PR Sreejesh to Retire After Paris Olympics, Indian Hockey Era Ends

PR Sreejesh to Retire After Paris Olympics, Indian Hockey Era Ends

Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh, a stalwart in the national team for over a decade, has announced his retirement after the 2024 Paris Olympics. The announcement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey, as Sreejesh has been a pivotal figure in the team’s resurgence on the international stage.

Sreejesh, who made his senior debut in 2006, has been a cornerstone of the Indian defense, renowned for his exceptional reflexes and leadership skills. He played a crucial role in India’s historic bronze medal victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the team’s first Olympic medal in 41 years.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Sreejesh has also been a mentor and inspiration to younger players. Harmanpreet Singh, the current captain of the men’s team, credits Sreejesh’s guidance for his own development.

“He has been an inspiration for all of us,” said Harmanpreet. “We want to ‘Win it for Sreejesh’ and we are all the more encouraged to stand on the podium once again.”

Sreejesh’s retirement announcement has been met with an outpouring of gratitude and admiration from the hockey community. He has expressed his heartfelt thanks to his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.

“This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Sreejesh. “I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, and fans.”

As Sreejesh prepares for his final international tournament, the Indian team is determined to give him a fitting send-off. They have dedicated their Paris 2024 campaign to the legendary goalkeeper, aiming to win another Olympic medal in his honor.

Hardik Pandya Loses T20I Captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav

Hardik Pandya Loses T20I Captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav

Hardik Pandya’s leadership role in India’s T20I team has been revoked, with Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach, opting for Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. This decision has raised eyebrows, given Pandya’s successful stint as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.

Ashish Nehra, who coached Pandya at Gujarat Titans, expressed no surprise at the move. He believes that Gambhir has a different vision for the team and that Pandya does not fit into his plans as captain or vice-captain.

“Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir’s) ideas are toward that direction,” Nehra said.

Nehra also agreed with the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, that Pandya’s fitness was a factor in the decision. Pandya has been playing limited overs cricket and is not a regular in the Test team.

“Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings in a different balance to the side,” Nehra said.

Nehra also praised the appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain, but acknowledged that he is still a “work in progress” as a leader.

“They have made Shubman Gill in not just one format, but in all three formats. That means you are looking ahead,” Nehra said.

“Shubman Gill is a work in progress. He is 24-25 years old now. He will get better as we go ahead. He has the desire to play all 3 formats, he has the heart to learn,” he added.

Gambhir and Kohli United Despite On-Field Clashes, Says Nehra

Gambhir and Kohli United Despite On-Field Clashes, Says Nehra

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli: A United Front Despite On-Field Clashes

Former India head coach Ashish Nehra has shed light on the relationship between new head coach Gautam Gambhir and superstar batter Virat Kohli, who have had a history of on-field confrontations.

Despite their past clashes, Nehra believes that Gambhir and Kohli will work together harmoniously as they share a common goal of success for the Indian team. He emphasized that their on-field conflicts are not indicative of their relationship off the field.

“Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are two very passionate individuals. Whenever they play for a team, they can turn up against the opposition. But, when they are together in a dressing room, they are together, united for the team,” Nehra said.

Nehra also highlighted the experience and maturity of both Gambhir and Kohli, which he believes will help them navigate any potential conflicts. “You’re talking about Virat Kohli, who has an experience of over 16-17 years, Gautam Gambhir is also experienced. The things on the outside, people get an impression about it. It’s not just Gambhir and Kohli, there are so many players who have had on-field spats in the past, but when they play together for a team, they have done well as a player, as a coach-captain, as a coach and senior player,” he added.

Nehra also commented on Gambhir’s upfront and transparent personality, which he believes is a positive attribute for a coach. “Gautam Gambhir is upfront, transparent which is great. He keeps it clear and speaks his mind. That’s very important. Yes, I agree, everybody has their own style (of coaching), to operate with the coach, captain and player. I don’t see any problem with these two and where they are in their careers,” Nehra said.

While Gambhir’s coaching style may differ from that of his predecessor Rahul Dravid, Nehra does not anticipate any major issues between Gambhir and Kohli. He believes that their shared passion for the game and their commitment to the team will ultimately prevail.

England Eye Record-Breaking 600-Run Day in Test Cricket

England Eye Record-Breaking 600-Run Day in Test Cricket

Ollie Pope, the England wicketkeeper-batter, believes that the current England Test team has the potential to break the record for the most runs scored in a day in Test cricket. The current record stands at 588 for 6, set by England against India in 1936.

