Asianet Newsable

Women's Asia Cup: Thailand opt to bowl; Pratika Rawal debuts for India

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 20:30:51 +0530

Thailand Women won the toss and elected to bowl first against India Women in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal made her T20I debut for India, receiving her maiden cap from captain Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of the match.

What the captains said

Thailand captain Thipatcha Putthawong, after winning the toss, confirmed that regular captain Nannapat Koncharoenkai is unavailable due to injury. She added that Thailand's aim is to restrict India to 120-130 runs. "Nannapat Koncharoenkai is injured. [How much are you planning to restrict India for?] Nothing more than 120-130," she said at the toss presentation.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the team would have also preferred to bowl first but they were comfortable batting first. She confirmed Rawal's T20I debut in place of the unavailable Jemimah Rodrigues, adding that India's focus is on playing their best cricket, being ruthless, and making a strong start to the important tournament. "We also thought of bowling first, but batting first is also not a problem. It is our first match in Dubai. Rather than keeping lot of things in mind, it's about going out there and giving our best. Today Pratika is making her debut because Jemi (Jemimah Rodrigues) is not there. Playing good cricket is what we want to do. We have spoken about being ruthless and this is an important tournament for us," she said.

India Women vs Thailand Women playing 11s

India Women: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, N Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Nandani Sharma.

Thailand Women: Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nattakan Chantam, Phannita Maya, Nannapat Koncharoenkai(w), Chanida Sutthiruang, Naomi Hamilton, Suleeporn Laomi, Nannaphat Chaihan, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Thipatcha Putthawong(c), Onnicha Kamchomphu.

(ANI)

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Hansi Flick backs Lamine Yamal to rediscover form after tough start

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 20:30:25 +0530

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has expressed faith in teenage star Lamine Yamal rediscovering his form after a FIFA World Cup win and a battle with injuries, saying that it was great for him to have played full 90 minutes against Athletic Bilbao and that the club management is here to support him. Barcelona will be playing their next La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano at home, having started their season with two wins. However, the 19-year-old Yamal has faced a difficult start to the season, which came after a hamstring injury sustained in April. He also scored just one goal in eight appearances in the World Cup. After a quiet outing in the La Liga opener against Elche, he played full 90 minutes against Athletic Bilbao, and Flick has backed the youngster, saying that his trajectory is going upwards.

Flick Backs Yamal's On-Field Progress

Speaking ahead of Monday's clash, Flick said, as quoted by Goal.com, "I know everyone is worried about how Lamine is, how he is doing. And of course, look at his situation; he played a World Cup after a huge injury. Now he is coming back after three weeks of holiday... and also the first game maybe was not his best game. But I said this: I was very happy that he started the game, and he worked for the team." As a part of Yamal's rehab progress, he has been reintegrated into Spain and Barca playing XI gradually. Flick also stressed the importance of the winger playing full matches and was encouraged by the 19-year-old's output against Athletic, playing full 90 minutes.

"He played 90 minutes against Bilbao. And for him at the moment, it is also good to have 90 minutes on the pitch," Flick continued. "We saw him in some situations really at this top level. And now, you could not see this in the training session today, but I saw it, and it was excellent. Everyone loves Lamine, and he is in a good way. And we have to support him, and we do that," he added.

Focus on Mental Well-being

Beyond the physical condition, Flick also spoke on the mental state of the star player. After the opener against Elche, Yamal was frustrated, and it led to speculations about his confidence. However, the mood within the camp has shifted, with Flick saying that Yamal looks much happier while training. "Of course, it is always good when the players are smiling, but it is not every day the same day. I am also not smiling every day -- it is like that," Flick added. (ANI)

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Duleep Trophy semis: Rinku Singh, Vidwath Kaverappa star on Day 1

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 20:00:48 +0530

Rinku Singh and Vidwath Kaverappa delivered standout performances as Central Zone and South Zone started their Duleep Trophy semifinals well on Sunday. Central Zone is pitted against East Zone, while South Zone is playing against North Zone in Bengaluru in their respective semifinals.

Central Zone vs East Zone

East Zone won the toss, putting CZ to bat first. Central Zone lost half their side for 125 runs, with big names like Aryan Juyal (46 in 113 balls, with six fours), skipper Rajat Patidar (12) and Yash Rathod (27) all failing to fire big.

Rinku put on a 55-run sixth-wicket stand with Harsh Dubey (27 in 38 balls, with four boundaries and a six). Rinku took Central Zone past the 200-run mark, posting a counter-attacking fifty in 71 balls, with seven fours.

Aryan Pandey (22 in 46 balls, with two fours) and Yash Thakur (30* in 26 balls, with six fours) put on a 45-run stand for the last wicket as Central Zone finished at 266/10 in 80.1 overs. Abhijit Sarkar (3/38) and Mukesh Kumar (3/56) were among the top bowlers, while Mohammed Shami also got 2/42 in 16 overs. Day one ended with Central Zone getting bundled out.

South Zone vs North Zone

Elsewhere, during the South Zone-North Zone clash, North Zone elected to bat first and lost Sanat Sangwan (10) early. Qamran Iqbal and Ayush Doseja (23 in 30 balls, with five fours) had a 53-run stand for the second wicket.

Ayush Badoni (2) and Abdul Samad (16) fell quickly, with their team at 95/4. Iqbal and skipper Kanhaiya Wadhawan (35 in 61 balls, with three fours) put up 66 runs for the fifth wicket, taking the team into the 160s.

Kaverappa cleaned up the tail as North Zone slipped from 161/4 to 195 all out in 59.1 overs. Kaverappa (4/66) was the pick of the bowlers for South Zone, MD Nidheesh and Tanay Thyagarajan also got two wickets.

South Zone ended the day at 40/2, with Narayan Jagadeesan (34*) and skipper Tilak Varma (1*) unbeaten, with the team losing Ricky Bhui (5) to Anshul Kamboj and Shaikh Rasheed to Gurnoor Brar, making an eight-ball duck. (ANI)

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Yousaf slams coaches for Pakistan's decline, poor batting technique

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 19:30:27 +0530

Yousaf Blames Coaches for Batting Woes

Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammed Yousaf slammed Pakistan coaches for their failure to work on technical flaws of Pakistan batters, saying that the poor technique has been "brutally exposed from Bangladesh to England" and has left Pakistan cricket "vulnerable and struggling".

Unless a masterclass comes from a recognised set of batters, Pakistan is left staring at a series loss against England, having already lost three wickets at lunch at Lord's while chasing 389 runs. The highlights were skipper Babar Azam being bounced out by Jofra Archer for single digits and Abdullah Shafique being beaten by Ollie Robinson's brilliance that has lit up the whole series so far.

Posting on X, the former Pakistan batter, who scored 7,530 Test runs in 90 Tests with 24 tons, said that coaches did not allow Babar and other players to work on their issues that could have been resolved, and that has left Pakistan cricket in decline. He also cautioned if the players do not learn who to listen to, their careers will meet a premature end.

"Few years ago I warned about this, but unfortunately some so-called coaches around #Babarazam & other players didn't allow him to work on issues that could have been easily resolved. That failure has dragged Pakistan cricket into the decline we see today. These coaches are poison for the game. They lack vision, they block progress, and they misguide even the most talented players," he said.

"If our cricketers don't learn who to listen to, their careers will end far sooner than they should. The poor technique of our players has now been brutally exposed from Bangladesh to England. What could have been corrected years ago has instead become a glaring weakness, leaving Pakistan cricket vulnerable and struggling on the international stage. #EngvPak #nasserhussain," he added.

Few years ago I warned about this, but unfortunately some so called coaches around #Babarazam & other players didn’t allow him to work on issues that could have been easily resolved. That failure has dragged Pakistan cricket into the decline we see today. These coaches are… pic.twitter.com/Go9kNc7abu

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) August 30, 2026

Pakistan Struggles in Lord's Test

At the end of the first session of day four at Lord's, Pakistan was 53/3, chasing 389 runs to win and level the series.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first, bundling out England for 290 runs, with fifties coming from Jamie Smith (61) and Jordan Cox (55), and Mohammed Abbas (4/73) and Mohammad Ali (3/86) being among the top wicket-takers. Pakistan were skittled out for 110 in their first innings, with Azan Awais (46) being the only batter to cross the 20-run mark. Ollie Robinson (4/11) and Jofra Archer (3/26) bowled scorching spells. England led by 180 runs.

While Mohammed Abbas took a five-for in the second innings, England made 208 in their second innings, with a half-century from Dan Lawrence (54) being the highlight. England extended their lead to 388 runs, giving Pakistan 389 runs to level the series.

Woeful Test Record Since 2024

Since 2024, Pakistan have 12 of their 17 Tests, winning just five. This includes a series loss to Bangladesh at home and their first-ever series loss to Bangladesh and away this year. They have also struggled at home, failing to win a series at home except for a comeback win over England in 2024.

Pakistan stands at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings, with two wins and five losses. They had also finished at the bottom in the 2025-29 cycle, with five wins and nine losses. (ANI)

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Julian Alvarez rejoins Atletico training amid Barcelona transfer links

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 19:01:28 +0530

Argentina star Julian Alvarez has rejoined Atletico Madrid's training on Sunday after battling illness for a couple of days, with the development coming two days before the transfer window shuts down, during which the striker was linked to Barcelona. Spanish newspaper Marca, as quoted by Goal.com, reported that the striker joined the squad after being away for two days due to illness, having previously done two individual training sessions. Alvarez was not with his teammates since their clash against Villarreal at Riyadh Air Metropolitano and on Friday, he started training individually.

Atletico Eager for Full Return

Atletico does not want to waste anytime in getting their star player back up to speed if he stays with the club beyond the summer transfer. The team's sporting director Mateo Alemany made it clear ahead of the match against Sevilla (which concluded in 3-1 win on Saturday) that, "We hope he rejoins the group quickly and that he is available for the next match in La Liga."

Training Session Details

Alvarez was among the first to arrive at Atletico's sports city and got attention from his teammates Cristian Romero and Juan Musso, who also play for Argentina with him. He was also praised by technical staff during a training match against club's academy players.

Diego Simeone's training session was missed by the starters after the win over Sevilla as they opted for gym, while Norway forward Alexander Sorloth was also absent, still recovering from the injury that kept him out of the opening matches.

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Auqib Nabi joins Surrey for County stint ahead of New Zealand Tests

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 18:30:27 +0530

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is set to represent Surrey in the Division One County Championship fixtures from next week onwards, with an eye on two Tests against New Zealand away from home in November. As per Cricinfo, Nabi could feature in three County Championship games ahead of the NZ Tests.

He was a replacement for superstar pacer Jasprit Bumrah for two Tests against Sri Lanka, but did not get a match as India fielded Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj ahead of him. The J&K pace star received all the required work visa clearances on Saturday and left by boarding the first available flight and is expected to debut against Yorkshire at The Oval on Wednesday.

Upcoming Fixtures and Schedule

The seamer is expected to return back to India in time for India A's four-day fixtures against Australia A starting from September 22. Meanwhile, the J&K selectors will have to hear from national selectors before picking their side for the Irani Cup, which will take place from October 1-5 in Srinagar and pit the Ranji champions against the Rest of India side. The second India A vs Australia A clash will clash with Irani Cup, the selectors will balance the squads, with Nabi expected to play for one of the teams.

However, with both Tests against NZ scheduled during early summer in New Zealand, the Team India management feels that the pacer would get quality game time in similar conditions in UK. Nabi played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph. He was also part of the India A squad that recently toured Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets in two first-class matches.

Ranji Trophy Heroics and IPL Stint

The 29-year-old Nabi claimed 60 wickets for his side in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, which helped Jammu and Kashmir win their first-ever domestic title. He recorded these wickets over 10 matches (17 innings) at an average of 12.56, including seven five-wicket hauls, becoming the tournament's top wicket-taker.

After his domestic heroics, he was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.4 crore in the 2026 IPL auction, featuring in five games but failing to pick up any wickets, leaking runs at an economy of 11.46.

Surrey's Indian Connection

Surrey has had several Indian players wearing its colours, with Sai Sudharsan having short stints in 2023 and 2024 and then Rajasthan batter Mahipal Lomror being signed for six matches earlier this month. Also, Indian spinner Rahul Chahar is contracted to the club. (ANI)

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Kagiso Rabada ruled out of Australia ODIs, doubtful for Test series

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 18:00:58 +0530

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of South Africa's three-match ODI series against Australia and is now racing against time to recover in time for the three-Test series between both countries, which begins on October 9, according to Cricinfo.

The ODI series is set to kick off on September 24 in Durban with the third match scheduled for September 30 at Potchefstroom. Rabada sustained a hamstring injury over a week ago and has just under six weeks to regain full fitness ahead of the first Test of a busy home summer that features eight Tests.

Rabada ruled out with hamstring injury

According to the Cricinfo report, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has not revealed the specifics of Rabada's injury but confirmed that the fast bowler will be sidelined for at least the next four-and-a-half weeks. He is also not part of the current T20I squad touring Namibia for a tri-series and three ODIs.

CSA provides injury update

"Kagiso Rabada is currently progressing through the early stages of his rehabilitation from a right hamstring injury under the close supervision of the Cricket South Africa medical team," CSA said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

The CSA said Rabada's participation in the Test series will depend on his recovery and rehabilitation. "He will miss the three-match One-Day International series against Australia, scheduled from 24-30 September. His availability for the three-match Test series against Australia will depend on how he progresses through his rehabilitation, with a decision on his selection to be made closer to the series," the CSA said further.

South Africa bounce back in Namibia tri-series

Coming to the ongoing tri-series in Namibia, South Africa bounced back from their opening defeat to Namibia with a dominant seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Windhoek on Saturday. Zimbabwe posted 144/8 after a strong start from Brian Bennett (34) and Ben Curran (24). However, South Africa's bowlers triggered a middle-order collapse, with Duan Jansen taking 3/45 and Prenelan Subrayen claiming 2/27. Cameo of 30 off 13 balls from Tadiwanashe Marumani helped Zimbabwe reach a competitive total.

In reply, South Africa chased down the target in just 13.4 overs on riding on the back of Dewald Brevis, who smashed 75 off 32 balls, including seven fours and six sixes, following up his unbeaten 75 against Namibia. He also earned Player of the Match. Openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius (22) and Jordan Hermann (20) provided a solid start. The victory revived South Africa's campaign after their opening loss, while Zimbabwe will next face hosts Namibia. (ANI)

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PM Modi hails India-Uzbek sports ties ahead of Gukesh-Sindarov clash

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 18:00:28 +0530

Sports: A New Dimension in Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted sports as an emerging area of cooperation between India and Uzbekistan, pointing to the upcoming World Chess Championship clash between reigning champion D Gukesh and Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov and saying traditional sports such as Kurash and Kabaddi would bring "new energy" to the sporting partnership between the two countries. PM Modi was speaking at a joint press conference during his two-day state visit to Uzbekistan.

"Sports are also emerging as a significant dimension of our cooperation. Last year, the 20-year-old Uzbek Grandmaster Sindarov won the World Cup in Goa (from October to November last year). Now, in November, he is set to face India's 20-year-old chess champion, Gukesh. When these two young stars face each other across the chessboard, the eyes of the entire world will undoubtedly be upon the match," PM Modi said.

The upcoming world title clash will bring together two of the youngest stars in international chess. Sindarov secured his place in the championship match in April after winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament in the Open section. He remained unbeaten in the tournament and sealed the title with a draw against Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri in the 13th round.

Gukesh, meanwhile, became the youngest-ever world chess champion in December 2024 when he defeated China's Ding Liren in Singapore at the age of 18. The World Chess Championship is scheduled to be held in Switzerland from November 24 to December 12 this year.

PM Modi also extended his best wishes to Uzbekistan as Samarkand prepares to host the Chess Olympiad from September 15. He said the two countries could further deepen their sporting ties through their traditional sports. "I also extend my best wishes for the Chess Olympiad taking place in Samarkand next month. In the future, traditional sports like Kurash and Kabaddi will infuse new energy into our sporting partnership," he added.

Kurash, a traditional Uzbek form of wrestling, and Kabaddi, a traditional Indian team sport, have emerged as sporting links between the two countries, adding a cultural dimension to their growing engagement.

Deepening Strategic Partnership

India and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations on March 18, 1992, when they signed a protocol establishing diplomatic ties in Tashkent. India was among the first countries to recognise Uzbekistan's sovereignty after its independence.

The two countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2011, and the partnership has since been supported by institutional mechanisms at the political and official levels for regular engagement.

PM Modi's current two-day state visit, from August 29 to August 31, is his first visit to Uzbekistan since 2015. He also travelled to the country in 2016 and 2022 to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summits.

The bilateral relationship has also seen high-level exchanges, including Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's State Visit to India in 2018 and his participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019.

Following his visit to Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit, which will mark 25 years of the organisation. (ANI)

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Sher-e-Punjab T20 League 2026 set to begin in Mohali on August 30

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:00:47 +0530

The wait is almost over, and Punjab is ready to roar! With the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali set to light up on August 30, the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League 2026, powered by Punjab Kings is all set to open a new chapter in the state's rich cricketing journey. The opening clash will see Amritsar Soormas take on Mohali Kings, bringing together some of Punjab's biggest cricketing names and a host of promising young players looking to make their mark.

More than just a battle for the trophy, the league aims to provide Punjab's emerging cricketers with a bigger platform to compete, learn and showcase their talent. Organised by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) and exclusively managed by Servotech Sports and Entertainment, with DNA as the Technical Partner, the league will celebrate Punjab's strong cricketing culture while creating a pathway for the next generation.

Star-Studded Opening and High Hopes from PCA

Adding to the excitement, popular Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh will perform at the opening ceremony, bringing a touch of Punjab's music and entertainment to the grand start of the tournament. PCA Secretary Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said, "We are delighted to have Mankirt Aulakh perform at the opening ceremony of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League. It will be a special way to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab cricket. We are looking forward to welcoming the fans to the stadium and making the opening a memorable one."

Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) President Amarjeet Mehta said, "The launch of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League marks an exciting new chapter for Punjab cricket. This league is not only about bringing competitive cricket to the fans but also about creating a strong platform for the state's emerging talent. We are confident that it will add to Punjab's rich cricketing culture, engage fans and provide young players with valuable opportunities to showcase their abilities."

Captains on Nurturing Future Talent

As the league prepares to get underway, the six franchise captains have also shared their thoughts on what the tournament means for Punjab cricket and the opportunities it can create for young players.

Shubman Gill (Fazilka Falcons)

India and Fazilka Falcons captain Shubman Gill said,"The start of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League is a very special moment for Punjab cricket. The state has always had a strong cricketing culture, and this league gives us an opportunity to build on that legacy. It brings experienced players and young talent together and gives Punjab's cricketers a platform to perform at a higher level."

Abhishek Sharma (Amritsar Soormas)

Amritsar Soormas captain Abhishek Sharma added, "Punjab has talent in every corner of the state. The Sher-E-Punjab T20 League will give the players a proper platform to compete, perform and get noticed. For many youngsters, this could be the first big step towards a professional cricket career."

Arshdeep Singh (Ludhiana Lions)

Ludhiana Lions captain Arshdeep Singh highlighted the value of learning from experienced players, saying, "One of the biggest strengths of this league is the presence of experienced players alongside youngsters. Young cricketers will get to share the dressing room with established names, understand how they prepare and learn how to handle pressure. That kind of experience can make a big difference in their development."

Prabhsimran Singh (Jalandhar Warriors)

Jalandhar Warriors skipper Prabhsimran Singh believes the league can help connect grassroots cricket with the professional level. "The real strength of Punjab cricket lies at the grassroots level. There are talented players from small towns, villages and districts who have the ability to go far. The Sher-e-Punjab T20 League creates a bridge between grassroots cricket and the higher level, giving these players an opportunity to prove themselves on a bigger stage," said Prabhsimran.

Ramandeep Singh (Mohali Kings)

Mohali Kings captain Ramandeep Singh believes the league could open important doors for emerging players. "This league can become an important pathway for Punjab's young cricketers. If a player performs consistently, his performances can attract the attention of IPL franchises and selectors. The opportunity to play in a competitive T20 league and perform in front of a wider audience can open doors that may otherwise take much longer to open," noted Ramandeep.

Uday Saharan (Bathinda Royals)

Bathinda Royals captain Uday Saharan feels the league is about building a stronger future for Punjab cricket. "The Sher-E-Punjab T20 League is not just about winning a trophy; it is about building the future of Punjab cricket. If we can give young players regular opportunities, quality competition and the right environment to learn, we can create many more cricketers who will go on to represent Punjab, play in the IPL and hopefully represent India in the future," said Saharan.

With six teams, 27 matches and some of Punjab's finest cricketing talent ready to take centre stage, the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League promises to be a celebration of the state's passion for the game. (ANI)

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Asia Cup: India to miss Jemimah Rodrigues, but remain hungry for win

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:00:43 +0530

Jemimah Rodrigues ruled out

Indian head coach Amol Muzumdar said that the team will be missing their "clutch player" Jemimah Rodrigues, who has been ruled out of the Women's Asia Cup due to injury, but nonetheless expressed his team's hunger to do well ahead of the Asia Cup and the Asian Games in Japan from September onwards.

Seven-time Women's Asia Cup champions India have their sights set on the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup, and the subsequent future tournaments, with the side looking to continue their recent good form. India begin their Asia Cup campaign with a contest against Thailand on Sunday, this will be followed by the Asian Games in Japan.

'This group has been a special one'

India women's team head coach, Amol, looked back at his team's recent achievements, which include a Test win at Lord's earlier in July and the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup triumph last year, before going on to state that this lot remained as hungry as ever for the upcoming tournaments in Asia. "This group has been a special one. We have done well in the ODI setup, in the Test matches that we have played. Last five Tests, if you see, we have won four of them," Muzumdar said ahead of India's Asia Cup opener, as quoted by ICC.

