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<![CDATA[ bharatinews.in ]]> en 2026-04-15 20:29:14 <![CDATA[NorthEast United FC Clinches Historic Victory in Durand Cup Final]]> northeast-united-fc-clinches-historic-victory-in-durand-cup-final-782 NorthEast United FC made history by winning the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, with a thrilling 4-3 victory over defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a penalty shootout at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.   Mohun Bagan initially dominated the match, securing a two-goal lead in the first half with strikes from Jason Cummings, who converted a penalty, and Sahal Abdul Samad. However, NorthEast United staged an impressive comeback in the second half, scoring two goals within three minutes to level the score at 2-2 by the end of regulation time.   With no extra time, the match proceeded directly to penalty shootouts. NorthEast United’s goalkeeper, Gurmeet Singh, became the hero by making two crucial saves, which helped secure the club's first-ever Durand Cup title.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/northeast_united_fc_clinches_historic_victory_in_durand_cup_final_1748.jpeg" alt="" />   The victory sparked immense joy among NorthEast United supporters, including team owner and actor John Abraham, who traveled to witness the Highlanders win their first trophy a decade after the club's inception. In contrast, the 50,000 home supporters of Mohun Bagan were left heartbroken, as their team missed the opportunity to win the Durand Cup for a record-extending 18th time.   NorthEast United's resurgence in the second half was marked by a stunning right-footed goal from Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie in the 55th minute. Ajaraie also assisted substitute Guillermo Fernandez, who volleyed in the equalizer just three minutes later. Jithin M.S., who played a pivotal role throughout the tournament, was instrumental in NorthEast’s first goal and was later awarded the Golden Ball for his outstanding contributions.   Despite several chances to seal the victory during regular time, Mohun Bagan’s goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made two crucial saves to keep the game tied. However, in the penalty shootout, NorthEast United turned the tables, with Gurmeet Singh saving shots from Liston Colaco and Subhasish Bose, ending Mohun Bagan’s run of penalty shootout victories in the tournament. 782 Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Kolkata Football Fans Unite in Protest After Durand Cup's Kolkata Derby Cancellation]]> kolkata-football-fans-unite-in-protest-after-durand-cup-s-kolkata-derby-cancellation-580 A day after the Durand Cup match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal was canceled due to security concerns, fans from both teams, along with supporters from other clubs like Mohammedan Sporting, gathered on EM Bypass in Eastern Kolkata. The protest was in response to the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital, and anger was directed at the police and West Bengal government.   Earlier in the day, the West Bengal police imposed Section 163 of the BNSS (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC) near the Salt Lake Stadium to prevent large gatherings. However, this did not deter protestors from assembling in significant numbers. The crowd, driven by a shared sense of injustice, defied the ban and gathered to voice their grievances.   As the number of protestors grew, the police resorted to a lathi-charge around 4:45 PM IST to disperse the crowd, leading to injuries and the detention of several individuals. Despite the chaos, a few protestors claimed to have lost their belongings in the melee but continued to stand their ground. Riot police were present but did not engage directly, merely observing from the periphery with tear-gas guns in hand.   Even after most of the crowd dispersed, some protestors braved the rain to continue their demonstration. "We want justice" was the main slogan chanted by the crowd, who also expressed frustration over the cancellation of the much-anticipated Kolkata derby, a rare event that has only been canceled a few times since Independence.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/kolkata_football_fans_unite_in_protest_after_durand_cup's_kolkata_derby_cancellation_1221.jpg" alt="" />   Historically, Kolkata derby cancellations have been linked to violence or deteriorating law and order, but this time, fans from rival teams stood united for a common cause. The protestors only paused when two ambulances needed to pass through the EM Bypass, demonstrating a shared humanity amidst their defiance.   Later in the day, Mohun Bagan captain and national team defender Subhasish Bose joined the protest, emphasizing that he was there as a common citizen. Bose stated that justice was needed to ensure such incidents never happen again and that the culprits should be properly punished. He expressed his gratitude for the unity shown by fans of different teams in fighting for justice.   Bose also highlighted that this fight was not just for Bengal, but for the entire country. He stressed the importance of safety and respect for women, stating that if people do not feel safe in their state or country, nothing else matters. Bose reiterated that his participation was purely as a common person, without any political affiliation, and that the bigger cause was justice for RG Kar.   As a result of the abandoned fixture, the points were shared between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. The teams now move on to the quarterfinals, with East Bengal facing Shillong Lajong FC in Shillong on August 21, and Mohun Bagan taking on Punjab FC in Jamshedpur on August 23. 