West Indies pacer Kemar Roach has warned Barbadian-born speedster Jofra Archer that there will be no love lost between the two when Windies and England take to the field for the three-match Test series starting July 8.

Archer represented the West Indies at the Under-19 level in three matches before opting to play senior cricket for England, where his father was born. Archer will take on the Windies for the first time when the two teams meet at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton in the first Test. However, Roach said that Archer has been doing a fantastic job for his career.

“Jofra’s made a decision and I think he’s doing a fantastic job for his career. Obviously there’ll be no friendships at the start of this series,” Roach told reporters via Zoom.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-to-allow-10000-strong-sporting-crowds-from-july-pm-scott-morrison-305447" hreflang="en">Australia to allow 10,000-strong sporting crowds from July: PM Scott Morrison</a>

Archer was one of the picks of the bowlers in the ICC World Cup 2019 where he helped England lift their maiden 50-over World Cup by claiming 20 wickets. He followed his stupendous performance in the 2019 Ashes series.&nbsp;

<h2>It’s all about winning and playing our cricket: Roach</h2>

“It’s all about winning and playing our cricket. If we come up against Jofra, we’ll devise a fantastic plan to counter it. I’m looking forward to that battle,” Roach said.

“I saw him as a youngster in domestic cricket back home in Barbados. I always thought he was talented and obviously it has shown over the years.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tino-best-england-is-a-very-racial-place-never-liked-playing-club-cricket-there-305441" hreflang="en">Tino Best: England is a very racial place, never liked playing club cricket there</a>

“He came over here and has done a fantastic job and I want to wish him all the best in his career.”

After the first Test in Southampton, the subsequent two matches of the three-match rubber will be played at the Old Trafford in Manchester. All the matches will be played behind closed doors with the series being the first international bilateral series to be played following the prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic. 
&nbsp;

West Indies pacer Kemar Roach has warned Barbadian-born speedster Jofra Archer that there will be no love lost between the two when Windies and England take to the field for the three-match Test series starting July 8.

West Indies pacer Kemar Roach has warned Barbadian-born speedster Jofra Archer that there will be no love lost between the two when Windies and England take to the field for the three-match Test series starting July 8. Archer represented the West Indies at the Under-19 level in three matches before opting to play senior cricket for England, where his father was born. Archer will take on the Windies for the first time when the two teams meet at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton in the first Test. However, Roach said that Archer has been doing a fantastic job for his career. “Jofra’s made a decision and I think he’s doing a fantastic job for his career. Obviously there’ll be no friendships at the start of this series,” Roach told reporters via Zoom. ALSO READ: Australia to allow 10,000-strong sporting crowds from July: PM Scott Morrison Archer was one of the picks of the bowlers in the ICC World Cup 2019 where he helped England lift their maiden 50-over World Cup by claiming 20 wickets. He followed his stupendous performance in the 2019 Ashes series. It’s all about winning and playing our cricket: Roach “It’s all about winning and playing our cricket. If we come up against Jofra, we’ll devise a fantastic plan to counter it. I’m looking forward to that battle,” Roach said. “I saw him as a youngster in domestic cricket back home in Barbados. I always thought he was talented and obviously it has shown over the years. ALSO READ: Tino Best: England is a very racial place, never liked playing club cricket there “He came over here and has done a fantastic job and I want to wish him all the best in his career.” After the first Test in Southampton, the subsequent two matches of the three-match rubber will be played at the Old Trafford in Manchester. All the matches will be played behind closed doors with the series being the first international bilateral series to be played following the prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic.

England vs West Indies: No friendship with Jofra Archer during Tests, says Kemar Roach

Sigtuna CC (SIG)&nbsp;will lock horns against Stockholm Cricket Club (STO) in the ECS T10 League on Monday at the Marsta Cricket Ground in Stockholm. The ECS T10 League is a six-team tournament taking place in Sweden with the clubs being: Djurgardens IF Cricketforening, Pakistanska Foreningen, Alby Zalmi CC, Stockholm CC, Sigtuna CC, Indiska CC. The tournament will continue till June 19 with promising cricketing action on its way.

The match between SIG vs STO promises to be a cracking contest with plenty of runs expected to be scored. The contest is a part of triple-header on Monday with cricket fans eager to witness the sport getting back to life.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tino-best-england-is-a-very-racial-place-never-liked-playing-club-cricket-there-305441" hreflang="en">Tino Best: England is a very racial place, never liked playing club cricket there</a>

<h2>SIG vs STO (Sigtuna CC vs Stockholm Cricket Club), Dream11 Prediction:</h2>

Muhammad-Saad Nawaz (captain), Harsha Vardahana (vice-captain), Raja Azhar Mahmood, Ataullah Safi, Abhishek Mathur, Muhammad Abdul Rehman, Sohaib Atif, Akanshu Mahajan, Qurban Ali, Akash Jha, Avinash Upadhyaya

<h2>SIG vs STO: Stockholm Cricket Club squad</h2>

Viswanadha Bazawada, Abhishek Mathur, Feroz Patel, Rakesh Kumar, Umesh Bharti, Avinash Upadhyaya, Prem Krishna, Akash Jha, Suman Mokhamatam, Akanshu Mahajan, Harsha Vardahana Singaraju, Himanshu Patel, Ashok Ganesan Ramalingam, Rajesh Lal Raveendran, Kaushik Vats, Sampat Manju Lyengar, Santosh Yadlapalli, Vinod Chalindra, Shrikant Sakpal.

<h2>SIG vs STO: Sigtuna&nbsp;CC squad</h2>

Ataullah Saifi, Zulfiqar Kiyani, Muhammad Saad Nawaz, Adil Mahmood Afzal, Abu-Bakr Azhar, Muhammad Abdul Rehman, Umer Waqar, Ahmad Ejaz, Sohaib Atif, Adnan Raza, Shahzaib Hassan, Osama Saleem, Amir Mir, Qurban Ali, Ch-Shaftaz Ahmed, Raja Azhar Mahmood, Arshpreet Singh. 
&nbsp;

Sigtuna CC (SIG) will lock horns against Stockholm Cricket Club (STO) in the ECS T10 League on Monday at the Marsta Cricket Ground in Stockholm. The ECS T10 League is a six-team tournament taking place in Sweden with the clubs being: Djurgardens IF Cricketforening, Pakistanska Foreningen, Alby Zalmi CC, Stockholm CC, Sigtuna CC, Indiska CC.

