Former Italy star Andrea Pirlo has ruled himself out of the race to become Italy's national team coach following controversy over his reported links to a Russian betting company. Pirlo said he is no longer a candidate, ending speculation that he was set to take charge of the Azzurri.

Andrea Pirlo no longer running for Italy job: Faces backlash over Russian betting firm links

World cup-winning Head Coach Gary Kirsten has resigned as Pakistan's limited-overs coach after just six months in the role. Wion's Eric Njoka and Pakistan Bureau Chief Anas Mallick get you the details.

Gary Kirsten Resigns as Pakistan's White-ball Head Coach

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir was appointed head coach of the country's cricket team. Gambhir is succeeding former teammate Rahul Dravid. Watch this video for all details.

Gautam Gambhir succeeds Rahul Dravid as head coach of Indian cricket team

At least five people were killed and numerous others were injured after a coach crashed on the A9 motorway near Leipzig city in eastern Germany on Wednesday (Mar 27).&nbsp;There were 53 passengers and two drivers aboard the coach traveling from Berlin to Zurich&nbsp;at the time of the crash.

Police in Saxony conveyed on social media, "Several people were fatally injured in the serious accident on the A9 motorway. There are numerous casualties."&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities in Saxony also expressed their condolences to the victims.

The incident involved a Flixbus, which reportedly veered off the road, causing it to fall on its side.&nbsp;

The A9 autobahn in Germany is one of the country's longest and most important&nbsp; motorways.&nbsp;It stretches from Berlin, the capital city in the northeast, to Munich, a major city in the south. The A9 also passes through several other cities and regions, including Leipzig, Nuremberg, and Ingolstadt.

Initial reports suggested that at least five individuals were killed in the crash however there is no official confirmation on it yet.&nbsp;Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, with ambulances and helicopters visible in images shared on social media.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baltimore-bridge-collapse-five-facts-to-know-about-francis-scott-key-bridge-704784">Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Five facts to know about Francis Scott Key Bridge</a>

Flixbus said that they are cooperating with authorities to ascertain the details.&nbsp;"We are of course working closely with the local authorities and the emergency services on site and will do everything in our power to clarify the cause of the accident quickly and completely," it said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baltimore-bridge-collapse-could-the-ships-contaminated-fuel-be-the-cause-of-collision-704787">Baltimore bridge collapse: Could the ship’s contaminated fuel be the cause of collision?</a>

The A9 motorway, a major route, saw closures in the direction of Munich due to the incident, causing disruption to traffic flow in the area.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/baltimore-bridge-collapse-how-indian-crews-sos-saved-lives-in-bridge-collapse-704834">Baltimore bridge collapse: How Indian crew's SOS saved lives in bridge collapse</a>

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Flixbus reportedly said, "The exact circumstances of the accident are not yet known." The exact cause of the incident is not known.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least five people were killed and numerous others were injured after a coach crashed on the A9 motorway near Leipzig city in eastern Germany on Wednesday (Mar 27).

At least five people were killed and numerous others were injured after a coach crashed on the A9 motorway near Leipzig city in eastern Germany on Wednesday (Mar 27). There were 53 passengers and two drivers aboard the coach traveling from Berlin to Zurich at the time of the crash. Police in Saxony conveyed on social media, "Several people were fatally injured in the serious accident on the A9 motorway. There are numerous casualties." Authorities in Saxony also expressed their condolences to the victims. The incident involved a Flixbus, which reportedly veered off the road, causing it to fall on its side. The A9 autobahn in Germany is one of the country's longest and most important motorways. It stretches from Berlin, the capital city in the northeast, to Munich, a major city in the south. The A9 also passes through several other cities and regions, including Leipzig, Nuremberg, and Ingolstadt. Initial reports suggested that at least five individuals were killed in the crash however there is no official confirmation on it yet. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, with ambulances and helicopters visible in images shared on social media. Also Read | Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Five facts to know about Francis Scott Key Bridge Flixbus said that they are cooperating with authorities to ascertain the details. "We are of course working closely with the local authorities and the emergency services on site and will do everything in our power to clarify the cause of the accident quickly and completely," it said. Also Read | Baltimore bridge collapse: Could the ship’s contaminated fuel be the cause of collision? The A9 motorway, a major route, saw closures in the direction of Munich due to the incident, causing disruption to traffic flow in the area. Watch | Baltimore bridge collapse: How Indian crew's SOS saved lives in bridge collapse × Flixbus reportedly said, "The exact circumstances of the accident are not yet known." The exact cause of the incident is not known. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany: At least 5 killed as coach crashes on motorway near Leipzig city

Six-time major winner Boris&nbsp;Becker&nbsp;said he will return to the&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;circuit to&nbsp;coach&nbsp; Denmark's&nbsp;world number six Holger&nbsp;Rune. Becker&nbsp;was released from a British prison in December 2022, having served eight months of a two-and-a-half year sentence for hiding financial assets after he was declared bankrupt.

"I can confirm that I am Holger&nbsp;Rune's&nbsp;coach,"&nbsp;Becker&nbsp;told Eurosport Germany's podcast. "It makes me a little proud that he asked me. The contact has existed for a long time. Now it was a very good fit."

"My calendar allows it and I have always been interested in Holger because he is on the&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;court with so much commitment and temperament."

The 55-year-old German previously&nbsp;coached Novak Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, and will now train 20-year-old&nbsp;Rune. The Dane reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon this year, but has won just one of his nine last nine matches.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/al-hilal-defeat-cristiano-ronaldos-al-nassr-in-riyadh-derby-to-remain-to-top-665375">Al-Hilal defeat Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in Riyadh derby to remain to top</a>

"Holger is a rough diamond that needs polishing,"&nbsp;Becker&nbsp;said. "I like his emotional outbursts. I have coached a player before, Novak Djokovic, who was sometimes not quite himself on the court, but that is allowed."

Becker&nbsp;is currently barred from entering the UK before October 2024, and at the moment is unsure if his partnership with Rune will continue into next season.

"There's no point in signing a two-year contract now when you've only been cooperating for a week."

"If you are successful, you usually stay together, no matter what the contract says. If not, everyone goes their own way again."

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&nbsp;

Six-time major winner Boris Becker said he will return to the tennis circuit to coach Denmark's world number six Holger Rune. Becker was released from a British prison in December 2022, having served eight months of a two-and-a-half year sentence for hiding financial assets after he was declared bankrupt.

Six-time major winner Boris Becker said he will return to the tennis circuit to coach Denmark's world number six Holger Rune. Becker was released from a British prison in December 2022, having served eight months of a two-and-a-half year sentence for hiding financial assets after he was declared bankrupt. "I can confirm that I am Holger Rune's coach," Becker told Eurosport Germany's podcast. "It makes me a little proud that he asked me. The contact has existed for a long time. Now it was a very good fit." "My calendar allows it and I have always been interested in Holger because he is on the tennis court with so much commitment and temperament." The 55-year-old German previously coached Novak Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, and will now train 20-year-old Rune. The Dane reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon this year, but has won just one of his nine last nine matches. Also Read: Al-Hilal defeat Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in Riyadh derby to remain to top "Holger is a rough diamond that needs polishing," Becker said. "I like his emotional outbursts. I have coached a player before, Novak Djokovic, who was sometimes not quite himself on the court, but that is allowed." Becker is currently barred from entering the UK before October 2024, and at the moment is unsure if his partnership with Rune will continue into next season. "There's no point in signing a two-year contract now when you've only been cooperating for a week." "If you are successful, you usually stay together, no matter what the contract says. If not, everyone goes their own way again." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tennis veteran Boris Becker to coach world number six Holger Rune

Uganda have appointed controversial Belgian Paul Put as national coach in place of Milutin Sredojevic, who was sacked last month, football officials said on Thursday. The 67-year-old Put, whose career has been tarnished by scandal including alleged match-fixing, was among 120 coaches who applied for the job.

Serbian Sredojevic was fired after the Uganda Cranes failed to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) said it had agreed a two-year contract.

"Coach Paul Put helped Burkina Faso reach the final of AFCON in 2013, guided Guinea to a quarterfinal finish and also helped The Gambia to qualify for AFCON," FUFA chief Moses Magogo said at a press conference in Kampala. "With such a CV, we believe the coach will do a good job here."

1n 2008, Put was given a three-year ban by Belgium's football federation for alleged involvement in a&nbsp;match-fixing scandal, although he has said he was a scapegoat. Guinea also banned him from all football activity for life in 2019 when he was in charge of their national team.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-time-major-winner-minjee-lee-and-her-brother-min-woo-target-unique-sweep-of-dual-gender-at-aus-open-664635">Two-time major winner Minjee Lee and her brother Min Woo target unique sweep of dual gender at Aus Open</a>

Put will take immediate charge of the Cranes ahead of this month's start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.&nbsp;Uganda play Guinea in the first Group G qualifying match in Conakry on November 17. The other teams in the group are former African champions Algeria, as well as Botswana, Mozambique and Somalia.

Uganda have appointed controversial Belgian Paul Put as national coach in place of Milutin Sredojevic, who was sacked last month, football officials said on Thursday.

