Sports

If you want a true hard-working story of the greatest underdog, where sheer will power and determination are the protagonist, that too not just in a utopian world but in real-life, the rise of Wrexham FC to the League Football, assisted by the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney makes up for a perfect Hollywood Script. Why didn’t they make it into a movie yet? Oh wait, they already aired a docuseries Welcome to Wrexham with Broadway Pictures with FX production! Ryan Reynolds with his charm and comedic timing made sure they merge Hollywood Buffs with the Football Crazies. But, what’s the noise all about? Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney in Welcome To Wrexham docuseries on Wrexham FCNot so many moons ago, Wrexham FC was a club that was on the verge of extinction, and reflected the mood of the town that seemed to be going nowhere. Located in scenic yet isolated laps of the Welsh Mountains, no-one batted an eye for this forsaken town and in it the Third Oldest Club in the World. Except, two men, far away, across the Atlantic, with no inkling either to Welsh culture or to Football. Two men, who couldn’t even agree to the term football, and referred to the sport as Soccer, dared to live the American Dream. Or so this time, the theoretical dream of rising up through the tiers of the seemingly impossible English Football Pyramid Why did Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney buy Wrexham FC? Why indeed? When it was announced that Rob and Ryan are going to take over this seemingly downtrodden club, eyebrows were raised all around. Partly because Wrexham’s bitter taste with some of the previous ownerships and partly because the invasion of the American capitalists of the English Game. It was only in 2004, when the club as much as suffered on the field, went through a patch of financial troubles. Back then, a guy called Alex Hamilton was trying to sell their home ground, Racecourse Ground for a personal development project. Under his not so able leadership, the club drowned in debts and incurred point deduction, condemning them to League Two. And by 2007, the club was demoted to non-league football what seemed an eternity. The continuous tussle between bad results and even horrible ownership meant the club toiled among the lowest leagues. Frequent changes in manager also didn’t help the club. Andy Morell, Billy Barr, and Kevin Wilkin, all tried their hands to drag the club out of its misery but failed. In 2020, the world of football and Hollywood, both were rattled when actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney through RR McReynolds Company LLC announced the takeover of the club. Their vision of climbing through the English Football Pyramid, introducing stability in terms of finances, renovating the club infrastructure, and bringing the fans and the people of the town together meant their proposal received a 98.6% backing from the 2,000 members of the Wrexham Supporters Trust. This stellar partnership with Hollywood Stars meant Wrexham FC was the only non-league football club to be featured on FIFA 22. By 2022, Wrexham FC brought in Phil Parkinson, a promotion maestro as the manager, brought Paul Mullins from League Two, and helped Wrexham FC secure a 2nd spot finish in the league. Consequently, they lost the play-offs and couldn’t see themselves through. The also lost the 2022 FA trophy final against Bromley. They also released the docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham” which helped fans across the world develop a soft-corner for this remarkable underdog story. The way these American owners shared the passion for the club and the way the fans of the town involved in the process helped proved many doubters wrong and renewed the trust in the kind of ownership every club want. 2022-2023 Season: Wrexham FC winning the Promotion. By the start of the 2023 season, expectations were already high. Given their close finish to the previous season, Phil Parkinson and the owners were already feeling the heat. Although, the fans were ecstatic about the ownership, winning promotion meant a matter of life and death to everyone involved with Wrexham FC. The purchase of Ollie Palmer towards the end of the last season, meant that the club has now premier players who are playing way below than their usual leagues. By mid-season, it was clear that Notts County and Wrexham FC will battle it out for the top two spots. Throughout the season, these two teams were neck-in-neck and went onto create history in the division with both achieving 100+ points. Separated by a point, the two teams met with only 2 games to go. The winner of the clash would undoubtedly hold a huge advantage with one hand already on the trophy. Wrexham FC meanwhile a few backs with lean on their goalkeeping options went on to purchase the premier league veteran Ben Foster for free. Against the showdown with Notts County, with Wrexham winning the game 3-2, the Magpies won a penalty. A point would mean the title would drag to the last day of the season. But lo behold, Ben Foster went on to save the penalty and give Wrexham the long-awaited promotion. What can we expect from Wrexham FC going forward? It is quite clear that the budget Wrexham FC is running on, it is comparable to the likes of Mid-Table Clubs of Premier League. But also, the club has to renovate and add infrastructure that is far from the premier league standards. Getting promoted to the League Football will mean better dough but there is a long way to go. Successive promotions is not a child’s play, and the competition gets stiffer by the week. However, it is not impossible. Leicester City in 2014 won promotion from the Championship to the Premier League. One season later, they were already lifting the premier league. As they say, anything is possible in Football. And when you have Deadpool by your side, impossible is nothing. Wrexham FC will now play

