New Delhi, Jun 19 (ANI): Belgium took the number one position on the Group G point table after beating Panama in their first-ever Fifa World Cup match on Monday. The Match was played at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in the Russian city of Sochi. Dries Mertens' incredible volley and Romelu Lukaku's twin goals in the second half led Belgium to victory over their opponents. Post a disappointing first half, the match picked up in the 47th minute with Mertens' goal, after which there was no looking back for the winning team. Panama had a good start in the first half, owing to some brilliant saves by keeper Jaime Penedo. Panedo proved to be his team's lifesaver, keeping Belgium from scoring any goals in the first half. All of 8 yellow cards were issued during the game, with Panama receiving a big number 5 yellow cards for their first-ever Fifa match.
New Delhi, Jun 18 (ANI): Disappointing opening match for Brazil as 5-time world champions were unable to seal the Group E match at Rostov Arena against Switzerland. Brazil was was looking way ahead after Philippe Coutinho scored goal in the early minutes of the match, however, Steven Zuber's spectacular header goal (50') in the second half of the game leveled the scores. Brazil failed to win their opening game in World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Brazil will face Costa Rica in the next match.
New Delhi, Jun 18 (ANI): Mexico turned the tables in the Group F match against mighty Germany by defeating them at Luzhniki Stadium by 1-0. Hirving Lozano proved be the star for Mexico who scored a stunning goal (35') in the first half of the match. Solid defense by Mexico made sure to avoid an equalizer by Germany. It was the first time that world champions Germany was defeated in the opening game of the World Cup. Germany will face Sweden next in the group match.
New Delhi, Jun 17 (ANI): Iceland proved to be impressive in its debut match in FIFA World Cup, by holding giant Argentina in Group D match played at Spartak Stadium in Moscow. The highlight of the match is Argentinean star footballer Lionel Messi, missing a free kick in the final minutes of the game. Argentina dominated the game after Sergio Aguero scored a goal in the early quarter of the game, however Iceland came back strong as Alfred Finnbogason scored an equalizer in 23rd minute. Iceland is the smallest ever nation to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
New Delhi, Jun 17 (ANI): Croatia has reached to the top of Group D table by defeating Nigeria by 2-0 at Kaliningrad Stadium. Oghenekaro Etebo's own goal (32') early in the game set back things for the Nigeria and Luka Modric's goal in penalty later (71') ensured easy victory for Croatia. Croatia dominated the game by ball possession. Croatia will face Argentina next in the group match.
New Delhi, Jun 16 (ANI): Indian women's hockey team registered their first win of the five-match series at the Consejo Superior de Deportes Hockey Stadium against Spain, on Friday night. India edged past the hosts 3-2 in their third game of the five-match series. Indian captain Rani Rampal, who scored the winning goal in the 59th minute to break the 2-2 tie and gave her side a well deserved 3-2 win. The Indian team made sure that they defended their lines well during the19th minute, keeping out Spain's third penalty corner of the match. World number 10, India battled a tense final moments in the match when the hosts put the visitors defence under constant pressure, winning two penalty corners. However, Spain's Lola Riera remained calm under pressure and converted the second penalty to equalise the scores at 2-2 after 58 minutes. The two teams will go head-to-head again for the fourth of their five-match series on Saturday.
New Delhi, Jun 16 (ANI): The first blockbuster encounter in the FIFA World Cup 2018 between Iberian cousins - Spain and Portugal - lived up to the billing as the two shared six goals between them to produce a classic group stage thriller in Sochi. However, a stunning free kick from Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo completed his 51st career hattrick. Spain continued their patient build-up play to try and find a way back into the contest but could not manage to find an inlet through the organised Portugal defense. Spain's equalizer came at the 24-minute mark, however, in a very un-Spanish way. However, Spain were dealt a sucker punch just a minute from half-time after David de Gea had a brain freeze moment as a firmly hit Ronaldo shot from outside the box, aimed straight at him, inexplicably crept into the goal from under the Manchester United keeper. Spain and Portugal will face Iran and Morocco, respectively, on June 20
New Delhi, Jun 15 (ANI): Fans from all over the world witnessed a glitzy and glamorous affair at the opening event of the much awaited FIFA World Cup 2018. The grand opening ceremony of FIFA World Cup kicked off today in Russia at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. The ceremony began just 30 minutes before the opening game between Russia and Saudi Arabia. British pop star Robbie Williams enthralled the crowd with his famous song 'Let me entertain you' and 'Angels'. Along with Williams, celebrated Russian soprano Aida Garifullina later joined him on stage. The matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup will be played out in 12 stadiums, located in 11 cities and spread over 1,800 miles across Russia.
Bengaluru, Jun 15 (ANI): Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan said that Afghan spinner Rashid Khan was a top class bowler and he really enjoyed his battle with him on the first day of historic maiden test match of Afghanistan. Dhawan has been playing with Khan for two years in Indian Premier League (IPL) for Surisers Hyderabad team. Dhawan added that although he had dominated but Rashid Khan was a great bowler and on his day he could take some serious wickets.
Pune, June 14 (ANI): In the wake of her stepping down from representing India at the Asian Team Chess Championship in Iran, chess player Soumya Swaminathan on Wednesday said that there is no need for religious or cultural enforcements in sports. Soumya was of the opinion that a player's rights and welfare should be given importance and that sport will benefit greatly if it is properly looked after.
