<p>The mega auction for the IPL 2022 edition is just a few days away. All eyes are on the ten teams and how they will form their respective sides heading into the 15th edition. While the auction strategies are being laid down by all the ten teams, BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the IPL 2022 season will take place in India itself.</p>

<p>Ahead of the mega auction, to be held in Bengaluru in mid-February, BCCI President Ganguly has stated that Maharastra will be conducting the league stage of the 15th edition whereas no final call has been made regarding the playoffs' venues.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-has-kept-whopping-amount-aside-for-shreyas-iyer-in-ipl-2022-mega-auction-reveals-aakash-chopra-449807"><strong>RCB has kept whopping amount aside for Shreyas Iyer in IPL 2022 mega auction, reveals Aakash Chopra</strong></a></p>

<p>"It will be held in India this year, until and unless COVID-19 hits the roof. As far as venues are concerned, we are looking at hosting the matches in Maharashtra – Mumbai, and Pune. We will take a call on the venues for the knockout stages later," Ganguly has told Sportstar.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-opens-up-on-delhi-franchises-decision-to-choose-pradeep-sangwan-over-him-in-maiden-ipl-auction-449482"><strong>Kohli opens up on Delhi franchise's decision to choose Pradeep Sangwan over him in maiden IPL auction</strong></a></p>

<p>In the last two years, i.e. the Covid-era, BCCI have had their fair share of struggles in hosting the cash-rich league smoothly. After more a five-month delay, the IPL 2020 edition took place in the UAE amid the bio-bubble restrictions. While the IPL 2021 season started in India, only the first half of the marquee event (i.e. 29 games) was held in the country before the second wave of the Covid-19 virus led to its indefinite postponement. Finally, the season was completed with the remainder of the games being held in the Middle East.&nbsp;BCCI will, thus, have their task cut-out to host the 15th season smoothly, without any fuss.</p>

<p>At present, Covid crisis has hit Team India ahead of their white-ball series, at home, versus West Indies. The ODIs get underway on February 6.</p>


The mega auction for the IPL 2022 edition is just a few days away. All eyes are on the ten teams and how they will form their respective sides heading into the 15th edition.

The mega auction for the IPL 2022 edition is just a few days away. All eyes are on the ten teams and how they will form their respective sides heading into the 15th edition. While the auction strategies are being laid down by all the ten teams, BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the IPL 2022 season will take place in India itself. Ahead of the mega auction, to be held in Bengaluru in mid-February, BCCI President Ganguly has stated that Maharastra will be conducting the league stage of the 15th edition whereas no final call has been made regarding the playoffs' venues. ALSO READ | RCB has kept whopping amount aside for Shreyas Iyer in IPL 2022 mega auction, reveals Aakash Chopra "It will be held in India this year, until and unless COVID-19 hits the roof. As far as venues are concerned, we are looking at hosting the matches in Maharashtra – Mumbai, and Pune. We will take a call on the venues for the knockout stages later," Ganguly has told Sportstar. ALSO READ | Kohli opens up on Delhi franchise's decision to choose Pradeep Sangwan over him in maiden IPL auction In the last two years, i.e. the Covid-era, BCCI have had their fair share of struggles in hosting the cash-rich league smoothly. After more a five-month delay, the IPL 2020 edition took place in the UAE amid the bio-bubble restrictions. While the IPL 2021 season started in India, only the first half of the marquee event (i.e. 29 games) was held in the country before the second wave of the Covid-19 virus led to its indefinite postponement. Finally, the season was completed with the remainder of the games being held in the Middle East. BCCI will, thus, have their task cut-out to host the 15th season smoothly, without any fuss. At present, Covid crisis has hit Team India ahead of their white-ball series, at home, versus West Indies. The ODIs get underway on February 6.

IPL 2022: Maharashtra to host league stage, call on playoffs' venues not taken, says Sourav Ganguly

<p>Defending champion Mikael Kingsbury of Canada easily beat his rivals to lead the Olympic men`s freestyle moguls qualifying on Thursday, ahead of Sweden`s Walter Wallberg and France`s Benjamin Cavet.</p>

<p>Kingsbury, who won the gold medal in Pyeongchang four years ago and silver at the 2014 Sochi Games, soared to a high score of 81.15 points, flying over the course in just over 24 seconds.</p>

<p>"I know it`s not my best skiing, but for today I didn`t try to do too much, I did exactly what I wanted and I am very satisfied with the result," he said, adding he would be back for the final "stronger".</p>

<p>Wallberg picked up 79.12 points, but the Swede assured he was holding something back. Calling his first run "solid", Wallberg was pleased with his smooth performance, making a heart sign to the cameras at the bottom of the course.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/six-russian-womens-ice-hockey-players-in-isolation-after-covid-positive-tests-450176">Six Russian women's ice hockey players in isolation after Covid positive tests</a></strong></p>

<p>"Plans for the finals is to ski a bit faster and add an extra spin at the bottom ... just to push a bit more," the 21-year-old said.<br />
Japan and Sweden each got two skiers into the top 10.</p>

