Seasoned goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who played a crucial role as India men`s team claimed a first Olympic medal in over four decades when it won bronze at last years Olympic Games in Tokyo, has been named as The World Games Athlete of the Year for 2021. 
 
In a global fan vote conducted on TheWorldGames.org, Sreejesh finished well clear at the top of the 24-strong nomination list, with his tally of 1,27,647 votes being almost twice as many as the second-placed athlete, Spa`n`s Sport Climbing ace Albert Ginés Lopez, who garnered 67,428 votes. 
 
Sreejesh becomes the second hockey player to win the award, following in the footsteps of compatriot and India w`men`s captain Rani, who took the 2019 prize, the FIH said in a release on Monday. 
 
Speaking about the Award, the shot-stopper -- who was also voted as FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for 2021 -- said: "I`m very honoured to win this award. First of all, a big thank you to FIH for nominating me for this award, and secondly thanks to all the Indian hockey lovers around the world, who voted for me.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/quicker-virat-kohli-discovers-his-form-easier-it-will-be-for-rohit-sharma-says-former-india-pacer-449267">Quicker Virat Kohli discovers his form, easier it will be for Rohit Sharma, says former India pacer</a> 
 
"By getting nominated I did my part, but the rest was done by the fans and hockey lovers. So, this award goes to them, and I think they deserve this award more than me. It`s a big moment for Indian Hockey as well because everyone in the hockey community, all the hockey federations around the world voted for me, so it`s great to see that support from the hockey family," Sreejesh, a veteran of 244 senior international matches, was quoted as saying by the FIH. 
 
The three-time Olympian further added, "Also, I am a person who doesn`t believe in ndividual awards, especially when you are part of a team. It`s not only the team of 33 players, but you have a lot of people involved behind as well, there`s coaching staff, there`s support staff, there`s a great association like Hockey India who is supporting you a lot, there`s Sports Authority of India (SAI), who are providing you with all the world-class facilities to train, there`s Odisha Government whose unwavering support helps the sport grow and flourish and there`s India Olympic Association (IOA) as well, who`re taking care of you really well. So, it`s a collective effort of a nation to get this kind of recognition." 
 
FIH Chief Executive Officer Thierry Weil said: "On behalf of the global hockey community, I`d like to wholeheartedly congratulate PR Sreejesh for this magnificent achievement. This is a great recognition for him, for his team and for hockey as a whole. We also extend our sincerest thanks to all fans who voted for him. Athletes are the best ambassadors of our sport and India`s goalkeeper certainly is a leader in this field too. We look forward to seeing him in action again in just a few days for the third edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League!"

Read Also |&nbsp;<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">'Let him play for that many years': Md. Shami on Babar Azam's comparison with Virat Kohli, Steve Smith</a> 
 
Congratulating Sreejesh, Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam said, "On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate Sreejesh for winning the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year 2021 Award. This is a very proud and special moment for India as he became the only second Indian athlete to win this honour. I would like to thank FIH, the hockey community around the world, and of course, all his fans for supporting him and voting him to win this award. It`s a big achievement for him as well as to Indian hockey." 
 
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The World Games are staged over a period of 11 days, with more than 30 sports in the programme. 
 
Indoor Hockey was featured as an invitational sport at The World Games in 2005, which took place in Duisburg, Germany. Hockey will have a presence with sports demonstrations during The World Games 2022, which takes place in Birmingham, the USA between July 7-17, 2022.

Seasoned goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who played a crucial role as India men`s team claimed a first Olympic medal in over four decades when it won bronze at last years Olympic Games in Tokyo, has been named as The World Games Athlete of the Year for 2021.

Seasoned goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who played a crucial role as India men`s team claimed a first Olympic medal in over four decades when it won bronze at last years Olympic Games in Tokyo, has been named as The World Games Athlete of the Year for 2021. In a global fan vote conducted on TheWorldGames.org, Sreejesh finished well clear at the top of the 24-strong nomination list, with his tally of 1,27,647 votes being almost twice as many as the second-placed athlete, Spa`n`s Sport Climbing ace Albert Ginés Lopez, who garnered 67,428 votes. Sreejesh becomes the second hockey player to win the award, following in the footsteps of compatriot and India w`men`s captain Rani, who took the 2019 prize, the FIH said in a release on Monday. Speaking about the Award, the shot-stopper -- who was also voted as FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for 2021 -- said: "I`m very honoured to win this award. First of all, a big thank you to FIH for nominating me for this award, and secondly thanks to all the Indian hockey lovers around the world, who voted for me. Read Also | Quicker Virat Kohli discovers his form, easier it will be for Rohit Sharma, says former India pacer "By getting nominated I did my part, but the rest was done by the fans and hockey lovers. So, this award goes to them, and I think they deserve this award more than me. It`s a big moment for Indian Hockey as well because everyone in the hockey community, all the hockey federations around the world voted for me, so it`s great to see that support from the hockey family," Sreejesh, a veteran of 244 senior international matches, was quoted as saying by the FIH. The three-time Olympian further added, "Also, I am a person who doesn`t believe in ndividual awards, especially when you are part of a team. It`s not only the team of 33 players, but you have a lot of people involved behind as well, there`s coaching staff, there`s support staff, there`s a great association like Hockey India who is supporting you a lot, there`s Sports Authority of India (SAI), who are providing you with all the world-class facilities to train, there`s Odisha Government whose unwavering support helps the sport grow and flourish and there`s India Olympic Association (IOA) as well, who`re taking care of you really well. So, it`s a collective effort of a nation to get this kind of recognition." FIH Chief Executive Officer Thierry Weil said: "On behalf of the global hockey community, I`d like to wholeheartedly congratulate PR Sreejesh for this magnificent achievement. This is a great recognition for him, for his team and for hockey as a whole. We also extend our sincerest thanks to all fans who voted for him. Athletes are the best ambassadors of our sport and India`s goalkeeper certainly is a leader in this field too. We look forward to seeing him in action again in just a few days for the third edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League!" Read Also | 'Let him play for that many years': Md. Shami on Babar Azam's comparison with Virat Kohli, Steve Smith Congratulating Sreejesh, Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam said, "On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate Sreejesh for winning the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year 2021 Award. This is a very proud and special moment for India as he became the only second Indian athlete to win this honour. I would like to thank FIH, the hockey community around the world, and of course, all his fans for supporting him and voting him to win this award. It`s a big achievement for him as well as to Indian hockey." The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The World Games are staged over a period of 11 days, with more than 30 sports in the programme. Indoor Hockey was featured as an invitational sport at The World Games in 2005, which took place in Duisburg, Germany. Hockey will have a presence with sports demonstrations during The World Games 2022, which takes place in Birmingham, the USA between July 7-17, 2022.

