Category: Sports

New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Visakhapatnam has replaced New Delhi as the venue for the first men’s ODI between India and Sri Lanka, to be played on December 13, said the BCCI on Thursday. The series opener will now be played at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, with the date and start time unchanged.

“The venue change has been made following a request from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), in view of the potential weather disruption and the proposed renovation work at the stadium,” further said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in his statement.

IANS had previously reported on September 25 that the game could be moved out of India’s national capital because of a planned major overhaul of the drainage system at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. As part of the work, the stadium’s soil-based outfield will be converted into a sand-based one, apart from the pitches being relaid and recultivation of grass in the outfield.

The ongoing renovation work previously led to Delhi shifting its Ranji Trophy matches to the Air Force Ground in Palam, while its hosting of the league stage matches of the ongoing Senior Women’s T20 Trophy was handed over to Surat.

IANS also understands that the post-Diwali air pollution in New Delhi was also another cause of concern, especially with the Air Quality Index (AQI) going upwards of 350 in December, thus posing huge risk to well-being of the players.

During the drawn India-Sri Lanka Test held in New Delhi in December 2017, play was repeatedly disrupted as several Sri Lankan players were seen vomiting on the field due to poor air quality.

After the ODI series opener in Visakhapatnam, further matches will be played in Bengaluru on December 16 and Ahmedabad on December 19. It is followed by three T20Is taking place in Rajkot on December 22, Cuttack on December 24 and Pune on December 27. All three ODIs will begin at 2 pm, while the T20Is are scheduled to start at 7 pm.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded India’s para-athletes for their record-breaking performance at the Asian Para Games 2026, saying the journey from 14 medals in 2010 to 114 in the latest edition was the result of their hard work, dedication and a strong support ecosystem.

PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian contingent at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, congratulating the athletes for their achievements at the Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan.

India registered its best-ever performance at the continental event, with 97 para-athletes winning 114 medals, comprising 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze. The country finished fourth in the overall medal standings. “I had been eagerly waiting to meet all of you. Just a few weeks ago, I met the athletes who participated in the Asian Games. Now, I have the opportunity to meet all of you energetic companions from the Asian Para Games,” PM Modi said during the interaction.

“Your outstanding performance shows that India is rapidly emerging as a major power in the world of sports. At such a big platform, you have not only won medals but also the hearts of crores of countrymen,” PM Modi said. “You para-athletes have once again shown that the highest flights are achieved through determination. On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I congratulate all of you. Your families, trainers and coaches have also played an important role in this achievement, and I extend my greetings to them as well,” he added.

Highlighting India’s progress in para-sports, PM Modi recalled that the country had won only 14 medals, including one gold, at the 2010 Asian Para Games, before making significant strides in subsequent editions.

“Your extraordinary performance at the Asian Para Games proves that India is emerging as a major power in the field of sports. At such a big platform, you have not only won medals but also the hearts of the countrymen. There was a time when India’s participation in most sports was considered merely a formality. In the Para Games, our country was far behind. At the 2010 Para Asian Games, India won just one gold medal and managed only 14 medals overall. This time, our athletes have returned with 114 medals,” PM Modi said.

“The journey from 14 to 114 medals is the result of the pinnacle of your hard work. This journey is a direct outcome of your dedication, unwavering commitment and the strong ecosystem created to support your success,” he added.

PM Modi also highlighted the contingent’s record-breaking achievements, including five world records and nine Asian records, saying the athletes had filled the entire country with pride.

“With 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze medals, along with five new world records and nine Asian records, you have filled the entire country with pride,” PM Modi said.

He further praised India’s dominance in multiple disciplines, revealing that the country had achieved podium sweeps in four events, with Indian athletes winning gold, silver and bronze medals in the same event.

PM Modi also lauded the contingent’s performance on the final day, when Indian athletes won nine gold medals. “It seemed as if you had decided that as long as the Games continued, the medals should not stop coming,” he said.

Highlighting the contribution of women athletes, PM Modi said 34 of the 56 women in the Indian contingent emerged as medal winners, describing it as another significant achievement of the campaign.

