Author: Abhishek Shukla

Owner of Sports India Live.
by Abhishek Shukla

Canada Decimates Latvia 10-0 in Dominant World Junior Championship Display

Canada continued its powerful performance at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, securing a resounding 10-0 victory over Latvia on Wednesday. Forward Macklin Celebrini, a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft, was the standout player, contributing significantly with a goal and four assists, taking the lead in tournament scoring.

The win marks an impressive start for coach Alain Letang’s team, maintaining their undefeated status in Gothenburg and setting their sights on an unprecedented 21st World Junior gold medal. Canada’s goalie, Mathis Rousseau, played a pivotal role, achieving his first World Junior shutout and keeping the Latvian team at bay.

Canada’s offensive prowess was evident from the outset, with Conor Geekie opening the scoring on a power play. The momentum continued to build, with Geekie and Carson Rehkopf each adding two goals to the tally.

The Canadian team displayed remarkable cohesion and strategic execution, evident in the playmaking and scoring contributions from players like Brayden Yager and Owen Allard, the latter being the team’s only undrafted skater. Celebrini, reflecting on the team’s performance, highlighted the importance of collaborative play and the positive impact it has on the team’s direction.

In the third period, the Canadian team showcased their depth and versatility, with captain Fraser Minten, Matthew Wood, Geekie, Rehkopf, and Matthew Poitras all contributing to the scoring. Latvia, overwhelmed by Canada’s relentless attack, made a goaltender change and called a timeout, but the game had slipped far beyond their reach.

The Canadian fans added to the celebratory atmosphere, singing Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” as the final moments of the game approached, highlighting a connection to the Vancouver-born rock singer and MVP Connor Bedard.

This victory over Latvia is Canada’s fourth in World Junior history, though not their most decisive. The team now prepares for a more challenging encounter with host nation Sweden. Latvia, facing a must-win situation against Finland, aims to avoid relegation and replicate their best-ever finish from 2022.

by Abhishek Shukla

The World Games Athlete of December 2023: Maja Viström

Maja Viström (SWE) secured the World Championships gold medal in Floorball for Sweden in December, by starting the final match with a goal after only 31 seconds – and shooting the decisive goal 15 minutes later. Team Sweden won their ninth consecutive gold medal in winning 6-4 over Finland. For Maja Viström (22), this was already her second World Championships gold. She is The World Games Athlete of December 2023!

Maja Viström started playing Floorball at the age of 11. For several years she also played football, before finally deciding to concentrate on one sport only. Viström says that she plays best when it really matters, such as in the World Championships final. “I didn’t want to travel home from Singapore feeling that I hadn’t given 110%,” she says. Besides two gold medals from World Championships, the 22-year-old has helped her teams to win gold at Junior World Championships, and an incredible number of club team championships: 5!

The World Floorball Championships in Singapore were a qualifying event for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu. This means that when women’s Floorball makes its debut at The World Games, Maja Viström’s team will be there. For Viström, who really likes the matches when it really matters, this will be another opportunity to show what she is made of!

As The World Games Athlete of the Month, Maja Viström will receive a diploma and a branded gift.

by Abhishek Shukla

AFC Cup 2023/24 Knockout Stage Draw Results

Eleven teams progressed from the Group Stage of the 19th edition of the iconic tournament, which kicked off in September and featured 36 teams from across the Confederation’s five Zones.

The Inter-Zone Semi-finals will see Kyrgyz Republic’s FC Abdysh-Ata of the Central Zone taking on the East Zone’s Taichung Futuro of Chinese Taipei while the ASEAN zone winners will meet India’s Odisha FC, the South Zone champions.

The winners of the ASEAN Zone will progress through the zonal semi-finals and final with all the ties single leg affairs. 

The two-leg Inter-Zone Semi-finals are scheduled for March 6, 7 and March 13, 14 with the final, also to be played over two legs, to be held on April 17 and 24.

The winners of the Inter-Zone decider will face the West Zonal champions in the AFC Cup Final on May 5.

The West Zonal semi-finals and final will be two-leg ties with the last four matches scheduled for February 12, 13 and February 19, 20 and the final on April 16 and 23.

Schedule

West Zonal Semi-finals  (two legs)
February 12, 13; February 19, 20)
Semi-final 1: Al Riffa (BHR) v Al Nahda (OMA)
Semi-final 2: Al Ahed FC (LBN) v Al Kahrabaa Club (IRQ)
West Zonal Final (two legs)
April 16; 23
Winners SF2 v Winners SF1
ASEAN Zonal Semi-finals (single leg)
February 13
Semi-final 1: Macarthur FC (AUS) v Sabah FC (MAS)
Semi-final 2: Central Coast Mariners (AUS) v Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM)
ASEAN Zonal Final (single leg)
February 22
Winners SF1 v Winners SF2
Inter-Zone Semi-finals (two legs)
March 6, 7; March 13, 14
SF1: FC Abdysh-Ata v (KZG) v Taichung Futuro FC (TPE)
SF2: ASEAN Zone winners v Odisha FC (IND)
Inter-Zone Final (two legs)
April 17; 24
Winners SF1 v Winners SF2
AFC Cup Final (single leg)
May 5
West Zone winners v Inter-Zone winners

by Abhishek Shukla

ONE Championship Announces Main Event for ONE 166: Qatar Will Be Reinier de Ridder vs. Anatoly Malykhin II for ONE Middleweight MMA World Title

Singapore — December 28, 2023 — ONE Championship (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, today announced that a rematch between reigning ONE Middleweight MMA World Champion Reinier de Ridder (16-1) of the Netherlands and ONE Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin (13-0) of Russia will headline ONE 166: Qatar, presented by Visit Qatar and taking place at the Lusail Sports Arena on Friday, March 1.

Tickets for ONE 166: Qatar are on sale now at the Virgin Megastore and Q-Tickets.

Last December at ONE Fight Night 5, Malykhin – already the ONE Interim Heavyweight MMA World Champion – handed De Ridder the only loss of his career to claim the light heavyweight crown. I

n the process, the undefeated Russian became a two-division World Champion in ONE, a feat only a handful of athletes have achieved. Now, “Sladkiy” looks to make history and become a ONE MMA World Champion across three different divisions.

On the other side, “The Dutch Knight” will look to even the score with Malykhin on the biggest stage possible. Prior to suffering his first-ever defeat, the submission specialist had rattled off seven straight wins in ONE, including five via finish, to become a two-division World Champion in his own right.

ONE 166: Qatar features another highly anticipated World Championship rematch, as reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Jarred Brooks of the U.S. defends his title against the Philippines’ Joshua Pacio. Also on the card is a clash of heavyweight MMA contenders, as Iranian juggernaut Amir Aliakbari takes on former ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion Arjan Bhullar of India. Plus, former ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Title challengers will collide, as Yemeni-Saudi BJJ black belt Osamah Almarwai takes on former IBJJF World Champion Cleber Sousa of Brazil.

As a part of grassroots efforts to develop martial arts talent in the region, ONE will also host a Road to ONE submission grappling tournament in the lead-up to ONE 166: Qatar during fight week. More bouts for ONE 166: Qatar and the Road to ONE tournament will be announced in the coming weeks.

by Abhishek Shukla

Asian Games glory headlines meteoric rise of India’s sports sector in 2023

New Delhi, December 28, 2023: Backed by a historic campaign at the Asian Games 2022, India’s sports sector has undergone a remarkable paradigm shift in 2023, achieving historic milestones and witnessing the flourishing of various sporting disciplines.

With a record-breaking haul of 107 medals, India’s talented athletes showcased their excellence across diverse sporting disciplines. Notably, athletics emerged as the standout performer, constituting 20% of the total medals and portraying the nation’s dominance.

Mr. Punit Balan, Chairman & Managing Director of the Punit Balan Group (PBG), shared insights on India’s sporting industry’s growth and PBG’s role in fostering diverse sports in the country. “The past year has been a monumental journey for the Indian sporting landscape. Our strategic investments in over nine leagues, both nationally and internationally, have contributed toward creating a thriving and sustainable ecosystem for Olympic, indigenous, and non-Olympic sports in the country. A shining example of this commitment is Indian Tennis Star Rutuja Bhosale, a PBG-supported athlete who clinched a gold medal in mixed doubles tennis at the Asian Games this year. With the Paris Olympics in mind in 2024, our focus is to increase our support for more athletes, offering them the necessary resources and backing to excel internationally,” said Mr. Punit Balan.

The Union Budget set the tone for the remarkable journey of the sporting industry this year, as the sports sector received its highest-ever budget allocation, reaching a staggering Rs 3397.32 Cr in the new FY 2023-24 Union Budget, with Khelo India securing a whopping Rs 1045 Cr in funding.

