by Abhishek Shukla

Colorado Rapids Sign USMNT Midfielder Djordje Mihailovic from AZ Alkmaar

DENVER, CO — The Colorado Rapids have made a significant acquisition, signing US men’s national team midfielder Djordje Mihailovic from Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar. Mihailovic, who previously played in MLS with Chicago Fire FC and CF Montréal, will join the Rapids as a Designated Player.

Under the terms of the deal, Mihailovic is contracted through 2027, with an option for 2028. The Rapids have reportedly paid a club-record transfer fee exceeding $3 million for Mihailovic. Additionally, the club has compensated FC Cincinnati with $75,000 in General Allocation Money for his discovery rights.

Pádraig Smith, Rapids president, expressed high expectations for Mihailovic, noting, “Djordje is an exciting, skillful player with a proven track record of success in MLS and at the international level.”

Mihailovic’s MLS career includes an impressive tally of 20 goals and 36 assists across 134 regular-season appearances. His standout performance at Montréal led to his initial transfer to AZ Alkmaar for over $6 million. However, his stint in the Dutch league saw limited success, prompting his return to MLS.

USMNT coach Chris Armas praised Mihailovic’s abilities, emphasizing his competitive nature and play-making skills. “He has the personality and intensity needed to excel with our style of play,” said Armas.

In Colorado, Mihailovic will join a talented midfield lineup, including homegrown player Cole Bassett, Connor Ronan, Portugal youth international Sidnei Tavares, and recent free agency addition Omir Fernandez.

The Rapids, now entering the Chris Armas era, are set to kick off their season on February 24 against the Portland Timbers. The signing of Mihailovic, along with the acquisition of USMNT goalkeeper Zack Steffen from Manchester City, signals the club’s strong ambition for the upcoming MLS season.

by Abhishek Shukla

St. Louis CITY SC Strengthens Defense with Signing of Nikolas Dyhr

ST. LOUIS, MO — St. Louis CITY SC continues to build a strong defensive lineup with the acquisition of Danish left-back Nikolas Dyhr from the Danish Superliga leaders Midtjylland. The 22-year-old joins the club on a contract running through the 2026 MLS season, with an option for 2027.

Nikolas Dyhr, a former Danish youth international, brings a blend of experience and youthful energy to St. Louis. Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel expressed enthusiasm about the new signing: “His ability to man the left side of the field in the defensive third and final third will be key in our style of play.”

Dyhr’s career at Midtjylland was marked by 103 appearances, contributing 3 goals and 8 assists. His experience extends beyond the Danish league, with loan spells at AC Horsens and Belgian club KV Kortrijk, and participation in Europa and Champions League competitions.

In St. Louis, Dyhr will strengthen the club’s defense, joining alongside Anthony Markanich and versatile defender Kyle Hiebert. The addition of Dyhr follows the club’s previous offseason deal for right-back Tomas Totland, indicating a strategic focus on reinforcing the defensive unit.

St. Louis CITY SC, entering its second year, is poised for an exciting 2024 season. The team will make their debut in the Concacaf Champions Cup after a record-setting expansion year that saw them clinch the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed. Their regular season kicks off on February 24 against Real Salt Lake, showcasing a bolstered roster ready to compete at the highest level.

by Matt Windsor (US)

MacKinnon and Avalanche Triumph in Shootout Over Bruins 4-3

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche secured a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory against the Boston Bruins at Ball Arena on Monday, with Nathan MacKinnon extending his impressive season-opening home point streak to 22 games. MacKinnon is now just one game short of tying Joe Sakic’s record for the longest home point streak at any point in a season in Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques history.

Goalie Matt Murray was instrumental in the win, making 23 saves to earn his first NHL shutout. Mikko Rantanen, Logan O’Connor, and Sam Malinski each scored for the Avalanche (26-12-3), who have won seven of their past nine games. Valeri Nichushkin scored the only goal in the shootout.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised his team for their complete performance, calling it one of the best games of the year. Brad Marchand scored twice for the Bruins (24-8-7), who had won five of their last six games before this encounter. John Beecher also scored for Boston, while Jeremy Swayman made 33 saves.

The game was highly competitive from start to finish, with both teams showcasing their strengths. Marchand opened the scoring for Boston in the first period with a power-play goal. The Avalanche responded with Rantanen’s power-play goal, followed by O’Connor’s go-ahead goal in the second period.

Boston’s Beecher tied the game in the second period, but Malinski’s goal later in the period gave Colorado the lead again. Marchand’s second goal in the third period tied the game at 3-3, setting the stage for the shootout.

Boston coach Jim Montgomery acknowledged the Avalanche’s strong start and praised Marchand’s leadership. Georgiev also noted the team’s offensive efforts and the opponent’s goalie’s role in keeping the game close.

The Avalanche’s win was highlighted by several key performances. Malinski’s goal was particularly noteworthy, considering he was recalled from the AHL on the morning of the game. MacKinnon’s ongoing home point streak and overall contributions continue to be pivotal for Colorado.

Brandon Carlo, Boston’s defenseman, left the game with an upper-body injury and did not return, adding to the Bruins’ challenges.

This victory for the Avalanche underlines their resilience and capability to win tightly contested games, while the Bruins will look to bounce back from this loss in their upcoming fixtures.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Stars Shut Out Wild 4-0, Murray Earns First NHL Shutout

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Matt Murray delivered an outstanding performance for the Dallas Stars, securing his first NHL shutout with 23 saves in a 4-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center on Monday. The win ended a three-game losing streak for Dallas (23-11-5) and marked Murray’s first start of the season and fourth in the NHL.

Tyler Seguin and Roope Hintz each contributed with a goal and an assist, while Radek Faksa and Jason Robertson also scored for the Stars. Dallas coach Peter DeBoer praised Murray’s significant role in the victory, especially in the first period, where he stopped several key Wild attempts.

The Wild (17-18-4), who have lost five of their last six games, struggled offensively, going 0-for-6 on the power play and conceding two short-handed goals. Marc-Andre Fleury made 16 saves for Minnesota, but the team’s offensive woes were too significant to overcome.

Hintz scored the opening goal with a short-handed effort in the first period, capitalizing on a turnover forced by Seguin. Seguin later extended the lead in the third period with a shot that slipped past Fleury. Faksa’s short-handed goal and Robertson’s power-play score in the third period sealed the win for the Stars.

Wild coach John Hynes acknowledged the team’s difficulties on the power play and the overall lack of scoring. Forward Pat Maroon also expressed the need for improvement, especially in response to the Stars’ early short-handed goal.

Despite the loss, Fleury remains just one win away from surpassing Patrick Roy’s 551 NHL victories, which would place him second in league history. Seguin’s recent form has been a bright spot for Dallas, with eight points in his last five games, including five goals.

