by Abhishek Shukla

85th Junior and Youth National TT-team final Day 7

Kolkata, January 12: West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh will clash for the coveted team title tomorrow in the 85th edition of the UTT Inter-State Youth and Junior National Table Tennis Championships at the Netaji Indoor Stadium.

In the first semifinal, the hosts beat Tamil Nadu 3-0, and UP defeated the National Centre for Excellence (NCOE) 3-1 in the second today.

Ankur Bhattacharjee, as usual, put Bengal 1-0 up with his fast-paced game plan and reaped instant benefits against Tharun Shanmugam. Bodhisatwa followed suit. He beat P.B. Abhinand 3-2 and consolidated their positions. Shankadip finished the job against Balamurugan, but not before dropping four tie-points in the third rubber. But in the end, the hosts secured their spot in the final.

UP started well with Sarth Mishra, who beat Praneet Bhaskaran with ease. But Divyansh, their star player, struggled against Soumil Mukherjee, taking the distance. But Divyansh ensured UP led 2-1 at that stage. However, Sridhar Joushi lost to Emon Adhikary, forcing Divyansh to revisit the table. The tall UP boy did not disappoint as he beat  Praneet in straight games.   The script in at least two quarterfinals went along the expected lines. Bengal thrashed Gujarat 3-0, and Tamil Nadu beat Delhi 3-1. But the other two quarterfinals had all the thrills and went the distance. NCOE beat Assam, and Uttar Pradesh overcame Maharashtra with identical 3-2 margins.

Bodhisatwa was rusty. It reflected in the Bengal’s second rubber after Ankur gave a fine start. Burhanuddin Malubhaiwala stretched Bodhisatwa in the first game, which the Bengal boy won on his third game point. Though he lost the second game, he brushed aside the threat to put the team 2-0 ahead. Shankadip did not break a sweat and beat Aayush to enter the semifinals.

Priyanuj Bhattacharyya stood between NCOE and their maiden entry into the medal round. After Praneet put NCOE in the lead, Soumil Mukherjee went down in straight games to Priyanuj. Emon repaired the damage to restore the lead, but Praneet could not cope with Priyanuj’s pace and accuracy, allowing Assam to level 2-2. 

Once the matter went to the decider, NCOE had the upper hand. But Soumil did not have the desired start and lost 10-12. Yet, he dared to hold his nerves, won the next three games against Jyoti Hriday Sarma, and took his side into the semifinals.

The reverse single between Divyansh Srivastava and Jash Modi was to decide the fate of UP and Maharashtra. And it eventually did, after Divyansh outplayed the lanky Maharashtrian in the fifth game. Until then, the rubber was in balance and kept the chances even. Once Divyansh did his job, it became easy for Sarth Mishra. He led 2-1 in the decider against Kushal Chopda and did not matter to the outcome even when he dropped the third game.

Divyansh beat Kushal 3-0 in the first rubber, but Sarth went 1-3 down to Jash in the second. However, the win helped Sagar Kasture put up a brave front to overcome Shridhar Joushi 3-1.

Team Results: U-19 Boys: 

Semifinals: West Bengal bt Tamil Nadu 3-0 (Ankur Bhattacharjee bt Tharun Shanmugam 11-7, 11-6, 11-8, Bodhisatwa Choudhary bt P.B. Abhinand 8-11, 11-8, 11-13, 11-8, 13-11, Shankhadip Das bt Balamurugan Muthu 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7); Uttar Pradesh bt NCOE 3-1 (Sarth Mishtra bt Praneet Bhaskar 11-6, 12-10, 11-8, Divyansh Srivastava bt Soumil Mukherjee 11-3, 13-11, 10-12, 7-11, 11-6, Sridhar Joushi lost to Emon Adhikary 7-11, 5-11, 11-13, 11-13, Divyansh bt Praneet 11-3, 11-6, 11-7).

Quarterfinals:West Bengal bt Gujarat 3-0 (Aankur bt Arman Shaikh 11-7, 11-5, 11-7, Bodhisatwa bt Burhanuddin Malubhaiwala 14-12, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5, Shankhadip bt Aaayush Tanna 11-3, 11-3, 11-8); Tamil Nadu bt Delhi 3-1 (Preyesh Raj lost to Aadarsh Om Chhetri 7-11, 19-17, 11-2, 16-14, P.B. Abhinand bt H. Lalruatsanga 11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7, Balamurugan Muthu bt Samarth Singh 12-10, 11-4, 11-9, Abhinand bt Aadarsh 11-6, 11-9, 11-3); NCOE bt Assam 3-2 (Praneet Bhaskar bt J.H. Sharma 11-8, 10-12, 11-8, 11-7, Soumil Mukherjee lost to Priyanuj Bhattacharyya 5-11, 6-11, 8-11, Emon Adhikary bt Abheek Kashyap 11-8, 11-7, 11-5, Praneet lost to Priyanuj 10-12, 11-7, 9-11, 8-11, Soumil bt J.H. Sharma 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9); Uttar Pradesh bt Maharashtra 3-2 (Divyansh Srivastava bt Kushal Chopda 11-7, 11-8, 11-5, Sarth Mishra lost to Jash Modi 11-9, 6-11, 8-11, 6-11, Sridhar Joushi lost to Sagar Kasture 8-11, 11-7, 5-11, 8-11, Divyansh bt Jash 11-3, 5-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-4, Sarth bt Kushal 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 13-11).

Pre-quarterfinals: West Bengal bt Telangana 3-1; Gujarat bt Manipur 3-1; Delhi bt Rajasthan (TTFI 1) 3-0; Tamil Nadu bt Haryana 3-0; Assam bt Karnataka 3-1; NCOE bt Goa 3-0; Maharashtra bt PSPB-A 3-1; Uttar Pradesh bt Punjab 3-1. 

by Abhishek Shukla

Karan ousts top seed enroute to semifinals at PET ITF Mandya Open

Mandya, Jan 12: Karan Singh scripted the biggest upset of the tournament when he showed the top seed Kris Van Wyk of South Africa the door to enter the semifinals of the PET ITF Mandya Open. In the first quarterfinal played at the PET Stadium here on Friday, the 20-year-old won in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 to set-up a last-four clash with Jelle Sels of The Netherlands. Sels quelled the challenge of his country mate Thijmen Loof 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-4 in the longest match of the day that lasted a little over two hours.

Following Karan’s footsteps was Siddharth Vishwakarma who also registered an upset victory over fifth seed Nam Hoang Ly of Vietnam in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. The lanky Indian will meet third seed Orel Kimhi in the other semifinal. The Isralian stopped the dream run of Madhwin Kamath with a 7-6 (5), 6-0 win.

Meanwhile, Karan and his Korean partner Woobin Shin upset the third-seeded pair of Tsung-Hao Huang of Taipei and Kris Van Wyk with a scoreline of 1-6, 6-3, 10-7 to enter the finals of the doubles event. Karan and Woobi will meet the fourth seeded all Indian pair of Parikshit Somani and Manish Sureshkumar who breezed past the top seeded duo of Grigoriy Lomakin of Khazakstan and Austrian David Pichler 6-3, 6-2.

The quarterfinal match between Karan and Van Wyk was a see-saw battle as both the players played well and had bad shots, all at the same time. Breaking the top seed’s serve in the 1st and third games, Karan, using a strong forehand went 3-0 up. However, the visitor returned the favour, achieving two breaks in the 4th and the 6th game to restore parity. A similar pattern followed during the last three games, where the lad from Haryana broke Van Wyk’s serve in the 7th and 9th games to take the first set. The second set saw the players holding on to their respective serves until the seventh game where Karan held an 4-3 edge over his rival. The visitor suddenly lost focus and cool and committed a series of unforced errors to lose his serve in the eighth game, which helped Karan wrap up the match in 53 minutes.

In another quarterfinal tie, the 29-year-old Vishwakarma made it look a one-sided affair as the left-hander served with aplomb and returned with fervour. After both the opponents held their respective serves in the first two games, Vishwakarma raced away to grab the first set at 6-1 with breaks in the fourth and the sixth game. The second set saw Hoang claw back in the match going 4-2 up with a break in the sixth game. However, the Indian struck back strongly and didn’t give much of a chance to his fancied rival in the next four games, which he won in a row to win the set and the match.                   

