Indian Boxers Struggle in World Olympic Qualifier, Chahar Knocked Out

Indian Boxers Struggle in World Olympic Qualifier, Chahar Knocked Out

Reigning national champion Lakshya Chahar’s Olympic dream suffered a setback as he became the fourth Indian boxer to bow out in the opening round of the first World Olympic Boxing Qualifier in Busto Arsizio, Italy.

Chahar, competing in the men’s 80kg event, faced a formidable opponent in 2021 Asian Championships silver medallist Gheshlaghi Meysam of Iran. Despite a valiant effort, Chahar was knocked out in the third round, ending his hopes of securing an Olympic quota.

The Indian contingent has faced a disappointing start to the qualifier, with all four boxers who have taken the ring failing to advance to the second round. World Championships bronze medallist Deepak Bhoria (51kg), Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal (92kg), and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria (60kg) all suffered first-round defeats.

However, five Indian boxers remain in contention for Paris Olympic quotas: world championships bronze medallist Mohammed Hussamudin and six-time Asian Championships medal winner Shiva Thapa. A semifinal finish will guarantee them a quota.

India has already secured four 2024 Olympic quotas through Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Parveen Hooda (57kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), who clinched their entry at the Asian Games last year.

Boxers who fail to earn quotas in Italy will have a final chance to qualify for the Paris Games at the second World Olympic Boxing Qualifier, scheduled for May 23 to June 3 in Bangkok.

Overseas Stars Set to Light Up The Hundred Draft

Overseas Stars Set to Light Up The Hundred Draft

The Hundred draft, scheduled for March 20, promises an exciting pool of overseas players, including David Warner, Kane Williamson, Meg Lanning, and Smriti Mandhana. Warner, previously absent from the competition, is now available for £100,000, while Williamson, who missed the first season due to injury, can be acquired for £75,000.

In the women’s draft, Mandhana joins Ashleigh Gardner, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma as the top-priced players at £50,000. Lanning, who has also withdrawn in the past, is available for £40,000, alongside Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland. India’s contingent includes Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh, and Shikha Pandey.

The men’s draft features seven players in the £125,000 bracket, including Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Josh Inglis, and Daryl Mitchell. Kieron Pollard, Shamar Joseph, Sikandar Raza, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Naseem Shah are all priced at £100,000.

Notable England players in the draft include Jason Roy, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Amy Jones, and Lauren Filer. Malan, a winner with Trent Rockets in 2022, expressed his enthusiasm for the competition. Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, the Player of the Tournament in the recent WBBL, is also eager to join the Hundred.

The draft will be held at the Shard in London and broadcast live on YouTube, TikTok, and the Hundred website. Birmingham Phoenix will have the first pick in the women’s draft, while Northern Superchargers will start the men’s draft.

Pakistan Cricket Expert Slams Babar Azam-Sachin Tendulkar Comparisons

Pakistan Cricket Expert Slams Babar Azam-Sachin Tendulkar Comparisons

Pakistan Cricket Expert Slams Comparisons Between Babar Azam and Sachin Tendulkar

Pakistan YouTuber and cricket expert Wasay Habib has vehemently denounced comparisons between Babar Azam and legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. During an analysis on GTV News, Habib expressed his disbelief at the notion of comparing the two players.

“First [comparison of Babar Azam with] Virat Kohli, then Shubman Gill, and now you have jumped to Sachin Tendulkar! Have you seen Sachin play? Khuda ka khauf kare (Have the fear of God please). Please don’t ask me such a question; I am a passionate cricket fan. Who are these people asking such questions? How is Babar and Tendulkar comparisons even possible?” Habib exclaimed in a viral clip.

Habib’s outburst stems from the recent trend of comparing Azam, Pakistan’s current captain, to some of the greatest cricketers of all time. Earlier, legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram had mentioned Brian Lara and Tendulkar while discussing Azam’s batting prowess.

“Babar is a very good player. He is among the three best batters in the world right now and he plays proper cricketing shots. Had he been a pinch hitter, then the bowler would know that he has a chance to get him out,” Akram said.