World Baseball Classic History  Founded in 2006, the World Baseball Classic (WBC), held at irregular intervals, is an international baseball tournament for the players of the national teams who are part of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). Since its inception, 5 tournaments have been held so far, with the latest edition hosted by Japan from 8th March to 21st March’23. The event over the years has been one of the most viewed baseball events of all time.   Inspired by the FIFA World Cup format, the World Baseball Classic pits men’s national teams against each other in a single-elimination tournament to claim the prestigious World Baseball Classic Trophy. World Baseball Classics Inc. proposed the idea to the World Baseball Softball Confederation. (WBCI) when the International Olympic Committee decided to drop baseball from the Olympic sport.   The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is typically held in March during pre-season spring training, allowing professional players to prepare for their regular seasons in MLB, NPB, or the KBO League. However, while MLB pitchers are often absent due to conditioning limits set by their teams, the event still manages to feature a star-studded lineup of batters. As a result, the WBC consistently delivers exciting matchups and high-level competition, showcasing some of the best offensive talent from around the world. The Format:   Initially, in 2006, World Baseball Classic consisted of 16 teams. But with its growing popularity among the fans, in 2023, number of teams was increased to 20. Originally, it was decided that the tournament is to be hosted every after four years. But due to several circumstances, including MLB’s suggestion to reorganize the international calendar in 2013 to better manage the players. It was during that phase that WBSC decided to award the title of “World Champion” to the WBC winner given that the Classics facilitate direct qualifications and adhere to anti-doping rules.   The current format of World Baseball Classic is made up of 4 rounds: i. The Qualifying Round ii. A First Round iii. A Second Round iv. A Championship Round  The format is simple and straight forward. 20 teams are divided into 5 pools, each consisting of four teams. Seeded nations with higher rankings determine the pools they will be placed in with Top 12 ranked teams gaining automatic qualification to the first round. The remaining 8 teams play through an extra qualifying round to earn a spot in the tournament.   After all, 20 teams are announced, the first round of the World Baseball Classic tournaments commences in a round-robin format, with every team playing against the other three teams in their pool. The top two from each pool advance to the second round, which is again held in a round-robin format.   From the second round, top two teams from each pool go through to the championship round from where knock-out round kicks in. The semi-final features the top 4 teams in a single-elimination format. The winners of the semis make it to the grand finale. The winner of the final is crowned the World Baseball Classics champion.   Winner List of World Baseball Classics  2006: The inaugural year when World Baseball Classics kicked-off. It was held in March’06 with 16 national teams participating in the tournament. The tournament was held over a period of 19 days across multiple venues comprising USA, Puerto-Rico & Japan. The championship round was held at PETCO Park in San Diego, California. The final was between Japan & Cuba with Japan winning the first-ever World Baseball Classics championship.    2009: The 2009 World Baseball Classic was also held in various locations around the world. The tournament was played over a period of 21 days, from March 5 to March 23, 2009, with games held at several different venues.  The first round of the tournament was held in Tokyo, Mexico City, Toronto, San Juan, and Miami. The second round was held in San Diego and Miami. The championship round was held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, with the four remaining teams playing in a single-elimination format to determine the winner of the tournament. Japan once again won the tournament, defeating South Korea 5-3 in the championship game.  2013: The third edition of World Baseball Classic was held in March 2013 with 28 teams participating in the qualifying rounds and 16 teams participating in the main tournament. The final was between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, the latter won the championship after making an appearance in the 2006 final. The impressive feat of being unbeatable throughout the tournament made the Dominicans a force to be reckoned with in the sport. Major league players like Robinson Cano, Jose Reyes, and Edwin Encarnacion led the strong team.   2017: 2017 World Baseball Classic marked the fourth edition of the tournament. It was hosted around multiple venues including Seoul, Miami, Tokyo, and Jalisco. The final was played between United States and Puerto Rico, making it the third final appearance for the Puerto Ricans. United States went on to win the championship by 8-0 scoreline. United States featured a star-studded lineup of major league players like Marcus Stroman, Andrew McCutchen, and Christian Yelich. The tournament also saw the debut of Israel in the tournament and went on a run to finish 6th in the tournament.   2023: The 2021 World Baseball Classic tournament was halted due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. The tournament took place in 2023, with Shohei Ohtani earning the Most Valuable Player award and Japan claiming the championship. Shota Imanaga was named the Winning Pitcher, and Masataka Yoshida made the All-World Baseball Classic Team. Japan was crowned the champion for the 3rd time in the history of World Baseball Classic and regained their supremacy over the sport.   Iconic Moments in World Baseball Classic  The spectacle and the fun World Baseball Classic has provided over the years is simply awe-inspiring. And while there are countless moments which would make into any highlight reels, the following five are the standout moments in the World Baseball Classic so far: Japan’s victory in

Since its inception, many greats and legends have graced the court of National Basketball Association (NBA). But only some have truly reached the potential and etched their name on the history of the sport. Be it a thrilling last-minute buzzer-beater or a flying slam dunk, there are numerous ways a fan can classify to rank these greats. But we are taking a straight-forward approach. A statistical method to list the top 10 All-time leading scorers in NBA history. If you want to know the GOATs of basketball, you might want to give this article a read. Top 10 All-time goats of sports history But for the purposes of this blog, we will be only looking at the career stats of some of these great NBA players and rank them in order of the points they scored during their playing career. Who makes it to the top? Read to find out. Three-time NBA MVP Moses Malone scored over 27,000 points during his playing career. 