Results (all Indians unless mentioned, prefix denotes seeding)

Singles (Quarterfinals)

Karan Singh bt 1-Kris Van Wyk (RSA) 6-3, 6-3; 3-Orel Kimhi (ISR) bt Q-Madhwin Kamath 7-6 (5), 6-0; Siddharth Vishwakarma bt 5-Nam Hoang Ly (VIE) 6-1, 6-4; Jelle Sels (NED) bt Q-Thijmen Loof (NED) 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-4; Semifinal line-up: Karan Singh Vs. Jelle Sels (NED) 10 a.m.

Siddharth Vishwakarma Vs. 3-Orel Kimhi (ISR) 11 a.m.

Doubles (Semifinals)

Woobin Shin (KOR)/Karan Singh bt 3-Tsung-Hao Huang (TPE)/Kris Van Wyk (RSA) 1-6, 6-3, 10-7; 4-Parikshit Somani/Manish Sureshkumar bt 1-Grigoriy Lomakin (KAZ)/David Pichler (AUT) 6-3, 6-2.

Overnight unfinished Quarterfinals

1-Grigoriy Lomakin (KAZ)/David Pichler (AUT) bt Sai Karteek Reddy Ganta/Vishnu Vardhan 6-3, 6-3; 4-Parikshit Somani/Manish Sureshkumar bt M Rifqi Fitriadi (INA)/Mitsuki Wei Kang Leong (MAS) 6-4, 6-1; Woobin Shin (KOR)/Karan Singh bt Orel Kimhi (ISR)/Ofek Shimanov (ISR) 6-7 (8), 5-5 (retd).

by Abhishek Shukla

International Olympic Committee and AB InBev announce Worldwide Olympic Partnership

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that AB InBev, the world’s leading brewer, will become a Worldwide Olympic Partner (TOP Partner) through to 2028. Corona Cero zero-alcohol beer will be the global beer sponsor of the Olympic Games, highlighting the IOC and AB InBev’s commitment to responsible consumption and building a better world. Together, they will reach billions of Olympic fans around the world with messages of connection, moderation and celebration.

IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The IOC is delighted to announce its new partnership with the world’s leading brewer, AB InBev. Our organisations share a vision of supporting sport and athletes. As a global brand, Corona Cero will engage fans around the world in celebrating the magic of the Olympic Games and cheering for the athletes’ sporting achievements. In line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5, both of our organisations are actively contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As the IOC redistributes 90 per cent of all its revenue to support sport around the world, ultimately the revenue from this agreement will support every Olympic team and their athletes. Together, we look forward to creating a future with more cheers!”

AB InBev CEO Michel Doukeris said: “Beer and sports are better together, so we are proud to be the first beer sponsor for the Olympics at the Worldwide Olympic Partner level. Beer is the beverage of moderation and choice, and so it’s only fitting to lead with our fast-growing zero-alcohol beer, Corona Cero, for this occasion. This partnership illustrates the opportunity for our category to positively impact and engage with billions of fans around the world, ushering in a new era of Olympic spirit and cheers while supporting favourite countries and athletes as they go for gold. We look forward to partnering with the IOC, and activating at the 2024, 2026 and 2028 Games.”

With centuries of brewing history, AB InBev has seen countless new friendships, connections and experiences built on a shared love of sport and beer. Sport is a strong force for positive change, and AB InBev brands are pleased to be a part of that legacy with decades of historic, award-winning and responsible sports marketing. AB InBev is committed to accelerating continued progress towards responsible alcohol consumption and moderation worldwide and will work to further that effort by featuring Corona Cero, its fast-growing zero-alcohol beer brand, as the leading global Worldwide Olympic Partner brand.

Both AB InBev and the IOC are committed to creating a better world for the athletes, fans and consumers around the world by actively contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability is important to the AB InBev business because brewing great beer depends on a healthy, natural environment and thriving communities.

AB InBev Chief Marketing Officer Marcel Marcondes said: “As we continue to invest to grow the category, we are excited to bring our beer brands to the Olympics and be a Worldwide Partner for these amazing events. Corona is one of our fastest-growing global brands, reaching consumers across 180 countries, and through this partnership, we expect Corona Cero to accelerate no-alcohol beer growth and moderation for fans all over the world. In the United States, we will support the Olympics through the Olympic and Paralympic Games LA 2028 with Michelob ULTRA, a superior light beer that celebrates an active lifestyle.”

Jiri Kejval, Chair of the IOC Revenues and Commercial Partnerships Commission, said: “AB InBev manages some of the world’s most recognised brands. The company will be a natural addition to the TOP programme, which brings together some of the world’s leading companies with a shared vision of supporting sport to build a better world.”

The agreement also includes marketing rights for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Paralympic Games through the IOC-IPC long-term collaboration agreement.

About Anheuser-Busch InBev

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is a publicly traded company (Euronext: ABI) based in Leuven, Belgium, with secondary listings on the Mexico (MEXBOL: ANB) and South Africa (JSE: ANH) stock exchanges and with American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUD). As a company, we dream big to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in the world. We are committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and to brewing the best beers using the finest ingredients. Our diverse portfolio of well over 500 beer brands includes global brands Budweiser®, Corona®, Stella Artois®, and Michelob Ultra®; multi-country brands Beck’s®, Hoegaarden®, and Leffe® ; and local champions such as Aguila®, Antarctica®, Bud Light®, Brahma®, Cass®, Castle®, Castle Lite®, Cristal®, Harbin®, Jupiler®, Modelo Especial®, Quilmes®, Victoria®, Sedrin®, and Skol®. Our brewing heritage dates back more than 600 years, spanning continents and generations. From our European roots at the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium. To the pioneering spirit of the Anheuser & Co brewery in St Louis, US. To the creation of the Castle Brewery in South Africa during the Johannesburg gold rush. To Bohemia, the first brewery in Brazil. Geographically diversified with a balanced exposure to developed and developing markets, we leverage the collective strengths of approximately 167,000 colleagues based in nearly 50 countries worldwide. For 2022, AB InBev’s reported revenue was 57.8 billion USD (excluding JVs and associates).

AB InBev is contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and broader global sustainable development agenda while building resilient supply chains, productive communities and a healthier environment. We have placed a deliberate focus on contributing progress toward the goals where we can use our scale and partnerships to drive meaningful positive change. Learn more at https://www.ab-inbev.com/sustainability/2025-sustainability-goals/

by Abhishek Shukla

Skeleton athlete Kimberley Bos extends World Cup lead with victory in St. Moritz

St. Moritz (RWH) Skeleton World Championships silver medallist Kimberley Bos from the  Netherlands has extended her lead in the overall standings at the halfway point of the  2023/2024 BMW IBSF World Cup with her second win of the season in the fourth race. At  the Olympia Bobrun St. Moritz Celerina in Switzerland, the Olympic silver medallist beat  the Italian Valentina Margaglio (0.73 seconds behind) into second place with a season track  record in the second run (1:08.80 minutes) 

There was a surprise in third place: US skeleton athlete Katie Uhlaender competed in the  BMW IBSF World Cup for the first time in two years. 0.84 seconds behind winner Bos, the  39-year-old, overall World Cup winner in 2008 and World Champion in 2012, celebrated  her first World Cup podium finish since February 2013 in third place in St. Moritz.  

World Champion Susanne Kreher (GER) narrowly missed out on the podium and finished  fourth.  

Janine Flock from Austria, overall winner in 2015 and 2021, finished her 100th World Cup  race in seventh place.  

The best Swiss athlete in St. Moritz was U20 World Championships silver medallist Sara  Schmied, who finished 19th.  Kimberley Bos (NED, 810 points) leads the overall standings in the BMW IBSF World Cup  after four of the season’s eight races, ahead of Valentina Margaglio (ITA, 748) and four time World Champion Tina Hermann (GER, 697), who finished fifth in St. Moritz.

by Abhishek Shukla

UKK: Chennai Quick Guns face Gujarat Giants in clash to decide Season 2 champions

Cuttack, January 12, 2024: After 16 exciting days of Kho Kho and 32 games, two teams are all that remain in the hunt to be champions of Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2. That question will be answered on Saturday when Chennai Quick Guns take on Gujarat Giants in the final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Cuttack.

Ultimate Kho Kho, promoted by Amit Burman in collaboration with the Kho Kho Federation of India, became the first Indian sports league to secure Series A funding, courtesy the UK-based BNP Group.

Chennai Quick Guns will head into the match as the favourites. They have been the best team throughout the tournament and lead the pack in most metrics. They have the most points, the most attacking points and the most defensive points. They also have the season’s best player in Ramji Kashyap, who is not only the league’s best attacker but the best defender as well.

