Leverkusen Coach Alonso Concedes Bayern Munich as Bundesliga Title Favorites

Leverkusen Coach Alonso Concedes Bayern Munich as Bundesliga Title Favorites

Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable Bundesliga and cup double last season has not swayed coach Xabi Alonso’s belief that Bayern Munich remain the title favorites this season.

“For me, the favorites are Bayern, that’s clear,” Alonso declared at a press conference ahead of Leverkusen’s Bundesliga season opener at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday. “Our goal is to stay in the top four. That’s realistic — we have a good squad.”

Leverkusen’s historic triumph last season, which ended Bayern’s 11-year reign in Germany, was a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen. However, Alonso is keen to emphasize that past achievements are no guarantee of future success.

“Last year was really nice… but we’re starting from scratch again,” he said. “We need to earn everything again. We need to win our points and for that we need good performances.”

Bayern, under new coach Vincent Kompany, have bolstered their squad with several high-profile signings, including Michael Olise, Joao Palhinha, and Hiroki Ito. Leverkusen, on the other hand, have maintained a relatively stable roster, with the exception of the departure of Moussa Diaby to Manchester United.

Despite their impressive unbeaten run in Germany since May 2023, Alonso is wary of the challenges that lie ahead. “We know every game will be difficult — and that will be the case against Gladbach,” he said.

Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign was built on a solid defense and a potent attack led by Patrik Schick and Florian Wirtz. However, they will face a stern test against a Gladbach side that has strengthened its squad with the addition of Marcus Thuram from Borussia Monchengladbach.

Alonso will be without Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios for the trip to Gladbach due to a knee injury. However, the rest of his squad is available for selection as Leverkusen aim to start the new season with a positive result.

Virat Kohli's 16-Year Legacy: A Testament to Dedication and Intensity

Virat Kohli’s 16-Year Legacy: A Testament to Dedication and Intensity

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of the sport with an illustrious career spanning 16 years. His remarkable journey has been marked by an array of records and accolades, solidifying his status as one of the greatest batters in modern cricket.

Former Pakistan cricket star Basit Ali recently paid a glowing tribute to Kohli, emphasizing the importance of not just acknowledging his longevity but also understanding the unwavering dedication and resilience that have fueled his success. Ali highlighted the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Younis Khan, and Javed Miandad as examples of players who enjoyed extended careers due to their unwavering commitment to the game.

Ali stressed that Kohli’s brilliance extends beyond his batting prowess. He pointed out the exceptional intensity and dedication that Kohli brings to the field, even when facing setbacks. “Just look at his dedication and the hard work he puts in. Even if he gets out early, he gives it all in the field,” Ali said. “You can feel that Kohli is on the ground just by the noise the crowd makes when the ball goes to him. This is the result of the hard work he has put in for 16 years.”

Kohli’s unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in his longevity and success. He has consistently set high standards for himself and his teammates, inspiring a new generation of cricketers to strive for greatness.

Milan CEO Dismisses Leao to Barcelona Rumors

Milan CEO Dismisses Leao to Barcelona Rumors

AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani has emphatically denied rumors linking star winger Rafael Leao with a move to Barcelona. Furlani stated that there is “zero possibility” of Leao leaving the Rossoneri, despite reports in Spain suggesting otherwise.

Leao, 25, is one of Milan’s most prized assets and has been a key figure in their recent resurgence. His contract runs until 2028, and Furlani is confident that he will remain at the club for the foreseeable future.

“There is zero possibility that Leao will leave Milan,” Furlani told reporters. “He is a fundamental player for us, and we are counting on him for the future.”

When asked if Leao could potentially submit a transfer request, Furlani responded with certainty: “I am sure that he will not. He is happy at Milan, and he wants to continue his career here.”

Leao’s impressive performances have attracted the attention of several top clubs, including Barcelona. However, Milan is determined to keep hold of their star player and is not willing to entertain any offers.

The Portuguese winger has been a revelation since joining Milan in 2019. He has scored 34 goals in 125 appearances for the club and has played a pivotal role in their recent successes, including winning the Serie A title last season.

