Author: Abhishek Shukla

Owner of Sports India Live.
by Abhishek Shukla

WWE RAW Results – December 18, 2023

Here’s a detailed breakdown of each match and segment from the December 18, 2023, edition of WWE RAW:

1. The Judgment Day’s Opening

  • The show began with The Judgment Day faction, featuring Damian Priest, Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, and Rhea Ripley. They boasted about dominating RAW and hyped their matches for the night, including Priest and Balor defending their tag-team titles.

2. Miracle On 34th Street Fight: R-Truth vs. JD McDonagh

  • R-Truth won against JD McDonagh in a comical yet intense “Miracle on 34th Street Fight”. The match was filled with holiday-themed weaponry and interference from The Judgment Day members. R-Truth eventually triumphed by pinning McDonagh after a dramatic sequence involving a Christmas tree and a table.

3. Becky Lynch Confronts Nia Jax

  • Becky Lynch interrupted Nia Jax’s in-ring segment. Jax announced her entry into the Women’s Royal Rumble. The segment evolved into a heated exchange, with Jax challenging Lynch to a match in San Diego at WWE Day 1. The segment concluded with Lynch attacking Jax.

4. WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER (C) vs. The Miz

  • GUNTHER retained the Intercontinental Championship against The Miz in a match marked by technical prowess and intense action. The Miz, unable to secure the win despite a valiant effort, lost to GUNTHER, who finished him with a powerbomb and a clothesline.

5. The Nightmare Before Christmas with Shinsuke Nakamura

  • This segment featured Shinsuke Nakamura in a festive setting, recapping his rivalry with Cody Rhodes. The segment transitioned into a brawl between Nakamura and Rhodes, spilling from backstage to ringside, but ended with Rhodes unable to execute his finishing move on Nakamura.

6. Undisputed WWE Women’s Tag-Team Championship: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven (C) vs. Katana Chance & Kayden Carter

  • Katana Chance and Kayden Carter captured the Undisputed WWE Women’s Tag-Team Championships from Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. The match was competitive, with Chance and Carter eventually overcoming their opponents with their signature double-team finisher.

7. Ivar vs. Akira Tozawa

  • Ivar defeated Akira Tozawa in a match that showcased Tozawa’s agility and determination. Despite Tozawa’s early offense, Ivar overpowered him for the win, continuing the dominance of The Viking Raiders.

8. Seth “Freakin” Rollins Confronted By Drew McIntyre

  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins was confronted by Drew McIntyre. The segment featured a blend of personal stories and intense rivalry, setting the stage for their upcoming title match at WWE Day 1.

9. “Main Event” Jey Uso vs. Ludwig Kaiser

  • Jey Uso emerged victorious against Ludwig Kaiser in an impromptu match. Kofi Claus’s involvement and a brawl with Imperium added to the drama. Uso won with an Uso Splash, overcoming interference and chaos.

10. Undisputed WWE World Tag-Team Championship: The Judgment Day (C) vs. The Creed Brothers

  • In the main event, The Judgment Day retained their titles against The Creed Brothers. The match featured high-intensity action and interference, with Priest and Balor ultimately securing victory after a grueling battle.

This episode of WWE RAW was characterized by a mix of entertaining and intense segments, progressing storylines and setting up future showdowns.

by Abhishek Shukla

Girona Surges to Top of LaLiga with Commanding 3-0 Victory Over Alaves

GIRONA – In a remarkable twist in the LaLiga narrative, Girona FC, once considered underdogs, soared to the league summit with a resounding 3-0 win over Alaves. Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk’s brace and a goal from Portu propelled the Catalan side to a two-point lead over Real Madrid.

Girona’s Ascendancy – Girona, continuing their exceptional form, took control from the outset. Dovbyk’s instinctive strike in the 23rd minute opened the scoring, pouncing on a rebound off the goalkeeper. Portu then doubled the advantage with a sublime effort from the edge of the box just before halftime.

A significant aspect of Girona’s strategy was their dominance on the right flank, with Brazilian full-back Yan Couto causing constant trouble for Alaves’ defense. His pace and dribbling skills were a persistent threat, culminating in a penalty earned by Couto in the 59th minute.

Dovbyk, seizing the opportunity, confidently converted the penalty, sending the ball straight down the middle to notch his second goal of the match.

This victory marks Girona’s 14th win in 17 games, the best record across Europe’s top five leagues at this stage. Their only notable setback was a defeat to Real Madrid in late September.

Portu’s post-match reflections encapsulated Girona’s ethos – a relentless hunger for success and a focus on day-to-day progress without getting complacent.

Girona’s win places them at the pinnacle of LaLiga with 44 points, leading over traditional giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Their fairytale run, especially after gaining promotion just two seasons ago, has sparked conversations about their potential to clinch an unprecedented title.

Girona FC’s triumph over Alaves isn’t just a win; it’s a statement of intent. Their consistent performances, tactical acumen, and team spirit have turned them into genuine title contenders, challenging the established hierarchy of Spanish football. Their journey this season is a testament to the unpredictability and competitiveness of LaLiga.

by Abhishek Shukla

Japan finish 2023 on top of WBSC/KONAMI Men’s Baseball World Ranking

The World Baseball Softball Confederation and Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. have expanded their global partnership to incorporate the WBSC World Rankings naming rights.

Premier12, World Baseball Classic and Olympic champions Japan maintained its grip on the No.1 position of the WBSC/KONAMI Men’s Baseball World Ranking, following the latest ranking update on Monday.

Japan’s points tally has increased by 225 points to 5,797 following their win in the XXX BFA Asian Championship. The ranking update also includes the results of the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Oceania Qualifier.The top 26 men’s baseball programmes maintained their positions in the ranking with Mexico (4,764) in second place and the United States (4,492) No. 3.

The Philippines (318) are the most improved programme among the top 30, improving by four positions to No. 28.

Hong Kong, China (223) climbed five positions to reach No. 32.

Two programmes particularly enjoying the benefits of their performances at the XXX BFA Asian Championship are Pakistan (155) climbing 11 positions to reach No. 38, while Palestine (82) improved nine positions to a record high of No. 46.The WBSC/KONAMI Men’s Baseball World Ranking includes 80 programmes across the five Olympic continents.

by Abhishek Shukla

MLB: Baltimore Orioles Secure Future at Camden Yards with Historic 30-Year Agreement

BALTIMORE, MD – The Baltimore Orioles have struck a pivotal 30-year agreement with the State of Maryland, Governor Wes Moore, and the Maryland Stadium Authority, ensuring their continued presence at the iconic Camden Yards. This landmark deal, which aligns with the broad goals outlined in a memorandum of understanding from earlier this year, cements the Orioles’ commitment to Baltimore and its fans, while promising to rejuvenate the surrounding area and the Downtown Corridor.

A New Era for Camden Yards

Greg Bader, Chief Operating Officer of the Baltimore Orioles, expressed pride in achieving a mutually beneficial agreement that reimagines the partnership for future generations. “After a lengthy and complex process, we look forward to enhancements to Camden Yards that the Baltimore community can enjoy for decades to come,” said Bader.

