by Abhishek Shukla

Troy Lesesne Takes the Helm as D.C. United’s New Head Coach

January 10, 2024

D.C. United has officially announced the appointment of Troy Lesesne as their new head coach, marking a significant change in leadership for the storied MLS club. Lesesne, who recently served as the interim head coach of New York Red Bulls, has signed a three-year contract with the Black-and-Red, extending through the 2026 season.

Lesesne’s coaching career, spanning over a decade, has seen him work at various levels in American soccer, starting in 2005 as an assistant coach with the College of Charleston. His journey includes significant stints with the Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence, and New Mexico United in the USL Championship. Under his guidance, New Mexico United saw two playoff appearances and reached the quarterfinals of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

In 2022, Lesesne stepped into the MLS as an assistant coach with the New York Red Bulls. He took over as interim head coach in early May 2023 and led the team to a remarkable playoff appearance after a challenging start to the season.

Troy Lesesne’s high-pressing tactical approach and player-first managerial style were key factors in his selection by D.C. United. The club’s General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer, Ally Mackay, praised Lesesne’s impressive pedigree and his ability to work at all levels of soccer in the United States. Lesesne himself has expressed gratitude for the opportunity and is committed to leading D.C. United into a new chapter, aiming to connect with the passionate supporters and deliver the results they deserve.

D.C. United, under Lesesne’s leadership, is looking to chart a new path after finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference in the previous season. The club is in pursuit of its first postseason appearance since 2019 and is undergoing a significant squad rebuild. With room to sign a Designated Player to complement the likes of striker Christian Benteke and midfielder Mateusz Klich, Lesesne will have the opportunity to shape the team according to his vision.

Lesesne’s first test as D.C. United’s head coach will be on February 24, 2024, when they face New England Revolution at Audi Field. Fans and observers alike will be keen to see how Lesesne’s strategies and leadership will rejuvenate the team and elevate their performance in the MLS.

by Abhishek Shukla

Orlando City Secures Facundo Torres Through 2026 with New Contract

January 10, 2024

Orlando City SC has successfully secured the services of Uruguayan forward Facundo Torres for an extended period, with the player signing a new three-year contract. This agreement ensures that Torres will continue to grace the pitch for Orlando City as a Designated Player through 2026, with options for the club to extend his stay in 2027 and 2028.

Since joining Orlando City SC before the 2022 MLS season, Torres, now 23, has proven to be a pivotal figure for the team. His initial transfer, a club-record deal reported to be around $7.5 million plus bonuses from Peñarol, marked him as a significant investment for the Lions. Torres has lived up to the expectations, delivering consistently impressive performances.

In his tenure with Orlando City, Torres has made 79 appearances, including 72 starts, and has been influential in the team’s attacking play. With 27 goals and 16 assists in two full seasons, he has been a key player in the team’s successes, including their 2022 US Open Cup title win and a historic 2023 campaign where they finished as Supporters’ Shield runners-up.

Expressing gratitude towards the club and its fans, Torres shared his happiness in continuing his journey with Orlando City. His commitment to the team is a strong indication of his belief in the club’s project and ambitions. The Uruguayan international has also been pivotal on the international stage, being a regular call-up for Uruguay under head coach Marcelo Bielsa, including participation in the 2022 World Cup and Copa América.

As Orlando City prepares for the 2024 season, the retention of a player of Torres’ caliber is a significant boost. The team has a packed schedule, including their preseason training camp and a series of matches against notable teams such as Flamengo, Rhode Island FC, and various MLS sides. Torres’ continued presence will be vital as Orlando City seeks to build on their recent successes and aim for higher achievements in the upcoming season.

An interesting note for the fans is that Torres will switch his jersey number from No. 17 to No. 10 for the 2024 season, a number previously worn by former captains Kaká and Mauricio Pereyra. This change symbolizes Torres’ growing importance and stature within the team.

Facundo Torres’ contract extension with Orlando City SC is a major statement of intent from the club, signifying their desire to build a competitive team around key, talented players. Torres’ proven track record in MLS and his potential for further growth make this a promising development for the Lions as they look forward to a successful 2024 season.

by Abhishek Shukla

France and NBA announce expanded youth basketball development programming ahead of Paris 2024

PARIS – The National Basketball Association (NBA), the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) and the LNB Betclic ELITE (LNB) – France’s top professional basketball league – today announced several initiatives to expand youth basketball development in France ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic games in Paris, where basketball will be a featured sport.

The programming, which will be hosted in collaboration with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Union Nationale du Sport Scolaire (UNSS), will build on Jr. NBA programming that has reached more than a quarter of a million French youth over the past decade.

As part of the announcement, the NBA, the FFBB and the LNB plan to launch a new player development program to develop elite-level prospects in the LNB, which the FFBB and the LNB plan to share more information about in the coming months.  And beginning Saturday, Jan. 20 when Élan Chalon hosts JL Bourg at 6:30 p.m. CET / 12:30 p.m. ET, the NBA will livestream one LNB game each week to fans in France, the U.S., and more than 150 other countries around the world.  The LNB currently features four players who are projected by ESPN to be drafted in the 2024 NBA Draft: Melvin Ajinca (Saint-Quentin), Zacharie Perrin (Antibes), Zaccharie Risacher (JL Bourg), and Tidjane Salaun (Cholet Basket).

The announcement was made during the largest Jr. NBA Week ever, which is reaching nearly 4,000 youth, coaches and referees from across Paris and parts of Europe and the Middle East through a series of clinics and workshops featuring four-time NBA champion Tony Parker (France), two-time WNBA All-Star Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty), French Men’s National Team head coach Vincent Collet, and French Women’s National Team assistant coach Cathy Melain, and ahead of The NBA Paris Game 2024 presented by Revolut, which will feature the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers playing the league’s third regular-season game in Paris on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. CET.  The NBA Paris Game 2024 presented by Revolut will air live on beIN SPORTS, free-to-air Canal+ and NBA League Pass – the league’s premium live game subscription service available via the NBA App – reaching fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media, and social media.

On Friday, Jan. 12, the NBA, the FFBB and the UNSS will launch a new annual Jr. NBA League in Paris for 450 youth ages 13 and under from 30 schools across the city.  The league will tip off with a draft event that will be attended by former French Women’s National Team member Diandra Tchatchouang and former French Men’s National Team member and NBA player Ian Mahinmi.  This Spring, the NBA and the FFBB will also launch a new Jr. NBA 3-on-3 League in Marseille for 450 youth ages 13 and under from 30 schools across the city.

The NBA’s International Basketball Operations Department, which oversees the league’s elite basketball development programming including Basketball Without Borders and NBA Academy that have seen more than 115 former participants advance to the NBA and WNBA, is working with the FFBB and the LNB to elevate all aspects of their elite player development and retention strategies, including through the planned launch of the NBA, the FFBB and the LNB’s new player development program.

In addition, throughout this week, NBA Academy Africa – an elite basketball training center in Saly, Senegal for the top male and female prospects from across Africa and the first of its kind on the continent – and an NBA Academy U-17 select team featuring top prospects from NBA Academy Africa, NBA Global Academy (Australia) and NBA Academy Latin America (Mexico), are playing a series of exhibition games in Paris against youth teams from the LNB’s Paris Basketball and Nanterre as well as an FFBB team from INSEP (France’s National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance).

Last January, in conjunction with The NBA Paris Game 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced a comprehensive plan to collaborate on a variety of initiatives to elevate basketball in France and Africa at all levels.  Since then, the NBA, the FFBB and the LNB have held several youth basketball development events in France, as well as several workshops covering all aspects of fan engagement and the commercialization of basketball, including media distribution, content production, elite player development and retention, and more.

Below is an overview of additional youth basketball development and fan engagement programming in France this week and in the coming months.

• Beginning Jan. 11 at NBA House – a free, interactive fan event at the Carreau du Temple in the 3rd Arrondissement featuring appearances by Parker and Ionescu – and continuing through the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the league will host a series of viewing parties in France where fans will be able to watch live NBA games together, including in primetime as part of the league’s “NBA Saturdays and NBA Sundays” primetime initiative.  Fans can register their interest in receiving more information NBA.com/IDFrance.

