Author: Abhishek Shukla

Owner of Sports India Live.
by Abhishek Shukla

CMG to air all Formula E races live In China for The first time

BEIJING, China & LONDON, UK. Fri. 15 Dec. 2023 – Formula E today announced the biggest multi-year media partnership in championship history with Chinese national broadcaster, CMG, airing every race of the season live for the first time.

The blockbuster new deal means all 17 races in Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, starting with the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix on Saturday, 13 January 2024, will be available live on CMG’s CCTV platforms.

Premier sports channels CCTV5 and CCTV5+ will air Formula E races, including the inaugural Shanghai race doubleheader in May. Digital platform Yangshipin will also carry races plus all practice and qualifying sessions.

Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said:

“This is huge for Formula E as we get ready to race in our biggest season yet. For the first time, every Formula E race will be available live in China on CCTV, the nation’s largest sports platform. We are excited to work with CMG as a major new media partner for Formula E and focus on supercharging our audience growth in China through the coming seasons.”

Formula E will race for the first time at the Shanghai International Circuit with a double-header of races on Saturday, 25 May and Sunday, 26 May 2024. The first-ever Formula E race was held in Beijing on Saturday, 13 September 2014, with Sanya and Hong Kong also hosting a total of seven races in China to date, the most recent in March 2019.

Two Chinese-owned teams compete in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship: Envision Racing and ERT Formula E Team.

Envision Racing won the ABB FIA Formula E Teams’ World Championship last season, and have also appeared in the series since the first event in Beijing where they originally competed as Virgin Racing Formula E Team.

ERT Formula E Team has also competed in the championship since the very first race in Beijing, originally under the name China Racing Formula E Team.

Formula E races on CCTV platforms in Season 10:

After the season-opener in Mexico City on Saturday, 13 January 2024 comes the first doubleheader of Season 10 and the only night races under lights – innovative, sustainable LED lighting – from the street circuit surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage site in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

Next stop is the intensely challenging street track in Hyderabad, India, before a return to the carnival atmosphere of São Paulo, Brazil.

Formula E will make history with Round 6 on Saturday, 30 March when it becomes the first motorsport world championship to race on the streets of Tokyo.

After that is another visually exotic new venue for TV viewers with a doubleheader race weekend on the track in Misano, Italy, on the northern Adriatic coast.

The spiritual home of motorsport, Monaco, is the next stop before the season builds to a climax with four consecutive doubleheader race weekends where the world title storyline is sure to twist and turn with every race.

Berlin is first up, with a brand-new track layout and maintaining its record as the only city to host Formula E racing in all ten seasons.

The showpiece Shanghai event follows, with a doubleheader of races marking Formula E’s first visit to the city.

Portland, Oregon, is the next stop with the 22 drivers getting two races to try to beat the record of 403 race overtakes from last season’s Portland event.

Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship concludes in London on the weekend of Saturday, 20 July and Sunday, 21 July – perfectly situated for sports fans on the weekend between the UEFA EURO 2024 final and the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Friday, 26 July.

Last season, both the Drivers’ and Teams’ world championship titles were decided on the final weekend of the season, with four drivers in with a chance of winning the coveted crown. Britain’s Jake Dennis was the ultimate warrior, claiming his first world championship, racing for the Andretti Formula E team.

by Abhishek Shukla

UKK: Mumbai Khiladis undergo rigorous training as they gear up for Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2

Bhubaneswar, December 15, 2023: Mumbai Khiladis have started their preparation for Season 2 of the Ultimate Kho Kho with a training camp at the Biju Patnaik Indoor Stadium, KIIT campus in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The 26-member squad, under the guidance of coach Vikas Suryavanshi, has entered an intensive training camp, fine-tuning their skills and strategies ahead of the highly anticipated season, set to kick off on December 24.

The team, owned by Pune-based philanthropist and businessman Punit Balan, will have high hopes riding on their back after a successful draft where they not only focused on giving opportunity to promising youngsters but also added and retained few top performers from the previous edition.

“The anticipation and energy surrounding Season 2 of the Ultimate Kho Kho is electrifying. Our athletes have been training rigorously, and we are confident that they will bring their A-game to the league. The support from our fans is invaluable, and we look forward to an exciting season ahead,” stated Mumbai Khiladis owner Punit Balan.

Mumbai Khiladis have undertaken various measures to better the overall growth of the players. The team travels with a strength and conditioning coach who keeps a keen eye on players’ fitness, along  with a team of Physios who ensure that the players recover well. The players are also involved in other recreational sporting activities like swimming and badminton. A psychologist also accompanies the team to focus on the players’ mental well- being.

A 10-day camp commenced on December 10 and will run until December 20 before the players get ready to face Telugu Yoddhas in their opening fixture on December 24.

“We have selected some of the best players from all over India, but Kho Kho is a team game and it is important to create a sense of team bonding. We are working on bridging the gap between senior and junior players so that they feel comfortable when they step on the mat. With this training camp, we are looking to work on team combinations and lift the overall fitness level of our players which will be a crucial factor going ahead in the tournament,” commented coach Vikas Suryavanshi.  

The thrilling action from Season 2 of India’s first-ever franchise-based Kho-Kho league will be broadcasted live on Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)’s sports channels as well as livestream on Sony LIV.

by Abhishek Shukla

Spaniards reach FIFA Women’s World Ranking summit for first time

Four months have passed since the last FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking was published in August, during which time over 400 international matches have taken place. Never before have so many fixtures been fulfilled in an equivalent period.

Qualifiers for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 and UEFA Women’s Nations League games were on the agenda for European teams. Nations in the AFC, CAF and Concacaf zones, meanwhile, were involved in qualifying matches for their respective continental tournaments, with OFC representatives – with the exception of Aotearoa New Zealand – competing at the Pacific Games.

This plethora of events inevitably had an impact on December’s FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, the last of 2023.

Consequently, reigning world champions Spain (1st) claimed top spot for the first time. They are the fourth team in football history to reach the coveted position, after the USA (2nd, up 1), Germany and Sweden. France (3rd, up 2) make up the podium.

England (4th, -) remain just below those three highflyers, ahead of previous leaders Sweden (5th, down 4). Germany (6th), the Netherlands (7th), Japan (8th), Korea DPR (9th) and Canada (10th) complete the top ten, which no longer features Brazil (11th, down 2).

As for the remainder of the top 50, Italy (14th, up 3), Philippines (38th, up 6) and Uzbekistan (47th, up 3) made noteworthy advances. The biggest moves came further down the standings, however, where Congo DR (102nd, up 9), El Salvador (104th, up 11) and Namibia (126th, up 14) all made considerable progress.

In addition to La Roja, Philippines, Haiti (51st), Cambodia (116th) and Cabo Verde (131st) attained their highest-ever placings.

