Sunday, February 15

Sports

Mumbai Tighten Grip on Ranji Trophy Final: Rahane and Musheer Lead the Charge After Bowling Masterclass
Cricket, Sports

Mumbai Tighten Grip on Ranji Trophy Final: Rahane and Musheer Lead the Charge After Bowling Masterclass

The Ranji Trophy final between Mumbai and Vidarbha witnessed a day of contrasting fortunes. While it might appear slow-paced on the scoreboard (215 runs for 9 wickets in 75.3 overs), Mumbai's complete dominance has put them firmly in control. Bowling Blitz Dismantles Vidarbha: Mumbai's bowlers delivered a masterful performance, orchestrating a Vidarbha batting collapse. The spin twins, Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian, were the chief architects of destruction, claiming multiple wickets each. Veteran pacer Dhawal Kulkarni also played a crucial role, removing the vital wicket of in-form batsman Atharva Taide. Vidarbha's Plight: Vidarbha's batting woes were further aggravated by the absence of their primary spinner, Aditya Sarvate, who suffered from back spasms. Struggling agai...
Deepti Sharma’s Heroics Almost Steal the Show as Gujarat Giants Edge UP Warriorz in WPL Thriller
Cricket, Sports

Deepti Sharma’s Heroics Almost Steal the Show as Gujarat Giants Edge UP Warriorz in WPL Thriller

An epic chase led by Deepti Sharma (88* off 60) nearly snatched victory for UP Warriorz, but Gujarat Giants held their nerve to secure an eight-run win in the Women's Premier League (WPL) encounter. Shabnam Shakil Stars with Early Wickets: Chasing 153, UP Warriorz lost their star openers Alyssa Healy and Chamari Athapaththu cheaply to Shabnam Shakil's bowling. Wickets continued to tumble, leaving the Warriorz in a precarious position. Deepti Sharma's Valiant Fightback: Deepti Sharma, batting with exceptional power and composure, resurrected UP's hopes with a stunning 88-run knock (unbeaten). A 109-run partnership with Poonam Khemnar brought them back into contention. Thrilling Final Over for Deepti Sharma Needing 10 runs off the last two balls, Deepti smashed two hug...
Vinesh Phogat Wins at Wrestling Trials After Drama: Competing in Two Weights, Challenging Quota System
Sports, Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat Wins at Wrestling Trials After Drama: Competing in Two Weights, Challenging Quota System

Vinesh Phogat, a decorated Indian wrestler, emerged victorious in the 50kg category at the national wrestling trials in Patiala. However, the path to her win was unconventional. A Rule-Bending Move for Vinesh Phogat Vinesh demanded to compete in both the 50kg and 53kg categories, despite UWW regulations allowing participation in only one weight class. This unusual request caused a delay in the competition schedule. The ad-hoc committee, in a controversial move, ultimately allowed her to participate in both. Securing a Spot, But Questions Remain Vinesh's win in the 50kg category grants her a chance to compete for an Olympic quota place at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers. However, she lost the 53kg semi-final. Vinesh's primary goal is to compete in the 53kg category, where A...
Level Playing Field: Stricter Doping Tests for Track and Field Athletes from 4 Countries Ahead of Paris Olympics
Sports

Level Playing Field: Stricter Doping Tests for Track and Field Athletes from 4 Countries Ahead of Paris Olympics

Athletes from Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Portugal will face more frequent anti-doping tests before competing in the Paris Olympics. This stricter testing regime comes due to deficiencies in their home countries' anti-doping programs. Failed to Heed Warnings: Following warnings issued after the 2022 World Athletics Championships, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) found all four nations lacking in "out-of-competition" testing for the 2023 edition. This prompted the unprecedented targeted testing program. Qualifying for Paris Olympics: To participate in Paris, non-elite athletes from these countries must now provide at least three surprise doping samples during training in the ten months leading up to the Olympics. Additionally, stricter testing will be implemented for athle...
PVL: Delhi Toofans Claw Back in Thrilling Victory over Bengaluru Torpedoes!
Sports, Volleyball

PVL: Delhi Toofans Claw Back in Thrilling Victory over Bengaluru Torpedoes!

