India’s Kiran George produced a gritty performance to eke out a three-game win and advanced to the second round of the Korea Masters here on Wednesday. Also Read: Sandeep Patil says India have to forget NZ loss in order to win in Australia The 24-year-old overcame a sluggish start to defeat Vietnam’s Kuan Lin Kuo 15-21, 21-12, 21-15 in a 57-minute opening round clash of BWF Super 300 tournament. The lone Indian shuttler competing in the tournament, World No. 44 George will take on third seed Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei in the second round. Lin Kuo raced to an 11-4 lead and eventually took the first game with ease. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 November,2024 12:40 AM IST | Iksan City (Korea) | PTIHailing from Kolhapur, swimmer Virdhawal Khade has represented India in several editions of the Asian and South Asian Games. Having participated in the Beijing Olympics 2008 for the men's 50, 100 and 200-meter freestyle swimming, Virdhawal Khade fell short of sealing the semi-final berth but set an Indian national record in the 100-meter freestyle swimming event. Later, the Kolhapur-born swimmer successfully clinched a bronze medal in the 50-meter butterfly event in the 2010 Asian Games which were hosted in China. By claiming a bronze medal, Virdhawal Khade scripted history by becoming the first Indian athlete after Sachin Nag to win a medal in the Asian Games in 24 years. Following his achievement, he was honoured with the Arjuna Award by the Indian government in 2011. Also Read: Nikhat Zareen hails India's bid to host 2036 Olympics, calls for SAI centres in each state Another historic moment in Virdhawal Khade's swimming career was during the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Participating in the 4 X 100 m freestyle relay swimming event, the Indian made the cut to the finals. He finished the event at the sixth position and additionally in the same year, he was also part of the finals for the 50m butterfly event. A remarkable achievement of Khade is that he is the youngest ever Indian swimmer to qualify for an Olympics. Back then he was aged 16 when he made his debut on the biggest sporting event in the world. With a bronze medal in the 2010 Guangzhou Olympics, Virdhawal Khade also won five gold medals in the 2006 South Asian Games, two golds in the 2010 edition, a silver (50 m freestyle) and a gold (50 m butterfly) in the 2016 Guwahati South Asian Games. Additionally, the swimmer also has one gold and three silver medals in the 2019 Kathmandu South Asian Games. Recently, Virdhawal Khade has been accused of misconduct by an 18-year-old girl who he had coached for two years. According to sources, the swimmer forwarded some obscene photographs to the girl. Following the allegations, the Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association (GMAAA) has taken disciplinary action against Khade, whose appointment as a co-opted member of its managing committee has been suspended. Khade has also received a ban from participating in any meeting held by the GMAA until next year.
07 November,2024 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Sujay ShivalkarAfter India's bid to host the Olympics 2036, two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen said that the bid would motivate sportsperson but we need to establish Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres in every state to nurture sports development which is important for staging the mega event in the country. The ambition to host the world's largest sporting event has been backed by strong Indian government support. Previously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown his intent to bring the Olympics to India in 2036. "India hosting the 2036 Olympics will be a huge motivation for athletes. If we want to host major events like the Olympics, I believe every state should have SAI centres. Currently, there are only regional centres. If I need to train, then I have to go to places like Rohtak, Guwahati, Aurangabad, or wherever these centres are located," Nikhat Zareen told IANS. "If I have to struggle so much just to get training, imagine the challenges for young kids preparing with 2036 in mind. I might retire by 2036 (she joked), but for them, it will be difficult. Convincing their parents to send them so far away for training will be very challenging. If every state has an SAI centre with good coaches, it will benefit everyone, and we’ll be able to focus on athletes from the grassroots level," she said. Nikhat, a Deputy Suprindent of Police (DSP) with Telangana Police, further suggested that every state should have multi-facility stadiums to help the young athletes train in better infrastructure. "Along with this, each state's capital should have a good stadium and a policy in place to support young athletes who aren't financially stable. By sponsoring their equipment from the grassroots level, providing quality coaches, and giving them access to facilities, we can give them a solid push, helping them reach the senior level and potentially make the nation proud," she added. Also Read: Sourav Ganguly convincing factor in Wriddhiman Saha's decision to delay retirement Nikaht Zareen's hopes of clinching a medal on her Olympic debut in Paris ended early as she lost against Wu Yu of China by unanimous decision in the Round of 16 of the women’s 50kg boxing event. Reflecting on her Paris Olympics campaign, Nikhat Zareen said, "There was no pressure at all because I had previously won many competitions where no one expected me to win. Paris was my first