Faksa’s goal highlighted his ability to contribute in special teams situations, as two of his three goals this season have been short-handed. The Wild’s Marcus Foligno returned to the lineup after missing three games with a lower-body injury, making an impact with six hits.

The Stars’ victory showcased their resilience and the importance of strong goaltending and special teams play, while the Wild will look to address their power-play issues and overall offensive execution in their upcoming games.

by Richard Miller (US)

Penguins Defeat Flyers 4-1, Malkin and Rakell Shine in Victory

PHILADELPHIA — The Pittsburgh Penguins secured a crucial 4-1 win against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on Monday, led by strong performances from Evgeni Malkin and Rickard Rakell. Malkin contributed a goal and an assist, while Rakell opened the scoring just 45 seconds into the first period with a power-play goal.

Alex Nedeljkovic made 36 saves for the Penguins (20-15-4), who have won five of their last seven games. The victory brought Pittsburgh closer to the Flyers in the standings, as noted by Nedeljkovic.

Owen Tippett scored the lone goal for Philadelphia (20-14-6), which has lost five of its last six games. Carter Hart made 35 saves for the Flyers, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Penguins’ offense.

Flyers coach John Tortorella expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, citing issues at both ends of the ice. The Flyers were without key players due to injuries and trades, including the recent deal that sent Cutter Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a draft pick.

Erik Karlsson and Chad Ruhwedel also scored for Pittsburgh, with Karlsson’s goal making it 2-0 in the first period and Ruhwedel extending the lead in the second. Malkin’s snap shot in the third period sealed the win for the Penguins.

Malkin’s performance drew praise from Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, who highlighted the veteran’s attention to detail and competitive spirit.

The Flyers struggled to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities, a problem highlighted by Tortorella and defenseman Travis Sanheim. Despite fighting back, they couldn’t overcome the Penguins’ momentum.

Rakell’s early goal set the tone for the game, and his recent form has been a significant boost for Pittsburgh. His 10 points in 10 games since returning from injury have been crucial for the team’s success.

The Penguins’ power play was effective, continuing a trend from the end of last season. Karlsson’s goal extended his point streak, and Ruhwedel’s goal was his first since March 2023.

The Flyers’ trade for Drysdale signals a focus on rebuilding and strengthening their defensive line. Meanwhile, the Penguins’ victory positions them for a strong push in the second half of the season.

Both teams look ahead to their next games, with the Penguins aiming to maintain their winning form and the Flyers seeking to bounce back from their recent losses.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Pettersson and Hughes Lead Canucks to 6-3 Win Over Rangers

NEW YORK — The Vancouver Canucks secured a 6-3 victory against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, with Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes playing pivotal roles. Pettersson notched four points, including two goals and two assists, while All-Star defenseman Hughes contributed with an assist and a plus-4 rating, leading the NHL with a plus-30.

Nils Hoglander scored two goals, and Brock Boeser added a goal and two assists, aiding the Canucks (26-11-3) to tie with the Rangers and Winnipeg Jets for the most wins in the NHL. Goaltender Thatcher Demko made 39 saves, further solidifying the win.

Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double of 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, the Rangers (26-11-2) couldn’t match the Canucks’ intensity. Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin, and Alexis Lafrenière each contributed two points for the Rangers, who struggled to replicate their early-season defensive success.

Canucks coach Rick Tocchet praised Hughes for his aggressive play, emphasizing the defenseman’s desire to take charge in crucial situations. The Rangers, missing key guard Damian Lillard, relied on Khris Middleton’s 23 points and Malik Beasley’s 17, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Vancouver’s offensive firepower.

The game saw the Canucks rebounding from a 77-46 halftime deficit with a 44-point third quarter, yet still maintaining their lead against the pressing Rangers. Tocchet highlighted his team’s ability to stay poised and not back off even under pressure.

Pettersson’s and Hoglander’s scoring prowess was on full display, with Hoglander’s between-the-legs goal drawing particular praise. The Canucks’ efficient shooting, combined with contributions from multiple players, showcased their potential as a cohesive and dynamic team.

For the Rangers, the loss was a reminder of the need for consistent defensive play and attention to detail, as emphasized by captain Jacob Trouba and coach Adrian Griffin.

The Canucks look forward to hosting the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, while the Rangers will host the Boston Celtics on Thursday, as both teams continue their regular-season campaigns.

by Richard Miller (US)

Clippers Dominate Suns 138-111, Showcase Strong Offensive Performance

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Clippers delivered a commanding 138-111 victory over the Phoenix Suns, marking their second win against Phoenix in five days. Paul George led the Clippers with 25 points, and Ivica Zubac contributed significantly with 19 points.

James Harden added 19 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists, while Kawhi Leonard scored 17 points for the Clippers, who have now won six of their last seven games. This win comes after a close loss to the Lakers that ended their five-game winning streak, serving as a wake-up call for the team, according to coach Tyronn Lue.

Kevin Durant scored 30 points for the Suns, with 20 coming in the first half. Devin Booker added 20 points, and Bradley Beal contributed 15. Despite shooting 51% in the first half, the Suns trailed at the break and couldn’t recover from the Clippers’ offensive onslaught.

The Clippers’ offense was on full display, with the team shooting 67% in the first half and extending their lead to 15 points in the third quarter. They finished the game shooting 62%, with all five starters scoring in double figures.

Zubac’s performance was particularly efficient, shooting 8 of 9 from the floor and adding eight rebounds, three assists, and a steal. His contribution highlighted the Clippers’ dominance in the paint and overall control of the game.

The Clippers’ shooting prowess was evident, making 15 3-pointers and hitting 17 of 23 free throws. They outrebounded the Suns 44-25 and outscored them 62-42 in the paint, showcasing their complete team effort.

Suns coach Frank Vogel acknowledged the challenge of facing a team with three Hall of Famers and the Clippers’ comprehensive approach to the game.

The Clippers solidified their position with this win, demonstrating their capability to bounce back strongly from a defeat and remain one of the top contenders in the Western Conference.

Looking ahead, the Suns will visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, while the Clippers host the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, as both teams continue their regular-season campaigns.

by Richard Miller (US)

Jazz Overcome Bucks 132-116, Despite Milwaukee’s Second-Half Surge

MILWAUKEE — The Utah Jazz held off a strong second-half rally by the Milwaukee Bucks to secure a 132-116 victory, despite Milwaukee’s spirited comeback attempt. Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 21 points each, contributing to a win that continues Utah’s impressive run of form.

Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a triple-double for the Bucks with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Keyonte George each added 19 points for the Jazz, who have now won five of their last six games and are 11-4 over their last 15.

Markkanen emphasized the significance of the win, acknowledging the difficulty in maintaining a large lead. The Jazz were leading by 31 points at halftime but faced a determined Bucks team in the second half.

Milwaukee, missing guard Damian Lillard due to personal reasons, struggled in the first half but mounted a strong comeback in the third quarter, scoring 44 points to reduce the deficit to 10 points. Khris Middleton and Malik Beasley added 23 and 17 points, respectively, for the Bucks.

