Mumbai, Aug 15 (IANS) As India marks its 79th Independence Day, Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) players pay tribute to the heroes who have served the nation by celebrating the sport that reflects the country’s heritage, values, and resilience. The league proudly highlights the inspiring stories of the 16 players and four coaches who represent the Services, balancing their commitment to the nation both on the field and at the borders.On this momentous occasion, Bharat, an all-rounder representing Telu…

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 15 (IANS) As the draw for the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 was unveiled at AFC House on Friday, FC Goa have found themselves in the same group as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. FC Goa, winners of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, are placed in Group D with Al Nassr Club (Saudi Arabia), Al Zawra’a SC (Iraq) and FC Istiklol (Tajikistan).The Gaurs sealed their spot in the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Group Stage after staving off a late fightback from Al Seeb Club of Oman to walk…

Dhaka, Aug 15 (IANS) Bangladesh assistant head coach Mohammad Salahuddin believes openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon are poised to make a significant impact, having already proven their mettle on the global stage at the youth level. The duo, who have been teammates since their Under-19 days, played a vital role in Bangladesh’s landmark ICC U-19 World Cup triumph – the nation’s only major international title to date.As Bangladesh prepare for a three-match T20I series against t…

Brisbane, Aug 15 (IANS) Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav and Tanuja Kanwer struck half-centuries each as India ‘A’ clinched the 50-over series against Australia ‘A’ with a narrow two-wicket win in the second game held at Ian Healy Oval on Friday. Electing to bat first, Alyssa Healy top-scored with 91 off 87 balls to guide Australia ‘A’ to 265/9 in their 50 overs, with the rest of the batting line-up not putting in standout performances.For India ‘A’, off-spin bowling all-rounder Minnu…

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Former Australia cricketer and selector David Boon has left out Marnus Labuschagne from his preferred Australia squad for the all-important Ashes series, starting on November 21 in Perth. The five-match Test series will also be held in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.Boon, who finished being an ICC Match Referee earlier this year, has backed the under-fire opening pair of Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja to open in Perth despite their lean returns in the series aga…

Liverpool, Aug 15 (IANS) Arne Slot has challenged Florian Wirtz to meet the high standards set by Mohamed Salah if he is to live up to Liverpool’s expectations as their new record signing. Wirtz is set to make his Premier League debut when the reigning champions kick off their campaign at home against Bournemouth on Friday. While Slot praised the German international’s smooth adaptation – saying it “went better than expected, and we already expected a lot” – he acknowledged that a true m…

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) England women’s team head coach Charlotte Edwards believes that her side’s white-ball series defeats against India weren’t a ‘reality check’ and they are prepared to beat any team ahead of next month’s ODI World Cup. After a dominant start to the summer with a convincing series win over a weakened West Indies in her debut as head coach, England stumbled against India, losing the T20I series 3-2 and the ODIs 2-1. India, co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup with Sri Lanka, e…

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of sports in India’s development during his Independence Day speech here on Friday and said the recently approved National Sports Policy 2025 will help in promoting sports in far-flung areas. In his address to the nation, PM Modi noted how there was a time when parents were hesitant to let their children take up sports seriously, but today that mindset has undergone a significant shift.”Sports play an important role…

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) English goalkeeper James Trafford, while reflecting on his return to Manchester City, said that he always believed he would come back to City, as he worked hard to make it happen.The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who spent almost eight years at Man City as part of their Academy before moving to Turf Moor in 2023, has completed a move to the Etihad Stadium, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal until June 2030, from Burnley.”It’s brilliant for me. Since I joined at 12, pla…

Cincinnati, Aug 15 (IANS) Ben Shelton continued his red-hot streak at the Cincinnati Open, where he ousted Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals.The 22-year-old became the first American man to reach the last eight in Canada and Cincinnati in the same season since Mardy Fish in 2012.In a warm conditions in Cincy, Shelton’s booming serve raced through the court. The lefty dropped just six points behind his first delivery, including a 141 mph ace when serving out the match. He c…