Sigtuna CC (SIG) will lock horns against Stockholm Cricket Club (STO) in the ECS T10 League on Monday at the Marsta Cricket Ground in Stockholm. The ECS T10 League is a six-team tournament taking place in Sweden with the clubs being: Djurgardens IF Cricketforening, Pakistanska Foreningen, Alby Zalmi CC, Stockholm CC, Sigtuna CC, Indiska CC. The tournament will continue till June 19 with promising cricketing action on its way. The match between SIG vs STO promises to be a cracking contest with plenty of runs expected to be scored. The contest is a part of triple-header on Monday with cricket fans eager to witness the sport getting back to life. ALSO READ: Tino Best: England is a very racial place, never liked playing club cricket there SIG vs STO (Sigtuna CC vs Stockholm Cricket Club), Dream11 Prediction: Muhammad-Saad Nawaz (captain), Harsha Vardahana (vice-captain), Raja Azhar Mahmood, Ataullah Safi, Abhishek Mathur, Muhammad Abdul Rehman, Sohaib Atif, Akanshu Mahajan, Qurban Ali, Akash Jha, Avinash Upadhyaya SIG vs STO: Stockholm Cricket Club squad Viswanadha Bazawada, Abhishek Mathur, Feroz Patel, Rakesh Kumar, Umesh Bharti, Avinash Upadhyaya, Prem Krishna, Akash Jha, Suman Mokhamatam, Akanshu Mahajan, Harsha Vardahana Singaraju, Himanshu Patel, Ashok Ganesan Ramalingam, Rajesh Lal Raveendran, Kaushik Vats, Sampat Manju Lyengar, Santosh Yadlapalli, Vinod Chalindra, Shrikant Sakpal. SIG vs STO: Sigtuna CC squad Ataullah Saifi, Zulfiqar Kiyani, Muhammad Saad Nawaz, Adil Mahmood Afzal, Abu-Bakr Azhar, Muhammad Abdul Rehman, Umer Waqar, Ahmad Ejaz, Sohaib Atif, Adnan Raza, Shahzaib Hassan, Osama Saleem, Amir Mir, Qurban Ali, Ch-Shaftaz Ahmed, Raja Azhar Mahmood, Arshpreet Singh.

SIG vs STO, Dream11 Prediction, ECS T10 League: Fantasy cricket tips for Sigtuna CC vs Stockholm Cricket Club

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> finally makes its long-awaited return on June 17 following a three-month coronavirus lockdown.

The landscape has changed since March -- clubs have welcomed back injured players, others have had a chance to regroup and Liverpool have had to come to terms with a low-key title celebration.

AFP Sport looks at the winners and losers as teams emerge from the lockdown.

<h2>Healed stars boost Spurs, Man Utd</h2>

When we last saw Jose Mourinho, the Tottenham manager cut a despondent figure as he admitted he wished he could fast-forward to next season.

At the time, injury-hit Tottenham were on a six-match winless run that saw them knocked out of the Champions League and FA Cup, while falling seven points adrift of the top four.

However, no boss has benefited more from the three-month break than Mourinho and eighth-placed Tottenham will return rejuvenated after Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Steven Bergwijn, Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko regained their fitness.

That should be the ideal boost for the race to qualify for the Champions League, especially with a crucial first game of the restart against top-four rivals Manchester United.

United, four points above Tottenham in fifth place, were frustrated when the season ground to a halt.

Inspired by influential January signing Bruno Fernandes, they were riding the momentum of an 11-game unbeaten run in all competitions dating back to January.

Crucially, the return of injured England forward Marcus Rashford and France midfielder Paul Pogba promises to add pep to their step at just the right time, with the Tottenham showdown followed by another vital fixture against seventh-placed Sheffield United.

<h2>Relegation rivals scrap for survival</h2>

With dire warnings over the long-term financial health of football ringing in their ears, clubs embroiled in the relegation dogfight have been focused on self-preservation.

Feuding over how to decide the season in the event it has to be abandoned, complaining about potentially playing at neutral venues and arguing that the season was restarting too soon have all been public relations own goals from clubs most in danger of going down.

Brighton will be under immense pressure to perform, having argued so vocally against neutral venues.&nbsp;

Without a win in 2020, they are just two points above the relegation zone and have games against Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City to come.

Watford, out of the bottom three by virtue of goal difference, were also vocal critics of the neutral venue proposal.&nbsp;

The Hornets would fall into the relegation zone if Aston Villa won their game in hand, but favourable home matches against Southampton, Norwich and Newcastle offer hope of beating the drop.

Second-bottom Villa, who have suffered four straight league defeats, have had a chance to regroup at a time when they were in danger of collapsing.

Third-bottom Bournemouth, winless in four matches, will also hope the break provides a springboard to survival.

<h2>Liverpool's title anti-climax</h2>

Instead of jubilant supporters hailing their heroes for ending Liverpool's 30-year wait to be crowned English champions, the Reds' impending title triumph in an empty stadium is likely to feel anti-climactic.

Jurgen Klopp's side are 25 points clear at the top and need a maximum of two wins from their remaining nine games to seal a 19th English title in emphatic fashion.

The trophy could be theirs as soon as June 21 if second-placed Manchester City lose to Arsenal and Liverpool beat Merseyside rivals Everton.

But with the rest of the season to be played behind closed doors, the mood around the club has gone slightly flat.

The prospect of Liverpool having to delay their parade through the city with the trophy until next year due to social-distancing rules is another blow.

No wonder former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, who famously won the title at Anfield with the Gunners on the last day of the 1988/89 season, said: "If Liverpool do eventually get crowned, it's going to prove a massive anti-climax.

"I can't help but feel sorry for Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and all who deserve every plaudit going for a magnificent effort."

The Premier League finally makes its long-awaited return on June 17 following a three-month coronavirus lockdown. The landscape has changed since March -- clubs have welcomed back injured players, others have had a chance to regroup and Liverpool have had to come to terms with a low-key title celebration.

