A point to prove – The Economic Times

Arsenal and Tottenham will fight for far more than local bragging rights on Saturday as north London rivals aim to prove they are serious contenders for the Premier League title. In top-flight action after the international break, Arsenal top the table after an unexpectedly strong start, while unbeaten Tottenham are just one point behind third.

With Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United still recovering their balances after the turmoil of the season, a path has been opened for clubs in north London to enter the title race. If a title challenger was expected to emerge from either end of the Seven Sisters road, it was Tottenham who were the more likely candidate after finishing in the top-four from their bitter rivals and neighbors in dramatic fashion in the previous term.

Arsenal were in pole position to qualify for the Champions League when they went four points ahead of Tottenham, with only three games left. But Mikel Arteta’s side blew their chances in a disastrous 3–0 loss at Tottenham, followed by a devastating loss against Newcastle, ruining their hopes of returning to the Champions League for the first time since the 2016/17 season .

Toppling Arsenal, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy bowed to Antonio Conte’s demands, sanctioning a close spending spree that further boosted the feelgood factor around the club. With Conte refusing to rest his players on his honours, Tottenham have continued to progress into their second season under the demanding Italian. Conte showed his brutal side in Tottenham’s last game when he dropped Son Heung-min after an eight-match goalless run and a hat-trick from the South Korean after sending him in as a substitute in the 6-2 round of Leicester. rewarded with. ,

While Tottenham’s rise underscores Conte’s managerial prowess, it is arguably Arteta who has done the more impressive job in this tenure. Arsenal’s blast in the final week of last season could have been a hammer blow to Arteta’s gradual rebuilding of a club already stuck in mediocrity long before the end of Arsene Wenger’s reign.

The eccentric side of Arteta’s personality was showcased during the “All or Nothing” television documentary, which captured the Spaniard’s fight to steer the club through troubled waters the previous season. But Arteta’s quirks shouldn’t obscure the clever way he has fueled Arsenal with energy and enthusiasm by fostering a group of talented youngsters, while also ousting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after disciplinary problems .

Originally published at Pen 18

harmanpreet kaur: Favourites India look to carry ODI momentum into Asia Cup T20

In-form India will look to build on the momentum of a historic ODI series sweep in England when they begin their Women’s Asia Cup T20 campaign against Sri Lanka in Sylhet, Bangladesh today. Indian women haven’t had much success in T20Is of late, but at the continental level, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will start as the clear favourites.

Barring their only flaw in the previous edition of the tournament, India have won all Asia Cup titles since the inception of the event in 2004 (4 titles in the ODI format and 2 in the T20 edition). The Asia Cup was changed from ODI to T20I in 2012 and India has won twice, while losing to hosts Bangladesh in the previous edition in 2018.

India will be looking to restore their continental dominance in the tournament, returning after a gap of four years. The 2020 edition of the Bangladesh event was earlier postponed to 2021 due to the Kovid-19 pandemic before being completely canceled.

After claiming a historic silver medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where women’s cricket made its T20 debut, India suffered a 1-2 loss against England earlier this month. But he made spectacular changes in the ODIs to beat England 3-0 to register a historic series win, marking the end of Indian legend Jhulan Goswami’s international career.

However, the Indian series win rekindled an intense debate over the spirit of the game when all-rounder Deepti Sharma ran out Charlie Dean during the third ODI of the series as the English batsman backed out at the non-striker’s end. . Seven teams are involved in the tournament – India, Pakistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, UAE and host Bangladesh. All sides will play each other in a round-robin format, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals.

Originally published at Pen 18

pro kabaddi league: Dabang Delhi Kabaddi Club renews title sponsorship deal with JK Super Cement

Dabang Delhi Kabaddi Club, the defending champions of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has renewed its title sponsorship deal with JK Super Cement for the third year ahead of the ninth season of the league.

Durganath Wagle, Director, Dabang Delhi KC said, “We are excited to strengthen our association with JK Super Cement for the third year in a row. “JK Super Cement has been a true dominating brand in the Indian cement industry, showcasing strength, durability and safety. Dabang Delhi too has always played with grit and determination and emerged as the champions in the last season. We look forward to another fruitful association with JK Super Cement and a successful season ahead.”

Pushp Raj Singh, Group President, Marketing, Gray Cement, said, “We are extremely pleased to support Kabaddi, an Indian sport that celebrates grit, strength and perseverance. We are excited, thrilled, and look forward to this partnership of strength, longevity and a pure bond of emotion.”

The 9th season of PKL is scheduled to begin from October 7 and will be held in three cities – Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad. The matches will be telecast on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.

“It is amazing to see the appeal of Kabaddi among youth and elders. We really believe in the skill and sportsmanship of JK Super’s Dabang Delhi,” said Singh. “In the 8th season of PKL, Dabang Delhi were the champions, and with their current lineup of best players, we see no chance of not making history in the 9th season. As title sponsors, we look forward to a great performance by the team. Our best wishes to the team for the upcoming matches.”

Ahead of the season, the club has strengthened its squad by picking a mix of young and experienced talent including Ravi Kumar, Sandeep Kumar Dhull, Vishal Lather, MD Liton Ali, Reza Katolinjad, Amit Hooda, Anil Kumar.

The team has also retained its star raiding duo Naveen Kumar Goyat and Vijay Malik.

Originally published at Pen 18

qatar: Qatar confirms COVID-19 test requirements for World Cup fans

Organizers said on Thursday that fans visiting the World Cup in Qatar will have to show a negative COVID-19 test if it falls under the host country’s rules to combat COVID-19.

All visitors aged 18 and over must also download a government-run phone application called Ehtraaz to track people’s activities and health status.

“A green embargo (user that does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19) is required to enter any public closed indoor space,” the World Cup organizers said.

Visitors must be able to show a negative result from a PCR test taken 48 hours prior to arrival or an official rapid test taken within 24 hours. The Supreme Committee on Delivery and Legacy said in a statement, the COVID-19 testing policy for visitors aged six and above is “regardless of the immunization status of the individual”.

The decisions detail public health policies throughout the World Cup that are in force from 4 September for all travelers arriving in Qatar.

, Back to recommendation stories

Vaccination is not mandatory for the 1.2 million expected visitors for November 20-December. 18 tournaments. In June 2021, Qatar’s government suggested there would be a vaccine mandate for fans at the World Cup.

Rapid antigen tests performed in the last 24 hours prior to landing in Qatar will only be accepted if they are from official medical centers and are not self-administered. If fans do not develop symptoms of COVID-19, no further tests are needed in Qatar.

Masks must be worn on public transport, including on the metro system that many fans will use to get to the eight stadiums in and around Doha.

FIFA said players and staff from 32 World Cup teams will be required to undergo rapid antigen tests every two days in Qatar, as will referees and match officials.

Football’s governing body said on Thursday, FIFA and the Qatari government “strongly advise all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.”

Qatar has nearly 450,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 682 deaths from the disease, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University in the United States since 2020. Qatar’s population is estimated to be at least 2.5 million, although only 350,000 of them are Qatari citizens.

The data states that more than 97% of the population in Qatar has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Any person who tests positive for COVID-19 while in Qatar will have to isolate in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health,” the World Cup organizers said.

The 2022 World Cup will be held at full capacity stadiums – with nearly 3 million tickets on sale for 64 games – 16 months after the European Championship with some stadiums across the continent only 25% full due to local COVID-19 . rules.

Originally published at Pen 18

india: Did India miss 1950 World Cup for playing barefoot? New book debunks theory

According to a new book on the history of the national football team, the apathetic attitude of former All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials was the only reason for India to miss the chance to play the 1950 FIFA World Cup. The new book ‘Box to Box: 75 Years of the Indian Football Team’, edited by renowned football journalist Jaideep Basu and young journalist Sayan Mukherjee, is a collection of essays and interviews from some of the best football writers along with key players of the past years. in country.

It traces the journey of the national team since independence, how it championed Asia during its ‘golden age’ and how it has faded since the 1970s.

The book, which hit the stands this month, is a treasure trove of facts, interesting anecdotes, football’s cultural roots, untold and forgotten stories and first-person interviews with some of the sport’s best stars such as Tulsidas Balram, Sudhir Karmakar. and Baichung Bhutia.

In an essay titled ‘The Blunder of the Century’, Basu debunks several theories on India not sending a team to the 1950 World Cup after the national team qualified for it after the return of Burma (now Myanmar) and the Philippines. done.

“… there was no specific reason behind the move other than the indifferent attitude of the AIFF officials. There was no question of FIFA objecting to Indians playing barefoot – it is a fancy theory that originated much later,” Basu, Considered an authority on Indian football. , wrote.

“Raising money from traveling for such a long time was definitely a headache. But the problem was solved as three state associations came to the rescue of AIFF. FIFA also promised to help. One for a short period in Calcutta (now Kolkata) Camp was also organized

“But ultimately the trip failed due to the indecision of the AIFF officials. They put things off till the last moment, held several meetings but still could not reach a decision. At the last moment, when the World Cup was only a couple of weeks away , they took refuge behind lame excuses for canceling the trip.”

The decision not to send the national team was hardly criticized as the World Cup had not yet reached the pinnacle of its glory. The Olympic Games were more prestigious than the World Cup at the time.

The AIFF was then under President Moin-ul-Haq and General Secretary M Datta Ray.

Seven or eight players from the Indian team, which lost 1-2 to France at the 1948 London Olympics, played barefoot but the book revealed that they all had spike boots in their travel bags and preferred not to wear them.

In those days many players preferred to play with only heavy tape on their feet instead of wearing shoes.

The romance of barefoot football continued until 1954 when most of the nation had long ago switched to boots, praising Captain Talimeren Ao’s remark “we play football and you play boot-ball”.

The 1952 Helsinki Olympics needed a 1–10 humiliation at the hands of the then Yugoslavia, its biggest defeat ever, to switch from barefoot to shoes.

When Pakistani Hockey Team Supported Indian Football Team

,

Interestingly, the book also claims that the Pakistani hockey team had supported Indian football players who were ill-treating Indonesians during the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games final match against South Korea.

“India constantly played under the ridicule of the crowd. Every time they touched the ball and whenever they started a move, they were abused. The rest of the Indian (Asian Games) contingent had left Jakarta a day earlier and probably Hi Koi Thaa is standing in a corner to support India, barring an unexpected quarter.

“The Pakistan hockey team, which beat India 2-0 in the final the previous day, was in full force to watch the football final. And they were cheering for India!” It is stated in the essay titled ‘High Noon at Jakarta’.

Under Chunni Goswami’s captaincy, India won the final 2–1 through goals from PK Banerjee and Jarnail Singh and won their second Asana Games gold medal after a home win in 1952.

The book includes articles by notable football writers of the country, including Dhiman Sarkar, Marcus Mergulhao and Siddharth Saxena.

Originally published at Pen 18

Modi declares National Games open; says nepotism, corruption plagued sports in country earlier

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the opening of the 36th National Games here. Speaking on the occasion, he said that Indian players could not perform well in the past due to nepotism and corruption, but his government cleaned the system.

Speaking at a grand function held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera area here, he praised Indian athletes for winning medals in various international events like Olympics in recent times. “The sportspersons of the country were capable earlier also. This medal winning movement could have started earlier also. But, instead of professionalism, there was nepotism and corruption in the game. We have cleaned the system and instilled new confidence in the youth. ,” he said in his address to the enthusiastic crowd.

“Your victory in sports will pave the way for the country’s success in other fields.

The soft power of sports will greatly improve the image of our country in the world.”

