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India's junior hockey teams concluded their European tour with mixed results, showcasing their potential and resilience. The men's team secured a thrilling shootout victory over Germany, while the women's team played to a 2-2 draw against Orange Rood club.The men's team, led by captain Vivek Sagar Prasad, faced a tough challenge against Germany in their final match of the tour. After a goalless first half, Mukesh Toppo broke the deadlock for India in the 33rd minute with a rebound from a penalty corner. However, Germany equalized four minutes into the fourth quarter, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.In the shootout, Gurjot Singh, Dilraj Singh, and Manmeet Singh converted their attempts, while Germany managed only one successful penalty. This gave India a 3-1 victory in the shootout and a much-needed boost after three consecutive losses on the tour.The women's team, captained by Suman Devi Thoudam, also faced a challenging match against Orange Rood. After a quiet first quarter, Sanjana Horo gave India the lead in the 18th minute. However, Orange Rood responded strongly in the third quarter, earning three penalty corners and scoring twice to take a 2-1 lead.Undeterred, India fought back in the final quarter and equalized through Anisha Sahu in the 58th minute. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, giving India a solitary draw on their tour.Overall, the European tour provided valuable experience for both the men's and women's junior hockey teams. The men's team showed their ability to compete against top European sides, while the women's team demonstrated their resilience and determination.

India is poised to submit a bid to host the prestigious World Chess Championship later this year, with Delhi's state-of-the-art India International Convention and Expo Centre, 'Yashobhoomi,' as the proposed venue. The bid is being spearheaded by the All India Chess Federation, which has secured a No Objection Certificate from the government.The World Chess Championship, scheduled for November 20 to December 15, will feature reigning world champion Ding Liren of China and 18-year-old Indian challenger D Gukesh. The match will be a best-of-14-game affair, with the first player to reach 7.5 points declared the winner.India has previously hosted the World Chess Championship once, in 2013, when Viswanathan Anand faced Magnus Carlsen in Chennai. The match was organized at a cost of ₹29 crores.The India International Convention and Expo Centre, 'Yashobhoomi,' is a sprawling complex that covers an area of 1.07 lakh sq.m. and boasts 15 convention rooms, including a main auditorium, grand ballroom, and 13 meeting rooms. It can accommodate up to 11,000 delegates.The International Chess Federation (Fide) has set a minimum total budget of $8.5 million for the hosting of the championship, including a prize fund of at least $2.5 million and a Fide fee of $1.1 million. The remaining $4.9 million is allocated for anti-cheating measures, broadcast, and technological upgrades.Singapore has also expressed interest in hosting the match, citing its neutral status and the presence of both Chinese and Indian cultures in its society. However, the country has acknowledged that the hosting costs may be prohibitive.The last date for bid submission to Fide is May 31, and the decision on the host is expected to be made in June.

The inaugural Indian round of the MotoGP championship, held in September 2023, faced uncertainty due to reports of unpaid dues to rights holders Dorna. However, after a meeting involving all stakeholders, it has been decided to postpone the second edition to March 2025.The decision was made due to concerns over the weather conditions in September, which were deemed unsuitable for the race. The inaugural event witnessed high temperatures and humidity, making it challenging for riders and marshals.Fairstreet Sports CEO Pushkar Nath Srivastava emphasized that the postponement was not related to unpaid dues. He stated that all payments were being made and any outstanding balance would be cleared by the following month.The organizers considered holding the race in November, but this would have resulted in four consecutive races, which would have been demanding for teams and riders. Instead, they opted for March, which is expected to offer more favorable weather conditions.The 2023 MotoGP round in India attracted over 50,000 fans, filling half of the Buddh International Circuit. The organizers anticipate a larger turnout in March due to the improved weather.The current MotoGP season commenced in Doha on March 10, and the India round could potentially be slotted in the following week. Dorna and local promoters have signed a seven-year agreement to host the race in India.The Uttar Pradesh government, which was a sponsor in 2023, has now become a co-promoter, indicating a long-term commitment to the event. The 2023 MotoGP round in India, won by Marco Bezzecchi, was the most significant motorsports event held in the country since the last Formula 1 race in 2013.

