Author: Abhishek Shukla

Owner of Sports India Live.
by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10:’Vikash told me that he would win the game for us,’ says Bengaluru Bulls’ Head Coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat

Bengaluru, 12th December 2023: Vikash Kandola rose to the occasion when it mattered the most for Bengaluru Bulls in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10. After going down in four consecutive games, the Bulls needed an inspiring performance from their star player and Kandola delivered 11 points to hand the Bulls a 38-36 victory over the U.P. Yoddhas on Monday.

Speaking about his performance, Bengaluru Bulls’ Head Coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat said, “Before the match, Vikash told me that he would win the game for us. I was very happy to hear that. He is a very talented player. The Bengaluru Bulls are known for making comebacks and hopefully, we’ll win our last game in Bengaluru.”

Meanwhile, Vikash Kandola expressed that the team’s performance is more important than his own, “My Super 10 was not important. It was more important for the team to win in front of our home fans. Our coach has been giving me confidence. He keeps telling me that I will play well. This was a kind of a do-or-die match for us because had we lost three consecutive games at home then we would have lost confidence for the rest of the season.”

The Head Coach also said that he didn’t let the team lose its morale after a difficult start in the league, “I made sure that the team’s morale didn’t go down. We have 17 more league games to go. The performance depends on team morale. If morale is down then performance will also go down.”

Preview for the matches on Wednesday:

The Telugu Titans will be hoping to get on board for the first time this season when they take on Tamil Thalaivas on Wednesday. However, the Thalaivas’ raiders Narender and Ajinkya Pawar have been in tremendous form and they will pose a strong challenge to the Titans.

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Bulls will be aiming to sign off their home leg on a high when they go up against the Jaipur Pink Panthers. But, the Panthers are high on confidence after pulling off a thrilling victory against Gujarat Giants on Monday.

by Abhishek Shukla

Khelo India Para Games: Paralympian Yogesh Kathuniya, Paramjeet Kumar live up to billing

New Delhi, 12 December 2023: Skill, will and thrill were on view as the athletes cranked up their game to corner glory in the Khelo India Para Games in the Capital on Tuesday. Seasoned star and Tokyo Paralympics silver medallist Yogesh Kathuniya of Haryana bagged a gold in the discus throw for F56 category with an effort of 40.09m. The 26-year-old, who developed a rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome when he was only nine years old, took up para sports in 2017. He tried several disciplines but instantly fell in love with discus throw.
 
Kathuniya will be vying to bag the honours in the Paris Paralympics next year and will remain the focus as India’s para athletes prepare for the Summer Games. In the same category, Birbhadra Singh of UP finished second with a throw of 36.24m and Tamil Nadu’s Prakash V clinched a bronze with 33.91m.
 
Meanwhile another international star Paramjeet Kumar, who won India’s first ever World Championships medal in powerlifting, lived up to the billing in power lifting for the elite 49kg category. Paramjeet Kumar stole the show with his exploits in the powerlifting arena as he won gold with a massive 150kg in the Elite 49kg category.
 
For someone who has brought laurels to India in the international stage and won the biggest medals, his performance in the Khelo India was inspirational. Paramjeet’s presence meant the lesser known athletes could also find inspiration and get their competitive juices flowing.
 
Coming second in the same section was Dilip Shukla of Gujarat with 121 kg for silver. The bronze medal was won by Mayabhai Bhammar, also from Gujarat. Mayabhai came up with a best effort of 105kg for bronze.
 
Jaspreet Kaur won the paralifting gold medal in the elite 45kg category with an inspired effort of 85kg at the Khelo India Para Games on Tuesday. The girl from Punjab stood head and shoulders above the rest of the field, even as Sapna Shah from Gujarat took silver with 47kg. Sonam Patil of Maharashtra won bronze, with her best of 40kg.
 
In the elite 41kg category, Manpreet Kaur looked in sublime form as she managed a massive effort of 85kg in her third effort. Shukla Bidkar of Maharashtra came second for a silver finish (50kg) while Nayna Rabari of Gujarat was third. Her bronze effort was 47kg.
 
Haryana rule the track & field events
 
In the men’s 400 metre run, T11 category, Madan from Haryana was confidence personified as he clocked 1:00.13. Coming in second was Temara Santosh of Haryana, in 1:05.15 Karnataka’s Ravi Kumar Bhankalagi was content with bronze. His timing was 1:07.99.
 
The women’s shotput final was engrossing as Poonam Sharma of Haryana won gold in 6.99 metres in the F56 and 57 category. Mir Sadika of Gujarat was winner of the silver medal as she competed fiercely to showcase her talent. Her effort was 6.89 metres. Minakshi H Jadhav knew the field was a hard one. Yet, her 5.16 metres for bronze was creditable.
 
M. Bhavani of Andaman and Nicobar came up with a 3.02 metre effort in women’s long jump in the T63 and 64 category. Thakor Nisha from Gujarat was happy to win silver, her effort being 2.86 metres.
 
In the captivating javelin event in F53 and 54 category, Dipesh Kumar from Uttar Pradesh sealed gold as he showed a best of 26.05 metres. It was fight between him and his statemate Pradeep Kumar, who won silver, just behind in 25.30 metres. Sumit from Haryana won bronze, way back in 16.75 metres.
 
Assam’s Anismita Konwar leapt to 3.65 metres for gold medal in the T20, 37 and 38 category. Bina Mordiya from Gujarat was fired up and her 3.08 metres effort was good for silver. Pooja from Haryana came third.
 
Nehal Gupta of UP clinches gold in men’s singles badminton
 
Men’s Singles: SL3: Nehal Gupta (UP) beat Umesh Vikram Kumar (Bihar) 19-21, 21-7, 21-17; SU5 category: Dev Rathi (Har) beat Hardik Makkar, 19-21, 21-19, 21-19; WH-1 category: Shashank Kumar (UP) beat Ankit Pradhan (WB) 21-7, 21-9; WH-2 category: Sanjeev Kumar (Pun) beat Manjunath Chikkaiah (Kar) 21-12, 21-7;
SH6 category: Sudarsan M S (TN) and Dhinagaran P 21-16, 21-17; SL4 category:
Naveen Sivakumar (TN) beat Abhijeet Sakhuja (Chh) 22-20, 21-14;
 
Women’s Singles: SL3 category: Neeraj (Har) beat Parul Parmar of Gujarat 19-21, 21-19, 21-14;  SU5 category: Arati Patil (Mah) beat Latika 15-21, 22-20, 21-8 (Har);
SH6 category: Nithya Sre (TN) beat  Rachana Patel 21-4, 21-7 (Guj); SL4 category: Jyoti (Har) beat Chiranjita Bharali (Assam) 21-9, 21-5 ; WH1 category:, Pallavi K M (Kar) beat Rupadevi Padala (Arunachal) 11-21, 21-17, 21-18

by Abhishek Shukla

FIFA Reveals Finalists for The Best FIFA Women’s and Men’s Goalkeeper Awards 2023

In a thrilling announcement, FIFA has revealed the finalists for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper awards for 2023, adding to the anticipation for The Best FIFA Football Awards™. These prestigious accolades recognize the exceptional skills and performances of goalkeepers in both women’s and men’s football over the past year.

Women’s Category Showcases Global Talent

The finalists for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, presented in alphabetical order, include:

  1. Mackenzie Arnold (Australia / West Ham United FC) – Arnold has been a pivotal figure in West Ham United’s defense, showcasing remarkable reflexes and consistent performances throughout the season.
  2. Catalina Coll (Spain / FC Barcelona) – As FC Barcelona’s guardian of the goal, Coll has demonstrated extraordinary agility and has been instrumental in the club’s successes.
  3. Mary Earps (England / Manchester United) – Earps has been a cornerstone for Manchester United with her outstanding saves and leadership qualities on the field.

