The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — Aamir Hamid Wani, a young talent from Dadoora village of southern Kashmir's Pulwama district, has made history by becoming the first player from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected for the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) with a base price of Rs 9 lakh.

Aamir, while speaking to the news agency KNO from Mumbai, said his passion for kabaddi began in childhood.

He has been training at Mid Line Academy in Mumbai for the past four years, working hard and playing at various levels before being picked by the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the PKL auction. "I am confident that I will perform well in the upcoming competitions. My ultimate goal is to represent India," he said.

Aamir expressed his gratitude to his coach, Aniket Mhatre, and the J&K Kabaddi Association for their support during his journey.

He said that while Jammu and Kashmir has indoor stadiums, most youth in the region are more interested in cricket, with Kabaddi receiving much less attention. "There is immense talent in J&K. If youth get interested in Kabaddi and are properly nurtured, they can achieve great things," he added.

His father, Abdul Hamid Wani, said Aamir's passion for Kabaddi was first recognised by a Physical Education Teacher, Faisal, at Government Degree College Pulwama.

"Faisal Sahab encouraged Aamir to pursue the sport and took him to Srinagar for training. After a year, Aamir moved to Mumbai to follow his dreams, facing numerous challenges, including financial difficulties. To support himself, my son sold dry fruits while training at his academy in Mumbai," he said.

Wani also credited coach Aniket Mhatre for playing a crucial role in Aamir's development and helping him achieve this milestone. He urged the government to develop better sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, saying there is an untapped potential for many talented youth in the region who could represent the country at various levels.

Aamir has already represented J&K in the Yuva Kabaddi Series held in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh in 2021.

The Pro Kabaddi League, also known as Vivo Pro Kabaddi for sponsorship reasons, is India’s premier professional Kabaddi league. Launched in 2014, it is the most popular Kabaddi league in the world and the second most-watched sports league in India after the Indian Premier League (IPL). The current champions of PKL are Puneri Paltan.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir's capital city Srinagar is slated to host the maiden event of the Kashmir Marathon on October 20 this year. In this connection, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday unveiled the logo, website and teaser of the event's inaugural edition.

In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the J&K Tourism Department and all the stakeholders associated with the international running event. He invited runners from all corners of the globe to participate in the Kashmir Marathon and experience the unique charm of J&K.

“We aspire to make this event a beacon of peace and harmony. I am confident the Kashmir Marathon will place J&K firmly on the global running map and it will enhance global recognition of the UT, highlighting our potential as a premier tourist destination,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the Kashmir Marathon is the next addition to the series of world-class events being organized in J&K following the successful F4 racing event in Srinagar, the Sunburn Music Festival in Jammu and J&K Tourism Development Conclave held recently in Srinagar. “We are also exploring possibilities to organise the annual Jammu Marathon,” he said.

Highlighting the socio-economic impact of the Kashmir Marathon, the Lt Governor said the event will boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, thereby contributing to the prosperity of our region.

For centuries, sports have remained the most powerful bridge to connect people of different cultures and languages. The Kashmir Marathon will integrate cultural events, performances, and exhibitions to showcase Kashmir’s rich heritage, and enhance the experience for all participants, the Lt Governor said.

“Kashmir Marathon is not just a race but a celebration of resilience, beauty, and the unbreakable human spirit. It will also celebrate our breathtaking scenery and promote eco-friendly tourism that benefits local communities,” he said.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor highlighted the efforts of the UT Administration, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to revolutionise the sports sector of J&K.

He called upon the youth of J&K to make the best of the opportunities being provided by the government in sports and other sectors and become the brand ambassadors of J&K.

The Kashmir Marathon will have two categories with full marathon for 42 km and a half marathon for 21 km. The proposed route for the Kashmir Marathon will take runners through some of the most picturesque landscapes, featuring Chinar trees, Mughal gardens, and the serene Dal Lake.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; RR Swain, DGP; Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and senior officers of civil and police administration were present.

Padma Shri Chewang Motup Goba, Founder & Race Director of Ladakh Marathon, prominent sports personalities and youth in large number were also present on the occasion.

SRINAGAR — Several athletes from south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have excelled in the state-level soft tennis championship by clinching medals in various categories.

According to details obtained by the news agency KNO, three athletes from the Star Sports Academy in Rakh Pulwama secured three medals. The medal-winning athletes are Snober Gulzar, Imtiyaz Ahmad, and Anzar Javaid, all hailing from the Pulwama district.

Their coach, Shakir Ashraf, said that the 7th J&K UT Soft Tennis Championship, organised in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council for all categories, took place at the Amar Singh Club in Sonwar, Srinagar, on March 9 and 10.

“Despite limited exposure to the game, several players from Pulwama showcased their talent exceptionally well. Snober secured a silver medal, while Imtiyaz and Anzar bagged bronze medals,” Ashraf said.

Expressing their joy over their achievements in the soft tennis championship, the athletes vowed to continue striving for excellence in upcoming events. They credited their families for their unwavering support and highlighted their commitment to balancing academics and sports.

The athletes stressed the importance of engaging youth in sports activities to steer them away from drug addiction and other social ills. They said Kashmiri youth have immense talent and only need proper platforms and exposure to excel in various fields.

Manchester United's woes seem never-ending, extending across both European and domestic competitions. Their Champions League exit is fresh in the memory, with four defeats highlighting their tactical naivety and individual errors.

In the Premier League, a mid-table position reflects inconsistency and a toothless attack. While glimpses of attacking flair emerge, they're overshadowed by defensive frailties and midfield shortcomings. Bruno Fernandes, once their talisman, appears jaded. Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount haven't lived up to their hefty price tags. The shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson's era looms large, a constant reminder of their trophyless years since 2017.

While it's too early to definitively say Ten Hag hasn't been successful, Manchester United's progress under him remains uneven. With only half a season under his belt, implementing systemic change at a club of United's size takes time. The playing squad inherited needs a significant overhaul, and his philosophy's full integration requires sustained effort.

The United fanbase and media scrutiny are intense, demanding immediate success. This pressure can stifle a manager's long-term approach and create an environment where tactical tweaks are misconstrued as failures. Amidst all this, Ten Hag needs to navigate the challenges and focus on the task at hand, much like fans in India navigate the diverse platforms, seeking the best football betting sites in India to enhance their experience.

Between Erik Ten Hag and Sir Alex Ferguson, there was one man who did an exceptional job with the club in a very short tenure. Jose Mourinho's tenure as Manchester United's manager was a rollercoaster ride marked by intense scrutiny and occasional success.

