by Abhishek Shukla

Bengal Warriors record massive 12 points victory over U Mumba in PKL Season 10

KOLKATA, 12 FEBRUARY 2024: The Bengal Warriors got one step closer to the qualification bracket with a massive 46-34 win over the U Mumba at the Netaji Indoor Stadium today.  The Warriors raiding trio of Maninder Singh (10 points), Nitin Kumar (8 points) and S Vishwas (8 points) were the difference between the two teams on the day.

In an electric start, the Warriors notched up six unanswered points in the opening five minutes, before U Mumba could even open their account. And even when they did, they were pegged back almost immediately, with the Warriors registering the first ALL OUT of the game to take a 11-2 lead. 

Mumba clawed back some of the lead in the next period of the game, Shivam, but the Warriors’ ability to limit Amirmohammad Zafardanesh’s raids was key to their success as they locked in their lead for the half. They went into half time leading by a massive seven points. 

The Warriors seemed to be cruising through the early periods of the second half, but a series of successful raids by Shivam, one of which ended as a SUPER RAID taking out Shubham Shinde and R Guhan saw Mumba inflict an ALL OUT of their own to claw back into the game, with over 15 minutes to play. 

The Warriors did not let that setback affect their dominance though, and almost immediately Maninder took charge again, racking in touch points to reduce the Mumba numbers. With eight minutes of the game left, they inflicted a second ALL OUT to re-establish a huge lead. Going into the final minutes, Mumba were struggling to try and get a point out of the game, with the Warriors keen to shut them out.  

To their credit, U Mumba never truly lost hope or curled over, and had reduced the Warriors numbers in the final minute. A SUPER TACKLE by Harsh Lad, kept the all out at bay and in the end it was a dominant first half performance that took the Warriors to a deserved victory.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, 2023
Points Table
PositionTeamMatchesWonLostTiedPointsScore DiffPoints concededPoints scored
1Jaipur Pink Panthers20143382125595720
2Puneri Paltan19142381233532765
3Dabang Delhi K.C.2011636943660703
4Gujarat Giants2012806534654688
5Patna Pirates2010736355691746
6Haryana Steelers181161603659662
7Bengal Warriors2099254-3760757
8Bengaluru Bulls20711248-73716643
9Tamil Thalaivas20812045-3718715
10U Mumba20612241-73784711
11U.P. Yoddhas20415129-107783676
12Telugu Titans19217016-234845611

Please see below the PKL Season 10 schedule for 13th February

Game 1 – Patna Pirates vs Telugu Titans- 8 pm

Venue: Kolkata

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

ICC reveals U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament

Future stars hailing from five different nations including newly-crowned champions Australia comprise the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament, announced today by the International Cricket Council.

Australia captain Hugh Weibgen is given the honour of leading out the star-studded lineup, chosen by an esteemed panel of media, broadcast and ICC representatives.

India enjoyed a resounding campaign leading up to Sunday’s final, and mark their impressive tournament with four names in the team. Champions Australia have three players included, South Africa have two names – including the Player of the Tournament Kwena Maphaka – while the West Indies and Pakistan each have one player feature.

The selection panel consisted of commentary representatives Ian Bishop, Melinda Farrell and Abhinav Mukund, media representative Telford Vice, and ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley.

The Team of the Tournament for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup (in batting order):

  1. Lhuan-dre Pretorius (SA) (wk) – 287 runs at 57.40
  2. Harry Dixon (AUS) – 309 runs at 44.14
  3. Musheer Khan (IND) – 360 runs at 60.00
  4. Hugh Weibgen (AUS) (captain) – 304 runs at 50.66
  5. Uday Saharan (IND) – 397 runs at 56.71
  6. Sachin Dhas (IND) – 303 runs at 60.60
  7. Nathan Edward (WI) – 101 runs at 50.50 and 11 wickets at 17.81
  8. Callum Vidler (AUS) – 14 wickets at 11.71
  9. Ubaid Shah (PAK) – 18 wickets at 12.38
  10. Kwena Maphaka (SA) – 21 wickets at 9.71
  11. Saumy Pandey (IND) – 18 wickets at 10.27

and

  1. Jamie Dunk (SCO) – 263 runs at 65.75

South Africa’s Pretorius takes the gloves for this Team of the Tournament, and also heads up the batting order, after a series of impressive and explosive displays in the Proteas surge to the semi-final.

The wicketkeeper batter hit three half-centuries towards the back end of the tournament, including an eye-catching 76 in the semi-final against India, and will be remembered for contributing heavily to his side’s fast starts, ending the U19 Men’s CWC with a strike rate of 94.09.

Australia’s Harry Dixon partners him atop the order after a superb tournament and some invaluable contributions in the knockout stages. Dixon remained resolute in the semi-final and final despite the challenges posed by bowling attacks of Pakistan and India, registering important runs atop the order in both, as well as their emphatic win over England in the Super Six stage.

India’s Musheer Khan takes the number three spot as the only batter to register two centuries during the competition. Despite a subdued end to the tournament, Musheer displayed plenty of early promise, featuring a wide array of attacking shots, as well as an ability to pick up wickets with his probing left-arm spin.

Captain Weibgen was instrumental to Australia’s fourth U19 Men’s CWC title, providing valuable runs and making intelligent on-field decisions that sparked another successful campaign. After a sensational match-winning century against rivals England on a difficult Kimberley pitch in the Super Six stage, Weibgen continued to grow as a player and leader, eventually sealing the deal with victory in Benoni inspired by his decision at the toss and with team selection.

Top run-scorer for the event, Uday Saharan played a pivotal role in India’s dominance through to the final. Scoring consistently throughout the event and registering a century against Nepal, Saharan saved his best performance for the thrilling semi-final against South Africa, dragging India back from the brink of elimination with a vital 81 runs to seal their spot in the final.

Saharan’s primary ally that day was Sachin Dhas, and the composed right-hander also earns a place in the Team of the Tournament for his ability to relieve pressure situations, and the innovative and aggressive strokeplay that charactised India’s wins over Nepal (116 runs) and South Africa (96 runs).

The West Indies made a promising start to the tournament, and could have progressed through to the semi-finals had their all-or-nothing match against Australia not been washed out. All-rounder Nathan Edward was a standout performer for the side, in particular during their win against England in Potchefstroom, taking three wickets and hitting 49 in a high-pressure chase.

The four out and out bowlers in the side all found success in their respective sides.

Australia’s Callum Vidler enjoyed plenty of pace and bounce on the South African surfaces, and posed a constant threat to batters throughout the competition. He starred in wins over England and Sri Lanka before his efforts in the semis and final included prized wickets with the new ball.

Ubaid Shah was in scintillating form for Pakistan in the U19 Men’s CWC, spearheading their bowling attack and demonstrating lethal amounts of pace that produced vital wicket taking spells in his side’s wins over New Zealand (three for 30) and Bangladesh (five for 44) in their run to the semi-final.

Player of the Tournament Kwena Maphaka set the World Cup alight from day one. Searing pace and swing handed him his first of three five-wicket hauls in the dramatic win over West Indies on opening day, and the pacer never looked back, with stellar performances in wins over Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

Maphaka almost provided South Africa with another match-winning performance in the semi-final defeat against India, yet his pace, bounce and ability to take important wickets just saw the young Proteas fall short.

Maphaka ended the tournament with 21 wickets, leaving him at the summit of the wicket-taking charts.

Completing the lineup is India’s Saumy Pandey, whose left-arm spin threat yielded 18 wickets – the most by any spinner in the tournament. Twinned with a supreme ability to bowl economical spells, Pandey was inspirational in the early stages in Bloemfontein, highlighted by his performances in wins over Bangladesh (four for 24) and New Zealand (four for 19).

The twelfth player listed in the ICC Team of the Tournament is Scotland opening batter Jamie Dunk. So important in their journey to the World Cup through the Europe Qualifiers, Dunk adapted well to the World Cup environment, registering impressive half-centuries against West Indies (57), South Africa (90) and in the gripping play-off match against Namibia (76).

by Abhishek Shukla

Punjab FC continue their charge with an emphatic win against Kerala Blasters FC

Punjab FC marched ahead in their path of progress with a sensational 3-1 win over Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight. Often hailed as the bastion of the Yellow Army, Ivan Vukomanovic & Co. faced their first home defeat whereas Punjab FC picked their inaugural win on the road in the current ISL campaign.

The home side rode on their resounding support to peg Punjab FC back by creating key chances in the first half. Local boy Rahul KP squandered a sublime opportunity to draw the first blood, after Daiksuke Sakai spotted him inside the box from distance and swirled in a precise delivery. The forward had ample time to jump high, but he was unable to keep his headed effort on target.

However, central defender Milos Drincic ensured that the team didn’t regret Rahul’s missed opportunity for too long. Stationed upfront for a corner kick, Drincic pounced upon a hasty clearance by opposition custodian Ravi Kumar before drilling home a shot that gave the home side a lead in the 39th minute.

