On Monday (July 25), boxer Lovlina Borgohain made heads turn when the 24-year-old Olympic medallist claimed that her coach&nbsp;Sandhya Gurung was denied entry at the Commonwealth Games 2022 (CWG) village and got granted accreditation; denting his training and practice before the showpiece event in Birmingham which gets underway on July 29.

While&nbsp;The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stepped in and urged the Indian Olympic Association that accreditation be given to Lovlina's coach at the earliest, another Indian athlete has shared of not getting adequate help&nbsp;going into the marquee&nbsp;event. India's wrestler Bajrang Punia -- who claimed a bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 -- has come forward and slammed the officials for his physio's non-inclusion. He has pointed out that the IOA has not granted an United Kingdom (UK) visa to his physio, who was with him for training in the United States of America (USA) as well. In addition, Bajrang further exposed IOA officials' lacklustre approach by revealing that he has spoken to them, however,&nbsp;nothing has been done to solve the issue as yet.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-ministry-asks-ioa-to-grant-cwg-village-accreditation-for-boxer-lovlina-borogohains-coach-sources-500568">Sports Ministry asks IOA to grant CWG Village accreditation for boxer Lovlina Borgohain's coach: Sources</a>

<section>"The federation has arranged a UK visa for my physio and he is with me here in the US but I don’t know what will happen after that. He will travel with me to Birmingham but what is the point of having him if he is not given accreditation. He will not have access to venues,”&nbsp;Bajrang told&nbsp;Hindustan Times. "I have also spoken to IOA officials but so far nothing has happened," he added.</section>

It is to be noted that Bajrang will be stepping into the forthcoming CWG 2022 edition after having just recovered from a serious knee injury, including&nbsp;a lengthy rehabilitation process. However, the 28-year-old's&nbsp;personal coach Sujeet Mann is already part of the contingent that is set to fly to Birmingham.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopra-out-of-cwg22-after-stupendous-run-since-tokyo-2020-javelin-stars-misfortune-catches-up-500802">Neeraj Chopra out of CWG'22: After stupendous run since Tokyo 2020, javelin star's misfortune catches up</a>

Earlier today, the Indian contingent were dealt with a huge blow as javelin star Neeraj Chopra got ruled out of the&nbsp;quadrennial event due to a groin injury. Thus, the onus now firmly lies on the likes of Bajrang, Lovlina, PV Sindhu, India's hockey contingent, women's cricket team, etc.

On Monday (July 25), boxer Lovlina Borgohain made heads turn when the 24-year-old Olympic medallist claimed that her coach Sandhya Gurung was denied entry at the Commonwealth Games 2022 (CWG) village and got granted accreditation; denting his training and practice before the showpiece event in Birmingham which gets underway on July 29.

On Monday (July 25), boxer Lovlina Borgohain made heads turn when the 24-year-old Olympic medallist claimed that her coach Sandhya Gurung was denied entry at the Commonwealth Games 2022 (CWG) village and got granted accreditation; denting his training and practice before the showpiece event in Birmingham which gets underway on July 29. While The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stepped in and urged the Indian Olympic Association that accreditation be given to Lovlina's coach at the earliest, another Indian athlete has shared of not getting adequate help going into the marquee event. India's wrestler Bajrang Punia -- who claimed a bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 -- has come forward and slammed the officials for his physio's non-inclusion. He has pointed out that the IOA has not granted an United Kingdom (UK) visa to his physio, who was with him for training in the United States of America (USA) as well. In addition, Bajrang further exposed IOA officials' lacklustre approach by revealing that he has spoken to them, however, nothing has been done to solve the issue as yet. ALSO READ | Sports Ministry asks IOA to grant CWG Village accreditation for boxer Lovlina Borgohain's coach: Sources "The federation has arranged a UK visa for my physio and he is with me here in the US but I don’t know what will happen after that. He will travel with me to Birmingham but what is the point of having him if he is not given accreditation. He will not have access to venues,” Bajrang told Hindustan Times. "I have also spoken to IOA officials but so far nothing has happened," he added. It is to be noted that Bajrang will be stepping into the forthcoming CWG 2022 edition after having just recovered from a serious knee injury, including a lengthy rehabilitation process. However, the 28-year-old's personal coach Sujeet Mann is already part of the contingent that is set to fly to Birmingham. ALSO READ | Neeraj Chopra out of CWG'22: After stupendous run since Tokyo 2020, javelin star's misfortune catches up Earlier today, the Indian contingent were dealt with a huge blow as javelin star Neeraj Chopra got ruled out of the quadrennial event due to a groin injury. Thus, the onus now firmly lies on the likes of Bajrang, Lovlina, PV Sindhu, India's hockey contingent, women's cricket team, etc.

After Lovlina, Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia slams officials over his physio's non-inclusion for CWG 2022

On Tuesday (July 26), India&nbsp;dealt with a huge blow ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, from July 29. Neeraj Chopra, being&nbsp;touted as one of the strongest medal contenders for CWG 2022, got ruled out of the showpiece event due to a groin injury.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old Neeraj,&nbsp;the poster boy of Indian sports, suffered a groin injury during the men's javelin throw final&nbsp;in the World Athletics Championships, where he attained a&nbsp;silver medal win&nbsp;on Sunday (July 25).&nbsp;

Athletics Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla said in AFI's release, "Neeraj has said that since he is not 100 per cent fit to compete at the Commonwealth Games, he would not be the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the athletes’ parade in the opening ceremony,” Mr. Sumariwalla said. “Neeraj appeared to be struggling on Sunday during the finals at the World Championships. We are in constant touch with him to assist his recovery," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopra-set-to-miss-commonwealth-games-2022-due-to-injury-500733">Neeraj Chopra to miss Commonwealth Games 2022 due to injury</a>

With this interruption, Neeraj's golden run since Tokyo 2020 comes to a halt. The young superstar can be credited for making his countrymen fall in love with a new sport in javelin courtesy of&nbsp;his Tokyo Olympic blitz. Let's be honest, not many of us actually knew the basics of javelin before he recorded an 87.58m throw in Tokyo 2020 to return with&nbsp;a gold medal. While accolades, and praises followed suit from the highest dignitaries to a common man for Neeraj, the youngster remained focused and kept going ahead. As a result, his 2022 season was&nbsp;no less than a dream before the injury made its presence felt.&nbsp;

Neeraj ended the&nbsp;Paavo Nurmi Games, in Finland, achieving a new high. He&nbsp;set up a new national record&nbsp;and returned with a silver medal with a throw of 89.30 metres. In the&nbsp;Stockholm Diamond League, the javelin thrower once again garnered eyeballs by shattering the national record&nbsp;via&nbsp;a throw of 89.94 metres.&nbsp;

Next came the World Athletics Meet. By now, every Indian had googled the live telecast and streaming details for the qualifying as well as final round&nbsp;of the men's javelin throw event. Neeraj's success can be evident from the fact that he did the unthinkable by making&nbsp;a plethora of Indian sports fanatics wake up early on a Sunday morning -- for a non-cricket match -- to watch the final event. He didn't let their efforts go in vain as he returned with a silver medal with a historic throw of 88.13m in Eugene, Oregon.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-neeraj-chopras-historic-throw-as-he-becomes-2nd-indian-to-win-world-athletics-cship-medal-500155">WATCH: Neeraj Chopra's HISTORIC throw as he becomes 2nd Indian to win World Athletics C'ship medal</a>

Thus, javelin thrower Neeraj has made it a habit for his ardent Indian followers&nbsp;to know more about the sport while he continues to make giant strides by virtue of his consistency. Just when he was gearing up for CWG 2022, misfortune caught up with him. While many must have felt Neeraj is riding on the devil's own luck, his recent success is only a byproduct of his appetite for more glory and sheer hard work. Nonetheless, it seems&nbsp;bad luck decided to appear right before CWG'22.

Given Neeraj's fine form and hunger for consistency, only a stroke of rotten luck could've derailed his progress. While he needs nearly a month to recover, the Indian fans are disheartened and will spend the remaining week in disdain. However, the young star has just started his long journey at the highest level. Misfortunes and disappointments will join him but his zeal and temperament won't die down in years to come.

As the saying goes A wounded lion is more dangerous than a hungry one,&nbsp;expect Neeraj to bounce back in style and keep the Indian tricolour flying high as ever post his return. Surely, his comeback will be greater than the setback.

On Tuesday (July 26), India dealt with a huge blow ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, from July 29. Neeraj Chopra, being touted as one of the strongest medal contenders for CWG 2022, got ruled out of the showpiece event due to a groin injury.

