by Abhishek Shukla

Embiid and Maxey Set Franchise Record, Leading 76ers to 124-109 Victory Over Magic

ORLANDO, Fla. – Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey led the Philadelphia 76ers to a dominant 124-109 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. The duo each scored over 30 points, marking the eighth time this season they have achieved this feat, breaking a 58-year-old franchise record set by Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer in the 1965-66 season.

Embiid, the NBA’s leading scorer, tallied his franchise-record 19th straight game with 30 or more points, despite not playing in the fourth quarter. Maxey, who has scored 20 or more points in 11 straight games, took charge in the final quarter, expanding the 76ers’ lead while Embiid rested.

76ers coach Nick Nurse praised the duo, acknowledging the potential for further growth, especially for Maxey. Maxey’s performance in the fourth quarter was highlighted by Embiid, who referred to him as the team’s best player during crunch time.

Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Jalen Suggs added 16 points. Rookie Paolo Banchero contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

The victory marked the 76ers’ ninth consecutive road win with Embiid in the lineup, highlighting his significant impact on the team. Embiid’s 28 first-half points set the tone for the game, drawing praise from Magic coach Jamahl Mosley for his MVP-level play.

Embiid’s efficient scoring included making all 11 of his free throws, totaling 36 points in just 31 minutes of play. The 76ers’ strong performance was punctuated by an 11-0 run, featuring Embiid and Maxey, which established a commanding lead.

The Magic, missing forward Franz Wagner due to an ankle injury, struggled to contain the 76ers’ offensive firepower.

Looking ahead, the 76ers face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, while the Magic host the Miami Heat on Sunday. As the season progresses, the 76ers will look to build on their strong performances, particularly from their dynamic duo of Embiid and Maxey.

by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: Sobhy Delights Home Crowd To Reach Round Three Of J.P. Morgan Tournament Of Champions

USA’s Sabrina Sobhy delighted her home crowd with an excellent 3-0 triumph against Sivasangari Subramaniam to book her place in round three of the 2024 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions in New York.

Sobhy, who was meeting Subramaniam for the second time on the PSA World Tour in the space of a couple of months, avenged her defeat at the Hong Kong Football Club Open to progress to the third round by winning 11-9, 11-7, 11-4.

“Coming into this match I thought it was going to be closer. I knew it was going to be really hard – the score didn’t necessarily display how difficult it was,” she said.  

“Siva [Subramaniam] is always such a threat; if you ever give her anything open it could be in the nick immediately.  

“I tried to be focused and present. At the end when I had a comfortable lead I couldn’t think about winning at all because I knew she could have easily got six, seven, eight points in a row.  

“She has that much talent and that much capability and it’s always going to be a battle regardless.” 

In the men’s draw, reigning champion Diego Elias made a successful start to his title defence by dispatching tournament wildcard Andrew Douglas 3-0, while World No.27 Nathan Lake pulled off the biggest shock result of the day, coming back from one game down to defeat World No.16 Mohamed ElSherbini.

Round three of the 2024 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions begins tomorrow from 12:00 (GMT-5), with the top half of the draw. All eight matches will be held at the iconic all-glass court inside Grand Central Terminal and streamed live on SQUASHTV.

Stay up to date on the 2024 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions on the PSA website or by following the PSA on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

Results: J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions 2024 Men’s RD2

[4] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt Patrick Rooney (ENG) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 (48m)

Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) bt Greg Lobban (SCO) 3-0: 11-5, 15-13, 11-8 (42m)

Nathan Lake (ENG) bt Mohamed Elsherbini (EGY) 3-1: 9-11, 12-10, 11-3, 11-6 (49m)

[5] Mohamed Elshorbagy (ENG) bt Cesar Salazar (MEX) 3-0: 11-7, 11-8, 11-3 (37m)

[6] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt Auguste Dussourd (FRA) 3-1: 7-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8 (51m)

Fares Dessouky (EGY) bt Miguel Rodriguez (COL) 3-1: 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8 (61m)

Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) bt Nick Wall (ENG) 3-1: 13-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-5 (53m)

[2] Diego Elias (PER) bt [WC] Andrew Douglas (USA) 3-0: 11-4, 11-5, 11-8 (39m)

Results: J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions 2024 Women’s RD2

[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt Sana Ibrahim (EGY) 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-5 (39m)

Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt Lucy Turmel (ENG) 3-0: 14-12, 11-8, 11-7 (41m)

Amina Orfi (EGY) bt Nadine Shahin (EGY) 3-0: 11-3, 11-5, 11-6 (26m)

[7] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt [WC] Caroline Fouts (USA) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 (31m)

[6] Nour ElTayeb (EGY) bt Emily Whitlock (WAL) 3-0: 11-6, 11-4, 13-11 (36m)

Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bt Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) 3-0: 11-9, 11-7, 11-4 (37m)

Mariam Metwally (EGY) bt Zeina Mickawy (EGY) 3-0: 11-4, 11-5, 11-8 (25m)

[2] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt Rachel Arnold (MAS) 3-0: 11-1, 11-4, 11-6 (23m)

Draw: Men’s RD3 – to be played January 20

[1] Ali Farag (EGY) v Baptiste Masotti (FRA)

Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) v [8] Tarek Momen (EGY)

[7] Marwan Elshorbagy (ENG) v Victor Crouin (FRA)

Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) v [3] Paul Coll (NZL)

Draw: Women’s RD3 – to be played January 20

[1] Nour ElSherbini (EGY) v Malak Khafagy (EGY)

Lucy Beecroft (ENG) v [8] Olivia Weaver (USA)

Salma Hany (EGY) v Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY)

Satomi Watanabe (JPN) v [3] Hania El Hammamy

Draw: Men’s RD3 – to be played January 21

[4] Mostafa Asal (EGY) v Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY)

Nathan Lake (ENG) v [5] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY)

[6] Mazen Hesham v Fares Dessouky (EGY)

Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) v [2] Diego Elias (PER)

Draw: Women’s RD3 – to be played January 21

[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) v Rowan Elaraby (EGY)

Amina Orfi (EGY) v [7] Tinne Gilis (BEL)

[6] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) v Sabrina Sobhy (USA)

Mariam Metwally (EGY) v [2] Nouran Gohar (EGY)

by Abhishek Shukla

‘Excited to take the field with David Warner and Dubai Capital’, says Sam Billings

Dubai, 20th January 2024: The DP World ILT20 is back with a bang as the Dubai Capitals will look to kickstart their campaign in style with a massive clash against the MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, January 20. A varied range of players will take the field for the Dubai Capitals in the second season, led by Australian David Warner, who will don the captaincy badge in the upcoming edition of the tournament for the GMR Sports-owned side.

Speaking to media ahead of the tournament star batter Sam Billings, shared his excitement at the prospect of sharing the dressing room with a T20 World Cup winner in Warner.

“Great to play for the Dubai capitals in the ILT20. Fantastic opportunity to play with David Warner, having played multiple times against him. It is a lot better having him on our side this time. We have a quality side all the way from the top to the bottom. It’s going to be a tough competition but one that we are very excited for,” he said.

Meanwhile, Warner will have a brilliant pool of experience to work with as the side chases an improvement from their fourth-place finish in the first season of the ILT20. The retentions of Dasun Shanaka, Rovman Powell, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sikandar Raza will add firepower to both their bowling and batting units, while Joe Root, Roelof van der Merwe, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Sam Billings are all expected to play key roles in their team’s success in the second season.

At the same time, Billings reiterated the importance of bowling first in the ILT20, given the playing conditions. “Pitches always have an impact in such tournaments. They get slower as the tournament progresses. Getting early wickets is important because then it becomes very difficult for the chasing team. This is where the new ball plays a very important role in getting wickets early. The pitch conditions over here generally show that it is a chase-friendly pitch and the dew will play a major factor as well,” he added.

