Read Latest international breaking Sports News updates about latest Sports events & issues. Watch Sports Videos News Headlines, Special Reports & Packages.
India's star cricketer Virat Kohli has landed in the spotlight following an avoidable altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during Day 1 of the 4th Test at the MCG. As the young Aussie dominated Indian bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Kohli attempted to unsettle him with some on-field tactics. One such instance saw Kohli seemingly shoulder-push Konstas on Thursday, sparking a heated exchange in the middle. Former cricketers Ricky Ponting and Michael Vaughan have even called for ICC action against Kohli over the incident, which is now reportedly under review by the governing body.Sharing his thoughts on the controversy, Ponting remarked that the umpires and match referee are likely to examine the matter thoroughly and take action against Kohli for his behavior. "Virat moved across the full width of the pitch to his right and provoked that clash, "Ponting stated on Channel Seven. "I have no doubts about it". The umpires and referee are certain to review this. Fielders should never be near the batsmen during such moments. Every player knows where the batsmen are expected to gather."Defending Konstas, Ponting explained that the 19-year-old likely looked up late and couldn’t avoid the collision. "It seemed like Konstas looked up too late and wasn’t aware anyone was in his path. Kohli might have some questions to answer," he added.Former England captain Michael Vaughan echoed Ponting's views, asserting that the match referee, Andy Pycroft, is expected to take the matter seriously. "Vaughan emphasized that fielders must stay away from the batsmen at that moment." Konstas probably didn't even notice that someone was standing in front of him.Kohli may have some explaining to do.Both experts agree that the ICC’s response to the incident will be closely watched.Also Read: Thirteen Year Old Vaibhav Shatters Records Youngest Indian to Play List A Cricket
"Get ready for a blockbuster! UFC legend Conor McGregor is set to face WWE star Logan Paul in a high-stakes boxing match in India—an electrifying showdown fans won’t want to miss!"Conor McGregor, the UFC and MMA celebrity, has announced that he has consented to battle Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. McGregor, a former two-weight UFC champion, hasn’t competed since a devastating leg injury during his TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021.He was originally set to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June but withdrew due to a foot injury.On Tuesday, McGregor took to X (formerly Twitter) to share that he is in discussions with the Ambani family to make the event a reality. He also hinted at a return to the UFC after this boxing bout."The speculation about a fight with [Ilia] Topuria is untrue." I have initial agreements with the Ambani family to compete against Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have consented. "McGregor stated, 'I will pursue my comeback to the Octagon.'This match could mark McGregor’s comeback after two consecutive losses to Poirier. However, his career remains clouded by ongoing legal issues, including a civil case that resulted in significant financial damages.Conor McGregor's UFC CareerThe 36-year-old McGregor, a former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion with a professional MMA record of 22 victories and 6 defeats, was last observed in the caged octagon in July 2021, suffering a loss to Dustin Poirier.Since that time, there have been speculations regarding his retirement from MMA, which McGregor has consistently refuted. Some reports indicate that McGregor is planning a UFC return in 2025.Meanwhile, Logan Paul, known for his crossover success in boxing and WWE, sees this as a career-defining fight. With past matchups against Floyd Mayweather and a victory over Dillon Danis, Paul brings significant star power to the table.As the combat sports world buzzes with anticipation, fans await further confirmation on whether India will host this monumental event. A McGregor vs. Paul bout promises to deliver fireworks and could become one of the most talked-about events in combat sports history.Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja Scores 22nd Half Century in Ind vs AUS Test Series
After hitting his 22nd Test half-century, Ravindra Jadeja performed his iconic sword celebration. Jadeja scored a solid century in the IND vs AUS 3rd Test 2024.Ravindra Jadeja displayed exceptional determination, achieving a gritty not-out fifty, helping India reach 180 for six in the rain-impacted post-lunch period on the fourth day of the third Test match.Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy maintained their position at the crease while the weather disrupted play. The team remains behind by 265 runs.Although losing a few wickets, Team India succeeded in scoring 167/6 by lunch. With rain expected later today, Rohit Sharma’s team would be aiming for a draw already. During the afternoon session, a delay occurred because the rain intensified. The game continued after 20 minutes, but the rain came back after just 10 minutes.Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy guided India to Lunch in Brisbane, where India needed 79 more runs to steer clear of a follow-on, with the score at 167/6. KL Rahul’s brave effort concluded at 84 from 139 deliveries when he was dismissed by Nathan Lyon due to an incredible catch by Steve Smith. Rahul remained resolute despite several rain interruptions during Day 3 and a short break in the opening session today. He abandoned the ball and remained patient as his teammates collapsed around him until he eventually discovered some form of support in Jadeja, who is batting for the first time in this series.When Rahul fell, the pair's partnership was at 67 off 115. On Day 4 of the third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba, rain forced a post-drinks break, although their stand reached fifty minutes when play began in the first session.India remain 394 runs off Australia’s total, with the hosts’ mammoth first innings combined with cheap wickets meaning they are not only looking at a win, but the potential of a massive, spirit-sapping kind that India will suffer the hangover from heading into the rest of the series. Australia have the potential to run through India’s batting extremely cheaply, giving them the opportunity to enforce the follow on and still give themselves four or five sessions to try and bowl out India once again.India has not been compelled to follow on in a Test match since their 2011 tour of England, but with Australia seeking wickets and needing 194 runs with only 6 wickets left to evade the follow-on, much will depend on the experience of senior batsmen Rahul and Rohit. They can find some comfort in the presence of skilled batters like Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy, but they understand that they must considerably reduce the total on their own instead of depending on the all-round pair.Also Read: Why Arshdeep Singh is the rapid-firing run-killer of Indian T20I team
