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New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) The Pakistan government may have announced via social media that their team will not take field for the match against India in the Men's T20 World Cup later this month, the country's cricket board is not ready to convey this decision officially to the International Cricket Council (ICC), a news report claimed on Monday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to remain on warpath on the issue of boycotting the World Cup match against India and will not convey the decision to the ICC to maintain suspense over uts future course of action, Telecom Asia Sports said in a report quoting sources.

“Since it’s a government decision and conveyed through an official platform so there is no need to write to the ICC,“ sources told www.telecomasia.net.

The Shahbaz Sharif government on Sunday cleared Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8 but announced the team will not take the field in the tournament's highest money-generating match against India.

“Did India at any point conveye to the ICC that they will not travel to Pakistan and when once it was demanded of India to show Governments letter they never showed it.

“So is there a need to give anything in writing, No," the PCB source told www.telecomasia.net.

Though the decision not to convey the decision to ICC officially via a letter is being seen as an attempt to keep the issue afire, it is clear PCB will not heed to any ICC appeal for amicable solution to avoid the boycott of the match because the decision has been taken at the government level.

The decision has shaken the cricket world as the ICC's official broadcaster will suffer huge financial losses if the Indo-Pak match is not played and will in all probability take the matter to the court.

The ICC responded by conveying to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of the serious consequences and warning them a selective participation will not be accepted.

However, sources told Telecom Asia Sport that the Pakistan government has taken legal advice on the consequences and will back the Board against any possible ICC action.

Sharif also met former PCB chief Najam Sethi before meeting Naqvi in Lahore on Sunday.

“Sethi also advised the PM to take a strong action against India as under Sethi’s chairmanship India also backed out on an agreement in 2016,” the report said quoting sources.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team flew to Colombo on Monday and reached the Island late in the evening.

PCB indicating it will counter any ICC meeting with Naqvi allowing a lawyer to the team officials in any meeting and take the issue head on.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) On the eve of Gujarat Giants second appearance in a Women's Premier League (WPL) Eliminator at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, Rajeshwari Gayakwad exudes a quiet confidence that belies the tumultuous journey that brought her to this juncture.

At 34, left-arm spinner Gayakwad is having her best WPL season – 10 wickets coming in seven games at an average of 14.50 and economy rate of 7.63. "Nothing much is going on. All we have in mind is to play well at any cost and win tomorrow's match. Simply, that's it. I have that confidence in myself and in my team as well. This time, I feel we will play in the finals.

“We have the confidence to play in the finals, but winning tomorrow's match is very important for us. All we have in our mind is to play well and win tomorrow's match. We will surely play in the finals for the first time, which is going to be a very happy moment. But we will play with confidence tomorrow," Gayakwad told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Monday.

For Gujarat Giants, reaching the final for the first time would be historic. But for Rajeshwari, it would be validation of the hard work done in the last 12 months. She didn’t perform well in the last three seasons for her previous team UP Warriorz, but this season she’s leading the spin bowling attack for GG.

With her wide of the crease deliveries and subtle changes in flight and loop trapping batters on spin-friendly pitches in Vadodara. The secret behind her good showings, as per Rajeshwari, has been the improved fitness work, especially after undergoing a knee surgery in September 2024.

"I got a lot of break from cricket. Since I was in rehab, I was trying to be mentally and physically fit. I have worked a lot on myself. I have given myself a lot of time. I have tried to work on my weaknesses. I have been wanting to play WPL for a year and this is a big break for a player.

“I have learnt a lot from this break and got time to implement it. I have always tried to give my best and do well whenever I get a chance to bowl. No matter what happens, I always try to do my best to make the team win," she explained.

The injury layoff, while devastating at that time, proved to be an unexpected blessing. Away from the intensity of competition, Rajeshwari had the luxury of time to rebuild her fitness, reassess her game, and work on technical refinements that would have been difficult to implement mid-season.

"When I just came back from rehab, I didn't get a chance to play that many matches last year. I have always learnt a lot of things from the outside whenever I didn't get to play. If a chance to play arrived, I have always tried to implement those things on the field."

The physical transformation is evident - fitter and leaner than in previous seasons, Rajeshwari has retained the guile that has always been her hallmark. "I did become mentally stronger by learning a lot of things from the outside and I have also taken care of my fitness. You must be thinking that I look fit - I have worked hard on myself.

