Virat Kohli flew back to Mumbai to be with his wife Anushka Sharma after news of her pregnancy made headlines. The ace cricketer will miss the warm-up world cup fixture against Netherlands tomorrow
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have grabbed headlines yet again due to reports suggesting that they are preparing for their second journey into parenthood. For those unaware, the deeply in love couple exchanged vows on December 11, 2017, in a stunning pastel-themed wedding that set trends for modern brides. Following that, they welcomed their daughter, Vamika, on January 11, 2021. Now, according to reports, the family of three is about to become a family of four.
Virat Kohli urgently flew from Guwahati to Mumbai to be with his beloved wife, Anushka Sharma, due to an unexpected situation and latter’s pregnancy news. Despite his busy schedule with World Cup warm-up matches, he had to take an emergency flight before Team India’s ICC ODI Cricket World Cup second warm-up match against the Netherlands in Thiruvananthapuram on October 3, 2023. Various sources confirmed Kohli isn’t with team India and he is back in Mumbai with wifey and looks like he wants to spend time with Anushka before the busy schedule ahead.
Virat Kohli didn’t join the team today in Thiruvananthapuram due to a personal emergency. He’s likely to join tomorrow. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/xIzba1rq6X
Francis, Richard McSpadden died moments after takeoff in New York
Russ Francis, a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers, was one of two people killed in a plane crash over the weekend in New York, authorities said.
Francis, 70, was with another aviation enthusiast, Richard McSpadden, 63, going for a ride out of Lake Placid Airport around 4 p.m. ET on Sunday. The two were in a single-engine Cessna 177 when the plane encountered trouble and crashed into an embankment at the corner of the airport, New York State Police said.
The former New England Patriots tight end was the organization’s first-round pick in 1975 and played for the team until 1980. He was a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons between 1977-1979.
“Russ was a fan favorite throughout his playing career,” Patriots team owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “He was a dynamic player on the field who had an even bigger personality off it. He knew no boundaries, pushed the limits and lived his life to the fullest.”
He returned to the football field in 1982 after retiring in 1981. He played for the San Francisco 49ers before rejoining the Patriots in the middle of the 1987 season. He finished his career with the Patriots in 1988.
New England Patriots’ Russ Francis is shown during a press conference on Feb. 11, 1980, at Boston Garden. (AP Photo/File)
Francis won a Super Bowl in 1984. He had a touchdown catch against the New York Giants in the wild-card round of the playoffs. San Francisco later defeated the Miami Dolphins, 38-6. He had five catches for 60 yards in that game.
Francis was the president of Lake Placid Airways, which runs charter and scenic flights in upstate New York. He had been a pilot for nearly 50 years and had run a charter service in Hawaii, according to the airline’s website.
McSpadden was a senior vice president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was a known aviation safety expert. The organization said his career included a stint as commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Da’vian Kimbrough holds up his jersey after signing a contract with the Sacramento Republic. Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee/AP/File
Soccer player Da’vian Kimbrough made his debut for the Sacramento Republic on Sunday at the age of 13, marking a historic moment for US sports.
Kimbrough was brought on as a substitute in the 87th minute of Sacramento’s 2-0 victory against Las Vegas Lights, making him the youngest professional athlete in American team sports. The match was played in front of a capacity crowd at Heart Health Park, according to the Sacramento Republic website.
Aged 13 years, seven months, and 13 days, Kimbrough also became the youngest professional soccer player to make their debut in a competitive match.
The previous record was held by Axel Kei who made his debut aged 13 months, nine months, and nine days on October 8, 2021 for the Real Monarchs against Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
The record for the youngest professional athlete in American team sports was previously held by New York City FC 2’s Maximo Carizzo, a landmark set in in 2022, said the Sacramento club.
Sacramento Republic plays in the USL Championship, the second-tier of US soccer.
With the victory, Sacramento remains in first place in the Western Conference.
Historic. Da’vian Kimbrough makes his professional debut at 13 years, 7 months, 13 days with his hometown club. pic.twitter.com/SNjsxQPlA5
Avinash Sable becomes first Indian man to win Asian Games 3000m steeplechase gold
Photograph: Kind Courtesy AFI/X
Avinash Sable became the first Indian man to win 3000m steeplechase gold at Asian Games while shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor pulled off a big final round throw to defend his title on a medal-laden day which fetched nine podium finishes.
India in fact won 15 medals across sports on the day, their biggest haul in a single day of the Asian Games over all editions and athletics was the biggest contributor in that.
India picked up 2 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze on the day which was marred by controversy in the women’s 100m hurdles final.
Jyothi Yarraji, along with Chinese runner Wu Yanni, was disqualified for false start but the judges later allowed the race to be run.
Lin Yuwei of China won the race with a time of 12.74 seconds while Yanni (12.91) and Yarraji (13.04) were second and third respectively.
But the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) immediately filed a protest and within minutes, Yanni was disqualified under Technical Rule 16.8 and Yarraji’s bronze was upgraded to silver.
According to Technical Rule 16.8, any athlete responsible for a false start shall be disqualified by the starter.
But, a note to the rule says “when one or more athletes make a false start, others are inclined to follow and … any athlete who does so has also made a false start. The starter should warn or disqualify only such athlete or athletes who, in their opinion, were responsible for the false start.”
AFI senior vice president and legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George termed it as an “unbelievable drama” rarely seen in a major competition.
AFI president and World Athletics Vice President and Executive Board member Adille Sumariwalla said the matter would be taken up at the higher level “so that these kinds of things do not happen in future”.
‘Toor’ de force
Photograph: Kind Courtesy AFI/X
Before the controversy struck, Toor made a remarkable comeback after opening with two foul throws and trailing at third at the end of the third round. He jumped to second with his 20.06m fourth round throw but had a foul throw next to be on the verge of losing the gold to Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Daouda Tolo.
But, the Asian record holder Toor saved the best for the last as hurled the iron ball to 20.36m to nail the gold.
Toor thus became the fourth Indian shot putter to defend Asian Games gold after Parduman Singh Brar (1954 and 1958), Joginder Singh (1966 and 1970) and Bahadur Singh Chouhan (1978 and 1982).
Sable, the 29-year-old national record holder, earned India its first gold medal in athletics, completing the race in 8 minutes 19.50 seconds.
Sable rewrote the previous Asian Games record of 8:22.79 held in the name of Iran’s Hossein Keyhani set at the 2018 Jakarta Games. His timing was, however, well below his national record time of 8:11.20 and season’s best of 8:11.63.
Sudha Singh had won a gold in women’s 3000m steeplechase in the 2010 Asian Games.
Photograph: Kind Courtesy AFI/X
In the 1500m for women, flamboyant Harmilan Bains won a silver with a time of 4 minute 12.74 seconds while Ajay Kumar Saroj (3:38.94) and Jinson Johnson (3:39.74) won silver and bronze respectively in the men’s 1500m.
Harmilan joined her mother Madhuri Singh — the 2002 edition 800m silver winner — as Asian Games medallist.
Veteran discus thrower Seema Punia won a bronze for her third medal in as many editions of the Asian Games with a throw of 58.62m.
“This is my last Asian Games and I am ending with a medal. I think I will be looking ahead to be able to qualify for the Paris Olympics maybe through ranking,” she said.
