<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-to-appeal-against-wadas-four-year-doping-ban-269167">Tokyo Olympics</a> organisers sought to reassure Japan's public that the cost for hosting the Games will not exceed budgeted estimates, amid worries over possible overruns caused partly by late venue switches for the marathon and walking events.

"We will keep telling the public that costs will stay at 1.35 trillion yen ($12 billion) and won't rise from here," Toshiro Mutoh, CEO of Tokyo 2020, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.

But that the budgeted figure did not include an estimated 3 billion yen needed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/more-tokyo-olympic-events-rescheduled-due-to-heat-concern-266444">move the marathon</a> and walking races to the northern city of Sapporo.

Mutoh did not comment on who would be footing the bill for moving the venue, saying only that it would be the next big issue that needed to be sorted out by stake-holders including the Tokyo and Sapporo municipal governments.

"There's an incentive to make the budget appear as small as possible. But you do need money to host the Games. As a compromise, you may need to lower the level of service. But garnering a consensus for this is very difficult," he said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-recieves-a-four-year-olympic-ban-266130">International Olympic Committee</a> (IOC) stunned Games organisers in October by announcing the marathon and race walk would be moved to Sapporo to avoid Tokyo's scorching summer heat.

The announcement enraged Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who had insisted that the prestigious events remain in the capital.

Mutoh said while there were "problems" in the process in which the decision was made, it was an appropriate one to protect athletes.

"The process was a bit abrupt. But the decision was the right one," he said. "If we proceeded with our original plan to hold the marathon and race walk games in Tokyo, and ended up having athletes being sent to hospitals, the public backlash could be huge."

Mutoh countered criticism that the budget for hosting Tokyo 2020 was far exceeding initial estimates, saying the disparity was due to the difference in the definition of "Games-related" costs.

Expenditures for launching a weather-monitoring satellite and promoting environment-friendly vehicles, for instance, were defined as "Games-related" spending by Japan's Board of Audit, even though they were for more general purposes, Mutoh said.

The Tokyo Olympics run from July 24 to August&nbsp;9 next year.

Tokyo Olympics organisers sought to reassure Japan's public that the cost for hosting the Games will not exceed budgeted estimates, amid worries over possible overruns caused partly by late venue switches for the marathon and walking events.

Tokyo Olympics organisers sought to reassure Japan's public that the cost for hosting the Games will not exceed budgeted estimates, amid worries over possible overruns caused partly by late venue switches for the marathon and walking events. "We will keep telling the public that costs will stay at 1.35 trillion yen ($12 billion) and won't rise from here," Toshiro Mutoh, CEO of Tokyo 2020, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday. But that the budgeted figure did not include an estimated 3 billion yen needed to move the marathon and walking races to the northern city of Sapporo. Mutoh did not comment on who would be footing the bill for moving the venue, saying only that it would be the next big issue that needed to be sorted out by stake-holders including the Tokyo and Sapporo municipal governments. "There's an incentive to make the budget appear as small as possible. But you do need money to host the Games. As a compromise, you may need to lower the level of service. But garnering a consensus for this is very difficult," he said. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stunned Games organisers in October by announcing the marathon and race walk would be moved to Sapporo to avoid Tokyo's scorching summer heat. The announcement enraged Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who had insisted that the prestigious events remain in the capital. Mutoh said while there were "problems" in the process in which the decision was made, it was an appropriate one to protect athletes. "The process was a bit abrupt. But the decision was the right one," he said. "If we proceeded with our original plan to hold the marathon and race walk games in Tokyo, and ended up having athletes being sent to hospitals, the public backlash could be huge." Mutoh countered criticism that the budget for hosting Tokyo 2020 was far exceeding initial estimates, saying the disparity was due to the difference in the definition of "Games-related" costs. Expenditures for launching a weather-monitoring satellite and promoting environment-friendly vehicles, for instance, were defined as "Games-related" spending by Japan's Board of Audit, even though they were for more general purposes, Mutoh said. The Tokyo Olympics run from July 24 to August 9 next year.

Tokyo 2020 CEO pledges to keep Games costs under budget

Jamaican&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jamaicas-shelly-ann-fraser-pryce-claims-100m-gold-at-athletics-world-championships-252866">Shelly-Ann&nbsp;Fraser-Pryce</a>&nbsp;will run in both the 100 metres and 200 metres events at the Tokyo Olympics next year.

Fraser-Pryce&nbsp;is a two-times Olympic 100 metres champion and she won gold at this year's world championships in Doha.

The 32-year-old, who has four world 100m titles to her name, did not compete in the 200 at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/olympics-2016/rio-olympics-2016-jamaicas-thompson-becomes-new-sprint-queen-4904">2016 Rio Olympics</a> to focus on the shorter event in which she finished third despite a toe injury.

"I will be doubling up definitely,"&nbsp;Fraser-Pryce&nbsp;was quoted by sources.

"Last year I really wanted to attempt the double but coach had other plans so I just worked with that plan. He knows best."

Fraser-Pryce, who won the 200 metres gold medal at the 2013 world championships and silver at the 2012 London Olympics, said her aim was to run under 22 seconds for the first time in what will be her fourth and final Olympics.

"I am definitely looking forward to running the 200 metres, especially because I believe in my heart that I can run 21 seconds," she added. "It's a big passion of mine so I am working really hard towards that."

The Tokyo Olympics runs from July 24 to August 9, 2020.

Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will run in both the 100 metres and 200 metres events at the Tokyo Olympics next year. Fraser-Pryce is a two-times Olympic 100 metres champion and she won gold at this year's world championships in Doha.

Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will run in both the 100 metres and 200 metres events at the Tokyo Olympics next year. Fraser-Pryce is a two-times Olympic 100 metres champion and she won gold at this year's world championships in Doha. The 32-year-old, who has four world 100m titles to her name, did not compete in the 200 at the 2016 Rio Olympics to focus on the shorter event in which she finished third despite a toe injury. "I will be doubling up definitely," Fraser-Pryce was quoted by sources. "Last year I really wanted to attempt the double but coach had other plans so I just worked with that plan. He knows best." Fraser-Pryce, who won the 200 metres gold medal at the 2013 world championships and silver at the 2012 London Olympics, said her aim was to run under 22 seconds for the first time in what will be her fourth and final Olympics. "I am definitely looking forward to running the 200 metres, especially because I believe in my heart that I can run 21 seconds," she added. "It's a big passion of mine so I am working really hard towards that." The Tokyo Olympics runs from July 24 to August 9, 2020.

