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  • Duffy receives first T20 WC call-up as New Zealand announces Santner-led team

    Duffy receives first T20 WC call-up as New Zealand announces Santner-led team

    Pace-bowling spearhead Jacob Duffy is set for his first senior World Cup after being included in New Zealand’s 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, starting February 7.

    Duffy, 31, is the only first-timer in a well-established squad boasting 1064 T20I caps. He has been in red-hot form for New Zealand across formats, finishing 2025 with a total of 81 international wickets at an average of 17 from 36 matches, breaking Sir Richard Hadlee’s 40-year record of 79.

    Captain and Squad Composition

    The squad will be captained by Mitch Santner, who is set to attend his ninth senior ICC global event. The remainder of the squad has a familiar feel, with Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Adam Milne as the pace bowlers, and Jimmy Neesham as the pace-bowling all-rounder.

    In addition to the captain, there are four other spin options, with New Zealand’s second-highest T20I wicket-taker Ish Sodhi being the sole specialist, alongside all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

    Full Circle Moment for Santner and Sodhi

    For Santner and Sodhi, a T20 World Cup in India will be somewhat of a full circle moment, as both players made names for themselves in the 2016 edition of the tournament, also in India.

    Specialist Batters and Wicket-Keeper

    Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Tim Seifert are the specialist batters. Tim Seifert will keep wicket and will join the squad following a stint in Australia’s Big Bash League. Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson will travel with the squad as the pace-bowling reserve.

    New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stated that “with Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry’s partners due to give birth during the tournament period, it is likely they will be granted short-term paternity leave.”

    Coach’s Thoughts on Squad Balance

    Head coach Rob Walter expressed satisfaction with the squad’s coverage. “As always, the balance of the squad is critical. We’ve got plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five all-rounders who all bring something slightly different. This is an experienced group, and the players are no strangers to playing in the subcontinent, which will be valuable,” he said.

    New Zealand ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Squad

    • Mitchell Santner (c)
    • Finn Allen
    • Michael Bracewell
    • Mark Chapman
    • Devon Conway
    • Jacob Duffy
    • Lockie Ferguson
    • Matt Henry
    • Daryl Mitchell
    • Adam Milne
    • James Neesham
    • Glenn Phillips
    • Rachin Ravindra
    • Tim Seifert
    • Ish Sodhi
      Travelling Reserve: Kyle Jamieson

    New Zealand is in Group D at the tournament, which also contains Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the UAE. Their opening match will take place on February 8 in Chennai against Afghanistan.

  • UPKL Season 2: Purvanchal Panthers shock Kanpur Warriors to keep playoff hopes alive

    UPKL Season 2: Purvanchal Panthers shock Kanpur Warriors to keep playoff hopes alive

    Purvanchal Panthers delivered a crucial and confidence-boosting performance on Day 13 of the do-or-die week of Season 2 of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), defeating Kanpur Warriors 45-30 to keep their campaign firmly alive in the competition being conducted in Noida.

    Match Overview

    The contest began with both sides testing each other cautiously, as Kanpur Warriors attempted to apply early pressure. Purvanchal Panthers stayed composed despite facing challenging situations, ensuring the first half remained closely fought, with neither team able to establish a decisive advantage before the break.

    Second Half Momentum Shift

    The momentum shifted decisively in the second half. Purvanchal Panthers showed resilience under pressure, producing a series of timely super tackles to halt Kanpur’s charge. Building on that defensive stand, Purvanchal turned the tables by inflicting two all-outs on Kanpur Warriors, swinging the match firmly in their favour. As the defence tightened, the raiding unit became more aggressive, allowing Purvanchal to steadily extend their lead.

    Key Performers

    Raid leader Hritik Rathi played a pivotal role in the victory, finishing with 14 raid points and breaching the Kanpur defence at key moments. On the defensive side, Shivam Teotia anchored the unit superbly, collecting nine tackle points and ensuring Kanpur were denied any chance of a comeback.

    Purvanchal Panthers eventually closed out with a comprehensive 45-30 victory, a result that surprised many and proved vital in keeping their playoff hopes alive as UPKL Season 2 moves deeper into its decisive phase.

