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Hansi Flick happy Raphinha is back for Barcelona with La Liga 2025-26 title in sight  Barcelona coach Hansi Flick celebrated the return of winger Raphinha from injury on Friday as the Catalans close in on the La Liga 2025-26 title.Flick’s team is 11 points clear of second-place Real Madrid and can win a second successive league title this weekend if it beats Osasuna on Saturday and Los Blancos drop points at out-of-form Espanyol the following day.Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Brazil in March, which left him sidelined as Barcelona was knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals.Barca faces Real Madrid on May 10 in a Clasico which could seal its title defence if it does not clinch it this weekend, and is still in with a chance of matching the all-time record of 100 points in a Spanish league campaign.“Rapha is a player who always gives us 100 percent, when he’s on the pitch or in training,” Flick told reporters.“His mentality, his attitude, is always 100 percent and that helps us a lot. This season, he has had to suffer (from injury), so for us it’s important to have him back. He will also travel with us, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow… I think also for the team it’s great to have him back, because he’s one of our captains, he’s positive and can give us these things that we need,” he added.ALSO READ | Salah ‘deserves big send-off’, says Liverpool boss SlotBarca is without injured teenage star Lamine Yamal, with Flick saying the 18-year-old is recovering well from the hamstring problem, which will keep him out until the end of the season.“He’s doing good, so the evolution is good. I think we will see him in the World Cup. He has time, more time, to recover, to come back. And this is what he wants,” said Flick.If Barca wins its remaining five league matches, it will reach the 100-point record first set by Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in 2012 and then matched by Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona side in 2013.“We are only focused on the next match, (but) of course we want to win every game between now and the end of the season,” said Flick.“For me, it would be perfect when we can win every game, but also have tough opponents. Our job is, in every match, to play on our best level, to learn from the game for the next game and for our training. So this is our philosophy, our attitude, our mentality,” he added.Published on May 01, 2026  #Hansi #Flick #happy #Raphinha #Barcelona #Liga #title #sight

Hansi Flick happy Raphinha is back for Barcelona with La Liga 2025-26 title in sight

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick celebrated the return of winger Raphinha from injury on Friday as the Catalans close in on the La Liga 2025-26 title.

Flick’s team is 11 points clear of second-place Real Madrid and can win a second successive league title this weekend if it beats Osasuna on Saturday and Los Blancos drop points at out-of-form Espanyol the following day.

Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Brazil in March, which left him sidelined as Barcelona was knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals.

Barca faces Real Madrid on May 10 in a Clasico which could seal its title defence if it does not clinch it this weekend, and is still in with a chance of matching the all-time record of 100 points in a Spanish league campaign.

“Rapha is a player who always gives us 100 percent, when he’s on the pitch or in training,” Flick told reporters.

“His mentality, his attitude, is always 100 percent and that helps us a lot. This season, he has had to suffer (from injury), so for us it’s important to have him back. He will also travel with us, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow… I think also for the team it’s great to have him back, because he’s one of our captains, he’s positive and can give us these things that we need,” he added.

ALSO READ | Salah ‘deserves big send-off’, says Liverpool boss Slot

Barca is without injured teenage star Lamine Yamal, with Flick saying the 18-year-old is recovering well from the hamstring problem, which will keep him out until the end of the season.

“He’s doing good, so the evolution is good. I think we will see him in the World Cup. He has time, more time, to recover, to come back. And this is what he wants,” said Flick.

If Barca wins its remaining five league matches, it will reach the 100-point record first set by Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in 2012 and then matched by Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona side in 2013.

“We are only focused on the next match, (but) of course we want to win every game between now and the end of the season,” said Flick.

“For me, it would be perfect when we can win every game, but also have tough opponents. Our job is, in every match, to play on our best level, to learn from the game for the next game and for our training. So this is our philosophy, our attitude, our mentality,” he added.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Hansi #Flick #happy #Raphinha #Barcelona #Liga #title #sight

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick celebrated the return of winger Raphinha from injury on Friday as the Catalans close in on the La Liga 2025-26 title.

Flick’s team is 11 points clear of second-place Real Madrid and can win a second successive league title this weekend if it beats Osasuna on Saturday and Los Blancos drop points at out-of-form Espanyol the following day.

Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Brazil in March, which left him sidelined as Barcelona was knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals.

Barca faces Real Madrid on May 10 in a Clasico which could seal its title defence if it does not clinch it this weekend, and is still in with a chance of matching the all-time record of 100 points in a Spanish league campaign.

“Rapha is a player who always gives us 100 percent, when he’s on the pitch or in training,” Flick told reporters.

“His mentality, his attitude, is always 100 percent and that helps us a lot. This season, he has had to suffer (from injury), so for us it’s important to have him back. He will also travel with us, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow… I think also for the team it’s great to have him back, because he’s one of our captains, he’s positive and can give us these things that we need,” he added.

ALSO READ | Salah ‘deserves big send-off’, says Liverpool boss Slot

Barca is without injured teenage star Lamine Yamal, with Flick saying the 18-year-old is recovering well from the hamstring problem, which will keep him out until the end of the season.

“He’s doing good, so the evolution is good. I think we will see him in the World Cup. He has time, more time, to recover, to come back. And this is what he wants,” said Flick.

If Barca wins its remaining five league matches, it will reach the 100-point record first set by Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in 2012 and then matched by Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona side in 2013.

“We are only focused on the next match, (but) of course we want to win every game between now and the end of the season,” said Flick.

“For me, it would be perfect when we can win every game, but also have tough opponents. Our job is, in every match, to play on our best level, to learn from the game for the next game and for our training. So this is our philosophy, our attitude, our mentality,” he added.

Published on May 01, 2026

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Deadspin | Sabres bring road success into Game 6, try to finish off Bruins <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28835115.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28835115.jpg" alt="NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 28, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins center Casey Mittelstadt (11) tries to block a shot by Buffalo Sabres center Peyton Krebs (19) during overtime in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Boston Bruins have life.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>After winning in Buffalo for the second time in three tries in their Eastern Conference first-round series, the Bruins look to bottle up their solid road play as the scene shifts back to Boston for the final time.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>At the same time, Game 6 on Friday marks a second opportunity for the Sabres — who cruised to back-to-back wins in Boston, including a decisive 6-1 contest last Sunday — to close out the best-of-seven series and advance in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2007.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“It was an embarrassing effort in Game 4. That’s not what our fans paid money for, to come and see us play that way,” Boston defenseman Nikita Zadorov said. “We’re glad we got that win (Tuesday) and have a chance to redeem ourselves.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Bruins extended the series with a 2-1 overtime win in Game 5, as Hampus Lindholm’s long feed sent David Pastrnak in on a breakaway for the game-ending goal.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>It was only Pastrnak’s second goal of the series, but it could not have come at a more crucial time. With the tally, he became the first-ever Bruin to score multiple overtime goals while the team faced elimination.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“There’s only a few players I think who can do that. What I mean by that is not just the finish, but the way he doesn’t go offside,” Bruins coach Marco Sturm said. “… I’m just very happy because (Pastrnak) puts a lot of pressure on himself and he wants to be the difference. And (Tuesday) he was.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Similarly, goaltender Jeremy Swayman’s sharpest performance of the series (25 saves on 26 shots) helped set the stage for Pastrnak’s heroics.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>Prior to Game 5, Buffalo’s veteran players like former Stanley Cup-winning defenseman Bowen Byram discussed the difficulty of banking a fourth win to close out a playoff series.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>With 11 playoff newcomers dotting the Sabres roster, the team’s lack of experience in such big-game situations could have had an impact on the latest result.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“I just sensed a little bit of nerves with our guys,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “Our puck play wasn’t as good as in Boston, so just get them to relax, play our game and be ready to go.”</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Strangely, having another chance on road ice could be just what Ruff’s team needs, as it won the first two games in Boston by a combined 9-2 score.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Playing a simple game on the road is a coach’s cliche, but the Sabres have done just that so far in Boston. Their 24-13-4 record away from home was among the best in the NHL.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“It’s part of the playoffs,” Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon said. “It’s one of the hardest things in the world, so we have to embrace that and we have to be on a mission when we go into Boston.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>On the injury front, Boston’s Viktor Arvidsson (upper body) and Buffalo’s Noah Ostlund (lower body) are expected to be out of their teams’ respective lineups for at least Game 6. Defenseman Logan Stanley could also be missing for Buffalo after an illness kept him out of Thursday’s practice.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>However, the Sabres should have Josh Norris back after the centerman missed the past three games with a minor injury. He is likely to skate between Zach Benson and Josh Doan.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>“For a period of time, that line was really good for us,” Ruff said. “It’s an opportunity where a guy like Norrie can just step up, and he could be a big difference maker for us.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-18"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Sabres #bring #road #success #Game #finish #Bruins

