Category: Sports

Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur and all-rounder Deepti Sharma return to India’s playing eleven as skipper Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the third T20I of the five-match series at the Greenfield International Stadium.

India currently leads the series 2-0, and a win on Friday will secure them the series victory. After winning the toss for the third consecutive time, Harmanpreet confirmed that Renuka and Deepti, who missed the second T20I in Visakhapatnam due to mild fever, replace Sneh Rana and Arundhati Reddy, who are rested for this match.

“Given the conditions and the dew likely to come in, we felt this was the best option. Also, with the series on the line, we wanted to back our strength and keep things simple. The message has been clear from the start – even at the hotel before we came to the ground.

“This is an important match, a great opportunity to seal the series, so we need to play with confidence, stick to our plans, and enjoy our cricket. We want to be more aggressive in the powerplay so Renuka is back,” she said.

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu mentioned that three changes have been made to their playing eleven, with Imesha Dulani and two other players included. “We would have bowled as well if we had won the toss. I’ve told them to just play their natural cricket.

“We have a few youngsters, and this is a really good platform for them to show their skills. The group is young, the team is still developing, and every game is a learning opportunity. The World Cup is coming up, and it is a good chance to play some good cricket,” she stated.

Playing XIs:

India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Sree Charani.

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Imesha Dulani, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Malki Madara, and Nimesha Madushani.

Big Wins on Day Three of Hockey India Sub-Junior Men Academy Championship 2025

Ritu Rani Hockey Academy, Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy, Salute Hockey Academy, and HAR Hockey Academy secured significant victories on day three of the 3rd Hockey India Sub-Junior Men Academy Championship 2025 – Zone A & B at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Hockey Ground in Surat, Gujarat.

Ritu Rani Hockey Academy Triumphs

The action kicked off in Pool D, with Ritu Rani Hockey Academy recording a 3-1 victory against Namdhari XI. Sandeep Singh opened the scoring at the 4th minute, followed by goals from Krishna (48’) and Anmoldeep Singh (54’). Rajbir Singh (34’) managed to score the sole goal for Namdhari XI.

Roundglass Punjab’s Commanding Win

In Pool C, Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy dominated Cheema Hockey Academy with an 8-0 win. Captain Arshdip Singh netted the first goal in the 6th minute, followed by contributions from Sanmukh Singh (18’), Arjandeep Singh (19’), Varinder Singh (20’), Karan Kumar (24’), Harshjot Singh (40’), Manveer Singh (58’), and Arshdeep Singh (60’).

Salute Hockey Academy Victorious

Also in Pool C, Salute Hockey Academy secured a convincing 3-0 victory against the Sports Authority of Gujarat – Hockey Academy. Captain Uday Randhawa scored a brace with goals in the 14th and 24th minutes, while Saurabh Kumar found the net in the 27th minute.

HAR Hockey Academy’s High-Scoring Match

In Pool B, HAR Hockey Academy overwhelmed Republican Sports Club with a staggering 10-1 scoreline. Nakhil Rana made a remarkable hat-trick, scoring in the 1st, 6th, and 25th minutes. Captain Sachin (21’, 22’) and Rahul Nain (47’, 50’) also netted a brace each. Sahil (15’), Karan (16’), and Ashish (42’) rounded out the scoring. Dhruv Thangaswamy (35’) scored the only goal for the Republican Sports Club.

Upcoming Semifinals

Army Boys Sports Company is set to face Ritu Rani Hockey Academy in semifinal 1, while Sail Hockey Academy will take on Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy in semifinal 2 on December 28.

Previous Day’s Highlights

On the previous day, Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy, Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy, Sonepat, S.G.P.C Hockey Academy, and Army Boys Sports Company all recorded impressive victories.

Namdhari XI, Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy, Sports Authority of Gujarat – Hockey Academy, and Sail Hockey Academy also achieved vital wins on day two of the championship.

Bengaluru ace Hemanth Muddappa returns with renewed determination to the Madras International Circuit this weekend for the decisive final two rounds of the MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2025, where the title race remains finely balanced.

Aiming for Milestones

Riding for Mantra Racing, the 15-time National champion is set to tackle four premier categories as he pursues another milestone season. Known across the paddock as India’s “Drag King,” Muddappa currently leads in two of the four classes he contests and remains in the hunt in the other two, keeping the prospect of adding multiple championships alive to his already unmatched résumé.

