Asianet Newsable

T20 Mumbai League expands; MCA invites bids for new Navi Mumbai team

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:01:04 +0530

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has invited bids for the right to operate one new team in the prestigious T20 Mumbai League, paving the way for the men's league to expand to a nine-team competition. The new franchise is set to represent the Navi Mumbai region, further expanding the league's reach and providing a platform for more cricketers from across Mumbai and its surrounding areas, according to a release. The development comes after a successful fourth edition of the league, held in June. The season saw strong fan interest and competitive cricket, further strengthening the league's position as one of India's leading franchise-based domestic T20 tournaments.

Bid Process for New Franchise

Interested parties can obtain the bid documents from the MCA office at the Cricket Centre, Wankhede Stadium, Churchgate, Mumbai, from August 10 to August 25, 2026, between 11 am and 6 pm. The bid documents can be obtained upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs 2.5 lakh by Demand Draft in favour of the Mumbai Cricket Association. Payment can also be made through bank transfer to the account specified in the tender notice available on the Mumbai Cricket Association's official website.

Season Highlights and Champions

Meanwhile, MSC Maratha Royals successfully retained their Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai League title, edging past ARCS Andheri by eight runs in a thrilling final at the Wankhede Stadium in June.

Inaugural Women's League a Success

OBO Mumbai Falcons produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Aakash Tigers MWS by 25 runs and clinch the inaugural Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai Women's League title.

Record-Breaking Viewership

The men's competition delivered its highest-ever television reach of over 65 million viewers. Television watch time grew by 61%, while digital views on JioHotstar registered a 66% increase over the previous edition, highlighting the league's growing popularity across platforms, according to a release.

The 2026 season also marked a landmark moment with the successful launch of the Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai Women's League, reinforcing MCA's commitment to strengthening the women's cricket ecosystem by creating greater opportunities for emerging talent and building a stronger pathway for the next generation of cricketers. (ANI)

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

PM Modi lauds boxer Jadumani Singh's Kargil Diwas win over Pakistan

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:31:00 +0530

Indian boxer Jadumani Singh, who won a silver medal in the men's 55kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026, recalled his emotional victory over a Pakistani opponent on Kargil Vijay Diwas during an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with India's Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday, where athletes shared their memorable moments from the Games.

PM lauds Jadumani's victory on Kargil Vijay Diwas

During the interaction, PM Modi asked Jadumani about his victory on Kargil Vijay Diwas. "Who won on Kargil Vijay Diwas?" PM Modi asked in a video shared on his YouTube on Monday.

Recalling the bout, Jadumani said the date held special significance for him as he is associated with the Indian Army. "It was Kargil Day. The day I fought against Pakistan was on that day. Being from the Indian Army, I was very determined that I had to beat Pakistan. I defeated them 5-0 and dedicated it to our Indian Army heroes," Jadumani said.

Jadumani defeated Pakistan's Sumama Rehman by a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision in the Round of 16 clash at the Games.

Appreciating the Indian boxer, PM Modi said dedicating the victory to Kargil heroes added greater significance to his achievement. "Remembering that, especially since you are from the forces yourself... I truly believe the sentiment you expressed, dedicating your medal to the Kargil winners, added extra glory to that victory. And you defeated exactly the one you were supposed to!" PM Modi said.

PM praises Mirabai Chanu's emotional win

During the interaction, PM Modi also praised Mirabai Chanu for her emotional medal-winning moment. Chanu solidified her legacy as one of India's all-time great weightlifters with her third CWG gold at Glasgow in the 48 kg, after gold medals in 48 kg in the 2018 edition and 49 kg in the 2022 edition at Birmingham. Along with an Olympic silver medal in 49 kg, three World Championship medals including a gold in the 2017 edition and an Asian Championship bronze, Mirabai's resume is that of an undisputed legend in the sport, and an Asian Games medal would complete her medal cabinet, with a medal won at each major multi-sport/weighlifting event.

"You have brought great pride. So many tears were falling; it felt like a gold medal was dripping with every drop," PM Modi told Chanu, who clinched gold at Glasgow 2026.

Recalling her journey and challenges, Mirabai said she became emotional after winning the medal as she had narrowly missed out at the Olympics. "I was very happy and emotional that day. I cried because I had missed out on a medal by just 1 kg in the Olympics. A player has to face so many challenges. Over these four years, I faced constant injuries and family problems," she said.

She added that standing on the podium and seeing the national flag rise is an overwhelming moment for every athlete. "Standing on the podium, when our flag goes up and the National Anthem plays, sir, we just can't stop ourselves; tears come out naturally," Mirabai said.

India's campaign at Glasgow 2026

India ended its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze, to finish fourth in the overall medal standings.

The Glasgow Games concluded after 11 days of competition, with Scotland formally handing over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India, which will host the landmark centenary edition of the multi-sport event in Ahmedabad in 2030. (ANI)

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

PM Modi praises boxer Lovlina's patriotism at CWG 2026 restaurant

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:00:57 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised boxer Lovlina Borgohain for raising an objection over a distorted map of India displayed at a restaurant in Glasgow during the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Borgohain also shared her experience of the Commonwealth Games 2026 with the Prime Minister during an interaction with India's medal winners at his residence, highlighting the country's historic performance in boxing.

PM Modi Lauds Lovlina's Patriotic Stand

In a video posted on his YouTube handle on Monday, PM Modi praised Lovlina's spirit and recalled a moment from the Games where she showcased her pride for the country. During the interaction, PM Modi asked Lovlina about an incident involving restaurant staff during the Games. The distorted Indian map came to light after the boxer raised the matter during a visit to the eatery in Glasgow.

"What happened? Were you fighting with the restaurant people?" PM Modi asked. Lovlina explained that after India's strong performance on the final day of the competition, with several athletes winning medals, she felt emotional and requested a change.

"Our performance was so good, and it was the last day. Everyone had won, and there were so many Indians there. I felt a bit bad (about the situation), so I spoke to them firmly and made a request, sir. They agreed, and things have changed now," Lovlina said.

PM Modi praised the moment, saying it reflected a deep sense of national pride among athletes beyond just winning medals. "In that moment of victory--happiness, joy, being with teammates after the games are over--in such a mood of fun and laughter, to look at that map and register it... the feeling for the country isn't just on the surface while receiving a medal; it's deep within. I'm telling the truth, this video of yours is extraordinary. People will remember it for a long time," PM Modi said.

India's Dominance in Boxing

Praising the performance of Indian boxers at the Games, PM Modi said, "Now athletes from all over the world are becoming afraid of these boxers!"

Lovlina responded by saying that Indian boxers had created a strong impact with their consistent performances. "Definitely, everyone was scared. One gold medal after another was coming in. It was like a total blast at the end. The support we are getting, and the back-to-back competitions we have are big factors," she said.

The Olympic medallist also credited the Khelo India initiative for helping young athletes emerge and strengthening India's sporting ecosystem. "Many of our young athletes have come through the Khelo India scheme, and that is bringing a huge change to all sports," Lovlina added.

India scripted history in boxing at the Commonwealth Games 2026, topping the medal standings with seven gold and three silver medals. The 10-medal haul became India's best-ever boxing performance at the Commonwealth Games, surpassing the previous record of six gold medals jointly held by England (1934 and 2018) and Canada (1986).

India's Overall Performance and Future Games

India ended its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze, to finish fourth in the overall medal standings. The Glasgow Games concluded after 11 days of competition, with Scotland formally handing over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India, which will host the landmark centenary edition of the multi-sport event in Ahmedabad in 2030. (ANI)

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

Pakistani boxer told me he hates the name Narendra: Berwal to PM

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:00:32 +0530

Indian boxer Narender Berwal, who won a silver medal in the men's 90+ kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026, shared an interesting story from his boxing career while interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday. Berwal recalled an exchange with a Pakistani boxer after defeating him at the 2015 World Military Games.

'I Have Started Hating the Name Narendra'

Recalling the incident, Berwal told PM Modi that the opponent was surprised by the repeated use of the name Narendra in his life. "Pakistani boxer said to me, 'Aapka naam Narender hai, aapke coach ka naam Narender hai, aapke Pradhan Mantri ka naam Narendra hai. Mujhe Narendra naam se nafrat ho gayi hai'..." Berwal said in a video shared on PM Modi's YouTube channel.

PM Modi Congratulates CWG Medalists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with India's athletes who secured medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 and congratulated them for their dedication, hard work and contribution towards bringing glory to the country.

India's Commonwealth Games Performance

The 10-medal haul became India's best-ever boxing performance at the Commonwealth Games, surpassing the previous record of six gold medals jointly held by England (1934 and 2018) and Canada (1986). India ended its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze, to finish fourth in the overall medal standings.

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

PM Modi praises CWG 2026 athletes for their hard work, dedication

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:31:11 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with India's Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners at his residence and praised the athletes for their dedication, hard work and contribution towards bringing glory to the nation.

During the interaction, PM Modi said athletes have been among the most frequent visitors to his residence and appreciated their consistent efforts over the years to achieve success for India. "I have been in this house for about 12 to 13 years now. If there is anyone I have received regularly and every single time, it is the athletes. Because of your hard work over the last 10 to 12 years, your constant efforts to bring victory to India, and the tradition of scaling new heights of success," PM Modi said in a video posted on his YouTube handle on Monday.

Athletes' achievements inspire youth

The Prime Minister highlighted the impact of athletes' achievements in motivating young people to take up sports, saying their medals inspire more than just words. "The impact we could try to make by going to schools and telling them 'you should play,' your medals inspire them far more than any words ever could," he added.

PM's interaction with athletes

PM Modi also interacted with individual athletes during the meeting. Speaking to women's shot put F57 gold medallist Sharmila Dhankar, he recalled her earlier promise that her two daughters would also become athletes. "You promised me last time that your two daughters would become athletes," PM Modi said.

Responding to him, Sharmila said, "Yes, they are still young. In the next Commonwealth Games, we will show you three medals coming from one home."

The Prime Minister also shared a light moment with women's discus throw bronze medallist Seema Kaliramna, who said she was nervous while meeting him. "My heart is racing, sir," Seema told PM Modi. "Don't worry. You're going to get a medal for your speech too!" PM Modi replied.

Seema later shared her excitement about meeting the Prime Minister and said her friends often asked her in Haryanvi if she would get an opportunity to meet him. "My friends used to ask me, in Haryanvi, they'd say, 'Have you met PM Modi that we should listen to you?' Today, I have met you, sir, and now I can tell them, 'Yes, I have met Modi-ji,'" she said.

'Sports culture essential for success'

PM Modi further stressed that building a sports culture was essential for India to achieve greater success at the international level. "Sports infrastructure is one part of it, but a country wins medals when a 'sports culture' is built. Friends, you have done a great job and brought glory to the nation. I congratulate you all," he said.

Expressing confidence in their future performances, PM Modi said the athletes would continue to achieve success and hoped to meet them again after more victories. "Believe me, you will be victorious in the future as well, and we will meet here once again. Thank you very much and best wishes," he said.

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

Cristiano Ronaldo Wedding Rumours Go Wild: 2,000 Fans Crash Wrong Couple’s Big Day

Deevika NM — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:56:34 +0530

Imagine walking into your own wedding and finding more than 2,000 strangers outside the venue waiting for Cristiano Ronaldo.

That is exactly what happened to Portuguese couple Fabio Ramos and Fatima Nicole Cunha Teixeira, whose wedding in Madeira unexpectedly became the centre of a bizarre Ronaldo fan frenzy.

Rumours had been circulating on social media that football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was planning to secretly marry his longtime partner, Georgina Rodríguez, in his Portuguese hometown of Funchal. The speculation was enough to send a huge crowd of fans to the area around the cathedral, with many convinced they were about to witness a celebrity wedding.

More than 2,000 people reportedly gathered outside the cathedral, with several fans wearing Ronaldo shirts and his famous No. 7. But there was just one problem: Ronaldo was nowhere to be seen.

Check the viral post here:

ESTO ES TREMENDO Resulta que más de 2.000 personas fueron a la Catedral de Funchal ayer en Madeira pensando que era el día de la boda de Cristiano Ronaldo y Georgina.Y efectivamente, había una boda... pero otra cualquiera. La novia quedó completamente impactada al ver… pic.twitter.com/y3HumOjZ1v

— Madrid Sports (@MadridSports_) August 9, 2026

Instead, the actual bride and groom were Fabio Ramos and Fatima Nicole Cunha Teixeira.

Things became even more chaotic when a grey Rolls-Royce arrived outside the cathedral. Fans rushed towards the luxury car, believing Georgina Rodríguez was inside. Their cameras were quickly pointed towards the vehicle as they tried to catch a glimpse of the supposed celebrity bride.

Also Read: Georgina Rodríguez Net Worth: How Cristiano Ronaldo's Fiancée Built Her Rs 500 Crore Fortune

But the woman inside was not Georgina. It was the actual bride, Fatima.

A member of the wedding party reportedly summed up the bizarre situation by saying: “Fabio is not Cristiano Ronaldo. This is all crazy. We never expected anything like this.”

Family members and wedding guests tried repeatedly to explain the mix-up to the crowd, with people shouting: “That’s not Georgina!”

The situation became so chaotic that the wedding party had to carefully escort Fatima through the crowd and into the cathedral.

Eventually, priest Marcos Gonçalves stepped in to put an end to the confusion.

He told the gathered crowd: “I can assure you that this wedding has nothing to do with Cristiano Ronaldo. This is the only wedding taking place here today.”

The Ronaldo wedding rumours had effectively transformed a private ceremony into an unexpected public spectacle.

For Fabio and Fatima, however, the accidental fan invasion may have given them a wedding story few other couples could ever match. Instead of celebrating their big day quietly, they suddenly found themselves at the centre of worldwide attention — all because thousands of Ronaldo fans were convinced they had arrived at the wrong wedding for the biggest football star in Portugal.

The episode is a striking example of how quickly social media rumours can turn into real-world chaos, particularly when they involve one of football's most recognisable stars.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo, Georgina Rodríguez Love Story: From Gucci Store to Global Power Couple

Kotak hails India's productive warm-up win ahead of SL Test series

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:32 +0530

Kotak Praises 'Productive' Outing Ahead of Test Series

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised the team's performance in their warm-up match against Sri Lanka, describing the game as a highly productive outing ahead of the two-match Test series, starting August 15. India secured a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their only practice fixture, with players from both batting and bowling departments getting valuable game time. Gill made a return to the action during the final day of the warm-up clash, scoring a quick 44 in 54 balls, laying the foundation of an easy 207-run chase for India that will give them plenty of morale ahead of the two-match Test series starting from August 15 onwards at Galle.

Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on X, Kotak said the intensity shown by the bowlers and batters made the practice match more beneficial than regular training sessions. "I think it was very good, very productive because if we practice four more days, I don't think it will be as good as the practice match because bowlers bowled with good intensity. I think batters batted well and we actually tried that everyone, even bowlers, get to bat and all the bowlers get enough loading what is required," Kotak said.

Praise for Individual Performances

Highlighting individual performances, Kotak praised all-round efforts from the players and specifically mentioned Gurnoor Singh and Mohammed Siraj for their power-hitting display. "It's been very good. I would say Gurnoor and Siraj hitting sixes, three to four-four sixes," he added.

Kotak also lauded Devdutt Padikkal's batting performance and appreciated the efforts of India's fast bowlers, who delivered strong spells despite limited assistance from the pitch. "I think Devdutt batted really well, the way Gurnoor also bowled, and our fast bowlers put a lot of effort on the wicket where there was nothing. All the pacers put a lot of effort. I think it was all in all a very good practice match. But for me, Devdutt's innings was also really good," he said.

Match Summary

Sri Lanka XI posted 363/8 declared in the first innings, with Ravindu Rasantha, Nishan Fernando and Sonal Dinusha scoring half-centuries. India's Manav Suthar, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each.

In reply, India declared at 357/6, with Devdutt Padikkal starring with an unbeaten 142 off 164 balls. KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Gurnoor Brar also contributed with the bat.

Sri Lanka XI declared their second innings at 200/6, setting India a target of 207 runs.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill provided a strong start, while Jadeja, Pant and Mohammed Siraj helped India chase down the target in 45 overs with a six-wicket win. Siraj smashed an unbeaten 32 off 15 balls, including four sixes. (ANI)

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

Lucas Digne joins back-to-back UCL champions PSG from Aston Villa

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:30:54 +0530

Lucas Digne Joins PSG

Aston Villa has confirmed that defender Lucas Digne has completed a permanent transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Digne joined Aston Villa in January 2022 from Everton and went on to make 182 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and providing 24 assists during his spell at Villa Park. The French defender was part of the Aston Villa squad that lifted the UEFA Europa League title last season. He later represented France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals.

Confirming the transfer, Aston Villa described Digne as a highly regarded professional who earned the respect of players and staff during his time at the club. "A consummate professional, who was highly regarded by his fellow players and staff alike, Lucas leaves Aston Villa with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club," the club said in a statement. Digne began his professional career in France and has also played for clubs including Barcelona and Everton before joining Aston Villa in 2022.

PSG's Historic Champions League Triumph

In May, PSG became only the second club to successfully defend the UEFA Champions League (UCL) title after defeating Arsenal 4-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. The French champions held their nerve from the spot after Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães smashed the decisive penalty over the crossbar, handing PSG a historic back-to-back Champions League triumph. For Arsenal, who ended a 22-year wait to reclaim the Premier League title this season, the search for a maiden European crown continues.

With the triumph, PSG joined 15-time champions Real Madrid as the only clubs to retain the Champions League title since the competition was rebranded in 1992. Madrid achieved the feat by winning three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018. The final also marked the first Champions League title match to be decided by a penalty shootout since Real Madrid's victory over Atletico Madrid in 2016. Overall, PSG became the 10th club in European Cup history, dating back to 1955, to win consecutive continental titles. (ANI)

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

Hockey Odisha crowned champions of Junior Men National Championship 2026

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:00:29 +0530

Odisha crowned champions in thrilling final

Hockey Association of Odisha emerged champions of the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 - Division 'A' after defeating Hockey Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in an exciting final held in Coimbatore on Sunday.

The final witnessed an intense battle between two determined sides, with Odisha making a strong start to take an early lead. Mandeep Kerketta opened the scoring in the second minute, giving Odisha an early advantage and putting Madhya Pradesh under pressure, according to a release by Hockey India.

Hockey Madhya Pradesh fought back strongly and continued to create opportunities, but Odisha's defence remained resilient. The match remained closely contested as both teams battled for control in the midfield and looked to create openings in the attacking circle. Madhya Pradesh eventually found the equaliser through Sohil Ali in the 37th minute, setting up an exciting final quarter. However, Odisha responded with renewed intensity and regained the lead through their captain, Deepak Pradhan, who found the back of the net in the 45th minute. With the championship title at stake, Madhya Pradesh pushed forward in search of another equaliser in the closing stages. Odisha, however, held their shape and defended resolutely to preserve their 2-1 advantage until the final hooter, the release said. The victory saw Hockey Association of Odisha crowned champions of the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026.

Punjab secures bronze with dominant win

In the third-place match, Hockey Punjab produced an impressive attacking display to defeat Hockey Jharkhand 6-3 and secure the bronze medal. Punjab made a strong start, with Gurwinder Singh finding the net in the 11th minute. Jarman Singh, who captained the side, then scored twice in quick succession in the 34th and 36th minutes. Charanjeet Singh added two goals in the 52nd and 53rd minutes, while Ajaypal Singh completed Punjab's tally with a goal in the 41st minute.

Jharkhand fought until the final whistle, with Patras Hassa completing a hat-trick through goals in the 33rd, 40th and 56th minutes. However, Punjab's attacking efficiency ensured they secured a convincing 6-3 victory and finished third in the tournament. (ANI)

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

APL 2026: Nagaon Rangers crush Charaideo Sunrisers by 10 wickets

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:31:03 +0530

APL 2026: Nagaon Rangers crush Charaideo Sunrisers by 10 wickets

Nagaon Rangers registered their first win of the tournament courtesy a commanding batting display to beat Charaideo Sunrisers by 10 wickets in match number 18 of the Assam Premier League (APL) 2026 at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati on Sunday.

Soumyadeep Das and Sumit Kashyap put on an exquisite batting performance to see their side home and also register the tournament's first ten-wicket win. With the ball, Bhargav Dutta led a disciplined effort with three wickets to restrict Sunrisers after Hrishikesh Tamuli's fighting knock, according to a release.

Sunrisers Post 139/9

Opting to field first, Nagaon Rangers struck early, removing Pradyun Saikia off the second ball of the contest. Sumit Ghadigaonkar fell soon after for 8, leaving Charaideo Sunrisers in a spot of bother at 32/2 inside the powerplay.

Hrishikesh then held the innings together with a well-made 40 off 36 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking despite wickets falling around him. A late flourish from Himanshu Saraswat, who scored an unbeaten on 26 off just 13 balls with three sixes, helped Charaideo Sunrisers post 139/9 in their 20 overs.

For Rangers, Bhargav Dutta finished with 3/18, while Rahul Singh, Sunil Lachit and Jitu Ali picked up two wickets apiece.

Rangers' Flawless Chase

In the run chase, Rangers openers took complete control of the contest, never giving the Sunrisers bowlers a sniff. Sumit and Soumyadeep took the bowling attack apart from the outset, with the latter being the more explosive of the two.

He scored an unbeaten 70 off just 36 balls with five fours and six sixes, while Kashyap registered an unbeaten 66 off 44 balls, also studded with a couple of boundaries and six maximums.

None of the six Sunrisers' bowlers could find a breakthrough, as Rangers chased down the target rather comfortably in 13.2 overs to complete a dominant ten-wicket win - their first of the season, and the first ten-wicket win recorded in this year's Assam Premier League.

Brief Scores

Nagaon Rangers beat Charaideo Sunrisers by 10 wickets. Charaideo Sunrisers: 139/9 in 20 overs (Hrishikesh Tamuli 40, Himanshu Saraswat 26*; Bhargav Dutta 3/18, Rahul Singh 2/16, Sunil Lachit 2/23). Nagaon Rangers: 140/0 in 13.2 overs (Soumyadeep Das 70*, Sumit Kashyap 66*).

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

Young players laud UYBA basketball tournament held in Noida stadium

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:30:41 +0530

UYBA Tournament a 'Great Experience' for Young Players

The UYBA Basketball Tournament was organised at the Noida Indoor Stadium, bringing together young basketball players from across the country and providing them a platform to showcase their talent.

Basketball player Manraj Singh said the tournament was a great experience and such events would encourage more players to take up the sport. "We had a great experience here... Events like this will encourage many players to pursue basketball in the future. The sport is really gaining momentum in India... We hope to get opportunities to play basketball in other countries as well," Manraj Singh told ANI.

Shruti Thakur, a basketball player who represented a team from West Bengal, also praised the organisation of the tournament and said players were getting better opportunities through such platforms. "We are representing a team from West Bengal. Our experience was very good. It was very well organised here. The players are getting good opportunities..." Shruti Thakur told ANI.

The inaugural UYBA (Ulhas YuviPep Basketball Academy) 3x3 Basketball Tournament held on August 8 and 9, 2026, at the Sports Soul Arena, Noida Indoor Stadium, witnessed the participation of players from more than 20 states. The tournament featured a total prize pool of Rs two lakh.

India's Basketball Future: FIBA Asia Cup and Pro League on Horizon

Meanwhile, Basketball Federation of India Secretary General Kulvinder Singh Gill said hosting the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad is a proud moment for Indian basketball, with the tournament returning to India after 22 years. He stressed that world-class infrastructure, recent success in regional competitions and talent development initiatives will help boost the sport, while a professional league planned for 2027 could provide players with stronger career opportunities. The much-awaited FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 is set to be held in Ahmedabad, India, from August 13 to 23.

'Proud Moment for Indian Basketball'

"It is certainly a very prestigious and proud moment for us, as we are hosting this championship after 22 years. The new stadiums built in Ahmedabad are truly world-class...this will certainly benefit Indian basketball immensely, as well as the state of Gujarat...a total of 16 teams are participating, including the defending champion, Australia, and the runner-up, New Zealand. The Indian team reached the quarter-finals (top 8) in the last Asian-Oceania Championship, and as hosts, we have been preparing for this for quite some time," Gill told ANI.

Professional League and Talent Development

"We also won the recent South Asian Championship, so we should certainly have a home-court advantage and are expecting a better performance than last time... We are currently witnessing Indian athletes winning significantly more medals at the Commonwealth Games compared to the past. The Prime Minister and the Union Sports Minister are paying close attention to every detail regarding how India can excel in future Commonwealth Games and the Olympics... The Basketball Federation of India has established several academic centres; through talent scouting, we are providing new players with free boarding and lodging at quality schools. Furthermore, we are set to launch a professional league very soon, early in 2027. Consequently, players, both current ones and those aspiring to join the sport, will certainly be inclined to pursue basketball as a viable career," he added. (ANI)

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

CWG 2026: Judoka Ishroop Narang misses medal, eyes 2030 Ahmedabad

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:01:04 +0530

Young Indian judoka Ishroop Narang narrowly missed out on a medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but returned from her maiden CWG campaign with valuable experience and renewed determination to make the cut for the 2030 edition in Ahmedabad.

India's Judo Breakthrough at CWG 2026

India participated in 12 judo events in Glasgow and won four medals, two gold, one silver and one bronze, compared to three medals, with no gold, in 2022. The breakthrough was led by Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh, who created history by winning India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medals in judo.

Narang's Spirited Campaign to Fourth Place

The 19-year-old Narang competed in the women's - 78kg category and emerged as the lone Indian judoka to advance beyond the initial stages on the final day of the competition. She defeated Scotland's Nicole Wood in the round of 16 before losing to England's Emma Reid in the quarter-finals.

Narang then fought back strongly in the repechage, overcoming Cameroon's Georgika Wesly Djengue Moune after trailing 0-2 to register a 10-2 victory and enter the medal rounds. However, she narrowly lost the bronze-medal bout to Canada's Coralie Godbout in golden score, finishing fourth.

'A Great Experience': Narang on CWG Debut

Reflecting on her Glasgow campaign, Narang said the experience of competing against senior athletes had been a major learning opportunity. "My experience was excellent. There were many senior athletes in my weight category, and I competed in four bouts in total. I lost the quarter-final to an opponent from England who was a Commonwealth Games silver medalist; our bout lasted the full four minutes. Overall, it was a great experience, though I was quite disappointed after losing the bronze medal match -- it was heartbreaking to miss out on a medal after coming so close. Before the Commonwealth Games, I attended a three-week training camp in France. The Olympic qualifiers have already begun. I hope to make it there, and I am also looking forward to the next Commonwealth Games, which are set to be held in Ahmedabad," she told ANI.

A Promising Young Talent

Narang has steadily established herself as one of India's promising young judokas, with a silver medal at the Junior Asian Championships and a bronze at the Junior Asian Cup among her notable international performances. Her development has also been aided by exposure to high-performance training environments. She trained under Vivek Thakur and subsequently spent time at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), while also continuing her training in Chandigarh with support from the state Sports Department.

General Secretary of the Amateur Judo Association of Chandigarh, NS Thakur, highlighted Narang's progress and potential. "She underwent training under Vivek Thakur. Subsequently, she also trained at the IIS (Inspire Institute of Sport), where such training takes place. She also regularly visits Chandigarh for training, and the Sports Department cooperates significantly with us in this regard. The upcoming Commonwealth Games are in 2030, for which she will have to go through a selection process again. However, she is a very strong athlete. She is young athlete at 19 and is likely to qualify for the Commonwealth Games. She is constantly improving," he said.

Road to Ahmedabad 2030

Narang's performance in Glasgow highlighted both her competitive temperament and ability to recover under pressure. With the Olympic qualification process already underway, Narang is now looking to build on her Commonwealth Games experience and continue her progression on the international circuit.

India finished fourth in the overall standings at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with 39 medals -- 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze. The Games also marked the formal beginning of India's preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, with the Commonwealth Games flag ceremonially handed over during the closing ceremony in Glasgow.

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Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz pull out of Cincinnati Open with injury

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:59 +0530

Jannik Sinner Withdraws From Cincinnati Open

Reigning Wimbledon champion and five-time Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner has pulled out of Cincinnati Open due to an injury to his right knee. The official X handle of the tournament made the announcement, leaving the tournament without two of the brightest young superstars of the modern era, Sinner and his arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz.

"Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury. Wishing all the best to our 2024 champion, and can't wait to see you again next year!," posted the tournament's official handle.

Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury. Wishing all the best to our 2024 champion and can’t wait to see you again next year! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wYHY94viCE — Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 9, 2026

Sinner had captured the 2024 title, beating Frances Tiafoe in the final, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2.

Carlos Alcaraz Also Pulls Out

Alcaraz's return to competitive tennis has been delayed after the Spaniard star withdrew from the 2026 Cincinnati Open.

The Cincinnati Open is scheduled to take place from August 13 to 23, with the US Open, the season's final Grand Slam, set to run from August 30 to September 13.

Tournament organisers confirmed on Tuesday that the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion will miss the ATP Masters 1000 event, meaning he will be unable to defend the title he won last year.

The main draw is scheduled to begin next week, as per Olympics.com.

Alcaraz has been sidelined since sustaining a wrist injury during the Barcelona Open in April, forcing him to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon.

The 23-year-old is targeting a return at the US Open, the season's final Grand Slam, where he will also be the defending champion.

The Spaniard has gradually stepped up his recovery in recent weeks, progressing from strength and conditioning work to full training sessions in Cincinnati.

(ANI)

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Arsenal's pre-season woes continue with Emirates Cup loss to Dortmund

Asianet News Central — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:34 +0530

Premier League champions Arsenal's underwhelming pre-season run continued with a second successive loss to Borussia Dortmund as sub-par defending cost them the Emirates Cup on their home soil on Sunday.

Gunners Fall Short in Emirates Cup Clash

Arsenal did try to come back from a deficit of 0-2 but a 58th minute strike from Joane Gadau helped Dortmund seal the win.

Previously, they had registered a 3-1 loss to Real Betis after starting off the pre-season with a thumping 4-1 win over Girona.

Arsenal had plenty of chances throughout, with Viktor Gyokeres wasting his attempt in the first half as it hit the woodwork.

Samuele Inacio (7th minute) and 18-year-old wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas (29th minute) put the German side ahead.

In the second half, Ethan Nwaneri (54th minute) pulled the Gunners in the fight, before Gadou made it 3-1 in the 58th minute. Viktor converted a penalty in the 69th minute to keep the Premier League champions in the fight, but Borussia managed to keep the scoreline undisturbed.

With seven days to go before the FA Community Shield game against Manchester City, Arsenal and its manager have some things to fix.

Arteta Admits 'Things Have to be Improved'

Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said, as quoted by Sky Sports, "We lost the game, obviously not happy about it. Things obviously have to be improved. Certain players need to get more minutes and rhythm, which is going to be really helpful."

"It has to hurt, whether it is a friendly match, a test or whatever you want to call it. But yeah, we know where we are. We know that we are missing still a lot of players and some players that haven't had enough training. And yeah, sometimes losing is good."

"We conceded some poor goals the other day, some poor goals today, in the way we competed, especially. But that's a very collective responsibility. So, we need to improve with the players that we have. And we want to improve, for sure we will," he signed off.