They will go into the contest full of confidence. They have lost only one match all season and both their victories against Gujarat Giants were quite convincing.

“Our confidence is sky high after the comeback win against Telugu Yoddhas in the semi-final,” said Chennai Quick Guns captain Amit Patil. “Vijay Shinde and Ramji Kashyap were just superb in the second innings. Now, we are looking forward to the final match against Gujarat Giants. They have a lot of good players in their team and our strategy would be to plan for their whole team rather than a single player. We are not thinking about the result at all, the aim is to give our everything on the mat.”

Gujarat Giants too will derive a lot of confidence from the way in which they defeated defending champions Odisha Juggernauts in the semifinals. The blistering start they made to the match made the later Odisha Juggernauts comeback irrelevant and they will head into the final knowing fully well that they have the ability to exploit any opening they might get. The likes of Suyash Gargate and Sanket Kadam finding form in the semifinal also augurs well.

“Our team is positive and ready to face Chennai Quick Guns in the final,” said Gujarat Giants captain Akshay Bhangare. “The atmosphere in the stadium has been amazing and it charges the athletes like nothing else. The crowd gave us a lot of energy today even though they were rooting for the home team. We will play with the same passion and vigour in the final.”

The final is not the only action scheduled for Saturday as Odisha Juggernauts will take on Telugu Yoddhas to decide who will finish third.

The exciting action of Ultimate Kho Kho will be telecast on Sony Sports Network’s channels and SonyLiv with live coverage of two matches starting at 7.30pm IST.

by Abhishek Shukla

Road to TWG in Chengdu, 2025: “Preparations are going smoothly”

On 9 January 2024, the IWGA delegation led by President José Perurena, and Mr Gao Zhidan, China’s Sports Minister and Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) President, gathered in person in Beijing (CHN).

Minister Gao, who will co-preside The World Games 2025 Chengdu Local Organising Committee (LOC) together with Mr Huang Qiang, Governor of the Sichuan province, provided general updates on the overall progression of The World Games preparations to the delegation on site, and shared the latest plans related to a variety of organisational topics.

Minister Gao confirmed the readiness and enthusiasm of the city of Chengdu to welcome athletes to the 2025 edition of The World Games, and outlined the fantastic opportunity that it represents for China to further develop and promote the sports featured on TWG’s programme. The COC equally confirmed that it will actively support the promotion of the event in the lead up to 2025.

“Today we found out that preparations are going smoothly, and we are confident that Chengdu has the required experience in hosting global multi-sport events. In addition to China’s world-class hospitality alongside sporting excellence, the IWGA is fully committed to support and strengthen its close relationships with the participating International Federations, and to provide guidance in terms of technical preparation for the most successful edition of The World Games yet,” President Perurena said, echoing the excitement of the Chinese organisers for the upcoming Games.

The IWGA and the COC agreed to further increase collaboration in the near future by the possible signature of a Memorandum of Understanding to be concluded in the first half of 2024.

The IWGA delegation also met with Mr. Ma Zheng, Deputy Director of CMG (China Media Group) Sports and Children’s Programming Centre, at the headquarters of CCTV in Beijing, to discuss the collaboration for The World Games in the areas of production and distribution of images.

After the official meeting in the Chinese capital, the IWGA delegation headed south to Chengdu, in the Sichuan province, for a site visit of the Roller Sports, Squash and Racquetball venues. Near-completion of the Roller Sports site was reported, while additional work is needed on the other facilities.

The delegation met again with Governor Huang, Mayor of Chengdu Municipality, Mr Wang Fengchao and other key LOC senior executives to discuss the progress of preparation for The World Games 2025.

The IWGA representatives attended a community event organised by the LOC to engage with the youth of Chengdu, where both President Perurena and Governor Huang stressed the opportunity of using The World Games coming to Chengdu as a vector to promote physical activity and involve the local citizens.

“This landmark community event symbolises a significant milestone in the LOC’s dedication to promoting The World Games and sport in the region. Educating and raising awareness about sports in the local communities is of upmost importance. Today, we have witnessed that Chengdu is moving in the right direction,” Perurena said.

This event featured competitions and demonstrations of Softball, Flag Football and Flying Disc as well as cultural activities. 

The official visit in China concluded on Thursday 11 January with a working-group meeting involving IWGA CEO Mr Joachim Gossow, IWGA Deputy CEO Mr Guillaume Felli and Ms. Zhang Ruiqin, Vice Director-General of TWG 2025. Operational matters, as well as planning of The World Games 2025 in areas of marketing, broadcasting, accommodation and media were the working group’s focus.

The 12th edition of The World Games will be held from 7-17 August 2025. The sports programme is available here.

by Abhishek Shukla

World Sailing appoints new Head of International Development 

World Sailing has appointed experienced sports administration professional Fiona Kidd as its new Head of International Development.  

As World Sailing continues its commitment to developing the sport globally, Fiona’s appointment adds valuable experience in delivering impactful programs to enhance the support available to Member National Authorities and the international sailing community. 

In the role of Head of International Development, Fiona will be responsible for the strategic development, implementation and delivery of World Sailing’s mission to grow the sport and make sailing more accessible by securing funding for key projects, supporting and delivering training and development for sailors, coaches, race officials and regional development coordinators around the world.   

Kidd brings over 30 years of experience in sailing developing youth and senior classes, coaching development and sustainability programs, as well as organising major events. Her most recent role was as Secretary General of the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA), a position she held for over seven years. In this position, she led the IODA Executive Committee, managing a multi-stakeholder environment with global members in more than 110 countries and planning the daily operation of the world’s largest youth sailing class.  

She initiated the Recycled Optimist Parts and Equipment (ROPE), a peer-to-peer program to increase sustainability and social responsibility within the class with sailors donating Optimist equipment to sailors across the globe. Under Fiona’s guidance IODA is introducing the Optimus Coach Development Program to create more opportunities and provide a pathway for coaches within the class.  

Fiona has also served as Executive Secretary of ILCA North America and at World Sailing, was chair of the World Youth Sailing Championship Commitee from 2000-2012 and chair of the Women’s Forum from 2004-2012, and was the Sailing Sports Manager at the Toronto 2015 Pan/Para Pan American Games organising committee.  

David Graham, World Sailing CEO, said, “This is a very important appointment for World Sailing and her experience in delivering programs so closely aligned to our priorities will help to strengthen the sport in terms of sustainability and create more opportunities for people around the world at all levels.” 

“Fiona adds valuable insight that will help World Sailing build on our work in sustainability, Para Sailing and our ongoing objective to encourage more women and girls into sailing. Her experience in leadership roles brings a unique perspective from within the sport and will assist in engaging stakeholders and inspiring teams to achieve our shared strategic goals. She is a valuable asset to the international sailing community and we are all delighted to welcome her to the team at World Sailing.” 

Kidd, who starts in the role immediately, said, “Almost my entire professional career has been devoted to the development of the sport and to be joining World Sailing at such a pivotal time is an incredibly proud moment for me. I am looking forward to bringing my passion for youth development, equality, accessibility and sustainability to the federation to make a meaningful impact on sailing worldwide and for sailors around the world. 

“I have seen first hand how the sport can change people’s lives and have a positive impact on the community. It is my goal to work with the classes, clubs, our Members and committees to continue this mission and promote these core values for the benefit of the entire sport.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Simon Taufel, Aleem Dar to lead DP World ILT20 Season 2 match officials panel

Dubai, 12 January 2024: Two of the most respected umpires in cricket history Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar spearhead the DP World ILT20 Season 2 match officials panel. Both Taufel and Dar will be the on-field umpires for the tournament opener between defending champions Gulf Giants and Sharjah Warriors on Friday, 19 January at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The legendary duo who umpired the 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final and the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup final will now be coming back together for the opening match of the DP World ILT20 Season 2.
Besides Taufel and Dar, the DP World ILT20 Season 2 match official panel includes some of the most prominent umpires and match referees who are actively involved in all three international cricket formats.
South Africa’s Adrain Holdstock and Australia’s Rod Tucker – both from ICC Elite Panel, Sri Lanka’s Ruchira Palliyaguruge, England’s Martin Saggers, Australia’s Paul Wilson and Leslie Reifer of West Indies will be umpiring the 34-match tournament. Roshan Mahanama, Steve Bernard and Taufel will be the match referees – Taufel will join match referees panel after umpiring the opener.  

