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.

Byju's Settles $19 Million Dispute with BCCI, Escapes Insolvency

Byju’s Settles $19 Million Dispute with BCCI, Escapes Insolvency

Byju’s Settles $19 Million Dispute with BCCI, Averts Insolvency

Indian ed-tech giant Byju’s has reached a settlement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a $19 million payments dispute, averting an insolvency process that threatened to freeze its assets.

The settlement was confirmed by Arun Kathpalia, a senior lawyer involved in the case. According to Kathpalia, Byju’s founder’s brother, Riju Raveendran, will make the payment to BCCI. While the exact amount to be paid is not yet known, Kathpalia revealed that 500 million rupees (around $6 million) has already been disbursed to the Indian cricket board.

The dispute stemmed from unpaid sponsorship payments by Byju’s, which led BCCI to initiate insolvency proceedings against the company earlier this month. The situation marked a significant setback for Byju’s, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.

Once a darling of investors, Byju’s has experienced significant turmoil, including changes in its board of directors, conflicts with investors, and a dramatic drop in its valuation from $22 billion in 2022 to under $3 billion in 2023. Despite these challenges, Byju’s has denied any wrongdoing.

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, which is currently handling the case, has announced that it will continue to hear the matter on Thursday. The settlement with BCCI is expected to provide some relief to Byju’s, which has been struggling to raise funds and restructure its operations.

Muralitharan's Doppelgänger Dances to 'Tauba Tauba,' Impresses Social Media

Muralitharan’s Doppelgänger Dances to ‘Tauba Tauba,’ Impresses Social Media

Muttiah Muralitharan’s Doppelgänger Dances to ‘Tauba Tauba,’ Impressing Social Media

A viral video has taken social media by storm, featuring a dancer who bears an uncanny resemblance to legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. The dancer, identified as choreographer Kiran, grooves to the popular song “Tauba Tauba” from the Bollywood film “Bad News.”

The video has garnered widespread attention, with many users initially believing it was Muralitharan himself showcasing his hidden dance skills. However, Kiran’s impressive dance moves and the video’s execution have earned him praise and admiration.

Meanwhile, on the cricket field, India emerged victorious in the third T20I against Sri Lanka, thanks to the combined efforts of Rinku Singh, Suryakumar Yadav, and Washington Sunder.

Chasing a modest target of 138, Sri Lanka got off to a strong start with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis putting on a 58-run partnership. However, spinner Ravi Bishnoi broke the stand, and Kusal Perera joined Mendis to form another solid partnership of 52 runs.

With Sri Lanka needing 28 runs off 28 balls, Rinku Singh struck twice, including dismissing Perera in the penultimate over. In a surprising move, Suryakumar Yadav came on to defend six runs in the final over and restricted Sri Lanka to 137/8, tying the match.

The game went into a Super Over, where Washington Sundar dismissed both Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka to limit Sri Lanka to 2/2. In reply, Suryakumar hit a boundary off the first ball of Maheesh Theekshana’s Super Over, securing India’s victory.

Sreeja Akula Makes History, Reaches Paris Olympics Pre-Quarterfinals

Sreeja Akula Makes History, Reaches Paris Olympics Pre-Quarterfinals

Sreeja Akula, India’s rising table tennis star, has etched her name in history by becoming the second Indian woman to reach the pre-quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics. On her 26th birthday, Akula displayed remarkable resilience and determination to overcome Singapore’s Jian Zeng in a thrilling 4-2 victory.

Akula’s journey to the pre-quarterfinals was not without its challenges. She dropped the opening game but rallied back with unwavering spirit, winning the next three games to take a commanding lead. Zeng fought back to claim the fifth game, but Akula remained composed and sealed the deal in the sixth game, securing her place in the next round.

Akula’s victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Last month, she achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 24, displacing Manika Batra as India’s top women’s singles player. Akula’s triumph at the WTT Contender singles title in Lagos in June further solidified her status as a rising star in the sport.

In the pre-quarterfinals, Akula will face a formidable opponent in China’s world number one Sun Yingsha. Despite the daunting task ahead, Akula is confident in her abilities and determined to make history once again.

Akula’s success is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for Indian table tennis. It marks the first time that two Indian women have reached the pre-quarterfinals of the Olympics, a testament to the growing strength and depth of the sport in India.

Ilona Maher: Rugby Star, Social Media Sensation, and Advocate for Women's Sports

Ilona Maher: Rugby Star, Social Media Sensation, and Advocate for Women’s Sports

Ilona Maher, a rising star in the world of women’s rugby, has become a social media sensation and an advocate for body positivity. Her infectious enthusiasm and down-to-earth nature have captivated fans both on and off the field.

