Ankita Raina and Ramkumar Ramanathan Triumph in PSPB Inter-Unit Tennis Tournament

Ankita Raina and Ramkumar Ramanathan Triumph in PSPB Inter-Unit Tennis Tournament

Ankita Raina and Ramkumar Ramanathan emerged victorious in the 42nd PSPB inter-unit tennis tournament held at the DLTA Complex. The tournament featured a packed schedule of team championships, singles, and doubles events over four days.

In the men’s singles final, Ramkumar Ramanathan of Indian Oil defeated his teammate Chirag Duhan 9-5. Ramkumar had previously overcome Vishnu Vardhan and Rithvik Bollipalli en route to the final.

Ankita Raina of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) claimed the women’s singles title with a 9-5 victory over Riya Bhatia of Indian Oil. Notably, Ankita had previously defeated Riya in straight sets during the team championship.

The men’s doubles title went to Vishnu Vardhan and Rithvik, who defeated Ramkumar and Chirag in the final.

In the veterans category, Rajkumar Dubey of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) won the singles title and teamed up with Monish Sharma to clinch the doubles title. BPCL had also emerged victorious in the team championship.

Riya Sachdeva was recognized as the “most promising player” of the tournament.

The trophies were presented by Vartika Shukla, Chairman and Managing Director of the host, Engineers India Limited (EIL).

UWW Confirms WFI's Exclusive Authority to Select Indian Wrestling Teams

UWW Confirms WFI’s Exclusive Authority to Select Indian Wrestling Teams

The United World Wrestling (UWW) has reaffirmed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) as its sole “affiliated member” with the exclusive authority to “elect and announce their teams” for international tournaments, including the Paris Olympics qualifiers.

In a letter to WFI President Sanjay Singh, UWW President Nenad Lalovic emphasized that the WFI is responsible for selecting and announcing teams for continental championships, world championships, Olympic Games Qualifying Tournaments, and other international events. Lalovic, who is also an IOC Executive Board Member, clarified that only UWW-affiliated national federations can register for international events.

This clarification comes after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad-hoc panel was assigned the task of conducting selection trials for the Asian Olympic Games Qualifier and Asian Championships following a Delhi High Court hearing. The WFI had initially issued a notice to conduct its own selection trials, but withdrew it after the court ruled that parallel trials could not be held.

The Delhi High Court was hearing a plea filed by four protesting wrestlers, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Satyawart Kadian, who challenged the WFI’s notice. They argued that the federation had deliberately issued the notice despite being barred by the Sports Ministry from conducting championships and knowing about the ad-hoc committee’s announcement of trials.

WFI President Sanjay Singh expressed concern that the wrestlers should not suffer and that the country’s interests should be prioritized in an Olympic year. He urged the government to ensure that wrestlers have the opportunity to compete and that the best interests of the nation are served.

The trials for Greco Roman and freestyle wrestlers will be held at SAI Sonipat on March 10, while trials for women wrestlers will take place at NSNIS Patiala on March 11. The winners in the Olympic weight category will represent India in upcoming Olympic qualifiers, including the Asian Olympic Qualifiers (April 19-21) and World Olympic Qualifiers (May 9-12).

Syringes Found at Athletics Championship, Raising Doping Concerns

Syringes Found at Athletics Championship, Raising Doping Concerns

The Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) “no needle policy” has come under scrutiny after numerous used syringes were discovered at the main athletics stadium of the Sports Authority of India’s center in Lucknow during the 22nd Junior National Federation Athletics Championship.

The syringes were found scattered in the men’s toilets, which are adjacent to the dope collection rooms at the venue. The identity of the athletes who used the syringes remains unknown, but their presence raises concerns about potential doping violations.

“We can’t keep an eye on every athlete, especially when they lock the toilet doors,” said a security guard outside the bathrooms on condition of anonymity. “It’s not our responsibility to check every time an athlete comes out of the toilet.”

The discovery of the syringes on the first day of the prestigious event, which serves as a qualifying championship for the 21st Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Dubai, has shocked organizers.

“We have no idea how these syringes got into the men’s toilet,” said PK Srivastava, chief executive officer of the Uttar Pradesh Athletics Association. “We have a strict no-needle policy in athletics, but I will investigate this matter personally.”

Srivastava confirmed that the AFI has set up a dope control center at the venue, where a team of doctors is deputed for sample collection. A six-member NADA team led by BN Mishra is also stationed there.

“AFI has set up its dope controlling center at the venue, and so far, nine samples have been received on day one of the three-day championship,” said Srivastava. “It’s disheartening that some of our athletes still resort to such unethical practices.”

The presence of the syringes has cast a shadow over the championship and raised questions about the effectiveness of the AFI’s anti-doping measures. The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of doping regulations and increased education for athletes on the dangers of performance-enhancing substances.

