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AFC Demands Evidence in Corruption Allegations Against AIFF President

AFC Demands Evidence in Corruption Allegations Against AIFF President

By March 13, 2024 0

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken cognizance of the corruption allegations leveled against All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey by the organization’s former legal head, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee. The AFC has requested Bhattacharjee to submit a detailed written report outlining his allegations and supporting evidence by March 18, 2024.

Bhattacharjee, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accused Chaubey of involvement in non-transparent tender processes and attempts to misappropriate federation funds for personal expenses. Chaubey has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and accusing Bhattacharjee of attempting to damage his reputation.

The AFC’s intervention highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on Indian football’s reputation. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has also weighed in, calling for Chaubey’s resignation and new elections to clean up the AIFF administration.

Bhattacharjee has remained steadfast in his position, claiming that he refused to sign a “lopsided” agreement with Indigo Airlines during his tenure, which would have provided a minimum guarantee of Rs 7 crore for content creation rights without any incentive for Indian football.

Chaubey has provided a point-by-point rebuttal to Bhattacharjee’s allegations, but Bhattacharjee has vowed to submit all his evidence to the AFC. He has also invited others concerned about Indian football to share any information they may have.

The AFC’s investigation could have significant consequences for Indian football. If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to sanctions against the AIFF and damage the reputation of the sport in the country. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by all stakeholders in Indian football.

Categories: Football
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Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy Hopes Derailed by “Big Stage Anxiety”

By March 13, 2024 0

Mumbai’s dominance in the Ranji Trophy final has left Vidarbha facing an insurmountable task. After Mumbai’s batting collapse on Monday, Vidarbha’s batters failed to capitalize on Tuesday, leaving them with a daunting target of 528 runs.

Experts believe that “big stage anxiety” has played a significant role in Vidarbha’s underwhelming performance. Chandrakant Pandit and Sulakshan Kulkarni, former Vidarbha coaches, attribute the team’s struggles to the pressure of playing in a high-stakes final.

“Players know that it’s not often that one gets such a big stage,” said Pandit. “At the back of the mind, players keep thinking about all this. This leads to anxiety and eventually numb nerves.”

Kulkarni echoed Pandit’s assessment, stating that Vidarbha appeared “overawed by the big stage.” He also criticized the team’s decision to not bat first, which he believes deprived their bowlers of much-needed rest.

“On Day 1, it was a good pitch for batting,” said Kulkarni. “Batting first would have given the Vidarbha bowlers more time to rest.”

Vidarbha’s plan throughout the season has been to bat first and post a big total, but they deviated from this strategy in the final. Kulkarni believes this was a mistake, as it put additional pressure on their bowlers.

“They made a great comeback after being bowled out for 170 in the first innings against MP in the semifinal,” said Kulkarni. “Even more reason they should have batted first here too.”

With Mumbai’s bowlers in top form, Vidarbha’s chances of chasing down the target appear slim. The team will need a historic effort to overcome the deficit and claim their first Ranji Trophy title.

Categories: Cricket
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Ashwin's 500th Test Wicket Overshadowed by Family Emergency

Ashwin’s 500th Test Wicket Overshadowed by Family Emergency

By March 13, 2024 0

Ravichandran Ashwin’s 500th Test wicket milestone was overshadowed by a family medical emergency that forced him to leave the Indian squad immediately. The incident occurred hours after Ashwin achieved the historic feat, becoming only the ninth bowler worldwide to reach the landmark.

According to reports, Ashwin’s mother, Chitra, suffered a medical emergency. Ashwin revealed the details of the traumatic experience in a video on his YouTube channel. He stated that he realized something was amiss when he couldn’t reach his parents or wife after the match.

“I called my wife around 7 PM, asking why my parents weren’t answering my call. Her voice was a bit shaky. She asked me to come separately from the crowd and told me that my mother collapsed after a headache,” Ashwin said.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Ashwin blanked out and struggled to process the news. He was comforted by team physio and captain Rohit Sharma, who advised him to prioritize his family.

