Tag: SportsNews

Sports

PV Sindhu Advances to China Masters Quarterfinals with Commanding Victory

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Shenzhen, China – India’s star shuttler and double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has sailed into the quarterfinals of the China Masters badminton tournament with a superb straight-game win over Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong.

Sindhu, ranked 14th in the world, took just 41 minutes to defeat the sixth-seeded Thai opponent 21-15, 21-15, improving her head-to-head record against Chochuwong to 6-5.

The Indian shuttler, who had exited early at the Hong Kong Open last week, expressed delight with the victory:
“I am happy with the win and it was very important for me from the beginning to be alert and give my 100 per cent. She is a top player. After winning the first game, I was much more alert in the second game. The points were going equal so it was very important for me to stay close to her as every point counts. I am happy that I am on the winning side and I gave my best.”

Sindhu emphasized that handling court drift—caused by air-conditioning—is crucial in such matches:
“It’s always there, every tournament there is wind, but it is important that you have control. Sometimes it’s very hard to control.”

Working under Indian women’s singles coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, Sindhu said the partnership is showing steady results:
“He is a very good coach. Initially, we knew it would take time. We coordinated and figured out what needed to be done. As a coach, he is giving his best efforts, and as an athlete, it’s my duty also.”

Sindhu will face the winner of the clash between top seed An Se Young (Korea) and Mia Blichfeldt (Denmark) in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, India’s men’s doubles stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, seeded eighth, are set to face Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Hsiang Chieh and Wang Chi-Lin later in the day in their round-of-16 encounter.

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Quepem Boy Lesvin Rebelo Selected for U-17 SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Lesvin Rebelo, a young footballer from Ambaulim-Quepem and a student of Damodar Higher Secondary School, Gudi-Paroda, has achieved a significant milestone by earning a spot in the Indian U-17 football team for the upcoming SAFF Championship. The tournament is set to take place in Sri Lanka later this year and will see top youth teams from across South Asia compete at an international level.

Lesvin’s selection marks a proud moment not only for his family and school but also for the broader Goan football community. Known for his commitment on the field and disciplined training ethic, Lesvin has consistently stood out in youth football circuits. His coaches and peers have praised both his work ethic and technical abilities, with many noting that his selection is well-deserved and earned through dedication and perseverance.

The SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Championship will give Lesvin the opportunity to showcase his skills on a larger platform and compete with some of the best young talent in the region. It’s a stepping stone that could open doors for future international opportunities and also serves as inspiration for many young players in Goa and beyond.

This achievement also highlights the importance of nurturing talent at the grassroots level and reflects the growing influence of Goan players in the national football landscape. With support from his mentors, school, and community, Lesvin now has the chance to represent India and bring glory to his hometown of Quepem on an international stage.

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Sumit Nagal Helps India Beat Switzerland for Davis Cup 2025 Qualifiers Spot

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

India scripted a memorable chapter in its tennis history on Saturday by defeating ninth-seeded Switzerland 3-1 in their Davis Cup 2025 World Group I tie at the Swiss Tennis Arena in Biel. This landmark victory has booked the Indian team a spot in the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers, scheduled for early next year. More significantly, it marks India’s first win against a European nation on their home soil in over three decades—since 1993 when the team famously beat France 3-2 in the quarter-finals with legends Leander Paes and Ramesh Krishnan.

Heading into the second day of the tie with a 2-0 lead, thanks to opening-day singles victories by Dhakshineswar Suresh and Sumit Nagal, India needed just one more win to close out the contest. However, the doubles pair of N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli couldn’t seal the deal, falling to Jakub Paul and Dominic Stricker in a tightly contested three-setter. Despite taking the first set via a tiebreak, the Indian duo was broken late in the second and third sets, resulting in a 6(3)-7(7), 6-4, 7-5 loss that lasted two hours and 21 minutes.

With the tie still open, Switzerland brought in 18-year-old Henry Bernet to face India’s top singles player, Sumit Nagal. Unfazed by the pressure, Nagal delivered a clinical performance, breaking Bernet three times in the opening set and once in the second to secure a commanding 6-1, 6-3 win. His victory ensured that India would advance to the 2026 Qualifiers, a significant milestone considering the team had not progressed beyond World Group I since the Davis Cup format was revamped in 2019.

India, a three-time Davis Cup runner-up in 1966, 1974, and 1987, continues to chase the elusive title. With this victory, the team not only progresses to the next stage but also boosts confidence in its younger players and sets the stage for a strong campaign next year.