CHENNAI [Maha Media]: A day after announcing his retirement from the International cricket, ace Indian off spinner R.Ashwin returned home on Thursday from Australia. 

He arrived at the airport in the morning and was escorted to his residence where he received a huge welcome as well. Fans and media were present at the airport but Ashwin requested privacy while not clicking selfies with fans as well. After reaching his residence, Ashwin's family members were waiting for him as the cricketer was welcomed in a traditional way. The 38-year-old also looked pleased after meeting his family.

The great all rounder took the cricket world by surprise during the final of the third cricket test against Australia at Brisbane on Wednesday announcing that he was retiring from International cricket. 

Upon his arrival at the airport here, Ashwin did not talk to the waiting  reporters, but said he would meet the media a few days later and  explain on his decision to quit International cricket. 

While questioning the timing of his decision to quit midway through a series, several former and present cricketers hailed his contributions to Team India as a key all rounder and a match winner with his extraordinary bowling and rescuing the team with his batting skills when it mattered most, a point acknowledged by present Indian Skipper Rohit Sharma.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Portuguese legend hailed ex-Real Madrid compatriot Vinicius Junior as a "symbol of resistance and resilience" after the Brazilian won The Best FIFA Men’s Player at a star-studded awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar.

Vini Jr scored Real Madrid’s second goal in the final – one of 24 strikes in 39 competitive club appearances in the 2023-24 season – as the Spanish club claimed a record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League title in June. He was also part of the Brazil squad that reached the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America quarter-finals in the USA and added the La Liga title, the Supercopa de Espana and the UEFA Super Cup to the European crown en route to succeeding FIFA World Cup 2022 winner Lionel Messi as The Best FIFA Men’s Player.

"It has been 16 years since the last time the trophy for the best player in the world came to Brazil. Now deservedly in Vini's hands, it means much more than his decisive role in the games and the extraordinary numbers in the 2023/24 season. His talent would be enough to win the award, but his power goes far beyond the field," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.

The two-time World Cup champion Ronaldo also highlighted the winger's ongoing battle against racism, which he continues to confront while showcasing his incredible skills on the field.

"We are talking about one of the most valuable players today, a victim of televised racism with inconceivable frequency. How many anonymous Viniciuses does he represent? How many victims spread all over the place? A symbol of resistance and resilience, today Vini also leads the anti-racist struggle in world football, where impunity is as pernicious as the attacks. And those who remain silent are no less racist. The omission - especially by entities and authorities that have the legal power to confront and punish such practices - further reinforces the culture of erasure and disrespect towards black people."

Vini Jr's victory comes just two months after the controversy sparked by his and Madrid's boycott of the Ballon d'Or gala, following the revelation that Manchester City star Rodri had won the award.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: India's premier off-spinner R Ashwin surprised the cricketing world on Wednesday by announcing his retirement, which will immediately take effect in the middle of the Test series against Australia here.

Ashwin retires from the game as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 games, leaving him only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets). He will continue to play club cricket.

"I won't take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer," Ashwin said at the end of the drawn third Test here in a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma during which he declined to take any questions and left after making the announcement.

"This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level," Ashwin said after the Brisbane Test at a press conference. "I feel there's a little bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I'd like to express that, showcase that in club-level cricket.

"I've had a lot of fun. I have made a lot of memories alongside Rohit [Sharma] and several of my team-mates, even though we've lost some of them [to retirements] over the last few years. We're the last bunch of OGs, we can say that. I will be marking this as my date of having played at this level.

"Obviously there are a lot of people to thank, but I will be failing in my duties if I didn't thank the BCCI and fellow team-mates. I want to name a few of them, some of the coaches [also] who have been part of the journey. Most importantly, Rohit, Virat [Kohli], Ajinkya [Rahane], [Cheteshwar] Pujara, who have taken some of the catches around the bat and given me the number of wickets I've managed to get over the years."

Ashwin ends his Test career as India's second-highest wicket-taker in the format, with 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests, only behind Anil Kumble, who finished with 619 wickets from 132 Tests.

He played only one of the first three Tests of the ongoing series in Australia, taking 1 for 53 in the day-night fixture in Adelaide. In the previous series, the 3-0 defeat at home to New Zealand, Ashwin had picked up only nine wickets at an average of 41.22.

Ashwin will be 39 by the time India's next home season comes around, as he is not a regular in the XI in India's overseas fixtures. Their next Test series is an away tour of England.

In addition to his wickets, Ashwin also scored 3503 Test runs with six hundreds and 14 fifties, making him one of 11 allrounders with more than 3000 runs and 300 wickets. He also won a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, level with Muthiah Muralidaran.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner was on Wednesday appointed the New Zealand white-ball captain, officially taking over the role from Kane Williamson who stepped down following the T20 World Cup in June.

Santner, who has represented New Zealand in 243 internationals, will take-on the permanent leadership mantle of both the ODI and T20 sides. Santner has previously led the team in 24 T20s and four ODIs.

The 32-year-old will begin his full-time captaincy tenure in the upcoming T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka in late December and early January.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: India escaped with a crucial draw in the weather-hit third Test against Australia after intermittent rain wiped out majority of play on day five, leaving the five-match series tantalisingly locked at 1-1.

Resuming the day at 252 for nine, India batted for 24 balls and were all out for 260 in their first innings.

With limited time left in the day to force a result after majority of the morning session was rained out, the Australian batters came out all guns blazing and stuttered to 89 for seven in 18 overs before making a brave declaration, giving India at least 54 overs to chase down 275.

Bad light and rain forced an early tea break soon after with India at 8 for no loss in 2.1 overs. The rain got heavier as the time passed and no play was possible thereafter.

The absorbing series is nicely poised going into the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

India would have fancied chasing 275 on day five but weather helped them immensely in the game controlled by Australia.

Jasprit Bumrah (3/18) was brilliant as usual in the second innings with Mohammed Siraj (2/36) and Akash Deep (2/28) offering good support.

