Deadspin | ATP roundup: Ben Shelton shows love of clay, wins BMW title Ben Shelton connects with the ball during his second-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Friday, March 6, 2026. Ben Shelton rolled to his second title of the year, winning the BMW Open with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Italy’s Flavio Cobolli at Munich, Germany. Shelton won 85% of his first-serve points on the clay surface and saved all six break points he faced to win his fifth career title and first since Dallas earlier this year. Shelton showed his form early when he broke Cobolli’s serve twice in the first three games of the match. With the second set tied 5-5, Shelton broke Cobolli again and won on serve on his first match point. Shelton became the first American man since 2009 to win three ATP 500 titles. “I have big ambitions for the clay courts,” Shelton said in his post-match interview. “It is a surface I want to get better on each year. It is slowly becoming one of my favorite surfaces to play on.” Barcelona Open Arthur Fils of France held off a late charge from Russia’s Andrey Rublev to record a 6-2, 7-6 (2) victory in the final of the tournament. Fils won his first title since returning in February after missing eight months because of a back injury. Fils was well on his way to victory after cruising in the first set and leading 5-2 in the second before Rublev dug in his heels. Rublev broke Fils’ serve to pull within 5-4 in the second set, then staved off one match point to make it 5-5. Rublev broke serve again to lead 6-5 in the second set before Fils finally regained control and finished off the match in a tiebreak. “The end of the second set was just about the mental (pressure),” Fils said. “The whole match was a bit tough because I was a bit tight. I played well for a set and a half, but when I had to close, I started to think a little. But I’m very happy with the way I played the tiebreak.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Ben #Shelton #shows #love #clay #wins #BMW #title

Deadspin | ATP roundup: Ben Shelton shows love of clay, wins BMW title
Ben Shelton connects with the ball during his second-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Friday, March 6, 2026.

Ben Shelton rolled to his second title of the year, winning the BMW Open with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Italy’s Flavio Cobolli at Munich, Germany.

Shelton won 85% of his first-serve points on the clay surface and saved all six break points he faced to win his fifth career title and first since Dallas earlier this year. Shelton showed his form early when he broke Cobolli’s serve twice in the first three games of the match.

With the second set tied 5-5, Shelton broke Cobolli again and won on serve on his first match point. Shelton became the first American man since 2009 to win three ATP 500 titles.

“I have big ambitions for the clay courts,” Shelton said in his post-match interview. “It is a surface I want to get better on each year. It is slowly becoming one of my favorite surfaces to play on.”

Barcelona Open

Arthur Fils of France held off a late charge from Russia’s Andrey Rublev to record a 6-2, 7-6 (2) victory in the final of the tournament.

Fils won his first title since returning in February after missing eight months because of a back injury.

Fils was well on his way to victory after cruising in the first set and leading 5-2 in the second before Rublev dug in his heels. Rublev broke Fils’ serve to pull within 5-4 in the second set, then staved off one match point to make it 5-5.

Rublev broke serve again to lead 6-5 in the second set before Fils finally regained control and finished off the match in a tiebreak.

“The end of the second set was just about the mental (pressure),” Fils said. “The whole match was a bit tough because I was a bit tight. I played well for a set and a half, but when I had to close, I started to think a little. But I’m very happy with the way I played the tiebreak.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Ben #Shelton #shows #love #clay #wins #BMW #title

Sports news April 19, 2026

Ben Shelton connects with the ball during his second-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Friday, March 6, 2026.

Ben Shelton rolled to his second title of the year, winning the BMW Open with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Italy’s Flavio Cobolli at Munich, Germany.

Shelton won 85% of his first-serve points on the clay surface and saved all six break points he faced to win his fifth career title and first since Dallas earlier this year. Shelton showed his form early when he broke Cobolli’s serve twice in the first three games of the match.

With the second set tied 5-5, Shelton broke Cobolli again and won on serve on his first match point. Shelton became the first American man since 2009 to win three ATP 500 titles.

“I have big ambitions for the clay courts,” Shelton said in his post-match interview. “It is a surface I want to get better on each year. It is slowly becoming one of my favorite surfaces to play on.”