India’s 114-medal haul surpassed its previous best of 108 medals, including 27 gold, achieved at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, China, underlining the country’s growing strength in para-sports.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked India’s Asian Para Games participants to put their focus on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles after a stellar show in the recently concluded Aichi-Nagoya Para Games.

PM Modi met the Indian contingent of the 2026 Asian Para Games and interacted with the participants at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in the national capital.

While hailing the athletes for their strong outing at the Asian Para Games, the PM asked them to put their focus on the next major challenge.

“The podium at Aichi-Nagoya is not the final stop of your journey. You must use this success as a launching pad for even greater goals. The next goal for India and most of you is LA 2028. Avani and Manish have already secured their quotas for LA,” PM Modi said in his address.

He further asked the athletes to maximise India’s participation at the upcoming Paralympics. “Our goal should be that a maximum number of Indian athletes participate in LA 2028 and bring home the maximum number of medals. Therefore, all of you should celebrate this moment to the fullest and, right from now, get busy preparing for what lies ahead,” he added.

“The grand festival of Diwali has already begun. This time, celebrate Diwali with great pride, joy, and splendour. But during Diwali itself, set the target for your next journey in your mind and step forward with new resolve,” the PM further said.

The PM further stated that during his speech at the Red Fort this year, he asked the youth to come forward for the talent hunt campaign with Olympics in mind.

“Friends, we do not view sports merely as a few national and international events. For us, sports are also a powerful medium for personality development and nation-building.

“It is sports that teach the youth how to win after facing defeat and explain the true meaning of discipline and team spirit. Friends, with this very vision, we are building a modern sports ecosystem for the country. Campaigns are being carried out across the nation at both the school and grassroots levels.

“A large number of Khelo India centres have been established. We also launched the TOPS so that athletes receive Olympic-level training. Keeping the Olympics in mind, this time from the Red Fort, I called upon the youth to step forward in a nationwide talent hunt campaign,” he added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Former West Indies cricketer Kieron Pollard is set to step down as MI London’s head coach after earning a promotion with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the same role.

Pollard was in charge of MI London for the 2026 season, where he took his team to a fourth-place finish. They missed out on qualifying for the knockouts by virtue of having an inferior NRR after they were tied on points with Manchester Super Giants and Sunrisers Leeds.

A report in Cricinfo stated that Pollard is now set to leave MI London to get some time off, as The Hundred franchise will have a new head coach now. This leaves The Oval with two roles open for the head coach.

Earlier, Surrey head coach Gareth Batty left his role with the English club to take over as assistant coach at Chennai Super Kings. Surrey co-owns MI London with Reliance Industries Limited, and the Oval is the home ground for both Surrey and MI London.

Surrey are likely to invite interested candidates for their head coach role, and the successful candidate can be allowed to work with MI London, the report added.

Late last month, Pollard was promoted to MI’s head coach in the IPL. He served as the batting coach in recent years and takes over the head coach role from Mahela Jayawardene.

“It is an honour to take on the role of Head Coach of Mumbai Indians. MI has been a huge part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan means a great deal to me. Having experienced this journey as a player and then as a coach, I understand what Mumbai Indians stands for and the responsibility that comes with representing the Blue and Gold. I am grateful to Mrs Nita Ambani, Akash Ambani and the entire MI family for their trust in me. I look forward to working closely with the players and support staff, building on the team’s legacy, helping our talent grow and giving the Paltan many more reasons to celebrate,” Pollard had said.

–IANS

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Hove, Nov 5 (IANS) Mark Robinson, who guided England to winning the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup title at home, has made a return to Sussex, the club he led to two County Championship crowns, as its new director of cricket.

Robinson will take up the part-time role originally earmarked for Paul Farbrace, who left for the full-time director of cricket job at Lancashire a few weeks ago. Robinson was most recently head coach at Warwickshire, steering them to the County Championship and the Bob Willis Trophy wins in 2021, before leaving Edgbaston in early 2025.

