by Abhishek Shukla

#AFCON: Paciencia Secures Draw for Angola Against Algeria

In a gripping Group C opener at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, Angola held former champions Algeria to a 1-1 draw at Bouake’s Stade De La Paix. The Monday evening match was a display of resilience from Angola, who were up against a team largely considered favorites.

Algeria, the 2019 champions, started the match assertively, dominating possession and quickly establishing their attacking intent. Fares Chaibi and Youcef Belaili posed early threats for the Desert Foxes, with Belaili coming close to scoring in the eighth minute, only for his effort to be parried by Angolan goalkeeper Adilson Cipriano.

The breakthrough for Algeria came in the 18th minute. Baghdad Bounedjah, mirroring his goal-scoring feat from the 2019 edition’s opener, found the back of the net after latching onto a lobbed ball, comfortably placing it into the bottom left corner.

Angola, undeterred by the goal, adopted a strategy in the second half focusing on penetrating the Algerian defense. This approach bore fruit in the 68th minute when Cristovao Paciencia, after being fouled in the box by Nabil Bentaleb, stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, drawing Angola level.

The match concluded with the teams sharing points in an evenly contested affair. Post-match facts highlight Algeria’s struggle in recent Africa Cup of Nations matches, with no wins in their last four games. Conversely, Angola continues a streak without a victory in their last nine matches in the tournament.

Looking forward, Algeria faces a clash against Burkina Faso, while Angola will compete against Mauritania in their upcoming fixtures.

by Richard Miller (US)

Joel Embiid Shines with 41 Points in His Return, Leading 76ers to Victory Over Rockets

PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid marked his return to the court with a dominant performance, netting 41 points and collecting 10 rebounds, steering the Philadelphia 76ers to a convincing 124-115 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Embiid’s outstanding display extended his streak to 16 consecutive games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds.

Supporting Embiid’s effort, Tyrese Maxey contributed significantly with 27 points, adding to the Sixers’ offensive firepower. Philadelphia’s coach Nick Nurse expressed satisfaction with the team’s rhythm and confidence, highlighting the managed minutes played by key athletes.

For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun led the scoring with 19 points, followed closely by Dillon Brooks, who chipped in with 18. Despite their efforts, the Rockets struggled to match the intensity and skill displayed by the 76ers.

Embiid’s return was a significant boost for the Sixers, who had a rough patch without him, going 1-2 during his three-game absence due to left knee inflammation. This season, Philadelphia has a 3-7 record without Embiid, underscoring his importance to the team. The reigning NBA MVP and two-time defending league scoring champion is pivotal to the Sixers’ hopes for a deep playoff run.

However, Embiid’s health remains a concern, with his absences threatening his chances for another MVP trophy. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, players need to participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for awards like the MVP. Embiid, in his 8th season, has only twice met this threshold, indicating the need for careful management of his playing time.

Embiid, however, remains focused on the long run and the team’s upcoming challenges. His performance against the Rockets, particularly a combined 26-point haul in the first two quarters, showcased his ability to influence games decisively. With Embiid’s presence, the Sixers established a commanding 66-47 lead by halftime, a lead that the Rockets failed to overturn.

The Rockets, who struggled particularly from the three-point range in the first half, were unable to match the Sixers’ intensity. Rockets coach Ime Udoka lamented the starters’ performance, acknowledging the late surge that wasn’t enough to counter Philadelphia’s dominance.

Embiid, efficient from both the field and the free-throw line, left the game in the fourth quarter with the Sixers comfortably leading 114-94. His performance, especially in free throws, earned praise from Udoka.

The Rockets face a challenging game against New York on Wednesday, while the Sixers have a quick turnaround with a home game against Denver scheduled for Tuesday.

by Abhishek Shukla

Paciencia Secures Crucial Point for Angola Against Algeria in Africa Cup of Nations

Bouaké, 15th January 2024: Angola’s Cristovao Paciencia emerged as a key figure in securing a vital 1-1 draw for his team against former champions Algeria in their opening match of Group C at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. The match, held at Stade De La Paix in Bouaké, showcased a high-stakes battle between the two sides.

The 2019 champions, Algeria, entered the match as favorites and immediately demonstrated their dominance. Fares Chaibi almost opened the scoring for Algeria in the 6th minute, followed by Youcef Belaili’s close attempt in the 8th minute. Algeria’s relentless pressure paid off when Baghdad Bounedjah, the hero of their 2019 title run, scored the opening goal, continuing his tradition of scoring in their first match of the tournament, as he did in 2019 against Kenya.

However, Angola showed resilience in the second half, adapting their tactics to focus on attacking. This approach yielded results in the 68th minute when substitute Cristovao Paciencia was fouled by Nabil Bentaleb in the box, leading to a penalty. Paciencia stepped up and converted the spot-kick, drawing the game level and earning a crucial point for Angola.

The match ended in a 1-1 stalemate, a result that reflects the competitive spirit and unpredictability of the Africa Cup of Nations. Next, Algeria will face Burkina Faso, while Angola will take on Mauritania in their upcoming fixtures, as the group stage continues to unfold with excitement and high-quality football.

by Abhishek Shukla

Aitana Bonmatí and Lionel Messi crowned at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023™ in London

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023™ ceremony, held in London on Monday, 15 January, crowned Aitana Bonmatí and Lionel Messi as the outstanding players since the last edition, alongside recognising the outstanding performances of coaches, goalkeepers, and more across the men’s and women’s game.

The winners of The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 are:

  • The Best FIFA Women’s Player: Aitana Bonmatí (Spain / FC Barcelona)
  • The Best FIFA Men’s Player: Lionel Messi (Argentina / Paris Saint-Germain / Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami)
  • The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper: Mary Earps (England / Manchester United)
  • The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper: Ederson (Brazil / Manchester City FC)
  • The Best FIFA Women’s Coach: Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands / England Women’s National Team)
  • The Best FIFA Men’s Coach: Pep Guardiola (Spain / Manchester City FC)
  • The FIFA Puskás Award: Guilherme Madruga (Brazil / Botafogo Futebol Clube)
  • The FIFA Special Award: Marta
  • The FIFA Fair Play Award: Brazil men’s national team
  • The FIFA Fan Award: Hugo Daniel “Toto” Iniguez

Lionel Messi has been crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2023, retaining the title he won in 2022. Messi topped an incredibly closely contested poll, which was voted for by national team coaches and captains, as well as expert journalists and supporters across the globe.

With the FIFA World Cup 2022™ winner and Manchester City FC and Norway international forward Erling Haaland locked together on 48 points, they were separated by the number of first-choice nominations received in votes from national team captains, as per the Rules of Allocation (article 12). France striker Kylian Mbappe finished third with 35 points. 

Aitana Bonmatí has been named The Best FIFA Women’s Player for the first time. The coveted award is richly deserved for this magnificent midfielder, who in 2023 inspired Spain to their maiden world title, and Barcelona to a domestic and European treble. 

In topping the poll, which followed the same protocol as the men’s award but with women’s national team coaches and captains voting, Bonmatí succeeded her team-mate, 2022 winner Alexia Putellas, fending off competition from fellow finalists Linda Caicedo and Jennifer Hermoso.

Mary Earps has been voted The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper for a second successive year, becoming the first two-time winner in the award’s history.

Earps dazzled once again as the Lionesses won the Finalissima, and reached their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ final. Outstanding saves and shootout heroics paved the way to both of those achievements, with Earps’ displays at the latter tournament rewarded with the adidas Golden Glove award. She was also named the best ‘keeper in England’s WSL, having racked up a remarkable 14 clean sheets from just 22 Manchester United appearances last season.

Ederson has been named as The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper of 2023. The Brazilian shot-stopper was awarded the honour following a stellar year in which the 30-year-old backstopped Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign.

Ederson topped the poll with 23 points, ahead of fellow finalists Thibaut Courtois (20 points) and Yassine Bounou (16 points).

Sarina Wiegman has been named The Best FIFA Women’s Coach for 2023. The England boss enjoyed a record-breaking year in which she led the Lionesses to the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, and the Arnold Clark Cup and Women’s Finalissima titles.

Wiegman beat Emma Hayes and Jonatan Giraldez to the honour at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ on Monday with 28 points, ahead of Hayes’ 18 points, and Giraldez’s return of 14 points.

