India Aims to Extend Winning Run Against Malaysia in Asian Champions Trophy

India Aims to Extend Winning Run Against Malaysia in Asian Champions Trophy

India’s men’s hockey team, fresh off their bronze medal triumph at the Olympics, is aiming to continue their winning streak at the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy. Their next challenge comes in the form of Malaysia, a team they will face on Wednesday in Hulunbuir.

India’s recent success has been built on their newfound ability to score field goals, a skill that will be crucial against Malaysia. The team has looked more enterprising in this tournament, seizing opportunities up front while maintaining a solid defense.

India began their title defense with a 3-0 victory over hosts China, followed by a 5-1 thrashing of Japan. In both matches, the young Indian forwards have impressed, reducing the reliance on star dragflicker and captain Harmanpreet Singh.

In contrast, Malaysia, the runners-up in the previous edition, has struggled so far, with one loss and a draw. They will be eager to turn things around against India.

Vinesh Phogat Accuses PT Usha of Insincerity After Paris Olympics Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat Accuses PT Usha of Insincerity After Paris Olympics Disqualification

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has made startling revelations about her meeting with PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympics Association (IOA), following her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to a failed weigh-in.

Phogat, who was admitted to a poly-clinic in the Olympics village after falling ill, claims that PT Usha’s visit and subsequent social media post were insincere and exploitative. She alleges that Usha did not offer any meaningful support during her time of distress.

“I don’t know what support I got there,” Phogat said in an interview with a local news channel. “PT Usha madam visited me at the hospital. One photo was clicked… Like you said, in politics a lot happens behind closed doors. Similarly, politics happened there (in Paris) as well. That’s why I was heartbroken.”

Phogat, who recently joined the Indian National Congress, expressed her disappointment with Usha’s decision to share the photo on social media, claiming that it was a mere publicity stunt.

“You are on a hospital bed, where you don’t know what’s happening in life outside, you are going through one of the worst phases of your life. At that place, just to show everyone you are standing with me, aap bina bataye photo kheench rahe ho, fir social media pe daal ke bol rahe ho hum saath mein khade hain (clicked a photo without telling me and then putting it on social media to say you are standing with me),” Phogat said.

“That’s not how you show support (pretending to). What was it more than (posturing)!”

Phogat’s allegations have raised questions about the integrity and transparency of the IOA and its leadership. Her claims have also sparked a debate about the treatment of athletes in India, particularly those who face setbacks or controversies.

India Eyes First Chess Olympiad Gold in Budapest

India Eyes First Chess Olympiad Gold in Budapest

India, the bronze medalist in the previous edition, is poised to make history at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. The Indian team, seeded second, is determined to secure its first standalone gold medal in the prestigious tournament.

Led by Vidit Gujrathi, R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaise, and P Harikrishna, the Indian team boasts a formidable lineup. Despite the absence of legendary Viswanathan Anand, the team is confident in its ability to surpass its previous bronze medal performance.

The Chinese team, featuring reigning World Champion Ding Liren, is the third seed and a strong contender for the title. The tournament format consists of 11 rounds in both the open and women’s sections, with two match points awarded for each victory.

The Indian women’s team, seeded first, is also a strong contender for the podium. Led by D Harika and R Vaishali, the team has a mix of youth and experience. The absence of top Chinese players and the suspension of Russia and Ukraine has cleared the path for India’s women’s team.

The US team, led by Fabiano Caruana, is the top favorite in the open section. Despite missing Hikaru Nakamura, the US team remains a formidable opponent. The Indian men’s team, led by D Gukesh, also has a good chance of performing well.

With a strong team and a clear path to victory, India is poised to make history at the 45th Chess Olympiad. The tournament promises to be an exciting and competitive event, with India aiming to secure its first standalone gold medal.

Dave Bautista Sheds 80 Pounds, Embraces Healthier Lifestyle

Dave Bautista Sheds 80 Pounds, Embraces Healthier Lifestyle

Dave Bautista, the former WWE champion known as “Batista,” has undergone a significant weight loss journey, shedding an impressive 80 pounds. The 55-year-old wrestler-turned-actor has dropped from 320 pounds to 240, leaving behind his once-massive physique.

Bautista’s weight loss was motivated by a desire to improve his health and acting career. He realized that his excessive weight was hindering his ability to secure roles. “I got fat. I got really big for a role, rather uncomfortably big,” he said. “I was around 315 pounds and put on weight really fast.”

The weight gain had taken a toll on Bautista’s body, making him feel sluggish and uncomfortable. He began to trim down, noticing a positive impact on his appearance and well-being. “The more I trimmed down, the better I look on camera, next to other actors,” he said. “The more I trimmed down, the better I feel.”

Despite concerns from fans about his health, Bautista insists that he is in good shape. “I am 6’4 and 240 pounds,” he said. “But to me, because people have seen me so much over the years, I am still a big human being.”

