Author: Abhishek Shukla

Owner of Sports India Live.
by Abhishek Shukla

Ligue 1: Le Havre Outclasses Nice 3-1

In an unexpected turn of events, Nice suffered a 3-1 defeat against Le Havre in their Ligue 1 clash on Saturday. The loss was a significant setback for Nice, a team known for its strong defense, as they struggled to contain a determined Le Havre side.

Nice, sitting in second place with 32 points, missed an opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who are set to visit Lille on Sunday. Le Havre’s victory boosted them to ninth place with 19 points.

The scoring was opened early in the game by Emmanuel Sabbi, who capitalized on a rebound from Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka just five minutes into the match. Sabbi continued his impressive performance by adding a second goal with a skillful volley from an acute angle 10 minutes before halftime.

Nice’s troubles were compounded in the second half when Mohamed Bayo successfully converted a penalty six minutes after the restart. The penalty was awarded following a foul on Loic Nego by Nice’s Melvin Bard.

The intensity of the match escalated in the final minutes, leading to a clash that saw both Le Havre’s Samuel Grandsir and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo receive red cards. The altercation added further drama to an already heated contest.

Despite being down, Nice managed to find a late consolation goal during stoppage time. Tom Louchet tapped in a cross from close range, but it was too little, too late to change the outcome of the match.

This result serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of Ligue 1 and the challenges that teams face in maintaining consistency throughout the season. For Nice, the loss is a crucial blow to their campaign, while Le Havre will take confidence from a significant victory against one of the league’s top sides.

by Abhishek Shukla

Serie A: Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia Secure Victory for Napoli Against Cagliari

Napoli overcame Cagliari 2-1 at home on Saturday in a Serie A clash that saw the champions climb to fourth in the standings, revitalizing their season’s campaign. The win at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium was crucial for Napoli, who have had a challenging run in their home games this season.

Napoli’s victory brings their tally to 27 points from 16 games, placing them 11 points behind league leaders Inter Milan and two points above fifth-placed AS Roma. This match marked an improvement in Napoli’s home game performance, which had previously seen them gain only one point from their last four league matches at the stadium.

The game’s start was delayed by 30 minutes due to safety checks on the stadium’s roof, caused by strong winds affecting fan entry. In the first half, Napoli defender Amir Rrahmani came close to scoring, hitting the post with a header around the 30-minute mark. Despite Napoli’s early dominance, the first half ended without any goals.

In the 69th minute, Victor Osimhen, recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, headed Napoli into the lead. His effort was initially deflected onto the post by Cagliari keeper Simone Scuffet but bounced back into the net. This goal marks Osimhen’s seventh in Serie A this season, a notable achievement considering his recent absence due to a hamstring injury.

Cagliari forward Leonardo Pavoletti equalized three minutes later, scoring from close range and briefly dampening the spirits of the Napoli fans. However, Napoli’s lead was restored 15 minutes from full time by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who scored off a setup from Osimhen, with the ball again bouncing in off the post.

Matteo Politano almost extended Napoli’s lead with a low shot from outside the box, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Despite the competitive play, Cagliari, who have struggled against Napoli in Serie A, are in 16th place with 13 points.

This victory is a significant boost for Napoli, showcasing their resilience and ability to secure crucial points in the tight race of the Serie A standings.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Grundstrom’s Shootout Goal Lifts Kings to 3-2 Win Over Kraken

SEATTLE — Carl Grundstrom emerged as the hero in the ninth round of the shootout, securing a 3-2 victory for the Los Angeles Kings against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on Saturday. The win ended the Kings’ three-game losing streak and provided a much-needed boost to the team.

Anze Kopitar and Trevor Moore were the scorers in regulation for the Kings (17-6-4), with goaltender Cam Talbot making 17 saves. The Kraken (10-14-8), despite goals from Oliver Bjorkstrand and Adam Larsson and a strong 36-save performance by Joey Daccord, missed the chance to secure their first three-game winning streak of the season.

“It was a big game for us,” said Los Angeles center Phillip Danault, acknowledging the team’s need to bounce back from their recent slump.

Bjorkstrand’s late third-period goal tied the game at 2-2, forcing the shootout after a strong push by the Kraken. “We worked really hard getting back in that game,” Seattle center Yanni Gourde said.

Larsson’s first-period goal opened the scoring for Seattle, marking his 300th consecutive NHL game. Moore’s goal tied the game for the Kings, who later took the lead through Kopitar’s power-play goal in the second period.

Kings coach Todd McLellan expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, saying, “I thought tonight we deserved to win. We played a good, solid game.”

Tomas Tatar made his debut for the Kraken after being acquired from the Colorado Avalanche, contributing solid minutes according to Seattle coach Dave Hakstol. “He makes a lot of little plays out there that might go unnoticed,” Hakstol noted.

NOTES:

  • The Kings capitalized on one of their four power-play opportunities, while the Kraken scored once in two power-play chances.
  • Kopitar extended his point streak to three games, contributing two goals and an assist during that span.
  • Seattle defenseman Ryker Evans is on a three-game point streak with four assists.
  • Vince Dunn recorded his third assist in as many games with the secondary assist on Larsson’s goal.
  • Talbot has recorded three wins in his last five starts for the Kings.

With this victory, the Kings will look to maintain their momentum, while the Kraken aim to regroup and find more consistency in their upcoming NHL fixtures.

by Abhishek Shukla

Egypt win 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championship.