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

Shubman Gill 'very much ready' for Sri Lanka Test, says coach

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 23:30:51 +0530

Indian spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said that skipper Shubman Gill is "very much ready" for the first Test against Sri Lanka, having missed the first two days of the warm-up clash against Sri Lanka XI after a hit on the finger during training.

Gill made a return to the action during the final day of the warm-up clash, scoring a quick 44 in 54 balls, laying the foundation of an easy 207-run chase for India that will give them plenty of morale ahead of the two-match Test series starting from August 15 onwards at Galle.

Gill's Return and Fitness Update

Speaking about Gill's return to action, Bahutule said that keeping him away from the field was "a precaution" and the batter has been doing "absolutely fine".

"It was just a precaution more than anything else. And he has been absolutely fine. He has been doing his training. And the management decided that we could just take that precaution of not putting him into that first day (of the practice match). And I think everything, the way he batted in the second inning, was again flawless. He is very much ready for the Test match," said Bahutule as quoted by Cricinfo.

Warm-up Match: First Innings

SL XI won the toss and opted to bat first and declared at 363/8 in the first innings. Ravindu Rasantha (71 in 143 balls, with six fours and a six), Nishan Fernando (66 in 65 balls, with 11 fours and a six) and skipper Sonal Dinusha (52 in 72 balls, with five fours and a six) made half-centuries. Manav Suthar (2/33), Ravindra Jadeja (2/64) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/76) were the leading bowlers for India. Aqib Nabi, drafted as Jasprit Bumrah's injury replacement, did not bowl any overs. Meanwhile, Saransh Jain (0/54), who got his first call-up, got some action with the ball.

In response, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) early, but a 96-run stand between KL Rahul (40 in 67 balls, with five fours and a six) and Devdutt Padikkal helped them get back in the game. Ravindra Jadeja (63 in 117 balls, with seven fours) had a 74-run stand with Padikkal before he was retired hurt. Rishabh Pant (2), Dhruv Jurel (1) were dismissed for poor scores. Padikkal also had an 82-run stand with Manav Suthar (41 in 90 balls, with five fours and a six) and stood tall when India declared at 357/6, trailing by six runs. Padikkal made a sensational 142* in 164 balls, with 18 fours at number three. In the lower order, Saransh (22 in 45 balls, with three fours) and Gurnoor Brar (36* in 18 balls, with four sixes) posted handy knocks. Asanka Manoj (2/32) and Ramesh Mendis (2/77) were the leading bowlers for Sri Lanka XI.

Second Innings and India's Chase

In their second innings, SLXI declared at 200/6, with Nishan Fernando (63 in 73 balls, with 10 fours), Nipun Dhananjaya (46 in 56 balls, with five fours) and Anjala Bandara (35 in 48 balls, with four boundaries and a six) playing handy knocks. Jadeja (2/33) and Brar (2/37) were among the top wicket-takers for India, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna also getting a wicket each. Nabi also got to throw five overs, conceding 27 runs.

In the chase of 207 runs, Jaiswal (61 in 46 balls, with nine fours and two sixes, retired hurt), put on a 105-run stand with skipper Gill (44 in 54 balls, with seven fours) who made a return to action on the final day. Pant (28 in 68 balls, with a four and three sixes) and Jadeja (22 in 32 balls, with three fours, retired hurt) played crucial knocks. In the end, Mohammed Siraj (32* in 15 balls, with a four and four sixes) and Saransh Jain (2*) stayed unbeaten as India ended the match at 214/4 in 45 overs. (ANI)

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CWG 2026: PM Modi hosts medal winners, says they made nation proud

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 23:30:40 +0530

PM Modi Interacts with CWG 2026 Medal Winners

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted India's Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners at his residence on Sunday. PM Modi said that the exceptional performances of the athletes have made the country proud and will motivate youngsters. PM Modi also posted a video from his interaction with India's CWG 2026 medal winners. The Prime Minister shared a video from the meeting on X with the caption, "Always #Cheer4Bharat." The video featured CWG gold medallist boxer Sakshi Chaudhary alongside other members of India's medal-winning contingent.

"Hello friends! This is Sakshi Chaudhary. Today, our honourable Prime Minister has invited us, the Commonwealth Games medalists, and we feel very proud. We are extremely happy to have met him; he is very humble. Sir, would you like to say something?" Sakshi said in the video. Responding to her, PM Modi said, "Jo khelega, woh khilega" (The one who plays, will blossom). Always cheer for Bharat."

Now, in another post, the Prime Minister wrote, "Delighted to host our outstanding medal winners from the Commonwealth Games 2026 at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Heard about their experiences from the Games. Each one of them has made our nation proud through their exceptional performances. Their success will motivate many youngsters."

Delighted to host our outstanding medal winners from the Commonwealth Games 2026 at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Heard about their experiences from the Games. Each one of them has made our nation proud through their exceptional performances. Their success will motivate many youngsters. pic.twitter.com/1zkYCKiV8r — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2026

India's Performance at Glasgow Games

India ended its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze, to finish fourth in the overall medal standings.

Ahmedabad to Host Centenary Games in 2030

The flag and baton were handed over to India's representatives, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi during the closing ceremony.

Ahmedabad will become the second Indian city to host the Commonwealth Games after New Delhi staged the event in 2010.

Performance Analysis: Glasgow vs Birmingham

India's fourth-place finish in Glasgow came despite a significantly smaller contingent and a reduced sporting programme compared to Birmingham 2022.

India had 122 athletes in Glasgow, compared to 210 in Birmingham, while 30 of the 61 medals won in 2022 had come in sports that were not part of the Glasgow programme.

Despite the reduced opportunities, India maintained its fourth-place position and produced a stronger medal conversion rate, with 38 athletes returning home with medals.

Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh was the only Indian athlete to win two medals at the Games.

(ANI)

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Durand Cup: Afridi Buyamayum's brace gives TRAU FC a 2-1 victory

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:30:46 +0530

Afridi Buyamayum scored twice, including a spectacular second-half strike, as Tiddim Road Athletic Union Football Club (TRAU FC) secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Indian Navy FT in their final Group D fixture of the 135th Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Sunday.

Despite being dominated for large periods and facing relentless pressure from Indian Navy, who registered a staggering 26 attempts on goal, TRAU FC produced a clinical display in front of goal. Buyamayum's brace and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Tajuddin helped the Manipur side hold on for all three points, according to a press release from AIFF Media.

Buyamayum opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Indian Navy responded immediately after half-time through Khullakpam Zahir Khan. However, Buyamayum restored TRAU's advantage in the 60th minute with a stunning strike to put his side back in front.

The result saw TRAU FC finish second in Group D with four points from their three matches. Indian Navy also ended their group stage campaign with three points from three matches, with both sides bowing out before the quarter-finals. The result also confirmed debutants FC Raengdai as Group D winners, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

Team Lineups

TRAU FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Tajuddin in goal and Zlex Khangjrakpam Mangang, Nongmeikapam Meitei, Seila Toure and Chongompipa Reamsochung Aimol forming the backline. Adriko Rogers and Chanam Akash Meitei anchored the midfield, while Afdal Varikkodan, Mynam Arif Husain, Afridi Buyamayum and Ghanefo Ansumana Kromah formed the attacking unit.

Indian Navy FT opted for an aggressive 3-4-3 setup, with Bhaskar Roy in goal and Navjot Singh, Novin Gurung and M. Deny Singh comprising the back three. Roshan Panna, Vijay Marandi, Muhammed Inayath and Emanuel Lalhanchhunga operated across midfield, while Khullakpam Zahir Khan, Brijesh Giri and Adersh Mattummal led the attack.

Match Highlights

First Half: Navy Dominates, TRAU Strikes

Indian Navy dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, pushing TRAU FC deep into their own half. Their first clear opening arrived in the seventh minute as the Sailors produced three successive attempts on goal, but TRAU packed the penalty area with bodies to keep the danger at bay. The pressure continued, with Navy repeatedly testing the TRAU defence from distance.

TRAU struggled to play their way out of their own half, finding it difficult to string together sustained spells of possession. However, completely against the run of play, TRAU produced a moment of brilliance in the 16th minute. Afridi Buyamayum found a pocket of space outside the box before unleashing a sensational right-footed curling effort that flew into the top corner, leaving Bhaskar Roy with no chance. It was TRAU's first attempt of the match and completely changed the complexion of the contest.

The goal briefly allowed the home side to settle into the game and find greater composure in possession, although they continued to struggle to create clear-cut opportunities. The final quarter of the first half saw the intensity drop, with both sides relying more on aerial duels and neither able to establish sustained pressure. Indian Navy entered the break with 12 attempts, six of them on target, and the majority of possession, but TRAU's disciplined defending ensured that Buyamayum's solitary moment of brilliance remained the difference between the sides.

Second Half: Quick Goals and Goalkeeping Heroics

Navy needed just 16 seconds after the restart to restore parity. Khullakpam Zahir Khan surged through the heart of the TRAU defence following a defensive lapse before keeping his composure to slot the ball into the net and make it 1-1.

The opening 15 minutes of the second half once again belonged to Indian Navy, who immediately went in search of a second goal. They came close shortly after equalising, but Zlex Khangjrakpam Mangang produced a perfectly timed sliding challenge to deny the advancing attacker.

Yet, much like in the first half, TRAU struck against the run of play. On the hour mark, the hosts broke quickly down the right on a counter-attack, with Afridi Buyamayum once again providing the decisive touch to complete his brace and restore TRAU's lead at 2-1.

Indian Navy responded by throwing more players forward in search of another equaliser, but Tajuddin stood tall in the TRAU goal. The goalkeeper produced the save of the match in the 65th minute, acrobatically tipping a powerful long-range effort over the crossbar after the shot took a dangerous deflection. Tajuddin was called into action again moments later, producing another important save to preserve TRAU's slender advantage.

Following the final hydration break, Indian Navy launched an all-out assault during the closing stages. The Sailors repeatedly sent deliveries into the TRAU penalty area and searched desperately for an equaliser, but the hosts remained resolute. By the final whistle, Indian Navy had registered a staggering 26 attempts, with 15 on target, while TRAU managed just eight shots and only two on target. Remarkably, both of TRAU's efforts on target found the back of the net.

Ultimately, TRAU FC's clinical finishing, defensive resilience and Afridi Buyamayum's individual brilliance proved decisive as they held on for a dramatic 2-1 victory to bring their Durand Cup campaign to a winning conclusion. (ANI)

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Harmanpreet Singh on India's defence, attack prep for Hockey WC

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:00:31 +0530

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh spoke on the work the team has put into defence and attack alike ahead of the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup this month, saying that a lot of effort has been put into improving communication and penalty corner attack and defence. The latest edition of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup will be held from August 14 to 30 this year in Belgium and the Netherlands. India secured direct qualification to the tournament after winning the men's Asia Cup held on home soil last year.

Speaking in an interview with ANI, Harmanpreet said that the team has done a great deal of training in their camp in Bengaluru, improving their game attacking and defence-wise while being in their opponent's circle, making the best of 50-50 chances. "The preparation is going on really well. I think, all the time we have spent here in the camp, I think, overall, we have worked on everything. There is fitness strength, and structure-wise, I think, we have done very good training. Individually, we have worked on some areas, like attacking-wise, defence-wise, when we are going in the circle of opponents, the opportunities, if there are 50-50 chances, how we have to cope up and all. And as a team, we have focused a lot on defence," said Harmanpreet.

Team Readiness and Young Talent

Harmanpreet had taken a break leading upto the tournament. During February 2026, he had skipped the Hobart leg of the FIH Pro League. The Indian skipper is happy with the emergence and performance of young talent since that leg and feels really fresh, ready for the World Cup.

"In Pro League, there is a very good opportunity for younger talent. If you play a team, you play them twice. So you get to analyse a lot of things. Youngsters are playing really well. We as seniors talk very openly to them and try giving them as much confidence as possible. The communication should be good, there should not be any gap," he said.

"I feel fresh. Staying away from the team is difficult, but sometimes, you need it. I think we have had a lot of rest. We are happy with our performances in the Pro League (finishing eighth with some fine performances away from home). Our confidence and overall everything is going well. So I am excited for the World Cup," he added.

Focus on Communication and Strategy

On working on his game individually, Harmanpreet said that he has been focusing on communicating well with his teammates on the field and on what positions he could take while being in the half of his opposition.

"Position-wise, I have focused on maintaining good communication. Without the ball, it is important for us. I play in that position, as a free man. So the more positive and clear the communication, the better it is for the team," said Harmanpreet.

"We have also worked on PC attack (penalty corner attack) and defence. We have worked on being in aggressive positions. Where do we want to be when we are in half of our opponents? Whether I prefer the left or right side, which one benefits the team more? Which one benefits the team more when we pass? Most of the time, the ball is with the defender. So we have worked on a lot of these things. Overall, I am happy with the way we have covered all these things. Now time to apply them in the World Cup." he signed off.

India's World Cup Quest

India was drawn in Pool D along with England, Wales and arch-rivals Pakistan. Having won the 1975 edition by beating Pakistan 2-1 in the final, the World Cup glory has eluded India for the last 50 years. Having registered a ninth-place finish in the 2023 edition held at Bhubaneswar, India will be aiming to bring the gold home, riding on the back of the momentum of two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title win, two Asian Champions Trophy wins and an Asia Cup gold. (ANI)

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FISU Squash Championships: India wins best-ever silver medal in Mumbai

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:00:29 +0530

India settled for the silver medal in the team event at the FISU World University Squash Championships 2026 after losing to Hong Kong, China in the final at Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai on Sunday.

Final Match Highlights

The Indian quartet of Om Semwal, Shameena Riaz, Suraj Kumar Chand and Nirupama Dubey lost the closely fought final on game difference after the tie ended 2-2, as per Olympics.com.

Om Semwal got India off to a winning start with a commanding 3-0 (7-3, 7-3, 7-3) victory over Lap Man Au. However, Ching Hei Fung levelled the tie for Hong Kong China with a 3-0 (7-3, 7-1, 7-4) win over Shameena Riaz.

India regained the lead through Suraj Kumar Chand, who edged Shing Fung Lam 3-2 (6-7, 7-0, 5-7, 7-3, 7-4). However, the two games conceded by the Indian side proved decisive as Nirupama Dubey went down 3-0 (7-4, 7-5, 7-3) to Po Yui Kirstie Wong, leaving the tie level at 2-2 but Hong Kong China ahead on games.

As per the tournament rules, a 2-2 tie in the knockout stage is decided first by game difference. If the teams remain level, the result is determined by points difference across the four matches. Should they still be tied, the winner is decided based on the head-to-head result of the first match.

India's Best-Ever Finish

Despite missing out on the gold medal, India's silver is their best-ever finish in the team event at the FISU World University Squash Championships. India had won a team bronze medal at the previous edition of the tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2024.

Road to the Final

India began their team-event campaign on Friday with a 3-1 victory over Czechia in the quarter-finals. Sandesh Palanivel Ravikumar gave India the lead with a 3-0 win, before Karolina Sramkova levelled the tie with a 3-1 victory over Shameena Riaz. Om Semwal then restored India's lead with a 3-0 win over Jachym Mracek, while Pooja Arthi Raghu sealed the victory by defeating Tereza Siroka by the same scoreline.

The hosts followed up with a 3-1 victory over Spain in the semi-finals to book their place in the final. Nirupama Dubey received a bye in the opening match, before Suraj Kumar Chand rallied to beat Hugo Jaen 3-1 and put India ahead. Spain stayed alive after Noa Romero defeated Pooja Arthi Raghu 3-1, but Om Semwal held his nerve to edge Marc Altarriba 3-2 and send India into the final. (ANI)

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Basant, Shahnavaz create history at World Athletics U20 Championships

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:30:27 +0530

Basant Kumar Meghwal and Shahnavaz Khan created history at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026 in Eugene, Oregon, winning silver and bronze medals in the men's high jump and long jump, respectively, to take India's medal tally at the championships to three.

Basant Meghwal's Historic Silver

Basant became the first Indian athlete to win a high jump medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships after clearing a personal-best-equalling 2.21m for silver on Saturday, as per Olympics.com. The 19-year-old had previously cleared 2.21m at the Junior Federation Cup in Bengaluru in April, before winning gold at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong in May with a clearance of 2.20m.

Basant began his campaign in Eugene with a first-attempt clearance of 2.06m and needed two attempts to clear 2.12m. He then cleared 2.17m on his first attempt before matching his personal best of 2.21m with his second jump. The Indian failed to clear 2.24m in three attempts but finished second on countback after three athletes cleared 2.21m.

"In the last attempt at 2.24, I was a bit nervous, but it's okay. I will do better next time in senior competitions," Basant told Olympics.com. Algeria's Younes Ayachi won gold after clearing 2.21m on his first attempt, while Great Britain's Otis Poole took bronze after clearing the height on his third attempt.

Shahnavaz Khan Secures Long Jump Bronze

Shahnavaz, meanwhile, became the first Indian man to win a long jump medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships after producing a best effort of 7.84m for bronze. Shaili Singh had earlier won silver in the women's long jump at the 2021 edition. The Indian U20 Asian champion opened with a 7.67m effort before improving to 7.72m and then registering his medal-winning leap of 7.84m in his third attempt. He followed it with jumps of 7.52m, 7.83m and 5.37m.

Shahnavaz came into the competition with a personal best of 8.30m, which he recorded at the Indian Championships in June. Italy's Daniele Leonardo Inzoli won gold with 7.97m, while Australia's Mason McGroder secured silver with a personal-best 7.96m.

India Equals Best-Ever Medal Haul

The two medals took India's tally in Eugene to three, following Ashish Yadav's silver in the javelin throw on Friday. The three-medal haul equals India's best-ever tally at the World Athletics U20 Championships, matching the medal count from the 2021 and 2022 editions, which also yielded two silver medals and one bronze.

India have won two gold medals in the history of the championships. Neeraj Chopra claimed javelin throw gold in 2016, while Hima Das won the women's 400m title in 2018. In both editions, the gold medal was India's only podium finish.

The performances of Meghwal and Shahnavaz have now added two more landmark entries to India's growing record at the global junior championships. (ANI)

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

Barcelona inches closer to signing Rodri, Man City holds out for €80m

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:30:26 +0530

City Stand Firm on Rodri Amid Barca Interest

While FC Barcelona are inching closer to signing Manchester City star Rodri, the English football giants are still keeping him tight, with the manager Enzo Maresca saying that "he will be in Manchester next Wednesday".

The current La Liga champions have already put out their second offer for the Spanish FIFA World Cup-winning star, while Man City are holding out for 80 million euros, as per Goal.com. As per Spanish newspaper 'Sport' as quoted by Goal.com, City boss Enzo said, "At the moment, it seems that Rodri will be in Manchester next Wednesday." Enzo had remarked on the player's contractual situation, and untill the move is settled, Rodri will stay with City and stick with their schedule. Enzo is counting on the Man City star as long as he officially is with the club.

Barcelona's Push for Quick Transfer

Within the Barcelona camp, there have been extra moves made to bring the Spanish star to the team, and they want to bring him as quickly as possible so that he can adjust into Hansi Flick's system without delay, and Flick personally is reported to want him immediately. Flick's goal is to have Rodri to have him within the camp by August 12, a date that demands that the move progresses quickly if Rodri is to come to Barcelona without further hold-ups.

Enzo's comments should not be read, as per Goal.com, as an obstacle to the transfer, and they are merely how things stand as of now. Once City gives the green light, Rodri will get his moment to say goodbye to the club and move to Spain.

Rodri's Decorated Career

Rodri is a four-time Premier League winner, a one-time UEFA Champions League winner and a two-time FA Cup winner with Manchester City. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 2024. (ANI)

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BWF C'ships: Satwiksairaj is fit, message is 'one match at a time'

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 20:31:00 +0530

India's badminton doubles coach Tan Kim Her confirmed that the star doubles player Satwiksairaj Rankireddy is completely fit from his injury and the message to him and his doubles partner Chirag Shetty is to take it "one match a time" during the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships, starting from August 17 onwards in New Delhi.

Tan Kim spoke to ANI during the draw unveiling ceremony of the tournament in New Delhi recently. The championships will be held from August 17-23 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Arena, New Delhi.

In one of the most exciting first-round matches, the Asian Championships silver medallist Ayush Shetty will be pitted against defending champion and top seed Shi Yuqi of China.

In the men's doubles draw, fifth seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have a bye in the opening round and will play the winners of the match between Alexander Dunn and Adam Pringle of Scotland and Thailand's Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn and Worrapol Thongsa-Nga.

Coach's Advice: 'One Match at a Time'

Speaking to ANI, Tan said about the duo of Satwik-Chirag, who had faced round of 32 exits in the Japan Open (July) and the Indonesia Open due to injuries after the highs of winning the Singapore Open in May, that the message for them is to "not put too much expectations".

"So, the last game they played was the Singapore Open; they won the Singapore Open. After that Satwik got injured. So he has just fully recovered. And then what I can tell them is we... okay, do not put too much expectations. We take it one match at a time. Of course, focus is there, focus is there," he said.

Speaking of the draw, Tan Kim was happy with the draw, but warned that after the first round, "nothing will be easy".

"But what I can tell the players is we take one match at a time," he added.

On Boe's Role and Home Advantage

On the return of former Indian doubles coach Mathias Boe as the consultant to Satwik-Chirag and what impact his presence has made for the duo, the coach said that he is not in the main coaching staff role and is operating like a "friend outside".

"Boe is not at the training or during the games. Boe is just doing his thing with them as a friend outside maybe. I do not really know much about it, nothing much I can say," he said.

With the world championships returning to home soil after 17 years, Tan Kim encouraged the players to take things "positively", play confidently and enjoy the home support,

"I can say here, all players, Indian players, should take it very positively. This is our home. So the supporters will be with us. So just go all out and play with full confidence," he signed off.

Indian Players' Draw Analysis

Men's Singles

The 2022 world championships bronze medallist Lakshya Sen will face Collins Valentine Filimon of Austria in the men's singles first round and could face second seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the pre-quarterfinals, as per a press release from the Badminton Association of India (BAI).

Women's Singles

While India is aiming to win multiple medals on their home turf, all eyes would be on five-time world championships medallist PV Sindhu, who has struck form in the run-up to the Championships by winning the Japan Open last month.

Sindhu has managed to avoid the likes of world number one An Se Young of South Korea and defending champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan before the medal rounds. Though placed in the same half as Young, Sindhu is likely to meet China's third seed Wang Zhi Yi in the pre-quarterfinals with a possible last eight clash against sixth seed Putri Wardani of Indonesia.

Doubles Draw

For Satwik and Chirag, the first real challenge is expected to come from the 12th-seeded Indonesian pair of Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin, who reached the finals of the Indonesia Open in June this year.

In mixed doubles, 15th-seeded Indian combination of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto have a bye in the opening round and their first real test could come in the round of 16 where they are likely to face sixth seeds Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui of China.

Their compatriots Rohan Kapoor and G Ruthvika Shivani will be up against Canada's Jonathan Lai and Crystal Lai, with top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping of China waiting for them in the second round.

In the women's doubles, two-time All England semi-finalists Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly will be up against Paula Lopez and Lucia Rodriguez of Spain in the first round, with USA's 16th seeds Lauren Lam and Allison Lee waiting for them in the second round.

Debutants Simran Singhi and Kavipriya Selvam will kick off their campaign against Nikol Carulla and Carmen Jimenez of Spain, and if they clear that hurdle then they will face five-time European champions Gabriela Stoeva and Stefani Stoeva in the second round.

The second Indian men's doubles pair of MR Arjun and Hariharan are also in the second half of the draw and will kick off their campaign against Ireland's Scott Guildea and Paul Reynolds. (ANI)

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IND vs SL: Sarfaraz Khan replaces injured Sai Sudharsan for Test series

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 20:30:37 +0530

Indian batter Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of India's two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a right toe stress reaction. The BCCI said he is recovering well at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and remains under close medical supervision. Sarfaraz Khan has been named as his replacement and will join the Indian squad in Colombo ahead of the first Test in Galle, beginning August 15, 2026.

"Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the Test series against Sri Lanka. The left-handed batter, who has been at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, has made significant progress in his recovery from the right toe stress reaction and is recovering well," BCCI said in a statement. "The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring his progress. The Men's Selection Committee has named Sarfaraz Khan as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. He will link up with the Indian squad in Colombo before the team travels to Galle for the first Test match, starting August 15, 2026," the statement further added.

Jasprit Bumrah also ruled out

On the other hand, seamer Jasprit Bumrah was also ruled out of the series as he has not fully recovered from the left knee injury he sustained during the ODI series against England. The Men's Selection Committee has included Aquib Nabi in the squad as Bumrah's replacement.

India's mounting injury woes

India are also grappling with multiple injury concerns ahead of the series, with Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy sidelined due to hamstring and quadriceps injuries, respectively. Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the opening Test with a hamstring issue, while Akash Deep remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from stress reactions in his back.

World Test Championship Context

The series will form part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Led by Shubman Gill, India are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings, having registered four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.

India's updated squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka

India's updated squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Sarfaraz Khan. (ANI)

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WTC: Gill quashes injury fears as India wins warm-up by 6 wickets

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 20:00:37 +0530

India put in a strong showing in their only warm-up game ahead of the two-Test ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series against Sri Lanka. Chasing a target of 207 in the final innings, India secured a convincing six-wicket victory.

The result provided several positives for India as they look to revive their campaign in the race for next year's ICC World Test Championship Final. Here are some positives from the warm-up match:

Positives From the Warm-up Match

Gill quashes injury fears after a hit to finger

India were dealt a major injury scare when Shubman Gill was forced to sit out the first two days of the warm-up fixture against a Sri Lanka XI, as per ICC. Gill suffered a blow to his right ring finger during a training session, with the injury adding to India's growing list of fitness concerns.

However, Gill quickly eased those fears by returning to the field on Day 3 and showing strong form with the bat, scoring 44 off 54 deliveries during the run-chase. India will be hoping the 26-year-old can carry his strong form into the Test series, having crossed the 50-run mark in five of his last six appearances across formats.

Padikkal on the rise

India arrived in Sri Lanka with a question mark over their number three batting position. Sai Sudharsan, who had been in the role over the past year, is doubtful to take part in the Test series due to a toe injury.

However, India's concerns would have been eased considerably after Devdutt Padikkal produced a high-class performance in the first innings. The left-hander smashed a brilliant century off just 121 balls before retiring on 103. He returned later in the day and continued his impressive knock, eventually finishing with 142 runs off 164 balls. Padikkal's performance has strengthened his case for the number three position ahead of the first Test, which begins on August 15.

Jadeja in fine form

Ravindra Jadeja once again showed why he remains one of India's leading all-rounders, making a significant impact with both bat and ball throughout the warm-up match. In the first innings, the 37-year-old was among India's best-performing bowlers, returning impressive figures of 2/64 from his 15 overs.

With the bat, he combined well with Padikkal to put together an important 72-run partnership before going on to score a solid 63 off 117 balls, eventually retiring hurt. Jadeja followed it up with another disciplined spell of 2/33 from seven overs and added 22 off 32 in the final innings before retiring out. His all-round performance once again underlined his importance to the Indian setup, and he is likely to be a key figure if India are to go on and win the series.

WTC Standings and India Squad

India's squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka is: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi. *Subject to fitness clearance. (ANI)

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PM Modi meets CWG 2026 medal winners, says 'Jo khelega, woh khilega'

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 20:00:32 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met India's medal winners from the Commonwealth Games 2026 at his residence in New Delhi and congratulated the athletes for their performances at the Glasgow Games.

'Jo Khelega, Woh Khilega': PM Modi to Athletes

Soon after the interaction, PM Modi shared a video from the meeting on X with the caption, "Always #Cheer4Bharat." The video featured CWG gold medallist boxer Sakshi Chaudhary alongside other members of India's medal-winning contingent. "Hello friends! This is Sakshi Chaudhary. Today, our honourable Prime Minister has invited us, the Commonwealth Games medalists, and we feel very proud. We are extremely happy to have met him; he is very humble. Sir, would you like to say something?" Sakshi said in the video.

Responding to her, PM Modi said, "Jo khelega, woh khilega" (The one who plays, will blossom). Always cheer for Bharat." Always #Cheer4Bharat. pic.twitter.com/eSjh8o1Ris — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2026 PM Modi then led the medal winners in chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai" three times.

India's Medal Tally and Performance Analysis

India ended its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze, to finish fourth in the overall medal standings.

India's fourth-place finish in Glasgow came despite a significantly smaller contingent and a reduced sporting programme compared to Birmingham 2022. India had 122 athletes in Glasgow, compared to 210 in Birmingham, while 30 of the 61 medals won in 2022 had come in sports that were not part of the Glasgow programme.

Despite the reduced opportunities, India maintained its fourth-place position and produced a stronger medal conversion rate, with 38 athletes returning home with medals. Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh was the only Indian athlete to win two medals at the Games.

Ahmedabad to Host Centenary Games in 2030

Ahmedabad will become the second Indian city to host the Commonwealth Games after New Delhi staged the event in 2010.

With the ceremonial handover now complete, India's attention will turn towards Ahmedabad, which will host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. (ANI)

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Bhuvneshwar Kumar: UP T20 League a massive platform for youngsters

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:31:31 +0530

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar believes the Uttar Pradesh T20 League provides a major platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent and earn opportunities in the IPL and eventually the Indian team.

The 36-year-old pacer, who is set to captain Lucknow Falcons in the fourth season of the UP T20 League, highlighted how the tournament has already helped youngsters make the jump to the IPL. "It is a great opportunity for young players. If you look back, young players who came from nowhere have succeeded before. Our own team provides the best examples; players like Abhinandan and Vipraj were picked by the team, performed well, and were subsequently selected for the IPL. So, I think it is a massive opportunity for everyone; if they possess talent, they can get picked for the IPL or the Indian team."

UP T20 League Season 4 Details

The fourth season of the UP T20 League will begin on August 14, with defending champions Kashi Rudras taking on Meerut Mavericks in the opening match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Bhuvneshwar will lead Lucknow Falcons after a stellar IPL 2026 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he played a key role in their title-winning campaign and finished with 28 wickets.

Bhuvneshwar will now look to guide Lucknow Falcons to their maiden UP T20 League title as the tournament expands to two venues for the first time. The 24-day competition will feature 34 matches, with the opening phase being played in Lucknow before the action moves to Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.

Tournament Schedule and Venues

Ekana Cricket Stadium will host 22 matches over 13 matchdays, while Kanpur will stage the remaining 12 games, including the entire knockout phase. The Qualifier 1 and Eliminator will be played on September 3, followed by Qualifier 2 on September 4. The final is scheduled for September 6 in Kanpur.

The opening weekend will see Noida Kings face Kanpur Superstars and Lucknow Falcons take on Gaur Gorakhpur Lions on August 15. Kashi Rudras will then face Kanpur Superstars on August 16, while Meerut Mavericks will meet Gaur Gorakhpur Lions later that day.

The tournament will also feature several double-header days as the organisers seek to provide a bigger platform for Uttar Pradesh's emerging domestic talent. With matches being held across Lucknow and Kanpur, the fourth season is expected to offer another opportunity for young players to make an impression in front of selectors and IPL franchises.