Men’s Category Features Top-Tier Talent

Similarly, the finalists for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper are:

  1. Yassine Bounou (Morocco / Sevilla FC) – Known for his impressive shot-stopping abilities, Bounou has been a key figure in Sevilla FC’s defensive lineup.
  2. Thibaut Courtois (Belgium / Real Madrid CF) – Courtois, with his towering presence and exceptional skills, has continued to be a vital asset for Real Madrid.
  3. Ederson (Brazil / Manchester City FC) – Renowned for his distribution and footwork, Ederson has been a crucial part of Manchester City’s success.

The Voting Process

The winners of these awards are determined by an international jury comprising four groups: national team coaches, national team captains, a specialist journalist from each territory, and fans registered on FIFA.com. This comprehensive and inclusive voting process ensures a balanced and fair selection of the deserving candidates.

Upcoming Announcements and Awards Ceremony

FIFA is set to announce more finalists for other categories, including The Best FIFA Women’s and Men’s Coach, Player awards, and the FIFA Puskás Award. The winners will be celebrated at a special ceremony in London on January 15, 2024, marking the third time the city has hosted these prestigious awards.

Fans and football enthusiasts can follow the latest updates and engage in discussions about the awards using the hashtag #TheBest and by visiting FIFA.com. This event promises to be a grand celebration of the finest talents in football, showcasing the skill and dedication of the world’s best goalkeepers.

by Abhishek Shukla

Dominant India beat Netherlands 4-3 in a thrilling Quarter Finals encounter

Kuala Lumpur, 12th December 2023: The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey team produced a spectacular display of grit and character to beat the Netherlands 4-3 in a thrilling Quarter Finals of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023 after trailing 0-2 at half-time and 3-2 in the third quarter.  

In a match that lived up to the billing of a Quarter Final encounter between world no.3 India and world no.4 Netherlands, India exhibited immense resilience to qualify for the Semi-Finals where they will take on Germany on the 14th of December. 

The Netherlands set the ball rolling early in the first quarter with a penalty corner conversion from Timo Boers (5’). Despite the Indian side playing a solid defence, Pepijn van der Heijden (16’) scored for the Netherlands in the second quarter through another penalty corner conversion taking their lead to 2-0 at half-time.  

India came back strongly in the third quarter with a goal from Aditya Lalage (34’) assisted by Araijeet Singh Hundal. Two minutes later Araijeet scored the equalizer for India with a penalty stroke. The India colts kept the pressure on the Dutch but they managed yet another penalty corner that was converted by Olivier Hortensius (44’) late in the third quarter as the Dutch snatched a narrow lead of one goal at the end of the third quarter. 

With less than ten minutes remaining, the Indians raised the tempo of their game and it proved fruitful as Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (52’) found the back of the net off a rebound following a brilliant attack to get the score reading 3-3. Another opportunity for a penalty corner conversion was created, this time in favour of India and they made full use of it with Captain Uttam Singh (57’) scoring to put India ahead with just three minutes left. With just a couple of minutes left on the clock, the pressure was on the Dutch to equalize.   

India colts victory was backed by a grand show of character to hold off pressure from the Dutch side, and the cynosure of India’s defence was Rohit who was hard to breach – as he blocked away six successive PCs in the final quarter ensuring India emerge victorious. He was awarded player of the match for his efforts.   

India will play Germany in the first semi-final on Thursday, 14th 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: Vikash Kandola’s inspired Super 10 gives Bengaluru Bulls first win

BENGALURU, 11th December, 2023: In front of a partisan crowd the Bengaluru Bulls won their first game of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 beating the UP Yoddhas 38-36 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday. Vikash Kandola and Bharat both recorded 11 points each, albeit the former’s inspired first half was the reason the Bulls could turn their form around this season. 

A slow and cautious opening four minutes were blown out of the water by Pardeep Narwal’s SUPER RAID which flew the Yoddhas into a 4-1 lead. Within minutes they had the Bulls on the ropes, Vikash Kandola the last man looking in. Faced with the prospect of an ALL OUT, Kandola produced a SUPER RAID to save his team the blushes and take them to within two points of the Yoddhas. 

The tables turned soon after, a SUPER TACKLE by Monu taking out Narwal and with it the Yoddhas’ supremacy. Soon enough the Bulls inflicted the first ALL OUT of the game to take the lead and they went into the break leading by five points. 

The Yoddhas slowly got their rhythm back in the second half, but the Bulls, backed by a loud crowd made sure they did not slip up at all. A second ALL OUT came halfway through the second half as they extended into a 29-21 lead. Hooda’s SUPER RAID took them even further out in front, and the Yoddhas were soon chasing shadows. 

In the last two minutes of the game though, the Yoddhas came alive through ALL OUT with 40 seconds left on the clock. However, Bharat smartly waited on the edge of the line and ensured that the Bulls squeezed home to the delight of the home fans. 

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

Game 1: Bengal Warriors vs Patna Pirates – 8 pm

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

by Abhishek Shukla

Global Esports Games 2023: eFootball sensation Hemanth Kommu set to lead India’s medal charge; kicks off campaign against Uruguay on December 13

New Delhi, December 12, 2023: After a triumphant performance in the Asian Qualifiers, India’s eFootball star, Hemanth Kommu, is set to represent the nation at the prestigious Global Esports Games 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The athlete will compete in his tournament opener against Uruguay as he looks to clinch a medal for India at the global tournament.

Kommu, known by his gaming handle ‘peshemak7,’  has been placed in Group D for the group stage of the Global Esports Games, alongside leading eFootball opponents from Brazil, Iran, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and Uruguay. All group stage games will take place on December 13, featuring a Round Robin Best-of-3 format with 28 players competing in four groups of seven. The top three players from each group will proceed to the Round of 16 playoffs.

Additionally, the tournament will also feature a last-chance qualifier where the 4th-placed player from each group in Stage 1 will battle it out to secure qualification. Only one player will qualify for the final stage, which will be played in a Single Elimination Best-of-3 format.

Sharing his thoughts and talking about his strategies for the group stage, Hemanth Kommu commented, “I am excited to take on some of the leading eFootball athletes of the world once again. The competition going to be intense, but I am ready to give it my all. My game plan will revolve around being smart and adaptable but most importantly keeping my cool under pressure. Since every opponent has their own style of gameplay, I have formulated multiple tactics and strategies based on how things go. I want to extend my gratitude to ESFI for backing me and I will do my best to make India proud by hopefully securing a medal.”

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) alumnus’ journey to qualification was marked by impressive victories against formidable opponents in the Asian qualifiers, including Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The 26-year-old secured his berth for the qualifiers after emerging victorious at the National Esports Championships 2023 organized by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) earlier this year.

“As a prominent figure in the eFootball 2023 landscape, Hemanth has been making waves with his consistent performances and we are confident that his strategic prowess and dedication will lead to him shining on the global stage. The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) is proud to support Hemanth, and we wish him the very best. We forward to witnessing India’s flag flying high not just in Riyadh but in the world of Esports,” said Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director of Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and Vice-President of Asian Esports Federation.

One of the country’s top sports and Esports communication agencies, Artsmith-Concepts & Visions, will continue its support to the Esports Federation of India as its official communication partner.

The Global Esports Games 2023, hosted by the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and presented by the Global Esports Federation (GEF) will be staged in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from December 12-16, 2023. The global, multi-title Esports competition will feature four major titles: DOTA 2, Street Fighter 6, eFootball 2024, and PUBG Mobile, and will witness the participation of over 250 athletes hailing from more than 50 nations and territories across the globe.

by Abhishek Shukla

NFL: Titans Stun Dolphins in Thrilling Comeback, 28-27

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Monday night’s clash saw the Tennessee Titans orchestrate a remarkable comeback to defeat the Miami Dolphins 28-27, led by rookie sensation Will Levis and his career-high 327 passing yards. This stunning victory knocked the Dolphins off the top spot in the AFC.

