Credit: X

Credit: X

The Indian women’s hockey team beat New Zealand 3-1 in Ranchi in their second game of the FIH Women's Olympic Qualifiers. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty finished as runners-up in the Malaysia Open 2024. FC Barcelona manager Xavi issued an apology to the club's fans after the 4-1 loss against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final. A Vinciuis Jr hattrick and Rodrygo's 60th-minute strike sealed the game for Madrid.

Tennis

Looking forward: Nova k Djokovic reacts to Virat Kohli’s story involving tennis star

Tennis star Novak Djokovic reacted after Indian cricketer Virat Kohli shared an intriguing story involving the tennis star. Earlier, the BCCI shared a video, where Kohli spoke about his admiration for the Serb star while talking about their first interaction. In the video, Kohli said, "I got in touch with Novak very organically, I was just looking at his profile once on Instagram and I just happened to press the message button. I thought I'll just say hello, maybe. And then I saw a message from him on my DM already. We keep exchanging messages every now and then. I congratulated him for all his amazing achievements."  Djokovic reacted to the video and said, "Thank you for these kind words @imVkohli Looking forward to the day we play together."

Coco Gauff's coach Brad Gilbert praises Novak Djokovic; calls him genius

Former player and legendary American coach Brad Gilbert, who coaches Coco Gauff praised Novak Djokovic after the latter outlasted Croat Dino Prizmic in a four-set epic in Australian Open 2024. Djokovic secured a 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 win over the 18-year-old youngster in the first round of the season-opener Grand Slam. After the clash, Gilbert tweeted, "Djoker finally getting to the legs of Dino, that was punishing last couple games. ND took it up a notch, such a genius at managing himself in the greatness of B05 matches." In the next round, Djokovic will face home favourite Alexei Popyrin. 

Chess

GM Hikaru criticizes FIDE for mentioning Magnus Carlsen despite latter’s refusal to participate in World Championship

Chess Grandmaster and Twitch streamer Hikaru "GMHikaru" criticised the FIDE for mentioning Magnus Carlsen in promoting the 2024 Candidates Tournament despite his refusal to participate in the tournament. The Norwegian player stated that he would not be participating in the tournament. He did not defend his title last year and has voiced his discontent with the time format used. Even though Carlsen won’t participate, FIDE used his image for their website and social media, which led to GM Hikaru criticising the organisation. In one of his streamings, he said, “They are trying to milk it."

Hockey

Indian women’s hockey team beat New Zealand to stay in Paris 2024 race 

The Indian women’s hockey team beat New Zealand 3-1 in Ranchi in their second game of the FIH Women's Olympic Qualifiers. India got off to a favourable start and got a lead in the first minute of the game through Sangita Kumari after Salima Tete down the right wing displayed a brilliant game. However, immediately after that, Megan Hull hit a slap from a penalty corner, which got New Zealand in level with their Indian counterparts. Later, with Udita Duhan’s powerful hit and Neha Goyal’s effort, India registered two goals and secured the win after New Zealand failed to net any more scores in the game. 

Badminton

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty finish as runners-up in Malaysia Open 2024

Indian ace shuttler duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty finished as runners-up in the Malaysia Open 2024. The world number 2 pair lost the men’s doubles final to Wang Chang and Liang Weikeng in a three-set long thriller.  The Indians had won the first game 21-9 in just 13 minutes before the world champions levelled 18-21 and extended the competition to a decider. Sat-Chi were leading 10-3 in the final game before their Chinese counterparts made a comeback and sealed a victory in the game. The world champion pair sealed a 21-17 win in the final game and ended up securing a victory. 

Football:

We apologise to the fans: Xavi after 4-1 loss against Real Madrid

FC Barcelona manager Xavi issued an apology to the club's fans after the 4-1 loss against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final. A Vinciuis Jr hattrick and Rodrygo's 60th-minute strike sealed the game for Madrid. Talking about the loss, Xavi said, "It is a shame. We had a lot of hope going into the final and we've produced our worst performance. We started badly, we had a chance to come back, but the penalty killed the game. We were never comfortable. Madrid did a lot of damage on the counter and in transition. We apologise to the fans, we didn't compete, but I've experienced a lot of defeats with this club. Barça will come back."

Dyche unaware of Everton's recent Premier League financial rules  breach

Everton boss Sean Dyche revealed that he doesn't know if the club are facing a new charge after breaching Premier League's financial rules. Recent r eports suggest Everton and Nottingham Forest will be made aware of whether they have breached the profit and sustainability rules after accounts submitted last month.  Everton are also appealing against a 10-point deduction from a previous charge.  "You don't know until you know," Dyche said.  "The last time, the news came out of the blue. I'll explain further if and when the news comes through."

AS  Roma to replace  José Mourinho with  Daniele De Rossi: Reports

Roma owners are unhappy with the team under José Mourinho and could sack the Portuguese coach by the end of the season. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager is set to be replaced with club legend Daniele De Rossi. As per Sportmediaset, Roma owners are unhappy with the team’s performances which include a 1-0 Coppa Italia loss against Lazio; and four defeats in eight matches against direct opponents in Serie A, while registering just six points from the 24 available.

Harry there are no limits:  Thomas Tuchel on Kane breaking  Robert Lewandowski's 41-goal  record

Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has said Harry Kane can break Robert Lewandowski's historic 41-goal single-season Bundesliga record. The England forward has brought his unstoppable scoring ability from the Premier League with a tally of 22 Bundesliga goals already.  "It is in danger," Tuchel told ESPN when asked whether Kane could break Lewandowski's record. "No one could ever believe that would be in danger, but it is in danger. We need a bit of luck. We need the team to keep going, Harry needs to be fit, and then we see what's coming... I clearly think that for Harry there are no limits."