The former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly took over as the BCCI chief in late 2019, after India's ODI World Cup campaign. In September 2022, Ganguly is set to complete three years of his tenure. During his rein as the BCCI chief, a lot of things have transpired&nbsp;in Indian cricket.

Ganguly's tenure has been hit by the Covid-19 virus wreaking havoc in the cricketing calendar worldwide. While BCCI have managed to host the last two IPL seasons despite various Covid challenges, questions over Women's IPL's implementation at a bigger level and his recent fall-out with Virat Kohli have dented his image as the BCCI President of&nbsp;late.

During a recent interaction with Sportstar, the 49-year-old opined on his legacy as BCCI chief. "I don't think it's more challenging. What's my legacy? Well, I won't be able to tell it now. Let's see what happens. It is up to you all to judge my legacy, it is what it is. But it has been under tough circumstances due to Covid-19 over the last two years. The pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world and we are fortunate that we could still manage to get a majority of cricket done," Ganguly told the portal in an interview.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-maharashtra-to-host-league-stage-call-on-playoffs-venues-not-taken-says-sourav-ganguly-450052">IPL 2022: Maharashtra to host league stage, call on playoffs' venues not taken, says Sourav Ganguly</a>

For now, the Ganguly-led Indian cricket board is looking to smoothly&nbsp;host India's white-ball series versus West Indies, starting on February 6,&nbsp;following the various Covid cases cropping up in the Rohit Sharma-led Indian camp on Wednesday (February 2).

Recently, Ganguly also revealed that the group stage of IPL 2022 will be held in Maharashtra whereas a call on playoffs' venues will be taken later. Regarding Women's IPL, he told in the same portal, "The Women’s T20 Challenge will again be back this year in the month of May. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to host a bigger women’s IPL once the number of women players goes up. But this year, the Women’s T20 Challenge will happen during the IPL playoffs."

The former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly took over as the BCCI chief in late 2019, after India's ODI World Cup campaign. In September 2022, Ganguly is set to complete three years of his tenure.

The former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly took over as the BCCI chief in late 2019, after India's ODI World Cup campaign. In September 2022, Ganguly is set to complete three years of his tenure. During his rein as the BCCI chief, a lot of things have transpired in Indian cricket. Ganguly's tenure has been hit by the Covid-19 virus wreaking havoc in the cricketing calendar worldwide. While BCCI have managed to host the last two IPL seasons despite various Covid challenges, questions over Women's IPL's implementation at a bigger level and his recent fall-out with Virat Kohli have dented his image as the BCCI President of late. During a recent interaction with Sportstar, the 49-year-old opined on his legacy as BCCI chief. "I don't think it's more challenging. What's my legacy? Well, I won't be able to tell it now. Let's see what happens. It is up to you all to judge my legacy, it is what it is. But it has been under tough circumstances due to Covid-19 over the last two years. The pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world and we are fortunate that we could still manage to get a majority of cricket done," Ganguly told the portal in an interview. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Maharashtra to host league stage, call on playoffs' venues not taken, says Sourav Ganguly For now, the Ganguly-led Indian cricket board is looking to smoothly host India's white-ball series versus West Indies, starting on February 6, following the various Covid cases cropping up in the Rohit Sharma-led Indian camp on Wednesday (February 2). Recently, Ganguly also revealed that the group stage of IPL 2022 will be held in Maharashtra whereas a call on playoffs' venues will be taken later. Regarding Women's IPL, he told in the same portal, "The Women’s T20 Challenge will again be back this year in the month of May. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to host a bigger women’s IPL once the number of women players goes up. But this year, the Women’s T20 Challenge will happen during the IPL playoffs."

'Upto you all to judge my legacy' - Sourav Ganguly on his tenure as BCCI President

In what comes as a big respite, no new COVID-19 case has emerged on Thursday and the Rohit Sharma-led side has started training ahead of the upcoming West Indies series.

Team India is set to play three ODIs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad from February 6 followed by the T20I series at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata from February 16.

Sources in the know of developments confirmed to ANI that no new COVID-19 case has emerged after Wednesday and the players barring the COVID-19 positive ones have started training.

"No new COVID-19 case has been reported in the bubble and the members have started training. The players barring the positive members have started training," the source pointed.

The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Wednesday added Mayank Agarwal to India`s ODI squad after seven members, including three players of Team India tested positive for COVID-19 following three rounds of RT-PCR testing.

According to BCCI, the members were asked to report in Ahmedabad on January 31, 2022, for the upcoming three-match ODI and T20I series against the West Indies.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/ranji-trophy-to-be-played-in-two-phases-from-february-10-to-june-26-450246">Ranji Trophy to be played in two phases from February 10 to June 26</a>

"Every member was also asked to undergo an RT-PCR test at home before embarking on their journey to Ahmedabad and the travel was undertaken only after testing negative," BCCI said in a statement."

Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan and fast bowler Navdeep Saini`s (standby player) RT-PCR tests conducted on Monday (January 31st) have returned positive results," it added. Fielding Coach T. Dilip and Security Liaison Officer B. Lokesh`s RT-PCR tests conducted on Monday have also returned positive results.

Meanwhile, batter Ruturaj Gaikwad`s RT-PCR test conducted on Tuesday (February 1st) has returned a positive result. He had tested negative during the first round of testing on Monday.