Milan began their Serie A campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Torino last weekend. They will face newly promoted Parma on Saturday evening as they look to secure their first win of the season.

Afghan Cricket Fans Throng Stadium to Witness Return of National Heroes

Afghan Cricket Fans Throng Stadium to Witness Return of National Heroes

Afghan cricket fans flocked to the Kabul International Cricket Stadium in droves to witness the return of their national heroes to the domestic T20 league. Basit Wali Hotak, a student from Kandahar, embarked on an overnight journey to catch a glimpse of his idol, Rashid Khan.

The Shpageeza T20 league has ignited a renewed passion for cricket in Afghanistan, a country that has found solace in the sport amidst decades of conflict. Thousands of fans, including Hotak, endured long journeys and spent their hard-earned money to witness the stars in action.

Despite the absence of Khan and other top players in the match between the Speenghar Tigers and Mis-e-Ainak Knights, the crowd erupted in cheers when the Afghan captain appeared in the dugout. The stadium reverberated with chants of “heroes, long live heroes” as fans expressed their admiration for their national team.

Former captain Mohammad Nabi took to the pitch, facing off against his son, Hassan Eisakhil, in a heartwarming moment. The presence of Afghan national players in the league has raised hopes that international teams may return to Afghanistan, a prospect that would further boost the country’s cricket culture.

“If they (national players) play games here, the international teams will also come to play here, because it shows security has been ensured,” said 19-year-old Abdul Ahad.

For fans like Kamil Shah Mashal, who traveled hours from Khost, cricket provides a much-needed escape from the challenges facing Afghanistan. “I don’t see any other reason for young people to be happy in the current situation because of the crises that have made some of them flee the country,” he said. “It’s only cricket left that keeps us happy.”

The return of national players to the domestic league has not only reignited the passion for cricket but also instilled a sense of hope and pride in Afghan fans. As the country navigates its future, the sport continues to serve as a beacon of unity and a source of joy for its people.

Paralympics to Ignite Paris with Extraordinary Athleticism and Inclusivity

Paralympics to Ignite Paris with Extraordinary Athleticism and Inclusivity

The Paralympic Games, a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletes with disabilities, will commence in Paris on August 28th, following the resounding success of the Olympic Games. The French capital will once again serve as a stage for extraordinary athleticism, with 18 of the 35 Olympic venues repurposed for the Paralympics.

Among the iconic venues returning for the Paralympics is the Grand Palais, which garnered acclaim for hosting fencing and taekwondo during the Olympics. The La Defense Arena will witness the thrilling spectacle of 141 gold-medal events in para-swimming, while the Stade de France will host track and field competitions.

The opening ceremony will take place at Place de la Concorde, marking a departure from the traditional stadium setting. This symbolic location, which hosted skateboarding and other urban sports during the Olympics, underscores the Paralympics’ commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Ticket sales, initially sluggish, have surged since the Olympics, with several venues reporting sellouts. The Games promise to unveil a new generation of Paralympic stars, including American sprinter and high jumper Ezra Frech, whose remarkable journey has garnered widespread attention.

Seasoned veterans will also grace the Paralympic stage, such as British amputee sprinter Jonnie Peacock, who seeks to add to his medal tally at his fourth consecutive Paralympics. The Paralympics, however, extend beyond athletic competition, serving as a platform to amplify the voices of people with disabilities.

International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons emphasizes the Games’ potential to elevate disability issues on the global agenda. He believes that Paris 2024 will challenge perceptions and foster a more inclusive society.

China, a Paralympic powerhouse, will field a formidable squad, aiming to replicate its dominance in Tokyo, where it claimed 96 gold medals. Host nation France, buoyed by the success of its Olympic team, will strive to surpass its 11 gold medals from 2021.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the country will send a delegation of 140 athletes across 17 sports, demonstrating their resilience and determination. Athletes from Russia and Belarus will compete under a neutral banner, without team colors or participation in ceremonies.