Maher’s breakout moment came during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she showcased her off-field personality through engaging and humorous social media videos. Her behind-the-scenes glimpses into life in the Olympic Village resonated with fans, making her a beloved figure.

“People are always like, ‘You’re so unapologetically yourself,'” Maher told Olympics.com. “And I’m like, ‘What is everybody else doing out here?’ I don’t even try to be that. It’s just how I am.”

Beyond her social media presence, Maher is also known for her signature red lipstick, which she wears to every game as a statement of empowerment.

“It doesn’t take away from your athletic ability if you wear makeup,” she said in an interview with CBS. “If you want to put on a full face of makeup to go tackle people, good on you if you’re doing it.”

Maher’s advocacy for women’s sports and body positivity has extended beyond her own platform. She has collaborated with brands like Nike and Lululemon to promote inclusivity and inspire young athletes.

Her impact has also been recognized by other sports stars. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, American football star Jason Kelce wore a shirt adorned with Maher’s face at the gymnastics team championship. The two also had a friendly hand wrestling game that Maher documented on social media.

Ilona Maher’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and self-expression. She has used her platform to challenge stereotypes, empower women, and inspire others to embrace their true selves.

Lakshya Sen Stuns Jonatan Christie, Advances to Paris Olympics Round of 16

Lakshya Sen Stuns Jonatan Christie, Advances to Paris Olympics Round of 16

Lakshya Sen’s stunning victory over Jonatan Christie at the Paris Olympics has sent shockwaves through the badminton world. The Indian shuttler, ranked 22nd in the world, upset the third-seeded Indonesian, who is considered a favorite for the men’s singles gold medal.

Sen’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, as he had previously lost four consecutive matches to Christie. The Indonesian has been in dominant form this year, winning the Asian and All England championships. However, Sen’s determination and tactical brilliance proved too much for Christie on Wednesday.

In the first game, Christie took an early lead but Sen fought back to level the score at 8-all. The Indian continued to attack the net and exploit Christie’s errors, eventually winning the game 21-18.

The second game was even more one-sided, as Sen gained confidence from his first-game victory. He built a solid lead at the mid-game interval and never looked back, winning 21-12.

Sen’s victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently performed well on the big stage, including winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022. His victory over Christie is a major boost for India’s hopes of winning a badminton medal at the Paris Olympics.

Meanwhile, PV Sindhu also advanced to the women’s singles Round of 16 with a comfortable victory over Kristin Kuuba of Estonia. The double Olympic medalist won in just 34 minutes, barely breaking a sweat.

Sindhu will face a tougher test in the next round when she takes on Chinese sixth seed He Bing Jiao. The two players have a close head-to-head record, with Sindhu winning the most recent encounter in the bronze medal playoff at the Tokyo Olympics.

Manu Bhaker: India's Shooting Star Shines Bright with Two Olympic Medals

Manu Bhaker: India’s Shooting Star Shines Bright with Two Olympic Medals

Manu Bhaker, India’s shooting prodigy, has etched her name in history by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympics. At just 22 years old, she has already achieved remarkable success, but remains humble and determined as she prepares for her final event at the Games.

Bhaker’s journey to Olympic glory began with a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event. She then teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze in the mixed 10m air pistol event. These medals are a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering focus.

Despite her historic achievements, Bhaker remains grounded and understands the pressure that comes with being an elite athlete. She expressed her gratitude for the support she has received but also acknowledged the fear of disappointing her fans. “I hope the love stays. I will definitely try my best. I hope people are not disappointed. Please don’t be angry if I don’t win another medal,” she said.

Bhaker’s success is particularly poignant given her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where a pistol malfunction prevented her from achieving her Olympic dream. The heartbreak she experienced has made her appreciate her medals even more. “After the experience in Tokyo, I realize how special winning this (medal) is,” she said.

Bhaker’s performance has drawn comparisons to former 10m air rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra, who became a household name after winning gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, Bhaker remains focused on her own journey and is determined to continue working hard for more glory. “I can’t say that about myself (becoming a female sporting icon); if people call me that then I am grateful. But my journey will continue and there’s no stopping for me, I will keep working hard even if I win or lose,” she said.

Bhaker looks up to ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and shuttler PV Sindhu as role models. “I’ve always looked up to athletes like Neeraj (Chopra) (PV) Sindhu, who have always been able to prove themselves at certain levels,” she said.

As Bhaker prepares for her final event in the 25m sports pistol, she remains confident and determined. Her journey is an inspiration to young athletes across India, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

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