Women's Hockey Tournament Thrives in Chennai, Inspiring Olympic Dreams

Women’s Hockey Tournament Thrives in Chennai, Inspiring Olympic Dreams

In a time when women’s hockey tournaments in Tamil Nadu, organized by private clubs, are scarce, a group of 15 dedicated women have been successfully organizing a tournament for the past three years in Chennai. The ‘We are for Hockey’ Trophy, held at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, has attracted 16 teams from various parts of the state in its recently concluded fourth edition (July 25 to 27).

The tournament has received an overwhelming response, with teams from Erode, Tirunelveli, Vellore, and Kovilpatti participating. Former Tamil Nadu players, J. Rekha and Lakshmi Vaikunth, president and secretary of ‘We are for Hockey’ Club, are the driving force behind this initiative. They have been tirelessly handling all aspects of the tournament with enthusiasm and dedication.

Lakshmi Vaikunth, the secretary of the club, has faced challenges in securing sponsorship for the tournament. “It has been quite hectic for the last few weeks, running for sponsors and other things,” she said. Despite the difficulties, the group has managed to raise funds to offer cash prizes to the winners: Rs. 30,000 for first place, 20,000 for second, and Rs. 10,000 for third.

The ‘We are for Hockey’ Club is committed to promoting women’s hockey and showcasing the talent of young girls. “Through our tournament, we want a Tamil Nadu player to represent India at the Olympics,” said Lakshmi. The club also aims to make the event an All-India one, similar to the MCC-Murugappa tournament.

The Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and Chennai Hockey Association (CHA) have extended their support to the tournament. However, Rekha suggests that CHA could further contribute by conducting a women’s league, as it did in 2018-19.

The ‘We are for Hockey’ Club is an inspiration to all those who believe in the power of sports to empower women. Their dedication and hard work have created a platform for young hockey players to showcase their skills and aspire for greater heights.

Djokovic Reaches Olympic Quarterfinals, Nadal and Alcaraz Aim for Doubles Semis

Djokovic Reaches Olympic Quarterfinals, Nadal and Alcaraz Aim for Doubles Semis

Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, continued his pursuit of an elusive Olympic gold medal on Wednesday, reaching the quarterfinals of the men’s singles tournament at the Tokyo Olympics. Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles, defeated German Dominik Koepfer 7-5, 6-3 to become the first man to reach four Olympic singles quarterfinals.

Djokovic, who has only ever won an Olympic bronze medal in 2008, will face 11th-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the quarterfinals. Tsitsipas, who lost to Djokovic in the 2021 French Open final, will be a tough test for the Serbian.

In other men’s singles action, defending champion Alexander Zverev of Germany will face Alexei Popyrin of Australia, while fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia will face Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada.

In the men’s doubles, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain will face fourth-seeded Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram of the United States in the quarterfinals. Nadal, a 14-time French Open singles champion, is chasing a third Olympic gold medal after winning the singles title in Beijing in 2008 and doubles in Rio eight years later.

In the women’s singles, world number one Iga Swiatek of Poland will face Danielle Collins of the United States in the quarterfinals. Swiatek, who has won the French Open four times, is looking to claim her first Olympic gold medal.

Three-time major winner Angelique Kerber of Germany will face Zheng Qinwen of China in the quarterfinals. Kerber, who will retire after the Olympics, is looking to end her career on a high note.

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic will face Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia in the quarterfinals. Krejcikova, who won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon this year, is looking to add an Olympic medal to her collection.

In the remaining women’s quarterfinal, Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine will face Donna Vekic of Croatia. Vekic, who reached the semifinals at Wimbledon this year, will be looking to upset Kostyuk and reach the semifinals.

Deepika Kumari Advances to Pre-Quarterfinals in Women's Archery at Olympics

Deepika Kumari Advances to Pre-Quarterfinals in Women’s Archery at Olympics

Ace Indian archer Deepika Kumari has advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the women’s individual event at the Olympic Games in Paris. Her impressive performance on Wednesday saw her emerge victorious in two consecutive matches.

