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Defending champions India continued their unbeaten run in the women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, defeating Japan 2-0 to enter the final in Rajgir on Tuesday. Vice-captain Navneet Kaur converted a penalty stroke in the 48th minute, while Lalaremsiami struck from field play in the 56th minute for India, who had plenty of scoring chances, including 13 penalty corners.India will face China, whom they defeated in the league stages, in the final on Wednesday. Earlier, China beat Malaysia 3-1 in the first semifinal. Malaysia will take on Japan in the third-fourth place match, while Korea finished fifth after beating Thailand 3-0 in the fifth-sixth place classification match.The Indians continued their attacking game and put on early pressure on the Japanese defense, just like the last league game. The play was mostly inside the Japanese half as the Indian defense was hardly tested. India had the first shot at the goal inside the initial five minutes, but skipper Salima Tete's attempt was thwarted by Japanese goalkeeper Yu Kudo.The Indians repeatedly penetrated the Japanese citadel and in the process secured two penalty corners in a span of two minutes, but Kudo was alert under the bar to deny Navneet Kaur and Deepika. Three minutes into the second quarter, India secured three back-to-back penalty corners but failed to find the back of the net.It was raining penalty corners for the hosts as they got back-to-back set pieces in the 21st minute, but Kudo produced a brilliant save with her fully-stretched right leg to deny Deepika again. In the 24th minute, India earned a penalty corner followed by another in the next minute but failed to get past Japanese goalkeeper Kudo, as they also lacked in execution.A minute after the change of ends, India secured two penalty corners but wasted both. In the 35th minute, Kodu again denied Deepika from a set piece. In the 41st minute, Deepika stole the ball just outside the Japanese circle but shot wide from a one-on-one situation with Kudo.Seconds from the end of the third quarter, Kudo once again pulled off a brilliant save to deny Udita from another penalty corner. In the 47th minute, India secured their 12th penalty corner but failed to breach Kudo. But a minute later, India broke the deadlock through a penalty stroke earned by Deepika, and Navneet made no mistake.The goal seemed to have rejuvenated the Indians as they scored a fine field goal in the 56th minute. Lalremsiami slammed into the back of the Japanese goal after she was brilliantly set up by Sunelita Toppo's terrific run from the right flank. Japan got a penalty corner in the dying moments but failed to get past a rock-solid Indian defense.

The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon, a prestigious running event, is set to return for its 8th edition on November 24, 2023. The marathon will be flagged off by chess grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa and athlete-actor Saiyami Kher at the Sabarmati Riverfront Sports Park.The marathon offers four categories: full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.097 km), 10 km run, and 5 km run. The course has undergone a change for the first time in 2023, offering a picturesque track along iconic locations like Gandhi Ashram, Atal Bridge, and Ellis Bridge.The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon is accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. Last year's event saw over 22,000 participants. As part of the "#Run4OurSoldiers" campaign, the marathon honors India's armed forces, with a significant portion of the proceeds dedicated to their welfare. Over 2,500 defense personnel participated in the event last year."Being the only marathon dedicated to soldiers through the #Run4OurSoldiers initiative has made the Ahmedabad Marathon truly special," said Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises. "Since its inception in 2017, it has quickly become one of India's most awaited marathon races."R Praggnanandhaa, ranked 12th in the world by the International Chess Federation, expressed his excitement to be part of the event. "Like in chess, a marathon requires strategy, determination, and the will to push beyond your limits. This event not only promotes fitness but also supports our armed forces, making it even more meaningful."Saiyami Kher, the first Indian actor to finish the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Germany in September 2024, said, "The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon has become one of the most talked-about events on the running calendar, and it's a great honor to be associated with it."The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon is a testament to the growing popularity of running in India. It is a platform for athletes of all levels to challenge themselves and contribute to a worthy cause.

India vs Japan: Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 Semifinal PreviewIndia will face Japan in the semifinals of the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 on Thursday, November 19, at 4:45 PM IST. The match will be played in Rajgir, Bihar, and will be telecast live on Sony Sports network and streamed live on Sony LIV.India has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, winning all five of their group stage matches. They defeated Japan 3-0 in their final group stage encounter. Japan, on the other hand, finished second in their group with three wins and two losses.India will be looking to continue their unbeaten run and secure a place in the final. They have a strong team led by captain Savita Punia, who has been in excellent form in goal. Other key players for India include Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, and Gurjit Kaur.Japan will be hoping to cause an upset and reach the final. They have a talented team led by captain Yuri Nagai. Other key players for Japan include Yui Ishibashi, Hazuki Nagai, and Shihori Oikawa.The match is expected to be a close and exciting contest. India will be the favorites, but Japan will be determined to prove their worth. The winner of the match will advance to the final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between China and South Korea.