A Win for Maryland Taxpayers and Baseball Fans

Governor Wes Moore emphasized that the agreement prioritizes Maryland taxpayers, ensures the Orioles’ long-term presence in Baltimore, and benefits the entire city. “This agreement will not only enhance the world-class fan experience at Camden Yards, but the entire city as well,” stated Governor Moore. The deal is expected to yield playoff baseball in Baltimore for years to come, a prospect that excites fans and the community alike.

Community Impact and Economic Growth

Kerry Watson, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs of the Baltimore Orioles, highlighted the opportunity for a vibrant campus that brings life to the city year-round. The agreement sets in motion plans to develop and expand the Downtown Corridor and Camden Yards campus, fostering business, economic stability, and community impact.

Orioles’ Commitment to Excellence

John Angelos, Chair and Managing Partner of the Baltimore Orioles, reaffirmed the team’s promise to fans, celebrating the continuation of Orioles baseball in Baltimore for 30 more years, marking the team’s 100th season in the city. The Orioles, who have played at Camden Yards since 1992, recently completed an exhilarating 101-win season, clinching the American League East title and making a notable appearance in the Major League Baseball Postseason. With a roster boasting young stars like AL Rookie of the Year infielder Gunnar Henderson and catcher Adley Rutschman, the Orioles’ future in Baltimore shines brightly.

This agreement not only secures the Orioles’ residence at one of baseball’s most beloved ballparks but also signals a new chapter in the team’s history, promising enhanced experiences for fans and significant contributions to the community and the state of Maryland.

by Abhishek Shukla

Slovenia Secures Gold and Promotion in U20 Ice Hockey Championship on Home Ice

BLED, SLOVENIA – In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Slovenia’s U20 ice hockey team triumphed on home ice at the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U20 World Championship Division 1B, securing both the gold medal and a promotion. The team’s crowning achievement came with a decisive 5-3 victory against Ukraine, propelling them into the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey U20 World Championship Division 1 Group A.

The Final Showdown: Slovenia vs Ukraine

The gold-medal match was a high-stakes affair, with both teams showcasing their prowess. Slovenia’s Filip Sitar emerged as a key player, scoring crucial goals at pivotal moments of the game. His performance was instrumental in settling Slovenian nerves and ultimately securing the victory. The game’s climax saw Slovenia stretch their lead, ensuring their win and marking a successful start for head coach Mitja Sivic.

Slovenia’s Stellar Performers

Slovenia’s success was marked by standout performances from several players. Lan Kavcic was selected as the top goaltender of the tournament, while teammate Tian Hebar was recognized as the top defender. These individual accolades reflect the team’s overall strength and depth.

Ukraine’s Silver Lining

Despite the defeat, Ukraine’s team showed great resilience and skill, earning a respectable silver medal. Their forward, Mykyta Sydorenko, was named as the best forward of the tournament, underlining the high level of competition.

Other Tournament Highlights

Italy secured the bronze medal in a tournament that saw strong performances from multiple teams. Croatia, unfortunately, faced relegation to Division 2A. The tournament not only highlighted the emerging talents in ice hockey but also set the stage for future competitions in higher divisions.

Slovenia’s victory at the IIHF Men’s World U20 Championship Division 1B is a significant milestone, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in ice hockey. With a combination of skilled young players and effective coaching, Slovenia’s U20 team has made a statement on the international stage, promising exciting prospects for the nation’s hockey future.

by Abhishek Shukla

Ice-Hockey: Kim Sihwan’s Hat-Trick Propels Korea U20s to Promising Victory and Promotion

DUMFRIES, GREAT BRITAIN – In an exhilarating finale to the IIHF Men’s World U20 Championship Division IIA, Korea’s U20 hockey team, led by the stellar performance of Kim Sihwan, clinched gold and secured promotion. Their triumph came in a nail-biting gold-medal showdown against Great Britain, held in Dumfries, where Korea maintained a perfect record through five games.

The spotlight was on 19-year-old center Kim Sihwan, who delivered a match-defining hat-trick. Sihwan, one of the most experienced players on the Korean roster, has previously showcased his skills in the senior international division. His experience on British ice proved invaluable, helping him guide his team to a hard-earned victory. Reflecting on his performance, Kim credited his earlier senior international experience for his impressive play, noting, “That was a really good experience for me… I think that’s part of why I played well here. We came here to win promotion, and as a team, that’s what we did.”

The gold-medal game began with Kim opening the scoring, demonstrating his sharp instincts and skill. The match then evolved into a tense duel between Kim and GB’s top scorer, Jack Hopkins. Despite trailing 3-1 at one point, Korea displayed remarkable resilience. Kim’s second goal early in the final period reignited Korea’s hopes, followed by a crucial power-play goal from defender Kong Yuchan to tie the game.In a dramatic turn of events, Kim completed his hat-trick with a clincher into an empty net, sealing Korea’s 3-1 comeback victory and their promotion.

While Korea celebrated their immediate return to Division IB after last season’s relegation, British head coach Martin Grubb expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the minor details that cost them the match. Despite the loss, he praised Korea’s performance, stating, “Korea’s a great team. All tournament they played fast, free-flowing hockey.”

Lithuania capitalized on Britain’s loss to claim silver, while Britain secured third place. Among individual achievements, Kim Sihwan emerged as the top scorer with 14 points, and Kong Yuchan was recognized as the most productive defender. Britain’s Ben Norton was lauded as the top goaltender, showcasing exceptional skill throughout the tournament.Korea’s victory at the IIHF Men’s World U20 Championship Division IIA marks a significant milestone for the team, showcasing their talent and determination. Under the guidance of young stars like Kim Sihwan, the future of Korean hockey looks bright and promising.

by Abhishek Shukla

MLB: Ottawa Senators Undergo Major Coaching Shake-Up, Appoint Jacques Martin as Interim Head Coach

Ottawa, ON – In a significant move, the Ottawa Senators announced a major shake-up in their coaching staff today. President of Hockey Operations and Interim General Manager Steve Staios confirmed that the team has parted ways with Head Coach D.J. Smith and Assistant Coach Davis Payne. Jacques Martin, a familiar face in the Senators’ history, steps in as the interim head coach.

This decision comes amidst a challenging phase for the Senators, who have been striving to regain their competitive edge in the league. The shake-up signifies the team’s commitment to revitalizing their on-ice strategies and overall performance.

Jacques Martin, no stranger to the Senators, makes a notable return. Having initially helmed the team from 1996 to 2004, Martin is revered for his extensive experience and deep understanding of the game. His record with the Senators during his previous tenure – a commendable 341-255-96 in regular-season play – stands as a testament to his coaching acumen. Martin also holds the franchise record for the most games coached, regular-season wins, playoff wins, and playoff games coached. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his successful history with the team during this period of transition.

In a move that has thrilled fans, the franchise also welcomes back Daniel Alfredsson in a coaching capacity. The former captain and all-time leading scorer for the Senators will join Martin’s staff as an assistant coach. Alfredsson’s deep connection with the team and his on-ice intelligence are expected to be invaluable assets in this new role.

The Senators are set to display their new coaching dynamics in the upcoming game against the Arizona Coyotes. This match will mark Martin’s return to the Ottawa bench, a moment that is highly anticipated by the Senators’ community.

Further details and insights into these changes will be provided by Steve Staios in a media briefing scheduled for Monday afternoon. The briefing will be conducted via Zoom from the team’s hotel in Tempe, Arizona, with the exact timing yet to be announced.