Moreover, Shreyas Iyer and Sports Massage Therapist Rajeev Kumar`s RT-PCR tests conducted on Wednesday (February 2nd) have returned positive results. Both had tested negative in the first two rounds of testing, said BCCI.&nbsp;

In what comes as a big respite, no new COVID-19 case has emerged on Thursday and the Rohit Sharma-led side has started training ahead of the upcoming West Indies series.

In what comes as a big respite, no new COVID-19 case has emerged on Thursday and the Rohit Sharma-led side has started training ahead of the upcoming West Indies series. Team India is set to play three ODIs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad from February 6 followed by the T20I series at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata from February 16. Sources in the know of developments confirmed to ANI that no new COVID-19 case has emerged after Wednesday and the players barring the COVID-19 positive ones have started training. "No new COVID-19 case has been reported in the bubble and the members have started training. The players barring the positive members have started training," the source pointed. The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Wednesday added Mayank Agarwal to India`s ODI squad after seven members, including three players of Team India tested positive for COVID-19 following three rounds of RT-PCR testing. According to BCCI, the members were asked to report in Ahmedabad on January 31, 2022, for the upcoming three-match ODI and T20I series against the West Indies. Read Also | Ranji Trophy to be played in two phases from February 10 to June 26 "Every member was also asked to undergo an RT-PCR test at home before embarking on their journey to Ahmedabad and the travel was undertaken only after testing negative," BCCI said in a statement." Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan and fast bowler Navdeep Saini`s (standby player) RT-PCR tests conducted on Monday (January 31st) have returned positive results," it added. Fielding Coach T. Dilip and Security Liaison Officer B. Lokesh`s RT-PCR tests conducted on Monday have also returned positive results. Meanwhile, batter Ruturaj Gaikwad`s RT-PCR test conducted on Tuesday (February 1st) has returned a positive result. He had tested negative during the first round of testing on Monday. Moreover, Shreyas Iyer and Sports Massage Therapist Rajeev Kumar`s RT-PCR tests conducted on Wednesday (February 2nd) have returned positive results. Both had tested negative in the first two rounds of testing, said BCCI.

India vs WI: No fresh COVID cases in Rohit-led Indian camp; hosts kick off preparations for opening ODI

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both say they will play in the next edition of the Laver Cup. Federer, who has been sidelined since July because of an injured knee, and Nadal, fresh off earning his men's-record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, said in a statement Thursday they will represent Team Europe in London on Sept. 23-25.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back into competition later this year and Laver Cup is very much part of my plan," said Federer, whose management company founded the competition.

Federer said Nadal messaged him last year suggesting they play doubles together again in the Laver Cup. They teamed up to win a doubles match during the first Laver Cup in 2017.

"If we're able to possibly share the court one more time as a doubles pairing, then this would be a truly special experience for us both at this stage in our careers," Nadal said.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/closed-loop-meeting-between-ioc-president-thomas-bach-and-peng-shuai-450166">'Closed loop' meeting between IOC President Thomas Bach and Peng Shuai</a>

This will be the fifth Laver Cup. Neither Federer nor Nadal took part in 2021. Federer, 40, has not competed since undergoing surgery on his right knee for the third time in 1 1/2 years not long after losing in the Wimbledon quarterfinals on July 7.

In November, he said he did not expect to be able to play at the All England Club this year and it is still uncertain when ? or, truly, if ? he will return to Grand Slam action.

Nadal, Federer and Novak Djokovic all were tied at 20 major championships until Sunday, That's when Nadal moved ahead by coming back after dropping the opening two sets to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final at Melbourne Park.&nbsp;

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both say they will play in the next edition of the Laver Cup. Federer, who has been sidelined since July because of an injured knee, and Nadal, fresh off earning his men's-record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, said in a statement Thursday they will represent Team Europe in London on Sept.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both say they will play in the next edition of the Laver Cup. Federer, who has been sidelined since July because of an injured knee, and Nadal, fresh off earning his men's-record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, said in a statement Thursday they will represent Team Europe in London on Sept. 23-25. "I'm really looking forward to getting back into competition later this year and Laver Cup is very much part of my plan," said Federer, whose management company founded the competition. Federer said Nadal messaged him last year suggesting they play doubles together again in the Laver Cup. They teamed up to win a doubles match during the first Laver Cup in 2017. "If we're able to possibly share the court one more time as a doubles pairing, then this would be a truly special experience for us both at this stage in our careers," Nadal said. Read Also | 'Closed loop' meeting between IOC President Thomas Bach and Peng Shuai This will be the fifth Laver Cup. Neither Federer nor Nadal took part in 2021. Federer, 40, has not competed since undergoing surgery on his right knee for the third time in 1 1/2 years not long after losing in the Wimbledon quarterfinals on July 7. In November, he said he did not expect to be able to play at the All England Club this year and it is still uncertain when ? or, truly, if ? he will return to Grand Slam action. Nadal, Federer and Novak Djokovic all were tied at 20 major championships until Sunday, That's when Nadal moved ahead by coming back after dropping the opening two sets to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final at Melbourne Park.

Laver Cup 2022: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal plan to play doubles in London in September

The Ranji Trophy would be held in two phases and now it has been confirmed that the pre-Indian Premier League (IPL) phase would run from February 10 to March 15.

In a letter sent out by BCCI secretary Jay Shah to all state-affiliated units, the details have been specified on how Ranji Trophy would be conducted this season.

The post-IPL-phase would run from May 30 to June 26. The Ranji Trophy this season would see 64 matches being played across 62 days.