India's junior hockey team, led by defender Amir Ali, is gearing up for the upcoming Men's Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament in Muscat, Oman, scheduled to commence on November 26, 2024. The team has a rich history in the tournament, having won it a record four times, including in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023.The tournament will feature 10 teams from across the continent, divided into two pools. India has been placed in Pool A alongside Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. Pool B consists of Bangladesh, Malaysia, China, Oman, and Pakistan.The tournament also serves as a qualifying event for next year's FIH Junior World Cup, and India has already secured its berth as the host nation. However, the team is determined to build on its recent success at the Sultan of Johor Cup, where they displayed impressive form.Rohit will serve as Amir Ali's deputy in the tournament. Coach P.R. Sreejesh expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance at the Sultan of Johor Cup, stating, "The Sultan of Johor Cup was a first-time experience for many of the players, yet they showed great spirit in doing well, and I am quite pleased with how they performed."The team has been working hard at the ongoing national camp in SAI, Bengaluru, and has made certain changes to its game to enhance its defensive capabilities and goal-scoring efficiency.Squad:Goalkeepers:* Princedeep Singh* Bikramjit SinghDefenders:* Amir Ali (C)* Talem Priyobarta* Shardanand Tiwari* Yogember Rawat* Anmol Ekka* Rohit (VC)Midfielders:* Ankit Pal* Manmeet Singh* Rosan Kujur* Mukesh Toppo* Thokchom Kingson SinghForwards:* Gurjot Singh* Sourabh Anand Kushwaha* Dilraj Singh* Arshdeep Singh* Araijeet Singh HundalAlternate Players:* Sukhvinder* Chandan Yadav

India continued its dominant run in the Asian Champions Trophy, securing a 3-0 victory over Japan in the final league match at the Rajgir Sports Complex. This triumph propelled India to the semifinals as table-toppers, setting up a potential rematch with Japan in the last four.Despite Japan's loss, they also booked a spot in the semifinals as the fourth-ranked side. This was India's sixth win over Japan in seven encounters, but Japan had emerged victorious in their last meeting earlier this year, scoring the lone goal to deny India an Olympic berth.That defeat had led to a major overhaul of the Indian team and coaching staff. While the Japanese team in this tournament is different, the heartbreak of that loss still lingered in the Indian players' minds.India's dominance was evident throughout the match, with Japan struggling to create any significant scoring opportunities. The Indian defense, led by goalkeeper Savita Punia, stood firm, denying Japan any clear shots on goal.India's offense, on the other hand, was relentless. Navneet Kaur broke the deadlock in the 37th minute with a reverse hit, capitalizing on a backpass from Lalremsiami. Deepika then converted two penalty corners in quick succession at the start of the final quarter, sealing the victory for India.In the other matches, China defeated Korea 2-0, while Malaysia secured a 2-0 win over Thailand. These results set up the semifinals, with India facing China and Malaysia taking on Japan.India's performance in this tournament has been a testament to the team's resilience and determination. After the disappointment of missing out on the Olympics, the team has regrouped and is now on the cusp of another title.

