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The Miami Marlins finally broke their home losing streak on Saturday, defeating the Atlanta Braves 5-1 behind a strong performance from Max Meyer and a timely hit from Bryan De La Cruz.Meyer, making his third start of the season, was dominant on the mound. The 25-year-old allowed just one run on six hits over six innings, striking out a career-high seven batters and not issuing a walk. Meyer's outing was a continuation of his impressive start to the season, as he has now allowed just two runs over 12 innings in his first three starts.The Marlins offense provided Meyer with plenty of support, led by Josh Bell's solo home run in the first inning. Bell's homer was his second of the season and gave the Marlins an early 1-0 lead.Miami extended its lead to 5-0 in the fifth inning on a two-out, bases-loaded double by De La Cruz. De La Cruz's hit came off Braves starter Chris Sale, who had retired the first two batters he faced in the inning before allowing a single and consecutive walks.Atlanta's only run came in the sixth inning on a leadoff triple by Austin Riley and a groundout by Marcell Ozuna. Riley's triple extended his hitting streak to 12 games, while Ozuna's single extended his hitting streak to 13 games.The Marlins bullpen was solid in relief of Meyer, with Calvin Faucher, Anthony Bender, and Tanner Scott combining to pitch three perfect innings.The win was the Marlins' first at home this season, improving their record to 5-10. The Braves, meanwhile, fell to 10-5 with the loss.

Reigning champions England continued their dominance in the Women's Six Nations, crushing Scotland 46-0 in Edinburgh on Saturday. The Red Roses, who have now won all three of their opening matches, extended their winning streak to 27 straight Six Nations games.England's dominance was evident from the outset, with Amy Cokayne opening the scoring in the sixth minute. Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne added further tries before halftime, giving England a commanding 17-0 lead.The floodgates opened after the break, with Sadia Kabeya, Jess Breach, and Kildunne again crossing Scotland's line. Squad captain Marlie Packer came off the bench to score England's eighth try, completing the rout.The only blemish on England's performance was the sending off of Cokayne in the 54th minute for a high tackle on Scotland's Lana Skeldon."I feel today was a team performance, we got the space on the edge because of the girls working in the middle," said player-of-the-match Kildunne. "Hats off to the team."Scotland coach Bryan Easson acknowledged England's superiority. "England were outstanding," he said. "Once you give them ball on the front foot they will put you under pressure. We didn't really fire a shot and I'm disappointed with that."England's victory extends their dominance in the Women's Six Nations. They have won the competition for five successive years, and their only setback in that time was a change in format in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The Red Roses' success is attributed to their early adoption of professionalism, which has given them a significant advantage over their European rivals. They have a full-time training program and access to world-class facilities, which has allowed them to develop a deep pool of talented players.England's next challenge will be a clash with France, who are also unbeaten in the tournament. The match will be a crucial test for both teams, and could determine the eventual winner of the Six Nations.

India's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, faced a disappointing 5-0 defeat against Australia in the fifth and final match of their bilateral test series at the Perth Hockey Stadium. Despite taking an early lead through their captain, India succumbed to a fifth consecutive loss, extending Australia's dominance over them.The Kookaburras, known for their aggressive style of play, imposed a high press on India, forcing them into errors and earning numerous penalty corners. Jeremy Hayward, Ky Willott, and Tim Brand scored for Australia, while Boby Singh Dhami netted India's only other goal.India's defense, which had been a concern throughout the series, struggled to contain Australia's relentless attacks. Former India skipper Viren Rasquinha pointed out that the team's deep defensive line allowed Australia to earn more penalty corners.Despite the disappointing result, India's goalkeepers, PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak, displayed impressive form, thwarting several Aussie attacks. Drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh also delivered, scoring three goals in the series.However, India's strikers failed to exert sufficient pressure while in possession, allowing Australia to regain the ball and launch rapid counterattacks. The team's lack of experience and frequent changes in combination due to a large squad also contributed to the poor results.The 0-5 rout raises questions about India's mental resilience ahead of their crucial match against Australia at the Paris Olympics on August 2. However, former Belgium coach Shane McLeod believes that India can overcome this setback if they secure a victory over Australia at the Olympics.