"I am pleased to share that we are now truly set to resume both international and domestic cricket with full thrust. The coming months are going to be replete with cricketing action. We have waited patiently for the grip of the pandemic to loosen and the time has come for our cricketers to take center-stage all over again," wrote Shah in his letter, which has been accessed by ANI."

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/didnt-know-anyone-in-bcci-harbhajan-singh-opines-on-not-being-considered-for-india-captaincy-450232">Didn't know anyone in BCCI: Harbhajan Singh opines on not being considered for India captaincy</a>

We have spread out the Ranji Trophy to 9 different venues across the country to mitigate any cross-transmission risk while ensuring the bio-secure bubble is not overburdened," he added.

There are eight Elite Groups and one Plate Group. There would be four teams in Elite Groups and six teams would make up the Plate Group.

One team from each Elite Group will qualify for the quarterfinal stages. The lowest-ranked of the eight qualified teams will have to play a pre-quarterfinal with the top team from the Plate Group.

The Groups are as follows:

Elite Group A: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Meghalaya (Matches to be held in Rajkot)Elite Group B: Bengal, Baroda, Hyderabad, Chandigarh (Matches to be held in Cuttack)Elite Group C: Karnataka, Railways, Jammu and Kashmir, Pondicherry (Matches to be held in Chennai)Elite Group D: Saurashtra, Mumbai, Odisha, Goa (Matches to be held in Ahmedabad)Group E (Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Services, and Uttarakhand), Group F (Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Tripura), Group G (Vidharbha, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Assam), and Group H (Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Chattisgarh) will see their matches being played in Trivandrum, Delhi, Haryana, and Guwahati.While the Plate Group matches will be held in Kolkata and this group comprises Bihar, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Ranji Trophy would be held in two phases and now it has been confirmed that the pre-Indian Premier League (IPL) phase would run from February 10 to March 15.

The Ranji Trophy would be held in two phases and now it has been confirmed that the pre-Indian Premier League (IPL) phase would run from February 10 to March 15. In a letter sent out by BCCI secretary Jay Shah to all state-affiliated units, the details have been specified on how Ranji Trophy would be conducted this season. The post-IPL-phase would run from May 30 to June 26. The Ranji Trophy this season would see 64 matches being played across 62 days. "I am pleased to share that we are now truly set to resume both international and domestic cricket with full thrust. The coming months are going to be replete with cricketing action. We have waited patiently for the grip of the pandemic to loosen and the time has come for our cricketers to take center-stage all over again," wrote Shah in his letter, which has been accessed by ANI." Read Also | Didn't know anyone in BCCI: Harbhajan Singh opines on not being considered for India captaincy We have spread out the Ranji Trophy to 9 different venues across the country to mitigate any cross-transmission risk while ensuring the bio-secure bubble is not overburdened," he added. There are eight Elite Groups and one Plate Group. There would be four teams in Elite Groups and six teams would make up the Plate Group. One team from each Elite Group will qualify for the quarterfinal stages. The lowest-ranked of the eight qualified teams will have to play a pre-quarterfinal with the top team from the Plate Group. The Groups are as follows: Elite Group A: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Meghalaya (Matches to be held in Rajkot)Elite Group B: Bengal, Baroda, Hyderabad, Chandigarh (Matches to be held in Cuttack)Elite Group C: Karnataka, Railways, Jammu and Kashmir, Pondicherry (Matches to be held in Chennai)Elite Group D: Saurashtra, Mumbai, Odisha, Goa (Matches to be held in Ahmedabad)Group E (Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Services, and Uttarakhand), Group F (Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Tripura), Group G (Vidharbha, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Assam), and Group H (Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Chattisgarh) will see their matches being played in Trivandrum, Delhi, Haryana, and Guwahati.While the Plate Group matches will be held in Kolkata and this group comprises Bihar, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Ranji Trophy to be played in two phases from February 10 to June 26

Serbia`s president on Thursday praised tennis star Novak Djokovic`s "great fight" over his bid to play at the Australia Open despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19. An Australian Federal Court last month decided to cancel the world number one`s visa after days of wrangling over the country`s COVID-19 entry rules, forcing him to miss the Grand Slam tournament and return to Serbia. "Thank you for the great fight you fought in Australia," Aleksandar Vucic told Djokovic during a meeting in Belgrade.

Vucic, a populist who is bidding for re-election in April, said he spoke with Djokovic as soon as he heard about the problems in Australia and told him to come home. "And then I saw how ... he was ready to fight not only for himself, but for his country," Vucic said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-no-1-novak-djokovics-covid-19-test-was-valid-claim-serbian-prosecutors-450111">World No. 1 Novak Djokovic's COVID-19 test was valid, claim Serbian prosecutors</a>

Djokovic, who previously refused to speak about the events in Australia, told Vucic he was grateful for the support, adding he that he will address the public within seven to 10 days. "You have stood behind me and placed yourself in a compromised political position in international relations, and I am ... extremely grateful. I will remember that," Djokovic said. Djokovic`s treatment has been described as "scandalous" by the government in Belgrade and has soured relations between Serbia and Australia.

Serbia`s president on Thursday praised tennis star Novak Djokovic`s "great fight" over his bid to play at the Australia Open despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19.