• As part of Jr. NBA Week:

  • Eleven current and former players, legends and coaches are helping lead clinics: Parker, Ionescu, Mahinmi, Tchatchouang, former NBA player and French Men’s National Team member Mickaël Piétrus, Cavaliers assistant coach Dan Geriot, Nets assistant coach Will Weaver, Collet, Melain, former Paris Basketball player Amara Sy, and Head of Paris Basketball Training Program Christophe Denis.
  • The NBA and the FFBB are hosting the Paris regional finals of their annual Jr. NBA Challenge Benjamin(e)s program Skills Challenge, which reaches 15,000 boys and girls across France annually through a variety of skills competitions.  The two winners (boys and girls) will each receive two tickets to The NBA Paris Game 2024 presented by Revolut.
  • The NBA and the FFBB held a 3-on-3 basketball tournament featuring 23 teams of boys and girls ages 15-18 competing for the chance to attend The NBA Paris Game 2024 presented by Revolut.
  • Ninety local female players participated in Her Time To Play programming comprised of on-court basketball development, conversations focused on female empowerment, and opportunities for women in sports and leadership.
  • The NBA is collaborating with the LNB’s Paris Basketball on a series of Jr. NBA and coaching clinics, including a Jr. NBA clinic on Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Accor Arena prior to Paris Basketball’s game against AS Monaco, which the youth participants will attend.
  • Earlier this week, coaches from the Cavaliers, the Nets, and France Men’s and Women’s National Teams led clinics for local coaches to teach techniques and best practices for team and player development at any level.  Top male and female players from the FFBB team from INSEP and Paris Basketball Academy participated as demo teams.  The clinics were also livestreamed to coaches across Europe, the Middle East and Latin America on OWQLO, the official app of the Jr. NBA program in those regions.
  • The NBA is hosting a Jr. NBA League Workshop at the FFBB headquarters in Paris for representatives from the Jr. NBA Leagues across Europe and the Middle East to share best practices around the program and identify opportunities for collaboration and growth.

• NBA Africa and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) – France’s inclusive public development bank committed to financing and technical assistance for projects that improve the lives of people in developing and emerging economies – continue to promote social inclusion in Africa by developing basketball infrastructure and conducting youth basketball programs, events and initiatives in select African countries, including in 2023 in Morocco and Nigeria.  This year, NBA Africa and AFD plan to expand the collaboration to Kenya and Senegal.

There have been more NBA players from France than from any other country outside North America, including a record 14 this season.  Live NBA games and programming air in France on beIN SPORTS and NBA League Pass, including more than 40 weekend games in primetime this season as part of “NBA Saturdays and NBA Sundays.”

Executive Quotes

French President Emmanuel Macron: “I am proud that the NBA has chosen France for this unique, innovative and virtuous partnership.  It is great news for all basketball fans in France, and a real boost for our best young hopefuls, as well as for all our clubs and professional basketball leagues.”

French Minister of Sports and Olympic and Paralympic Games Amélie Oudéa-Castéra: “On the eve of the Paris 2024 Games and a spectacular Olympic edition of basketball to be held at the Pierre Mauroy stadium and Arena Bercy, we are extremely pleased to strengthen our global partnership with the NBA.  Along with President Macron and Commissioner Adam Silver, we are proud of and delighted with this cooperation, which builds on the Jr. NBA programming that has already helped more than 250,000 French youngsters over the past 10 years.  These new initiatives highlight the prestige of French training and the expertise of our clubs, as demonstrated by the record presence of 14 French players in the NBA this season.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver: “We’re excited to expand on our on-going efforts with President Macron and the French basketball community to grow youth basketball development programming ahead of this summer’s highly-anticipated Olympic basketball competition.  There is incredible momentum around basketball and the NBA in France, and through these efforts we hope to inspire our next generation of French players and fans.”

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis: “I couldn’t have imagined a better start to the Olympic year in the host city of Paris, with so many basketball activities taking place, ranging from grassroots events to the highest level of professional basketball.  There is no doubt that the popularity of our sport will continue to rise in a country that is already so enthusiastic about the game.”

FFBB President Jean-Pierre Siutat: “For the third year, the NBA is coming to Paris as part of The NBA Paris Game for a regular-season match at the Accor Arena.  In addition to the match, we’re taking advantage of the opportunity to organize a week of basketball events thanks to a strengthened partnership between the FFBB and the NBA, a partnership that has been in place since 2010.  This collaboration covers youth programs such as the Jr. NBA Challenge Benjamin(e)s program, the Jr. NBA League FFBB UNSS, the Jr. NBA 3-on-3 League in Marseille, as well as programs linked to the development and training of young talent to which the federation is very attached.  Relations with the NBA involve all of the stakeholders in French basketball, which is very positive for the growth of our sport.  The FFBB is a leading federation in Europe for the NBA, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank President Macron and Adam Silver for their support in this development strategy, which is all the more relevant in an Olympic year.”

LNB President Philippe Ausseur: “I am delighted with this global agreement with the NBA, which reaffirms the current dynamic of French professional basketball.  Through this agreement, it is the global recognition of the excellence of French training of which our clubs are the great architects.  Finally, the broadcast of one Betclic ELITE championship match per week on the NBA App demonstrates our attractiveness and our ongoing capacity to develop to attract new audiences.”

UNSS Directeur National Olivier Girault: “We are delighted to be back in Paris with the launch of this new edition of the Jr. NBA FFBB UNSS League.  This event reflects the long and perfect collaboration between the UNSS and the FFBB.  By teaming up with a world-renowned league like the NBA, we are also demonstrating the importance of opening up to the international arena for our young people.  We also want to strengthen the links between FFBB clubs and school sports associations in junior and senior high schools, with the common aim of offering more basketball at school.  This year, more than 500 UNSS-licensed students will get involved and discover basketball thanks to these two NBA FFBB UNSS Leagues.”

by Abhishek Shukla

U Mumba & Haryana Steelers play out high-octane tie in PKL Season 10

10th January, MUMBAI: U Mumba and Haryana Steelers played out a highly entertaining high octane 44-44 tie in the final game of PKL Season 10’s leg at the DOME by NSCI on Wednesday. While Jaideep Dahiya’s brilliant defending earned him 8 tackle points, the real star of the game was Amirmohammad Zafardanesh, who almost single-handedly got his side a deserved tie with 14 raid points. 

The Haryana Steelers kicked off at a blistering pace and had, within minutes, reduced the U Mumba numbers on the mat. It wasn’t just via raiding though, as Jaideep Dahiya in defence was imperious, logging an impressive 4 raid points in the first half itself — over half of the Haryana Steelers’ total for the period.  

They inflicted the first ALL OUT of the game in the seventh minute to take a 11-6 lead and things looked bleak for the home side. In the next quarter of the game though U Mumba’s team rallied together, Amirmohammad Zafardanesh’s ability to constantly pick up bonus points, and Siddharth Desai’s SUPER RAID at the end of the half drawing them to within three to end the half.   

Despite having only three players on the mat at the beginning of the second half, the Haryana Steelers, courtesy of a SUPER TACKLE and some brilliant raiding, streaked into a 9 point lead within two minutes. The see-saw nature of the encounter ensured that they wouldn’t have the last say, as U Mumba slowly edged their way back. It took them nine minutes of the half, but eventually they inflicted an ALL OUT to erase that nine point deficit to draw level at 30 apiece.  

The momentum swung the other way almost immediately as the Haryana Steelers defence held together and created a second ALL OUT  to take a five point lead. U Mumba inflicted a second ALL OUT  to draw level at 44 apiece, with 40 seconds left. Neither team could break the deadlock in the dying seconds as they took a deserved point apiece. 

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 12th January

Game 1 – Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Telugu Titans vs Bengal Warriors – 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

Nordea Open in Bastad named 2023 WTA 125 tournament of the year

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The WTA today on Wednesday announced the Nordea Open in Bastad, Sweden has been voted as the 2023 WTA 125 Tournament of the Year for the second consecutive season.

The event won the inaugural award in 2022 and once again has been voted by WTA players as the standout tournament on the WTA 125 calendar.

The WTA athlete body selected the Nordea Open as the winner on the merits of its excellence of staff and organization, passionate fans and wider dedication to the sport and its players.

The 2023 event marked the fourth edition of the tournament, which crowned Olga Danilovic as the singles champion and Irina Khromacheva and Panna Udvardy as the doubles winners. Last season, the Nordea Open was one of 31 WTA 125 tournaments staged, and it will be held again in 2024 during the week of July 8.

The Nordea Open joins the WTA 1000 BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells), WTA 500 Credit One Charleston Open and the WTA 250 Transylvania Open (Cluj-Napoca) as fellow 2023 Tournament Award winners.

by Abhishek Shukla

Sevens captains ready for the challenge in Dubai

The captains of the 12 women’s and 12 men’s teams gathered at Dubai Creek Harbour on Wednesday ahead of the opening round of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024, which takes place at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on 12-14 January.