Barcelona Open

Arthur Fils of France held off a late charge from Russia’s Andrey Rublev to record a 6-2, 7-6 (2) victory in the final of the tournament.

Fils won his first title since returning in February after missing eight months because of a back injury.

Fils was well on his way to victory after cruising in the first set and leading 5-2 in the second before Rublev dug in his heels. Rublev broke Fils’ serve to pull within 5-4 in the second set, then staved off one match point to make it 5-5.

Rublev broke serve again to lead 6-5 in the second set before Fils finally regained control and finished off the match in a tiebreak.

“The end of the second set was just about the mental (pressure),” Fils said. “The whole match was a bit tough because I was a bit tight. I played well for a set and a half, but when I had to close, I started to think a little. But I’m very happy with the way I played the tiebreak.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Ben #Shelton #shows #love #clay #wins #BMW #title

ISL 2025-26: Mohun Bagan narrowly beats NorthEast United in rain-interrupted clash in Guwahati <div id="content-body-70881972" itemprop="articleBody">Mohun Bagan Super Giant edged NorthEast United FC with a 1-0 victory in a rain-affected contest at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday in Indian Super League 2025-26.The defending champion took the lead inside five minutes through Robson, who arrived late into the box to finish a well-worked move, and then relied on a disciplined defensive display led by Vishal Kaith to see out the result in difficult conditions.With this victory, Mohun Bagan SG move to the top of the table with 20 points from nine matches, opening a two-point lead over Mumbai City FC. NorthEast United FC, meanwhile, remains 12th with seven points from the same number of matches.AS IT HAPPENED | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/northeast-united-vs-mohun-bagan-super-giant-live-score-highlights-isl-update-neufc-v-mbsg/article70880869.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">NorthEast United vs Mohun Bagan Highlights</a>The Mariners started brightly and showed intent from the opening exchanges, with Jamie Maclaren making a surging run down the right in the third minute before being denied by a timely interception from the Highlanders right back Robin Yadav.The breakthrough arrived soon after in the fifth minute with a fluid attacking move. Liston Colaco initiated the play from the right and found Sahal Abdul Samad, who drove into the box before cutting the ball back into the centre. Robson timed his run to perfection, meeting the pass with a composed right-footed finish into the top of the net to hand Mohun Bagan an early advantage.Mohun Bagan continued to dominate possession through the first half, with Jason Cummings, Sahal, and Robinho all testing the NorthEast defence, but Gurmeet Singh stood firm in goal to keep the margin at one. The heavy rain made conditions increasingly difficult, with the ball skidding unpredictably and both sides struggling to maintain control in the final third.NorthEast United gradually grew into the game and had its first real opportunity in the 36th minute when Parthib Gogoi was played through, but Vishal Kaith came off his line smartly to narrow the angle and force the effort wide.<div class="verticle article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/nxfc2b/article70882041.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/NEUFC%20vs%20MBSG%202.jpg.jpeg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/nxfc2b/article70882041.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/NEUFC%20vs%20MBSG%202.jpg.jpeg" alt="Both sides found it difficult to build sustained attacks, though NorthEast showed greater urgency in its pursuit of an equaliser." title="Both sides found it difficult to build sustained attacks, though NorthEast showed greater urgency in its pursuit of an equaliser." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"> Both sides found it difficult to build sustained attacks, though NorthEast showed greater urgency in its pursuit of an equaliser. | Photo Credit: ISL Media <img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div> Both sides found it difficult to build sustained attacks, though NorthEast showed greater urgency in its pursuit of an equaliser. | Photo Credit: ISL Media </div>Despite the host enjoying more of the ball towards the end of the first half, Mohun Bagan’s defensive structure held strong, ensuring it carried its slender lead into the interval on a stormy night in Guwahati.The second half resumed after an extended break due to heavy rainfall, and the conditions continued to influence the tempo of the game. Both sides found it difficult to build sustained attacks, though NorthEast showed greater urgency in its pursuit of an equaliser.Macarton Nickson and Thoi Singh both tried their luck from distance, while Vishal Kaith remained alert to deny efforts from range. As the game wore on, the Highlanders pushed more bodies forward, sensing an opportunity to salvage a point.Their best chance came in stoppage time when substitute Ankith Padmanabhan found space inside the box, but Kaith reacted quickly to make a crucial save. The rebound fell to Jairo Samperio, whose attempt was heroically blocked by center back Mehtab Singh, preserving Mohun Bagan’s lead. Moments later, Mehtab was again called into action, producing another vital clearance to deny Andy Rodríguez.In the end, Robson’s early goal proved enough for Mohun Bagan Super Giant to secure all three points in testing conditions.Published on Apr 19, 2026</div> #ISL #Mohun #Bagan #narrowly #beats #NorthEast #United #raininterrupted #clash #Guwahati