Pope’s comments come after England’s impressive performance in the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, where they scored 416 and 425 in their two innings. It was the first time England had scored 400-plus in both innings of a Test match.

“Sometimes we might score 280 to 300 in a day, but that’s OK and probably because we’re reading situations,” Pope said. “There might also be a day where we go and get 500 to 600 at some point in the future as well. And that’s a cool thing to have.”

England’s aggressive approach with the bat, known as “Bazball” after coach Brendon McCullum, has been a key factor in their recent success. They smashed 506 runs on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in December 2022.

Pope said that while there may be times when England batters need to “manage the game a little bit more,” their attacking style has become second nature.

“I got asked on day one at Trent Bridge ‘do you get told to play like that?’ No, we don’t,” Pope said. “It’s just our natural games and the way we go about it.”

England are currently 2-0 up in the three-match Test series against the West Indies. The third and final Test starts on Friday at Edgbaston.

India's Deepti Sharma: One Game at a Time in Women's T20 Asia Cup

India’s Deepti Sharma: One Game at a Time in Women’s T20 Asia Cup

India’s senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma has emphasized the team’s strategy of taking each game at a time in the ongoing Women’s T20 Asia Cup. She believes that the conditions in Sri Lanka have remained largely unchanged since their previous tour in June 2022.

After a resounding 82-run victory over Nepal on Tuesday, India secured their place in the semifinals. Shafali Verma’s blistering 81 off 48 balls and Deepti’s impressive 3/13 bowling performance were instrumental in the win.

“From the first game, we’ve been confident about each match, every situation, and the conditions,” Deepti said after the match. “We’re looking forward to the semifinals as well.”

Deepti noted that the pitches and conditions in Sri Lanka have not changed significantly since their last visit. “Nothing has changed,” she said. “We’re just keeping it simple and focusing on the next match.”

The right-arm off-spinner has been in top form, leading the bowling charts with eight wickets in three matches. She attributes her success to her willingness to bowl in any situation.

“I’m always ready to bowl in any kind of situation,” Deepti said. “I like to take challenges head-on. I’m enjoying each match, planning accordingly, and applying what we discuss in meetings.”

Deepti also praised the team’s batting unit, which has performed consistently throughout the tournament. “If we win the toss, we take a positive approach from the start,” she said. “As a batting unit, we’ve been doing really well from the first game and we’ve finished well too.”

India will now face Thailand in the semifinals on Thursday, October 13. Deepti believes that the team is well-prepared and confident of continuing their winning streak.

Mohammed Shami Eyes Strong Comeback to International Cricket

Mohammed Shami Eyes Strong Comeback to International Cricket

Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami is determined to make a strong comeback to international cricket after a brief injury layoff. The veteran fast bowler has been diligently training in the nets, showcasing his unwavering determination to regain his place in the Indian team.

Shami’s last competitive appearance was in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia, where he played through pain but still managed to impress with his pace and swing. He finished the tournament with an impressive 24 wickets in just seven matches, including three five-wicket hauls.

Despite his exceptional performance, Shami was forced to miss the South Africa tour and the T20I series against Afghanistan due to an Achilles tendon injury. He underwent successful recovery surgery in February, which ruled him out of the IPL and the ICC T20 World Cup.

With 448 wickets in 188 international matches, Shami is one of the most successful fast bowlers of the modern era. His ability to generate pace and swing makes him a formidable threat to any batting lineup.

Shami’s return to the Indian team will be a major boost for the side, especially with the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in 2027. His experience and skill will be invaluable as India looks to reclaim the coveted trophy.

Russian Suspect Arrested for Alleged Olympic Destabilization Plot

Russian Suspect Arrested for Alleged Olympic Destabilization Plot

French authorities have apprehended a Russian national suspected of orchestrating “destabilization” plots during the upcoming Paris Olympics. The 38-year-old man was detained and placed under judicial investigation for allegedly “organizing events likely to lead to destabilization during the Olympic Games.”

Prosecutors revealed that an investigation was initiated into “passing intelligence to a foreign power in order to arouse hostilities in France,” a crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison. A search of the suspect’s residence, conducted at the request of the interior ministry, yielded evidence supporting the alleged plans.

However, authorities emphasized that the plot was not terrorist in nature and that anti-terrorist prosecutors were not involved in the case. In preparation for the Olympics, authorities have conducted extensive background checks on over a million individuals, including athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers, security guards, and local residents near event locations.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin disclosed that 4,360 individuals were denied access to the Games, with 880 of them barred due to suspected foreign interference. Recent incidents have raised concerns about foreign actors attempting to influence French public opinion or foment divisions.

