by Abhishek Shukla

MLS Announces MLS NEXT Development Grant Program, Continuing Commitment to Pro Player Pathway

NEW YORK(Tuesday, February 6, 2024) – Major League Soccer today announced the MLS NEXT Development Grant program, an initiative to recognize the significant contributions of MLS NEXT Elite Academies to the professional player pathway by continuing to invest in the youth development ecosystem.

The program provides compensation to MLS NEXT Elite Academies (non-MLS academy programs) for eligible players that progress through the professional player pathway, from MLS NEXT Elite Academy to MLS club academy to an MLS first team as a Homegrown player. The 2023-24 MLS NEXT season features more than 100 MLS NEXT Elite Academies in 30 different states.

The Development Grant program will provide additional opportunities for players across the United States and Canada to access the highest level of player development, while recognizing the considerable impact that clubs make in the early stages of an athlete’s development. The program has already compensated a total of more than $100,000 to eight different MLS NEXT Elite Academies for players that are retroactively eligible for the Development Grant. Detailed information on eligibility, funding mechanisms, notable quotes, and retroactive recipients can be found HERE.

What They Are Saying About the MLS NEXT Development Grant
“Adam Beaudry’s tenure at Real Colorado, from ages 9 to 16, embodied a journey marked by leadership and unwavering dedication. Real Colorado believes our impact extends from player development, into fostering a culture of teamwork and beyond with cohesion in our community. The club enthusiastically applauds the initiative of the Development Grant. We believe it will allow us to continue to elevate our standards as well as enrich the landscape of youth soccer, benefiting Real Colorado and the wider community alike.”– Clint Baumstark, Academy Director, Real Colorado

“Benjamin Cremaschi played an important role in securing a National Championship for Weston FC, showcasing teamwork and leadership. This achievement speaks to the winning culture in our Club. Benjamin’s legacy at the Club serves as an inspiration for all our players. He is a role model emphasizing that with grit, determination, and humility, dreams can become reality. We are very appreciative of the grant being provided to us by MLS NEXT. Weston FC provides significant financial aid to players and families in need. This grant will help to support players who otherwise would not have the opportunity to play with an MLS NEXT club like ours.” – Luis Mendoza, Technical Director, Weston FC

Player Development Impact on MLS First Teams
Through the continued investment in player development, MLS Homegrown players are now integral figures in the pro player pathway and club roster-building. Since the beginning of 2023, more than 70 different players signed MLS contracts as a Homegrown, 84% of those having played in MLS NEXT Pro. In 2023, nearly 175 different Homegrown players saw regular-season action and a record 187 goals were scored by those players, marking a 15% increase from the 2022 season. Of the 174 Homegrown players, exactly half of them (87) played in at least 50% of MLS regular-season matches.

MLS NEXT Graduates on the International Stage
The 2023 season saw many young academy graduates excelling in MLS, propelling them onto the international stage. Standout talents like Inter Miami CF midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi leveraged their MLS impact into a call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team in September. At the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, 23 current and former Homegrown players represented five different countries in Argentina and several of these players are also poised to join the U.S. Men’s National Team in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

A Continued Commitment to Funding Player Development
The Development Grant initiative is a continuation of Major League Soccer’s commitment to developing talent and fostering the growth of MLS NEXT Elite Academies around the country. Through just the second cycle of the MLS NEXT Delivering Access presented by DoorDash program, MLS NEXT and DoorDash have partnered to invest $250,000 across 12 different non-MLS clubs, funding that has helped open training centers, provide funding for player scholarships, hire staff, and identify and reach more players for financial aid.

by Abhishek Shukla

Ratified: Kiptum’s world marathon record

Kelvin Kiptum’s world marathon record of 2:00:35 set in Chicago last year has been ratified.

Kenya’s Kiptum became the first athlete to break 2:01 in a record-eligible marathon, taking 34 seconds off the world record at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on 8 October.

With that performance, Kiptum improved his PB by 50 seconds to surpass the world record of 2:01:09 set by his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge in Berlin on 25 September 2022.

Kiptum pushed the pace throughout the race in Chicago. He broke away from a seven-strong lead group after reaching 5km in 14:26, joined by his compatriot Daniel Mateiko. They were on world record pace at 10km, passed in 28:42, but the tempo dropped a little and they reached half way in 1:00:48.

After 30km was passed in 1:26:31, Kiptum kicked and dropped Mateiko. A blistering 5km split of 13:51 took him to the 35km checkpoint in 1:40:22 and he was on sub-2:01 pace, 49 seconds ahead of Mateiko.

Continuing to run with urgency, Kiptum passed 40km in 1:54:23 – after a 27:52 10km split. He went on to win the race by almost three and a half minutes, crossing the finish line in 2:00:35.

“I knew I was coming for a course record, but a world record – I am so happy,” he said. “A world record was not on my mind today, but I knew one day I would be a world record-holder.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Narender’s SUPER 10, Sahil’s HIGH FIVE keep Tamil Thalaivas alive in playoff race

DELHI, 6 FEBRUARY 2024: The Tamil Thalaivas kept their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive with a 32-25 win over the U.P. Yoddhas at the Thyagaraj indoor Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday. Their star raider Narender scored an impressive SUPER 10, while the team skipper and star defender Sahil Gulia got a HIGH FIVE, as the Tamil Thalaivas moved to eighth, just two places below the playoff spots. 

U.P. Yoddhas took an early lead as Gagana Gowda and Mahipal combined for seven raid points. For the Tamil Thalaivas, Narender was their main raider, but he did not get much support from his teammates. 

Just as U.P. Yoddhas were taking a decisive lead, the Tamil Thalaivas’ raiders upped the ante. While Narendar was their main threat, Sahil Gulia did well in the Left Corner with a HIGH FIVE as the team went into the first half with the score reading 21-16 in their search for a spot in the knockouts.

In the second half, the U.P. Yoddhas scored two consecutive points, putting the Tamil Thalaivas in a SUPER TACKLE situation. However, Himanshu ensured that they made up the points by scoring in a DO OR DIE Raid. This gave the Tami Thalaivas some momentum as they scored two consecutive points 

After losing the lead to the Tamil Thalaivas, the U.P. Yoddhas tried their best to come back into the game. Anil Kumar and Mahipal both had successful raids, but their defenders were unable to keep the Tamil Thalaivas and their raiders out of the points.

Narender kept his form up to complete his ninth SUPER 10 of the season as the Tamil Thalaivas began to take an unassailable lead. For the U.P. Yoddhas, their raiders were constantly caught by skipper Sahil Gulia, who kept the Tamil Thalaivas afloat in the race for a playoff spot with this important victory.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, 2023
Points Table
PositionTeamMatchesWonLostTiedPointsScore DiffPoints concededPoints scored
1Jaipur Pink Panthers1812337282543625
2Puneri Paltan17122371197472669
3Dabang Delhi K.C.1911536848633681
4Patna Pirates199735835667702
5Gujarat Giants181080553594597
6Haryana Steelers17106155-13625612
7Bengaluru Bulls1879248-42626584
8Tamil Thalaivas1981104524662686
9Bengal Warriors1778244-26650624
10U Mumba18610241-40694654
11U.P. Yoddhas18413129-54666612
12Telugu Titans18216016-214790576

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 7th February

Game 1 – Bengaluru Bulls vs Puneri Paltan- 8 pm

Game 2- Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Jaipur Pink Panthers- 9 pm

Venue: New Delhi

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

India punch ticket to final after thrilling win over hosts South Africa

The clash between unbeaten India and hosts South Africa lived up to its billing in the first semi-final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.

In a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, India secured a hard-fought victory, thanks to outstanding half-centuries from Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas. 

Saharan’s team will now have the chance to defend their title in the final on Sunday, 11 February.

India now await the winner of the second semi-final match between Australia and Pakistan on Thursday to see who they will face in the title clash.

India beat South Africa by 2 wickets in Benoni

South Africa 244/7 (50) vs India 248/8 (48.5)

After losing four tosses in the first four games, Uday Saharan got it right for the second in a row and chose to field first. This was the first time that India bowled first in the tournament, having batted in each of their five victories so far.

