Author: Abhishek Shukla

Owner of Sports India Live.
by Abhishek Shukla

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE LAUNCHES NEW BELLATOR MMA CHAMPIONS SERIES FOLLOWING MAJOR ACQUISITION

NEW YORK (February 5, 2024) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest-growing and most innovative sports league, after their industry shaping acquisition of Bellator, has announced the first of eight Bellator Champions Series events will kick off in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Friday March 22 at The SSE Arena, Belfast. 

Bellator Champions Series events will take place in top MMA growth markets around the world, featuring world title fights and world ranked fighters on each card. The reimagined Bellator Champions Series is part of a landmark agreement between PFL and DAZN. Beginning with Bellator 302 on March 22 on DAZN fans will be able to watch Bellator Champions Series events at prime times in the UK, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, France and other European markets. 

“After the landmark acquisition of Bellator, the Professional Fighters League is excited to officially announce a new era of MMA with the launch of the ‘Bellator Champions Series’ global franchise,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “The Bellator Champions Series” will feature reigning Bellator Champion fighters defending their titles against the best fighters in the world from the start studded Bellator roster.  Fans will have access to the best competition and the most innovate formats in MMA distributed by leaders in sport including DAZN.”

“The growth in popularity of MMA is being matched by the innovation and promotion that DAZN is delivering in partnership with the Professional Fighters League.” Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets for DAZN said. “The Bellator Champions Series is another example of DAZN delivering fantastic matchups, where the best take on the best, and what promises to be some of the best fight nights in the sport for DAZN’s customers. All delivered by our award-winning app, which is widely available across smart and internet enabled devices, through a broad range of distribution partnerships, and with a variety of flexible and accessible price points.”

Bellator Champions Series kicks off with Bellator 302, headlined by a battle for the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship between Corey “Overtime” Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) and Belfast’s own Karl Moore (12-2). In addition, Belfast’s Leah McCourt (8-3) faces Sinead Kavanagh (9-6) in a 2022 rematch.

“The PFL is excited to kick off the new Bellator Champions Series this March in Belfast,” said James Frewin, SVP International at PFL. “Along with our great partner DAZN we look forward to giving MMA fans a premium experience through the PFL’s eight Bellator Champions Series events.” 

Tickets for Bellator Champions Series in Belfast will be available via special pre-sale beginning Wednesday, February 6, with a general on-sale of Thursday, February 7 at ticketmaster.ie. Doors for Bellator 302 open at 4 pm local time, with the first preliminary bout taking place one hour later at 5 pm. 

Additional distribution information including a U.S. broadcast partner will be announced in coming weeks.

Prior to the Professional Fighter’s Leagues industry shaping acquisition of Bellator in November of 2023, Bellator held 301 events building a recognized worldwide roster of elite talent. In re-imagining Bellator the PFL will continue the commitment of investing in athletes from underserved regions while continuing to add global stars to the roster.

Bellator 302 Main Event & Co-Main Event:

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) vs. Karl Moore (12-2)

 Women’s Featherweight Co-Main Event: Leah McCourt (8-3) vs. Sinead Kavanagh (9-6)

Corey Anderson signed with Bellator in 2020 and made an immediate impact on the 205-pound division. The Rockton, Ill. native most recently defeated former champion Phil Davis and now will enter his matchup at Bellator 302 with his sights set on capturing the thus far elusive Light Heavyweight Championship. Standing across form him will be Belfast native Karl Moore. Moore is 4-0 under the Bellator banner, with finishes in seven of 12 appearances as a professional.

A nine-fight Bellator veteran, Leah McCourt makes her return to Bellator in a highly anticipated Women’s Featherweight clash against Sinead Kavanagh. Kavanagh has built a reputation around her knockout power and relentless style of fighting. The pair of featherweights first encountered each other in 2022 at Bellator 275 in Dublin where Kavanagh emerged victorious. The two will look to prove who is the division’s top contender. 

PFL is the only organization in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.

by Abhishek Shukla

ICC player of the month nominees revealed for January

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the shortlists of nominees for the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for January 2024.

The ICC Men’s Player of the Month shortlist includes the architects of two memorable Test victories away from home, plus a prolific pacer who celebrated another significant milestone in the longest format.

Josh Hazlewood took his 250th Test wicket in January while bowling Australia to notable victories against Pakistan and West Indies. Shamar Joseph enjoyed a remarkable start to his international career last month, claiming a prized wicket with his first ball in Test cricket as well as producing an iconic spell to clinch a dramatic victory for the West Indies in Brisbane. The lineup is completed by another Test hero, Ollie Pope, whose mammoth innings in Hyderabad turned England’s big first innings deficit into a landmark win.

Hazlewood, Joseph and Pope are all first-time nominees in the ICC Player of the Month Awards.

The ICC Women’s Player of the Month nominees feature a decorated Australian duo and an explosive Ireland T20I runscorer.

Australia’s Alyssa Healy was once more in sparkling form in January, recording decisive knocks in her side’s ODI and T20I series successes against India and South Africa. Teammate Beth Mooney also got in on the act by scoring heavily en route to the Player of the Series award against South Africa. Completing the lineup is 18-year-old wicketkeeper batter Amy Hunter, whose fireworks with the bat ensured Ireland secured a comfortable T20I series win in Zimbabwe.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world will now be invited to cast their votes to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered at icc-cricket.com/awards will be able to vote for their favourite performers until Saturday.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for January:

Josh Hazlewood (AUS)

The Australian pacer joined an elite club in January after taking his 250th wicket in the longest format. Hazlewood played three Tests during the month, starting in fine fashion with four wickets in the second innings of their third matchup against Pakistan, to bowl the tourists out cheaply and contribute to an eight-wicket win in Sydney. The 33-year-old followed up by taking nine wickets in the first Test against West Indies and five in the second Test in Brisbane, clocking up 19 wickets at a sensational average of 11.63.

Shamar Joseph (WI)

The orchestrator for what was perhaps one of the most dramatic Test victories in recent memory, Joseph’s month will be long remembered for his bowling efforts in the second innings of the second Test v Australia in Brisbane. Defending a modest target of 216 for victory, Joseph unleashed a remarkable spell of fast bowling, taking seven for 68 to cue wild celebrations. This, in addition to taking the wicket of Steve Smith with his first ball in international cricket in a five-wicket-haul in Adelaide, saw him named Player of the Series and nominated for ICC Men’s Player of the Month for the very first time.

Ollie Pope (ENG)

Facing a 190-run deficit in the first India v England Test in Hyderabad, Pope came to the crease at 45 for one. The 26-year-old then dug in and produced a batting masterclass to overturn the deficit, and set a challenging total which India fell short of. A blend of innovative strokeplay and resilient defence characterised Pope’s innings in which he scored 196 in 278 balls, including 21 boundaries. The innings propelled England to a score of 420 before they bowled India out to secure a record-breaking victory.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for January:

Alyssa Healy (AUS)

Australia’s batting maestro once more led from the front in January, contributing heavily to her side’s ODI and T20I success against India and South Africa. Healy’s month began with a brisk 82 to secure the final ODI of the series against India, and followed this with a Player of the Series stretch in the subsequent T20I encounters. A knock of 46 in the opening T20I match against South Africa was another highlight, and Healy ended the month having scored 256 international runs during the month. Her nomination for January 2024 is the third time she has been shortlisted for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month, winning on both previous occasions (April 2021 and April 2022).

Amy Hunter (IRE)

Ireland’s talented young wicketkeeper batter has enjoyed a successful start to her international career, and is shortlisted for the first time for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month thanks to another set of fine performances with the bat. A quiet start in the ODI fixtures against Zimbabwe was followed by an explosive 101 not out in 66 balls in the first match, 77 not out from 57 balls in the second and 42 in the third, to secure a 3-0 win away from home. Her 220 runs in T20Is during the month came at a sensational strike rate of 144.73.

