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R Ashwin Expands Batting Range, Urges Young Cricketers to Embrace Failures

R Ashwin Expands Batting Range, Urges Young Cricketers to Embrace Failures

By August 3, 2024 0

At 37, R Ashwin is expanding his batting range in his first full Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) season. Known for his boundary-hitting prowess down the ground, Ashwin has been working on playing boundary shots square of the wicket, a strategy that has paid off.

In Qualifier 2 against Idream Tiruppur Tamizhans, Ashwin dismantled left-arm fingerspinners R Sai Kishore and S Ajith Ram with reverse-sweeps, scoring 28 off nine balls. Overall, he has amassed 200 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 166.66, with five innings coming at the top or No. 3 for Dindigul Dragons.

“Everything is work in progress,” Ashwin said. “I felt like I needed to widen my game square of the wicket because I know I can hit the ball down the ground. I wanted to explore other options to keep myself interested in the game.”

Dindigul’s rookie left-arm fingerspinner P Vignesh, who missed the Under-19 World Cup cut for India, has impressed with his accuracy and control. In Qualifier 2, he claimed 3 for 8 and the Player-of-the-Match award.

Ashwin urged the next generation of cricketers to embrace failures and improve their skills. “Missing the Under-19 cut is not the end of the world,” he said. “Failure and success are normal, and people become better only through failures. I hope they’re ready to expand their game and find answers to the questions that are going to be asked.”

Meanwhile, Shahrukh Khan of Lyca Kovai Kings has been working on a technical tweak to improve his game against spin. He has been using a trigger movement where he pushes his weight forward, which has helped him score off both the front and back foot.

Shahrukh’s overall strike rate against pace in the IPL is 161.11, but it falls to 112 against spin. However, in IPL 2024, he managed to lift his strike rate against spin to 168.75.

Despite losing to Dindigul in the league phase, Shahrukh is confident his team can put together their “best cricket” in the final. “We’re taking it as just another game,” he said. “We still haven’t played our best cricket this year, and we will try and do that.”

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Zheng Qinwen Wins Historic Olympic Gold for China in Tennis

Zheng Qinwen Wins Historic Olympic Gold for China in Tennis

By August 3, 2024 0

Zheng Qinwen’s historic triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics has etched her name in the annals of Chinese tennis. Sixteen years after Li Na’s near miss in Beijing, Zheng became the first Chinese player to win an Olympic singles gold medal, defeating Donna Vekic in a thrilling final.

Zheng’s victory is a testament to her remarkable breakout season. After reaching the Australian Open final earlier this year, she has consistently performed at the highest level, earning a career-high ranking of No. 7. Her impressive run in Paris included a stunning upset over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals.

In the final, Zheng faced a determined Vekic, who had enjoyed a resurgence in her career. However, Zheng’s aggressive play and powerful groundstrokes proved too much for the Croatian. She raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set and never looked back, winning 6-2, 6-3.

Zheng’s victory is a significant milestone for Chinese tennis. It follows in the footsteps of Ting Li and Sun Tiantian, who won women’s doubles gold in Athens 20 years ago. Zheng’s triumph is a testament to the growing strength of Chinese tennis and its bright future.

Categories: Tennis
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Indian Sailors Struggle in Paris Olympics Opening Series

Indian Sailors Struggle in Paris Olympics Opening Series

By August 3, 2024 0

India’s Sailing Hopes Dim as Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan Struggle in Paris Olympics Opening Series

India’s Olympic sailing campaign got off to a disappointing start in Marseille, France, as Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan faced setbacks in the women’s and men’s dinghy sailing events, respectively.

Nethra Kumanan, who finished 11th after the first three races on Friday, endured a challenging Saturday, slipping to 24th place after Race 6. The 26-year-old struggled to maintain consistency, finishing 19th in Race 4, 25th in Race 5, and 24th in Race 6.

Meanwhile, Vishnu Saravanan, ranked 22nd after Race 4 on Friday, dropped a spot to 23rd after Race 6 on Saturday. The 25-year-old Indian remained in 23rd place after Race 5, failing to make any significant progress.

With four more races remaining in the opening series, both Kumanan and Saravanan face an uphill battle to qualify for the medal race. The top 10 boats from the opening series will advance to the medal race on Tuesday, where the top three boats will be determined based on the overall score from the opening series and the final.

India’s hopes of a strong showing in sailing at the Paris Olympics now rest on the shoulders of Kumanan and Saravanan improving their performances in the remaining races. They will need to find their rhythm and consistency to secure a spot in the medal race and challenge for a podium finish.

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Simone Biles Soars to Seventh Olympic Gold in Vault Final

Simone Biles Soars to Seventh Olympic Gold in Vault Final

By August 3, 2024 0

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, soared to victory in the women’s vault final at the Paris Games on Saturday, earning her seventh Olympic gold medal. The 27-year-old Biles, known for her gravity-defying skills, averaged 15.300 for her signature Yurchenko double pike and Cheng vaults, securing her second gold on the event since her triumph in Rio de Janeiro eight years ago.