The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) continues to deliver nail-biting action! In a topsy-turvy encounter, Delhi Toofans edged past Bengaluru Torpedoes 3-0 (15-13, 18-16, 17-15) in a Super 5 match. A Set of Momentum Swings: The opening set was a tightly contested affair, with the lead changing hands frequently. Delhi's S. Santhosh sparked his team with a Super Serve and two crucial points, putting them in the lead. Despite Bengaluru's fightback, a wayward serve from Thomas Alan Heptinstall sealed the set for Delhi. Close Calls and Missed Opportunities: The second set was equally intense, with Bengaluru saving four set points. However, another attack error by Heptinstall at a critical moment (16-17) ultimately handed the set to Delhi. Delhi Maintains Grip in the Decider: ...
Vinesh Phogat Gets Green Light to Compete in Two Weight Categories at Wrestling Trials, Books Olympic Qualifier Spot
Sports, Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat Gets Green Light to Compete in Two Weight Categories at Wrestling Trials, Books Olympic Qualifier Spot

Vinesh Phogat, the decorated Indian wrestler and a vocal critic of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) leadership, secured a dramatic victory at the national wrestling trials in Patiala. However, the path to her win was far from ordinary. Unconventional Move, Exceptional Result Despite UWW rules allowing participation in only one weight category, Vinesh demanded and received permission to compete in both the 50kg and 53kg categories. This unusual request caused a two-and-a-half-hour delay in the competition schedule. Vinesh emerged victorious in the 50kg category, defeating Shivani 11-6. This win secures her a spot at the Paris Olympics Qualification tournament in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, next month. However, she lost the 53kg bout to Anju by technical superiority. Committ...
Sports

Nishant Dev: Olympic Dream Put on Hold After Quarterfinal Loss

Indian boxer Nishant Dev's quest for a Paris Olympics quota has suffered a setback. Nishant Dev fell short in his quarterfinal bout at the first World Olympic Boxing Qualifiers in Busto Arsizio, Italy, losing a close 1-4 split decision to American Omari Jones in the men's 71kg weight class. Missed Opportunity The 23-year-old Dev, a World Championships bronze medalist in the featherweight category, needed a win to secure his spot at the upcoming Summer Games. With only four quota places available in the 71kg weight class, Dev's loss extinguishes his chance to clinch a quota at this qualifier. A Close Fight for Nishant Dev Despite starting slow, Dev displayed commendable fighting spirit. He dropped the opening round with all five judges awarding Jones perfect 10s. However, D...
Sports

Calicut Heroes Clinch PVL 2024 Top Spot, Delhi Toofans Finish Second!

PVL 2024: The closing matches of the Ru Pay-Prime Volleyball League's league stage delivered a double dose of excitement! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig1FCQu8q4c Calicut Heroes Reign Supreme in PVL 2024 Calicut Heroes dominated their final league match against Chennai Blitz, securing a convincing straight-sets victory (15-13, 15-13, 15-12). This dominant performance not only earned them a well-deserved top spot in the standings but also a crucial two-point advantage heading into the Super 5s stage which begins today. Setter Mohan Ukkrapandian and attacker Jerome Vinith were instrumental in leading Calicut to victory, while Chennai's unforced errors ultimately cost them a place in the Super 5s. Delhi Toofans Secure Second Place In the second match of the day, Delhi...
Hockey India Updates: 28 Players Selected for National Coaching Camp
Hockey, Sports

Hockey India Updates: 28 Players Selected for National Coaching Camp

Get ready for hockey action! Hockey India has announced a 28-member core group for the upcoming senior men's national coaching camp, starting March 12th at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar. This intensive training period will be crucial for the Indian team as they gear up for the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympics. Building on Pro League Success The selected players, a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters, will be aiming to refine their skills and strategies. This camp comes on the heels of a successful performance in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24, where India currently sits in third place. The team will resume their Pro League campaign in May before focusing their attention on the Olympics. Focused Training and Looking Ahead India's Chief Coach, ...
Sports

Last-Ball Drama! DC Clinch Thrilling One-Run Win Over RCB

DC vs RCB: The Women's Premier League (WPL) witnessed a nail-biting finish on Sunday! Delhi Capitals edged past Royal Challengers Bangalore by a mere run in a heart-stopping encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Delhi Capitals Set a Competitive Total Opting to bat first, Delhi Capitals got off to a cautious start. After losing their openers early, Alice Capsey and Jemimah Rodrigues consolidated the innings with a crucial 97-run partnership, laying the foundation for a competitive total. RCB's Chase Heats Up Royal Challengers Bangalore started their chase confidently with a solid partnership between Ellyse Perry and Sophie Molineux. However, a dramatic 11th over saw a turning point. While Alice Capsey dropped a catch off Perry, she redeemed herself by running out the Austr...