Arshad Nadeem's Heartfelt Message to Neeraj Chopra's Mother

Arshad Nadeem’s Heartfelt Message to Neeraj Chopra’s Mother

Pakistan’s javelin throw sensation, Arshad Nadeem, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Neeraj Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, for her maternal affection. Nadeem’s historic triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024, where he became the first Pakistani to win an individual gold medal in javelin, has garnered immense admiration and support.

Following the event, Devi expressed her fondness for Nadeem, stating that he was like a son to her. Nadeem’s response was filled with warmth and appreciation. “A mother is a mother for everyone, so she prays for everyone too. I’m grateful to Neeraj Chopra’s mother. She’s my mother too. She prayed for us, and we were just two players from South Asia who performed on the world stage,” Nadeem said.

Nadeem’s remarkable achievement has not only brought glory to Pakistan but has also strengthened the bond between the two neighboring nations. His victory has been celebrated across the border, with many Indians expressing their joy and admiration for the Pakistani athlete.

In recognition of his exceptional performance, the Pakistani government has announced that Nadeem will be honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award in the country. Additionally, a commemorative stamp titled ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ (commitment to stability) will be issued on the occasion of Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day.

Nadeem’s triumph is a testament to his unwavering determination and the support he has received from his family, coaches, and the Pakistani people. His victory has inspired countless young athletes and has brought immense pride to his nation.

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan's Olympic Javelin Gold Medalist, Appeals for Village Development

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s Olympic Javelin Gold Medalist, Appeals for Village Development

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s Olympic javelin gold medalist, has become a national hero after his historic triumph in Paris. The athlete’s victory, which marked Pakistan’s first-ever individual gold medal at the Games, has been met with immense pride and celebration throughout the country.

Nadeem’s journey to the Olympic podium was not without its challenges. Growing up in a humble village in Mian Channu, he faced financial constraints and limited access to training facilities. Despite these obstacles, Nadeem’s determination and unwavering spirit propelled him to the pinnacle of his sport.

Upon his return to Pakistan, Nadeem was greeted with a hero’s welcome. However, amidst the adulation, he remained grounded and focused on the needs of his community. In a heartfelt appeal to the government, Nadeem highlighted the lack of basic amenities in his village, including roads, cooking gas, and a university.

“My village needs roads. If the government provides cooking gas, it would be great for me and my village. I also have a dream that Mian Channu city gets a university so that our sisters won’t have to travel to Multan, which is 1.5 to 2 hours away, to study,” Nadeem told reporters.

Nadeem’s plea resonated with many Pakistanis, who recognized the importance of investing in infrastructure and education for the development of rural communities. The government has since pledged to address the issues raised by the Olympic champion.

Nadeem’s success has not only brought glory to Pakistan but has also inspired countless young athletes across the country. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the unwavering support of a nation.

Ashwin Slams RTM Rule, Calls it Unfair to Players

Ashwin Slams RTM Rule, Calls it Unfair to Players

Ravichandran Ashwin Slams Right to Match Rule Ahead of Potential IPL Reinstatement

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has vehemently criticized the Right to Match (RTM) rule, which is being considered for reinstatement in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The BCCI is exploring the possibility of bringing back the RTM rule, sparking debates among players and franchise owners.

Ashwin, in a video on his YouTube channel, expressed his strong opposition to the RTM rule, arguing that it deprives players of their true market value. He explained that the rule allows original teams to retain players by matching the highest bid, even if the player’s value has increased during the auction. This, according to Ashwin, creates an unfair advantage for the original team and prevents players from receiving their deserved compensation.

“There is no rule more unfair for a player than RTM,” Ashwin stated. “It does not give fair value to the player. If a player’s value has gone up during the auction, the original team can simply match the highest bid without contributing to the increase. This leaves the player without the opportunity to achieve their true market worth.”

Ashwin emphasized that while the original team may benefit from the RTM rule, other franchises and the player himself may feel shortchanged. He argued that this undermines the integrity of the auction and prevents players from getting their deserved compensation.

