Category: Sports

Shrachi Bengal Tigers held their nerve in a dramatic Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26 encounter, edging past SG Pipers 4-3 in a shootout after the two sides were locked at 3-3 at the end of regulation time. Lalremsiami’s sudden-death conversion sealed the bonus point after a pulsating contest.

Key Moments of the Match

Agustina Gorzelany (6’, 18’) and Lalremsiami (11’) netted goals for the Tigers in regular time, while Lola Riera (10’, 60’) and Sunelita Toppo (59’) scored for SG Pipers. The match took place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda International Hockey Stadium.

The Tigers started aggressively with an early circle entry, but SG Pipers absorbed the pressure and responded with swift passing to test the Tigers’ defence. Shrachi Bengal Tigers soon earned back-to-back penalty corners, converting the second through Agustina Gorzelany (6’) to take the lead. The response from the Pipers was immediate, as they won a penalty corner of their own, with Lola Riera (10’) slotting home a well-placed effort to level the scores.

The parity was short-lived, as Lalremsiami (11’) restored the Tigers’ advantage through a deft deflection, giving her side a 2-1 lead at the end of the opening quarter. The Tigers extended their lead in the second quarter with Gorzelany (18’) striking again from a penalty corner. Despite sustained attacks from SG Pipers, Tigers’ goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo produced a series of fine saves to keep her side ahead 3-1 at half-time.

Intense Second Half

SG Pipers began the second half on the front foot, launching immediate attacks and earning a penalty corner early on, but they were unable to capitalize. Undeterred, the Pipers kept applying pressure, testing the Tigers’ defence throughout the third quarter. However, resolute defending and disciplined goalkeeping from Shrachi Bengal Tigers ensured the scoreline remained unchanged, as the third quarter ended goalless with the Tigers still leading 3-1.

The fourth quarter followed a similar pattern, with SG Pipers enjoying the bulk of possession and dictating the tempo. Their dominance finally paid off with just over two minutes remaining when they won a penalty corner. Captain Navneet Kaur unleashed a fierce shot that was deftly deflected by Sunelita Toppo (59’) to cut the deficit to a single goal.

The late surge continued as the Pipers earned a penalty stroke in the dying seconds of the match, which Lola Riera (60’) calmly converted to complete a remarkable comeback. With the scores locked at 3-3 at full time, the contest progressed into a shootout to determine the winner.

Nail-Biting Shootout

The thrilling shootout also concluded at 3-3, with both teams converting three attempts each, forcing the contest into sudden death. In the crucial moments, SG Pipers failed to score on two occasions, while Lalremsiami held her nerve to convert her chance and secure the bonus point for Shrachi Bengal Tigers.

Vimath Dinsara will captain Sri Lanka in the 2026 Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, as confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Kavija Gamage has been appointed as vice-captain for the tournament, which kicks off on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Squad Composition

The squad features a strong mix of promising batters including Dinsara, Gamage, and Mahavithana, alongside versatile all-rounders Viran Chamuditha and Chamika Heentigala. Sri Lanka is set to depart for Namibia on Thursday and reached the Super Six stage in the previous edition of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup held in South Africa in 2024.

Group Stage Fixtures

Sri Lanka has been placed in Group C, which includes defending champions Australia, Ireland, and Japan. The team’s campaign will open against Japan on January 17 at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek. They will also face Ireland and Australia at the same venue on January 19 and 23, respectively.

Tournament Format

The 16th edition of the Men’s Under-19 World Cup will feature 16 teams divided into four groups of four. Each team will play the other three teams in its group during the opening round, with the top three progressing to the Super Six stage. The leading four teams will qualify for the semifinals, which will take place on February 3 and 4 in Bulawayo and Harare. The final is scheduled for February 6 at the Harare Sports Club.

Other Teams Announced

Ireland, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Japan, Scotland, Australia, West Indies, Pakistan, New Zealand, England, and India have previously announced their squads for the U19 World Cup.

