Vinesh Phogat's Silver Medal Appeal Concludes at CAS Hearing

Vinesh Phogat’s Silver Medal Appeal Concludes at CAS Hearing

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s quest for a silver medal at the Paris Olympics took a significant step forward as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad-hoc division concluded its hearing on her appeal. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed optimism for a favorable outcome.

Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle final after weighing in 100 grams over the permissible limit. The American wrestler, Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, subsequently won the gold medal. Phogat appealed for a joint silver medal, arguing that the weight discrepancy was unintentional and did not affect her performance.

The CAS ad-hoc division, established specifically for dispute resolution during the Games, accepted Phogat’s appeal. The hearing took place virtually on Friday, with Phogat represented by senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. United World Wrestling, the governing body for wrestling, also presented its case.

The IOA released a statement expressing its confidence in a positive resolution. “IOA deems its duty to back Vinesh and would like to reaffirm its steadfast, unflinching, and unwavering support to her, regardless of the outcome of this matter,” said IOA president PT Usha.

Initially, reports suggested an interim order would be issued on Friday, but no official communication has been made yet. The IOA stated that the Sole Arbitrator, Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC, indicated that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, followed by a detailed order with reasons.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach acknowledged Phogat’s plea but raised concerns about setting precedents. “Where do you make the cut? Do you say with 100gms, we give it but with 102(gms), we don’t give it anymore?” he said.

Phogat’s appeal has garnered widespread attention and support in India. The wrestling community and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the CAS hearing, hoping for a just resolution that recognizes Phogat’s hard work and dedication.

Shnaider Stuns Gauff, Reaches Toronto Quarterfinals

Shnaider Stuns Gauff, Reaches Toronto Quarterfinals

Diana Shnaider’s meteoric rise in the tennis world continues to astound, as the 20-year-old Russian left-hander has now claimed a Top 10 scalp in the form of Coco Gauff. In a stunning display of poise and precision, Shnaider toppled the No. 1 seed 6-4, 6-1 in the third round of the National Bank Open in Toronto, marking her first quarterfinal appearance at a WTA 1000 event.

Shnaider, a former three-time junior doubles Grand Slam champion, has made rapid strides in her professional career since establishing a Top 100 ranking while playing college tennis at North Carolina State University. This year alone, she has captured three singles titles, including a 500-level triumph on grass in Berlin, and has ascended to the Top 50 and Top 40 in the rankings.

Her victory over Gauff, who had previously been undefeated against players younger than her, was a testament to Shnaider’s growing maturity and tactical acumen. Windy conditions played a significant role in Gauff’s downfall, as she committed a staggering 42 unforced errors, nearly double that of Shnaider.

Shnaider, known for her powerful groundstrokes, maintained a consistent and deep hitting strategy, forcing Gauff into numerous mistimed shots and serves. Gauff’s struggles were evident in her eight double faults and three breaks of serve, while Shnaider remained unyielding on her own serve, facing only one break point.

“I think she kind of knew to just stay steady because I was giving her a lot of errors,” Gauff acknowledged after the match. “She normally hits big when I see her play, but I think today I was just giving her too many errors, so it wasn’t necessary for her to do that.”

Shnaider’s victory sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash with No. 6 seed Liudmila Samsonova, who defeated Elise Mertens in straight sets. Samsonova, a finalist in Toronto last year, will pose a formidable challenge for Shnaider, but the Russian has proven time and again that she is capable of rising to the occasion.

Djokovic and Serena: Olympic Gold and the Mark of Greatness

Djokovic and Serena: Olympic Gold and the Mark of Greatness

Novak Djokovic’s Olympic gold medal victory over Carlos Alcaraz in Paris was a cathartic moment in his illustrious career. The Serbian legend’s triumph evoked memories of Serena Williams’ own Olympic gold medal win in 2012, highlighting their shared greatness.