Heralded as the 'Special One' upon arrival in 2016, Mourinho aimed to restore the club's former glory. Despite winning the Europa League and League Cup in his debut season, his pragmatic style and strained relations with players drew criticism. While he secured a second-place finish in the Premier League in 2017-18, his third season saw a decline in results and team morale.

Mourinho's departure in December 2018 reflected the complexities of managing one of football's most prestigious clubs amid high expectations and relentless scrutiny.

As Jose Mourinho leaves Roma for a new adventure, the biggest question being asked by the Pundits is whether Manchester United will give another chance to Mourinho and whether this is the right time to bring back one of the greatest.

Jose Mourinho & his comeback to the Red Devils

Mourinho's pedigree speaks for itself. He boasts 25 major trophies, including three Premier League titles and two Champions League victories. In his first stint at United, he delivered the Europa League and Carabao Cup. His ability to win silverware, even in difficult situations, is undeniable.

United desperately needs immediate improvement. Mourinho's pragmatic approach and focus on defensive solidity could quickly arrest their slide. He excels at getting the most out of experienced players, potentially revitalising veterans like Varane and Maguire.

Mourinho is also a commanding figure known for his strong personality. He thrives on pressure and instils discipline in his players. Such leadership may be what United lacks, especially with a young squad needing clear direction.

Another reason for Mourinho to come back to Manchester United is that he believes he has "unfinished business" at United. He may be motivated to prove his doubters wrong and rewrite the narrative of his first tenure. This personal mission could translate into increased commitment and drive.

Even though multiple points talk in favour of Mourinho making a comeback, there are a few points that don’t support his return as well. Mourinho's defensive, counter-attacking style has become predictable and less effective in modern football. His reluctance to embrace young talent and his preference for experienced veterans clash with United's long-term vision.

Mourinho's combative personality and public criticism of players often create a toxic environment. His turbulent relationships with the media and fans could harm team unity and damage the club's image. While Mourinho might offer a quick fix, his history suggests he rarely delivers sustained success beyond a few seasons.

United needs a manager who can build a long-term project, not just win trophies in the short term. Ultimately bringing back Mourinho would signify a lack of progress and not learning from past mistakes. It could signal a return to the cycle of short-term gains followed by the inevitable decline that characterised his first United stint.

Should Erik Ten Hag leave?

Some argue for a clean slate. Ten Hag inherited a squad lacking cohesion and riddled with individual errors. Implementing his philosophy takes time, and half a season with mid-season arrival limits his impact on pre-season training and recruitment. The January transfer window saw promising signings, but integrating them requires patience.

Moreover, Ten Hag has shown glimpses of positive change. His tactical tweaks offer more defensive solidity, and he's unafraid to drop underperforming players like Maguire. Additionally, European distractions shouldn't overshadow progress in the league, where points slowly accumulate.

However, concerns remain. The playing style, while more organised, lacks attacking flair. Inconsistent performances and individual mistakes persist, raising questions about coaching effectiveness. Furthermore, the shadow of past managerial failures weighs heavily, and even slight setbacks trigger impatience. Ultimately, judging Ten Hag now is premature. While challenges exist, dismissing him after half a season disregards the complexities involved in rebuilding a giant like United.

Alright rookies, listen up! Cricket may seem like a posh, confusing sport reserved for the fancy lads in whites, but trust me, once you get a handle on the basics, it's an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride. So let's dive right in and demystify this so-called "gentleman's game."

The Battlefield

First up, the playing field - it's essentially a massive oval (or circular for that matter) grassy arena. But the real action happens on that flattened, rectangular strip called the pitch, smack dab in the centre. This bad boy is where the bowler (we'll get to them soon) lets 'em rip. These are the players who affect the most wickets, a popular bet for punters after claiming 1xBet promo code at the link. The pitch is carefully prepped and rolled, giving it an ultra-smooth, almost dangerous surface for that ball to really zip across.

The Weapons of Choice

Now for the gear. You've got your hardball - a solid, leather-coated rock that'll pack a punch if it hits you. Weighing between 5.5 to 5.75 ounces, with a circumference of 8.8 to 9 inches, it's one formidable projectile. Then there's the legendary bat - a long, thick wooden club (around 3 feet long and thumb-thick) that the batter wields to smash that ball to kingdom come. And last but not least, the stumps - three humble wooden poles (28 inches tall) at each end of the pitch with some tiny wooden crosspieces (bails) balanced on top. Knock those puppies off and…well, more on that later.

The Warring Factions

Two teams of 11 mighty warriors take the field, suited up in those snazzy whites and box-like helmets (safety first, kids). You've got your batters who are trying to smack that ball as far as possible while sprinting between those wickets (the stumps areas) to rack up runs. The batter on strike has to defend that tiny little wicket zone from the bowler's assault. Opposing them are the bowlers, slinging heat from the other end trying to knock those bails off and send the batter packing.

Scoring Runs and Getting Punted

Speaking of runs, that's how you pile on the points in cricket. The batter whacks the ball and takes off, making a mad dash between those wicket zones at each end of the pitch while the fielding team tries their darndest to retrieve that ball. Each saw-dust-kicking, hustle-filled journey back and forth is one glorious run on the board. Mastering the art of running quick singles while also attempting to clobber boundaries (shots hit over the rope for 4 runs) or maximums (hits soaring over the fence for 6 runs) is a batter's key objective.

Now, getting punted (dismissed/out) is what the fielding team is aiming for. Some classic ways to get the old heave-ho include getting bowled (ball smashes into those stumps), caught (fielder snags that ball outta the sky), leg before wicket or LBW (where the ball would've clobbered those stumps if the batter's leg wasn't there) and the good ol' run out (when a fielder demolishes those stumps before you make it back in time).

Test Your Endurance

Alright, newbies, those are the core basics, but there's more where that came from. Cricket matches run the range from epically long five-day Test clashes between national teams, all the way down to thrillingly brief Twenty20 skirmishes that'll have you on the edge of your seat for a couple of hours.

So don't be intimidated by cricket's prime and proper reputation - once you pierce its polished exterior, you'll find a seriously intense, strategic battle of wills and skill underneath. With blistering bowlers slinging heat, batters mercilessly clobbering balls into orbit, and electrifying displays of athleticism in the field, cricket packs way more adrenaline into those pristine whites than you'd ever expect. Trust me, it's about to become your new obsession!

KULGAM — A 14-year-old teenager has emerged as the youngest player to be signed by the Bangalore Strikers in the inaugural Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) as the under-19 cricketer secured Rs 3.20 lakhs in the auction.

The inaugural season of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) is set to kick off from March 6-15, 2024.

With a T10 format and matches played using tennis balls, the league aims to unearth emerging cricketing talent through its six competing teams.

