Manu Bhaker Finishes Second in 25m Sports Pistol Qualification, Books Olympic Final Berth

Manu Bhaker Finishes Second in 25m Sports Pistol Qualification, Books Olympic Final Berth

Indian pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, aiming for an unprecedented hat-trick of Olympic medals, delivered a stellar performance in the 25m sports pistol event at the ongoing Chateauroux Shooting World Cup on Friday. The 22-year-old sharpshooter, who has already secured two bronze medals in the 10m women’s air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events, showcased her exceptional skills to finish second in qualification and book a place in the final.

Bhaker’s impressive display began in the ‘precision’ round, where she shot an impressive 294. Her accuracy and precision were even more evident in the rapid round, where she fired a remarkable 296, bringing her aggregate score to 590. This placed her just two points behind leader Veronika Major of Hungary, who shot an aggregate of 592 (294 and 298) to equal the Olympic record.

Bhaker’s performance is a testament to her unwavering determination and the hard work she has put in to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. She has consistently performed at the highest level, winning multiple medals at international competitions. Her ability to maintain her focus and execute under pressure is a key factor in her success.

India has made a strong start to the Chateauroux Shooting World Cup, winning all three medals so far in shooting. Bhaker’s two bronze medals and Swapnil Kusale’s bronze in the 50m rifle three-positions event have given the Indian contingent a solid foundation.

Bhaker’s performance in the 25m sports pistol event has raised expectations for her in the upcoming Olympic Games. She is one of India’s brightest medal prospects in shooting and will be aiming to add to her already impressive collection of medals.

Sehwag Endorses T20 Start for Youngsters to Enhance Test Performances

Sehwag Endorses T20 Start for Youngsters to Enhance Test Performances

Virender Sehwag, the legendary Indian Test opener, has endorsed the idea of youngsters starting their cricket careers with T20 cricket, provided it helps them develop an aggressive mindset that can enhance their Test performances.

Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL), Sehwag acknowledged the allure and financial benefits of T20 cricket for young players. However, he emphasized that the evolving nature of Test cricket demands an attacking approach.

“The way England is playing Test cricket, scoring at five runs an over, shows that attacking play is crucial,” Sehwag said. “In our time, Australia scored at four runs per over. I believe that if you can attack, you give your team more chances to win Test matches.”

Sehwag addressed concerns about T20 leagues diverting attention from red-ball cricket, citing his own son’s experience. “My son has played three-day cricket for Delhi U16, but there are many boys waiting for that opportunity,” he said. “When we were young, there was no IPL. Now, youngsters have the IPL and DPL as platforms.”

Sehwag believes that aggressive gameplay can benefit Test cricket. “If anyone develops an aggressive game that suits Test cricket, why not? We want people to come and watch Tests,” he said.

Sehwag’s own aggressive style in Test cricket, even before the advent of the IPL, was evident in his triple century scored in just 270 balls. “Today’s kids might score 400 if they play that many balls,” he quipped.

The DPL will feature six teams and notable players such as Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma, and Navdeep Saini. The league has implemented anti-corruption measures and will be aired live on a leading OTT platform with DRS technology.

Indian Cricket Team Pays Tribute to Late Anshuman Gaekwad

Indian Cricket Team Pays Tribute to Late Anshuman Gaekwad

Indian Cricket Team Honors Late Anshuman Gaekwad with Black Armbands

The Indian cricket team paid a heartfelt tribute to former batsman and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 71, by wearing black armbands during the opening ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday.

Gaekwad, a renowned figure in Indian cricket, had been battling blood cancer for an extended period. His demise sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, with tributes pouring in from all corners.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement expressing its condolences: “Team India is wearing black armbands today in memory of former Indian cricketer and coach Aunshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday.”

Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared his grief and admiration for Gaekwad: “I was absolutely devastated to hear that news. I was lucky to have a few conversations with him during the BCCI awards, and on a personal note as well.”