580 Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Viral Video Sparks Marriage Speculation of Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra]]> viral-video-sparks-marriage-speculation-of-manu-bhaker-and-neeraj-chopra-489 A video of Manu Bhaker's mother, Sumedha Bhaker, meeting javelin star Neeraj Chopra has gone viral, leading to a wave of online speculation. Many joked that Sumedha was assessing Neeraj as a potential match for her daughter. In response to the viral memes, Manu Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, clarified that marriage is not on their minds as Manu is "still too young."   Ram Kishan Bhaker emphasized that Manu is not even of marriageable age, stating that the family is not considering her marriage at this time. He also commented on the viral video, noting that Sumedha Bhaker sees Neeraj Chopra as a son, dismissing any speculation of matchmaking.   Neeraj Chopra’s uncle also addressed the rumors, assuring that when Neeraj decides to marry, the entire country will be informed. He compared the situation to Neeraj's Olympic success, which made headlines across the nation.   Watch Video here : <a href="https://x.com/priyanshu__63/status/1822709316136153344" target="_blank">https://x.com/priyanshu__63/status/1822709316136153344</a> <img src="/media_images_files/large/manu_bhaker_and_neeraj_chopra_marriage_rumors_1031.png" alt="" />   Both Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra hail from Haryana and have achieved remarkable success in their respective sports. Manu is the most successful Indian woman shooter in history, while Neeraj made history at the Tokyo Olympics by becoming the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic title in athletics.   Recently, Manu Bhaker added to her accolades by winning a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making her the first Indian woman shooter to secure an Olympic podium finish.   Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo 2020 champion, won a silver medal at the same Olympics, with a best throw of 89.45m. Despite his achievement, Neeraj expressed some dissatisfaction with his performance, citing issues with his technique and runway. 489 Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Neeraj Chopra Secures Silver at Paris Olympics 2024]]> neeraj-chopra-secures-silver-at-paris-olympics-2024-432 Neeraj Chopra secured a silver medal in the men's javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics 2024 with a throw of 89.45 metres. This follows his gold medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Despite delivering a season-best performance, Chopra's effort wasn't enough to clinch gold.   Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem set a new Olympic record with a remarkable throw of 92.97 metres. This achievement earned Nadeem the gold medal and marked Pakistan's first Olympic medal since the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Nadeem's victory makes him only the third individual gold medallist from Pakistan.   At the Tokyo Olympics 2020, Chopra had made history by securing India's first-ever track and field gold medal with a throw of 87.58 metres. He surpassed this mark with an impressive qualification throw of 89.34 metres in his only attempt in Paris.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/neeraj_chopra_secures_silver_at_paris_olympics_2024_891.jpg" alt="" />   In the final, Chopra demonstrated his exceptional skills with a throw of 89.45 metres, earning him the silver medal. His performance was particularly noteworthy given that he had been dealing with a groin injury in the lead-up to the Olympics. Concerns about his fitness were dispelled by his strong qualification throw.   Although some Indian fans may view the silver medal as less impressive compared to his previous gold, it remains a significant accomplishment for Chopra. He becomes the second male athlete from India, after Sushil Kumar, to win back-to-back Olympic medals in individual events.   Chopra's silver medal was the first for India at the Paris Olympics 2024, contributing to the nation's rise in the medals tally. Grenada's Anderson Peters secured the bronze medal with a best throw of 88.54 metres.         432 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Indian Hockey Team Clinches Bronze at Paris Olympics 2024]]> indian-hockey-team-clinches-bronze-at-paris-olympics-2024-433 The Indian hockey team secured third place at the Paris Olympics 2024, winning India’s fourth bronze medal with a 2-1 victory over Spain. This remarkable achievement took place at the Yves de Manoir Stadium on Thursday.   India's victory marks the first time since 1972 that the Indian hockey team has won back-to-back medals at the Olympics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the team in a post on X, celebrating their outstanding performance.   The match was hard-fought, with both teams performing equally well in the first two quarters. The scores were 0-0 and 1-1 in the first and second quarters, respectively. It wasn’t until the third quarter that India took the lead, ultimately winning the game 2-1.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/indian_hockey_team_clinches_bronze_at_paris_olympics_2024_893.jpg" alt="" />   India’s victory was powered by a brace from Harmanpreet Singh, who scored twice after the team initially fell behind. This win not only secured the bronze medal but also marked India’s record-tying 13th Olympic hockey medal.   