<p>Daichi Hara, who won bronze in Pyeongchang, said he felt immense pressure.</p>

<p>"The fact that it was my second time and the added title of being a medallist was weighing on me and I felt like I couldn`t have fun until the very beginning," Hara told reporters.</p>

<p>"That`s why I tried to smile as much as possible at the top and kept telling myself `have fun, have fun` and I was able to do just that."</p>

<p>The top 10 skiers from the first round of qualifying automatically advance to the final, with a second round of qualifiers to be held on Saturday.</p>


Defending champion Mikael Kingsbury of Canada easily beat his rivals to lead the Olympic men`s freestyle moguls qualifying on Thursday, ahead of Sweden`s Walter Wallberg and France`s Benjamin Cavet.

Defending champion Mikael Kingsbury of Canada easily beat his rivals to lead the Olympic men`s freestyle moguls qualifying on Thursday, ahead of Sweden`s Walter Wallberg and France`s Benjamin Cavet. Kingsbury, who won the gold medal in Pyeongchang four years ago and silver at the 2014 Sochi Games, soared to a high score of 81.15 points, flying over the course in just over 24 seconds. "I know it`s not my best skiing, but for today I didn`t try to do too much, I did exactly what I wanted and I am very satisfied with the result," he said, adding he would be back for the final "stronger". Wallberg picked up 79.12 points, but the Swede assured he was holding something back. Calling his first run "solid", Wallberg was pleased with his smooth performance, making a heart sign to the cameras at the bottom of the course. Read Also | Six Russian women's ice hockey players in isolation after Covid positive tests "Plans for the finals is to ski a bit faster and add an extra spin at the bottom ... just to push a bit more," the 21-year-old said. Japan and Sweden each got two skiers into the top 10. Daichi Hara, who won bronze in Pyeongchang, said he felt immense pressure. "The fact that it was my second time and the added title of being a medallist was weighing on me and I felt like I couldn`t have fun until the very beginning," Hara told reporters. "That`s why I tried to smile as much as possible at the top and kept telling myself `have fun, have fun` and I was able to do just that." The top 10 skiers from the first round of qualifying automatically advance to the final, with a second round of qualifiers to be held on Saturday.

Beijing Olympics: Champion Mikael Kingsbury leads moguls qualifiers in Freestyle skiing

<p>Ravi Shastri ended his four-year-long stint as Team India's head coach following the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue's disastrous run in the 2021 T20 World Cup, in the UAE. Under Shastri, India achieved considerable success across formats.</p>

<p>Shastri took over from former Indian captain and spinner Anil Kumble, who occupied the head coach's position for a year. After the 2017 Champions Trophy, Shastri took over the reins and formed a lethal pair with former captain Virat Kohli. Under Kohli-Shastri, India developed into a ruthless unit in Tests, dominated bilateral series worldwide in ODIs and T20Is but failed to lead the national side to an ICC title.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/let-him-play-for-that-many-years-md-shami-on-babar-azams-comparison-with-virat-kohli-steve-smith-449269"><strong>'Let him play for that many years': Md. Shami on Babar Azam's comparison with Virat Kohli, Steve Smith</strong></a></p>

<p>During a recent interview with India.com, pace spearhead Mohammed Shami mentioned the stand-out quality of ex-head coach Shastri. “Everybody knows about Ravi Shastri’s pep talk and he speaks just like you see him in the commentary box. There is not an iota of negativity in Ravi Shastri. His positivity rubbed on to the team and that is something that stood out for me,” Shami opined.</p>

<p>Under Shastri's guidance, and the presence of ex-bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, Shami's fitness improved leaps and bounds. As a result, he took an ODI World Cup hat-trick, remained a regular in whites and sruck at regular intervals&nbsp;in the purest format.</p>

<p>Shami also praised Bharat Arun and said,&nbsp;"It was great working with Bharat Arun when he was the bowling coach of India. At the international level, there is not much to learn in terms of the basics. It was all about discussing bowling plans and he shared his views and it worked really well for us and the team."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/itll-do-him-a-world-of-good-ex-head-coach-ravi-shastri-suggests-how-virat-kohli-can-rejuvenate-his-form-448400"><strong>It'll do him a world of good: Ex-head coach Ravi Shastri suggests how Virat Kohli can rejuvenate his form</strong></a></p>

<p>Shami has been rested for the white-ball series between India and West Indies, which gets underway on February 6 in Ahmedabad. Shastri, meanwhile, has revealed that he will enjoy his break time before stepping onto any new role.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shastri has been replaced by Rahul Dravid as India's head coach, till the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.</p>


Ravi Shastri ended his four-year-long stint as Team India's head coach following the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue's disastrous run in the 2021 T20 World Cup, in the UAE.