Since then, he has been director of cricket at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA), and he will continue in that post alongside his role at Sussex. “I’m delighted to be back at Hove in a position where I can play my part in helping Sussex continue to be one of the most respected Clubs in the Country.

“We have taken some hits in the last year and, as a club, we still have some work to be done, and I am determined to contribute to ensure a bright future here at Sussex. I first joined this club in 1997, just after the revolution following the loss of most of its senior players and captain. I was just one small building block that helped build an era of unqualified success. Trophies won and England players and coaches produced.

“Work has already started to ensure that we do that again. This club has always been pioneering, starting as the first club to get permanent floodlights right up to the present day, with the Breaking Boundaries initiative which invests in State Schools cricket. Sussex is a special club, and I’m delighted to be back,” Robinson said in a statement on Thursday.

Robinson’s links with Sussex go back a long way. He first played for the club and later succeeded Peter Moores as head coach, a job he held from 2005 to 2015. He won back-to-back Championship titles in 2006 and 2007 before moving to the England women’s set-up in 2015.

“The flexibility of my role also allows me to still be hands-on at BACA. So many of our cricket students come from all over the county and show such dedication, some leaving as early as 6.30 am, many catching two trains to get into school to follow their dreams. It’s lovely, and means a lot to me, that I can continue to help influence the next generation of male and female cricketers for both the school and at Sussex,” added Robinson.

The appointment comes in the same week Sussex named Beth Barrett-Wild, the tournament director of this year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in England, as their new chief executive officer (CEO). She will take over from interim CEO Alex Paterson on January 1, as the club tries to rebuild its finances after being placed in special measures earlier this year.

Matt Walker, Sussex men’s head coach, said, “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Mark back to Sussex as our new Director of Cricket. Mark brings a wealth of experience, outstanding knowledge of the game and a proven track record of developing players and building successful environments.

“He understands what it takes to be successful at the highest level, and I’m really looking forward to working closely with him as we continue to drive the club forward, develop our talent and build a successful future for Sussex Cricket.”

Alex Paterson, Sussex’s acting CEO, added, “Mark knows Sussex Cricket inside out, having successfully played and coached here for more than 15 years, including winning the County Championship twice.

“Mark has a fantastic understanding of our pathway and the cricketers at BACA, and he will continue to provide an excellent segue for the most talented into Sussex Cricket. I am delighted that Mark is rejoining and supporting all of our teams and coaches with his invaluable expertise. I cannot imagine a better person to become our Director of Cricket.”

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday interacted with members of India’s Para Asian Games 2026 contingent at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, where athletes from several disciplines presented him with special mementoes to celebrate their achievements at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

During the interaction, sprinter Simran Sharma, who won gold medals in the women’s 100m and 200m T12 events, presented a pair of shoes to the Prime Minister as a memento.

Shot putter Sachin Sarjerao, who clinched gold in the F45/46 category, also presented a shot put ball to PM Modi, highlighting the achievements of Indian para-athletes at the continental event.

The interaction brought together athletes, coaches, support staff and officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), national sports federations and the Sports Ministry.

India delivered its best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with 97 Indian para-athletes winning a total of 114 medals, including 30 gold.

The contingent finished its campaign with 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze medals, surpassing its previous best of 108 medals, including 27 gold, achieved at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, China. India also crossed the 100-medal mark for the second consecutive edition.

Para-athletics emerged as India’s biggest medal contributor, accounting for 65 medals, including 22 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze. Para-badminton followed with 16 medals, comprising three gold, five silver and eight bronze, while para-swimming athletes secured 11 medals, including three silver and eight bronze.

India also made a strong impact in para-archery, winning six medals, including three gold, while shooting contributed five medals, with two gold, two silver and one bronze. The contingent further added seven bronze medals in para-table tennis, two silver in powerlifting and two medals in judo, comprising one silver and one bronze.

Among the standout performers, javelin thrower Sumit Antil successfully defended his gold medal in the men’s F42-F44/F61-F64 category and was part of a podium sweep, underlining India’s dominance in the discipline.