The Titans, now 5-8, executed a disciplined game plan, containing Tua Tagovailoa and the high-octane Dolphins offense for the majority of the game. Despite this, Miami, falling to 9-4, initially looked set to extend their winning streak, powered by Raheem Mostert’s two touchdown runs of 3 and 5 yards, putting them ahead 27-13 in the fourth quarter.

Levis, the Titans’ second-round pick making his sixth start, showcased his burgeoning talent. He masterminded a nine-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins and a crucial 2-point conversion to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

Following a critical defensive stop, Levis maintained his composure, setting up Derrick Henry for a 3-yard touchdown rush. The successful extra point edged the Titans ahead by a point, sending the sideline into jubilation.

Miami, with no timeouts remaining, struggled in their final drive, which was effectively ended by Harold Landry III’s decisive sack on Tagovailoa. The Dolphins’ previously unblemished home record this season came to an end, along with their three-game winning streak.

The Dolphins were hampered by the absence of star receiver Tyreek Hill, who was sidelined for significant periods due to an ankle injury. Hill, despite the setback, contributed crucial catches of 23 and 25 yards, leading to Jason Sanders’ 31-yard field goal that tied the game in the fourth quarter.

Tagovailoa, completing 23 of 33 passes for 240 yards, saw his impressive streak of 21 consecutive games with a touchdown pass come to an end.

Levis’ performance was pivotal, going 23 of 38 with a touchdown and an interception. Hopkins emerged as his favorite target, amassing seven catches for 124 yards. Henry, while relatively contained, scored two crucial touchdowns.

The game’s dynamics shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter. A botched punt return by the Titans’ Eric Garror and a subsequent fumble on a pitch from Levis to Henry led to Mostert’s two touchdowns, briefly tilting the game in Miami’s favor.

Henry, with his 87th career rushing touchdown, ascended to 15th in NFL history in rushing yards.

Miami’s usually prolific offense was stifled by the Titans’ defense, particularly in the red zone, a strength of the Tennessee team this season. The Dolphins’ offense struggled with the absence of key offensive line players, significantly impacting their usual rhythm.

Injuries impacted both teams, with the Titans losing Kyle Peko and the Dolphins seeing multiple players, including Connor Williams and DeShon Elliott, leaving the game.

Looking forward, both teams face critical matchups on December 17th, with the Titans hosting Houston and the Dolphins taking on the New York Jets. This game undoubtedly serves as a season-defining moment for the Titans, demonstrating their resilience and potential under pressure.

by Abhishek Shukla

NFL: Giants Clinch Dramatic Victory Over Packers with Last-Second Field Goal

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In a thrilling Monday night showdown, the New York Giants secured a nail-biting 24-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers, marking the Packers’ first December defeat since Matt LaFleur took the helm in 2019.

The game’s climax came as Tommy DeVito connected with Wan’Dale Robinson on a pivotal 32-yard pass, paving the way for Randy Bullock’s decisive 37-yard field goal as the clock hit zero. This climactic moment capped a critical 57-yard drive over eight plays, countering a late surge by the Packers.

Green Bay had briefly taken the lead with 1:33 remaining, courtesy of Jordan Love’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Malik Heath. Their attempt to extend the margin with a 2-point conversion was thwarted by a stellar stop from Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke.

The Giants’ final drive, laced with drama, was ironically initiated by a fumble from their star running back, Saquon Barkley. Despite this, DeVito’s composure under pressure was evident throughout the night. He accumulated 71 rushing yards, contributing significantly to the Giants’ third consecutive victory, bringing their record to 5-8.

DeVito, who completed 17 of his 21 attempts for 158 yards, demonstrated his dual-threat capability. Notably, his 26-yard dash set the stage for Barkley’s 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter. DeVito also connected with Isaiah Hodgins on an 8-yard touchdown pass, a critical moment in the Giants’ offensive efforts.

The Giants’ defense played a pivotal role, forcing three turnovers and continually pressuring the Packers’ offense.

For Green Bay, Jayden Reed’s 16-yard run and Anders Carlson’s trio of field goals (36, 32, and 48 yards) highlighted their scoring efforts. Despite their previous three-game winning streak, the Packers fell to 6-7, a stark contrast to their dominant 16-1 December record under LaFleur.

The first half concluded with the Packers leading 10-7, propelled by Carlson’s 36-yard field goal. This scoring drive was sustained early on by a 27-yard pass interference call against the Giants’ Cor’Dale Flott.

Both teams exchanged early touchdowns, setting the tone for a back-and-forth contest. Reed’s 16-yard sweep for Green Bay was swiftly answered by Barkley’s 5-yard scoring run for the Giants, showcasing the dynamic nature of the game.

Looking ahead, the Packers face a challenging encounter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home, while the Giants gear up for a clash against New Orleans on Sunday, riding the momentum from this exhilarating victory.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Dallas Stars Rebound with Convincing 6-3 Win Over Detroit Red Wings

The Dallas Stars bounced back from their recent setback with a commanding 6-3 victory against the Detroit Red Wings at the American Airlines Center on Monday. Miro Heiskanen led the charge with an outstanding two-goal, one-assist performance, propelling the Stars to a much-needed win following their 6-1 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Heiskanen’s influence was pivotal, as he emphasized the importance of the win for the team’s morale. His performance, particularly on the power play, was a key factor in Dallas’ success. Jason Robertson and Esa Lindell also contributed significantly, each recording a goal and an assist, while Joe Pavelski’s scoring prowess was on full display. The Stars, who had been struggling with three losses in their last four games, improved their record to 16-8-3.

Dallas coach Peter DeBoer highlighted the importance of timely goals and saves in the game. Lindell’s goal at the end of the first period was a momentum shifter, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. Pavelski’s goal in the third period further cemented the Stars’ dominance, preventing the Red Wings from mounting a comeback.

Detroit Red Wings, despite their spirited efforts, couldn’t match the Stars’ intensity and execution. Daniel Sprong and Jonatan Berggren were among the scorers for Detroit, with Shayne Gostisbehere assisting on two goals. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overturn the deficit. Coach Derek Lalonde acknowledged the competitive nature of the game but pointed out the need for cleaner execution.

The game commenced with Sprong giving the Red Wings an early lead. However, Heiskanen’s equalizer on the power play set the stage for the Stars’ comeback. Robertson’s goal in the second period further extended their lead, showcasing their offensive depth.

Detroit’s Andrew Copp expressed concerns about the team’s defensive zone play, suggesting that it allowed Dallas too many opportunities. Despite creating enough chances to win, Detroit’s penalty kill and defensive play ultimately let them down.

Matt Duchene’s goal for the Stars and Berggren’s quick response for the Red Wings kept the game competitive, but Pavelski’s and Heiskanen’s subsequent goals in the third period sealed the deal for Dallas. Heiskanen’s empty-netter capped off a stellar night for him and the team.

In the notes, Jamie Benn of the Stars achieved a significant milestone, recording his 500th NHL assist on Heiskanen’s first goal. This achievement places him among the franchise’s all-time greats. On the other hand, the Red Wings were without forward David Perron, who began serving a six-game suspension.

In summary, the Dallas Stars demonstrated resilience and quality to overcome the Detroit Red Wings in a match that showcased their offensive capabilities and strategic prowess. The win serves as a confidence booster for the Stars as they aim to maintain their momentum in the upcoming games.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Buffalo Sabres Dominate Arizona Coyotes for a Commanding 5-2 Victory

In an assertive display of skill and teamwork, the Buffalo Sabres clinched a decisive 5-2 win against the Arizona Coyotes at KeyBank Center on Monday. The game was marked by impressive individual performances and tactical acumen, highlighting Buffalo’s growing confidence and Arizona’s struggle to maintain momentum after their recent winning streak.