Australia's approach in the second essay was brave and questionable at the same time.

Nathan McSweeney (4) and Marnus Labuschagne (1) went after balls outside the off-stump and perished while Usman Khawaja (8) and Mitchell Marsh (2) fell to good deliveries.

Wickets falling in a heap did not impact Australia's approach as they kept going for the big hits. Skipper Cummins chipped in with two sixes and as many fours before the declaration.

In the morning session, lightening and subsequent rain allowed only 24 balls to be bowled.

The warning of severe weather was flashed on the digital scoreboard at the Gabba shortly after India were bowled out for 260 in their first innings, handing Australia a lead of 185 runs.

Akash Deep (31) was the last man out, stumped off a Travis Head delivery, bringing an end to a 47-run stand with Jasprit Bumrah (10 not out).

The duo had done well to avoid the follow-on on day four.

Players were asked to remain in the dressing room and fans were requested to take shelter away from the fence after the visitors were all out.

The forecast was largely clear for Brisbane from Thursday onwards but the entire game has been adversely impacted by bad weather with rain forcing multiple stoppages for four out of five days.

Only day two of the game was not impacted by weather as Australia coasted to 405 for seven on the back of memorable hundreds from Head and Steve Smith.

Going into the fourth Test beginning December 26, India have major concerns in both batting and bowling department which they must address.

Barring K L Rahul, who has been India's standout batter on the tour, the star-studded line up has not found a way to negotiate the threats posed by the Australian pace attack.

Skipper Rohit Sharma has been woefully short of runs and after the hundred in Perth, superstar Virat Kohli has struggled with ball outside the off-stump.

Majority of the batters have been guilty of playing away from their bodies in challenging conditions. They will need to curb their white-ball instincts to make an impact at MCG.

On the bowling front too, it has been effectively a one man show with Jasprit Bumrah doing the heavy lifting in all the games.

Mohammed Siraj bowled in the Brisbane Test with a niggle, leaving a question mark over his fitness ahead of the Melbourne game.

Akash Deep, who played ahead of Harshit Rana, bowled well in the game but did not have a lot of luck, especially against Smith. He is expected to retain his place the eleven.

India have picked three different spinners in the first three Test. It remains to be seen what strategy they adopt for the Boxing Day Test.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were determination personified as their fighting fifties helped India avoid the follow-on on the fourth day of the weather-hit third Test against a menacing Australia that seems meandering towards a draw.

Jadeja (77, 123b, 7x4, 1x6) and Rahul (84, 139, 8x4) were the heavy-lifters in India's 252 for nine when bad light forced a early close to the day.

Jasprit Bumrah (10) and Akash Deep (27), who showed appreciable gumption, are holding the fort for India.

The visitors trail Aussies by 193 runs. But they wouldn't mind that one bit as Australia will now have to bat again and forcing a result in three sessions looks an improbable target, considering the Brisbane weather pattern.

The city is bracing up for rain and a thunderstorm or two on Wednesday.

A quick word of appreciation is also required for No. 10 Bumrah and No. 11 Akash Deep for knocking down the 33 runs required to go past the follow-on mark of 246.

The much-awaited moment came when Akash crunched Pat Cummins over gully for a boundary.

When these two joined forces, India were reeling at 213 for 9 after Jadeja was dismissed off a Cummins' snorter.

But while resuming from a wafer-thin overnight score of 51 for four, India needed someone to offer fight, and Rahul, India's standout batter in this series so far, did precisely that.

Rahul displayed admirable technical nous to withstand the stern test posed by the Australian bowlers to take the game deep into the day.

A nine toes down Rahul and an equally feisty Jadeja added 67 runs for the sixth wicket, and it was the first sign of India's fight.

There was a moment of massive fortune too for Rahul when Smith spilled a regulation catch at second slip off the first ball of the day from Cummins.

Rahul was on 33 then. A quick look upwards and a silent prayer showed how much he valued that reprieve, which he exploited to the hilt, notching his 17th Test fifty.

Once he woke up from a bit of morning haziness, Rahul looked a class apart from the rest of his colleagues.

The Aussies employed three slips and a gully, leaving the vast expanse of the ground to play his favourite shot -- drive through the cover or in front of the point.

It was a dangerous proposition as there was enough movement and bounce for the Aussie pacers.

But Rahul was prudent enough to see through that ruse. He did not bring out that shot until the bowlers pitched the ball well up in his driving arc.

The Bengaluru man's sagacity shone in how he defended too -- all soft hands and playing close to the body.

Cummins tested him with that fifth stump line outside off, but Rahul either left the ball wisely or merely tucked his bat behind his pads.

However, a remarkable redemption catch by Smith at slip off Nathan Lyon ended his stay.

But Jadeja carried on and he added 53 runs for the seventh wicket with Nitish Reddy to keep India afloat.

The 36-year-old scored a good chunk of runs either down the ground or square of the wicket, enabling him to collect runs without the risk of getting caught behind or in the cordon.

Jadeja brought up his 22nd fifty in Test cricket off 89 balls and the innings was also dotted with sweep shots that he effectively employed against off-spinner Lyon.

Nitish should also be patted for giving some solid company to Jadeja as batting for time was more important than the volume of runs considering the weather situation in this Test.

However, a slice of misfortune ended Nitish's stay as he dragged Cummins' climbing delivery back onto his stumps. Jadeja also soon departed while trying to farm the strike with Bumrah.

He looked to smash Cummins' rising delivery out of the ground but Mitchell Marsh settled nicely under the ball to give a heap of frayed nerves to Indian fans.

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But Bumrah and Akash added 39 runs to put the smiles back on their faces, as Aussies dearly missed the metronomical Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the series with a calf injury. 
 

CHENNAI [Maha Media]: Newly-crowned world chess champion D Gukesh returned home to an enthusiastic reception as hundreds of eager fans, and officials from the Tamil Nadu government and the national federation lined up to receive him at the airport here on Monday.

