Sports

BJK Cup 2025: Shrivalli and Raina/Thombare Propel India to Historic First Victory

Published

1 year ago

April 10, 2025

The Indian team began their campaign in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 with a 2-1 victory over Thailand in their second match, hosted by MSLTA in collaboration with ITF, AITA, and PMDTA at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Wednesday.

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty set the stage for the home team with a decisive win, followed by the seasoned pair of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare, who secured India’s first points in the tournament.

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Bhamidipaty continued her strong performance from day one, delivering another impressive display against Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee. In just her second match representing India, she dominated her opponent, winning 6-2, 6-4 in just over an hour, giving India a 1-0 lead in the tie.

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The day’s second match featured Sahaja Yamalapalli against Mananchaya Sawangkaew in a gripping contest. Both players showcased exceptional tennis.

Mananchaya made a comeback to win the first set 6-3, but Sahaja displayed great resilience, clinching the second set 7-6 [7-3]. Unfortunately, while trailing 0-1 in the final set, the young Indian had to retire due to injury after a thrilling battle that lasted 2 hours and 23 minutes, leveling the tie at 1-1.

The doubles match became crucial, and the experienced Indian duo of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare rose to the occasion, overcoming Thailand’s Peangtarn Plipuech and Patcharin Cheapchandej.

After clinching the first set, the Indians stumbled in the second but bounced back in the tie-break, winning the super tie-break with a scoreline of 7-6, 3-6, 10-3 in an hour and 55 minutes.

India’s next match in the Billie Jean King Cup is against Hong Kong, China, scheduled for Thursday (April 10). The tournament is supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare (Maharashtra).

Other results:

New Zealand defeated the Korea Republic: 2-1.

Sohyun Park (KOR) defeated Renne Zhang (NZL): 6-1, 6-0 (45 mins)

Lulu Sun (NZL) defeated Dayeon Black (KOR): 6-4, 6-1 (1 hr 23 mins)

Lulu Sun and Monique Barry (NZL) won against Eunhye Lee: 6-3, 4-6, 10-8 [Tie break] (1 hr 26 mins)

Hong Kong triumphed over Chinese Taipei 2-1.

Ho Ching Wu (HKG) defeated Ya-Hsuan Lee (TPE): 7-5, 6-3 (1 hr 21 mins)

Joanna Garland (TPE) overcame Hong Yi Cody Wong (HKG): 6-4, 6-3 (1 hr 24 mins)

Hong Yi Cody Wong and Eudice Chong (HKG) won against Fang-Hsien Wu and Yi Tsen Cho (TPE): 6-7, 7-6, 10-7 [Tie break] (2 hrs 28 mins)

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Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 day ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.