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Deadspin | Blue Jackets head to Buffalo with focus on making late playoff push Apr 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Jason Zucker (17) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images With four regular-season games remaining, the Columbus Blue Jackets are desperately trying to stay in playoff contention as they prepare to visit the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. The Blue Jackets (39-27-12, 90 points) are two points out of the playoff picture in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference wild-card standings. They trail the Philadelphia Flyers for third in the division and the Ottawa Senators for the final wild-card spot. Columbus snapped a six-game losing streak (0-5-1) with a 4-3 shootout win over the host Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night, a game in which the Blue Jackets twice came from behind to tie the contest. The Blue Jackets and Red Wings were tied in the wild-card race going into the game. “We had to win that game,” Columbus coach Rick Bowness said. “That was a great hockey game between two teams that are obviously very evenly matched.” Defenseman Zach Werenski scored the shootout winner and had a goal and an assist in regulation as he played more than half the game’s 65 minutes (33:26). “This is obviously a massive win,” said Werenski, who grew up in suburban Detroit, rooting for the Red Wings. “We were just focusing on Detroit, but now we’ll take the good stuff from this game and build off it for Buffalo.” Adam Fantilli made Werenski’s shootout heroics possible by tying it 3-3 with 17 seconds left in regulation with goaltender Jet Greaves pulled for the extra attacker. “We got it to overtime, and then Jet was huge in overtime and the shootout,” Fantilli said. The shootout was tied 2-2 after four rounds. Greaves then stopped James van Riemsdyk’s attempt before Werenski ended it. With 80 points (22 goals, 58 assists), Werenski joins Phil Housley and Brian Leetch as the only U.S.-born defensemen to reach that mark in consecutive seasons. The Sabres (48-23-8, 104 points), who have already clinched a playoff berth, moved into first place alone in the Atlantic Division with a 5-3 road win over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens are each two points back of Buffalo, each with a game in hand on the Sabres. “It’s a tight race right there for first in the Atlantic,” Buffalo winger Alex Tuch said. “We want to do whatever we can to try to increase our, I guess, lead now. I guess we’re in first now, but obviously two really good teams chasing us. Just want to stack up some wins, get some points, continue to push and get ready for the playoffs.” Buffalo will play two of its final three regular-season games at home. “It feels like we’ve been in a tight race since December,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “A tight race to get in the picture, then a tight race to move up the standings, and now it’s a tight race to stay up the standings. Our division has been incredibly tough. You look at the strings of games that Montreal put together. You look at Tampa Bay had a real nice run. And we’re all sitting there together.” Buffalo rallied for the win on Wednesday with third-period goals by Tuch (his 31st), Jason Zucker and Zach Benson’s second of the game, which came into an empty net. Zucker also had an assist in the game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jackets #Buffalo #focus #making #late #playoff #push

Deadspin | Blue Jackets head to Buffalo with focus on making late playoff push
Deadspin | Blue Jackets head to Buffalo with focus on making late playoff push Apr 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Jason Zucker (17) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images With four regular-season games remaining, the Columbus Blue Jackets are desperately trying to stay in playoff contention as they prepare to visit the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. The Blue Jackets (39-27-12, 90 points) are two points out of the playoff picture in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference wild-card standings. They trail the Philadelphia Flyers for third in the division and the Ottawa Senators for the final wild-card spot. Columbus snapped a six-game losing streak (0-5-1) with a 4-3 shootout win over the host Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night, a game in which the Blue Jackets twice came from behind to tie the contest. The Blue Jackets and Red Wings were tied in the wild-card race going into the game. “We had to win that game,” Columbus coach Rick Bowness said. “That was a great hockey game between two teams that are obviously very evenly matched.” Defenseman Zach Werenski scored the shootout winner and had a goal and an assist in regulation as he played more than half the game’s 65 minutes (33:26). “This is obviously a massive win,” said Werenski, who grew up in suburban Detroit, rooting for the Red Wings. “We were just focusing on Detroit, but now we’ll take the good stuff from this game and build off it for Buffalo.” Adam Fantilli made Werenski’s shootout heroics possible by tying it 3-3 with 17 seconds left in regulation with goaltender Jet Greaves pulled for the extra attacker. “We got it to overtime, and then Jet was huge in overtime and the shootout,” Fantilli said. The shootout was tied 2-2 after four rounds. Greaves then stopped James van Riemsdyk’s attempt before Werenski ended it. With 80 points (22 goals, 58 assists), Werenski joins Phil Housley and Brian Leetch as the only U.S.-born defensemen to reach that mark in consecutive seasons. The Sabres (48-23-8, 104 points), who have already clinched a playoff berth, moved into first place alone in the Atlantic Division with a 5-3 road win over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens are each two points back of Buffalo, each with a game in hand on the Sabres. “It’s a tight race right there for first in the Atlantic,” Buffalo winger Alex Tuch said. “We want to do whatever we can to try to increase our, I guess, lead now. I guess we’re in first now, but obviously two really good teams chasing us. Just want to stack up some wins, get some points, continue to push and get ready for the playoffs.” Buffalo will play two of its final three regular-season games at home. “It feels like we’ve been in a tight race since December,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “A tight race to get in the picture, then a tight race to move up the standings, and now it’s a tight race to stay up the standings. Our division has been incredibly tough. You look at the strings of games that Montreal put together. You look at Tampa Bay had a real nice run. And we’re all sitting there together.” Buffalo rallied for the win on Wednesday with third-period goals by Tuch (his 31st), Jason Zucker and Zach Benson’s second of the game, which came into an empty net. Zucker also had an assist in the game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jackets #Buffalo #focus #making #late #playoff #pushApr 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Jason Zucker (17) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

With four regular-season games remaining, the Columbus Blue Jackets are desperately trying to stay in playoff contention as they prepare to visit the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.

The Blue Jackets (39-27-12, 90 points) are two points out of the playoff picture in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference wild-card standings. They trail the Philadelphia Flyers for third in the division and the Ottawa Senators for the final wild-card spot.

Columbus snapped a six-game losing streak (0-5-1) with a 4-3 shootout win over the host Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night, a game in which the Blue Jackets twice came from behind to tie the contest.

The Blue Jackets and Red Wings were tied in the wild-card race going into the game.

“We had to win that game,” Columbus coach Rick Bowness said. “That was a great hockey game between two teams that are obviously very evenly matched.”

Defenseman Zach Werenski scored the shootout winner and had a goal and an assist in regulation as he played more than half the game’s 65 minutes (33:26).

“This is obviously a massive win,” said Werenski, who grew up in suburban Detroit, rooting for the Red Wings. “We were just focusing on Detroit, but now we’ll take the good stuff from this game and build off it for Buffalo.”

Adam Fantilli made Werenski’s shootout heroics possible by tying it 3-3 with 17 seconds left in regulation with goaltender Jet Greaves pulled for the extra attacker.


“We got it to overtime, and then Jet was huge in overtime and the shootout,” Fantilli said.

The shootout was tied 2-2 after four rounds. Greaves then stopped James van Riemsdyk’s attempt before Werenski ended it.

With 80 points (22 goals, 58 assists), Werenski joins Phil Housley and Brian Leetch as the only U.S.-born defensemen to reach that mark in consecutive seasons.

The Sabres (48-23-8, 104 points), who have already clinched a playoff berth, moved into first place alone in the Atlantic Division with a 5-3 road win over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens are each two points back of Buffalo, each with a game in hand on the Sabres.

“It’s a tight race right there for first in the Atlantic,” Buffalo winger Alex Tuch said. “We want to do whatever we can to try to increase our, I guess, lead now. I guess we’re in first now, but obviously two really good teams chasing us. Just want to stack up some wins, get some points, continue to push and get ready for the playoffs.”

Buffalo will play two of its final three regular-season games at home.

“It feels like we’ve been in a tight race since December,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “A tight race to get in the picture, then a tight race to move up the standings, and now it’s a tight race to stay up the standings. Our division has been incredibly tough. You look at the strings of games that Montreal put together. You look at Tampa Bay had a real nice run. And we’re all sitting there together.”

Buffalo rallied for the win on Wednesday with third-period goals by Tuch (his 31st), Jason Zucker and Zach Benson’s second of the game, which came into an empty net. Zucker also had an assist in the game.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blue #Jackets #Buffalo #focus #making #late #playoff #push

Sports news

Apr 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Jason Zucker (17) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

With four regular-season games remaining, the Columbus Blue Jackets are desperately trying to stay in playoff contention as they prepare to visit the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.

The Blue Jackets (39-27-12, 90 points) are two points out of the playoff picture in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference wild-card standings. They trail the Philadelphia Flyers for third in the division and the Ottawa Senators for the final wild-card spot.

Columbus snapped a six-game losing streak (0-5-1) with a 4-3 shootout win over the host Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night, a game in which the Blue Jackets twice came from behind to tie the contest.

The Blue Jackets and Red Wings were tied in the wild-card race going into the game.

“We had to win that game,” Columbus coach Rick Bowness said. “That was a great hockey game between two teams that are obviously very evenly matched.”

Defenseman Zach Werenski scored the shootout winner and had a goal and an assist in regulation as he played more than half the game’s 65 minutes (33:26).

“This is obviously a massive win,” said Werenski, who grew up in suburban Detroit, rooting for the Red Wings. “We were just focusing on Detroit, but now we’ll take the good stuff from this game and build off it for Buffalo.”

Adam Fantilli made Werenski’s shootout heroics possible by tying it 3-3 with 17 seconds left in regulation with goaltender Jet Greaves pulled for the extra attacker.

“We got it to overtime, and then Jet was huge in overtime and the shootout,” Fantilli said.

The shootout was tied 2-2 after four rounds. Greaves then stopped James van Riemsdyk’s attempt before Werenski ended it.

With 80 points (22 goals, 58 assists), Werenski joins Phil Housley and Brian Leetch as the only U.S.-born defensemen to reach that mark in consecutive seasons.

The Sabres (48-23-8, 104 points), who have already clinched a playoff berth, moved into first place alone in the Atlantic Division with a 5-3 road win over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens are each two points back of Buffalo, each with a game in hand on the Sabres.

“It’s a tight race right there for first in the Atlantic,” Buffalo winger Alex Tuch said. “We want to do whatever we can to try to increase our, I guess, lead now. I guess we’re in first now, but obviously two really good teams chasing us. Just want to stack up some wins, get some points, continue to push and get ready for the playoffs.”

Buffalo will play two of its final three regular-season games at home.

“It feels like we’ve been in a tight race since December,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “A tight race to get in the picture, then a tight race to move up the standings, and now it’s a tight race to stay up the standings. Our division has been incredibly tough. You look at the strings of games that Montreal put together. You look at Tampa Bay had a real nice run. And we’re all sitting there together.”