Egypt have won their third consecutive WSF Men’s World Team Championship after a thrilling contest with England in the final in Tauranga, New Zealand.

That win for Egypt, a high-quality affair clinched by World No.4 Mostafa Asal and World No.1 Ali Farag, was also their third consecutive victory over England in a final, and the fifth final in a row to feature two of the modern game’s great rivals.

Going into his match with World No.8 Marwan ElShorbagy, questions had been raised about the fitness of 22-year-old Mostafa Asal, with the former World No.1 a surprise omission from yesterday’s semi-final victory over Switzerland.

Today, though, those questions were firmly answered by a brilliantly controlled performance from Asal.

In a competitive and thoroughly entertaining contest, ‘The Raging Bull’ proved too strong for ElShorbagy, who despite putting in an excellent performance could not match the pace, power and accuracy of an inspired Asal, with the Egyptian clinching a trio of 11-9 wins to take the match 3-0 in 49 minutes.

This left Marwan’s brother, Mohamed, needing a win over old rival and World No.1 Ali Farag to keep England in the tie.

In a pulsating battle, the 30th between the two since the 2010 British Junior Open, the Beast’ took the lead with a hard-fought 11-8 win.

Farag responded with a dominant 11-2 victory in game two, only for the resurgent ElShorbagy to regain the lead when he took a fiercely contested third game 11-7.

Farag, winner of six of the last seven contests between the two, came back once again in a stop-start fourth game to force ElShorbagy into a fifth game.

In a tense battle, which neither man deserved to lose, it was Farag who was able to maintain his concentration, with the 31-year-old controlling the court masterfully as he got his side over the line with an 11-7 win to close out a classic 70-minute encounter.

After his team were presented with their medals by WSF Vice President and four-time World Champion Dame Susan Devoy and 1986 World Champion Ross Norman, Egypt coach Hesham El Attar said: “It’s absolutely amazing! There was a lot of tension; I know it was slightly expected that we had to deliver, but we wanted it badly.

“That expectation creates extra pressure. We had to distract ourselves with daily routine and not think too far ahead. One hour at a time.”

“As everyone knows, anything can happen and as we saw in the matches it was very tense and rallies were very close.

“Ali felt that responsibility and at one point wasn’t very happy with his game. He had to make some changes and then went back, and his retrieving was amazing.

“It’s a wonderful feeling and it hasn’t quite sunk in yet.”

Result: 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championship final

[1] EGYPT 2-0 ENGLAND [2]
Mostafa Asal 3-0 Marwan ElShorbagy: 11-9, 11-9, 11-9 (49m)
Ali Farag 3-2 Mohamed ElShorbagy: 8-11, 11-2, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7 (70m)
Mazen Hesham MW Patrick Rooney

Final standings: 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championship 
1: Egypt
2: England
3 France / Switzerland
5 Wales
6 USA
7 Germany
8 Scotland
9 Czech Republic
10 Hong Kong, China
11 Malaysia
12 Australia
13 New Zealand
14 Canada
15 Nigeria
16 South Africa
17 Ireland
18 Netherlands
19 Japan
20 Philippines
21 Republic of Korea
22 Cook Islands
23 Samoa
24 Tahiti

by Abhishek Shukla

Indian Tennis Team Announced for Davis Cup Showdown with Pakistan

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has unveiled the Indian team set to compete in the upcoming Davis Cup World Group I Play-off tie against Pakistan, scheduled for the 3rd and 4th of February, 2024.

The selection, confirmed after a virtual meeting held by the AITA on December 16, includes a mix of seasoned athletes and emerging talent. The team was chosen based on various factors such as players’ rankings, availability, performance, and current form.

The Indian squad will be spearheaded by the following players:

1. Ramkumar Ramanathan

2. N. Sriram Balaji

3. Saketh Myneni

4. Yuki Bhambri

5. Niki Poonacha

6. Digvijay Pratap Singh (Reserve)

Veteran player Rohit Rajpal will captain the team, while Zeeshan Ali will serve as the coach. This strategic selection indicates AITA’s confidence in a blend of experience and youth to bring home a victory.

The tie against Pakistan is crucial for India’s position in the Davis Cup standings. AITA’s selection committee, chaired by Shri Nandan Bal and involving key members such as Shri Balram Singh, Shri Sajayalakshmy, and Hon. Secretary General Shri Anil Dhupar, has put forth a strong team they believe capable of securing India’s spot in the World Group I.

by Abhishek Shukla

Indian Women’s Hockey Team goes down 1-2 to Belgium in 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023

Valencia, 17th December 2023: Indian Women’s Hockey Team lost to Belgium by 1-2 on Saturday in the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023. Belgium won the match, riding on goals from Ambre Ballenghien (22’) and Louise Versavel (37’). Meanwhile, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke (56’) scored the only goal for India.

The match was intense from the first whistle, with both teams looking to breach the defence of the other, but a goal was not forthcoming. The teams ended the first quarter on level terms.

“The breakthrough finally came in the second quarter as Ambre Ballenghien scored, giving Belgium the lead going into the halftime break.