However, Habib believes that such comparisons are premature and disrespectful to Tendulkar’s legacy. “Sachin Tendulkar is a legend. He has achieved so much in his career. Babar Azam is still a young player. He has a long way to go before he can be compared to someone like Tendulkar,” Habib argued.

Habib’s comments have sparked a debate among cricket fans, with some agreeing with his stance and others believing that Azam has the potential to reach the same heights as Tendulkar. Regardless of the differing opinions, it is clear that Azam has established himself as one of the most talented batsmen in the world and has the potential to become a legend in his own right.

Ashwin Reflects on Challenges and Opponents Ahead of 100th Test

Ashwin Reflects on Challenges and Opponents Ahead of 100th Test

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, is on the cusp of a significant milestone as he prepares for his 100th Test match. Reflecting on his illustrious career, Ashwin has expressed his admiration for some of the finest batters he has encountered, both domestically and internationally.

Ashwin singled out Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root as the most formidable opponents he has faced. “I have loved bowling to Steve Smith, Williamson, and Joe Root. They are some of the finest batters going around the world now,” he said.

The 37-year-old spinner acknowledged that his domestic experiences also played a crucial role in his development. “I had the privilege of bowling to some of the gun batters of spin in first-class cricket,” he said, naming S Badrinath, Mithun Manhas, and Rajat Bhatia as players who helped him hone his skills.

Ashwin’s journey to the international stage was not solely based on his white-ball prowess. “I had a good 30-40 matches in first-class cricket before I made it to the Indian team,” he emphasized.

Despite his success in limited-overs cricket, Ashwin remains committed to club cricket. “I played 3-4 years of club cricket in Chennai, probably mentored by seniors, told where I made mistakes, corrected my discipline, bowled long spells,” he said.

Ashwin’s Test debut came in 2011, and he has since become one of India’s most successful bowlers in the format. He recently became only the second Indian after Anil Kumble to cross 500 wickets in Tests.

“A lot of things need to go your way when you have to get a breakthrough and also continue playing for so many years. I am indebted for all those things,” he said.

SPNI Extends Exclusive UEFA Club Football Rights for Three Seasons

SPNI Extends Exclusive UEFA Club Football Rights for Three Seasons

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has extended its exclusive broadcast and digital rights for UEFA club football competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Super Cup, and Youth League. The renewal covers the 2024/25 to 2026/27 seasons, granting SPNI access to over 1600 matches across its channels and OTT platform, SonyLIV.

The UEFA Champions League will undergo a format change in 2024/25, with four additional clubs participating in a new league phase. This will increase the number of competing clubs to 36, ranked together in a single league format. The change aims to provide more opportunities for top teams to compete and enhance the excitement of the tournament.

Additionally, UEFA’s premier club competitions will no longer have a break in January, ensuring non-stop European club football from August to May. SPNI will continue to telecast select UEFA Champions League matches in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, recognizing the growing popularity of regional language coverage.

SPNI has been the home of UEFA Champions League since 2017 and will continue to broadcast the final at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The network also holds the rights to UEFA EURO 2024, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, and Roshn Saudi Pro League.

The renewal of SPNI’s UEFA rights ensures that Indian audiences will continue to enjoy the highest level of European club football, featuring top teams and players like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland.

Neil Wagner's Retirement: Forced or Voluntary?

Neil Wagner’s Retirement: Forced or Voluntary?

Neil Wagner, the veteran New Zealand fast bowler, has announced his retirement from international cricket, a decision that has raised questions about whether it was forced upon him. Wagner’s former teammate, Ross Taylor, believes that the decision was not entirely voluntary.

Wagner’s retirement came after he was informed that he would not be part of the ongoing Test series against Australia. This news sparked speculation that Wagner’s retirement was a result of a forced decision by the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) selectors.

Taylor, speaking on ESPN’s Around The Wicket podcast, expressed his belief that Wagner’s retirement was “forced.” He pointed to Wagner’s press conference, where he stated that he was retiring after the Test match against Australia, indicating that he had made himself available for selection.

However, Wagner was released from the squad after the first Test in Wellington. An injury to William O’Rourke led to talk of a potential recall for Wagner for the second Test in Christchurch. However, NZC opted to select the uncapped fast bowler Ben Sears instead.

