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IPL 2026: Slow-burn action on offer as LSG, KKR face off on Lucknow’s black soil A mid-season clash between two struggling sides – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders – in IPL 2026 can either simmer into a slow burn or explode into a high-stakes shootout as both teams push to revive their campaigns.Given the setting, the former appears more likely, despite the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow being one of the spicier venues in this edition.LSG coach Justin Langer likened the red soil surface to the WACA in Perth, known for its pace and bounce. While the home side’s pacers – Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, and Prince Yadav – relished hitting the deck hard, batters struggled on a pitch that offered more swing and seam movement than most grounds this year.Super Giants have lost all three of their home games so far, with captain Rishabh Pant admitting the batting unit hasn’t adapted well to the conditions.However, come Sunday, there will be a slight change in conditions, with KKR facing a black-soil surface in an evening game. The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY Ideally, the Knight Riders would have enjoyed these conditions with a full-strength pace attack, but injuries have left them stretched, with Kartik Tyagi stepping up consistently.Despite Vaibhav Arora’s underwhelming start, captain Ajinkya Rahane will hope the movement on offer gives him a lift. The bigger puzzle, however, lies in filling out the rest of the pace attack.Cameron Green has bowled in patches so far, but his overs could be crucial here. If he can deliver a full quota, it would add much-needed balance on a surface where slower variations on the back of the length can be effective.LSG brought back Mayank Yadav in its last home game. However, with conditions likely to slow down as the game progresses, the Super Giants could revert to a spinning option – either Shahbaz Ahmed or Manimaran Siddharth.Spinners have had minimal impact so far in three games here, on two red soil games and one mixed clay surface – just five wickets in three matches compared to 23 for pacers. Things could change if the surface plays as per its characteristics.Similar batting returnsThe pitch is unlikely to ease batting concerns for either side. It has the lowest scoring rate this season (7.93) and a boundary percentage of just 17.18. LSG is the poorest boundary-hitter at 17.53 per cent, with KKR only marginally better at 20.05 per cent.The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. With early elimination pressure building, another high-intensity contest can’t be ruled out.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #IPL #Slowburn #action #offer #LSG #KKR #face #Lucknows #black #soil

IPL 2026: Slow-burn action on offer as LSG, KKR face off on Lucknow’s black soil

A mid-season clash between two struggling sides – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders – in IPL 2026 can either simmer into a slow burn or explode into a high-stakes shootout as both teams push to revive their campaigns.

Given the setting, the former appears more likely, despite the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow being one of the spicier venues in this edition.

LSG coach Justin Langer likened the red soil surface to the WACA in Perth, known for its pace and bounce. While the home side’s pacers – Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, and Prince Yadav – relished hitting the deck hard, batters struggled on a pitch that offered more swing and seam movement than most grounds this year.

Super Giants have lost all three of their home games so far, with captain Rishabh Pant admitting the batting unit hasn’t adapted well to the conditions.

However, come Sunday, there will be a slight change in conditions, with KKR facing a black-soil surface in an evening game.

IPL 2026: Slow-burn action on offer as LSG, KKR face off on Lucknow’s black soil A mid-season clash between two struggling sides – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders – in IPL 2026 can either simmer into a slow burn or explode into a high-stakes shootout as both teams push to revive their campaigns.Given the setting, the former appears more likely, despite the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow being one of the spicier venues in this edition.LSG coach Justin Langer likened the red soil surface to the WACA in Perth, known for its pace and bounce. While the home side’s pacers – Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, and Prince Yadav – relished hitting the deck hard, batters struggled on a pitch that offered more swing and seam movement than most grounds this year.Super Giants have lost all three of their home games so far, with captain Rishabh Pant admitting the batting unit hasn’t adapted well to the conditions.However, come Sunday, there will be a slight change in conditions, with KKR facing a black-soil surface in an evening game. The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY Ideally, the Knight Riders would have enjoyed these conditions with a full-strength pace attack, but injuries have left them stretched, with Kartik Tyagi stepping up consistently.Despite Vaibhav Arora’s underwhelming start, captain Ajinkya Rahane will hope the movement on offer gives him a lift. The bigger puzzle, however, lies in filling out the rest of the pace attack.Cameron Green has bowled in patches so far, but his overs could be crucial here. If he can deliver a full quota, it would add much-needed balance on a surface where slower variations on the back of the length can be effective.LSG brought back Mayank Yadav in its last home game. However, with conditions likely to slow down as the game progresses, the Super Giants could revert to a spinning option – either Shahbaz Ahmed or Manimaran Siddharth.Spinners have had minimal impact so far in three games here, on two red soil games and one mixed clay surface – just five wickets in three matches compared to 23 for pacers. Things could change if the surface plays as per its characteristics.Similar batting returnsThe pitch is unlikely to ease batting concerns for either side. It has the lowest scoring rate this season (7.93) and a boundary percentage of just 17.18. LSG is the poorest boundary-hitter at 17.53 per cent, with KKR only marginally better at 20.05 per cent.The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. With early elimination pressure building, another high-intensity contest can’t be ruled out.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #IPL #Slowburn #action #offer #LSG #KKR #face #Lucknows #black #soil