Antetokounmpo stressed the importance of staying together as a team during challenging times and focusing on improvement. The Bucks’ coach, Adrian Griffin, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for consistent energy and effort.

The Jazz’s three-point shooting was particularly noteworthy, as they hit 11 of 17 from beyond the arc in the first quarter and maintained a high shooting percentage throughout the game. This sharpshooting played a crucial role in building and sustaining their lead.

Despite the Bucks’ efforts to close the gap, highlighted by Brook Lopez’s dunk in the fourth quarter, the Jazz maintained control of the game, ultimately securing the win.

Both teams now look ahead to their next games, with the Jazz hosting the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday and the Bucks facing the Boston Celtics on Thursday.

by Richard Miller (US)

Heat Overcome Lowry’s Injury, Beat Rockets 120-113

MIAMI — The Miami Heat continued their strong performance in the Eastern Conference, defeating the Houston Rockets 120-113 on Monday night despite an injury scare involving veteran guard Kyle Lowry. Lowry, who left the game in the third quarter with a sprained left hand, exemplified toughness by returning to the bench to witness his team’s victory.

Tyler Herro led the way for the Heat with 28 points, while Bam Adebayo added a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, most of which came in the second half. Kevin Love contributed 15 points, with Duncan Robinson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. scoring 14 each. Josh Richardson finished with 12 points for Miami.

The win propelled the Heat to the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference, highlighting the tight race in the standings with Orlando, Indiana, Cleveland, and New York, all holding a 21-15 record.

Adebayo’s second-half surge was crucial for the Heat, especially after being slowed down by foul trouble in the first half.

The Rockets, led by Fred VanVleet with 32 points, opened a six-game road trip but struggled to overcome Miami’s offense. Alperen Sengun added 22 points and 11 rebounds for Houston, while Cam Whitmore and Jalen Green each scored 11 points. The Rockets were without Dillon Brooks due to an injury.

Miami managed to secure the win despite the absence of Jimmy Butler, who is recovering from a right toe joint sprain; the Heat have a 6-2 record in the games Butler has missed.

The game saw the Heat leading for most of the first half, though the Rockets managed to tie the game at 59-59 by halftime. Miami, however, never trailed in the second half and extended their lead to 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Houston’s performance marks a significant improvement from their previous seasons, showing progress under coach Ime Udoka’s leadership.

Looking ahead, the Rockets will visit Chicago, while the Heat will host Oklahoma City on Wednesday, as both teams continue their regular-season schedules.

by Richard Miller (US)

Bulls Outlast Hornets in Overtime 119-112, White and Drummond Lead Charge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Chicago Bulls clinched a hard-fought 119-112 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in overtime on Monday night, led by Coby White’s 27-point performance in his home state. Andre Drummond also made a significant impact with 21 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Bulls (17-21) secure their second win against the Hornets in four nights.

Terry Rozier was the standout for Charlotte (8-26), scoring 39 points, including seven 3-pointers and a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line. Despite his efforts, the Hornets continued their losing streak, dropping 13 of their last 14 games.

The Hornets, struggling with injuries, were without starters LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, Gordon Hayward, and key reserves P.J. Washington and Cody Martin. Miles Bridges added 24 points for Charlotte but missed crucial shots in overtime.

The Bulls dominated the overtime period’s early stages, but the Hornets remained resilient, nearly tying the game before Nick Smith Jr’s 3-pointer rimmed out. Rozier, heavily guarded by Alex Caruso, was held scoreless in overtime.

Hornets coach Steve Clifford acknowledged the challenge of facing a double-team defense on Rozier, while White praised Rozier’s scoring ability, noting his near-successful shots in overtime.

The game saw Chicago initially taking a commanding lead, only for Charlotte to fight back and take the lead at the end of the first quarter. The match remained close, with Rozier and Bridges leading the Hornets’ charge. The game went into overtime after DeMar DeRozan missed a potential game-winning shot for the Bulls.

Bulls coach Billy Donovan mentioned the impending return of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic to the starting lineup, acknowledging Drummond’s contributions during their absence.

The Bulls excelled in scoring in the paint, outscoring the Hornets 62-42, a key factor in their victory.

Looking ahead, the Bulls will host the Houston Rockets, while the Hornets will face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, as both teams continue their regular-season campaigns.

by Richard Miller (US)

Pacers Edge Celtics 133-131, Mathurin Seals Win with Late Free Throws

INDIANAPOLIS — In a dramatic finish, the Indiana Pacers overcame the Boston Celtics 133-131 on Monday night, with Bennedict Mathurin playing the hero by scoring the deciding free throws with just 0.6 seconds left on the clock. This victory came despite a concerning injury to All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Haliburton suffered a strained left hamstring in a distressing incident in the second quarter, leading to him being carried off the court. His injury is a significant blow to the Pacers, with an MRI scheduled for Tuesday to assess the extent of the damage.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s resilience and character in the face of adversity. Mathurin’s performance was a bright spot, as he finished the game with 26 points, going 8 of 15 from the field and hitting five 3-pointers. His calmness under pressure at the free-throw line ultimately secured the win for Indiana, splitting their two-game home series against the Eastern Conference leaders.

The Celtics, playing without their leading scorer Jayson Tatum due to a left ankle sprain, saw Jaylen Brown step up with a season-high 40 points. However, Brown’s efforts were not enough to prevent the Celtics’ loss. Tatum’s absence was keenly felt, given his average of 27.5 points per game.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged Brown’s contributions but emphasized the need for better defense across the team. Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday also contributed with 19 and 21 points, respectively, for Boston.

The Pacers demonstrated their depth with seven players scoring in double figures. Aaron Nesmith, Myles Turner, and Buddy Hield played key roles, contributing 17, 16, and 15 points, respectively.

A controversial moment came near the end of the game when an initial foul call on Hield was overturned after review, leading to the Pacers regaining possession and setting the stage for Mathurin’s free throws.

Looking ahead, the Celtics will host Minnesota, while the Pacers will face Washington on Wednesday, as both teams continue their regular-season campaigns.

by Richard Miller (US)

Thunder Triumph Over Wizards 136-128

WASHINGTON — The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 136-128 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday night, led by standout performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rookie Chet Holmgren. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points, while Holmgren added 31, helping the Thunder rebound from consecutive losses at the start of their four-game road trip.

Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 21 points and 10 assists. The Thunder’s team effort was highlighted by a season-high 37 assists, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren each adding five, and Josh Giddey contributing nine.

Oklahoma City showcased their offensive prowess, shooting 59.1% from the floor and 50% from 3-point range, narrowly missing season highs in both categories. Holmgren’s performance was particularly impressive, making 11 of his 14 shots and going 4 of 5 from beyond the arc.