Supported by his long-time tuner and technical partner, Sharan Pratap, Muddappa will line up on trusted superbikes: the Gen3 Hayabusa, BMW S1000RR, and Ninja 6R, competing in the Unrestricted (Super Sport), 1051–1650cc, 851–1050cc, and 551–850cc Super Sport categories.

Consistency and Competition

The opening two rounds in September showcased both his enduring consistency and the growing intensity of competition. Muddappa commenced the season strongly, securing a commanding triple victory in the 551–850cc, 851–1050cc, and 1051–1650cc classes. He then returned on the last Sunday of September to clinch a double in the 851–1050cc and 1051–1650cc categories.

The Unrestricted class saw new winners emerge, with Mumbai’s Hanuman Pawshe and Bengaluru’s former National champion Alimon Saidalvi taking turns at the top. Hyderabad’s seasoned Mohammed Riyaz, Bengaluru’s Mujahid Pasha, and a clutch of emerging riders maintained high pressure. Mantra Racing also celebrated the ascent of Mumbai youngster Shahrukh Khan, who dominated the Indian bike categories in Round 2.

Final Rounds Ahead

For Muddappa, precision and execution are paramount in the final two rounds, where hundredths of a second could decide the season. His ability to deliver clean launches under pressure has consistently been his strength, and he will once again rely on this trademark rhythm as the championship returns to the MIC strip.

“Every championship comes down to consistency, teamwork, and staying calm when it matters most,” said Muddappa as he looks forward to the double-header. “The competition has grown stronger every year, but that only pushes us to work harder. We are ready for the challenge.”

With the promoter Madras Motor Sports Club hosting the final showdown, the stage is set for a high-speed climax to the 2025 drag racing season. All eyes will be on Mantra Racing’s spearhead as he aims to extend his remarkable chase of National titles.

Though India goes into the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup as the defending champions, their turnaround in form in the shortest format came after they suffered a ten-wicket thrashing to England in the 2022 semifinal in Adelaide.

Aaron Finch on India’s Mental State

Australia’s World Cup-winning captain, Aaron Finch, recalled that India’s mental state was led by fear of losing, which ultimately cost them the match. “India was so scared of losing that semifinal that they did not allow themselves to play freely. You are disappointed when you are knocked out.

“But after the dust settles, you plan backwards. You put things in place, set small markers, and agree on where you should be at each stage. Then you just keep ticking those off as you go,” Finch said in the second episode of the ‘Rise of Champions’ series on JioHotstar.

Eoin Morgan’s Perspective

Former England captain Eoin Morgan, who was commentating on that semifinal, recalled the visible shift in India’s approach during the clash. “Anytime India comes to a World Cup, the level of expectation is always there to win it. The India vs England semifinal was painted to be an absolute spectacle of a game.

“What unfolded, about ten overs into India’s batting, I remember turning to Sunil Gavaskar in the commentary box and asking where this bravery, this courage, this fearless style of play that India had played with under Rohit Sharma recently, where’d it gone?” he said.

Sanjay Manjrekar on Selection Philosophy

After that defeat, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted changes in the team’s selection philosophy during that tournament. “One advantage I looked forward to was Rohit picking a more predictable playing eleven, like Mahendra Singh Dhoni did. Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri had an unbelievable knack of surprising you with the playing XI in almost every game,” he said.

Finch on Change in Team Dynamics

Finch also emphasised the value of fresh perspectives in team dynamics. “Change isn’t always a bad thing. There are times when even just a fresh voice, whether it’s a captain or coach, can be a really beneficial ingredient for the rest of the group,” he said.

India’s 2023 ODI World Cup Campaign

Coming to India’s 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup campaign, where Rohit & Co dominated the tournament before falling to Australia in the final in Ahmedabad, former captain Sunil Gavaskar credited Rohit Sharma’s aggressive batting approach for setting the tone at the top. “India got off to a flying start with Rohit Sharma scoring most of the runs. He set an example for others to play in that way and keep the scoreboard moving,” he said.

