Gujarat women won their maiden crown at the 24th Youth National Volleyball Championship, in Sangli, Maharashtra. In the final, Gujarat stunned traditional powerhouse Kerala 25-21, 25-19, 25-20 to clinch the gold medal. Kerala are 16 time champions apart from being runners-up five times, while Gujarat had previously finished runners-up just once. The team was captained by Sandhya Rathod, with other members being Manisha Zala, Isha Jain, Anisha Chaudhari, Neha Prajapati, Nipa Barad, Priyanka Zala, Disha Vala, Devubala Chauda, Usha Vala, Mahek Pan dey and Nirali Vala. In the final, Manisha and Nipa led Gujarat with 13 points each, while Anisha contributed 12 points. Captain Sandhya chipped in with five points.
Former Oz cricketer Symonds dies in car crash
Former Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds, one of the finest all-rounders and a two-time World Cup winner, has died in a tragic car accident, leaving the cricketing world in shock. He was 46 and is survived by his wife and two young children. Cricket Australia has now lost three prominent figures in the past two months. Spin legend Shane Warne and former wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh had died within hours of each other in March. According to a statement issued by Queensland police, the accident happened in Hervey Range Road on Saturday night. “Early information indicates, shortly after 11pm the car was being driven on Hervey Range Road, near Alice River Bridge when it left the roadway and rolled." Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant, however, he died of his injuries."
Kohli likely to be rested for SA T20 series
Enduring a lean patch, Virat Kohli, in all likelihood, will be rested for the upcoming five-match Twenty20 series against South Africa. The break is expected to help Kohli recharge his batteries before the high profile England tour. It has been learnt that the National selection committee, headed by Chetan Sharma, would allow India’s No. 1 batter to take some time off from the game after spending considerable time in bio-bubble in the last two months. South Africa are scheduled to play a five-match Twenty20 series in India from June 9 to 19.
Indian archers win eight gold
The Indian junior archers capped a stunning show by winning eight gold, four silver and two bronze medals to top the medals tally at the Asia Cup Stage 2 in Sulaymaniyah (Iraq). On the concluding day, India bagged five gold, four silver and one bronze that included a rare clean sweep in the compound men’s individual section, adding to their earlier tally of three gold and one bronze. Recurve archer Mrinal Chauhan spearheaded the Indian challenge on the final day to finish with double gold medals, while Prathamesh Fuge reigned supreme in the compound section by signing off with a hat-trick of gold medals.
Anand may become FIDE deputy president
Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand would become the deputy president of the world chess federation (FIDE) if the incumbent Arkady Dvorkovich is re-elected as the president in the elections scheduled during the 44th chess Olympiad in July-August this year. Anand, a five-time world champion, has been nominated by Dvorkovich as part of his team to fight the forthcoming elections.
“Hope to be part of a brighter and better future for Chess. #SayChess #DvorkovichTeam2022,” Anand tweeted after the announcement of Dvorkovich’s presidential team. Making the announcement about his team, Dvorkovich said, “Dear Colleagues and Chess Friends, On the way to FIDE Presidential elections, I am happy to present my team: Arkady Dvorkovich President; Viswanathan Anand; Deputy President; Zhu Chen Treasurer; Joran Aulin-Jansson -Vice President; Mahir Mammedov Vice President.” Anand earlier said that he would be actively supporting Dvorkovich’s re-election bid. He had also indicated that he would be working closely with Dvorkovich’s team.
Amir retires from boxing
Former world champion Amir Khan announced he was retiring from boxing after a 17-year professional career. The 35-year-old British fighter, who became a unified world champion at light-welterweight, hangs up his gloves with a record of 34 wins from his 40 fights. The 2004 Olympic silver medallist won the first 18 contests of his pro career, becoming one of the finest British boxers of his era.