For Buffalo, captain Kyle Okposo and Eric Robinson were the stars of the night, each contributing a goal and two assists. Their synergy on the ice was a key factor in the Sabres’ offensive dominance. Okposo, in particular, was in fine form, scoring his fifth goal in the last ten games. His post-match reflections underscored the team’s focus on building a consistent and effective style of play, a mindset that seems to be paying dividends.

Rasmus Dahlin and Connor Clifton added to the Sabres’ success, each with a goal and two assists, respectively. Goalie Devon Levi, with 21 saves, provided the defensive backbone necessary for such a solid win. The Sabres’ performance indicated a team finding its rhythm, as evidenced by their 2-0-1 record in the last three games.

Arizona’s response, although spirited, fell short. Michael Kesselring and Michael Carcone scored for the Coyotes, with Carcone’s short-handed goal in the third period being a highlight. However, it wasn’t enough to swing the momentum in their favor. Goalie Karel Vejmelka faced a barrage of shots, making 33 saves, but the Coyotes’ defense struggled to contain the Sabres’ offensive onslaught.

Arizona’s coach Andre Tourigny lamented the team’s lack of execution and puck possession, which he identified as key reasons for their defeat. The Coyotes, who had been on a five-game winning streak before this match, have now lost three consecutive games, bringing their season record to 13-12-2.

The game was also noteworthy for individual milestones. Kesselring scored his first NHL goal, a moment of personal triumph that he shared with former college teammate Devon Levi. For the Sabres, Dahlin’s multipoint game was another record in his impressive career, underscoring his significance in the team’s defensive setup.

In conclusion, the match between the Buffalo Sabres and the Arizona Coyotes was a tale of two teams at different points in their season. Buffalo’s comprehensive win is a testament to their developing coherence and strategy, while Arizona needs to regroup and find the form that saw them on a winning streak. The NHL season continues to offer exciting matchups, and both teams will look to build on their experiences from this encounter.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Islanders Triumph in Overtime Thriller Against Maple Leafs at UBS Arena

In an electrifying encounter at the UBS Arena, the New York Islanders secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, courtesy of Bo Horvat’s overtime heroics. The game, which took place on Monday, was a showcase of resilience and skill, with both teams demonstrating why they are among the elite in the NHL.

The Islanders, buoyed by their home crowd, displayed a blend of gritty defense and opportunistic offense. Horvat’s game-winner, coming just 46 seconds into overtime, was a testament to their never-say-die attitude. He capitalized on a superb pass from Mathew Barzal during a 2-on-1 break, sending the Islanders’ fans into a frenzy. Horvat’s post-game comments reflected the high stakes and excitement of the moment, as he and Barzal seized the opportunity to be the night’s heroes.

The Maple Leafs, despite the loss, had moments of brilliance. John Tavares, a former Islander, reached a personal milestone by earning his 1,000th point on a play that led to Morgan Rielly’s game-tying goal with only seven seconds left in regulation. Tavares acknowledged the significance of achieving this feat at a place that holds great memories for him.

For the Islanders, Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri were standout performers, each contributing a goal and an assist. Their efforts were backed by Ilya Sorokin’s impressive 37 saves. Coach Lane Lambert praised the team’s ability to overcome adversity, especially in the tense moments of the third period.

Toronto’s Auston Matthews opened the scoring with a power-play goal, showcasing his scoring prowess. However, the Islanders quickly responded, with Nelson equalizing and Casey Cizikas putting them ahead. Palmieri’s goal early in the second period seemed to set the tone for the Islanders, but Tavares’ skillful goal kept the Maple Leafs in contention.

Despite the defeat, Toronto extended their point streak to six games, thanks in part to the efforts of William Nylander and goaltender Ilya Samsonov. Nylander, in particular, extended his point streak to five games, contributing significantly to the team’s offense.

The game was not just about the present but also a reflection on the journey of players like Tavares and the evolving narratives of teams like the Islanders and Maple Leafs. It underscored the fine margins in the NHL and the sheer excitement that hockey brings to fans worldwide.

In summary, this clash at UBS Arena was more than just a regular-season game. It was a narrative of milestones, resilience, and the unrelenting spirit of hockey, leaving fans and players alike with memories to cherish.

by Abhishek Shukla

Volleyball Club World Championships: Holders Sir Sicoma Perugia defend title with convincing win over Itambe Minas

Bengaluru, Dec 10: Sir Sicoma Perugia of Italy became only the third team to successfully defend their Volleyball Men’s Club World Championships title with a 3-0 triumph over Brazil’s Itambe Minas at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium here on Sunday.

Another Italian club Itas Trentino (2009-2012) and Brazil’s Sada Cruzeiro Volei (2015, 2016) are the only other teams to have achieved that feat. Perugia joined that exclusive club with a dominating performance in Bengaluru as they did not drop a single set in the competition.

Perugia won the final 25-13, 25-21, 25-19 in what was a grand finale to a high-quality competition that was being held for the first time in India and only the second time in Asia.

The Italian outfit, who had stitched together eight wins in their nine SuperLiga matches back home, had blanked Minas in the group stage and were the overwhelming favourites even before the final started.

And the team that boasts of star setter Simone Giannelli, Polish Outside Hitter Kamil Semeniuk and Cuban Opposite Jesus Herrera showed that they meant business as they raced to a 7-3 lead and extended that advantage of five points at 11-6 with some quality spiking.

Every time Minas looked like fighting back in the set, they were guilty of a service error and never recovered once the Italians opened up a 10-point lead at 22-12.

Minas, however, put the disappointment of the first set behind as Opposite Michael Sanchez and Outside Hitter Marcus Coelho scored valuable winners to hand their team a 2-7 lead.

At this stage Perugia showed why they were such a champion side as their Ukranian Outside Hitter Oleh Plotnytskyi came up with a couple of big serves as the Italians drew level at 8-8 after bagging five straight points.

To their credit, Minas did not drop shoulders and kept pace with Perugia, even forcing Giannelli to make a rare error while setting. But the Italians soon regained their composure and won five straight points on Herrera’s serve to take a 23-19 lead.

Both teams made errors on all their remaining serves and Perugia had little trouble in doubling their lead.

The third set was a repeat of the opening set as Perugia tightened the noose around the Brazilians with Semeniuk and Herrera scoring with their accurate spiking and Middle Blockers Flavio Resende and Sebastian Sole coming up with quality blocks to force their opponents to surrender unconditionally.

It was Herrera who hit the winning strike on Perugia’s first championship point and the entire Koramangala Indoor Stadium rose to give a standing ovation to coach Angelo Lorenzetti’s team after the 68-minute encounter.

Awards list –

Gold Medal Winners – Sir Safety Perugia

Silver Medal Winners – Itambe Minas

Bronze Medal Winners – Suntory Sunbirds

Best Outside Hitter – Plotnyskyi Oleh of Sir Safety Perugia

Best Outside Hitter – Evangelista Coelho Marcus Vinicius of Itambe Minas

Best Middle Blocker – Sole Sebastian of Sir Safety Perugia

Best Middle Blocker – Michelucci Moralez Renan of Itambe Minas

Best Libero – Nascimento Maique Reis of Itambe Minas

Best Setter – Giannelli Simon of Sir Safety Perugia

Best Opposite Hitter – Muserskiy Dmitriy of Suntory Sunbirds

Most Valuable Player – Plotnyskyi Oleh of Sir Safety Perugia

by Abhishek Shukla

Volleyball Club World Championships: Debutants Suntory Sunbirds fight back from the brink to clinch Bronze Medal

Bengaluru, Dec 10: Suntory Sunbirds of Japan fought back from two sets down to beat Turkey’s Halkbank Spor Kulubu 3-2 to win the Bronze Medal in the Volleyball Men’s Club World Championships here on Sunday.

