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Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has made history by becoming the first teenager to lead the Candidates Tournament with just one round remaining. The 17-year-old stands on the cusp of a remarkable achievement, potentially becoming the youngest player ever to qualify for the World Championship.Gukesh's journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. In Round 13, he secured a crucial victory against Alireza Firouzja, while his co-leaders, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura, opted for a draw. Fabiano Caruana also closed the gap with a win against R Praggnanandhaa.Despite the pressure, Gukesh has remained composed and focused. "I'm just trying my best to stay calm," he said. "There are nerves, but I've been eager and excited from the first round."The final round promises to be a nail-biting affair, with Gukesh holding a half-point lead over Nakamura, Caruana, and Nepomniachtchi. A draw against Nakamura should suffice for Gukesh if Caruana and Nepomniachtchi also draw. However, if the latter game ends decisively, the tournament will extend into a tie-break.Gukesh's success is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has shown remarkable resilience in his first Candidates appearance, balancing aggression with caution.In the women's section, China's Tan Zhongyi has taken the sole lead with a full point advantage going into the final round. A draw should secure her a spot in the World Championship. India's R Vaishali has also impressed, winning her fourth consecutive game and moving into a tie for third place.The dominance of Chinese players in women's chess continues, with every world champion since 2017 hailing from China.

Tragedy at Sri Lankan Motorsport Event: Race Car Crashes into Spectators, Killing SevenA horrific incident occurred at a motorsport event hosted by the Sri Lankan army on Sunday, leaving seven people dead and 21 others injured. The tragedy unfolded when a race car veered off the track and ploughed into a crowd of spectators.The incident took place at the Fox Hill circuit, which is maintained by the Sri Lankan army. A video circulating on social media shows track marshals waving yellow flags to warn drivers of a car that had overturned on the track. However, the drivers continued to speed past in clouds of dust, until a red car slammed into the crowd. Screams of horror can be heard in the video.According to police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa, a total of 27 people were rushed to the hospital, but seven succumbed to their injuries. Among the deceased was an eight-year-old girl.The event was being held for the first time in five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the island's economic crisis. Shortly before the crash, army chief Vikum Liyanage announced that the gates had been opened to spectators free of charge to promote motorsports. Liyanage claimed that approximately 100,000 spectators were present at the circuit.The tragedy highlights the dangers of motorsports and the importance of safety measures. Sri Lanka's roads are among the most dangerous in the world, with an average of eight fatalities reported daily.

India vs Pakistan: Shahzaib Rindh's Triumph and Gesture of UnityThe highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in Karate Combat lived up to its billing, delivering an intense battle that culminated in a Pakistani victory. Shahzaib Rindh emerged triumphant over India's Rana Singh in a thrilling three-round contest.Beyond the sporting spectacle, it was Rindh's post-match gesture that resonated deeply with fans on both sides of the border. The Pakistani athlete held aloft the flags of both his country and India, symbolizing a message of peace and unity."This fight was for peace," Rindh explained. "We are not enemies, we are together. Together we can do anything. This fight is for Pakistan and India's friendship and being closer."Rindh's gesture was met with widespread praise on social media, with many hailing it as a powerful symbol of hope and reconciliation. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who was present at the event, also lauded Rindh for his performance and his message of unity."Har Jaga 20 20 seconds Mai Knock out Kat daitay Ho yar," Khan said to Rindh after the fight.The match itself was a testament to the high level of competition between the two nations. Pakistan's Rizwan Ali and India's Himanshu Kaushik won the first and second matches respectively, setting the stage for the decisive third round.Rindh's victory gave Pakistan a 2-1 triumph in the team competition. However, the result was secondary to the message of unity and sportsmanship that was conveyed throughout the event.Rindh's gesture serves as a reminder that sports can transcend political boundaries and bring people together. It is a message that resonates deeply in the hearts of fans on both sides of the India-Pakistan divide, who yearn for peace and harmony.

Max Verstappen's dominance continued unabated as he claimed a resounding victory in the Chinese Grand Prix, extending his lead in the world championship standings. The Red Bull driver controlled the race from start to finish, finishing 13.7 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris.Verstappen's victory was his fourth in five races this season, adding to his sprint victory on Saturday. Only a rare brake failure in Melbourne denied him a clean sweep of all five races in 2024.The Dutchman was in imperious form throughout the weekend, setting the pace in practice and qualifying. He made a clean start from pole position and never looked back, controlling the race with ease.McLaren's Norris put in a strong performance to finish second, ahead of Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. The Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished fourth and fifth, respectively.George Russell was sixth for Mercedes, with Fernando Alonso seventh after a late charge through the field. McLaren's Oscar Piastri was eighth, chased home by Lewis Hamilton who clawed his way up to ninth from 18th on the grid.The points scorers were rounded out by the Haas of Nico Hulkenberg in 10th.Verstappen's victory was a testament to his and Red Bull's dominance in Formula One. The Dutchman is now 46 points clear of Leclerc in the championship standings, with Perez a further 19 points behind.

