Goa set to make history as
host of 37th National Games
Panaji, Oct 6: For the first time in its history, Goa is poised to play host to the largest-ever National Games, as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, alongside the State Sports Minister, the Sports Secretary of Goa and senior officials of the state, unveiled details about hosting the prestigious 37th edition Games.This prestigious event, featuring an impressive array of 43 sporting disciplines, promises to be a spectacular showcase of athletic excellence, camaraderie, and a platform for the debut of several exciting sports.The previous edition of the National Games, hosted in Gujarat, featured 36 disciplines, while Kerala’s 2015 edition included 33.CM Sawant expressed his vision for Goa, stating, “We aim to create a thriving sports ecosystem in Goa. While tourists have long enjoyed our beautiful beaches, we now intend to attract sports enthusiasts from around the world. We’ve successfully hosted events like Ironman, drawing athletes globally, and the World Table Tennis event with participants from 22 countries. (IANS)
Lionel Messi leads Argentina squad despite injury doubt
Buenos Aires, Oct 6: Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru later this month, the Argentine Football Association said on Thursday.The Albiceleste captain’s inclusion comes despite an undisclosed muscle injury that has kept the 36-year-old Inter Miami forward out of the Major League Soccer club’s past four games.Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni called up five uncapped players: Marcos Pellegrino, Lucas Esquivel, Carlos Alcaraz, Bruno Zapelli, and Facundo Farias.But there was no place in the 34-man squad for Angel di Maria. (IANS)
Paul Pogba faces a doping
ban of up to 4 years
rome, Oct 6: Paul Pogba’s backup “B” sample also tested positive for testosterone, meaning the Juventus midfielder now faces a doping investigation.The exams were carried out by Nado Italia, Italy’s anti-doping agency, which suspended Pogba provisionally nearly a month ago following a positive test carried out after Juventus’ game at Udinese on Aug. 20. Pogba did not play in the Serie A match but was on Juve’s bench.Pogba remains suspended provisionally and risks a ban of up to four years.Neither Pogba nor Juventus has publicly contested the results of the tests.”Humanely, I’m sorry for Paul,” Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said Friday.The doping case is another negative note for a player who has been bothered by injuries ever since rejoining Juventus. (PTI)