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The Arizona Diamondbacks extended the Cincinnati Reds' losing streak to seven games with a 4-3 victory on Wednesday night at Great American Ball Park.Jordan Montgomery was the catalyst for the Diamondbacks, allowing just two runs on seven hits over seven innings. The left-hander struck out two and walked two, continuing a trend of strong starting pitching for Arizona.Eugenio Suárez provided the offensive spark for the Diamondbacks, launching a two-out homer in the eighth inning to give his team a 4-2 lead. Christian Walker, Gabriel Moreno, and Pavin Smith also drove in runs for Arizona.Graham Ashcraft started for the Reds and allowed three runs on six hits over five innings. He exited the game with two runners on and no outs in the sixth inning, and Moreno singled home the go-ahead run.TJ Friedl's single in the ninth inning cut Arizona's lead to 4-3, but reliever Joe Mantiply struck out pinch-hitter Will Benson and induced a fly ball from Jonathan India to earn his first save.The Reds' offense struggled to keep pace with the Diamondbacks, with Stuart Fairchild and Jeimer Candelario providing the only RBIs. Cincinnati's bullpen also faltered, allowing two runs in the eighth inning.In other news, the Reds placed first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand on the 10-day disabled list and signed veteran first baseman Mike Ford to take his spot on the roster. Left-handed pitcher Bandon Williamson was also placed on the 60-day disabled list.The Diamondbacks will go for a sweep of the series on Thursday afternoon when they send right-hander Slade Cecconi to the mound against Reds right-hander Hunter Greene.

Nikhat Zareen, India's two-time world champion boxer, is preparing for her long-awaited Olympic debut in Paris with a unique approach. As the Games draw near, she has adopted an "energy-saving mode" to ensure a calm and focused mindset.Zareen, a medal favorite in the 50kg category, believes that activities like social media detox, solitude, and indulging in sweets on cheat days are essential for her mental well-being. She has also found solace in binge-watching Netflix's "Heeramandi.""The feeling of being an Olympian hasn't sunk in yet," Zareen said. "But as days pass, the nervousness increases. I train my brain to focus on a good performance."The 27-year-old from Hyderabad has a remarkable track record, including a junior world championship and consecutive senior world titles in 2022 and 2023. Her undefeated 2022 season has fueled her hopes for a similar peak in Paris.Zareen acknowledges the pressure that comes with competition. "Every competition brings nervousness," she said. "You have expectations from yourself and others. I cope with it by working hard, staying focused, and having a calm mind."Her energy-saving mode includes limiting social interactions, indulging in her sweet tooth, and engaging in activities that bring her joy. "I listen to music, watch movies, and do grocery shopping," she said. "It helps me stay calm."Zareen's journey to the Olympics has been marked by both triumph and disappointment. She narrowly missed out on qualifying for Tokyo 2020, but her determination remained unwavering. "The setback made me resolute," she said. "Qualifying for Paris was a dream come true."While training is crucial, Zareen emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in boxing. "It's a lonely sport," she said. "You have to fight your battles alone in the ring."She finds solace in the fact that women's boxing is now gaining recognition and financial rewards. "Mary Kom's Olympic medal in 2012 inspired me," she said. "The rewards for international performances are motivating people to succeed."Despite the uncertainty surrounding boxing's Olympic status, Zareen remains hopeful. "I believe boxing will stay in the Olympics," she said. "I'm confident that IOC and IBA will find a solution."

Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to make his long-awaited return to domestic competition after confirming his participation in the National Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar from May 12 to 15. The 26-year-old superstar will be competing at home for the first time in three years, having last participated in a domestic event in March 2021.Chopra's participation in the Federation Cup is a significant development as it will provide him with an opportunity to test his form and fitness ahead of the upcoming season. The Indian javelin star is expected to travel to India from Doha after opening his season in the first leg of the prestigious Diamond League series on May 10.Chopra's coach, Klaus Bartonietz, has confirmed that his ward is taking part in the Bhubaneswar event. As per the schedule released by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the men's javelin qualifying round will be held on May 14, with the final scheduled for May 15.Chopra's return to domestic competition is eagerly anticipated by Indian athletics fans. Since his last domestic appearance in 2021, Chopra has achieved remarkable success on the international stage. He won a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, became Diamond League champion in 2022, and claimed the world championship title in 2023. He also successfully defended his Asian Games gold medal in China.Despite his impressive achievements, Chopra is yet to cross the 90-meter mark. His personal best and national record stand at 89.94m. The Federation Cup will provide him with an opportunity to fine-tune his technique and push for the elusive 90m throw.Chopra's participation in the Federation Cup is also a boost for the event itself. The tournament will feature some of India's top athletes, including 28-year-old Kishore Jena, who won a silver medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games where Chopra won gold. Jena will also be competing in the Doha Diamond League on May 10.The Federation Cup is an important event in the Indian athletics calendar, and Chopra's presence will undoubtedly add to its prestige and excitement. Indian athletics fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Olympic and world champion performs on home soil after a long absence.

Cardinals Catcher Willson Contreras Fractures Forearm, Sidelined for Six WeeksSt. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras has suffered a devastating blow to his season, fracturing his left forearm after being struck by a swing during Tuesday night's game against the New York Mets. The three-time All-Star is expected to undergo surgery and miss at least six weeks of action.Contreras was injured in the second inning when Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez swung and connected with his forearm. The impact sent Contreras tumbling to the ground in agony. After being examined by the Cardinals' training staff, he was diagnosed with a left forearm fracture.The injury is a major setback for the Cardinals, who have relied heavily on Contreras's leadership and offensive production. The 31-year-old is hitting .280 with six homers and 12 RBIs this season."He's been doing such a phenomenal job," said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. "He's an extreme competitor. He brings so much to the club performance-wise, but also with just his competitive nature, so to see him go down is tough."Contreras expressed his disappointment at missing significant time, but vowed to support his teammates from the sidelines."I'm really upset missing," Contreras said. "I know that it's going to be tough for me to watch the games and not out there with the guys, but I'm going to do my best to stay present, pick each other up and cheer for them because that's the best thing I can do."Martinez, who was awarded first base due to catcher's interference, expressed remorse for the incident."I hit meat," Martinez said. "I felt like I hit meat. I didn't hit like just like a glove where you kind of just point back to catcher, it was just solid. I was like, dude, I hit him good. ... I felt terrible."Contreras's injury is a reminder of the inherent risks involved in baseball. Despite the protective gear worn by catchers, they are often vulnerable to being struck by foul tips or wild swings.The Cardinals will now turn to Iván Herrera to fill the void behind the plate. Herrera, a 26-year-old prospect, has limited major league experience but has shown promise in the minors.

Tampa Bay Rays' Zach Eflin delivered a stellar performance on Tuesday night, leading his team to a 5-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Eflin's seven-inning outing saw him surrender only one run on six hits, showcasing his dominance on the mound.The Rays' offense provided ample support, with Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes contributing home runs. Arozarena's two-run homer in the third inning gave Tampa Bay a 4-0 lead, while Paredes' solo shot in the sixth extended the advantage to 5-0.Eflin's composure under pressure was evident in the fifth inning when he escaped a bases-loaded jam with a flyball from Gavin Sheets. He also retired Sheets on a grounder with two on and two outs in the seventh, further demonstrating his ability to navigate difficult situations.The White Sox, who have struggled throughout the season, were unable to mount a significant challenge against Eflin. Paul DeJong's solo homer in the seventh inning was their only offensive highlight.Michael Soroka, the White Sox starter, allowed four runs on three hits and four walks over five innings. Brad Keller, who relieved Soroka, surrendered Paredes' home run in the sixth.The Rays' victory marked their fifth consecutive win, improving their record to 19-18. The White Sox, on the other hand, dropped to 20 games under .500, equaling their season low.

