Milan, May 30 (IANS) AC Milan have appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach after confirming the departure of Sergio Conceicao on Thursday.
Allegri returned to the side having previously worked with them for a four-year stint between 2010-14, where he led them to Serie A title in 2010/11 before lifting the Italian Supercup the next year.”AC Milan is pleased to announce that Massimiliano Allegri has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Men’s First Team. The Club extends a warm welcome and best wishes to Massimiliano and his staff,” posted Milan.Allegri’s latest tenure as head coach was at Juventus from 2021 to 2024, which was his second stint with the side . In his first stint, he won five consecutive Serie A titles from 2014-15 to 2018-19 and steered the team to the Champions League final twice. But in stark contrast, during his second journey with the Old Lady, Juve only claimed one trophy before he was sacked in May 2024. He was sent off during the Coppa Italia final between Juve and Atalanta. He followed it with a controversial press conference criticising officials and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli which saw him being sacked.Milan have reappointed Allegri after Conceicao’s five-month tenure has left them reeling without any European football next season.AC Milan finished eighth in the Italian first division having won only 18 of their 38 league games this season. The Portuguese replaced countryman Paulo Fonseca in December 2024, and led them to victory over rivals Inter Milan in the Italian Super Cup but were shockingly eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Dutch side Feyenoord in the play-off round. Their chances of ending the season with silverware ended with the loss against Bologna in the final of the Coppa Italia.–IANSaaa/
Browsing: Sport
Gumi (South Korea), May 30 (IANS) India’s long-distance runner Gulveer Singh clinched his second gold at the Asian Athletics Championships after winning the men’s 5000m with a Championship Record on Friday. Gulveer, who won the men’s 10,000m gold on the opening day of the competition, clocked 13:24.78 to set a new championship record, surpassing Mohamed Al-Garni’s 13:34.47 set in 2015, to clinch the gold medal in the 5000m race.The 26-year-old from Uttar Pradesh had previously taken bronze in the same event at the last edition in Bangkok.In March this year, the Hangzhou Asian Games bronze medallist bettered his own men’s 10,000m national record, clocking 27:00.22s at The Ten 2025 athletics meet. Earlier this year, Gulveer Singh also pocketed the men’s 3000m indoor national record and the Asian 5000m short track record at an athletics meet in Boston.In the women’s high jump, Pooja clinched a gold medal with a season-best effort of 1.89m. In the process, she also broke her own Under-20 national record. Moreover, the 18-year-old became the second Indian to win a medal in the high jump at the Asian Championships after Bobby Aloysius, who won gold in 2000 and silver in 2002.Nandini Agasara then added the third gold to the day’s tally after winning the women’s heptathlon with 5941 points.Earlier in the day, Parul Chaudhary won silver in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, clocked 9:12.46 and set a new national record. She also held the previous record of 9:13.39, set at the 2025 Doha Diamond League.Meanwhile, Animesh Kujur stormed into the final of the men’s 200m event after finishing second in the semifinal, clocking 20.81s.India are currently second in the medal tally with 18 medals, including eight gold, seven silver and three bronze, behind China’s tally of 24 medals (15 gold, eight silver and three bronze).–IANSbc/ab
Mumbai, May 30 (IANS) With the player auction for Season 12 around the corner, the Bengal Warriorz, one of the founding franchises of the tournament, are preparing to bolster their squad with important acquisitions for the upcoming season. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Player Auction is scheduled for May 31 and June 1 in Mumbai.Ahead of the PKL auction, the Bengal Warriorz, who will be coached by Naveen Kumar in Season 12, retained Vishwas S., Yash Malik, Manjeet, Deep Kumar, and Sushil Kambrekar from last season’s squad.Coach Naveen Kumar, who is well known for his exceptional leadership, tactical acumen, and his ability to identify, nurture and work with young talent, is focused on carving the way forward for the Bengal Warriorz.Naveen Kumar brings with him loads of experience as a player and a coach, and a plethora of in-depth knowledge about the kabaddi ecosystem in India, which augurs well for the Bengal Warriorz, who are building for the future.Speaking in the lead-up to the big auction, coach Naveen Kumar said, “Bengal Warriorz is an amazing franchise, one that has consistently worked for the betterment of the sport over the last 11 years. Like every season, this season at Bengal Warriorz is all about the warrior spirit of never giving up, and we are looking to build a squad that carries this spirit to the mat.”“Young players, along with a healthy mix of experience, are essential to put together a good squad so that the Warriorz not only have a good Season 12 but also sow the seeds for the seasons ahead. Kabaddi has been growing at a rapid pace, and we want to ensure that the Warriorz continue to be at the forefront of this journey.”Season 7 champions Bengal Warriorz have opted for a rebuild and will be looking for players across every position. The rebuilding project for the Warriorz will focus on a holistic approach as they aim to bring back the glory days.“The Bengal Warriorz no doubt have quite a task as we have to rebuild and reorganise our squad at the PKL Player Auction for Season 12. We are looking to bring in a balanced squad that has the flair and exuberance of youth, and also the maturity of experience. We are confident of achieving our targets at the auction,” said Apurv Gupta, CEO of Bengal Warriorz.–IANSab/bsk/