Deadspin | Frederik Andersen, Hurricanes look to shut down Senators in Game 2 Apr 18, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) looks against the Ottawa Senators during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images Finding space on the ice is expected to be an ongoing challenge for the Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes in their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series. So, finding any small edge will be critical when they meet in Game 2 on Monday night at Raleigh, N.C. “The first round always has all the energy in the world and that’s what you expect,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. Carolina won 2-0 in the first game Saturday behind Frederik Andersen’s 22-save performance. Both teams had difficulty finding openings and more of that could be in the works. “I don’t think this series it’s ever going to look like there’s a ton of space out there,” Senators coach Travis Green said. “It’s going to look very similar every night. I think at the end of every game, both teams are going to feel like there wasn’t space on the ice and I don’t see changing.” So, it came down to what the goalies could do. “The goalies had to really shine,” Brind’Amour said. Ottawa’s Linus Ullmark made 27 saves Saturday, but he fell to 5-11 in career playoff games. He was sharp as well, though Andersen stole the spotlight when it wasn’t clear leading up to the series opener if he would be Brind’Amour’s choice. He had to decide between Andersen and rookie Brandon Bussi. Andersen got the call. “He was up to the challenge,” Brind’Amour said. “We have good options and both guys have played well. Clearly, experience, I think won out. … Freddy has a track record and we know what he’s capable of.” Green said to win on the road in the playoffs the goalie has to play well (and he liked Ullmark’s outing) and a power-play goal or two would be a boost. The teams combined to go 0-for-9 on power plays in Game 1, with the Hurricanes having five chances. “They’re a quick team,” Green said. “They’re good in this building.” Carolina’s relentless nature is something the Senators need to be ready for again. “They’re deep,” Green said. “They’re good. … Carolina does a real good job of playing their game.” Carolina’s Logan Stankoven supplied a goal and an assist in the series opener, extending a strong stretch. He had an eight-game points streak to end the regular season. Three of Stankoven’s four multi-point postseason outings have come with the Hurricanes. His line has been rolling up strong numbers for the past few weeks. “We have a lot of depth,” Stankoven said. “Since the break, our line has been clicking pretty good. We’ve been able to find each other and I think we’re all hungry to track pucks.” Now the Hurricanes will look for upgrades on power plays. “If we look at one area we’re not overly happy with is our power-play chances,” Stankoven said. “Every team as a series goes on makes adjustments.” Carolina improved to 7-0 in its last seven postseason opening games. The Hurricanes put together some quality stretches in the offensive zone. “They probably deserved to win analytically, and they did,” Green said. The Hurricanes have won 12 of 18 all-time best-of-seven series when winning Game 1. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Frederik #Andersen #Hurricanes #shut #Senators #Game

#Deadspin #Frederik #Andersen #Hurricanes #shut #Senators #Game">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 18, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) looks against the Ottawa Senators during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Finding space on the ice is expected to be an ongoing challenge for the Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes in their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series.

So, finding any small edge will be critical when they meet in Game 2 on Monday night at Raleigh, N.C.

“The first round always has all the energy in the world and that’s what you expect,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said.

Carolina won 2-0 in the first game Saturday behind Frederik Andersen’s 22-save performance.

Both teams had difficulty finding openings and more of that could be in the works.

“I don’t think this series it’s ever going to look like there’s a ton of space out there,” Senators coach Travis Green said. “It’s going to look very similar every night. I think at the end of every game, both teams are going to feel like there wasn’t space on the ice and I don’t see changing.”

So, it came down to what the goalies could do.

“The goalies had to really shine,” Brind’Amour said.