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY

lightbox-info

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY

Ideally, the Knight Riders would have enjoyed these conditions with a full-strength pace attack, but injuries have left them stretched, with Kartik Tyagi stepping up consistently.

Despite Vaibhav Arora’s underwhelming start, captain Ajinkya Rahane will hope the movement on offer gives him a lift. The bigger puzzle, however, lies in filling out the rest of the pace attack.

Cameron Green has bowled in patches so far, but his overs could be crucial here. If he can deliver a full quota, it would add much-needed balance on a surface where slower variations on the back of the length can be effective.

LSG brought back Mayank Yadav in its last home game. However, with conditions likely to slow down as the game progresses, the Super Giants could revert to a spinning option – either Shahbaz Ahmed or Manimaran Siddharth.

Spinners have had minimal impact so far in three games here, on two red soil games and one mixed clay surface – just five wickets in three matches compared to 23 for pacers. Things could change if the surface plays as per its characteristics.

Similar batting returns

The pitch is unlikely to ease batting concerns for either side. It has the lowest scoring rate this season (7.93) and a boundary percentage of just 17.18. LSG is the poorest boundary-hitter at 17.53 per cent, with KKR only marginally better at 20.05 per cent.

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. With early elimination pressure building, another high-intensity contest can’t be ruled out.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#IPL #Slowburn #action #offer #LSG #KKR #face #Lucknows #black #soil

Sports news , , , , , , , ,

A mid-season clash between two struggling sides – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders – in IPL 2026 can either simmer into a slow burn or explode into a high-stakes shootout as both teams push to revive their campaigns.

Given the setting, the former appears more likely, despite the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow being one of the spicier venues in this edition.

LSG coach Justin Langer likened the red soil surface to the WACA in Perth, known for its pace and bounce. While the home side’s pacers – Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, and Prince Yadav – relished hitting the deck hard, batters struggled on a pitch that offered more swing and seam movement than most grounds this year.

Super Giants have lost all three of their home games so far, with captain Rishabh Pant admitting the batting unit hasn’t adapted well to the conditions.

However, come Sunday, there will be a slight change in conditions, with KKR facing a black-soil surface in an evening game.

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over.
| Photo Credit:
R. V. MOORTHY

lightbox-info

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over.
| Photo Credit:
R. V. MOORTHY

Ideally, the Knight Riders would have enjoyed these conditions with a full-strength pace attack, but injuries have left them stretched, with Kartik Tyagi stepping up consistently.

Despite Vaibhav Arora’s underwhelming start, captain Ajinkya Rahane will hope the movement on offer gives him a lift. The bigger puzzle, however, lies in filling out the rest of the pace attack.

Cameron Green has bowled in patches so far, but his overs could be crucial here. If he can deliver a full quota, it would add much-needed balance on a surface where slower variations on the back of the length can be effective.

LSG brought back Mayank Yadav in its last home game. However, with conditions likely to slow down as the game progresses, the Super Giants could revert to a spinning option – either Shahbaz Ahmed or Manimaran Siddharth.

Spinners have had minimal impact so far in three games here, on two red soil games and one mixed clay surface – just five wickets in three matches compared to 23 for pacers. Things could change if the surface plays as per its characteristics.

Similar batting returns

The pitch is unlikely to ease batting concerns for either side. It has the lowest scoring rate this season (7.93) and a boundary percentage of just 17.18. LSG is the poorest boundary-hitter at 17.53 per cent, with KKR only marginally better at 20.05 per cent.

