Naseem Shah Returns, Saud Shakeel Named Vice-Captain for Pakistan's Bangladesh Tests

Naseem Shah Returns, Saud Shakeel Named Vice-Captain for Pakistan’s Bangladesh Tests

Pakistan’s Test squad has undergone significant changes for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, with the return of fast bowler Naseem Shah and the appointment of Saud Shakeel as vice-captain.

Shah, who last played a Test in July 2021, has been recalled after impressing in domestic cricket. He joins a bowling attack that includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, and Abrar Ahmed.

Shakeel, a middle-order batter, has been rewarded for his consistent performances with the vice-captaincy. He takes over from Afridi, who is currently injured.

The squad also features several new faces, including batter Kamran Ghulam, fast bowler Mohammad Ali, and batter Muhammad Hurraira. These players have earned their call-ups based on their strong showings in domestic cricket.

However, the squad has also seen some notable omissions. Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan have all been dropped, while Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim are injured.

The Pakistan squad will begin training in Rawalpindi on August 11 under head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. Bangladesh will arrive in Islamabad on August 17.

The two Tests, part of the World Test Championship, will be played from August 21 to 25 in Rawalpindi and August 30 to September 3 in Karachi.

The appointment of Shakeel as vice-captain is part of a strategic decision by the selectors to manage Afridi’s workload. Afridi is expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s upcoming T20 World Cup campaign.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Medal: A Triumph for Justice and Resilience

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Medal: A Triumph for Justice and Resilience

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic dream was not just about personal glory; it was a battle for a greater cause. The wrestler spent the past year leading protests against alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers by the former President of the Wrestlers’ Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Her historic qualification for the Olympic finals is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Phogat’s victory over reigning Olympic and world champion, two-time European Games medallist, and Pan-American Games champion is a remarkable achievement. It guarantees her at least a silver medal in the Paris Olympics. This triumph is particularly sweet for the 29-year-old from Haryana, who had vowed to win a medal and show it to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

In November 2023, Phogat declared, “I will fight. I will look him in the eye and bring back a medal. I have a reason to fight. If I train well, I can win a medal. No one can stop me.”

Fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia revealed Phogat’s motivation: “She said, ‘I am fighting for the future generation of wrestlers. Not for myself, my career is done and this is my last Olympics. I want to fight for the young women wrestlers who will come and fight for them so that they can wrestle safely.'”

Phogat’s historic semi-final win follows a long sit-in protest in Delhi last year, where she and other athletes accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Despite facing vilification and police detention, Phogat remained steadfast in her fight.

Her victory is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what is right. Phogat’s journey from protestor to Olympic medalist is an inspiring story of redemption and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be achieved.

Olympic Gold Medalist Carlos Yulo Accuses Mother of Financial Misappropriation

Olympic Gold Medalist Carlos Yulo Accuses Mother of Financial Misappropriation

Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo has publicly addressed his ongoing rift with his mother, Angelica Yulo, in a viral TikTok video. The Filipino gymnast accused his mother of misappropriating funds from his bank account, which she had access to. Yulo also confirmed that his girlfriend, Chloe Anjeleigh San Jose, is a significant factor in the estrangement.

Yulo’s historic performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, where he became the first Filipino to win two gold medals, has been overshadowed by the family drama. In the TikTok video, Yulo, sitting alongside San Jose, detailed the financial discrepancies.

“My mother had access to my bank account and my monthly allowances for gymnastics,” Yulo said. “When I finally gained control of the account, I discovered she had been draining it. I have bank statements showing the withdrawals she made.”

Yulo also questioned the whereabouts of a six-figure incentive he was supposed to receive from an earlier tournament. “I wouldn’t have known she had received them if I hadn’t looked for them myself,” he said. “I have never received those incentives.”

Angelica Yulo has responded to her son’s allegations, claiming she transferred the money out of his account for safekeeping. However, Yulo has accused her of lying about the amount of incentive money he received.

“The issue here is not on how little or big the amount was that she handled, but her hiding and handling it without my consent,” Yulo emphasized.

The rift between Yulo and his mother has also been attributed to his relationship with San Jose. Angelica Yulo has expressed disapproval of her son’s girlfriend, claiming she is the root cause of their estrangement.

Yulo defended San Jose, stating that she has her own income and that his mother’s judgment of her is based on cultural differences. “Chloe grew up in Australia, and that’s the culture she knows,” he said. “It’s very different from how we move, talk, and dress in the Philippines.”

The ongoing family drama has cast a shadow over Yulo’s remarkable athletic achievements. The gymnast has expressed hope for reconciliation but has also set boundaries to protect his relationship with San Jose.

Safiullin Favored Over Struggling Davidovich Fokina in Montreal

Safiullin Favored Over Struggling Davidovich Fokina in Montreal

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s recent struggles have cast doubt on his status as the favorite against Roman Safiullin at the National Bank Open in Montreal. The Spaniard has endured a challenging few months, plagued by injuries and inconsistent form.