Fraser-Pryce to go for sprint double at Tokyo Olympics

Athletes, executives and fans are turning sports in an era of defiance and dissent into a battleground for freedom of expression and political change, wherein national and international sports associations adhere to human rights on the spot.

Denunciations of repression in China’s troubled north-western province of Xinjiang and support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong by soccer celebrity Mesut Ozil, Houston Rockets basketball general manager Darryl Morey, and rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams alongside soccer fans in regions like Morocco and Hong Kong, highlight the willingness of sports associations to sacrifice the values attributed to sports for commercial gain in their dealings with autocratic nations.

They also by implication puncture the fiction of a separation of sports and politics that sports associations have long employed to justify their often-close ties to government and dealings with countries irrespective of their records in upholding basic rights.

By distancing themselves from statements of Morey and Ozil, despite the latter’s ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, English Premier League club Arsenal and the US National Basketball Association (NBA) have served to highlight the discrepancy between sports associations’ declared principles and their policies.

So has China with its penalising of the NBA and Ozil for their critical statements.

The gap between professed principles and practice is, even more, yawning with the awarding of the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup to China despite Chinese president Xi Jinping’s crackdown in Xinjiang and his moves to turn the People’s Republic into a 21st-century Orwellian surveillance state.

FIFA awarded the hosting rights in a consultative rather than a transparent bidding process.

In a letter to Human Rights Watch, FIFA justified its decision by insisting that the Chinese football association, as well as China, had committed “To respect human rights in their activities associated with the tournament in accordance with internationally recognised human rights standards and FIFA’s own Human Rights Policy.”

It was not clear how human rights associated with the Club World Cup could be separated from the overall crackdown in China. Nor was it clear why FIFA would help Xi take a step towards fulfilling his dream of China first qualifying for the World Cup, then winning the World Cup and ultimately hosting the tournament.

The awarding casts doubt on FIFA’s campaign against racism in stadiums given that the crackdown in Xinjiang aims to force Turkic Muslims to violate principles of their faith and adopt Xi Jinping though as superseding Islam.

The re-emergence of sports as a battleground is not limited to the plight of Xinjiang. Hong Kong fans recently took their struggle for greater democracy to a match in South Korea.

Chinese and Hong Kong broadcasters refrained from showing the playing of the national anthems when China and Hong Kong played each other earlier this month in an East Asia Football Federation (EAFF) Championship match.

Hong Kong fans booed China’s anthem, chanted “Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times,” and displayed Hong Kong’s British-era flag.

Support for national teams in autocracies like Egypt and Syria has dropped with fans demanding reforms of regime-controlled football federations that are widely viewed as corrupt,

"Egypt's national team is also its national embarrassment ... Plenty of Egyptians are basking in the team's loss today," tweeted journalist Karim Zidan in July after host Egypt crashed out of the African Cup of Nations.

Privately, many fans assert that the team represents the repressive regime of general-turned-president Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi rather than its historically huge fan base.

Sentiments in war-torn Syria are no different.

“Anyone who knows Syria well knows that in Syria there are no independent institutions, and that includes sporting institutions… Considering this (national) team as one that is above politics and a national team that unites people is a big lie and part of certain propaganda,” said Syrian journalist Hala Droubi.

In Morocco, fans, dressed in black, last year booed the national anthem during a match in the northern city of Tetouan that was being broadcast live on television in protest against the killing by the Moroccan navy of a 20-year old student as she tried to illegally cross into Spain.

It is a sentiment shared by anti-government protesters across the globe from Latin America to Asia.

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Athletes, executives and fans are turning sports in an era of defiance and dissent into a battleground for freedom of expression and political change, wherein national and international sports associations adhere to human rights on the spot.

Athletes, executives and fans are turning sports in an era of defiance and dissent into a battleground for freedom of expression and political change, wherein national and international sports associations adhere to human rights on the spot. Denunciations of repression in China’s troubled north-western province of Xinjiang and support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong by soccer celebrity Mesut Ozil, Houston Rockets basketball general manager Darryl Morey, and rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams alongside soccer fans in regions like Morocco and Hong Kong, highlight the willingness of sports associations to sacrifice the values attributed to sports for commercial gain in their dealings with autocratic nations. They also by implication puncture the fiction of a separation of sports and politics that sports associations have long employed to justify their often-close ties to government and dealings with countries irrespective of their records in upholding basic rights. By distancing themselves from statements of Morey and Ozil, despite the latter’s ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, English Premier League club Arsenal and the US National Basketball Association (NBA) have served to highlight the discrepancy between sports associations’ declared principles and their policies. So has China with its penalising of the NBA and Ozil for their critical statements. The gap between professed principles and practice is, even more, yawning with the awarding of the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup to China despite Chinese president Xi Jinping’s crackdown in Xinjiang and his moves to turn the People’s Republic into a 21st-century Orwellian surveillance state. FIFA awarded the hosting rights in a consultative rather than a transparent bidding process. In a letter to Human Rights Watch, FIFA justified its decision by insisting that the Chinese football association, as well as China, had committed “To respect human rights in their activities associated with the tournament in accordance with internationally recognised human rights standards and FIFA’s own Human Rights Policy.” It was not clear how human rights associated with the Club World Cup could be separated from the overall crackdown in China. Nor was it clear why FIFA would help Xi take a step towards fulfilling his dream of China first qualifying for the World Cup, then winning the World Cup and ultimately hosting the tournament. The awarding casts doubt on FIFA’s campaign against racism in stadiums given that the crackdown in Xinjiang aims to force Turkic Muslims to violate principles of their faith and adopt Xi Jinping though as superseding Islam. The re-emergence of sports as a battleground is not limited to the plight of Xinjiang. Hong Kong fans recently took their struggle for greater democracy to a match in South Korea. Chinese and Hong Kong broadcasters refrained from showing the playing of the national anthems when China and Hong Kong played each other earlier this month in an East Asia Football Federation (EAFF) Championship match. Hong Kong fans booed China’s anthem, chanted “Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times,” and displayed Hong Kong’s British-era flag. Support for national teams in autocracies like Egypt and Syria has dropped with fans demanding reforms of regime-controlled football federations that are widely viewed as corrupt, "Egypt's national team is also its national embarrassment ... Plenty of Egyptians are basking in the team's loss today," tweeted journalist Karim Zidan in July after host Egypt crashed out of the African Cup of Nations. Privately, many fans assert that the team represents the repressive regime of general-turned-president Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi rather than its historically huge fan base. Sentiments in war-torn Syria are no different. “Anyone who knows Syria well knows that in Syria there are no independent institutions, and that includes sporting institutions… Considering this (national) team as one that is above politics and a national team that unites people is a big lie and part of certain propaganda,” said Syrian journalist Hala Droubi. In Morocco, fans, dressed in black, last year booed the national anthem during a match in the northern city of Tetouan that was being broadcast live on television in protest against the killing by the Moroccan navy of a 20-year old student as she tried to illegally cross into Spain. It is a sentiment shared by anti-government protesters across the globe from Latin America to Asia. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Sports has emerged as battlefield for freedom of expression

