Indian Hockey Stars Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh Nominated for FIH Awards

Indian Hockey Stars Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh Nominated for FIH Awards

India’s hockey stars, Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, have been nominated for the prestigious FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards, respectively. The nominations recognize their exceptional performances in leading India to a bronze medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics.

Harmanpreet, the team’s captain, was a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament. His 10 goals made him the highest scorer, showcasing his remarkable drag-flicking skills. He will face stiff competition from Thierry Brinkman (Netherlands), Joep de Mol (Netherlands), Hannes Müller (Germany), and Zach Wallace (England) for the Player of the Year award.

Sreejesh, a veteran goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in India’s success. His resolute defense, particularly in the quarterfinal against Great Britain when India was reduced to 10 men, was crucial in securing the team’s victory. He will compete against Pirmin Blaak (Netherlands), Luis Calzado (Spain), Jean-Paul Danneberg (Germany), and Tomas Santiago (Argentina) for the Goalkeeper of the Year honor.

The FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards are highly coveted accolades in the hockey world. The nominees were selected by an Expert Panel composed of players, coaches, and officials from each Continental Federation. The voting process will remain open until October 11, with national associations, fans, players, coaches, officials, and media having a say in determining the winners.

The nominations of Harmanpreet and Sreejesh are a testament to the resurgence of Indian hockey. Their performances have inspired a new generation of players and brought the sport back into the limelight. The awards ceremony will be held in November, where the winners will be announced and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the game.

ICC Delegation to Inspect Pakistan for Champions Trophy Preparations

ICC Delegation to Inspect Pakistan for Champions Trophy Preparations

ICC Delegation to Inspect Pakistan for Champions Trophy Preparations

A five-member delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) will arrive in Karachi on September 17, 2024, for an inspection visit ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The delegation includes top officials from the ICC’s Events and Security Departments, as well as the General Manager Cricket and Production Manager.

The ICC delegation’s primary objective is to discuss the tentative schedule for the tournament, which was prepared and submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) several months ago. A key aspect of the schedule is the allocation of matches to Lahore, where the Indian team is expected to play all their games.

The delegation will also address the possibility of the Indian government not allowing the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. In such a scenario, alternative arrangements will need to be considered.

During their visit, the delegation will inspect ongoing construction work in Karachi and review team hotel arrangements. They will also travel to Islamabad and Lahore for similar inspections.

The ICC Security Manager will hold briefings with Pakistani security officials to assess the security measures in place for the tournament.

The ICC’s decision on the final schedule and tournament arrangements will be announced in due course.

Santosh Kashyap Appointed as Head Coach of Indian Women's Football Team

Santosh Kashyap Appointed as Head Coach of Indian Women’s Football Team

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Santosh Kashyap as the new head coach of the national senior women’s team, replacing former international player Chaoba Devi. Kashyap’s first assignment will be the SAFF Women’s Championships to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 17 to 30.

Kashyap, a former India international, brings almost a decade of coaching experience in the I-League, having managed clubs like Mohun Bagan, Aizawl FC, and Mumbai FC. The 58-year-old has also served as assistant coach of NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC in the Indian Super League.

Kashyap will be assisted by Priya PV and Raghuvir Pravin Khanolkar as goalkeeper coach. “Coaching the National Team is always an honor,” said Kashyap. “I am grateful to the AIFF President, Shri Kalyan Chaubey, the technical committee, the technical department, and other senior members of the federation for providing me the opportunity to coach the senior national women’s team.”

Kashyap expressed confidence in the current squad, stating, “I have full faith in the current set of players in the team. They are all bright players. But what we require to improve is technically. I am confident that I can give the needed input to the team members during the national camp.”

Regarding the SAFF Women’s Championships, Kashyap said, “I am aware that our result in the previous SAFF Championship didn’t meet the expectations. But this time, with the right tactics, approach, and decision-making ability, we can regain the title.”

“Football has become an extremely competitive sport, especially at the international level. So, we shouldn’t take any team lightly. SAFF is only the first step. Thereafter, I have a bigger plan in mind. I am sure, this team is capable of delivering the goods.”

Ankita Raina Cruises to First Round Victory in Perth ITF Tournament

Ankita Raina Cruises to First Round Victory in Perth ITF Tournament

Ankita Raina, India’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, made a strong start to the $60,000 ITF tournament in Perth, Australia, on Tuesday. Raina eased past Miho Kuramochi of Japan 6-0, 6-4 in the first round, showcasing her dominance on the court.