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

BCCI's CoE coordinates with selectors on player fitness: VVS Laxman

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:31:34 +0530

Amid scrutiny over India's growing injury list, Board of Control for Cricket in India's Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman on Sunday said that there is strong coordination between the CoE, team management, sports science and medicine staff, and Indian selection committees. He explained that selectors regularly seek players' fitness reports from the CoE, which provides updated assessments to the selection committee, head coaches and the BCCI to support informed selection decisions. Several key players are currently dealing with injuries, with Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar among those facing fitness concerns.

Coordination Process Explained

"There's a brilliant coordination between the COE, the team management of both the teams [men and women], the SSM [Sports Science & Medicine] staff and the selection committees, " Laxman said. "The process is that the selector [chairperson] reaches out to the COE asking for the fitness status report [of players]. And we collect the current status and send it to the selection committee chairperson, with a copy to the respective head coach and BCCI," he added.

CoE's Broader Role

He stressed that injuries are an inevitable part of a cricketer's career and said the priority should be careful monitoring and management of players, rather than blaming the CoE or looking for scapegoats. "CoE is not merely a rehab centre. There are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence," Laxman added.

Challenges in Filling Key Position

Laxman also spoke about the vacant position of Head of Sports Science and Medicine (SSM) at the CoE, saying the BCCI has faced difficulties in finding a suitable candidate for the role. He said the position requires not only stature and experience but also an understanding of Indian cricketers and their requirements.

"After Nitin (Patel) left, we couldn't fill his shoes. Everything was agreed upon; Andrew (Leipus) backed off citing family reasons," Laxman said. (ANI)

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DPL 2026: Sarthak Ranjan, bowlers guide Strikers to win vs Tigers

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:31:30 +0530

North Delhi Strikers registered a comfortable seven-wicket victory over New Delhi Tigers in Match 18 of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, powered by a captain's knock from Sarthak Ranjan and a disciplined, well-rounded bowling performance.

Strikers' bowlers restrict Tigers

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, North Delhi Strikers restricted New Delhi Tigers to 161/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Atulya Pandey gave the Tigers a brisk start with 32 off 21 balls, featuring six boundaries. However, North Delhi Strikers kept taking wickets at crucial junctures. Vikas Dixit was the standout bowler, breaking partnerships through the middle and death overs to finish with excellent figures of 3/28 in four overs. Despite middle-order contributions from skipper Himmat Singh (24 off 17), Aaryan Sharma (25 off 21), and Hrithik Shokeen (35* off 25), the Tigers struggled to break free against a disciplined Strikers attack where all five front-line bowlers, Akhil Chaudhary (1/33), Ajay Yadav (1/32), Arjun Rapria (1/35), Mayank Dagar (1/32), and Vikas Dixit--picked up at least one wicket.

Sarthak Ranjan's captain's knock powers chase

Chasing 162 for victory, North Delhi Strikers made light work of the target, reaching 165/3 in 19.1 overs. Captain Sarthak Ranjan led from the front with a masterful 65 off 43 balls, striking three fours and five towering sixes. Ranjan shared a massive 102-run opening partnership off 70 balls with Vaibhav Kandpal, who anchored brilliantly with 41 off 36 deliveries. Though Revant Rakyan picked up 2/26 to briefly stall the chase, quickfire cameos from Yash Bhatia (19 off 9), Bharat Sindhwani (24* off 18), and Yash Dabas (14* off 9) comfortably guided the Strikers home with five balls to spare.

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VVS Laxman reveals he was offered Team India head coach job in 2023

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:30:48 +0530

Laxman on Turning Down Head Coach Role

Former Indian batter and BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head coach VVS Laxman revealed that he was offered a gig as Team India head coach back in 2023, but could not take it up for personal reasons and decided to continue as the head of CoE and contribute to its development as it got a new facility of its own in Bengaluru. Amid concerns over the recent spate of injuries, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met Laxman on Sunday to review the rehabilitation and injury-management programme at the facility. Saikia also attended the press conference along with Laxman, BCCI president Mithun Manhas and other senior officials. Speaking during the presser, he said, "The reason why I extended (as the head of CoE): In 2023, I was supposed to become the head coach. Because of personal reasons, I was not able to take that up. I went and spoke to Jay (Shah) twice. He understood my reasons. Because of what Jay and the BCCI have given me, the freedom to execute with my vision, it continues with Devajit and other office bearers."

"I extended for two years, and I committed to the BCCI that here I am not taking up the head coach position, but I will make sure that I establish the CoE, I establish the structure, the processes and the protocols, before I move on," he added.

BCCI's New Centre of Excellence

In September 2024, the BCCI 'Centre of Excellence', was inaugurated by then BCCI secretary Jay Shah, replacing the old facility operating in Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, under the name of 'National Cricket Academy'. Spanning over 40 acres, this facility is designed to become the epicentre for nurturing cricketing talent and advancing sports science in India.

The Centre of Excellence features three grounds and 86 pitches, including both indoor and outdoor areas, showcasing its capacity to provide comprehensive training facilities.

In late 2021, Laxman took over from Rahul Dravid as the head of the CoE, with the latter becoming the Team India head coach. Laxman has been the head of the facility since then and during his tenure, the CoE expanded into a full-fledged facility of its own.

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Indian golfers set for prestigious R&A Amateur Championship in Scotland

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:30:23 +0530

Indian golfers will be tested when they tee off on two different courses across Scotland starting Monday for the prestigious R&A Amateur Golf Championship. Harjai Milkha Singh and Ishnidh Singh Virdi will be competing for the boys' title while Guntas Kaur Sandhu and Rashi Mishra will battle it out for the girls' crown, according to a press release from IGU Media.

The four-member team, sent by the Indian Golf Union (IGU), is being accompanied by managers Deepinder Singh Kullar and Saaniya Sharma. The tournament will be played for the first two rounds in strokeplay format, after which 64 players will progress to the last two matchplay rounds.

R&A Boys' Amateur Championship

The R&A Boys' Amateur Championship, played since 1921, is one of the most prestigious in junior golf and is played annually in Great Britain and Ireland. The international field attracts the best junior male golfers from around the globe, and former winners include Sir Michael Bonallack, Jose Maria Olazabal, Sergio Garcia, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Adrian Otaegui, Tom Lewis and David Howell. The champion earns exemptions into The Amateur Championship and Final Qualifying for The Open.

A total of 144 boy amateurs from more than 30 countries from Europe, the Middle East and the USA are competing in the tournament, which is being held at the Glasgow Gailes Links golf course on the west coast of Scotland.

Harjai, who is ranked No. 1 on the IGU All India Junior Order of Merit and had a runner-up finish at the APGC Junior Championship a month back, is super excited to be competing in Scotland. "It's a typical Scottish weather out here - windy and rainy at the same time. These are the experiences which you want early in your career if you want to grow into a good professional. It's a strong field, and it will be challenging to post under-par scores each day. My target will be to focus on my process and keep things simple. I would like to thank IGU for giving me this exposure," the 16-year-old Harjai said.

Ishnidh Singh Virdi, a 17-year-old amateur from Bangalore who is ranked No. 2 on the IGU All India Junior Order of Merit, will be teeing off at the Gailes Links course for the first time. "This is my first time in Scotland. My entire preparation has been about my golf flight, as the conditions over here are windy and even rainy. These are tough conditions. I would like to thank the IGU for giving me this international exposure, as this is Links golf and you get to play such courses very rarely," Ishnidh said.

R&A Girls' Amateur Championship

First played in 1919, the R&A Girls' Amateur Championship is a highly coveted junior title. Notable past winners include major champions and Solheim Cup players such as Anna Nordqvist, Suzann Pettersen, Azahara Munoz and Georgia Hall. The winner gains exemptions into the Women's Amateur Championship, the US Girls' Junior Championship, Final Qualifying for the AIG Women's Open and, by tradition, an invite to compete at the Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship.

A total of 144 girl amateurs from more than 30 countries from Europe, the Middle East and the USA are competing in the tournament, which is being held at the Edinburgh Craigielaw golf course on the east coast of Scotland.

Talking about the preparations and expectations from the tournament, Guntas Kaur Sandhu, 16, said: "I am really excited to be competing in the R&A Girls Amateur. This is my second time coming for this prestigious event. The winner gets an exemption into the final qualifying of the Women's British Open. The weather is tricky here - it rains anytime and then there are strong winds, so keeping the ball in play will be my biggest target. I would like to thank the IGU for sending me to events like these."

Rashi, 17, who is making her debut in the event, said that events like these offer valuable experiences to amateurs like her to build professional golf careers. "This is an extremely important event. The kind of field you get to play against, besides the course conditions and weather, is very precious for me as it helps build confidence. IGU has supported me throughout my junior golf journey, and I am grateful to them from the bottom of my heart," Rashi said. (ANI)

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Rodriguinho's 5-Goal Debut: SC Delhi Gets a Taste of Joga Bonito

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:01:34 +0530

A 'Joga Bonito' Masterclass in Ranchi

Brazilians have a word for football played with soul rather than just intent: joga bonito, the beautiful game. It is not a phrase reserved for World Cup finals or Copacabana beach kickabouts. It is a philosophy, drilled into players from the moment they first touch a ball on a cracked concrete court, where the games are tight, the space is smaller than a yard, and flair is not decoration but survival, as per a press release.

On a Friday night in Ranchi, SC Delhi's faithful got a crash course in exactly what that phrase means, courtesy of a Brazilian forward most of them had never heard of before kickoff. By the 13th minute, Rodriguinho had a hat-trick. On his first start for the club. In a shirt he had barely had time to break in.

He was not finished. Two more goals followed before the night was through, one of them a curling effort from the edge of the box that dipped and swerved past a helpless goalkeeper as if it had been choreographed rather than struck. By the final whistle, SC Delhi had put seven past Defenders FC without reply, five of them off the boot of a player the scoreboard operator probably had to double-check the spelling of.

Ask Rodriguinho about it, though, and the swagger disappears. What is left is something quieter, and more considered. "This is the result of the belief that everybody had in the team," he says. "I would like to thank all the coaching staff for their teachings and support."

A Historic Stage for a Flawless Performance

Some stages simply carry more weight than others, and the Durand Cup is one of them. Founded in 1888 in the pine-scented hills of Shimla, it is Asia's oldest football tournament and the third-oldest on the planet, a competition that has survived two world wars, the birth of a nation, and more than a century of the sport reinventing itself around it. Its record books read like folklore: Mohammedan Sporting becoming the first civilian club to lift the trophy, a teenage Bhaichung Bhutia announcing his genius with a bicycle kick that Indian football still talks about decades later.

His first goal was a piece of pure craft, a pass cushioned dead on the chest, a spin that left his marker grasping at shadow, a left-footed finish threaded into the bottom corner with the calm of a man posting a letter. The second arrived barely sixty seconds later, a first-time strike off a ball sliced through the defence with surgical precision. The third followed soon after, tapped in from close range to complete a hat-trick before some fans had even settled into their seats.

There is a certain discipline to that kind of finishing, the sort Brazilian forwards often trace back to tight, fast, small-sided street football, where there is no time to think and no room to miss. Watching Rodriguinho slide into pockets of space that should not have existed, it showed.

The Numbers Matter

For SC Delhi, the numbers mattered as much as the theatre. The win sent them to the summit of Group C with maximum points from two matches, and edged them a stride closer to the knockout rounds of a tournament every club in the country wants stitched permanently into its history.

A Calculated Bet on Indian Football

None of this arrived by chance. Long before he ever set foot on Indian turf, Rodriguinho had made a calculated bet on a country most of his countrymen still know only in fragments. "In Brazil, we are always keeping an eye on the Asian market," he explains. "India has been growing more and more, with more and more players coming here. There are also a lot of Brazilian players with big names who have played in India. So, we had some knowledge about Indian football, and I believed in the Delhi project. I was happy that they believed in me."

Belief is the word that keeps surfacing in conversation with him, threading through nearly everything he says, about his teammates, about his coaching staff, about a club that chose to gamble on a forward the Indian football public had barely heard of before this tournament. The gamble has already begun to look less like a risk and more like foresight.

Finding Rhythm Across Continents

Uprooting a life across continents rarely comes without friction, and Rodriguinho does not pretend otherwise. The food took adjusting to, he admits with a small laugh. But it is the people he has met since touching down in India, warm and endlessly inquisitive, who have made the transition feel less like an ocean crossed, and more like a door opened.

"I am getting along very well with the people here," he says. "They are very open and talkative. They are very curious. They want to learn, and they want to listen. I am having a great time with them."

It is a small admission, but it tells you something about how a footballer finds his rhythm in unfamiliar surroundings. The freedom he played with under the Ranchi floodlights did not arrive out of nowhere. It was built quietly, off the pitch, in an easy rapport with a country that is still learning how to say his name and clearly enjoying the process.

The Player's Profile: Versatility and Inspiration

Ask him whose game he studies, and the answer comes in two layers. Neymar remains the idol, the Canarinho number ten every young Brazilian forward grows up chasing on the small screen. ("Canarinho," canary, is the affectionate nickname for Brazil's national team, a nod to their famous yellow shirt.) But when he talks about his own instincts on the ball, a different name surfaces.

"I think my profile is very similar to Matheus Cunha," he says. "He can play in different positions in the front. He can play as the only striker, and he can also play between the lines. I get a lot of inspiration from him because he is a very versatile player."

That versatility was written all over Ranchi, where he drifted between the lines like smoke finding gaps in a doorway, dropping deep to link the play one moment and arriving in the box with perfect timing the next.

Samba, Simplicity, and a Smile

Pressed to describe himself in a single phrase, he does not pause. "I can describe myself with one word: I am someone who finishes actions," he says. "I want to improve everything."

Peel away the finishing and the footwork, and what remains, by his own account, is refreshingly uncomplicated. "I am a simple person. I like to always be smiling and to have good energy," he says. Then, almost as an afterthought, he lets slip a detail that surprises. "I love samba. I can play a little."

It fits. Samba, after all, is built on the same instinct that made Rodriguinho's finishing look so natural on Friday night, rhythm married to improvisation, structure loose enough to leave room for something beautiful to happen inside it. "I am a very simple person, very open and very happy," he adds. "I want to live with everybody in peace and happiness."

One night does not make a season, and Rodriguinho seems to know this better than anyone reading the headlines. But five goals, on a full debut, in a tournament old enough to have watched the birth of modern India itself, is not the kind of thing that fades quietly. SC Delhi now sit atop their group, a quarter-final place within touching distance, and in their new Brazilian forward they appear to have unearthed something rare: a player who finishes actions, and who has just begun writing his own into a hundred and thirty-five years of history. Brazil gave the world joga bonito. On a Friday night in Ranchi, Rodriguinho gave Delhi a taste of it, five times over. The samba can wait. There is still football to be played. (ANI)

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

Gill, Jaiswal century stand guides India to 4-wicket win over SL XI

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:00:50 +0530

A century partnership from skipper Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal helped India secure a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka XI in the three-day warm-up match on Sunday. After skipper Gill missed the first two days of the action due to a finger injury sustained during training, he played a crucial hand in the run-chase of 207 runs.

Sri Lanka XI's First Innings

SL XI won the toss and opted to bat first and declared at 363/8 in the first innings. Ravindu Rasantha (71 in 143 balls, with six fours and a six), Nishan Fernando (66 in 65 balls, with 11 fours and a six) and skipper Sonal Dinusha (52 in 72 balls, with five fours and a six) made half-centuries. Manav Suthar (2/33), Ravindra Jadeja (2/64) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/76) were the leading bowlers for India. Aquib Nabi, drafted as Jasprit Bumrah's injury replacement, did not bowl any overs. Meanwhile, Saransh Jain (0/54), who got his first call-up, got some action with the ball.

India's First Innings Reply

Sri Lanka XI's Second Innings

India's Successful Run Chase

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Durand Cup: Langsning FC's stunning debut and remarkable resilience

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:01:08 +0530

There are football clubs that arrive at a tournament hoping to make up the numbers, and there are those that seize the occasion as an opportunity to announce themselves. Two matches into the 135th Durand Cup, Langsning FC have firmly established themselves in the latter category.

Making their first appearance in Asia's oldest football tournament, the Shillong-based side has already produced two performances that have captured the imagination of supporters, The first was a breathtaking 5-0 demolition of Mumbay FC, a result that marked one of the most emphatic debuts by any club in recent editions of the competition. The second was altogether different, yet perhaps even more revealing: a spirited comeback from two goals down against local rivals Nongkseh SS&CC in a fiercely contested Shillong Derby that showcased not only their attacking quality but also their resilience, according to an AIFF Media press release. Between those two contrasting displays lies the story of a young team beginning to believe that it belongs on one of Indian football's biggest stages.

A Rise Through the Ranks

Langsning's rise has hardly been accidental. Over the past few seasons, the club has steadily grown into one of Meghalaya's most competitive sides, culminating in their qualification for this year's Durand Cup. Yet stepping from the state's domestic competitions into a tournament featuring some of the country's biggest clubs and most experienced teams is a different challenge altogether. There were naturally questions before their opening fixture. How would the debutants cope with the occasion? Could they impose their style against unfamiliar opposition? Would inexperience prove costly?

An Emphatic Debut Against Mumbay FC

Half-Time Turnaround

For 45 minutes against Mumbay FC, those doubts lingered. Langsning controlled possession, repeatedly stretched the fellow debutants and created enough opportunities to put the contest beyond doubt, but the breakthrough remained elusive. The frustration of missed chances followed them into the dressing room at half-time with the scores still level.

Head coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh resisted the temptation to make sweeping tactical changes. Instead, he reminded his players of something far simpler. "In the first half, they didn't stick to our plan," he reflected afterwards. "When we came back into the dressing room, I told them why they weren't following it. Once we started doing that again, we dominated."

What followed was not merely an improved second-half performance but a statement of intent. Six minutes after the restart, Syed Ahmed rose highest from a corner to head home Langsning's first-ever Durand Cup goal. It was the breakthrough the home side had been searching for, and once it arrived, the contest tilted irreversibly in their favour. Ahmed added another before teenager Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, Dibormi Chanlang Ki O Kassar and Samuel Phawa completed a remarkable 5-0 victory that sent a clear message to the rest of Group E.

Ahmed's Dream Debut

For Ahmed, whose two goals set the tone for the evening, the occasion represented the fulfilment of a long-held dream. "It feels amazing," he said with a smile. "First of all, I thank God Almighty for giving me this opportunity. This is my first Durand Cup and Alhamdulillah, I scored two goals. Inshallah, I'll score more goals in the next matches and help the team qualify." When reminded that he had narrowly missed out on a hat-trick, the striker's response reflected both confidence and humility. "No problem," he laughed. "In the next match."

A Squad Brimming with Youthful Talent

If Ahmed has emerged as Langsning's leading man, the club's success has been built on a squad that reflects the youthful spirit of Meghalaya football. Coach Syiemlieh revealed that the average age of his squad is around 24, with five or six players still under the age of 20.

One of those youngsters is 18-year-old Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, whose composed finish late in the match capped a memorable debut. Yet behind the confident performance lay emotions familiar to every young footballer stepping onto a big stage for the first time. "It was my first Durand Cup," Mukhim admitted. "When I went onto the ground, I felt scared. But once the match started, I wasn't afraid anymore."

His ambitions extend far beyond a single goal. "I want to play for a big club," he said. "And hopefully one day for India." It is precisely these aspirations that the Durand Cup has nurtured for generations. For more than a century, the tournament has offered young players an opportunity to measure themselves against stronger opposition, and Langsning's emerging talents have embraced that platform with remarkable confidence.

Resilience in the Fiercely Contested Shillong Derby

If the victory over Mumbay announced Langsning's arrival, their second outing revealed another side of their personality. The meeting with Nongkseh SS&CC was never going to be an ordinary group-stage fixture. The two clubs have developed one of Meghalaya football's most intriguing rivalries in recent months, with Nongkseh prevailing in both the SSA Champions Cup semi-final and the Meghalaya State League final earlier this year. The Durand Cup meeting, however, carried a different significance. This time, local bragging rights shared centre stage with the race for qualification to the knockout rounds.

Langsning actually began the stronger of the two sides. They pressed aggressively, forced two goal-line clearances and even thought they had taken the lead through another spectacular strike from Ahmed, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Football, however, has a habit of punishing missed opportunities. Nongkseh capitalised to establish a 2-0 lead before half-time through Shano Tariang and captain Hardy Nongbri, silencing the Langsning supporters. Three days after scoring five goals, Langsning suddenly faced the prospect of seeing their dream start to unravel. Instead, they produced perhaps their most impressive spell of the tournament. Within five minutes of the restart, everything had changed. Mebanshngain Kurkalang rose highest to head home from a long throw and reduce the deficit. Barely two minutes later, Ahmed once again rose highest inside the penalty area to power another header into the net and restore parity. Suddenly the stadium erupted. The derby had become an end-to-end spectacle.

Kurkalang's celebration carried a deeply personal meaning. "I told my mother that I would score today," he said afterwards. "So I did it for her... and for the love of my life, Veronica. And all thanks to God."

Neither side found a winner, but the 2-2 draw felt significant beyond the result itself. Langsning had demonstrated that they could respond when everything seemed to be slipping away. Ahmed, who spent much of the contest playing with a cut on his head, continued to lead the line with the same intensity that had defined his performances throughout the tournament. It was an image that seemed to encapsulate Langsning's campaign so far--not spectacular because everything had gone according to plan, but memorable because of the refusal to surrender when circumstances became difficult.

A Blend of Ambition and Perspective

That fighting spirit is something Coach Syiemlieh has quietly cultivated within a relatively inexperienced group. Having previously guided Bodoland FC to the Durand Cup quarter-finals, he understands the demands of tournament football and the importance of maintaining perspective.

"Everybody is happy," he said after the opening victory. "Most of our players are young, so they were very excited after beating Mumbay. But our objective remains the same - we want to reach the next stage." It is an ambition that no longer feels unrealistic. With four points from their opening two matches, seven goals scored and an unbeaten record intact, Langsning have placed themselves firmly in contention as Group E enters its decisive phase.

More importantly, they have shown that they possess multiple dimensions. They can overwhelm opponents with attacking football, as they did against Mumbay FC, but they can also absorb adversity and respond under pressure, as they demonstrated in the comeback against Nongkseh. For a club making its Durand Cup debut, that adaptability has been every bit as impressive as the goals themselves. Regardless of what unfolds over the remainder of the tournament, Langsning have already achieved something significant. They have ensured that conversations around the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup are no longer reserved solely for the established names of Indian football.

Through fearless attacking football, a youthful squad unburdened by expectation and a resilience that has belied their inexperience, the Men in Pink have carved out their own place in the tournament's narrative. Their journey is far from complete, with a meeting against Shillong Lajong FC still to come and the prospect of a place in the quarter-finals very much alive. Yet even before the decisive moments of their campaign arrive, Langsning have offered a timely reminder of what makes the Durand Cup unique. It is a tournament where reputations matter little once the whistle blows, where young footballers can dream without fear, and where clubs willing to embrace the moment can quickly become the stories everyone wants to follow. For Langsning FC, that story has only just begun. (ANI)

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Indian Army's Chinar Premier League a 'big thing' for J&K cricket

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:30:24 +0530

Baramulla Cricket Forum General Secretary Zubair Ahmad Dar praised the Indian Army for organising the Chinar Premier League, describing it as a significant initiative for cricket and sports in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that the tournament is being held across districts simultaneously and expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for its contribution to promoting sports and providing opportunities for local cricketers.

The official inauguration of the Chinar Premier League (CPL) 2026 was held at the Gen Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla on Sunday. "This tournament, which was organised today, is the Chinar Premier League... It is the management of the Indian Army and their contribution that such a big tournament is held in every district at the same time. This is a very big thing as a cricketer as well as a sports person. We are very grateful, as I am the general secretary of the Baramulla Cricket Forum... We are very grateful to our Indian Army for taking such a positive initiative in the tournament," Dar told ANI.

IPL-Style Tournament a Platform for Local Talent

Organised with the support of the Indian Army and played on an IPL-style format, the massive cricket tournament features 79 teams representing the Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh divisions. The tournament will be played across seven different venues, providing local young cricketers with a major platform to showcase their talent in front of home crowds. The initiative aims to promote sports among youth, nurture local cricketing talent and inspire the next generation of athletes across the region. The league is also expected to strengthen the sporting culture and provide talented players with opportunities to compete at a larger level.

'Great Opportunity for Sportspersons'

Save Youth Save Future Foundation Chairman Wajahat Farooq Bhat also praised the Chinar Premier League as a major opportunity for sportspersons, particularly cricketers across Jammu and Kashmir. He appreciated the Indian Army's initiative in organising the tournament and highlighted its role in promoting and supporting local sporting talent. "Today is the inaugural ceremony of the Chinar Premier League at Baramulla. This is a great opportunity for the sportspersons, especially cricketers across Jammu and Kashmir. We must appreciate the Indian Army for this initiative," Bhat said. (ANI)

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Players play through IPL injuries due to financial pressure: Source

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:00:38 +0530

A source at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) has raised concerns over players playing through injuries during the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to franchise and financial pressures before being sent to the national cricket board's rehabilitation facility, making the task of managing their return to international cricket increasingly challenging. "Too much cricket. The human body has its load limits. Overuse and stress injuries, especially in older players, are unpredictable in terms of return to play. Players play through injuries during IPL due to franchise and financial pressures and then are dumped onto unsuspecting COE physios. The team physios and COE physios are competent and conscientious, and are keeping player safety as their top priority. This, of course, makes it difficult for selectors, coaches, and captains," said a COE source to ANI.

The remarks came on the sidelines of a press conference at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru on Sunday, where CoE head VVS Laxman addressed the media alongside BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and BCCI President Mithun Manhas.

Mounting Injury Concerns for Team India

The comments come at a time when India are dealing with a growing injury list ahead of their two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan the latest addition to the unavailable players. Sudharsan was ruled out of the series after failing to recover from a big toe injury sustained during the second India A Test against Sri Lanka A last month. He scored two centuries in the two 'A' Tests before being hit on the toe and has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE in Bengaluru.

Sudharsan joins Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar on the injury list for the Sri Lanka series. Bumrah was ruled out after failing to recover from a left knee niggle sustained during the second ODI against England in Cardiff last month. Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi, 29, has replaced him in the Test squad.

Rana, meanwhile, is recovering from a Grade 1 biceps femoris muscle strain sustained after his return from a major right knee ligament injury and surgery that kept him out for four months. He subsequently missed the 2026 T20 World Cup and IPL 2026.

Reddy is recovering from a left quadriceps injury that forced him to miss India's recent white-ball tours of Ireland, England and Zimbabwe. He suffered the injury while bowling against Afghanistan in the home ODI series in June.

Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury, while Akash Deep remains unavailable after suffering stress reactions in his back.

There is also a fitness concern around India captain Shubman Gill, although he has not been ruled out of the series. Gill did not take the field on the opening day of India's practice match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo after hurting his right finger during practice.

The injury concerns have also brought the role of the CoE and its coordination with team management and selectors into focus. Laxman had earlier said there was seamless communication between the CoE, team management, support staff and the selection committee regarding players' fitness and rehabilitation.

India's Test Squad for Sri Lanka

India's two-Test series against Sri Lanka begins in Galle on August 15.

India's Test squad for Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Auqib Nabi, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal and Saransh Jain. (ANI)

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ISL to return, govt to promote academy culture: Mansukh Mandaviya

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:00:55 +0530

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has said Indian football is making "excellent progress" and added that the Indian Super League (ISL) will be hosted again, while highlighting the government's plans to promote a strong academy culture across sports.

Speaking with ANI on the sidelines of the 85th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, Mandaviya said new football clubs are also being formed as the sport continues to grow in the country. "Football is making excellent progress. The ISL will be hosted again, and new football clubs are being formed," Mandaviya said. "The government has also announced a package of Rs 36,000 crore, under which we have decided to promote an academy culture; academies for various disciplines will be encouraged. These academies will be run specifically by retired athletes," he added.

Future of Indian Sports and Governance

He said India's traditional sports will also be incorporated in the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Gujarat. He said there were encouraging results from the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow.

"We have established a policy ensuring that selections are conducted through an open process-on-camera and in the presence of observers - thereby ensuring transparency and athlete satisfaction," he said.

Promoting Fitness with 'Sundays On Cycle'

The Minister said that 'Fit India: Sundays On Cycle' is getting enthusiastic participation in different parts of the country. "I am delighted that the initiative has evolved into a major movement to advance the Prime Minister's Fit India Movement. Young people across more than 18,000 locations nationwide have conveyed a message through cycling," he said.

Revamped Khelo India Scheme for Youth Development

Last month, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved an expanded Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) with a combined outlay of Rs.36,441 crore for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31, reaffirming the Government's commitment to harnessing the power of sports for youth development and nation-building.

The approved outlay is nearly eight times that of the previous Khelo India Scheme, reflecting the Government's commitment to making sports a cornerstone of youth development, nation-building and India's emergence as a global sporting powerhouse.

The revamped scheme is designed to create a seamless pathway for every talented young Indian--from school playgrounds and village sports fields to the Olympic podium. It seeks to ensure that no sporting talent is left undiscovered because of geography, economic background or lack of opportunity, an official release said.

Aligned with the vision of Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and the National Education Policy 2020, the scheme integrates sports with education, fitness, technology and high-performance training while laying a strong foundation for India's long-term sporting ambitions, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the country's bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. (ANI)

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Anil Kumble reflects on 'truly special journey' 36 years after debut

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:30:40 +0530

Indian spin legend Anil Kumble reflected on his international debut 36 years back expressing his gratitude for a "truly special journey". Kumble made his international debut for India against England at Manchester on this day in 1990. During his debut international match, Kumble took three wickets, bowling a 43-over spell of 3/105 in the Manchester Test, getting Allan Lamb as his first international wicket.

Posting on X, Kumble wrote, "It was 36 years ago today that I received my first Test Cap as player number 192 for India. Taking the wicket of Allan Lamb was the start of a truly special journey, one that I cherish deeply to this day. I am incredibly grateful for this journey and everyone who has been a part it."

Kumble's Illustrious Career in Numbers

Kumble finished his cricket career with 619 Test wickets and 337 ODI wickets. His tally of 619 Test wickets is the most by an Indian bowler. He is also India's leading wicket-taker in ODIs and international cricket as a whole. His international tally of 953 wickets is the highest among all Indian bowlers. Including his wickets for Asia XI, he has a total of 956 wickets, the fourth-highest among all bowlers.

With 2,506 runs in 132 Tests at an average of 17.77, one century and five fifties, he was also a handy batter in Tests.

The 'Perfect Ten' Feat

The spinner also took 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999, and became only the second cricketer in history after Jim Laker to take all ten wickets in an innings of a Test match.

Coaching Stint and Hall of Fame Induction

Kumble also coached the Indian cricket team for a brief period of time (2016-2017). Under him, India won a Test series against the West Indies, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia.In 2015, he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. (ANI)

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Duleep Trophy: BCCI boosts TV coverage amid spectator restrictions

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:30:29 +0530

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia stressed that the authorities are considering ways to improve the spectator experience but still have time to assess the suggestions. He said BCCI have focused on increasing the number of Duleep Trophy matches broadcast live, compared with previous years when only a limited number were televised. He also explained that government restrictions prohibit large crowds in the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE), Bengaluru, where the venue is located. While this restriction cannot be violated, close relatives or associates of team members may attend. To give fans greater access despite the limitation, the organisers have increased live television coverage, allowing supporters to watch their favourite players and teams in the Duleep Trophy.