Alongside Khelo India, Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK), India’s first-ever professional Kho-Kho league, also secured Series A funding from UK-based BNP Group, becoming the first sports league in India to secure private equity investment. This funding was a testament to the growing prominence of indigenous sports such as kho kho in the country.

Mr. Tenzing Niyogi, CEO and League Commissioner of Ultimate Kho Kho, highlighted this rise of UKK by stating, “The year 2023 was distinguished by historic milestones and remarkable achievements for indigenous sports, with Ultimate Kho Kho spearheading the charge. In our continued pursuit of making Ultimate Kho Kho larger, bolder, and the ultimate source of entertainment for Bharat, Season 2 marked the introduction of the NextGen where 33 exceptionally talented players, aged between 16 and 18, were drafted, reflecting UKK’s dedication to identifying and nurturing emerging talent.”

“Another significant accomplishment was the nomination of Nasreen Shaikh, the Indian women’s Kho Kho captain, for the prestigious Arjuna Award. This recognition is a substantial boost to women’s Kho Kho and sets the stage for the much-anticipated women’s Ultimate Kho Kho league in the country, which is currently in the works. Looking towards 2024, we aim to build an even more robust structure of Ultimate Kho Kho, driven for the players (both Men’s & Women’s) and inducting new team owners to develop the Kho Kho universe,” added Mr. Tenzing Niyogi.

Much like the notable surge in Kho Kho, Kabaddi also experienced remarkable expansion this year. The Yuva Kabaddi Series, India’s first-ever year-round sports tournament has played a pivotal role in the development of the sport, particularly at the grassroots level.

“The sports ecosystem in the country has grown by leaps and bounds in 2023, transitioning from a nation of sports spectators towards becoming a truly dedicated sporting nation. Personally, through the strides made in Kabaddi through the Yuva Kabaddi series, we have witnessed a substantial boost at the grassroots level and its positive impact extending to the Pro Kabaddi League. Through the Yuva Kabaddi series, we reached over 1000 Kabaddi players in 2023, and our goal is to surpass that number in the upcoming year. We aim to contribute more players to the Pro Kabaddi League and extend our impact to women’s Kabaddi across various states, establishing ourselves as a Pan-India sports product,” commented Mr. Suhail Chandhok, CEO of U Mumba and Co-Founder of Yuva Kabaddi Series.

For a nation to ascend to sporting excellence, the fitness and active participation of its population in sports are imperative. Gamepoint, a prominent sports services provider, has been instrumental in this endeavor by establishing elite sports centers and offering a diverse range of sports events designed to make sports accessible to individuals of all ages.

Shedding light on the achievements of the Indian sports ecosystem in 2023 and how Gamepoint provided the platform to proactively promote sports and cultivate a vibrant sporting ecosystem, Mr. Aditya Reddy, Co-Founder & CEO of Gamepoint stated, “In 2023, we experienced the first full year without any effects of Covid. As common people returned to playing sports, there was a renewed interest. In 2023, Gamepoint trained 4000 students, enabled more than 1 lakh people to play sports and conducted 100+ corporate sport events. In 2024, we are looking forward to making an even bigger impact on the participative sports market and expanding Gamepoint from 8 centres in one city to 16 centres in three cities. Also, the target in 2024 will be to increase our revenue share by 50%.”

The sporting achievements of this year have set the stage for a promising 2024 to build a robust sporting industry in India.

by Abhishek Shukla

WRB 2023 Day 2: Carlsen, Yu, and Fedoseev lead Open; Bodnaruk shines in Women’s Rapid

The second day of the World Rapid Championships saw intense action, with Carlsen, Yu and Fedoseev emerging as leaders with seven points out of nine in the Open. In the Women’s event, Anastasia Bodnaruk’s stellar performance secured her the sole lead with seven out of eight points.

Four rounds were played today in both the Open and the Women’s Rapid.

In the Open tournament, Magnus Carlsen maintained his position among the leaders. Despite a strong start with a crucial win against Vidit, the Norwegian had to settle for draws in the remaining three games. He shares the lead with Yu Yangyi and Vladimir Fedoseev, all tallying seven points from nine games.

Anastasia Bodnaruk stole the day in the women’s tournament. With a score of 3.5/4 – including victories over the two frontrunners from day one, Zhu Jiner and Salimova – she emerged as the sole leader, with seven points out of eight. Bodnaruk is trailed by two players, India’s Koneru Humpy and China’s Zhai Mo, who are on 6.5/8.

The Open

The day started well for Carlsen as he scored a critical victory against India’s Vidit Santos Gujrathi. Both sides were evenly matched for the most part, but in a knight endgame, Vidit’s nerves gave way – he blundered one pawn and then another, ending completely lost. After the game, Vidit – visibly shaken – was seen standing over the board for about a minute, wandering aimlessly into the distance.

Things didn’t go Carlsen’s way in the remaining three games, where he drew with Erigaisi, Yu and Keymer. While the line played against Yu was sharp, the position was always even. The only real opportunity Carlsen had was in the final game of the day against Germany’s Vincent Keymer. Magnus managed to force an endgame where his white knight was stronger than Keymer’s dark-squared bishop, but – despite being significantly better on time – the Norwegian blundered and allowed Keymer to draw.

China’s Yu Yangyi continued steadily – like Carlsen, he also scored 2.5/4, with three draws and one victory (over India’s Bharath). Yu was also lucky today, as he managed to save a lost position to Fedoseev in the ninth (last) round.

Vladimir Fedoseev joined the leaders today after having a good run – scoring three consecutive wins (against Narayanan, Gareyev and Erigaisi). In round nine, Fedoseev had a golden opportunity to defeat Yu Yangyi and emerge as the sole leader in the Open. However, he misplayed a winning endgame and allowed the Chinese GM to escape with a draw.

With a tight competition brewing, 13 players trail just half a point behind the leading trio in the Open tournament. The list includes very strong players such as Erigaisi, 2018 World Rapid winner Dubov, Vidit, Vachier-Lagrave, Radjabov, and Keymer, as well as Bulgarian Ivan Cheparinov, who continued his good run from day one.

Among other heavyweights, Nepomniachtchi, Caruana and Aronian are on six points. Rapport – who had a good start on day one – finished the second day with 2/4 and has 5.5 points altogether.

With four more rounds left, the stage is set for an unpredictable and thrilling final day in the Open section.

The Women’s Tournament

The second day of the Women’s tournament saw leaders changing in the last three rounds.

The day started with a direct duel for first place between two frontrunners – Zhu Jiner and Nurgyul Salimova, in which the Chinese emerged victorious.

In the following sixth round, China’s Zhai Mo – 29th in the ranking list – stunned her compatriot Zhu Jiner with an impressive victory in the Benko and overtook the lead. It was in this round that the seasoned Indian Koneru Humpy caught up with the top group by defeating Azerbaijan’s Gunay Mammadzada.

The Women’s tournament

Bulgaria’s Nurgyul Salimova and Zhu Jiner of China lead the pack with a maximum score of four points.

They are closely followed by a group of six unexpected contenders, with India’s Rameshbabu Vaishali as the sole top-20-rated player among them.

The first day in the Women’s Rapid saw a slow start from the reigning Rapid Champion, Tan Zhongyi, who scored her first victory only in the final, fourth round of the day, following three draws. The Women’s World Champion in classical chess, Ju Wenjun, as well as her challenger in the Match for the title earlier this year, Lei Tingjie, also underperformed, finishing the day with 2/5 out of 4.

Surprisingly, top-rated players and former Women’s World Champions Alexandra Kosteniuk (also the 2021 Women’s World Rapid Champion) and Mariya Muzychuk struggled with a loss at the start, ending with only 1.5 points out of four.

About the event:

The World Rapid and Blitz is one of the most exciting and most watched chess events in the world, attracting the strongest Grandmasters.

The prize fund totals one million US dollars, with $700,000 for the Open and $300,000 for the Women’s tournaments.

The event is taking place from December 25 to December 30, at the Samarkand Congress Center.

by Abhishek Shukla

Hat Tricks by Sale and Kulich Power Czechia to Commanding 8-1 Victory Over Norway at WJC

In a dominant display of skill and teamwork, Eduard Sale and captain Jiri Kulich each scored hat tricks to lead Czechia to an 8-1 triumph over Norway in their World Junior Championship game at Frolundaborg. The comprehensive victory brings Czechia’s record to an even 1-1, while Norway faces an uphill battle with a 0-2 standing.

Kulich, a veteran playing his third consecutive World Juniors, set the pace for Czechia with an early goal, executing a precise wrist shot that eluded Norwegian goalie Markus Stensrud. Despite Norway’s early power play opportunities, including a brief two-man advantage, they were unable to significantly challenge Czechia’s penalty-killing unit.