Both teams were eager to score next and it was Louise Versavel’s shot on goal, early in the third quarter which extended Belgium’s lead in the contest.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team kept probing Belgium’s defence in search of a goal in the last quarter. In the dying moments of the game, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke found an opening and scored, swinging the momentum in their favour. However, India failed to capitalize further.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will face Germany next at 20:00 on 19th December.

by Abhishek Shukla

Serie A: Lecce Triumphs Over Frosinone Calcio in a Thrilling Serie A Encounter

Lecce, December 16, 2023 – In a captivating Serie A showdown, U.S. Lecce secured a hard-fought victory against Frosinone Calcio, with a final scoreline of 2-1. The match, held at Stadio Comunale Via del Mare, was a testament to Lecce’s resilience and strategic prowess.

First Half: An Early Lead and Equalizing Penalty
Lecce set an aggressive tone early in the match, with R. Piccoli finding the net in the 11th minute, assisted by L. Banda. However, Frosinone showed no signs of backing down and responded with a penalty goal by Kaio Jorge at the 33rd minute, leveling the score before halftime.

Second Half: A Decisive Late Goal
The second half saw both teams striving for dominance, but it was Lecce who clinched the win. Y. Ramadani emerged as the hero, scoring in the 89th minute with an assist from A. Gallo, sealing a memorable victory for Lecce.

Conclusion
This win for Lecce, marked by tactical gameplay and persistent effort, propels them further in the Serie A standings, while Frosinone will look to regroup and bounce back in their next fixture.

by Abhishek Shukla

Bundesliga: SV Darmstadt 98 vs VfL Wolfsburg: A Narrow Victory for Wolfsburg

In the Bundesliga’s Matchday 15 on December 16, 2023, VfL Wolfsburg secured a narrow 1-0 win over SV Darmstadt 98 at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.

The only goal of the match came in the 63rd minute, scored by L. Majer, giving Wolfsburg the crucial lead and ultimately the victory. This goal was the highlight in a match where both teams were vying for dominance but struggled to find the back of the net.

The match also witnessed a disciplined performance from both sides. However, yellow cards were issued to M. Honsak (69′) of Darmstadt and K. Gjasula (90+6′) of Wolfsburg, reflecting the intense nature of the contest.

The victory for Wolfsburg in this closely contested match underscores their resilience and ability to secure crucial points in tight situations, marking an important moment in their Bundesliga campaign.

by Abhishek Shukla

Bundesliga: FC Augsburg vs Borussia Dortmund: An Evenly Matched Bundesliga Clash

In a captivating Bundesliga encounter at the SGL Arena on December 16, 2023, FC Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund played out a 1-1 draw in front of a crowd of 30,660.

The match began with high intensity, and it was Augsburg who broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute through E. Demirovic, giving the home side an early advantage. This goal set the tone for a competitive first half. However, Borussia Dortmund responded in kind, finding an equalizer in the 35th minute through D. Malen, bringing the score level and setting up a tense second half.

As the game progressed, both teams had opportunities to take the lead, but were unable to capitalize on their chances. The match saw its share of disciplinary actions, with yellow cards being shown to Robert Gumny of FC Augsburg in the 90+4th minute and Sébastien Haller of Borussia Dortmund in the 90+1st minute for a bad foul.

The draw was a fair reflection of the evenly matched contest, with both teams showcasing their tactical acumen and resilience. The result adds another chapter to both teams’ Bundesliga campaigns, leaving them with all to play for in the remainder of the season.

by Abhishek Shukla

Bundesliga: VfL Bochum vs 1. FC Union Berlin: A Commanding Home Victory

In a gripping Bundesliga Matchday 15 encounter at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion on December 16, 2023, VfL Bochum registered an emphatic 3-0 win over 1. FC Union Berlin, showcasing their dominance on the field.

The game’s first breakthrough came just before the halftime whistle, with T. Asano scoring for Bochum in the 45+5th minute, setting the tone for the second half. Bochum’s momentum continued post-interval, with G. Paciência extending their lead in the 54th minute, putting Bochum in a comfortable position.

Bochum’s K. Stöger then converted a penalty in the 78th minute, sealing a convincing victory for the home side. This goal underscored Bochum’s superior gameplay and tactical execution throughout the match.

The match also saw its share of disciplinary actions, with yellow cards issued to P. Osterhage (20′), K. Stöger (90+1′), R. Khedira (42′), and J. Roussillon (85′).

Bochum’s win was a testament to their strategic prowess and clinical finishing, marking a significant milestone in their Bundesliga campaign.

by Abhishek Shukla

Bundesliga: Mainz vs FC Heidenheim: A Tightly Contested Match

In the Bundesliga’s Gameweek 15, held on December 16, 2023, at Opel Arena Mainz, 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over 1. FSV Mainz 05. The match, officiated by referee Bastian Dankert, was a closely fought encounter with pivotal moments shaping its outcome.

The decisive moment came in the 12th minute when Marvin Pieringer scored, assisted by Benedikt Gimber, giving Heidenheim an early lead. Throughout the game, both teams made several strategic substitutions in an attempt to alter the game’s dynamics. Notably, Mainz brought on Aymen Barkok and David Mamutovic in the 90+3rd minute, replacing Danny da Costa and Marco Richter. Heidenheim made significant changes too, with Tim Siersleben, Kevin Sessa, and Florian Pick among those introduced in the latter stages of the match.