10. Moses Malone Known as “The Moses” for leading his team to glory and fame, Moses Malone played a powerful central player who had an excellent rebounding ability, supreme post-up moves and was an invincible scorer. He is known for his incomparable physicality and stamina. Moses Malone featured in over 1,300 regular-season games, and 134 play-off games. He has played for the likes Utah Stars, Spirits of St. Louis, Buffalo Braves, Houston Rockets, Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and San Antonio Spurs. However, his greatest ever appearance was for the Philadelphia 76ers, helping them secure a championship in 1983. In the finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Moses Malone scored 38 points and grabbed 24 rebounds, single-handedly guiding the 76ers to their first-ever championship victory. Apart from these, Moses Malone has been awarded NBA MVP 3 times, secured NBA All-Star finish for 12 times, and holds 8 All NBA selection. Games Played: 1,329 Points Scored: 27,409 9. Carmelo Anthony Carmelo Anthony Ranked 9th in the All time Leading Scorer in the history of NBA. (Source: Marca) Nicknamed Melo, Carmelo Anthony is a powerful scoring forward with a versatile offensive game and an ability to score from anywhere on the court. Influential both on and off the court, Anthony scored a career-high 62 points in a game against Charlotte Bobcats in 2014. He has also featured 10 times in the NBA All-Star teams and 6 times in All NBA selection. Over his long illustrious career, Anthony has played for Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Games Played: 1,260 Points Scored: 28,289 8. Shaquille O’Neal NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal amassed over 28596 points over his long career. (Source: The Indian Express) AKA Shaq, he was a dominant center player with exceptional size, strength & athleticism. Known for his ability to overpower his opponents in the post, Shaq remains a legend of NBA. The greatest match he ever played was against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2000 where he scored 61 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in the game. He has played for Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and most prominently for Los Angeles Lakers. Over the years, he has won 4 NBA Championship, won 3 times NBA Finals MVP, features in 15 NBA All-Star teams, and 8 times in All-NBA selection. Games Played: 1,207 Points Scored: 28,596 7. Wilt Chamberlain Popularly known as Wilt the Stilt and the Big Dipper, Wilt Chamberlain holds the record of scoring maximum points in a game that still stands today. On 2nd March 1962, Chamberlain scored 100 points against the New York Knicks and went on to become one of the all-time leading scorers in the history of NBA. As a central player, Chamberlain’s playing style involved strength & agility which allowed him to dominate the court. Chamberlain has secured 2 NBA Championship trophies, made it into 4 All-Star Game MVPs, 2 NBA MVP finals, 7 scoring titles, 11 rebounding titles, and 4 regular season MVPs. He has played for Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, & Los Angeles Lakers. Games Played: 1,045 Points Scored: 31,419 6. Dirk Nowitzki Mostly played as a power forward, Nowitzki is known for his shooting ability and one-legged fadeaway jump shot. His scoring, rebounding and leadership abilities earned him the much-needed fame and glory in the NBA history. A one franchise man, Nowitzki spent his playing career with Dallas Mavericks and led them to their first NBA Championship, scoring 21 points in the game 6 of the NBA finals against the Miami Heat. Nicknamed the Dunking Deutschman, Dirk has won 1 NBA championship, 1 regular season MVP, 15 All-Star Game appearances, 12 All-NBA Team selections and 1 Finals MVP. Games Played: 1,522 Points Scored: 31,560 5. Michael Jordan Known for his competitiveness and all-round defensive and offensive playing style, Michael Jordan is a legend of the sport. A pop-culture icon, Jordan’s dunking style and mid-acrobatics earned him the name, “Air Jordan.” One of the greatest games he ever played was against Utah Jazz despite battling a stomach virus. This performance has become known as the “Flu Game” and is considered one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history. He went on to score 38 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 5 assists in the game. Michael Jordan has amassed 6 NBA championships during his playing career with 5 regular season MVPs, 6 NBA Finals MVPs, 10 scoring titles, 14 All-Star game appearances, and 11 All-NBA team selections. He played for the Chicago Bulls & Washington Wizards. Games Played: 1,072 Points Scored: 32,292 4. Kobe Bryant Known for his shooting ability, footwork, competitiveness, Kobe played as a shooting guard for Los Angeles Lakers. Also known as the Black Mamba, he was a driving force to bring back Lakers into prominence in early 2000s. On 22nd Jan’06, Kobe scored his career-high 81 points in a single game against Toronto Raptors. Kobe Bryant has won 5 NBA championships, 1 regular season

What is the difference between Grand Prix and Formula 1? Formula 1 is a specific type of Grand Prix racing that adheres to the set of rules set defined by Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Whereas, Grand Prix racing refers to any type of auto racing held on closed circuits. These circuits can be on public roads or built for a specific purpose.   Most of the people today interchangeably use these words which is incorrect. Grand Prix is a class of automobile racings that can include MotoGP for motorcycle racing or FIA World Endurance Championship for sports car racing.   But colloquially, if you find anyone using the term Grand Prix without any additional qualifiers, they usually refer to Formula 1 racing.  Why F1 is called the Grand Prix? Formula 1 (F1) is often called the Grand Prix (GP), a term originating in France meaning “grand prize.” The first Grand Prix race took place in France in 1906. The term Grand Prix has since become synonymous with international motorsport events, including Formula 1. In F1, the term is used to refer to the individual races on the calendar, such as the Monaco Grand Prix or the Italian Grand Prix.  F1 races are known for their high levels of speed, skill, and technology, and the Grand Prix events are some of the most prestigious and popular motorsport races in the world. The term Grand Prix has come to represent the pinnacle of international motorsport, and is recognized and celebrated by fans and drivers alike.  Understanding Formula 1 race format: Formula 1 championship consists of series of individual race events, hosted across different continents, countries, and circuits. Each circuit pose a different challenge to the drivers. For 2023 Formula 1 championship, a total of 23 races have been scheduled. At the time of writing this blog, 3 of the Grand Prix have been completed. Bahrain Grand Prix, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and Australian Grand Prix have been completed.   The Belgium Grand Prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is regarded to be the trickiest of all because of its unpredictable weather conditions and high-speed corners. The track also offers elevation changes and presents fast & flowing corners. The Monaco Grand Prix is very popular and is crash-prone, mainly because of its narrow lanes.   What are the three days of Grand Prix race? The three days of a typical Formula 1 race weekend are:  Friday – Practice sessions: On Friday, there are two practice sessions that are held to allow drivers to get familiar with the track and to fine-tune the car’s setup. The first practice session usually lasts for 90 minutes, while the second session lasts for an hour.  