This coaching overhaul marks a pivotal moment for the Ottawa Senators as they seek to chart a new course in their pursuit of success. With the combined expertise of Martin and Alfredsson, the team hopes to usher in a new era of achievement and excellence on the ice.

by Abhishek Shukla

MLB: Boston Red Sox Announce 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

BOSTON, MA – In a significant nod to their storied history, the Boston Red Sox have announced the induction of former players Trot Nixon, Jonathan Papelbon, and Dustin Pedroia into the 2024 Red Sox Hall of Fame. Alongside these baseball icons, longtime front office executive Elaine Steward will be honored as the non-uniformed inductee. The selection panel, a diverse group of 21 including club executives, media members, historians, and fan representatives, made these choices after careful deliberation.

Trot Nixon: A Red Sox Cornerstone

Trot Nixon, renowned for his pivotal role in the Red Sox outfield, has been a fan favorite since being drafted in the first round in 1993. Over 10 seasons, Nixon’s impressive stats include a .278 batting average, 133 home runs, and 523 RBIs. His remarkable consistency and significant postseason contributions, including a memorable walk-off home run in the 2003 American League Division Series, have cemented his legacy in Red Sox history.

Jonathan Papelbon: The Closer Extraordinaire

Jonathan Papelbon, a four-time All-Star and key figure in the 2007 World Series victory, redefined the closer’s role during his tenure with the Red Sox. Holding franchise records for most career saves and an outstanding postseason ERA of 1.00, Papelbon’s induction is a testament to his dominance on the mound.

Dustin Pedroia: The Heart of Red Sox

Dustin Pedroia, a lifetime Red Sox and a three-time World Series champion, exemplifies the spirit of Boston baseball. With accolades like the 2008 Most Valuable Player and multiple Gold Glove Awards, Pedroia’s .299 career batting average and defensive prowess at second base have made him a beloved figure in Red Sox lore.

Elaine Steward: Breaking Barriers in Baseball

Elaine Steward’s induction as a non-uniformed inductee recognizes her groundbreaking contributions to the Red Sox organization. Starting as an intern in 1988, Steward quickly rose through the ranks to become the first woman and the second African American to be named assistant general manager in Major League Baseball. Her influential role in contract negotiations and operations has been instrumental in the team’s successes.

A Memorable Moment: Billy Rohr’s Near-No-Hitter

Billy Rohr’s remarkable one-hitter against the New York Yankees in 1967 has been chosen as this year’s “Memorable Red Sox Moment”. Rohr’s performance, just shy of a no-hitter in his Major League debut, marked a significant moment in the Red Sox’s “Impossible Dream” season and their journey to the World Series.

The Class of 2024 will be officially inducted at the Red Sox Foundation’s Red Sox Hall of Fame & Fenway Honors event on May 29, followed by a special pre-game ceremony at Fenway Park on May 30. As the Red Sox community anticipates this celebration, these inductees stand as a testament to the rich history and enduring legacy of one of baseball’s most cherished franchises.

by Abhishek Shukla

USA Maintains Dominance in FIBA World Ranking Girls; Canada and Slovenia Make Significant Strides

MIES, Switzerland – The latest edition of the FIBA World Ranking Girls, presented by Nike, has reaffirmed the USA’s dominance in youth women’s basketball. The USA team sits comfortably at the top with 830.2 points, following their impeccable 7-0 run at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2023 in Madrid. The tournament, which saw the USA retaining their title against hosts Spain, was notably played on an innovative ASB glass floor court and witnessed a record-breaking crowd of 7,000.

France remains in the second spot with 726.2 points, thanks to their strong performances in various international tournaments, including reaching the Semi-Finals of the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup and winning the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship 2023.

Canada has made a notable leap to the third position, accumulating 721.1 points. This significant advancement is attributed to their third-place finish at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup and their run to the finals at the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship 2023 in Mexico.

Spain and Australia follow in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. However, the spotlight is on Slovenia, who have surged four places to sixth, amassing 685.6 points. This rise is primarily due to their remarkable victory at the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship 2023.

Japan, Finland, and Croatia have also made impressive progress. Japan, now in ninth place, improved their ranking with a top-six finish at the FIBA U19 World Cup and a runner-up position in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship. Finland, climbing to the tenth spot, benefited from their semi-final appearance in the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship. Croatia, now in the eleventh place, saw a seven-spot jump after securing the fifth place in the same tournament.

Mali’s eight-place rise to the twelfth position is another highlight, following their fifth-place finish at the FIBA U19 World Cup and an eighth consecutive title at the FIBA U16 Women’s African Championship.

Serbia has made the most dramatic climb within the top 40 nations, soaring 20 places to reach the sixteenth spot. This surge is attributed to their performances in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship and the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship.

This latest FIBA ranking update also included adjustments in the Competition and Region weights for Girls, aligning them with the updated Women’s weights in 2023.

Here is the FIBA World Ranking for Girls as of December 2023:

RankCountryCurrent Points+/- Rank Change
1USA830.20
2France726.20
3Canada721.1+2
4Spain717.90
5Australia699.2-2
6Slovenia685.6+4
7Hungary669.9-1
8Belgium655.90
9Japan629.2+4
10Finland608.9+6
11Croatia597.1+7
12Mali592.4+8
13Czechia578.1+2
14Germany576.30
15Italy573.8-4
16Serbia567.4+20
17Lithuania564.9-10
18Poland543.2+5
19China536.6-7
20Egypt529.9+1
21Latvia520.6-4
22Puerto Rico499.6+3
23Portugal497.3-1
24Türkiye496.20
25Korea479.7+1
26Greece470.4-7
27Colombia461.3+3
28Chinese Taipei451.8+1
29Brazil441.4+2
30Argentina438.5-3
31New Zealand430.7+1
32Israel419.2-4
33Angola407.0+5
34Mexico384.50
35Tunisia336.30
36Uganda327.8+5
37Sweden294.1-3
38Algeria275.2+4
39Madagascar253.9+7
40Chile252.8-4

by Abhishek Shukla

Pakistan penalised for slow over-rate in Perth Test

Pakistan have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee and penalised two ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against Australia in the first Test in Perth.

Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Pakistan were ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, two World Test Championship points have been deducted from Pakistan’s points total.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood pled guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Joel Wilson and Richard Illingworth, third umpire Michael Gough and fourth umpire Donovan Koch leveled the charge.

by Abhishek Shukla

Abu Dhabi wins bid to host 47th Chess Olympiad in 2028

Abu Dhabi has been selected as the host city for the 47th Chess Olympiad in 2028, triumphing over Genoa with a vote of 96 to 60 during the FIDE Council meeting on December 17thThe bid to secure the rights to host the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2028, FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities 2028, and FIDE Congress 2028 was a joint effort by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Chess Federation. The proposed venue for these events is the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the largest of its kind in the Middle East.Before the vote, FIDE conducted visits to both Abu Dhabi and Genoa to inspect the proposed venues and facilities. Official meetings were held with local and government authorities in both cities and with potential organizers.
In Abu Dhabi, meetings were conducted with prominent figures, including His Excellency Aref Al Awani, the General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the President of the Asian Chess Federation, H.E. Tarim Matar Muhammad Tarim, the President of the UAE Chess Federation, and Hussein Abdullah Al-Khoury, the President of the Abu Dhabi Chess Club.FIDE’s inspection concluded that “Abu Dhabi presented a compelling bidding proposal, supported by the findings of the inspection visit on December 6th and 7th, 2023. The city boasts a robust transportation and accommodation infrastructure, a venue meeting top international standards, and experienced organizers capable of hosting world-class events not only in chess but in various other sports and spheres.”
This marks the second time that the UAE will host a chess Olympiad, following the event held in Dubai in 1986.Abu Dhabi and the UAE have recently demonstrated a strong commitment to organizing numerous chess events. In 2023 alone, the country hosted the inaugural Global Chess League, the 29th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, and the Asia Chess Amateur Championship. The city is set to host the Asian Youth Chess Championship next year.
by Abhishek Shukla

ONE Championship Announces 3 Fights for ONE 166: Qatar and Road to ONE Submission Grappling Tournament

Singapore — December 18, 2023 — ONE Championship (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, today announced three bouts for ONE 166: Qatar, the promotion’s on-ground debut in the country on Friday, March 1 at the Lusail Sports Arena.

Tickets for this historic event are on sale now at the Virgin Megastore and Q-Tickets.

The first World Championship bout set for this historic card features a highly anticipated rematch for MMA gold as ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks of the U.S. defends his title against former World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines.

ONE 166: Qatar will also showcase a clash of heavyweight contenders as red-hot Iranian star Amir Aliakbari — who is riding a three-fight, three knockout winning streak — takes on former ONE heavyweight king Arjan Bhullar of India. The event will also play host to a battle between former ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Title challengers 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 during the ONE 166: Qatar fight week.
 
In addition to playing host to a pair of grappling super-fights, Qatar’s finest men’s and women’s grapplers will compete for US$100,000 contracts across multiple divisions as they attempt to realize their dream of competing on ONE Championship’s global stage.

Additional details on the ONE 166: Qatar fight card and the Road to ONE submission grappling tournament will be revealed in the coming weeks.

ONE 166: Qatar will be broadcast in the Middle East region on beIN Sports starting at 3:30pm AST. Details on how to watch the global broadcast, which can be viewed in over 190 countries worldwide, will be announced at a later date.

by Abhishek Shukla

Global Sport Climbing Stars Set for Olympic Qualifier Series

The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) has finalized the list of athletes set to compete in the Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This comes after the conclusion of the 2023 season, marked by the IFSC African Qualifier in Pretoria, South Africa. The season witnessed nearly half of the Olympic spots being awarded at the IFSC World Championships in Bern, Switzerland, and five Continental Qualifiers held across the globe.

The OQS is scheduled to take place in two key locations: Shanghai, China, from May 16 to 19, and Budapest, Hungary, from June 20 to 23, 2024. Athletes will compete for ten quota places in each of the Boulder & Lead events and five in each of the Speed events. The participating athletes were selected based on the IFSC World Rankings in Boulder & Lead and Speed, with additional considerations for athletes from the host nation of the Paris 2024 Olympics, OQS host nations, highest-placed athletes from each continent, and identified Universality nations.

The confirmed list of athletes for the Women’s Speed category includes notable competitors like Natalia Kalucka from Poland, Rajiah Sallsabillah from Indonesia, and China’s Di Niu. The Men’s Speed category will feature China’s Peng Wu, Indonesia’s Veddriq Leonardo, and Kiromal Katibin.

In the Women’s Boulder & Lead discipline, the United States’ Brooke Raboutou, Japan’s Miho Nonaka, and Korea’s Chaehyun Seo are among the top contenders. The Men’s Boulder & Lead field includes France’s Mejdi Schalck, Korea’s Dohyun Lee, and the legendary climber Adam Ondra from the Czech Republic.

Athletes already qualified for Paris 2024 and those from nations that have filled their maximum quota spots, such as Japan in Men’s Boulder & Lead and the USA in Men’s Boulder & Lead and Women’s Speed, are not eligible for the OQS.

The qualification process for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will conclude with the allocation of host country and universality quota places after the OQS. Updates and news about the events will be available on the IFSC website and through their digital channels, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and for the Chinese audience, Douyin and Weibo.

Sport climbing enthusiasts and fans around the globe eagerly await these events, which promise intense competition and spectacular performances from the world’s top climbers vying for a chance to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: Punjab FC break the jinx, get historic maiden ISL win

Punjab FC ended a 10-match-long wait for their maiden Indian Super League (ISL) win by defeating Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi by 1-0 tonight.The ISL debutants had come touchingly close to crossing the finishing line numerous times in the past, but their moment of reckoning finally arrived on a chilly night in front of their home fans at the national capital. Staikos Vergetis has one man to thank for this feat, and that is his 26-year-old French attacking midfielder Madih Talal.
Talal was turbulent for the Marina Machans throughout the game, regularly breaking into their defence from different areas and taking shots at goalkeeper Debjit Majumder. However, Owen Coyle & Co. could have avoided this loss had Connor Shields converted a fairly straightforward opportunity presented to him via close range with a squared up pass by Jordan Murray in the 14th minute. The Scottish striker, goalless in Chennaiyin FC’s last six games, missed the target, and Talal made the visitors pay for it with a display of his creative genius throughout thereafter in the game.
At first, he cut into the box from the right flank and got behind the Chennaiyin FC backline to shoot straight at Majumder. Talal then tried to head the rebound into the net but Sarthak Golui made a crucial goal-line clearance. 16 minutes later, Punjab FC defender Suresh Meitei pushed ahead near the Chennaiyin FC box, displaying quick feet to keep the ball under control before making a pass to Talal at the centre of the 18-yard box. The Frenchman lobbed it slightly and pulled off an overhead strike from close distance, but the ball unfortunately deflected off the goal posts.
His efforts weren’t going to end up redundant though, as the Chennaiyin FC defence began keeping close tabs on the midfielder. That drew them away from other Punjab FC players, opening up yards of space for their frontline to make use of. Talal finally struck, and it was a move that oozed all class, in the 56th minute of the game.
He sprinted into the Chennaiyin FC box, again from the right flank, and pulled the plug on his shot with such fierce power that Majumder was beaten on the near post, bringing the entire stadium to its feet. Vergetis breathed a sigh of relief on the touchline, and his team, bolstered by the introduction of workhorses like Krishnananda Singh, Brandon Vanlalremdika, amongst others covered each blade of the grass until the final whistle blew to hold tight to their lead.
Key Performer of the MatchMadih Talal (Punjab FC)
Talal produced an exemplary performance, completing 76% of his 42 passes, tackling twice, creating three goal-scoring chances, earning seven fouls, making seven crosses, and intercepting once in addition to scoring the all-important winner that bagged Punjab FC their first-ever victory in the ISL.
What’s next for both teams?
Punjab FC will next host Odisha FC on December 26, whereas Chennaiyin FC will play Mumbai City FC on December 28.
Brief Scores
Punjab FC 1 (Madih Talal 56’) – 0 Chennaiyin FC

Stat Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

France Set to Host Youth Baseball5 European Championship 2024, Eyes on Olympic Future

Clermont-Ferrand, France — The French Baseball Softball Federation is gearing up to host the prestigious 2024 Youth Baseball5 European Championship at the Clermont Auvergne Métropole-Artenium sports complex. This event, critical for the development of the sport, will serve as a qualifier for the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup in 2025.