Originally published at Pen 18

Bumrah ruled out of T20 World Cup due to back stress fracture

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah was on Thursday ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a back fracture, dealing a major blow to the team’s prospects in the ICC major tournament starting next month in Australia.

A BCCI official told PTI that Bumrah will be out of the field for six months due to a back injury.

A senior BCCI official said on the condition of anonymity, Bumrah will definitely not play the T20 World Cup. He has a serious back condition. It’s a stress fracture and he could be out for six months.

It is understood that either Deepak Chahar or Mohammed Shami can be included in the main team in place of Bumrah. Both were named as stand-by players for the prestigious tournament by the BCCI.

Bumrah, who played the second and third T20Is against Australia, did not accompany the team to Thiruvananthapuram for the first match of the series against South Africa.

The 28-year-old pacer is the second senior star player to be dropped after Ravindra Jadeja, who is recovering from a knee surgery.

The Indian team is already looking troubled at the moment and Bumrah’s injury has added to the problems for captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid.

“Losing Bumrah and Jadeja would be huge for India. We didn’t expect things to be as they have. They were rested for the Asia Cup to manage their workload. Now that’s a question It remains whether he was fit enough or not to play the Australia series,” the senior official said.

Several senior players have been given adequate rest keeping in mind their workload.

More interestingly, Bumrah has played only five Tests, five ODIs and as many T20Is in 2022 apart from IPL games for Mumbai Indians.

“It’s not a lot of cricket, considering he was rested for the Asia Cup, the West Indies tour and some of the bilateral cricket he played in India. It’s a lot of rest.

“At the moment he is in the NCA and rehab will be long and tough. Yes, the World T20 is important but he is still young and India’s biggest bowling asset. You can’t take that risk with him,” the official said. ,

Back stress fractures do not require surgery but take a long time to heal.

Bumrah doing sling action puts a lot of pressure on his back during loading. Former West Indies fast bowler great Michael Holding had assessed that Bumrah was always a candidate for back injuries.

Originally published at Pen 18

36th National Games: PM Modi at the opening ceremony in Ahmedabad

Originally published at Pen 18

Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of T20 World Cup 2022 with stress fracture: BCCI

Originally published at Pen 18

Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of T20 World Cup

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah was on Thursday ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a stress fracture, dealing a major blow to the team’s chances in the ICC tournament. A BCCI official told PTI that Bumrah has a stress fracture and could be out of action for months.

“Bumrah will definitely not play the World T20. He has a serious back condition. It is a stress fracture and he may be out for a period of six months,” a senior BCCI official said on the condition of anonymity.

Bumrah, who played two T20Is against Australia, did not accompany the team to Thiruvananthapuram for the first match of the series against South Africa.

Bumrah is the second senior star player after Ravindra Jadeja, who is recovering from a knee surgery, to be dropped.

Originally published at Pen 18

bumrah: India elect to field against South Africa in 1st T20, Bumrah ruled out with back injury

India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to field in the first T20 International against South Africa here on Wednesday. Jasprit Bumrah complained of back pain during India’s practice session on Tuesday.

He was assessed by the BCCI medical team and then he was ruled out of the first game.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Deepak Chahar made it to the first XI in place of Hardik Pandya and Bumrah, who played the last match against Australia.

Teams:

India: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (w), Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Riley Rossouw, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Enrique Nortje, Tabrez Shamsi.

Originally published at Pen 18

Suryakumar Yadav T20I ranking: Suryakumar Yadav equals career-best second position in ICC T20I rankings

Dubai: India batsman Suryakumar Yadav jumped a place to reach a career-best second spot in the latest ICC Men’s T20 International Player Rankings released on Wednesday.

Suryakumar now has 801 rating points after scoring a match-winning 69 off 36 balls in the third match against Australia in Hyderabad on Sunday, helping India win the series 2-1.

He rose to the second spot in the T20I rankings for the first time in August this year after his exploits against the West Indies.

India captain Rohit Sharma was ranked 13th in the second and third T20Is against Australia with an unbeaten 46 and 17, respectively. Virat Kohli also moved up a place to 15th position but KL Rahul dropped four places to 22nd.

Only a few rating points separate Suryakumar and Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who improved one place to finish third.

Babar, who held the No. 1 spot for 1,155 days before being overtaken by teammate Mohammad Rizwan earlier this month, was named player of the match for his 110 not out in the second T20I against England went.

He followed it up with scores of eight and 36 in the third and fourth matches, which were also played the previous week.

India spinners Axar Patel (18th) and Yuzvendra Chahal (26th) and pacer Harshal Patel (37th) have moved up in the bowlers’ list, led by Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood.

India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, however, dropped a place in the charts to 10th position.

Among others, Matthew Wade (62nd), Cameron Green (67th) and Tim David (109th) are the Australian players to move up the batting rankings.

Green and David scored half-centuries in the final match of the series.

England batsman Harry Brook’s scores of 31, 81 not out and 34 in Pakistan have propelled him to 29th place, while Ben Duckett has moved up to 32nd place with 43 not out, 70 not out and 33 in those three matches.

In the latest weekly update, Reece Topley dropped to 23rd and is the third highest ranked England bowler after Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan.

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has moved up to 14th position with five wickets in the last three matches, while Mark Wood (40th) and Sam Curran (47th) have also progressed.

Originally published at Pen 18

shahbaz: Umesh Yadav, Shreyas Iyer and Shahbaz Ahmed added to India squad for South Africa T20s

The trio of pacer Umesh Yadav, batsman Shreyas Iyer and all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed were included in the Indian squad for the three-match T20I series against South Africa starting here on Wednesday.

Senior pacer Mohammed Shami, who missed the recently concluded T20I series against Australia after contracting the COVID-19 infection, is yet to make a full recovery and thus the T20I against Proteas Will not be a part of matches.

Deepak Hooda has also been ruled out of the series due to a back injury. The all-rounder is at the NCA to “manage ahead of his injury”.

“The All India Senior Selection Committee has selected Umesh Yadav in place of Shami and Shreyas Iyer in place of Hooda,” a BCCI release said.

Shahbaz Ahmed has also been included in the T20 squad.

Umesh was brought in in place of Shami in the series against Australia. He has featured in the series-opener but has not played the second and third T20Is.

At the same time, left-arm spin all-rounder Shahbaz is still uncapped. He was selected in the Indian ODI squad for the Zimbabwe series in August as Washington Sundar’s replacement, but did not miss a game.

Rookie pacer Arshdeep Singh, who was rested for the series against Australia, has signed the team for three T20 Internationals.

The series against South Africa will serve as the final dress rehearsal for both sides ahead of the marquee event in Australia next month.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya and senior seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have been rested for the series ahead of the T20 World Cup next month, have also reported to the NCA for “conditioning related work”.

Revised Indian squad for South Africa T20I:

Rohit Sharma (capt), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah , Umesh Yadav, Shreyas Iyer and Shahbaz Ahmed.

Originally published at Pen 18

mark waugh: Jasprit Bumrah among Mark Waugh’s Top-5 T20I players in the world

Australian great Mark Waugh has included India pacer Jasprit Bumrah in his list of five cricketers who he feels are the best T20I players in the world.

Waugh is confident that 28-year-old Bumrah, who is ranked 45th in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, will do well during next month’s ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.

“I think he is really a fantastic bowler across all formats,” Waugh said of Bumrah, who had to miss a couple of white-ball series due to his old back injury.

“His ability to take wickets in T20 cricket is important. He can bowl at death and bowl in front,” Waugh said.

The former all-rounder, known for his athletic fielding in top-order blitzkrieg and slip cordons, also picked Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi in his top-5.

Waugh, a member of Australia’s 1999 Cricket World Cup winning team, said, “We will go with another great Pakistan opener, Shaheen Afridi, who is a terrific left-arm fast bowler to open the bowling at the other end.” on ICC.

“He’s a wicket-taker. He elevates the team. He’s the guy the other players follow. He’s a left-hander, so that’s another difference. He swings the ball back to the right. Well, he’s fast, that’s why I put him at number two,” Waugh said of Afridi, who is ranked 19th among bowlers.

The other three Waughs include Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan (4th in T20I ranking for bowlers), England captain Jos Buttler (T20I batting ranking 15th) and Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell (T20I batting ranking 29th, all-rounder ranking 6th).

“In all the competitions he (Rashid) plays in, he is just someone you know is going to bowl four overs,” said K Waugh, the Afghanistan cricketer.

“He’ll probably get two or three wickets and go for 20, and he can bat. He can also hit the ball over the fence.”

As for Butler, England’s white-ball captain, Waugh said, “I think he is probably the number one batsman in world cricket in the T20 format. He is just a clean striker of the ball. We have seen him in all tournaments, He just sees the other players to a different level.”

On Maxwell, Waugh said, “He’s the kind of player who can win you a game on the field and with the bat. With the ball, he’s probably underrated. And I think if he bats 30 balls, So he’ll win you the game. So I think Maxwell, even though he’s not a consistent player, is the X-factor who can win your game any day.”

Originally published at Pen 18

shubman gill news: Cricketer Shubman Gill smashes maiden county century against Sussex

Young Indian batsman Shubman Gill on Tuesday registered his maiden county cricket century while playing for Glamorgan against Sussex in the ongoing County Championship Division Two match.

In the match, this stylish batsman of Punjab scored 119 runs in 139 balls with the help of 16 fours and two sixes. He hit the ball with a solid strike rate of 85.61. However, Jack Carson dismissed him.

Gill has had a good run in county cricket so far. He started the season with a bang against Worcestershire, scoring 92 runs in 148 balls. However, in his next outing against Middlesex, he scored only 22 and 11. In this match against Sussex, he surpassed himself by scoring 119 runs. So far, he has scored 244 runs in four innings at an average of 61.00 with one century and half-century. each.

Earlier in August, it was announced that Gill would play for Glamorgan for the remainder of the County Championship season. This came after winning two consecutive ‘Man of the Series’ awards in series against Zimbabwe (245 runs, one century and fifty in three matches) and West Indies (205 runs, two fifties in three matches).

Gill is the third Indian to wear the Glamorgan jersey after former India head coach Ravi Shastri played for the team from 1987-1991, and in 2005 BCCI President Sourav Ganguly wore the English county club jersey.

The Sussexes are struggling in the second division of the championship. In the 14 matches they have played so far, they have won only one, lost six and drawn six. They are second in the points table with 120 points.

Coming into the match against Sussex, after batting first, Glamorgan posted a declared 533/9 in his first innings, which included fifties from Gill (119), Chris Cook (141) and captain David Lloyd (56) and Ajaz Patel. Were. 51*) Leading the team to the big score.

Shaun Hunt (3/84) was the best bowler for Sussex.

Sussex are currently at 88/1, with captain Tom Haines (38*) and Tom Alsop (3*) unbeaten. They are trailing by 445 runs in the match after the second day.

Originally published at Pen 18

Ind vs SA T20I series: Team India looks to bolster their World Cup preparations

Originally published at Pen 18

harmanpreet kaur icc ranking: Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur moves up to fifth in ICC rankings

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Tuesday jumped four places to reach the fifth spot in the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings on the back of her stellar performance against England. She leads a group of India players who have made rapid gains in the rankings after the team’s 3-0 sweep over England.

Kaur played an unbeaten 143 not out off 111 balls in the second match at Canterbury.

Openers Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma have also gone ahead in the latest update which considers performances in the last two matches of that series as well as the IWC series between West Indies and New Zealand.

First top-order batsman Mandhana, who scored 40 and 50 runs in two matches, has moved up one place to sixth, while Sharma’s unbeaten 68 in the third match at Lord’s saw her move up eight places to 24th. Have given.

