Indian Football Team Captain Chhetri with Team

India are the champions of Hero Intercontinental Cup

Team India is on the rise in football. After keeping a clean sheet throughout the Hero Intercontinental Cup, the 101-ranked team defeated Lebanon in the finals of the prestigious tournament to lift the cup. Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte were the heroes of the grand finale winning the match 2-0.

This is India’s second title triumph in the tournament, following their win in the inaugural edition in 2018. Korea won in 2019. In the last leg of his career, the 38-year-old Chhetri found the back of the net in the 46th minute of the title clash, breaking the deadlock right after play resumed after a goalless first half.

Buoyed by the lead and backed by a near-capacity crowd at the Kalinga Stadium, India consolidated their position when Lallianzuala Chhangte, the provider of the first goal, found the target in the 66th-minute, leaving the fans delighted and their 99th-ranked opponents stunned.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

Soon after the accomplishment, it was announced by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that a whopping ₹1 crore cash prize will be given to the team for their success.

Patnaik said, “It is a matter of great pride for our State to host this prestigious Intercontinental Cup. Congratulations to India on their victory in the face of stiff competition. It is our intention to hold many more football events in Odisha and support the growth of the sport in Odisha and India.”

With this title win, the focus will shift to SAFF Championship in Bengaluru. The hosts will play Pakistan in their opening game on June 21.

Indian Cricket Team Squad For Asia Cup

Breaking: Asia Cup to be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka

After days of having conflicts surrounding the venue for the 2023 Asia Cup, the Asian Cricket Council has come to a decision. As per the committee, the Asia Cup will be conducted in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 31 to September 17.

“The tournament will be hosted in a hybrid model with four matches being held in Pakistan, and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka. The 2023 Edition will feature two groups, with two teams from each group qualifying for the Super Four stage. The top two teams from the Super Four stage will then face off in the final,” the Asian Cricket Council said in a statement.

The hybrid model has come into effect after the BCCI expressed its reservations about touring Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Earlier, former champions Pakistan were given the right to entirely host the continental tournament.

SS Ton Cricket Bat

“I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means that the PCB will remain as the host and stage matches in Pakistan and Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian team’s inability to travel to Pakistan, ” said PCB boss Najam Sethi.

The Asian Cricket Council has confirmed that India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal will participate in the tournament and play a total of 13 ODI (One Day International) matches at the Asia Cup. Four matches of the Asia Cup will be played in Pakistan (Lahore) while former champions Sri Lanka (Kandy and Pallekele)will host nine games of the showpiece event.

The 2023 edition will feature two groups, with two teams from each group qualifying for the Super Four stage. The top two teams from the Super Four stage will then face off in the final. The final will take place on Sunday, September 17.

BCCI set to announce squad for West Indies Tour; Pujara to be dropped from Test team

BCCI set to announce squad for West Indies Tour; Pujara to be dropped from Test team

After the embarrassing loss in the World Test Championship final, it is believed that the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) will be bringing major changes to the Test squad. As reported by Cricbuzz, only a couple of players are set to be rested or dropped, and importantly, Rohit Sharma is set to continue as India’s Test captain in the foreseeable future.

As per the report, four out of the top five batsmen retain their place in the batting lineup. Rohit, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane are certain to retain their places in the squad for the two Test matches in West Indies, but a question mark hangs over Cheteshwar Pujara, who is plagued with a drop in form.

Cheteshwar Pujara has been Team India’s wall in the red-ball format for over a decade. But lately, the right-hander has witnessed a dip in form. The Saurashtra-based batsman has scored only one century in 52 innings (28 Tests) since 2020 at a disappointing average of 29.69. While he has registered 11 half-centuries, his average further drops to 26.31 when his scores of 90 and 102* in the Chittagong Test in December 2022 are excluded.

SS Ton Cricket Bat

Pujara’s shot selection and his strike rate have garnered a lot of criticism with many former cricketers believing the right-hander needs to call it a time from the Test format.

In addition, Mohammad Shami who has been in exceptional touch will be rested for the Test series. The veteran fast bowler may return for the ODIs that follow the two Tests in view of the World Cup later this year. Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik who have impressed everyone with their talent will likely be included in the 2 Test series.

KS Bharat, who showed exceptional skills behind the stumps will retain his position in the squad. Additionally, Ishan Kishan will also be included in the Test squad as a backup keeper.