Pep Guardiola has been named The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2023 after overseeing an incredible period of success at Manchester City. The Spaniard led the club to a historic Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup treble in 2022/23.

Guardiola’s all-conquering team won a further two trophies in 2023, lifting the UEFA Super Cup before rounding off the calendar year in perfect style by triumphing at the FIFA Club World Cup™.

Guardiola came out on top in the voting with 28 points, ahead of Italian duo Luciano Spalletti (18 points) and Simone Inzaghi (11 points).

The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony also recognised the standout goal of the year as Brazilian midfielder Guilherme Madruga won the FIFA Puskás Award 2023 for his astonishing overhead kick.

The Botafogo-SP star’s acrobatic effort came out on top ahead of an audacious rabona from Sporting’s Nuno Santos, and Brighton teenager Julio Enciso’s long-range thunderbolt.

The accolade recognises the most spectacular goal in men’s and women’s football across the qualification period, which was between 19 December 2022 and 20 August 2023, and is named in honour of legendary Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskás.

Marta was honoured with The FIFA Special Award in recognition of her illustrious career. She scored a staggering 115 goals in 175 appearances for Brazil and inspired millions, passing on her passion for football in a career that saw her reign supreme in Brazil, Sweden and the USA.

As of 2025, FIFA will introduce a new award to honour her legendary achievements – the best goal scored in women’s football will receive the ‘Marta Award’.

Hugo Daniel “Toto” Iniguez was awarded The FIFA Fan Award for 2023, after the dedicated Colon de Santa Fe fan went viral after he was seen feeding his son during an Argentine Primera Division game against Barracas Central in May 2023.

The heart-warming scene displayed the father’s desire to build a relationship between his two-month-old son and his favourite club from the earliest possible age, with the moment now cemented in history.

The Brazil men’s national team were recognised with the FIFA Fair Play award for their powerful stand against racism. In a friendly against Guinea in June 2023, The Seleção swapped their traditional yellow jerseys for an all-black kit in a show of solidarity with star forward Vinicius Junior, who had been subjected to sickening racist abuse while in action for Real Madrid.

The Best FIFA Football awards™ 2023 ceremony concluded a thorough and democratic process facilitated by FIFA to recognise world football’s top players, coaches, goalkeepers, fans, goals, and acts of fair play.

by Abhishek Shukla

Ten-Man Guinea Holds Cameroon to a Draw in the Africa Cup of Nations

Charles Konan Banny Stadium, 15th January 2024: In a gripping encounter, Guinea and Cameroon played to a 1-1 draw in their second Group C match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. The match was marked by high tension and dramatic turns, showcasing the resilience and skill of both teams.

Guinea, despite being reduced to 10 men, managed to hold off the five-time champions, Cameroon. The match began with Guinea taking an early lead through Mohamed Bayo, who capitalized on a loose ball inside the penalty box, putting it beyond the reach of Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Fabrice Ondoa.

However, the dynamics of the game shifted when Guinea’s captain, Francois Kamano, was sent off. Initially receiving a yellow card for penalizing Cameroonian midfielder Olivier Ntcham, the decision was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee. The referee, Mutaz Ibrahim, subsequently changed the card to red, leaving Guinea to navigate the majority of the match with a man disadvantage.

Cameroon seized the opportunity in the second half, leveraging their numerical advantage. They found their equalizer six minutes into the half, thanks to a brilliant aerial effort by Frank Magri following a free kick, bringing the game to a 1-1 tie.

The match sets the stage for a high-stakes game for Cameroon, who will next face the defending champions, Senegal, on Friday, January 19th, at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium. This draw illustrates the unpredictable and competitive nature of the Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting the tournament’s excitement and the high level of talent across the participating teams.

by Abhishek Shukla

Jordan Dominates Malaysia in AFC Asian Cup Group E Opener

Al Wakrah, 16th January 2024: Jordan’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 campaign in Group E commenced with a resounding 4-0 victory over Malaysia at Al Janoub Stadium. The Jordanian team showcased a dominant performance, taking a strong 3-0 lead into halftime against a Malaysian side that struggled to match their intensity.

Jordan’s tactical prowess and high energy were evident throughout the match, as they consistently outmaneuvered the Malaysian defense. This comprehensive win sets a strong precedent for Jordan in the tournament, as they look to build on this momentum in their subsequent group stage matches.

For Malaysia, the match was a challenging introduction to the competition, highlighting areas for improvement as they progress through the tournament. The Malaysian team will aim to regroup and strategize for their upcoming fixtures, drawing lessons from this defeat.

Overall, the match was a clear demonstration of Jordan’s capabilities on the Asian football stage, and it will be interesting to see how they fare in their upcoming encounters in the AFC Asian Cup.

by Abhishek Shukla

New York City FC Acquires Midfielder Andrés Perea from Philadelphia Union

New York, January 15, 2024: New York City FC has announced the acquisition of midfielder Andrés Perea from the Philadelphia Union, marking a significant move in the Eastern Conference. The transfer, confirmed on Monday, involves NYCFC sending Philadelphia $650,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) over the next two seasons, with an additional $150,000 in conditional-based GAM.

Perea, who previously spent the second half of the 2023 season on loan with NYCFC, had struggled to find his footing at Philadelphia after being traded from Orlando City SC. The Colombian-born U.S. international, who has one cap to his name, brings a record of 5 goals and 3 assists in 92 career matches (43 starts) since joining the league in 2020.

NYCFC’s Sporting Director, David Lee, expressed delight in making Perea’s position permanent, highlighting his impressive on-pitch performances and quick assimilation into the team both on and off the pitch. Lee also noted Perea’s compatibility with NYCFC’s style of play and his familiarity with the team’s players and staff, which should ease his transition this year.

Perea’s arrival bolsters NYCFC’s midfield options, joining the likes of James Sands, Keaton Parks, and Santiago Rodríguez. Meanwhile, the Union continues to rely on José Martínez and Jesús Bueno as their deep-lying midfielders.

Philadelphia Union’s Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner, thanked Perea for his contributions and acknowledged that the move to NYCFC was the best for his continued development and to maintain his meaningful role in the team.

This acquisition is particularly strategic for NYCFC, who missed the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs last year, finishing 11th in the East. The team is set to begin their new season on February 24th against Charlotte FC, hoping that Perea’s inclusion will provide the necessary boost to improve their standing in the upcoming MLS season.

by Abhishek Shukla

San Diego Padres Sign Top International Prospect Leodalis De Vries

San Diego, 15th January 2024: The San Diego Padres have made a significant move by signing infielder Leodalis De Vries to inaugurate the 2024 International Signing Period. The announcement was made by A.J. Preller, President of Baseball Operations & General Manager, along with Chris Kemp, Vice President of Amateur & International Scouting.

De Vries, a 17-year-old talent from Bani, Dominican Republic, is currently recognized as the top overall player in this year’s international class. He ranks first on both FanGraphs’ 2024 International Prospect Rankings and MLB Pipeline’s International Prospect Rankings. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 175 pounds, De Vries is a switch-hitter known for his remarkable bat speed and advanced discipline from both sides of the plate. His agility and body control also make him a significant asset defensively and on the basepaths.

Apart from his baseball prowess, De Vries has shown his athletic versatility by also excelling as a point guard in basketball. He hails from an athletic family, with his father having played basketball for the Dominican National team. This signing marks another significant achievement for the Padres, who had previously signed catcher Ethan Salas last January, thereby securing the top overall international prospect for two consecutive years.

The Padres’ commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in their strategic signings, positioning them as a forward-thinking franchise in Major League Baseball.

by Abhishek Shukla

Jaipur Pink Panthers edge U Mumba in game of small margins in the 1001st game of PKL

15th January, Jaipur: The Jaipur Pink Panthers edged a razor thin game 31-29 against U Mumba at the SMS Indoor Stadium on Sunday. The Pink Panthers’ lead man Arjun Deshwal (11 points) helped the Pink Panthers get their third consecutive victory at home and extend their winning streak to five.

MATCH CENTRE

Before the game the record between these two teams stood at 10 wins apiece and two ties. In the early going it was evident why there had never been anything to separate them in the past, as they matched each other raid for raid and tackle for tackle.