Six nations either appear for the first time (Central African Republic and Macau) or reappear (Korea DPR, American Samoa, Madagascar and Bahamas) in the World Ranking, which brings the number of teams listed to 192 – a new record! And with six other national sides just one match away from joining, it could grow even further in March.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published in March 2024

Leaders Spain
Moves into top 10 Korea DPR (9th)
Moves out of top 10 Brazil (11th)
Matches played in total 419
Most matches played Botswana, China PR, Chinese Taipei, Korea DPR, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia (9 matches)
Biggest move by points Tanzania (up 68.24 points)
Biggest move by ranks Namibia (up 14 ranks)
Biggest drop by points Sweden (down 71.08 points)
Biggest drop by ranks Cayman Islands (down 14 ranks)
Newly ranked teams 6 (Korea DPR, Central African Republic, American Samoa, Macau, Madagascar, Bahamas)
Teams that are no longer ranked None

by Abhishek Shukla

AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 Draw Results

Hosts Uzbekistan, seeking to win the title for the first time, were drawn in Group A. Standing in the Central Asian side’s way will be two-time winners Korea Republic, Australia and Chinese Taipei, the 2002 runners-up.
Japan, who won the AFC U19 Women’s Championship six times, lead the Group B cast. Looking to deny them a place in the semi-finals will be 2007 winners DPR Korea, 2006 champions China PR and Vietnam.
The top four teams at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 will qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024.
DRAW RESULT
Group A: Uzbekistan, Korea Republic, Australia, Chinese Taipei
Group B: Japan, DPR Korea, China PR, Vietnam
by Abhishek Shukla

Airlink Soars High as the Official Airline Partner of the Paarl Royals

National, 15 December 2023: Royals Sports Group-owned franchise, Paarl Royals, today announced a soaring partnership with Airlink, naming the airline as the Official Airline Partner of the team for the upcoming 2024 season of the SA20.

As a team that consistently strives for excellence both on and off the field, Paarl Royals is delighted to align with Airlink, Southern Africa’s leading regional airline with a strong commitment to service, reliability, and connecting communities.

The partnership between Paarl Royals and Airlink signifies a shared commitment to excellence, a passion for the sport, and a dedication to fostering growth within the local community. With Airlink on board as the Official Airline Partner, Paarl Royals aims to soar to new heights, both in terms of on-field performance and community engagement, by connecting fans and supporters across South Africa.

The association is not limited to the cricket field, as both entities plan to engage in various promotional activities and digital campaigns. Fans can expect a unique blend of cricketing excitement and travel experiences throughout the season.

Alok Chitre, Chief Business Officer, Paarl Royals, welcomed Airlink to the Royals Family, “As a team, we are always looking for partners who share our values and commitment to excellence. Airlink’s reputation for reliability, professionalism, and community engagement aligns perfectly with our vision for the Paarl Royals. With Airlink by our side, we look forward to a successful partnership that not only enhances our team’s performances but also contributes to the overall growth of cricket in the region.”

Airlink, renowned for its commitment to quality service and extensive regional connectivity, is the team’s official carrier for the tournament and will fly the squad and support staff between their matches taking place in Paarl, Centurion, Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).. The collaboration aims to enhance the overall fan experience and strengthen the team’s presence in Southern Africa.

“As Southern Africa’s premier airline, Airlink provides service fit for royalty with comfortable seats, complimentary in-flight beverages and meals, and – as cricketing nobility will appreciate – our free and generous sporting equipment allowance,” said Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.

The SA20 2024 season is scheduled to kick off on 10 January, with the Paarl Royals commencing their campaign against the Pretoria Capitals at Boland Park on 12 January 2024.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Demko’s Shutout Leads Canucks to 4-0 Victory Over Panthers

VANCOUVER — Goalie Thatcher Demko’s stellar performance with 36 saves anchored the Vancouver Canucks in a dominant 4-0 win against the Florida Panthers at Rogers Arena on Thursday. This victory marked the Canucks’ fourth consecutive win and Demko’s third shutout of the season.

Dakota Joshua scored twice, contributing significantly to the Canucks’ offense. Brock Boeser also found the back of the net, extending his point streak to nine games, during which he has accumulated 14 points. Andrei Kuzmenko rounded out the scoring for Vancouver, which improved to a 20-9-1 record. The team concluded a successful five-game homestand with a 4-1-0 record.

The Panthers, now at 17-10-2, struggled offensively, with Sergei Bobrovsky allowing four goals on 17 shots. This marked Florida’s second consecutive shutout loss, following a 4-0 defeat to the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday. Anthony Stolarz replaced Bobrovsky in the third period, stopping the one shot he faced.

Kuzmenko opened the scoring for Vancouver in the first period, capitalizing on a defensive error by the Panthers. Joshua then extended the lead with two goals, showcasing his ability to capitalize on opportunities and create chances. His second goal came from stealing Bobrovsky’s pass and scoring into an open net.

Boeser’s goal on a 5-on-3 power play further solidified the Canucks’ lead, highlighting their effective power play and Boeser’s scoring form.

This win for the Canucks underlines their strong form and Demko’s crucial role in goal. The Panthers, facing back-to-back shutout losses, will aim to rediscover their offensive prowess in upcoming games.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Kraken Dominate Blackhawks 7-1, Yamamoto and Bjorkstrand Lead the Charge

SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken delivered a commanding performance with a 7-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday. Kailer Yamamoto’s two goals and Oliver Bjorkstrand’s goal and two assists were pivotal in securing the win for the Kraken.

The Kraken, now at 10-14-7, have found form with their second consecutive win following an eight-game losing streak. Goalie Joey Daccord contributed with 21 saves, anchoring the team’s strong defensive play.

For the Blackhawks, who are struggling at 9-19-1, it was a night to forget. Connor Bedard, their No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, saw his 10-game road point streak come to an end. Goalkeeper Arvid Soderblom faced a tough night, allowing seven goals on 24 shots before being replaced by Petr Mrazek in the third period.

Yamamoto opened the scoring for Seattle early in the first period, taking advantage of a deflected pass and beating Soderblom. He doubled the lead later in the period, capitalizing on a deflection for an easy finish.

The Blackhawks managed to cut the deficit with Taylor Raddysh scoring in the second period, but Seattle’s response was swift. Bjorkstrand’s goal, a fortunate deflection, restored the Kraken’s two-goal advantage.

Seattle continued their onslaught with Tye Kartye and Eeli Tolvanen adding to the tally, exploiting the Blackhawks’ defensive lapses. Jared McCann’s power-play goal and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare’s rebound shot in the third period sealed the emphatic 7-1 win.

The Kraken’s Will Borgen and Ryker Evans each provided two assists, showcasing Seattle’s depth and teamwork in the attacking phase.

This victory for the Kraken demonstrates their potential to bounce back from setbacks and deliver dominant performances. For the Blackhawks, the heavy loss underscores ongoing challenges this season, including the need for more consistency in both offense and defense.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Stamkos Scores Four in Lightning’s 7-4 Victory Over Oilers

EDMONTON — Steven Stamkos delivered a stellar performance with four goals, leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 7-4 win against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on Thursday. The victory ended Edmonton’s eight-game winning streak, showcasing Tampa Bay’s resilience and firepower.

Stamkos’ remarkable achievement marked his first-ever four-goal game in his 1,031st NHL game. His goals in the third period were crucial in breaking the tie and securing the win for the Lightning. Coach Jon Cooper shared a light moment with Stamkos, reflecting on the rarity of such a feat in his illustrious career.

The Lightning’s goalie, Andrei Vasilevskiy, was also pivotal in the win, making an astounding 53 saves. Nikita Kucherov contributed a goal and an assist, helping Tampa Bay improve their record to 14-12-5.

Stamkos emphasized the vital role of Vasilevskiy, stating that the goalie’s performance was the cornerstone of their victory, especially given the quality of the opposition.

Connor McDavid extended his point streak to 11 games for the Oilers, with a goal and an assist, while Evan Bouchard extended his to 13 with two assists. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added a goal and two assists, but goalie Stuart Skinner’s 17 saves weren’t enough to fend off the Lightning’s offensive surge.