India's PR Sreejesh wins The World Games Athlete of the Year 2021 award

Team India is set to start a new era in the forthcoming white-ball series versus West Indies, at home. Rohit Sharma-led India will be eager to move past the horrific ODI series versus South Africa, in the African nation, where they were whitwashed 3-0 and will now look to come to their very best on home soil.

The upcoming India-West Indies series will also be of great significance to Virat Kohli, who will play his first-ever series at home after giving up captaincy altogether. While he had resigned as the T20I captain in mid-2021 and sacked as the ODI skipper in December, he gave up Test captaincy early this year.

The 33-year-old Kohli will have all eyes on him as the former captain has had an indifferent run with the bat since late 2019. He hasn't scored an international hundred since India's first day-night Test in late November, 2019. While his form in white-ball cricket still remains decent, it isn't as per the standards set by him. Thus, former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar opined in this regard and feels the quicker Kohli rediscovers his form, the better it would be for newly-appointed white-ball captain Rohit.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-ms-dhoni-was-in-the-team-it-was-not-like-virat-kohli-on-giving-up-team-india-captaincy-449252">'When MS Dhoni was in the team, it was not like.....': Virat Kohli on giving up Team India captaincy</a>

Speaking on Star Sports' show Game Plan ahead of the India-WI ODIs, Agarkar pointed out saying, "At the end of the day you’re only successful as successful your team is and if you don’t win, it eventually doesn’t matter how great a player you are out on the field, it’s not enjoyable playing in the team."

“We talk about different combinations before - Virat Kohli would be a key factor because of the kind of the player that he is but at the moment he isn’t at his best, which is a fact and the quicker he discovers his form it’s going to be that much easier for Rohit Sharma to then manage that thing because of what he can do on his own, Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli’s form is a concern, but we all know what a player he is. So, hopefully, he discovers his form sooner rather than later,” quipped Agarkar.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-cherished-that-post-so-much-ponting-reflects-on-virat-kohlis-decision-to-resign-as-indias-test-captain-449161">He cherished that post so much: Ponting reflects on Virat Kohli's decision to resign as India's Test captain</a>

Recently, Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma had told India News, "I have always said that he (Kohli) does not run after records. He does not know most times what record he has created, and I tell him what record he has created. So he has a fight with himself only, that is what he probably means that he wants to improve his performance because lately, it has not been up to the benchmark he has set."

While Kohli has still contributed with vital knocks across formats, he will be eager to score a hundred in the upcoming ODIs versus WI, a team against whom he averages&nbsp;58.92 in the 50-over format.

The ODI series opener will get underway on February 6 in Ahmedabad.

Team India is set to start a new era in the forthcoming white-ball series versus West Indies, at home. Rohit Sharma-led India will be eager to move past the horrific ODI series versus South Africa, in the African nation, where they were whitwashed 3-0 and will now look to come to their very best on home soil.

Team India is set to start a new era in the forthcoming white-ball series versus West Indies, at home. Rohit Sharma-led India will be eager to move past the horrific ODI series versus South Africa, in the African nation, where they were whitwashed 3-0 and will now look to come to their very best on home soil. The upcoming India-West Indies series will also be of great significance to Virat Kohli, who will play his first-ever series at home after giving up captaincy altogether. While he had resigned as the T20I captain in mid-2021 and sacked as the ODI skipper in December, he gave up Test captaincy early this year. The 33-year-old Kohli will have all eyes on him as the former captain has had an indifferent run with the bat since late 2019. He hasn't scored an international hundred since India's first day-night Test in late November, 2019. While his form in white-ball cricket still remains decent, it isn't as per the standards set by him. Thus, former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar opined in this regard and feels the quicker Kohli rediscovers his form, the better it would be for newly-appointed white-ball captain Rohit. ALSO READ | 'When MS Dhoni was in the team, it was not like.....': Virat Kohli on giving up Team India captaincy Speaking on Star Sports' show Game Plan ahead of the India-WI ODIs, Agarkar pointed out saying, "At the end of the day you’re only successful as successful your team is and if you don’t win, it eventually doesn’t matter how great a player you are out on the field, it’s not enjoyable playing in the team." “We talk about different combinations before - Virat Kohli would be a key factor because of the kind of the player that he is but at the moment he isn’t at his best, which is a fact and the quicker he discovers his form it’s going to be that much easier for Rohit Sharma to then manage that thing because of what he can do on his own, Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli’s form is a concern, but we all know what a player he is. So, hopefully, he discovers his form sooner rather than later,” quipped Agarkar. ALSO READ | He cherished that post so much: Ponting reflects on Virat Kohli's decision to resign as India's Test captain Recently, Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma had told India News, "I have always said that he (Kohli) does not run after records. He does not know most times what record he has created, and I tell him what record he has created. So he has a fight with himself only, that is what he probably means that he wants to improve his performance because lately, it has not been up to the benchmark he has set." While Kohli has still contributed with vital knocks across formats, he will be eager to score a hundred in the upcoming ODIs versus WI, a team against whom he averages 58.92 in the 50-over format. The ODI series opener will get underway on February 6 in Ahmedabad.

Quicker Virat Kohli discovers his form, easier it will be for Rohit Sharma, says former India pacer

Virat Kohli gave up Team India captaincy altogether when he stepped down as the Test captain post India's 2-1 series loss to Dean Elgar-led South Africa, early this year. Earlier, BCCI had already sacked Kohli as the ODI captain whereas he had himself announced -- in mid-September 2021 -- of stepping down as the&nbsp;shortest format's captain after the World Cup in the UAE, in October-November.&nbsp;

A lot has been said and written on Kohli giving up India captaincy altogether. His decision to quit as the Test captain shocked many as his record as a leader in whites is second to none (among&nbsp;India skippers). The 33-year-old spilled the beans on his decision and cited an example of his predecessor MS Dhoni.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-cherished-that-post-so-much-ponting-reflects-on-virat-kohlis-decision-to-resign-as-indias-test-captain-449161">He cherished that post so much: Ponting reflects on Virat Kohli's decision to resign as India's Test captain</a>

"See, I think firstly you need to have a complete understanding of what you set out to achieve and whether you have achieved those targets or not. Everything has a tenure and time period, so you have to be aware of it. As a batter, you might be able to give more to the team, so take pride in that," said Kohli on an episode of 'Fireside Chat with VK'.&nbsp;

He further opined, "You do not need to be a captain to be the leader. When MS Dhoni was in the team, it was not like he was not the leader, he was still the guy from whom we wanted to have input. To win or not win is not in your hands, the striving for excellence and to be better every day, is not something you can do short term. When it comes to a culture, it will last beyond your playing years and your responsibility."

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>

Kohli added, "To add to that, moving on is also a part of leadership, to understand the right time to do that. I think one has to embrace all kinds of roles and opportunities. I have played under MS Dhoni for a while and then I became the captain, my mindset has been the same all this while. I always thought like a captain when I was just a player in the team."