Smriti Mandhana has done it again! 'What a player!'—as she becomes the first-ever cricketer to hit four centuries in women’s ODIs in a single year, making India proud on the global stage.On Wednesday, December 11, Smriti achieved the feat at the WACA Ground in Perth during the third One-Day International between Australia and India. Smriti opened the innings for Harmanpreet Kaur's squad in the 299-run chase, scoring 105 runs off 109 balls with 14 fours and one six. The left-handed batsman contributed 118 runs for the second wicket alongside Harleen Deol (39) to keep India in contention, but following Deol's exit, India lost momentum and was bowled out for 215 runs in 45.1 overs.Mandhana achieved her half-century from 50 balls in the 14th over, as India's outlook appeared promising with a run rate over five an over and just one wicket lost. She reached her century by guiding a delivery from King to short fine leg, achieving the milestone in 103 balls. Nevertheless, she was out just two overs later for 105, triggering India's downfall.This century marked Mandhana's fourth of the year, coming after two back-to-back centuries against South Africa in June and one more against New Zealand in October. Her accomplishment of four centuries within a single calendar year establishes a new benchmark in women's ODIs, exceeding the former record set by seven players, who each hit three centuries in a year.Also Read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya set to miss first 2 ODIs against AustraliaMandhana's recent century has also enhanced her rank on the all-time century leaderboard in women's ODIs, increasing her total to nine. She is currently level with Nat Sciver-Brunt, Chamari Athapaththu, and Charlotte Edwards in shared fourth position. Tammy Beaumont, who has 10 ODI centuries, is the next goal for Mandhana.Top ODI Centuries in a Single Calendar YearPlayerCenturiesYearSmriti Mandhana42024Belinda Clark31997Meg Lanning32016Amy Satterthwaite32016Sophie Devine32018Sidra Amin32022Nat Sciver-Brunt32023Laura Wolvaardt32024Mandhana's outstanding performance in 2024 highlights her position as one of the top batters in women's cricket, even with India's difficulties in the series against Australia.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday announced cash awards of Rs 75 lakh to the gold medallists, Rs 50 lakh for the silver winners and Rs 30 lakh for the Indian athletes who have won bronze in the just-concluded Paralympic Games in Paris. Those excelling in mixed teams events, like archer Sheetal Devi, will get richer by Rs 22.5 lakh. The minister announced this during an event organised to felicitate the medallists at the mega-event.Mandaviya also pledged full support and facilities for para-athletes to aim for more medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics."The country is rising in Paralympics and para sports. From 4 medals in 2016, India have won 19 medals in Tokyo and 29 in Paris with 18th place finish," Mandaviya said."We will provide all the facilities to all of our para-athletes so that we can win more medals and gold medals in 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics." India concluded their historic Paris Paralympics campaign with 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals, marking the country's best performance in the competition's history.India also crossed the 50-medal mark in Paralympic Games history with their excellent performance.Swarmed by hundreds of supporters, India's Paralympic medal-winners returned to a jubilant welcome on Tuesday after securing the unprecedented haul in the French capital.The men's javelin throw F41 final in the Paris Paralympic Games earned India its 29th and final medal of the campaign, as well as the 7th gold medal, thanks to Navdeep Singh. Though the event ended on a controversial note, with Navdeep's initial silver being upgraded due to Iranian athlete's disqualification over the display of a flag, the India star was elated to put the Tokyo Paralympics ghosts to bed. After making history for India, earning first-ever medal in the F41 category of the Paralympics, Naval drew comparisons with India's Olympics star Neeraj Chopra.Neeraj had famously earned a gold medal for India in the Tokyo Olympics, before adding as silver to his trophy cabinet in the Paris Olympics. Seeing Navdeep bag a the yellow metal in Paris Para Games, his coach Naval Singh claimed that his ward's technique is even better than Neeraj's."I knew Navdeep was going to make me and India proud. He has done a lot of hard work. Navdeep ki technique Neeraj Chopra se bhi behtar hai (Navdeep's technique is even better than Neeraj Chopra's). If he were in able-bodied athletics, he would have done wonders. But we are all proud of Navdeep. This is just the start for him-he is going to break several records," Navdeep's coach told Times of India.Navdeep also lauded his coach for the work the two put together over the years, finally reaping the rewards in Paris Paralympics."My coach, Naval Singh, has worked a lot with me. He has trained me for almost seven years. He has played a big role in my career. Whatever I am today, it's because of him. He has made me an international-level javelin thrower. All the credit for my technique and foundation goes to him," Navdeep said.Also Read: Check out five significant types of swimming styles!
