Indian Sprinter Deepthi Jeevanji Wins Bronze in Paralympic 400m

Indian Sprinter Deepthi Jeevanji Wins Bronze in Paralympic 400m

Indian sprinter Deepthi Jeevanji added to India’s Paralympic medal tally with a bronze in the women’s 400m (T20) event. The 20-year-old clocked 55.82 seconds, finishing behind Ukraine’s Yuliia Shuliar and Turkey’s Aysel Onder. This brings India’s total medal count to 16, with track-and-field contributing six.

Jeevanji’s journey to the Paralympics has been marked by challenges. Diagnosed with intellectual impairment, she faced taunts from her village. However, her determination and support from her coach, Nagpuri Ramesh, and national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, helped her overcome these obstacles.

Meanwhile, ace shooter Avani Lekhara narrowly missed out on a second medal, finishing fifth in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 competition. The 22-year-old, who won gold in the 10m air rifle event, shot a total of 420.6 across the three stages. Germany’s Natascha Hiltrop won the gold with a total of 456.5.

In other events, Bhagyashri Jadhav finished fifth in the women’s shot put (F34), while archer Pooja Jatyan reached the quarterfinals of the recurve women’s open archery competition before losing to China’s Wu Chunyan.

India’s Paralympic campaign has been a mix of success and disappointment. While the country has secured 16 medals, including three golds, there have also been some near misses. However, the athletes’ determination and resilience have been inspiring, and they continue to strive for excellence on the world stage.

Sumit Antil Defends Paralympic Javelin Title, Receives Advice from Neeraj Chopra

Sumit Antil Defends Paralympic Javelin Title, Receives Advice from Neeraj Chopra

Sumit Antil, India’s Paralympic javelin champion, recently defended his title in Paris, adding another gold medal to his impressive resume. Before the competition, Antil received valuable advice from fellow Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, who cautioned him against experimenting and encouraged him to focus on his technique.

Antil’s victory in Paris was a testament to his dominance in the sport. Despite nursing a back injury, he threw 70.59m, surpassing his rivals by a significant margin. However, he fell short of his goal of breaking his world record of 73.29m.

Antil acknowledged the pressure he felt as a defending champion, but he also relished the experience of competing in front of a large crowd. He emphasized the importance of staying focused and not underestimating his opponents, even though he is currently the top performer in his category.

In the years since Tokyo, Antil has maintained his dominance, winning two world championship titles and the Para Asian Games gold. He credits his consistency to his unwavering focus on improving his technique and overcoming physical challenges.

Antil looks up to Chopra as a role model for his exceptional consistency and ability to set new standards. He believes that Chopra’s achievements have raised the bar for Indian athletes and inspired them to strive for excellence.

Antil and Chopra have a close relationship and often communicate to share their experiences and support each other’s goals. Both athletes are committed to representing India with pride and bringing glory to the nation.

India Stumble in Intercontinental Cup Opener Against Mauritius

India Stumble in Intercontinental Cup Opener Against Mauritius

India’s Intercontinental Cup opener against Mauritius ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw, leaving new coach Manolo Marquez with plenty to ponder. The match, played in Hyderabad, exposed the gulf in quality between the two sides, with India struggling to create clear-cut chances against a team ranked 55 places below them.

Marquez, who took over the reins from Igor Stimac, admitted that his team’s performance was “difficult to play worse than today.” He acknowledged the need for significant improvement ahead of their next match against Syria on Monday.

India’s preparations for the Intercontinental Cup have been far from ideal. They were eliminated from the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after a disappointing campaign that included a defeat to Afghanistan. Hopes were raised after a victory over Qatar, but a late winner from Kuwait dashed their dreams of qualification.

Despite the setbacks, India remain focused on the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Marquez handed Chinglensana Singh his first India cap in nearly 18 months, and the center-back impressed with a solid performance. Ashish Rai and Jay Gupta also made their debuts in defense.