Uganda have appointed controversial Belgian Paul Put as national coach in place of Milutin Sredojevic, who was sacked last month, football officials said on Thursday. The 67-year-old Put, whose career has been tarnished by scandal including alleged match-fixing, was among 120 coaches who applied for the job. Serbian Sredojevic was fired after the Uganda Cranes failed to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) said it had agreed a two-year contract. "Coach Paul Put helped Burkina Faso reach the final of AFCON in 2013, guided Guinea to a quarterfinal finish and also helped The Gambia to qualify for AFCON," FUFA chief Moses Magogo said at a press conference in Kampala. "With such a CV, we believe the coach will do a good job here." 1n 2008, Put was given a three-year ban by Belgium's football federation for alleged involvement in a match-fixing scandal, although he has said he was a scapegoat. Guinea also banned him from all football activity for life in 2019 when he was in charge of their national team. Also Read: Two-time major winner Minjee Lee and her brother Min Woo target unique sweep of dual gender at Aus Open Put will take immediate charge of the Cranes ahead of this month's start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Uganda play Guinea in the first Group G qualifying match in Conakry on November 17. The other teams in the group are former African champions Algeria, as well as Botswana, Mozambique and Somalia.

Football: Uganda national team appoint controversial Paul Put as coach

Time Etc, a virtual assistant platform, realized that they needed to make a huge change in their management style. Instead of traditional managers, they decided to embrace the concept of coaching. WION tells you more in this report.

'Time Etc' makes huge changes in management style

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane reportedly agrees to replace Didier Deschamps as France manager after the World Cup. Watch this video to know more.

Zinedine Zidane to be next head coach of France?

Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who helped develop superstars such as Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova, has died aged 91, the IMG Academy announced in a statement on Monday.

"Nick Bollettieri, the legendary tennis coach and founder of Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, which served as the foundation for today's IMG Academy, has passed away," read the statement.

While his methods were sometimes controversial, his academy in Florida churned out top players and he was to coach 10 players who would go on to become number one in the world.

Monica Seles, Jim Courier, Anna Kournikova and Mary Pierce were other stars who passed through his Bradenton complex. 
Bollettieri also advised Venus and Serena Williams and Boris Becker.

"Tennis wouldn't be where it is today without Nick's influence," said Jimmy Arias, IMG Academy director of tennis and one of Bollettieri's original students.

"His tennis academy, which I had the privilege of growing up within, not only served as a launching pad for many tennis greats but evolved into an institution that has had a profound impact on the development of athletes across many sports at all levels."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-my-goal-is-to-represent-india-in-the-olympics-and-win-a-medal-says-riya-bhatia-539908">Read more:&nbsp;Exclusive: My goal is to represent India in the Olympics and win a medal, says Riya Bhatia</a>

Bollettieri founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, now IMG Academy in 1978 with a focus on intense physical training, total immersion, and ongoing competition among the most talented players in the world.

His enthusiasm for coaching continued almost right up to the end.

"Even in his last days, you could often find him on campus, coaching and mentoring young student-athletes and staff with the same passion and enthusiasm as he did in his 20s," said Tim Pernetti, President of IMG Academy Bradenton, a division of IMG Academy. 
 
"Our heart goes out to his wife, Cindi, and his children. He has made a permanent and lasting impact on all of us."

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Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who helped develop superstars such as Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova, has died aged 91, the IMG Academy announced in a statement on Monday.

Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who helped develop superstars such as Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova, has died aged 91, the IMG Academy announced in a statement on Monday. "Nick Bollettieri, the legendary tennis coach and founder of Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, which served as the foundation for today's IMG Academy, has passed away," read the statement. While his methods were sometimes controversial, his academy in Florida churned out top players and he was to coach 10 players who would go on to become number one in the world. Monica Seles, Jim Courier, Anna Kournikova and Mary Pierce were other stars who passed through his Bradenton complex. Bollettieri also advised Venus and Serena Williams and Boris Becker. "Tennis wouldn't be where it is today without Nick's influence," said Jimmy Arias, IMG Academy director of tennis and one of Bollettieri's original students. "His tennis academy, which I had the privilege of growing up within, not only served as a launching pad for many tennis greats but evolved into an institution that has had a profound impact on the development of athletes across many sports at all levels." Read more: Exclusive: My goal is to represent India in the Olympics and win a medal, says Riya Bhatia Bollettieri founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, now IMG Academy in 1978 with a focus on intense physical training, total immersion, and ongoing competition among the most talented players in the world. His enthusiasm for coaching continued almost right up to the end. "Even in his last days, you could often find him on campus, coaching and mentoring young student-athletes and staff with the same passion and enthusiasm as he did in his 20s," said Tim Pernetti, President of IMG Academy Bradenton, a division of IMG Academy. "Our heart goes out to his wife, Cindi, and his children. He has made a permanent and lasting impact on all of us." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Legendary Nick Bollettieri dies aged 91, coached players like Agassi and Sharapova

US&nbsp;shoppers spent nearly 3% more online on Thanksgiving Day this year, a report showed, as consumers kicked off the year's biggest shopping event on a strong note and eased worries of a lackluster holiday season.

Adobe Analytics on Friday (November 25) said Thanksgiving sales hit a record $5.29 billion, even as inflation worries and holiday deals starting as early as October were expected to lead to a 1% decline.

With shoppers flocking to online sales, sparse but steady streams of Black Friday customers could be seen fanning out at Macy's flagship store in Midtown Manhattan.

Shoppers weathered the strain put on their household budgets by higher costs of everything from food to rent and continued to spend big heading into the holidays, lured by steep discounts for everything from toys to electronic gadgets.

Products such as strollers, speakers and outdoor grills flew off the shelves, the report said, with more shoppers taking to placing orders through their smartphones. Mobile shopping drove 55% of online Thanksgiving sales.

Black Friday is expected to bring in $9 billion from online sales, a modest increase of 1% from last year, with shoppers now flocking to brick-and-mortar stores after a pandemic-led pause over the last two years.

Adobe Analytics' analysis measures consumer transactions online covering over 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail websites.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

US shoppers spent nearly 3% more online on Thanksgiving Day this year, a report showed, as consumers kicked off the year's biggest shopping event on a strong note and eased worries of a lackluster holiday season.

US shoppers spent nearly 3% more online on Thanksgiving Day this year, a report showed, as consumers kicked off the year's biggest shopping event on a strong note and eased worries of a lackluster holiday season. Adobe Analytics on Friday (November 25) said Thanksgiving sales hit a record $5.29 billion, even as inflation worries and holiday deals starting as early as October were expected to lead to a 1% decline. With shoppers flocking to online sales, sparse but steady streams of Black Friday customers could be seen fanning out at Macy's flagship store in Midtown Manhattan. Shoppers weathered the strain put on their household budgets by higher costs of everything from food to rent and continued to spend big heading into the holidays, lured by steep discounts for everything from toys to electronic gadgets. Products such as strollers, speakers and outdoor grills flew off the shelves, the report said, with more shoppers taking to placing orders through their smartphones. Mobile shopping drove 55% of online Thanksgiving sales. Black Friday is expected to bring in $9 billion from online sales, a modest increase of 1% from last year, with shoppers now flocking to brick-and-mortar stores after a pandemic-led pause over the last two years. Adobe Analytics' analysis measures consumer transactions online covering over 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail websites. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Coach, Marvel and more: Black Friday underway at Macy's in New York

Chelsea are dealing with British government restrictions on their operations in a professional manner and will do whatever it takes to advance in their Champions League last-16 second-leg tie at Lille on Wednesday, coach Thomas Tuchel said.

Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the government while the Premier League has also disqualified him as a director.

Under the terms of a licence issued by the government, Chelsea's operations are limited in scope.

Tuchel said the European champions had to make adjustments in how many staff are travelling and staying in Lille and that such discussions had never taken place before, with an operations team taking care of all their needs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-title-race-heats-up-as-manchester-city-settles-for-a-draw-against-crystal-palace-462422">Premier League: Title race heats up as Manchester City drop points against Newcastle United</a>

"We have to deal with it. There are new things to talk about, like how to arrive at games. Things that are normally taken care of," Tuchel told reporters on the eve of the return leg in France, with Chelsea leading 2-0 from the first game.

"We have a framework to go to Lille and play in Lille. There will be no excuses. It's already more difficult to arrange things in the best way possible for the FA Cup (quarter-final at Middlesbrough on Saturday)."

"As long as we have shirts, as long as we are alive, we will arrive, be competitive and fight hard for our success. We owe it to the people who normally support us ... Of course, we`re in the spotlight but this is our responsibility."

Tuchel added that he did not have a choice in being the voice of the club in a tumultuous two-week period and said he would continue to face questions about any new owner.

"A new owner needs to arrive, needs to be approved, and then be allowed to own the football club. Then we can discuss about it, if it`s necessary," Tuchel said.

"There is a process how you become an owner in this league, and of course ... everybody relies on the process and the values which are behind the decisions and allowance to run a club.

"I don't think too much about it (being the voice of the club). I try to be honest, give you an insight and give you information from a coach`s heart. This is what I try and what you can rely on."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-chelsea-strike-late-to-beat-newcastle-1-0-amid-off-field-turmoil-arsenal-register-win-462144">Premier League: Chelsea strike late to beat Newcastle 1-0 amid off-field turmoil, Arsenal outclass Leicester</a>

Chelsea fans have been urged by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson not to chant for Abramovich, terming it "completely inappropriate" under the circumstances, but Tuchel said he did not want to comment on the matter.

"I don't know if it`s the most important subject to be discussed in parliament. If it is, maybe we have to worry about the priority of discussions there," Tuchel said.

"There are far more urgent things to discuss and handle."

Chelsea are dealing with British government restrictions on their operations in a professional manner and will do whatever it takes to advance in their Champions League last-16 second-leg tie at Lille on Wednesday, coach Thomas Tuchel said.

