Mohun Bagan Reach Durand Cup Final After Shootout Heroics

Mohun Bagan Reach Durand Cup Final After Shootout Heroics

In a thrilling semi-final clash at the 133rd Durand Cup, defending champions Mohun Bagan emerged victorious over Bengaluru FC, thanks to a heroic performance from goalkeeper Vishal Kaith and a late equalizer from Anirudh Thapa.

Kaith, who was surprisingly omitted from the India probables list, proved his worth once again by saving two penalties in the shootout. His heroics sent Mohun Bagan to the final, where they will face Northeast United on Saturday.

Thapa, who had a disappointing season last year, played a pivotal role in the semi-final. With Mohun Bagan trailing 1-2 in the dying minutes, he produced a stunning shot from outside the box to level the score and force the match into a shootout.

Bengaluru FC had taken an early lead through Sunil Chhetri’s penalty in the first half. Venkatesh doubled their advantage in the second half, but Mohun Bagan fought back with goals from Dimitrios Petratos and Thapa.

Despite a late surge from Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan held on to secure the victory. Kaith’s saves in the shootout proved to be the difference, as Mohun Bagan advanced to the final.

The match also highlighted the attacking prowess of Mohun Bagan, who have a formidable lineup featuring Lalengmawia Ralte, Jason Cummings, and Colaco. However, coach Jose Molina will have some concerns about the team’s defense, which conceded two goals and allowed several chances to Bengaluru FC.

India's Paralympic Contingent Set to Shine in Paris

India’s Paralympic Contingent Set to Shine in Paris

India’s Paralympic journey has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past decade, culminating in a record-breaking performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games. With 111 medals, including 29 golds, India’s para-athletes have set their sights on even greater achievements at the upcoming Paris Paralympics.

This year, India will field its largest-ever Paralympic contingent, with 84 athletes competing across 12 sports. Among them are several key names who have the potential to add to India’s medal tally.

Sumit Antil: The reigning Paralympic and world champion in javelin throw (F64) is a force to be reckoned with. Having broken the world record thrice in Tokyo, he has continued to improve, setting new marks at the Para World Championships and Para Asian Games.

Avani Lekhara: The 22-year-old shooter made history in Tokyo as the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal. She also became the first female para-athlete from the country to win multiple medals at a single Games. With increased awareness and competition in para shooting, Avani aims to surpass her previous achievements.

Sheetal Devi: Born with a rare congenital condition, Sheetal is the only active female international para-archer to shoot without arms. Using her legs and feet, she has achieved remarkable success, including a silver medal at the World Para Archery Championships and gold medals at the Asian Para Games.

Krishna Nagar: The reigning world champion in badminton (SH6) has overcome adversity to become one of India’s top para-athletes. After facing bullying due to his dwarfism, he found solace in badminton and has since won a Paralympic gold medal and multiple world titles.

Yogesh Kathuniya: Diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome at a young age, Yogesh has defied the odds to become a world-class discus thrower (F56). He holds the world record and has won silver medals at the Paralympics and Para World Championships.

With these talented athletes leading the charge, India is poised to make a significant impact at the Paris Paralympics. The increased participation and support for para sports is a testament to the growing recognition and appreciation of the abilities of these exceptional individuals.

Pickleball Fever Grips India: A Sport for All Ages and Skill Levels

Pickleball Fever Grips India: A Sport for All Ages and Skill Levels

Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has rapidly gained popularity in India, particularly in metropolitan areas. The sport’s accessibility and ease of learning have attracted a wide range of enthusiasts, from seasoned athletes to casual players.

Equipment and Rules:

Pickleball is played on hard courts using paddles similar to those used in table tennis. The basic rules, as outlined by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), include:

* Serve: The serve must be hit underhand, and each side must play the first shot off the bounce.
* Volleying: After the initial bounce, players can either volley the ball in the air or play it off the bounce. Volleying is prohibited within the 7-foot “non-volley zone” on both sides of the net.
* Scoring: Points are scored only when serving. In doubles matches, both players on the serving team can serve. Games are played to 11 points, with a minimum margin of victory of 2 points.

