Mission Tokyo 2020

                                                

On the eve of India's sports day we are all excited and gearing up for next year's Tokyo Olympics. The sports day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of India's hockey icon Major Dhyanchand. Such was India's domination in hockey that we had won 6 Olympic gold medals consecutively. However  India's Olympic history hasn't been memorable barring hockey.India has  won just a single  gold medal in individual events (Abhinav bindra- 2008 Beijing) in history of Olympics.Although with many promising talents emerging during Rio 2016,it was another wake up call for india after returning with just 2 medals courtesy-Pv Sindhu and Sakshi malik.

Leaving all those failures behind we have started to work for a better performance for next year's Tokyo Olympics. India's preparation has started in full fledge. India won many medals in past couple of years at world level which is promising.With less than a year left lets take a look at India's medal prospects at Tokyo.

 Shooting has to be India's best bet at tokyo. Many young talents emerging,India has already sealed 6 quotas for olympics.
Apurvi chandela is current world no.1 and a lot of expectations will be on her shoulders along with anjum mujumdar who were the first indians to book there place for olympics this year.The likes of Manu baker,mehuli ghosh and abhishek verma will be positive about there chances while 16 year old Saurabh Chaudhari is also regarded as hot favourite to win a medal.
 After a disappointing year Indian badminton was back in a bang at world championship.Pv Sindhu has made history by winning

the first ever gold medal in world championship and hopes will be high from her next year.Not to forget Sai praneeth who won a historic bronze as well.The likes of saina nehwal and kidambi shrikant will be hopeful as well.
India's challenge in wrestling will spearheaded by Bajrang punia and Vinesh phogat,while world champion in boxing amit panghal and evergreen Mary kom will be India's ray of hope.
India lacks quality in ATHLETICS and athletes are finding it tough to even qualify. Neeraj chopra(javelin throw)is good enough if he keeps his injury woes behind and Hima das is expected to do well.The weights of india's weightlifting medal chances lies on the shoulders Mirabai Chanu.
Archery has a lot of potential but they have always failed to deliver in mega events and this will be the last shot of redemption for deepika kumari and co.while the trio of atanu das,tarundeep rai and pravin jadhav are best hope after finishing 2nd in world championships last year.While a consistent performance from hockey team can also give surprises to stronger teams. 

These are my players to watch out and india's medal hopes at tokyo.
Whom did I miss or who do you think is capable to bring india an olympic medal
comment your thoughts.............


RUGVED MAKARAND JOSHI

Premier League preview season 2019-20

After some international tournaments such as European league of nations, Copa America and the African Cup,the club football is back in almost a week.
We will look at the new signings,major departures, strenghts/weaknesses of top teams from the top 5 leagues in Europe .Just for new readers top 5 leagues of Europe are -

1. English premier league
2. Spanish Premier league (La liga)
3. Italian Premier league (Seria A)
4. German league (Bundesliga)
5. French league( Ligue 1)

Let's Begin with the most competitive league in the world-

English premier league..

1.Manchester City - Defending champions of England are again the team to beat this season as they haven't been much active in the transfer window.Swapping of Danilo for Cancelo is nothing less than victory.The only setback could be the departure of Leroy Sane to Munich although the deal is not yet official.This Manchester city team is solid in attack, midfield and defence.The scoring department will be heavily reliant on Sergio Aguero but Pep Guardiola hopes that Gabriel Jesus will rise his game this season.Bernado Silva was impressive last year while Kevin de Bruyne will hope to be in full recovery after couple of injury-prone seasons.To defend the premier league  will be there goal but no.1 priority has to be champions league.
      Prediction - I think they will be the best performing English team in champions league. But, they won't defend there league title.
  Key player- Rahim sterling(England)

2.Liverpool - The only team from the top 6 who are least interested in this summer transfer window.The champions league winners are confident with there core group intact.Liverpool's biggest strength is there rock solid defence and reliable goalkeeper Allison. While there are no concerns in attack the midfield lacks a bit of creativity which was a major concern during last season.Robertson and Trent Arnold have been a revolution for Liverpool and will hope to continue there impressive run.
    Prediction - After champions league glory I think The premier league is finally coming for "The Reds".
Key Man - Sadio Mane(Senegal)

3.Manchester United - After a couple of below par seasons it's time to step up for Manchester united and they have responded by signing Defender harry Maguire for 80 million.But, still it won't be enough for them as some recruitments are needed in midfield after departure of Ander Herrera or even at attack since Romeo lukaku's departure looks certain.Wan bisska is a  great signing but Pogba has to play huge role along with rashford for Manchester United's chances in premier league.
Prediction - As of current situation a top 4 finish will be a satisfactory outcome for them.But it looks unlikely to me.
Key player - Paul Pogba(France)

4.Arsenal - Unai Emery has given arsenal a hope after last season's effort in Europa league. Signing Nicholas Pepe for 80 million is a bold move making there attack stronger than ever.Aubameyang and laccazarte have been impressive in there linking at attack but form of Mesut Ozil is a concern.While the main problem is there lackluster defence with koschielny leaving the club.Signing David Luiz is a dangerous move but if Arsenal manage to get Kieran Tierney from Celtic or Rugani from Juventus it will be a huge Victory for them in this summer.

Prediction - Top 4 finish will be a primary goal if not winning the premier league.
Key Man - Aubameyang (Gabonese)

5.Chelsea - Departure of Eden Hazard is a huge loss but it was coming.Pulscic from Dortmund is good signing but to fill the shoes of hazard will be tough.With Frank Lampard returning Chelsea as manager it is quite a tough job to take.Chelsea's squad doesn't look awful but signings at back or in midfield would definitely help. While someone has to step up in attack as a regular goal scorer has left the club and likes of Willian or Giroud have to get the bulk of goals.
 Prediction - Not expected to challenge the title I think they will struggle to finish in Top 4.
Key Man - N'Golo Kante(France)

6.Tottenham -After another trophy less season, Tottenham have not spent as they should have. Although the core group remains the same they have to add some new faces to there lineup from fighting for any trophy. There attack looks good enough but delle Alli has to prove his point while departure of Kieran trippier leaves a hole in defence. Ndombele is a welcome signing in midfield and he should adapt to there game as soon as possible.
Prediction - Trophy less season but a top 4 finish in premier league.
Key Man - Harry Kane(England)

Suprise package for me will be Everton after couple of impressive Transfer windows for them.


RUGVED JOSHI



Comment Your top 4 for this year's premier league......
and your prediction for your favourite team.....😊