NEW DELHI: India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra predictably won gold in his first competition at home in three years, but he refused to read too much into his below-par 82.27 meter throw as he prepares to defend his Olympic title in Paris.
Chopra began his season with a second place finish at the Diamond League meeting in Doha on Friday and immediately dashed home to compete in the Federation Cup in the east Indian city of Bhubaneswar.
Chopra sealed top of the podium with his forth attempt and did not take the final two throws in his first home event since winning India’s first athletics gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
“I came here after competing in Doha and there was not much recovery time,” Chopra told reporters on Wednesday.
“I competed in this kind of weather after a while. I was not feeling that good ... so I decided to stop after four throws.”
“Let’s not talk about the throw, it was not up to the mark. This one is not my consistent type of throw.”
Asked about his chances of hitting the 90-meter mark, Chopra, who has a personal best of 89.94 meters, said it would come at the right time and at the right place.
The 26-year-old was the center of attention at the home meet.
He did not start the press conference until another event was over, and hung around later to greet fellow athletes and enquire about their training and oblige selfie-seekers.
“It felt great to compete in India after a long time with so many people turning up to support me,” he said.
Chopra is scheduled to compete in the Czech Republic and Finland before defending his Olympic title in Paris.
“It’s going to be really tough competition in Paris,” he said.
“In Doha too, the competition was intense. I have a couple of more events before the Olympics, and will try to throw better.”
India’s Chopra picks up javelin gold in home appearance
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India’s Chopra picks up javelin gold in home appearance
- Chopra began his season with a second-place finish at Diamond League meeting in Doha on Friday
- Chopra scheduled to compete in Czech Republic and Finland before defending Olympic title in Paris
Saudi Arabia beat hosts by 7 wickets to top table at Malaysia Quadrangular
- Final on Friday is against Malaysia, who finished second in the standings
KUALA LUMPUR: Saudi Arabia will face Malaysia in the final of the Malaysia Quadrangular in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, May 2, after beating the hosts by seven wickets.
Openers Faisal Khan and Abdul Waheed set up the victory in posting an opening stand of 100 in just nine overs.
Earlier in the week Saudi Arabia had repeated their victories over Thailand and Singapore in the second round of the tournament to set up a match against Malaysia that would decide first and second in the league table.
Saudi Arabia had recovered from 90 for four against Thailand thanks to a partnership of 80 in 5.2 overs from Waji Ul-Hassan and Manan Ali. Ul-Hassan then became the third Saudi Arabian to take five wickets in T20I cricket with five for nine as the Kingdom won by 39 runs.
Against Singapore, three wickets apiece for Ishtiaq Ahmed and Zain Ul-Abidin, restricted the opponents to 112 for seven. Although Khan suffered his second duck in two matches, Waheed made 42 from 28 deliveries, with Saudi Arabia winning by seven wickets inside 15 overs.
The Saudi team had won four matches out of five to stand on eight points, just one point behind Malaysia, who had a no-result against Singapore because of rain.
Hence, the winner of the second encounter between the two teams would determine the group winner. Malaysia had chased down Saudi Arabia’s score in their previous match, so the Saudis chose to bowl first.
Virandeep Singh had carried Malaysia to victory with four wickets and a brilliant unbeaten 93 in the previous match, so it was an important breakthrough when Ul-Hassan dismissed him, caught behind for 21 from 21 balls.
Syed Aziz reached his 50 from 38 balls on the way to 67 from 49 balls but Malaysia only made 160 for six, despite Sharvin Muniady hitting the last two balls of the innings for six.
Saudi Arabia’s opening partnership was likely to be key as Khan and Waheed had often provided an exciting launch pad for the innings.
Khan played out two dot balls and then was away with a six over mid-wicket, racing to 30 from 12 balls out of the 50-run partnership in 3.3 overs. He made 50 inside the first six overs, needing only 20 balls to reach the landmark, hitting six sixes and three fours.
Saudi Arabia’s score stood on 80 for no wicket after six overs. Then Singh was introduced in the attack and the field spread out, allowing singles to be easily taken as the openers changed gear. Khan did hit another six before 100 was posted in just nine overs.
He was dismissed for 66 from 32 balls and his partnership with Waheed was exactly 100 in 9.1 overs when he was caught by Singh, off the bowling of Pavandeep Singh. In the tournament he maintained a strike rate close to 200 and hit a total of 14 sixes.
Pavandeep claimed a second wicket, but the required rate was down to five runs an over. Waheed completed his 50 from 39 balls with five fours and had played a fine supporting role to the explosive Khan.
He was third out with 27 runs needed, captain Ul-Hassan guiding his side to victory with an unbeaten 22 from 18 balls, and Saudi Arabia winning by seven wickets with 2.1 overs to spare.
The two sides will meet again in the final on May 2, while Singapore will play Thailand in the third-place playoff.
Trio of Saudi fighters looking to shine at PFL MENA 1 in Jeddah
- Malik Basahel, Abdulaziz bin Moammar and Ahmed Makki will take part in the action at Onyx Arena
JEDDAH: PFL MENA will begin its second season at the Onyx Arena in Jeddah on May 9 with a trio of fighters from the Kingdom looking to leave their mark in front of the home crowd.
When Malik Basahel, Abdulaziz bin Moammar and Ahmed Makki make their respective entrances into the world-famous PFL SmartCage, it will symbolize a different chapter in each of their careers.
For Basahel, PFL MENA 1 in Jeddah will mark the beginning of his professional mixed martial arts career. The 23-year-old will be competing in his first pro fight when he takes on Mountasser Boutouta in a Flyweight Showcase bout.
“I’m preparing for my first professional fight after 25 amateur bouts, where I won 21 times,” said Basahel, who has put together an impressive 21-3-1 amateur slate, which includes five wins by KO/TKO and eight wins by submission. While this will not be Basahel’s first trip to the PFL SmartCage, it will be arguably his most important, as he makes the jump to the professional ranks in front of a Saudi crowd.
“This motivates me to perform at my best and make a strong entry into the professional scene,” Basahel said.
While this will be Basahel’s first pro outing, his vast amateur experience has been a huge learning experience, as he details what he needs to do to score his first career win.
“Every fighter has a different style, but the most important thing is inner focus and the ability to react instantly to the opponent’s moves,” he said.
For his training regimen, Basahel says that he sticks to a strict routine and highlights the importance of the right attitude.
“Discipline and consistency are keys to success. You need a structured training schedule — not three days on and two days off.
“Stick to a strict training program for months if you want to succeed in combat sports.”
For Abdulaziz bin Moammar, the amateur journey continues, but this time he will be competing on the biggest stage he has ever been on. With a 10-3 record as an amateur, the Saudi native will start the PFL MENA 1 card against Fares Hamdani in an amateur Catchweight contest.
“This tournament in Jeddah will be special, as the city has hosted many major events before,” Moammar said. “Jeddah is the birthplace of MMA in Saudi Arabia, and its crowd is knowledgeable and passionate.”
While still competing as an amateur, Moammar is already making sure that his tools are well-sharpened as he continues down a path that will eventually lead to a promising professional career.
“I’m always working to become more complete — better on the ground and in striking — through experience and sparring with champions,” he said.
Whenever he steps inside the cage, Moammar says that he does not just go out there for himself.
“Victory is always my goal because I represent not just myself, but my family, supporters and country. That’s a big responsibility,” he said.
While PFL MENA 1 may be a starting point for some and a continuation of the journey for others, the card will mark the end of the line for Makki, one of Saudi Arabian MMA’s true pioneers.
Makki turned pro in 2014 and compiled a 1-3-1 professional record, with appearances under the Desert Force, Phoenix FC and Brave CF promotions.
Competing for the first time since 2018, Makki returns for his final bout on the biggest stage of his career.
“I’m one of the first fighters to start this sport in Saudi Arabia and I witnessed how combat sports evolved in The Kingdom,” Makki said.
“I chose to have my final professional fight in my hometown of Jeddah, in front of my people and the Saudi audience.”
While Makki’s fighting resume may not be as lengthy as the other fighters that have come after him, he is glad that he can include a PFL appearance in his list of accomplishments before calling it a day.
“I’m happy to end my journey in a championship event hosted by my own city,” he said. “Participating in the PFL in Jeddah is a great addition to my career after competing and succeeding in both international and local events.”
For international regional tournaments, one of the PFL’s main goals is to be able to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming local talent, giving them a pathway to international glory and success. For Makki, he relishes the opportunity to be one of those passing the torch to the next generation of MMA stars from Saudi Arabia.
“It’s time to pass the torch to the new generation,” he said. “There are many Saudi talents capable of shining on the global stage.”
Abu Dhabi set for third round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
- Event takes place May 2-4 at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City
ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has announced that the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, round three for Gi competitors, will take place here from May 2 to 4 at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City.
The UAEJJF event will feature a range of competitors, starting with the youth (under-18), adults, and masters categories on the first day.
The second day will have the under-14 and under-16 competitors, and will conclude on the third day with the under-12 athletes.
Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAEJJF, highlighted the successes of the championship which “embody the vision of the wise leadership in supporting and developing the sport of jiu-jitsu.”
The high levels demonstrated by the athletes “reflects the championship’s position as a leading platform for honing skills and preparing future champions.
“Since its inception, the championship, which bears a name close to our hearts, has received sizable interest from various segments of the community, reflecting the growing popularity of jiu-jitsu in Emirati society,” he added.
“The championship also represents a unique opportunity for families to encourage their sons and daughters and enjoy an exciting sporting atmosphere.”
“The tournament reflects the values of social cohesion, instils a culture of sports in society and contributes to building strong generations grounded in self-confidence, belonging and a sense of responsibility.”
Al-Dhaheri said the championship was a “well-structured tournament with a competitive ranking system for athletes in place.
“This system enhances competition between clubs and academies, raises competitor efficiency, and provides incentives that drive interest in the tournament and intensify the competition for top rankings and titles.”
Djokovic’s Rome pullout a worrying sign, says Courier
- The Serb was expected to jumpstart his clay campaign in Rome before returning to Paris, where he won Olympic gold last year
LONDON: Novak Djokovic’s shock withdrawal from next week’s Italian Open should be a huge worry for the 24-times Grand Slam champion’s fans as he heads to the French Open without winning a match on clay this season, former Roland Garros winner Jim Courier said.
Djokovic, who turns 38 three days before the year’s second Grand Slam begins on May 25, has been woefully out of form and was comprehensively beaten in his opening matches at Masters tournaments in Monte Carlo and Madrid this month.
The Serb was expected to jumpstart his clay campaign in Rome before returning to Paris, where he won Olympic gold last year, but on Tuesday he said he was skipping the Masters 1000 event, without providing a reason.
“That’s troubling. It’s worrying for me as a Novak fan,” Courier, who won back-to-back Roland Garros titles in 1991 and 1992, said on the Tennis Channel.
The American added that Rome would have been the perfect venue for Djokovic to find his rhythm as it had similar conditions to Paris without the challenge of playing at altitude in Madrid.
“If you’re going to play one between Madrid and Rome (then) Rome would be the one you would want to play to get ready for Roland Garros,” he said.
Djokovic, who is chasing a 100th tour-level title and first since his ATP Finals triumph in 2023, said after his loss in Madrid that he was trying to come to terms with a “new reality” in tennis where he is just “trying to win a match or two.”
“I don’t know what to make of it, but I don’t like the way it feels in the gut,” Courier added.
“It’s a very strange thing to announce a pullout now, well in advance of it, and we’ll see what it all means when we get to Roland Garros.”
Haliburton leads comeback as Pacers advance; Pistons stay alive
- The Pacers advanced to an Eastern Conference semifinal series with top seeds Cleveland after pulling off a remarkable overtime Houdini act
- The reigning NBA champion Celtics had an easier time of it as they overpowered the Orlando Magic with a series-clinching 120-89 victory at Boston’s TD Garden
LOS ANGELES; The Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics became the latest teams to book their places in the second round of the NBA playoffs on Tuesday as the Detroit Pistons thwarted the New York Knicks to keep their postseason hopes alive.
In Indianapolis, the Pacers battled back from a 20-point deficit and then rallied again in overtime to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 119-118 and seal a 4-1 victory in their NBA Eastern Conference duel.
The reigning NBA champion Celtics had an easier time of it as they overpowered the Orlando Magic with a series-clinching 120-89 victory at Boston’s TD Garden.
The Knicks, leading their series 3-1, missed the chance to join Boston and Indiana in the second round after losing 106-103 to Detroit at Madison Square Garden.
The Pacers advanced to an Eastern Conference semifinal series with top seeds Cleveland after pulling off a remarkable overtime Houdini act.
The Pacers trailed 118-111 with 40 seconds remaining but launched an 8-0 run that culminated with Tyrese Haliburton’s driving layup to clinch victory with 1.3 seconds left on the clock.
A late blunder by Milwaukee’s Gary Trent Jr — who fumbled a wide open pass to turn over possession and set up Haliburton’s winning layup — proved pivotal.
“Both teams literally left every single ounce of everything they had out there, including timeouts — nobody had anything left,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.
“But you know, fortune favors the bold — and our guys were bold in the last three quarters and we’re very grateful and thankful to be moving on.”
Asked what his message to his players had been after they had fallen 20 points behind early on, Carlisle replied: “Hit somebody.”
Haliburton led Indiana’s scoring with 26 points, five rebounds and nine assists while Myles Turner added 21 points. Aaron Nesmith finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Trent Jr. led the scorers for Milwaukee with 33 points while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 30 in the absence of the injured Damian Lillard, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Sunday’s game four loss.
Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers said turnovers and poor execution in the closing stages cost his team victory.
“These games will kill you,” Rivers said. “Execution down the stretch is something you have to have, and we have to own that. We failed in that department tonight. But give them credit — they hung in there.”
In Boston, Jayson Tatum’s 35-point display and 23 points from Jaylen Brown helped the Celtics close out their series against Orlando.
The Celtics trailed 49-47 after a sluggish first-half display but erupted on a 35-9 run in the third quarter to take the game away from the Magic.
“We didn’t really like the way we played in the first half,” Tatum said. “But it’s tough to put a team away. We just stuck with it.
“But we’re champions and we can win in multiple different ways, with multiple different lineups. The Magic forced us to play in a different way, but we adapted and figured it out.”
The Celtics will face the winner of the series between New York and Detroit in the other Eastern Conference semifinal.
The Pistons ensured their postseason campaign will last at least one more game after downing the Knicks in New York. The Knicks lead the best-of-seven series 3-2.
In a game that saw the lead change hands 18 times, the Pistons held on for the win after the Knicks closed to 104-103 with seven seconds remaining.
Cade Cunningham led Detroit’s scoring with 24 points with Ausar Thompson adding 22.