While Rohit Sharma has taken over India's limited-overs captain, Kohli's successor is yet to be named in the red-ball format. As of now, Rohit leads the race to become the all-format skipper whereas KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant&nbsp;are the other contenders.

Virat Kohli gave up Team India captaincy altogether when he stepped down as the Test captain post India's 2-1 series loss to Dean Elgar-led South Africa, early this year.

Virat Kohli gave up Team India captaincy altogether when he stepped down as the Test captain post India's 2-1 series loss to Dean Elgar-led South Africa, early this year. Earlier, BCCI had already sacked Kohli as the ODI captain whereas he had himself announced -- in mid-September 2021 -- of stepping down as the shortest format's captain after the World Cup in the UAE, in October-November. A lot has been said and written on Kohli giving up India captaincy altogether. His decision to quit as the Test captain shocked many as his record as a leader in whites is second to none (among India skippers). The 33-year-old spilled the beans on his decision and cited an example of his predecessor MS Dhoni. ALSO READ | He cherished that post so much: Ponting reflects on Virat Kohli's decision to resign as India's Test captain "See, I think firstly you need to have a complete understanding of what you set out to achieve and whether you have achieved those targets or not. Everything has a tenure and time period, so you have to be aware of it. As a batter, you might be able to give more to the team, so take pride in that," said Kohli on an episode of 'Fireside Chat with VK'. He further opined, "You do not need to be a captain to be the leader. When MS Dhoni was in the team, it was not like he was not the leader, he was still the guy from whom we wanted to have input. To win or not win is not in your hands, the striving for excellence and to be better every day, is not something you can do short term. When it comes to a culture, it will last beyond your playing years and your responsibility." ALSO READ | 'I am not married to him': Harbhajan Singh gives cheeky response, clears air on rumoured rift with MS Dhoni Kohli added, "To add to that, moving on is also a part of leadership, to understand the right time to do that. I think one has to embrace all kinds of roles and opportunities. I have played under MS Dhoni for a while and then I became the captain, my mindset has been the same all this while. I always thought like a captain when I was just a player in the team." While Rohit Sharma has taken over India's limited-overs captain, Kohli's successor is yet to be named in the red-ball format. As of now, Rohit leads the race to become the all-format skipper whereas KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant are the other contenders.

'When MS Dhoni was in the team, it was not like.....': Virat Kohli on giving up Team India captaincy

Kieron Pollard-led West Indies defeated England by 17 runs in the five-match T20I series decider&nbsp;at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on January 30 (Sunday). After the series was tantalisingly poised at 2-2, Pollard &amp; Co. produced an all-round performance to win 3-2.

When Pollard and Co. opted to bat first, they rode on Kyle Mayers, Brandon Kings, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell and the skipper's vital knocks to post 179-4&nbsp;in 20 overs. With 20 needed for Eoin Morgan-led England in the&nbsp;final over, Pollard gave the ball to former captain Jason Holder. Holder didn't disappoint as he became the first West Indies bowler to claim a hat-trick in the shortest format of the game.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-shreyas-iyer-aakash-chopra-names-west-indies-all-rounder-who-should-replace-virat-kohli-as-rcb-captain-447439">Not Shreyas Iyer! Aakash Chopra names West Indies all-rounder who should replace Virat Kohli as RCB captain</a>

While Holder started off with a no-ball, he dominated the remainder of the balls in the contest by not only picking a hat-trick, he ended with four wickets on successive deliveries. The lanky pacer first removed&nbsp;Chris Jordan, on a slower full toss, and then also dismissed pure batter Sam Billings -- both caught by Hayden Walsh.

Holder wasn't done yet as he removed Adil Rashid, bowling a cross-seam delivery outside off-stump, before getting the better of&nbsp;Saqib Mahmood on the penultimate delivery to also complete a five-fer. Thus, Holder returned with the Player-of-the-Match as well as the Player-of-the-Series award, accounting for 15 scalps in five games. Here's the video of Holder's heroics in the series finale:

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W W W W 🔥 
 
Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaseholder98?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaseholder98</a>'s double hat-trick from WI vs ENG 5th T20I 🎥 
WI hold their nerve in 5th T20I to clinch 3-2 series win. 
 
Watch the full match highlights here 👉 <a href="https://t.co/OFzOacjxJF">https://t.co/OFzOacjxJF</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/windiescricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@windiescricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@englandcricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/Oyt4C2euIu">pic.twitter.com/Oyt4C2euIu</a>
— FanCode (@FanCode) <a href="https://twitter.com/FanCode/status/1488022712165404673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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At the post-match presentation, Holder reflected on his match-winning and record spell. "A lot of hard work, can improve on my death bowling, add some variations. But I'm gaining confidence and so is the captain in me. Bowling the last over tonight just added to it, I'm happy that I was given the responsibility. I am feeling good about my role in the team, I pass on my experience, pride myself as a complete team player, just want to put my hand up, even when I'm not bowling, I can share a few things with the younger lot. A lot of thanks to the management and the staff," said Holder.

Kieron Pollard-led West Indies defeated England by 17 runs in the five-match T20I series decider at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on January 30 (Sunday). After the series was tantalisingly poised at 2-2, Pollard & Co.

Kieron Pollard-led West Indies defeated England by 17 runs in the five-match T20I series decider at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on January 30 (Sunday). After the series was tantalisingly poised at 2-2, Pollard & Co. produced an all-round performance to win 3-2. When Pollard and Co. opted to bat first, they rode on Kyle Mayers, Brandon Kings, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell and the skipper's vital knocks to post 179-4 in 20 overs. With 20 needed for Eoin Morgan-led England in the final over, Pollard gave the ball to former captain Jason Holder. Holder didn't disappoint as he became the first West Indies bowler to claim a hat-trick in the shortest format of the game. ALSO READ | Not Shreyas Iyer! Aakash Chopra names West Indies all-rounder who should replace Virat Kohli as RCB captain While Holder started off with a no-ball, he dominated the remainder of the balls in the contest by not only picking a hat-trick, he ended with four wickets on successive deliveries. The lanky pacer first removed Chris Jordan, on a slower full toss, and then also dismissed pure batter Sam Billings -- both caught by Hayden Walsh. Holder wasn't done yet as he removed Adil Rashid, bowling a cross-seam delivery outside off-stump, before getting the better of Saqib Mahmood on the penultimate delivery to also complete a five-fer. Thus, Holder returned with the Player-of-the-Match as well as the Player-of-the-Series award, accounting for 15 scalps in five games. Here's the video of Holder's heroics in the series finale: W W W W 🔥 Watch @Jaseholder98's double hat-trick from WI vs ENG 5th T20I 🎥 WI hold their nerve in 5th T20I to clinch 3-2 series win. Watch the full match highlights here 👉 https://t.co/OFzOacjxJF#WIvENG @windiescricket @englandcricket pic.twitter.com/Oyt4C2euIu — FanCode (@FanCode) January 31, 2022 × At the post-match presentation, Holder reflected on his match-winning and record spell. "A lot of hard work, can improve on my death bowling, add some variations. But I'm gaining confidence and so is the captain in me. Bowling the last over tonight just added to it, I'm happy that I was given the responsibility. I am feeling good about my role in the team, I pass on my experience, pride myself as a complete team player, just want to put my hand up, even when I'm not bowling, I can share a few things with the younger lot. A lot of thanks to the management and the staff," said Holder.

