Leeds, June 22 (IANS) India and England players wore black armbands during the third day of the first Test at Headingley to pay their respect to former English pacer David Lawrence who passed away on Saturday.There was a round of applause from both teams and crowd before start of play on Day 3.”Both teams are wearing black armbands to pay their respects to former England Cricketer, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, who has sadly passed away. There was a moment’s applause before start of play on Day 3,” BCCI posted on X.Lawrence died at the age of 61 after battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND).“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease. ‘Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed,” a statement from Lawrence family shared by Gloucestershire read.After making his international debut in 1988, Lawrence played five Tests between 1988 and 1992, taking 18 wickets, including a famous five-wicket-haul against the West Indies at The Oval in 1991 – in the same innings he dismissed the great Viv Richards.His international career was tragically cut short in 1992 by a horrific knee injury sustained during a Test match in Wellington, New Zealand. In 2023, He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a life-shortening neurological disorder which causes muscle weakness that gets worse over a few months or years.Born on January 28, 1964, Lawrence made his first-class debut in 1981 for Gloucestershire at just 17. He played 170 first-class matches for Gloucestershire, taking 477 wickets at 31.27, including a best of 7 for 47 against Warwickshire. Over a 16-year career, he became a club icon for his fearless fast bowling.In one-day cricket, he claimed 148 wickets in 110 appearances, with a standout 6 for 20 against a Combined Universities XI in 1991 – the third best return in Gloucestershire’s 50-over history.Coming back to the match, England lost overnight batter Ollie Pope early in the session as pacer Prasidh Krishna bagged his first wicket of the match. Pope departed after playing a knock of 106. Harry Brook continued his hard hitting before he fell to Mohammed Siraj.– IANSab/

New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) The Fit India Sundays on Cycle event rolled out in full force at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday in the presence of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya.
Organised in collaboration with Yogasana Bharat nationwide, the event in the national capital was also graced by an inspiring lineup of athletes and celebrities, including actress and newly inducted Fit India Ambassador Mia Maelzer, Olympian racewalker Priyanka Goswami, former Indian women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, taekwondo champion Rodali Barua, and Indian actress Madhurima Tuli, who is also a Fit India icon.The cycling event came on the heels of the International Yoga Day, which was celebrated on June 21.Addressing the media, Mandaviya said, “This Sunday’s cycling is even more special. Yesterday, yoga events were held across 6,000+ locations nationwide, and over one crore people participated across 10 lakh+ venues. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Fit India has become a movement. When we put even one pedal in the cycle forward, we are making India a fitness powerhouse. From yoga yesterday to cycling today and Olympic Day tomorrow – this fitness revolution is connecting every Indian.”The Fit India Sundays on Cycle event saw a 5000-strong capacity in Pandharpur, Maharashtra; the event was graced by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse. A total of 90 cycling clubs took part in the rally. “The Pandharpur Fit India Sundays on Cycle symbolises the Prime Minister’s message of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi aur Fitness Bhi’,” mentioned Khadse.Actress Mia Maelzer, meanwhile, expressed excitement at attending the event in New Delhi. “There’s nothing more fulfilling than doing something meaningful for my country. When I cycled today, I felt like flying— it was a total butterfly moment! It’s not just about staying fit, it’s also an answer to climate change, especially for Delhi. I’m grateful to the Prime Minister and the Sports Minister for giving such a strong push to youth fitness and engagement.”Olympian Priyanka Goswami echoed the message, saying, “We must strive to keep our bodies active. Whether it’s urban or rural India, we all have to take PM Modi’s message of ‘Fitness ki dose, aadha ghanta roz’ seriously. Cycling brings back the joy of movement – it keeps the legs strong and boosts health.”Former Indian hockey captain Rani Rampal emphasised the role of such campaigns in shaping India’s youth. “Initiatives like Fit India Sundays on Cycle engage young people and spread awareness about discipline and fitness. Cycling is not just transport; it’s a lifestyle change. Whenever you travel, try to use a cycle- you inspire others by example.”Rodali Barua, speaking as a youth role model and taekwondo athlete, connected the movement with India’s Olympic ambitions.“The 2036 Olympic vision by our PM is a powerful goal for every athlete. Sundays on Cycle is a great ininitiative – especiallyor working professionals who struggle for time on weekdays. It keeps us healthy, mindful, and focused.”Started by Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mandaviya in December 2024, the ‘FIT India Sundays on Cycle’ movement has been organised in more than 10,500 locations across the country till now, with the participation of more than 3.75 lakh individuals.These cycling drives are conducted by several Khelo India Centres (KICs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs), Regional Centres (RCs), as well as various National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) across the country.–IANSab/bc