The 18-year-old defeated China's Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in Singapore last week to become the youngest ever world champion, overhauling the long-standing mark set by Russian icon Garry Kasparov as a 22-year-old back in 1985.

Upon his arrival, Gukesh thanked everyone for supporting him and was .
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: In Hockey, India won the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 championship in Muscat, Oman last night. In the title clash, the Indian team defeated China 3-2 in a penalty shootout to successfully defend its title. Indian goalkeeper Nidhi made three crucial saves during the penalty shootout, while Sakshi Rana, Ishika and Sunelita Toppo scored for India in the shootout. 

Earlier, Jinzhuang Tan scored the opening goal for China with Kanika Siwach equalised in the third quarter for India. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the title clash went to a shootout. 

Hockey India has announced a reward of 2 lakh rupees for each player and 1 lakh rupees to each support staff for their efforts and spectacular win. India’s Deepika Sehrawat, with 12 goals ranked the top scorer of the tournament. India won their maiden Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup title last year by defeating the Republic of Korea.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: India laboured to 51 for 4 as Australia put themselves in the drivers seat on a rain-marred day three of the third Test at the Gabba here on Monday.

After Australia ended their first innings at 445, India's top order flattered to deceive, throwing away their wickets to end the day at a precarious position.

Rain hung around Brisbane for the most part of the day, and in the end, play was officially called off after the sixth interruption.

India need to reach 246 to avoid follow-on. The visitors trail by 394 runs.

Earlier, Australia added 40 runs to their overnight total. The pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep picked a wicket each to stop the hosts from reaching 450.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: In Hockey, India will take on Japan in the semi-final of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup at Muscat in Oman today. The match is scheduled to begin at 6 PM Indian Standard Time.

India progressed to the last four after a dominant 9-Nil victory over Thailand in their final Pool A match on Thursday.

The win not only helpe the Women in Blue in securing their semi-final berth but also confirmed India’s qualification for the FIH Junior World Cup set to be held in Chile next year.

In the other semifinal, China will take on South Korea at the same venue at 8:30 PM IST.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Persistent rain played  spoilsport on the opening day of the third Test between Australia and India, with only 13.2 overs bowled before the weather intervened on Saturday. Australia, sent in to bat after India won the toss, reached 28 without loss with Usman Khawaja (19 off 47) and Nathan McSweeney (4 off 33) holding fort. 

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma explained his decision to bowl first, citing overcast conditions and a pitch with a hint of grass and softness. “We want to make the best use of the conditions. It’s a big game for us, and we understand the importance of capturing crucial moments,” said Rohit. India made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep in place of Ravichandran Ashwin and Harshit Rana. 

Australian captain Pat Cummins admitted he would have bowled first as well but expressed  confidence in his team’s preparation. “It’s been a fantastic series so far. Early finish in Adelaide allowed us to settle in here. Just one change for us – Josh Hazlewood comes in for Scott Boland,” said Cummins. India's pacers started well, with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep keeping the Australian openers in check. Siraj found movement off the surface, troubling Khawaja, while Akash  maintained a miserly economy rate, conceding just two runs in his 3.2 overs. However, the weather soon took centre stage. Rain intensified shortly before the lunch break, forcing the players off the field. Despite the venue's excellent drainage system, the heavy downpour left the ground drenched, delaying any hopes of resumption. 

Both captains had anticipated improving batting conditions later in the match, making the early overs crucial. For now, the players and fans can only hope for clearer skies as the match progresses. 
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Niki Prasad will lead India U-19 in the inaugural edition of the junior women's Asia Cup scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from December 15 to 22.

All matches will be held at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval. Sanika Chalke has been named vice-captain while lanky Gujarat Giants seamer MD Shabnam has also been included in the squad.

India U19 are placed in Group A along with Pakistan and Nepal, while Group B consists of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and hosts Malaysia.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Indian chess sensation D Gukesh made history on Thursday as he was crowned the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Champion following the final game of his FIDE World Championship tie against China's Ding Liren, becoming the youngest-ever champion in the history of the sport.

With the scores levelled at 6.5-6.5 each heading into the final game, Gukesh managed to deliver his best when it was needed the most, with the 18-year-old sealing a historic win over Ding to become the 18th chess champion in the sport's history. The final score was Gukesh (7.5) and Ding (6.5), as per FIDE's official website.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated Indian chess grandmaster D. Gukesh on his historic triumph in the FIDE World Championship.

Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani and the Indian sports fraternity, including the former Chess world champion Viswanathan Anand, former Indian icons Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar, and Olympic and World Championships gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, congratulated young chess sensation D Gukesh.

Adani, took to X and wrote that the win is a "defining moment of India's chess revolution".

"Stunning! At just 18, @DGukesh has made history! What an achievement - the youngest-ever undisputed classical chess world champion, beating the great Ding Liren! This isn't just a victory - it is a defining moment for India's chess revolution, where an entire bold generation of champions dares to dream and inspires an entire nation to rise! Congratulations Gukesh!," posted Adani.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: All 211 FIFA Member Associations convened virtually at an Extraordinary FIFA Congress where Morocco, Portugal and Spain were appointed as the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2030, with three centenary celebration matches to be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay (one in each country), while Saudi Arabia was selected to stage the FIFA World Cup 2034. The appointment by acclamation of the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 editions of the FIFA World Cup concludes a thorough bidding process initiated in October 2023 following the unanimous proposal made by the FIFA Council and supported by all confederations, with a view to providing harmony and rotation between the confederations in relation to the hosting cycle for the tournament. 

Addressing the Extraordinary FIFA Congress ahead of the designation of the respective hosts, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “In today’s divided world, where it seems that nobody can agree any more on anything, to be able to agree on something like that is definitely an incredible message of unity and positivity. And, we need these messages today.” Following the decision on the appointment of the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 editions of the FIFA World Cup, President Infantino added, “The FIFA World Cup is unique, and it is a unique  catalyst as well for positive social change and unity because these tournaments, 2030, the celebration, 2034 – they are tournaments to unite, not to divide. They are tournaments, of course, to discuss, to debate and to act. But most importantly, today, today is a day of unity and a day of celebration." 