"We will look into the suggestion. We still have time. We'll look into that aspect, and if required, we'll do that. But for the time being, what we have done is increase the number of matches which were telecast before this year, which were very limited," Devajit Saikia told the reporter on Sunday in Bengaluru.

"Yes, [I] agree with your suggestions. There are some restrictions when this land was allotted here that we cannot have a crowd in this campus. So that is a government restriction; we cannot violate that. But very close persons of the team members can come. But this year, we have increased the number of matches to be telecast live. That way, we are giving fans (the opportunity) to watch their favourite players and teams perform in the Duleep Trophy," he added.

VVS Laxman defends Centre of Excellence

While, Board of Control for Cricket in India's Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman also defended the BCCI Centre of Excellence amid scrutiny over India's growing injury list. He stressed that injuries are an inevitable part of a cricketer's career and said the priority should be careful monitoring and management of players, rather than blaming the CoE or looking for scapegoats. Several key players are currently dealing with injuries, with Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar among those facing fitness concerns.

"CoE is not merely a rehab centre. There are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence," Laxman said. (ANI)

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VVS Laxman on Nitish Reddy's injury: Injuries are part and parcel

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:30:25 +0530

Former Indian cricketer and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman spoke on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's injury, saying that the conversations with him are to handle the workload of being an all-rounder better and that injuries are part and parcel.

Amid concerns over the recent spate of injuries, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met Laxman on Sunday to review the rehabilitation and injury-management programme at the facility. Saikia also attended the press conference along with Laxman, BCCI president Mithun Manhas and other senior officials. Speaking to the reporters, Laxman was questioned how the COE handle the case of Nitish, a backup to pace bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who wants to get game time but faces injuries constantly. Several key players are currently dealing with injuries, with Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar among those facing fitness concerns. Nitish faced a left quadriceps injury, which left him out of the squads for Ireland, England and Zimbabwe T20Is.

Managing Player Workload and Mental Health

Laxman said that the mental side of the players undergoing rehab or facing injuries is something that is looked after by the COE. He also said that the players should also know that how they can manage their fitness using the little breaks during their matches since there is hardly an off-season. The former Indian batter also spoke on the screening and fitness tests at the start of the season that are carried out for players.

"I think you know the mental side of a player undergoing rehab or getting injured is something which we always require to keep in mind. So the player also knows that he is injured. The player also knows that what is there he needs to do to get fit and be able to participate in the commitments again," he said.

"Now, from the COE side, we make sure that we make the player understand the workload. In this case, it is Nitish being an all-rounder obviously, there is a lot of workload on him and how he becomes fitter not only when he is playing various tournaments but also when he is not part of any tournaments. And I think it is an ongoing process now of getting better in your fitness levels because everyone knows now you go to the IPL, you play for a state franchise, and then you start playing domestic cricket or international cricket. So while you are playing the matches also, unlike before where there was an off-season where you actually can get better at your fitness, the player should know that while playing the matches how he productively and meaningfully uses the breaks to get fit."

"So I think the conversation with Nitish is injury is part and parcel... what is it that you can do to get better to handle the workload of being an all-rounder. And it is across the board, it is not only Nitish... across the board, you want to tell and that is why the screening at the start of the season is very, very important because if you see in the presentation the parameters we have for all the fitness tests, the NFTC (National Fitness Testing Criteria) tests are mentioned there," he continued.

New Fitness Protocols and Testing

Laxman said that before the start of the season, players go through a lot of fitness tests and there is also a new fitness test, the Bronco test, introduced by Team India's strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux.

"So all the players, all the contracted players and the targeted players come before the start of the season, and they undergo a string of fitness tests which you must have seen with various machines out there and on-field activities. There is one new introduction which is fantastic, and Adrian got in that which is your Bronco test. As I mentioned that while you are playing it is very important for you to remain fit," said Laxman.

Yo-Yo Test vs. Bronco Test

The CoE head also spoke on the Yo-Yo Test, which he says cannot be done since they are hard on a player's body and recovery and hence cannot be done during a series.

"Now Yo-Yo is one test which we test the player's anaerobic capacity. Now Yo-Yo cannot be done when you are part of a series because it can be really grueling for your body to recover. So the Bronco test is it becomes like a conditioning session, it also indirectly tests the fitness levels, the anaerobic fitness levels of a player and that is taken on board across the various age groups and we do that through the season. So that is something which can be repeatable," he signed off.

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No blame game over Bumrah, Sudharsan fitness, says VVS Laxman

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:00:26 +0530

Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman on Sunday said there was no question of blaming anyone over Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan being ruled out of India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka series after initially being named subject to fitness clearance. Laxman, who addressed a press conference alongside BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru, said there was seamless coordination between the CoE, team management, support staff and the selection committee regarding players undergoing rehabilitation.

"We don't like to use the name blame because when you're using the word 'blame', then you're finding someone as a scapegoat. So I don't think so; maybe I don't know what you all feel, and you start blaming because of this and because of that, but there's brilliant coordination between the COE, between the team management of both the teams and the SSM staff of both the teams and the selection committee," said Laxman.

Laxman Explains 'Subject to Fitness' Process

"Now you're talking about Bumrah and Sudharsan. When we send a fitness status report, the process is that the selector reaches out to the COE asking for the fitness status report, and we collect the current fitness status and send a fitness status report to the selection committee chairperson with a copy to obviously the head coach of both the teams and the BCCI. Now, Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan, there's an asterisk sign attached to a player selection. What does that asterisk mean? It means subject to fitness. So Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan were going to be picked to Sri Lanka subject to fitness clearance and as I told before you assess them, you move them from one stage to the next stage and if the progression is slow you communicate to the selection committee chairman and the head coach which is happening seamlessly and they understand that they're not yet ready to participate in an international series," he added.

He further added, "Always it's player-centric and team-centric. So that communication is happening seamlessly. So the subject to fitness is something we require to keep in mind. What the BCCI has done is, there is transparency in all the fitness reports and also the selection. At the end of the selection, whether it's a release to the press, it's clearly mentioned that these players are picked subject to fitness. Means if they don't clear the fitness tests here, that means the selectors will know who the other players are who will go in their place if they don't clear the fitness test."

The BCCI had announced India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour on July 28, with both Bumrah and Sudharsan carrying an asterisk against their names, indicating that their selection was subject to fitness clearance. Bumrah was subsequently ruled out after failing to recover from a left knee niggle sustained during the second ODI against England in Cardiff last month. Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi was named as his replacement. Sudharsan was the latest player to be ruled out after failing to recover from a big toe injury sustained during the second India A Test against Sri Lanka A last month. He had scored two centuries in the two unofficial Tests before being hit on the toe in the second match and had since been undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE in Bengaluru.

Why Injured Players Are Named in Squads

Explaining why injured players are sometimes included in squads, Saikia said selections are made several weeks before a team departs, and a player's fitness can change during that period. "We basically have our selection meetings at least three to four weeks before the team departs. So therefore, a three weeks before or four weeks before, we do not know the exact status of the player. Therefore, that asterisk subject to fitness is given because that particular player is under a program of rehabilitation. So if he gets fit within that period of 21 days or 28 days, he will be taken into the team," said Saikia.

"So that is precisely why we do not outrightly reject him because on the date of selection, we are rejecting him because on that day he is not fit. But by the time it will be effectively required for the travel or to play the match, by that time he may be totally fit. So in that situation, we always keep that subject to the fitness condition. So we do not deprive the player also, and it is very uncertain that within 21 days he will get fit or not. Nobody can predict as VVS has rightly... it is a human body, it is not a machine. So he may take 14 days time, or he may take 28 days time, subject to his own body composition," he added.

India's Injury Woes Mount

Sudharsan and Bumrah are among several players unavailable for the two-Test series. Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are also dealing with injuries, while Akash Deep remains unavailable after suffering stress reactions in his back. Rana was ruled out with a Grade 1 biceps femoris muscle strain after returning from a major right knee ligament injury that had kept him out for four months. Reddy is recovering from a left quadriceps injury, while Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the first Test with a hamstring injury.

There is also a fitness concern around captain Shubman Gill, although he has not been ruled out. Gill did not take the field on the opening day of India's practice match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo after hurting his right finger during training. India's two-Test series against Sri Lanka begins in Galle on August 15.

India's Test Squad for Sri Lanka:

Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Auqib Nabi, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal and Saransh Jain. (ANI)

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BCCI's injury management process is transparent: VVS Laxman explains

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 16:00:24 +0530

Transparent Communication on Player Fitness

BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman has said the fitness status of players undergoing rehabilitation is regularly communicated to the selection committee and team management, stressing that the process is transparent and based on continuous monitoring.

Amid concerns over the recent spate of injuries, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met Laxman on Sunday to review the rehabilitation and injury-management programme at the facility.

Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Laxman explained that selectors approach the CoE for fitness reports before finalising squads. He said the facility assesses the player's current status and shares the report with the selection committee chairman, head coaches and the BCCI. Saikia also attended the press conference along with BCCI president Mithun Manhas and other senior officials.

"The process is that the selector reaches out to the COE asking for the fitness status report. And we collect the current fitness status and send a report to the selection committee chairman or chairperson in the women's selection committee with a copy to obviously the head coach of both the teams and the BCCI," Laxman said.

Injury Updates on Key Players

Indian players Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who are injured, are among the players currently undergoing rehabilitation at the facility, with all being ruled out from the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, starting from August 15. Sai Sudharsan is also likely to miss the crucial away Test series due to an injury.

Amid the ongoing injury concerns in the Indian camp, Laxman said players such as Bumrah and Sudharsan were initially selected for the Sri Lanka series subject to fitness clearance, with their rehabilitation progress being monitored at every stage.

"So, Bumrah and Sai Sudarshan were going to be picked to Sri Lanka subject to fitness clearance. And as I told before, you know, you assess them, you move them from one stage to the next stage and if the progression is slow, you communicate to the selection committee chairman and the head coach which is happening seamlessly," he said.

'Subject to Fitness' Clause Explained

He also stressed that there is transparency in both fitness reporting and the selection process. "There's transparency in all the fitness reports and also in the selection. At the end of the selection, it's clearly mentioned that these players are picked subject to fitness," Laxman said.

He explained that when a player is selected subject to fitness, the selectors are also aware of alternative options in case the player fails to clear the required fitness assessment.

Saikia explained that selection meetings are held several weeks before a team is scheduled to travel, making it difficult to determine a player's exact fitness status at the time of selection.

"We have our selection meetings at least three-four weeks before the team departs. So therefore, three weeks before, we do not know the exact status of the player. Therefore, that asterisk subject to fitness is given because that particular player is under a programme of rehabilitation," Saikia said.

He added that players are not automatically ruled out during the selection process as their condition could improve before the team travels or the match is played.

"We do not outrightly reject a player because, by the time it will be effectively required for travel or to play the match, he may be totally fit. So we do not deprive the player also. Nobody can predict that," Saikia said.

Saikia said recovery timelines can vary from player to player.

"As VVS has rightly said, it is a human body. It is not a machine. So he may take 14 days' time or he may take 28 days' time to recover," he added.

India are currently fifth in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings, having registered four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150. (ANI)

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VVS Laxman lauds Virat Kohli as an exemplary professional, role model

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 15:30:32 +0530

Board of Control for Cricket in India's Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman on Sunday lauded legendary Indian batter Virat Kohli as an exemplary professional and role model. He stressed that Kohli consistently sets very high standards for himself and strives to meet them every time he plays, inspiring young cricketers and teammates to emulate him.

"I think there is no doubt that Virat is an exemplary professional. And the standards he sets for himself are something which he tries and goes out every time he plays (for) whichever team to meet those standards," Laxman told the reporters at a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday.

"And that's why he is a great role model. And I think a lot of youngsters or players want to emulate him," he added.

Laxman Defends CoE Amid Injury Scrutiny

Laxman also defended the BCCI Centre of Excellence amid scrutiny over India's growing injury list. He stressed that injuries are an inevitable part of a cricketer's career and said the priority should be careful monitoring and management of players, rather than blaming the CoE or looking for scapegoats. Several key players are currently dealing with injuries, with Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar among those facing fitness concerns.

"CoE is not merely a rehab centre. There are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence," Laxman said.

BCCI Faces Hurdle in Filling Key Position

"After Nitin (Patel) left, we couldn't fill his shoes. Everything was agreed upon; Andrew (Leipus) backed off citing family reasons," Laxman said. (ANI)

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Rajasthan CM honours CWG 2026 medal winners with cash incentives

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 15:00:43 +0530

Rajasthan Govt Felicitates Medal Winners

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma felicitated the state's medal winners from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and other international championships at a ceremony held at the Constitution Club of Rajasthan. The sportspersons were honoured on Saturday for their performances at the Commonwealth Games and other international championships, with the state government presenting incentive cheques in recognition of their achievements.

Among those felicitated was boxer Arundhati Choudhary, who won gold in the women's 70kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Kota-born boxer was awarded Rs 1 crore for her gold-medal-winning performance.

CWG bronze medallist javelin thrower Yashvir Singh was awarded Rs 30 lakh, while Indian para-shooter Mona Agarwal, who won bronze at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Novi Sad, Serbia, received Rs 2 lakh. Mona secured the bronze medal in the R2 women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event with a score of 228.2.

Wrestler Sandhya Bishnoi, who won silver in the 46kg category at the U-17 World Wrestling Championships 2026, was awarded Rs 11,000. "I am very happy. I will aim to win the gold medal next time. My father and coach have provided immense support," Bishnoi told ANI.

Govt's Commitment to Sports

Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Sharma said the country's sporting culture was gaining momentum due to the government's sports policies and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma shared a post on X and wrote, "Under the visionary leadership of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and his strong sports policies, the sports culture in the country is gaining a new direction and strength today, as a result of which our players are enhancing India's prestige by hoisting the tricolor on global platforms." Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Jogaram Patel, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports K.K. Vishnoi were also present at the ceremony along with the sportspersons.

India's Dominant Boxing Performance at CWG 2026

Arundhati produced a dominant display in the women's 70kg final in Glasgow, defeating England's Chantelle Reid 5-0 by unanimous decision to claim one of India's seven boxing gold medals at the Games.

India enjoyed a historic campaign in boxing, finishing atop the medal standings with seven gold and three silver medals. The 10-medal haul surpassed the previous Commonwealth Games record of six boxing gold medals jointly held by England and Canada.

Besides Arundhati, India's gold medallists in boxing were Sachin Siwach, Jaismine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar, Sakshi Chaudhary, Priya Ghanghas and Ankush Panghal. Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain, Narender Berwal and Jadumani Singh won silver medals.

India's Overall Performance and Future Hosting

India concluded its Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign in Glasgow with 39 medals -- 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze -- to finish fourth in the overall standings. The Glasgow Games also marked the beginning of India's journey towards hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, with the Commonwealth Games flag ceremonially handed over during the closing ceremony.

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BCCI's CoE more than a rehab centre, has bigger role: VVS Laxman

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 15:00:40 +0530

Board of Control for Cricket in India's Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman said the facility has a broader responsibility than merely rehabilitating injured players and stressed the importance of monitoring systems in preventing and managing injuries.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Laxman said injuries are an inevitable part of a sportsperson's career and ruled out assigning blame when players suffer setbacks. "CoE is not a rehab centre. There's a bigger responsibility and mandate given by the BCCI," Laxman said. "Injuries are part and parcel of any player's career. That's why the monitoring system is very critical. And we don't use the term blame; then we will be trying to find scapegoats," he added.

Struggle to Fill Key Sports Science Role

"After Nitin (Patel) left, we couldn't fill his shoes. Everything was agreed upon; Andrew (Leipus) backed off citing family reasons," Laxman said during the press conference. He added that the BCCI had shortlisted five candidates for the position, but the leading candidate, an Australian whose name he did not disclose, eventually withdrew after deciding he could not relocate to Bengaluru.

"We shortlisted five candidates; No. 1 was Australian, can't name him. He suddenly backed out, saying he can't move to Bengaluru. It's not a consultant role. You want the person to be there. It's day-to-day monitoring," Laxman said.

Laxman further said that in the absence of a Head of SSM, the vertical heads at the CoE have stepped up to handle the responsibilities. "Another professional, head of All Blacks... he agreed and backed out. To fill in that position, not just stature and experience, but understanding of Indian cricketers is important. With the Head of SSM position not filling, the vertical heads have stepped up," he said.

Key Players Undergoing Rehabilitation

The remarks come amid growing concerns on the CoE's injury-management programme. Indian players Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who are injured, are among the players currently undergoing rehabilitation at the facility, with all being ruled out from the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, starting from August 15.

Apart from this, the CoE is also handling the rehabilitation of several white-ball specialists, including Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy and Prince Yadav.

Meanwhile, India are currently fifth in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings, having registered four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150. (ANI)

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‘I Would Have Banned Him,’ Says Javagal Srinath on Sourav Ganguly’s Famous Toss Delay

Vaishnav Akash — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 14:14:21 +0530

Javagal Srinath, the former Indian pacer and now an ICC match referee, has brought an old controversy back into the limelight. He believes that discipline and rules are the most important thing, no matter who the player is. Speaking about a past incident involving Sourav Ganguly, Srinath didn't hold back.

The former fast bowler has reignited the debate around the famous toss incident from the historic 2001 Eden Gardens Test. During that memorable match between India and Australia, then-captain Sourav Ganguly had made his Australian counterpart, Steve Waugh, wait for a while at the toss. At a recent event in Chennai, Srinath stated clearly that if he had been the match referee, he would have banned Ganguly for a few matches for this act.

What Srinath said about Ganguly's toss controversy

In Srinath's own words, "If I were the match referee, I would have banned Sourav for a couple of matches." Ganguly himself later clarified that the delay was because he couldn't find his blazer. In cricket history, this move is often seen as a psychological tactic that unsettled Steve Waugh, helping India turn the tables and win the historic 3-Test series 2-1. The actual match referee for that Eden Test was Cammie Smith from the West Indies. Srinath insists that if he were in Smith's place, he would have given Ganguly a harsh punishment like a ban.

Praise for Captain Sourav

However, alongside this sharp comment, Srinath also had high praise for Ganguly's leadership. He mentioned that Ganguly had an extraordinary ability to spot and nurture young talent. He gave special credit to Ganguly for bringing players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag into the team.

In a casual chat, Srinath also spoke about the match-fixing scandal that had plagued Indian cricket in the late 90s and the team's subsequent comeback. He said that from 1991 to 1997-98, India's overseas win record was quite poor. But the picture began to change after 1999. A new determination grew among all the players to play as a unit. As Srinath put it, "Every cricketer was driven by a resolve to restore the game's reputation and show the world that cricket is clean and above everything else."

He also recalled the 2003 World Cup final against Australia. Speaking about the team's decision after winning the toss, Srinath said, "In our team discussions, I had argued for batting first if we won the toss, so we could put a big score on the board and pressure the opposition." However, Captain Ganguly decided otherwise, and the team followed his call. A powerful Australian side ended up winning that final.

Srinath also shared an example of his own generosity in making way for young talent. Recalling Zaheer Khan's entry into the national team, he said that after watching Zaheer take 6 wickets for the MRF Pace Foundation against Air India, he recommended his name to the then-national selector, Chandu Borde. When Borde jokingly asked what would happen to Srinath's own spot if Zaheer came in, Srinath gave a simple reply: "If the boy is good, he will take my place."

Srinath's recent comments have once again sparked discussions among cricket fans about the thrilling 2001 Eden Test and Sourav Ganguly's captaincy era.

Mansukh Mandaviya leads 'Fit India' cycle event in Gujarat's Hanol

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 13:00:23 +0530

The 85th edition of 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' was organised at the model rural village Hanol in Bhavnagar district on Sunday morning with Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, leading the event.

According to a media release from SAI Media, the event was organised under the theme 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' adjacent to the Amrut Sarovar at the village, which is Mandaviya's ancestral home. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan' earlier this month with the aim of countering the menace of drug addiction.

Event Highlights and Activities

The programme started off with a dance session, which saw people groove to popular Hindi film songs, which was followed by the attendees performing Garba with finesse. Then Mandaviya administered an anti-drug oath to the attendees, after which the group led by him proceeded to cycle. The cycling delegation paddled for 6.2kms across the lush green scenic fields of Hanol village.

A Growing Movement

Addressing SAI Media after cycling, Mandaviya said that 'FIT India- Sundays on Cycle' has risen in popularity, and now it is also spreading to villages, taking forward PM Modi's Fit India programme. Sundays on Cycle has now emerged as a movement; cycling is growing in popularity, even in rural areas. This programme is being held across 18,000 sites, which is a testament that people are becoming a part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "I am delighted that the initiative has evolved into a major movement to advance the Prime Minister's 'Fit India Movement'. Young people across more than 18,000 locations nationwide have conveyed a message through cycling."

Community Participation and Other Games

My Bharat volunteers, cycling enthusiasts, NSS members and village residents participated in good numbers at the event. Apart from cycling, the event also had an impressive game zone that featured games like Volleyball, Chess, carrom, badminton, etc.

About 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle'

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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Rabada confident SA will feel no extra pressure at home World Cup

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 12:00:54 +0530

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada believes his team will not face any additional pressure when they play on home soil at next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. South Africa will co-host the upcoming 50-over World Cup with Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027, and Rabada is looking forward to the tournament, according to the ICC. His confidence is boosted by a South African side that has shown strong consistency across formats in recent years, highlighted by their ICC World Test Championship triumph at Lord's in 2025.

'We're at home and we're going to defend this fortress'

While the team's improved performances have raised expectations around the Proteas, Rabada remains confident that the added attention will not translate into extra pressure when the World Cup gets underway next year. "Well, I think there's a lot more to it at the moment with us hosting it," Rabada told the ICC at the official Cricket World Cup 2027 venue and brand announcement event in Johannesburg recently. "It's almost like freedom as well. I don't feel the pressure of us playing at home and feeling the need to win it. It's almost like, we're at home and we're going to defend this fortress. And that's what it means to me. It's about representing the badge," the right-arm seamer said, as quoted by ICC.

Rabada inspired by Wasim Akram's 1992 heroics

Rabada continues to draw inspiration from Pakistan great Wasim Akram's iconic spell in the 1992 Cricket World Cup final against England at the MCG. Akram's match-winning performance helped Pakistan turn the game around and secure their maiden World Cup title. Rabada would now like to produce a similar match-defining performance for South Africa when they host the 2027 World Cup on home soil.

"One World Cup moment from the past that I'll never forget, because I'm a bowler, I'm going to go to the bowlers' club, was Wasim Akram against England in the final," Rabada said. "Him just cleaning up (the stumps) and putting on a show to take it home for his country and showing the passion and the skill. He was fast, had so much skill, and just had this presence, this heightened energy about him that he was there to play," he added as quoted by ICC. (ANI)

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Sarfaraz Khan set to replace injured Sai Sudharsan for SL Test series

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:00:56 +0530

India batter Sarfaraz Khan is likely to replace injured Sai Sudharsan in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, according to BCCI sources. Sudharsan is understood to have sustained an injury, which could rule him out of the forthcoming series. According to the source, Sarfaraz is likely to be brought into the squad as his replacement.

The final decision on the squad is expected to be taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). "Sarfaraz Khan is likely to replace injured Sai Sudharsan in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka," a BCCI source told ANI.

Sudharsan has been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru and has also participated in batting and fielding drills. However, the batter was unlikely to regain full fitness in time for the opening Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15. Sudharsan also did not take the flight when the Indian team departed for Sri Lanka and thus missed the ongoing three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, which began on Friday (August 8).

India's Injury Woes Deepen

Meanwhile, Indian skipper Shubman Gill also sustained an injury to his right ring finger during a practice session ahead of the first Sri Lanka Test. BCCI posted on X, "Update: Captain Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during India's practice on Thursday. As a precautionary measure, he will not take the field on Day 1 of the warm-up game against SLC XI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress. KL Rahul will lead the team in Gill's absence."

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World U20 C'ships: Basant Kumar Meghwal clinches high jump silver

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 10:30:50 +0530

India's Basant Kumar Meghwal clinched the silver medal in the men's high jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships after clearing a personal best of 2.21m in Oregon.

The 19-year-old produced a composed performance, clearing 2.06m, 2.12m, 2.17m and finally 2.21m to secure his place on the podium.

Meghwal was among three athletes who cleared 2.21m, but the Indian secured the silver medal on countback. Algeria's Younes Ayachi won the gold, while Great Britain's Otis Poole claimed the bronze. All three medallists failed to clear 2.24m in their three attempts. Ayachi had cleared 2.21m in his first attempt, while Meghwal managed it on his second and Poole on his third.

BASANT JUMPS TO SILVER — INDIA SOARS AGAIN! MEDAL NUMBER TWO! Basant has cleared 2.21m to win SILVER in the Men's High Jump final at the World U20 Championships, Oregon 26! What a competition of nerve. Bar after bar, Basant answered every challenge — sailing over… pic.twitter.com/qX8JjE1Dno — Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) August 9, 2026

Meghwal's silver is India's second medal at the championships, following Ashish Yadav's silver in the javelin throw. His performance marked a significant milestone as he produced a new personal best on the international stage and finished among the world's leading young high jumpers.

Ashish Yadav bags javelin silver

Earlier, India's Ashish Yadav won the silver medal in the men's javelin throw at the World Athletics U20 Championships here, becoming only the second Indian after Neeraj Chopra to finish on the podium in the event at the global junior championships.

According to Olympics.com, the 19-year-old produced a best throw of 74.09m to finish behind South Africa's Jan-Hendrik Heymans, who clinched the gold with a world U20-leading effort of 80.50m. Dominica's Addison James won the bronze medal with 73.89m.

Ashish's achievement came a decade after Chopra became the first Indian to win a javelin medal at the World U20 Championships when he claimed gold at Bydgoszcz in 2016 with a world U20 record of 86.48m.

Ashish began the final with a throw of 69.96m and fouled his second attempt before producing his best effort of 74.09m on the third. He followed it with throws of 72.31m, 70.62m and 67.98m to secure the silver.

Heymans established an early lead with 76.92m on his opening attempt and improved to 79.42m on his fifth throw before sealing the title with an 80.50m effort in his final attempt.

India had two competitors in the javelin final, with T. Dharanidharan finishing sixth with a best throw of 72.35m.

(ANI)

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Ashmita Chaliha wins maiden BWF World Tour title at Korea Masters

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:30:27 +0530

Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha clinched her maiden BWF World Tour title after defeating China's Han Qianxi 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in the women's singles final of the Korea Masters on Sunday. The 26-year-old bounced back strongly after losing the opening game to seal a memorable victory and become only the fifth Indian woman to win a BWF World Tour Super 300 or higher-level title.

A Thrilling Three-Game Final

Chaliha started the opening game on an even footing with Han, with the scores level at 11-11. However, the Chinese shuttler shifted gears and won a series of points to take control before closing out the game 21-14.

The Indian came back strongly in the second game, producing a couple of powerful winners and displaying solid defence to take an 11-8 lead at the mid-game interval. She maintained her advantage and moved seven points ahead at 17-10 before sealing the game 21-14 with a strong smash to force a decider.

The final game began with both players fighting for every point. The Chinese opponent initially held the advantage and led 11-9 at the mid-game interval. Chaliha, however, raised her level in the latter half of the decider. She regained the lead with precise winners and aggressive attacking play. A well-placed winner gave her a 12-11 lead before she extended the advantage to 15-11 with another superb shot that landed just inside the line.

Chaliha continued to dominate the closing stages, moving to 19-14 with a cross-court winner. Han then sent her return out, handing Chaliha the match and the biggest title of her career.

A Historic Achievement

With the victory, Chaliha became only the fifth Indian woman to win a BWF World Tour Super 300 or higher title, joining Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Devika Sihag and Tanvi Sharma. The Korea Masters title marks Chaliha's first BWF World Tour crown and comes after a determined comeback in the final against the world No. 35 Chinese player.

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Assam Premier League: Saahil Jain stars in Warriors' win over Stallions

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 08:30:42 +0530

Dibrugarh Warriors chased down 133 against Jorhat Stallions to secure a six-wicket win in match number 16 of the Assam Premier League (APL) 2026 at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati, on Saturday. A blazing unbeaten half-century from skipper Saahil Jain set up the chase for Warriors, as the skipper guided his side home with 14 balls to spare.

Stallions post 132 despite Kalita's strikes

Earlier, Jitumoni Kalita was the pick of the bowlers, picking up two wickets to restrict Stallions to 132/8 after a middle-order rebuild from Dyutimoy Nath, according to a release.

Having won the toss and opting to field, Dibrugarh Warriors struck early, removing Erik Roy and Swarupam Purkayastha inside the first five overs after the former had raced to 22 off 15 balls to give Stallions a brisk start. Dyutimoy Nath then anchored the innings, keeping the scoreboard ticking with his 43 off 41 balls, despite wickets kept falling around him. However, Stallions lost their way in the closing stages after Nath was dismissed. Kalita struck twice to finish with 2/16, while Roshan Alam, Rituraj Biswas, Sidhartha Sankar Baruah and Doikho Das picked up a wicket apiece. A late 10-ball 20-run cameo from Rajjak Uddin Ahmed, gave Stallions some momentum at the backend of their innings, helping them post 132/8 after 20 overs.

Jain's captain's knock secures victory

Warriors got off to a shaky start in their run chase as Ronit Akhtar, Ayush Agarwal and Parvej Musaraf departed in the powerplay. With his side in a spot of bother, Jay Borah steadied the innings with a patient 28 off 31 balls, before Saahil Jain took charge. The skipper led from the front, showing immense calmness and maturity as he struck an unbeaten 60 off just 40 balls, laced with four fours and three sixes to help Warriors chase down 133 in 17.4 overs, and prevail by six wickets.

Brief Scores

Brief Scores: Dibrugarh Warriors beat Jorhat Stallions by 6 wickets. Jorhat Stallions: 132/8 in 20 overs (Dyutimoy Nath 43, Erik Roy 22, Rajjak Uddin Ahmed 20*; Jitumoni Kalita 2/16, Rituraj Biswas 1/13). Dibrugarh Warriors: 133/4 in 17.4 overs (Saahil Jain 60*, Jay Borah 28; Abhilash Gogoi 1/25, Bishal Newar 1/22). (ANI)

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UP T20 League: Kanpur Superstars set for title bid, face Noida Kings

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 08:30:35 +0530

The Kanpur Superstars are fully prepared to launch their bid for the title in the upcoming edition of the UP T20 League. The franchise will begin its campaign on August 15, squaring off against the Noida Kings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

As the 24-day cricketing extravaganza unfolds, the action will eventually shift to the Superstars' home turf. The Green Park Stadium in Kanpur will host the second phase of the tournament starting August 28, culminating in the playoffs and the grand finale on September 6, according to a release.

