<p>The shooting World Cup scheduled to be held in the national capital in May was on Monday cancelled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The World Cup, originally scheduled to be held from March 15-26, was postponed to May barely four days before the start of the event.</p>

<p>"Due to COVID-19 pandemic the New Delhi Organising Committee has been forced to cancel Rifle/Pistol and Shotgun World Cups. Both of these were due to take place in New Delhi," the sport's world governing body -- ISSF -- said in a statement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The 2020 ISSF World Cups in New Delhi and Baku have been cancelled<a href="https://t.co/wCVoxpLYeG">https://t.co/wCVoxpLYeG</a> <a href="https://t.co/JWaezNuhjc">pic.twitter.com/JWaezNuhjc</a></p>
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<p>It was decided to hold the tournament in two parts -- Rifle and Pistol competitions from May 5-12, while Shotgun competitions from June 2-9.</p>

<p>However, considering the situation, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) decided to cancel the tournament.</p>

<p>PTI had earlier reported that the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) was under pressure to not organise the tournament in the prevailing circumstances.</p>


The shooting World Cup scheduled to be held in the national capital in May was on Monday cancelled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Cup, originally scheduled to be held from March 15-26, was postponed to May barely four days before the start of the event.

The shooting World Cup scheduled to be held in the national capital in May was on Monday cancelled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Cup, originally scheduled to be held from March 15-26, was postponed to May barely four days before the start of the event. "Due to COVID-19 pandemic the New Delhi Organising Committee has been forced to cancel Rifle/Pistol and Shotgun World Cups. Both of these were due to take place in New Delhi," the sport's world governing body -- ISSF -- said in a statement. The 2020 ISSF World Cups in New Delhi and Baku have been cancelledhttps://t.co/wCVoxpLYeG pic.twitter.com/JWaezNuhjc — ISSF (@ISSF_Shooting) April 6, 2020 × It was decided to hold the tournament in two parts -- Rifle and Pistol competitions from May 5-12, while Shotgun competitions from June 2-9. However, considering the situation, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) decided to cancel the tournament. PTI had earlier reported that the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) was under pressure to not organise the tournament in the prevailing circumstances.

Delhi shooting World Cup cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

<p class="MsoNormal">FIFA is set to put an indefinite extension to the already postponed 2019-20 season across the globe, allowing every football authority of respective countries to determine when the halted leagues can finish. FIFA is also planning to alter the dates of the summer transfer window and allow contract extensions for players whose deals run out on June 30.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The decision to indefinitely extend the leagues, across the world, comes after UEFA’s commitment to finish the current season. FIFA is likely to confirm the indefinite extension in the coming days.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong></o:p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/transfer-fees-will-decrease-due-to-covid-19-bayern-munich-president-herbert-hainer-290882" hreflang="en">'Transfer fees will decrease due to COVID-19': Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While FIFA has not taken off ‘null and void’ off the table, the decision has reduced the chances of leagues being cancelled altogether. The move to extend the season indefinitely was welcomed by one Premier League club as ‘really sensible’, as per a report in The Athletic.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The report states that timeframes were not discussed at length in Friday’s meeting between Premier League clubs as the fears of repaying £762 million to broadcasters, should the season not be completed, continued.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong></o:p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spit-sweat-and-shaking-on-it-three-sports-habits-that-could-change-after-coronavirus-290857" hreflang="en">Spit, sweat and shaking on it: Three sports habits that could change after coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Some Premier League clubs have already accepted that there might be no other option than the resumption of the postponed season behind closed doors or even at neutral grounds, others clubs feel the league should return only when the fans are able to visit the stadiums.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Another major topic of discussion, to be held, is clubs’ concerns surrounding the extension of contracts which are set to be over on June 30, as they fear, with no concrete date for a return of football, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp;</span>they may have to carry out paying money with no signs of income during the lockdown period.<o:p></o:p></p>


FIFA is set to put an indefinite extension to the already postponed 2019-20 season across the globe, allowing every football authority of respective countries to determine when the halted leagues can finish.

FIFA is set to put an indefinite extension to the already postponed 2019-20 season across the globe, allowing every football authority of respective countries to determine when the halted leagues can finish. FIFA is also planning to alter the dates of the summer transfer window and allow contract extensions for players whose deals run out on June 30. The decision to indefinitely extend the leagues, across the world, comes after UEFA’s commitment to finish the current season. FIFA is likely to confirm the indefinite extension in the coming days. ALSO READ: 'Transfer fees will decrease due to COVID-19': Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer While FIFA has not taken off ‘null and void’ off the table, the decision has reduced the chances of leagues being cancelled altogether. The move to extend the season indefinitely was welcomed by one Premier League club as ‘really sensible’, as per a report in The Athletic. The report states that timeframes were not discussed at length in Friday’s meeting between Premier League clubs as the fears of repaying £762 million to broadcasters, should the season not be completed, continued. ALSO READ: Spit, sweat and shaking on it: Three sports habits that could change after coronavirus Some Premier League clubs have already accepted that there might be no other option than the resumption of the postponed season behind closed doors or even at neutral grounds, others clubs feel the league should return only when the fans are able to visit the stadiums. Another major topic of discussion, to be held, is clubs’ concerns surrounding the extension of contracts which are set to be over on June 30, as they fear, with no concrete date for a return of football, they may have to carry out paying money with no signs of income during the lockdown period.