Once again displaying his customary aggression in the tournament, South Africa opener Steve Stolk took charge early on, hitting two fours in the first three overs. He continued his onslaught with a maximum off Raj Limbani in the fifth but it was the Indian pacer who had the last laugh as Stolk’s attempted cut resulted in an edge straight into the hands of the wicketkeeper.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius kept the foot on the pedal thereafter, including a six and a four against Naman Tiwari in the 8th over. At the other end though, Limbani was on the money and accounted for the wicket of David Teeger for a duck, rattling the stumps with a peach of an inswinger.

Undeterred by the loss of two wickets, Pretorius continued playing attacking shots, and by the end of the Powerplay, South Africa were going close to a run-a-ball.

Saharan decided to introduce his spinners into play, effectively curbing South Africa’s scoring – only five boundaries were scored in the span of overs 11 to 30.

However, the partnership between Pretorius and Richard Seletswane ensured a steady flow of runs, with Pretorius reaching his half-century off 59 balls.

With the run-rate at less than four, the mounting pressure got to Pretorius, who tried to swat Musheer Khan over mid-wicket, but Murugan Abhishek showed brilliant reflexes to hang on to a stunning catch.

The Proteas saw an uptick in boundaries when Seletswane and Oliver Whitehead combined for a 45-run partnership. Just as the partnership started to look dangerous, Musheer struck with the final ball of his spell, dismissing Whitehead.

South Africa’s decision to delay the entry of the dangerous Dewan Marais proved unsuccessful as he holed out to Saumy Pandey inches inside the boundary for just 3.

Between the two wickets, Seletswane brought up a patient half-century but having taken 90 balls to get to the milestone, the youngster fell trying to make up for the scoring rate.

Having hit Limbani for two fours in the 45th over, Seletswane tried to take the attack to Naman Tiwari in the next, but was undone by a good catch by Priyanshu Moliya running in from the deep.

Juan James too departed after a solid 19-ball 24-run cameo, leaving South Africa at 221/7 with two overs to go.

Tristan Luus gave the innings some much-needed impetus in the final two overs, unleashing two sixes and a four to finish with an unbeaten 23 off 12 balls. 

As a result, South Africa set India a target of 245. This was the first time a team had got past the 200-run mark against India in the tournament so far.

In the chase, South Africa started brilliantly, courtesy Kwena Maphaka’s breakthrough on the first ball of the innings. Adarsh Singh found himself helpless against a sharp bouncer, awkwardly prodding it to the keeper.

The short ball proved to be India’s downfall once more as Tristan Luus’ accurately-directed bouncer outsmarted the dangerous Musheer Khan, sparking massive celebrations in the South African camp following the dismissal of the leading run-scorer in the tournament.

India had to be patient, waiting until the seventh over for their first boundary, which came in the form of a maximum from Arshin Kulkarni off Maphaka. Unfortunately, that solitary moment of joy for India was short-lived, as their difficulties continued to mount with Arshin falling victim to Luus in the final over of the Powerplay.

India’s situation worsened when Moliya, who had managed to strike a boundary off the first ball of Luus’ over, departed while attempting a loose drive.

Facing a daunting situation at 32/4, captain Saharan and Sachin Dhas orchestrated a remarkable rescue mission with an impressive partnership. With runs drying up, the pair mixed caution with aggression to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Particularly targeting the bowling of Riley Norton, Dhas showcased his prowess by striking three boundaries in a single over, reclaiming some control for India. While Saharan held firm at one end, Dhas assumed the role of the aggressor, racing to a half-century off 47 balls to keep the required run rate under 6.

Saharan quickly found his rhythm with a splendid boundary off James, not only marking the 100-run partnership for the fifth wicket but also propelling himself past Musheer Khan to claim the top spot on the tournament run-scoring charts.

The partnership between the two was a masterclass in innings building and chasing, as they milked singles relentlessly while putting the poor deliveries away for boundaries. 

The skipper too got in on the act, reaching his fifty off 88 balls with a boundary as India inched closer to victory.

Just as the required run rate got to a run-a-ball, Dhas and Saharan dispatched James for a six and four respectively to calm the nerves in the Indian camp.

But there was another twist as South Africa hit back when Maphaka was reintroduced into the attack. He got the better of Dhas with a well-disguised slower ball, the batter falling agonisingly short of a century on 96. 

The wicket brought about a lull in scoring, and the mounting pressure became palpable. Aravelly Avanish displayed nerves of steel by striking a crucial boundary off Norton on the final ball of the 46th over.

Maphaka bowled the 47th over and made a big difference off the last ball of the spell with the wicket of Avanish, with Norton taking a good catch in the deep. Two balls later, the game turned on its head again when Abhishek Murugan fell victim to poor running, being caught short of his crease by a direct hit from Marais.

The two wickets put the pressure back on India but a six from an unlikely source – Raj Limbani – shifted the equation, bringing it down to nine runs required off the last two overs.

Saharan put to rest any hopes of a South African comeback with four off the first ball of the penultimate over. In another twist to the game, Saharan was run out trying to scramble for the winning run. 

However, Limbani came in clutch again and struck a four off the final ball of the over to continue their unbeaten run and book their berth in the final.

The Player of the Match, India captain Uday Saharan, shared insights in the post-match presentation after bailing the team out of early trouble.

“I just believed in myself [after coming out to bat]. I knew it was a matter of one partnership and the game would be ours. I just kept telling myself repeatedly that I needed to bat till the end.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Sachin, Sagar storm into quarters at 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament

Sofia, (Bulgaria), February 6, 2024: Former world youth champion Sachin and Commonwealth Games silver medalist Sagar entered the quarter-finals on day three of the ongoing 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Tuesday.

Sachin (57kg) was up against Uzbekistan’s Fayzov Khudoynazar in the pre-quarters and both the boxers came out with an attacking intent but it was Fayzov who took a slight advantage in the first round.

Sachin looked transformed in the second round and initiated a comeback by using his quick reflexes to dodge multiple attacks before landing some accurate jabs. In the third round, he was at his attacking best, leaving his opponent clueless with his sharp punches and quick movements, ultimately grabbing a phenomenal 3-2 win to enter the quarter-finals. He will now face Kapanadze Giorgi of Georgia on Friday to secure a place in the semifinals.

Sagar (92+kg) faced Lithuania’s Jazeviciius Jonas in the pre-quarters. The Indian pugilist looked completely in control of the game from the get-go as he put up a scintillating attacking display, making his way into the quarterfinals with a 5-0 unanimous decision win. Sagar will now take on Zokirov Jakhongir of Uzbekistan on Thursday.

Vanshaj (63.5kg) went down fighting in a close contest against Iran’s Habibinezhad Ali. Both the boxers were cautious in their approach and were looking to capitalize on counterattacks. Vanshaj had his moments of domination but eventually, the final verdict came against him as he lost the bout 2-3 to end his campaign.

Late on Monday, Arundhati Choudhary (66kg) made her way into the quarterfinals with a 4-1 win over France’s Sonvico Emilie. She will now face Matovic Milena of Serbia on Thursday. Manisha (60kg), on the other hand, went down 2-3 against Zidani Amina of France in the pre-quarters.

On Wednesday, five Indian pugilists will kick off their campaign in their respective pre-quarter bouts. Amit Panghal (51kg) will be in action against Rudyk Maksym of Ukraine, Akash (71kg) will take on Traore Makan of France and Deepak (75kg) will face Asankul Uulu Sultan of Kyrgyzstan,

Abhimanyu Loura (80kg) and Naveen Kumar (92kg) will go up against France’s Monny Raphael and Voisnarovic Darius of Lithuania, respectively.

The Strandja Memorial Tournament is one of Europe’s oldest international sports competitions and is witnessing the participation of over 300 pugilists from 30 countries.

by Abhishek Shukla

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty stuns second seed Nao Hibino; Rutuja Bhosale, Prarthana Thombare win at L&T Mumbai Open Tennis Championships

Mumbai, February 6: A day after wild carder Sahaja Yamalapalli sent the top seed Kayla Day of USA crashing out of the tournament, Indian qualifier Shrivalli Bhamidipatty pulled off another stunning upset, defeating second seed Nao Hibino of Japan in the first round of the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series Tennis Championships, being organized by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) and the Cricket Club of India (CCI) and played at the floodlit CCI courts on Tuesday.