"So they are hungry for success, they are hungry to win some tournaments. Every tournament is important, every tournament is crucial for this setup. They're really hungry for success. You'll be able to see that in the coming future," he added.

India are in Group A of the Asia Cup along with Thailand, Hong Kong, China and Pakistan. The team is without their star batter Jemimah Rodrigues, who misses out on the Asia Cup squad due to a hamstring concern, and Muzumdar provided an update on the player, stating that the player was under rehab. "I have always maintained that she's a clutch player for us. She will definitely be missed, but having said that her recovery is very important for us. Her rehab is well taken care of at the Centre of Excellence at Bengaluru.

"She will be missed, but there are some players who have come into the team and who will do well. But Jemimah will be missed," he signed off.

Rodrigues is India's fourth-highest T20I run-getter in women's cricket, with 2,824 runs in 131 matches and 118 innings at an average of 29.41 and a strike rate of 119, with 16 fifties and a best score of 76.

Squads

Squads: India Women Squad: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Pratika Rawal, Radha Yadav, Gunalan Kamalini, Prema Rawat Thailand Women Squad: Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Phannita Maya, Nannapat Koncharoenkai(w), Naruemol Chaiwai(c), Chanida Sutthiruang, Naomi Hamilton, Suleeporn Laomi, Nannaphat Chaihan, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong, Koranit Suwanchonrathi, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Thanrada Seesawan, Nattakan Chantam. (ANI)

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Ravi Kishan Meme Reaches Cricket as Faf du Plessis Recreates Viral Gucci Dance Moves

Vaishnav Akash — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 15:21:18 +0530

The Ravi Kishan meme trend has now reached cricket. After football clubs Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool FC joined the craze, Rotterdam Dockers captain Faf du Plessis has followed suit. A video of the former South African skipper recreating the actor-turned-politician's famous moves has gone viral.

The footage, shared on Rotterdam Dockers' official Instagram page during the European T20 Premier League, shows du Plessis learning the signature steps to Aroob Khan's track "Gucci." He was joined by teammates Jai Moondra and Vikramjit Singh as they grooved together.

The former South African captain danced to the song "Gucci" by Aroob Khan

The clip quickly gained traction on social media. One user joked, "When he said Pagal to bana dunga desh ko, He forgot to say dunia ko! Lord Ravi Kishan!!" Another wrote, "Ravi Kishan ab international pahuch chuka hai." A third added, "It's high time he gets his due royalty…. loyalty toh mil hi rhi hai."

The video, captioned "Okay, we had to join this one," has become a hit among cricket fans and meme enthusiasts alike. The trend continues to spread across sports and entertainment.

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Will win 2027 World Cup, our boys are prepared: BCCI's Rajiv Shukla

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:31:00 +0530

BCCI VP Confident of 2027 World Cup Win

BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla offered prayers at the Tirumala temple on Sunday and expressed confidence in India's chances at the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027.

Speaking to reporters after seeking blessings, Shukla said he prayed for the well-being of everyone. "We had gone to seek the blessings. We prayed for everybody's well-being," Shukla said.

Speaking about the Indian cricket team's upcoming assignments, Shukla said the recent Sri Lanka Test series had concluded, while upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia were currently in progress. "The Sri Lanka Test series has just concluded. Upcoming are the Test series with New Zealand and Australia. All these series are currently in progress. Whatever decisions are made after that, you all will be informed," he said.

On India's preparations for the ODI World Cup 2027, Shukla expressed confidence in the team and said opportunities were being provided to young players. "We will win the World Cup. Our boys are fully prepared. Ample opportunities are being provided to new players," the BCCI Vice President added.

India-Sri Lanka Test Series Highlights

The two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka ended 1-0 in favour of Shubman Gill-led India. The visitors registered a commanding 165-run victory in the opening Test in Galle, while the second Test in Colombo ended in a draw after Sri Lanka's Sonal Dinusha produced a match-saving unbeaten century.

Match-Saving Century Secures Draw in Colombo

In the Colombo Test, India opted to bat first and posted 503/9, powered by centuries from Devdutt Padikkal (117 off 193 balls, 12 fours) and Dhruv Jurel (115* off 177 balls, nine fours and two sixes). Rishabh Pant contributed with a 63-run knock, while skipper Shubman Gill scored 50. Asitha Fernando was the pick of Sri Lanka's bowlers with four wickets.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290 in their first innings, with Dinusha scoring 103 off 162 balls and Pasindu Sooriyabandara adding 80 off 133 balls. Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar claimed three wickets each for India.

Following on, Sri Lanka were reduced to 218/6 before a 112-run partnership between Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha (46) helped the hosts fight back. Dinusha remained unbeaten on 133 off 264 balls to complete his third century of the series, as Sri Lanka finished at 429/9 to secure a draw.

Suthar, Padikkal Shine in Galle Victory

Earlier, India won the series opener in Galle by 165 runs, with Manav Suthar's maiden 10-wicket haul and Devdutt Padikkal's 167 in the first innings playing key roles in the victory. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Chelsea sign World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Villa

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:30:24 +0530

Chelsea have announced the signing of Argentina international goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa on a three-year deal. The 33-year-old shot-stopper, who was part of Argentina's FIFA World Cup-winning squad in 2022, joins the Blues as they strengthen their goalkeeping options ahead of the new season.

'An Easy Decision'

Expressing his excitement after completing the move, Martinez said joining Chelsea was an easy decision for him and his family. 'I'm delighted to be at this football club,' Martinez said, as quoted by the Chelsea website. "Coming to Chelsea, for me and my family, was an easy decision to make and I'm just over the moon - I can't wait to get started."

"I want to be successful here. I'm someone who wants to win at everything I do, and I want to bring that here to this football club because it's a football club that wins titles, so I think it's a good match. I'm all passion, and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session, to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud," he added.

Emiliano is Blue. pic.twitter.com/9A6BPWqQWq — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 30, 2026

Martinez's Career Journey

Having started his career in the youth system of Independiente, Martinez completed a move to Arsenal in August 2010, aged 17. After several loans to gain first-team experience, he became a regular for Arsenal in the 2019/20 campaign, starting the last 11 matches and winning the FA Cup. He won the Community Shield at the start of the following season before signing for Aston Villa in September 2020.

During his time in the Midlands, Martinez established himself as one of the world's leading goalkeepers. He made 256 appearances for Villa across six seasons and lifted the UEFA Europa League in May, as quoted by the Chelsea website.

International Glory and Accolades

Martinez made his international debut in June 2021 and has since been Argentina's first-choice goalkeeper, earning 67 caps for his country. He has twice won the Copa America (2021 and 2024) with La Albiceleste and lifted the World Cup in 2022. Following those successes, Martinez received the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world's best-performing goalkeeper, at the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremonies. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jacob Fatu RAW ‘F-Bomb’ Clip Fuels Buzz; No WWE Fine or Firing Confirmed

Vaishnav Akash — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:07:07 +0530

Jacob Fatu is at the center of a WWE debate after audience-shot footage from the August 28 RAW taping at the Rocket Center in Cleveland spread widely online. The clip appears to capture Fatu using foul language during a promo, prompting speculation about possible discipline.

Despite the surge of chatter, there has been no official word from WWE about fines or other sanctions. Viral posts claiming a company penalty have been debunked; no formal statement has been issued.

What The Viral RAW Clip Shows

Based on spoilers shared on social media from the August 28 taping, Fatu interrupted the women’s Intercontinental Championship match to deliver a heated promo. He directed remarks at Out of the Mud (OTM) members Royce Keys, Bronco Nima, and Lucien Price.

"I'm going to dog walk all three of you m***********,"

According to those present, Fatu’s microphone was cut after he dropped an "F-bomb." The specific wording and full context remain unclear until the episode airs, but the moment has already fueled strong reactions from fans across platforms.

Fake WWE "Fine" Statement Spreads Online

As the video gained traction, an allegedly official WWE statement began circulating that claimed Fatu had been fined for his language. No such statement has been released by WWE, but the fabricated note carried apology language and disciplinary claims.

"WWE would like to sincerely apologize to our fans and everyone who was offended by the recent actions and language of Jacob Fatu," the fake statement read. "The language used was inappropriate and did not reflect the standards WWE expects from its Superstars. Jacob Fatu has been made aware that such behavior will not be tolerated.

When The Episode Airs

"As a result, Jacob Fatu has been fined by WWE for his conduct," it continued. “Jacob has taken responsibility for his actions and extends his sincere apologies to the WWE, our performers, employees, and anyone affected by his remarks. WWE remains committed to maintaining a professional and respectful environment while continuing to provide the entertainment our fans expect.”

With details still unverified, the segment’s presentation—live, edited, or omitted—will only be clear once the show is broadcast. The episode is set to air on Netflix starting 8pm EDT on Monday, August 31. For now, there is no official confirmation of any fine or other disciplinary action.

Ludhiana Lions unveil new jersey, mascot for Sher-e-Punjab T20 League

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:00:42 +0530

Led by Arshdeep Singh, Ludhiana Lions unveiled a new jersey that the team will don against Bathinda Royals on September 1 as they begin their championship campaign. The jersey was unveiled in an event held yesterday along with the launch of Sher Singh, the official mascot and the team anthem. The mascot embodies the fearless courage which will reflect in the brand of cricket that Ludhiana Lions will be looking to play with in the upcoming season, according to a release.

Arshdeep Singh on Team Preparations

"Really excited for the inaugural season of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League and an honour to be part of Ludhiana Lions. The preparations have been very good so far. We have spent a lot of time working on our skills, understanding our roles within the team and preparing for different match situations as a complete squad. Now, the main focus is to take that confidence from the training ground into the matches in order to definitely put our best foot forward in order to win the league," said Arshdeep Singh, who is the marquee player of Ludhiana Lions, as quoted by the release.

Ludhiana Lions Squad

Led by Arshdeep Singh, the complete squad consists of Salil Arora, Krish Bhagat, Arjun Rajput, Jass Inder, Abhijeet Garg, Madhav Singh Pathania, Karteek Sharma, Kartik Chadda, Lovedeep Singh Kharod, Lovekirat Singh, Bikramjeet Singh, Harish Kumar, Taranveer Singh Randhawa, Rajveer Jaswal, Aseem Kohli, Havneet Singh, Yuvi Goyal, Sahil Bhaskar and Gurman Singh.

League Stage Fixtures

The complete fixtures for Ludhiana Lions for the league stages are: September 1: vs Bathinda Royals September 2: vs Mohali Kings September 4: vs Jalandhar Warriors September 6: vs Fazilka Falcons September 7: vs Mohali Kings September 9: vs Fazilka Falcons September 10: vs Jalandhar Warriors September 11: vs Amritsar Soormas. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Mandaviya, Gambhir lead special Fit India cycling event with BRICS

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:00:33 +0530

Mandaviya, Gambhir Lead Special Fit India Cycling Event

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, wrestler Sangram Singh and actor Madhurima Tuli led participants at a special National Sports Day edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, organised in collaboration with BRICS, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday. The event was held simultaneously at more than 25,000 locations across the country, marking another significant milestone for the weekly cycling movement.

Fit India Event Welcomes BRICS Dignitaries

Mandaviya said the 88th edition had special significance as India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit at the Bharat Mandapam on September 12-13. "This week's edition is dedicated to our esteemed dignitaries and members from BRICS who will be a part of the summit on 12th and 13th. We are delighted to welcome them today," he said.

Mandaviya highlighted the three-fold benefits of cycling - fitness, reduced pollution and easing traffic congestion - while urging citizens to make cycling a part of their weekly routine. "The 88th edition of 'Sundays on Cycle' has kicked off at over 25,000 locations across the country. The craze for cycling is growing nationwide, and 'Sundays on Cycle' is gradually becoming a passion among the people. Let us all step away from mobile and computer screens for an hour each day to head outdoors, cycle, play sports, and keep ourselves fit," Mandaviya added.

Distinguished Participants and Officials

The participation from distinguished representatives of the BRICS partner nations, included Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa Syed Zulkarnain Wafa, Charge d'Affaires, High Commission of Malaysia; Trinh Minh Manh, Ambassador-Designate, Embassy of Vietnam; Yudho Sasongko, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of Indonesia; Mikhail Kasko, Ambassador, Embassy of Belarus; Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera, Ambassador, Embassy of Cuba; Nebiyu Tedla Negash, Ambassador, Embassy of Ethiopia; and Roman Babushkin, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Russia.

Senior government officials present at the occasion included Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Department of Sports; Sunil Paliwal, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs; and Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs.

Gautam Gambhir Urges Youth to Make Fitness a Movement

Padma Shree Gautam Gambhir, who flagged off the cycling ride, said, "This event, organised by the government for Fit India, is an exceptional initiative. I believe that the fitter India remains, the stronger India will be, and the more self-reliant India will become. Therefore, we should view this not merely as an event, but as a movement. It is our responsibility, especially the youth here at this event, to try and turn this into a movement, ensuring that our youth and everyone else remain fit, leading to a fitter and stronger nation."

Over 5,000 Participate with Great Enthusiasm

Over 5,000 participants, including youth, senior citizens and, of course, representatives of BRICS partner countries, danced, cycled, and took part in the activities with great enthusiasm at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, under the BRICS Run & Ride 2026 initiative. An ITBP brass band performance added to the festive atmosphere.

The edition held this Sunday morning was particularly significant as it was organised just a day after National Sports Day, adding to the spirit of fitness, sports and active participation among citizens.

About Fit India Sundays on Cycle

Fit India Sundays on Cycle, an initiative envisioned by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Raahgiri Foundation, and MY Bharat, and is conducted across all States and Union Territories through the SAI and Khelo India network.

The cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs). (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Pukhraj Gill T-19 at ADT event, ninth on Order of Merit for Tour card

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 13:30:29 +0530

India's Pukhraj Singh Gill stayed close to an Asian Tour card for 2027, as he finished T-19 at the Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament on the Asian Development Tour (ADT). Pukhraj Singh Gill, the IGPL Tour's Order of Merit winner in India, is now ninth on the ADT Order of Merit with just one more event left in November. The top-10 at the end of the season earn Asian Tour cards for next year. A year ago, another AM Green IGPL star, Karandeep Kochhar, had taken the same route and is now on the Asian Tour, according to a release.

Indian Golfers at Ciputra Tournament

Pukhraj Singh Gill, who plays for Unico Gurugram Tuskers in the AM Green IGPL League, carded 70-66-68-69 on the four days for a total of 15-under in the low-scoring event, which was won by Indonesian Kevin Akbar. The Indian results at the event were encouraging as Khalin Joshi, a recent winner on his home tour in India, was T-10 with rounds of 66-68-69-67. Another AM Green IGPL star, Aman Raj (67-69-70-73) was T-37, and Kartik Singh (72-70-66-69) was T-32. N Arjun Prasad and Saarthak Chibber missed the cut.

Indonesia's Kevin Akbar Wins Title

Winner Akbar capitalised on home advantage and huge local support to become the first player from his country to win the Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament on Saturday. Akbar, 28, closed with a fine nine-under-par 63 at Damai Indah Golf (BSD Course) - his home course in south-west Jakarta - to finish on 25-under and win by two from Singapore's James Leow and Khavish Varadan from Malaysia. Defending champion Matt Killen from England signed off with a 67 to tie for fourth with overnight leader Han, who fired a 68. (ANI)

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UP T20: Sameer Rizvi smashes unbeaten 91 to keep Kanpur's hopes alive

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:30:30 +0530

Impact Player Sameer Rizvi delivered a masterclass in power-hitting, smashing an unbeaten 91 off just 39 balls to guide the Kanpur Superstars to a dominant eight-wicket win over the Noida Kings in Match 25 of the UP T20 League 2026. Played in front of an electric home crowd at the historic Green Park Stadium, a venue that has hosted 40 international matches, the victory keeps Kanpur's playoff aspirations firmly alive while handing Noida their second straight defeat, according to a press release from the League.

Rizvi on Playing Through Injury

Following his Player of the Match performance, Rizvi revealed that a finger injury sustained earlier in the tournament prevented him from featuring in the starting XI. "In our first match, I took a catch and injured my finger. Since then, I've been having quite a lot of trouble while fielding," Rizvi explained. "I told the management that I wanted to play as an Impact Player because whenever the ball hits my finger while fielding, the pain gets worse, and it was also causing problems while batting. So, we decided to use me as an Impact Player."

'I Just Believed in Myself': Rizvi on His Game Plan

After heavy rains delayed proceedings, the Green Park ground staff produced a swift turnaround to set up a 12-over-a-side contest. Chasing 129, Kanpur suffered early setbacks as both openers fell cheaply, but Rizvi stepped onto the pitch with total clarity of thought. "It's important to show intent during the powerplay," Rizvi said. "Since it was a 12-over match and the target was around 130, if a team capitalises on the powerplay, it becomes easier to control the game later. I planned that because the powerplay was short; whatever runs I could score would help the team as much as possible."

Addressing whether the scoreboard pressure affected his game plan, Rizvi stated, "No, sir. I was just thinking that I would play my game--the way I normally play--and bat like that till the end. Whether we needed five runs or fifty runs, I had decided on that mindset before going in, and I batted with the same approach. I wasn't thinking about who was at the non-striker's end or whether someone was supporting me; I just believed in myself that I had to score the runs on my own."

Rizvi decorated his whirlwind innings with 11 boundaries and five sixes, finding solid support in Abhishek Pandey, who contributed an unbeaten 30 off 17 deliveries to wrap up the chase in just 10.4 overs.

Noida's Innings Marked by a Turnaround

Earlier, Noida Kings got off to a blistering start through Shoaib Siddiqui (20 off 10) and Madhav Kaushik (31 off 11), reaching 45/0 inside 2.2 overs. However, Kanpur's Yashovardhan Singh turned the tide with a stellar spell of 3/10, including a maiden over, reducing Noida to 69/5 before skipper Prashant Veer's unbeaten 50 off 27 balls lifted them to 128/6.

Praise for Stand-in Skipper

Rizvi lauded stand-in skipper Adarsh Singh for his sharp tactical handling during Noida's early assault. "He handled things really well. It was a flat wicket, and they got a good start initially. Even after that, he made some really good bowling changes and restricted them to a very low target. His captaincy was quite good."

High-Stakes Fixture Inaugurated by Dignitaries

The high-stakes fixture was officially inaugurated by Shri Rakesh Sachan, Minister of Khadi and Village Industries, Sericulture, Handloom and Textile (Government of Uttar Pradesh), and Shri Amitabh Bajpai, MLA from Kanpur's Aryanagar constituency, who conducted the toss and the ceremonial ringing of the bell. (ANI)

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Odisha Minister joins 'Sundays on Cycle' for National Sports Day

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:31:00 +0530

Odisha Celebrates National Sports Day Despite Weather

Odisha Minister for Sports and Youth Services Suryabanshi Suraj participated in the 'Sundays on Cycle' event on here as part of the National Sports Day celebrations. Speaking to ANI, Suraj said the event marked the conclusion of the three-day National Sports Day celebrations and highlighted the Odisha government's commitment to promoting fitness despite inclement weather.

"Today marks the conclusion of the National Sports Day celebrations, which have been ongoing for the past three days. Despite inclement weather and heavy rainfall, the Odisha government and our Sports Department decided to proceed with the 'Sundays on Cycle' program with great enthusiasm and motivation," Suraj said.

A Nationwide Fitness Initiative

Started by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' is organised by the Sports Authority of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI ), Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes and MY Bharat. The cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and Khelo India Centres (KICs).

Union Minister Applauds Cycling Craze

Meanwhile in Delhi, Union Sports Minister Mandaviya said the 88th edition of 'Sundays on Cycle' was launched across more than 25,000 locations in the country, noting the growing popularity of cycling.

"The craze for cycling is growing in the country. Sunday cycling is slowly turning into a passion among the people. Cycling is the best exercise. Cycling is a solution to pollution. Cycling is the mantra to stay fit. Cycling is also a solution to traffic," Mandaviya said.

He urged youngsters to spend at least an hour away from mobile phones and computer screens and engage in outdoor activities."Let all our young friends spend an hour a day away from the mobile or computer screen and go to the playground. Cycle, play and keep yourselves fit," the Sports Minister said. (ANI)

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MicahJo Barnett Dies After On-Field Emergency; William Jewell vs Fort Lewis Suspended

Vaishnav Akash — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:09:47 +0530

William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died Saturday after a medical emergency during the season opener against Fort Lewis College in Liberty, Missouri, leading officials to suspend the game.

Paramedics responded on the field and took Barnett to a hospital; a couple of hours later, the school announced he had passed away. A cause of death was not announced by William Jewell.

Newsweek reported, citing a William Jewell College spokesperson, that Barnett was not suffering from an illness or health condition that would have prevented him from taking part in Saturday afternoon's game against Fort Lewis. "The College has no details as to the nature/cause," the spokesperson said. No further details were released by the school or by Barnett’s family.

RedditCFB, an account for college football-related discussion, shared details based on eyewitness accounts from those present at the game. It stated that he suffered “seizure-like symptoms,.”

Timeline Of The Medical Emergency

According to The Athletic, Liberty Fire and EMS responded to the situation around 12:20pm CDT. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him before taking him away in an ambulance. The Liberty North High School alum was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Jewell President Dr. Dave Van Horn later told media that Barnett was a business major at William Jewell and a native of Liberty.

"William Jewell College and the Liberty community mourn the passing of MicahJo Barnett," the statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with MicahJo’s family, teammates, friends, coaches, and faculty and staff."