Serbia`s president on Thursday praised tennis star Novak Djokovic`s "great fight" over his bid to play at the Australia Open despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19. An Australian Federal Court last month decided to cancel the world number one`s visa after days of wrangling over the country`s COVID-19 entry rules, forcing him to miss the Grand Slam tournament and return to Serbia. "Thank you for the great fight you fought in Australia," Aleksandar Vucic told Djokovic during a meeting in Belgrade. Vucic, a populist who is bidding for re-election in April, said he spoke with Djokovic as soon as he heard about the problems in Australia and told him to come home. "And then I saw how ... he was ready to fight not only for himself, but for his country," Vucic said. ALSO READ | World No. 1 Novak Djokovic's COVID-19 test was valid, claim Serbian prosecutors Djokovic, who previously refused to speak about the events in Australia, told Vucic he was grateful for the support, adding he that he will address the public within seven to 10 days. "You have stood behind me and placed yourself in a compromised political position in international relations, and I am ... extremely grateful. I will remember that," Djokovic said. Djokovic`s treatment has been described as "scandalous" by the government in Belgrade and has soured relations between Serbia and Australia.

Serbia president praises World No. 1 Novak Djokovic's 'great fight' in Australia

Hundreds of Tibetan activists marched on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday, a day before Beijing 2022 opens, accusing the Swiss-based organisation of complicity in "atrocities" committed against ethnic minorities in China.

Hours earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the Beijing Olympics will be streamlined, safe and splendid, even as IOC President Thomas Bach decried boycott ghosts "rearing their ugly heads again" over human rights concerns.

The United States, Britain and some other allied countries have staged a diplomatic boycott of the Games over those concerns.

"Today here we are gathered, Tibetans from at least eight different countries in Europe, in front of the IOC building to protest against IOC awarding the Winter Olympics 2022 to the Beijing government," Karma Choekyi, head of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, told Reuters.

She said more than 150 Tibetans had self-immolated after the 2008 Beijing Summer Games because of "much repression in Tibet".

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/beijing-2022-czech-republic-ice-hockey-player-david-krejci-isolating-after-positive-covid-test-450227">Beijing 2022: Czech Republic Ice hockey player David Krejci isolating after positive COVID test</a>

"So to award yet again the Winter Olympics 2022 to Beijing means the IOC has not taken (account) of gross human rights violations by the Chinese regime on the people of Tibet, east Turkistan (Xinjiang), southern Mongolia and even the fragile democracy in Hong Kong," she said.

They were presenting to IOC security staff a petition signed by the presidents of 10 Tibetan communities in Europe.

"In Tibet there are no human rights and genocide is destroying the culture. That is why we came to stop the Beijing 2022," Lob Sang, a 36-year-old man born in Tibet who said he has lived as a refugee in the Netherlands since 2013, told Reuters. 
The man, who declined to give his family name, said: "I have family in Tibet. I cannot contact them because in Tibet there is no social media."

Rights groups have long criticised the IOC for awarding the Games to China, citing its treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in the western Xinjiang region, which the United States has deemed genocide.

China denies allegations of human rights abuses and says it opposes the "politicisation" of sports.

"Despite well-documented evidence of systematic rights violations by China, the International Olympic Committee chose to place profit over people," the Tibetan exile group said in a statement after some 250 members gathered at the IOC. 
Many were draped in Tibetan flags. Some carried a banner ‘No Rights No Games’ and signs saying ‘Save Tibet’ and ‘2022 Genocide Games’.&nbsp;

China seized control of Tibet after its troops entered the region in 1950 in what it calls a "peaceful liberation". Ethnic Tibetans make up more than 80% of the population in the Tibet Autonomous Region, one of the most restricted areas in the country. Critics, led by exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, say Beijing`s rule amounts to "cultural genocide".

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/beijing-2022-australian-jakara-anthony-leads-qualifiers-jaelin-kauf-in-freestyle-skiing-mix-450185">Beijing 2022: Australian Jakara Anthony leads qualifiers, Jaelin Kauf in Freestyle skiing mix</a>

Since Xi came to power a decade ago, China had intensified its crackdown on Buddhist learning centres and Buddhist religious sites, the statement said, adding: "China has committed and continues to commit cultural genocide in Tibet".

Friday`s start of the Games will turn attention away from criticism over human rights, a spokesman for the organising committee said.

"The so-called China human rights issue is a lie made up by people with ulterior motives," Zhao Weidong, spokesman for the Beijing Games, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday when asked if such criticism had undermined the Games.

"I want to emphasise that the Olympics is a great spectacle for athletes and sports fans across the world. From the current situation, many countries and athletes have expressed their support for the Beijing Winter Olympics," he said.

Hundreds of Tibetan activists marched on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday, a day before Beijing 2022 opens, accusing the Swiss-based organisation of complicity in "atrocities" committed against ethnic minorities in China.