Sunbirds, the first Japanese team to play in the Club World Championships, looked down and out after the first two sets. But they kept their nerves and showed the presence of mind to capitalise on their opponent’s mistakes to create history at the Kormangala Indoor stadium.

The Asian Champions won 17-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-12 with Russian Opposite Dmitriy Muserskiy playing a key role in the victory by scoring a total of 30 points.

Sunbirds, who had beaten the Turkish outfit 3-0 in their first group stage match on the opening day, struggled to find any co-ordination in the opening set and one wondered if the Japanese side had not really recovered physically and mentally from the 2-3 semi-final loss against Itambe Minas on Saturday night.

Sunbirds defence was completely out of sorts in the opening set and even skipper Masaki Oya’s setting wasn’t up to the mark. He failed to create enough spiking opportunities for Muserskiy and Cuban Outside Hitter Alain Junior.

In contrast, the attacking combination of Mert Matic, John Gordon Perrin and skipper Nimir Abdel-Aziz were clinical with their spikes as Halkbank raced through the opening set.

Sunbirds did find their feet in the second set and put up a better show. Muserskiy and Alain Junior were much more involved in the attack and that allowed the Japanese team to keep pace with their opponents till 23-23.

But Nimir then came up with a check-out to give his team their first set point and a quality double block ended Sunbirds resistance in the set.

 However, with the finish line just a set away, errors started to creep into Halkbank’s game and Sunbirds, who are also the Asian champions, were ready to grab that opportunity.

Muserskiy led Sunbirds’ charge with eight points and also helped with back-court defence to force the match in the fourth set.

Errors continued to hurt Halkbank in the fourth set as mistakes from Matic and Nimir gave Sunbirds early lead. Setter Micah Ma’a was also guilty of playing too many balls to Perrin in Zone 4 and the Japanese outfit read the situation well to take control of the set.

The decider was a battle of nerves and Sunbirds players had a more stable head on their shoulders. The Japanese team preferred to choose safety over winners on serves and created enough chances for Muserskiy, a former Olympic gold medallist, to breach the Halkbank defence.

It was Muserskiy who found the winner after Halkbank had saved two match points and left Halkbank players, who made a total of 43 errors in the match, wondering what they could have done differently after winning the first two sets.

The tournament will go on till 10th of December at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru. Ahmedabad Defenders will find themselves in Pool A, facing the defending champions, Sir Sicoma Perugia from Italy, and Brazil’s Minas Tênis Clube (Itambé Minas). In Pool B, Halkbank Spor Kulübü from Turkey, Sada Cruzeiro Volei from Brazil, and Japan’s Suntory Sunbirds are grouped.   

The match tickets can be purchased at BookMyShow.     

The Men’s Volleyball Club World Championships 2023 will be telecast live in India on Sony Sports Network across Sony Ten 1 & Sony Ten 3 channels and the broadcast will be shown globally on Volleyball World. Fans in India can also stream the tournament online on FanCode.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Boston Bruins Secure 5-3 Victory Over Arizona Coyotes at TD Garden

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins continued their dominant performance with a 5-3 win over the Arizona Coyotes at TD Garden on Saturday. Spearheaded by David Pastrnak’s stellar two-goal and one-assist performance, the Bruins showcased their offensive prowess and solid defense to secure the victory.

Pastrnak’s impressive outing was complemented by two assists from Trent Frederic, while goaltender Linus Ullmark contributed significantly with 31 saves. The win extends Boston’s record to 18-5-3, marking their fourth victory in five games and reinforcing their status as a formidable force in the league.

Boston’s home dominance against Arizona was on full display, as they notched their 10th consecutive home win against the Coyotes. The Bruins have maintained a remarkable upper hand in recent encounters, winning 20 of the last 21 games against Arizona.

The Coyotes, standing at 13-11-2, faced a setback after a series of successful outings, losing two consecutive games following a five-game winning streak. Arizona’s goalie Connor Ingram made 24 saves, but it wasn’t enough to withstand Boston’s offensive surge.

The scoring opened with Pastrnak’s brilliant play at 15:22 of the first period. He capitalized on a turnover by Coyotes defenseman Juuso Valimaki, maneuvering around the net before netting the puck from the front. Charlie Coyle amplified Boston’s lead to 2-0, tapping in a precise centering pass from Frederic.

The Bruins’ dominance continued in the second period with Kevin Shattenkirk’s power-play goal, assisted by Pastrnak, bringing the score to 3-0. However, the Coyotes quickly responded with two goals in 32 seconds, igniting a comeback attempt. Clayton Keller and Michael Carcone found the net, narrowing the gap to 3-2.

Danton Heinen widened Boston’s lead again with a goal at 9:12, receiving an assist from Matthew Poitras. Arizona’s Lawson Crouse brought the Coyotes closer with a score in the third period, making it 4-3.

Ultimately, Pastrnak sealed the deal for Boston, scoring off a rebound at 14:29 in the third period, marking the final scoreline at 5-3. The Bruins showcased their resilience and capacity to respond under pressure, maintaining their lead despite Arizona’s spirited comeback efforts.

The game wasn’t without its concerns for Boston, as forward Pavel Zacha sustained an upper-body injury and was sidelined after the first period. His condition will be closely monitored in the coming days.

This victory underscores the Bruins’ potent combination of offensive skill and solid goaltending, positioning them as serious contenders as the season progresses. For the Coyotes, the loss is a reminder of the challenges ahead, but their recent form suggests they have the potential to bounce back in upcoming games.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Columbus Blue Jackets Captain Boone Jenner Sidelined for Six Weeks with Fractured Jaw

In a significant blow to the Columbus Blue Jackets, captain Boone Jenner is expected to miss approximately six weeks of the NHL season due to a fractured jaw. The injury occurred during a recent game against the St. Louis Blues and has led to Jenner being placed on injured reserve.

The unfortunate incident took place during the second period of the Blue Jackets’ 5-2 victory over the Blues on Friday. At 12:09 of the period, Jenner was struck in the face by a puck from his teammate Ivan Provorov, forcing him to leave the game and not return.

Jenner has been a pivotal player for the Blue Jackets this season, currently standing as the team’s second-highest point scorer with a total of 18 points. He leads the team with 13 goals, trailing only behind defenseman Zach Werenski, who tops the chart with 20 points. His leadership and performance on the ice have been instrumental in guiding the team through the season.

The timing of Jenner’s injury comes as a particular challenge for Columbus, who have had a rocky start to their campaign. With a record of 9-15-5, the Blue Jackets are looking to climb up the rankings and make a significant impact in the ongoing season.

As the team prepares to face the Florida Panthers on Sunday, the absence of their captain will undoubtedly be felt. The game, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on BSFL, BSOH, NHLN, and SN, and offers an opportunity for the Blue Jackets to adjust to their new reality and strategize on maintaining competitiveness without one of their key players.

This injury highlights the physical risks inherent in ice hockey and the impact that injuries can have on a team’s performance and morale. The Blue Jackets will have to rally and find ways to compensate for Jenner’s absence, both in terms of scoring and leadership on the ice.

Jenner’s recovery and return will be eagerly awaited by the team and fans alike, hoping that he can resume his influential role in the squad as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Blue Jackets will have to navigate the next six weeks of the season without one of their most impactful players, testing the depth and resilience of the roster.

by Abhishek Shukla

Italian Serie A: Atalanta Edge Milan in Five-Goal Thriller with Last-Gasp Muriel Winner

Venue: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo

In a riveting Serie A clash, Atalanta claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over AC Milan, punctuated by a last-minute goal from super-sub Luis Muriel.

The game started evenly with both sides probing for openings. It was Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman who broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. His right-footed shot, which took a deflection off Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, left goalkeeper Mike Maignan with no chance.

AC Milan, showcasing their resilience, drew level in added time of the first half. Olivier Giroud rose highest to meet a corner, directing a powerful header into the net for his eighth league goal this campaign.