New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) president Rakesh Tiwari said that Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 success is a testament to Bihar’s rich cricketing talent, waiting to be discovered and nurtured.Vaibhav, just 14 years old, has become the youngest-ever player to score a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, the Patna-born batter smashed a 35-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans — the fastest IPL century by an Indian, breaking Yusuf Pathan’s record.“We recognised Vaibhav’s talent at a young age, and we want to nurture him to become his best version. I would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for his encouraging words today. We have been working hard to identify talented bowlers as well, and we recently launched a ‘Search for Bowlers’ initiative in Bihar. I am confident that, just like Vaibhav, more exceptional talents will emerge from this initiative.”Tiwari further highlighted the recent domestic cricket push in the state. “Several domestic tournaments have recently been organised in Bihar, and we’ve discovered many talented young players through these events. Now, these players will also get the opportunity to showcase their skills and take their game to the next level,” he said.”It was not just a personal milestone for Vaibhav but also a proof of the fact that there is no dearth of talent in Bihar cricket – what is needed are the right platforms, opportunities, and positive guidance,” Tiwari added.Suryavanshi’s consistency has earned him a place in the Indian U19 squad for the upcoming England tour, scheduled from June 24 to July 23. The tour will include a warm-up match, five Youth ODIs, and two Youth Tests against England U19.His meteoric rise was also acknowledged by Prime Minister Modi, who wrote on X, “At Patna airport, met the young cricketing sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his family. His cricketing skills are being admired all over the nation! My best wishes to him for his future endeavours.”Before his IPL exploits, Vaibhav had already made history in domestic cricket. He made his first-class debut for Bihar in January 2024 at just 12 years and 284 days and scored 71 off 42 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Baroda, becoming the youngest Indian to hit a List-A fifty.He also made headlines internationally, scoring the fastest youth Test century by an Indian — a 58-ball ton against Australia U19 in Chennai. In the U19 Asia Cup, he contributed two crucial half-centuries in India’s campaign to the final.–IANShs/bsk/
Munich, May 30 (IANS) The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, which ushered in the brand new expanded league format, is coming to an end as Paris Saint Germain and Inter Milan will clash in the final at the fabled Allianz Arena here on Sunday (IST).PSG vie for their first-ever Champions League title—an achievement that would mark a perfect ending to their golden run across competitions this season under Luis Enrique, and mark a treble. On the other hand, the Nerazzurri will be aiming for their fourth Champions League title, looking to build on a stunning campaign filled with stellar performances, particularly their dramatic semi-final against Barcelona.Notably, this will be the first-ever Champions League meeting between the two clubs and only the second final between teams from France and Italy. The previous instance came in the 1992/93 final, when Marseille defeated AC Milan 1-0—also in Munich, but at the Olympiastadion.PSG’s last appearance in a Champions League final was in 2020, when they lost to Bayern Munich, while Inter last reached the final in 2023, falling short against Manchester City.Paris had a turbulent journey in the inaugural league phase. After a shaky start, they rallied to win their final three group games and secured 15th place. A dominant 10-0 knockout phase play-off win over domestic rivals Brest reignited their campaign.From there, Luis Enrique’s side overturned a home defeat to eliminate league phase winners Liverpool on penalties, then dispatched Aston Villa (5-4 on aggregate) and Arsenal (3-1 on aggregate)—the latter a measure of revenge for a league phase loss. Paris are now the third French team to reach the final of the European Cup/Champions League more than once, after Reims (1955/56, 1958/59) and Marseille (1990/91, 1992/93).Inter, by contrast, were among the most consistent sides in the league phase, finishing fourth with just one defeat—a 1-0 loss at Bayer Leverkusen, which was also the only goal they conceded. In the knockout phase, Simone Inzaghi’s men eased past Feyenoord, edged Bayern 4-3 on aggregate in a tightly contested tie, and outlasted Barcelona in a thrilling semi-final that ended 7-6 on aggregate.This will be Inter’s seventh European Cup/Champions League final. They have won 10 matches in this edition—their highest tally in a single UEFA competition season. The Nerazzurri have lost only one of their 14 Champions League matches this term and are unbeaten in their last eight.Where will the UEFA Champions League final take place?The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.When will the UEFA Champions League begin?The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final will be played on Sunday, June 1 at 12:30 AM IST.Where to watch the UEFA Champions League finale in India?The UEFA Champions League final will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and live-streamed exclusively on Sony LIV.–IANSaaa/bc
