Name: Ministry restores control to WFI under Sanjay Singh's leadership
Uploaded: 2025-03-11T18:55:46.560+05:30
Duration: T00M31S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: The Ministry of Youth Affairs has lifted the suspension on WFI, reinstating Sanjay Singh. This marks an advancement in Indian sports management.

Josh Hazlewood’s stunning penultimate over powered RCB to their first home win of IPL 2025, eliminating Rajasthan Royals from playoff contention despite Jaiswal and Jurel’s resistance.

IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood's heroics secure RCB's first home win

Josh Hazlewood&rsquo;s stunning penultimate over powered RCB to their first home win of IPL 2025, eliminating Rajasthan Royals from playoff contention despite Jaiswal and Jurel&rsquo;s resistance.

The unrelenting Josh Hazlewood fashioned Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first win at home this IPL season with an extraordinary penultimate over as his team prevailed over Rajasthan Royals by 11 runs in a see-saw affair in Bengaluru on Thursday.
The defeat meant RR are out of the reckoning for a place in play-offs berth in the ongoing edition of the league. They have lost seven matches out of nine.
Coming on to bowl with RR needing 18 off 12 deliveries, Hazlewood (4/33) picked up two wickets in as many balls while giving away just one run, as the visitors were stopped at 194 for nine in a chase of 206 at a packed Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Hazlewood's heroics meant Yashasvi Jaiswal's (49 off 19 balls) blazing knock at the top of the order and Dhruv Jurel's (47 off 34 balls) valiant effort went in vain as RR suffered their fifth defeat on the trot.
This was after RCB star batter Virat Kohli (70 off 42 balls) and Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 27 balls) controlled the middle overs with a partnership of 95 for the second wicket.
Set a target of 206, RR's start was brutal with Jaiswal and 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi amassing 52 runs in 27 balls before the latter was bowled by a Bhuvneshwar Kumar knuckle ball after the teenager went for one too many, having hit two sixes in his 16-run knock.
Suryavanshi was RR's impact player.
Jaiswal, who began the RR innings with a six on the leg side off Bhuvneshwar, smashed Yash Dayal for 18 runs as the visitors started the chase in earnest.
The swashbuckling Jaiswal then went after Hazlewood and clobbered the experienced Australian pacer for three successive fours in an eventful over that also comprised three dot balls.
Not content with his punishment of Hazlewood, Jaiswal hit the Australian for two more fours and a six over the keeper.
However, after being taken to the cleaners, Hazlewood had the last laugh as he cut short Jaiswal's whirlwind stay when he crammed the batter for room and forced him to pull one straight to Romario Shepherd at mid-wicket.
RR, nevertheless, had raced to 72 for two by the end of power play as Riyan Parag (22 off 10 balls) walked into the middle.
Enduring an indifferent run of form, Parag looked in the mood on the night and smoked Suyash Sharma, RCB's impact sub, for a maximum over deep square-leg.
Parag, however, could not sustain it for long as Krunal Pandya put RCB ahead with the wicket of the stand-in skipper and Nitish Rana (28 off 22 balls).
Hazlewood accounted for the wicket of Shimron Hetmyer, as the game swung in favour of RCB with RR still needing quite a lot.
Earlier, on a sticky pitch where stroke-making was not easy, RCB were also well-served by Jitesh Sharma (20 not out off 10 balls) and Tim David (23 off 15 balls), who struck some lusty blows to take RCB past 200.
Batting first after losing their fourth toss at home this season, RCB were off to a decent start after an eventful first over by Jofra Archer, who conceded 11 runs, including bowling a 149.8km bumper that bounced over the keeper for a four.
There was drama in the second over too, as a diving Riyan Parag, leading RR in the absence of injured Sanju Samson, dropped Phil Salt (26 off 23 balls) at mid-off after getting both hands to the ball off the bowling of Fazalhaq Farooqi.
After getting a boundary off a thick inside edge, Kohli pulled Archer for a four to the deep square leg region.
With RR looking for their first breakthrough, medium pacer Tushar Deshpande was introduced into the attack, and Salt welcomed him with two boundaries on either side of the wicket.
Back on strike, Kohli flicked a Deshpande delivery that was asking to be punished for a boundary as RCB crossed 50 in the fifth over. With another lovely hit to the fence, off Sandeep Sharma, Kohli helped RCB finish the power play with 59 runs on the board.
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga gave RR their first breakthrough when he had Salt caught at deep mid-wicket after the batter got a leading edge as he shaped up to hoick the ball on the on-side.
Kohli got to his half-century in 32 balls, his fifth of the season and first at home, after collecting back-to-back fours off Sandeep.
At the other end, Padikkal was in his element as he kept scoring boundaries at will and was also helped by a drop catch by Deshpande in the deep off Hasaranga.
Kohli and Padikkal then started dealing in sixes against Parag and Deshpande, with the latter bowler being smashed for three maximums in the 15th over, which fetched RCB 22 runs.&nbsp;

Explore Tim Wigmore's 'Test Cricket: A History,' a rich and captivating narrative featuring exclusive interviews. Perfect for cricket enthusiasts, Wigmore's work covers 150 years of Test cricket history, from Bodyline to Bazball.

Test Cricket Insight of Tim Wigmore

Tim Wigmore's 'Test Cricket: A History' offers a rich narrative backed by exclusive interviews. Discover the essence and impact of Test cricket's 150-year history in this acclaimed volume, praised for its depth and readability.