Ranked No. 520 in the world and playing against a top 100 player for the first, the 22-year-old Bhamidipaty, who won two matches in qualifying to reach the main draw, recovered from the loss of the first set to oust the three-time WTA titlist Hibino 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (5) in two hours and 17 minutes. The Indian will take on 16-year-old Russian Alina Korneeva for a spot in the pre-quarter-finals.

Earlier in the day, Asian Games mixed doubles gold medallist Rutuja Bhosale scored a straight sets win over Thailand’s Peangtarn Plipuech 6-4, 7-5 to make it three Indians advancing to the second round of the biggest professional women’s tennis tournament in the country this year. Later, Indian No. 1 Ankita Raina went down tamely to American 8th seed Katie Volynets in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.

There was also good news for local fans in the doubles draw with India No 1 Prarthana Thombare and Dutch partner Arianne Hartono reaching the quarter-finals with a 6-4, 2-6, 10-6 upset win over the fourth-seeded Thai duo Luksika Kumkhum/ Peangtarn Plipuech.

Fourth seed Arina Rodionova, who created history this week by becoming the oldest woman to make her top 100 debut at the age of 34, scored a 6-2, 7-5 win over Dutch player Suzan Lamens.

The tournament’s third seed Tamara Zidansek pulled out of the tournament and was replaced by lucky loser Camilia Rosatello, who scored a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 win over Anastasia Tikhonova. Seventh seeded Kimberly Birrel was also knocked out in a two-hour, 35-minute battle, going down to Hungary’s Dalma Galfi 2-6, 6-4, 5-7.

Results – Singles (Round 1):
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty (IND) beat 2-Nao Hibino (JPN) 2-6, 6-1, 7-6(5);
4-Arina Rodionova (AUS) bt Suzan Lamens (NED) 6-2, 7-5;
Dalma Galfi (HUN) bt Kimberly Birrell (AUS) 6-2, 4-6, 7-5;
Polina Kudermetova bt Anastasia Zakharova 7-6 (8), 6-0;
Moyuka Uchijima (JPN) bt Carole Monnet (FRA) 6-3, 6-3
WC-Rutuja Bhosale (IND) Q-Peangtarn Plipuech (THA) 6-4, 7-5;
Storm Hunter (AUS) bt Q-Fanny Stollar (HUN) 3-0 retd.
Q-Amandine Hesse (FRA) bt Q-Lina Glushko (ISR) 6-1, 6-1;
LL-Camilia Rosatello (ITA) bt Anastasia Tikhonova 7-5, 3-6, 6-2.
8-Katie Volynets (USA) bt WC-Ankita Raina (IND) 6-4, 6-2

Doubles (Round 1): 
A Hartono (NED) / P. Thombare (IND) bt 4-L. Kumkhum (THA) / P. Plipuech (THA) 6-4, 2-6, 10-6.
C. Monnet (FRA) / E. Yashina def. V. Grammatikopoulou (GRE) / D. Semenistaja (LAT) 7-6, 6-4

by Abhishek Shukla

“Goal is to play Grand Slam Qualifiers this year” – Sahaja Yamalapalli dreams of bigger things after win over top seed at L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K

Mumbai, February 6: India’s Sahaja Yamalapalli had never played a WTA $125K event or a player ranked inside the top 100 in the world prior to Monday. But the 23-year-old displayed power-packed groundstrokes and nerves of steel to pull off an upset win over top seed Kayla Day in the first round of the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series Tennis Championships, being organized by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) and the Cricket Club of India (CCI), on Monday evening.

After the big win, Yamalapalli was thankful to tournament organizers for the wild card. “As you all know, I’m a wild-carder here in the tournament. I would like to thank MSLTA and Sunder (Iyer) Sir for giving me this opportunity to play on this big stage. To just be around these players, you start believing that you belong here. You see them, you play with them and you get that confidence and then you go on to the match like thinking, OK, you can do this. I was telling myself I can do this even though she’s the first seed. She’s top 100. I’ve never played a top 100 player before. It’s my first match playing a top 100 and I just wanted to give everything out there. In the end, I got a couple of match points and I was like shaking, like, Oh my God. Like I’m winning this. And I’m really glad that I was able to pull it off.”

“This is a big win for me, especially at this point of my career, it’s very motivating. It’s really pushing me to do better, push harder and more practices and really go out there and get more wins in, on the big stage. So I’m really happy to get this.”

Despite this being her first match against a top 100 player, Yamalapalli was not surprised at her level, having gained confidence to know that she can compete with players at the elite level.

“I mean, not really (surprised) because I know I can produce this type of tennis. It’s all mental. I was just preparing myself that I can do this because I was in the same position before against players in the top 200. And then I got this close and did not come on the winning side. At that time, I was a little bit less confident. But this time, all those experiences helped me for this match to go into that thinking like I can do this, I can beat anyone here. I was confident and just going for it.”

Having come through the American collegiate circuit and now training with PBI, Yamalapalli believes her fitness and physical strength have been some of the biggest improvements in her game.

“For sure, it’s fitness and physical strength. I’ve built a lot over the years and then my forehand has been the biggest strength in my game and the serve. Lately I’ve been working a lot on my serve because I have big groundstrokes. But my serve was very decent. So I was working on that for the past couple of weeks and today I was able to serve better than my last matches.”

Speaking about her goals for the season, Yamalapalli said her target is to play in the qualifying draws for the Grand Slams this year.

“I don’t want to say a ranking like a number. Of course, I want to build on this, keep working on my game. I think there’s still a lot more to learn and a lot more things to improve. There’s always things to improve. So I just want to take this match, take the confidence and motivation and keep going. And you know I want to at the end of the year play the qualifying at the Grand slams. I’m going to keep working hard and keep going towards it.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Virender Sehwag to captain Mumbai Champions in Indian Veteran Premier League

Dehradun (Uttrakhand) [India], February 6:Former Indian cricketing maestro Virender Sehwag is set to return to the field, this time as the captain of Mumbai Champions in the inaugural edition of the much-anticipated Indian Veteran Premier League (IVPL).

The IVPL, scheduled from February 23 to March 3, 2024, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, promises to be an enthralling display of cricketing excellence, with Sehwag at the helm of Mumbai Champions. The swashbuckling opener is excited to entertain his fans in the upcoming first edition of IVPL.

“I’m very excited to be part of the Indian Veteran Premier League (IVPL). I’ll be playing for Mumbai Champions. Let’s support Mumbai Champions and meet you all in Dehradun,” Sehwag said in a statement.

Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, who played 21 matches in the IPL, will also be seen in action for the Mumbai Champions. Another former IPL player Iqbal Abdulla will take the field alongside Sehwag in the IVPL.

Organized by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India (BVCI) and managed by 100 Sports, the IVPL promises an extraordinary showcase of cricketing talent, bringing together veterans such as Sehwag, Munaf Patel, Suresh Raina, Rajat Bhatia, Chris Gayle, Praveen Kumar, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs, and many more.

Shri Praveen Tyagi, the Acting President of BVCI and Chairman of IVPL said, “We are trying to create one of the best League in  India after IPL, we have added World’s best cricketers for the stature of Veteran Cricket, such as Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina. This will  infuse a new energy for Veteran Cricket in India as well as it will work like magic for Veteran Cricketers, who are living their passion for playing with International Cricketers from the World.”

The IVPL will witness fierce competition among six formidable teams, including VVIP Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan Legends, Red Carpet Delhi, Chhattisgarh Warriors, Telangana Tigers, and Mumbai Champions. Each team boasts a roster of iconic players from around the globe, enhancing the league’s allure and competitiveness. Each team will have four to five iconic players from across the World.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun is all set to be the epicenter of this cricketing extravaganza, providing fans with an unparalleled opportunity to witness their favourite cricketing icons in action. The matches will be broadcasted live in India on the Eurosport channel, DD Sports, and Fancode.