"I want to say that we appreciate the response that we received from the Sheriff's Office," Horn said, "the police department, the EMS department, our school, the physician for the team."

Statements From William Jewell And Fort Lewis

"Our partners have been reaching out to us and have given us great support during this time and this evening at eight o'clock there will be a candlelight service that is held on the quad of our campus in memory of Micah Joe," he added. "And so our hearts are heavy and we just appreciate all the support that we have received from the greater community."

"Fort Lewis College Athletics extends its deepest condolences to the William Jewell College community following the tragic passing of a Cardinals football student-athlete, MicahJo Barnett," Fort Lewis Director of Athletics Shawn Jakubowski said to CBS News in a statement.

"Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone at William Jewell during this incredibly difficult time. Fort Lewis College counseling staff is reaching out to our football team to ensure our players and staff have the support they need."

As the Liberty community grieves, officials have not announced a cause of death and said they have no further details.

Proud of World Cup effort despite disappointment, says Deepika Kumari

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:00:59 +0530

Indian women's hockey team player Deepika Kumari said she was proud of the team's effort at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026 despite falling short of their expectations, as the squad arrived at Bengaluru airport on Saturday after finishing fifth in the tournament.

'Proud of the team's effort'

Reflecting on India's campaign, Deepika said the team was disappointed with the result but remained determined to finish the tournament with a victory. "We were disappointed not to achieve what we had envisioned or what our team deserved. However, the mindset was that the final match is the final match--regardless of the circumstances or our standing, we had to finish with a win," Deepika told ANI.

She said ending the World Cup on a winning note was the team's primary objective and expressed pride in the effort put in by the players. "That was the goal: to conclude the World Cup with a victory. We had higher hopes, but achieving what we did is still a matter of great pride," she said.

Focus shifts to Asian Games

Deepika praised her teammates for remaining focused and motivated throughout the tournament. Looking ahead, Deepika said the team would now turn its attention to the Asian Games, where India will aim to achieve another historic feat.

"I am incredibly proud of the entire team and the effort every girl put in; everyone remained focused and motivated," the Indian player said. "Now, the focus shifts to the upcoming Asian Games, where we aim to make history again."

Historic Finish and Recognition

India's women's team finished fifth at the World Cup, their best result in the tournament since securing a fourth-place finish at the inaugural edition in 1974. Salima Tete's side sealed the milestone with a 3-1 win over World No. 5 Germany in the 5th/6th place classification match in Amstelveen.

Hockey India on Friday announced a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for the Indian Women's Hockey Team in recognition of their historic fifth-place finish. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Sonowal credits PM Modi for India's sports transformation in 12 years

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:00:50 +0530

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the first Samiran Bordoloi Memorial Inter Club Swimming Competition at the newly constructed swimming pool stadium in Dibrugarh.

India's Sporting Transformation

Speaking to reporters, Sonowal highlighted the transformation in India's sports landscape over the past 12 years and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sustained efforts and focus on sports for the country's progress. "You have witnessed the transformation in India's sports landscape over the past 12 years; this has been made possible solely through the PM's sustained efforts and the keen interest and attention he has devoted to sports," Sonowal said.

He said Indian athletes have delivered strong performances on major international stages, which has inspired the younger generation to take up sports. "Consequently, athletes have succeeded in delivering outstanding performances on major international stages, which in turn has significantly inspired the new generation," he added.

Sonowal also said preparations were already underway to identify and groom young athletes with an eye on the 2036 Olympics, which India is set to host. "I believe that preparations are already underway to groom our young athletes so that they can participate in the 2036 Olympics, which India is set to host," the Union Minister said.

India to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

Meanwhile, India is also officially set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. Following the conclusion of the 2026 Glasgow CWG, the Commonwealth Games Flag was handed over in Glasgow to Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, representing Gujarat as the host state for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Sanghavi formally presented the Commonwealth Games Flag with full honour and dignity to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during the State Cabinet meeting earlier this month.

The Commonwealth Games Flag will now remain in Gujarat until the 2030 CWG. Along with advancing the Fit India vision, it will serve as a source of inspiration for athletes and support the preparations for the upcoming CWG.

The Commonwealth Games Flag is a symbol of unity, friendship, equality, and the spirit of sportsmanship among Commonwealth nations. It inspires athletes to uphold the values of global brotherhood, mutual respect, and peace through sport. The arrival of the flag in the host city is regarded as a symbol of the beginning of preparations and the growing excitement for the Games. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

CPL: Trinbago Knight Riders to retire Dwayne Bravo's No. 47 jersey

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:01:18 +0530

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have announced that the franchise will retire Dwayne Bravo's iconic No. 47 jersey, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the team, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and cricket in Trinidad & Tobago. The decision makes Bravo the first player in CPL history to have his jersey number retired, a fitting honour for a player whose name has become synonymous with the tournament and with the Trinbago Knight Riders, according to a release.

A CPL Legend's Unmatched Record

Bravo is the most decorated player in CPL history, having won five CPL titles as a player and added a sixth championship as TKR Head Coach. Across his illustrious CPL playing career, Bravo featured in 107 matches and claimed 129 wickets, finishing as the tournament's all-time leading wicket-taker. He was a central figure in TKR's championship-winning campaigns and played a defining role in establishing the franchise as CPL's most successful team.

From Champion Player to Champion Coach

Bravo retired from playing cricket in 2024, bringing the curtain down on an exceptional playing career that had seen him become one of the most influential all-rounders in T20 cricket. He subsequently took on the role of Head Coach of his beloved Trinbago Knight Riders, continuing his association with the franchise from the dugout.

A Legacy 'Impossible to Measure'

Making the announcement, Venky Mysore, CEO of the Knight Riders group, said: "Dwayne Bravo's contribution to the Knight Riders and to the CPL is impossible to measure. Retiring No. 47 is our way of ensuring that his legacy will forever be a part of this franchise. There could be no more fitting player to become the first in CPL history to receive this honour."

The No. 47 jersey will now stand as a permanent symbol of Bravo's remarkable journey with the Knight Riders, from champion player to champion coach, and ultimately, an enduring part of the franchise's history. (ANI)

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'Greatest honour of my life': Federer on Hall of Fame induction

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:00:21 +0530

'One of the greatest honours of my life'

Tennis legend Roger Federer described his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as one of the greatest honours of his life, saying it was an amazing experience to immerse himself in the history of the sport, according to the ATP. "It's amazing to see yourself in a place like this, to walk through the Hall of Fame, to immerse myself in the history of this sport. That means everything to me," Federer said after being inducted on Saturday evening.

Reflecting on the moment, Federer said it was special to read the stories of his greatest heroes and realise that he now had a place in the Hall of Fame alongside them. "To read the stories of my greatest heroes and to realise, I mean to truly realise for the first time, that I have a place here. This is one of the greatest honours of my life," he said.

Enduring Love for the 'Sense of Play'

Federer also spoke about his enduring love for tennis, stressing that the "sense of play" remained central to his journey despite the hard work and practice required at the highest level. "We play tennis; we're tennis players. That for me is what it's about: the sense of play. Yes, this sport takes work and practice. But the sense of play always carried me through," Federer said, as quoted by the ATP website.

He added that the combination of hard work and enjoyment made tennis particularly rewarding. "But when the work and play blend together, that's the best feeling of all," the Swiss legend said.

Recalling Early Days as a Ball Boy

Recalling his early experiences in tennis, Federer spoke about standing close to the court, watching players compete and assisting them as a ball boy. "I'll never forget how the game looked from there and how it felt. The thrill of standing so close to the players, feeding them the ball, handing them the towel, seeing them sweat, watching them fight it out, figure it out -- the adversity, the intensity," he said.

" I remember the next morning, my legs were gone. Standing all day is a lot of work," Federer added.

The Swiss great, who turned 45 earlier this month, is one of 29 members of the exclusive ATP No. 1 Club and spent 310 weeks at the top of the ATP Rankings. His 237 consecutive weeks as world No. 1 remain a record. The 20-time Grand Slam champion retired from professional tennis in 2022. (ANI)

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Mandaviya, Gautam Gambhir call for fitness to become a movement

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 09:00:28 +0530

Mandaviya, Gambhir Push for Nationwide Fitness Movement

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir participated in the 'Sundays on Cycle' event on Sunday, with both calling for greater focus on fitness and making it a movement across the country.

'Fitter India Will Be Stronger India'

Speaking to reporters, Gambhir said the government's Fit India initiative was a "wonderful initiative" and stressed that a fitter India would be stronger and more self-reliant. "The Fit India event organised by the government is such a wonderful initiative because I believe that the fitter India is, the stronger and more self-reliant India will be. So, I believe that we should look at this not just as an event, but as a movement," Gambhir said.

He said it was the responsibility of the youth and everyone associated with the initiative to help turn it into a movement so that people could stay fit. "A fitter nation is a stronger nation," the India head coach added.

'Cycling is the Mantra to Stay Fit'

Mandaviya said the 88th edition of 'Sundays on Cycle' was launched across more than 25,000 locations in the country, noting the growing popularity of cycling. "The craze for cycling is growing in the country. Sunday cycling is slowly turning into a passion among the people. Cycling is the best exercise. Cycling is a solution to pollution. Cycling is the mantra to stay fit. Cycling is also a solution to traffic," Mandaviya said.

He urged youngsters to spend at least an hour away from mobile phones and computer screens and engage in outdoor activities. "Let all our young friends spend an hour a day away from the mobile or computer screen and go to the playground. Cycle, play and keep yourselves fit," the Sports Minister said.

On Gambhir's participation in the event, Mandaviya said the presence of sports personalities could inspire people to focus on fitness. "Naturally, when a sports celebrity comes, people see him and get inspiration. And even if we keep ourselves fit by taking inspiration from that, it's enough," he said.

'A Fit India is a Hit India'

Bollywood actor and MMA player Sangram Singh, who also participated in the event, praised Mandaviya's lifestyle and encouraged people to take up cycling. "To be honest, whenever I see the Minister and observe his lifestyle, it's truly inspiring. If you make cycling an addiction in your life, you will stay very healthy and fit," Sangram said.

He described the initiative as more than just a cycling event, calling it a "festival", and encouraged people to cycle, particularly on local bicycles. "I personally prefer the local one. Because a fit India is a hit India," he added.

About the Initiative

Started by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organised by the Sports Authority of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI ), Indian Rope Skipping Federation, Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, MY Bikes and MY Bharat.

The cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and Khelo India Centres (KICs). (ANI)

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Lionel Messi's four-goal haul ends Inter Miami's five-game winless run

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 08:30:27 +0530

Inter Miami ended their five-game winless run in emphatic fashion as Lionel Messi scored four goals to inspire a dominant 7-1 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer (MLS). Miami had struggled since the resumption of play following the World Cup finals, losing four of their previous five matches before Saturday's game in Florida.

However, the reigning MLS Cup champions produced a dominant display against Montreal, who are second from bottom in the Eastern Conference.

Match Highlights

Brazil international Casemiro opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a header, his first goal for Miami since joining the club after the World Cup.

Seven goals. Three points. What a night pic.twitter.com/opiku0lH2h — Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 30, 2026

Montreal responded in the 37th minute through Fabian Herbers, whose low effort from the edge of the area found the bottom corner.

Messi restored Miami's lead three minutes later with a low curling free-kick that caught Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier off guard.

Messi Leads the Charge

The Argentina star doubled his tally shortly after half-time, weaving through several Montreal defenders before drilling the ball into the bottom corner.

Messi then turned provider for Miami's fourth goal, sending a superb pass to former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, who calmly finished to make it 4-1.

Messi completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute after receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul and delicately lifting the ball over the advancing Gillier.

Teenage substitute Alex Shaw added Miami's sixth in the 89th minute with a low strike from outside the area.

Messi completed the rout in stoppage time, curling a trademark free-kick into the net to seal his fourth goal of the night.

Eastern Conference Impact

The victory moved Miami to second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville.

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Governor Gupta meets athletes to discuss boosting sports in Himachal

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 03:00:54 +0530

Governor Outlines Vision for Sports Development

On the occasion of National Sports Day, Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday interacted for the first time with veteran athletes of the state at Lok Bhavan in Shimla.

International and national-level athletes who have brought glory to both the state and the country participated in the event, sharing their experiences and providing valuable suggestions to further encourage sports in the region.

The primary objective of the dialogue was to leverage the expertise of veteran sports personalities, understand the prevailing challenges in the athletic sector, and discuss measures to strengthen sports infrastructure, identify grassroots talent, and inspire the youth toward sports.

Highlighting the pivotal role played by experienced athletes, the Governor emphasised that their contribution extends far beyond their on-field achievements. He noted that their discipline, struggles, experience, and dedication make them natural guides and role models for the younger generation.

He stressed that continuous collective efforts are necessary to expand sports facilities to rural and remote areas so that no talented youth is left behind due to a lack of resources.

Key Concerns Raised by Veteran Athletes

During the discussion, the veteran athletes raised key concerns regarding the shortage of sports grounds and infrastructure in the state, particularly in Shimla due to its unique geographical terrain. They suggested that school playgrounds, wherever feasible, should be made accessible to children and young athletes after school hours. The athletes also urged targeted efforts to strengthen traditional and established sports in Himachal--such as hockey, athletics, and volleyball--while placing special emphasis on player fitness, endurance, and the optimal utilisation of high-altitude training centres.

Leveraging Sports for Youth Engagement

Furthermore, the participants appreciated the central government's initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing schemes like Khelo India, Fit India, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for fostering grassroots talent and delivering better training facilities.

Addressing growing concerns over sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time among today's youth, Governor Gupta stated that connecting young people with sports and physical activities is the need of the hour. He emphasised that sports not only keep the youth physically fit but also build mental strength, discipline, and a positive outlook.

Pointing to the growing menace of drug addiction, the Governor remarked that sports can play a decisive role in steering youth away from substance abuse by engaging them in healthy, constructive pursuits.

Focus on Women's Participation

He also laid strong emphasis on ensuring maximum participation of women in sports, citing national icons like Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, and Sania Mirza, alongside Himachal's own Sushma Verma, Harleen Deol, and Renuka Singh Thakur as inspirations. He reaffirmed that women must be provided equal opportunities, encouragement, and necessary facilities to excel in athletic endeavours.

A Call for Collective Action and Support

Addressing the assembly directly, Governor Kavinder Gupta remarked. "You have elevated the pride of Himachal Pradesh and the nation with your performance. Today, your experience is equally crucial in shaping the future of our young athletes. I will take the initiative, but only with your active cooperation and guidance can we ensure that talent is not constrained by a lack of opportunities and facilities."

He added, "Our goal should be to make sports a lifestyle for the youth. A healthy and disciplined young generation will not only elevate Himachal Pradesh's sports achievements but also contribute to building a strong, healthy, and developed India."

To support ongoing athletic development, Governor Gupta announced a financial grant of Rs 1 lakh for the procurement of sports equipment. He requested the veteran athletes to submit detailed suggestions focusing on improving sports infrastructure, enhancing training setups, and strengthening grassroots sports throughout Himachal Pradesh.

Athletes Welcome Governor's Initiative

Expressing their appreciation for this inaugural interactive session hosted by the Governor, the veteran athletes described the initiative as a significant step toward advancing sports development in the state and passing down invaluable institutional knowledge to the next generation.

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Indian cricketers report for pre-season fitness tests at BCCI CoE

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:31 +0530

Indian Cricketers Undergo Pre-Season Fitness Tests

The contracted players have reported to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) for pre-season testing and have undergone some mandatory fitness tests ahead of a hectic domestic and international season. The official X handle of BCCI posted pictures of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Rinku Singh and Shreyas Iyer among players who reported for the fitness tests.

The BCCI handle posted, "The pre-season testing for the contracted players was conducted at the BCCI Centre of Excellence The players who had to undergo the mandated fitness arrived in batches and completed their respective tests ahead of a busy season." The pre season testing for the contracted players was conducted at the BCCI Centre of Excellence The players who had to undergo the mandated fitness arrived in batches and completed their respective tests ahead of a busy season pic.twitter.com/64LsSByytP — BCCI (@BCCI) August 29, 2026

India Clinch Test Series 1-0 Against Sri Lanka

India recently secured a 1-0 series win in Sri Lanka away Tests, with the second Colombo Test ending in a draw courtesy of incredible resilience from the Lankan lower-order batters and Sonal Dinusha, who topped the run-charts with 420 runs and three centuries, one fifty.

Second Test Ends in a Draw

Coming to the match, India opted to bat first, with centuries from Devdutt Padikkal (117 in 193 balls, with 12 fours), Dhruv Jurel (115* in 177 balls, with nine fours and two sixes) and half-centuries from Rishabh Pant (63 in 89 balls, with six fours and two sixes) and skipper Gill (50 in 108 balls, with six fours) taking India to 503/9, with Asitha Fernando taking four-fer.

In their first innings, SL was skittled out for 290, with Dinusha's second century (103 in 162 balls, with eight fours and three sixes) and a fine 80 from Pasindu Sooriyabandara (in 133 balls, with nine fours) standing out. Prasidh Krishna and Suthar were among the wickets for India with three each.

During the follow-on, India had SL down for 218/6, but a 112-run stand between Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha (46 in 150 balls, with four boundaries) pushed Sri Lanka towards a sizeable lead. Dinusha (133* in 264 balls, with eight fours and two sixes) reached his third ton of the series, with the resistance from lower order, who soaked in deliveries to support him. SL ended at 429/9, drawing the Test.

Key Performances of the Series

Padikkal was India's top run-getter with 328 runs in three innings at an average of 109.33, with two centuries and a best score of 117. Now in four Tests and six innings, he has made 418 runs at an average of 69.66, including two centuries and a fifty.

Suthar finished the series with 16 wickets in two matches at an average of 21.06, with a four-fer and six-fer in the first Test, giving him his first career ten-fer. His best bowling figures were 6/55. (ANI)

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National Sports Day: Dhyanchand Foundation honours legend's legacy

Asianet News Central — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:28 +0530

On the occasion of National Sports Day and the birth anniversary of 'Wizard of Hockey' Major Dhyan Chand, the Dhyanchand Foundation organised a special sporting programme at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, to honour the immortal legacy of the hockey legend and inspire the next generation of sportspersons.

According to a press release, the programme was organised under the leadership of Gaurav Dhyan Chand, Grandson of Major Dhyan Chand, President, Dhyanchand Foundation, President, Orienteering Sport Federation, and CEO, E Sports Games Federation, with a vision to take forward the values of excellence, discipline, sportsmanship and service to the nation that Major Dhyan Chand represented throughout his life.

A Day of Tributes and Sporting Action

The celebrations began with a floral prayer offering at the statue of Major Dhyan Chand, paying tribute to one of India's greatest sporting icons. A special hockey match between students of SS Mota Singh Public School and Shaheed Bishan Singh Memorial School was subsequently organised at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The young players had the opportunity to play at the historic venue and experience the legacy of Indian hockey first-hand.

The programme also featured an Orienteering Tournament in the Sprint Format, with participation from members of the Delhi Trail Tribe Club and TrailO, a special type of orienteering for para-athletes, underlining the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in sport.

In a special grassroots initiative called the "Back to School" programme, the Dhyanchand Foundation felicitated school students and distributed hockey sticks free of cost, with the objective of encouraging more children to take up hockey and ensuring that sporting equipment does not become a barrier to participation.

Hockey India Pledges Support

The event was attended by several prominent personalities from the sporting, social and media fraternity, including Shri Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India. Tirkey praised the Dhyanchand Foundation and Gaurav Dhyan Chand for preserving Major Dhyan Chand's legacy and encouraging young children to take up hockey. He assured the foundation of Hockey India's full support in efforts to promote the sport and strengthen India's presence on the international stage.

"As the President of Hockey India, I am truly grateful to the Dhyanchand Foundation and Gaurav Dhyan Chand for continuing to keep the legacy and spirit of hockey alive. Major Dhyan Chand is not merely a name in the history of Indian hockey; he is an inspiration for generations of players. It is heartening to see young children being encouraged to take up hockey and to see sporting activities being organised in his memory. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Dhyanchand Foundation and assure them of all possible support from Hockey India in our collective endeavour to take Indian hockey forward and keep the Tricolour flying high on the international stage," he said.

Carrying Forward a Legendary Legacy

Nandan Jha, Secretary General, Gandhi Mandela Foundation and Founder, E Sports Games Federation, said: "Hockey has given India a century of pride, passion and sporting excellence, and at the heart of that glorious journey stands Major Dhyan Chand. His three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936 established him as one of the greatest sporting legends not only of India but of Asia. His legacy transcends generations and continues to inspire the sporting community."

Gaurav Dhyan Chand, Grandson of Major Dhyan Chand and President, Dhyanchand Foundation, said: "For our family, National Sports Day is not only an occasion to remember Major Dhyan Chand; it is a responsibility to carry forward his values. His greatest legacy is not simply the goals he scored or the medals he won, but the discipline, humility, dedication and love for the nation that he embodied."

"Through the Dhyanchand Foundation, our endeavour is to bring children closer to sport, provide encouragement and equipment to young athletes, and create opportunities for para-athletes and emerging sporting talent. When we see children holding a hockey stick and dreaming of representing India, we feel that the spirit of Major Dhyan Chand is truly alive," he added.

Promoting Inclusivity in Sport

Gursharan Singh, Secretary General, E Sports Games Federation and former President & Secretary General, Paralympic Committee of India, said: "Sport has the extraordinary power to unite people, build character and create a sense of purpose. Major Dhyan Chand's life is one of the finest examples of how sporting excellence can become a source of national inspiration. Today, it is equally important that we make sport inclusive and accessible to everyone."

Rahul Swami, CEO, Paralympic Committee of India, said: "The true strength of Indian sport lies in creating opportunities for every talented athlete, irrespective of their circumstances or physical abilities. The participation of para-athletes in today's programme is an important step towards strengthening the culture of inclusion in Indian sport."

