India's Wrestling Hopes Dim as Only One Male Qualifies for Paris Olympics

India’s Wrestling Hopes Dim as Only One Male Qualifies for Paris Olympics

India’s Olympic wrestling hopes have been dampened after only one male freestyle wrestler, Aman Sehrawat, qualified for the Paris Games. Sujeet Kalkal and Jaideep Ahlawat’s losses in the repechage rounds at the World Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul dashed India’s chances of sending more men to the Olympics.

Wrestling was India’s most successful sport at the Tokyo Olympics, with Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia winning silver and bronze medals, respectively. However, the sport has been plagued by turmoil in the past year due to protests and a lack of national camps.

Sujeet’s failure to qualify also ends Punia’s hopes of competing in Paris. Dahiya remains in contention, but he will have to prove his worth in selection trials scheduled for June 10.

In women’s wrestling, India has secured quotas through Vinesh Phogat, Antim Panghal, Anshu Malik, Nisha Dahiya, and Reetika Hooda. Vinesh, who has been at the forefront of the wrestling protests, has the option to compete in either 50kg or 53kg.

WFI president Sanjay Singh emphasized that Vinesh must choose one weight class for the trials. “She has to choose between 50kg and 53kg; whichever weight she gives her weigh-in, she can compete in that,” Singh said.

Despite the challenges, India’s wrestlers remain determined to make their mark in Paris. However, the lack of preparation and turmoil within the sport have raised concerns about their ability to replicate their success from Tokyo.

Arsenal Reclaim Top Spot with 1-0 Victory at Old Trafford

Arsenal Reclaim Top Spot with 1-0 Victory at Old Trafford

Arsenal’s title hopes received a significant boost as they overcame a historical hurdle at Old Trafford, defeating Manchester United 1-0 to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League. Leandro Trossard’s 20th-minute goal proved decisive, marking only Arsenal’s second victory in 17 away matches against United.

Despite Manchester City’s remaining advantage in the title race, Arsenal’s triumph keeps the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side ahead of their challenging trip to Tottenham. The Gunners have now won 15 and drawn one of their 17 league games since the turn of the year, showcasing their remarkable form.

United’s defeat further diminishes their chances of European qualification next season. Erik ten Hag’s team, despite showing more spirit than in their dismal 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace, has now won only one of their last eight Premier League matches. They remain eighth in the standings, three points behind both Newcastle and Chelsea.

Arsenal’s victory was far from their usual flowing style, as an injury-ravaged United failed to mount the expected onslaught under the oppressive heat. Ten Hag’s decision to retain Casemiro as a makeshift center-back after his poor performance against Palace drew criticism, as the Brazilian’s error led to Trossard’s goal.

United’s new co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, witnessed the match at Old Trafford, highlighting the challenges facing the club. Despite their efforts to rally the crowd, Arsenal’s defense held firm, securing their sixth clean sheet in their last seven away league games.

Alejandro Garnacho posed a threat for United, but his best chance to equalize went wide. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice were denied by brilliant saves from Andre Onana, preventing the Gunners from extending their lead and setting up a tense finale.

Arsenal’s desperation to secure the victory was evident as Martinelli wasted time in the corner with 10 minutes remaining. However, they managed to hold on, leaving City with the task of responding when they host West Ham on the final day of the season.

RCB's Fifth Consecutive Win Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

RCB’s Fifth Consecutive Win Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their impressive run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, securing a crucial 47-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday. This triumph marks RCB’s fifth consecutive win, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

RCB’s victory propelled them to 12 points from 13 matches, setting the stage for a thrilling final league match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). A win against CSK would elevate RCB to 14 points, positioning them favorably for a Top 4 finish. However, RCB must secure a significant margin of victory to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR) and surpass CSK, who recently defeated Rajasthan Royals.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) remain in contention for the playoffs, but they require RCB to lose one of their remaining two matches to qualify. DC and Gujarat Titans (GT) could also reach 14 points, but their disappointing NRRs make their qualification prospects appear unlikely.