The Federation’s President, Thierry Raphet, expressed his excitement and optimism for the sport’s growth and its potential inclusion in future Olympic Games. “I have great hopes for this discipline’s international and Olympic future,” Raphet remarked, extending his best wishes to all participating teams.

World No. 1 France is expected to be a strong contender, having secured a second-place finish at the inaugural WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup in Türkiye this past October, just behind Cuba. The hosts Türkiye managed to secure a commendable fourth place in the same event.

The Clermont Auvergne Métropole-Artenium sports complex, boasting three fields and a capacity of 500 seats, was selected by the WBSC Europe Executive Board to host this second edition of the European Championship. This decision reinforces the Federation’s commitment to fostering the growth of Baseball5 in Europe.

The Championship’s significance is further heightened as it will determine the two teams that will advance to the second Youth Baseball5 World Cup in 2025, which is a pivotal stepping stone towards the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics.

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari, speaking at the inaugural Youth Baseball5 World Cup, highlighted the global appeal of Baseball5, particularly in Africa, and its potential impact on both fans and athletes. He anticipates the next World Cup in 2025 to be a significant event, especially as it serves as a qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games.

France’s recent performance at the Baseball5 European Championship, where they finished as runners-up to Lithuania, has already secured them a spot in the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Hong Kong, China, next year.

As France prepares to welcome European nations to this highly anticipated event, the Federation’s vision of elevating Baseball5 to the Olympic stage continues to gain momentum, backed by the sport’s growing popularity and the success of its athletes on the world stage.

by Abhishek Shukla

USA Softball Announces Preliminary Roster for 2024 Men’s National Team Ahead of WBSC World Cup

Oklahoma City, USA — In a significant development for USA Softball, the national governing body has unveiled a list of 35 athletes selected for consideration for the 2024 Men’s National Team. This announcement comes as the team gears up for the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Group Stage event, scheduled to take place in Oklahoma City from September 17 to 21, 2024.

Head Coach Ron Hackett expressed enthusiasm about the team’s prospects, emphasizing the importance of building on their recent achievements. “We are excited at the blend of experience and youth we have in our program. This group of men embodies that,” Hackett said. He stressed the goal of becoming world champions in 2025, highlighting the strong team dynamics that will drive them towards this objective.

The preliminary roster for the 2024 season, available for public viewing, is particularly notable for including all 16 athletes from the 2022 USA team. This team made history by clinching the bronze medal at the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup 2022, marking USA’s first medal in the competition in over two decades.

Adding to the team’s depth are four members of the U-18 National Team, who recently finished fourth in the World Cup in Hermosillo. Standout players Logan Boom, Brennan DuCharme, Braden DuCharme, and Cody Gibbons — the latter two earning spots on the All-World Team — are among the new faces.

The upcoming WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup marks a departure from tradition, being the first to adopt a two-stage format with Group Stage and Finals in consecutive years. Prince Albert, Canada, will host one group in July 2024, while Oklahoma City will welcome a second group in September. The location for the third group remains unannounced, with the Finals set for July 2025 in Prince Albert.

As the host of a Group Stage event, the USA team, currently ranked No. 5 globally, has been automatically placed in its respective group. This presents a unique opportunity for the team to showcase its talents on home soil and to strive for the ultimate goal set by Coach Hackett: clinching the world champion title in 2025.

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Puneri Paltan win low-scoring thriller against Dabang Delhi K.C. to climb to the top of the table

PUNE, 18th December, 2023: Puneri Paltan’s young team battled against a hardened Dabang Delhi K.C. defence to record a 30-23 victory at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex on Monday. In a low-scoring game, where the two defences logged a combined 17 points, Puneri Paltan’s Aslam Inamdar (8 points) and Delhi’s Ashu Malik (9 points) were the standout raiders. 

Puneri Paltan stormed out of the blocks, into an early lead and with Delhi missing their talisman Naveen Kumar, the going looked grim. With their numbers swiftly dwindling, it came down to a brilliant raid and then a SUPER TACKLE by Yogesh to hold the barrage. Eventually, though Dabang Delhi produced an ALL OUT to take a 13-8 lead. 

The two teams were evenly matched defensively, but Naveen’s absence showed in the lack of raid points Dabang Delhi were able to accumulate. For Paltan, Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat logged 6 points each as they went into the break leading 18-12.

Recognising their weakness on the raid, Delhi tightened up in defence early in the second half, steadily gaining back points with stout defending that forced the Paltan to take more risks or go empty-handed. 

The game turned into a defensive tactical masterclass with raid points coming at a premium — a mere 11 raid points came through the second period — as Paltan matched Delhi’s defensive grit toe to toe. Despite going down to three players at a time, Pankaj Mohite’s SUPER TACKLE pulled them out of trouble as they took a gritty, and deserved victory. 

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

Game 1 – Haryana Steelers vs Gujarat Giants – 8 pm 

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Surender, Nitin impress as Bengal Warriors and U.P. Yoddhas play out an enthralling tie

PUNE, 18th December, 2023: Bengal Warriors and U.P. Yoddhas played out an exciting 37-37 tie in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 game at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex on Monday. Interestingly, this was the second tied game of the season and the Warriors were a part of both matches.

As the scoreline suggested, there was hardly anything to separate the two sides all through the game. Surender Gill got the U.P. Yoddhas going with a SUPER RAID, while Bengal Warriors struck back through Maninder Singh and Nitin Kumar. Pardeep Narwal, the Yoddhas skipper, had to wait as long as 12 minutes to get his first point as the U.P. Yoddhas began to sneak ahead.

The Yoddhas were reduced to four men a couple of times, but the Warriors raiders failed to capitalize. A couple of sharp tackles from Nitesh on Maninder and bonus points from Vijay Malik powered the Yoddhas to a four-point lead at 18-14 at the end of the first half. It was a tightly contested opening half that saw neither side claim an ALL OUT.

The game truly came alive in the second half when Gurdeep produced an ankle hold to stop Maninder and claim a SUPER TACKLE. The Yoddhas led 21-17 at this point, but that lead was short-lived as Shrikant Jadhav got a much-needed ALL OUT for the Warriors. Going up against a defence of two, Shrikant darted across the mat before forcing Hitesh into the lobby and then tagging Harendra Kumar to give his side a slender lead at 24-23. 

However, Surender gave the Warriors little time to celebrate as he struck back with a SUPER RAID that put his side ahead and brought up his Super 10. The raider grew from strength to strength thereon and the Yoddhas rode on his raiding prowess to reduce the Warriors down to one man before Nitin was flattened on the mat. With five minutes to go, the Yoddhas led 35-30.

As was the theme of the game, the Warriors fought their way back through some resolute defending and key raid points from Maninder. Nitin, the Warriors’ best player on the evening, scalped two crucial points to make it 36-36, but both sides picked up a point each in the final minute to share the spoils.

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

Game 1 – Haryana Steelers vs Gujarat Giants – 8 pm 

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

85th National TT: PSPB, Delhi men and RBI, TN women enter team finals

Panchkula, December 18: The men’s teams of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board and Delhi entered the final of UTT Senior Nationals and Inter-State Table Tennis Championships at the Tau Devi Lal Indoor Stadium here today.