    Day 12 Highlights

    Earlier, Day 12 of UPKL Season 2 unfolded during a decisive phase of the league at the Noida Indoor Stadium, attended by television actors Anup Upadhyay and Vishwajeet Soni. On the mat, Yamuna Yoddhas edged Ganga Kings of Mirzapur 49-44 in a thrilling contest, sealing the win with a late all-out.

    Lucknow Lions dominated Aligarh Tigers 52-35, forcing early all-outs and controlling the match throughout. Kashi Kings returned to form with a commanding 52-32 victory over Purvanchal Panthers after a strong second half. With only a few matches remaining, the race for the top positions has tightened significantly.

  • Premier League’s busy festive marathon wraps up with four matches in just 12 days

    Premier League’s busy festive marathon wraps up with four matches in just 12 days

    The Premier League’s festive fixture crunch reaches its final stretch this week, with eight matches on Wednesday before leaders Arsenal host Liverpool on Thursday in the fourth round of games in a hectic holiday schedule.

    Arsenal vs. Liverpool

    Arsenal welcome Liverpool after an impressive run through Christmas and New Year, which has opened a six-point lead at the top. Mikel Arteta has also been boosted by the returns of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Magalhaes, providing him with more scope to rotate his squad.

    Liverpool have received encouragement from Florian Wirtz, who is beginning to settle in the Premier League, though defensive frailties remain a concern against an Arsenal side likely to test them.

    Other Key Matches

    Manchester City are set to host Brighton after a costly draw against Sunderland and Chelsea. Aston Villa, who responded to their defeat by Arsenal with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, will host Crystal Palace, a team struggling with a thin squad.

    Uncertainty surrounding Oliver Glasner’s future has exacerbated Palace’s issues, with the coach yet to agree to a new contract and linked to other clubs, including Manchester United.

    Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge of Manchester United following the sacking of Ruben Amorim on Monday, starting with a short trip to struggling Burnley. Burnley have not won since the end of October, managing nine defeats and two draws in their last 11 games, presenting Fletcher with the opportunity to begin with a victory.

    Chelsea have appointed Liam Rosenior as their new first-team coach, although he may not be in the dugout for the west London derby away to Fulham. Fulham has moved away from the relegation zone with three wins and two draws from their last five matches.

    Seventh-placed Brentford will play eighth-placed Sunderland in a meeting of two surprise packages who have started the year in contention for European qualification. Meanwhile, Newcastle United can also join that race if Eddie Howe’s side manages to beat Leeds United. Leeds demonstrated their fighting spirit over the weekend with a 1-1 draw against Manchester United and travel to St James’ Park on an unbeaten run.

    Everton will host Wolverhampton Wanderers after the visitors secured their first win of the season with a 3-0 victory over West Ham. This defeat has deepened West Ham’s crisis, and they face a must-win game at home against Nottingham Forest to kick off another round in a hectic 12-day spell.

  • Gujarat Giants Aim for Strong Finish in WPL 2026

    Gujarat Giants Aim for Strong Finish in WPL 2026

    With the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) starting on January 9, the Gujarat Giants are heading into the new season with renewed confidence and clear intent. After a breakthrough playoff run last year, the Adani Sportsline-owned franchise is now focused on consistency and taking the next competitive leap.

    Team Preparations and Outlook

    At a pre-season media interaction, players, coaching staff, and team leadership outlined their approach for the season ahead. Present at the event were captain Ashleigh Gardner, Kashvee Gautam, Women’s World Cup winner Renuka Singh, head coach Michael Klinger, fielding coach Sarah Taylor, and Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline.

    The Giants will open their WPL 2026 campaign on January 10 against UP Warriorz. They will play their first four matches in Navi Mumbai before moving to Vadodara from January 19 for the final leg of the league stage. After making their home debut in Vadodara last season, the team will return to the venue, eager to play in front of their growing Giants Army. With a squad that blends proven international performers and exciting Indian talent, the franchise is targeting another playoff qualification and a deeper run in the tournament.

    Captain’s Perspective

    Speaking on the occasion, captain Ashleigh Gardner said, “As a captain, balance is the key, not just in terms of skills, but in bringing together international players and Indian players. It can be a challenge at times, but having good people around you makes a big difference. A lot of the work is done before game one, building trust, understanding each other, and making sure everyone feels confident when we step onto the field. I try to embrace the culture because it makes the experience more enjoyable and easier.”