FIFA set to extend 2019-20 football season indefinitely amid COVID-19 pandemic

<p class="MsoNormal">With the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar shattered, many events and tournaments have been either cancelled or postponed. All eyes are on big cricket tournaments such as Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and the ICC T20 World Cup, which are yet to be cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While the fans are eagerly waiting for cricket action to resume, the chief executive of the T20 World Cup organizing committee has said that they are&nbsp;optimistic that the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October, will go as planned. "We're wanting to give ourselves the best possible chance of going ahead as planned, so there's no imminent or quick decision," Nick Hockley, chief executive of the T20 World Cup organising committee, said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong></o:p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spit-sweat-and-shaking-on-it-three-sports-habits-that-could-change-after-coronavirus-290857" hreflang="en">Spit, sweat and shaking on it: Three sports habits that could change after coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hopefully it's all resolved and we go ahead. In the event that it isn't completely resolved, we are looking at all the different scenarios. Which is only prudent. They are collective discussions involving the organising committee, the ICC, all the members. We will keep everyone updated if anything changes. But for now, we're just under seven months away ... we've got a bit of time," he added.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Hockley further stated that in case there is an extended season, the conduction of T20 World Cup becomes more likely while adding Australia might not get the chance to host a World Cup in the next 10 or 20 years.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong></o:p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/in-ms-dhoni-vs-lasith-malinga-scott-styris-picks-his-favourite-between-best-finisher-and-best-death-bowler-in-ipl-290851" hreflang="en">'In MS Dhoni vs Lasith Malinga...' - Scott Styris picks his favourite between best finisher and best death bowler in IPL</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"We really feel for the winter codes, obviously they're doing it very tough," Hockley said while adding, “in the event they have extended seasons ... we still think the World Cup is a really strong proposition that might not come here again for 10 or 20 years. We're very encouraged already by the take up in terms of ticket sales," he added.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, the Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL) have already witnessed suspended leagues, which puts more question marks on the future of T20 World Cup. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>


With the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar shattered, many events and tournaments have been either cancelled or postponed. All eyes are on big cricket tournaments such as Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and the ICC T20 World Cup, which are yet to be cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar shattered, many events and tournaments have been either cancelled or postponed. All eyes are on big cricket tournaments such as Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and the ICC T20 World Cup, which are yet to be cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic. While the fans are eagerly waiting for cricket action to resume, the chief executive of the T20 World Cup organizing committee has said that they are optimistic that the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October, will go as planned. "We're wanting to give ourselves the best possible chance of going ahead as planned, so there's no imminent or quick decision," Nick Hockley, chief executive of the T20 World Cup organising committee, said. ALSO READ: Spit, sweat and shaking on it: Three sports habits that could change after coronavirus "Hopefully it's all resolved and we go ahead. In the event that it isn't completely resolved, we are looking at all the different scenarios. Which is only prudent. They are collective discussions involving the organising committee, the ICC, all the members. We will keep everyone updated if anything changes. But for now, we're just under seven months away ... we've got a bit of time," he added. Hockley further stated that in case there is an extended season, the conduction of T20 World Cup becomes more likely while adding Australia might not get the chance to host a World Cup in the next 10 or 20 years. ALSO READ: 'In MS Dhoni vs Lasith Malinga...' - Scott Styris picks his favourite between best finisher and best death bowler in IPL "We really feel for the winter codes, obviously they're doing it very tough," Hockley said while adding, “in the event they have extended seasons ... we still think the World Cup is a really strong proposition that might not come here again for 10 or 20 years. We're very encouraged already by the take up in terms of ticket sales," he added. However, the Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL) have already witnessed suspended leagues, which puts more question marks on the future of T20 World Cup.

ICC T20 World Cup organisers hopeful of successful tournament despite coronavirus pandemic

<p>British boxing great Nigel Benn revealed on Instagram one of his brothers Mark has died of coronavirus.</p>

<p>The 56-year-old -- former world champion at two weights -- said Mark had been the "Joker" of the family.</p>

<p>It came as the number of UK coronavirus-related deaths climbed by 621 to 4,934 and infections rose by 5,903 to 47,806.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My brother Mark passed Away 2day (Covid 19), as we all were growing up Mark was the Joker of the Benn house hold," he wrote.</p>

<p>"May he Rest In Peace love u Mark.'"</p>

<p>Benn -- whose 23-year-old son Conor is a promising pugilist with an unblemished record -- was one of seven boys but lost his older brother Andy when he fell out of a window aged just eight.</p>

<p>Benn was dubbed&nbsp;the 'Dark Destroyer' for his aggressive style and enjoyed a fierce rivalry with compatriots Chris Eubank and Michael Watson.</p>

<p>Benn was WBO middleweight title in 1990 and then went on to become WBC super-middleweight champion holding the belt between 1992 and 1996 -- losing his crown to South African Thulani Malinga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He retired from the ring in 1996 after twice failing to wrest the WBO super-middleweight title from Irishman Stephen Collins.</p>

<p>Benn is not the first from the sport in Britain to lose a relative due to the coronavirus.</p>

<p>The grandmother and father of British light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde died within a few days of each other.</p>

<p>The 28-year-old made an emotional appeal to the public to "just stay home" to avoid the risk of spreading the virus.</p>

<p>"It's serious!" Yarde wrote on social media.</p>

<p>"People are still going out when they don't need to. I know there's a lot of opinions about Covid-19 and I have mine but I just know opinions ain't worth risking your life and others. Just stay home."</p>


British boxing great Nigel Benn revealed on Instagram one of his brothers Mark has died of coronavirus. The 56-year-old -- former world champion at two weights -- said Mark had been the "Joker" of the family.

British boxing great Nigel Benn revealed on Instagram one of his brothers Mark has died of coronavirus. The 56-year-old -- former world champion at two weights -- said Mark had been the "Joker" of the family. It came as the number of UK coronavirus-related deaths climbed by 621 to 4,934 and infections rose by 5,903 to 47,806. "My brother Mark passed Away 2day (Covid 19), as we all were growing up Mark was the Joker of the Benn house hold," he wrote. "May he Rest In Peace love u Mark.'" Benn -- whose 23-year-old son Conor is a promising pugilist with an unblemished record -- was one of seven boys but lost his older brother Andy when he fell out of a window aged just eight. Benn was dubbed the 'Dark Destroyer' for his aggressive style and enjoyed a fierce rivalry with compatriots Chris Eubank and Michael Watson. Benn was WBO middleweight title in 1990 and then went on to become WBC super-middleweight champion holding the belt between 1992 and 1996 -- losing his crown to South African Thulani Malinga. He retired from the ring in 1996 after twice failing to wrest the WBO super-middleweight title from Irishman Stephen Collins. Benn is not the first from the sport in Britain to lose a relative due to the coronavirus. The grandmother and father of British light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde died within a few days of each other. The 28-year-old made an emotional appeal to the public to "just stay home" to avoid the risk of spreading the virus. "It's serious!" Yarde wrote on social media. "People are still going out when they don't need to. I know there's a lot of opinions about Covid-19 and I have mine but I just know opinions ain't worth risking your life and others. Just stay home."

