Vaishnavi Adkar Storms into ITF Final, Indian Duo Falls Short in ATP Semis

Vaishnavi Adkar Storms into ITF Final, Indian Duo Falls Short in ATP Semis

Eighth-seeded Indian tennis star Vaishnavi Adkar showcased her dominance on Saturday, cruising past third-seeded Rina Saigo of Japan 6-0, 6-3 in the semifinals of the $15,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

Adkar’s impressive performance earned her a spot in the final, where she will face fourth-seeded Patcharin Cheapchandej of Thailand. The Indian player’s victory was a testament to her exceptional skills and determination.

Meanwhile, in the $867,750 ATP event in Winston-Salem, USA, Indian wild cards Dhakshineswar Suresh and Luca Pow narrowly missed out on a spot in the doubles final. The Indo-British pair fought valiantly but ultimately fell to fourth seeds Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow of the USA 6-4, 6-2 in the semifinals.

Despite the setback, Suresh and Pow earned valuable ATP points and prize money, amounting to 90 ATP points and $12,470. The tournament marked a significant breakthrough for Suresh, who also reached the final qualifying round in singles.

In other results from the $15,000 ITF men’s tournament in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thai duo Jirat Navasirisomboon and Pawit Sornlaksup defeated Markos Kalovelonis of Greece and Nitin Kumar Sinha of India 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in the semifinals.

Neeraj Chopra Poised to Break 90m Barrier, Predicts Devendra Jhajharia

Neeraj Chopra Poised to Break 90m Barrier, Predicts Devendra Jhajharia

Legendary para-athlete Devendra Jhajharia believes that star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is on the cusp of breaking the elusive 90m barrier. Jhajharia, a double Paralympics gold medalist in the F46 category, predicts that Chopra could reach 93m within the next one or two years.

Chopra’s recent performances have hinted at his potential to surpass the 90m mark. At the Paris Olympics, he won a silver medal with a throw of 89.45m, while at the Lausanne Diamond League, he finished second with a throw of 89.49m.

Jhajharia believes that when Chopra breaks the 90m barrier, he will do so by a significant margin. “When Neeraj does that, he will not throw just 90-plus, his javelin will go 3-4 meters farther,” Jhajharia said.

Jhajharia attributes Chopra’s potential to his age and dedication. “Age is in his favor, 26 is no age, and I am hoping that he will be at his peak when he is 28 or 29,” Jhajharia said. “By then, he will do his best.”

Chopra’s peak form is expected to coincide with the next two years, which will include the 2024 Paris Olympics. Jhajharia believes that Chopra has the potential to achieve his best results during this period.

Rohit Sharma's Emotional Leadership: High Expectations, Expressive Reactions

Rohit Sharma’s Emotional Leadership: High Expectations, Expressive Reactions

Rohit Sharma’s Expressive Leadership Style: A Reflection of High Expectations

India’s ODI and Test captain, Rohit Sharma, is renowned for his expressive demeanor on the field. His emotions, ranging from anger to laughter and frustration, are often captured on camera and become the subject of memes and discussions.

According to teammate Mohammed Shami, Rohit’s emotional outbursts stem from his high expectations for his players. “If you don’t meet his expectations, his reactions start to show,” Shami said. “He’ll tell you what you should have done or what was needed. If you still don’t live up to it, then you’ll see the reactions we see on the screen.”

Rohit himself acknowledges his expressive nature, stating, “I keep asking them to be themselves on the field. For that, first, I have to be myself… and that’s how I am!”

Shami’s comments highlight the importance of clear communication and accountability in leadership. By expressing his emotions, Rohit conveys his expectations and holds his players responsible for meeting them. This approach fosters a culture of high performance and accountability within the team.

However, it’s important to note that Rohit’s emotional outbursts are not always negative. He also uses them to motivate and inspire his players. By showing his passion and determination, he sets an example for his teammates and creates a positive and competitive environment.

While Rohit continues to lead the Indian team in the ODI and Test formats, Shami is currently sidelined due to an ankle surgery. He is expected to make a comeback to competitive cricket for his domestic side Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, with a potential international appearance later in one of the Test matches against New Zealand.

Kompany Confident Ahead of Bayern Munich Debut Despite Relegation with Burnley

Kompany Confident Ahead of Bayern Munich Debut Despite Relegation with Burnley

Vincent Kompany, the newly appointed Bayern Munich coach, exudes confidence ahead of his Bundesliga debut against Wolfsburg on Sunday. Despite overseeing Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League last season, the 38-year-old Belgian has been entrusted with the daunting task of restoring Bayern’s dominance in German football.

Bayern’s trophyless campaign last season, their first in 11 years, has cast a shadow over the club. Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive domestic double has raised the stakes for Kompany, who is determined to prove his worth.

Kompany, who previously coached Anderlecht and guided them to the 2022 Belgian Cup final, expressed satisfaction with Bayern’s preparations for the season opener. “I’m not nervous, but it’s a big challenge,” he said. “We’ve prepared well, and now it’s up to the players.”

