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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Cricket’s Quiet Crusader

Former kca Selection Chief who helped nurture a generation of women cricketers when the sport struggled for recognition Niketha Ramankutty A prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket, Niketha Ramankutty — former Chairperson of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Women’s Selection Committee and Manager of the Kerala State women’s teams — has long championed the game, especially when women’s cricket had little platform in her home state. Her dedication helped nurture girls taking to cricket...

Cricket’s Quiet Crusader

Former kca Selection Chief who helped nurture a generation of women cricketers when the sport struggled for recognition Niketha Ramankutty A prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket, Niketha Ramankutty — former Chairperson of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Women’s Selection Committee and Manager of the Kerala State women’s teams — has long championed the game, especially when women’s cricket had little platform in her home state. Her dedication helped nurture girls taking to cricket in Kerala. During her tenure, which ended recently, five players from the state went on to represent India, while three now feature in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Niketha’s journey began in 1995 on modest grounds and rough pitches in the blazing sun of her native Thrissur. At the time, girls aspiring to play cricket often drew curious stares or disapproving glances. This was despite Kerala producing some of India’s finest female athletes, including P.T. Usha, Shiny Wilson, Anju Bobby George, K.M. Beenamol and Tintu Luka. “Those were the days when women’s cricket did not attract packed stadiums, prime-time television coverage, lucrative contracts or celebrity status. Thankfully, the BCCI has taken progressive steps, including equal pay for the senior women’s team and launching the WPL. These have brought greater visibility, professional avenues and financial security for women cricketers,” Niketha said during a chat with  The Perfect Voice  in Pune. With better infrastructure, stronger domestic competitions and greater junior-level exposure, she believes the future of women’s cricket in India is bright and encourages more girls to pursue the sport seriously. Humble Beginnings Niketha began playing informal matches in neighbourhood kalisthalams (playgrounds) and school competitions before realising cricket was her true calling. Coaches who noticed her composure encouraged her to pursue the game seriously. More than flamboyance, she brought reliability and quiet determination to the turf — qualities every captain values when a match hangs in the balance. These traits helped her rise through the ranks and become a key figure in Kerala’s women’s cricket structure. “She was like a gentle messiah for the players. During demanding moments, they could rely on her – whether to stabilise an innings or lift team spirit,” recalled a former colleague. Guiding Youngsters Her involvement came when women’s cricket in many states struggled even for basic facilities. Matches were rarely covered by the media, and limited travel or training arrangements often tested players’ patience. “As a mother of two daughters—Namradha, 18, and Nivedya, 14—I could understand the emotions of the young girls in the teams. Guiding players through difficult phases and helping them overcome failures gave me the greatest satisfaction,” she said. Niketha — an English Literature graduate with a master’s in Tourism Management — believes success in sport demands not only skill but also sacrifice. Strong parental support and encouragement from her husband, Vinoth Kumar, an engineer, helped her overcome many challenges. Never one to seek the spotlight, she let her performances speak for themselves, earning respect on the national circuit. Quiet Legacy Today, the landscape has changed dramatically. Young girls are more ambitious, parents more supportive, and cricket is seen as a viable career with opportunities in coaching, umpiring, team management, sports analysis and allied fields. Players like Niketha have quietly strengthened the sport. Their journeys show that some victories are not won under stadium floodlights, but by determined women who simply refused to stop playing.

Presidential Debates: The Defining Stage in US Elections

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Presidential Debates

On September 10, 2024, the United States witnessed a pivotal moment in its political history as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle. The event, held in Philadelphia and broadcast by ABC News, marked a significant shift in the American political landscape.

This debate was not the matchup many had anticipated even a few months ago. In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden was forced to withdraw from the race in July, following mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party. The catalyst for this dramatic shift was Biden’s poor performance in a June 27 debate against Trump, which raised serious doubts about his mental acuity and stamina. Ultimately, Biden announced his withdrawal on July 21, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee.

For those readers in India who may not be familiar with the tradition, presidential debates have been a cornerstone of American elections since 1960. These televised events offer voters a chance to see candidates discuss key issues face-to-face, often influencing the election outcome.

The Birth of Televised Debates

The modern era of presidential debates began in 1960 with the historic face-off between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This series of four televised debates marked a turning point in American politics, showcasing the power of television to influence public opinion. An estimated 66 million viewers tuned in to watch the first debate, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts in U.S. television history at the time.

The Kennedy-Nixon debates highlighted the importance of appearance and presentation in politics. While radio listeners reportedly favoured Nixon, television viewers were swayed by Kennedy’s charismatic on-screen presence. This disparity underscored the significant impact visual media could have on shaping public perceptions of candidates.


A Hiatus and Revival

Following the 1960 debates, there was a 16-year hiatus before presidential debates resumed. In 1976, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford reignited the tradition of debating at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. This revival set the stage for presidential debates to become a regular feature of election cycles.


The Commission on Presidential Debates

In 1987, the Commission on Presidential Debates was established as a bipartisan, non-profit organisation to organise and oversee presidential debates. This commission has since played a crucial role in standardising the debate format and ensuring fair representation of candidates.

In recent years, presidential debates have continued to evolve. The 2016 debates between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton drew record-breaking audiences, with the first debate attracting over 84 million viewers. On the other hand, the 2020 election cycle saw unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the cancellation of one debate and the implementation of new safety measures.

The Latest Debate

Last week’s debate covered a wide range of topics crucial to the American electorate. Immigration, always a contentious issue, took centre stage early on. Trump reiterated his hardline stance, while Harris advocated for a more compassionate approach, emphasising the contributions of immigrants to American society.

Another hot-button issue was the economy, which saw heated exchanges. Trump touted his previous administration’s tax cuts and deregulation policies, claiming they would “bring back American jobs.” Harris countered with proposals for an increased minimum wage and expanded social programs, arguing they would “lift all Americans.”


Public Response

The public response to the debate was mixed, with supporters of both candidates claiming victory. Social media buzzed with reactions, memes, and fact-checking in real-time, reflecting the deeply polarised nature of the electorate. Media outlets offered varied interpretations, with some praising Harris for her poise and others commending Trump’s forceful defence of his policies. Political analysts noted that while the debate was unlikely to change the minds of staunch supporters, it may have swayed some undecided voters who were looking for clarity on key issues. Early polling data suggested a near-even split in public perception of the candidates’ performances, indicating a tightly contested race.

As the dust settles on this debate, the race to the White House continues, with the next presidential election scheduled for November 5th. With only weeks remaining, both campaigns will focus on mobilising their bases and reaching out to undecided voters. Further debates and key campaign events are expected to follow, offering additional opportunities for the candidates to present their visions for America’s future. In the meantime, the world is closely watching the US presidential election, as its outcome could have a global impact for many years to come.

(The writer is an IT professional. Views personal)

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