In her first match, Deepika faced a tough challenge from Reena Parnat of Estonia. The match went down to a shoot-off, where Deepika’s nerves held strong as she secured a 9-8 victory.

The second match against Quinty Roeffen of the Netherlands proved to be less challenging for Deepika. She dominated the match, winning 6-2. Deepika’s consistent shooting and her opponent’s occasional errors contributed to her success.

Deepika’s next hurdle will be Michelle Kroppen of Germany in the pre-quarterfinals on Saturday. The German archer is a formidable opponent, but Deepika’s recent form suggests that she is well-prepared for the challenge.

Deepika’s journey to the pre-quarterfinals has been a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite a disappointing performance in the team event, she has bounced back with two impressive victories. Her ability to perform under pressure and her unwavering focus have been key to her success.

As Deepika continues her quest for an Olympic medal, she will be hoping to maintain her momentum and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Her performance in the pre-quarterfinals will be crucial in determining her chances of reaching the podium.

Poonacha and Verdugo Triumph in Lexington Challenger Doubles

Poonacha and Verdugo Triumph in Lexington Challenger Doubles

Niki Poonacha and Hans Verdugo, a formidable doubles duo, showcased their prowess at the $82,000 Challenger tennis tournament in Lexington, Kentucky. The pair displayed exceptional teamwork and strategic play, ultimately defeating Govind Nanda and Cooper Williams in the doubles pre-quarterfinals with a convincing 6-3, 6-4 victory.

In the first set, Poonacha and Verdugo established their dominance early on, breaking their opponents’ serve in the second game. They maintained their momentum, holding their own serves comfortably and capitalizing on Nanda and Williams’ unforced errors. The set concluded with Poonacha and Verdugo securing a 6-3 advantage.

The second set proved to be a more competitive affair, with both teams trading breaks of serve. However, Poonacha and Verdugo’s resilience and determination shone through. They broke Nanda and Williams’ serve in the crucial ninth game, putting them on the brink of victory. With unwavering focus, they held their own serve in the following game, sealing the set 6-4 and securing their place in the next round.

In other matches, S. Mukund of India registered a hard-fought victory over Chung Yun Seong of South Korea in the first round of the $25,000 ITF men’s tournament in Taipei. Mukund’s consistent groundstrokes and aggressive net play proved too much for his opponent, who retired in the second set with the score standing at 6-1, 2-1.

Meanwhile, in the doubles pre-quarterfinals of the same tournament, the Indian duo of Sai Karteek Reddy and Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul of Thailand displayed their chemistry and coordination. They cruised to a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Takuya Kumasaka and Taiyo Yamanaka of Japan, showcasing their ability to control the pace of the game and execute well-timed volleys.

Lovlina Borgohain Begins Commonwealth Games Campaign with Dominant Victory

Lovlina Borgohain Begins Commonwealth Games Campaign with Dominant Victory

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain has commenced her quest for a second consecutive Games medal with a confident victory in her opening bout at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The Indian boxer outpunched Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad 5-0 in the 75kg category, moving one step closer to adding to her Tokyo bronze, which she claimed in the 69kg category.

Borgohain’s path to the podium is not without challenges. She will face top-seeded Chinese boxer Li Qian in the quarterfinals on August 4. A victory in this bout would guarantee her at least a bronze medal.

In her opening bout, Borgohain displayed composure and precision, keeping her distance and landing clean blows on counter-attack. Despite Hofstad’s attempts to engage in a slugfest, Borgohain maintained her composure and avoided falling into her opponent’s trap.

Borgohain’s performance is a testament to her resilience and ability to overcome adversity. In Tokyo, she defeated world champion Chen Nien-Chin in the quarterfinals to secure her bronze medal.

Her opponent in the quarterfinals, Li Qian, is a formidable opponent. She won a silver medal in the 75kg category at the Tokyo Games and a bronze in the 2016 Rio Games. She also claimed a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

The Indian boxing campaign at the Commonwealth Games has been mixed so far. Three of the six boxers in contention have already been eliminated, including former Asian Games champion Amit Panghal (51kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), and Jaismine Lamboria (57kg).