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Deadspin | Fernando Alonso unsure of F1 future, but won’t stop racing <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28846699.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28846699.jpg" alt="Formula One: Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Aston Martin Racing driver Fernando Alonso (14) speaks to reporters at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>In the midst of a disappointing season as an Aston Martin driver, Fernando Alonso isn’t in a hurry to make a decision on his Formula 1 future.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The two-time F1 series champion (2005-06), racing in his 23rd season at the top level of competition, remains up in the air about the future of his Aston Martin contract, which expires at the end of this season.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“I’m not sure,” Alonso said Thursday ahead of this weekend’s race in Miami when asked about his future.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“I’m open to everything. I think until probably after the summer break I will not really sit down with the team and make the decision. We need to see also how the car improves and how we see things into next year. I’m very relaxed.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Alonso, 44, finished fourth in his first season with Aston Martin in 2023 followed by ninth and 10th the last two seasons. Car troubles have prevented him from finishing two of the first three Grand Prix of this season, hurtling him down to 21st in the driver standings.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“We have a tough start to the season but we are all embracing this challenge,” Alonso said. “We are together on this, Aston Martin and Honda. Hopefully we can see some results and start having fun on the weekends.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>He’s won 32 career F1 races, but none since 2013.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>While Alonso sounded uncertain about his future racing in F1, he made it clear that exit wouldn’t mean he’s done driving competitively.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“I will continue racing. If it’s not F1, I will do Dakar (Rally),” Alonso said. “I said many times it’s a challenge that I want to take, winning endurance racing, F1 and rally. That will probably be unprecedented for any racing driver in the past, so it’s something that is very appealing.”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Alonso previously didn’t race in F1 during 2019 and 2020. He twice won the 24 Hours of Le Mans (2018, 2019) and also won a World Endurance championship.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Regardless of whether he returns to drive for Aston Martin in F1 in 2027, Alonso also said he plans to be around the team.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>“I will keep active even if I stop F1. I’m also linked with this team, with this project,” Alonso said. “I want to succeed here, behind the wheel or not behind the wheel, you will see me in the paddock even if I stop racing.”</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Fernando #Alonso #unsure #future #wont #stop #racing

Deadspin | Alexander Blockx stuns Casper Ruud to reach Madrid semis  Mar 2, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA;  Alexander Blockx (BEL) hits a shot during his qualifying match against Martin Landaluce (ESP) during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images   Alexander Blockx won 84.8% (28 of 33) of his first-serve points and stormed his way to a 6-4, 6-4 upset of defending champion Casper Ruud on Thursday to reach the semifinals of the Madrid Open.  Blockx, 21, from Belgium, needed just 96 minutes to dispose of Ruud, the No. 12 seed from Norway. Ranked No. 69 in the world, Blockx is the fourth-lowest ranked player to reach the semis in Madrid.  “To be honest, I’m just happy with being here,” said Blockx, who upset No. 3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada and No. 16 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina earlier in the tournament. “Even winning my first match here. I barely escaped in the first round, and I was happy about that already. Semifinals is something I wouldn’t have even dreamed of to begin with.  Blockx will face No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany in a semifinal on Friday. Zverev defeated No. 10 Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-4 in his quarterfinal match.  Blockx said the clay surface is challenging but also very much to his liking.  “I’m proud of how I’ve played these past couple of matches,” Blockx said. I think the conditions suit me well here. I feel like it’s clay which is slow, so I have time to settle and hit my shots, go for my shots. At the same time, it’s quite fast with the altitude and the heat sometimes. I think it’s the perfect combination for me.”  Both players scored 19 winners, but Blocks had just 16 errors, seven fewer than Ruud.  Meanwhile, Zverev outpowered Cobolli with a 12-1 edge in aces and by winning 82.1% (32 of 39) of his first-serve points while prevailing in 90 minutes.   Zverev also had a 23-11 advantage in winners while earning his 179th career clay-court victory, most among Germans in the Open Era. He broke a tie with Philipp Kohlschreiber.  Zverev, a two-time Madrid champion (2018, 2021), lost to Cobolli in straight sets on April 18 in the Munich semis. Cobolli lost to Ben Shelton in the final of that event.  The rematch unfolded a lot differently on Thursday.  “No revenge. I love Flavio. He’s one of my favorite guys on Tour,” Zverev said. “I have a great relationship with him and a great relationship with his father. This is sport. … Sports can change very quickly. In Munich, he played an amazing match and I didn’t play a very good match. Today, it was maybe the opposite.”  Cobolli saved 8 of 11 break points but committed four double faults.  Top-seeded Jannik Sinner of Italy and No. 21 Arthur Fils of France square off in the other semifinal.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Alexander #Blockx #stuns #Casper #Ruud #reach #Madrid #semisMar 2, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Alexander Blockx (BEL) hits a shot during his qualifying match against Martin Landaluce (ESP) during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Alexander Blockx won 84.8% (28 of 33) of his first-serve points and stormed his way to a 6-4, 6-4 upset of defending champion Casper Ruud on Thursday to reach the semifinals of the Madrid Open.