“Seven countries have won their World Cup today. Congratulations to Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Saudi Arabia. This is your day. So, you should celebrate and we, we celebrate, of course, with you. And you, the 211 FIFA Member Associations that I can see on a giant screen in front of me, you are uniting the world. You are uniting the world truly, through football, because, of course, football unites the world,” he said. The Extraordinary FIFA Congress also approved the budgetary principles for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, with all revenues generated being reinvested in club football.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: China defeated India 2-1 in a tightly contested third Pool A match at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup here in Oman. With three points won on Wednesday night, China confirmed its spot in the Semi Final as the Pool A winners. Jinzhuang Tan (32’) and Lihang Wang (42’) were the goalscorers for China. Deepika (56’) scored her seventh goal for India to lead the tournament’s goalscorer’s leaderboard. The first quarter saw both sides attack aggressively on all fronts looking for an early opening goal. India created plenty of chances but wasn't incisive enough in the shooting circle. 

India received an early penalty corner but their attempt on goal was saved by China’s strong backline.

China too received a penalty corner towards the end of first quarter. Jinzhuang Tan took a powerful shot on goal which was met by a crucial save by Nidhi, India’s goalkeeper to keep the scores level. 

In the second quarter, India received two back-to-back penalty corners but couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity and score the first goal. After a tightly fought first half, both sides couldn’t be separated and headed back into their dugout with no goals scored.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Khelo India Winter Games 2025 will be held in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir in two separate phases. Ladakh will host the ice events, including ice hockey and ice skiing, from 23rd to 27th of January, while Jammu & Kashmir will host the snow events, such as alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding, from 22nd to 25th of February.
     
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya expressed excitement about the upcoming games, emphasizing their importance in identifying athletes for the 2026 Winter Olympics. He stated, it is our endeavor to promote winter sports and encourage more athletes to take up skiing and skating. He said, we have already seen many athletes from remote Himalayan villages participating in these games, which is very encouraging.
      
This will be the second consecutive year that Ladakh will host a portion of the Khelo India Winter Games, KIWG. Before the 2024 edition, Jammu & Kashmir hosted all the events. In February 2024, Leh successfully hosted ice events like skating and hockey, while Gulmarg hosted the snow events such as skiing and snowboarding.
      
The KIWG will kick off the Khelo India season, a flagship event by the Indian government, with the Youth & Para Games scheduled in Bihar in April next year.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: These are good times for Indian diaspora in Brisbane. They have the Christmas to look forward to, and before that, there is the Gabba Test in which the Marathis, Gujaratis, Punjabis and Tamils will root for their favourite team in unison.
 
Bright red decor, concerts, food festivals, Santa run and lights -- the festive vibe has already filled the air in Brisbane.
 
Every Indian household here fondly remembers the historic win of 2021 in what was until then known as the Australian cricket team's fortress.
 
The 'theplas', 'bhakarwadi', 'mathris' and 'laddus' are being prepared to enjoy the match with Indian flavours.
 
Indian jerseys are out of the trunks, tricolours and posters of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant are in huge demand.
 
"We are going to watch the match at the Gabba with all our Indian friends and for the first time, I am also taking my parents, who have come from Karad in Maharashtra," said Sachin Pawar, an IT professional who has been based in Brisbane for the past 12 years.
 
"The Indian team comes here every three-four years and that is the only time we go to the stadium to watch the match. It's nothing less than a festival for us," he added. 
 
"My aai (mother) has especially made laddu, chakli and bhakarwadi for us. Some Gujarati friends bring thepla, Punjabi friends carry mathri, so it is like a feast."
 
The loss in Adelaide could not dampen their spirits and they are confident that history will be repeated at Gabba when world cricket heavyweights India and Australia renew their rivalry in the third Test from Saturday.
 
The memories of 2021 are still fresh in their minds. Chasing a stiff target 328 runs on the final day, the Indian team, led by Ajinkya Rahane, handed Australia their first defeat at this venue in 32 years.
 
It was also India's first win at the ground, coming at a time when the team was plagued with multiple injuries. Australia, on the other hand, had entered that game on the back of a 32-year unbeaten run at Gabba. 
 
"I am confident that our team will again overcome the adversities and register a thumping victory at the Gabba, like last time. Pant is still there in the team, and so is Shubhman Gill. Siraj is on fire, so it will be an exciting match," said Alkesh Chaudhry, who hails from Patan in Gujarat.
 
The Indian diaspora has a significant presence in Brisbane and there are more than 50000 from the community living in the capital city of Queensland. They also have Indian community social media pages, local community cricket club and annual tournaments.
 
"The Indian community is super excited for this match as they have been waiting for this. It's Christmas and holiday time and for us, this match is a festival in itself. We have many Indian community cricket clubs who play and follow the game passionately," said Dr Ashutosh Mishra, multicultural project lead at Queensland Cricket.
 
"We have a team called Brisbane Maratha Warriors and it's a delight to watch their matches as they bring 'dhol', 'tashas' and Maharashtrian delicacies are served. They also have a Facebook page with over 400 followers. Then there is one club in Gold Coast also and members are coming to watch the Gabba Test," he added.
 
Brisbane Maratha Warriors are also co hosting a 'Pitch to Purpose' fundraiser event on the eve of the Test match in which the legendary Sunil Gavaskar will be the keynote speaker.
 
The Australians are also excited about the match.
 
"I love the way Jasprit Bumrah bowls. Very excited to watch the third Test," said 15-year-old Max.
 
"It will be a very close game. Both teams play very passionately and this rivalry is getting closer to the Ashes. 
 