With global cricket fans guaranteed of high-octane entertainment, as the Gulf region’s biggest T20 extravaganza that holds a distinction of being the second-highest watched T20 league around the world promises yet another blockbuster Season between 19th January and 17th February, the organisers have ensured the league is played under the watchful eyes of globally-acclaimed umpires. 
While Australia’s Taufel was also part of the DP World ILT20 Season 1 match official panel, Aleem Dar – record holder for most Tests and ODIs as on field umpire (145 and 231) makes his maiden DP World ILT20 appearance.  

Simon Taufel: “I am very excited to return to the UAE for DP World ILT20’s Season 2. It was a great experience to lead the match officials panel last year and closely interact with some of the upcoming UAE ICC International Panel umpires. The DP World ILT20 is certainly a fine platform for young players. We are also incorporating two specialised TV umpires for the first time to improve accuracy and time efficiency – Paul Wilson from Australia and Leslie Reifer from West Indies.”

Aleem Dar: “I am eager and excited to be part of the DP World ILT20 which has emerged as one of the leading T20 leagues globally. The tournament provides a unique opportunity for players, particular from UAE to shine on an international stage and rub shoulders with some of the most reputed players in the world. I am delighted to be part of the match officials panel this year and look forward to a great season.”
The DP World ILT20 Season 2 features some of the greatest stars in the game including Australia’s World Cup hero David Warner, Andre Russell, David Willey, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Woakes and Maheesh Theekshana

More than 100 international and 25 UAE players will feature in the tournament. The month-long League will be held in iconic venues in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai with the Final scheduled to be played on 17th February at the famed ‘Ring of Fire’ Dubai International Stadium.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘I am currently oscillating between two jobs,’ says Pro Kabaddi League Referee Damayanti Boro

JAIPUR, 12th January 2024: Damayanti Boro has been leading the charge in kabaddi in the Northeast as a coach for several years. However, she has always had an interest in officiating as well and she achieved her dream of becoming a technical official at the Pro Kabaddi League for the first time this season. 

When asked about how she was introduced to the sport, Boro said, “My elder brother was a javelin thrower and I used to go to the ground with him. I was in the sixth standard at that time. Then I saw a few girls practice kabaddi on the field. Then I joined them too as an SAI trainee. Thereafter I took part in State and National competitions, but I couldn’t play in international tournaments.”

Post her playing career, Boro became a professional kabaddi coach after passing an exam conducted by Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) in 2015. Speaking about how she made her way into officiating, she said, “I am primarily a kabaddi coach. I am currently working with the Assam Government in Guwahati. But, I always had an interest in officiating. So I have been officiating in some domestic tournaments whenever I receive an opportunity.”

When asked about how she attained the referee’s role at the Pro Kabaddi League, Boro said, “The Pro Kabaddi League conducted a referee selection camp in Assam in 2019 and I got selected for PKL during the camp. I went for a workshop in Mumbai as well, but I couldn’t officiate in Season 7 because my employer at the time didn’t allow me to officiate in PKL.”

However, Boro received an opportunity to officiate in PKL once again, “I attained a job as a kabaddi coach in the Assam Government in July 2023 and then I received an opportunity to officiate in the Pro Kabaddi League once again. This time my employer allowed me to officiate in PKL and therefore I am here. I would like to thank Mashal Sports for this opportunity.”

The referee also said that she is currently oscillating between two jobs. “So currently, I am officiating in alternate venues in PKL Season 10. When I am not officiating in PKL Season 10, I go back to my coaching job in Guwahati,” signed off Boro.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches today
Game 1 – Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Telugu Titans – 8 pm
Game 2 – Puneri Paltan vs Gujarat Giants – 9 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

Odisha crowned champions of Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for Blind 2024

Hubli (Karnataka) [India], January 12:Odisha on Friday were crowned champions of the Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024 following a win against Karnataka in the finals here at Karnataka Gymkhana Cricket Ground.

Odisha defeated Karnataka by 6 wickets to win the coveted trophy. Chasing a paltry 94 runs in the final, Odisha suffered early blows with skipper Phula Saren getting out for a golden duck. But Jamuna Rani Tudu and Basanti Hansda scored 24 and 34 runs respectively to take Odisha home.

Jhili Birua was named as the Player of the Match in the final. Meanwhile, Player of the series in B1 category was awarded to Simu Das from Rajasthan, B2 Category to Menka Kumari from Delhi and B3 category to Jhili Birua. The players of the series were awarded with INR 10000/- cash prize and the trophy. The runners were awarded with INR 80000/- with the trophy. Winners were awarded INR 104000/-  with the trophy.

Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman – Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) said, “I congratulate the winners and all the teams for their participation. The women’s National has given new talent and CABI is happy to grab the talent to nurture them. I would like to announce the Zonal Tournament in Delhi where the best players from these states will represent their respective zones. The tournament will be held in Delhi in the month of March.”

Hon’ble Shri Sandeep Patil the chief guest said, “Thank you CABI and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled for inviting me and I feel the national tournament is the testimony that a person with Vision always finds ways to succeed.”

The closing ceremony had the guests from various quarters of life. Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman – CABI, Hon’ble Shri Sandeep Patil, (Hanagal Advocate Karnataka High Court,  Mr Uday Kumar – CABI Founder Member Mr Chandrasekhar – Chairman Women’s Cricket Mr. Sadanand Hallur (Manager-PRAXAIR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED) Mr. Veeranna Savadi, (Ex-Mayor of Hubballi-Dharwad & Cricketer) Mr. Shankar Koliwad (Proprietor of Koliwad Marbles and Granites Hubli) Dr V S V Prasad – Managing Director, Swarna Group of Companies Mr Vipul Bhutada (Area chairman, area 10, round table India) Ms Anchal kongawad (Area Chairperson,) Dr Sanjay mashal (Chairman Hubli Round Table 37) Ms Anuli Vernekar (Chairperson Hubli Ladies Circle 45) Mr Naval Jartarghar (Eureka builders) Mr Sachin Akalwadi (SLN BIOTECH) Mr Vaidik ( Ex chairperson ladies club 45) Mr Anjanappa Muttappa – CFO , Samarthanam Mr E john David – Director Global Development Mr Chandrakanth – General Secretary, Karnataka Cricket Association for the Blind congratulated the teams and handed over the trophies.

Coming to the finals, put into bat first, Karnataka got off to a bad start as the side lost five wickets in the powerplay. Captain Varsha along with four more players all departed cheaply. Star batter Deepika did stay a little longer on the crease having scored 16 runs in 29 balls but her stint was cut short by Jamuna Rani Tudu.

Karnataka, who had played clinically well in the ongoing tournament, found themselves struggling for runs in the finals. The side kept losing wickets at regular intervals were found reeling at 44/6 in the eighth over.

The falling of wickets didn’t stop but Divakka and Renuka Rajput contributions made sure Karnataka crossed the 90-run mark. The side however was bundled out for 93 in the 19th over and Odisha chased down the target quiet comfortably.

The tournament started on Monday with 16 teams sixteen teams stepping onto the fields in Hubli-Dharwad to battle for the glory. The League stage lasted for 3 days and Karnataka, Delhi, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh qualified for the semi-finals.

While Karnataka defeated Delhi, Odisha beat Andhra Pradesh in the semi-finals. A total of 27 matches were played in the IndusInd Bank Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024.

by Abhishek Shukla

Sharath, Sathiyan star attractions in qualifiers as record 41 Indians to feature at WTT Star Contender Goa 2024

Goa, January 12, 2024: Achanta Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, alongside 35 other Indian paddlers, are set to compete in the singles qualifiers, marking a significant milestone as the upcoming WTT Star Contender Goa 2024 gears up to achieve the highest-ever Indian participation in a World Table Tennis (WTT) event.

The second edition of India’s biggest international table tennis tournament is co-hosted by Stupa Sports Analytics and Ultimate Table Tennis under the guidance of Table Tennis Federation of India and will be played at the Peddem Indoor Stadium in Mapusa, Goa from January 23 to 28.

Nine Indians, including the highest world-ranked Indian paddler Manika Batra and Harmeet Desai, secured direct entry into the main draw. The inclusion of 32 new names in the qualifying list brings India’s total participation to 41 across categories. This surpasses the previous highest of 40 participants in the inaugural edition of the tournament.

