Sania, Saina, Deepika underlined growing might of sportswoman

 The Indian men's hockey team set an example by qualifying early for the Olympics and rounding off its rollercoaster journey this year with a bronze at the World Hockey League finals. But a tenacious women's team stole their thunder, making its way to the quadrennial event after 36 years to spice up the country's preparations for the 2016 Games. Three personalities rode the crest like the women's hockey team this year. Deepika Kumari led a confident group of archers as the country's women recurve team qualified for Rio. Wrestler Narsingh Yadav announced his arrival in the 74kg category, winning the World Championship bronze in Shiva Thapa,and raising questions about Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar's divine right to represent India at Rio. The third athlete was Shiva Thapa, who fought bravely in the World Boxing Championships to raise hopes of an Olympic quota before losing in the semifinals. A berth in the final would have helped Thapa fetch the country its first quota in boxing. It was the year of the underdogs, although at times it looked as if the big players would drown them out.

I am an amazing boyfriend: Ranveer

Ranveer Singh has always said that he makes for great boyfriend material. The actor, rumoured to be in a relationship with Deepika Padukone, reiterated his stand when he said a love triangle like the one seen in his film Bajirao Mastani will never happen to him in real life. “I have tremendous clarity about my life choices... I don’t see the triangle situation happening in my life. I don’t see it arising in life. I still stand by that I am a really amazing boyfriend,” Ranveer said. Since the two actors started working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram Leela, Deepika and Ranveer are often seen together at parties, events and screening of films. But, both have never come on record to talk about their relationship. Bhansali’s latest magnum opus has a love triangle - with Deepika as Bajirao’s second wife Mastani and Priyanka Chopra as first wife Kashi Bai, both in love with Peshwa Bajirao. The Ram Leela actor has had a good run at the box office with films like Dil Dhadakane Do and Bajirao Mastani. His next Befikre is with ace director Aditya Chopra. “I am happy that my popularity is increasing here and in the international market with every film. It is an important aspect to have for star value and commercial standing,” Ranveer said. “I want to solidify it as it empowers my career choices, so that I can make brave choices. I want to make bold, brave and creative choices,” he said. Asked if he sees himself as the most bankable actor among the younger generation, the 30-year-old actor said, “That is not my thing to judge, it is for the audience, trade and critics to decide. I can’t say it for myself.”