The game also saw its share of discipline, with yellow cards issued to players including Brajan Gruda, Jan-Niklas Beste, Ludovic Ajorque, Tom Krauß, Marnon-Thomas Busch, and Benedikt Gimber at various points during the match.

by Abhishek Shukla

La Liga: Athletic Bilbao Defeats Atlético Madrid in La Liga Encounter

BILBAO, SPAIN – Athletic Bilbao secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Atlético Madrid in a key La Liga match on December 16, 2023. The game, held at Athletic Bilbao’s home ground, saw the home team put on a commanding performance to clinch the win.

Athletic Bilbao’s triumph was a significant one in the context of their season and La Liga standings. As of the latest standings, Athletic Bilbao is in the 5th position in La Liga, reflecting their strong performance in the league this season.

Looking ahead, Atlético Madrid’s next match in La Liga is scheduled against Getafe on December 19, 2023. This upcoming fixture presents an opportunity for Atlético Madrid to bounce back from their defeat against Athletic Bilbao.

This match was a crucial moment for both teams in their La Liga campaigns, with Athletic Bilbao enhancing their prospects for a higher finish in the league, while Atlético Madrid looks to regain their form in the upcoming matches.

by Abhishek Shukla

La Liga: Celta Vigo Earns Crucial Win Over Granada

VIGO, SPAIN – Celta Vigo secured a significant 1-0 victory against Granada on December 16th in La Liga, bolstering their position in the league standings. The match at Celta Vigo’s home ground proved to be a competitive affair with both teams striving for crucial points.

The decisive moment of the match came in the 20th minute when J. Strand Larsen found the net, scoring the only goal of the game for Celta Vigo. The match continued to be intensely contested, with both sides creating opportunities.

However, the game’s dynamics changed in the 80th minute when Celta Vigo’s Iago Aspas received a red card, leaving his team a man down for the final stretch of the match. Despite being reduced to ten men, Celta Vigo managed to hold onto their lead. The match saw further bookings, with Carlos Domínguez and Carlos Dotor of Celta Vigo and Granada’s Gerard Gumbau and F. Diédhiou receiving yellow cards in the later stages of the game.

In the La Liga table, Celta Vigo is currently in the 17th position with 13 points, while Granada is placed 19th with 8 points. Looking forward, Celta Vigo’s next La Liga fixture is against Villarreal on December 20th, while Granada faces Sevilla on the same day.

This victory is a significant boost for Celta Vigo as they aim to improve their standing in La Liga, and the result adds pressure on Granada in their bid to avoid relegation. The match highlighted the competitiveness of La Liga, with teams fighting hard to secure vital points in the league.

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Naveen and Ashu Malik lead Dabang Delhi to clinical victory vs Telugu Titans

PUNE, 16th December, 2023: Dabang Delhi registered their second win of PKL Season 10 with a 51-40 win over the Telugu Titans at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex on Friday. While the high-profile raiding duo of Pawan Sehrawat and Naveen Kumar duly obliged with 14 points apiece, the real star was Ashu Malik, whose 16 points proved to be the difference between the two sides. 

The opening passage of play was true to what was billed as a battle between the star raiders of each team as Naveen and Pawan Sehrawat went toe to toe with every raid. It was Delhi’s captain though who was getting back more touch points, and soon enough Delhi inflicted a first ALL OUT of the game to take a 11-3 lead. 

Looking down the barrel, the Titans turned things around in a blistering passage of play, where they erased a nine-point deficit in a mere five minutes. 

The pace of the game was relentless and yet again Delhi hit back. A three-point SUPER RAID by Naveen started a second Titans collapse with mere minutes remaining for the break. It came at a cost though as Naveen went off injured for the rest of the half — having logged a SUPER 10 already. Despite his absence, Delhi inflicted a second ALL OUT to take a commanding eight-point lead into the break.

The Titans piled on the pressure in the second half, and despite Naveen’s return to the mat, had Delhi on the ropes within the first 10 minutes itself. A SUPER TACKLE by Ashu Malik on Sehrawat staved off the inevitable, but soon enough the Titans got a second ALL OUT of their own to cut the lead to five points.

Malik took the mantle for Delhi’s revival, and soon enough was logging points with every raid, completing a super 10 of his own. His brilliance helped Delhi inflict a third ALL OUT and eventually wrap up an 11-point victory. 

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

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

Game 2 – U Mumba vs Tamil Thalaivas – 9 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

Indian Men’s Hockey Team goes down against Belgium in 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023

Valencia, 16th December 2023: The Indian Men’s Hockey Team lost to Belgium 2-7 in their second match of the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 on Saturday. Abhishek and Jugraj Singh were the two goal scorers for India.  

The first quarter saw Belgium off the blocks and running in no time scoring three quick goals courtesy Cedric Charlier (1’), Alexander Hendrickx (10’) and Thibeau Stockbroekx (13’) to put India on the backfoot  

Belgium further extended the lead to four goals after another goal from Thibeau Stockbroekx (16’) early in the second quarter before a field goal from Abhishek (18’) for India. This was soon followed up by another goal from Tom Boon (26’) for Belgium as India were left trailing 1-5. Close to the end of the second quarter, Jugraj Singh (27’) converted a penalty corner for India as the score read 5-2 in favour of Belgium at half-time.  

No goals were scored in the third quarter despite both the teams applying constant pressure on each other. Tom Boon (46’) converted a penalty corner early in the fourth quarter to extend the lead for Belgium by four goals before Alexander Hendrickx (53’) followed it up later on with another goal.   

The Indians were unable to convert the two penalty corners they were awarded in the final quarter as the match ended with them losing 2-7.  