Czechia’s lead was doubled later in the first period by another goal from Kulich, concluding a period where Norway surprisingly outshot Czechia 13-11. However, the second period marked a shift in momentum as Czechia escalated their offensive pressure, scoring three additional goals and effectively taking control of the game.

Norway briefly narrowed the gap with a goal from Johannes Lokkeberg, marking their first goal against Czechia since 1990. But Czechia quickly responded, with goals from Ales Cech and two from Eduard Sale, one resulting from a defensive error by Norway.

The third period saw Czechia’s dominance continue, with Matyas Sapovaliv adding to the tally on a power play. Sale completed his hat trick with a sharp snap shot, also on a power play, demonstrating Czechia’s effective use of the man advantage. Kulich rounded off his hat trick with a goal assisted by Tomas Hamara, cementing Czechia’s overwhelming victory.

This match was a showcase of Czechia’s potent offensive capabilities and a testament to their resilience after their initial loss in the tournament. For Norway, the game highlights the challenges they face in competing against more established teams at the World Juniors. Czechia’s balanced attack and strong special teams play will be crucial as they progress further in the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

MLS: Damir Kreilach Bids Farewell to Real Salt Lake After Six Influential Seasons

Salt Lake City, Utah – The era of Damir Kreilach at Real Salt Lake has come to an end, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in the club’s history. Both Kreilach and Real Salt Lake officially announced the departure on Wednesday, drawing a close to the Croatian midfielder’s impactful tenure since joining the team in 2018.

Kreilach, who arrived at RSL from German club Union Berlin, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. In his six seasons with the team, he notched an impressive tally of 47 goals and 24 assists over 151 regular-season appearances. Despite his remarkable contributions, the club decided not to exercise his contract option following the 2023 campaign.

Kurt Schmid, the sporting director of Real Salt Lake, expressed the difficulty of parting ways with such a pivotal figure. “Saying goodbye to Damir Kreilach is a challenging moment for our club,” Schmid stated. “His impact, leadership, and service were almost unparalleled, and he embodied the spirit of a true professional and leader.”

The highlight of Kreilach’s career at RSL came in 2021 when he delivered an outstanding performance of 16 goals and 9 assists. This exceptional form earned him a spot in the MLS All-Star team and saw him forge a formidable attacking partnership with Albert Rusnák, now with Seattle Sounders FC. The following year, Kreilach was named club captain, a testament to his influence both on and off the field.

However, his tenure was not without challenges. A back injury significantly affected his playtime, limiting his contributions in his final season to 4 goals and 1 assist over 27 games, including 15 starts.

Reflecting on his departure, Kreilach shared his emotions in a heartfelt letter to the RSL fanbase. “Leaving RSL is the most difficult decision I’ve ever made,” he wrote. “The past six years have been incredible, filled with unforgettable moments and emotions.”

As Real Salt Lake turns the page to the post-Kreilach era, they face a new beginning, starting their 2024 MLS regular season against Inter Miami CF on February 21. The match, scheduled for 8 pm ET, will be available on MLS Season Pass, heralding a new chapter for the team and its fans.

by Abhishek Shukla

Germany Stuns Finland 4-3 for Historic Win in IIHF World Junior Championship

In an extraordinary display of determination and skill, Germany triumphed over Finland with a 4-3 victory in their 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship debut on Wednesday. This remarkable win marks Germany’s first ever victory over Finland in the history of the tournament.

Forward Veit Oswald emerged as a key player for Germany, scoring two goals, including a pivotal go-ahead marker in the second period. Goalie Philipp Dietl was another standout, making an impressive 40 saves throughout the game.

Finland, with a previous record of 25-0 against Germany dating back to 1977, entered the game as the apparent favorites. However, the Finnish team, despite outshooting Germany 43-28, struggled to find their rhythm, continuing a lackluster start to the tournament after a 5-2 loss to Canada.

Germany, under Coach Tobias Abstreiter, displayed exceptional spirit and aggression from the outset. Assistant captain Julian Lutz, a notable 2022 NHL draft pick, played a crucial role in setting the tone for the game.

The Germans capitalized on early Finnish penalties and defensive errors, with Oswald scoring the first goal by capitalizing on a Finnish turnover. Finland’s Tommi Mannisto managed to equalize, but the teams went into the first intermission tied at 1-1.

The second period saw a flurry of goals from both sides. Finland briefly took the lead with a goal from Kasper Halttunen, but Germany quickly responded with goals from Niklas Hubner and Kechter. Oswald’s second goal of the game gave Germany a lead they maintained for the rest of the match.

In the final period, Germany faced intense pressure but held strong, with Dietl making crucial saves against Finnish attempts. Despite a late power play advantage for Finland, Germany successfully defended their lead, culminating in a historic and celebratory victory.

This win is a significant milestone for Germany, showcasing their growth and potential in the world of junior hockey. Finland, on the other hand, faces the challenge of regrouping and rediscovering their form as they continue in the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

Impressive Week 16 Performances Crown Players of the Week in NFL

The National Football League has announced its Players of the Week for Week 16 of the 2023 season, showcasing outstanding performances from both conferences.

AFC Offensive Player of the Week: Amari Cooper (WR, Cleveland Browns)

  • Achievements: 11 receptions, 265 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns.
  • Milestones: Cooper becomes the sixth player ever with four career games of 200+ receiving yards. This is his fourth career Player of the Week honor, previously winning in 2017 (Week 7 with Raiders), 2018 (Weeks 12 & 14 with Cowboys), and now 2023 (Week 16 with Browns). Remarkably, he’s the first wide receiver to win Offensive Player of the Week (OPOW) with three different teams and joins Julio Jones as the second former Alabama wide receiver to earn the honor four times.

AFC Defensive Player of the Week: Kyle Hamilton (S, Baltimore Ravens)

  • Achievements: 5 tackles, pass deflections, 3 interceptions.
  • Notable Stats: Hamilton is the third defensive back since 2000 with 10+ tackles for loss (10), 10+ pass deflections (13), and 4+ interceptions (4) in a season. This is his first Player of the Week award. He joins Ed Reed and Eric Weddle as the third Ravens safety in the past 20 seasons to win the Defensive Player of the Week (DPOW). Hamilton also becomes the fifth former Notre Dame safety to earn this honor.

AFC Special Teams Player of the Week: Jason Sanders (K, Miami Dolphins)

  • Achievements: 5/5 on field goals (57, 52, 54, 35, game-winning 29-yarder), totaling 16 kicking points.
  • Records: Sanders is the first Dolphins player to convert three 50+ yard field goals in a single game. This is his fifth career Player of the Week award, with previous wins in 2019 (Weeks 10 & 13) and 2020 (Weeks 5 & 16). He also becomes the first Dolphins player to win Special Teams Player of the Week (STPOW) five times and is the only former New Mexico player to earn the honor multiple times.

NFC Standouts: Breaking Records and Setting Benchmarks

NFC Offensive Player of the Week: Puka Nacua (WR, Los Angeles Rams)

  • Achievements: 9 receptions, 180 scrimmage yards (164 receiving, 16 rushing), 2 receiving touchdowns.
  • Highlights: Nacua is the fifth rookie in NFL history with three games of 150+ scrimmage yards. He is the first Rams player to win OPOW since Eddie Kennison in Week 16 of 1999, and the first former BYU wide receiver to receive this honor.

NFC Defensive Player of the Week: Ifeatu Melifonwu (S, Detroit Lions)

  • Stats: 5 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1 interception.
  • Recognition: Melifonwu is the first defensive back since 2000 with a stat line of 5+ tackles, 2+ sacks, 2+ pass deflections, and an interception in a single game. This is his first Player of the Week award, making him the fourth Lions safety to earn this honor since 2014 and the first since 2019.

NFC Special Teams Player of the Week: Younghoe Koo (K, Atlanta Falcons)

  • Achievements: 5/5 on field goals, contributing significantly to the team’s scoring.
  • Accolades: This is Koo’s fourth career Player of the Week award, previously winning in 2019 (Weeks 10 & 14) and 2023 (Week 7). He becomes the third Falcons kicker to earn the honor four or more times, joining Morten Andersen (seven times) and Matt Bryant (five times). Koo is also the first former Georgia Southern player to win STPOW four or more times.

In conclusion, Week 16 of the NFL season showcased exceptional talents across both conferences, with players breaking records and achieving personal milestones, significantly impacting their teams’ performances and the league’s history.

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: Kerala Blasters FC makes a strong statement in Championship battle with maiden ISL win against hosts Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Kolkata, 27 December 2023: Kerala Blasters FC beat the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) for the first time ever in the Indian Super League (ISL) as a 1-0 victory courtesy of a ninth minute strike by Dimitrios Diamantakos at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata took his team to the top of the league table on Wednesday. Ivan Vukomanovic finally managed to get one over his counterpart Juan Ferrando, whose team succumbed to a third straight loss with this result.

