Friday, June 19
German biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier tragically died in a climbing accident on Pakistan's Laila Peak after being struck by falling rocks. Rescue efforts were hampered by weather, and her partner, Marina Eva, reached safety. Dahlmeier's family expressed gratitude for the rescue attempts, honoring her wish that no one risk their life for her recovery.
Divya Deshmukh, the youngest Indian woman to win the chess World Cup, has a family history with the game. Her great-grandfather, Dr. Durgaprasad Sharma, played chess with Vinoba Bhave. Divya's mother, Dr. Namrata Deshmukh, enrolled her in a chess academy at age five. Divya won her first national gold medal in 2012. Her parents supported her chess career, with Dr.
Divya Deshmukh made history by winning the FIDE Women's World Cup in Batumi. The 19-year-old defeated Grandmaster (GM) Koneru Humpy in a tense tie-break. Spectators were absent during the final moments due to FIDE regulations. Divya's victory marks a significant moment for Indian women's chess. She also became India’s 88th Grandmaster.
KL Rahul is close to breaking Sunil Gavaskar's record. This is for the most runs by an Indian opener in England. Rahul has 1108 runs, needing 45 more. In the fourth Test, India struggled early. Rahul and Shubman Gill formed a crucial partnership. Rahul scored 90, while Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar hit centuries.
India Champions secured a semi-final berth in the World Championship of Legends, triumphing over West Indies Champions at Grace Road. They chased down 145 runs in 14.1 overs, fuelled by Stuart Binny's unbeaten 50 and Yusuf Pathan's explosive finish. India's bowlers, led by Piyush Chawla, restricted West Indies, despite Kieron Pollard's powerful 74 not out.
The highly anticipated semi-final clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends has been cancelled. India Champions withdrew from the match, leading to Pakistan Champions advancing directly to the final. Pakistan will now await the winner of the South Africa Champions versus Australia Champions semi-final.
EaseMyTrip has withdrawn its sponsorship from the World Championship of Legends semi-final match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions, citing its policy against supporting events involving Pakistan due to concerns over terrorism. The decision follows a previous cancellation of a league stage match between the two teams.
Manoj Tiwary, former Indian cricketer, strongly opposes the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match, citing recent terror attacks and military operations. He believes playing Pakistan sends the wrong message amidst heightened tensions, referencing the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. While condemning terrorism, Sourav Ganguly offered a contrasting view, emphasizing that sport should continue.