On Tuesday (July 26), India dealt with a huge blow ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, from July 29. Neeraj Chopra, being touted as one of the strongest medal contenders for CWG 2022, got ruled out of the showpiece event due to a groin injury. The 24-year-old Neeraj, the poster boy of Indian sports, suffered a groin injury during the men's javelin throw final in the World Athletics Championships, where he attained a silver medal win on Sunday (July 25). Athletics Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla said in AFI's release, "Neeraj has said that since he is not 100 per cent fit to compete at the Commonwealth Games, he would not be the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the athletes’ parade in the opening ceremony,” Mr. Sumariwalla said. “Neeraj appeared to be struggling on Sunday during the finals at the World Championships. We are in constant touch with him to assist his recovery," he added. ALSO READ | Neeraj Chopra to miss Commonwealth Games 2022 due to injury With this interruption, Neeraj's golden run since Tokyo 2020 comes to a halt. The young superstar can be credited for making his countrymen fall in love with a new sport in javelin courtesy of his Tokyo Olympic blitz. Let's be honest, not many of us actually knew the basics of javelin before he recorded an 87.58m throw in Tokyo 2020 to return with a gold medal. While accolades, and praises followed suit from the highest dignitaries to a common man for Neeraj, the youngster remained focused and kept going ahead. As a result, his 2022 season was no less than a dream before the injury made its presence felt. Neeraj ended the Paavo Nurmi Games, in Finland, achieving a new high. He set up a new national record and returned with a silver medal with a throw of 89.30 metres. In the Stockholm Diamond League, the javelin thrower once again garnered eyeballs by shattering the national record via a throw of 89.94 metres. Next came the World Athletics Meet. By now, every Indian had googled the live telecast and streaming details for the qualifying as well as final round of the men's javelin throw event. Neeraj's success can be evident from the fact that he did the unthinkable by making a plethora of Indian sports fanatics wake up early on a Sunday morning -- for a non-cricket match -- to watch the final event. He didn't let their efforts go in vain as he returned with a silver medal with a historic throw of 88.13m in Eugene, Oregon. ALSO READ | WATCH: Neeraj Chopra's HISTORIC throw as he becomes 2nd Indian to win World Athletics C'ship medal Thus, javelin thrower Neeraj has made it a habit for his ardent Indian followers to know more about the sport while he continues to make giant strides by virtue of his consistency. Just when he was gearing up for CWG 2022, misfortune caught up with him. While many must have felt Neeraj is riding on the devil's own luck, his recent success is only a byproduct of his appetite for more glory and sheer hard work. Nonetheless, it seems bad luck decided to appear right before CWG'22. Given Neeraj's fine form and hunger for consistency, only a stroke of rotten luck could've derailed his progress. While he needs nearly a month to recover, the Indian fans are disheartened and will spend the remaining week in disdain. However, the young star has just started his long journey at the highest level. Misfortunes and disappointments will join him but his zeal and temperament won't die down in years to come. As the saying goes A wounded lion is more dangerous than a hungry one, expect Neeraj to bounce back in style and keep the Indian tricolour flying high as ever post his return. Surely, his comeback will be greater than the setback.

Neeraj Chopra out of CWG'22: After stupendous run since Tokyo 2020, javelin star's misfortune catches up

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced the qualification process for cricket, which makes a historic appearance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from 28 July to 8 August.

In what is seen as a huge opportunity to turbo-charge the growth of the game, and take it to new fans, women’s cricket will be a part of the Commonwealth Games for the first time ever, and it will only be the second time that cricket will feature in it after a men’s competition was part of the Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

The qualification process announced on Wednesday grants hosts England one spot while six other highest-ranked ICC Members in the&nbsp;CC Women’s T20I Team Rankings&nbsp;as of 1 April 2021 also qualify directly for the eight-team tournament, which will be held in a city that has an iconic cricket venue in Edgbaston.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-16-years-england-confirm-pakistan-tour-in-2021-343871" hreflang="en">First time in 16 years! England confirm Pakistan tour in 2021</a>

The remaining place will be allocated to the winner of a Commonwealth Games Qualifier, the format and details of which will be announced in due course. The deadline for the Qualifier is 31 January 2022.

Since athletes from the Caribbean will be representing their countries and not the West Indies (as they are affiliated with the ICC), the winner of a designated qualifying tournament will decide which country gets to compete if the West Indies get a slot.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin and ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney emphasized on the potential of cricket in the Commonwealth Games while captains of leading teams said they were thrilled at the prospect of women’s cricket featuring in the Games.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-new-official-kit-sponsor-for-indian-cricket-team-343735" hreflang="en">BCCI announces new official kit sponsor for Indian cricket team</a>

ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney:&nbsp;"Cricket at the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue to grow the women’s game globally. We are committed to accelerating this growth and maintaining the momentum we have created over the past few years, which most recently saw 86,174 fans packed into the MCG for the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020.

"I thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for their support and for making this possible. We share with them the vision of greater equality, fairness and opportunity in sport and I am sure Birmingham 2022 will go a long way towards us achieving our common objectives."

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin:&nbsp;"We are absolutely delighted to have women’s T20 cricket debut at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

"Cricket has always been one of the Commonwealth’s most popular sports and it is so special to have it back at our Games for the first time since the men’s competition at Kuala Lumpur 1998, where true greats of the game including Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Sachin Tendulkar were on show. Now is the turn of the women and I can’t wait to see the next generation of stars like Heather Knight, Harmanpreet Kaur and Meg Lanning take centre stage.

"Birmingham 2022 will be a fantastic showcase for the women’s game and the unveiling of the qualification criteria today is an exciting and important milestone as we head towards what will be a spectacular competition at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium."

ICC Women’s Cricket Manager Holly Colvin:&nbsp;"We have worked closely with the CGF and ICC Members over the last year to confirm the qualification process. It’s fantastic that we are supporting opportunities for a Caribbean island and Commonwealth countries ranked outside the top seven to have the chance to qualify for this momentous event. 
&nbsp; 
"It is a watershed moment for our sport as women’s cricket takes centre stage for the first time at the Commonwealth Games. It is a huge opportunity to show the skills, strength and talent of these female athletes to sports fans across the Commonwealth and attract a new audience to continue to break boundaries for a bright future. 
&nbsp; 
"It is hugely exciting for cricket to be a central part of the sports programme where more medals are awarded to female athletes.&nbsp;Cricket will be staged in the heart of Birmingham, which is a vibrant, diverse city with a strong passion for cricket. We expect nothing less from the crowd supporting the women’s teams at Edgbaston."

England captain Heather Knight:&nbsp;"It’s incredibly exciting that we’re going to be taking part in the Commonwealth Games on home soil. It’s an event I’ve often watched and I never really imagined I’d be taking part so it feels really special. 
&nbsp; 
"It’s another fantastic opportunity for the game of cricket, with coverage live on the BBC, and the chance to reach the thousands of fans who like attending multi-discipline events. 
&nbsp; 
"We can’t wait to be in Birmingham amongst all the other athletes, and we’re counting down towards 2022 – it’s going to be a huge year for us and for women’s cricket in general."

Australia captain Meg Lanning:&nbsp;"The women’s game has gone to another level over the past few years and its inclusion at the Commonwealth Games is a huge opportunity to take it further.

"The announcement of the schedule and qualifying process is an exciting milestone and one that will no doubt create plenty of excitement among players across the globe.

"Winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in front of a record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was absolutely incredible but we’re now looking to the future with some amazing events and challenges on the horizon including the Birmingham 2022&nbsp;Commonwealth Games."

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur:&nbsp;"The inclusion of cricket at the Commonwealth Games is huge for all players and the game in general.

"Representing your country in a multi-discipline event is a different challenge and with it comes the responsibility of being emissaries of the game since it can get us new followers and fans. 
&nbsp; 
"I hope to be there at the games and wish that it is a great success with some engrossing matches and high quality of cricket."

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced the qualification process for cricket, which makes a historic appearance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from 28 July to 8 August.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced the qualification process for cricket, which makes a historic appearance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from 28 July to 8 August. In what is seen as a huge opportunity to turbo-charge the growth of the game, and take it to new fans, women’s cricket will be a part of the Commonwealth Games for the first time ever, and it will only be the second time that cricket will feature in it after a men’s competition was part of the Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. The qualification process announced on Wednesday grants hosts England one spot while six other highest-ranked ICC Members in the CC Women’s T20I Team Rankings as of 1 April 2021 also qualify directly for the eight-team tournament, which will be held in a city that has an iconic cricket venue in Edgbaston. ALSO READ: First time in 16 years! England confirm Pakistan tour in 2021 The remaining place will be allocated to the winner of a Commonwealth Games Qualifier, the format and details of which will be announced in due course. The deadline for the Qualifier is 31 January 2022. Since athletes from the Caribbean will be representing their countries and not the West Indies (as they are affiliated with the ICC), the winner of a designated qualifying tournament will decide which country gets to compete if the West Indies get a slot. CGF President Dame Louise Martin and ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney emphasized on the potential of cricket in the Commonwealth Games while captains of leading teams said they were thrilled at the prospect of women’s cricket featuring in the Games. ALSO READ: BCCI announces new official kit sponsor for Indian cricket team ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney: "Cricket at the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue to grow the women’s game globally. We are committed to accelerating this growth and maintaining the momentum we have created over the past few years, which most recently saw 86,174 fans packed into the MCG for the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. "I thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for their support and for making this possible. We share with them the vision of greater equality, fairness and opportunity in sport and I am sure Birmingham 2022 will go a long way towards us achieving our common objectives." Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin: "We are absolutely delighted to have women’s T20 cricket debut at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. "Cricket has always been one of the Commonwealth’s most popular sports and it is so special to have it back at our Games for the first time since the men’s competition at Kuala Lumpur 1998, where true greats of the game including Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Sachin Tendulkar were on show. Now is the turn of the women and I can’t wait to see the next generation of stars like Heather Knight, Harmanpreet Kaur and Meg Lanning take centre stage. "Birmingham 2022 will be a fantastic showcase for the women’s game and the unveiling of the qualification criteria today is an exciting and important milestone as we head towards what will be a spectacular competition at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium." ICC Women’s Cricket Manager Holly Colvin: "We have worked closely with the CGF and ICC Members over the last year to confirm the qualification process. It’s fantastic that we are supporting opportunities for a Caribbean island and Commonwealth countries ranked outside the top seven to have the chance to qualify for this momentous event. "It is a watershed moment for our sport as women’s cricket takes centre stage for the first time at the Commonwealth Games. It is a huge opportunity to show the skills, strength and talent of these female athletes to sports fans across the Commonwealth and attract a new audience to continue to break boundaries for a bright future. "It is hugely exciting for cricket to be a central part of the sports programme where more medals are awarded to female athletes. Cricket will be staged in the heart of Birmingham, which is a vibrant, diverse city with a strong passion for cricket. We expect nothing less from the crowd supporting the women’s teams at Edgbaston." England captain Heather Knight: "It’s incredibly exciting that we’re going to be taking part in the Commonwealth Games on home soil. It’s an event I’ve often watched and I never really imagined I’d be taking part so it feels really special. "It’s another fantastic opportunity for the game of cricket, with coverage live on the BBC, and the chance to reach the thousands of fans who like attending multi-discipline events. "We can’t wait to be in Birmingham amongst all the other athletes, and we’re counting down towards 2022 – it’s going to be a huge year for us and for women’s cricket in general." Australia captain Meg Lanning: "The women’s game has gone to another level over the past few years and its inclusion at the Commonwealth Games is a huge opportunity to take it further. "The announcement of the schedule and qualifying process is an exciting milestone and one that will no doubt create plenty of excitement among players across the globe. "Winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in front of a record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was absolutely incredible but we’re now looking to the future with some amazing events and challenges on the horizon including the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games." India captain Harmanpreet Kaur: "The inclusion of cricket at the Commonwealth Games is huge for all players and the game in general. "Representing your country in a multi-discipline event is a different challenge and with it comes the responsibility of being emissaries of the game since it can get us new followers and fans. "I hope to be there at the games and wish that it is a great success with some engrossing matches and high quality of cricket."