Ravi Shastri ended his four-year-long stint as Team India's head coach following the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue's disastrous run in the 2021 T20 World Cup, in the UAE. Under Shastri, India achieved considerable success across formats. Shastri took over from former Indian captain and spinner Anil Kumble, who occupied the head coach's position for a year. After the 2017 Champions Trophy, Shastri took over the reins and formed a lethal pair with former captain Virat Kohli. Under Kohli-Shastri, India developed into a ruthless unit in Tests, dominated bilateral series worldwide in ODIs and T20Is but failed to lead the national side to an ICC title. ALSO READ | 'Let him play for that many years': Md. Shami on Babar Azam's comparison with Virat Kohli, Steve Smith During a recent interview with India.com, pace spearhead Mohammed Shami mentioned the stand-out quality of ex-head coach Shastri. “Everybody knows about Ravi Shastri’s pep talk and he speaks just like you see him in the commentary box. There is not an iota of negativity in Ravi Shastri. His positivity rubbed on to the team and that is something that stood out for me,” Shami opined. Under Shastri's guidance, and the presence of ex-bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, Shami's fitness improved leaps and bounds. As a result, he took an ODI World Cup hat-trick, remained a regular in whites and sruck at regular intervals in the purest format. Shami also praised Bharat Arun and said, "It was great working with Bharat Arun when he was the bowling coach of India. At the international level, there is not much to learn in terms of the basics. It was all about discussing bowling plans and he shared his views and it worked really well for us and the team." ALSO READ | It'll do him a world of good: Ex-head coach Ravi Shastri suggests how Virat Kohli can rejuvenate his form Shami has been rested for the white-ball series between India and West Indies, which gets underway on February 6 in Ahmedabad. Shastri, meanwhile, has revealed that he will enjoy his break time before stepping onto any new role. Shastri has been replaced by Rahul Dravid as India's head coach, till the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

'There's not an iota of....': Md Shami mentions India's ex-head coach Ravi Shastri's stand-out quality

<p>Neeraj Chopra, India's&nbsp;first-ever winner of an Olympic athletics gold medal, added another feather to his illustrious hat on Wednesday (February 2) when he was&nbsp;nominated for the 2022 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. The 23-year-old is one of the six nominees for the prestigious award.<br />
<br />
Neeraj's life has changed for the good post&nbsp;his record throw measuring 87.58 metres in the men's final of the javelin event in Tokyo 2020. After securing a top spot in the podium, he became the first Indian track and field athlete to win an individual Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020, joining&nbsp;Abhinav Bindra to become only the second Indian to return with a gold.<br />
<br />
Since then, Neeraj's stocks continue to rise in world sports. On Wednesday, he become&nbsp;only the third Indian athlete to be nominated for a Laureus Award&nbsp;after wrestler Vinesh Phogat (2019)&nbsp;and cricketing legend&nbsp;Sachin Tendulkar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-golden-boy-neeraj-chopra-nominated-for-laureus-world-sports-awards-449892"><strong>India's Golden Boy Neeraj Chopra nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards</strong></a></p>

<p>Following Neeraj's nomination, Tendulkar congratulated the young star and tweeted, "My heartiest congratulations to you @Neeraj_chopra1 for your continued success representing India on the world stage. #Laureus22 nomination is another great achievement - with many more to come!."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My heartiest congratulations to you <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> for your continued success representing India on the world stage. 👏<br />
<br />
A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Laureus22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Laureus22</a> nomination is another great achievement - with many more to come! <a href="https://t.co/ehbRV3yNe7">https://t.co/ehbRV3yNe7</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1489211429852893192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-budget-increased-by-rs-30558-crore-emphasis-on-khelo-india-and-national-youth-schemes-449652"><strong>Sports Budget increased by Rs 305.58 crore, emphasis on Khelo India and National Youth Schemes</strong></a></p>

<p>Talking about Tendulkar, he had received Laureus best sporting moment award in 2020. The legendary batter&nbsp;being carried on the shoulders by the MS Dhoni-led Indian team&nbsp;following the country's historic World Cup triumph in 2011 was voted as the Laureus best sporting moment in the last 20 years during the Covid-hit 2020 edition of the prestigious awards ceremony.</p>


Neeraj Chopra, India's first-ever winner of an Olympic athletics gold medal, added another feather to his illustrious hat on Wednesday (February 2) when he was nominated for the 2022 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award.

Neeraj Chopra, India's first-ever winner of an Olympic athletics gold medal, added another feather to his illustrious hat on Wednesday (February 2) when he was nominated for the 2022 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. The 23-year-old is one of the six nominees for the prestigious award. Neeraj's life has changed for the good post his record throw measuring 87.58 metres in the men's final of the javelin event in Tokyo 2020. After securing a top spot in the podium, he became the first Indian track and field athlete to win an individual Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020, joining Abhinav Bindra to become only the second Indian to return with a gold. Since then, Neeraj's stocks continue to rise in world sports. On Wednesday, he become only the third Indian athlete to be nominated for a Laureus Award after wrestler Vinesh Phogat (2019) and cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar. ALSO READ | India's Golden Boy Neeraj Chopra nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards Following Neeraj's nomination, Tendulkar congratulated the young star and tweeted, "My heartiest congratulations to you @Neeraj_chopra1 for your continued success representing India on the world stage. #Laureus22 nomination is another great achievement - with many more to come!." My heartiest congratulations to you @Neeraj_chopra1 for your continued success representing India on the world stage. 👏 A #Laureus22 nomination is another great achievement - with many more to come! https://t.co/ehbRV3yNe7 — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 3, 2022 × ALSO READ | Sports Budget increased by Rs 305.58 crore, emphasis on Khelo India and National Youth Schemes Talking about Tendulkar, he had received Laureus best sporting moment award in 2020. The legendary batter being carried on the shoulders by the MS Dhoni-led Indian team following the country's historic World Cup triumph in 2011 was voted as the Laureus best sporting moment in the last 20 years during the Covid-hit 2020 edition of the prestigious awards ceremony.