Besides experienced campaigners like Sharath, Sathiyan, Ayhika Mukherjee, Sutirtha Mukherjee and Sanil Shetty, the qualifiers will also provide glimpses of India’s bright future with the presence of promising youngsters such as the current national champion Poymantee Baisya, Payas Jain, S Fidel R Snehit, Mudit Dani, Jeet Chandra, Diya Chitale, Yashaswini Ghorpade, Archana Kamath, Swastika Ghosh and Suhana Saini among many others.

“It’s wonderful to see that this year we have surpassed the count of Indian participants from the previous year, a trend we consistently promote as part of our dedication to contribute to the progress of Indian table tennis in this tournament. This is poised to be a transformative moment for the sport in India. Fans can expect fierce competitions starting from the qualifiers, laying the foundation for an exciting week brimming with top-tier table tennis action,” commented Megha Gambhir, co-founder and CEO of Stupa Sports Analytics.

“It’s a great opportunity for young Indian players to compete at an event where top talent from across the world is present; but in front of a home crowd. WTT Star Contender Goa offers the budding Indian talent an experience that goes beyond the table in terms of shaping them as athletes, as individuals and as competitors,” said Niraj Bajaj, co-promoter of Ultimate Table Tennis and three-time national champion.

The 2023 World Championships doubles bronze medallist Cho Dae-seong, 17-year-old Oh Junsung from Korea and Hungarian paddler Bence Majoros are among the international stars to be in action in the qualifying rounds which will offer eight singles and four doubles main draw spots.

The WTT Star Contender Goa 2024, among the most esteemed events in the international table tennis calendar, will showcase the presence of World No. 5 Hugo Calderano, alongside 16 other top-20 stars in the singles main draw. The tournament boasts an impressive prize pool of $250,000, providing players with the opportunity to earn ranking points and qualify for the WTT Cup Finals and WTT Champions Series.

by Abhishek Shukla

Gods Reign ropes in reigning BGIS and BGMS Champions as its official roster

New Delhi, January 12, 2024: Gods Reign, India’s leading Esports organization based in Bangalore, has signed the nation’s leading BGMI team as its official roster on a three-year contractual agreement. With a wealth of talent, success, and expertise under their belt, the team is all set to take over the country’s BGMI landscape this year.

Led by their in-game leader (IGL) Ammar Khan (Destro), the star-studded roster comprises notable entry fraggers Justin Nadar (Justin), Parth Garg (DeltaPG), alongside prominent support/assaulter Pavan Kumar (Shogun). Furthermore, Gods Reign has also appointed Vedang Chavan (Vedzz) as the team coach and Dharmdipsinh Zala (Code), as the team’s Analyst.

Vedang, who brings vast experience from representing India in the PUBG PC Acer Predator League in Tokyo, Japan, and Dharmdipsinh, the team’s Analyst, credited for instrumental contributions in 2023, will together provide strategic guidance to help the team formulate effective strategies and analyze numerous data to enhance the team’s prowess.

Speaking on the thought process behind onboarding the roster and their vision for the year, K.R. Rohith, CEO of Gods Reign, stated, “At Gods Reign, our commitment to excellence is evident. Acquiring the nation’s top BGMI team reinforces our dedication to building a formidable organization for success in 2024. With a proven track record in Star Sports-televised events and official tournaments, this team embodies exceptional skill and a relentless drive for victory. Gods Reign is confident that this well-balanced lineup is poised to achieve new heights in the competitive BGMI circuit in 2024. As we set our sights on upcoming tournaments, we aim to showcase the indomitable spirit that defines Gods Reign as an Esports powerhouse.”

In 2023, the team secured a total of approximately USD 2.80 lakhs (INR 2.5 crores) in prize money by showcasing their dominance and prevailing in tournaments. This included emerging victorious in official tournaments such as BGMI Master Series Season 2 (BGMS), which was televised on Star Sports, Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2023 (BGIS), and third-party tournaments, including Nodwin BGMI Champions Cup: Champions and the country’s largest online third-party BGMI tournament India Today League Invitationals.

They almost completed an unprecedented hattrick of official tournament triumphs but unfortunately fell short, finishing as runners-up at the Battlegrounds Mobile Pro Series 2023 (BMPS). Beyond leading their team to victory, the individual brilliance of the team’s stars has consistently shone through, with Justin earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title in BGMS Season 2, and DeltaPG securing the MVP title in the BGIS 2023, as well as the India Today League Invitationals.

“I am honored to join Gods Reign, an epitome of Esports excellence. My track record reflects a commitment to success, aligning seamlessly with the organization’s dedication to excellence. With immense pride and confidence, I take on the responsibility of representing the prestigious name of Gods Reign. In unity, I’m convinced we will transcend boundaries, achieving unparalleled success and adding to the ongoing legacy of greatness,” stated Ammar “Destro” Khan, BGMI Esports Athlete at Gods Reign.

To fulfill its commitment to providing its players with an unparalleled support structure, Gods Reign will be providing its brand new BGMI roster with its cutting-edge BootCamp facilities that offer an optimal environment for practice, skill refinement, and strategic planning. Complementing these facilities is top-tier coaching, ensuring that players receive expert guidance and mentorship to elevate their individual and collective performances.

By creating an environment conducive to both physical and mental well-being, the team is focused on a holistic approach to player development and aims to bring out the best of their squad to replicate their extraordinary performances in the upcoming year.

by Abhishek Shukla

Battle for a berth to Paris 2024 begins on Saturday

Ranchi, 12 January 2024: The battle to earn a berth for Paris Olympics begins tomorrow, with the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 kicking off in Ranchi, Jharkhand at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf on Saturday. The eight teams in the fray include world no.5 Germany, Japan, Chile and Czech Republic in Pool A while hosts India are clubbed in Pool B with New Zealand, United States and Italy. Only the top 3 teams in the tournament will make the qualification cut. 

Vying for their third consecutive Olympic berth, the Savita-led Indian Women’s Hockey Team are optimistic about their chances. Going into the tournament as the second highest ranked team, the hosts will be riding on some significant performances in recent times, namely the Asian Champions Trophy where they avenged their loss to China in the Semi-Finals of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou. “We are ready for the tournament. The entire team understands that this is the first step towards the Paris Olympics dream. We have worked on ourselves as an individual and as a team. Our focus will be on our own strength, and not worry too much about what the opponents will bring to the table,” asserted a confident Captain Savita. 

The Indian side will begin their campaign with a match against the United States on Saturday. The Indian team had defeated the US in the 2019 Olympic Qualifiers and will be looking to repeat that performance this time too. “There will be pressure when we take on the USA. No doubt, they are a good side. But as I have always said, there is pressure in every match and every tournament, this is no different. We have worked on ourselves mentally and have worked on how to overcome difficult situations in the match,” stated Savita. 

Speaking about the pressure to qualify for the Olympics, Chief Coach Janneke Schopman said, “The Olympics is the biggest tournament, so of course there will be pressure. Every team here wants to qualify for the Olympics and the team is aware of the challenges they will face but as Savita said, the team is well-prepared and playing in Ranchi is an advantage. We saw how much they rallied behind the team when the Asian Champions Trophy was held here, I believe their support will count this time too. If our team plays to our potential, I know we stand a sure shot to qualify.” 

The Indian Team will take on the United States in their opening match on 13th January, followed by a match against New Zealand on 14th January. After a day’s rest, India will play Italy on 16th January while the Semi-Finals will be held on 18th and the Final on 19th January.

On 13th January India will take on USA at 1930 hrs. 

Matches will be live on Sports18 / Jio Cinema.

by Abhishek Shukla

Anaheim Ducks Forward Trevor Zegras Sidelined for 6-8 Weeks

January 12, 2024

Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks following a left ankle injury he sustained during a game. The Ducks have announced that Zegras will undergo surgery for the broken ankle.

Zegras suffered the injury in the first period of a game against the Nashville Predators on January 9, 2024. He slid feet first into the side boards after Nashville forward Juuso Parssinen’s stick got caught in his skates. This incident occurred just six minutes and 25 seconds into the game.

The 22-year-old forward has been a key player for the Ducks. Before this injury, he had already missed 20 games due to a lower-body injury but still managed to collect four goals and three assists in 20 games this season. Last season, Zegras led Anaheim in goals (23), assists (42), and points (65).

The injury to Zegras is a significant blow to the Ducks, who are currently seventh in the Pacific Division. His absence removes a crucial offensive element from the team’s lineup, making the Ducks’ path to improvement even more challenging.

The Ducks also announced that rookie defenseman Pavel Mintyukov suffered a separated shoulder and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks. Mintyukov was injured when he was hit into the boards by Predators forward Michael McCarron.

