Sports

Hyderabad, April 12 (IANS) Shubhankar Sharma, a two-time PGTI Tour winner, and Yuvraj Sandhu, a tour regular and 2025 PGTI Order of Merit champion, will be the top attractions in the inaugural Boulders Classic to be played from April 14 to 17 at the iconic Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club in Hyderabad.

The tournament, sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will feature 132 golfers from across India and overseas, making it one of the most competitive and anticipated events on the PGTI calendar. Played in a Stroke Play Format, the championship promises high-quality golfing action and intense competition among the country’s top talent.

The other leading Indian names participating include 2026 PGTI Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar, Veer Ahlawat, Om Prakash Chouhan, Manu Gandas, Honey Baisoya, and Ajeetesh Sandhu.

The leading foreign player at the event is Sri Lankan N. Thangaraja. In all, 20 foreign players from 10 different countries will be in the fray. The local challenge will be led by Hyderabad-based professionals Mohd Azhar, Vishesh Sharma, Syed Safdar Hussain, SNLG Varam Raju, Sumit Kotwal, and Anirudh Kamireddypalli.

The Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club, known for its world-class 18-hole championship course and scenic layout, continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination for national and international golfing events. The hosting of the PGTI Boulders Classic further reinforces Hyderabad’s growing stature in India’s golfing ecosystem.

Expressing happiness in hosting the event, Madhusudhan Rao, CFO & Business Head – Emaar Properties, Hyderabad, added: “It is a matter of pride for us at Emaar to see Boulder Hills hosting a marquee PGTI event. The course, infrastructure, and overall ecosystem here provide an ideal platform for professional tournaments of this scale. We are confident that the PGTI Boulders Classic 2026 will deliver an exceptional experience for players, partners, and golf enthusiasts alike.”

Kapil Dev, President, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), said, “The inaugural Boulders Classic is a landmark addition to the DP World PGTI calendar. Bringing a professional tournament to Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club for the very first time is in line with our objective of exploring new venues and thus creating more playing opportunities for our professionals. This venue, with its distinctive layout and world-class facilities, promises a compelling test for our players and an engaging experience for fans. We thank Boulder Hills and all other event partners for their support of the event.”

--IANS

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Dhaka, April 12 (IANS) The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted a one-day extension to the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued to pacers Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana, allowing them to continue their participation in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The development was confirmed by the BCB in an official press release issued on Sunday, following a formal request from their franchise, Peshawar Zalmi, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“The decision has been made following a request from their PSL franchise, Peshawar Zalmi, as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board,” the BCB said in a statement on Sunday.

As per the initial arrangement, the NOCs granted to the two pacers were valid until April 12, 2026. However, the extension now allows both players to remain in Pakistan for an additional day to feature in Peshawar Zalmi’s next league fixture.

“Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana were originally granted NOCs valid until 12 April 2026. Under the revised arrangement, both players have been permitted to remain in Pakistan for Peshawar Zalmi’s scheduled PSL fixture on 13 April 2026,” it further added.

Peshawar Zalmi have enjoyed a strong run in the tournament so far and currently sit at the top of the points table, having secured four wins from their five matches. The side is scheduled to take on Multan Sultans on Monday in what promises to be a crucial encounter as the league stage progresses.

Meanwhile, both Shoriful and Rana remain part of Bangladesh’s plans for the upcoming international assignment. The duo have been named in the 15-member squad for the first two One-Day Internationals of the three-match series against the New Zealand cricket team, set to commence on April 17.

According to the schedule, the opening two matches will be played at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, while the third ODI is scheduled for April 23 in Chattogram.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue to lead the team, which has experienced players like Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful, along with some young talents, including Rishad Hossein and Nahid.

--IANS

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Lucknow, April 12 (IANS) A late flourish powered by cameos from the lower order helped Lucknow Super Giants post a competitive 164/8 in 20 overs against Gujarat Titans in the 19th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.

After being put in to bat, LSG made a brisk start in the powerplay, racing to 60/2 despite losing early wickets. Mitchell Marsh set the tone with an aggressive 11 off just four balls before falling to Kagiso Rabada, while Rishabh Pant injected momentum with a breezy 18 off 11 deliveries, including a six and two boundaries, before Mohammed Siraj removed him.