Buffalo rallied for the win on Wednesday with third-period goals by Tuch (his 31st), Jason Zucker and Zach Benson’s second of the game, which came into an empty net. Zucker also had an assist in the game.

–Field Level Media

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Nato ‘wasn’t there’ over Iran, Trump says after tense meeting with Rutte – Europe live<div id="liveblog-body"><span class="dcr-90inr0"><gu-island name="KeyEventsCarousel" priority="feature" deferuntil="visible" props="{"keyEvents":[{"id":"69d753998f083a7f17e5d76b","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p><strong>The US president, <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Donald Trump</a>, has once again lashed out against Nato after a tense and lengthy meeting with the alliance’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, who admitted Trump was “clearly disappointed” with allies over their refusal to get involved in 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secrertary general Mark Rutte arrives at the White House for a meeting with US President Donald Trump.","caption":"Nato secrertary general Mark Rutte arrives at the White House for a meeting with US President Donald Trump.","credit":"Photograph: Kent Nishimura/AFP/Getty Images"}},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p>In another angry ALL CAPS post on social media overnight, Trump said:</p>","elementId":"473db798-1754-4a40-86d0-a83d1382c7ca"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"<blockquote>\n <p><em>“NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN. REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!”</em></p>\n</blockquote>","elementId":"2fcb299f-59af-4057-8ee2-436a30ecfa79"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p>In reality, though, the only time <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/world/nato\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Nato</a> has ever triggered its collective defence clause in Article 5 was after 9/11 in the US, and the allies, in fact, were <em>very much</em> there when the US needed them.</p>","elementId":"9f636a4c-e6f9-49f1-8cfa-dc9c984a474d"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p><strong>It’s quite telling that</strong> despite repeatedly being told off for <em>this very narrative</em> by several European leaders, <strong>Trump keeps doubling down on this (factually incorrect) claim.</strong></p>","elementId":"8f3f18e9-ec36-436b-bc53-9ca01deca5a5"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement","prefix":"Related: ","text":"‘If you haven’t served, respect those who have’: Nato soldiers on Trump’s slurs","elementId":"28ec867e-18fa-4b56-9c1b-c7728ec54232","role":"thumbnail","url":"https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/25/if-you-havent-served-respect-those-who-have-nato-soldiers-on-trumps-slurs"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p>From Rutte’s comments to CNN last night, <strong>it’s clear that the meeting was very tense as he pointedly did not deny that Trump threatened to pull out of the alliance,</strong> as also suggested by the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.</p>","elementId":"81758d81-e1cb-4771-a9ed-d565f6a17c7e"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p>Ever a diplomat – although his critics often say he is positioning himself too close to Trump with his over-the-top praise for his impact on the alliance – <strong>Rutte said that the president was “clearly disappointed” and made that clear in a “very frank, very open” discussion between “two good friends”.</strong></p>","elementId":"32853578-1f03-4dd8-8d82-d27f29c7afe9"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p>“He clearly told me what he thought of what happened over the last couple of weeks,” he said.</p>","elementId":"ca6d472d-7e4f-428f-88df-dc3323729353"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p>“But at the same time, I was also able to point him to the fact that the large majority of European nations has been helpful with basing, with logistics, with overflights, with making sure that they live up to the[ir] commitments,” he said.</p>","elementId":"3a0224fa-7df8-457f-8c8b-f11dd429b95d"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement","prefix":"Related: ","text":"Nato chief says Trump ‘clearly disappointed’ by US allies’ refusal to join Iran war","elementId":"14ace933-732f-4f7b-b28c-a7c7ff402e25","role":"thumbnail","url":"https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/08/nato-mark-rutte-trump-iran-war"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p>The Wall Street Journal <a href=\"https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/trump-weighs-punishing-certain-nato-countries-over-lack-of-iran-war-support-a2361995\">reported</a> (£) overnight that <strong>“the White House is considering a plan to punish some members of the Nato alliance</strong> that President Trump thinks were unhelpful to the US and Israel during the Iran war.”</p>","elementId":"ef30192b-b2b1-487a-a9e6-d3e21e6978b6"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p><strong>Rutte in effect declined to comment on this report,</strong> saying instead that “not all European nations lived up to those commitments, and I totally understand that he is disappointed” and repeatedly praising Trump’s broader leadership (going even as far as claiming that the world is safer now than before the Iran war.)</p>","elementId":"de26147f-eeef-4bc5-a428-32413abd2ae4"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p>But <strong>he still insisted it was a “nuanced” picture</strong> and “a large majority of European countries, and that’s what we discussed today, have done what they promised” they would.</p>","elementId":"a86bc4b2-262e-47b4-8474-7796ccb5889f"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p><strong>It remains to be seen if he </strong><em><strong>actually</strong></em><strong> convinced Trump at all. </strong>We will hear from Rutte again later today as he is due to deliver a speech in Washington late afternoon.</p>","elementId":"a0f7917f-309e-4d7e-95a9-e203651ba8dd"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p>Elsewhere, <strong>I will bring you the latest updates from Hungary</strong>, just days before a key parliamentary vote on Sunday. As the US vice-president, <strong>JD Vance</strong>, left the country after his repeated endorsement of <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/world/viktor-orban\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Viktor Orbán</a> <em>which is obviously very much not interfering with the election, not at all,</em> the attention turns back to domestic campaign.</p>","elementId":"b1bd580c-35a8-4cdf-a3c0-013b8141c923"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement","prefix":"Related: ","text":"JD Vance claims US is not interfering in Hungary election","elementId":"e20f79d1-fac3-460c-946a-897746e097b7","role":"thumbnail","url":"https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/08/jd-vance-dismisses-claims-us-interfering-hungarian-election-budapest-viktor-orban"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p>It’s <strong>Thursday, 9 April 2026,</strong> it’s <strong>Jakub Krupa</strong> here, and this is <strong>Europe Live.</strong></p>","elementId":"ddf541ab-0ba6-4e95-a661-45603a199429"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"<p><strong>Good morning.</strong></p>","elementId":"10beb2d1-5f88-4682-b3e7-c575cf2728f4"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1775722749000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"04.19 EDT","blockLastUpdated":1775722741000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"04.19 EDT","blockFirstPublished":1775722749000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"04.19 EDT","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"04.19","title":"Morning opening: Trump lashes out against Nato after Rutte says president is 'clearly disappointed' with allies","contributors":[{"name":"Jakub Krupa","imageUrl":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2025/01/22/Jakub_Krupa.jpg?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=41cc9981ec7b067e2d3b5391c5a68a4f","largeImageUrl":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2025/01/22/Jakub_Krupa.png?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=4a039a2b765744058f3c2c677268513e"}],"primaryDateLine":"Thu 9 Apr 2026 04.48 EDT","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Thu 9 Apr 2026 04.19 EDT"}],"filterKeyEvents":false,"id":"key-events-carousel-mobile","renderingTarget":"Web","serverTime":1775725115886}"><span id="key-events-carousel-mobile"/><span class="dcr-90inr0"><p>Key events</p></span></gu-island><gu-island name="FilterKeyEventsToggle" priority="feature" deferuntil="visible" props="{"filterKeyEvents":false,"id":"filter-toggle-mobile"}"><span id="filter-toggle-mobile"/><div class="dcr-alru3r"><label id="filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description" data-component="filter-key-events" data-link-name="filter-key-events-on" class="dcr-rrspei"><button id="filter-toggle-mobile-switch" role="switch" aria-checked="false" aria-labelledby="filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description" class="dcr-dh5oqp"/>Show key events only<p><span>Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature</span></p></label></div></gu-island></span><article id="block-69d765c58f083a7f17e5d7d6" class="block dcr-1os4bxs"><header class="dcr-88va8u"/><p class="dcr-130mj7b"><strong>Trump’s strong views on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/nato" data-link-name="in body link" data-component="auto-linked-tag">Nato</a> and Greenland understandably carry extra weight in Denmark, where political parties are still locked in talks to form a new government after last month’s election.</strong></p><p class="dcr-130mj7b">The question of Greenland’s future is not going anywhere anytime soon, and our Nordic correspondent <strong>Miranda Bryant</strong> spoke recently to a Greenlandic pro-independence politician elected to the new Danish parliament.</p><figure id="acb8a740-abba-47f2-a38d-d7b279dea1dd" data-spacefinder-role="inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement" class="dcr-173mewl"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role="inline" class="dcr-fd61eq"><span class="dcr-1inf02i"><svg width="18" height="13" viewbox="0 0 18 13"><path d="M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z"/></svg></span><span class="dcr-1qvd3m6">Qarsoq Høegh-Dam is the first member of the pro-independence Naleraq to be elected to the Danish parliament.</span> Photograph: Sebastian Elias Uth/Reuters</figcaption></figure><p class="dcr-130mj7b"><strong>Qarsoq Høegh-Dam</strong> is clear that if all goes to plan, the largely autonomous Arctic territory will be the sole responsibility of the parliament in Nuuk, the island’s capital. And there will no longer be any need for two seats representing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/greenland" data-link-name="in body link">Greenland</a> in Copenhagen, its former colonial ruler.</p><p class="dcr-130mj7b"><em>Read Miranda’s piece here:</em></p><figure id="14cb311e-b439-4be5-a455-59fe0ffd7f32" data-spacefinder-role="inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement" class="dcr-173mewl"><gu-island name="RichLinkComponent" priority="feature" deferuntil="idle" props="{"richLinkIndex":5,"element":{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement","prefix":"Related: ","text":"‘I want to make myself obsolete’: the MP fighting for Greenland’s self-governance","elementId":"14cb311e-b439-4be5-a455-59fe0ffd7f32","role":"inline","url":"https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/08/mp-greenland-danish-parliament-self-governance"},"ajaxUrl":"https://api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk","format":{"design":11,"display":0,"theme":0}}"/></figure><footer class="dcr-3i7iba"><gu-island name="ShareButton" priority="feature" deferuntil="visible" props="{"size":"xsmall","pageId":"world/live/2026/apr/09/nato-rutte-trump-iran-hungary-elections-vance-latest-news-updates","hash":"block-69d765c58f083a7f17e5d7d6","queryParams":{"page":"with:block-69d765c58f083a7f17e5d7d6"},"webTitle":"Nato ‘wasn’t there’ over Iran, Trump says after tense meeting with Rutte – Europe live ","format":{"design":11,"display":0,"theme":0},"context":"LiveBlock"}"><a href="mailto:?subject=Nato ‘wasn’t there’ over Iran, Trump says after tense meeting with Rutte – Europe live &body=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/09/nato-rutte-trump-iran-hungary-elections-vance-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-69d765c58f083a7f17e5d7d6#block-69d765c58f083a7f17e5d7d6" type="button" class="dcr-1mulgdf">Share<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="-3 -3 30 30" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8"/></svg></a></gu-island></footer></article><aside data-ad-slot="true" class="ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v"/><aside data-ad-slot="true" class="ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v"/><article id="block-69d753998f083a7f17e5d76b" class="block dcr-1os4bxs"><header class="dcr-88va8u"><h2 class="dcr-1wl2b6o">Morning opening: Trump lashes out against Nato after Rutte says president is ‘clearly disappointed’ with allies</h2><div class="dcr-dzkvsd"><div class="dcr-uae6pk"><img src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2025/01/22/Jakub_Krupa.png?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=4a039a2b765744058f3c2c677268513e" alt="Jakub Krupa" class="dcr-lysqes"/></div><span class="dcr-sa35sa">Jakub Krupa</span></div></header><p class="dcr-130mj7b"><strong>The US president, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump" data-link-name="in body link" data-component="auto-linked-tag">Donald Trump</a>, has once again lashed out against Nato after a tense and lengthy meeting with the alliance’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, who admitted Trump was “clearly disappointed” with allies over their refusal to get involved in Iran.</strong></p><figure id="b1741e2b-f041-4085-87a1-5c928a56344b" data-spacefinder-role="inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement" class="dcr-173mewl"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role="inline" class="dcr-fd61eq"><span class="dcr-1inf02i"><svg width="18" height="13" viewbox="0 0 18 13"><path d="M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z"/></svg></span><span class="dcr-1qvd3m6">Nato secrertary general Mark Rutte arrives at the White House for a meeting with US President Donald Trump.</span> Photograph: Kent Nishimura/AFP/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p class="dcr-130mj7b">In another angry ALL CAPS post on social media overnight, Trump said:</p><blockquote data-spacefinder-role="inline" class="dcr-w9py1s"> <p><em>“NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN. REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!”</em></p> </blockquote><p class="dcr-130mj7b">In reality, though, the only time <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/nato" data-link-name="in body link" data-component="auto-linked-tag">Nato</a> has ever triggered its collective defence clause in Article 5 was after 9/11 in the US, and the allies, in fact, were <em>very much</em> there when the US needed them.</p><p class="dcr-130mj7b"><strong>It’s quite telling that</strong> despite repeatedly being told off for <em>this very narrative</em> by several European leaders, <strong>Trump keeps doubling down on this (factually incorrect) claim.</strong></p><figure id="e51f9099-25db-4ff7-927b-6e9a6ed16dce" data-spacefinder-role="inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement" class="dcr-173mewl"><gu-island name="RichLinkComponent" priority="feature" deferuntil="idle" props="{"richLinkIndex":6,"element":{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement","prefix":"Related: ","text":"‘If you haven’t served, respect those who have’: Nato soldiers on Trump’s slurs","elementId":"e51f9099-25db-4ff7-927b-6e9a6ed16dce","role":"inline","url":"https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/25/if-you-havent-served-respect-those-who-have-nato-soldiers-on-trumps-slurs"},"ajaxUrl":"https://api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk","format":{"design":11,"display":0,"theme":0}}"/></figure><p class="dcr-130mj7b">From Rutte’s comments to CNN last night, <strong>it’s clear that the meeting was very tense as he pointedly did not deny that Trump threatened to pull out of the alliance,</strong> as also suggested by the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.</p><p class="dcr-130mj7b">Ever a diplomat – although his critics often say he is positioning himself too close to Trump with his over-the-top praise for his impact on the alliance – <strong>Rutte said that the president was “clearly disappointed” and made that clear in a “very frank, very open” discussion between “two good friends”.</strong></p><p class="dcr-130mj7b">“He clearly told me what he thought of what happened over the last couple of weeks,” he said.</p><p class="dcr-130mj7b">“But at the same time, I was also able to point him to the fact that the large majority of European nations has been helpful with basing, with logistics, with overflights, with making sure that they live up to the[ir] commitments,” he said.</p><figure id="db201990-65e3-42fc-b782-a2918c5de854" data-spacefinder-role="inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement" class="dcr-173mewl"><gu-island name="RichLinkComponent" priority="feature" deferuntil="idle" props="{"richLinkIndex":11,"element":{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement","prefix":"Related: ","text":"Nato chief says Trump ‘clearly disappointed’ by US allies’ refusal to join Iran war","elementId":"db201990-65e3-42fc-b782-a2918c5de854","role":"inline","url":"https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/08/nato-mark-rutte-trump-iran-war"},"ajaxUrl":"https://api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk","format":{"design":11,"display":0,"theme":0}}"/></figure><p class="dcr-130mj7b">The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/trump-weighs-punishing-certain-nato-countries-over-lack-of-iran-war-support-a2361995" data-link-name="in body link">reported</a> (£) overnight that <strong>“the White House is considering a plan to punish some members of the Nato alliance</strong> that President Trump thinks were unhelpful to the US and Israel during the Iran war.”</p><p class="dcr-130mj7b"><strong>Rutte in effect declined to comment on this report,</strong> saying instead that “not all European nations lived up to those commitments, and I totally understand that he is disappointed” and repeatedly praising Trump’s broader leadership (going even as far as claiming that the world is safer now than before the Iran war.)</p><p class="dcr-130mj7b">But <strong>he still insisted it was a “nuanced” picture</strong> and “a large majority of European countries, and that’s what we discussed today, have done what they promised” they would.</p><p class="dcr-130mj7b"><strong>It remains to be seen if he </strong><em><strong>actually</strong></em><strong> convinced Trump at all. </strong>We will hear from Rutte again later today as he is due to deliver a speech in Washington late afternoon.</p><p class="dcr-130mj7b">Elsewhere, <strong>I will bring you the latest updates from Hungary</strong>, just days before a key parliamentary vote on Sunday. As the US vice-president, <strong>JD Vance</strong>, left the country after his repeated endorsement of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/viktor-orban" data-link-name="in body link" data-component="auto-linked-tag">Viktor Orbán</a> <em>which is obviously very much not interfering with the election, not at all,</em> the attention turns back to domestic campaign.</p><figure id="168ee427-737f-449d-970f-4db2c06416e4" data-spacefinder-role="inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement" class="dcr-173mewl"><gu-island name="RichLinkComponent" priority="feature" deferuntil="idle" props="{"richLinkIndex":17,"element":{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement","prefix":"Related: ","text":"JD Vance claims US is not interfering in Hungary election","elementId":"168ee427-737f-449d-970f-4db2c06416e4","role":"inline","url":"https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/08/jd-vance-dismisses-claims-us-interfering-hungarian-election-budapest-viktor-orban"},"ajaxUrl":"https://api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk","format":{"design":11,"display":0,"theme":0}}"/></figure><p class="dcr-130mj7b">It’s <strong>Thursday, 9 April 2026,</strong> it’s <strong>Jakub Krupa</strong> here, and this is <strong>Europe Live.</strong></p><p class="dcr-130mj7b"><strong>Good morning.</strong></p><footer class="dcr-3i7iba"><gu-island name="ShareButton" priority="feature" deferuntil="visible" props="{"size":"xsmall","pageId":"world/live/2026/apr/09/nato-rutte-trump-iran-hungary-elections-vance-latest-news-updates","hash":"block-69d753998f083a7f17e5d76b","queryParams":{"page":"with:block-69d753998f083a7f17e5d76b"},"webTitle":"Nato ‘wasn’t there’ over Iran, Trump says after tense meeting with Rutte – Europe live ","format":{"design":11,"display":0,"theme":0},"context":"LiveBlock"}"><a href="mailto:?subject=Nato ‘wasn’t there’ over Iran, Trump says after tense meeting with Rutte – Europe live &body=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/09/nato-rutte-trump-iran-hungary-elections-vance-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-69d753998f083a7f17e5d76b#block-69d753998f083a7f17e5d76b" type="button" class="dcr-1mulgdf">Share<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="-3 -3 30 30" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8"/></svg></a></gu-island></footer></article></div>#Nato #wasnt #Iran #Trump #tense #meeting #Rutte #Europe #live