The 40-year-old Punia won a gold in the 2014 Asian Games and then added a bronze in 2018. She has also won three silver and one bronze in the Commonwealth Games in her over 20-year international career.
Asian Games 2023: India’s 10m air pistol women’s team of Esha Singh, Palak and Divya Thadigol clinched silver in the team event.
Indian shooter Palak won 10m air pistol gold. | Photo Credit: PTI
India’s 10m air pistol women’s team of Esha Singh, Palak and Divya Thadigol clinched silver in the team event at the ongoing Asian Games on Friday.
The Indian team finished second a cumulative 1731 points, behind China which clinched gold with 1736 points. Chinese Taipei came third with 1723 points to win bronze.
Shortly after, the men’s team of Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Swapnil Sunil Kusale and Akhil Sheoran followed suit as they clinched gold in the men’s 50m rifle 3P team event.
Aishwary Pratap later went on to win a silver in the men’s 50m rifle 3P individual event as well.
The men’s duo of Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan clinched a silver medal in tennis men’s doubles.
In the women’s 10m air pistol individual final, the podium belonged to India as Indian shooters won both gold and silver medals. Palak, who finished 242.1 points clinched gold while her compatriot Esha Singh won silver with 239.7 points.
Later, the Indian women’s squash team consisting of Joshna Chinappa, Tanvi Khanna and Anahat Singh bagged the bronze after losing 1-2 to Hong Kong in the semifinals.
India, who are leading the three-match series 2-0, will have only 13 players to choose from for the final ODI against Australia in Rajkot on Wednesday.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma on Tuesday said five players, including in-form Shubman Gill, will not be available for selection for the third ODI against Australia, as the squad has been hit by a viral sickness and some players have opted to return home.
India, who are leading the three-match series 2-0, will have only 13 players to choose from for the final ODI.
While Gill is rested, Axar Patel is recuperating at NCA from the left quadricep injury that he suffered during the Asia Cup.
3 players return home
Pacers Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur, who played the first two ODIs against the Aussies, and Hardik Pandya, who is yet to play in this series, have opted to go back to their respective homes.
“We have got a lot of players who are sick and not available, a lot of players have personal problems so they have gone home and a few of the guys have been rested as well.
“We have got 13 players at this point in time,” said Rohit during the pre-match press meet.
“Obviously, Gill has been rested, Shami, Hardik and Shardul have all gone home again, personal things. Axar, obviously, is not available for this game,” Rohit said.
Viral sickness hits Team India
Rohit said the viral sickness going around the group too has added to the uncertainty.
“There is a bit of viral going around in the team as well. So, there is a lot of uncertainty in the team at this point in time which we cannot help,” he added.
The trio of Rudrankksh, Olympian Divyansh Singh Panwar and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar aggregated 1893.7 in the qualification round to beat back the challenge of the shooting powerhouse China and South Korea on way to gold.
Indian men’s 10m air rifle team. Credit: X/@IndianTechGuide
A confident Indian 10m air rifle team led by teenage world champion Rudrankksh Patil gave the country its first gold medal at the Asian Games, securing the top place on the podium with a world record score here on Monday.
The trio of Rudrankksh, Olympian Divyansh Singh Panwar and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar aggregated 1893.7 in the qualification round to beat back the challenge of the shooting powerhouse China and South Korea on way to gold.
In one of the most dominating displays seen by Indian air rifle shooters in multi-discipline events, the 19-year-old Rudrankksh shot a superb 632.5, Tomar 631.6 and Panwar 629.6 to aggregate the world record score as South Korean was pushed to second spot (1890.1), while the Chinese team was a distant third with an aggregate score of 1888.2.
Rudrankksh and Aishwary also made it to the eight-shooter finals in the event and would be gunning for more glory after the qualification round.
In 10m air rifle shooting team event, the aggregate of the qualification scores decide the medallists, while the eight top shooters in the preliminary round move into the finals for individual glory.
India have won 10 medals at Hangzhou 2023, one gold, three silvers and six bronze. Know all Indian medal winners and get full medal table.
(Hangzhou2022.cn)
A 655-member Indian contingent is competing at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China. The 19th edition of the continental multisport event officially began on September 23 and will conclude on October 8.
The ongoing edition of the quadrennial meet was originally scheduled for 2022 but was postponed by a year due to COVID-19.
At the last edition, Jakarta 2018, a 570-strong Indian squad racked up a best-ever Asian Games haul of 70 medals – 16 gold, 23 silver and 31 bronze. With an increase in the contingent strength, a bump in the medals count is also expected.
Over the years, athletics have accounted for the majority of India’s medals at the Asian Games – 254 from a total of 672. Track and field events will once again be the focus at Hangzhou 2023 with India fielding 68 athletes – the country’s largest contingent in any sport.
The Indian athletics squad in Hangzhou features top names like men’s javelin throw ace Neeraj Chopra, the reigning world, Olympic and Asian Games champion, Commonwealth Games men’s 3000m steeplechase silver medallist Avinash Sable and women’s hurdles sensation Jyothi Yarraji.
India are also fielding cricket teams at the Asian Games for the first time. Both men’s and women’s teams will participate. Football and hockey will also see full representation by India.
The boxing team, spearheaded by world champion Nikhat Zareen and Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain, and the wrestling team, featuring Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Antim Panghal, are also strong medal contenders.
The shooting squad, with Manu Bhaker and Rudrankksh Patil, is also expected to impress.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and badminton star PV Sindhu, both Olympic medal winners, will also be in action in Hangzhou and so will be archery world champions Aditi Gopichand Swami and Ojas Pravin Deotale.
In addition to medals, Hangzhou also offers 74 Paris 2024 Olympic quotas – six in archery, 10 in artistic swimming, 34 in boxing, two in breaking, two in hockey, 10 in modern pentathlon, six in sailing, two in tennis and two in water polo.
India’s batting is shaping up well as they won the match despite the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, which also left them with a problem of plenty.
Shreyas Iyer scored a century against Australia in 2nd ODI
After slamming a century to set up India’s 99-run win in the second ODI against Australia, comeback man Shreyas Iyer on Sunday opened up about his long-injury lay-off, saying he was in a “lonely space” during that rollercoaster phase in his career. Iyer, who had to undergo a back surgery and was out of action for six months, slammed 105 off 90 balls to take India to a massive 399 for 5 against Australia here, which eventually led the hosts to a series sealing victory.
“It was a rollercoaster ride. I’ve been working so hard the last few months, and I was in a lonely space,” Iyer, who was adjudged the player of the match, said at the post-match presentation.
The 28-year-old returned to the team at the Asia Cup but a back spasm in the middle of the tournament meant he only got to bat only once over the course of two weeks.
“Excited to be back and I am enjoying the atmosphere in the dressing room. I was seeing matches on TV and wanted to be out there.
“I had belief in myself. I knew what I was aiming for and glad I was able to execute my plans today,” he added.
Talking about his strategy against the Aussies, Iyer said: “My plan was to play in the V and not complicate things. I was batting brilliantly in the nets. I’m happy to bat in any position. Whatever the team requires. Virat (Kohli) is one of the greats, there’s no chance of stealing that (number 3) spot from him. I just need to keep scoring wherever (at any position) I bat.”
The stand-in skipper KL Rahul said he was a bit surprised to see the wicket spin in the second half.