Beth Mooney (AUS)

Mooney once again delivered last month with a run of scores in Australia’s successful T20I series against India and South Africa. Locked at 1-1, Mooney partnered with Healy to chase down 148 in the decisive matchup against India in Mumbai. Then, back on home soil, Australia welcomed South Africa, and Mooney continued to flourish, registering scores of 72 not out and 82 in the victorious first and third encounters. During the month, Mooney scored 256 runs at an average of 64.00.

The ICC Player of the Month Voting Process: 

The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month. The shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket fraternity including well-known journalists, former players, broadcasters and members of the ICC Hall of Fame. The Voting Academy submit their votes by email and hold a 90 per cent share of the vote. Fans registered with the ICC can vote via the ICC website, accounting for the remaining 10 per cent. Winners are announced every second Monday of the month on ICC’s digital channels. 

Voting Academy for ICC Player of the Month December 2023: 

Afghanistan: Hameed Qayoomi and Javed Hamim; Australia: Scott Bailey and Lisa Sthalekar; Bangladesh: Mohammad Sekander Ali and Md Ariful Islam Roney; England: Elizabeth Ammon and Lydia Greenway; Ireland: Ger Siggins and Clare Shillington; India: S Gomesh and Irfan Pathan; New Zealand: Merryn Anderson and Craig Cumming; Pakistan: Sawera Pasha and Sana Mir; South Africa: Zaahier Adams and Ashwell Prince; Sri Lanka: Azzam Ameen and Farveez Maharoof; West Indies: Daren Ganga and Stacy Ann King; Zimbabwe: Daniel Nhakaniso and Grant Flower; Others: Ajit Vijaykumar and Dirk Nannes.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘Very lucky to be a part of the PKL,’ says Surjeet Singh after completing 400 Tackle Points

NEW DELHI, 05 FEBRUARY 2024: The Bengaluru Bulls came back to win against U Mumba in their Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 clash at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Sunday.  

Speaking after the match, star defender Surjeet Singh, who became the second player to score 400 Tackle Points after Fazel Atrachali, credited the support of the PKL for his growth as a Kabaddi player, “The PKL has helped improve the standard, and the life of a Kabaddi player. I am very lucky that I have been a part of this league for so long. I am thankful for being the first Indian defender to get 400 Tackle Points, it is a great achievement for me.”  

He also gave his opinion on how the match panned out, “The plan with five raiders backfired at the start, but we changed this strategy, slowed down the game, and this took as to the win. Sushil and Akshit played quite well throughout the match and complemented the defence well, especially in the second half, and this took us to victory.” 

The defender was joined by skipper Saurabh Nandal is looking forward to their next clash against the in-form Puneri Paltan. “Puneri are a good team. It will be a tough match. He will work on the mistakes that we made in the last match. All the matches now are do or die matches, so we must work hard to make it to the playoffs,” he said.  

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Bulls will now take on the Puneri Paltan at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, February 07. 

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 5th February  

Game 1 – Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Patna Pirates – 8 pm  

Game 2- Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Puneri Paltan – 9 pm  

Venue: New Delhi

Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and for free on Disney+ hotstar.  

by Abhishek Shukla

Stunning World Athletics Indoor Championships medals revealed

With less than four weeks to go until the first champion is crowned, organisers have today revealed the medals specially commissioned for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 following a design competition.

Taking place from 1-3 March this year, the World Athletics Indoor Championships will feature more than 700 athletes as they compete across 26 events, aiming to come out victorious and secure a coveted medal, with up to 108 medals being awarded (allowing for up to six in a relay team).

The pinnacle of every athlete’s career is to stand on the podium at a major championship and be presented with a unique medal, one that recognises and reflects the magnitude of their achievement at the highest level.

Although this is the 19th edition of the championships, this is the first time the event has been held in Scotland. This is reflected in the design of the medal, which incorporates the thistle inspired event brand, complemented by a selection of well-known Glasgow landmarks around its outer rim, giving athletes a little piece of Glasgow to remember their triumph, long after they leave the city.

Event organisers launched an open call last summer, giving Scottish artists the chance to submit their designs in a bid to become a part of history. Winning artist, Graeme Clark, from Edinburgh is proud to see his illustrations transformed into a stunning creation that will be presented to all the medallists.

Speaking about his design and inspiration, Clark said: “As a man from Edinburgh, I’ve always enjoyed trips through to Glasgow for various exhibitions, gigs, and shopping. It’s a city full of culture and serves as a great creative inspiration for designers like me.

“It’s also a place full of inspiring talent and iconic architecture. I’ve worked with many Glaswegian brands over the years and the city always seems to birth amazing things. The city has a lot of iconic monuments and structures, that served as the inspiration for the design.”

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life who co-ordinated the design competition, said: “When we issued a callout to the Scottish craft and design community, we knew the standard of submissions would be high, but we were hugely impressed with the quality of the response.

“While we had a tough decision to make, Graeme’s design stood out as the clear winner, and we are delighted to be able to create a medal that incorporates so much of Glasgow’s iconic skyline and has a distinctly Scottish feel.

“Glasgow is proud to be hosting one of the biggest sports events in Scotland this year, and I can’t wait to see the medals presented at the Championships next month. I am sure the winning athletes will all treasure the small part of Glasgow they take home with them.”

Among the first to set eyes on the medals were young athletes from the team that represented Glasgow at the European City Challenge last October, as well as Shettleston Harriers and Victoria Park Glasgow Athletics Club. They were given a sneak peek by event ambassador, world and Olympic medallist and European champion Eilidh Doyle, and three other Scottish athletics legends, 1980 Olympic 100m champion Allan Wells, and 1993 world indoor champions Yvonne Murray-Mooney (3000m) and Tom McKean (800m).

Doyle said: “As an athlete it is always exciting when the medals are revealed as you know the championships are getting close, so it creates a real buzz. And when you see them for real, it really makes you want one and spurs you on that little bit more.

“The medals are all quite different, and it is great to see a strong Scottish and Glasgow theme on this one, creating a sense of place, for the championships that will be remembered.” 

The medals have been produced by specialist manufacturer Toye, Kenning and Spencer who have produced a range of high-quality championship medals including the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. In addition to the gold, silver, and bronze editions, a pewter coaches medal has been made to recognise the coaches of the winning relay teams. 

Looking forward to the Championship, Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said: “The World Athletics Indoor Championships offers Glasgow – and Scotland – a further opportunity to shine on the world stage and showcase our reputation for hosting and delivering major international events.

“From the thistle-inspired medals to the warm welcome which will be extended to athletes and spectators coming from across the globe, I have no doubt that a successful and uniquely Scottish event will be taking place in March, one which will inspire a new generation of young people to join their local athletics clubs and perhaps become the future Scottish stars.”

Ian Beattie, Chair UK Athletics, said: “Every athlete competing in Glasgow will dream of winning a medal, and it is fantastic to see that those who are successful will have such a stunning memory of their achievement. 

“As the event gets nearer the excitement is increasing, and I know the Glasgow crowd will create an electric atmosphere within the arena that will support the world class Scottish and British athletes to perform at the highest level.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Glasgow and Scotland will provide the perfect stage as the final countdown begins for next month’s 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships at Emirates Arena.” 

by Abhishek Shukla

Six teams qualify for summit round of EaseMyTrip Yuva Kabaddi Series Winter Edition 2023

Pondicherry, February 05, 2024:  Six teams including Murthal Magnets and Palani Tuskers have made it to the summit round of the EaseMyTrip Yuva Kabaddi Series Winter Edition 2023 at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pondicherry.

Murthal Magnets finished the challenger round on top of the table with 49 points, while Palani Tuskers performed brilliantly to stay in the second position with a total of 46 points.