Tickets for the matches at the iconic Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium will soon be available for purchase. Fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the live cricketing extravaganza firsthand can secure their seats and be part of the electric atmosphere at the stadium.

by Abhishek Shukla

Bengal Warriors and Maninder Singh Delighted to be Back on Home Turf in Kolkata for PKL

Kolkata, 6 February, 2024: Among the founding franchises and a former champion in the Pro Kabaddi League, the Bengal Warriors, are back on home turf for the first time in 4 years, and for the first time after they won the title in 2019.

Led by the inimitable Maninder Singh and coached by K Bhaskaran and Prashant Surve, the Bengal Warriors are keen to make a splash during their home leg in the milestone Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League, which has also returned to the caravan format for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic.

In the City of Joy, at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, the Bengal Warriors will play the Gujarat Giants first on 9th February, then the Telugu Titans on 10th February, before wrapping up the leg with games against U Mumba (13 February) and Puneri Paltan (14 February).

The Bengal Warriors have their task cut out in the race for the playoffs for this season, and will hope to build some solid momentum during the home leg, and the last five games. However, the Bengal Warriors, dressed in their smart kits, are more quietly confident of putting on a good show for their home fans, and are hoping to give the people of the city enough and more reasons to rejoice in the first half of February.

“After we won the PKL title in Season 7, we could not come back and play at our home venue in Kolkata, in front of our home fans. Our fans in Bengal have always shown us a lot of love and we felt sad that we could not come back as defending champions in Season 8,” said Maninder Singh, Captain, Bengal Warriors.

“But, now that the PKL is back to the format of visiting the home venues of all the teams, the Bengal Warriors team is very happy. We love the city of Kolkata and its people, and we promise to play to the best of our ability when we take the mat at the Netaji Indoor Stadium. It is an iconic stadium and beautiful city, and we want our fans to take away the best memories from our four games in Kolkata. Apnara ashun aar dekhun amader, apnader bhalobasha chhara aar kichu chai na,” Maninder added.

“Kolkata is a city that loves its sports and has always shown immense adulation for their home teams. We hope that the Bengal Warriors family will come out and support us with full enthusiasm, and cheer us up, so that we find that extra bit of energy for the match-winning raid or tackle. We as a team are very much looking forward to the Kolkata leg, and hope to see our fans at the stadium,” said Apurv Gupta, Sr. VP & Head, Contact Sports (Capri Sports).  

“Nomoshkar Warriors, after 4 years our Bengal Warriors are coming back home to their home venue in Kolkata. We, the Warriors family, must come together and give our team the biggest and grandest welcome at the Netaji Indoor Stadium. I wish the Bengal Warriors team all the best for the remainder of the season,” said Akshay Kumar, Bollywood actor and Co-Owner of Bengal Warriors.

by Abhishek Shukla

South Asia’s inaugural Women’s Handball League launched in India

New Delhi, February 6, 2024: Marking a historic milestone, India is set to witness South Asia’s first-ever professional Women’s Handball League (WHL) which will be featuring prominent players from the Middle East, South East, Europe, and Africa.

The groundbreaking league is promoted by Pavna Sports Venture which is the official licensee holder, under the auspices of the South Asian Handball Federation, the Asian Handball Federation, and supported by the Handball Association of India.

With six teams set to compete in the inaugural edition, the league promises to be a game-changer for women’s handball in India by not only providing a transformative platform for players to showcase their skills but also creating a platform that will be able to churn future champions from the Sport.

The inclusion of players from around the globe will enhance the league’s diversity and competitiveness, promising to create a spectacle of best-in-class Handball action for sports fans across the country.

Commenting on the announcement of the revolutionary league during the press conference, Mr. Anandeshwar Pandey, League Chairman of the Handball Association of India & Secretary General of the South Asian Handball Federation expressed, “We are proud to be part of this historic moment as we launch India’s first Women’s Handball League. This league is a significant step forward in our mission to promote and develop women’s handball across the country. By joining forces with Pavna Sports Venture and the Asian and international bodies, our aim is to elevate the standard of women’s handball in India and provide our athletes with a world-class platform to compete at the highest level. This league marks the beginning of a new era for women’s handball as well as women’s sports for our country.”

India’s Girls Handball Team won the prestigious “Asian Presidents Cup” title for the first time in Jordan last year while the Indian Girls Junior Handball team also made history by winning the Gold Medal at the Asian Junior Girls Championship and qualified for the World Championship last year.

In the Asian Games 2022, the Indian women’s handball team secured the 5th position in the rankings.

Pavna Sports Venture is set to make a substantial investment of INR 100+ crores over the next three years in the sport to focus on infrastructure development, talent identification, and creating of top-notch coaching facilities for the game at grassroots level.

The WHL also plans to integrate foreign exchange programs as a crucial part of its grassroots development initiatives with the international federations to provide a holistic development platform for players that will provide them with the necessary exposure and experience to make their name in the sport both nationally as well as globally.

“As a Corporate group, Pavna Sports Venture is a strong advocate of women’s sports empowerment, believing that sports as a tool can facilitate the growth of an individual in multiple aspects The conception of the Women’s Handball League aims to bridge existing gaps not only in women’s handball but also in women’s sports across India. Our primary goal is to establish an inclusive ecosystem that empowers women’s handball to thrive and secure a premium position within Women’s Sports Leagues in India. Through this league, we will also aim to provide a platform for the New Generation Women to achieve financial, mental, physical, and emotional independence thereby empowering and inspiring millions of women throughout the country to embrace sports. We are aiming to launch the league by January 2025,” stated Mrs. Priya Jain, Executive Director of Pavna Industries & Chairperson of Pavna Sports Venture.

Handball is recognized as the fastest Olympic sport where two teams, each comprising seven players pass a ball using their hands, aiming to throw it into the opposing team’s goal.

A standard match is divided into two periods of 30 minutes each, and the team with more goals at the end of the match emerges as the winner.

Women’s handball in India has been on the rise with over 300,000 girls and women actively engaging in handball across various levels in India, representing schools, colleges, universities, CISF, CRPF, Railways, Services Sports Control Board (Army, Navy, Airforce), Sports Authority of India, Sports Promotion Board, and more.

by Abhishek Shukla

Australian Men’s Hockey Team arrives in Bhubaneswar for FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24

Bhubaneswar, 6th February 2024: The Australian Men’s Hockey Team landed in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday to begin their FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 campaign. The hockeyroos finished 7th in the previous campaign with 19 points.

The FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 (Men) is scheduled to take place at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar from 10th February to 16th February, before moving to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, where the league will continue from 19th February to 25th February. Five national teams – Ireland, The Netherlands, India, Spain, and Australia – will participate in the India leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 (Men), facing each other once in Bhubaneswar and once in Rourkela.

Australia will take on Spain in their first match of the season on 11th February, followed by a clash with Ireland on 13th February. They will take on hosts India on 15th February, before they face the Netherlands in the last match of the Bhubaneswar leg on 16th February.

Australia’s goalkeeper Andrew Charter commented on the importance of the Pro League saying, “Preparations have been pretty good, we have been working really hard on our conditioning, we just had a little break over Christmas and we are feeling confident coming in. This mini-tournament is enormous for us primarily for the Paris 2024 Olympics; we want to use this as an opportunity to train a lot of our structures, test new things and get some experience to our younger team members. So, this is really valuable for us. And we’re putting a lot of importance on it.”

“Everyone’s going to be hard to play against, but Holland are looking pretty good right now. So I think our two games against Holland are going to be a really good test and India with the home support in Bhubaneswar is always going to be hard. The crowd’s going to be massive. So we’re looking forward to it,” he added when asked about the other teams in the league.

All matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 will be streamed on JioCinema, additionally, all India matches will be telecast on Sports18 – Khel.

by Abhishek Shukla

Major League Soccer and EA SPORTS FC™ Pro Reveal eMLS 2024 Season Exclusively on EA SPORTS FC 24

NEW YORK (Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024) – Major League Soccer (MLS) and EA SPORTS FC Pro today revealed details for the upcoming eMLS 2024 season, which includes a new competitive platform and players for 22 clubs that represent the global growth of the league. The eMLS 2024 season marks the debut of EA SPORTS FC™ 24 as the exclusive platform for all eMLS matches and its inaugural season as part of a new era of esports with FC Pro. The competitive calendar will feature two marquee League Series events in February and March, concluding with the eMLS Cup on March 10 in Austin.
 