Opener Aiden Markram then anchored the innings through the middle phase, striking a fluent 30 off 21 balls. He found regular boundaries and looked set for a bigger contribution, but Gujarat’s disciplined bowling struck back at crucial intervals. Prasidh Krishna, in particular, proved effective with his variations, dismissing Markram with a well-directed short ball to break a promising stand.

The middle overs saw LSG lose momentum as wickets fell in clusters. Ayush Badoni (9) and Nicholas Pooran (19 off 21) struggled to accelerate, with the latter managing only two sixes in an otherwise scratchy knock before falling to Prasidh. Abdul Samad (18 off 22) too failed to convert his start, as Gujarat tightened their grip with a mix of pace-off deliveries and hard lengths.

At one stage, LSG were reduced to 120/6 in the 17th over, staring at a below-par total. However, a late surge led by Mukul Choudhary, George Linde and Mohammed Shami provided a much-needed boost. Mukul chipped in with 18 off 14 balls, including a six, while Linde’s quickfire 16 off 10 deliveries, featuring three boundaries, injected momentum in the death overs.

The final over proved particularly fruitful, yielding 18 runs as Mohammed Shami capped off the innings with a six and a boundary, while Avesh Khan added a four to push the total past the 160-mark.

For the Titans, Prasidh was the standout performer with figures of 4/28, consistently troubling the batters with his change of pace and short-ball strategy. Rabada was expensive, conceding 54 runs in his four overs despite picking up a wicket, while Siraj (1/19) and Ashok Sharma (2/32) chipped in with timely breakthroughs.

Despite a strong start, LSG’s inability to build sustained partnerships in the middle overs kept them in check. However, their late acceleration has ensured they have a fighting total on the board, setting up an intriguing chase in the second innings.

Brief Scores: Lucknow Super Giants 164/8 in 20 overs (Aiden Markram 30, Nicholas Pooran 19; Prasidh Krishna 4-28, Ashok Sharma 2-32) against Gujarat Titans.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will wear black armbands during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium as a mark of respect for legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away on Sunday.

Bhosle, a towering figure in India’s music industry who delivered tons of memorable Hindi songs in her eight-decade long career, passed away at the age of 92 at the Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai.

"Mumbai Indians players will be wearing black armbands in their IPL match tonight against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium to mourn the passing away of legendary singer Asha Bhosle," said a source aware of the development to IANS.

Ashish Shelar, the Culture Minister of Maharashtra and former BCCI Treasurer, made the announcement of Asha’s demise outside the hospital, adding that her last rites will be held at Shivaji Park at 4pm on Monday.

Bhosle was the younger sister ⁠of another iconic singer, Lata Mangeshkar. Over the course of her storied career, she was nominated for two ⁠Grammy awards and was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke award - India's top arts award ⁠and also India's second-highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan.

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who shared a great bond with Asha Bhosle, wrote an emotional message on social media, saying that he will always remember her through her soul-filled songs.

"A deeply sad day for India, and for music lovers across the world. For us, Asha Tai was family. Today, words feel too small for the loss we feel. One moment the heart falls silent, and the next, it drifts through the countless melodies she gifted all of us.

"It feels as though time itself has paused. Yet through her eternal songs, she will remain timeless forever. Thank you, Tai, for filling our lives with warmth, grace, and unforgettable music. We will miss you beyond words, Asha Tai," wrote Tendulkar on ‘X’.

Virat Kohli, who will be turning out for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the clash against MI, wrote on Instagram stories, "Rest in peace, Asha Bhosle Ji. Your voice touched millions and will live on forever in our hearts. Om Shanti."

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated a formal investigation into Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager Romi Bhinder spotted using a mobile phone in the dugout during the side’s IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Guwahati.

The incident, captured live by TV cameras at the ACA Stadium, showed Bhinder using a device while seated next to teenaged left-handed opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was looking at the screen. The footage has since gone viral and raised questions regarding the breach of the league’s strict anti-corruption protocols.

According to the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), a Team Manager may use a phone in the dressing room area but ‘NOT’ in the dugout. Saikia confirmed to IANS on Sunday that the BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is currently verifying the details of the incident and has begun its probing exercise.

"As per the PMOA regulations, certain individuals like the team manager are allowed to carry phones and Romi Bhinder, as the manager of Rajasthan Royals, can carry it. But we need to thoroughly examine the phone was taken to which area and whether due permission was sought.

“By doing that, whether he has violated any protocol or regulations under our existing IPL rules and regulations is being verified and as I am speaking, we have already started the process.

“The Anti-Corruption Unit has begun the exercise to see whether he took the mobile in the designated area or beyond that. After seeing the various pieces of evidence and following the due process, they will give a report based on it,” said Saikia.

As per the tournament rules, two BCCI Anti-Corruption Managers, appointed by the Head of the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), are responsible for the management of the PMOA. Their responsibility is to ensure that proper arrangements are in place and that security personnel are fully briefed.

With RR set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, it remains to be seen if Bhinder is spotted in the PMOA area or not. Bhinder has been an integral member of RR’s backroom staff since 2008 and also serves as Sooryavanshi's ‘local guardian’ in the IPL.

“The phone is only to be used in case of emergency. On seeing that screengrab, it looks like he must have been watching something or using google or maybe checking any social media platform like WhatsApp or Instagram.

“The only thing is that the anti-corruption unit could take the entire data of the device he was using at that time period for their thorough investigation and even ask the player about what he was exactly looking for when seeing the device.

“If Bhinder is found to have not done anything suspicious by the ACU officers and match referee in Guwahati, then he will be let go off with a warning, or a fine of 10-20 percent could be levied on the franchise,” said a source aware of PMOA and ACU workings to IANS.

--IANS

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Lucknow, April 12 (IANS) Gujarat Titans all-rounder Washington Sundar shed light on his approach to handling high-pressure situations, emphasising the importance of staying mentally free and trusting his natural game.

Speaking on GT’s tense last-ball win in their previous game ahead of their clash against Lucknow Super Giants, Sundar highlighted how focusing on the right energy and allowing instincts to take over has shaped his performances, offering insight into the mindset that drives him in crunch moments.

Sundar himself played a pivotal role in the win, contributing a valuable half-century, and the all-rounder spoke about his approach with the bat this season, focusing more on mindset than technical changes.

“Honestly, it's just about going out there and putting your best energy out and just let your instincts come through. And there's not a lot of things that I honestly worked on, especially mentally. Just wanted to go there and be in the right energy and just express myself,” he said ahead of the LSG vs GT clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.

Gujarat edged out Delhi in a dramatic finish that went down to the final ball, with their bowlers holding firm under immense pressure. Sundar admitted the narrow margin left plenty to think about, even as the team took confidence from how they handled crunch situations.

“There were a lot of things that were running on all of our minds in terms of how close the game went. And obviously, could have executed things a little better here and there. But to be honest, bowlers bowled really well, especially under pressure. And Prasidh in particular, bowling that final over with five fielders inside the circle, defending 12, it's always going to be a lot challenging.

“But obviously, skill is never a question over here. It's all about our decision-making, what's the choice of ball and how will we execute it. And I think we did that pretty well last game,” he noted.

While such wins can often provide momentum, Sundar was measured in his assessment of its impact on the campaign, underlining the importance of consistency in a long tournament.

“I can't really think like that because it's a long tournament. One doesn't mean that if you win one, you're going to win all of the games that are going to come after that. Or for that matter, if you're going to lose one, the morale is extremely low. It doesn't always work like that. We got to do the things that is required of us to be able to win games.

“And eventually, we always play as a team. And that's always been a strength in terms of GT. So, just go out there, do the things that we're supposed to do. Do good things. Do right things over a period of time and obviously, results will come good,” Sundar stated.

--IANS

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Ningbo, April 12 (IANS) Shuttler Ayush Shetty's incredible run at the Badminton Asia Championships culminated in a runners-up finish after the Indian fell in straight games to second-seeded Shi Yu Qi of China in the men's singles summit clash here on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Indian, ranked 25th in the world rankings, suffered an 8-21, 10-21 loss against the reigning world champion Yu Qi in the final here at the Ningbo Olympic Center. With his silver medal finish, Ayush became the first Indian men’s singles player since HS Prannoy in 2018 to earn a podium finish at the continental championship.

Ayush's win over defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the semifinal made him just the second Indian men’s singles player, and third overall, to enter the Badminton Asia Championships final. A win in the final would have seen him emulate Dinesh Khanna, who became men's singles champion in 1965.

Hailing from the small town of Sanoor near Karkala in Karnataka, the 2025 US Open champion Ayush had a fairytale campaign, as he had registered major upsets in the tournamnet enroute to the final.