Raina’s victory was a testament to her consistent performance and aggressive style of play. She controlled the match from the outset, breaking Kuramochi’s serve twice in the first set to take it 6-0. In the second set, Raina faced a tougher challenge as Kuramochi fought back, but the Indian player remained composed and secured the victory with a 6-4 scoreline.

Raina’s victory is a positive sign for Indian tennis, as she continues to make strides on the international circuit. She has been in impressive form this year, reaching the semifinals of the $25,000 ITF tournament in Nonthaburi, Thailand, in July.

In other results from the tournament, Ashmitha Easwaramurthi and Kanna Soeda of Japan lost in the doubles pre-quarterfinals, while Marin Dumitru and Derin Sen of Australia advanced to the pre-quarterfinals in the men’s doubles.

India's Pragmatic Shift: From Romantic Failure to Winning Mentality

India’s Pragmatic Shift: From Romantic Failure to Winning Mentality

India’s Transformation: From Romantic Failure to Pragmatic Triumph

In the realm of international cricket, Australia has long been known for its aggressive sledging and unwavering belief in their own superiority. However, ahead of the upcoming series in Australia, a shift in the Indian team’s mindset has emerged, signaling a departure from the traditional approach of glorifying failure.

Historically, Indian cricket was characterized by a romantic notion of failure, where heroic efforts in defeat were celebrated. This attitude stemmed from the influence of British colonialism, which instilled a sense of inferiority in Indian players. However, in recent years, a pragmatic shift has taken hold, driven by a desire to win at all costs.

This transformation can be traced back to the 2002 Headingley Test, where captain Sourav Ganguly’s decision to bat first on a bowler-friendly pitch defied conventional wisdom. India’s subsequent victory marked a turning point, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing results over aesthetics.

Another pivotal moment came in 2014, when Virat Kohli led India to a historic Test series win in Australia. Kohli’s aggressive captaincy and unwavering belief in his team’s ability to win instilled a new mindset in the Indian players. They realized that they could compete with the best in the world and that winning was not just a possibility but an expectation.

This shift in attitude has been accompanied by a focus on team success over individual milestones. Kohli’s famous declaration in the 2014 Adelaide Test, where he prioritized the team’s victory over his own century, exemplified this new approach.

The Indian team’s transformation has not been without its challenges. The traditional emphasis on romantic failure still lingers in some quarters, but the pragmatic approach has gradually gained acceptance. As India prepares to face Australia once again, their newfound belief in their own abilities and their willingness to embrace the “hard but fair” approach will be put to the test.

India's Test Season Begins with Bangladesh Challenge

India’s Test Season Begins with Bangladesh Challenge

India’s Test cricket team, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, is poised to embark on a new season with a positive outlook. The team will face a spirited Bangladesh side in a two-match series, marking the beginning of a busy schedule that includes 10 Tests in the upcoming months.

Gambhir and his men are eager to make a strong start in the World Test Championship, with a series of crucial matches lined up. After the Bangladesh series, India will host New Zealand for three Tests in October, followed by a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia starting in November.

Former India player Dinesh Karthik and Australia legend Michael Bevan expressed their excitement for the upcoming series. Karthik believes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a challenging test for India, as they face an in-form Australian side. However, he remains confident in the team’s resilience and determination.

Bevan, who will coach the Southern Superstars in the Legends League Cricket, also anticipates a competitive series. He acknowledges the strength of the Indian team but believes the Australian team is forging a new culture under Pat Cummins.

Regarding the first Test against Bangladesh, Karthik warns that the visitors will enter the match with confidence after their recent triumph over Pakistan. He emphasizes that India must be aware of the threat posed by a slightly different Bangladesh team.

The jersey launch for the Southern Superstars was attended by actress Aishwarya Rajesh and franchise spokesperson Srinadh Chitoori. Former India players Parthiv Patel and Kedar Jadhav were also present as team members.

Liverpool Face Milan in Champions League Opener

Liverpool Face Milan in Champions League Opener

Liverpool Face Tough Test in Champions League Opener Against AC Milan

Liverpool will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a challenging away fixture against Serie A giants AC Milan on Wednesday, September 18. The match will mark the debut of new Liverpool manager Arne Slot in the competition.

Liverpool enter the game on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Despite winning the Champions League under Jurgen Klopp in 2019 and reaching the final twice more, pressure is mounting on Slot to deliver success in Europe.

Milan, meanwhile, have had a mixed start to their Serie A season, winning just one of their opening four league games. The Italian giants will be eager to make a statement in the Champions League and will pose a significant threat to Liverpool.

The match will be played at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 AM IST. It will be live telecast on the Sony Sports network and live streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.