Davidovich Fokina’s promising start in Atlanta, where he defeated Arthur Cazaux and Reilly Opelka, has been overshadowed by subsequent losses. His most recent setback, a disappointing defeat to Flavio Cobolli in Washington D.C., raised concerns about his physical and mental state.

Despite his struggles, Davidovich Fokina remains a formidable opponent when at his best. However, his shaky serve and tendency to commit unforced errors make him vulnerable against aggressive players like Safiullin.

Safiullin, on the other hand, has shown impressive form in recent tournaments. His strong performance at the Olympics, where he defeated established clay-court players, suggests that he is well-suited to hard courts, his preferred surface.

While Davidovich Fokina’s recent record may be concerning, Safiullin’s consistency and current form make him the more reliable choice. The Russian’s aggressive style and confidence should give him an edge in this matchup.

Given Davidovich Fokina’s current struggles, the odds of +110 for Safiullin to win are highly enticing. The Russian’s superior form and suitability to hard courts make him the more likely victor in this encounter.

Brazil Beats Spain 4-2, Reaches Olympic Women's Soccer Final

Brazil Beats Spain 4-2, Reaches Olympic Women’s Soccer Final

Brazil’s women’s soccer team has secured a spot in the Olympic final after a thrilling 4-2 victory over world champion Spain. The match, played at Stade de Marseille, saw Brazil take an early lead through an own goal by Irene Paredes and extend their advantage with goals from Gabi Portilho, Adriana, and Kerolin.

Spain fought back with goals from Salma Paralluelo and Alexia Putellas, but Brazil held on to secure the win. The victory means that Brazil will face the United States in the final on Saturday, while Spain will play Germany for the bronze medal.

Brazil’s victory was a testament to their determination and resilience. Despite being without their star player Marta, who was suspended for the semifinals, the team played with heart and passion. They dominated the chances and made their superiority count, scoring four goals to Spain’s two.

Spain, on the other hand, showed their fighting spirit by coming back from 2-0 down to beat Colombia in the quarterfinals. However, they were unable to repeat that feat against Brazil, who were simply too strong on the day.

The match was a thrilling spectacle that showcased the best of women’s soccer. Brazil’s victory was a well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication, and they will now be hoping to go one step further and win the gold medal.

Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Advances to Olympic Final Amid Gender Controversy

Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Advances to Olympic Final Amid Gender Controversy

The Paris Olympics has been embroiled in a gender controversy involving Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting. Despite the controversy, Khelif has advanced to the final of the women’s 66kg category, guaranteeing herself at least a silver medal.

Khelif’s victory over Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semi-final was met with thunderous applause from the Algerian-dominated crowd at Roland Garros. The 25-year-old boxer has faced scrutiny over her gender eligibility, but has been cleared to compete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Khelif’s journey to the final has been marked by controversy. In her opening bout, she defeated Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, leaving the Italian in tears and with a broken nose. The incident sparked a debate about Khelif’s gender, with some questioning her eligibility.

However, the IOC has defended Khelif and Lin, stating that they were born and raised as women and have passports that reflect their gender. The IOC is organizing boxing at the Games due to concerns about the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) financial, governance, and ethical issues.

Despite the controversy, Khelif has remained focused on her goal of winning a medal. She expressed her determination to achieve her dream and thanked her team for their support. “I am very proud of this new achievement,” she said. “I gave everything I had. We worked as a team for years and the dream has become a reality.”

Khelif will face China’s Yang Liu in the final, while Lin is guaranteed at least a bronze medal in the women’s 57kg division. The gender controversy has cast a shadow over the boxing competition, but Khelif and Lin have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Vinesh Phogat Secures Gold Medal Match Spot in Paris Olympics Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat Secures Gold Medal Match Spot in Paris Olympics Wrestling

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has secured a spot in the gold medal match of the women’s Freestyle 50kg event at the Paris Olympics. Phogat’s historic victory came after an emphatic 5-0 win over Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba in the semifinals.

Phogat’s journey to the gold medal match began with an impressive win over Yui Susaki in the round of 16, boosting her confidence. The Indian wrestler has been in top form throughout the tournament, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination.

Meanwhile, the Indian women’s table tennis team, comprising Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Archana Girish Kamath, will face Germany in the quarterfinals. The team will be aiming to continue their impressive run and secure a spot in the semifinals.

Another Indian wrestler, Antim Panghal, will also be in action on Wednesday. Panghal will start her campaign against Zyenep Yetgil in the pre-quarterfinals of the women’s Freestyle 53kg event.

India’s medal hopes also rest on weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who will compete in the women’s 49kg event. Chanu, who won a silver medal in Tokyo, will be aiming to become India’s first weightlifter to win two Olympic medals. However, she faces a challenging field and lingering fitness concerns.

Bengaluru FC Extends Durand Cup Winning Streak, Mohammedan Sporting Fights Back

Bengaluru FC Extends Durand Cup Winning Streak, Mohammedan Sporting Fights Back

Former Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC extended their winning streak in the 133rd Durand Cup, securing a 3-2 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club on Tuesday. The triumph marked the completion of their Group B league assignment with an unblemished record, propelling them into the quarterfinals.

