France's Six Nations Title Hopes Evaporate After Early Exit

France’s Six Nations Title Hopes Evaporate After Early Exit

France’s Six Nations title hopes have been extinguished after a disappointing start to the tournament. With three rounds played, the team has recorded a win, a draw, and a loss, marking the earliest exit from title contention under coach Fabien Galthié.

The team’s poor form has raised concerns, especially considering their strong performance at the Rugby World Cup just five months ago. Galthié has responded by making eight significant changes to the starting lineup for their upcoming match against Wales, including three debuts.

Among the changes, hooker Julien Marchand, locks Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou, captain Gregory Alldritt, scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec, and wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey have been brought in. Thomas Ramos has switched to flyhalf, while Nicolas Depoortere and Léo Barré will make their test debuts in midfield and fullback, respectively.

Meafou’s inclusion has generated excitement among French fans. The 2.03-meter, 145-kilogram prop has been a key player for Toulouse, helping them win three Top 14s and the 2021 European Cup. He received French citizenship last November and has been training with the national team for nearly a year.

Meanwhile, Wales has also struggled in the Six Nations, losing 10 of their last 11 matches. They have made several changes to their lineup, including dropping experienced centers George North and Nick Tompkins in favor of Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin. Captain Dafydd Jenkins has also been moved to the blindside flank to accommodate Will Rowlands.

Despite their struggles, both teams are determined to secure a victory in their upcoming match. France will be looking to regain their form and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with, while Wales will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon.

Kerber's Grit and Determination Shine in BNP Paribas Open Triumph

Kerber’s Grit and Determination Shine in BNP Paribas Open Triumph

Angelique Kerber’s triumphant return to the BNP Paribas Open was marked by a hard-fought victory over Jelena Ostapenko, a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. Despite facing a formidable opponent and challenging conditions, Kerber displayed her trademark grit and tenacity to overcome a set and a break deficit, ultimately prevailing 5-7, 6-3, 6-3.

Kerber’s victory marked a significant milestone in her comeback from maternity leave, as it was her first Top 10 win since the 2021 Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The German veteran, now ranked 607th in the world, showcased her unwavering spirit and competitive fire throughout the match.

After initially trailing 3-1 in the opening set, Kerber rallied to win four consecutive games and held two set points. However, Ostapenko, who has enjoyed a successful season with titles in Adelaide and Linz, fought back to break Kerber’s serve and take the set 7-5.

Undeterred, Kerber refused to let the momentum slip away. She broke Ostapenko’s serve twice in the second set to level the match at 1-1. The third set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks early on. Kerber eventually seized control of the match with her eighth break of the day, forcing Ostapenko’s backhand into the net.

In a nail-biting finish, Kerber faced four match points in a 12-point game. With nerves of steel, she unleashed an unreturned serve to seal the victory.

“This is why I am back,” Kerber declared on-court after the match. “It’s really an important win for me. Coming here, playing against one of the top players again and winning the match like this, gives me for sure a lot of confidence.”

Kerber’s victory marked her first consecutive match wins since Wimbledon 2022, while Ostapenko’s record against the German dropped to 1-3.

Sinner Extends Winning Streak to 16 with Dominant Indian Wells Debut

Sinner Extends Winning Streak to 16 with Dominant Indian Wells Debut

World No. 3 Jannik Sinner has extended his remarkable winning streak to 16 matches with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event. The Italian star is now a perfect 13-0 on the season, having won his last three matches of 2023 at the Davis Cup Finals, the Australian Open title, and the Rotterdam title.

Sinner’s victory in Indian Wells marks his first match on American soil since his triumph at the US Open last year. The 21-year-old is now one win away from matching his career-best winning streak of 17 matches, set in 2021.

The Italian’s dominance in the match against Kokkinakis was evident from the outset. Sinner broke the Australian’s serve in the opening game and never looked back. He controlled the pace of the match with his powerful groundstrokes and precise serve, winning 80% of his first-serve points.

Kokkinakis, ranked No. 103 in the world, struggled to find his rhythm against Sinner’s relentless pressure. The Australian was broken three times in the first set and failed to win a single game in the second set.

Sinner’s victory in Indian Wells is a testament to his exceptional form and his determination to reach the No. 2 ranking. The Italian is now just 100 points behind No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently sidelined with an injury.

If Sinner continues his winning ways, he could potentially overtake Alcaraz and become the new world No. 2 as early as next week. The Italian is scheduled to face either Jenson Brooksby or Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round of Indian Wells.

Caty McNally Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Eyes New Chapter in Tennis Career

Caty McNally Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Eyes New Chapter in Tennis Career

American tennis star Caty McNally is embarking on a new chapter in her career after undergoing successful elbow surgery. The 22-year-old, who reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 54 last May, has been battling elbow pain for the past 10 months.

Despite conservative treatment, McNally’s pain persisted, leading her to make the difficult decision to go under the knife. The surgery, performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Dugas at the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama, was a success.

McNally’s injury troubles began shortly after her impressive run to the semifinals of the 2022 French Open. She missed the subsequent Wimbledon tournament and was sidelined for six months before making a brief return to the tour in February.