Auckland&nbsp;Classic organisers suffered a major setback to their tournament lineup on Tuesday with US&nbsp;Open <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forgot-how-it-feels-to-lose-says-bianca-andreescu-after-14th-win-on-spin-252858">champion</a> Bianca&nbsp;Andreescu&nbsp;withdrawing due to "knee issues".

The Canadian teenager had been the top seed for the January&nbsp;6-12 tournament, which is a traditional warmup event for players fine-tuning their game ahead of the Australian Open.

"Organisers have been advised that Bianca&nbsp;Andreescu&nbsp;has had to withdraw from the upcoming event due to her ongoing knee issues," the tournament said in a statement on Tuesday.

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NEWS | Bianca Andreescu has had to withdraw from the 2020 ASB Classic due to her ongoing knee issues. We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery. <a href="https://t.co/7HVefuGLBe">pic.twitter.com/7HVefuGLBe</a>
— ASB Classic (@ASB_Classic) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASB_Classic/status/1209307474345549829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery."

Andreescu&nbsp;came through qualifying in&nbsp;Auckland&nbsp;earlier this year only to lose to Germany's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kontaveit-downs-defending-champion-julia-goerges-in-zhuhai-174649">Julia Goerges</a> in the final, which she used as a springboard for a sensational 2019.

She won her first WTA Tour title at Indian Wells, then beat Serena Williams in the finals in Toronto and again at Flushing Meadows to clinch her first Grand Slam title.

The&nbsp;Auckland&nbsp;tournament had assembled arguably its strongest ever field with&nbsp;Andreescu, Williams, former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko all confirmed.

Two-times Grand Slam winner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fight-for-your-dreams-bianca-andreescu-embraces-path-to-us-open-joy-248384">Svetlana Kuznetsova</a> and American teenagers Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff have also entered the tournament before they head to Melbourne Park for the&nbsp;season-opening <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tsitsipas-sets-grand-slam-target-for-2020-269103">Grand Slam</a> that runs from January&nbsp;20 - February&nbsp;2.

Auckland Classic organisers suffered a major setback to their tournament lineup on Tuesday with US Open champion Bianca Andreescu withdrawing due to "knee issues".

Auckland Classic organisers suffered a major setback to their tournament lineup on Tuesday with US Open champion Bianca Andreescu withdrawing due to "knee issues". The Canadian teenager had been the top seed for the January 6-12 tournament, which is a traditional warmup event for players fine-tuning their game ahead of the Australian Open. "Organisers have been advised that Bianca Andreescu has had to withdraw from the upcoming event due to her ongoing knee issues," the tournament said in a statement on Tuesday. NEWS | Bianca Andreescu has had to withdraw from the 2020 ASB Classic due to her ongoing knee issues. We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/7HVefuGLBe — ASB Classic (@ASB_Classic) December 24, 2019 × "We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery." Andreescu came through qualifying in Auckland earlier this year only to lose to Germany's Julia Goerges in the final, which she used as a springboard for a sensational 2019. She won her first WTA Tour title at Indian Wells, then beat Serena Williams in the finals in Toronto and again at Flushing Meadows to clinch her first Grand Slam title. The Auckland tournament had assembled arguably its strongest ever field with Andreescu, Williams, former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko all confirmed. Two-times Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova and American teenagers Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff have also entered the tournament before they head to Melbourne Park for the season-opening Grand Slam that runs from January 20 - February 2.

Tennis: Bianca Andreescu out of season opener in Auckland over 'knee issues'

Pakistan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-day-after-release-from-sub-jail-asif-ali-zardari-to-be-shifted-to-karachi-hospital-268059">National Accountability Bureau</a> (NAB) on Monday arrested former Interior Minister and senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pml-n-leaders-meet-in-london-to-discuss-army-chiefs-tenure-other-parliamentary-affairs-266915">Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz</a> (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal for alleged corruption in a spots city project. 
 
Iqbal was arrested from NAB's office in Rawalpindi where he had appeared to record his statement in the case regarding alleged corruption in Narowal Sports City (NSC) Project, Dawn reported. 
 
The PML-N leader will be produced before an accountability court today, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/auqaf-dept-case-nab-approves-fresh-probe-against-shahbaz-sharif-252217">NAB</a> will ask for his physical remand. 
 
Iqbal, who served as the Interior Minister from August 2017 to May 2018, is accused of using funds of the federal government and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for a sports city being established in Narowal.

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday arrested former Interior Minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal for alleged corruption in a spots city project.

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday arrested former Interior Minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal for alleged corruption in a spots city project. Iqbal was arrested from NAB's office in Rawalpindi where he had appeared to record his statement in the case regarding alleged corruption in Narowal Sports City (NSC) Project, Dawn reported. The PML-N leader will be produced before an accountability court today, where NAB will ask for his physical remand. Iqbal, who served as the Interior Minister from August 2017 to May 2018, is accused of using funds of the federal government and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for a sports city being established in Narowal.

Pakistan: NAB arrests former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in sports complex corruption case

The 26-year-old, ranked number one in tests, Australian pacer Pat Cummins attracted an intense bidding war between the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Delhi Capital before Kolkata joined in to bag his services for the 2020 edition of the tournament.

Cummins&nbsp;was part of the Kolkata squad in 2014 and 2015 and last played in the tournament for Delhi in 2017. The Mumbai Indians picked him up the following season but he was ruled out with a back injury.

England all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/englands-ben-stokes-travels-rocky-road-en-route-success-245836">Ben Stokes</a> was the most expensive overseas buy before&nbsp;Cummins&nbsp;when Pune paid 145 million rupees in 2017 while Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India's 2011 World Cup triumph, got the highest bid for a home-based player of 160 million in 2015 from Delhi.

A total of 62 players were sold at the auction for the 13th edition with the eight franchises spending a total of 1.403 billion rupees ($19.73 million).

There was a hefty payday for more Australians with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/maxwells-confession-remarkable-sets-right-example-virat-kohli-261831">Glenn Maxwell</a> going to Kings XI Punjab for 107.5 million rupees ($1.51 million) and reigning champions Mumbai paying 80 million rupees for paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Maxwell recently returned to Twenty20 cricket after taking six weeks off from the game to deal with mental health issues and was left out of the Australia squad for next month's limited-overs tour of India.

Australia's one-day captain Aaron Finch joined Bangalore for 44 million rupees while England World Cup-winning skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-win-by-9-runs-in-super-over-against-new-zealand-clinch-t20i-series-by-3-2-261223">Eoin Morgan</a> returned to his old side Kolkata for 52.5 million. The franchise's new head coach Brendon McCullum said on Twitter:

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Two outstanding gentlemen will return to <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKRiders</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> with his power middle order game &amp; outstanding leadership help for <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> &amp; one of the games premier fast bowlers <a href="https://twitter.com/patcummins30?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@patcummins30</a> who I feel was the best player on offer for this years <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPL</a> auction Welcome boys! 💪🏻
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bazmccullum/status/1207625201887768578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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South African fast bowler Dale Steyn twice went unsold before his former team Bangalore picked him up in the last leg at his listed price of 20 million.

Former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was the top buy among home-based players, going to MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings for 67.5 million, while Kolkata signed 48-year-old leggie Pravin Tambe, the oldest player in the auction.

The 26-year-old, ranked number one in tests, Australian pacer Pat Cummins attracted an intense bidding war between the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Delhi Capital before Kolkata joined in to bag his services for the 2020 edition of the tournament.

The 26-year-old, ranked number one in tests, Australian pacer Pat Cummins attracted an intense bidding war between the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Delhi Capital before Kolkata joined in to bag his services for the 2020 edition of the tournament. Cummins was part of the Kolkata squad in 2014 and 2015 and last played in the tournament for Delhi in 2017. The Mumbai Indians picked him up the following season but he was ruled out with a back injury. England all-rounder Ben Stokes was the most expensive overseas buy before Cummins when Pune paid 145 million rupees in 2017 while Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India's 2011 World Cup triumph, got the highest bid for a home-based player of 160 million in 2015 from Delhi. A total of 62 players were sold at the auction for the 13th edition with the eight franchises spending a total of 1.403 billion rupees ($19.73 million). There was a hefty payday for more Australians with Glenn Maxwell going to Kings XI Punjab for 107.5 million rupees ($1.51 million) and reigning champions Mumbai paying 80 million rupees for paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile. Maxwell recently returned to Twenty20 cricket after taking six weeks off from the game to deal with mental health issues and was left out of the Australia squad for next month's limited-overs tour of India. Australia's one-day captain Aaron Finch joined Bangalore for 44 million rupees while England World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan returned to his old side Kolkata for 52.5 million. The franchise's new head coach Brendon McCullum said on Twitter: Two outstanding gentlemen will return to @KKRiders! @Eoin16 with his power middle order game & outstanding leadership help for @DineshKarthik & one of the games premier fast bowlers @patcummins30 who I feel was the best player on offer for this years @IPL auction Welcome boys! 💪🏻 — Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) December 19, 2019 × South African fast bowler Dale Steyn twice went unsold before his former team Bangalore picked him up in the last leg at his listed price of 20 million. Former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was the top buy among home-based players, going to MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings for 67.5 million, while Kolkata signed 48-year-old leggie Pravin Tambe, the oldest player in the auction.

Australian Cummins becomes IPL's most expensive overseas buy

The&nbsp;WADA&nbsp;report detailing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-to-announce-decision-on-appeal-against-wadas-doping-ban-269074">doping offences</a> during 2017 counted 1,804 cases, which was up sharply from the 1,595 recorded in 2016 although down from 1,929 in 2015.

The country with the most violations was Italy with 171 followed by France (128) and the United States (103).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-to-appeal-against-wadas-four-year-doping-ban-269167">Russia</a>, which earlier this month was hit with a four-year&nbsp;WADA&nbsp;ban from international sporting competition - including the next two Olympics - over doping, was fifth with 82 violations.

The country said on Thursday it will appeal the sanctions barring athletes from competing under its flag.

Body building, which was a medal sport at the 2019 Pan Am Games and is bidding to get on the Olympic program, had the most ADRVs with 266 followed by athletics (242) and cycling (218).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wada-committee-head-urges-russia-not-to-drag-out-ban-appeal-268194">WADA</a>&nbsp;director general Olivier Niggli said the results showed progress was being made in the fight against doping particularly in the area of investigation and intelligence-based testing.

The majority of violations (1,459) were positive tests with the other 345 classified as non-analytical, where no prohibited substance was detected but investigations found athletes or their support staff were in violation of the&nbsp;WADA&nbsp;Code.

"While in and out-of-competition testing remains critical to detect doping, events have recently shown that investigative work is becoming even more important as we look to protect clean athletes’ rights worldwide," said Niggli in a statement.

"...the report also reminds us of the importance of evidence-based education to prevent doping in the first place."

A total of 245,232 samples were collected in 2017 with the 1,804 ADRVs coming from 93 sports and disciplines involving athletes from 114 countries.

The WADA report detailing doping offences during 2017 counted 1,804 cases, which was up sharply from the 1,595 recorded in 2016 although down from 1,929 in 2015.

