Kolkata Derby: Mohun Bagan Eyes League Shield, East Bengal Fights for Survival

Kolkata Derby: Mohun Bagan Eyes League Shield, East Bengal Fights for Survival

The upcoming Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal promises to be a high-octane affair, with both teams vying for different goals in the Indian Super League (ISL).

Mohun Bagan, currently third in the standings with 33 points from 16 matches, is eyeing the League Shield. East Bengal, on the other hand, is struggling for survival, sitting in 10th place with 18 points from as many outings.

Despite East Bengal’s lower position, the psychological advantage lies with them in derby meetings this season. They have won two of the three encounters so far, including a 2-2 draw in the last meeting on February 3.

That draw marked a turning point for Mohun Bagan under coach Antonio Lopez Habas. Since then, they have remained unbeaten, picking up four wins and two draws in a stretch of six matches.

East Bengal, on the other hand, has been inconsistent. They recently lost away to Goa and will be looking to regain their form in time for the derby.

The match will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium, which is expected to be packed to capacity. The atmosphere will be electric, with both sets of fans creating a deafening roar.

Mohun Bagan will be relying on the likes of Roy Krishna, Hugo Boumous, and Liston Colaco to provide the attacking spark. East Bengal will look to their experienced players, such as Cleiton Silva, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Lalrinliana Hnamte, to guide them to victory.

The derby is not just a match; it’s a battle of pride and passion. Both teams will be determined to give their all and emerge victorious. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere will be unforgettable.

WSPS World Cup Rocked by LOC Internal Strife

WSPS World Cup Rocked by LOC Internal Strife

The World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) World Cup in India has been marred by internal strife within the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). Deepa Malik, the LOC head and former Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) president, has accused Gursharan Singh’s wife, Lata Singh, of interfering in the event’s opening ceremony.

In a letter to PCI, the Sports Authority of India, and the union sports ministry, Malik detailed Lata Singh’s alleged violations. She claimed that Lata Singh presented herself as an official, controlled the broadcasting team, disrupted camerapersons, and entered restricted areas. Malik also accused her of interfering in an official interaction between senior WSPS officials.

Malik’s letter cited a PCI executive committee meeting in January where concerns were raised about Lata Singh’s “interference” in PCI matters. It was decided that no family member of any governing board member would be entrusted with any responsibility.

Responding to the allegations, Gursharan Singh defended his wife’s actions. He claimed that she was merely assisting volunteers and had the necessary accreditation. He questioned Malik’s implication that Lata Singh was not allowed to attend the competition venue.

The internal conflict within the LOC has raised concerns about the smooth running of the WSPS World Cup. Malik has urged Gursharan Singh to advise his wife to refrain from interfering in official proceedings. The PCI has yet to respond to Malik’s letter.

The allegations of interference have cast a shadow over the event, which is intended to showcase the skills of para-athletes from around the world. The WSPS World Cup is a qualifying event for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Top Wrestlers Headline Selection Trials for Paris Olympics Qualifiers

Top Wrestlers Headline Selection Trials for Paris Olympics Qualifiers

The upcoming two-day selection trials for the Paris Olympic qualifiers and Asian Championships will feature India’s top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya, and Vinesh Phogat. The trials will be conducted by an ad hoc panel in Sonepat and Patiala.

Initially, United World Wrestling (UWW) had raised concerns about accepting India’s entries for the competitions due to the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by the sports ministry. However, after a Delhi High Court hearing, the ad hoc panel was authorized to hold the trials.

To ensure official status for the trials and clear India’s entry for the tournaments, WFI has agreed to send officials and coaches to monitor the proceedings. The trials for Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers will take place in Sonepat on Sunday, while the women’s trials will be held in Patiala on Monday.

Winners in the Olympic weight categories will represent India in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers and World Olympic Qualifiers. Runners-up will compete in the Asian Championships.

Several top wrestlers are returning from injuries, including Ravi Dahiya, Anshu Malik, and Sonam Malik. Antim Panghal, the only Indian to secure an Olympic quota, has received a direct entry to the Asian Championships.