Hundreds of Tibetan activists marched on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday, a day before Beijing 2022 opens, accusing the Swiss-based organisation of complicity in "atrocities" committed against ethnic minorities in China. Hours earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the Beijing Olympics will be streamlined, safe and splendid, even as IOC President Thomas Bach decried boycott ghosts "rearing their ugly heads again" over human rights concerns. The United States, Britain and some other allied countries have staged a diplomatic boycott of the Games over those concerns. "Today here we are gathered, Tibetans from at least eight different countries in Europe, in front of the IOC building to protest against IOC awarding the Winter Olympics 2022 to the Beijing government," Karma Choekyi, head of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, told Reuters. She said more than 150 Tibetans had self-immolated after the 2008 Beijing Summer Games because of "much repression in Tibet". Read Also | Beijing 2022: Czech Republic Ice hockey player David Krejci isolating after positive COVID test "So to award yet again the Winter Olympics 2022 to Beijing means the IOC has not taken (account) of gross human rights violations by the Chinese regime on the people of Tibet, east Turkistan (Xinjiang), southern Mongolia and even the fragile democracy in Hong Kong," she said. They were presenting to IOC security staff a petition signed by the presidents of 10 Tibetan communities in Europe. "In Tibet there are no human rights and genocide is destroying the culture. That is why we came to stop the Beijing 2022," Lob Sang, a 36-year-old man born in Tibet who said he has lived as a refugee in the Netherlands since 2013, told Reuters. The man, who declined to give his family name, said: "I have family in Tibet. I cannot contact them because in Tibet there is no social media." Rights groups have long criticised the IOC for awarding the Games to China, citing its treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in the western Xinjiang region, which the United States has deemed genocide. China denies allegations of human rights abuses and says it opposes the "politicisation" of sports. "Despite well-documented evidence of systematic rights violations by China, the International Olympic Committee chose to place profit over people," the Tibetan exile group said in a statement after some 250 members gathered at the IOC. Many were draped in Tibetan flags. Some carried a banner ‘No Rights No Games’ and signs saying ‘Save Tibet’ and ‘2022 Genocide Games’. China seized control of Tibet after its troops entered the region in 1950 in what it calls a "peaceful liberation". Ethnic Tibetans make up more than 80% of the population in the Tibet Autonomous Region, one of the most restricted areas in the country. Critics, led by exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, say Beijing`s rule amounts to "cultural genocide". Read Also | Beijing 2022: Australian Jakara Anthony leads qualifiers, Jaelin Kauf in Freestyle skiing mix Since Xi came to power a decade ago, China had intensified its crackdown on Buddhist learning centres and Buddhist religious sites, the statement said, adding: "China has committed and continues to commit cultural genocide in Tibet". Friday`s start of the Games will turn attention away from criticism over human rights, a spokesman for the organising committee said. "The so-called China human rights issue is a lie made up by people with ulterior motives," Zhao Weidong, spokesman for the Beijing Games, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday when asked if such criticism had undermined the Games. "I want to emphasise that the Olympics is a great spectacle for athletes and sports fans across the world. From the current situation, many countries and athletes have expressed their support for the Beijing Winter Olympics," he said.

Beijing Olympics: Tibetans demonstrate outside the Swiss-based IOC

Norway`s Pyeongchang Olympics Nordic Combined silver medallist Jarl Magnus Riiber has tested positive for COVID-19, dealing another blow to their Beijing Games medal hopes on Thursday.

The 24-year-old, currently second in the Nordic Combined World Cup standings behind Austria`s Johannes Lamparter, was widely tipped to be on the podium again following his team silver four years ago but he is now in isolation.

Getting out will require two negative COVID tests and Riiber`s positive has cast doubt on the participation of others in Norway`s team deemed to be possible close contacts, including biathletes Johannes Thingnes Boe and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold.

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"We believe we have a good picture of the situation, and that we have identified the relevant close contacts," Norway team physician Aasne Fenne Hoksrud said in a statement.

"What is important now is that everyone is very careful with the infection control measures, and is extra careful going forward. The virus is insidious, and we are doing what we can to put a stop to further spread," she added.

The first Nordic Combined event begins on Sunday.

Norway`s Pyeongchang Olympics Nordic Combined silver medallist Jarl Magnus Riiber has tested positive for COVID-19, dealing another blow to their Beijing Games medal hopes on Thursday.

Norway`s Pyeongchang Olympics Nordic Combined silver medallist Jarl Magnus Riiber has tested positive for COVID-19, dealing another blow to their Beijing Games medal hopes on Thursday. The 24-year-old, currently second in the Nordic Combined World Cup standings behind Austria`s Johannes Lamparter, was widely tipped to be on the podium again following his team silver four years ago but he is now in isolation. Getting out will require two negative COVID tests and Riiber`s positive has cast doubt on the participation of others in Norway`s team deemed to be possible close contacts, including biathletes Johannes Thingnes Boe and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold. Read Also | Beijing Olympics: Champion Mikael Kingsbury leads moguls qualifiers in Freestyle skiing "We believe we have a good picture of the situation, and that we have identified the relevant close contacts," Norway team physician Aasne Fenne Hoksrud said in a statement. "What is important now is that everyone is very careful with the infection control measures, and is extra careful going forward. The virus is insidious, and we are doing what we can to put a stop to further spread," she added. The first Nordic Combined event begins on Sunday.

Beijing Olympics: Norway's Jarl Magnus Riiber rocked by positive COVID test

Harbhajan Singh dropped a bomb by announcing his international retirement before the end of 2021. Bhajji represented Team India for 18 years, with his career spanning from 1998-2016 (when he last represented India). The veteran spinner made a big name in world cricket, ending with 711 wickets at the highest level.

During his glorious run for Team India, the 41-year-old played under various captains. He started under Mohammad Azharuddin and was led by the likes of Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli (along with also being captained by Virender Sehwag and Anil Kumble for a brief period). In the IPL, Bhajji played under Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Eoin Morgan, Dhoni whereas he himself captained the Mumbai Indians (MI) -- where he played for 10 years -- and led them to the 2011 Champions League title.