In total, 16 teams will participate in the 2026 ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will feature 41 matches. The teams are divided into four groups, with the top three from each group advancing to the Super Six stage. Fourth-placed teams in Groups A and D will face each other, while those in Groups B and C will play against each other in the placement stage.

Sri Lanka Squad

• Vimath Dinsara (c)
• Kavija Gamage
• Dimantha Mahavithana
• Viran Chamuditha
• Dulnith Sigera
• Chamika Heentigala
• Adam Hilmy
• Chamarindu Nethsara
• Sethmika Seneviratne
• Kugathas Mathulan
• Rasith Nimsara
• Vigneshwaran Akash
• Jeewantha Sriram
• Senuja Wekunagoda
• Malintha Silva

La Liga returns to action this weekend after a one-week Christmas break, featuring a full schedule of matches ahead of the Spanish Supercup between Athletic Club Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Real Madrid set to take place in Saudi Arabia the following week.

Match Previews

The action kicks off on Friday night with a Madrid derby as Rayo Vallecano host Getafe. Both teams are in search of a positive outcome, with Rayo’s last league victory dating back to the end of October. Getafe, missing their main striker Borja Mayoral, has slipped to 11th place after enduring three consecutive losses.

On Saturday, the highlight is the Barcelona derby, where Espanyol will face league leaders FC Barcelona. Espanyol currently sits fifth in the table after a strong run of five consecutive wins, culminating in a narrow 2-1 triumph in Bilbao at the end of 2025. Expectations are high for them to secure three points against their city rivals.

Barcelona, expected to receive a hostile welcome in Cornella, welcomes back Pedri, but key players Gavi, Andreas Christensen, and Dani Olmo remain sidelined.

Celta Vigo will take on Valencia in Saturday’s opening match, with Valencia aware that anything less than a win could drop them into the bottom three. Meanwhile, Celta has shown excellent form, rising to seventh in La Liga and looking to capitalize on the Christmas break.

Osasuna aims for three consecutive home wins when they host Athletic Club Bilbao, who are hindered by a long injury list featuring players like Yuri Berchiche, Aymeric Laporte, Benat Prados, and Maroan Sannadi.

Elche ended 2025 strongly with a significant 4-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano and now faces Villarreal, where coach Eder Sarabia began his journey in the youth system. While Elche will be without Hector Fort due to a shoulder injury, Villarreal has its own challenges, including the suspension of Renato Veiga and Pape Gueye being away at the African Cup of Nations.

Coaching Debuts

Sunday sees two coaches making their debuts. Luis Castro takes over at Levante as they face Sevilla, while Pellegrino Matarazzo steps in at Anoeta Stadium for Real Sociedad’s clash with Atletico Madrid. Real Sociedad is hovering just above the drop zone with three defeats and a draw in their recent matches, while Atletico boasts talents like Antoine Griezmann, Alexander Sorloth, and Julian Alvarez, despite missing Alexander Baena and Nico Gonzalez.

Real Madrid will host Betis in what promises to be a challenging match at the Santiago Bernabeu. Xabi Alonso finds himself under pressure to defend his position amid injuries to Kylian Mbappe, who hurt his knee, as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao. Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz is making an impact at the African Cup of Nations.

Finally, Mallorca meets Girona in a critical match for both relegation-threatened sides, and Alaves plays at home against Oviedo, who recently parted ways with forward Salomon Rondon as new coach Guillermo Almada seeks to revitalize a team that has only managed seven goals this season.

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has issued a cautionary note regarding the future of ODI cricket, expressing concerns that the 50-over format may face a gradual decline after the 2027 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. With the increasing dominance of T20 leagues globally, along with the lasting appeal of Test cricket, Ashwin believes the relevance of ODIs is fading, putting the long-term survival of the format at risk.

### Ashwin’s Concerns for ODI Cricket

India’s second-highest wicket-taker across formats, boasting 765 scalps, Ashwin feels that the retirement of modern icons such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will lead to an existential crisis for ODIs. He expressed his worries, stating, “I am not sure about the future of ODI after the 2027 World Cup. I am a little worried about it. Of course, I am following the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but the manner in which I followed the SMAT, I am finding it slightly difficult to follow,” during a segment on his Hindi YouTube channel, ‘Ash Ki Baat’.