"This Indian team is capable of bouncing back from the defeat. They did so in the past and there is no reason why they can't do it again. Our team has to be at its best," said John O'Brian, a big Sachin Tendulkar fan. 
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Real Madrid's big stars turned on the style to revive the Spanish giant's faltering Champions League title defense.

Galacticos Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all scored in a thrilling 3-2 win at Italian league leader Atalanta. But Madrid still had to ride its luck as Mateo Retegui fired over from in front of goal in stoppage time when handed a golden chance to level the game.

It was only Madrid's third win in the competition's revamped league phase and leaves the 15-time champion in the unseeded playoff positions in 18th place.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: In the World Squash Team Championships 2024, the Indian Women’s team will face Australia in the pre-quarterfinal fixture in Hong Kong, China, today. The match is scheduled to start at 9:30 AM IST. Indian women defeated Italy 3-0 yesterday to enter the pre-quarterfinals. Akanksha Salunkhe, Anahat Singh and Nirupama Dubey won their respective matches in straight games. India finished second in Group C, after defeating Colombia and Italy but a loss to Belgium. The pre-quarterfinals will consist of 12 teams. 

Meanwhile, the Indian Men’s team will take on Malaysia in their pre-quarterfinal fixture, which is set to begin at 12:00 PM IST. Despite losing to Colombia yesterday in their Group F match, the Indian men progressed to the playoffs, as Colombia’s subsequent win over Ireland allowed India to finish second in the group.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: In the FIDE World Chess Championship, Indian Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh will take on defending champion Ding Liren of China in the 13th game in Singapore today after a day’s rest. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM IST. Gukesh will play with the white pieces. With only two games remaining, the tie is evenly poised at 6 points each. The winner needs 7.5 points to claim the championship. If the players are tied after 14 games, the contest will proceed to a tie-breaker with a rapid time format on December 13. 

Notably, Ding won the championship last year through a tiebreaker. After his defeat in Game 11 on Sunday, Ding needed to play for a win on Monday. The defending champion rose to the challenge, leveraging the advantage of playing with the white pieces to secure a critical victory.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The game slips away from India, Australia hunting the final wickets to complete a 3-0 series sweep.

Earlier, India quick Arundhati Reddy produced a spectacular spell of swing bowling in fierce heat at the WACA before Annabel Sutherland smashed a blistering century to lift Australia to a strong 298 for 6 in the ODI series-finale.

The visitors had won the toss and opted to bowl first against Australia. In the ongoing IND W vs AUS W series, a battered and bruised woman in blue will look to avoid a clean sweep and address some glaring issues ahead of next year’s 50-over World Cup at home. The three-match series against the seven-time defending world champions has served as a harsh reality check for India, who have faltered in batting, bowling, and fielding, with each area contributing to their struggles.

India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Saima Thakor, Renuka Thakur Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Titas Sadhu
Australia Women: Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney(w), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath(c), Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Fresh from a splendid start to her career, 21-year-old Georgia Voll was on Tuesday selected in the Australia women's squad for their upcoming

The top-order batter made her debut in the ongoing ODI series against India with a 46 not out in the first match.

She went on to score century (101) in her second appearance, helping Australia take an unassailable 2-0 lead in three-match ODI series with a massive 122-run win.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team continued their winning momentum with a commanding 5-0 victory over Malaysia in their second Pool A match at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup here in Oman. 

Deepika (37’, 39’, 48’) scored a hat-trick, while Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke (32’) and Kanika Siwach (38’) added to the scoresheet. After a goalless first half, India found their rhythm in the later quarters, securing a comfortable win on Monday night to maintain their strong form in the tournament.  India started the game strongly and dominated possession but missed out on several scoring opportunities. They earned three successive penalty corners towards the end of the first quarter, but Deepika's attempts were saved by Malaysia's goalkeeper, Nur Zainal. The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with India continuing to dominate but lacking  clinical finishing in the shooting circle and giving away possession. 

Malaysia attempted to break through India’s solid defense with long scooped passes, but the backline held firm, denying any significant chances. With no goals scored, both teams headed into the dressing room disappointed at the end of the first half. India turned the game around in the third quarter, scoring four goals in quick succession to take a commanding lead.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Mohun Bagan Super Giant extended their positive form with a 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) match here. They dominated 55.7% of the possession, recording 72% passing accuracy as compared to the 61% of the Highlanders. 

Two sublime strikes from Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco in the second half gave the Mariners all three points. With this win on Sunday night, they also went top of the table with 23 points. The game had a lot of intensity right from the kickoff whistle with the visitors taking the initiative. The first real chance of the match came Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s way when Liston Colaco struck the post in the 10th minute after beating a couple of defenders on his way before pulling the trigger. 

Nine minutes later, it was NorthEast United FC’s turn to attack as Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s brilliant cross from the left flank found Nestor Albiach in the box. The Spaniard controlled the ball before unleashing a vicious effort on goal but Vishal Kaith came up with a fantastic save to deny the Highlanders an early lead. A minute later, Dimitrios Petratos found Liston in the box with a swerving cross. Despite beating his marker, the winger’s eventual contact with the ball was too tame to challenge Gurmeet Singh in goal.

Right at the stroke of halftime, Petratos almost got the lead for the Mariners with a long-range effort but Gurmeet parried the ball away brilliantly as both teams finished the first period on level terms. Juan Pedro Benali turned to Parthib Gogoi in place of Jithin MS at the start of the second half. 

NorthEast United FC were on the ascendancy as Ajaraie had a sensational opportunity to put the hosts ahead in the game.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: In hockey, India registered a crushing victory over Bangladesh in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup at Muscat in Oman last night. The Indian team secured this victory with a large margin of 13-1. For India, Mumtaz Khan spearheaded the effort with four impressive goals. Supported by hat-tricks from Kanika Siwach and Deepika, India showcased superior strategy and execution, continuously overwhelming the Bangladesh defence. Manisha, Beauty Dungdung, and vice-captain Sakshi Rana also found the back of the net, contributing to the lopsided scoreline.