"Major Dhyan Chand's legacy reminds us that sporting excellence begins with opportunity, determination and the right environment. Initiatives such as these can inspire a new generation of athletes to believe that representing India is a dream within their reach," he added.

(ANI)

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FIH Women's World Cup 2026: Argentina beat Netherlands for 3rd title

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:30:34 +0530

Argentina defeated defending champions Netherlands 3-1 in a shootout after the final ended 1-1 in regulation time to lift the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 title at the Wagener Stadium on Saturday.

The victory gave Argentina their third World Cup crown and their first since 2010, while ending the Netherlands' bid for a fourth consecutive title on home soil.

The final began at a high tempo, with both teams looking to take control early. Netherlands enjoyed periods of pressure, but Argentina's defence remained organised as the two sides battled for supremacy in midfield.

Neither side could break the deadlock in the opening 25 minutes before the Netherlands' Yibbi Jansen opened the scoring in the 30th minute. Just when it appeared the Dutch would run away with the match, Argentina's Maria Granatto struck the equaliser, sending the final into a tense finish.

Regulation time ended 1-1, forcing the title to be decided by a shootout. Argentina showed greater composure when it mattered most, converting three attempts while restricting the Dutch to just one successful effort to secure a 3-1 shootout victory.

The triumph also avenged Argentina's defeat to the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup final. Argentina's victory denied the hosts a record-extending 10th World Cup title and marked their return to the top of women's international hockey.

India's Campaign at the World Cup

In India's campaign at the FIH Women's World Cup, the Indian women's hockey team produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Germany 3-1 and secure fifth place at the World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Stadium on Thursday.

The victory marked India's best finish at the Women's Hockey World Cup since their fourth-place finish in the inaugural 1974 edition. In recognition of the historic achievement, Hockey India on Friday announced a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for the team. (ANI)

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Sunil Chhetri feels 'jealous' of current team's Brazil opportunity

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:30:24 +0530

Sunil Chhetri, one of the biggest stars and the face of Indian football for more than two decades, has made an immense contribution to the growth of the sport in the country. As the current generation prepares for the upcoming matches involving Brazil on October 3, 2026, in Kolkata and Uruguay on October 6, Chhetri expresses excitement about the opportunity while admitting that he feels "a little jealous" watching from the sidelines, according to a press release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

A Sense of Envy

Reflecting on the opportunities available to the current squad, Sunil Chhetri said he could not help but feel a sense of envy as a spectator. "I feel a little jealous as a spectator," Sunil Chhetri said. "In my 24-26 years as a professional and nearly 20 years with the national team, I never got an opportunity like this," he said.

With India set to face the prospect of competing alongside teams such as Brazil and Uruguay, Sunil Chhetri expressed hope that the players remain fit, compete with determination and make the most of the opportunity.

Faith in the Coach

On questions surrounding team selection and the exclusion of certain players, Chhetri expressed complete confidence in the head coach and said that the decisions were taken by the coaching staff. He mentioned that the coach understands the team's requirements and backs whatever decisions are made in the interest of the squad. "The coach has to answer that. I'm just a fan now, watching like everyone else," he said, while reiterating his faith in the coach and the team's decision-making process.

Passing the Baton

Sunil Chhetri also responded with humour when asked about the possibility of returning to action. "I just trained for 20 minutes. I'm around 42 now, I can barely run properly and I'm struggling," he joked.

Despite watching the team from outside the dressing room, Chhetri expressed complete faith in the current generation, highlighting the depth of young talent within the squad. "This is their time. There are so many talented youngsters in the team. Everyone gets their opportunity; just like I got mine 20 years ago," he added.

As India prepares for the upcoming footballing challenge, with Brazil and Uruguay among the major international teams involved, Chhetri will be watching as a supporter, hoping the young players embrace the occasion and make the most of an opportunity he believes can be significant for Indian football. (ANI)

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Assam gets first swimming NCoE with SAI, BAI tripartite agreement

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:01:26 +0530

A tripartite agreement was signed on Saturday between the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Badminton Association of India (BAI), and Sports Authority of Assam (SAA) for strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting sporting excellence in the region. The event was hosted by the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, in the presence of the Minister of Sports, Government of Assam, and Member of Parliament, Bijuli Kalita Medhi, along with other dignitaries and senior officials, accoridng to a press release. Representing the Sports Authority of India, Deputy Director General, Manjushree Dayanand, and Executive Director, Regional Centre Guwahati, D. K. Mittal, were present on the occasion.

North East's First NCoE for Swimming

As part of the agreement, the Olympic-size swimming pool at the Amingaon Sports Complex will be made available to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Swimming. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the development of swimming in the North Eastern Region, as the centre will be the first NCoE for Swimming in the region.

Fostering Talent and High-Performance Ecosystem

It is expected to provide world-class training facilities and professional support to athletes, while facilitating the identification, nurturing and development of swimming talent from Assam and across the North Eastern states. The establishment of the NCoE reflects the collective commitment towards strengthening sports infrastructure and building a robust high-performance ecosystem in the North East, thereby providing athletes with enhanced opportunities to excel at the national and international levels. (ANI)

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DPL 2026 Final: Central Delhi Kings to face South Delhi Superstarz

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:01:04 +0530

The stage is set for a thrilling finale of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026, with Central Delhi Kings set to lock horns with South Delhi Superstarz in the summit clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

With the title at stake, both teams are preparing for a high-pressure contest. While South Delhi Superstarz booked their place in the final after defeating Central Delhi Kings in Qualifier 1, the Kings bounced back strongly to beat Purani Dilli 6 in Qualifier 2 and secure their place in the title clash, according to a press release.

Star-Studded Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony will add to the excitement, with popular singers Abeer Arora and Pallavi Seth, along with Tabla Maestro Mannanjot Singh, set to entertain the fans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Captains Speak Ahead of Title Clash

South Delhi Superstarz captain Tejasvi Dahiya said his team is looking forward to the big occasion and will focus on keeping things simple. "We are very excited for the finals. The boys have been performing really well throughout the tournament, and everyone has been working hard and preparing well for the big game. A final is always a special occasion, but we don't want to think too much about the pressure or the result. We just want to stick to our basics, follow our plans and play the kind of cricket we have played throughout the tournament. If we can execute our plans well and enjoy the game, hopefully we can finish the season with the trophy," he said, as quoted by the press release.

Central Delhi Kings skipper Jonty Sidhu, who produced a match-winning all-round performance in the Qualifier 2 against Purani Dilli 6, said his team will approach the final like any other game. "We are taking it as another game and don't want to give ourselves any added pressure. Of course, playing a final is a big moment and everyone wants to win the trophy, but putting too much pressure on ourselves can take us away from our game plan. We have worked hard to reach this stage and have played some good cricket throughout the tournament. We will focus on the basics, back our abilities and try to execute our plans well on the day," said Jonty Sidhu, as per the press release.

The two teams have already faced each other in Qualifier 1, where South Delhi Superstarz came out on top. However, Central Delhi Kings showed their resilience by returning strongly in Qualifier 2, setting up another meeting between the two sides with the DPL 2026 title on the line. (ANI)

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Kolkata to host Brazil, Uruguay; Chaubey hails state's football legacy

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:00:59 +0530

All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey highlighted the importance of bringing international football to West Bengal, pointing out the city's prestige in the Indian football scene over decades. Kalyan was speaking to the media in Kolkata.

Kolkata's Footballing Legacy

Kolkata is set to host five-time world champions Brazil and two-time champions Uruguay for two friendlies in October. Speaking to the media, Kalyan pointed out Kolkata's prestige as one of India's richest footballing states, saying for years, players from all over India did not consider their careers fulfilled if they did not get to play there.

"Kolkata has long been known and respected for its football, over several decades. I think there was a time, about 25, 30, or 40 years ago, when it was believed that if a football player had not played in the Kolkata Maidan or the Kolkata League at least once in their life, their football career wasn't truly fulfilled," he said. "Many players came from Hyderabad Police, like Habib Sahab and Naim Sahab; from Kerala, there were Sathyan, IM Vijayan, and Jo Paul Ancheri; from Bangalore came Carlton Chapman and Ilyas Pasha; and from Punjab, Harjinder. Everyone wanted to come and play in Bengal or Kolkata. So, I believe we should strive to bring back international football facilities to Bengal so that fans have the opportunity to watch matches. My effort is for all of us to work together towards this," added the AIFF president.

Brazil and Uruguay to Play in Kolkata

Brazil will play against India at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (also known as the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3, followed by match against two-time champions Uruguay at the same venue on October 6.

One of the most decorated teams in international football, Uruguay are currently ranked 20th in the FIFA World Ranking. The current head coach of Uruguay, Diego Forlan, played for Mumbai City FC in 2016. La Celeste's (Uruguay team) arrival in Kolkata adds another major fixture to an unprecedented run of international football for Indian fans, with three World Cup-playing nations --Panama, Brazil and Uruguay -- set to visit the country within the same FIFA window.

Bengaluru to Host India vs Panama Friendly

Meanwhile, the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru has been confirmed as the venue for the Indian senior men's national team's international friendly against Panama on September 26, during the FIFA Men's International Match Window.

The fixture will mark the Blue Tigers' first appearance in Bengaluru since their memorable SAFF Championship 2023 campaign, when India lifted the title on home soil after defeating Kuwait in the final at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The tournament saw the Indian team enjoy tremendous support from the Bengaluru crowd, with the stadium witnessing strong attendance throughout the campaign.

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Ashwin picks India's greatest cricketer; Rohit, Virat face shock exit

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:00:29 +0530

Ashwin's Controversial Picks

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin crowned legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar as the greatest Indian cricketer, while making a shock call on Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and placing a surprise opponent against the 'Master Blaster' in the final. Ashwin was given the task of choosing India's best 16 all-time cricketers in a video by Cricinfo.

The Initial Bracket

During the round of 16, Ashwin picked Sachin, Virat, Kapil Dev and Virender Sehwag over Vijay Hazare, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh and Sunil Gavaskar respectively. On the other half, he picked MS Dhoni over Ravindra Jadeja, despite his "temptation" to go for his long-time partner in spin. He also picked Rahul Dravid, Jasprit Bumrah and Sourav Ganguly over Vinoo Mankad, Anil Kumble and himself.

Shock Exits in Knockout Rounds

In the quarterfinals, he picked Sachin over Ganguly and then Kapil, the 1983 WC-winning skipper, over Dravid. In the other two matchups, he delivered two surprises, choosing Sehwag over India's trophy-collecting captain Dhoni and Bumrah over Virat. The omission of Dhoni despite 17,000+ international runs, winning all ICC titles for India as captain, leading India to number one spot in Tests was surprising. So was that of Virat, who has scored over 28,000 runs (and counting) for India, including 85 centuries and has played a major role in five ICC titles he has won with Team India.

In the semifinals, Ashwin picked Sachin over Sehwag and Bumrah over Kapil, pitting Sachin and Bumrah in the final, with Sachin crowned as winner.

Sachin Tendulkar: A Legacy of Records

With a staggering 34,357 international runs, Sachin Tendulkar stands as the most prolific batter in cricket history. Throughout his illustrious international career, he rewrote the record books time and again, setting milestones that remain unchallenged to this day.

Test Cricket Dominance

With his unwavering patience and resilience, the 'Master Blaster' has 200 Test appearances to his name, the most by any player in the format. Tendulkar amassed 15,921 runs, 51 centuries, and 2,058 fours, the most by any player in red-ball cricket. Revered as India's "God of Cricket," he also became the fastest to 15,000 Test runs, reaching the milestone in just 300 innings, a distinction he holds exclusively.

ODI Milestones

With a career that spanned over 22 years and 91 days, the 53-year-old has the longest career in ODIs. With a staggering 1,894 runs and nine centuries in 1998, Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs and centuries scored in a single calendar year in the format, a feat that still stands unrivalled.

The undisputed icon, Tendulkar, became the fastest to 18,000 ODI runs, reaching the milestone in just 440 innings. He ended with 18,426 runs and 49 centuries. Much like his landmark achievement in Tests, he stands alone in this exclusive club.

Tendulkar holds the highest number of Player of the Match awards (76), the most runs in a career (34,357), the most fifties (264), the most nineties (28), and the most fours (4,076) across all formats. (ANI)

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Brevis' blistering 75* powers South Africa to win over Zimbabwe

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:31:48 +0530

Brevis' Blistering 75* Guides Proteas to Victory

Proteas batter Dewald Brevis continued his good form with a blistering unbeaten 75 as South Africa registered a convincing seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the T20I Tri-Series at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on Saturday. The Proteas, who suffered a surprise defeat to hosts Namibia in their opening game, produced a clinical all-round performance to chase down Zimbabwe's 144/8 in just 13.4 overs on the back of Brevis' 32-ball 75*.

Zimbabwe's Innings Slips After Strong Start

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Zimbabwe made an aggressive start, with Brian Bennett (34) and Ben Curran (24) putting the South African bowlers under pressure during the powerplay. The opening pair helped their team reach 45/0 in five overs.

South African pacer Duan Jansen struck first for the visitors as he dismissed Ben Curran in the sixth over. Prenelan Subrayen and captain Bjorn Fortuin tightened the screws in the middle overs, while debutant Eathan Bosch also chipped in with a wicket. Zimbabwe lost four wickets for just 18 runs as their innings slipped from 76/1 to 94/5. Dion Myers (17), Brian Bennett (34), Sikandar Raza (10) and Ryan Burl (4) were the batters dismissed during the collapse, leaving Zimbabwe in need of a late surge.

Tadiwanashe Marumani provided exactly that, smashing 30 off 13 balls, but his efforts could only lift Zimbabwe to 144/8. Duan Jansen was South Africa's most successful bowler with 3/45, while Prenelan Subrayen returned figures of 2/27.

South Africa's Dominant Chase

South Africa lost two wickets in the powerplay, but openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius (22) and Jordan Hermann (20) made sure the Proteas reached 61/2 in 6 overs. However, it was Dewald Brevis who took the centre stage for South Africa. The 23-year-old, who had also scored an unbeaten 75 in South Africa's previous match against Namibia, unleashed another spectacular display of clean hitting.

He smashed seven fours and six sixes from 32 balls, reaching his half-century in just 24 balls and leaving Zimbabwe's bowlers with few answers. By the end of the 12th over, South Africa were already 124/3. Brevis brought the chase to a close with a boundary in the 14th over, finishing unbeaten on 75 and being named Player of the Match.

For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri and Brad Evans were the only bowlers to make inroads, picking up one wicket each. The emphatic win marked a strong response from South Africa and revived their campaign after their disappointing opening result. Zimbabwe will face hosts Namibia in the next match of the tri-series on Sunday. (ANI)

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Suryakumar Yadav recalls 'toughest call' to drop Sanju Samson for WC

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:31:06 +0530

India's T20 World Cup-winning skipper Suryakumar Yadav opened up on his conversations with Sanju Samson as he sat on the sidelines battling with form during the first half of this year's T20 World Cup and how he saw opener Abhishek Sharma as a player who would win him his first ICC tournament as a captain. Suryakumar Yadav was speaking to Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel.

'Toughest call': Suryakumar on dropping Samson

Speaking about Samson, who had been dropped from the side during the first half of the tournament after managing just 46 runs in five innings against New Zealand, and Ishan Kishan had taken his place as a top-choice opener/wicketkeeper-batter, Suryakumar said that he informed Sanju that it would be difficult keeping him in the line-up and Samson took the call very positively, urging his skipper to do "whatever he feels is right to make the team win the World Cup". Samson also assured him that he would be there whenever needed and would train as he was going to be playing.

"We were on the bus, and I told him that it was going to be difficult with how it was going. He told me just one thing: do whatever you feel is right to make this team win the World Cup. He said he is there whenever I need him, as he will prepare as if he were going to play. I gained a lot of confidence hearing that. Aise bhi log hote hain life mein," recalled Suryakumar. He called dropping Samson as his "toughest call", saying that while he failed to score against Sri Lanka in 2024, he was still backed to play. It was during that year Samson scored three centuries in five innings, with one coming at home against Bangladesh and two coming against South Africa away from home. But next year, he could manage just 222 runs in 15 innings, with just one fifty while batting at different positions, which put his place as an opener in danger.

"That was my toughest call because I knew that he was a good person. We went to Sri Lanka in 2024, and he did not score a lot of runs there. He asked me what he should do. We were playing the Duleep Trophy in Anantapur. I told him I had confidence in him and that the coach had shown it as well. I assured him that he would play the next seven matches, and even if he scored seven ducks, he would still play the eighth," Suryakumar recalled.

However, Samson's journey towards redemption started with a short and sweet cameo of 24 runs against Zimbabwe in a must-win game against Zimbabwe after a loss to South Africa. The batter would set the World Cup on fire, from a virtual quarterfinal against West Indies to the final against NZ, scoring 97*, 89 (against England in the semis) and 89 (in the final), to end as India's top run-getter with 321 runs and walk away with the T20 WC and 'Player of the Tournament' award.

'He would win me the World Cup': Suryakumar on Abhishek Sharma

Shifting focus to Abhishek, Suryakumar recalled that when he became T20I captain in 2024, he was "completely dazzled" by Abhishek's batting and felt he could win the World Cup for him as he would kill the game in the powerplay itself. "When I became the captain in 2024, the first time I saw him, I understood that this is a player who would win me the World Cup. Then, with how he played throughout the year, he was the No. 1 batter in T20Is and finished half the game in the powerplay itself. I wanted a player who could do those things. I was completely dazzled," he said.

But after a massive stretch of great form, runs dried up for Abhishek in the tournament as he could score just a fifty against Zimbabwe and other than duck, all scores below 20, including three successive ducks. But in the final, Abhishek repaid the faith with a quickfire 52 in 21 balls, ending the tournament with 141 runs and two fifties. Suryakumar supported Abhishek during his lean phase, encouraging him to play his natural game. He said that there was no intervention on part of him and coach, as they were aware of his abilities, and Abhishek promised him that he will score good for his skipper.

"I told him that irrespective of anything, play in the same fashion till the World Cup because this is your identity. He started in the World Cup and could not score. I didn't talk to him at all. The coach also didn't say anything because he knew what this player can do if he batted for just six overs. Before the final, he was thinking, 'Main karunga aap ke liye paaji (I will do it for you).' I told him that there is no responsibility or pressure on you; just show me your game. There is no problem if you get out while trying to hit a six on the first ball," he recalled.

The turning point

Suryakumar also identified a 76-run loss to South Africa in Super Eight as a turning point, jokingly remarking that "sab ka screw achanak se tight ho gaya". After the India-South Africa match in Ahmedabad, we realized that we were going to do something special. Sab log ka screw achanak se tight ho gaya (everyone suddenly got charged up). Everyone started seeing each other, thinking, now we will have to do something. There is a very thin line between it will happen, and you have to make it happen. Everyone pushes together in that," he signed off. (ANI)

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ETPL 2026: Berrington, Ngidi star in Glasgow's first win over Dublin

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:31:01 +0530

Richie Berrington and Lungi Ngidi starred for Glasgow Cosmic as they secured their first victory of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026 with a commanding 33-run win over Dublin Guardians at Sportpark Westvliet, responding strongly after a defeat in their opening match. According to a press release, Dublin won the toss and elected to field, giving Glasgow the opportunity to set the target.

Glasgow Cosmic Post a Commanding Total

The Cosmic batting unit made full use of that opportunity, posting 183 for five from their 20 overs. Jason Roy provided the early momentum, striking a powerful 60 from 37 balls, with eight fours and a six. But the innings truly accelerated when Richie Berrington joined him in the middle.

Berrington produced the defining batting performance of the innings, smashing 51 from just 27 deliveries. His knock contained two fours and four sixes and came at a remarkable strike rate of 188.88. The pair added 68 runs for the fourth wicket, transforming Glasgow's position and giving the Cosmic a strong platform for the final overs. Matthew Cross then added an unbeaten 25 from 16 balls as Glasgow finished on 183/5.

Dublin's Chase Derailed by Ngidi

Dublin's chase began badly when Muhammad Waseem was dismissed for a duck by Lungi Ngidi, but Harry Tector kept the Guardians in contention with a superb 75 from 45 balls. He struck eight fours and three sixes, repeatedly finding ways to keep Dublin within touching distance of the required rate. Sanjay Krishnamurthi added 20 from 15, but wickets continued to fall around Tector. Once the middle order began to disappear, the chase slipped firmly away from Dublin.

The South African fast bowler produced a sensational four-wicket haul, finishing with 4 for 21 from his four overs. His opening over was a wicket maiden, immediately setting the tone for a spell in which he repeatedly struck at crucial moments, including the early dismissal of Waseem before returning to remove George Dockrell, Ravichandran Ashwin and Chris Wood in a devastating late spell. Dublin were eventually dismissed for 150 in 19.3 overs, leaving Glasgow 33 runs short of the target.

Star Performers Seal Victory

Berrington's 51 was the innings-defining contribution, providing the acceleration that took Glasgow from a competitive position to a winning total and earning him the Man of the Match award. His four sixes and near-189 strike rate proved crucial in a match ultimately decided by the margin of runs.

For Glasgow, the victory was built on outstanding individual performances: Berrington's explosive half-century and Jason Roy's 60 gave them the runs, while Ngidi's four-wicket burst ensured Dublin could never complete the chase. After their opening defeat, Glasgow Cosmic have responded in emphatic fashion and with Berrington, Roy and Ngidi, they found the performances that shaped their first ETPL victory.