Cricket in Commonwealth Games: ICC announces qualification process

India should pull out of the Commonwealth Games permanently because a lack of strong competition makes participation a waste of time and money, the country's Olympic chief Narinder Batra says.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has already threatened to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England due to the exclusion of shooting which supplied 16 of India's 66 medals at last year's event on Australia's Gold Coast, including seven golds.

"These Games have no standard. For me, these are a waste of time and money. We win 70 medals, 100 medals at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) while at the Olympics, we get stuck at two (medals)," IOA President Batra told the Indian Express newspaper in an interview published on Wednesday.

"That means the level of competition isn't high at CWG. It's not a ranking tournament either. So why waste time? We should rather go to better competitions and prepare for the Olympics."

Indian athletes managed just a silver and a bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016 but finished third in the medals table at the Commonwealth Games last year.

Without shooting, however, India would slip to anywhere between fifth and eighth place in 2022, according to IOA estimates.

India is relentlessly putting pressure on the Commonwealth Games Federation (CFG) to get shooting back on the roster in the 2022 CWG and the country's sports minister Kiren Rijiju has sought the intervention of the British government for its restoration.

CGF chief Louise Martin is set to meet Batra in the Indian capital on Nov. 14 and the IOA will discuss the matter before that to reach a consensus.

"I'm not in favour of the boycott. In sports, you never use the word boycott. My fundamental principle is either we withdraw permanently or go and compete," Batra said.

"We will have an internal discussion in IOA before the meeting (with CGF) on Nov. 14. I'll put up this suggestion in the IOA meeting and see if there is a consensus. We'll have political decisions as well.

The Commonwealth Games began in Hamilton, Canada in 1930.

"The entire Middle East does not compete in CWG. The USA doesn't either," Batra said. "As a sports administrator, it is my duty to make sure India has a strong team for the 2024, 2028, 2032 Olympics. We won't achieve that by competing at the CWG."

India should pull out of the Commonwealth Games permanently because a lack of strong competition makes participation a waste of time and money, the country's Olympic chief Narinder Batra says.

India should pull out of the Commonwealth Games permanently because a lack of strong competition makes participation a waste of time and money, the country's Olympic chief Narinder Batra says. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has already threatened to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England due to the exclusion of shooting which supplied 16 of India's 66 medals at last year's event on Australia's Gold Coast, including seven golds. "These Games have no standard. For me, these are a waste of time and money. We win 70 medals, 100 medals at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) while at the Olympics, we get stuck at two (medals)," IOA President Batra told the Indian Express newspaper in an interview published on Wednesday. "That means the level of competition isn't high at CWG. It's not a ranking tournament either. So why waste time? We should rather go to better competitions and prepare for the Olympics." Indian athletes managed just a silver and a bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016 but finished third in the medals table at the Commonwealth Games last year. Without shooting, however, India would slip to anywhere between fifth and eighth place in 2022, according to IOA estimates. India is relentlessly putting pressure on the Commonwealth Games Federation (CFG) to get shooting back on the roster in the 2022 CWG and the country's sports minister Kiren Rijiju has sought the intervention of the British government for its restoration. CGF chief Louise Martin is set to meet Batra in the Indian capital on Nov. 14 and the IOA will discuss the matter before that to reach a consensus. "I'm not in favour of the boycott. In sports, you never use the word boycott. My fundamental principle is either we withdraw permanently or go and compete," Batra said. "We will have an internal discussion in IOA before the meeting (with CGF) on Nov. 14. I'll put up this suggestion in the IOA meeting and see if there is a consensus. We'll have political decisions as well. The Commonwealth Games began in Hamilton, Canada in 1930. "The entire Middle East does not compete in CWG. The USA doesn't either," Batra said. "As a sports administrator, it is my duty to make sure India has a strong team for the 2024, 2028, 2032 Olympics. We won't achieve that by competing at the CWG."

Commonwealths a waste of time and money: India Olympic chief

Cricket is set to return to the Commonwealth Games after a 24-year absence with organisers confirming on Tuesday that the programme for Birmingham 2022 would include a women's Twenty20 tournament.

The T20 event is one of three new events added to the next edition of the Games, alongside Beach Volleyball and Para Table Tennis, but there was no room on the schedule for shooting.

Eight teams will take part in the game's shortest format, which will be held at Edgbaston, boosting the total number of medal events for women at Birmingham 2022 to 135 - two more than men in a first for a major multi-sport event.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement the sport's return to the Games was "a truly historic moment for women's cricket and for the global cricket community".

"Cricket's inclusion in an event with such a large global reach aligns perfectly with our plan to enable more women and girls to be inspired to get involved in cricket," England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Executive Tom Harrison said.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin welcomed the addition of all three sports to the 2022 programme.

"We are passionate advocates of women's sport and para-sport so I am thrilled we are able to make this special announcement today," she said.

The additions were also welcomed by Britain's sports minister Nigel Adams.

"It is the first time any major multi-sport competition has more medal events for women than men, and builds on the incredible growth of women's sport," Adams said.

"These additions are also a fantastic opportunity to increase the profile of para sport, and to showcase the city of Birmingham to a global audience."

Cricket's last appearance at the Games was at Kuala Lumpur in 1998, when a South African team featuring Jacques Kallis won the men's 50-over competition.

The next edition of the women's Cricket World Cup will be held in New Zealand in 2021 and the country's captain Amy Satterthwaite described the inclusion of the sport in the Birmingham programme as "a huge boost".

"Having the opportunity to play against countries we currently don't usually compete with will be unique and only a good thing for the growth of the game," Satterthwaite said.

The 2022 Games will take place from July 27 to Aug. 7 and involve 4,500 athletes competing across 19 sports.

Cricket is set to return to the Commonwealth Games after a 24-year absence with organisers confirming on Tuesday that the programme for Birmingham 2022 would include a women's Twenty20 tournament.

Cricket is set to return to the Commonwealth Games after a 24-year absence with organisers confirming on Tuesday that the programme for Birmingham 2022 would include a women's Twenty20 tournament. The T20 event is one of three new events added to the next edition of the Games, alongside Beach Volleyball and Para Table Tennis, but there was no room on the schedule for shooting. Eight teams will take part in the game's shortest format, which will be held at Edgbaston, boosting the total number of medal events for women at Birmingham 2022 to 135 - two more than men in a first for a major multi-sport event. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement the sport's return to the Games was "a truly historic moment for women's cricket and for the global cricket community". "Cricket's inclusion in an event with such a large global reach aligns perfectly with our plan to enable more women and girls to be inspired to get involved in cricket," England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Executive Tom Harrison said. Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin welcomed the addition of all three sports to the 2022 programme. "We are passionate advocates of women's sport and para-sport so I am thrilled we are able to make this special announcement today," she said. The additions were also welcomed by Britain's sports minister Nigel Adams. "It is the first time any major multi-sport competition has more medal events for women than men, and builds on the incredible growth of women's sport," Adams said. "These additions are also a fantastic opportunity to increase the profile of para sport, and to showcase the city of Birmingham to a global audience." Cricket's last appearance at the Games was at Kuala Lumpur in 1998, when a South African team featuring Jacques Kallis won the men's 50-over competition. The next edition of the women's Cricket World Cup will be held in New Zealand in 2021 and the country's captain Amy Satterthwaite described the inclusion of the sport in the Birmingham programme as "a huge boost". "Having the opportunity to play against countries we currently don't usually compete with will be unique and only a good thing for the growth of the game," Satterthwaite said. The 2022 Games will take place from July 27 to Aug. 7 and involve 4,500 athletes competing across 19 sports.

Women's T20 cricket added to 2022 Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Games chief Louise Martin said shooting will not be part of the 2022 edition in Birmingham despite a threat by India to boycott the entire event in protest.

Martin, the Commonwealth Games Federation president, told Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper that the decision to exclude shooting from the programme for the first time since 1974 had come down to a question of logistics.

Shooting has been a high-yielding discipline for India with shooters accounting for 16 of the country's 66 medals, including seven golds, at last year's Gold Coast Games.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narinder Batra suggested the country boycott the Birmingham Games in protest at the decision and last month sought approval from sports minister Kiren Rijiju for the move.

"A sport has to earn the right to be in the Games," Martin told the paper.

"Shooting has never been a compulsory sport. We have to work through it but shooting will not be in the Games. We have no space anymore."

The IOA could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Telegraph reported that Birmingham's offer to hold two shooting events had been turned down by International Shooting Sport Federation, which wanted a full programme.

The closest facility to Birmingham deemed capable by organisers of hosting a full shooting programme was in Bisley, Surrey, about 209 km (130 miles) away.

Martin, the report added, would try and meet officials on the Indian side and also intended to speak to Britain's sports minister, Nigel Adams.

Commonwealth Games chief Louise Martin said shooting will not be part of the 2022 edition in Birmingham despite a threat by India to boycott the entire event in protest.