Harlequins' audacious approach propelled them to a thrilling 42-41 victory over Bordeaux-Begles in the Champions Cup quarter-finals, securing their first semi-final appearance in the tournament's history.The English side, led by director of rugby Billy Millard, displayed unwavering determination and attacking prowess throughout the high-octane encounter. Millard's "swing the bat" mentality proved effective as Harlequins overcame a formidable Bordeaux-Begles outfit.The match erupted with a flurry of tries, with both teams crossing the line six times. Harlequins' scrum-half Will Porter opened the scoring, followed by a penalty try awarded after Bordeaux-Begles' Mateo Garcia illegally obstructed Marcus Smith's pass.Despite the scorching heat, Harlequins maintained their intensity, extending their lead to 28-12 at halftime. Porter notched his second try, while flanker Will Evans added another. Bordeaux-Begles responded with scores from Maxime Lucu and Romain Buros.In the second half, Lucu's positional switch to fly-half proved pivotal. He orchestrated a comeback, reducing the deficit to 28-19 with a try from Nicolas Depoortere. Lucu's accurate kicking kept Bordeaux-Begles in contention, but Harlequins remained resilient.Alex Dombrandt's try for Harlequins was countered by Louis Bielle-Biarrey's score for Bordeaux-Begles. The lead changed hands twice in a frantic final quarter, with Madosh Tambwe and Tyrone Green crossing for their respective teams.With just four minutes remaining, Tambwe's second try set up a potential match-winning conversion for Lucu. However, the French playmaker's attempt sailed wide, handing Harlequins a memorable victory.Harlequins will now face either Toulouse or Exeter in the semi-finals, while Bordeaux-Begles' European campaign comes to an end. The English side's triumph is a testament to their attacking flair and unwavering belief, as they continue to make history in the Champions Cup.

The Indian men's hockey team displayed resilience in the fifth and final Test match against Australia in Perth, but ultimately fell short in a 2-3 defeat, resulting in a series whitewash.India started the match with determination, maintaining possession and earning penalty corners. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted one of these opportunities in the fourth minute, giving India an early lead. The visitors continued to press, but Australia equalized through Jeremy Hayward in the 20th minute.In the second half, India's Abhishek missed a golden chance to extend their lead, while Australia capitalized on counterattacks. Ky Willott and Tim Brand scored in quick succession, giving the hosts a 3-1 advantage.Undeterred, India fought back in the final quarter. Boby Singh Dhami scored his first international goal in the 53rd minute, reducing the deficit to 3-2. However, despite their efforts, India could not find an equalizer, and Australia secured the victory.Despite the loss, India showed signs of improvement compared to the previous matches. They maintained possession better, created scoring opportunities, and defended with more determination. The team will look to build on these positives in future matches.

Kodava Hockey Festival: A Month-Long Celebration of Unity and SportsmanshipNestled amidst the picturesque hills of Kodagu, Karnataka, the Kodava Hockey Festival is a month-long extravaganza that brings together around 300 Kodava families for a unique blend of hockey, tradition, and camaraderie.The festival was conceived by Pandanda Kuttappa, a retired banker, who sought to foster unity among the Kodava community. Recognizing the power of sport, he introduced the hockey tournament in 1997 with just 60 teams. Today, it has grown exponentially to include 360 teams, showcasing the passion and skill of Kodava hockey players.The festival is not merely a sporting event; it is a celebration of Kodava heritage. The families gather in traditional attire, sharing meals and stories, and participating in cultural activities. The tournament fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens the bonds within the community.For the younger generation, the festival is an opportunity to connect with their roots and learn about the importance of sportsmanship. Many young players have gone on to represent Kodagu and India at the national and international levels.The organizers are constantly striving to enhance the festival experience. They plan to introduce new categories, such as women's hockey and youth tournaments, to encourage wider participation. They also aim to improve the infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the growing number of teams and spectators.The Kodava Hockey Festival is a testament to the power of sport to unite communities and preserve traditions. It is a celebration of Kodava culture, a showcase of hockey talent, and a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Equestrianism, the only Olympic event involving animals, has a rich history in India. In ancient times, chariot races and horse racing were integral parts of the Games. Today, horses continue to captivate audiences, and at the upcoming Paris Olympics, India will make its debut in the dressage event.Anush Agarwalla, a 24-year-old equestrian, will represent India in Paris, carrying the hopes of a nation. His journey to the Olympics has been marked by sacrifices and unwavering determination. Born into a business family with no sporting background, Agarwalla left home at 17 to train in Germany.Agarwalla's success is attributed to his strong bond with his horse, Sir Caramello. He emphasizes the importance of trust and understanding between rider and animal. "The trust level with your horse has to be immaculate," he says. "Bonding is key."Agarwalla's path to the Olympics was paved by his coach, Hubertus Schmidt, a 2004 Olympic gold medalist. Schmidt's patience and guidance have been instrumental in Agarwalla's transformation from a novice to an elite equestrian.In addition to his Olympic aspirations, Agarwalla is also an advocate for wellness. He believes that bonding with horses can have therapeutic benefits. "Horses can sense your emotions," he says. "They can help you relax and de-stress."Agarwalla's story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and horse enthusiasts alike. It demonstrates the power of perseverance, dedication, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals.

