Manju Rani punches her way to gold in Mustafa Hajrulahovic Memorial Tournament

Manju Rani outpunched Afghanistan’s Sadia Bromand 3-0 in the final as India finished with nine gold and a sliver medal

Published Date – 05:04 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Manju Rani punches her way to gold in Mustafa Hajrulahovic Memorial Tournament

Manju Rani outpunched Afghanistan’s Sadia Bromand 3-0 in the final as India finished with nine gold and a sliver medal

New Delhi: Manju Rani outpunched Afghanistan’s Sadia Bromand 3-0 in the final as India finished with nine gold and a sliver medal in the 21st Mustafa Hajrulahovic Memorial Tournament in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sunday.

The Indian boxer’s skills in the ring also earned her the title of the ‘Best Woman Boxer’.

In men’s 51kg category, Barun Singh Shagolshem defeated Poland’s Jakub Slominsk 3-0, while in the men’s 57kg category, Akash Kumar fought valiantly but narrowly went down in the final to Sweden’s Hadi Hadrous 1-2.

In the men’s 63kg category, Manish Kaushik dominated his bout, triumphing over Palestinian Mohammed Soud 3-0.

India’s dominance continued in the men’s 92kg category, where Naveen Kumar emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter, edging out Mateusz Bereznicki of Poland with a 2-1 scoreline.

Jyoti, Shashi, Jigyasa, Vinakshi and Satish Kumar were also declared winners after their opponents did not play the finals.

Ind vs Pak: Empty stands not good advertisement for cricket’s greatest rivalry

The spectators once again stayed away from one of the most storied cricketing rivalries despite it being a weekend

Published Date – 05:10 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Ind vs Pak: Empty stands not good advertisement for cricket’s greatest rivalry

Colombo: Indian cricket fans cheer for their team during the Asia Cup 2023 ODI cricket match between India and Pakistan at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, September 10, 2023. (Photo: IANS)

Colombo: The electrifying atmosphere that makes a cricket match between India and Pakistan a pulsating spectacle was absent during their Asia Cup Super 4 match here on Sunday.

The spectators once again stayed away from one of the most storied cricketing rivalries despite it being a weekend, just as it was the case during the Indo-Pak league match at Pallekele.

The organisers were expecting to see a good turnout as Colombo has a good representation of Indians and Pakistanis.

In fact, back in 2012, during the World T20 game between the same teams, the Premadasa Stadium was jam-packed. As it has been in Mirpur, Melbourne, Adelaide, Dubai, Birmingham, London or Manchester throughout the better part of the last decade.

The local administrators were understandably disappointed despite them not having any financial stake in the match, as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is the official host.

“With the rain staying away, we were expecting a good turnout. But tickets are still available offline and online. In fact, the ticket rate too has been slashed but we are yet to see a big rush. Hopefully, it will pick up,” said an SLC official.

Sri Lanka Cricket has also tweeted about the price reduction of tickets for all the Super 4 matches, including the one between India and Pakistan.

The price of C and D Upper Block tickets at the Premadasa Stadium has been slashed to LKR 1000 while the rate for C and D Lower Block tickets is now fixed at LKR 500.

However, the price reduction is applicable only to the Super 4 matches as the prices will be restored for the final scheduled on September 17.

So, what could have been the reason behind the crowd staying away from this much-anticipated match? “Perhaps, it was because of the rain prediction that people don’t want to take a chance, or may be the local interest is not there,” the SLC official said.

However, the Super 4 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on Saturday too saw several empty spaces in the stands.

But a PCB official said the selection of the venue itself was far from ideal.

“It is tough to organise cricket matches in Sri Lanka at this time of the year as it rains there more often than not. But then, a decision has been made and now we have to go ahead,” the official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

He said the speculation over a possible venue shift also might have affected the sale of tickets.

“Then there were all those talks about shifting the venue (from Colombo to Hambantota) of Super 4 matches and the final. Obviously, people will be apprehensive to come forward and buy tickets,” he added.

Asia Cup: Rain interrupts India-Pakistan match in Colombo, Rohit, Gill slam fifties

Colombo: The India-Pakistan Super Four match in the Asia Cup has been temporarily halted due to heavy rain at the R. Premadasa Stadium here on Sunday. As of now, India are 147/2 in 24.1 overs, with captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill slamming 56 and 58 respectively. Persistent rain had prevented a result when the two […]

Published Date – 05:37 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Asia Cup: Rain interrupts India-Pakistan match in Colombo, Rohit, Gill slam fifties



Colombo: The India-Pakistan Super Four match in the Asia Cup has been temporarily halted due to heavy rain at the R. Premadasa Stadium here on Sunday. As of now, India are 147/2 in 24.1 overs, with captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill slamming 56 and 58 respectively.