The game began with Stamkos scoring on a power play in the first period, followed by Tyler Motte’s goal for a 2-0 lead. The Oilers responded with goals from Darnell Nurse, McDavid, and Zach Hyman, taking a brief lead before Tampa Bay’s third-period rally.

Stamkos’ third-period goals, along with Kucherov’s crucial strike, shifted the momentum in favor of the Lightning. Edmonton’s Nugent-Hopkins managed to narrow the gap, but Anthony Cirelli’s empty-net goal and Stamkos’ final goal sealed the win for Tampa Bay.

Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl felt the Oilers were the better team and deserved to win, highlighting the unpredictable nature of hockey.

Notable achievements in the game included Stamkos’ second instance of scoring three goals in a period and his entry into the elite group of players with 200 power-play goals. Kucherov’s continued form brought his season tally to 50 points in 30 games. The game also marked the second instance this season of the Lightning scoring five goals in the third period.

The win for the Lightning is a statement of their ability to perform against top teams, while the Oilers will look to rebound from this setback and continue their strong form.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Blues Triumph in Bannister’s Coaching Debut, Defeat Senators 4-2

ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Blues marked a new chapter under coach Drew Bannister with a convincing 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators at the Enterprise Center on Thursday. The win came as a refreshing change for the Blues, who had suffered four consecutive defeats leading to the replacement of coach Craig Berube with Bannister earlier this week.

Robert Thomas was the standout performer for the Blues, contributing two goals and an assist. Pavel Buchnevich added a goal and an assist, and Justin Faulk provided two assists, helping to turn the tide for the Blues. Jordan Binnington’s 32 saves were crucial in securing the win for St. Louis, which now stands at 14-14-1.

Thomas praised the team’s unity and support for one another on the ice, emphasizing the positive change in their play style under Bannister’s guidance.

For the Senators, who dropped to 11-13-0, Dominik Kubalik scored, and Joonas Korpisalo made 26 saves. Ottawa’s coach, D.J. Smith, acknowledged the Blues’ aggressive start and pointed out the need for better responses to such challenges.

The game saw Thomas opening the scoring in the first period with a skilled play, followed by his second goal in the second period off a backhand shot. Brandon Saad extended the Blues’ lead with a one-timer, and Buchnevich’s goal in the third period solidified their control over the game.

Mathieu Joseph scored for Ottawa late in the third period, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. Joseph noted the team’s lack of energy and speed, which are usually their strengths.

Noteworthy performances included Thomas’s continued scoring form, with 13 points in his last 12 games. On the other hand, Ottawa’s Claude Giroux saw his four-game point streak end.

Additional notes from the game included Blues forward Mackenzie MacEachern’s physical presence in his season debut, and Senators forward Mark Kastelic’s return from injury, marking his first game since early November.

This victory for the Blues under Bannister’s leadership could signal a turning point in their season, instilling confidence and a renewed sense of team spirit. The Senators, on the other hand, will look to regroup and bring back the speed and energy that defines their gameplay.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Boldy and Zuccarello Seal Shootout Win for Wild Over Flames, 3-2

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild clinched a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames in a shootout at the Xcel Energy Center on Thursday, with Matt Boldy scoring in his third consecutive game. Mats Zuccarello and Boldy each found the net in the decisive shootout.

Boldy, celebrating his recent scoring form, credited the win to the team’s collective effort and desperation to maintain their winning streak. Marco Rossi also scored for the Wild, while Filip Gustavsson made 35 saves, contributing to Minnesota’s success. The Wild, under coach John Hynes since November 27, have now won six of their past eight games, improving their record to 11-12-4.

The Flames, despite a valiant effort, extended their losing streak with this defeat. Yegor Sharangovich continued his scoring run with a goal and an assist, and Blake Coleman also scored. Goalkeeper Dan Vladar saved 30 shots for Calgary, who now sit at 11-14-5, having lost four straight and six of their last seven games.

Boldy opened the scoring for Minnesota with a wrist shot at 4:42 of the first period. Calgary responded with vigor, and Sharangovich tied the game at 1-1 with a power-play goal in the second period. Coleman then gave the Flames a brief lead in the third period with a fortuitous deflection, but Rossi responded for the Wild just 45 seconds later to tie the game at 2-2.

Both teams displayed resilience, with Calgary’s coach Ryan Huska acknowledging their slow start but appreciating their overall game. He felt the Flames deserved the extra point, highlighting the closely contested nature of the match.

Gustavsson’s crucial save in the second period, confirmed after a video review, was a pivotal moment, preventing Calgary from taking an early lead.

In the notes, Boldy’s scoring prowess was highlighted as he scored his sixth goal since December 1, tying with Jake Guentzel for the second-most goals in that span. Rossi’s goal solidified his position as one of the top-performing rookies this season. On the Flames’ side, Sharangovich’s scoring streak continued, putting him in elite company in Calgary’s history, while Elias Lindholm’s face-off efficiency and shot count were significant contributions.

This game exemplified the competitiveness of the NHL, with both teams showcasing their strengths and the Wild ultimately prevailing in the shootout. The Wild’s recent form under Hynes’ coaching suggests a positive trajectory, while the Flames will look to reverse their fortunes in upcoming games.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Hurricanes Edge Red Wings 2-1, Kochetkov Stars in Goal

DETROIT — The Carolina Hurricanes secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, with goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov playing a pivotal role. The win marks a positive end to the Hurricanes’ challenging six-game road trip.

Jordan Staal, the Hurricanes’ captain, was instrumental in breaking the tie in the second period, contributing to the team’s victory. Jack Drury also scored for Carolina, who have improved their season record to 16-12-1. They now look forward to hosting the Nashville Predators on Friday.

Staal praised Kochetkov’s performance, acknowledging him as a difference-maker in the game. The goaltender made 25 saves, providing the Hurricanes with the stability they needed.

On the Red Wings’ side, Michael Rasmussen scored, and goalie Ville Husso made an impressive 37 saves. Despite Husso’s efforts, Detroit coach Derek Lalonde expressed frustration over a crucial mistake that reflected the team’s need for consistent excellence. The Red Wings have now lost four of their past five games, dropping to a record of 15-10-4.

Drury opened the scoring for the Hurricanes at 4:48 of the first period, immediately following a power play. His goal, assisted by Stefan Noesen, caught the Red Wings’ penalty killers off-guard.

Rasmussen equalized for Detroit at 5:20 of the second period with a precise wrist shot, but Staal’s opportune goal at 11:49 put the Hurricanes ahead. Husso’s miscalculation on Brett Pesce’s dump-in allowed Staal to seize the moment, beating Husso and Justin Holl to the puck for the decisive goal.

Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour praised Staal for his perseverance throughout a challenging season, noting his significant contribution in this game.

The Red Wings had a chance to tie the game late in the third period, but Kochetkov’s remarkable saves, including a critical stop on Alex DeBrincat’s one-timer and a point-blank save on Robby Fabbri, secured the win for the Hurricanes.

The game, characterized by aggressive play, especially from Carolina, saw the Hurricanes outshooting the Red Wings 14-7 in the final period.

Notably, Staal was dominant in face-offs, winning 13 of 16, while Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis led with seven shots on goal. Both teams opted for 11 forwards and seven defensemen, with Rasmussen achieving his 100th NHL point. On the Red Wings’ side, David Perron served the third game of a six-game suspension.