Sharik Yasir, a 14-year-old 9th-grade student from Gopalpora village in Kulgam, is a wicketkeeper-batsman. During auction, he secured Rs 3.20 lakhs from the 'Bangalore Strikers,' owned by Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan.

While speaking to the news agency KNO, he said, "My father submitted my form for the ISPL. After that, I went for trials at different places where I performed well, earning myself a green ticket."

"In the auction, I was picked up by the Bangalore Strikers team for Rs 3.20 lakh, making me the youngest ever in the league," he said.

He said that he plays as a batsman-cum-wicketkeeper, and his batting prowess stood out more than his wicketkeeping during the trials. "I will strive to perform my best during matches," he added.

"Both studies and sports are crucial in today's era," he said and added that due to the lack of a playground in his village, he played more in lanes than on the ground. He urged the government to develop a playground in his village to nurture more talent from the area.

SRINAGAR — Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has lauded the perseverance and inspiring journey of Jammu and Kashmir's Para cricket team captain, Amir Hussain Lone, during his recent visit to the Valley.

Tendulkar, fulfilling a promise made during his visit, met with Lone to convey his admiration in person, as reported by a local news agency. The cricket legend commended Lone's dedication, highlighting his remarkable story as a source of inspiration for all.

Cricket's universal appeal resonates deeply with people from diverse backgrounds, and Hussain Lone's tale exemplifies the sport's inclusivity. Tendulkar was moved by a video showcasing Lone's dedication to the game despite his physical limitations, prompting their meeting.

Expressing his joy at meeting his young fan, Tendulkar praised Lone for becoming a role model for aspiring cricketers. He emphasized Lone's unwavering determination and passion for the game, which propelled him to his current position.

As a token of appreciation, Tendulkar presented Lone with a personalized bat bearing an inspiring message: "To Amir, the real hero. Keep inspiring," alongside his signature.

Taking to a social media platform, Tendulkar shared about the encounter, writing, "To Amir, the real hero. Keep inspiring! It was a pleasure meeting you".

Now 34 years old, Hussain Lone leads Jammu & Kashmir's Para cricket team. Despite facing adversity since a life-altering accident at the age of eight years, which resulted in the loss of both his arms, Lone developed a unique playing style and emerged as an inspiration for others. He has been playing professional cricket since 2013 when a teacher recognized his talent and introduced him to Para Cricket.

Last month, Tendulkar expressed his admiration for Lone's skills in a video and expressed his desire to meet him and acquire a jersey with Lone's name. Tendulkar's admiration for Lone's journey resonated with cricket enthusiasts worldwide, who draw inspiration from Lone's remarkable achievements.

"Amir has shown that the impossible can be made possible. I am deeply moved by watching this! It showcases his immense love and dedication for the game. I hope to meet him one day and obtain a jersey with his name. Well done for inspiring millions passionate about playing the sport," Tendulkar had previously posted on social media.

SRINAGAR — Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Nitish Pramanik said the Centre was making every effort to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a sporting state.

On the inaugural day of the Khelo India Khelo Winter Games 2024, Pramanik highlighted the government's dedication to providing extensive support and resources to nurture sporting excellence in the region.

“Every effort is being made to make Jammu and Kashmir a sporting nation. Sports and infrastructure development is being prioritised so that athletes get facilities to make a mark in their respective fields,” he said.

The union minister said the government’s efforts towards sports development in Jammu and Kashmir become evident with the Centre’s budgetary allocation for Jammu and Kashmir’s sports sector.

“We all witnessed how the development of Jammu and Kashmir took place after Article 370 abrogation. Jammu and Kashmir’s sports budget is much more than many bigger states of India. It shows how bright the future is going to be for Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre is taking various measures for the development of the union territory,” he told reporters as per the news agency KNO.

Pramanik said Kashmir is replacing Switzerland as a winter sports destination. “There was a time when athletes used to go to Switzerland for winter sports. Now, we have seen that athletes from Switzerland are coming here for winter sports. I saw even in this bone-chilling cold weather, people are coming for Khelo India event which shows the sporting spirit in India,” he said.

The minister outlined various initiatives and programs tailored to promote sports at all levels.

The fourth edition of Khelo India Winter Games festival started on Wednesday at Gulmarg. Athletes from different parts of the country took part in several winter games during the event including Snowboarding, Snow Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, and Alpine Skiing.

The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 event is being organized by the Department of Youth Services & Sports, J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Tourism Department, Gulmarg Development Authority and several other stakeholders.

The first part of Khelo India Winter Games Festival 2024 took place from 2 to 6 February in Leh, and it mainly included games like Ice Hockey & Ice Skating.

Speaking on the occasion, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that it is a momentous occasion for more than 600 athletes who have been preparing for this spectacular event.

He invited the athletes, team officials and sports enthusiasts to enjoy the warm hospitality of Jammu and Kashmir, enjoy the thrill of Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski, and Snow Mountaineering competitions and also enjoy the incredible sights and cuisine of the paradise on earth.

“The 4th Khelo India Winter Games, over the next four days, will honour the hard work, skills, dedication and sporting excellence on ski slope and I am confident it will renew the spirit of brotherhood, peace and harmony among all the teams,” the Lt Governor said.

At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor highlighted the efforts of the government to promote robust sports culture in cities and villages of the Union Territory.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new era of sports has emerged in Jammu Kashmir. Renewed thrust on state-of-the-art infrastructure and allied facilities has given a huge impetus to the sports sector," the LG said.

"Our talented sportspersons have proved their mettle in national and international sports events. Their achievements are inspiring the budding athletes to bring laurels to the UT and the nation," he said.

SRINAGAR — Former legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar visited a bat manufacturing factory in the Chersoo area of Awantipora in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday.

According to details obtained by the news agency KNO, Tendulkar paid a visit to the MJ Sports factory in Chersoo and interacted with the workers there.

The MJ Sports factory, which produces cricket bats, is owned by two brothers, Manzoor and Javid, from Chersoo.

Javaid Ahmad, co-owner of the MJ bat manufacturing factory, said that Tendulkar was en route to Pahalgam from Srinagar when he stopped near the factory, close to the toll plaza in Awantipora, and engaged in conversation with the workers of MJ Sports.

"We were delighted to see Sachin Tendulkar visiting our factory. During his visit, a request was made to him to assist in the promotion of Kashmiri cricket bats," he said.

According to Javid, the legendary cricketer inspected the entire bat manufacturing process. “He appreciated and encouraged us to continue our good work. He also promised to promote Kashmiri bats himself,” he said.

Javid said the visit of a legend like Sachin Tendulkar has encouraged them to give their best and further promote this bat, which has already attained international recognition.

“Sachin sir spent around half an hour at our unit, during which we presented him with a bat, and he promised to promote it,” he said.

