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In the world of football, Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo moved to tears after the club fans chanted his name during the clash against Al-Hazm. FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismissed the application of ‘Blue Cards’ in big tournaments.  Andrey Rublev defaulted in the Dubai Open semi-final against Alexander Bublik after yelling at the line judge. Puneri Paltan took home the coveted PKL title for the first time in history after getting the better of the Haryana Steelers.

Football

Cristiano Ronaldo moves to tears as Al-Nassr fans chant his name in 7th minute of Al-Hazm clash

Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo moved to tears after Al-Nassr fans chanted his name during the clash against Al-Hazm. In the thrilling Saudi Pro League clash that ended in a 4-4 draw, Ronaldo fans started chanting his name in the 7th minute. Fans’ gesture came as support to the iconic player who received a one-match ban for his obscene gesture during Al-Nassr’s clash against Al-Shabab. During Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win over Al-Shabab, Ronaldo made an inappropriate gesture that seemed to be aimed at the Al-Shabab fans. Ronaldo was handed the suspension by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) Disciplinary and Ethics Committee.

Georgina Rodriguez walks at Paris Fashion Week in Cristiano Ronaldo dress; video goes viral

Supermodel Georgina Rodriguez paid tribute to her boyfriend, iconic footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in a special way at the Paris Fashion Week on Friday, March 1. Rodriguez walked down the ramp in the Vetements Womenswear Fall/ Winter 2024-25, where she wore a special dress, replicating Ronaldo’s Manchester United jersey. The dress had Ronaldo’s name on the front, along with the iconic number 7. The red-coloured dress had short sleeves and a body-hugging fit that got loose at the bottom. Rodriguez paired the dress with black shoes, which could be seen as she took each step forward.

This is non-existent for us: FIFA President Gianni Infantino on application of Blue Cards

FIFA President Ginanni Infantino dismissed the application of ‘Blue Cards’ in big tournaments. The application of the ‘blue cards’ was proposed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Infantino told reporters after arriving at Loch Lomond in Scotland and said, “There will not be any blue cards used at an elite level. This is a topic that is non-existent for us. FIFA is completely opposed to blue cards. I was not aware of this topic as the president of FIFA. I think FIFA has a say in IFAB. If you want a title, it is red card to the blue card.”

Cristiano Ronaldo gets excited as Sadio Mane nets goal against Al-Hazm

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sitting out due to his one-match suspension for his obscene gesture, got excited as Sadio Mane hit a thrilling goal against Al-Hazm in the Saudi Pro League. The Senegalese forwards converted from the spot to give his side a lead; however, it was shortlived as Al-Hazm levelled it just before the final whistle. The 39-year-old footballer was present in the stands, and as soon as Mane hit the goal successfully, Ronaldo went into celebratory mode. The incident took place in the 92nd minute of the clash. Al-Nassr hosts were on the verge of securing another victory before Paulo Ricardo scored another goal in extra time to make it a 4-4 draw for both sides. 

Major football results

Argentina-Primera Nacional 

  • Nueva Chicago 2-0 Atletico Rafaela

Argentina Copa de la Liga Professional

  • Banfield 2-0 Deportivo Riestra

Armenia-Premier League 

  • Alashkert FC 0-1 FC Noah
  • Shirak 1-0 Uratu FC

Tennis

Ankita Raina to lead Team India in Billie Jean King Cup

India’s top-ranked singles player Ankita Raina is set to lead the Indian challenge in the Billie Jean King Cup in the Asia/Oceania Group I, which will be held in China next month. Besides her, the other members of Team India, during the tournament, which will be held from April 8 to 13, are Sahaja Yamalapalli, Rutuja Bhosale, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, and Prarthana Thombare.

Andrey Rublev defaulted in Dubai Open semi-final after yelling at line judge

The second seed from Russia, Andrey Rublev, defaulted in the Dubai Open for unsportsmanlike conduct after yelling at the line judge during the semi-final against Kazak Alexander Bublik. The 26-year-old was trailing 6-5 in the final set of the match when the incident happened, and because of it, he will lose all of his prize money and rankings points accumulated for the entire tournament.

Sania Mirza reacts to inspiring “Chhoti Soch” ad from Urban Company

After Urban Company posted an ad online with the title “Chhoti Soch,” sharing an inspiring message about how “Everyone has the right to work with pride and be respected for it,” Sania Mirza, the Indian tennis legend, shared her first reaction to it. The 37-year-old commented that she “cannot help and think why a woman's achievements invite conversation about gender 'expectations' and appearances, instead of her skill and the work itself”.

Athletics

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra meets Indian business tycoon Ratan Tata 

Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic champion in javelin throw, took time off his busy schedule to meet the Indian business tycoon Ratan Tata. The 26-year-old shared a few pictures of the meeting on his official Instagram account, captioning it, “Grateful for the opportunity to meet Mr. Ratan Tata sir, a true visionary and source of inspiration.”

Kabaddi

Puneri Paltan defeat Haryana Steelers to win PKL title for first time

Puneri Paltan won the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) title for the first time in their history after defeating Haryana Steelers 28-25, at the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, on Friday, March 1. After months of riveting kabaddi action, the new PKL champions Puneri Paltan took home ₹3 crore, while the runners-up Haryana Steelers got ₹1.8 crore as well.