This match showcased Carolina’s resilience and ability to close out a game, while the Red Wings will look to rebound from their recent struggles.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Blue Jackets Survive Maple Leafs Comeback, Win 6-5 in Overtime

TORONTO — In a game of dramatic shifts, the Columbus Blue Jackets held off a stunning comeback by the Toronto Maple Leafs to secure a 6-5 overtime victory at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday. Kent Johnson was the hero for Columbus, scoring the winning goal in overtime, in addition to an earlier assist.

Columbus initially dominated, leading 5-0 after two periods, only for Toronto to rally with five unanswered goals in the third period, sending the game into overtime. Johnson’s decisive strike at 3:26 of overtime, a sharp shot over Ilya Samsonov’s glove, brought relief and triumph to the Blue Jackets.

Yegor Chinakhov and Justin Danforth each contributed a goal and an assist for Columbus, and goalie Elvis Merzlikins returned from illness to make 43 saves. However, the Blue Jackets faced a concern as forward Patrik Laine left the game with an upper-body injury.

Columbus coach Pascal Vincent praised the team’s initial two-period performance and acknowledged the need to learn from the third period’s near-collapse.

Toronto’s comeback was spearheaded by Auston Matthews with two goals and an assist, and Mitchell Marner, who had a goal and two assists. William Nylander also played a key role with a goal and an assist. Despite the loss, the Maple Leafs extended their point streak to eight games (5-0-3).

The third period was a showcase of Toronto’s resilience. Nylander initiated the scoring just 38 seconds into the period, followed by Marner’s creative goal at 3:49. Jake McCabe’s first goal of the season and Matthews’ back-to-back goals in the last two minutes brought the game to a tie, reflecting the team’s never-say-die attitude.

Columbus’s historic win became even more significant as they became the sixth team in NHL history, and the first since 1992, to win after relinquishing a five-goal lead.

Notable performances included Johnson’s plus-4 rating for Columbus in 14:23 of ice time and point streak extensions for Matthews and Nylander. However, the Maple Leafs suffered a setback with forward Ryan Reaves leaving the game due to a leg injury, with coach Sheldon Keefe indicating he might be sidelined for some time.

The Blue Jackets’ victory, while exhilarating, highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining leads. For Toronto, the game demonstrated their capability for impressive comebacks, even though it ultimately ended in a loss.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Flyers Overcome Capitals in Shootout Thriller, 4-3

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Flyers clinched a dramatic 4-3 shootout victory over the Washington Capitals at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday, with Owen Tippett’s late third-period goal paving the way. The win extends the Flyers’ impressive seven-game point streak, now standing at 5-0-2.

The Flyers, who started the game on a sluggish note, showcased resilience and adaptability. Coach John Tortorella acknowledged the team’s initial flat performance but praised their ability to bounce back. Sean Couturier and Bobby Brink were successful in the shootout for Philadelphia, sealing the win.

Morgan Frost contributed with two assists, and Samuel Ersson, stepping in for the ill Carter Hart, made 27 saves, tying for the league lead in shootout wins this season.

Washington’s efforts were led by Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson, each contributing a goal and an assist. Aliaksei Protas also added two assists for the Capitals. Despite these performances and Charlie Lindgren’s 29 saves, Washington couldn’t hold off the Flyers’ late surge.

The game was notable for Alex Ovechkin’s continued goal drought, now the longest of his NHL career, spanning 11 games. Despite this, Capitals coach Spencer Carbery saw positive aspects in the team’s play, particularly their initial lead heading into the third period.

Tippett’s crucial goal, a spinning wrist shot at 17:01 of the third period, brought the game to a 3-3 tie. Brink had earlier given the Flyers a 1-0 lead, and Farabee’s third-period wraparound tied the game at 2-2. For the Capitals, Connor McMichael and Strome found the net, with Strome’s goal initially giving them a 3-2 lead.

The Flyers’ comeback and subsequent win in the shootout demonstrated their tenacity and resilience, a sentiment echoed by Farabee, who highlighted the team’s mental strength to overcome a flat start.

Injury and illness affected both teams. The Flyers were without Hart, and Washington missed Evgeny Kuznetsov due to illness and Sonny Milano, who is on injured reserve. Joe Snively, recalled from the AHL, played in Milano’s place.

Looking ahead, both teams will aim to build on their performances, with the Flyers carrying momentum from their point streak and the Capitals looking to refine their game after a close loss.

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: After bright start in Bengaluru, Haryana Steelers gear up for Puneri Paltan challenge

New Delhi, December 15th 2023: The action in Pro Kabaddi League 10 shifts to Pune where Haryana Steelers will begin the third leg of the season on Friday against the home team Puneri Paltan at the Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune. It has been a solid start for the JSW-owned franchise with two big wins in three games and co-captain Mohit Nandal summed up the Bengaluru leg, explaining the reasons behind the team’s success.

“We have won two back-to-back matches after losing the first game, and it has increased the confidence of the team. The players are motivated and we are forming good combinations. All the players are communicating well with each other. The best part of the season so far has been the plans that are being devised by the coaches,” Mohit said ahead of his side’s fourth game of the edition.

The Steelers began their campaign with a 57-27 defeat against the UP Yoddhas in Ahmedabad, but bounced back in style in Bengaluru defeating Bengaluru Bulls 38-32 and Dabang Delhi 35-33. Mohit delved deeper into the areas where the team worked after the first game giving a brief insight into the conversations that happened in the dressing room following the result.

“We lost by a big margin in the first game. The team morale was hit. But our Coach Manpreet Singh told us that it was just the first game and it always takes time to form good combinations. We have a lot of young players in the team – so the coach discussed the strategies with all of us and we trained accordingly. The results speak for themselves,” he said.

Siddharth Desai has been the star of the campaign so far with 21 points, while Jaideep and Mohit, with 10 and 8 points, respectively, have been the backbone of Haryana’s defence once again.

“Overall, the Bengaluru leg was quite good for us. Our key learning is that it is important to communicate between the players. If we can play together as a team, we can put ourselves in winning situations at all times,” Mohit said.

It is always a challenging proposition to play against the home team in front of their fans but Mohit said the team wasn’t worried about crowd reactions and said that his side will focus on their own game.

“We will face off against Puneri Paltan in front of their home crowd. We have already discussed our plans and the teams will look to play as per the strategies discussed by the team. We are confident of getting a good result from the game,” he signed off.

by Abhishek Shukla

Sharjah Warriors Name Tom Kohler-Cadmore as Captain, Johan Botha and JP Duminy Join Coaching Staff

Sharjah, 15th December, 2023: The second season of the ILT20 is not too far away, and will kick off with the Capri Sports owned Sharjah Warriors facing the defending champions Gulf Giants in the opener, at one of cricket’s most loved venues, Sharjah.

The Sharjah Warriors, who will be eyeing a strong start to the tournament, have announced the England cricketer Tom Kohler-Cadmore as their captain for the upcoming season. A hard-hitting right-handed batter, Kohler-Cadmore is known for his ability to score quickly, and has played some fantastic knocks during his career so far in white-ball cricket. A regular in the franchise cricket circuit, the 29-year-old wicket-keeper batter has had a fair amount of success while playing the shorter formats in UAE, and boasts of a strike rate of 140 plus in T20s. He has also scored 1 century and smashed 33 half-centuries in more than 150 T20 matches in his career, during which he has scored more than 4000 runs as well.

“I am honoured and delighted to have been named as the captain for the Sharjah Warriors. We have a strong squad that has a healthy mix of experience and youth and plenty of fire power in the ranks as well, and with all of that together, we will be looking to make a solid mark at the ILT20 this season. Each team will be tough competitors, but we are going to give it our very best in every game, said Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Captain, Sharjah Warriors.