Saturday – Qualifying: On Saturday, there is a third practice session that lasts for an hour, followed by the qualifying session. The qualifying session determines the starting grid for the race on Sunday, with the fastest driver securing pole position. The qualifying session is split into three parts: Q1, Q2, and Q3, with the slowest drivers being eliminated after each part.  Sunday – Race Day: On Sunday, the main event takes place, which is the race. The race is typically 300 kilometers or a maximum of two hours long, depending on which comes first. This race is the most important part of the weekend, as it determines who earns points towards the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. The race start time can vary depending on the location of the circuit and the time zone.  Schedule of F1 2023: Winning F1 championship vs winning grand prix:  Winning grand prix is like winning a battle in F1 context. Whereas, winning the f1 championship is like winning the war.   The points system for winning a Grand Prix in Formula 1 (F1) has changed over the years, but the current system, introduced in 2010, awards points as follows:  1st place: 25 points 2nd place: 18 points 3rd place: 15 points 4th place: 12 points 5th place: 10 points 6th place: 8 points 7th place: 6 points 8th place: 4 points 9th place: 2 points 10th place: 1 point  In addition to these points, there is an additional point awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap of the race, provided that they finish in the top 10. If the driver with the fastest lap finishes outside the top 10, the point is not awarded.  Drivers earn points in each race, which accumulate throughout the season to decide the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. The driver and constructor with the most points win the titles.  Which Grand Prix is the grandest of all? The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious and famous Formula 1 races in the world. It is held annually on the Circuit de Monaco, a street circuit located in the streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine in the Principality of Monaco.  The race first took place in 1929 and has been held every year since, except in 1951. The Circuit de Monaco is known for its tight, twisty layout, which makes overtaking difficult and requires high levels of driver skill and precision.  The race weekend typically includes three days of practice and qualifying sessions, followed by the race itself on Sunday. The Monaco Grand Prix is known for its glamour and prestige, with many celebrities and VIPs in attendance.  The race has been won by many famous drivers, including Ayrton Senna, Graham Hill, and Michael Schumacher. The current lap record for the circuit is held by Max Verstappen, who set a time of 1:14.260 in the 2021 race.   You can catch all the live action on F1 TV. 

We all have a favorite sport. Even more, we all have a favorite player. These affiliations mean different fan bases, debating over who is the greatest of all times. Are you a fan of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Do you advocate for Federer or are you a die-hard fan of Nadal? Whose side are you on: Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Who is the greatest of all time goats of sports history Fanbases around the world are split on whose the greatest of all times. And these topics make up for good debates. And while everyone agrees, these lists are subjective, nonetheless, the following list has been curated keeping in mind the general opinion of the fans. For convenience, this blog lists the top 3 goats of sports history from 10 different sports. So, without further ado, let’s get started with the list. Read till the last to find out if your favorite has made the list. 1. Football (Soccer):  Lionel Messi: 7 times world-record holder of Ballon d’OR award, 6 times European Golden Shoe winner, 10 La Liga trophies, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 4 Champions League titles, and 1 World Cup Winner medal, Lionel Messi is the most decorated footballer of all times. The Argentine wonder followed in the footsteps of Diego Maradona, Leo went on to surpass El Pelusa to become undisputedly the greatest ever footballer to have graced a football pitch. Messi spent 21 years with Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint–Germain reuniting with his Barca teammate Neymar. Messi’s goal tally now stands at 803 and has made over 1000+ appearances.   Cristiano Ronaldo: A brand in himself, CR7 is the highest goal scorer in the history of the sport and is undoubtedly one of the goats of sports history. With 832 goals, 5 Ballon d’OR, 4 European Golden shoes, 7 league titles and 5 UEFA Champions Leagues trophies, Cristiano is the greatest player this generation has witnessed. Combined with Leo, these two giants have dominated the sport for over 2 decades and remains the greatest rivalry ever. A supreme athlete and the most followed man on Instagram, Ronaldo has defied laws through his sheer perseverance. From Madeira to Manchester, and from Bernabeu to Allianz, the man has conquered 3 of the top European leagues to etch his name in the history of the sport. Pele & Maradona: The two of the classics, Pele & Maradona made everyone fall in love with football. Between them, they have 4 World Cup trophies (3 for Pele & 1 for Maradona) and over 1200+, these two are absolute legends of the games. Inspired generations after them, they have popularized South American flavored football on the global platform. Any list in football is incomplete without these two legends featuring in it. 2. Basketball: Michael Jordan: Owing to his extraordinary leaping ability to stay in the air for the longest, Michael Jordan got the name Air Jordan for a reason. His competitive spirit, scoring ability, and clutch performances on the biggest of stages, makes him the G.O.A.T in the history of NBA. Having won 6 NBA Championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998), 6 NBA MVP finals, and 5 NBA MVP, he holds a legendary status in the sport. Having spent the majority of his career with Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan was an inspiration to many who followed in his footsteps. LeBron James: 4 times NBA Championships winner, with 4 NBA Finals MVP and 4 NBA MVP, many experts and analysts consider LeBron in the same bracket as Jordan. His versatility, all-round skill, consistency, longevity, and scoring prowess rightly earned him the name “King James”. Drafted to Cleveland Cavaliers in his first season, LeBron won two championships with Miami Heat before making his move LA Lakers where he is still going strong winning his fourth title in 2020. Kobe Bryant: Known as Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant is an absolute legend of the game. With 5 NBA Championships with his lifelong team LA Lakers, Kobe had an amazing scoring range, a wide range of offensive moves and a deadly jump shot. Kobe has also been awarded 2 times NBA finals MVP and an NBA MVP to his name. He had a huge cultural impact and was an inspiration both on and off the court. In January 2020, the world of sports was shocked by Kobe’s tragic helicopter crash that led to an outpour of tributes from his peers and fans alike. His tragic passing in 2020 left a massive void in the sports world, but Kobe’s legacy as one of the goats of sports history remains unmatched. G.O.A.T. 3. Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar: The Master-Blaster who has amassed over 15,000 runs in Test cricket and 18,000 runs in ODIs, making him leading run-scorer in the history of all formats of the game. Known for his cover and straight drive, he his wristy and has world-class hand-eye coordination. His victory in the 2011 World Cup further solidified his place as one of the goats of sports history. Don Bradman: With a test average of 99.94, Sir Donald Bradman is the greatest Australian cricketer, leading the Aussies to many memorable victories. His iconic pull shot, and his quick footwork led him to score 29 centuries in just 52 test matches. Bradman is known for his technique and consistency, and remains the greatest cricketer even today. Mahendra Singh Dhoni: Known for his calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and excellent leadership skills, Dhoni is regarded as one of the greatest cricketing captains of all time, having led the Indian team to numerous victories in all game formats. Dhoni made his debut for the Indian cricket team in December 2004 and went on to play 90 Test matches, 350 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 98 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for India. He is also the only captain in the world to have won all three major International Cricket Council (ICC) trophies – the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 ICC World Cups. Dhoni because of his composed demeanor

Golf Ball Types Does knowing Golf Ball Types improve your game? Short answer, No. Why? Because if you are a beginner, you must know many other things about Golf to swing those clubs. But if you are a pro (low handicap and scratch golfers), knowing different ball types and features like high compression core, multi-layer construction, hardness, required driver spin, or amount of wedge spin you need to add will add much more to your game. If you are competing at the world championship level, where the difference between the players is next to nothing, knowing the Golf Ball Types can be the differential to winning a triple crown or even career grand slams. Experts and veterans who have spent years studying and playing this sport prioritize Golf Ball types to enhance their performances. While advanced players can get more distance out of any golf ball and control their shots better, intermediate players need to know about golf ball types to make that leap. Details like dimple patterns on the ball, cover, and core of the golf ball all become relevant once you understand the basics. While some golf ball types favor professionals, some are custom-made for beginners. So, how do you find the difference, find the right one for you, and make a difference in your style of play! Read this blog to find out. Types of Golf Balls: Broadly speaking, golf balls are widely categorized into four types: Tour Performance:Tour performance types of golf balls are the most expensive and are ideal for low handicap and scratch golfers who have a faster swing speed. Tour performance of golf balls is optimal for long distances and spin. They are made of 3-5 layers. Tour Value: These types of golf balls are almost similar to Tour Performance Golf Balls, but Tour Value Golf Balls have a low compression rating, less spin, and are reasonable. They are made of 3 layers. Straight Distance: These golf balls are built with a large core thin outer layer and do not perform an excellent short game with wedge spin. They are made of 2-3 layers. These are designed for long distances, fly straighter, and are cheaper than Tour Value golf balls. Soft Distance: Made of 2-3 layers, they are designed for golfers with slower swing speeds. These are specially designed for amateur golfers who will get more distance with less side-to-side spin with these balls. Factors making critical differences to the types of Golf Balls: Here are the factors you should be paying attention to while deciding on the kind of golf ball for practicing: Dimples:  A low-handicap would opt for 500 dimples, whereas a newbie would prefer 300. And trust me, this has got nothing to do with the design. The dimples serve a particular and vital purpose: providing spin and distance. Someone who doesn’t know how to spin or control the spin would opt for fewer dimples. Whereas the professionals would opt for the highest amount of dimples. Cover:  Typically, golf balls are made of either of two materials: Urethane & Surlyn. Urethane delivers the highest spin on wedge shots. Hence, it is used in tours. Surlyn covers are more rigid and more durable compared to Urethane. The rugged exterior allows the Surlyn to travel the distance. Still, Urethane, because of its soft surface, gives more control to the shot and is prone to easier marking. Compression:  Compression is a crucial factor for golf ball types. Compression is the ability of the golf ball to handle the high-speed impact. It also determines flexibility, allowing the ball to recoil without breaking apart when hit. For starters, low compression allows more distance but comprises the control. Low-handicaps prefer high-compression golf balls because they offer more control over the ball. Layers:  As the sport underwent a series of upgrades over the years, so did the golf balls. From horsehide and feathers, the golf ball has come a long way. From cover to the core, golf balls incorporate several layers to keep up with technological advances. Each golf ball of various layers adds something unique to every golfer’s ability. These subtle variances help golfers get the most out of their playing style. The basic are piece golf balls perfect for beginners and for the driving range. The layers keep on increasing progressively. The 5-layered golf balls are apt for low handicaps and offer tour-level performance. Hardness:  The harder the ball, the further it will travel. The softer the ball, the easier to add more spin. Although the more rigid balls offer more control in terms of hitting them straight, the softer balls are preferred by the pros. Color:  While color may seem vague and doesn’t affect the game’s technicalities or style, people with vision issues are advised to choose balls that are visible over a long range. Conclusion: Mastering golf requires aligning many factors like picking the right club, your swing motion, understanding wind and terrain details, etc. Golf ball types are not the first thing you want to focus on while learning. As you gradually progress as a golfer, you must handle different golf ball types. Knowing golf ball types can add those finishing touches to your overall development as a golfer.

