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Alcaraz defends title; Swiatek clinches women’s crown

Carlos Alcaraz arrived at Indian Wells full of doubt about his twisted right ankle. He’s leaving as a two-time champion. He defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (5), 6-1 for the second straight year in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday, earning his first title since winning Wimbledon last year. Iga Swiatek beat Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-0 in just over an hour to win the women’s title, with Swiatek losing just 21 games in six matches during the 12-day tournament, an average of 3.5 games per match. Also Read: IOA dissolves ad-hoc committee for wrestling Alcaraz sprained his ankle at the Rio Open in late February. His first practice at Indian Wells lasted 30 minutes without any movement. His first practice with his fellow pros “was really tough for me,” he said in a Tennis Channel interview. Alcaraz outlasted Jannik Sinner in a three-set semi-final after needing three sets to get out of his second-round match. “After every match I was feeling better,” Alcaraz said. “I was getting more confident after every match. Winning a Master 1000 again, a really important tournament to win, gives you motivation to keep going.” Swiatek improved to 20-2 this year, with her wins leading the WTA Tour. Swiatek raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set. Sakkari recovered to win three straight games, including a break of Swiatek. She served a love game to tie it, 4-4. Swiatek lost just two points on her serve the rest of the set, wrapping it up with a forehand winner in the corner. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 March,2024 08:06 AM IST | Indian Wells | AP | PTI
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IOA dissolves ad-hoc committee for wrestling

The Indian Olympic Association on Monday dissolved the ad-hoc committee for wrestling, saying “there is no further need” for it to continue after revocation of the suspension on the national federation, which now gets complete administrative control of the sport. Also Read: Sen, PV lead India’s challenge at Swiss Open This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 March,2024 08:04 AM IST | New Delhi | PTI
Lakshya Sen

Sen, PV lead India’s challenge at Swiss Open

Star Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen is expected to continue his purple patch, while two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will strive to regain top form at the Swiss Open Super 300 tournament, beginning here on Tuesday. Also Read: Akhil, Anish win gold; India bag six medals After first-round losses at the Malaysia Super 1000 and India Super 750 earlier this year, Sen has gained momentum. The 22-year-old enters the USD 210,000 tournament. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 March,2024 08:02 AM IST | Basel (Switzerland) | PTI
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Akhil, Anish win gold; India bag six medals

Paris Olympics quota winners Akhil Sheoran and Anish Bhanwala won a gold medal each as Indian shooters ended their Polish Grand Prix campaign with six medals. Also Read: Violence after Turkish Super Lig match is absolutely unacceptable: Infantino Sheoran won gold in the men’s 50m rifle 3-positions Match 2 with a record score of 468.4. Bhanwala won gold in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol at the Jozef Zapedzki Grand Prix held simultaneously. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 March,2024 08:00 AM IST | New Delhi | PTI
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Age group chess, a success at Parel

The Mumbai Children’s Age Group Chess Championship 2024 Session 2, organised by South Mumbai Chess Academy (SMCA), concluded at JBCN International School, Parel on Saturday. Also Read: Vikramaditya Kulkarni emerges chess champ The championship witnessed the participation of around 200 players across Mumbai. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar presented trophies and medals to the outstanding achievers of the championship.

19 March,2024 07:40 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
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Vikramaditya Kulkarni emerges chess champ

In the title match that pitted youthful vigour against seasoned expertise, IM Vikramaditya Kulkarni, 42, triumphed over Guru Prakash, 16,  in the final leg for his second successive title in the Rs 2.50 lakh prize money 360 One Wealth All India Grand Prix Chess Series. Also Read: Group Satellite CC clinch Insurance Shield title Vikramaditya earned Rs 50,000 in prize money while Prakash, despite a valiant effort, finished in fifth place, earning a prize of Rs 15,000. Amaya Roy, 9, was celebrated as the tournament’s best female player.

19 March,2024 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh (Pic: AFP)

From allegations, polls to suspension, lifting of ban, dissolve of ad-hoc panel

Mid-Day presents a WFI timeline of the chain of events leading up to the IOA dissolving its ad-hoc panel overseeing the federation on Monday. The WFI timeline charts all the important events dating back from January 18, 2023 when the wrestlers began their protest at Jantar Mantar to the suspension of the Sanjay Singh-led WFI panel which was elected on December 21 and IOA's subsequent decision to dissolve its ad-hoc panel on the directives of world body (UWW). Jan. 18: Wrestlers begin protest at Jantar Mantar, accuse WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan of sexual exploitation and intimidation, demand his resignation and dissolution WFI. Jan 20: Wrestlers write to IOA president PT Usha, demand the formation of an inquiry committee to probe the allegations against Brij Bhushan. IOA forms a seven-member committee, including MC Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt, to probe the allegations of sexual harassment. Jan 21: Wrestlers call off protest after meeting sports minister Anurag Thakur. Sports minister declares formation of an Oversight Committee to probe the allegations. Brij Bhushan asked to step aside till the probe is completed. Jan 23: Ministry forms 5-member Oversight Committee, led by Mary Kom, to look into the allegations. OC given 4 weeks to complete probe. Jan 24: Protesting wrestlers express disappointment that they were not consulted by the government on the choice of the OC members. Apr 16: WFI announces election on May 7 after the OC's report is submitted to the Sports Ministry. Report not made public. Apr 23: Wrestlers return to Jantar Mantar, say seven female wrestlers, including a minor, have filed a sexual harassment complaint against Brij Bhushan. Wrestlers urge Sports Ministry to make OC's findings public. Also Read: Drama at wrestling trials: Vinesh Phogat doesn't let bouts start in two categories Apr 24: Ministry stalls May 7 WFI elections. Asks IOA to constitute an ad-hoc body to conduct the polls within 45 days of its formation. Apr 25: Wrestlers move SC seeking registration of FIR against Brij Bhushan. SC issues notice to Delhi police. Apr 27: Formation of 3-member panel by IOA. May 3: Scuffle breaks out between the wrestlers and Delhi Police, leading to head injuries to a couple of protesters. Protesters accuse "drunk officials of manhandling" them and "misbehaving" with the female wrestlers. May 4: SC closes proceedings on a plea by 3 women wrestlers, who levelled sexual harassment charges after noting that FIRs have been registered and the 7 complainants have been provided adequate security. May 5: Delhi police record statements of wrestlers, who have filed complaints of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan. May 10: Wrestlers challenge Brij Bhushan to take NARCO test. May 11: Police records Brij Bhushan's statement. May 28: Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, along with other protesters, booked for rioting and obstructing public servant in discharge of duty, while they attempt to march towards the new Parliament. May 30: The IOC and UWW condemn the police's handling and detention of the Indian wrestlers, calling it "very disturbing." Wrestlers arrive in Haridwar to immerse medals. June 7: Wrestlers halt protest after Thakur assures them that police investigation against Brij Bhushan would be concluded and the pending WFI elections would be conducted by June 30. June 12: IOA appoints former J&K High Court Chief Justice Mahesh Mittal Kumar as returning officer. June 13: WFI election scheduled for July 6. Jun 15: Delhi Police files charge sheet before court. Jun 19: IOA ad-hoc panel calls five disaffiliated state units for hearing on June 21. Jun 21: The IOA ad-hoc panel reschedules WFI elections to July 11 after five disaffiliated state bodies, seeking voting rights for the polls, present their cases in hearing. June 22: The IOA ad-hoc panel reduces Asian Games and World Championship selection to a one-bout contest for six protesting wrestlers. June 23: Several coaches, parents of wrestlers demand withdrawal of exemption given to six wrestlers. June 25: The Gauhati HC stays WFI elections, scheduled for July 11, on a petition filed by the Assam WA. Jul 18: Delhi court grants interim bail to Brij Bhushan. Bajrang and Vinesh get direct entries into the Asian Games. Jul 19: WFI election scheduled for August 7. Jul 20: Many junior wrestlers, their parents and coaches reach IOA headquarters, demand withdrawal of exemption granted to Vinesh and Bajrang. WFI election rescheduled for August 12. Aug 11: Punjab and Haryana HC stay WFI elections scheduled for August 12, following a petition filed by the Haryana WA. Aug 23: UWW suspends WFI for not conducting its elections on time. Dec 5: WFI elections scheduled on December 21. Dec 21: Sanjay Singh, a Brij Bhushan loyalist, elected as new WFI chief. Dec 21: Bajrang and Sakshi hold press conference where the latter announces retirement. Dec 22: Bajrang returns Padma Shri in protest against Sanjay Singh's election. Dec 24: Sports Ministry suspends WFI till further orders after the newly-elected body announces holding the U-15 and U-20 nationals "without giving sufficient notice to wrestlers". Feb 13: UWW lifts the provisional suspension on India but directs WFI to provide written guarantees that there would be no discriminatory action against Bajrang, Vinesh and Sakshi. Mar 9: The Delhi HC bars WFI from holding trials. It directs ad-hoc panel to hold trials and select the teams for the Asian Wrestling Championships and the World Olympic qualifiers. Mar 18: The IOA dissolves the ad-hoc committee for wrestling.  (With agency inputs)

18 March,2024 08:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Gold medallist India's Neeraj Chopra (L) shakes hands with bronze medallist Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem during the victory ceremony at the 2018 Asian Games (Pic: AFP)

