wimbledon: Is banning Russian tennis players from Wimbledon the right call?

Wimbledon, the most prestigious tennis grand slam, is considering its position on the participation of Russian citizens.

The British sports minister, Nigel Huddleston, recently suggested that for any Russian to play at Wimbledon, there might be a need for “reassurance” about their position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: “Absolutely for Russia.” Shouldn’t be allowed or able to fly the flag. We need some possible reassurance that he’s not a supporter of Putin and we’re looking at what requirements we might need and need to get some reassurance along those lines Might be possible.

The All England Lawn and Tennis Club is in discussion with the Sports Minister about the nature of the assurances and whether they will be implemented at Wimbledon.

umpire’s call

Now it seems that Russian players, including top women such as second-place men’s players, Daniil Medvedev and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, will be expected to remove the symbols and language associating themselves with the Russian state, and at Wimbledon. Will be committed to participate. “neutral”.

Medvedev has already taken a step in this direction by removing the Russian flag from his social media profile. He also wished for world peace.

However, the general statement of hoping for peace is not the same as taking a position on a war in which one’s country is hostile.

Make no mistake: the Wimbledon tournament – organized by a NATO country – is more than an exhibition of tennis. It is also a demonstration of what Britain considers appropriate, which is unlikely to be diplomacy and accommodation.

Huddleston feels comfortable only with Russian athletes who either oppose or do not support the war, and thus is willing to distance himself from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

in or out?

So deep is the global outrage against Putin that the sport itself has been forced to come out from behind its traditional veil of “neutrality” in political affairs.

As such, sports organizations around the world have taken positions on the participation of both Russian and Belarusian teams and athletes.

One reaction has been the boycott, with the expectation that the withdrawal of Russian teams from world sport is a necessary disgrace to the largest military offensive in Europe since World War II. The same position is taken by swimming, athletics and football.

However, some sporting bodies, such as tennis and biathlon, are allowing Russian and Belarusian individuals to compete as “neutrals”. However, tennis bodies have suspended both Russian and Belarusian players from team-based competitions.

Even the International Olympic Committee, which has long refused to take positions on geopolitical matters, called on sporting bodies and event organizers to “invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions”. Inspired not to give”.

In addition, at the recent Beijing Paralympics, several countries refused to participate against Russian teams, resulting in pressure on the organizers to exclude Russian athletes.

Spin or Matter?

The All England Lawn and Tennis Club has the authority to set the entry rules for Wimbledon. It may diplomatically align with the ATP and WTA (the organizing body for men’s and women’s tours), or it may impose an outright ban on Russians.

This is all controversial. Some critics have suggested that the human rights of Russian athletes are being denied, as they are not responsible for military activities in Ukraine.

However, some Russian sports stars – whether voluntarily or otherwise – have made their position known. Many have made public appearances with the letter Z, which has become a symbol of support for Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

Conversely, some Russian sports stars have voiced their disapproval of the war, given this type of dissent a dangerous stance now considered a crime – about 15,000 Russians have already been arrested.

strings attached


Countries opposing the ongoing demolition of Ukraine by Russia have at this time relied on economic sanctions as a major deterrent. Unfortunately, these measures hurt and harm ordinary Russians. Some critics argue that the West’s sanctions are hypocritical given US and allied military interventions in places like Iraq or Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Therefore, discussions about Ukraine have focused not only on Russian imperialism and Putin’s fascism, but also on the hypocrisy of the Washington-led “rules-based order”.

The All England Club will reach a decision on whether to ban Russian players or accept them as neutral, in collaboration with the UK sports minister, at a time when Britain is supplying weapons to Ukraine. None of it is editing.

Russian tennis players, if allowed to play, will face heavy scrutiny both on and off the court. Will Medvedev’s victory be Putin’s victory? Will Medvedev’s absence contribute to the anti-war effort?

In the midst of all this are athletes who can become – perhaps unfairly – the target of sanctions. But war is a symbol of injustice.

The author is Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Technology Sydney

Originally published at Pen 18

Biden on Putin: ‘For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power’

President Joe Biden said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin “cannot stay in power,” as he delivered a keynote speech in Warsaw on the Ukraine conflict.

“We will have a different future, a brighter future rooted in democracy and principle, hope and light,” Biden said at the conclusion of the comprehensive address.

“For God’s sake, this man can’t stay in power,” he said.

Originally published at Pen 18

ipl 2022: KKR beat CSK by six wickets in IPL opener

The Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder thrashed defending champions Chennai Super Kings by six wickets as Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s maiden half-century in three years went in vain in the first match of the IPL here on Saturday.

