Jaipur 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 | PTIIndian professional boxer Mandeep Jangra won the World Boxing Federation’s super featherweight world title after defeating Britain’s Conor McIntosh in the Cayman Islands. The 31-year-old, who trains under former Olympic silver medallist Roy Jones Jr and has faced only one defeat in his professional career so far, had the upper hand in most rounds. He delivered powerful punches from the outset, maintaining his stamina throughout the 10 rounds, while the British boxer struggled to keep pace. Conor did try to make a comeback, but Jangra continued to maintain the upper hand in most rounds. “This is one of the biggest victories of my career. I have worked hard for years to achieve this. It is a matter of pride for me that I could bring glory to the country,” he said. Also Read: Building a champion The Haryana boxer, who made his professional boxing debut in 2021, hopes the title will inspire more Indian pugilists to turn professional. “I think this title will open the way for other boxers of the country and they will also decide to make a career in professional boxing. Our boxers are good. If they get good promoters and managers, they can also become world champions,” Jangra 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
06 November,2024 06:57 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIBarbora Krejcikova ended Jessica Pegula’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, defeating the sixth-seeded American 6-3, 6-3 in Riyadh on Tuesday. A runner-up at the WTA Finals last year, Pegula suffered her second straight-sets defeat of the week and enters her final round-robin match against Iga Swiatek on Thursday anchoring the Orange Group with zero sets won. Meanwhile, eighth-seeded Krejcikova bounced back from her opening loss to Swiatek to keep her hopes of making the final four alive. “I was fighting for every ball and I felt that I really have to play my best tennis and I was trying to be really solid and trying to put as many balls to the other side as I could,” said Krejcikova, who picked up just her 20th match win of the season. “I’m definitely proud. I had some very high parts of the season, especially winning Wimbledon.” 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 06:41 AM IST | Riyadh | AFPNovak Djokovic said on Tuesday he will not defend his ATP Finals title due to an “ongoing injury” which has ended the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s season. Tennis icon Djokovic was one of four players still battling for one of three remaining places at the season-ending event in Turin, which kicks off on Sunday, but said on social media that he wouldn’t be making a bid for a third straight Finals title. “I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week,” Djokovic said. “Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon!” Also Read: I won’t be a favourite: Novak Djokovic on Shanghai Masters final against Jannik Sinner The Serb, 37, currently ranked fifth in the world, sits sixth in The Race, the ATP’s annual rankings to determine the eight competitors at the Finals. Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz had already qualified before Djokovic’s announcement. 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 06:41 AM IST | Rome | AFPWorld 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 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. Erigaisi (2803.2, World #3) defeats Vidit with Black in Round 1 of the Chennai Grandmasters, setting a new personal live rating record https://t.co/D16Y0CO8sEScreenshot via YouTube / @ChessbaseIndia pic.twitter.com/2A61uD6Tmb — 2700chess (@2700chess) November 5, 2024 The two Grandmasters, who were part of the historic gold-winning Indian team at the recent Chess Olympiad, battled on, exchanging blows at frequent intervals, before engaging in a gritty finish to the game as Erigaisi came out on top. Erigaisi would be aiming to replicate the achievements of last year's winner Gukesh Dommaraju, who used the triumph at this competition to propel himself into the Candidates, and eventually to the World Championship. Also Read: Gukesh, Erigaisi on a high Gukesh will miss this year's competition as he is preparing for the World Championships title match against Ding Liren of China. Rising Indian talent Aravindh Chithambaram, currently ranked 29th in the world, faced Amin Tabatabaei on board 1, managing to secure a hard-fought draw against the Iranian Grandmaster. On board 4, USA's Levon Aronian, who is the tournament's second-highest-ranked player, also drew his match with Serbia's Alexey Sarana. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, starting his run in the competition with the black pieces, and triumphed over Parham Maghsoodloo, propelling himself to the top of the Masters leaderboard. The Challengers segment of the Chennai Grand Masters 2024 featured exciting matches and standout performances. Also Read: Say Chess! The 18-year-old Raunak Sadhwani, the leading player in this inaugural category, demonstrated his prowess with a commanding win against Karthikeyan Murali. Leon Mendonca showcased strategic skill in his match against Vaishali R, ultimately emerging victorious. V Pranav claimed victory over Harika Dronavalli, while Abhimanyu Puranik secured a win against M Pranesh in another gripping contest. Organised by MGD1 with ChessBase India, and sponsored by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, the tournament features two categories -- Masters & Challengers. With a rating average of 2729, the Masters presents a more competitive field this time around. The debuting Challengers, meanwhile, is designed to provide emerging Indian talent the chance to compete in a top-class tournament. (With agency inputs)
