Mumbai, June 22 (IANS) The Chennai Bulls are back at the top of the points table, and the Hyderabad Heroes’ juggernaut was brought to a halt by the dynamic Bengaluru Bravehearts. And in the final game of the day, the Mumbai Dreamers, who had an impressive lead at one stage, squandered their position and had to share the spoils with the Kalinga Black Tigers, here in Mumbai, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex, on Sunday evening, during Season 1 of the Rugby Premier League.In the first game of the day, the Bengaluru Bravehearts brought the Hyderabad Heroes’ winning streak to a halt, defeating them 26-21. The Bengaluru Bravehearts hit the ground running, and how. International stars Akuila Rokolisoa and Philip Wokorach were combining well together. While Rokolisoa added a try and a conversion, Wokorach scored a try, giving the Bravehearts a 12-0 lead. For the Heroes, Wolfram Hacker responded with a try and Manuel Moreno also converted his kick.However, before the half-time break Iowane Teba’s try and Rokolisoa’s kick further extended the Bravehearts’ lead. The Heroes, who began the day at the top of the points table, stormed back into the contest with a flurry of points, courtesy Terio Tamani, who bagged two tries and one conversion. With four minutes left, the Heroes led 21-19.The Bravehearts though weren’t giving up, and Pol Pla added five points to the mix, whilst Rokolisoa added two more, turn the contest on its head. That though was enough on the night for the Bravehearts, who snatched a crucial win.Game two saw the Chennai Bulls jump back to the top of the points table after a comprehensive 24-7 win against the Delhi Redz. The Delhi Redz, who have had a recent uptick in their fortunes, started off the game in solid fashion. Strong and compact in defensive set-ups, and robust in attack, the Redz picked up the early lead through Matteo Graziano’s try and Matias Osadczuk’s corresponding conversion.However, the Bulls began to show glimpses of their old form again, as Vaafauese Maliko scored a couple of tries, to put his side in a slender 3-point lead at the half-time break. After the break, the Bulls decided to go through the gears, and Maliko completed a hat-trick of tries. Filipe Sauturaga backed him up with clinical conversion, to give the Bulls a 10-point lead.Haakon Oess then added five more to the tally, and had Sauturaga scoring his conversion too, which helped the Bulls register a big win and return to the top of the points table.In the final game on Sunday, the Kalinga Black Tigers came from behind to clinch a 17-17 draw. The result gives the Mumbai Dreamers their first points of the season.The Kalinga Black Tigers had the better of the early exchanges on the night, as Asis Sabar scored a try and put them in the lead. However, the Mumbai Dreamers, who were still looking for their first points in the season, first equalised through Elias Hancock’s try, and then Waisea Nacuqu made the conversion count. The two sides broke for half-time, with two points separating them.Vuiviawa Naduvalo and Henry Hutchison scored two brilliant tries for the Dreamers in the next quarter, which extended their lead to a 12-point one. The Tigers had their task cut out, and they responded with a try and conversion from Ethan Turner. In the final minutes, Perry Baker equalised with a try for the Tigers, who snatched a tie from the jaws of defeat.–IANSaaa/