The Premier League finally makes its long-awaited return on June 17 following a three-month coronavirus lockdown. The landscape has changed since March -- clubs have welcomed back injured players, others have had a chance to regroup and Liverpool have had to come to terms with a low-key title celebration. AFP Sport looks at the winners and losers as teams emerge from the lockdown. Healed stars boost Spurs, Man Utd When we last saw Jose Mourinho, the Tottenham manager cut a despondent figure as he admitted he wished he could fast-forward to next season. At the time, injury-hit Tottenham were on a six-match winless run that saw them knocked out of the Champions League and FA Cup, while falling seven points adrift of the top four. However, no boss has benefited more from the three-month break than Mourinho and eighth-placed Tottenham will return rejuvenated after Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Steven Bergwijn, Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko regained their fitness. That should be the ideal boost for the race to qualify for the Champions League, especially with a crucial first game of the restart against top-four rivals Manchester United. United, four points above Tottenham in fifth place, were frustrated when the season ground to a halt. Inspired by influential January signing Bruno Fernandes, they were riding the momentum of an 11-game unbeaten run in all competitions dating back to January. Crucially, the return of injured England forward Marcus Rashford and France midfielder Paul Pogba promises to add pep to their step at just the right time, with the Tottenham showdown followed by another vital fixture against seventh-placed Sheffield United. Relegation rivals scrap for survival With dire warnings over the long-term financial health of football ringing in their ears, clubs embroiled in the relegation dogfight have been focused on self-preservation. Feuding over how to decide the season in the event it has to be abandoned, complaining about potentially playing at neutral venues and arguing that the season was restarting too soon have all been public relations own goals from clubs most in danger of going down. Brighton will be under immense pressure to perform, having argued so vocally against neutral venues. Without a win in 2020, they are just two points above the relegation zone and have games against Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City to come. Watford, out of the bottom three by virtue of goal difference, were also vocal critics of the neutral venue proposal. The Hornets would fall into the relegation zone if Aston Villa won their game in hand, but favourable home matches against Southampton, Norwich and Newcastle offer hope of beating the drop. Second-bottom Villa, who have suffered four straight league defeats, have had a chance to regroup at a time when they were in danger of collapsing. Third-bottom Bournemouth, winless in four matches, will also hope the break provides a springboard to survival. Liverpool's title anti-climax Instead of jubilant supporters hailing their heroes for ending Liverpool's 30-year wait to be crowned English champions, the Reds' impending title triumph in an empty stadium is likely to feel anti-climactic. Jurgen Klopp's side are 25 points clear at the top and need a maximum of two wins from their remaining nine games to seal a 19th English title in emphatic fashion. The trophy could be theirs as soon as June 21 if second-placed Manchester City lose to Arsenal and Liverpool beat Merseyside rivals Everton. But with the rest of the season to be played behind closed doors, the mood around the club has gone slightly flat. The prospect of Liverpool having to delay their parade through the city with the trophy until next year due to social-distancing rules is another blow. No wonder former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, who famously won the title at Anfield with the Gunners on the last day of the 1988/89 season, said: "If Liverpool do eventually get crowned, it's going to prove a massive anti-climax. "I can't help but feel sorry for Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and all who deserve every plaudit going for a magnificent effort."

Premier League lockdown: winners and losers

An emotional Novak Djokovic broke down in tears while hosting a charity event at his tennis complex nearby the Danube River on Sunday. Even though the Serbian ace missed the spot in the final of the Adria Tour, wherein Dominic Thiem defeated Filip Krajinovic 4-3, 2-4, 4-2, the 17-time Grand Slam winner revived plenty of memories after staging the charity event while international tennis remains suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was very emotional on the court today. Childhood memories started flooding back, including those of growing up on these courts and playing here as a young boy,” the 33-year-old told reporters after being cheered on by a 4,000-strong capacity crowd.

“I was overwhelmed and those were tears of joy after the match.

<img alt="Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade charity exhibition" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa15b758-ad76-4555-88eb-dee2caca0417" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1TG3IC.jpg" />

“I try to give back to where I come from and be conscious of my childhood and my upbringing. This tennis was an epicentre of people from my childhood days getting together for this tournament, including my former coaches. They were all here.”

However, Djokovic defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev on Sunday in what was his last match of the round-robin stage but failed to secure a place in the summit clash after both the players and Krajinovic ended up with 2-1 loss records and 5-3 set difference.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-lockdown-winners-and-losers-305939" hreflang="en">Premier League lockdown: winners and losers</a>

Krajinovic, who pulled off an upset by defeating Djokovic on Saturday, went past in the final on the basis of having the best games differential among the three. However, he fell short against the energetic Thiem in the final.

“This tournament was for a good cause and we all gave our best,” Thiem said after finishing off the weekend with a 100% winning record.

<img alt="Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade charity exhibition" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b57f55a-6383-4cbb-b991-d51167fde8a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1TG2PB.jpg" />

“Many high quality matches in a great atmosphere, in front of a full crowd, so it was a perfect weekend. 
&nbsp;“A very big thank you to everyone including Novak and his team, you all made my first trip to Serbia a very special one.”

The eight-man event features best-of-seven games with the second leg of the Adria Tour scheduled to be held in Croatia’s Zadar next weekend. The third leg of the tour slated to be played in Montenegro on June 27 and 28 was cancelled on Saturday over COVID-19 concerns with the final leg set for Bosnia’s Banja Luka on July 3 and 4.&nbsp;

An emotional Novak Djokovic broke down in tears while hosting a charity event at his tennis complex nearby the Danube River on Sunday. Even though the Serbian ace missed the spot in the final of the Adria Tour, wherein Dominic Thiem defeated Filip Krajinovic 4-3, 2-4, 4-2, the 17-time Grand Slam winner revived plenty of memories after staging the charity event while international tennis remains suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic.

An emotional Novak Djokovic broke down in tears while hosting a charity event at his tennis complex nearby the Danube River on Sunday. Even though the Serbian ace missed the spot in the final of the Adria Tour, wherein Dominic Thiem defeated Filip Krajinovic 4-3, 2-4, 4-2, the 17-time Grand Slam winner revived plenty of memories after staging the charity event while international tennis remains suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic. “I was very emotional on the court today. Childhood memories started flooding back, including those of growing up on these courts and playing here as a young boy,” the 33-year-old told reporters after being cheered on by a 4,000-strong capacity crowd. “I was overwhelmed and those were tears of joy after the match. “I try to give back to where I come from and be conscious of my childhood and my upbringing. This tennis was an epicentre of people from my childhood days getting together for this tournament, including my former coaches. They were all here.” However, Djokovic defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev on Sunday in what was his last match of the round-robin stage but failed to secure a place in the summit clash after both the players and Krajinovic ended up with 2-1 loss records and 5-3 set difference. ALSO READ: Premier League lockdown: winners and losers Krajinovic, who pulled off an upset by defeating Djokovic on Saturday, went past in the final on the basis of having the best games differential among the three. However, he fell short against the energetic Thiem in the final. “This tournament was for a good cause and we all gave our best,” Thiem said after finishing off the weekend with a 100% winning record. “Many high quality matches in a great atmosphere, in front of a full crowd, so it was a perfect weekend. “A very big thank you to everyone including Novak and his team, you all made my first trip to Serbia a very special one.” The eight-man event features best-of-seven games with the second leg of the Adria Tour scheduled to be held in Croatia’s Zadar next weekend. The third leg of the tour slated to be played in Montenegro on June 27 and 28 was cancelled on Saturday over COVID-19 concerns with the final leg set for Bosnia’s Banja Luka on July 3 and 4.

Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade charity exhibition

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi on Saturday confirmed that he has been tested positive for COVID-19. Afridi, while taking to social media platform Twitter, said that he has been feeling unwell since Thursday with his body aching badly while adding that he was tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus.&nbsp;

“I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly. I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m covid positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah #COVID19 #pandemic #hopenotout #staysafe #stayhome,” Afridi tweeted.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-to-allow-10000-strong-sporting-crowds-from-july-pm-scott-morrison-305447" hreflang="en">Australia to allow 10,000-strong sporting crowds from July: PM Scott Morrison</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly. I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m covid positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pandemic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pandemic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hopenotout?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hopenotout</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/staysafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#staysafe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stayhome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stayhome</a>
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1271720209657630720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Afridi has been involved in charitable causes through his foundation Shahid Afridi Foundation and has helped a lot of needy people during the COVID-19 pandemic. While he has visited lots of places, in Pakistan,&nbsp;to help the needy and continue his social work, Afridi recently hit the headlines due to his controversial remarks on Kashmir and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His social works had even received the backing of Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh but their relations turned sour after Afridi's remarks on PM Modi and Kashmir.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/have-i-turned-a-blind-eye-to-things-englands-james-anderson-opines-on-racism-305414" hreflang="en">'Have I turned a blind eye to things?' - England's James Anderson opines on racism</a>

The swashbuckling former all-rounder is the third Pakistan cricketer to test positive for COVID-19 after Taufeeq Umar and Zafaq Sarfaraz. The former Pakistan opener - Umar - tested positive in June but his tests came out negative after 14 days isolation period in the first week of June.

The veteran of 398 ODIs and 27 Tests - Afridi - recently hailed the PCB's move to appoint Younis Khan as the team's batting coach for the upcoming England tour. “This is a show of cricketers and it is better if it’s run by them. All are sincere and have great individual performances when it comes to cricket or coaching. I am hopeful that they will do their jobs in the best possible manner,” he had said on his YouTube channel.

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi on Saturday confirmed that he has been tested positive for COVID-19. Afridi, while taking to social media platform Twitter, said that he has been feeling unwell since Thursday with his body aching badly while adding that he was tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus.

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi on Saturday confirmed that he has been tested positive for COVID-19. Afridi, while taking to social media platform Twitter, said that he has been feeling unwell since Thursday with his body aching badly while adding that he was tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. “I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly. I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m covid positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah #COVID19 #pandemic #hopenotout #staysafe #stayhome,” Afridi tweeted. ALSO READ: Australia to allow 10,000-strong sporting crowds from July: PM Scott Morrison I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly. I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m covid positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah #COVID19 #pandemic #hopenotout #staysafe #stayhome — Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 13, 2020 × Afridi has been involved in charitable causes through his foundation Shahid Afridi Foundation and has helped a lot of needy people during the COVID-19 pandemic. While he has visited lots of places, in Pakistan, to help the needy and continue his social work, Afridi recently hit the headlines due to his controversial remarks on Kashmir and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His social works had even received the backing of Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh but their relations turned sour after Afridi's remarks on PM Modi and Kashmir. ALSO READ: 'Have I turned a blind eye to things?' - England's James Anderson opines on racism The swashbuckling former all-rounder is the third Pakistan cricketer to test positive for COVID-19 after Taufeeq Umar and Zafaq Sarfaraz. The former Pakistan opener - Umar - tested positive in June but his tests came out negative after 14 days isolation period in the first week of June. The veteran of 398 ODIs and 27 Tests - Afridi - recently hailed the PCB's move to appoint Younis Khan as the team's batting coach for the upcoming England tour. “This is a show of cricketers and it is better if it’s run by them. All are sincere and have great individual performances when it comes to cricket or coaching. I am hopeful that they will do their jobs in the best possible manner,” he had said on his YouTube channel.

Pakistan's Shahid Afridi tests positive for COVID-19

Rugby Australia agreed Friday to test new rules in its domestic Super Rugby competition in a bid to liven up the game, including goal-line dropouts and a 10-minute golden point period if matches are tied.

Seven new laws will be trialled when the tournament featuring Super Rugby sides the Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels, plus Perth-based Western Force, kicks off on July 3.

Similar innovations will be used in New Zealand when its domestic tournament gets underway on Saturday after the original 15-team Super Rugby season across five countries was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

RA director of rugby Scott Johnson said the changes followed talks with coaches and players on ways to deliver more entertaining games. Rugby union struggles for visibility in Australia, where rugby league and Aussie Rules dominate.

"We assembled some of the best minds in the game from a range of different roles to look at adding some new attacking dimensions to the game while at the same time sticking to some key principles to preserve the fabric of the sport," Johnson said.

One key change will see dropouts taken from the try line instead of the 22-metre if the defending player touches the ball down inside the goal area.

There are also variations on the 50/22 and 22/50 laws.

Under the new-look rules, a kick taken from within the defending team's 50m area that goes into touch within the opposition's 22 after bouncing will earn a lineout for the kicking team.

Similarly, a kick taken inside the 22 that travels into touch within the opposition's 50 after bouncing will be rewarded with a lineout to the kicking team.

Other innovations will allow red-carded players to be replaced after 20 minutes, and two five-minute periods of 'super time' tacked on to the end of games if drawn, with the first team to score points winning.

Referees will also crack down on policing the breakdown, while limiting the number of scrum resets.

"Throughout the process we stuck to the principle that whatever we changed, the game still had to be rugby, and nothing could compromise the Wallabies' preparation for Tests," Johnson said.

"In fact, I believe the changes we have implemented will broaden and enhance the capabilities of our players."

Rugby Australia agreed Friday to test new rules in its domestic Super Rugby competition in a bid to liven up the game, including goal-line dropouts and a 10-minute golden point period if matches are tied.