The Paralympic Games in Paris promise to be a celebration of human spirit, showcasing the extraordinary abilities of athletes with disabilities. They will inspire, challenge perceptions, and leave a lasting legacy of inclusivity and empowerment.

Tennis Legends Light Up Arthur Ashe in US Open Exhibition

Tennis Legends Light Up Arthur Ashe in US Open Exhibition

Ahead of the highly anticipated US Open 2024, tennis legends Carlos Alcaraz, Andre Agassi, Novak Djokovic, and John McEnroe thrilled the Arthur Ashe crowd with an electrifying exhibition match at Flushing Meadows.

Alcaraz and Agassi teamed up against Djokovic and McEnroe, with the Serbian-American duo emerging victorious 10-8 in the Fan Week exhibition. Djokovic, fresh from his historic gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics, received a warm ovation from McEnroe.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole career,” Djokovic exclaimed to the packed stadium. “It’s been an incredible journey, with trials and tribulations, but I never gave up hope.”

Djokovic praised Alcaraz’s exceptional talent, acknowledging that the young Spaniard is poised to achieve even greater success. “I told Carlos that I was grateful for letting me win the gold,” Djokovic said. “He’s going to have multiple golds before he retires.”

Agassi, a former Olympic gold medalist and Golden Slam winner, expressed his admiration for the sport’s legends. “It’s surreal to share the court with these icons,” Agassi remarked. “John, this evening is so special. Thank you to everyone who came out to support tennis.”

Djokovic’s Olympic gold medal adds to his impressive resume, which includes a record 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles and ten Australian Open titles. He is the only player in history to hold all four major titles simultaneously across three different surfaces.

The exhibition match showcased the enduring legacy of tennis and the camaraderie among its greatest players. As the US Open 2024 approaches, fans can expect more thrilling moments and unforgettable performances from these legendary athletes.

Pakistan Tightens Grip on Bangladesh in Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan Tightens Grip on Bangladesh in Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan’s dominance continued on Day 3 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, as the hosts tightened their grip on the match. Resuming at 27/0, Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan faced a relentless Pakistan bowling attack.

Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, kept the pressure on the Bangladesh batsmen. Islam fell for 23, caught behind off Afridi, while Hasan was dismissed for 30, trapped lbw by Shah.

With the openers back in the pavilion, Bangladesh’s middle order struggled to cope with Pakistan’s pace and spin. Mushfiqur Rahim (16) and Liton Das (14) were both dismissed cheaply, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 85/4.

Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a magnificent 171 in Pakistan’s first innings, continued to torment Bangladesh with his off-spin. He dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto (18) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (12), reducing Bangladesh to 123/6.

As the day progressed, Pakistan’s bowlers continued to chip away at Bangladesh’s batting lineup. Yasir Shah claimed the wickets of Nurul Hasan (16) and Khaled Ahmed (0), while Afridi returned to dismiss Taijul Islam (10).

At the close of play, Bangladesh were struggling at 169/9, still trailing Pakistan by 279 runs. Ebadot Hossain (10*) and Shoriful Islam (0*) were the only batsmen left at the crease.

Pakistan will be confident of wrapping up the match on Day 4 and securing a crucial victory in their quest for a Test series win on home soil. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need a miraculous effort to avoid defeat.

Indian Women Wrestlers Shine at U17 World Championships, Secure Four Gold Medals

Indian Women Wrestlers Shine at U17 World Championships, Secure Four Gold Medals

Indian women wrestlers have made their mark at the ongoing U17 World Wrestling Championships in Jordan, securing four gold medals and contributing to India’s impressive medal tally. Mansi Lather (73 kg), Pulkit (65 kg), Neha Sangwan (57 kg), and Aditi Kumari (43 kg) emerged victorious in their respective weight categories, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination.

India’s medal count now stands at six, including two bronze medals won by Ronak Dahiya (greco-roman 110 kg) and Sainath Pardhi (greco-roman 51 kg). The championships, held at the Princess Sumaya Bint al-Hasan Arena in Amman, feature competitions in men’s freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s freestyle, with each discipline offering medals in 10 weight categories.