The Wizards, despite a fifth-straight loss, saw Jordan Poole score 24 points and Kyle Kuzma add 22 points along with 15 rebounds. Tyus Jones also had a strong showing with 18 points and nine assists. However, Kuzma struggled from the 3-point line, missing all five of his attempts.

Washington’s efforts to close the gap late in the third quarter were countered by Gilgeous-Alexander’s driving bank shot, and Williams’ 11 points in the fourth quarter helped the Thunder maintain a comfortable lead throughout the remainder of the game.

The victory reflects the Thunder’s ability to bounce back and the growing chemistry within the team, while the Wizards look to break their losing streak in their upcoming games.

The Thunder next face Miami on Wednesday night, and the Wizards will take on Indiana the same evening, as both teams continue their regular-season campaigns.

by Abhishek Shukla

2024 NFL Draft First Round Order: Chicago Bears Hold First Pick in 2024 NFL Draft

NEW YORK –– Jan. 8, 2024 –– The Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 pick in the 2024 National Football League Draft, which is scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan.

The tentative order of the first round was announced today by the NFL, subject to the results of the playoffs.

The draft order is determined by the following procedures:

(A)            The winner of the Super Bowl​ game selects last and the loser selects next-to-last in all rounds, regardless of the record of the clubs in the regular season.

(B)            The losers of the Conference Championship games select 29th and 30th in all rounds, according to the reverse order of their standing.

(C)           The losers of the Divisional Playoffs select 25th through 28th in all rounds, according to the reverse order of their standing.

(D)           The losers of the Wild Card games select 19th through 24th in all rounds, according to the reverse order of their standing.

(E)            Clubs not participating in the playoffs select in the first through 18th positions in all rounds, according to the reverse order of their standing.

If, after all the foregoing procedures have been applied, ties still exist in any grouping except (A) above, such ties shall be broken by figuring the aggregate won-lost-tied percentage of each involved club’s regular season opponents and awarding preferential selection order to the club which faced the schedule of teams with the lowest aggregate won-lost-tied percentage.

If ties still exist between teams in the same division or the same conference, the divisional or conference tie-breaking method is used, whichever is applicable.

If ties still exist, the procedures for breaking ties for teams of different conferences shall be applied.

Clubs involved in two-club ties will alternate positions from round-to-round. In ties that involve three or more clubs, the club at the top of a tied segment in a given round will move to the bottom of the segment for the next round, while all other clubs in the segment move up one position. This rotation continues throughout the Draft.

2024 FIRST-ROUND DRAFT ORDER

 #TeamWinLossTieWinning PercentageWinLossTieStrength of Schedule
1.Carolina Panthers(traded to Chicago)2150.1181511380.522
2.Washington Commanders4130.2351481410.512
3.New England Patriots4130.2351511380.522
4.Arizona Cardinals4130.2351621270.561
5.Los Angeles Chargers5120.2941531360.529
6.New York Giants6110.3531481410.512
7.Tennessee Titans6110.3531511380.522
8.Atlanta Falcons7100.4121241650.429
9.Chicago Bears7100.4121341550.464
10.New York Jets7100.4121451440.502
11.Minnesota Vikings7100.4121471420.509
12.Denver Broncos **890.4711411480.488
13.Las Vegas Raiders **890.4711411480.488
14.New Orleans Saints980.5291251640.433
15.Indianapolis Colts980.5291421470.491
16.Seattle Seahawks980.5291481410.512
17.Jacksonville Jaguars980.5291541350.533
18.Cincinnati Bengals980.5291661230.574
19.Green Bay Packers #980.5291371520.474
20.Tampa Bay Buccaneers #980.5291391500.481
21.Houston Texans #(traded to Arizona)1070.5881371520.474
22.Los Angeles Rams #1070.5881531360.529
23.Pittsburgh Steelers #1070.5881561330.540
24.Miami Dolphins #1160.6471301590.450
25.Buffalo Bills #1160.6471361530.471
26.Kansas City Chiefs #1160.6471391500.481
27.Philadelphia Eagles #1160.6471391500.481
28.Cleveland Browns #(traded to Houston)1160.6471551340.536
29.Dallas Cowboys #1250.7061291600.446
30.Detroit Lions #1250.7061391500.481
31.San Francisco 49ers #1250.7061471420.509
32.Baltimore Ravens #1340.7651571320.543

** – Denver selects ahead of Las Vegas as a result of the divisional head-to-head tiebreaker.

# – Subject to Playoffs

by Abhishek Shukla

Sindhu, Prannoy to spearhead Indian challenge at Badminton Asia Team Championships

New Delhi, January 9, 2024: Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and World No. 8 Prannoy HS will spearhead a strong Indian squad at the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 slated to be held in Shah Alam, Malaysia from 13-19 February.

The prestigious team event will be important for Indian shuttlers to gain valuable qualification points in the Race to Paris 2024 – Olympic qualification.

The team championships will also mark the comeback of India’s star shuttler PV Sindhu, who was out of the international circuit due to a knee injury for almost four months. The 16-year-old senior national champion Anmol Kharb, Badminton Asia Junior Championships medallist Tanvi Sharma and Ashmita Chaliha will provide backup to the former world champion in the women’s singles category.

“With the Olympic games a few months away, this is one of the most important events for our shuttlers considering the Paris Olympic qualification. We have rewarded the senior national champions as well, with call-up for team India. These are very strong Indian sides, who are capable of going all the way and I am sure they will script history at the prestigious team event”, said Badminton Association of India General Secretary Sanjay Mishra.

Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand, who helped the Indian team clinch a historic bronze medal last year at the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023 in Dubai, will contest in women’s doubles. The remaining two pairs include rising duo and Yonex-Sunrise Guwahati Masters 2023 champions Ashwini Ponnappa-Tanisha Crasto alongside reigning senior national champions Priya Devi Konjengbam-Shruti Mishra.

On the other hand, one of the most consistent shuttlers on tour, Prannoy, who also won his first BWF World Championships medal and BWF World Tour title at Malaysia Masters 2023, will lead the men’s team. Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lakshya Sen, former World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth and recently crowned senior national champion Chirag Sen will accompany him in team India’s s pursuit for glory. 

Having won six titles in 2023, including gold medals at Asian Games and Asian Championships, along with Indonesia Open 2023 a Super 1000 event, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty will shoulder the men’s doubles responsibility. The former World No. 1 duo will have the support of impressive senior national champion pair Suraj Goala-Pruthvi Roy and Dhruv Kapila-M R Arjun.

Indian men’s team has previously won bronze medals in the 2016 and 2018 editions of the team event.