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. With early elimination pressure building, another high-intensity contest can’t be ruled out.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

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#IPL #Slowburn #action #offer #LSG #KKR #face #Lucknows #black #soil

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Deadspin | NASCAR names first CEO from outside founding family <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27531733.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27531733.jpg" alt="NASCAR: ARCA Series Race" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell during the ARCA West Series Desert Diamond Casino 100 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>NASCAR has promoted Steve O’Donnell to chief executive officer and Ben Kennedy to chief operating officer, the organization announced Saturday morning in Talladega, Ala.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>O’Donnell will succeed Jim France to become the first NASCAR head from outside the France family in its 78 years. France will remain as NASCAR chairman, and it will stay a family-run business.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>O’Donnell, 57, has been with NASCAR for more than 30 years, working in departments from marketing to competition. On March 31, 2025, he was promoted to president.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>He isn’t assuming his new role with an agenda.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“I think it would be a bit presumptuous of me to come in right away and say, ‘Here’s the plan,’ ” O’Donnell told NASCAR.com. “What I’m going to do is go out and do a lot of listening, especially the first 90 days. We’ve got so many talented people in the industry — team owners, drivers, track, sponsors, even our own internal personnel that I want to go have some conversations with about what do they see and what are the opportunities?</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I think the great news is, we’ve got an unbelievable foundation, right? We’ve got a great broadcast deal. We’ve got charters in place, a strong schedule. So all those nuts and bolts are there, and it’s really taking that and looking at how do we make NASCAR an absolute must-have sport in the future.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>France assumed the CEO role during the 2018 season as the interim leader after the arrest of his nephew, Brian France, on charges of DUI and possession of oxycodone. Brian France’s grandfather — NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. — and father preceded him as CEO.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Jim France was appointed the permanent CEO in 2019, the same year Brian France pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor DUI.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>The 81-year-old France has been credited with navigating NASCAR through the pandemic, guiding the sport through a dispute over team charters and negotiating the lucrative media rights deal.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>O’Donnell said France will continue to have a presence.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“He’s still going to be involved, obviously, but for me, personally, he’s a guy who behind the scenes always listens, but always knew what was going on and does not get nearly enough credit for everything he puts into the sport,” O’Donnell said.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Kennedy, the newly appointed COO, most recently held the roles of NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer. Kennedy, 34, formerly was a driver in the Craftsman Truck Series, which he later managed.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>O’Donnell said he has had a positive working relationship with Kennedy.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“He’s done everything,” O’Donnell said. “He’s grown up in the sport, he’s driven, he owns race teams, he’s worked at tracks, but when he first started working for us, worked with me in competition and we put him in charge of the Truck Series.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“And I think anyone wondered, like, How’s he going to do?’ And we said one of the biggest challenges we have is the relationship with owners, and we need to go out and talk to them. In three days, he had talked to every single truck owner, had a plan, and it told me right away that this guy’s all-in, and he cares, and he has great style, and he’s continued to do that.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-16"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #NASCAR #names #CEO #founding #family

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Deadspin | F Arnau Farnos signs first-team contract with NYCFC <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730374.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730374.jpg" alt="MLS: US Open Cup-New York City FC at Westchester SC" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 14, 2026; Mount Vernon, NY, USA; New York City Football Club midfielder Arnau Farnos (87) reacts after scoring a goal against the Westchester SC during the first half of the US Open Cup at Mount Vernon Memorial Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>New York City FC signed forward Arnau Farnos to a first-team contract through the rest of this season, the team announced Saturday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The deal also has an option for an extension through the 2027-28 season.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Farnos, 23, previously signed four short-term agreements with the franchise.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>“Arnau has taken advantage of his opportunities with both the first team and New York City FC II and has shown that he belongs,” NYCFC sporting director Todd Dunivant said. “His soccer IQ has earned the trust of his teammates and the staff, and we are looking forward to his continued progression.”</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Farnos made his MLS debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on April 11. He also competed against FC Cincinnati on April 22. He appeared as a substitute in both games.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>He recorded a goal in NYCFC’s 5-2 win over Westchester SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“I’m super thankful for the club and for the staff for giving me the opportunity to be part of this team,” Farnos said. “I’m really happy to continue my journey as a professional soccer player and look forward to continuing to develop and help this team achieve its goals this season.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Arnau #Farnos #signs #firstteam #contract #NYCFC

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Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has come in for criticism after his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Nadeem finished ninth with a sub-80 effort, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage winning gold and India’s Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh finishing second and third, respectively.

The outcome was not unexpected, keeping in mind Arshad took part in only one preparatory event in Switzerland in 2026 for the CWG and that he spent all his time training in the hot weather in Lahore without working with any foreign coaches or trainers in person.

Arshad, who has previously trained under South African coach Terseus Liebengberg, trained with his local trainers and coach Salman Butt.

Meanwhile, Arshad’s archrival Neeraj had his final preparation and rehabilitation camp at his training camp in Biene in Switzerland, and the other Indians, Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir, trained in Spala, Poland, with foreign coaches and trainers.

READ: CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronze

Arshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.

He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.

For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.

Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.

While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.

ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effort

A reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.

The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.

Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.

“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.

Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.

Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.

Published on Aug 02, 2026

#Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow">Arshad Nadeem cops criticism for poor show in Glasgow Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has come in for criticism after his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.Nadeem finished ninth with a sub-80 effort, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage winning gold and India’s Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh finishing second and third, respectively.The outcome was not unexpected, keeping in mind Arshad took part in only one preparatory event in Switzerland in 2026 for the CWG and that he spent all his time training in the hot weather in Lahore without working with any foreign coaches or trainers in person.Arshad, who has previously trained under South African coach Terseus Liebengberg, trained with his local trainers and coach Salman Butt.Meanwhile, Arshad’s archrival Neeraj had his final preparation and rehabilitation camp at his training camp in Biene in Switzerland, and the other Indians, Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir, trained in Spala, Poland, with foreign coaches and trainers.READ: CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronzeArshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effortA reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.Published on Aug 02, 2026 #Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow

CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronze

Arshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.

He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.

For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.

Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.

While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.

ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effort

A reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.

The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.

Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.

“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.

Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.

Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.

Published on Aug 02, 2026

#Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow">Arshad Nadeem cops criticism for poor show in Glasgow

Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has come in for criticism after his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Nadeem finished ninth with a sub-80 effort, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage winning gold and India’s Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh finishing second and third, respectively.

The outcome was not unexpected, keeping in mind Arshad took part in only one preparatory event in Switzerland in 2026 for the CWG and that he spent all his time training in the hot weather in Lahore without working with any foreign coaches or trainers in person.

Arshad, who has previously trained under South African coach Terseus Liebengberg, trained with his local trainers and coach Salman Butt.

Meanwhile, Arshad’s archrival Neeraj had his final preparation and rehabilitation camp at his training camp in Biene in Switzerland, and the other Indians, Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir, trained in Spala, Poland, with foreign coaches and trainers.

READ: CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronze

Arshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.

He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.

For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.

Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.

While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.

ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effort

A reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.

The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.

Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.

“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.

Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.

Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.

Published on Aug 02, 2026

#Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow
Deadspin | Timbers hand Sounders club-record sixth straight loss Aug 1, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder David Da Costa (10) controls the ball during the first half against Seattle Sounders FC defender Kalani Kossa-Rienzi (85) at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Brandon Bye scored in the 82nd minute as the Portland Timbers rallied for a 2-1 victory against the visiting Seattle Sounders in a Cascadia Cup clash Saturday night. Kevin Kelsy scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season for the Timbers (7-8-3, 24 points), who improved to 3-0-1 under interim coach Jack Cassidy. Goalkeeper James Pantemis made two saves. Kalani Kossa-Rienzi scored for Seattle (7-7-3, 24 points), which suffered its franchise-record sixth straight defeat. Goalkeeper Andrew Thomas was credited with three saves. The go-ahead goal came after Portland’s Cole Bassett passed to David Da Costa at the top left corner of the 18-yard box. Da Costa spun and sent a pass across the top of the penalty area to Bye, whose right-footed shot from 20 yards eluded a pair of defenders and a diving Thomas on its way into the lower left corner of the net. The Sounders opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Paul Rothrock’s cross from the left wing for Osaze De Rosario was headed away from the top of the 6-yard box by Timbers defender Kamal Miller. The ball fell to Kossa-Rienzi and his left-footed shot from 18 yards out found the lower right corner of the net. The Timbers tied it in the 41st minute after working the ball down the left wing. Kristoffer Velde’s cross from the edge of the penalty area was slightly deflected by Sounders defender Stuart Hawkins before glancing off Kelsy’s left thigh and into the net from close range. A video review determined Kelsy was just onside on the play. Rusnak had a chance in the dying seconds of the half, but his shot from the top right of the 6-yard box sliced into the side netting. Seattle’s Paul Arriola, getting the start at right back, had to come off in the seventh minute because of an apparent lower right leg injury and was replaced by Kossa-Rienzi. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Timbers #hand #Sounders #clubrecord #sixth #straight #lossAug 1, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder David Da Costa (10) controls the ball during the first half against Seattle Sounders FC defender Kalani Kossa-Rienzi (85) at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Brandon Bye scored in the 82nd minute as the Portland Timbers rallied for a 2-1 victory against the visiting Seattle Sounders in a Cascadia Cup clash Saturday night.

Kevin Kelsy scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season for the Timbers (7-8-3, 24 points), who improved to 3-0-1 under interim coach Jack Cassidy. Goalkeeper James Pantemis made two saves.

Kalani Kossa-Rienzi scored for Seattle (7-7-3, 24 points), which suffered its franchise-record sixth straight defeat. Goalkeeper Andrew Thomas was credited with three saves.

The go-ahead goal came after Portland’s Cole Bassett passed to David Da Costa at the top left corner of the 18-yard box. Da Costa spun and sent a pass across the top of the penalty area to Bye, whose right-footed shot from 20 yards eluded a pair of defenders and a diving Thomas on its way into the lower left corner of the net.


The Sounders opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Paul Rothrock’s cross from the left wing for Osaze De Rosario was headed away from the top of the 6-yard box by Timbers defender Kamal Miller. The ball fell to Kossa-Rienzi and his left-footed shot from 18 yards out found the lower right corner of the net.

The Timbers tied it in the 41st minute after working the ball down the left wing. Kristoffer Velde’s cross from the edge of the penalty area was slightly deflected by Sounders defender Stuart Hawkins before glancing off Kelsy’s left thigh and into the net from close range. A video review determined Kelsy was just onside on the play.

Rusnak had a chance in the dying seconds of the half, but his shot from the top right of the 6-yard box sliced into the side netting.

Seattle’s Paul Arriola, getting the start at right back, had to come off in the seventh minute because of an apparent lower right leg injury and was replaced by Kossa-Rienzi.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Timbers #hand #Sounders #clubrecord #sixth #straight #loss">Deadspin | Timbers hand Sounders club-record sixth straight loss Aug 1, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder David Da Costa (10) controls the ball during the first half against Seattle Sounders FC defender Kalani Kossa-Rienzi (85) at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Brandon Bye scored in the 82nd minute as the Portland Timbers rallied for a 2-1 victory against the visiting Seattle Sounders in a Cascadia Cup clash Saturday night. Kevin Kelsy scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season for the Timbers (7-8-3, 24 points), who improved to 3-0-1 under interim coach Jack Cassidy. Goalkeeper James Pantemis made two saves. Kalani Kossa-Rienzi scored for Seattle (7-7-3, 24 points), which suffered its franchise-record sixth straight defeat. Goalkeeper Andrew Thomas was credited with three saves. The go-ahead goal came after Portland’s Cole Bassett passed to David Da Costa at the top left corner of the 18-yard box. Da Costa spun and sent a pass across the top of the penalty area to Bye, whose right-footed shot from 20 yards eluded a pair of defenders and a diving Thomas on its way into the lower left corner of the net. The Sounders opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Paul Rothrock’s cross from the left wing for Osaze De Rosario was headed away from the top of the 6-yard box by Timbers defender Kamal Miller. The ball fell to Kossa-Rienzi and his left-footed shot from 18 yards out found the lower right corner of the net. The Timbers tied it in the 41st minute after working the ball down the left wing. Kristoffer Velde’s cross from the edge of the penalty area was slightly deflected by Sounders defender Stuart Hawkins before glancing off Kelsy’s left thigh and into the net from close range. A video review determined Kelsy was just onside on the play. Rusnak had a chance in the dying seconds of the half, but his shot from the top right of the 6-yard box sliced into the side netting. Seattle’s Paul Arriola, getting the start at right back, had to come off in the seventh minute because of an apparent lower right leg injury and was replaced by Kossa-Rienzi. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Timbers #hand #Sounders #clubrecord #sixth #straight #loss

World number four Felix Auger-Aliassime will be playing for local pride when the ATP Montreal Masters begins on Sunday in his hometown.