Arjun Deshwal was the key player for the Jaipur Pink Panthers, his constant raid points keeping the scoreboard ticking. At the other end, Amirmohammad Zafardanesh did the same for U Mumba, till an injury cut short his time on the mat, and raised the alarm bells for U Mumba. U Mumba went into the break holding a slender one point lead.

Ajith Kumar’s SUPER RAID to take out Rinku, Surinder Singh and Mukilan Shanmugam opened up the first gap between the teams in the game, but it didn’t last long. U Mumba hit back almost immediately, and were constantly picking up bonus points to stay in the hunt.

The close nature of the game was magnified by the fact that going into the final two minutes neither team had managed to inflict an All OUT. The Jaipur Pink Panthers, thanks in part to a SUPER TACKLE led by three points, in those final minutes, and it was what made the difference. Despite some desperate raiding by Jai Bhagwan, a small miscalculation helped the Pink Panthers to a close win.

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 16th January

Game 1 – Patna Pirates vs Tamil Thalaivas- 8 pm

Venue: Jaipur

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

Hemraj Gurjar and Ankita Clinch Senior Titles at 58th National Cross Country Championships in Gaya

Gaya, 15th January 2024: In a remarkable display of endurance and skill, athletes Hemraj Gurjar and Ankita secured the senior titles at the 58th National Cross Country Championships, held in Gaya. Representing the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB), both runners showcased exceptional performances in their respective categories.

Hemraj Gurjar triumphed in the men’s 10 km event with a time of 29:30.00, narrowly edging out Puneet from SSCB, who finished in 29:35.00. The race for the bronze was intensely competitive, with Sawan Barwal of Himachal Pradesh clinching it in 29:38.00, just ahead of Ravi Gulia of Haryana.

The team title in the men’s category was won by the Services team with 20 points, followed by Railways with 28 points, and Haryana securing third place with 64 points.

In the women’s 10 km race, Ankita led the field with a winning time of 34:36.00. The Railways team dominated the women’s section, securing the team title with 16 points. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra claimed second and third places with 41 and 77 points respectively.

This championship also highlighted the future stars of Indian athletics with under-20, under-18, and under-16 categories competing fiercely. Shivaji Parashu (Karnataka), Rohit Binner (Maharashtra), and Sachin Rawat (Delhi) emerged as winners in their respective age groups for men, while Beby (Uttar Pradesh), Vaishnavi Naveen S (Karnataka), and Janhavi Hirudkar (Maharashtra) claimed the top spots in the women’s categories.

Results (All finals):

Men: 10km: Hemraj Gurjar (Railway Sports Promotion Board) 29:30.00, Puneet (SSCB) 29:35.00, Sawan Barwal (Himachal Pradesh) 29:38.00.

Team: Services 20 points, Railways 28 points, Haryana 64 points.

U-20: 8km: Shivaji Parashu (Karnataka) 23:42.00, Naresh Chopra (Rajasthan), 23:46.00, Rohit Choudhary (Rajasthan) 23:54.00. Team: Rajasthan 42 points, Maharashtra 52 points, Haryana 54 points.

U18: 6km: Rohit Binner (Maharashtra) 18:11, Abhishek (Sikkim) 18:13, Mohit Choudhary (Telangana) 18:18.00.

U16: 2km: Sachin Rawat (Delhi) 5:37.00, Anil Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) 5:39.00, Amit Kumar Mahto (Jharkhand) 5:42.00.

Women: 10km: Anita (RSPB) 34:36.00, Anjali Kumari (Bihar) 34:47.00, Poonam Sonune (Maharashtra) 34:47.35.

Team: Railways 16 points, Uttar Pradesh 41 points, Maharashtra 77 points.

U20: 6km: Beby (Uttar Pradesh) 20:50.00, Sonam (Delhi) 21:10.00, Sanghamitra Mahato (Jharkhand) 21:14.00.

U18: 4km: Vaishnavi Naveen S (Karnataka) 14:39.00, Sakshi Bhandari (Maharashtra) 14:47.00, Shilpa Hosamani (Karnataka) 14:57.00.

U16: 2km: Janhavi Hirudkar (Maharashtra) 6:43.00, Khushboo (Rajasthan) 6:49.00, Shivani (Uttar Pradesh) 6:51.00.

These results from the National Cross Country Championships demonstrate the depth and potential of Indian long-distance runners, setting an optimistic tone for the future of athletics in the country.

by Abhishek Shukla

Paris 2024 has chosen its Torchbearers!

Following the announcement of the first Torchbearers, captains of the team Relays, Paris 2024 today has had good news for the majority – 80% – of the 11,000 people who will have the unique experience of carrying the Torch on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays. 

As key events marking the start of the Games and the celebrations, the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays, supported by their official sponsors, Coca-Cola, Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, are unique occasions which set the Olympic and Paralympic Games apart from any other sports event in the world. The arrival of the Olympic Flame in Marseille, aboard the three-masted Belem on 8 May 2024, will launch the start of the journey of the Torchbearers throughout France. 

Of the 11,000 Torchbearers (10,000 for the Olympic Torch Relay and 1,000 for the Paralympic Torch Relay), 80% have today received confirmation that they will be carrying the Torch on one of the two. The final identities will be revealed between now and April. Some will be kept secret until the last moment to maintain the surprise, notably of athletes and personalities.  

The Torchbearers now selected join the large family of Forerunners, all those who play and live sport on a daily basis and who will make the Paris 2024 Torch Relay a success. Whether they are anonymous or well known to the public, they will be the first faces of this Relay. 

What they all have in common is that they share one of the three energies that shape the identity of the Torch Relay: the energy of sport, the energy of the communities or the energy of the regions. 

As an example of those selected as part of the Club Paris 2024 campaign: Benjamin, a 43-year-old musician has cycled across France despite his paraplegia; Hayet, a 21-year-old volunteer is engaged in education through sport in priority neighbourhoods; Marc is a seasoned sportsman who still cannot get enough of extreme challenges at the age of 70; Marie, 37, works on a daily basis to combat chronic illnesses and help children with autism; William is 30-year-old skipper passionate about nautical innovation; and Ranitea is a 19-year-old Polynesian student who is strongly committed to the development of women’s sport.  

The Torchbearers will be of all ages, 50% are women and 50% are men, and they represent 100% of the French departments. 

The Torchbearers will pave the way for the Games and the celebrations 

By carrying the Olympic Flame and the Paralympic Flame on the roads of France, the Torchbearers will launch the start of celebrations throughout the country. Starting on 8 May 2024, as soon as the Olympic Flame arrives in Marseille aboard the Belem, they will raise excitement levels in all the regions to prepare the public for the arrival of the Games.  For almost three months, from 8 May to 26 July 2024, 10,000 Olympic Torchbearers will meet French people in over 400 towns and cities, including five overseas regions (French Guiana, Reunion Island, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe and Martinique) before the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. 

They will again remobilize the country before the return match of Paris 2024, the Paralympic Games. For four days, from 25 to 28 August 2024, the Paralympic Torch Relay will pass through more than 50 towns and cities prior to the Opening Ceremony in the heart of the capital at the Place de la Concorde. 

  

The selection of the Torchbearers has mobilised the whole Paris 2024 ecosystem since 1 June 2023 

To find the Torchbearers, from 1 June to 15 October 2023, Paris 2024 mobilised a multitude of partners from its ecosystem, with their strong capacity for engagement and their links to the regions: the official sponsors of the Torch Relays, corporate partners, the sports movement, the Games stakeholders and the regions visited by the Relays all contributed to this selection via various methods: applications, sponsorship, competitions, prize draws, etc. All selected persons share one of the three energies of the Torch Relay: the energy of sport, the energy of the communities or the energy of the regions.   

More than 100,000 applications and/or nominations were collected via the different campaigns of the two sponsors of the Torch Relay and Club Paris 2024: 

  • 30,000 nominations via the Club Paris 2024 campaign – ending on 30 June 2023 
  • 15,000 candidates via the Coca-Cola campaign – ending on 15 October 2023 
  • 55,000 candidates via the Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne campaigns – ending on 30 September 2023. 

Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 President: 
“The Torch Relay is, above all, a human adventure, represented by the stories of each Torchbearer. Be they athletes or sports enthusiasts, committed to their local communities or involved in meaningful community projects, the people we call the Forerunners represent the richness and diversity of our society. With them, the Torch Relay will be a wonderful moment of openness, transmission and sharing. Congratulations to all our Torchbearers, and we look forward to seeing you on the roads of France, from 8 May 2024, to experience this fabulous adventure together!” 

Claire Revenu, Coca-Cola General Manager, Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024: 
“The Torchbearers we have selected have been chosen for their unique backgrounds and stories. Their role will be more than just passing on the Torch, they will become the bearers of a powerful message, spreading the unity that characterises the Olympic Games. By carrying the Flame, they represent openness, sharing and transmission between individuals, cultures and nations, reinforcing the idea that sport can inspire the world to unite in the celebration of performance, excellence and fair play.  
I sincerely thank all those who have placed their trust in us and shared a part of their story. Among them, we have selected consumers, young people from Sport dans la Ville, but also company employees, athletes, content creators, public figures, partners and customers.” 

Pierre-Laurent Berne, Banque Populaire Director of Development: 
“Banque Populaire is delighted to be involved in the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays and to take this opportunity to shine the spotlight on those who are the pride of all our regions by making a name for themselves in their own region. With all the future Torchbearers, we share success and energy in their undertakings. We look forward to sharing these unforgettable moments with them.” 

Jacques-Olivier Hurbal, Caisse d’Epargne Director of Development: 
“As a sponsor of the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays, Caisse d’Epargne is proud to be able to shine the spotlight on the women and men who inspire our regions and help to create a bond by encouraging commitment and living together. The Torchbearers will represent these contributions in the local context to which we are committed as regional cooperative banks.” 

by Abhishek Shukla

Iraq Triumphs Over Indonesia in AFC Asian Cup Group D Clash

Al Rayyan, 16th January 2024: Iraq marked a victorious start in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Group D journey with a decisive 3-1 win against Indonesia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. The match held special significance as it marked Indonesia’s first appearance in the tournament after a 16-year hiatus.

Despite a spirited exchange of attacks from both sides, Indonesia, under the guidance of coach Shin Tae-yong, gradually lost momentum as the match progressed. Iraq capitalized on this, demonstrating superior stamina and strategy, leading to their commanding win.

This victory sets a positive tone for Iraq as they continue their campaign in the AFC Asian Cup. For Indonesia, the match served as a challenging yet valuable experience on the international stage, providing insights and lessons for the upcoming fixtures in the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

Senegal Gears Up for Title Defense in AFC African Cup Opener Against Gambia

As the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations defending champions, Senegal is set to kick off their title defense against The Gambia on Monday, January 15. This match, taking place in Group C, which also includes Cameroon and Guinea, marks the beginning of what is considered the ‘Group of Death’ in the tournament.

Senegal, led by coach Aliou Cisse and featuring star players like Sadio Mane, is aiming for a second consecutive title. Historically, no African champion has progressed further than the round of 16 in the last six editions of the competition, but Senegal has consistently won their opening game in each of the last four editions, setting a strong precedent for their performance in this tournament.

The Gambia, although considered underdogs, are making their second appearance in the competition. Remarkably, they reached the quarter-finals in their inaugural participation in 2021. Coach Tom Saintfiet of The Gambia expressed his team’s readiness and high spirits upon arrival, highlighting their preparation for the competition and their eagerness to make an impact in their second appearance.

The match, set to kick off at Yamoussoukro’s Charles Konan Banny Stadium at 14h00 local time, promises to be a compelling start to the group stage, showcasing the potential of both teams in what’s expected to be a competitive and exciting tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

Korea Republic Secures Convincing Win Against Bahrain in AFC Asian Cup

In the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, Korea Republic made a strong start with a 3-1 victory over Bahrain at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Group E. The win was fueled by a remarkable performance from Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-in, who scored twice in the second half to lead his team to success.

Hwang In-beom opened the scoring for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side in the 38th minute. Bahrain responded early in the second half with a goal from Abdulla Al Hashash, leveling the score. However, Korea Republic regained control thanks to Lee Kang-in’s brilliance. His first goal was a stunning strike from 25 yards in the 56th minute, and he then clinched the win with a clinical finish into the bottom corner of Ebrahim Lutfalla’s goal with 21 minutes remaining.

The victory sets a positive tone for the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions. Lee Kang-in, only 22 years old, showcased his technical skill and composure under pressure, proving to be a key asset for the Korean team in the tournament.

Korea Republic’s win is a significant step as they aim to progress further in the competition. With a solid start in Group E, the team looks poised to build on this performance and make a deep run in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

by Abhishek Shukla

FIDE publishes the regulations for 2024 Candidates Tournaments

General information about the forthcoming 2024 FIDE Candidates and Women’s Candidates Chess Tournaments in Toronto

Toronto is poised to make chess history as it hosts the 2024 FIDE Candidates from April 3-23, where the challenger for the title of world champion will be determined in both the Open and the Women’s categories.

It will be a double first for chess: the first time the Candidates are held in North America and the first time that both the Open and the Women’s Candidates tournaments take place together.

This event, featuring 16 top-world players (eight in the open and eight in the Women’s category), has a combined prize fund of 750,000 euros, with 500,000 allocated for the Open and 250,000 for the Women’s event.

The event continues a long-term collaboration initiated in 2022 under the patronage of the Scheinberg family, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the growth of chess on the global stage.

General information:

Toronto’s historic Great Hall (located at 1087 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H3) will serve as the battleground for the elite players, engaging in a double round-robin tournament spanning 14 rounds. Spectators will be able to witness the intensity of the matches firsthand and experience the thrill of seeing top world players in person.

Participants:

Open Candidates*:

Ian Nepomniachtchi, 2023 Match Runner-up

R Praggnanandhaa, 2023 World Cup 2nd

Fabiano Caruana, 2023 World Cup 3rd

Nijat Abasov, 2023 World Cup 4th

Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, 2023 Grand Swiss winner

Hikaru Nakamura, 2023 Grand Swiss 2nd

Alireza Firouzja, Best by Rating

Gukesh D 2023 FIDE Circuit Winner

*Magnus Carlsen, who qualified for the Candidates by winning the 2023 World Cup, earlier informed FIDE that he will not be taking part in the event. As per FIDE Candidates qualification paths, Nijat Abasov, who finished 4th in the World Cup, took his place.

Women’s Candidates:

Lei Tingjie, 2023 Match Runner-up

Kateryna Lagno, 2022-23 WGP 1st

Aleksandra Goryachkina, 2022-23 WGP 2nd

Nurgyul Salimova, 2023 World Cup 2nd

Anna Muzychuk, 2023 World Cup 3rd

Vaishali Rameshbabu, 2023 Grand Swiss 1st

Tan Zhongyi, 2023 Grand Swiss 2nd

Humpy Koneru, Best by Rating (World Cup spot replacement)

Drawing of Pairings and Colors:

The drawing of pairings and colors will be conducted by the Chief Arbiter, in coordination with the FIDE COO, no later than four weeks before the start of the Candidates Tournament.

Players from the same federation shall play each other in rounds 1 and 8 (if only two) and in rounds 1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10 if there are up to three players from the same federation.

Withdrawals after completing 50% or more of games will result in the remaining games being declared as lost by default. For withdrawals before this threshold, all results will be annulled.

The dress code is strictly observed for the tournament and all the official events and press-conferences. Men are required to wear a neat shirt and formal suit, while women players should wear a neat shirt/blouse and formal suit (with slacks or skirt) or dress. Any requests to wear national or traditional dress shall be approved by the FIDE Technical Delegate.

Open Candidates Tournament Information:

Time control: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move 41.

Prizes: 48,000 euros for the winner, 36,000 euros for the second place, and 24,000 euros for the third place. Additionally, players receive 3,500 euros for every half-point scored.

Women’s Candidates Tournament Information:

Time control: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move 1.

Prizes: 24,000 euros for the winner, 18,000 euros for the second place, and 12,000 euros for the third place. Additionally, players receive 1,750 euros for every half-point scored

Preparations for the event:

Tournament Director, Grandmaster Pavel Tregubov, who is also the Secretary of FIDE’s Global Strategy Commission, said that everything is going to plan so far with the organization of the event.