The scoreline might not suggest the upper hand that Kerala Blasters FC held in the proceedings, with their dynamic duo of Diamantakos and Kwame Peprah causing constant troubles to the Mariners’ backline. From going direct through long balls to the two forwards interlinking and finding ways around the home team’s defence, they left no stone unturned in chasing this victory.

Diamantakos missed hitting the target by mere inches when he brought down a cross by Pritam Kotal and shot it slightly above Vishal Kaith in the fourth minute. However, it was a sign of things to come, with the Greek forward producing one of the finest individual efforts of the season to bag the winner in this game. Peprah’s long-range shot rebounded but Diamantakos was quick to collect that, before cutting into the box and making his way past Asish Rai and Hector Yuste before hammering the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle with his left foot.

The goal got the visitors on their feet as Diamantakos edged past Jorge Pereyra Diaz to become the leading goal-scorer in the league with seven strikes to his name. Peprah seamlessly drifted across the Mariners’ backline, and he pulled off a shot pretty similar to the one by Diamantakos, from the same angle, a little later but to no avail. Their domestic counterpart Rahul KP was not going to be left behind either. Mohammed Azhar distributed the ball to Rahul at the right side of the box and the striker drilled it off target in an effort that he arguably should have converted with ease.

It reiterated the total control that the visitors maintained throughout the game. MBSG, despite the gifted frontline at their disposal, was not able to create many chances. Hugo Boumous showed some quick feet to get past Danish Farooq and curl in a cross for Armando Sadiku a little after the hour mark. However, the Albanian could not put enough power behind the shot to bag the equaliser. Vishal Kaith kept his calm to keep the scores level even in the added time of the second half, as the Mariners relied on Dimitrios Petratos to do the unthinkable again with the set-piece. However, in the kind of game that it was for the home team, the striker couldn’t shoot the ball beyond the Kerala Blasters FC defensive wall.

Key Performer of the Match

Dimitrios Diamantakos (Kerala Blasters FC)

Diamantakos has stood up to the challenge of Adrian Luna’s absence superbly well. Tonight, he scored once, created a couple of goal-scoring opportunities, in addition to making a tackle, interception, and clearance each. He helped the visitors set the tone for the match right from kick off, and his team reaped the rewards of the same.

What’s next for both teams?

The first half of the season has come to an end for both teams with this match.

Brief Scores

Mohun Bagan Super Giant 0 – 1 Kerala Blasters FC (Dimitrios Diamantakos 9’)

Stat Pack:

S1.jpg
by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Rakesh’s superlative effort propels Gujarat Giants to nail-biting victory over Tamil Thalaivas

CHENNAI, December 27: Despite a brief setback near the end of the game, the Gujarat Giants defeated the Tamil Thalaivas 33-30 at the SDAT Multipurpose Indoor Stadium in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 match on Wednesday. Rakesh (9 points), Sombir (4 points) and Fazal Atrachali (3 points) were the standout players for the Giants, while Ajinkya Pawar’s 11 points came in a losing cause. The game was the last one in the Chennai leg, as the league moves to Noida next. The next leg of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 will begin on Friday, 29 December 2023.

In an early win for the Thalaivas, Ajinkya Pawar came out firing on all cylinders and managed to take out Fazal Atrachali twice in the opening 10 minutes of the game. Despite that though there was nothing to separate the sides at the start, as they matched each other raid for raid. 

However, the Giants seized control of the game a few moments later. A SUPER TACKLE by Manoj on a rampant Himanshu Singh started a domino effect. Within a minute with his first raid of the game, Parteek Dahiya picked up a SUPER RAID taking out Sahil Gulia, M Abishek and Amirhossein Bastami to put the Giants in control. They went into the break leading by three points. 

A high-paced second half was played out mostly on the raid, with Pawar and Rakesh constantly keeping the scoreboard ticking for their respective sides. The Giants’ defence rallied together soon to reduce the home team’s numbers and the first ALL OUT came in due course to extend them into a 24-18 lead. 

The final minutes of the game saw some brilliant play, with Narender’s raid to take out Atrachali and his compatriot Mohammad Nabibakhsh bringing the partisan crowd to its feet. That raid had drawn the Thalaivas close to the Giants’ score. With two minutes left though, a Sombir SUPER TACKLE put the Giants back in control of the game. They ran the clock down easily to take the win in the end.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 match on Friday

Game 1 – Patna Pirates vs Haryana Steelers – 8 pm

Game 2 – U.P. Yoddhas vs Bengaluru Bulls – 9 pm

Venue: Noida

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

UKK: Odisha Juggernauts defeat Mumbai Khiladis to reach top spot, Telugu Yoddhas beat Rajasthan Warriors

Cuttack, December 27, 2023: Defending champions Odisha Juggernauts returned to winning ways in the ongoing Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 with a 31-28 victory over Mumbai Khiladis, while Telugu Yoddhas defeated Rajasthan Warriors 38-28 by a big margin at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack on Wednesday.

Odisha Juggernauts have now secured the top spot in the points table with eight points from three matches, while Telugu Yoddhas have claimed the second position with a total of six points.

Promoted by Amit Burman in collaboration with the Kho Kho Federation of India, Ultimate Kho Kho became a huge hit in the first season, emerging as India’s third-largest non-cricket league in terms of television viewership. It also became the first Indian sports league to secure Series A funding, courtesy of the UK-based BNP Group.

Chasing first, Mumbai Khiladis made a balanced start to the match as they did not give any dream run bonus points to the defending champions early on. However, they only managed to grab 14 points in the first turn as Odisha returned to the contest by claiming 14 points during the following turn.

Mumbai went into the second inning with a point advantage courtesy of a dream run bonus point in the second turn. They further won 12 points in the third turn and allowed Odisha to earn a dream run bonus point as well.

The last turn turned out to be in the favour of the defending champions as they attained 16 points with sublime attacking to register a remarkable victory.

Earlier, Rahul Mandal proved to be the star of the match for Telugu Yoddhas with 10 points. Pratik Waikar and Aditya Ganpule also contributed to the team’s victory by staying on the mat for more than 3.95 minutes to earn dream run bonus points during the defence.

Rajasthan Warriors took a dream run bonus point early on in the first turn before Telugu Yoddhas fought back valiantly and claimed 18 points while chasing. The Yoddhas showcased the same determination when they switched to defence as they earned two dream run bonus points, allowing Rajasthan to grab only 12 points.

Telugu Yoddhas began the second inning on a positive note and took a significant lead after scoring 18 points in the third turn. Rajasthan earned a dream run bonus point, but they failed to surpass Telugu’s score in the last turn and only managed to secure 14 points.

Rajasthan Warriors will now take on Chennai Quick Guns on Friday, while Telugu Yoddhas will go up against table-toppers Gujarat Giants.

The exciting action of Season 2 will be telecasted on Sony Sports Network’s channels and SonyLIV with live coverage of daily two matches starting at 7:30 PM IST. 

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Jaipur Pink Panthers erase 13-point deficit to tie 32-32 with Dabang Delhi K.C.

CHENNAI, 27th December: Dabang Delhi K.C. and defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers played out a nail-biting 32-32 tie in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 match at the SDAT Multipurpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday. Ashu Malik was the star for Dabang Delhi K.C. with 7 raid points on the night.

Dabang Delhi dominated the proceedings and it took them only 8 minutes to inflict the first ALL OUT. The defence collectively pounced on Ajith Kumar and the side soared to a 10-4 lead. They coasted along and maintained their lead, but Naveen’s injury in the 14th minute was a cause of concern. The injury notwithstanding, Dabang Delhi continued their dominance on the mat and got a second ALL OUT in the 17th minute to lead 20-10.

Jaipur Pink Panthers’ star raider Arjun Deshwal could not manage a single touchpoint in the first half, while the Dabang Delhi defenders enjoyed a 100% tackle strike rate and led 23-11 at the break.Ashu Malik took over the raiding responsibilities in Naveen’s absence and did well on his part, but the Jaipur Pink Panthers upped the tempo in the second half. Arjun picked up a handful of bonus points, while Ankush showcased one of the best defensive performances of the season. Operating from the left corner, he brought the Pink Panthers within 6 points of the Delhi side when he executed a perfect tackle on Manjeet. That tackle saw him complete a High 5 and the scoreline read 26-20 in Delhi’s favour with 10 minutes to go.