Ottawa’s Linus Ullmark made 27 saves Saturday, but he fell to 5-11 in career playoff games. He was sharp as well, though Andersen stole the spotlight when it wasn’t clear leading up to the series opener if he would be Brind’Amour’s choice.

He had to decide between Andersen and rookie Brandon Bussi. Andersen got the call.

“He was up to the challenge,” Brind’Amour said. “We have good options and both guys have played well. Clearly, experience, I think won out. … Freddy has a track record and we know what he’s capable of.”

Green said to win on the road in the playoffs the goalie has to play well (and he liked Ullmark’s outing) and a power-play goal or two would be a boost.

The teams combined to go 0-for-9 on power plays in Game 1, with the Hurricanes having five chances.

“They’re a quick team,” Green said. “They’re good in this building.”

Carolina’s relentless nature is something the Senators need to be ready for again.

“They’re deep,” Green said. “They’re good. … Carolina does a real good job of playing their game.”

Carolina’s Logan Stankoven supplied a goal and an assist in the series opener, extending a strong stretch. He had an eight-game points streak to end the regular season.

Three of Stankoven’s four multi-point postseason outings have come with the Hurricanes. His line has been rolling up strong numbers for the past few weeks.

“We have a lot of depth,” Stankoven said. “Since the break, our line has been clicking pretty good. We’ve been able to find each other and I think we’re all hungry to track pucks.”

Now the Hurricanes will look for upgrades on power plays.

“If we look at one area we’re not overly happy with is our power-play chances,” Stankoven said. “Every team as a series goes on makes adjustments.”

Carolina improved to 7-0 in its last seven postseason opening games. The Hurricanes put together some quality stretches in the offensive zone.

“They probably deserved to win analytically, and they did,” Green said.

The Hurricanes have won 12 of 18 all-time best-of-seven series when winning Game 1.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Frederik #Andersen #Hurricanes #shut #Senators #Game">Deadspin | Frederik Andersen, Hurricanes look to shut down Senators in Game 2

Apr 18, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) looks against the Ottawa Senators during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Finding space on the ice is expected to be an ongoing challenge for the Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes in their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series.

So, finding any small edge will be critical when they meet in Game 2 on Monday night at Raleigh, N.C.

“The first round always has all the energy in the world and that’s what you expect,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said.

Carolina won 2-0 in the first game Saturday behind Frederik Andersen’s 22-save performance.

Both teams had difficulty finding openings and more of that could be in the works.

“I don’t think this series it’s ever going to look like there’s a ton of space out there,” Senators coach Travis Green said. “It’s going to look very similar every night. I think at the end of every game, both teams are going to feel like there wasn’t space on the ice and I don’t see changing.”

So, it came down to what the goalies could do.

“The goalies had to really shine,” Brind’Amour said.

Ottawa’s Linus Ullmark made 27 saves Saturday, but he fell to 5-11 in career playoff games. He was sharp as well, though Andersen stole the spotlight when it wasn’t clear leading up to the series opener if he would be Brind’Amour’s choice.

He had to decide between Andersen and rookie Brandon Bussi. Andersen got the call.

“He was up to the challenge,” Brind’Amour said. “We have good options and both guys have played well. Clearly, experience, I think won out. … Freddy has a track record and we know what he’s capable of.”

Green said to win on the road in the playoffs the goalie has to play well (and he liked Ullmark’s outing) and a power-play goal or two would be a boost.

The teams combined to go 0-for-9 on power plays in Game 1, with the Hurricanes having five chances.

“They’re a quick team,” Green said. “They’re good in this building.”

Carolina’s relentless nature is something the Senators need to be ready for again.

“They’re deep,” Green said. “They’re good. … Carolina does a real good job of playing their game.”

Carolina’s Logan Stankoven supplied a goal and an assist in the series opener, extending a strong stretch. He had an eight-game points streak to end the regular season.

Three of Stankoven’s four multi-point postseason outings have come with the Hurricanes. His line has been rolling up strong numbers for the past few weeks.

“We have a lot of depth,” Stankoven said. “Since the break, our line has been clicking pretty good. We’ve been able to find each other and I think we’re all hungry to track pucks.”

Now the Hurricanes will look for upgrades on power plays.