New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) Liverpool FC have officially confirmed that an offer from Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold has been accepted, paving the way for the defender to join the Spanish giants when the summer transfer window opens on June 1.The England international will make the switch to La Liga just ahead of the expiry of his current contract with the Reds. While the specific transfer fee remains undisclosed, Liverpool stated that they will receive compensation for the 25-year-old’s services.”Liverpool FC can confirm an offer has been accepted for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid for his transfer upon the opening of the June transfer window,” said the club statement released on Friday.Alexander-Arnold’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary journey that began at the Liverpool Academy when he was just six years old. Rising through the ranks with remarkable poise and talent, the full-back made his senior debut in October 2016 and quickly became one of the club’s most iconic players in the modern era.During his time at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold featured in 354 matches and found the back of the net 23 times. More importantly, he played a crucial role in one of Liverpool’s most successful periods under manager Jurgen Klopp. His trophy haul includes a Champions League title in 2019, two Premier League crowns, an FA Cup, two League Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup.His distinctive attacking flair from the right-back position, combined with world-class vision and passing range, redefined the role of a modern full-back and turned him into a symbol of Liverpool’s tactical evolution. Known for his trademark assists and pinpoint crosses, Alexander-Arnold was often at the heart of Liverpool’s most memorable performances.Liverpool FC acknowledged his immense contribution and expressed gratitude for his years of service and dedication: “Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes.”–IANShs/bsk/
New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) Paris Olympians and Skeet shooters Raiza Dhillon and Anantjeet Singh Naruka, are back in the Indian team, as the selection committee of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) proposed a 12-member Shotgun squad, for the year’s fourth and final International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup stage scheduled between July 4-14 in Lonato Del Garda, Italy.One would recall Raiza, after winning silver in the Junior World Cup in Suhl last week, saying, “My sights currently are on the Lonato World Cup in July and I hope to take confidence from my good performances this year to Italy.”Among those who competed in the third Nicosia Shotgun World Cup earlier this month, where India returned with their first ever ISSF medal, a bronze in the newest Olympic Trap Mixed Team event, only the seasoned Mairaj Ahmad Khan in men’s skeet and Maheshwari Chauhan in women’s skeet have retained their spots.Making yet another comeback will be the indomitable veteran Zoravar Singh Sandhu in the men’s Trap along with 2018 Jakarta Asiad silver medallist Lakshay Sheoran.Ganemat Sekhon, India’s most accomplished international woman Skeet Shooter with five senior ISSF medals, including two golds, will also be seen in action after missing out on the Nicosia World Cup.The Trap Mixed Team responsibilities will rest on the shoulders of Neeru Dhanda and Lakshay Sheoran and Preeti Rajak and Zoravar respectively.The other members of the team are Pragati Dubey (women’s trap), Jaswinder Singh (men’s trap) and Bhavtegh Singh Gill (men’s skeet).The ISSF circuit has so far seen two Rifle/Pistol World Cup stages, three Shotgun World Cups and one combined Junior World Cup, where Indian shooters have bagged a total of 27 medals, including nine golds. They also topped the Junior World Cup standings and finished second and third in the first two senior combined World Cups respectively.Indian Team for ISSF World Cup Shotgun-Skeet Men: Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Mairaj Ahmed Khan, Bhavtegh Singh Gill.Skeet Women: Raiza Dhillon, Ganemat Sekhon, Maheshwari Chauhan.Trap Men: Lakshay Sheoran, Zoravar Singh Sandhu, Jaswinder Singh.Trap Women: Neeru Dhanda, Pragati Dubey, Preeti Rajak.–IANSbc/ab
Dubai, May 30 (IANS) Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes that Marnus Labuschagne will “might be pushed” to open with regular opener Usman Khawaja for the next month’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s.