British boxing great Nigel Benn reveals coronavirus heartbreak

<p>As the coronavirus brings the international sports calendar to a grinding halt, AFP Sport looks at three long-standing habits which could change forever once competition resumes.</p>

<h2>Saliva to take shine off swing bowling</h2>

<p>-- It's been a tried and trusted friend to fast bowlers throughout the history of cricket.</p>

<p>But the days of applying saliva to one side of the ball to encourage swing could be over in the aftermath of COVID-19.</p>

<p>"As a bowler I think it would be pretty tough going if we couldn't shine the ball in a Test match," said Australia quick Pat Cummins.</p>

<p>"If it's at that stage and we're that worried about the spread, I'm not sure we'd be playing sport."</p>

<h2>Towels in tennis - no touching</h2>

<p>-- Tennis players throwing towels, dripping with sweat and blood and probably a tear or two, at ball boys and girls, has often left fans sympathising for the youngsters.</p>

<p>Moves by officials to tackle the issue took on greater urgency in March when the coronavirus was taking a global grip.</p>

<p>Behind closed doors in Miki, ball boys and girls on duty at the Davis Cup tie between Japan and Ecuador wore gloves.</p>

<p>Baskets, meanwhile, were made available for players to deposit their towels.</p>

<p>Back in 2018, the ATP introduced towel racks at some events on a trial basis, but not everyone was overjoyed.</p>

<p>"I think having the towel whenever you need it, it's very helpful. It's one thing less that you have to think about," said Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas when he was playing at the NextGen Finals in Milan.</p>

<p>"I think it's the job of the ball kids to provide towels and balls for the players."</p>

<h2>Let's not shake on it</h2>

<p>-- Pre-match handshakes were abandoned in top football leagues just before the sports shutdown.</p>

<p>Premier League leaders Liverpool also banned the used of mascots while Southampton warned against players signing autographs and stopped them posing for selfies.</p>

<p>Away from football, the NBA urged players to opt for the fist bump rather than the long-standing high-five.</p>

<p>"I ain't high-fiving nobody for the rest of my life after this," NBA superstar LeBron James told the "Road Trippin' Podcast".</p>

<p>"No more high-fiving. After this corona shit? Wait 'til you see me and my teammates’ handshakes after this shit."</p>

<p>Basketball stars were also told not to take items such as balls or teams shirts to autograph.</p>

<p>US women's football star Megan Rapinoe says edicts to ban handshakes or even high-fives may be counter-productive anyway.</p>

<p>"We're going to be sweating all over each other all game, so it sort of defeats the purpose of not doing a handshake," she told the New York Times in March.</p>


As the coronavirus brings the international sports calendar to a grinding halt, AFP Sport looks at three long-standing habits which could change forever once competition resumes.

As the coronavirus brings the international sports calendar to a grinding halt, AFP Sport looks at three long-standing habits which could change forever once competition resumes. Saliva to take shine off swing bowling -- It's been a tried and trusted friend to fast bowlers throughout the history of cricket. But the days of applying saliva to one side of the ball to encourage swing could be over in the aftermath of COVID-19. "As a bowler I think it would be pretty tough going if we couldn't shine the ball in a Test match," said Australia quick Pat Cummins. "If it's at that stage and we're that worried about the spread, I'm not sure we'd be playing sport." Towels in tennis - no touching -- Tennis players throwing towels, dripping with sweat and blood and probably a tear or two, at ball boys and girls, has often left fans sympathising for the youngsters. Moves by officials to tackle the issue took on greater urgency in March when the coronavirus was taking a global grip. Behind closed doors in Miki, ball boys and girls on duty at the Davis Cup tie between Japan and Ecuador wore gloves. Baskets, meanwhile, were made available for players to deposit their towels. Back in 2018, the ATP introduced towel racks at some events on a trial basis, but not everyone was overjoyed. "I think having the towel whenever you need it, it's very helpful. It's one thing less that you have to think about," said Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas when he was playing at the NextGen Finals in Milan. "I think it's the job of the ball kids to provide towels and balls for the players." Let's not shake on it -- Pre-match handshakes were abandoned in top football leagues just before the sports shutdown. Premier League leaders Liverpool also banned the used of mascots while Southampton warned against players signing autographs and stopped them posing for selfies. Away from football, the NBA urged players to opt for the fist bump rather than the long-standing high-five. "I ain't high-fiving nobody for the rest of my life after this," NBA superstar LeBron James told the "Road Trippin' Podcast". "No more high-fiving. After this corona shit? Wait 'til you see me and my teammates’ handshakes after this shit." Basketball stars were also told not to take items such as balls or teams shirts to autograph. US women's football star Megan Rapinoe says edicts to ban handshakes or even high-fives may be counter-productive anyway. "We're going to be sweating all over each other all game, so it sort of defeats the purpose of not doing a handshake," she told the New York Times in March.