The Indian Men’s Hockey Team will play Germany on 19th December at 1530hrs IST.  

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL:Resilient East Bengal FC return with a point after goalless draw against Mumbai City FC

Mumbai, 16 December, 2023: Mumbai City FC played their second successive goalless draw as East Bengal FC bagged a point from their match at the Mumbai Football Arena that ended at 0-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight.

New coaches tend to bring in some tactical tweaks with them, and Petr Kratky showed that by handing midfielder Jayesh Rane a start over Vinit Rai in this match. Rane, 30, joined the Islanders from Bengaluru FC in the summer and is a sharp operator capable of scoring by getting into advanced positions near the opposition’s final third.

He carved an impact in the proceedings tonight, forging a fantastic partnership with Argentine striker Jorge Pereyra Diaz as the duo took two close shots at the backline of the Red & Gold Brigade in either halves. Diaz, who has six goals in eight ISL appearances to his name this season, shifted wide on the box to draw defenders towards before chipping a ball for an onrushing Rane at the centre. The midfielder met the delivery with his head but couldn’t keep his effort on target as the ball flew over the posts in the fourth minute.

His second such endeavour, which came about in the 57th minute, was an even more enticing opportunity. Diaz, who seemed to have adopted a more evolved approach in this game, scraped through a tough position to keep hold of the ball and lay up a lightly lobbed pass for Rane, who volleyed it over the post, again.

These events were sandwiched between the East Bengal FC duo of Saul Crespo and Borja Herrera playing a nice little one-two on the left flank before the former launched a powerful shot that missed hitting the post merely by a whisker in the 34th minute.

Bipin Singh was a lively presence on the field for the Islanders again tonight, and he made his presence felt in the 73rd minute with a cross for Rostyn Griffiths on the far post that delightfully pierced through the away side’s defensive line. Griffiths had to merely tap the ball past Prabsukhan Singh Gill, but the goalkeeper showed sharp reflexes to deny the towering defender his second goal of the season. Mumbai brought in quality players off the bench in Lallianzuala Chhangte and Abdenasser El Khayati to tilt the proceedings in their favour in the final 30 minutes, but the visitors managed to hold tight and walk away with a point to their name.

Key Performer of the Match

Jayesh Rane (Mumbai City FC)

With two tackles, crosses and brilliant chances to break the deadlock each, Jayesh Rane was one of the notable performers of the game. He made this rare start count, and has surely presented Kratky a selection dilemma, albeit a positive one, in the coming run of matches.

What’s next for both teams?

Mumbai City FC will host Mohun Bagan Super Giant on December 20 in their coming ISL fixture, whereas East Bengal FC will lock horns with Odisha FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 22 for their next game.

Brief Scores

Mumbai City FC 0 – 0 East Bengal FC. 

Stat Pack:

S1.jpg
by Abhishek Shukla

Medellin to Host 2027 World Archery Championships, a Historic First for South America

Medellin, Colombia, has been selected as the host city for the 2027 World Archery Championships, marking the first time this premier international archery event will be held in South America. This decision, announced during World Archery’s executive board meeting in Antalya, Turkey, emphasizes archery’s status as a truly global sport and acknowledges South America’s growing presence in the sport.

Medellin was chosen over bids from Nyborg, Denmark, and Wroclaw, Poland, while a bid from Antalya was withdrawn prior to the decision. Medellin’s bid centered on the Rionegro region, known for its proximity to the airport and plans for a large combination venue with enhanced arena scheduling.

Medellin’s involvement in international archery dates back to 2013, when it first hosted a stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup. Since then, it has been a recurring location in the World Cup circuit and is set to host the Pan American Championships in 2024. The 2027 championships in Medellin will see Colombia join the United States and Mexico as the only countries in the Americas to have hosted the event.

In addition to selecting championship hosts, the World Archery executive board formed a working group to study future tournament formats, sustainability, and financial viability, aligning with the organization’s strategic plan. The board also reaffirmed its commitment to keeping archery independent from politics, following discussions at the recent Olympic Summit.

The meeting included other significant decisions, such as issuing warnings to member associations in Chad, Guinea, and Uzbekistan, prohibiting their participation in international competitions until they regain good standing. Nigeria may face a similar restriction if its situation does not improve by April 1, 2024. Additionally, the Kuwait federation was removed from the list of members at risk of expulsion in 2024, having successfully fulfilled an action plan approved earlier.

The announcement of Medellin as the 2027 World Archery Championships host is a milestone in archery’s expansion and reflects the sport’s growing global reach. The city’s rich history with the sport and its commitment to developing a suitable venue for the championships were key factors in its selection. This event is set to act as a primary qualifier for the LA28 Olympics, further highlighting its significance in the world of archery.

by Abhishek Shukla

Refugee team to make historic debut at 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest

In a groundbreaking decision aimed at promoting inclusivity and support for displaced persons, a team representing refugees will take part in the 45th Chess Olympiad set to take place in Budapest, Hungary, in 2024 The move follows a request made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the FIDE Council, which has now been officially approved. The team of refugees will be carefully selected through a supervised process and endorsed by the UNHCR to compete in both the Open section and the Women’s section of the most prestigious team chess tournament. The selection process will be coordinated with the UNHCR and finalized on or before April 1 2024.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich noted the significance of this decision, stating, “In our complex global landscape where numerous people are left displaced and without homes, the inclusion of a refugee team in the Chess Olympiad is a testament to our commitment to support those in need. Chess has the power to offer solace and empowerment to individuals facing adversity, and this initiative shows our dedication to using chess as a tool for positive change.”