Arjun saved his best for the final few minutes as he got multiple raid points before deploying a superb ankle hold on Vishal Bhardwaj to inflict an ALL OUT. With a little over 5 minutes left, the Pink Panthers trailed by 3 points at 29-26.Arjun then got a touch on Manjeet a minute later to level the scores at 29-29 and the Pink Panthers made a remarkable comeback to erase a 13-point deficit. It appeared like Delhi would sneak away with a narrow win, but an error from Vikrant, who stepped out of bounds before making a tackle, in the dying stages of the game saw the Pink Panthers get a point and level the scores again at 32-32. Thereafter, Ashu Malik decided to run down the clock and settle for a tie.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 match on Friday

Game 1 – Patna Pirates vs Haryana Steelers – 8 pm

Game 2 – U.P. Yoddhas vs Bengaluru Bulls – 9 pm

Venue: Noida

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

Biggest Cricket World Cup ever smashes Broadcast and Digital records

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 hosted in India smashed broadcast and digital records across the world, making it the biggest World Cup ever.

The event, which saw Australia crowned champions for the sixth time, registered a record 1 trillion global live viewing minutes of broadcast, which included new technological innovations such as the vertical video feed, providing fans with an easier and more intuitive viewing experience on their mobile devices.

The global live viewing hours were an increase of 38% from the last edition of the tournament held in the Indian sub-continent, in 2011, and by 17% compared to 2019 when it was held in the United Kingdom.

The final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the biggest cricket stadium in the world, became the most watched ICC match ever. There were 87.6 billion live viewing minutes globally, representing a 46% growth compared with the 2011 final that featured co-hosts India and Sri Lanka.

The event was carried by a total of 20 broadcast partners across 209 territories. For the first time, Hindi coverage was made available outside India by ESPN+, Fox Sports, Sky Sports and Willow TV.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to announce the record-breaking viewership and engagement numbers for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, making it the biggest World Cup ever. The incredible numbers continue to show the increased appetite for ICC events across the world and the consumption of innovative and engaging content that fans can enjoy.”

The viewership numbers are staggering across territories, most notably in host country India, where it became the most watched Cricket World Cup ever, with 422 billion viewing minutes on the Disney Star Network alone, resulting in a whopping 54% increase from 2011 and a significant 9% rise from 2019.

The tournament was the most broadcast in India, about five times more hours of coverage compared to 2011, thanks to the 22 channels that showcased the tournament across nine different languages (English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada & Malayalam).

The female viewership share rose from 32% for the 2011 edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to 34% this year, reflecting the universal excitement surrounding the country’s home tournament. The final between the hosts and Australia became the most watched Men’s Cricket World Cup match ever with a peak TV audience of 130 million, with a total of 300 million people watching it on the Disney Star network on linear alone in India.

The 2023 edition was also the most broadcast tournament in the United Kingdom and Australia that saw huge jumps in viewership compared to 2011 when it was played in the same time zone.

The UK saw 800 hours of live coverage and 5.86 billion minutes (of live viewing compared to 4.74 billion minutes) in 2011, a 24% increase. In Australia, there were 602 hours of live coverage with 3.79 billion minutes of live viewing, 92% more than the 1.98 billion minutes recorded in 2011.

Coupled with Australia’s success, this led to significant increase in overall audience with 9.1 million people watching India 2023 compared to the 2019 edition in England and Wales which saw 6.1 million tune in.

Pakistan saw record viewership with 237.10 billion viewing minutes of live viewing. The corresponding figures were 230.49 billion minutes in 2019 and 220.63 billion minutes in 2011.

The 2023 edition was the most shown World Cup in South Africa and saw a 32% increase in viewership from 2019 with 5.01 billion minutes of live coverage watched.

Similar was the case in the United States, where 395 hours of live coverage made it the most broadcast Cricket World Cup, the coverage hours rising 14% from 2019. The final was the most watched match with 48 million live viewing minutes, 47% more than the second most watched (India vs Pakistan). Nine of the 10 most watched games in the US featured India.

The decision to make coverage freely available for mobile users via Disney+ Hotstar in India led to a whopping 295 million LIVE Tournament viewers tuning in. Across the event, there were five world records broken on Disney+ Hotstar for digital peak concurrency, with the final attracting cricket’s highest concurrent audience ever, having already made history at four other 2023 World Cup matches, demonstrating the appeal of cricket and the excitement the ODI format continues to offer:

  1. India vs Australia (Final) – 59 million peak concurrent viewers
  2. India v New Zealand (Semi-Final) – 53 million peak concurrent viewers
  3. India v South Africa – 44 million peak concurrent viewers
  4. India v New Zealand (Group match) – 43 million peak concurrent viewers
  5. India v Pakistan – 35 million peak concurrent viewers

More records were broken on ICC platforms, with this World Cup becoming the most digitally engaged ever with an astonishing 16.9 billion video views, an 158% increase from the previous record set at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Engagements on ICC social channels also saw a massive increase with a record 1.23 billion, an increase of 142% from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 and 155% from 2019 edition in England and Wales.

These numbers reflected the ICC’s commitment to bring fans closer to the event no matter where they were in the world, whether it was showcasing India through the ‘It Takes One Day’ preview shows or going behind-the-scenes with teams after huge match wins like Australia’s victory in the final (19 million video plays on Instagram) or Afghanistan’s upset of Pakistan.

Having some fun and reimagining Glenn Maxwell’s cramp-afflicted heroics after his undefeated double-century against Afghanistan also had a major audience impact with 50 million video plays on Instagram. And host nation hero Virat Kohli’s Player of the Tournament feats created huge engagement, including a hug with his idol Sachin Tendulkar attracting 40 million video plays on Instagram after breaking his ODI centuries record (78 million video plays on Instagram) to his World Cup wicket with the ball (39 million video plays on Instagram).

The ICC’s partnership with Meta, which included the Meta Creator Squad India collaborating with players ahead of the event and the launch of the Meta Super 50 creators that shared their behind-the-scenes mobile view of matches through the tournament, also contributed to the various digital records broken and helped cricket reach new audience cohorts. Princy Parikh’s translation skit with Kane Willamson (128 million video plays on Instagram) was the most-watched piece of the entire event, which saw a total of 16.3 billion video plays across Meta channels (9.7 billion on Facebook and 6.6 billion on Instagram).

Web and app platforms set a record for users, with 97.5 million unique users for the event, a 29% increase from the 2019 edition. Page views on icc-cricket.com were also up to 704 million, totaling a 96% increase from a year ago at the Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

by Abhishek Shukla

Slovakia Secures Second Straight Win with 3-0 Shutout Over Switzerland at World Juniors

Slovakia’s goaltender Adam Gajan delivered an exceptional performance with a 36-save shutout, leading his team to a 3-0 victory over Switzerland in the World Junior Championship at Frolundaborg. Samuel Honzek’s goal in the first period proved decisive, marking Slovakia’s first 2-0 start at the World Juniors since 2002.

The match opened with a relatively calm first period, characterized by limited scoring opportunities, primarily against the Swiss. A notable moment came when Swiss defender Rodwin Dionicio’s risky pass was intercepted by Slovak Peter Repcik, whose powerful shot was expertly saved by Swiss goalie Alessio Beglieri. The deadlock was broken by Honzek, who capitalized on Repcik’s setup at 8:33.

Switzerland, under Coach Marcel Jenni’s guidance, returned with renewed vigor in the second period, dominating play and effectively neutralizing Slovakia’s offensive thrusts. Despite this, they were unable to equalize, and Slovakia nearly extended their lead when Honzek was awarded a penalty shot but failed to convert.

Swiss efforts to level the score were continually thwarted by Gajan’s remarkable goaltending, particularly evident in his stops against Leo Braillard’s close-range attempts. The third period saw continued Swiss pressure, with Gregory Weber and Miles Muller missing critical chances to score. Even a short-handed breakaway by Rico Gredig didn’t yield the much-needed Swiss goal.

Slovakia’s Repcik and Servac Petrovsky eventually sealed their team’s victory with empty-net goals, despite Switzerland’s sustained dominance in play for significant periods.

With this win, Slovakia takes a day off before their next game against Norway, while Switzerland faces a challenging encounter against the United States in their next game at Frolundaborg. This victory not only showcases Slovakia’s defensive resilience but also sets a promising tone for their campaign in the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

CAF and Orange renew Partnership reinforcing shared commitment to football development, equality and inclusion in Africa

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) and Orange have renewed their long-standing Partnership, reinforcing their shared commitment to football development, equality and inclusion in Africa.

Orange has been an exclusive telecommunications partner for CAF since 2008.

The scope of the renewed Partnership between CAF and Orange includes CAF’s most anticipated tournaments namely the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 and the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

The new Partnership has been amended to enable Orange to focus its commitments on delivering connectivity, equality and inclusivity. Central to the Group’s sponsorship strategy is how Orange will leverage the power that sport has to connect customers and fans across Africa and the Middle East, evident in three key areas: Gender equality, Inclusion and Orange Tous Connectés.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “Orange has been a great supporter and partner of African Football for many years. We are excited to continue working together with Orange to make African Football amongst the best in the world and self-supporting. The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire is expected to be watched by over 800 million people and we are delighted that Orange is our partner for this Competition and the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Our Partnership with Orange will also support the development and growth of Women’s football on the African Continent.”

