Youth Hockey5s: Indian men beat Pak to win gold, women bag silver
Muscat, July 26: The Indian Sub-Junior men’s team produced a clinical performance to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 in the gold medal match of the Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship. Goals from Romit Pal (5′), captain Ketan Kushwaha (12′), and Shahrukh Ali (13′) crowned India as the Asian champions. With this victory, the Indian Men’s team completed a dominant, unbeaten campaign, having also finished at the top of the Elite Pool table. The summit clash saw India take early control with sharp passing and disciplined structure. Romit Pal (5′) broke the deadlock in the first half, striking past the Pakistani goalkeeper to give India a 1-0 lead at half-time. India extended their dominance early in the second half as captain Ketan Kushwaha (12′) found the back of the net, followed immediately by a strike from Shahrukh Ali (13′) to make it 3-0. Pakistan pulled one goal back through Muhammad Usman (16′), but the Indian defense stood firm in the closing minutes to secure a 3-1 win and lift the trophy. By virtue of reaching the final, both India and Pakistan have qualified for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup. In the women’s competition, the Indian sub-junior women’s team bagged the silver medal after a hard-fought contest in their final against China, ensuring both Indian contingents return home with medals. (IANS)
Kush Maini finishes second after VSC setback in Hungary
New Delhi, July 26: Kush Maini finished second in Sunday’s FIA Formula 2 Feature Race at the Hungaroring in Hungary, securing his third podium of the 2026 season after an ill-timed Virtual Safety Car compromised his chances of victory. Maini, competing in his fourth Formula 2 season, made a strong start to the weekend by taking pole position in Friday’s qualifying session. The reverse-grid format for Saturday’s Sprint Race placed him 10th on the grid. He gained five positions on the opening lap and went on to finish fifth, collecting four championship points. Starting from pole in Sunday’s Feature Race, Maini retained the lead at the start and built a gap of around five seconds before the mandatory pit window. However, the deployment of the Virtual Safety Car during the pit sequence cost him the advantage he had established and dropped him behind the eventual race winner. Maini recovered to finish second, crossing the line just 0.8 seconds behind the winner. “Sometimes you can do everything right and still not come away with the biggest trophy,” said Maini. “But I’m very satisfied with the way we worked and performed over the weekend. We’ll fight for the win when we’re back in Monza. Thanks to the team for giving me an amazing car throughout the weekend, and to JK Tyre and TVS Racing for all their support on this journey.” With the additional point for the fastest lap, Maini scored 19 points from Sunday’s race and 25 across the weekend. The Formula 2 season now heads into its summer break, with racing set to resume at Monza. Maini is sixth in the drivers’ standings as he still faces a significant gap to the championship leaders with four rounds left. (PTI)
Sepang returns to Formula 1 as Malaysia hosts Bahrain GP
New Delhi, July 26: Formula 1 and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) on Sunday confirmed that Malaysia will host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, 2026, marking the return of the iconic venue to the Formula 1 calendar. The race will take place between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, with the remainder of the 2026 calendar unchanged. The announcement remains subject to the completion of final agreements and approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. The event will officially be known as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, following an agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. The arrangement ensures that the Bahrain Grand Prix remains on the 2026 calendar despite regional challenges that would have otherwise prevented the race from taking place in Bahrain. Formula 1 said the agreement reflected Bahrain’s long-standing commitment to the championship since becoming the first Middle Eastern nation to host a Formula 1 race in 2004, while also acknowledging Malaysia’s support in making the event possible. Sepang, which last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017, is regarded as one of the sport’s most demanding circuits because of its high-speed layout, tropical weather and enthusiastic fan base. Welcoming the decision, Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said the event highlighted Bahrain’s enduring passion for Formula 1 and reflected the close ties between Bahrain and Malaysia. (IANS)
Diksha shoots 70 to get close to top-10 finish in Scottish Open
Dundonald Links (Scotland), July 26: Indian golfer Diksha Dagar played a superb third round of 2-under 70 that carried her to one-over total Tied-11th at the Women’s Scottish Open on another day with difficult conditions with rainfall and gusting winds, as well as sunshine. The two-time LET winner, Diksha, who is backed by Hero, missed a birdie on the 18th but still managed to sub par card. India’s other two golfers this week Avani Prashanth and Pranavi Urs had earlier missed the cut in tough conditions. Korea’s Jenny Shin sits atop the leaderboard at 12-under-par with just one round remaining at Dundonald Links. The Korean star, who has been in front since the 18-hole mark, held a five-shot lead overnight and produced a round of 71 (-1) on day three. Diksha opened with three pars and had her first birdie on the fourth and gave away her only shot of the day on the ninth. She turned in even par and then found back-to-back birdies on the 13th and the 14th. She parred the next four holes to put herself in a position to challenge for another fine finish ahead of the AIG Women’s Open next week. Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn is in solo second spot on seven-under-par after a round of 69 (-3), which was the equal best round of the day. The LET winner rolled in birdies on the third, 12th and 17th holes to move five strokes behind Shin. Japan’s Erika Hara and Germany’s Esther Henseleit share third place on five-under-par after rounds of 71 (-1) and 73 (+1), respectively. Korea’s A Lim Kim is in fifth place on three-under-par with Japan’s Miyu Yamashita and 2024 champion Lauren Coughlin one shot further back. Three players round out the top 10 with American pair Rose Zhang and Ryann O’Toole alongside Korea’s Amy Yang in T8. (PTI)