Pooja Vastrakar (up four places to 49th) and Harleen Deol (up 46 places to 81st) are second in the Indian batsmen’s list, while new-ball bowler Renuka Singh has moved up 35 places to 35th. in two matches.

Formerly top-order pacer Jhulan Goswami retired at the fifth spot.

England’s Danny Wyatt, who scored 65 runs in the second match, has moved up two places to 21st place among batsmen, while Amy Jones has gained four places to be at 30th. Charlie Dean has moved up 24 places to 62nd among batsmen and 19th among bowlers.

West Indies captain Hayley Mathews has secured the No. 1 spot for all-rounders in the ODI format for the first time in his career after scoring 88 runs and picking up a five-wicket haul in the 2-1 series win over New Zealand.

Originally published at Pen 18

World champion Magnus Carlsen alleges Hans Niemann has cheated more than he admits

World chess champion Magnus Carlsen said on Monday he believes Hans Niemann has “deceived more – and more recently – than is publicly acknowledged”, adding that he is now American. And didn’t want to play against any rivals who had cheated repeatedly in the past.

The 31-year-old Norwegian resigned last week after a move against Niemann in the Julius Baer Generation Cup, which is nearly 200 Elo points behind him – the rating system used to calculate the relative skill levels of players.

“So far I have only been able to speak with my actions, and those actions clearly state that I am unwilling to play chess with Niemann,” Carlsen said in a statement on Twitter.

My statement about the last few weeks. https://t.co/KY34DbcjLo

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) 1664220901000

Carlsen, world champion since 2013, also withdrew from the Sinckfield Cup in St. Louis, Missouri, earlier this month after an unexpected loss to the 19-year-old, sparking a flurry of comments and allegations that Niemann cheated. was.

Niemann has denied any wrongdoing in the over-the-board games.

“When Niemann was invited at the last minute for the 2022 Sinkfield Cup, I strongly considered withdrawing before the event. I ultimately chose to play,” Carlsen said.

Neiman was previously banned from Chess.com for online fraud after admitting that he had not played fairly in non-competitive games on the website in his youth.

“I believe that Niemann has cheated more — and lately — more than publicly acknowledged,” Carlson said Monday.

“His over-board progress has been unusual, and throughout our game in the Sinckfield Cup I had the impression that he was not stressed or even fully focused on the game in critical positions, while We’re kicking me out as kind of black. A handful of players can do that.”

Nieman was not immediately available to comment.

He recently said, “I’ve never cheated in an over-the-board game. If they want me to be completely naked, I’ll do it. I don’t care. Because I know that.” I’m clean.”

Carlsen also requested for stricter detection measures, while reiterating his concerns about cheating in the game.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) said last week that it shared Norwegian concerns about cheating in the game.

“Chess organizers and all those who care about the sanctity of the game should seriously consider the safeguards and methods of fraud detection for over-the-board chess,” Carlson said.

“We must do something about cheating, and to move forward, I don’t want to play against people who have cheated repeatedly in the past, because I don’t know what they are capable of doing in the future.”

Originally published at Pen 18

India Pakistan World Cup Match: “Cricket is loading” at iconic MCG ahead of India-Pakistan clash at ICC T20 World Cup 2022

Preparations have begun at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a blockbuster ICC T20 World Cup 2022 match between India and Pakistan to be held next month.

India will begin its T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on October 23, 2022. This will not only mark the start of both the countries’ World Cup campaign, but will also be the first clash to be hosted by the stadium during a global cricket event.

The official Twitter handle of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) shared pictures of some of the ongoing work on the ground on social media. Vehicles and machines were being used to operate the playground.

MCG tweeted, “And just like that… cricket is loading.”

So far this year, fans have faced three major clashes between the two Asian giants, one in women’s cricket and two in men’s cricket.

The India and Pakistan women’s teams gave fans their first taste of this great rivalry on July 31, 2022, when they participated in a cricket tournament at the Commonwealth Games 2022. In this clash, Pakistan were bundled out for just 99 runs in 18 overs and Sneh Rana’s spin (2/15) made her opponent dance to her tune. Chasing 100, India did their job comfortably with eight wickets in 11.4 overs. Smriti Mandhana scored 63* in 42 balls to give the team an easy victory.

India will create history by winning silver medal in cricket at the Commonwealth Games 2022.

Star-studded men’s teams from the two countries clashed on August 28 to make the start of the Asia Cup 2022. What fans found was one of the best clashes between the two sides in recent years as this wire went down.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4/26) and Hardik Pandya (3/25) were absolutely lethal at their pace, bowling Pakistan out for just 147 in 19.5 overs. Star batsman Mohammad Rizwan scored 43 runs in 42 balls for Pakistan.

Chasing 148, India lost openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul early on, but innings from Virat Kohli (35), Ravindra Jadeja (35) and Hardik Pandya (33*) gave the Men in Blue two balls to spare. Won by five wickets. ,

Exactly a week later on 4 September, the two sides clashed again during the Super Four stage of the tournament.

In that match, KL Rahul (28) and skipper Rohit Sharma (28) and Virat Kohli’s blistering knock of 60 off 44 balls took the Men in Blue to 181/7 in their 20 overs. Spinner Shadab Khan (2/31) was the leading bowler for Pakistan.

Rizwan (71) and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz (42) turned things in Pakistan’s favor with their quick innings and Arshdeep’s dropped catch by Asif Ali added a lot of drama and tension to the match, which India won by five wickets with a single ball. lost. give up.

This defeat became a major reason for Team India’s early exit from the Asia Cup 2022. They also lost their next game to Sri Lanka and failed to defend their title by finishing third in the Super Four stage.

So when the Men in Blue step inside the coveted, packed MSG in October, they will have on their mind to avenge their two extremely painful losses to Pakistan, the first being a 10-wicket loss to Pakistan in the 2021 edition. Will have to face of the tournament, due to which India were knocked out of the tournament in the Super 12 stage itself.

A defeat in the Asia Cup would also be fresh in his mind, a defeat that denied him his chance to become the King of Asia for the eighth time.

All eyes will be on stars like KL Rahul, Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah etc. to perform to the best of their ability.

India squad for South Africa T20I: Rohit Sharma (capt), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), R Ashwin Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohd. Shami, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.

Originally published at Pen 18

Run out controversy: England citing spirit of cricket while disregarding laws of the game is laughable

Much Ado About Nothing, a play by British author William Shakespeare, is a comedy in which a woman is falsely accused of doing something she did not do. Ironically, what has unfolded in Britain after a legitimate run-out during the third and final women’s ODI between hosts England and India on Saturday is also described more fully in the same four words, Much Ado About Nothing. Can be done, and it is as tragic and humorous as drama.

In the 44th over of England’s innings, with 17 runs needed off 39 balls and only one wicket remaining, England’s Charlie Dean went too far back before bowling the ball and Indian bowler Deepti Sharma removed the bails on the non. Striker end. The field umpire gave the verdict to the video umpire and Dean was declared out.

But for some, the dismissal was against the spirit of cricket (SoC) and they criticized the dismissal, including several England players, both men and women.

England men’s team pacer Stuart Broad called it a “terrible way to end a game” on Twitter. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings said, “Not just cricket”.

England women’s team all-rounder Georgia Elvis found it “ridiculous”, while former bowler Alex Hartley questioned “is India the only way to win this game?”.

Meanwhile, Indian players and their supporters have used the rule book allowing such dismissals.

“You did the right thing. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” said former India opener Aakash Chopra. “Will it be in the spirit of the game to run short to win?” asked noted commentator Harsha Bhogle.

India women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur backed Deepti and said, “It is ICC’s rule and you always take those chances.” Deepti claimed that she had “warned him (Dean), he left the crease early on several occasions. We even told the umpire. We were within the rules.” However, the rules do not require a warning before the dismissal takes effect.

England regular captain Heather Knight, who is recovering from hip surgery, refuted Dipti’s claims, saying, “No warnings given… about warnings.”

This method of dismissal has always been legal under Article 41.16.1 of the Laws of Cricket, but for a long time was classified as ‘unfair play’. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the custodian of cricket laws, recently removed it from the ‘Unfair Play’ section and reclassified it as a routine run out. The International Cricket Council has also notified that from October 1, it will also adopt the changes of the MCC.

Article 41.16.1 of the Laws of Cricket states, “If the non-striker is out of his ground at any time from the moment the ball is in play, unless the bowler would ordinarily be expected to release the ball , the non-striker is liable to be run out. In these circumstances, the non-striker shall be run out if he is out of his ground when his wicket is caught by a bowler throwing the ball over the stumps or by catching the ball. whether the ball is subsequently delivered or not.”

The MCC once again put the onus on the non-striker. “The MCC’s message to non-strikers will remain on their ground until they see the ball leaving the bowler’s hand. Then the dismissal, as of tomorrow (Saturday),” the MCC said in a statement on Sunday. Was seen, can’t be.” ,

If Deepti’s act could be called a sharp exercise, then Dean’s act was clearly illegal.

According to a Twitter thread (https://bit.ly/3ShDzFA) by Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna), Dean “quickly left his crease 73 times” while in the middle. This is not a mistake, but a deliberate attempt to take undue advantage.

England’s supporters trying to build their argument based on an abstract idea of ​​the SOC, while disregarding something as concrete as a clearly defined law, are both laughable and sad reflections on their inability to incur harm. .

Originally published at Pen 18

India vs Australia: Kohli, Suryakumar shine as India register 6-wicket win; seal T20I series 2-1

Originally published at Pen 18

Team India surpasses arch-rivals Pakistan to win most T20I matches in a calendar year

Team India on Sunday surpassed arch-rivals Pakistan to become the team to win the most T20 matches in a calendar year.

The Men in Blue achieved this feat after their victory over Australia in the third and final ODI in Hyderabad.

Chasing 187 runs set by Australia, half-centuries from Suryakumar Yadav (69) and Virat Kohli (63) helped the Men in Blue to clinch their 21st T20I win in 2022, a milestone during a calendar year. Most by team.

The record was previously held by Pakistan, which won 20 T20I matches in 2021.

Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup to be played from 16 October to 13 November this year, India have done a lot of match practice for themselves in the shortest format.

He started the year with a 3-0 win over West Indies in the T20I series in February. The same month they defeated Sri Lanka 3–0 in the home T20I series.

In June, there was another T20I home series against South Africa and the series ended in a 2–2 draw after the last match was washed out due to rain.

India continued their winning streak in the shortest format with a 2-1 win in T20Is against England in their own territory in July. In the same month, they also defeated Ireland 2-0 at home.

In July–August, the Men in Blue toured the Caribbean, where they defeated West Indies 4–1 in a five-match T20I series.

This was followed by a rare blot on India’s resume in T20Is this year as they failed to defend their Asia Cup title in August-September this year, finishing third in the Super Four stage.

Following this Australia series, they will play a three-match T20I series against South Africa at home, starting on 28 September.

India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on 23 October.

India could not even qualify for the last four last year as they were knocked out of the tournament in the Super 12 stage.

Coming into the third T20I against Australia, the Aussies posted 186/7 in their 20 overs. Cameron Green (52 off 21 balls) helped the Aussies get off to an explosive start.

But after that, spinners Yuzvendra Chahal (1/22) and Axar Patel (3/33) helped the Men in Blue make a comeback, stopping the Aussies’ run flow and leaving them struggling to 117/6 in 13.5 overs. Had to do

Then a 68-run partnership between Tim David (54) and Daniel Sams (28*) helped the visitors reach 186/7 in their 20 overs. Axar was India’s star with the ball and continued his good run in the series. Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel also got a wicket each.