The WADA report detailing doping offences during 2017 counted 1,804 cases, which was up sharply from the 1,595 recorded in 2016 although down from 1,929 in 2015. The country with the most violations was Italy with 171 followed by France (128) and the United States (103). Russia, which earlier this month was hit with a four-year WADA ban from international sporting competition - including the next two Olympics - over doping, was fifth with 82 violations. The country said on Thursday it will appeal the sanctions barring athletes from competing under its flag. Body building, which was a medal sport at the 2019 Pan Am Games and is bidding to get on the Olympic program, had the most ADRVs with 266 followed by athletics (242) and cycling (218). WADA director general Olivier Niggli said the results showed progress was being made in the fight against doping particularly in the area of investigation and intelligence-based testing. The majority of violations (1,459) were positive tests with the other 345 classified as non-analytical, where no prohibited substance was detected but investigations found athletes or their support staff were in violation of the WADA Code. "While in and out-of-competition testing remains critical to detect doping, events have recently shown that investigative work is becoming even more important as we look to protect clean athletes’ rights worldwide," said Niggli in a statement. "...the report also reminds us of the importance of evidence-based education to prevent doping in the first place." A total of 245,232 samples were collected in 2017 with the 1,804 ADRVs coming from 93 sports and disciplines involving athletes from 114 countries.

New WADA report shows jump in global doping cases

Russia Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is to decide on Thursday whether to appeal against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-imposes-four-year-ban-on-russia-over-doping-data-manipulation-267195">four-year ban imposed</a> on Russia’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9.&nbsp;

The Supervisory board of RUSADA is to hold a meeting and is expected to formally reject the prohibition as it was earlier denounced by Russia’s leadership including President Vladimir Putin as being “politically motivated” and contradictory to the Olympic Charter.&nbsp;

The formal rejection could lead to an appeal against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/britains-aggar-quits-wada-role-over-russia-scandal-268028">WADA’s decision</a> at the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.&nbsp;

RUSADA supervisory board chairman Alexander Ivlev is expected to announce the decision at 1000 GMT.

WADA’s executive committee unanimously issued a ban against Russia after its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report declaring RUSADA to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic".

The historical data which was handed over to WADA in January was found to have “several aggravating features” as hundreds of analytical findings had been removed and raw data and PDF files were found to be deleted.&nbsp;

Russia is currently facing a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support are only to be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation.

Russia is also not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia had already won a bid, the hosting rights are to be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." The ban has threatened Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">Euro 2020</a>.

The expected announcement os RUSADA is to coincide with Putin’s annual marathon press conference where he is also set to restate his stance on the issue.&nbsp;

Russia Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is to decide on Thursday whether to appeal against the four-year ban imposed on Russia’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9.

Russia Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is to decide on Thursday whether to appeal against the four-year ban imposed on Russia’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9. The Supervisory board of RUSADA is to hold a meeting and is expected to formally reject the prohibition as it was earlier denounced by Russia’s leadership including President Vladimir Putin as being “politically motivated” and contradictory to the Olympic Charter. The formal rejection could lead to an appeal against WADA’s decision at the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport. RUSADA supervisory board chairman Alexander Ivlev is expected to announce the decision at 1000 GMT. WADA’s executive committee unanimously issued a ban against Russia after its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report declaring RUSADA to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic". The historical data which was handed over to WADA in January was found to have “several aggravating features” as hundreds of analytical findings had been removed and raw data and PDF files were found to be deleted. Russia is currently facing a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support are only to be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation. Russia is also not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia had already won a bid, the hosting rights are to be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." The ban has threatened Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for Euro 2020. The expected announcement os RUSADA is to coincide with Putin’s annual marathon press conference where he is also set to restate his stance on the issue.

Russia to announce decision on appeal against WADA's doping ban today

Mourinho&nbsp;has been the opposing manager scheming against the club he led to three Premier League titles during spells with Inter Milan and Manchester United.

But the sight of him leading bitter rivals <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-brush-aside-mourinhos-spurs-to-claim-perfect-six-267846">Tottenham</a> is not something diehard Chelsea fans ever thought they would witness and the reaction of some on Sunday is likely to X-rated.

To add another level of intrigue, Frank Lampard, one of Mourinho's loyal lieutenants during his two spells in charge, will be the man trying to outfox him, knowing defeat would see Spurs leapfrog his side into the top four.

Premier League leaders Liverpool take time out from their title surge as they face Flamengo in FIFA's World Club Cup final in Qatar on Saturday.

The clubs immediately below them, Leicester City and champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-not-on-par-with-european-elite-says-guardiola-267118">Manchester City</a>, clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Leicester's eight-match winning run in the league ended last week when they drew with Norwich City but victory over City would see them cut Liverpool's advantage to seven points.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-everton-sack-manager-silva-after-merseyside-derby-humbling-266568">Everton</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-citys-guardiola-expects-quick-decision-on-arteta-over-arsenal-move-268874">Arsenal</a>, both trying to secure new managers, meet in the early kickoff at Goodison Park. Bottom club Watford host Manchester United on Sunday.

All eyes will be on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though, where Spurs will aim to continue their revival under Mourinho. Having won only three of their opening 12 league games, a run that led to the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, they have won four out of five under Mourinho to climb to fifth and have reached the last 16 of the Champions League.

In that time they have reduced an 11-point gap between themselves and Chelsea to three points.

Winning streak&nbsp;

While Tottenham have been buoyant and Mourinho has been all smiles, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lampard-keen-to-strengthen-chelseas-attack-in-january-267569">Lampard</a> is wearing a frown after his young Chelsea team have hit the buffers. After a seven-match winning streak in the league, they have lost four of the last five and suddenly their place in the top four is under threat.

Worryingly for Chelsea, Mourinho's record at home against sides he has managed is incredible.

He has won 12 of 13 of such fixtures, drawing one, and all three against Chelsea, twice with United and once with Inter.

Tottenham have also won three of their last five Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, as many as they had in their previous 20 against them in the competition.

While Tottenham were fortunate to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, they are clearly enjoying the Mourinho 'bounce' and former captain Ledley King believes the key has been Mourinho restoring Tottenham's self-belief.

"Confidence plays a big part, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-spurs-have-the-momentum-heading-into-chelsea-clash-kane-268958">Spurs</a> seemed to be stuck in a bit of a rut at the moment in time when Mauricio went," King said. "Mourinho is a winner. He's won everything.

"From my experience, if someone like that comes into your club you listen, you take everything on board and you try to soak up as much as you can."

Mourinho has been the opposing manager scheming against the club he led to three Premier League titles during spells with Inter Milan and Manchester United. But the sight of him leading bitter rivals Tottenham is not something diehard Chelsea fans ever thought they would witness and the reaction of some on Sunday is likely to X-rated.

