Newly appointed India women’s cricket captain Smriti Mandhana has been officially named a celebrity advocate by UNICEF India on Sunday. The prestigious announcement coincides with the global observance of the International Day of the Girl. The organisation seeks to leverage her immense influence to promote equal opportunities, health and well-being for adolescent girls across the country.
The annual International Day of the Girl draws widespread attention to critical issues concerning girls’ rights, safety, leadership potential, and the persistent barriers that continue to restrict their choices in society. In her new capacity, Mandhana will actively support ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering young females and improving their access to learning and play.
An Arjuna Award recipient, Mandhana stepped into her leadership role earlier in the week after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the captaincy of the Indian women’s cricket team. Her appointment as a UNICEF advocate highlights her growing stature as a role model both on and off the sports field.
Expressing her deep gratitude upon accepting the position, Mandhana noted that growing up playing competitive cricket taught her that every great dream fundamentally begins with a single opportunity. She added that with hard work, determination, and proper encouragement, opportunities can transform into something truly extraordinary for young people.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who maintains a long-standing association with UNICEF as its Regional Ambassador for South Asia, warmly welcomed the development. Tendulkar posted a message on social media to congratulate Mandhana, noting that she inspires millions on the field and will be a brilliant voice for children’s rights off it.
In the world of professional golf, Gaganjeet Bhullar delivered a stellar performance to lift the Krishna Invitational 2026 title at the Hyderabad Golf Club. Bhullar finished the tournament with an impressive total score of 14-under-par 196 to secure the championship trophy and the winner's share of the prize money.
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka graced the high-profile Golf Pro-Am event at the AM Green IGPL Krishna Invitational 2026, which was presented by Punjab Raptors GC. He personally presented the prestigious champion’s trophy along with a winner’s cheque of twenty-two lakh fifty thousand rupees to Bhullar.
Bhullar entered the tournament carrying formidable credentials as an Arjuna Awardee, a record-breaking 11-time Asian Tour winner, and a four-time AM Green IGPL champion. After sharing the tournament lead following the second round, he accelerated his game to capture his fifth circuit title.
Karandeep Kochhar of Punjab Raptors GC and C. Muniyappa finished the Hyderabad leg tied for second place in the final standings. Each of the joint runners-up received a substantial cash prize cheque of twelve lakh seventy-five thousand rupees for their commendable performance.
With the conclusion of the Hyderabad leg, the competitive action of IGPL Season 2 will now shift its focus to the city of Vizag. The upcoming fixtures in Vizag are officially scheduled to take place from November 3 through November 5, maintaining the momentum of the domestic golf calendar.
In shooting sports, India successfully hosted a major milestone by organising the International Shooting Sport Federation 'A' Coaches Course at Taj Surajkund. This marks the historic first time that the premier coaching certification programme of the global shooting governing body has been held within the nation.
A select cohort of 30 dedicated candidates is participating in this landmark educational course. The group comprises 29 coaches hailing from various parts of India alongside one international participant representing the United States of America.
The intensive curriculum focuses extensively on elite technical standards, advanced sport psychology, biomechanics, and modern high-performance training methods. The program features structured classroom lectures alongside rigorous practical technical evaluations that will continue throughout the entire week.
The formal opening ceremony for the coaching course was attended by National Rifle Association of India Secretary General Pawankumar Singh alongside ISSF Academy Director Vesa Nissinen. The distinguished instructional faculty features Rifle Head Instructor Manoj Kumar, assisted by Prajakta Hosur, and Pistol Head Instructor Agi Kassoumi.
NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo welcomed the historic milestone by highlighting its significance for the future of the sport. He emphasised that elite performance demands continuous technical refinement and that institutionalised coach education provides a structured pathway for sustainable international success.
Turning to motorsport, the third round of the MRF National Racing Challenge concluded in Chennai at the Madras International Circuit. Mumbai driver Krishay Gutte and Bengaluru competitor Ishaan Madesh shared the premier honours by winning a race apiece in the Formula 2000 class.
For Krishay Gutte, the day marked a memorable career highlight as he successfully held off intense competition from Ishaan Madesh in Race-2. Gutte crossed the finish line in a winning time of 16 minutes and 05.519 seconds to secure his maiden victory of the season in the class.
Ishaan Madesh demonstrated strong resilience by bouncing back in the subsequent race to claim a convincing victory. Madesh completed the eight-lap contest in 12 minutes and 48.891 seconds, securing his second triumph of the competitive weekend at the Chennai circuit.
Championship points leader Saishiva Sankaran endured a challenging weekend in the Formula 2000 category, failing to secure a single race win. Sankaran received a costly five-second penalty during the day's opening race following a collision with Ishaan Madesh, which dropped him from first to third place.
In the MRF Formula 1600 class, Shivansh Bejoy from New Delhi and Gyan S from Chennai shared the spoils with a victory each. Shivansh secured his career-first win in the category during Race-2 with a time of 17 minutes and 29.757 seconds, while Gyan S topped Race-3.
Viswas Vijayaraj displayed remarkable consistency to complete his third consecutive triple crown in the Formula LGB 1300 Open class for DTS Racing. The Nellore-based businessman has now achieved nine consecutive race victories this season, maintaining an unbeaten record across all three completed rounds.
Expressing satisfaction with his current form, Viswas indicated that he plans to focus heavily on his physical fitness during the upcoming three-month break before the championship resumes. The MRF Indian Racing Challenge 4W will remain paused until January 2027 when teams return to action.
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