Biles’ victory marks a historic milestone, making her only the second woman to win the vault twice, joining Vera Casalavska of Czechoslovakia as a two-time gold medalist on the apparatus. Casalavska achieved this feat in 1964 and 1968. With this latest triumph, Biles now boasts an impressive 10 Olympic medals, tying her for the third most by a female gymnast. Her medal count at major international competitions has also reached 40, the highest among all gymnasts.

The crowd at the packed Bercy Arena erupted in thunderous applause as Biles was introduced. Clad in a sequined red leotard, she delivered a breathtaking performance that could potentially be her last vault competition. Her Yurchenko double pike was executed with precision, showcasing her explosive power and remarkable control. Despite a slight bounce upon landing, her score of 15.700 put her in a commanding position.

Biles’ second vault, the Cheng, was equally impressive. She nearly stuck the landing, earning a score of 14.900. This meant that the remaining competitors were effectively vying for second place. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, the vault champion in Tokyo, claimed the silver medal with an average score of 14.966. American Jade Carey, who had slipped during the vault final in Tokyo, secured the bronze with a score of 14.933.

In the men’s floor exercise finals, Carlos Yulo of the Philippines made history by winning his country’s second Olympic gold medal. The 24-year-old Yulo edged out defending champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel, scoring 15.000 to Dolgopyat’s 14.966. Jake Jarman of Britain took the bronze with a score of 14.933. Yulo’s victory marks a significant achievement for the Philippines, joining weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz as the only two Olympic gold medalists from the nation.

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India and Sri Lanka Set for Thrilling Second ODI After Tied Encounters

India and Sri Lanka Set for Thrilling Second ODI After Tied Encounters

By August 3, 2024 0

India and Sri Lanka, locked in a thrilling series, are set to face off in the second One-Day International (ODI) at the R. Premadasa International Stadium on Sunday. The match comes after two nail-biting encounters, with both teams tying one game each.

In the first ODI, India’s bowlers impressed, led by skipper Rohit Sharma’s aggressive opening spell. The team’s new strategy of fielding multiple left-handed batters, including Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube, was also evident. However, the hosts’ fragile middle order struggled against India’s spinners, leaving them vulnerable to collapse.

As the teams prepare for the second ODI, the focus will be on maintaining clinical execution and avoiding costly mistakes. The pitch for the first game favored spinners, making it difficult to score boundaries. It remains to be seen if the conditions will be similar for Sunday’s match.

India will be keen to capitalize on their momentum and secure a victory. Rohit Sharma, who returned to ODIs after the World Cup final, will be looking to continue his impressive form. The team’s batting lineup, which includes Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, and Rishabh Pant, will be expected to deliver.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back and level the series. Their middle order, which has been a concern, will need to step up and provide support to the top order. The team will also rely on their experienced bowlers, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne, to restrict India’s scoring.

With both teams eager to gain an advantage, the second ODI promises to be another intense and closely contested affair. The match will start at 2.30 p.m. IST.

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ICC Prepares for India's Potential Absence from Champions Trophy in Pakistan

ICC Prepares for India’s Potential Absence from Champions Trophy in Pakistan

By August 3, 2024 0

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing for the possibility that India may decline to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year. During its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, the ICC approved a budget of approximately $65 million to cover expenses related to hosting matches outside Pakistan if necessary.

The ICC has not officially addressed India’s potential absence, but a contingency plan has been put in place. The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has approved a budget that includes an estimate of the increased costs associated with moving matches outside Pakistan.

The ICC has not yet identified alternative venues, but Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are the designated venues in Pakistan. The PCB has reportedly undertaken significant renovation work at these venues.

The budget allocation includes $35 million for the competition itself, $20 million for participation and prize money, and $10 million for television production costs. The ICC has circulated a tentative schedule to broadcasters and participating teams, with India’s matches scheduled to take place in Lahore, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter on March 1.

The tournament will feature two groups, with India and Pakistan joined by Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A. Group B comprises Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. India’s other matches are scheduled against Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23.

The ICC has allocated a week-long support period from February 12th to 18th for teams to participate in practice matches and media events. March 10th has been designated as a reserve day for the final match.

The ICC will send a team to Pakistan next month to inspect the venues. The final decision on whether to move matches outside Pakistan will depend on the Indian team’s decision and the Government of India’s stance.

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Seine Pollution Forces Cancellation of Triathlon Training in Paris

Seine Pollution Forces Cancellation of Triathlon Training in Paris

By August 3, 2024 0

Paris 2024 Triathlon Training Hampered by Seine Pollution

Olympic organizers have been forced to cancel part of the triathlon training scheduled for Saturday due to concerns over water pollution in the River Seine. The decision was made after heavy rainfall over the past two nights, which has significantly increased the likelihood of the waterway being too polluted for swimming.

The training session, which was set to include the mixed relay event, will now only feature the running and cycling components. The cancellation is a setback for athletes preparing for the 2024 Paris Games, where the triathlon will be held in the Seine.