Avani shot a total of 1159 across the three stages of kneeling, prone and standing while Mona aggregated 1147.India's Avani Lekhara, centre, and Mona Agarwal, right, pose for photos after winning the gold medal and bronze medal repectively in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event at Paralympics 2024.Credit: PTI Photo Chateauroux: India's ace shooter Avani Lekhara entered the final of the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 competition after finishing the qualification in seventh place at the ongoing Paralympics here on Tuesday.The other Indian shooter in the field, Mona Agarwal, however, could not clear the qualification hurdle and ended in the 13th position.Avani shot a total of 1159 across the three stages of kneeling, prone and standing while Mona aggregated 1147.The top eight shooters from the qualification progress to the finals.This SH1 class is designated for athletes with lower limb impairment for competition in rifle shooting events.After kneeling and prone, Avani was holding on to the eighth position and Mona was 15th. Having started the standing stage with a disappointing 92, back-to back series of 96 lifted her into the seventh position, and a 97, in the last series, further brightened her prospects of reaching the final.The 22-year-old Avani, paralysed waist-down owing to a car accident that she suffered as an 11-year-old, claimed a landmark gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle SH1 event last Friday. In the same event, Mona bagged a bronze.She successfully defended her title three years after taking the Tokyo Games by storm, becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympic Games with a record score of 249.7 in the final.However, Avani could not replicate that form in the mixed 10m air prone SH1 event on Sunday, and ended the competition in the 11th position with a total score of 632.8.Also Read: Which country will win most medals at Paris Olympics?
Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo Journey: A Tale of Grace, Greatness, and Unwavering DeterminationNeeraj Chopra's journey to Olympic success wasn't a mere dream; it was the result of three years of relentless dedication and consistent performance. At just 26 years old, Chopra has delivered remarkable results at two World Championships, an Asian Games, and now, at the Tokyo Olympics, Indians are beginning to realize just how fortunate they are to witness such an extraordinary talent.The 2024 Olympics have exposed India's shortcomings in sports, with only four bronze medals across two disciplines and a series of heartbreaking 4th place finishes in the first ten days in Paris. The thought of a silver or gold medal seemed almost impossible, especially after the tragic turn of events with Vinesh Phogat. Yet, amidst the gloom and doubt, Neeraj Chopra emerged, delivering a silver medal on a day when Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem threw an Olympic record of 92.97m to win his country's first-ever individual gold medal.With an almost surreal confidence, India began to entertain the possibility of gold. This newfound ambition, the calm assurance, and the ease with which people now consider the idea of contending for gold, marks a significant shift in a nation that has long been self-conscious about its meager Olympic medal count.However, there were no guarantees—this was the Olympics, after all. But in these Games, India experienced both the best and worst of times, with Neeraj Chopra ensuring the former. In the wake of the Vinesh Phogat shock and with few medals outside of Chateauroux, Chopra became the nation's only beacon of hope for gold.India's golden era in hockey is a distant memory, and with just two individual golds in nearly a century of Olympic participation, there was little reason for India to dream of gold. Yet, Chopra's Tokyo journey was no fluke. It took three years of consistent brilliance for Indians to start believing in the exceptional talent they have in Neeraj Chopra—a true force in the world of track and field.Chopra is not one to indulge in the national pastime of underperforming on the global stage. His success stands in stark contrast to the self-criticism that often follows India's sports failures. Unaccustomed to such elite greatness, Indians are still getting used to the idea of seeing one of their own consistently on the podium, though they haven't yet developed an entitlement to gold every time—thankfully.The humble and unfazed Chopra has established a unique, toxicity-free bond with his countrymen. They watch him chase gold without overwhelming him with unrealistic expectations, while Chopra, in turn, consistently delivers performances that leave the nation in awe. He's managed to keep the often-criticized Indian sports fans grounded and content, even as