Express Sports

Gender testing in sports has been widely controversial, and in several cases has led athletes to experience trauma, and face stigma from those around them. The test in question is such a burning issue in the sporting world that it finds itself at the center of a recently released Bollywood film. Rashmi Rocket, starring Taapsee Pannu, is possibly the first Indian film to deal with the subject. In t...

Indian cricket Ravichandran Ashwin has often been called ‘disgraceful’ for not following the 'Spirit of the Game'. But what exactly is the spirit of the game? Is it really necessary? And does it create more problems than it solves? In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda talk about the mythical construct of the ‘spirit’, discuss various examples of when it has been known to be violat...

Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes had been India's greatest tennis duo, winning 24 consecutive doubles matches in Davis Cup. But their partnership and friendship famously soured more than two decades ago. But what caused that to happen? In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda talk about a recently released docu-series, Break Point (on Zee5) that explores this very question, and looks...

What are NFTs? What does it mean to own one? And are there any downsides to it? In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasada, and producer Shashank Bhargava talk about the bizarre world of NFTs, and what it means for sports fans and artists.

In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda are joined by Indian Express’ Sandip G to talk about the recently concluded England vs India test series that finished in India's favour. They discuss what worked for India, the team’s opening combination, Rohit Sharma’s first overseas test century, and Virat Kohli’s captaincy.

Last week, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and wrestler Bajrang Punia were guests at the Indian Express Adda to talk about their historic performances at the Tokyo Olympics. They were in conversation with Indian Express’ sports editor Sandeep Dwivedi and our host Mihir Vasavda. This week we bring you the best of that conversation. You can listen to it in full here - https://bit.ly/38XAkxR . Also not...

This year at the Tokyo Paralympics, India has achieved its biggest medal haul so far. In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda talk about the stories of three Indian paralympians and how they won their medals – Sumit Antil, Devendra Jhajharia, and Mariyappan Thangavelu. And later, they also discuss what has changed and what needs to change at the systematic for disabled athletes.

With the Taliban returning to power after 20 years, just like everything else in Afghanistan, the future of sports in the country remains highly uncertain. In the past the Taliban has promoted men's cricket, but will it do so this time as well? And what about the participation of women in sports? In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda discuss the progress that sports like cricket an...

In this episode, host Gaurav Bhatt is joined by Indian Express' chief cricket writer Sriram Veera to talk about India's spectacular win against England at Lord's on Monday, and why despite India's past such victories should no longer surprise us. They also discuss England's mistakes, India's bowling, the Ravichandran Ashwin debate, and what has made KL Rahul a competent test opener.

With the hectic Olympics schedule behind him, Mihir Vasavda joins Gaurav Bhatt on Game Time this week to talk about what it was like covering the biggest sporting event in the middle of a pandemic. He shares tales of daily rigour, peeking Godzillas, “human” noodles, and kind volunteers, and also answers listener questions.

The Tokyo Olympics have come to an end and so has the Pod of the Rings series. In our final episode, Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt go over the differences between the nervy opening ceremony and the peppy, dignified closing ceremony. They also discuss how high-tech microphones captured every sound and relayed it to millions watching on television as well as what you can expect when our regular sho...

Gaurav Bhatt recaps how Neeraj Chopra provided a golden end to India's campaign. Mihir Vasavda captures scenes from the venue and the magnitude of the gold medal and Nihal Koshie breaks down the javelin thrower's technique and confidence which proved key.

Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt discuss how shots of pickle juice kept the Indian team running without cramping. They also talk about Bajrang Punia's defeat and the javelin throw final featuring Neeraj Chopra and German great Johannes Vetter among others.

Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt talk about the celebrations on the pitch after Indian men's hockey team beat Germany to take the bronze medal, in a match that was no less than an action-thriller. They also discuss Ravi Dahiya's silver and Vinesh Phogat's disappointing outing. Read Sandip G's profile on goalkeeper PR Sreejesh here: https://indianexpress.com/article/olympics/india-vs-germany-p-sreeje...

On their Olympic debuts, wrestler Ravi Dahiya and javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra stepped up and impressed. Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt break down Dahiya's sensational march into the final and Chopra's qualification-topping throw.

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.