'Can’t be that he doesn’t have the means to buy a javelin': Chopra on Nadeem

They have been known for their bonhomie and camaraderie off the pitch. They may be fierce competitors but have a healthy respect for each other. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and India’s Neeraj Chopra are javelin superstars in their own right and a symbol of perfect friendship. Both Nadeem and Chopra are getting ready for the upcoming outdoor season. While Chopra is currently training in Turkey, the 27-year-old Nadeem’s preparations have hit a ‘snag’. The Pakistani recently said he is struggling to acquire an international standard javelin for many years and has been “using one for the past seven to eight years.” Chopra, the world and defending Olympic champion, is rather surprised to hear this. In an exclusive chat with SAI Media recently, Chopra, who competed with Nadeem in the world athletics championships in Budapest last year, said, “It is hard to believe that he has been struggling to get a new javelin. Given his credentials, this should not be a big issue at all.” Arshad Nadeem, who finished second behind Chopra in Budapest, was recently quoted in the media, saying: “It has now got to a stage where the javelin is damaged and I have asked the national federation and my coach to do something about it before the Paris Olympics. When I started off in 2015, competing in international events I got this javelin … for an international athlete aiming to win a medal in the Olympic Games, you need proper equipment and training facilities.” Chopra, whose entire training and international tours are funded by the Indian sports ministry’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme, feels that Nadeem is the pride of Pakistan and must be supported. Also Read: Gulveer shatters 16-year national record in 10000m With a 90.18m throw, Arshad Nadeem had created a new javelin throw record at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham to finish on top of the podium. It ended Pakistan’s 60-year wait for a CWG gold medal. “It can’t be that he (Arshad) doesn’t have the means to buy a javelin. He is a champion and must be doing some brand endorsements. I reckon he has earned a bit of money too. But having said that, his government can look at Arshad’s need and support him just like how my government is doing so. Additionally, Arshad is top javelin thrower and I believe that the javelin makers will be more than happy to sponsor him and provide what he wants. This is a piece of advice from my side,” said Chopra. If all goes well, the javelin competition at the upcoming Paris Olympics could see a strong Asian field. Chopra and Kishore Jena will spearhead India while Nadeem, who finished fifth in the Tokyo Olympics, will hope to replicate another 90 metre-plus throw in Paris and pose a serious threat to a sport usually dominated by Europeans. In December 2022, the Pakistani had a serious elbow operation in UK. Last year, Nadeem had a niggling knee operation done and skipped the Hangzhou Asian Games where Chopra won the gold. The outdoor javelin season starts with the Doha leg of the Diamond League in May. (With inputs from SAI) 

18 March,2024 06:10 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Christian Horner

Red Bull’s female employee lodges complaint against Horner with FIA

The female Red Bull employee at the centre of allegations against Christian Horner has lodged an official complaint to Formula 1’s governing body the FIA, the BBC reported on Saturday. Also Read: Alcaraz sets up final clash with Medvedev Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Red Bull’s embattled team principal have overshadowed the opening weeks of the 2024 F1 season. Horner was cleared of wrongdoing by an internal investigation carried out by Red Bull’s parent company last month. However, the saga has not ended there as an anonymous email was sent to Formula One staff and media the next day containing alleged messages from Horner to a female member of the team.  Red Bull then suspended the employee at the centre of the allegations. However, she has now appealed that suspension with Red Bull GmbH. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

18 March,2024 08:00 AM IST | London | AFP
Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev

Alcaraz sets up final clash with Medvedev

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz handed Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner his first defeat of 2024 on Saturday to set up an Indian Wells final against Daniil Medvedev.  Alcaraz’s 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory ended Sinner’s 19-match winning streak, including a 16-0 start to the year, and ensures Alcaraz will remain No. 2 in the world rankings next week. Also Read: Gulveer shatters 16-year national record in 10000m “To be able to end something like this, it’s incredible for me,” Spain’s Alcaraz said of busting the Italian’s streak. Sunday’s final against fourth-seeded Russian Medvedev is a repeat of last year’s championship decider.  Medvedev also had to fight back in a 1-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory over 17th-ranked American Tommy Paul. In the final he’ll be out to thwart Alcaraz’s bid to become the first repeat Indian Wells ATP champion since Novak Djokovic won three straight titles from 2014-2016. Alcaraz and Sinner’s semi-final was disrupted by a three-hour rain delay at 2-1 in the first set but proved worth the wait as the 20-something stars put on a show. “Matches with Jannik are always special,” Alcaraz said. “We know we have to play at our highest level to win. We have to put magic on the court, unbelievable points and for the crowd it is also wonderful.”  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

18 March,2024 07:58 AM IST | Indian Wells | AFP
Gulveer Singh

Gulveer shatters 16-year national record in 10000m

Asian Games bronze medallist athlete Gulveer Singh shattered a 16-year-old national record in the men’s 10000m to finish second in his heat at The Ten in San Juan Capistrano in California. The 25-year-old clocked 27.41.81 on Saturday to better the earlier national mark of 28:02.89 by over 20 seconds that stood in Surendra Singh’s name since 2008. Also Read: Archer Deepika tops trials for World Cup, Oly However, Gulveer’s effort was not enough for Olympic qualification as he missed the Paris Games qualification time of 27:00.00 by over 41 seconds. The other Indian in the heat, Kartik Kumar finished ninth in the race with a timing of 28:01.90, which was also better than Surendra’s earlier national record. Avinash Sable, who was competing in the same event, did not finish (DNF) his heat, pulling out of the race in the 15th lap at the 6000m mark. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

18 March,2024 07:56 AM IST | New Delhi | PTI
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