“When I saw the wicket in the morning, I didn’t think it would spin so much. Putting 400 on the board gives you confidence,” he said.
India’s batting is shaping up well as they won the match despite the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, which also left them with a problem of plenty.
Simone Biles spoke out Friday in response to a viral video that featured a black female gymnast being passed over for a medal at an Irish gymnastics event, tweeting, “There is no room for racism in any sport or at all !!!!”
Over the weekend, a clip from a March 2022 medal ceremony at a Gymstart event in Dublin circulated on social media, which featured a group of young gymnasts waiting in line for their awards, with the athlete in question skipped.
The incident set off a frenzy on social media, with Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, weighing in.
This is heartbreaking, everyone got a medal apart from the Black girl and she kept smiling. pic.twitter.com/rnqWvoVMAF
“I would love to see @Simone_Biles reach out to this girl if she’s able,” an X user tweeted.
Biles then replied: “When this video was circulating, her parents reached out. It broke my heart to see, so I sent her a little video.
“There is no room for racism in any sport or at all !!!!”
Fellow U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles also addressed the incident, which she deemed “hurtful on so many levels.”
A viral video posted on Twitter shows an incident at a GymSTART event in March 2022 when a young female gymnast was not given a medal alongside other girls competing at a Gymnastics Ireland. Twitter
“Gymternet pls help me find this little girl… This is beyond hurtful on so many levels, I need you guys to find her pls… asap,” the Olympian posted Friday on her X account.
Gymnastics Ireland released a statement Friday on the matter.
“Gymnastics Ireland immediately contacted the family to express its regrets and to assure them that the incident would be investigated,” the organization said in a statement.
“… The official in question accepted fully that what had happened had not been acceptable but stressed that it had not been intentional. The official concerned said that upon realizing the mistake they immediately rectified it and ensured that the competitor concerned was presented with her medal before she left the Field of Play (FoP).
Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Round of 16 – Sweden v United States – Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia – August 6, 2023 Megan Rapinoe of the U.S. during the match REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/File Photo
Megan Rapinoe will bid farewell to international football with no regrets about her time on and off the pitch, she told a news conference on Saturday ahead of her last game on Sunday, highlighting her support of social causes throughout her career.
The striker, who earned recognition not only for being a two-time world champion but also for her activism, gained fame for her advocacy of LGBT+ rights, solidarity with NFL player Colin Kaepernick and famously confronting former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“The off-field stuff is what is most meaningful (to me) and I think what I’m most proud of leaving this team and leaving the game,” she said.
“Being so vocal about racial justice or gay rights, I feel like the team really stepped into it and took upon itself to be so much more of what we were on the field and really focus on that.”
“We’ve been a very special generation of players, but I think it says a lot about us that everything we’ve accomplished on the field pales in comparison to what we’ve done off the field.”
Although the 38-year-old player will say goodbye to the U.S. national team on Sunday when they face South Africa in a friendly, she shows no signs of retiring from public life after a career spent championing social causes.
“I’m very excited to continue to be a part of the growth of women’s sport, not just football. I think we are at a very special time. I want to use my platform and my leverage, but now I’ll have more time to do that.”
PAK vs SL, Asia Cup 2023 Super 4: Sri Lanka (253/8) Beat Pakistan (252/7) By 2 Wickets Via DLS To Set Up Sunday’s Final vs India. Kusal Mendis (91), Charith Asalanka (49*), Iftikhar Ahmed (3/50)
Charith Asalanka played one of the coolest shots in ODI cricket history to score the final two runs required off the last as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 2 wickets in the Super 4 to reach the Asia Cup 2023 final in Colombo.
Needing 2 runs off the last ball, Asalanka walked across the stumps and flicked a full delivery from Pakistani debutant Zaman Khan to take two runs and bring an end to a thrilling contest at the R Premadasa stadium in the Sri Lankan capital on Thursday.
Sri Lanka win rain-marred contest
Chasing a rain-revised target of 252 for victory, Sri Lanka rode on the superb knocks from Kusal Mendis (91) and Asalanka, who fell short of his 10 ODI fifty by 1 run, to cross the finish line and set up the summit clash against India, which will be played at the same venue on September 17.
Sunday’s match will be Sri Lanka’s 12th appearance in the Asia Cup final while India will be playing its 10th summit clash in the tournament’s history.
The Men in Blue have won the title a record 7 times with Sri Lanka a close second with 6 trophies.
“We had the game under control, but the losing of wickets took it till the last over. We gave them a chance to come back in the game, but we knew Charith could get us home.
“We had a discussion before batting and we discussed the mistakes we made in the India game. We gave away wickets in the first 10 overs, and Kusal and Sadeera played brilliant knocks,” Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka said after the match.
A record 24th Grand Slam title, most weeks as No. 1, most Major finals, are not enough for him to be satisfied.
A 24th Grand Slam singles title and fourth US Open in tow, Novak Djokovic arrived in his home country to a raucous reception, thousands waving flags and cheering as the World No.1, who is now the outright record-holder in Open Era Majors, was overawed by the occasion. (Twitter)
It was supposed to be a celebration of the silver medal won by the Serbian national basketball team at the FIBA World Cup, but the occasion was proverbially gatecrashed by a history-maker.
A 24th Grand Slam singles title and fourth US Open in tow, Novak Djokovic arrived in his home country to a raucous reception, thousands waving flags and cheering as the World No.1, who is now the outright record-holder in Open Era Majors, was overawed by the occasion. “This is a childhood dream come true, because once upon a time I was down there and celebrating,” he was quoted as saying by tennismajors.com, holding back tears.
Djokovic has always worn his Serbian heritage on his sleeve, in acknowledgment of all that he has had to overcome to achieve what he has, and in defiance of the kind of stereotypes that are associated with his home country. Stereotypes that, he believes, continue to hold him back in international acknowledgment of his greatness despite his resume suggesting so.
Novak Djokovic in tears at the triumphant welcome that Belgrade gave him for his 24th Slam
“One thing is a fact, though – if I wasn’t from Serbia, I’d have been glorified on a sporting level many years ago, especially in the West,” he was quoted as saying by tennismajors.com, translating his Serbian post-US Open press conference. “But that’s part of my journey, I am grateful and proud to come from Serbia – because of that, all of these accomplishments are sweeter and even more fulfilling.”
India defeated Sri Lanka by 41 runs in a super four match to secure their place in the final of the Asia Cup on Tuesday.
India beat Sri Lanka by 41 runs on Tuesday.
Indian bowlers produced a splendid collective effort to carry their team to a 41-run win over a spirited Sri Lanka in a Super 4 match, and into the Asia Cup final on Tuesday. Rohit Sharma’s fifty (53 off 48 balls) was the cornerstone of India’s sub-par 213 after Lankan spinners Dunith Wellalage (5/40) and Charith Asalanka (4/18) bamboozled them. But India, guided by Kuldeep Yadav’s 4 for 43, bowled out Sri Lanka for 172. India, who entered the final with four points, will either face Sri Lanka or Pakistan in the summit clash on Sunday. The hosts will face Pakistan in a crunch match on Thursday.
The insipid effort of their batsmen made it mandatory for the Indian bowlers to be on the money from ball one, and Jasprit Bumrah led the way.