### The Impact of Star Players

He highlighted that the return of Rohit and Kohli to the Vijay Hazare Trophy attracted viewers, noting, “Look, Rohit and Virat came back to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and people started watching it. We have known that sport is always bigger than individuals, but at times these players need to come back to make the game relevant.” While acknowledging the Vijay Hazare Trophy as a domestic competition not widely followed, he added, “Even then, what happens when they stop playing ODIs?”

### Critique on ICC Event Scheduling

Ashwin also commented on the ICC event calendar, arguing that the frequent occurrences of World Cups for revenue purposes are diminishing the tournament’s value and excitement. He suggested that the cricket authorities should learn from FIFA.

### Proposed Solutions for the Decline

Looking to the future, Ashwin shared his thoughts on how to revive ODI cricket, recommending that the ICC consider conducting only one 50-over event, the World Cup, every four years. “If you really want to make ODI cricket relevant, then just play these T20 leagues and play the ODI World Cup once in four years, so when people turn up for events, there will be a sense of expectation. I feel it is going towards slow death,” he added.

The New Year began the same way the previous one ended for Lucknow Lions as they delivered another commanding performance to defeat Awadh Ramdoots 48–33 in the opening match on the eighth day of Season 2 of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) at the Noida Indoor Stadium.

Lucknow’s Dominance

Lucknow Lions once again showcased why they are regarded as the most complete unit in the league, combining sharp raiding with disciplined defence to control proceedings from the outset. The first half firmly belonged to Lucknow, led by young raider Shivam Chaudhary, who repeatedly troubled the Awadh defence with his timing and execution. Shivam was in outstanding touch, scoring 10 points from just eight raids, and never allowed Awadh Ramdoots to settle into a defensive rhythm.

Lucknow’s dominance was further underscored by their defensive unit, which remained compact and alert, forcing errors and capitalising on opportunities to inflict two all-outs on Awadh Ramdoots. The sustained pressure resulted in Lucknow Lions heading into halftime with a 13-point lead, firmly in control of the contest.

Awadh’s Attempted Comeback

Awadh Ramdoots attempted to mount a comeback after the break, showing greater urgency and trying to find gaps in the Lucknow defence. However, Shivam Chaudhary continued to dictate terms, adding another crucial raid that yielded three points, halting Awadh’s momentum just as they looked to claw their way back.

One of the defining phases of the match came when Lucknow Lions were briefly reduced to three players on the mat. Despite the numerical disadvantage, they displayed remarkable composure and defensive organisation, avoiding an all-out and successfully repelling Awadh’s raids. That phase proved pivotal, draining Awadh’s confidence and reinforcing Lucknow’s control.

Closing Stages

With the match slowing down in the closing stages, Lucknow Lions managed the game intelligently, ensuring there were no late surprises. They eventually closed out a comprehensive 48–33 victory, continuing their impressive run and setting the tone for Day 8 of UPKL Season 2.

Upcoming Matches

Later in the day, Yamuna Yoddhas faced Kashi Kings, Gazab Ghaziabad took on Purvanchal Panthers, and Kanpur Warriors were up against Brij Stars.

Recap of Day 7

Earlier, day 7 of UPKL Season 2 featured three contrasting contests. Gazab Ghaziabad defeated Sangam Challengers 38–33, led by captain Uday Dabas’ dominant 23-point performance, as they built an early lead and held firm despite a late challenge.

Yamuna Yoddhas registered the most emphatic result of the day, overpowering Kanpur Warriors 51–32 with relentless raids, multiple all-outs, and a 16-point show from Ritik Sharma. The day concluded with a tense encounter where JD Noida Ninjas edged Aligarh Tigers 38–36, maintaining composure in the closing stages to secure a narrow victory.

Former champion Chelsea have officially parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca following a disappointing run in the Premier League 2025-26, with the West London club managing just one win from their last seven matches.