The Ducks, navigating through a challenging season, will now have to find ways to compensate for the absence of Zegras and Mintyukov. The team’s depth and adaptability will be tested as they aim to stay competitive in the Pacific Division.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Pietrangelo Clinches Overtime Win for Golden Knights Against Bruins

LAS VEGAS — Alex Pietrangelo’s goal just 46 seconds into overtime led the Vegas Golden Knights to a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday. Pietrangelo executed a perfect finish on a 2-on-1 rush with Mark Stone, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess in critical moments.

Jack Eichel played a pivotal role, scoring a goal and assisting in the game-winner, while Logan Thompson’s 32 saves were instrumental in securing the win for Vegas (24-13-5), which has now won two of its last three games.

Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy commended his team’s resilience against a strong Bruins side, emphasizing the playoff-style intensity of the match.

The Bruins (24-8-9), despite a solid performance from goalie Jeremy Swayman with 23 saves, faced their third consecutive loss, all extending beyond regulation. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery acknowledged the need for defensive improvements and praised Swayman’s efforts in goal.

Eichel’s third-period power-play goal broke the Golden Knights’ goal drought, redirecting a shot from Jonathan Marchessault. This goal was a significant momentum shift for Vegas after a tightly contested match.

Boston’s response came from Matt Grzelcyk, whose shot from the point deflected off Alec Martinez’s stick, tying the game. The Bruins pushed for a late-game advantage, pressuring Thompson with multiple shots but couldn’t find the winning goal.

The Golden Knights’ Ivan Barbashev had a chance to reclaim the lead, but Swayman’s remarkable save kept the Bruins in contention. The game’s high stakes were evident in both teams’ efforts, with Vegas ultimately emerging victorious.

Morgan Geekie of the Bruins reflected on the team’s determination, emphasizing that despite earning a point, the loss was still disappointing.

In team notes, the Golden Knights made roster adjustments, recalling defenseman Kaedan Korczak and forward Jonas Rondbjerg from the AHL. Pietrangelo’s overtime goal was his third for the Golden Knights, tying him for fourth in franchise history for overtime goals.

The game was notable as one of only three days in NHL history to feature six games decided in overtime. Bruins forward David Pastrnak was also a standout, with nine shots on goal.

The Golden Knights’ win underlines their ability to capitalize in crucial moments, while the Bruins will look to break their recent string of losses in upcoming matches.

by Abhishek Shukla

Sony Sports Network to LIVE Telecast Australian Open 2024 in English and Hindi

Sony Sports Network is proud to announce its continued association with the prestigious Australian Open, bringing the electrifying LIVE telecast of the 2024 edition to tennis enthusiasts across India. The tournament, scheduled from Sunday, 14th January 2024, to Sunday, 28th January 2024, will captivate fans as Melbourne Park hosts the world’s tennis elite in a battle for the coveted first grand slam title of the year. Sony Sports Network will bring all the LIVE action from the tournament in English and Hindi, while Tamil and Telugu language feeds will be added from the Quarterfinals stage onwards.

Leading up to the tournament, Sony Sports Network launched it’s ‘#SlamOfTheGreats’ campaign, masterfully capturing all the thrills, competitive spirit, and excitement that the Australian Open has always offered. The campaign pays tribute to some of the greatest tennis moments in the history of the game, and also feature’s India’s own Tennis great Sania Mirza announcing her arrival to world tennis with her first Grand Slam win in 2009.

In a historic first, the Australian Open will begin on a Sunday, giving tennis fans an extra day of play. This change aims to reduce the pressure on late-night finishes for both the players and the fans, while also bringing one extra day of live tennis action.

As temperatures soar in Melbourne, the anticipation for the first tennis Grand Slam of the year is heating up, with Novak Djokovic aiming to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam victories. Djokovic faces mighty competition from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Jannik Sinner, all vying to etch their name in the history books. Fans of Women’s Tennis are in for a treat too with Aryna Sabalenka aiming to defend her title and ward off any challenges from current world number one Iga Świątek.

Comments:
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:
“It’s that time of the year when the best tennis stars gather in Melbourne to compete for the ultimate glory in the year’s first Grand Slam. The Australian Open has consistently been the most watched Grand Slam in India for the last few years.  Our commitment extends beyond on-field action, featuring off-field initiatives like expert insights and opinions from two-time Australian Open winner Sania Mirza and Former India No 1, Somdev Devvarman on our live studio show, Extraaa Serve.”

Sania Mirza, Two-times Australian Open winner & Brand Ambassador for Tennis on Sony Sports Network:

“The Australian Open tournament holds a special place in my heart as I made my Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open in 2005. The Grand Slam continues to be a strong platform for players to showcase their talent, and this year’s tournament will feature both emerging talents and established stars lighting up the court. I am looking forward to being a part of Extraaa Serve on Sony Sports Network as a panellist through the course of the tournament.  Throughout the broadcast, we will bring fans closer to all the live action in Australia and also present behind-the-scenes moments of this sporting spectacle.”

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of Sony Sports Network’s Australian Open broadcast. It’s a tournament that never fails to deliver incredible moments, and I look forward to being a part of the team that brings these moments to your screens. Sony Sports Network has been a champion for tennis in India, and I’m thrilled to contribute to the passion and excitement that the Australian Open always brings.”

As the ‘Home of Tennis’ in India, Sony Sports Network offers year-long marquee tennis events, featuring three out of the four Grand Slams – Australian Open, Roland Garros (French Open), and US Open, along with Davis Cup and ATP Masters, making it the ultimate destination for top-tier tennis action. The Australian Open, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of Indian tennis enthusiasts, consistently ranking as one of the most-watched tennis tournaments on Indian television.

by Abhishek Shukla

Lallianzuala Chhangte: We represent 1.4 billion Indians in the national team; players are ready to fight for them and each other on the field

Lallianzuala Chhangte has risen the ranks to become a mainstay for the Indian national team and will play a key role in their pursuits in the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. The ISL Golden Ball winner delivered impressive numbers by scoring 10 goals and assisting six times to help Mumbai City FC secure the League Winners’ Shield last season. He was named the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year for 2022-23 and his seven strikes in 32 appearances for the Blue Tigers suggest that he is hungry for success at the international level.

Chhangte trusts the team playing the Asian Cup to come on top of the challenges that they will encounter in terms of facing Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria in the group stages. Speaking in the latest episode of In the Stands, he mentioned the squad has an impressive fighting spirit fostered due to years of playing together as a unit.

“When it comes to the national team, you are representing 1.4 billion people. You can’t take off your mind and go somewhere else. You have to be focused, during trainings, gym, and especially before the games. So, the atmosphere needs to be perfect, and it is good. We have been together for three-four years, and it is a great team. We have learnt so many things from each other, so when we take this into the game, we fight for each other and the entire nation,” he said, while speaking on Indian Super League’s ‘In The Stands’ show.

“It was a huge risk to choose to be a professional footballer”

Chhangte hails from Lunglei in Mizoram, but he started his career with the Pune-based DSK Shivajians, before going on to have stints at NorthEast United FC, Delhi Dynamos FC, and Chennaiyin FC in the ISL. He switched to the Islanders in a loan move in January 2022, before his transfer was sealed ahead of the 2022-23 season. Chhangte’s parents are teachers, but he thanks them for believing in his dream to become a professional footballer. He mentions that very few players have actually made it to the top-tier from Mizoram, and hence his decision to dare to dream was actually a big risk.

“Looking back to where I came from, I am living a definite dream right now. I never thought I would be playing in one of the best clubs in India. To represent the country was just a dream back then. My dad and my grandfather were a huge fan of football. So playing football was never a problem, but doing so professionally was a problem. We have got Jeje (Lalpekhlua), Ricky Lallamwamwa, and very few players playing professionally from Mizoram. So, it was a huge challenge and a big risk to play and to decide to be a professional footballer,” Chhangte said.

“Owen Coyle trusted me at Chennaiyin FC”

The 26-year-old was a trailblazer during his time with the Dynamos, making heads turn with his piercing runs on the flank. However, it was at Chennaiyin FC where he actually took a step up, becoming a fan-favourite due to his exploits in the final third. Chhangte became dear to the Marina Machans, as they revered hosting one of the most promising talents in the country. Current head coach Owen Coyle had a big role to play in that, unlocking his potential to help him to score seven goals and spearhead their run to the final in ISL 2019-20.

