India Bags Silver at Asian Surfing Championships Maruhaba Cup

India Bags Silver at Asian Surfing Championships Maruhaba Cup

India’s surfing prowess continues to shine on the international stage as the nation claimed a silver medal at the Maruhaba Cup, a team event within the Asian Surfing Championships 2024. The victory comes on the heels of India securing its first-ever Asian Games quotas in surfing, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country.

The Maruhaba Cup, held at the picturesque Thulusdhoo island in the Maldives, brought together elite surfers from across Asia to compete in a team format. India’s team, comprising Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani, showcased their skills and determination throughout the competition.

In the Heat 2 semi-final, India dominated the field, securing first place with a total score of 32.16. Chinese Taipei followed in second place with a score of 29.70, while South Korea finished third with a score of 27.74.

The final saw India facing off against Asia’s top surfing nations. Despite a valiant effort, the Indian team finished in second place with a team score of 24.13. Chinese Taipei (23.93) and China (22.10) were placed third and fourth respectively, while Japan emerged victorious with an impressive score of 58.40.

India’s silver medal at the Maruhaba Cup is a testament to the growing strength of surfing in the country. The team’s performance not only secured a podium finish but also demonstrated India’s potential to compete at the highest level of the sport.

Worcestershire Secure Second Consecutive Win, Boosting Division One Hopes

Worcestershire Secure Second Consecutive Win, Boosting Division One Hopes

Worcestershire’s resurgence in the Vitality County Championship continued as they secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Kent at Visit Worcestershire New Road. The triumph marked their second consecutive win, bolstering their hopes of retaining Division One status.

Kent’s batting woes continued in their first innings, as they collapsed from 73 for 0 to 171 all out. Joe Leach, returning from injury, played a pivotal role with a six-wicket haul. Worcestershire’s response was anchored by Brett D’Oliveira’s 97, who made a timely return after a shoulder injury.

In Kent’s second innings, Tawanda Muyeye showcased his batting prowess with a career-best 211. However, Tom Taylor’s consistent bowling and Gareth Roderick’s seven catches behind the stumps kept Worcestershire in control.

Resuming on 353 for 8, Kent added only 23 runs before being bowled out for 376. Leach claimed the final wicket, giving Worcestershire a modest target of 101.

Worcestershire’s openers fell cheaply, but Kashif Ali (52*) and Rob Jones (23*) forged an unbroken 69-run partnership to guide their team to victory. The win earned Worcestershire 23 points, following their previous triumph against Durham.

Kent’s struggles continued, as they now face an uphill battle to avoid relegation. Muyeye’s batting brilliance provided a glimmer of hope, but Worcestershire’s overall dominance proved too much to overcome.

Manu Bhaker Meets Mary Kom, Shares Olympic Experiences

Manu Bhaker Meets Mary Kom, Shares Olympic Experiences

Star Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who made history by winning two medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, recently met with legendary boxer and former Olympian Mary Kom. Bhaker, who secured bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event, is currently taking a break from shooting to recover from an injury.

During their meeting, Bhaker and Kom shared their experiences at the Olympics and discussed the challenges and triumphs they faced. Bhaker also expressed her admiration for Kom’s achievements, including her bronze medal in boxing at the London Olympics 2012.

In a heartwarming gesture, Bhaker requested Kom to plan a workout session with her. “It was great catching up with you didi @mcmary.kom, and talking about the Olympics and more… Thank you for your wishes and blessings and let’s plan a workout session soon!” Bhaker wrote on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Mary Kom, an eight-time world champion, was initially appointed as India’s Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics. However, she had to step down due to personal commitments. “I consider it an honor to serve my country in every way possible, and I was mentally prepared for it. However, I regret that I will not be able to uphold the prestigious responsibility and would like to resign, owing to personal reasons,” Kom stated in a letter to IOA President PT Usha.

Despite her absence as Chef-de-Mission, Kom expressed her support for the Indian athletes competing in Paris. “I am there to cheer on my country and the athletes competing in this Olympic Games, with great expectations,” she added.