Such a rich group of experience is sure to benefit the GMR Sports-owned Dubai Capitals, with players like Akif Raja and Mohammad Mohsin among their ranks. This a sentiment was also echoed by their star all-rounder Powell. “The cricketers of UAE especially the young players now have the option of talking and learning from many international stars who come to play in the international League T20 and this will surely benefit them in the long run,” added Powell ahead of their first match of the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

Rohan Bopanna opens up on 500 career wins despite ‘challenging conditions’ at Australian Open

Mumbai, 20th January 2024: Still going strong at 43, Rohan Bopanna made India proud after marking his 500th career win in professional tennis at Australian Open 2024. “It’s a truly special feeling that I got myself to 500 wins. There have been a lot of sacrifices in this journey and lot of people were with my during this time,” he expressed to Sony Sports Network’s expert panellist on the studio show Extraaa Serve, Somdev Devvarman.

Bopanna, along with men’s doubles partner Matthew Ebden, went on to bag his 501st win in the second round of the tournament as the pair downed Aussie pair John Millman and Edward Winter in straight sets. With 21 career titles, Rohan Bopanna is one of India’s most decorated tennis professionals. He has been quite the journeyman in tennis and has adapted his style of play a lot over the years. 

While shedding light on how he still manages to come through, Bopanna explained, “It was very difficult to not be able to serve & volley which I was always taught to do and was my style. I had to manage it and find new ways of playing that worked while playing at the highest level. Back in 2020 during the pandemic, I started doing the Iyengar yoga and that significantly made a positive impact on my health. I could do 90-minute sessions for four times a week.”

“I think mentally also I became much stronger,” he continued. “I was clearer in the way I was thinking while playing tennis. That made a great difference it resulted in a great last year for me as I enjoyed myself being on the court.”

Bopanna also spoke about the challenging conditions at Australian Open and having to push his boundaries to get them wins. “It’s really tricky, the conditions in Melbourne. When it is windy, tennis is really different. You can’t go after your serve, you have to play the percentage game. That is really not my style and I had to work really hard with my legs. But thankfully, we got through,” he concluded.

Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden will next take on Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic in their men’s doubles third round match on Sunday, 21st January 2024, only on Sony Sports Network.

by Abhishek Shukla

Defending Olympic champions Belgium qualify for Paris along with Spanish men and Japanese women

Lausanne, Switzerland: Defending Olympic champions Belgium made sure they’ll be in Paris to defend their men’s title later this year by winning their semi-final clash with Korea 4-0 at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 in Valencia on Friday.

Also booking their Olympic spot were Spain who fought hard for their 2-0 victory over Ireland. Korea and Ireland have one last shot at qualifying – the winner of their bronze-medal playoff earning their place in Paris.

That’s how the Japan women earned their spot – by beating India 1-0 in their bronze-medal match in Ranchi. The Indian women finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago but will miss out on the 2024 Games.

Ranchi (W)

The women’s tournament in Ranchi wrapped up with all eyes on the third-place match between hosts India and Japan with the last Paris Olympic qualifying spot up for grabs.

Meanwhile, having already claimed their Olympic berths in the semi-finals, Germany faced the USA in the final.

Japan made a blistering start in a high-paced match against India, opening the scoring in the sixth minute and dominating the first quarter. The middle periods were hotly contested with India gradually gaining the ascendancy. By the fourth quarter Japan were unable to retain any possession and India ran rampant on attack. However, the Japanese somehow hung on for the 1-0 win, claiming third place and with that, a ticket to the Paris Olympics.

An emotional player of the match, Shihori Oikawa, said afterwards: “We are super-happy because today was the last chance for the Paris Olympics and we made it happen. I’m just super-proud of the team… After the first goal we just kept attacking because India is a very strong team so we never stopped attacking, just kept playing and pushing forward.”

Germany came out all guns blazing against the USA in the final with Jette Fleschutz opening the scoring in the third minute. They continued to dominate play throughout the first half, earning 10 penalty corners, adding a second goal, and denying the USA any circle entries. Were it not for Jennifer Rizzo having a fantastic match in goal for the USA, the match would have been wrapped up long before half-time. The Americans lifted their play in the second half, but couldn’t challenge the Germans and it was up to Kelsy Bing in the USA goal to deny Die Danas a much bigger win. Germany may be leaving Ranchi with the title after the 2-0 win but both teams got what they were looking for in India which was Olympic qualification.

Meanwhile, in the contests for the lower places, it was New Zealand who secured fifth place with a 3-1 win over Italy after a tightly fought contest, while Chile finished seventh after a 1-0 victory over Czechia.

Tournament awards

Best player: Nike Lorenz (GER)

Top scorers (4 goals): Charlotte Stapenhorst (GER), Sonja Zimmerman (GER), Jette Fleschϋtz (GER)

Best goalkeeper: Kelsey Bing (USA)

Best junior player: Deepika (IND)

Valencia (M)

Over in Valencia, the home side, Spain, took on Ireland and Belgium faced off against Korea in the all-important semi-final showdowns with two Olympic places on the line.

It was a nail-biting first half between hosts Spain and the Irish with very few opportunities and both teams keeping things tight. Spain took control in the third quarter with two penalty corner goals, and for all Ireland’s intense pressure in the closing minutes of the match, it wasn’t enough to beat a sublime Luis Calzado in the Spanish goal. With the 2-0 victory Spain progressed to the final in Valencia and booked their spot in Paris, to continue their proud record of having competed at every Olympic Games since 1960. Ireland must now win their third-place playoff if they are to join the Spanish in the French capital.

Player of the match Rafael Vilallonga said afterwards: “It’s a dream for all of us. It’s amazing to be here and also for the fans to be in Paris with us like today because the atmosphere was pretty good.”

In the other semi-final later in the day, Belgium had to work hard and stay patient throughout the first half against Korea and were rewarded with an opening goal from Tanguy Cosyns just before the break. They continued to control the match in the second half, adding a goal in the third quarter and two scorchers in the fourth to secure a place in the final and book their ticket to the Paris Olympics where they will aim to defend the title they won in Tokyo three years ago. Korea still have a shot at Paris if they can win their third-place playoff against Ireland on Sunday.

A delighted Belgian captain and player of the match, Felix Denayer, who scored the fourth goal to take him to what should be his fifth Olympic Games, said afterwards: “It’s unbelievable, to be honest. Going to the Olympics is something very special. We came here as the favourites but we didn’t have anything in our pocket yet, so now we have the Olympic ticket and now we can really prepare for the big stage in Paris.”

In the playoffs for 5th to 8th place, Egypt were comfortable 5-1 winners over Japan, while Austria came from behind twice against a determined Ukraine side and then prevailed 3-2 in the ensuing shootout.

FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024

Ranchi, India – 19 January 

Result Match 17 (W)

Chile 1 – 0 Czechia

Player of the match: Lucie Duchková (CZE)

Umpires: Amber Church (NZL), Katrine Turner (NZL)

Result Match 18 (W)

Italy 1 – 3 New Zealand

Player of the match: Stephanie Dickins (NZL)

Umpires: Cookie Tan (SGP), Wanri Venter (RSA) 

Result Match 19 (W)

India 0 – 1 Japan

Player of the match: Shihori Oikawa (JPN)

Umpires: Ayanna McClean (TTO), Annelize Rostron (RSA)

Result Match 20 (W)

Germany 2 – 0 USA

Player of the match: Nike Lorenz (GER)

Umpires: Rebecca Edwards (ENG), Kristy Robertson (AUS)

Valencia, Spain – 19 January

Result Match 13 (M)

Japan 1 – 5 Egypt

Player of the match: Mahmoud Mamdouh (EGY)

Umpires: Tim Meissner (GER), David Tomlinson (NZL)

Result Match 14 (M)

Spain 2 – 0 Ireland

Player of the match: Rafael Vilallonga (ESP)

Umpires: Ben Goentgen (GER), Nick Bennett (ENG)

Result Match 15 (M)

Belgium 4 – 0 Korea

Player of the match: Felix Denayer (BEL)

Umpires: Zeke Newman (AUS), Michiel Otten (NED)

Result Match 16 (M)

Austria 2 – 2 Ukraine (SO: 3-2)

Player of the match: Fabian Unterkircher (AUT)

Umpires: Rawi Anbananthan (MAS), Ilanggo Kanabathu (MAS)

by Abhishek Shukla

Senegal Secures Victory Over Cameroon in CAF Africa Cup of Nations

Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire – Senegal continued their title defense in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Cameroon at Charles Konan Banny Stadium. The win propels Senegal into the knockout stage with a total of six points from two games.

Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for Senegal 16 minutes into the game, capitalizing on a rebound inside the box. Sarr later turned provider, setting up Habib Diallo, who extended Senegal’s lead with a well-taken goal.

Cameroon’s Jean Charles Castelletto responded by heading home a cross from Oliver Ntcham in the 83rd minute, narrowing the scoreline to 2-1. However, with just two minutes remaining, Sadio Mane sealed the victory for Senegal with his first goal of the tournament, assisted by Pape Gueye.

Cameroon now faces a must-win situation in their final group game against Gambia to progress to the knockout stage, while Senegal will play their last group match against Guinea.

The victory highlights Senegal’s strong performance and their ability to maintain consistency in the Africa Cup of Nations. With key players like Sarr and Mane contributing significantly, Senegal remains a formidable team in the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

IR Iran Secures 1-0 Win Over Hong Kong, China in AFC Asian Cup Group C

Al Rayyan: IR Iran achieved a crucial 1-0 victory against Hong Kong, China in Group C at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™. The match, held at Khalifa International Stadium, saw Mehdi Ghayedi score the game’s only goal, marking his second goal of the tournament.

With this win, IR Iran now has six points and has secured a place in the Round of 16, joining Qatar, Australia, and Iraq in the knockout stages. For Hong Kong, China, their hopes of progressing in the tournament depend on a victory against Palestine on the final day of the group stage, along with favorable outcomes in other matches.

This victory for IR Iran is significant in their pursuit of advancing in the AFC Asian Cup, showcasing their ability to secure crucial wins. The team will aim to continue this momentum as they move forward in the competition.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘Would love to see more kids from India take up tennis,’ says World No. 1 Novak Djokovic

Mumbai, 20th January 2024: Reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, who began his journey in the 2024 edition of the tournament in style, addressed the young kids in India aspiring to take up tennis as a profession, following his straight sets win over Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

“I wish to be part of some programs designed particularly for the development of kids in their early childhood because that is something, I’m very passionate about. That is also the cornerstone of our foundation. I would like to see more children grabbing a racquet and playing tennis. Being a tennis player, seeing that happen will fill my heart with joy,” he quoted.

During an earlier interview with Sony Sports Network expert panellist Somdev Devvarman, Djokovic spoke about his admiration for Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. Speaking with Sania Mirza on Friday, the 36-year-old went on to express his love for India, saying, “I feel I have a special connection with India. I love the people there; they have been very kind to me and are one of the most genuine and gentle people in the world. They love their sports with cricket being the most followed obviously. But tennis, as I understand, is followed great across the country too.”

He went on to reminisce about an exhibition match that he participated in 2014 in New Delhi along with Roger Federer and several other tennis legends and also opened up on his dream of exploring the country soon.

“Hopefully, there are many years ahead of me so that I can spend more time in your beautiful country and we can work on the mission of empowering more kids to take up tennis,” he concluded.

Next up, Djokovic will face France’s Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round of Australian Open 2024 on Sunday, 21st January 2024.

by Abhishek Shukla

Chirag-Satwik, HS Prannoy storm into semis at Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2024

New Delhi, January 19, 2023: India’s Asian Games 2022 gold medallists Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy alongside bronze medallist HS Prannoy recorded contrasting victories and moved into the semi-finals of the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2024, organized by the Badminton Association of India, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here on Friday.
While Chirag-Satwik registered a dominating 21-7, 21-10 victory against Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen of Denmark, Prannoy had to fight hard to secure his maiden semi-final berth of the tournament by defeating Wang Tzu Wei of Chinese Taipei in a 21-11, 17-21, 21-18 win.

Going all-out attack, Chirag-Satwik began the opening game with a statement of intent by amassing a quick 11-3 lead. The former champions maintained that momentum against the fifth seed to claim the first game in a mere 16-minute span.

Prior to this match, the Danish duo had notched two consecutive victories against Chirag-Satwik. However, the World No.2 pair put an end to that run by scoring eight consecutive points in the second game to seal the victory and set up a highly anticipated clash with former World Champions Soh Wooi Yik and Aaron Chia of Malaysia.

Commenting on how they managed to secure the victory, Chirag Shetty shared, “Against them (Kim and Anders), it is not always a game where you are challenged skillfully but it is also mentally. Whoever wins the mental battle comes out on top and today we did that quite well.  We usually don’t play such mind games, but today we made sure that we only receive and not play at their rhythm. The way we started off was in a convincing fashion and we kept it through the very end. We are really happy with the way we played and we want to keep the momentum for tomorrow as well and give 100%.”

Similar to his compatriots, the World Championships 2023 bronze medallist Prannoy made a strong start against his Taiwanese opponent by winning a 26-point rally and setting the tone for the game by establishing a 13-4 lead in the first game. Despite a brief resurgence from Wang, the eighth seed closed out the game quite effortlessly.

The second game saw a rejuvenated Wang taking a lead of 13-6, and though Prannoy tried to narrow the gap, the 28-year-old held on to force a tie-breaker.

There was not much that separated the two players in an intense third game. With the score tied at 16-16, Prannoy seized a two-point lead and ultimately claimed victory in an hour and 17 minutes to hand Wang his fourth quarterfinal exit at the tournament.

“I think it is always tough to play against somebody like Wang Tzu Wei, who is exceptionally good along the net and attack. It was important for me to get that first game because he is somebody who gets going right from the start. The second game didn’t go really well but I am really proud of what I could do in the third game to fight back. Shi Yu Qi has been playing really well in the last six months and he looks pretty solid out there. So it is going to be tough physically and the major thing is to get the body ready for tomorrow,” said HS Prannoy after his victory.

The World No.9 will face sixth-seeded Shi Yu Qui of China in the final four.

Earlier in the day, Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu continued his stunning run in the tournament as he triumphed over Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Anthony Ginting of Indonesia with in a thrilling 21-17, 18-21, 21-13 victory.

The 27-year-old continued to build on his advantage and ultimately sealed the victory to set up a semi-final tie against second seed Kodai Naraoka of Japan.

In women’s singles, second seed An-Se Young’s title defence came to an unfortunate end as she had to retire due to injury, handing Singapore’s Yeo Jia Min her first semi-final berth at the India Open.

Jia Min will face Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei, who prevailed against two-time World Championships bronze medallist He Bing Jiao of China with a comfortable 21-12, 21-12 victory.

Elsewhere, former World Champions Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand clinched a 21-17, 15-21, 27-25 victory over defending champions Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino of Japan.

by Abhishek Shukla

20 Additional Players Granted Special Eligibility for 2024 NFL Draft for Total of 54 Players

​NEW YORK –– Jan. 19, 2024 –– The National Football League announced today the names of 54 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft and four underclassmen who have fulfilled their degree requirements with college football eligibility remaining and are also eligible for selection in the April 25-27 Draft in Detroit, Mich.