Shaili Singh, India's rising star in women's long jump, has been consistently ranked among the top three in the country. However, her struggles to surpass her personal best of 6.59m, set at the 2019 World Under-20 Championships, have raised concerns.At the recent Indian Grand Prix 1, Singh jumped 6.52m to secure the top spot. While this performance is commendable, it falls short of the Paris Olympics qualification mark of 6.86m. No Indian woman has ever achieved this distance.Singh's mentors, Anju Bobby George and Robert Bobby George, remain confident in her abilities. They believe she has the potential to not only qualify for her maiden Olympics but also consistently jump in the range of 6.80m."Qualifying by entry standard will be superb, but we are targeting the rankings route," said Robert.Anju believes Singh can come close to 6.86m during the qualification period. "All she needs are some minor technical adjustments. These things take time to become muscle memory, but Shaili can certainly break my national record," she said.Anju's national record of 6.83m has stood for 20 years, while Singh's best is 6.76m."I would back her among the current crop to break my record. If she does it at the Olympics, that'll be a wonderful story," Anju added.Singh's journey to the Paris Olympics will be a learning curve. India will also hope for strong performances from Hangzhou Asian Games silver medalist Ancy Sojan (PB 6.63) and Nayana James (PB 6.67m).Robert is ambitious about Singh's potential. "Our target is a top-eight finish, and even that will take a few perfect jumps from her," he said.To achieve this, Singh must consistently jump over 6.80m, which means 6.70m-plus jumps in training. "Usually, there's a 10cm increment from training to competitions because we give 3-4 days of recovery time before the events. As of now, she jumps 6-60-6.65m in training."Robert and Anju have identified key technical areas to work on, including adjusting her center of mass before take-off and improving her hip extension.Singh has faced challenges with injuries and illness. A lower-back injury sidelined her for nine months in 2022, and she took three months to recover from Covid-19 last year. A disappointing fifth-place finish at the Asian Games, where a bad landing led to a shoulder injury, further hindered her progress.Despite these setbacks, Singh remains determined to achieve her Olympic dream. With the support of her mentors and her own unwavering spirit, she has the potential to make history for Indian athletics.

The Delhi Horse Show 2024 witnessed the meteoric rise of a young equestrian prodigy, nine-year-old Aurum Lakshmi Tokas. Hailing from Verdinand Equestrian Academy, Aurum's exceptional talent and unwavering dedication were on full display as she amassed an astonishing 16 medals. Her triumph not only solidifies her status as a future equestrian star but also serves as a testament to the immense potential that lies within India's young riding talents.The Delhi Horse Show is an annual equestrian extravaganza that attracts the nation's finest riders. This year's edition was no different, featuring a plethora of talented athletes. However, amidst the established names, young Aurum stole the show. Her exceptional skills and unwavering determination were evident in every performance.Aurum's success story would be incomplete without mentioning her equine partner, Kenwood. This eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood proved to be the perfect match for Aurum. Their bond transcended mere partnership; it was an affirmation of mutual trust and a shared passion for the sport. Throughout the competition, their synchronised movements and flawless execution in the arena were a sight to behold, a true reflection of the countless hours spent training together.Horse riding is a sport that transcends gender barriers. It's a level playing field where talent, discipline, and determination are the true hallmarks of success. Aurum's journey is a shining example of this. Regardless of her young age and gender, she dominated the competition. While the sport presents its own set of physical challenges, the rewards are equally enriching. The sense of freedom experienced while galloping across the course, the deep connection forged with a magnificent horse, and the exhilaration of competition combine to make horse riding a truly unique and fulfilling pursuit.Aurum's remarkable accomplishment is a direct result of the countless hours she's spent honing her skills in the saddle. Her commitment is a marker of inspiration for aspiring riders of all ages. She embodies the spirit of perseverance, a testament to the fact that with relentless hard work and a never-say-die attitude, even the most ambitious dreams can be realised.Behind every successful rider lies a strong support system, and Aurum is no exception. She expresses her deepest gratitude for the encouragement she receives from her loved ones, their constant support fuelling her passion and propelling her forward. Additionally, she acknowledges the significant role played by Mount Carmel School in nurturing her talent. The supportive environment fostered by the school has been instrumental in providing Aurum with the platform she needs to pursue her equestrian dreams.Kenwood, Aurum's equine partner, belongs to the Dutch Warmblood breed, renowned for their athleticism, versatility, and gentle temperament. These qualities make Dutch Warmbloods highly sought-after companions in the world of equestrian sports. Their inherent grace, agility, and willingness to please make them ideal partners for riders like Aurum, who value exceptional performance and a deep connection with their horses.Aurum's upward graph at the Delhi Horse Show is a true source of inspiration. Her achievements at such a young age are a powerful reminder that any dream can be realised with talent, tenacity and the right support system. The equestrian community eagerly awaits to witness Aurum's future accomplishments as she continues to blaze a trail and shine brightly in the world of horse riding. Her story is not just about winning medals; it's about the dedication, passion, and unique bond between a rider and their horse – a story that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of riders to take to the saddle and chase their own equestrian dreams.