There is more to play for than ever before in this year’s Challenger with the competition expanded to three rounds and the top four placed men’s and women’s teams qualifying for the new promotion and relegation play-off competition at the HSBC SVNS 2024 Grand Final in Madrid.

The pool draw, which took place in December during the HSBC SVNS 2024 opening round at the same venue in Dubai, produced some exciting match-ups. Three teams in the men’s competition – Uruguay, Japan and Kenya – have already booked their places at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and they headline Pools A, B and C respectively. All teams qualified for the Challenger 2024 through regional competitions.

Men’s pools:

Pool A: Uruguay, Hong Kong China, Papua New Guinea, Georgia
Pool B: Japan, Tonga, Chile, Portugal
Pool C: Kenya, Germany, Uganda, Mexico

Women’s pools:

Pool A: Belgium, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Uganda
Pool B: China, Czechia, Mexico, Kenya
Pool C: Poland, Hong Kong China, Paraguay, Argentina

The Challenger tournaments replicate the Olympic Games competition format, with the 12 teams drawn into three pools of four teams each. The top two from each pool as well as the two best third-placed finishers will qualify for the knockout stages with quarter-finals and semi-finals leading to the third place and gold medal matches.

Kenya men’s captain Tony Omondi reflected on overcoming South Africa to qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024: “It feels amazing to have led the team in qualifying for the Olympics. It is the pinnacle of sports in the world so playing in the Olympics is a dream come true for every athlete.

“The Olympics is a big plus for us but we all know we fell short of playing in the SVNS series this year and the goal is to get back into the series and with the current crop of players that we have I believe that is possible. Preparations have gone well. We know that to have a shot at getting back on the Series we have to finish in the top four and that is the motive.”

Belgium women’s captain Cécile Blondiau said: “We are really excited about the new format of the Challenger competition as it gives more chances to more teams to reach the next level of rugby. We are also excited to see our new, young players show what they can do. Our hopes are to finish in the top four and we are really excited to begin the competition here in Dubai.”

Portugal men’s captain Duarte Moreira said : “It was a big accomplishment for us to qualify for the Challenger and it’s a new opportunity for us to go back into the Series so it’s going to be a great challenge for us.

“The new generation of fifteens players that went to the Rugby World Cup was very inspiration for us and a time for all of us to try and push and exceed ourselves to try to be like them.”

Poland captain Natalia Pamieta said: “We are really excited because we have been waiting for a few years to qualify for the World Series so I hope that now it is the time for us. Our hopes are to qualify for the World Series and also the Olympic Games from the final qualifier event in Monaco.”

The Challenger was introduced in February 2020 to boost the development of rugby sevens across the globe and provide a clear promotion pathway to reach the top level of global rugby sevens for the short format of the game which has experienced huge growth over the past two decades since the introduction of the global sevens series and becoming an Olympic sport at the Rio 2016 Games.

The 2024 edition of the Challenger competition kicks off with combined events at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on 12-14 January, followed by Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo, Uruguay on 8-10 March before standalone women’s and men’s events at Henryk Reyman’s Municipal Stadium in Krakow, Poland and Dantestadion in Munich, Germany respectively on 18-19 May.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger 2024 dates:

Dubai, UAE – 12-14 January (men and women)
Montevideo, Uruguay – 8-10 March (men and women)
Krakow, Poland – 18-19 May  (women) 
Munich, Germany –18-19 May (men)

by Abhishek Shukla

Narender’s Super 10 and Sahil’s High 5 guide Tamil Thalaivas to 19-point win against U.P. Yoddhas

10th January, MUMBAI: Tamil Thalaivas ended their 7-game winless run with a resounding 46-27 victory over U.P. Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League match at the DOME by NSCI in Mumbai on Wednesday. Thalaivas raider Narender starred with 14 raid points, while left corner defender Sahil Gulia claimed 5 tackle points.

Tamil Thalaivas got off to a fantastic start and needed just 7 minutes to inflict the first ALL OUT and soar to an 11-2 lead. Both of their raiders, Narender and Ajinkya Pawar, were in really good touch and made the difference in the first half. Neither of U. P. Yoddhas’ raiders – Pardeep Narwal nor Surender Gill – were effective and it took a couple of key raids from Vijay Malik for them to get going.

The Tamil Thaliavas ended the first half with an 8-point lead at 19-11 and were in complete control of the game.

The second half was more of the same as Narender returned to cause further trouble for the U.P. Yoddhas. The youngster produced 2 multi-point raids to lead his side to a second ALL OUT and further extend their lead. He slipped past the defensive duo of Nitesh Kumar and Gurdeep to earn the Thalaivas 4 points and take them to a 29-15 lead in the 26th minute.

Pardeep endured a difficult outing and was sent to the bench for the 7th time in 11 raids, in the 30th minute, as the U.P. Yoddhas were reduced to 3 men and trailed by 15 points. The U.P.  Yoddhas, on their part, did well to hold on and a SUPER TACKLE from Nitin Panwar helped their cause, but it still was not enough. Another multi-point raid from Narender saw a 3rd ALL OUT inflicted on the U.P. Yoddhas and that saw the Thalaivas pick up their 1st win in 8 games. The result also marked the Yoddhas’ 4th loss on the trot.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, 2023
Points Table
PositionTeamMatchesWonLostTiedPointsScore DiffPoints concededPoints scored
1Puneri Paltan1091046138272410
2Dabang Delhi K.C.117314031363394
3Gujarat Giants117403923366389
4Jaipur Pink Panthers106223837302339
5U Mumba106403214373387
6Haryana Steelers1064031-21382361
7Bengaluru Bulls1257031-40426386
8Patna Pirates115602916415431
9Bengal Warriors1145228-6419413
10U.P. Yoddhas1238121-29450421
11Tamil Thalaivas1138019-25401376
12Telugu Titans1111009-138483345

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 12th January

Game 1 – Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Telugu Titans vs Bengal Warriors – 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

Portland Timbers Secure Eric Miller’s Services Through 2025

January 10, 2024

The Portland Timbers have announced the re-signing of defender Eric Miller for the upcoming Major League Soccer seasons, extending his stay at the club through 2025. This decision comes after the club initially declined his contract option following the end of the 2023 campaign.

Eric Miller, now 30, brings a wealth of experience from his extensive Major League Soccer career, which began in 2014. Over the years, Miller has made 179 regular-season appearances, including 142 starts, and has recorded four assists. His journey in the league has seen him feature for several clubs, including CF Montréal, Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United FC, New York City FC, and Nashville SC.

At Portland Timbers, Miller is expected to provide depth in the fullback position. His versatility and experience will be vital for the Timbers, especially in shoring up their defense. Miller’s knowledge of the league and his understanding of its competitive nature make him a valuable asset to the club.

The Portland Timbers, now under the leadership of head coach Phil Neville, are gearing up for their 2024 campaign, which kicks off on February 24th against Colorado Rapids. The match, scheduled for 10:30 pm ET, will be available on MLS Season Pass, offering fans an opportunity to see the team’s progress under Neville’s guidance.

The re-signing of Eric Miller is part of Portland Timbers’ strategic planning under Neville. His coaching philosophy and approach to the game are expected to bring a new dynamic to the team. Miller’s experience and familiarity with the league will undoubtedly complement Neville’s vision for the club.

Miller’s re-signing signals Portland’s commitment to maintaining a blend of experience and youth in their squad. His presence in the locker room and on the field can be instrumental in developing younger players and maintaining stability in the team’s defensive setup.

As the Timbers embark on the new season, the re-signing of Eric Miller adds depth to their roster and offers flexibility in their defensive options. His return is a positive step for the club as they aim to compete at the highest level in MLS and strive for success in the upcoming season.

With the 2024 season fast approaching, the Portland Timbers and their fans will be hopeful that the blend of experienced players like Miller and the strategic approach of Phil Neville will bring a successful campaign. Miller’s role, both on and off the pitch, will be crucial in achieving the club’s objectives for the season.

by Abhishek Shukla

Karnataka to face Delhi and Odisha to clash against Andhra Pradesh in semis of Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for Blind 2024 

Hubli (Karnataka) [India], January 10:Karnataka will lock horns with Delhi while Odisha will face Andhra Pradesh in the semi-finals of the ongoing Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024 on Thursday.

Both matches will be played on the same day here at Karnataka Gymkhana Cricket Ground. Odisha vs Andhra Pradesh will kick start the semi-finals proceedings at 9:00 am while Karnataka and Delhi will meet in the afternoon at same location.

All the four semi-finalists on Wednesday won their respective games to reach the next stage of the ongoing Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024.