Manu Bhaker’s performance at the Paris Olympics was remarkable, as she became the first Indian athlete to win multiple individual medals at the Games. Her bronze medals in the 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event showcased her exceptional talent and determination. She also came close to winning a third bronze in 25m pistol, finishing a creditable fourth.

Bhaker’s achievements have inspired countless young shooters in India and have cemented her place as one of the country’s most promising athletes. Her meeting with Mary Kom, a true icon of Indian sports, is a testament to the camaraderie and support that exists within the Indian sporting community.

Pakistan's Shan Masood Defends Spinnerless Strategy Despite Bangladesh Defeat

Pakistan’s Shan Masood Defends Spinnerless Strategy Despite Bangladesh Defeat

Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has defended his team’s decision to field four fast bowlers and no specialist spinner in their opening Test match against Bangladesh, despite suffering a humiliating 10-wicket defeat.

Masood’s decision raised eyebrows, especially after Bangladesh’s spinners, Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, combined to take seven wickets on the final day, dismissing Pakistan for a paltry 146 runs. However, Masood insisted that the pitch was expected to offer more assistance to the seamers.

“We had anticipated the pitch to offer more assistance to the seamers. Looking at the pitch, we expected it to do more,” Masood said at the post-match conference. “If we played 3 fast bowlers, we would be pushing them to the limit and the spinner would be bowling 25-30 overs a day, which we wanted to avoid.”

Masood also explained that the decision to declare their first innings at 448 for six was made with the intention of pursuing a decisive outcome in the match.

“We wanted to go for a win in the match and thus felt we had enough runs on the board to declare. But the Bangladesh batters showed a lot of discipline and intent in their first innings. Mushfiq and Miraz batted really well,” he added. “We felt that with 448 runs we could get a crack at them in the fourth innings.”

However, Pakistan’s bowlers failed to make any inroads into Bangladesh’s batting lineup, and the visitors chased down the modest target of 30 runs without losing a wicket.

Masood acknowledged that the defeat was a disappointing start to Pakistan’s home season, which includes seven home Tests and two away matches in South Africa.

“We just have to now get everything right and try to level the series in the world test championship,” he said.

Sunday’s defeat was Shan’s fourth straight defeat as captain after Pakistan’s 0-3 whitewash at the hands of Australia last winter.

Pakistan Billiards Team Denied Visas for World Championships in India

Pakistan Billiards Team Denied Visas for World Championships in India

The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) has expressed outrage after the Indian High Commission denied visas to its three players and a referee for the IBSF U-18 and U-21 World Championships in Bengaluru. The tournament commenced on Saturday, leaving the Pakistani contingent stranded.

PBSA official Alamgir Sheikh lamented the lack of visas, stating that the players had secured necessary clearances from the Pakistani government and sports board. “We applied to the Indian High Commission on time, but they refused to issue visas, depriving our squad of the opportunity to compete,” Sheikh said.

The affected players, Ahsan Ramazan, Hasnain Akhtar, and Hamza Illyas, were considered strong contenders for success in the world events. Sheikh emphasized their recent achievements and expressed disappointment at their inability to showcase their skills.

Adding to the frustration, referee Naveed Kapadia was also denied a visa despite being nominated by the IBSF to supervise the tournament. Sheikh condemned the decision, calling it a violation of international sporting norms.

The PBSA has lodged formal complaints with the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) and the Indian Billiards and Snooker body. Sheikh urged the authorities to intervene and ensure that Pakistani athletes are not discriminated against in future events.

The incident has raised concerns about the politicization of sports and the impact it can have on young athletes. The PBSA has vowed to continue its efforts to secure visas for its players and ensure their participation in international competitions.

Derbyshire End Five-Year Championship Drought at Derby with 10-Wicket Win

Derbyshire End Five-Year Championship Drought at Derby with 10-Wicket Win

Derbyshire’s long-awaited victory at their County Ground headquarters finally arrived as they comprehensively defeated Glamorgan by 10 wickets in the Vitality County Championship Division Two match at Derby.

After bowling Glamorgan out for 287 on the fourth morning, Derbyshire needed just 27 runs to secure their first Championship win at Derby in five years. Luis Reece and Harry Came took less than seven overs to complete the task, giving Derbyshire their first Championship victory anywhere since July 2022.