Jérôme Henique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa comments: “Orange is a long-term and loyal partner of football in Africa and the Middle East. Our commitment to African football spans more than 20 years, and we’re proud to host over 40 football partnerships in countries across the region, including national teams as well as numerous various youth, academy and university programmes across several countries. We’re delighted to continue this important work with CAF to co-create and drive real change through common objectives.”

The partnership between CAF and Orange rest on three pillars namely:

  • Gender equality: Orange has committed to delivering 50/50 representation across Orange’s sponsorship portfolio, promoting equal access and opportunity. This builds on our active partnership of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and specific programmes since 2018.
  • Inclusion: by leveraging the footprint of Orange Digital Centers, Orange is dedicated to engaging, educating and connecting young people. Through this partnership with CAF, Orange will develop dedicated programmes to support young players to develop their digital skills and training. For example, Orange aims to teach coding skills to youth by using football content and challenges to inspire them. From simple football games to tournament stats, we can use the sport they love to engage them in coding while building valuable digital skills.
  • Orange Tous Connectés: Orange Tous Connectés is a platform which will ensure that Orange customers benefit from seamless service continuity and connectivity to enjoy, share and participate in the sport they love.
by Abhishek Shukla

ISL Preview:  Crucial points at stake as Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC seek confidence going into the season break

Mumbai, 27th December, 2023: Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC will take on each other at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) to round off their runs in the first half of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 campaign on December 28, Thursday. Both these teams come into this match on the back of defeats in their respective previous encounters. The Islanders were dealt with a disappointing 2-0 loss by the Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi, whereas the Marina Machans went down to Punjab FC by 1-0 in New Delhi last week.

For Mumbai City FC, the result down south was their first defeat in the ISL this season. Two goalless draws and a loss to Kerala Blasters FC in their previous four encounters, suggest that there’s ample room for improvement. Head Coach Kratky will be keen to sign off 2023 on a high, but that would mean overcoming a Chennaiyin FC unit that can be really dangerous on their day.

Owen Coyle has had a mixed bag of results with the club so far. Coyle has said repeatedly that they are looking at a long-term perspective at the moment. Their collective aim in this campaign appears to be to finish in the top-six and then bank on Coyle and his excellent game-management skills to go as deep into the competition as possible. Nothing could be a bigger boost to those ambitions than potentially defeating the Mumbai City FC in their own backyard.

What’s at stake?

Mumbai City FC

There is a lot of thinking that Kratky must have resorted to after the game in Kochi. Mumbai City FC was arguably swept aside from the game by the Kerala Blasters FC, and that perhaps signalled that the difference in quality amongst the higher ranked teams in the ISL is gradually bridging. Post some prominent departures aside from last season, they did solidify their squad in the summer and must be demanding more from themselves.

Chennaiyin FC is ideally the best opposition for them to get things back on track, as the Islanders have been unbeaten in their last six matches against the Marina Machans. However, the visitors pack a punch whenever they are in the City of Dreams; having beaten the Islanders thrice away from home in the ISL over the past 9 editions. The Marina Machans have conceded the joint-most goals in the ISL this season (19), along with Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC. The Islanders will be eyeing exploiting that, even as an opportunity to regain some of their goal-scoring rhythm that has faded away slightly since their clash against Bengaluru FC.

Chennnaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC is a team that likes to play on the frontfoot, but they need to be smarter with their defensive arrangement in this encounter. Mumbai City FC forwards operate at their best when they spot vacant spaces across the opposition’s backline. Coyle should ensure that his side does not shed their natural instincts but also be simultaneously wary of the threats that the Islanders can pose in certain phases of the game.

Coyle has a win percentage of 60% against Mumbai City FC in the ISL (P5 W3 D1 L1), which is his joint highest against any team (also Mohun Bagan Super Giant – P5 W3 L2). The tactician has in fact averaged two points per game against the Islanders in the competition, again the joint most alongside Hyderabad FC (P6 W3 D3). That coupled with Chennaiyin FC’s impressive record at the MFA should bring in confidence within the side to deliver an encouraging performance in the coming match.

Chennaiyin FC have to strike the perfect balance between their offensive endeavours and defensive duties in this fixture. They cannot forgo the opportunity of securing a point in search of a victory, and this is where Coyle’s game awareness will come into play. Their approach right from the offset of this match will be one to keep close tabs on.

Key Players

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

Lallianzuala Chhangte’s outputs have taken a visible hit in the first-half of this campaign, having netted once and assisted twice in 10 matches thus far. Last season, Chhangte had scored 10 goals and secured six assists in 22 appearances, thus being crowned with the Golden Ball award. The number of minutes that he has been allowed on the field has dipped too. In 2022-23, Chhangte was averaging 84.31 minutes per game, whereas it has dropped to 59.6 minutes in this ISL season until now.

He returning to his optimal form will be essential for Mumbai City FC to fire from all cylinders. There is a small record that he must be hoping to claim as well, with Chhangte being one away from registering his 50th win in the ISL, and in doing so he will become the 19th Indian player to achieve the feat in competition history. He will be keen to make a mark against his former club, with whom he had finished runners-up in the 2019-20 campaign. That was perhaps the breakout year for Chhangte, netting seven times in 21 appearances, and he will be targeting an impactful outing against the Marina Machans on Tuesday.

Rafael Crivellaro (Chennaiyin FC)

The Brazilian attacking midfielder is the fulcrum around which the Chennaiyin FC attacking moves revolve. He connects their midfield to the frontline, demonstrating sublime skillsets inside the box to control the ball, playing precise passes to fellow forwards in key positions, slowing the game down and taking his time to make the right decisions at important junctures. Crivellaro has scored thrice and made five assists so far this season, recording a goal contribution every 112.65 minutes. He will be instrumental in helping the visitors unlock the Mumbai City FC defence, which has conceded only nine times in the league this season. Whether Chennaiyin FC sees adequate time on the ball and puts pressure back on the home team remains to be seen though.

Head-to-Head

Played – 18

Mumbai City FC – 9

Chennaiyin FC – 6

Draws – 3

Trivia: 67% of Chennaiyin FC’s goals (10 out of 15) in the current ISL season have come in the first half of the games.

Team Talk


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“We reflected and reviewed (the last game). There were a lot of positive things but also things that we need to improve on. We addressed that, worked on that. We stick to our processes. It’s a good experience for the group to understand that we can be defeated as well. But, we need to keep moving forward,” Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky said in the pre-match press conference.


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“Anytime you play any opponent, you mention about players missing for Mumbai, nobody has more players missing than Chennaiyin FC, with the injuries we have. It happens in football. The ones who are available, we have to do the best with them,” Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle remarked.

ISL Fantasy

Rafael Crivellaro (7.7cr)

Eight goal contributions in ISL 2023-24

Jorge Pereyra Diaz (8.7cr)

Six goals this season so far

Bipin Singh (7.4cr)

Scored and grabbed an assist in Mumbai City FC’s last win at home

If not registered already, fans can participate in the overall league or club-based leagues based on their preferences. Create private leagues, inviting friends and fellow football aficionados to compete. Prizes include a Sony PlayStation ®️ ️5 gaming console, EA Sports FC 24, signed club merchandise, and a Gift Card worth INR 20,000, which will be awarded to 100 winners at the end of the season. Sign up at: https://fantasy.indiansuperleague.com/

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 SD & HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam) & DD Bangla (Bengali). 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.

Points Table


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by Abhishek Shukla

Day 7 Results: 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 1

New Delhi, 27th December 2023: Day 7 of the 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 1 witnessed SAI Shakti Team, Khelo India Hockey Excellence Centre Chhattisgarh, SAI Bal Team and Jai Bharat Hockey Academy winning their respective matches.  

SAI Shakti Team wins big:    

In the first match of the day, SAI Shakti Team defeated Raja Karan Hockey Academy 28-0. Purnima Yadav (4’, 34’, 35’, 42’, 45’, 49’, 54’) scored seven goals, Captain Kajal (3’, 6’, 22’, 29’, 50’, 60’) scored six goals, Binati Minz (2’, 9’, 25’, 56’) and Ravina (15’, 20’, 38’, 55’) scored four goals each, Shweta (12’, 57’) and Sakshi (24’, 59’) scored braces while Navroop Kaur (7’), Tammanna (14’) and Nisha Dadel (18’) scored a goal each for SAI Shakti team.  

Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre wins close game:   

In the second match of the day, Khelo India Hockey Excellence Centre Chhattisgarh defeated Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre 2-1. Doli Bhoi (18’) of Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre scored the first goal of the match by converting a penalty corner. Akshita (23’) equalized for Khelo India Hockey Excellence Centre Chhattisgarh five minutes later before Madhu Sidar (28’) put them in the lead late in the second quarter. They held on to the lead to win the match 2-1.  

