Records tumble on Day 2 of National Junior Athletics C’ships
Bhubaneswar, Dec 8: Several records tumbled on the second day of the 39th National Junior Athletics Championships here on Sunday. Tamil Nadu’s international sprinter Abinaya Rajarajan made her 100m victory in the women’s U18 group more memorable by setting a meet record. On her way to gold medal, Abinaya clocked 11.66 seconds to better the nine-year-old record of 11.89 seconds set by Rashmi Sheregar. There was excitement in Odisha’s camp as local sprinter Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram clinched the men’s U20 100m title. Haryana’s World U20 bronze medalist in women’s 10,000m race walk, Aarti, continued her domination at the domestic meet as she led from start to finish. She clocked 47:21.68 seconds to better the previous meet record of 47:30.94 set by Mansi Negi in 2022. Aarti’s next goal will be to compete in women’s 20km race walk at the All India Inter Varsity meet in the last week of December. Haryana’s international high jumper, Pooja, also improved her own meet record in the women’s U18 event. (PTI)
Haryana continue domination in Senior Wrestling Nationals
Bengaluru, Dec 8: Priya defeated Reetika to win the women’s 76kg title on the final day as Haryana wrestlers continued their domination at the Senior National Wrestling Championship here on Sunday. Haryana wrestlers won gold in seven of the eight categories conTested on the final day of the competition, helping their side win the team championships. Haryana ended the tournament with 235 points, Maharashtra, who picked up 150 points, were second while Delhi came in third position with 106 points. Haryana’s Jyoti (53kg), Meenakshi (55kg), Tapasya (57kg), Anjli (59kg), Manisha (62kg), Radhika (68kg) and Priya (76kg) stood on the top step of the podium. While Bhagya Shree (62kg) won the gold for Mahrashtra. The highlight of the day was the much-anticipated final in the 76kg title clash. Both Priya and Reetika, known for their exceptional prowess, were involved in a fierce battle. However, Priya dominated the bout, defeating Reetika with an impressive score of 10-0, showcasing her superior technique and strategy. (PTI)
Former Bihar official accused of sexually harassing athlete, booked
Patna, Dec 8: A case was registered against a former office-bearer of the Bihar Weightlifters’ Association for allegedly sexually harassing a female athlete, police said on Sunday. The incident happened around 1 pm on Saturday at the office of the association in Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna, they said. The female weightlifter filed a complaint at the Kankarbagh police station, alleging that the former official attempted to sexually assault her inside the office of the association, they added. “On the basis of the complaint filed by the victim, a case has been registered and the matter is being further investigated,” said Kankarbagh’s SHO Neeraj Kumar Thakur. (PTI)
India beat Singapore, eye best-ever finish Asian Handball C’ship
New Delhi, Dec 8: India registered a commanding 35-22 win over Singapore at the Asian Women’s Handball Championship here on Sunday, opening up the opportunity for their best-ever finish in the tournament. India, who have never finished above sixth, will face China on Tuesday in the 5th/6th place playoff match. Charged by the backing of their fans, India opened the placement match against Singapore with high energy, leading 9-6 midway through the first half, courtesy Menika and Bhawana Sharma’s consistent scoring. At the other end, captain Diksha Kumari and goalkeeper Nina Shil, who made key saves including a penalty, kept Singapore at bay. The hosts maintained their overall dominance on the other side of the interval to secure a comprehensive win. (PTI)
PSL Draft: Franchises submit list of unsold overseas IPL players to PCB
Karachi, Dec 8: Franchise owners have submitted a list of overseas players who went unsold in the recent IPL auction to the PCB to ensure they are registered for the Pakistan Super League players’ draft. The upcoming seasons of the PSL and Indian Premier League (IPL) will likely overlap with each for the first time next year. While most the players will choose the more lucrative India league ahead of PSL, a number of high profile overseas cricketers including David Warner, Kane Williamson, Adil Rashid, Alex Carey, Keshav Maharaj, Shai Hope, Donovan Ferrara, Daryl Mitchell, Jonny Bairstow, Akeal Hossain went unsold at the IPL auction. “The team owners want the PCB to talk to the agents and boards of these players and confirm their availability for the PSL 2025,” an insider said. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), seemingly inspired by the BCCI’s decision to host the recent IPL auction abroad, is also planning to hold the players’ draft for PSL in either London or Dubai. (PTI)
Norris wins Abu Dhabi GP to seal constructors’ title for McLaren
Abu Dhabi, Dec 8: Lando Norris ended McLaren’s 26-year wait for the Formula 1 constructors’ title as he won the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. There was drama at the start as champion Max Verstappen collided with Oscar Piastri’s second-place McLaren at the first corner, sending both cars into a spin. With Piastri dropped to the back of the field, McLaren’s title hopes depended on race leader Norris. “Incredible, well done everyone, so proud of you all. You all deserve this,” Norris, who was runner-up to Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, told his team over the radio. “It’s been a special year. Next year’s going to be my year too.” Norris held on for the win with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. in second and Charles Leclerc surging up to third from 19th on the grid. While Sainz didn’t get close enough to try to overtake Norris, it was a tense finish for McLaren chief executive Zak Brown, aware that any technical fault on the car would hand the title to Ferrari.
HAMILTON BIDS FAREWELL TO MERCEDES
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was fourth in his 246th and last race for Mercedes before joining Ferrari next year after overtaking teammate George Russell on the last lap. “We dreamed alone but together we believed,” Hamilton told his engineer Peter Bonnington over the radio before spinning the car in “donuts” to cheers from the crowd. Russell was fifth, with Verstappen sixth and Pierre Gasly seventh for Alpine. Nico Hulkenberg finished eighth in his last race for Haas before joining Sauber for 2025. (AP)