The grand closing ceremony was presided over by SSP Srinagar, Dr. G. V. Sundeep Chakravarthy-IPS, along with other senior police officers. The tournament provided a vibrant platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent, promote sportsmanship, and strengthen bonds between the Police and the community through positive engagement and healthy competition.

Team District Police Srinagar emerged victorious after defeating Team Kreshbal Strikers in an exciting final match, displaying remarkable teamwork, discipline, and sporting spirit.

To recognise outstanding performances, Prizes, Medals, Trophies, and mementos were distributed among the winners and runners-up by SSP Srinagar.

The champion team was awarded a trophy along with a cash prize of ₹20,000, while the runner-up team received a trophy and a cash prize of ₹10,000. The “Man of the Series” was also felicitated with a trophy and a cash award for his exceptional performance throughout the tournament.

Speaking on the occasion, SSP Srinagar Dr. G. V. Sundeep Chakravarthy-IPS appreciated the enthusiasm and discipline displayed by all participating teams and expressed gratitude to the local community for their wholehearted support and active participation. He stated that such events not only help in identifying and encouraging local sporting talent but also play a significant role in strengthening Police-Public relations and promoting youth engagement in constructive activities.

Srinagar Police remains committed towards fostering stronger community ties through sustained people-friendly and community-centric initiatives under the Civic Action Programme.

Collecting the ball just inside the Cherries’ half, the Egyptian drove towards goal before unleashing a vicious, dipping effort into the top corner off the post. It opened the scoring just 14 minutes into what was City’s final home game of the season and capped what has been an excellent start to life at the Etihad for Marmoush.

After joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, he netted seven times in 16 Premier League appearances before the curtain came down on the campaign last week. He needed just over half an hour against Newcastle United back in February to score his maiden hat-trick for the Club and has also since found the net against the likes of Brighton and Crystal Palace.

But there’s no doubt which goal sticks out in the memory.

He beat off competition from Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, former Aston Villa man Jhon Duran, Fulham’s Harry Wilson, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Bournemouth’s David Brooks, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma and Carlos Baleba, and Ipswich’s Jens Cajuste.

Marmoush’s goal received the most combined votes from the public and a panel of football experts, topping a shortlist that also featured each of the season’s Goal of the Month winners.

Marmoush becomes the first Manchester City player to win the Goal of the Season award and the second Egyptian following Mohamed Salah’s solo stunner against Man City in 2021/22.

After having undergone a trophyless season following their four consecutive title wins, City will be hoping to lift the FIFA Club World Cup.

City have been drawn against Wydad of Morocco, Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain, and Italian giants Juventus in Group G, with the top two qualifying for the last 16.(IANS)

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the decision was made at a board meeting in Dhaka on Friday, barely 24 hours after Faruque lost his place as one of the sports ministry’s representatives on the BCB board. The move automatically disqualified him from holding the president’s post.

Aminul Islam, who led Bangladesh in their 1999 World Cup debut and famously scored the country’s first Test century in 2000, steps into the role at a turbulent time for the board. He has taken leave from his position as ICC development manager in Melbourne to serve as BCB chief.

Aminul will remain president until the next board elections, expected by October this year.

Faruque’s removal was initiated after eight BCB directors submitted a no-confidence motion against him, which, combined with the findings of a fact-finding committee on alleged corruption in the BPL, prompted the sports ministry to act. One of the signatories was Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, who was also the other representative from the ministry on the board.

The turmoil comes just nine months after Faruque was appointed BCB president on August 21, 2024, replacing Nazmul Hassan, who had resigned from the post and his role as the sports minister. Faruque’s time in office, however, was marred by controversies, especially surrounding his handling of head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe’s dismissal and the 2025 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

As per ESPNcricinfo, Faruque questioned Hathurusinghe’s role on his very first day in charge and then sacked him within two months — a move that allegedly violated the BCB constitution by not consulting board directors. His unilateral decisions created rifts within the board, particularly with Fahim.

The final straw came during the BPL. Durbar Rajshahi, one of the franchises, failed to pay players on time and even left hotel bills unpaid in Chattogram and Dhaka. This triggered a player protest and forced government intervention.

The controversy reportedly embarrassed the interim government and drew the attention of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, who had taken an active interest in the BPL.

In total, Faruque lasted nine months and eight days as president.(IANS)

So far, all six night matches at the 2025 French Open have featured men’s singles fixtures. This continued pattern has triggered a backlash, with women’s tennis once again missing the prime-time spotlight under the lights in Paris. Only four women’s matches have been scheduled in the night session slot since the format was introduced in 2021.

World No. 3 Ons Jabeur voiced her frustration earlier this week, saying, “I don’t think they have daughters,” in reference to the scheduling decisions. American star Coco Gauff also echoed similar sentiments about the lack of representation for women’s tennis in the evening showcase.

But Mauresmo, a former world No. 1 herself, firmly defended the tournament’s stance. Speaking to the media, she said, “We have one single match per night session. It hasn’t changed. Accordingly, we won’t change everything again.”