“I am part of the playing XI, and the game is in the balance. If I leave, the squad will be left with 10 people fighting against a full-strength England squad when they had the upper hand. If I go, they will be a bowler short,” Ashwin said, expressing his concerns about the team.

However, Ashwin’s primary focus was on his mother’s well-being. He was informed that she was not conscious and could not be seen. “I lost it,” he said.

Coach Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma stepped in to assist Ashwin. They arranged a charter flight for him to Chennai and ensured that physio Kamlesh accompanied him.

“Rohit did something else – he asked Kamlesh, our physio, to fly with me to Chennai and be with me. He was one of the two physios for the team. During our ride to the airport, Rohit kept calling and asking him to be with me during this challenging time,” Ashwin added.

Ashwin expressed his gratitude to Cheteshwar Pujara for finding flights in Ahmedabad and making it to Rajkot for him to travel. He also thanked Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid for their support and understanding.

Categories: Cricket
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Rajasthan to Build 'World's Best Sports Ecosystem' with Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan to Build ‘World’s Best Sports Ecosystem’ with Rajasthan Royals

By March 13, 2024 0

Rajasthan’s sporting infrastructure is poised for a significant upgrade as the Rajasthan Royals and the state government prepare to sign a groundbreaking agreement to establish “the best sports ecosystem in the world.”

“We will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royals, who will assist in developing a comprehensive sports ecosystem over the next three years,” announced state sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore at the jersey launch event of the Jaipur-based Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise.

Royals’ chairperson Ranjit Barthakur emphasized their commitment to the cause. “I have often questioned the lack of adequate infrastructure in Rajasthan. We need to create an environment where sports can flourish. We have discussed this with the sports minister, and we will soon reveal our plans. With a sportsman at the helm, who better to champion the welfare of athletes? We are dedicated to building the world’s premier sports ecosystem right here in Rajasthan,” Barthakur stated.

Rathore clarified that the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) will not be involved in conducting the 17th Indian Premier League (IPL), emphasizing that it is a three-party agreement between the Royals, Rajasthan State Sports Council, and the BCCI.

“Our government will spare no effort in hosting the best IPL ever in Jaipur. Notably, unlike in the past, we are committed to utilizing the Rs 5 crore we receive from organizing five IPL matches for the benefit of players. This amount is significantly higher than previous allocations. We have also reached several other agreements with the Royals,” Rathore added.

The Royals will play five of their seven home games in Jaipur, commencing their IPL campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24 at the SMS Stadium.

“We will designate a special area in the stadium for sub-junior and junior players to witness the matches. We will also invite and accord VIP treatment to all former state captains,” Rathore further stated.

The senior state cricket team will also benefit from the expertise of former Sri Lanka batsman and Royals head of cricket Kumar Sangakkara. “We will leverage Kumar’s immense talent. He will mentor the Rajasthan Ranji team,” Rathore announced.

Categories: Cricket
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Matteo Berrettini Returns with a Win at Phoenix Challenger

Matteo Berrettini Returns with a Win at Phoenix Challenger

By March 13, 2024 0

Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, made a triumphant return to competitive tennis on Tuesday at the Phoenix Challenger. After a seven-month absence due to injury, Berrettini overcame a slow start to defeat Hugo Gaston in three sets, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Berrettini’s victory marked his first match since the US Open last August, where he suffered a ligament rupture in his right ankle. The injury followed an abdominal issue that had sidelined him for much of the 2023 European clay-court season.

Despite his recent setbacks, Berrettini expressed his joy at being back on the court. “I’m just so happy. It’s been 10 years! It was so long. It’s been almost seven months since my last match,” he said.

Berrettini’s return to competition comes at the 175-level Phoenix Challenger, where he is seeded third. Last year, he fell in his opener at Indian Wells as a seeded competitor, seeking match reps to regain his confidence.

This time, Berrettini is on the comeback trail from injury, a narrative he has unfortunately become accustomed to. His ranking has slipped to No. 154, but he has entered the upcoming Masters 1000 event in Miami with a protected ranking of No. 74.