New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday that the entire country, including the national capital, is fully prepared to host the 2036 Olympic Games and hoped that the global community would grant this honour to India.Speaking at an event to flag off the Olympic Day Run from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium along with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, CM Gupta said, “If the global community grants the honour of hosting Olympic Games, India would organise the sports extravaganza with full dedication.”President of the Indian Olympic Association, P.T. Usha, was also present at the event.CM Gupta said the Olympic Day celebration and run in Delhi has brought immense joy, as thousands of residents are participating enthusiastically.She said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is continuously progressing towards better sports infrastructure and facilities.The Olympic Day Run was held under the IOC’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign, promoting fitness and inclusivity. The event saw enthusiastic participation citywide.Mandaviya also led the Fit India Sunday on Cycle campaign, promoting fitness and environmental awareness.Last month, Fit India Sundays on Cycle witnessed enthusiastic participation from 750 participants, including teachers, athletes, Fit India influencers and fitness lovers.Leading the charge was Mandaviya, who cycled alongside Union Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao along with a powerful line-up of national icons, including Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Ravi Dahiya, Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Deepak Punia, Guinness World Record holder Rohtash Chaudhary (Push-up Man of India), and renowned mountaineer Narender Kumar, who recently scaled Mount Annapurna, the 10th highest mountain in the world at 8091 meters, in a record time of 12 days.Themed ‘Cycling with Teachers’, the event witnessed educators, mentors, and academic coaches from various educational institutions across the city, including schools, universities and private institutes.“Teachers are the heroes for our students, and now, you have to become heroes for Viksit Bharat. You all can make cycling a fashion, and I urge all teachers to restart using cycles themselves and ask students to emulate the same,” said the Minister.–IANSrch/dpb

Al Ain (UAE), June 22 (IANS) The official logo for the Al Ain Masters 2025 was unveiled on Sunday, marking 100 days to go until the start of the UAE’s premier badminton event – the only BWF Tour event in the region.
The logo, a blend of purple and gold, reflects both Al Ain’s proud heritage and its future. It shows a badminton shuttlecock alongside Al Ain’s iconic fort and mountains – a perfect mix of sport and culture.The Al Ain Masters 2025, a BWF World Tour Super 100 tournament, will be held from September 30 to October 5 at the Al Ain Club in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.Organised by the UAE Badminton Federation with the support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event will host 250 shuttlers from 55 countries aiming for valuable world ranking points in the lead-up to the LA 2028 Olympics.This is the first time the oasis city of Al Ain will host a BWF event of this calibre and the city’s rich cultural and natural landmarks — from its majestic oases to the iconic Jebel Hafeet — promises an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and visitors alongside the high-intensity action on the court.Speaking at the unveiling, UAE Badminton Federation President Noura Aljasmi said, “We are proud to bring the only BWF Tour event in the region to Al Ain. The Al Ain Masters is more than just a world-class competition — it’s a powerful platform to promote badminton in the UAE, inspire the next generation of players, and put our country on the international badminton map. The unveiling of the logo signals the start of this exciting journey, and we can’t wait to showcase Al Ain to the world.”Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: “The Al Ain Masters underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a destination for international sport and highlights our strong commitment to developing badminton in the UAE. We are proud to support this milestone event and look forward to seeing its lasting impact on the future of badminton in the UAE.”Over the years, UAE badminton players have raised the nation’s profile on the world stage, firmly placing the UAE on the world badminton map. In a recent groundbreaking milestone, Taabia Omar and Mysha Omar have made history by becoming the first-ever players to represent the UAE at the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris. This marks a proud moment for the country and a big step for badminton in the region.At the upcoming Al Ain Masters 2025, the only BWF Tour event in the Middle East, the local stars will be aiming to shine in front of their fans.–IANSab/bc

Leeds, June 22 (IANS) Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has declared fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit…

Leeds, June 22 (IANS) Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has declared fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit…

Leeds, June 22 (IANS) England fast bowler Josh Tongue believes the first 30 minutes will be vital for the hosts to add more runs and inch closer to taking the lead over India on the upcoming day three of the first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Headingley on Sunday.
Ollie Pope’s unbeaten ninth Test century helped England reach 209/3 in 49 overs at stumps on day two’s play and trail India by 262 runs. “The first half hour will be crucial, getting through that period and then hopefully getting more runs on the board. It has been a good, tough couple of days of cricket.””We only took three wickets on the first day but I felt everyone tried their hardest and that we were a bit unlucky. But we came back yesterday, getting four wickets in the first session and then mopping up the tail so we are happy where we are,” said Tongue in a chat with broadcasters Sky Sports.Asked how England’s dressing room was after day one’s play, Tongue said, “I felt that everyone had tried their hardest. We were a little unlucky, but we are happy where we are at the minute.”After going wicketless on day one, Tongue bounced back with a quick four-wicket burst to end India’s first innings on 471. He revealed a message from skipper Ben Stokes helped settle his initial nerves and find his groove.”That first spell was definitely nervous, but when I got into my rhythm, I thought I created chances. Stokesy had a clear message to hit the pitch hard, and that helped. The swing from around the wicket to the left-handers helped. It’s more swing (than seam) at the minute.””I was just trying to hit the pitch hard, as that was the plan. As soon as I saw the ball swinging back in, my first couple of balls to Pant, I started a bit too straight and then readjusted my line,” he concluded.–IANSnr/bc

