Barcelona, May 18 (IANS) FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club is close to tying down young gem Lamine Yamal with a contract extension.The Spaniard’s current contract with the club is set to run out in 2026 and Laporta confirmed that the contract extension deal is already in place with only the signature pending.“Lamine’s contract renewal has already been agreed upon, and all that remains is the official signing. He is a genius who enjoys playing for Barcelona, ​​has friends at the club, and is part of a generation that has a strong bond with his teammates,” said Laporta in a press conference.When asked if Yamal’s wages will match his growing rise in football and importance at the Barcelona side, Laporta replied, “At Barcelona, ​​we pay players according to their abilities. We are a club that pays well. We also say that there is no better place than Barcelona.”On April 29, 2023, Yamal was 15 years, 9 months and 16 days old when he made his league debut against Betis, making him the youngest player ever to appear in a competitive fixture for the team.He has since become one of their most lethal forwards and is one of the most promising players in the world. He has represented the Catalonian side on 104 occasions while scoring 24 goals and dishing out 34 assists. His season tally stands at 17 goals and 25 assists and he led Barca to a historic domestic treble.In the end, Laporta cited the example of the greatest Barcelona player in history, Lionel Messi, who has often been used as a standard for the 17-year-old forward and said Yamal, like the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, knows the Spanish side provides the best project for a player of his stature.“Something similar happened to me with Lionel Messi, when Inter were trying to sign him and in the end, we all decided, including Messi’s father, that Barcelona had the best project for him and it was the right decision because he became the best in history.”“At only 17, Lamine is among the best players in the world and he feels comfortable here, as does his family,” concluded Laporta.–IANSaaa/ab

Jaipur, May 18 (IANS) Punjab Kings batter Nehal Wadhera credited the team’s batting unit after they scored 219/5 against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 encounter at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday.Wadhera was the catalyst of Punjab’s massive total as he played a knock of 70 runs in 37 balls studded with five sixes and as many fours and was also involved in two fifty-plus partnerships with captain Shreyas Iyer and Shashank Singh.It was Wadhera’s second half-century of the season. Iyer played a knock of 30 runs while Shashank smashed a 27-ball half-century, his second of the season.Shashank remained unbeaten on 59 with the help of three sixes and five fours while Azmatullah Omarzai was not out on nine-ball 21. The duo added 60 runs in the last four overs to steer Punjab to a massive total in the afternoon match.”It was wonderful batting there today. I think, Shreyas bhai and me, both played well together. I think 220 is a very good score on this wicket. Shashank and Omarzai played well towards end,” Wadhera said during the mid-innings break.The 24-year-old added that a positive approach to hitting the loose balls helped them across the season to touch the 200-run mark frequently.”The talks have been clear with the captain and coach. We have to punish the loose balls, that’s why we are scoring 200 runs frequently. That positive approach has helped us. I think the preparations happen in the nets. The way the players play in the nets, they play similarly in the game. It is quite hot today, but the surface is looking good. We have good bowlers, I am pretty sure we are going to nail this game,” Wadhera added.Barring Tushar Deshpande, who finished with the figures of 2-37 in his four overs, nothing was promising for the home side against Punjab’s firing batting line-up.A win here will seal the playoffs spot for the Iyer-led side while Rajasthan are playing for pride after being knocked out of the season.–IANSab/