“We are thrilled to host the 2024 FIDE Candidates and Women’s Candidates tournaments in Toronto, uniting the global chess community in a groundbreaking event,” said Tregubov.

“The simultaneous staging of these prestigious tournaments is a testament to the international appeal and growth of chess. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Scheinberg family, whose dedication continues to elevate the sport,” Tregubov added.

by Abhishek Shukla

IWGA Media Officer Hermann Kewitz steps down after 15 years

Hermann Kewitz retired from his Media Officer duties at the IWGA in December 2023. Kewitz started his journey with The World Games at the 7th edition of The World Games in Duisburg (GER) in 2005, before joining the IWGA in 2009 to work alongside IWGA CEO Joachim Gossow.

The Journalism graduate from the University of Dortmund in Germany steps down after a highly fulfilling career with the IWGA. In addition to his media expertise, Kewitz was responsible for TWG’s archives and publications issued by the IWGA. The IWGA would like to express its deepest gratitude to Hermann Kewitz for his commitment and valuable contribution. The legacy of his work will benefit the IWGA in the long term and it will remain impossible to duplicate.

Joachim Gossow praised long-serving Kewitz for his accomplishments during his time with the IWGA: “Hermann’s leadership in all media matters has greatly improved our visibility globally. His expertise and relentless hard work have been instrumental in the success of our event. We sincerely thank Hermann and wish him all the best for the next chapter of his life.”

“It has been an honour and a pleasure to work for The World Games for so many years (and five editions). It is a great event because it really showcases the athletes on the centre stage. Giving them the attention they deserve for their outstanding performances has always motivated me. Even though I no longer work for the IWGA, I will always feel part of The World Games family. Because that’s the feeling The World Games has always given me: to be part of a big family in the world of sport,” said Kewitz.

“I would like to thank our President José Perurena, my CEO and friend Joachim Gossow and my colleagues in the small but smart IWGA team for giving me this feeling. I hope my successor Camille enjoys the challenge as much as I always have. But nothing can really go wrong with this: The World Games grabs everyone who gets in touch with it,” added Kewitz.

Camille Bastin has joined the IWGA in January 2024 as the new Media and Communication Manager. With an extensive background in Olympic sports, Camille will develop, implement and oversee communication and media relations activities within the IWGA. Her career path to date has led her to work for World Aquatics (formerly the International Swimming Federation) as well as the London based PR and Sport Communications consultancy Jon Tibbs Associates. Camille also has experience with sponsors, as she was based in the Omega Press Office during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Camille has participated in four Olympic Games and eight World Championships, including those in Aquatics and Volleyball. Her first edition of The World Games will be the 12th edition in 2025 in Chengdu (CHN).

by Abhishek Shukla

Maninder Singh Powers Bengal Warriors to Clinical Win Over Bengaluru Bulls in historic 1000th Pro Kabaddi League match

15th January, Jaipur: Maninder Singh produced a masterclass as the Bengal Warriors defeated Bengaluru Bulls in the 1000th Pro Kabaddi League match on Monday. Maninder scored 9 points, meanwhile, defender Shubham Shinde scored 7 tackle points. Bharat was the lone performer for the Bulls with 10 points on the night.
MATCH CENTRE

Bharat picked up a few raid points as the Bulls took the lead at 5-2 in the 5th minute. Maninder Singh pulled off a double-point raid to take out Bharat and Surjeet Singh, but the Bulls still held the lead at 9-7 in the 12th minute. However, defenders Shubham Shinde and Jaskirat Singh picked up tackle points as the Warriors levelled the scores at 11-11 in the 16th minute.

Moments later, Nitin Kumar took out Saurabh Nandal and Neeraj Narwal to help the Warriors inflict an ALL OUT and take a decent lead at 15-11. Shubham Shinde and Maninder Singh continued to shine in the defence and raiding departments as the Warriors went into the break leading at 19-12.

Bharat effected a raid and Surjeet Singh tackled Maninder Singh in the opening minutes of the second half, but the Warriors still held the lead at 19-16. However, the Bulls inflicted an ALL OUT and inched ahead at 21-20 in the 28th minute. But Shubham Shinde tackled Bharat and kept the Warriors in the game at 23-24 in the 31st minute.

The Warriors rode on the momentum and carried out an ALL OUT to take a decent lead at 32-27 in the 37th minute. Maninder Singh pulled off another double-point raid late in the game as the Warriors closed out a clinical victory.

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 16th January

Game 1 – Patna Pirates vs Tamil Thalaivas- 8 pm

Venue: Jaipur

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

‘The Pro Kabaddi League has changed many lives’: Kabaddi Legends Recount 1000-match PKL journey

JAIPUR, 15th January 2024: The Pro Kabaddi League felicitated five legends of the sport – Anup Kumar, Dharmaraj Cheralathan, Ajay Thakur, Manjeet Chhillar and Rishank Devadiga ahead of the historic 1000th Pro Kabaddi League match in Jaipur on Monday. The legends received a customised memento for their incredible contribution to the Pro Kabaddi League over the last 10 seasons.

When asked about the journey of PKL from Match 1 to Match 1000, Dharmaraj Cheralathan said, “The Pro Kabaddi League’s journey has been magnificent. Many lives have changed because of the Pro Kabaddi League and many lives will change in the future as well. I hope that the players become even more fitter in the future and have very long careers.”

Manjeet Chhillar expressed that he had plans to play in the tenth season as well, “Ajay had told me that we would play the tenth season, but he retired before me. Had he continued to play then we would have probably played in this season. I hope that we complete one lakh Pro Kabaddi League matches one day then I’ll be even happier. I wish that kabaddi becomes the number one sport in terms of viewership in the future.”

When asked about how much the game has changed since the first-ever PKL match in 2014, Anup Kumar said, “The game has become very fast now. And now the coaches have a lot of players to choose from in their teams. There’s a backup for each of the players in each of the teams in the Pro Kabaddi League. And the players get a lot of opportunities to show their mettle as well.”

Speaking on the innovative rules implemented in the Pro Kabaddi League over the years, Ajay Thakur said, “The 30-second raid rule has been a great innovation in the game. Kabaddi is an injury-prone game so it’s really good that that raids have a time limit of 30 seconds. If there was no time limit then the players wouldn’t be able to have long careers.”

Meanwhile, Rishank Devadiga expressed his excitement ahead of the 1000th PKL match, “I am really happy to see that the Pro Kabaddi League has reached its 1000th match. The game has grown leaps and bounds through PKL over the last 10 seasons. It’s been really nice to be on the journey with PKL right from Season 1.”

The Bengal Warriors are taking on the Bengaluru Bulls in the 1000th PKL match, while, the Jaipur Pink Panthers will face off against U Mumba in the next match of the day.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches on 16th January 2023

Game 1 – Patna Pirates vs Tamil Thalaivas – 8 pmVenue: Jaipur

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

Vaidehi lone Indian to qualify, Ankita seeded 8th for main round at KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open

Bengaluru, Jan 15: Vaidehi Chaudhari was the lone Indian to qualify for the main draw in the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open that begins at the KSLTA Stadium here on Tuesday. The 23-year-old scored an upset win over 5th seed Thasaporn Naklo of Thailand in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 in just 56 minutes in the final qualifying round, after which, eight of them earned a spot in the main draw. In the other upset of the day, 12th seed Mei Yamaguchi of Japan ousted the top seed Diana Marcinkevica of Latvia 1-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Meanwhile Ankita Raina is seeded No.8 for the singles main draw of 32 that includes five Indians in all along with four wildcards – Soha Sadiq, Rutuja Bhosale, Sahaja Yamlapalli, and Suhita Maruri. Latvian Darja Semenistaja has been given the top billing while Chloe Paquet of France is seeded second. Ekaterina Makarova and Moyuka Uchijima of Japan have been seeded third and fourth respectively while Polina Kudermetova is seeded fifth. Frenchwoman Carole Monnet is seeded No.6 while Sofya Lansere is No.7.

After the other two Indians – Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty and Zeel Desai bowed out of the qualifying race, Vaidehi brought some good news to the Indian camp. Playing some of her best tennis this year, the 23-year-old was in full flow against her Thai opponent. Both the players began by breaking each other’s serve but from there the Indian took control of the game as she broke her rival’s serve in the 3rd and the 5th game to go 4-1 ahead. However, she got broken in the very next game but came back strongly to win the next two games including a break in the 7th game.