India's Nishant Dev delivered a stunning performance at the second Boxing World Olympic Qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday, securing a resounding victory over Mongolia's Otgonbaatar Byamba-Erdeneto in the 71kg pre-quarterfinals.Dev's dominance was evident from the outset, as he unleashed a barrage of punches that forced a standing count within the first minute. His relentless attack continued, with a combination of a jab and cross hook leading to another standing count. With just 58 seconds remaining in the opening round, the referee halted the contest, awarding Dev a Referee Stopped the Contest (RSC) victory.In contrast, Abhinash Jamwal faced an unfortunate setback in the 63.5kg category. Despite a spirited comeback in the second round, Jamwal ultimately fell short against Colombia's Jose Manuel Viafara Fory. The bout ended in a tie on points, but the judges ultimately ruled in Fory's favor after a lengthy deliberation.Earlier in the tournament, Dev had also secured a dominant 5-0 win over Armando Bighafa of Guinea-Bissau in the 71kg category. His impressive performance showcased his technical prowess and unwavering determination.Meanwhile, Sachin Siwach will represent India in the 57kg round of 32 bout later in the day, facing Frederik Jensen of Denmark.

India's para-athletes continue to shine at the World Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, with Sachin Sarjerao Khilari claiming a gold medal in the F46 shot put event. Khilari's triumph marks India's fifth gold at the ongoing competition and is a testament to the country's growing prowess in para-athletics.Khilari, a defending champion in the event, shattered his own Asian record with a remarkable throw of 16.30m. His previous record of 16.21m was set in Paris last year. The Indian athlete's dominance was evident throughout the competition, as he consistently outperformed his rivals.With three days remaining in the championships, India has amassed an impressive 12 medals (5 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze). This tally surpasses India's previous best performance at the 2023 Paris iteration, where the team secured 10 medals.Khilari's gold medal is a culmination of years of hard work and determination. Hailing from a humble village in Maharashtra, the 34-year-old athlete overcame a childhood mishap that resulted in a disability in his left hand. Despite multiple surgeries, his arm never fully recovered.The F46 category in para-athletics is designed for athletes with moderately affected movement in one or both arms or the absence of limbs. These athletes must transmit power from their hips and legs into their throws.Khilari's success is not limited to the World Championships. He is also a Hangzhou Asian Games gold medalist and has qualified for the Paris Paralympics. The Indian athlete is confident of continuing his winning streak and bringing home another gold medal from the prestigious event.India's medal haul was further boosted by Dharambir's bronze medal in the men's F51 club throw. Dharambir, a Hangzhou Asian Games silver medalist, broke his own Asian record with a throw of 33.61m. The gold medal in the event went to Serbia's Zeljko Dimitrijevic, who set a championship record with a throw of 34.20m.India's performance at the World Athletics Championships is a testament to the country's commitment to promoting para-athletics and providing opportunities for athletes with disabilities to excel on the world stage.

India Bags Medals at World Para Athletics ChampionshipsIndia's para-athletes have made a strong start at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, securing a silver and a bronze medal on Sunday.Nishad Kumar, a Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist, cleared 1.99m in the men's T47 high jump final to finish second behind American Roderick Townsend, who won gold with a jump of 2.05m. Kumar's silver is India's first medal at the championships.Preethi Pal added a bronze to India's tally in the women's T35 200m final, clocking a time of 30.49 seconds. The T35 category is for athletes with coordination impairments.Deepthi Jeevanji also impressed, qualifying for the women's T20 400m final after winning her heat race in an Asian record time of 56.18 seconds. The T20 category is for athletes with intellectual impairment.India's performance has been encouraging, with the team currently ranked 29th in the medal tally. China leads the standings with 26 podium finishes, including 10 gold medals.The championships will continue until May 25, and India will be hoping to add to its medal count in the coming days.