Tendulkar was accompanied by his wife and daughter, Sara Tendulkar.

Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, described Tendulkar's visit to the bat factory in Awantipora as a golden moment for Kashmir willow bats.

"Master Blaster, the god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar blessed cricket bat factory Chersoo Awantipora Pulwama (M/S MJ Sports) with a visit. Inspiration par excellence. Golden day for Kashmir willow bats," Dr Basharat tweeted.

Later, Sachin Tendulkar visited the Martand Temple in the Mattan area of southern Kashmir's Anantnag district before heading to Pahalgam for the night.

PULWAMA — A young girl from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district is set to lead the J&K Softball team in the upcoming national tournament.

Sunaina Gulzar, a 17-year-old girl from Putrigam, showed exceptional performances in a recently held event which earned her the captaincy role for the J&K team.

Speaking with the news agency KNO, Sunaina expressed her joy and said she recently participated in softball trials held in Nagrota, Jammu. “For my standout performance during the trials, I was offered the captaincy of the J&K team in the upcoming national softball tournament,” she said.

The athlete said she was inclined towards sports since childhood, and used to participate in various games besides encouraging other girls to engage in sports activities. Sports not only keep us physically active but also contribute to mental strength, she said.

Sunaina said girls are no longer lagging behind boys in any field and they must come forward to showcase their talent in whatever field they are interested in. She said parental support is crucial in nurturing talent and expressing gratitude for the encouragement she received from her parents.

On her achievement, she said, “I am not just representing my village or district but am making a mark on the national stage. I will try to give my best performance at the national level.”

The young athlete said there is a need to support girls in sports. “Girls can make and are making significant contributions to society when empowered in the field of sports,” she said.

SRINAGAR — Renowned Bollywood actor, Akshay Kumar has taken a step from the silver screen to the thrilling world of sports by announcing his ownership of the Srinagar cricket team in the prestigious ISPL T10 league.

Kumar's move to enter the sports domain has sparked immense excitement among fans, marking a significant moment in his multifaceted career.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new venture, Akshay Kumar, as per the news agency KNO, shared his eagerness to be a part of the pulsating cricket scene in Jammu & Kashmir.

Through his ownership, he aims to provide a platform for budding talents in the region, giving them a chance to showcase their skills on a grand stage.

In a post on Instagram, Kumar extended an invitation to aspiring players, offering them the opportunity of a lifetime to compete under his ownership in the upcoming ISPL T10 league.

“From cinema to the stadium! Proud to announce that I will be coming to @ispl_t10 as a Team Owner of Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir). A chance to play in my team awaits. Register Now: Link in bio,” Kumar posted on his Instagram.

As the news of Akshay Kumar's ownership of Srinagar cricket team in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) T10 league was met, locals erupted with excitement, seeing this as a golden opportunity to spotlight the city on a grand cricketing stage.

“Akshay Kumar choosing Srinagar for his team is a testament to our City's potential, as this is a chance to showcase our love for cricket and the incredible talent we have here,” said Zahid, a local from Sonawar Srinagar.

“This fantastic news will put Srinagar on the cricketing map, showcasing not just our talent but our hospitality and love for the sport as well,” said Salman from Bemina.

Similarly, the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) will be India's first-ever T10 Tennis ball cricket tournament, which will be played inside a stadium.

A total of six teams — Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar — will compete for the top honours.

The tournament will host 19 matches which will be played only in Mumbai. ISPL has announced its inaugural season, which is set to begin on March 2, 2024. ISPL T10 will close on December 20, 2023 on ispl-t10.com.

SRINAGAR — In a remarkable development for the sports ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir, a national camp for the U-16 men’s football team is being held in Srinagar for the first time.

The prominent feature of the camp is the appointment of chief coach, Ishfaq Ahmad, son of the soil and former international footballer. Ishfaq has had many coaching stints in I-League with the likes of Kerala Blasters but the chief coach considers this opportunity as one of the most-prized moments of his career.

After the national camp, the Under-16 men’s team will participate in the SAFF U-16 Championship scheduled to be held in Bhutan in September this year.

Advisor to Lieutenant Governor J&K, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, while speaking on this development, said that this first-of-kind National camp will set a new phase in the history of J&K's sports. He added that in the last few years, with sincere efforts of the government, sports infrastructure has been amplified across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Advisor further congratulated the J&K Sports Council (JKSC) for their multipronged approach of refurbishing the existing sports facilities and simultaneously laying new ones which has paved the way for hosting prestigious events of national importance like this one.

Secretary, Youth Services and Sports (YS&S), Sarmad Hafeez said, “It is a great honour for the J&K to host the national U-16 boys’ team coaching camp in Srinagar.” He said that football has a big fan base in J&K, and "our youth will tremendously get motivated to see the national team youth team training in Srinagar and the administration will put all required efforts for football to grow in the region."

Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull thanked the administration for the support and for creating an amiable environment to host the first national football camp in J&K. “Sports Council has hosted many important events both, national and international and I am sure by hosting of national football camp, J&K Sports Council as a premier sporting body will graduate to next level,” Nuzhat Gull said.

While expressing his deep thanks to the J&K administration, especially the Sports Council for the support, General Secretary and Administrator, AIFF, Shaji Prabakaran said, “AIFF expresses its sincere gratitude and thanks to the J&K administration for hosting India U-16 team coaching camp in Srinagar.”

The elated head coach, Ishfaq Ahmad, while speaking on the development, said that the hosting of the U-16 camp in Srinagar is a unique move for many reasons. “First, we never had an opportunity to hold a national camp and it is a fulfillment of the promise by our President Kalyan Chaubey, and Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran, to make the game a pan-India affair,” he said.

The former international J&K footballer and technical committee member AIFF, Arun Malhotra said with the support of the J&K Government, J&K football is contributing to the progress of the sport in the country and "we hope that we emerge as champions in the SAFF U-16 tournament." Giving details about the camp, Arun said that the team of probables has been shortlisted after extensive scouting in East, West, North, West, and North East zones.

Though Jammu and Kashmir hosted Santosh Trophy, Federation Cup, and Hero I-League matches over the years, a national football camp of this magnitude is being held for the first time. The similarities in the weather conditions between Srinagar and Bhutan also made the case of J&K Sports Council stronger for hosting the national camp.

Meanwhile, in other sports-related development, Srinagar-based Downtown Heroes FC is all set to play in the prestigious Durand Cup this year.

Three years since its inception, the Downtown club has shown remarkable progress in carving its niche not only within the football circles of J&K but has also featured in the I-League second division, and is now all set to participate in the 132nd Durand Cup 2023.