Dhoni, who relinquished the leadership role just two days ago, smashed an unbeaten 50 off 38 balls to take CSK to 131 for 5 with the bat.

But, KKR, who lost to CSK in last season’s summit clash, chased down the target with nine balls to spare, as India batsman Ajinkya Rahane smashed a 34-ball 44.

Rahane, who was bought by KKR for Rs 1 crore after playing very few matches for Delhi Capitals last season, was in good form with six boundaries and a six during his innings. He put on 43 runs for the opening wicket with Venkatesh Iyer (16) and it was the highest partnership for KKR in the end.

Nitish Rana (21), new captain Shreyas Iyer (20 not out) and Sam Billings (25) made useful contributions to get KKR off to a winning start to the tournament.

Iyer thus started the KKR captaincy with a win, while his counterpart Ravindra Jadeja, who replaced the iconic Dhoni as the CSK captain, began his stint with a defeat.

Iyer scored the winning run, a four, as KKR scored 133 for 4 in 18.3 overs.

Dwayne Bravo (3/20) took three wickets to equal Mumbai Indians’ Lasith Malinga in the list of highest wicket-takers in IPL history.

Earlier, KKR displayed a clinical bowling performance to restrict CSK to 131/5.

CSK crossed the 130-run mark thanks to Dhoni’s unbeaten 50 off 38 balls (7×4; 1×6) and skipper Jadeja’s 26 not out off 28 balls (1×6). Dhoni’s last IPL half-century was an unbeaten 84 against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 21, 2019.

With the flow of an old Dhoni, CSK scored 47 runs in the last three overs.

“When MS Dhoni is batting there is always tension. I knew the momentum was going to move towards him with the dew around. It was difficult to hold the ball,” Iyer said in the post-match presentation.

“Enjoying the new franchise. The CEO, management, support staff have been excellent. Just need to keep the momentum going.”

Invited to bat, CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad (0) was dismissed cheaply by pacer Umesh Yadav (2/20) after being caught by Nitish Rana in the slip cordon.

The typical Wankade track, which had a good amount of bounce, helped the KKR bowlers and they made the most of it.

Devon Conway (3) and Robin Uthappa (28 off 21 balls) then tried to revive CSK’s innings but could only add 28 runs for the second wicket.

Conway looking rusty turned out to be Umesh Yadav’s second scalp.

Uthappa was brutal on Shivam Mavi, whom he smacked for a boundary in the second over followed by another boundary and a maximum in the fourth over. Meanwhile, he hit Umesh for a six.

But his stay was cut short in the eighth over when he was stumped by Shadlon Jackson off Varun Chakraborty (1/23) as CSK found themselves in trouble at 49/3.

A formidable mix between Ambati Rayudu (15 off 17 balls) and Jadeja as they slipped further to 52/4, leading to the former’s dismissal. After 10 overs, CSK were fighting at 57/4.

CSK lost their half for 61 after Shivam Dubey (3) delivered a sitter to Sunil Narine at short-midwicket off paceman Andre Russell.

Then, Jadeja and Dhoni added 70 runs for the sixth wicket to take CSK to a respectable total. The past and present captain’s pairing was initially a barrage of dot balls but Dhoni hit three boundaries in the 18th over as CSK scored 14 runs.

Showcasing a glimpse of his famous match-finishing skills, Dhoni hit a boundary and a six in the final over, giving CSK 15 runs.

The duo added 18 runs in the final over, with Jadeja hitting a six off the final ball as CSK added 74 runs in the last 10 overs.

However, in the end it proved to be insufficient.

Jadeja said that dew will be an important part of this season.

“The wicket was a bit damp in the first 6-7 overs and then it came well into the back end of the innings. We were trying to take the game deeper. Everyone bowled well considering the dew. Bravo did a lot. Bowled well.”

Originally published at Pen 18

shivraj singh chouhan: MP chief Shivraj Singh Chouhan begins preparations for 2023 election

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan started preparations for the 2023 assembly elections on Saturday with the state cabinet’s Chintan Shivir (Chintan Shivir) in Pachmarhi to take stock of the implementation of government schemes. Presentations will be made over two days by 13 groups of ministers to prepare an action plan for the assembly elections.

Chouhan’s focus on beneficiaries in the state has come after the party’s success in Uttar Pradesh in the recent elections. BJP believes that beneficiaries of government schemes in UP voted for the party in large numbers.