“This leaves the player without the opportunity to achieve their true market worth,” he reiterated, stressing that the rule benefits the original team disproportionately.

The BCCI is currently engaged in discussions with franchise owners regarding the reinstatement of the RTM rule. The final decision will significantly impact the dynamics of the upcoming IPL auction.

Athanaze's 92 Rescues West Indies in Rain-Hit Draw Against South Africa

Athanaze’s 92 Rescues West Indies in Rain-Hit Draw Against South Africa

Alick Athanaze’s valiant 92 propelled the West Indies to a hard-fought draw against South Africa in the rain-marred first Test at Queen’s Park Oval. The Proteas set a daunting target of 298, but Athanaze’s resilience and a crucial partnership with Jason Holder kept the hosts in contention.

Athanaze, batting at a precarious 18 for two, displayed remarkable patience and composure. He faced 116 deliveries, hitting nine boundaries, and anchored the West Indies’ innings for over three hours. His partnership with Holder, worth 65 runs, lifted the hosts from a shaky 127 for four to a more stable position.

However, as the close of play approached, Athanaze’s concentration wavered. Eager to reach his century, he top-edged a sweep off Keshav Maharaj to Ryan Rickelton at backward square-leg. Maharaj, who finished with match figures of eight for 164, proved to be the most potent threat to the West Indies.

Earlier in the day, Tristan Stubbs led South Africa’s charge for quick runs with an aggressive 68 off 50 balls. Stubbs’ maiden Test half-century, coupled with contributions from Tony de Zorzi (45) and Aiden Markram (38), allowed South Africa to declare their second innings at 173 for three.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who fell cheaply in the first over, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to chase down the target. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but my message to the boys was to back themselves and fully commit to their plans at the crease,” he said.

However, rain played a significant role in the match, with more than two days of playing time lost. This raises concerns for the second and final Test, scheduled to take place at the Guyana National Stadium from Thursday.

Andrey Rublev Reveals Mental Health Struggles Behind On-Court Meltdowns

Andrey Rublev Reveals Mental Health Struggles Behind On-Court Meltdowns

Andrey Rublev’s recent resurgence on the ATP Tour has been a welcome sight for tennis fans, but the Russian has revealed that his on-court struggles have been a manifestation of deep-seated mental health issues.

After claiming his second Top 5 win of the year over Jannik Sinner at the Omnium Banque National, Rublev opened up about his battles with burnout and depression, which have plagued him for years.

“Mentally I was out of order,” Rublev admitted. “I guess it was already a long moment of everything (building up) and I started to burn out, because I was struggling for many years with depression, with many things outside of the court.”

Rublev’s on-court behavior has often been erratic, with racquet-smashing meltdowns and a default in Dubai earlier this year. However, he believes that his struggles have reached a boiling point this season.

“It started to explode more and more on the court, because in life I was able to stay calm but inside the court I was burning everything.”

After skipping the Olympics to focus on his mental health, Rublev sought guidance from compatriot Marat Safin, who also struggled with emotional outbursts during his career.

“I was struggling, now (in the) last months I feel really good, and straightaway the tennis is better,” Rublev explained.

Rublev’s improved mental state has translated into positive results on the court. He has won eight of his last 10 matches, including a victory over world No. 1 Sinner and a comfortable win over Matteo Arnaldi to reach the final in Montreal.

The Russian is now the first player to reach more than one ATP Masters 1000 final this year and will face either Sebastian Korda or Alexei Popyrin in the championship match.

Rublev’s journey to recovery is a reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, even elite athletes. His openness about his struggles is a testament to his courage and determination to overcome adversity.

Southee May Sit Out Subcontinent Tests as NZ Balances Bowling Options

Southee May Sit Out Subcontinent Tests as NZ Balances Bowling Options

New Zealand’s Test captain, Tim Southee, may find himself on the sidelines for some of the team’s upcoming matches on the subcontinent. The Black Caps will embark on a challenging tour that includes a one-off Test against Afghanistan and two matches against Sri Lanka, both likely to be held in Galle.