“If we look at one area we’re not overly happy with is our power-play chances,” Stankoven said. “Every team as a series goes on makes adjustments.”

Carolina improved to 7-0 in its last seven postseason opening games. The Hurricanes put together some quality stretches in the offensive zone.

“They probably deserved to win analytically, and they did,” Green said.

The Hurricanes have won 12 of 18 all-time best-of-seven series when winning Game 1.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Frederik #Andersen #Hurricanes #shut #Senators #Game

Asian Games gold medallist compound archer Prathamesh Jawkar will be banned from the sport for two years, starting Sunday, April 19, after he accepted the punishment for a whereabouts failure.

According to Article 2.4 of the World Anti-Doping Code, three filing failures regarding the athlete’s whereabouts within a 12-month period culminates into an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. Jawkar missed the deadline for three filings last year, which means he will not only be able to defend his gold at this year’s Asian Games but also most likely miss out on the 2028 Olympics.

“The notice that I received from ITA (International Testing Agency) was on January 14 this year. They gave me a week to explain myself and they were going to reassess my case if I had some evidence in my favour. I gave my explanations about why I failed to fill in the whereabouts, but the reasons were clearly not valid enough. On March 31, I received the final notice of charge,” Jawkar told Sportstar.

“In January only I got to know like there’s no way I’m getting out of this. I was just hoping that they would reduce the period of the ban to maybe a year. I talked with the lawyers and in my case, I don’t think I can get away with these mistakes. I just have to accept it,” he added when asked whether he could appeal this decision.

Jawkar has been part of the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) since 2023 and he had been duly filling the whereabouts up until 2025. He conceded that a lack of education on his part played a role in these failures, especially when he temporarily changed his discipline to recurve.

Also read | AFI to start DNA testing of athletes, SRY tests during next month’s Fed Cup

“I didn’t have enough knowledge regarding this. I was not briefed when I got introduced to the testing tool. It all happened online. Even if I had received a call or something to explain the importance of it, I would have made sure I did. I thought my shift to recurve was quite public, World Archery (first posted about it on March 20) had interviewed me as well. So I thought they must know that I no longer compete at the world level. So why would they test me? At the time I thought I didn’t need to fill it,” Jawkar explained.

According to the Athletics Integrity Unit, an athlete has to follow four deadlines in a year: March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15.

Jawkar’s second offence came when his whereabouts were under doubt. “In July, there was a period of 10 or 15 days when I didn’t know whether I would be in India or Italy because the visa procedure was delayed. I was going to Europe for training. I filled the majority of my variables but I explained my case, saying how I was unsure about these dates. That’s why I’d kept that bit blank. But I didn’t fill it by the deadline. When I got the chance to plead my case, I had a letter from Sports Authority of India my visa actually got delayed. Those were circumstances out of my hands.”

The third offence, Jawkar said, occurred during a period when he had switched off all notifications on his phone, which meant he missed any and all alerts or emails which may have come his way.

This ban means he won’t be able to get into coaching if he wanted to. “I don’t do anything else other than this (archery). I’m going to continue training, study a bit. And then I’m going to try to bounce back because this is my dream,” Jawkar, who’s completing a B.Sc in Zoology, said dejectedly.

“I hope that if someone is a medal prospect for the Olympics or Asiad, they learn from this mistake because it’s just like sheer negligence on my part. I should have taken an effort to educate myself on this,” the 22-year-old concluded.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#Archer #Prathamesh #Jawkar #banned #years #whereabouts #failure #admits #sheer #negligence #part">