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Deadspin | NBA nixes Kawhi Leonard trade to Raptors pending investigation in Clippers Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) leaves the court after being defeated by the Golden State Warriors during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images An eventual Toronto homecoming might happen for Kawhi Leonard this summer, but a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers back to the Raptors is on hold while the NBA completes its investigation into allegations of impermissible payments to skirt salary-cap rules and fines. In September 2025 the NBA said it was looking into the Clippers for potential violations tied to an allegation they used a company, Aspiration, to pay Leonard million. Nothing was asked of Leonard in the “no-show job” which left open concern it was a loophole to pad the amount of guaranteed money the Clippers offered when they signed him as a free agent. The Raptors, who lost Leonard in that agreement after winning the NBA championship, said in a statement the trade agreed to on June 30 in principle wasn’t off, but the NBA made it clear Toronto “would assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi.” “In light of this,” the Raptors said, “we will wait until the league’s investigation is complete.” The Clippers also confirmed the deal was on hold on Thursday, which brings a trove of roster-related questions and complexities for each franchise. Leonard and the Clippers are staying together until the NBA completes the investigation which is 10 months running. The Clippers again denied in a statement Thursday any wrongdoing. “For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation, participating in dozens of interviews, providing tens of thousands of documents, and facilitating access to our staff. While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency,” the Clippers said in a statement. “On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors’ ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion. “At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.” ESPN also reported Thursday afternoon both teams expect the deal to eventually be finalized with punishment for any violations as established by the NBA likely to include monetary fines and loss of draft picks. Terms of the in-limbo trade had handshake approval on either side with the Clippers receiving All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, third-year guard Gradey Dick, two first-round draft picks, one pick swap and two second-round selections in the deal. Leonard, who turned 35 on Monday, is a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He led the Raptors past the Golden State Warriors in six games, averaging 28.5 points and 9.8 rebounds in the series that delivered Toronto’s only NBA title to date. Leonard averaged 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 60 games with Toronto in 2018-19, his lone season with the team before moving on to the Clippers. During his seven seasons in Los Angeles, he appeared in only 59.7% of the Clippers’ regular-season games (331 of 554) due to a string of injuries. But Leonard capped his run with his finest season since his 2019-20 debut with the Clippers. He averaged a career-high 27.9 points along with 6.4 rebounds in 65 games to earn seventh place in the league’s Most Valuable Player voting as well as his seventh All-Star Game nod. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #nixes #Kawhi #Leonard #trade #Raptors #pending #investigation #ClippersApr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) leaves the court after being defeated by the Golden State Warriors during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

An eventual Toronto homecoming might happen for Kawhi Leonard this summer, but a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers back to the Raptors is on hold while the NBA completes its investigation into allegations of impermissible payments to skirt salary-cap rules and fines.