India squad

Men’s Team: Prannoy HS, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, Chirag Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Dhruv Kapila, M R Arjun, Suraj Goala, Pruthvi Roy

Women’s Team: PV Sindhu, Anmol Kharb, Tanvi Sharma, Ashmita Chaliha, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand, Ashwini Ponnappa, Tanisha Crasto, Priya Devi Konjengbam, Shruti Mishra

by Abhishek Shukla

Sony Pictures Networks India extends exclusive broadcast rights for UFC in the Indian Subcontinent

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), the leading sports broadcaster in the Indian subcontinent, has announced the extension of the exclusive broadcast rights for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for five years. The terms of the agreement include exclusive television and digital media rights for a wide range of UFC events through 2028. 

The premier promotion for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) worldwide, UFC caters to a massive global audience. UFC is renowned for its top-class fights along with talented fighters and is a dream platform for fighters across the world to showcase their MMA skills. UFC features many of the world’s greatest fighters, including Israel Adesanya, Leon Edwards, Jon Jones, Islam Makhachev, Sean O’Malley, Alex Pereira, and Alexander Volkanovski. Some of the best up-and-coming fighters in UFC are coming out of Eurasia, which has a rapidly expanding fan base for the sport. And with the UFC roster inclusion of Anshul Jubli, the first fighter from India to receive win a UFC contract via winning the tournament for Asia’s best MMA prospects, ROAD TO UFC, and Puja Tomar, the first India-born female fighter, the timing could not have been better to make headway in the Indian subcontinent.  

Effective January 1, 2024, the agreement solidifies SPNI’s commitment to delivering premium UFC content to fans across the region on Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv. The comprehensive rights package includes exclusive coverage of 42 UFC LIVE events, encompassing 12 Pay-Per-View (PPV) and 30 Fight Night events each year featuring both Main Card and Preliminary bouts, along with additional content that includes UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, a variety of archive content, and Dana White’s Contender Series, a 10-episode live fight series which features up-and-coming talent trying to secure a contract with UFC .  

In addition to live events, Sony Sports Network will continue to broadcast live in Asia prime time the ground-breaking “win and advance” tournament for Asia’s top MMA prospects, ROAD TO UFC. Sony Sports Network will also have access to archive content that will further enable them to engage audiences with the rich history of the sport. 

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:  

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with UFC for five more years. Sony Sports Network is the go-to destination for MMA fans in the Indian subcontinent. We have also seen the inclusion of ‘The King of Lions’ aka Anshul Jubli along with Puja Tomar in 2023 has raised interest for UFC in India. Our partnership extension with UFC allows us to continue the exclusive coverage of live UFC events in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu along with an expansive portfolio programming to engage our viewers.”

Kevin Chang, SVP and Head of Asia, UFC: 

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sony Sports Network, which will remain the home for UFC in India. Sony Sports Network has been a valuable and trusted partner, helping to expand the UFC brand in many ways, from their ‘Ultimate Guide to UFC’ show, to their media and social promotions. We’re excited to extend our partnership and ushering in the next generation of Indian talent.” 

Watch the LIVE coverage of UFC on Sony Sports Ten 1 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels

by Abhishek Shukla

Dabang Delhi KC stage epic comeback to stun U Mumba at home, rise to second on table

8th January, MUMBAI: Dabang Delhi KC beat the home team U Mumba 40-34 in a tense encounter at the DOME by NSCI in Mumbai to rise to second on the table. A rampaging Ashu Malik (13 points) was the star of the game on a day when U Mumba’s defence was underwhelming and underperforming.

Dabang Delhi KC rode on a blistering first half performance by Ashu Malik, who grabbed 8 raid points in the first period and was tackled only once by the Mumba defence. They inflicted the first ALL OUT of the game to take a 13-8 lead.

But as they succeeded on the raid, so did U Mumba, with both defences rendered ineffective in the half and restricted to a mere 7 points. While Delhi Dabang KC’s raiding was almost a one-man effort, U Mumba spread their 15 raid points among Amirmohammad Zafardanesh, Guman Singh and Jai Bhagwan. By the end of the half, despite trailing by two points they had reduced the Delhi Dabang KC team to two members on the mat.

Despite some solid raiding under pressure by Delhi Dabang KC, it didn’t take U Mumba too long in the second half to inflict an ALL OUT of their own and claw back their hold on the game. There was a one-point difference between the two teams as they went into the final quarter of the game.

Ashu Malik capitalised on a series of DO OR DIE raids to reduce the U Mumba numbers and then almost single handedly inflicted a second ALL OUT to take a 36-31 lead with three minutes to play. A series of razor thin decisions went in favour of a brilliant Delhi Dabang KC’s defence in the dying moments of the game as they closed out a hugely important victory.

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 9th January

Game – Telugu Titans vs Bengal Warriors – 8 pm

Venue: Mumbai

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

UKK: Chennai Quick Guns go top of table with huge win over Rajasthan Warriors

Cuttack, January 8, 2024: Chennai Quick Guns ascended to the top of the Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 table with a dominating 42-19 victory over Rajasthan Warriors, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack on Monday.

The match featured one of the most memorable defensive performances in Ultimate Kho Kho history with a Chennai Quick Guns batch managing to last six minutes and 58 seconds on the mat — the longest ever — and score eight dream run points.

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 started the match with an excellent attacking turn. They sent back the first Rajasthan Warriors batch in just 2.28 seconds, with Sachin Bhargo dismissing two defenders with one sky dive. Rajasthan Warriors’ second batch managed a dream run point but Chennai Quick Guns finished the turn on top with a lead of 16-1.

Then came the defensive masterclass that killed the match. The first Chennai Quick Guns batch of Ramji Kashyap, Madan and Vijay Shinde never stopped running as they raked up the dream run points. By the time the final member of the batch — Madan — was dismissed, they were two seconds away from spending an entire turn unconquered and had eight dream run points. Madan, in particular, was outstanding as he kept eluding the Rajasthan Warriors attackers. The score, at the end of the first innings, read 24-7 in favour of Chennai Quick Guns.

The Chennai Quick Guns attackers made short work of three defending batches in Turn 3, leaving Rajasthan Warriors with the mathematically-impossible task of making up a 33-point gap in the final turn.

The heavy defeat means that Rajasthan Warriors have ended a disappointing campaign without a single victory.

Earlier, Gujarat Giants earned a comfortable 42-22 victory over Telugu Yoddhas.

Gujarat Giants started the match off with an excellent defensive performance. The first batch of Vinayak Pokarde, Akshay Bhangare and Ram Mohan ran rings around the Telugu Yoddhas attackers, aided by a series of successful reviews. When they were done, they had amassed a whopping five dream run points. At the end of Turn 1, Telugu Yoddhas only held a slender 8-5 lead.

However Telugu Yoddhas hit back with a good defensive performance of their own in Turn 2. Their first batch of Lipun Mukhi, Prasad Patil and Arunk Gunki managed four dream run points. Gunki, in particular, was impressive, spending nearly three minutes on the mat. However, Gujarat Giants seized back the advantage, sending back the next Telugu Yoddhas batch in no time. The scores, when the innings ended, read 19-12 in favour of the Gujarat Giants.

