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Hayley Matthews Leads West Indies Women's Cricket Revival Amidst Challenges

Hayley Matthews Leads West Indies Women’s Cricket Revival Amidst Challenges

By July 31, 2024 0

Hayley Matthews, the captain of the West Indies Women’s cricket team, acknowledges the team’s recent decline but remains determined to bridge the gap with the world’s top teams. Despite being ranked sixth in the T20 format, Matthews believes that the team is on the right track, citing the efforts of Cricket West Indies (CWI) to invest in grassroots development programs.

Matthews emphasizes the importance of fostering a love for the game, recalling her own childhood experiences on cricket fields. She has taken over the captaincy from Stafanie Taylor, who led the team to the T20 World Cup title in 2016. Since then, West Indies has faced challenges in building depth due to limited resources.

However, CWI has taken steps to address these issues, increasing the number of women on retainer contracts, introducing the Women’s Rising Stars Under-19s program, and launching the West Indies Women’s Academy. The senior team’s budget has also been increased, allowing for improved travel arrangements.

While these initiatives will take time to bear fruit, Matthews is committed to inspiring her team both on and off the field. She has been a standout performer for West Indies in recent months, scoring centuries and taking wickets in series against Australia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Matthews draws inspiration from Taylor’s leadership style, emphasizing the importance of setting an example and creating a positive team culture. She acknowledges that West Indies is an underdog at the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh but believes that the team can surprise opponents with strong individual performances.

The return of Deandra Dottin, who reversed her international retirement last week, could further boost West Indies’ chances. Matthews remains cautious about commenting on Dottin’s potential selection for the World Cup but acknowledges her ability to turn matches single-handedly.

Categories: Cricket
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Norman Pritchard: The Indian or British Olympic Pioneer?

Norman Pritchard: The Indian or British Olympic Pioneer?

By July 31, 2024 0

Manu Bhaker’s recent Olympic success has reignited the debate surrounding Norman Pritchard, the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic medal. While Bhaker has become the second Indian to achieve this feat in a single edition, Pritchard’s nationality remains a subject of controversy.

Born in Kolkata in 1875, Pritchard dominated the Bengal sprinting scene for seven years, setting records and winning multiple titles. He represented India at the 1900 Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian to compete and win an Olympic medal. However, his British heritage has led some historians to question his Indian nationality.

British historians argue that Pritchard’s birth into a colonial family and his participation in the 1900 AAA Championships as a member of the London AC indicate his British identity. The New York Times also referred to him as an “Englishman.”

On the other hand, Indian historians point to Pritchard’s birth in India, his representation of India at the Olympics, and his contributions to Indian sports administration as evidence of his Indian nationality. The Field magazine referred to him as an “Indian champion,” and the IOC credits India with his nationality.

The controversy stems from the fact that India and Great Britain did not have registered National Olympic Committees at the time of the 1900 Olympics. This has made it difficult to definitively determine Pritchard’s nationality.

Despite the ongoing debate, Pritchard’s achievements remain significant. He was a pioneer for Indian sports, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. His legacy serves as a reminder of the complex and often contested nature of national identity in the world of sports.

Categories: Others
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Lily Ann Zhang Breaks Barriers, Reaches Top 16 in Paris Olympics Table Tennis

Lily Ann Zhang Breaks Barriers, Reaches Top 16 in Paris Olympics Table Tennis

By July 31, 2024 0

Lily Ann Zhang, a 28-year-old table tennis player from California, has made history by reaching the top 16 in women’s singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Born to Chinese immigrant parents, Zhang has faced the pressure of their expectations for academic excellence and a “normal job.”

Despite her parents’ concerns, Zhang has pursued her passion for table tennis since childhood. She began training professionally at age seven, using her family’s dining table as a practice surface. Her mother, a former table tennis player in China, has been a source of inspiration and support.

Zhang’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by both success and setbacks. She has represented the USA in four previous Olympics, but has yet to medal. However, she remains determined to achieve her goals, recognizing the fragility of a sporting career.

Zhang’s story highlights the challenges faced by many Asian-American athletes who navigate the expectations of their immigrant parents. Team USA’s Chinese-origin coach, Jun Gao, observes that many talented Asian players abandon their athletic pursuits after college due to parental pressure.

Zhang’s success serves as an inspiration to young athletes who may face similar obstacles. She demonstrates that it is possible to pursue one’s dreams while respecting the values of one’s heritage.

Categories: Tennis
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Suryakumar Yadav Joins Elite List with Fifth T20I Player of the Series Award

Suryakumar Yadav Joins Elite List with Fifth T20I Player of the Series Award

By July 31, 2024 0

Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic Indian T20I captain, has etched his name among the elite cricketers with the most Player of the Series awards in T20 Internationals. His fifth such accolade places him just behind Virat Kohli, who holds the record with six awards. Yadav now shares this distinction with Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and Australia’s David Warner.