Commonwealth Games chief Louise Martin said shooting will not be part of the 2022 edition in Birmingham despite a threat by India to boycott the entire event in protest. Martin, the Commonwealth Games Federation president, told Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper that the decision to exclude shooting from the programme for the first time since 1974 had come down to a question of logistics. Shooting has been a high-yielding discipline for India with shooters accounting for 16 of the country's 66 medals, including seven golds, at last year's Gold Coast Games. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narinder Batra suggested the country boycott the Birmingham Games in protest at the decision and last month sought approval from sports minister Kiren Rijiju for the move. "A sport has to earn the right to be in the Games," Martin told the paper. "Shooting has never been a compulsory sport. We have to work through it but shooting will not be in the Games. We have no space anymore." The IOA could not immediately be reached for comment. The Telegraph reported that Birmingham's offer to hold two shooting events had been turned down by International Shooting Sport Federation, which wanted a full programme. The closest facility to Birmingham deemed capable by organisers of hosting a full shooting programme was in Bisley, Surrey, about 209 km (130 miles) away. Martin, the report added, would try and meet officials on the Indian side and also intended to speak to Britain's sports minister, Nigel Adams.

Commonwealths firm on shooting exclusion despite India threat

Indian shooter Heena Sidhu on Sunday said that boycott is a strong word to use but if we do not stand for shooting today, it could happen to any other sports as well.

Her remarks came after Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra wrote to Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-firms-up-commonwealth-games-boycott-threats-over-shooting-exclusion-239030">urging him to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games</a> (CWG) in the UK due to the exclusion of shooting.

"I know boycott is a very strong word to use because for one sport we can not let others suffer. But at the same time, if we do not stand for shooting now, it could happen to some other sport," Sidhu told ANI.

"Last year when we came to know about shooting not there in CWG and our federation president was upset with it. He tried a lot to get shooting back in CWG," Sidhu added.

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Secretary Rajeev Bhatia and General Secretary DV Seetharama Rao on Sunday said the NRAI has faith in Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and will back whatever decision the IOA takes.

"I know he had tried a lot to get shooting back in CWG and at that time we were so angry and everybody was saying including the president he also said that I hope and urged the Indian government and the IOA to stand behind the shooting and if needed boycott the games," Sindhu said.

So at that time everybody had the same emotion because it was new news and unexpected, we have won so many medals and to come to know of like this," she added.

The 29-year-old Sidhu won the two medal in the 21st Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast, last year.

She first clinched silver in the women's 10m Air Pistol category before adding it with a gold in women's 25m air pistol event.

According to Sidhu, if shooting will be excluded from CWG it will affect the Indian ranking in the competition.

"It is not just about shooting it is about India's ranking in CWG. Our rank will be low if shooting will be removed and we are not worthy of that rank as we deserve more," Sidhu said.

In 2010 CWG, India had finished second in overall medals tally and total medals won in the shooting only were 30. In 2018, India had finished third with 16 medals in shooting.

"India is the country which always takes the biggest contingent for shooting in CWG. Even other countries are also suffering because of this and they want India to fight for it. India has the muscle for the shooting," Sidhu said.

She opined that England wants games which their people want to see on TV and for that they are backing women's cricket in CWG.

"At the same time England is bringing cricket in CWG and that too women's cricket and I do not know why did they not bring men's cricket. So, I personally feel that England is trying to bring games in CWG which their people like to watch on television. They do not want to spend money from where they do not get a return and you can not think like this in sports," Sidhu said.

"I would love it if people come to support us from other sports as well and we will be very thankful to them. It is also about sportsmanship as we all are from same fraternity," she concluded.

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 7 in 2022.&nbsp;

Indian shooter Heena Sidhu on Sunday said that boycott is a strong word to use but if we do not stand for shooting today, it could happen to any other sports as well.

Indian shooter Heena Sidhu on Sunday said that boycott is a strong word to use but if we do not stand for shooting today, it could happen to any other sports as well. Her remarks came after Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra wrote to Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju, urging him to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in the UK due to the exclusion of shooting. "I know boycott is a very strong word to use because for one sport we can not let others suffer. But at the same time, if we do not stand for shooting now, it could happen to some other sport," Sidhu told ANI. "Last year when we came to know about shooting not there in CWG and our federation president was upset with it. He tried a lot to get shooting back in CWG," Sidhu added. National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Secretary Rajeev Bhatia and General Secretary DV Seetharama Rao on Sunday said the NRAI has faith in Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and will back whatever decision the IOA takes. "I know he had tried a lot to get shooting back in CWG and at that time we were so angry and everybody was saying including the president he also said that I hope and urged the Indian government and the IOA to stand behind the shooting and if needed boycott the games," Sindhu said. So at that time everybody had the same emotion because it was new news and unexpected, we have won so many medals and to come to know of like this," she added. The 29-year-old Sidhu won the two medal in the 21st Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast, last year. She first clinched silver in the women's 10m Air Pistol category before adding it with a gold in women's 25m air pistol event. According to Sidhu, if shooting will be excluded from CWG it will affect the Indian ranking in the competition. "It is not just about shooting it is about India's ranking in CWG. Our rank will be low if shooting will be removed and we are not worthy of that rank as we deserve more," Sidhu said. In 2010 CWG, India had finished second in overall medals tally and total medals won in the shooting only were 30. In 2018, India had finished third with 16 medals in shooting. "India is the country which always takes the biggest contingent for shooting in CWG. Even other countries are also suffering because of this and they want India to fight for it. India has the muscle for the shooting," Sidhu said. She opined that England wants games which their people want to see on TV and for that they are backing women's cricket in CWG. "At the same time England is bringing cricket in CWG and that too women's cricket and I do not know why did they not bring men's cricket. So, I personally feel that England is trying to bring games in CWG which their people like to watch on television. They do not want to spend money from where they do not get a return and you can not think like this in sports," Sidhu said. "I would love it if people come to support us from other sports as well and we will be very thankful to them. It is also about sportsmanship as we all are from same fraternity," she concluded. Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 7 in 2022.

Boycott is strong word to use, says Heena Sidhu on 2022 CWG boycott plan

India's threat to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham over shooting's absence in the programme has intensified after the country's Olympic association sought approval from the sports ministry for such a move.

Media reports have cited a lack of suitable facilities as the reason behind Birmingham's decision to axe shooting which has featured at every Games since 1966, with the exception of Edinburgh in 1970.

After the decision was announced last year, the country's shooting federation suggested boycotting the Games which would not feature what has been a high-yielding discipline for India.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narinder Batra has written a letter to sports minister Kiren Rijiju seeking a meeting to explain the "proposed boycott".

"We want to express our protest by not taking part in 2022 CWG Games..." Batra wrote in his letter to the minister seen by Reuters.

"We have been noticing over a period of time that wherever India seems to be getting grip on the game and performing well... either the goal posts are shifted or rules are changed."

"We feel it is time for us in IOA/India to start asking tough questions and start taking tough positions," added Batra, also the president of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Indian shooters accounted for 16 of their 66 medals, including seven golds, at last year's Gold Coast Games where they finished third in the medals table.

In shooting's absence, India would slip to anywhere between fifth to eighth place in 2022, Batra wrote.

IOA have decided to boycott the General Assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) in Rwanda, also withdrawing candidatures of two of its officials from the September elections there.

CGF officials were not immediately available for comment.

India's threat to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham over shooting's absence in the programme has intensified after the country's Olympic association sought approval from the sports ministry for such a move.

India's threat to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham over shooting's absence in the programme has intensified after the country's Olympic association sought approval from the sports ministry for such a move. Media reports have cited a lack of suitable facilities as the reason behind Birmingham's decision to axe shooting which has featured at every Games since 1966, with the exception of Edinburgh in 1970. After the decision was announced last year, the country's shooting federation suggested boycotting the Games which would not feature what has been a high-yielding discipline for India. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narinder Batra has written a letter to sports minister Kiren Rijiju seeking a meeting to explain the "proposed boycott". "We want to express our protest by not taking part in 2022 CWG Games..." Batra wrote in his letter to the minister seen by Reuters. "We have been noticing over a period of time that wherever India seems to be getting grip on the game and performing well... either the goal posts are shifted or rules are changed." "We feel it is time for us in IOA/India to start asking tough questions and start taking tough positions," added Batra, also the president of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Indian shooters accounted for 16 of their 66 medals, including seven golds, at last year's Gold Coast Games where they finished third in the medals table. In shooting's absence, India would slip to anywhere between fifth to eighth place in 2022, Batra wrote. IOA have decided to boycott the General Assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) in Rwanda, also withdrawing candidatures of two of its officials from the September elections there. CGF officials were not immediately available for comment.

India firms up Commonwealth Games boycott threats over shooting exclusion

Star Indian wrestler <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=bajrang+punia">Bajrang Punia</a> on Saturday touched a new high in his career by achieving the number one rank in the world in the 65kg category.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old Bajrang, who has won five medals this season, including CWG and Asian Games gold and a silver at the World Championship, was placed atop the ranking table with 96 points in the UWW list.&nbsp;

It has turned out to be a remarkable season for Bajrang, who was also the only Indian grappler to be given a seeding at the Budapest World Championship.&nbsp;

Bajrang is comfortably leading the table and Cuban Alejandro Enrique Vlades Tobier is a distant second with 66 points. Bajrang had won a close semifinal against Tobier in the Budapest Worlds.&nbsp;

Russia's Akhmed Chakaev (62) is in third place and the new world champion Takuto Otoguro (56) is at number four, followed by Turkey's Selahattin Kilicsallayan (50).&nbsp;

Interestingly, Bajrang is the lone male Indian to figure in top-10 but the country has five female wrestlers who are in top-10 bracket in their respective categories.&nbsp;

Pooja Dhanda, who became only the fourth Indian woman to win a World Championship medal, is now ranked sixth in the women's 57kg with 52 points. She had taken a bronze.&nbsp;

Ritu Phogat completes the top-10 in the women's 50kg, with 33 points.

Sarita Mor is ranked seventh in 59kg with 29 points while Navjot Kaur (32) and Kiran (37) are ninth in 68kg and 76kg category respectively.