PSPB defeated AAI 2-1 and Delhi routed Maharashtra 3-0 to earn the final berths. The women’s final will be between RBI and Tamil Nadu like in the previous edition. RBI beat Maharashtra 3-1 and Tamil Nadu accounted for the Railways 3-0.

Manav Thakkar is going through a rough patch of late. Having lost the pre-quarterfinals to Payas Jain in the ranking tournament that preceded the Nationals, Manav was in trouble against Jeet Chandra in the opening tie of the team semifinals. After taking a 2-1 lead to Jeet, Manav conceded two games on the trot. But Harmeet came to their rescue again, winning his singles after Sanil Shetty put PSPB 2-1 up.

Unlike the PSPB, Delhi was more clinical on their way to the final, beating Maharashtra 3-0. After Sudhanshu Grover and Payas Jain put Delhi 2-0 up, Yashansh Malik completed the task with a 3-1 win over Chinmaya Somaiya. The Maharashtra left-handed won the first game but failed to press home the advantage. Delhi men last entered the final at the Hyderabad Nationals in 2020.

UP men did well to take their team’s stature a notch above despite not making the semifinal grade. Their 2-3 loss to top-seeded PSPB was not a surprise. However, how they resisted the title favourites, taking two ties of them, mattered the most. Divyansh Srivastava beat an off-form Anthony Amalraj in straight games in the third rubber, but Sarth Mishra’s 3-1 win over the top-ranked Indian was the icing on the cake. Manav was erratic, and Sarth cashed in on the situation to the chagrin of PSPB. But an in-form Harmeet averted any possible crisis to beat Abhishek Yadav as the UP left-hander failed to impress in both ties.

The Delhi men, too, had a difficult time against West Bengal in their quarterfinals. Thanks to their hero No. 1, Sudhanshu Grover, Delhi survived to advance further with a 3-2 win. Sudhanshu won the first and last rubber after Yashansh Malik won the crucial third rubber against Aniket Sen Choudhury. Earlier, Payas Jain did not come off the blocks well in his two singles, adding to the pressure on Sudhanshu. But the latter acquitted his job with responsibility.

RBI was clinical despite losing the first tie. Sreeja Akula and Ayhika Mukherjee put their team in the final. With Diya Chitale rested for the match, Harshavardhini got the chance, but the girl from Tamil Nadu failed to make the most of it and went down to Jennifer Verghese. However, it did not change the fortune of Maharashtra, as RBI won 3-1.

Yashini Sivashankar’s roaring form continued in the semifinals and she put Tamil Nadu 1-0 up with an excellent 3-2 win over Sutirtha Mukherjee, expected to lead the Railways side into the final. Capitalising on the lead, Selenadeepthi Selvakumar thumped Moumita Dutta 3-0 and, finally, Kavyashree Baskar defeated Poymantee Baskar 3-0 and entered the final for the second consecutive time. 

In the women’s team quarterfinals, the lone aberration was when Ayhika Mukherjee lost to Prapti Sen in the opening tie. But that did not change the fortune of the RBI, as Sreeja and Diya made amends for the loss to beat West Bengal 3-1. The Railways blanked out Delhi 3-0, and Tamil Nadu won 3-1 against Gujarat.

However, the Maharashtra women struggled past Karnataka 3-2. Yashaswini Ghorpade stood against Maharashtra, winning her singles against Sayali Wani and Pritha Vartikar. But, beyond delaying the inevitable, she could not do much as Kushi Viswanath lost to Pritha 3-0, and Jennifer Verghese beat Deshna Vanshika 3-1.  

Results (TEAM):

Men: Semifinals: PSPB bt AAI 3-1 (Manav Thakkar lost to Jeet Chandra 6-11, 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 13-15; Harmeet Desai bt SFR Snehit 11-8, 11-3, 5-11, 7-11, 11-5; Sanil Shetty bt Deepit R. Patil 13-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-9; Harmeet bt Jeet 11-7, 11-3, 15-17, 11-7); Delhi bt Maharashtra 3-0 (Sudhanshu Grover bt Albuquerque.Raegan 11-4, 11-4, 11-7; Payas Jain bt Siddesh Pande 10-12, 11-6, 12-10, 15-13; Yashansh Malik bt Chinmaya Somaiya 8-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-9).

Quarterfinals: PSPB bt UP 3-2 (Manav Thakkar bt Abhishek Yadav 11-4, 12-14, 11-8, 11-6; Harmeet Desai bt Sarth Mishra 11-9, 11-5, 11-4; Anthony Amalraj lost to Divyansh Srivastava 9-11, 8-11, 10-12; Manav lost to Sarth 7-11, 11-3, 9-11, 11-13; Harmeet bt Abhishek 11-9, 11-7, 12-10); AAI bt Tamil Nadu 3-0 (SFR Snehit bt P.B. Abhinand 11-6, 8-11, 12-10, 11-3; Jeet Chandra bt Preyesh Raj 12-10, 5-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5; K.J. Akash bt M. Balamurugan 13-11, 11-4, 11-7); Delhi bt West Bengal 3-2 (Sudhanshu Grover bt Soruav Saha 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9; Payas Jain lost to Ankur Bhattacharjee 10-12, 8-11, 11-8, 8-11; Yashansh Malik bt Aniket Sen Choudhury 13-11, 6-11, 14-12, 11-7; Payas lost to Sourav 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, 9-11; Sudhanshu bt Ankur 11-5, 11-8, 11-3); Maharashtra bt Telangana 3-1 (Raegan bt Vansh Singhal 9-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9; Jash Modi lost to Mohammed Ali 6-11, 6-11, 6-11; Chinmaya Somaiya bt Ali Mohammed 12-10, 11-3, 12-10; Raegan bt Mohammed Ali 11-8, 5-11, 11-8, 5-11, 12-10).

Women: Semifinals: RBI bt Maharashtra 3-1 (Sreeja Akula bt Sayali Wani 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6; Ayhika Mukherjee bt Pritha Vartikar 11-9, 11-8, 11-4; R. Harshavardhini lost to Jennifer Verghese 5-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-8, 10-12; Ayhika bt Sayali 15-13, 4-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-5); Tamil Nadu bt RSPB 3-0 (Yashini Sivashankar bt Sutirtha Mukherjee 11-6, 7-11, 4-11, 11-5, 11-9; Selenadeepthi Selvakumar bt Moumita Dutta 11-3-, 11-9, 11-3; Kavyashree Baskar bt Poymantee Baisya 5-11, 11-9, 4-11, 11-4, 11-9).