After the break, Lookman once again stamped his authority on the game. Ten minutes into the second half, he completed his brace with a precise finish from Charles De Ketelaere’s pass. But AC Milan, undeterred, fought back to level terms once again in the 80th minute through Luka Jovic, who executed a fine left-foot finish from Christian Pulisic’s cross.

The match reached its climax in the dying moments of stoppage time. Milan’s Davide Calabria received his marching orders in the 93rd minute after a second yellow card. In a twist of fate, this incident preceded the decisive moment when Luis Muriel, who had entered the fray in the 82nd minute, found the back of the net in the 95th minute, sealing a memorable win for Atalanta.

The result sees AC Milan remain in third place with 29 points, now trailing leaders Juventus by seven points following their win over Napoli. Atalanta climbs to seventh with 23 points, maintaining their push for European qualification.

This match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of Serie A, where the drama unfolds until the final whistle. Atalanta’s last-minute heroics have once again highlighted their tenacity, while AC Milan will rue the missed opportunity to close the gap at the top. The title race remains wide open, with this result surely adding another layer of intrigue to the Italian top-flight.

by Abhishek Shukla

LaLiga: Ruibal’s Spectacular Strike Seals Draw for Betis Against League Leaders Real Madrid

Match Report: Real Betis 1-1 Real Madrid

Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín, LaLiga Clash

In a pulsating encounter at Estadio Benito Villamarín, Real Betis and Real Madrid shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, with both teams exhibiting a high level of football that was a treat for the LaLiga enthusiasts.

The first half saw an intense battle in midfield, with both teams vying for control. Real Madrid, sitting at the top of the table, showed their class but were unable to break through a resilient Betis defense.

The game lit up in the second half. Jude Bellingham, the dynamic English midfielder for Madrid, broke the deadlock eight minutes post-halftime. His 15th goal in 17 games came from a brilliant low finish, capitalizing on Brahim Díaz’s exquisite chipped pass.

Real Betis, undeterred, rallied back impressively. In the 66th minute, the home crowd erupted as Aitor Ruibal unleashed a long-range stunner into the far corner, leveling the score. The goal, resulting from a quick break and an assist by Willian José, showcased Betis’s fighting spirit.

The match saw its share of nail-biting moments, especially when Isco, playing against his former team, nearly put Betis ahead in the 90th minute. His header striking the post was a moment of heart-stopping action for both sets of fans.

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s manager, acknowledged the even nature of the game and expressed satisfaction with the draw, citing the challenging atmosphere and Betis’s commendable effort.

Aitor Ruibal, the goal scorer for Betis, shared his exhaustion and elation post-match. His strike, encouraged by his family’s advice to shoot more, was a testament to his confidence.

Looking Ahead:
Real Madrid, with 39 points, remain one point clear at the top over Girona, with a crucial match against Union Berlin in the Champions League on the horizon. Real Betis, on the other hand, can take great confidence from holding the league leaders to a draw.

This match was more than a mere point for each team; it was a showcase of tactical nous, resilience, and the sheer unpredictability that makes LaLiga one of the most exciting leagues in the world.

by Abhishek Shukla

Volleyball Club World Championships – Itambe Minas fights back to pip Suntory Sunbirds to reach finals

Bengaluru, Dec 9: Brazil’s Itambe Minas twice fought back from a set down to pack off Suntory Sunbirds of Japan and set up a summit clash against defending champions Sir Sicoma Perugia in the Volleyball Men’s Club World Championships here on Saturday.

Michael Sanchez (27 points) and Marcus Coelho (18 points) did the star turn for Minas in the fourth and fifth sets and the Brazilians kept their nerves to brush aside a late fightback from Sunbirds to win 22-25, 25-22, 28-30, 25-20, 17-15, converting their fourth match point.

Minas, who had finished fourth in the last edition, looked like they could once again be playing the third and fourth place play-off the second successive edition given the slew of errors from the team in the first two sets.

But the most successful Brazilian professional volleyball team found a different gear at the business end of the match to beat Sunbirds in front of a packed Koramangala Indoor Stadium.

India is hosting the prestigious club championships for the first time and volleyball fans were treated to a humdinger by Minas and Sunbirds, who will now face Turkey’s Halkbank Spor Kulubu for the bronze medal.

There was very little too choose between the two teams throughout the five sets as the lead oscillated depending on the which team could stitch together a series of points without making errors.

In the opening set, Minas and Sunbirds stayed neck and neck till 13-13. Sunbirds libero Soshi Fujinaka’s service receiving then ensured that the Japanese not only stayed alive in the point but also managed to turn the tables thanks to the quality spiking of their Russian Opposite Dmitriy Muserskiy.

Left-handed middle blocker Kenji Sato also scored valuable points to help his team grab the opening set.

However, Minas started the second set with more attacking intent but their below par serving held back their march till the second half of the set in which they made 8 of the 11 service errors in the first 20 points.

But Gustavo Orlando and Paulo da Silva found their mojo at the right time and it was the ace from the former that put the Brazilians ahead at 21-22 and then the latter wrapped things up to level the set scores.

The third set followed a similar pattern with Minas holding the upper hand. But the Brazilians could not covert two set points and though they managed to save four set points themselves, a lucky net chord put them on the brink.

However, with their backs to the wall, Minas raised their game with the likes of Renan Moralez, Paulo and Coelho creating openings with their big booming serves.

It looked like the Brazilians would race through the final set when they opened up a 12-9 lead and then earned two match points. But a Alain Junior spike and a strong defensive work from Muserskiy helped Sunbirds force the set into extra points.

It was Muserskiy who could not keep his spike down with Sunbirds facing a third match point and the Minas bench erupted in celebrations.


The tournament will go on till 10th of December at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru. Ahmedabad Defenders will find themselves in Pool A, facing the defending champions, Sir Sicoma Perugia from Italy, and Brazil’s Minas Tênis Clube (Itambé Minas). In Pool B, Halkbank Spor Kulübü from Turkey, Sada Cruzeiro Volei from Brazil, and Japan’s Suntory Sunbirds are grouped.  

The match tickets can be purchased at BookMyShow.    

The Men’s Volleyball Club World Championships 2023 will be telecast live in India on Sony Sports Network across Sony Ten 1 & Sony Ten 3 channels and the broadcast will be shown globally on Volleyball World. Fans in India can also stream the tournament online on FanCode.

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: U.P. Yoddhas beat Telugu Titans to record second straight win

BENGALURU, 9th December, 2023: Led by a rampaging Surender Gill, the U.P. Yoddhas beat the Telugu Titans 48-33 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Gill (14) and Titans’ superstar Pawan Sehrawat (11) both got super 10s, in a high-scoring second game of the day.     

The clash had been billed as one between the leading raiders of both teams, Pardeep Narwal and Pawan Sehrawat, two men who have been the top-scoring raiders over the past four seasons of the PKL. As it was, Sehrawat was tackled on his very first raid of the evening, allowing the Yoddhas to draw first blood. The Yoddhas capitalised on that brilliantly and inflicted the first ALL OUT soon after to race into a 10-3 lead. 

Not to be outdone by the higher-profile raiders on either side of him, Surender Gill took it upon himself to take charge of the game. His SUPER RAID to take out Ankit and Milad Jabbari helped the Yoddhas take a huge lead. The Titans clawed some of it back, as the half wore on. Milad’s SUPER TACKLE  got rid of Gill for the first time in the evening and the teams went into the break with the Titans down by 4 points.

Despite some dogged defending by the Titans duo of Mohit and Milad, the Yoddhas inflicted a second ALL OUT to take a nine-point lead with ten minutes of the game left. Thereafter, the Yoddhas ensured that the Titans did not get any sniff at a comeback. With two minutes to go, a third ALL OUT followed as the Titans faced their third consecutive defeat.