Chelsea are dealing with British government restrictions on their operations in a professional manner and will do whatever it takes to advance in their Champions League last-16 second-leg tie at Lille on Wednesday, coach Thomas Tuchel said. Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the government while the Premier League has also disqualified him as a director. Under the terms of a licence issued by the government, Chelsea's operations are limited in scope. Tuchel said the European champions had to make adjustments in how many staff are travelling and staying in Lille and that such discussions had never taken place before, with an operations team taking care of all their needs. ALSO READ: Premier League: Title race heats up as Manchester City drop points against Newcastle United "We have to deal with it. There are new things to talk about, like how to arrive at games. Things that are normally taken care of," Tuchel told reporters on the eve of the return leg in France, with Chelsea leading 2-0 from the first game. "We have a framework to go to Lille and play in Lille. There will be no excuses. It's already more difficult to arrange things in the best way possible for the FA Cup (quarter-final at Middlesbrough on Saturday)." "As long as we have shirts, as long as we are alive, we will arrive, be competitive and fight hard for our success. We owe it to the people who normally support us ... Of course, we`re in the spotlight but this is our responsibility." Tuchel added that he did not have a choice in being the voice of the club in a tumultuous two-week period and said he would continue to face questions about any new owner. "A new owner needs to arrive, needs to be approved, and then be allowed to own the football club. Then we can discuss about it, if it`s necessary," Tuchel said. "There is a process how you become an owner in this league, and of course ... everybody relies on the process and the values which are behind the decisions and allowance to run a club. "I don't think too much about it (being the voice of the club). I try to be honest, give you an insight and give you information from a coach`s heart. This is what I try and what you can rely on." ALSO READ: Premier League: Chelsea strike late to beat Newcastle 1-0 amid off-field turmoil, Arsenal outclass Leicester Chelsea fans have been urged by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson not to chant for Abramovich, terming it "completely inappropriate" under the circumstances, but Tuchel said he did not want to comment on the matter. "I don't know if it`s the most important subject to be discussed in parliament. If it is, maybe we have to worry about the priority of discussions there," Tuchel said. "There are far more urgent things to discuss and handle."

Chelsea will continue to fight hard for success, says coach Thomas Tuchel amid Roman Abramovich crisis

Novak Djokovic split with his long-time coach Marian Vajda at the end of the 2021 season, ending one of tennis's most enduring and successful partnerships, the Serbian former world number one said.

Slovak Vajda has been a near-constant through Djokovic's career, helping him to 20 Grand Slam titles and an unprecedented 361 weeks as the top-ranked player.

“Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career," Djokovic said on his website.

"Together we have achieved some incredible things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ukraine-crisis-footballs-first-reported-losses-as-two-ukrainian-players-killed-during-russian-invasion-458012">Ukraine crisis: Football's first reported losses as two Ukrainian players killed during Russian invasion</a>

"While he might be leaving the professional team he will always be family and I can’t thank him enough for all he has done."

The pair parted ways after the ATP Finals in Turin, a statement on Djokovic's website said.

Croatian former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic joined Djokovic's coaching team in 2019 and will continue to work closely with the Serb.

“During my time with Novak, I have been lucky to watch him transform into the player he is today," said Vajda.

"I will look back on our time together with immense pride and am so very thankful for the success we have achieved.

"I remain his biggest support on and off the court and look forward to new challenges."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-athletics-joins-sporting-bodies-in-banning-russian-and-belarusian-athletes-457935">World Athletics joins sporting bodies in banning Russian and Belarusian athletes</a>

Djokovic lost his world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev this week after suffering a shock 6-4 7-6(4) defeat by Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely in the Dubai Tennis Championships quarter-finals.

Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open title in January and compete for a record 21st Grand Slam crown after being deported from the country over his lack of COVID-19 vaccination.

Spanish rival Rafa Nadal won the Melbourne Park tournament and took a record 21st Grand Slam crown in his absence.

Novak Djokovic split with his long-time coach Marian Vajda at the end of the 2021 season, ending one of tennis's most enduring and successful partnerships, the Serbian former world number one said.

Novak Djokovic split with his long-time coach Marian Vajda at the end of the 2021 season, ending one of tennis's most enduring and successful partnerships, the Serbian former world number one said. Slovak Vajda has been a near-constant through Djokovic's career, helping him to 20 Grand Slam titles and an unprecedented 361 weeks as the top-ranked player. “Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career," Djokovic said on his website. "Together we have achieved some incredible things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years. ALSO READ: Ukraine crisis: Football's first reported losses as two Ukrainian players killed during Russian invasion "While he might be leaving the professional team he will always be family and I can’t thank him enough for all he has done." The pair parted ways after the ATP Finals in Turin, a statement on Djokovic's website said. Croatian former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic joined Djokovic's coaching team in 2019 and will continue to work closely with the Serb. “During my time with Novak, I have been lucky to watch him transform into the player he is today," said Vajda. "I will look back on our time together with immense pride and am so very thankful for the success we have achieved. "I remain his biggest support on and off the court and look forward to new challenges." ALSO READ: World Athletics joins sporting bodies in banning Russian and Belarusian athletes Djokovic lost his world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev this week after suffering a shock 6-4 7-6(4) defeat by Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely in the Dubai Tennis Championships quarter-finals. Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open title in January and compete for a record 21st Grand Slam crown after being deported from the country over his lack of COVID-19 vaccination. Spanish rival Rafa Nadal won the Melbourne Park tournament and took a record 21st Grand Slam crown in his absence.

Novak Djokovic parts ways with long-time coach Marian Vajda

Cricket Australia's (CA) new chairman Lachlan Henderson said on Thursday the board would reflect on its handling of Justin Langer's contract after the head coach's resignation in acrimony this month.

Langer had hoped for a long contract extension after Australia won the Twenty20 World Cup and thrashed England in the Ashes but the former test opener was offered only six months.

Former players and pundits said CA had treated Langer poorly, though test captain Pat Cummins endorsed the board`s decision and said players were ready for a new coach.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lachlan-henderson-appointed-cricket-australias-new-chairman-454034">Lachlan Henderson appointed Cricket Australia's new chairman</a>

Henderson said the board might have dealt more quickly with Langer, given the weeks of media speculation that built after the Ashes over his future in the role.

"It is unfortunate that a bit of that played out in the media and we’ll reflect on whether that should have been accelerated through the summer," Henderson told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday.

"But it was always our intention to make that decision at the end of the summer, and we followed that process.

"It got messy in terms of things playing out in the media."

Henderson, a CA director for three years and chief executive of a major healthcare firm, replaced interim chairman Richard Freudenstein, who stepped into the role in October after predecessor Earl Eddings lost support from state member associations and resigned.

CA has been under the microscope since the Newlands ball-tampering scandal erupted in 2018 and triggered a scathing review of the board's governance.

CA was embarrassed in November when former test captain Tim Paine resigned over a four-year-old "sexting" scandal that the governing body elected to keep from the public.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/split-roles-australia-should-have-different-coach-for-each-format-says-former-all-rounder-shane-watson-454007">'Split Roles': Australia should have different coach for each format, says former all-rounder Shane Watson</a>

Henderson said he would look to appoint an ethics commissioner early in his term to meet one of the unfulfilled recommendations of the 2018 governance review.

"My communication style will be open, transparent and hopefully consistent," he said.

"Within the bounds of the confidentiality of boards, I hope there`s a really open and transparent way forward."

Cricket Australia's (CA) new chairman Lachlan Henderson said on Thursday the board would reflect on its handling of Justin Langer's contract after the head coach's resignation in acrimony this month.

Cricket Australia's (CA) new chairman Lachlan Henderson said on Thursday the board would reflect on its handling of Justin Langer's contract after the head coach's resignation in acrimony this month. Langer had hoped for a long contract extension after Australia won the Twenty20 World Cup and thrashed England in the Ashes but the former test opener was offered only six months. Former players and pundits said CA had treated Langer poorly, though test captain Pat Cummins endorsed the board`s decision and said players were ready for a new coach. ALSO READ: Lachlan Henderson appointed Cricket Australia's new chairman Henderson said the board might have dealt more quickly with Langer, given the weeks of media speculation that built after the Ashes over his future in the role. "It is unfortunate that a bit of that played out in the media and we’ll reflect on whether that should have been accelerated through the summer," Henderson told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday. "But it was always our intention to make that decision at the end of the summer, and we followed that process. "It got messy in terms of things playing out in the media." Henderson, a CA director for three years and chief executive of a major healthcare firm, replaced interim chairman Richard Freudenstein, who stepped into the role in October after predecessor Earl Eddings lost support from state member associations and resigned. CA has been under the microscope since the Newlands ball-tampering scandal erupted in 2018 and triggered a scathing review of the board's governance. CA was embarrassed in November when former test captain Tim Paine resigned over a four-year-old "sexting" scandal that the governing body elected to keep from the public. ALSO READ: 'Split Roles': Australia should have different coach for each format, says former all-rounder Shane Watson Henderson said he would look to appoint an ethics commissioner early in his term to meet one of the unfulfilled recommendations of the 2018 governance review. "My communication style will be open, transparent and hopefully consistent," he said. "Within the bounds of the confidentiality of boards, I hope there`s a really open and transparent way forward."

'It got messy': Cricket Australia's newly appointed chairman Lachlan Henderson on Justin Langer's exit

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 auction just around the corner, Delhi Capitals assistant coach Pravin Amre stated that there will be a lot of competition at the auction and it is important to be prepared for all the challenges.

