John Stones withdraws from England squad as precautionary measure

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New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) John Stones has withdrawn from the England squad as a precautionary measure. The City defender, in his tenth season with the Club, has featured in all three of Man City’s Premier League fixtures so far. He was selected for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. England boss Thomas Tuchel revealed the news at his press conference.“Unfortunately, John Stones [has] just left. He came with minor muscle issues to camp and didn’t progress the way we t…

Hockey Asia cup: India women kickstart campaign with thumping win over Thailand

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Hangzhou, Sep 5 (IANS) The Indian women’s hockey team launched their Asia Cup 2025 journey in a dominating way as they defeated Thailand with a commanding scoreline of 11-0 in their Pool B fixture here on Friday. Mumtaz Khan (7′, 49′), Udita (30′, 52′) and Beauty Dung Dung (45′, 54′) scored two goals apiece for India while Sangita Kumari (10′), Navneet Kaur (16′), Lalremsiami (18′), Sharmila Devi (57′) and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (60′) also featured on the scoresheet.India asserted their dominance e…

Praveen Kumar has not applied for BCCI senior selection panel: Sources

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New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) Former India pacer Praveen Kumar has not applied for a position in the BCCI senior men’s selection panel, sources close to the bowler told IANS on Friday. There were earlier reports suggesting that Praveen had applied for one of the two advertised spots in the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, whose application deadline ends on September 10.Praveen, who represented India in six Tests, 68 ODIs and 10 T20Is between 2007 and 2012, picked up 112 international wickets. H…

Exposure to SA20 helped youngsters get ready for the big stage: Graeme Smith

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New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) With South Africa’s youngsters shining in series wins over Australia and England, SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith believes the league has helped the young guns perform at a high level when called up to the international stage. South Africa registered a five-run win over England in the 2nd ODI to seal the series victory. Matthew Breetzke became the first South African player to score 50+ scores in his first five ODI outings for the nation, showcasing a positive tre…

India’s first-ever 5150 Triathlon launched in Chennai

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Chennai, Sep 5 (IANS) Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday launched the country’s first-ever 5150 Triathlon Chennai under the prestigious IRONMAN brand. Scheduled for January 11, the race will be held at the MGM Beach Resort, East Coast Road.The Chennai launch builds on IRONMAN’s expanding footprint in India, which began with the debut of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa in 2019. Over the years, Goa has grown into the nation’s triathlon capital, drawing over 1,200 athletes from…

Alessia Russo pens long term deal with Arsenal

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New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) Alessia Russo has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal after helping Arsenal Women win their second UEFA Champions League title the previous season. Alessia joined Arsenal in July 2023 and has since scored 36 goals in 72 appearances for the club, helping them to win the League Cup in 2024 and the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2025.“Arsenal feels like home,” said Alessia. “This is such a special club and it has felt that way to me from the moment I joine…

Zimbabwe and Namibia secure spots for Women's T20 WC Global Qualifiers

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Windhoek, Sep 5 (IANS) Zimbabwe and Namibia have secured spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, set to be held in Nepal early next year. The ten-team tournament will determine the final four spots for the expanded 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England. Neither Zimbabwe nor Namibia have previously qualified for a women’s cricket World Cup in any format. Their progression to the global qualifiers makes for a huge moment in the development of women’s cricket in the African region….

US Open: Anisimova sets final clash with Sabalenka with SF win over Osaka

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New York, Sep 5 (IANS) Amanda Anisimova continued her breakout season with another statement victory, edging past Naomi Osaka to book her place in the US Open final. Just two months after reaching her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, the American rallied from a set down to defeat the four-time major champion 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 in a thrilling contest that stretched just under three hours inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.Anisimova’s win was historic, making her the first player to ever beat Osaka…

'Inspired by visit to visually challenged school, Patna Pirates aim to end Vizag leg on a high', says captain Ankit Jaglan

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Vizag, Sep 5 (IANS) Patna Pirates visited a school for visually challenged children in Vizag yesterday as part of their campaign to make sure that the team gives back to every community that they will be competing at this season of the Pro Kabaddi League.Captain Ankit Jaglan along with Ayan Lochab, Maninder Singh and Deepak Rathi spent the entire evening with over 50 children and left feeling extremely inspired by the meeting.The evening ended with Ankit, Ayan, Maninder and Deepak serving dinner…

Ex-India pacer Praveen Kumar applies for BCCI senior men's selection panel: Sources

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New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) With the September 10 deadline approaching in applying for two vacancies in the Ajit Agarkar-led senior men’s selection committee, former India fast bowler Praveen Kumar has applied for a place on the five-member panel. In the current selection committee, former India pacer Subroto Banerjee is representing the Central Zone. Sources told IANS on Friday that Praveen, who played six Tests, 68 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India and picked up 112 wickets from 2007 to 2012, has sent…