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New York Times
13 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Watching cricket with English India supporters – and the boisterous Bharat Army
Leicester is home to Raj Patel and Sukhi Singh. But, really, wherever India's cricket team go, you will invariably find this intrepid pair. World Cups, Test series, even a one-day tournament just outside Amsterdam, Patel and Singh have been there as proud members of the Bharat Army, effectively India's supporters club. Usually, they will have been enjoying something of a party in the stand. Advertisement Take Friday and Saturday this week. The pair have been in Leeds for the opening two days of the First Rothesay Test match. India have spent most of proceedings on top, centuries from captain Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswa and Rishabh Pant in the first innings helping the tourists to a commanding 471 all out against England. By the close of play, the hosts had replied with 209-3 thanks to an unbeaten century from Ollie Pope. Banding together on both days towards the back of Block E on Headingley's once notorious Western Terrace were Patel, Singh and a sizeable number of fellow Bharat (Hindi for 'India') foot-soldiers, all lapping up much of what they saw out in the middle. 'Watching India on days like these makes you feel proud,' says Patel, who has attended every one-day international World Cup since 1999. 'Especially, as this is something of a new era for Indian cricket following the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. 'To see this new group — and especially the captain Shubman Gill — start so well has meant a great deal to all the Indian fans here.' Patel was an early conscript for the Bharat Army, effectively India's equivalent to the 'Barmy Army' group of supporters who have followed England all over the world in their thousands for the past three decades. Until recently, he played the Bhangra drums that go everywhere the fans group' goes when following their team. 'I retired to let the younger generation in our crew have a go,' adds the 58-year-old. 'Plus, it lets me take on board a few more fluids.' The Athletic was invited to spend time with Patel and his friends in the stand on Saturday afternoon. What a joyful experience it proved to be, as their flag — emblazoned with 'Shubman Gill's Bharat Army' — caught the breeze blowing across Headingley that offered such welcome respite after an otherwise oppressively hot start to the Test. Advertisement Just a few minutes in such excited company reinforced why cricket is considered a religion to Indians on the subcontinent and beyond. It underlined the cultural connection that can come for those who don't live in India by watching their team together. Priyanshu Pati and partner Sakshi hail from Greenwich, London, and watched India take charge on day one from what the couple described with a smile as 'a chaotic' Western Terrace. 'India loves cricket so much as a nation,' says Pati. 'We wanted to be in Leeds, even though we're just here for the day. Cricket makes the Indian people, regardless of where they are based, feel so proud.' 10am, Friday. The start of the first Test between two of cricket's powerhouses is an hour away and the streets outside Headingley are thronged. The sun feels to have brought everyone out, as cricket fans excitedly make their way to a stadium that has become synonymous with sporting drama down the years thanks to Ian Botham's Ashes winning heroics in 1981 and then England captain Ben Stokes proving equally adept at breaking Australia hearts 38 years later. England fans were in the majority as fans edged their way through the turnstiles, as was to be expected considering their side are on home soil. But there's a healthy number of India replica shirts on show, too. A few have made the near 5,000 mile trip from India. But, judging by the accents that can be heard amid the excited chatter, most of those sporting the visitors' colours hail from the UK. Tushar Das has joined dad Sudipto to make the trek north from Bournemouth, on the south coast of England. The pair are huge cricket fans and enjoyed watching England take on the likes of the West Indies and Australia in the past. Headingley is one of only two Test venues in the UK that they have not visited, Old Trafford in Manchester being the other. Father and son, though, admit there is something extra special about cheering their beloved India on. 'We are big fans of cricket,' says Tushar. 'And we do watch neutral games, really enjoy them. But cricket is like a national pride thing to all Indians. These are our boys.' Advertisement Dad agrees. 'We all love cricket,' adds Sudipto. 'Everyone gets along, no matter who you support. We are all passionate about our own team, whether that's India or England. But the ambience is superb. Everyone is enjoying a laugh and a drink. It is really friendly and part of the appeal. 'The Indian fans are so passionate. To me, they are like football fans in how devoted they are to the team. Like the Barmy Army, too.' Comparisons with England's band of cricket followers are apt. Two of cricket's most established brands owe their existence to like-minded supporters coming together to support their favourite cricket team and have since grown into successful travel companies. The Bharat Army began life during the 1999 World Cup. The tournament was staged in the UK, which is always a popular host due to the huge number of ex-pat communities from competing nations. Sure enough, the Super Six group stage clash between Pakistan and India proved a hot ticket. The problem from the Indian perspective was their fans were more spread out across Old Trafford than the opposition. This gave the impression Pakistan had a bigger support in a 47-run defeat to their big rivals. This prompted