That joy didn’t last long though, as Punjab FC stormed back into the game, thanks to the recent boost they have received in the form of striker Wilmar Jordan Gil. The forward’s primal goal-scoring instincts came through brilliantly when he lapped upon a pass by Madih Talal in the final third, completed a quick turn to beat his marker and smashed the ball past Sachin Suresh to equalise the scores in the 42nd minute.

The striker roared the visitors back and overcame the deficit in the 61st minute, again, with Talal’s support. The Kerala Blasters FC defence didn’t embrace the most organised of looks and hence Talal didn’t show any mercy in bringing down a long ball inside the left side of the box and launching a cross for Gill on the far post. The forward was on target yet again, leaving Sachin little chance to do the saving graces. Any little hope of a Kerala Blasters FC comeback washed away with Slovenian striker Luka Majcen converting a spot-kick in the 88th minute. Unfortunately for Jordan, he was substituted out in the 75th minute, and was hence unable to secure a well-deserved hat-trick in Punjab FC colours.

Key Performer of the Match

Wilmar Jordan Gil (Punjab FC)

The forward completed 12 out of his 13 passes and created three goal-scoring opportunities in addition to intercepting once. However, his sharp striking skills stole the show as this brace will build significant confidence in the Punjab FC ranks for the coming games.

What’s next for both teams?

Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC will face Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC on February 15 and 16 for their respective next matches.

Brief Scores

Punjab FC 3 (Wilmar Jordan Gil 42’ 61’, Luka Majcen 88’) – 1 Kerala Blasters FC (Milos Drincic 39’)

Stats Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

Indian Women’s Hockey Team goes down 1-2 against China in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24

Rourkela, 12th February 2024: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team started their Rourkela leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 with a 1-2 loss to China. Despite the Indian Women’s Hockey Team taking the lead, a brace from Gu Bingfeng (14’, 53’) helped China win the match 2-1.

India took the lead early in the first quarter courtesy of an extraordinary cross from Vandana Katariya and an equally remarkable finish from Sangita Kumari (7’). Both the teams maintained their tempo and were awarded multiple penalty corners. While India wasn’t able to convert any of their three penalty corner opportunities, China made full use of their second one as Gu Bingfeng (14’) equalized with a little over a minute left in the first quarter.

China enjoyed greater possession of the ball in the second quarter but the Indian defence was resilient in not allowing the Chinese to connect the dots and take the lead. With about ten minutes left in the second quarter, China were awarded a penalty corner but Indian Captain and goalkeeper Savita made a good save. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team immediately broke into a counterattack and found themselves with an opportunity to score courtesy of another penalty corner. However, the Chinese defence didn’t let up as the half ended with both teams still having one goal apiece.

China was awarded a penalty corner early in the third quarter but a referral from a vigilant Neha Goyal led to that decision being reversed as the ball had hit the shin of Chinese player Huang Haiyan. India kept good control of the ball in the third quarter while the Chinese played deep inside their own half preventing the Indians from breaking through their defence. The stalemate continued with neither team finding the back of the net in the third quarter.

Both teams came close to taking the lead on numerous occasions but it was China who struck their second goal after being awarded a penalty stroke. GU Bingfeng (53’) stepped up to take the penalty stroke and made no mistake as the Chinese had their noses in front with about seven minutes left on the clock. India were awarded two successive penalty corners in the 55th minute but the Chinese defence kept the ball out in both instances. China held onto their slender lead of one goal as they went on to win the match 2-1.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will next take on the Netherlands at 1930hrs IST on 14th February.

All matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 will be streamed on JioCinema, additionally, all India matches will be telecast on Sports18 – Khel.

by Abhishek Shukla

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH TORNEOS AND DIRECTV FOR LATIN AMERICA 

NEW YORK (February 12, 2024) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced an expanded multi-year partnership with Torneos, a leading company in generating sports related content. Under the deal, DIRECTV will continue to serve as the exclusive PFL media partner in Latin America.

The agreement features exclusive programming including the 2024 PFL Global Regular Season, Bellator Champions Series, PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and all PFL and Bellator archival content on the ‘DSPORTS FIGHT’ channel in Latin America (615/1615 HD of DIRECTV´s programming grid and DGO, the streaming platform), excluding Brazil and Mexico.

“The Professional Fighters League is proud to expand our partnership with Torneos and DIRECTV, our exclusive media partner in Latin America,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “As the PFL continues to grow globally, DSPORTS FIGHT will serve as the dedicated channel for PFL and Bellator content in the region.”

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with PFL and continue bringing to Latin America first-class fighting events and content,” added Santiago Sluzewski Monti, Regional Rights and Commercial Director of Torneos.

Furthermore, Hernán Bidegain, director of Original Content and Programming at DSPORTS, commented: “The variety of content is one of the main characteristics that differentiates our exclusive sports signal. This strategic alliance allows us to further expand our combat sports offering, that is having more followers in the region.”

Notably, Argentina’s own, Laureano “Pepi” Staropoli, will compete in the PFL 2024 Global Season as a Welterweight. Pepi was victorious in his PFL debut, a showcase bout at PFL Paris in September 2023.

PFL is the only organization in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.

by Abhishek Shukla

Arjun Deshwal’s 20-point Performance Takes Jaipur Pink Panthers to PKL Season 10 Semi-Finals

KOLKATA, 12 FEBRUARY 2024: Arjun Deshwal put up a magnificent performance as the Jaipur Pink Panthers secured a Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 Semi-Finals spot through their 67-30 victory over U.P. Yoddhas in Kolkata on Monday. Deshwal top-scored with 20 raid points and defenders Sunil Kumar & Ankush contributed with High 5s.

Mahipal picked up a couple of raid points as the Yoddhas inched ahead at 3-2 in the 4th minute. Sumit tackled V Ajith Kumar and reduced the Panthers to just two members on the mat. However, Abhishek KS pulled off a SUPER TACKLE on Gagana Gowda as the Jaipur side levelled the scores at 7-7 in the 8th minute. Moments later, the Panthers tackled Mahipal and inched ahead at 9-8 in the 10th minute.

Ankush tackled Gowda and Ajith effected a raid as the Panthers built a slender lead at 13-10 in the 15th minute. Arjun Deshwal pulled off a magnificent raid and reduced the Yoddhas to just one member on the mat. The Panthers rode on the momentum and inflicted an ALL OUT to take a decent lead at 18-11. Deshwal continued to showcase brilliant form as the Jaipur side went into the break leading at 23-11.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers carried out an ALL OUT in the opening minutes of the second half and extended their lead further at 27-12. Ashu Singh picked up a tackle point and Gagana Gowda took out Ankush on a raid, but the Panthers still held a considerable lead at 28-15 in the 25th minute.

Amirhossein Mohammad Maleki and Arjun Deshwal picked up raid points as the Panthers inflicted another ALL OUT to completely dominate the game at 37-15. The Jaipur side continued to put relentless pressure on their opponents for the rest of the game and eventually wrapped up a comprehensive victory.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, 2023
Points Table
PositionTeamMatchesWonLostTiedPointsScore DiffPoints concededPoints scored
1Jaipur Pink Panthers20143382125595720
2Puneri Paltan19142381233532765
3Dabang Delhi K.C.2011636943660703
4Gujarat Giants2012806534654688
5Patna Pirates2010736355691746
6Haryana Steelers181161603659662
7Bengal Warriors1989249-15726711
8Bengaluru Bulls20711248-73716643
9Tamil Thalaivas20812045-3718715
10U Mumba19611241-61738677
11U.P. Yoddhas20415129-107783676
12Telugu Titans19217016-234845611

Please see below the PKL Season 10 schedule for 13th February

Game 1 – Patna Pirates vs Telugu Titans- 8 pm

Venue: Kolkata

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

Ramkumar kicks off Indian challenge on winning note at the DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024

Bengaluru, February 12,2024: Wild card Ramkumar Ramanathan fought back from a set down to pack off Frenchman Maxime Janvier 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-4 to advance to the second round of the DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024 being played at the KSLTA Tennis Stadium here on Monday.

The 29-year-old Indian kept his nerves despite his serve being put under pressure in the opening two sets by his higher ranked opponent to pull off a sensational victory in two hours and 26 minutes to give the home crowd a lot to cheer.

Also biting the dust on the opening day of the main draw was Croatian third seed Duje Ajdukovic, who went down against Tunisia’s Moez Echargui 6-2, 6-4 in an hour and 30 minutes.

But the main attraction of the opening day was clearly the show off between Ramkumar and Janvier and the former rode on home support to make a winning start to his campaign.

The opening set was a neck-and-neck battle with Janvier relying on his first serve percentage to put pressure on the Indian and pocketed the first set through a tiebreaker.

Ramkumar was again under pressure in the second set and managed to save four break points and then broke Janvier in the 11th game before wrapping the set in the next to force a decider.

With the momentum in his favour, the Indian then broke Janvier early in the third set and then held on to his service games to wrap up the match.