For Karnataka it was a cake walk as the side thrashed Assam by nine wickets at SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Cricket Ground in Dharwad. Put into bat first by Karnataka, Assam scored just 57 runs in 20 overs. Karnataka chased down the target in the 6th over. Laxmi P was named as the Player of the Match.

Delhi defeated West Bengal by 116 runs at Indian Railways Cricket Ground in Hubli. Delhi scored 192/3 and bundled out West Bengal for 76. Manika was named as the Player of the Match. Delhi reached semis by virtue of a better net run rate.

Odisha and Andhra Pradesh defeated Madhya Pradesh and Haryana respectively in Hubli. Both the teams remained undefeated in their respective Groups and will kick start the semi-final proceedings on Thursday.

The League stage has ended today. A total of 27 matches is being played in the IndusInd Bank Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024. The final showdown, coinciding with National Youth Day, also known as Vivekananda Jayanti, is set for January 12, promising a fitting culmination to this remarkable tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

Tottenham Hotspur Bolsters Attack with Loan Signing of Timo Werner

January 10, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur has made a significant move in the January transfer window by securing German international Timo Werner on a six-month loan from RB Leipzig, with an option to buy in the summer. The 27-year-old forward, a former Chelsea player and Champions League winner, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to Spurs’ attacking line-up.

Timo Werner’s football journey is a story of consistent growth and adaptability. He began his career at TSV Steinhaldenfeld before joining VfB Stuttgart’s youth team and quickly progressed to make his senior debut in August 2013. At Stuttgart, he made a mark by becoming the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in Bundesliga.

Werner’s move to RB Leipzig in the 2016/17 season, coinciding with the club’s debut in the Bundesliga, saw him finishing as the top league goalscorer for four consecutive seasons. His remarkable form, including a Bundesliga history-making hat-trick of goals and assists in an 8-0 victory over Mainz, earned him accolades such as the Bundesliga Player of the Month and a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

The German forward’s stint with Chelsea in the Premier League added to his international experience, where he contributed to the team’s success in the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Returning to RB Leipzig in August 2022, Werner continued his impressive form, helping the team win the German Cup and the German Super Cup.

Werner expressed his enthusiasm for joining Tottenham, recognizing the club’s stature and his familiarity with playing against them, both for Chelsea and Leipzig. In his first interview with SPURSPLAY, Werner shared his excitement about joining Ange Postecoglou’s project and his ambitions to contribute significantly to the team.

He emphasized his desire to be the best player he can be at Spurs, bringing his speed and threat as an attacker. Werner also highlighted the tactical fit with the team’s playing style and his ability to adapt across the front three positions, a flexibility valued by the manager.

This signing is part of Tottenham’s strategic efforts to bolster their squad, with Werner’s proven track record in both the Bundesliga and Premier League expected to add depth and dynamism to their attack. His experience and winning mentality, evident from his contributions to Chelsea’s Champions League triumph and RB Leipzig’s domestic success, align with Tottenham’s ambitions.

Spurs, under Postecoglou’s guidance, are keen on challenging for titles and see Werner as a key piece in their puzzle. His arrival is timely, as Tottenham prepares to return to action with an FA Cup fourth-round tie, followed by a Premier League match against Brentford.

Timo Werner’s loan signing is a statement of intent from Tottenham Hotspur. It reflects their commitment to strengthening the squad and their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions. Werner’s versatility, pace, and scoring prowess could be the catalyst Spurs need to elevate their performance in the latter half of the season.

With the option to make the deal permanent in the summer, Werner’s impact at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could define not only the current campaign but also the club’s future direction.

by Abhishek Shukla

Chennaiyin to begin Kalinga Super Cup against Punjab with an eye on AFC Champions League 2 spot

Bhubaneswar, January 10, 2024: Chennaiyin FC will be looking to earn a spot in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League 2 Group stages as they begin their Kalinga Super Cup 2024 campaign against Punjab FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on Thursday.

The winner of the Kalinga Super Cup will not only add a trophy to their cabinet but will also get a spot in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League 2 Group stages.

Chennaiyin are present in Group C of the tournament alongside Mumbai City FC and Gokulam Kerala FC, in addition to Punjab FC and head coach Owen Coyle is set to lead the team to a successful campaign.

“We are looking forward to the Super Cup as it’s a great competition and obviously, we’re in a tough group with two fierce rivals from the ISL in Punjab and Mumbai. The team is certainly capable of performing far better than it has done recently, so, we’re excited for it and there should be a freshness about us in the tournament,” commented Coyle ahead of the match.

The Marina Machans finished the previous edition of the tournament in the group stages and will look to improve their performance to win the trophy this year with the likes of Rafael Crivellaro, Jordan Murray and Ninthoinganba Meetei in their ranks. Crivellaro (5) has given the most assists in the ongoing season of the Indian Super League, while the addition of Mobashir Rahman on loan has also increased the options for the Scotsman.

“Of course, I’d like to win the tournament. We’ve always been known for fighting out for competitions and we want to do the same. We certainly believe that we are capable of a big second half of the season and it starts with the Super Cup as we want to go and give a really good account of ourselves. You want to win every competition and if you don’t think you can win it, you shouldn’t enter the tournament. I believe if we’re at our best, we can stand toe to toe with the teams in this competition,” the head coach said.

Chennaiyin will step onto the field after a break as they are playing their first match in 2024 and Coyle asserted that a break is always helpful for the players to regain their fitness and strength.

He said, “The break is good as it gives us the match fitness & the sharpness and a really tough competition because of the quality of the teams we play. It will stand us in good stead for when we come back to play in ISL.”

Chennaiyin and Punjab share a closely contested head-to-head record in the two matches played between them so far, with each team winning one game.

The Marina Machans will face Gokulam Kerala FC on 

January 16 before taking on Mumbai City FC in their last Group C match on January 21.

by Abhishek Shukla

KSLTA to host US$ 40K KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open from Jan 14

Bengaluru, Jan 10: The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) will host the third edition of the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open from January 14 to 21 in a new avatar. This premier tennis tournament will be played under lights for the first time, thus enhancing the spectator experience.

“We are very excited to support women’s tennis in India with the upcoming KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open tennis championships, which we have supported for many years. Our family office is very focused on serving aces of equality and breaking barriers, rallying together for a future where every woman’s potential is unleashed. We feel that a greater participation and success of women in business will be a long-term game changer for India going forward,” said KP Balaraj, founder, KPB Trust and a former top ranked National level tennis player.

Boasting of an impressive US $40,000 in prize money, the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open has attracted the best of women’s tennis talent from around the world. The event serves as a crucial platform for emerging players to showcase their skills, with the added incentive of 50 WTA points for the winner. Potentially, there could be 9 Indian players in the singles main draw of 32 (4 wildcards for main draw and 5 wildcards for qualifying).

“We thank Mr. KP Balaraj of KPB Family trust for his continued support to the coveted event on the women’s circuit. There is a solid synergy between the Trust’s mission and objectives of KSLTA. The KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open not only celebrates athletic excellence but also serves as a crucial stepping stone for Indian players, who gain a home advantage as they compete on familiar turf. The event has played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent and contributing to the growth of women’s tennis in our nation and creating top class athletes’ said Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister of IT BT & RDPR, Govt. of Karnataka who is also the Sr. Vice President of KSLTA. “This event is extremely important for us as it’s one of the few ITF W50 events in the world and we welcome the sporting ambassadors from 21 countries to come and experience the hospitality of Bengaluru which is in pursuit of becoming the global sporting destination,” said Shri Kharge.

On the competition front, the main draw includes 20 direct entries, four wild cards and eight qualifiers. Last edition’s finalist Ankita Raina is the lone Indian figuring in the list of direct entries as per the acceptance list. Latvian Darja Semenistaja, ranked 143rd on the WTA rankings, leads the list of a highly competitive field comprising players from over 19 countries.

The qualifying rounds will be held on Jan 14 and 15 while the main round begins from Jan 16.

Soha, Suhita given wildcards: Meanwhile, Soha Sadiq and Suhita Maruri, two of the most promising players from Karnataka have been given a wild card for the main draw by KSLTA.

by Abhishek Shukla

Karan Singh upsets 7th seed Huang enroute to pre-quarters of PET ITF Mandya Open

Mandya, Jan 10: Karan Singh of India won a long battle against seventh seed Tsung-Hao Huang of Taipei to make it to the pre-quarterfinals of the PET ITF Mandya Open. The 20-year-old scripted a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory on a day when Indians faced a bag of mixed luck at the PET Stadium here on Wednesday.

