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Tennis Stars Embracing the Rise of PickleballThe world of professional pickleball is witnessing a surge of former tennis players, with over 22 individuals making the transition from the tennis court to the pickleball court. This trend is not limited to a few high-profile names like Jack Sock, Eugenie Bouchard, Donald Young, and Sam Querrey.Among the notable former tennis players now excelling in pickleball is Collin Johns, brother of pickleball sensation Ben Johns. Collin achieved a career-high ATP ranking of No. 978 in singles and No. 939 in doubles. Altalf Merchant, once India's top-ranked junior player, also made the switch. Parris Todd, who began competing on the ITF tour at age 14, has won over 85 titles.Remarkably, 12 of these former tennis pros also competed at the collegiate level. The PPA boasts first-team All-Americans like Lea Jansen, NCAA champions like Pablo Tellez, and accomplished doubles teams like brothers Yates and Hunter Johnson. Hunter Johnson notably defeated Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime during his ATP tour run and reached a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 198.Interestingly, a significant number of these former tennis players also coached, with some attributing their introduction to pickleball to their time at country clubs. Tyson McGuffin, who briefly competed collegiately and professionally, served as a head tennis pro for six years before discovering his passion for pickleball.For some pro pickleball players, tennis served as a stepping stone into the rapidly growing sport. Anna Leigh Waters, arguably pickleball's biggest star, played tennis and soccer before becoming the youngest pickleball pro at age 12. Alix Truong, a former high school tennis player who played first singles and doubles, also made the transition to pickleball.In conclusion, while Jack Sock, Eugenie Bouchard, Donald Young, and Sam Querrey are well-known names in both tennis and pickleball, they represent only a fraction of the former tennis players who have embraced the sport. With 90% of the 144 players currently listed on the PPA tour having a tennis background, it is evident that tennis and pickleball are becoming increasingly intertwined.

Indian kudo player Sohail Khan has etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal at the senior level in international kudo events. At the prestigious Eurasian Cup 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia, Khan clinched a bronze medal in the -250 PI men's category, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination.Khan's journey to the podium was marked by a series of impressive victories. In the Round of 16, he displayed his grappling prowess by submitting Kazakhstan's Dastan Utimanov. In the quarterfinals, he outmaneuvered Georgia's Dvaladze Vasili with a 2-0 score.The semi-finals presented a unique challenge as an Armenian athlete withdrew due to injury. Khan, along with Russia's Ermakov Ilia and Iran's Mohsen Baghi Nasrabadi, engaged in a three-player affair to determine the winner.Khan faced a setback in his first match against Ermakov Ilia, losing 0-2. Ermakov went on to secure the gold medal with a 6-0 victory over Nasrabadi.In the battle for the silver medal, Khan faced Nasrabadi. Despite his valiant efforts, Khan narrowly missed out on the silver, losing by the slimmest of margins."Competing at the Kudo Eurasian Cup 2024 has been an incredible experience," said Khan after his historic achievement. "Winning the bronze medal for India is a proud moment and motivates me to strive for even greater heights. This is just the beginning, and I am determined to push my limits and aim for gold in the future."Khan's success is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the guidance of his coach, Dr. Mohd Aijaz Khan. Together, they have fulfilled their dream of bringing home the first international kudo medal for India.

Jack Miller's Sepang Crash: A Sobering Reminder of MotoGP's DangersJack Miller's harrowing crash at the Malaysian MotoGP on Sunday served as a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by riders in the high-octane world of motorcycle racing. The Australian KTM star was involved in a dramatic incident on the opening lap, colliding with teammate Brad Binder and Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo.Miller's head appeared to strike the back of Quartararo's bike, sending him tumbling to the ground. The 29-year-old received immediate medical attention on the track before being taken to the medical center. Fortunately, he was cleared of any serious injuries."Lucky to walk away from that one... thank you to everyone for the kind messages," Miller wrote on Instagram.The race was red-flagged due to the severity of the crash. When it restarted, Binder attempted to rejoin but was forced to withdraw due to pain in his left shoulder. Quartararo continued and finished in sixth place.KTM Racing Manager Francesco Guidotti expressed his concern, stating, "It was very bad to see." He added that Binder's shoulder pain prevented him from safely continuing the race.The incident highlighted the ever-present danger that riders face in MotoGP. Despite the advancements in safety measures, crashes remain an unavoidable part of the sport.The penultimate race of the season was eventually won by Italian world champion Francesco Bagnaia, who extended his championship lead over Spanish rival Jorge Martin. The season finale, originally scheduled for Valencia, was canceled due to deadly flooding in the region. Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya has emerged as a potential replacement, with Martin needing a victory to secure his first world title.

Max Verstappen's remarkable comeback victory at the rain-soaked Brazilian Grand Prix has reignited his quest for a fourth consecutive world title. Starting from a lowly 17th on the grid, the Red Bull driver displayed his exceptional driving skills to surge through the field and claim a thrilling victory.The race was marred by treacherous conditions, with heavy rain forcing a red flag suspension. When the action resumed, Verstappen seized the opportunity to make his move. He overtook several cars on the opening lap and continued to climb the order with each passing lap.As the race progressed, Verstappen's rivals faltered. Title contender Lando Norris, who started from pole position, could only manage a disappointing sixth-place finish in his McLaren. Alpine duo Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, who benefited from the red flag, finished second and third respectively.Verstappen's victory was his first since the Spanish Grand Prix in June. It also extended his championship lead to a commanding 62 points with just three races remaining in the season. The Dutchman is now on the cusp of securing his fourth consecutive world title."You know what that is? Simply lovely," exclaimed Verstappen over the team radio as he crossed the finish line.Behind Verstappen, George Russell finished fourth in his Mercedes, while Charles Leclerc took fifth in his Ferrari. McLaren's Oscar Piastri, RB Racing's Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top 10.Verstappen's victory was a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. Despite starting from the back of the grid, he refused to give up and fought his way to the front. His performance was a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest drivers of his generation.

Indian Taekwondo Duo Selected for Historic World ChampionshipAshok Kumar Lenka, founder of Hawrang Academy and National Secretary General of Veterans India Sports, and Sabitri Pradhan, Superintendent of Police, Sikkim, have been selected to represent India at the World Taekwondo Senior Poomsae Championship - 2024 in the Under-60 years age category. This marks a historic moment for Indian Taekwondo, as it is the first time that senior athletes in this age group will compete in a World Championship.The duo will represent India in the Pair Poomsae event, which involves performing a set pattern of Taekwondo attack and defense movements. Poomsae is a fundamental aspect of Taekwondo, and the athletes will be judged on their accuracy, presentation, and speed.Lenka and Pradhan have a combined experience of nearly 80 years in Taekwondo. They are both Kukkiwon Masters and have won numerous international medals in Poomsae. Their selection for the World Championship is a testament to their dedication and skill.The World Taekwondo Senior Poomsae Championship will be held in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 4, 2024. The inclusion of senior age categories in the competition is a significant step forward for Taekwondo, as it allows experienced athletes to continue competing at the highest level.Lenka and Pradhan are confident in their abilities and are eager to represent India on the world stage. They have been training diligently and are determined to make their country proud. Their participation in the World Championship is a source of inspiration for aspiring Taekwondo athletes in India and around the world.

Lando Norris has secured pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix, defying treacherous wet conditions and multiple red flags during a chaotic qualifying session. The McLaren driver's triumph marks a significant upset, as championship leader Max Verstappen faces a daunting start from 17th place due to a five-place penalty.Verstappen's frustration was evident after the second qualifying session was halted due to a crash involving Lance Stroll. The Dutchman, who holds a 44-point lead over Norris in the standings, was running 12th at the time of the incident. He expressed his anger at the delay in displaying the red flag, claiming it cost him a chance to improve his position.Norris, on the other hand, overcame early struggles to dominate the remaining sessions. Despite facing the threat of elimination in the first session, he switched to intermediate tires and showcased his prowess in the wet. His impressive performance earned him the top spot on the grid, alongside George Russell's Mercedes.Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda and Alpine's Esteban Ocon will occupy the second row, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton endured a disappointing qualifying. The Mercedes driver failed to progress beyond the first session and will start from 15th position.The Brazilian Grand Prix promises to be an unpredictable affair, with Norris aiming to capitalize on his pole position and Verstappen determined to overcome his setback. The wet conditions and potential for further interruptions add an element of uncertainty to the race, making it a thrilling prospect for fans.

Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker has attributed her resilience and patience to the challenges she faced early in her career. Bhaker, 22, made history at the Paris Games by becoming the first Indian since Independence to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.Despite her success, Bhaker remains unfazed by criticism, choosing to focus solely on her career. After taking a break from shooting post-Olympics, she is now pursuing a Master's degree in Public Administration from Panjab University, Chandigarh."I'm grateful for the setbacks I've faced," Bhaker said. "They've taught me patience and resilience. I don't let social media chatter bother me. My focus is on my sport."Bhaker expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout her journey, particularly from those who have helped her stay mentally and physically prepared. She also acknowledged the importance of setting realistic goals and taking breaks to reset."This break is a pause, not a complete stop," she explained. "I'm still preparing for future competitions. I'm in constant touch with my coach, Jaspal Rana, and we're planning strategies for the future."Bhaker emphasized that she has maintained her fitness during her break. "I've been monitoring my fitness regularly," she said. "I'm grateful to DAV United Foundation for their support and recognition."Bhaker's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, resilience, and a unwavering focus on one's goals.

Delhi SG Pipers Acquire Olympic Medalist Lily Owsley for Women's Hockey India LeagueDelhi SG Pipers have made a significant move by signing England's star hockey midfielder Lily Owsley for the inaugural season of the Women's Hockey India League (HIL). The 29-year-old two-time Olympic medalist will replace Dutch midfielder Xan de Waard, who withdrew from the tournament due to personal reasons.Owsley is a highly decorated player with an impressive resume. She was part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the bronze medal-winning team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Additionally, she has won gold and silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022 and Glasgow 2014, respectively. Her trophy cabinet also includes two European Championship medals: gold in London 2015 and bronze in Amstelveen 2017.Delhi SG Pipers women's team coach Dave Smolenaars expressed his delight at acquiring Owsley's services. "Losing Xan de Waard is a setback, but being able to replace her with a 2-time Olympic medal winner like Lily Owsley is a big relief," Smolenaars said. "She will bring in her experience, leadership, and high-speed play to help the team reach its potential."The Women's HIL, scheduled to commence on December 28, will feature four teams: Delhi SG Pipers, Odisha Warriors, Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Soorma Hockey Club. The tournament final will be held in Ranchi on February 1, 2023.Owsley's addition to the Delhi SG Pipers squad is expected to bolster their chances of success in the inaugural edition of the Women's HIL. Her experience, skill, and leadership will be invaluable assets to the team as they aim to make a mark in the tournament.

Lando Norris's triumph in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint race has narrowed Max Verstappen's lead in the Formula One drivers' championship to 45 points. The McLaren driver's victory, ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, marks his first career sprint race win.Norris took the lead on lap 22 after Piastri swapped positions with him. The Briton then held off a challenge from Verstappen, who will start Sunday's Grand Prix with a five-place grid penalty for an infringement of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) rules.Piastri, who finished second, praised the team's performance. "It was a great day for the team to score a lot of points," said the Australian. "We showed we are in decent shape."Verstappen, who had won the previous four sprint races this year, admitted that it was a "tricky race." "The pace was good, but it took quite a long time for me to pass Charles (Leclerc)," he said. "I had to wait for a mistake to pass him."McLaren's one-two finish lifted them 35 points clear of Ferrari in the constructors' championship. George Russell came home sixth for Mercedes, ahead of Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull.The race began in hot conditions, with the air temperature at 28 degrees Celsius and the track at 47 degrees. The two McLarens made a clean start, with Piastri covering off Norris while Leclerc resisted Verstappen's early attack for third.Norris was unhappy to be running behind Piastri and asked his team to request his teammate to move aside. However, it was not until lap 10 that Piastri was asked to "give Lando DRS" and switch places.Norris remained stuck in second in Piastri's "dirty air" until lap 22, when McLaren finally made the swap. Piastri was then vulnerable to Verstappen, who closed in on him before a VSC was deployed with two laps to go.Verstappen complained that Piastri was running too slowly under the VSC, but the race went "green" again for a final flying lap. Norris held on to win by 0.593 seconds, with Piastri 1.5 seconds ahead of Verstappen.