Jaipur, May 18 (IANS) Blistering half-centuries from Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh powered Punjab Kings to 219/5 in 20 overs against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 clash at Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Sunday.Opting to bat first, Punjab Kings openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh opened in attacking fashion with the Delhi batter getting boundary on the first ball of the match. Prabhsimran too found a boundary of Fazalhaq Farooqi’s opening over to make 11 from it.However, Rajasthan struck back with Tushar Deshpande picking Arya (9) in the second over of the match. He was caught by Shimron Hetmyer, a ball after being dropped by Farooqi.Prabhsimran had the most of Kwena Maphaka’s over as the opener smashed him for two fours and a six before the pacer bagged IPL debutant Mitchell Owen on a duck.Punjab suffered another blow when Deshpande dismissed Prabhsimran in the next over to bring them three down inside the powerplay. Prabhsimran played a knock of 21 in 10 balls including three fours and a six.Captain Shreyas Iyer, who came in at No. 5, and Nehal Wadhera made sure that the side doesn’t lose another wicket in the powerplay while maintaining the flow of runs. Punjab Kings were 58/3 after the end of the powerplay.The duo kept the runs flowing from both ends with Wadhera taking the attacking approach in the middle overs especially against Wanindu Hasaranga as he struck him for two fours and a six in consecutive overs.Meanwhile, Iyer carried the momentum and hit Akash Madhwal for two fours in the ninth over to bring up the 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Punjab Kings were 97/3 at the halfway mark.Iyer hit Riyan Parag for a four on long-on to take the side past 100-run mark in the 11th over. On the next ball. Parag dismissed the Punjab captain for a 25-ball 30 when he mistimed the shot, only to be caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal.Shashank Singh joined Wadhera in the middle as Punjab continued their assault in Jaipur. The former sent Hasaranga over deep mid-wicket for half-a-dozen for another maximum. In the same over, he was dropped by the Sri Lankan on a caught and bowled chance.Wadhera completed his second half-century of the season with a boundary off Madhwal to reach the milestone in 25 balls. He struck the pacer for a six over deep square-leg on the very next ball.Shashank and Wadhera also stitched a 50-run stand in no time, with the former hitting Madhwal for a four in the 16th over. Wadhera also hit the pacer for a six in the same over before being dismissed on the final ball. Wadhera played a knock of 70 runs studded with five sixes and as many fours. Punjab Kings were 159/5 after 16 overs.Azmatullah Omarzai and Shashank took the responsibility of taking the side to a massive total in the death overs. Shashank completed his half-century in 27 balls in the final over the innings.The duo added 60 runs off 24 balls to make the most of the last four overs of the innings. Shashank remained unbeaten on 30-ball 59 laced with three sixes and five fours while Omarzai struck nine-ball 21, including a six and three fours.For Rajasthan, Deshpande returned with the figures of 2-37 while Parag, Maphaka and Madhwal claimed one scalp each.Brief scores: Punjab Kings 219/5 in 20 overs (Nehal Wadhera 70, Shashank Singh 59 not out; Tushar Deshpande 2-37, Riyan Parag 1-26) against Rajasthan Royals.–IANSab/

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) In a significant step to strengthen grassroots sports and athlete development across the country, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), Government of India, has launched a comprehensive Annual Calendar under the Khelo India initiative. This effort reflects the government’s vision of building a structured, inclusive, and competitive sporting ecosystem that engages youth across diverse disciplines throughout the year.Speaking about the initiative, the Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, stated, “The Khelo India Annual Calendar is not just a schedule but it is a strategic blueprint strengthening India’s domestic competition structure for transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse.”He added, “Over the past decade, Indian sports have undergone a remarkable transformation under the able leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. We have created a dynamic and inclusive sporting ecosystem with regular national-level competitions under the Khelo India initiative. Taking this vision forward, we will soon introduce a series of Khelo India Games and other competitions throughout the year — including formats like the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG), Khelo India School Games (KISG), Khelo India Water Sports, Khelo India North-East Games, amongst others.”These events will be pivotal in identifying, nurturing, and preparing India’s young talent. Through structured competitions, year-round engagement, and pan-India participation, we are building the foundation for sustained sporting excellence as we gear up for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympic Games 2036. India is on the move, and the youth are at the heart of this sporting revolution.”The Khelo India platform already includes four structured national-level Games, namely the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Para Games, and Khelo India Winter Games which have seen great success. These events are conducted in collaboration with the respective National Sports Federations (NSFs), ensuring technical conduct at par with international standards. With clear feeder pathways and structured planning, these Games act as key platforms for talent identification and long term athlete development.Building on this strong foundation, the Ministry is now expanding the Khelo India umbrella to include more events that aim to unlock the untapped potential of different regions of India and bring to the forefront the vast and diverse talent pool of the country. These additional Games will not only promote sports at the grassroots but also give visibility to disciplines and communities that have historically been underrepresented in national sporting platforms.A special focus is being given to the Khelo India School Games (KISG), which will follow a tiered structure, starting from the district level, moving to the state level, and culminating in national-level competitions. This framework is designed to provide early exposure to young and budding athletes, preparing them for the experience of competing in structured, high-quality events that reflect the standards of international sporting competitions.Furthermore, the inclusion of events like the Khelo India Martial Art Games, Khelo India Tribal Games, and Khelo India Swadeshi Games aims to bring indigenous and traditional martial arts into the mainstream. Many of these sports, such as those featured in the Asian Games, have deep cultural roots and strong followings, and are now being provided national platforms for broader recognition and development.To ensure successful execution and long-term impact, each Khelo India event will have clearly defined Host States or Union Territories. This approach will help bolster local sports infrastructure, promote capacity building, and prepare regions to host national and international sporting events in the future. Additionally, these events are expected to enhance sports tourism and contribute to local economies.The current sporting year has already witnessed the successful completion of three major events. The Khelo India Winter Games were held in Jammu & Kashmir and Gulmarg in January–February 2025. The Khelo India Para Games were conducted in Delhi in March-April 2025, and the Khelo India Youth Games were hosted with enthusiasm in Bihar in May 2025, reinforcing the state’s growing presence in India’s sports landscape. All three events received strong participation and showcased the inclusive and expanding reach of Khelo India.Adding to the momentum, the first edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) is set to take place in Diu from 19th to 25th May 2025. This landmark event will draw national attention to coastal and beach sports, offering a unique competitive platform while also highlighting the region’s tourism potential.The calendar for the remainder of the year includes several major events, such as the Khelo India School Games (August to December), Khelo India University Games (March–April), Water Sports and North-East Games (May–June), Tribal Games (September in Chhattisgarh), and the Indigenous and Martial Art Games (July–August in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh). Complementary initiatives like the Fit India Carnival (February, Delhi), ASMITA Leagues, and Peace and Development League activities will also run throughout the year across the country.This carefully designed, evidence-based calendar draws from past experiences and incorporates seasonal, regional, and sport-specific factors to improve overall planning and effectiveness. It is also structured to offer greater visibility to sponsors, attract media engagement, and create opportunities for tourism and youth mobilisation. States will be approached to express interest in hosting these events, and a common proposal mechanism is being developed to streamline multi-event hosting.Through this expanded and structured approach, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports continues to reaffirm its vision of building a fit, competitive, and globally recognised sporting nation, empowering every young athlete with the opportunity to dream big, train hard, and proudly represent India on the world stage.–IANSbc/