The lanky 6.5 feet goalkeeper Muheet Shabir, full back Hyder Yousuf, mid-fielder Shahmeer Tariq, stopper back Zubair Akhoon, and striker Parvaij Bhuiya are some of the core faces of the club who are touted to be among the future footballers of the country. The coach of the club, Hilal Parray believes that they have in them to represent the country at the international level.

In another development of the day, open selection trials for Pencak Silat were held at Indoor Stadium Pologround Srinagar for the forthcoming 11th Senior National Pencak Silat Championship 2023 being held in Nashik Maharashtra next month.

Around 280 athletes, including both men and women from 15 district units, took part in this selection trial, which shall be followed by a coaching camp for 21 days in Srinagar, supported and supervised by the J&K Sports Council.

SRINAGAR — Son of the soil, Harvinder Singh from Jammu created history by being appointed as the coach of the Indian senior men's Softball team.

He is the first person from Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory who has been appointed as the coach in the Olympic sport of Softball. Harvinder Singh, a former outstanding Softball player & NIS-certified Softball coach from Jammu and Kashmir, has been in this field since 1995 and he previously coached many Softball clubs and J&K Softball teams.

Harvinder is the youngest son of Gurbhajan Singh and Narinder Kour, who passed Class 10th from Gajrati Niketan High School, Kachi Chawni, Jammu; Class 12th from Luthra Academy, Jammu and Graduated from Punjab Technical University, Jammu in 2005.

He did Diploma in Sports Coaching (Softball) from NS NIS from Southern Centre Bangalore and emerged as the topper of the batch in the year 2006. He did Bachelors in Physical Education from the University of Jammu in 2009-10.

On the basis of his outstanding sports career in Softball sport, Harvinder was appointed as Physical Education Teacher through then SRO-376 (Appointment of Outstanding Sports Persons) in J&K Youth Services & Sports Department in the year 2014.

Harvinder started his career as a Softball player at the local level from 4th standard and won many medals at District, State & National Level.

Uncle of Harvinder Singh, Avtar Singh, a former national-level Skier inspired him to choose Softball as his career. Harvinder also recalled the contribution of his coach Harkesh Singh, J&K Softball Association and J&K Sports Council in his success.

Resident of Model Town, Gangyal area of Jammu district, Harvinder coached many clubs in Jammu and Kashmir. Under his coaching, many teams won laurels at Club, District & State level. He previously coached Jammu and Kashmir state team, and presently he is playing an important role in the promotion of Softball sport in UT of Jammu & Kashmir. He has been imparting coaching since 2006. He was also the captain of the J&K Softball team.

Harvinder has been appointed as coach of Indian National Softball (Men) team which is going to participate in Asia Cup (Men) Senior Softball Championship at Kochi, Japan from June 25 to June 28, 2023, being organized by Japan Softball Association & Softball Confederation of Asia.

"Harvinder's appointment as coach of the national team will definitely boost the morale of Jammu & Kashmir Softball players," said Waseem Raja Khan, General Secretary, J&K Softball Association. He said that Softball is growing fast in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir due to the facilities being provided by the J&K Sports Council, under the dynamic leadership of its Secretary, Ms Nuzhat Gul.

The Indian national senior men's softball team is departing from New Delhi for Japan on June 23, 2023 under the banner of Softball Association of India.

Less than a third of matches are left before the end of the Bangladesh elite football championship season. The Bangladesh Premier League is attended by 11 teams that will play 22 rounds in the championship. The club with the most points will win the league title and the right to play in the next AFC Champions League, while the last two teams will be relegated.

The top three contenders for gold medals in the Bangladesh Premier League, according to bookmakers, are the following teams: Bashundhara Kings, Abahani Limited and Sheikh Roussel. In the fight for the championship, a favorite emerged, but the pursuers still have a chance for a sensation. So it will be quite interesting to follow this tournament.

Bashundhara Kings

The Red-White-Blacks are having an exemplary season and have excellent chances of winning the championship. After 14 games played, the Bashundhara Kings were at the top of the standings and were 10 points ahead of the second Abahani Limited. Having gained 13 victories, the Kings played once in the 12th round with Azampour Uttara on the road. It should also be noted that Figueira and partners have the best attack and defense in the Bangladesh Premier League. Having scored 36 goals, the team conceded only five goals in response.

It is too early for the Bashundhara Kings players to relax, but the team has impressive chances for gold medals. If the Red-White-Blacks continue in the same vein, then winning the league title will only be a matter of time. At the same time, "gold" for "Bashundara Group" may become the fourth in a row. If you want to earn money by betting on the Bangladesh Premier League, we recommend that you do so at mostbetbd.com.

Abahani Limited

The Yellow-Blues are having a pretty good season and after 14 rounds, they were on the second line in the standings. From the first Bashundhar Kings, the guys of Mario Lemos lagged behind by 10 credit points, and the third Sheikh Roussel was ahead by nine points. At the same time, the “Sky Blue Brigade” had more per game than the nearest pursuer. It should also be noted that Abahani Limited had one of the best attacks in the championship. One goal more than ALD was scored by the Kings. With nine victories, Mohammad Alam and partners drew three times and lost twice.

In the current championship, Abahani Limited have lost only to Bashundhara Kings at home and Muktijodda Sangsad on the road. The composition of the "Sky Blue Brigade" is competitive, but it will be quite difficult to impose a fight on the championship leader. At the same time, the team from Dhamondi has very good chances to win silver medals.

Sheikh Roussel

"Blue-Reds" after 13 rounds of the championship were on the third line. With a game in hand, Sheikh Roussel was one point ahead of fourth Jamal and nine behind second Abahani Limited. With six wins and three draws, the Bengal Blues suffered four defeats. The wards of Zulfiker Mahmud Mintu Bangladesh Polis, Jamal, Bashundhara Kings and Muktijodda Sangsad lost. It should also be noted that Sayem's brainchild Sobhan Anvir has one of the worst attacks in the top five.

The Bengal Blues have only won a championship once in the team's history. It was in the 2012/2013 season. Since then, the brainchild of Sayem Sobhan Anvir has not had any special achievements. Taking into account not the best shape of the Blue-Reds and the impressive backlog from the first two places, the team will hardly be able to compete even for the “Silver”. But Andrew Marvejo and the company are able to get bronze medals.

Our Forecast

Sheikh Roussel and Abahani Limited are impressively behind the leader and these teams will hardly be able to reduce it in the remaining amount of time. In addition, if the “Yellow-Blue” and “Blue-Red” began to gain momentum more regularly, it would still be extremely difficult to win the trophy.

Bashundhara Kings are in excellent shape and have an impressive lead over their pursuers. So with a high probability, it is the “Red-White-Blacks” who will get the fourth championship title in a row in the history of the club.