In September 2025 the NBA said it was looking into the Clippers for potential violations tied to an allegation they used a company, Aspiration, to pay Leonard $28 million. Nothing was asked of Leonard in the “no-show job” which left open concern it was a loophole to pad the amount of guaranteed money the Clippers offered when they signed him as a free agent.

The Raptors, who lost Leonard in that agreement after winning the NBA championship, said in a statement the trade agreed to on June 30 in principle wasn’t off, but the NBA made it clear Toronto “would assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi.”

“In light of this,” the Raptors said, “we will wait until the league’s investigation is complete.”

The Clippers also confirmed the deal was on hold on Thursday, which brings a trove of roster-related questions and complexities for each franchise.

Leonard and the Clippers are staying together until the NBA completes the investigation which is 10 months running. The Clippers again denied in a statement Thursday any wrongdoing.


“For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation, participating in dozens of interviews, providing tens of thousands of documents, and facilitating access to our staff. While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency,” the Clippers said in a statement. “On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors’ ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.

“At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.”

ESPN also reported Thursday afternoon both teams expect the deal to eventually be finalized with punishment for any violations as established by the NBA likely to include monetary fines and loss of draft picks.

Terms of the in-limbo trade had handshake approval on either side with the Clippers receiving All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, third-year guard Gradey Dick, two first-round draft picks, one pick swap and two second-round selections in the deal.

Leonard, who turned 35 on Monday, is a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He led the Raptors past the Golden State Warriors in six games, averaging 28.5 points and 9.8 rebounds in the series that delivered Toronto’s only NBA title to date.

Leonard averaged 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 60 games with Toronto in 2018-19, his lone season with the team before moving on to the Clippers.

During his seven seasons in Los Angeles, he appeared in only 59.7% of the Clippers’ regular-season games (331 of 554) due to a string of injuries. But Leonard capped his run with his finest season since his 2019-20 debut with the Clippers. He averaged a career-high 27.9 points along with 6.4 rebounds in 65 games to earn seventh place in the league’s Most Valuable Player voting as well as his seventh All-Star Game nod.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #nixes #Kawhi #Leonard #trade #Raptors #pending #investigation #Clippers">Deadspin | NBA nixes Kawhi Leonard trade to Raptors pending investigation in Clippers Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) leaves the court after being defeated by the Golden State Warriors during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images An eventual Toronto homecoming might happen for Kawhi Leonard this summer, but a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers back to the Raptors is on hold while the NBA completes its investigation into allegations of impermissible payments to skirt salary-cap rules and fines. In September 2025 the NBA said it was looking into the Clippers for potential violations tied to an allegation they used a company, Aspiration, to pay Leonard million. Nothing was asked of Leonard in the “no-show job” which left open concern it was a loophole to pad the amount of guaranteed money the Clippers offered when they signed him as a free agent. The Raptors, who lost Leonard in that agreement after winning the NBA championship, said in a statement the trade agreed to on June 30 in principle wasn’t off, but the NBA made it clear Toronto “would assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi.” “In light of this,” the Raptors said, “we will wait until the league’s investigation is complete.” The Clippers also confirmed the deal was on hold on Thursday, which brings a trove of roster-related questions and complexities for each franchise. Leonard and the Clippers are staying together until the NBA completes the investigation which is 10 months running. The Clippers again denied in a statement Thursday any wrongdoing. “For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation, participating in dozens of interviews, providing tens of thousands of documents, and facilitating access to our staff. While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency,” the Clippers said in a statement. “On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors’ ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion. “At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.” ESPN also reported Thursday afternoon both teams expect the deal to eventually be finalized with punishment for any violations as established by the NBA likely to include monetary fines and loss of draft picks. Terms of the in-limbo trade had handshake approval on either side with the Clippers receiving All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, third-year guard Gradey Dick, two first-round draft picks, one pick swap and two second-round selections in the deal. Leonard, who turned 35 on Monday, is a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He led the Raptors past the Golden State Warriors in six games, averaging 28.5 points and 9.8 rebounds in the series that delivered Toronto’s only NBA title to date. Leonard averaged 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 60 games with Toronto in 2018-19, his lone season with the team before moving on to the Clippers. During his seven seasons in Los Angeles, he appeared in only 59.7% of the Clippers’ regular-season games (331 of 554) due to a string of injuries. But Leonard capped his run with his finest season since his 2019-20 debut with the Clippers. He averaged a career-high 27.9 points along with 6.4 rebounds in 65 games to earn seventh place in the league’s Most Valuable Player voting as well as his seventh All-Star Game nod. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #nixes #Kawhi #Leonard #trade #Raptors #pending #investigation #Clippers

For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation, participating in dozens of interviews, providing tens of thousands of documents, and facilitating access to our staff. While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency.

On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors’ ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.

At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans, and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues.

We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing.

#Kawhi #Leonard #Raptors #trade #hold #NBA #finishes #cap #circumvention #investigation">Kawhi Leonard to Raptors trade on hold until NBA finishes cap circumvention investigation For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation, participating in dozens of interviews, providing tens of thousands of documents, and facilitating access to our staff. While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency.On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors’ ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans, and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues.We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing. #Kawhi #Leonard #Raptors #trade #hold #NBA #finishes #cap #circumvention #investigation

CRICKET

TG20 Eliminator:

For the first time this season, Hyderabad e-Champions blinked. And Khammam Aces seized the moment with both hands, riding Mickil Jaiswal’s electrifying unbeaten 76 to snap e-Champions’ unbeaten streak and storm into the TG20 final with a 10-run victory in Qualifier 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday..

Asked to bat, Aces stumbled early, losing two wickets in the PowerPlay. G. Sai Krishna Reddy steadied the innings with a composed knock, guiding his side to 87 for three at the halfway mark before Jaiswal ignited the charge. The right-hander raced to a 26-ball fifty and dominated the closing stages, smashing 71 of the 98 runs plundered in the final eight overs as Aces surged to 200 for six.

e-Champions threatened through the PowerPlay despite losing Abhirath Reddy early, racing to 71 for one. But once the field spread, Aces’ bowlers tightened the screws. Sai Vikas Reddy fought a lone battle with a gritty half-century, but disciplined bowling choked the chase, handing e-Champions their first defeat of the season.