This bronze medal is India's second consecutive Olympic bronze in hockey, following their 5-4 victory over Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after losing to Belgium in the semifinals. The consecutive wins highlight the resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage.   Following this historic win, veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh announced his retirement, ending his career on a high note. Sreejesh's contributions have been pivotal in elevating India’s hockey status, and his retirement is a moment of pride for the nation.   Sreejesh leaves behind a legacy of dedication and perseverance, having played a crucial role in India’s recent successes. His retirement marks the end of an era in Indian hockey, with his final match culminating in a moment of national pride. 433 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini : Vinesh Phogat to Be Honored Like an Olympic Medalist by Haryana Government]]> haryana-cm-nayab-singh-saini-vinesh-phogat-to-be-honored-like-an-olympic-medalist-by-haryana-government-424 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Thursday that wrestler Vinesh Phogat will be welcomed and felicitated with the same honors as an Olympic medalist. The state government will extend all the rewards and facilities typically provided to Olympic silver medalists to Vinesh Phogat. In a post on the social media platform X, Saini expressed pride in Phogat's achievements, stating that despite not being able to compete in the Olympic final, she remains a champion in the eyes of the nation. Saini praised Vinesh Phogat for her remarkable performance, which saw her reach the finals of the 50 kg women’s wrestling event at the Olympics. Unfortunately, due to a breach of the weight mark, Vinesh was disqualified, preventing her from competing in the gold medal match against the United States' Sarah Ann Hildebrandt on August 7. Despite this setback, Saini emphasized that Phogat’s efforts and achievements will be recognized and celebrated by the Haryana government. <img src="/media_images_files/large/haryana_cm_nayab_singh_saini_:_vinesh_phogat_to_be_honored_like_an_olympic_medalist_by_haryana_government_873.png" alt="" />   In response to her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat filed an appeal, requesting that she be awarded a joint silver medal. However, her place in the final was taken by Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had been defeated by Phogat in the semifinals. Although Lopez couldn't capitalize the opportunity and eventually lost to Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal bout. Despite the disqualification, Vinesh made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category, and she was assured of at least a silver medal before the unfortunate turn of events. The Haryana government’s decision to honor Vinesh Phogat as a medalist reflects the state's pride in her achievements and resilience. Vinesh, a three-time Olympian, has consistently proven herself on the international stage, having won gold medals in both the Asian and Commonwealth Games. The recognition and rewards she will receive from the Haryana government are a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the inspiration she provides to athletes across the country. The state government's gesture is also a reminder of the support and encouragement needed for athletes who face challenges beyond their control. Vinesh Phogat's journey, marked by both triumph and adversity, continues to inspire, and the honors she will receive serve as a celebration of her contributions to Indian sports. 424 Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Swapnil Kusale's Historic Bronze in Paris Marks a New Chapter for Indian Shooting]]> swapnil-kusale-s-historic-bronze-in-paris-marks-a-new-chapter-for-indian-shooting-391 Indian shooter Swapnil Kusale made history by securing a bronze medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the Paris Games. His achievement raised India's medal count to three, marking a significant milestone for the nation. Kusale stood on the podium with China's Liu Yukun, who won gold, and Ukraine's Serhiy Kulish, who took silver.   Following his remarkable performance in Paris, Kusale, who works as a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) for Indian Railways, received a well-deserved promotion. Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer, Swapnil Nila, confirmed that Kusale was promoted to Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Sports Cell, in Mumbai. The promotion was officially issued soon after his victory.   Kusale had been seeking this promotion for nearly a decade, having joined Central Railway in 2015. Despite his consistent requests, he had not received a promotion until now, which left him disappointed. His coach, Deepali Deshpande, mentioned that Kusale had been disheartened by the lack of recognition from his office.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/swapnil_kusale's_historic_bronze_in_paris_marks_a_new_chapter_for_indian_shooting_799.png" alt="" />   However, Renjith Maheshwari, Assistant Sports Officer at Central Railway, contested the claim that Kusale's promotion was delayed unfairly. He stated that efforts were being made to secure a double promotion for Kusale, and the necessary discussions had taken place with the general manager.   Deshpande also revealed that Kusale was asked to visit the office to push his promotion file before heading to Paris, but he was unable to do so due to his rigorous training schedule. After Kusale's medal win, Central Railways promptly issued the promotion order, acknowledging his dedication and success.   