Aravalli Arrows, Panchala Pride, Vijayanagara Veers and Chola Veerans have also reached the summit round. They will now fight for the title in the knockout stage of the tournament, which is empowering India’s budding kabaddi stars with a highly competitive platform and gives the next-gen players a chance to showcase their talent. It also grooms them for the biggest stage in Kabaddi.

In addition to establishing a feasible career route in sports, the series aims to develop a broader set of skills in players by providing assistance in financial literacy, media training, and nutrition throughout their participation in the EaseMyTrip Yuva Kabaddi Series.

Periyar Panthers, Hampi Heroes, Himalayan Tahrs and Sindh Sonics have crashed out of the tournament after finishing outside the top six in the challenger round. The ongoing tournament has also witnessed some top-notch performances from the young players with Rohit Rathee of Murthal Magnets leading the statistics in the attacking department, amassing the highest 190 raid points and also having the most Super 10s to his name with 11.

Murthal Magnets’ Sonu Rathee is currently leading as the top defender with 74 tackle points followed by Aryan Kumar of Panchala Pride with 63 points and Aravalli Arrows’ Chetan Choudhary, who has got 56 points due to his top defensive performances.

Rakesh Gowda of Hampi Heroes tops the super raids leaderboard with 15 super raids while Akash Malik of  Himalayan Tahrs is at the forefront of the super tackles race with seven super tackles.

The Yuva Kabaddi Series Winter Edition 2023 is witnessing a total of 120 high-intensity matches with 240 players from 12 different states participating in the tournament.

The final of the exciting tournament will be played on 7 February. Fans can catch all the thrilling action Live on FanCode.

by Abhishek Shukla

TPL’s Race to Gold initiative in association with MSLTA, DLTA & GSTA to put Junior District Tennis Players in the Spotlight

Mumbai, 2nd Feb 2024; In a visionary move, Tennis Premier League in association with MSLTA (Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association), DLTA (Delhi Lawn Tennis Association) & GSTA (Gujarat State Tennis Association) has launched Race to Gold (RTG), an initiative aimed at unearthing India’s tennis gems and providing them with sponsorship. This groundbreaking program aims not just to discover talent but to nurture it, year after year, creating a legacy of excellence in Indian tennis.

The first and the last Olympic medal for India in Tennis dates back to 1996 when Leander Paes clinched bronze. With Race to Gold, TPL aims to reignite India’s Olympic aspirations by nurturing a new generation of champions. This effort aims to support 72 talented tennis players, providing them with sponsorship opportunities and working towards creating a more inclusive and competitive tennis community

Kunal Thakkur, Co-Founder of Tennis Premier League, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “At TPL, we believe in nurturing talent from the grassroots level. Race to Gold is our commitment to empowering young tennis enthusiasts and providing them with the resources and exposure they need to shine on the world stage. By leveraging the TPL App, we ensure that no talent, no matter how remote, eludes our attention. ”

Highlighting the transformative nature of the initiative, Mrunal Jain Co-Founder of TPL, emphasizes, “The Race to Gold Initiative serves as a gateway for young talents to enter the world of professional tennis. We believe in the power of competition to bring out the best in our players. Ranking tournaments not only identify talent but also foster a spirit of healthy rivalry and camaraderie among participants. The legacy of Indian tennis runs deep within TPL’s ethos. From nurturing budding talents to celebrating historic achievements, we are committed to shaping the future of Indian tennis.

The scholarship, worth 75,000 INR, includes an advanced tennis racquet, a professional kit bag, a pair of shoes, jackets, strings, personalized jerseys, overgrips, caps, wristbands, socks, and slippers. Additionally, selected players will enjoy an exclusive player experience, including accommodation, food, and beverage for 2 days and 1 night at the TPL venue for the player plus one accompanying person (coach or parent). The experience also includes a session with a tennis legend, felicitation on live TV, and the opportunity to play a TPL format match against top players.

Leander Paes, an icon in tennis, expressed his endorsement for the ‘Race To Gold’ program of TPL, stating, “TPL’s commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting district participation in the ‘Race To Gold’ initiative is a testament to its impactful vision. This also signifies a purposeful step towards grassroots development. I believe it’s a significant stride for tennis in our country, and I am proud to support such initiatives that shape the future of the sport.”
The “Race To Gold” scholarship program will extend its reach to 8 major cities across India, including Mumbai, Pune , Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Eligible categories for selection include Under 10 Boys & Girls, Under 12 Boys & Girls, Under 14 Boys & Girls, Men’s Open, and Women’s Open.

Sumit Nagal, the most expensive player of the Tennis Premier League Season 5 auction, shared his thoughts on the initiative.  “TPL’s purposeful assembly of the top 72 talents as national tennis gems is truly praiseworthy. The initiative’s inclusion of district participation in the u10, u12, u14, and open categories is sure to elicit enthusiasm for the growth of tennis. I eagerly anticipate to see this journey grow more in the coming future.”

Sunder Iyer Honorable Secretary of Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association and Joint Secretary of All India Tennis Association, shares “Over the years, TPL has played a crucial role in providing opportunities, exposure, and support to Indian players by placing them at the forefront of promoting Indian tennis. Now, TPL believes that by providing opportunities and support at the grassroots level, it can pave the way for a new generation of tennis stars to emerge. MSLTA is very focused on developing the grassroot level of tennis in Maharashtra and District ranking tournaments will be very helpful in the same.”

by Abhishek Shukla

‘We are very dangerous to play now’: Sharjah Warriors all-rounder Sean Williams opens up after loss

Dubai, 5 February 2024: The Sharjah Warriors lost to the Gulf Giants by 79 runs in their DP World ILT20 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The Giants put up 187/6 in their 20 overs before bundling the Warriors for 108 runs.

Sharing his thoughts after the match, Zimbabwean all-rounder Sean Williams spoke about the three wickets that he managed to bag despite being expensive, “It’s always nice to bowl well in these conditions, especially to put pressure on the batters that the Gulf Giants have. We had to take some risks while bowling at the end, but these things must be done at the back end of the game. Unfortunately, my execution wasn’t good enough.”

Williams reserved high praise for Hetmyer especially, after his explosive winnings snatched the game away from the Warriors, “Shimron Hetmyer played really well. He is renowned for winning matches for West Indies or any team he plays with. Such players cannot be given much gap. But obviously, my over was a turning point, there’s no denying that, but that’s the thing about cricket; You must know how to respond to such situations.”

Despite the loss, Sean Williams was confident in his team’s abilities and believes they are now a threat to the other teams in their final three matches of the season, “We are a very dangerous team to play right now with nothing to lose and everything to gain. We can only take the positives and keep moving forward. This is very important so that we can go out there and give it everything we have.”

by Abhishek Shukla

ICC release ITT for media rights in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

The International Cricket Council will today release its Invitation To Tender (ITT) for media rights in three territories, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for 2024 to 2025.

Following the successful conclusion of media rights agreements in several markets including India, the United Kingdom and Ireland, the USA and Canada, Sub-Saharan Africa region, Australia and Middle East and North Africa the ICC is now starting the process in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In Pakistan there are two packages available combining both TV and digital rights including both men’s and women’s rights, with one TV and digital combined package available in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively. The packages will be for three women’s events and three men’s events up until the end of next year.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to be releasing the ITT for media rights in three of cricket’s major broadcast markets in South Asia, namely Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as we continue to build our team of broadcast partners who will take ICC events to more fans across the world.”

The ITT will be released today, and interested parties need to email iccmediarights2024-2031@icc-cricket.com to access the tender documents. Subsequent ITTs for additional markets will be released in due course.

by Abhishek Shukla

Defending champions India clash against hosts South Africa

India take on South Africa in the first semi-final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 in Benoni.

After 38 matches and 16 days since the start of the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2024, four teams now remain in contention for the coveted title.

India have been a force throughout the tournament so far, not only winning each of their five matches, but also dominating their opponents with three of their wins coming by a margin of over 200 runs. 