    Coach Insights

    Head coach Michael Klinger added, “The biggest takeaway from last year was that the games we played really well in were the ones where we did the little things right, whether that was in the field, with the bat, or with the ball. We have match-winners throughout the squad, and when we consistently outdid the opposition in those small but important moments, we won games.”

    Players’ Goals

    Women’s World Cup-winner Renuka Singh stated, “The focus is clear, we want to win the trophy. We have a great team, and personally, my aim is to excel in my responsibilities and continue playing with a strong mentality. WPL has evolved over the years, we are getting a lot of recognition, and we just want to continue giving our best.”

    Fielding Coach Sarah Taylor emphasized, “Fielding has become a crucial part of the modern game, and my approach is to bring an aggressive mindset to it. We push standards through challenging drills and make sure everyone buys into the intensity required at the international level. The more players are exposed to those standards, the better it is not just for the team, but for the game as a whole.”

    Kashvee Gautam added, “My mindset is to go out there and perform for the team. Whether it’s bowling, batting, or fielding, the focus is always on making an impact and providing breakthroughs when the team needs it. A lot changed for me after the WPL, including earning my India call-up, and bowling to international players in training and matches has helped make things easier. I just want to contribute in every way possible and make an impact for the team.”

    Franchise Vision

    Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline, stated, “The progress we made in 2025 gives us confidence that we are moving in the right direction as a franchise. Our focus remains on staying humble off the field while being aggressive and competitive on it. This squad reflects our belief in combining world-class experience with Indian talent and creating an environment where players can grow and express themselves. We’re excited about what this group can achieve together in WPL 2026.”

    Gujarat Giants Squad for WPL 2026:
    Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Sophie Molineux, Renuka Singh Thakur, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwar, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Shivani Singh, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Ayushi Soni.

  • Pant to Join National Team Late After Playing VHT Match for Delhi, Says Report

    Pant to Join National Team Late After Playing VHT Match for Delhi, Says Report

    Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is likely to join the Indian team for the ODI series against New Zealand a bit late, as he has decided to continue representing Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26, according to a report.

    Pant has reportedly received permission to play the last league match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru on January 8 and will join the national team only after that. India will be playing the first ODI match against New Zealand at Vadodara on January 11.

    Currently, Pant is leading Delhi in the domestic 50-over competition, where his team is placed at the top of Group D with 20 points from six games. They will face Haryana in their final league fixture, and Pant can join the national team by January 9, just two days before the first ODI.

    “He (Pant) is very much here, and he will play the last game,” Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh told Cricbuzz on Tuesday night.

    Pant has been included in the ODI squad as the second wicketkeeper, with K.L. Rahul serving as the first-choice keeper since the domestic ODI series against England in February 2025. Despite recent speculation that Ishan Kishan might be selected as the second-choice wicketkeeper due to form, the selectors opted for Pant, believing he had not received many chances of late.

    Additionally, Shreyas Iyer, the vice-captain of the team, is also expected to join the squad a bit late. Iyer made his return to action in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai on Tuesday after recovering from an injury sustained during the Australia tour in October last year.

    Middle-order batter Iyer marked a strong comeback from injury with a fluent 82 runs off 53 balls for Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh. He has been named vice-captain of the India squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting in Vadodara on January 11. His participation in the series, however, is subject to a fitness clearance following his appearances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai.

  • Senior National Boxing: Pooja Rani, Jadumani Singh win comfortably; Lovlina, Amit Panghal face tough matches

    Senior National Boxing: Pooja Rani, Jadumani Singh win comfortably; Lovlina, Amit Panghal face tough matches

    World Championship bronze medallist Pooja Rani and India international Jadumani Singh secured easy victories, while Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain and seasoned campaigner Amit Panghal faced tougher challenges to progress at the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships held at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, on Tuesday.

    Championship Overview

    This is the first time the men’s and women’s National Championships are being held simultaneously at the same venue, featuring over 600 boxers from across the country competing in 10 weight categories each for both men and women.

    Impressive Wins

    Pooja (75–80kg) from Haryana showcased her talent by blanking Anju from Chandigarh 5–0, demonstrating her dominance in the ring. Jadumani (50–55kg) was equally impressive against R Parthiban of Tamil Nadu, with the referee stopping the bout in the second round due to Jadumani’s overwhelming control.