Thirty-four players applied for special eligibility prior to the newly instituted early “soft” deadline of Jan. 5, which was added to assist players and all-star game organizers in the planning and invitation process. Twenty additional players submitted their petitions prior to the traditional deadline of Jan. 15 to apply for special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Each of the 54 players listed below have met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and have renounced their college football eligibility by submitting written notification to the league office on or before the Jan. 15 deadline. Consequently, they are eligible for selection:

The players granted special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft (players marked by asterisks are newly added since the Jan. 5 deadline):

 NamePosCollege
1Ajou, AjouWRGarden City CC
2Allen, BraelonRBWisconsin
3Alt, JoeTNotre Dame
4Amegadjie, KiranTYale
5Arnold, Terrion*DBAlabama
6Bishop, ColeDBUtah
7Booker, AustinDEKansas
8Bowers, Brock*TEGeorgia
9Brooks, Jonathon*RBTexas
10Bruce, Arland*WROklahoma State
11Bullard, JavonDBGeorgia
12Bullock, Calen*DBSouthern California
13Coleman, KeonWRFlorida State
14Colson, Junior*LBMichigan
15DeJean, Cooper*DBIowa
16Elliss, JonahDEUtah
17Estimè, AudricRBNotre Dame
18Fisher, BlakeTNotre Dame
19Franklin, TroyWROregon
20Hall, Michael*DTOhio State
21Harrison, Marvin*WROhio State
22Hicks, Jaden*DBWashington State
23Irving, BuckyRBOregon
24King, KalenDBPenn State
25Lassiter, KamariDBGeorgia
26Latham, J.C.*TAlabama
27Little, CamKArkansas
28Maye, DrakeQBNorth Carolina
29McCarthy, J.J.*QBMichigan
30Mims, AmariusTGeorgia
31Mitchell, Adonai*WRTexas
32Nabers, MalikWRLSU
33Polk, Ja’Lynn*WRWashington
34Powers-Johnson, JacksonCOregon
35Rakestraw, EnnisDBMissouri
36Robinson, ChopDEPenn State
37Rosengarten, Roger*TWashington
38Sanders, Ja’Tavion*TETexas
39Shirden, JadenRBMonmouth (N.J.)
40Smith, Maason*DTLSU
41Steele, CarsonRBUCLA
42Suamataia, KingsleyTBYU
43Taylor, LeonardDTMiami (Fla.)
44Thomas, BrianWRLSU
45Trotter, Jeremiah*LBClemson
46Turner, Dallas*LBAlabama
47Vaki, SioneDBUtah
48Wallace, TrevinLBKentucky
49Wiggins, NateDBClemson
50Williams, Caleb*QBSouthern California
51Williams, JamesDBMiami (Fla.)
52Wingo, MekhiDTLSU
53Worthy, XavierWRTexas
54Wright, JaylenRBTennessee

The following underclassmen have in timely fashion under NFL rules officially notified the league office that they have fulfilled their degree requirements. Consequently, they are eligible for selection (players marked by asterisks are newly added since the Jan. 5 deadline):

 NamePosCollege
1Kinchens, Kamren*DBMiami (Fla.)
2McKinstry, Kool-Aid*DBAlabama
3Murphy, Byron*DTTexas
4Shipley, WillRBClemson
by Abhishek Shukla

Cape Verde Secures 3-0 Victory Over Mozambique, Advancing to Knockout Stage in CAF Africa Cup of Nations

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire – Cape Verde has triumphantly secured a spot in the knockout stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 with a convincing 3-0 win against Mozambique. The victory was marked by an impressive display of skill and strategy from the Blue Sharks.

The game’s first goal came from Bebe, who delivered a stunning long-distance direct free kick, outwitting Mozambique’s goalkeeper Ernan. Cape Verde’s determination was evident as they continued to press for more goals, leading to a 51st-minute strike by Ryan Mendes, who capitalized on a defensive error to double the lead.

Kevin Lenini added the third goal with a sensational long-range shot, showcasing Cape Verde’s offensive prowess. Mozambique struggled to create significant threats in front of the goal, leaving them with just one point from two games.

Mozambique now faces the challenge of winning against Ghana in their next match to keep their hopes alive for qualification to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Cape Verde is set to play Egypt in their next fixture on Monday, 22nd, at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

This victory is a significant achievement for Cape Verde, demonstrating their potential and competitiveness in the tournament. As the group stage progresses, the team looks forward to continuing its impressive performance in the upcoming knockout rounds.

by Abhishek Shukla

Indonesia Secures Vital 1-0 Win Over Vietnam in AFC Asian Cup Group D

Doha: Indonesia revived their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group D campaign with a significant 1-0 victory against Vietnam at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. The win was clinched by Asnawi Mangkualam’s successful penalty kick in the first half, marking a crucial moment for the Indonesian team.

This victory elevates Indonesia to third place in the group standings, tying them with Japan in points ahead of their upcoming match. The win ends a six-match winless streak for Indonesia against their Southeast Asian rivals, Vietnam, and bolsters their campaign in the AFC Asian Cup.

Vietnam’s hopes in the tournament have taken a hit with this defeat, setting up a challenging path ahead in the competition. The match between Indonesia and Japan will be pivotal for both teams as they vie for a spot in the last 16 of the tournament.

Indonesia’s win over Vietnam adds excitement to Group D and showcases the competitiveness of the AFC Asian Cup. As the group stage progresses, both teams will aim to build on their performances and strive for success in the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

Patna Pirates take hard earned 34-31 win over U.P. Yoddhas 

19th January, Hyderabad:  The Patna Pirates beat the UP Yoddhas for the second time in the PKL season 10 with a 34-31 victory at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium today. Ankit (5 points) and M Babu (4 points) defensive nous was the real difference for the Pirates on the day.    

The Patna Pirates kicked off strongly, and by the time Sandeep Kumar put in his multi-point raid with 3 minutes gone, the U.P. Yoddhas were already in trouble. AS has been the case through the season Pardeep Narwal struggled through the half registering just one point through it.  

The defence really was the difference between the two sides, and the Patna Pirates were doing better with it. They inflicted the first ALL OUT in the sixth minute of the game to take a 11-4 lead. They kept up their pressure and went into the break leading by 6 at the break.  

The U.P. Yoddhas defensive struggles continued well into the second half and at one point the Patna Pirates had streaked to a 10 point lead. A SUPER TACKLE by Hitesh staved off a second all out and kept them in the game with the final quarter of the game to go. 

 The two defenders of the U.P. Yoddhas defence put on a prolonged resistance in a brilliant final quarter performance, Anil Kumar getting successful raids in DO OR DIE moments. In a twist, they even clawed back a lot of the lead in the final minute of the game. Narwal’s error of judgement on the Uu.p. Yoddhas final raid, with barely 20 seconds left blew their chance of an extraordinary comeback though, as the Patna Pirates edged to a three point victory.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, 2023 
Points Table 
Position Team Matches Won Lost Tied Points Score Diff Points conceded Points scored 
1 Jaipur Pink Panthers 14 10 2 2 58 54 427 481 
2 Puneri Paltan 12 10 2 0 52 156 325 481 
3 Dabang Delhi K.C. 13 7 4 2 44 26 433 459 
4 Gujarat Giants 13 8 5 0 44 8 429 437 
5 Haryana Steelers 13 7 5 1 39 -26 494 468 
6 Bengal Warriors 13 6 5 2 38 5 485 490 
7 Patna Pirates 14 6 7 1 37 3 526 529 
8 Bengaluru Bulls 14 6 8 0 37 -30 487 457 
9 U Mumba 12 6 5 1 36 12 448 460 
10 Tamil Thalaivas 13 4 9 0 25 -14 462 448 
11 U.P. Yoddhas 14 3 10 1 23 -37 526 489 
12 Telugu Titans 13 1 12 0 10 -157 563 406 

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 20th January

Game 1 – Dabang Delhi KC vs U Mumba- 8 pm

Game 2- Telugu Titans vs U.P. Yoddhas- 9 pm 

Venue: Hyderabad

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

Rutuja storms into semifinals of KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open

Bengaluru, Jan 19:  Rutuja Bhosale stormed into the semifinals of the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open but not before going through some dramatic twists and turns in her ousting of fourth seed Moyuka Uchijima of Japan 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (5) in a quarterfinal match that lasted two minutes short of three hours. The 27-year-old Indian, playing on a wildcard ticket, will clash with sixth seed Carole Monnet of France who cruised into the semifinals with a 6-4, 6-1 win over compatriot and second seed Chloe Paquet.  

The top seed of the US $ 40,000 event Darja Semenistaja of Latvia was stretched by fifth seed Polina Kudermetova before she triumphed 6-3, 6-7 (5), 5-1 after the latter retired in the dying moments of the match owing to back ache. In the other semifinals, Darja will meet qualifier Naho Sato of Japan who went past her countrymate Mei Yamaguchi in straight sets 6-4, 7-5.