Bengaluru, Jun 13 (ANI): The Indian cricket team was seen gearing up for the first Test match against Afghanistan in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday. It will be the first Test match for Afghanistan ever. India will miss out its skipper Virat Kohli and the team will be lead by Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane has said that India will not take Afghanistan lightly in the upcoming series. Asghar Stanikzai-led Afghanistan recently clinched the series against Bangladesh by 2-0.
New Delhi / Bengaluru (Karnataka) / Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Jun 12 (ANI): Indian men's hockey team coach Harendra Singh has lodged a complaint regarding the quality of food provided to the players at the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) centre in Bengaluru. In a mail addressed to Hockey India president Rajinder Singh, Harendra highlighted the issues of the poor quality of food being served to the players training for the Asian Games and World Cup. He wrote, "I would like to bring to your kind notice that food quality at Bangalore SAI center has been well below par with a professional unit - excessive oil and fat throughout, bones with lack of meats. Moreover insects, bugs and hair were also found in the food. Sir, I would also like to inform you that hygiene part has also been neglected." Treasurer of Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Anandeshwar Pandey spoke up on the issue and said, "Players representing India should be given proper diet. If coach has raised such issues, it must be
Bengaluru (Karnataka), Jun 12 (ANI): The Afghanistan cricket team will be playing a Test against team India on June 14. The match will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Ahead of the face-off, the Afghani players were spotted hitting the nets. All eyes will be on the Afghani spin sensation, Rashid Khan who is currently in good form. In addition, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rahmat Shah, Zahir Khan and star all-rounder Mohammad Nabi completes the spin brigade which skipper Asghar Stanikzai is counting on.
Bengaluru (Karnataka), Jun 11 (ANI): The Indian cricket team is all set to play the one-off Test against Afghanistan starting from June 14 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Ahead of the game, the entire unit was spotted sweating at the nets. This is the first time that India is hosting Afghanistan for a face-off in whites. Since Virat Kohli will be missing the game due to a neck injury, Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side. On the other hand, wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has made a comeback in the Test squad after a long span of 10 years. He has replaced injured Wriddhiman Saha in the side, while Karun Nair is back after a year in place of Rohit Sharma.
New Delhi, Jun 11 (ANI): The Indian Football Team lifted the Intercontinental Cup on June 10 after defeating Kenya by 2-0. The men in blue showcased an outstanding performance on the field which successfully restricted the opponents from scoring even a single goal. During the tournament, Indian Football Team captain Sunil Chhetri requested the Indian viewers on social media to gather at the stadium to cheer for the Indian team. Moved by people's support and a magnificent victory against Kenya, Sunil said, "Football is my life and I am living it. After 20 tough days we won the tournament. We had tough time as we lost match vs New Zealand. But we came back and sealed the victory. All of us have the determination for the game and for the country." Chhetri scored two goals in the finals and equaled Argentine professional footballer Lionel Messi's international goal count of 64.
New Delhi, Jun 11 (ANI): Former Indian footballer Anadi Barua appreciated the victory of the Indian football team in the final of the Intercontinental Cup on Monday. Under the leadership of Sunil Chhetri, India beat Kenya by 2-0 to lift the trophy. Barua praised Indian footballers' game and their victory. He said, "Sunil a very good goal getter and plays with a motive of scoring goals all the time. If we get more players matching his abilities, it will be very good for Indian football."
Mumbai (Maharashtra), Jun 11 (ANI): Skipper Sunil Chhetri scored a brace to lead India to a 2-0 win over Kenya in the final match of the Hero Intercontinental Cup, on Sunday. In his 102nd international match, Chhetri struck in the eighth and 29th minutes to hand a dominant India the trophy to the wild celebration of the home fans at the Mumbai Football Arena. Fans were all praised and celebrated this major win. The audience went crazy and started cheering up for India as soon as the final whistle rang. Earlier, football fans were seen cheering for team India for the match against Kenya.
Ludhiana (Punjab), Jun 08 (ANI): Nehal Wadhera, a southpaw from Ludhiana has been selected in India U-19 team and he will represent India in upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Trained under Ludhiana District Cricket Association, Wadhera came into limelight after his performance at Inter-Zonal Cricket Tournament in Una. "Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are my icons, I have learnt a lot from watching them play. Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun is also part of the Under-19 team for Sri Lanka tour. One has to work hard consistently", said Nehal Wadhera, while talking to ANI.
Gurugram (Haryana), Jun 07 (ANI): Gymnast Dipa Karmakar thanked Sports Authority of India (SAI) for support ahead of the Asian Games 2018. Asian Games 2018 will be held in Jakarta in the month of August. "I thank SAI for support for gymnastics. Without SAIs support we could not have been where we are", said Dipa. She said that she is positive about performing at their best in the upcoming Asian Games. Dipa Karmakar is the only Indian gymnast to participate in the Olympics. She secured fourth position in 2016 Rio Olympics.
India cricket captain Virat Kohli is among the world's highest-paid athletes, according to a Forbes' compilation topped by American boxing champion Floyd Mayweather. Here are the top 10 on the Forbes list of 'World's Highest-Paid Athletes 2018'