He will now face the winner of the match between top seed Luca Nardi of Italy and Lucky Loser Dan Added of France.s

DafaNews Bengaluru Open is being organised by Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA). The ATP Challenger event began on January 12 and will conclude on January 19.

Results
Main draw: Ramkumar Ramanathan (Ind) bt Maxime Janvier (Fra) 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4; Moez Echargui (Tun) bt 3-Duje Ajdukovic (Cro) 6-2, 6-4; Gauthier Onclin (Bel) bt Giovanni Fonio (Ita) 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (5)

Qualifying:
1-Bernand Tomic bt Jonas Forejtek 6-4, 6-2; 3-Chun-Hsin Tseng bt Yun Seong Chung 7-5, 4-6, 6-2; 4-S Vincent Ruggeri bt K Van Wyk 6-0, 6-2

by Abhishek Shukla

World Junior Curling Championships to begin in Lohja, Finland

Lohja, Finland – The World Junior Curling Championships 2024 will be held in Lohja, Finland, from 17 to 24 February. This will be the 49th edition of the championship on the men’s side and the 36th edition for the women. Ten men’s and ten women’s teams representing their national Member Associations will compete.

Men’s competition

The men’s field consists of: Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Switzerland and United States.

The reigning champions, China, bring a new team to the world stage, skipped Tao Liqiu Nan.

Germany, skipped by Benjamin Kapp, won silver at the last two editions of the event. This year, they aim to climb one step higher on the podium.

Scotland took bronze last year and with one change in their line-up, they target the podium in Lohja as well. Two of their team members, Logan Carson and Archie Hyslop, took gold medals in the mixed competition at the recently concluded Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, Korea.

Another Youth Olympic champion will also compete in the men’s competition in the Kisakallio Sports Institute. Norway’s skip Lukas Hoestmaelingen won Youth Olympic gold in the mixed team event in Lausanne in 2020.

Denmark’s Jacob Schmidt and Nikki Jensen participated in this year’s Youth Olympics in Korea as well. Both took silver in the mixed team event, whereas Schmidt added another silver to his collection in the mixed doubles competition.

Canada, United States, Denmark and New Zealand secured their places at the world championship by reaching the semi-finals at the World Junior-B Championships in December 2023.

Women’s competition

The participating teams in the women’s field are: Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland and Türkiye.

Scotland women are the reigning world champions. Four of their team members were in their line-up last year as well. Their skip, Robyn Munro is a World Mixed Championship silver medallist from 2022.

Japan took silver last year and were crowned world champions in 2022. Two of their team members — Ueno Yui and Miura Yuina — were members of both former podium-finisher teams.

All four members of Norway’s team were part of last year’s bronze medal-winning squad. Their third player Nora Oestgaard and second thrower Ingeborg Forbregd are Youth Olympic champions from 2020 in the mixed team competition.

China, Canada, Germany and Türkiye women have all secured their spot at this event by reaching the semi-finals at the World Junior-B Curling Championships 2023 last December.

Schedule

Round-robin play starts on Saturday 17 February and continues until Thursday 22 February. The top four teams in the round-robin rankings qualify for the semi-finals in both genders.

All semi-finals will take place on Friday 23 February. The women’s semi-final games will start at 14:00 and are followed by the men’s semi-finals at 19:00.

In both genders one semi-final will be played between the first-ranked and the fourth-ranked teams, while the other semi-final will feature the second- and third-ranked teams.

The winners of the semi-finals will play for gold medals and the world title, the losers will play for bronze.

The women’s medal games will take place on Saturday 24 February at 10:00. The men will play for the medals at 15:00 on the same day.

World Curling TV will be streaming all games. Information about the streaming will be available soon.

Click here for the playing schedule.

All times are EET (Eastern European Time) which is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) +2 hours.

by Abhishek Shukla

FORMULA E MOVES GLOBAL LOGISTICS AND DEVELOPMENT HUB TO VALENCIA’S CIRCUIT RICARDO TORMO

LONDON, United Kingdom & VALENCIA, Spain.  Mon. 12 Feb. 2024 – Formula E has today announced the relocation of its global logistics headquarters to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia, marking a significant operational shift. This strategic relocation is coupled with an ambitious expansion of the Circuit, transforming it into a cutting-edge development hub for the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Previously located at the British Donington Park circuit, the new global hub in Valencia presents a strategic advancement in logistics efficiency and sustainability for Formula E. Its proximity to a major port optimizes freight routes across Europe and beyond, significantly enhancing Formula E’s ability to leverage sustainable sea freight options. This includes the prioritization of ships powered by sustainable biofuel, in collaboration with the championship’s Official Founding and Logistics Partner, DHL. The move underscores Formula E’s unwavering commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

The new location will also become the series’ permanent test track and development centre, with dedicated test sessions and offices. The Circuit will host track days, featuring developmental, current, and previous generation cars, providing a unique opportunity for individuals to gain in-depth knowledge about the championship, explore EV technology, and experience driving the cars firsthand.

In the initial relocation phase, the logistics base will move to a temporary structure adjacent to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo’s public entrance, complemented by office space. This arrangement will remain in place until a move into permanent office and warehouse space, giving Formula E a dedicated facility that will centralise and streamline its freight and technology development.

The relationship between the Valencian track and the electric ABB FIA Formula E World Championship dates back to 2018, starting with pre-season testing and later hosting a double-header of races amid the pandemic.

This event marked the first time Formula E not only competed in Spain but also ran on a conventional, permanent racetrack.

 Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said:

“This move to the Ricardo Tormo Circuit is an important step for the championship in maintaining the most sustainable freight routes possible while using it as a base for developing future generations of our race cars. Having a permanent centre at the circuit in Valencia will feel to me – and many at Formula E – like home, while keeping us at the cutting edge of EV technology as well as showcasing our unique sport to guests and future partners of the championship.”

Vicente Barrera, Vice President, Generalitat Valenciana said:

“The Valencian Government is very happy to welcome the operational headquarters of Formula E to the Valencian Community. Formula E is a brand that is linked to values ​​that we share of sustainability and technological advancement to reach a better future. We are looking forward to working together.”

by Abhishek Shukla

The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 – The tournament that had it all

After 23 days and 41 matches, it was Hugh Weibgen’s Australia who got their hands on the coveted ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 trophy, beating five-time champions India in the final in Benoni.

Weibgen’s triumph places him in esteemed company with Geoff Parker, Cameron White, and Mitchell Marsh as captains who guided Australia to U19 Men’s CWC titles. This triumph marked the end of a 14-year U19 trophy drought for Australia.

Weibgen not only led by example with the bat but was praised for his tactical acumen during difficult moments in the tournament, including the brave decision to pick four seamers and bat first against India in the final in overcast conditions.

Australia posted a formidable total of 253/7 in 50 overs. Harjas Singh’s half-century, coupled with significant contributions from Harry Dixon, Weibgen, and Oliver Peake, played a pivotal role in Australia posting the highest score in U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final history.

In response, the Australian pacers dominated the Indian batsmen, who had performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament. The pressure of the scoreboard eventually led to India falling short by 74 runs, securing Australia’s first victory over India in the tournament since 1998.

India’s woes in finals against Australia continue, the senior side having previously lost out to Australia in last year’s ICC World Test Championship Final and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

How the tournament played out

A total of 16 teams were divided into four groups of four, with three teams from each group progressing to the new Super Six stage.

India, Bangladesh and Ireland progressed from Group A while South Africa, England and West Indies moved forward from Group B.

While Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe qualified from Group C, it was Group D that witnessed a dramatic finale to the group stages, as Nepal edged out Afghanistan in a low-scoring thriller to join Pakistan and New Zealand in the Super Six.

The Super Six stage infused a renewed sense of excitement and energy into the tournament, elevating the stakes for the eagerly awaited semi-finals.

In Group 1, Bangladesh and Pakistan played out a humdinger in a low-scoring affair. In the end, it was Pakistan’s pacers who made the difference, defending 155 runs to take their side through to the semis.

Group 2 saw the vibrant West Indies crash out due to rain interruption in their virtual knockout against eventual champions Australia. Both teams needed a victory to progress, but the match concluded with no result, leading to Australia and West Indies sharing points.

Both semi-finals were closely contested matches that went right down to the wire.

For the first time in the tournament, the undefeated Indian team faced a stern test from the hosts South Africa. Despite a formidable effort by the South African pacers, led by the exceptional Kwena Maphaka, India – reduced to 32 for four in a chase of 245 – managed to secure victory, with skipper Saharan and Sachin Dhas putting together a pivotal partnership.

The second semi-final witnessed Australia initially cruising in their pursuit of 180 before Pakistan’s talented pace attack made a spirited comeback, with 15-year-old Ali Raza claiming four for 34. Australia still emerged victorious but by the slimmest margin of a one-wicket victory in the last over. 

The win gave them valuable momentum to help them secure their fourth U19 Men’s CWC title.


Stand-out moments


Kwena Maphaka vs Jewel Andrew: The Battle of the Best

The inaugural day of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 provided a tantalising preview of the tournament’s emerging talents. 