President-elect Donald Trump made a grand entrance at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight bout at New York's Madison Square Garden on Saturday, greeted by enthusiastic chants from his supporters. Accompanied by UFC CEO Dana White, a staunch supporter during his election campaign, Trump entered the arena just before the main card commenced.Several political allies of Trump graced the event, including entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who have been tasked with spearheading efforts to reduce government inefficiency. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a post-election celebration for the Republicans, with former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, now nominated for the role of director of national intelligence, also in attendance. Trump's sons, Eric and Don Jr., and musician Kid Rock, a regular at Trump rallies, added to the entourage.After Jon Jones successfully defended his heavyweight title with a third-round technical knockout against Stipe Miocic, he celebrated with Trump's signature "YMCA" dance, much to the delight of the crowd. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee for health secretary, was also present and was seen flying to the event with Trump on his private plane.Trump warmly greeted UFC broadcast analyst Joe Rogan, who had endorsed him after appearing as a guest on his popular podcast. The venue's giant screen showcased a video montage of highlights from Trump's election campaign, culminating with the numbers 45 and 47, representing his previous and upcoming presidency.The crowd erupted in chants of "USA, USA," a familiar refrain at Trump rallies. Trump watched the fights alongside Musk from front row seats near the octagon. Jones expressed his gratitude to Trump for attending, receiving a thunderous ovation from the crowd. After leading another round of "USA, USA" chants, Jones handed his championship belt to Trump and engaged in conversation with the President-elect.Trump's attendance at UFC events is not uncommon, having attended three fights during his presidential campaign. His ties to the fight world extend back to the early days of UFC, when he hosted bouts at his casinos.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his pride and joy at Odisha's historic triumph in the senior National men's hockey championship. Born and raised in Sundargarh, a district renowned for its passion for hockey, Tirkey attributed the sport's popularity to the abundance of artificial pitches, sports hostels, and government support."Sundargarh has over a dozen artificial pitches and numerous sports hostels. The State Government provides significant support," Tirkey explained. "In fact, Odisha boasts the best infrastructure for hockey. Earlier, Odisha players played for private teams in the Nationals. Now, we have formed a formidable team."Tirkey emphasized the importance of the Nationals for Hockey India, acknowledging the need to review the tournament format. "We are discussing the need for a change. Some teams have conceded a lot of goals, which is not conducive to the future of Indian hockey," he said.Regarding the absence of current India players in the Nationals, Tirkey cited international tournaments and the upcoming Hockey India League as reasons for their rest. "We want our national players to participate in the Nationals. But with so many international events and the HIL, we wanted them to rest," he explained.Tirkey also addressed the role of Hockey India's High Performance Director in promoting grassroots talent. "We are organizing programs for boys and girls in various age groups. Our High Performance Director and his team are actively involved in scouting and development," he said.

Special Olympics Bharat Announces Squad for Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling CompetitionSpecial Olympics Bharat (SOB), the national organization dedicated to promoting sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, has unveiled a 16-member squad to represent India at the upcoming Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition. The event, scheduled from November 18th to 22nd at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex in New Delhi, will mark the first global competition of its kind to be held in India.The Indian contingent comprises eight athletes each for Bocce and Bowling, accompanied by eight coaches. The Men's Bocce squad features Kabir Pritam Baruah, Ebenezer David, Wilfred Dsouza, and Devansh Agarwal, while the Women's team includes Priyanka, Manjula, Purnima Madan, and G. Subhashini. The Bowling teams consist of Neha Singh, Simran Pujara, Shraddha Patel, and Susri Sangeeta Nayak for the Women's side, and Ibhanan Sahu, Ankit, Prakash Veghela, and Nirupam Dey for the Men's team.Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of SOB, expressed her pride in the squad's selection. "This team embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication that defines our athletes," she said. "Each member brings not only skill and determination but also the unwavering belief that inclusion and empowerment can transform lives."The competition will focus on older athletes with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) aged 22 or above, providing a unique opportunity for this often-underserved age group. Over 100 athletes from 12 Special Olympics Programs across East Asia, Europe Eurasia, and Asia Pacific will participate, representing countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macao, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh.The event also marks a significant milestone for SOB, as it introduces bowling as a competitive sport for Special athletes in partnership with the Tenpin Federation of India. This move aligns with SOB's mission to provide inclusive sports opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, regardless of their age or ability.

The Tata Steel Chess India Blitz 2024 in Kolkata witnessed a thrilling first half, with World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and three-time World Women's Blitz champion Kateryna Lagno dominating the Open and Women's sections, respectively.Carlsen, known for his exceptional chess prowess, started the tournament with a strong 6.5 points out of a possible 9. However, his winning streak was broken in round eight by Indian prodigy Arjun Erigaisi, who defeated him in a stunning 20-move game. Carlsen later settled for a draw against Vidit Gujarathi in the final round of the day.India's R Praggnanandhaa, a rising star in the chess world, emerged as a strong contender, securing second place with 6 points. After losing his first three games, Praggnanandhaa displayed remarkable resilience, winning six consecutive games to close the gap on Carlsen.Arjun Erigaisi and Russia's Daniil Dubov are tied for third place with 5.5 points each. Erigaisi's victory over Carlsen was a major upset, showcasing his potential as a future chess champion.In the Women's section, Lagno maintained an undefeated streak, accumulating 7 points with five wins and four draws. Valentina Gunina trails her by a single point, while Rapid Champion Aleksandra Goryachkina occupies third place with 5 points.Goryachkina had a promising start with three consecutive wins but struggled to maintain her momentum, drawing her remaining six games.