4 wickets in 4 balls! Jason Holder becomes first West Indies bowler to take a T20I hat-trick - Watch

Former England all-rounder Tim Bresnan has announced his retirement from cricket, his County Club Warwickshire Cricket confirmed on Monday.

The 36-year-old had received his Warwickshire Cap in April last year and the player became a key part of the team through key contributions with bat and ball.

"This has been an incredibly tough decision, but after returning to winter training I feel that this is the right time. I have continued to work hard throughout the off-season to prepare for my 21st professional year, but deep down I feel I can`t reach the high standards that I set myself and my teammates," Bresnan said in a statement as per Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC).

"The hunger and enthusiasm that I have for the game I love will never leave me, but whilst my head is willing to tackle the 2022 season, my body is not."

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/ricky-ponting-recalls-how-he-played-a-role-in-rohit-sharmas-appointment-as-mumbai-indians-captain-449203">Ricky Ponting recalls how he played a role in Rohit Sharma's appointment as Mumbai Indians captain</a>

I will always look back at my career with immense pride and it`s been an absolute honour to represent Warwickshire, my home county and country. Growing up I never would have believed how lucky I was to play with and against some of the finest cricketers to grace the game," he added.

As per Warwickshire Cricket, across his First-Class career, Bresnan scored 7,138 runs and picked 575 wickets with seven centuries and nine five-wicket hauls.

"I`m excited for my next chapter and am determined to throw everything into it, like I did on the cricket field for so many years," said Bresnan.

Bresnan was also part of the England side that secured the 2010 World Twenty20 trophy for the first time. At the international level, the right-hander went on to represent England in 142 matches, including 23 Tests, forming part of the team that won the 2010/11 Ashes in Australia and went to the top of the Test rankings in 2011.&nbsp;

Former England all-rounder Tim Bresnan has announced his retirement from cricket, his County Club Warwickshire Cricket confirmed on Monday. The 36-year-old had received his Warwickshire Cap in April last year and the player became a key part of the team through key contributions with bat and ball.

Former England all-rounder Tim Bresnan has announced his retirement from cricket, his County Club Warwickshire Cricket confirmed on Monday. The 36-year-old had received his Warwickshire Cap in April last year and the player became a key part of the team through key contributions with bat and ball. "This has been an incredibly tough decision, but after returning to winter training I feel that this is the right time. I have continued to work hard throughout the off-season to prepare for my 21st professional year, but deep down I feel I can`t reach the high standards that I set myself and my teammates," Bresnan said in a statement as per Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC). "The hunger and enthusiasm that I have for the game I love will never leave me, but whilst my head is willing to tackle the 2022 season, my body is not." Read Also | Ricky Ponting recalls how he played a role in Rohit Sharma's appointment as Mumbai Indians captain I will always look back at my career with immense pride and it`s been an absolute honour to represent Warwickshire, my home county and country. Growing up I never would have believed how lucky I was to play with and against some of the finest cricketers to grace the game," he added. As per Warwickshire Cricket, across his First-Class career, Bresnan scored 7,138 runs and picked 575 wickets with seven centuries and nine five-wicket hauls. "I`m excited for my next chapter and am determined to throw everything into it, like I did on the cricket field for so many years," said Bresnan. Bresnan was also part of the England side that secured the 2010 World Twenty20 trophy for the first time. At the international level, the right-hander went on to represent England in 142 matches, including 23 Tests, forming part of the team that won the 2010/11 Ashes in Australia and went to the top of the Test rankings in 2011.

Former England all-rounder Tim Bresnan announces retirement

Rafael Nadal, on Sunday (January 30), became the first men's player to win 21 Grand Slam titles following a memorable 2022 Australian Open final win over Russia's Daniil Medvedev. Nadal was down and seemed out of contest after losing the first two sets, however,&nbsp;bounced back in epic style to beat Medvedev 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 and achieve his second Aus Open title over.

Nadal's victory is a historic triumph as he has surpassed his close rivals, Swiss maestro Roger Federer and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic to become the first male to get to the magical 21 major titles. Following the mouth-watering clash between Medvedev and Nadal, Pune city police shared a cheeky post encouraging one and all to get vaccinated by sharing a picture of Nadal and Djokovic.&nbsp;

The caption read, "Get Vaccinated today. #NOVACCineNoTrophy." The post was a reference to how Djokovic missed his chance of winning the Aus Open, and getting to 21 major titles, after not following the Covid protocols and getting vaccinated.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-aus-open-2022-rafael-nadal-is-goat-hes-like-a-jekyll-of-hyde-says-indian-coach-nandan-bal-449123">EXCLUSIVE | Aus Open 2022: Rafael Nadal is G.O.A.T, he's like a Jekyll of Hyde, says Indian coach Nandan Bal</a>

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Get Vaccinated today.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NOVACCineNoTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NOVACCineNoTrophy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaelNadal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaelNadal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/bGPvBeAFjt">pic.twitter.com/bGPvBeAFjt</a>
— PUNE POLICE (@PuneCityPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/PuneCityPolice/status/1487814165192667138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-beats-daniil-medvedev-to-win-australian-open-2022-bags-record-21st-grand-slam-title-449020">Rafael Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev to win Australian Open 2022, bags record 21st Grand Slam title</a>

For the unversed, Djokovic had missed the entire Aus Open 2022 edition after he was involved in a huge controversy for not being vaccinated for the Covid-19 virus. After a battle between the Aus government and his lawyers prior to the Aus Open, the Serbian was asked to leave the country -- following the final decision of the Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke -- which made the top-ranked player miss the first Grand Slam of the year.&nbsp;

Eventually, Djokovic had to pay a heavy price of missing the Aus Open as Nadal has now gone past&nbsp;Federer and his tally, 20 titles each, to win&nbsp;21 career Grand Slam trophies.

It will be interesting to see if Djokovic changes his mind and gets vaccinated before the French Open in Paris.

Rafael Nadal, on Sunday (January 30), became the first men's player to win 21 Grand Slam titles following a memorable 2022 Australian Open final win over Russia's Daniil Medvedev.