In the clash between South Africa and West Indies, Kwena Maphaka showcased his prowess by dismantling the Windies batting lineup with figures of five for 38. However, his efforts were countered by the determined Jewel Andrew, who nearly single-handedly guided his team to victory in a thrilling fightback.

Entering the crease with the scoreboard reading 52 for four while chasing 286, Andrew exhibited extraordinary poise, not only rescuing the team from a precarious situation but also steering them within reach of victory. Mixing caution with aggression, Andrew crafted a remarkable innings, tallying 130 runs off 96 deliveries, laced with 14 fours and three sixes.

Windies were 36 runs away from victory when Andrew fell, extinguishing West Indies’ hopes of securing a victory. South Africa ultimately won by 31 runs.


Steve Stolk shatters records

It wasn’t just the hosts’ bowling that shone in the tournament, with Steve Stolk leaving an indelible mark with his batting prowess.

Having succumbed to their first defeat of the tournament against England in the previous game, South Africa bounced back with authority in their next, led by the fiery batting of Stolk.

Scotland put up a formidable total of 269 and the pressure was on South Africa. However, Stolk’s eye-catching strokeplay eventually made light work of the chase. 

Scotland were blown away in the early exchange as Stolk created history by smashing the fastest fifty in U19 Men’s CWC history off just 13 balls, surpassing Rishabh Pant’s record off 18 balls. The onslaught didn’t halt there, as the opening batter neared a century before being adjudged LBW, falling just 14 runs short of a memorable hundred.

Stolk concluded his blistering innings having scored a remarkable 86 runs off 37 balls, comprising 7 fours and 8 sixes, boasting a staggering strike rate of 232.43.


The World Cup for thrillers

Despite not making it past the group stage, Afghanistan – the semi-finalists in the previous edition – gave the tournament two of the most memorable matches.

In a face-off against New Zealand, after being bowled out for 91, Afghanistan’s spinners weaved magic with the ball, turning what seemed like a straightforward victory for New Zealand into a nail-biting affair. 

New Zealand needed 10 runs with two wickets in hand and there was a run-out at the non-striker’s end to add to the drama.

The Black Caps eventually got across the line but Afghanistan’s spirited display earned plaudits from the cricketing fraternity.

Then, Afghanistan once again found themselves narrowly edged out, this time by Nepal, in a fiercely contested battle for the final Super Six spot from Group D. 

Defending a target of 146, Afghanistan’s spinners once more fought valiantly to keep their hopes alive. However, Nepal skipper, Dev Khanal, played a captain’s innings, scoring a splendid fifty to keep his team in contention.

When Khanal departed, Nepal had only two wickets in hand and still needed 19 runs for victory. It was Subash Bhandari who emerged as the hero, displaying composure to secure the win with a boundary, taking Nepal into the Super Six stage amid wild celebrations.

Despite not progressing beyond the group stage, Afghanistan, with their spirited performances, left a lasting mark on the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024. Their captivating matches against New Zealand and Nepal underlined the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.


The semi-final mayhem

Both the semi-finals of the U19 Men’s CWC 2024 lived up to their billing, going right down to the wire as all four teams fought for their chance at glory.

In the first semi-final, India won the toss and opted to field first for the first time. Prior to the semis, India had steamrolled all their opponents, with four of the five victories coming by a margin of over 100 runs.

Batting first, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Richard Seletswane scored fifties and laid the foundation for a final flourish from Juan James and Tristan Luus, setting India a challenging target of 245.

Kwena Maphaka and Luus wreaked havoc with an outstanding exhibition of pace and swing bowling. At 32for four, India were staring at defeat when Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas bailed them out of trouble with a 171-run partnership.

India were cruising to victory with the two at the crease when Maphaka struck twice in his final spell, including the wicket of Dhas on 96 to bring South Africa back into the contest.

Despite the setback, Saharan remained resolute at the other end and nearly guided India across the finish line. Unfortunately, he was run out in the penultimate over, but Raj Limbani stepped up, scoring the winning runs and securing India’s place in the final with two wickets and seven balls to spare.

The second semi-final clash between Australia and Pakistan produced perhaps the most blockbuster finish in the tournament.

Tom Straker wreaked havoc on the Pakistan batting line-up, reducing them to 79 for five before Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas anchored Pakistan’s innings with solid half-centuries to rescue them from a dire situation to 179.

What looked like a routine chase for Australia with a 33-run opening stand took a dramatic turn when Ali Raza bowled an inspired spell to turn the game on its head.

At 102 for five, the partnership of Oliver Peake and Tom Campbell took the team closer to victory before another collapse meant Australia fell to 164 for nine, still needing 16 runs.

In a heart-pounding climax, an inside edge from Raf MacMillan’s bat found its way to the boundary, eluding the desperate dive of Ubaid Shah as Australia sealed victory with just a wicket and five balls remaining.


Future stars

The U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 was the stomping ground for future generation of superstars with none more prominent than the Player of the Tournament Kwena Maphaka, who finished the tournament with 21 wickets, which included three five-wicket hauls.

Having played the previous edition as well, Maphaka finished with 28 scalps in total in U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups, tied with Zimbabwe’s Wessly Madhevere for most wickets in the tournament’s history.

Among the other pacers, Ubaid Shah, brother of Naseem Shah, gave a glimpse of the fast-bowling riches that continue to come out of Pakistan. With a combination of pace and swing that bewildered batters, Shah ended the tournament as the joint second-highest wicket-taker, accumulating an impressive tally of 18 scalps.

Australia’s pace bowling duo, Callum Vidler and Tom Straker played pivotal roles in the team’s title triumph, securing 13 and 14 wickets respectively. Vidler consistently posed a threat throughout the tournament, while Straker delivered a standout performance in the semi-final against Pakistan, finishing with figures of 6/24, surpassing Kagiso Rabada’s 6/25 for the best figures in a U19 Men’s CWC semi-final or final.

In a tournament largely dominated by pacers, India’s Saumy Pandey stood out as the sole spinner in the top five wicket-takers, sharing the second spot with Ubaid.

Among the batters, India captain Uday Saharan demonstrated the significance of composure in the dynamic realm of modern batting. Leading by example, he emerged as the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 397 runs, second only to Cameron White’s record of 423 in 2002.

In Musheer Khan, India might have found a brilliant batting all-rounder who can do damage both with the bat and ball. The second-highest run-getter behind Saharan, Musheer lit up the tournament with two centuries. With ball in hand, Musheer snared seven wickets in as many matches while bowling at a miserly economy of 3.63.

South Africa’s opening duo, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Steve Stolk, dazzled with their aggressive batting, amassing 383 runs in six matches at a remarkable run rate of 8.09, creating early havoc for opposing teams on their journey to the semi-finals.

Australia’s Harry Dixon (309 runs) and captain Hugh Weibgen (304 runs) played pivotal roles in their team’s success, rescuing them from challenging situations on multiple occasions. Both featured among the top five highest run-scorers in the tournament and were the backbone of the title-winning batting lineup, including their crucial contributions in the final after an early breakthrough by India.

by Abhishek Shukla

Reliance Foundation Development League Season 3 to kick off on February 14

Mumbai, February 12, 2024: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) is set to kick off its third season on February 14 with the first match in Mizoram. This youth football extravaganza has become a breeding ground for emerging talent, offering a crucial platform for players to shine and catch the eyes of top-tier clubs. 

RFDL 2024 Overview:

  • 55+ teams participating across eight zones in India.
  • Zones: Mumbai, Goa, Kerala, South, North, East, Meghalaya – Assam, and Mizoram.
  • Includes clubs from ISL, I-League, I-League 2nd Division, and State Football Associations.

  League Format:

  • Divided into three phases: Regional Qualifiers, National Group Stage, and National Championship.
  • Around 300+ matches planned.

National Championship:

  • 20 sides from pan India progress to the National Group Stage across 40 games with the winners from each group booking their spot for National Championship. 
  • The National Championship involves two semi-finals, a third-place playoff, and the summit clash.

“The RFDL helps us keep a close watch on prospects, especially from the reserve teams of all the clubs, and it eases their transition to the first-team. It gives us an opportunity to scout talent from a widespread pool of players from clubs across the country. Young talents get a chance to be nurtured by coaches through the competition, and it not only helps us reinforce our squads at the senior level but also enables the creation of a sustainable footballing ecosystem in India,” said Carles Cuadrat, Head Coach, East Bengal FC.

“RFDL gives a fantastic opportunity to players to seize more playing time and display their skills in competitive matches. Young talents have shined in the competition lately and the enhancements of opportunities play a part in the overall development and competitiveness of Indian football. By showcasing their potential in a tournament like this, young aspiring footballers across the country are inspired and encouraged to follow their dreams with similar passion and dedication,” said India international and FC Goa defender Sandesh Jhingan.