"This mega auction is always a big challenge, especially when two new teams are there. We know that there will be a lot of competition, we know that some franchises will be having more money, and that's when all the expertise and all the auction experience will count," Amre in an official release.&nbsp;

"A lot of study has to be done, it's not going to be that easy, and I think it's all about the preparation. It's really important to be prepared for all the challenges that are going to come, so these are very important factors, especially in a mega auction," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-when-hardik-pandya-didnt-draw-a-single-bid-and-went-unsold-at-ipl-2014-auction-451724">Throwback: When Hardik Pandya didn't draw a single bid and went UNSOLD at IPL 2014 auction</a>

The IPL mega auction is slated to be held in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. As the DC think-tank carry out their preparations in full swing, Amre spoke about the experience and importance of the mock auctions.

"It is done to understand the psyche of other owners, what they will go for, what they are missing, and ultimately it comes down to what we want. To be honest, what we want and how we are going to get it, is the whole purpose of doing mock auctions," said Amre.&nbsp;

"Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I think it's all about the preparation. It is so essential to have a mock auction, where every team member, who is involved in this mock auction, gets an idea of how to go about it," he added.&nbsp;

"I think this is ultimately a good lesson for us, and this is where we can suggest to owners the possibilities and challenges. Yes, we want the best player, but can we afford it? So, that's the question comes, and ultimately as coaches, we want a balanced team," he further explained.

Delhi Capitals will look to rebuild a strong squad around their four retained players -Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw and Anrich Nortje.

While speaking about the goals for auction, the 53-year-old said, "As I said, as coaches, we always want a balanced team, we want that core."&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-names-two-indian-players-who-are-likely-to-earn-big-in-ipl-2022-mega-auction-451723">Ravichandran Ashwin names two Indian players who are likely to earn big in IPL 2022 mega auction</a>

"The best thing we have done is that we have kept four key players in our squad, we've got a top-order batsman, we've got a wicketkeeper-batsman, we have got an all-rounder, and a quick bowler, so we have done the basics right. Now, we want to get seven players, who can give us more balance basically, that's our important goal, and that's the challenge, to be honest," he added.&nbsp;

"Speaking about the auction dynamics, Amre said, "The dynamics are as such that you can't predict, and that's the beauty of it. You have to prepare for the worst, and that's the important thing. We think that we can get it easily, but what little knowledge I've gained from 5-6 auctions, which I've attended is, sometimes unexpected things happen."

"We might think that things are going to be very expensive, but then you get it at a cheap price, or sometimes cheap becomes very expensive, so that's the beauty of auctions. And, credits to the IPL because everything is possible, it's like cricket, so you have to take a chance," he added.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 auction just around the corner, Delhi Capitals assistant coach Pravin Amre stated that there will be a lot of competition at the auction and it is important to be prepared for all the challenges.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 auction just around the corner, Delhi Capitals assistant coach Pravin Amre stated that there will be a lot of competition at the auction and it is important to be prepared for all the challenges. "This mega auction is always a big challenge, especially when two new teams are there. We know that there will be a lot of competition, we know that some franchises will be having more money, and that's when all the expertise and all the auction experience will count," Amre in an official release. "A lot of study has to be done, it's not going to be that easy, and I think it's all about the preparation. It's really important to be prepared for all the challenges that are going to come, so these are very important factors, especially in a mega auction," he added. ALSO READ: Throwback: When Hardik Pandya didn't draw a single bid and went UNSOLD at IPL 2014 auction The IPL mega auction is slated to be held in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. As the DC think-tank carry out their preparations in full swing, Amre spoke about the experience and importance of the mock auctions. "It is done to understand the psyche of other owners, what they will go for, what they are missing, and ultimately it comes down to what we want. To be honest, what we want and how we are going to get it, is the whole purpose of doing mock auctions," said Amre. "Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I think it's all about the preparation. It is so essential to have a mock auction, where every team member, who is involved in this mock auction, gets an idea of how to go about it," he added. "I think this is ultimately a good lesson for us, and this is where we can suggest to owners the possibilities and challenges. Yes, we want the best player, but can we afford it? So, that's the question comes, and ultimately as coaches, we want a balanced team," he further explained. Delhi Capitals will look to rebuild a strong squad around their four retained players -Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw and Anrich Nortje. While speaking about the goals for auction, the 53-year-old said, "As I said, as coaches, we always want a balanced team, we want that core." ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin names two Indian players who are likely to earn big in IPL 2022 mega auction "The best thing we have done is that we have kept four key players in our squad, we've got a top-order batsman, we've got a wicketkeeper-batsman, we have got an all-rounder, and a quick bowler, so we have done the basics right. Now, we want to get seven players, who can give us more balance basically, that's our important goal, and that's the challenge, to be honest," he added. "Speaking about the auction dynamics, Amre said, "The dynamics are as such that you can't predict, and that's the beauty of it. You have to prepare for the worst, and that's the important thing. We think that we can get it easily, but what little knowledge I've gained from 5-6 auctions, which I've attended is, sometimes unexpected things happen." "We might think that things are going to be very expensive, but then you get it at a cheap price, or sometimes cheap becomes very expensive, so that's the beauty of auctions. And, credits to the IPL because everything is possible, it's like cricket, so you have to take a chance," he added.

'Mega auction big challenge, we are aware of the competition': Delhi Capitals' assistant coach Pravin Amre

Washington State University fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants Monday for failing to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. He became one of the nation’s highest-profile employees to lose a job because of a refusal to be vaccinated.

Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert has been named the interim coach.

Rolovich, the state’s highest-paid employee, applied for a religious exemption this month from the mandate, among the strictest in the country. The status of the exemption request was unclear when the firings occurred.

Monday was the deadline Gov. Jay Inslee set for state workers to be fully vaccinated or to receive a religious or medical exemption allowing them to keep their jobs. A state agency report from earlier this month showed that about 90% of state employees who would be affected by the mandate had already been vaccinated.

Earlier in the day, a Superior Court judge rejected a request by hundreds of Washington State Patrol troopers, corrections officers, ferry workers and other public employees for a temporary injunction to block Inslee’s mandate, though the lawsuit they have filed can still go forward.

Rolovich, who was in the second year of a five-year, $15.6 million contract, had become the public face of the showdown with Inslee, who repeatedly said there would be no exceptions. Rolovich was counselled by June Jones, whom he played quarterback for and coached under at Hawaii, to get vaccinated. And Jack Thompson, a Washington State star quarterback from the late 1970s, had several heart-to-heart talks with him.

Rolovich’s resistance frustrated campus leaders, including President Kirk Schulz, who has strongly encouraged students to get vaccinated. Fans at the last two home games have been required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test in order to be admitted, a policy the school developed in conjunction with the University of Washington and the Seattle Seahawks.

Also, Washington State students who are unvaccinated by next month will not be allowed to register for classes in the spring semester.

As Monday approached, the drama around the deadline intensified — fueled in part by the Cougars’ three-game winning streak, which gave them a 4-3 overall record with five games left and kept them in contention for the Pac-12 North Division title. Players have firmly backed Rolovich, particularly quarterback Jayden de Laura, who gave an impassioned defense of his coach. Several Cougars doused Rolovich with a vat of sports drink after a stirring comeback win Saturday night against Stanford.

“Overall, we have no problem with Rolo,” de Laura said after a win over Oregon State. “I love him. I love him to death. I’d do anything for him.”

The players were informed of the firings Monday night when they were summoned to a mandatory meeting by athletic director Pat Chun. Also losing their jobs were offensive line coach Mark Weber, defensive line coach Ricky Logo, cornerbacks coach John Richardson and quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann. Stutzmann’s brother, Billy Ray, was fired as an assistant coach at Navy last month for refusing to get vaccinated. Richardson is Washington State’s recruiting coordinator.

“This is a disheartening day for our football program,” Chun said in a statement. “Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team.”

With five coaches gone, it was not immediately clear if they would all be replaced.

Rolovich said in July that he would not get vaccinated, calling it a personal decision and declining repeatedly over the past three months to elaborate on his decision.

He maintained his stance even after Inslee, a Democrat serving his third term as governor, issued his decree in mid-August, giving state workers nearly two months to comply. After the Cougars beat Oregon State on Oct. 9, Rolovich confirmed a USA Today report that he had applied for a religious exemption.

Asked then if the approaching mandate deadline made him uncomfortable, Rolovich said: “You think it’s been a fun time? Of course it’s been difficult for everybody. Players are going through some of the same things. I think it’s an incredible stress, especially the young people. For them to be able to keep their focus and continue to give to each other, and to this program has been pretty special.”