Chasing a target of 187, Team India quickly lost opener KL Rahul (1) and captain Rohit Sharma (17), leaving them struggling at 2/30. Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav then shared a quick 62-ball 104, with Yadav smashing the Aussies across the park and Virat opening the innings after scoring some quick runs in his first 20 balls.

Yadav’s dismissal of Josh Hazlewood for 69 for 36 broke the stand. After that, Virat completed his half-century and looked to end the game but skipper Aaron Finch played a brilliant knock of 63 for 48 off Sams’ delivery. Hardik Pandya (25* off 16 balls) ends the game. One four for India, one ball left. Team India won the game by six wickets, ending their innings at 187/4.

Sams (2/33) bowled well for the Australian team. Hazlewood and Pat Cummins also took a wicket each.

Suryakumar Yadav was adjudged ‘Man of the Match’ for his fifty.

Originally published at Pen 18

india: India beat Australia by six wickets in 3rd T20I, clinch series 2-1

India beat Australia by six wickets in the third and final T20 International to win the three-match series 2-1 here on Sunday. Cameron Green (52 off 21 balls) and Tim David (54) scored a high number of runs as Australia posted 186 for 7 after being invited to bat.

Suryakumar Yadav’s 69 off 36 balls and Virat Kohli’s 63 off 48 balls helped India chase down the target with a ball to spare.

Daniel Sams (2/33) took two wickets, while Josh Hazlewood (1/40) and Pat Cummins (1/40) took one wicket each.

Axar Patel (3/33) took three wickets for India, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/39), Yuzvendra Chahal (1/22) and Harshal Patel (1/18) also took one wicket each.

Brief Scores:

Australia: 186 for 7 in 20 overs (Tim David 54, Cameron Green 52; Axar Patel 3/33).

India: 187 for 4 in 19.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 69, Virat Kohli 63; Daniel Sams 2/33). PTI ATK PDS PDS

Originally published at Pen 18

Mankad row: MCC issues statement, says 'non-strikers to remain in crease till the ball leaves the bowler's hand'

Originally published at Pen 18

india: India win toss, opt to field

India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl in the third and final T20 International against Australia here on Sunday. Both sides made one change each in their final playing XI.

Rishabh Pant replaced Bhuvneshwar Kumar for India, while Josh Inglis came in for Sean Abbott for the visitors.

According to the BCCI, Deepak Hooda was not available for selection for the game due to a back injury.

The three-match series is tied at 1-1.

Teams:

India: Rohit Sharma (capt), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Cameron Greene, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Daniel Sams, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

Originally published at Pen 18

jhulan goswami: CAB planning to name stand at Eden Gardens after Jhulan Goswami

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is planning to name a stand at the Eden Gardens after India’s legendary pacer Jhulan Goswami in recognition of his outstanding services to the game. The 39-year-old Jhulan, who hails from Chakdaha town in West Bengal’s Nadia district, ended her two-decade illustrious career with the third and final ODI against England at Lord’s on Saturday.

“We are planning to name a stand after Jhulan Goswami at the Eden Gardens. He is a special cricketer and deserves to be with the legends. We will approach the Army for necessary permissions. We will visit him on the annual Also planning a special honor day,” said CAB president Avishek Dalmiya.

“At CAB we give equal importance to women’s cricket and that’s why we see many talented cricketers. They are definitely inspired by Jhulan’s achievements. Though she has retired from international cricket, we see her in the women’s IPL,” she said. would love to play.”

The highest wicket-taker in women’s cricket, Jhulan, affectionately known as the ‘Chakdah Express’, bid adieu to international cricket with over 350 wickets, a feat never achieved by any bowler.

The state cricket body also organized a telecast of his last match at the City Theatre.

Originally published at Pen 18

federer: Roger Federer, even in defeat, gets fitting end to storied career

रोजर फेडरर के 24 साल के पेशेवर करियर का आखिरी मैच शुरू होने वाला था, और लंदन में इस लेवर कप में उनके प्रतिद्वंद्वी एंडी मरे, टीम के साथी बने, ने उनकी सलाह को छोटा और प्यारा रखा।

“इसका आनंद लें,” मरे ने कहा।

41 वर्षीय फेडरर ने शुक्रवार की रात को दिल से लिया: ओ 2 एरिना में बिकने वाली भीड़ की दहाड़ और समर्थन को स्वीकार करते हुए; अपने युगल जोड़ीदार राफेल नडाल के साथ अक्सर मुस्कुराते हुए और चुटकुले सुनाते हुए वे फ्रांसेस टियाफो और जैक सॉक से हार गए, 4-6, 7-6 (2), (11-9)। टीमों के अलग-अलग सेटों के बाद निर्णायक तीसरे सेट के बजाय 10-पॉइंट टाईब्रेकर था।

जैसा कि अक्सर फेडरर के साथ होता था, लहजा सही लग रहा था, और निश्चित रूप से आंसू थे जब यह एक चैंपियन से खत्म हो गया था, जिसने अक्सर अपनी भावनाओं पर – जीत या हार में – उन्हें कसकर लपेटकर रखने के बाद मुक्त कर दिया है। खेल में गेंद। शुक्रवार को विशेष परिस्थितियों में जिन भावनाओं को रेखांकित किया गया था, वे भावनाएं थीं: फेडरर के परिवार और दोस्तों सहित, अखाड़े में हजारों, और शायद सबसे मार्मिक, नडाल, एक बहुत कम लैक्रिमोज चैंपियन, जो अपने दोस्त और युगल साथी के रूप में हर तरह से असंगत दिखाई दिया। जैसे ही उसके चेहरे से आँसुओं की धारा बह निकली।

नडाल ने कहा, “कई साल, एक साथ बहुत सारी चीजें साझा करना।” “जब रोजर दौरा छोड़ता है, तो मेरे जीवन का एक महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा भी जा रहा है।”

लेकिन फेडरर ने साफ कर दिया कि शुक्रवार को उन्होंने जो उम्मीद की थी, वह उन्हें हार में भी मिला है।

फेडरर ने कहा, ‘यह शानदार दिन रहा। “मैंने लोगों से कहा कि मैं खुश हूं, मैं दुखी नहीं हूं। मुझे अपने जूते एक बार और बांधने में मज़ा आया। सब कुछ आखिरी बार था।”

एक संदिग्ध दाहिने घुटने के साथ, वह अपने महान करियर को कई तरह से और कई जगहों पर समाप्त कर सकता था, लेकिन उसने सामूहिक पर जोर देना चुना, विंबलडन या स्विट्जरलैंड के बासेल में अपने गृह शहर स्टॉप जैसे व्यक्तिगत टूर इवेंट को छोड़कर, और इसके बजाय चयन करना इस टीम इवेंट के लिए आंशिक रूप से अपनी रचना का।

फेडरर ने कहा, ‘मैं नहीं चाहता था कि वहां अकेलापन महसूस हो। “मैंने हमेशा महसूस किया कि मैं दिल से एक टीम खिलाड़ी था।”

वह एक और एकल मैच आजमा सकते थे। इसके बजाय, उन्होंने नडाल के साथ युगल खेलना चुना, इस तीन दिवसीय आयोजन की शुरुआती रात को लेवर कप के होमस्ट्रेच से बहुत अधिक गड़गड़ाहट से बचने के लिए बस गए।

उन्होंने कहा, “यह एक उत्सव की तरह लगता है। यह वही है जो मैं अंत में चाहता था, ठीक वही जिसकी मुझे उम्मीद थी,” उन्होंने मैच के बाद के साक्षात्कार में अपने आंसू पोंछते हुए कहा, जिसमें भीड़ ने उनकी मदद करने के लिए उनकी सराहना की।

लंदन में गैलरी में उनकी पत्नी, मिर्का फेडरर, उनके चार बच्चे और उनके माता-पिता, रॉबर्ट और लिनेट, साथ ही साथ उनकी सहायता टीम के अतीत और वर्तमान के सदस्य शामिल थे: पूर्व नंबर 1 स्टीफन एडबर्ग से लेकर उनके वर्तमान कोच सेवरिन लूथी और इवान लजुबिकिक तक .

“वह मुझे बहुत पहले रोक सकती थी, लेकिन उसने नहीं किया,” फेडरर ने अपनी पत्नी, एक पूर्व टूर खिलाड़ी, जिसे वह लंबे समय से “माई रॉक” कहते हैं, के बारे में कहा।

मिर्का फेडरर, फेडरर के फिटनेस ट्रेनर पियरे पगनिनी की तरह, फेडरर ने चार दशकों में एक और दिवंगत मेगास्टार सेरेना विलियम्स की तरह स्थायी टेनिस उत्कृष्टता और खेलने की सीमाओं को आगे बढ़ाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है।

लेकिन शुक्रवार की मजबूत भावनाएं भव्य सेटिंग और धूमधाम तक सीमित नहीं थीं, स्टैंडिंग ओवेशन और फेडरर बैनर की श्रृंखला तक, जो “फॉरएवर आवर नंबर 1” पढ़ते थे, फेडरर और लूथी के बीच फेडरर के लेने से कुछ समय पहले विस्तारित, कोमल आलिंगन तक। न्यायालय।

टेनिस भी विचलित करने वाला निकला, जिसकी कोई गारंटी नहीं थी कि फेडरर ने लगभग 15 महीनों में किसी भी तरह का सार्वजनिक मैच नहीं खेला था क्योंकि वह 2021 में विंबलडन से क्वार्टर फाइनल में ह्यूबर्ट से सीधे सेटों में हार के साथ बाहर हो गया था। हरकाज़, जिसमें 6-0 का अंतिम सेट शामिल था।

अपनी नवीनतम घुटने की सर्जरी से पूरी तरह से उबरने में असमर्थ, उन्होंने कहा कि वह कुछ हफ्ते पहले भी अनिश्चित थे कि वह बिल्कुल भी खेल पाएंगे। सॉक और टियाफो की टीम वर्ल्ड डबल्स टीम के खिलाफ शुक्रवार की रात एक औपचारिक विदाई समझ में आती, लेकिन फेडरर इससे कहीं ज्यादा कामयाब रहे। मैच में उन्होंने जो पहली गेंद मारी वह विजेता थी: रिफ्लेक्स फोरहैंड वॉली। और यद्यपि उन्होंने एक ग्राउंडस्ट्रोक या दो को गलत तरीके से देखा और जब शॉर्ट गेंद के लिए स्प्रिंट करने का समय आया, तो उन्होंने निश्चित रूप से जनता को काफी कुछ दिया, जिसके लिए उन्होंने दूर-दूर से भुगतान किया।

टेनिस के महान खिलाड़ी मार्टिना नवरातिलोवा ने कहा, “एकल की तुलना में युगल खेलना अधिक कठिन है, क्योंकि आप हमेशा लय में नहीं आते हैं, लेकिन उन्होंने बहुत अच्छा प्रदर्शन किया है।” चैनल। “जब आपके पास इतनी अच्छी तकनीक हो तो वापस आना आसान होता है, और वास्तव में कुछ भी गलत नहीं होता है।”

1990 के दशक के अंत में दौरे में शामिल होने के बाद से फेडरर के खेल में एक अनुग्रह और पवित्रता रही है और वह अभी भी अपना आपा खो रहे थे और नियमित रूप से सेवा कर रहे थे।