Blockx, 21, from Belgium, needed just 96 minutes to dispose of Ruud, the No. 12 seed from Norway. Ranked No. 69 in the world, Blockx is the fourth-lowest ranked player to reach the semis in Madrid.

“To be honest, I’m just happy with being here,” said Blockx, who upset No. 3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada and No. 16 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina earlier in the tournament. “Even winning my first match here. I barely escaped in the first round, and I was happy about that already. Semifinals is something I wouldn’t have even dreamed of to begin with.

Blockx will face No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany in a semifinal on Friday. Zverev defeated No. 10 Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-4 in his quarterfinal match.

Blockx said the clay surface is challenging but also very much to his liking.

“I’m proud of how I’ve played these past couple of matches,” Blockx said. I think the conditions suit me well here. I feel like it’s clay which is slow, so I have time to settle and hit my shots, go for my shots. At the same time, it’s quite fast with the altitude and the heat sometimes. I think it’s the perfect combination for me.”

Both players scored 19 winners, but Blocks had just 16 errors, seven fewer than Ruud.


Meanwhile, Zverev outpowered Cobolli with a 12-1 edge in aces and by winning 82.1% (32 of 39) of his first-serve points while prevailing in 90 minutes.

Zverev also had a 23-11 advantage in winners while earning his 179th career clay-court victory, most among Germans in the Open Era. He broke a tie with Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Zverev, a two-time Madrid champion (2018, 2021), lost to Cobolli in straight sets on April 18 in the Munich semis. Cobolli lost to Ben Shelton in the final of that event.

The rematch unfolded a lot differently on Thursday.

“No revenge. I love Flavio. He’s one of my favorite guys on Tour,” Zverev said. “I have a great relationship with him and a great relationship with his father. This is sport. … Sports can change very quickly. In Munich, he played an amazing match and I didn’t play a very good match. Today, it was maybe the opposite.”

Cobolli saved 8 of 11 break points but committed four double faults.

