Barça’s deal for Lewandowski could exceed $50 million
BARCELONA, July 20: Barcelona said Tuesday the fee to acquire striker Robert Lewandowski could reach 50 million euros ($50.2 million) The Spanish club said it will pay Bayern Munich 45 million euros ($46 million) plus 5 million euros ($5.1 million) in variables for the transfer of the prolific Poland player. The buyout clause for the 33-year-old Lewandowski will be set at 500 million euros ($512 million) on a contract valid for four seasons. He is set to sign the contract on Wednesday in Miami, where Barcelona is starting its US tour. The final agreement comes three days after the clubs announced a preliminary deal for the striker who was voted FIFA player of the year in 2020 and 2021. (AP)
Hertha Berlin’s Richter has tumor removed, set for return
BERLIN, July 20: Hertha Berlin winger Marco Richter could be back in training next month after treatment for a testicular tumor, the German club said Wednesday. Hertha said the tumor was malignant but was caught early enough that it could be removed without chemotherapy. “We are all so happy to hear this positive news. We will give Marco all the time he needs after his operation and look forward to seeing him back in training in two to three weeks,” sporting director Fredi Bobic said. Richter is one of three Bundesliga players undergoing treatment recently for testicular tumors, which can be benign and do not always lead to a diagnosis of cancer. (AP)
Yogasana, Mallakhamba to debut at Gujarat Natl Games
NEW DELHI, July 20: Yogasana and Mallakhamba, which were successfully introduced in the Khelo India Youth Games, will make debut at the 36th National Games to be held in Gujarat from September 27 to October 10. The two indigenous sports were for the first time included at the Khelo India Youth Games in Panchkula in May. Announcing the inclusion of Yogasana and Mallakhamba, the Indian Olympic Association in a statement said the National Games will see a total of 36 sports and participation from all 28 states and eight Union Territories. The Games will take place in six cities of Gujarat – Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot and Bhavnagar. (PTI)
Afghan players await Govt nod to compete in Chess Olympiad
New Delhi, July 20: Afghanistan players are still waiting for a green light from the ruling Taliban government to participate in the 44th edition of the Chess Olympiad in India. The Taliban which has been in power in Afghanistan since last year has a strong antipathy towards Chess and considers it a form of gambling. “As far as Afghanistan’s participation is concerned, it looks unlikely because of the political situation in the country. Everything will be clear in a couple of days,” Bharat Singh Chauhan, Secretary, AICF, said. Meanwhile, chess players from Kosovo will participate under the FIDE flag because of India’s current stance on the disputed nation, sources in the AICF said. (PTI)
Magnus Carlsen to not defend World Chess C’ships title
London, July 20: Five-time World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen on Wednesday said that he will not defend his world championships title in 2023. According to current regulations, Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi will play the world championship against Chinese world No 2 Ding Liren. “I’ve spoken to people in my team, I’ve spoken to FIDE, I spoke to Ian as well. And the conclusion is, yeah, it’s very simple, I am not motivated to play another match. I simply feel that I don’t have a lot to gain, I don’t particularly like it, and although I’m sure a match would be interesting for historical reasons and all of that, I don’t have any inclination to play and I will simply not play the match,” Carlsen said in a podcast The Magnus Effect. (UNI)
Kolkata derby to kick-off Durand Cup on August 16
KOLKATA, July 20: The season’s first Kolkata derby between ATK Mohun Bagan and East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium on August 16 will kick off the 131st Durand Cup, according to the fixture announced on Wednesday. The city will have three venues – the Salt Lake Stadium, Kishore Bharati Krirangan and the Naihati Stadium in North 24-Parganas district. The tournament will also have matches in Guwahati and Imphal Khuman Lampak stadium. The Salt Lake Stadium will play host to 10 games, including the opening derby between ATK Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, as well as all seven knockout games. (PTI)