Rafael Nadal, on Sunday (January 30), became the first men's player to win 21 Grand Slam titles following a memorable 2022 Australian Open final win over Russia's Daniil Medvedev. Nadal was down and seemed out of contest after losing the first two sets, however, bounced back in epic style to beat Medvedev 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 and achieve his second Aus Open title over. Nadal's victory is a historic triumph as he has surpassed his close rivals, Swiss maestro Roger Federer and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic to become the first male to get to the magical 21 major titles. Following the mouth-watering clash between Medvedev and Nadal, Pune city police shared a cheeky post encouraging one and all to get vaccinated by sharing a picture of Nadal and Djokovic. The caption read, "Get Vaccinated today. #NOVACCineNoTrophy." The post was a reference to how Djokovic missed his chance of winning the Aus Open, and getting to 21 major titles, after not following the Covid protocols and getting vaccinated. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Aus Open 2022: Rafael Nadal is G.O.A.T, he's like a Jekyll of Hyde, says Indian coach Nandan Bal Get Vaccinated today.#NOVACCineNoTrophy #RafaelNadal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/bGPvBeAFjt — PUNE POLICE (@PuneCityPolice) January 30, 2022 × ALSO READ | Rafael Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev to win Australian Open 2022, bags record 21st Grand Slam title For the unversed, Djokovic had missed the entire Aus Open 2022 edition after he was involved in a huge controversy for not being vaccinated for the Covid-19 virus. After a battle between the Aus government and his lawyers prior to the Aus Open, the Serbian was asked to leave the country -- following the final decision of the Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke -- which made the top-ranked player miss the first Grand Slam of the year. Eventually, Djokovic had to pay a heavy price of missing the Aus Open as Nadal has now gone past Federer and his tally, 20 titles each, to win 21 career Grand Slam trophies. It will be interesting to see if Djokovic changes his mind and gets vaccinated before the French Open in Paris.

No Vaccine No Trophy: Pune police roasts Novak Djokovic after Rafael Nadal wins 2022 Aus Open

Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev produced an enthralling contest in the 2022 Australian Open men's singles' final at the Melbourne Park on Sunday (January 30). After leading Nadal by two sets, the 25-year-old Medvedev was in for a huge surprise as the Spainard produced one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the sport to win 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

With this win, Nadal won his second Aus Open title (following the 2009 heroics Down Under) and became the first men's player to win 21 Grand Slam titles;&nbsp;overtaking both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who are tied at 20 titles each.

During the final presentation ceremony,&nbsp;Medvedev made heads turn with his reaction to being praised by the tennis Australia chairperson Jayne Hrdlicka. He&nbsp;rolled his eyes a couple of times while mouthing 'boring' repeatedly during&nbsp;Hrdlicka's words of praise for the 25-year-old Russian star.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-aus-open-2022-rafael-nadal-is-goat-hes-like-a-jekyll-of-hyde-says-indian-coach-nandan-bal-449123">EXCLUSIVE | Aus Open 2022: Rafael Nadal is G.O.A.T, he's like a Jekyll of Hyde, says Indian coach Nandan Bal</a>

"Daniil, you have had the most extraordinary tournament. You have found yourself in tough spots on the way here. You have demonstrated you're never finished and you were never finished until the very last point. Congratulations on a great tournament," Hrdlicka said.

Medvedev didn't have a great camaraderia with the Aussie crowd during the course of the tournament and was visibly upset with the jam-packed court backing Nadal in the finale. Here's the video of his reaction:

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Medvedev, a grown adult, was complaining because he said the crowd wasn’t cheering for him enough, but here he is being lavishly praised while he’s rolling his eyes and saying, “Boring.” Fine. But, man, what do you WANT? <a href="https://t.co/Pp49Hbqb4z">pic.twitter.com/Pp49Hbqb4z</a>
— TroubleFault (@troublefault) <a href="https://twitter.com/troublefault/status/1487923394918166528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novaccine-no-trophy-pune-police-roasts-novak-djokovic-after-rafael-nadal-wins-2022-aus-open-449184">NoVaccine No Trophy: Pune police roasts Novak Djokovic after Rafael Nadal wins 2022 Aus Open</a>

Medvedev, who had won the last year's US Open, was oncourse to win his second Grand Slam title before Nadal produced an enthralling display of tennis. The 36-year-old wasn't at his best in the opening two sets, missing some easy points, but got some momentum in the third set before raising his intensity considerably and going for the kill in the final two sets.

While Medvedev was denied a major title, he has won hearts with his playing style and wil be a strong contender in the French Open.

Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev produced an enthralling contest in the 2022 Australian Open men's singles' final at the Melbourne Park on Sunday (January 30). After leading Nadal by two sets, the 25-year-old Medvedev was in for a huge surprise as the Spainard produced one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the sport to win 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev produced an enthralling contest in the 2022 Australian Open men's singles' final at the Melbourne Park on Sunday (January 30). After leading Nadal by two sets, the 25-year-old Medvedev was in for a huge surprise as the Spainard produced one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the sport to win 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. With this win, Nadal won his second Aus Open title (following the 2009 heroics Down Under) and became the first men's player to win 21 Grand Slam titles; overtaking both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who are tied at 20 titles each. During the final presentation ceremony, Medvedev made heads turn with his reaction to being praised by the tennis Australia chairperson Jayne Hrdlicka. He rolled his eyes a couple of times while mouthing 'boring' repeatedly during Hrdlicka's words of praise for the 25-year-old Russian star. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Aus Open 2022: Rafael Nadal is G.O.A.T, he's like a Jekyll of Hyde, says Indian coach Nandan Bal "Daniil, you have had the most extraordinary tournament. You have found yourself in tough spots on the way here. You have demonstrated you're never finished and you were never finished until the very last point. Congratulations on a great tournament," Hrdlicka said. Medvedev didn't have a great camaraderia with the Aussie crowd during the course of the tournament and was visibly upset with the jam-packed court backing Nadal in the finale. Here's the video of his reaction: Medvedev, a grown adult, was complaining because he said the crowd wasn’t cheering for him enough, but here he is being lavishly praised while he’s rolling his eyes and saying, “Boring.” Fine. But, man, what do you WANT? pic.twitter.com/Pp49Hbqb4z — TroubleFault (@troublefault) January 30, 2022 × ALSO READ | NoVaccine No Trophy: Pune police roasts Novak Djokovic after Rafael Nadal wins 2022 Aus Open Medvedev, who had won the last year's US Open, was oncourse to win his second Grand Slam title before Nadal produced an enthralling display of tennis. The 36-year-old wasn't at his best in the opening two sets, missing some easy points, but got some momentum in the third set before raising his intensity considerably and going for the kill in the final two sets. While Medvedev was denied a major title, he has won hearts with his playing style and wil be a strong contender in the French Open.

'Boring': Daniil Medvedev's reaction goes viral during Aus Open final presentation ceremony - Watch

Brentford have signed Denmark international Christian Eriksen as a free agent for the rest of this season, the Premier League club said on Monday.