In the second set, Vaidehi raced to a 5-0 lead, courtesy three breaks in the 1st, 3rd and 5th Naklo showed some resistance and broke Vaidehi’s serve in the 6th and went on to hold her serve in the 7th game. However, Vaidehi closed the match out in the next game to seal a spot in the main draw.    

Results: Final Qualifying Round

(All Indians unless mentioned, prefix denotes seeding)

12-Mei Yamaguchi (JPN) bt 1-Diana Marcinkevica (LAT) 1-6, 6-2, 6-2; 8-Saki Imamura (JPN) Vs. 10-Viktoria Morvayova (SVK); 4-Tina Nadine Smith (AUS) bt 13-Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty 6-2, 7-5; 7-Naho Sato (JPN) bt 16-Punnin Kovapitukted (THA) 6-2, 6-2; 9-Lena Papadakis (GER) bt 3-Rina Saigo (JPN) 6-4, 6-1; 6-Eri Shimizu (JPN) bt 15-Mana Kawamura (JPN) 6-4, 6-0; 11-Vaidehi Chaudhari bt 5-Thasaporn Naklo (THA) 6-2, 6-2; 2-Anna Siskova bt 14-Zeel Desai 6-1, 6-2.

The top seeds (Prefix indicates seeding, Country in bracket)

1-Darja Semenistaja (LAT), 2-Chloe Paquet (FRA), 3-Ekaterina Makarova, 4-Moyuka Uchijima (JPN), 5-Polina Kudermetova, 6-A Carole Monnet (FRA), 7-Sofya Lansere, 8-Ankita Raina (IND)

by Abhishek Shukla

Mumbai City FC Confident Ahead Of Second Game Against Punjab FC in Kalinga Super Cup

Bhubaneshwar, 15th January, 2024: Indian Super League side Mumbai City FC kicked off their Kalinga Super Cup 2024 campaign with a 2-1 win against I-League side Gokulam Kerala and have Punjab FC in their sights in their second Group C game on 16th January.
The Islanders began their journey with a performance to remember, coming from behind to win 2-1 against a formidable Gokulam Kerala team. For the new head coach Peter Kratky, these are still early days and he is well aware of the challenges opposition teams can put forth.
“Punjab will be a little bit of a different opponent in comparison to Gokulam Kerala. However, we have a squad who can perform against any team. I believe in the players we have. Punjab is a very good team with experienced players on the park, and are well organised. We have to be respectful and ready for their quality, but we must also stick to the way we want to play. I am looking forward to the game, it will be an exciting game. We are not afraid of anyone, and we want to win this game,” Kratky said.
Due to the ongoing AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, Mumbai City FC, like most other clubs, do not have a full squad available to pick from. Nonetheless, Kratky and the team management aren’t very worried about it.
“I was very pleased with what I saw specially with Franklin (Nazareth), Nathan (Rodrigues), and Sanjeev (Stalin) and the others, basically all of the young players who came in, and Ayush (Chhikara) also, who scored a goal. There is a lot of room to improve but we will try to help them and make sure the performances are still going up. But again, I was very pleased with what I saw, and hopefully they keep working hard, and keep asking more questions for the future selections,” the coach added.
A win for the Mumbai City FC side will take them one step closer to the semifinal of the 2024 Kalinga Super Cup and defender Nathan Rodrigues, who made his first start for Mumbai City against Gokulam Kerala, is keen to help his side take that huge step forward. Nathan said, “It was a tough game. We were a goal down but we fought to win 2-1. The team worked very hard on the pitch and we deserved to win.”
“It is important for us to get a win on Tuesday against Punjab FC, and we hope we keep our momentum going as well. A win will take us closer to the qualification for the semi final,” Nathan added.
ENDS
About Mumbai City FC

 
Mumbai City FC was formed in August 2014 and is a club competing in the Hero Indian Super League. The Islanders, as the club is fondly known, is the only team in India to have won the unique ‘double’, winning the Hero ISL League and the Playoffs in the 2020-21 season. The club won a second league title in 2022-23 in record-breaking fashion. Mumbai City FC has competed at the Asian stage in the 2022 AFC Champions League, where it finished second in Group B and also became the first Indian club to register wins in Asia’s premier club competition.

Originally owned by Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and businessman Bimal Parekh, City Football Group acquired a majority stake in Mumbai City FC in November 2019, joining the likes of Manchester City FC, New York City FC and Melbourne City FC and others in the CFG family. Mumbai City FC plays its home games at the 6,500-seater Mumbai Football Arena located in Andheri, Mumbai. The club’s crest houses key elements that represent the city of Mumbai and is a reflection of the dynamic, relentless and modern values that define Mumbai City FC

by Abhishek Shukla

85th Cadet and Junior National TT-Preview

Indore, January 15: The boys from the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board Academy (PSPB-A) were nowhere in the picture in the last season. But just before the team draw for the Under-15 Boys in the 85th UTT Cadet and Sub-Junior National Table Tennis Championships, one finds PSPBA pitchforked to the top position of Group A.

The team events, beginning at the Abhay Prashal Indoor Stadium tomorrow, the PSPBA boys start as the favourites for the team title. But the top seed slot and the points they collected this season cannot alone be the reason for such a tag. PSPBA, ever since it relocated itself from Ajmer, has grown in stature, and their boys have shown improvements to hit the headlines. The onus is on Arya Sarthak, Rushikesh Jagtap, Sahil Rawat and Ronald Sarkar to justify the top billing.

However, West Bengal, the top team in the second group, is equally a tough nut to crack. Soham Mukherjee, Debraj Bhattacharjee, Rupam Sardar and Aditya Das will go all out to prove their mettle. Incidentally, they will have a tough time against another team, the National Centre of Excellence, Kolkata, whose boys did a fantastic job to be among the medals in the Junior and Youth Nationals team event in Kolkata.

And Karnataka has a good young crop of Dinesh Teshub, Naveen Aamav, Atharva Nawarange and Arya Jain. They can challenge the best attack on a given day. But what is surprising is that Tamil Nadu, who won the title in Alappuzha last season on the strength of P.B. Abhinand are relegated to the fifth group, based on the rankings of two of their top players. Maharashtra has a mix-match of newcomers, and they could also pose threats to the top contenders.

In other words, of the 31 teams vying for top honours and the coveted team trophy, a host of the squads in the fray will rely on the newest entrants who have graduated from Under-13 to make it to their respective squads.

With the boys who helped the team ascend the podium in the previous edition having moved to a higher age category, it is always foolhardy to predict the winners. But the individuals will have a say when the singles get underway, along with the Under-13 and Under-11 Boys. The next four days may spring up a surprise or two, making the nationals worthy for many.

Competition Manager N. Ganeshan said T.G. Upadhaya, as referee for the championships, will have support from his deputies, Mangesh Mopker and K.R. Manjunatha. But they all will rely on 50 other technical officials, including Blue Badge and International umpires.

Ganeshan also said Stag equipment, including flooring, tables, and balls, will be used during the two-leg championships, hosted by the Madhya Pradesh Table Tennis Association.

by Abhishek Shukla

Akshay Kumar and Bengal Warriors Congratulate PKL Family on Achieving 1000th Match Milestone

Jaipur, 15th January, 2024: The Bengal Warriors, who are captained by the inimitable Maninder Singh, have been among the strongest pillars of the Pro Kabaddi League, who have had a storied journey over the last decade. Now, in their 10th season, the Pro Kabaddi League, has also reached the milestone of 1000 matches. 

The 1000th match of the PKL will see the Bengaluru Bulls come up against an in-form Bengal Warriors. Both sides have been part of the decade long journey of the PKL so far, and are among the foremost pillars of strength for the sport. 

While the Bengaluru Bulls won Season 6 of the PKL, the tournament’s title travelled to the Bengal Warriors camp in the next season. Meanwhile, the Patna Pirates and the Jaipur Pink Panthers are among the most decorated teams in the mix.  