Antwerp, June 22 (IANS) Indian Men’s Hockey Team showed character as they snatched a heart-winning 4-3 win against hosts Belgium to end their campaign at the FIH Hockey Pro League (Men) 2024-25 here in Antwerp on Sunday.It was goals by Sukhjeet Singh (21′, 35′), Amit Rohidas (36′) and Harmanpreet Singh (59′) that ensured India’s win, and ended their outing in the eight place, 14 points ahead of Ireland. For Belgium, Arthur de Sloover (8′), Thibeau Stockbroekx (34′) and Hugo Labouchere (41′) scored.It was a memorable outing for Sukhjeet and Dilpreet Singh who completed their 100 international caps.Belgium was quick to get off the blocks, pressing high and looking to catch Indian defenders off guard. Their tactics paid off early with Arthur de Sloover scoring a stunning goal to go one up in the match. He fired it into the top right corner of the post, leaving no room for the Indian goalie to defend. The goal certainly dislodged India’s momentum, who until then showed glimpses of attacking intent with quick bursts in their variation.India’s first real opportunity came in the 20th minute when they earned the first PC of the match and with Skipper Harmanpreet Singh back on the pitch today, confidence was high in the Indian set-up. A good injection from Hardik, but the powerful flick was well-blocked leading into a quickfire counter attack by the Belgians. But Pathak, at the other end, prevented a potential 2-0 lead with a fine save.Only a minute later, India converted a sensational PC and this time it was a clever variation which saw Sukhjeet step up and deflect the ball into the post with precision. He only had to angle Harmanpreet’s flick which comfortably beat the Belgian goalie. This was an important equaliser which saw India build on their attack. Nearing the end of the second quarter, Abhishek came close to scoring what would have been a stupendous goal but missed the margin by inches.After the ten-minute half-time break, Belgium struck early through Thibeau Stockbroekx who scored in the 34th minute. But India responded almost immediately with Sukhjeet pumping his second goal of the match. It was an assist from the midfield, to Abhishek just a little outside the top of the D. Though Abhishek missed holding on to the ball, Sukhjeet picked it up efficiently to smash it into the goalpost. A minute later, Amit Rohidas put India ahead by 3-2 when he scored from a PC in the 36th minute.There was plenty of drama coming up in the game, keeping the hockey buffs on the edge of their seats. Belgium earned a PC and made complete use of the opportunity. This time, it was Hugo Labouchere putting his name on the scoresheet, scoring his maiden international goal making it an evenly-fought contest between India and Belgium.Seconds later, India found the back of the net after a bit of a scramble inside the D to hold on to the ball. It was eventually Shamsher Singh who put the ball inside the net after a couple of attempts. However, an immediate video referral by Belgium saw the goal being disallowed.Going into the final quarter in this high-octane encounter, India started with a PC. But was narrowly missed as the score continued to read 3-3. The contest remained pulsating with India being relentless in their pursuit for that one elusive win in their otherwise disappointing outing in terms of results in the European leg of Pro League. With minutes left for the final hooter, an important video referral by India saw them being awarded a penalty stroke. Though Sloover protested, and eventually was handed the yellow card, there was a clear push from him and it was only a matter of Harmanpreet clearing the goal and putting India ahead by 4-3 and finally ending their campaign with a win.”We made a good comeback today. We had the confidence in us in every game we played. There was a lot of room for improvement in how we played today, narrowed down on the small errors we were making and rectified them today. There has been lots of learnings from here and we will bounce back next edition,” expressed Sukhjeet Singh, who was awarded the Player of the Match.–IANSaaa/

London, June 22 (IANS) Carlos Alcaraz captured his second Queen’s Club title on Sunday, overcoming a stern challenge from Jiri Lehecka to win the 2025 HSBC Championships final 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2.The 22-year-old Spaniard, now the ATP Tour leader with five titles this season, displayed resilience and brilliance to claim his 21st career tour-level trophy.“This tournament is really special to me,” said Alcaraz. “I’m just happy to lift the trophy once again. I came without expectation, just to play good tennis and get used to the grass. I [was lucky] to have a lot of friends and family here that made me feel really comfortable on and off the court,” said Alcaraz.Facing Lehecka, who was contesting his first grass-court final, Alcaraz battled through two tightly contested sets. After edging the first, he narrowly lost a tense second-set tie-break, but responded emphatically in the decider. His dominance in the final set showcased his grass-court prowess and experience, sealing the win in just over two hours.This triumph marked Alcaraz’s fourth career title on grass, joining Novak Djokovic, Matteo Berrettini, Taylor Fritz, and Nicolas Mahut as the only active players with four or more. Entering Wimbledon as the two-time defending champion, Alcaraz rides an 18-match win streak—his longest to date.Since a surprising early exit in Miami, Alcaraz has been nearly unstoppable, compiling a 27-1 record and collecting prestigious titles in Monte-Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, and now London. He has also widened his lead over Jannik Sinner in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.A highlight of the match came during the second-set tie-break, when Alcaraz executed a stunning lob after a grueling rally, igniting the crowd and underscoring his remarkable athleticism and flair under pressure.“It’s tough for me to find the words now, but I’m super happy that I had the chance to fight for the title today,” said Lehecka, who trails Alcaraz 1-2 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. “Well done to Carlos and your team for doing a great job. I gave everything I had today and unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”–IANSaaa/

Tuscany, June 22 (IANS) The opening laps of the Brembo Italian Grand Prix were nothing short of legendary—three title contenders went wheel-to-wheel in a relentless war from the drop of the flag. Ultimately, Marc Márquez emerged victorious in a hard‑fought 93rd win across all classes, securing Ducati’s home triumph despite fierce resistance from Alex Márquez and Francesco Bagnaia.Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio unleashed a late‑race charge to snatch the final podium spot on the penultimate lapAs the lights went out, Márquez and Bagnaia launched into a drag race down to San Donato. It was the elder Márquez who built the early advantage until Bagnaia retaliated at Turn 2, claiming the lead on lap one. Lap two saw a fierce duel as Márquez retook the lead at the first corner, only for Bagnaia to attempt a move at Turn 6. On lap three, the pendulum swung again—Bagnaia grabbed Turn 1, but Márquez countered two apexes later. Bagnaia struck back at Turn 5, unintentionally brushing Márquez’s rear and dropping to third behind Alex MárquezLap four kept the drama alive: Bagnaia pounced at Turn 2 to reclaim second, fending off Márquez until a last‑corner front‑end save nearly lost him the position. Alex Márquez seized the moment, briefly leading into San Donato before Bagnaia and Alex shuffled the order again. Alex then powered past into Turn 3, creating a small gap .By lap seven, Márquez had reclaimed P2, and two laps later, he struck for the lead—reeling in Alex first, then sealing it. Meanwhile, the fight for fourth exploded when Franco Morbidelli clashed with Maverick Viñales, ending Viñales’s race and earning Morbidelli a double Long‑Lap penalty—promoting Di Giannantonio into contentionIn the closing stages, Di Giannantonio unleashed a breathtaking turn of speed, overtaking Bagnaia at Turn 6 for third on the penultimate lap. He chased Alex Márquez to the finish, but had to settle for the final podium spot. Márquez crossed the line first, Alex followed closely, and Di Giannantonio completed the rostrum .–IANSaaa/