    Tough Battles Ahead

    It wasn’t an easy outing for some established stars. Saweety challenged Assam’s Lovlina fiercely, but Lovlina managed to secure a narrow win with a 3–2 split decision. In the men’s category, former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Amit Panghal (50–55kg), representing SSCB, edged past Priyanshu of Haryana with a close 3–2 split decision.

    Notable Participants

    Other prominent boxers competing in the Nationals include reigning World Champion Jaismine, World Championships bronze medallists Pooja Rani and Parveen, former World Champion Nitu Ghanghas, and Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar among women. In the men’s section, key names include World Boxing Cup Finals gold medallist Hitesh, Sachin, World Boxing Cup Finals silver medallist Abhinash Jamwal, and Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal.

    Eligibility and National Camp

    Each member association has sent a maximum of 10 men and 10 women boxers. Athletes who participated in the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida in November 2025 have received direct entry into the nationals. Only boxers born between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2006, are eligible to compete.

    All medallists in Olympic weight categories will be invited for the national camp, while only the gold and silver medallists from non-Olympic weight categories will join the camp after the Nationals.

  • Tamil Nadu Dragons climb to the top after tight 3-2 victory against Soorma Hockey Club

    Tamil Nadu Dragons climb to the top after tight 3-2 victory against Soorma Hockey Club

    The Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons moved to the top of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) table with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Soorma Hockey Club at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium. Dominant for much of the match, the Dragons were pushed to the limit in the closing stages as Soorma mounted a late fightback, but the hosts held firm to claim an important win.

    Scorers and Key Moments

    Selvaraj Kanagaraj (28’), Uttam Singh (30’), and Blake Govers (47’) scored for the Dragons, while Maninder Singh (45’) and captain Harmanpreet Singh (58’) kept Soorma in contention until the final moments.

    Soorma began the match with patient possession in their own half, but the Dragons pressed high and forced an early save from goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch inside the first minute. Both teams entered the circle regularly but struggled to create clear chances. Dragons captain Amit Rohidas carried the ball forward in the 10th minute but found no support.

    The Dragons earned their first penalty corner in the 12th minute, which Soorma defended well through Victor Wegnez. Harjeet was later shown a green card as the opening phase ended scoreless, with both sides cancelling each other out.

    Second Quarter Action

    The intensity rose in the second quarter. The Dragons won another penalty corner through good work by Sander Kauffman, but Blake Govers’ flick was saved, and his rebound attempt failed to trouble Vincent. Karthik then made a strong run down the flank and found Nathan inside the circle, but the shot went wide.

    The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Selvaraj Kanagaraj finished cleanly after a well-timed pass from Chandan Yadav on the right. The goal gave the Dragons momentum, and they struck again just before halftime. Uttam Singh doubled the lead in the 30th minute with a fine reverse hit to make it 2–0, moments after Soorma’s Gurjant Singh was shown a green card.

    Third Quarter Response

    In the third quarter, Soorma responded with greater urgency. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, playing on his birthday, won their first penalty corner in the 36th minute but failed to convert. Akashdeep Singh later went close from a tight angle, while the Dragons remained disciplined in defence.

    Soorma’s best chance came in the 42nd minute when Vivek Prasad found space in the circle, but Dragons goalkeeper David Harte produced a sharp save. The closing seconds of the period brought drama as Nathan Ephramus’ goal for the Dragons was disallowed for a backstick. From the resulting free hit, Harmanpreet sent a lofted ball into the circle, and a deflection fell to Maninder Singh, who fired home with just one second left. After a referral, the goal stood, reducing the deficit to 2–1.

    Final Quarter Tension

    Soorma carried that momentum into the final quarter and continued to attack. Harte was tested again and stood firm. Against the run of play, the Dragons struck decisively when Tom Craig made a superb run from deep and slipped a precise pass to Blake Govers, who calmly finished in the 47th minute to make it 3–1.

    Soorma refused to give up and earned a series of late penalty corners. Rohidas blocked Harmanpreet’s effort in the 56th minute, and Harte saved another attempt soon after. Harmanpreet finally converted in the 58th minute with a powerful drag-flick to make it 3–2.

