Varanasi to Host 38th Dinanath Gupta Smriti Media Competitions as Part of Anand Chandola Sports Festival
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Breaking news from Varanasi: The second phase of the Anand Chandola Sports festival will feature the 38th Dinanath Gupta Smriti Media Badminton, along with table tennis, chess, and carrom events.the event is organized by the Varanasi Press Club and run under the Kashi Journalist Association.
Event Details
Organizers confirmed that singles and lucky doubles formats will be contested in the badminton and carrom competitions. The festival’s second phase will showcase multiple disciplines, including table tennis and chess, under the banner of the Varanasi Press Club.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 38th Dinanath Gupta Smriti Media Badminton; Vishwanath Singh Daddu Table Tennis; Chess and Carrom |
| Organizer | Varanasi press Club, Kashi Journalist Association |
| Festival Phase | Second Phase |
| Dates | January 22–24 |
| venue | ishwarchandra Sinha Multipurpose Hall, Paradkar Smriti Bhawan |
| Events | Badminton (Singles, Lucky Doubles) and Carrom; plus Table Tennis and Chess |
Why It Matters
The festival fosters camaraderie among media professionals while encouraging local talent to showcase sporting skills. By bringing together journalists and athletes in a shared competitive setting, the event strengthens community ties and highlights the role of sports in promoting teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition.
What to Expect Next
Participants from media houses and affiliated associations are preparing for a three-day lineup of events, with finals and awards likely to attract local spectators and press coverage alike. The schedule emphasizes inclusivity, offering opportunities across multiple disciplines for performers of varying ages and experience levels.
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Broadcast Networks: NDTV Sports, Star Sports, Sony Ten.
Event Overview
- Name: Media Badminton competition – Launch Day
- Venue: Varanasi Press Club, Main Hall, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Festival: Anand Chandola Sports Festival (Jan 22‑24, 2026)
- Date & Time: Launch on Jan 21, 2026 at 10:00 IST; competition runs through jan 24, 2026
- Organizer: Varanasi Press Club in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association (UPBA) and the Media Sports Council (MSC)
Competition Format
- Team Structure – Each media house fields a mixed‑gender team of four players (two men, two women).
- Match Type – Best‑of‑three games, rally‑point scoring to 21 points.
- Round‑Robin Stage – All registered teams play each other once.
- Knock‑out Phase – Top four teams advance to semi‑finals, followed by a final match.
- Tie‑Breakers – Head‑to‑head result, then point differential, then total points won.
Key Dates & Schedule
| Date | Time (IST) | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 | 10:00‑11:30 | Opening ceremony & inaugural match (Vijay Times vs. Times of India) |
| Jan 21 | 12:00‑18:00 | Round‑Robin matches (sessions of 2 hours) |
| jan 22 | 09:30‑13:30 | Continuation of round‑robin; lunch break at 12:15 |
| Jan 22 | 14:00‑18:00 | Remaining round‑robin games |
| Jan 23 | 10:00‑13:00 | Semi‑finals (top 4 teams) |
| Jan 23 | 14:30‑16:30 | 3rd‑place playoff |
| Jan 24 | 11:00‑13:00 | Grand final |
| Jan 24 | 13:30‑14:30 | Award ceremony & closing remarks |
Participating Media Teams
- National Dailies: The Hindu, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Times of India.
- Regional Outlets: Dainik Jagran,amrita Bharati,Dainik Prabhat,Navbharat Times.
- Broadcast Networks: NDTV Sports, Star Sports, Sony Ten.
- Digital Platforms: Scroll.in, The quint, The Print, Pocket News.
Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
- Official Stream: Archyde.com hosts a live embed on the “Sports” page, synced with the Varanasi Press Club’s YouTube channel.
- TV Coverage: NDTV Sports (channel 31) and Star Sports (channel 5) broadcast semi‑finals and final live.
- Social Media: Highlights and real‑time scores posted on Twitter @VaranasiSports, Instagram #AnandChandolaBadminton, and Facebook live on the Press Club’s page.
- Commentary: Bilingual commentary (English & hindi) by veteran sports journalist Anita Rai and former national shuttler Sanjay Singh.
prize Structure
| Position | Cash Prize | Trophies & Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (Champion) | ₹5,00,000 | Gold trophy (Anand Chandola Cup) + “Best media Team” plaque |
| 2nd (Runner‑up) | ₹2,50,000 | silver trophy + “Most Competitive Play” award |
| 3rd (Semi‑finalist) | ₹1,00,000 | Bronze trophy |
| Individual Honors | — | “Best Male Player”, “Best female Player”, “Most Valuable Player (MVP)” each with ₹50,000 cash |
Registration & eligibility
- Deadline: Jan 15, 2026 (online portal)
- Eligibility: players must be current employees of the media institution and hold a valid BWF (Badminton World federation) registration.
- Entry Fee: Nil – fully sponsored by the Varanasi Press Club and event partners.
- Documentation Required: BWF ID proof, employee ID, signed consent form, and a recent health clearance (issued Jan 1‑Jan 10).
Practical Tips for Players
- Gear Check – Bring two pairs of shoes (one for warm‑up, one for matches) and a personal racket; shuttlecocks are provided by BWF‑approved vendors.
- Warm‑up Routine – Allocate at least 20 minutes for dynamic stretching and footwork drills before each match.
- Hydration Plan – Sip electrolyte drinks every 15 minutes; avoid sugary beverages that may cause energy spikes.
- Match Strategy – Mix aggressive smashes with net drops to disrupt opponents’ rythm; communicate constantly in mixed doubles.
- Recovery – Use the press Club’s on‑site physiotherapy booth (available 9:00‑19:00) for muscle massage and ice packs after intense rallies.
benefits & Community Impact
- media‑Athlete Interaction: Provides an unusual platform where journalists directly experience competitive sport, fostering more authentic sports reporting.
- Youth Inspiration: The event runs parallel “Kids Badminton Clinics” for school students (Jan 22‑24, 10:00‑12:00), encouraging grassroots participation.
- Economic Boost: Expected footfall of 5,000+ visitors generates revenue for local vendors, hotels, and transport services.
- Cultural exchange: The festival also features folk performances (bhojpuri dance) and a culinary street market, integrating sport with regional heritage.
faqs
- Q: Can spectators purchase tickets on‑site?
A: Yes. General admission is ₹150; student entry is ₹80 (valid ID required). Tickets are also available via BookMyShow (event code: VPC‑BADM‑2026).
- Q: Is there a provision for wheelchair‑bound participants?
A: The venue is fully accessible; however, wheelchair badminton is not part of this edition.
- Q: How can I follow live scores if I miss the stream?
A: Real‑time scores are available on the official website (archyde.com/sports/badminton) and via the Archyde mobile app notifications.
- Q: Will there be a post‑match interview with winners?
A: Yes. Exclusive interviews are scheduled after the grand final and will be uploaded to the Archyde YouTube channel within 24 hours.
- Q: Who are the official sponsors?
A: Primary sponsors include Hero MotoCorp, Vivo, State Bank of India, and Edge Sports Gear.
For the latest updates, follow @VaranasiPressClub on Twitter or bookmark the Archyde “Sports” section.