Credit: X
The United World Wrestling (UWW) has reportedly suspended Indian ace wrestler Bajrang Punia till the end of 2024. Indian wrestlers Aman Sehrawat (57kg) and Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia (86kg) are set to lead the Indian contingent at the World Olympic Games qualifier.
Read below to learn more about the latest sporting events in the last 24 hours.
Wrestling
UWW suspends Bajrang Punia till year-end after NADA’s suspension: Reports
The United World Wrestling (UWW) has reportedly suspended Indian ace wrestler Bajrang Punia till the end of 2024. Bajrang told PTI that he didn’t receive any message from the global wrestling governing body, about suspension but the UWW has updated its internal system, which mentions that he stands suspended. Bajrang’s profile read, “Suspended for the following reason until Dec 31, 2023”, with the reason mentioned, “Provisionally suspended by NADO IND for alleged ADRV (Anti-Doping Rule Violation).”
Aman Sehrawat and Deepak Punia to lead Indian contingent at World Olympic Games qualifier
Indian wrestlers Aman Sehrawat (57kg) and Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia (86kg) are set to lead the Indian contingent at the World Olympic Games qualifier. The tournament will take place in Istanbul on Thursday. Aman got a bye to the round of 16 in a welcome development as he needs to win two bouts to book a berth in the Olympics. Deepak, on the other hand, was drawn against China’s Zushen Lin in the first round. In addition, Sujeet Kalkal (65kg), a World Junio bronze medallist will lock horns with Uzbek Umidjon Jalolov, who is a former World under-20 champion.
Formula One
Namaste India: Charles Leclerc shares special message for Indian fans
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc shares a special video message for Indian fans with a “Namaste India”. He thanked Indian fans for their unwavering support and revealed his long-held dream of visiting India someday. He acknowledged the support of Indian fans and conveyed his gratitude. The Monegause racing driver is currently a part of the Scuderia Ferrari in Formula One and has a remarkable track record. He clinched the GP3 Series championship in 2016 and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2017.
Tennis
I’m on a good route to peak at Roland Garros in Paris: Novak Djokovic
World number 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic said that he would be in top form for the French Open and wishes to prove that at the Italian Open, which kicked off on Wednesday, May 8. Djokovic also revealed the reason behind skipping the Madrid Open and said that he wanted to focus on Paris, Wimbledon, and the Olympic Games. He said, “It was not part of the schedule. The plan was to come here. That’s basically it. I’m on a good route to peak at Roland Garros in Paris. I’m on a good route to peak at Roland Garros in Paris. Hopefully, here in Rome, I can play better than I did in Monte Carlo. The wish, obviously, is always to go far, but let’s see.”
Naomi Osaka registers first win in Rome after three years
Naomi Osaka won her first game at the Rome Open after her three-year absence with a straight-sets victory over Clara Burel in the first round on Wednesday. He defeated the 45th-ranked French opponent 7-6 (7/2), 6-1. It was the first win of the 26-year-old against a top-50 player since beating Victoria Azarenka at the French Open in 2019. Osaka is currently ranked at 173 in the world after she took a break from the tour to have her first child. She will face the 19th seed Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine for a place in the third round.
Football
Premier League footballer with laughing gas addiction gets treated by paramedics at home
A Premier League footballer, who is diagnosed with laughing gas addiction, was reportedly treated by paramedics at home after his worried friend raised an alarm, seeing him surrounded by nitrous oxide canisters. The paramedics “delivered a stark warning” to the player after carrying out their checks. As per the report from the Daily Mail, the player, who has represented his country at the Under-21 level, has repeatedly tried to get rid of his laughing gas addiction, which has put his career and life in danger. He attended rehab earlier in the ongoing football season with the approval of his club, but his addiction kicked in once again.
England and Manchester City star Jack Grealish receives $700 fine for speeding
Manchester City and England star Jack Grealish received a $700 fine for speeding at 44mph in a 30mph zone. The football star was caught by a mobile camera at Station Road, Wythall, Worcestershire in July 2023. While the footballer didn’t appear at the Worcester magistrates’ court, his barrister submitted a guilty plea on his behalf. The 28-year-old received a $700 fine with five penalty points, a prosecution cost of $118, and a victim surge of $285. His barrister John Dye said, “Mr Grealish means no discourtesy by not attending. I am instructed to enter a guilty plea on his behalf in relation to speeding."
Matthijs de Ligt reveals linesman apologised for denying equaliser against Madrid
Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt revealed that the linesman apologised to him for denying the equaliser against Real Madrid in Champions League SF on May 8. He told the reporter, “The linesman said to me, ‘I’m sorry, I made a mistake. The rule says that if it’s not clear offside… you have to keep playing. And if you go in the last minute and you whistle like this, I think this is a big mistake. If it’s offside or not, I don’t know, VAR can check it, but if you don’t check it, how can you see it? This is a shame.”
