News & Updates | Project Yogya

Arjun Erigaisi Joins Chess Elite, Becomes Second Indian to Cross 2800 Elo Mark

Indian chess prodigy GM Arjun Erigaisi has achieved a monumental milestone, becoming only the 16th player in history to surpass the prestigious 2800 Elo rating. The 21-year-old from Warangal follows in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand as the second Indian to breach this coveted rating mark. Erigaisi’s remarkable feat came in Round 5 of the European Chess Club Cup, where he defeated Russian GM Dmitry Andreikin with the white pieces. This victory propelled him to a live rating of 2802.1, earning him the world No. 3 position in the live rankings. Not only is Erigaisi among the top players in the world, but he is also the third-youngest to cross the 2800 threshold. The youngest to achieve the feat is French GM Alireza Firouzja, who reached it at 18 in 2021. Reigning World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, who crossed the mark at 18 in 2009, was the fifth player to join the 2800 club back then. Carlsen currently tops the live rating chart with 2831 points, followed closely by USA’s Fabiano Caruana, who stands at 2805.2. With this achievement, Erigaisi continues to elevate Indian chess on the global stage.

The Return of Hockey India League

After a seven-year hiatus, the much-awaited Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make a grand comeback in 2024, featuring both men’s and, for the first time, women’s tournaments. The league aims to reignite the excitement around hockey, with global stars secured through recent auctions, promising an event of international caliber that will uplift the sport in India and beyond. Launched in 2013, HIL was a game-changer for Indian hockey, offering a platform for domestic talents to compete alongside top global players. With stars like Sardar Singh and Australia’s Jamie Dwyer showcasing their skills, the league quickly gained popularity, contributing to the revival of the sport and enhancing the competitiveness of Indian players. However, financial and scheduling challenges forced the league to pause after 2017. Despite its absence, HIL's influence endured, with many players attributing their career growth to the exposure and experience gained through the league. The 2024 revival introduces a significant development—a women’s competition—highlighting India’s focus on gender equality in sports. Eight men’s teams and four women’s teams will participate, with two additional women’s teams joining from the 2025-26 season. This expansion reflects the league’s ambition for broader participation, bigger budgets, and a larger fan base. Running from 28 December 2024 to 1 February 2025, the league will follow a round-robin format, with top teams advancing to the knockout stages. Matches will be hosted at two premier venues: the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha. To ensure every match ends decisively, shootouts will settle any tied games. The return of HIL not only restores a platform that once redefined Indian hockey but also promises to elevate the sport’s stature on the global stage, embracing inclusivity and reigniting passion among fans and athletes alike.

Internal Disputes in the Indian Olympic Association Jeopardize 2036 Olympic Bid

India’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games are facing significant setbacks due to unresolved internal conflicts within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Disputes between IOA President P.T. Usha and the executive committee have reached a critical point, prompting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to suspend its funding to the IOA. This decision, driven by governance issues and a power struggle over key appointments, threatens to derail India's Olympic ambitions. One key issue revolves around the controversial appointment of Raghuram Iyer as the IOA’s Chief Executive Officer. Although Usha maintains the appointment was approved, most executive members have opposed it, causing a deadlock that has disrupted IOA operations since early 2024. In addition, there are allegations of financial mismanagement on both sides, with accusations of improper sponsorship deals further complicating the situation. The governance crisis has not only stalled India’s preparations for the Olympic bid but has also led to broader operational failures. Athlete development programs funded by the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity grants are now in jeopardy due to the funding suspension. Moreover, essential post-Olympic events, such as the felicitation of athletes from the Paris 2024 Games, remain unorganized due to the administrative paralysis within the IOA. If the conflict persists, India’s bid to host the 2036 Games could lose momentum, especially as other nations, such as Indonesia and Turkey, have expressed interest in hosting the event. The IOC has urged the IOA to resolve the disputes promptly, but without immediate reforms, India’s credibility as a serious contender could be compromised. The IOA has scheduled a special general meeting on October 25 to address the governance issues, which could determine whether the funding freeze is lifted and the bid for the 2036 Olympics can proceed smoothly. However, with no clear resolution in sight, the uncertainty casts a shadow over India’s Olympic dream.

All about IPL 2025 auctions

With the IPL 2025 retention deadline set for October 31, 2024, teams are in the final stages of determining their squads for the next cycle. The IPL Governing Council announced new player regulations for 2025-27 in September, giving franchises limited time to finalize their retained players. The upcoming auction, modeled as a two-day event, is expected to take place in the last week of November 2024, with November 23-24 or November 30 as possible dates. While recent auctions were held in locations like Bengaluru, Kerala, and Dubai, reports suggest Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, might host this year’s auction, with London, Dubai, and Singapore also being considered as alternative venues. The retention lists will likely be announced through a live broadcast on Star Sports and JioCinema around 5 PM IST on the deadline day, following the tradition of dramatic trade deals from previous seasons. Although official details about the pre-auction trade window are still awaited, it typically opens a month before the auction and briefly closes a week prior. The auction will mark the second consecutive year it is held outside India, setting the stage for another thrilling season as fans and franchises prepare for fresh beginnings in IPL 2025

