Panaji: Most clubs in the top tier of Indian football have indicated to KPMG, the company that prepared the request for proposal (RFP) to monetise the rights of the Indian Super League (ISL), “a preference for phased relegation” and expressed concern on commercial sustainability of a relegated club.Clubs pointed out the “wide commercial, reputational and quality gap between the top-tier ISL and second division I-League,” according to KPMG findings which have now been submitted to the Supreme Court by Justice (Retd) L Nageswara Rao.Appointed by the Supreme Court, Justice Rao supervised the process of constitutional reform within the AIFF and is now chairman of the bid evaluation committee (BEC).Indian football is back waiting for directions from Supreme Court after its tender to commercialise the rights of the top tier ISL for 15 years found no takers.Promotion and relegation, now part of the approved Constitution, was one of the reasons cited by prospective bidders — FSDL, Sporta Technologies, Raak Advisory and Supersub Management (representing Conexus) — for not making a bid. One bidder said it “could hamper the football ecosystem and its long-term development.”Promotion and relegation has been a bone of contention in Indian football ever since the ISL was accorded the top tier status in 2019. While ISL clubs continue to be immune from relegation – despite assurances by the AIFF to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) while charting out the Roadmap – the league grants entry on sporting merit to I-League champions. Punjab FC, Mohammedan Sporting and now Inter Kashi have all moved to the top after winning the second tier competition.According to Justice Rao’s report, prospective bidders had several concerns, with most expressing apprehension that the commercial partner, despite assuming substantial operational and financial responsibility, would have limited representation within the governing council.Bidders also felt that the Rs 37.5 crore annual minimum guarantee payment was “on the higher side and did not adequately reflect the current dynamics of sports monetisation in India.”In his recommendation that seeks to “strike a balanced approach by preserving the AIFF’s regulatory role while making the commercial framework more viable, and attractive to prospective bidders,” Justice Rao has suggested reconsidering the financial obligations stipulated in the RFP, reconstitution of the governing council to provide the commercial partner with equal representation, and permission for bidders to independently sub-licence media rights in line with its commercial strategy, without requiring prior approval of the federation.Significantly, Justice Rao has made no mention about promotion and relegation in his report which has now been submitted to the Supreme Court.Promotion and relegation has been a bone of contention in Indian football ever since the ISL was accorded the top tier status in 2019. While ISL clubs continue to be immune from relegation – despite assurances by the AIFF to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) while charting out the Roadmap – the league grants entry on sporting merit to I-League champions. Punjab FC, Mohammedan Sporting and now Inter Kashi have all moved to the top after winning the second tier competition.

India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya seems to be embracing a fresh chapter in his life — both personally and spiritually. After parting ways with his former wife, Natasa Stankovic, in 2024, Hardik has found love again in model and actress Maheika Sharma. The couple went public with their relationship in October 2025, marking it as an important new step for the cricketer, who has been candid about balancing his personal happiness with professional commitments.

Hardik Pandya begins a new chapter with Maheika Sharma

Recently, Hardik took to social media to share glimpses of his evolving life through a post titled “My big 3...”, referring to the three constants currently shaping his world — cricket, his son Agastya, and his partner Maheika. The photo carousel and short clips gave fans an inside look into his emotional and spiritual side, revealing how the cricketer remains grounded despite the highs and lows of fame.

Among the most talked-about moments was a video of Hardik performing a traditional hawan (ritual fire ceremony) at his residence. Seated beside him was Maheika, both dressed in matching cream and gold ethnic wear, symbolizing harmony and shared belief. The duo was seen offering prayers with folded hands as a priest chanted mantras. Fans applauded Hardik for honoring Indian traditions while blending his personal and public identity so gracefully. The video soon went viral, receiving thousands of likes and messages from followers who praised his humility and spiritual devotion.

The post also included snippets from his gym workouts, bonding sessions with Agastya, and cozy moments with Maheika. In one heartwarming clip, Hardik kissed her on the forehead, a rare public display of affection from the usually reserved cricketer.

Also READ: Hardik Pandya’s phone wallpaper featuring girlfriend Mahieka Sharma goes viral

Hardik and Maheika growing bond

Before officially confirming their relationship, Hardik and Maheika’s chemistry had already become a subject of speculation for months. Their first public appearance together came just before Hardik’s 32nd birthday, when paparazzi captured them at the airport in coordinated outfits, reportedly en route to a romantic getaway in the Maldives. Those close to the couple describe their relationship as “supportive and grounded,” with both sharing a passion for fitness, travel, and social causes.

Maheika, known for her work in modeling and independent cinema, has appeared in various brand campaigns for Tanishq, Vivo, and Uniqlo. With a strong following on social media, she often promotes mental health awareness and sustainable fashion, traits that align with Hardik’s evolving lifestyle off the field.

