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India-SL ODI series hits Covid roadblock, stares at cancellation
Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower and team performance analyst Shirantha Niroshana have both tested positive and the entire team, which arrived from England this week, has been put in isolation. Although the two boards are yet to make an official statement, it looks likely that all six matches would be played within a period of 10-11 days in case there are no more positive cases.
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios pulls out of Olympics
Kyrgios says that it was always a dream to play in the Olympics. "It's been my dream to represent Australia at the Olympics and I know I may never get that opportunity again. But I also know myself. The thought of playing in front of empty stadiums just doesn't sit right with me. It never has," he said.
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman 'confident' of Lionel Messi signing new contract
The Argentinean is technically no longer a Barcelona player after his last contract expired at the end of June and, so far, he has not put pen to paper on a new deal and is free to accept offers from elsewhere. Barca president, Joan Laporta is continuing to negotiate with the player and his representatives, but the club also has to ensure Messi's wages don't breach the salary cap imposed by La Liga.
Olympics countdown: Shooters aiming high again
There is no gainsaying that Bindra, winner of the first individual gold for India at the Olympics in 10m air rifle, set the marker for future generations to follow, and thousands of marksmen took up that challenge across the country, which is bearing fruit now. As India sends it biggest ever shooting contingent to the quadrennial games, there is hope of not just a couple, but a handful of medals from the sport.
Tour de France: Nils Politt wins Stage 12
Tour de France: The German rider from the Bora-Hansgrohe team surged into the lead with about 12 kilometres left and had a solo run to the finish line. Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia retained the Yellow Jersey as he did not face any challenge to his position.
ICC CEO Manu Sawhney sacked, has 5 days to appeal
"The ICC today announced that Chief Executive Manu Sawhney will leave the organisation with immediate effect. Geoff Allardice will continue as acting CEO supported by the 'leadership team' working closely with the ICC Board," said the statement. Sawhney was appointed ICC CEO in January 2019, when India's Shashank Manohar was the ICC chairman. The CEO's tenure lasted a little over two years.
Wimbledon 2021: Ashleigh Barty powers into final
Ashleigh, who will lead the Australian tennis contingent at the Tokyo Olympics this month, took an hour and 26 minutes to prevail over the German opponent. She came back from a break down at 5-3 in the second set to seal the win. The Aussie committed more double faults - 4 against 3 - but it was her power-packed game and high percentage of wins on first service that carried her through.
England face UEFA charges on three incidents, including 'laser pointer'
The incident took place in the 104th minute when Harry Kane was preparing to take the penalty kick. Schmeichel, whose face was shining due to a green-coloured laser, saved the penalty but Kane scored on rebound to give England a place in the Euro final on Sunday. The laser incident finds a mention in the press release by UEFA as a violation under Article 16 (2)(d) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.
Olympic countdown: Boxers set for Tokyo with high medal expectations
India have claimed only two bronze medals -- Vijender Singh in 2008 and MC MaryKom in 2012 -- at the Olympics. But with so many boxers making it to the Games, there are expectations that the boxers will contribute more than one medal to the overall tally. The boxers will leave for Tokyo from Italy so as to avoid the added travel restrictions imposed on those travelling to Tokyo from India.
Japan to impose COVID emergency in Tokyo for duration of Olympics
The Tokyo metropolitan government reported 920 new infected cases on Wednesday, reaching a new high since the peak of Japan's fourth wave in mid-May and exceeding the figure from a week earlier for the 18th straight day, reports Xinhua. Health experts, including Suga's top COVID-19 adviser Shigeru Omi, have warned that the Olympics accompanied with the summer holidays and the highly contagious Delta variant.
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