Persistent rain had prevented a result when the two teams played in the league stage match in Pallekele on September 2. To avoid a washout of the India-Pakistan Super Four match, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Friday added a reserve day for Sunday’s match, which had a heavy rain forecast.

As per the revised playing conditions, if no more play happens on Sunday due to inclement weather, then the game will continue from the point of interruption with no overs lost.

A minimum of 20 overs are needed to be bowled in both innings to achieve a result. More to follow.

Brief scores: India 147/2 in 24.1 overs (Shubman Gill 58, Rohit Sharma 56; Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-37, Shadab Khan 1-45) against Pakistan.

 

Telangana swimmers honoured in Hyderabad

Telangana swimmers were honoured for their achievements in the 39th Sub-Junior National Aquatic Championship and 49th Junior National Aquatic Championship

Published Date – 06:04 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Telangana swimmers honoured in Hyderabad

State swimmers in the felicitation programme at GHMC Swimmingpool, Secunderabad on Sunday.

Hyderabad: Telangana swimmers Vritti Agarwal, Shivani Karra, Rithvika Mittapalli, Sri Nithya Sagi and Suhas Preetham were honoured for their achievements in the 39th Sub-Junior National Aquatic Championship and 49th Junior National Aquatic Championship in Sports Complex, Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha held last month. The felicitation programme organised by Telangana State Swimming Association at GHMC Swimming pool, Secunderabad on Sunday.

The State swimmers impressed in the aquatics event as Asiad bound swimmer Vritti Agarwal bagged four golds and a silver while Shivani Karra finished with two golds and three silver medals were among the top performers in the event.

Medal winners: Vritti Agarwal (4 golds, 1 silvers), Shivani Karra (2 golds, 3 silvers), Rithvika Mittapalli (1 bronze), Sri Nithya Sagi (2 silvers, 1 bronze), Suhas Preetham (2 bronzes).

Shanmukha, Satyanarayana emerge champions at Brilliant Trophy Chess Tournament

Shanmukha, who studies in Sri Gowthami Smart School, Rajahmundry topped the chart in the juniors category by scoring 6 points in as many rounds

Published Date – 06:13 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Shanmukha, Satyanarayana emerge champions at Brilliant Trophy Chess Tournament

Prize winners of different age categories in the 208th Brilliant Trophy Chess Tournament on Sunday.

Hyderabad: Shanmukha Saish and P Satyanarayana emerged champions in the juniors and open categories respectively at the 208th Brilliant Trophy Chess Tournament held at Brilliant Grammar High school, Dilsukhnagar on Sunday.

Shanmukha, who studies in Sri Gowthami Smart School, Rajahmundry topped the chart in the juniors category by scoring 6 points in as many rounds while Shravan Ambaru and Parthiv D got second and third places with 5.5 points and 5 points respectively.

In the open category, Satyanarayana won the event by scoring 5.5 points out of 6 rounds while Srivallabhaditya and Kovidhkushal Reddy finished in second and third places with 5 points each.

Results: Top Ten Places: Open Category: 1.P Satyanarayana, 2. Srivallabhaditya G, 3.Kovidhkushal Reddy, 4.Perumallu K, 5.Ritesh Maddukuri, 6. Kranthikiran, 7. Rishi Pallagani, 8. Lalithkumar D, 9. Mallesh B, 10. Thota Jovenkataraman;

Age group prize winners: U-15: Boys: 1. Akhil M, 2. Mahaswin Reddy; Girls: 1. Jayani Sree G, 2. Saanvika P; U-13: Boys: 1.Parthiv D, 2. Anish Erukulla; Girls: 1. Yashashree K, 2. Harini; U-11: Boys: 1. Sravan Ambaru, 2. Abhinav Gandham; Girls: 1. Sahasra Veda, 2. Hyma Sanvitha; U-9: Boys: 1. Aarudh Reddy, 2. Kushaal Srinandan; Girls: 1. Anika Reddy L, 2. Pranaya K; U-7: Boys: 1. Prasidh Ambati, 2. Yuvan Kashyap; Girls: 1. Madhu Sree D, 2. Thrishika Patnaik; Best Woman: Prameela K, Best Veteran: M Ramamohan Rao.

Rich tribute for football legend Habeeb

The Arjuna Awardee Habeeb passed away on August 15 and many notable figures of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and veteran footballers paid homage during the meeting.

Updated On – 06:26 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Rich tribute for football legend Habeeb



Hyderabad: Rich tributes were paid for legendary footballer Mohammed Habeeb during a condolence meeting held at Media Plus Auditorium in Hyderabad on Saturday.

The Arjuna Awardee Habeeb passed away on August 15 and many notable figures of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and veteran footballers paid homage during the meeting.

Former Indian footballer and Dhyan Chand awardee Shabbir Ali remembered Habeeb fondly and said he was a great player who brought glory to Indian football. Under Habeeb’s coaching, many Indian players were developed at the Tata Football Academy.