The China Asian Games Gold medallist Rutuja was clinical in her approach, especially with her forehand as she produced some stunning cross court winners and went 4-0 up with two breaks in the 2nd and 4th game. She was able to sustain the pressure on Moyuka as the Japanese made several unforced errors before resurrecting her game. However it was too late in the set as Rutuja took the first set 6-2.

The second set saw Rutuja slacken a bit and was down a break and trailed 0-2. Egged on by a partisan weekend crowd, she bounced back and went 5-2 up and before her rival could hold her serve. Serving for the match at 5-3 and up by two match points, Rutuja faltered with a couple of unforced errors which changed the momentum in favour of Moyuka who did not waste time in taking advantage of the situation and won the next four games to take the match into the deciding set.

Down 2-5 in the final set, Rutuja made a stunning comeback with renewed force and hitting some excellent down the line winners and levelled at 5. She then went on to save three match points at 5-6 after six ‘deuces’ and finally overcame the Japanese 7-5 in the tie-breaker.

Results (Bracket indicates country, pre-fix indicates seeding)

Singles Quarterfinals

Q-Naho Sato (JPN) bt Q-Mei Yamaguchi (JPN) 6-4, 7-5; 1-Darja Semenistaja (LAT) bt 5-Polina Kudermetova 6-3, 6-7 (5), 5-1 (retd); WC-Rutuja Bhosale (IND) bt 4-Moyuka Uchijima (JPN) 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (5); 6-Carole Monnet (FRA) bt 2-Chloe Paquet (FRA) 6-4, 6-1;  

Doubles Semifinals

Yu-Yun Li (TPE)/Eri Shimizu (JPN) bt Amandine Hesse (FRA)/Dalila Jakupovic (SLO) 2-6, 6-3, 10-4;

1-Camilla Rosatello (ITA)/Darja Semenistaja (LAT) Vs. Saki Imamura/Naho Sato (both JPN) 6-1; 2-4 (on-going).

by Abhishek Shukla

Akshit’s raiding brilliance, Surjeet’s High 5 power Bengaluru Bulls to 16-point win over Telugu Titans

19th January, Hyderabad: Bengaluru Bulls staged a comeback to hand Telugu Titans a 42-26 defeat on the opening day of their home leg in the Pro Kabaddi League match at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Friday. Left raider Akshit, who came off the bench, was Bengaluru Bulls’ star player with 9 points, while Surjeet Singh excelled with 6 tackle points.
Telugu Titans got off to a good start and took the early lead, but the Bengaluru Bulls clawed their way back into the game to make it 5-5. However, the home side seized control of the game through 2 huge SUPER TACKLES and skipper Pawan Sehrawat followed it up with a couple of points to make it 10-6. Backed by a capacity home crowd, Telugu Titans led by 3 points at the break.

It was a game of 2 halves as Bengaluru Bulls took over in the second half. A multi-point raid from Vikash Kandola led to the 1st ALL OUT at 14-12. Akshit was the pick of the Bengaluru Bulls’ raiders as he grabbed point after point, leading his side to a 22-16 lead. The home side was reduced to 1 man and it was a matter of time before the ALL OUT was inflicted and Bengaluru Bulls led 26-19. With 8 minutes to go, it looked like the Bengaluru Bulls would seal the win.

And they did, in some style. It took them just 5 more minutes to inflict a 3rd ALL OUT and Akshit, once again, played a key role in that. It was only fitting that he wrapped up the game with an incredible 4-point raid that got the Bengaluru Bulls back to winning ways.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, 2024
Points Table 
Position Team Matches Won Lost Tied Points Score Diff Points conceded Points scored 
1 Jaipur Pink Panthers 14 10 2 2 58 54 427 481 
2 Puneri Paltan 12 10 2 0 52 156 325 481 
3 Dabang Delhi K.C. 13 7 4 2 44 26 433 459 
4 Gujarat Giants 13 8 5 0 44 8 429 437 
5 Haryana Steelers 13 7 5 1 39 -26 494 468 
6 Bengal Warriors 13 6 5 2 38 5 485 490 
7 Bengaluru Bulls 14 6 8 0 37 -30 487 457 
8 U Mumba 12 6 5 1 36 12 448 460 
9 Patna Pirates 13 5 7 1 32 0 495 495 
10 Tamil Thalaivas 13 4 9 0 25 -14 462 448 
11 U.P. Yoddhas 13 3 9 1 22 -34 492 458 
12 Telugu Titans 13 1 12 0 10 -157 563 406 

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 20th January

Game 1 – Dabang Delhi KC vs U Mumba- 8 pm

Game 2- Telugu Titans vs U.P. Yoddhas- 9 pm 

Venue: Hyderabad

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

U19 CWC 2024 Day 1 Report: South Africa best West Indies in opening-day thriller; Ireland see off USA

South Africa overcame a brilliant hundred from Jewel Andrew, while Ireland beat USA by seven wickets in Bloemfontein on the opening day of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.

A supreme bowling performance from pacer Kwena Maphaka ensured tournament hosts South Africa downed West Indies in a close contest in Potchefstroom. The Proteas had to fight back after a brilliant knock from Andrew (130) put his side on the brink of a famous win.

In the other game of the day, Ireland beat USA by a comfortable seven wickets in a victory that set them well in a group also comprising recent champions India and Bangladesh.

South Africa beat West Indies by 31 runs in Potchefstroom

South Africa 285/9 (50 overs) vs West Indies 254 all out (40.1 overs)

West Indies skipper Stephan Pascal won the toss and elected to bowl first. 

Despite the early loss of Steve Stolk (5) in just the fourth over, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius’ aggressive start meant South Africa were on the front foot. Pretorius hit six fours and a six during his 34-ball stay at the crease, with South Africa going at six an over. 

However, the West Indies spinners took charge in the middle overs, and a beauty from Nathan Sealy brought about the end of Pretorius’ stay in the middle. The disciplined tweakers – Tarrique Edward being the other – brought the scoring rate to under five by the mid-innings stage.

It meant David Teeger had to play the role of an anchor to ensure the young Proteas remained in the fight. He scored a 98-ball 44, and had good support from Oliver Whitehead (26 off 35), the duo taking the hosts to 145/4. 

However, Sealy’s double strike in the 35th over brought West Indies back in charge. It needed a fighting partnership between Dewan Marais and Juan James to help lift South Africa to a fighting total. Marais’ assured 38-ball 65 pushed the hosts back, and captain James keeping pace at the other end with 47, the hosts posted a fighting 285/9. 

West Indies had an ominous start to their chase, losing their top three within the first three overs. Kwena Maphaka did the initial damage with the ball. His efforts were soon backed up by Riley Norton, and the Caribbean side lost half their team by the 10-over mark. 

It was then that Jewel Andrew’s quality shone through. Along with Nathan Sealy, Andrew exhibited patience as well as ruthlessness, his six-hitting particularly eye-catching. 

Andrew hit 11 fours and three sixes on the way to his century, keeping West Indies in the game, with Sealy providing an assured hand at the other end. However, South Africa made the most of an unfortunate mix-up, running out Sealy and reducing West Indies to 190/6.

Andrew continued from the other end, keeping West Indies in the hunt with his exquisite strokeplay. So long as Andrew was in the middle, it seemed West Indies had a chance of pulling off a heist. 

However, Maphaka and Riley Norton, the wicket-takers in the first Powerplay, proved to be South Africa’s saviours. Back-to-back wickets from the duo put the Proteas on the brink of a win, with Andrew falling for an exquisite 130 to Norton.  

Maphaka finished the formalities in the 41st over, ending with a brilliant 5/38.

Ireland beat USA by seven wickets in Bloemfontein

USA 105 (40.2 overs) lost to Ireland 109/3 (22.5)

Ireland captain Philippe Le Roux elected to field first to make the most of the early movement. 

The Irish pacers responded to the call, picking up four American wickets in the first Powerplay. Olly Riley starred early on thanks to three scalps with the new ball, accounting for Prannav Chettipalayam, Siddarth Kappa, and Utkarsh Srivastava cheaply, leaving USA reduced to 26/4.