London, May 18 (IANS) Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta revealed that at the beginning of the season, he was visualising lifting the Premier League trophy after the game against Newcastle United in the Gunners’ final home game of the season.Arsenal have not won the league title since their historic Invincibles season in 2003/04. They have been trophyless for five years, with their last trophy being the 2020 FA Cup. A win against Newcastle on Sunday could set up Arsenal’s third straight season as runner-up.”At the start of the season, if I had to visualise that moment, it would be playing the last home game on the final day and lifting the Premier League. That’s what I had in my head. Now, with everything we’ve gone through in the last 11 months, I think we can all hold our heads up but still have that pain in the tummy, because that’s what we want to achieve,” Arteta said to Sky Sports.When asked what it was that saw Arsenal fall behind Liverpool in the title race, Arteta replied, “Red cards and injuries, for sure.”Arsenal have had rotten luck with injuries this season and have finished the final phase of the campaign without a striker. They have also been shown six red cards, with a few controversial decisions, which has seen them struggle to stay consistent, but the Gunners head coach remained positive that his team will raise the bar next year.“But without that, we don’t know what would have happened. Would we have been much closer? For me, the answer is without a question, yes. Because of what we have been producing and the performances that we have had.”But we’re going to have to do something else (next season) because the bar will be raised.”And when you look at the points that we’ve had in the last three seasons, the consistency of not winning a title is very rare. So we are very close, close in the probability so much, we have to continue to be there and be better.”–IANSaaa/bc

Jaipur, May 18 (IANS) Both Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings players lined up for the Indian national anthem to pay tribute to the Indian armed forces ahead of their IPL 2025 clash at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, here on Sunday.The RR-PBKS clash is the first proper match to happen after the resumption of the IPL 2025 on Saturday, following a one-week suspension due to the cross-border tensions with Pakistan. The Saturday clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders was washed out due to rain in Bengaluru without a toss, fading away the excitement of the IPL restart.In a tribute to the Indian armed forces, who displayed their impeccable valour to protect the countrymen from the enemy, players sang the national anthem together to honour their valuable contributions before the start of the match. “Thank you armed forces” was the message being displayed on the screens of the stadium when the Indian national anthem was played.During the toss, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer thanked the Indian armed forces for safeguarding the borders of the country amid tensions with Pakistan.”Kudos to the Army forces who have worked for the country and made sure that we’re in a comfortable position,” he said during the toss after electing to bat first.Mitchell Owen, Marco Jansen and Azmatullah Omarzai are the three overseas players featuring for PBKS.For Rajasthan Royals, a fully fit Sanju Samson returned to captain the side, replacing Nitish Rana in the playing XI. Kwena Maphaka came in for Jofra Archer.Playing XIsRajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kwena Maphaka, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi.Impact Substitutes: Kumar Kartikeya, Shubham Dubey, Ashok Sharma, Kunal Singh Rathore, Yudhvir Singh Charak.Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Mitchell Owen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.Impact Substitutes: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan.Punjab Kings are placed in third spot with 15 points in 11 games and are poised to finish in top two spots if they win their three matches including this match against already eliminated Rajasthan Royals.–IANSab/bc