 

Ranbir Kapoor photobombs Madelyn Cline at US Open, see pics

Several pictures and videos from the match, widely circulated on social media platforms, showed Ranbir and Alia sitting next to actor Madelyn Cline during the women’s singles final in New York City.

Updated On – 06:27 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Ranbir Kapoor photobombs Madelyn Cline at US Open, see pics



New York: Part of the celebrity roster at the Arthur Ashe Stadium for the women’s singles final at the US Open on Saturday, star Bollywood couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt cheered on American teen tennis sensation Coco Gauff and Belarussian Aryna Sabalaenka as they battled for the coveted crown.

Several pictures and videos from the match, widely circulated on social media platforms, showed Ranbir and Alia sitting next to actor Madelyn Cline during the women’s singles final in New York City.

In one of the clips, Ranbir is seen photobombing Madelyn.

As the camera focused on Madelyn for the big screen while she laughed, Ranbir quickly leaned towards her, smiling and flaunting the victory sign.

In the other viral image posted by Ranbir Kapoor Universe, a fan page, Alia and Ranbir are seen happily posing with fans.

For the match day, one of the most adored celebrity couples in Bollywood picked eye-catching casual wear. Alia opted for a black blazer while Ranbir wore a blue shirt, pants and a French cap.

19-year-old Coco Gauff lifted the women’s singles crown, prevailing over Sabalenka in three sets. She became the youngest player since Serena Willaims to win the coveted title.

Bollywood fans couldn’t contain their excitement seeing Ranbir and Alia cheering for Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka at the packed Arthur Ashe.

Reacting to their pictures and videos, a social media user commented, “Wow. What a treat.” Another one wrote, “Alia and Ranbir Wow….nice pic. Good they are enjoying.” Alia and Ranbir have been vacationing in New York for nearly a month. Pictures of the couple posing with their fans in the city keep surfacing on social media every now and then.

Manchester United player Antony takes leave of absence from club to address assault allegations

Antony was dropped from the Brazil squad after accusations of physical aggression on several occasions towards his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin

Published Date – 06:42 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Manchester United player Antony takes leave of absence from club to address assault allegations

Antony was dropped from the Brazil squad after accusations of physical aggression on several occasions towards his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin

Manchester: Manchester United winger Antony has been given a leave of absence in order to address allegations made against him of violence towards women.

The 23-year-old player earlier this week was dropped from the Brazil squad after accusations of physical aggression on several occasions since January towards his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, which are being investigated by police and which he denies.

United have agreed with the player for him to stay away from the club in order to focus on defending himself.

Antony has not been arrested or charged and says he will co-operate with police in order to prove his innocence.

United, fresh from dealing with Mason Greenwood’s exit from the club, said in a statement: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony.

“Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday. However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.”

United, who have not suspended Antony, will continue to monitor the situation as it develops, with Erik ten Hag consulted on the decision.

United added: “As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.” Antony will remain on full pay and hopes to return to the club as soon as possible.

“I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me,” he said in a statement.

“This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my team-mates and unnecessary controversy for the club. I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.”

Indian compound archer Prathamesh signs off with silver at World Cup Final

Shanghai World Cup winner Jawkar lost 148-148 (10-10*) to Fullerton, who was adjudged the winner by virtue of his arrow being closer to the centre

Published Date – 06:53 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Indian compound archer Prathamesh signs off with silver at World Cup Final

Shanghai World Cup winner Jawkar lost 148-148 (10-10*) to Fullerton, who was adjudged the winner by virtue of his arrow being closer to the centre

Hermosillo: Indian compound archer Prathamesh Jawkar’s dream run in his maiden ‘World Cup Final’ ended with a silver medal after he lost to Denmark’s Mathias Fullerton by the narrowest of margins in an intense shoot-off finish.

Shanghai World Cup winner Jawkar, who stunned the world No 1 and reigning champion Mike Schloesser for a second time in four months to storm into the final, lost 148-148 (10-10*) to Fullerton, who was adjudged the winner by virtue of his arrow being closer to the centre.

The Denmark archer took an early lead after the Indian 20-year-old dropped one point in the opening round of their final clash, here late on Saturday.

Trailing 89-90 at the midway mark, Jawkar brought the final on an even keel when he shot 30 points out of a possible 30 to make it 119-all going into the last round.

But in the designated final end, both the archers shot identical scores of 29 each to take it to shootoff.

The tiebreaker also saw a stalemate as the Indian missed Fullerton’s arrow by narrowest of margins.

In the semifinal, the Maharashtra archer dished out a flawless shooting of 150 out of a possible 150 points to pip Schloesser by one point (150-149).

The win also denied the Dutchman a hattrick of World Cup Final titles. Schloesser is a winner of four ‘World Cup Final’ (2016, 2019, 2021 and 2022).