Olympics, and I was unseeded. In my weight category, I had only two major competitors, the Turkish boxer (Busenaz Cakiroglu), and the Chinese." "I had defeated the Turkish boxer before, but I had no prior experience against the Chinese boxer, so I was clueless. I had only observed her playing but hadn’t sparred with her. Unfortunately, in Paris, I had to face the Chinese boxer in the second round itself, leading to an early exit from the competition," she further said. "More than the loss, what saddened me was seeing the medals go to boxers I had previously defeated. It was really heartbreaking that I missed out on a medal in the Olympics despite being a two-time world champion," Nikhat added. Speaking about how she overcame her loss at the Olympics, the boxer from Telangana said "It wasn't easy", as everyone "becomes coach when you lose" and starts giving their expert advice. "When you win, everyone comes to congratulate you. I noticed that after Paris, only a few people reached out. It stings to see people celebrate your wins, but when you truly need support, they are missing. I’ve come to realise, though, that this is just part of life. "More than anyone else’s expectations, it was my own that weighed on me, and it hurt that I couldn’t meet them. In the past, I’ve faced challenges, overcome them, and made strong comebacks. This time, I’ll return mentally, physically, and emotionally stronger. I’m not pressuring myself; I’m taking it slow," said the 28-year-old boxer. Currently, training at Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad, Nikhat Zareen concluded by saying, "I don’t have a personal coach right now, but I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I’ll take my time and make a steady comeback." (With IANS Inputs)
07 November,2024 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCoco Gauff posted a rare victory over Iga Swiatek to punch her ticket to the semi-finals of the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Tuesday, ensuring Aryna Sabalenka will finish the year as the World No. 1. Swiatek, the defending champion, was in a direct battle with Sabalenka for the top spot this week but needed a win over Gauff to keep her chances alive of leapfrogging her Belarusian rival. Gauff, 20, entered the contest having lost 11 of her 12 previous meetings with Swiatek, with the American’s sole victory coming in Cincinnati last year. But she turned the tables on Swiatek on Tuesday, defeating the second seed 6-3, 6-4 to make it two straight-sets wins from two round-robin matches in Riyadh this week. Also Read: Sauber signs Brazilian driver Bortoleto for 2025 “It feels great. I knew going into the match that despite our head-to-head I had a lot of confidence going in,” said Gauff, who hit 11 double faults during the one-hour 48-minute showdown. With the exception of the opening game of the match, Gauff had break point opportunities in every Swiatek service game in the first set. The American third seed made her move in game seven, breaking for 4-3, and she closed out the set with a second break of serve, taking the lead in 49 minutes. Swiatek needed six break points in a marathon third game of the second set to finally take down the Gauff serve but she couldn’t consolidate her advantage. They traded breaks again, as Gauff’s double-fault tally went up to double digits and Swiatek racked up the errors. It was Gauff who eventually steadied the ship, and wrapped up the victory on Swiatek’s 47th unforced error of the match. Swiatek admits her two-month break between the US Open and the WTA Finals and the fact she is playing her first tournament with her new coach Wim Fissette have made things “a bit more tricky and different than usual. “But I’ll force myself to work even better in the next match,” the Pole added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 November,2024 07:36 AM IST | Riyadh | AFPSauber has signed 20-year-old Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto to make his debut in Formula 1 next year as Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate. Also Read: Chennai Grand Masters: Erigaisi holds Aronian The decision means that Sauber’s current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are without an F1 seat for 2025. Neither has scored a point all season and Sauber’s car has been largely uncompetitive. Signing Bortoleto, who leads the Formula 2 standings with two rounds to go, gives Sauber a blend of youth and experience alongside Hulkenberg, 37. German automaker Audi is taking over Sauber, which will be rebranded as the Audi works team for 2026. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 November,2024 07:34 AM IST | Hinwil (Switzerland) | AP | PTIIndia’s Arjun Erigaisi continued his strong start to the Chennai Grand Masters by holding the second-highest-ranked player in the tournament, American Grandmaster Levon Aronian, to a draw on Wednesday. Also Read: Kiran George moves into 2nd round of Korea Masters In the Challengers, Vaishali R, one of two female chess players debuting this year, earned her first points by holding top-seed Raunak Sadhwani. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 November,2024 07:32 AM IST | Chennai | PTIJaipur Pink Panthers' captain Arjun Deshwal added another feather to his cap as he became the second fastest player in Pro Kabaddi League history to reach the prestigious 1000 raid points milestone. The achievement came during his team’s 33-30 win over UP Yoddhas, which was also his 97th PKL match. Despite reaching the milestone, a humble Deshwal was more elated about the victory than his personal achievement, “The team's victory was more important than the 1000 points. But both happened together, and I'm happy about that." When asked about who the achievement was dedicated to, Deshwal's response reflected his deep connection to the sport. "If I have to thank anyone, it would be kabaddi first. Whatever name, fame, and success I have today is because of kabaddi, the Pro Kabaddi League and Mashal Sports. Thanks to kabaddi for giving me everything," he said. This achievement is even more remarkable considering Deshwal became the seventh player in PKL history to reach this milestone. His consistent performances and hard work have been key to this accomplishment. "When a player puts in hard work, it always bears fruit sooner or later. So whatever hard work we're putting in is showing results now. " Also Read: Akash Shinde battles adversity in quest for PKL trophy The raider also acknowledged the collective effort behind his individual success. "This is kabaddi - a single player can't achieve anything. Team support and coach support are very crucial. I've received all of this, along with my parents' blessings," he said. Deshwal's leadership has been instrumental in Jaipur Pink Panthers' campaign, with teammates like Neeraj Narwal and stepping up to support him. The milestone came during a strong showing from his team, demonstrating their all-round performance. Preview for matches on November 7 Dabang Delhi K.C. will be hoping to end their losing streak when they take on the Bengal Warriorz in the first match on Thursday. The Bengal Warriorz are currently on an unbeaten four-match streak, and all eyes will be on their raiders Maninder Singh and Sushil Kambrekar, who will face off against a faltering Dabang Delhi K.C. defence. The other game of the day will see the Haryana Steelers take on Gujarat Giants. Looking for some consistency, the Haryana Steelers will pin their hopes on Mohammedreza Shadloui and Jaideep Dahiya. For the Gujarat Giants, they will have to bring back their A-Game if they hope for a win to finish the Hyderabad leg on a high. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 November,2024 08:11 PM IST | Hyderabad | mid-day online correspondentRory McIlroy feels that with Donald Trump sweeping the US presidential elections, a resolution in the PGA Tour-LIV Golf stand-off might be in sight. Media reports this week suggested that the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia and backers of LIV Golf, had reached an agreement with the PGA Tour to invest over a billion dollars in the newly formed PGA Tour Enterprise. The world number three, who is playing this week's Abu Dhabi Championship, resigned from the PGA Tour policy board in November last year. An attempt to return to the board was blocked by some players, but McIlroy was named to a players committee in May to be involved in the negotiations with the PIF. Also Read: Dhoni goes from stumps to swings with Donald Trump in this old viral video PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan reportedly met with PIF chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan in Riyadh last week, leading to speculation about the deal's finalisation. McIlroy was adamant this was not the case and that he had yet to hear about it from Monahan. "It's the first that I've heard of it. I know Jay was in Saudi Arabia last week and was having some meetings. But no, I think I would have heard if there was," said McIlroy, who was outspoken about LIV Golf in its early months but has advocated accepting PIF's investment from the end of last year. "I know he's briefing the transaction committee tonight. So maybe some news comes out of that. But as far as I'm aware, I haven't heard a thing." When asked if he'd be surprised a decision was reached this soon, McIlroy said: "I would. But then, obviously, given today's news with what's happened in America, I think that clears the way a little bit. So we'll see." Also Read: 'I could have done better': 14-year-old World No. 2 golfer Neil Jolly McIlroy closing on Race to Dubai title McIlroy is currently leading the European Tour's Race to Dubai standings, more than 1,500 points ahead of second-placed Thriston Lawrence of South Africa. A win in Abu Dhabi would secure a sixth Order of Merit crown for the 35-year-old, matching the achievement of the legendary Spaniard Seve Ballesteros, before next week's Tour Championship. Only Scotland's Colin Montgomerie (eight) has won more than Ballesteros. "Trying to go for six overall, it's a pretty meaningful thing to do," said McIlroy. "Trying to get to Monty's number of eight, or maybe surpass, is definitely a goal in the future. But right now, just have focus on trying to get that sixth one and go from here. I am a European player and I would like to go down as the most successful European of all time. Obviously, Race to Dubai wins would count to that, but also major championships and hopefully, I've got a few more Ryder Cups ahead of me as well. "I think it is a goal that's quite attainable over the next 10 years." Among those trying to stop McIlroy this week include Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Billy Horschel, Adam Scott and Robert MacIntyre, as well as LIV Golf stars Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton. (With agency inputs)