Ukrainian weightlifting legend Oleksandr Pielieshenko, a two-time European champion, has tragically lost his life in the ongoing war against Russia. The Ukrainian weightlifting federation confirmed the devastating news on Monday, leaving the sporting world in mourning.Pielieshenko, 30, was a decorated athlete who had achieved remarkable success on the international stage. In 2016 and 2017, he captured European gold in the 85kg category, showcasing his exceptional strength and technique. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the same weight class.Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Pielieshenko was known for his unwavering patriotism and love for his country. When the Russian invasion began in February 2022, he answered the call to arms and joined the Ukrainian army.According to Ukraine's national weightlifting coach, Victor Slobodianiuk, Pielieshenko "died a hero defending Ukraine" in a Facebook post. The Ukrainian Olympic Committee also acknowledged his sacrifice, expressing their deepest condolences to his family and friends.Pielieshenko's passing is a profound loss for the Ukrainian weightlifting community and the entire sporting world. He was a talented athlete, a role model, and a true patriot who will be deeply missed. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of weightlifters and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fight for their country.

The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are set to face off in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, a matchup that promises to be a high-scoring affair.The Stars, who defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in seven games, boast a franchise-record eight 20-goal scorers and rank third in the NHL with 3.59 goals per game. The Avalanche, meanwhile, led the league with 3.68 goals per game and had a league-high 28 goals in their five-game sweep of the Winnipeg Jets.While the Stars hope to capitalize on their momentum from the first round, the Avalanche are drawing on their experience from last year's Stanley Cup run, which included a week-long break between the first and second rounds."We're going to have to work ourselves into the series to see how we're going to have to win," said Stars coach Pete DeBoer. "My initial reaction, just watching what they did to Winnipeg, is I don't think we want to get in a track meet. ... At the same time, we're not going to sit and try to defend in the entire series. I think we've got other layers to our game."The Avalanche, led by Nathan MacKinnon, are confident in their ability to match the Stars' offensive firepower."We're prepared to work our butts off and compete," said MacKinnon. "We expect a very, very, very hard series. But we're confident in ourselves. We feel like we have a deep team and we get the job done."In addition to the high-scoring potential, the series will also feature a matchup of two veteran players seeking their first Stanley Cup: Avalanche forward Zach Parise and Stars defenseman Ryan Suter. The former teammates and close friends have played over 1,400 regular-season games combined without winning a championship."I have zero concern that Joe's fingerprints are going to be on our playoffs before this is said and done, regardless of what the stat lines say," said DeBoer of Pavelski, who has 73 career playoff goals but was held scoreless in the first round against Vegas.The series is expected to be a close and competitive one, with both teams having the potential to win the Stanley Cup.