Star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia on Saturday touched a new high in his career by achieving the number one rank in the world in the 65kg category. The 24-year-old Bajrang, who has won five medals this season, including CWG and Asian Games gold and a silver at the World Championship, was placed atop the ranking table with 96 points in the UWW list.

Star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia on Saturday touched a new high in his career by achieving the number one rank in the world in the 65kg category. The 24-year-old Bajrang, who has won five medals this season, including CWG and Asian Games gold and a silver at the World Championship, was placed atop the ranking table with 96 points in the UWW list. It has turned out to be a remarkable season for Bajrang, who was also the only Indian grappler to be given a seeding at the Budapest World Championship. Bajrang is comfortably leading the table and Cuban Alejandro Enrique Vlades Tobier is a distant second with 66 points. Bajrang had won a close semifinal against Tobier in the Budapest Worlds. Russia's Akhmed Chakaev (62) is in third place and the new world champion Takuto Otoguro (56) is at number four, followed by Turkey's Selahattin Kilicsallayan (50). Interestingly, Bajrang is the lone male Indian to figure in top-10 but the country has five female wrestlers who are in top-10 bracket in their respective categories. Pooja Dhanda, who became only the fourth Indian woman to win a World Championship medal, is now ranked sixth in the women's 57kg with 52 points. She had taken a bronze. Ritu Phogat completes the top-10 in the women's 50kg, with 33 points. Sarita Mor is ranked seventh in 59kg with 29 points while Navjot Kaur (32) and Kiran (37) are ninth in 68kg and 76kg category respectively.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia becomes number one in world in 65kg

CWG Gold medalist weightlifter Sanjita Chanu has been&nbsp;tested positive for a banned substance and provisionally suspended for the same.

According to the official statement released by International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), she tested positive for testosterone.

"IWF reports that the sample of Ms. Sanjita Chamu KHUMUKCHAM (IND) has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for Testosterone (S1.1 Anabolic Agents). As a consequence, the Athlete is provisionally suspended in view of a potential anti-doping rule violation," said the official statement of International Weightlifting Federation.

Recently, Chanu won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) at Gold Coast in Australia.

24-year-old Sanjita Chanu lifted 192 kgs to clinch the gold at CWG&nbsp;Gold Coast.

CWG Gold medalist weightlifter Sanjita Chanu tests positive for a banned substance, provisionally suspended

CWG Gold medalist weightlifter Sanjita Chanu has been tested positive for a banned substance and provisionally suspended for the same. According to the official statement released by International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), she tested positive for testosterone. "IWF reports that the sample of Ms. Sanjita Chamu KHUMUKCHAM (IND) has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for Testosterone (S1.1 Anabolic Agents). As a consequence, the Athlete is provisionally suspended in view of a potential anti-doping rule violation," said the official statement of International Weightlifting Federation. Recently, Chanu won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) at Gold Coast in Australia. 24-year-old Sanjita Chanu lifted 192 kgs to clinch the gold at CWG Gold Coast.

CWG Gold medalist Sanjita Chanu fails dope test; suspended

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and felicitated the medal winners of recently concluded Commonwealth Games. India finished the Games with 66 medals, including 26 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals.

Indian contingent met the expectations of the nation and bettered their tally of medals from 2014 Glasgow Games.&nbsp;

On Monday, PM Modi congratulated the medal winners and also complimented those who could not win medals but had performed creditably.

The felicitation ceremony was held at PM's residence and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore was present at the event.

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Delhi: PM Narendra Modi interacted with medal winners of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a> at Lok Kalyan Marg. PM said that accomplishments in the sporting arena inspire everyone. <a href="https://t.co/plSGzKqv6Q">pic.twitter.com/plSGzKqv6Q</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/990882201553309696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While interacting with the players, PM Modi said, "Accomplishments in the sporting arena inspire everyone. Their sporting feats have raised India`s stature. Whenever an Indian sportsperson wins on the global sporting stage, it is the Indian flag that rises."

PM Modi gave the example of Mary Kom, five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist who clinched her first CWG gold medal in 45-48 kg boxing event.

He mentioned Pullela Gopichand, who is mentoring many badminton players after an immensely successful career as a player.

Modi said that besides talent, training, concentration and hard work, mental toughness was also important for sportspersons. In this context, he mentioned the benefits of yoga.

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Thank u so much for felicitating us sir .. <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> ...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a> ..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indianbadmintonteam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indianbadmintonteam</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/Je4aXrO7CP">pic.twitter.com/Je4aXrO7CP</a>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and congratulated the medal winners of recently concluded Commonwealth Games

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and felicitated the medal winners of recently concluded Commonwealth Games. India finished the Games with 66 medals, including 26 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals. Indian contingent met the expectations of the nation and bettered their tally of medals from 2014 Glasgow Games. On Monday, PM Modi congratulated the medal winners and also complimented those who could not win medals but had performed creditably. The felicitation ceremony was held at PM's residence and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore was present at the event. Delhi: PM Narendra Modi interacted with medal winners of #CommonwealthGames2018 at Lok Kalyan Marg. PM said that accomplishments in the sporting arena inspire everyone. pic.twitter.com/plSGzKqv6Q — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2018 × While interacting with the players, PM Modi said, "Accomplishments in the sporting arena inspire everyone. Their sporting feats have raised India`s stature. Whenever an Indian sportsperson wins on the global sporting stage, it is the Indian flag that rises." PM Modi gave the example of Mary Kom, five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist who clinched her first CWG gold medal in 45-48 kg boxing event. He mentioned Pullela Gopichand, who is mentoring many badminton players after an immensely successful career as a player. Modi said that besides talent, training, concentration and hard work, mental toughness was also important for sportspersons. In this context, he mentioned the benefits of yoga. Thank u so much for felicitating us sir .. @narendramodi @PMOIndia ...#CommonwealthGames2018 ..#Indianbadmintonteam ?? pic.twitter.com/Je4aXrO7CP — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) April 30, 2018 ×

PM Modi felicitates CWG medal winners, tells them benefits of yoga

India finished third at the recently concluded 21st Commonwealth Games with 66 medals, including 26 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals. There were many moments during&nbsp;the Games which will be cherished forever&nbsp;like Mary Kom, five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, won her first CWG medal by claiming gold in the women's 45-48kg boxing event and young champs like Anish, Mehuli and Manu Bhakar earned glory and made the nation proud.

However,&nbsp;shooters displayed an outstanding performance by bagging a total of 16 medals in different categories. 27 shooters took part in the event and clinched 16 medals out of which seven are gold.

Young shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the Commonwealth Games. In an exclusive interview with WION.com, Mehuli said, "I don't remember when was the last time I went to school."

With a smile on her face, she also said, "I am missing those (school) days but I wanted this life. I wanted&nbsp;to take part in all these competitions and I wanted all these things to happen."&nbsp;She further&nbsp;added that sports and&nbsp;success at the&nbsp;CWG has changed her life being a teenager.

Mehuli&nbsp;told WION.com about her preparations for CWG. She said,&nbsp;"It's about mental, technical and physical strength, so you have to work on these three things." She clearly mentioned that the performance is mainly depended on the mental, technical and physical strength of the athlete.

She also added, "I just go there to give my best and what I will get from there I don't think that." 17-year old shooting star&nbsp;feels, "It's about putting in the hard work and not thinking about the medals."

Another shooter, Heena Sidhu became the first Indian double medalist at the Commonwealth Games. She clinched gold in the women's 25m pistol (with a CWG record 38) and silver in the 10m air pistol. In an exclusive interaction with WION.com, she told about her ambition&nbsp;to take on world champions in the future events.

Heena said that practice and hard work&nbsp;are the most necessary elements&nbsp;before entering such big events. She further added, "We realise our mistakes from every match and we work on it and we hope that in next match we will be able to deliver better results."

Heena revealed her plans to take on the world champions and said she is "working on it," she further added, "It is about how you are improving every day, and if you are improving every day it means you are on the right track."

She also mentioned, "With all these medals we now feel confident in going into an important year with ASIAN games and World Championship."

Confident double medallist Heena said, "We have learned a lot of lessons, we have done few things right and few things wrong and as an athlete, we know where we went wrong."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/cwg-2018:-meet-gold-medallists-of-india-130569#photo-130566">In photos: Meet India's CWG gold medallists</a>

The shooting contingent stole the show by creating some game records. Sanjeev Rajput, who won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record said, " changing colour of the medal was the motive."

He talked about the struggles that he had made since 2006 when won the bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle Prone at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Also at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sanjeev won a silver medal.

He also mentioned how he prepared to convert his bronze medal to silver and silver&nbsp;to gold.&nbsp;

Here is the video, watch it again:

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&nbsp;

17-year-old shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 21st Commonwealth Games

India finished third at the recently concluded 21st Commonwealth Games with 66 medals, including 26 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals. There were many moments during the Games which will be cherished forever like Mary Kom, five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, won her first CWG medal by claiming gold in the women's 45-48kg boxing event and young champs like Anish, Mehuli and Manu Bhakar earned glory and made the nation proud. However, shooters displayed an outstanding performance by bagging a total of 16 medals in different categories. 27 shooters took part in the event and clinched 16 medals out of which seven are gold. Young shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the Commonwealth Games. In an exclusive interview with WION.com, Mehuli said, "I don't remember when was the last time I went to school." With a smile on her face, she also said, "I am missing those (school) days but I wanted this life. I wanted to take part in all these competitions and I wanted all these things to happen." She further added that sports and success at the CWG has changed her life being a teenager. Mehuli told WION.com about her preparations for CWG. She said, "It's about mental, technical and physical strength, so you have to work on these three things." She clearly mentioned that the performance is mainly depended on the mental, technical and physical strength of the athlete. She also added, "I just go there to give my best and what I will get from there I don't think that." 17-year old shooting star feels, "It's about putting in the hard work and not thinking about the medals." Another shooter, Heena Sidhu became the first Indian double medalist at the Commonwealth Games. She clinched gold in the women's 25m pistol (with a CWG record 38) and silver in the 10m air pistol. In an exclusive interaction with WION.com, she told about her ambition to take on world champions in the future events. Heena said that practice and hard work are the most necessary elements before entering such big events. She further added, "We realise our mistakes from every match and we work on it and we hope that in next match we will be able to deliver better results." Heena revealed her plans to take on the world champions and said she is "working on it," she further added, "It is about how you are improving every day, and if you are improving every day it means you are on the right track." She also mentioned, "With all these medals we now feel confident in going into an important year with ASIAN games and World Championship." Confident double medallist Heena said, "We have learned a lot of lessons, we have done few things right and few things wrong and as an athlete, we know where we went wrong." In photos: Meet India's CWG gold medallists The shooting contingent stole the show by creating some game records. Sanjeev Rajput, who won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record said, " changing colour of the medal was the motive." He talked about the struggles that he had made since 2006 when won the bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle Prone at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Also at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sanjeev won a silver medal. He also mentioned how he prepared to convert his bronze medal to silver and silver to gold. Here is the video, watch it again: ×

Commonwealth Games: India's champion shooters speak to WION

Manu Bhaker clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event after she shot a qualifying CWG record score of 388/400 in her first appearance at the Games.