Bautista’s weight loss journey has been a gradual process, involving a combination of diet and exercise. He has restricted his calorie intake to around 2500 per day and engages in rigorous training.

Reflecting on his in-ring career, Bautista acknowledged that he was a “huge dude” during his time in the WWE. As a four-time World Heavyweight Champion and a two-time WWE Champion, he feuded with some of the biggest names in the industry. However, his full-time in-ring career ended in 2009 when he pursued acting.

Bautista returned to the WWE in 2014, winning the Royal Rumble and earning a spot in the main event at WrestleMania 30. He departed again in 2019, facing Triple H in his final match.

Avinash Sable to Make History in Diamond League Final

Avinash Sable to Make History in Diamond League Final

National record holder Avinash Sable will make history as the first Indian to compete in the Diamond League Final in the 3000m steeplechase event. The season-ending event will be held in Brussels on September 13, and Sable will join star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra in representing India.

Sable earned his spot in the final despite finishing 14th in the overall Diamond League standings with three points. However, four athletes ranked higher than him have withdrawn from the event, including Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia, Geordie Beamish of New Zealand, Ryuji Mura of Japan, and Hillary Bor of the USA.

The 29-year-old Sable has had a remarkable season, setting a new national record of 8:09.91 in the Paris leg of the Diamond League on July 7. He also finished 14th at the Silesia leg with a time of 8:29.96 on August 25.

Sable’s performance at the Paris Games was disappointing, as he finished 11th with a time of 8:14.18. However, he made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the Olympic final in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.

Chopra, a two-time Olympic medalist, also qualified for the DL final after finishing fourth in the overall standings. He accumulated 14 points from his two second-place finishes in the one-day meets held in Doha and Lausanne.

The Diamond League Final is a prestigious event, with the winner receiving a Diamond Trophy, $30,000 prize money, and a wild card for the World Athletics Championships. The runner-up will receive $12,000, and the prize money decreases for each subsequent place.

Sable and Chopra’s participation in the Diamond League Final is a testament to their exceptional talent and hard work. Their performances have not only brought glory to India but have also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams.

Global Chess League Returns to Attract Casual Fans with Innovation and Star Power

Global Chess League Returns to Attract Casual Fans with Innovation and Star Power

The world of sports is rapidly embracing the franchise league model, offering a more engaging and lucrative experience for fans. The Global Chess League (GCL), an over-the-board rapid chess league, is poised to attract casual fans in its second season, scheduled for October 3-12 in London.

The inaugural season of the GCL, held in Dubai in 2023, showcased the league’s unique format and focus on spectator engagement. Former world champion Viswanathan Anand believes the league offers a fresh perspective on chess events, with its fast-paced format and emphasis on innovation and technology.

The GCL aims to bridge the gap between the elite players and the broader chess community. Young Indian grandmasters like D Gukesh, Pragganandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi have benefited from the opportunity to learn from legends like Magnus Carlsen. Anand highlights the value of these interactions, where casual conversations can yield valuable insights.

The success of the GCL could inspire similar initiatives in India, where there is a significant gap between top players and the rest. A thriving franchise league system could provide enhanced opportunities for players at all levels.

India’s performance at the upcoming Chess Olympiad is also a topic of interest. The team, featuring a blend of experienced and young players, has the potential to compete for gold. Anand emphasizes the importance of consistency and the unpredictable nature of the Olympiad, where a single mistake can derail a team’s chances.

Magnus Carlsen’s dominance in the Speed Chess Championship 2024 once again demonstrated his exceptional talent. Anand attributes Carlsen’s success to his passion for the game and his willingness to experiment with faster formats.

The GCL and the rise of young Indian chess players are positive developments for the sport. They offer new avenues for engagement, foster growth, and inspire future generations to pursue excellence in chess.

Kenyan Man Dies After Killing Ugandan Olympic Runner in Gender-Based Violence Attack

Kenyan Man Dies After Killing Ugandan Olympic Runner in Gender-Based Violence Attack

Kenyan Man Dies After Killing Ugandan Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei in Horrific Gender-Based Violence Attack

A Kenyan man who brutally attacked and killed Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. The attack, which left Cheptegei with severe burns, has sparked outrage and sorrow in both Kenya and Uganda, highlighting the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in the region.

Dickson Ndiema Marangach, 32, assaulted Cheptegei in her home on September 1st. The 33-year-old mother-of-two suffered 80% burns and tragically passed away last week. Marangach also sustained significant burns, amounting to 41%.

According to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Marangach developed respiratory failure due to severe airway burns and sepsis, leading to his death on Monday evening.

Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed relief at the news of Marangach’s death, stating that it brought a sense of justice to the family. However, he criticized authorities for failing to adequately protect his daughter despite her repeated complaints about Marangach.