Even after his separation from Natasa, Hardik continues to co-parent his son Agastya, ensuring that his personal transformation does not disrupt the stability of his family. Friends and fans believe this mature balance between responsibility and renewal reflects his growth as both a person and a sports icon.

As Hardik prepares for India’s upcoming cricket season, his renewed focus and emotional clarity seem to be guiding him toward a positive direction. From leading by example on the pitch to finding peace off it, Hardik’s journey stands as a reminder that new beginnings can be both spiritual and deeply meaningful.

Also READ: Jasmin Walia’s reaction goes viral amid Hardik Pandya-Mahieka Sharma romance

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is no longer an illness confined to smokers or older adults, and leading pulmonologists across India are raising the alarm. With rising pollution levels, changing lifestyles, and growing exposure to environmental toxins, COPD is emerging much earlier and in people who have never touched a cigarette. To understand the shifting landscape, we spoke with two of India’s most respected respiratory specialists, Dr. Vivek Nangia of Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, and Dr. Manu Madan of Medanta Hospital, Noida. Their insights reveal the hidden risks driving today’s COPD surge, the early symptoms people continue to overlook, and the daily habits that can make or break long-term lung health.

Dr. Vivek Nangia: The biggest misconception people have about COPD is that COPD is only linked to smokers, that only smokers can have COPD. Unfortunately, nowadays with increasing exposure to the polluted air around us, exposure to biomass fuel, some people have occupational exposure. So even in them, non-smokers are also developing COPD. Almost 50% of the COPD burden is being seen in non-smokers these days.

Dr. Vivek Nangia: COPD is diagnosed late primarily because its symptoms develop slowly and gradually over a period of time, usually its seen in adults, therefore its seen as a process of aging that is resulting in breathlessness. So any patient whose being coughing for 8 weeks or so, slowly becoming more breathless, loss of weight, loss of appetite , must get themselves screened for COPD especially if they have a history of smoking, or exposure to air pollution only then it can be detected early with the help of simple chest x ray and pulmonary function test PFT

Dr. Vivek Nangia: So, basically the lung damage in COPD progresses over a period of time. There is airway narrowing, damage to the air sacs, air trapping inside which causes breathlessness to the patients. So all this happens slowly and gradually over a period of time. While the lung damage may not be reversible, the disease with regular inhaler therapies, with pulmonary rehabilitation, prevention of infections, prevention of exacerbations can be well managed on a long term basis.

Dr. Vivek Nangia: So, the air pollution has impacted the patients already suffering with COPD in two ways, one we are seeing newer patients now, those who never had COPD in the past but now are complaining of cough, breathlessness, chest tightness, finding it difficult to breathe and are being diagnosed as COPD and second are those who already have COPD and are now experiencing frequent exacerbations. So, the numbers have gone up and also that the symptomatology has gone up, the severity of illness has gone up in these patients.

Dr Manu Madan: Cigarette smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for COPD. In addition to cigarette smoking, vaping and e-cigarette use, air pollution, exposure to biomass fuel fumes at home, childhood infections, prior infections such as tuberculosis, occupational exposure to harmful substances, and certain genetic factors are also important causes of COPD.

Dr Manu Madan: Diet, sleep, and stress levels are important factors that significantly affect lung health.An antioxidant-rich diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and anti-inflammatory foods high in omega-3 fatty acids may benefit COPD patients. Conversely, a diet high in carbohydrates can be detrimental. Sleep and stress are closely interconnected; when one is affected, it often impacts the other, which in turn influences overall health, including lung function. In conclusion, a well-balanced diet combined with mindfulness and regular physical activity can significantly improve not only overall mood and sleep but also lung health.

Dr Manu Madan: Since pollution is a significant cause of respiratory illnesses and the exacerbation of underlying lung and heart diseases, it is important to take precautionary measures for people living in polluted cities. These measures can include:1) Track air pollution levels and avoid going outdoors on days with high pollution, especially for high-risk individuals such as the very young, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with underlying heart and lung conditions.2) Use masks, either N95 or surgical masks. Avoid wearing N95 masks for prolonged periods.3) Perform steam inhalation and gargle regularly, especially after returning from a polluted environment.4) The use of indoor plants can be beneficial.5) Using an air purifier may help if you plan to stay indoors for most of the day.

Dr Manu Madan: COPD is generally considered to develop after the age of 40; however, due to certain genetic conditions and changes in environment and lifestyle, it is increasingly being observed at earlier ages. Some reasons for the early onset of COPD include:1) Air pollution in developing countries has led to a worsening of lung health.2) Impaired lung growth during childhood due to maternal smoking, low birth weight, and childhood infections.3) Use of e-cigarettes and hookah among youth4) Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disorder5) With the advent of industrialization, exposure to harmful gases increased.