Struggles at Stamford Bridge

The six-time Premier League winners recently let another victory slip through their fingers at Stamford Bridge, drawing 2-2 with the Cherries. They are now placed fifth in the Premier League with 30 points and will face Manchester City on Sunday. Chelsea is also currently 13th in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Official Statement

“Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company. During his time at the club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the club,” the statement from Chelsea read.

“With key objectives still to play for across four competitions, including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track. We wish Enzo well for the future,” it added.

Maresca’s Tenure

Enzo Maresca was appointed Chelsea manager in July 2024. Under his stint, the West London club played 92 matches, and he recorded a strong tally of 55 wins. On May 28, 2025, Maresca won his first trophy as Chelsea manager by lifting the UEFA Conference League after beating Real Betis 4-1 in the final, which meant Chelsea became the only team to win all three of the current main UEFA competitions.

In July 2025, he guided his team to victory in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the first edition of the expanded competition, with a 3-0 win over the recently crowned Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

This meant that he won two titles in his first year as manager of the club. However, the results were different in the second year, which affected his relationship with the fans and the Chelsea board, ultimately leading to his exit three years before his contract was set to end in 2029.

Former Australia batsman Damien Martyn is showing positive signs in his battle with meningitis, according to former teammate Adam Gilchrist. Martyn, 54, remains hospitalized in Queensland after being placed in an induced coma due to the illness.

Martyn fell ill on Boxing Day and is currently in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital. “He’s still in the hospital. There’ll be more details coming out as they come to hand, but certainly in the last 24 hours, some positive signs are the indications coming out of the various tests he’s having,” Gilchrist stated.

“There’s been so much interest and love. A fine player, terrific fella. I just hope he can continue a recovery,” added Gilchrist, the former Australia wicketkeeper-batter.

An elegant right-hander, Martyn scored 4,406 runs for Australia in 67 Tests at an average of 46.37, including 13 centuries, with a best score of 165. He also played 208 ODIs, accumulating 5,346 runs at 40.90, with a highest score of 144 not out.

“On behalf of Damien Martyn, a great friend, a former teammate of a few of us…on behalf of his family, Amanda, his partner, thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he’s gone through and continues to go through a challenging time,” Gilchrist continued.

Martyn was instrumental in Australia’s 2003 ODI World Cup final victory over India, scoring an unbeaten 88 despite batting with a broken finger and sharing a crucial 234-run partnership with captain Ricky Ponting. He was part of the side that also won the 1999 ODI World Cup and the 2006 Champions Trophy. Following his playing career, Martyn briefly worked as a commentator.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), meningitis is a devastating disease that can be deadly and often leads to serious long-term health issues, remaining a significant global public health challenge.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While it is not specified whether Martyn’s condition is bacterial or viral, the WHO notes it can be infectious or non-infectious in origin, carries a high risk of death and long-term complications, and requires urgent medical care.

The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) on Thursday confirmed that a player reportedly wearing a Palestine flag on his helmet while batting during a local league match in Jammu is associated with a tournament that isn’t recognised by them.

According to reports, Furqan Bhat, who participated in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League that began on December 29, has been called in by police along with the league’s organiser, Zahid Bhat, for questioning. “The league is not recognised by JKCA,” stated Brig Anil Gupta (Retd), Member Administration of the JKCA. It is understood that the player was neither registered with the JKCA nor with any of its affiliated bodies in the state.

Police reportedly rushed to the venue after the incident came to their attention, and its image went viral. An investigation has been launched into the unauthorised cricket league. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its affiliated state associations prohibit players from participating in unrecognised tournaments.

This marks the second league from Jammu and Kashmir coming under scrutiny after the privately-run Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) reportedly saw its organisers flee Srinagar on November 1, following allegations of duping players, match officials, broadcasters, and hoteliers.

The Indian Heaven Premier League, which kicked off on October 25 at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar featuring international players like Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, and Thisara Perera, collapsed after just 12 of the scheduled 27 matches were played.