Spit, sweat and shaking on it: Three sports habits that could change after coronavirus

<p class="MsoNormal">The rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is second to none. Over the years, the head-to-head clashes between CSK and MI have witnessed many dramatic and enthralling moments which has made this rivalry more special besides the trophy count, where MI has a slight edge with five over CSK’s four. The matches between CSK and MI have also witnessed many face-offs, most notably between arguably the greatest finisher of all-time MS Dhoni and best death bowler Lasith Malinga. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris reckons Dhoni has the edge over Malinga in terms of dominating the duel in head-to-head matches. Styris said CSK’s consistency in the knockout rounds, ability to produce more uncapped players and Dhoni’s advantage over Malinga make CSK the better side among the two.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong></o:p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-a-cash-cow-break-will-lead-to-anxiety-and-insecurity-for-few-players-paddy-upton-290837" hreflang="en">‘IPL a cash cow, break will lead to anxiety and insecurity for few players’: Paddy Upton</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"I've got four points. It's about consistency, CSK have never missed the final series, have won the most knockout matches, it's the expectation and reliance on these IPL teams to produce Indian players and CSK have produced the most uncapped players for India and it's a real desire that they have to continue to develop players in that regard," said Styris told host broadcasters.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Overall, Dhoni has scored as many as 4,432 runs in 190 matches in IPL, whereas Malinga has 170 wickets in just 122 matches. But Styris, who has played 12 matches for CSK, feels Dhoni has the edge over Malinga.</p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>"Dhoni owns Malinga"</strong></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong></o:p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-virat-kohli-pv-sindhu-to-mc-mary-kom-sports-fraternity-lights-diyas-candles-to-show-solidarity-in-fight-against-covid-19-290821" hreflang="en">From Virat Kohli, PV Sindhu to MC Mary Kom: Sports fraternity lights diyas, candles to show solidarity in fight against COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"It's about the best finisher in the game against the best finisher bowler. Dhoni vs Malinga and Dhoni owns Malinga," said Styris, who played 12 matches for CSK.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, there’s no official confirmation related to the postponement or cancellation of IPL 2020 with the cash-rich tournament standing suspended until April 15 in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. As per latest reports, the BCCI is looking for an alternate window later in the year to conduct the tournament.<o:p></o:p></p>


The rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is second to none. Over the years, the head-to-head clashes between CSK and MI have witnessed many dramatic and enthralling moments which has made this rivalry more special besides the trophy count, where MI has a slight edge with five over CSK’s four.

The rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is second to none. Over the years, the head-to-head clashes between CSK and MI have witnessed many dramatic and enthralling moments which has made this rivalry more special besides the trophy count, where MI has a slight edge with five over CSK’s four. The matches between CSK and MI have also witnessed many face-offs, most notably between arguably the greatest finisher of all-time MS Dhoni and best death bowler Lasith Malinga. Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris reckons Dhoni has the edge over Malinga in terms of dominating the duel in head-to-head matches. Styris said CSK’s consistency in the knockout rounds, ability to produce more uncapped players and Dhoni’s advantage over Malinga make CSK the better side among the two. ALSO READ: ‘IPL a cash cow, break will lead to anxiety and insecurity for few players’: Paddy Upton "I've got four points. It's about consistency, CSK have never missed the final series, have won the most knockout matches, it's the expectation and reliance on these IPL teams to produce Indian players and CSK have produced the most uncapped players for India and it's a real desire that they have to continue to develop players in that regard," said Styris told host broadcasters. Overall, Dhoni has scored as many as 4,432 runs in 190 matches in IPL, whereas Malinga has 170 wickets in just 122 matches. But Styris, who has played 12 matches for CSK, feels Dhoni has the edge over Malinga. "Dhoni owns Malinga" ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli, PV Sindhu to MC Mary Kom: Sports fraternity lights diyas, candles to show solidarity in fight against COVID-19 "It's about the best finisher in the game against the best finisher bowler. Dhoni vs Malinga and Dhoni owns Malinga," said Styris, who played 12 matches for CSK. Meanwhile, there’s no official confirmation related to the postponement or cancellation of IPL 2020 with the cash-rich tournament standing suspended until April 15 in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. As per latest reports, the BCCI is looking for an alternate window later in the year to conduct the tournament.

'In MS Dhoni vs Lasith Malinga...' - Scott Styris picks his favourite between best finisher and best death bowler in IPL

<p class="MsoNormal">With the situation surrounding the deadly COVID-19 continuing to deteriorate with each passing day, the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hands in the balance. The dreaded virus has left the entire sporting calendar in pieces with almost all the major tournaments and events getting cancelled or postponed. While IPL 2020, which was earlier set to start from March 29, was postponed till April 15 amid the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, there has been no official confirmation whether the cash-rich tournament will even take place this season or not.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The former Mental Conditioning and Strategic Leadership Coach of the Indian cricket team, Paddy Upton is of the view that the athletes are bound to witness a range of experiences during the ongoing lockdown. Upton said while it will be a welcome break for some of the players, many will feel a sense of anxiety and insecurity, both professionally and financially. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“For athletes, there would be a range of experiences, from welcome relief for the established to anxiety and insecurity, both professionally and financially, for possibly a greater number,” Upton told a leading daily.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong></o:p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-virat-kohli-pv-sindhu-to-mc-mary-kom-sports-fraternity-lights-diyas-candles-to-show-solidarity-in-fight-against-covid-19-290821" hreflang="en">From Virat Kohli, PV Sindhu to MC Mary Kom: Sports fraternity lights diyas, candles to show solidarity in fight against COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Fringe players and those at the early stages of their career, especially those who have very recently broken through to the next level, would naturally be feeling this break very disruptive,” he further added.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Upton termed IPL as a cash cow while adding that anxiety and depression arise within normal people when they tend to focus too much on themselves and the problems they are having. He further advised them to focus on other people and care for them while looking for opportunities that are available during this unprecedented scenario.</p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>"IPL a cash cow"</strong></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Naturally IPL is a huge highlight on the calendar for many cricketers, and a cash cow. Anxiety and depression arise within healthy and normal people, when they spend too much time focusing firstly on themselves, and secondly on the problems that they are having. I would really caution not only athletes but everyone, to use their awareness to guard against this very normal threat. The way to overcome it is to focus on other people, caring for them, and at the same time to look for opportunities that are available due to this additional time,” he said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong></o:p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vijender-singh-hopes-for-pro-career-to-resume-in-second-half-of-2020-290808" hreflang="en">Vijender Singh hopes for pro career to resume in second half of 2020</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“What’s important is to ensure we maintain a bigger perspective of our lives, specifically taking care of all the facets that make up who we are as humans, which include looking after the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspect of our lives,” Upton added.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, as per reports, the BCCI is looking for an alternate window during August-September while evaluating the options to conduct IPL 2020 later in the year.<o:p></o:p></p>


With the situation surrounding the deadly COVID-19 continuing to deteriorate with each passing day, the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hands in the balance.