Glamorgan had made Derbyshire wait, with Mason Crane and Dan Douthwaite adding 47 from 136 balls for the eighth wicket. However, former Glamorgan captain David Lloyd broke the stand, and with rain looming, Derbyshire knew they needed to take the last three wickets quickly.

Crane and Douthwaite frustrated Derbyshire initially, but Lloyd’s offspin proved decisive. Crane was trapped lbw for 28, and Douthwaite was bowled for 25, leaving Derbyshire on the brink of victory.

Reece then sealed the win with two consecutive fours off Sam Northeast, giving Derbyshire their first Championship win at Derby since August 2019.

Derbyshire’s victory was built on a strong bowling performance, with Zak Chappell taking 6-47 in Glamorgan’s first innings. Luis Reece also impressed with 3-43, while Jack Morley claimed 3-46 in the second innings.

For Glamorgan, Nick van der Gugten top-scored with 46* in the first innings, while Kiran Carlson and Colin Ingram made half-centuries in the second innings. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent Derbyshire from securing a much-needed victory.

Bhavina Patel Targets Gold, Defying Chinese Dominance at Paris Paralympics

Bhavina Patel Targets Gold, Defying Chinese Dominance at Paris Paralympics

Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist Bhavina Patel is determined to upgrade her medal to gold at the upcoming Paris Paralympics, which commence on August 28. Patel, who became the first Indian paddler to win a medal in the Class 4 event at Tokyo, expressed her confidence in challenging the dominance of Chinese opponents.

“Chinese players are humans, and so are we,” Patel asserted. “China does not matter to me. I have beaten a Chinese player before, so there’s no pressure on me to face them. I have changed my tactics accordingly and will deploy my best plans against them.”

Patel, a Commonwealth Games champion and Asian Games medalist, emphasized her focus on giving her best. “There is no nervousness. I just have to give my best. When we think about giving our best, nothing else comes to mind,” she said.

Her doubles partner, Sonalben Patel, echoed her sentiments, stating, “Bhavina and I have put in a double amount of effort in our training as partners. We will try our utmost to return home with a medal.”

Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist in men’s singles badminton SH6 event, Krishna Nagar, expressed his aim to replicate his performance. “I hope everything will be fine in Paris, and I will try to win gold for India again. I will give it my all to defend my gold from Tokyo. Preparations went well, I feel positive, and will look to play safe,” he said.

Debutant shot putter Sachin Khilari set high expectations for himself. “There is a lot of excitement in me. I have been preparing for the Paralympics for 1.5 years. I performed well at the World Championship, and I expect a gold medal out of myself because I have worked hard to earn it,” he said.

Discus throw athlete Sakshi Kasana, also making her debut, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. “I have worked tirelessly hard for this moment to come true. Representing your nation at the Paralympics is the biggest thing for any athlete, so I hope my four years of hard work pays off.”

PCI President and legendary para javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia predicted a strong performance from India. “I have 20 years of experience in para sports. I have taken 3 medals. I know each player and their performances individually. We have received support from PM Modi, and 50 players from the TOPS scheme are going,” he said.

“Many players got help under CSR activity. We will be winning more than 25 medals. India will be in the top 20 in the medal tally.” Jhajharia also expressed confidence in Sumit Antil defending his gold medal. “Sumit will definitely defend his gold medal. He is fit, not under any kind of injury, and has a high level of confidence in himself. The national anthem will definitely be played, and Sumit will win gold,” Jhajharia said.

India has sent an 84-member team, the largest ever for Paralympics, to Paris, where the Games will be held from August 28 to September 8.

Yorkshire Clinch Four-Wicket Victory over Sussex, Boosting Promotion Hopes

Yorkshire Clinch Four-Wicket Victory over Sussex, Boosting Promotion Hopes

Yorkshire’s relentless pursuit of promotion in the Vitality County Championship Division Two culminated in a resounding four-wicket victory over league leaders Sussex at Scarborough. Resuming on 28 for 2, the home side chased down the modest target of 103 in just an hour’s play, despite losing four wickets to offspinner Jack Carson.