The Sharjah Warriors have also named the former South African Captain Johan Botha as the Head Coach while his compatriot JP Duminy is the Batting Coach. Former Warwickshire cricketer Ian Westwood will be the Assistant and Fielding Coach for the Warriors.

Botha has been coaching in franchise cricket since 2017 and has moved around the block a fair bit, plying his trade in the Pakistan Super League, and the Caribbean Premier League with multiple franchises.

Meanwhile, JP Duminy has had a storied international cricket career and turned out in high-profile leagues such as the IPL. Earlier in 2023, Duminy was appointed as the full-time batting coach for the South African men’s white-ball cricket teams, and the team performed brilliantly with the bat at the ODI World Cup in India, where they regularly scored in excess of 300. He was the Head Coach at the Paarl Royals in the SA20 league and at the Boland Rocks’ provincial team

In ODI cricket, During the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, Duminy became the first South African to take a hat-trick in a World Cup match, and was well known for his ability in the field as well as with the bat.

“The Sharjah Warriors are preparing with full enthusiasm for the upcoming season of the ILT20. We have built a strong squad that we feel would allow us to put our best foot forward during the tournament and cause a stir. We are looking forward to the tournament, and are excited to see what lies in store” said Johan Botha, Head Coach, Sharjah Warriors.

“In white-ball cricket, especially in the shorter formats, it is very important to have an aggressive mindset, and at the Sharjah Warriors we are confident that our batters will do their bit to keep things moving forward. We have a powerful line-up and there is every scope to cause serious damage to some of the records in the format. said JP Duminy, Batting Coach, Sharjah Warriors.

Speaking on the occasion, Capri Sports, COO Kshemal Waingankar said, “We have some of the best in the business taking on important leadership roles for the second season of the ILT20 for the Sharjah Warriors, and we are confident that they will help provide the team with the right kind of boost. The tournament is an important one in the cricket calendar, and we at Capri Sports will leave no stone unturned in terms of our preparations.”

The Sharjah Warriors is Capri Sports’ first investment in cricket outside of India. They also own a team, UP Warriorz, in the Women’s Premier League in India, alongside supporting indigenous sports such Kabaddi and Kho-Kho.

by Abhishek Shukla

FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023: India all set to take on Spain in 3rd/4th place match

Kuala Lumpur, 15th December 2023: The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team will look to put the disappointment of their Semi-Final loss to Germany behind them when they take on Spain for the second time in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023 on Saturday, 16th December in the 3rd/4th place match.

The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team have had a good run in the tournament including a thrilling 4-3 win over the Netherlands in the Quarter-Final, where they came back from being 0-2 down at halftime. Earlier in the tournament, they won their first Pool C game against Korea 4-2 before losing 1-4 to Spain and then beating Canada 10-1 in their final group stage match.

Notably, India have played against Spain eight times in Men’s Junior World Cup history with the latter having the edge over India, winning five of those battles, the most recent match going in favour of Spain. However, after the Semi-Final loss to Germany, India would like to set the record straight against Spain, when they play them in a contest for the Bronze medal.

Indian Junior Men’s Team Captain, Uttam Singh, said, “It is disappointing that we aren’t in the final but we have to put the loss behind us. We have one last match to give our all and we’re going to focus on trying to win that game.”

Meanwhile, Coach C R Kumar said, “We really would’ve loved to have been playing the final but now we just have to focus on what lies ahead of us. Finishing third in a World Cup also commands a lot of respect so we’ll play the best hockey we can.”

India will face Spain in the 3rd/4th place playoff match on Saturday, 16th December 2023 at 1530hrs IST.

The Final of the tournament will take place on 16th December between Germany and France.

The matches will be broadcast on Viacom Sports 18 – 3 and Sports 18 – 1 HD, as well as live-streamed on JioCinema.

by Abhishek Shukla

New Zealand All Blacks Maintain Top Spot in Global Rugby Brand Valuation

Auckland, New Zealand: The New Zealand All Blacks continue to reign supreme off the pitch with a staggering brand value of USD 282 million (NZD 452 million), marking a 52% increase since the last World Cup. Despite facing increasing on-field competition, the All Blacks have retained their status as the world’s most valuable rugby team brand.

All Blacks: A Symbol of Tradition and Passion

Hugo Hensley, Head of Sports Services at Brand Finance, emphasized the importance of national rugby brands as symbols of tradition and passion. “Driven by sponsorship, merchandising, and passionate fans, the surge in brand value for teams like the All Blacks and Ireland Rugby showcases their power,” Hensley noted.

The All Blacks’ brand strength is unparalleled, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.9 out of 100 and a corresponding AAA rating. Their success is attributed to robust revenues from sponsorship and merchandising, solidifying their position as the world’s strongest rugby team brand.

England Rugby: Holding Strong at Second

England Rugby, with a 71% increase in brand value to USD 264 million (GBP 219 million), maintains its position as the second most valuable national rugby brand. England’s high total revenue and widespread popularity, coupled with the largest number of registered rugby players globally, contribute significantly to its brand value.

The popularity of rugby in England as a spectator sport, only behind football and cricket, and the country’s highest proportion of female rugby players, further bolster England Rugby’s brand strength.

France Rugby: Surging to the Top Three

France Rugby has made a significant leap, with an 84% increase in brand value to USD 159 million (EUR 154 million), now ranking third in both brand value and strength. The excitement around the upcoming home World Cup and the team’s outstanding performance, currently ranked world number two, have been key factors in this surge.

Ireland Rugby: Fastest-Growing Brand

Ireland Rugby, with a remarkable 94% growth in brand value to USD 150 million (EUR 145 million), has emerged as the fastest-growing brand in 2023. Following their 15th Six Nations win in March 2023, Ireland Rugby has overtaken Wales Rugby and South Africa Rugby, positioning themselves as the fourth most valuable national rugby team brand.

Conclusion

The New Zealand All Blacks’ continued dominance in brand value and strength reflects their deep-rooted connection with fans and successful commercial strategies. With the rise of teams like France and Ireland, the global rugby brand landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, promising an exciting future for the sport’s commercial growth and international appeal.

by Abhishek Shukla

Agent service fees reach all-time high in 2023

The total spending on club agent service fees has reached unprecedented heights in 2023, with a total outlay of USD 888.1 million compared to USD 623.2 million last year according to FIFA’s Football Agents in International Transfers Report. This represents an increase of 42.5% compared to the level of spending in 2022, and even surpasses the previous record from 2019 (USD 654.7 million) by more than one third.

By far, the largest proportion of all club agents were employed by clubs in Europe, which also account for the lion’s share (86.6%) of global spending on club agents. Similarly, European clubs employed 86.6% of all engaging-club agents and 82.6% of all releasing-club agents.

The largest amount of agent service fees were paid by clubs from England, with a combined total of more than USD 280 million. While not investing in releasing-club agents, Saudi Arabian clubs had the second-biggest spending on engaging-club agents with USD 86.0 million. Korea Republic had the greatest share of outgoing transfers with a releasing-club agent, with 31.6%.

The number of international transfers with an agent acting on behalf of the player reached a record high in 2023 with a total of 3,353 transfers. This corresponds to 15.4% of all transfers and represents an increase of 8.4% compared to 2022. For the first time ever, clubs in women’s professional football spent more than USD 1 million for the services of club agents, with a total outlay of just under USD 1.4 million. Club agents were present in a record number of 125 transfers, an increase of more than 20% compared to 2022.