India have found consistent contributors both with the bat and ball, but it is their batting prowess that has stood out in the tournament. Remarkably, five different players have notched up centuries to date at the tournament.

However, they might not have faced a bowling attack of South Africa’s calibre yet, which is spearheaded by the tournament’s top wicket-taker, Kwena Maphaka. The left-arm pacer has effortlessly dismantled opposing batting lineups, claiming three five-wicket hauls along the way. India will, however, take confidence from the fact that they successfully negated him in the tri-series preceding the U19 Men’s CWC.

The Proteas’ opening batters, Steve Stolk and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, have showcased exceptional form, leading the charge for South Africa.

South Africa have only stumbled once in the tournament – against England in the group stages. But the hosts have momentum on their side with dominant victories thereafter – among their highlights has been their explosive chase of 273 runs for victory in 27 overs against Scotland to secure top spot in the group stages.

As the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 reaches its business end, the clash between India and South Africa promises to be a riveting encounter, with Willowmoore Park in Benoni the stage on which the action will unfold.

How they have fared so far

India

Form guide (in the tournament): W W W W W

India commenced their tournament with a commanding 84-run victory over Bangladesh, led by Saumy Pandey’s impressive four-wicket haul. 

In the following match against Ireland, Musheer Khan’s century propelled India beyond the 300-run mark, with Naman Tiwari contributing a four-wicket haul for a resounding 201-run win.

The momentum continued as the defending champions breached 300 runs once more, this time against the USA. Opener Arshin Kulkarni passed three figures this time, before Naman recorded successive four-fors as India emerged victors by the same margin. 

The Super Six stage then rolled around, and up against New Zealand, Musheer Khan showcased his brilliance with a second century, setting a target of 296. Saumy Pandey’s four wickets dismantled any hope of a chase, as the Blackcaps were bowled out for just 81.

Centuries from captain Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas laid the foundation for a big total of 297/5 in their final super Six match against Nepal. Pandey’s left-arm spin wreaked havoc once again, leading to a 131-run victory as India punched their tickets to the semi-finals.

South Africa

Form guide (in the tournament): W W L W W

The hosts started off their tournament with a thrilling win over West Indies in a closely contested match. Kwena Maphaka’s scintillating five-for trumped Jewel Andrew’s valiant ton as the Proteas won by 31 runs. 

South Africa then suffered their first and only defeat, losing out against England by 36 runs (DLS) in a rain-truncated match. 

However, they bounced back in style by chasing 273 in 27 overs against Scotland. Steve Stolk smashed a fifty off just 13 balls, the fastest in U19 Men’s CWC history and was well supported by Dewan Marais’s 50-ball 80.

In their first outing in the Super Six stage, Kwena Maphaka’s second five-wicket haul restricted Zimbabwe to a lowly 102. South Africa launched another explosive chase to secure a comfortable win in just 13.3 overs, with Pretorius contributing a quickfire half-century.

In their final Super Six game, Sri Lanka’s bowling posed a challenge, restricting the hosts to a modest 232 runs. However, Maphaka’s outstanding six-wicket haul tore through the Islanders’ batting lineup, securing South Africa’s qualification and a blockbuster matchup against India in the semi-final with an emphatic 119-run victory.

Players to watch

Musheer Khan has been a revelation for India in the tournament so far, leading the run-scoring charts with 334 runs at an impressive strike rate of 103.72. Beyond his batting prowess, Khan has also proved handy with the ball, scalping four wickets at an economy rate of 3.01.

Closely behind Musheer in the list for most runs is captain Uday Saharan with 308. A pillar in the middle order, Uday has momentum on his side after a century in the last game against Nepal.

It has been hard to keep Saumy Pandey out of any game in the tournament to date, with the left-arm spinner bagging at least three wickets in four of the five games so far.

Currently third in the wicket-takers list with 16 wickets, Pandey will be looking to climb to the top but the brilliant Kwena Maphaka stands in his way at the summit of the bowling charts with 18.

The left-arm quick has earned plaudits from some of the greats of the game for his speed and ability to move the ball early. 

Among the Proteas batters, the responsibility will primarily rest on the shoulders of openers Steve Stolk and Lhaun-dre Pretorius to provide a strong start for South Africa. Stolk has taken the tournament by storm, his 214 runs coming at a blazing strike rate of 148.6. Together with Pretorius, the pair have added 360 runs, the highest for any pair in the tournament, at a stunning strike rate of 141.2.

Predicted XI:

India: Adarsh Singh, Arshin Kulkarni, Musheer Khan, Uday Saharan (C), Priyanshu Moliya, Sachin Dhas, Aravelly Avanish (wk), Murugan Abhishek, Naman Tiwari, Raj Limbani, Saumy Pandey.

South Africa: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Steve Stolk, David Teeger, Richard Seletswane, Dewan Marais, Romashan Pillay, Juan James (C), Riley Norton, Tristan Luus, Nqobani Mokoena, Kwena Maphaka.

by Abhishek Shukla

Nuggets Rally to Overcome Trail Blazers in Gritty Showdown

DENVER — In a testament to their championship resilience, the Denver Nuggets orchestrated a stunning comeback to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 112-103 on Sunday night. Despite trailing by as many as 14 points in the first half, the Nuggets did not secure their first lead until the closing moments of the third quarter, showcasing their ability to shift gears when it matters most.

Jamal Murray, who contributed 21 points and a commendable 10 assists, expressed a desire for the team to adopt a more proactive approach from the outset, emphasizing the need to match their opponents’ intensity from the start. Nikola Jokic led the scoring for Denver with 29 points, underscoring his pivotal role in the team’s success.

The Nuggets’ young talents, Christian Braun and Peyton Watson, were instrumental in the final quarter, energizing their team to secure a second victory against their division rivals within 48 hours. Watson, in particular, made a significant impact, scoring 10 of his 12 points during Denver’s decisive fourth-quarter surge, which solidified their formidable home record to 21-4.

Despite the Blazers’ efforts, led by Deandre Ayton with 27 points and Anfernee Simons with 26, they were unable to maintain their lead in the face of Denver’s relentless pressure. The Nuggets executed a pivotal 16-0 run, transitioning from a nine-point deficit to taking control of the game, a shift that Blazers’ missed shots and turnovers during a critical stretch helped facilitate.

Denver’s coach Michael Malone praised the team’s defensive improvement as the game progressed, highlighting the transition from minimal to robust defense as a key factor in their victory. The Blazers, while disappointed with the outcome, remained positive about their performance, with Simons acknowledging the challenge of facing a veteran, championship-caliber team like the Nuggets.

The Blazers’ offensive struggles were evident in the second half, managing only one 3-pointer on 13 attempts after hitting 10 in the first half. Key players for Portland, including Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon, were sidelined due to injuries, paving the way for younger talents like Scott Henderson, who added 14 points, to step up.

As both teams look ahead, the Blazers are set to host the Detroit Pistons, while the Nuggets will face a challenging encounter against the Los Angeles Lakers, with both teams eager to build on their performances and carry their momentum forward.

by Abhishek Shukla

Jazz Stun Bucks with Fourth-Quarter Surge, Win 123-108

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz orchestrated a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 123-108 on Sunday night, snapping a three-game losing streak. Lauri Markkanen led the charge with 21 points, as Utah outscored Milwaukee 40-13 in the final quarter to clinch the victory.

Collin Sexton contributed 19 points, and both John Collins and rookie Keyonte George added double-doubles, with Collins posting 15 points and 10 rebounds, and George adding 19 points and 10 rebounds of his own. This collective effort underscored Utah’s resilience and depth as they turned the game around in the final minutes.

Milwaukee, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 33 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds, struggled to find their rhythm in the fourth quarter. Despite Antetokounmpo’s impressive performance and Bobby Portis’ 27 points, the Bucks could not maintain their lead due to a cold shooting streak and Utah’s tightened defense. The Bucks were without key starters Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton, impacting their on-court dynamics.