Manjrekar’s Insights on Planning

However, Manjrekar suggested that India’s meticulous planning backfired in the final. “I was very proud of that Indian team that played in the 2023 ODI World Cup because it looked like the best team in the world. India, with Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, tried to control things off the field a little too much. The pitch they chose was a blunder. We saw that batters like Suryakumar Yadav are not the same when the pace is taken off on a slow pitch,” Manjrekar said.

Harbhajan Singh on Mental Pressure

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh attributed the loss in the final to mental pressure affecting the team’s concentration. “I think that was the pressure of playing a big final. The expectation to win shifted their focus. Their focus drifted, and that is why we fell behind in that match,” he said.

Matthew Hayden’s Perspective

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden delivered a pointed assessment of India’s home ODI World Cup final defeat. “Everyone just celebrated that India would win easily at home. They forgot it is a sports field, and there are two teams racing.

“One was better prepared. They are a dominant team, but losing the World Cup at home is a huge loss. I don’t know how you move on from that. With 1.4 billion people, you should beat anyone on the planet,” he said.

Indian midfielder Hardik Singh has been appointed captain of the HIL Governing Council Team for the upcoming Men’s Hockey India League, set to commence on January 3 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.

The HIL Governing Council team has taken over operations from the UP Rudras franchise ahead of the 2026 season to ensure player continuity. They will kick off their campaign on January 5 against SG Pipers.

### Strong Team Composition

Hardik will lead a squad featuring a strong mix of experienced stalwarts, including Lalit Upadhyay, Sam Ward, Surender Kumar, and Kane Rusell. The team will also showcase rising talents from the India Colts, who recently clinched bronze at the FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup, such as Gurjot Singh, Manmeet Singh, and Talem Priyoborta.

### Captaincy Remarks

Regarding his new role, Hardik stated, “I am grateful for this opportunity and I am looking forward to it. It is always exciting to be in a leadership role and take the team along in both highs and lows through the season.”

He added, “We have a strong mix of young players who had a good outing in the Junior World Cup as well as experienced players with several international matches under their belt. We are looking forward to a good season and also gain from the knowledge exchange with foreign players.”

### League Structure

The Men’s Hockey India League 2026 season will consist of eight franchises: Tamil Nadu Dragons, Hyderabad Toofans, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers (the defending champions), Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, and the HIL Governing Council. The league will feature a single round-robin format, comprising 23 league matches, followed by playoffs (Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on January 23; Qualifier 2 on January 25) and a grand final on January 26 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, totaling 33 high-stakes encounters.

### Venue and Schedule

The action kicks off on January 3 at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai (January 3-9), then moves to Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf in Ranchi (January 11-16), before concluding at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar (January 17-26). The tournament will feature Indian stars competing against international players in daily double-headers, creating a thrilling atmosphere that mirrors FIH pressures while enhancing fan engagement through packed venues and themed events.

Please find attached pictures and schedule.

Around 35 boys’ and as many girls’ teams are expected to participate in the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship 2025-26, scheduled from December 31 to January 4 at Gunjur, Bengaluru.

Participating Union Territories include Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Delhi. In addition to state teams, teams representing recognised Kho Kho Associations like Kolhapur, Vidarbha, and Madhya Bharat will also compete for the title in this league-cum-knockout format.

All eyes will be on Maharashtra, which clinched both the boys’ and girls’ titles in the 43rd Junior National Kho Kho Championship held in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, in 2024.

Match Schedule:

• The pre-quarterfinal matches in both boys’ and girls’ categories will take place in the morning.
• Quarterfinal matches will be held in the afternoon on January 3.
• Semifinals are set for the morning of January 4, followed by the finals later that day.

The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has announced that both boys’ and girls’ teams have been divided into eight groups each.

“Other than referees, as many as 25 officials, including technical officials, coaches, and officials from the association, have been deployed for the preparations and smooth conduct of the Championship. Arrangements for the boarding and lodging of players have been made within a 3-4 km radius of the stadium, and 10 buses have been deployed for their conveyance,” said Lokeshwara, President of Karnataka State Kho Kho Association.

The Championship is being held at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Gunjur.