Bajrang Punia, a Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, will need to win the trials to qualify for the Asian Olympic Qualifiers. Vinesh Phogat, who underwent knee surgery, will face a fitness test in Patiala.

Ravi Dahiya and Aman Sehrawat will compete in the 57kg category, while Yash and Sagar Jaglan will battle for the 74kg berth. Deepak Punia remains the favorite in the 86kg category.

In the women’s 59kg class, Anshu Malik and Sarita Mor will face off. Both are world championships medalists, with Malik having defeated Mor at the National Championships in Jaipur.

The selection trials will be crucial for wrestlers aiming to represent India at the Paris Olympics. The trials will provide an opportunity to assess their form and fitness and determine who will represent the country in the upcoming international competitions.

Services Crowned Santosh Trophy Champions with 1-0 Victory over Goa

Services Crowned Santosh Trophy Champions with 1-0 Victory over Goa

YUPIA, Arunachal Pradesh – Services emerged victorious in the 75th edition of the Santosh Trophy, India’s premier inter-state senior men’s football competition, after a thrilling 1-0 triumph over Goa in the final.

The match at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia started cautiously, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the opening session. However, Services gradually gained the upper hand in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 67th minute.

Midfielder Rahul Ramakrishnan played a key role in the winning goal, setting up right-back P.P. Shafeel with a precise pass outside the Goa box. Shafeel unleashed a powerful grounder that left Goa goalkeeper Antonio Da Silva with no chance.

Goa, the pre-tournament favorites, fought valiantly to equalize, but Services’ defense stood firm. The best opportunity for Goa came in injury time when substitute Joshua D’Silva’s header beat Services goalkeeper Abdul Kadir, but Pradeep Kumar cleared the ball off the line to preserve the lead.

Services’ victory marks their seventh Santosh Trophy title, moving them up to second place in the all-time standings behind West Bengal (32 titles). The triumph is a testament to the team’s hard work, determination, and tactical discipline.

Goa, despite their disappointment, can take solace in their impressive run to the final. They showcased their attacking prowess throughout the tournament, scoring 14 goals in their previous five matches.

The Santosh Trophy, first held in 1941, is one of the oldest and most prestigious football competitions in India. It provides a platform for talented players from across the country to showcase their skills and represent their states.

Bangladesh Captain Urges Sri Lanka to Move On from Timed-Out Incident

Bangladesh Captain Urges Sri Lanka to Move On from Timed-Out Incident

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has urged Sri Lanka to move on from the controversial timed-out incident that occurred during the 2023 World Cup. Shanto’s comments came after Sri Lanka’s victory in the third T20I in Sylhet, where the visitors sealed the series 2-1.

During the post-match celebrations, Sri Lankan players made a collective gesture of pointing to their watches, a reference to the incident where Angelo Mathews became the first player ever timed out in international cricket. Mathews had criticized Shakib Al Hasan for appealing for the dismissal, and the gesture has since become a symbol of the rivalry between the two teams.

In the first T20I of the series, Shoriful Islam used the same gesture after taking Sri Lanka’s first wicket. In the third T20I, Sri Lankan fielders targeted Towhid Hridoy after his dismissal, leading to an angry exchange.

Shanto expressed his disappointment with Sri Lanka’s continued focus on the timed-out incident. “They haven’t moved on from the timed-out incident,” he said. “They should stay in the present. We were within the rules. They are in a frenzy about it.”

Sri Lankan assistant coach Naveed Nawaz downplayed the significance of the gesture, stating that it was a celebration that was misunderstood. He emphasized that the two teams have a good relationship off the field.

Kusal Mendis, who scored a career-high 86 in the match, also addressed the issue. “I don’t know why someone was doing the timed-out celebrations,” he said. “We can celebrate our own things.”

Despite the controversy, Mendis denied that Sri Lanka felt vindicated by winning the series after the controversial overturning of Soumya Sarkar’s dismissal in the previous game. “Everyone can make a mistake,” he said. “Our team isn’t thinking about it too much.”