Owner Confident in Balanced Squad

Following a highly productive player auction, franchise owner Ayush Lalwani expressed his confidence in the squad, emphasising that the management successfully executed its primary strategy. "We are very happy with the way the auction went," said Lalwani. "Our aim was to build a balanced squad by covering all the key areas, and I believe we have achieved that. We have a good mix of quality batters, bowlers, and all-rounders, and overall we are pleased with the team we have assembled," he said.

"We are delighted to have experienced players like Karn Sharma and Mohammed Amaan in our squad," Lalwani noted. "Amaan has also captained the India Under-19 team, so both of them bring valuable experience and leadership. We believe they will play an important role in guiding the younger players and strengthening the team," he added.

Platform for Grassroots Talent

Recognising the crucial role of state-level cricket in nurturing grassroots talent, the Kanpur Superstars owner commended the UPCA Speed Hunt, a talent-scouting initiative aimed at discovering raw fast-bowling prospects across Uttar Pradesh. "The UPCA Speed Hunt is a fantastic initiative. It gives raw and talented players an opportunity to showcase their skills and get noticed," he explained. "The UP T20 League provides them with the perfect platform to perform, and from here they can dream of progressing to the IPL and even representing India. Initiatives like these are very important for the future of cricket in the state."

He further elaborated on the broader impact of state T20 leagues on the domestic cricket ecosystem. "The growth of state leagues has created healthy competition among players. While opportunities in the IPL and the Indian team are limited, these tournaments motivate youngsters to improve their game and perform consistently," Mr. Lalwani said. "They know that one good season can open bigger doors for them, and that is what makes these leagues so valuable."

Kanpur Superstars Squad

Sameer Rizvi, Mohsin Khan, Karn Sharma, Adarsh Singh, Aaqib Khan, Vineet Panwar, Shubham Mishra, Mohd. Amaan, Pankaj Kumar, Shivam Bansal, Ajay Kumar, Yashovardhan Singh, Inzamam Hussain, Priyanshu Pandey, Satyam Sangu, Arjun Kumar Singh, Saubhagya Mishra, Shakti Verma. (ANI)

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Delhi Premier League: Warriors beat Kings by 25 runs in a thriller

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 08:00:38 +0530

Outer Delhi Warriors registered a sensational 25-run victory over Central Delhi Kings in the Delhi Premier League 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, surviving a fierce late scare thanks to a disciplined bowling display led by Shivam Sharma and Navdeep Saini.

Warriors set a challenging target

Batting first, Outer Delhi Warriors posted a massive total of 216/9 in their 20 overs, driven by an aggressive top-order knock from Yajas Sharma. The batter smashed 46 off just 25 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes to lay a strong foundation, according to a release. Despite middle-over hiccups triggered by Jonty Sidhu (2/14) and Money Grewal (2/47), the Warriors finished with a flourish. Cameos from Shivam Sharma (24 off 10), Harsh Tyagi (24 off 10), and skipper Siddhant Sharma (19* off 5) propelled Outer Delhi Warriors past the 200-run barrier.

Kings fall short despite valiant chase

Chasing 217, Central Delhi Kings got off to a blistering start behind captain Yash Dhull, who blasted 47 off 23 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes). However, once Dhull was dismissed by Pratham Saluja, the Kings collapsed against regular breakthroughs by Shivam Sharma (3/37) and Harsh Tyagi (2/26), slumping to 141/8 by the 14th over.

With the game seemingly over, Jasvir Sehrawat played a miraculous counter-attacking knock to keep Central Delhi Kings alive. Sehrawat smashed 62 off just 33 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes. He anchored a thrilling 50-run partnership for the 9th wicket off only 20 balls with Divij Mehra (2* off 4), turning an impending blowout into a heart-stopping contest.

However, experience prevailed as speedster Navdeep Saini returned to break the dynamic stand, dismissing Sehrawat in the 18th over before sealing the game two balls later. Central Delhi Kings were bowled out for 191 in 17.2 overs, giving Outer Delhi Warriors a thrilling 25-run win. (ANI)

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

Durand Cup: NorthEast United thrash Karbi Anglong 4-1 in Group F clash

Asianet News Central — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 08:00:27 +0530

A brace from Alaaeddine Ajaraie, complemented by late strikes from substitutes Macarton Louis Nickson and debutant Etyan Gonzalez Morales, powered defending champions NorthEast United FC to a commanding 4-1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in a Group F clash of the 135th Durand Cup at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Saturday.

The victory strengthened NorthEast United FC's push for a place in the knockout stages while extending their unbeaten run in the Durand Cup to 14 matches. The defending champions have now gone unbeaten in the competition since their last defeat in 2023, according to a release.

Highlanders Take Early Lead

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali set his side up in an attacking 4-2-4 formation, and the defending champions immediately asserted their authority, dominating possession and pinning Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC deep inside their own half. The pressure paid off in the seventh minute when NorthEast United were awarded a penalty after Junior Onguene Nkengue brought down Alaaeddine Ajaraie inside the box following a corner. The Moroccan forward stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh the wrong way to give the Highlanders an early lead.

Karbi Anglong Equalise Before Half-Time

NorthEast continued to press for a second, with Redeem Tlang narrowly missing the target after being set up by Ajaraie. The Highlanders controlled the tempo and repeatedly exposed the spaces in the Karbi Anglong defence, but the debutants remained in the contest. Against the run of play, Karbi Anglong found an equaliser in the 28th minute. A misplaced pass from NorthEast defender Soraisham Dinesh Singh gifted possession to Junior Onguene Nkengue, who made amends for his earlier mistake by keeping his composure to finish from close range and make it 1-1.

NorthEast responded by stepping up the pressure once again. Ajaraie came close to restoring their lead with a superbly struck free-kick, but Jaspreet Singh produced an outstanding save to keep the effort out. Redeem Tlang also continued to threaten, but Karbi Anglong defended in numbers and held firm to take the teams into the interval level.

Second-Half Surge Restores NorthEast's Lead

Benali made two attacking changes at half-time, bringing on Parthib Sunder Gogoi and Macarton, and the move paid immediate dividends. Just three minutes after the restart, Gogoi picked out Ajaraie inside the box, and the Moroccan produced a precise left-footed finish to put NorthEast United back in front at 2-1. It was Ajaraie's fifth goal of the tournament, taking him level at the top of the scoring charts.

The opening stages of the second half were played at a frantic pace as NorthEast searched for a third while Karbi Anglong attempted to respond on the counter. Ajaraie came close to completing his hat-trick in the 52nd minute when his header from a corner narrowly missed the target. Karbi Anglong continued to look for openings and came closest through Junior Onguene Nkengue, who unleashed a powerful long-range effort after being set up by Joseph. The shot dipped dangerously, but NorthEast goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan recovered at the second attempt after initially spilling the effort.

Substitutes Seal the Deal

Benali introduced Spanish forward Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales just after the hour mark as NorthEast looked to put the contest beyond doubt. Ajaraie missed another opportunity in the 73rd minute, sending his left-footed effort over the bar, before Etyan also came close moments later, only to lift his attempted chip over the goalkeeper wide of the target. The Highlanders eventually found their third in the 83rd minute. Buanthanglun Samte delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Macarton Louis Nickson rose highest to guide a well-directed header past the stationary Jaspreet Singh and make it 3-1.

With five minutes of stoppage time added, NorthEast continued to push forward. Etyan had another opportunity after being picked out by Ajaraie but was unable to convert, although the Spanish debutant would have his moment soon after. In the sixth minute of added time, Abdul Rabeeh produced a brilliant run down the left flank before delivering a low cross into the box. Etyan made no mistake this time, calmly tapping the ball into the net to mark his debut in Indian football with a goal and complete a comprehensive 4-1 victory for the defending champions.

NorthEast United's second-half dominance ultimately proved decisive, with Benali's attacking substitutions making a telling impact as the Highlanders maintained their unbeaten run in the Durand Cup. (ANI)

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

IND vs SL: Ravindra Jadeja’s Kuldeep Yadav’s Imitation Leaves Gautam Gambhir in Splits (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 03:28:49 +0530

Team India veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was spotted mimicking Kuldeep Yadav's bowling action exaggeratedly, leaving head coach Gautam Gambhir in splits on Day 2 of the three-day practice match against Sri Lanka XI at Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) in Colombo on Saturday, August 8.

Team India had a good outing on Day 2, as the visitors posted a total of 357/6 in 90 overs, with Devdutt Padikkal and Gurnoor Brar batting on 142 and 36, respectively, and trailing by just six runs against the hosts’ first-innings total of 363/8 declared. The final day of the practice match is likely to provide crucial match practice for the remaining squad members.

The ongoing practice match is part of Team India’s preparations ahead of the opening match in Galle, adapting to local pitch conditions and fine-tuning their strategies for the upcoming Test series opener.

Also Read: IND vs SL: Sai Sudharsan’s Sri Lanka Test Tour Ends Before It Begins, Likely Replacements Revealed

Jadeja’s Kuldeep’s Imitation Goes Viral

As Team India batters continue to put in the hard yards in the middle, Ravindra Jadeja, on the sidelines, was seen entertaining the coaching staff, especially head coach Gautam Gambhir, with his spot-on impersonation of his teammate and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

In a video posted by Sony Sports Network on its X handle (formerly Twitter), which later went viral on social media, Jadeja was seen perfectly replicating Kuldeep’s signature bowling run-up and delivery stride in an exaggerated manner rather than just going through a standard training routine.

Jadeja’s hilarious mimicking of Kuldeep’s bowling action has left Gambhir in splits, a rare sight of the former India opener laughing heartily on the sidelines, reflecting the buoyant team environment fostered by the support staff and senior players.

#1 All-rounder for a reason.Ravindra Jadeja can bat, bowl, field, and apparently, crack Gautam Gambhir too. Watch Day 3 of SLC XI vs #TeamIndia tomorrow, 10 AM onwards, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV pic.twitter.com/TWbJzVPEed

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 8, 2026

The hilarious act apparently occurred after Ravindra Jadeja was retired hurt while batting on 63 off 117 balls. Having spent valuable time at the crease, Jadeja decided to make way for other batters to get some time in the middle.

At the time of Jadeja’s departure, Team India was already at a strong position, 250/4, and the veteran all-rounder formed a 76-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Manav Suthur (41), alongside key contributions from the top order, setting a solid platform as the team prepares to wrap up their final preparations in Colombo.

‘All-Rounder For A Reason’: Fans React to Jadeja’s Viral Act

Ravindra Jadeja’s imitation of Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling action, leaving Gautam Gambhir in splits, has sparked reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts with fans praising Jadeja’s ability to entertain both on and off the field.

Taking to their X handles, many hailed the veteran all-rounder’s playful side, while others were amused by Gambhir’s reaction. Others joked that Jadeja was an “all-rounder for a reason”, as he appeared to master Kuldeep’s bowling action with ease.

However, some focused more on Gambhir’s hilarious reaction, with many admitting that seeing the usually serious head coach laugh so freely made the moment even more entertaining, while others praised the veteran all-rounder for bringing a light-hearted atmosphere to the team camp ahead of the crucial Test series.

Jaddu ko all-rounder sirf batting-bowling ke liye nahi kehte. Banda Kuldeep ka action bhi ek replay mein download kar leta hai.Kuldeep saamne baithkar soch raha hoga, meri googly ka password bhi pata kar liya kya?

— Baklol Bulletin (@BaklolBulletin) August 8, 2026

Jadega is a gem, always up with his performances both on the field and inside the dressing room. He just sets the tone.

— Manas Dutta (@manas__dutta) August 8, 2026

Have seen this video multiple times. Not only for Jadeja's mimicking...more for a laughing Gambhir

— Ramhari (@Ramhari600014) August 8, 2026

How did Ravindra Jadeja made Gautam Gambhir laugh like that?

— Comedyculture.in (@ComedycultureIn) August 8, 2026

Sir Jadeja does it all-and usually in the exact same match!

— Saheb (@CricketBuzzX1) August 8, 2026

Jaddu bhai jesa koi nahi

— Md Nagori (@Sulemannagori23) August 8, 2026

Bro made GG smile true allrounder https://t.co/8sGpoBuIBL

— (@raaghul04) August 8, 2026

THE EPIC MOMENT pic.twitter.com/GYkFttAmb5

— Icons of India (@ICONSIndiaIN) August 8, 2026

Ravindra Jadeja the all rounder for a reason. pic.twitter.com/ilxuiKJYXa

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 8, 2026

Ravindra Jadeja: The All Rounder Who Does It All https://t.co/dq2MasWabB

— Inspirexo (@Inspirexo) August 8, 2026

Ravindra Jadeja - this reason for saying world best all-rounder https://t.co/AQ74wQusRf

— Cricket Guru (@CricketGuru_CG) August 8, 2026

"Sir" for a reason. https://t.co/iSUno7ujIK

— archith (@InswinginMenace) August 8, 2026

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Tests are crucial for the Shubman Gill-led side as they look to revive their World Test Championship campaign after a disappointing run in the format and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the WTC final.

Also Read: ‘Got Angry, Felt Bad’: Ravichandran Ashwin Openly Admits How Sanjay Manjrekar’s Critique Stung Him

Kusal Mendis named president of new Sri Lankan cricketers' association

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 23:31:31 +0530

Kusal Mendis Named President

Sri Lanka's men's white-ball captain Kusal Mendis was named the newly formed Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association (SLPCA) President. The newly formed SLPCA was officially launched on Saturday. The association, backed by prominent players including women's captain Chamari Athapaththu and allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga, aims to serve as an independent and collective voice for professional cricketers in Sri Lanka.

A Landmark Time for Sri Lankan Cricket

"The formation of the SLPCA comes at a landmark time for Sri Lankan cricket, following a sustained period of positive progress and reform across the sport in the country, including the work of the game's transformation committee to strengthen governance and modernise the domestic structure," a media release said as per Cricinfo. "Alongside the governance reforms and transformation work already underway, having a genuine, organised player voice is another important step toward a modern, collaborative game that is aligned with international best practice," the release added.

The launch comes amid a period of significant administrative upheaval in Sri Lankan cricket, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) undergoing a major reform process under a temporary, government-appointed Cricket Transformation Committee. The formation of the players' association is the latest step towards modernising the game in the country, with a new constitution also in the works.

Global Affiliation and Player Support

The SLPCA is directly affiliated with the World Cricketers' Association (WCA), the global federation representing professional cricketers. The affiliation gives Sri Lankan players access to the WCA's international programmes, welfare and support systems, and global player-advocacy networks, areas where they have historically lacked a structured presence.

"We're proud to have established SPCA to represent Sri Lanka's players at this important time, and we look forward to working constructively and collaboratively with Sri Lanka Cricket, the Transformation Committee, and other stakeholders as cricket continues to grow," Kusal, as SPCA president, said. (ANI)

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

Arundhati Choudhary hopes CWG gold will motivate Rajasthan youth

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 23:31:04 +0530

Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medallist Arundhati Choudhary hopes her maiden CWG gold will inspire young athletes in Rajasthan to pursue sports and challenge long-standing perceptions about the state's sporting talent. Kota-born Arundhati produced a dominant display in the women's 70kg final, defeating England's Chantelle Reid 5-0 by unanimous decision to secure one of India's seven boxing gold medals at the Games.

'My gold will become a big motivation'

Speaking to ANI, Arundhati said her CWG gold medal could challenge stereotypes about Rajasthan's sporting talent and inspire young athletes from the state to pursue sports and achieve success. "When the name of Rajasthan is mentioned, everyone thinks that they are very weak, their players are not so good, they will not perform well. But now I feel that this gold of mine will become a very big motivation for the children of Rajasthan to move forward and people from other states will also remain quiet thinking that there is a Commonwealth Gold here too," she said.

From Kota to Commonwealth Gold

Arundhati Choudhary expressed pride in winning gold at her maiden Commonwealth Games medal. She credited her father for guiding her towards boxing and coach Ashok Gautam for helping shape her career after she took up the sport in 2016. "I am feeling very proud that this was my first Commonwealth Games and I got gold in the very first games, so it is a very good thing. I had a bit of a fighting nature from the beginning, and it was a bit wrong that such anger and fighting in a child is not good, but my father showed the right path, and he put me into boxing. Although being from Kota, he wanted me to do IIT, but somewhere he felt that maybe boxing would be right for me because of my nature. So in 2016, I started boxing and under the guidance of coach Ashok Gautam, I walked on that path and made my career in boxing," she said.

India's historic boxing haul

India scripted history by delivering the greatest boxing performance by any nation in Commonwealth Games history, topping the medal standings with seven gold and three silver medals. The 10-medal haul surpassed the previous record of six boxing gold medals jointly held by England (1934 and 2018) and Canada (1986). Apart from Arundhati, India's gold medals came through Sachin Siwach, Jaismine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar, Sakshi Chaudhary, Priya Ghanghas and Ankush Panghal. Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain, Narender Berwal and Jadumani Singh added silver medals to complete the country's historic tally.

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

Lionel Messi's father Jorge Messi dies at 68; AFA offers support

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 23:31:00 +0530

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Saturday expressed its condolences following the death of Jorge Messi, father of football superstar Lionel Messi. Jorge Messi died at the age of 68. He had been receiving treatment at a clinic in Rosario, according to the Argentine news outlet La Nacion.

After Jorge Messi's death, the AFA, in an X post, expressed its condolences to Lionel Messi and his family, offering support and solidarity following their loss. "Stay strong, Leo Messi and family. We are with you in this difficult moment. We send you our most heartfelt embrace," the AFA said.

FC Barcelona Expresses Condolences

FC Barcelona, who Lionel Messi played for from 2004 to 2021, also expressed its deepest condolences to Jorge Messi's family, acknowledging his role in entrusting Messi's early and most successful football years to the club. The club thanked him for his contribution and commitment to Barca and offered its support to the Messi family.

"The President and the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi, father of former Barca player and legend Lionel Messi, and, on behalf of the entire Barca family, extend their condolences to the Messi family. FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our Club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo's football career. May he rest in peace," FC Barcelona said in an X post.

Jorge's Pivotal Role in Son's Career

Notably, Jorge was not just Lionel Messi's father but also played an important role in shaping his football career. After Lionel Messi's football career took off, Jorge became his son's agent and strategic adviser after working for years as a supervisor at a steel factory.

Jorge was also closely involved in Lionel's early career at Newell's Old Boys. When Messi was 13, he helped facilitate his move to Spain to join Barcelona's youth academy. The Catalan club also covered the cost of his treatment for a growth hormone deficiency, a condition that affected his physical development. Messi underwent daily injections as part of the treatment, which helped him reach a final height of 1.70 metres.

Jorge was married to Celia Cuccittini and had four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol. (ANI)

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

Rathore hails CWG medalists Arundhati, Yashvir for inspiring youth

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 23:30:55 +0530

Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore stressed that the success of athletes such as Arundhati Choudhary and Yashvir Singh, who won gold and bronze medals respectively at the Commonwealth Games 2026, would inspire the state's youth. He emphasised the importance of sports alongside education, urging young people to strengthen both their physical and mental capabilities.

Arundhati, who hails from Kota, scripted history by clinching the women's 70kg boxing gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026, defeating England's world bronze medallist Chantelle Reid by a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision. While, India scripted history in athletics at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as Neeraj Chopra clinched the silver medal and debutant Yashvir Singh secured bronze in the men's javelin throw event, marking a memorable 1-2 finish for India on the podium.

'Strengthen Body and Mind': Rathore's Message to Youth

"From the Commonwealth Games, our players who have come back, two players from Rajasthan have got medals, Arundhati and Yashvir- a gold medal and a bronze medal in boxing and javelin. From this program, all our young players and youth will be inspired. Their stories, through you, will reach our youth. Life is not easy, there are challenges in everyone's life, but this is life. By accepting it and being happy, living every day, living every moment, one should move forward. And one should increase their capability. And to increase your capability, you have to strengthen your body and also strengthen your mind. Along with education, sports are also very important. Just as important as our mathematics or science teachers are, our PT teachers are of equal importance," Rathore told the reporters.

Collective Responsibility to Nurture Youth

Rathore said families, communities and elders have a collective responsibility to encourage the younger generation and help them develop physically and mentally. "Within every home, the responsibility to move the younger generation forward lies with all of us elders, which includes family members and also neighbours. All these are important to encourage them to move forward. Today, the atmosphere within the country is a rising one, showing its strength in the world. The future generation is responsible for our India. So definitely, in every way, strengthen your body, your mind, your soul, your brain, and those who are elders have the responsibility to encourage them," he added.

Government's Role in Nurturing Talent

He also stressed that the state and central governments are working together to nurture sporting talent, with the Centre providing support and facilities to national-level athletes through the Khelo India scheme. "Similarly, governments also get included among the elders. So the state government and the central government both together have created such an environment where it is the state's responsibility to prepare the players and take them to that level where the nation takes over that responsibility. The responsibility for national-level players goes to the national government, the central government, which, through the Khelo India Youth Scheme, has given every kind of facility to our players," he concluded.

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

Yashvir Singh delighted with bronze at his first Commonwealth Games

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 23:00:32 +0530

Indian javelin thrower Yashvir Singh expressed his delight after winning bronze at his first Commonwealth Games, describing it as the biggest tournament of his career. He urged young athletes to maintain discipline, follow a proper diet, listen to their coaches and avoid distractions while pursuing their goals.

India scripted history in athletics at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as Neeraj Chopra clinched the silver medal and debutant Yashvir Singh secured bronze in the men's javelin throw event, marking a memorable 1-2 finish for India on the podium.

'Stay Disciplined': Yashvir Singh's Advice

"I am feeling very good. This is my first international tournament, the Commonwealth Games. Before this, I have played the Asian Championship and World Championship, but this is the biggest major tournament of my life, and in this first tournament only my bronze medal has come. For the children of Rajasthan, I just want to say that staying disciplined is very important, pay attention to your diet, focus on what your coach tells you and don't keep any distractions here and there, this thing," Yashvir Singh told ANI.

Javelin Results and India's CWG Campaign

Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage produced a sensational performance to claim the gold medal with a best throw of 89.75m, which he achieved in his second attempt.

India concluded a memorable Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow with 39 medals, 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze, to finish fourth in the overall standings.

India also officially began its journey towards hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Amdavad as the Commonwealth Games Flag was ceremonially handed over during a spectacular Closing Ceremony that celebrated the conclusion of Glasgow 2026 and looked ahead to the historic centenary edition of the Games.

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

Jorge Messi Passes Away: Newell's Old Boys Lowers Flag in Tribute to Lionel Messi’s Father (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 22:57:46 +0530

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi’s childhood club in Argentina, Newell’s Old Boys, has lowered its flag at half-mast at the club’s headquarters to honour his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 on August 8.

Jorge was battling with an illness for some time before his death, leaving the local community and the club deeply mourning the loss. The news of his health concerns came to light during the FIFA World Cup 2026, when Lionel Messi was seen wiping tears after scoring against Algeria and later revealed that he had been going through some difficult personal days.

Later, Lionel Messi’s family put out a public statement confirming that Jorge was under medical supervision for a health issue, urging privacy and respect during a difficult private moment. Thereafter, there has been no update from his family regarding Jorge’s health until the club and media confirmed that he had succumbed to his prolonged illness at a clinic in Rosario.

Also Read: Lionel Messi's Father and 'Pillar of Support' Jorge Passes Away at 68 After Battling Illness

Newell’s Old Boys Pays Tribute to Jorge Messi

Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi spent the initial years of his football career before moving to Barcelona, was the first to confirm the demise of Jorge Messi, calling him, ‘‘a pillar and the person who supported, with vision, rigor and affection, the career of the greatest player of all time.’

Soon after the statement, the Argentine club paid its tribute by lowering the club's flags to half-mast at its headquarters in Rosario, symbolising the deep bond the Messi family has always shared with the institution. Jorge Messi’s association with the club was deep-rooted and profound, having not only supported his son's early steps in football within the club's youth ranks.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), Newell’s Old Boys’ flag was seen at half-mast, a symbolic way of declaring the club's sorrow and honouring the legacy of a man whose roots with the institution run deep.

The Newell's flag being lowered to half-mast this morning as a mark of respect following the death of Jorge Messi. (via @NecesidadEXT) pic.twitter.com/5OPrebOs9t

— Newell's Old Boys - English News (@Newells_en) August 8, 2026

Though Lionel Messi moved to Barcelona when he was just 13 years old, his connection with Newell’s Old Boys has remained strong throughout the years, with the club and its fans always embracing him and his family as one of their own.

Messi played for his home club between 1995 and 2000 before moving across the Atlantic to join the Catalan giants, where his glittering professional career truly took off. However, those five years with Newell’s Old Boys were pivotal in shaping his extraordinary talent, laying the foundational skills and discipline that would eventually catch the eye of scouts abroad.

A Lifelong Influence and Support System

Jorge Messi was the main man behind Lionel Messi's incredible career. For a long time, he was his son's representative and advisor and played a pivotal role in guiding his career, negotiating major moves and contracts. While he preferred to stay out of the limelight, he was involved in all the major decisions of Messi's career.

During the Argentine legend's 17-year stint with FC Barcelona, Jorge was a known name in Spanish football circles as a fierce negotiator and a constant protective shield for his son, managing his transitions across European giants and safeguarding his legacy.

Jorge started his career with working-class roots in Rosario, Argentina, where he famously worked as a manager at a local steel manufacturing plant. As Messi moved to Spain after signing with FC Barcelona, he decided to dedicate his time entirely to managing his son's professional career, overseeing everything from his contracts and chariatable foundation.

Also Read: Who Was David Owori? Ugandan Football Captain Dies After Brutal Assault in Kampala

Tripura CM Manik Saha inaugurates 54th State Badminton Championship

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 22:00:33 +0530

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday inaugurated the 54th Tripura State Badminton Championship 2026 at the NSRCC Badminton Indoor Hall, Agartala. Saha highlighted the government's efforts, along with the Tripura Sports Department and Sports Council, to provide better platforms and opportunities for young athletes, while wishing all participants success.

'Tripura has very good players': CM Saha

"Today, the 54th Senior State Badminton Championship 2026 was inaugurated, and I also participated in it. Tripura has very good players. The platform that the Tripura government, Sports Department, and Sports Council are providing together has made the children and parents very happy... I extend my best wishes to all the players," Saha told ANI.

Commitment to strengthening sports

Saha also stressed that such sporting events provide young athletes with a platform to showcase their talent, determination and competitive spirit. He said the state government is committed to strengthening sports infrastructure and creating more opportunities for talented sportspersons. Saha also extended his best wishes to all the participating players.

Delighted to be part of the Tripura State Badminton Championship 2026 at the NSRCC Badminton Indoor Hall, Agartala. Such sporting events provide our young minds with a platform to showcase their talent, determination and competitive spirit. We are committed to strengthening… pic.twitter.com/S830i64ZaL — Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) August 8, 2026

"Delighted to be part of the Tripura State Badminton Championship 2026 at the NSRCC Badminton Indoor Hall, Agartala. Such sporting events provide our young minds with a platform to showcase their talent, determination and competitive spirit. We are committed to strengthening sports infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for our talented sportspersons. My best wishes to all the participating players," Saha wrote in an X post. (ANI)

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

Praggnanandhaa wins St. Louis Rapid & Blitz; Mandaviya lauds him

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:30:32 +0530

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, on Saturday, congratulated Indian grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa for securing the Grand Chess Tour St. Louis Rapid and Blitz title on Friday. The 20-year-old drew against Javokhir Sindarov during the penultimate round to seal the tournament with a score of 23/35 points, finishing 1.5 points ahead of everyone else.

In a post on X, Mandaviya congratulated Praggnanandhaa on winning his maiden Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz title, praising his exceptional performance and dedication as a source of pride and inspiration for India. "Congratulations to Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa on winning his maiden Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz title. His brilliant gameplay and dedication are a tremendous source of pride and inspiration for the entire country," Mandaviya said.

Congratulations to Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa on winning his maiden Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz title. His brilliant gameplay and dedication are a tremendous source of pride and inspiration for the entire country. pic.twitter.com/vSjwsu8PXC — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 8, 2026

Norway Chess 2026 Crown

Earlier in June, Praggnanandhaa scripted history by claiming the Norway Chess 2026 crown in Oslo after defeating Germany's Vincent Keymer in the tenth and final round. The victory completed a remarkable late surge by the Indian star, who registered four consecutive classical wins to secure one of the biggest titles of his career.

Felicitation by Tamil Nadu CM

Following this, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday felicitated the Indian Grandmaster and presented him with a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh on behalf of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. The felicitation ceremony was held at the Chief Secretariat in Chennai, where the Chief Minister also played a game of chess with the 20-year-old Grandmaster. (ANI)

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Ash Gardner’s Estranged Wife Slams CA Silence Over Affair, Demands Vice-Captaincy Be Stripped

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:24:47 +0530

Australia women's vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner’s estranged wife, Monica Wright, publicly criticised Cricket Australia (CA) for remaining silent regarding her alleged affair with teammate Georgia Voll.

The allegations of an affair between Gardner and Voll came to light after Monica Wright posted a screenshot of a media report on her Instagram story in July, expressing frustration that the coverage was too vague and stating that she would ‘tell what exactly happened’. She shared a picture of Georgia Voll on her Instagram story and explicitly named her as the person involved.

Neither Ashleigh Gardner nor Georgia Voll has publicly commented on the allegations, choosing to maintain their silence while Cricket Australia handles the situation through its internal workplace and conduct policies.

Also Read: ‘Got Angry, Felt Bad’: Ravichandran Ashwin Openly Admits How Sanjay Manjrekar’s Critique Stung Him

Monica Wright Lambasts Cricket Australia

Ashleigh Gardner’s estranged wife, Monica Wright, has once again triggered criticism toward the governing body, arguing that leadership roles within the national team demand accountability and transparency rather than internal management, while questioning Cricket Australia for its silence over affair allegations.

“I think if you’re privileged enough to represent your country and be seen as a role model, there’s a responsibility to hold yourself to a high moral standard,” Monice told Code Sports.

“What I can’t understand is why Cricket Australia hasn’t said anything publicly. Does their silence mean they support the actions of Ashleigh and Georgia? You can’t have an affair with a junior member of staff, especially when there’s a clear power imbalance, and then remain in a position of leadership.

“Captains are expected to set the standard, and that kind of conduct falls well short of it,” he added.

️ MONICA WRIGHT QUESTIONS ASHLEIGH GARDNER’S LEADERSHIP ROLE“I think if you’re privileged enough to represent your country and be seen as a role model, there’s a responsibility to hold yourself to a high moral standard.”[@Crex_live] pic.twitter.com/GVstvJmrfP

— TheWicketReport (@WicketReport) August 8, 2026

Ash Gardner and Monica Wright married in April 2025 after reportedly dating for several years before getting engaged in April 2024 and hosting a rustic ceremony in the Blue Mountains. However, things have reportedly soured between the couple recently, culminating in public fallout and revelations surrounding the breakdown of their marriage.

Cricket Australia’s Response to Monica Wright’s Allegations

After Monica Wright publicly called out the governing body, Cricket Australia released an official statement emphasising that it manages personal matters through strict workplace conduct and conflict-of-interest policies rather than public commentary.

“Cricket Australia ensures all relationships within our workforce comply with our Respect at Work policy. This includes putting appropriate conflict-of-interest management arrangements in place to support leadership responsibilities and maintain the integrity of team processes,” CA said in its statement.