Sachin Tendulkar reacts as Golden Boy Neeraj Chopra nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards

<p>After announcing retirement from international cricket, former Sri Lanka Test captain Suranga Lakmal has signed a two-year deal with Derbyshire.</p>

<p>At Derbyshire, Lakmal will be reuniting with his former national coach Mickey Arthur, who had joined the club last year.</p>

<p>"Experiencing county cricket is something I`ve wanted to do for a long time and the chance to work with Mickey again was something I couldn`t turn down. I`ve loved every second of my international career, and I would like to thank Sri Lanka for giving me the opportunity to live my dream. Hopefully, I can bring that experience into this new challenge, to help the young bowlers, who are already making an impact at Derbyshire," said Lakmal as reported by ESPNcricinfo.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/bcci-chief-sourav-ganguly-confirms-indias-pink-ball-test-vs-sri-lanka-to-be-held-in-bengaluru-450123">BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly confirms India's pink-ball Test vs Sri Lanka to be held in Bengaluru</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Arthur expressed happiness on Lakmal joining the club, as he can set an example for the young players in the team.</p>

<p>"Suranga is among Sri Lanka`s all-time greats with the ball and it`s brilliant to be able to bring him to Derbyshire for the next two seasons. We have big ambitions for the project at Derbyshire, and Suranga`s decision to retire from international cricket and commit to the club shows he`s as excited about those plans as the other players and coaches," said Arthur.</p>

<p>"He knows my standards and can set the example for our young players on and off the field, and to add his quality to our ranks gives us a whole new dimension with the ball," he added.</p>

<p>Lakmal had informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that he will retire from all forms of International Cricket following the completion of the upcoming tour of India 2022.</p>


After announcing retirement from international cricket, former Sri Lanka Test captain Suranga Lakmal has signed a two-year deal with Derbyshire. At Derbyshire, Lakmal will be reuniting with his former national coach Mickey Arthur, who had joined the club last year.

After announcing retirement from international cricket, former Sri Lanka Test captain Suranga Lakmal has signed a two-year deal with Derbyshire. At Derbyshire, Lakmal will be reuniting with his former national coach Mickey Arthur, who had joined the club last year. "Experiencing county cricket is something I`ve wanted to do for a long time and the chance to work with Mickey again was something I couldn`t turn down. I`ve loved every second of my international career, and I would like to thank Sri Lanka for giving me the opportunity to live my dream. Hopefully, I can bring that experience into this new challenge, to help the young bowlers, who are already making an impact at Derbyshire," said Lakmal as reported by ESPNcricinfo. Read Also | BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly confirms India's pink-ball Test vs Sri Lanka to be held in Bengaluru Meanwhile, Arthur expressed happiness on Lakmal joining the club, as he can set an example for the young players in the team. "Suranga is among Sri Lanka`s all-time greats with the ball and it`s brilliant to be able to bring him to Derbyshire for the next two seasons. We have big ambitions for the project at Derbyshire, and Suranga`s decision to retire from international cricket and commit to the club shows he`s as excited about those plans as the other players and coaches," said Arthur. "He knows my standards and can set the example for our young players on and off the field, and to add his quality to our ranks gives us a whole new dimension with the ball," he added. Lakmal had informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that he will retire from all forms of International Cricket following the completion of the upcoming tour of India 2022.

Derbyshire signs Suranga Lakmal for two years after announcing retirement from international cricket

<p>Six members of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) women`s ice hockey team are in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, the TASS news agency reported on Thursday.</p>

<p>The ROC practised on Thursday without the isolating players and are scheduled to play their Games opener on Friday against Switzerland.</p>

<p>"We aren’t in contact with anyone in the Olympic Village," Russian head coach Evgeny Bobariko said. "Nobody goes anywhere.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/winter-olympics-german-record-holder-claudia-pechstein-to-carry-flag-450103">Winter Olympics: German record holder Claudia Pechstein to carry flag</a></strong></p>

<p>"Everyone sits in their rooms, food is brought to them. We only leave our rooms to get tested.</p>

<p>"We are not allowed to use elevator, everyone goes down using the stairs."</p>

<p>The RIA news agency reported the six Russian players in isolation are Angelina Goncharenko, Olga Sosina, Lyudmila Belyakova, Ekaterina Nikolayeva, Diana Fakhrutdinova and Liana Ganeyeva.</p>


Six members of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) women`s ice hockey team are in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, the TASS news agency reported on Thursday.