Deepti Sharma's Hat-Trick Heroics Lead UP Warriorz to Thrilling WPL Win

Deepti Sharma’s Hat-Trick Heroics Lead UP Warriorz to Thrilling WPL Win

Deepti Sharma’s All-Round Brilliance Powers UP Warriorz to Thrilling WPL Victory

In a captivating encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Deepti Sharma’s exceptional all-round performance propelled UP Warriorz to a nail-biting one-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Sharma’s batting prowess was on full display as she anchored the Warriorz innings with a crucial 59 runs off 48 deliveries. Her innings was a blend of power and finesse, with boundaries flowing effortlessly from her bat. She forged a vital 46-run partnership with skipper Alyssa Healy, providing a solid foundation for the team’s total of 138 for 8.

However, it was Sharma’s bowling that truly stole the show. In a historic moment, she became only the second player in WPL history to claim a hat-trick. Her victims were Annabel Sutherland, Anuradha Reddy, and Shikha Pandey, all dismissed in the penultimate over of the match.

Delhi Capitals, chasing 139 for victory, looked poised to pull off the win thanks to Meg Lanning’s brilliant 60. However, Sharma’s hat-trick triggered a dramatic collapse, with Delhi losing their last seven wickets for just 44 runs.

The final over was a tense affair, with Delhi needing 10 runs for victory. Grace Harris picked up two wickets, while a crucial run-out sealed the win for UP Warriorz.

Sharma’s all-round brilliance was the difference between the two sides. Her contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental in securing the victory for her team.

Jamshedpur FC Faces Point Deduction for Rule Violation

Jamshedpur FC Faces Point Deduction for Rule Violation

Jamshedpur FC’s 1-1 draw against Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday could turn into a costly affair for the Red Miners. The club is facing the prospect of losing the point they earned due to a violation of the league’s rules regarding the minimum number of Indian players on the pitch.

According to Rule 4.2.10 of the ISL’s league rules for the 2023-24 season, each club must field at least seven Indian players throughout the match. However, Jamshedpur FC fell short of this requirement after Daniel Chima Chukwu was sent off in the 82nd minute and was replaced by Swiss player Alen Stevanovic. This reduced the number of Indian players on the pitch to six.

The rule states that failure to comply with this requirement will result in a 3-0 loss for the offending club. However, if the opposing team has won the match by a higher score, the result on the field will be upheld.

In this case, Mumbai City FC did not win by a higher score, so Jamshedpur FC could face a 3-0 loss if the violation is confirmed. This would give Mumbai City three points and a 3-0 win, which would significantly boost their chances of winning the ISL shield.

With five teams still in contention for the shield, the points and goals awarded to Mumbai City could give them a significant advantage. Currently, Mumbai City is in pole position with 36 points from 18 rounds, while Odisha FC is second with 35 points from 18 games.

Jamshedpur FC’s quest for a top-six play-off berth could also be affected by the potential loss of points. They are currently sixth with 21 points from 19 games, and a 3-0 loss would drop them down the standings.

The ISL is expected to review the incident and make a decision on whether to award Mumbai City the three points. If the violation is confirmed, it will be a costly mistake for Jamshedpur FC and could have a major impact on the race for the ISL shield.

Chennaiyin FC, Hyderabad FC Face Off in Crucial ISL Clash

Chennaiyin FC, Hyderabad FC Face Off in Crucial ISL Clash

Chennaiyin FC and Hyderabad FC, languishing at the bottom of the Indian Super League standings, face off in a crucial encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. With just six matches remaining in the regular season, both teams are desperate for a victory to boost their playoff hopes.

Chennaiyin, currently 11th with 20 points from 18 games, has a slight edge over Hyderabad, who are 12th with 17 points. A win for Owen Coyle’s men would take them to 21 points and within touching distance of the sixth spot.

Coyle, however, is wary of the threat posed by Hyderabad, despite their winless record this season. “This is the most dangerous game of the season,” he said. “Hyderabad is not going to hand us anything. They’ve got nothing to lose and they’ll play with that freedom.”

Chennaiyin has struggled for goals this season, scoring just 18 in 18 matches. Coyle acknowledges the need for improvement in front of goal. “Yes, we can be far more clinical,” he said. “I think we missed more big chances than many teams in the league. But the good thing is that we are creating chances. I’d be more worried if we were not creating chances.”

Hyderabad, on the other hand, has a daunting task ahead of them. They have yet to win a game this season and are without the services of suspended skipper Joao Victor and Mark Zothanpuia. However, young coach Thangboi Singto remains optimistic.

“We have been working hard and we are confident that we can get a result in Chennai,” he said. “We know it will be difficult, but we are up for the challenge.”

The match promises to be a tense and exciting affair, with both teams desperate for a victory. Chennaiyin will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and improve their goal-scoring record, while Hyderabad will be hoping to break their winless streak and boost their playoff hopes.

Tushar Deshpande Eyes India Call-Up After Impressive Performances

Tushar Deshpande Eyes India Call-Up After Impressive Performances

Tushar Deshpande, the Mumbai pacer, has set his sights on earning an India call-up after a string of impressive performances across formats. The 27-year-old has been a key strike bowler for Mumbai since making his Ranji Trophy debut in 2016-17, and his recent performances have caught the attention of national selectors.

Deshpande’s breakthrough season came in 2023, when he finished as the Chennai Super Kings’ highest wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His ability to consistently clock speeds of 140-plus and take crucial wickets has made him a valuable asset for both Mumbai and the Super Kings.