Tim Wigmore's "Test Cricket: A History" delves into the sport's storied past with exclusive interviews and insightful narrative, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive understanding of Test cricket's impact.

A new book, "Test Cricket: A History" by author Tim Wigmore, tells the gripping story of the players and stories that have shaped the game's evolution since 1877.
The book, published by Hachette, features over 40 exclusive interviews with cricket greats including Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Pat Cummins, Michael Holding, Muthiah Muralidaran, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Chappell, and Dale Steyn.
"From Bodyline to Bazball, the golden age to the rise of West Indies, and Shane Warne to Ian Botham, readers will come to appreciate Test cricket's remarkable history like never before. A perfect single volume history for any cricket fan from an award-winning Telegraph cricket correspondent!" the publisher said in a statement.
The history of Test cricket is rich, stretching back nearly 150 years and forming the foundation of the modern game. The first official Test match was played between Australia and England from March 15&ndash;19, 1877 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) -- which was won by Australia.
Touted to be the definitive history of test cricket, the book brings to life both Test cricket on the pitch and the game's social significance around the world. It has received rave reviews from English historian David Kynaston.
"Wonderfully wide-focused, unfailingly readable and laced with passages of insightful analysis, Tim Wigmore&rsquo;s history of test cricket is a true tour de force," writes Kynaston in his praise for the book.
Wigmore's previously authored books include "Crickonomics", a Waterstones sports book of the year, and "Cricket 2.0: Inside the T20 Revolution", which won the Wisden Book of the Year and Daily Telegraph Cricket Book of the Year in 2020.
"Test Cricket" is available for purchase across online and offline stores.

Mumbai Indians secured their fourth consecutive win in IPL 2025, chasing down 144 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Rohit Sharma’s 70 led the charge, as MI won comfortably with 26 balls to spare. 

IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians dominate SRH with a seven-wicket victory

Mumbai Indians secured their fourth consecutive win in IPL 2025, chasing down 144 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s 70 led the charge, as MI won comfortably with 26 balls to spare.&nbsp;

A rampant Mumbai Indians rode on Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s (70) second consecutive fifty to pulverise a hapless Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets in their Indian Premier League match in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Mumbai Indians&rsquo; fourth win on the trot, which took them to the third spot from the earlier sixth on the points table, came after SRH posted a below-par 143/8 and Rohit making the most of the perfect batting conditions to score 70 off 46 balls (8x4s, 3x6s).
MI scored 146/3 in 15.4 overs to win the match with 26 balls to spare, with Suryakumar Yadav hitting a 19-ball 40 not out (5x4s, 2x6s).
The fate of the contest was all but sealed when SRH crumbled to 35/5 following an embarrassing collapse. Despite Heinrich Klaasen&rsquo;s 71 and Abhinav Manohar&rsquo;s 43, the hosts did not have enough runs on the board to challenge MI&rsquo;s batting might.
The five-time winners recorded their third consecutive win while chasing, having drubbed Chennai Super Kings by nine wickets last Sunday.
It was also their second win over SRH in the season, having beaten them by four wickets last week in Mumbai.
India&rsquo;s Test and ODI captain Rohit announced his intentions when he hoisted an off-cutter from Pat Cummins over deep square leg fence for a six and followed it up with a four in the third over.
On a flat and hard deck here, Rohit was quick to read the conditions, having come on to the field as an impact sub late in the second half.
When Jaydev Unadkat took the pace off the ball in the fourth over, Rohit was quick to pounce on it, lifting it powerfully over cover for his second six.
Having gone through a phase wherein he didn&rsquo;t look out of form yet big scores eluded him, Rohit blended defence and attack deftly for another high quality knock which shut the doors completely on SRH.
Earlier, Klaasen's measured 71 and Manohar's 43 rescued a listless SRH from a terrible start and guided them to 143/8.
Klaasen struck nine fours and two sixes for his 44-ball 71, putting on 99 runs for the sixth wicket with impact substitute Abhinav Manohar, who played a steady second fiddle with his 37-ball 43 (2x4s, 3x6s).
But it was a harrowing start for SRH who are placed second-last on the points table and face an uphill battle to keep themselves alive.
The lack of confidence was evident when SRH's top-order crumbled without any apparent pressure from the bowlers.
Instead of putting pressure on the MI bowlers, SRH presented a meek batting show, which was compounded by a reckless decision from Ishan Kishan (1) who walked back despite not having edged one behind the stumps.
Deepak Chahar's (2/12) ball drifted down the leg side, which the on-field umpire duly called a wide. But seeing Kishan walking back, he raised his finger.
Interestingly, neither the bowler nor MI wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton appealed for a caught behind.
The collapse began when Travis Head (0) threw his bat at a wide delivery on the off side from Trent Boult (4/26) to give catching practice to Naman Dhir at third man.
Abhishek Sharma (8), who hit a six to begin with, gave another simple catch to Vignesh Puthur off Boult, while Nitish Kumar Reddy played one straight to Mitchell Santner at mid-on for Chahar's second wicket.
The top order implosion saw last year's finalists crawling to an embarrassing 24 for four in the powerplay.
Aniket Verma and Klaasen steadied the ship for a while but SRH's misery continued when the former was bounced out by MI skipper Hardik Pandya.
Klaasen struck two fours and a six off Puthur in the 10th over and hit three more boundaries off Pandya in the next to give SRH some momentum, but MI bowlers kept a tight control in general to not let the burly South African get away.
Klaasen did not get much assistance from the other end as Manohar, sent as an impact substitute, crawled to one off seven balls before his first big hit.
Klaasen's resistance ended in the penultimate over when Jasprit Bumrah (1/39) had him caught by Tilak Varma for his 300th T20 wicket, while Manohar fell to Boult in the last.&nbsp;

India's cricket coach Gautam Gambhir receives death threats from ISIS-Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack. Gambhir takes immediate action, submitting an FIR with Delhi Police for his safety and vows justice for the victims.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir receives death threat via mail

India's cricket coach Gautam Gambhir receives death threats from ISIS-Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack. Gambhir takes immediate action, submitting an FIR with Delhi Police for his safety and vows justice for the victims.

