WFI invites Bajrang, Vinesh, Sakshi for trials, Rio Olympic medallist lashes out

Congratulations, this country has once again become a witness to the murder of women’s honor. I am wholeheartedly grateful to all those who supported us. Jai Hind Jai Bharat,” Sakshi Malik added.

Published Date – 27 February 2024, 02:37 PM


WFI invites Bajrang, Vinesh, Sakshi for trials, Rio Olympic medallist lashes out

Sakshi Malik

New Delhi: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has invited grapplers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik to appear for the trials to select the teams for participation in the Senior Asian Wrestling Championship and Asian OG Qualifier Wrestling Tournament, in Bishkek.

“I would like to inform all affiliated Units of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) that the Selection Trials to select the teams for participation in the following events are being conducted on 10th & 11th March 2024 at KD Jadhav Wrestling Indoor Stadium, IGI Sports Complex, New Delhi.


“2024 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship to be held at Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) from 11th to 16th April 2024. Asian OG Qualifier Wrestling Tournament to be held at Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) from April 19-21, 2024,” WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh wrote in a letter.

“All State Units are requested to kindly intimate to the wrestlers.”

Meanwhile, Sakshi Malik on Tuesday took to X to slam the federation.

“With a broken heart and a very sad heart, Sanjay Singh aka Brij Bhushan Sharan is welcomed to the Indian Wrestling Federation. Now, will organize camps in Lucknow again, Nationals will be held in Nandini Nagar,” the Rio Olympic bronze medallist stated.

“All limits of exploitation of the sisters and daughters of the country, especially Haryana, will be crossed because there is no one to stop them, they are bigger than both the government and the people of this country. Congratulations, this country has once again become a witness to the murder of women’s honor. I am wholeheartedly grateful to all those who supported us. Jai Hind Jai Bharat,” she added.

Iran defeats India at FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifier

Five players finished in double figures in the lopsided win, with lead swingman Behnam Yakhchali leading the way with a game-high 15 points.

Salar Monji and 18-year-old forward Mohammad Amini produced identical numbers of 14 points and 9 rebounds, with the former netting a game-best efficiency of 23.

Sajjad Mashayekhi, the hero in their overtime escape of Qatar’s last game, supplied 11 points. Meisam Mirzaei flirted with a double-double with 10 points and 9 boards.

Team Melli was holding a slim three-point lead late in the second period until Mirzaei led a 9-2 run that gave themselves a 42-32 lead heading into halftime, https://www.fiba.basketball reported.

Iran would go on to break the game open in the third, pouring 25 points while holding the home team to 12 to head into the final chapter up with a commanding 67-44 lead.

A team that shot 47.8-percent from the floor, the Iranians imposed their will on the boards, 47-24, and dished the ball well which led to 19 team assists. They also had 10 steals as their defense forced India to commit 18 turnovers, which they turned to 25 points.

Iran defeated Qatar 76-74 on Feb. 23 in Tehran.

MP/TT

Chandrababu Naidu, Sharmila term Hanuma Vihari episode ‘shameful’

Chandrababu Naidu said it was a shame that even the Andhra Cricket Association has succumbed to YSRCP’s “vindictive politics”.

Published Date – 27 February 2024, 01:10 PM


Chandrababu Naidu, Sharmila term Hanuma Vihari episode ‘shameful’


Amaravati: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and Andhra Pradesh Congress Y. S. Sharmila Reddy on Tuesday termed as shameful the alleged humiliation of cricketer Hanuma Vihari, who decided never to play for Andhra after he was pressured to quit as captain.

Chandrababu Naidu said it was a shame that even the Andhra Cricket Association has succumbed to YSRCP’s “vindictive politics”.


“Hanuma Vihari, a brilliant Indian international cricketer, has been targeted to the point where he has vowed to never play for Andhra Pradesh. Hanuma, stay strong – your integrity and commitment to the game speak volumes. These unjust actions don’t reflect the true spirit of Andhra Pradesh or our people. We stand with you, and we’ll ensure justice prevails,” said the former chief minister.

“What could be more shameful than this,” was how Sharmila Reddy reacted.

The sister of Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy slammed the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government and demanded an impartial inquiry into the issue.

“The YSRCP who are playing bad politics in everything, are now showing their wretched politics and authoritarianism in sports as well. We can’t imagine to what depths these people who have destroyed the state’s reputation in every way will sink,” she posted on ‘X’.

“Are these the real games being played by the YSRCP leaders who did movie stunts for two months in the name of ‘Aadudam Andhra’? Will they destroy the future and self-confidence of the players,” she asked.