The Jazz capitalized on Milwaukee’s turnovers in the second half, scoring 15 points off seven turnovers and limiting the Bucks to just four baskets in the fourth quarter. Markkanen highlighted the connection between defense and offense, noting that getting stops fueled their offensive momentum.

Utah’s comeback began early in the fourth quarter with Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk hitting crucial 3-pointers, sparking a 19-3 run that gave the Jazz a lead they would not relinquish. Milwaukee briefly regained the lead on an Antetokounmpo layup, but Utah’s sustained offensive pressure and scoring from multiple players, including a vital contribution from George, sealed the win.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers lamented the missed opportunities, pointing out that despite getting open shots, the team’s inability to convert was their downfall. The loss was a rare setback for Milwaukee in back-to-back games, highlighting the challenges of maintaining performance without a full roster.

Utah’s win was a testament to their strategy of increasing the tempo and applying pressure, a move that paid dividends against a Bucks team feeling the effects of their schedule. The Jazz’s rebounding advantage and second-half defense were key factors in their victory.

As both teams look ahead, the Bucks face a challenge against Phoenix, while the Jazz prepare to host Oklahoma City, with both teams eager to build on their performances.

by Abhishek Shukla

Edwards Ignites Wolves to Victory Over Rockets

MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards erupted for 22 of his 32 points in a game-changing third quarter, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a convincing 111-90 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. The victory, which snapped a close contest wide open after halftime, highlighted Edwards’ scoring prowess and secured a much-needed boost for the Timberwolves, ending their game on a high note.

Rudy Gobert complemented Edwards’ offensive explosion with a double-double, amassing 17 points and 13 rebounds, alongside contributing to Minnesota’s season high-tying 11 blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns, recently named to his fourth All-Star game, added 14 points and 10 rebounds, further solidifying the Timberwolves’ dominance in the paint.

The first half saw Edwards struggling with his shot, managing just six points on 1 of 8 shooting. However, the third quarter witnessed a remarkable turnaround as Edwards shot an impressive 9 for 12 from the field, including 4 for 5 from beyond the arc, single-handedly outscoring the Rockets 22-20 in the period. Gobert praised Edwards’ aggressive play, emphasizing how attacking the rim opened up his perimeter shooting.

The Timberwolves’ win was not just a testament to their on-court performance but also a celebratory moment for Coach Chris Finch, who earned the honor to lead the Western Conference in the upcoming All-Star game. The team acknowledged Finch’s leadership by showering him with cold water in a post-game locker room celebration, a moment Finch described as reflective of their collective effort this season.

On the other side, the Rockets struggled offensively, with Alperen Sengun leading the team with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie Cam Whitmore made a notable contribution with 14 points in the second half, but the team’s overall shooting efficiency was lacking, as evidenced by their 35.2% shooting from the field. Jalen Green’s off night, marked by a 3 of 15 shooting performance, underscored Houston’s offensive woes.

The Timberwolves entered the game boasting the NBA’s best defensive record, a fact that resonated throughout the match as they stifled Houston’s attempts to establish a rhythm. Despite committing nine turnovers in the second quarter, Minnesota regrouped and, led by Edwards, embarked on a decisive 16-2 run in the third quarter to seize control of the game.

As both teams look ahead, the Rockets are set to face Indiana on Tuesday night, while the Timberwolves will begin a five-game road trip starting in Chicago, also on Tuesday. This win not only enhances Minnesota’s standing but also positions Coach Finch and his players for continued success as they navigate the remainder of the season.

by Abhishek Shukla

Thunder Rally from 23-Point Deficit to Seize Victory in Double-Overtime Thriller Against Raptors

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder staged an electrifying comeback, overcoming a 23-point deficit to secure a 135-127 double-overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors Sunday night. Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were at the forefront of the Thunder’s spirited rally, scoring 24 and 23 points respectively, while Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort each added 22 points to the team’s total.

The Thunder’s resilience was on full display as they matched a team record with 23 3-pointers from 63 attempts, showcasing their deep shooting capabilities. Despite a challenging start that saw them trailing significantly at halftime, the team’s adaptability and determination under coach Mark Daigneault’s guidance turned the tide in their favor.

RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 23 points, supported by Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Dennis Schroder, who each contributed 19 points. However, the Raptors’ efforts were not enough to stave off the Thunder’s late-game surge.

Lu Dort’s performance in the second overtime was pivotal, scoring crucial points that put the Thunder ahead and maintained their lead. Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his scoring prowess, delivered key plays, including a game-tying three-pointer in the first overtime and a crucial block that prevented a Raptors’ win as the first overtime buzzer sounded.

The Thunder’s comeback was a testament to the team’s cohesive play and trust in each other, elements that Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted as crucial for sustainable success. The Raptors, on the other hand, faced the challenge of playing against a highly motivated and resilient Thunder team, despite an impressive first-half performance.

Missing key players due to injuries, the Thunder demonstrated their depth and ability to perform under pressure, making significant runs in the second half to erase the Raptors’ lead and force the game into overtime.

As both teams look ahead to their next matchups, the Thunder’s thrilling victory serves as a highlight of their season, improving their record to 35-15 and demonstrating their capability to overcome substantial deficits and secure wins in high-pressure situations.

by Abhishek Shukla

Celtics Dominate Grizzlies, Tatum Leads with Stellar Performance

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum’s 34 points, effortlessly dispatched the Memphis Grizzlies 131-91 on Sunday night, showcasing their depth and prowess despite the absence of Jaylen Brown due to a back injury. Tatum, who sat out the final quarter, also contributed eight rebounds and seven assists, demonstrating his leadership and skill as Boston capitalized on a Grizzlies team limited by injuries.

The Celtics faced a Memphis squad reduced to only eight available players, yet Boston coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s focus and execution, reflecting a strong response after a recent loss. Kristaps Porzingis added 26 points, highlighting the Celtics’ offensive firepower and their dominance at TD Garden, where they have compiled an impressive 23-3 record.

Despite the Grizzlies’ depleted lineup, Scotty Pippen Jr., GG Jackson, and David Roddy stepped up, but their efforts were overshadowed by Boston’s comprehensive team performance. The Celtics’ bench saw significant action in the final quarter, underlining the depth and versatility of the league-leading team.

The night also served as an emotional homecoming for Marcus Smart, who was traded from Boston to Memphis. The Celtics celebrated Smart’s contributions with a video tribute and chants from fans, acknowledging his impact on the team and the community during his tenure in Boston.

As the Celtics gear up to host Atlanta, the Grizzlies aim to regroup against New York, each team focusing on maintaining momentum as they navigate through the season’s challenges.

by Abhishek Shukla

Siakam Leads Pacers Past Hornets, Snapping Three-Game Skid

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Indiana Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam’s all-around performance, ended their three-game losing streak with a convincing 115-99 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. Siakam tallied 25 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, demonstrating his growing comfort in his role since his January 17 trade from the Toronto Raptors.

Despite a career-high 35 points from Hornets rookie Brandon Miller, Charlotte struggled with shooting efficiency, hitting just 39.8% from the field and 27.6% from beyond the arc. Aaron Nesmith contributed 22 points for the Pacers, while Myles Turner posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, boosting Indiana to a 28-23 record.

Tyrese Haliburton, still on a minutes restriction due to a hamstring injury, added 17 points in 20 minutes of play, signaling his valuable contribution to the team’s success.

Miller’s standout performance, including going 10 for 12 from the foul line and sinking five 3-pointers, was a silver lining for the Hornets, who have now lost seven straight games, five by double digits. P.J. Washington also added 22 points for Charlotte, now sitting at a 10-38 record.