With the situation surrounding the deadly COVID-19 continuing to deteriorate with each passing day, the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hands in the balance. The dreaded virus has left the entire sporting calendar in pieces with almost all the major tournaments and events getting cancelled or postponed. While IPL 2020, which was earlier set to start from March 29, was postponed till April 15 amid the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, there has been no official confirmation whether the cash-rich tournament will even take place this season or not. The former Mental Conditioning and Strategic Leadership Coach of the Indian cricket team, Paddy Upton is of the view that the athletes are bound to witness a range of experiences during the ongoing lockdown. Upton said while it will be a welcome break for some of the players, many will feel a sense of anxiety and insecurity, both professionally and financially. “For athletes, there would be a range of experiences, from welcome relief for the established to anxiety and insecurity, both professionally and financially, for possibly a greater number,” Upton told a leading daily. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli, PV Sindhu to MC Mary Kom: Sports fraternity lights diyas, candles to show solidarity in fight against COVID-19 “Fringe players and those at the early stages of their career, especially those who have very recently broken through to the next level, would naturally be feeling this break very disruptive,” he further added. Upton termed IPL as a cash cow while adding that anxiety and depression arise within normal people when they tend to focus too much on themselves and the problems they are having. He further advised them to focus on other people and care for them while looking for opportunities that are available during this unprecedented scenario. "IPL a cash cow" “Naturally IPL is a huge highlight on the calendar for many cricketers, and a cash cow. Anxiety and depression arise within healthy and normal people, when they spend too much time focusing firstly on themselves, and secondly on the problems that they are having. I would really caution not only athletes but everyone, to use their awareness to guard against this very normal threat. The way to overcome it is to focus on other people, caring for them, and at the same time to look for opportunities that are available due to this additional time,” he said. ALSO READ: Vijender Singh hopes for pro career to resume in second half of 2020 “What’s important is to ensure we maintain a bigger perspective of our lives, specifically taking care of all the facets that make up who we are as humans, which include looking after the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspect of our lives,” Upton added. Meanwhile, as per reports, the BCCI is looking for an alternate window during August-September while evaluating the options to conduct IPL 2020 later in the year.

‘IPL a cash cow, break will lead to anxiety and insecurity for few players’: Paddy Upton

<p class="MsoNormal">The entire Indian sports fraternity on Sunday came forward while joining millions of fellow countrymen in a bid to show solidarity in the battle against COVID-19 and thank the healthcare professionals and others who are in the front line of the defence in the battle against the dreaded virus. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">From cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, to name a few, to six-time Boxing World Champions MC Mary Kam and PV Sindhu – everyone came out in their respective balconies and gardens and lit diyas and candles at 9 pm for 9 minutes on Sunday to show unity against the battle against COVID-19 as appealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Some of them took to social media platforms to share their photos and videos while lighting up diyas and candles on Sunday evening. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"My family &amp; I thank the selfless #SanitationWarriors cleaning our surroundings &amp; hospitals, disinfecting affected areas &amp; thus keeping the virus at bay. Let's also reignite our pledge to take care of our elders, the most vulnerable - by ensuring their physical &amp; mental wellness," Tendulkar wrote while sharing a family picture with lights.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vijender-singh-hopes-for-pro-career-to-resume-in-second-half-of-2020-290808" hreflang="en">Vijender Singh hopes for pro career to resume in second half of 2020</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My family &amp; I thank the selfless <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanitationWarriors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanitationWarriors</a> cleaning our surroundings &amp; hospitals, disinfecting affected areas &amp; thus keeping the virus at bay. Let’s also reignite our pledge to take care of our elders, the most vulnerable - by ensuring their physical &amp; mental wellness. <a href="https://t.co/tTheS9oO4I">pic.twitter.com/tTheS9oO4I</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1246831577364983809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%879%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%9F?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9बजे9मिनट</a>, let’s stand is solidarity &amp; beat this terrible time the whole world is going through. We can do it India! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9baje9mintues?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9baje9mintues</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/gyVOGWG2cw">pic.twitter.com/gyVOGWG2cw</a></p>
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1246825186508386305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In solidarity with each and every single person who is playing their part. We are all in this together and shall overcome this soon.<br />
Om Shantih Shantih Shantih<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%879%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%9F?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9बजे9मिनट</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q32a1cZRpa">pic.twitter.com/Q32a1cZRpa</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1246825634560540673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A prayer in unity does make a difference. Pray for every being and stand together <a href="https://t.co/EcmiX7EcoA">https://t.co/EcmiX7EcoA</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1246837211972030467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">#letstogetherfightcovid19#9pm9min <a href="https://t.co/oCvFSWLN83">pic.twitter.com/oCvFSWLN83</a></p>
— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pvsindhu1/status/1246840895439134720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In solidarity toward <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCoronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCoronavirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9MinutesForIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9MinutesForIndia</a>. <a href="https://t.co/y2OIFiGWTH">pic.twitter.com/y2OIFiGWTH</a></p>
— Mary Kom (@MangteC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MangteC/status/1246830051976331265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All for one and one for all <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9pm9mins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9pm9mins</a> <a href="https://t.co/MaXlkUVb5d">pic.twitter.com/MaXlkUVb5d</a></p>
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/mayankcricket/status/1246835737976131586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9pm9minutes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9pm9minutes</a> <a href="https://t.co/PrgZP3zCWD">pic.twitter.com/PrgZP3zCWD</a></p>
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/1246822084149305351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-club-doctor-commits-suicide-after-coronavirus-diagnosis-290805" hreflang="en">French club doctor 'commits suicide' after coronavirus diagnosis</a></strong></p>

<p>As many as 40 sportspersons on Friday had held a video-conference meeting with PM Modi to discuss the situation surrounding COVID-19 virus. Many of them gave their suggestions to the Indian prime minister and mutually agreed that they need to spread more awareness regarding the dreaded virus on their respective social media handles. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases in India saw a sharp spike death toll, thus far, crossed the 100-mark, whereas the total number of positive cases crossed 4000.<o:p></o:p></p>

The entire Indian sports fraternity on Sunday came forward while joining millions of fellow countrymen in a bid to show solidarity in the battle against COVID-19 and thank the healthcare professionals and others who are in the front line of the defence in the battle against the dreaded virus.