Local media reports indicate that Cheptegei’s young daughters witnessed the horrific attack, which occurred just weeks after her Olympic debut in the women’s marathon in Paris. Marangach reportedly snuck into her home while she was at church with her children.

The family alleges that the couple had been arguing over ownership of the property where Cheptegei resided with her sister and daughters.

Violence against women remains a pervasive issue in Kenya, with 725 femicide cases reported in 2022 alone. A recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that 34% of women in the country have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.

The deaths of Cheptegei and other female athletes, such as Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, in domestic violence incidents have raised concerns about the safety of women in the sports community.

Mohammad Tayyab Ikram Set to Continue as FIH President

Mohammad Tayyab Ikram Set to Continue as FIH President

Incumbent Mohammad Tayyab Ikram is poised to extend his tenure as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) president for another four years, as he stands unopposed in the upcoming elections. The nomination period concluded on August 31, and the Elections Oversight Panel (EOP) has verified that all submissions met the required standards.

Ikram, a Pakistan-born Macau native, initially took over the presidency in 2022 for a two-year term following Narinder Batra’s resignation. This upcoming term will mark his first full four-year tenure.

Alongside Ikram’s uncontested bid, three candidates have emerged for each of the two Executive Board member positions (male and female). Elections for these roles will be held at the 49th FIH Congress in Muscat on November 9.

Japan's Men's Hockey Team Aims for Asian Champions Trophy Glory

Japan’s Men’s Hockey Team Aims for Asian Champions Trophy Glory

Japan’s men’s hockey team, under the leadership of 24-year-old captain Raiki Fujishima, is embarking on a challenging journey to regain its former glory. After a remarkable triumph at the 2018 Asian Games, the team has struggled to maintain its position in the FIH rankings, hovering between 14th and 18th place.

Hosting the next edition of the Asian Games in 2026, Japan is determined to make a strong comeback. The ongoing Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China, serves as a crucial stepping stone in their preparation. “We are a young team, and every match is a learning experience for us,” said Fujishima. “We are gaining valuable insights and building a positive mindset.”

Fujishima took over the captaincy from veteran Masaki Ohashi after a disappointing performance at the Olympic Qualifiers in January. With five members from the Tokyo Olympics in the ranks, including former captain Manabu Yamashita, Fujishima acknowledges the team’s lack of experience. “The team that won the 2018 Asian Games had ample opportunities to prepare, which was evident on the field,” he explained. “Since then, we have had limited chances to grow.”

Under the guidance of new coach Yoshihiro Anai, Japan is rebuilding its team with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 2026 Asian Games at home will be a significant milestone in their journey. “We have a lot of areas to improve in the next two years,” said Anai. “Positioning, attacking, and risk management are key areas of focus.”

Anai also conducted a SWOT analysis of the team. “Our strength lies in our discipline, but our lack of experience against higher-ranked teams is a challenge,” he said. “However, the Asian Champions Trophy provides an opportunity to gain crucial ranking points.”

Japan’s goal is to reach the final and ultimately win the tournament. With a young and determined team, they are eager to prove their worth and set the stage for future success.

Indian Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan Elected Vice-Chair of OCA Athletes Committee

Indian Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan Elected Vice-Chair of OCA Athletes Committee

India’s Shiva Keshavan Elected Vice-Chair of Olympic Council of Asia Athletes Committee

New Delhi: India’s legendary winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the Athletes Committee of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). This marks a significant milestone for Indian sports, as Keshavan becomes the first Indian to hold such a prestigious position within the OCA.

The OCA Athletes Committee, established for the first time at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022, plays a crucial role in representing the interests of athletes across Asia. The committee consists of a Chair and a minimum of five members, with a term of four years. Chinese table tennis legend Ding Ning serves as the Chair of the committee.

Keshavan’s election to the Vice-Chair position is a testament to his unwavering commitment to athlete welfare and his dedication to promoting the Olympic values. As a five-time Olympian, Keshavan has represented India with distinction in the Winter Olympics, competing in the luge event.

“I am deeply honored to join the OCA Athletes Commission as Vice-Chair,” said Keshavan. “I look forward to collaborating with our esteemed commission members to create a supportive environment where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential through sport.”

Keshavan’s appointment to the OCA Athletes Committee is a reflection of India’s growing stature in the global sporting arena. Under the visionary leadership of Randhir Singh, who was recently elected unopposed as President of the OCA for a four-year term, India is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of sports in Asia.

“Asia is experiencing rapid growth and development,” said Keshavan. “The future of sport indeed lies in Asia. I believe India, under the visionary leadership of Randhir Singh ji, is poised to play a significant role in shaping this future.”

Keshavan’s election to the OCA Athletes Committee is a proud moment for India and a testament to his unwavering commitment to athlete empowerment and the promotion of sportsmanship.

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