Eriksen has not played since suffering a cardiac arrest in Denmark`s opening match of the European Championship against Finland in June and has been training with his former club Ajax Amsterdam to build up his fitness.

The 29-year-old midfielder`s former club Inter Milan terminated his contract in December because the heart starter device that he had implanted is not permitted in Serie A.

Eriksen played 26 games for Inter as they won the Italian top-flight title in 2021 for the first time in 11 years.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mason-greenwoods-girlfriend-accuses-man-utd-star-of-physical-violence-and-sexual-assault-shares-pictures-448943">Mason Greenwood's girlfriend accuses Man Utd star of physical violence and sexual assault, shares pictures</a>

"I am looking forward to working with Christian again. It has been a while since I last coached him and a lot has happened since then," Brentford head coach Thomas Frank, who worked with the player at Denmark Under-17 level, said in a statement.

"... We have taken an unbelievable opportunity to bring a World Class player to Brentford. He hasn`t trained with a team for seven months but has done a lot of work on his own.

"He is fit but we will need to get him match fit and I am looking forward to seeing him work with the players and staff to get back towards his highest level."

Former Tottenham Hotspur player Eriksen was given the green light by doctors last month to resume his playing career. Eriksen, capped 109 times by Denmark, said this month that he intended to return to football to play for Denmark at the World Cup.

Brentford have signed Denmark international Christian Eriksen as a free agent for the rest of this season, the Premier League club said on Monday. Eriksen has not played since suffering a cardiac arrest in Denmark`s opening match of the European Championship against Finland in June and has been training with his former club Ajax Amsterdam to build up his fitness.

Brentford have signed Denmark international Christian Eriksen as a free agent for the rest of this season, the Premier League club said on Monday. Eriksen has not played since suffering a cardiac arrest in Denmark`s opening match of the European Championship against Finland in June and has been training with his former club Ajax Amsterdam to build up his fitness. The 29-year-old midfielder`s former club Inter Milan terminated his contract in December because the heart starter device that he had implanted is not permitted in Serie A. Eriksen played 26 games for Inter as they won the Italian top-flight title in 2021 for the first time in 11 years. Read Also | Mason Greenwood's girlfriend accuses Man Utd star of physical violence and sexual assault, shares pictures "I am looking forward to working with Christian again. It has been a while since I last coached him and a lot has happened since then," Brentford head coach Thomas Frank, who worked with the player at Denmark Under-17 level, said in a statement. "... We have taken an unbelievable opportunity to bring a World Class player to Brentford. He hasn`t trained with a team for seven months but has done a lot of work on his own. "He is fit but we will need to get him match fit and I am looking forward to seeing him work with the players and staff to get back towards his highest level." Former Tottenham Hotspur player Eriksen was given the green light by doctors last month to resume his playing career. Eriksen, capped 109 times by Denmark, said this month that he intended to return to football to play for Denmark at the World Cup.

Brentford sign Denmark international Christian Eriksen for rest of the season

A day after India lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, Virat Kohli dropped a bomb by announcing his decision to step down as the captain in the purest format. By then, Kohli was already sacked as the ODI captain whereas he had resigned as the T20I skipper after the World Cup.

Kohli had tweeted saying, on January 15, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now."

Recently, former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting reflected on Kohli's sudden announcement of stepping down as the Test captain.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-aim-is-to-be-at-my-peak-in-2023-odi-world-cup-team-india-star-hardik-pandya-sets-sight-on-future-449137">My aim is to be at my peak in 2023 ODI World Cup: Team India star Hardik Pandya sets sight on future</a>

Reacting to Kohli's&nbsp;decision, Ponting said in the first episode of 'The ICC Review', "Yes, it did actually (surprise me). Probably the main reason why is, I had a chat and good catch-up with Virat during the first part of the IPL (2021) before it got postponed. He was talking then about stepping away (from captaincy) from white-ball cricket and how passionate he was to continue on to be Test match captain. He just loved and cherished that job and that post so much. Obviously, the Indian Test team had achieved a lot under his leadership. When I heard it, I was really, really surprised."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-rishabh-pant-top-5-contenders-who-can-succeed-virat-kohli-as-indias-test-captain-448152">From Rohit Sharma to Rishabh Pant: Top 5 contenders who can succeed Virat Kohli as India's Test captain</a>

"You only have to watch him on the field for an hour of the day's play to realize how passionate he is about that job and the role, and how much he wants the team to win and how much he wants the best for Indian cricket. I was shocked, but then I started thinking about other things, even my own time as captain. I have gone on record and said that I probably think I played a couple of years longer than I should have in hindsight. I think I might have been captain for a couple of years longer than I should have," he added.

Talking about Kohli's Test captaincy tenure, the 33-year-old led India to their maiden Test series triumph in Australia, guided the side to an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom in mid-2021 and took them to the finale of the inaugural WTC cycle.

A day after India lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, Virat Kohli dropped a bomb by announcing his decision to step down as the captain in the purest format.

A day after India lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, Virat Kohli dropped a bomb by announcing his decision to step down as the captain in the purest format. By then, Kohli was already sacked as the ODI captain whereas he had resigned as the T20I skipper after the World Cup. Kohli had tweeted saying, on January 15, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now." Recently, former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting reflected on Kohli's sudden announcement of stepping down as the Test captain. ALSO READ | My aim is to be at my peak in 2023 ODI World Cup: Team India star Hardik Pandya sets sight on future Reacting to Kohli's decision, Ponting said in the first episode of 'The ICC Review', "Yes, it did actually (surprise me). Probably the main reason why is, I had a chat and good catch-up with Virat during the first part of the IPL (2021) before it got postponed. He was talking then about stepping away (from captaincy) from white-ball cricket and how passionate he was to continue on to be Test match captain. He just loved and cherished that job and that post so much. Obviously, the Indian Test team had achieved a lot under his leadership. When I heard it, I was really, really surprised." ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Rishabh Pant: Top 5 contenders who can succeed Virat Kohli as India's Test captain "You only have to watch him on the field for an hour of the day's play to realize how passionate he is about that job and the role, and how much he wants the team to win and how much he wants the best for Indian cricket. I was shocked, but then I started thinking about other things, even my own time as captain. I have gone on record and said that I probably think I played a couple of years longer than I should have in hindsight. I think I might have been captain for a couple of years longer than I should have," he added. Talking about Kohli's Test captaincy tenure, the 33-year-old led India to their maiden Test series triumph in Australia, guided the side to an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom in mid-2021 and took them to the finale of the inaugural WTC cycle.

He cherished that post so much: Ponting reflects on Virat Kohli's decision to resign as India's Test captain

During the past four days China has detected some 119 cases of COVID-19 among athletes and personnel linked to the Beijing Winter Olympics, with authorities imposing a "closed loop" bubble to keep participants, staff and media separated from the public.

The tally from the weekend showed 37 new cases on Sunday, and 34 on Saturday, with most testing positive after arrival at the airport, Games organisers said.