India&rsquo;s cricket head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has reportedly received a disturbing death threat from the terror group "ISIS-Kashmir."&nbsp;
On April 22, Gambhir received two e-mails with the chilling message "IKillU" &mdash; one in the afternoon and another in the evening. The threat comes on the heels of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists.&nbsp;
The attack has been condemned nationwide, with Gambhir expressing his outrage and grief on social media, stating that the perpetrators will face justice.
In response to the threats, Gambhir swiftly took action on April 23 by approaching the Delhi Police. He submitted a formal request for the registration of a First Information Report (FIR), calling for urgent police intervention to ensure his safety and that of his family.&nbsp;
Gambhir also reached out to the SHO at Rajinder Nagar Police Station and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Central Delhi, urging them to take the necessary steps to protect his loved ones.
This latest threat is not the first time Gambhir has been targeted. Back in November 2021, he received a similar threat while serving as a Member of Parliament. However, this recent threat, following the Pahalgam massacre, is particularly concerning.
The timing of the threat is particularly troubling, given the national grief and concern surrounding the Pahalgam attack. Known for his outspoken stance on national security, Gambhir had condemned the terror attack the day after it occurred, expressing his condolences and fury on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, "Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike."
Following his proactive steps to involve the police, the Delhi Police have assured that they will take all necessary measures to ensure Gambhir&rsquo;s safety. Given his high-profile position as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, the threat has drawn widespread attention. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities promising swift action to protect Gambhir and his family.

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians will don black armbands as a tribute to Pahalgam attack victims. The match will omit cheerleaders and fireworks, highlighting respect.

Tribute to Pahalgam Attack Victims in SRH vs MI match

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians will wear black armbands to honor Pahalgam attack victims. The IPL match will proceed without cheerleaders or fireworks, underscoring respect and solidarity.

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians will honor Pahalgam attack victims by wearing black armbands and observing a minute's silence. The IPL match will proceed without cheerleaders or fireworks as a mark of respect.

The players of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians will wear black armbands during their IPL match which will not feature cheerleaders and fireworks here on Wednesday to mourn the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that caused 26 deaths.
The teams will also observe a minute's silence to pay their respects to those affected by the incident that has drawn international condemnation.
"The players of two teams will wear black armbands and observe a minute's silence in memory of all those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam," a BCCI source told PTI.
"As a mark of respect there would be no cheerleaders on the sidelines of MI vs SRH game. No crackers will be burst," he added.
Terrorists opened fire on civilians at the popular tourist location in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 persons and injuring several others.
The Resistance Front (TRF), which is a part of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack has drawn strong condemnation from across the world.
The Indian cricket team snapped bilateral cricket with Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and recently refused to tour the country for the Champions Trophy, prompting the ICC to make provisions for a neutral venue in Dubai.

Indian cricketer Shivam Dube pledges Rs 70,000 to 10 Tamil Nadu athletes, complementing TNSJA scholarship efforts to inspire young stars.

Shivam Dube will Support Tamil Nadu Athletes

Indian cricketer Shivam Dube pledges financial support to enhance existing scholarships for 10 Tamil Nadu athletes, encouraging young sports talent across disciplines.

Shivam Dube pledges Rs 70,000 each to 10 Tamil Nadu athletes, enhancing existing scholarships. This support aims to inspire young talent and encourage other states to follow suit.

In a heart-warming gesture, India all-rounder Shivam Dube on Tuesday promised to provide Rs 70,000 each to 10 budding athletes from Tamil Nadu.
Dube, who plays for Chennai Super Kings, made the touching decision during the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists&rsquo; Association&rsquo;s awards and scholarships function here.
Dube's reward was in addition to the scholarship of Rs 30,000 given by the TNSJA. &ldquo;When I was travelling from the team hotel to this venue, Dr Baba (TNCA secretary), told me that it was an effort to help some of the youngsters over here. So, this is truly encouraging for all the young athletes,&rdquo; said Dube during the function which was also attended by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan.
The cricketer, who was part of India&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2024 winning squad, said such awards, however small in nature, will work as an inspiration for young athletes to bring laurels to the country.
&ldquo;These small things provide them with the extra motivation to strive harder and bring pride to the nation. I have witnessed such initiatives in Mumbai, but I am not certain about other states. I will certainly tell other states also to initiate such programmes.
"This Rs 30,000 may seem like a small amount, but it serves as encouragement. When you are young, every penny and every award truly matters,&rdquo; added Dube, who was the chief guest during the function.
The talents who were awarded the scholarship were: PB Abhinandh (table tennis), KS Vhenisa Sree (archery), Muthumeena Vellasami (para athletics), Shameena Riaz (squash), Jayant RK, S Nandhana (both cricket), Kamali P (surfing), R Abinaya, RC Jithin Arjunan (both athletics), and A Takkshanth (chess).

Tensions rise as Rajasthan Royals reject allegations of match tampering and collusion made by RCA ad hoc committee convener Jaydeep Bihani following a narrow IPL 2025 loss.

Rajasthan Royals refute match-fixing allegations by RCA's Jaydeep Bihani

Tensions rise as Rajasthan Royals reject allegations of match tampering and collusion made by RCA ad hoc committee convener Jaydeep Bihani following a narrow IPL 2025 loss.

A fresh controversy has erupted between the Rajasthan Royals and the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) following comments made by Jaydeep Bihani, convener of the RCA's ad hoc committee, in the aftermath of the Royals' narrow 2-run defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025.&nbsp;
Bihani cast doubt on the legitimacy of the result, even implying the possibility of match tampering.
Reacting strongly to the allegations, the Rajasthan Royals have lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Minister, Sports Minister, and Sports Secretary, urging them to take appropriate action against Bihani.
Deep Roy, a senior official with the franchise, firmly denied the accusations, calling them &ldquo;false, baseless, and without any evidence.&rdquo;
Bihani&rsquo;s statement did not just question the outcome of the match&mdash;it went further, accusing the Rajasthan Royals, Rajasthan Sports Council, and the BCCI of working together to exclude the RCA&rsquo;s ad hoc committee from all IPL-related matters.
The Royals management responded with a firm rebuttal: &ldquo;We reject all allegations made by the convener of the ad hoc committee. Such public statements are not only misleading but have caused serious damage to the reputation and credibility of Rajasthan Royals, Royal Multi Sport Private Limited (RMPL), the Rajasthan Sports Council, and the BCCI. They also tarnish the integrity of cricket.&rdquo;
The franchise highlighted its long-standing association with both the state government and the cricketing authorities, pointing to nearly two decades of collaboration. They reaffirmed that all operations are in line with BCCI protocols, under which the Rajasthan Sports Council currently holds the rights to host IPL matches in Jaipur.
According to the Royals, the tournament is being managed in coordination with the Council and the BCCI, under the state government's oversight, to ensure its smooth execution. Meanwhile, Bihani emphasized that the RCA has a history of successfully hosting ICC-BCCI international fixtures in the state.
However, he accused the Sports Council of undermining the RCA&rsquo;s role, stating that &ldquo;The State Sports Council kept the RCA ad hoc committee away from organising the IPL. They did not even make accreditation cards for the members related to the event,&rdquo; and alleged that &ldquo;the Sports Council is conspiring against sports interests by keeping the ad hoc committee formed by the government away from the IPL match being held in Jaipur.&rdquo;

Harsha Bhogle addresses rumors linking his IPL absence to a CAB complaint, emphasizing pre-set schedules instead.

Harsha Bhogle Clarifies IPL Match Absence

Harsha Bhogle refutes claims of IPL absence due to CAB's complaint. He mentions his pre-scheduled commentary duties as the reason.

Harsha Bhogle dismisses rumors about his IPL absence, citing scheduled duties, not CAB's complaint over pitch criticism.

Noted commentator Harsha Bhogle has rejected speculation that he was kept away from the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans on Monday due to a complaint by the Cricket Association of Bengal, insisting that he was only empanelled for two games in Kolkata, which are over.
His clarification came a day after the CAB's letter to the BCCI, sent about 10 days ago by its secretary Naresh Ojha, was revealed in media reports. In the letter, the body asked for the removal of Bhogle and New Zealand's Simon Doull from the commentary panel for matches in Kolkata after they stated that the Eden Gardens pitch was not helping the local franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
"There are some inappropriate conclusions being drawn about why I wasn't at yesterday's game in Kolkata. Quite simply, it wasn't on the list of matches I was down to do!" Bhogle posted on 'X'.
"Asking me would have resolved the issue. Rosters are done before the tournament starts. I was rostered for two games in Kolkata. I was there for the first and an illness in the family prevented me from being at the 2nd," he added without specifying the games.
KKR played against Gujarat Titans at the Eden Gardens on Monday and lost by 39 runs.
Both KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane and head coach Chandrakant Pandit have demanded a more spin friendly track at the venue and expressed their frustration at not being given a track that suits their attack featuring Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine and Moeen Ali.
After the CAB threw its weight behind curator Sujan Mukherjee, Doull had suggested that KKR should look for a new base given that Mukherjee was not fulfilling the team's requirements.
Bhogle had also stated that KKR deserved to have the home advantage.

The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrated achievers like Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles. Real Madrid and Rafael Nadal were also among the honorees.

Mondo Duplantis Simone Biles Shine at Laureus Awards

At the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles were top honorees. Real Madrid won Team of the Year, and Rafael Nadal was honored for his tennis legacy.

In Madrid, Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles win top honors at the Laureus World Sports Awards. Real Madrid takes Team of the Year, and Rafael Nadal receives a special tribute.

Star pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, while American gymnast Simone Biles bagged the top women's honour at the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony here on Monday.
The 25-year-old Duplantis, regarded as the greatest pole vaulter of all time, was fourth-time lucky after being nominated in each of the past three years. He became only the second track-and-field athlete after four-time winner Usain Bolt to claim the prestigious award.
Duplantis won his second World Indoor Championship gold medal in March and broke his own world record for a remarkable ninth time in 2024 en route to Olympic gold in Paris.
The Swede-American gained more votes than Spain's Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis), France's L&eacute;on Marchand (Swimming), Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar (Cycling) and Netherlands' Max Verstappen (Motor Racing).
"I am incredibly honoured to have won my first Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award in the sporting capital of Madrid and to have the great Usain Bolt pay tribute to me..." he said.
Biles, who returned to action after a break, clinched three gold and one silver medal in a stunning comeback at the Paris Olympics to claim her fourth Laureus award -- equalling the record held by Serena Williams. Both the athletes also have one Comeback of the Year honour.
"I'm so happy to be here in Madrid and to receive my fourth Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award," said Biles, who topped the polls ahead of Spain's Aitana Bonmati (Football), Netherlands' Sifan Hassan (Athletics), Kenya's Faith Kipyegon (Athletics), USA's Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Athletics) and Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka (Tennis).
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade got the Comeback of the Year award for her inspirational return from a series of career-threatening injuries. Andrade, who contemplated quitting after three ACL injuries, made a triumphant return by winning gold in the floor exercise at the Paris Games.
"This beautiful Laureus Statuette represents a huge amount of hard work, of struggle and pain, and also great happiness," she said.
She surpassed Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant, USA's Caeleb Dressel (Swimming), Switzerland's Lara Gut-Behrami (Alpine Skiing), Spain's Marc Marquez (Motor Cycling) and Australian Ariarne Titmus (Swimming).
Real Madrid were adjudged Laureus World Team of the Year following a dominant campaign that saw them win La Liga for a record 36th time, clinch their 15th UEFA Champions League title, and defeat Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana.
They also lifted the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup early in the 2024-25 season, making Carlo Ancelotti the most decorated manager in the club's history.
Tennis great Rafael Nadal was conferred the Laureus Sporting Icon Award in a year he announced his retirement from professional tennis.
'Back in 2006 I won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award in Barcelona... Tennis and sports in general has given me so much...," Nadal said.
Tom Pidcock won the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award for his dramatic Olympic mountain bike cross country gold. After suffering a puncture, the British cyclist fought back to overtake home favourite Victor Koretsky in the final stages.
Pidcock became the fourth British cyclist to win the award after Jamie Bestwick (2014), Rachel Atherton (2017) and Beth Shriver (2022).
Paralympic swimmer Jiang Yuyan won the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award after claiming seven gold medals from as many events.
Teen football sensation Lamine Yamal received the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. The Spanish winger became the youngest player to score and feature in a European Championship final and was named the tournament's Best Young Player.
Kelly Slater, widely considered the greatest surfer of all time, received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award. Slater is a four-time winner of the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award and an 11-time World Surf League champion.
The full list of Winners is:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award: Mondo Duplantis Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Simone Biles Laureus World Team of the Year Award: Real Madrid Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Lamine Yamal Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award: Rebeca Andrade Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Jiang Yuyan Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Tom Pidcock Laureus Sport for Good Award: Kick4Life Laureus Sporting Icon Award: Rafael Nadal Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award: Kelly Slater.

Rajasthan Royals are under scrutiny after a narrow defeat to Lucknow Super Giants, with RCA's Jaideep Bihani alleging possible match-fixing.

IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals face match-fixing allegations after loss to LSG

Rajasthan Royals are under scrutiny after a narrow defeat to Lucknow Super Giants, with RCA's Jaideep Bihani alleging possible match-fixing.

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have landed in fresh controversy after a shocking two-run defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 36 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.&nbsp;
With nine runs required off the final over and six wickets in hand, the Sanju Samson-led side collapsed dramatically at their home ground in Jaipur, sparking allegations of foul play.
Jaideep Bihani, convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee, raised serious concerns over the nature of RR&rsquo;s defeat. In an interview with News18 Rajasthan, Bihani alleged that there may have been match-fixing involved.&nbsp;
He recalled the franchise&rsquo;s tainted history, referring to the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal that led to the arrest of players and a two-year suspension for the team due to betting charges involving co-owner Raj Kundra.
Bihani stated, &ldquo;On the home ground, how did they lose when requiring so few runs in the final over?&rdquo; He called on the BCCI and relevant investigative agencies to probe the match.
The controversy doesn't end there. Bihani also claimed that the Rajasthan Cricket Association was sidelined from IPL hosting duties under &ldquo;baseless excuses.&rdquo; According to him, although the BCCI initially sent the hosting correspondence to RCA, the Rajasthan Sports Council and Rajasthan Royals took over, citing a lack of a formal MoU with the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. He questioned the rationale: &ldquo;If MoU is not there, so what? Aren&rsquo;t you paying Sports Council for every match?&rdquo;
He added that the ad hoc committee, appointed by the state government, had received its fifth extension due to successful administration. &ldquo;During our tenure, we&rsquo;ve conducted all competitions successfully right from the district level to the national level. However, as soon as the time for hosting IPL came, the Sports Council took control of it,&rdquo; Bihani said.
This is not the first time RR has choked under pressure this season. In another earlier match against Delhi Capitals, the Royals failed to score nine runs in the last over despite having seven wickets in hand and eventually lost in a Super Over. Following four consecutive defeats, they now sit eighth in the points table, with just two wins from eight matches and four points overall.
Their most recent defeat on April 19 in Jaipur also witnessed a significant IPL moment&mdash;14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his debut, becoming the youngest player in the history of the league. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson was absent due to injury, and is expected to miss the next fixture as well.
Under the guidance of head coach Rahul Dravid, RR now faces mounting pressure both on and off the field. They will next take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 24 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

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The Ministry of Youth Affairs has lifted the suspension on WFI, reinstating Sanjay Singh. This marks an advancement in Indian sports management.

Ministry Lifts WFI Suspension, Restores Leadership

Youth Affairs Ministry reinstates WFI, allowing Sanjay Singh to resume control after a comprehensive review, advancing sports management.

Ministry restores control to WFI under Sanjay Singh's leadership

Ministry reinstates WFI under Sanjay Singh after review, revoking December 2023 suspension for sports advancement.

In a recent development, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), restoring full control to its president, Sanjay Singh.
Singh, known to be a close associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP MP facing allegations of sexual harassment from women athletes, will now oversee the federation's operations.
This decision reverses an earlier directive from December 24, 2023, when the ministry had suspended the WFI and appointed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish an ad-hoc committee for managing the federation&rsquo;s daily functions.
The ministry's action to reinstate WFI leadership comes after a thorough review by the Spot Verification Committee.
Based on their findings and the compliance steps the WFI has undertaken, coupled with a focus on advancing Indian sports and supporting athletes, the ministry decided to revoke the suspension.

The Pahalgam attack impacts India-Pakistan ties and cricket diplomacy. BCCI opposes series amid tensions, aligning with government policy.

Pahalgam Attack and India-Pakistan Cricket Relations

Terror attack in Kashmir affects Indo-Pak cricket relations. BCCI denounces violence, adhering to the govt's no bilateral series policy.

The Pahalgam attack heightened Indo-Pak tensions, affecting cricket. BCCI confirms ongoing ICC participation but no bilateral series, condemning the attack.

In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, the international community, including sports organizations, have voiced their condemnation.
This brutal act was executed by a faction linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeting a group of unsuspecting tourists in Baisaran's scenic meadows. It has resulted in heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with implications extending to the realm of cricket.
For the past decade, India and Pakistan have only faced each other in ICC (International Cricket Council) and continental events, with their last bilateral cricket series taking place in the 2012-13 season. Matches between these two nations consistently attract large audiences globally, and they frequently end up in the same group at ICC and continental tournaments to maximize viewership. Following the Pahalgam attack, there were speculative reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requested the ICC to avoid placing India and Pakistan in the same group for upcoming global events like the World Cup and Champions Trophy.
However, a report from Cricbuzz refuted this claim, with a senior BCCI official stating that such reports were unfounded. "BCCI authorities are sensitive to the prevailing national mood, but there is no truth to these speculations," the official remarked.
This year does not feature any major ICC events for men's cricket. The Women's World Cup is scheduled to take place in India from September to October, with Pakistan having qualified to participate at a neutral venue, according to prior agreements. Meanwhile, India is set to host the men's Asia Cup, which will also be held at a neutral location.
The BCCI has reiterated its position regarding cricketing ties with Pakistan. "We stand with the victims and condemn the attack. We will adhere to the government's stance, which prevents bilateral series against Pakistan. In ICC events, we participate due to ongoing engagements," stated Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the BCCI, during an interview with Sports Tak. He emphasized that ICC is cognizant of the current circumstances.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also conveyed his sympathies regarding the attack. "The cricket community is deeply shocked by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. On behalf of the BCCI, we condemn this heinous act and extend our condolences to the affected families. We stand united with them during this difficult time," Saikia expressed.
The tragedy has underscored the already complex relationship between the neighboring countries, impacting both geopolitical and sporting dimensions.

MS Dhoni to play his 400th T20 match as CSK faces SRH. Both teams need a win in this high-stakes IPL 2023 clash.

400th T20 Match of MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni set to play 400th T20 match with CSK against SRH in IPL. Crucial game as both teams are near elimination.

MS Dhoni to achieve 400th T20 match milestone as CSK battles SRH. Both teams face high stakes in crucial IPL clash.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni is poised to mark a significant milestone in his illustrious career by playing his 400th T20 match during the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic Chepauk Stadium this Friday. Both teams find themselves in challenging positions as CSK, with only two wins out of eight matches, is currently at the bottom of the leaderboard. Meanwhile, SRH is not faring much better, occupying the ninth position with six losses in eight games. The stakes are high for both teams, as the loser is likely to be at the receiving end of the wooden spoon and face an increased risk of elimination.
Remarkably, Dhoni will become the 24th player to reach the 400-match milestone in T20 cricket and only the fourth Indian to do so, joining the elite company of Virat Kohli (407 matches), Dinesh Karthik (412 matches), and Rohit Sharma.
Over his 399 T20 matches, encompassing stints with India, CSK, Rising Pune Supergiant, and his domestic team of Jharkhand, Dhoni has amassed 7,566 runs at an average of 38.02. His accomplishments include 28 half-centuries, with a top score of 84*, and he has completed 318 dismissals.
Dhoni's career is decorated with significant triumphs, including leading India to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, securing five IPL titles with CSK, and clinching two Champions League T20 titles with the "Men in Yellow."
Globally, West Indies' Kieron Pollard holds the record for the most T20 matches played (695), followed by Dwayne Bravo (582) and Pakistan's Shoaib Malik (557).
In IPL history, Dhoni stands as the sixth-highest run-getter, having scored 5,377 runs in 272 matches and 237 innings, boasting an average of 38.96 with 24 half-centuries. His personal best is an unbeaten 84.
In the current IPL season, Dhoni continues to wield his bat effectively as a finisher, scoring 134 runs across eight innings. He maintains an impressive average of 33.50, a strike rate of 152.27, and a top score of 30*.
As he gears up for his 400th match, all eyes will be on Dhoni, hoping he can inspire CSK in what promises to be a crucial encounter.
Remarkably, Dhoni will become the 24th player to reach the 400-match milestone in T20 cricket and only the fourth Indian to do so, joining the elite company of Virat Kohli (407 matches), Dinesh Karthik (412 matches), and Rohit Sharma.
Over his 399 T20 matches, encompassing stints with India, CSK, Rising Pune Supergiant, and his domestic team of Jharkhand, Dhoni has amassed 7,566 runs at an average of 38.02. His accomplishments include 28 half-centuries, with a top score of 84*, and he has completed 318 dismissals.
Dhoni's career is decorated with significant triumphs, including leading India to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, securing five IPL titles with CSK, and clinching two Champions League T20 titles with the "Men in Yellow."
Globally, West Indies' Kieron Pollard holds the record for the most T20 matches played (695), followed by Dwayne Bravo (582) and Pakistan's Shoaib Malik (557).
In IPL history, Dhoni stands as the sixth-highest run-getter, having scored 5,377 runs in 272 matches and 237 innings, boasting an average of 38.96 with 24 half-centuries. His personal best is an unbeaten 84.
In the current IPL season, Dhoni continues to wield his bat effectively as a finisher, scoring 134 runs across eight innings. He maintains an impressive average of 33.50, a strike rate of 152.27, and a top score of 30*.
As he gears up for his 400th match, all eyes will be on Dhoni, hoping he can inspire CSK in what promises to be a crucial encounter.

High-stakes IPL match as Shreyas Iyer returns to Eden Gardens with Punjab Kings, facing off against his former team KKR. Punjab aims to cement a playoff spot, while KKR fights for consistency.

PBKS led by Shreyas Iyer to play against KKR at Eden Gardens

In a crucial IPL encounter, Shreyas Iyer returns to Eden Gardens with Punjab Kings to face his former team KKR. Punjab is keen on securing a playoff spot under Iyer's leadership, while KKR strives for consistency in their home ground performance.

Shreyas Iyer returns to Eden Gardens leading Punjab Kings against his former team KKR. Punjab aims to secure a playoff berth, with Iyer in top form. KKR's inconsistency and home pitch challenges complicate their playoff quest.

The man who led them to glory just a season ago could now stand in the way of Kolkata Knight Riders' playoff qualification when the side hosts the Shreyas Iyer-led revamped Punjab Kings in a high-stakes IPL clash here at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Twelve months ago, Iyer had led KKR to their first IPL title in a decade. On Saturday, he returns in opposition colours, at the helm of a rejuvenated Punjab side chasing a playoff spot.
Let go by KKR in one of the most surprising off-season moves, Iyer has found both comfort and purpose in Punjab Kings.
Reuniting with his old Delhi Capitals mentor Ricky Ponting, the duo has steadied PBKS into the top five of the table with five wins from eight games.
The partnership has given Iyer the space to lead confidently and he has tallied 263 runs with three half-centuries so far. However, he comes into the weekend game, carrying three single digit scores.
Saturday offers him the perfect chance to make a statement -- much like KL Rahul did the other against his former franchise Lucknow Super Giants with a composed 57 not out.
Iyer too could have a Rahul-like moment under the Eden lights.
KKR, on the other hand, are in desperate need of momentum.
With five defeats in eight matches, another stumble could tighten their already narrow path to the playoffs.
Their top-order remains unsettled, the middle-order erratic, and the spin attack ineffective on a surface they once called their fortress.
KKR's middle-order trio of Russell, Rinku and Ramandeep has failed to deliver the finishing punch this season, prompting calls for a shake-up.
The team may be forced to bring in Caribbean all-rounder Rovman Powell, whose power-hitting and handy pace can add much-needed spark and balance.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi, one of the few bright spots in KKR's batting, might once again look to negotiate the tricky phase when the likes of Arshdeep Singh (Punjab's leading wicket-taker with 11 scalps) and Yuzvendra Chahal operate.
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane too will be under the scanner, having anchored the innings well at times but struggled to shift gears and finish games.
He will be wary of Yuzvendra Chahal, who dismantled KKR in their demoralising 95 all-out collapse only last week by claiming the wickets of Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh in a devastating spell.
With Marco Jansen providing the early menace and new find Nehal Wadhera managing tidy finishes, PBKS certainly look a more confident and well-rounded outfit.
For KKR's bowling unit, Harshit Rana's duel with PBKS opener Priyansh Arya could set the tone. Arya smashed a century against Chennai Super Kings earlier this season.
Despite their troubles, KKR are, however, still alive in the playoffs race.
Winning five of their remaining six games could be sufficient, but anything less would leave them dependent on other results.
For this to happen, KKR must fix their home record, which is just one win from four matches here.
The much-publicised friction with Eden curator Sujan Mukherjee over pitch preparations has drawn unwanted attention and debates over spin-friendly surfaces, fairness, and even calls from commentators to consider shifting base.
Despite it being slow and grippy, which is exactly what KKR wanted, Sunil Narine has taken just two wickets at the Eden. Varun Chakravarthy (4) has been marginally better, while Moeen Ali has failed to strike in two matches.
Teams (from): &nbsp;
KKR: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia, Venkatesh Iyer, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy and Chetan Sakariya.
PBKS: Shreyas Iyer (c), Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Harpreet Brar, Vishnu Vinod, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Josh Inglis, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen, Pyla Avinash, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, Harnoor Pannu, Aaron Hardie, Priyansh Arya, Azmatullah Omarzai.
Match starts: 7.30pm.