Djokovic’s victory was hard-fought, as he battled through a knee injury and faced a determined Alcaraz. However, the 37-year-old displayed his trademark resilience, refusing to let his younger opponent gain the upper hand. In the crucial moments, Djokovic’s experience and unwavering belief in himself shone through.

Like Serena, Djokovic has a knack for seizing the moment. In the Olympics, where there is no tomorrow, both athletes have demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion and deliver their best performances.

Serena’s dominance in 2012 was unparalleled, as she lost only eight games in her last four matches. Djokovic’s path to gold was more arduous, but he ultimately achieved his goal, completing his career Golden Slam.

Despite their different journeys, both Djokovic and Serena share a common trait: their ability to turn the tide of a match when it seems like they are on the verge of defeat. Against Tsitsipas and Alcaraz, Djokovic displayed this resilience, saving break points and winning tiebreakers to secure victory.

Serena was known for her ability to lose first sets but then dominate her opponents in the following sets. Djokovic’s wins at the Olympics may not have been as dramatic, but he showed a similar determination to win when it mattered most.

Djokovic’s victory in Paris was a testament to his greatness. When the moment of truth arrived, he knew he would not lose. This is the mark of a true GOAT, an athlete who can rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.

Taylor Townsend Breaks Through in Singles, Reaches WTA 1000 Quarterfinals

Taylor Townsend Breaks Through in Singles, Reaches WTA 1000 Quarterfinals

Taylor Townsend, the American tennis star, has made a significant breakthrough in her singles career by reaching the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event in Toronto. This is the first time she has advanced to the last eight in a WTA singles tournament.

Townsend’s impressive victory came against Jelena Ostapenko, the No. 11-ranked player in the world. Townsend dominated the match, winning 6-2, 6-1 in just an hour. This victory marks Townsend’s third-biggest win of her career, after defeating Simona Halep and Jessica Pegula in previous tournaments.

Townsend’s success in singles is a testament to her hard work and determination. She has previously struggled in round-of-16 matches, going 0-12 before this tournament. However, she has now broken that pattern and is poised to make a deep run in Toronto.

In addition to her singles success, Townsend is also a highly accomplished doubles player. She has won seven WTA doubles titles, including the prestigious Wimbledon title this year with Katerina Siniakova. Townsend has also captured a WTA 1000 title in Cincinnati last year with Alycia Parks.

Townsend’s rise in the doubles rankings has been equally impressive. She cracked the doubles Top 10 for the first time last year and set a career-high ranking of No. 5 last June. She has won her last two doubles tournaments coming into Toronto, but was ousted in the second round in Canada with Sloane Stephens.

Townsend’s next challenge in the singles quarterfinals will be against another American, Emma Navarro. Navarro edged Marta Kostyuk in her third-round match, 7-5, 7-5. The two Americans will face off on Saturday for a spot in the semifinals.

Townsend’s success in both singles and doubles is a testament to her versatility and talent. She is a rising star in the tennis world and is poised for even greater achievements in the future.

American Women Dominate Toronto Open, Reach Quarterfinals

American Women Dominate Toronto Open, Reach Quarterfinals

The US Open may still be weeks away, but the American women are already making their mark on the WTA circuit. At the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Toronto, four US players have stormed into the quarterfinals, led by defending champion Jessica Pegula.

Pegula, the No. 3 seed, overcame a spirited challenge from fellow American Ashlyn Krueger, winning 6-4, 6-2. Despite windy conditions and a combined 70 unforced errors, Pegula’s experience and resilience proved too much for the 20-year-old qualifier.

Joining Pegula in the last eight are Amanda Anisimova, Emma Navarro, and Taylor Townsend. Anisimova, a former Roland Garros semifinalist, retired her opponent Anna Kalinskaya in the second set. Navarro, seeded No. 11, upset eighth-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 7-5, 7-5.

Townsend, a last-minute replacement for Yulia Putintseva, made history by defeating former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-1. The left-hander, who won Wimbledon in doubles last month, had never reached a WTA quarterfinal in singles before this week.