On Monday, Russian biathlete Valeria Vasnetsova said her own Olympic ambitions were over after testing positive twice following her arrival in Beijing, one of three Russian positive tests announced on Monday.

"Unfortunately my Olympic dream will remain just a dream," Vasnetsova wrote on social media. "Maybe one day I will find the strength to rise again but it will be a completely different story."

Eight athletes or team officials were among 28 people who had tested positive on arrival at the airport on Sunday. 
International Olympic Committee member Emma Terho, who heads the IOC`s athletes commission, also tested positive and said she has been in isolation since the weekend.

Read Also |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-china-reports-34-new-covid-19-cases-among-games-related-personnel-448918">&nbsp;Beijing Olympics: China reports 34 new COVID-19 cases among Games-related personnel</a>

"Even though this is not the start I envisaged, I was happy to see the protocols that Beijing 2022 has put in place are working well," Terho, a retired Finnish ice hockey player, said on social media.

Some 3,000 athletes, along with coaches, officials, referees, federation delegates and media are expected for the Games, due to run from Feb. 4-20. 
The "closed loop" will allow them to move between accommodation and Olympic venues on official transport but they are not allowed out to move freely in public.

In contrast to many countries seeking to live with COVID-19, China has isolated itself with a zero-tolerance policy, cancelling nearly all international flights.

An opinion piece in the People’s Daily -- the ruling Communist Party`s official newspaper -- praised the work done to prepare for the Games and battle the spread of the virus.

"The epidemic and control measures of the Beijing Winter Olympics are the epitome of China’s successful experience in fighting the epidemic, and are also a focused demonstration of China’s spirit and China’s strength."

Olympic athletes and others must fly directly into the city on charter flights and are tested daily.

POSITIVE TESTS

Athletes, however, have also been testing positive prior to their arrival in Beijing, with the world`s leading women`s ski jumper, Marita Kramer of Austria, rescheduling her departure in an effort to get healthy in time for her competition.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-sponsors-on-tightrope-ahead-of-winter-games-amid-us-china-tensions-448776">Beijing Olympics: Sponsors on 'tightrope' ahead of Winter Games amid US-China tensions</a>

Kramer, who leads the women`s overall World Cup standings, tested positive in Germany, the last competition ahead of the Games. 
"Officials are at the moment working on a time plan in order to make it possible for the World Cup leader to take part in the Olympic Games in Beijing," the Austrian ski federation said.

Russian skeleton racers, Olympic silver medallist Nikita Tregubov and Vladislav Semyonov, will miss the Games after testing positive prior to their departure, the country`s bobsleigh federation said.

There was, however, good news for the Australian curling team after curler Tahli Gill returned two negative tests following an initial positive in the Chinese capital on Sunday.

Gill and teammate Dean Hewitt had been in isolation for two days after she tested positive at Beijing airport. 
"We have treated this time as a rest day and a time to really focus on our Olympic goals," the pair said in a statement.

During the past four days China has detected some 119 cases of COVID-19 among athletes and personnel linked to the Beijing Winter Olympics, with authorities imposing a "closed loop" bubble to keep participants, staff and media separated from the public.

During the past four days China has detected some 119 cases of COVID-19 among athletes and personnel linked to the Beijing Winter Olympics, with authorities imposing a "closed loop" bubble to keep participants, staff and media separated from the public. The tally from the weekend showed 37 new cases on Sunday, and 34 on Saturday, with most testing positive after arrival at the airport, Games organisers said. On Monday, Russian biathlete Valeria Vasnetsova said her own Olympic ambitions were over after testing positive twice following her arrival in Beijing, one of three Russian positive tests announced on Monday. "Unfortunately my Olympic dream will remain just a dream," Vasnetsova wrote on social media. "Maybe one day I will find the strength to rise again but it will be a completely different story." Eight athletes or team officials were among 28 people who had tested positive on arrival at the airport on Sunday. International Olympic Committee member Emma Terho, who heads the IOC`s athletes commission, also tested positive and said she has been in isolation since the weekend. Read Also | Beijing Olympics: China reports 34 new COVID-19 cases among Games-related personnel "Even though this is not the start I envisaged, I was happy to see the protocols that Beijing 2022 has put in place are working well," Terho, a retired Finnish ice hockey player, said on social media. Some 3,000 athletes, along with coaches, officials, referees, federation delegates and media are expected for the Games, due to run from Feb. 4-20. The "closed loop" will allow them to move between accommodation and Olympic venues on official transport but they are not allowed out to move freely in public. In contrast to many countries seeking to live with COVID-19, China has isolated itself with a zero-tolerance policy, cancelling nearly all international flights. An opinion piece in the People’s Daily -- the ruling Communist Party`s official newspaper -- praised the work done to prepare for the Games and battle the spread of the virus. "The epidemic and control measures of the Beijing Winter Olympics are the epitome of China’s successful experience in fighting the epidemic, and are also a focused demonstration of China’s spirit and China’s strength." Olympic athletes and others must fly directly into the city on charter flights and are tested daily. POSITIVE TESTS Athletes, however, have also been testing positive prior to their arrival in Beijing, with the world`s leading women`s ski jumper, Marita Kramer of Austria, rescheduling her departure in an effort to get healthy in time for her competition. Read Also | Beijing Olympics: Sponsors on 'tightrope' ahead of Winter Games amid US-China tensions Kramer, who leads the women`s overall World Cup standings, tested positive in Germany, the last competition ahead of the Games. "Officials are at the moment working on a time plan in order to make it possible for the World Cup leader to take part in the Olympic Games in Beijing," the Austrian ski federation said. Russian skeleton racers, Olympic silver medallist Nikita Tregubov and Vladislav Semyonov, will miss the Games after testing positive prior to their departure, the country`s bobsleigh federation said. There was, however, good news for the Australian curling team after curler Tahli Gill returned two negative tests following an initial positive in the Chinese capital on Sunday. Gill and teammate Dean Hewitt had been in isolation for two days after she tested positive at Beijing airport. "We have treated this time as a rest day and a time to really focus on our Olympic goals," the pair said in a statement.

Winter Olympics 2022: COVID-19 cases rise among Olympic athletes, personnel arrive in Beijing

Hardik Pandya has had a tough ride in competitive cricket ever since the gentlemen's game resumed in the Covid-19 era. Before the pandemic struck, Hardik was already battling a tough back injury and underwent a surgey, missing India's tour of New Zealand in early 2020.