Kusale's colleagues at the Railways shared that he was deeply hurt by the treatment he received from his seniors. They noted that his repeated inquiries about promotion were often met with rude responses, which further discouraged him.   Kusale’s bronze medal, India's third at the Paris Games, highlighted his consistency and determination. The 28-year-old shooter had been among the top five competitors in the event and secured his medal in the final standing section. During the qualification round, he scored an impressive 590, including 38 inner 10s, across three positions: kneeling, prone, and standing.   391 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Manika Batra Makes History at the Olympics]]> manika-batra-makes-history-at-the-olympics-387 Manika Batra created history as she became the maiden Indian table tennis player to advance to the singles pre-quarterfinals at the Olympic Games after securing a decisive 4-0 victory against the 18th-ranked player in the world and home favourite Prithika Pavade in Paris on Monday. The 29-year-old Manika dominated from start to finish, securing an 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 win over Prithika, who has Indian roots. This match turned out to be one of the most memorable moments for an Indian table tennis player in Olympic history. Manika advanced to the round of 32 at the Tokyo Olympics, and on Monday, she surpassed that achievement.   Manika expressed her joy after the match, stating that she was happy to have beaten a French player in Paris and defeated a higher-ranked opponent. She added that she did not think of creating history and making it to the pre-quarters but instead focused on taking it match by match and giving her best as always.   Manika's strategy to attack Prithika's backhand proved very effective, although it was not the original plan. She had initially planned to target Prithika's forehand, as discussed with her coach, but changed tactics when she found success with the backhand shots. Manika also played a few shots to Prithika's forehand to keep her guessing.   Manika mentioned that staying relaxed helps her both on and off the court. She practices breathing exercises that assist her during matches and she is committed to giving her best in the next round, regardless of the opponent.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/manika_batra_makes_history_at_the_olympics_790.png" alt="" />   Prithika's parents are originally from Puducherry, but the family moved to France in 2003 and one year later she born in a Paris suburb. The 19-year-old Prithika had competed in the Tokyo Olympics, making a first-round exit but has improved considerably since then, achieving a world ranking of 18, compared to Manika's rank of 28.   Left-handed Prithika entered the Olympics after a splendid run where she reached the WTT final for the first time in her career in June. However, she could not find a way past Manika, who delivered a commanding performance.   The first game was tightly contested, with both players going neck and neck. With the score tied at 8-8, Manika forced a backhand mistake from her younger opponent and finished the game with a powerful forehand shot that Prithika was unable to return. Manika carried the momentum into the second game, taking a 3-1 lead. Although Prithika fought back to level the scores, Manika's attack on Prithika's backhand earned her consistent points, and she quickly secured the second game.   In the third game, Manika gained a healthy 3-0 cushion as Prithika struggled with her returns. A desperate Prithika managed her first point with a thumping forehand winner, but Manika maintained her lead, eventually taking the game. In the fourth game, Manika gained a 10-5 lead with a ferocious forehand and converted the third of her five match points when Prithika netted her backhand, winning the match in 37 minutes.       387 Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Manu Bhaker Becomes First Indian Women to Win Olympic Medal in Shooting with Bronze in Women’s 10m Air Pistol]]> manu-bhaker-becomes-first-indian-women-to-win-olympic-medal-in-shooting-with-bronze-in-women-s-10m-air-pistol-381 Manu Bhaker won the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at Paris 2024 on Sunday, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. This achievement marks India's fifth Olympic medal in shooting and the first medal in any sport at Paris 2024.   India had previously won shooting medals at three consecutive Olympics from Athens 2004 to London 2012 but did not secure any in the subsequent two editions. The 22-year-old Bhaker scored 221.7 to finish third in the eight-woman final.   Oh Ye Jin of the Republic of Korea clinched the gold medal with a new Olympic record of 243.2. Her compatriot Yeji Kim, who narrowly surpassed Bhaker, won the silver with a final score of 241.3. Bhaker had a strong start in the final, achieving a score of 50.4 in the first series to secure second place.   Nevertheless, a pair of 9.6 scores in the second round caused her to drop to third place, trailing behind Oh Ye Jin and Yeji Kim. Bhaker regained the second position from Yeji Kim at the end of the third series and once again in the final stages, but the South Korean edged past her by 0.1 point to enter the gold medal round.   Manu expressed her determination, stating she put all her effort into staying focused until the last second. She mentioned that despite the competition being neck-and-neck and losing the silver by 0.1 points, she felt grateful to win the bronze for India.   At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Bhaker was on course to qualify for the final in the same event but a pistol malfunction caused her to lose six precious minutes, resulting in her missing the final by just two points.