Sahal Abdul Samad, who scored and won a penalty in the Durand Cup final, started on the bench but came on at half-time. Nandhakumar Sekar also made an appearance as a substitute.

India enjoyed superior possession but failed to test Mauritius goalkeeper Jean Luis Obrian until the 37th minute. Manvir Singh had a chance to break the deadlock but was denied by Obrian.

Mauritius threatened during a second-half spell, but their best chance came in the 37th minute when Jean grazed the crossbar with a long-ranger.

Overall, the match was a disappointing start to India’s Intercontinental Cup campaign. Marquez will need to find a way to improve his team’s attacking play if they are to have any chance of success in the tournament.

Ugandan Olympian Set on Fire in Horrific Gender-Based Violence Incident

Ugandan Olympian Set on Fire in Horrific Gender-Based Violence Incident

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, is fighting for her life in a Kenyan hospital after suffering severe burns in a horrific incident of gender-based violence. According to police reports, her Kenyan partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly doused her with petrol and set her ablaze on Sunday afternoon.

The incident occurred at Cheptegei’s home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, while she and her children were attending church. Marangach reportedly snuck into the house and carried out the attack. Neighbors rushed to the scene and rescued the couple, who were then taken to Kitale County Referral Hospital with multiple burns.

Cheptegei’s condition is critical, with facial burns and bandages. She has been transferred to the intensive care unit at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). Marangach also sustained injuries in the incident.

The police report indicates that Cheptegei and Marangach were a couple with a history of domestic disputes. Local media reports suggest that Cheptegei had purchased land and built a house in Trans-Nzoia, near the Ugandan border.

Cheptegei, a long-distance runner, represented Uganda in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th. The Ugandan Athletics Federation expressed its shock and sadness over the incident, stating that Cheptegei had suffered severe injuries.

The assault on Cheptegei highlights the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in Kenya. A report by the Kenyan Bureau of National Statistics found that 34% of women in the country have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Married women are particularly vulnerable, with 41% reporting incidents compared to 20% of unmarried women.

This incident follows the tragic deaths of other Kenyan athletes in recent years. In 2021, record-breaking runner Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten. Her estranged husband is currently on trial for her murder. In 2020, Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua was found dead in Iten.

The attack on Cheptegei has sent shockwaves through the sports community and beyond. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence and protect women from harm.

TNCA President's XI Rally with Unbroken Partnership in Buchi Babu Semifinal

TNCA President’s XI Rally with Unbroken Partnership in Buchi Babu Semifinal

TNCA President’s XI rallied to post a respectable 291 for six on day two of the Buchi Babu semifinal against Hyderabad in Tirunelveli. The team’s recovery was sparked by an unbroken 91-run seventh-wicket partnership between S. Rithik Easwaran (83 batting) and M. Mohammed (41 batting).

Hyderabad’s left-arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan had earlier given his side the advantage with a four-wicket haul, dismissing openers S. Radhakrishnan and R. Vimal Khumar (75) and later Andre Siddharth and A. Badrinath cheaply.

However, Easwaran and Mohammed steadied the innings, guiding TNCA President’s XI out of a precarious position. Easwaran, in particular, played a crucial role, hitting six fours and two sixes in his patient knock.

Earlier, Khumar and K.T.A. Madhava Prasad (40) had provided a solid start for TNCA President’s XI, putting on 94 runs for the second wicket. But Thyagarajan’s intervention, followed by the dismissals of Madhava Prasad and Vimal, left the team reeling at 200 for six.

Hyderabad, who had posted 313 in their first innings, will be looking to capitalize on their 22-run lead when play resumes on day three. TNCA President’s XI, on the other hand, will need to bat aggressively to put pressure back on their opponents.

Suresh Raina's Unwavering Faith in MS Dhoni's Cricketing Prowess

Suresh Raina’s Unwavering Faith in MS Dhoni’s Cricketing Prowess

Suresh Raina’s unwavering faith in MS Dhoni’s cricketing prowess and leadership abilities was evident in a recent podcast interview. When asked who he would choose as his batting partner in a hypothetical scenario where his team needed 20 runs in the final over, Raina responded without hesitation: “MS Dhoni.”