Former Canadian National Team and Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Tosaint “eightysvn”Ricketts, who made over 250 professional appearances in his decade-long career and was recently announced as the club’s 2024 eMLS athlete, will make his debut as the first former MLS player to compete in eMLS. As eMLS continues to grow on a global scale, this year’s edition will feature international stars like 2023 eMLS Cup champion Niklas “NR7”Raseck (Germany) with St. Louis City SC looking to defend his title, 2022 eMLS Cup champion Paulo “Paulo Neto ” Neto (Brazil) with Atlanta United, João Afonso “JAFONSO”Vasconcelos (Portugal) with New England Revolution, and Olle “Ollelito” Arbin (Sweden) with New York City FC.


“eMLS is excited to welcome new faces and have some of the world’s best return for the 2024 season,” said Jesse Perl, MLS VP of Brand Marketing. “Partnering with EA SPORTS FC Pro to bring the highest level of esports competition to North America is an important part of how MLS lives in culture and reaches our young, multicultural fans outside of the traditional gameday.”

The remote qualifiers and group stages of each League Series will be featured on each MLS club’s or player’s Twitch and YouTube channel, and fans can watch each event’s bracket on  Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/mls) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/mls ). Each league broadcast will showcase the top 12 remaining players and enhanced coverage for fans. The top two players within the eMLS Cup get direct bids to the FC Pro World Championship.
 
The season format will be as follows:

  • eMLS League Series 1: The 2024 season kicks off on Feb. 16 with remote qualifiers followed by the group stage on Feb. 17 and bracket final on Feb. 18.
  • eMLS League Series 2: The season continues March 1 with remote qualifiers, the group stage on March 2 and bracket final on March 3.
  • eMLS Cup: The season will conclude in Austin, with the group stage on March 9 and the fan-facing live bracket final on March 10.

eMLS is excited to bring back an all-star commentary crew, including host Faizal Khamisa, play-by-play announcer and reigning Esports Awards Caster of the Year Dan Gaskin, and commentator Mike Labelle.
 
“It’s exciting to welcome eMLS to EA SPORTS FC Pro,” said Sam Turkbas, Senior Director & Commissioner, Football Esports, Electronic Arts. “eMLS League Series and Cup format deliver exciting action to viewers throughout their season, expanding fandom and interaction with MLS clubs through EA SPORTS FC.  We are looking forward to hosting the eMLS Champion and runner-up at our inaugural FC Pro World Championship this year.”
 
Since the start of eMLS in 2018, the esports league continues to see annual increases in viewership and digital engagement. The 2024 season features a roster of notable partners, including TikTok, DoorDash, EA SPORTS and Avant.
 
All participating clubs have signed top talent including those listed below.

Atlanta United: Paulo “Paulo Neto” NetoNashville SC: Samuel “SaucySammy” Abraham
Austin FC: Diogo “Diogo” MendesNew England Revolution: João Afonso “JAFONSO” Vasconcelos
CF Montréal: Alix “Loux” LargerieNew York City FC: Ollie “Ollelito” Arbin
Charlotte FC: Gustavo “Gustavo” NascimentoNew York Red Bulls: Cormac “doolsta” Dooley
Columbus Crew: Christian “Chris Lopez” LopezOrlando City SC: Youssef “yaboyoussef“ Aboyoussef
D.C. United: Mohamed “KingCJ0” DiopPhiladelphia Union: Thiago Martin “ThiagoCapo12” Vazquez
FC Dallas: Alan “AlanAvi” AvilaSan Jose Earthquakes: Ben “BENR” Remez
Houston Dynamo FC: Jordy “JordyReyes” ReyesSeattle Sounders FC: George “GADAMOU10” Adamou
Inter Miami CF: John “K1john” KamelSt. Louis City SC: Niklas “NR7” Raseck
Los Angeles Football Club: Pablo “Pabs” GeorgakopoulosToronto FC: Christopher  “Didychrislito” Holly
Minnesota United: Ehsan “Lamps” ZakeriVancouver Whitecaps FC: Tosaint “eightysvn” Ricketts

by Abhishek Shukla

Zaragoza: Bengaluru FC fans are the fire in our veins, we need to bring joy to them

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza believes that the Blues need to spark a turnaround and play an attractive brand of football primarily to bring happiness back to their beloved supporters. The team is gearing up to host their southern rivals Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on February 7, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (IST). Zaragoza shares a special connection with the club, as he was the assistant to Carles Cuadrat when they won the title in 2018-19.

“We need to ensure that fans enjoy the price that they pay for our tickets”

Since then, he has coached in Greece and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but Zaragoza fondly remembers the sheer passion of the BFC faithful, and his straightforward objective at the moment is to give a memorable experience to the supporters flocking the stands in their home games.

“We are going day by day, match by match, this is a process. The only thing we want to do is to bring joy to our supporters. They are too important for us. They are the fire in our veins. When we are in the changing room and we go outside and listen to them, it’s amazing. The players know that not just the players, even when the other clubs come to the Kanteerava, they know the importance of our supporters. They pay a ticket to come to us, and when they go home, they need to say, ‘We enjoyed today’. This is the most important thing,” Zaragoza said.

Bengaluru FC saw some significant departures in the summer, most important, Udanta Singh and Sandesh Jhingan leaving for FC Goa. That surely took a hit on the club, as acknowledged by former head coach Simon Grayson before he was relieved from his duties. Throughout his career, he has coached in Spain, Georgia, UAE, Qatar, Greece, and India. The Blues are accordingly in a phase of transition this season, and Zaragoza is acknowledging the fact that he cannot burden the team with his demands straightaway. He understands that he needs to spend some time getting the current squad adapted with his ideas, and hence has adopted a pragmatic approach of finding a middle ground that works in the best interests of all stakeholders involved.

“We will see a nice change at BFC in a few months”

“It is something that I have learned from all the countries I have worked in. You need to have the capacity to adapt to the new country, new club, and new players. For me, in my style of life, I have a style of football, and I have these players, and I need to try to arrive in the middle and we have to try to arrive in the middle. That means that the players we have are the best at the moment. We are going to work hard,” Zaragoza said.

“We are on the right wave. We have a lot of young talented players who are knocking at the door and I am sure that we will see a nice change in a few weeks or months,” he added.

There is a sense of familiarity for Zaragoza at Bengaluru FC, primarily because of his former association with the club. Albert Roca is the technical consultant for the Blues, and he naturally had a key role to play in bringing Zaragoza back to the club. He is also in good touch with his former head coach Cuadrat, who is at the helm of East Bengal FC at the moment. He insists that his style of football is concerned with maintaining complete control over the proceedings.

“I know what Albert Roca means for the BFC and the city”

“I know what Albert Roca means for the BFC and the city. We have been friends for a long time. From when I was with Carles, we always said that maybe one day we will work together. We were always in touch, not only about BFC, but about football in general. I am a type of person that likes to have control over everything and in football, of course. I like to take control of the game, it means whether we have the ball or not, we control the situation. But this is a process that needs time to work, and needs the players to understand too,” Zaragoza said.

Whilst the campaign must not have resumed on the best of notes for the Blues, as the head coach said, they must be taking belief and confidence in returning to their base at the Sree Kanteerava. Their clashes against Chennaiyin FC have always produced fireworks, starting from their maiden final encounter in the 2017-18 season, where the Marina Machans triumphed. With both teams in the quest of a much-needed win, one can expect this match to be a terrific entertainer for the fans.

Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘Looking to finish at the top of the table,’ says Puneri Paltan’s Head Coach BC Ramesh

NEW DELHI, 06 FEBRUARY 2024: The Puneri Paltan became the second team to qualify for the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 Playoffs after registering a 30-30 tie with Dabang Delhi K.C. in New Delhi on Monday. When asked about qualifying for the playoffs, Puneri Paltan’s Head Coach BC Ramesh said, “We will certainly finish first or second in the league stage. I have no doubt about that. We’ll look to perform well in our upcoming games and finish at the top of the table.”

Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh made another crucial contribution to Puneri Paltan with 4 points against Delhi. Speaking about his impact on the side, Puneri Paltan’s Captain Aslam Inamdar said, “Shadloui is an important player for us. We speak a lot about our defensive and raiding strategies. He’s supporting all the players well in the team.”

Speaking about their next match, Aslam said, “We’ll look to back our strengths when we take on Bengaluru Bulls. We’ll correct the mistakes we made against Dabang Delhi K.C. ahead of our next game. The Bengaluru side is a good one and the best team will certainly win the match.”

When asked about his team’s strategies specifically for Bengaluru Bulls’ defender Surjeet Singh, Aslam said, “Surjeet is a very experienced player. He’s been playing for many seasons. We’ll definitely make a strategy to take on him. Our players will have to think properly before making a move against Surjeet.”

The Puneri Paltan will take on Bengaluru Bulls in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches today

Game 1 – Tamil Thalaivas vs U.P. Yoddhas – 8 pm

Venue: New Delhi

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

Mooney moves up in ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings

Australia batter Beth Mooney has advanced one place to third position in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings after smashing an unbeaten half-century against South Africa in the opening match of their ICC Women’s Championship series in Adelaide.

Mooney, who last week regained the number one position in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings, has overtaken South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and would be hoping to move back towards the top in the longer format, in which too she has been number one in the past.

Kim Garth and Ellyse Perry are the other Australia players to gain in the latest weekly update after Australia’s eight-wicket win that lifts them to the top of the ICC Women’s Championship points table. Australia are now on 20 points from 13 matches with South Africa second on 18 from 13.

Pakistan and New Zealand are on 16 points each after 18 and 15 matches, respectively, while England (15 from 12), India (15 from nine), Bangladesh (13 from 15), Sri Lanka (11 from 15), the West Indies (eight from 12) and Ireland (two from 12) follow in the 10-team league championship that will see hosts India and five other teams qualify directly for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with the bottom four teams getting a chance to make it through a qualifying tournament.

All-rounder Garth, who played for Ireland till 2019 before moving to Australia, has progressed four places to joint-38th in the bowling rankings after her Player of the Match performance of two for 18. Perry is up two places to 51st among bowlers and up to seventh in the all-rounders’ list.

South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has advanced from 10th to eighth position in the batting rankings after contributing 50 runs while Nadine de Klerk is up three places to 78th. In the bowling rankings, Masabata Klaas has progressed from 32nd to 26th position.

The T20I rankings see Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner (up one place to 11th), Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast (up eight places to 38th) and Zimbabwe’s Kelis Ndhlovu (up 13 places to 46th) make notable progress in the top 50 of the batting rankings. In the bowling rankings, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland (up 10 places to 24th) and Ireland’s Laura Delaney (up eight places to 48th) are among the main gainers.

by Abhishek Shukla

Box Office ticket sales commence for the Rourkela leg of FIH Pro League 2023/24 matches

Bhubaneswar, 6th February 2024: The Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneshwar has witnessed some scintillating matches in the FIH Pro League 2023/24 so far. With the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela also scheduled to witness the Indian Hockey Teams in action against some of the best teams in the world soon, Hockey India will begin the sale of offline tickets for the Rourkela leg of FIH Pro League 2023/24 on 8th February.

Starting Thursday, the offline tickets for North Stand and East Stand will be on sale at Gate No. 2 of the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium while the tickets for West Stand and South Stand will be sold at Gate No. 6 between 11.00 AM and 6.00 PM. The tickets for the West Stand and East Stand are priced at Rs.500 and Rs.200 respectively. Meanwhile, North Stand and South Stand tickets are priced at Rs.100.

The Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium will host 10 matches of the Women’s teams from 12th February to 18th February, followed by 10 matches of the Men’s teams from 19th February to 25th February. The Women’s teams participating in the mini-tournament are the United States of America, China, the Netherlands, Australia, and India and the Men’s teams that would be participating are the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Ireland, and India. Each team is scheduled to compete against each other once in this mini-tournament being held in Rourkela.

Commenting on the launch of the sale of physical tickets Dr. Dilip Tirkey, Hockey India President said, “Pro League action is set to continue in the state-of-the-art Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela and I am certain that the matches there will be just as entertaining. I implore hockey fans to turn up in droves and support the Indian Hockey Teams as they take on the best teams in the world.”

Details of the tickets for sale are as under for all days:

STANDSTICKET PRICE PER DAY (Rs.)
West Stand First FloorRs.500/-
East Stand First FloorRs.200/-
North Stand First FloorRs.100/-
South Stand First FloorRs.100/-

Earlier, Hockey India announced online ticket sales for all the Women’s and Men’s matches in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. Fans can avail of the match tickets from www.ticketgenie.in, and there will be no need for redemption for physical tickets of online purchases.

All matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 will be streamed on JioCinema, additionally, all India matches will be telecast on Sports18 – Khel.

by Abhishek Shukla

Michael Klinger joins Adani’s Gujarat Giants as head coach ahead of WPL 2024

Bengaluru, 6 February 2024: Ahead of Season 2 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), former Australia cricketer Michael Klinger has been appointed as the Head Coach for the Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants. The second season of the WPL will be played in Bangalore and New Delhi, with the tournament starting on 23 February at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. He joins the squad with legendary former Indian captain Mithali Raj, who is the Mentor and Advisor of the team, and Nooshin Al Khadeer, who has been the Bowling Coach since Season 1.  

Klinger most recently served as an assistant coach for Sydney Thunder, a team that finished fourth in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).  He also worked with Phoebe Litchfield, the new recruit to the Thunder, having served as the head coach of Melbourne Renegades Men’s team from 2019 to 2021.

Klinger attained legendary status in the Men’s BBL as a player. He retired in 2019 and left as the league’s highest ever run scorer. His experience in various aspects of the game will prove beneficial for the Gujarat Giants team. 

Speaking about his recent appointment as head coach, Michael Klinger said, “The Gujarat Giants have a chance to do something special in the Season 2 of the Women’s Premier League. I am eagerly looking forward to working with cricketing legend in Mithali Raj, who has played a transformative role in women’s cricket in India. Together with the Adani Sportsline family, Mithali Raj, and the rest of the team, I hope to take the team to ultimate glory.”

The appointment of Klinger was also lauded by Mithali Raj, Team Mentor and Advisor, “Working with Michael will help bring out the best in the Gujarat Giants players.  . His expertise with the bat is also well-known and will surely benefit some of the younger members of our team. We look forward to having Klinger in the dressing room. We are sure of attaining success with him as head coach.”

Sanjay Adesara, CBO, Adani Sportsline, said, “Michael Klinger is a very worthy addition to the Gujarat Giants and Adani Sportsline family. He has shown great pedigree in the BBL as both coach and player. This will surely help our team in the upcoming season of the WPL as well as in the future. He will work closely with Mithali Raj as the two guide our team to greater heights.”

Meanwhile, the Giants will take the field against the Mumbai Indians in their first match of the campaign on February 25, 2024.
 
About Adani Sportsline
Adani Sportsline is the sports arm of the diversified Adani Group, which has a presence in ports, logistics, energy, utility, infrastructure, electric power generation and transmission, mining, airport operations, natural gas, and food processing.
 
Formed in 2019, Adani Sportsline has an overarching philosophy to inculcate a culture of sports at the grassroots level and create globally competitive opportunities for future champions in India. In line with the group’s vision of nation-building, the company aims to build a world-class ecosystem that nurtures sporting talent, accelerates the sports economy, and plays the role of an enabler in India’s journey to become a leading sporting nation.

by Steve Murphy PL

Foden’s Hat-trick Powers Manchester City Past Brentford

In a captivating Premier League encounter, Phil Foden’s remarkable hat-trick rallied Manchester City to a 3-1 victory over Brentford, narrowing the gap to league leaders Liverpool to just two points. Despite Brentford’s initial lead through Neal Maupay, City’s resilience, spearheaded by Foden’s brilliance, showcased their championship mettle.

Brentford’s lineup saw a single alteration from their previous match, integrating Sergio Reguilon in place of Keane Lewis-Potter. Manchester City welcomed the return of Erling Haaland, marking his first start since early December, alongside other key players such as Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva.