After Andhra Pradesh crashed to a four-run defeat against Madhya Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy quarter-final on Monday, Hanuma Vihari took to Instagram to reveal that he was was asked to resign as captain of Andhra team after a run-in with a player, whose father, a politician, complained to the Andhra Pradesh Cricket Association.

Virat Kohli’s picture with daughter Vamika at a restaurant in London goes viral, fans react

Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma’s fans got excited seeing the adorable image of the father-daughter duo.

Updated On – 27 February 2024, 12:06 PM


Virat Kohli’s picture with daughter Vamika at a restaurant in London goes viral, fans react


London: Star batter Virat Kohli, who was recently blessed with son Akaay, is currently busy spending time with his family.

A new photo has emerged online in which Kohli and his daughter Vamika can be seen bonding over food.
Reportedly, the particular image was captured at a restaurant in London.


In the picture, clicked from behind, Virat and Vamika were seated at a table as they had their meal.

Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma’s fans got excited seeing the adorable image of the father-daughter duo.

“How cute,” a social media user commented.

“Love Vamika’s hair,” another one wrote.

Virat and Anushka tied the knot on December 11, 2017 in Italy. The duo was blessed with Vamika on January 11, 2021. The couple was tight-lipped about their second pregnancy.

On February 15, 2024, they became parents to son Akaay.

Announcing the arrival of the little one, Anushka and Virat in a social media post wrote, “With abundant happiness and our hearts full of love, we are pleased to inform everyone that on 15th February, we welcomed our baby boy Akaay/akaay & Vamika’s little brother into this world. We seek your blessings and good wishes in this beautiful time in our lives. We request you to kindly respect our privacy at this time. Love & Gratitude. Virat & Anushka.” Meanwhile, on the work front, Kohli has been missing from action on the cricket field for almost a month now. He opted out of India’s ongoing five-match series against England earlier, citing to personal reasons.

On the other hand, Anushka has sports biopic film ‘Chakda Xpress’ in her kitty. The project is based on the life of former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami and will stream exclusively on Netflix. The final release date of the film is still awaited.

Prime Volleyball League: Hyderabad Black Hawks lose to Delhi Toofans in tense battle

Hyderabad Black Hawks suffered another defeat, losing to Delhi Toofans 15-11, 13-15, 15-9, 15-11 in a tense battle in the third season of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai.

Published Date – 26 February 2024, 08:55 PM


Prime Volleyball League: Hyderabad Black Hawks lose to Delhi Toofans in tense battle

Players of Hyderabad Black Hawks and Delhi Toofans in action during the clash.

Hyderabad: Delhi Toofans added another win to their results column, defeating the Hyderabad Black Hawks 15-11, 13-15, 15-9, 15-11 in a tense battle in the third season of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai on Monday. Santhosh was named the Player of the Match.

Ivan Fernandez’s left-handed spikes proved to be key for Hyderabad and Ashamat Ullah helped with attacking serves. Lazar Dodic’s spikes kept games in balance, but unforced errors started creeping up on Delhi. While Stefan Kovacevic’s blocks were on point, Santhosh started finding his feet with attacks, and earned a Super Point to get Delhi ahead.


Aponza began working his magic in the middle with monstrous blocks, while Ivan kept testing Delhi’s defence with angled spikes. The addition of Anu James in attacks relieved pressure on Santhosh, allowing him to play freely. John Joseph’s block shut the doors on Delhi and the Hawks jumped right back into the contest.

Dodic’s thunderous play from the service line rattled the Hawks, while Hemanth’s incessant attacks kept Hyderabad at par. Service errors hurt the Hawks, while skipper Saqlain’s clever play helped Delhi regain control. Hemanth began firing from the outside line, and the Hawks reopened the door for themselves. But Delhi middle blockers Aponza and Aayush shut the doors tight and the Toofans picked up a gritty win.

Golfer Aman guides young talents in Hyderabad

Aman Raj took centre stage at the New Driving Range, HGA Golf Club, where he attended the Meenakshi Complimentary Golf Clinic for budding golf enthusiasts in Hyderabad.

Published Date – 26 February 2024, 07:23 PM


Golfer Aman guides young talents in Hyderabad

Golfer Aman Raj with few of the young players at Meenakshi Complimentary Golf Clinic in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad: Asia’s top golfer, PGTI Winner and Asian Tour Player Aman Raj took centre stage at the New Driving Range, HGA Golf Club, where he attended the Meenakshi Complimentary Golf Clinic for budding golf enthusiasts in Hyderabad on Sunday.

The event was aimed not only to promote the sport but also to impart the finer nuances of golf and guide 30 young talents on pursuing a career in golf. The purpose of the clinic was to inspire and motivate them to improve their game and adopt the path to success.