Mourinho has been the opposing manager scheming against the club he led to three Premier League titles during spells with Inter Milan and Manchester United. But the sight of him leading bitter rivals Tottenham is not something diehard Chelsea fans ever thought they would witness and the reaction of some on Sunday is likely to X-rated. To add another level of intrigue, Frank Lampard, one of Mourinho's loyal lieutenants during his two spells in charge, will be the man trying to outfox him, knowing defeat would see Spurs leapfrog his side into the top four. Premier League leaders Liverpool take time out from their title surge as they face Flamengo in FIFA's World Club Cup final in Qatar on Saturday. The clubs immediately below them, Leicester City and champions Manchester City, clash at the Etihad Stadium. Leicester's eight-match winning run in the league ended last week when they drew with Norwich City but victory over City would see them cut Liverpool's advantage to seven points. Everton and Arsenal, both trying to secure new managers, meet in the early kickoff at Goodison Park. Bottom club Watford host Manchester United on Sunday. All eyes will be on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though, where Spurs will aim to continue their revival under Mourinho. Having won only three of their opening 12 league games, a run that led to the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, they have won four out of five under Mourinho to climb to fifth and have reached the last 16 of the Champions League. In that time they have reduced an 11-point gap between themselves and Chelsea to three points. Winning streak While Tottenham have been buoyant and Mourinho has been all smiles, Lampard is wearing a frown after his young Chelsea team have hit the buffers. After a seven-match winning streak in the league, they have lost four of the last five and suddenly their place in the top four is under threat. Worryingly for Chelsea, Mourinho's record at home against sides he has managed is incredible. He has won 12 of 13 of such fixtures, drawing one, and all three against Chelsea, twice with United and once with Inter. Tottenham have also won three of their last five Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, as many as they had in their previous 20 against them in the competition. While Tottenham were fortunate to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, they are clearly enjoying the Mourinho 'bounce' and former captain Ledley King believes the key has been Mourinho restoring Tottenham's self-belief. "Confidence plays a big part, Spurs seemed to be stuck in a bit of a rut at the moment in time when Mauricio went," King said. "Mourinho is a winner. He's won everything. "From my experience, if someone like that comes into your club you listen, you take everything on board and you try to soak up as much as you can."

Football: Jose Mourinho aiming to add to Chelsea's woes

Rohit Sharma achieved became the leading run-scorer in the 50-over format in 2019 against West Indies in the ongoing second ODI of the three-match series at&nbsp;Vishakapatnam.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/play-without-fear-ganguly-hails-indias-fearless-batting-267836">Sharma</a> went on to register his seventh century in this calendar year and as a result, he surpassed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-want-to-get-the-job-done-than-play-slam-bang-cricket-virat-kohli-266796">Virat Kohli</a> to achieve the feat.

The 32-year-old Sharma so far has 1382 runs in the ODI format in 2019 while Kohli has 1292 runs to his credit.

Earlier this year, Sharma had scored five centuries in the ICC Men's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-rohit-sharma-is-the-best-odi-player-says-virat-kohli-234035">Cricket World Cup</a>. As a result, he became the first batsman to record five 100 plus scores in a single edition of the tournament.

During the innings, he also went past 11,000 List A runs.

While filing this report, India had reached the score of 225/0 with both Rohit and KL Rahul still at the crease.

Rohit Sharma achieved became the leading run-scorer in the 50-over format in 2019 against West Indies in the ongoing second ODI of the three-match series at Vishakapatnam.

Rohit Sharma achieved became the leading run-scorer in the 50-over format in 2019 against West Indies in the ongoing second ODI of the three-match series at Vishakapatnam. Sharma went on to register his seventh century in this calendar year and as a result, he surpassed Virat Kohli to achieve the feat. The 32-year-old Sharma so far has 1382 runs in the ODI format in 2019 while Kohli has 1292 runs to his credit. Earlier this year, Sharma had scored five centuries in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. As a result, he became the first batsman to record five 100 plus scores in a single edition of the tournament. During the innings, he also went past 11,000 List A runs. While filing this report, India had reached the score of 225/0 with both Rohit and KL Rahul still at the crease.

Rohit Sharma becomes leading run-scorer in ODIs in 2019

Italian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/moto-grand-prix-zarco-joins-avintia-ducati-to-complete-the-motogp-grid-267385">MotoGP</a> rider Andrea Iannone has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, the governing body FIM said on Tuesday.

It said a urine sample provided by the Aprilia rider at the Malaysian Grand Prix on November&nbsp;3 had shown an "adverse analytical finding of a non-specified substance under Section 1.1.a) Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids."

The suspension puts Iannone's MotoGP future in doubt, with his contract with Aprilia running until the end of the 2020 season.

Iannone said in a statement&nbsp;on Instagram that he will request an analysis of his B sample and he remains "totally relaxed" over the situation.

"I am open to any counter analysis in a matter that surprises me, also because - at the moment - I have not received any official communication," Iannone, the winner of the 2016 Austrian Grand Prix, said.

"Over the years, and also this season, I have undergone continuous checks, obviously always proving to be negative, which is why I have every confidence in the positive conclusion of this affair."

Iannone, who joined the team last year, has struggled to match teammate Aleix Espargaro for the majority of the 2019 season.

He finished with 43 points to Espargaro's 63, and his best finish was sixth place at the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.

Iannone's positive test marks the first official case of a potential doping offence in the Grand Prix paddock since 2012 when Moto2 rider Anthony West tested positive for methylhexanamine. West had his Moto2 results over an 18-month period voided retrospectively.

Italian MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, the governing body FIM said on Tuesday. It said a urine sample provided by the Aprilia rider at the Malaysian Grand Prix on November 3 had shown an "adverse analytical finding of a non-specified substance under Section 1.