The newest face in the Indian Davis Cup team and local favourite eighth seed SD Prajwal Dev squandered away his chances after being three match points up in the final set and went down to Yunseok Jang of Korea 2-6, 7-5, 5-7 in a battle that lasted over three hours. In the other upset of the day, Thijmen Loof of the Netherlands sent home sixth seed M Rifqi Fitriadi of Indonesia 7-6 (5), 1-6, 6-1.

The other Indians to advance to the round of 16 included fourth seed Sasikumar Mukund who beat country mate Kabir Hans in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 while former Davis Cupper Vishnu Vardhan saw the back of Austrian David Pichler with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 victory. Madhwin Kamath also made it to the pre-quarterfinals with a 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory over Kazakh Grigoriy Lomakin.

With most of the matches going to the wire, three matches were stopped half-way between owing to bad light.

Delhi lad Karan Singh who is touted as one of the most talented players in the country, began on an even keel against his Taipei opponent. After the first seven games went with the serve, Huang broke the Indian’s serve in the eight game and served out for the set 6-3. In an exact reverse of the first set, Karan who trains with Vivek Shokeen and has been focusing on his serve and volley approach, broke the seventh seed’s serve in the eighth game and took the second set 6-3, by which time, he had gained the required momentum.

After achieving a break in the third game in the final set, Karan took a deciding 3-1 lead. After a long battle, Huang held his serve in the fifth game. However, the Indian came up with some superb backhand shots which not only unnerved his fancied rival but gave him an upper hand as he once again broke Huang’s serve in the eighth game. During the fag end of the match, Huang hit it in the net even as Karan’s racquet had slipped out of his hand.   

Results Singles (Round of 32)

Yunseok Jang (KOR) bt 8-SD Prajwal Dev 6-2, 5-7, 7-5; 5-Nam Hoang Ly (VIE) bt Q-Ranjeet Virali-Murugesan 6-2, 6-3; 4-Sasikumar Mukund bt Kabir Hans 6-3, 6-4; Mitsuki Wei Kang Leong (MAS) bt Q-Rishi Reddy 4-6, 6-3, 7-5; Ofek Shimanov (ISR) BT Q-Shivank Bhatnagar 6-2, 6-4; 1-Kris Van Wyk (RSA) bt Q-Faisal Qamar 6-1, 7-6 (2); Thijmen Loof (NED) bt 6-M Rifqi Fitriadi (INA) 7-6 (5), 1-6, 6-1; 3-Orel Kimhi (ISR) bt Rishab Agarwal 6-3, 4-6, 6-2; Karan Singh bt 7-Tsung-Hao Huang (TPE) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2; Q-Vishnu Vardhan bt David Pichler (AUT) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4; Q-Madhwin Kamath bt Grigoriy Lomakin (KAZ) 6-3, 7-6 (6); Manish Sureshkumar Vs. 2-Giles Hussey (GBR) 6-7 (4) (interrupted); Siddhant Banthia Vs. Jelle Sels (NED) 4-6 (interrupted); Ishaque Eqbal Vs. Matt Hulme (AUS)  7-6 (4), 2-2 (interrupted).

by Abhishek Shukla

FIBA Intercontinental Cup, Basketball Champions League enter strategic partnership with TEAM

MIES (Switzerland) – FIBA ClubCo, the entity that was formed by FIBA and investment company GCBH LP and helped reshape the landscape of club basketball through its shareholding of flagship international competitions such as the Basketball Champions League and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, announced on Wednesday that it has entered a strategic partnership with TEAM Marketing, the global sports marketing agency, through 2028.TEAM will advise FIBA ClubCo on strategy as well as market sponsorship rights for its key properties. During the first phase of their partnership, TEAM will support the Basketball Champions League and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup with a strategic review of the commercial approach for both properties and work together to refine their go-to-market strategy for 2024.”We are extremely pleased to be entering this partnership with TEAM Marketing, an agency which has demonstrated that it can generate and grow value for club competitions that operate in a global environment,” stated Basketball Champions League CEO Patrick Comninos.”TEAM Marketing has an unparalleled record for product development and for helping shape the relevant sports ecosystem and we look forward to working together in this direction, as it is clear that the club competition environment in Europe could benefit from more clarity for the fans and all relevant stakeholders,” Mr. Comninos added.
The agreement means TEAM will have the global mandate to sell the marketing rights exclusively on behalf of FIBA ClubCo, starting with the FIBA Intercontinental Cup and Basketball Champions League, from 2024-2028.

In addition to the Basketball Champions League (Europe) and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, TEAM will offer support for the Basketball Champions League Americas and Basketball Champions League Asia.

Kerstin Lutz, Managing Director of Business Development at TEAM, commented: “We are excited to play a role in the growth of basketball on a global level. Building long-term relationships and the best competitions are what we are known for, and we look forward to collaborating with FIBA ClubCo to help continue growing their successful club competitions.”

TEAM has provided support to UEFA in the global marketing and sale of UEFA club competition commercial rights (including media, sponsorship and licensing rights) and the provision of account management and associated services since 1992.
by Abhishek Shukla

UKK: Odisha Juggernauts Set for Semi-Finals Clash Against Gujarat Giants After Successful Group Stage

Bhubaneswar, 10 January 2024: Odisha Juggernauts concluded the group stage of Season 2 in the Ultimate Kho Kho with a 34-23 win against Mumbai Khiladis. Securing their place in the semi-finals, they are set to face the Gujarat Giants in the next round. With 23 points in 10 matches, comprising 6 victories and only two losses, the Odisha Juggernauts finish second on the table.

Speaking ahead of the semi-finals, Sports Secretary, Shri Vineel Krishna said, “Promoting indigenous sports is very important to us and therefore we are delighted to see the state-owned franchise of the Odisha Juggernauts only two victories away from a second consecutive title in the Ultimate Kho-kho League. We are sure the fans will turn out in huge numbers to support their team.”

For the reigning champions, a second consecutive title would be another triumph in Kho Kho following Odisha’s two silver medals in Men’s and Women’s Kho-Kho at the recently concluded 37th edition of the National Games.

With both teams eager for the prize, fans can expect a hard-fought affair. In their previous two encounters against the Gujarat Giants, the Odisha Juggernauts won their most recent clash 35-27, while conceding defeat in their first encounter, 29-34.

Expressing confidence ahead of the semi-finals, Odisha Juggernauts Captain, Dipesh More said, “It’s always good to go into a high-pressure game like a semi-final with a victory so we are feeling confident. The team is looking forward to the support from the home crowd and these factors can make a big difference in critical games.”

Notably, the Odisha Juggernauts have been equipped with a physio, masseur and strength and conditioning coach from Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance, along with the resources of the recently inaugurated, state-of-the-art Sports Science Centre at the Kalinga Sports Complex in Bhubaneswar. The Sports Science Centre houses specialised labs including a Para-Athlete Performance Lab, Biomechanics Lab, Altitude Training Chamber, Cryotherapy, floatation therapy and various other sports science equipment.

Speaking on their preparation during the tournament, vice-captain Gowtham MK said, “The set up has been very professional and it has exposed us to many techniques for training and recovery. Not only does this help our in-game performances but it has also helped us develop significantly as individual athletes.”

The Odisha Juggernauts will take on the Gujarat Giants on January 11th  at the Jawaharlal Indoor Stadium in Cuttack.

by Abhishek Shukla

UKK: Inspired by young guns, Chennai Quick Guns look to continue domination in semifinal against Telugu Yoddhas

Cuttack, January 10, 2024: Chennai Quick Guns will aspire to keep their dominant run going when they take on Telugu Yoddhas in the second semifinal of Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack on Thursday.

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 have arguably been the best team of the season so far. The team with the most attacking and defensive points, they also have the player of the season within their ranks in Ramji Kashyap. Ramji is both the top attacker and the top defender of this season, has the most number of sky dives as well as the most dive points.

What makes their season all the more impressive is how Chennai Quick Guns have been fuelled by some young players who are just at the start of their careers. Ramji himself is just 20. All-rounder Madan, who has put in some superb defensive displays, is just 19. Attacker Vijay Shinde is just 21 while Akash Kadam is 22.

“We will be competing against Telugu Yoddhas at the semi finals, and this year we will give our hundred percent to win against them. All the teams are very strong and competitive, so it will be tough to predict who will be winning the match. It will all depend on the teams who will make the least mistakes” said Amit Patil, captain of Chennai Quick Guns.