Washington State University fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants Monday for failing to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

Washington State University fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants Monday for failing to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. He became one of the nation’s highest-profile employees to lose a job because of a refusal to be vaccinated. Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert has been named the interim coach. Rolovich, the state’s highest-paid employee, applied for a religious exemption this month from the mandate, among the strictest in the country. The status of the exemption request was unclear when the firings occurred. Monday was the deadline Gov. Jay Inslee set for state workers to be fully vaccinated or to receive a religious or medical exemption allowing them to keep their jobs. A state agency report from earlier this month showed that about 90% of state employees who would be affected by the mandate had already been vaccinated. Earlier in the day, a Superior Court judge rejected a request by hundreds of Washington State Patrol troopers, corrections officers, ferry workers and other public employees for a temporary injunction to block Inslee’s mandate, though the lawsuit they have filed can still go forward. Rolovich, who was in the second year of a five-year, $15.6 million contract, had become the public face of the showdown with Inslee, who repeatedly said there would be no exceptions. Rolovich was counselled by June Jones, whom he played quarterback for and coached under at Hawaii, to get vaccinated. And Jack Thompson, a Washington State star quarterback from the late 1970s, had several heart-to-heart talks with him. Rolovich’s resistance frustrated campus leaders, including President Kirk Schulz, who has strongly encouraged students to get vaccinated. Fans at the last two home games have been required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test in order to be admitted, a policy the school developed in conjunction with the University of Washington and the Seattle Seahawks. Also, Washington State students who are unvaccinated by next month will not be allowed to register for classes in the spring semester. As Monday approached, the drama around the deadline intensified — fueled in part by the Cougars’ three-game winning streak, which gave them a 4-3 overall record with five games left and kept them in contention for the Pac-12 North Division title. Players have firmly backed Rolovich, particularly quarterback Jayden de Laura, who gave an impassioned defense of his coach. Several Cougars doused Rolovich with a vat of sports drink after a stirring comeback win Saturday night against Stanford. “Overall, we have no problem with Rolo,” de Laura said after a win over Oregon State. “I love him. I love him to death. I’d do anything for him.” The players were informed of the firings Monday night when they were summoned to a mandatory meeting by athletic director Pat Chun. Also losing their jobs were offensive line coach Mark Weber, defensive line coach Ricky Logo, cornerbacks coach John Richardson and quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann. Stutzmann’s brother, Billy Ray, was fired as an assistant coach at Navy last month for refusing to get vaccinated. Richardson is Washington State’s recruiting coordinator. “This is a disheartening day for our football program,” Chun said in a statement. “Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team.” With five coaches gone, it was not immediately clear if they would all be replaced. Rolovich said in July that he would not get vaccinated, calling it a personal decision and declining repeatedly over the past three months to elaborate on his decision. He maintained his stance even after Inslee, a Democrat serving his third term as governor, issued his decree in mid-August, giving state workers nearly two months to comply. After the Cougars beat Oregon State on Oct. 9, Rolovich confirmed a USA Today report that he had applied for a religious exemption. Asked then if the approaching mandate deadline made him uncomfortable, Rolovich said: “You think it’s been a fun time? Of course it’s been difficult for everybody. Players are going through some of the same things. I think it’s an incredible stress, especially the young people. For them to be able to keep their focus and continue to give to each other, and to this program has been pretty special.”

Washington State University fires football coach over vaccine refusal

The Table Tennis Federation of India Secretary General Arun Kumar Banerjee has made it clear that Manika Batra's refusal to have national coach Soumyadeep Roy by her side during matches at the Tokyo Olympics will be taken up for discussion once the contingent returns to India.

Banerjee said the executive committee will decide on the course of action that needs to be taken since it was unprofessional from Manika to call Soumyadeep the personal coach of Sutirtha Mukherjee.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-sharath-kamals-run-comes-to-an-end-after-losing-to-ma-long-400893" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Sharath Kamal's run comes to an end after losing to Ma Long</a>

"Personal coach is a wrong statement.&nbsp;Sutirtha &nbsp;plays in&nbsp;Soumyadeep's&nbsp;academy, but he is the national coach. To say her coach was not allowed with her is wrong on Manika's part. She knew before leaving from India what is the access of the coaches. All the players and coaches know the extent of access each has.

Manika had applied for personal coach, we had recommended as well. When you know his access, to come to Tokyo and demand that her coach be there in place of Soumyadeep is wrong. To call him the personal coach of Sutirtha is wrong as he had taken national camp even before coming to Tokyo. The criteria is fixed and I asked Soumyadeep to speak to manager MP Singh and report it as he is there. I strongly oppose this," he told ANI.

Asked if this was unwanted from Manika, he said: "What is on her mind I can't say. Surprised she brought this up here after knowing the criteria. I will discuss this with the executive committee and decide what action needs to be taken. We have to bring this up when we are back."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-heartbreak-for-satwik-and-chirag-as-they-crash-out-despite-winning-the-last-group-match-400911" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Heartbreak for Satwik and Chirag as they crash out despite winning the last group match</a>

Manika had earlier requested India's chef-de-mission BP Baishya to allow the field of play (FOP) access for her personal coach Sanmay Paranjape.

But MP Singh said FOP access for Manika's personal coach wasn't granted and the federation has to see what do when these type of situations arises next time. "We are not against players but she should tell this to the government. Last-minute her personal coach got approval to travel to Tokyo but FOP access was not granted to him," said MP Singh. "I think keeping this incident in mind we will have to make a rule that if this happens next time who will take a call," he added.

The Table Tennis Federation of India Secretary General Arun Kumar Banerjee has made it clear that Manika Batra's refusal to have national coach Soumyadeep Roy by her side during matches at the Tokyo Olympics will be taken up for discussion once the contingent returns to India.

The Table Tennis Federation of India Secretary General Arun Kumar Banerjee has made it clear that Manika Batra's refusal to have national coach Soumyadeep Roy by her side during matches at the Tokyo Olympics will be taken up for discussion once the contingent returns to India. Banerjee said the executive committee will decide on the course of action that needs to be taken since it was unprofessional from Manika to call Soumyadeep the personal coach of Sutirtha Mukherjee. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Sharath Kamal's run comes to an end after losing to Ma Long "Personal coach is a wrong statement. Sutirtha plays in Soumyadeep's academy, but he is the national coach. To say her coach was not allowed with her is wrong on Manika's part. She knew before leaving from India what is the access of the coaches. All the players and coaches know the extent of access each has. Manika had applied for personal coach, we had recommended as well. When you know his access, to come to Tokyo and demand that her coach be there in place of Soumyadeep is wrong. To call him the personal coach of Sutirtha is wrong as he had taken national camp even before coming to Tokyo. The criteria is fixed and I asked Soumyadeep to speak to manager MP Singh and report it as he is there. I strongly oppose this," he told ANI. Asked if this was unwanted from Manika, he said: "What is on her mind I can't say. Surprised she brought this up here after knowing the criteria. I will discuss this with the executive committee and decide what action needs to be taken. We have to bring this up when we are back." ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Heartbreak for Satwik and Chirag as they crash out despite winning the last group match Manika had earlier requested India's chef-de-mission BP Baishya to allow the field of play (FOP) access for her personal coach Sanmay Paranjape. But MP Singh said FOP access for Manika's personal coach wasn't granted and the federation has to see what do when these type of situations arises next time. "We are not against players but she should tell this to the government. Last-minute her personal coach got approval to travel to Tokyo but FOP access was not granted to him," said MP Singh. "I think keeping this incident in mind we will have to make a rule that if this happens next time who will take a call," he added.

Tokyo Olympics: TTFI executive committee to decide on action against Manika Batra for refusing guidance from national coach

A diminished field of opponents at Wimbledon may make Serena Williams one of the favourites to win a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam, but her long-time coach believes the only important factor is her own performance.

Injury concern for top-ranked Ashleigh&nbsp;Barty and the absence of world No. 2 Naomi Osaka and No. 3 Simona Halep - who beat Williams in the last Wimbledon final - have given the American an ideal opportunity to match Margaret Court's record haul.

But coach Patrick Mouratoglou said it was not about the opponents. "When Serena is (playing like) Serena, I don't know anyone that can stop her," he told Reuters.

"When I say being herself, first it's being able to play at her level, and second, having the mindset that made Serena who she is," he added.

"I respect the opponents. I'm just saying Serena is Serena. There is not one woman in the history of professional&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;that has a record like her ... When she thinks like Serena, when she processes like Serena, I don't think anyone can stop her."

The All England Club's lush green courts are a happy hunting ground for Williams, who has lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish seven times and also won the 2012 Olympics gold medal there.

SUPREME ON GRASS

While she also has seven Australian Open titles on Melbourne's hardcourts, the 39-year-old is unrivalled on grass - she reached the finals in her last four Wimbledon.

"She has a lot of qualities to play well on grass and she has been playing extremely well on grass courts over her career. It's all about being ready and being able to stay healthy for two weeks and perform," said Frenchman Mouratoglou, who has coached Williams since 2012.

"For sure she can do it. I think she can do it anywhere but on grass, it's probably the surface that highlights her game the most. So that's where she's probably the most dangerous."

Despite her run to the fourth round of the French Open, Mouratoglou said Williams was not ready for the claycourt major but was "getting there" for Wimbledon where she is seeded sixth.

Following Roland Garros, Williams returned to Mouratoglou's academy in Nice to&nbsp;prepare and was joined by elder sister Venus, a five-time major champion on grass.

Mouratoglou said the focus was on improving on-court movement for Williams. She also attended the graduation of students at the academy and gave a&nbsp;speech&nbsp;to inspire them.

"Her life has changed a lot. She's become a mother," Mouratoglou said. "It's more about bringing back that process that makes her refuse to lose and when she refuses to lose, she simply doesn't lose."

Mouratoglou is also a mentor to 17-year-old American Coco Gauff, who took Wimbledon by storm in 2019 when she beat Venus Williams on her way to reaching the fourth round.

Gauff has climbed to world No. 23 in her nascent career and is a potential fourth-round opponent for Williams.

"She (Gauff) can improve almost everywhere which is great.&nbsp;She's shown how incredible she can be in the future," Mouratoglou said, adding that a Williams-Gauff meeting would be a "good problem" for him.

A diminished field of opponents at Wimbledon may make Serena Williams one of the favourites to win a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam, but her long-time coach believes the only important factor is her own performance.