My introduction to this Club As the famous quote by Gary Weaver says: “It is in the fabric of this football club, it is in the soul of this football club, they never, never give up.” I used to practice football in our school days and watch it on TV as I was fascinated by this beautiful game and wanted to learn more by watching the great players play. This was the time when Manchester United was at their supreme best. They were on a winning trot in the English Premier League and went on to win the league by edging past Arsenal in the year 2002. This is when I fell in love with this football club. As Eric Cantona quoted: You can change your political beliefs, you can change your religion, but never ever you can change your favorite football team. This is what most passionate football fans do, they stick with their favorite team and never ever leave supporting them even in the team’s distress times. I have been following United since then. I have seen highs and lows with this clubs. History of the club The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath’s Carriage and Wagon division established Manchester United Football Club in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club. Initially competing against other departments and train firms at their home field of North Road, the squad joined The Combination, a regional football league, in 1888. Newton Heath, however, joined the newly established Football Alliance after the league was dissolved before the end of its first season. The Football Alliance lasted for three seasons until being combined into The Football League. Due to this, the team began the 1892–93 season in the First Division, at which point it had separated from the rail business and omitted the “LYR” from its name. Busby Years (1945-1969) Football was about to resume after the world war, which led to the appointment of Matt Busby as manager in October 1945. Busby requested an unprecedented level of control over team selection, player transfers, and practice sessions. In 1947, 1948, and 1949, the club finished second in the league under Busby’s leadership. In 1948, the team also won the FA Cup. The team won the First Division in 1952, marking its first league crown in 41 years. The team, who had an average age of 22, went on to win back-to-back league championships in 1956 and 1957. The media dubbed them “the Busby Babes,” which was a monument to Busby’s belief in his young players. Notwithstanding The Football Association’s reservations, Manchester United became the first English team to participate in the European Cup in 1957. Munich Air Disaster The next year, after Manchester United had defeated Red Star Belgrade in the quarterfinal of the European Cup, the team’s plane containing players, officials, and journalists crashed as it was attempting to take off from Munich, Germany, where it had refueled. Eight players—Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, and Billy Whelan—were among the 23 people killed and numerous others were injured in the Munich flight accident on February 6, 1958. The Era of Sir Alex Ferguson (1986-2013) Sir Alex Ferguson joined as the manager at Manchester United in 1986 from Aberdeen and went on to become the greatest manager of all time. During his 26 years with Manchester United he won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles (1999 and 2008). The Class of ‘92 Manchester United’s Class of ’92 is the most popular gathering of football foundation graduates in Head Association history. In numerous ways, the gathering highlighting David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, and the Neville siblings, was the last extraordinary gathering of young people to be advanced into an English first-group around a similar time span. The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at the world stage On 12th August 2003, Manchester United signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon making him the first Portuguese player to ever play for the club. He went on to be one of the greatest players of all time. Sir Alex played a crucial part in the player’s over all development, Ronaldo went on to say about Sir Alex that,” He’s been my father in sport, one of the most important and influential factors in my career.” Ronaldo won his first prestigious Ballon D’Or award in 2008 under Sir Alex. Post-Ferguson Era: After Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, David Moyes was announced as the next club manager, It was a huge honor for him along with a huge legacy to carry forward. But just after one year he was sacked from his position as the club failed to defend its premier league title and qualify for the champions league for the first time since 1995-96. After Moyes, Louis Van Gaal replaced him as the manager and club legend Ryan Giggs was his assistant, Under Van Gaal United won 12th FA Cup, but a disappointing performance in the league led to the sacking of Van Gaal as well just two days after the FA Cup final. Jose Mourinho was appointed the manager, in the first year of his managerial stint Manchester United went on to win FA Community Shield, EFL Cup and Europa League.

