Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Masters debutants Bhatia and Theegala raise hope for Indian Golf

Indian-American players Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala are all set to make an impact at the Masters, with hopes of igniting a surge in Indian golfing talent.

Masters debutants Bhatia and Theegala raise hope for Indian Golf

Emerging from the ranks of professional golf, Indian-American players Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala are all set to make an impact at the Augusta Masters, with hopes of igniting a surge in Indian golfing talent.

Hailing from California, both in their twenties, Bhatia, fresh off his recent victory at the PGA Texas Open, and Theegala, who clinched his first PGA title last September, are set to tee off among the esteemed field of 89 players at Augusta National this Thursday.


Reflecting on their potential influence on the sport in India, Bhatia said, "I don't know if I quite realise what Sahith and I can do for golf in India."

He continued, "I know it's really special when I have a bunch of fans looking up to me, a bunch of kids coming up to me. I think it's awesome just being able to grow the game not only in the States but also in India."

Theegala, too, expressed his excitement at the support from the Indian community, recalling the encouragement he received at the Houston Open last month. "You feel prideful. It's really cool," he said. "In Houston, a bunch of young Indian kids came out and followed, and my parents were there encouraging them."

Bhatia etched his name into golfing history with a thrilling victory at the Valero Texas Open, securing a coveted spot in the Masters.

Bhatia’s triumph was nothing short of sensational as he navigated through a tense playoff against Denny McCarthy at the TPC San Antonio. Despite McCarthy’s late charge, which saw him birdie eight of the last nine holes, Bhatia held his nerve to emerge victorious.

Bhatia injured his left shoulder late in his victory Sunday in San Antonio, popping the shoulder out of place with a vigorous fist pump after sinking a long putt to force a playoff. While it was popped back into place quickly, the shoulder remains a source of concern as he prepares for his Masters debut.

"The shoulder is going to be a work in progress, for sure," Bhatia said. "I've had it happen two, three times. I had a full dislocation playing pickleball a couple years ago and subluxed in Bermuda in 2021.

The 22-year-old American is the first player to reach the finals of the junior Drive, Chip and Putt competition at Augusta National, which he did in the 2014 inaugural edition, and qualify for the Masters.

(AFP)

More For You

uk-railways-iStock

The package includes £415 million to upgrade the rail line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York, a route affected by delays and disruptions. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Government announces £1.7 bn transport investment for the North

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a £1.7 billion investment to improve transport infrastructure across the North, focusing on buses, roads, and rail.

The funding aims to upgrade key routes and improve connectivity across the region.

Keep ReadingShow less
 20 Years of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ – A TV Legacy That Lives On

20 years of love, loss, and unforgettable moments—Grey’s Anatomy continues to define TV drama

Pinterest

20 years of 'Grey’s Anatomy': The show that became a lifeline

For someone who has always craved fast-paced crime shows, I never thought I’d care about a hospital drama. The scrubs, the medical jargon, the beeping monitors, it all felt distant, clinical. But life breaks you open when you least expect it. I started Grey’s Anatomy on a night when my own grief was too loud. I needed noise to fill the silence. Then Meredith Grey’s voice cut through:

“So, do it. Decide.
Is this the life you want to live?
Is this the person you want to love?
Is this the best you can be?
Can you be stronger? Kinder?
More compassionate? Decide.

Keep ReadingShow less
IPL 2025 – GT vs MI: Who Will Secure Their First Win

Both teams eager to secure their maiden win of IPL 2025

Getty

IPL 2025 - GT vs MI: Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians aim for first win

The ninth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will take place on March 29 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, featuring a highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Both teams will be keen to register their first win of the season after disappointing starts in their respective opening matches. This game is expected to be a closely fought contest, with each side eager to make an early impact in the tournament.

Gujarat Titans: Seeking redemption after high-scoring defeat

Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, began their IPL 2025 campaign with a high-scoring encounter against the Punjab Kings, but unfortunately ended up on the losing side. Despite some positive individual performances, the team was unable to secure a victory, and they will be keen to turn things around against MI.

Keep ReadingShow less
Why Do Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Different Days? 3 Key Reasons

Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next

iStock

3 reasons why Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid al-Fitr on different days

Eid is one of the most joyous and important festivals in Islam, celebrated twice a year by Muslims worldwide. However, it’s common to see variations in the exact day of celebration, even within the same country. Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next. This divergence can sometimes confuse people outside the Muslim community and even among Muslims themselves. But the reasons for this variation are rooted in Islamic traditions and differing interpretations of how to determine the Islamic calendar.

Here are the three main reasons why Muslims don’t always celebrate Eid on the same day:

Keep ReadingShow less
Keir-Starmer-Getty

Keir Starmer’s communications chief has resigned after nine months in Downing Street. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Starmer’s communications chief Matthew Doyle resigns after nine months

KEIR STARMER’s communications chief, Matthew Doyle, has resigned after nine months in Downing Street. Doyle, a Labour veteran who previously worked for Tony Blair, joined Starmer’s team as communications director four years ago when the party was in opposition.

His departure follows that of Sue Gray, Starmer’s former chief of staff, who left in the autumn. Doyle’s exit is expected to lead to the promotions of James Lyons to director of communications (strategy) and Steph Driver to director of communications (delivery), according to the BBC.

Keep ReadingShow less