Telugu Yoddhas needed a big performance in Turn 3 to find their way back into the match, but that did not happen. Gujarat Giants’ first and second defensive batches managed three dream run points combined with Ravi Vasave even managing to remain unconquered. That meant that the scores were locked 22-22, heading into the final turn, leaving Telugu Yoddhas with a near-impossible task. With Gujarat Giants attackers putting up a dominating show in Turn 4, the match ended in a comfortable victory for them.

On Tuesday, Odisha Juggernauts will take on Mumbai Khiladis while Chennai Quick Guns will take on Gujarat Giants in the final round of group games.

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

by Abhishek Shukla

Transitioning from F2 Success to F1 Testing with BWT Alpine, Kush Maini all-set to create history in 2024

Bengaluru, 8th January 2024: Kush Maini, the 23-year-old racer from Bengaluru, is poised to assume the role of testing the BWT Alpine F1 car in the forthcoming 2024 season. In the recent F2 season with Campos’s, he has demonstrated his prowess with multiple top 5 qualifying positions and a podium finish in Melbourne, signaling his potential for the world of Formula1.

As a newly recruited development driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team, Kush has an opportunity to showcase his abilities as a driver while working towards F1. He will work on the simulator, compare data with drivers like Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, and also test the actual car.

Speaking on the development, Kush Maini said, “It’s been a dream for me since my childhood, every day of my life has been towards testing a Formula 1 car and ultimately Racing in one.”

“When I signed the contract, I could not believe it, and it’s truly amazing,” expressed Kush at the Inside Line Club fan meet and greet event in Bengaluru. There were over 130 fans in attendance.

While Kush will still be competing in F2 with Invicta Racing, he added that he was looking forward to development as an F1 driver. “When you move into F1 you need to be ready to make that transition. With Alpine, all my training modules and schedule will be similar to that of Gasly and Ocon. This means that I will be assessed at the highest level, and it is a chance for me to prove myself in an F1 car.”

Further elaborating on what F1 testing preparation entails, Kush opined, “Obviously a team like Alpine will have data on different circuits and conventional metrics like Lap time. But I also think things like a driver’s consistency and how well you work with a team are equally important.”

The year 2023 was memorable for Kush as it also paved way for him to closely work with two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen. Kush remarked that the relationship has helped him evolve as a driver. “Mika is a great mentor. He’s helped bring a lot of structure to my approach, so essentially, I can focus on my driving and not get caught up in the other variables. He believes that I belong in F1 and having someone like Mika in your corner, gives immense confidence,” he said.

by Abhishek Shukla

Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024 kicks off

Hubli (Karnataka) [India], January 8:TheWomen’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024 began on Monday with sixteen teams stepping onto the fields in Hubli-Dharwad to kick-start the showpiece event.

Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala and Rajasthan all won their respective matches on Day 1 of the league stage. The 16 teams competed at Karnataka Gymkhana Cricket Ground, Indian Railways Cricket Ground, BDK Cricket Ground, and SDM Cricket Ground respectively.  

Winning the toss Jharkhand chose to bat and was able to score 116/6 in the allotted 2 overs. Karnataka defeated Jharkhand by eight wickets at Karnataka Gymkhana Ground in Hubli. Jharkhand scored 116/6 in 20 overs but Karnataka chased down the target in the 12th over.  Karnataka’s Deepika was named as the Player of the Match for quick score of 37 of 28 balls. Karnataka will now face Maharashtra at SDM Dental College Cricket Ground.

Morning matches

Odisha defeated Telangana by eight wickets at Indian Railways Cricket Ground in Hubli. Batting first Telangana was folded for 50 runs and Odisha got over the line in just five overs. Odisha’s Basanti Hansda was adjudged as the Player of the Match.

Andhra Pradesh thrashed Chandigarh by 141 runs at Bdk Cricket Ground in Hubli. Andhra Pradesh slammed 254/3 in allotted 20 overs and then bundled out Chandigarh for 113 runs. Ramya Chodipilli was named as the Player of the Match.

West Bengal defeated Tamil Nadu by eight wickets at Sdm College Of Medical Sciences And Hospital Cricket Ground in Dharwad. Tamil Nadu scored 141 but West Bengal chased down the target in the 19th over. Pratima Ghosh was named as the Player of the Match.

Afternoon matches

Madhya Pradesh defeated Gujarat by 95 runs at Indian Railways Cricket Ground in Hubli. Batting first Madhya Pradesh scored 172/5 in 20 overs and then restricted Gujarat to 77/10. Sushma Patel was named as the Player of the Match      .

Maharashtra thrashed Assam by 10 wickets at Sdm College Of Medical Sciences And Hospital Cricket Ground in Dharwad. Assam were folded for 89 runs and then Maharashtra completed the formalities in 11 overs. Ganga Kadam was named as the Player of the Match.

Kerala defeated Delhi by seven wickets Karnataka Gymkhana Ground in Hubli. Batting first Delhi scored 171/1 but Kerala chased down the target with four balls to spare. Santhosh P was named as the Player of the Match.

Rajasthan thrashed Haryana by 186 runs at Bdk Cricket Ground, in Hubli. Rajasthan slammed 240 runs in 20 overs and then restricted Haryana to 54/10. Simu Das was named as the Player of the Match.

On Sunday, the Grand inauguration of the Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024 was held here at the Indira Glass House Hubli in the august presence of Shri. Santosh Lad, Minister of Labour Government of Karnataka, Shri. Jagadish Shettar Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and the CABI officials.

The 16 state teams participated in the inauguration with lot enthusiasm. Mr Chandrashekar, Chairman Women’s Cricket proposed the Vote of thanks.  The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), Karnataka Cricket Association for the Blind (KCAB) in association with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is organising the IndusInd Bank supported Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024

Every day in the league stage, there will be eight matches, four in the morning and the other four in the afternoon. A total of 16 teams, divided into four groups, will engage in spirited competition for the ultimate showdown scheduled on January 12.

The League stage will end on January 10 and the four teams qualifying for the semi-finals will battle it out for the top spot on Thursday. A total of 27 matches will be 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.

The groups for the women’s national.

Group A: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana

Group B: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Assam

Group C: Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal

Group D: Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Haryana

by Abhishek Shukla

85th Youth and Junior National TT – Day 3

Kolkata, January 8: In what was a repeat final of last year between Maharashtra and Haryana in the Under-19 Girls team championships in the 85th edition of the UTT Inter-State Youth and Junior National Table Tennis Championships at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, Maharashtra retained the crown, beating Haryana 3-0 today.

Despite the presence of Suhana Saini, who is No. 2 in the national ranking, in their team, it was not Haryana’s day as Pritha Vartikar, Sayani Wali and Taneesha Kotecha, who are No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5, in that order, always had the upper hand. And it not only reflected in the way they approached the final but also retained the title.