Amit Panghal, a renowned Indian boxer, has been reinstated into the national team for the upcoming Paris Olympics qualifier in Bangkok, scheduled from May 25th. This decision comes after India's disappointing performance at the previous qualifier in Italy, where the men's team failed to secure any Olympic quota spots.In a bid to improve their chances, several changes have been made to the squad. Panghal, a Tokyo Olympian and gold medalist at the Strandja Memorial tournament in February, has replaced Deepak Bhoria in the 51kg class. Bhoria, a world championship medalist, had two opportunities to seal an Olympic quota but failed to do so.Other notable changes include the exclusion of world championship medalist Mohd Hussamuddin in the 57kg category and seasoned boxer Shiva Thapa in the 63.5kg class. Sachin Siwach and young Abhinash Jamwal will take their places, respectively.Nishant Dev, who performed well in the previous qualifier, has retained his spot in the 71kg category. Sanjeet (92kg) and Narender Berwal (+92kg) have also been given another chance to secure Olympic berths.In the women's category, India has already secured four of the six Olympic quotas through their strong performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Ankushita Boro has replaced Jasmine Lamboria in the 60kg class, while two-time world junior medalist Arundhati Chaudhary will compete in the 66kg category.The Indian team will be hoping for a strong showing in Bangkok as they aim to secure the remaining Olympic quota spots. The selection process was conducted through an evaluation process by coaches in the national camp, following the resignation of India's high-performance coach Bernard Dunne.

Indian chess prodigies R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh aim to close the gap on tournament leader Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia as the Candidates chess tournament resumes in Toronto for its eighth round.Praggnanandhaa, known for his aggressive style, will face Frenchman Firouza Alireza, while Gukesh will take on compatriot Vidit Gujarathi. Nepomniachtchi, the defending champion, holds a comfortable lead with 4.5 points, half a point ahead of Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, and Fabiano Caruana of the United States.Gujarathi, with 3.5 points, is known for his late-tournament surges, while Hikaru Nakamura shares fifth place with him. Alireza sits in seventh place with 2.5 points, followed by Nijat Abasov of Azerbaijan.The Indian trio has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced setbacks. Gujrathi outplayed Caruana but settled for draws in promising positions. Gukesh had a strong position against Alireza but made costly mistakes. Praggnanandhaa has been solid, notably drawing with Caruana in a French defense and defeating Gujrathi.Against Alireza, Praggnanandhaa will seek to capitalize on his white pieces. "I have been playing quite well and am happy with the quality," he said. Gukesh, with black pieces against Gujrathi, will aim to make a statement.Nepomniachtchi and Caruana remain the only unbeaten players at the halfway stage. Nepomniachtchi has led the tournament after 50% of games in his previous two victories. Caruana, known for his explosive play, is a potential threat.In the women's section, Indian hopes have not materialized. Konery Humpy and R Vaishali are at the bottom of the standings with 2.5 points each, while Zhongyi Tan leads with five points. Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia is Tan's closest challenger.