The match began with City asserting their dominance, though Brentford’s Mark Flekken was outstanding, denying several attempts from City’s attackers. Against the run of play, Maupay’s precision gave Brentford the lead, with Ivan Toney’s physicality crucial in the buildup, although Flekken’s long ball ultimately secured him the assist, marking a rare goalkeeper contribution in the Premier League.

City’s response was immediate, with Haaland nearly equalizing if not for Flekken’s heroics. However, Foden’s persistence paid off just before halftime, exploiting a defensive lapse from Ethan Pinnock to level the scores.

The second half saw Foden continue where he left off, quickly adding to his tally with a header from Kevin De Bruyne’s cross. Despite Brentford’s attempts to rally back, spearheaded by Maupay and Toney, City’s defense held firm.

Foden completed his hat-trick with a composed finish, solidifying City’s win and contributing to a record-breaking Matchweek with 45 goals across the league. This victory marks City’s fifth consecutive win, positioning them as strong contenders in the title race, just two points behind Liverpool.

Brentford’s struggle continues, with this defeat adding to a series of losses that sees them precariously placed above the relegation zone. As Manchester City looks to build on this momentum, Brentford faces the daunting task of regaining form to ensure their Premier League survival.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Engvall’s Late Goal Secures Islanders’ Comeback Win Over Maple Leafs

TORONTO — In a dramatic finish at Scotiabank Arena, Pierre Engvall’s go-ahead goal with just over two minutes left in the third period lifted the New York Islanders to a 3-2 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. Engvall, facing his former team for the first time since being traded to the Islanders, found the back of the net in a moment that was both poignant and pivotal, snapping his recent scoring drought.

The Islanders, who had been struggling with three consecutive losses and only one win in their previous eight games, found much-needed momentum with this victory. Coach Patrick Roy highlighted the team’s resilience, especially after the Maple Leafs tied the game late in the third period, praising the Islanders for maintaining their focus and seizing the opportunity to clinch the win.

Toronto’s John Tavares, who had a goal and an assist, tied the game on a power play with 4:48 remaining, setting the stage for Engvall’s dramatic winner. Tavares and Mitchell Marner, who also scored for the Maple Leafs, couldn’t prevent the team from succumbing to the Islanders’ late push.

The Islanders’ victory was underpinned by strong performances across the board. Mathew Barzal and Kyle MacLean also scored, with MacLean netting his first NHL goal in memorable fashion. Ilya Sorokin’s goaltending was crucial, stopping 35 shots and providing the defensive backbone needed for the win.

Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe expressed frustration over the team’s mistakes that led to New York’s goals, particularly the second and third, which he described as “gifts.” Despite battling back to level the score, the Maple Leafs’ inability to capitalize on their momentum ultimately led to their downfall.

Barzal’s opening goal set the tone for the Islanders, and MacLean’s breakaway goal showcased his potential in just his sixth NHL game. On the other side, the Maple Leafs’ Marner continued his impressive form, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for Toronto.

The Islanders’ win, marked by Engvall’s critical goal against his former team, illustrates the tight competition in the NHL and the importance of seizing opportunities. As the Islanders look to build on this victory, the Maple Leafs will aim to regroup and address the errors that cost them crucial points in the standings.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Lafrenière’s OT Goal Lifts Rangers Over Avalanche in Thrilling Comeback

NEW YORK — Alexis Lafrenière became the hero in overtime, leading the New York Rangers to a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Lafrenière’s wrist shot 1:53 into overtime, set up by Mika Zibanejad and an adventurous play by goaltender Jonathan Quick, capped a resilient comeback by the Rangers.

Quick, who nearly turned the puck over before aiding in the game-winning rush, made light of his decision to skate out far from the net, attributing the successful outcome to a bit of luck after his initial hesitation. He finished the night with 31 saves, contributing significantly to the Rangers’ win.

The game saw Artemi Panarin tie the score in the third period, setting the stage for Lafrenière’s overtime heroics. This victory marked a positive start post-break for the Rangers, building momentum from their last win against the Ottawa Senators.

Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon continued his impressive streak, scoring in the first period and extending his point streak to 14 games. Despite his efforts, the Avalanche couldn’t capitalize on early power play opportunities, something coach Jared Bednar acknowledged could have changed the game’s outcome.

The Avalanche, led by goaltender Alexandar Georgiev’s 27 saves, faced a relentless Rangers squad that gradually found their stride as the game progressed. Coach Peter Laviolette praised his team’s ability to adjust to the Avalanche’s speed, especially after MacKinnon’s opening goal highlighted the need for strategic changes.

Despite trailing early and facing a formidable opponent, the Rangers’ persistence paid off, with Panarin’s tying goal in the third period breathing new life into their game. This set the scene for Lafrenière’s overtime winner, which sent the Garden crowd into a frenzy.

The Avalanche, despite a strong start and a standout performance from MacKinnon, will reflect on missed opportunities, particularly in power play situations. Meanwhile, the Rangers look to build on this win, leveraging the confidence gained from a successful comeback and an exhilarating finish.

As the NHL season progresses, both teams will aim to capitalize on their strengths while addressing areas of improvement highlighted in this closely contested matchup. For the Rangers, Lafrenière’s clutch performance in overtime is a reminder of their depth and resilience, qualities that will be crucial in their pursuit of success this season.

by Richard Miller (US)

Ingram’s Historic Night Powers Pelicans Past Raptors 138-100

NEW ORLEANS — Brandon Ingram delivered a masterclass performance Monday night, propelling the New Orleans Pelicans to a commanding 138-100 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Ingram’s season-high 41 points were accompanied by a career-high eight 3-pointers, a feat highlighted by an electric third quarter where he sank six from beyond the arc.

Ingram’s efficiency was off the charts, connecting on 16 of his 21 shots and dishing out nine assists in just 30 minutes of play. His third-quarter barrage of five consecutive 3s led to a well-deserved standing ovation as he took his rest for the night, leaving the court with a broad smile.

Pelicans coach Willie Green praised Ingram’s performance, emphasizing the team’s encouragement for him to take more open shots, particularly from the 3-point line. Ingram’s historic outing made him the first NBA player to score at least 40 points, make at least eight 3-pointers, shoot 75% from the field, and not commit a single turnover in the same game, according to STATS.

CJ McCollum also shone brightly, contributing 20 points and helping the team’s 3-point shooting spree with six of their 19 made 3-pointers. The Pelicans’ fast and smart play was evident throughout the game, leading to their third consecutive win and handing the Raptors their eighth loss in nine games.

Raptors rookie Gradey Dick provided a silver lining for Toronto with a season-high 22 points, including four 3-pointers. However, the Raptors struggled to find their rhythm, coming off a double-overtime loss at Oklahoma City the previous day. Coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the fatigue but stressed the unacceptable performance, highlighting the team’s failure to compete at their usual level.

In addition to Ingram’s stellar performance, Zion Williamson added 16 points, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Pelicans led by as much as 21 points early in the game, with Toronto briefly cutting the deficit thanks to Dick’s unexpected first-half surge.

The game saw the Pelicans’ bench, including Jose Alvarado, making the most of extended minutes in the fourth quarter, adding to the Raptors’ woes.

As the Raptors look to rebound against Charlotte in their six-game trip finale, the Pelicans set their sights on a challenging four-game road trip beginning with the Clippers. Ingram’s historic night not only showcases his individual talent but also underscores the Pelicans’ depth and potential as they continue to make strides in the league.

by Richard Miller (US)

Clippers Conclude Road Trip with High-Scoring Victory Over Hawks

ATLANTA — The Los Angeles Clippers capped off an impressive road stretch with a thrilling 149-144 win against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, showcasing their offensive prowess in a game filled with high-flying moments and sharpshooting. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 36 points, including a pivotal 11 in the fourth quarter, while James Harden contributed a double-double with 30 points and 10 assists, and Paul George added 18 points.