Introduction:   Compiling the Top 10 list of professional football league players is not a child’s play. It is one of the most debated and challenging things to do. From over 100 legends of the sport, narrowing it down to 10 is a task. And while preparing this list, I had to keep my biases aside, recognize the greats, and submit to the obvious facts. Some defining parameters considered are Hall of Fame inductions, career stats, awards & reputations, impact on the game, and game-changing historical moments. Feel free to agree, disagree, argue, debate, or simply browse the list. Read to find out if your favorites made the list. Whom did we miss?   Here are the Top 10 ranked greatest NFL players of all time:  10. Johnny Unitas Position: Quarterback  Years Active: 1956 to 1973  Teams Played: Pittsburg Steelers (1955), Baltimore Colts (1956-1972), San Diego Chargers (1973) Notable Achievements: Most Valuable Player (1959, 1964, 1967), 3 Championship Titles with Colts (1958, 1959, 1968), 1 Super Bowl (V), Most consecutive games for touchdown pass. AKA: Golden Arm  Hailed as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Johnny Unitas is the undisputed champion of passing and touchdowns. Unitas is credited with popularizing the sport back in the late 50s. He started his career with Pittsburgh Steelers but rose to fame when he joined Baltimore Colts under the guidance of legendary coach Weeb Ewbank. He won his first championship with the Colts by defeating New York Giants in a nail-biting finish. Colts won it 23-17 in sudden death, and many dubbed it “the greatest game ever played”. This match also saw the first overtime game in the history of the NFL. 9.Deion Sanders Position: Cornerback  Years Active: 1989 – 2006 Teams Played: Atlanta Falcons (1989-1993), San Francisco 49ers (1994), Dallas Cowboys (1995-1999), Washington Redskins (2000), Baltimore Ravens (2004-2005)  Notable Achievements: 2 Super Bowl Champion (XXIX, XXX), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1994), Jimmy Thorpe award  AKA: Neon Deion, Prime Time  The only athlete ever to feature in both Super Bowl & World Series, Deion Sanders was a supreme athlete in his prime. Known for his exploits in Baseball & Football league, Sanders is arguably the best cornerback this game has ever seen. He played 14 seasons with various teams and won 2 Super Bowls. He has also been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and made into the All-Pro First Teams 6 times. Now, he is the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes and continues to impact the game from the sidelines.   8. Reggie White Position: Defensive end Years Active: 1985-2000 Teams Played: Philadelphia Eagles (1985-1992), Green Bay Packers (1993-1998), Carolina Panthers (2000) Notable Achievements: Super Bowl Champion (XXXI), 2x NFL Defensive Player of the Year AKA: The Minister of Defense Spent 15 seasons as one of the most highly regarded defensive end players in the National Football League, Reggie White reigned supreme. Two times NFL Defensive Player of the year, a Super Bowl Champion, and 13-time Pro-Bowl Selection, he holds the second position for all-time NFL career sack leaders with 198. ESPN SportsNation voted him one of the Eagles’ most outstanding players. Inducted to the Hall of Fame posthumously, Reggie White left a long-lasting impression on the sport.  7.Peyton Manning Position: Quarterback  Years Active: 1998 – 2015  Teams Played: Indianapolis Colts (1998-2011), Denver Broncos (2012-2015)  Notable Achievements: 2 Super Bowl Championship (XLI with Colts, 50 with Broncos), 5 times Most Valuable Player, Most Career Passing Yards (71,940) and touchdown passes (539)  AKA: The Sheriff  A second-generation NFL quarterback, Peyton Manning is the prodigal son of Archie Manning. Manning has a passing rating of 96.5 and helped transform the struggling Indianapolis Colts into a force to be reckoned with, leading them to 11 playoff appearances. Manning also holds the record for the most passing touchdowns in a single season with a tally of 55. One of the defining moments in Peyton Manning’s career was the match played between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears, where he completed 25 of 38 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown, leading the Colts to a 29-17 victory, earning the MVP award. 6. Walter Payton  Position: Running Back  Years Active: 1975 – 1987  Teams Played: Chicago Bears  Notable Achievements: Super Bowl Championships (XX), NFL Most Valuable Player, (1977), Offensive Player of the Year (1977)  AKA: Sweetness  One team man, Walter Payton, spent his 13 years playing with Chicago Bears. He set the record for most career rushing yards, was a 9-time Pro-Bowl selection, and was pivotal in helping Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory. His philanthropic ventures off the field equally matched his charismatic personality on the field. He founded Walter Payton Foundation to support underprivileged children. His game against Minnesota Vikings is dubbed the “Walter Payton Game,” where he rushed for 275 yards on 40 carries, breaking the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game, helping the Chicago Bears win the game 10-7. Payton passed away after a rare liver disease at 45, but his legacy still lives on.  5. Joe Montana Position: Quarterback  Years Active: 1979 – 1994  Teams Played: San Francisco 49ers (1979-1992), Kansas City Chiefs (1993-1994)  Notable Achievements: 4x Super Bowl Championships (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV), 3x Super Bowl MVP (XVI, XIX, XXIV), 2x NFL MVP (1989, 1990)  AKA: Joe Cool, the Comeback Kid  Joe Montana has one of the most illustrious careers in the NFL and is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. He was the NFL Offensive player of the year (1989), won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1986), and made 3 times into the First team All-Pro in 87, 89, and 90 seasons. Montana was also named “Sportsman of the Year” in 1990 by Sports Illustrated. While Joe Montana has endless career highlight reels, his match against Dallas stands out. Dubbed “The Catch,” Montana made the game-winning touchdown pass to Dwight Clark. Not to forget, a Super Bowl-winning 92-yard drive against the Cincinnati Bengals in XXIII is