“It is a festival of Kho Kho in which young talents from all across the country compete for the title. It is also a platform for junior talents to showcase their skills. Identification of the talent and its recognition plays an important role in promoting sport and sportspersons as we religiously aim for Kho Kho’s inclusion in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics,” said Sudhanshu Mittal, President of Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).

General Secretary of KKFI, Upkar Singh Virk, stated, “All preparations are in place for the smooth conduct of the Championship. Our focus is on the development of athletes and infrastructure.”

M.S. Tyagi, Chairman of Administration & Organisation, KKFI, mentioned, “Watching these young athletes compete fills me with hope. Our role is to guide and support them in all possible ways.”

India will host the first Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9-14, 2026, the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship (Men & Women) 2025-26 from January 11-15, 2026, in Kazipet, Telangana, and the 35th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship (Boys & Girls) 2025-26 in Kurukshetra, Haryana, from January 31, 2026, to February 4, 2026.

After enchanting fans as part of its grand launch at Adam’s Bridge, culturally revered in India as the Ram Setu, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour successfully concluded its Qatar and Oman legs, engaging fans, students, and communities across key cities and iconic locations in both countries.

Qatar Leg Highlights

In Qatar, the trophy arrived at the Doha Corniche via a traditional dhow, set against the city skyline, symbolising the nation’s maritime heritage and its growing role in global sport.

During its journey across the country, the trophy visited several of Qatar’s most recognised landmarks, including Sealine Beach, Aspire Zone, Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and Lusail Boulevard. These stops allowed fans to engage with the trophy while showcasing Qatar’s blend of heritage and modern development.

Community engagement was a key focus of the tour. The trophy was publicly displayed at a central gathering space with national players, embassies, and community leaders in attendance, allowing fans to participate in on-ground activations and photo opportunities.

The tour also reached schools and universities, including Birla Public School, UDST University, and Qatar Foundation, engaging thousands of students and promoting inclusivity through sport. Special interactions at Qatar Foundation highlighted inclusion initiatives, including engagement with children with autism.

In recognition of the workforce vital to the country’s development, a dedicated activation was held at Asian Town, celebrating the South Asian diaspora and their love for cricket. The Qatar leg concluded with the trophy on display at sunset across the desert, marking the end of a memorable chapter in the country.

Oman Leg Highlights

Following Qatar, the trophy continued to Oman, where it visited a mix of sporting venues, cultural landmarks, and public spaces. Key stops included the Muttrah Fort, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman Across Ages Museum, Jabal Akhdar Viewpoint, and Qurum Beach, providing scenic backdrops for fan interactions and media engagements.

The tour focused on youth and fan engagement through visits to Indian School Muscat and Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir, giving students the opportunity to see the trophy up close, while public activations enabled fans to view the trophy firsthand.

At the Oman Cricket Academy, the senior men’s team, including captain Jatinder Singh, head coach Duleep Mendis, and deputy head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni, were present alongside the U19 men’s team and senior women’s team with their respective coaches, as they posed with the trophy, creating memorable team moments.

Through activations at landmark locations, educational institutions, and public venues, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World continues to bring fans closer to the tournament and build excitement ahead of the global event.

General ticket sales for fans worldwide have commenced, with entry-level tickets priced at historic lows—starting from just ₹100 (approximately $1.11) at select venues in India and LKR 1,000 (approximately $3.26) in Sri Lanka.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from 7 February to 8 March 2026 across Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (Colombo), and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy).

Former England pacer Stuart Broad expressed concern over the condition of the MCG pitch on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, stating that “the amount of movement that this pitch has shown” suggests that there is “something really wrong.”

It was an eventful opening day, highlighted by a sensational bowling display from English fast bowler Josh Tongue, who delivered remarkable figures of 5-45 during Australia’s first innings of 152. The hosts showcased their strength, skittling England for just 110, leading to a staggering total of 20 wickets falling on the day. This marked the first time in 74 years that 20 wickets had been claimed on Day 1 of a Test match in Australia.

Broad commented on the pitch conditions on Sen Cricket, saying, “The amount of movement that this pitch has shown has indicated to me that there is something really wrong. Test match bowlers do not require this level of movement to bowl effectively in a Test match. Good Test match pitches will have good bounce but not excessive sideways movements.”