The entire Indian sports fraternity on Sunday came forward while joining millions of fellow countrymen in a bid to show solidarity in the battle against COVID-19 and thank the healthcare professionals and others who are in the front line of the defence in the battle against the dreaded virus. From cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, to name a few, to six-time Boxing World Champions MC Mary Kam and PV Sindhu – everyone came out in their respective balconies and gardens and lit diyas and candles at 9 pm for 9 minutes on Sunday to show unity against the battle against COVID-19 as appealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some of them took to social media platforms to share their photos and videos while lighting up diyas and candles on Sunday evening. "My family & I thank the selfless #SanitationWarriors cleaning our surroundings & hospitals, disinfecting affected areas & thus keeping the virus at bay. Let's also reignite our pledge to take care of our elders, the most vulnerable - by ensuring their physical & mental wellness," Tendulkar wrote while sharing a family picture with lights. ALSO READ: Vijender Singh hopes for pro career to resume in second half of 2020 My family & I thank the selfless #SanitationWarriors cleaning our surroundings & hospitals, disinfecting affected areas & thus keeping the virus at bay. Let’s also reignite our pledge to take care of our elders, the most vulnerable - by ensuring their physical & mental wellness. pic.twitter.com/tTheS9oO4I — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 5, 2020 × #9बजे9मिनट, let’s stand is solidarity & beat this terrible time the whole world is going through. We can do it India! #COVID2019 #9baje9mintues @PMOIndia @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/gyVOGWG2cw — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) April 5, 2020 × In solidarity with each and every single person who is playing their part. We are all in this together and shall overcome this soon. Om Shantih Shantih Shantih#9बजे9मिनट pic.twitter.com/Q32a1cZRpa — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 5, 2020 × A prayer in unity does make a difference. Pray for every being and stand together https://t.co/EcmiX7EcoA — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 5, 2020 × #letstogetherfightcovid19#9pm9min pic.twitter.com/oCvFSWLN83 — Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) April 5, 2020 × In solidarity toward #IndiaFightsCoronavirus #9MinutesForIndia. pic.twitter.com/y2OIFiGWTH — Mary Kom (@MangteC) April 5, 2020 × All for one and one for all #9pm9mins pic.twitter.com/MaXlkUVb5d — Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) April 5, 2020 × #9pm9minutes pic.twitter.com/PrgZP3zCWD — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) April 5, 2020 × ALSO READ: French club doctor 'commits suicide' after coronavirus diagnosis As many as 40 sportspersons on Friday had held a video-conference meeting with PM Modi to discuss the situation surrounding COVID-19 virus. Many of them gave their suggestions to the Indian prime minister and mutually agreed that they need to spread more awareness regarding the dreaded virus on their respective social media handles. Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases in India saw a sharp spike death toll, thus far, crossed the 100-mark, whereas the total number of positive cases crossed 4000.

From Virat Kohli, PV Sindhu to MC Mary Kom: Sports fraternity lights diyas, candles to show solidarity in fight against COVID-19

<p>Premier League clubs will ask players to take a combination of pay cuts and deferrals amounting to 30 percent of their salary due to the financial crisis caused by coronavirus, the league said in a statement on Friday.</p>

<p>The league's highly-paid players have come under increasing pressure to take pay cuts from government officials in recent days.</p>

<p>"Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration," the Premier League said in a statement.</p>

<p>The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) will meet with league and club officials to discuss the proposal on Saturday.</p>

<p>A meeting between the 20 English top-flight clubs also agreed to indefinitely extend the suspension of the season until it is "safe and appropriate" for football to return.</p>

<p>The clubs are desperate for the season to be finished if possible to avoid the potential of having to reimburse broadcasters a reported £760 million ($942 million) if they fail to fulfil fixtures for television contracts.</p>

<p>However, despite reports of creative ways to finish the campaign with matches behind closed doors and players quarantined in World Cup style training camps, the clubs insist they will follow government advice on when it is safe for matches to return.</p>

<p>"Any return to play&nbsp;will only be with the full support of&nbsp;government and when medical guidance allows," the statement added.</p>

<p>Despite their own financial troubles, Premier League clubs agreed to provide a £125 million fund for the English Football League and National League to help those further down the football pyramid and a £20 million charitable donation to help those affected by coronavirus.</p>


Premier League clubs will ask players to take a combination of pay cuts and deferrals amounting to 30 percent of their salary due to the financial crisis caused by coronavirus, the league said in a statement on Friday.

Premier League clubs will ask players to take a combination of pay cuts and deferrals amounting to 30 percent of their salary due to the financial crisis caused by coronavirus, the league said in a statement on Friday. The league's highly-paid players have come under increasing pressure to take pay cuts from government officials in recent days. "Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration," the Premier League said in a statement. The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) will meet with league and club officials to discuss the proposal on Saturday. A meeting between the 20 English top-flight clubs also agreed to indefinitely extend the suspension of the season until it is "safe and appropriate" for football to return. The clubs are desperate for the season to be finished if possible to avoid the potential of having to reimburse broadcasters a reported £760 million ($942 million) if they fail to fulfil fixtures for television contracts. However, despite reports of creative ways to finish the campaign with matches behind closed doors and players quarantined in World Cup style training camps, the clubs insist they will follow government advice on when it is safe for matches to return. "Any return to play will only be with the full support of government and when medical guidance allows," the statement added. Despite their own financial troubles, Premier League clubs agreed to provide a £125 million fund for the English Football League and National League to help those further down the football pyramid and a £20 million charitable donation to help those affected by coronavirus.

