Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Canadian Open

Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Canadian Open

World number two Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week’s ATP Canadian Open tournament in Montreal, Tennis Canada announced on Monday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion from Serbia has reached the third round of the Paris Olympics with a victory over Spain’s Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic, 37, has won 98 career ATP titles but will not compete in the hardcourt tune-up event for the US Open, which begins on August 26. Djokovic’s withdrawal will give Roman Safiullin, a 26-year-old Russian ranked 66th in the world, a spot in the main draw.

“While we’re disappointed that Novak will be unable to take part in this year’s tournament, we understand his decision and wish him the best at the Olympics and the remainder of his season,” tournament director Valerie Tetreault said.

The schedule at Montreal was changed from the usual Monday-Sunday format due to the Olympics, with main draw action starting Tuesday, August 6 and the finish on Monday, August 12.

Djokovic’s withdrawal is a blow to the Canadian Open, which is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the ATP Tour. However, the field is still strong, with world number one Daniil Medvedev, third-ranked Rafael Nadal, and fourth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas all set to compete.

Djokovic’s decision to withdraw from the Canadian Open is likely due to a combination of factors. He has played a lot of tennis in recent months, and he may be feeling the need for a break. He is also preparing for the US Open, which is the final Grand Slam of the year.

Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Canadian Open is a reminder that even the best players in the world need to take time off to rest and recover. It is also a reminder that the tennis calendar is very demanding, and players need to be careful not to overextend themselves.

England Eyes IPL Reunion with Sangakkara as White-Ball Head Coach Candidate

England Eyes IPL Reunion with Sangakkara as White-Ball Head Coach Candidate

The England cricket team is reportedly considering a major shake-up in its coaching department, with the departure of current white-ball head coach Matthew Mott expected next week. As England seeks to regain its dominance in limited-overs cricket, it is eyeing a high-profile addition to its coaching staff.

Despite a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup and failure to reach the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, England is reportedly set to retain Jos Buttler as captain. However, Buttler’s Rajasthan Royals boss, Kumar Sangakkara, has emerged as a leading candidate for the head coach role.

According to The Telegraph UK, Sangakkara is among the favorites to replace Mott. The former Sri Lankan captain has served as Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals since 2021, guiding the franchise to the IPL final during his tenure.

Buttler has flourished under Sangakkara’s leadership at the Royals, and their familiarity could foster a strong bond at the helm of the England team. Other candidates reportedly in the running include former Australia batsman Michael Hussey and Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott.

Trott has led Afghanistan to significant achievements during his one-and-a-half-year tenure, including sixth place in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Hussey, meanwhile, is already familiar with the English dressing room, having served as their batting coach from 2022 to 2023.

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is reportedly unlikely to remain in contention for the head coach role. England has enjoyed success and adopted an aggressive approach in Test cricket under the coaching of Brendon McCullum. The new appointment will aim to replicate that success in white-ball cricket and restore England to the top of the limited-overs rankings.

Ukrainian Fencing Legend Olga Kharlan Dedicates Bronze to War-Torn Country

Ukrainian Fencing Legend Olga Kharlan Dedicates Bronze to War-Torn Country

Ukraine’s Olga Kharlan, a fencing legend, has dedicated her bronze medal in the women’s sabre event at the Paris Olympics to her war-torn country. Despite missing out on the individual gold she had set her sights on, Kharlan’s bronze was a testament to her resilience and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.

Kharlan, 33, staged a remarkable comeback from an 11-5 deficit to defeat South Korea’s Choi Se-bin in front of a crowd that included her mother, sister, and nephew. Her father, however, was unable to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.

The bronze medal marked Ukraine’s first at the Paris Olympics and was a poignant moment for Kharlan, who has been an outspoken critic of Russia’s invasion of her country. She has repeatedly used her platform to condemn the war and call for peace.

“It’s really special,” said a beaming Kharlan after her victory. “It’s like infinity. It’s special for my country. It’s for the people of Ukraine, for defenders (soldiers), for athletes who couldn’t come here because they were killed by Russia.”

Kharlan’s bronze medal was a culmination of her unwavering determination and the sacrifices she has made since the war began. She has rarely been home, and when she did return, she had to seek shelter from Russian airstrikes.

“I’ve been at home five times probably for one week,” said Kharlan. “It’s all the sacrifices. And all the news, all the tragic moments that we had when Russia bombed and killed people. We all take it. So that’s why it’s tough.”

Despite the challenges, Kharlan has remained focused on her sport and used it as a platform to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine. Her bronze medal is a symbol of hope and resilience, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.

Alcaraz Advances in Olympics Despite Injury, Eyes Doubles Gold with Nadal

Alcaraz Advances in Olympics Despite Injury, Eyes Doubles Gold with Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz, the world number three from Spain, has advanced to the last 16 of the Olympic singles tennis tournament despite battling a groin injury. Alcaraz defeated Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) on Monday, keeping his hopes alive for a gold medal to add to his four Grand Slam titles.

Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, required medical attention on his right leg late in the second set and had to save a set point. However, he recovered to secure the victory and will now face Roman Safiullin of Russia in the next round.