Many schemes launched by the MP government were put on hold during Kovid-19. On the first day of Chintan Shivir, the government decided to restart the CM Tirth Yatra scheme for senior citizens. The scheme will resume from April and this time the chief minister and other ministers will also join the pilgrims.

Another such scheme was Mukhyamantri Balika Vivah Yojana, under which the government prepared the marriage calendar of the year and the marriage ceremony would be attended by MLAs and other public representatives.

Originally published at Pen 18

Brajesh Pathak: A sharp politician who knows which way winds are blowing

The new Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Brajesh Pathak, is a rare politician who has emerged in the BJP after crossing a lot of political spectrum in the state.

He joined the party in 2016 after breaking away from the BSP after joining the Congress.

Pathak entered politics as a student leader, becoming the vice-president of the Lucknow University Students’ Union in 1989 and president in 1990. Interestingly, it was Vinay Tiwari, son of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s staunch and strongman Vinay Shankar Tiwari, who helped him. popularity and winning university elections. The two were close friends and remained together during the early years of their student life and active politics.

Tiwari, who claimed to have brought Pathak into politics, said, “Perhaps he is the first politician of non-BJP origin in Uttar Pradesh, who has done so much good for himself by bypassing prominent BJP people.” Recalling his university days, Tiwari said, “He was not very popular, but was good at organization. But one quality that he saw was that he was a good meteorologist.”

Both he and Pathak will join the BSP together. Vinay, a former MLA from Chilupar, switched to the SP ahead of the 2022 assembly elections.

Pathak, a law student who completed his LLB in 1991, served as a law minister in Adityanath’s first cabinet.

SK Dwivedi, a retired professor at Lucknow University, said, “He was never rude and always behaved well unlike many other student leaders of the time, when Pathak was learning the ropes as a struggling student leader.” The son of a homeopathic doctor, Pathak was born in 1964 in Mallawan, Hardoi and did his schooling from Subhash Inter College, Bangarmau. “While in school he was shy but very smart in studies. Every day he used to travel 17 km from Mallavan to reach school. We were all surprised when he entered politics as he was too simple and soft-spoken for the field. Vinod Gupta, who studied commerce in class XI and XII with Pathak, said and now runs a flour mill.

Even when Pathak joined Congress in 1992, he had to contest his first assembly election in 2002 from Mallavan, but he lost by a marginal margin of 150 votes.

Sensing a change in the political winds, almost two years later, he left the Congress and rode the elephant (BSP). “Behenji (BSP chief Mayawati) herself called her and offered her the Unnao Lok Sabha seat,” a former BSP colleague said on the condition of anonymity. Mayawati was then testing a social alliance with Brahmins under the slogan ‘Hathi nahi Ganesh hai, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh hai (the elephant also represents Hindu deities)’.

Soon after winning his first election, he became a close associate of BSP general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra and was considered close to Mayawati in organizing rallies. In 2009, Mayawati sent him to the Rajya Sabha where he was the party’s chief whip. But his success was short-lived and he lost from the same seat during the Narendra Modi wave in the 2014 general election and finished third.

In the 2012 state election, BSP had given ticket to his wife Namrata from Unnao Sadar in which she stood third. Regaining the changing political climate, he joined the BJP ahead of the 2017 assembly elections. Interestingly, he did so just a day after he organized a mega rally for Mayawati in Agra. This proved to be the turning point of his career. The BJP fielded him from the prestigious Lucknow Central Assembly seat, which he won by defeating Samajwadi Party strongman Ravidas Mehrotra by 7,000-odd votes and entered the assembly for the first time. He was rewarded in 2017 by making him a law minister in the Adityanath-led government. Since then his stock has only increased in the party.

Analysts believe that the BJP has rewarded him for his networking skills and for cementing the party’s support base among Brahmins in the 2022 assembly elections.

Pathak told ET, “Whatever responsibility is given to me, I will fulfill it with full honesty and integrity.

A Lord Hanuman-bhakt (devotee), he has replaced Dinesh Sharma, who is also a Brahmin, as the deputy CM. Former professor Dwivedi said, “He has been very active in the last five years, which Dinesh Sharma lacked. He never calls anyone approaching him for any work. He clearly knows that people How to keep him happy.”

In the recent assembly election, he was fielded from Lucknow Cantt, where he defeated Raju Gandhi of SP by 39,512 votes. Some believe that his seat was changed from Lucknow Central to Cantt, which was considered a safe seat for the BJP, as Mehrotra, the SP candidate from Lucknow Central, was considered a good contestant. Mehrotra won his election.