The Pacers capitalized on the Hornets’ weakened lineup, missing key players like LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward, to establish an early lead they never relinquished. Despite a spirited attempt by the Hornets to close the gap in the fourth quarter, led by Miller’s 27 second-half points, Indiana’s strong start and consistent play sealed their victory.

Coach Rick Carlisle praised Andrew Nembhard’s start for the Pacers, noting his contribution to the team’s “ecosystem” despite not scoring. The Pacers’ strategy and execution proved too much for the Hornets, as they maintained their lead throughout the game, highlighted by Nesmith’s breakaway dunk to cement the win.

As the Pacers look ahead to hosting Houston, the Hornets face a challenging back-to-back against the Los Angeles Lakers, hoping to turn their fortunes around.

by Abhishek Shukla

Clippers Overcome Road Challenges, Best Heat in Miami

MIAMI — The Los Angeles Clippers’ extended road trip, prompted by the Grammy Awards at their home venue, culminated in a significant 103-95 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday night. Kawhi Leonard led the way with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while James Harden added 21 points, making a strong second-half performance. This win improved the Clippers’ record to 5-1 on their seven-game, 11-day journey, which concludes in Atlanta.

Despite the logistical challenges, Leonard praised his team’s mental resilience and collective effort. The Clippers have showcased remarkable form, boasting the best NBA record since the start of December at 25-5. Harden was close to a triple-double, underlining the team’s depth and willingness to sacrifice for success.

Miami, facing its own struggles, saw Jimmy Butler score 21 points and Terry Rozier add 17, but this was not enough to counteract the Heat’s recent downturn, now standing at 2-8 in their last ten games. The absence of key shooters Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro exacerbated Miami’s offensive woes, as noted by Bam Adebayo, emphasizing the need for improved flow and execution.

The game highlighted a disciplined approach from both teams, with a remarkably low foul count in the first half. However, the Clippers leveraged their offensive capabilities in the second half to secure the win, outperforming Miami in key statistical areas.

As the Clippers prepare to face Atlanta, Miami looks to bounce back against Orlando, with both teams eager to build momentum in their respective campaigns.

by Abhishek Shukla

Magic Triumph Over Pistons, Wagner Shines with 38 Points

DETROIT — In a stellar Sunday showdown, Franz Wagner matched his career high with 38 points, leading the Orlando Magic to a 111-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Wagner’s exceptional performance, with 27 points coming in the second half, propelled the Magic to their third consecutive win.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley lauded Wagner’s play, noting his poise and impressive scoring efficiency, particularly highlighting that Wagner achieved his 38 points without a single free throw attempt. Alongside Wagner, Paolo Banchero contributed 20 points, helping to secure the victory for Orlando.

The match also featured a significant contribution from players with connections to Michigan, with Wagner, Moritz Wagner, and Gary Harris combining for 58 points, much to the delight of the Little Caesars Arena crowd. Franz Wagner, reflecting on his strategy, emphasized the importance of making plays and taking advantage of the team’s shooting prowess.

The Pistons, struggling with a 6-43 record, saw Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey each scoring 18 points. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the Magic’s dynamic play, particularly in the fourth quarter where local talents Wagner and Harris dominated, extending the lead and silencing the home crowd.

Despite Detroit’s attempts to rally, they were hampered by missed opportunities and turnovers. Pistons coach Monty Williams expressed disappointment in the team’s defensive efforts and acknowledged the Magic’s defensive pressure.

The Magic’s victory was a team effort, with notable performances across the board, including Ausar Thompson’s impactful play in the third quarter. Despite the Pistons’ efforts to tie the game early in the fourth, Orlando surged ahead, outscoring Detroit significantly in the closing quarter.

Looking ahead, the Magic are set to face the Miami Heat, while the Pistons will take on the Sacramento Kings, each team aiming to build on their performances as the season progresses.

by Abhishek Shukla

Debutants Ireland aims dream start as they arrive in Bhubaneswar for FIH Men’s Hockey Pro League matches

Bhubaneswar, 04 February 2024: Ireland Men’s Hockey Team arrived at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on Sunday ahead of their debut in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24.  

The World No. 11 side will face the defending Champions the Netherlands, Australia, Spain and the hosts India in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 India leg, scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar (10th to 16th February) and Rourkela (19th-25th February). 

Led by Sean Murray, Ireland will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on 10th February followed by matches against Australia, Spain and home side India on 13th, 15th and 16th February respectively at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar. They will then play the return fixtures at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela from the 19th to 25th February. 

“It’s been a long journey, but it’s great to be in India. We are just coming off the FIH Olympic Qualifiers in Valencia, so looking forward to getting our debut FIH Pro League campaign started,” Murray said upon the team’s arrival in Bhubaneswar.

Ireland have made remarkable strides in recent years. They secured their berth at the Pro League 2023/24 season on the back of their Silver medal win at the inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup held in 2022. They then went on to clinch Gold at the EuroHockey Championship II in 2023, and finished third at the recently held FIH Paris Olympic Qualifier in Spain, sealing their spot at the upcoming quadrennial Games scheduled to be held later this year.

“We will go out every game with an aim to win. Of course, it is going to be tough against some of the top teams in the world, but this is exactly where we want to be,” the Ireland Captain stated. 

On being asked about the toughest opponents on the tour, he added: “We are looking forward to all the games, but especially playing against India at their home is going to be a special occasion.” 
 

All matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 will be streamed on JioCinema, additionally, all India matches will be telecast on Sports18 – Khel.

by Abhishek Shukla

Indian Women’s Hockey Team goes down 1-3 against the Netherlands in FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24

Bhubaneswar, 4th February 2024: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team lost 1-3 against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 at Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Netherlands’ Yibbi Jansen (3’, 34’) and Fay van der Elst (21’) etched their name on the scoresheet. Meanwhile, Navneet Kaur (9‘) scored the only goal for India.

India’s goalkeeper Savita was called to action right from the get-go, saving successive shots at her goal. Soon after, the Netherlands were awarded a penalty corner and this season’s leading goalscorer, Yibbi Jansen, powered a shot down the middle of the goal to grant the Netherlands an early lead. As the Netherlands looked to sit back and absorb the pressure, an Indian counter-attack caught them by surprise. Sunelita Toppo ventured down the right wing and found Navneet Kaur at the top of the shooting circle who turned around and unleashed a thunderous strike that brought India back on level terms.

The Netherlands came close to scoring as the second quarter began when Pien Dicke dodged past the Indian defence but her shot hit the post and deflected away. India went on to create a goalscoring chance of their own as Sunelita found herself in acres of space, and picked out Vandana Katariya who was one-on-one with the Netherlands’ goalkeeper Josine Koning, but she rushed out to diffuse the situation. India continued to look for a chink in Netherlands’ armour but Laura Nunnink initiated a counterattack and sprayed a quick pass to Fay van der Elst who dove to deflect the ball past Savita and restored Netherlands’ lead. Both teams went on to earn a couple of penalty corners but the scoreline remained 2-1 at the end of the first half.

The Netherlands piled pressure on India in the third quarter, eventually earning a penalty corner and Yibbi Jansen let loose a powerful drag flick to beat Savita and make it 3-1. They were awarded another penalty corner soon after however; Savita battered away the shot on goal. As India searched for a goal they occasionally pushed the Netherlands back into their own half but were unable to stitch together the final pass.

The fourth quarter witnessed the game become stretched with both teams creating back-to-back chances. India went on to earn a penalty corner two minutes into the quarter but the Netherlands’ defence held sway. As the exchange of chances continued, Yibbi Jansen looked to extend Netherlands’ lead with a reverse shot from the top of the shooting circle but it bounced off the post again. Netherlands pegged India back as the quarter progressed but a quick counter saw India earn a penalty corner. However, Udita’s slap sailed just wide of the post. The last period of play saw the Netherlands keep hold of the ball to kill off the game and the contest ended 3-1 in their favour.