Quarterfinals: RBI bt Bengal 3-1 (Ayhika Mukherjee lost to Prapti Sen 11-5, 9-11, 9-11, 11-2, 7-11; Sreeja Akula bt Kaushani Nath 11-4, 11-9, 11-9; Diya Chitale bt Syndrela Das 11-7, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8; Sreeja bt Prapti 11-8, 11-7, 11-9); Maharashtra bt Karnataka 3-2 (Sayali Wani lost to Yashawini Ghorpade 7-11, 7-11, 11-13; Pritha Vartikar bt Kushi Viswanath 12-10, 11-6, 11-4; Jennifer Varghese bt Deshna Vanshika 7-11, 11-2, 11-8, 13-11; Pritha lost to Yashaswini 11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 9-11, 3-11; Sayali bt Kushi 11-6, 12-10, 6-11, 11-4); RSPB bt Delhi 3-0 (Sutirtha Mukherjee bt Diya Bramhachary 11-7, 11-8, 12-10; Poymantee Baisya bt Vanshika Bhargava 13-11, 9-11, 11-3, 8-11, 11-9; Moumita Dutta bt Lakshita Narang 11-7, 8-11, 5-11, 13-11, 11-8); Tamil Nadu bt Gujarat 3-1 (Selena Deepti Selvakumar bt Radhapriya Goel 14-12, 11-7, 11-13, 11-8; Yashini Sivashankar lost to Frenaz Chipia 9-11, 11-5, 11-1, 6-11, 7-11; Kavyasree Baskar bt Oishiki Joardar 5-11, 11-8, 12-10, 12-10; Yashini bt Radhapriya 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8).

by Abhishek Shukla

Nagesh Trophy: Kerala, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana secure wins as matches in Kochi and Chandigarh get underway

Kochi / Chandigarh [India], December 18, 2023:  Kerala, Odisha in Group C while Madhya Pradesh, Telangana in Group D registered wins on Monday here in the ongoing 6th edition of IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy – Men’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2023-24.

The Kochi and Chandigarh-leg started simultaneously on Monday with Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar in Group C and Gujarat, Chandigarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana in Group D competing respectively.

In Group C’s opening match held in Kochi, Kerala emerged victorious, defeating Bihar by 35 runs. Kerala set a target of 126/6 in 13 overs, and Bihar could only manage 91/4 in response. The standout performer, Md Farhan, who scored 51 runs in 34 balls, earned the well-deserved title of Player of the Match.

Meanwhile, in another Group C encounter, Odisha displayed dominance by thrashing Jharkhand with a convincing nine-wicket victory. Jharkhand, opting to bat first, faltered at 39/10 in the 17th over, allowing Odisha to chase down the target in just 21 balls. Debaraj Behera, who claimed three wickets, was named the Player of the Match.

Shifting the focus to Group D, the first match witnessed a high-scoring thriller as Madhya Pradesh secured a six-wicket win against Chandigarh. Chandigarh, batting first, posted a formidable total of 208/8 in 20 overs. However, Madhya Pradesh successfully chased down the target in the 18th over, propelled by Rampal Uike’s match-winning century. Rampal earned the Player of the Match honor for his stellar performance.

In the second Group D match, Telangana emerged victorious over West Bengal by 27 runs in a run-filled contest in Chandigarh. Telangana posted a commanding total of 262/5 in 20 overs, and despite Surojit Ghora’s impressive 129 runs in 72 balls for West Bengal, Telangana’s K Shiva Shankar was awarded the Player of the Match for his well-made 86.

Jammu & Kashmir (Group E) and Karnataka (Group B) currently tops their respective Groups. In Group C, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha, Kerala will lock horns with each other on Tuesday while in Group D Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Chandigarh, West Bengal will meet on the same day.

The ongoing 6th edition of Nagesh Trophy began on November 23 with the four teams of Group E battling out at the University of Jammu. The tournament will run till February 02, 2024 and the League stage will be played till December 29, 2023.

Nagesh Trophy was launched in the memory of Late Shri SP Nagesh, Founder President, Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Founder Trustee, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. The launch of the tournament brought together the entire blind cricket community into one huge platform, by creating a milestone in the blind cricket history.  

by Abhishek Shukla

Tennis: Cristina Bucsa Clinches Historic Double Victory at Open BLS de Limoges

Cristina Bucsa Clinches Historic Double Victory at Open BLS de Limoges

In an extraordinary display of skill and endurance, Spain’s Cristina Bucsa triumphed in both the singles and doubles events at the Open BLS de Limoges, marking the final WTA 125 tournament of the 2023 season. This remarkable feat was accomplished in Limoges, France, where Bucsa showcased her exceptional talent.

The 25-year-old, currently ranked World No.82 in singles, started her victorious day with a stunning comeback in the singles final against French player Elsa Jacquemot. Despite a challenging start, losing the first set 2-6, Bucsa displayed remarkable resilience, overturning the match with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over the 235th-ranked Jacquemot in a battle that lasted 1 hour and 48 minutes. This win marks her first career WTA 125 singles title.

Bucsa’s route to the singles final was not without its challenges. In the quarterfinals, she faced a formidable opponent in 20-year-old French wild card Lois Boisson. Despite being down 5-0 in the first set, Bucsa made a remarkable recovery, saving three set points and eventually securing a 7-6(3), 6-2 victory.

In the singles final, Bucsa’s opponent Jacquemot initially dominated, building a 4-0 lead. Jacquemot exhibited strength in her first-serve points, winning 88 percent in the first set. However, Bucsa turned the tables in the second set, demonstrating her prowess with a commanding forehand winner that set the tone for the rest of the match.

The third set witnessed Jacquemot faltering with consecutive double faults, allowing Bucsa to capitalize on the momentum, eventually breaking her opponent for a 5-2 lead. Bucsa showcased her skill and mental toughness, recovering from 0-30 down and securing the championship on her first opportunity. This victory will elevate Bucsa to a career-high singles ranking of No.61.

Less than an hour after her singles triumph, Bucsa returned to center court for the doubles final. Teaming up with Yana Sizikova, they faced the No.2 seeds Oksana Kalashnikova and Maia Lumsden. In an impressive display of teamwork and strategy, Bucsa and Sizikova clinched the title with a 6-4, 6-1 victory. The duo overcame early setbacks in the first set, eventually winning 11 of the next 13 games, sealing the match in 68 minutes.

This victory adds a remarkable chapter to Bucsa’s career, with four WTA 125 doubles titles to her name in the last 13 months, each with a different partner. Sizikova, on the other hand, celebrates her second WTA 125 doubles title, the first being in Colina, Chile last November with Aldila Sutjiadi.

by Abhishek Shukla

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Draw Sets Stage for Epic Confrontations

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw for the 2023/24 season has set the stage for some highly anticipated matchups. The draw, held in Nyon, Switzerland, saw teams from across Europe’s top leagues being paired for the next phase of this prestigious tournament. The pairings are as follows:

  1. Porto (POR) vs Arsenal (ENG)
  2. Napoli (ITA) vs Barcelona (ESP)
  3. Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) vs Real Sociedad (ESP)
  4. Inter Milan (ITA) vs Atlético de Madrid (ESP)
  5. PSV Eindhoven (NED) vs Borussia Dortmund (GER)
  6. Lazio (ITA) vs Bayern Munich (GER)
  7. FC Copenhagen (DEN) vs Manchester City (ENG)
  8. RB Leipzig (GER) vs Real Madrid (ESP)

The first legs of these ties are scheduled for February 13/14 and 20/21, with the return legs set for March 5/6 and 12/13. The draw process involved two seeding pots, one with the eight group winners (seeded teams) and the other with the eight runners-up (unseeded teams). Teams were not allowed to be drawn against clubs from their group stage or from their own national association. The seeded group winners will play the first leg of the round of 16 away from home, and the return leg at their home stadium.