Neeraj Chopra faces criticism after inviting Arshad Nadeem, post-Pahalgam attack. He emphasizes India's interests.

Neeraj Chopra Faces Backlash for Nadeem Invite

Neeraj Chopra faces heavy criticism after inviting Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem. Following Pahalgam terror attack, his decision sparked backlash.

Neeraj Chopra faced criticism for inviting Arshad Nadeem to an event. He emphasized loyalty to India post-terror attack.

Indian javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra on Friday said he has been bombarded with "hate and abuse" for inviting Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem to next month's NC Classic in Bengaluru, clarifying that the Olympic champion's presence was "completely out of question" in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Tokyo Olympics gold-medallist and Paris Games silver-winning star from Haryana said he was deeply hurt to see his and his family's integrity being questioned in abusive social media posts.
Chopra invited Nadeem, who defeated the Indian in Paris last year to win gold, for the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic to be held in Bengaluru on May 24.
"After all that has taken place over the last 48 hours, Arshad's presence at the NC Classic was completely out of the question. My country and its interests will always come first," Chopra, who is a Subedar Major in the Indian Army, said in a lengthy post on 'X'.
"To those that are going through the loss of their people, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Along with the entire nation, I am both hurt and angry at what has taken place," said Chopra.
"I am confident that our country's response will show our strength as a nation and justice will be served," he added.
Nadeem had declined to come citing other commitments.
The 27-year-old Chopra said he is well aware of the chatter surrounding his invitation to Nadeem after the Pahalgam attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were gunned down by terrorists.
"...most of it has been hate and abuse. They haven't even left my family out of it," said Chopra.
"I usually am a man of few words, but that doesn't mean I will not speak up against what I think is wrong. More so when it comes to questioning my love for our country, and the respect and honour of my family," he wrote.
Chopra said invites for NC Classic were sent out on Monday, a day before the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.
"The invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another -- nothing more, nothing less. The aim of NC Classic was to bring the best athletes to India and for our country to be the home of world-class sporting events.
"Invites had gone out to all athletes on Monday, two days (sic) before the terrorist attacks at Pahalgam," he added.
Chopra also highlighted the targetting of his mother, Saroj, for her statement after the Paris Games last year in which she described Nadeem as akin to her son.
"I also find it difficult to understand how people switch opinions. When my mother - in her simplicity - had made an innocent comment a year ago, there was an outpouring of praise for her views.
"Today, the same people haven't held back from targeting her for that very same statement." "I, meanwhile, will work even harder to ensure that the world remembers India and looks at it with envy and respect for all the right reasons." One of India's most decorated athletes, Chopra said he has represented the country with pride for several years.
"...so it hurts to see my integrity being questioned. It pains me that I have to explain myself to people who are targeting me and my family, with no good reason," he wrote.
"We are simple people, please don't make us out to be anything else. There are so many false narratives that certain sections of the media have created around me, but just because I do not speak up, it doesn't make it true."

MS Dhoni will celebrate his 400th T20 match milestone in an IPL game against SRH. As both teams struggle in standings, this match could determine crucial movements for CSK and SRH.

MS Dhoni to mark 400th T20 appearance in CSK vs SRH clash at Chepauk

MS Dhoni is set to reach his 400th T20 match in the IPL against SRH. This landmark game is crucial for CSK, as both teams sit low in standings and seek a win to improve their position.

MS Dhoni all set to play 400th T20 of his career during the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against SRH at Chepauk Stadium

India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni will be playing the 400th T20 of his career during the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Chepauk Stadium on Friday.
&nbsp;
Dhoni's struggling CSK, sitting at the bottom with just two wins in eight matches, will be taking on SRH, placed at an equally poor position at number ninth, with six losses in their eight matches at Chepauk Stadium on Friday.
&nbsp;
The loser will have to settle for the wooden spoon and an increased risk of elimination. Dhoni will become the 24th player and the only fourth Indian after Virat Kohli (407), Dinesh Karthik (412) and Rohit Sharma to complete a quadruple century of matches in T20 cricket.
In 399 matches so far, for India, Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant and his domestic side of Jharkhand, Dhoni has made 7,566 runs at an average of 38.02, with 28 fifties and the best score of 84*.
He has also completed 318 dismissals across these matches. Dhoni has also won a T20 World Cup for India in 2007, five IPL titles with CSK and two Champions League T20 titles as well with the Men in Yellow.
The most number of matches in T20s are played by West Indies icon Kieron Pollard (695), followed by West Indies veteran Dwayne Bravo (582) and Pakistan batter Shoaib Malik (557). Dhoni is also the sixth-highest run-getter in the IPL history, with 5,377 runs in 272 matches and 237 innings at an average of 38.96, with 24 fifties.
His best score is 84*. In eight matches this season, Dhoni has functioned as a finisher, scoring 134 runs in eight innings at an average of 33.50, a strike rate of 152.27, and the best score of 30*.

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