Rugby Australia agreed Friday to test new rules in its domestic Super Rugby competition in a bid to liven up the game, including goal-line dropouts and a 10-minute golden point period if matches are tied. Seven new laws will be trialled when the tournament featuring Super Rugby sides the Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels, plus Perth-based Western Force, kicks off on July 3. Similar innovations will be used in New Zealand when its domestic tournament gets underway on Saturday after the original 15-team Super Rugby season across five countries was halted by the coronavirus pandemic. RA director of rugby Scott Johnson said the changes followed talks with coaches and players on ways to deliver more entertaining games. Rugby union struggles for visibility in Australia, where rugby league and Aussie Rules dominate. "We assembled some of the best minds in the game from a range of different roles to look at adding some new attacking dimensions to the game while at the same time sticking to some key principles to preserve the fabric of the sport," Johnson said. One key change will see dropouts taken from the try line instead of the 22-metre if the defending player touches the ball down inside the goal area. There are also variations on the 50/22 and 22/50 laws. Under the new-look rules, a kick taken from within the defending team's 50m area that goes into touch within the opposition's 22 after bouncing will earn a lineout for the kicking team. Similarly, a kick taken inside the 22 that travels into touch within the opposition's 50 after bouncing will be rewarded with a lineout to the kicking team. Other innovations will allow red-carded players to be replaced after 20 minutes, and two five-minute periods of 'super time' tacked on to the end of games if drawn, with the first team to score points winning. Referees will also crack down on policing the breakdown, while limiting the number of scrum resets. "Throughout the process we stuck to the principle that whatever we changed, the game still had to be rugby, and nothing could compromise the Wallabies' preparation for Tests," Johnson said. "In fact, I believe the changes we have implemented will broaden and enhance the capabilities of our players."

Golden points, red-card replacements: new rules as rugby returns in Australia

FIFA will allow leagues to open their transfer windows before the current, delayed season has been completed as football recovers from the impact of the lengthy coronavirus shutdown, the game's world governing body announced on Thursday.

FIFA has passed a series of temporary amendments to help deal with the havoc to the football calendar caused by the health crisis.

Most notably, these include allowing the "first registration period" -- better known in Europe as the summer transfer window -- to "overlap" with the delayed end to this season by up to four weeks.

In normal circumstances, the transfer window does not open until the season has been completed, but many leagues are only just restarting having been halted in March, and will not now finish in many cases until late July.

However, while transfers will be permitted before this season ends, clubs will not be able to field new signings until the next season begins.&nbsp;

The same rule will apply to players moving under freedom of contract.

The transfer window can stay open for up to 12 weeks.

Earlier on Thursday, the president of La Liga, Javier Tebas, indicated that the window in Spain would only open once the season has been completed and run from late July to early October.

Previously, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has said that the window in England will also only open once the season has finished.

In France, where the season was declared over in late April at the height of the pandemic, the domestic transfer window opened on Monday.

In the case of players whose existing contracts are due to expire before what will now be the end of this season, FIFA has called on clubs to extend those deals "in good faith and on terms that are equitable and reasonable."

Many players in Europe are set to be out of contract on June 30, several weeks before the campaign now concludes.

FIFA has also recommended that players who have signed pre-contract agreements to join new clubs on July 1 be allowed to stay at their current clubs until the season ends.

Meanwhile, it has also introduced an amendment allowing players who are free agents to play for three different clubs in the course of the same season "in order to avoid any concerns regarding unemployed players".

Usually players can only represent two clubs in the same season.

FIFA will allow leagues to open their transfer windows before the current, delayed season has been completed as football recovers from the impact of the lengthy coronavirus shutdown, the game's world governing body announced on Thursday.

FIFA will allow leagues to open their transfer windows before the current, delayed season has been completed as football recovers from the impact of the lengthy coronavirus shutdown, the game's world governing body announced on Thursday. FIFA has passed a series of temporary amendments to help deal with the havoc to the football calendar caused by the health crisis. Most notably, these include allowing the "first registration period" -- better known in Europe as the summer transfer window -- to "overlap" with the delayed end to this season by up to four weeks. In normal circumstances, the transfer window does not open until the season has been completed, but many leagues are only just restarting having been halted in March, and will not now finish in many cases until late July. However, while transfers will be permitted before this season ends, clubs will not be able to field new signings until the next season begins. The same rule will apply to players moving under freedom of contract. The transfer window can stay open for up to 12 weeks. Earlier on Thursday, the president of La Liga, Javier Tebas, indicated that the window in Spain would only open once the season has been completed and run from late July to early October. Previously, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has said that the window in England will also only open once the season has finished. In France, where the season was declared over in late April at the height of the pandemic, the domestic transfer window opened on Monday. In the case of players whose existing contracts are due to expire before what will now be the end of this season, FIFA has called on clubs to extend those deals "in good faith and on terms that are equitable and reasonable." Many players in Europe are set to be out of contract on June 30, several weeks before the campaign now concludes. FIFA has also recommended that players who have signed pre-contract agreements to join new clubs on July 1 be allowed to stay at their current clubs until the season ends. Meanwhile, it has also introduced an amendment allowing players who are free agents to play for three different clubs in the course of the same season "in order to avoid any concerns regarding unemployed players". Usually players can only represent two clubs in the same season.

FIFA allows transfer windows to open before current season finishes

Novak Djokovic suggested that his season might resume on clay rather than at the US Open as he repeated concerns about playing in North America.

"Nothing is certain yet, a final decision is expected by the end of the month," world number one Djokovic told Serbian broadcaster RTS, adding that US Open organisers had to relax their "extreme conditions" or players would wait for the European tournaments.

"For me what seems real at the moment is that the clay court season will continue in early September with Madrid, Rome and a few more tournaments before Roland Garros," Djokovic, champion at the US Open in 2011, 2015 and 2018, said.

The tennis season has been on hold since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic, with Roland Garros postponed and Wimbledon cancelled.&nbsp;

The US Open is still scheduled to go ahead, with the main draw starting on August 31.

However, New York was the epicentre of the outbreak in the US and the authorities and organisers have drawn up a list of hygiene rules that Djokovic says may mean taking part may not be worth it.&nbsp;

"At the moment the measures in force are very severe," he said.

He repeated his objection to the 14-day quarantine period for players arriving in the United States and the restriction to a one-person entourage and his complaint that players would not be allowed to stay in Manhattan but would be housed in airport hotels near the tournament.