Telugu Yoddhas will be looking to arrest their worrying dip in form. After looking like a good bet to top the league table all season, they suffered heavy defeats in their last two matches, including a huge 20-point reverse in the last game against Gujarat Giants. They will however take solace from the fact that they did convincingly beat Chennai Quick Guns the last time these two teams met. They will look for inspiration from their captain Pratik Waikar, who is not only the top Wazir in the league this season, but has the most number of pole dives as well.

“Throughout the league stage our team has been performing very well. All the players are giving their best which is a great asset for us, the players are taking charge and helping the team to win. Our opponent during the knock-off stage is Chennai Quick Guns and for them Ramji Kashyap is the strongest player, so we will see how we can strategize for our match at the semis and we will perform well.” said Waikar.

In the other semifinal, defending champions Odisha Juggernauts will hope to keep their impressive run going when they take on Gujarat Giants.

Odisha Juggernauts have been unbeaten over their last five games, winning a number of them convincingly. Their 35-27 victory over Telugu Yoddhas on Sunday was especially impressive. Players like Deepak Sahoo — one of the best Wazirs this season — Gowtham MK and Dilip Khandavi have all stepped up when it mattered. They will also have the luxury of playing in front of a very vocal home crowd that has been a tremendous source of support all season.

However, in Gujarat Giants, they face an opponent that convincingly routed them in the league stages. They did have their revenge in the reverse fixture, but Odisha Juggernauts will not be underestimating their opponents, going into Thursday’s encounter.

“Gujarat Giants are a good team but we are also very confident as we won the last game against them, so I am looking forward to that match,” said Odisha Juggernauts captain Dipesh More. “We are very happy with the crowd support and that is adding the extra advantage to the way we are playing so it feels really good to play in front of our home fans. We are not taking pressure, just thinking about one step at a time. Our first target is to win the semifinals and then we will think about the finals.”

Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants will look to arrest a worrying dip in form. After looking unstoppable in the early stages of the tournament, they have only registered two wins in their last five games. Players like Sanket Kadam, P Narasayya and Rajvardhan Patil have been impressive in patches, but they will need the whole team to come together and contribute if they are to make it to the final.

“Odisha Juggernauts is a strong team and it will be a high voltage match and we are working on the strategy for our next match. We are ready to play against the crowd, we know we will be playing against the crowd and we will give our best. Our focus is both on recovery and training, we are working on our drawbacks and also doing video analysis on our opponent teams” said Akshay, captain of team Gujarat Giants.

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

World Curling Federation Sustainability Working Group reaches milestones in 2023

Perth, Scotland – The Sustainability Working Group was established in February 2023 to propose strategies, policies, rules and recommendations that empower the Federation and its Member Associations to implement sustainability best practices and actions in alignment with the Federation’s strategic goals.

Based on the analytical work from the Group and backed by the Board, the Federation became a signatory of the Sports for Climate Action Framework in September 2023.

The Framework is an initiative of United Nations Climate Change that aims to support and guide sports actors in achieving global climate change goals.

Since its formation, over 250 sports organisations signed the Framework, including several international federations in the winter Olympic Movement.

About becoming a signatory of the Framework, Beau Welling, World Curling Federation President, said “At World Curling, our vision is to make the world a better place by growing our sport and expanding our culture and values worldwide. This includes making planet-conscious decisions about our sport in general and our events in particular. Signing the Sports for Climate Action Framework is one step in this direction, to be followed by many more.”

Kim Forge, World Curling Federation Sustainability Working Group Chair, said “Our group’s mandate is to propose recommendations that empower the Federation and its Member Associations to implement good practices with regards to sustainability. We hope that we can inspire many of our members to investigate the Sports for Climate Action Framework and pledge to operate in a more sustainable way.”

As part of the Federation’s commitment to ongoing climate action and broader sustainability initiatives, it has partnered with Sporting Giants, a specialist sport and sustainability consultancy.

Sporting Giants has decades of experience in working with sporting organisations and supporting them in their mission to reduce their carbon emissions.

About working with Sporting Giants, Kim Forge said, “With their help, we are building the Federation’s first-ever sustainability strategy, which is a very exciting and important project for the Group. Within this process, we are identifying areas where the Federation can make a significant positive impact and we will build our sustainability actions accordingly. This is an opportunity to motivate and inspire large numbers of people to contribute actively to a more sustainable future.”

About working with World Curling, Scott Over, Sporting Giants CEO, said “We have a broad portfolio of international federations and events that we work with. In many cases, collective action accelerates innovation and positive change. Adding the World Curling Federation to the roster alongside other ice sports supports this mission and allows the Federation to take a leadership position in the winter sport community by protecting the future of the sport for generations to come.” 

Dan Reading, Sporting Giants Chief Sustainability Officer, added “Sporting Giants has begun work with the World Curling Federation to create an ambitious sustainability strategy with both short-term and long-term goals based on issues and opportunities that the sport faces. The strategy will be mapped with key stakeholders and the curling community whilst identifying strategic partners to assist in the delivery.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Day 10 Results: 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 2

New Delhi, 10th January 2024: Day 10 of the 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 2 witnessed Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre, Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy and SAI Shakti Team win their respective matches.   

Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre records convincing win:      

In the first match of the day, Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre defeated Jai Bharat Hockey Academy 12-1. Pragya Patel (10’, 12’, 45’, 58’) scored four goals, Captain Doli Bhoi (8’, 15’, 57’) scored a hat-trick while Kesar Bhabar (3’), Sheetal Yadav (14’), Neharika Toppo (24’), Saniya Syed (36’) and Chanchal Yadav (38’) scored a goal each for Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre. The lone goal for Jai Bharat Hockey Academy came from a penalty corner conversion by Anita Devi (19’).  

Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy wins close game:       

In the second match of the day, Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy defeated Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy Bhagta 1-0. The game nearly ended in a goal-less draw with both teams putting on a tremendous display of defence but it was Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy Captain Diksha (60’) who converted a penalty corner in the final minute of the game to break the deadlock and take her team to victory.  

SAI Shakti Team records comprehensive win:      

In the third match of the day, SAI Shakti Team defeated SAI Bal Team 5-1. Purnima Yadav (3’, 23’) scored a brace for SAI Shakti Team while Ravina (36’), Captain Kajal (40’) and Priyanka (56’) scored a goal each. The solitary goal for SAI Bal Team was a field goal that was scored by Sree Vidya Thirumalasetty (21′). 

by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: PSA Announces World Tour Calendar for Remainder of 2023-24 Season

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has today confirmed its PSA World Tour calendar for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, with 22 events set to take place between January – June.

The first tournament of 2024 is the inaugural SmartCentres Kinetic Florida Open which began yesterday and will finish on January 14, while the prestigious J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions will be the first Platinum event of the year, taking place between January 17-25 at New York’s iconic Grand Central Terminal.

The North American leg of the tour continues with events in Brooklyn, Cincinnati, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Houston, Washington, Chicago, Calgary and Cleveland. The City Tattersalls Group Australian Open will be held in Sydney between March 20-24 and takes place in between the Optasia Championships (March 12-17) and the London Classic, which will make its debut at the famous Alexandra Palace between March 27 – April 1.

Also making its debut on the PSA World Tour calendar will be the German Open presented by Sportwerk, which will bring the world’s best players to Hamburg between April 3-7. The tour then heads to Egypt for the Black Ball Squash Open and El Gouna International Squash Open. The most prestigious tournament in squash, the PSA World Championships, will be held between May 9-17.

The Manchester Open closes out May, before the British Open returns to Birmingham’s Rep Theatre between June 2-9, marking the final Platinum event of the season. The PSA World Tour Finals will draw the campaign to a close between June 18-23.

