Somshuvra Laha is a sports journalist with over 11 years' experience writing on cricket, football and other sports. He has covered the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, cricket tours of South Africa, West Indies and Bangladesh and the 2010 Commonwealth Games for Hindustan Times.
Articles by Somshuvra Laha
East Bengal hand 4-0 lesson to young AIFF XI
East Bengal delivered a sobering lesson alright, but not before they were pushed to the back foot for a considerable time by the future of Indian football.
Updated on Dec 12, 2010 11:23 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
AIFF XI braced for East Bengal experience
The team from the Capital will have a tough time against the Kolkata giants.
Updated on Dec 12, 2010 12:23 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
Bulpin's boys ready to take on the men
"Be realistic. Give these kids some time and I'm sure they can turn it around," said Desmond Bulpin, head coach of the AIFF XI, a squad of teens and slightly beyond readying to be the GenNext of Indian football.
Updated on Dec 03, 2010 12:21 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
Globe-trotter Gollings warms up for elusive gold medal
For globetrotting England rugby 7s skipper Ben Gollings, the Commonwealth Games was never meant to be a whistle-stop journey, unlike most of his other assignments. Know Ben
Updated on Oct 12, 2010 02:48 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Diving: Canada win 2 golds
Canada, led by former world champion Alexandre Despatie, won two of the three diving medals on offer on Sunday.
Updated on Oct 11, 2010 12:10 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Australia rule on day of records
Australian swimmers wound up their business in true professional style at the Games, winning four gold on Saturday to take their overall gold tally to 16 out of a possible 40. The diving event starts from Sunday.
Updated on Oct 10, 2010 01:22 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Dirty toilet and leakage at swimming complex
It seems the media was not exaggerating when it came to describing the hygiene and health measures adopted by the Organising Committee as 'poor'. After Saturday's last events in swimming had been wrapped up at the Dr. S.P. Mukherjee Swimming Complex, a visit to the toilet at the technical officials’ area left a nauseating feeling.
Updated on Oct 10, 2010 12:41 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Why should boys have all the fun, ask Oz girls
It's no secret but rarely do we admit — men still have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to winning medals. For women have a clear edge in this department.
Updated on Oct 09, 2010 02:27 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Kukla youngest champ
Australian teenager Yolane Kukla made history on Friday when she became the youngest person to win a Commonwealth Games swimming gold since 2000.
Updated on Oct 09, 2010 02:00 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha
Mermaids captivate minds, the synchronised way
Sisters-in-arms or water nymphs, call them whatever you want, you just can't keep your eyes off them. They stand out, not because of their glittering bodysuits or vivid make-up, but for the finesse they bring to an arena where power and agility usually have the upper hand. Somshuvra Laha reports
Updated on Oct 08, 2010 01:15 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Aussies pull out due to delhi belly
Two Australian swimmers pulled out of competition and South Africa topped Thursday’s honours, winning two out of five gold on offer. Australia, England and Canada won a gold apiece. Somshuvra Laha reports
Updated on Oct 08, 2010 12:03 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Richa braves turmoil to better mark
Comebacks aren't easy, especially when an athlete is indicted of the gravest offence in sports just a month ago. But trust Richa Mishra to overcome all odds. Somshuvra Laha reports
Updated on Oct 07, 2010 12:34 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Australians rule the pool, bag three gold
Australia took charge of proceedings at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Aquatics Complex, winning three of the five gold on offer and breaking two Commonwealth Games records in the process.
Updated on Oct 05, 2010 12:38 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Showtime
India, Pakistan get the loudest cheer as children weave magic at a spectacular opening ceremony in the Capital, reports Somshuvra Laha.
Updated on Oct 04, 2010 12:31 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Sex can wait, athletes eager to play
This Commonwealth Games, the athletes just want to focus on their performance. Further queries did prompt candid admissions that sex wasn't going to be totally overlooked, but it can definitely wait. Somshuvra Laha reports.
Updated on Oct 03, 2010 07:25 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
11 nations for whom Games are everything
At a time when the concept of the Commonwealth and the logic of holding a ‘Commonwealth Games’ is often questioned, spare a thought for Falkland Islands or Gibraltar which, along with nine other nations, have no international arena but this in which to showcase their sporting skills. All 11 countries are barred from participating in the Olympics. Somshuvra Laha reports.