While most of Australia’s playing XI appears settled, a few key questions remain. There’s uncertainty over who will open alongside Usman Khawaja, concerns over Labuschagne’s recent lack of runs, decisions to be made about Cameron Green’s role in the lineup, and a close call between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland for a spot in the pace attack.Earlier this month, Australia announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming summit clash, which begins on June 11. Head coach Andrew McDonald has stated he will finalise the playing XI only after the team assembles in London ahead of the match.”I have just got a bit of a feeling that Marnus Labuschagne might be pushed up the order to open the batting with Khawaja. I think Green will bat at three and Steve Smith will be at four. Then it’s Travis Head five, Beau Webster six, Carey at seven, Cummins eight, Starc nine and Lyon 10,” Ponting said on The ICC Review.”And the one that everyone talks about the last couple of years is the whole Hazlewood (versus) Boland one. It’s a really tough selection every time because every time Boland plays, he just does so well. But unfortunately, if Hazlewood is fit, I think Hazlewood comes straight back into the team,” he said.Ponting believes the biggest selection dilemma facing Australia is what to do with Labuschagne — specifically, whether he can step up and open the batting in Test cricket for the first time.Labuschagne has managed just one Test century since the end of 2022 and recently struggled in two County Championship games for Glamorgan. Meanwhile, promising teenager Sam Konstas is knocking on the doors, should the selectors choose to hand him a high-stakes debut in the one-off Test.Despite Labuschagne’s dip in form, Ponting expects Australia to back the experienced batter, pointing out that the selectors may follow a similar approach to the one they took with David Warner ahead of the previous WTC final.”I actually think that they will go with Labuschagne. Looking back to the last World Test Championship Final there was some talk about David Warner and whether he should hold his spot going into that,” Ponting said.”And there was a bit of talk around the team about wanting to get through that period or that phase or if you like, with the same group of players and give them the chance to, to be able to play off in that one-off final.”Labuschagne has been through this cycle with the team, albeit batting at No.3 and I think they will want to get through the cycle with the same players so I think Labuschagne will get the nod. Whether I agree with it or not, it’s a different thing…all will be revealed in the next couple of weeks,” he concluded.–IANSab/bc
New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) Gujarat Titans pacer Mohammed Siraj opened up about bowling to Rohit Sharma and the muted…
Singapore, May 30 (IANS) Indian men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated the world no. 1 Malaysian pair of Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin to enter the semifinals of the Singapore Open on Friday here at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The Indian duo registered a straight-games win, 21-17, 21-15, over the Malaysians in a match that lasted 39 minutes. This is their third semifinal of the season. They have stumbled in the last two semifinals on the BWF Tour this season, first at the Malaysia Open and then at the India Open. Interestingly, it was the Malaysian pair of Goh and Izzuddin who ousted Satwik and Chirag at the India Open.Satwik and Chirag will be aiming to make their maiden final of the season when they face another Malaysian pair in either eighth seed Man Wei Chong and Kai Wun Tee or third seed Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.The men’s doubles duo is the only Indian representation left in the tournament after the likes of PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, Lakshya Sen, Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand, and others bowed out.In the women’s singles, double Olympic medalist Sindhu bowed out in the second round after losing to China’s Chen Yu Fei 9-21, 21-18, 16-21. HS Prannoy suffered a straight-game loss against Frenchman Christo Popov, facing a 16-21, 14-21 defeat in a match that lasted 42 minutes.The mixed doubles duo of Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde also suffered a round of 16 loss, going down to the second-seeded pair of Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong 10-21, 16-21.Eighth seed Treesa-Gayatri’s run ended in the quarterfinals after losing to the unseeded Chinese duo of Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian.Earlier in the women’s singles, Aakarshi Kashyap and Unnati Hooda failed to cross the first hurdle. Aakarshi lost to world No. 4 Han Yue won 21-17, 13-21, 7-21 in a 58-minute battle, while Unnati went down 21-13, 9-21, 15-21 to world No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi.Anupama Upadhyaya also crashed out after losing 12-21, 16-21 to Sung Shuo Yun of Chinese Taipei while the women’s doubles pair of Vaishnavi Khadkekar and Alisha Khan were overwhelmed 8-21, 9-21 by Australia’s Gronya Somerville and Angela Yu.In the men’s singles, India’s top-ranked men’s shuttler Lakshya Sen was forced to retire midway through his opening round match. Sen started strong against Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-Yi, taking the first game 21-15. But Lin came back to take the second 21-17. In the deciding game, Sen began to struggle with lower back pain and retired while trailing 5-13.–IANSbc/