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Indian table tennis star Manika Batra secured one of the biggest victories of her singles career recently. Olympic gold medallist and reigning world champion Neeraj Chopra is all set to compete in the 27th Federation Cup National Championship 2024.
A lot more happened in the sporting world and in this article, we will have a look at the major events across several sporting disciplines in the last 24 hours.
Table Tennis
Manika Batra gets emotional after defeating world number 2
Indian table tennis star Manika Batra secured one of the biggest victories of her singles career recently. The world number 39 took down world no. 2 Wang Manyu of China in the women’s singles Round of 32 at the Saudi Smash table tennis tournament. Batra said, "I am still shivering, I am really happy for this. Beating Chinese players is a great thing for me and World No. 2. I think it will take time to digest. Of course, I have to prepare for my next match. I am very happy.”
Athletics
Neeraj Chopra to participate in 27th Federation Cup 2024
Olympic gold medallist and reigning world champion Neeraj Chopra is all set to compete in the 27th Federation Cup National Championship 2024 to be held from May 12 to May 15 in Odisha. The competition will be Chopra’s first domestic competition since the 2021 edition of the tournament where his best throw was of 87.80m. The Athletics Federation of India announced on social media, “As per entries Neeraj Chopra and Kishore Kumar Jena will compete in domestic competition starting May 12 in Bhubaneshwar.”
I wanted to prove that I am still the main member: MR Poovamma after securing Paris Olympics berth
MR Poovamma, the senior-most member of the Indian women’s 4x400 relay team that secured Paris Olympics berth recently, said that she wanted to set an example that age doesn’t matter if the body is permitting. She told PTI, “I wanted to prove that I am still the main member of the relay team and I can still do it. Even age does not matter. I wanted to set an example. I had a very satisfying comeback at this stage and I am very happy. I will have to be in another Olympics and if my body is giving me company why should I stop the sport? Some foreign athletes run till 35 or 37. So I wanted to set an example for other athletes that age does not matter. So, I did it.”
Tennis
Serena Williams dresses like trophy for the Met Gala 2024
Tennis icon Serena Williams graced the Met Gala 2024 in a custom-made Balenciaga couture gown reminiscing a radiant trophy. The dress was designed in a metallic shade and featured dual trains, one from her shoulder and the other from a leg slit. This year’s Met Gala marked a significant moment for Williams. Last year, she revealed her pregnancy in a Gucci gown. Since then, she welcomed her second daughter, Adira River with her husband Alexis Ohanian. Notably, this year’s theme was ‘Garden of Time’ inspired by J.G. Ballard’s timeless narrative and relationship between time and nature.
Paula Badosa reveals how Ons Jabeur helped her during Italian Open
Paula Badosa revealed how Ons Jabeur helped her start the Italian Open on a winning note. She said, "I just saw her team because I know she was here. I was like, thank God your practice yesterday made me play amazing today. I was so aware of everything, aware of the drop shot. She did like 25. I had to do a good recovery after. But yeah, it is always nice to be next to her. She helps me so much even mentally she is always so positive. Sometimes maybe I am struggling a bit and playing against her also I learn a lot from her. She is so talented so it's nice to share moments with her."
Football
Crystal Palace defeat Man Utd 4-0 in Premier League
Manchester United are on the verge of failing to qualify for Europe next season after they faced a 0-4 dismissal against Crystal Palace. With this, the Red Devils were left in the eighth spot in the Premier League standings. After the game, Erik ten Hag said, "I will keep fighting and I prepared the team in the best way I could do. It was not good enough, by far not good enough, so I have to take the responsibility for that. All season, we have huge (injury) problems. This is the fourth defeat in 2024, so that's not a lot and every time we had huge problems. Many times, we sort it out, today, we didn't."
Pubs in UK to extend opening hours if England or Scotland reach Euros 2024 semifinals
Ahead of the much-awaited Euros 2024, Pubs can extend their opening hours to 1 am if England or Scotland make it to the semi-finals. The British Government confirmed the development, revealing that pubs will be open for an extra two hours on match days if either or both teams reach the knockout to allow fans to enjoy these moments. Addressing this change, Home Secretary James Cleverly said, “We have listened to the public through our consultation and will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semifinals or final of Euros.”
Malaysian footballer Faisal 'Mickey' Halim suffers acid attack
In a tragic turn of events, Malaysian national footballer, Faisal 'Mickey' Halim fell victim to an acid attack at a shopping mall over the weekend. The incident occurred in Petaling Jaya district outside the capital Kuala Lumpur, according to Najwan Halimi, a sports official in Selangor state. The source, as per Malaysian news outlet The Star, shared that Halim was attacked by some men, who poured acid on him. Further, Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan revealed on private television station Astro Awani that a male suspect had been arrested, though he did not disclose a motive.