Despite him being in the leadership group for Team India and the Mumbai-based IPL franchise, he was never considered for captaining India. Before the 2007 T20 World Cup, he was being considered as one of the contenders for leading the Men in Blue in the showpiece event before Dhoni got the top post. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-i-was-scared-of-short-balls-i-wouldnt-have-scored-fifty-in-lords-test-vs-england-md-shami-slams-critics-450217">If I was scared of short balls, I wouldn’t have scored fifty in Lord's Test vs England: Md Shami slams critics</a>

As per the former India spinner, those who aren't favourites don't get the captaincy honour. "Oh yes! That is also an achievement that no one talks about - my captaincy. I didn’t know anyone in the BCCI; someone who could push my case because it is required (for national captaincy). If you are not among the favourites of someone (powerful), you don’t get such honours. But, let’s leave that topic. I know I was capable enough (to lead) as we used to guide a lot of captains. No big deal if I was an India captain or not. No regrets either if I didn’t become the captain for my country. I was always happy to serve the nation as a player," he told Cricketnext.com.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-not-married-to-him-harbhajan-singh-gives-cheeky-response-clears-air-on-rumoured-rift-with-ms-dhoni-449222">'I am not married to him': Harbhajan Singh gives cheeky response, clears air on rumoured rift with MS Dhoni</a>

Harbhajan's last international appearance came during the 2016 Asia Cup. He was part of India's victorious run in the 2007 T20 WC, 2011 ODI World Cup, Asia Cup win in 2010 and many other significant wins across the globe. He signed off being the fourth-highest Test wicket-taker in the purest format (417 scalps).&nbsp;

Harbhajan Singh dropped a bomb by announcing his international retirement before the end of 2021. Bhajji represented Team India for 18 years, with his career spanning from 1998-2016 (when he last represented India).

Harbhajan Singh dropped a bomb by announcing his international retirement before the end of 2021. Bhajji represented Team India for 18 years, with his career spanning from 1998-2016 (when he last represented India). The veteran spinner made a big name in world cricket, ending with 711 wickets at the highest level. During his glorious run for Team India, the 41-year-old played under various captains. He started under Mohammad Azharuddin and was led by the likes of Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli (along with also being captained by Virender Sehwag and Anil Kumble for a brief period). In the IPL, Bhajji played under Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Eoin Morgan, Dhoni whereas he himself captained the Mumbai Indians (MI) -- where he played for 10 years -- and led them to the 2011 Champions League title. Despite him being in the leadership group for Team India and the Mumbai-based IPL franchise, he was never considered for captaining India. Before the 2007 T20 World Cup, he was being considered as one of the contenders for leading the Men in Blue in the showpiece event before Dhoni got the top post. ALSO READ | If I was scared of short balls, I wouldn’t have scored fifty in Lord's Test vs England: Md Shami slams critics As per the former India spinner, those who aren't favourites don't get the captaincy honour. "Oh yes! That is also an achievement that no one talks about - my captaincy. I didn’t know anyone in the BCCI; someone who could push my case because it is required (for national captaincy). If you are not among the favourites of someone (powerful), you don’t get such honours. But, let’s leave that topic. I know I was capable enough (to lead) as we used to guide a lot of captains. No big deal if I was an India captain or not. No regrets either if I didn’t become the captain for my country. I was always happy to serve the nation as a player," he told Cricketnext.com. ALSO READ | 'I am not married to him': Harbhajan Singh gives cheeky response, clears air on rumoured rift with MS Dhoni Harbhajan's last international appearance came during the 2016 Asia Cup. He was part of India's victorious run in the 2007 T20 WC, 2011 ODI World Cup, Asia Cup win in 2010 and many other significant wins across the globe. He signed off being the fourth-highest Test wicket-taker in the purest format (417 scalps).

Didn't know anyone in BCCI: Harbhajan Singh opines on not being considered for India captaincy

The Czech Republic`s David Krejci, one of the biggest names in the Olympic men`s ice hockey tournament, tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in Beijing on Thursday.

Krejci, who logged 1,118 regular season and playoff games in the National Hockey League and won a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins before returning to play in the Czech Extraliga this season, was isolating in his room in the athletes village while the team practised.

Two other members of the Czech squad, forward Tomas Hyka and goaltender Simon Hrubec, also produced positive tests.

"He (Krejci) was positive when coming over to the Olympic village, but the same thing happened to Hyka the first day, so I strongly believe that tomorrow his numbers are going to be all right and he`s going to join the practice," said coach Filip Pesan after putting his men through a brisk training session.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/beijing-olympics-champion-mikael-kingsbury-leads-moguls-qualifiers-in-freestyle-skiing-450198">Beijing Olympics: Champion Mikael Kingsbury leads moguls qualifiers in Freestyle skiing</a>

"But today his numbers were not so good, so we just kept him safe. We kept him in the room and we`re going to re-test him tonight and re-test him tomorrow morning, and I strongly believe that he`s going to join the practice tomorrow." 
Rated strong medal contenders, the Czechs face off on Wednesday against Denmark.

A COVID-19 outbreak has also hit the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) women`s team with six members in isolation after producing positive tests.

The ROC practised on Thursday without the isolating players and are scheduled to play their Games opener on Friday against Switzerland.

"We aren’t in contact with anyone in the Olympic Village," Russian head coach Evgeny Bobariko said. "Nobody goes anywhere.

"Everyone sits in their rooms, food is brought to them. We only leave our rooms to get tested. We are not allowed to use the elevator, everyone goes down using the stairs."

The RIA news agency reported that the six Russian players in isolation are Angelina Goncharenko, Olga Sosina, Lyudmila Belyakova, Ekaterina Nikolayeva, Diana Fakhrutdinova and Liana Ganeyeva.

The Czech Republic`s David Krejci, one of the biggest names in the Olympic men`s ice hockey tournament, tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in Beijing on Thursday.