Archer Prathamesh Jawkar banned for two years for whereabouts failure, admits ‘sheer negligence’ on his part Asian Games gold medallist compound archer Prathamesh Jawkar will be banned from the sport for two years, starting Sunday, April 19, after he accepted the punishment for a whereabouts failure.According to Article 2.4 of the World Anti-Doping Code, three filing failures regarding the athlete’s whereabouts within a 12-month period culminates into an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. Jawkar missed the deadline for three filings last year, which means he will not only be able to defend his gold at this year’s Asian Games but also most likely miss out on the 2028 Olympics.“The notice that I received from ITA (International Testing Agency) was on January 14 this year. They gave me a week to explain myself and they were going to reassess my case if I had some evidence in my favour. I gave my explanations about why I failed to fill in the whereabouts, but the reasons were clearly not valid enough. On March 31, I received the final notice of charge,” Jawkar told Sportstar.“In January only I got to know like there’s no way I’m getting out of this. I was just hoping that they would reduce the period of the ban to maybe a year. I talked with the lawyers and in my case, I don’t think I can get away with these mistakes. I just have to accept it,” he added when asked whether he could appeal this decision.Jawkar has been part of the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) since 2023 and he had been duly filling the whereabouts up until 2025. He conceded that a lack of education on his part played a role in these failures, especially when he temporarily changed his discipline to recurve.Also read | AFI to start DNA testing of athletes, SRY tests during next month’s Fed Cup“I didn’t have enough knowledge regarding this. I was not briefed when I got introduced to the testing tool. It all happened online. Even if I had received a call or something to explain the importance of it, I would have made sure I did. I thought my shift to recurve was quite public, World Archery (first posted about it on March 20) had interviewed me as well. So I thought they must know that I no longer compete at the world level. So why would they test me? At the time I thought I didn’t need to fill it,” Jawkar explained.According to the Athletics Integrity Unit, an athlete has to follow four deadlines in a year: March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15.Jawkar’s second offence came when his whereabouts were under doubt. “In July, there was a period of 10 or 15 days when I didn’t know whether I would be in India or Italy because the visa procedure was delayed. I was going to Europe for training. I filled the majority of my variables but I explained my case, saying how I was unsure about these dates. That’s why I’d kept that bit blank. But I didn’t fill it by the deadline. When I got the chance to plead my case, I had a letter from Sports Authority of India my visa actually got delayed. Those were circumstances out of my hands.”The third offence, Jawkar said, occurred during a period when he had switched off all notifications on his phone, which meant he missed any and all alerts or emails which may have come his way.This ban means he won’t be able to get into coaching if he wanted to. “I don’t do anything else other than this (archery). I’m going to continue training, study a bit. And then I’m going to try to bounce back because this is my dream,” Jawkar, who’s completing a B.Sc in Zoology, said dejectedly.“I hope that if someone is a medal prospect for the Olympics or Asiad, they learn from this mistake because it’s just like sheer negligence on my part. I should have taken an effort to educate myself on this,” the 22-year-old concluded.Published on Apr 19, 2026 #Archer #Prathamesh #Jawkar #banned #years #whereabouts #failure #admits #sheer #negligence #part

mwasimuddin125 0

Asian Games gold medallist compound archer Prathamesh Jawkar will be banned from the sport for two years, starting Sunday, April 19, after he accepted the punishment for a whereabouts failure.
According to Article 2.4 of the World Anti-Doping Code, three filing failures regarding the athlete’s whereabouts within a 12-month period culminates into an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. Jawkar missed the deadline for three filings last year, which means he will not only be able to defend his gold at this year’s Asian Games but also most likely miss out on the 2028 Olympics.
“The notice that I received from ITA (International Testing Agency) was on January 14 this year. They gave me a week to explain myself and they were going to reassess my case if I had some evidence in my favour. I gave my explanations about why I failed to fill in the whereabouts, but the reasons were clearly not valid enough. On March 31, I received the final notice of charge,” Jawkar told Sportstar.
“In January only I got to know like there’s no way I’m getting out of this. I was just hoping that they would reduce the period of the ban to maybe a year. I talked with the lawyers and in my case, I don’t think I can get away with these mistakes. I just have to accept it,” he added when asked whether he could appeal this decision.
Jawkar has been part of the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) since 2023 and he had been duly filling the whereabouts up until 2025. He conceded that a lack of education on his part played a role in these failures, especially when he temporarily changed his discipline to recurve.
Also read | AFI to start DNA testing of athletes, SRY tests during next month’s Fed Cup
“I didn’t have enough knowledge regarding this. I was not briefed when I got introduced to the testing tool. It all happened online. Even if I had received a call or something to explain the importance of it, I would have made sure I did. I thought my shift to recurve was quite public, World Archery (first posted about it on March 20) had interviewed me as well. So I thought they must know that I no longer compete at the world level. So why would they test me? At the time I thought I didn’t need to fill it,” Jawkar explained.
According to the Athletics Integrity Unit, an athlete has to follow four deadlines in a year: March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15.
Jawkar’s second offence came when his whereabouts were under doubt. “In July, there was a period of 10 or 15 days when I didn’t know whether I would be in India or Italy because the visa procedure was delayed. I was going to Europe for training. I filled the majority of my variables but I explained my case, saying how I was unsure about these dates. That’s why I’d kept that bit blank. But I didn’t fill it by the deadline. When I got the chance to plead my case, I had a letter from Sports Authority of India my visa actually got delayed. Those were circumstances out of my hands.”
The third offence, Jawkar said, occurred during a period when he had switched off all notifications on his phone, which meant he missed any and all alerts or emails which may have come his way.
This ban means he won’t be able to get into coaching if he wanted to. “I don’t do anything else other than this (archery). I’m going to continue training, study a bit. And then I’m going to try to bounce back because this is my dream,” Jawkar, who’s completing a B.Sc in Zoology, said dejectedly.
“I hope that if someone is a medal prospect for the Olympics or Asiad, they learn from this mistake because it’s just like sheer negligence on my part. I should have taken an effort to educate myself on this,” the 22-year-old concluded.
Published on Apr 19, 2026