Taylor questioned this decision, stating that Wagner would have been a valuable asset in the must-win Test against Australia. He believes that Wagner’s experience and intimidation factor would have prevented Australia from posting such a large total in their first innings.

Aaron Finch, the former Australian captain, also expressed his surprise at Wagner’s omission from the XI. He believes that Wagner’s success against Australia, particularly against Steven Smith, would have made a significant difference in the match.

Finch pointed to the record 116-run partnership between Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green, which laid the foundation for Australia’s victory. He believes that Wagner’s presence would have disrupted this partnership and prevented Australia from reaching such a high total.

Taylor echoed Finch’s sentiments, emphasizing Wagner’s experience and ability to intimidate opposition batters. He believes that Wagner’s absence allowed Hazlewood and Green to play with more freedom and contribute to Australia’s victory.

Wagner’s retirement marks the end of an era for New Zealand cricket. He was a key member of the team for over a decade, known for his aggressive bowling style and ability to extract reverse swing. His departure will leave a significant void in the New Zealand bowling attack.

Rohit Sharma Arrives in Dharamsala for Fifth and Final Test Against England

Rohit Sharma Arrives in Dharamsala for Fifth and Final Test Against England

India’s skipper Rohit Sharma arrived in Dharamsala on Tuesday, marking the commencement of preparations for the fifth and final Test against England. The match, scheduled to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium from March 7, will conclude the five-match series, which India currently leads 3-1.

Rohit, accompanied by his wife, had previously attended the pre-wedding festivities of Mukesh Ambani’s son in Jamnagar. Both the Indian and English teams arrived in Dharamsala on Sunday.

Despite losing the opening match of the series, India rallied with consecutive victories in Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, and Ranchi to secure the series win. India’s dominance is reflected in their top ranking in the World Test Championship standings, while England languishes in eighth place.

The final Test will witness the return of India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the series-clinching victory in Ranchi. The Indian squad for the Dharamsala Test includes:

* Rohit Sharma (captain)
* Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain)
* Yashasvi Jaiswal
* Shubman Gill
* Rajat Patidar
* Sarfaraz Khan
* Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper)
* KS Bharat (wicket-keeper)
* Devdutt Padikkal
* R Ashwin
* Ravindra Jadeja
* Axar Patel
* Kuldeep Yadav
* Mohammed Siraj
* Mukesh Kumar
* Akash Deep

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler: Aakash Chopra's Top Opening Combination for IPL 2024

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler: Aakash Chopra’s Top Opening Combination for IPL 2024

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 fast approaching, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the performances of their favorite players. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has identified the opening combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler as his top pick for the upcoming season.

Chopra believes that Jaiswal’s exceptional form in recent times makes him a formidable force at the top of the order. “His 600-plus IPL season is almost loading,” Chopra said. “When you head into a tournament with such confidence, you bat at a different level.”

Complementing Jaiswal’s brilliance is Jos Buttler, who Chopra expects to bounce back from a disappointing IPL 2023 campaign. “He had a very ordinary season last year,” Chopra noted. “But after that, he did well in the SA20. And for how long will you keep Buttler quiet?”

Chopra also highlighted the potential of Chennai Super Kings’ opening pair, Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad. “You might get more consistency from Chennai because they have Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad,” he said. “Although Devon Conway’s recent form hasn’t been great, something happens to him as soon as he reaches Chennai.”

“Ruturaj Gaikwad must also be itching because he hasn’t played much cricket from the last IPL until now,” Chopra added. “It could be the most consistent kind of pair. It might not be very explosive but you can keep it towards the top in terms of consistency.”

Other notable opening combinations that Chopra mentioned include Mumbai Indians’ Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma and Harry Brook, and Punjab Kings’ Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal. However, he believes that Jaiswal and Buttler have the edge due to their current form and the potential for a long-term partnership.

College Rivals Grand Finale Concludes with INR 50 Lakh Prize Pool and Esports Contracts

College Rivals Grand Finale Concludes with INR 50 Lakh Prize Pool and Esports Contracts

College Rivals, India’s largest Esports talent hunt, concluded with a grand finale that saw 28 college students from across the nation triumph and share a generous INR 50 lakh prize pool. The event, organized by Ampverse and DMI Finance, featured a total prize pool of INR 50 lakh and attracted over 5,000 attendees.

