Angelo Mathews to retire from Tests after Bangladesh match
COLOMBO, May 23: Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews on Friday announced that the first Test against Bangladesh next month will be his last five-day game as he makes way for younger talent in the traditional format with a “grateful heart and unforgettable memories.” The 37-year-old will, however, continue to play white-ball cricket for his country. His final Test appearance will be in Galle from June 17 to 21.“With a grateful heart and unforgettable memories. It is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game, International Test Cricket!…The first Test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball appearance for my country,” he posted on ‘X’.“Whilst I bid adieu to the Test format, as discussed with selectors I will remain available for selection for the white ball format, if and when my country needs me.“I believe this Test team is a talented side with many future and present greats playing the game. Now seems like the best time to make way for a younger player to take the mantle to shine for our nation,” he added.Since making debut in 2009, Mathews has turned up in 118 Tests, scoring 8167 runs — the third-highest tally in Sri Lanka’s history, behind Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardene (11,814). (PTI)
Indian Open surfing from May 30
MANGALORE, May 23: The Indian Open of surfing, which is the second stop in the National Surfing Championship series, is set to return for its sixth edition from May 30 to June 1.The competition will be hosted by the Mantra Surf Club against the backdrop of Sasihithlu Beach and will be organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation, the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) stated.The three-day competition will witness participation from India’s top-ranked surfers in four categories — men’s open, women’s open, U-16 Boys and U-16 Girls.Last year, India earned its first-ever surfing quotas for a multisport event, securing two spots for the 2026 Asian Games at the Asian Surf Championship in the Maldives.The upcoming Indian Open offers athletes the opportunity to boost their rankings and enhance their chances of qualifying for the Asian Surf Championship, the qualifier event for the 2026 Asian Games scheduled later this year.Kishore Kumar, Harish Muthu, Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani are among the top surfers to watch at the Indian Open. These athletes have secured multiple national championship titles in recent years.The year 2024 was a landmark for Indian surfing, with the national team earning a 5th place ranking in Asia. (PTI)
Inaugural Hockey India Masters Cup to begin from June 18
CHENNAI, May 23: The first-ever Hockey India Masters Cup 2025, a tournament for veteran players, will be held in Chennai from June 18 to 27.Hockey India (HI) on Friday officially announced the venue and dates of the event that will see both men and women players in action.The league marks a new chapter in Indian hockey, offering a dedicated platform for veteran players.According to the rules of the league, a player must be aged 40 and above to compete in the men’s category, and 35 and above in the women’s division.The names of the teams for both the categories will be released shortly, and to participate in the event, players must register through their respective state member units, HI said in a statement.The competition will follow a league-cum-knockout format with pool structure based on the final number of participating teams. (PTI)