NRAI name tourneys after Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh
New Delhi, June 23: The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on Tuesday announced that the India Open Competitions in July will be named in honour of legendary shooters Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh, who died recently, leaving the fraternity shocked. Describing them as “two of the most influential figures in the history of Indian shooting and sports administration”, the NRAI said one competition will now be known as the Jaspal Rana Memorial India Open Competition in Rifle/Pistol Events, while the other will be called the Raja Randhir Singh Memorial India Open Competition in Shotgun Events. (PTI)
Fencer Bhavani Devi appeals for reconsideration of suspension
New Delhi, June 23: Offering an unconditional apology for her conduct during the team event at the Asian Fencing Championships, India’s leading fencer Bhavani Devi has appealed for reconsideration of the two-month suspension imposed on her. Following the incident, Bhavani was shown a Black Card, resulting in a two-month suspension under the applicable disciplinary regulations. The appeal cites Bhavani’s exemplary disciplinary record throughout her distinguished international career, noting that she has never previously been involved in any incident of this nature. (PTI)
HC upholds AITA general body’s supremacy, seeks speedy reforms
New Delhi, June 23: The Delhi High Court has reaffirmed the primacy of the All India Tennis Association’s (AITA) General Body in deciding amendments to its constitution while also taking note of concerns raised by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) over prolonged administrator-led governance of the national federation. The court’s directions came after considering a May 18 communication from the ITF, which acknowledged the interim recognition of AITA’s Executive Committee and the need for the federation to amend its constitution and bye-laws in line with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026. The ITF had also indicated that if the court-appointed administrator continued beyond the timelines stipulated in the April 27 judgment, it could consider action under its regulatory framework, including a review of AITA’s membership status. Court has asked for election on or before September 30. (PTI)
Several hurt in stampede at Ranchi stadium during Jharkhand T20 final
Ranchi, June 23: Several people were injured, three of them seriously, after a stampede-like situation broke out during the final match of the Jharkhand Premier League T20 cricket tournament at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) International Stadium in Dhurwa, here on Tuesday evening, officials said. Three of the injured spectators had to be admitted to a hospital. According to eyewitnesses, a large number of cricket enthusiasts began arriving at the stadium in the afternoon to watch the final match. Just before the match began, the crowd surged sharply at the West Gate. Due to slow entry procedures and delays in security checks, long queues had formed at the gate. As the pressure of the spectators kept increasing, pushing and jostling started near the gate, triggering chaos and a stampede-like situation. (IANS)
Serena Williams makes audacious singles return at Wimbledon
London, June 23: After initially returning in doubles, Serena Williams is ramping up her tennis return with singles, too. All eyes will be on the 44-year-old when she competes in the first round of Wimbledon, which starts Monday. While she has played two doubles warmup matches recently, Williams hasn’t contested an official singles match in nearly four years. ESPN’s Mary Joe Fernandez called it “a sign of confidence” that Serena is prepared to enter the tournament without having played a singles match in so long. (AP)
