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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) accused Igor Stimac of unprofessional demands and said that his comments had the sole intent of maligning the AIFF. After spending the full 90 minutes on the sidelines during their 2-1 loss against the Netherlands in their opening UEFA Euro 2024 clash, Poland captain Robert Lewandowski featured in their second group-stage clash against Austria, which they eventually lost 3-1.
Read below to learn about major sporting events in last 24 hours.
Football
AIFF accuses Igor Stimac of unprofessional demands
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) accused Igor Stimac of unprofessional demands and said that his comments had the sole intent of maligning the AIFF. The governing body also said that his comments were not befitting of a professional who served the organisation for over five years. The AIFF said, “The new AIFF leadership was shocked to note his dependence on an astrologer to determine player's call ups, team selections and took immediate necessary action to end the same.” The statement added, "The then Secretary General and AIFF legal consultant negotiated and finalised and the then Secretary General signed the contract with Mr. Stimac.”
NBA star Jimmy Butler joins Neymar in stands for Brazil's Copa America 2024 opener
The nine-time champions, Brazil, opened their Copa America 2024 campaign with a goalless draw against Costa Rica on Tuesday morning (IST) at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Brazil star forward Neymar Jr., who has not been included in the squad due to his injury, was spotted in the stands supporting his national team and he was accompanied by his close friend and NBA superstar Jimmy Butler.
Hungary's Barnabas Varga stretchered off after scary collision against Scotland in Euro 2024
In a horrific incident on Sunday night in the UEFA Euro 2024, Hungary striker Barnabas Varga suffered a major injury as he was stretchered off after a scary collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Despite the incident, Hungary went on to beat Scotland with a stoppage-time winner to take the third spot in Group A behind Germany and Switzerland. In the 69th minute of the match, Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai delivered the freekick into the box, which was punched away by Angus Gunn. The Scotland goalkeeper's elbow caught Varga's face, leaving the Hungarian striker on the ground. While Varga stayed on the ground, physios raced towards him and formed a curtain wall inside the box.
Will Poland's Robert Lewandowski start against France in Euro 2024 clash?
After spending the full 90 minutes on the sidelines during their 2-1 loss against the Netherlands in their opening UEFA Euro 2024 clash, Poland captain Robert Lewandowski featured in their second group-stage clash against Austria, which they eventually lost 3-1. Poland will face France in their final group-stage clash that will be a mere formality for the former while Les Bleus will look to clinch the top spot in Group D with a win on Tuesday at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. Poland star Robert Lewandowski is likely to start against France in their final Euro appearance after featuring in the Eagles' loss against Austria.
Never retire Luka Modric: Italian journalist pays wholesome tribute to Croatia’s star
An Italian journalist paid a heartfelt tribute to Croatia skipper Luka Modric during the post-match press conference of his side’s loss to Italy on June 25 in Euro 2024. The journalist named Francesco Repice told the footballer to never retire. The journalist said, "I just wanted to say this to you...I'd like to ask you to never retire from your playing career because you are one of the finest players I have ever commentated on. Thank you." Modric replied, "I would also like to keep playing forever but there probably will be a time when I have to hang up my boots. I'll keep playing on, I don't know for how much longer, but thank you very much for your words.”
Tennis
It wasn’t me: Iga Swiatek on playful accusations of ‘killing Polish hamsters’
Tennis star Iga Swiatek denied the accusation of killing Polish hamsters during a light-hearted interaction with a fan. Swiatek recently claimed her fifth Grand Slam title at the French Open, and following the win, she has now shifted her focus to the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Swiatek had a hilarious interaction with a fan on social media, prompted by a news headline that read, "Where have the Polish hamsters gone? What we are proud of kills them.” A fan responded to the headline by tagging Swiatek on it, to which the world ranked 1 said, “It wasn’t me.”
Novak Djokovic to compete in Wimbledon 2024 only if he feels he could challenge for title
Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has started to practice after his minor knee surgery less than three weeks ago but the seven-time Wimbledon champion said that he would only compete in the tournament only if he feels he could challenge the title. He told BBC, “If I know I can play close to my maximum or at maximum, then I’ll play. If not, then I’ll give somebody else a chance to play. Rehab is going in the right direction every single day, a few percent better and better. That’s what’s giving me hope and encouragement to keep going.”
Andy Murray’s mother Judy slams media for leaking confidential medical reports
Andy Murray’s mother Judy lashed out at the media for leaking her son’s confidential medical reports. She also dismissed the media’s claims of Murray withdrawing from Wimbledon 2024. Judy took to social media to write, "When your private medical details are leaked to the media by someone you thought you could trust. So disappointing. And - FYI - not ruled out yet.” Notably, a recent article by The Telegraph, written by renowned tennis journalist Simon Briggs stated that Murray has been ruled out of the championship after a spinal cyst operation.
Archery
India Men’s and Women’s archery teams secure 2024 Paris Olympics quota
The Indian men and women’s archery team on Monday, June 24 confirmed their 2024 Paris Olympics quota. This was confirmed after the world rankings were revised at the start of the week seeing the Road to the Olympics. The 2024 Paris Olympics will be played in the French capital from 26 July to 11 August. The men and women’s team finished at the top of the rankings among non-qualified countries to earn the quota for the quadrennial showpiece event, scheduled to take place in the coming months. After earning the qualification, the Indian teams will be able to participate in all team, individual, and mixed medal events at the Summer Games.