India will take on Australia next at 1930 hrs on 7th February.

All matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 will be streamed on JioCinema, additionally, all India matches will be telecast on Sports18 – Khel.

by Abhishek Shukla

Akash goes down fighting on opening day of 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament

Sofia, (Bulgaria), February 4, 2024: Akash Gorkha (60kg) went down fighting against Dilshod Abdumurodov of Uzbekistan on day one of the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Sunday.

In an intense three-round battle to secure a place in the quarterfinals, Akash began the bout aggressively, testing his opponent in the initial minutes. Dilshod showed patience throughout the bout and used counterattacks by capitalizing on Akash’s shortcomings.

The Indian pugilist came with positive intent in the second and third rounds, forcing a few decisions in his favour but it wasn’t enough as Dilshod won the bout with a 4-1 split decision.  

The national champion, Jugnoo (86kg) will be in action later tonight as he will go up against Kocharian Ashot of Ukraine in his round of 16 clash.

On Monday, all six women boxers will start the campaign with their respective round of 16 clash.

Reigning world champions Nikhat Zareen (50kg) and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) will square off against Mongolia’s Oyuntsetseg Yesugen and Ireland’s O’Rourke Aoife, respectively. The Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti (54kg) will face Fay Niamh of Ireland.

Sakshi (57kg) will be up against Selmouni Chahira of Algeria while Manisha (60kg) will go head-to-head against Zidani Amina of France. Arundhati Choudhary (66kg), on the other hand, will commence her campaign against France’s Sonvico Emilie.  

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Amit Panghal (51kg) will kick off his campaign in a round of 16 clash against Ukraine’s Rudyk Maksym on Wednesday.

Barun Singh Shagolshem (48kg) qualified for the semis after getting a bye in the quarterfinals. He will take on Khenoussi Kamel of Algeria on Saturday to secure a place in the finals.

The Strandja Memorial Tournament is one of Europe’s oldest international sports competitions and is witnessing the participation of over 300 pugilists from 27 countries.

by Abhishek Shukla

Hockey India congratulates Neha on completing 150 international caps

Bhubaneswar, 4th February 2024: Hockey India congratulated Neha on completing 150 International Caps when India took on the Netherlands in their second match of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

Neha, the 27-year-old from, is a midfielder for the Indian Women’s Hockey team and has done immense justice to her role. Having made her debut in 2014, Neha was a part of the squad that won the Gold in the 2016 South Asian Games that took place in Guwahati, India. She was also part of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team when they struck Gold at the 2017 Women’s Hockey Asia Cup in Gifu, Japan where they beat China in the finals.

The nimble midfielder played a significant role in the team that won the Silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and was also a part of the squad that finished second in the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy at Donghae. Neha represented India at the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup in London where the team finished eighth and was also in the team that finished fourth in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Neha was also a part of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team when they narrowly missed out on a medal as they finished fourth in the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Her contribution was crucial in India winning the Bronze medal at the 2022 Women’s Hockey Asia Cup held in Muscat, Oman. The 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England saw the Indian Women’s Hockey Team finishing in third place after beating New Zealand in the Bronze medal match and Neha was a part of the squad.  

In December 2022, Neha was a part of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team that beat the host nation Spain in the Women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup finals at Valencia to win the Gold medal. She was also a part of the squad that won the Bronze medal in the Asian Games in Hangzhou that ended in October 2023. Winning the Gold medal with the Indian Women’s Hockey Team at the 2023 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy at Ranchi, Jharkhand was Neha’s most recent achievement.

When asked about the tremendous achievement, she said, “I am truly honoured that I have had the opportunity to represent the country in 150 matches. It has come with its fair share of challenges but I’m glad I have been able to push through it all. I owe a special thanks to my family, friends, teammates and support staff. They will always hold a special place in my heart for all the support they have given me over the years.”

Congratulating Neha on achieving this milestone, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “This is a huge achievement for Neha and we are extremely happy for and proud of her. Being able to sustain oneself for so long takes a different level of effort and commitment and I’m sure she’s only going to grow from strength to strength and continue to serve the Indian Women’s Hockey Team with unmatched dedication.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Jamshedpur FC make rapid inroads in standings with a 3-2 comeback win against Mumbai City FC

Mumbai, 4 February, 2024: Jamshedpur FC sprung a surprise by striking thrice in the second half to round off an enthralling 3-2 victory against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight.

The Islanders saw their senior stars step up with Tiri and Alberto Noguera finding the back of the net in the 14th and 32nd minute of the game respectively. However, the renewed spirit and belief prevalent in the Red Miners since Khalid Jamil took over as the head coach was evident in the final 45 minutes, with the visitors running circles around the home team and capping off a comeback that will infuse tremendous confidence within them moving ahead in this season.

Tiri and Noguera scored from almost similar passages of play to get Mumbai City FC to a comfortable position at the halftime break. The central defender nodded home from a corner, whereas the Spaniard did the same albeit from a cross by winger Lallianzuala Chhangte. These efforts were essential for their own conviction as well. Tiri will be assuming greater responsibility in the backline due to the departure of Rostyn Griffiths and Noguera finds himself in a similar situation upon his return from a long injury layoff. These goals must have put them in a fairly safe spot.

However, few could have predicted what struck them later on, with Jamil’s pep talk in the break reaping rich dividends for Jamshedpur FC. Firstly, Imran Khan scored in the second consecutive game as he netted in the 56th minute off a rebound that had come to him due to a save made by Phurba Lachenpa against Daniel Chima Chukwu. Imran showed composure in a tight space to slot the ball into the back of the net, which in some ways reflects his growing confidence under the watch of the new head coach.

The visitors made the most of the momentum swaying their way, as Manzorro bagged the equaliser merely four minutes later courtesy of a sweet shot from the edge of the box. To be fair, he was set up with a delightful assist by Reliance Foundation Youth Champs (RFYC) graduate Mohammed Sanan, who has swiftly progressed to become an important member of the first-team in his maiden season of professional football. Manzorro sealed the deal by drilling a spot-kick on the right corner of the net in the 88th minute, which he had earned due to the relentless efforts of striker Daniel Chima Chukwu. The Nigerian was alert and smart to be at the receiving end of the foul, and Manzorro didn’t blink twice before hammering the ball past Lachenpa.

Jamil thus extended his unbeaten record against Mumbai City FC in the ISL, having won and drawn twice in his four face-offs against them in the competition now!

Key Performer of the Match

Jeremy Manzorro (Jamshedpur FC)

Monzorro was an impeccable presence in the advanced midfield position, completing 35 of his 46 attempted passes. His brace was accompanied with two clearances and crosses each. The 32-year-old deserves praise for the assurance with which he converted the spot-kick, and it speaks volumes of his leadership credentials and the ability to perform under pressure, traits that can take Jamshedpur FC a long way in this season.

What’s next for both teams?

Mumbai City FC will face East Bengal FC in Kolkata on February 13 for their next game, whereas Jamshedpur FC will be squaring off against Bengaluru FC at home on February 11 in their forthcoming fixture.

Brief Scores

Jamshedpur FC 3 (Imran Khan 55’, Jeremy Manzorro 59’ 87’) – 2 Mumbai City FC (Tiri 14’, Alberto Noguera 32’)

Stats Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

Fresh-faced Hyderabad FC host unstoppable Odisha FC at home

Hyderabad FC will contest the in-form Odisha FC at the Gachibowli Stadium on February 5, Monday, in pursuit of their maiden victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24.


This match marks the commencement of the 14th matchweek of the current season of the ISL, with the home side still striving hard to catch hold of the coveted three points. They faced a 2-0 defeat to FC Goa in their previous encounter, with a Carlos Martinez brace depriving them of any point. Joao Victor was the only foreign international starting the game for Hyderabad FC and the situation is such that head coach Thangboi Singto has to make do with the available set of players, most of whom are from the domestic contingent.


