Indian boxer Anwar wins WBA Intercontinental C’ship
DUBAI, Dec 16: Indian boxer Faizan Anwar won the WBA (World Boxing Association) Intercontinental Championship, defeating Russia’s Khuseyn Baysangurov by split decision in a well-fought 10-round professional bout here.The 24-year-old from Kolkata produced a controlled and disciplined performance against Baysangurov, who entered the contest with a record of 25 wins and one loss and had remained unbeaten since 2018.Over the course of the 10 rounds, Anwar’s sharp combinations and sustained pressure visibly damaged the left side of Baysangurov’s face, underlining his effectiveness across the rounds.The bout was part of a major professional boxing event organised by IBA Professional and featured fighters from several countries.Anwar dictated the tempo for longer periods, showing composure and tactical awareness to edge past a seasoned opponent and secure the WBA Intercontinental belt.With the victory, Anwar extended his unbeaten professional record to 21 wins from 21 bouts.At 18, Anwar moved to Dubai to pursue a full-time professional career. He currently trains at the Round 10 Boxing Club and is managed by AAM Seddiqi Boxing.The WBA Intercontinental Championship is regarded as a pathway toward higher-level title opportunities. (PTI)
Portugal to host F1 in 2027 and 2028 replacing Dutch GP
PARIS, Dec 16: Portugal will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 and 2028, replacing the Dutch Grand Prix.The Algarve International Circuit near Portimão previously hosted F1 in 2020 and 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic.The two-year deal brings the series back to Portugal after a six-year absence.“The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the checkered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats,” F1 president Stefano Domenicali said on Tuesday. “I look forward to working together again to ensure that Portimão returns to the calendar in emphatic style.” Portugal’s first F1 race was in Porto in 1958 but was discontinued shortly after. Estoril hosted grands prix from 1984-96, and was where Ayrton Senna claimed his first victory.Lewis Hamilton won both pandemic races in Portimão and surpassed Michael Schumacher’s record of all-time wins with his 92nd victory in 2021. (PTI)
India to host first-ever UCI 2.2 cycling event in Pune
PUNE, Dec 16: A historic moment awaits India’s cycling landscape as the country is set to host the first-ever UCI 2.2 Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, a continental men’s team elite road race from January 19 to 23 in Pune district.The tour will kick-start the international cycling calendar with a four-stage, multi-day challenge.The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is a four-day, four-stage 437-km continental team men’s road race, expected to witness over 150 professional international cyclists from 26 countries in action.The race is being organised by the Government of Maharashtra and Pune District Administration, along with the Cycling Federation of India.“From 1960s to 1990s cycle was a mode of transportation for India. But after 2000 everybody became conscious about fitness and then cycling entered out life as a pressure and we accepted it as it is in our nature to accept things which comes under pressure,” Sports Minister Mansuykh Mandaviya said during the unveiling of the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 trophy here on Tuesday. (PTI)