Chennai, June 22 (IANS) On Day 5 of the Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 edition,…

Leeds, June 22 (IANS) After Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance with the ball got India a six-run lead over England in the first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test, former England cricketer Mark Butcher hailed the fast-bowling spearhead by calling him an ‘absolute champion’.At Headingley on Sunday, Bumrah showed why he’s one of the best fast bowlers in the world by picking an outstanding 5-83 – his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests – to give India a slender first-innings lead. “Bumrah has been utterly outstanding. Irresistible fast bowling. He is an absolute champion,” said Butcher on the Sky Sports Cricket broadcast during tea break.Bumrah, who picked his third five-wicket haul in England, has also equalled the legendary Kapil Dev for the most fifers for India in away Tests (12). “Bumrah has moved the ball more than anyone else, brought drama, bowled jaffas and deserves the fine applause he received from this crowd. But you do wonder whether he should have been brought into the attack earlier on,” added former England bowler Stuart Broad.With a second innings shootout to decide the match’s fate, former India head coach Ravi Shastri feels the game is on now. “Game on – and at some pace. Over 900 runs have been scored and we still have a session to go on day three.”“It is set up beautifully and England will be happy where they are. They like a chase and if they can make inroads in the next session, which I think will be the best time for bowling, you never know.”Shastri also praised Harry Brook for his dazzling 99. “Brook picks up length so well and likes to announce himself to the opposition early. He plays with audacity as well. He won’t be too disappointed getting out caught at deep fine leg as on another day he will score 200 batting like that.”Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul had feasted on an under-par England bowling attack to have an opening stand of 91 runs in the first innings. But with rain looming around, former Australia women’s cricketer Mel Jones spoke on what the approach from India would be.”The youngsters stood up in the first innings but this will be a whole new challenge as they have to figure things out. Rahul will be important as he has the game nous. Then you have Pant in the middle order who can shift the game.”–IANSnr/

Leeds, June 22 (IANS) Jasprit Bumrah showed why he’s one of the best fast bowlers in the world by picking an outstanding 5-83 to help India take a lead of six runs after bowling out England for 465 in 100.4 overs on day three of first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Headingley on Sunday.England were well on their way to take a lead, as Harry Brook led the charge for them with a stunning knock. But Brook fell one run agonisingly short of his first Test century at his home ground, as Bumrah took over to pick his third five-wicket haul in England, despite four catches being dropped off his bowling. Though Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj were amongst the scalps, they weren’t at their best to curb the scoring rate.The post-lunch session began with Jamie Smith taking a four and six each off Prasidh’s short balls via pulls. But in a bid to pull the pacer again, but didn’t get enough connection on the ball, as some outstanding relay work from B Sai Sudharsan and Ravindra Jadeja ensured Prasidh bagged a crucial wicket.With Siraj wayward in his lengths, Brook thrashed him for back-to-back boundaries, before being given a reprieve on 83 as Jaiswal put down a catch in the gully region, as a helpless Bumrah and slip cordon watched on. Brook continued to drill boundaries, before falling one run short of a century – he had no control over the pull on a bouncer from Prasidh and once long leg completed the catch, the right-handed batter had to make a long walk back to the dressing room.With India bowling too many boundary balls, Woakes and Carse collected their runs easily, before the former brought up his 2,000 Test runs in style, with consecutive sixes on short balls from Prasidh – over mid-wicket and third man respectively. Carse then smacked Siraj for two more fours before being castled by a yorker from the pacer, as the rollicking counter-attacking partnership 55-run stand between him and Woakes came to an end.Woakes’ lovely innings was brought to an end by Bumrah, who beat him on the inside edge with a tight fuller ball and went through the gate to hit the stumps. Bumrah eventually picked his five-wicket hail with another impeccable delivery which hit Josh Tongue’s top of off-stump to ensure India took a first innings lead to set the stage for a second innings shootout.Brief Scores: India 471 in 113 overs (Shubman Gill 147; Ben Stokes 4-66) lead England 465 in 100.4 overs (Ollie Pope 106, Harry Brook 99; Jasprit Bumrah 5-83, Prasidh Krishna 3-128) by six runs–IANSnr/

