London Olympics bronze medalist shooter Gagan Narang has been appointed as India’s Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics, replacing Mary Kom who resigned due to personal reasons. Ace shuttler PV Sindhu will be the female flag bearer alongside table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal during the opening ceremony.
The second T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to rain, leaving the series tied at 1-1. The third and final match on Tuesday will be crucial for both teams, with India needing a win to secure the series and South Africa aiming to end their tour on a high. Despite India’s changes to their lineup, their bowling struggled to contain the South African batters, while the Proteas’ batting unit gained confidence. The weather remains a concern for the final match, with scattered thunderstorms predicted.
France, despite its impressive World Cup record, faces criticism for underwhelming Euro 2024 performances. They meet a strong Spain in the semifinals, missing key players due to injuries and suspensions. Mbappe’s form and Spain’s youthful talent will be crucial factors in the match.
Elena Rybakina, the reigning Wimbledon champion, progressed to the quarterfinals after her opponent, Anna Kalinskaya, was forced to retire due to a right forearm injury. Rybakina, the highest-ranked player remaining in the tournament, showcased her powerful serve and strong game, securing a 6-3, 3-0 victory before Kalinskaya’s withdrawal.
In the July/August 2024 issue, Vogue Arabia dedicates its pages to the world of sports, showcasing the intricate connection between athletics and fashion and highlighting the achievements of Arab women athletes. The cover features two iconic pioneers – Nawal El Moutawakel, the first Arab and Muslim woman to win Olympic gold, and Dunya Aboutaleb, the first Saudi woman to qualify for the Olympic Games. This issue explores the history of sports and fashion, the dedication required of athletes, and the inspiring stories of Arab women making their mark on the international stage.
A symposium at Lord’s Cricket Ground discussed the future of Test cricket, with experts suggesting a reduction in participating teams and leveraging the popularity of T20 cricket to expand the game’s reach. Former players like Ravi Shastri and Justin Langer debated the balance between preserving the traditional format and embracing the lucrative opportunities of T20 leagues.
England’s paceman James Anderson will retire from international cricket after the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s. The 42-year-old, who holds the record for most wickets by a fast bowler in Test cricket, says he is most proud of his endurance and will decide if this match is his farewell to first-class cricket.
Olympic pole vault champion Armand Duplantis secured victory at the Paris Diamond League meet with a first-attempt clearance. While he fell short of breaking his own world record, Duplantis expressed confidence in his preparations for the upcoming Paris Games.
Cricket South Africa has named a 16-member squad, led by Temba Bavuma, for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies. The squad features the maiden Test call-up for batter Matthew Breetzke and the return of wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton. Pacer Marco Jansen has been rested for the series to allow for a conditioning period.
Former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the new head coach of the national team, replacing Chris Silverwood who resigned following the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup. Jayasuriya, a legendary all-rounder, will take over after the Lanka Premier League concludes on July 21.