लेकिन उन्होंने जल्द ही अपने क्रोध प्रबंधन के मुद्दों को हल कर लिया और एक नए गियर में लात मारी, एक ऐसा कि कोई भी प्रतिद्वंद्वी तब तक लगातार मुकाबला नहीं कर सकता जब तक कि नडाल मिट्टी पर एक अजेय बल के रूप में उभरे और हर दूसरी सतह पर एक बड़ा खतरा बन गया। नोवाक जोकोविच 2010 के दशक में बयाना में प्रमुख पैक में शामिल हुए और निर्विवाद रूप से उस दशक के खिलाड़ी थे, पुरुषों के टेनिस को एक मजबूत सहायक कलाकारों के साथ बिग थ्री में बदल दिया, जिसमें मरे और स्टेन वावरिंका शामिल थे, जिन्होंने प्रत्येक ने तीन प्रमुख एकल खिताब जीते।

फेडरर 20 के साथ समाप्त हुए, इस स्वर्ण युग में नडाल के 22 और जोकोविच के 21 के बाद तीसरे सर्वश्रेष्ठ हैं।

टीम यूरोप के हिस्से के रूप में शुक्रवार रात उन सभी को पीठ पर थप्पड़ और सामरिक युक्तियों को साझा करते हुए देखना पुष्टि कर रहा था।

द बिग थ्री ने दशकों से कई लॉकर रूम और बोर्डरूम साझा किए हैं, लेकिन यह पहली बार था जब वे सभी टीम के साथी थे। एक रात के लिए किनारा बंद था, जो देर रात में बदल गया और मैच 12:26 बजे समाप्त हुआ, भले ही तुलना और विषमता कई वर्षों तक जारी रहेगी।

नडाल के पास अभी के लिए ग्रैंड स्लैम खिताब की बढ़त है, और जोकोविच को लगता है कि फेडरर के 310 से काफी आगे, 373 के साथ अच्छे के लिए लिपटे हुए नंबर 1 पर उनके पास कुल सप्ताह है। लेकिन फेडरर के पास अभी भी उनके गढ़ हैं। वह 103 टूर एकल खिताब के साथ समाप्त हुआ, पुरुषों के लिए ओपन युग में जिमी कोनर्स के 109 के बाद दूसरा। फेडरर आठ विंबलडन एकल खिताब के साथ भी समाप्त हुए, जो सर्वकालिक पुरुषों का रिकॉर्ड है। उनकी कुल छह साल की समाप्ति चैंपियनशिप एक और रिकॉर्ड है, और उनमें से दो एटीपी फाइनल, O2 एरिना में जीते गए थे।

फेडरर बेसल में पले-बढ़े, अक्सर घर के अंदर खेलते थे, अक्सर सर्दियों में अस्थायी फुलाए हुए बुलबुलों के नीचे लाल मिट्टी पर खेलते थे। वह दिल से एक हमलावर खिलाड़ी है, घर पर सबसे बेसलाइन से तंग है और उछाल से पहले गेंद को उल्लेखनीय रूप से हिट करता है। आंद्रे अगासी ने एक बार फेडरर का सामना करने के अनुभव को यह समझाते हुए संक्षेप में बताया कि कोई “सुरक्षित पनाहगाह” नहीं था, एक शॉट लगाने के लिए कोई जगह नहीं थी जहां खतरा नहीं था।

फेडरर के एक साल से अधिक समय तक एक्शन से बाहर रहने के बाद भी शुक्रवार की रात को यह अवधारणा अभी भी समझ में आई, भले ही उनके 41 साल और घुटनों में दर्द स्पष्ट रूप से उनके आंदोलन को सीमित कर दे। उन्होंने अंतिम बदलाव पर अपने नए धीमेपन का मज़ाक उड़ाया, जब उन्होंने समापन टाईब्रेकर के दौरान अपने और नडाल के पहले और एकमात्र मैच बिंदु को बदलने के लिए फोरहैंड को ट्रैक करने में विफल रहने के बाद अपने साथियों के साथ पानी की घूंट के बीच बात की।

लेकिन शॉटमेकिंग अभी भी थी, भले ही पंखदार फुटवर्क न हो। खिंचाव के नीचे, उन्होंने बड़े फोरहैंड रिटर्न, टच वॉली और यहां तक ​​​​कि एक ट्रेडमार्क ढीले-ढाले इक्का को टी ऊपर मारा। उन्होंने लौटने से पहले अपने रैकेट को भी काटा, अपने दाहिने हाथ की उंगलियों पर उड़ा दिया और विजेताओं के बाद खुशी और समापन के साथ कूद गए, यद्यपि अपने सुनहरे दिनों में उतना ऊँचा नहीं।

वह सब जो गायब था वह एक जीत थी, लेकिन फिर भी इतने सालों में उनमें से बहुत से रहे हैं। और यदि आप प्रतीकवाद की खोज करना चुनते हैं, तो फेडरर के लिए हार में बाहर जाना पूरी तरह से बंद नहीं था।

वह एक बड़ा विजेता रहा है, इसमें कोई संदेह नहीं है, 2004 से 2007 तक खेल पर हावी होने में सक्षम है और 2017 और 2018 में पुनर्जागरण के लिए दहाड़ रहा है। लेकिन उसे खेल के सबसे भव्य चरणों में कुछ कुचल हार को भी सहना पड़ा है, जिसने निश्चित रूप से योगदान दिया है। उसे और अधिक भरोसेमंद चैंपियन बनाने के लिए।

और फिर भी शुक्रवार स्कोर लाइन के लिए नहीं, बल्कि नीचे की रेखा के लिए एक रात थी, और सॉक ने उतना ही अच्छा काम किया जितना कि किसी ने भी इसे स्पष्ट करने के लिए किया क्योंकि उसने फेडरर को नेट पर गले लगा लिया।

“आपकी सराहना करते हैं,” सॉक ने कहा, इससे पहले कि वे अलग हो गए और फेडरर बाएं मुड़ गए और अपने जीवन के बाकी हिस्सों की ओर बढ़ गए।

हालाँकि, शब्द वे नहीं थे जो सबसे अधिक वाक्पटु थे। असली शक्ति भावों में थी, सबसे बढ़कर नडाल की नजर में। अगर किसी आदमी का आगमन उसे इतना याद करेगा, तो हममें से बाकी लोगों को कैसा महसूस होना चाहिए?

यह लेख मूल रूप से में दिखाई दिया
न्यूयॉर्क टाइम्स.

Originally published at Pen 18

world cup: FIFA’s World Cup carnival in Qatar comes at a cost

The good news is that it’s a yes from the giant, fire-breathing spider. After all, it’s hard to imagine the World Cup without its finest tradition: a 50-ton decommissioned crane arranged in the shape of a monstrous arachnid, loaded with highly flammable fuel and then stocked with a less-than-flammable DJ .

The spider will form the centerpiece of one of the cultural highlights of this winter’s World Cup in Qatar: a month-long electronic music festival called the Arcadia Spectacular, held south of Doha and promotional materials designed to “electrify the atmosphere, extraordinary Sculpting phase”. And the most impressive show on earth.”

The idea at England’s Glastonbury Festival has been framed fairly transparently – the spider itself has been a regular feature there for a decade – and, although it was only announced at a relatively late stage in preparation for the World Cup, organizers had to It is expected to attract approximately 200,000 fans. Each of them should be warned: it turns out that they “will be charmed until late at night.”

The spider, however, won’t be alone, which can potentially be a problem when you’re a nightmarish metal giant.

Arcadia Spectacular Qatar is not the only music festival to be held in 2022. Al Waqarah will have another, hosted by a company called MDLBEST: you can tell it’s going to be cutting edge, because it’s capitalized and it’s also eliminated some of its vowels, which are the oldest-fashioned letters. Huh.

However, these events are only part of the entertainment tapestry offered to fans during the tournament. There is Al Maha Island with an ice-skating rink, circus and theme park; Lusail, the first city built for the World Cup, will have a “vehicle parade” and futuristic light shows on Central Boulevard; Doha Corniche, 4 miles of wandering street performers and “carnival atmosphere”; And, of course, there are beach clubs, fan parks and, around every stadium for every game, the charmingly named “Last Mile Cultural Activation.”

Qatar, in other words, has been as good as its word: it promised it would do a show, and it has delivered. No expense has been made. No stone has been left unturned. Its plans are grand, and ambitious, and brilliant for what can be called a tournament experience.

It’s only a shame that they don’t, in any way, reflect what the fans want or need, and that they betray such a fundamental misunderstanding – both on the part of the local organizers. And more perniciously than, FIFA itself – is this what makes the World Cup special.

It’s not football that makes the World Cup, not really. There are times when games are captivating and nail-biting and heartbreaking, of course, when what happens on the field is like a bright, permanent tattoo or a mark of pain on the collective memory. But more often, it’s something a little more ethereal. The World Cup is, at heart, a feeling.

(Start optional trim.)

For example, the most memorable thing about Russia four years ago was not the winning French team. It was not the Croatian side that propelled the nation of 5 million to the pinnacle of ultimate glory. It was also not the sight of Germany, the reigning champion, crashing in the group stage, or Spain self-immolating.

No, what made Russia 2018 – especially now, considering how unrealistic that month in the sun seems – was Nikolskaya, a street in central Moscow that became a hub for fans around the world, Which was full of flags and buns and songs. It was the sight of thousands of Peruvians on the streets of Saransk, a red stripe in their hearts. It was the feeling that, even in the vast land of steppe and mountain and forest, you were never more than 6 feet from a Colombian.

That joy, that sense of oneness, doesn’t just touch the people present. It spreads like a smile to many, many more looking at home. It not only provides the soundtrack for the games but also the background. It turns stadiums from sterile bowls into something full of life. It simply takes a soccer tournament and turns it into an event. It cannot be forced. It cannot be ordered into an existence. It has to conceive, develop, ferment.

(Optional trim ends.)

There are many reasons to criticize the idea of ​​a World Cup in Qatar. First and foremost, there are ongoing concerns about human rights, the irritating morality of a tournament built on and by indentured labor. There’s also the troubling uncertainty, over how welcoming gay fans might be, will it really be a tournament for everyone.

(Start optional trim.)

But although this downplays the importance of those issues, it is also worth considering what kind of World Cup this could be, because it is there that it is possible to see clearly that not only Qatar – and especially FIFA – Who thinks the world is up to the biggest sporting event, but what is it.

In August, three months before the tournament began, Qatar announced Arcadia Fabulous with their formidable steel tarantula. It seemed strange to reveal such a huge addition to the slate in such a short period of time, but much of the World Cup has clearly been a last-minute breeze. It is as if all the effort, all the energy was put into securing the tournament and building the stadiums, so that at the very last moment one has to wonder about all the people who might come to watch.

Nowhere is this clearer than in the accommodations expected to be attended by millions of fans in November and December. Even now, less than two months later, not all of the accommodation being prepared for the tournament is available to book, which is very good reason why it’s not all ready.

(Optional trim ends.)

And there is cost. Tournament organizers say Qatar has a “comfortable list of fans”: they say, there will be “130,000 rooms” for fans each night of the tournament. With options ranging from hotels to villas and apartments and cruise ships, luxury tents, simple cabins and even camper vans, there is “something to suit everyone.” A spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy said “the cheapest option is “as little as $80 per room per night.”

(Start optional trim.)

While that’s true, it’s not quite clear what that $80 buys you. Many organizations representing fan interests cast significant doubts about what types of facilities will be offered at cabin parks. It is not yet clear, a representative said, if people living in the park will be able to watch the game on television, or how they will access food and water. (The Supreme Committee insists that there will be food trucks at each site.)

Nor is it entirely clear what proportion of available accommodation can be counted as “suitable for the budget-conscious traveller”, as the Qatar Accommodation Agency website, central to booking rooms in Qatar during tournaments Portal, it puts. (The Supreme Committee did not specify what percentage of the available rooms in Qatar could be considered relatively low-cost for the tournament.)

