National Games in Uttarakhand from Jan 28 next year: IOA
New Delhi, Oct 9: The 38th edition of the National Games will be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14 next year, the Indian Olympic Association announced on Wednesday, saying that the schedule is subject to approval from its General Assembly later this month. The IOA General Assembly is scheduled to be held on October 25. “We are thrilled to bring the National Games to Uttarakhand, a state that has shown remarkable enthusiasm and commitment to hosting this prestigious event,” IOA President PT Usha said in a press release. “The Games provide a vital platform for athletes from all over the country to showcase their talents and continue their journey toward international sporting success,” she added. Uttarakhand has also expressed the desire to host the National Winter Games and Usha she is “eagerly” looking forward to “receiving a firm proposal” from the state. The Games will feature competitions in 38 sports and over 10,000 athletes, officials, and coaches are expected to participate. The previous edition of the Games was organised in Goa last year. Maharashtra claimed the top spot with a whopping 228 medals, including 80 gold. (PTI)
George shocks world no. 25 Wei; Lakshya Sen gets walkover
Vantaa (Finland), Oct 9: Indian qualifier Kiran George shocked World No 25 Wang Tzu Wei of Chinese Taipei in straight games as star shuttler Lakshya Sen got a walkover to advance into the men’s singles pre-quarterfinals of the Arctic Open Super 500 tournament here on Wednesday. George defeated Wang 23-21, 21-18 in a 53-minute contest to secure his maiden win over his rival from three exchanges. George will be up against world No 5 Joantan Christie of Indonesia in the last-16. Sen, who lost out on a maiden Olympic medal in Paris after losing in the bronze medal play-off contest, advanced after his opponent Rasmus Gemke withdrew from the opening round match. He will face seventh seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei. (PTI)
Mumba Masters stun leaders PBG in Global Chess League
London, Oct 9: In a surprising turn of events, upGrad Mumba Masters delivered a shocking 9-10 defeat to tournament leaders PBG Alaskan Knights, disrupting their path to direct qualification for the finals of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League here on Wednesday. The win revived Mumba’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage. The seventh day of the tournament saw PBG, playing as Black, face Mumba Masters, who had won only two out of seven matches so far. With three rounds left (including this one), PBG had the opportunity to secure their place in the finals. For Mumba, this was a must-win match to keep their finals hopes alive. The opening game between the two teams ended in a narrow 8-5 victory for PBG, with just one decisive result: PBG’s Nihal Sarin pulling off a crucial win against Raunak Sadhwani on the prodigy board. Sadhwani created a strong position against Sarin, and Koneru Humpy was better placed against former women’s world champion, Tan Zhongyi. However, on the superstar board, Vidit Gujrathi was struggling with time against Nodirbek Abdusattorov, echoing their earlier contest. Meanwhile, PBG’s icon player Anish Giri could only manage to create a drawn position against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, which, considering Giri was Black, would normally be a favourable result. (PTI)
MP and Jharkhand to clash in final
Ranchi, Oct 9: Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand advanced to the final after victories in their respective last-four stage matches on the ninth day of the Junior Women National Championship here on Wednesday. Madhya Pradesh confirmed their spot in the final after a 1-1 (5 – 4 shootout) win against Odisha. Madhya Pradesh goalkeeper Krisha Parihar saved a penalty to secure the win. Jharkhand defeated Haryana 2-1 to secure their spot in the title clash. Roshni Aind (7’) and Parwati Topno (43’) scored to give Jharkhand a two-goal lead in the game. (PTI)
