WFI withholds technical officials for inter-university wrestling meet
New Delhi, Jan 4: Headlined by Japan’s Yui Susaki, who attracted a record bThe All India Inter-University Wrestling Championship, scheduled to be hosted by Chandigarh University from January 5, has been thrown into uncertainty after the host institution opted for a referee panel different from the one recommended by the WFI, leading to the national federation declining to depute technical officials. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) on December 11 issued a circular clearly stating that the concerned National Sports Federation would supervise the technical conduct of the championship. In response, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) submitted a panel of international referees to the AIU on December 24 for officiating the competition. However, the federation informed the AIU on December 27 that Chandigarh University had not approached it directly for the referee panel. On December 30, WFI received a separate panel of referees proposed by Chandigarh University for approval. The federation told the host university that it had already forwarded an approved panel to the AIU and advised Chandigarh University to appoint officials from that list as per its requirement. WFI said no response was received from Chandigarh University thereafter. The AIU, on December 31, once again forwarded the WFI-approved panel of referees to the host institution. “Despite this, Chandigarh University did not initiate any further communication with WFI regarding the appointment of technical officials,” the federation said. Consequently, on January 2, WFI formally informed both the AIU and Chandigarh University that, in the absence of confirmation and given the extremely short notice, it would not be feasible for technical officials – who would need to travel from different parts of the country – to attend the championship. (PTI)
India’s Sanjay Takale makes history, wins in Dakar Rally 2026 Prologue
Yanbu (Saudi Arabia), Jan 4: In a historic achievement for Indian motorsport, top driver Sanjay Takale delivered a standout performance in the Prologue Stage of the Dakar Rally 2026, finishing first in the high average speed Group H3 and 35th overall in the Cars category on Saturday. The Prologue, which determines the starting order and does not count toward overall standings, saw Takale dominate the Dakar Classic Group H3, making him the first Indian to stand on the Dakar podium in the Cars category on Day 1. Driving Car No. 722, Sanjay Takale guided his Toyota HDJ 100 across the 22 km Special Stage and 74 km Liaison (total 96 km), finishing ahead of experienced international competitors. (IANS)
Tyson Fury says he is coming out of retirement in 2026
Manchester, Jan 4: Tyson Fury is returning to the ring after announcing on Sunday that he will step out of retirement. The former heavyweight world champion confirmed his comeback in a post on social media, which sets up the prospect of a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua. “2026 is that year. Return of the mac,” Fury posted on Instagram. “Been away for a while but I’m back now, 37 years old and still punching. Nothing better to do than punch men in the face and get paid for it.” Fury retired last year after losing for a second time to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. Before his two bouts with Usyk he was unbeaten in 35 fights, winning 34 and drawing one. Fury did not mention potential opponents, but his announcement comes after increased speculation about a clash with British rival Joshua in 2026. Joshua, who is also a former world champion, last month knocked out YouTube star Jake Paul. But he was injured in a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends in Nigeria this week, which has resulted in uncertainty over his immediate plans. Fury is a two-time world champion. He ended the reign of Wladimir Klitschko with a points win in 2015 that saw him crowned Super WBA, IBF and WBO champion. He didn’t fight again until 2018 – but a thrilling trilogy with American Deontay Wilder resulted in a draw and two victories to claim the WBC title. (AP)