The Hawks, riding a four-game winning streak and bolstered by Trae Young’s 25 points and De’Andre Hunter’s 27 from the bench, faced a Clippers team that was determined to finish their 13-day, 6-1 road trip on a high note. Despite the Hawks’ efforts, Los Angeles’ offensive efficiency and clutch play in the final minutes secured their victory.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised his team’s performance, highlighting the challenge of facing high-caliber teams and the significance of their 6-1 record on this road trip. Lue emphasized the importance of ball security, a strength that was evident as the Clippers only committed seven turnovers and shot an impressive 60% from 3-point range.

Leonard, named the Western Conference player of the week, was instrumental in the game’s decisive moments. His late-game heroics, including a crucial 3-pointer and a three-point play, helped extend the Clippers’ lead. Harden’s banked-in 3-pointer while being fouled with just over a minute left played a significant role in clinching the win for Los Angeles.

Despite the offensive showcase, Lue expressed concern over the Clippers allowing 43 points in the fourth quarter and emphasized the need for defensive improvement upon returning home.

The game was tightly contested, with a buzzer-beating 3 by Daniel Theis at the end of the third quarter giving the Clippers a slim lead heading into the final period. The absence of Hawks center Clint Capela due to a left adductor strain and Clippers center Ivica Zubac with a right calf strain had an impact, but both teams adapted with their available rosters.

As the Clippers look forward to hosting the New Orleans Pelicans and the Hawks prepare for a challenging matchup against the Boston Celtics, both teams will aim to build on their performances. For the Clippers, this victory not only marks a successful conclusion to their road trip but also solidifies their position as a formidable force in the league as they improve to 26-5 since Nov. 30.

by Richard Miller (US)

Warriors Overcome Slow Start to Defeat Nets 109-98

NEW YORK — In a challenging season for Golden State, the Warriors secured a much-needed victory against the Brooklyn Nets, 109-98, despite a sluggish beginning and an overall poor shooting performance from beyond the arc on Monday night. Stephen Curry led the way with 29 points, while Jonathan Kuminga contributed a significant 28 points and 10 rebounds, helping the team to recover from an overtime loss in Atlanta.

The game began with the Warriors struggling, making only 2 of 11 three-point attempts in the first half and committing 10 turnovers. However, they managed to turn the game around in the second half, outscoring the Nets 66-49. Remarkably, all of Golden State’s four three-pointers in the game were made by Curry, highlighting the team’s overall shooting woes but also Curry’s crucial contributions.

“It was ugly on both sides but…thankfully in the second half we made the right adjustments and took control and never looked back,” Curry remarked on the game’s flow and the adjustments Golden State made to secure the win.

This victory was notable as the Warriors hadn’t won a game when shooting under 19% from 3-point range since a game against Boston in March 2014, before their championship era began. Kuminga’s performance was especially significant, as he reached 20 points for the ninth time in his last 10 games, indicating his rising importance to the team.

The Warriors also excelled in rebounding, outdoing the Nets 60-38 and securing a 23-7 advantage in second-chance points, which played a key role in their victory. Despite the offensive struggles, Draymond Green’s all-around performance with eight points, nine rebounds, and seven assists contributed to the Warriors’ dominance in non-scoring aspects.

For the Nets, Cam Thomas led with 18 points, but had a poor shooting night with 4 for 21 from the field. The Nets, who had impressive scoring games recently, could not replicate their offensive success, shooting just 38% overall and having off nights from key players like Mikal Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie.

The rebounding issue was pinpointed by Nets coach Jacque Vaughn as a critical area of concern, emphasizing the need for improvement in that aspect to maintain competitiveness.

The game also set the stage for an intriguing matchup, with the Nets hosting Dallas in Kyrie Irving’s return to Brooklyn following the game. The Nets hope to address their inconsistencies and rebound from this loss, while the Warriors aim to build on this victory as they continue their season.

Golden State’s win, underlined by Curry’s leadership and Kuminga’s emerging talent, provides a glimmer of hope and a blueprint for success despite the challenges they’ve faced this season. As they prepare to visit Philadelphia, the Warriors will look to maintain their momentum and continue making the necessary adjustments to compete at a high level.

by Richard Miller (US)

Lakers Edge Hornets for Third Straight Win Amid Trade Deadline Speculation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Anthony Davis notched his third career triple-double with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists, guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-118 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. This win marks the Lakers’ third consecutive triumph, adding momentum as they wrapped up a 4-2 road trip amid swirling NBA trade deadline rumors.

D’Angelo Russell led the scoring for the Lakers with 28 points, while LeBron James contributed 26, showcasing the potential of the Lakers’ roster when firing on all cylinders. Davis emphasized the team’s capability, stating, “When we put our minds to it, we can beat any team in this league,” highlighting their defensive efforts and cohesive play as key factors in their success.

The future composition of the Lakers remains uncertain with the NBA trade deadline looming. LeBron James, when questioned about the team’s readiness to contend for the NBA title with the current lineup, expressed his contentment with the team’s chemistry, avoiding speculation on potential roster changes.

The Hornets, despite being short-handed, saw outstanding performances from Miles Bridges and rookie Brandon Miller. Bridges exploded for a career-high 41 points, while Miller continued his impressive rookie campaign with 33 points, including five 3-pointers. Miller’s back-to-back 30-point games are a first for a Hornets rookie, highlighting his growing confidence and the support of his teammates.

Los Angeles dominated the first half, shooting 64% from the field and establishing a 74-58 lead at halftime, fueled by Russell’s and James’ dynamic scoring. James delivered several memorable plays, including a powerful dunk over the Hornets’ defense, while Davis’s presence inside proved too much for Charlotte to handle, especially in the absence of center Mark Williams due to a back injury.

The Lakers extended their lead to 21 points in the third quarter, but the Hornets rallied behind Miller’s fourth-quarter heroics. Charlotte managed to cut the lead to four points with two minutes remaining, but a crucial defensive play by Davis and subsequent free throws by Austin Reaves secured the win for Los Angeles.

As the Lakers prepare to host the Denver Nuggets and the Hornets gear up for a home game against the Toronto Raptors, both teams face crucial junctures in their seasons. For the Lakers, the question remains whether their current roster can sustain their winning form and make a deep playoff run amidst trade deadline uncertainties.

by Richard Miller (US)

Mitchell’s Highlight Play Sparks Cavaliers to Victory Over Kings

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers’ impressive run continued with a dominant 136-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings, marking their sixth consecutive win and 14th in the last 15 games. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s All-Star guard, led the charge with a 29-point performance, highlighted by an inventive self-assist dunk that captivated fans and underscored the team’s high spirits and creativity on the court.

Max Strus contributed significantly with 22 points, helping the Cavs to match a season-high with 23 3-pointers. This victory not only extended their home winning streak to nine games but also elevated them to second place in the Eastern Conference, showcasing their resilience and depth amid injuries to key players Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.

Mitchell’s spectacular play, a left-handed toss off the backboard followed by a dunk, was emblematic of a team finding ways to win and entertain. Reflecting on the moment, Mitchell shared, “Sometimes you just make (stuff) up,” highlighting the spontaneity and confidence permeating the squad.

The Cavaliers have been a revelation since December 16, boasting a league-best 19-4 record despite the absence of Garland and Mobley. Their return has only bolstered the Cavs, who are now fully healthy and demonstrating a formidable blend of offensive firepower and cohesive team play as they approach the All-Star break.

Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis notched his 15th triple-double of the season, a testament to his individual brilliance, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cleveland’s balanced attack. The Kings, concluding a season-long seven-game trip with a 5-2 record, faced a Cleveland team that was relentless from beyond the arc and efficient in transition, leaving Kings coach Mike Brown to commend the Cavs’ exceptional shooting performance.

Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley made significant contributions, with Allen scoring 19 points and Mobley adding 14 rebounds and seven assists, showcasing the depth and versatility that make the Cavaliers a formidable contender.

As the Cavaliers continue their ascent in the Eastern Conference, Mitchell’s announcement of his participation in the All-Star 3-Point contest adds another layer of excitement for the team and its fans. With their eyes set on a deep playoff run, Cleveland is demonstrating that they are a force to be reckoned with, capable of making a significant impact in the postseason.

The Cavaliers next face the Washington Wizards, aiming to maintain their momentum and solidify their standing as one of the top teams in the league. Meanwhile, the Kings return home to face the Detroit Pistons, looking to regroup and build on their positive road trip results.