Six members of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) women`s ice hockey team are in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, the TASS news agency reported on Thursday. 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. Read Also | Winter Olympics: German record holder Claudia Pechstein to carry flag "Everyone sits in their rooms, food is brought to them. We only leave our rooms to get tested. "We are not allowed to use elevator, everyone goes down using the stairs." The RIA news agency reported the six Russian players in isolation are Angelina Goncharenko, Olga Sosina, Lyudmila Belyakova, Ekaterina Nikolayeva, Diana Fakhrutdinova and Liana Ganeyeva.

Six Russian women's ice hockey players in isolation after Covid positive tests

<p>International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach will meet Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai inside the `closed loop` of the Beijing Olympics, he said on Thursday.</p>

<p>The well-being of Peng, a former world number one doubles player, became a matter of concern in November when she alleged on social media that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her.</p>

<p>The closed loop is a zone all Games participants are restricted to in order to avoid a spread of the coronavirus infection in Beijing. The Games officially open on Friday.</p>

<p>Last month Peng said she had never accused anyone of sexually assaulting her and that the post she made had been misunderstood. Zhang has not commented on the matter.</p>

<p>The IOC has held several video calls with Peng in past weeks and Bach said a planned meeting would go ahead at the Feb. 4-20 Games.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/winter-olympics-belgian-skeleton-racers-tearful-video-in-isolation-permits-her-release-watch-450117">Winter Olympics: Belgian skeleton racer's tearful video in isolation permits her release - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>"We know from her explanations ... that she is living in Beijing, that she can move freely, spending time with family and friends," Bach told a news conference.</p>

<p>"Now we will be able to do the next step in a personal meeting to convince us in person of her well-being and state of mind."<br />
Bach said if Peng wanted her allegations to be investigated he would support her.</p>

<p>"If she wants to have an inquiry we would also support her in this. But it`s her life, it`s her allegations," Bach said. "We will know more about her physical integrity and mental state when we meet her in person."</p>

<p>The IOC has had several phone calls with the player in recent months but international concerns over her safety and well-being have not been allayed.</p>

<p>The Women`s Tennis Association (WTA) has suspended tournaments in China due to its concerns over Peng`s safety. China has not directly commented on Peng`s initial post but said after the WTA`s move that it "opposes the politicisation of sports".</p>


International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach will meet Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai inside the `closed loop` of the Beijing Olympics, he said on Thursday.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach will meet Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai inside the `closed loop` of the Beijing Olympics, he said on Thursday. The well-being of Peng, a former world number one doubles player, became a matter of concern in November when she alleged on social media that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her. The closed loop is a zone all Games participants are restricted to in order to avoid a spread of the coronavirus infection in Beijing. The Games officially open on Friday. Last month Peng said she had never accused anyone of sexually assaulting her and that the post she made had been misunderstood. Zhang has not commented on the matter. The IOC has held several video calls with Peng in past weeks and Bach said a planned meeting would go ahead at the Feb. 4-20 Games. Read Also | Winter Olympics: Belgian skeleton racer's tearful video in isolation permits her release - WATCH "We know from her explanations ... that she is living in Beijing, that she can move freely, spending time with family and friends," Bach told a news conference. "Now we will be able to do the next step in a personal meeting to convince us in person of her well-being and state of mind." Bach said if Peng wanted her allegations to be investigated he would support her. "If she wants to have an inquiry we would also support her in this. But it`s her life, it`s her allegations," Bach said. "We will know more about her physical integrity and mental state when we meet her in person." The IOC has had several phone calls with the player in recent months but international concerns over her safety and well-being have not been allayed. The Women`s Tennis Association (WTA) has suspended tournaments in China due to its concerns over Peng`s safety. China has not directly commented on Peng`s initial post but said after the WTA`s move that it "opposes the politicisation of sports".

'Closed loop' meeting between IOC President Thomas Bach and Peng Shuai

<p>Four Premier League matches that were previously postponed have been rescheduled for February 23-24, falling in Matchweek 26.The latest rearranged fixtures include Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool`s match against Leeds.</p>

<p>The rearranged schedule of matches are: Wednesday, February 23 -- Burnley v Spurs, Watford v Crystal Palace, and Liverpool v Leeds.</p>

<p>Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers will happen on February 24.Earlier, the Premier League`s COVID-19 match postponement guidance was updated to include a COVID-19 impact threshold.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/scotlands-nicola-sturgeon-urges-spfl-to-take-action-over-raith-rover-signing-of-david-goodwillie-449920">Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon urges SPFL to take action over Raith Rover' signing of David Goodwillie</a></strong></p>

<p>From now on, if a club applies to postpone a match on the grounds of insufficient players due to COVID-19, they must have a minimum of four positive cases within their squad.</p>

<p>This guidance will come into effect ahead of the next Premier League fixture on Saturday, February 5 (Burnley v Watford).</p>


Four Premier League matches that were previously postponed have been rescheduled for February 23-24, falling in Matchweek 26.The latest rearranged fixtures include Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool`s match against Leeds.