A diminished field of opponents at Wimbledon may make Serena Williams one of the favourites to win a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam, but her long-time coach believes the only important factor is her own performance. Injury concern for top-ranked Ashleigh Barty and the absence of world No. 2 Naomi Osaka and No. 3 Simona Halep - who beat Williams in the last Wimbledon final - have given the American an ideal opportunity to match Margaret Court's record haul. But coach Patrick Mouratoglou said it was not about the opponents. "When Serena is (playing like) Serena, I don't know anyone that can stop her," he told Reuters. "When I say being herself, first it's being able to play at her level, and second, having the mindset that made Serena who she is," he added. "I respect the opponents. I'm just saying Serena is Serena. There is not one woman in the history of professional tennis that has a record like her ... When she thinks like Serena, when she processes like Serena, I don't think anyone can stop her." The All England Club's lush green courts are a happy hunting ground for Williams, who has lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish seven times and also won the 2012 Olympics gold medal there. SUPREME ON GRASS While she also has seven Australian Open titles on Melbourne's hardcourts, the 39-year-old is unrivalled on grass - she reached the finals in her last four Wimbledon. "She has a lot of qualities to play well on grass and she has been playing extremely well on grass courts over her career. It's all about being ready and being able to stay healthy for two weeks and perform," said Frenchman Mouratoglou, who has coached Williams since 2012. "For sure she can do it. I think she can do it anywhere but on grass, it's probably the surface that highlights her game the most. So that's where she's probably the most dangerous." Despite her run to the fourth round of the French Open, Mouratoglou said Williams was not ready for the claycourt major but was "getting there" for Wimbledon where she is seeded sixth. Following Roland Garros, Williams returned to Mouratoglou's academy in Nice to prepare and was joined by elder sister Venus, a five-time major champion on grass. Mouratoglou said the focus was on improving on-court movement for Williams. She also attended the graduation of students at the academy and gave a speech to inspire them. "Her life has changed a lot. She's become a mother," Mouratoglou said. "It's more about bringing back that process that makes her refuse to lose and when she refuses to lose, she simply doesn't lose." Mouratoglou is also a mentor to 17-year-old American Coco Gauff, who took Wimbledon by storm in 2019 when she beat Venus Williams on her way to reaching the fourth round. Gauff has climbed to world No. 23 in her nascent career and is a potential fourth-round opponent for Williams. "She (Gauff) can improve almost everywhere which is great. She's shown how incredible she can be in the future," Mouratoglou said, adding that a Williams-Gauff meeting would be a "good problem" for him.

Wimbledon 2021: Serena Williams unstoppable at her best, says coach Patrick Mouratoglou

Sunil Gavaskar has praised the effect Ravi Shastri has had on the Indian team. He marked India's head coach as an "incredible" coach with an "unbelievable" capacity to spur adolescents in any event, when everything is on the line.&nbsp;

Team India is presently overflowing with ability in all formats of the game. India displayed their humongous bench strength when they won the test series in Australia with a diminished side where various Indian adolescents punched well over their weight.&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar said there could be no more excellent man than Ravi Shastri to support growing ability.

"Ravi has got the ability to give so much confidence to youngsters, it's unbelievable if Ravi Shastri believes in their ability and talent, there is no better man than Ravi Shastri to give encouragement to&nbsp;youngsters. He will scold you, tell you off but at the same time, he will tell you what you can do to get better, he will actually demonstrate to you," Sunil Gavaskar said in a recent webinar during a book launch.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/didnt-know-how-to-face-my-teammates-andre-russell-on-staircase-moment-after-dismissal-vs-csk-379866" hreflang="en">Didn't know how to face my teammates: Andre Russell on staircase moment after dismissal vs CSK</a>

Ravi Shastri was appointed as the head coach in 2017 after Anil Kumble stepped down. Nonetheless, he has figured out how to prevail upon his faultfinders in the previous few years, and numerous specialists consider the current group as the best Indian side ever.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/starts-like-a-million-dollar-baby-but-goes-down-rapidly-samsons-form-leaves-gambhir-frustrated-379849" hreflang="en">'Starts like a million-dollar baby but goes down rapidly': Samson's form leaves Gambhir frustrated</a>

Sunil Gavaskar additionally spoke about the impact of bowling trainer Bharat Arun. Throughout the most recent couple of years, Team India has seen a great deal of ability come through in the quick bowling department, something that was truly a frail space in the past.

"You have Bharat, when you talk to some of the seam bowlers who did splendidly during the second half of the Australia tour, they are all full of praise for Bharat as to how he guided them. That's what these youngsters need to do. Spend as much time as possible with Ravi Shastri and Bharat Arun. There are no better persons than these two when you are having self-doubts." Sunil Gavaskar added. 
&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar has praised the effect Ravi Shastri has had on the Indian team. He marked India's head coach as an "incredible" coach with an "unbelievable" capacity to spur adolescents in any event, when everything is on the line.

Sunil Gavaskar has praised the effect Ravi Shastri has had on the Indian team. He marked India's head coach as an "incredible" coach with an "unbelievable" capacity to spur adolescents in any event, when everything is on the line. Team India is presently overflowing with ability in all formats of the game. India displayed their humongous bench strength when they won the test series in Australia with a diminished side where various Indian adolescents punched well over their weight. Sunil Gavaskar said there could be no more excellent man than Ravi Shastri to support growing ability. "Ravi has got the ability to give so much confidence to youngsters, it's unbelievable if Ravi Shastri believes in their ability and talent, there is no better man than Ravi Shastri to give encouragement to youngsters. He will scold you, tell you off but at the same time, he will tell you what you can do to get better, he will actually demonstrate to you," Sunil Gavaskar said in a recent webinar during a book launch. ALSO READ: Didn't know how to face my teammates: Andre Russell on staircase moment after dismissal vs CSK Ravi Shastri was appointed as the head coach in 2017 after Anil Kumble stepped down. Nonetheless, he has figured out how to prevail upon his faultfinders in the previous few years, and numerous specialists consider the current group as the best Indian side ever. ALSO READ: 'Starts like a million-dollar baby but goes down rapidly': Samson's form leaves Gambhir frustrated Sunil Gavaskar additionally spoke about the impact of bowling trainer Bharat Arun. Throughout the most recent couple of years, Team India has seen a great deal of ability come through in the quick bowling department, something that was truly a frail space in the past. "You have Bharat, when you talk to some of the seam bowlers who did splendidly during the second half of the Australia tour, they are all full of praise for Bharat as to how he guided them. That's what these youngsters need to do. Spend as much time as possible with Ravi Shastri and Bharat Arun. There are no better persons than these two when you are having self-doubts." Sunil Gavaskar added.

'It's unbelievable' - Sunil Gavaskar in awe of Ravi Shastri's man-management skills

German club Borussia Monchengladbach are set to name Xabi Alonso as their new manager, as per Bild's report.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/important-for-players-other-than-leo-to-score-goals-says-ronald-koeman-372245" hreflang="en">'Important for players other than Leo to score goals', says Ronald Koeman</a>

The club's current manager, Marco Rose, is heading to Borussia Dortmund this summers. The Spanish football legend is currently managing Real Sociedad's second team, which are currently leaders in the Spanish third division. He has been in the role since 2017.&nbsp;

Alonso, who played for several big clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, is well aware of the play in Bundesliga. He stayed with Bayern between 2014 and 2017.&nbsp;

Xabi Alonso is one of the most celebrated players in the world of football. The Spaniard was German champion three times with Bayern and won the Champions League with Liverpool and Real Madrid. He also celebrated a World Cup and two European Championship titles with his national team.

Alonso began his professional career in 2000 and retired in 2017. &nbsp;

German club Borussia Monchengladbach are set to name Xabi Alonso as their new manager, as per Bild's report. ALSO READ: 'Important for players other than Leo to score goals', says Ronald Koeman The club's current manager, Marco Rose, is heading to Borussia Dortmund this summers.

German club Borussia Monchengladbach are set to name Xabi Alonso as their new manager, as per Bild's report. ALSO READ: 'Important for players other than Leo to score goals', says Ronald Koeman The club's current manager, Marco Rose, is heading to Borussia Dortmund this summers. The Spanish football legend is currently managing Real Sociedad's second team, which are currently leaders in the Spanish third division. He has been in the role since 2017. Alonso, who played for several big clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, is well aware of the play in Bundesliga. He stayed with Bayern between 2014 and 2017. Xabi Alonso is one of the most celebrated players in the world of football. The Spaniard was German champion three times with Bayern and won the Champions League with Liverpool and Real Madrid. He also celebrated a World Cup and two European Championship titles with his national team. Alonso began his professional career in 2000 and retired in 2017.

Xabi Alonso to be named the new manager of Borussia Monchengladbach: Reports

Some 25,000 Argentine soccer fans on Sunday cheered the country's legendary World Cup winner Diego Maradona as he kicked off his new role as coach of the local club Gimnasia y Esgrima to revive the struggling team.

"We are going to get ahead together," the 58-year-old former striker told fans at a stadium in the city of La Plata just outside Buenos Aires on his first day of training with the team known as "El Lobo," or The Wolf.

Maradona, widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, was hired to turn around the fortunes of Gimnasia, which was formed in 1887 and has won just one professional title, the Copa Centenario, in 1993. It is now last in its division and is struggling not to slip into a lower category.

Some 500 limited-edition shirts with Maradona's former number 10 sold out in a few hours, the club said.

Since talks between Gimnasia and Maradona began, thousands of fans have lined up in front of the club's headquarters to register as members and to secure a spot in matches.

Maradona most recently coached in Mexico, where he led second division side Dorados of Sinaloa to two unsuccessful playoff appearances.

Some 25,000 Argentine soccer fans on Sunday cheered the country's legendary World Cup winner Diego Maradona as he kicked off his new role as coach of the local club Gimnasia y Esgrima to revive the struggling team.