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/manu_bhaker_becomes_first_indian_women_to_win_olympic_medal_in_shooting_with_bronze_in_women’s_10m_air_pistol_775.png" alt="" />   India’s first Olympic medal in shooting was won by Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore with a silver at Athens 2004 in the men’s double trap. Abhinav Bindra clinched India's sole gold medal in shooting by winning the men's 10m air rifle event at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.   On Saturday, Bhaker stormed into the final of the women’s 10m air pistol event after finishing third in the qualifying round, becoming the first Indian woman to make an Olympic shooting final in 20 years. Veronika Major of Hungary, who topped the qualifying round, was the first to be eliminated in the final.   Manu Bhaker will also compete in the 10m air pistol mixed team event on Monday and the women’s 25m pistol event starting on Friday. She is the lone athlete from the 21-member Indian shooting team taking part in multiple individual events.   Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta secured spots in the finals of the women's 10m air rifle and men's 10m air rifle events earlier. Ramita, who won bronze at the Asian Games last year, shot 631.5 to finish fifth in the qualifying round.   South Korea’s Hyojin Ban topped the qualification round with a record score of 634.5. Elavenial Valarivan finished 10th with a score of 630.7, narrowly missing the qualification by 0.6 points. In the men's 10m air rifle event, Arjun Babuta scored 630.1 in the qualification series for seventh place. 381 Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Bryan Adams Announces Five-City India Tour]]> bryan-adams-announces-five-city-india-tour-376 The legendary singer and songwriter Bryan Adams is set to perform in India. He revealed plans for a tour across five cities in India as a part of his 'So Happy It Hurts World Tour'.   Produced and Presented by SG Live in partnership with EVA Live, will kick off the weeklong tour in Shillong on December 10, 2024. This will be followed by stops in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, before concluding on December 16, 2024, in Hyderabad.   Fans can expect Bryan Adams to perform his chart-topping songs like ‘Summer Of '69,’ ‘Everything I Do I Do It For You,’ ‘Please Forgive Me,’ ‘Run To You,’ and ‘18 Till I Die.’ Additionally, the tour will showcase his Grammy-nominated 2022 album, ‘So Happy It Hurts,’ which shares its name with the tour.   The multi-city India tour is an extension of the singer's global tour, which includes stops in the USA, UK, Europe, and Canada.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/bryan_adams_announces_five-city_india_tour_768.jpg" alt="" />   Bryan Adams expressed his excitement about returning to India, stating that he feels a unique connection with the Indian audience. He noted that their passion for music is truly inspiring, and he is eager to perform both old favorites and new songs. He described the tour as a celebration of music that has connected people across generations.   Tickets will be available on the Live tab on the Zomato app starting August 7 at 12 noon.   Tour Schedule: Tuesday, December 10 - Shillong Thursday, December 12 - Gurugram Friday, December 13 - Mumbai Saturday, December 14 - Bengaluru Monday, December 16 - Hyderabad   376 Sat, 27 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[P.R. Sreejesh Announces Retirement After Paris Olympics]]> p-r-sreejesh-announces-retirement-after-paris-olympics-331 P.R. Sreejesh, India's talismanic goalkeeper, announced that the Paris Olympics would be his last outing in India colors. Sreejesh, who first came into the spotlight in the final of the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy in 2011, has had a remarkable career spanning eighteen years and 328 international games.   The 36-year-old, who is playing in his fourth Olympics, took to social media to announce his retirement and reflect on his journey. He signed off with "One last ride." Hockey India (HI) soon released an official confirmation, declaring the tagline for the Indian team's Olympic campaign: "Win it for Sreejesh."   One of the highest-capped Indian players and the highest-capped current goalkeeper in the world, Sreejesh has been a key figure in Indian hockey. His career peaked at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he played a crucial role in ending Indian hockey’s medal drought with a bronze.   Sreejesh's medal cabinet is impressive, boasting two golds in 2014 & 2023 and a bronze in 2018 in the Asian Games, two silvers in the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and 2022, four golds in 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023, a silver in  2012 in the Asian Champions Trophy, bronze in the now-defunct FIH World League in 2014 , two silvers in the erstwhile elite Champions Trophy in 2016 & 2018, gold in the FIH World Series Finals in 2019, and an Olympic bronze in 2021. His save in the final six seconds of the 2021 Olympic bronze medal game remains a career highlight.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/p.r._sreejesh_announces_retirement_after_paris_olympics_687.png" alt="" />   Despite his many achievements, Sreejesh's biggest regret is missing out on a World Cup medal.   Off the field, Sreejesh has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2017, the Khel Ratna in 2021, and back-to-back FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022.   Sreejesh conveyed deep pride and appreciation when looking back on his career. He thanked his family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India for their support and belief in him.   