With No. 1 seed Coco Gauff and former NCAA champion Peyton Stearns still to play, as many as six Americans could make up the eight quarterfinalists. This would be a testament to the depth and talent of the US women’s tennis.

Townsend, who broke into the Top 50 in doubles after her Wimbledon triumph, is now on the cusp of achieving the same feat in singles. A win against Navarro in the quarterfinals would guarantee her a place among the world’s top 50.

The American quartet’s success in Toronto is a positive sign for the US Open, which begins on August 29. With their confidence and momentum high, they will be among the favorites to challenge for the title in New York.

Blake Century Powers Surrey to 89-Run Victory over Essex

Blake Century Powers Surrey to 89-Run Victory over Essex

Surrey’s Josh Blake guided his team to a resounding 89-run victory over Essex in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Chelmsford. Blake’s unbeaten century and Ollie Sykes’s explosive 87 propelled Surrey to a formidable total of 306 for 4.

Blake, who survived a dropped catch on 40, anchored Surrey’s innings with a composed 100 from 100 balls. He forged a crucial 98-run partnership with opener Ryan Patel (83) and an unbroken 155-run stand with Sykes.

Sykes, making his List A debut, unleashed a barrage of sixes, hitting five in his 56-ball knock. His aggressive batting propelled Surrey to a dominant position in the latter stages of the innings.

Essex’s chase faltered from the outset, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Captain Tom Westley offered the only significant resistance with a gritty 78, but his efforts proved futile as Essex fell well short of their target.

Cameron Steel was the pick of Surrey’s bowlers, claiming four wickets for 50 runs. Conor McKerr and James Taylor also chipped in with two wickets each.

Surrey’s victory was their second in the tournament, while Essex’s defeat eliminated them from contention for the knockout stages.

Bulgarian Weightlifter Karlos Nasar Shatters World Record, Lifts 400 Kilograms

Bulgarian Weightlifter Karlos Nasar Shatters World Record, Lifts 400 Kilograms

Bulgarian weightlifter Karlos Nasar made history at the Olympics on Friday, becoming the lightest man to lift 400 kilograms in competition. The 20-year-old shattered the men’s 89kg weightlifting world record, setting a new benchmark for the sport.

Nasar’s journey to the record-breaking moment was not without its challenges. Tied for first after the snatch round, he delayed his entry into the clean and jerk until most of his rivals had exhausted their attempts. With his first lift, he effortlessly hoisted 213 kilograms over his head, securing the gold medal.

Undeterred, Nasar set his sights on the world record. With two attempts remaining, he opted to aim high. Pausing briefly with the bar on his chest, he grinned before hoisting a record-breaking 224 kilograms over his head. The total of 404 kilograms was another world record.

Nasar’s victory was not just a physical triumph but also a testament to his mental fortitude. He has reportedly lifted even greater weights in training, demonstrating his exceptional strength and determination. “I have visualized the win many times and I succeeded each time,” he said.

Despite his success, Nasar remains humble. When asked if he was playing to the camera, he grinned, “Sometimes the emotions that I show, I cannot control. Sometimes I don’t even remember what happened on the stage.”

Colombian Yeison Lopez took second place with a total of 390 kilograms, while Italian Antonino Pizzolato secured a dramatic bronze after a successful appeal following a video review.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Nasar’s personal life has also garnered attention. He plans to attend the rhythmic gymnastics competition on Saturday to support his girlfriend, Magdalina Minevska.

Weightlifting has faced criticism for its association with doping, but Nasar’s charismatic personality and exceptional talent could help change the sport’s image. Despite a troubled past involving drug-related charges and an Achilles tendon injury, Nasar has emerged as a beacon of hope for the sport.

Coco Gauff: Track and Field Star in the Making?

Coco Gauff: Track and Field Star in the Making?

Coco Gauff, the rising star of women’s tennis, has revealed that she could have pursued a career in track and field instead. Her mother, Candi, was a track and field athlete at Florida State University, and Coco’s natural talent in the sport was evident from a young age.