Yadav’s rise to this milestone has been marked by his aggressive batting and ability to perform under pressure. In his 71 T20I appearances, he has amassed 2432 runs at an impressive average of 42.67. His recent performances have solidified his position in the team and earned him recognition as one of the most formidable T20I players globally.

Yadav’s Player of the Series awards have come through match-winning performances, highlighting his consistency and importance to the Indian cricket team. His inclusion in the ranks of Shakib Al Hasan and David Warner, who have been pillars for their respective teams, underscores Yadav’s significant impact in international cricket.

Shakib is known for his all-round capabilities, while Warner is renowned for his explosive batting. Yadav’s inclusion in this elite list reflects his calibre and potential to shape the future of T20 cricket.

Meanwhile, Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir have kickstarted their new partnership with a 3-0 T20I series win over Sri Lanka. This victory marked a successful beginning for Gambhir’s tenure as head coach and highlighted Yadav’s crucial role in leading the team to success.

Yadav’s journey to this milestone is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure. His aggressive batting and match-winning performances have made him a vital cog in the Indian cricket team and one of the most exciting players to watch in T20 cricket.

Categories: Cricket
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Rinku Singh Shines as India Clinches T20I Series Against Sri Lanka

Rinku Singh Shines as India Clinches T20I Series Against Sri Lanka

By July 31, 2024 0

Rinku Singh Bags ‘Fielder of the Series’ Award as India Triumphs in T20I Series Against Sri Lanka

India’s resounding 3-0 victory against Sri Lanka in the T20I series marked a promising start for Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach. The series triumph was sealed with an exhilarating display in the final match on Tuesday.

Among the standout performers was Rinku Singh, who was honored with the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award for his exceptional fielding efforts throughout the series. His crucial catches in the decisive third T20I played a significant role in India’s dominant performance.

The BCCI shared a video on their official Twitter handle, showcasing the medal ceremony that takes place in the dressing room following each game. During the post-match ceremony, India head coach T Dilip revealed the nominees for the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award, which included Ravi Bishnoi, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag. Ryan ten Doeschate, the assistant coach, ultimately presented the ‘Fielder of the Series’ medal to Rinku Singh, acknowledging his remarkable fielding efforts.

Washington Sundar was recognized as the Player of the Match for his performance in the final game, while Suryakumar Yadav was awarded the Player of the Series title for his outstanding contributions across the matches.

The series victory not only showcased the impressive skills of the Indian players but also marked a promising start to Gambhir’s tenure as the head coach. The team’s ability to adapt to different conditions and execute their plans effectively bodes well for their future prospects.

Categories: Cricket
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Barcelona Triumph in Penalty Shootout Victory Over Manchester City

Barcelona Triumph in Penalty Shootout Victory Over Manchester City

By July 31, 2024 0

Barcelona’s new manager, Hansi Flick, made a triumphant debut on Tuesday, leading the Spanish giants to a penalty shootout victory over Manchester City in a pre-season friendly in Orlando. The match ended 2-2 at full-time, with Barcelona emerging victorious 4-1 in the shootout.

Toni Fernandez, a 16-year-old who recently signed with Barcelona, scored the winning penalty, flicking a left-footed shot past Manchester City’s reserve goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega. The victory marked a strong start for Flick, who took over as Barcelona’s manager this summer after a successful stint at Bayern Munich.

The match was played in front of a sellout crowd of 63,237 spectators, who witnessed a thrilling contest between two of the world’s top clubs. Barcelona took an early lead through Pau Victor in the 24th minute, but Manchester City equalized through Nico O’Riley in the 39th minute. Pablo Torre restored Barcelona’s lead in stoppage time of the first half, but Jack Grealish equalized for Manchester City in the 60th minute.

Both teams made numerous substitutions in the second half, giving reserve players a chance to impress. Barcelona held on to their 2-2 lead, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Barcelona converted all four of their penalties, while Manchester City missed two, giving the Spanish giants the victory.

The victory was a positive start for Barcelona’s pre-season tour of the United States. The team will continue their tour with matches against Real Madrid and AC Milan. Manchester City, who have lost their previous two pre-season matches in the US, will face Chelsea in their final match of the tour on Saturday.

Categories: Football
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Di Maria Abandons Rosario Return Amid Safety Concerns

Di Maria Abandons Rosario Return Amid Safety Concerns

By July 31, 2024 0

Argentine soccer star Angel Di Maria has expressed his reluctance to return to his hometown of Rosario due to escalating safety concerns. The 36-year-old, who triumphed with Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, had previously expressed his desire to end his career at his boyhood club, Rosario Central. However, a recent incident involving a bullet-pierced pig’s head thrown at a family business has shattered his hopes.

Di Maria revealed that his sister’s business was targeted with a box containing the pig’s head and a bullet, accompanied by a chilling note threatening his daughter’s life if he returned to Rosario Central. “I am not going to return to Rosario in this way,” Di Maria declared. “They touched my family, and I will not allow that.”