Italian MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, the governing body FIM said on Tuesday. It said a urine sample provided by the Aprilia rider at the Malaysian Grand Prix on November 3 had shown an "adverse analytical finding of a non-specified substance under Section 1.1.a) Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids." The suspension puts Iannone's MotoGP future in doubt, with his contract with Aprilia running until the end of the 2020 season. Iannone said in a statement on Instagram that he will request an analysis of his B sample and he remains "totally relaxed" over the situation. "I am open to any counter analysis in a matter that surprises me, also because - at the moment - I have not received any official communication," Iannone, the winner of the 2016 Austrian Grand Prix, said. "Over the years, and also this season, I have undergone continuous checks, obviously always proving to be negative, which is why I have every confidence in the positive conclusion of this affair." Iannone, who joined the team last year, has struggled to match teammate Aleix Espargaro for the majority of the 2019 season. He finished with 43 points to Espargaro's 63, and his best finish was sixth place at the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island. Iannone's positive test marks the first official case of a potential doping offence in the Grand Prix paddock since 2012 when Moto2 rider Anthony West tested positive for methylhexanamine. West had his Moto2 results over an 18-month period voided retrospectively.

MotoGP rider Iannone suspended for positive dope test

St Etienne have been ordered to play their Ligue 1 matches behind closed doors until further notice for "wide use of fireworks" in the stands during Sunday's home defeat by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-and-neymar-dazzle-as-psg-thrash-galatasaray-267850">Paris St Germain</a>, the French Football League (LFP) said.

The home supporters set off flares and fireworks at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as PSG forward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopp-rules-out-move-for-france-superstar-mbappe-261033">Kylian Mbappe</a> fired home an 89th-minute goal in a 4-0 win for the visitors.

The referee was forced to blow the whistle in the last minute and stoppage time was not played.

"In view of the particularly serious facts, there will be a total closed-door measure," the LFP said in a statement.

Paris St Germain extended their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 standings to seven points with a game in hand, courtesy of two goals from Mbappe and one each from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-glimpse-of-psg-star-neymars-new-5-storey-mansion-436">Neymar</a> and Mauro Icardi.

St Etienne have been ordered to play their Ligue 1 matches behind closed doors until further notice for "wide use of fireworks" in the stands during Sunday's home defeat by Paris St Germain, the French Football League (LFP) said.

St Etienne have been ordered to play their Ligue 1 matches behind closed doors until further notice for "wide use of fireworks" in the stands during Sunday's home defeat by Paris St Germain, the French Football League (LFP) said. The home supporters set off flares and fireworks at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as PSG forward Kylian Mbappe fired home an 89th-minute goal in a 4-0 win for the visitors. The referee was forced to blow the whistle in the last minute and stoppage time was not played. "In view of the particularly serious facts, there will be a total closed-door measure," the LFP said in a statement. Paris St Germain extended their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 standings to seven points with a game in hand, courtesy of two goals from Mbappe and one each from Neymar and Mauro Icardi.

Football: St Etienne hit with stadium ban over fireworks during PSG match

Delhi’s Shamim Khan coasted to a comfortable three-shot win at the Kensville Open 2019 Presented by TATA Steel PGTI, an Rs. 40 lakh event, played at the Kensville Golf &amp;amp; Country Club near Ahmedabad from November 28 to December 1.

The experienced Shamim, the overnight leader by two shots, posted a tenacious two-under-70 in the final round to emerge as the wire-to-wire champion with a winning total of 13-under-275.

Khan thus lifted his 15th trophy on the TATA Steel PGTI which also accounted for his overall 17th professional win.

Pune-based Udayan Mane, the only player besides Shamim to return four sub-par rounds during the tournament, came up with the last round of 71 to secure the runner-up spot at 10-under-278.

Shamim Khan (66-68-71-70), who held the lead in all the three previous rounds, enjoyed his best day with the putter as he sank five birdies at the cost of three bogeys. The 41-year-old stretched his lead to three shots at the turn having made two 20-feet birdie conversions on the front-nine.

Khan dropped two bogeys on the back-nine after finding a tree on one hole and a hazard on the other, but he still managed to close out the match with two birdies even as the others were unable to catch up with him.

Shamim’s first title after a one-year gap earned him prize money worth Rs. 6,46,600 that pushed him up from 30th to 14th place in the TATA Steel PGTI Order of Merit.

Khan, known to have one of the smoothest golf swings in Indian golf, said, “This win really raises my confidence as it was achieved with a double-digit total score on a difficult course. In fact, only two players, Udayan and me, had a double-digit total this week. That reflects the tough scoring conditions at Kensville.

“I wasn’t having a great season until I arrived in Ahmedabad. But I feel that I can now carry this form into the last three events of the season,” added Shamim, the only man with career earnings in excess of Rs. 4 crores on the PGTI.

Udayan Mane (69-67-71-71), lying two off the lead in tied second after round three, shot a 71 on day four that featured three birdies and two bogeys. Mane, who began the day with a bogey on the first hole, was looking good for a late surge when he picked up birdies on the eighth, ninth and 11th. But Udayan’s bogey on the 15th put paid to his hopes as he conceded an almost unassailable four-shot lead to Shamim.

“I wasn’t having a great season until I arrived in Ahmedabad. But I feel that I can now carry this form into the last three events of the season,” added Shamim, the only man with career earnings in excess of Rs. 4 crores on the PGTI.

Udayan Mane (69-67-71-71), lying two off the lead in tied second after round three, shot a 71 on day four that featured three birdies and two bogeys. Mane, who began the day with a bogey on the first hole, was looking good for a late surge when he picked up birdies on the eighth, ninth and 11th. But Udayan’s bogey on the 15th put paid to his hopes as he conceded an almost unassailable four-shot lead to Shamim.

Delhi’s Shamim Khan coasted to a comfortable three-shot win at the Kensville Open 2019 Presented by TATA Steel PGTI, an Rs. 40 lakh event, played at the Kensville Golf &amp; Country Club near Ahmedabad from November 28 to December 1.