(Optional trim ends.)

Currently, apartments are available for $102 per person per night for certain dates, although they come with a caveat that availability is running low. Miss out on them and the price creeps up quickly. Other options start at $300 per night. A luxury tent costs more than $400. A berth on a cruise ship starts at around $500. Hotels can raise up to thousands of dollars for a night.

(Start optional trim.)

Of course, it is not unusual for prices to rise during a major event. Just as they may be in a Champions League final, or in the Super Bowl, fans are expected to score a handful of goals when they choose – and it’s important to remember that this is a choice – to attend. For. The price of flights increases almost immediately. A premium is added to hotel rooms. Private tenants get the opportunity. There’s nothing like sport for the ugliest celebration of capitalism.

But although this problem is certainly not unique to Qatar, it is certainly more pronounced. South Africa and Brazil and Russia may also attract existing networks of cheap hostels and midrange hotels, as well as private homes available on Airbnb.

Their prices went up as well, and the photos – from bitter personal experience – didn’t always match reality, but it was possible to participate in all those tournaments on a relative budget. The more adventurous the person may be able to rent a van, or pitch a tent, or squeeze into a hotel room with far more friends, as advised.

Neither of these options is available in Qatar. The existing hotel infrastructure is almost exclusively luxury. Many of the hotels that have been built for the tournament are surprisingly the same. Some hostels seem to have been booked. As of late, authorities have allowed Qatari residents to rent out their homes privately, but doing so at the last minute doesn’t exactly scream “low cost.”

(Optional trim ends.)

This is the World Cup as Qatar envisions it, and FIFA as it appears: a premium product, a lifestyle experience that can be achieved at a certain price point, a sport for the corporate class. The grounds of the traveling wealthy, luxury travellers. It is a phenomenon designed by consultants, for consultants, to be the kind of space in which a giant, fire-breathing spider is hired to disguise the absence of sensation in the spectacle.

And this World Cup, sadly, will be poor for it. The atmosphere of a carnival is not something that can be brought into existence. It’s not possible to take all of Glastonbury’s stages and sets and logistics and recreate them anywhere, just as it’s not possible to take the organic, authentic melts from thousands of fans around the world and replace it. A series of “cultural events” and “sponsor activities”.

What makes the World Cup, who always makes the World Cup, are the people. Neither on the field, nor in the stands, but those who come just to be there, just to sample it, to add color and sound and enjoyment.

It’s hard not to worry that many of those fans would have been left out of Qatar, or excluded from being allowed into the country without tickets for a game, and sentiment would change with them, calling the tournament off. An ersatz version of itself, an homage to all the things money can buy—including a flame-throwing spider—and all the things it can’t.

This article originally appeared in
new York Times,

Originally published at Pen 18

Chakdaha Express reaches final station

“This week the lockdown is being eased and we can go out and run. I need to train outside. Training at home will not be enough. Will you come with me?” Jhulan Goswami asked this writer.

This was in May 2021 when the country was under the influence of a second wave. The walls of the house were getting claustrophobic. Each day was a grim reminder that things weren’t perfect. The sport had not yet picked up on the world stage and it was not something no one had ever seen before. Goswami was getting restless.

“Every moment I am at home affects my fitness and my health,” she said.

Time was calling to him and no one knew it better than Goswami himself. With an insatiable hunger to perform for the team and move on till the last step, she had asked about the N95 masks she needed for training and wanted to take some to England.

Goswami was not worried about the virus. What mattered was cricket.

At 38, Goswami was ready for the tough yard. Waking up at 5 a.m. before people arrive, planning innovative exercises at home to keep things going, running more laps than every young man she trains with. This was Goswami throughout his career. All she knew was hard work, not leaving things to chance and preparing her best.

For two decades, Goswami could not afford to disappoint thousands of aspiring women whose sense of self-confidence was shaped by him. Indians can bowl fast, redefine the narrative and aspire to greatness is Goswami’s contribution to the game.

Goswami took his wickets in front of thousands. She was for fans in flesh and blood, for people to experience and be a part of her journey, to enjoy and consume the acts that had preceded her.

Women’s cricket has been accustomed to discrimination for the longest time before Mithali Raj and Goswami. He was used to the narrative of deprivation, content to play second fiddle.

The story of Goswami was different. It was domination and claim, victory and achievement, bowling fast and breaking taboos, creating a niche that many would now like to emulate.

How can one best describe Goswami? That she was one of the best things I’ve seen in the world is known and accepted. It is also known that she was the most diligent and conscientious. What can be added here is that she was equally obsessed, a quality that was necessary to be great. His longevity as a fast bowler is a testament to this.

“I was moving up and down in the room till around 3.30 pm. My mind was filled with self-doubt. It was not a happy place,” Goswami had said a day after a no-ball resulted in India’s ODI win against Australia in September 2021.

She was not one to forgive and forget.

“After sleeping really late, I woke up the next morning at around 10.30”, she said.

“Within a few minutes Harmanpreet (Kaur) and Smriti (Mandhana) called me and said they were taking me out for breakfast. I have my own routine for pre match day mornings but they were insisting that I break my routine. They didn’t give me a chance,” she laughed.

His teammates at breakfast helped him relax and focus on the third and final game.

“When I came out to bowl for the final ODI, my body was in pain but my mind was racing. I had to do well.” He scored the winning run and helped India win the match.

She wouldn’t rest easily otherwise. She was fine to let herself down, but when it came to her team, it was non-negotiable. He has done the same thing throughout his career.

And by doing so, he earned himself the status of a legend in his game. The game is poor now.

Women’s cricket will miss him. And she will miss being in the middle and running for India. But she knows that she has given her everything. Every ball thrown was a symbol of effort. He enriched his game and inspired many. She may not have won the World Cup, but she was part of a revolution in Indian women’s cricket.

Originally published at Pen 18

Harshal, Chahal’s form in focus ahead of series decider against Australia

India will be hoping for their lead bowlers Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal to take on Australia in the deciding third T20 International of the series here on Sunday.

India were able to bridge the gap in Nagpur to level the three-match series with a comprehensive win in the eight-over-a-side contest. But they will need their bowlers, especially Harshal and Chahal, to recover from their struggles ahead of the T20 World Cup.

India had an electric start in the previous game, with Axar Patel bowling a quick in the two overs that included some wickets but they struggled towards the end of the innings.

While Jasprit Bumrah will take over the responsibility, senior seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s poor performance in the death overs is a real concern. He struggled in the Asia Cup and in the opener against Australia.

He was dropped for the second T20, perhaps because skipper Rohit Sharma felt he needed only four bowlers for eight overs, but Bhuvneshwar’s form was worrying.

Death overs specialist Harshal, who is returning from injury, has also not inspired confidence and probably needs a few more matches to find his rhythm.

The right-arm medium pacer, who relies on his variations to be effective, has conceded 81 runs in his six overs at an economy rate of 13.50 and is the costliest bowler in the series. He has struggled to get his length right without a wicket.

India rely on their spinners in the middle overs and while Akshar has been a big positive, Chahal has faltered. He scored a lot of runs in the Asia Cup and this trend continued against Australia.

India, however, will breathe a sigh of relief as Bumrah was at his old best, showing no signs of war after returning from his back injury.

In the batting department, the famous top-order of Rohit, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli needs to be more consistent. All three have not fired in unison for some time.

Suryakumar Yadav has also been poor in the last few matches and Hardik Pandya has put in a match-winning performance.

Another chink in the armor of Indian batsmen is leg spin. The leggies have continued to struggle against and Adam Zampa has used this weakness well.

Dinesh Karthik, who played his part as a finisher in the previous game, is likely to get more playing time.

Skipper Rohit would also like to try out similar player Axar in place of injured Ravindra Jadeja with the bat to see how the all-rounder performs in critical situations. Additionally, he is the only left-handed batsman other than Rishabh Pant.

The Australians, on the other hand, will also be concerned with their bowling.

After beating India in the first game, the Australians were on the receiving end in the second match, eventually losing by six wickets. While Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade managed to score runs on the board, their bowling department failed miserably once again.

Fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Daniel Sams conceded 11 runs in an over in the absence of injured Nathan Ellis. All-rounder Cameron Green has also been expensive.

Wade has been fantastic with the Willows, but with a World Cup to defend in his backyard, the Aussie team management would love big-hitter Glenn Maxwell, who has scored just one run in two matches.

Come Sunday, both teams will look to iron out the flaws in their respective armor and come out on top, as a series win at the close of the World Cup will be a real moral booster.

Teams from:

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav.

The match will start at 7 PM IST.

Originally published at Pen 18

I don’t practice too much but like to be specific: Dinesh Karthik

Specific practice and ‘not too much’ helps Dinesh Karthik to come up with big hits in extreme pressure situations.

One such case was on Friday night when he hit a six and a four to seal the game for India after nine runs were needed off the last six balls.

When asked about his process, the designated finisher in the team said that creating scenarios in the nets helps him perform in the middle.

“From a time, I have been practicing for it, I am doing it now for RCB and I am happy to do it here. So it is a regular routine for some time.

“I do a lot of scenario drills and Rahul (Dravid) bhai and Vikram (Rathore) bhai are also adjusting how I want to practice, what type of shots I want to practice.

, Back to recommendation stories

“I’ve been very specific with it. I don’t practice a lot but I want to keep it as specific as possible,” Karthik said after India leveled the series against Australia.

In the first game, Karthik came to bat after Axar Patel while on Friday he was sent ahead of the left-arm spinner.

“I think this is something that we are trying, there are times when there may be few overs where an Axar Patel can target a spinner and take them.

“So there’s that kind of logic at that point and bowling left arm and leg spinner is a good matchup. So we try to use that option sometimes.

“So that’s one of the reasons why we try and play it depends on how the game is going at that point of time,” the 37-year-old said.

Karthik played ahead of Rishabh Pant in the opener but a short game allowed the management to accommodate both in the playing XI for the second T20I.

“Today we needed four bowlers to finish eight overs because each bowled two but we actually had five options. So when you have five options, there is a world-class all-rounder in Hardik Pandya,” Karthik said. It’s a luxury to have.”

“When Hardik Pandya is in 11, 11 becomes very well balanced, an extra batsman or extra bowler can play, that’s the luxury you have and that’s what makes him so special.”

The wicket-keeper batsman heaped praise on his captain Rohit Sharma, who scored an unbeaten 46 off 20 balls in the run chase. The game was reduced to a side contest for 8 overs due to a wet outfield.

“Brilliant batting from Rohit Sharma. On that pitch, it is not easy to play such shots against new ball bowlers. It shows that he is such a great player not only in Indian cricket but in world cricket as well.

“His ability to bowl fast is second to none in his world and that is what makes him really special as a batsman,” he added.

While Pandya has been in sensational form since his return from injury, Axar too has slipped into the role of a spin all-rounder after joining the side in place of injured Ravindra Jadeja.

Karthik said, “There are very few players like him (Pandya) who are capable of balancing the team and that’s where I think India is blessed and Touchwood is there. If he does well then it’s always good for Indian cricket. ”

“I think Axar Patel is also coming well with the bat at different times, it will help India as it helps in the balance of the team.

“Everyone is aware of Rishabh Pant’s quality as a batsman. He would have been very useful in this game. Yes, he couldn’t come back till the end but we all know what qualities he brings to the table. So I guess That I think India definitely made the right choice by playing the role of Rishabh.”

Originally published at Pen 18

Women cricketer Jhulan Goswami set to retire from One Day International Cricket – The Economic Times Video

Legendary Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami will play his final international match against England at Lord’s in the ‘Home of Cricket’ on Saturday and his team will try to make the occasion memorable, exiting the tour with a win.

