Indian chess players’ valuables
stolen after multiple break-ins
New Delhi, Dec 26: Some of the frontline Indian chess players, including GM Sankalp Gupta, went through a torrid time while participating in the recent Sunway International chess tournament at Sitges, Spain, as they lost several valuables after break-ins at their apartments. The train of unsavoury incidents started on December 19 with a break-in at the Apollo apartment, a property provided by the organisers for participants, where International Master Dushyant Sharma and Sankalp were sharing the accommodation. This break-in happened when the duo was out of their room and Dushyant lost his passport, laptop and cash from the room. Though Sankalp was robbed of his laptop and air-pods, his passport was safe. But that was not the end of miseries for them as the translator interpreted wrongly that the players left the doors and windows open, hinting that the burglary was because of their negligence. “We rectified this mistake in the report (to the organisers) later”, said Dushyant. Dushyant, in fact, had to leave the tournament to get the document to come back home. Interestingly, Sankalp was able to track his air-pods online but the player complained that he did not get any support to retrieve them from Barcelona. Three days later, Sunway San Jorge Apartment was targeted by the burglars after the last round. Women’s IM Mounika Akshaya and WGM Srija Seshadri were away for an evening walk and IM CRG Krishna was sleeping inside the room while burglars entered the apartment. Their valuables like laptop and mobile phones were taken away, but fortunately, Krishna was not harmed. On December 23, Sunway Arizona Apartments had a break-in when WIM Arpita Mukherjee and WFM Vishwa Shah were sleeping in the bedroom. Between 2:30 am and 6 am, their laptops, mobile phones and cash were stolen from the bedside tables. Luckily, the players were left unharmed by the perpetrators. (PTI)
Salah ‘shares pain’ of grieving families at Christmas amid war
LIVERPOOL, Dec 26: Liverpool football star Mohamed Salah says he “shares the pain” of grieving families at Christmas amid the Israel-Hamas war. The Egypt international posted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: “Christmas is a time when families get together and celebrate. “With the brutal war going on in the Middle East, especially the death and destruction in Gaza, this year we get to Christmas with very heavy hearts and we share the pain of those families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. “Please do not forget them and do not get used to their suffering. Merry Christmas.” Egypt has floated an ambitious plan to end the war. (AP)
FC Goa midfielder Rodriguez ruled out for rest of ISL season
Panaji, Dec 26: FC Goa midfielder Victor Rodriguez has been ruled out of the remainder of the India Super League (ISL) season with an injury to his right leg, the ISL club said on Tuesday. The Spaniard sustained an injury to his right leg during FC Goa’s last match against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and was carried off just before halftime. “The player underwent a comprehensive series of scans immediately following the incident, and the preliminary findings indicate that a period away from competitive play will be necessary for his full recovery. Unfortunately, this injury will hence rule him out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season,” FC Goa statement read. “The club is currently in the process of consulting with medical professionals to formulate the most optimal course of action to ensure the player’s swift and effective rehabilitation,” it added. Rodriguez joined FC Goa earlier in the summer transfer window and quickly became an integral part of the side. He showcased terrific form in the league, scoring three goals and providing three assists in the nine appearances he made. The midfielder also found the back of the net as they thumped the Kolkata side 4-1 and maintained their position at the top of the table. However, the news of his injury deals a setback to the FC Goa side, who are currently enjoying a successful run under their new head coach, Manolo Marquez. (IANS)