P Shayaamnikhil, a 31-year-old chess prodigy from Nagarcoil, Tamil Nadu, has finally achieved his long-awaited dream of becoming India's 85th Grandmaster (GM). After a 12-year wait, Shayaamnikhil secured his third and final GM norm at the recently concluded Dubai Police Masters chess tournament.Shayaamnikhil's journey to GM status began at the tender age of eight when he was introduced to the game by his parents. Despite facing financial constraints, he relocated to Chennai to pursue his chess aspirations under the guidance of renowned coach K Visweswaran.In 2011, at the age of 19, Shayaamnikhil earned his first GM norm at the Mumbai Mayors Cup. He followed it up with a second norm at the Indian championship. However, completing the rating requirement proved to be an elusive goal for the next 12 years.Shayaamnikhil faced numerous setbacks and missed opportunities during this period. He narrowly missed his final norm at the Dubai Open in 2012 and struggled to find success in tournaments in Vietnam and the UAE.Undeterred, Shayaamnikhil remained determined to achieve his GM title. In 2017, he began competing in Europe, hoping to secure the elusive norm. However, he faced further disappointments, including a missed opportunity at a tournament in France just before the Dubai Police Masters.With unwavering resolve, Shayaamnikhil entered the Dubai Police Masters with a renewed sense of purpose. He needed just one win and eight draws to complete his GM title. In a nail-biting final round, Shayaamnikhil conjured the necessary victory, securing his third GM norm and the coveted 2500 ELO rating points.Shayaamnikhil's triumph is a testament to his perseverance and unwavering belief in his abilities. He credits his parents, coach, and the support of his fellow players for his success."I started playing at the age of eight, my parents taught me but I could not play any tournament for three years. Winning the under-13 State championship opened up opportunities for me as I could play Asian and age group world championship," Shayaamnikhil recalled."Now that the title is done, I can play more freely," he added.

India's burgeoning reputation as a potential racquet sports hub is poised to receive a significant boost with the launch of the World Pickleball League (WPBL), the first-ever professional pickleball league. This groundbreaking initiative is the brainchild of Natekar Sports and Gaming (NSG), led by former Davis Cup tennis star and Arjuna Awardee Gaurav Natekar, in collaboration with Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures India (SETVI).Pickleball, a captivating racquet sport that seamlessly blends elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, has garnered immense popularity worldwide. Recognizing its immense potential, Natekar, leveraging his three decades of experience in the sports industry, expressed his pride in unveiling the inaugural global professional pickleball league in India. He emphasized the sport's accessibility, stating, "Its easy-to-learn-and-play nature, coupled with its age and gender inclusivity, makes it the ideal sport for people to come out and play, thereby democratizing sports participation like never before."The inaugural edition of the league will feature six franchises vying for the coveted title. Each team will comprise five to eight players, including international stars. Notably, the league mandates teams to include Indian and junior players, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to interact and learn from the world's best.Arvind Prabhoo, President of the All India Pickleball Federation and International Pickleball Federation, hailed the professional pickleball league as a transformative initiative for the sport in India. He expressed confidence that this league would propel the growth of pickleball, bringing it closer to the target of engaging one million players nationwide within the next five years.Currently played in over 80 countries, pickleball has gained significant traction in the Asia Pacific region, with India emerging as a promising hub. Over the past few years, the sport has witnessed a steady rise in popularity, with over 30,000 amateur players and 8000 registered players across 18 states actively participating. Its compact space requirements and accessibility for individuals of all ages, from seven to 70, have contributed to its widespread appeal as both a recreational and competitive sport.

The Indian men's 4x400m relay team's hopes of qualifying for the Paris Olympics were dashed on Sunday as they failed to finish their heat race at the World Athletics Relays in Silesia, Poland. The quartet of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Rajesh Ramesh, Muhammed Ajmal, and Amoj Jacob had been aiming for a top-two finish in heat number four to secure their ticket to Paris, but their dreams were shattered when Ramesh was forced to pull out due to cramps.Anas had already completed the first leg in a time of 45.93 seconds when Ramesh, running the second leg, collapsed at the first bend, clutching his left leg. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) later confirmed that Ramesh had suffered cramps in his leg muscles.The setback was particularly disappointing for the Indian team, who had set an Asian record of 2 minutes and 59.05 seconds at the 2023 Budapest World Championships. They had also failed to progress beyond the heat round in the Tokyo Olympics.India will have another chance to qualify for the Paris Games on Monday during round two of the Olympic qualifications. All the teams that finished outside the top two in their respective heats on Sunday will compete for the remaining six Paris tickets. The teams will be divided into three heats, with the top two from each heat advancing to the Olympics.In addition to the men's 4x400m relay, India also failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics in the women's 4x400m and mixed 4x400m relays on the first day of qualifications. Both teams will have to wait for Monday's round two of Olympic qualifications for another shot at the Paris Games.