    The final minutes were tense as Soorma won two more penalty corners, but the Dragons’ defence held strong. Under heavy pressure, the hosts showed composure to close out the match and move to the top of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League table with five points.

  • T20 World Cup teams with Pakistani players reach out to ICC over visa delays

    T20 World Cup teams with Pakistani players reach out to ICC over visa delays

    Six teams that have qualified for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) for assistance in securing visas for players holding Pakistani passports. This request comes as the teams aim to ensure their squad members can participate in matches in India, according to reports.

    The teams involved are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Canada, Italy, the USA, and the Netherlands. They have included players with Pakistani passports and are concerned about potential delays in visa issuance. The UAE, which has several players of Pakistani origin, has taken the initiative by reaching out to the ICC for help, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport.

    Sources indicate that players from these nations were born in Pakistan but currently hold the nationality of their respective countries. Despite this, they face challenges in obtaining an Indian visa. According to rules set by the Indian External Ministry, anyone born in Pakistan, or with parents or grandparents from Pakistan, must apply for a visa on a Pakistani passport, even if they hold citizenship of another country.

    While players from the UAE and Oman have already submitted their visa applications, there are concerns that they may not receive permission to travel to India unless the ICC intervenes. The UAE squad includes Mohammad Waseem, Jawad Ullah, Mohammad Rohid, Khuzaima Tanveer, Haider Ali, Asif Khan, and Junaid Siddiqui, all of whom are facing visa issues due to their Pakistani origin.

    Oman’s squad also features multiple players of Pakistan origin, including Fayyaz Butt, Hammad Mirza, Shah Faisal, Mohammad Nadeem, and Sufyan Mahmood.

    Historically, players of Pakistani origin have faced difficulties in obtaining Indian visas. For instance, in 2024, England off-spinner Shoaib Basheer encountered visa delays due to his father’s roots in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). Similarly, spinner Rehan Ahmed experienced similar challenges last year. The report also highlights that Australia’s Pakistan-born cricketer Usman Khawaja experienced visa delays during the Test tour to India in 2023.

    The Netherlands’ brothers, Sikander and Saqib Zulfiqar, faced delays in obtaining their visas when touring India with the Dutch team in 2019. Although they were born in the Netherlands and do not hold dual nationality, their Pakistani heritage complicated the visa process, preventing them from traveling to India.

    Notably, only a dozen Pakistani fans were granted Indian visas for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

    The already tense relations between Pakistan and India intensified in May last year following a military conflict sparked by a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. This led to India conducting airstrikes to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border.

    India declined to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, opting instead to play all its matches in the UAE as a neutral venue. Consequently, Pakistan has not sent its women’s team to India for the 50-over World Cup matches, and the Asia Cup was relocated from India to the UAE due to Pakistan’s refusal to tour India.

    In the upcoming T20 World Cup, Pakistan will play its matches in Colombo, which has also been designated as a standby venue for a semifinal and final should the Pakistan team advance to that stage.

  • T20 World Cup 2026: Nepal names Rohit Paudel as captain of the 15-member squad

    T20 World Cup 2026: Nepal names Rohit Paudel as captain of the 15-member squad

    Cricket Nepal has announced a well-rounded 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, looking to make a strong impression on the global stage. Rohit Paudel will continue to lead the side in this edition.

    The 23-year-old all-rounder Paudel has been central to Nepal’s growth in cricket, providing consistent support with the bat and displaying calm leadership during tense situations. He will be well-supported by Dipendra Singh Airee, appointed as vice-captain. Dipendra’s all-round abilities will be instrumental in maintaining balance for Nepal in the shortest format.

    Nepal’s squad is strategically built around spin and depth in all-rounders, aimed at withstanding pressure in batting to improve upon their performance from the disappointing showing at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

    The spin attack will be led by Sandeep Lamichhane, who boasts extensive international experience and has proven to be an excellent wicket-taker during the middle overs. He will be joined by left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi, along with support from other spinners like Dipendra Singh Airee and Basir Ahamad.