The Czech Republic`s David Krejci, one of the biggest names in the Olympic men`s ice hockey tournament, tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in Beijing on Thursday. Krejci, who logged 1,118 regular season and playoff games in the National Hockey League and won a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins before returning to play in the Czech Extraliga this season, was isolating in his room in the athletes village while the team practised. Two other members of the Czech squad, forward Tomas Hyka and goaltender Simon Hrubec, also produced positive tests. "He (Krejci) was positive when coming over to the Olympic village, but the same thing happened to Hyka the first day, so I strongly believe that tomorrow his numbers are going to be all right and he`s going to join the practice," said coach Filip Pesan after putting his men through a brisk training session. Read Also | Beijing Olympics: Champion Mikael Kingsbury leads moguls qualifiers in Freestyle skiing "But today his numbers were not so good, so we just kept him safe. We kept him in the room and we`re going to re-test him tonight and re-test him tomorrow morning, and I strongly believe that he`s going to join the practice tomorrow." Rated strong medal contenders, the Czechs face off on Wednesday against Denmark. A COVID-19 outbreak has also hit the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) women`s team with six members in isolation after producing positive tests. The ROC practised on Thursday without the isolating players and are scheduled to play their Games opener on Friday against Switzerland. "We aren’t in contact with anyone in the Olympic Village," Russian head coach Evgeny Bobariko said. "Nobody goes anywhere. "Everyone sits in their rooms, food is brought to them. We only leave our rooms to get tested. We are not allowed to use the elevator, everyone goes down using the stairs." The RIA news agency reported that the six Russian players in isolation are Angelina Goncharenko, Olga Sosina, Lyudmila Belyakova, Ekaterina Nikolayeva, Diana Fakhrutdinova and Liana Ganeyeva.

Beijing 2022: Czech Republic Ice hockey player David Krejci isolating after positive COVID test

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra on Thursday confirmed that the manager of the Indian contingent at the Beijing Winter Olympics has tested negative for COVID-19.

"The manager of Indian team Abbas Wani tested negative in the 2 tests done on him in last 24 Hours. Hence the entire Indian contingent in Beijing is Covid Free, Thank you, Harjinder Singh Chef de Mission, Indian Embassy in China, and MYAS Govt of India for taking care of everyone," Batra said in an official statement.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/beijing-olympics-covid-pulls-out-german-nolan-seegert-from-figure-skating-event-450087">Beijing Olympics: COVID pulls out German Nolan Seegert from figure skating event</a>

Earlier, the manager of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Winter Beijing Olympics had tested positive for COVID-19. The development was confirmed by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra.

"The manager of the Indian contingent Abbas Wani tested Covid-19 positive at Beijing Airport. The chef de mission Harjinder Singh is coordinating for a re-test," Batra had said in an official statement.

The Beijing Winter Olympics are slated to run from February 4-20. Kashmir skier Arif Khan is the only athlete from India to have qualified for Beijing Winter Olympics 2022.Arif will be competing in Slalom and Giant Slalom events.&nbsp;

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra on Thursday confirmed that the manager of the Indian contingent at the Beijing Winter Olympics has tested negative for COVID-19.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra on Thursday confirmed that the manager of the Indian contingent at the Beijing Winter Olympics has tested negative for COVID-19. "The manager of Indian team Abbas Wani tested negative in the 2 tests done on him in last 24 Hours. Hence the entire Indian contingent in Beijing is Covid Free, Thank you, Harjinder Singh Chef de Mission, Indian Embassy in China, and MYAS Govt of India for taking care of everyone," Batra said in an official statement. Read Also | Beijing Olympics: COVID pulls out German Nolan Seegert from figure skating event Earlier, the manager of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Winter Beijing Olympics had tested positive for COVID-19. The development was confirmed by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra. "The manager of the Indian contingent Abbas Wani tested Covid-19 positive at Beijing Airport. The chef de mission Harjinder Singh is coordinating for a re-test," Batra had said in an official statement. The Beijing Winter Olympics are slated to run from February 4-20. Kashmir skier Arif Khan is the only athlete from India to have qualified for Beijing Winter Olympics 2022.Arif will be competing in Slalom and Giant Slalom events.

Beijing Olympics 2022: Indian contingent manager Narinder Batra tests negative for COVID-19

Australia`s Jakara Anthony led the first round of qualifying in the women`s freestyle skiing moguls event at the Olympics on Thursday followed closely by defending champion Perrine Laffont of France while American Jaelin Kauf was third.

Canadian sisters Justine and Chloe Dufour-Lapointe finished 10th and 11th respectively, with the latter failing to qualify automatically.

The top 10 skiers from Thursday`s qualifiers advance to the first round of the finals, with a second round of qualifiers to be held on Sunday.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/beijing-olympics-2022-covid-information-leaks-worry-norwegians-450097">Beijing Olympics 2022: COVID information leaks worry Norwegians</a>

Kauf, who was widely favoured to win gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games but eventually finished seventh, told reporters on Wednesday that she wanted to remember to enjoy the ride even during a tough competition.

Some notable athletes missed Thursday`s competition. Yuliya Galysheva from Kazakhstan, who won bronze at the 2018 Games, did not appear at the starting line.

American Kai Owens, who fell during a practice session earlier this week, also did not participate in the day`s qualifiers.

Australia`s Jakara Anthony led the first round of qualifying in the women`s freestyle skiing moguls event at the Olympics on Thursday followed closely by defending champion Perrine Laffont of France while American Jaelin Kauf was third.