Some 25,000 Argentine soccer fans on Sunday cheered the country's legendary World Cup winner Diego Maradona as he kicked off his new role as coach of the local club Gimnasia y Esgrima to revive the struggling team. "We are going to get ahead together," the 58-year-old former striker told fans at a stadium in the city of La Plata just outside Buenos Aires on his first day of training with the team known as "El Lobo," or The Wolf. Maradona, widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, was hired to turn around the fortunes of Gimnasia, which was formed in 1887 and has won just one professional title, the Copa Centenario, in 1993. It is now last in its division and is struggling not to slip into a lower category. Some 500 limited-edition shirts with Maradona's former number 10 sold out in a few hours, the club said. Since talks between Gimnasia and Maradona began, thousands of fans have lined up in front of the club's headquarters to register as members and to secure a spot in matches. Maradona most recently coached in Mexico, where he led second division side Dorados of Sinaloa to two unsuccessful playoff appearances.

Argentines welcome Maradona as coach of local club Gimnasia y Esgrima

Kriti Sanon is all set to turn heads at the New York Fashion Week. The actress who has created a niche for herself in Bollywood with her girl-next-door image will be seen at the prestigious event, which will commence from Friday.&nbsp; 
 
One of the most sought after fashion events in the world, the New York Fashion Week provides a platform to fashion designers to display their latest collections to the world. Several top-notch celebrities from around the globe are usually in attendance at the Week`s various shows. 
 
"I am looking forward to the trends that will be showcased on the runway as well as the creativity that these designers bring to the table. New York is one of the most cosmopolitan cities that bring together high-fashion and luxury to create styles which will be in vogue for the long run," said Kriti. 
 
The `Heropanti` actor is exhilarated to be a part of a globally renowned gathering where the stalwarts of the fashion industry come under one roof. She is representing the iconic US luxury brand, Coach.&nbsp;

Kriti Sanon is all set to turn heads at the New York Fashion Week. The actress who has created a niche for herself in Bollywood with her girl-next-door image will be seen at the prestigious event, which will commence from Friday.

Kriti Sanon is all set to turn heads at the New York Fashion Week. The actress who has created a niche for herself in Bollywood with her girl-next-door image will be seen at the prestigious event, which will commence from Friday. One of the most sought after fashion events in the world, the New York Fashion Week provides a platform to fashion designers to display their latest collections to the world. Several top-notch celebrities from around the globe are usually in attendance at the Week`s various shows. "I am looking forward to the trends that will be showcased on the runway as well as the creativity that these designers bring to the table. New York is one of the most cosmopolitan cities that bring together high-fashion and luxury to create styles which will be in vogue for the long run," said Kriti. The `Heropanti` actor is exhilarated to be a part of a globally renowned gathering where the stalwarts of the fashion industry come under one roof. She is representing the iconic US luxury brand, Coach.

Kriti Sanon to attend New York Fashion Week 2019

Misbah-ul-Haq was playing professional cricket barely five months ago but the former captain on Monday put his name in the hat to become Pakistan's head coach.

Misbah, Pakistan's most successful and longest-serving Test captain, retired from international cricket in 2017 after a distinguished career but played for Peshawar Zalmi in this year's Pakistan Super League Twenty20 tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) this month decided not to renew head coach Mickey Arthur's contract following the team's failure to reach the World Cup semi-finals.&nbsp;

"It has been interesting to see my name being mentioned as a future head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, but the fact is I only made the decision today," the 45-year-old Misbah said in a PCB statement.

"I am applying for the head coach's role fully aware that the competition will be tough as I envisage there will be a few more very competent and highly qualified people applying for one of the most challenging jobs in the game.

"I have to admit it is everyone's dream to coach Pakistan cricket team, which has tremendous potential to be a force to be reckoned with across all formats."

Misbah-ul-Haq was playing professional cricket barely five months ago but the former captain on Monday put his name in the hat to become Pakistan's head coach. Misbah, Pakistan's most successful and longest-serving Test captain, retired from international cricket in 2017 after a distinguished career but played for Peshawar Zalmi in this year's Pakistan Super League Twenty20 tournament.

Misbah-ul-Haq was playing professional cricket barely five months ago but the former captain on Monday put his name in the hat to become Pakistan's head coach. Misbah, Pakistan's most successful and longest-serving Test captain, retired from international cricket in 2017 after a distinguished career but played for Peshawar Zalmi in this year's Pakistan Super League Twenty20 tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) this month decided not to renew head coach Mickey Arthur's contract following the team's failure to reach the World Cup semi-finals. "It has been interesting to see my name being mentioned as a future head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, but the fact is I only made the decision today," the 45-year-old Misbah said in a PCB statement. "I am applying for the head coach's role fully aware that the competition will be tough as I envisage there will be a few more very competent and highly qualified people applying for one of the most challenging jobs in the game. "I have to admit it is everyone's dream to coach Pakistan cricket team, which has tremendous potential to be a force to be reckoned with across all formats."

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq applies for Pakistan head coach role

Around the time that news broke from inside the corridors of the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai that Sanjay Bangar had all but lost his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-opener-vikram-rathour-set-to-replace-sanjay-bangar-as-indias-batting-coach-244929">position of batting coach</a> of the Indian cricket team, visuals of Bangar on the balcony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound, Antigua were shown during the first Test against West Indies.

The former India allrounder sat between Bharat Arun and Ravi Shastri, India’s bowling coach and head coach respectively, each of whom have kept their jobs. Standing next to Shastri was India skipper Virat Kohli.

It is now known whether Bangar – who also serves as India’s assistant coach – knew at the time that he was, in all probability, out of a job come the end of India’s tour of the West Indies next month. The BCCI selection committee had unanimously chosen former India Test opener and national selector Vikram Rathour as the next batting coach of the national team. Only formalities remain to confirm Rathour, 50, as the man to coach India’s batsmen from the home series against South Africa in September until the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup.

Arun aside, the other specialist coach in the Indian team setup, fielding coach R Sridhar, also had his contract renewed for two years on Thursday.

That means that only Bangar lost his job.

When asked by reporters in Mumbai why Bangar, who has been with the Indian team as batting coach since 2014, when he joined Shastri, Arun and Sridhar in a clean-up job by the BCCI, the chief selector MSK Prasad did not provide a specific reason.

“In the last five years, there is definitely some amount of improvement. Looking ahead, with the Test Championship coming up and two T20 World Cups, we thought that there should be freshness in the department. That’s the reason why we went ahead with Vikram Rathour as first choice,” he said.

The obvious question is, was Bangar made the scapegoat for India’s batting frailties during the 2019 World Cup, which culminated in defeat to New Zealand in the semi-final?

The “freshness” in the batting theory, which Prasad touched upon but did not elaborate on, will not set well with everyone. Such decisions rarely do.

It can be argued that since Bangar, Arun and Sridhar all came on board together in 2014, under Shastri, why weren’t the other two assistant coaches removed from their roles?

CricketCountry has learnt that the decision to replace Bangar was taken because the selectors were in agreement that a new pair of eyes were needed on India’s current crop of batsmen. With regards to Arun, the overall feeling was that the rise of India’s fast bowlers since he took over as bowling coach augured extremely well and that relationship should be continued with. Indeed, there has never been a pace pool like Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav all in the same squad, and the success of these bowlers has helped India become No 1 in Tests.

India’s bowling unit is apparently closer to Arun than the batsmen are to Bangar, and there is a view within the management that coaching bowlers is more technical than coaching batsmen. Hence the decision to continue with the same rhythm in place.

In regards to Sridhar’s reappointment, the rising standards of India’s fielding – even though the team’s slip cordon in Tests has issues still – merited his continuation.

As it stands, India’s support staff will be finalised by the end of August but the catch is that Rathour has to declare any cases of a conflict of interest, otherwise Bangar will be re-appointed.

Rathour, who averaged 13.10 from six Tests and 49.66 from 146 first-class matches, had earlier this year been recommended to the BCCI by Rahul Dravid, the coach of India A and India Under-19s, who wanted the former Punjab batsman and qualified coach on board as a batting coach.

In February, Rathour was named as the batting coach of India A and U-19 teams and then in May, was roped in as the head coach of India A. But on both occasions, his appointment was cancelled by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) after the acting BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary sent a note of dissent citing the conflict of interest.

Rathour is the brother-in-law of Aashish Kapoor, the former India offspinner currently serving as chairman of India’s junior selection committee, and a cousin of Anurag Thakur, the former BCCI president and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association president. Rathour, after his Punjab career ended, played for Himachal Pradesh.

It is learnt that Rathour’s case was apparently pushed by for Anurag Thakur, because on paper the former India opener’s CV does not make for impressing reading even though he is a qualified coach. On Thursday, the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri dismissed any conflict of interest claims, as you would expect him to.

As with Indian cricket, nothing is straightforward and the fate of Bangar and Rathour is not decided.

For now, keep an eye on Bangar if you spot him on TV again during the ongoing Test series.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the <a href="https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/indias-batting-coach-vikram-rathour-over-sanjay-bangar-might-be-unanimous-but-its-not-straightforward-883102">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

Around the time that news broke from inside the corridors of the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai that Sanjay Bangar had all but lost his position of batting coach of the Indian cricket team, visuals of Bangar on the balcony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound, Antigua were shown during the first Test against West Indies.