India will face Malaysia today in their next group game, aiming to defend their title and secure direct qualification for next year’s Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile. The match will begin at 8:30 PM IST.
 

NEW DELHI (Maha Media): Ravichandran Ashwin has taken his first wicket and provided India with the breakthrough of Mitchell Marsh for 9. Travis Head has now been joined by Mitchell Marsh at the crease. Five-down Australia are in a good position but still need a strong partnership from these two batters. 

On the other hand, the Indian bowlers are looking for some quick wickets, in the first session of the day. Under-pressure Team India will aim to bounce back on the second day of the ongoing pink-ball Test. 

The first day belonged to Australia, who not only bowled the visitors for 180 but also scored 86 runs at the loss of only one wicket by the end of play.

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Australia reached 86 for 1 in their first innings after dismissing India for 180 at the end of the opening day of the pink-ball Test here on Friday.

Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne were at the crease on 38 and 20 respectively when the stumps were drawn after 33 overs of play in Australia's first innings. The home side trail by 94 runs.

Opener Usman Khawaja was the lone Australia batter out for 13 off the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah.

Earlier, Mitchell Starc's impressive six-wicket haul helped Australia bundle out India for 180 on Day 1 of the second Test in Adelaide.

Starc's fiery six-wicket haul, punctuated by sharp bouncers and swinging yorkers, left India struggling to find footing in an intense opening day under lights at the Adelaide Oval.

The day began dramatically as debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal fell lbw to the first ball of the match, caught off guard by a sharp in-swinger from Starc. India faltered further when KL Rahul, who looked promising with a composed 37, was undone by a vicious short ball that he edged to gully.

Earlier in his innings, Rahul had been dropped twice — first by a diving attempt at gully and later off a tough chance in the slip cordon. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, typically dependable, offered little resistance. Kohli fell for 7, edging Starc to second slip, while Rohit was trapped plumb in front by Scott Boland for 3. India skipper opted against reviewing, with ball-tracking confirming the dismissal. 

India's most resilient phase came, courtesy Nitish Reddy, who counterattacked fearlessly, smashing 42 off 54 balls. His innings featured audacious reverse scoops and powerful pulls, including a stunning six over deep extra cover. However, his bravery was tested when a 142.5 kph bouncer from Starc struck him flush on the helmet badge. After a brief check, Reddy continued to bat before eventually holing out to Travis Head at mid-off, giving Starc his sixth wicket.

Rishabh Pant (21) also showed flashes of brilliance, including a breathtaking pull off Mitchell Marsh, but fell victim to a rising delivery from Pat Cummins that ballooned to Marnus Labuschagne at gully.

Starc's devastating spell, finishing with figures of 6/48, was a masterclass in pink-ball bowling. He dismissed Harshit Rana with an unplayable inswinging yorker, completing his first fivewicket haul against India in Tests. His dominance under lights solidified his reputation as the most lethal bowler in day-night matches, now boasting four five-fors in this format — more than any other player. As Australia head into their innings, all eyes will be on India’s bowlers to replicate the ferocity displayed by their counterparts. However, the pressure of defending a modest total under lights will test their resolve.

With Starc’s name etched once again into the annals of pink-ball history, the hosts hold the upper hand as Day 1 heads into its final session.

India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat against Australia in the Day-Night second Test in Adelaide. Rohit, who returned to the side after missing the opening game, also included Shubman Gill and Ravichandran Ashwin in the Playing XI. The trio came in the place of Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, and Washington Sundar. 

On the other hand, Australia made only one change to their side as they roped-in pacer Scott Boland in the place of Josh Hazlewood.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Former World No.1 Tiger Woods is still hopeful of coming to India for a competitive event, something he has not been able to do for the 10 years he has been Hero Motorcorp’s Global Partner.

While Woods is looking forward to visiting India, Pawan Munjal, the chairman, managing director and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, is thrilled to have extended his partnership with the star-studded Hero World Challenge for another six years till 2030 and with Woods to continue as their global partner.

A third thing that brought a big smile to Munjal’s face was that he was able to bring to the field three players of Indian origin – Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team took on Malaysia in the semifinal of the Men's Junior Asia Cup against Korea here on Tuesday and defeated them 3-1 to advance to the final. Dilraj Singh (10’), Rohit (45’) and Sharda Nand Tiwari (52’) found the back of the net for India in the tie while Kamaruddin Azimuddin (57’) scored a consolation goal for Malaysia towards the end of the game.

Malaysia started the game on the front foot, quickly earning a penalty corner. However, the Indian defence stood firm. Moments later, Captain Che Nur Aqilrullah forced India’s goalkeeper Bikramjeet into action with a powerful shot.

The growing pressure resulted in another penalty corner for Malaysia, but once again, Kamaruddin Azimuddin’s flick was saved. India looked to transition quickly from defence, and in the 10th minute, Araijeet Singh Hundal found Dilraj Singh in the shooting circle. Dilraj turned around and, while off balance, bypassed the Malaysian goalkeeper Mohamad Rafaizul with a powerful shot to grant India the lead.

Malaysia didn’t show any signs of discouragement as they took the pitch in the second quarter and maintained their grip in the game, earning a couple of penalty corners but India bayed their advances and continued to threaten Malaysia with frequent counterattacks. Indian forwards Araijeet and Gurjot Singh were at the end of significant goalscoring opportunities but failed to capitalise and the first half ended 1-0 for India.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: India’s Pavan Kampelli has secured a bronze medal in the e-football event at the 2024 Asian Esports Games in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday.

This is the first-ever medal for India at the Asian Esports Games. On the way to the bronze, Pavan also defeated Asgard Azizi of Team Indonesia by 2-1. Pavan, who is popularly known as ‘Mr. Tomboy’ had recently emerged as the winner of the WAVES Esports Championship 2025 for eFootball last month.
 