06 November,2024 06:18 PM IST | Abu Dhabi | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to India hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, even as the organisation navigates internal challenges. IOA President P.T. Usha emphasised on Tuesday that her dedication to bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to India remains resolute, despite an ongoing power struggle with the IOA's Executive Council (EC). Usha, a former track-and-field star, has been embroiled in a dispute with 12 EC members who have refused to endorse her appointment of Raghuram Iyer as the CEO of IOA, a decision she made in January. The conflict has caused friction within the organisation but has not deterred Usha from pushing forward with India's Olympic vision. In a video message sent by her office, Usha stated, "Despite some internal challenges within the IOA, our commitment to hosting the 2036 Summer Games remains steadfast. The IOA remains in continuous contact with the IOC, and I am optimistic that India will be viewed as a gracious host." The ambitious plan to bring the world’s largest sporting event to India has been backed by strong government support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a vocal proponent of this vision, has repeatedly expressed his intent to bring the Olympics to India in 2036. Also Read: 'Soldiers of the 2036 Olympics': PM Modi hails Paris Games' Indian contingent On October 1, the IOA formally submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission, signalling India's official interest in hosting the Games. Sources told IANS that Modi’s leadership has helped the bid gain momentum, with Usha calling it a “significant step forward” for India to host the Olympics and Paralympics. A government source underscored the potential benefits of this historic opportunity, stating, "This monumental opportunity could bring substantial benefits, fostering economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment across the country." India’s interest in the 2036 Games aligns with Modi’s vision to make India a sports powerhouse, a goal he reiterated in a recent interaction with Indian athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics. Modi asked these athletes for their input on preparing for the potential Olympic bid, a gesture that demonstrated his commitment to shaping a future where India is seen as a premier global sports destination. If successful, India would join a list of host nations responsible for organizing the quadrennial Olympic Games, marking a historic achievement for the country. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 November,2024 04:06 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSMax Verstappen’s come-from-behind win in the pouring rain at the Brazilian Grand Prix didn’t just put him a lot closer to a fourth straight Formula One title.After 10 races without a win, it also reminded everyone of why the Dutch driver is a three-time champion in the first place. Verstappen delivered one of the best performance of his career to move up from 17th at the start and clinch a victory that increased his lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris from 44 to 62 points with just three grand prix races and a sprint race remaining. “Simply lovely,” Verstappen summed it up on the team radio. “It was definitely an emotional win,” Verstappen said. “I was really motivated and put everything into this race and I surprised myself today as I wasn’t expecting to finish in P1.” Drivers effusive His fellow drivers were more effusive. “Amazing,” said seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes. “Incredible,” gushed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. “Fantastic,” added Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, a two-time F1 champion. Also Read: 'I know what I’m doing': Max ‘He got a bit lucky’ The only dissenting voice was Norris, who started on pole but finished sixth and later argued that the race was decided by luck as his team made a pit stop just before a red flag came out. “He drove well, he got a bit lucky,” Norris said. “You take a gamble, and it has paid off for them. It is not talent; it is just luck.” With only 86 points up for grabs until the end of the season, Verstappen only needs to finish ahead of Norris in Las Vegas to secure the title in two weeks. The manner of the victory also sent a message to some of Verstappen’s critics, who had described his driving style as being too aggressive. “[Verstappen] silenced a few critics today,” said former F1 champion Damon Hill, who himself was one of those critics. In his post-race press conference, the Red Bull driver also took a shot at some of the British journalists who have questioned his abilities in recent weeks. “I have a quick question here. I appreciate all of you being here, but I don’t see any British press,” Verstappen said, drawing laughter. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 November,2024 06:59 AM IST | Sao Paulo | AP | PTIWorld No. 4 Indian Arjun Erigaisi beat compatriot Vidit Gujrathi after five hours of end-to-end action in the opening round of the Chennai Chess Grand Masters 2024 here on Monday. Playing for the first time in India after crossing the historic 2800 ELO ranking mark, Erigaisi had a tough fight with Gujrathi before emerging victorious. Playing with white pieces, Gujrathi launched his onslaught with a King’s Pawn Opening, before Erigaisi countered with the French Variation of the Sicilian Defense. Also Read: Gukesh, Erigaisi on a high The two GMs, who were part of the historic gold winning Indian team at the Chess Olympiad, battled on, exchanging blows at frequent intervals, before engaging in a gritty finish to the game as Erigaisi came out on top. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 November,2024 06:57 AM IST | Chennai | PTIADVERTISEMENT