Sharma recalled Gaekwad’s guidance during his Ranji Trophy days: “When I was playing Ranji Trophy, he was there and he had a few things to talk about my game as well, which was overwhelming for me because he was such a great cricketer for us.”

“It’s always nice when you learn from your seniors, understand how cricket was played back in the day, how tough it was and then to pass on his experiences on cricket and what his visions are about cricket. For me to understand that was a great learning at that point,” Sharma added.

Gaekwad’s legacy extends beyond his playing career. As a coach, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of several young cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar. His contributions to Indian cricket will be forever remembered.

Sri Lanka Opt to Bat First in ODI Opener Against India

Sri Lanka Opt to Bat First in ODI Opener Against India

Sri Lanka’s captain, Charith Asalanka, has announced that his team will bat first in the upcoming ODI against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Asalanka cited the dry pitch conditions as the reason for their decision.

The match marks the debut of Mohamed Shiraz for Sri Lanka, who will join a lineup featuring six batters and five bowlers. Asalanka acknowledged the need for improvement in his team’s mental fortitude, particularly after their recent loss. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the present and playing well.

Injuries remain a concern for Asalanka as a captain, but he expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome these challenges and perform well with their second lineup.

The toss result gives Sri Lanka the advantage of batting first, a decision that could prove crucial in the match. Virat Kohli, India’s star batsman, has an impressive record at the R Premadasa Stadium, having scored 644 runs in 10 innings with an average of 107.33, including four centuries.

The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will be held on August 2, 4, and 7, with all matches taking place at the R Premadasa Stadium. This marks India’s first ODI of 2024.

Convicted Child Rapist Steven van de Velde Faces Backlash at Paris Olympics

Convicted Child Rapist Steven van de Velde Faces Backlash at Paris Olympics

Beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, convicted of child rape in 2016, has faced intense backlash from spectators during his first two matches at the Paris Olympic Games. The 29-year-old Dutch athlete was met with loud boos each time he served the ball, reflecting the public’s outrage over his inclusion on the Olympic team.

Van de Velde’s presence at the Games has sparked controversy, with many questioning the decision to allow an admitted rapist to compete. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to raping a 12-year-old British girl he met online and served 13 months in prison. Despite his conviction, he resumed his athletic career shortly after his release and has continued to compete internationally.

The Netherlands Volleyball Federation has defended Van de Velde’s inclusion on the team, citing his professional counseling and efforts towards self-reflection. However, this stance has not quelled public anger, which has been vocal both online and in the stands.

During his opening match against Italy, Van de Velde was initially met with a mix of boos and some applause from Dutch fans. His partner, Matthew Immers, received only cheers. The duo lost to the Italian team after three sets. In their subsequent match against Chile, the crowd’s reaction was more jarring, with Van de Velde being booed every time he served. Despite winning the game in two sets, the audience did not offer the customary applause.

Immers expressed disappointment with the crowd’s reaction but emphasized his commitment to supporting his teammate. “I cannot do anything about his past anymore. I’m here to play with him. We’re going to get through this together,” he told the media.

In a departure from standard IOC policy, Van de Velde has been disallowed from speaking to the media during the Games. Additionally, he has been relocated to alternative accommodations in Paris, away from the athletes’ village, which houses competitors as young as 11. According to team spokesman John van Vliet, the Dutch team’s decision aims to maintain focus on the athletic competition.

The IOC does not influence athlete selection, leaving that responsibility to national committees while ensuring eligibility criteria are met. The International Volleyball Federation acknowledged the issue’s sensitivity but reiterated that team selection is the prerogative of the national Olympic committee.

Atlys CEO Pledges Free Visas if Neeraj Chopra Wins Olympic Gold

Atlys CEO Pledges Free Visas if Neeraj Chopra Wins Olympic Gold

Atlys CEO Mohak Nahta’s recent LinkedIn post has sparked excitement among Indians and visa seekers alike. In a bold move, Nahta pledged to provide free visas to all users if Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, wins gold again at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Nahta’s initial post, which garnered over 1,100 reactions, stated, “I will personally send a free visa to everyone if Neeraj Chopra wins a gold at the Olympics. Let’s go, India.” However, he later clarified the details of the offer in a subsequent post.