While more than 45 players from the Development League have stepped into play ISL, standout names from the current season of ISL are Mohammed Aimen, Mohammed Azhar, Vibin Mohanan, Nitesh Darjee, Nikhil Barla & Nikhil Prabhu

Players born on or after January 1, 2003 will be eligible to participate in the league. Each team has been granted permission to include up to five players born on or after January 1, 2001, in their matchday squads. No more than three such players will be permitted to be part of the playing XI at any time. Participants cannot be younger than 14 years and 364 days at the time of their registration for the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

East Bengal FC seek immediate answers as Mumbai City FC looks to tackle inconsistency

Kolkata, 12 February, 2024: Mumbai City FC will face East Bengal FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on February 13, at 7:30 pm IST, in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24. Both teams head into this encounter after identical losses in their previous matches. The Islanders were handed a 3-2 defeat by Jamshedpur FC at HOME whereas the Red & Gold Brigade lost by a similar margin to NorthEast United FC in Guwahati on Saturday.

Placed fifth in the table after 12 games, Mumbai City FC and their hopes of defending the League Winners Shield haven’t gotten off to the best of starts. Still, they aren’t too far behind the league leaders Odisha FC, who have bagged 31 points from 15 encounters. Nine points is a distance they can hope to bridge with a three-game advantage, but big departures coupled with lack of recent form have not helped their cause.

The Red & Gold Brigade, on the other hand, have not really optimised the momentum they could have built after success in the Kalinga Super Cup. With just a point in two matches after that final, Carles Cuadrat knows he has work to do and secure the coveted playoffs qualification. The Islanders are arguably in a transition phase right now, and the Kolkata-based outfit could arguably not have come across a better chance to get one over the visitors.

What’s at stake?

East Bengal FC

For starters, East Bengal FC is unbeaten in their previous two league fixtures against Mumbai City FC. They have won and drawn once each out of those couple of matches, and will be looking to further that positive run of results in the coming game.

The team has a stomach for a fight, which reflected in them repeatedly trying to cut the deficit against the Highlanders last weekend. However, the backline wore a disoriented look that was capitalised upon Juan Pedro Benali’s side.

That needs to be addressed in the coming fixture, with Mumbai City FC and their track record of 20 goals in 12 matches showing that they can make hay against unorganised defences. Cuadrat has infused certain edginess in his players, as they are ever so eager to recover possession and commit to challenges.

The team has won 122 out of their attempted 162 tackles this season and their success rate of 75.3% is the highest amongst all teams in the competition, ensuring that the visitors won’t get a walk in the park in any phase of the forthcoming fixture.

Mumbai City FC

The Islanders were unbeaten in their first 10 matches of this season, but since then have been dealt with two defeats in their previous three games. The departure of head coach and multiple key stars midway through the season hasn’t done them any good either.

Amidst these concerns, Petr Kratky will be cognisant of looking after the team’s goal-scoring abilities. They have not found the back of the net in their last two consecutive away games. The last time the club endured a longer such stretch was of three games between November-December 2015.

Regardless of the recent form, their industriousness and tendency to look for breakthroughs inside the opposition’s box has never faced an issue in the current campaign. The team has been averaging 71 passes into the opposition’s final third in ISL 2023-24, which is the highest amongst all sides in the league.

Kratky will rely on his dynamic frontline to find solutions at a time when problems seem to be compounding for his team.

Key Players

Rahul Bheke (Mumbai City FC)

The responsibility is on the Mumbai City FC captain to ensure a smooth sailing amidst the challenging times that the club is enduring at present. Rahul Bheke has been solid defensively, helping the side keep four clean sheets in 11 appearances, intercepting 12 times, making 16 tackles, and recording 28 clearances as well.

Bheke has been creative in his forward forays too, creating five goal-scoring opportunities and averaging 47 passes at an accuracy of 82% per game. East Bengal FC and their frontline pushed NorthEast United FC to the hilt in the previous match, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the equaliser. Mumbai City FC should be up for a similar challenge, as they cannot bask upon any early advantage either and Bheke will be banked upon to take care of the backline in such a scenario.

Nandhakumar Sekar (East Bengal FC)

Nandhakumar Sekar is arguably finally having his season of reckoning, netting thrice and making three assists in his 12 league appearances so far. He has struck a fine balance between backtracking and doing his defensive duties, playing a role in the build-up and then actively finishing off offensive moves.

Nandha has created 12 goal-scoring opportunities so far. He has hit seven out of his 11 shots on target and averaged nearly 20 passes per game. The attacker is a livewire in the frontline, earning eight fouls and has developed a fine tuning and understanding with the likes of Naorem Mahesh Singh and Cleiton Silva. His goal against the Highlanders oozed confidence and he would want to double upon that in the forthcoming fixture.

Read More

Head-to-Head

Played – 7

Mumbai City FC – 4

East Bengal FC – 1

Draws – 2

Trivia: Naorem Mahesh Singh is one appearance away from completing 50 matches for East Bengal FC in the ISL.

Team Talk

“We have been demanding a lot of efforts from our players in the last few weeks. We will be using players who have been a part of the squad but have not gotten many minutes so far,” East Bengal FC head coach Carles Cuadrat claimed in the pre-match press conference.

“We have had a good week of preparation. The boys are looking very good, sharp, so the recourse has been very good in terms of preparation for the next game,” Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky remarked before the game.

ISL Fantasy

Nandhakumar Sekar (6.2cr)

Six goal contributions so far this season

Naorem Mahesh Singh (5.8cr)

Constantly in the lookout to make an impact upfront

Alberto Noguera (8.6cr)

Scored in the last match against Jamshedpur FC

If not registered already, fans can participate in the overall league or club-based leagues based on their preferences. Create private leagues, inviting friends and fellow football aficionados to compete. Prizes include a Sony PlayStation ®️ ️5 gaming console, EA Sports FC 24, signed club merchandise, and a Gift Card worth INR 20,000, which will be awarded to 100 winners at the end of the season. Sign up at: https://fantasy.indiansuperleague.com/

Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

Points Table

by Abhishek Shukla

Top contenders navigate tricky duels with teasing scorelines as ISL 2023-24 action intensifies heading into Matchweek 15

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 Matchweek 14 action saw 15 goals across six matches as 12 different scorers were on the mark to conclude another round of exciting contests in the top-tier. However, the number of goals were not the highlight of the past week, but it was instead, the intriguing action and tricky duels which caught the eye of everyone.

  • A total of 159 shots were taken, boiling down to a whopping 26.5 ones per game
  • 53 of the shots were taken on target, reflecting 33.3% accuracy on part of the players
  • 65.51% of the attempted shots on target were saved by the goalkeepers or thwarted by the other team, demonstrating terrific defensive discipline.
  • A total of 127 interceptions were made in Matchweek 14, with 21.16 of them being made on average per game.

o   Odisha FC had an eventful week as they broke no sweat in putting three past Hyderabad FC before FC Goa held the league leaders to a 1-1 draw in Bhubaneswar. Similarly, Bengaluru FC won 1-0 against Chennaiyin FC before drawing 1-1 to Jamshedpur FC on the road.

o   NorthEast United FC sneaked past East Bengal FC by 3-2 in a five-goal thriller in Guwahati whereas Mohun Bagan Super Giant made light work of Hyderabad FC with Anirudh Thapa and Jason Cummings finding the back of the net in a 2-0 victory.

o   Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Bengaluru FC were the only sides who returned with a clean sheet amongst the nine teams in action last week. Here is a thorough breakdown of the action that ensued and what waits upon us in Matchweek 15.

Here’s a look at the highlights:

Odisha FC safe at the top

The Juggernauts grappled through three matches in seven days to secure seven points, and will now take a step behind with no encounters for them in Matchweek 15.

  • Sergio Lobera and his side have not faced a league defeat since October 27 (2-1 vs Kerala Blasters FC)
  • Topping the league in important offensive metrics like shot conversion (22%), shooting accuracy (51.2%), and passing (7119 excluding crosses, 81.3% completed)

Interestingly, the coming matchweek allows Kerala Blasters FC to get level with Odisha FC (15) in terms of matches played, and also get a one-point lead if they win both their games against Punjab FC and Chennaiyin FC

Similarly, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa will clash, with Lobera & Co. keeping close tabs on the movements being made by their nearest rivals. Goa has a chance to strike the sweet spot and equal Odisha FC in points (31) with a win, but the Mariners will be keen to gradually climb the eight-point gap between them and the Juggernauts with the three-game advantage that they possess after playing only 12 games so far.

Big week ahead for Bengaluru FC

Gerard Zaragoza has delivered a mixed bag of results since the return of the league, with a loss to Punjab FC followed by a win against Chennaiyin FC before drawing away from home at Jamshedpur FC.

  • The Blues struck only once each and in all of these three games and they boast of the second worst shot conversion (11.6%) in the league at present.
  • Bengaluru FC is yet to pick a win on the road this season, drawing thrice and losing five out of eight such games.

They seem to require a kick, or a move on to get things going, boasting of the best record in the league by picking six points from matches that they have conceded first in.

Next Sunday, they will take on Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA), a team that has the third-best record at home in ISL 2023-24, earning 14 points from seven of those games. Several factors come together to ensure an invigorating contest in all means.

