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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.

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 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.

Defending champions India commenced their campaign at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Rajgir with a resounding 4-0 victory over Malaysia on Monday, November 11, 2024. The Indian team showcased their dominance throughout the match, scoring goals at crucial moments to secure the win.Sangita Kumari opened the scoring for India in the 8th minute, giving her team an early lead. The Malaysian defense struggled to contain the Indian attack, and Preeti Dubey extended India's advantage in the 43rd minute. Udita followed suit just a minute later, making it 3-0 for India. Sangita Kumari sealed the victory with her second goal in the 55th minute, completing a comprehensive performance by the Indian team.In other matches of the day, Japan and Korea played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Olympic silver medallist China displayed their prowess with a dominant 15-0 victory over Thailand. The tournament promises to be an exciting affair, with several top teams vying for the title.India will next face South Korea on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in their second match of the tournament. The Indian team will be aiming to continue their winning streak and strengthen their position at the top of the standings.

Tamil Nadu is poised to host the prestigious FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup in November-December 2025. The announcement was made by a top government source, who confirmed that the state has submitted a letter of intent to the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).The AHF has given its consent, and the modalities for hosting the event are currently being worked out. Hockey India and the AHF are fully supportive of Tamil Nadu's bid to host the World Cup.Two venues have been identified for the tournament: one in Chennai and the other likely in Madurai. This marks a significant milestone for hockey in India, as it will be the first time that the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup will feature 24 teams.The International Hockey Federation (FIH) awarded the hosting rights to India in June 2024. The tournament will be a major boost for the development of hockey in the country, providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills on the international stage.The Tamil Nadu government is committed to providing world-class facilities and infrastructure for the event. The state has a strong track record of hosting major sporting events, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games.The FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup is one of the most prestigious events in the hockey calendar. It brings together the best young players from around the world to compete for the coveted title.India has a rich history in hockey, having won eight Olympic gold medals. The country is also the reigning Asian Games champion. Hosting the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup will be a testament to India's continued commitment to the sport.

Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani has etched his name in the annals of billiards history by clinching an unprecedented 28th world title, extending his remarkable winning streak to seven consecutive years. At the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Doha on Saturday, Advani outplayed England's Robert Hall 4-2 in a thrilling final.Advani's dominance was evident from the outset. Despite Hall's early lead in the opening frame, the Indian maestro rallied to reach the magic 150 first. In the second frame, he stunned the crowd with an astonishing unfinished 147 break, leaving Hall in awe.The third frame showcased the tactical brilliance of both finalists. Advani emerged victorious in this cerebral duel, positioning himself just one frame away from making history. However, Hall refused to surrender, crafting a flawless 151 break in the fourth frame to keep his hopes alive.The fifth frame saw Hall on fire once more, delivering another stunning 154 break to level the pressure on Advani. But the Bengaluru man elevated his game in the sixth frame with a crucial century break. After a series of strategic safety exchanges, the Indian maestro crossed the finish line."It feels amazing to be on a winning streak of world billiards titles," said Advani. "It wasn't easy though. The competition was tough."Advani credited his brother Shree, a sports psychologist, for helping him stay focused and motivated throughout the tournament. "When I was not in full flow, it was my brother who came to the rescue. He helped me stay in the present and kept the scoreboard ticking. This win is for my country and family," he added.Advani's historic triumph is a testament to his exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and the unwavering support of his family and team. His legacy as one of the greatest cueists of all time continues to grow with each passing victory.

Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra has etched his name in boxing history by capturing the World Boxing Federation's (WBF) super featherweight world title. The 31-year-old pugilist from Haryana defeated Britain's Conor McIntosh in a thrilling 10-round bout held in the Cayman Islands.Jangra, who trains under legendary former Olympic silver medalist Roy Jones Jr., showcased his exceptional skills and stamina throughout the fight. He dominated most rounds, delivering powerful punches from the opening bell. McIntosh, despite his valiant efforts, struggled to keep pace with Jangra's relentless assault."This is one of the biggest victories of my career," Jangra said in a statement. "I am grateful to my sponsors, coaches, and everyone who has supported me on this journey."Jangra's triumph is a testament to his years of hard work and dedication. He made his professional boxing debut in 2021 and has since compiled an impressive record of 11 wins and only one defeat. Seven of his victories have come via knockout.Prior to his professional career, Jangra had a successful amateur career, winning a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He hopes that his WBF title will inspire other Indian boxers to pursue professional careers."I believe this title will pave the way for other boxers in India to consider professional boxing," Jangra said. "Our boxers have immense talent, and with the right support, they can achieve great things."Jangra's victory is a significant milestone for Indian boxing. It demonstrates the growing strength and competitiveness of Indian boxers on the international stage.

Mansi Ahlawat's bronze medal in the women's 59kg category at the World Championships has extended India's medal-winning streak at the prestigious event. However, the men's freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers failed to secure any medals, returning empty-handed.Ahlawat, who trains at Sir Chhotu Ram Akhada under coach Mandeep, defeated Canada's Laurence Beauregard 5-0 in the bronze medal bout. She had earlier lost her semifinal 1-4 to Mongolia's Sukhee Tserenchimed after winning three consecutive bouts on Wednesday.Manisha Bhanwala (65kg) also came close to a podium finish but lost her bronze play-off 2-8 to Japan's Miwa Morikawa. Bhanwala had bounced back in contention after winning her repechage round 7-2 against Mongolia's Enkhjin Tuvshinjargal.Kirti (55kg) and Bipasha (72kg) could not reach the medal round.In men's freestyle, Sandeep Mann (92kg) made the repechage round but lost the bout by technical superiority to Slovakia's Btyrbek Tsakuklov. Udit (61kg), Manish Goswami (70kg), and Parvinder Singh (79kg) could not make the medal round.India's Greco-Roman wrestlers, as usual, struggled as Sanjeev (55kg), Chetan (63kg), Ankit Gulia (72kg), and Rohit Dahiya (82kg) faded early in the competition.Despite the men's wrestlers' disappointing performance, Ahlawat's bronze medal has given India something to cheer about at the World Championships. The 23-year-old wrestler has shown great promise and will be one to watch in the future.

The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled from January 13-19 at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Stadium, will witness a global spectacle of the traditional Indian sport. With 24 nations participating, the tournament promises to showcase the speed, strategy, and sporting excellence of Kho Kho.From the African continent, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda will showcase their talent. Asia will be represented by hosts India alongside Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. Europe will have participants like England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland. North America will be represented by Canada and the United States of America. South America will feature Brazil and Peru, while Australia and New Zealand will carry the banner for Oceania.The tournament structure will feature both men's and women's divisions, with 16 teams competing in each category. The men's category will feature a strong African presence with Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.The Kho Kho World Cup represents a significant milestone in the sport's history, transforming it from a beloved local sport to a global phenomenon. With India leading this sporting revolution, the 2025 World Cup promises to be the big step that will take Kho Kho to the next stage in the global sports ecosystem.KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal expressed his excitement, saying, "This historic championship represents a massive leap for Kho Kho, transforming it from a beloved local sport to a global phenomenon. With India leading this sporting revolution, the 2025 World Cup promises to be the big step that will take Kho Kho to the next stage in the global sports ecosystem."KKFI General Secretary MS Tyagi added, "The participation of 24 nations is a testament to Kho Kho's growing international appeal. Our vision is to make this traditional Indian sport a truly global game, and this World Cup will serve as a milestone in achieving that goal."