#Archer #Prathamesh #Jawkar #banned #years #whereabouts #failure #admits #sheer #negligence #part">Archer Prathamesh Jawkar banned for two years for whereabouts failure, admits ‘sheer negligence’ on his part

Asian Games gold medallist compound archer Prathamesh Jawkar will be banned from the sport for two years, starting Sunday, April 19, after he accepted the punishment for a whereabouts failure.

Also read | AFI to start DNA testing of athletes, SRY tests during next month’s Fed Cup

According to the Athletics Integrity Unit, an athlete has to follow four deadlines in a year: March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15.

The third offence, Jawkar said, occurred during a period when he had switched off all notifications on his phone, which meant he missed any and all alerts or emails which may have come his way.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#Archer #Prathamesh #Jawkar #banned #years #whereabouts #failure #admits #sheer #negligence #part

Deadspin | Keller directs Pirates over Rays to clinch series win Apr 19, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) tags Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Chandler Simpson (14) out at second base on a steal attempt during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Mitch Keller pitched seven strong innings, allowing two runs to help the host Pittsburgh Pirates score a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon. Coming off a 13-inning loss on Saturday where Pittsburgh used six relievers, Keller (2-1) preserved some arms for the Pirates bullpen and helped his team take two of three games against the Rays, who entered the series having won six in a row. Bryan Reynolds backed up the pitching with two hits and three RBI to lead Pittsburgh’s bats, while Spencer Horwitz and Nick Yorke each hit solo home runs. Nick Gonzales had two hits and an RBI and Jake Mangum also had two hits. The Pirates did it with the long ball and small ball as they recorded three bunt singles in a game for the first time since 1998. After picking up his first win in three years in his previous start, Rays starter Shane McClanahan (1-2) was unable to follow up that success, nor spare Tampa Bay’s own taxed bullpen a day after it used seven relievers. He allowed four runs on eight hits and struck out five over 4 1/3 innings on 90 pitches. Keller picked up his second win in his fifth start of the season after not doing so last season until his 17th start. He struck out five and gave up five hits and did not issue a walk on 89 pitches. The Rays took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth on a two-run single by Hunter Feduccia off Keller, which was one of Tampa Bay’s six hits overall. Jonny DeLuca followed a Richie Palacios double and then stole second to set up Feduccia’s go-ahead hit. The Pirates answered immediately when Joey Bart doubled and Billy Cook followed with a bunt single and stole second. Two batters later, Gonzales singled to drive in Bart, and Reynolds followed with a two-run single to put Pittsburgh ahead 4-2. Right-hander Wilber Dotel was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis and made his major-league debut in the ninth. He allowed a solo home run to Junior Caminero, but then struck out Jonathan Aranda and retired Yandy Diaz on a ground out, and Cedric Mullins on a fly ball to center. The Pirates optioned reliever Cam Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Keller #directs #Pirates #Rays #clinch #series #win

#Deadspin #Keller #directs #Pirates #Rays #clinch #series #win">

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Apr 19, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) tags Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Chandler Simpson (14) out at second base on a steal attempt during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Mitch Keller pitched seven strong innings, allowing two runs to help the host Pittsburgh Pirates score a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon.