It was Jawkar’s second win over the ‘Mr Perfectionist’ in four months. At the final of the Shanghai World Cup in May, Jawakar had prevailed over the Dutch heavyweight 149-148.

Schloesser, however, managed to bring his A-game in the bronze medal playoff, when he denied India a second medal defeating veteran Abhishek Verma 150-149.

Verma was eyeing a second World Cup Final bronze, when he made his way through to the third-place playoff defeating Sawyer Sullivan of the USA 146-146 (10-9) in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinal, Verma lost to eventual champion Fullerton 147-150.

Jawkar started off in an ominous fashion when he dropped just one point to eliminate host nation representative Miguel Becerra 149-141 in the quarterfinal. It’s only in the penultimate round that the Indian missed the centre once from 15 arrows in an otherwise perfect display.

The win set up Jawkar’s semifinal clash against the Dutch superstar Schloesser for a second time in four months.

India, however, disappointed in the women’s compound section with the duo of Aditi Swami and Jyothi Surekha Vennam returning empty-handed after losing their respective opening round matches.

World Cup stage winner Jyothi Surekha Vennam failed to cross the opening round hurdle, going down to Colombian heavyweight and eventual champion Sara Lopez by a five-point margin in a lopsided quarterfinal.

Jyothi dropped two points in the first end to trail by two points against Sara who had a perfect 30 out of 30 score. Jyothi recovered in the second end and at the halfway mark had a one-point deficit (88-89).

But a dismal fourth end where the Indian managed 27 (9-9-9) proved costly as Sara wrapped the issue 149-144 before sealing a hattrick of World Cup Final title. Overall, Sara has seven World Cup Final titles in her kitty.

All eyes were on reigning world champion Aditi Swami but the 17-year-old cracked under pressure to go down to eventual runner-up Tanja Gellenthien of Denmark 145-145 (9-10) in a shoot-off finish.

Despite shooting below-par, Aditi managed to keep a slender one-point lead till the penultimate end. But in the final round, Tanja levelled it with a perfect 30, as Aditi dropped one point to force a shoot-off where the Denmark archer sealed it with a perfect 10.

India will have a lone representative in the recurve section, where Dhiraj Bommadevara is pitted against Korean heavyweight Kim Woojin in a tough opening round clash.

No Indian could make it in the women’s recurve section.

This is the first time five Indian archers have qualified for the year-ender world showpiece.

Japan crush Germany 4-1 in friendly

Germany was jeered by its home crowd Saturday after slumping to a 4-1 loss to Japan to pile yet more pressure on coach Hansi Flick

Published Date – 08:18 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Japan crush Germany 4-1 in friendly

Germany’s midfielder #23 Emre Can (C) and Japan’s midfielder #08 Daichi Kamada (R) vie for the ball during the friendly football match between Germany and Japan at the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg, central Germany, on September 9, 2023. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP)

Wolfsburg: Germany was jeered by its home crowd Saturday after slumping to a 4-1 loss to Japan to pile yet more pressure on coach Hansi Flick, nine months out from hosting the European Championship.

The German defence allowed Japan a string of chances on the counter and the result highlights the lack of progress since a 2-1 loss to Japan played a key role in Germany going out of last year’s World Cup in the group stage. Flick’s team has not won any of its last five games and conceded 13 goals in that time.

“At some point, expectations and reality are so far apart that you have to accept that currently you aren’t good enough,” Germany captain Ilkay Gündogan told broadcaster RTL. “Perhaps we also think that we are better than we really are.” Flick said he believes he is still the right coach for Germany and he was supported by Gündogan, who said he still trusts him. Another challenge comes Tuesday with a friendly against World Cup runner-up France.

Japan targeted Germany left-back Nico Schlotterbeck from the off. A low cross in the 12th minute allowed Junya Ito to score with a shot that appeared to take a deflection off Antonio Rüdiger.

Germany responded when Florian Wirtz found Leroy Sane in space to score, but conceded again almost immediately when Ayase Ueda finished off another move involving a cross from the right.

Flick tried to shake things up in the second half, introducing Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross on debut and giving Thomas Müller a game for the first time since the World Cup. Neither change had much effect and instead it was Japan was took total control.

Takuma Asano surged in behind the defence to score the third goal in the 90th and Ao Tanaka added another in stoppage time when he was left unmarked for a header.

The pressure has mounted on Flick not just because of Germany’s poor form — three wins from 11 games in the preceding 12 months — but also the release this week of a documentary series following last year’s poor World Cup campaign. The Amazon series showed Flick struggling to connect with his squad and complaining about a lack of support back home.

“I know that soccer is very dynamic and I can’t foresee what might happen,” Flick told RTL. “But from my side, and I think that of the coaching team too, we are trying everything to prepare this team well.”