“It’s a pain that I’ve been dealing with the last tournaments so I know what I have to do,” Alcaraz said of his injury. “It’s normal for a tennis player as this game is so demanding. I will try to recover and be ready and at 100 percent in the doubles.”

Alcaraz is also scheduled to team up with Rafael Nadal in the doubles competition on Tuesday, where they will face Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof. Nadal, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the singles tournament, is seeking his second Olympic doubles gold medal after winning in Rio in 2016.

“When Djokovic is playing at this level it’s really, really difficult to play against him,” Alcaraz said of Nadal’s defeat. “He was really aggressive, made no mistakes, moving very, very well. I saw Rafa playing let’s say not his best tennis for sure. But when Djokovic is like this, he was the better one.”

Griekspoor, who has lost all three of his meetings with Alcaraz, expressed skepticism about the severity of the Spaniard’s injury. “I didn’t see any problems with him,” said the Dutchman. “He went for every shot in the tiebreak. It’s not like he fell down or twisted his ankle and that he couldn’t walk anymore. For me, he was still all over the place.”

Despite the injury concerns, Alcaraz remains determined to compete at his best in both singles and doubles. He will be hoping to emulate his success at the Grand Slams and add an Olympic gold medal to his impressive resume.

Manu Bhaker's Coach Jaspal Rana Faces Financial Struggle Amid Olympic Glory

Manu Bhaker’s Coach Jaspal Rana Faces Financial Struggle Amid Olympic Glory

Manu Bhaker’s Olympic triumph has brought joy to India, but her coach, Jaspal Rana, faces a different reality. Despite his role in Manu’s success, Rana has been struggling financially for the past three years, without a regular salary from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) or any other sporting body.

Rana’s plight stems from a fallout with Manu after her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where a pistol malfunction hindered her medal chances. However, the duo reconciled and worked together to achieve Manu’s bronze medal in Paris.

Rana’s emotional outburst during an interview with RevSportz revealed the abuse he endured after Manu’s Tokyo exit. He questioned the hypocrisy of those who now seek interviews with him after vilifying him.

Despite his delight in Manu’s Olympic success, Rana emphasized his financial struggles. He expressed his gratitude to PT Usha and Captain Ajay Narang for facilitating his accreditation for the Paris Games, but acknowledged the challenges he faced even with that.

Rana’s coaching approach with Manu involves subtle tweaks rather than imposing his views. He believes in empowering shooters with their own knowledge and skills.

Rana’s financial situation has taken a toll on him. He expressed his desire to find a job upon his return to India, highlighting the difficulties he has faced in the past three years.

Rana’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by coaches and support staff in the sporting world. While athletes receive the limelight, those who guide them often struggle to make ends meet.

All-Run Five Magic: Ireland and Zimbabwe Recreate 1992 India-Australia Classic

All-Run Five Magic: Ireland and Zimbabwe Recreate 1992 India-Australia Classic

Ireland and Zimbabwe Recreate Rare All-Run Five, Reminiscent of 1992 India-Australia Classic

On Day 4 of the one-off Test between Ireland and Zimbabwe at Belfast’s Civil Service Cricket Club, an extraordinary and rare incident occurred that sparked widespread excitement on social media. Ireland batters Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine completed an all-run five during their team’s second innings, a feat that brought back memories of a similar moment from 1992.

In the 18th over of Ireland’s chase of 158, McBrine punched a delivery from Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava through the covers. Zimbabwe fielder Tendai Chatara chased the ball and managed to stop it just inside the ropes. However, Tucker and McBrine showcased remarkable running between the wickets, completing five runs.

This exceptional play contributed significantly to Ireland’s recovery and eventual four-wicket victory, with McBrine remaining unbeaten on 55. The viral video of this incident brought to mind the 1992 match between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval.

During India’s first innings, Javagal Srinath drove a pitch-up delivery from Australia’s Craig McDermott through the off-side. Allan Border, fielding at mid-off, chased the ball as it raced towards the boundary. Border managed to save the boundary, but the Indian tailenders Raju and Srinath ran five, marking a rare achievement in cricket history.

The resurgence of these videos has created a buzz on social media platforms, with fans and analysts reminiscing about these remarkable moments. These incidents, separated by decades, highlight the spirit of cricket and the unforgettable moments that make the sport beloved by millions worldwide.

Ashwin Warned for Backing Up Too Far, Clarifies Rule

Ashwin Warned for Backing Up Too Far, Clarifies Rule

Ravichandran Ashwin, a staunch advocate of running out non-strikers, recently found himself on the receiving end of a warning for backing up too far. The incident occurred during a Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) match between his team, Dindigul Dragons, and Nellai Royal Kings.

In the 15th over, left-arm spinner Mohan Prasath halted his run-up after noticing Ashwin out of his crease. Replays revealed that while Ashwin was prematurely walking down the crease, his bat slipped out of the popping crease when Prasath stopped.

This incident sparked debates on social media. Some criticized Ashwin for experiencing the consequences of his own actions, while others argued that the warning was unwarranted as he gained no unfair advantage.