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

Game 1: Bengal Warriorsvs Tamil Thalaivas – 8 pm

Game 2: Dabang Delhi K.C.vs Haryana Steelers – 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

ISL: East Bengal FC, Punjab FC share points in a closely contested goalless draw

Kolkata, 09 December, 2023: East Bengal FC held Punjab FC to a goalless draw at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight.

It was a back and forth contest right from the beginning, with the home side and Punjab FC taking formidable shots at goal in the opening 15 minutes.

Naorem Mahesh Singh was a constant presence in and around the Punjab FC backline, playing quick one-twos, trying to take on the defenders, and earning fouls with his close control over the ball.

Saul Crespo had spearheaded the midfield forward and attempted to finish a well constructed move from outside of the box in the seventh minute, only for the shot to lack enough power behind it eventually.

Cleiton Silva was handed a fine chance by Mahesh soon afterwards, but the Brazilian’s right footed shot was blocked as Punjab FC regathered their defensive line.

Mahesh intermittently shifted flanks, with his tearaway pace earning his side set-pieces on both wings. However, nearly all of those opportunities didn’t materialise in them creating any clear cut chances.

From open play, East Bengal FC tried to breakthrough the Punjab FC backline but their cohesion didn’t come together as the end of the first half saw the visitors holding the upper hand in the flow of play.

Krishnananda Singh and Tekcham Singh interlinked inside the East Bengal FC box, with the former shooting from close range, for the effort to be saved by Prabsukhan Singh Gill in the 40th minute.

In the 60th minute, Krishnananda encountered another opportunity to draw the first blood, this time courtesy of a cross by Juan Mera. That was preceded by Punjab FC putting pressure back on East Bengal FC, with Ashish Pradhan and Nikhil Prabhu trying their luck from outside the 18-yard box.

Carles Cuadrat rung in his substitutions, bringing in José Antonio Pardo and Vishnu Puthiya to discover newer, creative ways of getting past the Punjab FC backline.

Puthiya and Hijazi Maher got inside the box, against the momentum of the game, for Puthiya to take his shot at goal, but that move didn’t crack the code either. All of this was accompanied with Silva putting in a rather arduous effort, constantly getting into goal-scoring positions, but to no avail.

Key Performer of the Match

Hijazi Maher (East Bengal FC)

The defender recorded an impressive shift, completing 49 off his 55 passes, tackling thrice, making six clearances, one interception, in addition to often getting ahead with the ball to explore goal-scoring chances.

What’s next for both teams?

East Bengal FC will next travel to face Mumbai City FC on December 16, whereas Punjab FC will host Kerala Blasters FC on December 14.

Brief Scores

East Bengal FC 0 – 0 Punjab FC

Stat Pack:

Picture1.jpg
by Abhishek Shukla

IWL: Kickstart FC’s campaign kicks off with a smooth win

NEW DELHI: The opening match of the 2023-24 Indian Women’s League at the Ambedkar Stadium on Saturday, December 9, 2023, was a sheer mismatch, to say the least. Last year’s runners-up Kickstart FC were all at ease against hosts HOPS FC before running away with a 3-0 victory.

In stark contrast, HOPS FC neither hopped nor jumped. Instead, they limped and struggled to a defeat, the margin of which could have easily been bigger. Barring a couple of shots that hit the crossbar and the post, the home side did little of note that could have cheered up the handful of spectators in the stands. However, their Ghanaian recruits, midfielder Gladys Amfobea and striker Fredrica Torkudzor, have the potential to help the team grow shortly.

Kickstart are a far more composed side with serious intentions to have a go at the title, which they lost to Gokulam Kerala FC last year. A few losses of players in the transfer market notwithstanding, the Karnataka side have revamped their side with fresh recruits and could be expected to do better as the season progresses. Their two Nepalese strikers, Dipa Shahi and Preeti Rai, are smooth operators and often play intelligent passes in the attacking zone.

Karishma Purushottam opened the scoring for the winners in the 13th minute with a delicate shot to the top corner of the right. But the fact that she was allowed to grab the ball and take a shot was a mistake by the HOPS defence as the ball should have been cleared easily. It was the first goal of the IWL 2023-24 as the opening match between Gokulam Kerala FC and Sethu FC ended in a goalless draw in Kozhikode on Friday.

Ten minutes later came the second goal, this time Sushmita Lepcha made her way through the defence before finding the target. Thereafter, Kickstart FC made several inroads, but a lack of decision-making in front of the rival goal let them down.

Things didn’t change in the second half, with the winners attacking relentlessly and HOPS surviving by the skin of their teeth. They succumbed again in the 64th minute with a goal that left even the scorer herself surprised. Substitute Yumlembam Pakpi Devi perhaps wasn’t planning a straight attempt at the goal; she probably went for a cross, but the ball swung in to find the net most impressively. It was certainly the best goal of the match.

by Abhishek Shukla

WPL 2024 Auction: Kashvee Gautam Tops Player Auction with Record ₹2 Crore Bid

In today’s highly anticipated Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction, the cricketing world witnessed an intense bidding war, with teams vying for top talent to bolster their lineups for the upcoming Women’s Premier League season.

The auction was marked by some record-breaking bids, with Kashvee Gautam emerging as the most expensive player of the session, securing a whopping ₹2,00,00,000 deal. This all-rounder’s exceptional skills have significantly impacted the Gujarat Giants, who have invested heavily in her ability to change games with bat and ball.

The Delhi Capitals showed strategic diversity in their choices, acquiring all-rounder Annabel Sutherland and wicketkeeper Aparna Mondal, among others, signaling a strong all-round development. Sutherland, an Australian cricketer known for her aggressive playing style and versatility, was bought for an impressive ₹2,00,00,000, matching the day’s highest bid.

The Mumbai Indians also made notable acquisitions, including South African bowler Shabnim Ismail and all-rounder Sujata S, reflecting their focus on a balanced team with strong bowling options.

Royal Challengers Bangalore seemed to have a clear strategy, investing ₹90,00,000 in Erin Blath, a move that suggests a focus on building a solid batting lineup for the challenges ahead.

UP Warriorz appeared to have a balanced approach towards their picks, adding both batters and all-rounders to their squad, including Vrinda Dinesh and Salma Tiholari, ensuring depth in both departments.

Overall, the auction saw a total of 30 players sold, with 9 overseas players joining the fray. This diversity signifies the global appeal of the league and the growing interest in women’s cricket worldwide.

The total amount spent in today’s auction reached ₹12,75,00,000, indicating the league’s financial robustness and the value placed on acquiring top-tier talent. This year’s auction has undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting Women’s Premier League season, with teams looking more competitive than ever. Fans can look forward to a tournament filled with high-class cricket and emerging talents showcasing their prowess on the field.