India Outplay England with 'Bazball' Approach, Seal Series 4-1

India Outplay England with ‘Bazball’ Approach, Seal Series 4-1

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has lauded the Indian batters for their exceptional performance in the fifth Test match in Dharamsala, drawing comparisons to England’s aggressive approach under Ben Stokes.

On Day 2, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma struck centuries, laying the foundation for Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal to further torment the visitors. Swann remarked that India had adopted their own version of “Bazball,” England’s attacking batting style, and had executed it brilliantly throughout the series.

“India have come out and are playing England at their own ‘Bazball’ game – and they’re doing very, very well,” Swann said during commentary.

Ravichandran Ashwin, in his landmark 100th Test, claimed a five-wicket haul as India crushed England by an innings and 64 runs, sealing the series 4-1.

England’s James Anderson became the third bowler to reach 700 Test wickets, but the tourists were outplayed from the start. Ashwin’s off-spin proved devastating, dismissing England’s top and middle order as they collapsed to 195 all out.

After the match, Ashwin expressed his delight with his performance. “Win the Test and take wickets, what more can a bowler ask for?” he said.

India’s dominance in the series was a testament to their superior batting and bowling. Gill, Sharma, and Khan all scored centuries, while Ashwin and Mohammed Shami led the bowling attack with 18 and 16 wickets respectively.

England’s aggressive approach, dubbed “Bazball,” had been successful in their recent victories, but India proved that they could match and even surpass their opponents’ attacking style.

Over-Age Athletes Detected at National Junior Athletics Championships

Over-Age Athletes Detected at National Junior Athletics Championships

Eight Over-Age Athletes Detected at National Junior Athletics Championships

On the penultimate day of the 22nd National Junior U20 Federation Athletics Championships, eight athletes were reportedly found to be over the age limit. Their results have been withheld, and they have undergone bone tests at a local hospital.

In addition, an athlete who won a silver medal was discovered to have participated under a different name using a fake Aadhar card. An expert committee of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and the Uttar Pradesh Athletics Association (UPAA) is investigating these cases.

“Eight athletes have been found over age based on their certificates and physical appearances,” said PK Srivastava, CEO of UPAA. “Bone tests have been conducted, and the results are pending.”

“The results of these athletes will be released only after the bone test results are available. If any of them have qualified for the Asian Championships in Dubai next month, they will be allowed to participate only if they pass the tests,” he added.

AFI has implemented age verification measures for the U20 championships this year. The committee found that the eight athletes had manipulated their certificates and had different ages according to their Aadhar cards and other documents. They were allowed to participate temporarily, but their results are subject to the bone test outcomes.

National Records Set

Odisha’s Bapi Hansda set a meet record in the men’s 400m, clocking 46.90 seconds. Haryana’s Aarti won the women’s 10,000m race walk event with a national record time of 47:21.04. Both athletes have achieved the qualifying standards for the Asian Championships.

Osaka and Kerber Show Resilience in Comeback Attempts

Osaka and Kerber Show Resilience in Comeback Attempts

Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber, both former world No. 1s and multiple Grand Slam champions, are navigating the early stages of their comebacks after taking time off to have children. Despite their past successes, both players have struggled with consistency and mental fortitude in recent times.

At the recent Indian Wells tournament, Osaka and Kerber faced adversity in their opening matches. Osaka double-faulted three times in a row and lost a break early against Sara Errani, while Kerber blew a 5-3 lead and lost the first set to Jelena Ostapenko.

However, both players showed encouraging signs of resilience and mental toughness. Kerber, known for her tendency to let negativity affect her game, used her frustration to fuel her performance against Ostapenko. She became more aggressive and tactical, fighting fire with fire and ultimately securing the victory.

Osaka, whose belief can fluctuate dramatically, dug deep against Errani. Despite the Italian’s ability to force her into long rallies, Osaka remained focused and earned her points. She has also been inspired by the fighting spirit of fellow tour mom Victoria Azarenka.