SAI Bal Team has it easy: 

In the third match of the day, SAI Bal Team defeated Ghumanhera Riser’s Hockey Academy 12-0. Vandana Patel (17’, 52’, 57’) scored a hat-trick, Riya (15’, 27’), Tanisha Ekka (30’, 48’) and Sisliya Sandi Purty (38’, 53’) scored braces and Jyoti Xaxa (26’), Nidhi (42’) and Lalpeksangi (55’) scored a goal each for SAI Bal Team.  

Jai Bharat Hockey Academy overcomes Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy, Bhagta: 

In the fourth match of the day, Jai Bharat Hockey Academy defeated Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy, Bhagta 3-1. The first goal of the match was scored by Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy, Bhagta and it came from Anjali (6’). However, a brace from Nisha (23’, 45’) and a field goal from Captain Annu (51’) meant that Jai Bharat Hockey Academy would win the match 3-1.  

by Abhishek Shukla

Shubham Dubey: Vidarbha’s blue-eyed boy takes off on dream IPL journey

Nagpur, 27 December 2023: 220 runs, 7 innings, a monstrous strike rate of 185+ and a blazing 58 off 20 balls as an ‘Impact Player’ in Vidarbha’s highest-ever run-chase at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023, Shubham Dubey’s timing to leave a lasting impression couldn’t have been better.

The left-handed middle-order batter had little idea that his life was about to take a drastic turn just one month later, at the IPL 2024 Auction. Delhi Capitals opened the bid for the 29-year-old uncapped player, whose base price was set at INR 20 lakh. The Royals soon joined them, and thus began the war of bids that went well beyond the realm of anyone’s imagination. Let alone that of an excited Shubham, who was watching all the action unfold right in front of his eyes. The Royals eventually had the final say, signing the hard-hitter up for a whopping INR 5.8 crore, knowing well and truly what the Nagpur-based cricketer brought to the table.

We caught up with Shubham for a quick, exclusive tête-à-tête soon after the auction madness and just in time before his phone got bus(ier).

Q. What was your first reaction when Rajasthan Royals bought you at the IPL 2024 auction? Where were you when it happened?
I had mixed feelings ahead of the auction because I had no idea which team would pick me. So that excitement was always there. On the day of the auction, I started with my usual practice. With the Ranji Trophy coming up, all my preparations are focused on that tournament. I had a good outing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy so I was confident about my chances. Honestly, I didn’t expect the bidding to be so high so that was a pleasant surprise. The way the bids kept shooting up one after the other was astonishing to watch. My parents were sitting right across from me in the room when this happened, so watching them get emotional was a priceless moment for me. I touched their feet immediately after and thanked god as well because, without their blessings, this wouldn’t have been possible. My brother and close friends were present with me at home, and they were all very happy for me.

Q. Tell us a bit about your journey. When did you first start playing cricket?
Just like thousands of other kids in the country, my cricket journey also started in typical fashion. When I was in school, I would play gully cricket in the neighbourhood, and watch the Indian cricket team on television. At that time, I would get very excited to watch the likes of Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, etc. So I started playing locally with a few of my friends. I come from a very humble background, my family couldn’t afford to buy a full-fledged cricket kit but my father still managed to buy me one. Then one of my uncle’s friends suggested I should get enrolled in a club called ‘Advocate XI’ that trains talented young kids who can’t afford to pay fees for free.

It was there that I first saw Faiz Fazal, who was Nagpur’s Ranji Trophy captain at the time. His personality, the confidence he carried and the way everyone treated him with so much respect made me feel I wanted to reach that level too. He’s also a left-handed batter so I could relate to him even more. So I joined the club and started practising regularly and eventually got a chance to play matches at the club level. I would like to thank the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA), they gave me plenty of opportunities at the camps. One day, a coach asked me about my fees and I burst into tears because I couldn’t afford to pay it. He then started providing me with gloves, pads, etc. as I continued to play well and score runs. He also got me to play matches at the U-19 and U-23 levels, and then I went on to become the club captain. In my final year of U-23 cricket, coach Sudhir Wankhede gave me a chance to play in the Bapuna Cup and I scored some runs there. That was the moment I thanked him and decided that cricket was indeed what I wanted to pursue going forward. From then on, my hard work resulted in opportunities here and there, and I never looked back.

Q. Who was your inspiration growing up?
As a kid, I enjoyed watching cricket overall on television but I never thought I would become a cricketer. I loved watching Yuvraj Singh and the way he used to hit the big shots. I have also grown up playing a lot of tennis-ball cricket as back then, players would get paid to play in such competitions. I also like MS Dhoni and I know that he also played tennis-ball cricket in his early days before he took over Indian cricket.

Q. How did your family support your dream?
My parents have been incredibly supportive of my decision right from my childhood. They never forced me to do something else despite our struggling financial situation. My father is a modest man who took up odd jobs to support the family, right from operating a paan stall to working as a hotel manager, to even getting into real estate. My mom is very religious, even she didn’t stop me from chasing my dream. I would assure both of them that something good will come out of this and if I play well, it can also open up doors to employment as I had seen my friends getting jobs because of playing cricket.

Q. When was the first time you interacted with Rajasthan Royals? Any particular moment you remember?
A chance visit to the Royals’ High-Performance Centre in Talegaon (Nagpur) with a friend just after the pandemic led me to meet Romi sir (Romi Bhinder, Team Manager) and Zubin sir (Zubin Bharucha, Director of High Performance). When I went there, I saw Yashasvi Jaiswal practising in the nets and I was in awe of the facilities and the huge ground there. Cut to this year, I was there once again for the trials and that’s when Zubin sir took notice of my batting. He said to me, “You have the potential and the calibre, now we need to give it the finishing touches. It’s not just about playing in the IPL, but also beyond that and your ability to do that is clearly visible.”  

Q. Which teammate/coach are you looking forward to meeting in the IPL 2024 season?
Sanga (Kumar Sangakkara) sir for sure. I have followed his journey till his retirement and he is such a respected figure in the cricketing fraternity. He was also a lefty like me so just being around him will surely be a learning experience for me. I can’t wait to get going!

Q. What was the first thing that came to your mind after the auction? What is it that you want to do first?
There are a lot of people who have helped me reach this stage of my life. And I’ve found my biggest supporters in my family. My twin brother took care of the house financially without letting the pressure affect me, my parents were right behind me through thick and thin. Even on my worst days, when I was injured and out of action for a while, they encouraged me and kept me in a positive state of mind. I want to give them the comfort and happiness they deserve, so I wish to first buy a house for the family.

I’ve been fortunate to have friends who would always lend a helping hand, whether it was giving me a ride to the grounds when I had no other means of transport, or bowling to me day in, day out at the nets, or just introducing me to coaches, academies, from where I could carve my path. I would like to give back to them in whichever way possible to express my gratitude towards them.

Q. What is your favourite batting position?
I just want to win the match for my team, be it at any position. The fact that I am flexible in the batting order works well in my favour.

Q. What can fans expect from you in the upcoming IPL season?
The most important thing for me is to repay the franchise that has shown so much faith in me. And the only way to do it is through my performances so I’ll try my best to do that.

by Abhishek Shukla

U Mumba secures eight sponsors with a 60% increase valuation in PKL Season 10

Mumbai, December 27, 2023: U Mumba, backed by eight brands, has garnered maximum sponsorship with a valuation increase of 60% in the latest edition of the Pro Kabaddi League. Amassing these sponsorships is a testament to the growing stature of Brand U Mumba and the strong appeal and vision that the Mumbai team has in Kabaddi across India.

U Mumba had signed top sports news portal Melbat Live as its Title Partner and has partnered with Macho Hint as its powered by Partner, a millennial and Gen Z-focused brand in the innerwear category which is a sub-brand category from the stables of renowned brand, Macho.

For the Associate Partner category, U-Mumba has onboarded six brands led by Rajdhani Besan, pioneers in producing agro-food products in India, along with pioneering construction firm Je & Vee Infrastructures, and internationally acclaimed beauty, skincare, personal care, and cosmetic products manufacturer Vi John.

Great White Electricals, innovators in the home electrics space, the Indian Public Sector Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and the well-renowned footwear brand, Abros Shoes are all also donning the Mumbai colours in Season 10.

Suhail Chandok, CEO of U Mumba commenting on the team’s high marketability, said, “We are thrilled to welcome some new distinguished partners & the return of a couple too, to the U Mumba family. United by a shared vision of the brand’s identity, values, offerings, and success, we are confident that we will be able to elevate and inspire brand loyalty for U Mumba to new heights. We have a strong vision in place for the growth we want to see for our team and the trust placed in us by these esteemed brands is a testament to the value we have meticulously built over the years, showcasing the power of brand recognition. Our Indian sport of Kabaddi has truly taken the world by storm and continues to be a trusted vehicle for brands that need a targeted platform to reach a massive consumer base that is pan-India.”