Bhaker was recently invited to a felicitation ceremony in Haryana and was insulted there. The images from the event clearly displayed that she was made sit on the floor.

Recently, Manu Bhaker made it absolutely clear that she made the gesture of sitting on the floor on her own. While interacting with media, she said that few elders were present at the event so she offered her seat to them and preferred to sit on the floor.

"During the felicitation ceremony, I sat on the ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on the ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker," said CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker.

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During the felicitation ceremony I sat on ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker, gold medal winner at Commonwealth Games 2018 on felicitation ceremony incident <a href="https://t.co/pqjyY0kSEm">pic.twitter.com/pqjyY0kSEm</a>
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Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat who won silver in women's freestyle 50 kg and Babita Kumari who bagged silver medal in women's freestyle 62 kg were also invited to the ceremony. The event was organised by Phogat Khap in the town of Charkhi Dadri.

Manu Bhaker said that few elders were present at the event so she offered her seat to them and preferred to sit on the floor

Manu Bhaker clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event after she shot a qualifying CWG record score of 388/400 in her first appearance at the Games. Bhaker was recently invited to a felicitation ceremony in Haryana and was insulted there. The images from the event clearly displayed that she was made sit on the floor. Recently, Manu Bhaker made it absolutely clear that she made the gesture of sitting on the floor on her own. While interacting with media, she said that few elders were present at the event so she offered her seat to them and preferred to sit on the floor. "During the felicitation ceremony, I sat on the ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on the ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker," said CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker. During the felicitation ceremony I sat on ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker, gold medal winner at Commonwealth Games 2018 on felicitation ceremony incident pic.twitter.com/pqjyY0kSEm — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat who won silver in women's freestyle 50 kg and Babita Kumari who bagged silver medal in women's freestyle 62 kg were also invited to the ceremony. The event was organised by Phogat Khap in the town of Charkhi Dadri.

Not insulted, I sat on the ground on my own: CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker

India may have finished 3rd in the 21st Commonwealth Games but it finished way behind hosts Australia who seized 80 gold medals bagging 198 medals to finish on top.

The Commonwealth though does not have a "world standing" since only countries who were once the colony of Her Majesty take&nbsppart in the event, there is, of course, no China or US to threaten the top contenders.

The Commonwealth Games actually came into existence in the 1930s, it was aptly titled "British Empire Games", post-1950 it was called &nbspBritish Empire and Commonwealth Games, later in the 1970s British Empire was dropped and it was called "Commonwealth Games".

The former "colonies" take great pride in participating in the Games. There are over 70 countries which participate in the Games.

India, Australia and England mostly top the medals tally in most games, however, a look at India's performance in the Olympics is an altogether different story.

The Indian contingent is happy with 26 golds with sports analysts calling it a "gold rush" and gushing over how the team has topped its previous tally at Glasgow. However, in the rush to prove its credentials it must be noted that the Indian hockey team - both men & women- failed to win a single medal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-finish-with-66-medals-including-26-gold-at-21st-commonwealth-games--130531">Commonwealth Games: India finish third with 26 gold medals</a>

In shooting, India has been faring poorly against the Chinese at the Olympics(barring Abhinav Bindra's gold medal exploits at London in 2008).

With just two years to go for the Olympics in Russia, India must get over its "gold haze" quickly if it wants to challenge the best in the world.

A point to be noted: India's total medals tally is 66, Australia meanwhile has won 80 golds in all, a startling fact which best exemplifies how far the Indian team has fallen behind in world sports.

Add to this 2 Indian athletes were embroiled in the "no needle" policy and were sent back home embarrassing the Indian contingent.

It is time India looks beyond "Commonwealth" and devises a policy to win at the "real" game because the Empire no longer exists and the sun has set over the British long time ago, Brexit notwithstanding!

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp

India may have finished 3rd in the 21st Commonwealth Games but it finished way behind hosts Australia who seized 80 gold medals bagging 198 medals to finish on top

India may have finished 3rd in the 21st Commonwealth Games but it finished way behind hosts Australia who seized 80 gold medals bagging 198 medals to finish on top. The Commonwealth though does not have a "world standing" since only countries who were once the colony of Her Majesty take&nbsppart in the event, there is, of course, no China or US to threaten the top contenders. The Commonwealth Games actually came into existence in the 1930s, it was aptly titled "British Empire Games", post-1950 it was called &nbspBritish Empire and Commonwealth Games, later in the 1970s British Empire was dropped and it was called "Commonwealth Games". The former "colonies" take great pride in participating in the Games. There are over 70 countries which participate in the Games. India, Australia and England mostly top the medals tally in most games, however, a look at India's performance in the Olympics is an altogether different story. The Indian contingent is happy with 26 golds with sports analysts calling it a "gold rush" and gushing over how the team has topped its previous tally at Glasgow. However, in the rush to prove its credentials it must be noted that the Indian hockey team - both men & women- failed to win a single medal. Commonwealth Games: India finish third with 26 gold medals In shooting, India has been faring poorly against the Chinese at the Olympics(barring Abhinav Bindra's gold medal exploits at London in 2008). With just two years to go for the Olympics in Russia, India must get over its "gold haze" quickly if it wants to challenge the best in the world. A point to be noted: India's total medals tally is 66, Australia meanwhile has won 80 golds in all, a startling fact which best exemplifies how far the Indian team has fallen behind in world sports. Add to this 2 Indian athletes were embroiled in the "no needle" policy and were sent back home embarrassing the Indian contingent. It is time India looks beyond "Commonwealth" and devises a policy to win at the "real" game because the Empire no longer exists and the sun has set over the British long time ago, Brexit notwithstanding! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: India should look beyond 'British Empire Games' to achieve greatness in sport

Inducted into the Indian table tennis team at the last moment, Sanil Shetty bagged a bronze in men's doubles event at the Commonwealth Games and described it as "most memorable".

"This medal will be my most memorable medal because if you win you (are) there on the podium but if you lose its nothing... So it was do or die situation for me and Harmeet (Desai)... And we did what was exactly needed to win that bronze medal," Shetty told PTI in a message.

Harmeet and Shetty sailed past Singapore's Poh Shao Feng Ethan and Pang Yew En Koen 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10) in the bronze medal match.

"I'm really happy to add this extra medal in the Indian medal tally and to come back to India with 2 medals, a gold and a bronze," Shetty added.

Shetty was inducted in the team in place of Soumyajit Ghosh.

He was also part of the Indian men's Table team which bagged the gold medal in the CWG after they outclassed Nigeria 3-0 in the final.

"Really big thanks to TTFI (Table Tennis Federation of India),SAI (Sports Authority of India), our coach and the supporting staff," he signed off.

Sanil Shetty bagged a bronze in men's doubles event

Inducted into the Indian table tennis team at the last moment, Sanil Shetty bagged a bronze in men's doubles event at the Commonwealth Games and described it as "most memorable". "This medal will be my most memorable medal because if you win you (are) there on the podium but if you lose its nothing... So it was do or die situation for me and Harmeet (Desai)... And we did what was exactly needed to win that bronze medal," Shetty told PTI in a message. Harmeet and Shetty sailed past Singapore's Poh Shao Feng Ethan and Pang Yew En Koen 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10) in the bronze medal match. "I'm really happy to add this extra medal in the Indian medal tally and to come back to India with 2 medals, a gold and a bronze," Shetty added. Shetty was inducted in the team in place of Soumyajit Ghosh. He was also part of the Indian men's Table team which bagged the gold medal in the CWG after they outclassed Nigeria 3-0 in the final. "Really big thanks to TTFI (Table Tennis Federation of India),SAI (Sports Authority of India), our coach and the supporting staff," he signed off.

CWG medal most memorable: Paddler Sanil Shetty

Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes that shooting for commercials is a bit boring but "shooting gun is so much more fun." In his recent Instagram post, he was found shooting point-blank at the shooting range.

He shared the video on Instagram with the caption, "Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads."

It seems that Chennai's skipper Dhoni is still under the influence of 21st Commonwealth Games that summarised on April 15, Sunday in which Indian shooters made the nation proud by bagging 16 medals&nbsp;including seven gold medals, four silver and five bronze medals in different shooting categories.

India finished third at the recently concluded 21st Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia with a total of 66 medals.

Watch here the video where MS Dhoni is practicing at the shooting range:

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<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhiw-D9n4wW/" 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">Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2018-04-14T07:55:03+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 14, 2018 at 12:55am PDT</time>
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During his hectic schedule of Indian Premier League, Dhoni has taken out time for his love for army and guns.

Recently, Colonel (Hony) Dhoni received Padma Bhushan award in his territorial army uniform.

After receiving the award he posted on Instagram, "An honour to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds.thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights.Jai Hind."