MUMBAI [Maha Media]: Pakistan will play its share of matches in next year's inaugural blind women's T20 World Cup in either Nepal or Sri Lanka after a hybrid model for the event was finalised at the World Blind Cricket Council's (WBCC) Annual General Meeting in Multan.

The development comes a few weeks after India withdrew from the men's T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan owing to security concerns.

The hosting rights for the women's event were awarded to India last year and affirmed at the AGM on Monday in which 11 member countries were present. India, England and New Zealand joined the meeting virtually.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is set to tie the knot with Hyderabad-based Venkata Datta Sai, an Executive Director at Posidex Technologies, on December 22 in Udaipur.

The wedding festivities will begin on December 20, and there will be a reception in Hyderabad. Afterward, Sindhu will resume her training for an important upcoming season.

According to Sindhu's father, the two families are well acquainted with each other, but the wedding plans came together within a month. The couple chose this date since Sindhu will be busy with training and competitions starting next year.

Sindhu is the first and only Indian to win the gold medal at the BWF World Championships in 2019. She is only the second Indian individual athlete to win two consecutive Olympic medals: In 2016 Rio Olympics, she won silver medal, becoming the first Indian badminton player to reach an Olympic final. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she won Bronze medal.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Back in form with five wickets in India's brilliant come-from-behind win in the Perth Test against Australia, Mohammed Siraj has credited his senior pace colleague and attack spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for helping him turn things around after an ordinary home series against New Zealand.

The 30-year-old endured a difficult home season, managing just two wickets in two Tests during India's disastrous 0-3 loss to New Zealand prior to the tour Down Under, but returned to his best in the opening Test against Australia.

Siraj said it was a chat with stand-in skipper and No.1 ranked Test bowler Bumrah prior to the tour that helped him make a comeback in the series-opener in Perth where India recovered from a first innings collapse to 150 for a massive 295-run triumph.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Already through to the semifinals, defending champions India thrashed South Korea 8-1, with Arshdeep Singh scoring a hat-trick, to top Pool A with an all-win record in the men's Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament here on Sunday.

Arshdeep struck in the 9th, 44th and 60th minute while Araijeet Singh Hundal (3rd, 37th) struck a brace.

Gurjot Singh (11th), Rosan Kujur (27th) and Rohit (30th) scored a goal each for India in their last pool match.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Former India middle-order batter Ajay Jadeja on Saturday defended head coach Gautam Gambhir from the criticism he has received following the 0-3 drubbing against New Zealand, saying it's "unfair" given the short time he has been in the new role.

Gambhir, the hero of the 2011 World Cup title triumph, took over the reins of the India team in July after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended.

Following a bright start against Sri Lanka in the T20I series, India lost the ODI series to the home side. The Test team then thrashed Bangladesh 2-0 before a nightmare outing against New Zealand put Gambhir under massive scrutiny.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Unrelenting rain forced the abandonment of the first-day's play of the two-day practice match between India and Prime Minister's XI here on Saturday, robbing Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill of some much-needed Pink ball game time ahead of the day-night second Test against Australia at Adelaide.

The teams have agreed to play a 50-over-a-side match on Sunday at the Manuka Oval, weather permitting.

However, the day might have come as a dampener for captain Rohit, who had skipped the first Test at Perth to welcome a baby boy into his family, ahead of the Pink Ball Test, starting from December 6.

Though he has had couple of extensive net sessions with Pink ball, facing some quality bowlers in a real-match situation holds a different value, considering India's last day-night Test was against Sri Lanka in March 2022 in Bengaluru.

Gill had to sit out of the first Test because of a finger injury and the top-order batter is expected to walk back into the eleven.

Prior to that, Gill, who also had a good hit at nets on Friday, would have been hoping to enter the match zone through this side game.

Rohit and Gill are expected to replace Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel in the playing eleven for the Adelaide Test.

Now, they will pin their hope to form some early plans for the Pink ball Test on Sunday through that 50-over game.

India have so far played four pink ball Tests. After their victory over Bangladesh (2019, Kolkata), India lost to Australia in 2020 (Adelaide) before winning against England (2021, Ahmedabad) and Sri Lanka (2022, Bengaluru) at home.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: In a turn of events on day two of the first test in Christchurch, Harry Brook's spectacular century revived England's ambitions. The tourists, initially struggling, closed in on New Zealand's score of 348, ending the day at 319 for five.

Brook's partnership with Ollie Pope was crucial as they recovered from 71-4, a situation worsened by opener Zak Crawley's duck and the quick departures of Jacob Bethell and Joe Root. Brook's century, his seventh in 22 tests, kept England's hopes alive, sharing an unbeaten stand with captain Ben Stokes.

While New Zealand showed early control, their fielding faltered, allowing England to capitalize. Earlier in the day, Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir contributed significantly to restrict New Zealand's lead, ending with figures of 4-64 and 4-69 respectively.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Cheteshwar Pujara wants K L Rahul to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second Test against Australia despite the arrival of skipper Rohit Sharma.

Rohit's absence in the series opener in Perth allowed India to move Rahul to the top of the order from the middle order.

Pujara, the rock of Indian batting on the previous two tours of Australia, feels the opening combination should not be tinkered with after a 295-run win in the series opener.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team registered a hard fought 3-2 victory in their second Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 match against Japan, here on Thursday night. 

Thokchom Kingson Singh (12’) opened the account for India but Japan’s Neo Sato (15’, 38’) scored soon after to restore parity. As both teams traded penalty corners in the second half, Rohit (36’) gave India the lead but Neo Sato found the back of the net again to level the scores. Araijeet Singh Hundal (39’) seized the lead for India again towards the end of the third quarter and India held on to a one goal lead to seal their hard fought victory. Both teams engaged in a back-and-forth tussle for territory from the starting whistle, leading to a penalty corner for Japan three minutes into the game.