Organised by Mohali-based Yuva Society, the league included eight teams—Pulwama Titans, Ladakh Heroes, Srinagar Sultans, Kishtwar Giants, Gulmarg Royals, Patnitop Warriors, Jammu Lions, and Uri Panthers—and was set to conclude on November 8.

Approximately 70 cricketers, including former Indian players Praveen Kumar, Iqbal Abdullah, and Parvez Rasool, along with umpires and staff, were left stranded after the organisers vanished midway through the tournament.

As the world welcomed the New Year 2026 amid fireworks, celebrations, and renewed hope, leading figures from the global sports fraternity joined in to mark the occasion, sharing messages of love, gratitude, and motivation.

Sports icons worldwide surprised their fans with New Year celebration photos, offering glimpses into their personal lives.

Cricket Wishes

ICC chairman Jay Shah shared a cricket-themed message, wishing everyone a “boundary-filled year” and expressing hope that dreams score big in 2026.

FIFA Celebrations

FIFA also posted a video marking the New Year, stating, “The year of the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

Virat Kohli’s Heartfelt Post

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt post featuring a picture with his wife, Anushka Sharma. He wrote, “Stepping into 2026 with the light of my life.”

MS Dhoni’s Family Celebration

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni celebrated with his family. His wife, Sakshi, posted a picture of the celebration, saying, “Happy New Year to all.”

Gautam Gambhir’s New Year

Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir entered 2026 with his family in London, writing, “Entering 2026 hand in hand with my favourites! Happy New Year to all.”

Kirsty Coventry’s Olympic Wishes

IOC President Kirsty Coventry extended her warm wishes with a video highlighting the major events scheduled for 2026. She wished everyone a joyful and successful year ahead of the Olympics.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Motivation

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo shared a picture of the Al-Nassr team, stating, “We are on the right path and we know what we need to do in 2026.”

Anish Giri’s Gratitude

Chess grandmaster Anish Giri also wished everyone a Happy New Year, describing the midnight moment as a time for gratitude and hope, acknowledging everything the past year offered and the optimism for the future.

Yuvraj Singh’s Inspiring Message

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh shared an inspiring message, urging people to never stop believing in themselves. He emphasized the importance of striving to be the best version of oneself and staying strong during tough times, while also being thankful for the people and experiences in his life.

Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted he contemplated ending his career after grappling with severe back pain throughout the 2025 season. The 27-year-old, who has peaked at No. 3 in the world rankings, finished as the runner-up to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently ranked 36th globally, Tsitsipas has played only two Davis Cup matches since his second-round exit at the US Open in August. However, he mentioned that he is now beginning to see progress through ongoing medical treatment.

“I’m most excited to see how my actual training responds regarding my back. My biggest concern was if I could finish a match,” Tsitsipas, who revealed that the injury had haunted him “for the last six or eight months,” told the BBC.

“I would ask, ‘Can I play another match without pain?’ I got really scared after the US Open loss [to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier]. I could not walk for two days. That’s when you reconsider the future of your career,” he added.

Tsitsipas expressed satisfaction with his current treatment plan after completing five weeks of pain-free off-season training. He is set to represent Greece in the United Cup, where they will face Naomi Osaka’s Japan and Emma Raducanu’s Great Britain in Perth and Sydney from January 2 to 11, the week before the Australian Open.

Eighteen national teams, each consisting of up to three women’s and three men’s players, will compete in a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Matches in Perth are scheduled at RAC Arena, while those in Sydney will take place at Ken Rosewall Arena.

During the group stage, the 18 teams will be divided into six groups of three in a round-robin format. Groups A, C, and E will compete in Perth, while groups B, D, and F will compete in Sydney. The top team from each group, along with the best runner-up in each city, will advance to the quarterfinals.

Perth will host its two quarterfinal matches on January 7, with the winners progressing to Sydney for the semifinals and final. Teams moving from Perth will have a travel and rest day on January 8-9. The Sydney quarterfinals are set for January 8-9, followed by the semifinals on January 10 and the final on January 11.