Chhangte believes that Coyle saw the willingness within him to put in the hard yards and work for the greater good of the team, which helped the coach connect in a good capacity with the player. “The best thing about him is he recognises who works hard in the training pitch. He doesn’t judge players by their abilities, or talents, but he judges by the way they give their best on the pitch. That’s what he saw in me. I was not the most talented, but he saw that I wanted to give everything. He respected that, he trusted the players, he wanted them to explore themselves, enjoy themselves, and that’s the best thing for any player,” Chhangte said.

“Des Buckingham told me he will make me the best player in India”

However, no coach had a bigger influence on him than Des Buckingham at Mumbai City FC. The Oxford United FC head coach had inspired his switch to the Islanders at a time when things weren’t clicking for him at Chennaiyin FC. Despite his lack of form, Buckingham assured Chhangte that greater things were in store for him if he just put his head down and worked towards the same. The tactician undertook an all-round, holistic approach to help the player reach successes that he had never seen before, fine-tuning multiple aspects of his gameplay.

“Coach Des and I had a chat and he told me that he was going to make me one of the best players in India. He said he believed in me, in my abilities, so, he told me that he knows what I can do and as a player you don’t need to think twice. I joined Mumbai City FC knowing that and he was on his words. We put the words into action after that. It was all about training, extra training, whether it’s shooting, crossing, analysing my game and training sessions every week,” Chhangte said.

The ongoing season has been one of self-reflection for Chhangte, who is juggling between a change at the coaching personnel at Mumbai City FC to find his best form yet again. He has scored and assisted twice each in 11 games, but will be heading into the Asian Cup on the back of good form after scoring in the last league match against his former club Chennaiyin FC. Nevertheless, Indian fans will be hoping that he brushes aside any concerns to be at his level best and help the national team get their desired outcomes at the continental stage.

by Abhishek Shukla

Seattle Sounders Sign Defender Nathan

January 12, 2024

Seattle Sounders FC has announced the signing of Brazilian center back Nathan, bolstering their defensive lineup for the upcoming season. The 28-year-old defender joins the Sounders on a contract for the 2024 season, with an option for 2025.

Nathan’s Career and Contributions

Nathan, full name Nathan Raphael Pelae Cardoso, has a notable career history both in Major League Soccer (MLS) and internationally. He comes to Seattle after three seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes, where he made a significant impact by starting 46 matches between 2021 and 2022. However, he missed the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL.

Before joining MLS, Nathan played for FC Zürich in Switzerland’s Super League, making 63 appearances and scoring three goals, along with one assist. His career also includes stints with Swiss sides Grasshoppers and Servette FC, as well as Brazilian club Palmeiras, where he began his professional career.

Sounders FC’s Expectations

Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer expressed enthusiasm about Nathan’s addition, noting his experience and pedigree as valuable assets to what he believes is one of the strongest position groups in MLS. The club aims to leverage Nathan’s experience and versatility as they navigate the long season ahead.

Seattle Sounders FC finished the 2023 regular season second in the Western Conference with 53 points, advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals before falling to LAFC. The team is currently in preseason preparations for the 2024 season, which kicks off against LAFC on Saturday, February 24.

Nathan’s Profile

  • Position: Defender
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 183
  • Born: May 13, 1995, in São Paulo, Brazil
  • Citizenship: Brazil

Conclusion

The signing of Nathan is a strategic move by Seattle Sounders FC, aiming to strengthen their defense with an experienced and versatile player. Nathan’s track record in both MLS and international leagues positions him as a valuable addition to the team’s roster as they look forward to the 2024 season.

by Abhishek Shukla

Blue Jays Agree to Terms with 11 Players, Avoiding Arbitration

January 11, 2024

The Toronto Blue Jays have successfully reached agreements with 11 of their 12 arbitration-eligible players, effectively avoiding arbitration. This move is a significant step in solidifying their roster for the upcoming season.

Key Agreements and Contract Details

  • Jordan Romano: The right-handed pitcher agreed to a $7.75 million deal. Romano, hailing from Markham, Ontario, has been a crucial part of the Blue Jays’ bullpen.
  • Daulton Varsho: The outfielder signed for $5.65 million.
  • Danny Jansen: The catcher agreed to a $5.2 million contract.
  • Cavan Biggio: The infielder signed a $4.21 million deal.
  • Tim Mayza: The left-handed pitcher agreed to a $3.5 million contract.
  • Alejandro Kirk: The catcher signed for $2.8 million.
  • Erik Swanson: The right-handed pitcher agreed to a $2.75 million deal.
  • Santiago Espinal: The infielder signed for $2.725 million.
  • Trevor Richards: The right-handed pitcher agreed to a $2.15 million contract.
  • Génesis Cabrera: The left-handed pitcher signed for $1,512,500.
  • Nate Pearson: The right-handed pitcher agreed to an $800,000 deal.

Notable Exclusion

  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: The All-Star first baseman was not part of this list of agreements. Guerrero Jr., who is in his second-to-last year of arbitration eligibility, may still negotiate a contract with the Blue Jays before a hearing is required.

Impact on the Blue Jays

These agreements mark a proactive approach by the Blue Jays to secure their core players, ensuring stability and continuity in their lineup. The mix of experienced players and rising talents like Romano, Varsho, and Jansen positions the Blue Jays as a competitive team for the 2024 season. The situation surrounding Guerrero Jr. remains a significant point of interest, given his impact and popularity.

by Abhishek Shukla

White Sox Agree to Terms on One-Year Contracts with Seven Players, Avoiding Arbitration

January 11, 2024

The Chicago White Sox have successfully agreed to terms on one-year contracts with seven players, thereby avoiding arbitration. These agreements reflect the organization’s commitment to maintaining a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

Key Signings and Contract Details

  • Dylan Cease: Right-handed pitcher Cease, who was the American League Cy Young Award runner-up in 2022, secured an $8.0 million deal. Last season, Cease went 14-8 with a commendable 2.20 ERA.
  • Nicky Lopez: The infielder agreed to a contract worth $4.3 million. Lopez, along with Michael Soroka, joined the White Sox in a trade with the Atlanta Braves in December.
  • Andrew Vaughn: The first baseman signed for $3.25 million. Vaughn transitioned back to his natural position of first base after spending much of his first two seasons in the outfield, slashing .258/.314/.429 with 21 home runs and 80 RBIs.
  • Michael Kopech: Right-handed pitcher Kopech also agreed to a $3.0 million contract. He had a record of 5-12 with a 5.43 ERA in 30 appearances (27 starts) in 2023.
  • Michael Soroka: Right-handed pitcher Soroka, also part of the aforementioned trade with Atlanta, signed for $3.0 million.
  • Touki Toussaint: Right-handed pitcher Toussaint, who went 4-6 with a 4.97 ERA in 19 outings (15 starts) with the Sox, agreed to a $1.3 million deal.
  • Garrett Crochet: The left-handed pitcher signed for $800,000. Crochet is planning to transition from the bullpen to the rotation.

Additional Front Office Move

The White Sox also announced the appointment of Jin Wong as assistant general manager. Wong, who spent the previous 24 seasons with the Kansas City Royals, will be responsible for overseeing contract negotiations, salary arbitration, budgeting and payroll management, and compliance with MLB rules and regulations.

The Chicago White Sox’s strategy of signing these players to one-year contracts demonstrates a focused approach to building a competitive team for the 2024 season. The mix of promising talents and experienced players like Cease and Vaughn is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s performance in the upcoming season.

by Abhishek Shukla

Chicago Cubs Acquire INF Michael Busch and RHP Yency Almonte from Los Angeles Dodgers

January 11, 2024

The Chicago Cubs have made a notable move in the trade market, acquiring infield prospect Michael Busch and relief pitcher Yency Almonte from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In exchange for Busch and Almonte, the Cubs sent pitching prospect Jackson Ferris and outfield prospect Zyhir Hope to the Dodgers. This trade aligns with the Cubs’ strategy to balance building for the future while addressing immediate needs.

Michael Busch, 26, was named the 2023 Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player and a Baseball America Triple-A All-Star. He showcased his batting prowess with the Oklahoma City last season, hitting .323 with 26 doubles, four triples, 27 home runs, and 90 RBI in 98 games. Busch, who ranks No. 44 in MLB.com’s top-100 prospect list, made his major league debut with the Dodgers last season. Though he struggled initially in the majors, his minor league track record suggests high potential. Busch was selected by the Dodgers in the first round (31st overall) of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Yency Almonte, 29, brings experience as a right-handed reliever, having a career record of 7-6 with 31 holds, two saves, and a 4.51 ERA in 196 games. In the 2022-23 season, he appeared in 49 games for the Dodgers, recording a 5.06 ERA.