During her brief comeback, McNally teamed up with Asia Muhammad to win the WTA doubles title in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. However, her elbow pain continued to hinder her performance, forcing her to withdraw from the Australian Open and miss both the French Open and US Open last year.

McNally’s fellow Americans, including Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady, and former doubles partner Coco Gauff, have expressed their support and well wishes for her recovery.

“Can’t wait to see you back healthy,” Keys wrote on Instagram.

“Wishing you a speedy recovery,” added Gauff.

McNally is now focused on her rehabilitation and is determined to return to the court as soon as possible. She has already begun the grueling process of physical therapy and is eager to regain her previous form.

With her talent and determination, McNally is confident that she can overcome this setback and achieve even greater success in the future.

England Vows to Defend Twickenham Against Ireland in Six Nations Clash

England Vows to Defend Twickenham Against Ireland in Six Nations Clash

England’s Jamie George has vowed to defend Twickenham “like every Englishman would” when Ireland visits on Saturday for a crucial Six Nations clash. Ireland, the reigning champions, are seeking a fifth consecutive victory over England and a bonus-point win that would secure their title retention with a game to spare. They also aim to become the first team in the men’s Six Nations era to achieve back-to-back Grand Slams.

Despite Ireland’s impressive form, George remains confident in England’s ability to upset the odds. “We believe that we’re going to win,” he declared. “We don’t want anyone, any opposition, to come to Twickenham and have an easy ride.”

George emphasized the importance of home advantage, stating, “This is England. This is Twickenham. This is home. And we’re going to defend our home, like every Englishman would.” He acknowledged Ireland’s strength but expressed his team’s determination to prove their worth.

England coach Steve Borthwick has labeled Ireland the best team in the world on current form, but George believes his side can challenge them. “If we get our things right then we are going to come out on the positive end of the result,” he said. “That is genuinely what I believe and I have seen some positive signs this week that we are going to be going in the right direction.”

Ireland’s recent record is impressive, with 23 wins in their last 25 Tests. However, England pushed South Africa, the reigning World Cup champions, to the limit in their semi-final loss last year. George believes this experience will serve them well against Ireland.

India Aims for Record Medal Haul at Paris 2024 Olympics

India Aims for Record Medal Haul at Paris 2024 Olympics

With the Paris 2024 Olympics fast approaching, India’s preparations are in full swing. The country’s seven medals at Tokyo and success at the Hangzhou Asian Games have raised expectations, but the Olympics present a formidable challenge.

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur expressed confidence in India’s athletes, stating that they will return with the country’s best Olympic haul. The government has supported athletes’ qualification and preparation, sanctioning over 350 foreign exposure trips.

As of now, 58 Indian athletes have qualified for Paris 2024, including both the men’s and women’s Table Tennis teams, as well as quotas in women’s Skeet Shooting and Equestrian (Dressage).

The government has graded National Sports Federations (NSFs) based on performance and expectations, but fund cuts are not considered a measure for non-performance. Instead, the focus is on providing support to athletes through federations.

India has expressed its intention to bid for the 2036 Olympics and 2030 Youth Olympics. The government is working closely with the Indian Olympic Association and the IOC Future Hosts Commission to make a strong recommendation in favor of the Indian bid.

To achieve success in terms of medals, India is encouraging sports like cycling and swimming, which offer multiple medal opportunities. The government has increased its sports budget three times in the past decade, and corporate and private investments through CSR funds have also contributed to the development of Indian sport.

The Khelo India Games play a crucial role in talent identification, and the upcoming KIRTI Platform aims to tap into untapped sporting talent across India.

Women’s sport is a particular area of focus, with the government enhancing its support in recent years. Women athletes have won five medals in the last two Olympic Games and have made significant contributions to India’s medal tally at the Asian Games.

Babar, Ayub Star as Peshawar Zalmi Crush Quetta Gladiators, Book Playoff Spot

Babar, Ayub Star as Peshawar Zalmi Crush Quetta Gladiators, Book Playoff Spot

Peshawar Zalmi Dominate Quetta Gladiators, Secure Playoff Berth in Pakistan Super League

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan – Peshawar Zalmi stormed into the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with a resounding 76-run victory over Quetta Gladiators on Friday. The triumph was orchestrated by a brilliant batting performance from Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, who overshadowed Akeal Hosein’s hat-trick.

Quetta’s batting woes continued as they were dismissed for a paltry 120 in 17.5 overs, chasing Peshawar’s imposing total of 196-8. Ayub, who has excelled in his new all-rounder role, played a pivotal role in dismantling Quetta’s top order, claiming the wickets of skipper Rilee Rossouw and Khawaja Nafay in quick succession.

Babar Azam, the league’s leading batter, continued his impressive form with a blistering 53 off 30 deliveries, studded with nine fours and a six. His innings propelled Peshawar to a formidable total.

Despite Hosein’s hat-trick in the final over, Peshawar’s batting depth proved too much for Quetta. Ayub opened the innings with a brisk 30 off 14 balls, while Rovman Powell (28 not out) and Naveen-ul-Haq (10 not out) added a crucial 39 runs in the closing stages.

The victory propelled Peshawar to second place in the standings, with a chance to secure a top-two finish in their final league game against Islamabad United on Sunday. Quetta, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle to reach the playoffs, needing to win at least one of their remaining two matches.

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.

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