Follow @EconomicTimes

Originally published at Pen 18

Roger Federer bids teary farewell to glorious tennis career; Rafael Nadal weeps too – The Economic Times Video

Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal was caught in an emotional moment as his longtime rival and friend Roger Federer bid adieu to the sport after a doubles clash in the ongoing Laver Cup 2022. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, 41, and Nadal, playing for Team Europe, lost 6–4, 6–7 (2/7), 9–11 to Francis Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World. When the match ended, Federer hugged Nadal as well as Tifo and Sock before crying. Nadal was also in tears after Federer’s loss in his last match in competitive tennis.

Originally published at Pen 18

Roger Federer’s last match is doubles loss with Rafael Nadal

इस दिन, यह मैच, निश्चित रूप से, रोजर फेडरर के लिए, और टेनिस के लिए आना था, जैसा कि हर खेल में प्रत्येक एथलीट के लिए अनिवार्य रूप से होना चाहिए।

फेडरर ने शुक्रवार की रात एक आखिरी प्रतियोगिता के साथ विदाई की बोली लगाई, इससे पहले कि वह 41 साल की उम्र में एक शानदार करियर के बाद रिटायर हो गए, जिसमें 20 ग्रैंड स्लैम खिताब और एक राजनेता की भूमिका शामिल थी। उन्होंने एक पेशेवर खिलाड़ी के रूप में अपने लंबे समय के प्रतिद्वंद्वी राफेल नडाल के साथ टीम यूरोप के लिए लेवर कप में फ्रांसेस टियाफो और टीम वर्ल्ड के जैक सॉक के खिलाफ युगल में हार के साथ अपने दिनों को लपेटा।

सच्चाई यह है कि विजेता, आंकड़े और स्कोर (ठीक है, रिकॉर्ड के लिए यह 4-6, 7-6 (2), 11-9) कोई मायने नहीं रखता था, और सभी पूरी तरह से बिंदु के बगल में थे। आखिर मौका था विदाई का ही। या, बेहतर, विदाई, बहुवचन: फेडरर का टेनिस, प्रशंसकों को, उनके प्रतिस्पर्धियों और सहयोगियों को। और, स्वाभाविक रूप से, उन संस्थाओं में से प्रत्येक ने फेडरर को विदाई दी।

फेडरर ने कहा, “यह एक आदर्श यात्रा रही है।” “मैं यह सब फिर से करूँगा।”

जब मैच, और इसके साथ, पेशेवर टेनिस में उनका समय समाप्त हुआ, फेडरर ने नडाल, फिर टियाफो और सॉक को गले लगाया। और फिर फेडरर रोने लगे। जैसे ही स्टैंड से ताली बजाने और स्नेह की चीखें निकलने लगीं, फेडरर ने अपने हाथों को अपने कूल्हों पर रखा, अपनी छाती को गर्म किया। फिर उन्होंने कहा, “धन्यवाद,” दर्शकों की ओर तालियां बजाते हुए, जिन्होंने नारा लगाया था, “चलो चलते हैं, रोजर! चलो चलते हैं!” एक मैच के समापन क्षणों के दौरान जो दो घंटे से अधिक समय तक चला और लगभग 12:30 बजे समाप्त हुआ

स्विस स्टार ने पिछले हफ्ते घोषणा की कि तीन दिवसीय टीम इवेंट, जिसे उनकी प्रबंधन कंपनी द्वारा स्थापित किया गया था, सेवानिवृत्ति से पहले उनका अंतिम कार्यक्रम होगा, फिर स्पष्ट किया कि डबल्स आउटिंग उनका आखिरी मैच होगा। उनके दाहिने घुटने की शल्य चिकित्सा की मरम्मत – जुलाई 2021 में विंबलडन क्वार्टर फाइनल में हार के तुरंत बाद तीन ऑपरेशनों में से अंतिम हुआ, जो उनके अंतिम आधिकारिक एकल मैच के रूप में नीचे जाएगा – उन्हें जारी रखने की अनुमति देने के लिए कोई आकार नहीं है।

फेडरर ने इस सप्ताह एसोसिएटेड प्रेस के साथ एक साक्षात्कार में अपनी भावनाओं के बारे में कहा, “मेरे लिए, केवल व्यक्तिगत रूप से, (यह) पहले क्षण में दुखी था, जब मैं इस निष्कर्ष पर पहुंचा कि यह सबसे अच्छा निर्णय है।” . “मैंने पहले तो इसे पकड़ रखा था, फिर उसका मुकाबला किया। लेकिन मैं दर्द महसूस कर सकता था।”

शुक्रवार के मैच से कुछ घंटे पहले, फेडरर ने ट्वीट किया: “मैंने इसे हजारों बार किया है, लेकिन यह अलग लगता है। आज रात आने वाले सभी लोगों को धन्यवाद।”

उन्होंने कहा था कि वह चाहते थे कि यह एक अंतिम संस्कार की तुलना में एक पार्टी की तरह महसूस हो, और भीड़ ने बाध्य किया, जब फेडरर और नडाल – प्रत्येक ने एक सफेद बंदना, नीली शर्ट और सफेद शॉर्ट्स पहने हुए – एक साथ एक साथ उभरे O2 एरिना में दिन 1 पर आखिरी मैच के लिए ब्लैक कोर्ट की ओर जाने वाली सुरंग। प्री-मैच वॉर्मअप के दौरान दर्शक लगभग 10 मिनट तक अपने पैरों पर खड़े रहे, इस पल को कैद करने के लिए फोन के कैमरे पकड़े हुए थे।

वे उसके लिए दहाड़ने के लिए तैयार आए, कुछ स्विस झंडे के साथ, कुछ घर के संकेतों के साथ, और जब फेडरर ने मैच के दूसरे बिंदु पर फोरहैंड वॉली विजेता दिया, तो उन्होंने खुद को ध्वनि की दीवार के साथ सुना। इसी तरह की प्रतिक्रियाएं “रोजर फेडरर की सेवा करने के लिए” के तीसरे गेम से पहले चेयर अंपायर की घोषणा पर ही पहुंचीं और फिर जब उन्होंने 117 मील प्रति घंटे की सेवा विजेता के साथ उस गेम को बंद कर दिया।

डबल्स को निश्चित रूप से बहुत कम आंदोलन और कोर्ट कवरेज की आवश्यकता होती है, इसलिए शुक्रवार को उनके घुटने पर तनाव सीमित था। फेडरर ने अपने पुराने स्वभाव का स्पर्श दिखाया, सुनिश्चित होने के लिए, और जंग का, जैसा कि अपेक्षित था।

जैसे ही उसके माता-पिता और पत्नी बेसलाइन के पीछे आगे की सीटों पर बैठे थे, कुछ शुरुआती फोरहैंड थे जो कई फीट बहुत लंबे थे। एक फोरहैंड भी था जो सॉक और टियाफो के बीच में फिसल गया था और सच होने के लिए बहुत अच्छा लग रहा था – और, यह निकला, था: गेंद नेट टेप के नीचे एक अंतर के माध्यम से चली गई और इसलिए फेडरर और नडाल से बिंदु दूर ले जाया गया।

हालांकि यह अनिवार्य रूप से एक गौरवशाली प्रदर्शनी थी, लेकिन सभी चार युगल प्रतिभागियों ने इस तरह खेला जैसे कि वे जीतना चाहते हैं। यह तब स्पष्ट था जब एक विशेष रूप से भयानक वॉली के बाद सॉक ने छलांग लगाई और चिल्लाया या जब टियाफो ने फेडरर और नडाल पर कुछ शॉट भेजे।

लेकिन परिस्थितियों ने उत्कटता के क्षणों की अनुमति दी।

फेडरर और नडाल कुछ असमंजस के बाद हंसने में सक्षम थे, जिस पर वे हार गए एक गेंद के लिए जाना चाहिए। नडाल द्वारा पोस्ट के चारों ओर एक बैक-टू-द-नेट शॉट फ़्लिक करने के बाद, केवल इसे बमुश्किल चौड़ा करने के लिए, टियाफो ने प्रयास के लिए बधाई के साथ हाथ बढ़ाने के लिए पार किया।

पहले सेट में, खेल के दो महान खिलाड़ी अंकों के बीच एक-दूसरे को बिल्कुल नहीं सुन सकते थे, इसलिए फेडरर नडाल से परामर्श करने के लिए नेट से वापस बेसलाइन की ओर बढ़े, फिर प्रशंसकों को संकेत देने के लिए अपने कान की ओर इशारा किया कि समस्या क्या थी .

फेडरर से पहले, सबसे बड़ी टेनिस चैंपियनशिप के लिए पुरुषों का चिह्न पीट सम्प्रास द्वारा 14 था। फेडरर ने विंबलडन में आठ, ऑस्ट्रेलियन ओपन में छह, यूएस ओपन में पांच और फ्रेंच ओपन में एक जमा करते हुए, एक नया मानक स्थापित किया, जिसमें नडाल, अब 22 के साथ, और नोवाक जोकोविच ने 21 के साथ बराबरी की, फिर आगे निकल गए। , खेल के लिए एक स्वर्ण युग के हिस्से के रूप में।

फेडरर के पर्याप्त रिज्यूमे में एटीपी रैंकिंग में नंबर 1 पर 310 सप्ताह, डेविस कप खिताब और ओलंपिक पदक शामिल हैं। एक रैकेट चलाने के दौरान लालित्य और प्रभावशीलता से परे, उनके व्यक्तित्व ने फेडरर को टेनिस के लिए एक राजदूत बना दिया, जिसकी अपार लोकप्रियता ने प्रशंसकों को आकर्षित करने में मदद की।

निश्चित रूप से, ऐसे लोग हैं जिन्होंने फेडरर को नडाल से नेट पर खत्म होते देखना विशेष रूप से उपयुक्त पाया होगा, जो अक्सर एक ऑन-कोर्ट नेमसिस लेकिन अंततः एक ऑफ-कोर्ट मित्र होता है। हो सकता है कि यह लगभग 15 मील दूर ऑल इंग्लैंड क्लब के सेंटर कोर्ट में, या रोलांड गैरोस के कोर्ट फिलिप चैटियर में, या मेलबर्न पार्क में रॉड लेवर एरिना, या यहां तक ​​​​कि यूएस ओपन के केंद्र बिंदु आर्थर ऐश स्टेडियम में हो सकता है। , अकेला ग्रैंड स्लैम टूर्नामेंट जिसमें उन्होंने कभी किसी तरह का सामना नहीं किया।

शायद वे सभी को आमने-सामने के मैचअप की एक अंतिम किस्त प्रदान कर सकते थे जैसा कि उनके खेल के लंबे इतिहास में किसी भी यादगार के रूप में – या, वास्तव में, कोई अन्य।

रोजर बनाम राफा – केवल एक नाम की आवश्यकता है – मैकेनरो बनाम बोर्ग (जैसा कि होता है, दो लेवर कप टीम के कप्तान, जॉन और ब्योर्न), एवर्ट बनाम नवरातिलोवा, सम्प्रास बनाम अगासी, अली बनाम फ्रैजियर के साथ है। , मैजिक बनाम बर्ड, ब्रैडी बनाम मैनिंग, और इसी तरह।

इन वर्षों में, फेडरर और नडाल ने अपने 40 मैचों में व्यक्तिगत महानता और सम्मोहक विरोधाभास दिखाया, ग्रैंड स्लैम टूर्नामेंट में 14, प्रमुख फाइनल में नौ: राइट बनाम लेफ्टी, हमलावर बनाम ग्राइंडर, सहजता बनाम अथक तीव्रता।