She explained that match duration plays a major role in scheduling, noting that the men’s best-of-five format ensures longer games and better value for fans who buy tickets specifically for the night slot. “The play time also is taken into consideration, potential play time, obviously because we can’t plan ahead, be it for women’s tennis or men’s tennis,” she said.

“But we have to take it into consideration as to the 15,000 spectators coming in for the night session. Since men’s tennis is played at the best-of-five sets, three sets will be played at a minimum. It’s complicated for us to do otherwise.”

On Thursday night, British No. 1 Jack Draper’s four-set win over Frenchman Gaël Monfils – lasting over three hours – marked another men’s fixture under the lights, further highlighting the gender imbalance in scheduling.

When asked whether the repeated exclusion of women’s matches from the night session sends a message that women are “not worthy,” Mauresmo strongly denied such a notion.

“That’s not what we’re saying. I have to stop you right there,” she responded firmly. “For me, the message is not changing, and it has never been that the girls are not worthy to play at night. It’s never been this. I will not accept that you carry this message. That’s really clear to me.”(IANS)

Rhea, 22, who hails from Kolar, won the opening leg. She was one shot behind the three co-leaders after the first day in Mysuru. On a day when the organisers used a shotgun start to ensure a timely finish ahead of the expected rains, Rhea started on the third with Durga Nittur and Jasmine Shekar.

Rhea picked birdies on the fifth and the seventh and one more on the 15th. Her only dropped shot came on the par-3 eighth. Amandeep Drall, with three birdies against four bogeys, added a second straight 1-over 71 and was sole second at 2-over 142 after an up-and-down day.

Amandeep had birdies on the first and the third, but dropped shots on the fourth and the sixth brought her back to par. Birdies on the ninth and the tenth again pulled her up, but bogeys on the 12th, 14th, and 16th meant she fell to one-over for the second successive day.

Vani Kapoor, who is looking for a fourth straight win this season, was one shot behind Amandeep. Vani, like Amandeep and Vidhatri Urs, had carded 71 on the first day, but she fell back with a 72 for a total of 143, three behind the leader, Rhea. Vani started on the first hole with Amandeep and Vidhatri. Vani was 3-over after the first five holes but did well to pick one birdie and parred the rest for a 72.

With the top three players separated by just three shots, the battle for top honours in the Rs. 14 lakh event is going to be intense.

Ridhima Dilawari, starting on the fifth, made the big jump on the second day as she put together an even-par 70 after a first-round 76. She is tied for fourth with Jasmine Shekar (73-73). Ridhima had just one birdie on the Par-3 15th and a bogey on the Par-5 18th in her round.

Jasmine, who started on the third hole, opened with two bogeys and later had a bogey-birdie on the eighth and the ninth. She finished with a bogey on the first hole, which was her 17th.

The cut fell at 156, and 19 players made the cut. The notable players to miss out included Seher Atwal, Rhea Jha, and Disha Kavery.(IANS)

SRINAGAR, JUNE 10 – Secretary, Youth Service and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, today inaugurated the highly anticipated Inter-Zonal badminton tournament for All Age Groups (AAG) for both boys and girls.

The tournament, being held at Indoor Sports Complex Wazirbagh Srinagar from 10 to June 12, has been organised by the District Youth Services and Sports Srinagar under the theme “Drug free Srinagar.”

While declaring the games open, Sarmad Hafeez said that Jammu and Kashmir is now hosting various national events providing a proper platform to our sportspersons to compete with the best. He said that the government has taken various initiatives to promote sports activities and improve infrastructure in the field. “In recent years, we have built a lot of infrastructure and hosted many national level competitions,” he added.

He urged upon the players to dedicate themselves whole heartedly in their chosen games so as to earn name and fame in the sports world bringing laurels for the UT and the nation as well.

Secretary said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that J&K is witnessing high participation of our uniquely talented youth in sports who are also representing J&K proudly in the country.

Sarmad Hafeez said that the administration has always been at the forefront in providing a platform to youth and supporting them to follow their goals by organizing different events across J&K.

Secretary emphasized upon the department to focus on spotting the sports talent across Jammu and Kashmir and provide them a platform enabling them nurture their extraordinary talent to the fullest.