According to Monica Wright, the alleged affair between Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Voll began during the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in India, where strains in her marriage first surfaced after Monica flew in to visit her. However, the allegations have not prompted any public response from either Gardner or Voll, who have maintained their silence.

Meanwhile, Ashleigh Gardner is currently part of Trent Rockets in the ongoing edition of The Hundred Women, where he picked 10 wickets and scored 61 runs in seven matches. Georgia Voll, on the other hand, is playing for Welsh Fire and has scored 217 runs in seven matches.

Also Read: 'Fake News and Trolling': Irfan Pathan Recalls Fabricated Interview Incident with Babar Azam

Durand Cup: Shillong Lajong thrashes Mumbay FC 5-0 to top Group E

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:01:22 +0530

Shillong Lajong FC cruised to a commanding 5-0 win over Mumbay FC in a Group E fixture of the 135th Durand Cup, played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday, a result that considerably brightens their prospects of reaching the quarter-finals. Everbrightson Sana led the scoring with a brace, while Abhay Gurung, Tremiki Lamurong and Figo Syndai were also on the scoresheet as the hosts made light work of their visitors from Mumbai in front of a raucous home crowd.

The result takes Shillong Lajong to the top of Group E with six points from two matches, having won both of their opening fixtures. Langsning FC sit second on four points, with Nongkseh SS&CC third on one point. Mumbay FC, without a point from their two outings so far, remain bottom of the table.

Shillong Lajong set the tone early, with Phrangki Buam and Jota causing regular problems down the flanks. The hosts' first real opportunity arrived in the seventh minute, Ephraim Lalremtluanga's free kick finding Arthur Pangaro at the far post for a thumping header that Mumbay's defence somehow scrambled clear.

A similar chance went unconverted in the 14th minute, captain Kenstar Kharshong failing to make proper contact despite being unmarked from another set piece. Mumbay struggled to find any rhythm against Lajong's relentless pressing, their first shot on target not arriving until the 23rd minute, when Mandeep Singh Multani's effort lacked the power to trouble goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai.

At the other end, Mumbay custodian Yasheel Manish Shah was called upon repeatedly, denying Sana's low drive in the 16th minute and then producing a goal-line save to keep out Arthur Pangaro's close-range effort in the 25th. Lamlallian tested him again from distance in the 36th minute, though Mumbay did threaten briefly of their own accord soon after, Mohammad Kaif Khan failing to keep a first-time header down from a Rohit Mirza free kick.

Lajong's Pre-Halftime Breakthrough

The half took a difficult turn for Mumbay just before the interval. Captain and defensive lynchpin Ahmed Faiz Khan was stretchered off after twisting his ankle clearing a ball in the 45th minute, and within two minutes of his departure his side's resistance had been broken. Joedson Dos Santos's free kick picked out Sana, whose header was saved by Yasheel, only for Gurung to react quickest and finish the rebound. Barely ninety seconds later, Lajong struck again, Tremiki collecting the ball inside the box, shifting it away from his marker and slotting a composed finish beyond Yasheel.

Second-Half Rout Completes Victory

Losing their captain and immediately conceding twice made for a bruising passage of play for Mumbay to absorb heading into the break, and the visitors would spend the rest of the evening trying to recover a foothold that had slipped away in the space of two minutes. Lajong picked up where they left off after the restart, Gurung squandering a good early chance across the face of goal before the third arrived in the 52nd minute -- Tremiki turning provider this time, splitting the Mumbay defence for Sana to rifle a first-time finish into the top corner. Sana celebrated with the trademark Cristiano Ronaldo leap and mid-air spin, and the home end roared out their own "Siuuu" in unison as he struck the pose before them.

Mumbay tried to respond, Afzar Noorani curling narrowly over from the right side of the box in the 56th minute, but any momentum was extinguished when Dhruvmil Pandya's heavy touch gifted possession back to Lajong in the 64th minute. Sana pounced without hesitation, driving into the box and finishing crisply for his second of the afternoon and his side's fourth. Yasheel continued to stand firm where he could, denying Kharshong from close range in the 69th minute and Joedson from almost point-blank distance in the 79th, sparing his side further embarrassment on both occasions.

There was, in the end, no reprieve. In the 88th minute, substitute Manbhakupar Iawphniaw's cross from the left caused confusion in the Mumbay box, and when Abhay Chhetri's header failed to clear the danger, fellow substitute Syndai was on hand to nod home the fifth and complete a rout that had been taking shape from the moment Lajong found their opening goal.

For Shillong Lajong, the win extends a perfect start to the campaign and leaves them well placed at the summit of Group E with the group stage still to unfold. For Mumbay FC, already searching for their first points, the task now is to regroup quickly -- and do so without their captain, whose evening ended long before his side's difficulties truly began. (ANI)

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UK MotoGP: Jorge Martin claims pole, leads all-Aprilia front row

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:00:29 +0530

Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) has come out swinging after the summer break to take the first pole position of the second half, setting a new lap record 1'56.160 to pip Raul Fernandez to the top by just 0.021 at the United Kingdom MotoGP at the Silverstone Circuit, according to a press release from MotoGP/Eurosport.

The SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team made it with both riders on the front row as Ai Ogura slots into third alongside his teammate. The top six in the Championship are the top six on the grid - not in the same order barring P1 - with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) fourth, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) fifth and Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) P6.

Dramatic Q1 Battle

Silverstone qualifying delivered plenty of drama, with four former winners -- Fabio Quartararo, Francesco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini and Alex Rins -- featuring in Q1 as riders battled for a place in the final qualifying session. Franco Morbidelli initially led Q1, with Diogo Moreira in second, but Iker Lecuona produced a strong final lap to move into the top two. Quartararo also pushed hard on his final attempt but missed out on Q2 by just 0.050 seconds. Morbidelli and Lecuona advanced, while Quartararo qualified 13th and Moreira 14th.

Martin's Last-Lap Heroics in Q2

Q2 saw several changes at the top of the timing sheets. Marco Bezzecchi briefly took the lead before Raul Fernandez set a new lap record of 1:56.181. Ai Ogura then moved into second, while Fabio Di Giannantonio climbed to third. However, Jorge Martin had the final say. The Aprilia rider produced a brilliant 1:56.160 on his last flying lap to take pole position, edging Fernandez by 0.021 seconds. Ogura completed an all-Aprilia front row.

Final Grid Positions

Bezzecchi qualified fifth, with Di Giannantonio the only rider to break Aprilia's dominance in the top six. Alex Marquez will start seventh, followed by Morbidelli and Pedro Acosta. Iker Lecuona impressed to qualify 10th, while Jack Miller was the top Yamaha rider in 11th. Joan Mir took 12th.

Francesco Bagnaia endured a difficult session and will start 16th, while Rins qualified 17th, Brad Binder 18th and Bastianini 19th. Home favourite Cal Crutchlow will start 20th, just 0.020 seconds behind Bastianini.

Pol Espargaro, Toprak Razgatlioglu and wildcard rider Augusto Fernandez complete the remaining positions on the grid.

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

DPL 2026: Purani Dilli 6 owner hails team's resilience after win

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 20:30:44 +0530

Purani Dilli 6 owner Akash Nangia expressed confidence in his team's ability to build on their recent victory after the franchise bounced back with an impressive 27-run win over New Delhi Tigers in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026. Nangia praised the team's resilience following the defeat to Central Delhi Kings, stating that the response reflected the character and belief within the squad. He also highlighted the importance of bouncing back quickly in a long tournament and credited the players for delivering when it mattered.

"This was an extremely important win for us, especially after the match against Central Delhi Kings. The way the team responded reflects the character and resilience within this squad," said Nangia.

Praise for Key Performers

The Purani Dilli 6 owner reserved special praise for opener Aryan Gaur, whose match-winning innings laid the foundation for victory, while also applauding the bowling attack for defending the total with discipline and composure. "Aryan Gaur played a magnificent innings and laid the perfect foundation for us. It was an innings full of intent and maturity. At the same time, I am equally pleased with the bowling unit. Defending a total requires discipline, and our bowlers executed their plans brilliantly by keeping the pressure on throughout the chase," he added.

Harbhajan Singh Lends Support

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh was felicitated by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Harbhajan, who was present at the venue to extend his support to Purani Dilli 6, added to the excitement around the league with his presence.

Purani Dilli 6 owner Akash Nangia expressed his gratitude to the legendary off-spinner for backing the franchise.

Focus on Consistency and Collective Effort

Nangia further noted that the team's biggest strength had been the willingness of different players to step up in different matches, adding that consistent collective performances would be key to success over the course of the tournament.

Looking ahead, Nangia said the focus would be on carrying the winning momentum forward, improving with every game and maintaining consistency.

Purani Dilli 6 produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat New Delhi Tigers by 27 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday and register their second victory of the DPL 2026 season.

Full Squad

Full Squad: Lalit Yadav, Udhav Mohan, Rajneesh Dadar, Rohan Rana, Aryan Gaur, Vanam Aggarwal, Ajay Ahlawat, Kush Nagpal, Digvesh Rathi, Yug Gupta, Kabir Sachdeva, Gaurav Saroha, Dev Lakra, Anuj Rawat (Captain), Samarth Seth, Mohak Kumar, Yash Kumar, Pankaj Jaswal, Harshvardhan Phogat, Arjun Rexwal, Lakshay Verma, Prince Mishra, Ashwini Chillar, Aditya Verma, Aditya Malhotra. (ANI)

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Lionel Messi's father and agent, Jorge Messi, dies at 68 in Rosario

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 20:30:32 +0530

Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to the Argentine news outlet La Nacion. Messi's father had been receiving treatment at a clinic in Rosario.

Family Confirmed Health Issues During World Cup

Notably, Jorge had been unwell for some time, with his family confirming his health issues during the FIFA World Cup 2026. On June 18, after Argentina's opening 2026 World Cup match against Algeria, reports emerged about concerns over the health of Lionel Messi's father. Hours later, the Messi family denied reports of his death and confirmed that he was undergoing treatment for a medical condition. "The Messi family reports that Jorge is experiencing a health issue. He is currently under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition," they posted.

After Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria, where Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, the footballer opened up about his emotional reaction after scoring the first of his three goals. The Argentina captain revealed that he had been going through some difficult days, which led to the emotional moment. "I've had some difficult days. It was something unrelated to sports. I went through some difficult and complicated days. I'm grateful to the delegation and all my teammates. They were always by my side and gave me the strength to get through this," he had said as per La Nacion.

Jorge Messi's Pivotal Role in Son's Career

Jorge Messi was not just Lionel Messi's father but also played an important role in shaping his football career. After Lionel Messi's football career took off, Jorge became his son's agent and strategic adviser after working for years as a supervisor at a steel factory. Jorge was also closely involved in Lionel's early career at Newell's Old Boys.

Facilitating Move to Barcelona

When Messi was 13, he helped facilitate his move to Spain to join Barcelona's youth academy. The Catalan club also covered the cost of his treatment for a growth hormone deficiency, a condition that affected his physical development. Messi underwent daily injections as part of the treatment, which helped him reach a final height of 1.70 metres.

Jorge was married to Celia Cuccittini and had four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol. (ANI)

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Hockey India names Anmol Ekka-led squad for AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 20:00:42 +0530

Hockey India unveiled the men's team for the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, naming an 18-member squad along with two alternate players for the tournament to be held in Moqi, China, from August 30 to September 13. Captained by defender Anmol Ekka, the squad is currently training at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bengaluru under the guidance of newly appointed coach Frederic Soyez.

As part of their build-up to the tournament, the team recently completed a productive exposure tour of Belgium, where they competed against strong international opposition. The tour offered the players valuable match experience and key takeaways, enabling the squad to assess their progress, refine their combinations and further strengthen their preparations ahead of the AHF Junior Asia Cup. The team is gaining further competitive exposure through friendly matches against the Malaysian U-21 team at the SAI centre in Bengaluru.

Coach Soyez on Squad Selection

Speaking on the squad selection, coach Soyez said, "We are pleased with the balance and depth of the squad selected for the Junior Asia Cup. The players have worked hard over the past few months, showing commitment, discipline and a strong desire to improve. Selection was based on consistent performances, attitude and the ability to execute our game plan under pressure."

A Platform for Emerging Talent

The AHF Junior Asia Cup is one of the premier junior hockey competitions in Asia, bringing together the continent's top emerging teams in a highly competitive environment. The tournament will provide India's young squad with an opportunity to test themselves against the best in the region as they look to make a strong impression.

"It will be a highly competitive tournament, and we respect every opponent. Our focus will be on playing disciplined, attacking hockey while staying true to our structure, " added Soyez. Highlighting the significance of the tournament in the players' development, the coach said, "This tournament is also an important step in the players' development, and we are confident this group has the potential to deliver strong performances and make the country proud."

The match schedule and pool allocations will be announced closer to the tournament.

Indian Junior Men's Hockey Squad

The Indian squad: Goalkeepers: Vivek Lakra, Kunal Tewatia Defenders: Anmol Ekka (C), Rohit Kullu, Chirag, Ravinder, Ashu Maurya, Sanjit Tirkey, Sukhvinder Midfielders: Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal, Manmeet Singh Rai Forwards: Ajeet Yadav, Prabhdeep Singh, Gursewak Singh, Aryan Xess, Lovenoor Singh Alternate Players: Arjun Santosh Hargude, Ritik Lakra. (ANI)

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Lionel Messi's Father and 'Pillar of Support' Jorge Passes Away at 68 After Battling Illness

Asianet Newsable English — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 19:49:26 +0530

Argentine legend and 2022 World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, has passed away after battling an illness on Saturday, August 8. He was 68 at the time of his demise.

The news first broke when Messi's World Cup teammate, Nico Paz, posted on Facebook, "Rest in peace, Jorge Messi." The Messi family had earlier mentioned during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that Jorge was not keeping well.

Jorge was a huge part of his son's journey, right from Messi's early days in Rosario to managing his career off the field. Newell's Old Boys, Lionel Messi's childhood club in Argentina, confirmed the demise of Jorge Messi on its official X (formerly Twitter), calling him ‘a pillar and the person who supported, with vision, rigor and affection, the career of the greatest player of all time.’

El Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys despide con profundo dolor y pesar a Jorge Messi, quien falleció a los 68 años de edad en la ciudad de Rosario.Reconocido hincha leproso, empresario y padre del capitán del seleccionado argentino, Lionel Andrés Messi.Jorge fue el sostén y la… pic.twitter.com/8dFPMRdM9Z

— Newell’s Old Boys (@Newells) August 8, 2026

A report by 'Goal' also stated that Jorge had been unwell for some time. It said he passed away on Friday night in his hometown of Rosario. As of now, the Messi family has not released any official statement on the matter.

Also Read: Lionel Messi donates 80,000 euros for Madrid wildfire relief funds

Lionel Messi got emotional after a World Cup match

The first signs of concern about Jorge Messi's health came in June. People noticed Lionel Messi getting very emotional after Argentina's World Cup match against Algeria. This led to a lot of speculation, after which the family released a statement.

They confirmed that Jorge was under medical care and recovering, and asked everyone to respect their privacy and not spread rumours.

OFFICIAL: Messi family statement. ❗️"The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation."At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing."In light of the… pic.twitter.com/JyRwkozyCX

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 18, 2026

Later, in late July, Lionel Messi also skipped the 'MLS All-Star Game'. Reports at the time suggested he did so to spend time with his ailing father. The Argentine captain rejoined his club after this short break.

Who was Jorge Messi?

Also Read: Argentina Captain Lionel Messi Honours Squad Members With Personalised Gifts After FIFA WC 2026

Padikkal's ton leads India's fightback in Sri Lanka warm-up match

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 19:30:55 +0530

Devdutt Padikkal struck a fluent century as India staged a strong fightback on the second day of their three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground on Saturday. Padikkal's unbeaten 142 in 164 balls led India's fightback on Day 2 as Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with 63 (retired hurt) while Manav Suthar made 41 runs. India reached 357/6 in 90 overs by stumps, six runs short of Sri Lanka XI's first-innings total, leaving the match evenly poised heading into the final day on Sunday.

Padikkal leads India's reply

Sri Lanka XI declared their first innings at their overnight score of 363/8 after 90 overs. India, however, suffered an early setback when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a two-ball duck in the opening over, caught behind off pacer Vishwa Fernando.

Key partnerships steady India

With Shubman Gill sitting out after taking a minor blow to his right hand during practice, Padikkal and KL Rahul took responsibility for rebuilding the innings. The pair added 96 runs for the second wicket before Rahul was bowled by off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha for 40 off 67 balls, making way for all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Padikkal continued to dominate, playing confidently against both pace and spin. He reached his century from 121 balls and retired out after scoring 103, giving other members of the middle order valuable time in the middle. He formed a 72-run partnership with Jadeja.

India then lost Rishabh Pant for two and Dhruv Jurel for one in quick succession, both falling to spin as the visitors slipped to 174/4.

Jadeja and Manav Suthar steadied the innings with a useful 76-run partnership. Jadeja scored a patient 63 off 117 balls before retiring out, while Suthar contributed 41 from 90 deliveries to help India move past the 250-run mark.

Brar's late cameo ensures strong finish

Asanka Manoj got rid of Suthar and Mohammed Siraj (1 run off 8 balls) in the 73rd over as Padikkal returned to bat and formed a 49-run partnership with Saransh Jain (22 runs, retired hurt) to take India past the 300-run mark.

Gurnoor Brar came to the crease and scored an unbeaten 36 off just 18 balls, stitching a quick 51-run stand with Padikkal. Brar slammed four sixes to Dilum Sudeera in the last over of Day 2 to help India end the day on 357/6 after 90 overs, just six runs behind Sri Lanka XI's declared total. Padikkal remained not out on 142.

For Sri Lanka XI, Ramesh Mendis and Asanka Manoj picked up two wickets each.

Brief Scores

Brief scores: Sri Lanka XI 363/8 declared; India 357/6 (Devdutt Padikkal 142*, Ravindra Jadeja 63, Manav Suthar 41, KL Rahul 40). (ANI)

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

Davis Cup 2026: India to face South Korea on hard courts in Seoul

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 19:30:55 +0530

The India vs South Korea tennis tie in the second round of the 2026 Davis Cup qualifiers, scheduled for September 18-19, will be played on the hard courts of the Olympic Tennis Centre in Seoul.

The winner of the tie in Seoul will qualify for the Final 8 stage of the Davis Cup, which will be held in Bologna, Italy, in November, as per Olympics.com.

Head-to-Head and Recent History

South Korea, ranked 16th in the Davis Cup standings, hold a slender 6-5 head-to-head advantage over India, who are currently ranked 19th. India are set to name their team for the tie on Monday.

The two sides last met in 2016, when India recorded a 4-1 victory over South Korea in Chandigarh in an Asia/Oceania Group I tie played on grass.

India's Path to the Second Round

India booked their place in the second round with a 3-2 win over the Netherlands in Bengaluru in February. At the time, India were ranked 33rd in the world, while the Dutch were No. 6.

Dhakshineswar Suresh was the standout performer for India, winning both his singles rubbers and partnering Yuki Bhambri to victory in the doubles.

With the win, India reached the second round of the qualifiers for the first time since the current format, which was introduced in 2019.

South Korea's Journey and Stakes

South Korea also secured their place in the second round after upsetting 2016 champions Argentina 3-2 in Busan.

South Korea reached the 16-team Davis Cup Finals in 2022 and 2023, while India will bid to reach the Final 8 for the first time under the current format.

India have finished as Davis Cup runners-up three times, in 1966, 1974 and 1987. (ANI)

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

Punjab cricket team overhauls coaching staff, names Amit Uniyal head coach

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 19:30:25 +0530

Punjab have overhauled their coaching set-up ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season, appointing former all-rounder Amit Uniyal as head coach in place of Sandeep Sharma. TP Singh has been named batting coach, Harmeet Singh bowling coach and Manish Sharma fielding coach. They replace Uday Kaul, Gagandeep Singh and Sandeep Sanwal, respectively, Cricinfo reported.

Profile of the New Head Coach

Uniyal, a former left-arm seam-bowling allrounder for Punjab, played 29 first-class matches, taking 91 wickets at an average of 29.94. He also featured in 46 List A matches and played two of his four T20S for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2009. Since 2017, Uniyal has been involved in various coaching and selection roles with Chandigarh. He served as their assistant coach in the 2020-21 season and was chairman of selectors last season. Uniyal's appointment makes him Punjab's fourth head coach in as many seasons. Since Aavishkar Salvi's departure following 2023-24, both Wasim Jaffer and Sandeep Sharma have lasted just one season each.

Focus on Red-Ball Cricket

"Since everyone wants to play in the IPL nowadays, they focus more on T20 cricket. And it's the same everywhere, be it Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh or Mumbai. But we have the potential, we have the talent, all we need is to play as a unit," Uniyal told Cricinfo.

"We want to do better in red-ball cricket this time, and for that, you need bowlers who can take 20 wickets. So we will work towards that," he added. (ANI)

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

Indian junior pickleball team bags 3 medals at Asian Championship

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 19:30:22 +0530

Indian junior pickleball players delivered a strong performance at the Asia Pickleball Junior Open/Asian Junior Championship 2026, securing three medals at the continental championship held at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Organised by the Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP), the three-day championship brought together some of Asia's leading emerging junior pickleball talent across multiple age categories. The tournament provided young athletes with a high-performance international platform to compete against strong opposition, gain valuable international exposure and represent their countries on the continental stage, according to a press release.

India's Medal Winners

India's medal-winning campaign was led by Stuti and Anjali, who clinched the gold medal in the U18 Girls' Doubles after an impressive campaign. Anjali Pol added another medal to India's tally by securing the silver medal in the U18 Girls' Singles, while Aadya and Keerthi secured the bronze medal in the U12 Girls' Doubles.

'Encouraging Performance'

Commenting on the performance, Arvind Prabhoo said, "This is a very encouraging performance from our young Indian players at the Asian Junior Championship. Winning a gold, silver and bronze across different age categories reflects the growing depth and potential of junior pickleball in India. International exposure at this stage is extremely important for the development of these athletes, and performances like these give us great confidence in the future of Indian pickleball."

The Asia Pickleball Junior Open / Asian Junior Championship 2026 served as an important platform for the development of junior pickleball in Asia, featuring boys' and girls' competitions across multiple age categories. The championship focused on athlete development, international competition and creating long-term pathways for emerging players. India's three-medal haul, comprising one gold, one silver and one bronze, reflects the growing strength of the country's junior pickleball talent and provides positive momentum for the young athletes as they continue to gain experience on the international stage. (ANI)

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

'Fake News and Trolling': Irfan Pathan Recalls Fabricated Interview Incident with Babar Azam

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 19:10:59 +0530

Former India all-rounder turned commentator Irfan Pathan recalled a viral incident from the 2023 ODI World Cup where a fabricated news story claimed Pakistan captain Babar Azam had refused to be interviewed by him.

Pakistan travelled to India for the ODI World Cup for the first time since 2016, marking a highly anticipated return for the national team amidst intense media attention and massive public interest across the country. However, the Men in Green, led by Babar Azam, suffered an early exit from the tournament, failing to qualify for the semi-finals.

Babar had a good outing in the marquee event, amassing 320 runs, including 4 fifties, at an average of 40.00 in 9 matches, with his best performance coming against Afghanistan, scoring 74 in Chennai. However, Pakistan suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Afghanistan, marking one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Also Read: WI vs PAK: Iceland Cricket's Volcano Joke on Babar Azam's Test Century Drought Goes Viral

‘The Trolling and Fake Attribution Happen Every Day’

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who was part of the commentary panel for the 2023 ODI World Cup, recalled how misinformation and social media manipulation can rapidly spiral out of control during major global sports events.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Irfan revealed that a fake story was pushed by a Pakistani media outlet, claiming that Babar Azam was approached by him for an interview only to be turned away because of alleged critical remarks.

“The media in our neighbouring country once ran a story claiming that I had gone to interview Babar Azam, and that he refused because, according to him, 'He trolls our country, so I won't give him an interview.' It was a complete lie,” Pathan said.

“Someone had photoshopped my face onto a picture," he added.

Irfan Pathan was referring to a fabricated story and the photoshopped image that falsely portrayed him as having approached Babar Azam for an interview during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Pakistani media ran the news as if it were a genuine incident by using a digitally altered photograph to make the claim appear credible.

Irfan Pathan Clarified the Fake Image

Further speaking on the fake Babar Azam interview incident, Irfan Pathan clarified that the Pakistani media used a Bangladeshi reporter who had actually approached the Pakistan captain on the field, digitally pasting Pathan's face over his body to manufacture the controversy. The former India all-rounder further added that he doesn’t feel the need to constantly respond to every piece of fake news because it would make it impossible to live a normal life.

“The person in the original image was a young Bangladeshi reporter who had gone to the ground for the first time and was refused an interview. They literally put my face on his body and spread the story. It got over a million views, and people believed it was me." Irfan said.

“This happens every day, but I don't respond. Every day, some lie is told in our name or about some player. If you keep responding to everyone, you won't be able to live your life," he added.

When @IrfanPathan begs to Babar Azam for Interview and he refused pic.twitter.com/sBYSdrCK6D

— Babar Azam's World (@Babrazam358) August 1, 2024

Meanwhile, Babar Azam stepped down from captaincy duties after Pakistan’s early exit from the ODI World Cup 2023, before he was reinstated as a white-ball captain for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Then, Babar resigned from the white-ball leadership role for a second time in October 2024 and focused on his personal batting performance.

Now, Babar Azam was reappointed as Test captain and has Pakistan currently in the two-match series against the West Indies, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Also Read: ‘Got Angry, Felt Bad’: Ravichandran Ashwin Openly Admits How Sanjay Manjrekar’s Critique Stung Him

Khalin Joshi dominates to win J&K Open 2026 with a nine-shot lead

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 19:00:39 +0530

Khalin Joshi carded a five-under 66 to complete a commanding nine-shot victory at the INR 1 crore J&K Open 2026 at the picturesque Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar.

According to a press release, the 33-year-old Bengaluru golfer (63-66-65-66) finished with a tournament total of 24-under 260 to claim his eighth professional title and second victory of the 2026 DP World PGTI season. Joshi collected the winner's cheque of INR 15 lakh and climbed five places from 13th to eighth in the DP World PGTI Rankings, taking his season's earnings to INR 34,85,575. Delhi's Rashid Khan (68-68-64-69), a two-time Asian Tour winner, finished runner-up at 15-under 269.

Panipat's Shubham Jaglan (70-68-66-66), a University of South Florida graduate, produced his best result of the season by finishing third at 14-under 270.

A Bogey-Free Finish

Joshi began the final round with a six-shot cushion but admitted to feeling nervous after missing the opening fairway. He settled down by the third hole and made successive birdies on the third and fourth to strengthen his grip on the tournament.

"I was definitely nervous at the start, especially after missing the first fairway," said Joshi. "I began to feel more comfortable by the third hole, and the birdies on the third and fourth put me at ease," he added.

With the rough making approach shots difficult throughout the week, Joshi's plan was to keep the ball in play and rely on the putting touch that had carried him into the final round with a sizeable advantage.

"My game plan was to keep hitting fairways because I knew that would give me enough birdie opportunities. The key was to stay in the present, execute each shot as well as I could and keep thinking positively. Seeing my drives go straight all day was very satisfying," he said.

Joshi added five birdies without dropping a shot to extend his bogey-free run to 55 holes. His closing 66 was his third consecutive bogey-free round and capped a dominant week in which he made just one bogey across 72 holes.

Praise for 'Unbelievable' Royal Springs

The victory followed his four-shot triumph at the Andhra Open in April, where he finished at nine-under 275, and continued an impressive season on the domestic circuit. Joshi was also delighted to win during his fourth visit to Jammu and Kashmir, having previously travelled to Pahalgam and Jammu.

"I'm very happy with the way I played throughout the week and with the overall performance. Royal Springs is unbelievable and offers some of the best views we see all year. It is a stunning golf course, and I hope we can return more often," he said.

Joshi believes more tournaments, junior programmes and coaching camps could help the sport grow in the region and enhance Jammu and Kashmir's reputation as a golf tourism destination.

"There is a lot of potential here. The course is in pristine condition and the weather is excellent," he said. "More tournaments would attract stronger fields and more visitors. Hopefully, Royal Springs can host an international event in the future," he added.

Final Leaderboard and Tournament Details

Chandigarh's Ajeetesh Sandhu (65-72-65-70), also a former Asian Tour winner, finished fourth at 12-under 272. DP World PGTI Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar (69-71-65-70), Asian Tour winner Rahil Gangjee (73-67-66-69) and Chandigarh's Angad Cheema (68-68-68-71) shared fifth place at nine-under 275. Talwar strengthened his position at the top of the season rankings, taking his earnings for the year to INR 82,53,034.

Notably, the par-4 11th hole was adjusted to a 103-yard par-3 for the tournament, bringing the course par down to 71.

The J&K Open 2026 was supported by Event Title Partner J&K Tourism and hosted at the Royal Springs Golf Course. The tournament was principally backed by global smart logistics provider DP World, serving as PGTI's Umbrella Partner, alongside Tour Partners Axis Bank, Amul, Amrutanjan Enerlyte, Campa, Air India Maharaja Club and Kalyani. Their collective participation reflects a shared commitment to Indian professional golf and to showcasing Jammu & Kashmir's growing stature as a destination for the sport. (ANI)

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

ESFI names Indian squads for BRICS, Global Esports Games 2026

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 19:00:32 +0530

The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) on Saturday announced the final Indian contingents for the BRICS Esports Championship 2026 in Moscow, Russia, and the Global Esports Games (GEG26) in Los Angeles, USA, following the conclusion of the National Esports Championships (NESC) 2026. The National Esports Championships, which concluded on August 5, served as India's official selection tournament, bringing together the country's top esports athletes to earn the right to represent the nation at two of the world's premier multi-title esports events.

India's TEKKEN 8 Squad for BRICS Esports Championship 2026

For the BRICS Esports Championship 2026, scheduled to be held from September 9 to September 15 at the VK Play Arena in Moscow, organised by the Russian Esports Federation, India will field a two-member TEKKEN 8 contingent. National champion Arsalan Wani secured his berth after emerging victorious at the NESC BRICS qualifier and will join Gurashish Singh, who was the winner of NESC 2026 (Asian Games), as part of Team India. Shubham finished as the first runner-up, while Ashish claimed the second runner-up position in the qualifier.

Global Esports Games 2026 Roster Finalised

Meanwhile, India has finalised its roster for the Global Esports Games 2026 in Los Angeles, organised by the Global Esports Federation (GEF). Team India will compete across multiple esports titles spanning PC, console, and mobile platforms, further strengthening the country's presence on the global esports stage.

"The BRICS Esports Championship and the Global Esports Games are invaluable opportunities for our athletes as we build towards the Asian Games. Competing against some of the world's best players reflects the growing depth of India's esports talent while giving our athletes the exposure needed to sharpen their skills, perform under pressure and raise their competitive standards. These experiences will play a vital role in preparing Team India for future international competitions, including the upcoming Asian Games," said Lokesh Suji, Hon. Gen Secretary, Esports Federation of India and Vice President, Asian Esports Federation (AESF).