Indian sports wrap, July 9: Aces through to TG20 final, Indian teams lose in Archery World Cup CRICKETTG20 Eliminator:For the first time this season, Hyderabad e-Champions blinked. And Khammam Aces seized the moment with both hands, riding Mickil Jaiswal’s electrifying unbeaten 76 to snap e-Champions’ unbeaten streak and storm into the TG20 final with a 10-run victory in Qualifier 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday..Asked to bat, Aces stumbled early, losing two wickets in the PowerPlay. G. Sai Krishna Reddy steadied the innings with a composed knock, guiding his side to 87 for three at the halfway mark before Jaiswal ignited the charge. The right-hander raced to a 26-ball fifty and dominated the closing stages, smashing 71 of the 98 runs plundered in the final eight overs as Aces surged to 200 for six.e-Champions threatened through the PowerPlay despite losing Abhirath Reddy early, racing to 71 for one. But once the field spread, Aces’ bowlers tightened the screws. Sai Vikas Reddy fought a lone battle with a gritty half-century, but disciplined bowling choked the chase, handing e-Champions their first defeat of the season. Tanmay Agarwal smashed a scintillating century, his second in as many matches and third of the TG20 season, to power Karimnagar Diamonds to a commanding 75-run win over Ranga Reddy Risers. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Tanmay Agarwal smashed a scintillating century, his second in as many matches and third of the TG20 season, to power Karimnagar Diamonds to a commanding 75-run win over Ranga Reddy Risers. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Karimnagar Diamonds knocks out Ranga Reddy RisersCometh the hour, cometh the man. And once again, Tanmay Agarwal answered the call.He smashed a scintillating century, his second in as many matches and third of the TG20 season, to power Karimnagar Diamonds to a commanding 75-run win over Ranga Reddy Risers in the Eliminator at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday, booking its place in Qualifier 2.Tanmay set the tone from the outset. He and Satwik Reddy raced to 29 in three overs before Satwik fell to T. Arun Kumar. Unfazed, Tanmay tore into Aryan Cariappa for 27 runs in an over, lifting Diamonds to 75 for one in the PowerPlay. The skipper reached his fifty in 24 balls and then shared a match-defining 69-ball 139-run stand with Hrishikesh Simha. His century came in just 48 balls, putting Risers firmly on the back foot. Nitin Sai Yadav broke the partnership by dismissing both set batters, sparking a late collapse as Diamonds lost five wickets for 28 runs to finish on 238 for seven.Risers’ chase faltered immediately with Aaron George falling in the first over. Though Tanay Thyagarajann and Aditya Javvaji counterattacked to take the score to 72 for two in the PowerPlay, Ashish Srivastav’s twin strikes in the seventh over swung the contest decisively. T.V.S. Narayana Teja then removed Venkat Karthik to deepen the damage.Tanay’s 26-ball fifty and a brisk 48-run stand with Nitin Sai Yadav briefly revived hopes, but Shubham Sharma ended the resistance by dismissing Tanay. Nitin reached a fighting half-century, but it was only a consolation as Ashish Srivastav’s five-fer ensured Risers folded meekly.Diamonds and e-Champions will face off in Friday’s Qualifier 2. THE SCORES Khammam Aces 200/6 in 20 overs (Paras Raj 32, G. Sai Krishna Reddy 40, Mickil Jaiswal 76 n.o., Akhil Rathod 2/33) bt Hyderabad e-Champions 190/8 in 20 overs (Sai Vikas Reddy 69, Ved Reddy 2/33, Sahendra Mallu 3/31). Karimnagar Diamonds 238/7 in 20 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 137, Hrishikesh Simha 50, Aryan Cariappa 2/52) bt Ranga Reddy Risers 163 in 16.3 overs (Tanay Thyagarajann 63, Nitin Sai Yadav 50, Ashish Srivastav 5/16, Shubham Sharma 2/14). -Anirudh VelamuriPondy Premier League: Aman Khan ton powers Villianur Mohit Kings to win over Ruby White Town LegendsDefending champions Villianur Mohit Kings rode on skipper Aman H Khan’s 60 (32b, 3×4, 5×6) to beat Ruby White Town Legends by 23 runs at the CAP-Siechem Stadium on Thursday to register their second win in as many outings in the Shriram Capital-Pondicherry Premier League 2026.Put in to bat, Villianur posted 198/6 on the back of a 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Aman and Prithvi Rajan Khanna (38), and then put the brakes on RWTL with spinners Alim Shaikhlal Shaikh and Jishan Adil sharing five wickets. It was RWTL’s second loss in two matches. A 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Aman (in pic) and Prithvi Rajan Khanna helpe Villianur Mohit Kings post 198/6. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT A 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Aman (in pic) and Prithvi Rajan Khanna helpe Villianur Mohit Kings post 198/6. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Brief scores: Villianur Mohit Kings 198/6 in 20 overs (P Akash 44, Aman H Khan 60, Prithvi Rajan Khanna 38, Md Tahir Abhay 2-48) bt RWTL 175 all out in 19.1 overs (Neyan Shyam Kangayan 36, Bharat Rawat 32, Shiva Subash 34 n.o., Alim Shaikhlal Shaikh 3-27, Jishan Adil 2-25). Player of the match: Aman Khan.Ritik Sharma stars in Mahe victoryLeft-handed Ritik Sharma struck 82 (32b, 4×4, 8×6) to set up last year’s runners-up Mahe Strikers’ four-wicket win over Genid Yanam Royals at the CAP-Siechem Stadium on Thursday for their first win in two outings in the 2026 Shriram Capital-Pondicherry Premier League.Brief scores: Genid Yanam Royals 184/7 in 20 overs (R Pravin 48, S Tarun 72 n.o., S Parameeshwaran 36, R Nithyananda 3-38, Raghav Goyal 2-17, Srujan Sinhasan 2-18) lost to Mahe Strikers 188/6 in 19 overs (D Wilson 32, Ritik Sharma 82, A Shrikaran 32 n.o., Pradeep Jakhar 2-22). Player of the match: Ritik Sharma.-Team SportstarARCHERYIndian recurve archers had a disappointing day as the country’s men and women teams lost their respective quarterfinal matches to the USA at the Archery World Cup Stage-4 in Madrid on Thursday.The men’s team suffered a 0-6 defeat, while the women’s side lost 2-6.Asian champion and Stage-3 gold medallist B. Dhiraj scored his season best performance (691) to finish second among men in the individual qualification round on Wednesday. Kirti shot her career best score (668) to take the fourth place among women. RESULTS Recurve: Qualification: Men: B. Dhiraj (2nd, 691), Neeraj Chauhan (8th, 677), Atanu Das (26th, 668), Yashdeep Bhoge (54th, 658); Women: Kirti (4th, 668), Kumkum Mohod (14th, 654), Ankita Bhakat (15th, 654), Deepika Kumari (16th, 654). Team: India: Men (2nd, 2036), Women (3rd, 1976), Mixed (2nd, 1359). Elimination: Individual: Men: Yashdeep Bhoge lost to Willem Bakker (Ned) 4-6 (1st round); Atanu Das bt Archie Bromley (Gbr) 6-0 (1st round), bt Christian Stoddard (USA) 6-4 (2nd round). Women: Deepika Kumari got a bye (1st round), lost to Karina Kozlowska (Pol) 5-6 (shoot-off: 9-10) (2nd round); Kumkum Mohod got a bye (1st round), bt Kristine Andersen (Den) 6-2 (2nd round); Ankita Bhakat got a bye (1st round), bt Huang Yuwei (Chn) 7-1 (2nd round). Team: Men: India (B. Dhiraj, Neeraj Chauhan, Yashdeep Bhoge) got a bye (1st round), bt Slovenia 6-2 (2nd round), lost to USA 0-6 (QF); Women: India (Kirti, Kumkum Mohod, Ankita Bhakat) got a bye (1st round), bt Italy 6-2 (2nd round), lost to USA 2-6 (QF). -Team SportstarATHLETICSWest Bengal state athletics meet: Tanushri shinesTanushri Mahalder threw the spear to 43.37m to break Abha Khatua’s 13-year-old meet record and win the women’s under-20 javelin gold medal in the West Bengal state athletics championships at the SAI Complex in Kolkata on Thursday.Important results (winners only): Men: 100m: Sourav Saha 10.91; U-23: 100m: Rohan Ghosh 10.68; Triple jump: Dablu Roy 15.29m (NMR, Old 15.22, Yadav Roy, 2023); Women: 100m: Tamashree Mishra 12.20; U-23: 100m: Anushka Kar 12.08; U-20: Javelin: Tanushri Mahalder 43.37m (NMR, Old 41.03m, Abha Khatua, 2013); U-16: Long jump: Priya Biswas 4.03m (EMR, Obami Murmu, 2024); Shot put: Saswati Ghosh 10.46m (NMR, Old 9.23m, Dipti Rajbanshi, 2024).-Team SportstarPICKLEBALLHarsh Mehta to lead Indian Pro category charge at Pickleball World CupThe Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) on Thursday announced the Indian team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the Pickleball World Cup to be held at Da Nang, Vietnam from August 30 to September 6.Harsh, a recurring name on the international pickleball circuit, will be accompanied by Arjun Singh, who is also representing and captaining India in the U-18 category at the World Cup. Anish Frolian and Aman Patel also made the cut in the men’s category.Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala and Naomi Amalsadiwali comprise the women’s side.“Talent wins matches, but unity wins championships. As Team India, our greatest strength is playing for each other and for our country. We are confident that we will perform well to the best of our potential and I expect us to go very far in the cup,” said Harsh in a release.“Extremely happy and grateful to be chosen as the captain for Team India at the World Cup and I look forward to giving my absolute best along with the rest of the squad.” Following corporate backing from Lucknow Leopards, Athletiq, Picklebay, and Electrorush, the Indian contingent enters the 2026 World Cup with renewed ambition after securing a bronze medal in the previous edition.The selected athletes will participate in a structured high-performance development program featuring intensive training camps focused on technical excellence, physical conditioning, mental resilience, and sports nutrition.Final Squad: Harsh Mehta (Captain), Arjun Singh, Anish Frolian, Aman Patel, Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala, Naomi Amalsadiwala.-PTIBOXINGIndia assured of eight medals in U-19 women’s category at Asian U-19 and U-23 boxing C’shipsIndian women boxers continued their impressive run at the Asian U-19 and U-23 Boxing Championships with six pugilists advancing to the semifinals to assure themselves of medals on day 5 of the tournament here on Thursday.Leading the charge, Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari (51kg) delivered a dominant 5:0 victory over Kazakhstan’s Zhadyra Kaltay, while Joyshree Devi (54kg) registered a convincing 5:0 win against Kazakhstan’s Maral Tolepbergen.Prachi (57kg) continued her fine form with a clinical 5:0 win over Uzbekistan’s Robiya Ravshanova, while Chahat (60kg) secured a comprehensive 5:0 victory against Kazakhstan’s Zhasmin Abramyan.In the 48kg category, Gunjan edged past Mongolia’s Altanzul Altangadas in a closely contested 3:0 split decision, while Anshika (75kg) added to India’s medal tally with a hard-fought 4:1 win over Kazakhstan’s Altyngul Aimukhan.India also saw two closely fought bouts not go their way, with Vanshika (65kg) going down to Uzbekistan’s Rushanabonu Isoeva via RSC in the first round, and Lakshu (70kg) losing to Uzbekistan’s Maftuna Yangieva by a 5:0 decision.With these results, India have now assured eight medals in the U-19 women’s competition, highlighting the depth and promise of the country’s youth boxing programme.-PTIGOLFAmandeep takes two-shot lead in 9th leg of Hero WPGTAmandeep Drall fired a second straight 4-under 68 to open up a two-shot lead over her best friend, Vani Kapoor, who also shot a 68 in the second round of the ninth leg of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour here on Thursday.Amandeep fired a bogey free round with two birdies on either side of the course.Even as the first-round leader, amateur Alysha Dutt (67-78) slipped down to T-17 with a score 11 shots higher than her first round effort, Vani, the five-time winner in 2025, shot up to second place with 70-68.Vani, who like Amandeep had a bogey free round, is tied second with Eti Chaudhary (69-69) at 6-under 138.Four players were in tied fourth place and they were led by Nayanika Sanga (73-66), who improved on her first-round card by seven shots and moved alongside Jasmine Shekar (72-67), Anvvi Dahhiya (70-69) and Durga Nittur (69-70) as the leaderboard continued to be crowded.Jahnavi Prakhya (70-70) was sole eighth at 4-under 140, while experienced Neha Tripathi (71-70) shared the ninth place with youngsters Kashika Misra (72-69) and Lavanya Jadon (71-70) at 3-under 141.Four more players, Khushi Khanijau, Shweta Mansingh, Jahaanvie Walia and Ananya Garg were also under par at 2-under 142 as Ridhima Dilawari, three-time winner this season, was even par with cards of 75-69.Amandeep, a former runner-up at the Hero Women’s Indian Open, birdied the second, fifth, 10th and 15th and did not drop a single shot in a very steady performance.Vani opened with birdies on the first, second and third in a row and another one on the ninth as she was 4-under for the first nine, but she parred the entire back nine in a steady showing.The Par-72 Clover Greens course continued to be generous with Nayanika Sanga (66) firing seven birdies against one bogey for the day’s best card of six under that included four gains on the front nine and three more on the back nine. Her sole bogey was on the Par-4 13th.Apart from Amandeep and Vani, there were quite a few others who had a bogey free day. They included Jasmine Shekar (67), Durga Nittur (70) and Kashika Misra (69).Hitaashee Bakshi (72-73), hoping to rediscover her form on the domestic Tour, was way behind in T-17 alongside amateurs Diya C Patil and Alysha Dutt, the first-round leader.The cut fell at 7-over 151 and 35 players made it to the third and final round.-PTIOTHER SPORTSMy vision is to see Hyderabad hosting Olympics in 2036: T’gana CMTelangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday said that his vision is to see Hyderabad hosting the Olympics in 2036.Speaking at the launch of the logo and website of Young India Physical Education and Sports University (YIPESU) here, he said sports policy should be formulated first, followed by the establishment of training institutes, academies and other institutions.The state government is keen on establishing such institutions, he said.Telangana had no sports policy during the last 12 years (during the previous BRS regime), he said.Recalling that Hyderabad had hosted the Afro-Asian Games and Military World Games during 1999-2004, he said no such major events were held in Hyderabad in the last two decades.The sports infrastructure, including sports stadiums, built in Hyderabad during undivided Andhra Pradesh, was used for organising marriages and political programmes in the last several years, which is unfortunate, he said.“I have decided to revive sports culture in Hyderabad, Telangana. In 2036, India wants to host the Olympics. We are preparing our state, our Hyderabad to host the Olympics. That’s my dream,” he said.It feels sad to see India, a country with a population of 140 crore, not winning medals in world sports events like the Olympics, he said.The state government has initiated the sports university in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, with the government acting only as a facilitator.The board of the university comprises industrialists and sports personalities, including Kapil Dev and Abhinav Bindra, he said.He sought the support of Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha, who was present on the occasion, in promoting sports in Hyderabad.He also said that Telangana would host the Khelo India Games in November this year.He said the sports university would come up in 82 acres and that he would inaugurate the university by December, 2028.Meanwhile, a government statement said Telangana would host the 8th Edition of Khelo Youth Games 2026 and the National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet (NIDJAM).The state would also play host to the Hockey India League, World Pickleball League, Archery Premium League, Tennis Premier League, it said.-PTIPublished on Jul 09, 2026 #Indian #sports #wrap #July #Aces #TG20 #final #Indian #teams #lose #Archery #World #Cup

Tanmay Agarwal smashed a scintillating century, his second in as many matches and third of the TG20 season, to power Karimnagar Diamonds to a commanding 75-run win over Ranga Reddy Risers. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

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Tanmay Agarwal smashed a scintillating century, his second in as many matches and third of the TG20 season, to power Karimnagar Diamonds to a commanding 75-run win over Ranga Reddy Risers. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Karimnagar Diamonds knocks out Ranga Reddy Risers

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. And once again, Tanmay Agarwal answered the call.

He smashed a scintillating century, his second in as many matches and third of the TG20 season, to power Karimnagar Diamonds to a commanding 75-run win over Ranga Reddy Risers in the Eliminator at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday, booking its place in Qualifier 2.

Tanmay set the tone from the outset. He and Satwik Reddy raced to 29 in three overs before Satwik fell to T. Arun Kumar. Unfazed, Tanmay tore into Aryan Cariappa for 27 runs in an over, lifting Diamonds to 75 for one in the PowerPlay. 

The skipper reached his fifty in 24 balls and then shared a match-defining 69-ball 139-run stand with Hrishikesh Simha. His century came in just 48 balls, putting Risers firmly on the back foot. Nitin Sai Yadav broke the partnership by dismissing both set batters, sparking a late collapse as Diamonds lost five wickets for 28 runs to finish on 238 for seven.

Risers’ chase faltered immediately with Aaron George falling in the first over. Though Tanay Thyagarajann and Aditya Javvaji counterattacked to take the score to 72 for two in the PowerPlay, Ashish Srivastav’s twin strikes in the seventh over swung the contest decisively. T.V.S. Narayana Teja then removed Venkat Karthik to deepen the damage.

Tanay’s 26-ball fifty and a brisk 48-run stand with Nitin Sai Yadav briefly revived hopes, but Shubham Sharma ended the resistance by dismissing Tanay. Nitin reached a fighting half-century, but it was only a consolation as Ashish Srivastav’s five-fer ensured Risers folded meekly.

Diamonds and e-Champions will face off in Friday’s Qualifier 2.

THE SCORES

Khammam Aces 200/6 in 20 overs (Paras Raj 32, G. Sai Krishna Reddy 40, Mickil Jaiswal 76 n.o., Akhil Rathod 2/33) bt Hyderabad e-Champions 190/8 in 20 overs (Sai Vikas Reddy 69, Ved Reddy 2/33, Sahendra Mallu 3/31).

Karimnagar Diamonds 238/7 in 20 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 137, Hrishikesh Simha 50, Aryan Cariappa 2/52) bt Ranga Reddy Risers 163 in 16.3 overs (Tanay Thyagarajann 63, Nitin Sai Yadav 50, Ashish Srivastav 5/16, Shubham Sharma 2/14).

-Anirudh Velamuri

Pondy Premier League: Aman Khan ton powers Villianur Mohit Kings to win over Ruby White Town Legends

Defending champions Villianur Mohit Kings rode on skipper Aman H Khan’s 60 (32b, 3×4, 5×6) to beat Ruby White Town Legends by 23 runs at the CAP-Siechem Stadium on Thursday to register their second win in as many outings in the Shriram Capital-Pondicherry Premier League 2026.

Put in to bat, Villianur posted 198/6 on the back of a 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Aman and Prithvi Rajan Khanna (38), and then put the brakes on RWTL with spinners Alim Shaikhlal Shaikh and Jishan Adil sharing five wickets. It was RWTL’s second loss in two matches.

A 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Aman (in pic) and Prithvi Rajan Khanna helpe Villianur Mohit Kings post 198/6.

A 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Aman (in pic) and Prithvi Rajan Khanna helpe Villianur Mohit Kings post 198/6. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

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A 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Aman (in pic) and Prithvi Rajan Khanna helpe Villianur Mohit Kings post 198/6. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Brief scores: Villianur Mohit Kings 198/6 in 20 overs (P Akash 44, Aman H Khan 60, Prithvi Rajan Khanna 38, Md Tahir Abhay 2-48) bt RWTL 175 all out in 19.1 overs (Neyan Shyam Kangayan 36, Bharat Rawat 32, Shiva Subash 34 n.o., Alim Shaikhlal Shaikh 3-27, Jishan Adil 2-25). Player of the match: Aman Khan.

Ritik Sharma stars in Mahe victory

Left-handed Ritik Sharma struck 82 (32b, 4×4, 8×6) to set up last year’s runners-up Mahe Strikers’ four-wicket win over Genid Yanam Royals at the CAP-Siechem Stadium on Thursday for their first win in two outings in the 2026 Shriram Capital-Pondicherry Premier League.

Brief scores: Genid Yanam Royals 184/7 in 20 overs (R Pravin 48, S Tarun 72 n.o., S Parameeshwaran 36, R Nithyananda 3-38, Raghav Goyal 2-17, Srujan Sinhasan 2-18) lost to Mahe Strikers 188/6 in 19 overs (D Wilson 32, Ritik Sharma 82, A Shrikaran 32 n.o., Pradeep Jakhar 2-22). Player of the match: Ritik Sharma.

-Team Sportstar

ARCHERY

Indian recurve archers had a disappointing day as the country’s men and women teams lost their respective quarterfinal matches to the USA at the Archery World Cup Stage-4 in Madrid on Thursday.

The men’s team suffered a 0-6 defeat, while the women’s side lost 2-6.

Asian champion and Stage-3 gold medallist B. Dhiraj scored his season best performance (691) to finish second among men in the individual qualification round on Wednesday. Kirti shot her career best score (668) to take the fourth place among women.

RESULTS

Recurve: Qualification:

Men: B. Dhiraj (2nd, 691), Neeraj Chauhan (8th, 677), Atanu Das (26th, 668), Yashdeep Bhoge (54th, 658); Women: Kirti (4th, 668), Kumkum Mohod (14th, 654), Ankita Bhakat (15th, 654), Deepika Kumari (16th, 654).

Team: India: Men (2nd, 2036), Women (3rd, 1976), Mixed (2nd, 1359).

Elimination: Individual: Men: Yashdeep Bhoge lost to Willem Bakker (Ned) 4-6 (1st round); Atanu Das bt Archie Bromley (Gbr) 6-0 (1st round), bt Christian Stoddard (USA) 6-4 (2nd round).

Women: Deepika Kumari got a bye (1st round), lost to Karina Kozlowska (Pol) 5-6 (shoot-off: 9-10) (2nd round); Kumkum Mohod got a bye (1st round), bt Kristine Andersen (Den) 6-2 (2nd round); Ankita Bhakat got a bye (1st round), bt Huang Yuwei (Chn) 7-1 (2nd round).

Team: Men: India (B. Dhiraj, Neeraj Chauhan, Yashdeep Bhoge) got a bye (1st round), bt Slovenia 6-2 (2nd round), lost to USA 0-6 (QF); Women: India (Kirti, Kumkum Mohod, Ankita Bhakat) got a bye (1st round), bt Italy 6-2 (2nd round), lost to USA 2-6 (QF).

-Team Sportstar

ATHLETICS

West Bengal state athletics meet: Tanushri shines

Tanushri Mahalder threw the spear to 43.37m to break Abha Khatua’s 13-year-old meet record and win the women’s under-20 javelin gold medal in the West Bengal state athletics championships at the SAI Complex in Kolkata on Thursday.

Important results (winners only): Men: 100m: Sourav Saha 10.91; U-23: 100m: Rohan Ghosh 10.68; Triple jump: Dablu Roy 15.29m (NMR, Old 15.22, Yadav Roy, 2023); Women: 100m: Tamashree Mishra 12.20; U-23: 100m: Anushka Kar 12.08; U-20: Javelin: Tanushri Mahalder 43.37m (NMR, Old 41.03m, Abha Khatua, 2013); U-16: Long jump: Priya Biswas 4.03m (EMR, Obami Murmu, 2024); Shot put: Saswati Ghosh 10.46m (NMR, Old 9.23m, Dipti Rajbanshi, 2024).

-Team Sportstar

PICKLEBALL

Harsh Mehta to lead Indian Pro category charge at Pickleball World Cup

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) on Thursday announced the Indian team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the Pickleball World Cup to be held at Da Nang, Vietnam from August 30 to September 6.

Harsh, a recurring name on the international pickleball circuit, will be accompanied by Arjun Singh, who is also representing and captaining India in the U-18 category at the World Cup. Anish Frolian and Aman Patel also made the cut in the men’s category.

Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala and Naomi Amalsadiwali comprise the women’s side.

“Talent wins matches, but unity wins championships. As Team India, our greatest strength is playing for each other and for our country. We are confident that we will perform well to the best of our potential and I expect us to go very far in the cup,” said Harsh in a release.

“Extremely happy and grateful to be chosen as the captain for Team India at the World Cup and I look forward to giving my absolute best along with the rest of the squad.” Following corporate backing from Lucknow Leopards, Athletiq, Picklebay, and Electrorush, the Indian contingent enters the 2026 World Cup with renewed ambition after securing a bronze medal in the previous edition.

The selected athletes will participate in a structured high-performance development program featuring intensive training camps focused on technical excellence, physical conditioning, mental resilience, and sports nutrition.

Final Squad: Harsh Mehta (Captain), Arjun Singh, Anish Frolian, Aman Patel, Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala, Naomi Amalsadiwala.

-PTI

BOXING

India assured of eight medals in U-19 women’s category at Asian U-19 and U-23 boxing C’ships

Indian women boxers continued their impressive run at the Asian U-19 and U-23 Boxing Championships with six pugilists advancing to the semifinals to assure themselves of medals on day 5 of the tournament here on Thursday.

Leading the charge, Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari (51kg) delivered a dominant 5:0 victory over Kazakhstan’s Zhadyra Kaltay, while Joyshree Devi (54kg) registered a convincing 5:0 win against Kazakhstan’s Maral Tolepbergen.

Prachi (57kg) continued her fine form with a clinical 5:0 win over Uzbekistan’s Robiya Ravshanova, while Chahat (60kg) secured a comprehensive 5:0 victory against Kazakhstan’s Zhasmin Abramyan.

In the 48kg category, Gunjan edged past Mongolia’s Altanzul Altangadas in a closely contested 3:0 split decision, while Anshika (75kg) added to India’s medal tally with a hard-fought 4:1 win over Kazakhstan’s Altyngul Aimukhan.

India also saw two closely fought bouts not go their way, with Vanshika (65kg) going down to Uzbekistan’s Rushanabonu Isoeva via RSC in the first round, and Lakshu (70kg) losing to Uzbekistan’s Maftuna Yangieva by a 5:0 decision.

With these results, India have now assured eight medals in the U-19 women’s competition, highlighting the depth and promise of the country’s youth boxing programme.

-PTI

GOLF

Amandeep takes two-shot lead in 9th leg of Hero WPGT

Amandeep Drall fired a second straight 4-under 68 to open up a two-shot lead over her best friend, Vani Kapoor, who also shot a 68 in the second round of the ninth leg of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour here on Thursday.

Amandeep fired a bogey free round with two birdies on either side of the course.

Even as the first-round leader, amateur Alysha Dutt (67-78) slipped down to T-17 with a score 11 shots higher than her first round effort, Vani, the five-time winner in 2025, shot up to second place with 70-68.

Vani, who like Amandeep had a bogey free round, is tied second with Eti Chaudhary (69-69) at 6-under 138.

Four players were in tied fourth place and they were led by Nayanika Sanga (73-66), who improved on her first-round card by seven shots and moved alongside Jasmine Shekar (72-67), Anvvi Dahhiya (70-69) and Durga Nittur (69-70) as the leaderboard continued to be crowded.

Jahnavi Prakhya (70-70) was sole eighth at 4-under 140, while experienced Neha Tripathi (71-70) shared the ninth place with youngsters Kashika Misra (72-69) and Lavanya Jadon (71-70) at 3-under 141.

Four more players, Khushi Khanijau, Shweta Mansingh, Jahaanvie Walia and Ananya Garg were also under par at 2-under 142 as Ridhima Dilawari, three-time winner this season, was even par with cards of 75-69.

Amandeep, a former runner-up at the Hero Women’s Indian Open, birdied the second, fifth, 10th and 15th and did not drop a single shot in a very steady performance.

Vani opened with birdies on the first, second and third in a row and another one on the ninth as she was 4-under for the first nine, but she parred the entire back nine in a steady showing.

The Par-72 Clover Greens course continued to be generous with Nayanika Sanga (66) firing seven birdies against one bogey for the day’s best card of six under that included four gains on the front nine and three more on the back nine. Her sole bogey was on the Par-4 13th.

Apart from Amandeep and Vani, there were quite a few others who had a bogey free day. They included Jasmine Shekar (67), Durga Nittur (70) and Kashika Misra (69).

Hitaashee Bakshi (72-73), hoping to rediscover her form on the domestic Tour, was way behind in T-17 alongside amateurs Diya C Patil and Alysha Dutt, the first-round leader.

The cut fell at 7-over 151 and 35 players made it to the third and final round.

-PTI

OTHER SPORTS

My vision is to see Hyderabad hosting Olympics in 2036: T’gana CM

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday said that his vision is to see Hyderabad hosting the Olympics in 2036.

Speaking at the launch of the logo and website of Young India Physical Education and Sports University (YIPESU) here, he said sports policy should be formulated first, followed by the establishment of training institutes, academies and other institutions.

The state government is keen on establishing such institutions, he said.

Telangana had no sports policy during the last 12 years (during the previous BRS regime), he said.

Recalling that Hyderabad had hosted the Afro-Asian Games and Military World Games during 1999-2004, he said no such major events were held in Hyderabad in the last two decades.

The sports infrastructure, including sports stadiums, built in Hyderabad during undivided Andhra Pradesh, was used for organising marriages and political programmes in the last several years, which is unfortunate, he said.

“I have decided to revive sports culture in Hyderabad, Telangana. In 2036, India wants to host the Olympics. We are preparing our state, our Hyderabad to host the Olympics. That’s my dream,” he said.

It feels sad to see India, a country with a population of 140 crore, not winning medals in world sports events like the Olympics, he said.

The state government has initiated the sports university in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, with the government acting only as a facilitator.

The board of the university comprises industrialists and sports personalities, including Kapil Dev and Abhinav Bindra, he said.

He sought the support of Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha, who was present on the occasion, in promoting sports in Hyderabad.

He also said that Telangana would host the Khelo India Games in November this year.

He said the sports university would come up in 82 acres and that he would inaugurate the university by December, 2028.

Meanwhile, a government statement said Telangana would host the 8th Edition of Khelo Youth Games 2026 and the National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet (NIDJAM).

The state would also play host to the Hockey India League, World Pickleball League, Archery Premium League, Tennis Premier League, it said.