India's Wrestlers Cleared for World Championships: Government Steps in Amid WFI Turmoil

India’s 12-member wrestling team has been officially cleared to compete at the World Championships in Tirana, Albania, starting October 28, following crucial intervention by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The decision resolves the uncertainty caused by the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), which had earlier withdrawn the team amid legal concerns. Wrestler Satyawart Kadian, representing a faction protesting against the WFI’s authority, had approached the court, arguing the federation was in contempt for organizing trials despite its suspension. However, Mandaviya assured the wrestlers that they could compete, with the government taking responsibility for any legal repercussions. This breakthrough comes after the team personally met Mandaviya at his residence in New Delhi, gaining the minister’s assurance that the court case will proceed separately but won’t hinder the athletes' participation. The ministry emphasized that WFI’s suspension remains in place, but its president, Sanjay Singh, revealed that the ministry may review the suspension within a month. Mandaviya’s intervention ensures that India’s best wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Kadian, will represent the nation on the world stage. The United World Wrestling (UWW) had previously cleared WFI’s participation in February, keeping the door open for the Indian team, which will now take full advantage of this opportunity.

CHANGE IN FIFA TRANSFER RULES

FIFA has announced that it will review its transfer regulations following a European Court of Justice ruling related to former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra. The court found that certain FIFA regulations, particularly those regarding compensation for clubs that sign free agents, violated EU competition laws by restricting the free movement of players. Diarra had filed a lawsuit after his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow was terminated in 2014, which subsequently limited his ability to join a new club. In response, FIFA plans to initiate a global consultation with key football stakeholders to explore necessary changes to the transfer system. Emilio Garcia Silvero, FIFA’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, emphasized that the decision offers an opportunity to modernize FIFA's regulatory framework, aligning it with current legal standards and player rights. This case could lead to significant changes in football's transfer market regulations, akin to the transformative impact of the Bosman ruling in the 1990s.

INDIA’S PLAN FOR SPORTS

The Indian government is working to position the country as a global sports powerhouse by enhancing sports infrastructure and fostering long-term impacts on health, education, and tourism. This transformation is fueled by significant investment through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Notable investments include the BCCI's $6.2 billion broadcasting rights for five seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), making it one of the most valuable sports leagues globally, second only to the US NFL. Additionally, Haryana spent over $18 million for the 2022 Khelo India Youth Games, while Gujarat introduced a sports policy aimed at boosting sports manufacturing and tourism from 2022 to 2027.

CRUCIAL MOU WITH SPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to establish a National Centre of Sports Excellence in Kandivali, Mumbai. The development will include world-class sports infrastructure on a 37-acre land parcel, leased to SAI for 30 years at a nominal Re. 1 per annum. This project aims to turn the SAI Sports Complex in Kandivali into a significant hub for Indian athletes, particularly for the upcoming Olympic Games. The complex will feature modern athlete hostels, a hockey turf, a multipurpose sports hall, and a high-performance sports science center focused on injury management and rehabilitation. With an estimated investment of ₹500 crore, SAI plans to gather funds through government allocations and CSR contributions. The center will serve athletes from across India and local talent from Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, while promoting initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the MoU ceremony, emphasized the importance of the center in helping Indian athletes excel on the global stage, adding that the government is working towards hosting the 2036 Olympics in India.

WORLD’S RENOWNED FOOTBALL ACADEMY COMES TO INDIA

Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) has partnered with Premier League club Southampton FC to strengthen grassroots football coaching in India. As the International Academy Partner of Southampton, BBFS will gain access to the SFC Academy Performance Plan, coaching strategies, and curricula for players aged U6 to U16. The collaboration will also offer opportunities for player exchange programs, staff visits, and specialized training camps in both India and England. Bhaichung Bhutia emphasized that the partnership aims to elevate football coaching standards and nurture future Indian football talent.

ARCHERY AND SHOOTING WORLD CUP

The Archery World Cup Finals are scheduled for October 19-20, where five Indian athletes will compete. Meanwhile, the ISSF World Cup Final for shooting is happening in New Delhi from October 13-18, featuring top Indian shooters, though some Olympic medalists like Manu Bhaker are absent.

UPCOMING WOMEN HOCKEY INDIA LEAGUE

The Women's Hockey India League (HIL) auction is scheduled for October 15, marking a historic moment as the league returns after a seven-year break. For the first time, the HIL will feature an exclusive women’s division, highlighting the growing importance of women’s hockey in India. This auction will see over 250 domestic players and 70 international players competing for spots in the inaugural season. Top Indian stars like Savita, Salima Tete, and Vandana Katariya, alongside international talents like Delfina Merino and Charlotte Stapenhorst, are set to participate. The inaugural season will feature four teams, with Hyderabad Toofans and BC Jindal Group Mumbai joining from the second season. The four teams in the first season are Soorma Hockey Club (Haryana), Rahr Bengal Tigers (Kolkata), Delhi SG Pipers, and Odisha Warriors (Rourkela), providing a platform for both Indian and international talent to shine. This women's league is part of HIL's broader mission to promote equality and enhance the competitive landscape of Indian hockey.