While Southee will lead a 15-player squad that boasts five spin bowling options, his inclusion in the starting XI is not guaranteed. The nature of the subcontinent’s pitches, characterized by heat, humidity, and spin-friendly conditions, may necessitate a different balance to the team.

Head coach Gary Stead acknowledged the challenges facing pace bowlers on these tours and emphasized the need to manage their workloads. “Test tours to the subcontinent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers,” Stead said. “We’re going over with an open mind around conditions, but there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests.”

Should Southee be omitted from the XI, vice-captain Tom Latham would assume the captaincy role. The squad announced does not cover the subsequent three-Test series against India, but a similar group of players is expected to be involved.

Kane Williamson’s availability for the Afghanistan Test had been uncertain, but he has been included for the historic encounter. Offspin allrounder Michael Bracewell returns to the Test side after an 18-month absence, while Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner are also included. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips are likely to play significant roles with the ball.

Alongside Southee, the pace options include Matt Henry, Ben Sears, and Will O’Rourke. Henry impressed against Australia with 17 wickets in two matches, while Sears and O’Rourke made strong debuts last season. Kyle Jamieson remains sidelined due to a stress fracture of the back.

“It’s always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance,” Stead said of Sears and O’Rourke. “Michael’s had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the Blackcaps across all three formats.”

Saqlain Mushtaq will rejoin New Zealand as bowling coach for the three away Tests, while former England wicketkeeper James Foster returns as an assistant coach. The Afghanistan Test, not part of the World Test Championship, takes place from September 9-13, followed by the Sri Lanka matches from September 18-22 and 26-30.

New Zealand faces a demanding schedule of nine Tests from September to December, including a home series against England starting in late November. They currently sit third in the World Test Championship standings, aiming to reach the final at Lord’s next June.

Pegula Poised to Defend National Bank Open Title in Toronto

Pegula Poised to Defend National Bank Open Title in Toronto

Jessica Pegula, the reigning National Bank Open champion, is poised to defend her title on Monday, August 12, in Toronto. Despite the venue change from Montreal to Toronto, Pegula has maintained her impressive form, reaching the final without dropping a set. Her most recent victory was a dominant 6-4, 6-3 triumph over Diana Shnaider.

Pegula’s chances of adding to her trophy collection are bolstered by several factors. Firstly, her opponent, Amanda Anisimova, required a medical timeout during her semifinal win over Emma Navarro. While Anisimova ultimately prevailed, her physical condition remains a concern, especially considering her history of injuries. In contrast, Pegula has displayed remarkable stamina throughout the tournament.

Furthermore, Pegula holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against Anisimova. While Anisimova has improved her game since their previous encounters, Pegula’s ability to extend rallies and redirect pace poses a significant challenge for her opponent. Anisimova’s quick-strike tennis may be effective in short bursts, but Pegula’s superior rally tolerance will give her an edge in longer exchanges.

Additionally, this will be Anisimova’s first final since January 2022 and her biggest final to date. The pressure of the occasion could potentially affect her performance, while Pegula’s experience in high-stakes matches will serve her well.

Pegula’s flat strokes and aggressive baseline play make her a formidable opponent on hard courts. Her ability to control the pace and dictate the rallies will likely prove too much for Anisimova.

Based on these factors, Pegula is the clear favorite to win the National Bank Open for the second consecutive year. Her consistency, physical advantage, and experience give her a significant edge over Anisimova.

Swiatek Tempers Expectations Ahead of Cincinnati Open

Swiatek Tempers Expectations Ahead of Cincinnati Open

Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, is approaching her first hard-court match since March with a cautious mindset. Despite being the favorite at most tournaments, Swiatek is tempering expectations ahead of the Cincinnati Open.