The Canadian returns as second seed to a tournament he attended frequently as a budding young player, when he used to watch and study his sporting idols up close in training between matches.

“There were several times when I didn’t have a ticket, so I would watch all the training sessions,” he said on Saturday at the event, where he is seeded behind Roland Garros winner and Wimbledon runner-up Alexander Zverev.

“I learned even more things during training since they (fans) have the chance to be very, very close to the players.”

Auger-Aliassime recently split with his longtime coach of 10 years, Frederic Fontang, after losing a frustrating Wimbledon five-set quarterfinal to Novak Djokovic.

He will have the bulk of the crowd support at an event which is missing major stars including top-ranked Jannik Sinner, who opted not to play in the wake of his Wimbledon triumph to send tournament organisers into crisis mode.

Joining the Italian on the sidelines with less than a month to go before the US Open begins are the 39-year-old Djokovic and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, still testing and healing the right wrist injury which has kept him off court since mid-April.

Auger-Aliassime’s best performance at the Canadian event was a quarterfinal four years ago. Last year he lost in the second round.

Despite the hometown support, Auger-Aliassime said he will aim to stick to his usual routines and focus solely on his game.

“Already, my expectations or hopes are at the same level as the public’s. So already, there is no gap at that level,” he said.

“I have my work to do, I have my preparation, I have my routines, so all that doesn’t change.

“I try to change as few things as possible, even if I’m playing in Montreal. Yes, I’m a bit more in-demand obviously than at other tournaments, but I try to keep my routines.

“The brain is used to having its routines. And that helps to program oneself well or to prepare well for the tournament.”

All 28 seeds in the 128-strong field receive first-round byes, with Auger-Aliassime set for the second round against the winner from France’s Luca van Assche and a qualifier.

Top seed Zverev reached the Canadian semifinal in Toronto a year ago.

Australian Alex de Minaur takes the third seeding ahead of Daniil Mdevedev while defending champion Ben Shelton is seeded fifth.

Published on Aug 02, 2026

#AugerAliassime #playing #hometown #pride #Montreal #Masters">Auger-Aliassime playing for hometown pride at Montreal Masters World number four Felix Auger-Aliassime will be playing for local pride when the ATP Montreal Masters begins on Sunday in his hometown.The Canadian returns as second seed to a tournament he attended frequently as a budding young player, when he used to watch and study his sporting idols up close in training between matches.“There were several times when I didn’t have a ticket, so I would watch all the training sessions,” he said on Saturday at the event, where he is seeded behind Roland Garros winner and Wimbledon runner-up Alexander Zverev.“I learned even more things during training since they (fans) have the chance to be very, very close to the players.”Auger-Aliassime recently split with his longtime coach of 10 years, Frederic Fontang, after losing a frustrating Wimbledon five-set quarterfinal to Novak Djokovic.He will have the bulk of the crowd support at an event which is missing major stars including top-ranked Jannik Sinner, who opted not to play in the wake of his Wimbledon triumph to send tournament organisers into crisis mode.Joining the Italian on the sidelines with less than a month to go before the US Open begins are the 39-year-old Djokovic and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, still testing and healing the right wrist injury which has kept him off court since mid-April.Auger-Aliassime’s best performance at the Canadian event was a quarterfinal four years ago. Last year he lost in the second round.Despite the hometown support, Auger-Aliassime said he will aim to stick to his usual routines and focus solely on his game.“Already, my expectations or hopes are at the same level as the public’s. So already, there is no gap at that level,” he said.“I have my work to do, I have my preparation, I have my routines, so all that doesn’t change.“I try to change as few things as possible, even if I’m playing in Montreal. Yes, I’m a bit more in-demand obviously than at other tournaments, but I try to keep my routines.“The brain is used to having its routines. And that helps to program oneself well or to prepare well for the tournament.”All 28 seeds in the 128-strong field receive first-round byes, with Auger-Aliassime set for the second round against the winner from France’s Luca van Assche and a qualifier.Top seed Zverev reached the Canadian semifinal in Toronto a year ago.Australian Alex de Minaur takes the third seeding ahead of Daniil Mdevedev while defending champion Ben Shelton is seeded fifth.Published on Aug 02, 2026 #AugerAliassime #playing #hometown #pride #Montreal #Masters

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