Delhi Capitals players from the Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction:

Player NameCountryPositionTeam in WPLAmount (₹)
Annabel Sutherland ✈AustraliaAll-RounderDelhi Capitals2,00,00,000
Aparna MondalIndiaWicket-KeeperDelhi Capitals10,00,000
Ashwani KumariIndiaAll-RounderDelhi Capitals10,00,000

Gujarat Giants players from the Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction:

Player NameCountryPositionTeam in WPLAmount (₹)
Kashvee GautamIndiaAll-RounderGujarat Giants2,00,00,000
Phoebe Litchfield ✈AustraliaBatterGujarat Giants1,00,00,000
Meghna SinghIndiaAll-RounderGujarat Giants30,00,000
Lauren Cheatle ✈AustraliaBowlerGujarat Giants30,00,000
Veda KrishnamurthyIndiaBatterGujarat Giants30,00,000
Priya MishraIndiaBowlerGujarat Giants20,00,000
Trisha PoojithaIndiaBatterGujarat Giants10,00,000
Kathryn Bryce ✈ScotlandAll-RounderGujarat Giants10,00,000
Mannat KashyapIndiaAll-RounderGujarat Giants10,00,000
Tarannum PathanIndiaAll-RounderGujarat Giants10,00,000

Mumbai Indians players from the Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction:

Player NameCountryPositionTeam in WPLAmount (₹)
Shabnim Ismail ✈South AfricaBowlerMumbai Indians1,20,00,000
Sajana SIndiaAll-RounderMumbai Indians15,00,000
Amandeep KaurIndiaAll-RounderMumbai Indians10,00,000
Fatima JafferIndiaBowlerMumbai Indians10,00,000
Keerthana BalakrishnanIndiaAll-RounderMumbai Indians10,00,000

Royal Challengers Bangalore players from the Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction

Player NameCountryPositionTeam in WPLAmount (₹)
Ekta BishtIndiaBowlerRoyal Challengers Bangalore60,00,000
Georgia Wareham ✈AustraliaAll-RounderRoyal Challengers Bangalore40,00,000
Kate Cross ✈EnglandBowlerRoyal Challengers Bangalore30,00,000
Sabbineni MeghanaIndiaAll-RounderRoyal Challengers Bangalore30,00,000
Simran BahadurIndiaBowlerRoyal Challengers Bangalore30,00,000
Sophie Molineux ✈AustraliaAll-RounderRoyal Challengers Bangalore30,00,000
Shubha SatheeshIndiaAll-RounderRoyal Challengers Bangalore10,00,000

UP Warriorz players from the Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction:

Player NameCountryPositionTeam in WPLAmount (₹)
Vrinda DineshIndiaBatterUP Warriorz1,30,00,000
Dani Wyatt ✈EnglandBatterUP Warriorz30,00,000
Gouher SultanaIndiaBowlerUP Warriorz30,00,000
Poonam KhemnarIndiaAll-RounderUP Warriorz10,00,000
Saima ThakorIndiaAll-RounderUP Warriorz10,00,000

by Abhishek Shukla

Stojacic wins FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2023 regular season MVP

JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – No.1 ranked Strahinja Stojacic has earned the MVP award for the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2023 regular season voted on by a panel of fans and players.

‘Dr. Strange’ made back-to-back MVP Honors with top-seeded Ub Huishan NE and in spectacular fashion. Forging the side to one of the most dominant starts in World Tour history, Ub won six Masters in a row. Stojacic won three MVPs in the process. 

If that wasn’t proof enough, the stats are astoundingly in his favor. He leads in almost every category, including scoring (408), Player Value (442.7), highlights (297), key assists (110), rebounds (212) and more. 

The 31-year-old Serbian has made waves for his country as well, coming away with the title at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2023 in Vienna as well as the Europe Cup 2023.

In consecutive years, player voting was on Stojacic’s side with 23.9%. Following him in the list would be Amsterdam HiPRO’s Worthy De Jong (19.7%) and Miami’s Jimmer Fredette (14.1%). 

Dr. Strange was once again a fan-favorite with 13%, albeit this time taking runners-up in that regard to Liman’s Ning Zhang who garnered a whopping 44% of fan votes. Following the two was Worthy De Jong with 11%. 

Stojacic etches his name into the history books once again as he adds his name into the array of 3×3’s premier stars. Previous winners have been Dusan Bulut (2018), Dominique Jones (2019), Nauris Miezis (2020) and Karlis Lasmanis (2021).

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Siddharth Desai and Vinay Shine as Haryana Steelers record their first win

BENGALURU, 9th December, 2023: The Haryana Steelers produced a clinical performance to register a 38-32 victory over the Bengaluru Bulls at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Vinay (8 points) and Siddharth Desai (7 points) were the stars for the Steelers as the Bulls faced their fourth consecutive loss this season.

Bharat pulled off a SUPER RAID and took out Siddharth Desai, Mohit Nandal, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal and Mohit in the first minute of the match as the Bulls raced away with a 5-0 lead. However, Vinay picked up a few raid points and Jaideep Dahiya carried out a SUPER TACKLE on Bharat to help the Steelers clinch the lead at 8-6 in the 7th minute. Soon after, the Steelers inflicted an ALL OUT and took a massive lead at 12-6.

The Steelers continued to put relentless pressure on the Bulls and stayed in complete control of the game at 15-7 in the 11th minute. Vinay kept picking up raid points as the Steelers kept forging ahead. Siddharth Desai effected a double-point raid and helped his team inflict another ALL OUT in the 18th minute. The Steelers went into the break leading at 26-13.

The Bulls tackled Vinay in the opening minutes of the second half, but the Steelers still held a comfortable lead at 29-15 in the 24th minute. The home side inflicted an ALL OUT in the 31st minute, however, the Haryana side continued to dominate the scoreline at 31-24. The home side tried to forge a comeback through the efforts of defenders Saurabh Nandal and Parteek, but the Steelers also kept scoring points in tandem. The Haryana side ensured that they stayed in the lead for the rest of the game and eventually walked off the mat as the winners of the match.

The schedule for PKL Season 10 match on Sunday: 

Game 1: Bengal Warriorsvs Tamil Thalaivas – 8 pm

Game 2: Dabang Delhi K.C.vs Haryana Steelers – 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

WPL 2024 Auction: Delhi Capitals strengthen squad with exciting additions

Mumbai, 09 December 2023: The JSW-GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals made exciting additions to strengthen their squad at the TATA WPL 2024 Auction in Mumbai on Saturday. With three slots to fill, the runners-up of the inaugural edition bagged the Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland (INR 2 crore), along with the Indian uncapped duo of Aparna Mondal (INR 10 lakh) and Ashwani Kumari (INR 10 lakh).
 
The franchise acquired the services of Annabel Sutherland for INR 2 crore, which was the joint biggest buy of the WPL 2024 Auction. The 22-year-old, who was part of Gujarat Giants in the inaugural WPL edition, picked up three wickets in four matches. She is coming off an impressive WBBL campaign, where she picked up as many as 23 wickets and scored 288 runs in 14 matches for the Melbourne Stars Women. She was part of Australia’s 2023 ICC T20 World Cup-winning squad and has thus far played 22 T20Is and picked up 10 wickets.
 
Sharing his thoughts on acquiring Sutherland, Delhi Capitals Head Coach Jonathan Batty stated, “She was our number one target all the way through.  We identified her multiple skill sets- she is an outstanding batter, one of the leading wicket-takers in the WBBL recently, and was the best all-rounder in the competition last year. She has got leadership qualities as well and is a gun fielder. We are very happy we have got her.”
 
Wicketkeeper-batter Aparna Mondal, who was part of Delhi Capitals’ squad last season, was reacquired for INR 10 lakh, while Ashwani Kumari became the last buy of the WPL 2024 auction, purchased at INR 10 lakh. The 26-year-old all-rounder from Jharkhand was part of Gujarat Giants in the previous season. She scored 153 runs at a strike rate of 120.47 in seven matches of the recently held Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. She also featured for East Zone at the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal T20 Trophy, scoring 103 runs in five matches, including a quickfire 52 off 25 balls.
 
Speaking about the exciting additions to the squad, Delhi Capitals’ Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly, said, “The staff wanted Sutherland, Aparna and Ashwani, that’s what we discussed at the auction, and we got them. The squad has been good since last year, so it’s an addition. Hopefully, we play well as we did last year.”
 
Ganguly further added, “We are a good side and it’s the continuity of players who have performed well. Our Indian players are really good, and some of them who were part of us last year have now gone up a step higher to be in the national team, so that’s also an additional advantage.”
 
Delhi Capitals full squad for WPL 2024
 
Overseas Players: Meg Lanning (C), Jess Jonassen, Marizanne Kapp, Alice Capsey, Laura Harris and Annabel Sutherland
 
Indian Players: Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Taniyaa Bhatia, Minnu Mani, Sneha Deepthi, Titas Sadhu, Aparna Mondal, Ashwani Kumari