Wimbledon prize money increased to a record £44.7 million

Wimbledon set to increase its prize money for the upcoming tournament

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) announced that it has increased the prize pool for Wimbledon to a record 44.7 million pounds ($56.52 million), an 11.2% increase as compared to last year. Based on this raise, the winners and runners-up of the men’s and women’s singles finals will also see their prize money rising to previous levels in 2019, where they received 2.35 million pounds and 1.175 million pounds, respectively.

“We are delighted to offer record prize money to the players competing at the Championships this year, with double-digit increases across the majority of events, “AELTC chairman Ian Hewitt said in their statement. He further added, “Our ambition with this distribution is to return the singles champions and runners-up prize money to the levels in 2019 prior to the (COVID-19) pandemic whilst… providing deserved support for players in the early rounds of the event.”

The Qualifying Competition prize money fund has received a 14.5% increase from last year, while Main Draw Singles players losing in the first round will receive £55,000, a 10% increase in 2022.

The prize pool for the Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Doubles is a 10.7% increase from last year, while the Wheelchair and Quad Wheelchair Singles and Doubles events all rose by just shy of 20%.

The Wimbledon 2023 will officially start from July 3 to 16.

Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham officially signs for Real Madrid

Spanish club giants Real Madrid have broken the Internet. The club has officially signed England’s young sensation Jude Bellingham from Borrusia Dortmund. The 19-year-old has completed his £115 million move, making him the most expensive British player of all time.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

Real Madrid announced his arrival on Twitter with a picture of him in the club’s new shirt with a caption saying “Hey Jude” as a reference to the famous Beatles song.

The club released a statement confirming the transfer, revealing that Bellingham will be presented to the fans on Thursday. The official statement read: “Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund have agreed on the transfer of the player Jude Bellingham, who will remain linked to our club for the next six seasons.”

It further read, “Tomorrow, Thursday, June 15, at 12:00 noon at Real Madrid City, the presentation ceremony for Jude Bellingham as a new Real Madrid player will take place.”

The move is a massive plus for Madrid. Bellingham has been rated as one of the best of his generation. He has scored 24 goals in 132 games for Dortmund, winning the German Cup in 2021. Additionally, he has impressed everyone with his leadership skills at Borussia Dortmund.

With Karim Benzema departing from Real Madrid this season, Bellingham will be a great option to lead Real Madrid’s attack. Besides Bellingham, Real Madrid has also announced the signing of Rayo Vallecano left-back Fran Garcia to bolster their defence.

Michael Bracewell

Michael Bracewell ruled out of ODI World Cup 2023

New Zealand’s premier all-rounder Michael Bracewell has ruptured his Achilles which has ruled him out of the ODI Cricket World Cup happening in October. The injury was caused during a T20 Blast game in England and has sidelined him for six to eight months.

Bracewell has performed exceptionally for the Kiwis in the recent past. The left-hander has featured in 19 ODIs with 510 runs at an average of 42.50 while predominantly batting at No.6 and 7. The southpaw got major appreciation for his outstanding hundred against India this year where he smashed a 78-ball 140 – including 12 fours and 10 sixes – in chase of the home team’s 349/8.

SS Ton Cricket Bat

Bracewell’s injury is a major blow to New Zealand’s plans for the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup. The Black Caps will also be without the services of their talismanic skipper Kane Williamson who is nursing a leg injury.

Upon knowing the news of the injury, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said: “Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event.”

He further said, “Michael’s a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for New Zealand since his international debut. We’ve seen his exceptional skills in all three facets of the game and he was shaping as an important player for us at the world cup in India.”

Bracewell will now undergo surgery in the UK and then fly to his hometown for rehabilitation.

PV Sindhu

PV Sindhu defeats Tunjung; qualifies for pre-quarterfinals of Indonesia Open

After having a dismal season, star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu has gained her original form as she has reached the pre-quarterfinals of the Indonesian Open. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medal winner ousted Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in straight games in the opening round of the Indonesia Open World Tour Super 1000 event.

The former World Champion prevailed over her fierce competitor in straight sets (21-19, 21-15) to seal the pre-quarterfinals berth. This was also Sindhu’s first win against Tunjung in her last three games as she had lost to the Indonesian in the Madrid Masters final and Malaysian Masters semifinal earlier this year.

best Yonex Racquet

best Yonex Racquet

With this win, Sindhu will have to pull her socks up as she faces third-seeded Tai Tzu Ying. The game won’t be easy for Sindhu as the Taiwanese is on an eight-match winning streak against the Indian badminton player and has a fantastic head-to-head record (18-5).