Pritha has been in a roaring form this season. Her fearless approach even paid dividends when she got to the semifinals in the Senior Nationals at Panchkula last month. As a result, she ended at No. 6 position on the National ranking points accumulated this season. So, it did not surprise anyone that the Pune girl showed her gritty side again and beat Prithoki Chakraborti 3-1 in the first rubber.

However, Suhana Saini’s 2-3 loss in the second rubber to Sayali Wani was the last nail in the coffin. But Suhana, expected to take the battle to the fourth rubber, if not the last, had her chance when she levelled the score after the deuce in the fourth game. However, a couple of lucky points aided by Suhana’s unforced errors sealed the latter’s fate.

The left-handed Saanvi Dargan tried hard, including taking a game off Taneesha Kotecha, but could not deny Taneesha or Maharashtra the well-deserved crown. Saanvi, with her peculiar service style, confused Taneesha initially, but the Maharashtra player stuck to her game to emerge the winner. Lakshita Narang and Vanshika Mudgal are the players that Delhi depended on for further progress in the team event. Riddhima Kapoor was always capable of providing the middle cushion. But surprisingly, Riddhima won the third rubber, while both Lakshita and Vanshika failed to up the ante against a strong Maharashtra in their semifinals.

Pritha Vartikar, on the other hand, played a stellar role and first beat Vanshika and then Lakshita in her reverse singles. Sayali Wani downed Lakshita in the second rubber, which cost Delhi dear. A hard-fought 3-2 win by Riddhima against Taneesha was of no avail, as Delhi had to be satisfied with the bronze medal.

In contrast, Haryana coasted along well even after Prithoki Charaborti lost to Oishiki Joardar in the opening rubber, when Suhana Saini routed Jiya Jayswal 3-0 and Saanvi Dargan struggled past Jiya Trivedi 3-2. But the fourth rubber tipped the scales somewhat towards Gujarat when Oishiki pulled Gujarat ahead with a 3-2 win over Suhana in their reverse singles. Prithoki made amends with a calculated game plan against Riya to put Haryana in the final.

Results (Team Events):

U-19 Girls Finals: Maharashtra bt Haryana 3-0 (Pritha Vartikar bt Prithoki Chakraborti 11-7, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, Sayali Wali bt Suhana Saini 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9, Taneesha Kotecha bt Saanvi Dargan 101-2, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7).

Semifinals: Maharashtra bt Delhi 3-1 (Pritha bt Vanshika Mudgal 11-7, 11-8, 3-11, 11-8, Sayali bt Lakshita Narang 5-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7, Taneesha lost to Riddhima Kapoor 8-11, 11-9, 10-12, 116, 9-11,  Pritha bt Lakshita 151-13, 12-10, 11-8); Haryana bt Gujarat 3-2 (Prithoki lost to Oishiki Joardar 9-11, 8-11, 7-11, Suhana bt Riya Jayswal 11-2, 11-7, 13-11, Saanvi bt Jiya Trivedi 6-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-6, Suhana lost to Oishiki 6-11, 11-1, 8-11, 11-4, 8-11, Prithoki bt Riya 11-8, 11-5, 11-4).

by Abhishek Shukla

Mandya Open: Faisal, Shivank score upset wins, enter main draw

Mandya, Jan 8:  Faisal Qamar and Shivank Bhatnagar brought cheers to the Indian camp after they scripted an upset victory in the second and final qualifying round to make it to the main draw of the PET ITF Mandya Open at the PET Stadium here on Monday. While Faisal won a one hour-49 minute battle against 8th seed Jiayang Dong of Australia 6-4, 4-6, 10-5, Shivank continued his good run upsetting fifth seed Aaron Cohen of Israel 7-5, 3-6, 10-6 in one hour 50 mins.

Thijmen Loof of The Netherlands ousted third seed Aryan Shah in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 while 12th seed Vishnu Vardhan saw the back of the second seed Woobin Shin of Korea 6-3, 6-7 (5), 10-4 in the longest match of the day that lasted for over 2 hours.

The 24-year-old Faisal who came to Mandya after having recovered from a health issue and not having hit the courts until Saturday, immediately took a liking to the courts at the PET Stadium. After being 0-3 down in the first set, Faisal who trains with his father, crawled back into the game with some stunning cross court winners against his extremely agile Australian opponent and took the first set 6-4. The Jaipur lad was one break up in the second set but soon lost the advantage and got broken, eventually losing the set 4-6. In the deciding super tie-break, the Indian dominated the error-prone visitor to end up as the winner.

Faisal now runs into Kris Van Wyk of South Africa who has been giving the top billing for the main round. Sasikumar Mukund is the top seeded Indian at No.4 while the recent inductee in the Indian Davis Cup team, SD Prajwal Dev is seeded No.8. Giles Hussey of Great Britain is seeded second while Isralian Orel Kimhi is seeded No.3. Nam Hoang Ly of Vietnam, Indonesian M Rifiqi Fitriadi and Tsung-Hao Huang of Taipei are seeded from 5th, 6th and 7th respectively.

Results Singles Final Qualifying Round

(All Indians except where mentioned)

16-Ranjeet Virali-Murugesan bt 4-Raghav Jaisinghani 6-4, 6-2; 9-Matt Hulme (AUS) bt Jagmeet Singh 7-5, 6-3; Faisal Qamar bt 8-Jiayang Dong 6-4, 4-6, 10-5; 11-Vishnu Vardhan bt 2-Woobin Shin (KOR) 6-3, 6-7 (5), 10-4; 12-Kabir Hans bt Parikshit Somani 6-4, 7-6 (5); Thijmen Loof (NED) bt 3-Aryan Shah  6-3, 6-1; Shivank Bhatnagar bt 5-Aaron Cohen (ISR) 7-5, 3-6, 10-6; 7-Madhwin Kamath bt Lohithaksha Bathrinath 6-4, 4-6, 10-6.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘The pair of Jaideep and Mohit is the backbone of the Haryana Steelers,’ says Head Coach Manpreet Singh

MUMBAI, 8th January 2024: The Haryana Steelers bounced back into form with a 41-35 victory over Bengal Warriors in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 on Sunday. Speaking about the match Haryana Steelers’ Head Coach Manpreet Singh said, “The pair of Jaideep and Mohit is the backbone of the Haryana Steelers. Mohit was very confident that he could take on Maninder since he has got him out many times. It feels really good to see a player showcase high confidence. I wouldn’t have minded even if we lost against Bengal Warriors because the players gave their best on the mat.”

The Steelers triumphed in the game, but Warriors’ Shrikant Jadhav scored a Super 10 in the game. When asked if the team could’ve performed better against Jadhav, the Head Coach said, “The defence unit couldn’t coordinate well while tackling Shrikant Jadhav, however, we also pulled off Super Tackles against him. We could’ve certainly defended better against him, but the players will make mistakes in every game.”