Four Premier League matches that were previously postponed have been rescheduled for February 23-24, falling in Matchweek 26.The latest rearranged fixtures include Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool`s match against Leeds. The rearranged schedule of matches are: Wednesday, February 23 -- Burnley v Spurs, Watford v Crystal Palace, and Liverpool v Leeds. Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers will happen on February 24.Earlier, the Premier League`s COVID-19 match postponement guidance was updated to include a COVID-19 impact threshold. Read Also | Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon urges SPFL to take action over Raith Rover' signing of David Goodwillie From now on, if a club applies to postpone a match on the grounds of insufficient players due to COVID-19, they must have a minimum of four positive cases within their squad. This guidance will come into effect ahead of the next Premier League fixture on Saturday, February 5 (Burnley v Watford).

Premier League reschedules four postponed matches for matchweek 26

Beijing Winter Olympics: Jackie Chan, Wu Jingyu star in 3-day torch relay for mega event

<p>Serbia's state prosecutors have rejected suggestions that Novak Djokovic used a fake positive test for COVID-19 to try to enter Australia and compete in the Australian Open.</p>

<p>The prosecution office on Wednesday said in a statement that it had received a request for criminal proceedings against unnamed individuals who allegedly forged two PCR certificates, which were later used by Djokovic to apply for a medical exemption from vaccination when entering Australia.</p>

<p>The prosecution acted according to the regulations, checks were performed, and it was determined that Novak Djokovic was tested several times and that the certificates on the test results from December 16, 2021 and December 22, 2021 are valid, the statement said.</p>

<p>Foreign media, including Der Spiegel and the BBC, have reported discrepancies in the serial numbers of the tests Serbian authorities administered to the top-ranked Djokovic ahead of his trip to Australia, suggesting possible irregularities in the way they were issued.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/exclusive-fans-love-big-three-aslan-karatsev-on-lack-of-support-for-daniil-medvedev-in-aus-open-final-450040">EXCLUSIVE | 'Fans love Big Three': Aslan Karatsev on lack of support for Daniil Medvedev in Aus Open final</a></strong></p>

<p>Djokovic's media team and Serbian health authorities did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. Senior Serbian health officials have previously said that Djokovic's test was valid.</p>

<p>Djokovic was deported from Australia and barred from playing in the Australian Open last month after an 11-day visa saga on the eve of the tournament because he failed to meet Australia's strict COVID-19 vaccination requirements.</p>

<p>To enter Australia, Djokovic submitted a positive COVID-19 test issued in Serbia on Dec. 16 for a visa exemption on the grounds that he had recently recovered from the virus.</p>

<p>The 34-year-old player is not vaccinated and the Australian government later decided to cancel his visa and deport Djokovic, saying his presence in Australia could stir anti-vaccination sentiments.</p>

<p>Djokovic's rival Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open for a record 21st men's Grand Slam title. Djokovic and Roger Federer both have 20 major titles.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/roger-federer-novak-djokovic-and-i-have-understood-our-rivalry-in-positive-way-says-rafael-nadal-449491">Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and I have understood our rivalry in positive way, says Rafael Nadal</a></strong></p>

<p>Djokovic is adored in his native Serbia. Since he returned home, Djokovic was seen visiting churches and attending liturgies in both Serbia and neighboring Montenegro.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Djokovic is set to visit Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic who has been vocal in denouncing the Australian authorities for deporting the tennis star.</p>


Serbia's state prosecutors have rejected suggestions that Novak Djokovic used a fake positive test for COVID-19 to try to enter Australia and compete in the Australian Open.

Serbia's state prosecutors have rejected suggestions that Novak Djokovic used a fake positive test for COVID-19 to try to enter Australia and compete in the Australian Open. The prosecution office on Wednesday said in a statement that it had received a request for criminal proceedings against unnamed individuals who allegedly forged two PCR certificates, which were later used by Djokovic to apply for a medical exemption from vaccination when entering Australia. The prosecution acted according to the regulations, checks were performed, and it was determined that Novak Djokovic was tested several times and that the certificates on the test results from December 16, 2021 and December 22, 2021 are valid, the statement said. Foreign media, including Der Spiegel and the BBC, have reported discrepancies in the serial numbers of the tests Serbian authorities administered to the top-ranked Djokovic ahead of his trip to Australia, suggesting possible irregularities in the way they were issued. Read Also | EXCLUSIVE | 'Fans love Big Three': Aslan Karatsev on lack of support for Daniil Medvedev in Aus Open final Djokovic's media team and Serbian health authorities did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. Senior Serbian health officials have previously said that Djokovic's test was valid. Djokovic was deported from Australia and barred from playing in the Australian Open last month after an 11-day visa saga on the eve of the tournament because he failed to meet Australia's strict COVID-19 vaccination requirements. To enter Australia, Djokovic submitted a positive COVID-19 test issued in Serbia on Dec. 16 for a visa exemption on the grounds that he had recently recovered from the virus. The 34-year-old player is not vaccinated and the Australian government later decided to cancel his visa and deport Djokovic, saying his presence in Australia could stir anti-vaccination sentiments. Djokovic's rival Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open for a record 21st men's Grand Slam title. Djokovic and Roger Federer both have 20 major titles. Read Also | Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and I have understood our rivalry in positive way, says Rafael Nadal Djokovic is adored in his native Serbia. Since he returned home, Djokovic was seen visiting churches and attending liturgies in both Serbia and neighboring Montenegro. On Thursday, Djokovic is set to visit Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic who has been vocal in denouncing the Australian authorities for deporting the tennis star.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic's COVID-19 test was valid, claim Serbian prosecutors