Both Osaka and Kerber acknowledge the challenges of regaining their former form. Osaka is a perfectionist who struggles when results don’t come quickly, while Kerber has a history of letting negativity creep into her game. However, they are determined to overcome these obstacles and reach their full potential once again.

Their comebacks are not without their setbacks, but their performances at Indian Wells suggest that they are on the right track. They have the motivation, the talent, and the experience to succeed. As they continue to navigate the ups and downs of their journeys, Osaka and Kerber will undoubtedly face more challenges. But if they can maintain their positive mindset and unwavering determination, they have the potential to achieve great things once again.

Lacoste Returns to Paris Fashion Week with Tennis-Inspired Extravaganza

Lacoste Returns to Paris Fashion Week with Tennis-Inspired Extravaganza

Lacoste’s Triumphant Return to Paris Fashion Week: A Tennis-Inspired Extravaganza

French fashion icon Lacoste made a grand return to Paris Fashion Week, showcasing its latest collection at the hallowed grounds of Roland Garros’ Court Philippe-Chatrier. The show marked a significant milestone for the brand, not only as its first appearance at the event in three years but also as a poignant homage to its tennis heritage.

Under the creative direction of Pelagia Kolotouros, the collection exuded a vibrant palette of deep browns, rust oranges, and forest greens. Models glided across an elevated platform at mid-court, their attire adorned with subtle nods to the sport that has defined Lacoste’s legacy.

From a floor-length green trench coat reminiscent of a tennis ball to pleated skirts that would not look out of place on Chatrier’s clay courts, Kolotouros seamlessly blended tennis aesthetics with contemporary fashion. Polo shirts and V-neck sweaters, once ubiquitous on-court attire, were reimagined with a fresh, modern touch.

The collection also featured a vintage racquet bag, a playful accessory that evoked the brand’s tennis roots. In a social media post, Lacoste declared that the collection “re-energizes the brand in the spirit of the young René Lacoste,” the legendary tennis player who inspired the brand’s iconic crocodile logo.

Kolotouros’s inspiration extended beyond the brand’s history. She has previously cited Venus Williams as a “muse” and hailed Novak Djokovic’s dominance as “inspiring.” In an interview with Interview magazine, she praised Williams’ embodiment of the brand’s values and Djokovic’s unwavering focus and stamina.

The show was attended by a star-studded audience, including Emma Roberts, Adrien Brody, and Mel C. The collection received widespread acclaim, with Vogue noting its “elegant modernism” and its ability to “carve out a new path” for the brand.

Lacoste’s triumphant return to Paris Fashion Week was a testament to its enduring legacy and its ability to fuse its tennis heritage with contemporary fashion. The collection celebrated the brand’s roots while embracing a fresh, modern aesthetic, ensuring its continued relevance in the ever-evolving world of fashion.

AIFF Charters Plane for Men's National Team Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

AIFF Charters Plane for Men’s National Team Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) decision to charter a plane for the men’s national team three days before its annual general meeting has been hailed as a game-changer. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey’s assurance to head coach Igor Stimac of a “no-compromise stand” has lifted spirits within the team.

The move comes amidst allegations of financial foul play and cronyism made by a former legal head of AIFF. However, Chaubey has denied these allegations, writing to his executive committee to address the concerns.

The decision to charter a plane for the team’s World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan on March 21 is a significant step towards improving the team’s performance. By flying directly to Abha in Saudi Arabia, the team will avoid the fatigue and potential injuries associated with multiple layovers.

This move demonstrates the AIFF’s commitment to providing the best possible support to the national team. It is a clear indication that the federation is determined to create an environment where the team can thrive and achieve success.

The team’s performance in recent months has been mixed. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but have also struggled to maintain consistency. The decision to charter a plane is a sign that the AIFF is taking steps to address these issues and help the team reach its full potential.

The team’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan is a crucial match. A win would boost their chances of qualifying for the next round of the competition. The AIFF’s decision to charter a plane is a clear indication that they are determined to give the team the best possible chance of success.

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