RCB’s victory was fueled by a brilliant bowling and fielding performance that restricted DC to a mere 140 runs in 19.1 overs. Despite managing only 187 for 9 in their innings, RCB’s bowlers proved dominant. Rajat Patidar’s blazing half-century (52 off 32 balls) and Will Jacks’ contribution (41 off 28 balls) had earlier propelled RCB to a respectable total.

Yash Dayal (3/20) and Cameron Green (1/19) were instrumental in DC’s batting collapse, with none of the Delhi batters, except for stand-in skipper Axar Patel (57 off 39 balls), making a significant impact.

Patel attributed DC’s defeat to dropped catches and a poor start in the powerplay. “Dropped catches hurt us. Could’ve restricted them to 150. When you lose four wickets in powerplay, you’re always chasing the game. 160-170 would’ve been a par score. Pitch was two-paced. Some were skidding, some were holding. When your main players are run out and you lose four in powerplay, you’re chasing the game. Anything can happen, but haven’t thought that far ahead,” he said after the match.

With this victory, RCB has strengthened their position in the playoff race. Their final league match against CSK will be a crucial encounter that could determine their fate in the tournament.

Bancroft Century Puts Gloucestershire on Verge of Victory Against Northamptonshire

Bancroft Century Puts Gloucestershire on Verge of Victory Against Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire’s hopes of salvaging a draw against Gloucestershire hang in the balance after Cameron Bancroft’s unbeaten century propelled the visitors to a commanding position on day three at Wantage Road.

Bancroft, in his second stint with Gloucestershire, anchored the visitors’ second innings with a resolute 130 not out, guiding them to a formidable 319 for 5 declared. The Australian opener’s knock, coupled with Graeme van Buuren’s brisk 67, extended Gloucestershire’s overall lead to 557.

With almost four-and-a-half sessions remaining, Gloucestershire set their sights on dismissing Northamptonshire for a second time. However, Emilio Gay and Luke Procter provided stubborn resistance, frustrating the visitors’ bowlers. Gay, who registered his second successive half-century, shared a 106-run partnership with Procter (45 not out) as the hosts closed on 144 for 2.

Gloucestershire’s bowlers encountered a degree of movement from the home seamers, with Liam Patterson-White claiming three wickets in the morning session. The left-arm spinner, on loan from Nottinghamshire, dismissed Ben Charlesworth, Ollie Price, and Miles Hammond.

Despite losing wickets, Bancroft remained unyielding, steadily accumulating runs. James Bracey also contributed with a quickfire 34 before holing out to mid-off. Van Buuren, with his aggressive innings, maintained Gloucestershire’s momentum, hitting four maximums.

Northamptonshire’s chase got off to a shaky start as Gay survived two close calls before being trapped lbw by Ajeet Singh Dale. However, the left-hander responded with a flurry of attacking strokes, driving Zafar Gohar to the boundary on multiple occasions.

Gay’s luck ran out late in the day when he miscued a delivery from Marchant de Lange to midwicket. Nightwatchman George Scrimshaw joined Procter at the crease, helping Northamptonshire reach stumps without further loss.

With a target of 558 looming large, Northamptonshire face an uphill battle to avoid defeat. Gloucestershire, on the other hand, will be confident of securing their first Vitality County Championship win since 2022.

Parveen Hooda: Embracing the Olympic Dream with Unwavering Determination

Parveen Hooda: Embracing the Olympic Dream with Unwavering Determination

Parveen Hooda, one of India’s four Olympic-bound boxers, is embracing the final stretch of her preparation for the Paris Games. Despite the sacrifices and challenges, she remains focused on her dream of Olympic glory.

Hooda’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by steady progress and unwavering determination. From her breakthrough victory over Sarita Devi in 2019 to her recent medal-winning performances at the World Championships, Asian Championships, and Asian Games, she has consistently proven her mettle.

The 24-year-old boxer has identified the need to enhance her technical skills in preparation for Paris. She has expanded her repertoire beyond her signature counterattacking style, improving her ability to initiate attacks and fight effectively at all ranges.

Hooda’s transformation has also extended to her mental fortitude. She has worked diligently with a psychologist to strengthen her mental resilience, recognizing the importance of handling pressure in the high-stakes environment of the Olympics.