PSA World Tour Calendar: January – June 2023

January 9-14     SmartCentres Kinetic Florida Open (Gold): Boynton Beach, United States

January 17-25     J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions (Platinum): New York, United States

January 25-29     Carol Weymuller Open (Bronze, Women): Brooklyn, United States

January 31 – February 4     Bahl and Gaynor Cincinnati Gaynor Cup (Silver, Women): Cincinnati, United States

January 31 – February 4     Sturbridge Capital Motor City Open (Silver, Men): Detroit, United States

February 6-10     DAC Pro Squash Classic (Silver, Women): Detroit, United States

February 7-11     Pittsburgh Open (Silver, Men): Pittsburgh, United States

February 13-18     HSC Houston Men’s Open (Gold, Men): Houston, United States

February 14-18     Squash on Fire Open (Bronze): Washington, United States

February 21-28     Windy City Open presented by the Walter Family (Platinum): Chicago, United States

March 3-7     Canadian Open (Silver, Men): Calgary, Canada

March 5-10     Squash in the Land Presented by Greater Cleveland Squash (Silver, Women / Bronze, Men): Cleveland, United States

March 12-17     Optasia Championships (Gold, Men / Bronze, Women): Wimbledon, England

March 20-24     City Tattersalls Group Australian Open (Bronze): Sydney, Australia

March 27 – April 1     London Classic (Gold): London, England

April 3-7     German Open presented by Sportwerk (Bronze): Hamburg, Germany

April 11-16     Black Ball Squash Open (Gold): Cairo, Egypt

April 19-26     El Gouna International Squash Open (Platinum): El Gouna, Egypt

May 9-17     PSA World Championships: Venue TBA

May 22-26     Manchester Open (Silver): Manchester, England

June 2-9     British Open (Platinum): Birmingham, England

June 18-23     PSA World Tour Finals: Venue TBA

The above events are joint men’s and women’s tournaments unless stated otherwise. The venues of the PSA World Championships and PSA World Tour Finals will be announced separately.

by Abhishek Shukla

85th Junior and Youth National TT-Preview of boys’ events -Day 5

Kolkata, January 10: The young team of West Bengal girls was not up to the mark and missed a podium finish in the ongoing 85th edition of the UTT Inter-State Youth and Junior National Table Tennis Championships at the Netaji Indoor Stadium. But their boys’ squad is upbeat to make up for the loss and bring back smiles to the faces of the hosts and into the limelight in the second leg of the championships starting tomorrow.

Led by Ankur Bhattacharjee and support coming from Punit Biswas, Bodhisatwa Chaudhury and Shankhadip Das, the hosts can bank on the team, by far the best among the 32 contestants from states that have entered the fray for the coveted team trophy. However, they cannot be complacent at all.

There are teams like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra that can upset the applecart, given their strengths. Delhi and Assam are also in the race, and the newest entrant, the National Central of Excellence from Kolkata, is not far behind.

However, UP and Tamil Nadu are the two potential challengers. The West Bengal boys are wary of that because Divyansh Srivastava and Sarth Mishra from UP can change the tide in a fraction. If the UP boys can be calculative and aggressive in their approach, the Tamil Nadu team brings a variety of skill sets to the table. P.B. Abhinand, adjudged as the best youth boy at the Senior Nationals at Panchkula last month and the recipient of the D. Vishwa Trophy, will have to play the lead role. The supporting cast has youth Balamurugan Rajasekaran, Tharun Shanmugam and the left-hander Preyesh Raj. However, Tamil Nadu has to get its combination right.

Karnataka will largely depend on K.J. Akash. He has a perfect foil in Rohith Shankar and Abhinav Murthy. But Varun Kashyap can be a handful on his day. Yet, Maharashtra has one of the best-talented combinations in Jash Modi and Kushal Chopda, around whom Siddhant Deshpande and Saga Kasture will look to play. A peek into the Delhi squad suggests that too much load will be on Aadarsh Om Chhetri, like Assam, relying heavily on Priyanuj Bhattacharyya. The departure of Payas Jain and Yashansh Malik, who have left their teen years behind, could cost Delhi dear. Neighbouring Haryana has a very young team, but pinning hopes on the boys for a medal is foolhardy.

All these make Bengal the strongest contender for the gold, while the other top teams left in the fray will scramble and settle for the lesser medals. The rest of the teams may not be in contention for the medals, but they will not lack in their efforts as they would try and put their best foot forward to make a lasting impression at the Nationals, as most of the boys would not be eligible next season.

The rankings of the best three players are the basis for seeding teams. The team draw will take place in the evening at the venue. Competition Manager N. Ganeshan said the team events will start at 10 a.m. tomorrow with the Under-17 Boys qualification rounds. Ganeshan said A.S. Kler (referee), K.R. Manjunatha (deputy), and about 60 Blue Badge and International, besides the National umpires, will play their roles in the conduct of the championships.

by Abhishek Shukla

Match officials confirmed ahead of ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the lineup of Match Officials appointed for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, which will be held in South Africa from 19 January to 11 February.

An experienced roster of 16 Umpires and four Match Referees have been selected to officiate the competition, overseeing a total of 41 matches that will feature the best young cricketers on the planet.

Match Official appointments have also been confirmed for the initial group stage fixtures, which includes an accomplished team taking charge of the opening match between hosts South Africa and another former U19 champion nation, West Indies, in Potchefstroom on 19 January.

On-field Umpires for the fixture will be Roland Black (Ireland) and Gazi Sohel (Bangladesh). Black will be officiating in his third U19 Men’s CWC, while Sohel’s international career stretches back to 2012.

Former Sri Lanka international cricketer Graeme Labrooy will be Match Referee for the clash, in what will be his sixth appearance at the celebrated event.

Completing the lineup of officials for the hosts’ opener will be TV Umpire Rashid Riaz Waqar of Pakistan and Bismillah Jan Shinwari of Afghanistan as Fourth Umpire.

The following day, 20 January, will see defending champions India face off against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein, in what will be a repeat of the blockbuster 2020 final.

Australia’s Donovan Koch and West Indies’ Nigel Duguid will take charge of that fixture with Zimbabwe’s Langton Rusere as Fourth Umpire, and South African duo Allahudien Palekar as TV Umpire and Shaid Wadvalla as Match Referee.

Palekar will be one of two Umpires from the host nation appearing at the U19 Men’s CWC together with Bongani Jele, both of whom having enjoyed international careers spanning over a decade.

Jele will be joined by India’s K.N.A. Padmanabhan as on-field umpires for the first East London fixture between Pakistan and Afghanistan. India’s Narayanan Kutty will be Match Referee for the tie, with Australia’s Phil Gillespie and Zimbabwe’s Forster Mutizwa as TV Umpire and Fourth Umpire respectively.

Elsewhere, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will play the first fixture at Kimberley on 21 January. The fixture will be officiated by Mike Burns and Patrick Gustard on-field, while Masudur Rahman Mukul of Bangladesh will assume the role of TV Umpire, Faisal Khan Afridi of Pakistan will be Fourth Umpire and England’s Wayne Noon will be Match Referee.

A schedule of Match Official appointments for group stage fixtures can be found here on the ICC’s Online Media Zone, with appointments for later stages announced in due course.

Speaking on the announcement of Match Officials at the event, ICC Manager – Umpires and Referees, Sean Easey said: “The U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is a very important event in the ICC calendar. It has long been considered a platform for future stars of the sport to make a name for themselves and for many of the participating players in this year’s edition, it is their first taste of competing on the world stage.

Similarly, it is an important development event for the umpire pathway also. A diverse and motivated team of international match officials has been appointed, and I am confident that they will do an excellent job. I wish them the very best of luck across their time in South Africa.”

Match Officials at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024

Umpires: Bismillah Jan Shinwari, Donovan Koch, Phil Gillespie, Gazi Sohel, Masudur Rahman Mukul, Mike Burns, K.N.A. Padmanabhan, Roland Black, Faisal Khan Afridi, Rashid Riaz Waqar, Allahudien Palekar, Bongani Jele, Patrick Gustard, Nigel Duguid, Langton Rusere, Forster Mutizwa

Match Referees: Graeme Labrooy, Shaid Wadvalla, Narayanan Kutty, Wayne Noon

by Abhishek Shukla

CAF concludes extensive global TV-Broadcast agreements ahead of the kick-off of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) today announced the conclusion of extensive global broadcast agreements with TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders from Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, North America and the Caribbean ahead of the kick-off of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

The tournament will kick off in Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday 13 January 2024.

The global TV-Broadcast partners include Sky (United Kingdom), BBC (United Kingdom), LaLiga+ (Spain), SportItalia (Italy), Sport Digital (Germany & Switzerland), SportTV (Portugal), Viaplay (Nordics) and Band TV (Brazil).

beIN Sport, CANAL+, New World TV and approximately 45 Free To Air broadcasters have also concluded partnership agreements with CAF and this will result in the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 being broadcast in approximately 180 countries.

CAF received approximately 6000 Media applications for accreditation to the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 which is an increase of more than 100% from the previous AFCON which took place in Cameroon in 2022.

The significant increase in financial investment by TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders from Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, North America and the Caribbean will result in a substantial global increase in viewership of the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

CAF’s Broadcasting revenues will also increase significantly and this will assist with the development and growth of football in Africa.

The TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 is expected to be the most competitive as all the prominent and successful African Football Nations will be competing in Côte d’Ivoire for the prestigious AFCON Cup.

Football from the African Continent made history at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 when Morocco qualified for the semi-finals and African National Teams are expected to continue achieving greater heights at future World Cup Competitions.

CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “African Football and the TotalEnergies AFCON Competition is recognised as being amongst the most competitive and exciting in world football. We are delighted by the extensive global broadcast agreements concluded by CAF with the TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders. Huge investments are being made in youth football, including schools football, professional leagues, training of coaches and referees, as well as the building and upgrading of football infrastructure in Africa. This is contributing enormously to the quality of African football being globally competitive and as good as the best in the world. CAF is committed to working together and assisting the Media during the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and at all future CAF competitions and events.”

The global TV-broadcast agreements that CAF has concluded includes:

1.        SKY (UK)

2.        BBC (UK)

3.        BBC Radio (Africa)

4.        Band TV (Brazil)

5.        La Liga+ (Spain)

6.        Ziggo (Netherlands)

7.        Viaplay (Nordics)

8.        Sport Digital (Germany & Switzerland)

9.        Sport Klub (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia)

10.   SportItalia (Italy)

11.   SportTV (Portugal)

12.   Fancode (India)

13.   Saran (Turkey)

14.   Sport 5 (Israel)

15.   A1 (Bulgaria)

16.   Art Motion (Kosovo)

17.   JOYN PLUS 24 (Austria)

18.   Megogo (Ukraine, Poland and Kazakhstan)

19.   RFi (France)

20.   RMC radio (France)

21.   Silknet (Georgia)

by Abhishek Shukla

Super Wild Card Weekend Injury Report: Tuesday Update

NEW YORK, Jan. 9, 2024 — As the NFL gears up for Super Wild Card Weekend, teams have released their latest injury reports. Key players from the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, and Kansas City Chiefs are listed, impacting the upcoming playoff games.

CLEVELAND BROWNS at HOUSTON TEXANS on Saturday
CLEVELAND BROWNS
 
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayG Joel Bitonio (not injury related – resting player, oblique, knee), WR Amari Cooper (not injury related – resting player, heel), DE Myles Garrett (not injury related – personal matter, shoulder, hamstring), K Dustin Hopkins (left hamstring), RB Kareem Hunt (groin), CB Greg Newsome (knee), TE David Njoku (not injury related – resting player, knee), RB Pierre Strong (back), S Juan Thornhill (calf), WR Cedric Tillman (concussion)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayCB Mike Ford (calf), WR Marquise Goodwin (knee), LB Jordan Kunaszyk (calf), DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (pectoral, groin), C Ethan Pocic (shoulder, stinger)
 
    FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayWR David Bell (back), P Corey Bojorquez (left quadricep), QB Joe Flacco (calf), S Duron Harmon (ankle), DT Shelby Harris (shin), CB Denzel Ward (shoulder)
 
HOUSTON TEXANS
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayDE Will Anderson (ankle), WR Noah Brown (back), DT Maliek Collins (hip), DE Jonathan Greenard (ankle), DE Jerry Hughes (ankle), G Shaquille Mason (not injury related – resting player), DT Sheldon Rankins (shoulder), T Laremy Tunsil (not injury related – resting player), WR Robert Woods (hip)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayFB Andrew Beck (calf), C Michael Deiter (elbow)
 
MIAMI DOLPHINS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS on Saturday night
MIAMI DOLPHINS
 The Dolphins did not practice Tuesday. The Tuesday practice report is an estimation.
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayT Terron Armstead (knee, ankle, back), S DeShon Elliott (calf), S Jevon Holland (knee, knee), CB Xavien Howard (foot)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayRB Devon Achane (toe, ribs), G Liam Eichenberg (calf, ankle), WR Tyreek Hill (ankle, quadricep), RB Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle), CB Jalen Ramsey (knee), WR Jaylen Waddle (ankle)
 
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
 
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayT Wanya Morris (concussion), WR Justyn Ross (hamstring)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayT Donovan Smith (neck), CB L’Jarius Sneed (calf), WR Kadarius Toney (hip, ankle)
 
    FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayLB Nick Bolton (wrist), S Deon Bush (elbow), CB Chamarri Conner (shoulder), TE Noah Gray (elbow), RB Isiah Pacheco (shoulder), WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), T Jawaan Taylor (knee), WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (oblique), CB Jaylen Watson (calf)
by Abhishek Shukla

Hockey India announces 26-member Indian Men’s Team for South Africa Tour

New Delhi, 10 January 2024: Hockey India on Wednesday announced the 26-member Indian Men’s Team for a Four Nation Tour in Cape Town, South Africa starting 22nd January 2024. The tournament will feature France, Netherlands, India and hosts South Africa. 

The Indian Team will be led by Harmanpreet Singh and FIH Player of the Year winner Hardik Singh will shoulder the responsibilities of Vice Captain. Youngsters Araijeet Singh Hundal and Boby Singh Dhami have been included in the squad following an impressive outing with the Junior Indian side. 

Goalkeepers PR Sreejesh, Krishan Pathak and Pawan have been included in the squad along with defenders Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Sumit, Sanjay and Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem. 

Midfielders selected in the team are Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Vishnukant Singh, Hardik Singh and Manpreet Singh. The forwardline features Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Akashdeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Boby Singh Dhami. 

Speaking about the South Africa Tour, Chief Coach Craig Fulton said, “We are quite excited to get on with the season in the Olympic year with the South Africa Tour where we will play quality teams. We have chosen a big squad in order to give players exposure and it will also give me an opportunity to see some of the players in competition mode ahead of the FIH Hockey Pro League. We have a short camp in SAI, Bengaluru before we leave for the Tour. We have also included two young players in the Senior side, and it will be interesting to watch them adapt to the level we play.” 

Indian Team for South Africa: 

GOALKEPERS                  

1. Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran            

2. Krishan Bahadur Pathak           

3. Pawan                        

DEFENDERS          

4. Jarmanpreet Singh         

5. Jugraj Singh 

6. Amit Rohidas                            

7. Harmanpreet Singh (C)            

8. Varun Kumar                  

9. Sumit          

10. Sanjay                  

11. Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem                

MIDFIELDERS                 

12. Vivek Sagar Prasad     

13. Nilakanta Sharma  

14. Rajkumar Pal                  

15. Shamsher Singh             

16. Vishnukant Singh           

17. Hardik Singh (VC)                     

18. Manpreet Singh             

FORWARDS           

19. Mandeep Singh     

20. Abhishek     

21. Sukhjeet Singh               

22. Gurjant Singh                 

23. Lalit Kumar Upadhyay              

24. Akashdeep Singh            

25. Araijeet Singh Hundal              

26. Boby Singh Dhami   

by Abhishek Shukla

CAF and COCAN to introduce ‘Main Media Centre’ in Abidjan to improve media service at TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (“COCAN” will introduce the Main Media Centre (“MMC”) concept in Abidjan as the main ‘nerve’ centre for media services during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023. 

The Main Media Centre will be at Palais de la Culture de Treichville in Abidjan.  It will officially open its doors on Wednesday, 10 January 2024 – three days before the opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023. 

The MMC, which is being introduced at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the first time in its 67-year history, is strategically located in the heart of Abidjan and designed to provide the media including photographers and broadcasters with a unique working environment.

All pre-match press conferences (Match day -1) for both matches in Alassane Ouattara (Ebimpe) and Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium will be held at the Main Media Centre.

This will include all non-match day media events, press conferences. Media in Abidjan will also be able to follow press conferences from other venues at the Main Media Centre daily.

This is yet another way of CAF and COCAN to make work easy for more than 3 000 media that have been accredited for the competition.  The Main Media Centre can accommodate over 500 media and has as press conference facility.

CAF General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba said: “Media plays an important role in making the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations a success. It is important for CAF to introduce the best possible conditions for media to do it’s work. The Main Media Centre will centralize media events and services. This means media do not need to travel between the two venues for pre-match media conferences.”

Operational Hours: 10h00 – 23h30 Daily

Key Features of the MMC: 

Centralized Approach: The MMC represents a centralized approach to media coverage, bringing together journalists, broadcasters, and photographers in one dedicated space. 

Photographers Section: A dedicated area with two rows exclusively for photographers, recognizing the crucial role of visual storytelling in sports journalism. 

Agencies Space: An exclusive space designated for media agencies. 

Media Café: A dedicated catering area for media professionals to ensure a comfortable working environment. 

 Press Conferences: All Matchday-1 press conferences for teams, as well as other CAF press conferences and media briefings, will take place at the MMC. 

Broadcast Hub: MMC serves as the central hub for broadcasting, with live feeds from all matches delivered to the facility. Even non-approved media for Match Telecasts can watch matches at MMC.