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<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhGTXC-nhqJ/" 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">An honour to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds.thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights.Jai Hind</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2018-04-03T06:36:52+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 2, 2018 at 11:36pm PDT</time>
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Till now, Chennai has managed to win both its previous matches against Mumbai and Kolkata.&nbsp;

MS Dhoni believes that shooting for commercials is a bit boring but "shooting gun is so much more fun

Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes that shooting for commercials is a bit boring but "shooting gun is so much more fun." In his recent Instagram post, he was found shooting point-blank at the shooting range. He shared the video on Instagram with the caption, "Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads." It seems that Chennai's skipper Dhoni is still under the influence of 21st Commonwealth Games that summarised on April 15, Sunday in which Indian shooters made the nation proud by bagging 16 medals including seven gold medals, four silver and five bronze medals in different shooting categories. India finished third at the recently concluded 21st Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia with a total of 66 medals. Watch here the video where MS Dhoni is practicing at the shooting range: Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Apr 14, 2018 at 12:55am PDT × During his hectic schedule of Indian Premier League, Dhoni has taken out time for his love for army and guns. Recently, Colonel (Hony) Dhoni received Padma Bhushan award in his territorial army uniform. After receiving the award he posted on Instagram, "An honour to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds.thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights.Jai Hind." An honour to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds.thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights.Jai Hind A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Apr 2, 2018 at 11:36pm PDT × Till now, Chennai has managed to win both its previous matches against Mumbai and Kolkata.

CWG fever grips Dhoni, says, 'shooting gun is so much more fun...'

Indian wrestler Sumit Malik won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 125 kg category as his opponent, Sinivie Boltic of Nigeria was ruled out of the final due to an injury at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday.

Among others, Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik went down to Aminat Adeniyi of Nigeria 3-6 in a nervous bout to end her golden dreams. She will try for bronze now also Vinesh Phogat defeated Rupinder Kaur of Australia in the 50kg freestyle to enter final.

Somveer defeated Australia's Jayden Lawrence 7-0 for a victory by fall in the 86kg freestyle to set up a clash for the bronze medal.

India so far India has claimed total 59 medal, 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals.

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Wrestling wins the nation another Gold ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SumitMalik?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SumitMalik</a> claimed Gold in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CG2018Wrestling?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CG2018Wrestling</a> Men's Freestyle 125 kg bout against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SinivieBoltic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SinivieBoltic</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamNigeria?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamNigeria</a>! Sumit earlier bt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TayabRaza?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TayabRaza</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamPakistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamPakistan</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoreyJarvis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoreyJarvis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamCanada?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamCanada</a> on his way to the Finals!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congratulations?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congratulations</a> Sumit!! <a href="https://t.co/KZJpSfXZuI">pic.twitter.com/KZJpSfXZuI</a>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/985068520919764992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On his way to the final bout, he defeated Pakistan's Tayab Raza 10-4. Also, he made an incredible comeback to win this bout against Korey Jarvis of Canada.

Initially, he was lagging 0-2 behind but then he came from behind to draw 3-3 with Jarvis and in the end, he flipped Jarvis to win 6-4 in the end.

<img alt="PTI4_14_2018_000082B.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/PTI4_14_2018_000082B.jpg" width="770" />

Indian wrestler Sumit Malik won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 125 kg category

Indian wrestler Sumit Malik won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 125 kg category as his opponent, Sinivie Boltic of Nigeria was ruled out of the final due to an injury at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday. Among others, Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik went down to Aminat Adeniyi of Nigeria 3-6 in a nervous bout to end her golden dreams. She will try for bronze now also Vinesh Phogat defeated Rupinder Kaur of Australia in the 50kg freestyle to enter final. Somveer defeated Australia's Jayden Lawrence 7-0 for a victory by fall in the 86kg freestyle to set up a clash for the bronze medal. India so far India has claimed total 59 medal, 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals. Wrestling wins the nation another Gold ?#SumitMalik claimed Gold in #CG2018Wrestling Men's Freestyle 125 kg bout against #SinivieBoltic of #TeamNigeria! Sumit earlier bt #TayabRaza of #TeamPakistan & #KoreyJarvis #TeamCanada on his way to the Finals!#Congratulations Sumit!! pic.twitter.com/KZJpSfXZuI — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 14, 2018 × On his way to the final bout, he defeated Pakistan's Tayab Raza 10-4. Also, he made an incredible comeback to win this bout against Korey Jarvis of Canada. Initially, he was lagging 0-2 behind but then he came from behind to draw 3-3 with Jarvis and in the end, he flipped Jarvis to win 6-4 in the end.

CWG 2018: Wrestler Sumit Malik wins gold in 125kg category

Sanjeev Rajput won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record at the 21st Commonwealth Games here today, swelling the Indian shooting team's tally in the mega event.

The 37-year-old Rajput shot 454.5 to bag the top prize after topping the qualification stage with 1180 points at the Belmont Shooting Centre.

Chain Singh, the other Indian shooter in the fray, finished fifth with 419.1.

In the qualification, Rajput scored 391 in kneeling, 399 in prone and 390 in standing, while Chain Singh, who was placed second, shot 389 398 and 379 for a cumulative score of 1166. In prone Rajput shot three 100s and a 99.

<img alt="AP4_14_2018_000005B_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/AP4_14_2018_000005B_0.jpg" width="770" />

Canada's Grzegorz Sych clinched the silver medal with 448.4, while Dean Bale of England bagged the bronze with 441.2.

Rajput has previously won a silver in the same event at the 2014 Glasgow Games and was a bronze medal winner in the 2006 edition of the Games held in Melbourne.

This is the first gold medal in CWG and third overall in these Games.

Sanjeev Rajput won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record at the 21st Commonwealth Games

Sanjeev Rajput won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record at the 21st Commonwealth Games here today, swelling the Indian shooting team's tally in the mega event. The 37-year-old Rajput shot 454.5 to bag the top prize after topping the qualification stage with 1180 points at the Belmont Shooting Centre. Chain Singh, the other Indian shooter in the fray, finished fifth with 419.1. In the qualification, Rajput scored 391 in kneeling, 399 in prone and 390 in standing, while Chain Singh, who was placed second, shot 389 398 and 379 for a cumulative score of 1166. In prone Rajput shot three 100s and a 99. Canada's Grzegorz Sych clinched the silver medal with 448.4, while Dean Bale of England bagged the bronze with 441.2. Rajput has previously won a silver in the same event at the 2014 Glasgow Games and was a bronze medal winner in the 2006 edition of the Games held in Melbourne. This is the first gold medal in CWG and third overall in these Games.

CWG 2018: Sanjeev Rajput clinches gold in 50m rifle 3 positions

Achanta Sharath and Gnanasekaran Sathiyan settled for a silver medal after losing to England's Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford 2-3 (5-11, 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 8-11) in the finals of men's&nbsp;doubles table tennis match at the 21st Commonwealth Games&nbsp;on Saturday.&nbsp;

The duo made several errors while serving also Sharath missed a few regulation shots that resulted in their loss.

Another duo Harmeet Desai and Sanil Shankar Shetty bagged the bronze medal in the same competition. The duo outplayed Singapore's Pang Yew En Koen and Poh Shao Feng Ethan 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10)&nbsp;

India so far India has claimed total 59 medal, 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals.

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V for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Victory?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Victory</a> , B for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bronze?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bronze</a> ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheers</a> to the Men's Doubles pair of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarmeetDesai?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarmeetDesai</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanilShetty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanilShetty</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> to have kept their nerves and held on to the Bronze medal victory they truly deserved in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018TableTennis</a> match! What a match boys..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congratulations?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congratulations</a> ??✌ <a href="https://t.co/Zs3uBLSagd">pic.twitter.com/Zs3uBLSagd</a>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/985124341993082880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Achanta Sharath and Gnanasekaran Sathiyan settled for a silver medal after losing to England's Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford in the finals of men's table tennis match

Achanta Sharath and Gnanasekaran Sathiyan settled for a silver medal after losing to England's Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford 2-3 (5-11, 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 8-11) in the finals of men's doubles table tennis match at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday. The duo made several errors while serving also Sharath missed a few regulation shots that resulted in their loss. Another duo Harmeet Desai and Sanil Shankar Shetty bagged the bronze medal in the same competition. The duo outplayed Singapore's Pang Yew En Koen and Poh Shao Feng Ethan 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10) India so far India has claimed total 59 medal, 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals. V for #Victory , B for #Bronze ?#Cheers to the Men's Doubles pair of #HarmeetDesai & #SanilShetty of #TeamIndia to have kept their nerves and held on to the Bronze medal victory they truly deserved in their #GC2018TableTennis match! What a match boys..#Congratulations ??✌ pic.twitter.com/Zs3uBLSagd — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 14, 2018 ×

CWG 2018: India bags both silver and bronze medals in men's doubles TT event

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy lost to England's Rajiv Ouseph in the men's singles bronze medal match at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday.

The World No. 11 had a great start as he won the first game 21-17 at the Carrara Sports Arena.

However, Rajiv made a brilliant comeback in the next two games to beat Prannoy 25-23, 21-9 in an hour-long marathon match.

World No 1 Kidambi Srikanth had earlier set up a date with World No 7 Lee Chong Wei in the summit clash of men's singles badminton competition at the Commonwealth Games.&nbsp

He had registered a comfortable win over England's Rajiv Ouseph in the semi-final on Saturday.

While Srikanth registered an easy 21-10, 21-17 straight games victory over Ouseph, Malaysia's Lee Chong overcame Prannoy 21-16, 9-21, 21-14 in the other semi-final.