Originally published at Pen 18

View: Never mind giving peace a chance, all we are saying is we need a break

I really think we need a break. We’ve had two years of COVID and now Vladimir Putin decided it might be a good time to start World War 3. Do they have no sense of dignity? What about a year where nothing happens? Where the worst part is we discuss whether Indian cricketers should dance on Instagram or not.

I grew up in the era when the Berlin Wall fell. For young people, it’s called the ’90s. The worst part of the entire decade was Bill Clinton trying to prove that he had no affair under her table. That was the worst thing. I’d love to go back to that.

How did the ‘new normal’ mean that either the whole world dies of covid or the whole world dies of world war? How is this normal? Of course, we have our own woes to fight. Whether a particular movie is really worth watching or not, or whether headscarves should be allowed in colleges. Why doesn’t everyone go on vacation post Covid, post pictures of funky food or waterfalls? Why is our first reaction when we take off our masks? Post-Covid everyone was hoping for air travel and revenge, not the random attacks that stagger the Sensex.

I’m with the Chinese proverb, ‘May you live in interesting times.’ The timing has been very interesting. I want to live in boring times. I thought that was the whole point of Joseph Robinette Biden becoming president. The idea of ​​a 78-year-old leading the free world meant we could all take a long nap on any given afternoon like any Bengali and Spaniard. But now we are on the verge of a possible nuclear conflict and still have to conduct RTPCR tests.

Take me back to a time when the biggest fight on a WhatsApp group was the wedding photo over which relative looked fat, not Left vs Right India – and whether Nehru was to blame for my first girlfriend leaving me was ordained.

I want to go back to a time when the biggest concern of entering an airport was how much extra baggage you had, and not that you would kill everyone just breathing in or die breathing in someone else. I would also like to go back to the times when our movies were about Shah Rukh or Hrithik Roshan dancing for no reason as they dressed up in a chewing tobacco ad, in a UK palace that used to be Amitabh Bachchan’s home. passed. Much better now than when movies are about the authenticity of carnage. Also, it would be really cool for commercial aircraft to fly over Central Asia without pilots looking for missiles from their windows.

We all want a break. Everyone lost work or a relative for two years. Everyone has gone mad by staying at home or has driven someone crazy. we are tired. Now that we have to come out, is our first reaction, bombing, inflation and religious strife? Who needs it? Why isn’t our first reaction ‘let’s swim’?

People might say that this is a silly suggestion when there is so much wrong with the world. But maybe if we were a little bit stupid, there would be little wrong with the world. Maybe Mr. Putin would have wanted to kill fewer people if he watched a little Tom and Jerry, or danced to Hardy Sandhu’s “Lightning Lightning” right after Omicron ended.

Recently, a news anchor shouted at a panelist about the Ukraine war calling him Mr McAdams. The result was that the real Mr. McAdams, an American security analyst, said, ‘Dear host, I haven’t said a word. Why are you yelling at me?’ Where does the world seem to be today? We are all Mr McAdams. Sorry, I mean #WeAreAllMrMcAdams.

Originally published at Pen 18

Fred Segal Brings Back Its ‘Jean Bar’ – WWD – Pen 18

Fred Segal – founded in 1961 – relaunched his gin bar, unveiled in 1965.

Found inside its Los Angeles flagship on Sunset Boulevard, the retailer plans to launch six stand-alone, 900-square-foot “gene bar” locations by 2023.

“Fred Segal, the man and the brand, has always been ahead of the curve in terms of setting trends,” Jeff Lotman, owner and CEO of Fred Segal, said in a statement. “From day one, Fred Segal created a retail scene that defined Los Angeles fashion and revolutionized the style that spanned decades, and Denim Bar was just the beginning of that.”

According to the retailer, Segal sold the jeans for $19.95 in those days, when the average price tag was $3.

“My first experience with the brand was as a customer visiting a denim bar in the ’80s,” Lotman continued. “It was a place to see and be seen – it was like nothing I had ever seen before. We wanted to bring back that sense of magic and nostalgia, but in a completely new and innovative way that would serve our customers.” want now.”

Brands showcasing men’s and women’s denim include Good American, Frame, Knots, EB Denim, Gunny, Pale, Re-Dun, Still Here and Closed.

According to the company, “Denim brands selected as part of the curation are evaluated and adhered to a set of standards focused on sustainability and inclusivity.” “Many factors are considered and analyzed for denim labeled as ‘sustainable,’ including the materials, materials and processes used during manufacturing.”

Take a closer look inside.
Courtesy

Originally published at Pen 18