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Celebrities including Olympians, chess grandmaster, actors and fitness icons have joined ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ to mark eight years of GST and celebrated a nationwide commitment to fitness, uniting thousands across CBIC-GST centres in a synchronised push towards health, community, and cleaner air.
Actor and fitness icon Suneil Shetty gave a powerful call for consistent wellness at the nationwide Sundays on Cycle event, hosted by the Fit India Movement in collaboration with CBIC-GST, saying, “Wellness is far cheaper than illness. Fitness should not be a one-day thing, like cycling only today, but must be practised every day for overall wellness. Only then does it make a difference.” Shetty joined participants at the GST Commissionerate in Mumbai, adding star power and substance to an initiative that’s fast becoming a people’s movement.The May 18 event marked eight years of GST and celebrated a nationwide commitment to fitness, uniting thousands across CBIC-GST centres in a synchronised push towards health, community, and cleaner air.At Thiruvananthapuram, the event was flagged off by three celebrated Olympians and international athletes — Jisna Mathew (Rio 2016, 4x400m), M.P. Jabir (Tokyo 2020, 400m hurdles), and Anu Raghavan (Asian Games and Championship medalist). Their presence inspired over 200 participants to take on the cycling trail with passion and pride.Leading the peloton were five of India’s top cyclists — Pooja Danole, Dhanyadha JP, Srimathi J, Rejiya Devi, and Niraimathi J — each a decorated national and international medalist. Their guidance powered the message: fitness isn’t just a sprint, it’s a marathon we ride together.Meanwhile, in New Delhi, cycling was just one part of the movement. Chess Grandmaster Tania Sachdev, fresh from her gold medal win at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, joined the ride and energised crowds with a fitness-forward message. “Fitness doesn’t need fancy equipment or a gym — just willpower and discipline,” she said. “Stamina is essential even in chess. Cycling is now a big part of my fitness regime.”The capital’s event, held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, featured Zumba, rope skipping, and yoga sessions, transforming the Sunday into a celebration of movement and mental wellness. The event was held at various locations across the country including SAI RCs, STCs, NCOEs, Khelo India Centres, and all key CBIC-GST centres.Shashank Priya, Special Secretary and Member, CBIC GST, added, “This collaboration with Fit India and GST is a strong message that fitness is for everyone — not just for athletes. It’s encouraging to see such awareness around lifestyle diseases and the need for better food habits and less sugar.”“What we eat is also important so that we control too much sugar and aerated drinks. It’s important to ensure so we can fight obesity. We are prone to heart disease so it is important to move towards this goal of a fitter, healthier India,” he added.The cycling initiative has now rolled through 5,500+ locations and reached over 3 lakh citizens since its launch in December 2024. Social media buzzed with endorsements from icons including Sania Mirza, Milind Soman, Emraan Hashmi, John Abraham, Imtiaz Ali, Shankar Mahadevan, and Dara Singh, all lending their voices to inspire everyday fitness.“India is coming together to take a step towards fitness by cycling. I urge everyone to join our officers this Sunday and make it a memorable event,” said Shankar Mahadevan, in his video message. “Fit Hum, Toh Fit India,” added Milind Soman.With growing momentum, Fit India’s Sundays on Cycle is redefining how we move, one pedal stroke at a time — turning public spaces into wellness hubs, and citizens into champions of health.–IANSbc/