FC Goa invincibility faces Mohun Bagan Super Giant test

With eight wins and four draws, the FC Goa bandwagon has found no stopping this season. They will now host the Mariners on February 14 and will hope that their terrific momentum sails through the challenge in hand again.

  • The Gaurs are at the top of defensive metrics by a fair margin, conceding the least goals (6), facing the least shots (92, 21 on target), and keeping the most clean sheets (7) in the league until now
  • They have the best accuracy (68%) from final third passes and have won seven points from losing positions so far in ISL 2023-24. With a solitary win in the last five league games, the Mohun Bagan Super Giant definitely face an uphill task against FC Goa.

NEUFC, East Bengal FC try to break out of crowded mid-table

NorthEast United FC rode on the Tomi Juric brace to secure three points against the Red & Gold Brigade, with four points (16 in 14 matches) and two additional games separating them from East Bengal FC (14 in 12 matches) currently. 

Having lost the second-most points (11) from winning positions this season, NEUFC needs to avoid those tendencies when they face the Mariners in Kolkata coming Saturday.

They will hope that Juric’s arrival, who has experience playing in Bulgaria, Croatia, and Australia, will help them improve in certain offensive endeavours, having recorded only 14% shot conversion and 37.2% shooting accuracy in the current ISL campaign.

Similarly, Carles Cuadrat & Co. will want to regroup in their upcoming fixtures against Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC. A draw and a loss after the Kalinga Super Cup final win threatened the positive momentum that they had garnered slipping away from them.

All eyes on revived Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC

Jamshedpur FC and Punjab FC have presented a pretty picture since the league resumption, recording thumping wins over Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC this month.

Punjab FC faces Kerala Blasters FC and the Red Miners in Matchweek 15. Both their wins so far have come at home and hence they will be backing their odds against Khalid Jamil’s men, but the Manjappada will put forth an unforeseen challenge in front of the league debutants. Having lost seven points from winning positions so far, Staikos Vergetis will hope his team is better aware of managing such situations in the second half of the season.

  • Jamshedpur FC will demand greater efficiency from their forwards, with their second-best exG (expected goals) count of 18.3 in the league resulting in only 17 strikes for the team.
  • Their exG is only next to the top-placed Odisha FC (19.6) currently, and Jamil will want no slip-ups from his frontline after they squandered a few chances to oust Bengaluru FC at home in the 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Team of the Week – Matchweek 14

Goalkeeper: Gurmeet Singh (Hyderabad FC)

Defenders: Nikhil Poojary (Bengaluru FC), Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan Super Giant), Aleksandar Jovanovic (Bengaluru FC), Jay Gupta (FC Goa)

Midfielders: Suresh Wangjam (Bengaluru FC), Ahmed Jahouh (Odisha FC), Nestor Albiach (NorthEast United FC), Manvir Singh (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Strikers: Tomi Juric (NorthEast United FC), Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Average score: 31

Top scorers:

Jeremy Manzorro(JFC)-14

Imran Khan (JFC)- 14

Daniel Chukwu (JFC)- 13

Roy Krishna (OFC)- 10

Medih Talal (PFC) -10

Ones to watch

Sunil Chhetri (BFC)

Imran Khan (JFC)

Amey Ranawade (OFC)

Nishu Kumar (EBFC)

Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

by Abhishek Shukla

Davis Cup stars felicitated at the inauguration of DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024

Bengaluru, February 12, 2024: The Indian Davis Cup team, which defeated Pakistan resoundingly on their own turf recently, was felicitated during the impressive inauguration ceremony of the DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024 at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday.

The main draw of the tournament was inaugurated by Manjunath Prasad, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sport, Government of Karnataka in the presence of chief guest R Ashoka, President Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association and Leader of Opposition, Legislative Assembly of Karnataka.

“It’s a proud moment for the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association to have Davis Cup stars participating at the DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024. Their achievement in Pakistan was historic and inspiring. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for their remarkable victory in this historic match and we look forward to celebrating many more successes in the future,” said R Ashoka, President Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association and Leader of Opposition, Legislative Assembly of Karnataka.

The Indian team thrashed Pakistan 4-0 to secure their place in the Davis Cup World Group I earlier this month. The members of the winning team Ramkumar Ramanathan, Sriram Balaji, Saketh Myneni and Nikki K Poonacha were present at the felicitation ceremony as they will also feature in the ongoing tournament.

“We welcome all of you to the sixth edition of Bengaluru Open 2024 and wish you all the best. It will be an exciting week for the fans as top players will be in action, competing for the coveted title,” said Manjunath Prasad, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sport, Government of Karnataka.

The prestigious ATP Challenger Tour 100 event, organised by KSLTA, will be played from February 12-18 with the likes of star Indian player Sumit Nagal, who broke into the ATP Top-100 ranking, former World No. 25 Vasek Pospisil of Canada and others vying for honours.

by Abhishek Shukla

Unveiling the Powerhouses: UEFA Club Coefficient Rankings and the Round of 16

On 14th February, love takes a backseat as the UEFA Champions League roars back with its Round of 16 clashes. While some aim for their maiden UCL title, others seek to add to their illustrious history.
 
In this article, let’s take a look at the current UEFA Club Coefficient Rankings of the 16 teams battling it out in the Round of 16 – but before that, here’s what the UEFA Club Coefficient Ranking is. 
 
What are UEFA club coefficient rankings?
These rankings reflect a team’s performance in European competitions over the past seasons. They influence seeding in draws, association quota for the Champions League, and club prestige. The higher the ranking, the better the seeding and reputation.
 
Top 4 to feature in the Round of 16:
Unsurprisingly, the top four ranked teams – Manchester City (1st), Bayern Munich (2nd), Real Madrid (3rd), and PSG (4) – all secured their spots in the knockouts. These European powerhouses boast consistently strong performances and experience, making them strong contenders, with top-ranked City – the defending Champions this season. 
 
The ‘Don’t Underestimate us’ group: 
Teams like Barcelona (12th), Inter Milan (6th), and Atlético de Madrid (13th), along with Napoli (16th) and Arsenal (21st), will be seen in action. Although these clubs may be ranked between 5-25, they have a tremendous history and are capable of giving any team a run for their money.
 
Underdogs Rise:
Lower-ranked teams like FC Copenhagen (35th) Real Sociedad (36th) and PSV Eindhoven (31st) will look forward to scripting another memorable tale in the tournament’s history when they face Manchester City, PSG and Dortmund respectively. 
 
Although rankings can provide some insight into a team’s performance, it’s the knockout stage where the real champions are determined. This stage is a test of tactics, talent, and resilience. Regardless of their rankings, all 16 teams have an equal opportunity to perform and advance to the next round of Europe’s premier football league.
 
The UEFA Champions League in India will be available LIVE and exclusively only on Sony Sports Network.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘Qualifying for semis is great but our eyes are on the PKL Trophy’ says Puneri Paltan’s Captain Aslam Inamdar

KOLKATA, 12 FEBRUARY 2024: The Puneri Paltan qualified directly for the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 Semi-Final after registering a massive 56-29 victory over Tamil Thalaivas in Kolkata on Sunday. 

Speaking after the victory, Puneri Paltan’s Captain Aslam Inamdar said, “We coordinated very well against Tamil Thalaivas. We wanted to try some new players and they put up great performances. Our first seven players have been playing well, but I wanted to see the strength of our reserves as well.”

When asked about their journey to the Semi-Finals in Season 10, the skipper said, “We’ve put up all-round performances this season and that is a great thing for any team. We qualified for the Semi-Finals directly last season as well and we’ve done the same this year. But it’s important to win the tournament.”

When asked which team would pose a strong challenge to Puneri Paltan in the Semi-Finals, Inamdar said, “Every team has come to this tournament to become the champion. We are ready to take on any team in the Semi-Finals. We still have a few games left in the league stage and we are going to try a few more players, who have been on the bench this season.”

The Puneri Paltan will be next in action when they take on Bengal Warriors in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches today

Game 1 – U.P. Yoddhas vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – 8 pm

Game 2- Bengal Warriors vs U Mumba – 9 pm

Venue: Kolkata

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

Sharjah Warriors’ Skipper Tom Kohler-Cadmore Praises His Side’s Commitment Despite the Tough Days

Sharjah, February 12, 2024: The Sharjah Warriors faced defeat against the Desert Vipers in their final league game of the ongoing DP World ILT20 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday night. The side needed to defend 121 runs to win but lost the match in a thriller in the final over, finishing fifth on the points table.
Speaking after the match, skipper Tom Kohler-Cadmore lauded his teammates for their committed performances throughout the tournament. “Disappointed to not make it to the playoffs. We were at a good stage halfway through the tournament. We did not perform the way we’d have liked to. We could have done better with the low scores at which we got out during a crucial stage of the tournament. But there is a lot to learn, and we can come back stronger in the next season,” the skipper said.
The Sharjah Warriors were not able to make it to the next round, but Kohler-Cadmore said that the players would walk away with a fair amount of learning from the season. He said, “We had a lot of highs and a lot of lows. Everyone will reflect and come away with positives. Every tournament is short and sharp these days, so a lot is about momentum. Captaincy was good fun. Challenging at times but great for learning.
The Englishman also spoke about his side’s ability to dig deep and fight hard no matter what the situation was. He said, “The bounce-back ability that we had as a squad showed that we can put it on the line till the very end. This could be seen with Daniel Sams’ run out in the final over despite the fact that we were already eliminated.”
“The boys had a lot of commitment, but sometimes we have bad nights. For me, it was the energy and the enthusiasm we showed on the field because we never gave up,” he signed off.

by Abhishek Shukla

Khelo India has brought in a fierce competitive spirit among young athletes: Ankushita

Guwahati, 12th February 2024; As Assam gears up to host the fourth edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023, from February 19, former youth world boxing champion Ankushita Boro is optimistic about the prospects of state’s young athletes gaining a lot of exposure from the marque tournament.