Premier League clubs lobby players to take 30 percent pay hit

<p>Australia's leading fast bowler Pat Cummins said COVID-19 lockdowns would make it "tight" for the big-money Indian Premier League to go ahead this month as planned, leaving some of cricket's biggest stars in limbo.</p>

<p>"They obviously haven't cancelled it or anything like that yet. It's still a bit of a holding pattern," the Kolkata Knight Riders-contracted Cummins said, speaking from home isolation near Sydney.</p>

<p>"We're in contact with our teams every few days. Obviously, everyone's still really keen for it to all go ahead," he said, "but you know the priority is to minimise risk of (coronavirus) spreading."</p>

<p>Play is scheduled to start on April 15, the day after India's three-week lockdown is due to end and two months before restrictions on Australians travelling overseas could be lifted.</p>

<p>"I don't expect anything too soon to happen," Cummins said, hinting at a possible delay. "I mean obviously the preference would be to be over there playing but... I guess the silver lining is that we do get a bit of a break."</p>

<p>The start of the&nbsp;IPL&nbsp;season had already been pushed back from March 29 until April 15 "as a precautionary measure" over the coronavirus, the Indian&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;board said.</p>

<p>Even if the tournament does start after April 15, it could be without fans in the stadium and it is not clear that Australian players could attend with travel restrictions still in place.</p>

<p>The two-month tournament is a huge revenue earner.</p>

<p>The Twenty20 competition is estimated to generate more than $11 billion for the Indian economy and involves&nbsp;cricket's top international stars like England's Ben Stokes, Australia's David Warner and Indian captain Virat Kohli.</p>


Australia's leading fast bowler Pat Cummins said COVID-19 lockdowns would make it "tight" for the big-money Indian Premier League to go ahead this month as planned, leaving some of cricket's biggest stars in limbo.

Australia's leading fast bowler Pat Cummins said COVID-19 lockdowns would make it "tight" for the big-money Indian Premier League to go ahead this month as planned, leaving some of cricket's biggest stars in limbo. "They obviously haven't cancelled it or anything like that yet. It's still a bit of a holding pattern," the Kolkata Knight Riders-contracted Cummins said, speaking from home isolation near Sydney. "We're in contact with our teams every few days. Obviously, everyone's still really keen for it to all go ahead," he said, "but you know the priority is to minimise risk of (coronavirus) spreading." Play is scheduled to start on April 15, the day after India's three-week lockdown is due to end and two months before restrictions on Australians travelling overseas could be lifted. "I don't expect anything too soon to happen," Cummins said, hinting at a possible delay. "I mean obviously the preference would be to be over there playing but... I guess the silver lining is that we do get a bit of a break." The start of the IPL season had already been pushed back from March 29 until April 15 "as a precautionary measure" over the coronavirus, the Indian cricket board said. Even if the tournament does start after April 15, it could be without fans in the stadium and it is not clear that Australian players could attend with travel restrictions still in place. The two-month tournament is a huge revenue earner. The Twenty20 competition is estimated to generate more than $11 billion for the Indian economy and involves cricket's top international stars like England's Ben Stokes, Australia's David Warner and Indian captain Virat Kohli.

IPL 2020's highest buy Pat Cummins in 'holding pattern' with tournament in doubt due to COVID-19 pandemic

<p>The International Olympic Committee has set June 29, 2021 as the new deadline for the qualification period of the Tokyo Olympics, which has been rescheduled to next year in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>In a communication to all National Olympic Committee (NOC) Presidents, Secretary Generals and Chef de Missions, IOC Director of Solidarity and NOC relations, James McLoed has intimated the revised qualification principles of Tokyo Olympics 2020.</p>

<p>According to the letter dated April 2, the revised sport entries deadline has now been set for July 5, 2021.</p>

<p>"The new qualification period deadline is 29 June, 2021 and the IFs (international federations) can define their own qualification period deadlines should the deadline be prior to this date," Mcloed wrote.</p>

<p>He further said that the revision of the qualifications systems will be finalised as quickly as possible to give certainty to athletes and NOCs.</p>

<p>"We understand that at this time these are unlikely to include the full details now on the dates and locations of the specified events, recognising that these will follow later as the impacts of COVID-19 and its related restrictions become clearer," Mcloed said.</p>

<p>"We aim to finalise the adapted qualifications systems by mid-April, with the details on specific events to follow when available."</p>

<p>Mcloed said that the IFs retain full discretion to define the new ranking deadline and pathway in the scenario where quota allocation was originally based on ranking.</p>

<p>"The IOC recognises the sensitivity of such decisions. A sport-specific balance needs to be found between protecting those athletes who were close to qualifying based on the previous 2020 deadlines whilst also ensuring the participation of best athletes at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 by allowing the top performers of 2021 season to qualify," he said.</p>

<p>The IOC made it clear that the NOCs reserve the right to select athletes in all cases.</p>

<p>"In all cases, the qualification quota places are gained by the NOC and in some cases they are gained directly by a specific athlete. In all cases as per the Olympic Charter, the respective NOC retains the right to elect athletes to represent their NOC at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020," Mcloed said.</p>

<p>The COVID-19 outbreak has created a major health scare around the globe and had severely affected all activities around the world, including sports which witnessed the postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympics to next year.</p>

<p>As per the revised schedule announced by the International Olympic Committee, the Summer Games will now be held from July 23 to August 8, exactly a year after the global sporting event was originally scheduled.</p>


The International Olympic Committee has set June 29, 2021 as the new deadline for the qualification period of the Tokyo Olympics, which has been rescheduled to next year in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