Apart from Borgohain, the Indian boxing contingent still in contention includes world champion Nikhat Zareen (women’s 50kg) and Nishant Dev (men’s 71kg).

Wang Chuqin Suffers Shock Defeat in Olympic Singles After Bat Incident

Wang Chuqin Suffers Shock Defeat in Olympic Singles After Bat Incident

China’s table tennis world number one Wang Chuqin suffered a shocking defeat in the men’s Olympic singles on Wednesday, a day after having his bat broken. The incident occurred after Wang won mixed doubles gold on Tuesday in Paris, but his elation quickly turned to anger when a photographer accidentally snapped his bat while jostling to take a picture.

Less than 24 hours later, Wang went out in the round of 32 of the singles after a 4-2 defeat to Truls Moregard of Sweden. The 26th-ranked Moregard sank to the floor in disbelief and put his hands on his head, before doing a tour of the crowd, who rose in appreciation after roaring on the underdog throughout.

It capped a mixed couple of days for Wang, 24. With his playing partner Sun Yingsha, they beat North Korea in the mixed doubles final, but Wang admitted he “lost control of my emotions a little” after his bat was broken. A familiar bat and its grip can be of vital importance to table tennis players.

Wang, however, refused to blame his replacement bat for his stunning defeat to the unheralded Moregard, 22. “It didn’t really have an influence on the match,” he told AFP. “It was just that my opponent played really, really well.”

Wang will next compete in the men’s team event. The triumphant Moregard said he “had a feeling I could beat him today”, having never done so before in eight previous attempts. “I’ve almost never taken a set against Wang so it’s crazy to win here at the Olympics,” the Swede, into the last 16 for the first time, told AFP.

Moregard, who is coached by his older brother Malte, said Wang was not at his best — but said it had nothing to do with the Chinese player’s bat. “I think you have 10 rackets at least and 500 rubbers here, so it doesn’t matter if you lose your bat. I mean, I don’t know which one is my first or third, so it doesn’t matter,” he said.

Wang may have lost, but China remains the undoubted superpower of table tennis, having won 32 of the 37 available golds since it became an Olympic sport.

Kylian Mbappe Acquires Majority Stake in Ligue 2 Club Caen

Kylian Mbappe Acquires Majority Stake in Ligue 2 Club Caen

Kylian Mbappe, the French football superstar, has made a bold move by acquiring a majority stake in Ligue 2 club Caen. Through his company Interconnected Ventures, Mbappe has purchased 80% of the club’s shares, replacing Oaktree as the primary shareholder. The acquisition fee is estimated to be between 15-20 million euros.

This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Caen’s history. The club aims to leverage Mbappe’s resources and expertise to enhance its sporting policy, modernize its infrastructure, and pursue innovative projects. Mbappe’s close friend, Ziad Hammoud, will assume the role of chairman.

Mbappe’s connection to Caen dates back to his youth. He was courted by the club at the age of 13 before joining Monaco and eventually Paris Saint-Germain. His decision to invest in Caen is seen as a testament to the club’s potential and his desire to contribute to its growth.

“We are determined to create an environment where young talent can flourish and where the club can defend its identity with strength and ambition,” Hammoud stated.

Mbappe’s acquisition of Caen makes him one of the youngest owners of a professional football club. His involvement is expected to bring a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose to the club.

Caen, founded in 1913, has a rich history in French football. The club has achieved notable success, including a fifth-place finish in Ligue 1 in 1992 and a League Cup final appearance in 2005. However, the club has been playing in Ligue 2 since 2019.

Mbappe’s investment is seen as a catalyst for Caen’s resurgence. The club’s management is confident that his leadership and vision will guide them towards a brighter future.

Paris Olympics Triathlon Triumphs Amid Pollution Concerns

Paris Olympics Triathlon Triumphs Amid Pollution Concerns

The Paris Olympics triathlon finally commenced on Wednesday, bringing relief to organizers after concerns over pollution levels in the River Seine. France’s Cassandre Beaugrand and Britain’s Alex Yee emerged victorious in the women’s and men’s events, respectively.

