Express Sports

Mihir Vasavda explains why a 2-5 scoreline doesn't properly reflect the India vs Belgium contest, and how the men's team failed to execute skills under pressure. Gaurav Bhatt talks about the challenge ahead for the women's team, and Lovlina Borgohain's journey from Gold Coast to Tokyo semifinal.

Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt break down how the India women’s hockey team stunned Australia to enter Tokyo Olympics semifinals, how they've gone from afterthoughts to toast of the town and coach Sjoerd Marijne's rapidly-increasing Twitter follower count. 3 Attachments

Mihir Vasavda relives the rush of emotions as PV Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals and the men's hockey team reached the semifinal, the closest they've been to a medal in 41 years.

Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt break down the India women's hockey team's historic progress into the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals, the reasons behind the improved showing and its star Vandana Kataria whose father fought societal prejudice to let her daughter play. They also talk about the defeats of PV Sindhu and Amit Panghal.

Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt talk about Lovlina Borgohain's medal-ensuring performance, her post-fight temperament and how she defeated a rival after four defeats. They also discuss the dramatic sights and sounds of badminton in an empty arena, and the road ahead for Indian hockey teams.

Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt recap how confusion and misunderstanding reigned supreme after Mary Kom's defeat, and how the actual bout played out in the arena and on TV. Mihir also shares the scenes from Indian archer Atanu Das' stunning upset win over two-time gold medallist Oh Jin-hyek.

Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt discuss the mental health struggles of Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, how the two champions could usher a new era of athletes prioritising their well-being over sporting pressure, and the severity of mental blocks in gymnastics. Mihir shares his experience of watching Fiji's Rugby Sevens win over New Zealand and what the gold means for the nation.

Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt discuss the unique story of Pita Taufatofua who has made his mark as the bare-torso, well-oiled Tongan flagbearer at three Olympics. They also talk about the disappointing shooting campaign and why India supporters should temper their expectations for the coming days. Read Mihir's profile of Taufatofua here: https://indianexpress.com/article/olympics/topless-tongan-o...

Gaurav Bhatt and Shashank Bhargava discuss that Aussie coach celebration, skateboarding's teen champions and what they mean for its culture, and an overall dull day for Indians in Tokyo.

Our hosts discuss the deflating Tokyo heat and dejecting results. Mihir Vasavda explains Australia's 'beast mode' during the 7-1 win over Indian men's hockey team and shooter Manu Bhaker's equipment malfunction. Gaurav Bhatt geeks out over skateboarding's Olympic debut.

Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt talk about Mirabai Chanu's process and the scenes inside the arena as she secured the silver medal, and explain why predicting shooting results remains unpredictable. Afterwards, a breakdown of the Indians in action today as shooters vie for medals while stars PV Sindhu and Mary Kom begin their campaigns.

Discussing the Tokyo Olympics 2020 opening ceremony; a geeky affair on TV but a sombre experience at the stadium with protests erupting outside it. Afterwards, a breakdown of the Indians in action today: shooters, archers and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu who could open the nation's account.

In the first entry to our daily Olympic series, Shivani Naik joins Gaurav Bhatt to share her experiences of covering the 2012 and 2016 Games. From the London festivities starring Mr. Bean, James Bond, and the Queen, to Rio's samba-filled evening, listen to the first-hand account of previous opening ceremonies before the Tokyo Olympics opening today.

After discussing India’s prospects in Badminton, Shooting, Wrestling, and Boxing, in the third part of our Olympics preview series Gaurav Bhatt, Mihir Vasavda and Shivani Naik talk about Weightlifting, Hockey, Javelin, Table Tennis and Archery. Also in the end, they (reluctantly) stick their necks out to share their medal predictions.

In part two of our Olympics preview series, Gaurav Bhatt, Mihir Vasavda, and Shivani Naik discuss India’s prospects in Wrestling and Boxing – who are the main contenders? What are the challenges that players like Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Mary Kom are expected to face? And how likely are they to win a medal? Tune in to find out.

Discussing India's prospects in Shooting and Badminton in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

Discussing everything that plagues the Tour de France, and why the world’s toughest endurance tournaments may also be the most controversial one.

What led to New Zealand lifting the trophy, what makes their team standout, and what India can learn from its past defeats.

Discussing the celebrity online chess event in which billionaire Nikhil Kamath ‘defeated’ chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, what happened after, and how the fair play body finds out if someone cheated.

Discussing the recent bout between Mayweather and Logan, the current state of affairs in the boxing world, and the fading trust of fans in the game.

Discussing the questions that Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open have raised, and what the role of tennis officials and media should have been.

Discussing Navdeep Bhatia’s fascinating journey – from escaping India after the 1984 riots to being recognized by one of the world’s biggest basketball leagues.

Japan's motivations behind refusing to cancel the Olympics, and what athletes have to say about the decision.

Discussing the murder case that Sushil Kumar is allegedly involved in, and the notorious link between wrestling and crime.

How did the players first got infected by COVID-19? How did they manage to get back to their home countries? And why did the BCCI conduct the IPL in India?