Others

Murali Sreeshankar, India's star long jumper, is embarking on a strategic approach for the upcoming season, prioritizing the Paris Olympics over extensive travel and competition. After a grueling schedule last year, Sreeshankar has opted to start his season later and focus on targeted events.Last season, Sreeshankar competed in 10 events over seven months, including training stints in the US and Greece. Despite impressive performances, including a personal best of 8.41m and medals at the Asian Athletics Championships and Asian Games, the rigorous schedule took its toll.This season, Sreeshankar's father and coach, S Murali, has devised a plan to conserve energy and optimize performance for the Paris Olympics. The season will begin with the Shanghai Diamond League on April 27, followed by the Doha Diamond League on May 10. Sreeshankar will then train in Cyprus for 40 days before returning for the Inter-state competition in June.In addition to reducing travel and competition, Sreeshankar is also experimenting with a new runup technique. He will transition from a static start to a running start, which is expected to increase his speed on the runway and potentially lead to longer jumps."If you want to go big at the Olympics, you have to do something extraordinary," said Murali. "The target is to go beyond the 8.50m mark, and for that, we have to do something different."Sreeshankar's training conditions in Palakkad have been favorable, and he is confident in his preparation. "Training conditions are very good here now," said Murali. "We have almost all the facilities here."With the Paris Olympics as his primary focus, Sreeshankar is determined to make the most of his opportunities and deliver a memorable performance on the world's biggest stage.

SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria - Swiss skiing sensation Marco Odermatt continued his remarkable season by securing the World Cup super-G crystal globe on Friday, adding to his already impressive haul of overall and giant slalom titles.Under the warm Austrian sun, Odermatt skied cautiously in the final super-G race, finishing fifth to clinch the season-long title. The victory was particularly sweet as three other Swiss skiers swept the podium places, with Stefan Rogentin claiming his maiden World Cup win.Rogentin, Loïc Meillard, and Arnaud Boisset finished 1-2-3, showcasing the depth of Swiss skiing talent. Odermatt, who started immediately after his closest challenger Vincent Kriechmayr, praised Rogentin's performance."Roggy deserved his first victory," Odermatt said. "I watched from the start and they skied amazing."Odermatt's super-G triumph marks his third consecutive overall World Cup title at the age of 26. He now has a commanding lead in the overall standings with 1,947 points, putting him in contention to break his own record for the highest points total in a single season.Earlier in the day, Lara Gut-Behrami, another Swiss skiing star, secured the women's super-G season title by finishing seventh in the race. Gut-Behrami, who also holds the overall and giant slalom titles, leads the downhill standings going into Saturday's season-ending race.Both Odermatt and Gut-Behrami have been dominant forces in the World Cup this season, showcasing the strength of Swiss skiing. With the downhill races remaining, they have the opportunity to further extend their impressive records.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc emerged as the pacesetter in the second practice session for the Australian Grand Prix, setting the fastest lap time of 1 minute 17.277 seconds. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull trailed Leclerc by 0.381 seconds, while Carlos Sainz of Ferrari secured third place.Sainz's performance was particularly impressive considering he underwent appendicitis-related surgery just two weeks ago. His return to the track and strong showing dispelled any concerns about his physical condition.Verstappen, who won the Australian Grand Prix last year, faced a setback in the first practice session when he damaged the floor of his car after running over a kerb. The Red Bull team worked diligently to resolve the issue, but Verstappen missed the first 22 minutes of the second session.Despite the delay, Verstappen emerged as a formidable challenger, narrowly missing out on the top spot. He is aiming to extend his record-breaking streak of 10 consecutive victories, while Red Bull seeks its third straight 1-2 finish.The Aston Martin duo of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso finished fourth and fifth, respectively, ahead of George Russell of Mercedes. Russell's teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, struggled to find pace and finished 18th.McLaren's Oscar Piastri, Sergio Perez of Red Bull, and Lando Norris rounded out the top 10. The top 10 drivers were separated by less than one second, indicating the intense competition in Melbourne.The first practice session was marred by an incident involving Williams' Alex Albon, who crashed into the wall at turn 8. The impact caused significant damage to his car and forced him to miss the second practice session.The Australian Grand Prix circuit has a reputation for being challenging, and the practice sessions served as a reminder of the dangers it poses. Several other drivers experienced mishaps, highlighting the need for caution and precision.