Wickets continued falling in the middle overs as the USA batters struggled against pace. The lack of a sturdy partnership meant the team was skittled for 105. Riley and Reuben Wilson finished with three wickets apiece for Ireland. 

USA got off to a near-perfect start thanks to the left-arm pace of Arya Garg. The youngster struck twice, leaving Ireland startled at 5/2. 

Ryan Hunter and Kian Hilton came together then for the third wicket, and they saw off the challenge of the new ball, gathering runs off loose deliveries. Their stand helped Ireland close in on the 106-run target. 

Despite losing Hilton in the 14th over, Ireland were well set in their chase and eventually finished the game in the 23rd over. Hunter celebrated a half-century as the team closed in on the target before captain Le Roux hit the winning runs in front of a jubilant Irish dugout to get their campaign off to a strong start

by Abhishek Shukla

Sporting Kansas City mutually part ways with Gavin Wilkinson

Sporting Kansas City and sporting director Gavin Wilkinson have mutually agreed to part ways, just eight days after Wilkinson was formally hired. The club’s principal owner, Michael Illig, released a statement confirming the departure, emphasizing the importance of the Sporting Kansas City community, including fans, supporters, partners, and stakeholders. The decision reflects the club’s respect for their voices and commitment to honoring and protecting valued relationships.

The hiring process for the new sporting director was diligent and thorough, adhering to the club’s deeply-held principles and standards. However, the response from fans reaffirmed the fundamental philosophy of listening to one another and acting in the best interest of the Sporting family.

Peter Vermes, previously serving as the club’s technical director and then sporting director, has been named the chief soccer officer and manager of Sporting Kansas City. Vermes, the longest-tenured manager in MLS history, will oversee the club’s soccer operations and continue his role as the team’s coach. He has led the team to notable successes, including the 2013 MLS Cup and three US Open Cup championships.

Gavin Wilkinson’s departure comes as a significant development for Sporting Kansas City, indicating the club’s responsiveness to its community and dedication to maintaining strong relationships within the Sporting family. As the team moves forward, Vermes’ elevated role as CSO and manager will be crucial in guiding the club’s direction and success in the coming seasons.

by Abhishek Shukla

San Francisco Giants Sign Right-Handed Pitcher Jordan Hicks to Four-Year Contract

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The San Francisco Giants have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks on a four-year Major League contract. The deal, worth $44 million, will see Hicks earn $6 million in 2024 and $12 million per season from 2025-2027. Additionally, Hicks will receive a one-time $2 million signing bonus.

Hicks, 27, has been a part of the Major Leagues for five seasons, playing for St. Louis from 2018 to 2019 and again from 2021 to 2023, before joining Toronto in 2023. He has posted a 3.85 ERA, achieved 255 strikeouts, maintained a 1.30 WHIP, and secured 32 saves over 243.1 innings in 212 games, including eight starts.

In the last season, Hicks recorded 12 saves and a 3.29 ERA in 65 combined games between the Cardinals and Blue Jays. His performance last season included career-best stats like 81 strikeouts, an 11.1 K/9ip rate, and a 28.4% strikeout percentage.

A native of Houston, Texas, Hicks was initially drafted by St. Louis in the third round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft from Cypress Creek High School in Houston.

As part of the contract, Hicks is eligible for performance bonuses for innings pitched at the Major League level. These include increments for reaching between 100 to 200 innings pitched per season. Additionally, Hicks has committed to making donations to the Giants Community Fund over the duration of the contract.

To accommodate Hicks on the 40-man roster, RHP Devin Sweet has been claimed off waivers by Detroit. This acquisition by the Giants is a significant move to bolster their pitching roster, bringing in a player with a proven track record and potential for future contributions to the team’s success.

by Abhishek Shukla

Jaco Peyper calls time on stellar refereeing career

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has led the tributes to South Africa’s Jaco Peyper, who today announced he is to step down from match officiating to concentrate on new ventures. 

The sixth most-capped Emirates World Rugby referee of all time with 67 tests, the 43-year-old is one of the sport’s great referees, having blown the whistle in three men’s Rugby World Cups, 10 Guinness Six Nations Championships and nine Rugby Championships since making his international debut with Kenya versus Zimbabwe in 2011.  

Peyper also bows out having achieved the highest accolades in the professional club game, refereeing nine finals – five Currie Cup, three Super Rugby and one Champions Cup final.  

A stellar career by the numbers 

  • 67 tests matches as Emirates World Rugby referee  
  • Test debut with Kenya v Zimbabwe in July 2011  
  • Sixth most-capped test referee in history, and third highest South Africa behind Jonathan Kaplan and Craig Joubert  
  • Refereed 14 matches across three Rugby World Cups (2015-23) with Japan 2019 quarter-final between Wales and France his 50th test in the middle 
  • Last test was the RWC 2023 quarter-final between Wales and Argentina in Marseille on 14 October 
  • Refereed in 10 Six Nations Championships and nine Rugby Championships 
  • Took charge of three Super Rugby finals in 2015, 2017 and 2019 
  • Became the first South African to referee the European Champions Cup final with Leinster against La Rochelle in 2023  

Away from the field of play, Peyper has played a pivotal role in mentoring and championing the next generation of match officials. Reflecting this passion, Peyper was elected to inaugural management committee of the International Rugby Match Officials body in 2023, serving the interests of the top male and female officials on the international stage. 

His work with broadcasters, helping to deepen understanding of refereeing and laws, has also been a prominent feature of his time as an international referee.  

Beaumont said: “Jaco has been a fantastic ambassador for rugby, a role model for aspiring referees and will be remembered as one of the greats of international and club refereeing.  

“But above all the accolades, he is a great person. He cares deeply about the game and championing his fellow match officials. He has played a huge role in the development of burgeoning international referees and is a calm, assured presence within a great team.  

“It takes a special type of person to be at the top of their game in the most challenging of arenas, and Jaco has done that superbly. In short, he is a credit to rugby, his nation and his family, and I wish him all the best as he begins a new and exciting chapter.” 

Peyper said: “I literally grew up next to the rugby field as my dad was a coach, and later on I played and coached the game before I took up the opportunity to go into refereeing. There are always tough times at high-end refereeing, but since making my first-class debut 17 years ago rugby has only been good to me. 

“It’s been a great journey, I have made many wonderful friends and I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many fantastic places around the world. All things considered, now is perhaps the best time to step away from active refereeing to spend more time with my lovely wife and two beautiful daughters, as well as my growing business interests. 

“There are many people I would like to thank and will do so personally, but I want to give a special word of thanks to the CEOs of SA Rugby for backing me, the support I’ve received from the High-Performance division, my fellow match officials and World Rugby management, and specifically the Springboks, whom I’ve worked with closely and who have helped me become a better referee. 

“I’d love to say what a super opportunity refereeing is to be involved with the game you love, even though its perceived as such unforgiving job – I have made friends in all rugby playing countries and cultures and see some of the most awesome places whilst we called it work. 

“Rugby is part of my life, and I have made wonderful friends around the world through my travels in the game, and although I’m closing the door on active refereeing, I would love nothing more than to stay involved in this wonderful game and plough back after what it’s given me.” 

World Rugby High Performance 15s Match Officials Manager Joël Jutge added: “Jaco’s impressive career speaks for itself. Beyond the statistics, it was the consistently high level that he operated at over the last four-year cycle that is particularly impressive.

“Beyond the field, his character was evident, and I will never forget how, despite being desperately disappointed that his Rugby World Cup 2023 ended in injury, he unselfishly remained in camp, supporting the wider team, sharing his experience and lifting spirits. It was superb.  

“On behalf of the World Rugby match officials management, I would like to say a massive thank you to Jaco and wish him and the family the very best for the future.” 

by Abhishek Shukla

USA Rugby, Major League Rugby and World Rugby launch momentous partnership with new MLR expansion club

USA Rugby, Major League Rugby (MLR) and World Rugby are pleased to officially announce a strategic partnership to launch a new MLR expansion club in Charlotte, North Carolina, named Anthem Rugby Carolina (RC). The new club will immediately join the 2024 season, with American Legion Memorial Stadium serving as its match day home.  