Ashwin himself took to Twitter to clarify the situation, posting a screenshot of the relevant law (38.3) which states that a non-striker is only liable to be run out when the ball is in play and the bowler is expected to release it. In this case, Ashwin would not have been out even if Prasath had dislodged the bails.

“Cos they don’t know the rule,” Ashwin tweeted in response to criticism that commentators failed to highlight this fact.

Meanwhile, Ashwin is currently not part of the Indian team for the ongoing white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. He is expected to return for the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh.

In other news, India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a seven-wicket victory in the rain-affected second match. The third and final T20I will be played on Tuesday in Pallekele, followed by a three-match ODI series.

Abhinav Bindra Initiates Red Baton Tradition at Paris 2024 Olympics

Abhinav Bindra Initiates Red Baton Tradition at Paris 2024 Olympics

Abhinav Bindra Initiates Unique Tradition at Paris 2024 Olympics

In a historic moment at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra became the first Indian to perform the “Red Baton” ritual, a new tradition that signals the commencement of events.

The Red Baton, also known as the “brigadier,” is a red baton that is tapped three times on the floor before the start of an event. The ritual originated in French theater in the 17th century, where it was used to signal the audience that the performance was about to begin and to maintain silence.

In the context of the Olympics, the Red Baton ritual has been adopted as an honorary tradition. It is believed that the three taps represent the essential elements of performing arts: the actors, the spectators, and the story. Another theory suggests that the Holy Trinity is represented in the ritual, while a third belief states that the actor’s key positions on stage are celebrated.

Bindra was invited to perform the ritual at the Women’s 10m Air Rifle final on July 29. As India’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medalist, Bindra’s presence added a special significance to the occasion.

The ritual, however, did not bring luck to Indian shooter Ramita, who was eliminated in seventh place. Nonetheless, the Red Baton tradition has become a unique and memorable aspect of the Paris 2024 Olympics, adding a touch of history and symbolism to the proceedings.

Manu Bhaker Wins Historic Bronze in Paris Olympics, Becomes First Indian Woman Shooter to Medal

Manu Bhaker Wins Historic Bronze in Paris Olympics, Becomes First Indian Woman Shooter to Medal

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman from the country to win an Olympic medal in shooting. At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the 10m Women’s Individual Air Pistol event, marking a significant milestone for Indian sports.

Bhaker’s triumph is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. After experiencing a disappointing malfunction in her pistol at the Tokyo Olympics, she returned to the world stage with renewed focus and determination. Her performance in Paris not only brought glory to India but also inspired countless aspiring shooters across the nation.

In the qualification round, Bhaker displayed her exceptional skills, finishing third to secure a place in the final. The final was a nail-biting affair, with Bhaker facing stiff competition from top shooters worldwide. However, she remained composed and focused, delivering a series of precise shots that ultimately earned her the bronze medal.

Bhaker’s victory has been met with widespread praise and recognition. In addition to the Eiffel Tower badge awarded to all medalists at the Paris Games, she has received accolades from the Indian government and sports authorities. Her achievement has also sparked a renewed interest in shooting among young Indians, who now see her as a role model and inspiration.

Bhaker’s success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing strength of Indian shooting. The country has produced several world-class shooters in recent years, and Bhaker’s medal is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of these athletes and their coaches.

As the Paris Olympics continue, Bhaker has the opportunity to add to her medal tally. She is scheduled to compete in the mixed team 10m Air Pistol event alongside her partner Sarabjot Singh. If they manage to secure a medal in this event, Bhaker will further cement her status as one of India’s greatest shooters.

Rahul Dravid Backs Cricket's Inclusion in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Rahul Dravid Backs Cricket’s Inclusion in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has garnered support from legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid. During a panel discussion, Dravid expressed his enthusiasm for the sport’s Olympic debut, stating that players are already discussing the opportunity to compete for a gold medal.

Dravid believes that the Olympics provide a unique platform for athletes to showcase their skills and experience the camaraderie of the Games Village. He anticipates that teams will prioritize preparation and competition for the cricket tournament, recognizing its significance.

“People are going to want to win that gold medal, stand on the podium, and be a part of the Games Village, a great sporting event, and interact with so many athletes,” Dravid said. “As you get closer, I have no doubt that teams will be preparing and checking out facilities. They will take this seriously, and players will fight tooth and nail to be out there.”

ICC CEO Geoff Allardice echoed Dravid’s sentiments, predicting that cricket will be a major attraction at the LA Olympics. He emphasized the global appeal of the sport and the excitement it will generate among fans.

“It’s quite surreal to be here in Paris, seeing the energy around sport and how it’s getting together. Cricket is starting to dawn on the global sporting community,” Allardice said. “I think cricket will be one of the star attractions in Los Angeles…when you see global stars of big sports around the world competing in one city at a time.”

Dravid expressed his hope that India would emerge victorious in both the men’s and women’s cricket competitions at the LA Games. He also joked about his desire to be involved in the event in some capacity, even if it meant securing a media job.

The men’s and women’s cricket tournaments will run concurrently at the LA Olympics, offering fans the opportunity to witness the world’s best players compete for Olympic glory.

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