Raina’s unwavering trust in Dhoni stems from their long-standing camaraderie as teammates in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Indian national team. Despite Dhoni’s recent retirement from international cricket, Raina believes that the legendary captain still has much to offer, particularly in mentoring the next generation of cricketers.

Dhoni’s decision to pass on the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024 signaled a transition within the team. However, Raina, who retired alongside Dhoni in 2020, believes that Dhoni should continue for one more season to guide Gaikwad and help him develop his leadership skills.

Raina’s faith in Dhoni’s abilities is not unfounded. Despite battling a knee injury during the last IPL season, Dhoni adapted to a finisher’s role, contributing crucial runs lower down the order. His 161 runs in 14 matches came at an astonishing strike rate of 220.25, proving that the “Thala” still has the ability to make a significant impact on the game.

As the IPL approaches its mega players’ auction for the 2025 season, Dhoni’s future remains uncertain. However, Dhoni has stated that he will wait to see the auction rules, particularly concerning player retention, before making a decision. “It needs to be in the best interest of the team (CSK),” Dhoni remarked.

Raina’s unwavering belief in Dhoni’s abilities and his desire for Dhoni to continue playing for one more season highlight the deep bond and respect between the two former teammates. Dhoni’s experience, leadership, and ability to adapt to different roles make him an invaluable asset to any team, and Raina’s unwavering support is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of cricket’s greatest captains.

Emma Navarro Continues Historic Run at US Open, Reaches Quarterfinals

Emma Navarro Continues Historic Run at US Open, Reaches Quarterfinals

Emma Navarro, the 23-year-old American tennis sensation, has taken the tennis world by storm this year. After reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon earlier this summer, she has now cracked into the quarterfinals at the US Open, becoming the first women’s singles NCAA winner to make the US Open quarters.

Navarro’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in New York and raised in South Carolina, she played college tennis at the University of Virginia, where she won an NCAA singles championship as a freshman in 2021. After graduating, she decided to fully commit to professional tennis for two years.

This year has been Navarro’s breakthrough season. She has claimed a 49-19 result on the tour so far, including her maiden title at the Hobart International. Her impressive performance has seen her rise through the rankings, and she is set to crack into the top 10 for the first time in her career after the US Open.

Navarro’s success is attributed to her aggressive style of play and her unwavering belief in her abilities. She has a powerful forehand and a solid serve, and she is not afraid to take risks on the court.

“I believe that I can play tennis with the best players in the world. I deserve to be on this stage,” Navarro said. “I belong in these rounds of Grand Slams. I can make deep runs.”

On Tuesday, Navarro will face Paula Badosa at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, hoping to reach her maiden Slam semifinal. Regardless of the outcome, Navarro has already surpassed her expectations and is poised for even greater success in the future.

KL Rahul Opens Up on Impact of Online Trolling and Hate

KL Rahul Opens Up on Impact of Online Trolling and Hate

KL Rahul, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, has opened up about the toll that online trolling and hate have taken on him. Rahul, who has often been criticized for his performances and scoring rates, admitted that while he was initially able to handle the abuse, it eventually began to affect him.

“I used to be good with (handling) trolling. I did not care, but I feel I was much younger back then. And then, a couple of years back, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat, I got trolled, if I stood, I got trolled,” Rahul said on entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath’s YouTube Channel.

Rahul’s last international appearance was during the ODI series against Sri Lanka, where he scored 31 runs in two innings. Despite a fine ICC Cricket World Cup last year, in which he scored 452 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.33, with a century and two fifties, Rahul was panned for his knock of 66 in 107 balls during the final against Australia, which India lost by six wickets after failing to defend 241 runs against Australia.