Ram Baboo's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to Olympic qualification is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. The 25-year-old race walker has etched his name in Indian sporting history by becoming the seventh Indian male walker to qualify for the Paris Olympics.Baboo's rise to prominence has been meteoric. After transitioning from marathon to race walking six years ago, he quickly mastered the intricate technique, showcasing his natural aptitude for the sport. His bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games in the 35km race walk further solidified his credentials.In Slovakia, Baboo faced challenging conditions, including cold temperatures and wet surfaces. Despite these obstacles, he displayed remarkable resilience and determination, clocking a personal best time of 1:20:00 and securing a podium finish. This achievement not only earned him a spot in the Paris Olympics but also boosted his confidence ahead of the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Antalya.Baboo's success is not merely a reflection of his athletic prowess but also a testament to his unwavering spirit. Growing up in a financially disadvantaged family, he witnessed firsthand the struggles his father faced as a laborer. Determined to break the cycle of poverty, Baboo embraced sports as a path to a better future.With his Olympic qualification, Baboo has not only achieved his personal dreams but also inspired countless others from underprivileged backgrounds. His story serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.

Netflix, the streaming giant, has recently ventured into the realm of live sports, sparking speculation about its potential as a major player in the industry. However, experts believe that Netflix's current strategy suggests a focus on complementary programming rather than direct competition for major sports rights.Netflix's live sports offerings have primarily been exhibition events and documentaries that align with its existing content. The Netflix Cup paired Formula 1 drivers with PGA golfers, while the Netflix Slam featured a tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. These events complemented documentaries like "Drive to Survive" and "Point Break," respectively.Similarly, Netflix's upcoming coverage of WWE's "Raw" will be accompanied by a documentary series about rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz. This approach allows Netflix to leverage its storytelling capabilities and create compelling content that resonates with its audience.Netflix has also demonstrated its ability to produce high-quality sports documentaries and series without carrying live games. The NFL series "Receiver" and the "Quarterback" series have been well-received by viewers. Additionally, Netflix is working on projects with the Boston Red Sox and FIFA.While Netflix has expressed interest in acquiring sports rights, its focus appears to be on international markets. The WWE deal grants Netflix exclusive rights to Raw in several countries outside the United States. This strategy aligns with Netflix's global reach and its desire to expand its content offerings in different regions.Experts believe that Netflix is unlikely to bid on major sports packages like the NBA or UFC unless they include international rights. Instead, Netflix is expected to continue its current approach of creating complementary programming and exploring opportunities in emerging markets.The upcoming Paul-Tyson boxing match on Netflix has raised questions about the company's commitment to combat sports. While some experts see it as a one-off event, others believe it could lead to more boxing content on the platform. However, Netflix's overall strategy suggests a focus on storytelling and compelling narratives rather than a direct challenge to established sports broadcasters.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat's decision to compete in two weight categories at the selection trials on March 11 has sparked controversy. While the move may have been strategic for her Olympic aspirations, it has drawn criticism from fellow athletes.Phogat, a two-time World Championships bronze medalist, entered both the 50kg and 53kg classes. She finished third in the 53kg category but won the 50kg trials, securing her spot for next month's Olympic qualifiers.The 53kg quota has already been secured by Antim Panghal, who was exempted from the trials. According to the selection criteria, a final selection trial in May will determine who represents India in Paris.Phogat defended her decision, stating that she was unsure if the final selection trial in the 53kg class would be held. She also emphasized that she did not violate any rules by entering two weight categories, as Article 7 of UWW regulations applies only to international competitions."I want to clarify that I, along with other finalists, have undergone dope tests after both the senior nationals held in the previous month and following the recent trials," Phogat added, addressing rumors that she had not undergone the mandatory dope test.However, some athletes have expressed concerns about Phogat's actions. They argue that it is unfair for her to compete in two weight categories, especially when other wrestlers have dedicated themselves to a single weight class.The controversy has highlighted the need for clear and transparent selection criteria. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) must ensure that all wrestlers are treated fairly and that the selection process is based on merit.