The process for obtaining a licence and becoming a football agent under the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) opened on 9 January 2023 and all individuals could apply for such a licence. During the period covered by the report (1 January 2023 to 30 November 2023), FIFA received 19,973 licensing applications. Out of the total number of exam applicants, 9,207 took the exam on one of two dates. The first exam was held on 19 April 2023, with testing locations at 138 member associations, and the second exam took place on 20 September 2023, with testing locations at 157 member associations. Out of the 9,207 people who sat the exam, 32.6% passed.

As part of its objective to bring more transparency to the football transfer system, FIFA publishes an annual report on football agents. For the first time, due to the adoption and entering into force of the new FFAR, the report not only presents extensive analyses of football agents’ activity in international transfers but also provides insightful information about the newly introduced licensing system.

by Abhishek Shukla

Indian women’s cricket team for the blind meets Harmanpreet Kaur, Amol Muzumdar after series win over Nepal

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 14: Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind along with chairman of Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar on Thursday met Harmanpreet Kaur, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur and coach of Indian women’s team Amol Muzumdar here at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Indian women’s team is currently locking horns with England in the one-off Test here. On Thursday, Indian batters shone as the hosts scored 410 runs for the loss of seven wickets on Day One of the Only Test against England.

Following the conclusion of the day’s play, Harmanpreet Kaur, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur and coach Amol Muzumdar took time to meet and appreciate the Indian women’s blind cricket team, currently engaged in the Fedfina Women’s Bilateral Cricket Series for the Blind 2023 against Nepal. The blind cricket team emerged victorious in the fourth T20 against Nepal, securing the bilateral series 3-1, with one match remaining.

Indian women’s cricket team for the blind on Thursday defeated Nepal in the fourth T20 and clinched the bilateral series 3-1 with one match to go. Harmanpreet, who is also the brand ambassador for the women’s cricket for the blind, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Jemimah Rodrigues congratulated the Indian team for the win over Nepal and also for their gold medal win in IBSA World Games.

The meeting was a source of inspiration for the visually impaired cricketers, who were thrilled to interact with their role models. CABI chairman Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar described it as an “ecstatic moment” for the visually impaired cricketers.

“Our girls had the chance to sit and cheer for the Indian women’s team. When the Indian team hit the 400th run we were there cheering for our team. It was a delighted moment for the Blind Women’s cricket team. Harmanpreet was very happy to meet our visually impaired girls and was willing to extend all possible support,” Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar said in a statement.

Coming to the Nepal series, India had won the first two T20s but the visitors came back in the third game on Wednesday, denying India a series win. However, India on Thursday won the fourth T20 to clinch the series with 3-1 with one match to go. India and Nepal will now meet in the fifth T20 on Friday.

by Abhishek Shukla

Blockbuster European Summer of Cricket in 2024 confirmed

 

Next year will see three new countries given the opportunity to host an ICC event for the first time, with Italy, Germany and Denmark joining seasoned hosts Scotland and Guernsey in a packed summer of ICC pathway cricket in Europe in 2024.

A record 30 countries will compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifiers, with three tournaments happening between June and August in Italy, Germany and Guernsey.

During the same period, qualification for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 will be up for grabs as Scotland and Netherlands do battle in August, whilst eight countries will compete in the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier in Denmark on the road to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.

T20 qualification heads to new venues

In a clear sign of the growth and expansion of cricket into new territories, Germany and Italy feature as first-time hosts in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualification pathway. Both countries impressed at the recent Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Final, and are relishing the opportunity to deepen the connection with local fans and players by competing in an ICC tournament on home soil.

Severin Weiss, President of the Deutscher Cricket Bund said: “We are looking forward to hosting our first international tournament in July in Krefeld and Gelsenkirchen, which will bring new popularity and awareness to the sport in Germany. The recent landmark decision by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) in Germany to accept the German Cricket Association as its 100th member alongside the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics in 2028 will see a major upswing in participation and awareness of the sport in Germany. Hosting this event in 2024 will be a great opportunity for us to showcase to Europe and the world what German cricket has to offer.”

Fabio Marabini, President of Federazione Cricket Italiana said: “It is with extreme pleasure that we acknowledge that our bid to host the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier has been successful. The event will take place in two of the best grounds in Italy located in Rome and Aprilia. Cricket Italy will make sure that the tournament is a great sporting event for all the participating countries. We are looking forward to hosting athletes, coaches and team staff from our European neighbours in Italy next summer.”

Andy Wright, ICC Regional Development Manager – Europe said: “We’re delighted to announce the schedule for the Europe Qualifiers for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This will, once again, be our biggest summer of cricket in Europe with no fewer than 30 countries entering the qualification pathway between June and August 2024. We’re also excited to be hosting these events in Germany and Italy for the first time and wish to thank the DCB and FCrI (Cricket Italy) for all their hard work to date. Taking the third qualifier to Guernsey is testament to the outstanding job they did in hosting our U19 Men’s CWC Europe Division 2 Qualifier back in 2022, and we’re pleased to be bringing men’s international cricket back to the Bailiwick.”

U19 pathway goes from strength to strength

Scotland will play host to the Netherlands as both teams compete in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in August. With direct qualification to the 2025 edition of the global event on the line, the stakes will be high for both teams. Scotland will aim to replicate their success from the previous qualification campaign, when they secured qualification with a 3-0 series win over the same opposition to clinch a spot at the inaugural edition in South Africa in 2023. With a new generation coming through on both sides, odds will be even going into this tournament.

In July, Denmark will also debut as hosts of an ICC pathway event with the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier. With games being played in the 50-over format and eight teams competing, the event will have four grounds in operation across Copenhagen to accommodate an action-packed schedule. A minimum of two teams will progress from this event to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Qualifier taking place in the summer of 2025.

Alex Olsen – CEO Cricket Denmark said: “It is a super exciting task for Danish Cricket to host the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier in July 2024. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Denmark. Our lovely capital Copenhagen contains a number of excellent cricket grounds which will be the setting for the event. The young boys in our sport deserve the best and we will ensure that all the young participants have a positive experience they can remember for the rest of their lives.”

2024 Schedule of Events:

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier A

Host: Italy

Dates: 9-16 June 2024

Participating Teams; Italy, Portugal, Isle of Man, Austria, France, Romania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Turkiye, Israel

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier B

Host: Germany

Dates: 7-14 July 2024

Participating Teams; Jersey, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Serbia, Gibraltar, Croatia, Slovenia

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier C

Host: Guernsey

Dates: 21-28 August 2024

Participating Teams; Spain, Guernsey, Denmark, Finland, Czech Republic, Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece, Estonia

ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier

Host: Denmark

Dates: 24-30 July 2024

Participating Teams; Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Isle of Man, Denmark, Sweden, France, Belgium

ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier

Host: Scotland

Dates: 1-4 August 2024

Participating Teams; Scotland, Netherlands

 

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: Kerala Blasters FC squeeze in three points against Punjab FC

New Delhi, 14 December 2023: Kerala Blasters FC sneaked past Punjab FC by a slight margin of 1-0 to secure an important victory at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight.

Kerala Blasters FC kept their first clean sheet in 10 away encounters as a neat defensive performance coupled with conversion of a spot-kick in the 51st minute handed the Kerala Blasters FC three points after a draw and a loss respectively in their last two games.

Punjab FC were on the move right from the offset. The Blasters appeared to have kept a conservative approach in the beginning, as they adjusted to a brief phase of the season in the absence of skipper Adrian Luna.

