SPORTS

'Biggest Show on Earth' could be the last hurrah of superstars Messi, Ronaldo
IANS -
Argentina's Messi is now 35, and the Portuguese striker is 37, and this could probably be the last World Cup for them. So far, Messi and Ronaldo have not won the World Cup and this time around both would be determined to add the only trophy missing from their stellar careers.
Qatar gets set to host 1.2 mn global fans as FIFA World Cup draws closer
IANS -
The first football World Cup to be held in the Middle East and the Arab world will start on November 20, with about 1.2 million fans from across the world expected to congregate in the tiny Gulf nation, which has kicked up quite a bit of dust by trying a paradigm shift in the history of the game.
India still in search of ideal playing XI for T20 World Cup; injury major concern
IANS -
Injury to two premier pacers -- Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel -- is the biggest concern for India, going into the showpiece event in Australia. Both bowlers haven't been picked for the 2022 Asia Cup, which begins on August 27 in the UAE, and are currently undergoing rehab at the NCA in Bengaluru.
Asia Cup returns to its original home, Sharjah, 38 years after it was born
IANS -
As a founding member of the Asian Cricket Council, Abdul Rahman Bukhatir was instrumental in the initial success of this tournament and believes this was the first major step in the future ascendency of Asian teams in the cricketing hierarchy, not to mention Sharjah's reputation as a world-class cricketing venue and its inclusion in the Guinness World Records for hosting the maximum One-Day International matches at a single venue (245).
What's working in favour of India winning Asia Cup for 8th time
IANS -
Though there are some doubts over who will feature in the starting eleven ahead of the Men's T20 World Cup in Australia, cricket fans can be optimistic about India successfully retaining the title. India's journey in Asia Cup 2022 begins from August 28 against arch-rivals Pakistan, before facing the qualifying team on August 31. But India's real challenge will begin when the Super Four stage comes.
La Liga: Transfer movements limit Barca's options ahead of Real Sociedad test
IANS -
Sergio Busquets' sending-off in the disappointing goalless draw that Barca kicked off the season with, leaves a space to be filled in midfield by either Frenkie de Jong or Miralem Pjanic, while Jordi Alba struggled last week and Balde could be given a chance. The fact that Ronald Araujo looked uncomfortable at right-back last week, also opens the door for Sergi Roberto to start in the Barca defense, while Araujo moves into a more central role alongside Eric Garcia.
Durand Cup 2022: ATK Mohun Bagan lose 2-3 to Rajasthan United
IANS -
Kiyan Nassiri had fired his team in front in the 43rd minute only to see Rajasthan equalise in first-half stoppage time through Bektur Amangeldiev. New signing Ashique Kuruniyan then fired ATK Mohun back in front in the 46th minute but saw the lead wiped out again through Lalremsanga in the 61st minute. Rajasthan then struck in the sixth minute of stoppage time as Gyamar Nikum silenced the stadium with a game-clinching goal.
Western & Southern Open: Petra Kvitova overcomes Madison Keys to reach final
IANS -
The win also marked the 40th WTA Tour singles final of Kvitova's career. Kvitova, who is 29-10 in finals, will aim for her 30th career singles title on Sunday. The world No. 28 from the Czech Republic took 2 hours and 18 minutes to outlast American Keys, ranked 24th, in a battle between former Top 10 players and power hitters.
Ind vs Zim, 2nd ODI: All-rounder Deepak Hooda sets unique World record
IANS -
The win helped India in taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Interestingly, since Hooda's international debut, India have won every match that he has played in, across formats and he proved to be the country's lucky charm. As per records, Hooda has now been part of 16 successive wins for India, which is the longest unbeaten streak for any player after debut. India have won seven ODIs and nine T20Is with Hooda in the team since he played his first international match in February this year.
Fans pour dirhams as India-Pak Asia Cup tie tickets sell out
IANS -
The first batch of tickets for the clash between the archrivals was sold out within three hours on August 15. IANS spoke to some lucky people who got a chance to buy tickets in the first batch. Indian national and Sharjah resident Saad said that he logged into the ticket portal from multiple computers to get tickets. Dubai resident Vishal Singh said that he was able to get a premium ticket after four hours in the online queue.
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