As 2024 comes to a close, I decided to try something new. In this special episode, I’m joined by Vignesh to unpack our thoughts on The Day I Became a Runner by Sohini Chattopadhyay. We begin with Vignesh’s journey into becoming a sports fan in Kerala, reflecting on how reading newspapers shaped his perspective on sports.

From there, we dive into the book’s rich layers, discussing topics like the challenges female athletes face to play, the triumph of breaking barriers like the Boston Marathon’s gender restrictions, and the heartbreaking reality of gender tests. Vignesh also shares how he was profoundly moved by Ila Mitra’s story and the broader lessons the book offers about sports and education.

In a thought-provoking moment, Vignesh draws a powerful analogy between sports and the social impact space, highlighting how both often glorify traditional success over the learnings gained from trying.

Tune in to hear our reflections, insights, and takeaways from this incredible read!

In this heartfelt episode of The Sport Kaleidoscope, we're back to celebrate an icon as we reflect on the incredible career of Rafael Nadal following his retirement announcement. I’m joined by my close friend and fellow Rafa superfan, Shuba Ramkumar, to share our most cherished memories of the man who inspired us both. Shuba reveals how she became a Rafa fan and recounts the unforgettable experiences of watching him live at the Chennai Open and Wimbledon. We delve into how Rafa's influence extended far beyond the tennis court, shaping Shuba’s adolescent years in personal and meaningful ways. Together, we explore the lessons we’ve learned from watching Rafa, not just as a tennis player but as a person, and how he brought us together—forming the foundation of our friendship.

We also reflected on our insecurities about Rafa’s game during his early years, acknowledging that while he wasn’t perfect, his impact on us was profound nonetheless. Shuba posed a thought-provoking question, asking whether our connection to Rafa might have been different if Novak Djokovic had emerged as Federer's primary rival from the start, rather than stepping in as the disruptor. We also look back at our favourite Rafa matches, making this a deeply personal tribute to a legend who impacted our lives in so many ways.

Show Notes

• The Sport Kaleidoscope Instagram
• Poorvaja Prakash - LinkedIn
• Shuba Ramkumar - LinkedIn
• Rafa Nada at the Chennai Open

• When Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal won People's Hearts in Chennai

In this special episode, we dive into the magic of the Olympics with Neeraj Joshi, a dedicated sports aficionado and lifelong Olympics fan. We take an international perspective, exploring both the Summer and Winter Olympics. From his first vivid memories of the 1992 Olympics, where he witnessed the awe-inspiring presence of NBA giants, to the thrilling moments of the US Women's Water Polo team's triumph in 2012, Neeraj recounts his most cherished Olympic experiences.

Join us as we explore his live experience of the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, and reminisce about the most inspirational and shocking moments that have left an indelible mark on him. Looking ahead to Paris 2024, Neeraj shares his excitement about new sports like Breaking (yes, Break Dancing!)

In addition to his Olympic insights, Neeraj also provides a few must-watch movie recommendations for sports fans. This episode is a captivating journey through Olympic history, filled with personal stories, passionate insights, and a glimpse into what’s to come.

We are thrilled to launch season two of The Sport Kaleidoscope with a special Olympic-focused episode! Join us as we chat with Vinayakk Mohanarangan, a seasoned journalist from the Indian Express, who shares his favorite Olympic memories from the past eight years.

From the electrifying moment of Neeraj Chopra's gold medal win to the heartfelt story behind PV Sindhu's silver, Vinayakk, and host Poorvaja delve into these iconic moments and more, including significant near-misses. Vinayakk also provides a crucial perspective on how we often overlook our athletes' achievements in world events, simply because they didn't win an Olympic medal.

Tune in for an insightful discussion, some outstanding reading recommendations for the games, and a sneak peek into how the Indian Express plans to cover the lead-up to the Olympics. Don’t miss it!

Show Notes:

1. Follow Vinayakk on Twitter
2. Twitter people list to follow for Paris 2024
3. Follow Mihir on Twitter for live coverage of the Paris Olympics
4. A thread with 2024 Olympics Build-up stories by the Indian Express team
5. Follow 'The Sport Kaleidoscope'on Instagram

In this episode, Jamie, a lifelong sports enthusiast and player, takes us on a journey through her deep connection with sports. From her earliest memories influenced by her father's love for the Boston Celtics to her profound understanding of multiple sports, including Formula 1, Football/Soccer, American Football, Basketball, Tennis, and various Olympic events, Jamie reveals how sports have shaped her identity and fostered authentic connections with others. She shares two standout sports memories: the impact of Reggie Bush on her love for college football and the unforgettable F1 incident involving Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Through Jamie's perspective, we explore the transformative power of sports and gain insight into what she anticipates in the future, offering a glimpse into the profound impact sports have had on her life.

In today's powerful episode, we delve into the world of weightlifting and women, shattering gender norms alongside our inspiring guest, Kanchana. As a seasoned strength coach, women's health advocate, business owner, and competitive athlete, Kanchana shares her remarkable journey from her sprinting days in childhood to entering the fitness coaching realm, and a member of a weightlifting team. We explore her profound belief in how weightlifting empowers women to dismantle the patriarchy and question outdated gender stereotypes. Kanchana opens up about her transformative experience of competing again, highlighting how it reshaped her life and vision. We wrap up the conversation focusing on her ambitious role in the feminist movement within the women's health and fitness space, emphasizing her determination to boost representation by competing in weightlifting tournaments. Join us as we uncover the strength and resolve it takes to challenge societal norms and pave the way for future generations of women in sports.

1. Information about Barbella

2. The Sport Kaleidoscope

Dive into a captivating journey with 18-year-old Ankhi Dutta, a passionate badminton enthusiast and freelance journalist, in this enthralling episode. Ankhi shares her profound connection with badminton, a bond she believes transcends lifetimes. Her story unfolds from the magical moments of discovering her love for the game, both as a spectator and a player, to the unforgettable thrill of watching PV Sindhu clinch the Silver Medal at the Rio Olympics. Ankhi brings to life her cherished memories from the Thomas Cup, weaving a narrative as engaging as the game itself.

She also discusses the challenges and opportunities in popularizing badminton, delving into the often-overlooked issue of accessing live streams. Ankhi's insightful reflections are a treat for badminton fans and a call to action for the broader sports community. The episode closes on a high note, with Ankhi teasing what's on the horizon for badminton enthusiasts this year. Tune in for a heartfelt tribute to the world of badminton, seen through the eyes of a young fan's unwavering love for the game.

Notes:

1. Ankhi Dutta - Twitter

2. The Sport Kaleidoscope - Instagram Page

Join Poornesh and Poorvaja in this engaging episode as they reminisce about growing up in a sports-enthusiast family. Poornesh opens up about his admiration for tennis legend Roger Federer, which ignited his passion for the sport. He offers an insightful perspective on the potential successors to the "big 3" in tennis and reflects on the complex impact of fame in sports.

Shifting gears, the siblings delve into Indian cricket, with Poornesh sharing why the game captivated him from a young age. They discuss the dynamic changes in cricket's format and their connections to the current Indian team. Poornesh's vibrant memories with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) highlight his deep emotional bond with the team.

The episode wraps up with Poornesh's heartfelt thoughts on the invaluable lessons and experiences sports have brought into his life, making this a compelling listen for all sports lovers.