New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) Former England and Gloucestershire fast bowler David Valentine Lawrence has passed away at the age of 61 after battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND).After making his international debut in 1988, Lawrence played five Tests between 1988 and 1992, taking 18 wickets, including a famous five-wicket-haul against the West Indies at The Oval in 1991 – in the same innings he dismissed the great Viv Richards.His international career was tragically cut short in 1992 by a horrific knee injury sustained during a Test match in Wellington, New Zealand. In 2023, He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a life-shortening neurological disorder which causes muscle weakness that gets worse over a few months or years. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease. ‘Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed,” a statement from Lawrence family shared by Gloucestershire read. Born on January 28, 1964, Lawrence made his first-class debut in 1981 for Gloucestershire at just 17. He played 170 first-class matches for Gloucestershire, taking 477 wickets at 31.27, including a best of 7 for 47 against Warwickshire. Over a 16-year career, he became a club icon for his fearless fast bowling. In one-day cricket, he claimed 148 wickets in 110 appearances, with a standout 6 for 20 against a Combined Universities XI in 1991 – the third best return in Gloucestershire’s 50-over history.”A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was. As President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it. “Syd’s wife Gaynor and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support that has been shown to them and the family so far and would ask that they are now given some time and space to grieve in private,” the statement read.Off the field, Lawrence became a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion in cricket. As the first British-born Black cricketer to represent England, he used his platform to inspire future generations and challenge barriers within the sport. “David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. “Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time,” England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson said in a statement. –IANSbc/ab

New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) Former India head coach Ravi Shastri is mesmerised by wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s audacious batting display in the first innings of the opening Test against England and lauded his consistency at No. 5.
India vice-captain slammed his seventh Test ton and third in England, the best by any visiting wicketkeeper. He now holds the record for most Test hundreds as a wicketkeeper for India, going past MS Dhoni’s tally of six.”First, he’s outrageous. I saw that on the first day as well. And I liked what I saw. Because he’s different from the rest. He plays on his own terms. At times, he’ll play the numbers game. At times, he’ll just do what his mind says. That’s Rishabh Pant for me,” Shatri said in a video shared by the BCCI.”There’s a package there. It can be extremely dangerous in Test match. And I think ever since he’s come into that number five slot, you know, he’s been extremely consistent,” he added.The 27-year-old played a ferocious knock of 134 and was also involved in a crucial 209-run partnership with skipper Shubman Gill, who slammed 147 on his Test captaincy debut, which is also his highest score in the format.The former India all-rounder further highlighted the impact of Pant’s presence in the side and his impact on any given situation of the match.”If you’re thirty for three, for example, you might be tempted to send someone else. But with him, he’s so aggressive, he can turn the course of the game. And then, you know, for the others to make the most of it.”The other way to look at it is if he has got a platform like he got today. And in this event, he comes in after lunch with a score in excess of 100. He can really make you pay the price for it because of the range of shots and the audacity.”I mean, the second ball, how many people will hit strokes down the ground, second ball? It’s a message to the opposition. I’m not here to, you know, just fool around. I’m here to take the attack to you,” he said.”I’m really happy for him because when you see where he was after that accident, then to come and get a 100 in the first Test of the series – he got one against Bangladesh, but this is special. When needed, first Test of the series, as vice captain of this side, batting with his captain to get involved in that partnership. Fabulous,” Shastri added.Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik was also in awe of Pant’s heroics in the middle that guided India to 471 in the first innings.”I enjoy watching Rishabh Pant because of what he brings to the table. Completely unpredictable, exhilarating shots. And when I watch him, I do know on a given day what to expect. That is box office Test cricket. Walking in, he could just give you anything. And I love that about him.”He’s willing to take on and play bold, audacious shots. He’s one of my most favourite cricketers to watch when he plays Test cricket because, on a given day, he could take on any bowler depending on what he feels like is right for the day. That is so instinctive and so pure. It’s joyful to watch him battle,” Karthik said of Pant.–IANSab/bc

Chiang Mai (Thailand), June 22 (IANS) The Indian senior women’s team will kick off their…