Former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan, now a Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat, is determined to make a mark in politics and connect with the people of the constituency. Having retired from all forms of cricket in February 2021, Pathan feels a growing sense of strength and confidence with each passing day in Baharampur."I am blessed to have come to a place where people are telling me, 'aap ko hum yahan se jaane nahi denge' (we won't let you leave us)," said Pathan, known for his towering sixes. "People here have already accepted me as their son, brother, or friend. I will stick with them no matter the outcome of the polls. I will be with them for a better future they deserve. These people are my strength, and 'inshallah,' I will win."Pathan is contesting against Congress veteran and incumbent Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who has held the Baharampur seat for 25 years. Pathan respects Chowdhury's experience but believes that the people of Baharampur are dissatisfied with his absence from the grassroots during the COVID-19 pandemic."People here allege that Mr. Chowdhury failed to bring in the required central grants to create infrastructure and employment opportunities," said Pathan. "There's not enough work for people, and the MP of 25 years should answer people why he failed."Pathan has identified several priority areas for his work if elected, including creating job opportunities to retain migrant workers, building a world-class sports complex, developing infrastructure for local silk, thermocol, and jute industry workers, and creating a support system for farmers."I have a lot of work to do here," said Pathan. "I have figured that out in my short presence in the region, during my poll campaigns and interactions with people."Pathan's entry into politics was a surprise to many, but he says it was a natural progression after his cricketing career ended. "Cricket toh khatam ho gaya, kuch toh karna tha (my cricketing days were over, and I had to do something)," he said.Pathan consulted with his family and friends before accepting the TMC's offer. He realized that politics could be an opportunity to serve the people and give back to society what he earned in terms of love and respect during his cricketing days.Pathan maintains that he has been familiar with Mamata Banerjee's politics for over a decade, particularly since he began playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL in 2011. He believes that Banerjee's civic infrastructure developments in Kolkata and her work in areas of women's education and poverty alleviation made it easy for him to accept her offer.Pathan dismisses the notion that his religious identity as a devout Muslim gives him an edge in a Muslim-majority seat like Baharampur. "I have respect for every religion in this country, but people should not be treated as vote banks based on their religious identities," he said. "Elections should be fought for both majority and minority communities, not for one or the other. The priority should be the growth of the economy and development of people so that we can build a future for our next generation."Despite bidding adieu to professional cricket, Pathan remains deeply attached to the sport. He believes that his identity as a cricketer will continue to dominate his newfound love for politics. "Both my identities are important, none of which I can hide," he said. "But, people will always consider me a cricketer first. They have seen me play and loved me for my performances in the middle. Now, they can expect me to serve them as one of their own."

Hockey India has announced a 28-member core probable group for the men's national coaching camp, aiming to address weaknesses ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The camp commenced on Sunday at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru and will continue until May 13.The team returns to camp after a disappointing 0-5 loss in a five-match Test series in Australia. Chief coach Craig Fulton emphasized the importance of this camp in preparing for the upcoming challenges. "We are looking to begin an important block of training in this camp, and we need to make sure that we are in the best shape possible ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics," Fulton said. "We have an exciting group of experienced players along with some young players."The core group includes experienced players such as goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, defender Harmanpreet Singh, and midfielder Manpreet Singh. Young talents like forward Akashdeep Singh and midfielder Hardik Singh are also part of the squad.The team will travel to Belgium and London for the next two legs of the FIH Pro League after this camp. They will face Argentina, Belgium, Germany, and Great Britain in these matches."The tour to Australia has helped us in realizing where we need to work on and I always believe that we can work on our shortcomings and look to set things straight well before the final leg of the Pro League and the Paris 2024 Olympics," Fulton added.The camp and subsequent Pro League matches will provide the team with valuable opportunities to improve their performance and build momentum towards the Paris Olympics.

Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, offers an enchanting blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Beyond its renowned tennis legends, the city boasts a plethora of hidden gems that will captivate any traveler.Immerse Yourself in Street Culture:Explore the bustling El Rastro market, a Sunday tradition where vendors showcase everything from antiques to books. For a culinary adventure, visit Mercado de San Miguel, a gourmet haven where you can savor delectable tapas and local delicacies.Experience the Passion of Flamenco:Indulge in the captivating art form of Flamenco at Essential Flamenco, where intimate shows offer a glimpse into Spanish heritage. Learn the intricate steps and rhythms at Flamenco Experience, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture.Discover the Mystery Metro:Step into the past at Estacion de Chamberi, a discontinued Metro station that serves as a testament to the city's transit history. Witness the trains passing through this "mystery station," a fascinating relic of Madrid's urban development.Admire the Rocker Grandma:Stroll through the streets and encounter the iconic "Rocker Grandma" sculpture, a tribute to a beloved local who embraced the rock music scene. This whimsical artwork captures the spirit of Madrid's eclectic culture.Take Home a Piece of Madrid:Visit Casa Hernanz, a renowned shoemaker since 1845. Handcrafted espadrilles and tools embody the city's artisanal heritage. Wear a piece of Madrid with you, carrying the essence of this vibrant metropolis wherever you go.

In the realm of Indian chess, the age of 17 has emerged as a pivotal milestone, marking a transition from adolescence to adulthood. It is an age where young prodigies are often dismissed as lacking the experience and maturity to compete with the elite. However, two exceptional talents, R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh, have shattered these stereotypes, proving that age is no barrier to greatness.Praggnanandhaa, now 18, made headlines in 2023 when he reached the final of the World Cup, defeating a string of world-class players along the way. Gukesh, still 17, is currently tied for first place in the prestigious Candidates tournament in Toronto, with just two rounds remaining. Should he emerge victorious, he will have the opportunity to challenge for the world championship.Gukesh's performance in the Candidates has been nothing short of remarkable. He has displayed a level of composure, focus, and resilience that belies his age. Even after a heartbreaking loss that threatened to derail his tournament chances, he rebounded with a decisive win in the next game.This resilience is not new to Gukesh. At the age of 15, he suffered a devastating loss in the final round of the Reykjavik Open, missing a tactic that cost him the tournament victory. However, he quickly recovered, defeating Praggnanandhaa in a rematch a week later and going on to win three more tournaments in Spain without losing a single game.Gukesh's success can be attributed to his unwavering dedication to chess. Unlike many young players who are pushed into the game by ambitious parents, Gukesh's passion for the game was self-driven. He chose to prioritize chess over academics, a decision that was supported by his parents despite its unconventional nature.Going into the Candidates, Gukesh's chances were not widely touted. History has shown that young talents often struggle under the intense pressure of high-stakes competition. However, Gukesh has proven to be an exception. He has stuck to his game plan, remaining calm and patient, and has shown a maturity that belies his years.Gukesh's performance has not only impressed the chess world but has also challenged the perception of young players as lacking in experience and maturity. He has shown that age is no barrier to greatness and that with dedication, focus, and resilience, anything is possible.

Manu Bhaker, the Indian shooting prodigy, showcased her exceptional skills at the Women's 25m Pistol Qualification of the Olympics Selection (OST) Trials 1 in New Delhi, eclipsing the world record score by a remarkable six points. Her precision and consistency were evident throughout the competition, as she topped the qualification round with an impressive performance.Bhaker's dominance was evident in the final, where she displayed unwavering focus and accuracy. Her scores in the 10 series of five rapid-fire shots were a testament to her exceptional technique: 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, and 5. This remarkable performance earned her a clear lead over her competitors.While Esha Singh was eliminated in the seventh series, Bhaker had already established a significant lead of six points over Rhythm Sangwan and Abhidnya Patil, who were tied at that stage. Despite Singh's strong performance in qualifying, Bhaker's superior performance in the final secured her the top spot.In the Men's 25m Rapid-Fire Pistol event, Anish Bhanwala emerged victorious, demonstrating his mastery of the discipline. He finished with 33 hits, a clear six ahead of Vijayveer Sidhu, who placed second. Adarsh Singh secured the third spot with 23 hits.Bhavesh Shekhawat, who had topped the qualifications, finished fourth with 18 hits, while Ankur Goel was the first to exit with 10 hits.Bhaker's world record-breaking performance and Bhanwala's triumph in the Men's 25m Rapid-Fire Pistol event highlight the exceptional talent and determination of India's shooting contingent. As they prepare for the upcoming Olympics, these athletes are poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.