Ankushita, who pocketed the gold medal when Assam last hosted the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in 2020, rated her performance as a career-changing one, especially after experiencing a dip in performance following her 2017 youth world crown.

“I will always remember the Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati, where I picked the gold medal, it was sort of a fresh start for me in terms of performance. From my personal experience, I can say that the Khelo India platform has brought in a fierce competitive spirit right from the under-18 days,” she said.

“I’m sure this edition of the Khelo India University Games will be no different. There will be almost 4,500 athletes from across 200 universities battling for glory. There will be mouthwatering inter-university rivalries, inter-state face-offs (athletes of one state facing off against each other’s universities), which will make it all the more exciting,” she added.

Ankushita, one of the beneficiaries of the government’s Integrated Sports Policy, was last year appointed in Class III post under the Directorate of Sports & Youth Welfare after returning with a gold medal from the 36th National Games in Gujarat. 

Appreciating the state government’s commitment for sports, the ace pugilist said, “The government has been very supportive for sportspersons, and has walked the talk when it comes to providing jobs under the policy. This has encouraged players from less privileged families to dream about a career in sports for a secured future.”

Ankushita, who hails from Meghai Jarani village in Sonitpur district, also spoke highly of the support received at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Golaghat during her early days. “There are a number of athletes from SAI Golaghat, who have brought laurels to the state and the country. I will forever be grateful to the centre for shaping my career during my formative years.”

Expressing her confidence in the successful conduct of the forthcoming Khelo India University Games, Ankushita said that previous experiences of hosting such big ticket events successfully will make the job easier.

“Assam has successfully hosted such big-ticket events in the past, and this time, I am sure the state government will be committed to make it even better. If we speak of the sports infrastructure in Assam, we are in no way less than any sporting powerhouses of the country.”

“The recently launched National Centre of Excellence in Amingaon is a world class facility for badminton players, for boxers we have a number of great training facilities across the city, and the state in general. For other sports too, the infrastructure is equally good, and hosting such events will further boost it,” she cited.

Welcoming the participants of the KIUG 2023, the 2022 Asian championship bronze medallist said, “It also gives the participants a very good chance to experience Assam and the Northeast, offering a wide range of ethnic cuisines, music, natural beauty and wildlife.”

by Abhishek Shukla

TVS Eurogrip Comes on Board as Title Sponsor with JioCinema’s Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan

Mumbai, February 12, 2024: Viacom18 announced TVS Eurogrip as the title sponsor for Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan, JioCinema’s predict and win game that launched last year. With a rise in interactive fan engagement and continued free streaming of premier sporting action beyond IPL such as India cricket, TVS Eurogrip will be present the unique play and win along game to fans throughout the India – England series.

Introduced during the IPL in 2023, Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan emerged as a runaway success, with 50 million participants taking a shot at winning an array of exciting prizes, while 60 lucky contestants driving away a premium hatchback. Within just one season of IPL, Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan became a platform for heartwarming tales of changed fortunes from India’s heartlands.

The announcement of a title sponsor for Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan comes on the back of a sharp rise in gamification of content, a trend benchmarked in new ways by JioCinema with over a billion game plays last season of the IPL.

“Digital being a strong focus area for us, we see this partnership with Viacom18 on the TVS Eurogrip Tyres Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan contest as an exciting and engaging way to connect with our consumers – the new age, millennial and Gen Z riders,” said P Madhavan, EVP Sales and Marketing, TVS Srichakra Limited. “We look forward to more such meaningful associations in the future as well that will help us bring good brand experiences alive.”

“It is thrilling for us to have TVS Eurogrip partner with us on seeing a tremendous opportunity that lies ahead in gamifying content,” said a Viacom18 Spokesperson. “We worked systematically to remove barriers to affordability last IPL, that enabled its free streaming at large. This linked the gap between the masses and brands that are looking for ways to meaningfully gamify and incentivise their communications with their audiences at scale. We truly believe this is just the beginning and we will see more record numbers with TVS Eurogrip coming on board for Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan.”

As spectators become engrossed in the thrilling match-play, advertisers find themselves presented with an exclusive chance to generate excitement for their brands. With the prospect of display exposure in every over, Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan serves as a captivating platform for brands to engage with a broad audience. It becomes an avenue to enhance traffic to their landing page.

When a user receives a coupon, advertisers seize the opportunity to distribute discount coupons in abundance, creating a funnel of impressions, engagement, and redemption—all unfolding seamlessly while the match is in progress. This unique scenario unfolds rarely during live events, making it an exceptional opportunity for advertisers to make a significant impact.

Users will have an opportunity to win exciting prizes every match day of the five Test match series between India – England. Users can simply hold their phones in portrait mode, where a chat box opens at the bottom of the screen, presenting a question and four options before every over to unlock a plethora of prizes.

by Abhishek Shukla

Field confirmed for the Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024

MIES (Switzerland) – The 12-team field for the Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 is now complete following the successful conclusion of the four FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, in Antwerp, Belgium; Belem, Brazil; Xi’An, China and Sopron, Hungary.

A total of 11 teams already have previous Olympic appearances, but there was a significant new chapter written for Germany, who will make history when they appear at the Games for the very first time.

The last tickets to the Olympic Games were claimed on Sunday by Canada, Germany, Japan, Serbia and Spain. Australia, Belgium, China, Nigeria and Puerto Rico qualified on Friday and Saturday.

FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 champions USA and the hosts of the Olympic Games, France, had guaranteed spots in the Olympics ahead of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

The full list of the 2024 Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament teams is as follows:

Australia
Belgium
Canada
China
France
Germany
Japan
Nigeria 
Puerto Rico
Serbia
Spain 
USA

Emma Meesseman (Belgium), Gabby Williams (France), Mai Yamamoto (Japan) and Ezi Magbegor (Australia) all received TISSOT MVP awards following impressive individual displays at the respective tournaments. 

The Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 will take place from July 29 to August 11.

by Abhishek Shukla

Chiefs Cement Dynasty with Thrilling Overtime Victory in Super Bowl LVIII

LAS VEGAS — In an electrifying showcase of resilience and talent, the Kansas City Chiefs, under the combined brilliance of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and coach Andy Reid, have solidified their status as an NFL dynasty by clinching their second consecutive Super Bowl title, the first team to achieve this feat in 19 years. The Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime triumph over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII not only marks their third championship in five years but also reignites aspirations of a rare three-peat in the annals of football history.

Mahomes, the linchpin of the Chiefs’ success, orchestrated a masterful comeback, culminating in a decisive 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman in overtime. This victory not only showcased Mahomes’ unparalleled ability to perform under pressure but also his role in propelling the Chiefs to their ninth Super Bowl victory, placing them among the elite franchises in NFL history.

The stage for this historic win was set in America’s entertainment capital, Las Vegas, hosting its first Super Bowl, which unfolded as a gripping narrative of highs and lows, marred by errors yet redeemed by moments of sheer brilliance. The introduction of new overtime rules ensured a fairer contest, allowing both teams a chance at possession, adding a layer of excitement to the already tense finale.

Despite trailing 22-19 in overtime following a field goal by the 49ers’ Jake Moody, Mahomes’ indomitable spirit shone through as he led the Chiefs down the field, converting crucial plays including a daring 8-yard run on fourth-and-1, setting the stage for the winning touchdown.

Mahomes, at just 28, joins the pantheon of quarterbacks with three Super Bowl victories, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership. His performance not only earned him his third Super Bowl MVP award but also places him and Reid on the path to emulating the legendary duo of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

The game was not without its dramatic moments, highlighted by a sideline interaction between Kelce and Reid following a costly turnover, underscoring the high stakes and emotional intensity of the game. The Chiefs’ resilience was further tested as they overcame a 10-point deficit, a scenario familiar to them in their Super Bowl conquests, showcasing their never-say-die attitude.

The 49ers, led by the unlikely hero Brock Purdy, displayed commendable skill and determination, with notable performances by Jauan Jennings and Christian McCaffrey. However, strategic missteps and missed opportunities ultimately cost them the championship, despite a valiant effort that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final moments.

