DESH GAURAV SEKHRI's INSIDE OUT - The rise of Indian boxing could be a fairytale beginning for emerging sports in India, and one hopes that other such events across sports help India’s move from never-ran, to potential-challenger.

SANDEEP BAMZAI's NAKED EYE - We have seen how Zimbabwean cricket has disintegrated after some of its key players took umbrage against head of state Robert Mugabe. We have seen how cricket is suffering in Pakistan due to the country’s security environment. Now we have the West Indians in disarray. As it is there are only nine Test playing nations and if more and more fall by the wayside, then this beautiful game will only suffer and fall off the cliff.

QAISER MOHAMMAD ALI's THE CONTRARIAN - IT'S all about money in sports, as in other walks of life. Indian sports fans just found that out in the case of alleged comments of former India Test player Vinod Kambli on his long-time friend Sachin Tendulkar and what former Test fast bowler Yograj Singh said regarding his ‘friendship’ with Kapil Dev on another channel.

SANDEEP BAMZAI's NAKED EYE - Yes, England saved the Test, but they need to show some derring do and bravado to save cricket, the game from going under. Cricket needs the Ashes. And the Ashes need a performing England team, not county pros masquerading as Test stars.

INDUSTRY SPEAK - Football in India has immense potential and global appeal. If things go according to plan, we may not need to outsource our loyalties to international leagues and teams; as fans, or as sponsors.

SANDEEP BAMZAI's NAKED EYE - Imagine a one day Indian team with Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman being bounced out by the opposition. Not possible would be your immediate reaction.

QAISER MOHAMMAD ALI's THE CONTRARIAN - For several years, almost all cricket administrators have been pretending and ‘debating’ that there is ‘too much international cricket’. But the international schedule has been getting tighter and tighter by the year and the same set of officials is responsible for this.

SANDEEP BAMZAI's NAKED EYE - We need cricketers who can articulate their craft, their understanding of the game, they can take a stand, be jingoist and offer repartee as and when necessary.

QAISER MOHAMMAD ALI's THE CONTRARIAN - Let us give the players their due when they win and not pull them down when they don’t. Let us question the administrators too the next time our sportspersons don’t perform well.

SANDEEP BAMZAI's NAKED EYE - How does one future proof Indian hockey? A truly Sisyphian task. For as long as rent seekers dominate Indian hockey, the players on the field will continue to suffer.