Hockey India president and former captain Dilip Tirkey praised Sreejesh, recalling his evolution from a young goalkeeper from Kerala to a global hockey icon. Tirkey noted that this final outing in Paris will be special for both Sreejesh and the team.   While Sreejesh's playing days are ending, he has expressed a desire to coach future generations of players. He is likely to return to the national setup in a new role soon after the Olympics.   331 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[BCCI Supports India's Olympic Bid with INR 8.5 Crore]]> bcci-supports-india-s-olympic-bid-with-inr-8-5-crore-322 BCCI secretary Jay Shah has announced financial support for the IOA to ensure a successful Olympics, set to take place in Paris later this month. Shah confirmed an INR 8.5 crore fund for the IOA's campaign. A contingent of 117 Indian athletes, including 70 men and 47 women, is set to represent the nation at the Paris Olympics this year. The opening ceremony is set to take place on July 26, however, the anticipation will kick off sooner with activities such as Rugby 7s, football group stages, and archery ranking rounds. <img src="/media_images_files/large/bcci_supports_india's_olympic_bid_with_inr_8.5_crore_669.png" alt="" />   India's Olympic quest will begin on July 25 with the individual archery ranking rounds, signifying the start of their campaign. This prompt start will witness Indian athletes striving to establish a solid presence in the competition, setting the stage for the weeks ahead. India will look to better its best tally at the Olympics, which came in the last edition of the Games in Tokyo, when the contingent returned with a gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. 322 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[PCB Denies NOCs to Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen for Global T20 Canada]]> pcb-denies-nocs-to-babar-rizwan-shaheen-for-global-t20-canada-317 The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Shaheen Shah Afridi, skipper Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 Canada. The decision was confirmed through an official statement following consultations with Babar, Shaheen, Rizwan, and the national selection committee.   This decision comes just a week after Naseem Shah was denied a similar certificate to participate in the Hundred, where he was signed by the Birmingham Phoenix. The PCB emphasized that Pakistan's busy international schedule was a significant factor in these decisions.   The PCB received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event. After considering Pakistan's packed cricket calendar from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and following consultations, the requests were declined. The board stressed that these players' presence in all formats was crucial for the upcoming season.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/pcb_denies_nocs_to_babar,_rizwan,_shaheen_for_global_t20_canada_659.jpeg" alt="" />   The PCB highlighted that Babar, Shaheen, and Rizwan are all-format cricketers. Their services will be needed during the next eight months, with Pakistan scheduled to play nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is. The board's workload management policy deemed it best for these players to miss the Canada League to ensure they are in optimal mental and physical condition for the season, starting with the two-Test series against Bangladesh.   The PCB also confirmed that Naseem Shah was denied an NOC on similar grounds. Pakistan's calendar for the period between October 2024 and May 2025 includes a series of three home Tests against England, as well as limited-overs matches in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. After these, Pakistan will play a Test series in South Africa, host the West Indies for a home Test series, and prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy with a home tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.   While the mainstays prepare for their upcoming series, the PCB approved NOCs for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz. The majority of these four players specialize in white-ball cricket, while Iftikhar and Nawaz are both centrally contracted.   317 Sat, 20 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Bad Newz Becomes Vicky Kaushal's Biggest Opening in Movie]]> bad-newz-becomes-vicky-kaushal-s-biggest-opening-in-movie-319 Vicky Kaushal seems to be on a roll again. The actor has been enjoying the spotlight ever since his impressive performance in Karan Aujhla's hit song Tauba Tauba caught everyone's attention. Now, he has proven his worth as a star at the box office with his new romantic comedy, Bad Newz.   Directed by Anand Tiwari, Bad Newz, also starring Triptii Dimri and Ammy Virk, opened at ₹8.50 crore in India on Friday. The film, backed by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, has become Vicky's biggest opening, surpassing his 2019 blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike.   Uri: The Surgical Strike, directed by Aditya Dhar, was a 2019 military action drama about the Indian Army's surgical strike on Pakistan following the 2016 Uri attack. Vicky starred as the soldier leading the strike, alongside Yami Gautam, Mohit Suri, Kriti Kulhari, and Paresh Rawal. Uri debuted with a domestic box office opening of ₹8.20 crore.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/bad_newz_becomes_vicky_kaushal's_biggest_opening_in_movie_663.png" alt="" />   In 2018, Vicky starred in Meghna Gulzar's period espionage drama Raazi, which was primarily an Alia Bhatt show. This film marked Vicky's first hit as a leading man, earning ₹7.53 crore on its opening day in India. Raazi, also backed by Dharma Productions, featured Vicky as a soldier.   