Super Bowl LVIII was a spectacle that lived up to the grandeur of its setting in Las Vegas, with celebrities, a captivating halftime show headlined by Usher, and a record attendance at the Allegiant Stadium. The Chiefs’ victory is a story of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of greatness, marking a new chapter in the annals of the NFL, as the league and its fans look forward to the possibility of a historic three-peat.

by Abhishek Shukla

Patrick Mahomes Wins Pete Rozelle Trophy as Super Bowl LVIII Most Valuable Player

​LAS VEGAS –– Feb. 11, 2024 –– Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes was voted the winner of the Pete Rozelle Trophy awarded to the Super Bowl LVIII Most Valuable Player.

Mahomes completed 34 of 46 attempts (73.9 percent) for 333 yards and two touchdowns with a 99.3 rating and added 66 rushing yards in helping the Chiefs overcome a 10-point deficit en route to a 25-22 overtime win in Super Bowl LVIII. It marked the second Super Bowl ever to go to overtime as the Chiefs became the first team to repeat as Super Bowl champions since the 2003-04 New England Patriots. Kansas City recorded the seventh comeback of 10-or-more points in a Super Bowl, including the team’s Super Bowl LIV and LVII victories.

Mahomes, who was also named Super Bowl LIV and LVII MVP, is the third player ever to win three Super Bowl Most Valuable Player awards, joining Tom Brady (five) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana (three). He is the third player ever to be named Super Bowl MVP in consecutive seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Bart Starr (Super Bowls I and II) and Terry Bradshaw (Super Bowls XIII and XIV). Mahomes is the fifth quarterback with at least three Super Bowl titles, joining Brady (seven) as well as Pro Football Hall of Famers Bradshaw (four), Montana (four) and Troy Aikman (three).

It marks the 33rd time that a quarterback has been named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. Mahomes recorded his 15th career postseason win, trailing only Brady (35) and Montana (16) for the most postseason wins by a quarterback all-time.

The award is chosen by a panel comprised of 16 media members – CBS and Westwood One analysts, media from Las Vegas, Kansas City, and San Francisco, PFWA-appointed pool reporters that have attended team practice sessions during Super Bowl week, past Pro Football Writers of America presidents, at-large members of the national media – and fans interactively through the National Football League’s official website, NFL.com.

by Abhishek Shukla

NFL Utilizes Super Bowl Platform to Inspire International Talent Around Globe

NEW YORK – Feb. 11, 2024 –Today, the NFL debuted its new campaign for Super Bowl LVIII, “Born To Play,” a powerful ode to the diverse and inclusive spirit of the international game of football. In an unprecedented two-minute commercial immediately following the Apple Music Halftime Show, the spot celebrates the growth of football around the globe and promotes increased opportunity to the sport for anyone who dreams of playing. 

The spot opens in a traditional Ghanaian home with a young football fanatic itching to get outdoors to play the game, imagining himself in an intense football game through the city on his way to school – alongside NFL’s prominent players including Saquon Barkley (New York Giants), Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), Cameron Jordan (New Orleans Saints) and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Cleveland Browns). The journey leads the young fan to an NFL camp, where he witnesses others training to one day play at the highest levels of the game.

“The momentum around the global expansion of American football is real and exciting. Our intent is to embrace and celebrate this movement through powerful communication on our biggest stage, focusing on the growth of both flag and tackle football,” said NFL Chief Marketing Officer, Tim Ellis. “This is an inspiring and warm-hearted story about a boy from Ghana who fantasizes and dreams of playing football, and it celebrates the fact that anyone, from any background, can turn that dream into reality.”

Inspired by a speech given to NFL hopefuls at a football camp hosted by British-Nigerian former NFL player-pioneer and two-time Superbowl champion, Osi Umenyiora, the story mirrors the NFL and Osi’s collective mission to encourage and offer youth around the world the life-changing experience and opportunity to play at the highest levels of the game.  

“Talent is global but opportunity is not. Opening doors for international athletes is not only a passion of mine, but it’s a way to give back to future generations of athletes” said Osi Umenyiora. “The NFL is life changing, and the pathway to play the sport is now a truly global one. The league’s international football development programs are helping to change young people’s lives and grow the game around the world. This campaign shows young people globally that it doesn’t matter where you were born, but you were born to play.”

The commercial was created by 72andSunny and directed by Andrew Dosunmu, a renowned photographer-turned-director and native of Lagos, Nigeria who is celebrated for his powerful film collaborations with Travis Scott. All film production took place in Ghana, with more than 90 local Ghanian crew members and a cast of 400 local Ghanaian actors incorporated into the spot.

Growing the game of football globally and increasing the number of international athletes playing in the NFL are priorities for the league. Five regular season games will be played as part of the 2024 NFL International Games, including an historic first-ever regular season game in São Paulo, Brazil – the first in South America.​​

Seeing explosive growth around the world at both the grassroots and elite levels, flag football is the most accessible format of the game. The International Federation of American Football (IFAF), supported by the NFL, led efforts for flag football’s successful inclusion in the Olympics Games Los Angeles 2028. 

In addition to flag, there are a number of exciting international football development programs, including the International Player Pathway (IPP) Program, which sees the NFL work to engage and enable participation for all ages and all stages to play American football (tackle and flag formats) around the world. Established in 2017, the IPP program provides opportunities for elite international athletes to compete for a potential spot on an NFL roster. To learn more about the IPP Program and other football developments programs including the NFL Academy and NFL Flag, please visit https://www.nfl.com/international/.

by Richard Miller (US)

Canucks Edge Capitals 3-2 in Overtime Thriller

WASHINGTON — In a nail-biting finish, the Vancouver Canucks secured a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Sunday, with J.T. Miller netting the winning goal with just 4.8 seconds left in overtime. Miller’s decisive shot came off a quick play in the Capitals’ zone, showcasing his skill and precision under pressure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ4b3e6geso

The Canucks, who were coming off two consecutive losses, including a tough 4-3 overtime defeat at the Detroit Red Wings, showed resilience and teamwork. Conor Garland and Nils Hoglander contributed with crucial goals, while goaltender Thatcher Demko delivered a strong performance, making 31 saves to help steer the team back to winning ways.

The game was intense from the start, with Nic Dowd giving the Capitals an early lead in the first period. Garland’s equalizer for the Canucks set the tone for a closely contested match. Alex Ovechkin continued his scoring streak, putting the Capitals ahead once again in the second period, but Hoglander’s skillful backhand goal tied the game, leading to an overtime showdown.

Ovechkin’s recent form has been a highlight for the Capitals, who have found themselves struggling to consistently secure wins despite his contributions. The team, despite a solid effort and a shutout win against the Boston Bruins the day before, is looking to find a way to convert their efforts into more victories.

The match also saw the Canucks overcome the challenge of playing back-to-back games, with Ian Cole praising the team’s mental fortitude and collective effort. Vancouver’s ability to respond to the Capitals’ goals and maintain their composure under pressure was key to their success.

As the NHL season progresses, both teams will look to build on this experience. The Canucks aim to maintain their momentum and continue climbing the standings, while the Capitals seek to address their inconsistencies and capitalize on their opportunities.

The thrilling finish in Washington adds another memorable chapter to the ongoing NHL season, highlighting the competitive spirit and skill that define the league.

by Richard Miller (US)

Krug’s Historic Five Assists Power Blues to 7-2 Rout of Canadiens

MONTREAL — Torey Krug’s record-setting night of five assists led the St. Louis Blues to a dominant 7-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Sunday. Krug’s performance marked the highest single-game assist and point total by a defenseman in Blues history, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s offensive onslaught.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aGHjRaSDPM

The Blues’ victory was bolstered by contributions across the board. Jordan Kyrou found the back of the net twice, while Robert Thomas added a goal and three assists to the tally. In goal, Jordan Binnington’s 30 saves ensured St. Louis maintained their lead throughout the game. The win is part of a seven-game hot streak for the Blues, who have showcased formidable teamwork and “swagger,” according to Kyrou.

The Canadiens struggled to contain the Blues’ potent power play and were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Nick Suzuki extended his point streak to seven games with a goal, but it wasn’t enough to rally Montreal. Goalie Jake Allen faced a barrage of shots, making 29 saves before being replaced by Lukas Dostal due to cramps. The loss adds to a challenging stretch for Montreal, who are 2-5-1 in their last eight games.

From the opening moments, the Blues set the tone for the night. Alexey Toropchenko’s spectacular goal just 25 seconds into the game was a sign of things to come. St. Louis built on their lead with goals from Brayden Schenn, Nathan Walker, and Jake Neighbours, among others. The power play was particularly effective, with the Blues converting on multiple opportunities.

The Canadiens faced additional challenges with injuries to defenseman Jordan Harris and Kaiden Guhle, further depleting their lineup. Despite the setbacks, the team vows to move forward and improve.

The Blues’ road trip continues as they set their sights on the Toronto Maple Leafs, aiming to extend their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Canadiens look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming games. As the NHL season progresses, both teams will seek to build on their experiences from this matchup.