There is something special about a champion knowing when to step aside. Harmanpreet Kaur has shown that maturity by handing over the captaincy across formats to one of the finest players in the game — and, importantly, to her close friend. Leadership is not always about holding on; sometimes it is about knowing who can take the team forward. Together, they have taken Indian women’s cricket to another level. If the next generation goes further, Harmanpreet’s contribution will only become bigger.

Meanwhile, the recently concluded Asian Games once again showed the talent, courage, and fighting spirit of Indian athletes. I was particularly glued to the hockey, both men’s and women’s. They played their hearts out, and I felt Indian hockey was once again finding its way towards its old glory.
As an ardent hockey fan, I have seen its highs and lows. I remember the 1975 World Cup triumph and the Olympic gold in 1980. Those were more than victories; they made an entire country believe. But then, the graph went the other way and, for various reasons, Indian hockey took a nosedive. Today, I believe the game has a chance to change that story—and there is a lesson here for every Indian sport.