In the ongoing Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha, Deshpande has once again been in top form. He has taken three wickets in the first innings and scored a crucial 26 in the second innings, helping Mumbai to a strong position.

“I think I am ready for an India call-up,” Deshpande said ahead of the Ranji final. “If you look at the overall season, be it one-dayers (Vijay Hazare Trophy) or Ranji, I have been delivering with crucial wickets – and useful runs too.”

Deshpande’s performances have not gone unnoticed by Mumbai’s head coach Amol Muzumdar. “Tushar has been a consistent performer for us,” Muzumdar said. “He has the pace, the accuracy, and the ability to take wickets. I believe he has the potential to play for India.”

Deshpande is now hoping that a strong performance in the Ranji final and the upcoming IPL will help him realize his dream of playing for India. “These three months, especially starting with the Ranji quarterfinal, are extremely important for me,” Deshpande said. “I want to play these next three phases at full intensity.”

Australia Aim to Extend Lead in 2nd Test as Labuschagne, Lyon Resume

Australia Aim to Extend Lead in 2nd Test as Labuschagne, Lyon Resume

New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test Day 2 Live Updates: Australia Aim to Extend Lead with Labuschagne and Lyon at the Crease

The second Test between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Oval in Christchurch witnessed a thrilling opening day, with 14 wickets falling and Australia gaining the upper hand. Paceman Josh Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul restricted New Zealand to 229, while Australia ended the day at 124 for 4, thanks to Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 45.

Resuming on Saturday, Labuschagne and night-watchman Nathan Lyon will look to extend Australia’s lead. Labuschagne, who has been in impressive form throughout the series, will be key to Australia’s hopes of building a substantial total. Lyon, known for his resilience and ability to bat in difficult situations, will provide valuable support.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be eager to make early inroads and regain control of the match. Tim Southee, who took three wickets on Day 1, will be the main threat for the hosts. Trent Boult and Neil Wagner will also be looking to make an impact with their pace and aggression.

The pitch at Hagley Oval has shown signs of uneven bounce and seam movement, making it a challenging surface for both batters and bowlers. The weather forecast for Day 2 is favorable, with clear skies and no rain expected.

With the series level at 0-0, both teams will be desperate for a win in Christchurch. Australia will be aiming to take a 1-0 lead, while New Zealand will be determined to bounce back and level the series.

Vidarbha's Wakhare Confident Ahead of Ranji Final at Wankhede

Vidarbha’s Wakhare Confident Ahead of Ranji Final at Wankhede

Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy final against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium holds a special significance for Akshay Wakhare, the team’s veteran off-spinner. Wakhare is one of only two players in the current Vidarbha squad to have played in the team’s solitary Ranji Trophy game at the iconic venue, and he is the only cricketer to have featured in both of Vidarbha’s previous Ranji encounters against Mumbai.

Despite the ghosts of the 2013-14 clash, where Vidarbha was outplayed by a dominant Mumbai side, Wakhare exudes confidence that his team will approach the final as just another game. He believes that the majority of the Vidarbha players are accustomed to the pressure of big occasions and will not be overawed by the atmosphere or the location.

Wakhare acknowledges the challenge of facing Mumbai, a team with a rich history and an impressive record in the Ranji Trophy. However, he emphasizes that Vidarbha has made significant strides in recent years and is no longer an underdog. The team’s exposure to various levels of cricket, including the IPL and age-group tournaments, has instilled a sense of self-confidence in the younger players.

While Wakhare does not forget the drubbing Vidarbha received at the hands of Zaheer Khan-led Mumbai at the Wankhede in 2013-14, he believes that the team has learned from its mistakes and is better prepared for the challenge this time around. He is confident that Vidarbha will not be overawed by the occasion and will give a strong account of itself in the Ranji Trophy final.

Neeraj Chopra Confident of Strong Return to Outdoor Competition

Neeraj Chopra Confident of Strong Return to Outdoor Competition

Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, is gearing up for his return to outdoor competition in 2024. The 26-year-old is currently training in Turkey and is confident of being in top form for the upcoming season.

Chopra’s preparation for the Tokyo Olympics was hampered by injuries, but he has since bounced back strongly. He won a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships and set a new personal best of 89.94 meters at the Stockholm Diamond League meet.

“I want to be in the best possible shape before Paris,” Chopra said. “My training sessions have gone off really well so far. I always lay stress on fitness along with strength and technique.”

Chopra is not setting any specific targets for the upcoming season, but he is confident of continuing his good form.

“I have won medals in two World Championships, threw my personal best, won a dream Diamond League title, and even defended my gold at the Asian Games,” he said. “All in all, I have been in great space and want to carry forward that momentum from May onwards.”

Chopra is aware of the increasing competition in javelin throw, but he is not fazed by it.

“What matters to me is staying 100 percent fit, being consistent during the season, and delivering on the day that matters,” he said. “I think there are mistakes to fix and looking at the increasing competition all around, one has to keep improving.”

Chopra is a role model for young athletes in India and is an inspiration to many. He is a true champion and a credit to his country.

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