In shooting, Mona Agarwal won gold in the women’s 50m rifle three positions SH1 event with record scores. India also secured two quotas in shooting for the 2028 Summer Paralympics.

The campaign featured achievements across age groups, with 50-year-old Jehan Dorab Madan becoming India’s oldest medallist at the Games after securing bronze in para-table tennis.

The record-breaking campaign further highlighted India’s growing presence in para-sports and the country’s continued progress across multiple disciplines.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Honda HRC have announced that their Superbike ace Jake Dixon will be replacing Joan Mir at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix as the 2020 World champion continues his recovery.

Mir’s return at the Malaysian Grand Prix was cut short due to an episode of dizziness and partial loss of vision in what has been a tough season for him due to health issues.

Honda confirmed that Dixon will partner Luca Marini in the factory team for the weekend as the British rider steps into the Premier class for the first time since he competed in two races in 2021.

“First of all, I have to say thank you to Honda HRC for this opportunity. Getting the call to come ride one of these bikes is always mega, and I am looking forward to it. I think every rider dreams of racing for the Honda factory team in MotoGP when they’re a kid.

“It’s been a little bit since I last raced a MotoGP bike, so we need to take the weekend steady and go step by step,” Dixon said, as quoted by MotoGP.

He extended his wishes to Mir for a speedy recovery and empathised with him. “I want to wish Joan all the best and I hope to see him back on the bike soon. It hasn’t been a straightforward year for me either, so I sympathise a lot with him. Let’s make the most of this weekend,” he added.

Dixon has been part of the World Championship paddock between 2019 and 2025, as he secured seven wins in Moto2. He raced two Grand Prix in MotoGP in 2021, coming in as a substitute for Franco Morbidelli at Petronas SRT.

He has moved to Honda’s factory team in the World Superbike Championship, although his own season has been hampered by injuries; hence, he sympathised with Mir.

Mir has had to miss four races between Austria and Australia due to health issues, but made a return to Sepang and competed for the majority of the weekend. However, he suffered issues and was forced to retire early in the Sunday Grand Prix.

–IANS

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Margao, Nov 5 (IANS) FC Goa will renew their explosive rivalry with Bengaluru FC when they lock horns in a key clash of Gameweek 5 of the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Friday. The hosts will be eager to assert authority on home soil after securing a vital momentum shift, while Bengaluru will look to gain ground in their chase to the summit.

Bengaluru head into the contest third in the standings with seven points from three matches. After opening their campaign with a 3-2 comeback win over Sporting Club Delhi and a 2-0 victory against Chennaiyin FC, the Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by NorthEast United FC. Vinith Venkatesh came off the bench to score a 93rd-minute equaliser, converting Sunil Chhetri’s pass to rescue a point in Guwahati.

FC Goa, meanwhile, are sixth with five points from three matches. The Gaurs began with a 1-1 draw against Chennaiyin FC and followed it with a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 1-1 against Sporting Club Delhi. They registered their first win of the campaign only recently, beating Inter Kashi 2-1 in Pune. Francisco ‘Franchu’ Feuillassier and Christian ‘Chiki’ Borrego were on target as Goa came from behind to secure all three points.

History favours the visitors at this venue. The Blues walked away with a 2-0 victory the last time these two sides met at Fatorda in April 2026. Bengaluru talisman Sunil Chhetri and defender Namgyal Bhutia were the goalscorers that night, handing the Gaurs a home defeat.

Goa will be without coach Gouramangi Singh on the touchline after his late sending-off in the game against Kashi. On the player front, the Gaurs will be without Aakash Sangwan, Harsh Patre, and Ronney Kharbudon.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru will miss the services of Shivaldo Singh due to injury. The Blues are, however, hopeful of receiving a boost in attack as forward Mihailo PeroviC — who was an unused substitute in Guwahati — is expected to return to matchday action, subject to passing a late fitness assessment.

Goa Assistant coach Shameel Chembakath stressed the importance of making home advantage count, while identifying the final third and defensive organisation as areas for improvement.