Updated on Oct 02, 2010 01:33 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Games’ misery a boon for bookmakers
And you thought bookmakers were only interested in cricket, football or the Derby stakes at Epsom Downs. Think again. Even the CWG are a betting novelty, according to William Hill, one of the largest bookmakers in the United Kingdom, reports Somshuvra Laha.
Updated on Sep 27, 2010 11:10 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, New Delhi
Bengal beat Punjab to lift Santosh Trophy
Bengal broke their 11-year jinx to lift the Santosh Trophy for a record 30th time on Sunday after defeating Punjab with Kannur lad Denson Devdas stricking twice to give the hosts the most cherished symbol of national dominance. Somshuvra Laha reports.
Updated on Aug 08, 2010 11:53 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
Punjab & Bengal to play for pride
On the threshold of redeeming pride, Bengal are a drained lot. Injuries and the wear and tear of four games in eight days have taken a big toll on Shabbir Ali's boys. But only one game away from regaining what Bengal once rightfully considered theirs, they will want to throw everything at Punjab in Sunday's Santosh Trophy final.
Updated on Aug 08, 2010 01:00 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
Bengal win thriller, to meet Punjab in final
Even if nobody acknowledges, Shabbir Ali knows 'poaching' Robin Singh was one laudable move. For hadn't it been for the Noida lad's snap left-footer in the dying minutes, Bengal would have sunk without a trace against old rivals Goa.
Updated on Aug 07, 2010 12:20 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
In-form Goa ready for Bengal
Mariano Gomes' Goa have been in ruthless form here. On a high after packing off Services 4-0 in their last quarter-final league match, the defending champions have hardly put a foot wrong. But what's troubling Gomes most is the experience in the Bengal midfield. Somshuvra Laha reports.
Updated on Aug 06, 2010 12:04 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
Remembering the famous Bagan XI who dared & won
On Thursday, Mohun Bagan went back in time, 99 years to the day of their most memorable achievement. The club released a first-day cover of the players who became the first Indian winners of the IFA Shield and felicitated their families.
Updated on Jul 30, 2010 01:07 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
Noida lad has Delhi in his cross-hairs
Robin Singh caught the eye of club scouts last September when his last-gasp goal for Tata Football Academy (TFA) knocked the air out of East Bengal, handing them a crushing 1-3 defeat and their fastest exit in IFA Shield history.
Updated on Jul 30, 2010 12:42 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
Team selection made simple: just dodge that curfew
They may have started the tournament on a losing note, going down 0-1 to Rajasthan on Sunday, but for the Jammu and Kashmir team just being at the Santosh Trophy is a blessing.
Updated on Jul 19, 2010 11:56 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
Santosh Trophy set to begin sans stars
For quite some time, the Santosh Trophy has been a suspect affair. Squeezed at the end of the football calendar, often at the expense of an essential recovery period for professional players after a strenuous I-League, the country’s most prestigious senior inter-state football championship has lost its sheen.
Updated on Jul 15, 2010 12:38 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
Asian Cup prep for Indian squad via WC
While millions of Indians pamper themselves with top-quality football at the greatest show on earth, a motley bunch of gentlemen will be cooped up in their rooms, keeping track of the moves and grooves of two teams in particular — Australia and South Korea.
Updated on Jun 13, 2010 12:19 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
WB faces flak over turf
A day after HT revealed that FIFA had denied the country's first artificial turf at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan a two-star status necessary for hosting professional football matches, it drew flak from clubs.
Updated on Jun 07, 2010 12:04 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
FIFA blow to Salt Lake stadium
Guess what the artificial turf at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan is fit for? According to FIFA, it’s good for recreational, community and municipal use, not professional football.
Updated on Jun 06, 2010 12:29 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
Lajong’s I- League feat leads to spurt in trialists
Football in Shillong meant a leisurely Sunday afternoon kickabout at the Polo ground until Lajong FC became the first team from the Northeast to play in the I-League. Largely untouched by cricket and with limited employment opportunities, boys in this part of India are beginning to consider football as career option, reports Somshuvra Laha.
Updated on May 13, 2010 11:54 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Kolkata
‘I always push my players to play better and avail chances’
A shrewd tactician, Dempo coach Armando Colaco has also been at the helm of the Goa club since 2004. After winning his fourth national league title, he spoke to HT about the phenomenon that Dempo has been over the past six seasons.
Updated on May 11, 2010 02:04 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Somshuvra Laha, Shillong