Sports

New Delhi: Legendary Olympian and the “Golden Shark,” Michael Phelps, opened up about his relentless hunger for victory, stating that silver and bronze medals hold no significance for him as they serve as reminders of defeat. Over his illustrious career, Phelps has won a record 23 Olympic gold medals, and he revealed in a candid podcast that he never settled for second or third place. The Mindset of an Olympic LegendHailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Phelps’ career reads like a fairy tale. Competing in five Olympic Games from Sydney 2000 to Rio 2016, he amassed a total of 28 medals: 23 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze. The pinnacle of his career came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won eight gold medals in a single tournament, surpassing Mark Spitz’s 1972 record. He also claimed 6 gol...

Navi Mumbai: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their winning streak in the Women’s Premier League 2026, defeating Gujarat Giants by 32 runs in their third consecutive match. Shreyanka Patil starred with a season-best five-wicket haul, ensuring RCB dominated their opponents at the DY Patil Sports Academy. Radha Leads RCB’s Batting ChargeBatting first, RCB posted 182 for 7 in a competitive total. The innings began strongly with 23 runs in the opening over. Grace Harris hit four boundaries off Renuka Singh Thakur, aided by 7 extra runs, before Gujarat fought back. Kashvi Gautam removed Harris (17) and D Hemlata (4), while Renuka sent Smriti Mandhana back for 5. Gautami Naik fell for 9, leaving RCB reeling at 43 for 4. At this crucial juncture, Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav stitc...

New Delhi: Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7, Nepal has strengthened its coaching staff by appointing former Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey as a bowling consultant. Harvey, 53, brings a wealth of experience, having played at the international level and previously served as head coach of Gloucestershire, where he also started his career as an overseas professional. World Cup Winner and T20 PioneerIan Harvey, who made his international debut in December 1997, represented Australia in 73 One-Day Internationals, taking 85 wickets at an average of 30.31 and scoring 715 runs at 17.87. He was also part of Australia’s victorious 2003 World Cup squad. Known for his sharp bowling variations and clever yorkers, Harvey became a prominent T20 all-rounder, playing 54 T20 ...

Bengaluru: Saurashtra stormed into the final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a dominant 9-wicket victory over Punjab in the semi-final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru, on Friday. Vishwaraj Jadeja played a match-winning, unbeaten 165-run innings to power Saurashtra past a challenging 292-run target. The final, scheduled for Sunday, will see Saurashtra face Vidarbha as they aim to clinch their third Vijay Hazare Trophy title. Jadeja’s One-Man ShowChasing 292, Saurashtra got off to a slow start, scoring only 15 runs in the first four overs. However, Jadeja shifted gears and took the attack to the Punjab bowlers. The explosive right-hander remained unbeaten on 165, his third List-A century of the tournament. He stitched a 172-run opening partnership with captain Harvik Desai, wh...

Harare: Pakistan’s U19 team suffered a defeat in their opening match of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, falling 37 runs short while chasing 211 against England. The match was played at the Takashinga Sports Club ground in Harare. England, batting first, posted 210 runs before being bowled out in the 47th over. Pakistan, in reply, could manage only 173 runs, handing England a comfortable victory. Falconer Stars for EnglandPakistan’s bowlers troubled the English batting line-up early on. Opener Joseph Moors was dismissed for 7 off 16 balls, while Ben Dockins scored 33 runs off 38 deliveries. Captain Thomas Reu managed just 14 runs. With England struggling at 90 for 4, Caleb Falconer steadied the innings, adding 80 runs for the fifth-wicket partnership with Ralphy Albert. Falconer’s knock o...

Melbourne: Tennis legend and 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer made a spectacular return to Melbourne Park, marking his first appearance at the Australian Open since retiring in 2022. On Thursday, Federer played a practice session with Norway’s star Casper Ruud at the Rod Laver Arena, enthralling the fans in attendance with glimpses of his trademark style. Though informal, the session showcased the 44-year-old’s iconic one-handed backhand and fluid technique, reminding fans of the magic that made him one of the greatest of all time. Federer responded to the crowd’s adoration with his signature smile and warm gestures, rekindling memories of his legendary career. Exhibition Match to Feature Tennis GreatsFederer’s return is not part of the main tournament draw, but a special ex...

New Delhi: The cricketing world was abuzz after Uttar Pradesh Warriors’ head coach Abhishek Nair made the controversial decision to retire out star batter Harleen Deol during their WPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals two days ago. The team went on to lose that match, sparking widespread debate. Nair has now defended his decision, explaining that it was made with careful consideration. Harleen, who was unbeaten on 47 runs off 36 balls and just three runs short of her fifty with three overs remaining, was asked to retire out to give the team a tactical advantage. While Harleen was initially unhappy with the move, she responded brilliantly in the very next match. Against two-time champions Mumbai Indians, Harleen played a match-winning knock of 64 runs off 39 balls, including 12 fours...

Sydney: Australian cricket superstar Steve Smith showcased his devastating form in the Big Bash League, hitting a blistering century for Sydney Sixers in just 41 balls. The 36-year-old, who is not part of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad and went unsold in the IPL auction, displayed why he remains one of the most feared batsmen in the world. Opening against Sydney Thunder, Smith reached his century in just 41 deliveries, marking the joint third-fastest century in Big Bash history. It is also the fastest century ever by a Sydney Sixers player. This innings became Smith’s fourth T20 hundred. Fastest Big Bash Centuries: Craig Simmons – 39 balls Mitchell Owen – 39 balls Steve Smith – 41 balls Josh Brown – 41 balls Glenn Maxwell – 41 balls Smith’s explosive knock includ...

New Delhi: Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh was left on the bench for the first two matches of India’s ODI series against New Zealand, drawing sharp criticism from former off-spinner R. Ashwin. Arshdeep, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, has impressed consistently in international cricket, featuring in 22 ODIs across 14 matches. He delivered standout performances during the recent South Africa series. Yet, for the first two ODIs against New Zealand, India fielded three pacers without including Arshdeep Singh. Ashwin Criticizes Team ManagementRavichandran Ashwin expressed disappointment over the decision, saying, “Whenever he’s been given the ball, he has performed exceptionally. Give him the spot he deserves. Let him walk onto the field with his head held high. He deserves it. Now, wha...

Rohit Sharma, who led India to multiple ICC trophies and took the team to the ODI World Cup final, was unexpectedly removed as India’s ODI captain last year ahead of the Australia tour. The selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar appointed Shubman Gill as the new captain, citing it as part of preparations for the 2027 World Cup. Fans, however, are still grappling with the decision. Many believe Agarkar acted due to long-standing differences with Rohit. Now, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has made a new claim, suggesting that while the selection committee officially made the decision, Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir exerted significant influence behind the scenes. Tiwary’s statement has once again put Gambhir in the spotlight among Rohit Sharma’s supporters, who previously c...