<p>Belgian skeleton racer Kim Meylemans was permitted to enter one of the Olympic villages early Thursday, a move that came hours after she tearfully turned to social media and detailed how upset she was about being in isolation over virus concerns.</p>

<p>Meylemans tested positive for COVID-19 upon her arrival at the Beijing Olympics, which meant she had to enter isolation and return several negative tests before being cleared to move into the Yanqing Olympic Village.</p>

<p>She thought that was happening Wednesday and boarded an ambulance for what she thought was a ride to that village. But the ambulance went to another facility, Meylemans said in an Instagram post that quickly captured attention and raised questions about how her mental health was being affected by the saga.</p>

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<p>Belgian Olympic officials and the International Olympic Committee intervened and Meylemans was brought to the Yanqing Village, where she will be in an isolated room and still needs seven days of testing before she can be released from that wing. That said, at least she's among other Olympians ? and she said she immediately felt safer.</p>

<p>Our main goal was to get Kim to the Olympic Village in Yanqing as quickly as possible,? Belgian Olympic delegation leader Olav Spahl said.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/winter-olympics-german-record-holder-claudia-pechstein-to-carry-flag-450103">Winter Olympics: German record holder Claudia Pechstein to carry flag</a></strong></p>

<p>We are therefore very pleased that this has now been successfully achieved. We understand that the COVID measures are necessary to safeguard the safety and health of participants in the Games, but we believe that the athlete should always be at the center of such an approach.</p>

<p>The IOC apparently agreed, saying it made immediate contact with the NOC of Belgium to ensure that appropriate support is offered to Meylemans after learning of her video and movement to another isolation facility Wednesday.</p>

<p>Relieved to hear that Kim Meylemans is now in the Olympic Village,&nbsp;IOC spokesman Christian Klaue tweeted. We are glad that all the efforts led to the successful resolution of this situation.? Meylemans was 14th in her debut Olympics at Pyeongchang in 2018, but is expected to be more of a contender at the Beijing Games. She has one medal from World Cup races this season, that being a bronze, and was no worse than sixth in five of the final six races on the circuit this season.</p>

<p>Official training for women's skeleton starts next week, with the competition Feb. 12. At one point Wednesday, Meylemans' plans to compete seemed in some question. By early Thursday, the outlook was considerably brighter. It seems like the video and the efforts of my Olympic committee have really paid off,&nbsp;Meylemans said.</p>


Belgian skeleton racer Kim Meylemans was permitted to enter one of the Olympic villages early Thursday, a move that came hours after she tearfully turned to social media and detailed how upset she was about being in isolation over virus concerns.

Belgian skeleton racer Kim Meylemans was permitted to enter one of the Olympic villages early Thursday, a move that came hours after she tearfully turned to social media and detailed how upset she was about being in isolation over virus concerns. Meylemans tested positive for COVID-19 upon her arrival at the Beijing Olympics, which meant she had to enter isolation and return several negative tests before being cleared to move into the Yanqing Olympic Village. She thought that was happening Wednesday and boarded an ambulance for what she thought was a ride to that village. But the ambulance went to another facility, Meylemans said in an Instagram post that quickly captured attention and raised questions about how her mental health was being affected by the saga. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kim Meylemans (@kimmeylemans) × Belgian Olympic officials and the International Olympic Committee intervened and Meylemans was brought to the Yanqing Village, where she will be in an isolated room and still needs seven days of testing before she can be released from that wing. That said, at least she's among other Olympians ? and she said she immediately felt safer. Our main goal was to get Kim to the Olympic Village in Yanqing as quickly as possible,? Belgian Olympic delegation leader Olav Spahl said. Read Also | Winter Olympics: German record holder Claudia Pechstein to carry flag We are therefore very pleased that this has now been successfully achieved. We understand that the COVID measures are necessary to safeguard the safety and health of participants in the Games, but we believe that the athlete should always be at the center of such an approach. The IOC apparently agreed, saying it made immediate contact with the NOC of Belgium to ensure that appropriate support is offered to Meylemans after learning of her video and movement to another isolation facility Wednesday. Relieved to hear that Kim Meylemans is now in the Olympic Village, IOC spokesman Christian Klaue tweeted. We are glad that all the efforts led to the successful resolution of this situation.? Meylemans was 14th in her debut Olympics at Pyeongchang in 2018, but is expected to be more of a contender at the Beijing Games. She has one medal from World Cup races this season, that being a bronze, and was no worse than sixth in five of the final six races on the circuit this season. Official training for women's skeleton starts next week, with the competition Feb. 12. At one point Wednesday, Meylemans' plans to compete seemed in some question. By early Thursday, the outlook was considerably brighter. It seems like the video and the efforts of my Olympic committee have really paid off, Meylemans said.