Liverpool will be without several key players for the match, including Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, and Ibrahima Konate. Milan, on the other hand, will be boosted by the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been out injured since May.

The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams desperate for a positive result. Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their Premier League defeat and establish themselves as contenders in the Champions League, while Milan will be aiming to prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in Europe.

Real Madrid vs Stuttgart: Champions League Clash Kicks Off 2024-25 Season

Real Madrid vs Stuttgart: Champions League Clash Kicks Off 2024-25 Season

Real Madrid, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, will commence their 2024-25 campaign at home against VfB Stuttgart, the German Bundesliga runners-up. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, September 18 (IST), marks the first of eight group games in the revamped Champions League format.

Real Madrid, under the guidance of manager Carlo Ancelotti, will be bolstered by the return of midfield stars Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni from injury. The Spanish giants have enjoyed a positive start to their La Liga campaign, with summer signing Kylian Mbappe scoring in their previous two matches.

Stuttgart, on the other hand, have endured an inconsistent start to their Bundesliga season, winning one, drawing one, and losing one of their opening three fixtures. The German club will be eager to make a statement against the European champions and secure a positive result in their first Champions League group stage match.

The match will be played at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 AM (IST). Fans can catch the live telecast on the Sony Sports network, while live streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.

Real Madrid will be the heavy favorites heading into the match, but Stuttgart will be determined to cause an upset. The German club has a history of performing well in European competitions, reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League in 2018.

The return of Bellingham and Tchouameni will provide a significant boost to Real Madrid’s midfield, while Mbappe’s goalscoring prowess will be crucial in breaking down Stuttgart’s defense. The German club will need to be at their best to contain Real Madrid’s attacking threats and create chances of their own.

The match promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting styles and ambitions. Real Madrid will be aiming to extend their dominance in Europe, while Stuttgart will be looking to make a name for themselves on the continental stage.

Lancashire and Somerset Trade Blows on Thrilling First Day

Lancashire and Somerset Trade Blows on Thrilling First Day

Lancashire and Somerset engaged in a thrilling first day of their Vitality County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford, with 21 wickets falling and the home side holding a slender 10-run lead.

Lancashire, batting first on a seam-friendly pitch, were dismissed for 140 in just 40 overs. Craig Overton and Lewis Gregory wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming four wickets each. Lancashire’s only resistance came from skipper Keaton Jennings, who scored a valiant 56.

Somerset’s reply was equally shaky. George Balderson and Tom Bailey shared eight wickets between them, restricting the visitors to 146. Andy Umeed was dismissed for a duck off the first ball of the innings, but Archie Vaughan (21) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (19) provided some stability.

However, Balderson’s double strike before tea and Bailey’s three wickets after the break put Somerset in trouble. Gregory and Tom Abell briefly threatened to take the lead, but Bailey dismissed both batsmen to leave Somerset on the brink of collapse.

Jack Leach and Gregory added 25 for the last wicket before Leach was caught behind off Anderson Philip. Somerset’s innings ended on 146, giving them a six-run first-innings lead.

Lancashire’s second innings began disastrously as Jennings was dismissed for 4, edging Gregory to slip. Harry Singh and nightwatchman Will Williams survived the remaining overs to give Lancashire a 10-run lead heading into day two.

Surrey Dominate Day One Against Durham in County Championship Title Chase

Surrey Dominate Day One Against Durham in County Championship Title Chase

Surrey, the reigning Vitality County Championship titleholders, made a strong start on day one of their match against Durham at the Kia Oval, despite Durham’s valiant effort to reach 262 all out.

Colin Ackermann’s unbeaten 78 was a standout performance for Durham, but Dan Worrall’s quick wickets with the second new ball, including Ackermann’s, left Durham stranded. Worrall finished with impressive figures of 4 for 39.

Surrey’s batting response was equally impressive, with Rory Burns leading the charge with an unbeaten 40 off 46 balls, including a six and seven fours. The hosts reached 52 without loss in 12 overs before the close, putting them in a strong position heading into day two.

Durham’s innings began solidly with Alex Lees and Ben McKinney providing a stable start. However, Worrall’s second spell proved decisive, dismissing both openers and Emilio Gay for a duck. David Bedingham and Ollie Robinson put on a 51-run partnership, but Surrey’s seamers kept the pressure on, with Jordan Clark and Tom Lawes claiming wickets.

Ackermann’s resilience and partnerships with Bas de Leede and Daniel Hogg helped Durham reach a respectable total. However, Worrall’s late wickets, including Ackermann’s, gave Surrey the advantage.

Surrey’s victory would secure their third consecutive County Championship title, while Durham faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation.

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