This resulted in the home team being brave in taking their chances, with Madih Talal, Krishnananda Singh, and Nikhil Prabhu coming close to break the deadlock in the first half. One of these moves was that when Prabhu and Talal interlinked, thanks to a cross by the latter that the defender squandered despite taking the shot from the middle of the 18-yard box.

Mohammed Aimen was the standout performer from the Punjab FC midfield tonight. Just before the half-time break, he had joined hands with Kwame Peprah by setting up a pass in the path of the striker that the 22-year-old shot off target.

Aimen though worked his way inside the box in the 50th minute to earn a foul though, that led to Dimitrios Diamantakos converting the subsequent spot-kick. With Luna injured out, Diamantakos had the onus to make this chance count. The Greek forward didn’t disappoint, slotting the ball in the middle of the net.

Punjab FC had a glimmer of hope with former NorthEast United FC forward Wilmar Jordan Gil coming off the bench to take a promising shot inside the box. The effort was well dealt with by an organised backline of the visitors, as the Tuskers sealed an important win.

Key Performer of the Match

Dimitrios Diamantakos (Kerala Blasters FC)

Diamantakos completed 20 passes, tackled twice, made one clearance, created a goal-scoring chance in addition to converting the important penalty to bag the three points for the Kerala Blasters FC.

What’s next for both teams?

Punjab FC will next host Chennaiyin FC on December 18, whereas Kerala Blasters FC will welcome Mumbai City FC for their coming clash on December 24.

Brief Scores

Punjab FC 0 – 1 Kerala Blasters FC (Dimitrios Diamantakos 51’)

by Abhishek Shukla

TPL: Bengal Wizards Reclaim Top Spot At The End Of Day 3 Of Season 5 Of The Tennis Premier League

Pune, 14th December 2023: The third day of season 5 of the the Tennis Premier League powered by Clear (TPL) witnessed hotly contested matches which featured blockbuster action.

The first fixture of Day 3 of season 5 of Tennis Premier League was kicked -off with Punjab Patriots going up against Gujarat Panthers. Conny Perrin of the Punjab Patriots clashed with Ekaterina Yashina of the Gujarat Panthers in the Women’s Single Category. The game ended in a 10-all draw. Digvijay Pratap Singh of the Punjab Patriots lost to Sumit Nagal of the Gujarat Panthers 7-13 in the Men’s Singles Category. Conny Perrin and Arjun Khade of the Punjab Patriots beat Ekaterina Yashina and Mukund Sashikumar of the Gujarat Panthers in the Mixed Doubles category as the game ended 11-9. The final game of the match was the Men’s Doubles Category, in which Digvijay Pratap Singh and  Arjun Khade of the Punjab Patriots took on Sumit Nagal and Mukund Sashikumar of the Gujarat Panthers. The game ended 9-11 in favour of the Gujarat Panthers. The Panthers emerged victorious from the match as it ended 37-43 in their favour. Sumit Nagal was adjudged to be the best player of the match as he led the charge for the Gujarat Panthers.

The second fixture of Day 3 saw the Mumbai Leon Army clash with the Hyderabad Strikers. The Co-owner of the Hyderabad Strikers, Rakul Preet Singh was present in the dugout cheering her team on. Sowjanya Bavisetti of Mumbai Leon Army lost to Ellen Perez of Hyderabad Strikers, 9-11, in the Women’s Singles Category. In the Men’s Singles Category,  Ernest Gulbis of the Mumbai Leon Army beat Niki Poonacha of Hyderabad Strikers, as the scores at the end of the match read 11-9. Sowjanya Bavisetti and Vijay Sundar Prashanth of the Mumbai Leon Army drew with  Ellen Perez and Saketh Myneni of the Hyderabad Strikers, in a 10-all draw in the Mixed Doubles category. Ernest Gulbis and Vijay Sundar Prashanth of Mumbai Leon Army beat Saketh Myneni and Niki Poonacha of Hyderabad Strikers, in the Men’s Doubles Category which was a closely contested affair that ended 11-9. Mumbai Leon Army edged past the Hyderabad Strikers as the match ended 41-39 in favour of the Mumbai team. Vijay Sundar Prashanth was awarded the player of the match for his brilliant performance in the Doubles.

The second last fixture of Day 3 was between the Pune Jaguars and the Bengal Wizards. The match started with the Women’s Singles Category, in which Diana Marcinkevica of Pune Jaguars lost to Maria Timofeeva from Bengal Wizards, in a clash that ended 7-13. Lukas Rosol of Pune Jaguars and Sriram Balaji of the Bengal Wizards went head-to-head in an entertaining Men’s Singles game that ended 11-9 in favour of the Czech Ace. It was followed by the Mixed Doubles game that saw Diana Marcinkevica and Rithvik Bollipalli of the Pune Jaguars lose convincingly to Maria Timofeeva and Anirudh Chandrasekar of the Bengal Wizards which ended 6-14. In the Men’s Doubles Category, Rithvik Bollipalli and Lukas Rosol of the Pune Jaguar took on  Sriram Balaji and Anirudh Chandrasekar of the Bengal Wizards. The Bengal Wizards duo came out on top with a score of 9-11. Bengal Wizards won the match, as it ended 33-47 in their favour. Anirudh Chandrasekar of the Bengal Wizards was awarded the player of the match award.

The last fixture of the day saw Delhi Binny’s Brigade go head-to-head against Bengaluru SG Mavericks. In the Women’s Singles, Sahaja Yamalapalli of  Delhi Binny’s Brigade lost to Arina Rodionova of Bengaluru SG Mavericks, 6-14. In the Men’s Singles Category, Dennis Novak of Delhi Binny’s Brigade defeated Ramkumar Ramanathan of the Bengaluru SG Mavericks, which ended 11-9. Sahaja Yamalapalli and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan of the Delhi Binny’s Brigade took on  Arina Rodionova and Vishnu Vardhan from Bengaluru SG Mavericks in the Mixed Doubles category. The game ended 10-all as neither team came out on top. In the final game of Day 3, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Dennis Novak of Delhi Binny’s Brigade went up against Ramkumar Ramanathan and Vishnu Vardhan from Bengaluru SG Mavericks in the Men’s Doubles Category. The game ended in a 9-11, in favour of the Mavericks. The Bengakur SG Mavericks came out on top in the match after it ended 36-44.  Ramkumar Ramanathan won the player of the match award for his performance for Bengaluru.

On Day 3 of the fourth season of Tennis Premier League spectators inside the stadiums and at home witnessed some enthralling clashes on the magnificent court of the Balewadi Stadium in Pune. Bengal Wizards re-took the top spot in the table after they closed out Day 3 with 129 points. Bengaluru SG Mavericks sat second in the tabel with 127 points. After an excellent Day 3, the Gujarat Panthers sat third in the league table with 123 points, and were closely followed by the Punjab Patriots in the fourth spot with 121 points. The Mumbai Leon Army and Hyderabad Strikers sat 5th and 6th respectively as both teams had amassed 119 points over the first three days of Season 5 of the Tennis Premier League. Delhi Binny’s Brigade sat seventh with 115 points, while the Pune Jaguars remained eight with 107 points.

All the action from the Tennis Premier League being held at Balewadi Stadium can be witnessed live on SONY TEN 2 starting from 4.30pm on the 15th of December 2023.

by Abhishek Shukla

Finalists for The Best FIFA Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Player and FIFA Puskás Award revealed

FIFA has announced the finalists for The Best FIFA Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Player, and the FIFA Puskás Award for the 2023 edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards™.