This landmark decision by FIDE comes after its inaugural participation in the Global Refugee Forum 2023, held from December 13-15 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland. Anastasia Sorokina, Chairperson of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, and André Vögtlin, Chairman of FIDE Social Commission, represented FIDE at the event. Sorokina, who founded the Girls Chess Club in the Kakuma refugee camp, shared her experiences at the preliminary event focused on education, discussing the theme of “Protection, Gender, Sport”. She emphasized the transformative role of chess in aiding refugees to navigate life challenges and regain stability.

For years, FIDE has supported refugees, primarily through the Chess for Protection project, providing assistance to displaced communities. Implemented in partnership with various organizations, including the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the Kenya Chess Federation, and the Kakuma Chess Club, the Chess for Protection project has been operating since August 2021. This initiative consolidates and expands chess-related activities in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, now entering its third year of operation.

The inclusion of a refugee team at the Chess Olympiad signifies a milestone in promoting inclusivity and leveraging chess as a tool for empowerment and support. FIDE remains committed to advancing such initiatives that harness the potential of chess to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the displaced worldwide.

by Abhishek Shukla

Chengdu to Host an Expanded World Games 2025 with Record Number of Gold Medals

The International World Games Association (IWGA) has finalized plans for The World Games 2025, set to take place in Chengdu, China from August 7th to 17th. This edition of the multi-sport event, held every four years, will see an unprecedented 262 gold medals awarded across 35 sports and 62 disciplines.

This marks a significant increase from the 2022 Games in Birmingham, USA, which featured 223 medal events. The expansion aligns with the IWGA’s “Growth Beyond Excellence” strategy, introducing more diverse sports including four para disciplines, a notable increase from just one in 2022.

The event is expected to draw around 5000 athletes from over 100 countries. The IWGA’s decision-making process involved collaboration with host city Chengdu and the international federations, ensuring a diverse and inclusive sports program. New additions to the medal events include Heyball, a popular variant of Pool Billiards in China, and dragon boat races in various team sizes and distances.

Sebastian Garvens, Sports Director of the IWGA, emphasized the significance of these discussions and adjustments, highlighting the association’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and inclusiveness. The IWGA aims to finalize and present a provisional competition schedule at their next Annual General Meeting on May 1st, 2024.

The World Games is a prestigious event organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The previous edition in 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, saw participation from 3,600 athletes in 34 sports representing 100 countries. The upcoming 12th edition in Chengdu represents a new chapter in the World Games history, promising to be a spectacular showcase of sportsmanship and cultural exchange.

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Puneri Paltan decimate table toppers Bengal Warriors in record-breaking PKL clash for home team

PUNE, 16th December, 2023: The Puneri Paltan bounced back ecstatically when they handed the Bengal Warriors a massive 49-19  loss — their first in PKL 10 — at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Saturday. The Paltan army, who went down to the Haryana Steelers on Friday night, never let the opponent raiders settle and their 24 tackle points is now a new record for a team in a single PKL match. 

The home side did not let the occasion of facing the table toppers deter them from a perfect start. Their excellent defending got Maninder Singh in his first raid before Pankaj Mohite’s successful two-point raid gave the Paltan an early lead. However, the mighty Maninder can hardly be kept out of the action. The Warriors captain, continuing his form from their record-breaking win over Patna Pirates, equalled the score with a SUPER RAID, proving why he is one of the best raiders in the game.

Despite this, the Paltan army headed into the strategic time-out with a slender 7-6 advantage and built on it with an excellent SUPER TACKLE to grab three points off Maninder once again.

The Warriors buckled after their slow start and upped the ante in the final minutes of the first half. A second SUPER RAID in the game for Maninder eliminated Abinesh, Mohammadreza Chiyaneh and Pankaj Mohite, but Mohit Goyat and Aslam Inamdar’s ‘Never-Give-Up’ attitude got them two consecutive SUPER TACKLES.
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Such was their defensive prowess in front of a boisterous home crowd that the Pune team managed 12 tackle points and just 6 raid points at the end of the first half, adding pressure on the Warriors with the score reading 20-12.

The side from Kolkata continued to be pegged back and were ALL OUT early in the second half as the Paltan kept up their phenomenal form. Such was the domination of the Puneri men on the night that Maninder Singh, who got 15 points in the last game, was silenced for much of the match.

For every point that the Warriors managed to score, the Paltan had the perfect answer. Left stunned by the all-round ability and the mat presence of the Puneri Paltan, the Warriors fell to a second ALL OUT late in the game, effectively ending any chances of a win for the PKL Season 7 winners.

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

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

Game 2 – U Mumba vs Tamil Thalaivas – 9 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

Bobsleigh: World Champion Lochner with second win of the season and 2-man bob track record

Innsbruck (RWH) 2-man bobsleigh World Champions Johannes Lochner/Georg Fleischhauer (GER) celebrated their second win of the season at the third stop of the BMW IBSF World Cup in winter 2023/2024.