Bumrah took the ball away from Pathum Nissanka and the healthy edge was snaffled behind the wicket by a diving KL Rahul.
Kusal Mendis looked in fine touch but he failed to keep his drive off a slow, full delivery from Bumrah down.
Substitute fielder Suryakumar Yadav took the catch at covers and umpires gave Mendis out after a quick check with the TV umpire for bump ball.
Mohammed Siraj soon got into act, cramping Dimuth Karunaratne for room and his cut did not go beyond Shubman Gill at second slip.
Sri Lanka were 25 for 3 at that stage and Kuldeep took a couple of quick wickets to further dent their chase, reducing them to 99 for six.
However, Wellalage (42 not out) and Dhananjaya de Silva (41 off 66 balls) added 63 runs for an enterprising seventh wicket alliance to revive Lankan hopes.
But a moment of indiscretion ended the stand as De Silva tried to clear the infield off Jadeja only to give a simple catch to Gill at the edge of the circle.
From that point, Wellalage, who batted exceptionally well under pressure against a fancied opponent, tried to bridge the gap.
But the task was a tad too hard to achieve with a one man show.
Earlier, left-arm spinner Wellalage and offie Asalanka did not allow Indian batters to settle into any sort of rhythm, as they knifed through their line-up taking nine wickets among them.
But before Lankan spinners exploited the generous turn and grip on the Premadasa pitch, India started their innings in a blazing fashion.
Rohit added 80 runs for the opening wicket with Gill, and that remained the brightest phase of Indian innings.
Watching Rohit and Gill adding those runs in just 12 overs rekindled the memories of India’s blitz against Pakistan on Monday, when they posted a massive 356 for two.
During his innings, the Indian captain also went past a significant personal milestone, becoming the sixth Indian batsmen to score 10000 runs in ODIs.
The landmark came in a befitting fashion too, as Rohit lifted pacer Kasun Rajita over his head for a majestic six.
Other Indian batsmen to reach the mark are: Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Indeed, a magnificent company to be in! However, the introduction of Wellalage changed the whole complexion of the game, as the spinner halted Indian batsmen’s early charge.
Many Pakistani fans on social media questioned how officials of the PCB could be so “immature” and “careless” as to indulge in gambling.
Pakistan cricket board officials are under scrutiny for visiting a casino in Colombo
Pakistan team’s current media manager Umar Farooq Kalson and board’s GM (International Cricket) Adnan Ali are under scanner after pictures and video footages emerged of the duo visiting a Colombo casino.
Both are in Colombo in official capacity as a part of the Pakistani contingent for the ongoing Asia Cup and visiting a gambling den is sure to attract attention of ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit as it is one of the prohibited places as per code of conduct.
Many Pakistani fans on social media questioned how officials of the PCB could be so “immature” and “careless” as to indulge in gambling.
Many criticised the trend of many PCB officials going on to Colombo during the Asia Cup on official visits.
A PCB source said that at least 15-20 PCB officials had travelled o and fro between Colombo and Lahore while some were stationed there permanently as Pakistan was the official host of the Asia Cup.
After some Pakistani news channels ran headlines, the two officials in the Casino later clarified that they had only gone to the Casino to have dinner, a claim ridiculed by all and sundry on social media and also by some former test players.
Tennis – U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, New York, United States – September 6, 2023 Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in action during her quarter final match against China’s Qinwen Zheng REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid
– Second seed Aryna Sabalenka crushed Zheng Qinwen 6-1 6-4 on Wednesday to reach her fifth straight Grand Slam semi-final and end the Chinese 23rd seed’s charmed run at the U.S. Open.
Sabalenka, who will move top of the world rankings next week, will next face 17th seed Madison Keys after the American powered past Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.
The Belarusian leads Keys 2-1 in their head-to-head meetings, most recently beating her in the Wimbledon quarters.
Zheng, in her first Grand Slam quarter-final, endured a miserable time against the Australian Open winner as she was unable to get much power off her serve and committed a succession of errors.
“I’m super happy with the win against her … super happy with the performance,” said Sabalenka, who lost in the semi-finals in her previous two U.S. Open appearances.
“I’m going to do everything I can to stay until the end.”
Sabalenka has not dropped a set this year at Flushing Meadows and won the first five games on Wednesday, dropping only one point on her first serve in the opening set.
Zheng improved in the second set, forcing Sabalenka to run back and forth along the baseline and showed finesse to triumph in a 21-shot rally in the fifth game.
“In the second set she start playing better, serving better. I kind of expect that, because after first set it was, like, nothing to lose for her, she start playing a little bit more aggressive,” Sabalenka said.
Tennis – U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, New York, United States – September 5, 2023 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his quarter final match against Taylor Fritz of the U.S. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid Acquire Licensing Rights
Novak Djokovic shrugged off stifling heat and Taylor Fritz to breeze into the U.S. Open semi-finals 6-1 6-4 6-4 on Tuesday and stay on course for a fourth Flushing Meadows crown that would see him match Margaret Court’s record haul of 24 Grand Slams.
With temperatures once again nudging towards 100 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), Djokovic turned in a cool, clinical effort, improving his record against American opposition at the U.S. Open to a perfect 12-0.
While Fritz’s Grand Slam came to an end, the U.S. is guaranteed at least one player in the men’s semi-finals with Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton meeting in an all-American clash on Arthur Ashe later on Tuesday with Djokovic waiting to take on the winner for a spot in Sunday’s final.
“It’s expected of course that people are backing the home player and there is nothing wrong with that,” said Djokovic. “I actually like the energy, like the atmosphere on centre court here.
“Day sessions, night sessions, people are getting into it.
“I’m fine with that. I thrive on that energy and try to use it as a fuel.
“I’ve been playing on this court for so many years, so many epic matches, I can’t wait for another one in a few days time.”
On a baking hot day, 19-year-old Coco Gauff had warmed up the Arthur Ashe crowd, blasting past Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 6-0 6-2 to become the youngest American to reach the U.S. Open semi-finals since Serena Williams in 2001.
Coco Gauff will face either Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova or Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the US Open last four on Thursday.
Coco Gauff in action during US Open 2023
Coco Gauff thrashed Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets to reach the semi-finals of the US Open for the first time on Tuesday. American sixth seed Gauff dominated Latvia’s 20th seed Ostapenko from start to finish, winning 6-0, 6-2 in just 1hr 8min. Gauff, 19, will face either Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova or Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the last four on Thursday. Gauff, beaten in the quarter-finals last year, is the first American teenager to reach the US Open semi-finals since 2001. “It feels great, I’m so happy,” said Gauff. “Last year I lost in the quarter-finals stage and wanted to do better this year. I have a long way to go but I’m happy and will be ready for the next one.” “I didn’t feel comfortable at all the whole match, even at match point. She has the ability to come back no matter the scoreline so I was just trying to play every ball and hit it deep.”
On Tuesday’s evidence, the American teenager will head into the last four brimming with confidence after producing a superb display to overwhelm Ostapenko.
Ostapenko had produced the shock of the tournament in the last 16 on Sunday, ousting world number one and reigning women’s champion Iga Swiatek in three sets.
But amid furnace-like heat on the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the inconsistent Latvian wilted in the face of a scorching performance from her American opponent.
Gauff broke her opponent’s serve three times in a lopsided first set which was over in 20 minutes, with the Latvian coughing 15 unforced errors to Gauff’s two.
Ostapenko was soon in trouble in the second set, suffering a service break in the opening game when Gauff’s sublime drop shot left the Latvian scrambling to the net.
India’s Squad For Cricket World Cup 2023: BCCI made a bold call in giving wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul the nod despite the fact that he didn’t feature in the first two matches of Asia Cup 2023 due to injury.
India’s Squad For Cricket World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (L) and Virat Kohli
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the ODI World Cup 2023. The Board made a bold call in giving wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul the nod despite the fact that he didn’t feature in the first two matches of Asia Cup 2023 due to injury. Tilak Varma, who was selected in India’s 17-member team for the Asia Cup, didn’t find a place in the 15-man World Cup squad while Sanju Samson was left out too. Prasidh Krishna, who made his return to the ODI side after a long injury layoff, wasn’t picked by the selectors either but ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was roped in.
There were no surprises in the team selection after chief selector Ajit Agarkar had suggested that the World Cup squad will be picked from the 18-member Asia Cup squad (including the reserve Samson).
“We have picked best possible combination. We have depth in batting, we have spin and other bowling options. Hardik Pandya is a complete package, his form will be crucial for us at World Cup” Rohit Sharma said.
According to a report by The Times, the executive board of the International Olympic Committee is set to deliberate what new sports will be added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games in a meeting on Friday ( September 8). The report states that both men’s and women’s T20 cricket will make the cut for the mega event.
The Olympics is considered the greatest multi-sports event of all time. However apart from the 1900 Games, the sport has not featured in any edition of the quadrennial event. Now, it looks like the long wait for cricket fans is finally set to end, as the sports will now might be featured in the 2028 edition of the Olympics that is to be held in the American city of Los Angeles.
According to a report by The Times, the executive board of the International Olympic Committee is set to deliberate what new sports will be added to the Los Angeles Games in a meeting on Friday ( September 8). The report states that both men’s and women’s T20 cricket will make the cut for the mega event 5 years later.
IND vs NEP, Asia Cup 2023: India (147/0) Beat Nepal (230) By 10 Wickets (Via DLS) To Reach Super Fours. Rohit Sharma (74*), Shubhman Gill (67*), Ravindra Jadeja (3/40).
BCCI
In a remarkable display of cricket prowess, India secured a coveted spot in the Asia Cup Super Four by crushing Nepal with a resounding 10-wicket victory.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill emerged as the stars of the match, crafting unbeaten fifties to ensure India’s triumph.
Despite facing frequent rain interruptions, Nepal managed to post a commendable total of 230 after being asked to bat first. The match’s challenging conditions made it all the more impressive.
India, facing a revised target of 145 runs from 23 overs due to the DLS calculations, comfortably achieved victory thanks to Rohit Sharma (74 not out off 59 balls) and Shubman Gill (67 not out off 62 balls). Their powerful performance was instrumental in India’s success.
With this victory, India concluded their Group A matches with three points, securing their place in the Super Four. Pakistan had already secured a spot in the Super Four with three points as well.
#TeamIndia coast to a thumping victory and storm into the Super 4s! 💥
The openers remain undefeated, ensuring 🇮🇳 win without any hiccups.
Nepal’s pacers, KC Karan and Sompal Kami, displayed excellent pace, initially causing trouble for Indian openers Rohit and Gill.
Nepal had its moments in the match, both with the ball and bat, but ultimately bowed out of the Asia Cup without earning any points.
Bowling Challenges for India
While India’s victory was significant, their bowling performance against Nepal left room for improvement. The Indian bowlers struggled against Nepal, who were expected to be an easier opponent. Fielding was also a concern, with several dropped catches and misfields.
Nepal’s Aasif Sheikh (58 off 97 balls), Kushal Bhurtel (38 off 25 balls), and Sompal Kami (48 off 55 balls) provided a tough challenge to the Indian attack.
Despite being bundled out for just 104 by Pakistan in their previous match, Nepal showed their resilience and determination in this encounter.
Nepal got off to a flying start, reaching 65 for 1 in the first 10 overs, with Kushal Bhurtel playing a pivotal role. However, India would rue the missed opportunities as they gave Bhurtel two reprieves early in his innings.
Zimbabwe’s all-time leading wicket-taker dies after a battle with cancer.
Streak, left, leads his team into the arena during the opening ceremony of the 2003 Cricket World Cup in Newlands stadium, Cape Town [File: Adrian Dennis/AFP]Heath Streak, former Zimbabwe cricket captain and the nation’s all-time leading wicket-taker, has died at the age of 49 after battling liver and colon cancer.
“In the early hours of this morning, Sunday, 3 September, the greatest love of my life and the father of my beautiful children, was carried to be with the angels from his home where he wished to spend his last days surrounded by his family and closest loved ones,” his wife, Nadine Streak, wrote on social media.
ESPN reported that he had been receiving specialist treatment at a Johannesburg hospital in South Africa on a biweekly basis since May.
An outstanding fast bowler and capable batsman, Streak was a key member of Zimbabwe teams that were competitive against cricket’s bigger nations in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Really sad news of the passing away of Zimbabwe’s legendary cricketer #HeathStreak. Having fought my own battle with cancer, I know the strength it takes.
He was one of the nicest guys I encountered along my journey and an even stronger human being.
However, his cricket career ended in ignominy in 2021 when he was banned for eight years for breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code.
It was announced in May this year that Streak was seriously ill, and it was reported in August that he had died, following a message on social media from former teammate Henry Olonga.
Streak himself was quick to assert that he was still alive, but not before numerous former teammates and opponents paid tribute to him.
Asia Cup 2023 Highlights, IND vs PAK: While Pakistan remain on top of Group A, India opened their account in the tally after points were shared.
IND vs PAK Highlights Score, Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan’s and India’s players great each others after the Asia Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan was called off due to rain in Pallekele, Sri Lanka on Saturday, Sep. 2. AP/PTI(
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Highlights: With the entire second innings yet to be played, rain led to the India-Pakistan Asia Cup group stage game being called off in Pallekele on Saturday. Ishan Kishan (82) and Hardik Pandya (87) bailed India to 266 after Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf created havoc in the early stages. Afridi was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with a 4-fer while Rauf and Naseem Shah nabbed three wickets each in a first-ever instance of pacers picking all 10 wickets in an Asia Cup game. Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma had won the toss and opted to bat first in their tournament opener.
Pitch Report by Ravi Shastri
This pitch has more grass than the previous one, the pitch that was used during Pakistan vs Nepal. This track looks slow and bounce can be on the lower side. The ball might grip early on, you might see spin. A score of 260-270 can be challenging on this wicket.
Playing XIs
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Pakistan Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
Mr Rubiales grabbed player Jennifer Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the presentation ceremony following Spain’s World Cup final win over England.
Luis Rubiales in 2018
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has issued a fresh defence after kissing a player on the lips following the Women’s World Cup final.
Mr Rubiales’ statement comes as the Spanish football federation called for him to step down on Monday.
The 46-year-old has faced widespread criticism for kissing player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony after Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final on 20 August.
In his statement, he said: “I made some obvious mistakes, which I sincerely regret from the bottom of my heart.
“The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the product of great enthusiasm.
“At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both.
“I repeat: with the consent of both parties, both in the affectionate hugs, as well as in the peak and subsequent farewell full of affectionate mutual gestures, that occurred on the medals delivery stage.
“I have also felt the growing support of people on the street and on social media.”
Earlier, the coach of the Spanish men’s national football team, Luis de la Fuente, apologised for applauding Mr Rubiales during the speech in which he refused to resign.
Mr Rubiales had claimed in the speech last Friday that he was the victim of a “social assassination”.
The men’s coach was sitting in the front row during Mr Rubiales’ speech and clapped when he attacked “false feminism”.
UEFA Champions League Draw Highlights: German heavyweights Bayern Munich take on Manchester United, FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray in Group A.
The trophy is on display before the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage draw at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2013. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
UEFA Champions League 2023-24 Draw Highlights: Paris St Germain will kick off their quest for a maiden Champions League trophy in a strong Group F featuring Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle United following the draw on Thursday. Holders Manchester City will take on RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys in Group G.
City captured their first European crown this year and Pep Guardiola’s side should have few problems in making the last 16, having handed Leipzig a 7-0 thrashing in last year’s tournament. Record 14-times winners Real Madrid will play Serie A champions Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin in Group C. German heavyweights Bayern Munich take on Manchester United, FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray in Group A.
Last season’s runners-up Inter Milan meet Benfica, RB Salzburg and Real Sociedad in Group D, while Europa League winners Sevilla and Arsenal were drawn together in Group B along with PSV Eindhoven and RC Lens. LaLiga champions Barcelona take on Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp in Group H and Group E is made up of Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Celtic. Scroll down to check all the lhighlights.
Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez receive the World Cup champions – Moncloa Palace, Madrid, Spain – August 22, 2023 President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales during the ceremony REUTERS/Juan Medina/File photo
The president of European soccer’s governing body Aleksander Ceferin called Luis Rubiales’ behaviour “inappropriate” but said he did not want to interfere with FIFA’s disciplinary investigation into the Spanish Football Federation chief.
Soccer’s world governing body FIFA suspended Rubiales from all football-related activities for three months on Saturday as it investigates allegations he gave a player an unwanted kiss on the lips after Spain’s women won the World Cup.
FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales over the incident with player Jenni Hermoso last Sunday in Sydney that has caused an uproar among players and fans.
Rubiales said he would use the FIFA probe to show his innocence.
“Of course, what he did was inappropriate. We all know it. I hope he knows it was inappropriate. This is enough for the moment because the independent disciplinary bodies will decide,” UEFA President Ceferin told French newspaper L’Equipe on Wednesday.
Prakash Padukone was the first Indian to achieve this feat
India’s top ranked men’s singles player HS Prannoy stormed into the quarter-finals of the BWF World Championships 2023 by defeating 2021 World Champion Loh Kean Yew in three games. By the virtue of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2023 edition, HS Prannoy became the second Indian male player after Prakash Padukone (1880, 1983, and 1985) to reach three consecutive quarter-finals.
After an injury ridden career, HS Prannoy came back into the reckoning at the end of 2021 and was one of the last entrants at the BWF World Championships 2021. In the quarter-finals he was defeated by Loh Kean Yew, who ultimately went on to win the title by defeating former WR-1 Kidambi Srikanth. Prannoy took his revenge at the current edition in a closely-fought contest with the match lasting for over 70 minutes.
In the 2021 edition, three Indian male shuttlers reached the quarter-finals. In the following year, HSP once again couldn’t cross the quarter-finals barrier this time losing to Chinese Zhao Jupeng.
The 2023 season has by far been Prannoy’s most successful year, with him winning his first BWF Tour title – Malaysia Masters (BWF 500) and reaching the final of Australian Open (BWF 500). After back-to-back quarters losses, the Keralite will be up against mighty WR-1 Viktor Axelsen at the BWF World Championships 2023.
Luis Rubiales insists he won’t step down after he grabbed player Jennifer Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the trophy presentation ceremony. The head of Spain’s Sports Council is seeking Rubiales’ removal and says “we want this to be a ‘Me Too’ of Spanish soccer”.
Spanish World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso says “in no moment” did she consent to a kiss from the country’s football federation president Luis Rubiales – as the players announced a boycott over the controversy.
Hermoso said she was “vulnerable” and “the victim of an aggression”, as she and the rest of the Spain team revealed they will not play any further matches until the “federation leadership is removed”.
A total of 56 players, including all of the 23-strong World Cup-winning squad, signed the joint statement after Mr Rubiales refused to resign following his controversial kiss at the final.
England’s Lionesses – who were defeated by Spain in the World Cup final – backed the players’ boycott, saying: “Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation. Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth.
“The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment.
“We all stand with you, @jennihermoso and all players of the Spanish team.”
The Spanish government has started legal action in a bid to suspend Mr Rubiales from his post – and the head of Spain’s women’s football committee has quit his role.
Mr Rubiales, 46, grabbed player Ms Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday in Sydney, Australia.
In a statement on Friday night, Ms Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward and key contributor to Spain’s victory, said “in no moment” did she consent to the kiss.
Not at all pleased by Virat Kohli’s Instagram story, revealing his yo-yo test score, BCCI sprang into action almost immediately.
Virat Kohli, of India (R), takes part in a training session (File photo)(AFP)
Virat Kohli’s Instagram story on Thursday in which he revealed his yo-yo fitness test score has irked the top bosses of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The Indian team management reportedly came up with a strict guideline for all Indian cricketers hours after Kohli’s Instagram story went viral. The players were asked not to post their yo-yo test scores which come under confidential information, on social media platforms. The directive came from BCCI’s top management, reported The Indian Express.
The report claimed that all the cricketers currently present in a fitness and preparatory camp at Alur in Bengaluru before the Asia Cup were given the guideline “verbally.”
Through an Instagram story, Kohli revealed that he had passed the yo-yo test with a score of 17.2. “The happiness of finishing the yo-yo est between the dreaded cones. 17.2 done,” Kohli wrote along with a photo of himself. The BCCI-mandated fitness parameter is 16.5.
Not at all pleased by the public update, BCCI sprang into action almost immediately. They reminded the players revealing such confidential information on public platforms can lead to a ‘breach of contract’
“Players have been informed verbally to avoid posting any confidential matter on social media platforms. They can post pictures while training but posting a score leads to breach of contract clause,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying in the report.
Indonesia’s top court overturned two police officers’ acquittal over Kanjuruhan stadium crush, but jailed them for only two and 2.5 years.
Rini Hanifa holds a picture of her son Agus. who was killed at Kanjuruhan Stadium [Al Jazeera]The families of some of the 135 people who died in Indonesia’s Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster say they are still looking for justice after an appeals court overturned a ruling that freed two police officers charged over the tragedy and jailed them instead.
The officers, Wahyu Setyo Pranoto, the chief of operations of the Malang Regency Police and Bambang Sidik Achmadi, the head of the Prevention Unit of the Malang Regency Police, were cleared of negligence leading to injury or death in March by the Surabaya District Court.
In a statement on Thursday, Indonesia’s Supreme Court said it had overturned the acquittals, instead sentencing the men to two and a half years and two years in prison respectively.
“I am extremely dissatisfied with the verdict. I wanted them to get the death penalty,” Rini Hanifa, whose son, 20-year-old Agus Rian Syah Pratama Putra, died at Kanjuruhan last October, told Al Jazeera.
“The sentences should have been proportional to what they did to my son. This is justice in Indonesia for those who are in power and have power. Their positions won in the end,” she said of the police officers.
There were 135 deaths after police fired tear gas onto the pitch and into the stands at the end of a match between rival teams Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya in Malang on October 1 last year in response to a perceived pitch invasion by fans disappointed with Arema FC’s performance.
People in Malang have blamed police for the disaster [Al Jazeera]The tear gas prompted fans to rush for the exits at gates 13 and 14 of the stadium, where many were crushed to death. Some of the families have also said that they suspect that their loved ones suffocated from the gas while still in the stands, a version disputed by the authorities. Hundreds of people were injured.
In announcing the court’s decision in March, Surabaya District Court judge, Abu Achmad Sidqi Amsya, said that Pranoto and Achmadi had not been legally and convincingly proven guilty of giving orders to fire tear gas, although he sentenced another officer, Hasdarmawan, the commander of the Third Mobile Brigade Company of the East Java Police, to one and a half years in prison for his role in the incident.
Rohit Sharma’s epic reply to the reporter’s question won the hearts of fans across the nation. India is set to fly to Sri Lanka next week for the 2023 Asia Cup. India will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy. Rohit will be looking to win the Asia Cup for the second time as captain.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma gave an epic reply to a reporter asking him if he was waiting for the team to bring home the 2023 Asia Cup trophy. The continental showpiece event is the next assignment at hand for the national team and begins a hectic season that sees two major events in the 50-over format, with the 2023 World Cup on the horizon.
The incident happened at the Mumbai airport, where Rohit was seemingly getting ready to take a flight. ‘Asia Cup ka wait rahega,’ a reporter is seen telling the Indian captain. ‘Jeetege,’ replied Rohit in his typical witty fashion, as his reply won the hearts of fans desperate to see India lift silverware.
The Indian team is set to hold a week-long camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru before flying to Sri Lanka. While there was no confirmation of the same, Rohit must be flying there, as the team is expected to assemble there over the next couple of days.
Alan Walsh – who took part in the Ironman event in Co Cork on Sunday – says he witnessed “an awful lot of people getting into difficulty” and helped one man who called for help and went underwater.
The Ironman event had been postponed because of Storm Betty
An experienced triathlete who took part in an Ironman event where two people died says “swimmers were being knocked around like skittles” in bad weather conditions.
Alan Walsh told Sky News there are serious questions about safety to be asked – and the swim in Co Cork on Sunday should have been cancelled in the wake of Storm Betty.
Two men, in their 40s and 60s, got into difficulty in Youghal Bay – with Triathlon Ireland saying it did not sanction the swimming race.
Ironman claims this was only communicated to its officials “several hours” after the swim had concluded – but Triathlon Ireland has denied this, and said organisers were warned before the race began.
Mr Walsh said he witnessed “an awful lot of people getting into difficulty”, and it was hard for competitors to see safety boats because of the swell.
During the swim, one man started calling for help and went underwater.
“He was obviously drowning,” Mr Walsh said. “It felt like forever and it was only a second or two, but I went over to him and picked him up over my shoulder.
“I’m just struggling to keep us up and I’m roaring at him to relax and lie back and then a canoeist sees us.”
Mr Walsh said he managed to get the swimmer onto a canoe – and carried on with the race after making sure he was okay.
Once he was out of the water, he saw stewards resuscitating someone on the pier.
“I would say it was 100% the worst conditions I’ve seen a triathlon swim go ahead in,” Mr Walsh told Sky’s Lisa McNally.
The triathlete warned there is a “huge amount of risk” in these races and anything can happen – but at the very least, the swim course should have been altered sooner.
“They changed the route of the swim mid-race – someone was announcing it on loudspeaker,” Mr Walsh said. “How the hell are you meant to hear that if you’re in the water?
“We wear earplugs and I only found out because someone tapped me and told me as I was getting in the water. I would expect these errors from someone organising their first triathlon, but not Ironman.”
Triathlon Ireland chief executive Darren Coombes said officials did not sanction the swim race due to “adverse conditions on the day”.
The start of the Ironman competition. Pic: Tri Coach Bjorn
Triathlon Ireland has said its officials did not sanction a swimming race in which two competitors died.
The men, in their 40s and 60s, got into difficulty in separate incidents during the swimming leg of the Ironman event in Youghal, Co Cork on Sunday.
Triathlon Ireland chief executive Darren Coombes said officials did not sanction the swim race due to “adverse conditions on the day”.
Competitors in the Ironman competition in Cork. Pic: Tri Coach Bjorn
He said: “For the Ironman Cork event, in line with normal practice, Triathlon Ireland technical officials attended before the start of the race to review the conditions and carry out a water safety assessment.
“Due to adverse conditions on the day, Triathlon Ireland technical officials confirmed to the race organisers that it was not possible to sanction the race.
“As there is an investigation ongoing, at this stage it would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment only to state that Triathlon Ireland will provide any assistance that the authorities require.”
Mr Coombes also named the two men who died as Ivan Chittenden and Brendan Wall.
“We reiterate our deepest condolences to the families,” he added.
“The triathlon community is a very close community and this loss has had a devastating effect on all of us.”
The two men were removed from the water by emergency services after running into difficulties, but were pronounced dead at the scene.
Irish police said they were investigating and that the coroner had been notified.
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has sparked controversy after kissing and grabbing players during the 2023 Women’s World Cup medal presentation.
Spain’s women’s team secured their first global crown when seeing off England 1-0 during a showpiece event in Sydney, Australia.
Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game, with Jennifer Hermoso able to miss a second-half penalty – which was saved by Mary Earps – without impacting the final outcome.
Wild celebrations were sparked at the final whistle, with La Roja able to get their hands on the most prestigious of trophies.
Rubiales was in attendance and formed part of the post-match formalities.
He was on hand to congratulate triumphant members of Jorge Vilda’s squad after they had received their winners’ medals from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
His behaviour has attracted unwelcome attention, though, when full focus should have been locked on those that helped to deliver a historic win on the field.
Rubiales was caught on camera grabbing Spanish stars, with Hermoso kissed on the lips at one stage.
Rinku Singh cameo helps India post 185 for 5, a total Ireland fell short of by 33 runs; India takes 2-0 lead in three-match series .
Rinku Singh would blast 38 off 21 balls to turbocharge India to 185 for 5, a total Ireland fell short by 33 runs, and thus lost the series, but only after he put the audience through a wringer of emotions. (Twitter/BCCI)
Even before Rinku Singh marked the guard for his first international knock, his six-hitting reputation preceded him. A group of excited teenagers waved a two-feet banner that pleaded: “One six this side please.” The gallery buzzed, anticipation bubbled, and a sweaty expectation filled the stands. It has been nearly four months since he muscled himself into their cricket consciousness with a five-ball-five-six heist for Kolkata Knight Riders against Gujarat Titans.
He would blast 38 off 21 balls to turbocharge India to 185 for 5, a total Ireland fell short by 33 runs, and thus lost the series, but only after he put the audience through a wringer of emotions.
Aug 20, 2023; Mason, OH, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) kisses the Rookwood Cup after the victory over Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) during the menÕs singles final of the Western and Southern Open tennis tournament at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Novak Djokovic overcame a match point and stifling heat to beat world number one Carlos Alcaraz 5-7 7-6(7) 7-6(4) and win the Cincinnati Open in a heart-pounding thriller on Sunday.
Djokovic collapsed on his back and ripped his shirt open after triumphing in the nearly four-hour contest to get revenge for his loss to the young Spaniard in last month’s Wimbledon final.
“So much to say and so little energy,” Djokovic said while collecting his third Cincinnati Open title.
“It has been a roller coaster and definitely one of the toughest and most exciting matches that I’ve ever been a part of in any tournament.
“It did feel like a Grand Slam final, even more than that, to be honest.”
The Serb was hobbled by the intense humidity in the tail end of the first set, barely moving when Alcaraz hit a backhand winner to grab the opener.
Alcaraz raced out to a 4-2 second-set lead and it appeared he might cruise to the finish line as his 36-year-old opponent looked cooked in the Ohio sun.
But Alcaraz would produce a poor service game while leading 4-3 that included four unforced errors to give life to the world number two.
In the second-set tiebreak Djokovic saved a championship point and went on to force a deciding set after winning a 25-shot rally.
During the break before the third set, a frustrated Alcaraz pounded his right hand against the plastic drinks container next to his chair, requiring a medical time out to tape his finger.
In the decider, Djokovic broke for a 5-3 lead but would then squander two match points in the next game.
The drama would continue when Djokovic missed an overhead for 5-5 and the players would ultimately arrive at another tiebreak, which Djokovic won on his fifth match point of the contest.
Spain won the Women’s World Cup for the first time after defeating England’s Lionesses 1-0.
England’s Lionesses have missed out on glory at the Women’s World Cup after being beaten 1-0 by Spain.
Closely missing out on repeating their success at Euros 2022, Sarina Wiegman’s team fought to the very end at a packed-out Stadium Australia in Sydney.
But a first-half goal by Spain’s Olga Carmona, who shot across Mary Earps into the far corner in the 28th minute, broke England’s hearts.
It is Spain’s first major international trophy and makes them the first European team to win the Women’s World Cup since Germany in 2007.
England had come close to taking the lead themselves in the 15th minute when Lauren Hemp’s shot hit the bar.
A shot from England’s Lauren Hemp, right, hits the crossbar. Pic: APSpain’s goal by Olga Carmona
Two changes at half-time saw Lauren James and Chloe Kelly replace Rachel Daly and Alessia Russo for the Lionesses, as they tried to turn the game around.
Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso then missed a chance to double her side’s lead from a penalty – granted after a handball by Keira Walsh – after a heroic save by Earps, who dived to her left to save in the 69th minute.
James then forced a save from Spain’s goalkeeper from a tight angle a few minutes later, as England pushed for an equaliser.
Earps even went up to attack a corner in the dying moments for England.
But sadly, it wasn’t to be, as the Lionesses fell short at the final hurdle.
Earps saved a Spanish penalty. Pic: AP
Play was also briefly disrupted during the first half after a protester entered the pitch before an England free kick. The man was swiftly removed by stewards.
‘Absolutely heartbroken’
Captain Millie Bright said the team were “absolutely heartbroken” at the defeat.
“We can say hand on heart we gave everything. Sometimes football goes for you, sometimes it goes against you,” she said.
Complimenting Spain as a “fantastic team” she said: “A lot of emotion… but I’m really proud of the team. To come this far, to play in the World Cup final, not many get to do that.
The men, in their 40s and 60s, got into difficulty in separate incidents in the swimming section of the race.
The start of the Ironman competition this morning Pic: Tri Coach Bjorn
Two men have died at an Ironman competition in Ireland.
The men, in their 40s and 60s, got into difficulty in separate incidents during the swimming leg of the race in Youghal, Co. Cork this morning.
They were removed from the water by emergency services but pronounced dead at the scene.
Irish police said they are investigating and the coroner has been notified.
The event had been postponed from Saturday due to flooding and bad course conditions after Storm Betty.
It consisted of a 1.9km swim in Youghal Bay, a 90km bike course and a 21.1km run.
The swim had already been cut from 3.8km due to poor weather conditions.
The race continued and competitors were allowed to finish despite the double tragedy in the first section of the race.
In a statement, the event organisers said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of two race participants at the Ironman 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023.
“During the swim portion of Sunday’s race, safety personnel provided immediate medical attention upon recognising the athletes were in need of assistance.
“We share our greatest sympathies with the families and friends of the athletes and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time.
“We thank the safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athletes with medical assistance.
Olga Carmona, who plays her club football for Real Madrid, played a starring role in Spain’s World Cup campaign by scoring the winning goals in the semi-final and final.
Olga Carmona kisses the World Cup trophy after the game
The Spanish star who scored the match-winning goal against England in Sunday’s World Cup final found out her father had died after the game.
Olga Carmona’s 29th minute strike was all that separated the sides in Sydney, securing a 1-0 win.
The Spanish FA has announced she found out about the death of her father following the full-time whistle.
“We send out most sincere hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain,” it said on X, formerly Twitter.
“We love you, Olga, you are the history of Spanish football.”
⚫️ PÉSAME | La @RFEF lamenta profundamente comunicar el fallecimiento del padre de Olga Carmona. La futbolista ha conocido la triste noticia una vez concluida la final de la Copa del Mundo.
Mandamos nuestro abrazo más sincero a Olga y a su familia en un momento de profundo… pic.twitter.com/BSe2XmUrVF
The 23-year-old Real Madrid star wheeled away in delight when her precise left-footed shot found the corner of Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps’s net.
She lifted her shirt to reveal the message “Merchi” on her compression top, which was reportedly a tribute to a friend whose mother recently passed away.
The defender, who scored a late winner in the semi-finals against Sweden, was named player of the match.
Real Madrid said the club’s “condolences and love” were with Carmona, her family and friends.
Spanish team ‘had something special’
Carmona took part normally in the post-match celebrations with her teammates on the Stadium Australia pitch; dancing, getting her medal and kissing the trophy.
According to the Spanish FA, Carmona’s father, who had been fighting a long illness, died on Friday – before the final got under way.
However, Spanish media outlet Relevo reported that family and friends decided not to tell her the news, so that she could focus on the match.
Carmona’s mother and brothers had rushed back to Spain – having originally been in New Zealand for the group stages – but arrived in Australia on Saturday to support her in the final.
It’s the first time Spain have won the competition.
“We felt this team had something special,” she said after the game.
Before news of her father’s death, the Spanish FA had said title celebrations would take place in Madrid when the squad return home on Monday.
The face of Indian athletics, Neeraj Chopra, will lead the country’s challenge at the World Athletics Championships from August 19-27 in Budapest. India will send a 28-member contingent to the prestigious event.
Chopra, the Tokyo Olympics javelin gold medallisst, wwon silver at the last World Championships in Eugene, US, last year. Now, the Diamond League champion is aiming at a gold.
Some leading Indian names will not be on the plane to Budapest. Asian record holder shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor has pulled out due to a groin injury he suffered during the Asian Championships in July.
Some others want to concentrate on the Asian Games (September 23 to October 8) in Hangzhou. These include National record holder high jumper Tejaswin Shankar, 800m runner K M Chanda and 20km race walker and national record holder Priyanka Goswami.