In the qualifying round for the European Championship 2024, 53 national teams divided into 10 groups will compete for 20 tickets to the final stage. This tournament (Euro 2024) began in March 2023 and will end 12 months after the start.

Croatia, Turkey, Wales, Armenia and Latvia will compete for tickets in the quintet "D". Considering the results of these national teams in the starting rounds, it is possible to more accurately guess which national teams will take the first two places and advance further. If you want to bet on the Euro 2024 qualifiers, then we recommend downloading mostbet uz aviator.

Croatia

Before the start of the tournament, "Checkers" were considered the main favorite to win in Group "D". However, after two starting rounds, the Croats settled on the second line. Ahead of the third Turks by one credit point, Croatia was inferior to the first Welsh in additional indicators. In the first qualifying game, the guys from Zlatko Dalic could not beat Wales. Andrey Kramaric put the fiery ones ahead in the 28th minute, but in stoppage time by the referee, the "Dragons" restored parity. Then, thanks to Mateo Kovacic's double, Luka Modric and partners defeated Turkey in Bursa.

Croats have a strong and competitive squad, which is able to add and get ahead of the main competitors. Moreover, if the “Checkers” fail to take first place in the group, the “flaming” ones will finish at least second with a high probability.

Türkiye

The "Moon Stars" started their journey in the current tournament with a difficult away victory over Armenia. Having conceded a goal in the opening match in Yerevan, the Turks were able to restore parity before the break thanks to the efforts of Orkun Kekcu, and the victory was brought to the team by an accurate shot by Kerem Akturkoglu in the 64th minute. Then the team of Stefan Kunz was defeated dry in the native walls by Croatia. Hakan Calhanoglu has six more games ahead of him, which means that Turkish football players can improve their position in the tournament.

The Turks have a lot of talented performers playing in strong European championships. However, the “Moon Stars” do not differ in stability in the game plan. You shouldn't write off the White-Reds, but Turkey has a lot of difficult matches ahead.

Wales

The "Dragons" surprised many in the starting two rounds of qualification for the European Championship 2024. First, Wales managed to get away from the defeat with the Croats in Split just before the final whistle. Then the guys of Rob Page in Cardiff beat Latvia minimally. The only goal in the confrontation with the Latvians was scored by Kieffer Moore towards the end of the first half. With four credit points, the Welsh were able to be at the top of the standings.

Without having star players in their roster, the Dragons look great in terms of play and may well compete for one of the two tickets to the final part of the tournament. At the same time, it will be quite difficult for Wales to get ahead of Croatia and Turkey.

Armenia

In March 2023, the Red-White-Yellows played only one match in qualifying. In the home match, Armenia lost minimally to the Turks. It all started well for the Armenians, because in the 10th minute, the defender of the "Moon Stars" Ozan Kabak cut the ball into his own net. However, then the guys of Alexander Petrakov conceded twice and could not earn a single point.

The Armenian national team does not have enough stars from the sky and one should not count on the fact that the team will be able to rise above the fourth line in a difficult group. On their field, the Armenians will try to impose a fight on all opponents, but one should not expect a large number of points from Varazdat Haroyan and the company.

Latvia

The Red-White-Reds played only one match in the spring season. In Cardiff, the Latvians imposed a struggle and only minimally lost to Wales. Statistically, the Latvian players looked good, but the team failed to restore parity. Ahead of the "11 Wolves" are many difficult fights, in which it will be difficult to get hold of credit points.

Most likely, the guys of Dainis Kazakevich will compete with Armenia in order not to finish the selection in last place in the group. You should not even count on getting into the top three "Red-White-Red".

Our Forecast

Latvia and Armenia are the main outsiders of this quintet and it is not worth counting on the fact that these national teams will score many points. Wales and Turkey are very likely to fight for a second ticket to the final stage of Euro 2024, and Croatia will most likely win Group D.

SRINAGAR — The third edition of Khelo India Winter Games 2023 concluded on Tuesday while Jammu and Kashmir has topped the medal tally by bagging 76 medals including 26 Gold, 25 Silver and 25 Bronze.

According to the news agency KNO, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs & Sports, Nisith Pramanik, who was the chief guest at the closing ceremony today, said that Khelo India 2023 concluded with great success and enthusiasm. “Nearly 2000 players across India participated.”

“This year Khelo India has made history by breaking all the previous records,” he said, adding that “many participants who took part in the games here in 2023 broke their own previous records by achieving new heights.”

“Next time, the government is planning to expand the venues for winter games in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said and congratulated the J&K Sports Council, Ministry of Sports, and J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for organizing the event successfully.

Commissioner of Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary of J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gull, and other officials from civil, army and police administration were present during the concluding ceremony of the event.

In the 2023 edition of the winter games, Jammu and Kashmir bagged a maximum number of medals including 26 Gold, 25 Silver, and 25 Bronze.

Maharashtra also bagged 13 Gold, 8 Silver, and 6 Bronze medals followed by Himachal Pradesh with 10 Gold, 14 Silver, and 7 Bronze, the officials said, adding that the army also won 10 Gold, 10 Silver, and 9 Bronze medals.

Likewise, Karnataka has bagged 5 Gold, 2 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals, Haryana got 8 Gold, 10 Silver, and 13 Bronze medals, Uttrakhand won 6 Gold, 6 Silver, and 4 Bronze medals and Delhi won 3 Gold, 3 Silver, and 6 Bronze medals. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh (old) remained unlucky to bag any medal while Andhra Pradesh (new) got just one Bronze.

Punjab got one Silver and two Bronze while Rajasthan got 6 Silver and 4 Bronze each. Pondicherry and ABVMI got one Bronze while ITBP got 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze medals. Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Lakshadweep could not bag either of the medals.

Earlier yesterday, the MoS had said that like Gulmarg, more J&K places are going to witness winter games from the next year.

Pertinently, Khelo India Winter Games 2023 featured over 1,500 athletes from across the nation, competing in 11 sports. Alpine skiing, curling, bobsleigh, skeleton, snowshoe, nordic skiing, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, ice skating, ice hockey and bandy were featured at the event.

SHOPIAN — A female cricketer from Kashmir is set to earn a place in the Women's Premier League (WPL) as she has been roped in by one of the franchises.

Jasia Akhtar, a right-handed cricketer from Braripora area of south Kashmir's Shopian district, has been roped in by Delhi Capitals at Rs 20 lakh.

While speaking to the news agency KNO, she said that she was interested in cricket since her childhood but the journey was not easy. “In order to pursue my dream, I had to shift to Punjab for around 6-8 years and play domestic cricket where everyone was impressed with my performance,” she said.