Additionally, Team India’s ace shuttler HS Prannoy also made his mark at the Indonesia Open. The badminton player defeated Japan’s Kento Nishimoto in straight sets (21-16, 21-14). Prannoy, who won the Malaysia Masters Super 300 event will now face Hong Kong’s NG Ka Long Angus.

Well, in the middle of such awesome achievements, there are some failures too. The Indian duo of Tressa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand crashed out in the opening round of the tournament, losing to Japan’s Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi.

Kylian Mbappe

Breaking: Kylian Mbappe to not extend his PSG contract

Paris St. Germain star Kylian Mbappe has informed the authorities about his decision to not extend his contract. As per a report in L’Équipé, Mbappe’s contract which is due to expire in June 2024 has an option wherein the footballer can extend for one more year. However, it appears the footballer doesn’t want to extend his stay in the French capital.

Mbappe has been at the club since 2018 after signing from Monaco in a transfer worth a reported $190 million. He has been a pivotal figure for PSG winning five French league titles with the club. However, with Mbappe’s decision, PSG is left with nothing but to sell the player before his contract expires. PSG would not allow Mbappe to leave as a free agent, thus raising the possibility of a transfer battle between clubs this season. Real Madrid who saw their star striker Karim Benzema depart from the club this season will be in the lines to get their hands on the French superstar and strengthen their attacking options. Manchester United and Chelsea will also be looking to sign the superstar.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

With this decision by Mbappe, PSG fans are left stunned. The club saw Lionel Messi leave them and join Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. Neymar Jr. who is also an important player for the club is also being reported to be approached by Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Meanwhile, all things aren’t bad for PSG. It is reported that Manchester City star Bernardo Silva is joining Paris St. Germain. Silva has been a big part of Manchester City’s defence and will be a vital cog in PSG’s midfield.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic beats Ruud in French Open finals; wins record 23rd Grand Slam title

A new era has begun. After Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal ruled the world of Tennis, it’s Novak Djokovic’s time. The Serbian has just defeated Casper Ruud in the Roland Garros aka French Open finals to win another Grand Slam title. This win makes him top the charts as the player with the most Grand Slam titles, with 23 to his name.

Djokovic finally surpassed his great rivals in the most significant category of all as he defeated Casper Ruud 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5 to clinch his 23rd grand slam title, breaking his tie of 22 with Nadal. With the win, Djokovic also now has three titles in Paris and he is the first man to win each grand slam tournament three times. He will also return to No 1 for a record-extending 388th week as the best player in the world.

“Every single player dreams of being on this stage and winning the trophy at least once in their career. I’m beyond fortunate in my life to win 23 times, it’s an incredible feeling,” Djokovic said during his on-court speech. He further added, “It is no coincidence that I won the 23rd Grand Slam here in Paris because this tournament was really in my entire career the toughest to win.”

The Roland Garros win helped the Serbian to move within Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slams after tying Serena Williams for the second most in history. Djokovic will return to world number one for a record-extending 388th week after condemning last year’s runner-up Ruud to his third Grand Slam final defeat in the past five majors.

Many former champions congratulated Djokovic on his record-breaking win. Here’s how Twitter reacted to his remarkable win.

 

 

 

Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek marches into the finals of French Open

World No.1 Iga Swiatek marched into the finals of the 2023 French Open aka Roland Garros with a straight-set win over 14th-seeded Beatriz Haddad Maia. Swiatek, chasing her third Roland Garros crown, defeated Maia 6-2, 7-6(9-7) to reach another final.

“It’s really amazing. Honestly, it’s tough to play such a long tournament and I’m pretty happy to be able to play consistently and every year have a good result here, and I’m pretty excited for the final, ” said Swiatek after winning the tennis game.

With Swiatek struggling with her service action and uncomfortable trusting her forehand, Haddad Maia’s awesome power of her groundstrokes, particularly on the forehand side, kept her rival unsettled. She went 3-1 up in the second set, and although Swiatek broke back for 3-3, there was little sign of her running away with the contest.

Indeed, it was Haddad Maia who looked the more confident at the start of the tiebreaker, although an early mini-break was snuffed out by an awesome return winner from Swiatek.

Going into the semi-final, the top seed had lost a total of 15 games in the five previous rounds. Swiatek finished with seven more winners to her left-handed rival’s 18. She also had one more unforced error to the latter’s 25.

This is the third time she has made it to the French Open final. It’s also the second consecutive year she’s gone this far in the Major.

With this win, Iga Swiatek will now face Karolina Muchova in the finals of the French Open. Muchova beat Aryna Sabalenka in the first semi-final.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart