WFI furious as Bajrang handed provisional suspension
Bajrang Punia has been handed a provisional suspension for refusing to give his sample for dope test during the recent trials.
NADA Suspends Wrestler Bajrang Punia for Failure to Provide Dope Test
New Delhi: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has indefinitely suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia, a move that could potentially jeopardize his bid to compete in the Paris Olympics scheduled for later this year.Punia failed to provide his urine sample for the selection trials in Sonepat on March 10, leading NADA to issue the order suspending him from participation in any future events. Subject to paragraph 4:1:2 below and in accordance with article 7.4 of the NADR 2021, Bajrang Punia has been immediately provisionally suspended from participation in any competition or activity prior to the final decision reached at a hearing in this matter, read an official release from NADA dated April 23.Accompanied by other top wrestlers, including Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, Punia accused former BJP MP and president of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of sexual harassment. Following his suspension in light of the charges, Punia, who won a bronze medal for the country at the Tokyo Olympics, is likely to be barred from participating in the selection trials scheduled for later this month. No Indian has yet secured an Olympic quota in the 65kg category.Sujeet Kalkal will represent India at the World Qualifiers, set to begin in Istanbul on May 9.The suspension notice was addressed to the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) now-defunct ad hoc committee, as opposed to the federation recognized by United World Wrestling (UWW). Punia, who released a video a few months prior claiming to have received expired dope-collecting kits, disregarded the dope control officer's directive, stating that NADA officials had not yet addressed his concerns.According to the dope-collecting officer's report, Punia left even after being informed that his refusal would result in a warning for violating anti-doping rules.Punia, surrounded by his supporters, continuously repeated his statement and immediately left the venue, refusing to give a dope sample, the DCO stated in his report. Punia was asked to present a written justification by May 7 for his refusal to submit supporting documentation and a urine sample.If you do accept the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings, subject to the right of appeal. If you disagree, the matter will be referred for adjudication to the anti-doping disciplinary panel, the letter stated. Delhi Police Busts Ring Trafficking Rohingyas from Myanmar Aston Martin launches new Vantage in India, starting price is Rs 3.99 crore Yamaha will make Formula E, the company's initiative towards making eco-friendly cars
Max Verstappen Takes Pole in Miami After Sprint Race Win
Three-time world champion Max Verstappen has won both the previous Miami Grand Prix races but never from pole and he said he still found qualifying tricky.
India men's team fails to finish in World Relays heats
The men's 4x400m relay team had a good start. Muhammad Anas clocked 45.93 seconds in the first leg, but the second runner -- Rajesh Ramesh -- fell down due to cramps in leg muscles at the first bend, read a statement from the Athletics Federation of India.
Swiatek outlasts Sabalenka in Madrid Open final
World number one Iga Swiatek edged Aryna Sabalenka 7-5, 4-6 7,-6(7) in a gripping and gruelling Madrid Open final to win the title for the first time on Saturday in what was a repeat of last year's summit clash at the WTA 1000 claycourt tournament.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen takes pole for Miami GP
Red Bull's triple World champion Max Verstappen claimed pole position on Saturday for the Miami Grand Prix, to start from the front of the grid for the sixth straight race this season.
What PING have said about their SIX new putters to get your scores down
PING have added six new putters to their production line with score reduction in mind. The post What PING have said about their SIX new putters to get your scores down appeared first on Golf365 .
EPL PIX: Arsenal stay in title hunt with home win
IMAGES from Premier League matches played on Saturday.
Consistency the key for Tanisha-Ashwini at Olympics
Young shuttler Tanisha Crasto believes she and doubles partner Ashwini Ponnappa have the game to match the world's best.
Four players share lead in Tamil Nadu State U-17 Chess Championships
CHENNAI: Four players S Jai Sankar of Virudhunagar, the runner-up in the 2023 tournament, S Haridev of Chennai, VS Nandish of Coimbatore and S Gokul Krishna of Tirupur share the top position with five points each at the end of the fifth round of the 33rd Tamil Nadu State U-17 Chess Championships, organised by Sethu Institute of Technology and Sivakasi Chess Club at the SIT campus on Friday. Three players S Rohith of Karaikudi, Goutham Ramesh and V Kanishkaraj of Chennai are behind the leaders by half a point. In the girls section, S Kanishka of Salem and S Padmini of Chengalpattu jointly lead with five points each. Five on top after Round 5 Five players International Master R Balasubramanian of ICF, Sham R, Sree Veeramani, Tharshan MK and Aswin Sairam are leading the table with five points each at the end of the fifth round of the 2nd International Fide Rating chess tournament held at KCG College of Technology, Karapakkam, Chennai, for a prize pool of `300,000. Ten players Vijay Shreeram, Anirud Rajan, Advaith Ashok Kumar, Sathish, Sivan Roshan, Saravanan, Prasanna Karthick, Ramkumar, Sathyanarayana and Sananda are on second spot with 4.5 points each. Sharvaanica clinches gold Sharvaanica AS aged 8 from Hatsun Chess Academy emerged as the winner at the World Cadets Rapid & Blitz Girls U-10 Championship organised by FIDE. Sharvaanica clinched the gold medal in the U-10 girls category at the World Cadets Rapid and silver medal in the IRLS U-10 category at the World Cadets Blitz. The championship was held at Durres, Albania. About 375 participants from across 43 countries in the rapid segment and 336 players from across 43 countries in the blitz segment took part in the championships. Kothan inspires Swathi CC Kothans 80 (49b; 4x4; 8x6) helped Swathi CC beat YSCA A by 54 runs in the 54th All-India YSCA trophy. Brief scores: Swathi CC 195 in 30 ovs ( Kothan 80, Shivajana 3/38) bt YSCA A 141 all out in 26.3 ovs (V Ranjith Kumar 39, Akash 3/18). Vinayaka Packaging 121 all out in 29.2 ovs (M Rajkumar 28, Madana Gopal 30) lost to Vepery CC 122/8 in21.4 ovs (Hemprasad 34, Arun Anand 32, Rajesh Kumar 4/31). Hasim cracks century S Jawfer Hasims century (115) came in handy for VMAS to defeat PSCA by 90 runs in the 19th Freyer-LMCA U12 meet. Brief scores: GFCA 132/7 in 25 ovs (M Humesh 37 n.o) bt V-MAS 119/4 in 25 ovs (S Jawfer Hasim 51). LMCA 246/4 in 25 ovs (NS Dheena 100, Aadhithya Balaji 51) bt PSCA 175/6 in 25 ovs (S Mohammed Javid 98 n.o). LMCA 213/5 in 25 ovs (Aadhitya Balaji 91) bt V-MAS 105 in 22.2 ovs (NS Dheena 4/20). GFCA 256/3 in 25 ovs (Sudheep 31, M Humesh 42, Sri Vishnu 53 n.o, Sidheswar 58 n.o) bt PSCA 227/1 in 25 ovs (Harshad Rajesh 122 n.o., S Mohammed Javid 79). VMAS 245/2 in 25 ovs (A Ganesh 80, S Jawfer Hasim 115) bt PSCA 155/7 in 25 ovs (S Mohammed Javid 31, D Shaun 35 n.o). GFCA 143 in 25 ovs (Sudheep 40, Humesh 39) lost to LMCA 146/3 in 20.1 ovs (Aadhitya Balaji 57).
Uber Cup: Indonesia women defeat Thailand 3-0 to end medal drought
CHENNAI/CHENGDU: The long wait is over for the Indonesia womens badminton team. The unbridled reactions after sealing a win (3-0) over Thailand in the quarterfinal meeting of the ongoing Uber Cup in Chengdu (China) spoke a thousand words. As soon as Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo won her womens singles tie, thereby sealing the deal in her teams favour, she went down on her knees and raised both her arms wide with a beaming smile on her face. It was a pure moment of joy as her victory meant Indonesia will be returning with a medal for the first time in 14 years in the competition. Ester was clearly the underdog going into her match against World No 16 Supanida Katethong on the day. But momentum was on Indonesias side after winning their opening two ties. However, the World No 38 conceded the first game before making a remarkable turnaround. Ester eventually won 19-21, 21-19, 21-19. I was leading in the third game but I was so exhausted and I couldnt move at all. I just tried to reset my mind and I saw my friends cheering for me and that gave me some energy and I told myself to keep pushing, Ester told BWF, while reflecting on the match. Before Esters monumental effort, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung had pulled off a vital win over senior pro Ratchanok Intanon in the opening tie. The World No 9 doubles pair of Apriyani Rahayu and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti had played their part by beating Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai 21-17, 21-14. Indonesia will meet Korea, who beat Chinese Taipei 3-0, in the semis on Saturday. China will play Japan in the other semifinal.
Thomas & Uber Cup Indian teams crash out
CHENNAI: India's Thomas and Uber Cup campaigns came to an end on Thursday. It was the womens side who were first to exit after a 0-3 loss in the quarterfinals against Japan in Chengdu, China. Later, the mens team, the defending champions, went down 1-3 at the same stage against China. HS Prannoy was the first to enter the court and he did well to pocket the first game against Shi Yu Qi. However, Shi recovered to take the next two games and the tie (15-21, 21-11, 21-14) in the process. Doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made a slow start in the decider against Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang and that cost them dearly (15-21, 21-11, 12-21). Lakshya Sen, the next man in, had to win. After the completion of the opening game against Li Shi Feng, things were not looking bright for Lakshya. But Lakshya pocketed the second game with ease before going on to clinch the tie, keeping the team alive in the process. Dhruv Kapila and Sai Pratheek K could not offer much resistance against World No 11 pair of He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu. The Indian pair lost 10-21, 10-21.
Kasparov clarifies after post on Rahul G goes viral
Russian chess great Garry Kasparov has expressed hope that his little joke on Indian politics does not pass for advocacy or expertise after his cheeky social media post on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's love for the game went viral.
Glorious King primed to deliver in May Day Cup
Jordan Spieth explains how unusual iron change led to a hole in one
Jordan Spieth has revealed that the Titleist T100 7-iron he used to hit a hole-in-one at the Texas Open was the only new club in his bag. The post Jordan Spieth explains how unusual iron change led to a hole in one appeared first on Golf365 .
Three-time US Olympian Emma Coburn says Paris dream 'is over' after ankle fracture & surgery
BOULDER: Three-time U.S. Olympian Emma Coburn says her dream of Paris is over after breaking her ankle at the Diamond League meet in Shanghai and undergoing surgery. Coburn, who won a bronze medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, will now miss the U.S. track trials for the Paris Olympics. The dream of Paris is over, the 33-year-old Coburn wrote on her Instagram account on Thursday. Coburn had thought she only sprained her right ankle on a water jump during the 3,000-meter steeplechase last Saturday, but scans later revealed significant damage. When I got home, images showed torn ligaments, damaged cartilage, and a fracture in my medial malleolus, she wrote. During surgery, a screw was implanted for the fracture. If all goes well, I can start jogging again in 6 weeks. That means I'm out for the Olympic Trials, wrote Coburn, who also competed at the 2012 London Games and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Coburn was also the 2017 world champion in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Her post included video snippets of her exercising post-surgery with her ankle in a cast. See ya out there later this year, she wrote.
FIDE Candidates winner D Gukesh meets Sports Minister Anurag Thakur
NEW DELHI: Indian chess star D Gukesh, who won the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Candidates title in April, met Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur at his residence on Thursday. The 17-year-old Indian in April created history as he won the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2024, becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the world title held by Ding Liren after an exciting final round in Toronto. Gukesh was felicitated with a traditional Himachali cap, shawl and a memento by the minister. Both Gukesh and the minister talked about the game, and the experience during the tournament. The Union Minister wished him luck in future competitions. In Round 14 of the FIDE Candidates, Gukesh used black pieces to hold rival championship contender Hikaru Nakamura to a draw and secure his victory. Earlier, speaking to ANI, Gukesh said he is now aiming to shine at the World Championships. My next goal is to make it big at the World Championship. I am just planning to do my absolute best and try to do the right things. And be in the ideal shape required to play good chess. And I hope things will go my way, Gukesh said. Gukesh expressed that he wanted to challenge the current champion Ding Liren, saying it has always been his aim to win the crown. I haven't thought about the preparations yet; I did not get much time to. I will soon start thinking about the match. I try to do as well as I can and give my absolute best everywhere possible. I am eager to start preparing for the final. Going there and giving my best, he added. Gukesh became only the second Indian player to win the Candidates Tournament, after Viswanathan Anand. Five-time world champion Anand's victory came in 2014.
PIX: Leverkusen win at Roma; Marseille held at home
IMAGES from the Europa League semifinal matches played on Thursday.
PIX: Chelsea dent Tottenham's Champions League hopes
Pinpoint headed goals from Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson earned Chelsea a 2-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Thursday, dealing a blow to Spurs' hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.
WATCH: Golf coach posts video of incredible skip shot across water to hole
Jon Rahm's incredible practice ace at Augusta back in 2020 continues to inspire golfers in a variety of positions to take on the water. The post WATCH: Golf coach posts video of incredible skip shot across water to hole appeared first on Golf365 .
Why Wesley Bryan is using two 4-irons in his bag at The CJ CUP Byron Nelson
PGA Tour pro Wesley Bryan will line up at the CJ CUP Byron Nelson with two 4-irons in his bag. The post Why Wesley Bryan is using two 4-irons in his bag at The CJ CUP Byron Nelson appeared first on Golf365 .
Sakshi slams BJP: 'Daughters lost, Brij Bhushan wins'
Sakshi Malik expresses anguish at Brij Bhushan's son getting BJP ticket for Lok Sabha polls
Moving up a division is worth the weight for Borgohain
Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain will step onto the scales a bit heavier at the Paris Olympics but feeling like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders.
Remembering Ayrton Senna 30 Years On
F1 fans remember Formula One legend Ayrton Senna da Silva on his 30th death anniversary, May 1 2024.
Change of guard in women's hockey team: Salima to lead
Mid-fielder Salima Tete on Thursday replaced veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia as captain of the 24-strong Indian women's hockey squad for the Belgium and England legs of the FIH Pro League starting later this month.
Wrestlers attack coach, Chhatrasal stadium vacated
CHENNAI: Hours after a coach was allegedly hit with a heavy piece of wood (a kitchen utensil used to prepare badam ragda, a protein shake) while he was asleep in his room along with his son at the iconic Chhatrasal Stadium, the Delhi government has asked the trainee wrestlers to vacate the hostel on Wednesday. Wrestlers use the said piece of wood or pestle to crush and grind almonds to prepare the energy drink for them. Sources told this daily that a disgruntled trainee wrestler against whom the coach had lodged a protest attacked the latter on Tuesday night. All the trainee wrestlers have been asked to leave the hostel with immediate effect, a source in the know of the development told this daily. However, three wrestlers, who are scheduled to compete in the World Olympic Games Qualifier later this month, have been allowed to stay at their respective rooms and continue their preparations for the last qualifying event. The three wrestlers are Aman Sehrawat (57kg), Deepak Punia (86kg) and Sumit Malik (125kg). The coach received 40 stitches as he sustained severe injuries in his head. He also sustained facial injuries, added the source. But it could not be ascertained whether an FIR was registered against the accused. Notably, in 2021, the two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar was arrested for allegedly being involved in the death of a wrestler at the stadium. He is currently lodged in the jail.
Uber Cup: Indian women's team go down in quarters
Ashmita Chaliha produced a gallant fight before the young and inexperienced Indian women's team suffered a 0-3 loss to formidable Japan in the quarterfinals of the Uber Cup badminton tournament in Chengdu on Thursday.
WATCH: This golfers slow-motion action shot will make your day
Dramatically set to Paloma Faith's Only love can hurt like this, a golfer's slo-mo video of a shot will entertain and no doubt move you. The post WATCH: This golfers slow-motion action shot will make your day appeared first on Golf365 .
Thomas Cup: India enter quarters in 2nd position
Defending champions India's hopes of entering the Thomas Cup knockout stage as group topper were dashed by a clinical Indonesia who emerged 4-1 winners in their final pool match in Chengdu on Wednesday.
New Level offer something special with scope-broadening 480-DB irons
Consistency is king for New Level's new offering. The post New Level offer something special with scope-broadening 480-DB irons appeared first on Golf365 .
Red Bull Racing Confirm Legendary Designer Adrian Newey Will Team in 2025
In a statement on Wednesday, Red Bull Racing have confirmed that Adrian Newey will leave the outfit in the first quarter of 2025.
Top-seeded Bopanna-Ebden stunned at Madrid Masters
The duo made the men's doubles semi-finals at Wimbledon and the final of the US Open in the same season.
Indian GP: Shaili clears 6.52m for gold
CHENNAI: The first Indian athletics had a sedate start to the season. Most of the top athletes were either missing or training abroad. Understandably, the first Indian Grand Prix did not create as much buzz except for in the horizontal jumps -- both men and women. The focus was on young Shaili Singh, the former Under-20 World silver medallist from Uttar Pradesh who would begin her season with an eye on qualifying for the Olympics. Though her coach Robert Bobby George was expecting her jump around 6.72m Shaili had a promising start. Her first jump was 6.52m and there was some excitement in her camp. However, she could not capitalise on the starts. Her next best jump was 6.50 and the last was 6.40m. The rhythm, however, is back. Shaili, who trains at the Anju Bobby Georges jump academy in Bengaluru under Robert, is also gearing up for a training and exposure trip to Europe next month. According to her coach, they would be hoping to compete at a few Continental Tour events in Athens, Chorzow in Poland, Marseille and Leverkusen. Right now she is at 42 on the Road to Paris ranking and she needs to climb at least 10 places to make it through ranking. The entry standard in the Paris Olympics is 6.86m. Anjus national record stands at 8.63m. Three good 6.72m and above jumps would help her climb those ranks. Her personal best is 6.76m last year. National record holder in triple jump Praveen Chithravel too had a mediocre start to the season when he cleared 17.12m in his fourth attempt. Focus was on Hima Das as well, who made a comeback after more than a year. Though she competed in the 200m, she failed to finish the race after withdrawing more than halfway into the race.
Alia, Ranbir Cheer Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC triumphed over FC Goa with a decisive 2-0 win, securing their spot in the finals.