"These are pretty extreme conditions and I don't know if they are sustainable. Most of the players I've talked to so far have a rather negative view of the possibility of going," he said.

"Of course, we would all like to return to the courts as soon as possible and play tournaments, the ones before the US Open and the US Open and I hope they will take place but there has to be a compromise between the organisers and the players. We'll see if it will happen".&nbsp;

Last week world number two, and reigning US Open champion,&nbsp;Rafael Nadal expressed similar reservations.

Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon, saying she needed more information before committing to the tournament.

Novak Djokovic suggested that his season might resume on clay rather than at the US Open as he repeated concerns about playing in North America. "Nothing is certain yet, a final decision is expected by the end of the month," world number one Djokovic told Serbian broadcaster RTS, adding that US Open organisers had to relax their "extreme conditions" or players would wait for the European tournaments.

Novak Djokovic suggested that his season might resume on clay rather than at the US Open as he repeated concerns about playing in North America. "Nothing is certain yet, a final decision is expected by the end of the month," world number one Djokovic told Serbian broadcaster RTS, adding that US Open organisers had to relax their "extreme conditions" or players would wait for the European tournaments. "For me what seems real at the moment is that the clay court season will continue in early September with Madrid, Rome and a few more tournaments before Roland Garros," Djokovic, champion at the US Open in 2011, 2015 and 2018, said. The tennis season has been on hold since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic, with Roland Garros postponed and Wimbledon cancelled. The US Open is still scheduled to go ahead, with the main draw starting on August 31. However, New York was the epicentre of the outbreak in the US and the authorities and organisers have drawn up a list of hygiene rules that Djokovic says may mean taking part may not be worth it. "At the moment the measures in force are very severe," he said. He repeated his objection to the 14-day quarantine period for players arriving in the United States and the restriction to a one-person entourage and his complaint that players would not be allowed to stay in Manhattan but would be housed in airport hotels near the tournament. "These are pretty extreme conditions and I don't know if they are sustainable. Most of the players I've talked to so far have a rather negative view of the possibility of going," he said. "Of course, we would all like to return to the courts as soon as possible and play tournaments, the ones before the US Open and the US Open and I hope they will take place but there has to be a compromise between the organisers and the players. We'll see if it will happen". Last week world number two, and reigning US Open champion, Rafael Nadal expressed similar reservations. Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon, saying she needed more information before committing to the tournament.

Djokovic says players may skip US Open and start on clay

Sevilla beat local rivals Real Betis 2-0 as La Liga returned after three months away on Thursday, becoming the second of Europe's five major leagues to resume following the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

After the Bundesliga in Germany restarted on May 16, La Liga opened its doors again to players but not supporters at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, where the usually vibrant Seville derby was played in front of empty stands.&nbsp;

The game was the first in Spain's top flight since March 10 but 93 days later another professional fixture has been completed without incident, offering further encouragement to the Premier League in England and Serie A in Italy.&nbsp;Both are set to return next week.

Lucas Ocampos gave Sevilla the lead from a 56th-minute penalty and Fernando Reges then added the second goal for the home side, who are third in the table.

This was the first leg of a 39-day sprint to the finish in La Liga, that will see teams playing every three days for five and a half weeks and undergoing stern examinations of their fitness.

Both coaches made use of their new allocation of five substitutes and there was a drinks breaks in each half but the contest lost its fluency late on, in part because Betis never looked like staging a comeback.&nbsp;

Victory strengthens Sevilla's hold on third place as they move four points above Getafe and Real Sociedad below them. Betis sit 12th and face the possibility of being dragged into a relegation battle.&nbsp;

This was as far from a typical Seville derby as could be imagined, a pale shadow of the division's most heated fixture and a clear demonstration of what has been sacrificed to keep the season going.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>- Virtual supporters -</h2>

&nbsp;

"I always believed we would play again," said La Liga president Javier Tebas, who had also indicated on Thursday that "10 or 15 per cent" of fans could attend stadiums before the season finishes on July 19.&nbsp;

For now though, stands remain empty, the voices of the players and coaches audible and the atmosphere strange. On television, fans at home had the option to add virtual supporters taken from the computer game FIFA, as well as chanting, which ebbed and flowed according to the action.&nbsp;

When the excellent Ocampos and Fernando scored, there was cheering, and when substitutes came and went, there was applause.&nbsp;

Earlier, the players had arrived wearing masks and gloves and their temperatures were taken before entering the stadium. Outside, around 200 supporters had come to greet the team buses but they dispersed shortly after, with 600 police and security personnel in attendance to prevent mass gatherings.&nbsp;

"No fans allowed but we're here and we can't wait," shouted a 60-year-old supporter in a Sevilla shirt.&nbsp;

There was a minute of silence held before kick-off in memory of the victims of the pandemic, with the players standing at a distance from each other around the centre circle. In the 20th minute, there was applause to pay tribute to those working on the front line.&nbsp;

In the stands, the substitutes, still wearing masks, sat spread out in the rows behind their coaches and Sevilla's were among the few celebrating when the goals flew in shortly after half-tiime.&nbsp;

They were comfortable winners as Ocampos scored a penalty after Marc Bartra was ajudged to have pushed Luuk de Jong and, six minutes later, a delightful Ocampos flick at the near post allowed Fernando to head in a second.&nbsp;

Sevilla beat local rivals Real Betis 2-0 as La Liga returned after three months away on Thursday, becoming the second of Europe's five major leagues to resume following the coronavirus pandemic.