In the BGMI title, Divyansh Vashisht of Delhi School of Professional Studies, Palampur, emerged victorious with a 2-1 victory against Sahil Nagpal of APJ in the final match, securing the top prize of INR 4 lakh. Sahil secured INR 2 lakh, while Swayam Jain of IIPS and Deepak Mishra of DSNV were rewarded with INR 1 lakh each for finishing in third and fourth place respectively.

The finale also provided a dream come true opportunity to one of the Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) players by offering a professional Esports contract with Rivals Pro Esports.

In addition to BGMI, the College Rivals grand finale showcased intense competition across other titles, including FIFA 23, Road to Valor, Valorant, Tekken 7, and Counter Strike-2, each boasting a prize pool of INR 5 lakhs. Winners in each category received a substantial INR 2.5 lakh prize, while the runner-up secured INR 1.5 lakh.

Karman Singh Tikka of Delhi Institute of Management, Gurugram, demonstrated his expertise in FIFA 23 by defeating Danish Khan of DGMC with a 2-0 scoreline. Similarly, in Tekken 7, Vayam Bhatt of MVSIT, New Delhi, clinched victory with an identical 2-0 scoreline against Gurashish Singh of Jagannath University.

Arnav Manoj of SRM University, Mumbai, displayed exceptional skill and determination in the Road to Valor title by securing victory in the final with an impressive 2-0 scoreline. In Valorant, Vinit Mane of DY Patil Arts and Commerce College, Pune, dominated the competition with a 2-0 victory, while another talented student from Pune, Samyak Magare of Ajeenkya DY Patil University, prevailed in Counter-Strike 2 with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph.

Beyond the Esports competitions, the College Rivals finale provided attendees with a plethora of activities, including live performances from stand-up comedian Samay Raina and renowned music artists Seedhe Maut, Muhfaad, and Char Diwaari. Gaming enthusiasts also had the unique opportunity to interact with renowned Esports personalities such as Naman Mathur (Mortal), Payal Dhare (PayalGaming), Tanmay Singh (ScoutOP), and Yash Thakker (lolzzzgaming), who engaged in a BGMI match.

The one-of-a-kind experiential LAN event also featured cosplay competitions, arcade gaming zones, racing simulators, VR cricket, AI live generation art, and a variety of food and beverages, creating an immersive and memorable experience for all attendees.

The journey of College Rivals began in August with city qualifiers, where teams competed in bracket-based matches organized by city. Each city qualifier was conducted at the end of the City Tour by the College Rivals Truck which visited 25 colleges across five cities, including New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai, and attracted a total of 92,000 participants across the nation.

Ball-Boy Stuns with Spectacular Catch in Pakistan Super League

Ball-Boy Stuns with Spectacular Catch in Pakistan Super League

In a thrilling moment during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi, a young ball-boy stole the show with an extraordinary catch beyond the boundary rope.

Despite the batter earning six runs for clearing the rope, it was the ball-boy’s diving catch that captivated the crowd and earned praise from Kiwi star Colin Munro. Munro, positioned near the boundary where the catch was taken, was astonished by the child’s effort and embraced him in a warm hug.

The incident occurred during a delivery from Islamabad pacer Faheem Ashraf, which Zalmi’s Amer Jamal hit for a maximum. Earlier in the match, the same ball-boy had dropped a catch, but he redeemed himself with this spectacular effort.

The ball marginally crossed the rope, but the sight of a fielder celebrating a six while sharing a light-hearted moment with the ball-boy created a memorable moment.

Islamabad United emerged victorious in the match, restricting Peshawar Zalmi to 167/9 after scoring 196/4 themselves. Shadab Khan was named the player of the match.

In his post-match comments, Shadab Khan praised the team’s performance and highlighted the importance of momentum on the Rawalpindi pitch. He also expressed confidence in the team’s pace attack and the development of young players like Hunain.

The ball-boy’s catch not only showcased his athleticism but also highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship and the camaraderie between players and support staff. It was a moment that will be remembered long after the match itself.

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