According to Nahta, if Chopra wins gold on August 8th, Atlys will offer one free visa to all users for an entire day. The visa will cost “Zero” and cover “all countries.” To avail the offer, users need to follow Atlys on LinkedIn and comment on the post with their email address.

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm and appreciation from LinkedIn users. Many expressed their support for Chopra and their eagerness to take advantage of the free visa offer. Some users also suggested that Atlys create a Google form for users to submit their email addresses instead of posting them in the comments section.

Atlys, founded in 2020, is a visa application assistance company with offices in the USA, Mumbai, and Gurugram. The company’s mission is to simplify the visa application process for individuals and businesses.

Nahta’s offer is a testament to the growing confidence and optimism surrounding Chopra’s chances of winning gold in Paris. The 24-year-old athlete has been in impressive form since his historic triumph at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He recently won the silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, and is considered one of the favorites for gold in Paris.

If Chopra does indeed win gold, Atlys’ free visa offer will provide a significant boost to international travel and tourism. It will also serve as a symbol of India’s growing stature in the global sporting arena.

Pakistan's Usama Mir Dismissed in Rare Hit Wicket Incident in The Hundred

Pakistan’s Usama Mir Dismissed in Rare Hit Wicket Incident in The Hundred

Pakistan’s Usama Mir Dismissed in Bizarre Hit Wicket Incident in The Hundred

In an extraordinary turn of events, Pakistan’s Usama Mir became the victim of an unusual hit wicket dismissal during a The Hundred Men’s match between Manchester Originals and Southern Brave at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Thursday. The incident occurred on the final delivery of the Manchester innings, leaving fans and commentators alike in disbelief.

As Chris Jordan bowled a yorker outside the off stump, Mir, who was deep inside his crease, attempted a shot but inadvertently struck the top of the stumps with his bat. The right-hander’s unexpected dismissal was one of the most peculiar ways a batter can get out.

Mir had managed to score 11 runs off seven balls, including two boundaries, before his bizarre exit. Manchester Originals posted a total of 116 for 6, which proved insufficient against the Southern Brave. The Brave chased down the target with ease, securing a comprehensive win by 7 wickets with 22 balls to spare.

The Hundred’s official handle on Twitter shared a visual of the incident, highlighting the unusual nature of the dismissal. The caption read: “You don’t see batters get out like this very often! Usama Mir hits his wicket on the final ball of Manchester Originals’ innings.”

The bizarre dismissal has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts, with many expressing their surprise and amusement. It serves as a reminder that even in a sport as familiar as cricket, unexpected and extraordinary incidents can occur.

Team India's T20 Sweep Highlights New Era of Team Bonding

Team India’s T20 Sweep Highlights New Era of Team Bonding

Team India’s emphatic 3-0 T20 series sweep against Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone under the leadership of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The victory was not only a testament to the team’s talent but also highlighted a crucial change in team dynamics.

Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, revealed that since the T20 World Cup, the players have been instructed to refrain from forming smaller groups and instead sit together as a team. This initiative, according to Yadav, has fostered a stronger bond among the players, which has translated into improved performances on the field.

“We don’t sit together as a team only when we win a game or a series. This trend started during the World Cup, where no matter the result or performance in the game, we used to sit together. We decided that we wouldn’t sit in groups of 2 or 3 people but always sit together as a team. The same thing happened during this series. This leads to better bonding between the players and reflects on the ground. It also builds that friendship and ability to stand in support of a fellow member of the team,” Yadav explained.

However, former India cricketers Ajay Jadeja and Ashish Nehra expressed surprise at Yadav’s revelation. Jadeja emphasized that team bonding should occur naturally within a team environment rather than being enforced as a change.

