Asian Team Squash C’ship postponed
Karachi, March 23: The Asian Team Squash Championship scheduled in Islamabad next month has been postponed due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region. The event was scheduled to be held from April 14 to 18. “The Asian Squash Federation has informed us that it is not feasible to hold the event at this time because of the conflict and the resulting situation in the region,” said an official. He said that if the situation improves, the Pakistan Squash Federation will look at a window sometime in September. Asked if the Indian squash federation had agreed to send its team for the event, the official said that the confirmation of teams participating in the championship is being handled by the continental body. He said the PSF when given the hosting rights, had guaranteed safety and security of all participating teams. (PTI)
Hardik, Sukhjeet, Sanjay, in fray for HI Player of the Year award
New Delhi, March 23: Star Indian midfielder Hardik Singh, forwards Sukhjeet Singh and Sanjay, and defender Abhishek are in contention for the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr Player-of-the-Year award for 2025. In the women’s category, Salima Tete, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami and Savita have been nominated for the top honour. The HI awards ceremony, scheduled to be held here on Friday, will also throw spotlight on emerging talent through the Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player-of-the-Year (U-21 men) and Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player-of-the-Year (Under-21 women). A total of 32 nominees across eight categories have made the final shortlist. In addition, special recognitions such as the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution will be presented. Officials will also be honoured through awards for Umpire/Umpire Manager of the Year, Technical Official of the Year, and Best Member Unit. The ceremony will also felicitate the gold medal-winning Indian men’s team from the Asia Cup and the junior men’s side who secured a bronze medal at the World Cup. (PTI)
Devynne Charlton matches her own world record in 60m hurdles
Torun, March 23: Bahamas sprinter Devynne Charlton matched her own world record by clocking 7.65 seconds to win the 60-metre hurdles at the World Indoors for the third straight year on Sunday. Charlton also ran 7.65 at the 2024 World Indoors. Nadine Visser of the Netherlands took silver in 7.73 and Pia Skrzyszowska took bronze before her home fans with the same time. Charlton finished sixth in the 100 hurdles at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, 17-year-old American Cooper Lutkenhaus won the 800 in 1:44.24 to become the youngest man to win an individual gold medal at a worlds – seven months after turning pro. The US swept golds in the men’s and women’s 4x400s. Also, Keely Hodgkinson won the 800 in a championship record 1:55.30 for the first world title of her career. Georgia Hunter Bell claimed gold in the 1,500 and Molly Caudery won the women’s pole vault on a big night for Britain. (AP)