Specific Rules:

* Players must keep both feet behind the back line when serving.
* The serve must be made underhand, with the paddle passing below the waist.
* The serve must be hit in the air and clear the non-volley zone.
* Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the event of a “let.”
* Points are lost for hitting the ball out of bounds, hitting the net, stepping into the non-volley zone while volleying, or volleying the ball before it has bounced on each side of the net.

Popularity and Growth:

Pickleball’s popularity in India has been fueled by its social nature and the fact that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The sport has attracted the attention of celebrities and professional athletes, including John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Sania Mirza, and Rohan Bopanna.

The growth of pickleball in India has led to the establishment of dedicated courts and the formation of pickleball clubs and associations. The AIPA is actively promoting the sport and organizing tournaments to foster its development.

Conclusion:

Pickleball’s unique blend of accessibility, excitement, and social interaction has made it a popular choice for sports enthusiasts in India. As the sport continues to grow, it is expected to attract even more players and become a staple in the country’s sporting landscape.

Chandrasekar and Hernandez Triumph in Manacor Challenger Doubles

Chandrasekar and Hernandez Triumph in Manacor Challenger Doubles

Anirudh Chandrasekar and David Hernandez of Spain emerged victorious in the doubles pre-quarterfinals of the €74,825 Challenger tennis tournament in Manacor, Spain. The duo overcame the challenge of Joan Nadal Vives and Abdullah Shelbayh in a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire.

The match commenced with both teams trading blows, showcasing their impressive skills and determination. The first set was a closely contested affair, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. The set eventually reached a tiebreaker, where Chandrasekar and Hernandez displayed their resilience and composure to secure the win by a narrow margin of 7-6(6).

The second set followed a similar pattern, with both teams matching each other shot for shot. However, this time it was Vives and Shelbayh who managed to edge out their opponents in the tiebreaker, leveling the match at one set apiece.

The third set proved to be the most intense and decisive. The teams traded breaks early on, but Chandrasekar and Hernandez managed to gain a crucial break in the eighth game. With the momentum on their side, they held their serve in the following game to take a 10-8 lead in the super tiebreaker.

Despite a valiant effort from Vives and Shelbayh, Chandrasekar and Hernandez held their nerve and sealed the victory, advancing to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Their impressive performance showcased their ability to adapt to different playing styles and overcome adversity.

In other results from the tournament, S. Mukund of India secured a comfortable victory in the first round of the singles competition, while the doubles team of Sai Karteek Reddy and Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul of Thailand also advanced to the pre-quarterfinals.

Jay Shah Elected as Youngest ICC Chairman

Jay Shah Elected as Youngest ICC Chairman

Jay Shah, the current secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been unanimously elected as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He will assume the role on December 1, 2023, becoming the youngest person to hold the position at the age of 35.

Shah’s election comes after Greg Barclay, who had served as ICC chairman for two terms since 2020, announced his decision not to seek a third term. The ICC board of directors had until August 27 to file nominations for the next chairman, and Shah was the only candidate nominated.

In a statement, Shah expressed his gratitude for the nomination and outlined his vision for the ICC. He emphasized the importance of globalizing cricket, promoting technological advancements, and introducing marquee events to new markets. Shah also highlighted the significance of the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a catalyst for growth.

Shah’s appointment marks the fifth time an Indian has led the ICC, following Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. He has been involved in cricket administration since 2009, starting in the state of Gujarat. In 2019, he became the BCCI secretary and was re-elected in 2022.

Upon assuming the ICC chairmanship, Shah will relinquish his positions at the BCCI and the ICC’s Finance & Commercial Affairs (F&CA) committee. He previously served as the Asian Cricket Council president from 2021 to 2024.

Shah’s election is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the ICC. His experience in cricket administration and his commitment to innovation are seen as key factors in his ability to lead the sport into a new era.

Calicut FC Appoints Australian Coach Ian Gillan with Ambitious Football Development Plans

Calicut FC Appoints Australian Coach Ian Gillan with Ambitious Football Development Plans

Calicut FC, a football club founded by Technocrat V.K. Mathews, has ambitious plans to establish itself as a top-tier team in Indian football. To achieve this goal, the club has appointed Australian coach Ian Gillan, who brings a wealth of experience from his stints in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Gillan’s vision aligns with Mathews’ long-term development plans for football in Kozhikode. He believes that Super League Kerala is a progressive concept that can foster the growth of local talent. By playing alongside experienced foreign players, young Indian footballers can gain invaluable experience and improve their skills.

Gillan emphasizes the importance of developing a strong foundation for football in the state. He believes that the development of local talent is crucial for the overall growth of Indian football leagues. By providing opportunities for young players to showcase their abilities, Super League Kerala can contribute to the creation of a robust football ecosystem in the country.

The club’s aspirations extend beyond the Super League Kerala. Gillan and Mathews share the ambition of seeing Calicut FC compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League in the future. The club’s long-term vision and its commitment to developing local talent have attracted Gillan to the project.

Gillan’s appointment is a significant step in Calicut FC’s journey towards becoming a major force in Indian football. His experience and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the club towards its goals. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, Calicut FC is poised to make a significant impact on the football landscape in India.

Polish Goalkeeping Legend Wojciech Szczesny Retires from Football

Polish Goalkeeping Legend Wojciech Szczesny Retires from Football

Wojciech Szczesny, the renowned Polish goalkeeper, has bid farewell to professional football at the age of 34. The announcement comes weeks after his amicable departure from Serie A giants Juventus.

Szczesny’s illustrious career spanned seven seasons with Juventus, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s three Serie A triumphs and three Coppa Italia victories. Prior to his time in Turin, he honed his skills at Premier League club Arsenal, Brentford, and Roma.

Throughout his career, Szczesny amassed 84 caps for the Polish national team. His exceptional performances between the posts earned him widespread recognition and established him as one of the most respected goalkeepers in the world.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Szczesny expressed his gratitude for the transformative journey that football has been in his life. “I left Warsaw, my hometown, in June of 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream — to make a living out of football,” he wrote. “Little did I know it would be a start of a journey of a lifetime.”

Szczesny’s retirement marks the end of an era for Polish football. His contributions to the national team and his success at club level have left an indelible mark on the sport. He will be remembered as a true legend of the game, whose exceptional talent and unwavering determination inspired countless aspiring goalkeepers.

Pakistan's Fast-Bowling Stocks in Decline, Says Rashid Latif

Pakistan’s Fast-Bowling Stocks in Decline, Says Rashid Latif

Pakistan’s former captain, Rashid Latif, has expressed concern over the decline in the country’s fast-bowling stocks. He lamented that pacers who once started at 145kmph have now slowed down to 130kmph.

Latif’s comments came after Pakistan’s humiliating ten-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi. The hosts opted for an all-pace attack but failed to contain the visitors on a docile pitch. Bangladesh amassed 565 runs, while Pakistan declared at 448/6.

In the second innings, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan shared seven wickets to dismiss Pakistan for a mere 146. Bangladesh chased down the target of 30 runs in just 6.3 overs, securing their first-ever Test win over Pakistan.

Latif attributed the defeat to the lack of pace in Pakistan’s bowling attack. “Our top fast bowlers no longer bowl at breakneck pace,” he said. “Shaheen (Afridi), Naseem (Shah), and Khurram (Shahzad) started off with pace of 145. They all have come down to 130.”

He also criticized the Pakistan support staff for failing to keep the pacers in prime shape. “Our trainers and physios are to blame,” he said. “Look at Jofra Archer, Jasprit Bumrah, and Pat Cummins. They all came back from injuries without losing any pace.”

Latif further pointed out that Bangladesh’s spinners played a crucial role in their victory. “We no longer have quality spinners like we used to,” he said. “Instead, we relied on pace, but the tactics backfired.”

He also criticized Pakistan’s decision to declare too early in their first innings. “They should have aimed for 550,” he said. “Falling 100 runs short ultimately made the difference.”

Latif concluded by praising Bangladesh for their tactical acumen. “They read the conditions well and outplayed Pakistan,” he said. “They wore down the Pakistani bowlers and then capitalized.”

Dinesh Karthik Joins Legends League Cricket After Retirement

Dinesh Karthik Joins Legends League Cricket After Retirement

Dinesh Karthik, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has announced his participation in the upcoming edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC), following in the footsteps of Shikhar Dhawan. Karthik, who retired from all forms of cricket in June, will now embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career.

