Thursday, June 25
R Praggnanandhaa achieved a remarkable victory against world champion Magnus Carlsen at the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Las Vegas, securing a clean sweep across all formats. Carlsen's subsequent losses and playoff defeat eliminated him from title contention. Praggnanandhaa now shares the lead in Group White, advancing to the quarterfinals along with other top players from both groups.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged national sports federations to prioritize national interest over personal egos to elevate India as a global sporting powerhouse by 2047. Addressing the 'Khelo Bharat Conclave,' he emphasized good governance and collaborative planning, highlighting the upcoming National Sports Governance Bill.
Ranchi commemorated Santosh Lal, known as Bunty, on his 12th death anniversary, the man who taught MS Dhoni the iconic helicopter shot. Bunty's innovative wrist technique, learned on local grounds, became Dhoni's signature move, despite Santosh's own notable domestic career. Fans remember Bunty's contribution, acknowledging that the shot might not have existed without him.
The ongoing India-England Test series has sparked debate over the Dukes ball's condition, with India expressing frustration during the third Test. Alastair Cook humorously noted bowlers' tendency to blame the ball for poor performance, with Nasser Hussain also questioning India's ball change requests in the past. As England leads 2-1, the focus shifts to the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford.
Jasprit Bumrah's prowess has been a major talking point ahead of the India-England series, but assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has highlighted Mohammed Siraj's significant contributions. Despite not always having the expected returns, Siraj's lion-hearted approach and ability to create opportunities make him a vital asset to the Indian bowling attack.
Andre Russell, the 37-year-old West Indies all-rounder, will retire from international cricket following the first two T20I matches against Australia at Sabina Park in Jamaica. The 37-year-old, a T20 specialist since 2019, has played 84 T20Is, amassing 1,078 runs and taking 61 wickets. The Windies Cricket account posted an emotional message for the star ahead of his retirement.
Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger, has inherited the iconic number 10 shirt, previously worn by the likes of Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho. Yamal, a La Masia product, plans to forge his own path while honoring the club's legacy. He expressed his dreams of winning the Champions League and the World Cup.
During India's successful run chase against England, Harleen Deol was involved in a bizarre run out. Despite her bat crossing the crease, it was airborne when the ball hit the stumps, leading to her dismissal. However, India remained composed, securing a victory with Deepti Sharma's unbeaten 62 and strong bowling performances, taking a 1-0 lead in the ODI series.
During a net session in Manchester, Arshdeep Singh suffered a cut on his bowling hand while attempting to stop a shot, raising concerns about his availability for the fourth Test. The medical team is evaluating the injury to determine if stitches are needed, which will significantly impact India's team composition and planning for the upcoming match at Old Trafford.
Garhwal FC, a Delhi-based women's football team, has defied expectations by qualifying for the Indian Women’s League (IWL) a year ahead of schedule. Overcoming limited resources and humble living conditions, the team achieved an undefeated season, winning all 24 matches. Coach Akshay Unni's focus extends beyond football, prioritizing the development of his players as individuals.
