Grigor Dimitrov: The “Young 33” Defying Age in Grand Slam Pursuit

Grigor Dimitrov, the former world No. 3, is defying the odds and continuing to chase his Grand Slam dream at the age of 33. Despite being labeled a “veteran,” Dimitrov prefers to be known as a “young 33.”

Dimitrov’s longevity in the sport is a testament to his unwavering self-belief. Even during periods of struggle, he has always maintained confidence in his abilities. This belief has been instrumental in his recent resurgence, which began with a title run in Brisbane at the start of 2024.

The Bulgarian has made significant changes to his training regimen, working closely with physical coach Sebastian Durand to improve his fitness. This has allowed him to play at a consistently high level throughout the season, reaching the Miami Open final and completing a set of Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances in Paris.

Dimitrov’s commitment to routine has also been key to his success. He follows a strict schedule, waking up early and prioritizing his on-court preparation. This disciplined approach has helped him optimize his performance and minimize the impact of age-related factors.

Despite his age, Dimitrov remains hungry for success. He is eager to make good on the “Baby Fed” nickname bestowed upon him early in his career. He believes that he still has the potential to win a Grand Slam title and is determined to keep pushing himself until he can no longer compete at the highest level.

Dimitrov’s journey is an inspiration to all athletes, proving that age is just a number when it comes to achieving your dreams. With his unwavering belief, commitment to excellence, and relentless pursuit of greatness, Dimitrov continues to defy expectations and chase his ultimate goal.

Ravi Dahiya Eyes Comeback in Higher Weight Category for LA28 Olympics

Ravi Dahiya Eyes Comeback in Higher Weight Category for LA28 Olympics

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya, sidelined for an extended period due to a knee injury, is eyeing a comeback next year in a higher weight category. Despite losing to Aman Sehrawat in the Olympic selection trials for the 57kg weight class, Dahiya remains determined to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Dahiya’s decision to change weight classes stems from his physical attributes. Tall and lean, he has struggled to maintain the 57kg weight limit. The next Olympic weight class, 65kg, is currently occupied by Bajrang Punia, who won bronze in Tokyo.

“I will not fight in the same weight category,” Dahiya told HT. “I will change my weight division but I am waiting to see whether there will be any changes in weight classes and depending on that I will take a call.”

Dahiya’s recovery from his knee injury is ongoing, and he expects to be fully fit within the next few months. He is currently focused on strengthening his muscles and will return to the mat when medically cleared.

Meanwhile, Aman Sehrawat, who won bronze in the 57kg weight class at the Paris Olympics, has credited Dahiya for his guidance and support. “He told me not to think of doing anything different at the Olympics. Remember your strengths and don’t get drawn into the tactics of the opponents,” Sehrawat said.

Dahiya praised Sehrawat for his Olympic medal, calling him “the youngest medallist from India.” He advised Sehrawat to aim for a gold medal in Los Angeles.

Tokyo Olympian Deepak Punia, who missed the Paris qualification tournament due to unforeseen circumstances, has remained positive despite the setback. “It was very disappointing, but I thought it was not in my hands. My job is to keep performing,” Punia said.

Punia, along with Dahiya and Sehrawat, shared their experiences and motivational advice with young wrestlers and track and field athletes at an event hosted by the Superpositivity Foundation.

Ollie Pope Seeks Root's Guidance on Balancing Captaincy and Batting

Ollie Pope Seeks Root’s Guidance on Balancing Captaincy and Batting

Ollie Pope, England’s stand-in captain, has sought guidance from former skipper Joe Root on balancing the demands of batting and leadership. Pope, who led England to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Old Trafford, struggled with the bat, scoring twice for six.

Despite the team’s success, Pope recognized the need to separate his captaincy and batting responsibilities. He turned to Root, who captained England for a record 64 Tests, for advice. Root, known for his exceptional batting skills, emphasized the importance of compartmentalizing the two roles.

“It’s about having the two things separate,” Pope said. “That’s something I’ve spoken to Joe Root about. We just spoke about how it’s more taxing in the field but it’s finding a little routine and doing small things.”

Pope acknowledged Root’s “great cricket brain” and sought his insights on managing the mental and physical demands of captaincy. Root’s experience in leading England through challenging times proved invaluable to Pope.

While England’s aggressive batting approach under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been successful, Pope highlighted the importance of adaptability. He praised Root’s unbeaten 62 off 128 balls in the first Test, which showcased a more measured approach on a slow pitch.

“We don’t use the term ‘Bazball’ but we played a different style of cricket (at Old Trafford) and that’s something that can keep taking us forward as a team,” Pope said.

Despite Stokes’ absence due to injury, Pope expressed confidence in his return for the upcoming tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. He believes that the break will allow Stokes to improve his game and return refreshed.

Taliban Bans Mixed Martial Arts in Afghanistan for Violating Islamic Law

Taliban Bans Mixed Martial Arts in Afghanistan for Violating Islamic Law

Afghanistan Bans Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for Violating Islamic Law

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has prohibited mixed martial arts (MMA) within the country, citing its incompatibility with Islamic principles. The decision was made following an investigation by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which concluded that MMA contravenes Islamic law (sharia).