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Doiwala Kings reveal squad, leadership for Dehradun T20 League

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:30:44 +0530

Doiwala Kings have announced their squad and leadership group for the inaugural edition of the Dehradun T20 League 2026, with TNR Mohit set to lead the side and Divyanshu Yadav named vice-captain. The announcement marks an important step in the franchise's preparations for the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on September 2, 2026. The Doiwala Kings will be among the teams competing in the inaugural edition of the league, opening a new chapter for franchise cricket in Uttarakhand, as per a press release.

Officially approved by the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU), the Dehradun T20 League is expected to provide a competitive platform for cricketers from the state while bringing high-intensity franchise cricket to fans in Dehradun and surrounding regions.

A 17-Member Squad Blending Experience and Young Talent

Doiwala Kings have assembled a 17-member squad featuring a mix of established performers and promising talent from the region. Alongside captain TNR Mohit and his deputy Divyanshu Yadav, the squad includes notable names such as Avneesh Sudha, Tanish Khatri, Mukesh Gupta, Ashwaman Gulati, Ajay Yadav, Sarang Rawat and Vishu Kashyap. The franchise will look to make an immediate impression as it begins its maiden campaign in the newly launched competition.

Doiwala Kings Squad

TNR Mohit (Captain), Divyanshu Yadav (Vice-Captain), Avneesh Sudha, Tanish Khatri, Mukesh Gupta, Ashwaman Gulati, Ajay Yadav, Sarang Rawat, Vishu Kashyap, Akash Saini, Preet Shrohi, Shivanshu Pandey, Abhay Deep, Shubham Singh, Ship Pratap Singh, Uday and Adi Khan.

Strong Management and Coaching Set-Up

The team's preparations will be led by an experienced management and coaching group. Sachin Kumar Tomar has been appointed as the Team Director, while Gaurav Kumar will take charge as Head Coach. Rithik Sharma will be part of the coaching staff as Assistant Batting Coach.

Team Management

- Team Director: Sachin Kumar Tomar - Head Coach: Gaurav Kumar - Assistant Batting Coach: Rithik Sharma

Building a Cricketing Identity Beyond the League

Backed by Sachworld Sports and Livewires Sporting Ventures, Doiwala Kings have been formed with a broader vision of creating a professional platform for cricketers from Uttarakhand. While the immediate focus remains on making a strong start in the Dehradun T20 League, the franchise is also looking to build a long-term cricketing identity by identifying and nurturing grassroots talent from Doiwala, Dehradun and other parts of Uttarakhand.

The franchise also aims to develop a strong connection with supporters through community engagement while proudly representing the sporting identity of Doiwala and Uttarakhand.

With its captain, vice-captain, full squad and coaching staff now in place, Doiwala Kings have officially begun their countdown to the inaugural Dehradun T20 League. As the tournament gets underway on September 2, the team will look to combine local talent, competitive ambition and regional pride in its bid to make a memorable start to franchise cricket in Uttarakhand. (ANI)

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'Completely shocked': Suryakumar Yadav on being dropped from T20I team

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:30:30 +0530

Former Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav spoke on being dropped from the team after securing the T20 World Cup on home soil, admitting that he was "completely shocked" and a lot was going on his mind regarding his future in the sport. Suryakumar was speaking on former cricketer Aakash Chopra's YouTube channel.

After winning the T20 World Cup, Suryakumar was dropped from the T20I side named for the tour to the UK (matches against Ireland and England), and it was Shreyas Iyer who was appointed as the new T20I captain following some success with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL. Despite his incredible captaincy, Suryakumar's dip in batting form perhaps played a big role in his omission from the team.

'I was completely shocked'

Speaking to Aakash on his YouTube channel, he said, "I sat at home for 40-50 days. I was doing nothing, and I was completely shocked. I was thinking, what should I do now? Do I want to play or not? A lot was going on in my mind. One day, suddenly my wife said, 'Just think about why you started playing this game 20 years ago? Because you were mad for this game. Then bring that passion back again."

The World Cup-winning captain also said that he smiled when he found his name was not there in the team, saying that he "always smiled" when he faced pressure situations while playing his cricket. "Aise hi smile kiya tha maine jabhi mera naam nahi tha (I smiled like this when my name was not there). Whatever cricket I played throughout the two years, whenever I was in situations where there was pressure and things were not going my way, I have always smiled," he said.

Suryakumar's Post-World Cup Form

Suryakumar is India's third-highest T20I run-getter with 3,272 runs in 113 matches at an average of 36.35 and a strike rate of 162.94, with four centuries and 25 fifties and best score of 117. However, post-T20 WC 2024, his form fizzled out with the bat, scoring 932 runs in 42 innings at an average of 25.88 and a strike rate of over 152, with just six fifties. He did not have a great IPL 2026 with Mumbai Indians (MI) either, scoring 270 runs in 13 innings, with two fifties and a strike rate of over 147.

'Did not think this would happen'

Suryakumar admitted that he did not see his omission coming and was preparing to take the team forward for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the T20 World Cup same year in Australia-New Zealand. But when a final call was taken, Suryakumar admitted to not reacting to it. "I also did not think this would happen. I was preparing to take this team forward for another two years; then the Olympics will come, then there will be another T20 World Cup, another challenge going forward. But at the same time, what you think and what others are thinking are two different things. If they thought that this is a better call going forward, they took that call. But I did not react," he said.

On Shreyas Iyer's Appointment

On the appointment of Shreyas, a fellow Mumbaikar, as the captain, he said that he did not feel a sense of injustice but was a little disappointed after his omission despite a monumental run as a captain, which saw them not lose a single series and win the Asia Cup and the T20 WC. "I have played a lot of cricket with Shreyas, and I know he is a good player, a good human being, and a good captain. I didn't think, 'Arrey, isko kyu banaya (Why was he chosen)?' But yes, I was a bit disappointed because we had not lost a single series in two years and also won the World Cup and Asia Cup; then you want the same thing to go forward. If everything is going well, why change it? I was sitting at home and thinking, 'Aisa kaise ho sakta hai (How can this happen)?," he signed off.

Focus on T20s for Comeback

Speaking about training for a potential Indian team comeback, the 35-year-old said that he wants to focus on T20s and he "does not want to talk about ODI cricket", saying that he could not "understand" the format despite trying to adapt to it. "I am preparing with the mindset that I want to play cricket, and I know how to play this format (T20s). I do not want to talk about ODI cricket, maine bohot try kiya (I tried that a lot), but I did not understand it," he signed off. In 37 ODIs, Suryakumar scored 773 runs in 35 innings at an average of 25.76 and a strike rate of over 105, with four fifties and best score of 72*. (ANI)

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National Sports Day: Anurag Thakur pays tribute to Major Dhyan Chand

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:30:54 +0530

BJP MP Anurag Thakur participated in an event organised at the Anu Synthetic Track in Hamirpur to mark National Sports Day and paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.

Extending his greetings on National Sports Day, MP Anurag Thakur noted that the nation is honouring Major Dhyan Chand--the 'Wizard of Hockey'--on his birth anniversary, recalling how he secured three gold medals for India even before independence. "Major Dhyan Chand ji, who was called the 'Wizard of Hockey'... on his birth anniversary, where on one hand we pay tribute to him, on the other hand, the youth of the country should also take pride in the fact that before India's independence, Major Dhyan Chand won three Olympic Gold Medals for India in the world of hockey," he said while speaking to reporters.

India to Bid for 2036 Olympics

Anurag Thakur said India's sporting ambitions extend beyond hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games as the country is going to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics, while emphasising the country's aim to make continued progress in its medal tally across sports. "India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and we are also going to bid for the hosting of the 2036 Summer Olympics. India wants that in every field where India's steps are advancing, our medals should also continuously move forward in the field of sports," he said.

Govt Initiatives Boost Athletes' Morale

Thakur also highlighted the excellent results achieved by the SAI National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Hamirpur in the field of sports over the past few years.

Thakur added that under the 'Khelo India' and 'Khelo India 2.0' initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has boosted athletes' morale by significantly increasing the budget and personally encouraging winners through direct interaction. (ANI)

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Hockey India prez Tirkey 'not happy' with men's team's WC show

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:30:25 +0530

Men's Team Failed to Meet Expectations: Tirkey

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has expressed disappointment with the performance of the Indian men's team at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, saying the side failed to live up to expectations.

India's men's hockey team finished eighth at the World Cup in Belgium and Netherlands after going down 4-3 to co-hosts Belgium in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw in regulation time in the 7th/8th-place playoff at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on Friday. Belgium secured seventh place on home soil. Before their defeat to Belgium, the Harmanpreet Singh-led side's campaign included a 5-3 loss to Argentina, a 3-1 defeat against the Netherlands, a 5-3 victory over Pakistan, a 4-2 loss to England and a 3-1 win against Wales.

Speaking with ANI on the sidelines of the National Sports Day celebrations at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, Tirkey said India men's team failed to meet expectations at the World Cup despite showing strong performances in earlier matches. He said Hockey India will assess the campaign after the players return, with the focus now shifting to the upcoming Asian Games.

"The men's team has not been able to perform according to the expectations we had. And we also saw the match yesterday against Belgium; we lost in the shootout, and we came in 8th position. I am also not happy with it. The way we see the players, the way we have seen them in previous matches, in some matches Team India has performed very well. But in the World Cup, they have not been able to do it. Let's see. There are Asian Games now. After that we will analyse and see what can be better," he said.

HI President Praises Women's Team

Hockey India on Friday announced a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for the Indian Women's Hockey Team in recognition of their historic fifth-place finish. The Hockey India President praised the women's team for their World Cup campaign, noting their draws against China, England and Australia.

"The women's hockey team has performed brilliantly. I think they only lost to Holland 2-0. We drew 2-2 with the Olympic silver medalist China, we drew with England, we drew with Australia. And after '74, after 52 years, I think, we have come in the top 5 in the World Cup. The women's performance was very good, everyone played very well. That's why, on behalf of Hockey India, we are giving them a cash award of Rs 50 lakh," Tirkey said.

Tribute to Major Dhyan Chand

On the occasion of National Sports Day and the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, the Dhyanchand Foundation organised a special sporting programme at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here to honour the immortal legacy of the famous hockey player.

Tirkey paid tribute to the hockey legend, highlighting his contribution to Indian hockey and his role in the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympic teams, including as captain in 1936.

"He was the captain of the 1936 Olympic team, and his contribution in all three Olympic campaigns was tremendous. He made a lot of contribution in taking hockey forward," he said. (ANI)

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PL 2024: Victor Munoz's late leveller earns Liverpool a draw vs Forest

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:00:28 +0530

Victor Munoz's 82nd-minute leveller helped Liverpool secure a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at home, starting their Premier League campaign with two draws. The newly appointed manager Andoni Iraola was heading towards a loss in his first game at home arena of Anfield, but the summer signing Munoz came in clutch, putting up a fantastic leveller to make sure that the Reds walked out with at least one point. Last weekend, Liverpool had come from behind to draw with Newcastle United at home, and the boss would be hoping that the imminent arrival of 120 million-pound signee Bradley Barcola will light up the league and lift their fortunes.

Thrilling Encounter Sees Four Goals

In the 24th minute, Nottingham was put ahead by Dan Ndoye, delivering a clean finish across goalie Alisson after Igor Jesus latched onto a long ball from Matz Sels and got to Morgan Gibbs-White, who found Ndoye in the box. Cody Gakpo and Munoz had their chances denied, but the equaliser came in the 60th minute, with Alexander Isak tapping in Gakpo's low cross from close range. 10 minutes later, however, a penalty conversion from Gibbs-White restored the lead for Nottingham. In the 82nd minute, Munoz delivered an equaliser off the underside of the bar, with the ball deflecting off Murillo. Florian Wirtz provided an assist.

'Not the Result You Want': Iraola

Liverpool boss Andoni said to TNT Sports, as quoted by Sky Sports after the game, "Not the result you want. Two very different halves. We were poor in the first half. Even being unlucky with their goal slightly VAR offside, the goal we score is slightly offside."

"The intensity was different [in the second half]. A lot more intense, a lot more threatening. I was happy with the second half, but it was late for winning the game."

"The first half has been poor, it has definitely not good enough. When you go 1-1 the momentum is with you. We concede another one, and everything becomes difficult. And we couldn't finish the comeback," he signed off. (ANI)

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Mourinho slams Ballon d'Or's 'political character' ahead of Malaga clash

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:30:48 +0530

Speaking ahead of his side's La Liga clash against Malaga, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho gave his take on the Ballon d'Or award, the highest individual award in the sport, saying that it should not be given to someone just because they won the UEFA Champions League or the FIFA World Cup. Real Madrid will play their second home match of La Liga season when they take on Malaga at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

Ahead of the match during the post-match presser, Mourinho made some shocking statements about the award, saying that it has a "political character" and he does not like politics being involved in the award. Ousmane Dembele was given the 2025 Ballon d'Or award, who played a crucial role in the club's historic treble of the first-ever UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, the top-flight French league and the domestic cup honours, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists during the 2024-25 season.

'Ballon d'Or should go to players we miss forever'

Speaking on the award, Mourinho said, as quoted by Goal.com, "It is a wonderful award on an individual level. This award enters the personal history of a certain player. There are around 12 players at a very high level, and we have 3 or 4 of them (at Real Madrid)." He added: "For me, the Ballon d'Or should go to those players we miss forever when they retire. I miss Maradona, (Ronaldo) Nazario, Messi, Zidane and Matthaus. You cannot give the Ballon d'Or to players just because they won the Champions League or the World Cup. If you want to reward the Champions League winner, then give the Ballon d'Or to Luis Enrique (PSG manager and former Spain, Barcelona/Real Madrid star)."

'The best in the world is something else'

Continuing his opinion, he said that Spain manager Luis de la Fuente deserves the award, having led Spain to the FIFA WC for the second time and the first time since 2010. "As for Spain, De la Fuente definitely deserves it. This is the greatest honour. The best in the world is something else, it does not have to be from Paris Saint-Germain or Spain. There are two or three or four, and we know who they are. We know where they are, they are here. We know who made history individually this summer," he said.

"The Ballon d'Or has a political character, and if politics gets involved, I do not like that," he signed off. (ANI)

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Trans athlete Anaya Bangar gets Cricket Australia pathway into elite game

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:00:36 +0530

Trans athlete Anaya Bangar, who received a pathway back into elite cricket from Cricket Australia (CA), spoke on challenges during her journey back into the game and named the star players she would like to face on the field. Anaya, daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, underwent a gender-affirming surgery earlier this year in March. She has been offered a pathway into competitive cricket as per CA's 'Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy'. Until March 2027, when she will face a test to determine her serum testosterone concentration, she will be eligible to play community cricket in "any state or territory of Australia". If she meets the policy requirements, she will be eligible for elite-level cricket in the country from March 2027 onwards.

Anaya Bangar on her journey back to cricket

Speaking about her journey, Anaya said that she, at one point, during her transition, wondered if she would get to play cricket at all, and while she admits that there will be a lot of scrutiny, she has urged people to look at her case, the science and her merit. "I did not even have that hope that I would get a chance to play when I started transitioning. I had given up on cricket as well, but now that hope has awakened again thanks to Cricket Australia and the pathway that they have provided. And I am sure there's gonna be a lot of scrutiny and a lot of people who might not be for me. But again, I am telling them just look at the science, look at my case, look at my merit," she said.

Scientific backing and CA's policy

She said that she already has scientific evidence on her case backed by the CA, and there have been guidelines set by CA that maintain the "inclusion, fairness, and dignity" of women's sport and make sure that the trans athletes taking part in women's sport have the right testosterone level. "I have already got scientific evidence backing my case from Manchester University (Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport), and on top of that, the guidelines set by Cricket Australia maintain inclusion, fairness, and dignity of women's sport while also having proper policies set, including the testosterone levels as well at the same time," she said.

"People do not understand how much the body changes after you have suppressed your testosterone for over a period of time; it can lead to muscle loss, bone density loss, and athletic capabilities diminished as well over time. And I am not talking about this just from personal opinion; it's been published by multiple studies out there as well. And I also am a huge advocate for a case-by-case basis standpoint as well at the same time," she added.

An expert panel comprising Jacqui Partridge (CA, Head of Integrity), Emily Yates (CA, Integrity Partner, Legal), Peter Roach (CA, Head of Scheduling, Operations and Domestic Cricket), Dr Peter Harcourt (CA, Anti-Doping Medical Officer) and Dr Pip Inge (CA, Team Doctor) (relevant expert) considered her case and confirmed that subject to compliance with the policy, she will be eligible for elite cricket in the country from March 2027.

Eligibility conditions

"Under Cricket Australia's policy, a player seeking to participate in the female category of elite cricket must establish that their serum testosterone concentration has been below 10 nmol/L continuously for a period of no less than 12 months," said an email to Anaya from CA.

"Based on the medical information provided, this requirement will be satisfied in March 2027. Accordingly, your eligibility for Elite Cricket from that date is conditional upon you providing a blood test upon your arrival in Australia confirming that your serum testosterone concentration remains below 10 nmol/L and that you continue to satisfy the policy's eligibility requirements. Until March 2027, you remain eligible to participate in Premier Cricket competitions in any State or Territory of Australia. As Premier Cricket is classified as Community Cricket rather than Elite Cricket under the Policy, your participation in those competitions is not affected by this determination," added the email.

Future aspirations and addressing assumptions

Speaking on the competition level in women's cricket, she said it is of the "highest quality", and she is looking to train and perform and see how everything goes. "Because now I have a new body, I do not have those athletic capabilities I used to have. So, according to that, I am just going to try to give my best and see how it goes and hopefully get selected in the WBBL (Women's Big Bash League) as well," she said.

On assumptions about her having an advantage over other female athletes due to her being a trans athlete and having existed as a male cricketer, Anaya said that these things are "based on assumptions rather than actual science".

"And whatever policies are already set, it's done by researchers and people who are far more educated than all of us combined. And whoever wants to question me, they can basically just go ahead and read the science surrounding this and my own personal case in it as well, which I have published and have been vocal about since the day I have come out as a trans woman," she added.

She also said that there have been no rules and regulations set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about trans athletes playing or not playing, and it stays a "grey area". "That is why, if I had wanted, I could have taken that approach and tried to be like, Okay, there is no such rule and everything; now I am here and playing. I do not want to take that road; I want to do everything with principle and dignity," she added.

Dream matchups and future leagues

On the players she would like to play with, she said that she would like to bat with Indian opener Smriti Mandhana and face Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry while batting. "I would love to play alongside Smriti Mandhana, I'd love to open with her if I get the chance and possibly face Ellyse Perry on the bowling side as well. So I think for viewers also it will be very entertaining to watch," she said.

She also said that she would like to represent Mumbai Indians (MI) in Women's Premier League (WPL) if she gets her chance, saying that her "heart is always with Mumbai cricket" "I pride myself on being a Mumbai cricketer, playing on the grounds of Azad Maidan, Cross Maidan, Matunga Gymkhana and many more out there. So I have grown up playing on these grounds, I have a deep bond with Mumbai cricket and the logo that it also comes up with. So yeah," she signed off. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Indian squash star Velavan Senthilkumar claims Budapest Open title

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 19:01:36 +0530

Indian squash star Velavan Senthilkumar secured his maiden PSA Copper-level squash title, defeating Hungary's number one player Balazs Farkas in the final of the Budapest Open.

On Friday, Velavan, ranked number 54, prevailed over Farkas in straight games by 11-4, 11-2, 11-3, completely dominating the ninth-seed, as per Olympics.com. It was the third match between the two on the PSA Tour, with India leading him 2-1 in head-to-head competition. Their previous encounter was won by Velavan in 2024 after Farkas prevailed in their first meeting in 2019.

Path to Glory

Velavan's biggest win came during the quarterfinals when he stunned the world number 18 and the top-seed Eain Yow Ng of Malaysia in straight games, beating the current Asian Games champion by 11-2, 11-9, 11-8.

Velavan had started his campaign in Budapest with a straight-games win over England's Will Salter, winning 11-9, 11-6, 11-5 and followed it with a win over fifth seed Raphael Kandra of Germany 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-2 in the second round.

After beating Eain, he faced Veer Chotrani, his compatriot in the semifinals and came out of it with a win by 9-11, 11-8, 11-7, 1-11, 12-10 in five games to reach the final.

Milestone Win and Future Outlook

This is overall Velavan's 11th PSA Squash Tour title, which comes ahead of the Asian Games from September 19 onwards in Japan, where he will be playing in the men's singles event. Squash will make its Olympic debut at LA 2028, and the men's and women's singles champions at the Asian Games 2026 will earn qualification spots for the Olympics. (ANI)

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How Sourav Ganguly's 'I am the King' mindset changed Team India

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 19:00:29 +0530

Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta recalled how former skipper Sourav Ganguly changed Team India's response to sledging from their opponents, saying that under him, the team started to give it back to their opponents as well, and the 'I am the King' mindset of the batting legend rubbed off on the rest of the team as well.

A Cultural Shift in Mindset

Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, Dasgupta, who played for India in eight Tests and five ODIs, spoke on the cultural shift that happened in Team India's mindset during Ganguly's captaincy. Ganguly, in total, led India in 196 international games, winning 97, losing 79, and drawing 15. He was also one of India's most successful captains, with 21 wins, 13 losses and 15 draws in 49 Tests, laying down the blueprint and the team for future captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, who took the Indian Test team to greater heights.

With India's current squad known for its fearless approach on overseas tours, Dasgupta traced the origin of this combative mindset back to Ganguly's era, noting the visible change in the team's personality between 2001 and the historic 2003-04 tour of Australia.

'We Started to Give It Back'

He said, "Under Ganguly, if someone sledged, we started to give it back. Rather than saying, 'I will channel it', while we used to channel it, we would give it back as well. His nickname is Maharaj. So, he's always had that idea that 'I am the king.' And it started reflecting on the team as well."