Swiatek last played on hard courts at the Miami Open, where she lost in the fourth round. She is aware of the faster conditions in Cincinnati due to the switch back to Regular Duty Wilson tennis balls. These balls are lighter and lose their heaviness more quickly than the Heavy Duty balls used last year.

Swiatek acknowledges the need to adjust to the new surface and balls. She plans to treat the tournament as a practice opportunity, focusing on implementing her training and making gradual progress.

Despite her recent success on clay, Swiatek is determined to rediscover her hard-court form. She believes the lower expectations in Cincinnati could provide her with the space to do so.

Swiatek’s decision to skip the National Bank Open in Toronto was motivated by fatigue from the Paris Olympics. She won a bronze medal in singles after a disappointing semifinal loss.

After supporting her fellow athletes at the Games, Swiatek feels refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the season. She is not expecting a break and is focused on maintaining her technique and grinding on court.

Swiatek’s cautious approach and determination to improve suggest that she is not taking her status as the favorite for granted. She is willing to work hard and make adjustments to achieve her goals on hard courts.

Carlos Alcaraz: No Olympic Tattoo, But Plenty of Motivation

Carlos Alcaraz: No Olympic Tattoo, But Plenty of Motivation

Carlos Alcaraz, the former world No. 1, has enjoyed a remarkable summer, capturing back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. However, despite his recent success, Alcaraz remains humble and focused on improvement.

In a recent press conference, Alcaraz revealed that he keeps his Olympic silver medal close to his Wimbledon and Roland Garros trophies at home. While he is proud of his achievement, he admits that he would have preferred a gold medal.

“I didn’t get the gold, so I’m not considering a tattoo,” Alcaraz said with a laugh. “If I had won the gold medal, I would have gotten a tattoo.”

Despite his disappointment in Paris, Alcaraz is determined to learn from his experience and improve his game.

“I always want to be better, and I always think I can do better,” he said. “I think I had a great summer…obviously I wanted the gold medal. After the matches I win or lose, I like to find the bad things I did and try to be better in the next match and not make the same mistakes.”

Alcaraz also shared his experience playing doubles with Rafael Nadal in Paris.

“It was a great experience, talking with Rafa off the court, knowing each other much better off the court,” Alcaraz said. “Playing doubles together was great, something I will never forget, for sure. I learned a lot talking to him, on court and off the court, as well.”

Alcaraz is now preparing for the Cincinnati Open, where he is the No. 2 seed. He will open against either Gaël Monfils or Alexei Popyrin.

Cincinnati Open Preview: Alcaraz, Swiatek Aim for Redemption

Cincinnati Open Preview: Alcaraz, Swiatek Aim for Redemption

The Cincinnati Open, the final major tune-up before the US Open, is set to commence despite a challenging start to the North American hard-court swing. Rain disruptions and player withdrawals have plagued recent tournaments in Montreal and Toronto, but Cincinnati appears poised for a more favorable outcome.

With defending champion Novak Djokovic sidelined, the spotlight falls on Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, who will be eager to rebound from disappointing Olympic performances. Alcaraz, who pushed Djokovic to the brink in last year’s Cincinnati final, will face a less formidable path this time around. Swiatek, despite a potential quarterfinal clash with Jasmine Paolini, remains a heavy favorite.

Several top players, including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Daniil Medvedev, will be looking to end title droughts. Sinner, once dominant, has struggled with injuries and form, while Gauff has endured a disappointing summer. Sabalenka and Medvedev, both former major champions, have also been off their best.

The draws for the top seeds appear relatively favorable, with potential semifinals between Alcaraz and Sinner on the men’s side and Sabalenka and Swiatek on the women’s side. However, dark horses such as Paula Badosa, Andrey Rublev, and Hubert Hurkacz could pose threats.

Among the early-round matches to watch are Zhizhen Zhang vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Karen Khachanov vs. Francisco Cerundolo, and Frances Tiafoe vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart