NEW DELHI: Former Jharkhand chief minister andJMMleaderChampai Sorenwill join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on August 30 in Ranchi, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Himanta shared a picture of Soren meeting with Union home ministerAmit Shah."Former chief minister of Jharkhand and a distinguished Adivasi leader of our country, Champai Soren Ji met Hon'ble Union Home MinisterAmitShah Ji a short while ago.He will officially join the BJP on 30th August in Ranchi," Himanta said in his post on 'X'.Champai Soren briefly served as Jharkhand's 12th chief minister, taking office on February 2 afterHemant Sorenwas arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering case. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) had chosen Champai over Hemant's wife, Kalpana Soren, to lead the state. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he stepped down less than a week after Hemant Soren was released on bail on June 28.On August 18, feeling sidelined within his party, Champai Soren publicly expressed his dissatisfaction. He shared on social media how he was marginalized within the JMM and was abruptly asked to resign as chief minister. He also alleged that all his government programs scheduled in early July were canceled without his knowledge."After so much insult and contempt, I was forced to look for an alternative path. With a heavy heart, I said in a meeting of the legislative party that - 'A new chapter of my life is going to start from today'. I had three options in this. First, to retire from politics, second, to form my own separate organisation and third, if I find a companion on this path, then to travel further with him. From that day till today, and till the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, all options are open for me in this journey," Champai Soren had said in a post on X.

NEW DELHI: TheUEFA Champions League, also considered the pinnacle of European clubfootball, has introduced a significant format overhaul for the current season, marking the most substantial changes since 2003.This transformation aims to cater to the desires of Europe's elite clubs for more games, increased competition, and, consequently, a substantial rise in prize money.The revised structure now features a 36-team league phase, replacing the traditional group stage, and introduces a minimum of eight matches for each team, up from six, with the competition extending into January for the first time.Financially, the stakes have never been higher, with a prize money pool that has surged by at least 25% to a minimum of 2.5 billion euros.This increase not only reflects the expanded format but also the growing commercial appeal of the competition.The new league phase alone will host 144 total games, a significant jump from the 96 in the previous group stage format, promising more high-stakes football for fans around the globe.The reimagined format eliminates the previous group-stage setup of 32 teams divided into eight groups of four.Instead, it introduces a single-standings league where each of the 36 teams plays eight games against different opponents. This structure ensures a broader range of matchups and aims to enhance competitive balance and sporting interest by increasing the number of meaningful matches.The top eight teams in the standings will advance directly to the pre-quarterfinals, while those ranked ninth to 24th will enter a new knockout playoff round, leaving the bottom 12 teams eliminated.The allocation of the four additional spots in the competition has been strategically designed to reward performance and promote inclusivity.Two places have been awarded to the national leagues of Italy and Germany, reflecting their clubs' strong performances inUEFAcompetitions in the previous season.Meanwhile, France'sLigue 1, being the fifth-ranked national league, secures a third direct entry, and an additional place has been allocated to the champions' path for national champions from lower-ranked countries, enhancing their representation in the tournament.The draw for the competition is conducted using a seeding system based on the UEFA club coefficient, ensuring a mix of teams from different leagues and performance levels.This system, coupled with a sophisticated software program, determines the match schedule, aiming to avoid city clashes and ensuring a diverse and engaging lineup of fixtures.The revamped Champions League format represents a bold step by UEFA to invigorate the competition, offering more games, increased financial rewards, and a more inclusive structure.While it addresses the desires of Europe's footballing elite for enhanced competition and commercial benefits, it also raises concerns about player welfare and the sustainability of an ever-expanding football calendar.

NEW DELHI: Indian shuttlerSathish Kumar Karunakaran's journey at theJapan Open Super 750badminton tournament concluded on Thursday following a hard-fought second-round loss to Thailand'sKantaphon Wangcharoen.Despite securing the first game, the 23-year-old Indian, currently unranked due to his recent inactivity, couldn't maintain the momentum against the world number 40.Wangcharoen rallied back to claim the subsequent two games, ultimately winning the match 18-21, 21-18, 21-8 in a 70-minute battle at theYokohama Arena.Karunakaran's exit marks the end of Indian participation in the tournament.He had advanced to the second round after his first-round opponent, world number 3Anders Antonsen, retired due to injury while trailing 6-1.This tournament saw Karunakaran return to international competition after a period of absence.His most recent achievement was clinching his maidenBWFtitle at the Odisha Masters Super 100 earlier this year, signalling his potential on thebadmintoncourt.While his journey in Japan has ended, the young shuttler will be looking to build upon the experience gained as he continues his pursuit of higher rankings and greater success on the international stage.

JAIPUR: The phenomenal success ofRiyan Malhanis unfortunately a tale of India's loss turning into United Arab Emirates' (UAE) gain.The former Indian shuttler won a historic Under-15 boys singles bronze medal for the UAE at theBadmintonAsia U-17 & U-15 Junior Championships 2024 which concluded in Chengdu, China on Sunday.The 14-year-old Riyan, who represented Delhi and played all the national-level badminton tournaments till last year in India, opted to represent UAE in last week's Asian junior badminton championships and helped his new country win the solitary medal.Riyan was the top seed and went down in a pulsating semifinal against China's Qian Jia Xing. After toppling Riyan, the Chinese shuttler went on to win the gold medal.A former student of Delhi-based Dubai Gem Private School (DGPS), Riyan is regarded as one of the best players in the world in his age group. Thanks to his extraordinary prowess and impressive international ranking, Riyan was given the top seed in the U-15 boys singles category.In the U-15 boys doubles, Riyan and his UAE partner Adam Jeslin lost in the pre-quarters against their Indonesian opponents.Not long ago, Riyan was making waves in India and even clinched a silver medal at the All-India Sub-Junior U-13 Ranking badminton tournament held in Mumbai in Nov 2022.A month later, Riyan represented Delhi and did well by reaching the quarterfinals at the BAI U-13 National Championship in Lucknow. Riyan was among the top five in the Badminton Association of India (BAI) rankings in 2023.The Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy also recognised his potential, offering him a scholarship training programme. He also trained at thePullela GopichandBadminton Academy.However, Riyan, who was born in Dubai on May 16, 2010, decided to leave India and don the UAE colours.Riyan's father, Vipul Malhan, who was a former national-level shuttler, is a senior vice-president at Mashreq Bank, UAE. Having shifted to the Gulf last year, Riyan currently trains at Prime Star Academy in UAE.The BAI joint secretary, Omar Rashid, admitted that it was India's loss as Riyan opted to play for UAE. "He was doing very well in all the BAI-organised tournaments till last season. He is certainly a promising shuttler," said Rashid.

NEW DELHI:England's chief selector,Luke Wright, has stated thatJonny Bairstow's international white-ball career is far from over, despite the 34-year-old being left out of the upcoming series against Australia.Along with Bairstow, experienced playersMoeen Aliand Chris Jordan were also not included in the squad, with five uncapped players being selected for the three T20s and five ODIs that will take place within a span of just 19 days, from September 11 to 29, reported AFP.Bairstow, who played a crucial role in England's triumphant 50-over World Cup campaign in 2019, has been struggling to find his form since returning to the game after suffering a broken leg two years ago."One of Jonny's great strengths is how much he wants to play," said Wright."We just want him back to being one of the best players in the world. He had that horrific injury, and that's been the message. Can we get you back to where you were pre-injury?"He understands that. He doesn't like it. One thing Jonny will do is fight back, and I hope he does and gets himself back in the team."The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) terminated Matthew Mott's contract as the head coach of the limited-overs team in the wake of unsatisfactory performances in recent ODI matches and the T20 World Cup. Marcus Trescothick has been appointed as the interim coach for the upcoming series.The ECB has named three uncapped players in the squads for both ODI and T20I formats: left-arm pace bowler Josh Hull, all-rounder Jacob Bethell, and fast bowler John Turner.Additionally, Dan Mousley and Jordan Cox have been included in the T20 squad, providing an opportunity for fresh talent to showcase their skills at the international level."Now feels like the right time to have a few more picks in there and look probably for the future," added Wright."It's certainly not an experiment. These guys are top cricketers. The one thing we don't lack in England is the amount of talent that's around."With the schedule, it gives us the opportunity to look at some wider squads, and gives us the opportunity to look at some of those younger lads who sometimes wouldn't get that opportunity."Jos Buttler, despite nursing a calf injury, is likely to continue leading the team in the upcoming series against Australia.Nevertheless, he is considering relinquishing his wicket-keeping duties, particularly for the T20 matches, in order to focus on regaining his top form as an opening batsman."I think it's something he's open to. It's something that could easily happen in this Australia series," said Wright.

NEW DELHI:Olly Stone, the Nottinghamshire seamer, has been selected to play for England in the second Test against Sri Lanka, marking his return to the national side after a three-year absence.Stone's inclusion comes as a result ofMark Woodbeing sidelined for the rest of the series due to a thigh injury sustained during England's victory in the first Test at Old Trafford, where they won by five wickets.Despite the presence of 20-year-old left-arm pacemanJosh Hull, who was called up to the squad following Wood's injury, the selectors opted for Stone's experience, reported AFP.Stone's journey back to the England team has been challenging, as he had to overcome various injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which he suffered while celebrating a wicket."Unfortunately with the nature of being a bowler, you are going to pick up injuries here and there. It's been disappointing, stop-start throughout my career," said the 30-year-old."This year especially, I've tried to just not look too far ahead. I love playing the game and I just knew that if I go out there and produce those performances, this call might come."England's pace bowling line-up is undergoing a transformation due to the retirement of seasoned playersStuart BroadandJames Anderson. The team is actively seeking to revitalize their fast bowling options in the wake of these significant departures.In addition to the loss of Broad and Anderson, England will also be without the services of captain Ben Stokes for the upcoming series. Stokes sustained a hamstring injury while participating in The Hundred tournament, further impacting the team's dynamics.Amidst these changes, Stone is determined to fill the void left by Wood's absence. Throughout the summer, including England's 3-0 victory against the West Indies, Wood consistently delivered blistering pace. Stone aims to replicate that speed and provide the team with a formidable fast bowling option."It's been pretty frightening the way he's been bowling," added Stone."Hopefully, I can go out there and try and touch his speeds. He's obviously up there with the fastest in the world so I'm not sure if I'll match it but I'll give it a good shot."The second Test of the three-match series begins at Lord's on Thursday.

NEW DELHI: Star India speedsterJasprit Bumrahhas emerged as one of India's most celebrated cricketers in recent times.His popularity was vividly evident during an event at theSathyabama Instituteof Science and Technology in Chennai, where his arrival was met with great enthusiasm by those in attendance.The moment, captured in a video that later circulated widely on social media, showcased the high regard in which Bumrah is held.Thecricketerhimself acknowledged the warm reception and vibrant atmosphere through a post on his social media account."The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd made it truly unforgettable! Thank you @sathyabama.official and Chancellor @mariazeena_johnson for the warm welcome and vibrant atmosphere!" the pacer wrote on Instagram.In the video, Bumrah is seen making his entrance in a luxury vehicle, welcomed by the event's organizing committee. Wearing a smoky blue half-sleeve shirt paired with grey trousers, the 30-year-old fast bowler displayed the calm demeanour he is known for.Watch:View this post on InstagramA post shared by jasprit bumrah (@jaspritb1)Bumrah's most recent competitive appearance was during theT20 World Cupfinal in Barbados on June 29, where he played a pivotal role in India's victory.His contribution of two wickets in the final was instrumental in India securing their first ICC trophy in over a decade, a performance that also earned him the Player of the Tournament accolade.Following this achievement, India's new coach,Gautam Gambhir, opted to rest Bumrah for the subsequent series against Sri Lanka, allowing him time to recover before upcoming engagements.He is scheduled to participate in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh in September, with the opening match set to take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.This series precedes India's engagements against New Zealand and a subsequent tour to South Africa for T20I series before the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatekis admittedly shy, but with every passing season she gets a bit more comfortable under the arclights. After a hectic summer which included theParisOlympic Games, she is now striving to go that extra mile heading into theUS Open...There was a moment early in Paris 2024 that resonated with a wholesome Olympic vibe. World No.1 Iga Swiatek, the pre-tournament favourite who finished with a bronze medal, gathered silver medalist Donna Vekic and gold medal winner Qinwen Zheng, the Pole's conqueror in the semifinals, following the presentation ceremony.The medallists arranged themselves for a podium selfie that became the feature of the Games. A keep-sake frame, a proactive call from Swiatek, who held up her medal in a victory statement. A bronze that was as good as gold. For the moment at least.Swiatek, 23, the top-seed at the US Open, who opens against the 104th-ranked Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round on Tuesday, is admittedly shy. But with every passing year, having logged more time in the sports' elite bracket, she's becoming increasingly comfortable in the spotlight.Swiatek, who could meet the fourth seedKazakh Elena Rybakinain the last four in New York, is the owner of the most solid counter in the draw. In the off-season she added steel to her serve, and it has reflected in the stats.The Pole has won 83.6% of her service games this season, more than any other player in the top 10. She has also saved the most breakpoints in that elite bracket besides winning 64.9% of points on the second serve, the best figures in the top 10.Swiatek, the 2022 US Open champion, has lower expectations from the fortnight this year, given that it has been a hectic summer. "It has been an intense season, and after theOlympics, it hasn't been easy," said Swiatek, who played just one tournament in the lead-up to the major. "I feel the best when I'm focused on practicing and grinding on the court, focused on making my game better and not thinking about the results. I'm just going to try to keep that mindset," she said.What does comfort look like on a tennis court? Reaching wide for a ball on the backcourt, or punching an ace at breakpoint? "It's a feeling, you're able to do things naturally," said Swiatek. "You don't have to think extra, take care of technicalities or movements, because you can do it just with your intuition."Swiatek's response to Danielle Collins at the end of their quarterfinal clash at the Olympics carried those very stripes. Organic. For the unversed, the world No. 11 was struggling physically in the clash against Swiatek and when trailing 1-4 in the decider she retired with an abdominal injury.Swiatek, who was walking up to Collins, was met by the American on her side of the court. Collins told Swiatek that she didn't want anyone 'faking' concern over her injury, and that she didn't care for 'insincere' talk.The Pole was visibly stunned. "I haven't had the best experience, and I don't really feel like anybody needs to be insincere," Collins said in her post-match media interaction.Swiatek, who could meet Collins in the last-eight in New York, refused to get into a verbal exchange. "I would rather not get into this because it is her last year on Tour," the world No.1 said. 'I haven't had a chance to tell her she had a great journey and that she has really played well."That's Swiatek sending a heavily spun forehand into an open court. Organic.

Novak Djokoviccommenced his quest for a record-breaking25th Grand Slam titlewith a decisive straight-sets victory overRadu Albotat theUS Openon Monday. The four-time US Open champion defeated the Moldovan qualifier 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in his opening match, setting a new record with his 78th victory onArthur Ashe Stadium.Djokovic, playing for the first time since winningOlympic goldin Paris two weeks ago, appeared on Arthur Ashe Stadium for his 40th career night match at the tournament.Despite losing his Australian andFrench Opentitles earlier this year, Djokovic showed no signs of slowing down against the 138th-ranked Albot, who has never defeated a top-10 player."The night sessions here are the best in the world and since the roof was added, it's got even louder," Djokovic was quoted as saying by AFP after the match. "There's an incredible energy and with the new rule this year that the crowd can move around, there are a lot of things happening."Djokovic broke Albot's serve to take a 3-2 lead in the first set and continued to dominate, breaking again in the third game of the second set. Although Albot managed to level briefly, Djokovic quickly regained control, winning the next four games to secure a two-set lead.The Serbian star broke again for a 4-3 lead in the third set and closed out the match shortly before midnight, advancing to the next round in his pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title.

NEW DELHI:Chennai Super Kings(CSK) recently sparked a social media frenzy by posting an edited picture featuringRavindra JadejaandMS Dhoni.The image, shared on CSK’s official platforms, shows Jadeja clicking a selfie with Dhoni in the background.The caption playfully reads, "Imagine Thala & Thalapathy in this field together!" — a nod to the iconic duo's immense popularity amongcricketfans.The original selfie was posted by Jadeja on his Instagram account on August 25th.However, the edited version, which places Dhoni into the frame, quickly captured the attention of CSK enthusiasts.Fans began sharing and commenting on the picture, with many expressing their excitement over the idea of seeing the two cricket stars together on the field again.The image has since gone viral, reflecting the deep connection both players have with their supporters.Earlier today, Ravindra Jadeja was granted an extended rest period by the national selection committee, leading to his absence from Team B in the Duleep Trophy.Jadeja, who last played in the T20 World Cup final in June, was also rested for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.His absence has been a talking point, but the CSK post has shifted the narrative, with fans now eagerly anticipating Jadeja's return to action.As fans await the return of their favourite players ahead of theIndian Premier League(IPL) 2025 season, the CSK post has provided a lighthearted distraction, reminding everyone of the star power and camaraderie within the team.

John Cena, a name synonymous with wrestling and now a growing force in Hollywood, has built an empire not only through his career in the WWE but also through savvy business ventures and acting. With an impressive portfolio that includes luxuriousproperties, an array of vehicles, and even a private jet, Cena's lifestyle is the epitome of success.John Cena’s Net Worth 2024John Cena's 16 World Championship victories: WWE MilestonesAs of 2024, John Cena’snet worthis estimated to be around $80 million.Top Picks For YouJohn Cena, The Rock and Other WWE Stars Who Are Making a Difference Through Charity WorkJohn Cena’s Top Performances in HollywoodJohn Cena's Car Collection: Favorite Rides of The ChampHis earnings come from multiple sources, including his lucrativeWWE career, where he became one of the highest-paid wrestlers in the history of the organization. Cena also transitioned into acting, with roles in blockbuster movies like F9: The Fast Saga, The Suicide Squad, and the Peacemaker series, further boosting his income. His endorsements and brand partnerships, such as with Gillette and Hefty, add to his financial portfolio.John Cena’s Expensive PropertiesJohn Cena’s real estate portfolio is as impressive as his career. He owns multiple properties across the United States, each reflecting his taste for luxury and comfort.Tampa, Florida Mansion:Cena’s primary residence is a sprawling mansion in the gated community of Nature's Reserve in Tampa, Florida. The mansion, reportedly worth around $3.4 million, boasts over 10,000 square feet of living space, with features like a massive swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a cigar room, and a guest house.San Diego Beach House:Another gem in Cena’s property collection is his beach house in Mission Beach, San Diego. This property, valued at approximately $4 million, offers stunning ocean views and luxurious interiors, making it a perfect getaway spot.West Newbury, Massachusetts Property:Cena also owns a rustic estate in his hometown of West Newbury, Massachusetts. This property, where Cena grew up, holds sentimental value and is designed with a mix of modern and traditional aesthetics, complete with a cozy barn and vast open spaces.John Cena’s Private Jet and Other LuxuriesJohn Cena’s lifestyle wouldn’t be complete without a private jet. Though Cena is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality, he has embraced the convenience of owning a private jet, a necessity given his busy schedule. The jet allows him to travel seamlessly between movie sets, WWE events, and personal commitments. Cena also has a notable collection of cars, including several muscle cars, a nod to his love for American automotive history. His collection features a 2006 Dodge Viper, a 2017 Ford GT, a 1969 Dodge Daytona, and a custom 2007 Ford Mustang.CharitiesDespite his wealth, John Cena is renowned for his philanthropy. He is one of the most requested celebrities for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, having granted over 650 wishes, the most by any individual. Cena's charitable nature extends beyond just his time; he has made substantial donations to various causes, including children's hospitals and veterans' organizations.

Lakshya Sen, India's 22-year-oldbadmintonstar from the recently concluded Paris Olympics, left forAustriaon Sunday in order to get assessed and optimize his physical condition for the upcoming BWF tournaments.Sen, who narrowly missed securing an Olympic medal at the Olympics by finishing fourth, is determined to enhance his performance.To achieve this, he will undergo a comprehensive assessment at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre located in Salzburg.The state-of-the-art facility will conduct a series of tests to provide Sen with a thorough evaluation of his body, enabling him to fine-tune his fitness regimen and elevate his game to new heights."Lakshya is going to Austria to do some physical assessment. There is a good sports institute there, where he wants to do some physical exercise. He left today and will be back after a week," coachVimal Kumartold PTI.Lakshya's trainer Gaurav, along with 15-year-old junior shuttler Nischal Chand as training partner, are accompanying Sen to keep him in shape during the week."The tests will focus basically on specific strength aspects. Many of the elite athletes go and get themselves tested there. We had consulted Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala for all his niggles and injuries."Right now he is fine; but before he really starts going full-fledged, it is important for him to get the right physical training, and unless the strength and conditioning program is really spot on, he can get injuries. So we have to find the right things to do."Lakshya is expected to participate in the upcoming Hong Kong Super 500 and China Open Super 1000 tournaments, which are scheduled to take place in late September of this year.According to Vimal, the nature of Lakshya's playing style demands him to continuously work on improving his overall fitness."He needs to definitely get better on fitness aspects, especially the speed, endurance and other things he needs to work on because the game he plays, it's very fast-paced. He has to defend a lot and then he converts the defence into offense," said Vimal."When he's playing with the wind, he needs to keep putting the shuttle down, come into the net, tumble at the net, so up and down...those sort of things. It takes away a lot of your energy. So he needs to get super fit or develop the ability to control the drift."

Paris Olympics championZheng Qinwen showed significant progress in her mental game with a come-from-behind win in theUS Openfirst round againstAmanda Anisimova. Despite being on the back foot early on, world number seven Zheng managed to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory over her American opponent.Zheng, who is the first Olympic singles champion from China, was particularly happy to build on her Olympic success."It's the typical match I will lose, especially after huge success," AFP quoted Zheng. "Usually after huge success I will get a little bit too high, until reality slap me down again and I come back to the ground and trying to be humble and work hard."At 21, Zheng emphasized the importance of maintaining her focus and avoiding any post-triumph let-downs. Anisimova, however, made it challenging. "It was really difficult, the match today," she noted. "She's hitting the ball very strong and the only things I feel like I can do today during the match is just to stay with her and find my moment."Anisimova entered the US Open in good form, having climbed from a ranking of 373rd in the world at the start of the year to within the top 50. Her performance this month in Toronto, where she reached the final, earned her a wildcard invitation to the main draw at Flushing Meadows."Every ball (from Anisimova) went inside in the beginning and I couldn't do anything," Zheng admitted. "More as the match goes I started to find my rhythm on hard court. Little by little I started to get into the rhythm."After the match, an on-court interviewer praised Zheng’s Olympic gold medal achievement, prompting her to redirect the focus to her current goals. Reflecting on her runner-up finish toAryna Sabalenkaat the Australian Open, Zheng expressed her desire not to let her form slip again."This time when I get a success, I'm telling myself, I don't want to let this happen. I'm going to continue working hard, keep the stable mindset," she said.

NEW DELHI:Lionel Messi, the star player of Argentina, will be absent from the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia due to anankle injurysustained during theCopa America finalagainst Colombia, whereArgentinaemerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline.As a result of Messi's unavailability, coach Lionel Scaloni has recalledPaulo Dybalato the national squad on Monday.Dybala, who plays as a forward for Roma, has not featured in an international match since March 2023. However, Messi's absence could provide him with an opportunity to increase his tally of 38 caps for the national team.Another notable absentee from the squad isAngel Di Maria, who recently announced his retirement from international football.Currently, Argentina sits atop the South American qualifying table for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.The top six teams in the 10-nation table will secure automatic qualification for the finals.Argentina is scheduled to host Chile on September 6 before traveling to Barranquilla to face Colombia four days later under the guidance of coach Scaloni.Squad:Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/ENG), Juan Musso (Atalanta/ITA), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille/FRA),Walter Benitez(PSV Eindhoven/NED)Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla/ESP), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille/FRA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham/ENG), German Pezzella (River Plate), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica/POR), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon/FRA), Valentin Barco (Sevilla/ESP).Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez (West Ham/ENG), Leandro Paredes (Roma/ITA), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool/ENG), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Ezequiel Fernandez (Al Qadsiah/KSA), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/ENG), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham/ENG)Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina/ITA), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/ITA), Valentin Carboni (Monza/ITA) Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Valentin Castellanos (Lazio/ITA), Matias Soule (Roma/ITA), Paulo Dybala (Roma/ITA)

SHILLONG: Since the afternoon, all roads in Meghalaya were virtually leading to the Nehru Stadium in the capital, buzzing with anticipation of another giant-killing act. Once again,Lajong FChad all the noise and a 16000-odd crowd inside the stadium made it quite intimidating for the visitors to breathe. Once again, the stage was set for the home team to go for another kill, after stunning East Bengal FC four days ago.But Lajong's youthful exuberance and promise could take them only thus far asNorthEast United FC(NEUFC) came and brought them crashing down to earth with a 3-0 win on Monday.If Lajong's fairytale run in front of their proverbial 12th man ended with a whimper, NorthEast United's march to theDurand Cupfinal here on Monday was immensely credible. This was their night, make no mistake. They not only beatLajongin their own den but trumped them in their own game as well. It was NorthEast United, who made all the right noise in the Meghalaya capital.Goals fromThoi Singh(13 minutes) and Alaeddine Ajaraie (33) set them on way to making their maiden final of a major national tournament inside the first half. Late substitute Parthib Gogoi wrapped it up for the Highlanders as they now prepare to travel to Kolkata to face the winners between Mohun Bagan SG andBengaluru FCfor the final on Aug 31.

Far away from their base in Bhubaneswar,Odisha FC Womentook a confident step towards the first-ever AFC Women’s Champions League in the Jordanian industrial town of Zarqa.They stamped their authority as contenders for top spot from Group B, when they routed Singapore’sLion City Sailors4-1 in their first game of the preliminary stage at Prince Mohammed Stadium late on Sunday.With just the top-placed team winning a place in the finals, the dominant victory set Odisha up nicely for their concluding tie against local side Etihad Club on Saturday, with the Jordanian side to meet the wounded Lion City Sailors on Wednesday in the three-team group.It wasLynda Komwho shone the most for the Crispin Chhetri-coached side with a brace between two own goals by the Singapore club.“It’s unfortunate that she’s not part of the national team,” Odisha head coach Chhetri told TOI from Jordan. “Her goals might not be extraordinary, but she can sniff a goal like a perfect poacher.”Odisha gradually seized control of what looked like a tightly-contested affair in the opening minutes and took the lead in the 20th minute through an own goal by Lion City’s Dorcas Chu.However, they came back fighting and equalised in the closing seconds of the first half through Raeka Ee to leave the match poised at 1-1 heading into the break.After a slow start to the second half, the game came alive just before the hour mark as Kom showed her quality in making the most of Lion City’s defensive errors with strikes in the 54th and 57th minutes, beforeSyazwani Ruziconceded an own goal in the 88th minute to help Odisha complete the win in style.“We didn’t start well yesterday (Sunday) because of the long travel. But in the second half, we played a lot better,” Chhetri said of his team’s performance.But he stressed the importance of the match on Saturday — a win in which could earn them a place in the group stage of the inaugural AFC competition.“It’s going to be one of the most important matches for the club. It can get us a chance to play with the elite women’s clubs in Asia and it’s through games like that we can assess our true place among the top continental teams,” the coach added.Chhetri also played down the injury thatPyari Xaxasustained during the game but said the final call will be taken only after more examination.

NEW DELHI: Star Indian batsmanVirat Kohliwas referred to as "one of the best" players by formerEnglandpace legendJames Andersonwhen he was chasing runs and closing out games, with particular attention to his skill inwhite-ball cricket.Recently,Andersonwas a guest on the Tailenders Podcast.Speaking on the podcast, Anderson said, "I do not know if there is been a better batter in the history of the game batting second and chasing down scores thanViratKohli.His record at chasing is absolutely phenomenal. The number of hundreds he has scored in the second innings, chasing down scores is ridiculous."Anderson pointed out that Virat's strong sense of self-belief contributes to his excellent chasing skills, as per ANI."It is no surprise that when he gets in that situation, with his mentality, it is just like it is meant to be. His self-belief is so high," added Anderson.When asked if Virat is the greatest white-ball batter of all time, Anderson responded that although Australia'sMichael Bevanwould produce impressive finishes for his team in the 1990s and early 2000s, Virat's centuries during winning chases make him the "greatest finisher" in addition to being among the greatest white-ball batters of all time."I cannot say that. I was thinking more in terms of just chasing. [As for the best white-ball batter ever,] MichaelBevanfrom Australia comes to my mind, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s - he was just phenomenal coming in at number six and doing that job," he said."Kohli batting at number 3 gets those hundreds while Bevan was renowned for getting his 50s, 60s and being at the end, whileKohligets the big score, to get his teams over the line. I honestly can't think of a better finisher and greater white-ball players than him [Kohli]," he added.

NEW DELHI: The eagerly anticipatedUS Openis poised to commence on Monday at the renownedFlushing Meadows, with reigning championsNovak DjokovicandCoco Gaufftaking center stage as the year's concludingGrand Slamkicks off with a dazzling array of top-tier talent.Djokovic, aiming to etch his name in the annals of tennis history by securing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, is slated to conclude the evening session beneath the glaring spotlights ofArthur Ashe Stadium, squaring off against Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot.Despite not having participated in any competitive matches since clinching the Olympic gold medal in Paris a mere three weeks ago, the Serbian world number two remains a formidable contender to achieve the feat of being the first player to triumphantly defend his New York crown sinceRoger Federeraccomplished the same in 2008."The goal is always for me to try to go all the way to the finals and fight for the trophy. That kind of mindset is no different for me this year," Reuters quoted Djokovic as saying in the pre-tournament news conference.Coco Gauff, aiming to bounce back from a series of subpar performances, will wrap up the day session on Arthur Ashe Stadium against Varvara Gracheva of France.Prior to their match, former champion Dominic Thiem, who has announced his retirement at the end of the season, will face American 13th seed Ben Shelton on the main court.Shelton, who had an impressive run to the semi-finals last year, is among the 17 American men in the draw hoping to end the nation's Grand Slam drought. Andy Roddick triumphed at the 2003 US Open, marking the last time an American man won a major title.Under the lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium, Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed and Australian Open champion, will begin her quest for the title against Australia's Priscilla Hon.Sabalenka, who finished as the runner-up last year, enters the tournament with confidence after her recent victory in Cincinnati. She aims to become the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to win both hardcourt majors in the same year.China's Zheng Qinwen, the Olympic champion and seventh seed, will open the day's play on Louis Armstrong Stadium against Amanda Anisimova.Other notable players in action on Monday include former finalist Alexander Zverev, sixth seed Andrey Rublev, three-time runner-upVictoria Azarenka, and American stars Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys, and Frances Tiafoe.