The International Olympic Committee has set June 29, 2021 as the new deadline for the qualification period of the Tokyo Olympics, which has been rescheduled to next year in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. In a communication to all National Olympic Committee (NOC) Presidents, Secretary Generals and Chef de Missions, IOC Director of Solidarity and NOC relations, James McLoed has intimated the revised qualification principles of Tokyo Olympics 2020. According to the letter dated April 2, the revised sport entries deadline has now been set for July 5, 2021. "The new qualification period deadline is 29 June, 2021 and the IFs (international federations) can define their own qualification period deadlines should the deadline be prior to this date," Mcloed wrote. He further said that the revision of the qualifications systems will be finalised as quickly as possible to give certainty to athletes and NOCs. "We understand that at this time these are unlikely to include the full details now on the dates and locations of the specified events, recognising that these will follow later as the impacts of COVID-19 and its related restrictions become clearer," Mcloed said. "We aim to finalise the adapted qualifications systems by mid-April, with the details on specific events to follow when available." Mcloed said that the IFs retain full discretion to define the new ranking deadline and pathway in the scenario where quota allocation was originally based on ranking. "The IOC recognises the sensitivity of such decisions. A sport-specific balance needs to be found between protecting those athletes who were close to qualifying based on the previous 2020 deadlines whilst also ensuring the participation of best athletes at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 by allowing the top performers of 2021 season to qualify," he said. The IOC made it clear that the NOCs reserve the right to select athletes in all cases. "In all cases, the qualification quota places are gained by the NOC and in some cases they are gained directly by a specific athlete. In all cases as per the Olympic Charter, the respective NOC retains the right to elect athletes to represent their NOC at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020," Mcloed said. The COVID-19 outbreak has created a major health scare around the globe and had severely affected all activities around the world, including sports which witnessed the postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympics to next year. As per the revised schedule announced by the International Olympic Committee, the Summer Games will now be held from July 23 to August 8, exactly a year after the global sporting event was originally scheduled.

IOC sets June 29, 2021 as new deadline for qualification period of Tokyo Olympics

<p class="MsoNormal">The debate surrounding who was the better player between West Indies legend Brian Lara and Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar still continues to be the topic of discussion among ardent cricket lovers. However, Lara may have just put an end to all the debate with his latest post on social media platform Instagram as the southpaw shared a video clip of Tendulkar’s classic knock of 242 not-out against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2004. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Lara cited Tendulkar’s discipline to bat in tough conditions as he urged everyone to be disciplined in life and follow the guidelines provided by the government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The former Windies captain said that everyone can learn the discipline to combat anything in life by watching Tendulkar’s performance against Australia in the Sydney Test.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“@sachintendulkar Not was but IS one of the Greatest to have played our glorious game. We can all learn the discipline needed to COMBAT anything in life from this performance 241 not out vs Australia. #playsafe #backagainstwall,” Lara captioned the video.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-captain-joe-root-trying-to-make-most-of-enforced-break-290446" hreflang="en">England captain Joe Root trying to make most of enforced break</a></strong></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-e-OuAlxU6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">@sachintendulkar Not was but IS one of the Greatest to have played our glorious game. We can all learn the discipline needed to COMBAT anything in life from this performance 241 not out vs Australia. #playsafe #backagainstwall</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brianlaraofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Brian Lara</a> (@brianlaraofficial) on <time datetime="2020-04-02T17:09:12+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 2, 2020 at 10:09am PDT</time></p>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-can-wait-as-life-is-most-important-now-says-suresh-raina-290404" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 can wait as life is most important now, says Suresh Raina</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Tendulkar had stitched a memorable partnership with VVS Laxman as the Master Blaster went on to score a gritty 241 not-out whereas Laxman scored 178 against a world-class Aussie bowling attack to help India post a mammoth target of 705-7 (dec).<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">At that time, the Aussie bowling attack had the likes of&nbsp;Jason Gillespie, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Stuart McGill, among others. However, Tendulkar survived the initial scare due to his sheer determination and grit while going on to score a splendid double ton. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While some will still continue to debate on who was the better batsman between Lara and Tendulkar, everyone should take the main lesson out of Lara’s post and follow the advisory by the health ministry to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. <o:p></o:p></p>


The debate surrounding who was the better player between West Indies legend Brian Lara and Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar still continues to be the topic of discussion among ardent cricket lovers.

The debate surrounding who was the better player between West Indies legend Brian Lara and Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar still continues to be the topic of discussion among ardent cricket lovers. However, Lara may have just put an end to all the debate with his latest post on social media platform Instagram as the southpaw shared a video clip of Tendulkar’s classic knock of 242 not-out against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2004. Lara cited Tendulkar’s discipline to bat in tough conditions as he urged everyone to be disciplined in life and follow the guidelines provided by the government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The former Windies captain said that everyone can learn the discipline to combat anything in life by watching Tendulkar’s performance against Australia in the Sydney Test. “@sachintendulkar Not was but IS one of the Greatest to have played our glorious game. We can all learn the discipline needed to COMBAT anything in life from this performance 241 not out vs Australia. #playsafe #backagainstwall,” Lara captioned the video. ALSO READ: England captain Joe Root trying to make most of enforced break View this post on Instagram @sachintendulkar Not was but IS one of the Greatest to have played our glorious game. We can all learn the discipline needed to COMBAT anything in life from this performance 241 not out vs Australia. #playsafe #backagainstwall A post shared by Brian Lara (@brianlaraofficial) on Apr 2, 2020 at 10:09am PDT × ALSO READ: IPL 2020 can wait as life is most important now, says Suresh Raina Tendulkar had stitched a memorable partnership with VVS Laxman as the Master Blaster went on to score a gritty 241 not-out whereas Laxman scored 178 against a world-class Aussie bowling attack to help India post a mammoth target of 705-7 (dec). At that time, the Aussie bowling attack had the likes of Jason Gillespie, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Stuart McGill, among others. However, Tendulkar survived the initial scare due to his sheer determination and grit while going on to score a splendid double ton. While some will still continue to debate on who was the better batsman between Lara and Tendulkar, everyone should take the main lesson out of Lara’s post and follow the advisory by the health ministry to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn from Sachin Tendulkar's discipline to combat anything in life: Brian Lara's classic message to aware people of COVID-19

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Subhayan Chakraborty

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