Coming off a 13-inning loss on Saturday where Pittsburgh used six relievers, Keller (2-1) preserved some arms for the Pirates bullpen and helped his team take two of three games against the Rays, who entered the series having won six in a row.

Bryan Reynolds backed up the pitching with two hits and three RBI to lead Pittsburgh’s bats, while Spencer Horwitz and Nick Yorke each hit solo home runs.

Nick Gonzales had two hits and an RBI and Jake Mangum also had two hits. The Pirates did it with the long ball and small ball as they recorded three bunt singles in a game for the first time since 1998.

After picking up his first win in three years in his previous start, Rays starter Shane McClanahan (1-2) was unable to follow up that success, nor spare Tampa Bay’s own taxed bullpen a day after it used seven relievers. He allowed four runs on eight hits and struck out five over 4 1/3 innings on 90 pitches.

Keller picked up his second win in his fifth start of the season after not doing so last season until his 17th start. He struck out five and gave up five hits and did not issue a walk on 89 pitches.

The Rays took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth on a two-run single by Hunter Feduccia off Keller, which was one of Tampa Bay’s six hits overall. Jonny DeLuca followed a Richie Palacios double and then stole second to set up Feduccia’s go-ahead hit.

The Pirates answered immediately when Joey Bart doubled and Billy Cook followed with a bunt single and stole second. Two batters later, Gonzales singled to drive in Bart, and Reynolds followed with a two-run single to put Pittsburgh ahead 4-2.

Right-hander Wilber Dotel was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis and made his major-league debut in the ninth. He allowed a solo home run to Junior Caminero, but then struck out Jonathan Aranda and retired Yandy Diaz on a ground out, and Cedric Mullins on a fly ball to center. The Pirates optioned reliever Cam Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Keller #directs #Pirates #Rays #clinch #series #win">Deadspin | Keller directs Pirates over Rays to clinch series win

Apr 19, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) tags Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Chandler Simpson (14) out at second base on a steal attempt during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Mitch Keller pitched seven strong innings, allowing two runs to help the host Pittsburgh Pirates score a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon.

Coming off a 13-inning loss on Saturday where Pittsburgh used six relievers, Keller (2-1) preserved some arms for the Pirates bullpen and helped his team take two of three games against the Rays, who entered the series having won six in a row.

Bryan Reynolds backed up the pitching with two hits and three RBI to lead Pittsburgh’s bats, while Spencer Horwitz and Nick Yorke each hit solo home runs.

Nick Gonzales had two hits and an RBI and Jake Mangum also had two hits. The Pirates did it with the long ball and small ball as they recorded three bunt singles in a game for the first time since 1998.

After picking up his first win in three years in his previous start, Rays starter Shane McClanahan (1-2) was unable to follow up that success, nor spare Tampa Bay’s own taxed bullpen a day after it used seven relievers. He allowed four runs on eight hits and struck out five over 4 1/3 innings on 90 pitches.

Keller picked up his second win in his fifth start of the season after not doing so last season until his 17th start. He struck out five and gave up five hits and did not issue a walk on 89 pitches.

The Rays took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth on a two-run single by Hunter Feduccia off Keller, which was one of Tampa Bay’s six hits overall. Jonny DeLuca followed a Richie Palacios double and then stole second to set up Feduccia’s go-ahead hit.

The Pirates answered immediately when Joey Bart doubled and Billy Cook followed with a bunt single and stole second. Two batters later, Gonzales singled to drive in Bart, and Reynolds followed with a two-run single to put Pittsburgh ahead 4-2.

Right-hander Wilber Dotel was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis and made his major-league debut in the ninth. He allowed a solo home run to Junior Caminero, but then struck out Jonathan Aranda and retired Yandy Diaz on a ground out, and Cedric Mullins on a fly ball to center. The Pirates optioned reliever Cam Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Keller #directs #Pirates #Rays #clinch #series #win

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