Bengal Warriors’ Captain Maninder Singh, who was part of the first-ever PKL match between U Mumba and Jaipur Pink Panthers said, “It feels really great that the 1000th PKL match will be played on Monday. I played for Jaipur in the first match and will play the 1000th match in Jaipur, so what could be better than that. Kabaddi is a very injury-prone sport so I feel really happy to be around the league for 1000 matches.”  

The raider further added, “My journey has been really good and it feels great to have a long career. I am trying to maintain my fitness and keep playing for as long as I can. The game has become very fast now as compared to the first game. There were no Do or Die raids in the first season so if a team took a big lead then its opponents found it difficult to make comebacks in the matches. So innovative rules such as Do or Die raids have made the game very interesting.” 

Speaking on the occasion, Bengal Warriors’ Co-Owner Akshay Kumar said, “Here’s congratulating the Bengal Warriors as they play the 1000th PKL match. It has been a remarkable journey so far. Wishing the best to my Warriors, and the league.” 

“The journey of the past decade has been immense, and we at the Bengal Warriors could not be happier that we were there in the first year, and now in the 1000th game. It is a matter of immense pride for the Indian sporting fraternity, and for us at Capri Sports and Bengal Warriors, as we continue nurture the Warrior spirit. We would like to congratulate everyone involved, and wish the PKL and the other stakeholders and hope to see more than 10,000 games being played eventually,” said Jinisha Sharma, Director – Capri Sports.  

“This is a moment that calls for a massive celebration for the sport of Kabaddi, and we hope to play our part in it,” she added.  

by Abhishek Shukla

Preview: Australia, Sri Lanka join upbeat African challengers in Group C

Three-time champions Australia are joined by Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia to make up Group C of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.

The first game in the group will take place between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on 22 January. All the games will be played in Kimberley.

Here we take a look at the four teams, their make-up, and some of the future stars to look out for.

Australia

Australia are the second-most successful side in the U19 Men’s CWC after India. Their first success came in the inaugural edition of the tournament way back in 1988, when as hosts of the Youth World Cup, they beat Pakistan by five wickets. 

Australia’s second triumph came in 2002  when Cameron White led them to a win in New Zealand. Their neighbouring country proved to be a happy hunting ground yet again in 2010 when Josh Hazlewood’s splendid 4/30 helped Mitchell Marsh’s team win the final against Pakistan by 25 runs.

The young Australians featured in a fully-fledged tour of England late in 2023. The tour was successful on all counts, with the side winning series in all three formats.

Squad

Lachlan Aitken, Charlie Anderson, Harkirat Bajwa, Mahli Beardman, Tom Campbell, Harry Dixon, Ryan Hicks, Sam Konstas, Rafael MacMillan, Aidan O’Connor, Harjas Singh, Tom Straker, Callum Vidler, Corey Wasley, Hugh Weibgen.

Fixtures

22 January: v Namibia, Kimberley
25 January: v Zimbabwe, Kimberley
28 January: v Sri Lanka, Kimberley

Watch out for

Harry Dixon

Harry Dixon, who has been likened to David Warner and already has a Big Bash League contract to his name, will be the player to watch out for from Australia. He was a prominent run-getter during Australia’s U19 tour of England, scoring a hundred in both the Youth Tests, finishing with 406 runs in two games. 

The batter had his brush with senior cricket in December when he featured for Victoria XI against Pakistan. The aggressive southpaw can help give Australia some amazing starts with his fireworks. 

What they said

Hugh Weiben, Australia captain: “We are quite a balanced side and all our different playing styles complement each other really well. Everyone also knows their role really well and we have the confidence in one another that any one one of us can get the job done with either the bat, ball or in the field.” 

Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka are yet to lift the U19 Men’s CWC trophy but have left their mark on the tournament over the years. They made the final once in 2000, where they lost to Mohammed Kaif’s India by six wickets. Their solitary success at this event has come in the previous format, winning the Plate Finals twice, in 2012 against Afghanistan and in 2018 against the West Indies.

Some of the prominent names to have played in the U19 World Cups before making their name at the international level include Sanath Jayasuriya, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Dunith Wellalage. 

The current Sri Lanka U19s have featured in a triangular series against Afghanistan and Bangladesh in 2023, have hosted West Indies, and toured Pakistan in the leadup to the World Cup. The side recently played in the U19 Asia Cup but failed to make it to the knockout stage. Still, with practice aplenty, the young Lankans will look to set the tournament alight.

Squad

Sineth Jayawardena (c), Pulindu Perera, Hirun Kapurubandara, Ravishan Nethsara, Rusanda Gamage, Sharujan Shanmuganathan, Dinura Kalupahana, Malsha Tharupathi, Vishva Lahiru, Garuka Sanketh, Duvindu Ranatunga, Ruvishan Perera, Supun Waduge, Vihas Thewmika, Vishen Halambage. 

Travelling Reserves: Dinuka Tennakoon, Hiran Jayasundara.

Fixtures

21 January: v Zimbabwe, Kimberley
24 January: v Namibia, Kimberley
28 January: v Australia, Kimberley

Watch out for

Malsha Tharupathi

In a land known for its finger spinners, Malsha Tharupathi is a rising leg-break bowler with a knack for handy contributions with the willow. The bowling all-rounder has already made his mark in the Sri Lanka domestic circuit, with 10 List A wickets at an average of 21.9, and 18 T20 wickets for merely 11.27. 

He played a crucial role in Sri Lanka U19’s ODI series win over Pakistan during their tour of the country in October, taking seven wickets at an average of 18.71. He also picked five wickets at an average of 20 in the U19 Asia Cup in December. 

A leg-spinning all-rounder, Tharupathi seems to be following up in the footsteps of his Richmond College alum Wanindu Hasaranga. Sri Lanka U19s will hope that the youngster can emulate Hasaranga’s magical touch to lift their fortunes in the tournament.

What they said

Sineth Jayawardena, Sri Lanka captain: “As a unit, we are always together, and as the captain, I think that’s our main strength. Even though we have downfalls, we have always made comebacks.”

Zimbabwe

An advantage of the tournament being shifted to South Africa is that Zimbabwe will be playing in familiar conditions. Zimbabwe shone in the tournament in the 2000s, winning the Plate Final in 2002, and going beyond the group stage in 2004 and 2006. They’ve defeated the likes of Australia, New Zealand, and England in the past.

Individual performers have shone in the U19 World Cup for the African nation. The most prominent of these was Tatenda Taibu, who won the Player of the Tournament award for his 250 runs and 12 wickets in the 2002 edition.

Zimbabwe prepared for the upcoming U19 World Cup with a two-match series against Ireland which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Squad

Nathaniel Hlabangana, Panashe Taruvinga, Ronak Patel, Campbell MacMillan, Ryan Kamwemba, Brendon Sunguro, Calton Takawira, Matthew Schonken (c), Anesu Kamuriwo, Newman Nyamhuri, Mashford Shungu, Kohl Eksteen, Panashe Gwatiringa, Shaun Dzakatira, Munashe Chimusoro.

Fixtures

21 January: v Sri Lanka, Kimberley
25 January: v Australia, Kimberley
27 January: v Namibia, Kimberley

Watch out for

Panashe Taruvinga

Along with his skipper Matthew Schonken, Panashe Taruvinga will be one of the few players from the previous edition of the tournament to feature in the U19 Men’s CWC 2024 . In 2022, the 16-year-old Taruvinga had scored 39 runs in his two outings. 

With age, the wicketkeeper-batter has gained experience and has shown his brilliance in the club circuits of Zimbabwe. He recently played two handy knocks against the Ireland U19s. In Andy Flower, Taibu, and Brendan Taylor, the Chevrons have produced some brilliant keeper-batters, and Taruvinga has a golden opportunity to put his name forward as a reliable option for the future.

What they said

Matthew Schonken, Zimbabwe captain: “This is a one-time experience for most of us and is a great start to everyone’s cricket career, we are hoping that we all get a good kick start into the start of our futures ahead of us.”

Namibia

This will be Namibia’s 10th appearance in the tournament. An up-and-coming side in the international circuit, Namibia made their first appearance in the competition way back in 1998.

To date, the 2016 edition has been the most successful one for the African side. They beat Scotland by a comfortable margin in the group stage, before stunning neighbours South Africa by two wickets to secure a place in the Quarter-Finals. 

Though they lost to India by 197 runs, they finished seventh, thus ensuring their best-ever U19 World Cup outing.