Sevilla beat local rivals Real Betis 2-0 as La Liga returned after three months away on Thursday, becoming the second of Europe's five major leagues to resume following the coronavirus pandemic. After the Bundesliga in Germany restarted on May 16, La Liga opened its doors again to players but not supporters at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, where the usually vibrant Seville derby was played in front of empty stands. The game was the first in Spain's top flight since March 10 but 93 days later another professional fixture has been completed without incident, offering further encouragement to the Premier League in England and Serie A in Italy. Both are set to return next week. Lucas Ocampos gave Sevilla the lead from a 56th-minute penalty and Fernando Reges then added the second goal for the home side, who are third in the table. This was the first leg of a 39-day sprint to the finish in La Liga, that will see teams playing every three days for five and a half weeks and undergoing stern examinations of their fitness. Both coaches made use of their new allocation of five substitutes and there was a drinks breaks in each half but the contest lost its fluency late on, in part because Betis never looked like staging a comeback. Victory strengthens Sevilla's hold on third place as they move four points above Getafe and Real Sociedad below them. Betis sit 12th and face the possibility of being dragged into a relegation battle. This was as far from a typical Seville derby as could be imagined, a pale shadow of the division's most heated fixture and a clear demonstration of what has been sacrificed to keep the season going. - Virtual supporters - "I always believed we would play again," said La Liga president Javier Tebas, who had also indicated on Thursday that "10 or 15 per cent" of fans could attend stadiums before the season finishes on July 19. For now though, stands remain empty, the voices of the players and coaches audible and the atmosphere strange. On television, fans at home had the option to add virtual supporters taken from the computer game FIFA, as well as chanting, which ebbed and flowed according to the action. When the excellent Ocampos and Fernando scored, there was cheering, and when substitutes came and went, there was applause. Earlier, the players had arrived wearing masks and gloves and their temperatures were taken before entering the stadium. Outside, around 200 supporters had come to greet the team buses but they dispersed shortly after, with 600 police and security personnel in attendance to prevent mass gatherings. "No fans allowed but we're here and we can't wait," shouted a 60-year-old supporter in a Sevilla shirt. There was a minute of silence held before kick-off in memory of the victims of the pandemic, with the players standing at a distance from each other around the centre circle. In the 20th minute, there was applause to pay tribute to those working on the front line. In the stands, the substitutes, still wearing masks, sat spread out in the rows behind their coaches and Sevilla's were among the few celebrating when the goals flew in shortly after half-tiime. They were comfortable winners as Ocampos scored a penalty after Marc Bartra was ajudged to have pushed Luuk de Jong and, six minutes later, a delightful Ocampos flick at the near post allowed Fernando to head in a second.

La Liga resumes after three months away as Sevilla defeat Betis

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday cleared Narinder Batra of indulging in any wrongdoing during his election as the IOA President, rejecting the complaint of irregularity filed by the Indian body's vice-President Sudhanshu Mittal.

Mittal, who had demanded an IOC ethics commission inquiry into alleged irregularities in Batra's election in 2017, was told by the world body that it considers the matter to be closed.

"It is noted that the internal issues to which you refer were addressed and resolved prior to the elections by the NOC General Assembly, which is the NOC's supreme decision-making body and the results of the NOC's elections were not challenged," said IOC's Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer Paquerette Girard Zappelli in a letter to Mittal.

This came after Mittal shot off another mail to IOC President Thomas Bach, claiming to have evidence of "fraud, falsehood, wrongdoing, and misdeeds" by the national body's chief.

Earlier, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) also refused to take any action against Batra, who heads the body, on another complaint of irregularity filed by Mittal, stating that the incumbent did not breach the world body's statutes during his election in 2016.

"In view of this, the IOC has no reason to pursue the matter further," said Zappelli.

In a complaint, Mittal accused Batra of violating the FIH's statues by holding the post of Hockey India (HI) president when he was elected FIH head in November 2016. However, the FIH said the body did not require Batra to give up the position in India for the global post.

Batra was defended by another IOA vice-President Adille Sumariwalla, who wrote to IOC chief Thomas Bach, saying he has been deeply pained by Mittal's "baseless allegations" to "bring disrepute to an honest and hardworking President."

Bach is yet to respond to any of the mails pouring in, while Batra has claimed to be on the right side in his communication to the IOC boss.

Sumariwalla praised Batra effusively in his mail to Bach and accused Mittal of harbouring aspirations of leading the IOA by toppling the incumbent. Sumariwalla is also the President of the Athletics Federation of India.

"As the only Olympian elected to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as its Vice President, it pains me to see such letters of absolutely baseless allegations being circulated to the members of the IOC," he wrote.

"...Members such as Mr. Mittal, are using such tactics to promote themselves as Presidential candidates within the IOA membership, where they have no base or support. Their only aim is to bring disrepute to a honest and hardworking President, Dr Batra," he said.

"I would like to assure the President and all members of the IOC, that we the Members of the IOA have full faith and confidence in our President Dr. Narendra Dhruv Batra, whom we respect greatly and who has done yeoman service for the promotion of athletes...," he added.

He urged Bach to treat letters from Mittal with "contempt".

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday cleared Narinder Batra of indulging in any wrongdoing during his election as the IOA President, rejecting the complaint of irregularity filed by the Indian body's vice-President Sudhanshu Mittal.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday cleared Narinder Batra of indulging in any wrongdoing during his election as the IOA President, rejecting the complaint of irregularity filed by the Indian body's vice-President Sudhanshu Mittal. Mittal, who had demanded an IOC ethics commission inquiry into alleged irregularities in Batra's election in 2017, was told by the world body that it considers the matter to be closed. "It is noted that the internal issues to which you refer were addressed and resolved prior to the elections by the NOC General Assembly, which is the NOC's supreme decision-making body and the results of the NOC's elections were not challenged," said IOC's Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer Paquerette Girard Zappelli in a letter to Mittal. This came after Mittal shot off another mail to IOC President Thomas Bach, claiming to have evidence of "fraud, falsehood, wrongdoing, and misdeeds" by the national body's chief. Earlier, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) also refused to take any action against Batra, who heads the body, on another complaint of irregularity filed by Mittal, stating that the incumbent did not breach the world body's statutes during his election in 2016. "In view of this, the IOC has no reason to pursue the matter further," said Zappelli. In a complaint, Mittal accused Batra of violating the FIH's statues by holding the post of Hockey India (HI) president when he was elected FIH head in November 2016. However, the FIH said the body did not require Batra to give up the position in India for the global post. Batra was defended by another IOA vice-President Adille Sumariwalla, who wrote to IOC chief Thomas Bach, saying he has been deeply pained by Mittal's "baseless allegations" to "bring disrepute to an honest and hardworking President." Bach is yet to respond to any of the mails pouring in, while Batra has claimed to be on the right side in his communication to the IOC boss. Sumariwalla praised Batra effusively in his mail to Bach and accused Mittal of harbouring aspirations of leading the IOA by toppling the incumbent. Sumariwalla is also the President of the Athletics Federation of India. "As the only Olympian elected to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as its Vice President, it pains me to see such letters of absolutely baseless allegations being circulated to the members of the IOC," he wrote. "...Members such as Mr. Mittal, are using such tactics to promote themselves as Presidential candidates within the IOA membership, where they have no base or support. Their only aim is to bring disrepute to a honest and hardworking President, Dr Batra," he said. "I would like to assure the President and all members of the IOC, that we the Members of the IOA have full faith and confidence in our President Dr. Narendra Dhruv Batra, whom we respect greatly and who has done yeoman service for the promotion of athletes...," he added. He urged Bach to treat letters from Mittal with "contempt".

