Sports
Azharuddin Vows Legal Fight Against Stand Removal
Azharuddin vows to fight Ombudsman’s order removing his name from stadium stand, calling it disrespectful and undeserved humiliation.
By Kushan Sarkar (PTI)
New Delhi, April 20:
Former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin is preparing to move the Telangana High Court to challenge the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) Ombudsman’s recent directive to remove his name from the North Stand of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. Azharuddin has described the order as unjust and deeply disrespectful, asserting that he will not allow his name to be dragged through the mud without a fair fight.
The directive was issued by Justice (Retd) V Eswaraiah, who serves as both the Ombudsman and Ethics Officer of the HCA. The decision came in response to a petition filed by the Lords Cricket Club, a member unit of the HCA, which alleged that Azharuddin had misused his position as the then-President of the association by taking unilateral decisions.
The petition specifically accused Azharuddin of violating HCA norms by attending an Apex Council meeting in December 2019 and influencing the body to pass a resolution naming the North Stand after him. The petitioners argued that such a move, made just a month after he took office, was in violation of governance protocols and lacked broader consensus.
However, Azharuddin has strongly refuted these allegations and stated that the order is based on malicious intent and misinformation. He contends that the naming of the stand followed due procedure and was meant to honor his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket.
“I will not stay silent while my legacy is questioned. I have served this country with dedication and pride, and I believe I deserve respect, not humiliation,” Azharuddin said in a statement. “This kind of treatment not only hurts me personally but sends a very wrong message to all sportspersons who give their everything for the nation.”
Azharuddin, who represented India in 99 Test matches and 334 One-Day Internationals, remains one of the country’s most stylish and successful batsmen. His elegant wristwork, sharp cricketing acumen, and leadership qualities brought many laurels to Indian cricket during his career. After retirement, he entered cricket administration with the aim of improving facilities and fostering young talent in Hyderabad.
Several of his supporters and former cricketers have come out in his defense, stating that Azharuddin’s contributions to Indian cricket cannot be erased or ignored. They argue that regardless of internal HCA politics, such an act of removing his name from a stadium stand is an insult to a national icon and a man who has given decades of his life to the sport.
“This is not just a legal matter — it’s about dignity,” said a senior HCA official on condition of anonymity. “You can’t treat a player of Azharuddin’s stature like this. Disagreements are part of administration, but dragging his name through such public embarrassment is wrong.”
As Azharuddin prepares to take the legal route, cricket lovers across the nation watch closely. One thing is clear — this fight is about more than a name on a stadium stand. It’s about standing up for respect, fairness, and the legacy of a cricketing legend.
Sports
Nikhat Zareen Honoured by Telangana DGP as Police Athletes Shine Nationwide
Telangana DGP honours Nikhat Zareen for international boxing medal; police athletes also shine, winning silver at national water sports competitions.
Hyderabad, Apr 20 (UNI) Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B. Shivdhar Reddy on Monday felicitated DSP Nikhat Zareen at his office, congratulating her for winning a bronze medal at the prestigious international boxing championship held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from April 2 to 12.
Praising her outstanding performance, the DGP said Nikhat Zareen had brought great pride to the Telangana Police Department by excelling on the global stage. He expressed confidence that she would continue to achieve greater success in the future and further elevate the department’s reputation.
In another achievement, Telangana Police personnel delivered an impressive performance at the 25th All India Police Water Sports Cluster Competitions held from April 8 to 12 in Dehradun and at Tehri Lake, Uttarakhand. Head Constable N. Ramakrishna of the 1st Battalion TGSAP and Police Constable J. Raju of CAR Siddipet secured a silver medal in the Rowing Coxless Pair (500m) event, showcasing remarkable skill and teamwork.
The DGP congratulated the medal winners and commended their dedication and commitment to excellence in sports.
Additionally, DGP (Law & Order) Mahesh M. Bhagwat, IGP (Sports) Gajarao Bhupal, Sports Officer R.V. Ramarao, Coach P. Krishna Rao (Head Constable, DAR Wanaparthy), and other officials were present at the felicitation ceremony, a statement from the DGP office said.
Sports
OU Women’s Tennis Team Beats Delhi 2–1, Books Spot in Khelo India Inter-University Games Final
A 2–1 win over Delhi University sends them into the Khelo India Inter-University Games Final. Strong singles from Saumya and a clutch doubles finish by Saumya–Chevika duo!
The women’s tennis team of Osmania University (OU) produced a spirited and resilient performance to secure their place in the final of the Khelo India Inter-University Games, underway in Jaipur. OU edged past a strong University of Delhi side 2–1 in a tightly contested semifinal on Wednesday.
The tie began on a positive note for Osmania University as Saumya delivered a commanding performance in her singles match. Showing excellent control from the baseline and consistency in her serve, she secured the opening point for OU with a confident straight-sets win.
In the second singles rubber, Chevika fought a gritty battle but narrowly went down after a close contest. Despite her loss, her determined effort kept OU firmly in the hunt heading into the decisive doubles match.
With the tie level at 1–1, the pressure fell on the pairing of Saumya and Chevika to deliver in the doubles decider. Rising to the occasion, the duo showcased exceptional teamwork, strong net play, and composed shot-making in crucial moments. Their synergy proved decisive as they overcame the Delhi University pair to clinch the match — and with it, OU’s spot in the championship final.
The victory highlights the depth, balance, and fighting spirit of the Osmania University women’s tennis squad. They now move into the final with confidence and momentum, aiming to bring home the Khelo India Inter-University Games title.
Sports
“Dream Big, Play Bold: David Beckham Uplifts Young Minds in India”
Sir David Beckham inspires children in India, promoting equality, confidence, and opportunity through sports, empowering young minds to dream bigger and aim higher.
At Education Today, we celebrate every effort that brings children closer to a brighter, more empowered future. Recently, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir David Beckham visited India and spent time with young children, inspiring them through the power of sport, teamwork, and confidence-building activities.
His interaction with the children highlights a powerful message:
Every child deserves equal opportunity — to learn, to grow, and to thrive.
Sports not only build skills but also nurture leadership, discipline, and self-belief, especially among underprivileged communities. Beckham’s visit reinforces the importance of creating inclusive spaces where every child can dream big and unlock their true potential.
At Education Today, we remain committed to spotlighting such initiatives that strengthen education, equality, and empowerment across India.


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