Counter-Strike 2

At the Global Esports Games, India will compete in Counter-Strike 2, where Diamond Dogs secured the national berth after defeating Friedup Gaming in the Grand Final. The squad comprises Ritesh Sarda (Captain), Hrishikesh Shenoy, Gourav Panwar, Garvit Nehra and Yash Kumar Singh.

Clash Royale

In Clash Royale (Open), Devershi Kumar Kulhara emerged champion, followed by Heer Chawda and Mohamed Rizal S, while Shagun Srivastava won the Women's category ahead of Nikita S.

NBA 2K and Rocket League

India's NBA 2K contingent will feature Shubham Sharma (Captain), Ashutosh Kumar and Sumer Singh Sandhu, while the Rocket League team comprises Abhai Ponna (Captain), Jayanth Engineer and Aditeya Amol Srivastav.

iRacing and eFootball

In iRacing featuring Ferrari, Yashwanth Babu topped the standings, followed by Aditya Iyer and Ankit Raj.

For eFootball, Chinmay Sahoo has been awarded the Open category slot, being the Winner of the NESC 2026 (Asian Games).

Adherence to National Regulations

Reiterating its commitment to regulatory compliance, ESFI confirmed that India will not field a contingent in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) in adherence to directives issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. (ANI)

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

APL 2026: Guwahati Royals beat Tezpur Titans by 8 wickets to go second

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 18:00:55 +0530

Guwahati Royals chased down 147 against Tezpur Titans to secure an eight-wicket win in Match 15 of the Assam Premier League (APL) 2026 at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati, on Saturday. The win leads them to second place on the points table, according to a release.

Half-centuries from Rohit Sen and Sanjay Kumar Singh set up the chase for Royals, with the duo stitching together a stellar opening stand to see their side home comfortably.

Titans Innings: Haque Shines Amidst Collapse

Earlier, Mrinmoy Dutta was the pick of the bowlers, picking up three wickets to restrict Tezpur Titans after a blistering innings from Wasim Akram Haque.

Having won the toss and opting to bat, Tezpur Titans got off to a stuttering start, losing Mohammad Kaif and Roshan Topno inside the powerplay. Wasim then anchored the innings with a sublime knock, striking 82 off just 54 balls, studded with three fours and seven sixes. With that knock, he recorded the second-highest individual score in the tournament so far. He combined for an 82-run stand for the third wicket with Nihar Deka to put the innings back on track, as quoted by the release.

However, Titans lost their way in the closing stages after losing Haque, which triggered a collapse. Mrinmoy Dutta then struck twice in the space of three balls to remove Danish Ahmed and skipper Ayushman Malakar. Nipan Deka and Deepak Gohain also chipped in with a wicket apiece as the bowling side scalped their last five wickets for just 12 runs, restricting Titans to 146/8 after 20 overs.

Royals' Dominant Chase

In response, Guwahati Royals were given a flying start by Rohit Sen and Sanjay Kumar Singh. The pair raced to 108 without loss inside the first ten overs as they unleashed a flurry of strokes. Sen looked in fine touch as he scored 65 off 30 balls, striking three fours and four sixes on his way to the fastest half-century in the tournament (23 balls).

Singh was equally severe on the bowlers, cracking six fours and three sixes in his knock of 65 off 39 deliveries.

Danish Ahmed and Abir Chakraborty got the better of two openers, but the writing was already on the wall by then. Captain Rishiv Das scored an unbeaten 15 off 7 balls to lead his side over the line as they chased down 147 in 12.5 overs, winning the contest by 8 wickets.

Brief Scores

Guwahati Royals beat Tezpur Titans by 8 wickets. Tezpur Titans: 146/8 in 20 overs (Wasim Akram Haque 82, Nihar Deka 20; Mrinmoy Dutta 3/27, Bastab Roy 1/15). Guwahati Royals: 147/2 in 12.5 overs (Rohit Sen 65, Sanjay Kumar Singh 65, Rishav Das 15*; Danish Ahmed 1/23, Abir Chakraborty 1/16).

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

East Bengal thrash South United 5-0, boost Durand Cup quarter-final hopes

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:30:52 +0530

East Bengal FC produced a dominant display to register a comprehensive 5-0 victory over South United FC in their final Group A fixture of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday. Dani Ramirez, Mohamad Rashid, Hardik Bhatt, Bipin Singh and David Lalhlansanga scored for the Red and Gold Brigade.

The result takes East Bengal FC to six points from three Group A matches with a goal difference of +11, leaving the Red and Gold Brigade well placed in the race to qualify for the quarter-finals as one of the tournament's best second-placed teams. South United FC, meanwhile, conclude their Durand Cup campaign after another spirited display despite the heavy defeat. All 43 matches of the 135th Durand Cup will be broadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on SonyLIV.

East Bengal's Early Onslaught

With both sides playing their final group match, the Red and Gold Brigade started brightly, with Jesin T.K. Thonikkara dragging an early left-footed effort wide before South United captain Noel S made an important intervention to halt another dangerous attack.

The breakthrough came in the sixth minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Dani Ramirez. Receiving the ball from captain Mohamad Basim Rashid, the Spaniard shifted onto his preferred foot before unleashing a stunning long-range strike into the top far corner, leaving goalkeeper Sunil Singh with no chance.

East Bengal continued to dominate possession, with Jeakson Singh, Ramirez and Jesin combining neatly through midfield while wingers Edmund Lalrindika and P.V. Vishnu stretched the South United defence.

Sandip Mandi delivered an inviting cross that narrowly evaded Vishnu before Jesin's close-range header was denied by Noel S, who produced another timely defensive intervention. Moments later, Basim Rashid's cross found Ignacio Monsalve Vicente inside the penalty area, but the defender's header drifted wide.

Despite East Bengal's sustained pressure, South United defended resolutely. Rowan James and Rishik Shetty produced a series of crucial blocks and clearances as the visitors crowded their own penalty area, forcing the Kolkata giants to attempt efforts from distance.

The second goal eventually arrived in the 24th minute from a well-worked corner. Dani Ramirez's delivery from the right was flicked on at the near post by Jesin, allowing Basim Rashid to power a header into the net at the far post.

Ramirez continued to orchestrate proceedings and nearly extended the lead with successive efforts, one of which was brilliantly saved by Sunil Singh before another drifted narrowly wide. The Spaniard then produced a delightful through ball to release Vishnu, but the winger lifted his finish over both the advancing goalkeeper and the crossbar.

Dominance Continues After Restart

South United remained compact defensively, committing bodies behind the ball and frustrating East Bengal despite the hosts' overwhelming dominance. Their only notable opportunity of the first half came in the 40th minute when Md Altaf Hussain's effort took a deflection, forcing Gourab Shaw into a sharp save. Vishnu was denied once again in first-half stoppage time by Sunil Singh as East Bengal went into the interval with a deserved 2-0 lead, having enjoyed 84 per cent possession while registering 21 shots, six of them on target, compared to no attempts from South United.

The pattern continued after the restart, with East Bengal controlling possession while South United defended deep in search of opportunities on the counter.

Makakmayum Daniyal nearly produced a spectacular goal in the 54th minute, spotting Gourab Shaw off his line and attempting an ambitious effort from near the halfway line. The ball, however, curled harmlessly wide. South United almost found a way back into the contest shortly after the hour mark. Mustafa Shaikh delivered an excellent cross that Daniyal met ahead of Sandip Mandi and Anwar Ali. The forward cleverly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper but could not direct it goalwards before narrowly failing to apply the finishing touch.

Late Goals Seal Comprehensive Win

East Bengal continued to push for a third but repeatedly found South United defending in numbers. Substitute Th. Bipin Singh produced an excellent cross in the 68th minute, only for Jesin to narrowly miss making contact from close range.

The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute through defender Hardik Bhatt. The defender unleashed a powerful low strike from distance that appeared to be comfortably covered by Sunil Singh, but the goalkeeper was wrong-footed by the late movement of the ball and could only watch it slip through his grasp and into the net.

The Red and Gold Brigade added a fourth eight minutes later. Christopher James delivered a dangerous cross from the left that was only partially cleared by the South United defence. Bipin Singh timed his run perfectly before guiding a close-range header inside the near post.

Despite the heavy scoreline, South United continued to fight until the end. Noel S produced another courageous tackle in the closing stages to prevent further damage, while East Bengal squandered another promising team move when Edmund Lalrindika fired over the crossbar.

The final goal arrived with virtually the last kick of the game. David Lalhlansanga collected the ball inside the penalty area and emphatically slammed a left-footed finish into the roof of the net to complete a resounding 5-0 victory. (ANI)

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

Arsenal sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle for a €75 million fee

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:30:25 +0530

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for a reported fixed fee of Euro 75 million, according to ESPN. Guimaraes has signed a four-year contract with Arsenal, with an option to extend his stay for another season, according to sources cited by ESPN.

'I need a new challenge'

Speaking after completing the move, Guimaraes said he was excited by the opportunity and described joining Arsenal as a new challenge in his career. "I feel good, I feel amazing. I'm glad for the opportunity. Since the first time I spoke to [Andrea] Berta and Mikel [Arteta], I was excited. I just felt inside of me that I need a new challenge in my life and I think to be an Arsenal player is going to be an exciting challenge in my life," Guimaraes said.

The midfielder also thanked Arsenal supporters for their messages and promised to give his best for the club. "The message for me is thank you for everything you have done. All the messages you gave me, I'm so excited to join you. I will give you my best, I promise. Like I said, I'm your warrior, I'll never give up. Hopefully we can create many, many good memories together," he added, as quoted by ESPN.

'A player with a great mentality'

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said, "We are delighted to welcome Bruno Guimaraes to our club. Bruno is a player with a great mentality and great quality, who will bring strong leadership to our squad."

"With Bruno joining us, we are further strengthening the heart of our team. As we have all seen, Bruno can play as a defensive midfielder and as a box-to-box player. He combines quality with quantity, and has provided goals and assists for his team every year," Andrea said.

"Bruno will allow Mikel to further develop our playing style and will also increase our internal competitiveness, which is essential for maintaining the standards required when we are aiming to win major trophies," he concluded.

Key summer target

The 28-year-old emerged as a key summer target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the club's Premier League title defence.

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

Rodriguinho's sensational debut: 5 goals in SC Delhi's 7-0 rout

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:00:50 +0530

Brazilian forward Rodriguinho announced his arrival in Indian football in spectacular fashion, scoring five goals as SC Delhi demolished Defenders FC 7-0 for their second straight win in Group C of the 135th Durand Cup at the Birsa Munda Stadium on Friday.

The Brazilian struck a sensational five-goal haul on his first start for the club, while Mohammed Aimen and substitute Juan Sebastian Pena also found the back of the net as SC Delhi produced a dominating display from start to finish. The victory took SC Delhi to the top of the Group C standings with six points from two matches, taking them closer to a place in the quarterfinals. Defenders FC, meanwhile, completed their group stage campaign without a point, suffering a third consecutive defeat of the tournament. All 43 matches of the 135th Durand Cup will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on SonyLIV.

SC Delhi Head Coach Tomasz Tchorz made two changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Brazilian forward Rodriguinho and Colombian forward Duvan Mina in place of Joseph Sunny and the suspended Ashutosh Mehta, while on the other hand C.P Wanigasooriya made just one change in the starting eleven with forward S. Aravinraj replacing A.A. Joseph in attack.

Blistering Start Sees Rodriguinho Net Hat-trick

SC Delhi made a blistering start to the contest, racing into a three-goal lead inside the opening 13 minutes as new signing Rodriguinho announced himself in Indian football with a sensational quickfire hat-trick. The Brazilian opened the scoring with a moment of individual quality, bringing down a pass expertly on his chest before spinning away from his marker and dispatching a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner. Barely a minute later, he doubled both his tally and SC Delhi's advantage. Mohammed Aimen threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into the striker's path, and Rodriguinho made no mistake, guiding a first-time left-footed effort into the bottom corner. Rodriguinho completed his dream debut moments later following another slick attacking move. Mohammed Azhar clipped a precise long ball over the defence to Yanglem Sanatomba Singh, who squared a low, accurate cross across the six-yard box. The Brazilian arrived unmarked and had the simplest of finishes, calmly slotting the ball into the net to complete a remarkable 13-minute hat-trick.

First Half Domination

SC Delhi extended their advantage in the 34th minute, shortly after the first hydration break, with another incisive attacking move. Lalrinliana Hnamte picked out Mohammed Aimen with a perfectly weighted long ball after the winger timed his run to perfection. Aimen brought the ball under control with a fine first touch before calmly lifting his finish over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 4-0. SC Delhi completely dominated the first half, controlling 61 per cent of the possession and dictating the tempo throughout. The hosts registered nine attempts on goal, five of which were on target, converting four with ruthless efficiency. Defenders FC struggled to break out of their own half for long periods and managed just a single effort on goal before the interval. Their best opportunity came in first-half stoppage time when captain R.A.C. Madushan's free-kick whistled narrowly past the post. It proved to be little more than a consolation attempt, as SC Delhi headed into the break with a commanding 4-0 advantage.

Defenders FC Show Resilience After the Break

SC Delhi head coach Tomasz Tchorz made two changes at the break, introducing Juan Sebastian Pena and Mohammed Kaif, with the Colombian forward making an immediate impact. Pena quickly found himself at the heart of SC Delhi's attacking moves, testing Defenders FC goalkeeper T.S. Priyashan twice from the edge of the penalty area. On both occasions, the Colombian unleashed powerful efforts that were well dealt with by the Sri Lankan custodian, who produced two smart saves to deny the substitute. Defenders FC looked far more organised after the restart, showing greater defensive discipline to frustrate SC Delhi's attacking rhythm. The Sri Lankan side denied the hosts any clear-cut opportunities, forcing them to rely on long-range efforts and set-piece situations for openings. At the other end, Defenders FC attempted to exploit the spaces on the counter-attack by releasing their forwards with quick passes in transition. However, the SC Delhi backline remained alert throughout, reading the danger well and intercepting the passes before the attacks could develop into meaningful chances.

Defenders FC registered their first shot on target only in the 85th minute when L.C.P.K. Rathnayaka tried his luck from long range, forcing Nora Fernandes into a comfortable save. Moments later, SC Delhi came close to adding a fifth at the other end through 16-year-old substitute Thokchom Diamond Singh. The youngster showcased impressive skill to dribble past his marker before unleashing a left-footed effort, but Defenders FC goalkeeper T.S. Priyashan reacted sharply with a fine diving save.

Late Flurry Seals Dominant Victory

SC Delhi added further gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages as Rodriguinho capped a wonderful evening with two more superbly taken goals. The Brazilian netted his fourth of the evening in the 89th minute, curling a brilliant left-footed effort into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area. The hosts struck again in the second minute of stoppage time when substitute Juan Sebastian Pena got on the scoresheet with a left-footer after dribbling past two defenders inside the box to make it 6-0. There was still time for one final flourish as Rodriguinho completed an extraordinary five-goal haul in the fifth minute of added time. The Brazilian once again displayed his clinical finishing with a composed left-footed strike to seal a memorable 7-0 victory, rounding off a dominant performance from SC Delhi. (ANI)

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

The Hundred: Jemimah Rodrigues' injury a huge blow for Southern Brave

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:00:25 +0530

Jemimah Ruled Out, Big Blow for Southern Brave

India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been ruled out of The Hundred after sustaining a hamstring injury. Rodrigues, who joined Southern Brave as a direct signing for £60,000 (approximately US$80,000), has been one of the franchise's most consistent performers this season. She scored 143 runs in six innings, playing a key role in Brave's strong campaign as they sit joint-top of the women's competition on 20 points alongside Trent Rockets, who lead on net run rate.

The 25-year-old has also claimed two Player-of-the-Match awards for her performances, making her absence a significant blow to Southern Brave as the competition enters its decisive phase. It is a significant blow for Brave, as well as the competition, given Rodrigues' profile. They have two games remaining to secure automatic qualification for the final by finishing top of the table, with Manchester Super Giants and Trent Rockets their remaining opponents.

Asia Cup Concern for India

Her absence could also present a concern for India, with the Women's Asia Cup set to begin in the UAE later this month. The extent of Rodrigues' hamstring injury is yet to be ascertained, and her withdrawal could be a precautionary measure aimed at protecting her fitness and preventing further damage. India begin their campaign against Thailand in Dubai on August 30, 22 days from now.

Brave Announce Charli Knott as Replacement

Brave have moved quickly to replace Rodrigues, bringing in Australian allrounder Charli Knott, who returns to the Utilita Bowl after featuring for the side in the 2024 edition. Knott has enjoyed an excellent T20 summer in England, scoring 404 runs and taking 27 wickets, the most in the competition, during The Blaze's Vitality Blast-winning campaign. (ANI)

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

IND vs SL: Sai Sudharsan’s Sri Lanka Test Tour Ends Before It Begins, Likely Replacements Revealed

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:50:37 +0530

The Tamil Nadu batter Sai Sudharsan has reportedly been ruled out of Team India’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on August 15. India, led by Shubman Gill, is currently playing the three-day practice against Sri Lanka XI at Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Colombo.

However, the India squad travelled to Sri Lanka without the young batter Sai Sudharsan, who stayed back in Bengaluru for rehabilitation and recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). Sudharsan sustained a toe injury during India A’s two-match unofficial Test series against Sri Lanka A, where he scored 332 runs, including two centuries, at an average of 166.00 in four innings.

Team India management was hoping for his arrival in Sri Lanka before the Test series opener against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium, but things are running out for the young left-hander to join the squad in time.

Also Read: IND vs SL: Costly Drop! KL Rahul's Blunder Comes Back to Haunt Team India in Practice Match (WATCH)

Sai Sudharsan Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Tests

As Team India’s three-day practice match is underway in Colombo, Sai Sudharsan was undergoing rehabilitation at BCCI CoE in Bengaluru. Earlier, it was reported that the Tamil Nadu batter would begin batting at full intensity in the nets before the medical team takes a call on his availability for the Sri Lanka Tests.

However, the medical team was not willing to rush his return, advising that the healing process needs more time before he can safely resume competitive red-ball cricket. Since the first Test in Galle is just a week away, Sudharsan is unlikely to get any necessary clearances from the medical team to feature in a crucial series.

“Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Doctors have advised more time for biological healing. Significant improvement, but not yet sufficient for a safe return to Test cricket," as per the latest update from Sports Science as quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI).

Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the Test series against Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/SqyaEIBwU5

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 8, 2026

In the absence of Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal batted at the No.3 position in the ongoing three-day match practice against Sri Lanka XI and played an innings of 103 off 121 balls, including 14 fours, in the first innings, strengthening his case to replace Sudharsan in the upcoming Test series.

Padikkal was already a backup option in case the Tamil Nadu batter was ruled out of the Sri Lanka Tests, and his fluent century in the practice match has all but sealed his position in the playing XI for the opening match of the two-match series in Galle.

Sudharsan’s Likely Replacements Revealed

As Sai Sudharsan is all but ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series, the selectors and team management will have to look for an alternative batter to be added to the squad as a replacement before the Test series opener at the Galle International Stadium.

According to the report by The Times of India (TOI), Sarfaraz Khan and Shaik Rasheed are likely contenders to replace Sudharsan in the squad. Sarfaraz’s last appearance in a Test match was during the home series against New Zealand in November 2024, after which Mumbai’s prolific middle-order batter has been aiming to force his way back into the senior red-ball setup.

Sarfaraz was part of the India squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, but he didn’t get a single match throughout the series. Despite playing a strong innings of 92 for India A against England Lions in Canterbury and impressing in his Intra-squad matches, Sarfaraz Khan has continued to find himself on the sidelines of the senior national team.

THE REPLACEMENT OF SAI SUDHARSAN ⏳- Sarfaraz Khan & Shaik Rasheed emerged as the Potential replacement for Sai Sudarshan in the Sri Lanka Test series. [Sahil Malhotra from TOI] pic.twitter.com/hGCf62Ys5d

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 8, 2026

Shaik Rasheed, on the other hand, was part of the India A squad for the two-match unofficial Test series against Sri Lanka A, and registered the scores of 63, 20, and 45 in three innings, aggregating a total of 128 runs, showcasing his solid technique against spin and pace in subcontinental conditions.

The 21-year-old was the highest run-getter for Andhra in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season, amassing 627 runs, including 3 centuries and 2 fifties, at an average of 89.57 in 8 matches, impressive numbers that firmly established him as one of the most promising young talents in India's domestic red-ball circuit.

It remains to be seen how the national selectors will finalize the squad announcement, with both Sarfaraz and Rasheed presenting strong domestic credentials to step into the vacant role.

Also Read: IND vs SL: Yashasvi Jaiswal Shares Nostalgic Post Highlighting Rohit Sharma's Mic-Catch Advice

CWI launches 2026 Rising Stars Women's U-19 Championship in Antigua

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:31:19 +0530

Cricket West Indies (CWI) announces the start of the 2026 Rising Stars Women's Under-19 Championship, which will take place at venues across Antigua from August 8 to August 15. The region's young emerging female talent from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, the Windward Islands, the Leeward Islands and Guyana will do battle over the week-long tournament, with 2025 champions Barbados entering this year's edition looking to complete the regional Under-19 double after capturing the Rising Stars Men's Under-19 50-Over Championship in July.

The tournament is pivotal to CWI's overarching strategy to grow the women's game across the region, while also serving as a key talent identification period ahead of the ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup scheduled for January and February 2027 in Bangladesh. In keeping with CWI's longstanding approach of aligning regional youth competitions with the format of the next ICC age-group World Cup, this year's championship returns to the T20 format following last year's 30-over edition.

Talent Identification and High-Performance Camp

CWI's High-Performance Manager, Dwain Gill, emphasized the importance of the championship with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, in addition to contributing to the future of the women's game in the region. "With the 2027 Under-19 Women's World Cup quickly approaching, the Championship provides a perfect opportunity for us to identify the region's top talent with the goal of building a competitive squad for the global tournament. Immediately following the tournament will be a two-week high-performance camp, with the best players from this tournament being selected to participate in an intensive programme of technical, tactical, physical and mental development aimed at accelerating their preparation for the global tournament, " said Gill.

Twenty players will be selected to stay on in Antigua for the camp which runs from August 16 - 30 at the CWI Headquarters, Coolidge Cricket Ground. Selection will be based on on-field performance and technical assessment; age eligibility for the 2027 World Cup; tactical awareness, temperament and competitiveness; fitness; and squad balance.

"Women's cricket around the world is advancing rapidly; therefore, we must continue our investment in the next generation of players to ensure we remain competitive on the international stage", Gill stated. "The Rising Stars Under-19 Women's Championship is a critical part of that journey. It provides our most talented young cricketers with the opportunity to compete, learn and grow in an environment that reflects the standards required to advance to the next level."

Player Development Beyond the Field

In addition to the on-field competition, CWI will once again use the opportunity to positively impact the young athletes in areas of personal and professional development, with training sessions covering a number of areas including nutrition, mental and women's health, digital and online presence, anti-doping, anti-corruption, among others.

Tournament Format and Broadcast Details

Much like last month's Men's Championship, the preliminary stage of the tournament will see the six teams play each other once over five rounds, after which the top two will face off in the Championship Final, with the remaining teams competing in placement matches to determine the final standings. Each round will see matches commencing at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 2:00 PM, with all matches streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel, in addition to live scoring, match reports and daily updates available on www.windiescricket.com.

Full Match Schedule

Round 1 - Saturday, August 8

Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands - Liberta Sports Club @ 9:00 AMTrinidad and Tobago vs Jamaica - Bethesda Playing Field @10:00 AMBarbados vs Guyana - Liberta Sports Club @ 2:00 PM

Round 2 - Sunday, August 9

Leeward Islands vs Jamaica - Liberta Sports Club @ 9:00 AMBarbados vs Windward Islands - Bethesda Playing Field @10:00 AMTrinidad and Tobago vs Guyana - Liberta Sports Club @ 2:00 PM

Round 3 - Tuesday, August 11

Barbados vs Leeward Islands - Coolidge Cricket Ground @ 9:00 AMTrinidad and Tobago vs Windward Islands - Liberta Sports Club @ 10:00 AMJamaica vs Guyana - Coolidge Cricket Ground @ 2:00 PM

Round 4 - Wednesday, August 12

Leeward Islands vs Trinidad and Tobago - Coolidge Cricket Ground @ 9:00 AMJamaica vs Barbados - Liberta Sports Club @ 10:00 AMGuyana vs Windward Islands - Coolidge Cricket Ground @ 2:00 PM

Round 5 - Friday, August 14

Windward Islands vs Jamaica - Coolidge Cricket Ground @ 9:00 AMLeeward Islands vs Guyana - Liberta Sports Club @ 10:00 AMBarbados vs Trinidad and Tobago - Coolidge Cricket Ground @ 2:00 PM

Final and Placement Round - Saturday, August 15

3 vs 4 - Coolidge Cricket Ground @ 9:00 AM5 vs 6 - Liberta Sports Club @ 10:00 AM1 vs 2 - Coolidge Cricket Ground @ 2:00 PM. (ANI)

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

CPL 2026: Trinbago Knight Riders set to defend title with star squad

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:30:44 +0530

Trinbago Knight Riders head into Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 as defending champions, ready to embrace another season of high-intensity cricket. With a squad built for a deep run in the tournament, blending seasoned campaigners with promising young talent across all departments, the five-time champions will be determined to defend their crown, according to a press release.

Potent Batting Lineup

Captain Nicholas Pooran, who lifted his maiden trophy as skipper last season, will lead a batting order that consists of exciting talent and experienced players who provide firepower. The top order includes openers Alex Hales and Colin Munro, alongside wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva, Matthew Breetzke, and promising batters Jyd Goolie and Dexter Sween. With a strong mix of attacking options and experience through the middle order as well, TKR's batting unit will look to set the tone.

Strong Bowling Attack

Meanwhile, the bowling attack remains a key strength of the defending champions. Akeal Hosein returns full of confidence after a Player of the Match performance in last year's final, where he combined figures of 2/26 with a match-sealing unbeaten 16 off seven balls. He is joined by Terrance Hinds, Abdul-Raheem Toppin and Usman Tariq, giving TKR a varied attack capable of controlling the middle overs and applying pressure at both ends.

Experienced All-Rounders

The likes of Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard add further depth and experience to the all-round department. The former remains central to the team's plans, offering control with the ball and the ability to change games with the bat. Pollard, on the other hand, is one of the best match-winners in the shortest format, and will be motivated to build on his campaign from last year, where he was adjudged as the Player of the Tournament.

Alongside the two veterans, Amshi de Silva, Dominic Drakes, Nathan Edward and Justin Greaves round up a squad that has all bases covered. Trinbago Knight Riders open their CPL 2026 campaign against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on August 9 at Arnos Vale Stadium, St Vincent. The venue will pose a fresh challenge as it hosts a CPL game for the first time.

Trinbago Knight Riders Squad

Nicholas Pooran (c), Matthew Breetzke, Joshua Da Silva, Amshi de Silva, Dominic Drakes, Nathan Edward, Jyd Goolie, Justin Greaves, Alex Hales, Terrance Hinds, Akeal Hosein, Colin Munro, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Dexter Sween, Abdul-Raheem Toppin, Usman Tariq. (ANI)

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Neeraj Chopra hails Ashish Yadav's silver at U-20 Worlds as 'special'

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:31:32 +0530

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra congratulated Indian javelin thrower Ashish Yadav on winning the silver medal at the U20 World Athletics Championships, saying the achievement was particularly special for him as a fellow javelin thrower. Chopra, in a post on X, and praised Ashish for his performance at the global junior championships.

"Always a great feeling to see Indian athletes competing and winning at the International level, this one is little more special for me as a javelin thrower. Super proud of you Ashish on your Silver at the U-20 Worlds, this is just the start!" Chopra wrote.

Always a great feeling to see Indian athletes competing and winning at the International level, this one is little more special for me as a javelin thrower. Super proud of you Ashish on your Silver at the U-20 Worlds, this is just the start! pic.twitter.com/pEWEEaB5FZ — Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) August 8, 2026

Ashish Yadav's Silver Medal Performance

Ashish produced his best effort of 74.09 metres in the third round to finish second in the competition. South Africa's Heymans won the gold medal with a throw of 80.50 metres, while Dominica's James secured the bronze with 73.89 metres.

CM Dhami Congratulates Javelin Thrower

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated Indian javelin thrower Ashish Yadav for winning the silver medal at the World U20 Athletics Championships with a throw of 74.09 metres.

Congratulating Ashish on his achievement, Dhami, in a post on X said, "Ashish Yadav clinched the silver medal at the World U20 Athletics Championship with a splendid throw of 74.09 meters. This outstanding performance is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. Heartiest congratulations to Ashish Yadav on this remarkable achievement, and best wishes for a bright future ahead!"

India at the U20 Championships

India's T. Dharanidharan also competed in the event and finished sixth with a best throw of 72.35 metres.

The achievement comes in a competition that has previously seen India's Neeraj Chopra win the U20 javelin gold in 2016 with a world-record throw of 86.48 metres. (ANI)

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

Ashish Yadav wins historic silver at World U20 Athletics Championships

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:30:49 +0530

India's Ashish Yadav won the silver medal in the men's javelin throw at the World Athletics U20 Championships here, becoming only the second Indian after Neeraj Chopra to finish on the podium in the event at the global junior championships.

A Decade After Neeraj Chopra's Gold

Performance in the Final

Heymans established an early lead with 76.92m on his opening attempt and improved to 79.42m on his fifth throw before sealing the title with an 80.50m effort in his final attempt.

Path to the Final

Ashish had entered the final with a personal best of 74.49m, recorded at the Indian Open Throws Competition in Patiala earlier this year.

India had two competitors in the javelin final, with T. Dharanidharan finishing sixth with a best throw of 72.35m.

Both Indian throwers had progressed to the final after qualifying on the opening day of the championships. Although neither achieved the automatic qualification mark of 72.50m, Ashish advanced as the second-best thrower overall with 69.87m, while Dharanidharan secured the 12th and final qualifying spot with 68.07m.

Heymans topped the qualifying round with 76.02m.

Indian Contingent Highlights

The Indian contingent comprises 36 athletes, including 23 men and 13 women, at the championships in Eugene. Mohammed Ashfaq was another notable Indian performer, finishing eighth in the men's 400m final in 46.20 seconds. Earlier in the competition, the 19-year-old clocked 45.81 seconds in the heats to break his own U20 national record and qualify for the semifinals.

More than 1,800 athletes representing 147 member federations are competing at the World Athletics U20 Championships, which is the largest edition of the junior global event.

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

Sai Sudharsan ruled out of India vs Sri Lanka Test series due to injury

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:30:33 +0530

India's left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan has reportedly been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to an injury, a BCCI source told ANI on Saturday. Sudharsan has been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru and has also participated in batting and fielding drills. However, the batter was unlikely to regain full fitness in time for the opening Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15.

"Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of India's two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to an injury. The batter reportedly trained at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, where he also took part in batting and fielding drills. However, he was unlikely to recover in time for the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15," a BCCI source told ANI.

Sudharsan also did not take the flight when the Indian team departed for Sri Lanka, and thus missed the ongoing three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, which began on Friday (August 8).

Injury Crisis Deepens for Team India

Meanwhile, Indian skipper Shubman Gill also sustained an injury to his right ring finger during a practice session ahead of the first Sri Lanka Test. The injury comes as a serious blow and Gill is being monitored by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team. As a precautionary measure, he is missing Day 1 of the warm-up match against SLC XI taking place on Friday. KL Rahul is leading the team in his absence.