Vicky's last release, Sam Bahadur, directed by Meghna Gulzar, opened in December 2023 with ₹6.25 crore in India. The biopic of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw starred Vicky alongside Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Sam Bahadur went head-to-head with Sandeep Reddy Vanga's family crime drama Animal at the box office.   In 2022, Vicky starred in Laxman Utekar's small-town romantic comedy Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. The film, which also starred Sara Ali Khan, became a surprise hit, opening at ₹5.49 crore at the domestic box office.   Vicky also appeared in Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki last year in an extended guest appearance. This Shah Rukh Khan-Taapsee Pannu film opened at ₹29.2 crore in India. Vicky Kaushal's next project is Chhaava.   319 Sat, 20 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic Mutually Parted Ways]]> hardik-pandya-and-natasa-stankovic-mutually-parted-ways-310 India's star cricketer Hardik Pandya announced on Instagram on Thursday that he and his wife, Natasa Stankovic, have mutually parted ways. For the last few months, there were rumours that the celebrity couple was heading for separation. With Thursday's announcement, it has been officially confirmed. Hardik Pandya has been a crucial player for the Indian cricket team over the past few years, while Natasa, who hails from Serbia, has worked in movies. In January 2020, they got engaged and have a son named Agastya who is four years old.   In a joint Instagram post on Thursday, Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic confirmed their separation. The first rumours that the two were dating came around 2018, and then in an Instagram post in 2019, Natasa referred to Pandya as her best friend. The couple got engaged on January 1, 2020, and welcomed their son Agastya the same year in July. Pandya and Natasa reaffirmed their vows to each other in Udaipur on February 14, 2023.   <img src="/media_images_files/large/hardik_pandya_and_natasa_stankovic_mutually_parted_ways_646.png" alt="" />   The couple was often spotted together at social gatherings and were loved by the cameras. Similar to Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, they represented another instance of an Indian cricketer marrying an actor. However, from May 2024, rumours started circulating that all was not well in their marriage.   Earlier, the duo was proactive in posting their images together. Suddenly, the last few months saw that stop completely. While Natasa earlier attended IPL matches where Pandya played, in IPL 2024, no such appearances were visible. This absence started rumours that the two were heading for separation.   With Thursday's development, the rumours have been confirmed. The couple's joint statement marks the end of their relationship, which had been a subject of much speculation in recent months.   The confirmation has brought clarity to the situation that has been under the public and media's scrutiny. Both Hardik and Natasa have decided to move forward separately, focusing on their individual paths.   310 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Abhishek Bachchan Engages with Post on "Grey Divorces" Amid Speculations]]> abhishek-bachchan-engages-with-post-on-grey-divorces-amid-speculations-302 Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan recently engaged with a thought-provoking Instagram post by a journalist that delves into the sensitive subject of divorce, specifically focusing on "grey divorces" or "silver splitters." This term refers to couples seeking marital dissolution typically after turning 50. The post poses significant questions about the complexities and emotional upheaval faced by couples who decide to part ways after decades of togetherness. The post paints vivid imagery of elderly couples holding hands, crossing streets, and sharing life's moments, only to find themselves contemplating separation later in life. It questions how these individuals manage such a drastic change after depending on each other for a significant portion of their lives. The increase in grey divorces is a worldwide phenomenon with varied yet often predictable causes. Factors such as increased life expectancy, financial independence, personal growth, and evolving societal norms contribute to this trend. Older couples today may seek personal fulfillment and happiness outside a long-term marriage that no longer meets their emotional needs. The journalist's post not only highlights the emotional aspects of divorce but also encourages readers to consider the societal implications. It sheds light on the challenges faced by older individuals as they navigate the complexities of starting over. Contributions from various individuals add depth to the discussion, emphasizing the shared human experience of seeking love, companionship, and, ultimately, contentment. <img src="/media_images_files/large/abhishek_bachchan_engages_with_post_on_grey_divorces_amid_speculations_634.png" alt="" />   Rumors of a potential split between Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan have resurfaced recently. Speculation heightened when Aishwarya arrived separately with her daughter Aaradhya at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding, while Abhishek attended with his parents and sister. The couple's decision to sit apart during public events has sparked continuous speculation regarding a potential strain in their relationship. Despite the rumors, the couple has chosen not to address the issue