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Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa's quest for a joint lead at the Superbet Classic chess tournament was thwarted by a draw against compatriot D Gukesh in the third round. Despite having an opportunity to avenge his loss to Gukesh in the Candidates tournament earlier this year, Praggnanandhaa failed to find a winning continuation after Gukesh salvaged a drawn endgame.The Catalan opening witnessed Gukesh sacrificing a pawn early, with Praggnanandhaa countering on the Queen side. However, Gukesh regained the pawn and gained an optical advantage with his Knight against Praggnanandhaa's Bishop.In the ensuing endgame, Gukesh blundered on move 53, leading to a forced liquidation and a King and pawns endgame. While Praggnanandhaa may have found a winning continuation on another day, luck favored Gukesh, and the game ended in a draw.All five games in the ten-player double round-robin tournament ended in draws for the first time in three days. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave came close to victory against Alireza Firouzja in a Berlin defense game, but a late error allowed Firouzja to escape with a draw.The lead positions remained unchanged, with Gukesh and Fabiano Caruana of the United States sharing the top spot with two points each. Vachier-Lagrave, Praggnanandhaa, Firouzja, Wesley So, Giri, and Nepomniachtchi trail with 1.5 points apiece.Dutchman Anish Giri drew on his 30th birthday against Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi, while Deac Bogdan-Daniel of Romania held off Wesley So in a slightly worse endgame.

Puja Tomar, the trailblazing Indian mixed martial artist, has etched her name in history as the first Indian to triumph in the prestigious Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Her remarkable split-decision victory over Brazilian Rayanne dos Santos in the straw-weight division (52 kg) marked a watershed moment for MMA in India.Tomar's journey to the UFC was paved with unwavering determination and relentless training. Hailing from the humble town of Budhana in Uttar Pradesh, she signed her UFC contract in October 2023. Her ring name, "The Cyclone," aptly reflects her whirlwind training regimen."There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes," Tomar revealed. "People only see us in the octagon fighting. We were training for 3-4 months. I was in a very long camp since my flights were canceled."Tomar's coach, Mike Ikelei, pushed her to her limits, preparing her for the unforgiving nature of the octagon. "There have been times where I'm exhausted and on the ground unable to get out, but he'd call the guys to come and hit me more," Tomar said. "I'd cry and he'd tell them to keep going, and that I needed to find my way out."Tomar's victory at UFC Louisville has ignited a spark of inspiration for aspiring MMA fighters in India. She aspires to be a role model and pave the way for more Indian stars to shine in the sport. "I just want to keep fighting and keep winning my fights and grow MMA in India," Tomar said. "I want people to know and follow MMA, whether it's through me or someone else."The UFC, widely regarded as the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, has set a new benchmark for Indian fighters. Tomar's triumph serves as a testament to the growing talent and potential of MMA in India. As she continues her journey in the octagon, Tomar remains committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of Indian MMA fighters.

  Bangkok, Thailand – The anticipation is palpable as the boxing world turns its eyes to the World Siam Stadium on June 28, 2024. This venue will host an electrifying clash for the WBC Asia Continental Super-Welterweight Title, featuring India’s...

Martina Navratilova Sips from the Stanley Cup, a Sweet Victory for the Tennis LegendTennis icon Martina Navratilova experienced a unique and unforgettable moment when she was invited to drink from the iconic Stanley Cup, a symbol of triumph in the National Hockey League (NHL). The occasion arose during a birthday celebration for her wife, Julia Lemigova, at a restaurant where the Florida Panthers were also celebrating their recent Stanley Cup victory.Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, shared a photo on social media with Aleksander Barkov, the captain of the Panthers. The image captured the moment when she was handed the coveted trophy, filled with Stella beer."Beer was never so sweet as this sip," Navratilova remarked, expressing her delight at the experience.The Panthers' victory marked a historic milestone for the franchise, as it was their first Stanley Cup triumph in their 28-year history. The team's hard-fought victory over the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling Game 7 sealed their place in hockey history.Navratilova's connection to the Panthers' celebration is a testament to the camaraderie and shared spirit of sportsmanship that transcends different disciplines. As a legendary figure in tennis, she has achieved unparalleled success on the court, and her presence at the Panthers' celebration added a touch of star power to the occasion.Next week, Navratilova will return to her familiar role as a commentator for Tennis Channel's coverage of Wimbledon. Her expertise and insights will guide viewers through the prestigious tournament, where she holds the record for the most singles titles, both among men and women.With her impressive collection of trophies, including nine Wimbledon singles titles, seven women's doubles crowns, and four mixed doubles victories, Navratilova has earned her place among the greatest tennis players of all time. Her experience and knowledge will undoubtedly enhance the Wimbledon coverage for fans around the world.

Haryana's Kiran Pahal has etched her name in history by becoming the second Indian woman to qualify for the Paris Olympics in the women's 400 meters. At the ongoing National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula, Haryana, Pahal clocked an impressive 50.92 seconds in the semifinal, surpassing the qualifying mark of 50.95 seconds.Pahal's remarkable performance not only secured her a berth at the prestigious Games but also marked her best timing of the season. She displayed exceptional speed and endurance, leaving her competitors behind. Devy Aniba Zala of Gujarat finished a distant second with a timing of 53.44, while Sneha K of Kerala came third with a time of 53.51.Pahal's qualification is a testament to her unwavering determination and rigorous training. She has consistently pushed her limits and showcased her exceptional talent on the track. Her achievement is a source of pride for India and inspires aspiring athletes across the nation.The Paris Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, will witness Pahal competing against the world's best in the women's 400 meters. Her qualification is a significant milestone in Indian athletics and raises expectations for a strong performance at the Games.