the prospect of a 90+ meter throw in Paris looms.Unlike cricket, where millions of young Indians aspire to follow in the footsteps of their heroes, javelin isn't a sport that sees thousands flocking to replicate Chopra's success. Yet, there is a growing realization that we are witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime global phenomenon. Chopra carries no airs, preferring to spend his time training with athletes from various disciplines and devoting months to honing his craft in quiet isolation abroad.Chopra remains immune to controversies—political or personal—because he approaches them with sincerity and decency, snuffing out any attempts at creating mischief. This approach may be a bit dull for the sensationalism-driven Indian media, but it works spectacularly for Chopra.His love for javelin is unwavering, and he dedicates entire seasons to perfecting his technique, undistracted by fame or arrogance. He makes the occasional appearance in TV commercials, meets people with genuine warmth, supports friends like Vinesh Phogat in their times of need, and pursues excellence without succumbing to the trappings of celebrity.Make no mistake, Neeraj Chopra is aware of his unique position. He knows that he is adored as long as he continues to bring home medals. But he is not beholden to anyone's expectations. He doesn't flaunt false humility or bow down to those in power. Instead, he quietly goes about his business, delivering on the big stage time and time again.At the age of 20, Chopra said, "If you think about the big numbers and names, you're competing only against the others. To me, what's important is that I compete against the best I have within me and try to beat that. Everything else will fall in place." Within himself, Chopra found his ambition, and in Chopra, India found its symbol of graceful greatness.FAQs About Neeraj Chopra and His JourneyWhat made Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo journey special?Neeraj Chopra's Tokyo journey was the culmination of three years of relentless dedication and consistent performance, leading to a historic silver medal at the Olympics.How has Neeraj Chopra impacted Indian sports?Neeraj Chopra has changed the narrative around Indian sports, instilling belief in a nation that has long struggled with Olympic success.What was Neeraj Chopra's biggest achievement in Tokyo?Neeraj Chopra secured a silver medal in the javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics, reaffirming his status as one of India's greatest athletes.How does Neeraj Chopra handle pressure and expectations?Chopra remains calm and focused, avoiding unnecessary distractions and controversies, and dedicating himself entirely to his sport.What is Neeraj Chopra's approach to training?Chopra is known for his rigorous training regimen, often spending months abroad to perfect his technique and maintain consistency.Why is Neeraj Chopra's success significant for India?Chopra's success is significant because it represents a shift in India's mindset, from accepting mediocrity to believing in the possibility of Olympic greatness.How has Neeraj Chopra remained humble despite his fame?Chopra stays grounded by focusing on his love for javelin and avoiding the trappings of celebrity life, maintaining genuine relationships with those around him.What challenges did Neeraj Chopra face on his journey?Chopra faced the usual challenges of elite sports, including injuries and intense competition, but his determination and focus helped him overcome them.What advice has Neeraj Chopra given to aspiring athletes?Chopra emphasizes the importance of competing against oneself, striving to improve with each performance rather than focusing solely on beating others.What is Neeraj Chopra's legacy in Indian sports?Neeraj Chopra's legacy is that of a trailblazer who has redefined Indian sports, showing that consistent hard work and dedication can lead to global greatness.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is set to impose a three-year ban on wrestler Antim Panghal, according to a source who spoke to PTI on Thursday.Panghal's actions during the Olympics brought shame to the Indian contingent when she attempted to use her accreditation card to grant her sister access to the Athletes Village.On Wednesday, Panghal was eliminated from the Olympic competition after suffering a defeat in her first match in the women's 53kg weight class."The decision will be formally announced after she reaches India," the contingent source said.The breach of conduct was deemed serious enough to warrant their immediate return to India."Her sister was caught for impersonation and was taken to a police station to record her statement," a source had revealed last night.Also Read: Paris Olympics Day 13 Schedule
The best selling Magic-Magazine