Kompany acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Leverkusen, who opened their campaign with a victory on Friday. “They were phenomenal last season,” he said. “We’ll need around 90 points for the title again, so we need maximum performance from everyone.”

The Belgian coach hinted at the potential debuts of Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha, who joined Bayern from Crystal Palace and Fulham, respectively. “There’s a good chance they’ll play a lot this season,” he said.

Wolfsburg, Bayern’s opponents on Sunday, have not defeated the Bavarian giants in 20 matches dating back to 2015. Kompany is aware of the challenge but remains optimistic. “We’re excited and ready to start the season,” he said.

Indian Shooting Contingent Aims to Surpass Tokyo Paralympics Medal Tally in Paris

Indian Shooting Contingent Aims to Surpass Tokyo Paralympics Medal Tally in Paris

Indian shooting contingent is poised to surpass its Tokyo Paralympics medal tally at the upcoming Paris Games, according to pistol marksman Manish Narwal. The team’s intense training regimen has prepared them for success, he said.

A 10-member shooting contingent, including rifle exponent Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, and Narwal, will compete at the Chateauroux Centre near Paris from August 30. India had won two gold, a silver, and two bronze medals at the Tokyo Paralympics.

“Our preparations have been intense, and we are eager to give our best shot in Paris. We aim to surpass our previous performance and bring more medals home,” said Narwal, who won the 50m pistol (SH1) gold in Tokyo and will be competing in 10m air pistol at the Paris Games.

Besides Narwal, Avani, and Mona, the other members of the shooting contingent are Amir Ahmad Bhat, Rudransh Khandelwal, Rubina Francis, Swaroop Unahalkar, Sidhartha Babu, Shriharsha Devaraddi, and Nihal Singh.

The spotlight will be on reigning Paralympic champion Avani, who made history by becoming the first woman shooter from India to win two medals in Tokyo. The Jaipur shooter, then 19, had clinched gold in 10m air rifle and 50m rifle 3-positions (SH1). She will look to replicate her gold medal-winning performances in Paris.

The Paralympic Committee is expecting a record-breaking 25-plus medals in Paris, and the performance of the shooting team will have a great impact on the overall tally.

Umpire Anil Chaudhary Slams Mohammad Rizwan's Excessive Appealing

Umpire Anil Chaudhary Slams Mohammad Rizwan’s Excessive Appealing

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan’s Excessive Appealing Draws Criticism from Umpire Anil Chaudhary

Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s wicket-keeper, has gained notoriety for his incessant appeals from behind the stumps during matches. This behavior has often drawn the ire of umpires, opponents, and fans alike.

Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary, who has officiated in over 50 international matches across formats, recently shared his thoughts on Rizwan’s tendency to appeal frequently. Chaudhary described Rizwan as someone who “keeps jumping like a pigeon” from behind the stumps.

“He appeals a lot. I even told my fellow umpire to stay aware. Har ball pe chillata hai (He keeps shouting on every ball). Isn’t he the one who puts something like a lipstick? He keeps jumping like a pigeon,” Chaudhary said in a YouTube podcast.

Chaudhary emphasized that a good umpire knows how to handle keepers like Rizwan. “If the umpire is good, these keepers are losers. Aur itna technology aa gaya hai, kyun apna beizatti karwa rahein ho? Ulta seedha nikla jayega, toh log aap hi ka mazak udayenge (When technology has evolved so much, why do you have to make yourself look bad? People tend to make fun of such things),” he added.

Rizwan’s excessive appealing has been a topic of discussion for some time. In 2021, former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized Rizwan’s behavior, calling it “embarrassing.”

Despite the criticism, Rizwan has continued to appeal frequently. In Pakistan’s first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, Rizwan scored an unbeaten 171 in the first innings. However, Bangladesh responded strongly with a total of 565 all out, taking a 117-run first innings lead.

Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi and Wife Welcome Baby Boy

Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi and Wife Welcome Baby Boy

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Ansha Afridi Welcome Their First Child, Ali Yar

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and his wife, Ansha Afridi, have welcomed their first child, a son named Ali Yar. The joyous news was shared by the Afridi family on social media, eliciting an outpouring of love and well wishes from fans and supporters worldwide.

Afridi, known for his exceptional bowling skills, couldn’t contain his excitement during the first Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. After taking the wicket of Hasan Mahmud on the fourth day of the game, he celebrated by mimicking cradling a newborn in his arms. This heartwarming gesture captured the attention of spectators and reflected the young father’s immense love and affection for his child.

The couple’s journey to parenthood began in 2021 when Afridi got engaged to Ansha, the second-eldest daughter of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. Their nikah took place in a private ceremony in February 2022, followed by a week of wedding celebrations and Ansha’s rukhsati in September 2023.