This ground-breaking partnership between the governing bodies for global and American rugby, as well as North America’s premier professional rugby league, represents a significant investment and collaboration in the growth and development of the game in the United States as future hosts of the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 respectively. 

MLR and USA Rugby have previously collaborated to support the USA Hawks, an initiative focused on helping young American players and USA-qualified prospects grow as elite rugby players via a dedicated performance pathway. Anthem RC, through the relationship with World Rugby and USA Rugby, will greatly accelerate that high-performance objective by supporting the long-term progress of the USA men’s national team in advance of qualification for Rugby World Cup 2027 and hosting the 2031 edition on home soil. 

“The launch of Anthem RC is a game-changer in this shared journey to grow and enhance the game of rugby in the US, offering a clear pathway for player development and greater opportunity for USA Rugby as North America gears up for the Rugby World Cup,” said Nic Benson, CEO of MLR. “We’re grateful to the leadership of both World Rugby and USA Rugby for their investment in this endeavour, knowing that it helps to lay a sure-footed foundation that will anchor the continued expansion of the game in the US” 

USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young added: “This remarkable collaboration between MLR, USA Rugby and World Rugby is an inspiring example of progress we can look forward to as rugby in America begins a new trajectory. Anthem RC provides a truly unique opportunity for accelerated development with USA Rugby High Performance while continuing to bolster MLR as a key pathway for the USA Men’s Eagles. The level of teamwork that has occurred across all parties to bring this project to life is unprecedented and we’re thrilled to see it on a rugby pitch this year.” 

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin hailed the development as a major milestone in an overall strategy to grow rugby competitiveness and interest in the USA ahead of home Rugby World Cups. “Working with strategic partners in the USA, and backed by our Executive Board, we are activating a transformative and long-term growth plan for rugby in the US that will enable a great sporting nation, and the sport as a whole, to unlock the true potential of hosting men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 respectively. 

“This ambitious plan is centred around making the sport more relevant and accessible to more people in the US, a nation that loves sport and events, anchored in entertainment. In addition to accelerating the clear potential of women’s rugby and cementing sevens in USA sports culture, we must sustainably grow the elite men’s game and for the USA Eagles national team to be successful on the world stage.

“Today’s announcement is a major milestone to achieving that. Coupled with long-term global calendar certainty, our investment, along with our partners, will provide an opportunity for a well-supported high performance pathway geared towards achieving results on the world stage. This type of partnership has proven successful for RWC 2023 quarter-finalists Fiji with the establishment of the Drua, and we are excited about the huge potential of Anthem RC, not just as a pathway, but as a major franchise within a long-term vision for MLR success, shared by all stakeholders.”  

The club’s inaugural roster features players from various MLR teams who are eligible to compete on behalf of the USA in international competition. The addition of Anthem RC also brings back the two-conference approach the league has relied on for the past few seasons. 

Anthem RC embraces the concept of rising stars throughout its brand, symbolic of the efforts of the new club to invest and grow American rugby. Inspired by the US national anthem, it also features distinct connections to the Charlotte community by drawing from its rich military heritage and incorporating a recognisable colour palette that draws from the smoky tones of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

by Abhishek Shukla

Iraq Defeats Japan 2-1 in AFC Asian Cup Group D Match

Al Rayyan: Iraq secured a crucial 2-1 victory over four-time champions Japan in the second round of Group D matches at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, held at Education City Stadium on Friday. Ayman Hussein was the star for Iraq, netting two goals with headers in the first half, propelling his team to a memorable win.

Hussein’s brace was the highlight of the match, with both goals showcasing Iraq’s vibrant play and effective strategy. The victory was reminiscent of Iraq’s historic 2007 AFC Asian Cup-winning team and was celebrated by the passionate Iraqi supporters in the stadium.

With this win, Iraq, who started their campaign with a 3-1 win over Indonesia, now has six points and is guaranteed a spot in the last 16, regardless of the outcome of their final Group D game against Vietnam.

The win over Japan is a significant achievement for Iraq, demonstrating their ability to compete with top teams in the tournament. The team’s performance in the group stage positions them as a strong contender as they advance to the knockout stages of the AFC Asian Cup.

by Abhishek Shukla

“This is your moment”: IOC President Bach invites young athletes to enjoy their YOG experience at Gangwon 2024 

With an unforgettable Opening Ceremony featuring an array of K-pop stars and cultural performers, the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024 got underway in style today. The event was hosted simultaneously at the sold-out Gangneung Oval, with 4,500 spectators, plus athletes and other YOG stakeholders, and the fully booked PyeongChang Dome, with 4,300 people.

The ceremony revolved around the theme of “The Universe” and evoked the Gangwon 2024 slogan, “Grow Together, Shine Forever”, with inspiring performances telling the story of a young heroine, Wuri, who dreams of experiencing winter sports on an ice planet before becoming the brightest star of her own universe.

Addressing the 1,802 athletes from 78 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) who will be participating in these Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach invited them to enjoy their Olympic experience. “Dear young athletes: this is your moment,” he said. “You are following in the footsteps of sporting icons who made Olympic history right here at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018″.

“Now it is your turn. Give it your best at your first Olympic competition. Make new friends. Live the Olympic values. Respect yourself. Respect your competitors. Respect the rules. Enjoy your Olympic experience! This is your time – to grow together – and to shine forever!”

President Bach also paid tribute to the hospitality of the Republic of Korea, while again highlighting the links between Gangwon 2024 and PyeongChang 2018.

“Let us all thank our wonderful Korean hosts. Thank you, Korea, for giving this new generation of young athletes the stage to live their Olympic dream,” he said. “This is a true Olympic legacy.”

He continued: “Dear volunteers, this is also your moment to shine. Thank you, Korea! All of us – athletes, IOC Members, volunteers, members of the Organising Committee, officials, authorities, spectators – all of us will live the Olympic motto: Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.

“It is now my great honour to invite the President of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Yoon Suk-yeol, to declare open these Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024.”

The Winter Youth Olympic Games build on the legacy of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. Seven out of the nine competition venues at these YOG were also used six years ago.

K-pop stars thrill local fans

In addition to welcoming the young athletes to Gangwon, the ceremony also celebrated Korean culture with a diverse line-up of artists, dancers and singers from the host nation. Newly formed boy band LUN8 and girl band Triple S both took to the stage at the Gangneung Oval, which also saw performances from renowned Korean rappers and hip-hop award winners Ash Island and Changmo, traditional Korean band Lennalchi, and celebrated dance crew Ambiguous Dance Company.

Meanwhile, fans at the PyeongChang Dome were able to enjoy live performances by Korean singer Taeyeon, Korean rappers Hwasa and BewhY, 1 Million Dance Studio, and Korea-based Filipino boy band Hori7on.

Flame of the future

As is customary, the Gangwon 2024 ceremony also featured traditional elements of Youth Olympic Opening Ceremonies, including a parade of the competing NOCs’ flags, the playing of the Olympic Anthem, and oaths taken by athletes, coaches and officials.

The Games were officially declared open by the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol. Afterwards, the time came for the much-anticipated lighting of the Youth Olympic cauldron.

A “digital cauldron” located outside the venue in Gangneung Olympic Park was also lit simultaneously, with the virtual LED flame set to provide a unique attraction for fans and visitors attending the Games.

Now, with the cauldron lit, the attention turns to the 1,802 young athletes who are set to shine across two weeks of sporting action, starting Saturday morning.

by Abhishek Shukla

Final spot up for grabs for WBSC eBASEBALL Series 2023 World Finals; Finals confirmed to take place in March at Olympic Museum

The WBSC eBASEBALL Series 2023 World Finals, open to the public, are set to take place at the Olympic Museum, located in – the Olympic Capital – Lausanne, Switzerland on 9 March 2024. The pivotal Final Global Qualifier for the last spot in the Finals is set to commence on 29 January.

The WBSC eBASEBALL Series World Finals 2023 are set to unfold in the first-ever eSport competition to be held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland on Saturday 9 March. This showpiece competition highlights the WBSC’s pioneering role in the field of eSport and innovation, alongside its collaborative efforts with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and commitment towards the growing role of eSport within the Olympic Movement.

The WBSC eBASEBALL Series is a collection of online and offline competitions, culminating annually in the crowning of the WBSC eBASEBALL World Champion.

The projects – the eBASEBALL Series and ePremier12 – were first announced at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2023,  where an exhibition match featuring the official WBSC video game, WBSC eBASEBALL: POWER PROS (Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.), was staged in front of gaming and eBASEBALL enthusiasts. 

Three of the four spots on offer for the inaugural WBSC eBASEBALL Series World Finals 2023 have already been claimed by rising eBASEBALL stars around the world. 

Among those already qualified is RJ Calderon (yabeGaming), who claimed victory at the USA eBASEBALL Finals at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in North Carolina.

Undefeated Mori Shoma (SHORA), the Olympic Esports Series 2023 and Olympic Virtual Series 2021 champion has also qualified after emerging victorious in the first online qualifier of the WBSC eBASEBALL Series. He will be joined by Fujishima Takato (fujito) who finished joint fifth at the Olympic Esports Series 2023 and won the second online qualifier.

The Wild Card, the last opportunity for the eBASEBALL community to grab the fourth and final spot in the World Finals, will be given to the winner of the WBSC eBASEBALL Series Final Global Qualifier. Only players who reside outside of Japan are eligible for the Final Global Qualifier which will be held from 29 January to 4 February. The event details are available on the WBSC’s website.

WBSC eBASEBALL: POWER PROS is available on the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop in over 60 countries. Players across the world can apply for a FREE Coupon code to download WBSC eBASEBALL: POWER PROS and prepare for the final chance to qualify for the WBSC eBASEBALL Series 2023 World Finals in Switzerland.

by Abhishek Shukla

Scottish greats Murray, McKean and Wells to open MOWA exhibition in Glasgow

A Scottish Olympic gold medallist and two world indoor champions will help to officially open the MOWA Indoor Athletics Exhibition Glasgow 24 in the St Enoch Centre shopping mall on the evening of Friday 2 February.

The latest Museum of World Athletics (MOWA) heritage exhibition marks the staging of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 (1-3 March 2024) and celebrates more than 170 years of indoor track & field athletics history.

Along with distinguished guests at the opening ceremony from the City of Glasgow, British Athletics, the Local Organising Committee, Scottish Athletics and Team Scotland will be 1980 Olympic 100m champion Allan Wells as well as 1993 world indoor champions Yvonne Murray-Mooney (3000m) and Tom McKean (800m).

Joining this distinguished trio will be a Scottish star of a more recent vintage, WIC Glasgow 24 ambassador Eilidh Doyle, herself a world and Olympic medallist and European champion.

The month-long MOWA exhibition features World Athletics Heritage’s collection of indoor athletics competition artefacts dating from the 1880s. The displays contain clothing, shoes, equipment, trophies and medals donated by more than 30 world champions and/or record-breakers.

The exhibits are supported by giant wall graphics, text, photographs and videos which take the visitor on a journey from the world’s first ‘indoor’ meeting in 1849 to the present day.

Appropriately, given the exhibition’s location, the displays have a distinctly Scottish feel. As well as competition items that the opening ceremony guests will be providing on the night, running spikes from Scottish world champions Liz McColgan (Tokyo 1991) and Jake Wightman (Oregon 2022) will be exhibited.

Life-sized photographs of Scotland’s two Olympic 400m champions Wyndham Halswelle (London 1908) and Eric Liddell (Paris 1924) will adorn the windows and walls of the exhibition. Greeting visitors at the entrance will be a large photograph of Laura Muir winning the first half of a 3000m and 1500m double at the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 2019.

As usual, stunning video material is incorporated into the displays including highlights of past editions of the World Athletics Indoor Championships and a cinematic edit of the Birmingham 2018 edition. For the first time in a MOWA exhibition, there will also be an experimental touch screen via which visitors can select videos from a small initial library of clips.

Usual MOWA favourites such as giant pole vault and high jump graphics set at their current world indoor record heights, and a colourful display of national athletics singlets, will also feature in the Glasgow exhibit.

During the final fortnight of the exhibition, there will be a free prize draw for visitors to enter. The prize will be unworn autographed clothing donated by Britain’s marathon world record-breaker Paula Radcliffe and combined events Olympic and world champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, who won the world indoor pentathlon title in 2010.

The MOWA Indoor Athletics Exhibition Glasgow 24, on the ground floor of the St Enoch Centre, 55 St Enoch Square, Glasgow G1 4BW, will be open daily to the public from 11am to 6pm from Saturday 3 February, closing on the final day of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 (1-3 March 2024).

by Abhishek Shukla

Newcomers Kinde and Sofia reveal podium ambitions for Sunday’s race

Mumbai, 19 January 2024: Defending champions Hayle Lemi Berhanu and Anchialem Haymanot will face a tough challenge from their country-mates Kinde Atanaw and Sofia Assefa in the 19th edition of Tata Mumbai Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, to be held on Sunday (21 Jan).

Atanaw (30), is leading the men’s field with the fastest personal best time of 2:03:51 clocked four years ago in Valencia.  The Ethiopian runner, who finished third in the Bengaluru World 10K in 2014, is returning to run in India after nearly a decade.  He was not successful in his post-Covid outings in the last few years.  He could not finish the London Marathon last year after finishing fourth in 2022.  “I wanted to make a difference this time and looking for a big and memorable win here” he revealed.

Defending champion Lemi (29), however expressed he is confident of retaining the title as he showed a tremendous form while finishing fifth with a notable time of 2:05:48 in Amsterdam about three months ago.  Lemi, however, possesses the knowledge to act according to the situation as he is backed with much marathon experience among all competitors who entered here for this year’s race.

The 2019 World Champion Lelisa Desisa also showed more enthusiasm and optimism about his chances to win the men’s title on Sunday.      

Sofia will be the dark horse to look upon:

Sofia Assefa (36), the former World and Olympic medalist in steeplechase, had run her first marathon three months ago in Amsterdam.  Her teammate and defending women’s champion Anchialem Haymanot finished sixth in Amsterdam with a personal best 2:22:23, after winning her marathon debut in Mumbai last year (2:24:15).  Assefa, who finished eighth in that race, clocked 2:23:33 on debut which is better than that of Haymanot.    

Tadelech Bekele (32), credited with the fastest time of 2:21:40 that fetched her a bronze position in London in 2018 is returning to competition after a four-year break for a familiar purpose.  

Earlier, Meb Keflezighi, an Olympic medalist and winner of New York and Boston marathons who is here as a TMM ambassador shared his experience with the running community.  “In training, you need to give your 90% on fitness and 10% on mental preparations, while in the competition it will be the opposite as the mind is expected to give you the required strength to win a race”, he expressed.

Elite Field for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024

Men

Hayle Lemi (Ethiopia)
Kinde Atanaw (Ethiopia)
Lelisa Desisa (Ethiopia)
Haymanot Alew (Ethiopia)
Gebretsadik Abraha (Ethiopia)
Fikre Bekele (Ethiopia)
Merhawi Kesete (ERI)
Yohans Mekasha (ETH)
Mitku Tafa (ETH)
Dickson Kiptoo (KEN)
Joshua Kogo (KEN)
Mesele Kiros (ETH)
Demeke Tesfaye (ETH)
Shadrack Koech (Pace)
Selamihun Fenta (Pace)
Alex Kibarus (Pace)
Dominic Ngeno (Pace)
Bernard Cheptoch
Luuk Maas
Dawit Belachew
Tilahun Amsalu  

Women

Anchialem Haymanot (ETH)
Tadelech Bekele (ETH)
Sofia Aseefa (ETH)
Zenebu Bihonegn (ETH)
Muluhabt Tsega (ETH)
Ayantu Gemechu (ETH)
Aberash Fayesa (ETH)
Mulugojam Birhan (ETH)
Medhin Bejene (ETH)
Maritu Ketema (ETH)
Aberash Demisse (ETH)
Ayinadis Teshome (ETH)
Aberash Minsewo (ETH)