Australia`s Jakara Anthony led the first round of qualifying in the women`s freestyle skiing moguls event at the Olympics on Thursday followed closely by defending champion Perrine Laffont of France while American Jaelin Kauf was third. Canadian sisters Justine and Chloe Dufour-Lapointe finished 10th and 11th respectively, with the latter failing to qualify automatically. The top 10 skiers from Thursday`s qualifiers advance to the first round of the finals, with a second round of qualifiers to be held on Sunday. Read Also | Beijing Olympics 2022: COVID information leaks worry Norwegians Kauf, who was widely favoured to win gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games but eventually finished seventh, told reporters on Wednesday that she wanted to remember to enjoy the ride even during a tough competition. Some notable athletes missed Thursday`s competition. Yuliya Galysheva from Kazakhstan, who won bronze at the 2018 Games, did not appear at the starting line. American Kai Owens, who fell during a practice session earlier this week, also did not participate in the day`s qualifiers.

Beijing 2022: Australian Jakara Anthony leads qualifiers, Jaelin Kauf in Freestyle skiing mix

Team India have often struggled to get rid of the opposition's tail and also not&nbsp;managed contributions from the lower-order at regular intervals, especially while playing away Tests. However, things have changed for the good in the past year with the lower-order often bailing the team out of crisis and adding valuable runs to the scoreboard.&nbsp;

During India's 2021 five-match Test series versus England, in the United Kingdom, the then Virat Kohli-led side played a riveting second Test versus Joe Root-led England at Lord's. During the fifth day, the play started with India 181-6, leading the hosts by 154 runs. The overnight batters -- Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma -- returned back to the pavillion in a jiffy as it seemed like India will manage to set up a target close to 200, or slightly above it.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami joined together in the middle, with India reeling at 209-8, and stitched an unbeaten 89-run ninth-wicket stand, withstanding the short-ball ploy from the English seamers to take the team total to 298-8 (declare). While Bumrah remained unbeaten on 34, Shami registered a memorable fifty (second in whites) to remain 56 not out. Setting up a competitive 272-run target, India beat England by 151 runs after dismissing them for a paltry 124 in the final session of the match.

Recently, during an interview with India.com, Shami reflected back on his vital knock in the Lord's Test and slammed his critics saying that he is scared of short-pitched deliveries. "Let me tell you something. I was never scared of the short ball as many people thought it to be. I have always enjoyed my batting and I do try to contribute as much as possible with the bat and help the team. If I was scared of the short ball, I wouldn’t have scored that half-century at Lord’s. So I don’t think much about it,” the 31-year-old concluded.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/theres-not-an-iota-of-md-shami-mentions-indias-ex-head-coach-ravi-shastris-stand-out-quality-450200">'There's not an iota of....': Md Shami mentions India's ex-head coach Ravi Shastri's stand-out quality</a>

Shami, who has an ODI World Cup hat-trick up his sleeves and remains a regular in India's Test line-up, has been rested for the India-West Indies white-ball series at home, which gets underway on February 6.

The experienced pacer had a good run in the India-South Africa Tests, early this year, returning with 14 wickets (most among Indians). He wasn't part of the three ODIs, which KL Rahul &amp; Co. lost 3-0.

Team India have often struggled to get rid of the opposition's tail and also not managed contributions from the lower-order at regular intervals, especially while playing away Tests.

Team India have often struggled to get rid of the opposition's tail and also not managed contributions from the lower-order at regular intervals, especially while playing away Tests. However, things have changed for the good in the past year with the lower-order often bailing the team out of crisis and adding valuable runs to the scoreboard. During India's 2021 five-match Test series versus England, in the United Kingdom, the then Virat Kohli-led side played a riveting second Test versus Joe Root-led England at Lord's. During the fifth day, the play started with India 181-6, leading the hosts by 154 runs. The overnight batters -- Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma -- returned back to the pavillion in a jiffy as it seemed like India will manage to set up a target close to 200, or slightly above it. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami joined together in the middle, with India reeling at 209-8, and stitched an unbeaten 89-run ninth-wicket stand, withstanding the short-ball ploy from the English seamers to take the team total to 298-8 (declare). While Bumrah remained unbeaten on 34, Shami registered a memorable fifty (second in whites) to remain 56 not out. Setting up a competitive 272-run target, India beat England by 151 runs after dismissing them for a paltry 124 in the final session of the match. Recently, during an interview with India.com, Shami reflected back on his vital knock in the Lord's Test and slammed his critics saying that he is scared of short-pitched deliveries. "Let me tell you something. I was never scared of the short ball as many people thought it to be. I have always enjoyed my batting and I do try to contribute as much as possible with the bat and help the team. If I was scared of the short ball, I wouldn’t have scored that half-century at Lord’s. So I don’t think much about it,” the 31-year-old concluded. ALSO READ | 'There's not an iota of....': Md Shami mentions India's ex-head coach Ravi Shastri's stand-out quality Shami, who has an ODI World Cup hat-trick up his sleeves and remains a regular in India's Test line-up, has been rested for the India-West Indies white-ball series at home, which gets underway on February 6. The experienced pacer had a good run in the India-South Africa Tests, early this year, returning with 14 wickets (most among Indians). He wasn't part of the three ODIs, which KL Rahul & Co. lost 3-0.

If I was scared of short balls, I wouldn’t have scored fifty in Lord's Test vs England: Md Shami slams critics

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