At the Paris Olympics, Gauff met with some of Team USA’s biggest track and field stars, including Noah Lyles, who suggested she would have excelled in the 400-meter hurdles. Gauff’s mother also believes she would have been successful in the 400-meter event.

Despite her talent in track and field, Gauff ultimately chose to focus on tennis. However, she still wonders what could have been. “I don’t know if I would have been as good as I was in tennis in track, but I strongly feel like if I would have trained I could have been an Olympian,” she said.

Gauff’s experience at the Olympics also inspired her. She was impressed by the resilience and determination of athletes like Tara Davis-Woodhall, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Sha’carri Richardson, and Gabby Thomas, who overcame challenges to achieve success.

“It does inspire me, and just also it puts perspective to my age,” Gauff said. “A lot of them are 24, between 24 to 27 range … I think I just learned to just trust in my training and trust in the journey, just with talking with them and learning about their stories.”

Gauff believes that her game will continue to improve as she matures. “I’m 20, so hopefully by, like, 24 I’m there,” she said.

Canada Triumphs in Olympic Men's 4x100m Relay, US Disqualified

Canada Triumphs in Olympic Men’s 4x100m Relay, US Disqualified

Andre de Grasse led Canada to a thrilling victory in the Olympic men’s 4x100m relay in Paris on Friday, marking a historic moment for the nation. The Canadian quartet, comprising Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, and Brendon Rodney, displayed exceptional teamwork and speed to secure the gold medal with a time of 37.50 seconds.

South Africa claimed the silver medal with an African record time of 37.57 seconds, while Great Britain took the bronze in 37.61 seconds. Defending champions Italy, featuring 2021 100m champion Marcell Jacobs, finished fourth in 37.68 seconds.

The United States, who were considered favorites, suffered a disappointing disqualification after a botched baton handover between Christian Coleman and Kenny Bednarek. The incident occurred during the first exchange, causing Bednarek to come to an almost complete standstill. Despite the efforts of Kyree King and Fred Kerley, the US quartet was unable to recover and finished seventh in 37.89 seconds.

This disqualification continues the United States’ dismal Olympic run in the men’s 4x100m relay. The last time the US men medalled was with a silver at the 2004 Athens Games. In recent years, the team has faced setbacks, including a botched handoff in the heats of the 2021 Tokyo Games, a disqualification at the 2016 Rio Games, and a failure to medal in London in 2012 and Beijing in 2008.

Canada’s victory is a testament to their hard work and determination. Andre de Grasse, who anchored the team, has emerged as a world-class sprinter and played a crucial role in securing the gold medal. The Canadian quartet’s success is a source of pride for the nation and a reminder of the power of teamwork and perseverance.

NorthEast United FC Blanks BSF 4-0, Inter Kashi FC Earns First Durand Cup Win

NorthEast United FC Blanks BSF 4-0, Inter Kashi FC Earns First Durand Cup Win

NorthEast United FC continued its impressive run in the 133rd Durand Cup, securing a 4-0 victory over BSF in a Group E match at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar on Friday, August 9, 2024. The win propelled NorthEast United to the top of the group standings with six points, needing just a single point in its final group league outing against Odisha FC to book a place in the quarterfinals.

Spanish striker Guillermo Fernandez emerged as the star of the show for NorthEast United, netting a brace in the 8th and 48th minutes. Jithin M.S. added to the tally in the 20th minute, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie sealed the victory with a penalty in the 90th+7 minute.

In another Group E encounter, Inter Kashi FC registered its first win of the tournament, defeating Indian Navy 2-1 at the Kishore Bharati Stadium in Kolkata. The match remained goalless until the second half, when Novin Gurung broke the deadlock for Indian Navy in the 52nd minute. However, Inter Kashi FC responded swiftly, with Nikola Stojanovic and substitute Tomba Singh scoring in quick succession in the 65th and 66th minutes, respectively.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC has already secured its place in the quarterfinals from Group B with an all-win record.

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