Berrettini’s victory in Phoenix is a testament to his resilience and determination. He will face a tough challenge in the next round against top seed Chris Eubanks, but his performance on Tuesday suggests that he is ready to make a strong comeback.

Categories: Tennis
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Al Hilal Sets World Record with 28th Consecutive Victory

Al Hilal Sets World Record with 28th Consecutive Victory

By March 13, 2024 0

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal has etched its name in football history by setting a new world record for consecutive victories. The Riyadh-based club extended its winning streak to an astonishing 28 matches, surpassing the previous record of 27 held by Welsh team The New Saints.

Al Hilal’s remarkable run culminated in a 2-0 triumph over fellow Saudi side Al Ittihad in the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League. The victory propelled them into the semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate score.

The match was a tense affair, with Al Ittihad posing a significant threat despite missing key players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante. However, Al Hilal’s resilience and attacking prowess proved too much for their opponents.

Yasser Al Shahrani broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a pass from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Brazilian forward Malcom sealed the victory deep into injury time, securing a memorable night for the Riyadh giants.

Al Hilal’s dominance has been evident throughout their Champions League campaign, as they have won their last nine matches. They are also the most successful team in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy four times.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Ulsan also advanced to the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Jeonbuk Motors. Seol Young-woo’s first-half volley proved decisive in a tense encounter between the two K-League powerhouses.

Ulsan’s victory brings them closer to a place in next year’s expanded Club World Cup, which will feature 32 teams in the United States. They will face either Japan’s Yokohama F-Marinos or China’s Shandong Taishan in the semi-finals.

Categories: Football
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Football-Inspired App Empowers Students in Brazil's Underprivileged Schools

Football-Inspired App Empowers Students in Brazil’s Underprivileged Schools

By March 13, 2024 0

In the heart of football-obsessed Brazil, a unique educational initiative is transforming classrooms into virtual soccer pitches, inspiring young minds to academic excellence. The Vini Jr Institute, founded by Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, has launched an innovative app that harnesses the power of football to enhance learning in underprivileged communities.

At the Visconde de Sepetiba municipal school in Sao Goncalo, Vinicius’s birthplace, students are immersed in a gamified learning environment. Perched on football-patterned cushions on artificial grass floors, they engage with educational content on tablets and smartphones using the Vini Jr Institute app.

“I learn better when I use the app,” says 11-year-old Ana Clara da Silva. “It’s easier, it looks like a game.”

The app, designed as a supplement to traditional teaching, provides each student with a personalized account that tracks their progress. Questions are presented in a playful, football-inspired manner, covering subjects such as mathematics, Portuguese, and science.

“Each school year is a ‘season,’ and each subject is a ‘match,'” explains Victor Oliveira, executive manager of the Vini Jr Institute. “The avatar ‘Vinizinho Jr’ celebrates each correct answer as if it were a goal.”

Beyond academic support, the institute also tackles the pervasive issue of racism in Brazil. It has developed an anti-racism training manual and provided instruction to teachers on the subject.

“He is very important to all of us,” says Ana Clara about Vinicius. “I’m glad he never gives up. And because his voice reaches a wide audience, he can fight for us.”

The Vini Jr Institute, initially funded by Vinicius himself, has expanded its reach with the support of sponsors. By the end of this year, it aims to reach 30 schools, benefiting over 4,500 students and 500 teachers.

Categories: Football
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Alcaraz Cruises into Indian Wells Quarter-finals, Avenges Marozsan Loss

Alcaraz Cruises into Indian Wells Quarter-finals, Avenges Marozsan Loss

By March 13, 2024 0

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz cruised into the quarter-finals of the ATP-WTA Indian Wells Masters on Tuesday, exacting revenge on Fabian Marozsan with a dominant 6-3, 6-3 victory. The Spanish star had a score to settle with the 58th-ranked Hungarian after losing their only previous encounter at the 2022 Rome Masters.

Alcaraz seized control from the outset, breaking Marozsan twice in the opening set and winning 12 of the first 13 points in the second. The top seed unleashed 22 winners in just 75 minutes, showcasing his exceptional form.

Despite a slow start to the season and an ankle injury in Brazil, Alcaraz appears poised to defend his title in Indian Wells. “I was nervous before the match,” he admitted. “But I’m really happy with the way I approached it and played.”

Alcaraz’s victory marked his 50th Masters win and extended his winning streak in Indian Wells to nine matches. He will face sixth seed Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals, who overcame blustery conditions to defeat Alex de Minaur in three sets.

In other notable results, Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a disappointing exit, losing 6-2, 6-4 to rising Czech youngster Jiri Lehecka. Lehecka, who upset fifth seed Andrey Rublev in the previous round, dominated Tsitsipas from the start, claiming the opening set with two breaks of serve.

In the women’s draw, Dubai champion Jasmine Paolini bowed out to Anastasia Potapova, while Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk advanced to the quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Categories: Tennis
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Multan Sultans Crush Quetta Gladiators by 79 Runs, Secure Playoff Berth

Multan Sultans Crush Quetta Gladiators by 79 Runs, Secure Playoff Berth

By March 13, 2024 0

Multan Sultans, the table-toppers of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), secured a resounding 79-run victory over Quetta Gladiators on Tuesday, solidifying their position in the playoffs.

The Sultans’ triumph was orchestrated by a dominant bowling performance led by legspinner Usama Mir and fast bowler David Willey, who combined to claim six wickets and dismantle the Gladiators’ batting lineup for a mere 106 runs.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan and West Indian Johnson Charles laid the foundation for the Sultans’ victory with half-centuries, guiding their team to a formidable total of 185 for 4. Rizwan’s 69 runs and Charles’ 53-run knock provided the impetus for the Sultans’ innings, while Iftikhar Ahmed’s quickfire 20 off eight balls added the finishing touches.

The Gladiators’ chase faltered early on as Willey struck twice in the third over, dismissing Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel. Willey’s impeccable yorker then sent captain Rilee Rossouw back to the pavilion, and Laurie Evans’ dismissal left the Gladiators reeling at 29 for 4.

Mir, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, then took center stage, removing Omair Yousuf, the Gladiators’ top-scorer with 37 runs. Mir’s quick work through the tailenders sealed the Sultans’ emphatic victory with more than four overs to spare.

The Sultans’ triumph sets up a tantalizing Qualifier clash against No. 2 Peshawar Zalmi on Thursday, with the winner advancing to the final. The Gladiators, despite their disappointing performance, will face Islamabad United in the Eliminator on the same day, seeking to extend their playoff run.

Categories: Cricket
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Wozniacki Defeats Kerber in Vintage BNP Paribas Open Clash

Wozniacki Defeats Kerber in Vintage BNP Paribas Open Clash

By March 13, 2024 0

In a captivating fourth-round clash at the BNP Paribas Open, Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber relived their past rivalry, with Wozniacki emerging victorious 6-4, 6-2.

Wozniacki, returning from maternity leave, has found her rhythm at Indian Wells, reaching her first quarterfinal since her comeback. Despite a slow start to the season, she has showcased her resilience and determination.

Kerber, also a mother, has gradually regained her form at the tournament, defeating top seeds Jelena Ostapenko and Veronika Kudermetova. However, Wozniacki’s recent dominance in their rivalry proved decisive.

The match began with Wozniacki taking an early lead, but Kerber fought back to level the first set. However, Wozniacki’s unwavering focus and consistent play allowed her to secure the set 6-4.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Wozniacki establishing an early advantage. Kerber’s injury concerns hindered her performance, and Wozniacki capitalized on her opponent’s discomfort. Despite Kerber’s valiant efforts, Wozniacki closed out the match with a 6-2 victory.

Wozniacki’s triumph marks a significant milestone in her comeback journey. She will now face either Iga Swiatek or Yulia Putintseva in the quarterfinals, aiming to continue her impressive run at Indian Wells.

Categories: Tennis
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