Dasgupta said that earlier, the team used to "internalise and channel" all the anger in their performances. "Now, while we were still doing that, we were expressing it as well. I think between my first tour and my last tour in Australia in 2003, you could see that change. Earlier, it was controlled and internal. But by the time we came to 2003, if someone said something, we would give it back," he added.

Ganguly's Captaincy Accomplishments

Ganguly's captaincy for India had some fine accomplishments, including a runners-up finish in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, the famous NatWest Trophy win in the UK and the ICC Champions Trophy joint win with Sri Lanka in 2002 (after the match was washed out). Under his captaincy, India also achieved famous Test wins at home, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2001 and memorable wins at Leeds in 2002 and at Adelaide in 2003. (ANI)

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Global Chess League Season 4 in Bengaluru to unite generations of stars

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:01:01 +0530

Chess Legends and Rising Stars Converge for GCL Season 4

The story of modern chess is increasingly a story of generations. Legends who transformed the sport, established superstars who dominate today's elite circuit and teenagers already rewriting the record books will all share the same stage at the Global Chess League (GCL) Season 4 in Bengaluru.

Event Details and Teams

Bengaluru will host GCL Season 4 from September 5 to 13 at The Lalit Ashok, marking the league's return to India for the second consecutive season. The season will bring together Icons, established champions, elite superstars and emerging prodigies as they compete for the GCL title.

Defending champions Alpine APL Pipers return with Magnus Carlsen leading their title defence, while PBG Alaskan Knights bring together Indian chess great Viswanathan Anand and Arjun Erigaisi. Ganges Grandmasters pair Ian Nepomniachtchi with returning star Levon Aronian, while Fyers American Gambits are led by 2026 Candidates winner Javokhir Sindarov and Season 2 MVP Nihal Sarin.

Across nine days, the six franchises will compete in GCL's rapid, team-based format, with six players representing each side across Icons, Superstar Men, Superstar Women, and Prodigies. Men and women compete together on the same team, while every board carries equal value towards the team's result.

Five Generations of Talent on Display

Here are five generations of talent which will be competing in the competition:

Viswanathan Anand - The Pioneer

-Viswanathan Anand - The Pioneer Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand represents the generation that established India as a global chess powerhouse. His presence alongside the next generation provides one of the most powerful symbols of India's chess evolution.

Magnus Carlsen - The GOAT (Greatest of All Time)

-Magnus Carlsen - The GOAT (Greatest of All Time) No discussion of the modern chess era is complete without grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, the five-time World Champion and one of the most dominant players in chess history. His return to the Global Chess League adds another major attraction to season four, with the Norwegian continuing to set the benchmark for excellence across classical, rapid and blitz formats.

Levon Aronian & Ian Nepomniachtchi - The Established Elite

-Levon Aronian & Ian Nepomniachtchi - The Established Elite Levon Aronian and Ian Nepomniachtchi represent a generation that has spent years competing at the highest level, from World Championship cycles to elite super-tournaments. Their experience, proven records and ability to perform against the world's best make them important figures in a league that brings established champions together with the next generation of stars.

Arjun Erigaisi - India's Golden Generation

-Arjun Erigaisi - India's Golden Generation Arjun represents the generation that followed Anand and helped transform India into a modern superpower in elite chess. Having reached the world's top tier, he now finds himself competing alongside both established legends and the youngsters coming through behind him.

Divya Deshmukh & Pranav Venkatesh - India's Next Wave

-Divya Deshmukh & Pranav Venkatesh - India's Next Wave Divya Deshmukh and Pranav Venkatesh represent the remarkable depth of India's new generation. A Women's World Cup champion and a World Junior Champion, respectively, both have already achieved major titles at a young age and are now moving towards the senior elite.

Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus - The Future Arrives Early

-Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus - The Future Arrives Early At 15, Erdogmus is already the youngest player to cross 2700 Elo. His presence alongside Anand and Arjun creates a remarkable generational combination -- a five-time World Champion, an established Indian super-GM and a teenager who is already challenging the records of the game's greatest players.

From Anand's pioneering generation to today's super-GMs and the teenagers already rewriting chess history, GCL Season 4 will bring together multiple eras of the sport on one stage. In Bengaluru, the league will offer more than a battle for the title -- it will provide a glimpse into where global chess is heading next.

(ANI)

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Faf du Plessis heartbroken by Nepal floods, calls it 'devastating'

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:00:28 +0530

South African cricketer Faf du Plessis extends his thoughts and prayers to people in Nepal amid massive floods, saying that the calamity is "devastating". He also spoke about having experienced the "kindness and beauty" of the country during the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

As of 8 am on Saturday, the Nepal Army and rescue teams had evacuated 2,265 people, including 163 foreign nationals, by Army helicopters. Another 200 people were rescued through ground operations, while 1,706 injured people received medical treatment at the Emergency Treatment Centre.

Posting on X, Du Plessis said, "I was lucky enough to visit Nepal last year and experience firsthand the kindness of its people and the incredible beauty of the country. It's devastating to see what has happened. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, and with the families and communities facing such heartbreaking loss." I was lucky enough to visit Nepal last year and experience firsthand the kindness of its people and the incredible beauty of the country. It’s devastating to see what has happened. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, and with the families and communities facing… — Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) August 29, 2026

Death Toll Rises Amid Massive Rescue Operations

The Nepal Army has deployed around 6,700 personnel for rescue and relief operations. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the death toll in the Bhotekoshi flood disaster has risen to 626, while 2,426 people remain missing.

Breakdown of Casualties

Chitwan recorded the highest number of recovered bodies at 233, including human remains, followed by Nawalparasi East with 158, Nuwakot with 51, Gorkha with 48, Nawalparasi West with 47, Dhading with 45, Tanahun with 31 and Rasuwa with 13. Among those reported missing are 27 Nepal Police personnel, 45 Nepal Army personnel, 13 Armed Police Force personnel, 15 Customs Office personnel and four Immigration Office personnel.

India Extends Support

India has extended relief and rescue support to Nepal, with the third flight carrying assistance reaching Kathmandu on Friday. Relief supplies were handed over to Nepal's minister Mahabir Pun. India has also sent an 11-member medical and tunnel rescue team to assist in the relief operations. (ANI)

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Telangana Golconda Masters 2026 returns with Rs 1 crore prize purse

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:32:22 +0530

The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the official sanctioning body of professional golf in India, will be staging the Telangana Golconda Masters 2026 at the Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA) from September 1 to 4, 2026. The prize purse for the event is Rs 1 crore.

The tournament was jointly announced by Jupally Krishna Rao, Honourable Minister of Prohibition & Excise, Tourism & Culture and Archaeology, Government of Telangana and Kapil Dev, President, PGTI, during a press conference held at Hyderabad Golf Association on Saturday, August 29. The tournament, which will witness participation by 132 golfers, is supported by Event Partners Telangana Tourism, Hyderabad Golf Association, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, The Q Golf Studio by Playroot Golf, Tour Partners DP World, Axis Bank, Amul, Enerlyte, Air India Maharaja Club, Kalyani, Golf Plus Monthly and Golf Design India. The Government of Telangana has supported the event from its inception in 2015, as per a press release.

Player Lineup

The top Indian professionals in the fray include PGTI Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar, Honey Baisoya, Veer Ahlawat, Rashid Khan, Akshay Sharma and Om Prakash Chouhan, to name a few. The prominent foreign players in the field are defending champion Jamal Hossain of Bangladesh; Badal Hossain, also from Bangladesh, Czech Republic's Stepan Danek; Sri Lankans N Thangaraja and Mithun Perera; Nepal's Subash Tamang; Uganda's Joshua Seale; and the Japanese duo of Koichiro Ishika and Taiga Tanaka.

The local challenge will be led by Hyderabad-based professionals Mohd Azhar, Vishesh Sharma and Rupinder Singh Gill.

Race to India Championship

The tournament is part of the Race to India Championship, which is a competition to crown the PGTI's number one player. This competition will also determine the top-24 players from the Order of Merit who will earn their spots at the season-ending India Championship.

Telangana Govt Pledges Support

Jupally Krishna Rao, Minister of Prohibition & Excise, Tourism & Culture and Archaeology, Government of Telangana, said, "We are delighted to be associated with the 12th edition of the Telangana Golconda Masters, a prestigious tournament that has established itself as an important event on the Indian golfing calendar. With the tournament carrying Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points and attracting some of the leading professional golfers from India as well as overseas, it provides Telangana with an excellent platform to showcase its rich tourism potential to a global audience.

"Hyderabad, with its unique blend of history, heritage, culture and modernity, offers tremendous opportunities for golf tourism. The magnificent Hyderabad Golf Club, located against the iconic backdrop of the historic Golconda Fort, provides a truly distinctive setting for this championship and highlights the immense potential of Telangana as a golf tourism destination.

"The Tourism Department, Government of Telangana, is proud to have been associated with the International Event - Telangana Golconda Masters for several years and looks forward to continuing this partnership to further promote golf tourism and position Telangana as a preferred destination for both domestic and international visitors. I extend a warm welcome to all the participating golfers, officials and visitors to Telangana and wish all the players an exciting and successful tournament."

PGTI on Premier Tournament's Return

Kapil Dev, President, PGTI, said, "We are extremely excited to return for the 12th edition of the Telangana Golconda Masters, an event that has established itself as one of the most eagerly awaited tournaments on the DP World PGTI schedule. We are grateful to Telangana Tourism for its continued support and partnership in taking the tournament from strength to strength, and we thank the Hyderabad Golf Association for once again providing us with an excellent venue. The tournament will go a long way in promoting Telangana and the city of Hyderabad as a leading destination for golf tourism. With a strong field and great playing conditions provided by the HGA, we look forward to another exciting and closely fought contest at the Telangana Golconda Masters."

HGA on Hosting the Prestigious Event

Jasvinder Singh Birgi, Captain, Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA), said, "We are honoured to host the 12th edition of the prestigious Telangana Golconda Masters at the Hyderabad Golf Association. It is a proud moment for us to welcome some of the country's finest golfing talent to our course. This tournament is a great opportunity for our members to witness top-tier competition, and it also showcases our magnificent golf course to a global audience through the Live Telecast. The players will compete to win the magnificent trophy depicting the historic Golconda Fort, which was launched by HGA during the first edition of the event. We look forward to an exciting week of world-class golf."

About Hyderabad Golf Club

Promoted by the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation and the Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA), the 212-acre expanse provides an 18-hole, 6017-yard, par-70 layout that also features a floodlit driving range, a pro shop, a golf fitting shop, and training & practice facilities. A modern clubhouse with a dining hall, lounge, open deck, change rooms, and trained staff is also in place.

The 'Best Tourism-Friendly Golf Course' award bestowed on it by National Tourism reiterates the pleasant experience that HGA provides.

The Hyderabad Golf Club offers 18 challenging holes that bring players up close with the heritage and beauty of the Deccan hinterland - Golconda Fort and Naya Quila in particular.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Zinc Football Academy unites community youth on National Sports Day

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:31:28 +0530

Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) brought together young sporting talent and community youth at the iconic Zawar Stadium in Rajasthan. Established to identify, nurture and provide structured training opportunities to young footballing talent, particularly from rural communities, ZFA combines professional coaching and sporting infrastructure with pathways for promising players to progress to competitive football, as per a press release from ZFA.

Celebrating Sports and Community

As part of the National Sports Day celebrations, ZFA brought together its elite academy trainees and over 100 children from neighbouring rural communities for a day dedicated to celebrating India's sporting legacy, fitness, teamwork and community participation. The day-long celebration featured a series of engaging football activities, bringing ZFA's young stars - including members of its landmark girls' residential academy - together with children from surrounding communities. Through friendly sporting activities and interactions, the initiative encouraged healthy competition while giving community youth an opportunity to engage with trained academy players and experience football in a structured sporting environment, inspiring greater participation in sports at the grassroots level.

Adding to the momentum, the National Sports Day celebrations also marked the countdown to the upcoming edition of the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon in September 2026. The marathon, which has successfully positioned Udaipur on the global fitness map, complements Hindustan Zinc's grassroots sporting initiatives such as ZFA by promoting holistic well-being, endurance and a wider culture of fitness and athletic excellence across Rajasthan.

Fostering a Culture of Health and Opportunity

Speaking on the occasion, Amarendu Prakash, Chief Executive Officer, Hindustan Zinc, stated, "National Sports Day is a reminder of the transformative power of sports in shaping youth and building inclusive communities. At Hindustan Zinc, our vision goes beyond elite training - we aim to create an accessible sporting ecosystem. By connecting our Zinc Football Academy athletes with community youth and gearing up for the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, we continue to foster a vibrant culture of health, fitness, and opportunity across rural India."

A Legacy of Nurturing Talent

Since its inception in 2018, Zinc Football Academy - an AIFF 3-star rated Academy - has consistently produced players for India's age-group teams, strengthening the nation's talent pool. Alongside Rajrup Sarkar, ZFA players Sahil Poonia, Prem Hansdak and Mohammed Kaif have also represented India, marking another milestone in the academy's continued commitment to contributing to Indian football's growth. In 2025, the company launched India's first residential football academy for girls, with an inaugural batch of 20 girls from rural backgrounds.

Broader Sporting Impact

Hindustan Zinc's association with sports spans nearly five decades, beginning with the establishment of its football stadium at Zawar in 1976, which continues to host annual National Football Tournaments. Extending beyond football to athletics, kabaddi and volleyball, the company continues to nurture sporting talent at the grassroots level. Its flagship Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has further put Udaipur on the global running map, with the company's sports initiatives collectively impacting nearly 30,000 lives. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Prasidh Krishna named 'Impact Player of the Series' in Sri Lanka tour

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:30:33 +0530

Pacer Prasidh Krishna was given the 'Impact Player of the Series' medal for his crucial wickets in India's series win over Sri Lanka away from home. Krishna was handed the medal by the team's performance analyst, Hari Prasad Mohan.

During the tour to Sri Lanka, consisting of two Tests, Krishna took seven wickets at an average of 24.57 and best figures of 3/52. He was India's best-performing pacer in the absence of stalwart Jasprit Bumrah, with spinner Manav Suthar (16) and Ravindra Jadeja (eight) being the headline acts with their wickets.

'Someone Who Can Have a Second Job as an Analyst'

During the medal ceremony, Hari highlighted how Prasidh "made the ball talk and asked the right questions" to the batters in adverse conditions and was always asking him for data inputs, being as relentless with his questions to the analyst as he was on the field. Handing the medal to Prasidh, Hari Prasad said in a video posted by BCCI, "So the Impact Player of the Series goes to someone who had put the hard yards, made the ball talk, kept asking the right questions to the batters even in these adverse conditions. He made an impact with the ball whenever he got the opportunity. And ever since we landed in Colombo, you know, he had been on my ears asking for a lot of data. And honestly, in this team, if there is someone who can have a second job as an analyst, that would be him. And for his relentlessness, wickets, impact, and way too many questions for me, which I enjoy. It is Prasidh Krishna."

'This Effort is Going to Take Us All a Long Way'

Prasidh thanked everyone and said, "Nothing would be possible without each one of you. I think everybody, the ones that are playing obviously got the credit that they were due, but everybody around, I think it takes a lot for everybody during a Test match, you are here for a camp. We did such long practices every session to see all of you all lock up."

"Even during such hot days, everybody is sitting out there, standing out there, helping with water. All the reserves out there, coming and running in and helping of all of us. So this effort is going to take us all a long way. So this is the way the team has to be run and thanks so much," he signed off.

Match Summary

Coming to the match, India opted to bat first, with centuries from Padikkal (117 in 193 balls, with 12 fours), Dhruv Jurel (115* in 177 balls, with nine fours and two sixes) and half-centuries from Rishabh Pant (63 in 89 balls, with six fours and two sixes) and skipper Gill (50 in 108 balls, with six fours) taking India to 503/9, with Asitha Fernando taking four-fer.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Dehradun T20 League: Captains announced for inaugural 2026 edition

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:30:27 +0530

The excitement around the inaugural Dehradun T20 League 2026 has reached its peak with all six franchise teams officially announcing their captains ahead of the tournament, which is set to begin on September 2 at the Abhimanyu Cricket Academy in Dehradun. The eight-day tournament, scheduled from September 2 to September 9, will bring together IPL experience, domestic cricket pedigree and promising local talent, with six franchises battling for the inaugural title.

Team Captains Announced

Doiwala Kings will be led by TNR Mohit, while Mussoorie Thunder will have IPL player Akash Madhwal at the helm. Rishikesh Dragons have appointed Yuvraj Chaudhary as their captain, while Vikasnagar Dhamaka will be led by Kunal Chandela. Herbertpur Knightriders have named Jagadeesha Suchith as their captain, while Piyush Joshi will lead Selakui Strikers, as per a press release.

Nurturing Local Talent

The appointment of experienced players as captains is expected to add further quality and competitiveness to the tournament while providing young local cricketers with an opportunity to learn from established players in a high-pressure competitive environment. Dehradun T20 League CEO Navneet Mishra expressed confidence in the six captains and highlighted their role in helping nurture the next generation of cricketing talent in Uttarakhand.

Speaking about the captaincy appointments, Navneet Mishra said, "Having experienced and capable players lead the six teams is a major advantage for the Dehradun T20 League. Captains such as Akash Madhwal and Jagadeesha Suchith bring valuable experience from IPL and domestic cricket, while TNR Mohit, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Kunal Chandela and Piyush Joshi understand the local cricketing environment and the potential of players from the region. Their leadership will be crucial not only in the competition but also in helping young players learn, adapt and perform at this level."

Tournament Format

The tournament will feature a total of 18 matches, with the six franchises competing in a round-robin league stage. Each team will play five league matches as they look to secure a place in the knockout stage. The top teams will then progress to the two knockout semi-finals on September 8, with the winners advancing to the grand final scheduled for September 9, where the inaugural Dehradun T20 League champion will be crowned.

With the captains now confirmed and preparations entering the final phase, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting first edition of the Dehradun T20 League, aimed at providing a competitive platform for cricketing talent from Dehradun and across Uttarakhand. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Harry Kane becomes first English player to win Footballer of the Year

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 15:00:53 +0530

England and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane has described being named Germany's Footballer of the Year as a special honour, becoming the first English player to receive the prestigious award. Kane, who was presented with the award at the Allianz Arena ahead of Bayern Munich's Bundesliga opener, said he was delighted to receive the recognition in front of the club's supporters.

Kane was voted Germany's Footballer of the Year after a standout 2025-26 season with Bayern Munich. He finished ahead of teammate Michael Olise in the voting, while Bayern coach Vincent Kompany was named Coach of the Year and Giulia Gwinn won the women's award.

A Special Honour

"An honour to become the first English player to win Germany's Footballer of the Year award. A special feeling to receive it at the Allianz in front of our incredible fans. Great to collect it alongside the gaffer and Giulia Gwinn - congratulations to you both!" England star Harry Kane wrote on X. An honour to become the first English player to win Germany’s Footballer of the Year award. A special feeling to receive it at the Allianz in front of our incredible fans. Great to collect it alongside the gaffer and Giulia Gwinn – congratulations to you both! pic.twitter.com/lHp3tW3yMy — Harry Kane (@HKane) August 29, 2026

Clear Winner and Other Accolades

Despite the wealth of awards accrued over the course of his Bayern career, this is the first time in his career Kane has been named Germany's Footballer of the Year. In so doing, the English striker succeeds Florian Wirtz, who received the award last time out in 2025.

Picking up 272 out of 659 votes from members of the Association of German Sports Journalists (VDS), Kane was the clear winner, with his teammate Michael Olise (203 votes) finishing in second place, just as he did last year.

This is Kane's third prize in quick succession: earlier this week, the free-scoring forward - who registered a staggering 36 goals in the Bundesliga alone last season - was awarded the European Golden Shoe as the continent's leading goalscorer for the 2025/26 season. Subsequently, he won the 2026 Franz Beckenbauer Supercup with Bayern, who defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in a thrilling encounter on Saturday evening, although the record-breaking striker was unable to find the net himself in that match. (ANI)

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Ankle injury forces Neeraj Chopra out of Asian Games, 2026 season

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 15:00:29 +0530

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has ended his 2026 season early after sustaining a ligament tear in his ankle during training, ruling him out of the upcoming Asian Games.

Chopra on Injury and Recovery

Chopra, who had recently regained momentum with a season's best throw in Lausanne, said he took the decision to sit out the remainder of the season after discussions with his doctor and team. "After a period of hard work, I finally felt I was gaining the momentum I had been looking for with a Season's Best throw in Lausanne. Unfortunately, shortly after, I sustained a ligament tear in my ankle during training. After discussions with my doctor and team, we've decided that I will sit out the rest of this season," Chopra posted on Instagram.

The ace javelin thrower expressed disappointment at the setback but said his focus would now be on recovering fully and returning stronger. "It's disappointing, especially because I felt close to finding my rhythm. But as they say, setbacks are a part of the journey. My focus now is on recovering well and coming back even stronger. Thank you all for the love and support," he added.

Recent Performances and Setback

Chopra finished second at the Lausanne Diamond League with a season-best throw of 88.05m, missing out on the top spot by just nine centimetres. Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage continued his impressive 2026 campaign, winning the event with an 88.14m effort.

Before Lausanne, Chopra had competed in just two events in 2026 -- finishing fourth at the Doha Diamond League and second at the Commonwealth Games -- without crossing the 86m mark in either competition. Chopra's withdrawal comes after he appeared to be finding his form following a challenging period.