Bharat Army founder Rakesh Patel to set the ball rolling with an appeal to fellow Indian cricket devotees. Like the Barmy Army (formed five years earlier by travelling fans during the 1994-95 England tour Down Under to Australia), they grew quickly and created a similarly lively atmosphere in stands across the world. In time, the Barmy Army's move into the travel business would be emulated to allow fans to follow India on tour. Where the Bharat Army did differ, however, from their English counterparts was how they were formed solely by fans from outside the country they support. Members continued to be exclusively UK-based in the early days before blossoming into the global entity it has become today, boasting members from India and plenty of other nations with a strong ex-pat community. Embodying this loyalty to India regardless of location are Pathik Patel and Drashti Balar, who had flown to the UK from Wisconsin, in the United States, to attend the Headingley Test as well as the recent World Test Championship final between Australia and winners South Africa at Lord's. 'I live in the United States but am originally from India,' says Pathik Patel. 'This is my first time watching India live so I am excited. Especially, as this is like a new team after Virat Kohli and Sharma, our two veteran batsmen, retired. That makes it a big day for Shubman Gill. I'm glad we are here for him.' Advertisement Gill goes on to justify this support with a masterful century in front of a sell-out crowd on day one. India's newly-appointed captain was finally dismissed shortly before 12.30pm on Saturday, his career best 147 in Test cricket helping India finish on 471 all out despite a late order collapse that momentarily quietened the incessant noise from the Indian faithful. Then came a short break for rain before play resumed to more cheers from the Indian contingent, as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed opener Zak Crawley inside the opening over of England's reply. Enjoying India's dominance for a second day was Anita Patel, born in Mumbai but now living in Preston, Lancashire. Her 11-year-old son, Oscar Walmsley, supports England so the pair are used to enjoying plenty of banter at home. 'He always supports England because he is born and bred here,' she says. 'We all respect that, just as he respects India are the best team! Cricket is a real family affair, passed down the generations in our case. 'There were five us here on day one, including my mum. We go to as many matches as we can. Apart from Lord's, I have been to all the English (Test) grounds. I will finally get to Lord's this year, again to watch India.' The Bharat Army will be flying the flag for Indian cricket throughout the series — the opening two days whetted the appetite for all cricket lovers. 'It's been a great couple of days,' says Sukhi Singh, born in Plaistow, London, but now based in Leicester. 'Supporting Indian cricket is like a brotherhood. It's been like that since I started travelling to watch the team. 'Cricket has changed and India are a powerhouse these days. That's a good feeling. Things used to be run from England but now the power has shifted. What I will say, though, is the atmosphere is electric regardless of whether India are doing well or not. 'Obviously, though, we prefer it when it's like Friday and all the England fans around us are very quiet.' Mention of England makes us wonder if there are ever any split-loyalties for Singh, 59, and his good pal Raj Patel, say in other sports. 'We follow England football,' adds Patel, who was the Bharat Army's contact for the Midlands in their early years. Advertisement 'Not by physically going to the games but on TV. We do enjoy our football but not as passionately as cricket. I am married to cricket along with my wife. She knew I loved cricket before we got together so knew what to expect. 'Cricket is my first love and it's the same for a lot of Indians.'
Observer
21-05-2025
- Observer
A summer destination
MUSCAT, MAY 21 As temperatures soar across much of the world during the summer, seasoned travellers are rethinking their go-to destinations. What if the next unforgettable escape was a place where cool monsoon breezes blanket misty mountains, where age-old souqs meet serene coastlines and where adventure lives around every corner? That place is the Sultanate of Oman. Nestled on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman remains one of the region's best-kept secrets — an oasis of natural beauty, cultural authenticity and warm hospitality. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in the south or diving in turquoise waters in the north, this is the summer you should spend in Oman. Oman's growing popularity is backed by numbers. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, the country welcomed more than 2.3 million tourists by the end of June 2024 — a 2.4 per cent increase compared to the same period the previous year. Notably, European visitors rose by nearly 20 per cent, signalling the country's expanding appeal beyond the region. Hotel revenues also reflect the boom, rising by 10.2 per cent to over RO 108.3 million ($281.5 million) in the first half of 2024. These figures are not just economic indicators — they're proof that Oman is increasingly being recognised as a go-to travel destination. 'We were looking for something different — less commercial, more real,' says Emma Thompson, a visitor from the UK. 'Oman delivered. From the people to the mountains, everything felt authentic.' Forget the desert stereotypes. In Oman's southern city of Salalah, the summer ushers in khareef — a seasonal monsoon that transforms the arid Dhofar Governorate into a lush, green paradise. Temperatures drop, clouds drift over the hills and waterfalls cascade through mountain passes. 