Ahead of the fixture against the Gaurs, Singto had tried to look at the positive side of things, saying that this is a remarkable opportunity for him to do something noteworthy amidst the prevailing challenges. He needs to stay true to that perspective even against the Juggernauts, who last lost an ISL fixture back in late October this season. They have developed an impeccable record on the road this season, remaining unbeaten in their last four away games and have also emerged victorious in their previous two games in front of Hyderabad FC.


Moreover, their tendency to overcome difficult in-game circumstances has been one of the cornerstones of their success lately. Even against Kerala Blasters FC, Odisha FC showed impressive resolve to strike twice in the second half, thanks to Roy Krishna, and defeated them to get level on points with the top-placed FC Goa.


What’s at stake?Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad FC has a fairly young squad at its disposal and the coming few games gives them an excellent opportunity to hand a proper account of what they could offer in the Indian top-tier. For starters, they need to find some spark in their attacking patterns, having found the back of the net only once in their last six home matches.


They are currently on a seven-game winless run at the Gachibowli, and a victory against one of the favourites of the title could really help reinvigorate the spirits of the fans who must have lost some hope and belief lately. Such issues are evident at the back too, reflecting in their inability to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 12 fixtures in the league. Overall, the season is not transpiring as they would have liked and there are a host of factors that could be held against them for that. However, the immediate concern must be to shove aside those problems and work towards putting up an inspiring performance in search of the elusive victory.


Odisha FC
The Juggernauts now have equal points as FC Goa (27), but have played two more games (13), as compared to the Gaurs (11). The race for the first place in the standings is expected to go down to the wire with the fixture between FC Goa and Odisha FC playing a pivotal role in that later in the season. However, that’s a long journey to chart and the Juggernauts at this point need to ensure that they maximise whatever opportunity comes their way.
To be fair, they have been on a winning spree off late with the only blip being the Kalinga Super Cup final loss to East Bengal FC. They have progressed admirably well in Asia and the seasoned guard of the squad has stepped up to the challenge more often than not, much like how Krishna did in the previous game. Odisha FC has averaged 10.2 sequences of 10+ passes per game in the current season, which signifies how quickly they have adapted to Lobera’s ideas and playing philosophy. They will be confident and hoping to return with all points possible from Hyderabad.


Key Players


Abdul Rabeeh (Hyderabad FC)


Abdul Rabeeh featured for Hyderabad FC in the opening half of the season too, but his prominence and involvement in matches is set to increase in this leg of ISL 2023-24. He will be playing a slightly more advanced role on the field, and that could perhaps help his offensive instincts to come to the fore in a greater capacity. The 23-year-old has created six goal-scoring opportunities in eight games, intercepting thrice, and recording a 77% passing accuracy. Overall, he has made 29 appearances in the ISL, making 17 passes on an average in every 90 minutes and having notched three assists in total. Rabeeh will be up against a full-strength Odisha FC backline, with robust central defenders and dynamic fullbacks. His ability to work his way around them and influence the proceedings to the best of his abilities will be kept close tabs on.


Hitesh Sharma (Odisha FC)
Hitesh Sharma secured a move to Odisha FC from Hyderabad FC in the January transfer window and he will be hoping that his creative capabilities could be put to the best possible use by Lobera and his team. Hitesh can pack a punch whilst playing behind the striker, as his tenacious work ethic, and the desire to win every loose delivery or second ball helping the team retain and recover possession in dangerous areas higher up on the field. He completes almost three-fourth of his attempted passes, and can take a formidable shot from outside of the 18-yard box. Hitesh ticks the basic fundamentals that one would demand from modern-day midfielders, and Lobera almost specialises in bringing the best out of such Indian players. The second half of ISL 2023-24 promises an exciting journey for the 26-year-old.

Head-to-Head
Played – 9
Odisha FC – 4
Hyderabad FC – 4
Draw – 1

Trivia: Teams coached by Sergio Lobera are yet to concede a goal against Hyderabad FC in the ISL.

Team Talk

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The focus is on the recovery for the team, because we have a young squad at the moment but with the senior players the recovery is important,” Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto addressed the quick turnaround time between the team’s match against FC Goa and the coming fixture against Odisha FC. 

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“We need to try to find a way to prepare for the game in the best way possible and not try and find excuses. The team is ready. We need to play three games in seven days and it’s not easy with the travel in between and we have to think about the challenges and not about the problems,” Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera said in the pre-match press conference.

Where to Watch
Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

Point Table

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by Abhishek Shukla

Fearless Shrivalli Bhamidipaty progress into main draw of L&T Mumbai Open

Mumbai, February 4: India’s Shrivalli Bhamidipaty continued to play freely and fearlessly and produced another remarkable performance to outduel Viktoria Morvayova of Slovakia registering a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win in the second and final qualifying round match of the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K match on Centre Court at the iconic Cricket Club of India on Sunday.

Shrivalli is the lone Indian from the qualifying round to make it to the main draw. India’s Vaidehi Chaudhari lost to Amandine Hesse of France 3-6, 1-6, while wild card entrant Zeel Desai retired after losing the first set 7-5 against top seed Himeno Sakatsume of Japan on Centre Court.

A two-time Indian National champion, Shrivalli, started in the same aggressive fashion as in her first round straight-set win against second seed Valentini Grammatikopoulou from Greece on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Shrivalli, who had won her maiden ITF women’s title in Bengaluru in last November, with clever tactics quelled the fight from her Slovak opponent who bravely battled on despite encountering some discomfort at the start of the third set. After the third game Viktoria, tailing 0-3 took a medical time-out. She continued to take treatment during change-overs, but did not throw-in the towel. She carried on fighting and even broke Shrivalli in the seventh game and held serve in the next to narrow the lead to 3-5 before Shrivalli went on to close out the match with a fierce passing shot in the ninth game of the deciding set.

Lina Glushko of Israel, sixth seed Fanny Stollar of Hungary and Thailand’s Peangtarn Plipuech are the other players to qualify for the main draw, which will commence from Monday.

Results – qualifying (round-2): 

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty (IND) bt Viktoria Morvayova (SVK) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3;

Amandine Hesse (FRA) bt Vaidehi Chaudhari (IND) 6-3, 6-1;

Lina Glushko (ISR) bt Camilla Rosatella (ITA) 6-3, 6-3;

1-Himeno Sakatsume (JPN) bt Zeel Desai (IND) 7-5, retired;

6-Fanny Stollar (HUN) bt  Sohyun Park (KOR) 6-4, 6-3;

Peangtarn Plipuech (THA) bt Chia Yi Tsao (TPE) 6-3, 6-3..

by Abhishek Shukla

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti enjoys gully cricket in Jaipur

Jaipur, 04 February 2024: US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti was in the pink city on Saturday where the Ambassador dropped by Rajasthan Royals’ home stadium, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, and participated in a game of gully cricket with budding women cricketers.

On the occasion, Ambassador Garcetti was greeted by Rajasthan Royals’ Chief Executive Officer, Jake Lush McCrum, who also introduced him to women beneficiaries from the franchise’s social equity arm – the Royal Rajasthan Foundation, along with members of the official fan programme, Super Royals. The Ambassador was seen interacting with the women beneficiaries and getting a better understanding of how the Foundation’s initiatives around water conservation and use of solar power in the Sambar block have positively impacted their lives.

Apart from swinging the bat for a few impressive shots against the bowling of Cricket Ka Ticket co-winner Aditi Chouhan and Runner-Up Manasvi Katta, Ambassador Garcetti bowled to the young women to dive into the cricketing fever. He also interacted with the participating players, stating that he was hopeful that he would see some of those faces taking part in the first ever cricket competition at the Olympic Games in LA2028, and also recognised the support the Royals have been providing to the growth of women’s cricket in the country and more importantly in their home state of Rajasthan.