Known for his explosive middle-order batting, agile wicket-keeping skills, and recent success as a commentator, Karthik’s entry into the LLC marks a fresh start. The 39-year-old expressed his excitement about joining the league, stating, “Playing at the Legends League Cricket is definitely something I am looking forward to after my retirement. I am up to the task both mentally and physically and look forward to playing the brand of cricket I have always enjoyed.”

Throughout his career, Karthik represented India in 180 matches across three formats, accumulating 3,463 runs and 172 dismissals. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he had a remarkable journey spanning 17 years, amassing 4,842 runs in 257 matches and representing six different franchises.

Raman Raheja, Co-founder of LLC, welcomed Karthik to the league, saying, “We are very excited to have Dinesh Karthik join us. His flair and his penchant to finish matches and entertain the crowd will undoubtedly add value to the Legends League Cricket.”

The upcoming season of the LLC is scheduled to kick off in September 2024, featuring a roster of retired cricket icons. The LLC auction will take place on August 29 in New Delhi, where franchises will compete for the top players from both Indian and international cricket.

Karthik’s participation in the LLC is a testament to his continued passion for the game and his desire to entertain fans once again. His presence in the league will undoubtedly add excitement and star power to the competition.

India's 84-Strong Paralympic Contingent Aims for Gold Rush in Paris

India’s 84-Strong Paralympic Contingent Aims for Gold Rush in Paris

India’s Paralympic contingent, the largest in its history, is poised to make a significant impact at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. With an 84-strong team, India aims to surpass its record-breaking performance in Tokyo, where it won 19 medals, including five gold.

The contingent boasts a mix of experienced veterans and promising young athletes. The target is to secure over 25 medals, with a double-digit haul in gold. This ambition is fueled by the team’s exceptional performances in the past year, including a record 111 medals at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.

The schedule for India’s athletes is packed with events across various disciplines. On August 29, Aruna Tanwar will compete in Taekwondo, while Jyoti Gaderia will participate in Cycling. Badminton group stages and Archery ranking rounds will also take place.

August 30 will see Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal in Shooting, while Manish Narwal and Rudransh Khandelwal will compete in Shooting. Athletics events include discus throw for Sakshi Kasana and Karam Jyoti, and shot put for Manu.

On August 31, Mahavir Unhalkar will compete in Shooting, while Jyoti Gaderia and Arshad Shaikh will participate in Cycling. Table tennis will feature Bhavinaben Patel and Sonalben Patel in Women’s doubles. Athletics events include javelin throw for Parveen Kumar and high jump for Nishad Kumar and Ram Pal.

September 1 will see Avani Lekhara and Sidhartha Babu in Shooting, while Sriharsha Ramakrishna will compete in Archery. Athletics events include shot put for Ravi Rangoli and 200m for Preethi Pal. Badminton group stages and semifinals will also take place.

September 2 will feature the finals of several Badminton events, including SL3, SL4, SH6, and SU5. Athletics events include discus throw for Yogesh Kathuniya and 1500m for Rakshita Raju. Archery will see Rakesh Kumar and Shyam Swami in compound open.

September 3 will see Pooja in Archery, Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal in Shooting, and Bhagyashri Jadhav in Athletics. Archery will also feature Rakesh Kumar, Sheetal Devi, and Shyam Swami in compound open mixed team.

September 4 will see Arshad Shaikh and Jyoti Gaderia in Cycling, Harvinder Singh in Archery, and Nihal Singh and Rudransh Khandelwal in Shooting. Athletics events include shot put for Sachin Sarjerao Khilari, Mohd Yasser, and Rohit Kumar.

September 5 will feature Mona Agarwal and Sidhartha Babu in Shooting, Harvinder Singh and Pooja in Archery, and Kokila and Kapil Parmar in Judo. Athletics events include shot put for Arvind.

September 6 will see Sonalben Patel in Table Tennis, Dipesh Kumar in Athletics, and Kasthuri Rajamani in Powerlifting. Athletics events also include high jump for Praveen Kumar and shot put for Soman Rana and Hokato Sema.

September 7 will feature Jyoti Gaderia and Arshad Shaikh in Cycling, Suyash Jadhav in Swimming, and Bhavinaben Patel in Table Tennis. Athletics events include javelin throw for Navdeep and 200m for Simran.

September 8 will see Pooja Ojha in Canoe, while the closing ceremony will take place on September 9.

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