Winter Olympics: Belgian skeleton racer's tearful video in isolation permits her release - WATCH

<p>BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has revealed that Bengaluru is set to host the upcoming pink-ball Test between India and Sri Lanka. Currently, the Indian team is gearing up for their white-ball series versus West Indies, at home, before Sri Lanka will turn up in India&nbsp;for two Tests and three T20Is.</p>

<p>Thus, Ganguly confirmed that Bengaluru will host the day-night Test between India and Sri Lanka, however, the rest of the venus haven't been finalised yet.&nbsp;“Yes, the pink-ball Test will be happening in Bengaluru. We have not decided on all the venues for the Sri Lanka series yet, but it will be announced shortly,” Ganguly told Sportstar.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hopefully-theyll-go-back-sourav-ganguly-opines-on-under-fire-duo-cheteshwar-pujara-ajinkya-rahane-450083">'Hopefully, they'll go back...' - Sourav Ganguly opines on under-fire duo Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane</a></strong></p>

<p>For the unversed, Sri Lanka will travel to India for three T20Is and two Tests. Earlier, the two-match Test series was set to be held before the T20Is but BCCI have reportedly accepted Sri Lanka Cricket Board's (SLC) request to tweak the itinerary a bit to ensure a smooth bubble to bubble transfer. Further, Sri Lanka will come to India following a five-match T20I series versus Australia, Down Under, whereas Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. will end their WI series with the shortest format, hence, the same format will kickoff the Islanders' tour before the action moves to the two Tests.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-maharashtra-to-host-league-stage-call-on-playoffs-venues-not-taken-says-sourav-ganguly-450052"><strong>IPL 2022: Maharashtra to host league stage, call on playoffs' venues not taken, says Sourav Ganguly</strong></a></p>

<p>Dharamshala is likely to host the first two India-SL T20Is before the series finale and the Test series opener will take place in Mohali. Bengaluru will, thus, host the tour finale; i.e. a day-night Test between the two Asian sides.</p>

<p>This means Virat Kohli will miss out on playing his 100th Test in Bengaluru, where he enjoys a massive fanbase for representing the city's IPL side since 2008. The former captain is one shy of playing his 100th Test and will most likely see it happen in Mohali (unless injury or other reasons force his unavailability).</p>


BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has revealed that Bengaluru is set to host the upcoming pink-ball Test between India and Sri Lanka. Currently, the Indian team is gearing up for their white-ball series versus West Indies, at home, before Sri Lanka will turn up in India for two Tests and three T20Is.

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has revealed that Bengaluru is set to host the upcoming pink-ball Test between India and Sri Lanka. Currently, the Indian team is gearing up for their white-ball series versus West Indies, at home, before Sri Lanka will turn up in India for two Tests and three T20Is. Thus, Ganguly confirmed that Bengaluru will host the day-night Test between India and Sri Lanka, however, the rest of the venus haven't been finalised yet. “Yes, the pink-ball Test will be happening in Bengaluru. We have not decided on all the venues for the Sri Lanka series yet, but it will be announced shortly,” Ganguly told Sportstar. ALSO READ | 'Hopefully, they'll go back...' - Sourav Ganguly opines on under-fire duo Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane For the unversed, Sri Lanka will travel to India for three T20Is and two Tests. Earlier, the two-match Test series was set to be held before the T20Is but BCCI have reportedly accepted Sri Lanka Cricket Board's (SLC) request to tweak the itinerary a bit to ensure a smooth bubble to bubble transfer. Further, Sri Lanka will come to India following a five-match T20I series versus Australia, Down Under, whereas Rohit Sharma & Co. will end their WI series with the shortest format, hence, the same format will kickoff the Islanders' tour before the action moves to the two Tests. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Maharashtra to host league stage, call on playoffs' venues not taken, says Sourav Ganguly Dharamshala is likely to host the first two India-SL T20Is before the series finale and the Test series opener will take place in Mohali. Bengaluru will, thus, host the tour finale; i.e. a day-night Test between the two Asian sides. This means Virat Kohli will miss out on playing his 100th Test in Bengaluru, where he enjoys a massive fanbase for representing the city's IPL side since 2008. The former captain is one shy of playing his 100th Test and will most likely see it happen in Mohali (unless injury or other reasons force his unavailability).

BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly confirms India's pink-ball Test vs Sri Lanka to be held in Bengaluru

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