Former Indian boxing legend Venkatesan Devarajan, who holds the distinction of being the first Indian boxer to secure a World Cup medal on foreign soil, has expressed his keen interest in assuming the coaching reins of the Indian boxing team. This development comes in the wake of the team's High Performance Director, Bernard Dunne, tendering his resignation following the team's dismal performance at the recent Olympic qualifiers in Italy.India's boxers failed to secure a single quota for the Paris Olympics at the world qualifiers, leaving only four Indian women boxers who have earned their spots through the Asian Games. With just two months remaining before the final Olympic qualifiers in Thailand on May 23, Indian boxing finds itself in a precarious position.While Dunne's resignation has been accepted, foreign coach Dmitry Dmitruk, who was brought in by Dunne, is also expected to be relieved of his duties. With four months to go until the Paris Olympics, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is likely to turn to Indian coaches to guide the team through these turbulent waters. A BFI executive committee meeting has been scheduled for Friday to deliberate on this matter."I am eager to impart my knowledge and experience to the team. If the BFI grants me the opportunity, I would be honored to assist the team. I intend to engage in discussions with the BFI," stated Devarajan, who clinched a bronze medal at the 1994 World Cup in Thailand. Devarajan represented India at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics (bantamweight) and served on the BFI's selection panel for an extended period."Boxing is not merely a physical endeavor; at the elite level, it also becomes a mental game. Strategy, meticulous planning, and mental fortitude are paramount in boxing. When competing at the Olympic level, boxers must maintain emotional composure within the ring," emphasized Devarajan, an Arjuna Awardee who coached the World Boxing Series team Mumbai Fighters, which featured several international boxers.During his prime, Chennai-based Devarajan garnered two medals at the prestigious Cuba International Boxing Meet, Kings Cup, and President's Cup. He holds the distinction of defeating Mongolian professional boxer Lakva Sim, a world champion in two weight classes, on three separate occasions."I have had the privilege of training with the world-renowned Cuban team in Bangalore in 1991 and subsequently traveled to Cuba for further training. I possess the experience of competing at the highest level and preparing boxers for elite competitions. I am well-versed in the strengths and weaknesses of our boxers. In recent years, our boxers have adopted a uniform style against all opponents. We must employ diverse strategies and techniques based on the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents," asserted Devarajan, who believes that selection trials are crucial for assessing form and fitness.

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: A Battle of GenerationsBoxing enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the epic clash between YouTube sensation Jake Paul and legendary heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on July 29 in Texas. The highly publicized bout, streamed exclusively on Netflix, marks Tyson's return to the ring since his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020.In a surprising twist, Jake's brother Logan Paul revealed that he was initially offered the fight against Tyson but declined. Speaking on his podcast, Logan stated that the financial incentive was substantial but not as lucrative as the deal offered to Jake. He also expressed his belief that he could defeat Tyson due to his age and perceived decline.Jake Paul dismissed his brother's claims, questioning his motives for making such a statement. He emphasized that his company, Most Valuable Promotions, secured the deal with Tyson, and he was unaware of any offer made to Logan.The bout's status remains uncertain, as it has not been confirmed whether it will be a professional fight or an exhibition match. Tyson's age and the need for approval from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will determine the specifics.Jake Paul, a YouTube influencer turned professional boxer, has amassed a 10-1 record with six knockouts. His only defeat came against Tommy Fury, the half-brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.Mike Tyson, the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987-90, retired in 2005 with a remarkable record of 50 wins, 40 by knockout. His return to the ring has sparked both excitement and skepticism among boxing fans.The Paul vs. Tyson bout promises to be a captivating spectacle, pitting a young, ambitious challenger against a seasoned legend. The outcome remains uncertain, but the anticipation and drama surrounding the event are sure to make it an unforgettable night in boxing history.

England's women's rugby team, under the guidance of new head coach John Mitchell, embarks on the 2023 Six Nations tournament with the weight of expectations on their shoulders. As reigning Grand Slam champions, the Red Roses aim to maintain their dominance while preparing for the upcoming 2025 World Cup on home soil.Mitchell, a seasoned coach with experience at the highest level, recognizes the challenges that lie ahead. Despite England's impressive record of 54 points per game in last year's Six Nations, he anticipates that opponents will put them under pressure. The team's recent World Cup heartbreak, where they narrowly lost to New Zealand in the final, serves as a reminder of the need for resilience and adaptability.To address this, Mitchell plans to develop a more versatile attack, complementing England's formidable pack with a quicker and more rounded approach. He believes that multiple options in attack will make the team less predictable and more difficult to defend.While England and France remain the frontrunners in the Six Nations, other teams are eager to make their mark. Ireland, despite a disappointing 2023 Championship, aims to secure a place in the 2025 World Cup by finishing third or higher.The Six Nations tournament provides a crucial platform for teams to prepare for the World Cup. England, with their sights set on redemption, will face a stern test from their rivals. Mitchell's leadership and the team's determination will be key factors in their quest for success.