Pro (Pipeline, Hawaii) - QS 5-Stars

2013

Quiksilver Pro (Gold Coast, Australia) - WT

Volcom Fiji Pro (Tavarua/Namotu, Fiji) - WT

Billabong Pipeline Masters (Pipeline, Hawaii) - WT

2012

Volcom Fiji Pro (Tavarua, Fiji) - WT

Hurley Pro (Trestles, California) - WT

Quiksilver Pro France (South West Coast, France) - WT

2011

Quiksilver Pro (Gold Coast, Australia) - WT

Billabong Pro (Teahupoo, Tahiti) - WT

Hurley Pro (Trestles, California) - WT

Nike US Open of Surfing (Huntington Beach, California) - QS Prime

2010

Rip Curl Pro (Bells Beach, Australia) - WT

Hurley Pro (Trestles, California) - WT

Rip Curl Pro (Peniche, Portugal) - WT

Rip Curl Search (Middles, Isabela, Puerto Rico) - WT

2009

Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro (Santa Catarina, Brasil) - WT

2008

Quiksilver Pro (Gold Coast, Australia) - WT

Rip Curl Pro (Bells Beach, Australia) - WT

Globe Pro (Tavarua, Fiji) - WT

Billabong Pro (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa) - WT

Boost Mobile Pro (Trestles, California) - WT

Billabong Pipeline Masters (Pipeline, Hawaii) - WT

2007

Boost Mobile Pro (Trestles, California) - WT

2006

Quiksilver Pro (Gold Coast, Australia) - WT

Rip Curl Pro (Bells Beach, Australia) - WT

2005

Billabong Pro (Teahupoo, Tahiti) - WT

Globe Pro Fiji (Tavarua, Fiji) - WT

Billabong Pro (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa) - WT

Boost Mobile Pro (Trestles, California) - WT

2004

X-Games SRF The Game

Snickers Australian Open - QS

Energy Australia Open - QS

2003

X-Games SRF The Game

Billabong Pro (Teahupoo, Tahiti) - WT

Billabong Pro (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa) - WT

Billabong Pro (Mundaka, Spain) - WT

Nova Schin Festival (Santa Catarina, Brazil) - WT

2002

Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau (Specialty-Hawaii)

2000

Gotcha Pro Tahiti (Teahupoo, Tahiti) - WT

1999

Mountain Dew Pipeline Masters (Pipeline, Hawaii) - WT

1998

Billabong Pro (Gold Coast, Australia) - WT

Triple Crown of Surfing (Specialty-Hawaii)

1997

Coke Surf Classic (Manly Beach, Australia) - QS 6-Stars

Billabong Pro (Gold Coast, Australia) - WT

Tokushima Pro (Tokushima, Japan) - WT

Marui Pro (Chiba, Japan) - WT

Kaiser Summer Surf (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) - WT

Grand Slam (Specialty-Australia)

Typhoon Lagoon Surf Challenge (Specialty-US)

1996

Coke Surf Classic (Narrabeen, Australia)

Rip Curl Pro Saint Leu (Saint Leu, Reunion Island)

CSI presents Billabong Pro (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa)

U.S. Open of Surfing (Huntington Beach, California)

Rip Curl Pro Hossegor (Hossegor, France)

Quiksilver Surfmasters (Biarritz, France)

Chiemsee Gerry Lopez Pipe Masters (Pipeline, Hawaii)

Sud Ouest Trophee (Specialty-France)

Da Hui Backdoor Shootout (Specialty-Hawaii)

1995

Quiksilver Pro (Grajagan, Indonesia)

Chiemsee Pipe Masters (Pipeline, Hawaii)

Triple Crown of Surfing (Specialty-Hawaii)

1994

Rip Curl Pro (Bells Beach, Australia)

Gotcha Lacanau Pro (Lacanau, France)

Chiemsee Gerry Lopez Pipe Masters (Pipeline, Hawaii)

Bud Surf Tour Seaside Reef (WQS-US)

Bud Surf Tour Huntington (WQS-US)

Sud Ouest Trophee (Specialty-France)

1993

Marui Pro (Chiba, Japan)

1992

Rip Curl Pro Landes (Hossegor, France)

Marui Pipe Masters (Pipeline, Hawaii)

1990

Body Glove Surfbout (Trestles, California)

Personal life

Slater is an avid golfer and practices the sport of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

His surfing inspirations are said to be Andy Irons, Shane Dorian, Josh Kerr, and Dane Reynolds, Andrew Bloom, Drew Phelps, Ken Wells, and Hunter Collins.

Filmography

Films

Surfers – The Movie (1990)

Kelly Slater in Black and White (1991)

Momentum 1 (1992)

Focus (1994)

Endless Summer II (1994)

Factory Seconds (1995)

Momentum 2 (1996)

Good Times (1996)

Kelly Slater In Kolor (1997)

The Show (1997) gas

Loose Change (1999)

Hit & Run (2000)

Thicker than Water (2000)

One Night at McCool's (2001)

September Sessions (2002)

Step into Liquid (2003)

Campaign 1 (2003)

Riding Giants (2004)

Doped Youth 'Groovy Avalon' (2004)

Young Guns 1, 2 & 3 (2004–2008)

Campaign 2 (2005)

Burn (2005)

Letting Go (2006)

Surf's Up (2007)

Down the Barrel (2007)

Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water (2007)

Bustin' Down the Door (2008)

One Track Mind (2008)

Kelly Slater Letting Go (2008)

Waveriders (2008)

The Ocean (2008)

A Fly in the Champagne (2009) (featuring Kelly Slater and Andy Irons)

Cloud 9 (2009)

Keep Surfing (2009)

Ultimate Wave Tahiti (2010)

Fighting Fear (2011)

Wave Warriors 3

View from a Blue Moon (2015)

Momentum Generation (2018)

Cameo appearances

"You Look So Fine" - Garbage music video (1999)

"Surf's Up" (2007)

View From A Blue Moon (2015)

Television

Baywatch, 27 episodes (1992–1996)

The Jersey, surfing episode 18 (2001)

The Girls Next Door, "Surf's Up" 1 episode

Kavita Devi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kavita Devi

Devi in April 2018

Birth name Kavita Dalal

Born 20 September 1986

Malvi, Jind District, Haryana, India

Professional wrestling career

Ring name(s) Hard KD

Kavita

Kavita Devi

Billed height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)

Billed from Haryana, India

Trained by The Great Khali

WWE Performance Center

Sara Del Rey

Debut 2016

Kavita Dalal (born 20 September 1986) is an Indian professional wrestler who performed in the WWE under the ring name Kavita Devi, on their developmental territory NXT between 2017 and 2021. Devi is the first female professional wrestler of Indian nationality to wrestle in WWE. Devi previously wrestled on the independent circuit under the ring names Kavita and Hard KD, most notably for Continental Wrestling Entertainment.

Personal life

Kavita Devi Dalal, one of the five siblings, was born in Malvi village of Julana tehsil of Jind district [5] of Haryana state of India. She got married in 2009 and gave birth to a child in 2010, after which she wanted to quit sports but inspired by her husband she continued playing.

Weightlifting and powerlifting career

Kavita Dalal

Women's Weightlifting

Representing India