Indian team to compete in Para Powerlifting World Cup in Beijing
New Delhi, June 15: A 16-member team will represent India at the 2025 Para Powerlifting World Cup, to be held in Beijing from June 17 to 25. The team includes the likes of Zainab Khatun, Seema Rani, Jhandu Kumar, Joby Mathew, Manish Kumar and Kasthuri who impressed at the recently concluded national championships. Out of the 16 players, seven are women. A grand send-off ceremony for the athletes was organized on Sunday. Former president of Paralympic Committee of India Deepa Malik, current PCI Secretary General Jayawant Hamnnavar and India Para Powerlifting Chairman JP Singh were among those present on the occasion. “With every tournament, India is establishing itself as a force to reckon with in the global para powerlifting fraternity. Our players are in great shape, and we can expect commendable results in China,” Singh said. “It is especially heartening to note that 7 out of the 16-member contingent are women – a very promising sign for the future of the sport in the country.” (PTI)
Nishant Dev maintains perfect start in pro boxing with dominant win
New Delhi, June 15: Indian boxer Nishant Dev continued his impressive start in the professional circuit with a commanding unanimous victory over Mexico’s Josue Silva in the super-welterweight division at the iconic Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York. The 24-year-old cruised through the six-round contest, with all three judges scoring the bout 60-54 in his favour, showing his dominance in what was only his second professional outing. The fight featured on the undercard of the high-profile clash between Richardson Hitchins and George Kambosos Jr. Though he was unable to get the knock out, Dev impressed with his sharp shot selection. Facing the more experienced Silva, who entered the bout with a 3-2 (1 KO) record, Dev showcased his growing ring IQ. After a measured opening couple of rounds, the tall southpaw stepped up the tempo in the third, expertly mixing his long-range jabs with sharp, compact combinations on the inside. His superior speed, crisp distance management, and nimble footwork allowed him to control the pace and rhythm of the bout from start to finish. This latest win follows his professional debut in January, when he out punched American Alton Wiggins, notching a victory by technical knockout. (PTI)
Mumbai to host Aurionpro International Grandmaster
Mumbai, June 15: Over 400 players from 17 countries are expected to compete at Rs 40 lakh Aurionpro International Grandmaster Chess tournament and junior international event to be held simultaneously here from June 16 to 24. In the Grandmaster section, the top billing has been given to GM Levan Pantsulaia of Georgia. Armenia’s GM Petrosyan Manuel is second seed while GM Luka Paichadze, also from Georgia, is the third seed. The 12-year-old FIDE Master Aansh Nerurkar leads the Indian charge in the junior section, with strong challenges expected from Madhesh Kumar of Pondicherry and Maharashtra’s Avirat Chauhan. The undeniable star attraction, however, is 12-year-old women International Master Oshini Gunawardhana from Sri Lanka, whose presence adds international flair and excitement to the field. (PTI)
Madison Keys loses to 37-year-old qualifier in Queen’s Club semifinals
London, June 15: Madison Keys was stunned in straight sets by 37-year-old qualifier Tatjana Maria in the Queen’s Club semifinals. Maria, a German mother of two, beat Keys 6-3, 7-6 (3) for her first career victory in four meetings with the reigning Australian Open champion. She is the oldest singles finalist on the WTA Tour since 2020, when Serena Williams won the Auckland Classic at age 38. “You always have to keep going. You never can stop; it doesn’t matter how it goes,” she said. “I love to play tennis, I love this sport, and we live for these special moments.” No. 86 Maria, a former Wimbledon semifinalist, toppled No. 8 Keys, who hit 10 aces but failed to get a break. Keys, the No. 2 seed, exited with the No. 1, Zheng Qinwen, who lost to No. 8 Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Anisimova and Maria last met seven years ago. “It’s incredible to see what she’s doing and her family is so cute, seeing her kids coming everywhere,” Aninimova said. “It’s really special for her, and it’s going to be a great final.” (AP)