    All-rounders are vital to Nepal’s line-up, with Dipendra, Gulshan Jha, Aarif Sheikh, and Sompal Kami offering valuable balance. Kushal Bhurtel will be relied upon to provide an aggressive start to innings, while Aasif Sheikh will ensure strength and stability behind the stumps. Lokesh Bam plays a crucial role in stabilizing the middle order, supported by Sundeep Jora and Nandan Yadav, adding depth to the batting line-up beyond the first six batters.

    The pace unit remains led by Sompal Kami and Karan KC, both experienced with the new ball and adept in the death overs.

    Nepal squad for T20 World Cup:

    • Rohit Paudel (c)
    • Dipendra Singh Airee
    • Sandeep Lamichhane
    • Kushal Bhurtel
    • Aasif Sheikh
    • Sundeep Jora
    • Aarif Sheikh
    • Basir Ahamad
    • Sompal Kami
    • Karan KC
    • Nandan Yadav
    • Gulshan Jha
    • Lalit Rajbanshi
    • Sher Malla
    • Lokesh Bam
  • KIBG 2026: Local hero Princess Alexander Thomas and Raja Das win gold in Pencak Silat

    KIBG 2026: Local hero Princess Alexander Thomas and Raja Das win gold in Pencak Silat

    Home favourite Princess Alexander Thomas of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu clinched the first gold medal of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026 with a confident performance in the women’s Tunngal category in Pencak Silat. Raja Das of West Bengal emerged victorious in the men’s Tunngal at Ghoghla Beach on Tuesday.

    With two medals up for grabs on the second day of competition, the hosts were in contention to win both gold medals, just like last year. Princess Alexander Thomas gave them a perfect start, defeating Bhoomika Jitendra Jain of Madhya Pradesh in the women’s final.

    Last edition’s gold medallist Prasanna Bendre was the favourite in the men’s final against Raja Das, but the West Bengal athlete showcased better technical ability to prevail over the home favourite.

    The KIBG 2026, organised by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, is held under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India and national sports federations. This second edition will see over 1100 participants compete in eight different sports—volleyball, soccer, sepak takraw, kabaddi, pencak silat, open water swimming, mallakhamb, and tug-of-war. The first six will be medal sports, with 32 gold medals up for grabs.

    In Beach Kabaddi, competition for the semifinal spots heated up as Haryana registered their second straight win in Pool A, beating Maharashtra 47-26. Both teams were neck and neck in the first 10 minutes, but once the Maharashtra players started to slow down in the sand, the Haryana women took control of the game.

    In the men’s section, Uttar Pradesh dominated Andhra Pradesh in Pool A, winning as many as three touch points in one raid at times. The Andhra team fought hard and attempted quality raids, but ultimately lost 43-34.

    In Beach Soccer, favourites Kerala kicked off their campaign with a dominating 15-2 win over Karnataka, where all four of their first team outfield players scored three goals each. Hosts Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu also displayed their prowess, defeating Himachal Pradesh 15-1.

    In the evening session, Gujarat women spoiled Himachal Pradesh’s hopes for an upset win, dominating the Group B encounter to secure a 9-0 victory. Himachal Pradesh women, in their Beach Soccer debut, had defeated the hosts 7-5 on Monday in their group opener.

    Group matches also began in Beach Volleyball, with teams from Goa, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh making a winning start to their campaigns.

    TODAY’S RESULTS

    Pencak Silat:
    (Women) Tunggal: Gold – Princess Alexander Thomas (DNH&DD); Silver – Bhoomika Jitendra Jain (MP); Bronze – Simran (CHD), Kirnakshi Yewale (Mah)

    (Men) Tunggal: Gold – Raja Das (WB); Silver – Prasanna Bendre (DNH&DD); Bronze – Abhishek Gautam (Del), Srikant V (TN)

    Beach Kabaddi
    (Women): Pool A – Haryana bt Maharashtra 47-26, Punjab bt Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 63-11; Pool B – Rajasthan bt Himachal Pradesh 59-24

    (Men): Pool A – Uttar Pradesh bt Andhra Pradesh 43-34, Haryana bt Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 55-19; Pool B – Rajasthan bt Delhi 57-32

    Beach Soccer
    (Women) Group A: Arunachal Pradesh bt Maharashtra 9-1; Group B: Gujarat bt Himachal Pradesh 9-0

    (Men) Group B: Kerala bt Karnataka 15-2; Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu bt Himachal Pradesh 15-1.