In this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Rahul also attracted some criticism for his strike rate despite finishing among top 10 run-getters, with 520 runs in 14 matches at an average of 37.14, with four fifties. His strike rate of 136.12, lower in comparison to veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and younger stars like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Rishabh Pant, etc., was a subject of trolling.

Back in 2019, both Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were handed suspensions from the national team and fined Rs 20 lakh for Hardik’s misogynist comments in “Koffee With Karan”, before they could return to the team.

While Rahul and Hardik featured in the ICC Cricket World Cup that year and suspension did not last very long, it still had a bad effect on Rahul, who admitted of “never being suspended in school”.

Rahul’s admission highlights the growing problem of online abuse and trolling in sports. Athletes are increasingly subjected to vitriol and hate on social media, which can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being. It is important to remember that athletes are human beings, and they deserve to be treated with respect.

Rohit Sharma's IPL Future Uncertain Amidst Rumors of New Team

Rohit Sharma’s IPL Future Uncertain Amidst Rumors of New Team

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma’s future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a topic of intense speculation following his removal as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain in 2024. The move, which ended Rohit’s decade-long tenure at the helm, has sparked rumors that he may join a new team ahead of the 2025 IPL auction.

Multiple reports suggest that Rohit’s availability in the auction could trigger a bidding war among several franchises eager to secure his services. Punjab Kings Head of Cricket Development Sanjay Bangar has expressed interest in acquiring the star batter, stating that PBKS will “certainly go for him” if he enters the auction.

“It all depends on whether we have the money in our pockets. If Rohit comes in the auction, I certainly believe, he is going to go for a high price,” Bangar said.

Meanwhile, Rohit has paid tribute to his long-time opening partner Shikhar Dhawan, who recently announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket. Rohit hailed Dhawan as “The Ultimate Jatt” and credited him for making his cricketing journey easier.

“From sharing rooms to sharing lifetime memories on the field. You always made my job easier from the other end,” Rohit wrote on Instagram.

Rohit’s future in the IPL remains uncertain, but his availability in the auction is expected to generate significant interest from franchises seeking to bolster their batting lineups. The bidding war for his services could potentially set a new record for player acquisition in the IPL.

Father-Son Duo Defies Modern Cricket with 208 Balls Faced for Four Runs

Father-Son Duo Defies Modern Cricket with 208 Balls Faced for Four Runs

In the annals of cricket history, the art of defensive batting has been a cornerstone of the game. While modern-day cricket has embraced a more aggressive approach, the father-son duo of Ian and Thomas Bestwick recently showcased the enduring value of old-school tactics.

Playing for Darley Abbey Cricket Club’s 4th XI in the Division Nine Derbyshire Cricket League, the Bestwicks embarked on a remarkable display of resilience against Mickleover 3rd XI. Opening the batting, 48-year-old Ian faced a staggering 137 balls without scoring a single run. His son, Thomas, followed suit, facing 71 deliveries and managing just four runs.

Their combined effort of 208 balls faced for a mere four runs is a testament to their unwavering determination to save the match. In stark contrast to the high-scoring, boundary-hitting cricket popularized by the likes of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, the Bestwicks opted for a more conservative approach.

As the innings progressed, the challenge of not scoring a run became a source of amusement for the Bestwicks. “Towards the end, it became a thing where I was determined not to score,” Ian admitted.

The team’s total of 21 runs in 45 overs, with extras being the top run-getter (9), highlights the extreme defensive nature of their batting. Despite their unconventional approach, the Bestwicks managed to secure a draw, much to the delight of their teammates.

Ian Bestwick’s social media presence exploded after the match, with friend requests pouring in from around the globe. “It’s gone round the world,” he told BBC Radio Derby. “It has been mentioned in Australia, Pakistan, Qatar.”

The Bestwicks’ performance serves as a reminder that the art of defensive batting remains an integral part of cricket. While modern-day cricketers may prioritize scoring runs, the ability to grind out a draw or protect a lead is still highly valued in the lower divisions of English cricket.

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