'I thought I was in Southeast Asia,' says Raj Patel from India, who travelled to Salalah in July. 'The mist, the greenery — it was unlike anything I expected from the Middle East.' The annual Khareef Dhofar Season, held from late June to early September, brings together culture, cuisine and nature in a celebration that captivates locals and foreigners alike. The capital, Muscat, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Here, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque stands as a marvel of Islamic architecture, while the Royal Opera House Muscat hosts world-class performances in a distinctly Omani setting. Stroll through the atmospheric Muttrah Souq, then unwind at one of the capital's scenic beachfront cafes. 'It's the Middle East's most laid-back capital,' notes a recent Times travel article. 'There are no skyscraper skylines — just mountains, mosques and an irresistible sense of calm.' Oman is a haven for the outdoorsy traveller. Head north to explore the Al Hajar Mountains, home to Jabal Shams, the country's highest peak and a hiker's dream. Venture into the Rimal Al Sharqiya for a true desert experience — complete with sandboarding, camel treks and Bedouin hospitality. If water is more your element, the Daymaniyat Islands and the Musandam Peninsula offer world-class diving and snorkeling. Here, coral reefs teem with life and dolphins often dance alongside boats. 'Oman's coastline is spectacular,' says Lena Krause, a diver from Germany. 'It felt like discovering a whole new underwater world — uncrowded and untouched.' Oman's appeal lies not only in its landscapes but also in its values. The government's Oman Vision 2040 initiative places sustainable tourism at the heart of its development strategy. From eco-resorts in the mountains to protected marine zones, Oman is committed to growing its tourism sector without compromising its natural heritage. 'Travelling here doesn't feel intrusive — it feels welcomed,' says Carlos Mendes, a sustainable travel blogger from Portugal. 'The people care about their land and you can see that in how tourism is managed.' The world is rediscovering the beauty of meaningful travel — and Oman fits the bill. It offers soulful landscapes, untold stories and unmatched warmth. In a time when many destinations feel overcrowded or overexposed, Oman remains refreshingly real. 'This country surprised me in the best way,' says Emma Thompson. 'I came for a new experience — and I left with memories I'll never forget.' So this summer, skip the ordinary. Follow the monsoon mists, climb the sunlit cliffs, wander through ancient forts and float in Oman's hidden wadis. Whether you're an adventurer, a cultural explorer, or a traveller seeking serenity, Oman is not just a destination — it's an experience.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grocery store coming to downtown Rockford, receives $165K state grant
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A new grocery store, coming to downtown Rockford, has secured funding from the State of Illinois. will be located adjacent to Downtown Discount Drugs at the corner of West State and North Church Streets, under the ownership of Raj Patel and his son Ashay. The combination grocery-pharmacy is expected to sell fresh produce, craft beer, and wine, and feature a UPS Store. Above the store, 35 loft-style apartments are being renovated into the Nu-State Apartments. A portion of the funding for the grocery store comes from a $165,491 grant from Illinois' New Stores in Food Deserts program. 'A grocery store has long been considered a missing link in the rejuvenation of downtown Rockford,' Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) said. 'That need only increases as office space continues to be converted into residential use. State investment to help downtown Rockford redefine itself helps the entire region because economic growth doesn't occur in communities with stagnant or declining cores.' To be eligible for the grant funding, stores must meet the following criteria: Must be located in a food desert, Must earn less than 30% of revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales, Must accept SNAP and WIC, and Must contribute to diversity of fresh foods available in community. According to the Governor's Office, the $165,491 for the City Center Market will go toward updated refrigeration and coolers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
08-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Winning scratch-off ticket worth $10M sold at Rockford convenience store
For the second time this week, a scratch-off ticket worth millions was sold in Illinois, this time in Rockford. The player is the first to win the top prize of $10 million after purchasing the $10,000,000 Bankroll scratch-off game at the Stop N Shop store at 2501 North Huffman Boulevard. The game launched in November with three $10 million top prizes and 15 $1 million prizes. The family-owned store that has been around for over 25 years is no stranger to selling tickets worth big bucks. "We've sold a few big winning tickets before, ranging from $100,000 to $900,000," Manager Raj Patel said. "I kept saying 'The next one has to be a million-dollar winner,' but I never in a million years expected it to be worth $10 million!" The store will also receive a selling bonus of one percent of the prize amount or $100,000. Patel shared what he planned to do with the bonus. "We're going to use a portion of the bonus to give back to our employees, who are such an important part of our success. We also plan to invest in some much-needed upgrades to the store. And this summer, we're hoping to host a fun celebration to thank our loyal customers—so stay tuned for that!" The win comes after another player won $2 million after purchasing a $20 scratch-off ticket in Shorewood. Lottery players must be 18 years of age to participate.