Manpreet Singh also spoke about Chandran Ranjit’s performance in the game. The raider scored 7 raid points in the match. He said, “Ranjit isn’t completely fit at the moment. I substituted him when I noticed that he started to lose energy on the mat. However, he gave his 100 percent on every raid. He’ll regain full fitness in the upcoming matches.”

The Haryana Steelers will be taking on U Mumba in their next match on 10 January 2023 in Mumbai. When asked about taking on the home side, Manpreet Singh said, “I have grown up in Mumbai and therefore my team gets a lot of love here. The fans in Mumbai will not only come to support U Mumba. They come to the stadium to support kabaddi. U Mumba has a great team balance and it’ll be difficult to defeat them.”

The Haryana Steelers are currently in the sixth position on the points table with 6 wins from 10 matches.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches todayGame 1 – Bengaluru Bulls vs Patna Pirates – 8 pm
Game 2 – U Mumba vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – 9 pm

Venue: Mumbai

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

Midfielder Mobashir Rahman reunites with Owen Coyle at Chennaiyin FC

Chennai, January 8, 2024: Chennaiyin FC have roped in Jamshedpur-born central midfielder Mobashir Rahman on loan for the remainder of the ongoing 2023-24 season.

The 25-year-old became the first player to join the Marina Machans during the winter transfer window this season. Rahman has come from East Bengal FC and previously played under head coach Owen Coyle as well during his time at Jamshedpur FC.

The head coach praised the signing of the player and recognized him as a valuable addition to the squad. Rahman’s experience and versatility in the midfield will increase the options for Coyle during the upcoming matches.

The Scotsman said, “Rahman is a wonderful talent and has proven himself at the top stage for Jamshedpur FC and East Bengal FC. I have worked with him previously during my time at Jamshedpur and know his quality on the field. He is a valuable addition to our midfield and we are excited to work with him for the remainder of the season.”

Rahman has scored two goals and given four assists in a total of 83 appearances in all competitions during his career.

“I am excited to join two-time ISL champions Chennaiyin FC and looking forward to work under the guidance of head coach Owen Coyle once again, who has helped me to improve my game in the past as well. I hope to give my best for the team, working hard day in and day out to help the club achieve its goal for the season ahead and make our fans happy,” Rahman commented.

Chennaiyin FC will kickstart their Super Cup campaign on Thursday with a match against Punjab FC. They are currently lying in seventh place in the ISL 2023-24 after 12 points from 12 matches.

by Abhishek Shukla

Day 8 Results: 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 2

New Delhi, 8th January 2024: Day 8 of the 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Phase 2 witnessed Jai Bharat Hockey Academy, SAI Bal Team and SAI Shakti Team win their respective matches.  

Jai Bharat Hockey Academy records convincing win:      
In the first match of the day, Jai Bharat Hockey Academy defeated Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy Bhagta 4-1. Nisha (35’, 51’) and Anita Devi (36’, 48’) scored braces for Jai Bharat Hockey Academy while the solitary goal for Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy Bhagta came from the stick of Captain Rashi (59’).  

SAI Bal Team wins comfortably:      
In the second match of the day, SAI Bal Team defeated Anantpur Sports Academy 7-0. Vandana (3′, 8′) and Captain Laltlanchhungi (37′, 49′) scored braces while Shanti Horo (11′), Mutum Priya Devi (30′) and Nidhi (60′) scored a field goal each for SAI Bal Team.   

SAI Shakti Team records comprehensive win:     
In the third match of the day, SAI Shakti Team defeated Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre 3-0. Binati Minz (9′, 14′) scored a brace while Ravina (16′) converted a penalty corner for SAI Shakti Team as they went on to win the game without conceding any goals.  

by Abhishek Shukla

28 talented Indian shuttlers to get international exposure benefits as part of BAI-REC partnership

New Delhi, January 8, 2024: The Badminton Association of India (BAI), with support from REC, will fund the country’s 28 talented shuttlers for international tournaments in order to help them improve rankings and also provide much-needed foreign exposure, required to play in top-level international badminton tournaments. 

The players, ranked between 26 and 75 in the BWF world rankings along with top performers from the recent Senior National Championships, who are not part of the national camp but have already shown signs of brilliance, like reigning Abu Dhabi Masters champion Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma, the silver medallist at the 2023 Badminton Asia U-17 Junior Championships, are among the 28 players across singles and doubles category who have been chosen based on their performances across multiple tournaments. These players will be fully funded for the tournaments. 

“Badminton Association of India is committed to ensure promising talents get much-needed support to showcase their potential as the national campers even if they are not part of the national camp. Our partnership with REC will not only help us broad base these opportunities and give shuttlers more and more opportunities to participate in multiple international challenger events as well as Super 300s and thereby better their rankings as well as gain experience of playing against foreign players. This initiative aligns with our goals to create strong opportunities for more players to show their abilities as well as compete and benefit from the national badminton structure,” said BAI Secretary Sanjay Mishra. 

This opportunity has also been extended to the current senior nationals singles champions Chirag Sen and Anmol Kharb as well as runners-up Tharun Mannepalli and 15-year-old Tanvi Sharma — one  of the youngest finalists in the history. The doubles national champions Suraj Goala and Pruthvi Roy, and Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra have also been included. 

The selected players have been given an option to choose three tournaments, including two Super 300 events — the  Orleans Masters and Swiss Open — from a total of eight tournaments, for which BAI will extend complete financial support to each of the shuttlers. 

Full list of players: 

Men’s singles: 

1. Sathish Kumar Karunakaran (World Rank 51) 

2. S Sankar Muthusamy Subramanian (WR 71) 

3. Sameer Verma (WR 74) 

4. Chirag Sen (Senior Nationals champion) 

5. Tharun Mannepalli (Senior Nationals runner-up) 

Women’s Singles: 

1.Aakarshi Kashyap (WR 40) 

2.Malvika Bansod (WR 52) 

3.Unnati Hooda (WR 56) 

4.Tanya Hemanth (WR 69) 

5.Tasnim Mir (WR 73) 

6.Imad Farooqui Samiya (WR 74) 

7.Anmol Kharb (Senior National Champion) 

8.Tanvi Sharma (Senior National runner-up) 

Men’s Doubles:  

1.Hariharan Amsakarunan/Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi (WR 70) 

2.P.S Ravikrishna/Sankar Prasad Udayakunar (WR 75) 

3.Suraj Goala/Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy (Senior Nationals champions) 

Women’s Doubles: 

1. Ashwini Bhat K/Shikha Gautam (WR 49) 

2.Rutaparna Panda/Swetaparna Panda (WR 52) 

3.Simran Singh/Ritika Thaker (WR 63) 

4.Priya Konjengbam/Shruti Mishra (Senior National champions) 

Mixed Doubles: 

1.Sathish Kumar Karunakaran/Aadya Variyath (WR 64)