Bengaluru FC, fielding a formidable lineup, dominated the proceedings against a youthful Mohammedan Sporting side that featured an all-Indian roster. The Blues took the lead in the seventh minute when Australian defender Aleksandar Jovanovic headed home a corner kick.

The lead was doubled in the 22nd minute when Argentine forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz’s sharp attempt was deflected into the net by Mohammedan Sporting defender Dipu Halder. Vinith Venkatesh extended the advantage to 3-0 on the hour mark, seemingly sealing the match for Bengaluru FC.

However, Mohammedan Sporting rallied in the final quarter of the match, pulling one back through substitute Israfil Dewan’s spectacular header in the 77th minute. The home side’s hopes were further boosted when goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee was sent off with a straight red card in the 81st minute.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mohammedan Sporting continued to press forward and found another goal through substitute Mahitosh Roy’s fine long-ranger in injury time. However, it was too little too late as Bengaluru FC held on for the victory.

In another Group E match, local side Bodoland FC picked up their first win of the tournament with a 2-0 triumph over a youthful Odisha FC side at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar, Assam. Dilliram Sanyasi and Arjun Mardi scored the goals for Bodoland FC.

India's Sreejesh Urges Team to Focus on Bronze Medal After Semifinal Loss

India’s Sreejesh Urges Team to Focus on Bronze Medal After Semifinal Loss

Indian hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh urged his team to seize their second chance at an Olympic medal in Paris 2024, despite their heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Germany in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics.

Sreejesh, who will retire from international hockey after the bronze medal match against Spain on Thursday, emphasized the importance of securing a medal for the country. “It’s a medal match, and it’s not about me; it’s about the country, the 19 players, and the staff,” he said. “We have one last opportunity to play, to get a medal for our country, and we should focus on that rather than dwelling on what happened today.”

The veteran custodian acknowledged that India missed several chances, including penalty corners. “We had our opportunities but couldn’t convert many of them. You can see it in the scoreline. It’s a matter of homework,” he said. “They did a wonderful job against Harman, how to tackle him. He’s one of the best drag-flickers in the world, and that’s what they did against us.”

Despite the setback, Sreejesh praised his team’s fighting spirit. “My players have done a wonderful job. They fought back, they really stood tall. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish it the way we wanted. It’s not an easy deal,” he said.

Sreejesh expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back against Spain in the bronze medal match. “We are tough. I believe we will bounce back in a better way. This consultation will have to be about how to fight that bronze medal match more than discussing this loss,” he said. “We need to look at this match also because from there we will realize what went wrong and what we can do better. Because a lot of the opposition look into these kinds of matches, they learn how they can hurt us in certain ways. So we need to find that out and we need to block that.”

“Spain is not an easy team. They are real fighters. The way they played in the quarterfinals showed that we can’t be in a relaxing chair,” Sreejesh added.

Novak Djokovic Completes Career Golden Slam with Olympic Gold

Novak Djokovic Completes Career Golden Slam with Olympic Gold

August 4, 2024, marked a historic day in the annals of tennis as Novak Djokovic cemented his status as the most prolific player in the Open Era. The Serbian maestro, adorned in his signature red attire, collapsed to the hallowed red dirt of Court Philippe-Chatrier, tears streaming down his face. This was not just another victory; it was the culmination of a lifelong dream.

Djokovic had finally conquered the elusive Olympic gold medal, becoming only the fifth player to achieve a Career Golden Slam. The weight of this accomplishment was evident in his emotional outburst. It was a testament to his unwavering determination and the countless hours of grueling practice that had led him to this moment.

The road to Olympic glory had been a long and arduous one for Djokovic. He had come close on several occasions, but fate had always seemed to intervene. In Beijing 2008, he finished third, losing to Rafael Nadal in the semifinals. In London 2012, he reached the semifinals again but fell to Andy Murray. Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 brought further disappointments.

But Djokovic refused to give up. He returned to the court with renewed vigor, determined to prove that he belonged among the greats. In 2023, he won his 10th Australian Open title, equaling Nadal’s record. He also claimed the Wimbledon crown, extending his tally to seven.

With the Olympic Games approaching, Djokovic knew that this was his chance to cement his legacy. He arrived in Paris in peak form, having won the Geneva Open and reaching the semifinals of the French Open.

The Men’s singles final was a clash of titans. Djokovic faced Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spaniard who was touted as the next Nadal. The match was a thrilling spectacle, with both players showcasing their exceptional skills.

In the end, it was Djokovic’s experience and resilience that prevailed. He saved five break points in the ninth game of the first set and went on to win the tiebreak. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Djokovic winning another tiebreak.

With the gold medal within his grasp, Djokovic served for the match. Alcaraz fought back valiantly, but Djokovic’s determination was unyielding. He hit a venomous forehand down the line, sealing the victory and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

As Djokovic stood on the podium, the Serbian flag draped over his shoulders, he could not contain his emotions. He had finally achieved his Olympic dream, proving to the world that he was not just a great player but a true legend of the sport.

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