Despite the intense training and sacrifices, Hooda remains grounded and focused on her ultimate goal. She has limited her phone usage, minimized social interactions, and adopted a strict diet to maintain her weight.

Hooda’s unwavering determination and belief in her abilities have been instrumental in her success. She is confident in her ability to perform well in Paris, knowing that she has overcome numerous challenges and gained invaluable experience along the way.

Bedingham's Century Keeps Durham in Contention Against Hampshire

Bedingham’s Century Keeps Durham in Contention Against Hampshire

Durham’s David Bedingham continued his impressive run-scoring form in the Vitality County Championship, notching his second century of the season against Hampshire. Bedingham’s 144 helped Durham reach 410 for 8, trailing Hampshire’s 503 by 93 runs.

Bedingham, who now has 490 runs this season, has emerged as one of Division One’s leading run-getters. His average of 81.66 is a testament to his consistent performances.

Hampshire’s Liam Dawson, who bowled a marathon 62 overs, claimed his 11th five-wicket haul. However, Bedingham’s innings ensured that Durham remained in contention.

Bedingham forged partnerships with Alex Lees, Matthew Potts, and Graham Clark, who all contributed valuable runs. Bedingham’s century came off 193 balls, and he celebrated with a flurry of boundaries off Kyle Abbott.

Despite Bedingham’s heroics, Hampshire still holds a slender lead. The match is likely to end in a draw unless something extraordinary occurs.

Bedingham’s performance highlights his growing stature as a batsman. He has now surpassed 1000 first-class runs in two of his three full seasons for Durham. His 14th century for the county is a testament to his consistency and ability to score runs in all formats.

The placid nature of the pitch made it easier for Bedingham to accumulate runs. However, he still displayed excellent technique and timing throughout his innings.

Glamorgan Crush Sussex with Gorvin's Career-Best Haul

Glamorgan Crush Sussex with Gorvin’s Career-Best Haul

Glamorgan’s dominance continued in the Vitality County Championship as they secured a resounding nine-wicket victory over Sussex, thanks to a stellar bowling performance led by Andy Gorvin.

Resuming on 411, Glamorgan’s innings ended swiftly with a run-out, setting Sussex a target of 245. However, the Sussex batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Glamorgan’s relentless bowling attack.

Mir Hamza initiated the Sussex collapse, claiming three wickets in quick succession. Andy Gorvin then took over, dismissing Cheteshwar Pujara and John Simpson in his first over. Despite a valiant partnership between James Coles and Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Sussex’s hopes were dashed by Gorvin’s career-best figures of 5-40.

Hudson-Prentice’s 70 and Coles’ 61* provided some resistance, but Glamorgan’s bowlers remained relentless. Mason Crane and Gorvin wrapped up the Sussex innings, leaving Glamorgan with a modest target of 56.

Billy Root led Glamorgan’s chase with an unbeaten 36, guiding his team to victory in just 7.5 overs. The win marked Glamorgan’s first County Championship triumph since May 2023, earning them 23 points. Sussex managed only four bonus points in the contest.

Gorvin’s exceptional performance was the cornerstone of Glamorgan’s success. His ability to generate late movement proved too much for the Sussex batters, who struggled to cope with his variations.

Glamorgan’s victory is a testament to their resilience and determination. After a disappointing start to the season, they have bounced back with two consecutive wins, demonstrating their potential to challenge for the County Championship title.

Kohli's Umpire Dispute Overshadows RCB's IPL Victory

Kohli’s Umpire Dispute Overshadows RCB’s IPL Victory

Virat Kohli’s Heated Argument with Umpire Overshadows RCB’s Victory

In a controversial turn of events during the IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC), Virat Kohli engaged in a heated argument with the on-field umpire over a disputed LBW decision. The incident occurred during DC’s run chase, involving Abishek Porel’s dismissal.

As Mohammed Siraj delivered an in-swinging yorker, Porel attempted to jam down his bat. RCB players were adamant that the ball had struck his pads in front of the stumps and opted for a review. However, the third umpire ruled in DC’s favor, determining that the ball had come off Porel’s bat.