05 November,2024 10:03 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentThe Davis Cup will provide a special farewell to retiring tennis great Rafael Nadal at the November final eight, said tournament director Feliciano Lopez on Tuesday. The 22-time Grand Slam winner is part of David Ferrer's Spain squad for the finals in Malaga which begin on November 19. Lopez said the Davis Cup was "lucky" to host Nadal's final tournament and wants to offer the departing superstar a farewell that lives up to his glittering career. "It's confidential of course, but we're planning to do something very special for him, we have to celebrate his career and his legacy," Lopez told reporters. "There's a lot of things that we're planning but for now I cannot share any more details with you, but we're planning something very special. "We are going to try and live up to his legacy and his enormous career and I hope we're going to do something very special for him." Lopez said many stars of tennis and other sports wanted to come to Malaga to witness the denouement of Nadal's career. "I know that almost everyone in the world wants to be present for his farewell... Novak Djokovic posted on Instagram that he wants to be there, also Andy Murray wants to be there," continued Lopez. "I don't know if we're gonna have seats for everyone, but as you can imagine all the tennis players that played in his time, they want to be there. "Other athletes from different sports, of course from Spain and everywhere in the world, they want to be there as well, so it's going to be very special for Rafa." Lopez did not think the "World Cup of Tennis" will be overshadowed by Nadal's retirement. The tournament director said Nadal himself was keen to make sure that was not the case in Malaga. "The Davis Cup itself is so important and I don't think this celebration is going to overshadow the competition, especially as Rafa doesn't want any of that," he explained. Lopez said there was "no doubt" Nadal is the best Spanish athlete of all-time and considered it a "nice coincidence" he will finish his career at the Davis Cup, after a vital win in the competition back in 2004 helped launch his career. Nadal, 18 at the time, defeated Andy Roddick in a thrilling singles battle to help Spain claim the competition at the final against the United States in Seville. Also Read: Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz bring 'parchis' to Paris Olympics: What is it? 'True blessing for tennis' Tickets for Spain's last eight match against Netherlands were snapped up quickly and Lopez joked they could do with "two stadiums, not one", with some being resold for thousands of Euros online as the tennis world tries to catch a last glimpse of Nadal. Nadal could be paired with French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, who is also part of the Spain team called up. World number one Jannik Sinner is part of defending champions Italy's team and Lopez hailed his budding rivalry with Alcaraz. "They are a true blessing for tennis," he added. "Roger (Federer) and Rafa are gone, and Novak we don't know how much he has left in the tank... we're very lucky in the tennis industry and world that we have Sinner and Alcaraz leading this new generation of players." Lopez said preparations for the Davis Cup had not been affected by the recent devastating flooding in the east of the country, and along with the Billie Jean King Cup and the International Tennis Federation, they have made a donation to the Spanish Red Cross. "It's terrible and horrible to see this happening," said Lopez. "Luckily this is not affecting the preparations in Malaga. "Of course we will try to use our platform to raise awareness and we will try to raise money for everyone affected in Valencia." (With agency inputs)
05 November,2024 09:19 PM IST | Barcelona | mid-day online correspondentNovak Djokovic said on Tuesday he will not defend his ATP Finals title due to an 'ongoing injury' that has ended the 24-time Grand Slam champion's season. Tennis icon Djokovic was one of four players still battling for one of three remaining places at the season-ending event in Turin, which kicks off on Sunday, but said on social media that he wouldn't be making a bid for a third straight Finals title. "I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won't be playing next week," Djokovic said. "Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon!" The 37-year-old Serb, currently ranked fifth in the world, sits sixth in 'The Race', the ATP's annual rankings to determine the eight competitors at the Finals. Also Read: Don't write off Djokovic just yet! Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz had already qualified before Djokovic's announcement. His retirement from the tournament automatically opens up the final three places to Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublev. Ruud and Rublev are playing in Metz, France this week, with De Minaur in action in Belgrade. Djokovic's withdrawal was not a surprise as he had already pulled out of the Paris Masters, effectively ending what has been a difficult season. He hasn't won a single ATP title in 2024, the first time that has happened since 2006, and has been shoved aside by young stars Sinner and Alcaraz at the top of the game. Djokovic did, however, win singles gold at the Paris Olympics, adding the final major honour which was missing from his record-breaking list of career achievements. (With inputs from agencies)
05 November,2024 05:59 PM IST | Rome | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