She said that her performances have taken her very close to the Indian camp several times and WPL is the platform where she is expected to impress selectors with her performance to get the international berth.

“Last year, I switched to Rajasthan and currently I am playing for them and have performed that I will likely continue in WPL,” she said, adding, “My parents who have already supported me are behind my success and I wish everyone had parents like me."

“I will try to perform well in the coming WPL and my aim is to play for India,” she said and added, "J&K has scanty sports infrastructure as compared to other states.”

According to her, people are not positive here but one needs to be consistent to follow one's dreams. “My request to everyone will be to think 10 times before making any comment about anyone. Girls interested in cricket must continue their practice and they too can achieve their goals,” Jasia said.

Currently, she plays for Rajasthan and was the second-highest run-getter in the senior women's T20 Trophy. A total of 409 players from 15 countries went under the hammer for the WPL auction.

WPL is a T20 cricket league organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). BCCI had received 1525 registrations out of which 246 native players and 163 overseas players were included in the auction list.

She alongside Sarla Devi from Jammu are two players from J&K to figure in the list of 409 cricketers who were auctioned for five franchises on Monday.

BARAMULLA — The 3rd edition of the Khelo India National Winter Games began at Gulmarg with a message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the participating players.

The mega sports event was declared open in the presence of Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha and Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and I&B, Anurag Thakur.

During the biggest winter sports tournament, more than 1500 athletes from all over the country will compete in 11 different winter sports disciplines.

Union Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur lauded the J&K Government for developing sports facilities at grassroots level and achieving unprecedented progress in the sports sector in a short span of time.

"What Jammu and Kashmir has done in the world of sports in just three years is a matter of great pride. Indoor stadiums have been built in every district and every village has a playground. Where once there used to be incidents of stone pelting, today football, wushu and various sports are played there. This is the picture of new Jammu Kashmir," he added.

The Union Minister assured full support and cooperation in developing the Center of Excellence for Winter Games in the UT. "It is the vision of PM, Narendra Modi, to create sporting infrastructure across India. The setting up of a National Centre of Excellence in the valley will support the athletes of J&K," he said.

In his address, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said PM Narendra Modi’s message and blessings to the players participating in the 3rd Khelo India National Winter Games will encourage and inspire them.

Khelo India Winter Games will celebrate and honour sporting excellence and witness the contests of skill and endurance of athletes. "It is a great occasion to strive for the greatest victory, to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, peace, equality, friendship and respect for the competitors. The spirit of oneness, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat will make us stronger," the Lt Governor said.

“The entire country at the moment is united by the 3rd Winter Games dream. Each player participating will become the best ambassador of J&K. With the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, this sporting spectacle will strengthen the bond of goodwill and unite all the players as one family,” the Lt Governor said.

On behalf of the people of J&K, the Lt Governor welcomed the players, officials and sports enthusiasts and invited all the guests, who have come from every corner of the country to enjoy J&K’s hospitality, to enjoy the games and to enjoy the incredible sights and sounds of Jammu Kashmir.

The Lt Governor also highlighted the transformation in J&K’s sporting culture under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

"In the past few years, J&K has given many sporting heroes to the country. Continuous efforts of the UT Government in developing world-class sports infrastructure and facilities in every nook and corner of UT, vibrant sports culture and sports budget at par with bigger states have added a new dimension to J&K's Sports sector," said the Lt Governor.

"The welfare of sportspersons is our priority. Special efforts are being made to ensure a dignified life for our sportspersons and to encourage youth to choose sports as a career. The participation of more than 50 lakh youth in various sporting events last year is a testimony to this commitment," he added.

"With the help of the Union Sports Ministry, we will work for establishing a Center of Excellence for Winter Games. The location has already been identified. All efforts are being made to provide opportunities for sportspersons to excel in their career," the Lt Governor noted.

On the occasion, Lt Governor and Union Sports Minister e-launched 40 Khelo India Centres across Jammu Kashmir. The Centres have been dedicated to all the budding sportspersons of J&K UT.

Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Affairs & Sports J&K and Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council shared the achievements of the J&K UT in the national and international sports arena.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, GOC, 15 Corps; representatives of various sports organizations, prominent sports personalities and sports lovers witnessed the inaugural ceremony.

Southern Brave is one of the most successful franchises in The Hundred ball cricket tournament. This team represents the famous counties of Hampshire and Sussex. The Men's team won the inaugural 2021 season of the tournament while the Women's team managed to finish as runner-up.

This distinctive format tournament took place during the 2021 English and Welsh cricket season. Both men and women teams of the Southern Brave cricket team play at the Rose Bowl, Hampshire.

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The current squad of Southern Brave

The eight teams of the tournament are ready to play their league matches this season. The Southern Brave team will be playing against the seven other teams.

James Vince, one of the most stylish batters and a Men's Cricket World Cup winner, will be the captain of the Men's team. Calm under pressure and a good leader on the field, he has played in the Big Bash League and the Pakistan Super League. He was the third-highest Men's run scorer in the first season of The Hundred by hitting 229.

Anya Shrubsole, a 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup winner, will be the captain of the Women's team. Best known as a bowler for moving the ball through the air, she is ultra-competitive. Her figures of 4-13 vs Trent Rockets in the last season of The Hundred helped guide her team to the final.

Ahead, we've mentioned details about the Southern Brave players participating in the tournament this season.

Southern Brave — Men's Squad

Southern Brave — Women's Squad

Southern Brave — Team Coaches

This season, former legendary New Zealand cricketer, Stephen Fleming, will be the Southern Brave coach of the men's team.

He has since coached Melbourne Stars and Rising Pune Supergiant, along with being appointed as the head coach of Joburg Super Kings in the new SA20 league. In 2010, Fleming won the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings, along with the Champions League T20 in the same year, before winning the IPL again in 2018 and 2021.

Charlotte Marie Edwards, former captain of the England Women's team, will be the head of the Southern Brave coaching staff for the Women's side.

In 2016, Edwards was named captain of Southern Vipers in the inaugural Women's Cricket Super League. The Vipers went on to win the competition, with Edwards batting four times in five appearances. She captained the side again in 2017, her final season playing in the competition, with the Vipers once again reaching the final but this time losing to Western Storm.

Southern Brave — Home Ground

Southern Brave represents the traditional counties of Hampshire and Sussex. So, when it comes to questioning where are Southern Brave based, the answer is this: They're headquartered in Southampton. And Rose Bowl, also known as Ageas Bowl, is the Southern Brave's home ground.

This venue was built back in 2001 and is owned by RB Sport and Leisure Holdings PLC. Rose Bowl has a seating capacity of 15,000 people. And it conducts all home matches of the Southern Brave team. Also, the seating capacity can be extended to 25,000 with temporary seatings during international matches.