Major Blow for Indian Athletics

His absence will be a major setback for India's athletics contingent at the Asian Games. The Olympic champion has been one of India's biggest sporting stars in recent years, having won Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021 and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Anaya Bangar Net Worth: Meet Sanjay Bangar’s Daughter Approached BCCI To Play Women's Cricket In India; Read On

Richa Barua — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:47:15 +0530

Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, is back in the spotlight after being granted permission to continue competitive women's cricket in Australia. Her journey, however, has not been smooth. Anaya, a former Mumbai age-group player, has publicly discussed her transition, the problems she experienced in cricket, and her efforts to find a place in the women's game.

Her current development has also drawn attention to a previous attempt to obtain clarification from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which she claims remained ignored.

Who is Anaya Bangar?

Anaya Bangar was born in Mumbai and raised in a cricketing household. Her father, Sanjay Bangar, played Test and One-Day International cricket for India before becoming a coach. Anaya followed in his footsteps, developing an interest in cricket at a young age. According to SportsDunia's biography, she played age-group and club cricket for clubs in Mumbai and England.

She has also discussed playing competitive age-group cricket in Mumbai and at the state level. Her cricket career took a new path when she began to transition and subsequently openly revealed her experiences as a transgender player.

Anaya Bangar’s Cricket Journey

Cricket was a big part of Anaya's childhood. She has previously said that she played age-group cricket and continues to play club cricket overseas.

Her move was a significant issue because eligibility regulations for women's cricket differ amongst regulatory organisations. The International Cricket Council now prohibits transgender women who have gone through male puberty from participating in international women's cricket.

That incident prompted Anaya to seek clarification on whether she could continue playing competitively.

Why Did Anaya Bangar Approach the BCCI?

According to Anaya, she approached the BCCI to enquire whether transgender athletes may compete in women's cricket in India. She stated that she received no answer from the Indian board.

When asked about her experience, she described the quiet as disappointing and painful. Anaya has encouraged the BCCI to explore adopting a policy for transgender participation, claiming her experience might help shape future standards.

Cricket Australia Gives Anaya a Way Back

After receiving no response from the BCCI, Anaya contacted Cricket Australia in June 2026. The Australian board later approved her to play community-level women's cricket.

According to the current judgement, she can play Premier Cricket in Australia until March 2027. However, participation in top events like the Women's Big Bash League will be contingent on satisfying Cricket Australia's unique eligibility rules, which include testosterone-related factors.

Anaya sees the choice as a chance to return to a sport she previously believed she would never play again.

Anaya Bangar's Family Background

Anaya is the daughter of former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, who subsequently became a coach. Her family has a close relationship with cricket, and her father was instrumental in introducing her to the game.

She also has a younger brother named Atharva.

What Are Anaya's Next Steps?

Anaya aims to revive her cricket career in Australia's domestic circuit. While Cricket Australia approval provides her with an opportunity, it does not guarantee selection to an elite squad or a WBBL contract.

Her immediate goals will be to return to competitive cricket, prove herself on the pitch, and continue the discourse about transgender involvement in sports.

Ashi Chouksey eyes gold at 2026 Asian Games after previous success

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:30:52 +0530

Having made an unexpected entry into competitive shooting in 2018, Indian rifle shooter Ashi Chouksey is now heading into her second Asian Games. The 24-year-old, who won a bronze and two silver medals in her last appearance, will be heading into Aichi-Nagoya 2026 with a clear goal: to upgrade her previous success to gold, according to a release.

Chouksey won a silver in the Women's 10m air rifle team and Women's 50m rifle 3P team event, respectively, and a bronze medal in the Women's 50m rifle 3P event at the 2022 Asian Games, which were held in 2023. She believes the experience of competing here has given her greater clarity and confidence ahead of the upcoming edition in Japan.

Intensive Preparation for Japan

Reflecting on the difference between her first and second Asian Games campaigns, Chouksey said, "The Asian Games is one of the biggest multi-sport tournaments after the Olympics, and I have competed there before. I have performed on that stage, so I know what it takes. After winning three medals, I now have good experience of competing at this level. So, this time, I am going to Japan with a clear view and goal for what I want to achieve at this competition."

The road to the Asian Games has involved an intensive preparation phase, with the Indian shooting contingent undergoing high-intensity camps in Bhopal. The first camp involved multiple match and final simulations, including longer shooting sessions designed to test the athletes' endurance and stability. "We were putting a lot of hard work and a lot of effort into the preparation. The strategy for this camp was to conduct matches and finals. We played around three to four matches and three to four finals, which is a lot in a 10-day camp. Playing a match is very intense, even if it is just a 60-shot match. We also had a 120-shot match, which is not in any programme, but we did it to check the endurance and stability for a long period of time." Chouksey explained.

Harnessing Sports Psychology

The shooting team has also been working with sports psychologists and using biofeedback technology to better understand their breathing patterns and responses while shooting. "So the psychologists use technology to monitor our breathing and other physical processes when we are shooting. We have tried it multiple times, and it is really helpful. It has helped us understand ourselves better. They also suggested some exercises before sleeping and after waking up. I have been doing it, and it is actually helping with my shooting as well."

"Little things matter a lot. We know what to do, we know how to shoot, but there are small things which are neglected. If we do them right, towards perfection, then I think we will be unstoppable," she added. Having already experienced the pressure of the Asian Games, Chouksey believes this familiarity can help her approach the competition with greater composure. Her ambition, however, remains firmly fixed on achieving what she fell short of last time. "I was excited and also very dedicated to convert it to gold. And I really want that very, very much," she said.

Anticipating a Strong Contest

Chouksey is also looking forward to competing against a strong Chinese shooting contingent at the Asian Games. India's performances against China at the previous edition have added another layer of anticipation to the contest. "I am really excited to compete with the Chinese shooting team because they are a very strong team and in the 2023 Asian Games, we had a gold (Sift Kaur Samra) and a bronze (Ashi Chouksey) in the Women's 50m 3P category, while they got a silver at their home. So they might still be holding it against us (laughs) and can be looking for revenge. They are a very strong team, but I am really excited to compete with them," she said.

From Accidental Discovery to Elite Shooter

From discovering shooting almost by chance at a school camp to establishing herself as a high-level international shooter, Chouksey's journey has been one of rapid progression. She first encountered the sport during an NCC camp where she held a rifle for the first time. A strong first attempt prompted her to consider shooting as a career, eventually leading to her selection at a state shooting academy.

Now, with another Asian Games campaign ahead, Chouksey enters the competition with the benefit of experience, intensive preparation and a singular objective: to turn her previous Asian Games medal into gold. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

National Sports Day: No shortcuts in games, says J&K LG Manoj Sinha

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:30:27 +0530

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday emphasised the importance of hard work and dedication in sports and urged athletes from the Union Territory to return to their villages and neighbourhoods to inspire children to pursue sports. Speaking on National Sports Day, Sinha said there were no shortcuts in sports and called on sportspersons to actively contribute to developing a strong sporting culture across Jammu and Kashmir.

"In the field of sports, the spirit of the sportsperson depends upon his dedication. Sports is the honest teacher of a person. There is no shortcut in games. Only hard work matters. I extend congratulations to all the sportspersons from Jammu and Kashmir," Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha said on Saturday.

Developing a Sporting Culture

Sinha said efforts should be made to promote sports across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed his desire to see local athletes participate in international sporting events. "We want to see Jammu and Kashmir growing immensely across all districts. From North to South and East to West, we have to uplift the spirit of games. We want to see our sportspersons taking an active part in international sports as well. We have to train our participants in such a manner as we do for exams. Talent will open ways for you to enter the doors of success; hard work and dedication are all that matter," he added.

Athletes Urged to Become Role Models

The Lieutenant Governor also called for greater recognition of local athletes and urged them to become role models for children in their communities. "I want our local athletes to be recognised and honoured with medals so that the younger generation can be connected with the spirit of India. Therefore, I would like to request all the athletes of Jammu and Kashmir: it is your responsibility to go back to the village or neighbourhood where you were born and inspire the children there to pursue sports and develop their talents," Sinha said.

He further urged senior athletes to return to their communities and motivate young children who look up to them. "I want senior athletes to return to their villages and neighbourhoods and motivate those children for whom they themselves are role models. I believe these responsibilities are not a burden placed on the shoulders of our youth and athletes. Rather, they are an honour greater than any medal," Sinha added.

Sinha also encouraged young athletes to make use of proper guidance and leadership to achieve success and contribute to Jammu and Kashmir's development. "Always remember that with the right leadership and guidance, you can make your nation proud and become an important part of the next chapter of Jammu and Kashmir's story," he concluded.

National Sports Day

Meanwhile, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal wrote on X, "We Fit, So India Fit." The call by the Prime Minister @narendramodi to dedicate one hour to sports is a commendable step towards a healthy, strong, and developed India."

The occasion holds significance for students, families, schools and communities as it encourages people to adopt active and healthy lifestyles. It also provides an opportunity to remember India's rich sporting legacy and recognise the contributions of athletes, coaches and other members of the sporting community. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

National Sports Day: Mandaviya urges youth to make sports integral

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:00:37 +0530

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday paid tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary and urged the country's youth to make sports and fitness an integral part of their lives on National Sports Day. Mandaviya highlighted the importance of sports and physical fitness while extending his greetings on the occasion. "Heartfelt salutations to the great athlete Major Dhyan Chand Ji on his birth anniversary. On this National Sports Day, I urge the youth of my country to make sports and fitness an integral part of their lives," Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya wrote on X.

'If the individual is fit, the society will be fit'

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Mandaviya called upon people across the country to take part in sports activities, whether on streets, fields or stadiums, and emphasised the importance of fitness for building a healthy society and nation. "On the occasion of Major Dhyan Chand's birthday and National Sports Day, we have called upon the entire country to spend an hour on the playground. We should move away from screens and go to the playground, whether it's a street, a field, or a stadium. If we play, then, as the Prime Minister has said, our personality will blossom. And therefore, let's go to the playground for an hour and keep ourselves fit. If the individual is fit, the society will be fit," Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya told ANI.

He said a fit society would contribute to a healthy nation and help India achieve the goal of becoming a developed country. "If the society is fit, the nation will be healthy, and only a healthy nation can become a prosperous nation that can achieve Modi ji's goal of a Developed India. So, let's, on the occasion of National Sports Day today, take a vow; let's all resolve that we will spend an hour every day on the playground and keep ourselves fit," he added.

Jaishankar on nurturing young sporting talent

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also highlighted the need to encourage and nurture India's young sporting talent, saying the country's youth have tremendous potential. Jaishankar said this after interacting with 60 budding squash players at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Andrews Ganj in the national capital.

"India's youth has tremendous talent and potential. It is imperative that we encourage and nurture it, particularly in sports. A special delight to interact with 60 budding squash players at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Andrews Ganj. Squash will be an Olympic sport from 2028. The success of Anahat Singh serves as a great inspiration," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar wrote on X.

He also highlighted his association with a squash talent development project and expressed confidence that young Indian players would bring laurels to the country. "Has been personally satisfying to support this squash talent development project, along with Bharti Enterprises Limited. Look forward to our young boys and girls making India proud," the External Affairs Minister added.

Jaishankar's remarks came on National Sports Day, observed every year on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. The day is aimed at promoting sports and fitness among people, particularly the youth. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Historic 5th place: Hockey India rewards women's team with Rs 50 lakh

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:00:34 +0530

Hockey India on Friday announced a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for the Indian Women's Hockey Team in recognition of their historic fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup, Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Salima Tete's side sealed the milestone with a 3-1 win over World No. 5 Germany in the 5th/6th place classification match in Amstelveen on Thursday, marking India's best result at the tournament since they finished fourth at the inaugural edition in 1974, according to Hockey India, according to a Hockey India.

The team went through the campaign with just one defeat, holding higher-ranked sides China, England and Australia to draws and recording a 6-1 win over South Africa, before completing their run under Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne with the win over Germany.

'A Testament to Hard Work and Resilience'

Congratulating the team on the achievement, Hockey India President Padma Dilip Tirkey said, "This is a historic result for Indian women's hockey. To finish fifth at a World Cup after 52 years is a testament to the hard work, resilience and fighting spirit this team has shown throughout the tournament. On behalf of Hockey India, I am pleased to announce a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for the team as a token of our appreciation, and I hope this inspires the players to keep raising the bar."

Reflecting the President's sentiments, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said, "Salima and her team have done the country proud with a campaign that saw them compete with, and hold their own against, some of the best sides in the world. This announcement is our way of recognising their commitment and hard work, and we hope it further motivates the team as they turn their focus towards the Asian Games."

Match Recap: India vs Germany

India entered the 5th/6th place classification match after losing only one game in the tournament, to the Netherlands. They also managed draws against higher-ranked teams, China, Australia and England.

Germany dominated large parts of the first half, keeping India's attacking unit under pressure. Both teams failed to break the deadlock in the opening two quarters, with Germany creating more chances and earning penalty corners, but India's goalkeeper Bichu Devi and the defence stood firm.

Second-Half Surge Secures Victory

India showed greater attacking intent after the half-time break and turned the match around with a brilliant display in the third quarter. Ishika Chaudhary opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with a superb reverse-lift finish after making a strong run into the circle.

India soon doubled their lead when they earned their first penalty corner of the match. Navneet Kaur converted the opportunity in the 44th minute to make it 2-0.

Navneet continued her impressive performance and scored her second goal in the 47th minute, calmly lifting the ball past the goalkeeper to give India a three-goal cushion.

Germany reduced the deficit through Lynn Krings in the 59th minute after converting a rebound, but India held their nerve in the final moments to secure a 3-1 victory. Goalkeeper Savita Punia also played a crucial role, making important saves, including a penalty corner stop in the final quarter, to help India close out the match. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

National Sports Day: PM Modi, Shikhar Dhawan laud sportspersons

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:30:49 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan on Saturday extended greetings on National Sports Day, praising sportspersons for their dedication and highlighting the role of sports in inspiring and shaping the younger generation. Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand and lauded sports lovers for their passion and determination. "To every sports lover...your dedication, passion and determination make everyone proud. We also pay homage to the legendary Major Dhyan Chand Ji, whose brilliance inspires generations," PM Modi wrote on X.

Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan said sports go beyond winning and teach important life lessons, including perseverance and the ability to overcome setbacks. "I've always believed that sport is about much more than winning. It teaches you to dream, work hard, handle setbacks and keep going. This National Sports Day, let's get more of our youngsters playing," Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan wrote on X.

Significance of National Sports Day

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

DPL 2026: Jonty Sidhu's all-round show powers Central Delhi to final

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:30:35 +0530

Central Delhi Kings stormed into the final of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 with a convincing 72-run win over Purani Dilli 6 in Qualifier 2. Captain Jonty Sidhu produced a brilliant all-round performance to lead his team into the title clash.

Sidhu's Heroics with the Bat

The left-handed batter played a stunning unbeaten knock of 106 off just 46 balls, giving Central Delhi a strong platform with the bat, according to a release. He received good support from Aditya Bhandari, who finished unbeaten on 24 off 12 balls as Central Delhi Kings posted a challenging total.

Purani Dilli 6's Chase Crumbles

Chasing the target, Purani Dilli 6 struggled to build partnerships and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. They were reduced to 91/6, with key batters Aryan Gaur, Samarth Seth, Dev Lakra and captain Anuj Rawat back in the dressing room.

The pressure continued to grow as Central Delhi's bowlers kept control of the chase. Purani Dilli 6 were eventually bowled out for 146, falling 72 runs short of the target. Jonty once again made an impact with the ball, picking up 3/25 in three overs and completing an impressive all-round performance. Money Grewal also claimed two wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, while Tejas Baroka picked up two wickets for 19 runs from his four-over spell.

Final Set for Sunday

With the comprehensive victory, Central Delhi Kings have booked their place in the DPL 2026 final, where they will face South Delhi Superstarz on Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium that will host the international fixtures between India and Afghanistan. After a dominant performance in Qualifier 2, Central Delhi will now look to finish their campaign on a high and lift the DPL trophy.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Tonali set for Newcastle reunion after joining De Zerbi's Spurs

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:30:26 +0530

Tottenham Hotspur's record signing Sandro Tonali is set to face his former club Newcastle United shortly after joining Spurs, as the two sides prepare to meet in the Premier League Season 2026-27 on Saturday. The Italian midfielder made 110 appearances for Newcastle and won the 2025 EFL Cup before making the move to north London, where he has reunited with manager Roberto De Zerbi.

De Zerbi's Influence a Key Factor

Speaking on JioHotstar ahead of Tottenham's clash against Newcastle, Tonali reflected on the challenge of adapting to a new club and building relationships with new teammates, staff and supporters. "Every time you change clubs, you have to start over. You have to build new relationships with teammates, staff, and fans. I'm lucky because I already know the staff here, which makes things easier, especially at the start of the season. Roberto de Zerbi is an incredible manager. I've known him for a long time. He's from Brescia, and I played there for 10 years. Sometimes, when we have a day off, we both go back to our city and meet. That's something special."

Tonali said his relationship with De Zerbi played an important role in his decision to join Tottenham, with the pair sharing a long-standing connection through Brescia. "When I spoke with him for the first time, we talked like friends, but also like a player and manager already. That conversation was special. It made me feel like I had to sign for him. We discussed a lot about Newcastle, the Spurs stadium, the Spurs fans, the players, and our style of football. We are really looking forward to the season ahead. If I had to describe myself in one sentence, I would say I work hard for my teammates," Tonali said, as quoted by JioHotstar.

'The Fans Can Change the Game'

Tonali is also looking forward to playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a home player after previously experiencing its atmosphere while representing Newcastle. The midfielder believes the home support can have a significant influence on the outcome of matches. "I play as a number six, and I play a lot with the defence. I can't wait to play at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium because I played here a few times against Tottenham with Newcastle. I found a great atmosphere. Every time I've been here, the stadium has been full. That's not easy because the stadium is so big. The fans can change the game in two minutes," the 26-year-old said.

"If the fans are with you, it makes things much easier. I think the fans are one of the best things about this stadium. I know this stadium is one of the best in the world. The fans are crazy, and we need that because we have to give 100 per cent energy and concentration in every game. We want to win every single game, especially at home. And we know we can," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

National Sports Day: Mandaviya urges youth to dedicate 1 hour to sports

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:00:30 +0530

Mandaviya's 'One Hour for Sports' Appeal

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday urged people, particularly the youth, to dedicate at least one hour every week to sports and physical activity as the country observes National Sports Day on the 119th birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.

Speaking to reporters, Mandaviya said a programme has been initiated under the Fit India movement to encourage people across the country to spend an hour on the playground. "Today is the 119th birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand. We celebrate Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary as National Sports Day. Today, on the occasion of National Sports Day, to advance the Fit India movement across the nation, a program has been initiated for spending an hour on the playground. Since this morning, I've been receiving reports that lakhs of youth are gathering in every street and field to play for an hour," Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya told reporters on Saturday morning.

The Union Sports Minister said a fit youth population and a healthy society were essential for building a prosperous nation and urged people to make sports a regular part of their lives. "I'm delighted that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the country is evolving and progressing. A New India is being built. In the creation of this New India, only if our youth are fit and our society is healthy can we become a prosperous nation. To fulfil Prime Minister Modi's vision of a prosperous nation, let us all commit to spending one hour on the playground every week and keep ourselves fit," he added.

Significance of National Sports Day

Mandaviya also paid tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, whose birth anniversary is observed as National Sports Day every year.

Remembering a Legend

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Leaders honour hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:30:34 +0530

Political Leaders Pay Homage

On the occasion of National Sports Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and several Chief Ministers on Saturday paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and lauded Indian sportspersons for their contribution to the country. Rajnath Singh remembered Major Dhyan Chand, whose birth anniversary is observed as National Sports Day, and praised his contribution to Indian hockey. "On National Sports Day, I pay homage to Major Dhyan Chand ji, whose unparalleled skill, dedication and love for hockey continue to inspire generations of Indians. I also salute our sportspersons who through their skills, hard work and remarkable achievements are carrying India's tricolour with pride across the world. Under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, a stronger sporting ecosystem is being built to empower athletes, nurture young talent and turn sporting aspirations into national achievements," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to the hockey legend and extended wishes to players and sports enthusiasts. "Saluting the unparalleled contributions and glorious legacy of 'The Wizard of Hockey' Major Dhyan Chand Ji on his birth anniversary. Heartfelt wishes to all players and sports enthusiasts on National Sports Day," Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on X. "Sports instills discipline, confidence, positive thinking, and the ability to strive in our youth. We must encourage sports more at the grassroots level, so that every talent gets the opportunity to advance. Heartfelt gratitude to all players who have brought glory to India in various sports around the world," he added.

Chief Ministers Extend Wishes

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the state's growing sports infrastructure and emerging talent. "On National Sports Day, as we pay tributes to the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, we celebrate Assam's growing sports infra and the young talent emerging from every corner of the State. From Khel Maharan to the national and international arena, our athletes are shining everywhere," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also remembered Major Dhyan Chand and highlighted the values associated with sports. "On National Sports Day, I pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, whose remarkable dedication and mastery of hockey continue to inspire generations. His contribution to Indian hockey and his three Olympic gold medals remain a proud chapter in our sporting history," Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wrote on X. "As someone who has always valued sports, I know the discipline, determination and resilience they instil in us stay with us well beyond the field. These moments on the field are close to me because sport has always been about the joy of participation, the spirit of competition and the commitment to give our best," he added. "Karnataka is home to immense sporting talent, and it is our responsibility to ensure that young athletes have access to quality training, infrastructure and opportunities. We are working to build a stronger sporting ecosystem across the State, so that talent from every part of Karnataka gets the support and platform it deserves," the Karnataka CM wrote. "To every young sportsperson pursuing a dream, I say this, stay committed, embrace every challenge and keep striving for excellence. Your journey may begin on a field in Karnataka, but with the right determination, there is no limit to how far you can go," he concluded.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also remembered Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary. "Remembering the legendary hockey maestro and Padma Bhushan Major Dhyan Chand, whose three consecutive Olympic gold medals carved India's name in golden letters on the world stage, on his Birth Anniversary!" Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also paid tribute to the hockey legend and called for inspiring young Indians to take up sports. "On National Sports Day, we honour the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand ji and celebrate the passion, perseverance and sporting spirit of every Indian athlete. Let us inspire our youth to play, excel and make India proud on the world stage," Education Minister Pralhad Joshi wrote on X.