Opener Adam Lyth led the charge with a brisk 40, setting the tone with a flurry of boundaries off Jaydev Unadkat and Carson. His aggressive approach, including two sixes, propelled Yorkshire to 59 for 2 and put Sussex on the back foot.

Nightwatchman Dan Moriarty provided valuable support to Lyth, contributing 17 to a crucial third-wicket partnership of 51. Their resilience extinguished Sussex’s hopes of a comeback and laid the foundation for Yorkshire’s eventual triumph.

Carson, who had taken 5 for 48 in Sussex’s first innings, continued to impress with the ball. He claimed the wickets of Moriarty, Lyth, and James Wharton, but his efforts proved futile as Yorkshire closed in on victory.

Jonny Bairstow, who had scored a half-century in the first innings, was dismissed for a two-ball duck, but Yorkshire captain Jonny Tattersall hit the winning runs to seal a 21-point haul.

The victory propelled Yorkshire to second place in the Division Two standings, just nine points behind Sussex with four rounds remaining. It marked their third consecutive Championship victory, a feat they last achieved in 2021.

Sussex, who had only lost once in 10 matches this season, suffered a setback in their pursuit of the title. They will look to bounce back when they host Derbyshire at Hove, while Yorkshire faces a crucial clash against Middlesex at Headingley.

Lakshya Sen Undergoes Physical Evaluation in Austria for Enhanced Fitness

Lakshya Sen Undergoes Physical Evaluation in Austria for Enhanced Fitness

Lakshya Sen, India’s rising badminton star, has embarked on a journey to Austria to undergo a comprehensive physical evaluation at the renowned Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre in Salzburg. This assessment aims to optimize his fitness and performance ahead of the upcoming BWF circuit tournaments.

The 22-year-old Almora native, who narrowly missed an Olympic medal in Paris, will undergo a series of tests to gain a detailed understanding of his physical capabilities. The evaluation will focus on specific strength aspects, which are crucial for elite athletes.

Lakshya’s trainer, Gaurav, and 15-year-old junior shuttler Nishchal Chand from Uttarakhand will accompany him during his week-long stay in Austria. Chand’s presence will ensure that Lakshya remains sharp and engaged with the game.

Vimal Kumar, Lakshya’s coach, emphasized the importance of this assessment in preventing injuries and maximizing his potential. “Lakshya needs to improve his fitness, especially his speed and endurance,” Kumar said. “The game he plays is fast-paced, and he needs to be able to defend and convert defense into offense effectively.”

Kumar also highlighted the challenges of playing in windy conditions, which require exceptional fitness and the ability to control the drift of the shuttle.

Lakshya’s upcoming tournament schedule includes the Hong Kong Super 500 and China Open Super 1000 in late September. The physical evaluation in Austria is expected to provide valuable insights that will help him prepare for these tournaments and beyond.

Shikhar Dhawan Retires from International Cricket, Ravi Shastri Pays Tribute

Shikhar Dhawan Retires from International Cricket, Ravi Shastri Pays Tribute

Shikhar Dhawan, the swashbuckling Indian opener, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a glittering career that spanned over a decade. Former Indian cricket team head coach and director Ravi Shastri paid a heartfelt tribute to Dhawan, expressing his gratitude and admiration for the cricketer’s impactful career.

Dhawan, fondly known as “Shiki Boy,” made his international debut in 2010 and quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup. Known for his aggressive style of play and ability to score runs at a rapid pace, Dhawan played a pivotal role in India’s success in various ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.

One of Dhawan’s most memorable performances came in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the leading run-scorer and played a crucial role in India’s triumph. He also played a key role in India’s victory in the 2016 Asia Cup, scoring a match-winning century in the final against Bangladesh.

In addition to his international exploits, Dhawan was also a prolific run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is the second-highest run-getter of all time in the IPL, with over 6,700 runs to his name. He won the IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 and was a key member of the Delhi Capitals team that reached the final in 2020.

Dhawan’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. He was a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike, known for his infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude. His contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.

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