Additionally, Tongue made history at the Boxing Day Test by becoming the first England bowler in this century to achieve a five-wicket haul in Men’s Tests at the MCG. This accomplishment marked the first instance of an England bowler claiming a five-wicket haul at the venue since Darren Gough and Dean Headley in 1998, and Tongue was understandably pleased with his performance.

His spell was also a personal best in Test cricket, surpassing his previous achievement of 5-66 against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023.

The match drew a massive crowd of 94,199 spectators at the MCG, setting a new venue record and surpassing the previous high of 93,013 set during the 2015 Cricket World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition of Venkatesh Iyer, highlighting his leadership qualities ahead of IPL 2026.

In the recent mini-auction, RCB reinforced their championship squad by securing Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, and Mangesh Yadav. RCB signed Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore after Kolkata Knight Riders withdrew from the bidding. This marked a significant contrast to last year’s auction, where KKR secured him for a remarkable Rs 23.75 crore following a fierce bidding war.

“Venkatesh Iyer has strong leadership qualities. That is great to have in the dressing room and on the field. We are happy to get him and I look forward to working with him. When you plan well and have a good strategy, you know your limits,” Flower stated on JioStar.

Former India cricketer Anil Kumble outlined RCB’s key acquisitions, saying, “RCB thought they might get outbid, but they did not, so they are happy to have Venkatesh Iyer. Jacob Duffy will be a backup for Josh Hazlewood, and Jordan Cox is a like-for-like replacement for Phil Salt. Mangesh Yadav comes in as a backup for Yash Dayal. He is a left-arm seamer with a lot of potential, though he has not played much cricket.”

Discussing RCB’s strategy to maintain stability within their squad post-auction, Kumble added, “Venkatesh Iyer will not be in the playing eleven at the start. You do not want to create doubt in a winning team. That is probably why they did not go after a Ravi Bishnoi, so that Suyash Sharma does not feel threatened by a senior India spinner. They have done well to keep the core the same, back their players, and just have a few backups in case something goes wrong.”

President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his remarkable achievements in the sport. The award ceremony took place in the national capital, recognising exceptional accomplishments in various fields, including Sports, Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Art & Culture, and Science & Technology.

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India’s highest civilian honour for individuals aged five to 18, aimed at acknowledging outstanding achievements in diverse areas like art, innovation, science, social service, sports, and bravery.

Speaking at the event, President Murmu congratulated the awardees, highlighting, “Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made a name for himself in the highly competitive and talent-filled world of cricket and has set many records.”

Later in the day, Suryavanshi is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the ceremony, he will rejoin the India Under-19 squad and travel to Zimbabwe to prepare for the Under-19 World Cup, commencing on January 15.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also extended its congratulations to the young batter, stating, “Congratulations to our explosive young batter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, on being conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmuji,” via a post on X.

Earlier this week, Suryavanshi scored 190 off 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, making him the youngest centurion in List A history. His innings broke AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest 150 in List A cricket, and his 15 sixes set a record for the most by any Indian in the 50-over format.

Earlier this month, he marked his first T20 domestic century with an unbeaten 108 off 61 balls for Bihar against Maharashtra in an Elite Group B Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 match held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. At 14 years and 250 days, he became the youngest batter to score a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Suryavanshi also set the record for the highest score by an Indian in U19 Asia Cup history, making 171 off just 95 balls against the UAE. His achievements include a century against the Australia U19 team during a Youth Test match in Brisbane last November. A standout performance in the Rising Stars Asia Cup saw him score 144 off 42 balls for India A against UAE, including 11 fours and 15 sixes, with his 32-ball century making him the youngest player to achieve this feat for any national representative side at senior level, breaking a 20-year-old record.

Suryavanshi emerged as the most-searched Indian on Google, ranking sixth overall worldwide. Last month, Instagram featured his journey on its official page, making him only the second Indian cricketer, after Virat Kohli, to receive such recognition.

The young talent, hailing from Bihar, had a breakthrough IPL debut season with the Rajasthan Royals, making history as the youngest player in the tournament at just 14 years and 23 days, debuting against the Lucknow Super Giants. He became the youngest centurion in IPL history nine days later, with a stunning 35-ball 100 against the Gujarat Titans, marking the fastest IPL century by an Indian and the second-fastest overall, trailing only Chris Gayle.