Kohli and RCB skipper Faf du Plessis were visibly agitated by the decision, leading to a lengthy discussion with the umpires. The incident sparked a heated debate on social media, with many fans questioning the accuracy of the third umpire’s call.

Despite the controversy, RCB emerged victorious in the match, posting a total of 187/9. Rajat Patidar played a crucial role, scoring a solid half-century.

“The wicket was two-paced when I went in. The ball was holding, especially the slower ball. I’ve been smarter in selecting which bowlers to go after in the last few games. I try my best to read it from the hand. This target is defendable. We can defend easily if we bowl in good areas,” Patidar said during the innings break.

CSK Skipper Gaikwad Prefers Spin-Friendly Chepauk Wicket

CSK Skipper Gaikwad Prefers Spin-Friendly Chepauk Wicket

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has expressed his preference for the slow and spin-friendly Chepauk wicket, which has been a key factor in their success over the years. After a five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a low-scoring IPL encounter, Gaikwad emphasized the importance of spinners on such surfaces.

“Definitely we would love to play on such wickets. It brings our spinners into play and with huge boundaries, there is an amount of risk to hit sixes,” Gaikwad said.

CSK’s spinners, led by Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja, played a crucial role in restricting RR to a below-par total of 141 for five. Ali picked up two wickets, while Jadeja was economical, conceding just 20 runs in his four overs.

Gaikwad, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 42 off 41 deliveries, highlighted the need for patience on such wickets. “As a team, we have stroke-players so my job was to stay there till the end,” he said.

Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, CSK’s strong start in the Powerplay helped them cruise to victory. “When we were 55-1, I felt we were cruising. One or two wickets can allow the opposition to get back. Generally, I thought we were cruising and there was no pressure until the end,” Gaikwad added.

RR skipper Sanju Samson acknowledged the challenges of playing on away wickets, especially with the onset of summer. “We are not really sure what to expect from away games. We thought batting first was the better option,” Samson said.

However, he noted that the wicket played better in the second innings than expected. “They had a better idea of what to chase being used to playing here, we thought it would have been slower in the second innings, but the wicket was instead better,” Samson added.

With two games remaining, RR is well-positioned to finish in the top two and secure a place in the playoffs.

Piyush Chawla Eyes IPL Extension After Impressive Season with Mumbai Indians

Piyush Chawla Eyes IPL Extension After Impressive Season with Mumbai Indians

Piyush Chawla, the veteran Mumbai Indians (MI) spinner, has expressed his desire to continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after his impressive performances in the ongoing edition. Despite going unsold in the IPL 2022 auction, Chawla was picked up by MI ahead of IPL 2023 and has made a significant impact.

With 10 wickets in as many games this season, Chawla has been one of the few bright spots for MI, who have already been eliminated from the playoffs race. However, it is unlikely that the franchise will retain him for the IPL 2025 mega auction.

When asked about his future in the IPL, Chawla responded with a cheeky remark, leaving journalists in splits. “You tell me, if I should be playing with the way I’m bowling? If you have given your permission, of course I will see you somewhere next time,” he said during the post-match press conference.

Chawla has played 191 IPL matches for four different franchises, including Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and MI. The 35-year-old surpassed Dwayne Bravo earlier this season to become the second all-time leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with 189 wickets. He was part of the KKR team that won the IPL in 2014.

In MI’s recent match against KKR at the Eden Gardens, Chawla picked up two wickets, but the team ultimately lost in a rain-hit game. Reflecting on the defeat, Chawla acknowledged that MI failed to gain momentum and praised KKR spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine for turning the tide.

“T20 is about momentum, and we didn’t get that momentum right from the beginning. Some days we bowled well, but our batting didn’t click, and sometimes our batters did well, but the bowlers ended up leaking runs,” he said.

“As a unit, we have failed in a few games, and we have to accept that as a team. We have a brilliant lineup, but things didn’t fall into place. Today also, we started off brilliantly, but that spell of (Sunil) Narine and Varun (Chakravarthy) actually made the difference. You have to give credit to their bowlers,” Chawla added.

Despite MI’s disappointing season, Chawla’s performances have been a positive sign for the veteran spinner. He remains hopeful of extending his IPL career and will be looking to make a strong impact in the remaining matches of the season.

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