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan Prime Minister and legendary cricketerImran Khanhas publicly criticised thePakistan CricketBoard (PCB) chiefMoshin Naqvifollowing the team's recent loss to Bangladesh in the first Test match at RawalpindiCricketStadium.This defeat marks the first time Pakistan have suffered a 10-wicket loss in a Test match on home soil.In a statement released via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Khan attributed the team's declining performance to the PCB's leadership, specifically targeting thePCB chief.He pointed out the stark contrast between the team's current form and their 10-wicket victory over India in the 2021T20 World Cup, questioning the management decisions that have led to this downturn."Cricket is the only sport the entire nation watches with great interest on TV, but even that has been destroyed by powerful quarters who brought in an unqualified, favoured official to maintain their control. For the first time, we (Pakistan) didn’t make it to the top four in the World Cup or the top eight in T20. And yesterday, we faced an embarrassing defeat against Bangladesh, setting a new low. Just two-and-a-half years ago, this team had defeated India by 10 wickets. What has happened in these two-and-a-half years that we lost to Bangladesh by 10 wickets? The blame for all of this collapse falls on one institution," wrote Khan.The former Prime Minister further pointed to Pakistan's recent struggles in international tournaments, including failing to reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup and exiting the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Super 12 stage.He directly linked these failures to the PCB's management, placing the blame squarely on the institution.This recent loss to Bangladesh extends Pakistan's winless streak in Test matches on home soil to nine matches. Their last victory at home was against South Africa in February 2021.Since then, they have endured a series of disappointing results, including a 3-0 whitewash by England and a drawn series against New Zealand.

KOLKATA: Just days afterIndian Super Leagueconfirmed thatMohammedan SportingClub (MSC) will be the newest side in the domestic top-tier competition, taking the total number of teams in the upcoming season to 13, question marks were raised over the side’s participation this season.It was only recently thatShrachi Sportscame on board and decided to buy 50 per cent share fromBunker Hillwho earlier owned 61 per cent share in Mohammedan Sporting Club Pvt Ltd.But Bunker Hill directorDipak Singhon Monday claimed that the club has not transferred those shares to them yet. In a social media message, Singh also said that a number of discrepancies have some to light in the term sheet and final agreement document between the two companies as well as the club which is not acceptable to Bunker Hill.Two main elements that Singh pointed out were the number of representatives in the Board of Directors and who will become the chairman of the board.“We had discussions and arguments over these for the last 15 days. We were almost there, but now it looks like the agreement will not happen,” he stated, adding that in the present condition they will not allow any investor to step in.“We have invested heavily in the club for the last four years, but due to some wrong expectations, the Bunker Hill-Shrachi deal has fallen through,” he stated.MSC thus face a tough road ahead to their maiden ISL campaign which they were supposed to kickstart againstNEUFCon Sep 16.

NEW DELHI: TheBJPon Monday reprimanded party MPKangana Ranautand distanced itself from her controversial remarks suggesting that farmers' protests could have led to a Bangladesh-like situation in the country if the BJP's top leadership was not strong enough.“The statement made by BJP MPKanganaRanaut in the context of the farmers' movement is not the opinion of the party.The Bharatiya Janata Party expresses its disagreement with the statement made by Kangana Ranaut,” the BJP said in a statement. "Kangana Ranaut is neither permitted nor authorised to make statements on party's policy. She has been directed not to make such statement in future," the party added.In a video shared on X, Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut had alleged that “bodies were hanging and rapes were taking place” during the farmers' protest against the now-repealed three farm laws. "There was a long planning behind all this like inBangladesh. The farmers had never thought that the three bills which were introduced by the government to help them would be withdrawn. But they are still sitting there," she said. The BJP MP also claimed that China, America, and other foreign powers were involved in this conspiracy to destroy the country with the help of insiders.'Why do BJP people hate food providers?'The Congress reacted strongly to Kangana's remarks. Responding to her post, senior Congress leader Surjewala wrote on X, “After all, why do BJP people hate the country's food providers so much? The BJP has always lied, deceived, conspired and oppressed our farmers. And once again a BJP MP has made baseless allegations against our food providers. The question is that, has Kangana made this cheap allegation against the farmers as per the BJP's election strategy?”The All India Kisan Sabha also condemned the BJP MP's remarks. AIKS president Dr Ashok Dhawale said Ranaut's remarks were highly condemnable, adding these were made by the actor-turned-politician to please her "external and internal bosses who want to devour agriculture". The "kisan struggle" against the three farms laws, which would have compromised the sovereignty and food security of the country, amid harsh weather, COVID pandemic and "state violence" had 736 martyrs, the AIKS statement claimed.The BJP would be wary of the possible negative impact of Kangana's remarks in the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana, which was the epicentre of thefarmers protest. The Nayab Saini led BJP government in the state is going all out to woo the farmers.