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu is determined to surpass her previous achievements in the upcoming Paris Games. After recovering from a six-month injury layoff, Chanu is targeting a lift of over 90kg in snatch, aiming for a total lift of 200kg to secure a medal.Chanu's journey back to competition began with a 184kg lift at the Phuket World Cup in April. Despite her best efforts of 88kg in snatch and 119kg in clean and jerk, she recognizes the need to improve her performance.Under the guidance of her long-time coach Vijay Kumar Sharma, Chanu is gradually increasing her training intensity. She is currently lifting 80-85% of her maximum capacity, with a target of 90kg plus in snatch for Paris.The injury phase has been a valuable learning experience for Chanu. She emphasizes the importance of following coaches' instructions, adopting proper techniques, and prioritizing rest and exercise. She believes that understanding her body and staying motivated are crucial for overcoming injuries.Despite the pressure of expectations, Chanu remains confident in her abilities. She acknowledges the challenges ahead but is determined to give her best performance and win a medal for India.Chanu is currently training at NNIS, Patiala, and will depart for Paris on July 7 for a training stint. Her unwavering determination and focus on improvement make her a formidable contender for success in the upcoming Games.

Lando Norris, the McLaren driver, is determined to challenge Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula One world champion, at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. Norris has been in impressive form lately, with two consecutive second-place finishes behind Verstappen. He believes he has the car and the confidence to challenge for the win this weekend.Norris has been frustrated by his own errors in recent races, but he is confident that he can improve and put together a winning sequence. "We're on a roll and we're doing well," said Norris. "I need to tidy up a few little bits and pieces and we'll be on top. I am confident."Verstappen will be the favorite this weekend, as he is the defending champion and has a strong record at the Red Bull Ring. However, Norris is confident that he can challenge Verstappen and potentially win the race. "Every weekend we go into now, the car is performing extremely well and we're always there, or thereabouts, within a couple of tenths," said Norris.Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is expecting a difficult weekend, as he believes that McLaren and Ferrari will be strong challengers. "On such a short lap, it's going to be tight and we expect McLaren, and Lando, to be fast again along with Ferrari and Mercedes," said Horner.Mercedes will also be hoping to stay in contention this weekend, as they have shown signs of improvement in recent races. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is buoyed by his first podium of the season, while teammate George Russell believes that the Silver Arrows have rediscovered their form."We're all feeling excited for the remainder of the season," said Russell. "We've got more wind tunnel time than all of our rivals and we know what we need to do to make these big strides now. We don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but I'm 100 per cent confident we'll win races this year now."Whatever the outcome this weekend, Verstappen will extend his record for leading the championship to 50 races. It is a welcome certainty in the light of last year's chaos when the result was revised five hours after the event following a spate of penalties for drivers' exceeding track limits.

Indian Olympic Association Pushes for Yoga Inclusion in Asian GamesThe Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has made a strong case for the inclusion of yoga in the Asian Games program. In a letter to Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Raja Randhir Singh, IOA President PT Usha highlighted the growing popularity of yoga worldwide and its significance for India as its spiritual home.Usha emphasized the overwhelming response to the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 21, noting that people across nations have embraced yoga and experienced its benefits. She believes that India, as the birthplace of yoga, should lead the efforts to have it recognized as a sport in major international competitions."I am confident that as the spiritual home of yoga and as Vishwaguru, India can campaign for the inclusion of the sport in the Asian Games and eventually the Olympic Games as well," Usha stated.She pointed out that the renowned Louvre Museum in Paris will offer yoga sessions to visitors ahead of the Olympics next month, demonstrating the growing global interest in the practice. Usha also received encouragement from Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who sees the inclusion of yoga in the Asian Games as a stepping stone towards its recognition in the Olympics."He told me that he sees the inclusion in the Asian Games would be the first step in taking the sport to the Olympics. We need our indigenous sport to be on such platforms," Usha said.The IOA's push for yoga's inclusion in the Asian Games aligns with the government's efforts to promote yoga as a global wellness practice. The Ministry of Ayush has been actively promoting yoga through various initiatives, including the International Day of Yoga and the establishment of yoga centers worldwide.If yoga is included in the Asian Games, it would not only raise its profile but also provide a platform for Indian yogis to showcase their skills and compete against the best in Asia. It would also contribute to the growing recognition of yoga as a legitimate sport and its potential to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Harmanpreet Singh will lead India's 16-member men's hockey squad at the Paris Olympics, aiming to secure a second consecutive podium finish. The team, selected after two days of trials, boasts a blend of experience and youth.Veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, along with Manpreet Singh, will become the first Indian hockey players to participate in four Olympics. Harmanpreet, who made his Olympic debut in 2016, will be appearing in his third Games.Five Olympic debutants will join the experienced core, including Sanjay and Jarmanpreet Singh in defense, Rajkumar Pal in midfield, and Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh in attack.Coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the team's ability to manage a second successive podium finish. "The selection process was incredibly competitive, but I am confident that every player chosen will bring their best," he said.India is placed in Pool B alongside defending champion Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. They will need to finish in the top four to advance to the knockout stage.The squad's experience and youthfulness are expected to complement each other, providing the versatility and energy required to tackle the challenges ahead.