Significance of National Sports Day

National Sports Day is observed in India every year on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, one of the country's most celebrated hockey players. The day highlights the importance of sports and physical activity while promoting fitness, discipline, teamwork and sporting excellence. The occasion holds significance for students, families, schools and communities as it encourages people to adopt active and healthy lifestyles. It also provides an opportunity to remember India's rich sporting legacy and recognise the contributions of athletes, coaches and other members of the sporting community. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

National Sports Day: VP, Delhi CM pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:00:30 +0530

Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday extended greetings on National Sports Day, paying tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary and highlighting the importance of discipline, fitness and sporting excellence.

Vice-President on Sporting Excellence

In a post on X, the Vice-President said the country was celebrating Major Dhyan Chand's enduring legacy and the spirit of determination, discipline and excellence associated with India's sporting culture. The Vice-President further called for greater participation in sports and urged people to promote fitness and encourage young Indians to pursue excellence with dedication and perseverance.

"As we honour the enduring legacy of Major Dhyan Chand Ji, we celebrate the spirit of determination, discipline and excellence that defines Bharat's sporting culture. Bharat's growing sports ecosystem reflects our commitment to nurturing talent at every level. Our athletes continue to shine on the global stage, bringing laurels to the nation and inspiring the next generation to aim higher. Let this day renew our resolve to promote fitness, encourage greater participation in sports, and inspire every young Indian to pursue excellence with dedication and perseverance," in a post shared by the Vice-President on X.

Delhi CM Pays Tribute

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also paid tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, describing his life as an inspiration for dedication, discipline and national pride. She said the hockey legend elevated India's honour across the world through his exceptional sporting skills and inspired future generations to set ambitious goals, work hard and strive for victory.

On National Sports Day, Gupta appealed for sports to become an integral part of people's lives and a source of confidence for the country's youth. She also expressed hope that Indian athletes would continue to achieve new milestones and enhance the pride of the national flag. "Major Dhyan Chand's life is an extraordinary inspiration of dedication, discipline, and national pride. With his exceptional sporting skills, he elevated India's honour across the entire world and imparted to future generations the mantra of great goals, rigorous hard work, and victory. On National Sports Day, my earnest appeal is that sports become a sacrament in our lives, a source of confidence for our youth, and the new strength of India. May our athletes advance further, create new milestones, and continuously enhance the pride of the tricolour," the Delhi CM wrote on X.

Significance of National Sports Day

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Facing Brazil, Uruguay will provide invaluable experience: Bruno Coutinho

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:00:28 +0530

Bruno Coutinho on India's Upcoming Friendlies

Former India captain and Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho believes that facing Brazil, Uruguay and Panama will provide India with invaluable experience and help the national team improve. With the trio of World Cup-playing nations set to come to India for international friendlies during the September-October FIFA window, Indian football is preparing for some of its biggest tests in recent times. For Coutinho, these matches are an opportunity for the players to challenge themselves against some of the strongest teams in world football and learn from the experience, according to a release.

Coutinho, who played an integral role in the Indian national team setup from the late 1980s until 2001, won the prestigious Arjuna Award, earned 44 caps for India and was named the AIFF Player of the Year in 1996. In recent years, he has remained closely involved in Indian football, focusing on grassroots development, state ambassadorship, and coaching mentorship.

A Learning Opportunity

"Brazil and Uruguay are very tough opponents. Everybody knows how strong they are and how consistently they qualify for the World Cup. The Indian players will find it hard, but they should give their best and play to their full potential. Whether we win or lose, we can learn from our mistakes." He mentioned, "One or two matches cannot change everything. India has to work consistently and improve as a footballing nation. We have to play more big matches like these."

Aiming for Asia's Top Tier

Coutinho believes that India must establish itself as one of Asia's leading teams. "India should first aim to be among the top 10 teams in Asia. If they can do that, we can start thinking about achieving bigger things. They should not be afraid of the challenge. They should play their best, learn from their mistakes, and use that experience to improve Indian football in the long term."

Match Schedule

India will first face Panama on September 26 in Bengaluru before taking on five-time World Cup champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time World Cup winners Uruguay on October 6, with both matches scheduled at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Haaland, Cherki at the double as Man City thrash Crystal Palace 4-1

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 08:30:55 +0530

Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki scored twice each as Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park to maintain their winning start to the Premier League campaign. Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising above Chris Richards to head Antoine Semenyo's cross over goalkeeper Dean Henderson. City dominated the opening stages and went close through Elliot Anderson and Haaland, while Phil Foden missed two good chances to extend the lead before the break.

A big win on the road! 1-4 @okx pic.twitter.com/ZfAqHZxWHC — Manchester City (@ManCity) August 28, 2026

Second-half goal flurry

Cherki doubled City's advantage in the 54th minute after brilliantly evading two defenders before finding the bottom-left corner. Palace pulled one back just two minutes later when Yeremy Pino's free-kick struck the crossbar before rebounding off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the net.

However, City's response was immediate, with Cherki restoring the two-goal cushion within three minutes. The France international found space on the edge of the box and saw his effort take a deflection before beating Henderson. Haaland completed his brace in the 84th minute, firing into the near post after receiving a well-weighted pass from Foden.

City climb to the top

The result sees Manchester City move to the top of the Premier League table with maximum points from their opening two games. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, remain 20th as new manager Pierre Sage continues to wait for his first league point. City also handed Premier League debuts to Ayyoub Bouaddi and Ryan McAidoo as they comfortably saw out the victory in the closing stages.

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Ronaldo's winner keeps Al Nassr's perfect Saudi Pro League start

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 08:30:49 +0530

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal as Al Nassr defeated Al Taawoun 2-1 on Friday to maintain their perfect start to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) season. The 41-year-old Portugal forward played the full match as Al Nassr secured their fourth consecutive victory to remain at the top of the league table.

Comeback Win Keeps Al Nassr on Top

Al Taawoun took an early lead in the 11th minute through Mohammed Bassam Al Hurayji, putting Al Nassr under pressure. However, Al Nassr found an equaliser in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time when Samu Costa struck to make it 1-1 at the break.

Ronaldo then put Al Nassr ahead five minutes into the second half. João Felix created the opportunity with a run down the left before his cutback eventually reached Mohamed Simakan on the edge of the box. Simakan's goal-bound effort was flicked into the net by Ronaldo from six yards, giving the Portugal international his 978th career goal. Simakan initially appeared surprised as Ronaldo celebrated, with replays showing that his original effort was also heading towards the bottom corner.

The victory follows Al Nassr's dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Al Ettifaq on Tuesday, when they scored three times in the final 16 minutes after trailing 2-0 at half-time. Ronaldo had been substituted in that match, but he completed the full 90 minutes against Al Taawoun to help Al Nassr make it four wins from four games.

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FIH Hockey World Cup: India finishes 8th after shootout loss to Belgium

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 01:30:32 +0530

India finished eighth at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 after losing to co-hosts Belgium 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw in regulation time in the 7th/8th place clash at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on Friday.

The classification match saw both teams play attacking hockey as they looked to end their World Cup campaigns on a positive note after missing out on the medal rounds.

Thrilling Encounter in Regulation Time

India made a bright start and took the lead in the opening quarter through Abhishek Nain, who produced a fine strike to put the visitors ahead. Belgium responded strongly, using the support of the home crowd to put pressure on India's defence. Roman Duvekot and Hugo Labouchere then found the net to help the hosts turn the game around and take a 2-1 lead.

Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera played a key role in keeping India in the game, making several important saves against Belgium's penalty-corner attacks. At the other end, Harmanpreet spearheaded India's fightback, scoring in the 31st minute to level the scores at 2-2.

Belgium regained the lead through Nicolas De Kerpel, who struck in the 47th minute, but Harmanpreet came to India's rescue once again with a late penalty-corner equaliser, making it 3-3 and forcing the match into a shootout.

Penalty Shootout Decides the Winner

Belgium's experienced goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch then became the difference-maker. He saved Harmanpreet's attempt and also stopped Sukhjeet Singh's effort to give Belgium an advantage. India converted through Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh and Abhishek, but Belgium remained composed. Alexander Hendrickx scored from a penalty stroke before Roman Duvekot converted the decisive attempt to seal a 4-3 shootout win.

With the victory, Belgium secured seventh place on home soil, while India ended their World Cup campaign in eighth position.

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Women's T20 Asia Cup: Thailand beat Hong Kong by 6 runs in opener

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 01:00:52 +0530

Thailand Women held their nerve to secure a six-run victory over Hong Kong, China Women in a low-scoring opening match of the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Friday.

Chaiwai's knock lifts Thailand

After winning the toss, Hong Kong, China opted to bowl first and made early inroads into the Thailand batting line-up by removing Aphisara Suwanchonrathi (11) and Phannita Maya (19). Thailand captain Naruemol Chaiwai, however, played a crucial knock of 43 off 31 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes. Nannapat Koncharoenkai supported her with a patient 27 off 41 balls as Thailand posted 120/9 in their 20 overs. Hong Kong, China's Marina Lamplough was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets for just 11 runs in her four overs. Alison Siu also impressed with three wickets for 37 runs.

Disciplined bowling seals win

Chasing 121, Hong Kong, China struggled to score freely in the early stages. Opener Kary Chan provided some momentum with a quick 28 off 20 deliveries and no. 3 Yasmin Daswani also helped the team with 28 off 41 balls. Hong Kong, China remained in the contest heading into the final overs, but Thailand's bowlers produced a disciplined performance to close out the game. Off-spinner Onnicha Kamchomphu claimed 3/27, while Phannita Maya took 2/22 as Thailand restricted Hong Kong, China to 114/7 in 20 overs.

Despite the late efforts from Chan and the Hong Kong lower order, Thailand managed to defend their modest total and begin their Asia Cup campaign with a win. Chaiwai was named Player of the Match for her important innings, which helped Thailand post a competitive total on a challenging surface.

Brief Scores

Brief Scores: Thailand Women 120/9 in 20 overs (Naruemol Chaiwai 43, Nannapat Koncharoenkai 27; Marina Lamplough 4/11, Alison Siu 3/37) beat Hong Kong, China Women 114/7 in 20 overs (Yasmin Daswani 28, Kary Chan 28; Onnicha Kamchomphu 3/27, Phannita Maya 2/22) by 6 runs.

(ANI)

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After CWG bronze, discus thrower Seema Kaliramna focuses on Asian Games

Asianet News Central — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:22 +0530

Seema Kaliramna, who won a bronze medal in the women's discus throw final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, has shifted her focus to the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan and has expressed confidence of a good performance ahead of the crucial event.

At the women's discus throw final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Kaliramna finished third with a best throw of 58.65m. She rose to the occasion with a strong display to earn a well-deserved podium finish.

She began her campaign with a foul but quickly bounced back with a 57.32m effort before delivering her medal-winning throw of 58.65m in the third round.

Focus on Asian Games

Speaking with ANI on Friday, Seema Kaliramna said her focus is now on the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. She added that her performance at the World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar has boosted her confidence ahead of the continental event. Kaliramna had finished fourth in the women's discus throw at the 2026 World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour, recording a best throw of 57.44m.

"Our next target is the Asian Games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, next month. Our full focus is on that. I'm full of confidence because we just competed in the Silver Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar, and our performance was good there. So the focus will be to give our best in the Asian Games," she said.

The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, are scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

Acknowledges Support from IIS

Kaliramna also credited the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) for its support over the past one-and-a-half years, saying the institute has taken care of her physiotherapy, massage, accommodation and travel. She added that IIS also supported her husband's travel to the Commonwealth Games.

"I've been receiving support from IIS for the past one and a half years. Whether it's physio, massage, accommodation, or travel, everything is taken care of by IIS. You must have seen that my husband accompanied me to the Commonwealth Games, and even that was supported by IIS," she said. (ANI)

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Assam CM inaugurates Rs 50 crore NCoE for Swimming in Amingaon

Asianet News Central — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 23:30:29 +0530

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday inaugurated the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Swimming constructed by the Assam Government at Amingaon in Kamrup district. At the inaugural ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Assam Sports Authority, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Badminton Association of India (BAI). Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 50 crore with the aim of producing international-standard swimmers, the world-class Olympic-standard swimming pool features a 50-metre, 9-lane, 25-metre diving pool, along with spectator galleries with 1,309 seats. In the initial phase, 40 residential athletes will be enrolled here, while local athletes will also be given opportunities to train through a special scheme of the Sports Authority of India.

SAI Entrusted with Operations

Alongside the cricket and badminton infrastructure, this Centre of Excellence will further strengthen the objective of developing Amingaon area into one of the state's major sports hubs. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said that through an MoU, the responsibility for operating the National Centre of Excellence for Swimming has been entrusted to the Sports Authority of India for 30 years. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) will undertake the overall management of the centre, recruitment of coaches and support staff, provision of sports equipment, and organisation of training camps, competitions and other activities.

Highlighting the success achieved by several athletes, including Asmita Chaliha, who trained at the National Centre of Excellence for Badminton established at Amingaon with the support of the Badminton Association of India under a similar system, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the swimming centre too would produce athletes at the national and international levels.

Amingaon to Become a Major Sports Hub

Commenting that sports infrastructure in Guwahati and Assam has improved considerably, the Chief Minister said that the cricket stadium under construction at Amingaon will be inaugurated in 2027. "The Assam government is constructing the stadium at a cost of approximately Rs 300 crore. For the convenience of athletes and spectators visiting these three sports centres at Amingaon, the road in front is being widened and a multi-level car parking facility capable of accommodating two thousand vehicles will also be constructed. Hostels are also being constructed for athletes and coaches coming for cricket, badminton and swimming," the Chief Minister said.

Boosting Sports Infrastructure Across Assam

Informing that the government has decided to upgrade the Arjuna Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex at Sarusajai, the Chief Minister said that steps will be taken this year to renovate and upgrade it. He said that a FIFA-standard football stadium is being constructed at the old Nehru Stadium at Radha Gobinda Baruah Sports Complex. After all these works are completed, "Guwahati will also be included in the list of major cities with the highest number of sports facilities. At the same time, informing that work is also underway to develop international-standard sports facilities in Dibrugarh," the Chief Minister said that the government will continue to work in the coming days to provide quality sports facilities to the emerging athletes of Assam.

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T20I Tri-Series: Namibia stuns South Africa with 18-run victory

Asianet News Central — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 23:01:01 +0530

Namibia produced a spirited all-round performance to defeat South Africa by 18 runs in the opening match of the T20I tri-series at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on Friday.

Namibia's Strong Start and SA's Fightback

Asked to bat first after South Africa won the toss, the hosts made an excellent start through openers Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp. The duo stitched together an 84-run partnership, putting the South African bowlers under pressure. Frylinck top-scored with a fluent 60 off 38 balls, while Steenkamp chipped in with 41 off 29 balls to give Namibia a solid foundation.

South Africa fought back strongly in the middle overs, led by skipper Bjorn Fortuin and off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen. Fortuin dismissed Steenkamp and opposition captain Gerhard Erasmus as he finished with economical figures of 2/17, while Subrayen claimed 3/32 to spark a collapse that saw Namibia lose five wickets for just 17 runs. Debutant fast bowler Duan Jansen also impressed with figures of 2/32. Despite the collapse, useful late contributions from Ruben Trumpelmann (12 runs off 6 balls) and Alexander Volschenk (13*) helped Namibia recover and finish on a competitive 163/9 in their 20 overs.

South Africa's Chase Falters

South Africa's chase never gained full momentum as Namibia's disciplined bowling attack struck at regular intervals. Ruben Trumpelmann gave Namibia the perfect start by dismissing Lhuan-dre Pretorius for 9, before Jack Brassell removed Jordan Hermann. Max Heingo then accounted for South Africa's No. 3 batter Tony de Zorzi, reducing the visitors to 39/3 inside the first half of the innings.

Brevis Fights Lone Battle

Dewald Brevis kept South Africa's hopes alive with a fighting 75 off 50 balls, counter-attacking with a series of boundaries to keep the target within reach. Jansen added a valuable 25 lower down the order, but Namibia's bowlers held their nerve in the closing overs, denying South Africa the late flourish they needed, as the visitors finished with 145/9 in 20 overs.

While Trumpelmann finished with figures of 3/24, JJ Smit also registered a three-wicket haul, taking 3 wickets for 33, while the rest of the bowling attack delivered disciplined spells to complete a memorable victory for the hosts. The win gives Namibia the perfect start to the tri-series, which also features Zimbabwe, while South Africa will be aiming to bounce back in their next outing against Zimbabwe on Saturday.

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Assam CM dedicates Amingaon Swimming Complex to nation in Guwahati

Asianet News Central — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 22:00:38 +0530

Assam Strengthens Sports Infrastructure

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday dedicated the Amingaon Swimming Complex in Kamrup district, set up for the National Centre of Excellence by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), to the nation.

Speaking to reporters here, the Assam CM said the state is continuing to strengthen its sports infrastructure and highlighted the inauguration of the Olympic-sized Amingaon Swimming Complex in Guwahati. He said the facility includes a practice pool, diving facilities, seating for around 1,500 spectators, and a gym, adding that it will be developed as a National Centre of Excellence in partnership with the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

"The process of strengthening sports infrastructure is ongoing. Today, we dedicated a state-of-the-art swimming pool in Amingaon, Guwahati. This swimming pool is Olympic-sized. There's also a pool for trials and practice. Diving facilities are available. There's a seating capacity for almost 1500 people to watch games. Other facilities like conditioning and a gym are also provided. We will advance this inaugurated swimming pool as a National Centre of Excellence in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India," Sarma said.

Focus on Olympic Medals

In an X post, CM Sarma said the new National Centre of Excellence in Swimming in Guwahati will help Indian swimmers receive world-class training and improve the country's prospects in international competitions, noting that swimming contributes a significant number of Olympic medals.

"Do you know a large chunk of medals at the Olympics come from swimming? This is a discipline we have to crack and the National Centre of Excellence in Swimming in Guwahati will help our swimmers get the required training to ace global events. Dedicated it to the nation today," he said.

Do you know a large chunk of medals at the Olympics come from swimming? This is a discipline we have to crack and the National Centre of Excellence in Swimming in Guwahati will help our swimmers get the required training to ace global events. Dedicated it to the nation today. pic.twitter.com/surVNYa6AQ — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 28, 2026

CM's Fitness Push

Excuses? None. Push-ups? Done. Keeping the body moving while keeping Assam moving forward. pic.twitter.com/Fepv9e9RDI — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 28, 2026

During the Amingaon Swimming Complex inauguration, CM Himanta also performed push-ups. (ANI)

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IIT Madras introduces 'Phiball', a new three-team sport for the world

Asianet News Central — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:00:27 +0530

As India prepares to observe National Sports Day on August 29, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is introducing to the world a brand new competitive sport called 'Phiball', an innovative three-team invasion sport that introduces a new dimension to competitive team sport. Phiball features three teams competing simultaneously on a circular court, which differs from conventional invasion sports that involve two competing teams. Each team attacks two opponent baskets while defending one. This requires players to constantly assess multiple opponents and rapidly adapt their strategies.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, launched the sport on campus on Friday in the presence of Prof. Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, Dean (Students), IIT Madras, along with students, faculty members, teams from city colleges and other stakeholders. The game was launched as a commemoration of National Sports Day, observed on 29th August, marking the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.

Accessible and Innovative Design

Speaking to ANI, Sathyanarayana said IIT Madras launched Phiball ahead of National Sports Day as a new competitive sport. He explained that the game was inspired by basketball but designed to require less space and infrastructure, making it easier for schools, particularly those in rural and government settings, to adopt. Phiball can be played on a circular ground measuring around 29 metres in diameter.

"Tomorrow is our National Sports Day. On behalf of National Sports Day, IIT Madras is proudly launching this new game called Phiball at IIT Madras. This is the first game, new game, I think you can say proudly, in the world; this is the first time this game is being launched," he said.

"So why we chose this game? So we chose this game based on basketball. So why basketball? If you ask a question, basketball is the one game where it is not predominantly played in schools in villages and government schools because it requires a larger area, you have, need a concrete ground or synthetic ground to play basketball. And that is the one reason why we designed this game and displayed it here on a normal ground where any school can adapt this game very quickly. You need a very small space of a 29 m diameter circular area," he added.

Game Rules and Court Layout

The unique game features 3 teams, 3 baskets & a rotating defensive format, designed to create a fast-paced sporting experience that demands constant awareness & tactical adaptability from players. Each team comprises seven registered players four active players and three substitutes. The sport is played on a 26-metre-diameter circular court, divided into three equal 120-degree sectors, with three baskets positioned around the playing area. The court also includes dedicated safety and playing zones, including a 4-metre Centre Free Zone and a No-Offense Zone beneath each basket.

Global Launch and Initial Participants

With its three-team, three-basket and rotational format. Phiball aims to establish itself as a distinctive sporting experience and create new opportunities for participation and competition. The global launch and initial sporting engagement will involve participants from: IIT Madras, AM Jain College of Arts and Science, Patrician College of Arts and Science, Presidency College of Arts and Science, Sathyabama University, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, The New College of Arts and Science, VIT Chennai and YMCA College of Physical Education. (ANI)

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