“It's my main focus to always do well when on the field and whoever thinks that my time in cricket is over, I have to show them by doing well and saying that 'Yes, I am doing great and I have to play a lot more cricket ahead,’” she said.

For Rajeshwari, the decision to undergo surgery came with the knowledge that the path back would be arduous, and there were no guarantees of returning to her previous best self, including being back in the Indian team. "When the surgery was about to happen, I knew that it was not going to be easy for me. I had realized a lot of things – like it is going to take time for me to get out of this.

“At that time, I was mentally very down. When you do know that things are not going to be right in the coming times, it was a very big decision for me to get the surgery done. I knew that it was not going to be easy and will be a tough thing for me.

"Still, I agreed to get the surgery done. But I did not get a chance to join the team and I was mentally down. It's just that whenever I get a chance to play, I will do my best. That is why I did well in the domestic season as well – I was the (third) highest wicket there (in Senior Women’s T20 Trophy). What has happened is that age is something everyone talks about, but I don't think that age is a big deal for anyone."

Rather than accepting the narrative that her time had passed, especially due to the emergence of young left-arm spinners N Sree Charani and Vaishnavi Sharma, apart from Radha Yadav and Shuchi Upadhaya being given chances, Rajeshwari chose to work hard and come back to playing the game she picked as a kid in Bijapur. "As long as I am fit, I can play and I want to drive out that mentality from everyone's mind and make them realise that age is just a number.

“As long as I want to play, I will play. So, let's see - I have always tried to give my best. A lot of people thought that my cricket career was over, but that is not the case. This is just a new beginning for me and I would like to say that," she said.

With WPL 2026 seeing her be back at her best in T20s, Rajeshwari is naturally keen to add more scalps to her international career worth five Tests, 64 ODIs and 58 T20Is. "It means a lot to me. Everyone gets a chance after an injury, but I didn't get a chance and I do feel very sad about that. It's okay, as I will play whenever I get a chance.

“It has felt like everyone gets a chance after an injury, but when it came to me, I didn't get a chance. I should have got a chance and I feel regretful about the fact that I should have got at least one chance.

“One more thing - I didn't have a bad performance in ODIs, but I am not there in the ODI side. I am on 99 wickets and it does feel that I should have got a chance to play and complete 100 wickets. But I haven't got that chance and I feel I should have got that opportunity," she elaborated.

Asked if she still harbors hopes of an India comeback, her response is very direct. "If one doesn't look at the age, then I can get a chance. No one cares about the age and if you think about it, you won't get a chance. But if they think I can play, I will get a chance."

Through the toughest periods - the surgery, rehabilitation, and being out of action, Rajeshwari’s family constantly stayed by her side. "There was no one except my family. They have supported me a lot. No one else knew what I was going through. When you do well, people ask about you.

“But when you need someone, no one supports you and I have noticed this. At that time, no one supported me except my family. Even now, I play for my family because they do think that I can still play cricket. I am able to play now because of my family and their support."

Her younger sister, Rameshwari, also a cricketer and played for Karnataka, has become Rajeshwari’s most trusted technical advisor and mental support. "She plays a very big role in my life. She never thinks about herself when it comes to me. I always consider her more of a mentor than a sister.

“She is younger than me, but she is more mature than me. Whenever we go home, as of now, I don't have a personal coach for a long time. My sister is everything to me because she understands and tells me everything. We started playing cricket together. She knows what I do wrong and what I do right.

“We tell and listen to each other about what improvement we can bring to our respective games. She tells me what I am doing wrong or what I used to do right before. She understands everything about bowling and tries to tell me about it and she supports me a lot."

The support is unconditional, irrespective of performance or results. "She is always happy. My family always supports me - even if I don't get a wicket or pick four-five scalps, they are happy. They just want to see me play well. My family supports me a lot and I can say that I am still playing because of them," she said.

This WPL season has seen Gayakwad bowl in contrasting conditions, from the flatter surfaces in Navi Mumbai to the more helpful tracks at Vadodara. Though she didn’t get much bowling time in the first half of the competition, the second half has been a productive one for her.

"The pitches here aid the spinners, while flat pitches were there. But I didn't get many chances to bowl in Navi Mumbai. It was a little challenging for the bowlers there. But the wickets here are slow and the bowlers are getting help. Both the wickets were different, but it is fun to play."

Her pre-game preparation, however, eschews the modern trend of elaborate routines like data and analytics. "No, nothing like that. I have been playing for so many years. I don't have any routine of that kind. I believe in what is going to happen, will happen.

“Nothing is the same every day and I believe more in that. The day we do well, the day will be good. If we don't do well, we can't do anything. There are ups and downs in the lives of the players and that's it."

On Tuesday, when GG takes on DC in the Eliminator, Rajeshwari won’t be just another experienced name in the bowling attack. She will be carrying the frustration of being sidelined, and a fire to perform that refuses to die down.

For her, a crack at playing the WPL final and potentially lifting the trophy will be proof that age is irrelevant, passion endures, and Rajeshwari has no plans of fading away quietly.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 2 (IANS) WTT Feeder Series Vadodara 2026 women’s singles finalist Anusha Kutumbale and WTT Youth Contender Vadodara 2026 boy’s u-19 singles winner Priyanuj Bhattacharyya lead India’s host wild card entrant list as the hosts will field a record 23 players in the main draw with a total of 33 entries in the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026, co-hosted by Ultimate Table Tennis, Sharath Kamal Academy with the support of SDAT scheduled to be held at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University from February 10-15.

All the four host wild cards in the women’s singles category went to Indian paddlers with up and coming paddlers Anusha Kutumbale, Sayali Wani, Kavya Bhatt and Taneesha Kotecha getting the nod while Anirban Ghosh and Divyansh Srivastava joining Priyanuj in the main draw, while Frenchman Remi Betelu is the fourth host wild card entrant in men’s singles.

The second edition of the WTT Star Contender Chennai will feature an enhanced prize purse of USD 300,000 with Indian table tennis legend Achanta Sharath Kamal serving as the Event Director, having retired from professional table tennis at this very event last year.

The talented Abhinandh Pradhivadhi, part of the historic bronze medal winning trio at the ITTF World Youth Championship team events has been given the WTT Youth wild card in men’s singles while 2025 Asian Youth Champion Divyanshi Bhowmick getting the Youth wild card in women’s singles.

Commenting on the wild cards, Event Director Sharath Kamal said, “The idea of wild cards in such major tournaments is to provide up and coming talent an opportunity to test themselves against some of the world’s best players and I am confident that the Indian players will showcase their skills on home turf. I am very happy to see that many young players have received a wild card this year and I am confident that the opportunity to play here will help them rise on the international stage.”

Indian challenge in men’s singles will be led by last edition semi-finalist and world number 33 Manav Thakkar with the likes of WTT Feeder Series Vadodara 2026 winner Manush Shah, the experienced G Sathiyan and Harmeet Desai also making it to the main draw.

Manush Shah and national champion Diya Chitale, who became the first Indian pair to qualify for the WTT Finals qualifiers, had received a wild card in the singles category last year and will now be playing in the main draw as a direct entrant.

WTT Feeder Vadodara 2026 runners-up Mudit Dani along with Anirban Ghosh have been given a wild card in men’s doubles along with the Swedish combination of Kristian Karlsson and Elias Ranefur.

WTT Feeder Vadodara 2026 winners duo of Syndrela Das & Payas Jain has got a wild card in mixed doubles, while the women’s doubles wild card went to Swastika Ghosh of India and Sarah De Nutte of Luxembourg.

WTT Feeder Vadodara 2026 winner Ryu Hanna of Republic of Korea and Japan’s Kotomi Omoda are the two foreign players to get a women’s singles wild card via WTT Nomination. Korea’s Kang Dongsoo and France’s Esteban Dorr received WTT nomination in men’s singles.

--IANS

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Dubai, Feb 2 (IANS) The Inyernational Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced international panels of umpires and referees for the two semi-finals at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.

Australia and England, who are both unbeaten in the competition so far, go head-to-head on Tuesday with Zahid Bassarath and Virender Sharma the on-field umpires.

Bassarath took charge of England’s most recent victory, over New Zealand, while Sharma has been in the middle for Australia’s wins over Japan and Sri Lanka.

Lubabalo Gcuma will be the third umpire, with Prageeth Rambukwella in place as fourth umpire. Prakash Bhatt is the match referee.

Shaun Haig and Russell Warren are the on-field duo for the second semi-final between India and Afghanistan in Harare on February 4.

Haig oversaw Afghanistan’s group stage wins over South Africa and the West Indies, while Warren was in the middle for India’s successes against the USA and Bangladesh.

Shawn Craig is in place as third umpire, with Masudur Mukul named as fourth umpire. Graeme La Brooy is match referee.

Semi-Final 1: Bulawayo, February 3

Australia v England

• On-field Umpires: Zahid Bassarath & Virender Sharma

• Third Umpire: Lubabalo Gcuma

• Fourth Umpire: Prageeth Rambukwella

• Match Referee: Prakash Bhatt

Semi-Final 2: Harare, February 4

India v Afghanistan

• On-field Umpires: Shaun Haig & Russell Warren

• Third Umpire: Shawn Craig

• Fourth Umpire: Masudur Mukul

• Match Referee: Graeme La Brooy

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 2 (IANS) The opening day of the main draw served up a series of well-contested matches at the Mumbai Open 125K Series, held at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) on Monday.

Mananchaya Sanwangkaew, Leolia Jeanjean, Mai Hontama, Misaki Matsuda, Miho Kuramochi and Mei Yamaguchi, all progressed to the next round with notable wins.

The day’s action began with the Japanese right hander Mai Hontama’s dominant victory over 21-year-old Alevtina Ibragimova in straight sets. Despite a spirited comeback by Ibragimova in the second set, Hontama kept her nerve to win the match 6-1, 6-4.

Mananchaya Sanwangkaew, the runner up from the previous season, cruised past her Slovakian opponent, Viktoria Morvayova to progress to the Round of 16. Mananchaya delivered a commanding performance as she won in straight sets, winning 6-2, 6-1.

The Thai player is one of Asia’s leading tennis stars and faced off against Emma Raducanu in the latest edition of the Australian Open.

After Lulu Sun withdrew from the tournament due to illness, Indian veteran Ankita Raina qualified for the Main Draw to face off against the Misaki Matsuda.

However, the 27-year-old Japanese beat Raina in straight sets to secure a 6-4, 6-0 win.

26-year-old Mei Yamaguchi emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle against Polina Iatcenko that lasted for 2 hours and 14 minutes.

The Japanese star came back into the game after losing the first set, and went on to win the match 5-7, 6-3, 6-3.

Vaidehee Chaudhari, India’s number two ranked women’s singles player, faced the third-seed Leolia Jeanjean on centre court.

The French star - who came into the spotlight after defeating former world number one Karolina Pliskova at the French Open in 2022 - delivered a supreme performance against Vaidehee prevailing 6-2, 6-0 in the contest that lasted a little over an hour.

In the final game of the day, Japan’s Miho Kuramochi overcame Argentina’s Nicole Fossa Huergo in straight sets, winning 6-4, 6-3 in an hour and 31 minutes.

--IANS

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Washington, Feb 2 (IANS) Teenage sensation and seventh seed Anahat Singh defeated top seed and World No 10. Georgina Kennedy of England with scores of 12-10, 11-5, 11-7 in the Squash on Fire Open final, earning her first PSA Bronze-level title.

This is the biggest title of young Anahat’s career and her 15th overall on the PSA Tour, where the Indian world No. 31 has competed in 26 tournaments.

Kennedy had beaten Singh 3-0 in their only previous encounter at this season’s Canadian Women’s Open, and she made a strong start here, too, bringing up two game balls at 10-8 in the first.

But Anahat, displaying more of the free-flowing squash we’ve seen all week, proceeded to reel off four points on the bounce to close out the game, letting out a big scream of emotion before the players headed off court.

She was then 3-2 down in game two, but from that moment on, barely took a step back, mixing her game up well with attacking boasts, sharp kills and well-placed lobs.

A run of four straight points moved the teenager 6-3 in front, and she would only lose another two points in the game, moving within one game of glory.

A fast start to game three was always likely to be key to Kennedy’s hopes of staging a comeback, but instead it was Anahat who charged out of the blocks, moving 5-1 in front in less than two minutes.