publicly. However, recent photographs and their joint appearances indicate that they are still together. For example, they were spotted posing together at the Ambani wedding, seemingly dispelling some of the speculation. Furthermore, Aishwarya posted a heartfelt message on their 17th wedding anniversary earlier this year, celebrating their enduring relationship. Abhishek's interaction with the post on grey divorces may reflect his thoughts on the topic or be purely coincidental. Nevertheless, the post itself serves as a reminder of the evolving dynamics of relationships and the challenges faced by older couples in today's society. The ongoing speculation about Abhishek and Aishwarya's marriage highlights the public's fascination with celebrity relationships and the pressure these couples face. Regardless of the truth behind the rumors, the couple's actions and public displays of affection continue to attract significant attention.   302 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Suryakumar Yadav to be Named India’s New T20I Captain Instead of Hardik Pandya; Here is Why]]> suryakumar-yadav-to-be-named-india-s-new-t20i-captain-instead-of-hardik-pandya-here-is-why-295 Suryakumar Yadav is poised to take on the role of India's new T20I captain for the upcoming series in Sri Lanka, surpassing Hardik Pandya, who currently serves as the vice-captain. Suryakumar will succeed Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is along with Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja after leading India to T20 World Cup victory in the Caribbean last month.   Despite Hardik Pandya’s experience as Rohit's deputy at the T20 World Cup and his captaincy in three ODIs and sixteen T20Is, fitness concerns and workload management appear to have influenced the decision against him. Hardik sustained an ankle injury during the 50-over World Cup at home last October-November, which kept him sidelined until the beginning of IPL 2024, when he made his comeback to captain the Mumbai Indians. Since the start of 2022, Hardik has featured in only forty-six of the seventy-nine T20Is India have played.   Suryakumar Yadav, on the other hand, has previously captained Mumbai in the domestic circuit. He most recently guided India to a 4-1 victory against Australia in the T20I series in November, and then achieved a 1-1 series result in South Africa. Suryakumar is also one of the first names in a first-choice India XI in the format. <img src="/media_images_files/large/suryakumar_yadav_to_be_named_india’s_new_t20i_captain_instead_of_hardik_pandya;_here_is_why_620.jpg" alt="" /> India's upcoming T20Is in Sri Lanka will mark the beginning of a new era under the leadership of coach Gautam Gambhir, succeeding Rahul Dravid following the T20 World Cup. This tour is seen as the first step towards building for the next T20 World Cup, which India is set to co-host in 2026.   A young Indian squad, led by Shubman Gill, recently returned from Zimbabwe after completing a 4-1 T20I series win. This squad included only three players from the side that won the World Cup.   Selectors are expected to meet on Wednesday to finalize the touring party for the Sri Lanka series. In addition to three T20Is, the tour will also feature three ODIs. This tour marks the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket, with Suryakumar Yadav at the helm in the T20I format and Gautam Gambhir as the new coach.   The decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain is seen as a move to bring fresh leadership and build a strong team for future challenges. The upcoming series in Sri Lanka will be a significant test for the new captain and coach as they aim to shape the team's future.   295 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[Singapore Set to Host 2024 FIDE World Championship; Secures Hosting Rights in Race with New Delhi and Chennai]]> singapore-set-to-host-2024-fide-world-championship-secures-hosting-rights-in-race-with-new-delhi-and-chennai-54 The 2024 FIDE World Championship Match will be held in Singapore, with the Singapore Chess Federation hosting the event from November 20 to December 15, 2024. The Challenger D Gukesh from India is set to put up a challenge to defending champion Ding Liren in the tournament.   FIDE considered three applications from New Delhi (India), Chennai (India), and Singapore to host the World Championship Match. After careful review and inspection of the potential host cities, Singapore was selected based on its venues, amenities, event programs, and opportunities.   We are pleased to announce that the World Championship Match will be held in Singapore for the first time in FIDE history. Singapore, known as a prominent global tourist and business destination, is also a flourishing chess hub with remarkable ambitions and talent, as stated by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.   FIDE is excited to host the FIDE World Championship Match in Singapore, recognizing chess not only as a popular game and sport but also as a representation of strategic thinking, planning, and foresight. Singapore, with its similar qualities, is a perfect match for this prestigious event, according to FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky.   The bid from Singapore was submitted on May 31, and venue inspections were conducted on June 11 and 12. FIDE is currently considering four potential venues for the tournament and indicates that the decision on the location will be made public in the near future.   The competition, featuring an impressive prize pool of 2.5 million USD, is scheduled to occur from November 20 to December 15, 2024. 54 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000