BCCI posted on X, "Update: Captain Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during India's practice on Thursday. As a precautionary measure, he will not take the field on Day 1 of the warm-up game against SLC XI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress. KL Rahul will lead the team in Gill's absence."

India's ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the series as he has not fully recovered from the left knee injury he sustained during the ODI series against England. The Men's Selection Committee has included Aquib Nabi in the squad as Bumrah's replacement.

Multiple Players on Injury List

World Test Championship Context

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

Theegala's strange 8-under 62 puts him second at Wyndham C'ship

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:30:27 +0530

Sahith Theegala had a very strange round of 8-under 62 at the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club. Theegala was just one shot behind Beau Hossler, who carded 9-under 61 and led the field on a low-scoring day.

Theegala had nine birdies, eight of which came on the front nine. The final tournament of the regular season determines the top 70 who advance to the FedExCup Playoffs. Theegala, at 43rd, is, however, a lock-in for the playoffs. The only other Indian origin player in the field this week is Aaron Rai, the PGA Champion. He shot a 1-under 69 after starting on the back nine. He, however, did have four birdies on the scorable front stretch of the Sedgefield Country Club. He dropped a bogey and a double bogey on his second nine, the front side of the layout.

Theegala started with a flurry of birdies, six in a row before dropping a shot, only to pick up birdies on eighth and the ninth for a 7-under 28. On the back, he parred eight times in a row from the 10th to the 17th and closed with a birdie for a 34 and a total of 62.

Contenders Battle for Lead

Ben James made eagle on both of Sedgefield Country Club's two par 5s on Thursday, and only a soft finish with a pair of bogeys kept him from sharing the lead with Hossler. He was tied second with Theegala. James, the No. 1 player in the 2026 PGA TOUR University ranking that came with a TOUR card, has to win to reach the top 70. He was tied for the lead until a bogey-birdie-bogey finish saw him card a 62, both bogeys coming after he missed 6-foot par putts.

Hossler is at No. 122 in the FedExCup and also has to win to reach the first playoff event next week, the FedEx St. Jude Championship. He ran off four straight birdies early in his front nine at Sedgefield and played the final holes in 4 under, with a 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 15th.

'A Wild Round'

"Pretty wild," said Theegala, who didn't make a par on the front nine. He added, "I've never had a round like that. I think historically I've always struggled to start rounds really well, so that was the first time I ever started a round with six (birdies) in a row. That was an incredible start. It didn't feel like a fluke or anything, either. "Got to the back nine and just stopped hitting fairways," he said. "And really that cost me a lot of opportunities. Yeah, it was an interesting round."

The Fight for the FedExCup Playoffs

Eric Cole shot 63 and was in fourth, and the six players at 64 included five who are outside of the top 70 in the FedExCup. The exception is Matti Schmid, who at No. 67 is far from safe.

Brooks Koepka, who returned to the PGA TOUR this year after four years as a LIV Golf member, needed a high finish to reach the postseason and had to settle for a 67, which was closer to the cut line than the lead on a course that yielded 36 rounds of 66 or lower. (ANI)

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Korea Masters: Ashmita Chaliha beats Rakshitha Ramraj to enter final

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:01:13 +0530

India's Ashmita Chaliha entered the women's singles final of the Korea Masters 2026 after defeating compatriot Rakshitha Ramraj in an all-Indian semi-final at the Asan Yi Sun-sin Gymnasium on Saturday, according to Olympics.com.

Chaliha Triumphs in Three-Game Thriller

World No. 50 Chaliha defeated World No. 49 Ramraj 21-13, 16-21, 21-13 in a 48-minute contest to book her place in the final of the BWF Super 300 tournament.

Chaliha started strongly in the opening game, taking an 11-6 lead at the interval before comfortably closing out the game. Ramraj responded in the second game, building an 11-6 advantage and holding off Chaliha's comeback to level the match and force a decider. Chaliha regained control in the third game, racing to an 11-3 lead after a six-point winning streak. She maintained her advantage after the interval to seal victory and secure a place in the final, according to Olympics.com.

Maiden BWF Final Awaits

The Korea Masters final will be Chaliha's first appearance in a BWF World Tour final. She had earlier reached the semi-finals of the Macau Open in June. Chaliha will face fourth seed and 2026 German Open champion Han Qianxi of China in the title clash.

She also defeated Japanese top seed Hina Akechi on her way to the final.

Indian Success on BWF Tour

A victory in Korea would make Chaliha the fourth Indian women's singles player to win a BWF title this year, after Tanvi Sharma at the Taipei Open, PV Sindhu at the Japan Open and Devika Sihag at the Thailand Masters.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are the other Indian players to have won a BWF title this year, having claimed the men's doubles crown at the Singapore Badminton Open in May.

(ANI)

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WPGT Leg 11: Sneha Singh wins after squandering six-shot lead

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:00:33 +0530

Sneha Singh, who ran up a six-shot lead with six holes to go, squandered the entire lead and was taken to the play-off, where she edged aside the seasoned Vani Kapoor to win the 11th Leg of the Women's Pro Golf Tour at the Clover Greens.

Sneha, who had stunned the field with a 10-under round on the second day, shot 5-over 76 on the final day before winning on the first play-off hole. Sneha and Vani totalled 3-under 210 in regulation play. Sneha ended a 18-month title drought to get back into the winning circle for the first time since February 2025.

Dramatic Final Round

Sneha (73-61-76) played the final round with Vani Kapoor (67-71-72), who trailed her by four shots at the start of the third day, and Nayanika Sanga (72-68-71), who was six behind.

Sneha seemed to struggle in the final round as she started with a bogey and had no birdies for the next eight holes. With Vani carding a double bogey and a bogey, and Nayanika also faltering with two bogeys and unable to find birdies, Sneha's lead was stretched. When Sneha birdied the tenth hole, she moved further ahead.

After 12 holes in the final round, Sneha seemed to have sewn up the title as she opened a six-shot lead over the field. Sneha and Nayanika birdied the 10th, but Vani picked up a birdie on the 11th.

Major Twist on the Back Nine

Then came a major twist. Nayanika had back-to-back birdies on the 13th and the 14th, but Sneha gave away two double bogeys on the same holes. Vani also birdied the 13th to join Nayanika at 3-under total and Sneha was now just one shot ahead at 4-under.

At that stage Sneha's lead was down to just one shot over Nayanika and Vani. Vani was unable to find any birdies on the last five holes and finished at 3-under total, while Nayanika gave away a bogey on the 15th and parred the last three holes to fall to 2-under.

When Vani and Nayanika parred the 18th, Sneha needed just a par on the 18th to win outright. She crumbled under the pressure and dropped a shot on the last to fall into a play-off with playing partner Vani.

Other Finishers and Standings

Meanwhile, Smriti Bhargav (70) finished at 2-under total as did amateur Ayesha Gupta, who was the first-round co-leader, in a three-way tie for third alongside Nayanika. Finishing sole sixth was Riya Jadon, who had a rocky finish over the last five holes with three birdies and two bogeys, including one on the 18th.

Jasmine Shekar (69) and Lavanya Jadon (71) were tied for seventh at an even-par total of 213, while Amandeep Drall (71) was ninth. Ridhima Dilawari (72), Ananya Datar (72) and Shagun Narain (74) rounded off the Top-10. Anvvi Dahhiya was 13th and Khushi Khanijau, Tvesa Malik and Heena Kang were tied for 14th.

Ridhima Dilawari, who has three wins this season, stays on top of the Order of Merit, while Jasmine Shekar, Vani Kapoor and Amandeep Drall are second, third and fourth. These players are the only ones to cross Rs.10 lakhs in winnings this season after 11 events.

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

629 Ashes Runs Later, Why Travis Head Won't Call Himself a ‘True’ Test Opener? Aussie Star Explains

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:45:29 +0530

Australia’s flamboyant batter Travis Head was a standout performer in the Ashes series against England on home soil. Australia continued to retain the Ashes trophy with a 4-1 win over England, extending their remarkable decade-long dominance in the historic red-ball rivalry.

Travis Head had a dream Ashes series, amassing 629 runs, including 3 centuries, at an average of 62.90 and a strike rate of 87.36 in five matches. This was his best performance in an Ashes series, with his previous best coming during the 2023 series, where he scored 362 runs, further highlighting his incredible evolution at the top of the order.

Over the last few years, Travis Head was promoted as an opening batter in Tests due to his ability to provide an aggressive start and apply early pressure on the opposition bowlers, redefining how Australia approaches the red-ball game at the very onset of an innings.

Also Read: IND vs SL: Yashasvi Jaiswal Shares Nostalgic Post Highlighting Rohit Sharma's Mic-Catch Advice

Head Hesitates To Call a ‘True’ Test Opener

Having delivered a masterclass at the top of the order in the Ashes series, Travis Head has appeared to have cemented his position as Australia’s reliable opener rather than just a middle-order enforcer, yet he continues to maintain a humble perspective on his unorthodox technique and instincts at the crease.

Speaking to CricInfo, the flamboyant batter admitted that his long first-class career does not exactly reflect the traditional pathway of an opening batter in Australian cricket, adding that he has spent only a small portion of his career opening the innings.

“I don't know the exact stats, but I've played around 170 or 180 first-class games, and I might have opened in ten of them, that probably suggests I'm not an opening batter, a true opening batter, in terms of what Australian cricket is known for,” Head said.

"Usually those guys have opened all the way through junior cricket, state cricket and then Test cricket," he added.

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A post shared by Travis Head (@travishead34)

Travis Head has featured in 10 Test matches as an opener and aggregated 929 runs, including 3 centuries and 2 fifties, at an average of 58.06 in 17 innings. Head’s 629-run Ashes series is a massive highlight of that run, cementing his value at the top even as he continues to adapt his game to the new-ball challenge.

Though he has amassed over 3600 Test runs while batting in the middle order, Head has now shown that his aggressive approach can be equally effective at the top of the order. His recent success as an opener has added another dimension to his Test career, allowing Australia to maximise his ability to dictate the tempo from the outset.

‘I Can Do the Role’: Head Backs Himself to Succeed as Test Opener

Further speaking on his role at the top of the order, Travis Head admitted that his approach may not fit the conventional mould of an Australian Test opener, but insisted that he is confident in his ability to fulfil the role effectively.

“I think my game is conducive to playing well there. I feel like I can do the role. But it's not that traditional opening batter, if that makes sense. I know I've still got to keep working hard against the new ball,” the 32-year-old said.

“I know I'm going to make mistakes, and that's okay. I'm very comfortable with where my game's at,” he added.

Meanwhile, Travis Head recently won his second consecutive Allan Border Medal, becoming only the fifth Australian cricketer to claim the prestigious award in successive years. He edged his teammate and wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey by just one vote to retain the honour, further underlining his remarkable consistency across formats.

Travis Head will return to action for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, starting on August 13.

Also Read: ‘Got Angry, Felt Bad’: Ravichandran Ashwin Openly Admits How Sanjay Manjrekar’s Critique Stung Him

PIF London C'ship: Pranavi Urs, Aditi Ashok make encouraging starts

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:30:53 +0530

Encouraging start for Indian duo

Pranavi Urs and Aditi Ashok made encouraging starts at the PIF London Championship, carding identical rounds of 2-under 71 to stay within striking distance of the leaders after the opening round at the par-73 Centurion Club. The Indian duo was tied four shots behind Canada's Anna Huang, who fired a superb 6-under 67 to take the first-round lead.

Pranavi enjoyed a brisk start after teeing off from the 10th, reaching 2-under through her opening four holes before giving those shots back. After five successive pars, she finished strongly with three birdies and one bogey over her last six holes to sign for a 71.

Aditi also started on the back nine and produced a tidy round featuring three birdies against just one bogey. She closed with two birdies over her final four holes to join Pranavi at 2-under and remain firmly in contention heading into the second round.

Mixed day for other Indians

The other two Indians endured a tougher day. Diksha Dagar opened with a birdie but slipped back with bogeys on the next two holes and another before the turn. She recovered with two birdies and two bogeys on the inward nine to finish with a 2-over 75, leaving her tied for 54th. Avani Prashanth struggled to a 6-over 79 and was tied for 101st, needing a low second-round score to have a chance of making the cut.

Huang takes lead; Spitz shares second

Huang, a three-time Ladies European Tour winner, began her round on the 10th tee and collected birdies on the 13th and 16th before eagling the 18th. Her only blemish came with a bogey on the third, but she responded with back-to-back birdies on the fifth and sixth before adding another at the ninth to finish at six-under.

Australia's Kelsey Bennett and Austria's Emma Spitz shared second place on 5-under 68. Spitz's round was among the most dramatic of the day, featuring nine birdies alongside two double bogeys. Bennett opened with a birdie and added further gains on the seventh, ninth, 12th and 13th. A bogey on the 16th briefly halted her momentum before she birdied the last to finish one stroke behind Huang.

England's Charlotte Heath was alone in fourth on 4-under 69 after a round that included an eagle, five birdies and three bogeys. A group of seven players shared fifth place on 3-under, comprising Sweden's Louise Rydqvist, Singapore's Shannon Tan, Germany's Olivia Cowan and Aline Krauter, Italy's Alessia Nobilio and Anna Zanusso, and Ireland's Aine Donegan.

Clews' memorable hole-in-one

There was also a memorable moment for England's Gemma Clews, who recorded the first hole-in-one of her professional career on the par-3 17th. (ANI)

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

Assam Premier League: Denish Das's 72* powers Barpeta Braves' win

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:30:28 +0530

An unbeaten 72 off just 45 balls from captain Denish Das set the tone for Barpeta Braves' 70-run win over Nagaon Rangers in the Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water Assam Premier League. The result continued the side's turnaround after a slow start to the campaign. Having lost their opening two fixtures, Barpeta Braves have now strung together back-to-back victories, with the bowlers making light work of the chase on the day - Bikiran Das (4/13) and Shubham Kumar Gupta (3/8) sharing seven wickets to bowl Nagaon Rangers out for 100, according to a release.

Team's Turnaround and Positive Mindset

For Das, the result was as much about the collective effort as his own innings. The Barpeta Braves captain was quick to credit his side's temperament through what had been a difficult opening phase of the tournament. "The team is feeling very relaxed after getting the first win of the tournament. Hats off to the boys because they remained really positive throughout these days and I'm very happy for them," he said.

Das on His Instinctive Approach

Reflecting on his own innings, which included four boundaries and sixes, was built on a method he leans on match after match. Rather than overthinking the situation, Das trusted his natural game. "Normally, I believe in myself and back my instinct. That's what I tell myself every day, and today everything clicked at the right time," he mentioned.

A Platform for Assam's Cricketers

Beyond the result, Das was equally reflective on what the tournament represents for players across Assam. Das reckoned, "Obviously, it is a huge platform and we want to thank the ACA for giving us such a huge opportunity. There are scouts coming to these matches and people are also watching us on television, so it provides us with a great chance to progress in our career."

Focus on Process, Not Pressure

With the Duleep Trophy awaiting him once this tournament concludes, Das isn't allowing the bigger stage to change his approach. Currently placed fourth on the batting charts with 126 runs at a strike rate of over 144, his focus remains on the process rather than the occasion. "There is not much pressure because I play to enjoy the game. My focus will remain on trying to perform throughout the tournament and let's see what comes after that," he says.

Meanwhile, his side Barpeta Braves sit third on the table with 4 points from four matches, and Denish Das's blend of calm and instinct at the crease is proving central to their revival in the tournament. (ANI)

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

FC Goa signs Spanish defender Alex Zalaya for 2026-27 season

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:01:07 +0530

FC Goa announced the signing of Spanish centre-back Alex Zalaya ahead of the 2026-27 season. The 28-year-old defender arrives in Goa with a wealth of experience in Spanish football, having represented Real Zaragoza, FC Barcelona B, Sporting de Gijon B, UD Logrones, Extremadura UD, UD Ibiza and Real Murcia, said a release.

A composed and commanding presence at the heart of defence, Zalaya is known for his aerial ability, positional awareness, and confidence in possession. Comfortable operating in a possession-based system, he combines intelligent reading of the game with the ability to initiate attacks from the back, adding both quality and experience to the Gaurs' defensive unit.

Club Officials Welcome Zalaya

Commenting on the signing, Lokesh Bherwani, Director of Football, FC Goa, said, "We are delighted to welcome Alex to FC Goa. He is a defender with strong technical ability, valuable experience, and the qualities we were looking to add to our backline. His composure, leadership, and understanding of the game will be a great asset to the squad. We believe he will fit seamlessly into our style of play and make an important contribution both on and off the pitch."

Head Coach Gouramangi Singh added, "Alex is an experienced defender who brings calmness, quality, and maturity to the team. He is comfortable on the ball, reads the game exceptionally well, and possesses the professionalism and mentality we value at this Club. We're excited to work with him and believe he will play an important role in helping us achieve our objectives this season."

Zalaya on Joining the Gaurs

Speaking after joining the Club, Alex Zalaya said, "I'm very happy to join FC Goa and excited about this new challenge. I've heard great things about the Club from former players, and I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates, working hard, and contributing to the team's success. I can't wait to give everything for the badge and meet the fans."

Zalaya's arrival further strengthens FC Goa's defensive options as the Club continues to build a balanced and competitive squad for the 2026-27 campaign. (ANI)

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

"I'm not an opening batter": Travis Head on his Ashes success at top

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 13:30:36 +0530

Australia's Travis Head may have established himself as a formidable Test opener after his match-winning exploits in the Ashes, but the left-hander insists he is "not an opening batter" in the traditional sense and is simply focused on fulfilling the team's requirements.

Head was promoted to open in the second innings of the first Ashes Test in Perth last November after Usman Khawaja was ruled out, and responded with a blistering 123 off 83 balls to help Australia complete a two-day victory. He followed that with centuries in Adelaide and Sydney to finish the Ashes with 629 runs, playing a key role in Australia's series triumph and subsequently winning his second successive Allan Border Medal.

Despite his success at the top, Head said his first-class career does not fit the conventional profile of an opening batter. "I don't know exact stats, but what have I played: 170, 180 first-class games. I might have opened in ten [12] of them," Head said, according to Cricinfo. "I think it would suggest that I'm not an opening batter, a true opening batter, [in terms of] what Australian cricket is known [for], I guess. Guys that have come through the grades opening the batting and played state cricket opening batting, and played Test cricket as opening batters," he added.

He further added, "I think my game is conducive to playing well. I feel like I can do a role at the top. I'm at the top, but it's not [as] that true opening batter, if that makes sense. I know that I've still got to work continuously hard at the new ball. I know I'm going to make mistakes. That's okay. I'm very comfortable with where my game's at."

Contribution to wins over personal stats

Head had previously opened in specific conditions in India and Sri Lanka and is also a regular opener in Australia's white-ball teams. His success during the Ashes, however, has strengthened the case for him to remain at the top of the Test order through Australia's demanding schedule. The 32-year-old said his assessment of his performances goes beyond statistics and is instead based on his contribution to Australia's victories.

"I'd love to score hundreds, I'd love to be in the runs column all the time, but at the end of the day I'd just love to contribute to winning Test matches," he said, as per Cricinfo. "I look at Barbados [against West Indies] earlier in the year where I was able to get a couple of 50s and win a Test match on a challenging wicket. It didn't look like hundreds and didn't look good, I guess, on the stat sheet, but I think I was able to really contribute to Test match wins," he added.

"Very pleased to be able to back it up and be consistent in an Ashes. I think that's what everyone's comparing themselves to in Australian cricket over your whole career, how good you are in Ashes cricket. So to be able to put out those sort of numbers, not in a million years I thought I would be able to do that, but also in the same breath I would expect myself to do that. So hard place to be in terms of that, but just very pleased that we're able to win the Ashes this year," he further added.

Preparing for a Packed Schedule

Head is now preparing for a packed period in Australia's Test calendar, beginning with the two-Test series against Bangladesh before assignments against South Africa and New Zealand, a five-Test tour of India and a one-off 150th anniversary Test against England. The Ashes in England will follow next June and July, with a possible World Test Championship final also part of Australia's schedule.

Head said he was not setting himself statistical targets for the demanding run and would instead adapt his approach according to the conditions and the team's requirements. "I'm always happy just to do what the team needs and what's required, and I just want to contribute to every Test match," he said, as per Cricinfo. "So we've got a lot of opportunities to do that over the next 21 Tests over the next ten months. I don't sort of pigeonhole myself or expect anything in terms of performance. I just want to go out and play my role, whether that's setting a tone at the start, whether that's big hundreds, whatever sort of the series needs and is tailored to."

"We're going to play in a lot of different conditions over the next 12 months. It's going to require different efforts. It may not look like the traditional thing all the time. I just want to be able to play a role that ends up winning Test matches. So I'm very comfortable in the fact that it's not going to work every day. I'm not going to perform every day, but when I am able to, I hope it means that we're winning games of cricket," he concluded.

Travis Head has made 4592 runs in 65 Tests and 3007 runs in 79 ODI matches. In 53 T20Is, he has made 1335 runs with an average of 28.40. (ANI)

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

‘Hacked or Just Being Rishabh Pant?’: India Star’s Midnight Tweet Tagging Uttarakhand CM Goes Viral

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 13:10:12 +0530

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has grabbed the attention of social media users, especially on X (formerly Twitter), for his abrupt and unfiltered late-night tweet tagging Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, requesting his assistance with the purchase of land in the state.

Pant is currently part of the India squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, with the opening match taking place at Galle International Stadium on August 15. India are currently playing a three-day practice match against Sri Lanka XI at Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo to fine-tune their preparations.

Amid Team India’s preparations for a crucial Test series against Sri Lanka, Rishabh Pant managed to steal the spotlight entirely offline, proving that his unpredictable charm extends far beyond the cricket pitch.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant seeks land in Uttarakhand, CM Dhami assures all help

Pant’s Late-Night Tweet Tagging Uttarakhand CM Goes Viral

As Team India locked in their preparations for the upcoming Test series, Rishabh Pant, out of nowhere at midnight, tagged the Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for his government’s assistance with the acquisition of land in the state, leaving social media users puzzled over the unexpected post.

In a detailed tweet, the wicketkeeper-batter expressed his willingness to shift his base from Delhi to Uttarakhand, but said he had been facing a ‘land acquisition nightmare’ despite searching for a suitable plot for nearly three years. Pant also clarified that he wanted to purchase the land himself and was not seeking it as a gift, urging Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to help him with the process.

Rishabh Pant posted this tweet at 12:46 am, less than 10 hours before Day 2 of the ongoing practice match in Colombo, showing once again that his unique train of thought operates entirely on its own schedule.

In his tweet, there were multiple grammatical errors, including incorrect sentence construction, missing words and awkward phrasing, which further added to the chaotic and unfiltered nature of the late-night post.

The wrong English like ‘how’s you’, ‘nitemare’, ‘My humble request to us’, and ‘before keeping everything in side’, quickly caught the attention of social media users, with many wondering whether the post was genuinely written by Pant or if his account had been compromised.

Is Rishabh Pant's Account Hacked?

The viral tweet of Rishabh Pant tagging Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for his assistance in a land acquisition has sparked widespread reactions on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts questioning whether the India star’s account had been hacked.

Taking to their X handles, social media users were divided over the bizarre post, with some convinced that Pant had genuinely written the tweet himself, while others suspected that his account may have been hacked. Several users poked fun at India star’s unusual timing and grammatical errors, with some jokingly comparing his ‘organic’ tweets to Salman Khan’s unfiltered posts.

However, others were left amused by Pant tagging the chief minister of a state for help with buying land at midnight while in Sri Lanka ahead of a Test match, adding to the viral frenzy surrounding the unexpected tweet.

Naah, He actually tagged CM as a request to buy a land in Uttrakhand while sitting in Sri Lanka when there is a Test match to play tomorrow. https://t.co/8vFNA7CMVb

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) August 8, 2026

Highest taxpayer of Uttarakhand and still has to tweet at 1 am tagging CM to get his work done https://t.co/hyqdcR5kwM pic.twitter.com/KEmgl0EyxW

— Lord Immy Kant (@KantInEastt) August 8, 2026

Who do you message at midnight?Kids: Message friends asking for help.Adults: Message ex asking for love. Legends: Message CM asking for land. Rishabh Pant is a true legend. https://t.co/GUDU33pHq2

— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) August 8, 2026

Fully organic tweet like Salman Khan without any AI or grammar check https://t.co/vTPLLSKZCR

— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) August 7, 2026

Another generational tweet by my broHard competition to Salman khan in organic tweets https://t.co/A3YY4Ab2M7

— Shin-chan (@82of51atmohali) August 7, 2026

Knock knock. Rishabh Pant's account has been hacked. https://t.co/NJ8lRq1oJE

— Hit Janta party (@HCP_2026) August 8, 2026

Someone PLEASE take his car keys away from him fgssss https://t.co/yTxdltnlLb

— Mukul (@fuckofbc) August 7, 2026

Is he drunk or has his account been hacked Crazy shit man https://t.co/hACAx69O7p

— indian (@priyaaarora12) August 7, 2026

It's soo easily recognisable that he wrote this post all by himself https://t.co/83wTZ0IPpk

— Mohit Katta (@MohitKattaC1733) August 8, 2026

Rishabh Pant walks so Salman Khan can run. ✍️ https://t.co/O5zlY9pAtU

— ONE7 (@17pixles) August 7, 2026

First in my bloodline to see a celebrity buy land through a X post

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) August 8, 2026

Someone hacked his account?

— Mukesh (@MukeshPavith) August 7, 2026

Is he drunk? So much spelling errors, grammatical mistakes and talking nonsence at 1 pm in the night. Hope he is well. India is playing a test match, and he is occupied with these things at 1 pm?

— CA Subham Todi (@SubhamTodi97) August 7, 2026

What the heck… is he on something? I had to check twice if it is a parody account.I am sure this tweet will be deleted and another tweet will come thT my account has been hacked…

— Johnny (@itsjustsingh) August 8, 2026

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami replied to Rishabh Pant’s tweet, stating that he had informed the concerned officials, labeling him as the ‘pride of Uttarakhand’ and assuring him that instructions had been issued to officials to extend all possible cooperation according to the rules.

Also Read: IND vs SL: Costly Drop! KL Rahul's Blunder Comes Back to Haunt Team India in Practice Match (WATCH)

Ladakh Marathon announces record Rs 1 crore prize pool for 13th edition

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 13:01:15 +0530

Record Rs 1 Crore Prize Pool for 13th Ladakh Marathon

The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has announced a record prize pool of Rs 1 crore for the 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon, marking the largest cash award in the event's history. The enhanced prize purse is a testament to the Ladakh Marathon's remarkable growth into one of the world's premier high-altitude endurance events, and the Administration's continued commitment to its long-term success.

Since its inception in 2012, the Ladakh Marathon--the world's highest AIMS-certified marathon--has welcomed thousands of runners, families, and supporters to the region each year. The 2026 edition, scheduled from September 10 to 13, is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors, with participation from across the globe, according to a press release from Ladakh Marathon. This year, the event will welcome runners from 28 Indian States and 6 Union Territories, while international participants will represent all six inhabited continents, underlining the event's growing stature on the global endurance calendar.

Founder Applauds Administration's Support

"The announcement of the highest-ever prize pool by the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor and the UT Administration is a strong endorsement of the vision with which the Ladakh Marathon was conceived. It reflects the confidence they have placed in this event and its ability to position Ladakh among the world's leading destinations for endurance sport. We are deeply grateful for their continued support," said Chewang Motup Goba, Founder and Race Director, Ladakh Marathon.

Major Boost to Local Economy and Tourism

Beyond the race itself, the Ladakh Marathon has become a significant driver of the region's tourism economy. As thousands of visitors spend days and weeks immersing themselves in Ladakh's dramatic landscapes, renowned hospitality and vibrant cultural heritage, the event generates over 70,000 bed nights. With an average daily spend of US$60-70 on accommodation, food, shopping and regional travel, it is expected to inject US$4.2-4.9 million (Rs 40-47 crore) directly into the grassroots economy, creating opportunities for family-run guesthouses, local homestays, taxi operators, restaurants, traditional artisans and small businesses across the region.

Commitment to Global Stature and Responsible Tourism

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, said, "The Ladakh Marathon has emerged as a flagship sporting event for the Union Territory and a powerful platform for showcasing Ladakh's unique landscapes, culture, and hospitality to the world. The decision of the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh, to increase the prize pool to ₹1 crore reflects our commitment to strengthening the event's global stature, promoting sports tourism, and creating greater opportunity for athletes. We are confident that this landmark initiative will attract wider participation and further establish Ladakh as a leading destination for endurance sports and responsible tourism."

A Model for Sustainable Sporting in the Himalayas

The marathon has also emerged as a benchmark for sustainable sporting events in the Himalayas. Operating under a strict zero-single-use-plastic policy, it actively involves local schools and communities in environmental initiatives, including its unique PET bottle collection programme for junior race entries, reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting Ladakh's fragile mountain ecosystem.

The Ultimate High-Altitude Challenges

Alongside the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 11.2 km Run and 5 km Run for Fun, the event hosts two of the world's most demanding ultra-distance races--the 72 km Khardung La Challenge and the 122 km Silk Route Ultra. Together, they are expected to attract more than 500 ultra-runners, who will traverse the legendary Khardung La Pass at 17,618 feet (5,370 metres), making them among the toughest single-day endurance races anywhere in the world. (ANI)

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

Neeraj Chopra now Co-owner of UBS Athletics Kids Cup to inspire kids

Asianet News Central — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 13:01:14 +0530

Neeraj Chopra has announced a new chapter in his commitment to grassroots sport, as he became the Co-owner of the UBS Athletics Kids Cup, having already served as the programme's Ambassador for the past two seasons. His transition to Co-owner reflects Neeraj's vision to inspire more children across the country to embrace sports and an active lifestyle, according to a release.

The UBS Athletics Kids Cup is one of India's largest grassroots initiatives, designed to introduce children to sports through fun, inclusive and accessible competition. It has engaged more than 250,000 children across 2,500+ schools in five cities.

'The Natural Next Step': Neeraj Chopra's Vision

Neeraj Chopra said, "Over the last two seasons, I have seen the impact that UBS Athletics Kids Cup has created for children across schools. Every child deserves an opportunity to discover and showcase their talent, and becoming Co-owner felt like the natural next step because I truly believe in the vision we're building together."

"Our ambition is to reach one million children and inspire many more youngsters to embrace sport. I look forward to sharing my own experiences with the kids, teachers and schools, because the more children play, the greater the chance of creating future champions," he added, as quoted by the release.

Expanding Reach and Building a Sporting Culture

With Neeraj Chopra joining the initiative as Co-Owner, the programme now enters its next phase of growth with an ambition to reach one million children across India. Beyond introducing young people to sports, the initiative aims to encourage confidence, discipline and lifelong participation in sport, helping build a stronger sporting culture from the grassroots up.

The UBS Athletics Kids Cup has rapidly grown into one of India's leading grassroots sports programmes, creating opportunities for children to participate in fun, inclusive and accessible events. Nearly 50% all participants have been girls, underlining the initiative's focus on making sport accessible to every child. (ANI)

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