IPL’s opening match set to feature KKR, RCB; final likely on May 25
New Delhi, Feb 15: The IPL 2025 is set to begin on March 22 with a match between title holders Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens, also the designated venue for this year’s final on May 25. This year too, Dharamsala and Guwahati will host a couple of IPL matches. Dharamsala will be the second home venue of Punjab Kings after Mullanpur, while Rajasthan Royals will set up their base in the North Eastern City apart from regular venue Jaipur. The BCCI is yet to release the schedule but it is expected that the governing body will announce the full list of venues and matches early next week. (PTI)
Rana back in NRAI fold as 25m pistol high-performance coach
New Delhi, Feb 15: The legendary Jaspal Rana is back in Indian shooting’s mainstream as the national federation on Saturday made him the high-performance coach for 25m pistol, while picking the decorated Jitu Rai for the 10m air pistol coaching job. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the sport’s apex body in the country, appointed several former shooters as coaches of the national team during its governing body meeting at the Constitution Club here. Also appointed as head coach (rifle) was the latest Dronacharya award recipient Deepali Deshpande. In all, a total of 16 new members were appointed to the coaching team, with 19 being retained, including one coordinator (Amar Jung Singh) and two coaches (Priti Sharma and Anuja Jung) for deaf shooters. (PTI)
Unseeded Japanese duo claims Delhi Open doubles title
New Delhi, Feb 15: Unseeded Japanese pair Masamichi Imamura and Rio Noguchi claimed the Delhi Open doubles title with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over second seeds Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha and Courtney John Lock at the DLTA Complex on Saturday. The Japanese duo showed resilience and precision, breaking their opponents early in both sets to cap off a remarkable run at the ATP Challenger 75 event. Kyrian Jacquet extended his dream run in the singles event by knocking out top seed Vit Kopriva in straight sets in the semifinals. The unseeded Frenchman had eliminated seventh seed Sho Shimabukuro and seasoned players Jay Clarke and Michael Geerts in the earlier rounds. Jacquet will face second seed Billy Harris in the singles final after the Briton saw off third seed Tristan Schoolkate with a spectacular come-from-behind win in the second semifinal. (PTI)
Odisha govt announces cash prize for National Games medal winners
Bhubaneswar, Feb 15: The Odisha government has announced cash prize for medal winners from the state at the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand. Odisha athletes clinched a total of 46 medals, including 14 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze at the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand. The event concluded on Friday. The state secured the 12th position in the final ranking list and was among the top 15 in the country, an official press release said. To encourage and reward the outstanding performances of its athletes, the Odisha government has announced cash prize of Rs 6 lakh for gold medalists, Rs 4 lakh for silver medalists and Rs 3 lakh for bronze medalists. “This year, Odisha has made a mark in national games, securing a place among the top 15 states. Winning 46 medals, including 14 gold, is a significant achievement. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes,” said Odish a Sports minister Suryabanshi Suraj. (PTI)