The Seine has been a major focus of environmental concerns in recent years, despite significant investments by French authorities to improve its water quality. However, heavy downpours continue to overwhelm the city’s drainage system, leading to untreated sewage being released into the river.

This issue has already impacted the Paris Games, with the men’s triathlon being postponed for 24 hours on Tuesday due to pollution concerns. The event was eventually held on Wednesday after water quality was deemed acceptable.

The weather during the Paris Games has been unpredictable, with extreme heat and heavy rainfall. The torrential rain during the opening ceremony caused significant disruptions and raised concerns about the impact on outdoor events.

Organizers are closely monitoring the water quality in the Seine and will make further decisions on training and competition schedules as necessary. The health and safety of athletes remains the top priority, and they will not hesitate to cancel or postpone events if the water quality is deemed unsafe.

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Nikhat Zareen Vows to Return After Heartbreaking Olympic Loss

By August 3, 2024 0

Nikhat Zareen’s Olympic dream was shattered in the pre-quarterfinals of the Paris Games, leaving her devastated and vowing to return with renewed determination. The Indian boxing star, who was a strong medal contender, suffered a unanimous decision loss to top seed and reigning Asian Games champion Wu Yu of China in the 50kg women’s boxing competition.

“The Olympic dream I’ve cherished for so long didn’t unfold as I had hoped,” Zareen wrote in a heartfelt social media post. “After countless hours of training, sacrifices, and unwavering determination, this moment slipped through my fingers.”

Zareen’s defeat was a crushing blow, as she had been the first of six Indian boxers to qualify for the Paris Olympics. She had fought through a year of injury, battled to reclaim her spot, and overcome countless obstacles to represent her country on the global stage.

“Winning an Olympic medal was my greatest dream, and I fought with everything I had to get here,” Zareen said. “The Paris 2024 journey was filled with challenges, but I never gave up.”

Despite her disappointment, Zareen remains determined to achieve her Olympic dream. “This isn’t the end,” she vowed. “I’ll return home to recover and clear my mind. This dream is still alive, and I will continue to chase it with renewed passion.”

Zareen’s resilience and determination are a testament to her unwavering spirit. She has promised to come back stronger and make her country proud.

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Manu Bhaker's Olympic Glory: The Guiding Hand of Jaspal Rana

Manu Bhaker’s Olympic Glory: The Guiding Hand of Jaspal Rana

By August 3, 2024 0

Manu Bhaker’s remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 has propelled her to stardom in India, making her the first Indian female shooter to secure an Olympic medal. Behind her success lies the invaluable guidance of Jaspal Rana, a legendary shooter himself.

Rana’s presence at the Paris Games, where Manu clinched two bronze medals, was a testament to his profound influence on her career. While Rana modestly downplays his role, he acknowledges the contributions of numerous individuals and organizations, including the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the government, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Rana emphasizes that Manu’s success stems not only from technical proficiency but also from her mental fortitude. He focuses on refining her technique, eliminating minor errors that can have significant consequences in high-stakes competitions.

Beyond shooting techniques, Rana instills in Manu the principles of the Bhagavad Gita, which he believes have played a crucial role in her mental resilience. He compares her to Arjuna, the warrior in the epic, who faced challenges on the battlefield with unwavering determination.

Rana recognizes the sacrifices that Manu has made to achieve her success, including the loss of personal freedom and the constant scrutiny of the public eye. He encourages her to maintain a social life and avoid burnout, understanding that a balanced approach is essential for sustained excellence.

Rana’s guidance has extended beyond the shooting range, as he has advised Manu on the importance of managing her emotions and dealing with the pressures of fame. He believes that her ability to compartmentalize her personal and professional lives has been instrumental in her success.

As Manu Bhaker continues to inspire young shooters across India, Jaspal Rana’s role as her mentor and guide remains a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative impact it can have on an athlete’s career.

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Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Team Adds Nuthyangana for Ireland Tour

Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team Adds Nuthyangana for Ireland Tour

By August 3, 2024 0

Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team has added wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana to its 16-member squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland. Nuthyangana, who has yet to make her ODI debut, will serve as backup to regular wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani.

The squad, which lifted the Women’s Asia Cup last week, will be without talismanic skipper Chamari Athapaththu for the T20Is on August 11 and 13 due to her commitments with the Oval Invincibles in the Women’s Hundred. Athapaththu, who was named Player of the Tournament in the Asia Cup, will join the team for the ODIs, which are part of the 2022-2025 ICC Women’s Championship cycle, starting August 16.

In Athapaththu’s absence, Harshitha Samarawickrama, who was the last designated vice-captain, could lead the team. The batting burden will fall on the shoulders of 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne, who has the fifth-most runs in women’s T20Is in 2024, and Samarawickrama. Spin-bowling allrounder Kavisha Dilhari has also shown consistency with the bat.

However, there is some uncertainty in the batting lineup below these three players, although Hasini Perera, Nilakshika Silva, and Sanjeewani have all produced exciting cameos in the past year. Nuthyangana is likely to get game time as Sri Lanka does not have another batting replacement for Athapaththu in the squad.

The bowling options include four frontline spinners and three seamers.

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