The 27-years-old Aman is regarded as one of the successful Indian golfers, who turned professional in April 2016 as the no. 1 amateur in India, winning the PGTI emerging player of the year title the same year with the highest earning among all the rookies during the season. He won his first professional tournament in the Jaipur Open in 2018 and is among the top 5 consistent players in the PTGI Order of Merit.

Addressing golf enthusiasts in the Meenakshi Golf clinic participants, he said, “As I stand here as a professional golfer and it is my duty to pass on the torch. These youngsters have the potential to shape the future of Indian golf and I am thrilled to be part of this clinic hosted by Meenakshi.”

Mohan shines with half-century to power Radisson Blu to win

Mohan Das’s half-century guided Radisson Blu Plaza to a seven-wicket win over Quality INN Residency in the Hotel & Restaurants Association of Telangana State (HRATS) T20 Cricket Tournament in Hyderabad on Monday.

Published Date – 26 February 2024, 07:13 PM


Mohan shines with half-century to power Radisson Blu to win

Mohan Das’s half-century guided Radisson Blu Plaza to a seven-wicket win over Quality INN Residency in the Hotel & Restaurants Association of Telangana State (HRATS) T20 Cricket Tournament in Hyderabad on Monday.

Hyderabad: Mohan Das’s half-century guided Radisson Blu Plaza to a seven-wicket win over Quality INN Residency in the Hotel & Restaurants Association of Telangana State (HRATS) T20 Cricket Tournament in Hyderabad on Monday.

Batting first, Quality INN posted 142/9 in 20 overs with Soumya Biswas top-scoring with 41. Babu of Radisson Blu picked up three wickets. In reply, Mohan smashed 57 runs and Chandan Kumar hit 38 that took them home in 19.2 overs.


Brief Scores: Quality INN Residency 142/9 in 20 overs (Soumya Biswas 41, Avijit 38; Babu 22/3, Madhu 2/16) lost to Radisson Blu Plaza 145/3 in 19.2 overs ( Mohan Das 57, Chandan Kumar 38; Lokesh Dave 1/27); Best Western Ashoka 108 in 16.1 overs (Vijay pal Singh 20; Prakash Jena 3/14, G Hemagiri 3/20) lost to Green park 109/7 in 16 overs (Rahul Suraneni 41; Virendra rawat 3/30).

Hanuma Vihari vows to never play for Andhra in domestic cricket after being made to leave captaincy

Vihari’s revelation comes after Andhra lost to Madhya Pradesh by five runs in the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy 2023/24 season at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Monday.

Updated On – 26 February 2024, 05:48 PM


Hanuma Vihari vows to never play for Andhra in domestic cricket after being made to leave captaincy


Indore: India batter Hanuma Vihari said in a detailed post on his social media accounts that he will never play for Andhra in domestic cricket after being made to leave captaincy of the team in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA).

Vihari’s revelation comes after Andhra lost to Madhya Pradesh by five runs in the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy 2023/24 season at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Monday. Vihari said he was asked to resign from captaincy following Andhra’s first game of the season against Bengal after he shouted at the 17th player in the team, who was a politician’s son.


“We fought hard till the end but it wasn’t meant to be. Gutted to lose an another quarters with Andhra. This post is about some facts I want to put forward. I was the captain in the first game against Bengal, during that game I shouted on 17th player and he complained to his dad(who is a politician), his dad in return asked the Association to take action against me. “Although, we chased 410 against last year’s finalists Bengal I was asked to resign from captaincy without any fault of mine. I never said anything on a personal note to the player but the association thought that player was more important than the guy who gave his body on the line last year and batted left handed, took Andhra to knock outs 5 times in the last 7 years and played for India in 16 tests.

“I felt embarrassed but the only reason I continued playing this season because I respect the game and my team. Sad part is association thinks that players have to listen to whatever they say and players are there because of them. I felt humiliated and embarrassed but I’ve not expressed it out until today. “I’ve decided that I’ll never play for Andhra where i lost my self respect. I love the team. I love the way we’re growing every season but association doesn’t want us to grow,” wrote Vihari in his detailed post.

Vihari began his domestic cricket career with Hyderabad in 2010 and played for the side until the 2015/16 season. He later returned to play for Hyderabad in the 2021/22 season, before moving back to Andhra for the next season.

 

Iran lose to Philippines at 2024 IIHF World C'ship

Iran had lost to host Bosnia 3-0 in their first match.

Team Melli will play North Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, respectively.

The tournament’s winners will go to Division III-A.

The Group A tournament will be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from March 10 to 16 and the Group B tournament is being held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina from Feb. 23 to 29.

AMK/TT