Lochner/Fleischhauer set a new best time in the first heat at the Olympia Eiskanal Innsbruck (AUT): With a track record (50.88 seconds), they were the first duo in the 2-man bobsleigh to stay under 51 seconds.
Second place in Innsbruck went to Olympic Champion Francesco Friedrich (GER. 0.08 seconds back).
In third place, Junior World Champion Adam Ammour (GER, 0.74 seconds back) celebrated his first 2-man bobsleigh podium finish in the BMW IBSF World Cup with brother Issam Ammour as push athlete.


Brad Hall from Great Britain celebrated his comeback in the BMW IBSF World Cup in Innsbruck. Last winter’s overall World Cup bronze medallist had to undergo back surgery before the start of the season. Hall finished eleventh with push athlete Taylor Lawrence.


Local hero Jakob Mandlbauer made his debut in the BMW IBSF World Cup on his home track. The U23 World Championship bronze medalist finished 19th with push athlete Daiyehan Nichols-Bardi.


Johannes Lochner (GER, 660 points) continues to lead the 2023/2024 BMW IBSF World Cup ahead of Francesco Friedrich (GER, 620) and Switzerland’s Michael Vogt (609), who finished fifth in Innsbruck.

by Abhishek Shukla

Indian Colts lose Bronze to Spain in FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup

Kuala Lumpur, 16th December 2023: Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team went down 1-3 in a hard-fought Bronze medal match to Spain here on Saturday at the FIH Hockey Junior Men’s World Cup Malaysia 2023. Sunil Jojo (28’) scored the lone goal for India while Nicolas Alvarez (25’, 51’) and Pau Petchame (40’) scored for the winning side.   

The Bronze medal match lived up to its billing, with both sides putting up a fine show. India, which faced Spain in their Pool stage match and lost 1-4, made a fine start pushing for circle penetrations early in the game. They made early inroads, winning a PC in the 7th minute but could not convert. While the next few minutes continued to witness an inspired attack from Indian forward line, nothing could come off it. 

With the second quarter starting at a 0-0 stalemate, Alvarez opened the scoreline for Spain with a brilliant tomahawk from the corner of the goal. Though India goalie Mohit got his pads on it, the effort wasn’t enough to stop the goal. Only three minutes later, India gave a resounding reply when Sunil Jojo scored off a rebound from a PC execution in the 28th minute.  

The equaliser instilled fresh confidence in the Indian side, which made some brave forays into Spanish D. But Spain’s goalie Capellades was on target to make some fine saves. The half-time break, seemed to have fostered Spain’s aspirations for a medal as they came back with fresh ammunition to test the Indian defence.   

A good structure in the forward line ensured they found the break through with Petchame scoring the second goal for his team, thus taking a narrow lead of 2-1 in the 40th minute. The final 15 minutes was incredibly tense for Indian fans who had turned up in large numbers. The team began the fourth quarter with an effort to convert a circle penetration. But they could not breach the Spanish defence.   

In the meantime, Cabre Verdiell set up a stupendous goal, dribbling in from the left flank with Alvarez deflecting the ball into an empty goal as Mohith had moved to the other side. This 51st minute goal put India behind by 1-3 but hopes of a comeback remained as India won a PC in the 54th minute. However, Araijeet Hundal’s effort was cleared by Spanish defenders.   

India put up a brave fight towards the dying moments, but Spain remained in lead – handing India yet another heart-break loss in the medal match. In the previous edition in 2021 too, India had lost in the bronze medal match. 

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: Bengaluru FC return to winning ways with 1-0 win in cagey affair against Jamshedpur FC

Bengaluru FC started life under new head coach Gerard Zaragoza on a positive note by defeating Jamshedpur FC by 1-0 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium to kick off the Saturday double header of the tenth matchweek of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24.

It was a cagey affair from the beginning, with Jamshedpur FC goalkeeper TP Rehenesh starring with some important stops to keep the scoreline level. Rehenesh has been a notch above the other players from the Red Miners this season as the team’s struggles compound with one unfortunate result after another.

For Bengaluru FC, it was down to their experienced outfield duo of Sunil Chhetri and Javi Hernandez to get them out of the rut that they found themselves in. Chhetri stepped up to take a free kick in the 37th minute from nearly 30 yards out, and he shot it admirably well only for a full-stretched Rehenesh to dive and palm it away from goal.

Hernandez, on the other hand, floated across the frontline discovering gaps in the Jamshedpur FC backline that they could pounce upon. On one such opportunity, a minute before the half-time break, he steered the ball on the right flank and played a lateral pass to Slavko Damjanović who was a few yards away from Rehenesh.

A heavy touch from Damjanović meant that the ball met the hand of Jamshedpur FC defender Elsinho, leading to a spot-kick for the home side.

Interestingly, it was Hernandez and not Sunil Chhetri who stepped up to assume duties from 12 yards away. Bengaluru FC had won only one game in the season before this, which was on October 4 against East Bengal FC. Hernandez was the difference between the two sides back then too, pulling off a fantastic overhead kick to hand them a 71st winner. Likewise, he hammered the ball into the bottom right corner to help the Blues get a foot ahead in the game.

Jamshedpur FC were desperate in their quest for a response, and they naturally looked up to their midfielder Jeremy Monzorro to produce something noteworthy in the final third. Monzorro was averaging 10.4 entries in the penalty box per game prior to this match in the current season, suggesting that he is someone who constantly finds a way past the opposition’s backline. Tonight, he tried to unleash another trick out of his armoury, attempting to lob the ball over Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, only for it to deflect off hitting the outside of the upper net in the 65th minute.