The finalists for The Best FIFA Women’s Player are (in alphabetical order):

  • Aitana Bonmatí              (Spain / FC Barcelona)
  • Linda Caicedo                (Colombia / Deportivo Cali Femenino / Real Madrid CF)
  • Jennifer Hermoso          (Spain / CF Pachuca Femenil)

The award recognises women’s football’s outstanding performer between 1 August 2022 to 20 August 2023, the date of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ final.

A total of 16 players were initially nominated for The Best FIFA Women’s Player award, having been chosen by a panel of experts. From this shortlist, the three finalists have been selected by an international jury comprising: women’s national team coaches, women’s national team captains, football journalists, and fans who voted on FIFA’s official website.

The finalists for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, recognising the most outstanding performers in the men’s game from the period of 19 December 2022 to 20 August 2023 are (in alphabetical order):

  • Erling Haaland               (Norway / Manchester City FC)
  • Kylian Mbappé               (France / Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Lionel Messi                  (Argentina / Paris Saint-Germain / Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami)

A total of 12 players were initially nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, having been chosen by a panel of experts. As per their female counterparts, from this shortlist, the three finalists have been selected by an international jury comprising: men’s national team coaches, men’s national team captains, football journalists, and fans from all over the world registered on FIFA.com.

FIFA has also announced the three finalists for FIFA Puskás Award. The finalists are (in alphabetical order):

  • Julio Enciso                      (Paraguay / Brighton & Hove Albion FC)
  • Guilherme Madruga         (Brazil / Botafogo Futebol Clube)
  • Nuno Santos                    (Portugal / Sporting CP)

The prize is named after legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás and was last won by Polish Amputee footballer Marcin Oleksy’s bicycle kick.

A total of 11 goals were initially nominated for this edition of the FIFA Puskás Award. From this shortlist, the three finalists have been selected by fans who voted on FIFA’s official website, as well as expert panellists.

Julio Enciso’s goal was a thunderbolt right-foot strike from 25 yards. Guilherme Madruga executed a superb overhead kick from outside the area, while Nuno Santos makes the final three for his audacious left-foot rabona.

The winners of each respective award will be revealed at a London ceremony on Monday 15 January 2024. Next month’s ceremony will mark the third time that FIFA has held The Best FIFA Football Awards in London, after the 2017 and 2018 award ceremonies were staged in the city.

How were The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award and The Best Men’s Player Award finalists determined?

  • From the respective shortlists, each voter made their first, second and third choices for the prize.
  • Points were given to nominees depending on where they were placed (five points for first, three for second and one for third).
  • Nominated national team captains could not vote for themselves.
  • Selections from the four voting groups – coaches, captains, journalists, and fans – each counted for 25 per cent of the total vote, irrespective of the number of voters from each group.
  • The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award and The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award will be presented to the individual with the most points.
  • If finalists are tied on points, the award will be bestowed on the individual who has received the most first-choice selections.

How was the FIFA Puskás Award finalists determined?

  • From the 11-goal shortlist, each voter made their first, second and third choices for the prize.
  • Points were given to nominees depending on where they were placed (five points for first, three for second and one for third).
  • Selections from the two voting groups – fans and expert panellists – each counted for 50 per cent of the total vote, irrespective of the number of voters from each group.
  • The FIFA Puskás Award will be presented to the individual with the most points.
  • If finalists are tied on points, the award will be bestowed on the individual who has received the most first-choice selections.

The voting procedure is supervised by independent observers and detailed in the Rules of Allocation. Results will be published in full on FIFA.com following the awards ceremony on 15 January 2024.

by Abhishek Shukla

FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023: Indian Colts suffer heartbreaking 1-4 loss to Germany

Kuala Lumpur, 14th December 2023: The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team went down 1-4 in a hard-fought match against Germany in the Semi-Finals of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023, here on Thursday. The Indian Team, led by Uttam Singh, will now play the loser of the second Semi-Final between France and Spain to be played later in the day.

 

The first quarter wasn’t short on action as the Indian Team was awarded two penalty corners within the first four minutes, but it was Germany that drew first blood with a goal from Ben Hasbach (8’). India were quick to equalize, courtesy of a brilliant field goal from Sudeep Chirmako (11’), as the first quarter ended with the score reading 1-1.

 

The second quarter was rather quiet. While India did have multiple opportunities in the form of penalty corners, they were unable to convert any into goals. Germany were awarded their first penalty corner of the match early in the last minute of the second quarter, and they made full use of it as Ben Hasbach (30’) netted his second goal. The score read 1-2 in favour of Germany with the teams heading in at halftime.

 

The Indian Team started the third quarter on the front foot and was rewarded for their aggressive approach as they won their eleventh penalty corner with six minutes left in the third quarter, but Germany managed to keep them from scoring. Paul Glander (41’) converted Germany’s second penalty corner to double the lead, taking the score to 1-3 at the end of the third quarter.

 

The Indians put pressure on the Germans in the 4th quarter but were unable to penetrate through their defense. India found hope in the form of two back-to-back penalty corners with less than ten minutes remaining in the game, but neither was converted as the German defenders were relentless. Florian Spirling (58’) scored Germany’s fourth goal with just a few minutes left on the clock to confirm their place in the Final as India ended up losing the game 1-4.

India will now battle it out for the third place when they play the loser of the second Semi-Final, where France is facing Spain, on 16th December at 1530hrs IST.

The matches will be broadcast on Viacom Sports 18 – 3 and Sports 18 – 1 HD, as well as live-streamed on JioCinema.

 

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: ‘We’re aiming to win all our games in Pune,’ says Puneri Paltan’s Head Coach BC Ramesh ahead of Home Leg

PUNE, 14th December 2023: The kabaddi fans in Pune are all set to welcome the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 in its city on Friday and they are certainly geared up to create electrifying atmospheres when the Puneri Paltan will be in action against Haryana Steelers at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Friday, 15 December 2023.

The Captain Aslam Inamdar shared the excitement of the entire team about playing at home at a Pune leg launch press conference, “Our team is very excited to play in front of our home fans. We’ll get confidence from the support we receive here. We reached the final last year and we’ll try our level best to win the trophy this season.”

The Puneri Paltan have got off to a great start in Season 10 with wins against Jaipur Pink Panthers and U Mumba in their opening two games. The team will get an even bigger boost when they go up against the Haryana Steelers in front of their home fans. Speaking about the team’s performance, Head Coach BC Ramesh expressed, “We have played very well in our two matches so far. We are looking to continue our form and win all four of our home games as well. Our team is well-balanced with Captain Aslam Inamdar and Vice-Captain Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh. Everyone in the team is supporting each other. We’ll definitely continue to perform well this season.”

The Puneri Paltan have built their own team through their franchise’s Youth Academy – Yuva Paltan. A number of players including Aslam Inamdar, Akash Shinde and Pankaj Mohite have emerged from the academy. Shedding light on the same during the press conference, Kailash Kandpal, CEO, Puneri Paltan said, “This Academy has produced players for Puneri Paltan and the Indian kabaddi team. Aslam and Akash were part of the recently-concluded Asian Games. So, the credit goes to the academy for working so hard and producing such players.”

The Puneri Paltan will be action at their home ground for the first time when they take on Haryana Steelers on Friday, 15 December 2023.

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

Game 1 – U Mumba vs Patna Pirates – 8 pm

Game 2 – Puneri Paltan vs Haryana Steelers – 9 pm