In June, dummy coffins labeled “French soldiers in Ukraine” were left near the Eiffel Tower. In May, red hands were painted on Paris’s main Holocaust memorial. Following Hamas’s attack in October, stars of David were tagged on buildings in the Paris region, leading to the arrest of two Moldovan suspects.

Celtic Stun Manchester City 4-3 in Pre-Season Thriller

Celtic Stun Manchester City 4-3 in Pre-Season Thriller

In a thrilling pre-season friendly, Celtic emerged victorious over Manchester City with a 4-3 scoreline at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Memorial Stadium. Nicolas Kuhn’s brace and Luis Palma’s decisive goal in the 68th minute proved crucial for the Scottish champions.

Manchester City, led by Erling Haaland wearing the captain’s armband for the first time, showed signs of their attacking prowess. Haaland equalized in the 57th minute, but Celtic’s resilience shone through as Palma capitalized on a breakaway to secure the win.

The match served as a warm-up for both teams ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 season. Celtic, seeking their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title, fielded a strong lineup featuring debutant goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Manchester City, the reigning English Premier League champions, used the opportunity to assess their younger talent.

Kuhn opened the scoring for Celtic in the 13th minute, showcasing his pace and finishing ability. Schmeichel made several impressive saves to deny Haaland, but City equalized through Oscar Bobb’s deflected shot in the 33rd minute. Kuhn restored Celtic’s lead three minutes later, curling a beautiful shot into the top corner.

Celtic extended their advantage to 3-1 just before halftime when Kyogo Furuhashi converted a perfect pass from Kuhn. However, City responded swiftly after the break, with Maximo Perrone scoring within seconds of coming on as a substitute. Haaland’s header in the 57th minute brought City level, but Palma’s breakaway goal proved decisive.

Despite City’s late push, Celtic held on for the victory. The match provided valuable insights for both managers as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Indian Swimmer Srihari Nataraj Unboxes Official Paris Olympics 2024 Kit

Indian Swimmer Srihari Nataraj Unboxes Official Paris Olympics 2024 Kit

Paris Olympics 2024: Indian Swimmer Srihari Nataraj Unboxes Official Kit

The highly anticipated Summer Olympics are set to commence in Paris this year, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for July 26th. However, some events will take place prior to this date, igniting excitement among athletes and fans alike.

Indian swimmer Srihari Nataraj, who made his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, has shared a glimpse of his official kit for the upcoming Paris Games. In a video posted on social media, Nataraj unboxes the contents of two suitcases adorned with the Puma logo.

The video showcases a range of items, including ceremonial attire, casual outfits, uniforms, footwear, and accessories. Nataraj meticulously displays each piece, providing viewers with an exclusive look at the official gear that will be worn by Indian athletes during the Games.

The video has garnered significant attention on social media, with over 1.7 lakh views and 13,000 likes. Instagram users have expressed their admiration for the kit, with many offering well wishes to Nataraj and the Indian Olympic team.

“Looking good,” commented one user. “Best wishes for the Olympics,” added another. Several others echoed these sentiments, expressing their excitement for the upcoming event.

Nataraj’s unboxing video serves as a reminder of the immense preparation and anticipation that goes into participating in the Olympics. It also highlights the pride and excitement that athletes feel when representing their country on the world stage.

In addition to Nataraj, Dhinidhi Desinghu will also represent India in swimming at the Paris Olympics. Both athletes will be hoping to make a mark in their respective events and bring glory to their nation.

Suryakumar Yadav Named India's T20I Captain, Pandya Embraces Decision

Suryakumar Yadav Named India’s T20I Captain, Pandya Embraces Decision

Hardik Pandya’s leadership aspirations have faced another setback after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. This decision has sparked speculation about the potential impact on the relationship between Pandya and Yadav.

However, a heartwarming moment captured on video before the team’s departure to Sri Lanka has eased concerns. In the video, Pandya and Yadav are seen shaking hands and embracing, indicating that there is no animosity between them.

At a pre-departure press conference, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the rationale behind the decision to appoint Yadav as captain. He cited Yadav’s impressive performances, his cricketing acumen, and his status as one of the world’s leading T20 batters.

Agarkar also hinted that fitness played a role in the decision, as Yadav is more likely to be available for all matches. He emphasized that Pandya remains a crucial player for India, despite not being named captain.

“In regards to Hardik, he’s still a very important player for us and that’s what we want him to be, that player that he can be because those sorts of skill-sets are very difficult to find,” said Agarkar.

India’s tour of Sri Lanka will commence with the first T20I on July 27. The three-match T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.

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