Zaragoza replaced Chhetri and Hernandez with the fresh legs of Monirul Molla and Harsh Patre in the second half, and the young duo worked their socks off to ensure that the lead didn’t desert them until the end of the match.

Key Performer of the Match

Javi Hernandez (Bengaluru FC)

Hernandez created a goal-scoring opportunity, made a clearance, in addition to maintaining a 76% passing accuracy and scoring his second goal of the season to hand the Blues their second win of the campaign.

What’s next for both teams?

Bengaluru FC will next host NorthEast United FC on December 24, whereas Jamshedpur FC will travel to face Hyderabad FC on December 21.

Brief Scores

Bengaluru FC 1 (Javi Hernandez 44’) – 0 Jamshedpur FC

Stat Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

Special Olympics and FIVB Foster Inclusivity & Unity at the 2023 Men’s Volleyball Club World Championships in India

Bengaluru, 16 December 2023: In a groundbreaking collaboration, Special Olympics joined forces with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) during the Men’s Volleyball Club World Championships 2023 held in Bengaluru, India. With an aim of promoting inclusion and unity through sports, ten exceptional Special Olympics Bharat athletes joined the formidable team from Brazil, Itambé Minas and the World Club Champions – Sir Safety Perugia from Italy, to engage in a symbolic jersey exchange ceremony. The gesture of friendship underscored the power of sports in fostering understanding and breaking down barriers.

In addition, the Special Olympics Bharat athletes participated in a training session alongside some players ahead of the much-awaited finals between the two heavyweights of Men’s Volleyball Club World Championships, the Italian Sir Safety Perugia and the Brazilian Itambe Minas. This meeting not only showcased the exceptional skills of people with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs), but also served as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of inclusion through sports.

Notably, the event served as a compelling follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between both organizations during the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 in June. Special Olympics Bharat also participated at these Games, where they secured an impressive tally of 200 medals (77 Gold, 71 Silver & 52 Bronze)

Dr Ary S. Graça F°, FIVB President: “The FIVB is delighted to continue its partnership with Special Olympics, once again showcasing the unifying power of volleyball. The commemorative jersey exchange ceremony, held in collaboration with Special Olympics Bharat during the Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship in India, demonstrated our shared values of inclusivity, empowerment and promoting a healthy lifestyle, and we look forward to expanding this collaboration over the coming years.

Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat: “At Special Olympics Bharat, we believe in the transformative power of sports to create a more inclusive world. The Men’s Volleyball Club World Championships is a testament to our commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a society where every individual, regardless of ability, feels valued and included. I would personally like to thank FIVB and the Indian Organising Committee for rooting for the cause of Special Olympics here in India.”

Preethy Janarthanan, Sports & Competition team, Special Olympics Asia Pacific: “In Special Olympics, a key area of our work focuses on providing sports training to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. We work to give them continued opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of skills and friendship within the community. We are delighted to see our athletes fulfilling their passion, showcasing their talent and learning from some of the world’s top volleyball players at the Men’s Volleyball Club World Championships 2023 in Bengaluru. These sessions are just one of the multiple ways in which Special Olympics reinforces sports and fitness as a way of life for our athletes, which helps to grow their confidence and esteem.”

This collaborative effort between Special Olympics Bharat and FIVB marks a significant step towards building a more inclusive future; one where the spirit of sports transcends boundaries and embraces the richness of diversity.

by Abhishek Shukla

IWL: Karishma’s hat-trick sends East Bengal packing against Kickstart FC

BENGALURU: Karishma Shirvoikar scored the first hat-trick of the IWL 2023-24 season to guide Kickstart FC to a cushy 3-1 win over East Bengal at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday, December 16, 2023. Last year’s finalists, Kickstart FC have now moved to the top of the table after two rounds with six points in their kitty.

Kickstart’s campaign on the home turf today wasn’t perhaps as comfortable as the scoreline looked in the end. The visitors did play their part, often commendably, and made the necessary noise in the rival area goalmouth. But while most of it proved to be much ado about nothing, Kickstart were more focussed and did their job well when it came to doing the right things.

But the player who made all the difference was Karishma, with her constant probes through the right from the very beginning. With a vulnerable defence, East Bengal failed to stop the National Team footballer and paid heavily for it. Had she been a little more accurate, Karishma could have finished the day with a couple of more goals in her pocket. But what she did was enough to fetch her team three points.

Karishma missed at least two chances before she could breach the East Bengal defence five minutes before the half time. Two defenders were close on Karishma, but she did well to shield the ball and send it to the far corner.

East Bengal, who won their first match against Sports Odisha, made some inroads in the second half though none of them proved fruitful. Finally, it was Karishma again who frustrated the red and golden brigade with the second goal in the 69th minute. She did well to get past two defenders, but her shot didn’t carry the expected punch. Yet it found the net as East Bengal goalkeeper Keisham Melody Chanu wasn’t as quick to anticipate the shot as she was expected to be.

East Bengal posed some threat for a brief period when the match entered the last five-minute phase. Junior international Sulanjana Raul, who came on as a substitute and brought some life into the East Bengal attacks, displayed her fine skills when she guided a long ball into the net with a deft angular shot. But then, if East Bengal were hoping to make a grand comeback, it wasn’t on the cards. Karishma slammed in another goal on the run to complete her hat-trick and put the issue beyond the Kolkata team’s reach.