The subsequent stages of the tournament are also outlined, with the quarter-final and semi-final draw scheduled for March 15, 2024. The quarter-finals will take place on April 9/10 and 16/17, followed by the semi-finals on April 30/May 1 and May 7/8. The final is set for June 1, 2023, at Wembley Stadium in London.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘V Ajith Kumar changed the game for us against Patna Pirates,’ says Jaipur Pink Panthers’ Captain Sunil Kumar

PUNE, 17th December 2023: The Jaipur Pink Panthers were in deep trouble when they were trailing 8-18 at the end of the first half against Patna Pirates on Sunday, however, V Ajith Kumar helped the Panthers score 21 points in the second half and clinch a thrilling 29-28 victory. 

When asked about his team’s performance, Jaipur Pink Panthers’ Captain Sunil Kumar said, “Ajith Kumar changed the game for us in the second half. He helped us attain the momentum in our favour. Going into the second period, we knew that we had to bank on our raiders to reduce the gap since only they could collect 3-4 points on one raid. And Ajith Kumar stood up for us under pressure.”

The Jaipur Pink Panthers took a time out when they were leading by three points with just 31 seconds left on the clock. Speaking about the details which were discussed during the time out, the Captain said, “We planned to stop them from picking up a raid point in the dying minutes of the game and we managed to do that. Once we had stopped them from scoring a raid point, we knew that we could win the game even if we carried out an empty raid.”

Sunil Kumar further added, “The team’s morale is high right now. A win always gives a team confidence. We’ll play even better against U.P. Yoddhas and win that game as well.”

Preview for the match on Tuesday:

The Gujarat Giants will be hoping to bounce back into form after facing defeats against Patna Pirates and Jaipur Pink Panthers in their last two games, however, their opponents in their next match – Haryana Steelers have recorded victories in three consecutive matches. The Steelers will bank on raider Vinay, meanwhile, raider Sonu will be the one to watch out for in the Giants’ camp.

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

Game 1 – Haryana Steelers vs Gujarat Giants – 8 pm 

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

FORMULA E DECLARES ‘IT’S ON’ IN SEASON 10

LONDON, UK. Mon. 18 Dec. 2023 – Formula E today unveiled its Season 10 campaign, boldly declaring ‘It’s On’, as the most competitive world championship in motorsport returns for its biggest-ever season starting in Mexico City in January.

The global campaign kicks off with a film set in a Tokyo antique store, owned by a die-hard Formula E fan. The setting captures Formula E’s historic achievement of becoming the first FIA World Championship to race on the streets of Tokyo, with Round 6 taking place there next year on Saturday, 30 March.

Formula E has partnered with Uncommon Creative Studio for this fourth joint creative endeavour. The short film starts a campaign roll-out that will see activations designed for fans and newcomers alike across iconic city centres around the world and celebrate the tenth anniversary of the championship which opens with the 2024 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix on Saturday, 13 January.

The narrative of the film blends humour and drama, interspersed with spectacular highlights from Season 9, plus Easter eggs for eagle-eyed viewers nodding to Formula E’s drivers, racing teams, manufacturers, and commercial partners.

Jeff Dodds, Chief Executive Officer, Formula E said:

“The ‘It’s On’ campaign captures what makes Formula E so special. It’s more than a line, it’s a bold promise of another season of high drama and high excitement motorsport. Season 10 is another step towards defining the future of motorsport as we set new standards of innovation, whilst showcasing our commitment to sustainable, high-performance racing. As the only sport certified net zero carbon since inception, we uniquely show the world that high performance motorsport and sustainability can powerfully co-exist.”

The new campaign builds on the momentum of last season, which was the most competitive yet in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Both the Drivers’ and Teams’ world championship titles remained in the balance until the very end of the season, with four drivers in with a chance of winning until the final weekend.

Henry Chilcott, Chief Marketing Officer, Formula E, said:

“With eight different champions in nine seasons and a world championship title race that has gone down to the last race weekend for the last three seasons, Formula E delivers the world’s most competitive motorsport. In our tenth anniversary year, this campaign celebrates our championships’ fiercely competitive DNA and invites motorsport fans all over the world to experience Formula E and see what true competition looks like. Season 10. It’s on.”

More viewers than ever before watched Formula E races live last season which featured the debut of the championship’s third-generation car, the GEN3, which is the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race car ever built.

Formula E drivers pushed the GEN3 to the limit, smashing every track record including the fastest top speed in a race, and fastest average lap speed, with more race leaders than ever before, and triple-digit overtakes in most races including a high of 403 passes in the US race in Portland, Oregon.

by Abhishek Shukla

IPL: RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat keen to look for overseas pacers and homegrown spinners during the IPL Auction

Bengaluru, December 18, 2023: Mo Bobat, the Director of Cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) while addressing the convergence of global sporting stakeholders at RCB Innovation Lab’s Leaders Meet India, shed light on the team’s strategic priorities for the upcoming IPL auctions.

Bobat highlighted the need for smart decision-making in trades and auctions to further strengthen the player group. “We have got a strong core of retaining players, and we have got a very powerful top order. Part of the decision-making that we had around our player release decisions was to try and strengthen the middle order and bringing Cameron Green was a fantastic move. Mohammad Siraj is a core part of what we do so supporting Siraj with some more bowling options including overseas bowling options is going to be a real priority for us moving forward. Then we have got a core of local spinners, which I think is quite strong. Some of them got some opportunities over the last year or two and they might play more leading roles moving forward,” he said.

One of the key minds behind RCB Innovation Lab, the 40-year-old dived into the innovative nature of the first-of-its-kind summit and the thought process behind it, “When we first conceptualized the RCB Innovation Lab we wanted RCB to be known as innovators on and off the field.  Leaders have got a fantastic track record of doing this sort of thing around the world and it is their first venture in India. We have deliberately set this one up as a hybrid of high performance and business coexisting in one place. That is really important because the two things are connected. Hopefully, it acts as a bit of a catalyst for movement and change for resource, backing, and decision-making across all sports in India.”

Bobat also underscored the significance of fostering the right performance environment and culture for players to showcase their capabilities. “I am committed to a long-term project here. We have a fantastic captain in Faf, and an excellent group of senior players with the experience of Virat, Maxi (Maxwell), and DK (Dinesh Karthik). So the ingredients are really strong. The next objective is to make sure we create the right performance, and culture where the players can really go and showcase what they are capable of, and go out and entertain the public. If we commit to our processes, play a brand of cricket that is aggressive, and have those moments where we’re prepared to be brave it will get the fans going.”

While discussing how he identifies the right fast bowler using data and a holistic approach which will be key for RCB going into the IPL 2024 auction, Bobat delved into the skill, physical, and psychological aspects and stated, “Naturally cricket tends to get attracted to and gravitate towards things like the control and the lateral movement of fast bowlers but what we should be doing is identifying players that have the pace and the balance. The reason I draw that distinction is you can teach someone to ball accurately, you can teach someone to develop craft and lateral movement but it is not that easy to teach pace or manufacture balance because you are talking about their release height and their physicality. So understanding that distinction between which of those attributes we need to identify and which of those things we can teach over time is a really important distinction,”

 Regarding cricket talent in India, Bobat expressed his admiration for the country’s talent pool whilst also praising the men’s cricket team’s consistent and standout performances in the recently concluded cricket World Cup 2023.