Indian wrestlers are participating in 29 of the 30 medal events, with 10 wrestlers in greco-roman, 10 in men’s freestyle, and nine in women’s freestyle. Last year, India secured 11 medals, including one gold, seven silver, and three bronze.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini congratulated Mansi Lather on her gold medal victory, highlighting her exceptional performance.

Dinesh Karthik Rectifies All-Time India XI, Includes MS Dhoni

Dinesh Karthik Rectifies All-Time India XI, Includes MS Dhoni

Dinesh Karthik’s All-Time India XI: A Mistake Rectified

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has clarified his omission of legendary wicket-keeper and captain MS Dhoni from his all-time India XI across formats. Karthik initially left out Dhoni, sparking controversy among cricket enthusiasts.

In a recent interview, Karthik admitted that the omission was an oversight. “I made a big mistake,” he confessed. “I realized only when the episode came out.” He explained that amidst various considerations, he forgot to include a wicketkeeper, leading to the assumption that Rahul Dravid would take on that role.

“Can you believe being a wicketkeeper, I forgot to have a wicketkeeper? It is a blunder,” Karthik added.

Karthik, who has played as a wicketkeeper for India, lavished praise on Dhoni, calling him “one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game.” He clarified that if given the chance to redo his team, Dhoni would be his automatic choice for the No. 7 spot and would be the captain of any Indian team, irrespective of the format.

Karthik’s all-time India XI across formats features a mix of India’s finest talents. The lineup includes Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma as openers, followed by Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in the crucial No. 3 and No. 4 positions. Virat Kohli is at No. 5, adding further depth and firepower to the batting lineup.

For the all-rounder slots, Karthik chose Yuvraj Singh and Ravindra Jadeja, both known for their match-winning abilities with both bat and ball. The spin department features Ravichandran Ashwin and Anil Kumble, two of India’s most successful spinners, while the pace attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Zaheer Khan. Karthik also named Harbhajan Singh as the 12th man, recognizing his significant contributions to Indian cricket.

Despite the initial mix-up, Karthik’s selections underscore his respect for the greats of Indian cricket and highlight the depth of talent the country has produced over the years.

Mbappe's Madrid Debut Raises Balance Concerns for Ancelotti

Mbappe’s Madrid Debut Raises Balance Concerns for Ancelotti

Kylian Mbappe’s highly anticipated La Liga debut for Real Madrid has raised questions about the team’s balance, as the Spanish champions drew 1-1 at Mallorca last weekend. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in terms of defensive stability.

Mbappe, who joined Madrid on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, is expected to make his first home appearance for the club on Sunday against Real Valladolid. The French superstar is hoping to make a greater impact at Madrid than his predecessor, Ronaldo, who won just one La Liga title and failed to lift the Champions League during his five seasons in the Spanish capital.

One of the main challenges for Ancelotti is finding the right balance in his attacking lineup. Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Jude Bellingham have all been deployed in the starting XI, but their preference for playing on the left flank has created some congestion. Additionally, Bellingham’s role in midfield has been compromised, as he is forced to drop deeper to accommodate the three forwards.

“We need to defend better, we need more balance,” Ancelotti said after the Mallorca draw. “It’s a team problem that they didn’t understand was a key aspect in this game.”

While Real Valladolid may not pose a significant threat on paper, Ancelotti will be eager to see his team improve their performance. Mbappe, who scored against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, will be looking to mark his Bernabeu debut with a goal.

However, Madrid’s attacking prowess could also prove to be a double-edged sword. Teams may be motivated to rise to the challenge of stopping the “fantastic four,” as the attacking quartet has been dubbed.

“We’re going to face the best team in the world, with one of the best coaches in history and the best attack in the world today,” said Valladolid coach Paulo Pezzolano. “We know what we’re going to face, but we’re going there convinced that we’re going to compete and bring something back home.”

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