U-Mumba has also forged collaborations with 92.7 Big FM; Nivia, a noteworthy homegrown sports brand; Swades Foundation, a premier NGO in Mumbai; Fast&Up, a foremost nutrition provider and Baller Athletik, India’s pioneer in energy-enhancing transformative clothing as promoting partners for the season.

According to the ‘India Sports Sponsorship Report 2023’ by GroupM, Sports Sponsorship in India recorded a figure of INR 5907 Cr ($Mn 748) in 2022 with a growth of 105%. Emerging sports witnessed an overall revenue of INR 1503 Cr ($Mn 190), which in YoY terms represents an incremental value of INR 829 Cr ($Mn 104).

U Mumba is set to take on Telugu Titans next in their Pro Kabaddi League match in Noida on the 30th of December before the Pro Kabaddi caravan moves to Mumbai for U Mumba’s Home leg starting on the 5th of January.

 Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India stats showed the opening weekend of PKL Season 10 alone witnessed 80.1 million viewers, clocking a 32% increase from the 2022 season, with consumption increasing by 27% to 2.7 billion minutes over just the first 4 matches.

by Abhishek Shukla

Nalyssa Smith Crowned EuroCup Women MVP for December After Stellar Performances with Galatasaray

MUNICH, Germany – In a display of exceptional basketball prowess, Nalyssa Smith has been named the EuroCup Women’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for December, following a series of remarkable performances for Istanbul-based team Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring. Smith’s dynamic presence on the court has been a key factor in propelling her team into the EuroCup Women’s Round of 16.

Throughout the Play-Off Round 1, Smith demonstrated her basketball acumen, achieving an impressive efficiency valuation of 31.5. This feat was underscored by her phenomenal scoring ability, as she consistently shot over 60 percent from the field in both games, averaging a remarkable 28.0 points per game.

Smith’s contributions, however, extended beyond her scoring capabilities. She also showcased her prowess in rebounding, nearly achieving a double-double for the month with an average of 9.5 rebounds per game. This all-round performance highlights her versatility and importance to Galatasaray’s success.

The forward began her spectacular month with a vital role in securing a rare draw for Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring in the first leg of the Play-Off Round 1 against MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec. The game concluded in a 90-90 tie, with Smith contributing an outstanding 31 points and 12 rebounds.

In the second leg, with the advantage of playing on their home court, Smith continued her dominant form. She was instrumental in Galatasaray’s convincing 91-65 victory over MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec, leading her team with 25 points and 7 rebounds, and thus securing their place in the next stage of the competition.

Smith’s recognition as the EuroCup Women MVP for December is a testament to her exceptional talent and impact on the game. Her performances have not only been pivotal for Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring’s current success but have also elevated her status in women’s basketball. As the EuroCup Women competition progresses, Smith’s influence on the court will undoubtedly be a key factor in her team’s pursuit of further success.

by Abhishek Shukla

Six RSPB boxers eye title at the 7th Elite Women’s National Boxing Championships

Greater Noida, December 27, 2023: The Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) was on track to walk away with six gold medals at the 7th Elite Women’s National Boxing Championships held at the GBU Indoor Stadium in Greater Noida.

In the semifinals held on Tuesday, Anamika (50kg), Jyoti (52kg), Shiksha (54kg), Sonia Lather (57kg), Nandini (75kg) and Nupur (81+kg) stormed into the final of the tournament.

Anamika, last year’s runner-up in the 50kg category, will take on Haryana’s Kalpana to improve her medal at the competition. In the semi-finals, Anamika got the better of Manipur’s Maibam Rosemary Chanu with a referee stopped contest decision in the second round. While Kalpana decimated her opponent Ekta Saroj of Punjab 5-0.

In the 52kg bout, the referee had to yet again step in to stop the contest when Assam’s Bhupali Hazarika could not match Jyoti’s flurry of punches. Jyoti now faces Shvinder Kaur Sidhu in the summit clash after the All India Police (AIP) pugilist forced Maharashtra’s Simran Verma abandon the bout in Round 3.

For 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine of Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) Menka Devi of Himachal Pradesh was no match as she marched on with 5-0 victory in the 60kg category. On the other hand, Simranjit Kaur Baatth also scored 5-0 win to set up title clash with Jaismine.

In the 63kg category, AIP’s Sonu continued her run to the final after she scored 5-0 win over Uttar Pradesh’s Rinky Sharma. Sonu will take on Haryana’s Prachi whose fight against Telangana’s Niharika Gonella earned her a 5-0 verdict.

Ankushita Boro, the Youth World Champion, thundered her way into the 66kg final with 5-0 verdict over Himachal Pradesh’s Deepika. Services Sports Control Board’s Arundhati Choudhary will be waiting for Boro in the final clash after defeating Nagaland’s Sanju 5-0.

Assam’s Bhagyabati Kachari stood no match for Saweety Boora of Haryana in the 81kg weight category. Saweety, the 2023 World Championship gold medallist, faced little challenge from her opponent as she won 5-0. Saweety, last year’s gold medallist in the same category will look to retain her title when she clashed with Mizoram’s Lalfakmawii Ralte, who defeated AIP’s Sushma 4-1.

Defending Heavyweight champion Nupur, who had an easy 5-0 outing against Elura Borgohain, will be all prepared to repeat her last year’s performance against Haryana’s Ritikia. The Haryana boxer impressed the judges against Monika to enter the final.

The prestigious tournament, organized by the Boxing Federation of India, has witnessed the participation of more than 300 boxers competing in 12 categories.

by Abhishek Shukla

Hoque, Kapp move up in MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings

Bangladesh opener Fargana Hoque and South Africa’s new-ball bowler Marizanne Kapp have made notable gains in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after their ICC Women’s Championship series which South Africa won 2-1.

Hoque, who scored 102 in the second match in Potchefstroom, has advanced two slots to a career-best 13th position while Kapp has inched up one place to eighth after returning identical figures of two for 21 in the second and third matches of the series, which counted towards the latest weekly rankings update.

Sune Luus has progressed three slots to 22nd after scores of 47 not out and 34, Tazmin Brits is up 32 slots to 41st after scores of 50 and 118, while Anneke Bosch has jumped 71 places to 70th following a match-winning 65 not out off 63 balls in the second match.

Nadine de Klerk (up four places to 19th) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (up six places to 24th) are the bowlers from the home side to move up the table.

For Bangladesh, leg-spinner Rabeya Khan has advanced four slots to 52nd while Ritu Moni has progressed in both lists – up eight places to 68th among batters and up four places to 90th among bowlers.

by Abhishek Shukla

WWE NXT Results: Thrills and Surprises in the Ring on December 26, 2023

In a spectacular display of athleticism and drama, WWE NXT’s latest event on December 26, 2023, saw high-stakes matches and surprising outcomes.

  • OTM Triumphs Over Chase U: In a critical match, OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price) emerged victorious against Andre Chase and Duke Hudson of Chase U. This win not only solved OTM’s financial woes but also earned them a future Tag Team Title Match against Tony D’Angelo and Stacks.
  • Noam Dar Retains NXT Heritage Cup: Defending champion Noam Dar successfully retained his title against a valiant Josh Briggs. Briggs, fighting without his usual support, succumbed to frustration and was disqualified, handing Dar the victory.
  • Cora Jade Overcomes Karmen Petrovic: In a tightly contested match, Cora Jade triumphed over Karmen Petrovic. Despite Petrovic’s innovative karate-style offense, Jade’s experience and resolve led her to victory, continuing her winning streak since her return.
  • Riley Osborne Advances in Breakout Tournament: Riley Osborne booked his place in the NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament finals by defeating Lexis King. The match saw Osborne capitalize on a moment of retribution from Trey Bearhill against King.
  • Bron Breakker Outshines Nathan Frazer: In a clash of power versus speed, Bron Breakker defeated Nathan Frazer. Frazer almost caused an upset, but Breakker’s sheer strength, culminating in a decisive spear, ensured his win.
  • Oba Femi Moves Closer to Tournament Glory: The NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament semifinal witnessed Oba Femi overpowering Tavion Heights in an intense battle, bringing him one step closer to tournament glory.
  • Joe Gacy’s Triumphant Return: Joe Gacy marked his return with a win against Joe Coffey, aided by an unexpected assist from Hank Walker & Tank Ledger.
  • Eddy Thorpe Dominates in NXT Underground Match: In a brutal NXT Underground Match, Eddy Thorpe emerged victorious over Dijak. The intense bout saw both competitors push their limits, but Thorpe’s resilience led to a stoppage victory, earning him a standing ovation.

This event was a showcase of determination, skill, and the unexpected, keeping the NXT Universe on the edge of their seats.