For the Dodgers, this trade was a move to clear room on their 40-man roster, with outfielder Teoscar Hernández also joining their ranks. The acquisition of Ferris and Hope from the Cubs adds two high-upside prospects to their organization.

The Cubs, under their current management, are focusing on returning to the postseason. Acquiring Busch and Almonte is a significant step in fortifying their team, blending youthful talent with seasoned players to build a competitive roster for the upcoming seasons.

by Abhishek Shukla

White Sox Name Jin Wong as New Assistant General Manager

January 11, 2024

The Chicago White Sox have appointed Jin Wong as their new assistant general manager, as announced on Thursday. Wong, a longtime baseball executive, will be reporting to senior vice president/general manager Chris Getz in his new role with the White Sox.

Jin Wong joins the White Sox following a distinguished 24-season tenure with the Kansas City Royals organization. He most recently served as vice president/assistant general manager under J.J. Piccollo, the executive vice president and general manager of the Royals. Wong has been integral in building the Royals’ successful teams, including the back-to-back American League pennant-winning clubs in 2014-15 and the World Series championship team in 2015.

Wong’s career with the Royals began in 2000 as a scouting operations coordinator. He rapidly climbed the ranks, holding various significant roles, including Assistant General Manager of Baseball Administration, Director of Baseball Administration, and Director of Baseball Operations.

In his new role with the White Sox, Wong will oversee contract negotiations, salary arbitration, budgeting and payroll management, and compliance with Major League Baseball rules and regulations, including the collective bargaining agreement. His extensive experience in baseball operations and contract negotiations will be invaluable to the White Sox organization.

Wong’s departure from the Royals marked the end of a significant chapter in his career. His decision to join the White Sox signifies a new era in his professional journey, bringing his expertise and strategic insights to another prominent MLB team.

The hiring of Jin Wong aligns with the Chicago White Sox’s strategy to reinforce their front office with experienced and successful baseball executives. Wong’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and contribute significantly to the team’s future successes.

The White Sox, under the guidance of Chris Getz, are looking to build a competitive team that can contend for championships, and Wong’s role will be crucial in realizing these ambitions.

by Abhishek Shukla

Beal and Booker Lead Suns to Decisive Victory Over Lakers

LOS ANGELES – Bradley Beal’s season-high 37 points, bolstered by eight 3-pointers, and Devin Booker’s 31 points led the Phoenix Suns to a dominant 127-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. The win marked the Suns’ break from a five-game losing streak against the Lakers and was a significant triumph for coach Frank Vogel against his former team.

Kevin Durant contributed 18 points to the Suns’ victory, which also represented Vogel’s first win over the Lakers since his departure. Vogel previously coached the Lakers to the 2020 NBA title.

The Lakers, who fell to 5-11 since their NBA In-Season Tournament win last month, struggled with turnovers, leading to 28 points for Phoenix. D’Angelo Russell led the bench with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Suns’ offensive surge.

Beal’s explosive third-quarter performance, nearing the Suns’ single-game record for 3-pointers, was a key factor in extending their lead to 32 points in the early fourth. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, who each scored 13 points, were benched in the final quarter due to the significant deficit.

The Lakers, who had recently secured two consecutive wins, fell back below a .500 record at 19-20. Cam Reddish, initially in the starting lineup, didn’t play in the second half because of knee soreness.

Booker’s impressive scoring, achieving his 10th 30-point game this season, set the tone for the Suns’ victory. He scored 16 points in the first quarter alone, helping Phoenix establish an early 11-point lead.

The Lakers briefly held the lead with a fadeway by James, but the Suns quickly regained control. Booker’s jumper initiated an 11-2 run, giving Phoenix a significant advantage. Another jumper by Booker extended the Suns’ lead to 32-15 towards the end of the first quarter, although the Lakers narrowed the gap to 36-25 at the period’s close.

The Lakers attempted a comeback early in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to six points, but the Suns responded with a decisive 10-2 run. Josh Okogie’s highlight dunk and subsequent three-point play further solidified the Suns’ dominance.

The Suns’ win was a showcase of their offensive firepower and resilience, while the Lakers will look to regroup as they continue to navigate through their post-tournament slump. The Suns next face Portland on Sunday, while the Lakers travel to Utah on Saturday.

by Abhishek Shukla

AO and Google Pixel announce new partnership centred on deeper fan engagement

Tennis Australia today announced a new partnership with Google Pixel to become the Official Smartphone and Official Camera of the Australian Open.  

The AI powered camera of the Google Pixel will give fans unprecedented access and never before seen footage of the Australian Open. The partnership will unlock new in-play viewing angles, showcase iconic AO moments and allow fans to get closer to the players and the action, both on-court and behind the scenes, through a unique #PixelPerspective.  

The Australian Open 2024 social media team will be capturing all content through the lens of a Google Pixel 8 Pro, demonstrating the device’s incredible camera quality and the latest AI-powered features. The team will use the latest device to help get fans even closer and experience more of the game they love. 

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Google Pixel as an Australian Open partner. The amazing AI powered camera on the Pixel 8 pro will enable our social media team to capture world-class content for the Australian Open and give fans a new, up-close perspective of the sport played at its best,” says Tennis Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer, Cedric Cornelis.

Google Pixel will also welcome Rinky Hijikata as a new ambassador at AO 2024. One of the sport’s most exciting rising stars, last year at just 22 years old, Hijikata won the Australian Open men’s doubles title. He also progressed to the Round of 16 in singles of the US Open, becoming the first Australian wildcard to achieve this. Using his Pixel 8 Pro, Rinky will give fans an unmatched look behind the scenes to see what life is like at the AO for the world’s best tennis players.

“We’re thrilled to be the official Smartphone and Camera of the Australian Open. With the most advanced Pixel to date, the Pixel 8 Pro will give fans unprecedented access to all the action, and help deliver a unique and memorable fan experience at this iconic event,” says Julia Davis, Director of Marketing, Google Australia.

  

“Thanks to the Google Pixel 8 Pro, the AO social team can use Super Res Zoom to get up to 30x zoom to capture details of players on court you might not have seen before, remove loud background crowd noise in videos with Audio Magic Eraser and even capture great images in low-light thanks to Night Sight.” 

by Matt Windsor (US)

Flames Overwhelm Coyotes with Strong Start, Sharangovich Scores Hat Trick

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Calgary Flames delivered a commanding performance with a 6-2 win against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena on Thursday, backed by Yegor Sharangovich’s hat trick and a four-goal first period.

The Flames (19-18-5) have now won five of their last seven games, with Jacob Markstrom making 33 saves in the victory. Key contributions came from Elias Lindholm, Jonathan Huberdeau, and MacKenzie Weegar, each with two assists, propelling the team’s strong offensive display.

Sharangovich was the standout player, scoring three times, including a goal that sealed the win in the third period. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s ability to replicate their strong start from the first period after a slightly less convincing second period.

The Coyotes (20-18-2), despite goals from Clayton Keller and Lawson Crouse, couldn’t recover from the early deficit. Goalie Connor Ingram made 18 saves in relief of Karel Vejmelka, who allowed four goals in the first period. Jason Zucker, a forward for Arizona, acknowledged the team’s lack of detail and poor start.

Calgary’s early scoring, beginning with Mikael Backlund’s breakaway goal just 20 seconds into the game, set the tone. Sharangovich’s short-handed goal and Rasmus Andersson’s quick follow-up further extended the lead. Blake Coleman’s innovative goal led to Vejmelka being replaced in net.

The Coyotes made an effort to bounce back, with Crouse and Keller scoring, but Calgary’s relentless attack, particularly in the third period, sealed the win.

Sharangovich’s chemistry with his linemates was evident, as he has now scored five goals in his last two games and accumulated 11 points in his past seven games.

In team milestones, Backlund passed Mark Giordano for the second-most games played in franchise history. Andersson is now tied for the most game-winning goals among defensemen since the beginning of the 2022-23 season.

Coleman’s recent form has been impressive, recording 11 goals and 22 points in his last 21 games. Lindholm’s effectiveness in faceoffs was also a key factor in the Flames’ dominance.

The win for Calgary showcases their depth in scoring and resilience, while the Coyotes will look to address their early-game struggles and seek a more consistent performance in upcoming games.