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In the world of football, Premier League made a big move in order to prove clarity on their VAR decisions after massive criticism. On the other hand, with rumours of Vinicius Jr moving to Saudi Pro League, Manchester United have made significant additions to their squad, adding the likes of Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
Read below to learn details about these top stories and other happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours.
Football
Premier League to explain VAR decisions on social media during matches
The Premier League aims to reduce frustration with the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system by launching a social media account that will offer near real-time updates and explanations regarding officiating and operational decisions for every match. Despite significant criticism of the VAR system last season, teams voted in June to retain the technology, with Wolverhampton Wanderers even initiating a petition to abolish it.
Manchester United sign Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui
Manchester United have made significant additions to their squad, signing Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The strategic acquisitions were finalised on contracts that will keep De Ligt at the club until June 2029 and Mazraoui until June 2028, the Premier League club officially announced on Tuesday.
Vinicius Jr rejects 'biggest transfer in the history' to SPL: Report
Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr. are set to reject a staggering €1 billion deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) interested in bringing the Brazilian to the Saudi Pro League. As per reports, the Spanish club doesn’t want to get into discussions over the move and the Brazilian isn’t willing to make the move either.
Hockey
Hockey India retires PR Sreejesh's jersey no. 16; appoints him as coach of junior team
Hockey India, the Indian body overseeing hockey in the country, on Wednesday, August 14 retired veteran goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh’s jersey number 16, who announced retirement from the sport after the 2024 Paris Olympics. This move by Hockey India comes to celebrate an 18-year-long career of the legend, who helped Indian secure back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympic Games. Moreover, they appointed Sreejesh as the coach of the junior men’s hockey team.
Badminton
Pramod Bhagat cites “technical glitch” for whereabouts failure
Indian shuttler, Pramod Bhagat took to social media to share an update after being handed 18-month ban. “I am deeply saddened by the decision of the CAS and Badminton World Federation (BWF) to suspend me from participating in the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games. I want to clarify that the suspension is due to three whereabouts failures, especially the last one being a result of a technical glitch," he wrote.
Chinese shuttler He Bing Jiao announces international retirement
He Bing Jiao, the Chinese shuttler, announced her retirement from international badminton after winning the silver medal in the women’s singles event at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 27-year-old lost the gold medal match to An Se Young of South Korea in straight games, but her tribute to Carolina Marin on the podium captured the attention of the sporting world.
Vinesh Phogat's CAS verdict delayed; decision to be made on Aug 16
The Court of Arbitration for Sports' (CAS) verdict on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been postponed to August 16. Phogat had filed an appeal in the CAS after her heartbreaking disqualification from the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024. Regarding the decision, no press conference from IOA will be conducted.
Ashwini Ponnappa refutes SAI report about Olympic funding
Ashwini Ponnappa revealed that she didn't receive any individual financial assistance from the sports ministry before the Paris Olympics. Ponnapa also shared that her request for a coach was turned down ahead of the Summer Games. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) shared a document about the financial support provided to the Indian athletes who qualified for the Paris Olympics.
Saina Nehwal reacts after being called 'Kangana Ranaut of sports'
Saina Nehwal took down social media trolls with a witty comment after she was called the 'Kangana Ranaut of sports' for recent comments. But Saina has received a lot of flack as she made an honest admission during the interview revealing she didn't know that the Javelin Throw was a part of the Olympic Games until India's Neeraj Chopra's gold.
Wrestling
Vinesh Phogat’s lawyer Vidushpat Singhania drops honest take on CAS case
After CAS deferred decision on Vinesh Phogat’s joint silver medal plea, one of her senior counsels, Vidushpat Singhania said everyone is hopeful for the case coming in her favour. "In this matter, we are asking for a landmark decision from the arbitrator. It's a little difficult, but let's hope something big happens. Let's all pray for Vinesh. Let's hope she gets a medal," Singhania said.
I committed a betrayal: Vinesh Phogat’s rival Yui Susaki of Japan
Vinesh Phogat, Indian wrestler who entered the final of 2024 Paris Olympics after beating world champion and gold-medallist Yiu Susaki, left the Japanese wrestler in “betrayal”. "I wanted to see my family, teammates, and fans who have fought with me to win the gold medal, but I couldn't do it, and I'm so sorry and frustrated that I committed a betrayal," Susaki wrote in a note.
Tennis
Serbia to build museum honouring Novak Djokovic after Paris Olympics 2024 gold
After Novak Djokovic’s historic Golden slam at the 2024 Paris Olympics, his home country is set to get a museum, honoring the legend. After Djokovic conquered the Olympics and joined the elite list which includes Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Steffi Graff, the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic has confirmed that the country will have a special museum dedicated to the 24-time Grand Slam champion. “We had the first discussions about the contruction of the Novak Djokovic museum, which is expected to become another attraction for the the city.”
Others
Letsile Tebogo gets grand welcome from thousands of Botswana fans
Botswana's Letsile Tebogo received a grand welcome from tens of thousands of people in a stadium in Botswana celebrating his gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Tebogo took the gold and became the first African to win the men's 200m when he beat Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles. Tebogo also won the silver medal in the men's 4x400m relay.