According to a statement released by the Taliban’s sports authority, “It was found that the sport is problematic with respect to sharia and it has many aspects which are contradictory to the teachings of Islam.” The authority emphasized that the ban was necessary to uphold Islamic values.

An official from the sports authority further explained that MMA was deemed too violent and posed a risk of injury or death. This aligns with the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law, which has led to the implementation of various regulations on behavior and dress.

The ban on MMA has sparked concern among Afghan athletes, as martial arts are popular sports in the country. Four Afghan athletes who competed at the Paris Games were martial arts practitioners. However, MMA has not been recognized as an Olympic sport due to safety concerns.

The Taliban’s decision to ban MMA highlights the challenges faced by athletes in Afghanistan under the current regime. The government’s strict adherence to Islamic law has restricted participation in certain sports and activities, particularly for women.

West Indies Fast Bowler Shannon Gabriel Retires from International Cricket

West Indies Fast Bowler Shannon Gabriel Retires from International Cricket

Shannon Gabriel, the towering West Indian fast bowler, has bid farewell to international cricket after a decade-long career. The 36-year-old, known for his fiery pace and intimidating presence, has played 59 Tests, 25 ODIs, and two T20Is for his country, claiming a total of 202 wickets.

Gabriel’s Test career was particularly impressive, where he utilized his height and strength to extract bounce and movement from even the most docile pitches. His best performance came against Sri Lanka in 2018, where he recorded match figures of 13 for 121, the fourth-best by a West Indian bowler.

West Indies fast bowling legend Courtney Walsh compared Gabriel to Patrick Patterson and Ian Bishop, recognizing his ability to generate pace and bounce. By 2017, he had become a regular member of the team, contributing to famous victories such as the Headingley Test against England.

However, Gabriel’s career was not without its controversies. In 2019, he was banned for four ODIs for an alleged homophobic remark towards Joe Root. While he accepted the sanction and apologized, he later claimed that the incident was exaggerated.

Despite his international retirement, Gabriel remains active in domestic cricket, representing Trinidad and Tobago and participating in the Abu Dhabi T10 earlier this year. He plans to continue playing for his country, club, and franchise teams around the world.

Gabriel’s retirement marks the end of an era for West Indies cricket. His pace, aggression, and passion will be missed by fans and teammates alike.

Liverpool's Nunez Banned for Five Matches After Copa America Brawl

Liverpool’s Nunez Banned for Five Matches After Copa America Brawl

Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez has been handed a five-match ban and a hefty fine by South American football governing body CONMEBOL for his involvement in a mass brawl during the Copa America semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia. The incident, which occurred at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, saw Nunez and several other players engage in a physical altercation with fans in the stands.

Nunez’s punishment is the most severe among the 11 players sanctioned by CONMEBOL. Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur received a four-match suspension, while defenders Mathias Olivera, Ronald Araujo, and Jose Maria Gimenez were each banned for three matches. The other players involved were fined varying amounts ranging from $5,000 to $16,000.

The Uruguayan Football Federation was also fined $20,000 for its role in the incident. CONMEBOL’s statement did not specify when the suspensions would begin, but they are expected to cover games organized by the confederation, excluding domestic competitions.

Uruguay is scheduled to play a friendly against Guatemala on Sunday before facing Paraguay and Venezuela in World Cup qualifiers on September 6 and 10, respectively. It remains unclear if Nunez and the other suspended players will be available for these matches.

Uruguay central defender Gimenez claimed that the players intervened in the melee to protect their family members and loved ones who were watching the game in the affected section of the stadium. However, CONMEBOL’s investigation concluded that the players’ actions were unacceptable and warranted punishment.

The suspensions and fines are open to appeal, but it is unclear if any of the affected parties will pursue this option. The incident has cast a shadow over the Copa America tournament and raised concerns about the safety of fans at football matches.

Paralympics: A Legacy of Resilience and Inclusion

Paralympics: A Legacy of Resilience and Inclusion

The Paralympic Games, a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of sport, trace their origins to the quiet village of Stoke Mandeville in England. In the aftermath of World War II, Dr. Ludwig Guttman, a German neurologist who fled Nazi Germany, revolutionized the treatment of spinal injuries.

Challenging the prevailing belief that spinal injury patients should remain motionless, Guttman introduced sport and physiotherapy into their rehabilitation. He encouraged his patients, affectionately known as “Poppa,” to move, lift weights, and fight back. This innovative approach not only improved their physical well-being but also fostered a sense of community and purpose.

On July 28, 1948, coinciding with the opening of the Olympic Games in London, Guttman organized a sporting event for his paraplegic patients. This event, featuring archery, marked the genesis of the Stoke Mandeville Games. Over the years, the Games expanded to include more war veterans and disabled athletes, eventually becoming international in 1952.

In 1960, Rome hosted the first competition exclusively for athletes with spinal cord injuries, which is retrospectively recognized as the inaugural Paralympic Games. Eight sports were featured, including wheelchair fencing, snooker, basketball, archery, athletics, table tennis, swimming, and dartchery.

