Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Editor's comment: India’s Olympics joy

Editor's comment: India’s Olympics joy

IN A country where cricket stars such as Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar have god-like status, the time has come for India’s female sports stars to revel in a similar spotlight.

Weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu became the latest Indian woman to proudly stand on the Olympic podium after she won a silver medal in the women’s 49kg category.


To date, 16 Indians have won individual medals at the summer Olympics, and six of these have been women.

Athletes including PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal (badminton), Mary Kom (boxing), Karnam Malleswari and Sakshi Malik (wrestling) and now Chanu have all made India’s name shine in front of a worldwide audience – something, say it quietly, the likes of Kohli and Tendulkar cannot claim to have done (though it could be argued that cricket is not an Olympics sport. Yet).

Chanu dedicated her medal to her country and thanked the “billion prayers of all Indians”. The Manipur native got a hero’s welcome when she arrived home, with hundreds of people filling the airport and lining the streets.

Her silver remains India’s sole medal so far at the Tokyo Games. If the country goes on to win multiple medals, it should come as no surprise if they are won by Vinesh Phogat (wrestling), Sindhu, Kom, Lovlina Borgohain (boxing), and Kamalpreet Kaur (discus).

As for Chanu, she came home to find boxes of free pizza in her living room, supplied by a popular chain. It could spark a sponsorship deal and that, in turn, will lead to well-deserved recognition of non-cricketing stars in the country.

More For You

Comment: Ramadan’s message of unity, charity, and faith can inspire us all

Nigel Huddleston

Comment: Ramadan’s message of unity, charity, and faith can inspire us all

Nigel Huddleston

RAMADAN is a unique and special time for Muslims in Britain and across the world. It is a time to reflect on and renew their faith, through devotion and spirituality, while fulfilling the five pillars of Islam.

During this hugely important time of prayer and fasting, the message of Ramadan is one we can all relate to – especially the importance of charity and compassion. These core values at the heart of Islamic faith are the very same values that those of all faiths or none can aspire to.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comment: ‘UK’s multicultural identity owes much to south Asians’

Lord Kamlesh Patel of Bradford, chair of the project; Vikram Doraiswami, India’s high commissioner to the UK; Lord Navnit Dholakia, former deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats; and Professor Mark Smith, vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton, at the launch of the Ramniklal Solanki Pioneers Project in July 2024

Comment: ‘UK’s multicultural identity owes much to south Asians’

Sabu S Padmadas

IN 1951, Sardar Harnam Singh Roudh arrived by himself to England from Punjab, carrying only a suitcase of clothes and £3 in his pocket.

His legacy as a pioneer is best remembered for his compassionate leadership and selfless service in uniting people from diverse backgrounds, while championing the local Sikh community to thrive in a multicultural Britain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Viras’ book 'Art Under the Indian Sun' dives into artistic legacies of Raj

Jennifer Howes, Ratna Vira and Sona Datta

Viras’ book 'Art Under the Indian Sun' dives into artistic legacies of Raj

Dr Sona Datta

ON A crisp evening before Christmas, I found myself at the Traveller’s Club in London’s posh Pall Mall.

Like other anachronisms of old England, this particular place doesn’t permit unaccompanied women. So, Jennifer Howes (an expat Canadian) and me (a British-born Bengali) arrived as two arch Indophiles, sporting silk scarves and lipstick, for an author-talk at the invitation of the Indian High Commissioner, Vikram Doraiswami.

Keep ReadingShow less
Russia's 'Ghost Fleet': Navigating the Murky Waters of Sanctions and Oil Transport

Russia's 'Ghost Fleet': Navigating the Murky Waters of Sanctions and Oil Transport

In the wake of stringent Western sanctions aimed at curbing Russia's oil revenues, a clandestine network of aging tankers, dubbed the "ghost fleet," has emerged as a pivotal player in global oil transportation. This fleet operates under a veil of secrecy, employing tactics designed to circumvent international restrictions. While effective in sustaining Russia's oil exports, the ghost fleet introduces a host of challenges and risks to the global oil market.

The Genesis of the Ghost Fleet

Keep ReadingShow less
Aga Khan IV tribute: ‘Life defined by service to humanity

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and Lord Tariq Ahmad

Aga Khan IV tribute: ‘Life defined by service to humanity

Lord Tariq Ahmad

LAST Tuesday (4), I learned of the sad news of the passing of an incredible humanitarian, scholar and religious leader, who inspired and brought hope to millions – His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. (To god we belong, to god we shall return).

He was a global leader renowned for his contribution to humanitarian work, development and the promotion of pluralism, religious coexistence and was a guardian of cultural heritage. Prince Karim Aga Khan studied in Switzerland and later at Harvard University, where he earned a degree in Islamic history in 1959. His studies provided him with a deep understanding of his faith and global affairs, shaping his leadership and vision for his community and his service to humanitarian causes.

Keep ReadingShow less