Credit: X
Tokyo Olympics gold medallist and world champion, Neeraj Chopra has finally opened up on his withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Diamond League, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 7. Similarly, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat confirmed receiving her Schengen visa for competing in the Grand Prix of Spain 2024 in Madrid. Phogat received assistance from the Government and will be on her flight scheduled for Wednesday night (July 3).
In the footballing world, Defending La Liga Champions Real Madrid are set to unveil star signing Kylian Mbappe on July 16. Los Blancos acquired the services of the Frenchman on a free transfer. While Bayern Munich are likely to sign a 56 million euro ($60.4m) deal with Fulham to sign Joao Palhinha.
Read below to learn details about these top stories and other happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours.
Football
Copa America 2024: Lionel Messi doubtful for quarterfinal against Ecuador due to injury
Footballing great Lionel Messi is doubtful for the Copa America 2024 quarterfinal against Ecuador. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner missed the final group stage clash against Peru because of a thigh complaint. Addressing Messi's health, the Argentine coach Luis Scaloni stated that the team is waiting for a decision which will be taken after their next training session.
Real Madrid to unveil Kylian Mbappe on July 16 in front of 80,000 fans at Bernabeu: Reports
Defending La Liga Champions Real Madrid are set to unveil star signing Kylian Mbappe on July 16. Los Blancos acquired the services of the Frenchman on a free transfer after his contract ended with French club Paris Saint Germain. The Spanish club will unveil the Frenchman on Tuesday, July 16, at 10:30 pm IST ( 19:00 CET ) where he will receive the number 9 jersey. The presentation will be at the legendary Santiago Bernabeu with close to 80,000 fans in attendance as per Spanish outlet AS Diaro.
Bayern Munich agree to $60M deal with Fulham to sign Joao Palhinha: Reports
Bayern Munich are likely to sign a 56 million euro ($60.4m) deal with Fulham to sign Joao Palhinha. Last year, Palhinha had almost moved to the Allianz Arena; however, the deal broke down on the final day of the transfer window. As per reports, it would be a club-record transfer for Fulham with 51 million euros up front along with 5 million euros in add-ons. The 28-year-old midfielder is likely to sign a four-year deal with the side.
Athletics
Neeraj Chopra breaks silence on Paris Diamond League “withdrawal”
Tokyo Olympics gold medallist and world champion, Neeraj Chopra has finally opened up on his withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Diamond League, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 7. The 26-year-old took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm his decision. In a post on X, Neeraj stated that the Paris Diamond League was not included in his competition calendar.
Wrestling
Vinesh Phogat receives Schengen visa for Grand Prix of Spain with help from sports ministry
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat confirmed receiving her Schengen visa for competing in the Grand Prix of Spain 2024 in Madrid. Phogat received assistance from the Government and will be on her flight scheduled for Wednesday night (July 3). Earlier today, the 29-year-old shared a post on her X account requesting help from the Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the Ministry of External Affairs as she did not have information on her visa. Three hours later, Vinesh Phogat received her visa and shared another post on X expressing gratitude towards those who helped her in this process.
NBA
LeBron James set to resign with Los Angeles Lakers on 2-year $104 million max
LA Lakers great LeBron James has reportedly agreed to sign a two-year deal with the LA Lakers for a whopping $104 million max deal. As per several reports, James opted out of his existing deal with the club, and as per analysts, the move would free up more money to recruit new players. James was an unrestricted free agent and was expected to return to LA after the side drafted Bronny James. As per ESPN, James will sign a two-year $104 million maximum deal with the side.
Tennis
Andy Murray to pair with Emma Raducanu to play mixed doubles at Wimbledon 2024
In the latest update, Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray will come together to take the field at the Wimbledon 2024 mixed doubles. The news came out on Wednesday, July 3 after the Brit withdrew from the men’s singles on Tuesday, July 2. The Scot’s representative confirmed that the pair have been granted a wildcard entry after Murray pulled out of the singles event. Murray, a two-time singles champion, also clarified that it would be his final appearance at the tennis major.
Olympics
Team India's kit for 2024 Paris Olympics revealed
The JSW Group unveiled the Official Team India Kit for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at an event organized to send off the athletes. The design of the kit draws inspiration from the elements, landforms, water bodies and seasons that are unique to India. The apparel aims to impart a feeling of our land’s essence and force when our athletes set out to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024.