Namibia qualified in the tournament on the back of a near-perfect run in the Africa Division- 1 Qualifier for the U19 World Cup. They won four games of the five games with the match against Uganda ending without a result.

Squad

Alex Volschenk (c), Gerhard Janse van Rensburg, Hansie de Villiers, JW Visagie, Ben Brassell, Jack Brassell, Henry van Wyk, Zacheo van Vuuren, Nico Pieters, Faf du Plessis, Woutie Niehaus, PD Blignaut, Hanro Badenhorst, Junior Kariata, Ryan Moffett.

Fixtures

22 January: v Australia, Kimberley
24 January: v Sri Lanka, Kimberley
27 January: v Zimbabwe, Kimberley

Watch out for

Gerhard Janse van Rensburg

Gerhard Janse van Rensburg is already sparring with the big boys and has featured in the senior side’s encounters against Uganda (albeit in games without official status) and the Karnataka domestic team from India. 

Though a wicketkeeper-batter, Janse van Rensburg can also roll his arm over and pick crucial wickets for the side. So other than adding solidity to the middle-order of the Eagles, his presence guarantees a true all-round asset in the field.

What they said

Alexander Volschenk, Namibia captain: “During the qualifiers, our team bonded like a band of brothers, playing with each other, for each other. No one is bigger than the team.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2024: Lakshya, Prannoy highlight crucial role of Super 750 status in race to Paris

A total of 247 players from 23 countries including international stars Vitidsarn, Axelsen, Intanon and Yamaguchi will headline the prestigious tournament; Japan has fielded the largest contingent of 37 shuttlers

New Delhi, January 15, 2024: Asian Games bronze medallist HS Prannoy and reigning Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya Sen emphasised the significance of the Super 750 status of the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2024 and how the additional points secured in the tournament will play a crucial role in the Paris Olympics qualification.

Elevated from the Super 500 to the Super 750 status last year, the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2024, organised by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), is set to take place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from January 16-21, 2024.

“Over the last decade India has emerged as one of the powerhouses of the sport. Events like the Yonex-Sunrise India Open have had a key role in this phenomenon, as upcoming players and fans get inspired by watching the best players up close. This year there is added excitement as the clock ticks closer to Paris 2024. I wish all involved the best of luck in what will no doubt be a super week on the HSBC BWF World Tour,” said BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer.

The prestigious tournament will provide Indian players with the opportunity to accumulate significantly higher ranking points on their home turf, thereby enhancing their quest for qualification for the Paris Olympics.

“The Yonex-Sunrise India Open has long stood as a legacy tournament for Indian Badminton. Being a defining ground for milestone victories and career transformative moments resulting in dreams coming true, this championship has always played a strong platform and breeding ground for future champions. As we prepare to witness the biggest badminton show in India, the electrifying atmosphere and intense competition promise to make the event an unforgettable spectacle for fans from across the country who brave the weather to be there on all seven days,” remarked BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra.

The 2023 World Championships bronze medallist Prannoy, currently ranked 8th in the Race to Paris rankings, will be aiming to climb higher in the rankings as he kicks off his campaign against Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei.

Highlighting the high stakes involved in the tournament, HS Prannoy commented, “The Yonex-Sunrise India Open holds immense significance for me but this year is extra special as it will be providing a pedestal to improve my ranking ahead of the summer Olympics. Playing on home soil will be an added boost, and the support of our fans adds an extra layer of motivation.”

As per the Paris Olympics qualification regulations, India can have two men’s singles players in the Top-16 by April 30, 2024.

Currently ranked 17th in the Race to Paris rankings, Sen who won the Yonex-Sunrise India Open in 2022, will commence his campaign against the emerging talent Priyanshu Rawat, with an eye on securing the coveted second spot.

“Winning the Yonex-Sunrise India Open in 2022 has been a cornerstone in shaping my career, and I anticipate a similar influential role of the tournament in the context of Paris qualifications. Starting out against Priyanshu will be tough but I am optimistic about my chances of making a deep run in the tournament to make a stride in the rankings,” stated Lakshya Sen.

With a prize pool of USD 850,000, the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2024 will witness a total of 247 shuttlers from 23 countries who will enthral the fans with their captivating performances.

The reigning World champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand will also be a part of the galaxy of stars gracing the tournament as he gears up to defend his Yonex-Sunrise India Open title.

“I am thrilled to return to the Yonex-Sunrise India Open as the defending champion. The competition promises to be fierce this time but I am ready to showcase my best game and give my all on the court once again,” expressed Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

All the shuttlers inside the current top 10 of the men’s singles BWF World Rankings including top seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, former World Champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore, and Asian Games 2022 bronze medallist Kodai Naraoka of Japan, will take the stage.

In the women’s singles category, three-time champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand and the Japanese duo of two-time World Champion Akane Yamaguchi and Rio Olympics bronze medallist Nozomi Okuhara, are set to compete.

“Yonex-Sunrise has always been at the forefront of promoting badminton from the grassroot to the top most level in India and we are proud of the development and growth the sport has seen in the last decade. The Yonex-Sunrise India Open plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of badminton in the country, inspiring athletes and bringing the badminton fraternity together. Indian badminton players have been performing exceptionally at the global stage, bringing numerous laurels for the country which includes the historic Thomas Cup triumph as well as winning medals at the World Championships and other multi-nation events such as the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Such consistent performances have put badminton in the spotlight as it’s now the second most played sport by both genders in India,” highlighted Mr. Vikramaditya Dhar, Managing Director, Sunrise Sports India Pvt. Ltd.

With five players in men’s singles, four in women’s singles, ten each in both doubles categories, and eight in mixed doubles, Japan boasts the largest contingent at the tournament, with a total of 37 players competing across all categories.

Following Japan, China have fielded the second largest contingent comprising 34 players followed by Chinese Taipei with 23 players.

“At HSBC, we are proud to be associated with the Badminton World Federation as the Global Banking Partner and as the Title Sponsor of the HSBC BWF World Tour. We are excited to engage with our customers, colleagues, and their passion for badminton, through this association. As one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations, HSBC is a partner to four Olympics sports – golf, rugby, badminton, and football. It helps us bring to life our brand promise of – ‘Opening up a World of Opportunity’ – and we aim to create a meaningful impact, driving interest and participation by making the sport more inclusive and accessible for all,” mentioned Hitendra Dave, General Manager & CEO, HSBC India.

Alongside Prannoy and Sen, the 10-player Indian contingent will be spearheaded by Asian Games gold medallists Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in the men’s doubles and former World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth in the men’s singles category.

In women’s doubles, the pairs of Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand and Ashwini Ponnappa-Tanisha Crasto will be aiming to strengthen their position in the Race to Paris rankings.

The tournament will be broadcasted on Eurosports and JioCinema and badminton lovers can enjoy watching them in action on all six days for free as the BAI has decided to keep the entry for the tournament for free.

by Abhishek Shukla

World Curling launches brand refresh

Perth, Scotland – The launch of the World Curling rebrand and new website arrives as one of the cornerstone components of the six “Big Ideas” defined by the World Curling Board in January 2023.
 
“The new identity is a modern and dynamic brand for our sport,” said World Curling President, Beau Welling. “We are excited to be showcasing our sport and brand to increasingly younger and more diverse audiences by reaching them through our engaging digital platforms.
 
“The brand identity refresh is about more than just a new logo. It’s an opportunity to redefine our vision for the sport and share our values to the wider world as we continue to develop as a modern and inclusive community.
 
“The brand was developed, in collaboration with our partners, WePlay, to be flexible and allow us to consolidate the number of projects managed by World Curling under one unified brand umbrella. This refresh is a fundamental first step in the exciting journey our organisation and sport is undertaking.”
 
The new World Curling logo is the embodiment of the core aspects of the sport, crafted with the two fundamental elements of curling. The outer circle draws inspiration from the rotation of a stone, while the internal element is designed to emulate the sweeping motion on ice.
 
Together the two elements work to create a sense of forward movement, alluding to the future of World Curling as we continue to foster the development, values and community of our unique sport.
 
The new brand identity launches alongside a modern website and will continue to roll out over the coming months, with the changes to the digital assets and social media channels being updated as a priority.