The World No. 11 had a great start as he won the first game 21-17 at the Carrara Sports Arena

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy lost to England's Rajiv Ouseph in the men's singles bronze medal match at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday. The World No. 11 had a great start as he won the first game 21-17 at the Carrara Sports Arena. However, Rajiv made a brilliant comeback in the next two games to beat Prannoy 25-23, 21-9 in an hour-long marathon match. World No 1 Kidambi Srikanth had earlier set up a date with World No 7 Lee Chong Wei in the summit clash of men's singles badminton competition at the Commonwealth Games. He had registered a comfortable win over England's Rajiv Ouseph in the semi-final on Saturday. While Srikanth registered an easy 21-10, 21-17 straight games victory over Ouseph, Malaysia's Lee Chong overcame Prannoy 21-16, 9-21, 21-14 in the other semi-final.

CWG 2018: Shuttler Prannoy loses in men's singles bronze medal match

Indian boxer Vikas Krishan defeated Dieudonne Wilfried Seyi Ntsengue of Cameroon in the 75kg category final at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday.&nbsp

It was Vikas' first medal at the CWG.

Vikas won by a 5:0 unanimous verdict against Ntsengue in a close contest which saw both the boxers claiming to have won the bout before the referee's verdict.&nbsp

Each of the five judges awarded 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27 and 29-28 points in favour of Vikas at the end of all three rounds.

Vikas edged ahead in his smart way to beat Ntsengue as he showed his tactical know-how.

In the first round, Vikas was clearly boxing better, but Ntsengue came back strongly in the second round.&nbsp

In the third round, however, Vikas tempted Ntsengue to go for the attack by maintaining a physical distance.&nbsp

Vikas got 10-9 scorelines from each of the five judges in the final round.

Indian boxer Vikas Krishan defeated Dieudonne Wilfried Seyi Ntsengue of Cameroon in the 75kg category final at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday. It was Vikas' first medal at the CWG. Vikas won by a 5:0 unanimous verdict against Ntsengue in a close contest which saw both the boxers claiming to have won the bout before the referee's verdict. Each of the five judges awarded 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27 and 29-28 points in favour of Vikas at the end of all three rounds. Vikas edged ahead in his smart way to beat Ntsengue as he showed his tactical know-how. In the first round, Vikas was clearly boxing better, but Ntsengue came back strongly in the second round. In the third round, however, Vikas tempted Ntsengue to go for the attack by maintaining a physical distance. Vikas got 10-9 scorelines from each of the five judges in the final round.

CWG 2018: Boxer Vikas clinches gold in 75kg

The junior world champion in javelin throw Neeraj Chopra won gold in the men’s javelin throw final event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast on Saturday.&nbsp;

Neeraj threw his seasonal best of 86.47 to clinch the top position in the event and became the first Indian javelin thrower to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Australia’s Hamish Peacock finished second while Grenada’s Anderson Peters rounded off the top three.

He finished way ahead of silver medallist Peacock (82.59 m) and bronze medallist Peters (82.20).

The 20-year-old junior world champion had made the final after achieving the qualifying mark in his very first throw yesterday.

With the recent Neeraj's gold and Manish Kaushik's silver medal addition, India's medal tally reaches 48, which inc ludes21 gold, 13 silver and 14 bronze.

Neeraj threw his seasonal best of 86.47 to clinch the top position

The junior world champion in javelin throw Neeraj Chopra won gold in the men’s javelin throw final event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast on Saturday. Neeraj threw his seasonal best of 86.47 to clinch the top position in the event and became the first Indian javelin thrower to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Australia’s Hamish Peacock finished second while Grenada’s Anderson Peters rounded off the top three. He finished way ahead of silver medallist Peacock (82.59 m) and bronze medallist Peters (82.20). The 20-year-old junior world champion had made the final after achieving the qualifying mark in his very first throw yesterday. With the recent Neeraj's gold and Manish Kaushik's silver medal addition, India's medal tally reaches 48, which inc ludes21 gold, 13 silver and 14 bronze.

Meet Neeraj Chopra, the 1st Indian javelin thrower to win a CWG gold

India will appeal against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-indian-athletes-rakesh-babu-irfan-kolothum-removed-from-games-village-over-breach-of-no-needle-policy-130166">Commonwealth Games Federation's(</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-indian-athletes-rakesh-babu-irfan-kolothum-removed-from-games-village-over-breach-of-no-needle-policy-130166">CGF</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-indian-athletes-rakesh-babu-irfan-kolothum-removed-from-games-village-over-breach-of-no-needle-policy-130166">) decision</a> to send back Irfan Kolothum Thodi and Rakesh Babu for violating the "no needle policy".

Race walker Irfan Kolothum Thodi and&nbsp;triple jumper Rakesh Babu were removed from the Commonwealth Games Village at Gold Coast on Friday after the CGF found guilty of breaching the "no needle policy".

"We don't agree with some decisions, and we will discuss with our higher authorities. We will appeal against these decisions," General Team Manager, Namdev Shirgaonker said.

Their testimonies, swearing innocence were declared "evasive and unreliable" by the CGF court.

"There is a lot of confusion, why our athletes were banned, how they confirmed this. Why was Irfan banned when the syringe was found in Babu's bag," Indian athletics team manager Ravinder Choudhry said.

"How is the CGF so confident that both athletes were using the same syringe. Babu admitted but what Irfan," he added.

The two athletes will also face sanctions from their national body following an enquiry.

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Secretary C K Valson said: "They will definitely be punished by the AFI as well. It is an embarrassment for us. There will be an inquiry after the Games is over and it will be time-bound. The panel will be appointed after the Games."

"As we have said previously, the Commonwealth Games takes a no-tolerance approach to these matters," CGF president Louise Martin had said, adding,"When the Commonwealth Games Federation says no tolerance, the Commonwealth Games Federation means no tolerance."

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The accreditation of Rakesh Babu and Irfan Kolothum Thodi was also suspended by CGF.

India will appeal against Commonwealth Games Federation's(CGF) decision to send back Irfan Kolothum Thodi and Rakesh Babu for violating the "no needle policy". Race walker Irfan Kolothum Thodi and triple jumper Rakesh Babu were removed from the Commonwealth Games Village at Gold Coast on Friday after the CGF found guilty of breaching the "no needle policy". "We don't agree with some decisions, and we will discuss with our higher authorities. We will appeal against these decisions," General Team Manager, Namdev Shirgaonker said. Their testimonies, swearing innocence were declared "evasive and unreliable" by the CGF court. "There is a lot of confusion, why our athletes were banned, how they confirmed this. Why was Irfan banned when the syringe was found in Babu's bag," Indian athletics team manager Ravinder Choudhry said. "How is the CGF so confident that both athletes were using the same syringe. Babu admitted but what Irfan," he added. The two athletes will also face sanctions from their national body following an enquiry. Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Secretary C K Valson said: "They will definitely be punished by the AFI as well. It is an embarrassment for us. There will be an inquiry after the Games is over and it will be time-bound. The panel will be appointed after the Games." "As we have said previously, the Commonwealth Games takes a no-tolerance approach to these matters," CGF president Louise Martin had said, adding,"When the Commonwealth Games Federation says no tolerance, the Commonwealth Games Federation means no tolerance."

CWG: India to appeal against CGF's decision to send back 2 athletes over 'no needle policy'

Shooter <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-shooter-tejaswini-sawant-cliches-silver-in-50m-rifle-event-130002">Tejaswini Sawant who won the silver </a>medal at the Commonwealth Games(CWG) on Thursday, today clinched the coveted gold medal in the women's 50 meters Rifle 3 Positions.

Anjum Moudgil,&nbsp;24, won the silver in the same event.&nbsp;

Tejaswini,&nbsp;37, held the lead from the first shot in the finals and broke the CWG record with 457.9.

The Indian shooter&nbsp;scored 152.4 in kneeling and 157.1 in prone positions before the eight finalists entered the elimination stage.

The previous record of 449.1 was set by Jasmine Ser Xiang Wei of Singapore at the Glasgow Games in 2014.

Moudgil, 24, had led the qualification with a Games record herself and carried the form into the final where she shot 455.7, holding the second position with scores of 151.9 in kneeling and 157.1 in prone. 
Scotland's Seonaid Mcintosh won bronze 444.6.

Sawant's gold medal ensured India bagging 15 golds at the CWG&nbsp;equalling the country's 2014 gold medal&nbsp;tally at Glasgow.

Tejaswini Sawant had won the silver medal in women's 50 meters Rifle Prone earlier with a score of 618.9 points.

She previously won gold in 10m air rifle and 10m air rifle (pairs) at the Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne in 2006 and a silver and two bronze medals in 50m rifle prone, 50m rifle 3 positions and 50m rifle prone (pairs) respectively at the 2010 CWG in New Delhi.

Tejaswini Sawant had won the silver medal in women's 50 meters Rifle Prone earlier with a score of 618.9 points.

Shooter Tejaswini Sawant who won the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games(CWG) on Thursday, today clinched the coveted gold medal in the women's 50 meters Rifle 3 Positions. Anjum Moudgil, 24, won the silver in the same event. Tejaswini, 37, held the lead from the first shot in the finals and broke the CWG record with 457.9. The Indian shooter scored 152.4 in kneeling and 157.1 in prone positions before the eight finalists entered the elimination stage. The previous record of 449.1 was set by Jasmine Ser Xiang Wei of Singapore at the Glasgow Games in 2014. Moudgil, 24, had led the qualification with a Games record herself and carried the form into the final where she shot 455.7, holding the second position with scores of 151.9 in kneeling and 157.1 in prone. Scotland's Seonaid Mcintosh won bronze 444.6. Sawant's gold medal ensured India bagging 15 golds at the CWG equalling the country's 2014 gold medal tally at Glasgow. Tejaswini Sawant had won the silver medal in women's 50 meters Rifle Prone earlier with a score of 618.9 points. She previously won gold in 10m air rifle and 10m air rifle (pairs) at the Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne in 2006 and a silver and two bronze medals in 50m rifle prone, 50m rifle 3 positions and 50m rifle prone (pairs) respectively at the 2010 CWG in New Delhi.

Commonwealth Games: After silver, shooter Tejaswini Sawant wins gold in 50m Rifle 3 Positions

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