और फिर भी, इन दो आदमियों के साथ कविता का एक अचूक तत्व था, जिन्होंने एक-दूसरे को चुनौती दी और एक-दूसरे को साझेदार के रूप में प्रदर्शन करते हुए, हथेलियों को थप्पड़ मारते हुए और मुस्कान साझा करते हुए ऊपर उठाया।

“दो ‘बकरियां’ एक साथ खेल रही हैं,” सॉक ने “सर्वकालिक महानतम” के लिए लोकप्रिय परिवर्णी शब्द का उपयोग करते हुए कहा।

यह अलविदा 23 प्रमुख एकल चैंपियनशिप की मालकिन सेरेना विलियम्स को तीन हफ्ते पहले यूएस ओपन में तीसरे दौर की हार के बाद मिली थी। यह एक ऐसे खेल के भविष्य के बारे में सवाल छोड़ता है, जिस पर वह और वह दशकों तक हावी रहे, और आगे बढ़े।

एक महत्वपूर्ण अंतर: हर बार जब विलियम्स ने न्यूयॉर्क में अदालत में कदम रखा, तो यह सवाल उठता था कि उनका प्रवास कितने समय तक चलेगा – एक “जीत या यह है” संभावना। शुक्रवार फेडरर के लिए था, नतीजा कोई भी हो।

सॉक को 6-4, 5-7, 10-7 से हराने वाले कैस्पर रूड ने कहा, “सभी खिलाड़ी उसे मिस करेंगे।”

अन्य परिणाम, जिसने टीम यूरोप और टीम वर्ल्ड को 2-2 से बराबरी पर छोड़ दिया: स्टेफानोस सित्सिपास ने डिएगो श्वार्ट्जमैन को 6-2, 6-1 से हराया, एक मैच में थोड़ी देर के लिए बाधित हो गया जब एक पर्यावरण रक्षक ने कोर्ट के एक हिस्से और अपनी बांह को आग लगा दी। , और एलेक्स डी मिनौर ने एंडी मरे को 5-7, 6-3, 10-7 से हराया।

मरे की हार की समाप्ति के तुरंत बाद खेलना शुरू करने के कारण, फेडरर और नडाल ने पहले उन्हें कुछ कोचिंग टिप्स प्रदान किए, फिर उस एक का हिस्सा टीवी पर एक साथ अखाड़े के एक कमरे में देखा, अपनी बारी का इंतजार कर रहे थे। जब फेडरर और नडाल एक्शन में थे, तब रणनीतिक सलाह देने की बारी जोकोविच की थी।

आखिरी तूफान फेडरर के लिए कुल 103 कैरियर एकल ट्राफियां और एकल मैचों में 1,251 जीत के बाद आया था, दोनों ओपन युग में जिमी कोनर्स के बाद दूसरे स्थान पर थे, जो 1968 में शुरू हुआ था।

अपनी शक्तियों के चरम पर, फेडरर 2005-07 से लगातार 10 ग्रैंड स्लैम फाइनल में, आठ जीतकर, रिकॉर्ड में दिखाई दिए। इसे 2010 तक बढ़ाएँ, और वह 19 में से 18 प्रमुख फ़ाइनल में पहुँचे।

उन संख्याओं से अधिक, लोगों को शक्तिशाली फोरहैंड, एक हाथ वाला बैकहैंड, निर्दोष फुटवर्क, शानदार प्रभावी सेवा और नेट पर जाने की उत्सुकता, अपने खेल के पहलुओं को फिर से खोजने की इच्छा और – जिस हिस्से पर उन्हें गर्व है, याद रहेगा। – असामान्य दीर्घायु।

“मुझे नहीं लगता कि हम रोजर जैसा दूसरा आदमी देखेंगे,” टियाफो ने कहा। “जिस तरह से उन्होंने खेला, और जिस कृपा से उन्होंने इसे किया, और वह एक व्यक्ति के रूप में कौन हैं।”

Originally published at Pen 18

world cup: Not winning a World Cup title is retiring Jhulan Goswami’s only regret

India’s fast bowling great Jhulan Goswami, preparing for his final international match on Friday, said not winning the ODI World Cup would be a “only regret” in his two-decade career.

Goswami will retire after the third ODI against England at the prestigious Lord’s on Saturday.

An emotional Goswami said that she is grateful to the sport for giving her name and fame, but not having a World Cup trophy in her cabinet will remain an un-tick box.

The Indian team finished second during the 2005 and 2017 editions of the 50-over World Cup.

“I have played two World Cup finals, if we would have won at least one, it would have been great for me and the team. Everyone works for that goal. We played 2-3 finals, but we didn’t. May you win, that is my only regret,” the 39-year-old pacer said before the third and final clash.

“You prepare for the World Cup for four years. It’s a lot of hard work. For every cricketer, winning the World Cup is a dream come true moment. But from where I see it, the graph of women’s cricket has only gone up. .

“When I started I never thought of playing for so long. It was a great experience. I am lucky to have played this game.

“Honestly, having a humble background and coming from a small town like Chakdah (in Nadia district of West Bengal), I had no idea about women’s cricket and working professional setup. I am very lucky, my Thanks to the family and parents, they always supported me,” she said.

Goswami said that receiving the India cap was the most memorable moment of his cricketing journey.

“My best memory is when I got the India cap from my captain and bowled the first over because I never thought (that I would play for India). The journey was tough as I had to travel two and a half hours by a local. Train one way every day to train.”

She recalled how the 1997 Women’s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand at the Garden of Eden, which was watched by around 90,000 people, fueled her ambitions.

“In 1997, I was a ball girl at the Eden Gardens, where I saw my first Women’s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand. From that day on, my dream was to represent India,” she said.

As Goswami walks into the sunset, the BCCI is set to launch a women’s IPL sometime next year, but the stalwart has not made up his mind whether she will be a part of the T20 tournament.

“As of now, I have not decided because as of now, the official announcement of Women’s IPL has not been made. We are hopeful that it may come in the coming season. Let’s wait for the official announcement and then I will take a decision. This time I am finishing my career in international cricket. I have enjoyed it every time.”

Plagued by injuries after the 2017 World Cup, Goswami said that she had been contemplating retirement for the past few years.

“Well, after the World Cup (2017), in the last 2 years I was always thinking that each series could be my last. I was going through a lot of injuries and it was not easy. I was taking series by series .

“After the World Cup, I thought the Sri Lanka tour (in July) would be my last series but I got injured. So the England tour was my last option. So I went back to the NCA, got quite fit and played my last game. Thought about the series in England,” she said.

With India taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, Goswami is now looking to end his illustrious career on a high note.

“It is very important to end the tour on a high note and continue the way we have been playing in the last 2 matches.”

Goswami said that she will miss the national anthem and singing the Indian jersey.

“The best moment for me was to come out of the dressing room and sing the national anthem and wear the India jersey. I will miss those things. But everything in life has to end somewhere. I am glad that I served the country honestly. And 20 years of dedication.”

Goswami said that Indian fast bowling is now in safe hands.

“India has one of the best seam bowling attacks at the moment. We are improving. Indian cricket now gives a lot of importance to fast bowling. Seam bowling is an art, it’s a long process.”

Goswami also spoke a lot about his long association with retired Mithali Raj.

“Obviously Mithali and I have played together since the U19 days, we had a great relationship both on and off the field. But it was bringing Team India to a different length and today it is completely different.

“It’s a journey, we believed we could change the face of women’s cricket, we believed we could be among the top three-four teams in the world and it was not a one-day process, it was a long process, “He said.

Originally published at Pen 18

federer: Tennis will withstand big-name retirements, says retiring Roger Federer

Roger Federer was paying attention right with everyone else when
Serena Williams His last match is expected to be at the US Open three weeks ago.

“Not surprised. Exactly like me, in many ways. We were hoping it would come up at some point.”
federer told the Associated Press. “You never want a player like Serena to ever retire. … I just thought, ‘What a great career.'”

He admits that after nearly a quarter-century in tennis he gets out back-to-back – he
41 and departs with 20 Grand Slams title and that
turns 41 on Monday and has 23 major singles Championship – will inspire some fans to move on from the game.

However, Federer insists that much will last.

“I mean, look, it’s not going to leave some fans with the same taste for the game. We may be missing some, because they say, ‘Okay, that chapter is closed for me, and I’m on the other side. Will move on to the sport or another athlete,'” Federer said in an interview Wednesday at the Laver Cup, where the final match of his illustrious career will take place on Friday night for Team Europe in doubles with rival Rafael Nadal.

“And some will be with the sport forever, because tennis is just a sport (that), once you’re in it, you’re normally in it. So I don’t believe many people will leave, ” He continued. “But they probably won’t wake up at 3 a.m. for the Australian Open anymore. Or maybe they don’t use their leisure time to travel to a place. Maybe they’ll say, ‘Okay for a few years’ ‘Let me go with a friend of mine and travel somewhere nice adventure,’ till they find their way back.

He and Williams – along with Nadal, 36, who has a men’s-record 22 Slam titles, and Novak Djokovic, 35, with 21 titles – helped create a golden era in the sport,
Attracting new audiences and motivating new players,

“Serena and Roger probably have more fans than anyone in tennis,” said 24-year-old Taylor Fritz, California, who is the highest-ranked American at number 12 and is part of Team World in London. “It’s hard to replace two iconic people like them, but I still think there are very exciting times ahead.”

Yet what happens after they leave?

“These two players are irreplaceable. I don’t think there’s any question about that,” said John McEnroe, who won seven major trophies from 1979 to 1984. He added this warning: “The game is on, no matter what, and we’ve seen that in every game over time.”

That is why Federer is one of the most optimistic people about the future.

“I’m a big believer, always, that tennis is bigger than anyone,” he said, “and it will always create new superstars.”

Federer thinks the highlight-reel shots that make their way to social media can help. So can the “Adorable Story” of each new top player.

McEnroe mentioned the need for the game to better market the new faces.

Someone Federer believes might fit into the “superstar” category
Spain’s 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz wins US Open And by 1973 he became the youngest person in the history of the ATP computerized ranking to be No.1.

Federer seen – on TV – out of few
Alcaraz’s epic quarter-final against Janik Sinner at Flushing Meadows, a 21 year old from Italy. It lasted 5 hours, 15 minutes, ending at 2:50 a.m. in New York — which is 8:50 a.m. in Federer’s home country of Switzerland, so the father of two sets of twins missed the fifth set, he explained, “Because I had to bring the kids to school.”

He came out impressed with both the players.

“Super movers. Great ball-striker, forehand and backhand,” Federer said. “And I always said this: The best movers are the best players. We’ve seen it with Novak, we’ve seen it with Rafa, we’ve seen it with ourselves, Layton (Hewitt). You name it. . . . more Because you cover the court, therefore, you end up giving yourself more time and less stress.”

Alcaraz’s all-court competence has been compared to Federer’s, though it’s too soon-to-be-his-name-in-a-sentence-like.

Federer did not dismiss the comparison.

“He has great power with his forehand. And that sets everything up for him. In that sense, when you can, like I did, you can decide, ‘May I drop the shot? Should I hit it big? Should I hit it big again? Or should I really go for the angle? Or should I come in?'” explained Federer, whose first Grand Slam title came at 21. “My problem. When I was younger — and I don’t think I was nearly as good at his age — for me, it was so hard to decide which one to make. He seems to have more clarity. He’s more mentally is stronger. He’s worked harder. You can see his body; if you look at our two bodies, we were different people. He has a lot going on that’s already going in a really good direction. Then this It’s just a matter of giving power, solving it.”

Originally published at Pen 18