Beaugrand, a Parisian native, emerged from the pack in the final lap of the running stage to claim gold. Despite the threat of cancellation, she remained confident in the water quality. “It would have been shameful for our sport… it would have been a disgrace,” she stated.

In the men’s triathlon, Yee surged past New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde in a dramatic finish, improving on his silver medal from Tokyo.

Meanwhile, in table tennis, China’s world number one Wang Chuqin suffered a shock defeat to Sweden’s Truls Moregard. Wang had previously won mixed doubles gold but expressed anger after his bat was accidentally broken by a photographer.

China continued their dominance in diving, winning the women’s synchronized 10m platform ahead of North Korea and Britain. They have now secured all three gold medals in the sport so far.

In swimming, French sensation Leon Marchand aims for two more gold medals in the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke finals. American great Katie Ledecky seeks to defend her 1500m freestyle title, while Chinese world record-holder Pan Zhanle is favored in the men’s 100m freestyle final.

In men’s basketball, Team USA, led by LeBron James and Kevin Durant, faces South Sudan in their quest for a quarterfinal berth.

Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto aims to retain his all-around gold, while Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz continue their pursuit of Olympic tennis glory.

In women’s football, defending champions Canada must defeat Colombia to advance to the quarterfinals following a six-point deduction due to a spying scandal.

Despite the triathlon’s successful start, surfing events in Tahiti were delayed due to unfavorable winds.

Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Olympic Singles Third Round, Eyes Doubles Glory with Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Olympic Singles Third Round, Eyes Doubles Glory with Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz, the world number three from Spain, has advanced to the last 16 of the Olympic singles tennis tournament after defeating Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands 6-1, 7-6 (7/3). Alcaraz, who is aiming for a gold medal to add to his four Grand Slam titles, will face Roman Safiullin in the men’s singles round 3 match.

Alcaraz, who had been struggling with a leg injury, shrugged off the discomfort to secure his place in the third round. The Spaniard displayed his trademark aggressive style, dominating the first set with powerful groundstrokes and precise serves. In the second set, Griekspoor put up a stronger fight, but Alcaraz remained composed and ultimately prevailed in the tiebreaker.

After the match, Alcaraz expressed his determination to be fully fit for his doubles match with Rafael Nadal. “I’m going to fight to be 100 percent for doubles with Rafa,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to play together and try to win a medal for Spain.”

The Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin Olympics Men’s Singles Third Round match will be played on Wednesday, July 31 (IST) at Roland-Garros – Court Suzanne-Lenglen. The match is scheduled to start at around 6:00 PM IST and will be telecast live in India on Sports 18. It will also be streamed live on the Jio Cinema app.

Oliver Oakes Appointed as Alpine's New Team Principal

Oliver Oakes Appointed as Alpine’s New Team Principal

Formula One team Alpine has appointed Oliver Oakes as their new principal, replacing Bruno Famin. The 36-year-old Englishman, a former driver currently leading the Hitech GP team in F2 and F3, becomes the second youngest team principal in Formula One history.

Oakes will assume his new role after the summer break, reporting to Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to guide Alpine “back to competitiveness.”

“The team has talented individuals and exceptional resources at its core,” Oakes stated. “I am confident that we can achieve significant success together in the remaining season and beyond.”

Famin announced his departure from Alpine at the Belgian Grand Prix, but will continue to oversee other motorsport activities for the Renault Group.

Oakes’s immediate priority will be to improve Alpine’s performance. The team currently ranks eighth in the constructors’ standings, a significant decline from their fourth-place finish in 2022.

This leadership change follows a series of adjustments since Italian Flavio Briatore joined Alpine as an advisor in June. Driver Esteban Ocon has announced his departure to Haas, citing a “frustrating” season with insufficient progress.

Renault is also considering discontinuing engine production for its F1 team. Alpine is reportedly close to securing a deal with Mercedes for 2026, which currently supplies engines to Williams, McLaren, Aston Martin, and its own team.

The Formula One season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on August 25.

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