5-1 soon became 10-6 and four match balls, and while the first came and went, Anahat would not have to wait long for her moment of glory, with a clinical forehand boast winner providing a fitting finale to a sensational week.

“I’m extremely happy. I knew I wanted to do well in these events, get my ranking up and also put on a performance, and I’m glad I was able to do that this time,” Anahat said after her victory against the World No 10.

The 17-year-old reached her maiden PSA Bronze-level final at the Squash on Fire Open in Washington with a 3-1 win over US World No. 23 Sabrina Sobhy (11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 11-5) in the semifinals and booked herself a date with England’s Kennedy in the final.

Earlier in the tournament, Anahat staged a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat No. 2 seed Sana Ibrahim (8-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7), showcasing her resilience and skill.

She has been in excellent form this season, reaching the semi-finals of the Silver-level Canadian Women’s Open, finishing runner-up at the British Junior Open Under-19, helping India win the first-ever Squash World Cup, and claiming the Daly College Cup PSA title in Indore.

At the British Junior Open, she lost a tight four-game final to France’s Lauren Baltayan (9-11, 11-7, 3-11, 9-11), marking her ninth BJO final across different age groups and underscoring her rising stature on the PSA Tour.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Feb 2 (IANS) Jaipur Polo Team capped off a strong campaign in the Kognivera Cup with a composed 5–2 victory over V Polo in the final, showcasing control, discipline, and assured finishing across all four chukkers to lift the title. Jaipur dictated the tempo for large periods of the contest, steadily building pressure and capitalising on key moments to seal a deserved triumph.

The final began on an even footing, with both sides feeling their way into the game. V Polo opened their account early, matched soon after by Jaipur, as the first chukker ended level at 1–1, setting the tone for a competitive encounter.

Jaipur began to assert themselves in the second chukker, edging ahead through better ball movement and sharper finishing. A goal in the latter stages helped Jaipur take a slender 2–1 lead into halftime, with V Polo staying within touching distance through determined defence.

The third chukker proved decisive as Jaipur stepped up the intensity. Lance Watson led the charge with clinical conversions, while HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur controlled play effectively, helping Jaipur extend their advantage to 4–1 by the end of the chukker.

V Polo attempted a late resurgence in the final chukker, adding a goal through their attacking duo, but Jaipur remained composed under pressure. Watson added his fourth of the match to shut the door on any comeback, as Jaipur closed out the final at 5–2 to secure the Kognivera Cup.

Lance Watson emerged as the standout performer for Jaipur with four goals, while HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur added one, underlining a balanced and controlled team effort. For V Polo, Vivaan Mehta and Santiago Marambio were on the scoresheet with a goal apiece.

--IANS

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Sydney, Feb 2 (IANS) Australia’s preparations for the T20 World Cup have been hit by further uncertainty, with fast bowler Josh Hazlewood set to miss the early part of the tournament as he continues rehabilitation from an Achilles issue in Sydney. In response, Sean Abbott has been included in the squad as a travelling reserve.

Hazlewood, who was initially sidelined from the England series due to a hamstring strain, later developed an Achilles problem during his recovery. After consultations between selectors and medical staff, it was decided that the senior pacer would remain in Australia for now, with no clear timeline set for his arrival in Sri Lanka.

Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said the decision was taken with Hazlewood’s long-term fitness in mind.

"We felt with Josh it was more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation at home in a familiar environment before travelling to Sri Lanka. With Nathan also completing his return to play we decided to bring Sean with us as fast bowling cover should anything come up at short notice,” Dodemaide was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"Sean is an accomplished and versatile international player who has experienced numerous World Cup campaigns. It made sense for him to stay with the group following the Pakistan tour,” he added.

Abbott’s inclusion comes as Australia continue to navigate multiple fitness concerns within their squad. The defending champions have already lost Pat Cummins from the tournament, with the fast bowler requiring additional time to recover from a back injury that forced him to miss four of the five Tests against England. Ben Dwarshuis was subsequently added to the final 15-member squad, while Matt Renshaw replaced Matthew Short.

Further complications remain, with several key players only just returning or still managing injuries. Nathan Ellis missed both Hobart Hurricanes’ BBL finals due to a hamstring concern, while Tim David has not played since December 26 after sustaining a hamstring injury in the BBL, his second such setback in eight months following a strain during last year’s IPL.

Glenn Maxwell, meanwhile, was rested for the Pakistan tour as part of the ongoing management of his previously broken ankle.

There were also brief injury concerns during Australia’s recent series in Pakistan. Adam Zampa bowled just two overs in the final ODI in Lahore and did not bat due to groin tightness, although Cricket Australia later described the issue as precautionary.

Despite the challenges, reinforcements are on the way. Maxwell, Ellis, and David are all expected to link up with the squad in Colombo on Tuesday after missing the Pakistan tour.

Australia are scheduled to play a warm-up match against the Netherlands on Thursday before opening their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11.

Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Travelling reserve: Sean Abbott

--IANS

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Noida, Feb 2 (IANS) BJP leader and former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, praised the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 and lauded the thrilling final between Haryana Thunders and Delhi Dangal Warriors. He described the tournament as a major success and attributed the sport’s consistent growth to the enhanced sports infrastructure developed over the last decade under the government.

Reacting to Sunday’s championship clash, Brij Bhushan said the final remained competitive until the very end, making it one of the most exciting contests in recent wrestling history.

“It was a highly impressive match. The excitement continued until the very last moment because the score was tied at 4–4—Delhi with 4 points and Haryana with 4 points as well. As a result, the outcome could not be decided until the final moments. In most matches, the result is clear early on, and one can predict the winner, but in this case, the suspense remained intense right till the end, making it an excellent contest.”

Highlighting India’s growing strength in wrestling, Brij Bhushan expressed confidence in the country’s future prospects on the international stage.

“India is performing very well in wrestling and is expected to perform even better in the future. Among all sports, wrestling has the greatest potential to bring the highest number of medals for India.”

He also credited improvements in sports infrastructure over the past decade for the sport’s steady progress under the government.

“Sports have never really faced major issues. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, sports facilities and infrastructure have been continuously improved.”

Haryana Thunders clinched the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 title with a thrilling 5–4 victory over Delhi Dangal Warriors in a gripping final at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Sunday night.

With the tie locked at 4–4 after eight bouts, the championship was decided in the final women’s 62 kg contest, where Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko delivered a dominant 16–0 technical superiority win to seal the title for Haryana.

The victory capped one of the most dramatic finals in PWL history and earned Haryana Thunders the championship trophy along with Rs 1.5 crore in prize money, while runners-up Delhi Dangal Warriors received Rs 75 lakh.

--IANS

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Sonipat, Feb 2 (IANS) Haryana’s Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam appreciated the Kabaddi Champions League’s efforts in promoting kabaddi at a professional level while staying true to its grassroots ethos.

Gautam attended Kabaddi Champions League matches and witnessed the high-octane action, passion and competitive intensity that define the tournament.

Interacting with players, team officials and fans at the venue, the Sports Minister praised the athletes for their fighting spirit and discipline, noting that kabaddi continues to be one of Haryana’s strongest sporting identities.

“Kabaddi is in the DNA of Haryana,” he said. “The Kabaddi Champions League is doing commendable work by providing a structured and competitive platform for our young players. Leagues like this not only polish talent but also motivate athletes from villages and small towns to pursue sports with confidence and pride.”

Haryana Sports Minister also highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening Haryana’s position as a powerhouse of Indian sports, adding that professional leagues play a vital role in bridging grassroots talent with national and international opportunities.

His visit further underlined the growing stature of the Kabaddi Champions League, as the tournament continues to attract support from the sporting fraternity and government alike, reinforcing its mission of nurturing talent and celebrating India’s indigenous sport.

The witnessed the thrilling mix of drama and dominance as Hisar Heroes stunned Karnal Kings in a last-raid thriller, while Rohtak Royals produced a commanding performance against Gurugram Gurus, making it a memorable day highlighted by standout displays from Ashu Malik and Himanshu.

Hisar Heroes delivered one of the most gripping matches of the season, edging past Karnal Kings 41–39 to hand the Kings their first defeat of the league.

Rohtak Royals overpowered Gurugram Gurus 44–32, riding on a powerful start and a disciplined defensive display.

--IANS

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