Top-seeded Jannik Sinner of Italy and No. 21 Arthur Fils of France square off in the other semifinal.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Alexander #Blockx #stuns #Casper #Ruud #reach #Madrid #semis">Deadspin | Alexander Blockx stuns Casper Ruud to reach Madrid semis  Mar 2, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA;  Alexander Blockx (BEL) hits a shot during his qualifying match against Martin Landaluce (ESP) during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images   Alexander Blockx won 84.8% (28 of 33) of his first-serve points and stormed his way to a 6-4, 6-4 upset of defending champion Casper Ruud on Thursday to reach the semifinals of the Madrid Open.  Blockx, 21, from Belgium, needed just 96 minutes to dispose of Ruud, the No. 12 seed from Norway. Ranked No. 69 in the world, Blockx is the fourth-lowest ranked player to reach the semis in Madrid.  “To be honest, I’m just happy with being here,” said Blockx, who upset No. 3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada and No. 16 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina earlier in the tournament. “Even winning my first match here. I barely escaped in the first round, and I was happy about that already. Semifinals is something I wouldn’t have even dreamed of to begin with.  Blockx will face No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany in a semifinal on Friday. Zverev defeated No. 10 Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-4 in his quarterfinal match.  Blockx said the clay surface is challenging but also very much to his liking.  “I’m proud of how I’ve played these past couple of matches,” Blockx said. I think the conditions suit me well here. I feel like it’s clay which is slow, so I have time to settle and hit my shots, go for my shots. At the same time, it’s quite fast with the altitude and the heat sometimes. I think it’s the perfect combination for me.”  Both players scored 19 winners, but Blocks had just 16 errors, seven fewer than Ruud.  Meanwhile, Zverev outpowered Cobolli with a 12-1 edge in aces and by winning 82.1% (32 of 39) of his first-serve points while prevailing in 90 minutes.   Zverev also had a 23-11 advantage in winners while earning his 179th career clay-court victory, most among Germans in the Open Era. He broke a tie with Philipp Kohlschreiber.  Zverev, a two-time Madrid champion (2018, 2021), lost to Cobolli in straight sets on April 18 in the Munich semis. Cobolli lost to Ben Shelton in the final of that event.  The rematch unfolded a lot differently on Thursday.  “No revenge. I love Flavio. He’s one of my favorite guys on Tour,” Zverev said. “I have a great relationship with him and a great relationship with his father. This is sport. … Sports can change very quickly. In Munich, he played an amazing match and I didn’t play a very good match. Today, it was maybe the opposite.”  Cobolli saved 8 of 11 break points but committed four double faults.  Top-seeded Jannik Sinner of Italy and No. 21 Arthur Fils of France square off in the other semifinal.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Alexander #Blockx #stuns #Casper #Ruud #reach #Madrid #semis

National record holders Dev Kumar Meena of Madhya Pradesh and Baranica Elangovan of Tamil Nadu will be among the top draws in the inaugural Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition, which begins in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

The two-day meet will be held at the indoor facility at the Kalinga Stadium complex, which hosted the inaugural National Indoor Championships in March. The facility will also host the World Indoor Championships in 2028.

Meena has had an impressive season. In March, he equalled his national record of 5.40m during an invitational meet in Taiwan.

“My goal here in Bhubaneswar is to do my personal best. I enjoyed my practice sessions at the Kalinga Stadium indoor facility. I’m ready to do my best,” the 20-year-old said.

The men’s pole vault qualification mark set by the Athletics Federation of India for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games is 5.25m. The qualification mark for women is 4.45m.

The men’s qualification standard for the Asian Games in Japan later this year is 5.45m, while the corresponding mark for women is 4.10m.

Fourteen pole vaulters will compete in the men’s event, scheduled for the opening day on Saturday. Other prominent competitors in the fray include Kuldeep Kumar of Madhya Pradesh and Reegan G. of Tamil Nadu, who have cleared 5.30m and 5.35m, respectively, this season.

ALSO READ | Baranica Elangovan — I have been focusing on my technique rather than just performance

Seven athletes have confirmed their participation in the men’s U-20 pole vault event.

The women’s pole vault final will be held on Sunday. Eleven athletes have registered for the event, but the focus will be on Baranica, who set a national record of 4.22m during the inaugural National Indoor Championships at the same venue in March.

Overall, more than 80 athletes have confirmed their participation in the meet.

The heptathlon for men and pentathlon for women will be held in the senior and U-20 categories.

The heptathlon events are 60m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60m hurdles, pole vault and 1000m. The pentathlon events are 60m hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump and 800m.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Spotlight #pole #vaulters #Indian #Indoor #Combined #events #start #Bhubaneswar">Spotlight on pole vaulters at Indian Indoor Combined events start in Bhubaneswar  National record holders Dev Kumar Meena of Madhya Pradesh and Baranica Elangovan of Tamil Nadu will be among the top draws in the inaugural Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition, which begins in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.The two-day meet will be held at the indoor facility at the Kalinga Stadium complex, which hosted the inaugural National Indoor Championships in March. The facility will also host the World Indoor Championships in 2028.Meena has had an impressive season. In March, he equalled his national record of 5.40m during an invitational meet in Taiwan.“My goal here in Bhubaneswar is to do my personal best. I enjoyed my practice sessions at the Kalinga Stadium indoor facility. I’m ready to do my best,” the 20-year-old said.The men’s pole vault qualification mark set by the Athletics Federation of India for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games is 5.25m. The qualification mark for women is 4.45m.The men’s qualification standard for the Asian Games in Japan later this year is 5.45m, while the corresponding mark for women is 4.10m.Fourteen pole vaulters will compete in the men’s event, scheduled for the opening day on Saturday. Other prominent competitors in the fray include Kuldeep Kumar of Madhya Pradesh and Reegan G. of Tamil Nadu, who have cleared 5.30m and 5.35m, respectively, this season.ALSO READ | Baranica Elangovan — I have been focusing on my technique rather than just performanceSeven athletes have confirmed their participation in the men’s U-20 pole vault event.The women’s pole vault final will be held on Sunday. Eleven athletes have registered for the event, but the focus will be on Baranica, who set a national record of 4.22m during the inaugural National Indoor Championships at the same venue in March.Overall, more than 80 athletes have confirmed their participation in the meet.The heptathlon for men and pentathlon for women will be held in the senior and U-20 categories.The heptathlon events are 60m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60m hurdles, pole vault and 1000m. The pentathlon events are 60m hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump and 800m.Published on May 01, 2026  #Spotlight #pole #vaulters #Indian #Indoor #Combined #events #start #Bhubaneswar

Baranica Elangovan — I have been focusing on my technique rather than just performance

Seven athletes have confirmed their participation in the men’s U-20 pole vault event.

The women’s pole vault final will be held on Sunday. Eleven athletes have registered for the event, but the focus will be on Baranica, who set a national record of 4.22m during the inaugural National Indoor Championships at the same venue in March.

Overall, more than 80 athletes have confirmed their participation in the meet.

The heptathlon for men and pentathlon for women will be held in the senior and U-20 categories.

The heptathlon events are 60m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60m hurdles, pole vault and 1000m. The pentathlon events are 60m hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump and 800m.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Spotlight #pole #vaulters #Indian #Indoor #Combined #events #start #Bhubaneswar">Spotlight on pole vaulters at Indian Indoor Combined events start in Bhubaneswar

National record holders Dev Kumar Meena of Madhya Pradesh and Baranica Elangovan of Tamil Nadu will be among the top draws in the inaugural Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition, which begins in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

The two-day meet will be held at the indoor facility at the Kalinga Stadium complex, which hosted the inaugural National Indoor Championships in March. The facility will also host the World Indoor Championships in 2028.

Meena has had an impressive season. In March, he equalled his national record of 5.40m during an invitational meet in Taiwan.

“My goal here in Bhubaneswar is to do my personal best. I enjoyed my practice sessions at the Kalinga Stadium indoor facility. I’m ready to do my best,” the 20-year-old said.

The men’s pole vault qualification mark set by the Athletics Federation of India for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games is 5.25m. The qualification mark for women is 4.45m.

The men’s qualification standard for the Asian Games in Japan later this year is 5.45m, while the corresponding mark for women is 4.10m.

Fourteen pole vaulters will compete in the men’s event, scheduled for the opening day on Saturday. Other prominent competitors in the fray include Kuldeep Kumar of Madhya Pradesh and Reegan G. of Tamil Nadu, who have cleared 5.30m and 5.35m, respectively, this season.

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Seven athletes have confirmed their participation in the men’s U-20 pole vault event.

The women’s pole vault final will be held on Sunday. Eleven athletes have registered for the event, but the focus will be on Baranica, who set a national record of 4.22m during the inaugural National Indoor Championships at the same venue in March.

Overall, more than 80 athletes have confirmed their participation in the meet.

The heptathlon for men and pentathlon for women will be held in the senior and U-20 categories.

The heptathlon events are 60m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60m hurdles, pole vault and 1000m. The pentathlon events are 60m hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump and 800m.

Published on May 01, 2026

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