Since then, Hardik was part of Mumbai Indians' (MI) IPL 2020 win but couldn't do much with the bat whereas&nbsp;didn't bowl a single over in the entire season. While he had a good run with the willow in India's tour of Australia which followed suit, everything slipped from thereon for the star all-rounder. He has&nbsp;bowled very few overs for Team India, didn't bowl in entire IPL 2021 as well, saw a dip in&nbsp;form with the bat and also lost the Test spot for not fulfilling the all-rounder's role. In addition, he&nbsp;is still not fully fit to regain his spot in the national side ahead of Rohit Sharma-led India's home season in white-ball formats.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-to-continue-leading-csk-in-ipl-2022-amid-rumours-of-ravindra-jadeja-taking-over-as-captain-448991">MS Dhoni to continue leading CSK in IPL 2022 amid rumours of Ravindra Jadeja taking over as captain</a>

Speaking to&nbsp;Economic Times, the 28-year old Hardik, however, remains undeterred and shared his plans for the future, revealing that he already has 2023 ODI World Cup in mind during preparations. "Yes, that’s the plan. My main aim is to be at my peak when the World Cup happens."

Hardik added, “All my training, planning, preparation is keeping the World Cup in mind. I want to win the World Cup for the country. It will make me really happy and proud. It is like an obsession with me. IPL will give me a very good preparatory platform for the World Cup but all the hard work ultimately is for the Indian team and the World Cup.''

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-always-worked-hard-in-silence-and-will-continue-to-do-so-hardik-pandya-on-his-return-from-injury-449009">I have always worked hard in silence and will continue to do so: Hardik Pandya on his return from injury</a>

Hardik has lost his place to Venkatesh Iyer, who is being groomed&nbsp;to fulfill the all-rounder's role in the shortest format. However, the Rahul Dravid-led Indian team thinktank are desperate to see the return of Hardik into the national side&nbsp;due to the balance and versatality he brings with him.&nbsp;

Hardik will next be seen in the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition, where the local boy will lead his home franchise Ahmedabad.

Hardik Pandya has had a tough ride in competitive cricket ever since the gentlemen's game resumed in the Covid-19 era. Before the pandemic struck, Hardik was already battling a tough back injury and underwent a surgey, missing India's tour of New Zealand in early 2020.

Hardik Pandya has had a tough ride in competitive cricket ever since the gentlemen's game resumed in the Covid-19 era. Before the pandemic struck, Hardik was already battling a tough back injury and underwent a surgey, missing India's tour of New Zealand in early 2020. Since then, Hardik was part of Mumbai Indians' (MI) IPL 2020 win but couldn't do much with the bat whereas didn't bowl a single over in the entire season. While he had a good run with the willow in India's tour of Australia which followed suit, everything slipped from thereon for the star all-rounder. He has bowled very few overs for Team India, didn't bowl in entire IPL 2021 as well, saw a dip in form with the bat and also lost the Test spot for not fulfilling the all-rounder's role. In addition, he is still not fully fit to regain his spot in the national side ahead of Rohit Sharma-led India's home season in white-ball formats. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni to continue leading CSK in IPL 2022 amid rumours of Ravindra Jadeja taking over as captain Speaking to Economic Times, the 28-year old Hardik, however, remains undeterred and shared his plans for the future, revealing that he already has 2023 ODI World Cup in mind during preparations. "Yes, that’s the plan. My main aim is to be at my peak when the World Cup happens." Hardik added, “All my training, planning, preparation is keeping the World Cup in mind. I want to win the World Cup for the country. It will make me really happy and proud. It is like an obsession with me. IPL will give me a very good preparatory platform for the World Cup but all the hard work ultimately is for the Indian team and the World Cup.'' ALSO READ | I have always worked hard in silence and will continue to do so: Hardik Pandya on his return from injury Hardik has lost his place to Venkatesh Iyer, who is being groomed to fulfill the all-rounder's role in the shortest format. However, the Rahul Dravid-led Indian team thinktank are desperate to see the return of Hardik into the national side due to the balance and versatality he brings with him. Hardik will next be seen in the forthcoming IPL 2022 edition, where the local boy will lead his home franchise Ahmedabad.

My aim is to be at my peak in 2023 ODI World Cup: Team India star Hardik Pandya sets sight on future

Young Indian cricketer Nishant Sindhu has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the match against Bangladesh in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup. However, all other players who were COVID-19 positive earlier have now recovered and are available for the quarterfinal match against Bangladesh.

"Nishant Sindhu has tested positive for COVID-19 but all the members that had tested positive earlier have now recovered and are all available for the quarterfinal against Bangladesh," a source in known development told ANI. Last week, on the gameday against Ireland, the BCCI had informed that four India players tested positive for COVID-19, including skipper Yash Dhull and vice-captain SK Rasheed.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-u-19-wc-india-hit-by-covid-crisis-as-skipper-yash-dhull-and-five-others-test-positive-miss-ireland-tie-446028">ICC U-19 WC: India hit by Covid crisis as skipper Yash Dhull and five others test positive, miss Ireland tie</a>

While two more players were showing symptoms and they had undergone RT-PCR tests. As a result, six players were sent into isolation and India had to field a depleted side in the game against Ireland.Coming to the match, defending champions Bangladesh`s passage was not quite as stress-free, with the defending 2020 champions recovering from losing their opening game to England to finish second in Group A.

An eight-wicket win over Canada was followed by a nine-wicket triumph (DLS) in a rain-interrupted game against UAE to set up a rematch of the final two years ago.And while India will fancy avenging their three-wicket defeat in the 2020 showpiece, Bangladesh is finding their stride at just the right time to set the stage for an epic battle.&nbsp;

Young Indian cricketer Nishant Sindhu has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the match against Bangladesh in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup. However, all other players who were COVID-19 positive earlier have now recovered and are available for the quarterfinal match against Bangladesh.

Young Indian cricketer Nishant Sindhu has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the match against Bangladesh in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup. However, all other players who were COVID-19 positive earlier have now recovered and are available for the quarterfinal match against Bangladesh. "Nishant Sindhu has tested positive for COVID-19 but all the members that had tested positive earlier have now recovered and are all available for the quarterfinal against Bangladesh," a source in known development told ANI. Last week, on the gameday against Ireland, the BCCI had informed that four India players tested positive for COVID-19, including skipper Yash Dhull and vice-captain SK Rasheed. ALSO READ | ICC U-19 WC: India hit by Covid crisis as skipper Yash Dhull and five others test positive, miss Ireland tie While two more players were showing symptoms and they had undergone RT-PCR tests. As a result, six players were sent into isolation and India had to field a depleted side in the game against Ireland.Coming to the match, defending champions Bangladesh`s passage was not quite as stress-free, with the defending 2020 champions recovering from losing their opening game to England to finish second in Group A. An eight-wicket win over Canada was followed by a nine-wicket triumph (DLS) in a rain-interrupted game against UAE to set up a rematch of the final two years ago.And while India will fancy avenging their three-wicket defeat in the 2020 showpiece, Bangladesh is finding their stride at just the right time to set the stage for an epic battle.

ICC U19 WC: Nishant Sindhu tests positive ahead of quarter-final tie, Yash Dhull, SK Rasheed recover

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