Dust off your nostalgia goggles and step into our time machine! This week on The Sport Kaleidoscope, we're journeying back to the moment that sparked a nation's sporting obsession: the unforgettable 1983 Cricket World Cup victory.

We're absolutely delighted to welcome Rangaraj, who paints a vivid picture of his childhood in 1970s Delhi, where the crackle of the radio brought the beautiful game to life. Hear his passionate account of how legendary commentators became his eyes and coaches, fostering a deep understanding of cricket through pure imagination and backyard practice.

Join Poorvaja and Rangaraj as they relive the pivotal moments of the '83 tournament, exploring how Kapil's Devils' underdog triumph ignited a seismic shift in the Indian sporting psyche.

But the nostalgia doesn't stop there! We draw fascinating parallels between the iconic 1983 win and the emotional 2011 World Cup victory. To wrap things up, Rangaraj shares one cherished change in the world of cricket since the '80s and one evolution that leaves him a tad disappointed.

Tune in to truly feel the pulse of 1983 through the eyes of someone who lived it and understand the profound impact this historic win had on a generation and the future of Indian sport!

What does it truly mean to be a sports fan? Is fandom about loyalty, identity, or something deeper—and when does it cross the line into toxicity? In this episode of The Sport Kaleidoscope, Poorvaja sits down with sports enthusiast Harish Alagappa to unpack the emotional, cultural, and sometimes chaotic world of sports fandom.

From Harish’s unwavering love for Rahul Dravid to his unexpected support for FC St. Pauli and his bold pick of Thomas Müller in the Messi vs. Ronaldo era, this conversation explores the quirky, personal, and often irrational ways fans connect with sports. We also tackle pressing questions: Is modern fandom becoming more toxic? How does tribalism shape the GOAT debate? And why, despite the drama, does fandom make sports unforgettable?

Filled with hilarious anecdotes, thought-provoking insights, and a celebration of what makes sports fandom so powerful, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever cheered, argued, or lost sleep over a game.

As 2024 comes to a close, I decided to try something new. In this special episode, I’m joined by Vignesh to unpack our thoughts on The Day I Became a Runner by Sohini Chattopadhyay. We begin with Vignesh’s journey into becoming a sports fan in Kerala, reflecting on how reading newspapers shaped his perspective on sports.

From there, we dive into the book’s rich layers, discussing topics like the challenges female athletes face to play, the triumph of breaking barriers like the Boston Marathon’s gender restrictions, and the heartbreaking reality of gender tests. Vignesh also shares how he was profoundly moved by Ila Mitra’s story and the broader lessons the book offers about sports and education.

In a thought-provoking moment, Vignesh draws a powerful analogy between sports and the social impact space, highlighting how both often glorify traditional success over the learnings gained from trying.

Tune in to hear our reflections, insights, and takeaways from this incredible read!