War within IOA: IOC, FIH reject Mittal's charge of irregularity against Batra

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday said he aspires to see India finish among top 10 nations in the medals tally in 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

"In the days to come, I want to ensure that not only our (India's) participation, but our success rate also must be very high (in the Olympic Games)," Rijiju said in an Insta live show 'In The Sportlight' hosted by budding table tennis player Mudit Dani.

"So the target is to make India as one of the top 10 Olympic nations by 2028. This is the target I have set and with the Indian Olympic Association and all National Sports Federations, we have worked out certain plans and strategies."

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2024 Olympics will be hosted by Paris while the 2028 edition of the quadrennial event will be held in Los Angeles. 
Rijiju exuded confidence that India would put up a better show in the 2024 Games but the main focus remains on the 2028 edition.

"I have no doubt in my mind that by 2028, we will be one of the top ten nations in Olympic and by 2024, we will do better, but top 10 is something we have to achieve by 2028 Olympics," he reiterated.

The minister said keeping this goal in mind, the government has already introduced several programmes like the Khelo India Games and Fit India movement. "India needs to succeed in Olympics and that is why we have created this sporting culture in India by launching Khelo India, Fit India movement, besides different kind of support system and grassroot level motivation.

"India's position in the Olympics has to be worth mentioning," Rijiju said

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday said he aspires to see India finish among top 10 nations in the medals tally in 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. "In the days to come, I want to ensure that not only our (India's) participation, but our success rate also must be very high (in the Olympic Games)," Rijiju said in an Insta live show 'In The Sportlight' hosted by budding table tennis player Mudit Dani.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday said he aspires to see India finish among top 10 nations in the medals tally in 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. "In the days to come, I want to ensure that not only our (India's) participation, but our success rate also must be very high (in the Olympic Games)," Rijiju said in an Insta live show 'In The Sportlight' hosted by budding table tennis player Mudit Dani. "So the target is to make India as one of the top 10 Olympic nations by 2028. This is the target I have set and with the Indian Olympic Association and all National Sports Federations, we have worked out certain plans and strategies." The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2024 Olympics will be hosted by Paris while the 2028 edition of the quadrennial event will be held in Los Angeles. Rijiju exuded confidence that India would put up a better show in the 2024 Games but the main focus remains on the 2028 edition. "I have no doubt in my mind that by 2028, we will be one of the top ten nations in Olympic and by 2024, we will do better, but top 10 is something we have to achieve by 2028 Olympics," he reiterated. The minister said keeping this goal in mind, the government has already introduced several programmes like the Khelo India Games and Fit India movement. "India needs to succeed in Olympics and that is why we have created this sporting culture in India by launching Khelo India, Fit India movement, besides different kind of support system and grassroot level motivation. "India's position in the Olympics has to be worth mentioning," Rijiju said

Kiren Rijiju says target is to finish in top 10 in 2028 Olympics

Australia&nbsp;Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday confirmed that crowds of up to 10,000 people will be allowed into Australian sports stadiums from next month as COVID-19 restrictions are further relaxed in the country.&nbsp;

The announcement by PM Morrison comes a day before New Zealand welcome fans back at its Super Rugby tournament. However, the catch in the announcement is that it will apply to stadiums with a capacity of 40,000 or under while ruling out the likes of Melbourne Cricket Ground and Adelaide Oval for now.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-singapore-japan-azerbaijan-grands-prix-cancelled-in-wake-of-covid-19-pandemic-305360" hreflang="en">Formula One: Singapore, Japan, Azerbaijan Grands Prix cancelled in wake of COVID-19 pandemic</a>

"We will be moving, as part of step 3, for events in stadia or other venues of that nature with a capacity of 40,000 or less to enable attendance at those events," he told reporters.

"This is not something that's happening straight away," he added. "This is something that would be happening as part of step 3, where states and territories choose to move to that, and it will require a bit more work."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-announce-29-player-extended-squad-for-england-tour-youngster-haider-alis-inclusion-creates-buzz-305344" hreflang="en">Pakistan announce 29-player extended squad for England tour, youngster Haider Ali's inclusion creates Buzz</a>

The announcement opens the door for fans to cheer the teams at mid-tier stadia, which include hosts of Super Rugby games from July 3 – Canberra Stadium and AAMI Park in Melbourne.

Crowds have been barred from sporting events in Australia since mid-March when tournaments came to a crashing half due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the dreaded virus now under control Down Under, sporting action is slowly coming back to life with cardboard cutting making grounds appear less empty. Over 2,000 will be allowed in the stadium to watch a match between Adelaide fierce AFL rivals Port and the Crows on Saturday.

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday confirmed that crowds of up to 10,000 people will be allowed into Australian sports stadiums from next month as COVID-19 restrictions are further relaxed in the country.

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday confirmed that crowds of up to 10,000 people will be allowed into Australian sports stadiums from next month as COVID-19 restrictions are further relaxed in the country. The announcement by PM Morrison comes a day before New Zealand welcome fans back at its Super Rugby tournament. However, the catch in the announcement is that it will apply to stadiums with a capacity of 40,000 or under while ruling out the likes of Melbourne Cricket Ground and Adelaide Oval for now. ALSO READ: Formula One: Singapore, Japan, Azerbaijan Grands Prix cancelled in wake of COVID-19 pandemic "We will be moving, as part of step 3, for events in stadia or other venues of that nature with a capacity of 40,000 or less to enable attendance at those events," he told reporters. "This is not something that's happening straight away," he added. "This is something that would be happening as part of step 3, where states and territories choose to move to that, and it will require a bit more work." ALSO READ: Pakistan announce 29-player extended squad for England tour, youngster Haider Ali's inclusion creates Buzz The announcement opens the door for fans to cheer the teams at mid-tier stadia, which include hosts of Super Rugby games from July 3 – Canberra Stadium and AAMI Park in Melbourne. Crowds have been barred from sporting events in Australia since mid-March when tournaments came to a crashing half due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the dreaded virus now under control Down Under, sporting action is slowly coming back to life with cardboard cutting making grounds appear less empty. Over 2,000 will be allowed in the stadium to watch a match between Adelaide fierce AFL rivals Port and the Crows on Saturday.

Australia to allow 10,000-strong sporting crowds from July: PM Scott Morrison

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Subhayan Chakraborty

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.