Southern Brave — Results

According to the 2021 Southern Brave results, Southern Brave Men's team won The Hundred title with 7 out of 10 winnings. The Southern Brave squad played 10 matches that ended with 7 wins, 2 losses, and 1 match without any results.

The final was played on August 21, 2021, at Lord's Cricket Ground, London where the Southern Brave team gave a title-winning performance against Birmingham Phoenix. Southern Brave, while batting first, set a target of 169 which Phoenix failed to reach, and ended up at 136-5 only. Paul Stirling won Man of the Match in the finals.

The Women's team faced Oval Invincibles in the final but could not win the match, Chasing a target of 122, the Southern Brave managed to score just 73 runs only. Oval Invincibles Women won the final by 48 runs.

In the 2022 season, Southern Brave Men lost the Double Header match against Northern Superchargers at Headingley, Leeds. Chasing a target of 136, the team managed to reach a score of 119/9 only and therefore, lost the match by 16 runs.

On the other hand, Southern Brave Women reached the finals in the second consecutive season. Tasked to restrict the Oval Invincibles Women below 101 runs in the 100-ball match at Lord's, London, the team could not defend the total. Ultimately, Oval Invincibles Women won the final by 5 wickets.

Southern Brave — Records

During the 2021 season of The Hundred, the Southern Brave Men cricket team made a total of 1248 runs with 168 being their highest and 126 being the lowest. So, the tournament ended with an average of 124.8.

The Southern Brave squad had their lowest score against the Trent Rockets at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. And they took 48 wickets in all 10 of their matches. More, as per the Southern Brave results, they caught 37 catches, 3 run-outs, and 1 stump.

James Vince was the highest run-scorer alongside Jake Lintott being the highest wicket-taker of the Southern Brave.

On the other hand, the Southern Brave Women's cricket team made a total of 1049 runs with 166 being their highest and 73 being the lowest. So, the tournament ended with an average of 116.55.

The Southern Brave squad had their lowest score against the Oval Invincibles at Lord's, London. And they took 52 wickets in all nine of their matches.

Sophia Dunkley was the highest run-scorer alongside Amanda-Jade Wellington being the highest wicket-taker of the Southern Brave.

In the 2022 season, the Southern Brave Men's cricket team made a total of 1020 runs with 142 being their highest and 119 being the lowest. So, the tournament ended with an average of 127.5.

The Southern Brave squad had their lowest score against the Northern Superchargers at Headingley, Leeds. And they took 45 wickets in all eight of their matches.

Alex Davies was the highest run-scorer alongside James Fuller being the highest wicket-taker of the Southern Brave.

On the other hand, the Southern Brave Women's cricket team made a total of 1024 runs with 159 being their highest and 101 being the lowest. So, the tournament ended with an average of 128.

The Southern Brave squad had their lowest score against the Oval Invincibles at Lord's, London. And they took 55 wickets in all eight of their matches.

Smriti Mandhana was the highest run-scorer alongside Amanda-Jade Wellington being the highest wicket-taker of the Southern Brave.

WASHINGTON — Fans of the Denver Nuggets believe and hope that the 2022-2023 season will finally be a breakthrough for their favorite team. The Nuggets went all the way in the NBA to the Western Conference Finals in 2020, but then the team faced injuries and attrition from leaders. However, this season it is likely that things will turn out differently for them.

The roster includes the MVP of the last two regular seasons, Serbian center Nikola Jokic, who dominates the court. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. have finally recovered from their injuries. Given that over the past two seasons, Jokic has had to do all the work almost alone, Nuggets fans have a right to believe that this season the situation will improve and the club will finally participate in a real fight for the championship.

Mostbet casino bookmakers are cautious about Denver's chances of success in the new championship, but they should definitely be regarded as one of the contenders. Let's try to guess the team's prospects in the 2022-2023 season.

Off-season for the Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic became the second straight NBA MVP with a record last season. One of the main reasons he won the award was because, without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. on the roster, he led the Nuggets to sixth in the Western Conference. To help their star big man, Denver has added quality role players this offseason in the form of Kentavius Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown. Both players have everything to provide improved shooting statistics and defense.

Murray and Porter Jr. are back on the court this season, so the Nuggets should be back in the Playoffs without any problems. To be sure, it will take time for the team's leaders to get back to their former form, but proven head coach Michael Malone, who only recently renewed for a game, knows how to get it done as quickly as possible. The Nuggets have the depth, talent, and experience needed to compete in the West, but does Denver have enough superstar power to win a championship? This question remains open.

Powerful Denver Nuggets rotation

If you compare the Nuggets rosters with many other NBA clubs, they have a decent rotation. The return of Murray and Porter will allow many players to do their usual work in their usual position instead of bringing in substitutes to solve difficult problems.

The first players on the bench for the Nuggets are Bones Highland, Bruce Brown, and Jeff Green. This is a pretty powerful rotation if you play in the Playoffs with an eight-man squad. If all of these players stay healthy for the Playoffs, then many League teams could have trouble fighting them. The team's rotation also includes DeAndre Jordan and Davon Reed, but in terms of the quality of the game, they are far inferior to the previously listed players.

Thus, with a fairly strong rotation, the main problem for the Denver Nuggets is the lack of a backup for the main star of the team, Nikola Jokic.

Will the Denver Nuggets be able to compete for the championship in the 2022-2023 season?

The main fear of Nuggets' fans is related to injuries that have been troubling team leaders over the past seasons. However, optimism is added by the fact that the leaders are returning in the new season. Jamal Murray became one of the team's key players in the 2020-2021 season before his cruciate ligament injury. The main question is whether the point guard will be able to reach the level that he demonstrated two years ago.

Another team talent is Michael Porter Jr., who also had a strong stint in the 2020-2021 season. This is a dynamic forward, who averaged 19 points per game for the season with a shooting statistics of 54.2%. However, last season Michael played only nine matches on the court and was far from his best form.

Assuming the leaders are healthy, we can cautiously assume that Denver can at least make it through a few rounds in the Playoffs. This team has a roster with elite players and a lot of potential on paper, great offense and decent defense.

This may be the best chance the Nuggets have ever had to win an NBA championship, and they look more than ready to take advantage of the opportunity. Experts believe that according to the results of the current season, Denver will be able to enter the Top-3 offensive teams and the Top-10 defense teams. With the return of the stars and the best lineup around Jokic so far of his career, the Nuggets are looking to be successful.

At the moment, according to bookmaker quotes, the team is in the Top-10 contenders for victory in the championship. This outcome is valued at 19.00.