Bengaluru, May 18 (IANS) Royal Challengers Bengaluru have announced ticket refunds for their match against Kolkata Knight Riders at M. Chinaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which was abandoned without a ball being bowled, due to persistent rain on Saturday.”As the game between RCB and KKR on 17th May 2025 was abandoned due to inclement weather, all valid ticket holders are eligible for a full refund, the franchise said in a statement.”Digital ticket holders will be issued a refund within 10 working days to their original account used to book the tickets. In case you do not receive refund by May 31, kindly send an email to refund@ticketgenie.in with booking details to escalate the matter.”Physical ticket holders are required to surrender their original ticket to the respective official source from where they purchased the tickets, in order to claim refund. Refunds are not applicable for complimentary tickets,” it added.Earlier, RCB announced the refund of tickets for matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, originally scheduled on May 13 and May 17, which were postponed due to a one-week suspension of the IPL 2025 due to the tensions between India and PakistanAfter Saturday’s washout, both RCB and KKR were awarded one point each. RCB moved atop in the points table with 17 points from 12 games and closer to a confirmed berth in the playoffs while KKR with 12 points from 13 games were knocked out of the top four contention.RCB will now host Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 before travelling to Lucknow to face Lucknow Super Giants in their final league fixture on May 27. RCB might secure their place in the final four before even playing their next game as they will go through if Punjab Kings or Delhi Capitals lose on Sunday.–IANSbc/ab

Jaipur, May 18 (IANS) Punjab Kings have won the toss and opted to bat first against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 clash at Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Sunday.
Depleted Rajasthan got a boost with captain Sanju Samson returning to the side other than Kwena Maphaka, who replaced Jofra Archer in the playing 11 for today’s match.On the other hand, Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed the inclusion of new signee Mitchell Owen, who replaced injured all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.”We are going to bat first. The wicket looks fantastic, know how it plays here. The powerhouse has been our batting, so got to make the best use of it. Everyone is in high spirits. The mindset has been strong. Trying to make the best use of the sources. Kudos to the Army forces. Mitch Owen, Jansen, Omarzai are playing,” Iyer said at the toss.Samson confirmed that teenage opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi will continue to open for the franchise.”Wanted to bowl first after how the pitch behaved in the last game against RCB. Let’s see how it plays out today. I am okay, hundred per cent fit. I would love to respect where he (Suryavanshi) is batting. He has played well for us. I will bat down the order, I come in for Nitish Rana. Maphaka comes in for Jofra Archer,” the RR skipper said.Playing XIs-Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kwena Maphaka, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi.Impact Substitues: Kumar Kartikeya, Shubham Dubey, Ashok Sharma, Kunal Singh Rathore, Yudhvir Singh Charak.Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Mitchell Owen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.Impact Substitues: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan.Punjab Kings are placed in third spot with 15 points in 11 games and are poised to finish in top two spots if they win their three matches, including this match against already eliminated Rajasthan Royals.–IANSab/bc

Brentford, May 18 (IANS) Defender Ben Mee will leave Brentford once his contract expires at the end of the season on June 30, the Premier League announced on Sunday. He has made 67 appearances and scored five goals since joining the Bees on a free transfer in July 2022.
“Sunday will be my last game at the Gtech. I’d like to thank the Bees fans for the amazing support you’ve given me during these last three years – it’s really meant a lot,” said Mee in a statement.“This is a unique club full of fantastic people and I’m really proud and grateful to have had the pleasure to play here. I still have a lot more to give on the pitch and I’ll certainly be looking to do that somewhere next season and beyond. For now, let’s hope we can have a strong finish to the season,” he added.Following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, Mee ended his 10-year stay in Lancashire with a move to Brentford in July 2022.The centre-back marked his home debut with a goal as Thomas Frank’s side beat Manchester United 4-0 in an unforgettable game at Gtech Community Stadium.Mee missed just one game as the Bees ended the Premier League season in ninth. He was named Brentford Supporters’ 2023/23 Player of the Year in recognition of his impressive performances.The Manchester City Academy graduate made 18 appearances last term and scored in victories over Luton Town and Nottingham Forest.He has made a further 11 outings this campaign, starting in each round of the Carabao Cup. Brentford lost 3-1 to eventual winners Newcastle United at the quarter-final stage.“Ben has been fantastic for us. His first season was outstanding; he was a big part of us finishing ninth in the Premier League. He has not had as many minutes in the two seasons since then, but he has always performed when called upon and been invaluable off the pitch,” head coach Thomas Frank said.”He has helped us build a strong culture and shared his knowledge with the younger players about how to be a top defender. Ben is a top pro and a top person – he will be missed. We wish him all the best for the future,” he added.–IANSab/bc