“We respect them (BFC), but we have also prepared well and analysed them. For this game, we need to be organised defensively and manage every situation of the game. And also be brave whenever we have possession. One of the things which we are also missing is the end product in the final third, and that is what we are focussing on,” he said.

Bengaluru head coach Pep Muñoz expects a different challenge against a Goa side that prefers to dominate possession.

“They want the ball; they have Spanish players that I know quite well. I know how they play and what they can offer,” he said. Muñoz also confirmed that Bengaluru will adapt their approach, adding, “The tactics, the structure this weekend will change a little bit, because we have to face an opponent that plays differently; they defend in a different shape,” he said.

–IANS

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Johannesburg, Nov 5 (IANS) SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith believes the competition’s supporters remain central to its growing identity as South Africa’s premier T20 league prepares to celebrate its fifth season, which will run from January 17 to February 21, 2027.

“Heading into our fifth season, SA20 still belongs to the fans. They’ve filled our stadiums, brought the noise and made this League what it is, so Season 5 is our way of saying thank you,” Smith said during the launch of the tournament’s Season 5 campaign on Thursday.

The former South Africa captain also expressed excitement over the return of international cricketing stars, established Proteas players and emerging domestic talent, saying the upcoming edition would continue to showcase the competition’s improving standard.

“We look forward to once again welcoming some of the best T20 cricketers in the world to our shores, playing alongside our Proteas heroes, and we’re also going to see the next generation of the brightest young South African talent on show.

“The standard of cricket keeps rising each season, and Season 5 will be no different. What makes SA20 incredible is that it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan, bringing the kids for the first time or just looking for a great day out with friends, there’s a place for you in the stands,” Smith added.

The fifth edition will get underway at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha, where three-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape will face Pretoria Capitals in a repeat of last season’s final on Sunday, January 17. The opening fixture will also feature the traditional festivities led by the St. George’s Park band.

After the opener, the tournament will travel to Paarl, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, bringing cricket to six venues across the country. While the opening week will feature an action-packed schedule, Mondays will then be rest days, with weekends reserved for double-headers.

The league has also opened ticket sales for the upcoming season, with prices starting at $3 for selected ‘Frenzy’ tickets across all opening matches and certain other fixtures. Tickets for the playoffs and the February 21 final are also available.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 23-year career with Portugal, during which he became the highest goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football.

The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision through an emotional video posted on social media, reflecting on his journey since making his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003.

Ronaldo finished his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances, setting records that have made him one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo described representing Portugal as the greatest privilege of his career, saying the time had come to hand over the iconic number seven jersey to the next generation.

“To the Portuguese, the day has come to return the number 7 jersey of the national team to all of us. I never felt like it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility to wear it, to defend it and to take it with me to the stadiums all over the world. Today the time has come to give it to the future,” he said in a video posted on X.

Reflecting on his journey, Ronaldo admitted that his career had been filled with unforgettable victories as well as difficult moments, but insisted that his commitment to the national team never wavered.

“There were perfect afternoons and nights; there were victories that I will never forget, and there were defeats that I still have a hard time remembering today. I also failed, I also suffered, there were also times when I was not able to give the Portuguese what they wanted so much. But I never gave up. And above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal,” he said.

He also thanked his teammates, coaches, support staff and family for standing by him throughout his international journey.

“To all the coaches, directors, doctors, physiotherapists, dressers, employees, and so many people who have worked with me over the years, thank you. Many of you never appeared in the photos, but without you, none of these photos would have been possible. To my family, thank you for sharing this dream with me,” he said.

“Thank you for understanding the absences, sacrifices and moments when the national team had to occupy a space that also belonged to you. If I got so far, it was because we were always at hand,” he added.

Ronaldo’s departure marks the end of an era for Portugal, with the responsibility of carrying forward the national team’s legacy now passing to a new generation.

However, Ronaldo made it clear that his association with the country would remain unchanged even after stepping away from international football.

“Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team; I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal. But I will never stop being one of you,” he said.

“Today I realize that the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world. Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me,” he concluded.

–IANS

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