Pandharpur, June 22 (IANS) In a remarkable fusion of spiritual devotion, physical fitness, and environmental consciousness, the 4th Akhil Maharashtra Pandharpur Cycle Wari Sammelan – 2025 was celebrated with great fervour and unity. This mega event of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was jointly organised by the Sports Authority of India, Regional Centre – Mumbai, and the Pandharpur Cycle Wari Sangh.Over 5000 cyclists representing more than 90 cycling clubs from across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh participated in the event. These dedicated cyclists undertook a journey spanning 400 to 450 kilometers, starting 3-4 days in advance, to reach the holy town of Pandharpur, Solapur district in Maharashtra. They actively took part in the spiritually significant Nagar Pradakshina and the energetic Ringan Sohala, showcasing exemplary determination, devotion, and endurance.The event was honoured by the esteemed presence of several dignitaries like Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for youth affairs and Sports, Govt of India, J B Gore, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Govt of Maharashtra. Among others were Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil, MP, Prashant Paricharak, Member of Legislative Council, Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil, Member of Legislative Council, Pandurang Chate, IRS, Regional Director, Sports Authority of India, RC Mumbai & Dr. Amit Samarth, Renowned Endurance Cyclist & 19-time Ironman, NagpurThe Railway Ground, Pandharpur, was transformed into a vibrant center of energy and inspiration under the Fit India – Sundays on Cycle banner. The event conveyed a powerful message promoting sustainable transport, community health, and spiritual unity—reinforcing that cycling is not just a sport, but a way of life aligned with a healthier and greener India.Echoing the spirit of the Fit India Movement, the event promoted the national fitness mantra: “Fitness Ka Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz” encouraging every citizen to embrace physical activity as a daily habit and contribute to building a fitter, environmentally conscious nation.–IANSaaa/ab

Chiang Mai (Thailand), June 22 (IANS) India’s road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026…

Leeds, June 22 (IANS) Though Prasidh Krishna is close to conceding 100 runs in the ongoing first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test, former batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes India’s choice of making him play at Headingley was correct and suggested that the pacer will get better with time.Playing just his third Test match, despite picking two wickets, Prasidh struggled to find the right lines and lengths, as he and other bowlers failed to provide ample support to fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in curbing England’s scoring rate.“If you see Prasidh Krishna in this Test match as opposed to the Test he played for India earlier in South Africa, he’s looked the best to me. Yesterday, although he didn’t quite get the wickets, he was still India’s number two seamer. He was better than Mohammed Siraj, certainly more potent than Shardul Thakur.”“So, India made the right choice and went for him; this is Prasidh Krishna doing the best he can. With time, if he gets a couple of wickets and builds confidence, he might just get better and better. I will not be critical of Prasidh Krishna with the way he’s bowled — he has done everything he possibly could to the best of his ability,” said Manjrekar on JioHotstar.Deep Dasgupta, the former India wicketkeeper-batter also reflected on Prasidh’s expensive performance, saying that the pacer has bowled too many boundary balls to England’s explosive batters. “My only concern with Prasidh is the consistency on a flattish pitch that we have here, at Headingley. You have got to come in and bowl the right channel, over after over — and that’s where I think Prasidh has given up a few more boundary deliveries than you would want him to.”“That’s been the challenge – he’s bowled good deliveries, but not consistently enough. We’ve always talked about Prasidh’s natural length, and especially against batters, who love playing their shots and have an array of options available to them, it becomes a little difficult. So, every now and then, you’d see him leaking runs. That’s the reason you see that kind of economy rate.”In the first session, local lad Harry Brook made merry by being 57 not out and Nick Knight, the former England batter, admired how he stood up to take on Bumrah. “I think we are seeing an adaptation of the very best of Harry Brook. When we’ve watched him and admired his skills over the years, we’ve often noticed the high strike-rate at which he scores in Test cricket, the audacious shots, and his aggressive approach.”“But, this felt like a more refined version of Harry Brook, and I like what I see. I think he’s playing the match situation really well. I also liked how, in the first over or two, he danced down the pitch to Jasprit Bumrah and said, ‘Look, you may be the number one bowler in the world, but I’m pretty good too — I’m the number two batter in the world.’ That signalled a good contest, that he wasn’t just going to sit back.”“There was much to admire in that knock, but what stood out most to me was how well he read the game situation and tried to build partnerships. He’s smart and astute. We talk a lot about ‘Bazball’ — but there wasn’t a huge amount of that in this session. And that’s the point I want to make: the approach is constantly refining itself, and I think English batters played the situation well,” he concluded.–IANSnr/ab