Bikramjit Singh remained alert, averting any danger to his goal. Despite Japan employing a high press, India skilfully bypassed it with clever aerial balls and silky skills. Both teams wrestled for meaningful possession, and it was Dilraj Singh who earned a penalty corner for India with three minutes left in the first quarter. 
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: India would aim to figure out their batting combination for next week's day-night Test in Adelaide when they face Australia Prime Minister's XI in a two-day tour game at the Manuka Oval here from Saturday.

India have played four day-night Tests thus far with their only loss coming at Adelaide four years ago when they were bowled out for 36 before making a winning comeback in the four-match Test series.

The pink ball does a lot more compare to the red cherry, especially in the twilight period. Considering it is not a first-class game, majority of the Indian batters would like to get a feel of the ball in the middle.

Coming from their most dominant win in Australia in the opening Test in Perth, the Indian dressing room is in high spirits.
     
However, the arrival of Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test due to the birth of his second child and expected return of a fit again Shubman Gill will force the think tank to rejig the batting order for the match beginning December 6.
     
Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the designated openers but with the latter and K L Rahul excelling at the top in Perth, there is a case for the Indian skipper to drop himself down the order.
     
If that does happen, Gill's position will also need to be adjusted. India will have to make those calls in the practice game before reaching Adelaide with full clarity.
     
As it is only a two-day game, India would be hoping to get a lot more time with the bat than the ball. The likes of Sarfaraz Khan, who are unlikely to be considered unless there is an injury, would also be hoping for some game time.
     
The team is in a relaxed mood and had its first net session on Friday where Gill took guard, indicating that his recovery is well on course.
     
India have been reluctant to play tour games as they are often not competitive enough.
     
With Test players like Matt Renshaw and Scott Boland in the line-up, the visitors can hope for some decent match practice.
     
The PM's XI will be led by all-rounder Jack Edwards and will also have Australia U-19 stars including Charlie Anderson, Mahli Beardman, Aidan O’Connor and Sam Konstas.
     
Fast bowling all-rounder Hanno Jacobs will be another player to watch out for.
     
The Squads:     
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.     
PM's XI: Jack Edwards (C), Charlie Anderson, Mahli Beardman, Scott Boland, Jack Clayton, Aidan O’Connor, Ollie Davies, Jayden Goodwin, Sam Harper, Hanno Jacobs, Sam Konstas, Lloyd Pope, Matthew Renshaw, Jem Ryan. 

Match starts: 9.10 am IST.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: All-rounder Hayley Matthews will lead a 15-member West Indies women’s team during next month’s tour to India for a multi-format series.

The tour comprises three T20 Internationals and three ODIs.

The T20I series will commence at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on December 15 followed by the ODI series at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium in Vadodara from December 22.

In the absence of the injured Stafanie Taylor, Matthews will be supported by vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle and key players like Deandra Dottin and Afy Fletcher. The team aims to replicate their 2016 success in India, where they secured a 3-0 victory in the T20 series.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Liverpool are the first team to have confirmed their place in the round of 16 play-offs after beating Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield, a fifth straight league phase win for the Reds.

Both sides missed penalties in a game which ended with Liverpool maintaining their perfect league phase record, thanks to two well-worked team goals. Alexis Mac Allister combined with Conor Bradley to put the hosts ahead early in the second half, before Caoimhin Kelleher saved Kylian Mbappé's spot kick.

Mohamed Salah then sent his own penalty wide off a post for Liverpool, but the Reds did get a second goal through substitute Cody Gakpo, who nodded in a short corner expertly executed by Andy Robertson.

In other match, Borussia Dortmund have taken a huge step towards the round of 16 as last year's finalists triumphed 3-0 away to Dinamo Zagreb to bring their points tally to 12.

A spectacular Jamie Gittens strike set last season's beaten finalists on their way to claiming a fourth league phase victory. Nuri Sahin's side controlled proceedings from the off, Ramy Bensebaini and Donyell Malen both hitting the woodwork before Gittens powered the visitors in front shortly before half-time with a crisp effort after cutting in from the left.

Algerian international Bensebaini doubled the advantage just over ten minutes after the interval, nodding in emphatically from Pascal Gross' corner, before substitute Serhou Guirassy struck late on with a cool finish.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa preserved their perfect defensive home record with a draw with Juventus at Villa Park.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Indian junior men’s hockey team thrashed Thailand 11-0 in their Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 opener in Muscat, Oman yesterday.

Araijeet Singh Hundal scored a brace in the 2nd and 24th minutes, while Sourabh Anand Kushwaha and Gurjot Singh also netted braces. Arshdeep Singh, Sharda Nand Tiwari, Dilraj Singh, Rohit, and Mukesh Toppo each added a goal to complete the dominant victory.

India controlled the game from start to finish, maintaining possession and showcasing solid defense throughout.

India will next take on Japan today.
 

CANBERRA: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday hosted a reception for the travelling Indian cricket team ahead of its two-two-day pink ball practice match against PM's XI here from November 30.

The game will take place at the Manuka Oval serving as good preparation for the day-night Test in Adelaide from December 6.

India recorded their biggest win on Australia soil when they hammered the hosts by 295 runs in the opening game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth.

Following the protocol, India skipper Rohit Sharma introduced all his teammates to Albanese, who praised heroes of the first Test including Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli.
     
"Anthony Albanese @AlboMP Big challenge ahead for the PM's XI at Manuka Oval this week against an amazing Indian side," the Prime Minister posted on X after the meeting at Australian parliament.
     
The PM's XI led by Jack Edwards also called on Albanese.
     
Cricket diplomacy is a part of India-Australia relations.
     
Albanese, with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, had met players of both teams during a Test in Ahmedabad last year when the Australian Prime Minister was in India on an official visit.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will miss next week's weightlifting World Championships in Manama, Bahrain as she continues to undergo rehabilitation.

The 30-year-old former world champion has not competed since her fourth-place finish in the women's 49kg category at the Paris Olympics in August.

"Mira is still in rehab after the Paris Olympics. She will not be taking part in this World Championship," chief national coach Vijay Sharma said.