The arrival of Ali Yar has brought immense joy to the Afridi family and the Pakistani sports community. Arshad Nadeem, who recently won the gold medal in men’s javelin at the Paris Olympics 2024, took to social media to congratulate Shaheen and Ansha on their new role. Nadeem also wished Shahid Afridi on becoming a grandfather, showcasing the camaraderie and support within the Pakistani sports fraternity.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exceptional talent and dedication have made him one of the most promising young bowlers in the world. His wife, Ansha, has been a constant source of support throughout his career. The couple’s first child, Ali Yar, is sure to bring even more happiness and fulfillment to their lives.

PCB Struggles to Secure Broadcast Rights for England Series

PCB Struggles to Secure Broadcast Rights for England Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and cricket enthusiasts in England eagerly await a deal to secure television broadcast rights for Pakistan’s home series against England in October. However, the initial reserve price set by the PCB has proven excessive, deterring broadcasters from entering negotiations.

Despite reports of Sky and TNT Sport showing little interest, the PCB remains optimistic that a deal will be reached. However, concerns have been raised about the board’s methods of securing broadcasting rights, which may hinder the realization of these deals.

The PCB recently accepted a valuation significantly lower than its reserve price for domestic rights for home series from August 2024 to December 2026. The board’s initial quote was approximately PKR 3.1 billion (USD 11.2 million), but the final broadcast figures are believed to be between USD 6 to 6.5 million.

The transparent bidding process allowed broadcasters to collude and agree on a pre-determined price, significantly lower than the PCB’s valuation. ARY and Tower Sports eventually acquired the rights.

While the PCB claims the domestic rights sold for double the previous cycle, the ICC sold its rights in Pakistan for several times that amount, estimated at USD 25 million. PTV and Tower Sports secured the rights to broadcast six ICC events in 2024 and 2025, including India-Pakistan fixtures.

Pakistan’s inability to play India in bilateral series reduces the value of its domestic rights. England is set to play three Tests in Pakistan in October, but an agreement to broadcast the series in the UK remains elusive.

Mark Wood Injury Casts Doubt Over England's Sri Lanka Test Hopes

Mark Wood Injury Casts Doubt Over England’s Sri Lanka Test Hopes

Mark Wood’s injury has cast a shadow over England’s Test series against Sri Lanka, with the paceman likely to miss the second Test and potentially the remainder of the series.

Wood suffered a right thigh muscle injury late on day three of the first Test in Manchester, forcing him to leave the field after bowling just 11 overs. An ECB statement on Saturday confirmed that Wood would not take the field on day four, and he subsequently underwent a scan to determine the extent of the damage.

England are hopeful that the injury is a strain rather than a tear, but it seems certain that Wood will miss the upcoming Test match at Lord’s, which begins this Thursday. Given his unique standing as the fastest bowler in the world, England may be reluctant to risk Wood for the final Test at the Kia Oval, which gets underway on September 6.

Olly Stone, the spare fast bowler in the squad, is likely to replace Wood in the XI. In terms of squad reinforcements, Sam Curran could come into the reckoning. The allrounder is currently playing for Surrey against Lancashire at the Kia Oval and took 1 for 21 in the first innings. Picking Curran would allow England to operate with the allrounder they are lacking after captain Ben Stokes was ruled out of the rest of the summer with a torn hamstring.

The loss of Wood was apparent as stand-in captain Ollie Pope oversaw a wicket-less start to day four. Sri Lanka batted past drinks and through to a rain interruption shortly before lunch without losing a wicket, as Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal extended the lead to 153.

Brighton vs Manchester United: Premier League Clash Preview

Brighton vs Manchester United: Premier League Clash Preview

Brighton vs Manchester United: Premier League Clash Preview

Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion will face off in a highly anticipated Premier League encounter on Saturday, August 24th. Both teams enter the match with momentum after securing victories in their opening fixtures.

United narrowly defeated Fulham 1-0 thanks to a late goal from debutant Joshua Zirkzee. Brighton, under the guidance of new manager Fabian Hurzeler, made a resounding statement with a 3-0 triumph over Everton. Former United striker Danny Welbeck played a pivotal role, scoring a goal and assisting another.

The match will take place at the Amex Stadium in Brighton and Hove. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM IST. The encounter will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.

Key Players to Watch:

* Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United): The Portuguese superstar is expected to lead the United attack and will be eager to make an impact after a quiet performance against Fulham.
* Danny Welbeck (Brighton): The former United forward has been in impressive form for Brighton and will be a threat to his former club’s defense.
* Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): The Portuguese playmaker is United’s creative hub and will be crucial in unlocking Brighton’s defense.
* Marc Cucurella (Brighton): The Spanish left-back has been a revelation for Brighton and will be tasked with containing United’s attacking threats.

Tactical Battle:

United manager Erik ten Hag is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ronaldo leading the line. Brighton, under Hurzeler, has shown a preference for a 3-4-3 system, with Welbeck operating as a central striker.

The match promises to be a tactical battle between two teams with contrasting styles. United will look to dominate possession and create chances through their attacking midfielders, while Brighton will aim to exploit United’s defensive weaknesses on the counterattack.

Prediction:

Both teams are in good form, but United’s superior quality and experience should give them a slight edge. A narrow 2-1 victory for the Red Devils seems like a likely outcome.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart