NEW DELHI: India’s javelin star Neeraj Chopra said Saturday that missing out on Olympic gold hurt, but the injury-hit athlete eyes bigger returns in upcoming competitions.
The 26-year-old won silver in Paris after Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won gold with an Olympic record of 92.97 meters in the javelin final.
Chopra, who made history in 2020 Tokyo Olympics with India’s first ever Olympic track and field gold, threw further in Paris with 89.45 meters — not too far off his personal best of 89.94m.
“There is no comparison with a gold medal,” Chopra told reporters by phone from Switzerland, where he is training for upcoming tournaments.
“Winning back-to-back medals for your nation is good and taking a lap of the ground with your country’s flag is always a wonderful feeling,” he added.
“But the national anthem playing when your flag goes up with you on top of the podium was missing.”
However, he said he was pleased with his silver.
“We have to accept what we have,” he said. “I am happy with what I got.”
Chopra built on his breakout success in Tokyo by winning world championship gold last year, but missed a few competitions due to a groin injury.
But the well-built star, who hails from the northern Indian state of Haryana — a nursery of athletes including Olympic wrestlers and boxers, remains confident of future success.
“I believed that I could cover more distance,” Chopra said on his mindset after Nadeem’s monster throw in Paris.
But Chopra said he will not set himself targets of 90 meters and more.
“I leave this to God. Just prepare well, and give it a rip, the javelin will travel,” he said.
Chopra became a national hero after his Tokyo gold, earning million-dollar endorsement deals with his boyish charm, changing hairstyles and an infectious smile.
However, Pakistan’s Nadeem shot to overnight stardom after his throw gave his nation’s their first individual Olympic gold.
Nadeem’s father-in-law gifted him a buffalo for the Olympic feat.
But Chopra isn’t surprised, saying he had been given a large container of ghee, or clarified butter.
“In Indian villages... gifts such as buffaloes, motorbikes and tractors are common,” he said.
India’s Chopra eyes bigger returns after losing Olympic gold to Pakistan’s Nadeem
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India’s Chopra eyes bigger returns after losing Olympic gold to Pakistan’s Nadeem
- Chopra missed out on gold after Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem threw javelin at record distance of 92.97 meters
- The athlete made history in 2020 Tokyo Olympics by winning India’s first-ever track and field gold medal
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.
Pakistan’s Noor Zaman revives family legacy with epic Under-23 world squash championship comeback
- Zaman defeated opponents from Kuwait, Poland, France and Malaysia on his path to the final
- His epic win has got him a wildcard entry to Senior World Championship in Chicago next month
PESHAWAR: Noor Zaman found himself on the brink of defeat after losing the first two games to his Egyptian counterpart in the final of the Under-23 Men’s World Squash Championship in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi this month.
The 21-year-old faced a moment of truth in front of a roaring home crowd and decided he could not lose the world championship Pakistan was hosting for the first time in 30 years and what followed was an epic comeback from Zaman to beat Egypt’s Karim El Turky 3-2.
His victory was not just a personal milestone but a symbolic moment for Pakistani squash, a sport once dominated by legends like Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan, and Zaman’s own grandfather, Qamar Zaman.
“When I got 2-0 down, only one thing was coming to my mind that ‘a world championship is being held in Pakistan after three decades, the whole crowd is sitting here to support me, if I lose, I will regret it a lot’,” Zaman recalled.
“I thought to myself that ‘all the hard work I have done in the past three, four months to prepare for this tournament, I should go to the court and fight for every single point.’ Thank God, I fought for every point and Allah made me the world champion.”
Zaman, who hails from the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, says for him, squash was more of an obligation than a passion.
“When I was young, I used to be taken for playing squash [by my grandfather]. I was not as passionate in childhood,” he said.
But with time, the sport became his calling.
Zaman’s ascent began with two consecutive Asian Junior Championship titles last year, followed by a silver medal at the Asian Games after graduating to the senior category.
The Under-23 World Squash Championship saw participation from 32 countries, with Zaman defeating opponents from Kuwait, Poland, France, and Malaysia on his path to the final. Zaman defeated 3-0 the players he had narrowly contested against as a junior, which was a testament to his growing dominance in the game.
His final opponent, Egypt’s El Turky, pushed him to the limit, but Zaman staged a spirited comeback, cheered on by an electrifying crowd in Karachi.
But there has hardly been any official recognition of Zaman’s feat.
“Everyone congratulated me — government officials, seniors, everyone — but no one has yet invited me for any honors,” he shared.
The 21-year-old remains grounded, driven by the legacy of his grandfather who continues to nurture talent in Peshawar by organizing regular tournaments.
“This is our family game and all the players emerging from Peshawar are emerging because of him, because of his support,” Noor said.
“He organizes 2-3 tournaments every month, which gives motivation to kids and they improve further.”
Zaman’s victory in the Under-23 championship has earned him a direct wildcard entry to next month’s Senior World Championship in Chicago.
The young Pakistani squash star is hopeful of not just carrying forward his family’s legacy, but also helping his country reclaim its former glory in the sport.
“God willing, now, I am going to play the Senior World Championship, [and] the goal is to become the Senior World Champion,” he said.