Introduction Know about Kabaddi? If not, you’re in for a treat! Kabaddi is a sport that may not always grab the spotlight, but it’s packed with excitement, strategy, and incredible physical demands. Originating in South Asia, Kabaddi has become increasingly popular across the globe—and for good reason. It’s thrilling, fast-paced, and full of surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a newbie looking for a new sport, Kabaddi offers an excellent combination of teamwork, physicality, and mental agility. So, buckle up as we dive deep into the world of Kabaddi! What Is Kabaddi? Kabaddi is a unique team sport with deep roots in South Asian cultures, particularly India, where it is considered the national sport in many regions. The game is played between two teams, each consisting of seven players. The objective? One team sends a “raider” to the opposing side to tag opponents, while holding their breath, and return safely to their own side without getting tackled. Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s not as easy as it seems! It requires excellent physical endurance, strategy, and quick reflexes. How Does Kabaddi Work? The game is played in a rectangular field divided into two halves, with each team occupying one half. The raider’s mission is to tag as many players from the opposite team as possible and then make it back without being caught. The challenge is intensified by the rule that the raider must chant “Kabaddi, Kabaddi” while holding their breath, which adds an extra layer of difficulty and excitement. The Rules of Kabaddi Kabaddi is a fast-paced game that’s easy to understand but tough to master. Here’s a breakdown of the fundamental rules: 1. Teams and Turns Kabaddi involves two teams of seven players each. The teams take turns raiding the opponent’s side, with one player from each team designated as the raider. 2. Raid and Chanting The raider must cross into the opposing half, touch as many opponents as they can, and return to their side. The twist? The raider must chant “Kabaddi” without taking a breath, and if they break the chant or inhale, they’re out! 3. Defensive Play On the defensive side, players try to stop the raider by tackling them before they can return to their side. A successful tackle or any defensive move that prevents a raider from scoring results in the defending team earning points. 4. Scoring Points are scored when the raider touches an opponent and returns safely, or when the defending team tackles or catches the raider. If a raider gets caught, the opposing team gets a point. The game is typically played in two halves, each lasting 20 minutes, and the team with the most points at the end wins. Pretty straightforward, but the real excitement comes from the strategy and physical stamina required to succeed! Types of Kabaddi While standard Kabaddi is the most widely played version, there are a few variations of the game, each with its own unique set of rules and characteristics: Standard Kabaddi This is the most common form of Kabaddi, played in international competitions, including the Pro Kabaddi League. Two teams try to score by sending raiders to touch the opposition and return safely. Circle Kabaddi Played on a circular field, this variation involves two teams of seven players. Players enter the opposing team’s area and attempt to tag opponents while avoiding being tackled. Beach Kabaddi As the name suggests, this version is played on the beach! The rules are similar to traditional Kabaddi, but the sandy surface adds a whole new dimension to the game. The game is slower but still intense, requiring strong stamina and skill. International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) Rules For competitive international play, the IKF has established its own set of guidelines. These rules often involve larger teams (up to 12 players) and are played on a standard rectangular field. Kabaddi Equipment You Need You may be wondering, “What equipment do I need to start playing Kabaddi?” The beauty of Kabaddi is that it doesn’t require too much gear—making it accessible for players of all ages. However, there are still a few essential items: Essential Kabaddi Gear Kabaddi Court: The field should be marked with boundary lines, and the standard court size is 13m x 10m for men and 12m x 8m for women. This helps define the playing area and ensures fairness during matches. Bib and Shorts: While traditional Kabaddi doesn’t require much gear, wearing comfortable clothing is essential. Bibs help differentiate players, while shorts or tracksuits make it easier to move around quickly. Tackle Belts (Optional): In some leagues, players may wear special tackle belts that protect them during intense physical confrontations, particularly in defensive plays. Footwear: Good footwear is crucial for traction on the field. Cleats or running shoes are ideal, depending on the surface you play on. How to Train for Kabaddi Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get down to training. Kabaddi is a sport that demands excellent physical fitness, especially when it comes to endurance, strength, and agility. Here are some tips to help you prepare: 1. Build Stamina and Endurance Kabaddi requires a lot of running and sprinting. Focus on cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming to build endurance. Incorporating sprints and interval training will also help you mimic the fast-paced nature of the game. 2. Work on Strength and Agility Players must be quick on their feet and have enough strength to make tackles or avoid them. Incorporate strength training exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups to improve your agility and overall power. 3. Focus on Breathing The challenge of holding your breath while chanting “Kabaddi” during a raid is one of the most unique aspects of the sport. Practice controlled breathing techniques and cardio exercises to increase lung capacity. 4. Practice Tagging and Tackling Work with a partner to practice tagging and defending. These skills are crucial for both raiders and defenders, so practice regularly to perfect your technique. 5. Flexibility Incorporate flexibility training, like