The incident is not an isolated one. Di Maria has faced previous threats, including a note thrown into a family property in March warning of dire consequences if he joined any club in Rosario. Argentine authorities have acknowledged the presence of “criminal organizations” in the city, but Di Maria remains skeptical of their ability to provide adequate protection.

“It is disrespectful to talk about security and protocols for me when people from Rosario cannot go out to work or wait for the bus without being robbed or killed,” Di Maria said.

The escalating violence in Rosario has also affected other high-profile South American footballers. Last year, gunmen opened fire on a shop belonging to the family of Lionel Messi’s wife, leaving a threatening message for the footballer. In Colombia, guerilla fighters kidnapped the father of Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, holding him for 12 days before releasing him.

Di Maria’s decision to prioritize his family’s safety over his desire to return to his hometown highlights the growing threat posed by organized crime in South America. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes and their families in regions plagued by violence and instability.

Categories: Football
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Nadal, Murray Advance in Olympic Doubles; Gauff Crashes Out

Nadal, Murray Advance in Olympic Doubles; Gauff Crashes Out

By July 31, 2024 0

Rafael Nadal’s Olympic dream remains alive after he and teammate Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the men’s doubles quarter-finals. The Spanish duo defeated Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in a thrilling match tie-break. Nadal, who was eliminated from the singles competition by Novak Djokovic, expressed his enjoyment playing alongside Alcaraz.

Andy Murray, in the final tournament of his career, once again displayed his resilience in doubles alongside Dan Evans. They saved match points for the second consecutive round, defeating Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen. Murray admitted to shedding “happy tears” after the emotional victory.

In the women’s draw, Coco Gauff’s Olympic journey ended in disappointment. She was defeated by Donna Vekic in a match marred by a heated argument with the umpire. Gauff accused the official of unfairness, claiming her shot was compromised by an incorrect call.

Top seed Iga Swiatek continued her impressive form, extending her winning streak on clay to 24 matches. She defeated Wang Xiyu in straight sets and will face Danielle Collins in the next round. Other notable winners included Angelique Kerber, Barbora Krejcikova, and Zheng Qinwen.

With temperatures soaring, officials implemented a heat protocol, allowing a 10-minute break between the second and third sets. Nadal, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, said he will make a decision on his future after the Paris Games.

Categories: Tennis
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BCCI, IPL Owners to Discuss Retentions, Auction Purse Increase

BCCI, IPL Owners to Discuss Retentions, Auction Purse Increase

By July 31, 2024 0

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Indian Premier League (IPL) owners will convene on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium complex to discuss player retentions ahead of the upcoming mega auction.

Key Points of Discussion:

* Retentions: Franchises are expected to retain a maximum of five or six players, with a potential increase in the frequency of mega auctions from three to five years.
* Increased Purse: The auction purse may be raised to Rs 130-140 crore from the current Rs 90 crore.
* Performance-Based Increments: Players may receive performance-based increments.
* Uncapped Player Retention: Franchises may be allowed to retain two or three uncapped players under a separate slot.

Uncapped Players in Demand:

Several franchises have expressed interest in retaining uncapped players who have shown promise in recent seasons. These include:

* Mumbai Indians: Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir, Akash Madhwal
* Kolkata Knight Riders: Vaibhav Arora, Ramandeep Singh, Suyash Sharma
* Punjab Kings: Harpreet Brar, Ashutosh Sharma, Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh
* Chennai Super Kings: Mukesh Chaudhary, Simarjeet Singh, Sameer Rizvi
* Sunrisers Hyderabad: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abdul Samad
* Royal Challengers Bangalore: Yash Dayal, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror
* Lucknow Super Giants: Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan

Other Considerations:

* The Impact Player rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match, is likely to continue in IPL 2025.
* One Right-to-Match card may be introduced this season.

Categories: Cricket
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India's Sleepless Return from T20 World Cup Triumph

India’s Sleepless Return from T20 World Cup Triumph

By July 31, 2024 0

India’s triumphant return from the T20 World Cup 2024 was a memorable occasion, but it was also a sleepless one for the team and accompanying journalists.

After a grueling tournament and a delayed departure due to a hurricane, the Indian team finally boarded a 16-hour flight from Barbados to Delhi. However, the flight was far from restful.

According to a producer on the flight, no player slept for more than six hours. The atmosphere was lively, with players mingling with journalists and Star Sports engineers who had been stranded on the island.

Even head coach Rahul Dravid was unable to find a comfortable spot to sleep. He reportedly moved to the economy section in search of a four-seater, where he managed to catch some shut-eye.

Rohit Sharma, known for his jovial nature, was overheard jokingly scolding someone during the flight. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant also engaged in conversations with the media.

The constant chatter and excitement made it difficult for anyone to get a good night’s sleep. The producer recalled, “I remember I was sleeping and I could suddenly hear Rohit scolding somebody. I saw and he was standing right there. But Rohit, in his style, was scolding jokingly.”

Despite the lack of sleep, the Indian team arrived home to a hero’s welcome. Their victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket, ending a decade-long drought in ICC events.

Categories: Cricket
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