-PTI

Published on Jul 09, 2026

#Indian #sports #wrap #July #Aces #TG20 #final #Indian #teams #lose #Archery #World #Cup">Indian sports wrap, July 9: Aces through to TG20 final, Indian teams lose in Archery World Cup CRICKETTG20 Eliminator:For the first time this season, Hyderabad e-Champions blinked. And Khammam Aces seized the moment with both hands, riding Mickil Jaiswal’s electrifying unbeaten 76 to snap e-Champions’ unbeaten streak and storm into the TG20 final with a 10-run victory in Qualifier 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday..Asked to bat, Aces stumbled early, losing two wickets in the PowerPlay. G. Sai Krishna Reddy steadied the innings with a composed knock, guiding his side to 87 for three at the halfway mark before Jaiswal ignited the charge. The right-hander raced to a 26-ball fifty and dominated the closing stages, smashing 71 of the 98 runs plundered in the final eight overs as Aces surged to 200 for six.e-Champions threatened through the PowerPlay despite losing Abhirath Reddy early, racing to 71 for one. But once the field spread, Aces’ bowlers tightened the screws. Sai Vikas Reddy fought a lone battle with a gritty half-century, but disciplined bowling choked the chase, handing e-Champions their first defeat of the season. Tanmay Agarwal smashed a scintillating century, his second in as many matches and third of the TG20 season, to power Karimnagar Diamonds to a commanding 75-run win over Ranga Reddy Risers. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Tanmay Agarwal smashed a scintillating century, his second in as many matches and third of the TG20 season, to power Karimnagar Diamonds to a commanding 75-run win over Ranga Reddy Risers. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Karimnagar Diamonds knocks out Ranga Reddy RisersCometh the hour, cometh the man. And once again, Tanmay Agarwal answered the call.He smashed a scintillating century, his second in as many matches and third of the TG20 season, to power Karimnagar Diamonds to a commanding 75-run win over Ranga Reddy Risers in the Eliminator at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday, booking its place in Qualifier 2.Tanmay set the tone from the outset. He and Satwik Reddy raced to 29 in three overs before Satwik fell to T. Arun Kumar. Unfazed, Tanmay tore into Aryan Cariappa for 27 runs in an over, lifting Diamonds to 75 for one in the PowerPlay. The skipper reached his fifty in 24 balls and then shared a match-defining 69-ball 139-run stand with Hrishikesh Simha. His century came in just 48 balls, putting Risers firmly on the back foot. Nitin Sai Yadav broke the partnership by dismissing both set batters, sparking a late collapse as Diamonds lost five wickets for 28 runs to finish on 238 for seven.Risers’ chase faltered immediately with Aaron George falling in the first over. Though Tanay Thyagarajann and Aditya Javvaji counterattacked to take the score to 72 for two in the PowerPlay, Ashish Srivastav’s twin strikes in the seventh over swung the contest decisively. T.V.S. Narayana Teja then removed Venkat Karthik to deepen the damage.Tanay’s 26-ball fifty and a brisk 48-run stand with Nitin Sai Yadav briefly revived hopes, but Shubham Sharma ended the resistance by dismissing Tanay. Nitin reached a fighting half-century, but it was only a consolation as Ashish Srivastav’s five-fer ensured Risers folded meekly.Diamonds and e-Champions will face off in Friday’s Qualifier 2. THE SCORES Khammam Aces 200/6 in 20 overs (Paras Raj 32, G. Sai Krishna Reddy 40, Mickil Jaiswal 76 n.o., Akhil Rathod 2/33) bt Hyderabad e-Champions 190/8 in 20 overs (Sai Vikas Reddy 69, Ved Reddy 2/33, Sahendra Mallu 3/31). Karimnagar Diamonds 238/7 in 20 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 137, Hrishikesh Simha 50, Aryan Cariappa 2/52) bt Ranga Reddy Risers 163 in 16.3 overs (Tanay Thyagarajann 63, Nitin Sai Yadav 50, Ashish Srivastav 5/16, Shubham Sharma 2/14). -Anirudh VelamuriPondy Premier League: Aman Khan ton powers Villianur Mohit Kings to win over Ruby White Town LegendsDefending champions Villianur Mohit Kings rode on skipper Aman H Khan’s 60 (32b, 3×4, 5×6) to beat Ruby White Town Legends by 23 runs at the CAP-Siechem Stadium on Thursday to register their second win in as many outings in the Shriram Capital-Pondicherry Premier League 2026.Put in to bat, Villianur posted 198/6 on the back of a 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Aman and Prithvi Rajan Khanna (38), and then put the brakes on RWTL with spinners Alim Shaikhlal Shaikh and Jishan Adil sharing five wickets. It was RWTL’s second loss in two matches. A 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Aman (in pic) and Prithvi Rajan Khanna helpe Villianur Mohit Kings post 198/6. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT A 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Aman (in pic) and Prithvi Rajan Khanna helpe Villianur Mohit Kings post 198/6. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Brief scores: Villianur Mohit Kings 198/6 in 20 overs (P Akash 44, Aman H Khan 60, Prithvi Rajan Khanna 38, Md Tahir Abhay 2-48) bt RWTL 175 all out in 19.1 overs (Neyan Shyam Kangayan 36, Bharat Rawat 32, Shiva Subash 34 n.o., Alim Shaikhlal Shaikh 3-27, Jishan Adil 2-25). Player of the match: Aman Khan.Ritik Sharma stars in Mahe victoryLeft-handed Ritik Sharma struck 82 (32b, 4×4, 8×6) to set up last year’s runners-up Mahe Strikers’ four-wicket win over Genid Yanam Royals at the CAP-Siechem Stadium on Thursday for their first win in two outings in the 2026 Shriram Capital-Pondicherry Premier League.Brief scores: Genid Yanam Royals 184/7 in 20 overs (R Pravin 48, S Tarun 72 n.o., S Parameeshwaran 36, R Nithyananda 3-38, Raghav Goyal 2-17, Srujan Sinhasan 2-18) lost to Mahe Strikers 188/6 in 19 overs (D Wilson 32, Ritik Sharma 82, A Shrikaran 32 n.o., Pradeep Jakhar 2-22). Player of the match: Ritik Sharma.-Team SportstarARCHERYIndian recurve archers had a disappointing day as the country’s men and women teams lost their respective quarterfinal matches to the USA at the Archery World Cup Stage-4 in Madrid on Thursday.The men’s team suffered a 0-6 defeat, while the women’s side lost 2-6.Asian champion and Stage-3 gold medallist B. Dhiraj scored his season best performance (691) to finish second among men in the individual qualification round on Wednesday. Kirti shot her career best score (668) to take the fourth place among women. RESULTS Recurve: Qualification: Men: B. Dhiraj (2nd, 691), Neeraj Chauhan (8th, 677), Atanu Das (26th, 668), Yashdeep Bhoge (54th, 658); Women: Kirti (4th, 668), Kumkum Mohod (14th, 654), Ankita Bhakat (15th, 654), Deepika Kumari (16th, 654). Team: India: Men (2nd, 2036), Women (3rd, 1976), Mixed (2nd, 1359). Elimination: Individual: Men: Yashdeep Bhoge lost to Willem Bakker (Ned) 4-6 (1st round); Atanu Das bt Archie Bromley (Gbr) 6-0 (1st round), bt Christian Stoddard (USA) 6-4 (2nd round). Women: Deepika Kumari got a bye (1st round), lost to Karina Kozlowska (Pol) 5-6 (shoot-off: 9-10) (2nd round); Kumkum Mohod got a bye (1st round), bt Kristine Andersen (Den) 6-2 (2nd round); Ankita Bhakat got a bye (1st round), bt Huang Yuwei (Chn) 7-1 (2nd round). Team: Men: India (B. Dhiraj, Neeraj Chauhan, Yashdeep Bhoge) got a bye (1st round), bt Slovenia 6-2 (2nd round), lost to USA 0-6 (QF); Women: India (Kirti, Kumkum Mohod, Ankita Bhakat) got a bye (1st round), bt Italy 6-2 (2nd round), lost to USA 2-6 (QF). -Team SportstarATHLETICSWest Bengal state athletics meet: Tanushri shinesTanushri Mahalder threw the spear to 43.37m to break Abha Khatua’s 13-year-old meet record and win the women’s under-20 javelin gold medal in the West Bengal state athletics championships at the SAI Complex in Kolkata on Thursday.Important results (winners only): Men: 100m: Sourav Saha 10.91; U-23: 100m: Rohan Ghosh 10.68; Triple jump: Dablu Roy 15.29m (NMR, Old 15.22, Yadav Roy, 2023); Women: 100m: Tamashree Mishra 12.20; U-23: 100m: Anushka Kar 12.08; U-20: Javelin: Tanushri Mahalder 43.37m (NMR, Old 41.03m, Abha Khatua, 2013); U-16: Long jump: Priya Biswas 4.03m (EMR, Obami Murmu, 2024); Shot put: Saswati Ghosh 10.46m (NMR, Old 9.23m, Dipti Rajbanshi, 2024).-Team SportstarPICKLEBALLHarsh Mehta to lead Indian Pro category charge at Pickleball World CupThe Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) on Thursday announced the Indian team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the Pickleball World Cup to be held at Da Nang, Vietnam from August 30 to September 6.Harsh, a recurring name on the international pickleball circuit, will be accompanied by Arjun Singh, who is also representing and captaining India in the U-18 category at the World Cup. Anish Frolian and Aman Patel also made the cut in the men’s category.Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala and Naomi Amalsadiwali comprise the women’s side.“Talent wins matches, but unity wins championships. As Team India, our greatest strength is playing for each other and for our country. We are confident that we will perform well to the best of our potential and I expect us to go very far in the cup,” said Harsh in a release.“Extremely happy and grateful to be chosen as the captain for Team India at the World Cup and I look forward to giving my absolute best along with the rest of the squad.” Following corporate backing from Lucknow Leopards, Athletiq, Picklebay, and Electrorush, the Indian contingent enters the 2026 World Cup with renewed ambition after securing a bronze medal in the previous edition.The selected athletes will participate in a structured high-performance development program featuring intensive training camps focused on technical excellence, physical conditioning, mental resilience, and sports nutrition.Final Squad: Harsh Mehta (Captain), Arjun Singh, Anish Frolian, Aman Patel, Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala, Naomi Amalsadiwala.-PTIBOXINGIndia assured of eight medals in U-19 women’s category at Asian U-19 and U-23 boxing C’shipsIndian women boxers continued their impressive run at the Asian U-19 and U-23 Boxing Championships with six pugilists advancing to the semifinals to assure themselves of medals on day 5 of the tournament here on Thursday.Leading the charge, Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari (51kg) delivered a dominant 5:0 victory over Kazakhstan’s Zhadyra Kaltay, while Joyshree Devi (54kg) registered a convincing 5:0 win against Kazakhstan’s Maral Tolepbergen.Prachi (57kg) continued her fine form with a clinical 5:0 win over Uzbekistan’s Robiya Ravshanova, while Chahat (60kg) secured a comprehensive 5:0 victory against Kazakhstan’s Zhasmin Abramyan.In the 48kg category, Gunjan edged past Mongolia’s Altanzul Altangadas in a closely contested 3:0 split decision, while Anshika (75kg) added to India’s medal tally with a hard-fought 4:1 win over Kazakhstan’s Altyngul Aimukhan.India also saw two closely fought bouts not go their way, with Vanshika (65kg) going down to Uzbekistan’s Rushanabonu Isoeva via RSC in the first round, and Lakshu (70kg) losing to Uzbekistan’s Maftuna Yangieva by a 5:0 decision.With these results, India have now assured eight medals in the U-19 women’s competition, highlighting the depth and promise of the country’s youth boxing programme.-PTIGOLFAmandeep takes two-shot lead in 9th leg of Hero WPGTAmandeep Drall fired a second straight 4-under 68 to open up a two-shot lead over her best friend, Vani Kapoor, who also shot a 68 in the second round of the ninth leg of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour here on Thursday.Amandeep fired a bogey free round with two birdies on either side of the course.Even as the first-round leader, amateur Alysha Dutt (67-78) slipped down to T-17 with a score 11 shots higher than her first round effort, Vani, the five-time winner in 2025, shot up to second place with 70-68.Vani, who like Amandeep had a bogey free round, is tied second with Eti Chaudhary (69-69) at 6-under 138.Four players were in tied fourth place and they were led by Nayanika Sanga (73-66), who improved on her first-round card by seven shots and moved alongside Jasmine Shekar (72-67), Anvvi Dahhiya (70-69) and Durga Nittur (69-70) as the leaderboard continued to be crowded.Jahnavi Prakhya (70-70) was sole eighth at 4-under 140, while experienced Neha Tripathi (71-70) shared the ninth place with youngsters Kashika Misra (72-69) and Lavanya Jadon (71-70) at 3-under 141.Four more players, Khushi Khanijau, Shweta Mansingh, Jahaanvie Walia and Ananya Garg were also under par at 2-under 142 as Ridhima Dilawari, three-time winner this season, was even par with cards of 75-69.Amandeep, a former runner-up at the Hero Women’s Indian Open, birdied the second, fifth, 10th and 15th and did not drop a single shot in a very steady performance.Vani opened with birdies on the first, second and third in a row and another one on the ninth as she was 4-under for the first nine, but she parred the entire back nine in a steady showing.The Par-72 Clover Greens course continued to be generous with Nayanika Sanga (66) firing seven birdies against one bogey for the day’s best card of six under that included four gains on the front nine and three more on the back nine. Her sole bogey was on the Par-4 13th.Apart from Amandeep and Vani, there were quite a few others who had a bogey free day. They included Jasmine Shekar (67), Durga Nittur (70) and Kashika Misra (69).Hitaashee Bakshi (72-73), hoping to rediscover her form on the domestic Tour, was way behind in T-17 alongside amateurs Diya C Patil and Alysha Dutt, the first-round leader.The cut fell at 7-over 151 and 35 players made it to the third and final round.-PTIOTHER SPORTSMy vision is to see Hyderabad hosting Olympics in 2036: T’gana CMTelangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday said that his vision is to see Hyderabad hosting the Olympics in 2036.Speaking at the launch of the logo and website of Young India Physical Education and Sports University (YIPESU) here, he said sports policy should be formulated first, followed by the establishment of training institutes, academies and other institutions.The state government is keen on establishing such institutions, he said.Telangana had no sports policy during the last 12 years (during the previous BRS regime), he said.Recalling that Hyderabad had hosted the Afro-Asian Games and Military World Games during 1999-2004, he said no such major events were held in Hyderabad in the last two decades.The sports infrastructure, including sports stadiums, built in Hyderabad during undivided Andhra Pradesh, was used for organising marriages and political programmes in the last several years, which is unfortunate, he said.“I have decided to revive sports culture in Hyderabad, Telangana. In 2036, India wants to host the Olympics. We are preparing our state, our Hyderabad to host the Olympics. That’s my dream,” he said.It feels sad to see India, a country with a population of 140 crore, not winning medals in world sports events like the Olympics, he said.The state government has initiated the sports university in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, with the government acting only as a facilitator.The board of the university comprises industrialists and sports personalities, including Kapil Dev and Abhinav Bindra, he said.He sought the support of Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha, who was present on the occasion, in promoting sports in Hyderabad.He also said that Telangana would host the Khelo India Games in November this year.He said the sports university would come up in 82 acres and that he would inaugurate the university by December, 2028.Meanwhile, a government statement said Telangana would host the 8th Edition of Khelo Youth Games 2026 and the National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet (NIDJAM).The state would also play host to the Hockey India League, World Pickleball League, Archery Premium League, Tennis Premier League, it said.-PTIPublished on Jul 09, 2026 #Indian #sports #wrap #July #Aces #TG20 #final #Indian #teams #lose #Archery #World #Cup

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