Picture Credit: X
The UEFA Euro 2024 has reached the last 16 and the Round of 16 will commence from Saturday, June 29. Ahead of the last 16 clash, former Indian footballer, Bhaichung Bhutia named his two title favourites in this edition of the tournament. Apart from football, in TT, Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra advanced further in the next round of the WTT Contender in Tunisia.
Read below to learn details about these top stories and other happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours.
Football
Bhaichung Bhutia names Spain and Germany as title favourites
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia revealed that he believes the Germans are the favourites heading into the knockout stages. “I think Germany's got a history of, it's like Real Madrid in the Champions League. It's the same with Germany, Spain and Italy, they always do well in all these knockout matches. Germany definitely is one of the favourites and they've started very well and they look a very strong, balanced side and is one of the few teams that have really played so far very well,” Bhutia told IANS.
Shaquille O’Neal in talks to buy stake in West Ham United: Reports
The NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal, is reportedly in talks to buy a stake in the Premier League club West Ham United, located in London, England. The 52-year-old loved watching the Hammers play at the end of the 2023-24 season, and afterwards, he has shown his interest in putting some serious cash into the English club.
Some major results in football are as under:
CONMEBOL Copa America
Venezuela 1:0 Mexico
Panama 2:1 US
Table Tennis
WTT Contender Tunisia: Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, G. Sathiyan advance; Sreeja Akula suffers exit
World No. 24 Sreeja Akula on Friday, June 28 suffered a shock exit from the Round of 32 at the TT Contender in Tunisia. Apart from Sreeja, other Indians including the likes of Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra and G. Sathiyan advanced into the next round.
F1
Lance Stroll to continue at Aston Martin; extends stay till 2026
Aston Martin has confirmed Lance Stroll will remain as a driver with the team for at least two more years. Aston Martin stated that he will continue to race at the team into the next set of technical regulations in 2026. He will partner Fernando Alonso, who signed a new contract in April to remain at Aston Martin until at least the end of 2026.
Pierre Gasly signs long-term Alpine F1 contract extension
Pierre Gasly will remain with Alpine in Formula One for the 2025 season and beyond after signing a multi-year contract extension. Gasly joined Alpine at the start of 2023 on a two-year deal that expires at the end of this season. But the Frenchman has committed his long-term future to Alpine, and a new contract has been announced ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.
Others
Kiran Pahal secures 2024 Paris Olympics berth
Kiran Pahal secured her Paris 2024 berth by breaching the Olympic qualification mark on Thursday, June 27. The 23-year-old athlete clocked 50.92 seconds in the semifinal of the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula. The Olympic qualification mark for women’s 400m was 50.95 seconds. With her timings, Pahal became the second fastest women’s 400m, just behind Hima Das (50.79 seconds).
Eldhose Paul pulls out of Olympic qualification race due to injury
Commonwealth Games champion triple humper Eldhose Paul on Thursday, June 27 pulled out of the 2024 Paris Olympics qualification race due to an injury. Paul suffered a heel bone fracture, who was set to make a final attempt at the qualification in the Panchkula event.