His giant-killing spree began in the opening round, where he stunned world No. 7 and reigning Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng of China. He followed it up with a composed win over Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen, ranked 20th, to book a quarter-final berth, where he delivered another statement performance by toppling Olympian and world No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia before knocking out world No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the semifinal.

In the women’s singles final, Korean star An Se-young defeated Wang Zhiyi 21-12, 17-12, 21-18 to win that one trophy she had yet to win among the major championships.

An, 24, Se Young became the first female singles player to cap a career sweep of badminton’s majors – the Olympic Games, world championships, World Tour Finals, All England Open, Asian Games and now the Asian Championships.

--IANS

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Colombo, April 12 (IANS)  India secured an impressive runner-up finish at the ITF Asia Under-14 Development Championships Finals held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 29th March to 10th April 2026, with Puneeth Manohar and Srishti Kiran earning qualification for the prestigious 2026 Wimbledon U-14 Championships based on their impressive campaigns.

The event featured participation from 14 nations competing across two weeks, with India finishing second behind Chinese Taipei after leading the standings in Week 1.

India’s campaign was led by a strong Karnataka contingent comprising Srishti Kiran, Padmapriya Ramesh Kumar and Puneeth Manohar, alongside Punjab’s Taanish Nanda. The squad delivered consistent performances across singles and doubles to ensure a strong overall points tally.

Puneeth Manohar was among the standout performers, winning the boys’ singles title in Week 1. He came back from a set down to beat Hong Kong’s Him Wong 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 in the final, saving a match point, and later finished runner-up in boys’ doubles in Week 2.

In the girls’ category, Srishti Kiran showed consistency by reaching the singles finals in both weeks to finish runner-up twice. She lost the Week 1 final to Chinese Taipei’s Ke-Chieh Hsu and also finished runner-up in girls’ doubles in Week 1.

Meanwhile, Padmapriya Ramesh Kumar and Taanish Nanda also made significant contributions. Padmapriya partnered Srishti to finish runner-up in girls’ doubles in Week 1, while Taanish finished runner-up in boys’ doubles in Week 2, where he recorded a notable win over top seed Frans Ethan of Indonesia en route to the singles semi-finals.

Based on their performances, the Karnataka trio was also selected for the Grand Slam Player Development Programme (GSPDP)/ ITF/ ATF Europe U-14 development team.

Speaking on her achievement, Srishti said, “It is always a privilege to play for India. Qualifying for Wimbledon is a dream come true and I am looking forward to competing on grass at such a prestigious venue. It was also a special moment to receive my medals and qualification in the presence of Sunil sir, who made time to be there.”

Puneeth added, “I feel incredibly happy and proud to have qualified for the U14 Wimbledon event. It has always been a dream to play on such a prestigious stage and this opportunity means a lot to me. All the hard work, training and support from my coaches and family have made this moment very special."

The ITF Asia U-14 Development Championships, organised by the International Tennis Federation in collaboration with the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF), is regarded as the highest level of competition in the region for this age group and is played over two weeks with separate draws and titles.

Speaking on the achievement, Sunil Yajaman, Hon. Joint Secretary of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association said, “It is a proud moment to witness our players deliver such strong performances at top-tier regional events. I extend my congratulations on their outstanding achievements. Securing multiple podium finishes and qualification for Wimbledon reflects their immense potential and the growing stature in Indian tennis on the international circuit.”

--IANS

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Chennai, April 12 (IANS) Chennai Super Kings batter Ayush Mhatre conceded that he ‘wasn’t able to get going’ at a juncture when the team needed boundaries in their 23-run win over Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, adding that he was fine with the plan of him being retired out.

Mhatre slammed 59 off 36 deliveries - his second fifty of the season via three fours and four sixes – and shared a 113-run stand with centurion Sanju Samson before being retired out to send in Shivam Dube, who hit a brisk 20 off 10 balls, laced with two fours and a six in the last two overs and take CSK to a massive 212/2.

“There was nothing much. I was batting and the team needed some big shots. Shivam also can hit big shots. I wasn’t really able to get going, so the team planned it that way. It happens in the game. This CSK team is very different and feels like a family for me. They treat me like a kid, so I really enjoy playing with them. The support staff is also helping a lot and working hard for us,” said Mhatre to JioStar.

Mhatre became the sixth batter to be retired out in the IPL after Ravichandran Ashwin, Atharva Taide, B Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, and Devon Conway. Barring that, 2026 has been a good year for Mhatre, who captained India to 2026 Men’s U19 World Cup win after coming into limelight via his performances for CSK in IPL 2025, as a replacement for injured Ruturaj Gaikwad.

“The Asia Cup was going on and the auction was happening side by side. It would have been great if I got picked, but even if I didn’t, I didn’t need to feel bad because I had another big target to focus on, which was the Asia Cup. But as they say, things happen for a reason.

“I was at the NCA when I got a call from CSK. They wanted to see me bat in the nets, so I had a two-day camp with them. I came back to the NCA and two to three days later, I got another call asking me to be ready and inform my family, as they were completing the formalities. They said I could play the next game against LSG, but I couldn’t get a flight ticket.

“So, I joined the team in Mumbai. The team was very welcoming. During my first interaction with Mahi bhai, he told me that now that I was selected, I should just play my game, go for my shots but not try to hit every ball, and continue doing what I had been doing for the last two to three years,” recalled Mhatre on JioStar show ‘Dream On’.

The right-handed batter, who counts veteran oepenr Rohit Sharma as his idol, said a post-match conversation with the veteran opener was a defining moment in his early career. “Rohit Sharma is my favourite cricketer. I have been watching his batting since childhood. He spoke to me very nicely after the game in the IPL. That was the first time I met him.

“He praised my batting, gave me a few tips on playing the short ball, and urged me to continue playing the way I have been. He even said that I could call him anytime without hesitation, and that really helped calm my nerves. Every young cricketer’s dream is to play for India. The moment of wearing the jersey during the Under-19 World Cup was special. I didn’t take any pressure about carrying a legacy or anything like that.

Looking ahead, Mhatre, who went through the grueling commute from Virar to Churchgate for his cricket practice, remains focused on the ultimate goal: a long-term spot in the senior national side. He will be next seen in action when CSK take on Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday.

“My main goal is to play for India, stay in the team for a long time, and perform. Whether it is the Ranji Trophy or the IPL, wherever I get a chance to play, I want to do well and not focus too much on the results; they will follow automatically.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) Arjun Singh and Aditya Singh secured India’s first gold medal at the ongoing US Open Pickleball Championship 2026, defeating top seeds Ryder Brown and Soli Messiri in straight sets in the U-18 boys’ doubles category in Naples, Florida.

The Indian pair dominated the final, registering an emphatic 11-1, 11-5 victory to outclass the favourites and clinch the title in their maiden appearance at the tournament.

In the women’s singles category, Naga Moksha added to India’s tally by winning a bronze medal after a closely contested match.

“This is extremely special for us; achieving this together is something that we and our family will cherish for a long time. We have worked very hard to make this happen and thank everyone who have supported us from back home. Most importantly, we are really grateful to the Maharashtra Pickleball Association and the Indian Pickleball Association for this opportunity.” Arjun Singh & Aditya Singh said right after winning the gold at the championship.

The 2026 edition marks India’s first participation at the US Open Pickleball Championship under the affiliation of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA).

“My words have come true: the future of global pickleball domination is India. Our junior boys, Aditya Singh and Arjun, have just proved it by clinching gold at the 10th US Open against the top-seeded American pair. This victory isn’t just a win; it’s a statement. Mark my words, India’s first Olympic gold will come from the pickleball courts.” Mr. Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President, Indian Pickleball Association said on the historic victory.

The Indian contingent in the U-18 boys’ doubles featured three pairings — Arjun Singh/Aditya Singh, Jeet Sood/Yuvraj Singh, and Panth Thakkar/Atharva Sheth — and were considered underdogs due to their first-time participation at the tournament.

Panth Thakkar and Atharva Sheth impressed with a top-eight finish before losing to eventual champions Arjun and Aditya, while Jeet Sood and Yuvraj Singh exited in the round of 32.

Backed by the IPA, the Indian contingent had earlier received direct entry into the US Open following a partnership between the national federation and the organisers, marking a significant step forward for the sport in the country.

Meanwhile, Purvansh Patel qualified for the Pro Doubles main draw and is set to compete on Monday. Other Indian players, including Mihika Yadav, Dhiren Patel and Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, will begin their campaigns later in the tournament.

--IANS

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