“That is what you expect in a team sport. I’m just surprised that players are talking about this even today and it has been rather a change in the team that players won’t sit in small groups. I don’t know, did you not all sit together in previous teams? But again, the captain mentioned that he brought this change, although this is old,” Jadeja said.

Nehra echoed Jadeja’s sentiments, questioning why the management had not implemented this practice earlier. “Didn’t he say that this change happened during the World Cup? That happened only a month back. I’m not doubting him, but I’m rather surprised that this has only started now,” Nehra remarked.

Despite the contrasting views on the team bonding initiative, India’s dominant performance against Sri Lanka suggests that it has had a positive impact on the team’s cohesion and unity. The team will now turn their attention to the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, where they will aim to continue their winning ways.

Lakshya Sen's No-Look Backhand Stuns at Paris Olympics

Lakshya Sen’s No-Look Backhand Stuns at Paris Olympics

Lakshya Sen’s stunning no-look backhand at the 2024 Paris Olympics has sent shockwaves through the badminton world and captured the hearts of Indian fans. In a do-or-die group stage match against Indonesian star Jonatan Christie, Sen pulled off an extraordinary shot that left spectators in disbelief.

The Indian shuttler’s audacious backhand, executed with precision and flair, caught Christie off guard and sent the shuttlecock soaring over the net. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, while Indian fans took to social media to express their awe and excitement.

Business tycoon Anand Mahindra was among those who couldn’t resist sharing his admiration for Sen’s incredible skill. In his signature witty style, Mahindra joked that he would “cry foul” and “file a suit” if he ever faced Sen as an opponent.

“If I were his opponent, I would cry foul and file a suit claiming that I was confronted by an unnatural opponent who possessed three arms,” Mahindra wrote on Twitter, sharing a video of Sen’s backhand.

The post has garnered over two million views and countless comments, with users expressing their amazement and admiration for Sen’s talent.

“I was fortunate enough to watch this live. This is new India. Unconventional, aggressive, energetic, and resourceful,” wrote one user.

“Yes! This is the backhand which could have shocked even the greatest of greats! Amazing Innovation in skills!” added another.

Sen’s victory over Christie, the world number 4, was a testament to his growing stature in the sport. The Indian shuttler has been making waves on the international circuit, and his performance at the Olympics is a clear indication of his potential.

In 2016, Sen became the youngest player to reach the Indian national men’s singles final at the age of 15. He has since gone on to win several international titles, including the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Sen’s success is a source of pride for India and a testament to the country’s growing prowess in badminton. With his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, Sen is poised to become one of the greatest badminton players of all time.

Andy Murray Retires from Tennis After Emotional Paris Olympics Exit

Andy Murray Retires from Tennis After Emotional Paris Olympics Exit

Andy Murray, the former world number one and three-time Grand Slam champion, has bid farewell to competitive tennis at the Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old Scot, who has been battling injuries in recent years, announced that the Olympics would be his final event.

Murray’s retirement marks the end of an era in tennis, as he joins Roger Federer in stepping away from the sport. The “Big Four” of Murray, Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have dominated men’s tennis for over a decade, winning a combined 69 Grand Slams.

Murray’s career highlights include two Wimbledon titles (2013, 2016), a US Open title (2012), and two Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016). He also led Great Britain to the Davis Cup title in 2015.

Despite his success, Murray has been plagued by injuries in recent years. He underwent hip surgery in 2019 and has since struggled to regain his former form. He has also suffered from ankle and spinal injuries.

“It’s hard because I would love to keep playing, but I can’t,” Murray said. “Physically it is too tough now, all of the injuries, they have added up and they haven’t been insignificant.”

Murray’s retirement leaves Djokovic as the only active member of the “Big Four.” The Serb has won a record 24 Grand Slams and is still going strong at the age of 37.

However, the future of men’s tennis is already in sight. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and other young players are emerging as the next generation of stars.

Murray’s legacy will be as one of the greatest British tennis players of all time. He inspired a generation of young players and helped to raise the profile of the sport in his home country.

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