Indian long-distance runner Pooja suspended for ‘evading’ dope test
New Delhi, Feb 5: Little-known Indian long-distance runner Pooja Aatmaram has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for evading a dope test. Pooja, who competes in the 5000m and 10,000m events, had finished third in the Indian Grand Prix 2 in 2024 while representing Rajasthan, which remains her most noteworthy performance. Last year, the 30-year-old had competed in the National Cross Country Championships in Lucknow, finishing 25th. Pooja has been suspended under Article 2.3 of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s code. The particular provision deals with athletes “refusing, or failing without compelling justification, to submit to Sample collection after notification as authorised in applicable anti-doping rules or otherwise evading Sample collection.” (PTI)
Released from KKR, Mustafizur to play PSL for Lahore Qalandars
Lahore, Feb 5: Lahore Qalandars on Thursday announced the direct signing of Mustafizur Rahman for Pakistan Super League Season 11 following the release of the Bangladesh pacer by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. Rahman was removed from the KKR roster on BCCI instructions, triggering a controversial sequence of events that led to the withdrawal of Bangladesh national team from the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and selective pullout of Pakistan from the marquee fixture against India. BCCI did not specify the reason for Mustafir’s ouster but said it was due to developments all across, a reference to the tense diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh following the killings of Hindus in the neighbouring country. Bangladesh withdrew citing security concerns despite the International Cricket Council’s low threat perception for the tournament to be played in India and Sri Lanka. The Pakistan government announced the boycott of the fixture against India in support of Bangladesh. (PTI)
Asian Snooker: Keerthana to meet Anupama in semis
Doha, Feb 5: India’s Keerthana Pandian stormed into the women’s semifinals with a comfortable victory over Hong Kong’s Chu Pui Ying in the Asian Snooker Championships here on Thursday. The 3-1 verdict helped Keerthana set up a mouthwatering semifinal showdown against former champion and compatriot Anupama Ramachandran, the reigning IBSF World champion. Anupama took a tougher route to the last-four stage, overcoming Hong Kong’s Yee Ting Cheung 3-2. Amee Kamani, the third Indian to make the knockouts, frittered away the advantage to go down 2-3, after being 2-0 up, to Hong Kong’s Ho Yee Ki. In the men’s U-21 section, India’s Aarav Sancheti went down 1-4 to Malaysia’s Muhammad Wafi in the pre-quarterfinals. (PTI)
India to host Billie Jean King Cup
New DelhI, Feb 5: All India Tennis Association (AITA) on Thursday said the country has been given the hosting rights of the World Cup of Women Tennis 2026 Billie Jean King Cup. “India has been given the privilege of hosting the World Cup of Women Tennis 2026 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Asia/Oceania Group I Event in April this year,” AITA’s secretary general Anil Dhupar said in a statement. The event will be held at the newly renovated courts of Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) Complex from April 7-11. The tournament will be conducted in a round-robin format, with the top two teams earning promotion to the play-offs. Along with hosts India, teams from Indonesia, the South Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, and Thailand will compete for the two coveted promotion spots, the top AITA office bearer said. (PTI)