GULMARG, FEBRUARY 24 – On the fourth Day of Khelo India Winter Games, Jammu and Kashmir saw glitter over the snow peaks of Gulmarg as a local boy from Tangmarg, Shahid Ahmad Chachi triumphed Ski Mountaineering in Men’s Verticle Catogory at Kangdoori and was capped with gold medal, the first one for UT.
Mayank Dimri from Uttrakhand was decorated with silver while Thir Bhadhur with Bronze.
In the same event for women, Kamaya Kartikayan from Maharashtra, Menak Gunjiyal from Uttrakhand and Gousia Gulzar from J&K won Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively.
Besides, in the sport of Alpine Skiing Slalom for women Anchal Thakur from Himachal Pradesh clinched Gold, Sobiya Nabi from J&K followed with Silver and Diya Thakur from Himachal with Bronze. It was plus one for Anchal Thakur who has already decorated herself with first Gold medal in Giant Slalom.
Thanking God for the achievement, Anchal says that she was confident of her preparation. She said, “I wanted to have best results.” “I will take with me the experience and memories from 4th Khelo India Winter Games”, She said.
Regarding the arrangements she expressed gratitude to the government and J&K Sports council for excellent arrangements and providing athletes opportunity to enhance their skill.
Apline Skiing Slalom for Men witnessed Army triumphing with medals as it’s athletes Baqir Hussain won gold medal, Mayank Panwar obtained silver, Jekmat Rafstan got bronze. Baqir also becomes the player who won gold medals both in Giant Slalom and Slalom.
In another event of Snowboard Parallel Slalom of Men’s Category, Kulvinder Sharma from Army, Vikar from J&K and Kamal Jeet from Himachal emerged victorious wining Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively. Like Anchal Thakur and Baqir Hussain, Kulvinder Sharma also took second gold medal after winning Snowboard Slalom and Parallel Slalom at Kangdoori.
Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda from Karnataka lit the Golf Course Nordic Skiing track with celebrations when she struck hattrick of Gold medals after winning Nordic Distance 10Km competition. In the previous two events, she had also won gold in Sprint 1.6km and Sprint 5Km.
Sapna & Prince from ITBP won silver & bronze respectively in the event. It had been 2nd silver for Sapna after getting silver in 5km Nordic and surprisingly, Prince Kumari had also won bronze in the same event.
Nordic Skiing for Distance 10Km was the concluding event of the discipline in this 4th KIWG.
The four medals for J&K today has brought joy over the faces of spectators who cheered up for the local promising athletes- Shahid , Vikar, Sobia & Gousia who clinched titles.

GULMARG, FEBRUARY 21 – After curtains for 2nd Phase of 4th Khelo India Winter Game were raised, the festivities of celebrations kicked on the previous cold & serene night.

With the stage laid open, the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council and associated departments with close coordination & synergy on first Day organized two events of Nordic Skiing one each for Women & Men category.

The Event of Nordic Women Skiing for Sprint 1.6 KM started at the Golf Culb with supporting officials facilitating participants assigning them chest numbers and installing timers at the finishing & starting points.

Twenty Women athletes who participated in the first game of the season represent different states and organizations including ten from ITBP, two from Gujarat, two from Himachal Pradesh, two Ladakh and one each from Karnataka, Meghalaya, Haryana & Uttarakhand.

Bhavani Thekkada from Karnataka emerged the winner in the Nordic Sports event while Selma Soreng and Sapna of ITBP got second and third position respectively.

While the 2nd Sports event scheduled for the day for Nordic Men for Sprint 10 KM witnessed the enthusiastic participation of thirty-three players including ten from Army, nine from ITBP, five J&K, two each from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jaharkhand, Karnataka, and one from West Bengal.

In men’s category, all three positions were taken by Army as Padma Namgail achieved first position, Mangeet second while Rameez Ahmad Paddar settled with 3rd position.

The players donning the jerseys and Skiing equipments were pushing themselves against slopes overcoming the friction made rounds along the track with focus on to scale the top position. Some of the player were fresh while others had second or third opportunity carrying with them the past experience.

Geeta Thakur, a coach of Snow Boarding from Uttarakhand representing ITBP, while speaking about the ongoing Winter Games of Khelo India said that with the improvement in the weather, players are in high spirits to display their potential & skill to take home medals, experience & resplendent memories.

Gulmarg is providing unique opportunity, which is better than other destinations, to channelize the talent of youngsters for bigger events like Olympics.

She appreciated Officers of J&K Sports Council for making all the arrangements including Transport & accommodation facilities.

Rajesh Thakur player of Nordic Skiing Sprint 10 KM, representing ITBP, who has participated in all the three Khelo India Winter Games and is also taking part today in the fourth edition. Sharing his experience Thakur says that he feels excited today as the snow accumulation is much better and the weather is also pleasant. He expressed gratitude to the Centre & UT governments for enhancing the facilities all over the destinations.

Talking about the arrangements, he showered all praise to J&K Sports Council and stated that players feel at home and the officials are entirely supporting.

Joginder Kumar, from Haryana said that the players from the state arrived two days before which provided them ample time to practice and refresh for the competitions.

He expressed that all Khelo India Winter Game unfolds vast opportunities for the young generation to make a professional career and represent nation at international level.

“This event unites Nation by Youth & Culture exchange besides helps players to understand & Know one another”, he maintained.

The games commenced amid the traditional local cultural presentation of Bandpether wielding the occasion with music and soulful essence

One of the many attractions of KIWG is the Snow Leopard Mascot, the role is being played by Adil, an employee of J&K Sports council.

He has been enthralling the spectacle with choreographed moves for the second time in KIWG said that the Snow Leopard is commonly found in the mountains of J&K which represents agility & strength.