The term “Paralympic Games” was officially adopted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1984. Since 1988, the Paralympics have been held in the same city as the Olympics, showcasing the growing recognition and inclusion of athletes with disabilities.

From its humble beginnings in Stoke Mandeville, the Paralympic Games have grown exponentially, with over 4,000 athletes participating in Paris this year. The Games have not only shifted perceptions about disability but have also inspired countless individuals to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.

Stefanos Tsitsipas Faces Crossroads in Tennis Career After US Open Exit

Stefanos Tsitsipas Faces Crossroads in Tennis Career After US Open Exit

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the former world No. 3, is facing a crossroads in his tennis career. After a disappointing first-round exit at the US Open, Tsitsipas has now been ousted from the opening round of the tournament in two of his previous three appearances. This defeat is the culmination of an all-year lull, with Tsitsipas failing to reach a semi-final in any of the four Slams for the first time since 2018.

Tsitsipas attributes his struggles to a lack of consistency and concentration. He believes that his level of play has dropped significantly since his younger days, when he played with more adrenaline and passion. The Greek star has also made several coaching changes in recent months, which may have contributed to his inconsistent form.

Despite his struggles, Tsitsipas remains determined to regain his former glory. He believes that he needs to rediscover the hunger and passion that drove him to success in the past. Tsitsipas is also considering taking an extended break from tennis to address his burnout and mental health.

Tsitsipas’s struggles are a reminder that even the most talented players can experience setbacks. However, his determination to overcome his challenges is a testament to his character and resilience. If he can rediscover his form, Tsitsipas has the potential to once again challenge for Grand Slam titles and become one of the best players in the world.

Pakistan's Bowlers Under Fire After Humiliating Test Defeat to Bangladesh

Pakistan’s Bowlers Under Fire After Humiliating Test Defeat to Bangladesh

Pakistan’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi has sparked widespread criticism and dissatisfaction within the team management. The team’s performance, particularly that of the four fast bowlers, has come under intense scrutiny.

According to sources, the team management has expressed its disappointment with the performance of Shaheen Afridi, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, and Naseem Shah. The bowlers failed to exploit the conditions to their advantage, and the lack of a quality spinner proved to be a major issue.

Senior players have also voiced their concerns, expressing disappointment over the fast bowlers’ inability to utilize the grass on the pitch and their declining pace. These issues were reportedly discussed in the dressing room after the match.

In the match itself, Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan took seven wickets between them to secure their maiden win over Pakistan in five-day cricket. Mehidy grabbed 4-21 and Shakib 3-44, triggering a Pakistan collapse on the fifth day.

Pakistan was dismissed for 146 runs in 55.5 overs, leaving Bangladesh with a target of just 30 runs. Openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam reached the target in 6.3 overs, with Zakir hitting the winning boundary.

Mohammad Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan in the second innings with 51, but the home team was staring at defeat at lunch. A holiday crowd of nearly 5,000 expected Pakistan to fight out a draw, but Mehidy’s bowling proved too strong.

The defeat has raised serious questions about Pakistan’s bowling attack and the team’s overall performance. The team management will need to address these issues quickly as they prepare for the second Test match in Dhaka.

Wheelchair Tennis: A Legacy of Triumph and Inclusion

Wheelchair Tennis: A Legacy of Triumph and Inclusion

Wheelchair Tennis: A Triumph Over Adversity

In 1992, Brad Parks and Randy Snow made history as the first-ever wheelchair tennis champions at the Paralympic Games. Their victory marked a pivotal moment in the sport’s evolution, which had been pioneered by Parks and Jeff Minnenbraker a decade earlier.

Today, wheelchair tennis has grown exponentially, with approximately 2,200 players in the United States alone. The sport has gained recognition and support from organizations like the USTA, which has played a significant role in its development.

Wheelchair tennis is a testament to the athleticism and determination of its players. Despite their physical limitations, they showcase incredible speed, skill, and power on the court. The only difference between wheelchair tennis and able-bodied tennis is the two-bounce rule.

Parks’ journey to Paralympic gold began after a skiing accident left him with a spinal cord injury. Despite his challenges, he found solace and empowerment in wheelchair tennis. His passion for the sport led him to establish the National Foundation for Wheelchair Tennis and promote its growth internationally.

The USTA’s involvement has been instrumental in the sport’s success. Under the leadership of Jason Harnett, wheelchair tennis has been fully integrated into the organization’s operations. This has resulted in increased participation, the establishment of collegiate wheelchair tennis programs, and the addition of a junior wheelchair competition at the US Open.

Aspiring Paralympians like Micah Velte and Andrew Bogdanov are inspired by the legacy of Parks and other pioneers. Velte, an 11-year-old, regularly competes in USTA-sanctioned practices, while Bogdanov, ranked No. 19 in quad singles, discovered his passion for the sport during the pandemic.

The growth of wheelchair tennis is a testament to the power of inclusion and the indomitable spirit of its athletes. It is a sport that celebrates triumph over adversity and showcases the extraordinary abilities of individuals with disabilities.

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