Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

Jyothi Surekha Vennam was in her top form as she clinched a hat-trick of gold medals to help India dominate at the ongoing Archery World Cup Stage 1 with five medals. The Indian women’s shuttlers got off to a winning start in the Uber Cup on Saturday. 

Read below to learn more about major happenings in the sporting world in last 24 hours.

Archery

Jyothi Surekha Vennam clinches three golds as India finishes with five medals at Archery World Cup

Jyothi Surekha Vennam was in her top form as she clinched a hat-trick of gold medals to help India dominate at the ongoing Archery World Cup Stage 1 with five medals. Jyothi, currently world number 3 moved past Mexico’s Andrea Becerra in a close contest and finished 146-146 (9*9). On the other hand, Priyansh bagged his maiden World Cup medal by finishing second in the men’s individual section. The recurve section medal rounds will be played on Sunday, where India will aim for two golds. 

Passion for the sport keeps me motivated: Jyothi Surekha Vennam after hat-trick of gold

Indian archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam said that it’s her passion for the sport that keeps her going. Her statement came after she won three gold medals in the ongoing Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai on Saturday. The 27-year-old said, “I always felt that one’s achievements should speak for themselves. Yes, the schedule is really hectic and that was also one of the reasons why I felt I should take a break last year. But again, the passion for the sport keeps me motivated.” Speaking about her gold, she said, “Honestly, I never expected to win the individual gold for my performance was not up to the mark. So, that way, it is a terrific feeling to win three gold medals.” 

Badminton

Inexperienced Indian shuttlers take down Canada in Uber Cup opener

The Indian women’s shuttlers got off to a winning start in the Uber Cup on Saturday. The Indians defeated Canada 3-0 in their Group A opener in Chengdu, China. The opening match saw 24-year-old Ashmita Chaliha defeating former top-10 player Michelle Li of Canada 26-24, 24-22. The Indians continued their momentum and the women’s doubles pair of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra took down Catherine Choi and Jeslyn Chow 21-12, 21-10, extending their lead to 2-0. In the final round, Isharani Baruah came up with another win against Wen Yu Zhang 21-13, 21-12. 

Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka win opening matches at Madrid Open 2024

Defending Madrid Open champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka won their opening clashes in the tournament on Friday. Alcaraz, who returned to action after a month recorded a 6-2, 6-1 win over Alexander Shevchenko. Sabalenka, on the other hand, locked horns against Magda Linette 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. After the win, Alcaraz said, "I didn't hit my forehand 100 percent. I hit it softer than I used to hit it, but I think it helped me, you know, to, let's say, stay relaxed. But the first thing that I was thinking about when I was stepping on the court is to stay healthy.”

Iga Swiatek defeats Sorana Cirstea to reach Madrid Masters R16

World number 1 Iga Swiatek defeated Romania’s Sorana Cirstea 6-1, 6-1 to make it to the final 16 overs of the Madrid Masters. A three-time winner of the French Open, Swiatek registered her win in just one hour and 18 minutes. Swiatek, who finished as runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka at Madrid last year, will be up against Victoria Azarenka or Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in the upcoming game. After the game, Swiatek said, "Victoria is a really experienced player who plays well on every surface. Sara is a Spaniard, will have the home crowd behind her, and is really solid. A fighter as well.

I don’t want to imagine tennis without Nadal yet: Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz said that he doesn’t want to envision the sport without Rafael Nadal yet. He said, "I don't want to imagine it (tennis without Rafael Nadal) yet. Like every fan of Rafa, of tennis, no one wants to imagine the circuit without Rafa. Personally speaking, I want to enjoy Rafa as much as possible, every time he enters the court, every time he can compete.” He added, "I know that's what he wants and what excites him, to feel competitive and try to win. Every time he can do it, I'm going to be there to enjoy it. That's what we have to think about, not about the afterlife. but to live in the moment.” 

Football

They have shown attitude and the drive to keep winning: Carlo Ancelotti on team after Real Sociedad win

Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on his side after Real Madrid’s win over Real Sociedad in LaLiga. He said, “Everyone thought we were coming here for a walkover and the only ones who didn't think so were the players. I'm very proud of them because they have shown attitude, desire, and the desire to keep winning and continue the team's good form "I have to thank them because in that sense they were spectacular."

Alejandro Garnacho hits Cristiano Ronaldo’s “Sleep” celebration after pool game win

The Manchester United winger, Alejandro Garnacho, hit the iconic “Sleep” celebration of Cristiano Ronaldo after winning a game of pool. Heralded as one of the youngest rising stars in the world of football, the 19-year-old Argentinian has taken his game to the next level in the ongoing season with the Red Devils. In the 2023-24 campaign for Manchester United, Alejandro Garnacho has captured the imagination of the Old Trafford faithful, making a positive difference in their fortunes on the football pitch. During his 44 appearances in all competitions this season, he has scored nine goals and provided five assists, while playing over 3,000 minutes worth of football.

Rio Ferdinand surprises Josh O’Connor; asks him about current Man Utd star with future in acting

During the promotion of his upcoming romantic sports movie “Challengers,” the British actor Josh O’Connor got a surprise video package from Rio Ferdinand, who asked him about which of the current Manchester United stars has a future in acting. In response, Josh O’Connor stated that the current captain, Bruno Fernandes, does great fed-up acting, throwing his arms about in frustration. Josh O’Connor is starring alongside Zendaya in the movie Challengers, which is directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes. It has Mike Faist, who plays the role of a professional tennis champion, plotting a comeback to the sport with the help of his wife, played by Zendaya, a former tennis prodigy, who had to retire from the sport due to an injury.

Major football results

England- Premier League

West Ham 1-2 Liverpool

Spain- LaLiga

Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid

Germany-Bundesliga

Vfl Bochum 3-2 Hoffenheim

France-Ligue 1

Montpellier 1-1 Nantes