Around the time that news broke from inside the corridors of the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai that Sanjay Bangar had all but lost his position of batting coach of the Indian cricket team, visuals of Bangar on the balcony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound, Antigua were shown during the first Test against West Indies. The former India allrounder sat between Bharat Arun and Ravi Shastri, India’s bowling coach and head coach respectively, each of whom have kept their jobs. Standing next to Shastri was India skipper Virat Kohli. It is now known whether Bangar – who also serves as India’s assistant coach – knew at the time that he was, in all probability, out of a job come the end of India’s tour of the West Indies next month. The BCCI selection committee had unanimously chosen former India Test opener and national selector Vikram Rathour as the next batting coach of the national team. Only formalities remain to confirm Rathour, 50, as the man to coach India’s batsmen from the home series against South Africa in September until the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. Arun aside, the other specialist coach in the Indian team setup, fielding coach R Sridhar, also had his contract renewed for two years on Thursday. That means that only Bangar lost his job. When asked by reporters in Mumbai why Bangar, who has been with the Indian team as batting coach since 2014, when he joined Shastri, Arun and Sridhar in a clean-up job by the BCCI, the chief selector MSK Prasad did not provide a specific reason. “In the last five years, there is definitely some amount of improvement. Looking ahead, with the Test Championship coming up and two T20 World Cups, we thought that there should be freshness in the department. That’s the reason why we went ahead with Vikram Rathour as first choice,” he said. The obvious question is, was Bangar made the scapegoat for India’s batting frailties during the 2019 World Cup, which culminated in defeat to New Zealand in the semi-final? The “freshness” in the batting theory, which Prasad touched upon but did not elaborate on, will not set well with everyone. Such decisions rarely do. It can be argued that since Bangar, Arun and Sridhar all came on board together in 2014, under Shastri, why weren’t the other two assistant coaches removed from their roles? CricketCountry has learnt that the decision to replace Bangar was taken because the selectors were in agreement that a new pair of eyes were needed on India’s current crop of batsmen. With regards to Arun, the overall feeling was that the rise of India’s fast bowlers since he took over as bowling coach augured extremely well and that relationship should be continued with. Indeed, there has never been a pace pool like Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav all in the same squad, and the success of these bowlers has helped India become No 1 in Tests. India’s bowling unit is apparently closer to Arun than the batsmen are to Bangar, and there is a view within the management that coaching bowlers is more technical than coaching batsmen. Hence the decision to continue with the same rhythm in place. In regards to Sridhar’s reappointment, the rising standards of India’s fielding – even though the team’s slip cordon in Tests has issues still – merited his continuation. As it stands, India’s support staff will be finalised by the end of August but the catch is that Rathour has to declare any cases of a conflict of interest, otherwise Bangar will be re-appointed. Rathour, who averaged 13.10 from six Tests and 49.66 from 146 first-class matches, had earlier this year been recommended to the BCCI by Rahul Dravid, the coach of India A and India Under-19s, who wanted the former Punjab batsman and qualified coach on board as a batting coach. In February, Rathour was named as the batting coach of India A and U-19 teams and then in May, was roped in as the head coach of India A. But on both occasions, his appointment was cancelled by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) after the acting BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary sent a note of dissent citing the conflict of interest. Rathour is the brother-in-law of Aashish Kapoor, the former India offspinner currently serving as chairman of India’s junior selection committee, and a cousin of Anurag Thakur, the former BCCI president and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association president. Rathour, after his Punjab career ended, played for Himachal Pradesh. It is learnt that Rathour’s case was apparently pushed by for Anurag Thakur, because on paper the former India opener’s CV does not make for impressing reading even though he is a qualified coach. On Thursday, the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri dismissed any conflict of interest claims, as you would expect him to. As with Indian cricket, nothing is straightforward and the fate of Bangar and Rathour is not decided. For now, keep an eye on Bangar if you spot him on TV again during the ongoing Test series. (This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India's batting coach: Vikram Rathour over Sanjay Bangar might be unanimous, but it's not straightforward

Austrian jewellery company Swarovski apologised Tuesday for "hurting the feelings" of Chinese people after calling Hong Kong a separate country on its website, becoming the latest luxury brand to come under fire in China. 
 
The apology from the jewellery brand came a day after several other luxury retailers apologised for mistakes in their labelling of the semi-autonomous cities of Hong Kong and Macau as well as the self-ruled island of Taiwan. 
 
Hong Kong has become a particularly sensitive subject for Beijing with the financial hub plunged into months of pro-democracy protests, and international brands have been caught in the crossfire. 
 
"We are extremely sorry for the Chinese people whose feelings have been hurt," the jewellery firm said in a statement on Tuesday. 
"Swarovski thanks the supervision of people from all walks of life and is willing to continue to build a harmonious society with the Chinese people."

The company also lost the support of their brand ambassador, Chinese actress Jiang Shuying, as the row deepened. 
 
Her agency said in a statement that they had sent a notice to Swarovski to terminate their cooperation as soon as possible. 
 
We "uphold the one-China principle and believe that our national sovereignty and territory integrity cannot be violated", the agency said.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1FPzRABoGy/" 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">Considering the recent happenings in China, Swarovski takes full responsibility and sincerely apologizes to the people of China, as well as to our collaborative partners and Brand Ambassador, Ms Jiang Shuying, who have been deeply disappointed due to misleading communication on China’s National Sovereignty. We have strengthened our global brand awareness and we will continue to review all our digital platforms globally to correct any inaccuracies. We abide by our commitment to act as a responsible corporate citizen, which has been embedded in the way we do business since the foundation of our company in 1895. In keeping with this tradition, Swarovski has always firmly respected China’s National Sovereignty and territorial integrity, providing the Chinese market with unified worldwide services and products. Swarovski will continue to support a harmonious society, together with the Chinese people.</a>

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Swarovski also faced anger online -- despite promising to "try our best to correct mistakes in the shortest time". 
 
"I won't buy it anymore. There's no personal preference in front of national sovereignty," one user wrote on the Twitter-like Weibo platform. 
 
"These foreign brands always say they firmly uphold China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. If you really mean it, such a thing would never occur," wrote another. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/luxury-brands-versace-coach-face-severe-backlash-in-china-for-their-t-shirts-242386">Versace, Coach,</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/coach-givenchy-in-hot-water-over-china-t-shirt-row-242581">Givenchy </a>all apologised this week for making perceived affronts to China's national sovereignty with T-shirts listing Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate countries. 
 
The row also cost them the support of their Chinese brand ambassadors as the companies scrambled to minimise any potential damage in the lucrative market. 
 
Versace's representative, actress Yang Mi, said she would stop collaborating with the fashion house, while Coach's ambassador, model Liu Wen, said she was terminating her work with the brand over its blunder. 
 
"I love my motherland, and resolutely defend China's national sovereignty!" she wrote on her official Weibo account. 
 
Jackson Yee, a hugely popular singer in boyband TFBoys, also pulled the plug on collaborating with Givenchy.

Austrian jewellery company Swarovski apologised Tuesday for "hurting the feelings" of Chinese people after calling Hong Kong a separate country on its website, becoming the latest luxury brand to come under fire in China.

Austrian jewellery company Swarovski apologised Tuesday for "hurting the feelings" of Chinese people after calling Hong Kong a separate country on its website, becoming the latest luxury brand to come under fire in China. The apology from the jewellery brand came a day after several other luxury retailers apologised for mistakes in their labelling of the semi-autonomous cities of Hong Kong and Macau as well as the self-ruled island of Taiwan. Hong Kong has become a particularly sensitive subject for Beijing with the financial hub plunged into months of pro-democracy protests, and international brands have been caught in the crossfire. "We are extremely sorry for the Chinese people whose feelings have been hurt," the jewellery firm said in a statement on Tuesday. "Swarovski thanks the supervision of people from all walks of life and is willing to continue to build a harmonious society with the Chinese people." The company also lost the support of their brand ambassador, Chinese actress Jiang Shuying, as the row deepened. Her agency said in a statement that they had sent a notice to Swarovski to terminate their cooperation as soon as possible. We "uphold the one-China principle and believe that our national sovereignty and territory integrity cannot be violated", the agency said. View this post on Instagram Considering the recent happenings in China, Swarovski takes full responsibility and sincerely apologizes to the people of China, as well as to our collaborative partners and Brand Ambassador, Ms Jiang Shuying, who have been deeply disappointed due to misleading communication on China’s National Sovereignty. We have strengthened our global brand awareness and we will continue to review all our digital platforms globally to correct any inaccuracies. We abide by our commitment to act as a responsible corporate citizen, which has been embedded in the way we do business since the foundation of our company in 1895. In keeping with this tradition, Swarovski has always firmly respected China’s National Sovereignty and territorial integrity, providing the Chinese market with unified worldwide services and products. Swarovski will continue to support a harmonious society, together with the Chinese people. A post shared by SWAROVSKI (@swarovski) on Aug 12, 2019 at 4:14pm PDT × Swarovski also faced anger online -- despite promising to "try our best to correct mistakes in the shortest time". "I won't buy it anymore. There's no personal preference in front of national sovereignty," one user wrote on the Twitter-like Weibo platform. "These foreign brands always say they firmly uphold China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. If you really mean it, such a thing would never occur," wrote another. Versace, Coach, and Givenchy all apologised this week for making perceived affronts to China's national sovereignty with T-shirts listing Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate countries. The row also cost them the support of their Chinese brand ambassadors as the companies scrambled to minimise any potential damage in the lucrative market. Versace's representative, actress Yang Mi, said she would stop collaborating with the fashion house, while Coach's ambassador, model Liu Wen, said she was terminating her work with the brand over its blunder. "I love my motherland, and resolutely defend China's national sovereignty!" she wrote on her official Weibo account. Jackson Yee, a hugely popular singer in boyband TFBoys, also pulled the plug on collaborating with Givenchy.

Swarovski latest luxury brand to apologise to China

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