Delhi’s Shamim Khan coasted to a comfortable three-shot win at the Kensville Open 2019 Presented by TATA Steel PGTI, an Rs. 40 lakh event, played at the Kensville Golf &amp; Country Club near Ahmedabad from November 28 to December 1. The experienced Shamim, the overnight leader by two shots, posted a tenacious two-under-70 in the final round to emerge as the wire-to-wire champion with a winning total of 13-under-275. Khan thus lifted his 15th trophy on the TATA Steel PGTI which also accounted for his overall 17th professional win. Pune-based Udayan Mane, the only player besides Shamim to return four sub-par rounds during the tournament, came up with the last round of 71 to secure the runner-up spot at 10-under-278. Shamim Khan (66-68-71-70), who held the lead in all the three previous rounds, enjoyed his best day with the putter as he sank five birdies at the cost of three bogeys. The 41-year-old stretched his lead to three shots at the turn having made two 20-feet birdie conversions on the front-nine. Khan dropped two bogeys on the back-nine after finding a tree on one hole and a hazard on the other, but he still managed to close out the match with two birdies even as the others were unable to catch up with him. Shamim’s first title after a one-year gap earned him prize money worth Rs. 6,46,600 that pushed him up from 30th to 14th place in the TATA Steel PGTI Order of Merit. Khan, known to have one of the smoothest golf swings in Indian golf, said, “This win really raises my confidence as it was achieved with a double-digit total score on a difficult course. In fact, only two players, Udayan and me, had a double-digit total this week. That reflects the tough scoring conditions at Kensville. “I wasn’t having a great season until I arrived in Ahmedabad. But I feel that I can now carry this form into the last three events of the season,” added Shamim, the only man with career earnings in excess of Rs. 4 crores on the PGTI. Udayan Mane (69-67-71-71), lying two off the lead in tied second after round three, shot a 71 on day four that featured three birdies and two bogeys. Mane, who began the day with a bogey on the first hole, was looking good for a late surge when he picked up birdies on the eighth, ninth and 11th. But Udayan’s bogey on the 15th put paid to his hopes as he conceded an almost unassailable four-shot lead to Shamim. “I wasn’t having a great season until I arrived in Ahmedabad. But I feel that I can now carry this form into the last three events of the season,” added Shamim, the only man with career earnings in excess of Rs. 4 crores on the PGTI. Udayan Mane (69-67-71-71), lying two off the lead in tied second after round three, shot a 71 on day four that featured three birdies and two bogeys. Mane, who began the day with a bogey on the first hole, was looking good for a late surge when he picked up birdies on the eighth, ninth and 11th. But Udayan’s bogey on the 15th put paid to his hopes as he conceded an almost unassailable four-shot lead to Shamim.

Shamim Khan coasts to three-shot win at Kensville Open 2019 Presented by  TATA Steel PGTI

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-denies-presence-of-break-clause-in-contract-with-manchester-city-268224">Guardiola</a>&nbsp;said&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;will be at Oxford United on Wednesday for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-gabriel-jesus-hat-trick-gives-man-city-4-1-win-at-dinamo-zagreb-267832">City</a>'s League Cup quarter-final but appears resigned to the prospect of losing his right-hand man.

"I think it (the&nbsp;decision) is going to happen&nbsp;quick,"&nbsp;Guardiola&nbsp;was quoted as saying by the BBC. "Why not [go]? It's a good argument."

Former&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;captain&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;is the leading candidate to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unai-emery-axed-as-arsenal-boss-after-worst-run-in-decades-265245">Unai Emery</a> as&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;manager after the London club's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham was pictured outside the 37-year-old's house in the early hours of Monday morning.

"Mikel is travelling to Oxford with us tomorrow,"&nbsp;Guardiola&nbsp;earlier told reporters. We were so smart to pick him up and the other clubs missed it. He's an incredible person, good manager. Work ethic. That's why he is what he is.

"He's talking with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-stage-comeback-to-sink-west-ham-and-end-winless-run-267402">Arsenal</a>&nbsp;so I don't know. Now he is part of our group and staff and he is here. When we have new news, I will know and you will know. Now he is here, tomorrow travelling. He trained today and that's all."

Spaniard&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;made 149 appearances for&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;before joining City's coaching staff in 2016 where he has enjoyed a successful spell as assistant to&nbsp;Guardiola, helping the club to consecutive Premier League titles&nbsp;over&nbsp;the last two seasons.

Guardiola&nbsp;said he had spoken to&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mesut-ozil-deceived-by-fake-news-will-be-pleased-to-see-him-go-to-xinjiang-china-268547">Arsenal</a>&nbsp;opportunity and would not stand in his way.

"I am a guy who lets people live with freedom and do what they want because that is what they want in the moment, for their lives, family, professionally and individually," he said.

"Mikel knows exactly what we think about him. After that, we cannot do more."

Guardiola said Arteta will be at Oxford United on Wednesday for City's League Cup quarter-final but appears resigned to the prospect of losing his right-hand man.

Guardiola said Arteta will be at Oxford United on Wednesday for City's League Cup quarter-final but appears resigned to the prospect of losing his right-hand man. "I think it (the decision) is going to happen quick," Guardiola was quoted as saying by the BBC. "Why not [go]? It's a good argument." Former Arsenal captain Arteta is the leading candidate to succeed Unai Emery as Arsenal manager after the London club's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham was pictured outside the 37-year-old's house in the early hours of Monday morning. "Mikel is travelling to Oxford with us tomorrow," Guardiola earlier told reporters. We were so smart to pick him up and the other clubs missed it. He's an incredible person, good manager. Work ethic. That's why he is what he is. "He's talking with Arsenal so I don't know. Now he is part of our group and staff and he is here. When we have new news, I will know and you will know. Now he is here, tomorrow travelling. He trained today and that's all." Spaniard Arteta made 149 appearances for Arsenal before joining City's coaching staff in 2016 where he has enjoyed a successful spell as assistant to Guardiola, helping the club to consecutive Premier League titles over the last two seasons. Guardiola said he had spoken to Arteta about the Arsenal opportunity and would not stand in his way. "I am a guy who lets people live with freedom and do what they want because that is what they want in the moment, for their lives, family, professionally and individually," he said. "Mikel knows exactly what we think about him. After that, we cannot do more."

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola expects quick decision on Arteta over Arsenal move

Like all skateboarders, the rush of air, the thrill of the ride, the sense of achievement in completing a trick are what drew the 19-year-old to the sport. Unlike other boarders, however, Ryusei Ouchi is almost completely blind.

Blind Japanese skateboarder uses cane to ride the rails

Indian men's hockey team will kickstart their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688#preparations-for-tokyo-2020-enter-final-stretch-263676">Tokyo 2020 Olympics</a> campaign against New Zealand while the women's team will play their first match against the Netherlands on July 25.

The draw for the competition was announced on Tuesday in Tokyo.

"A good start will always give the right confidence and momentum to carry on in the tournament so it will be important for us to begin with a win. New Zealand has always posed stiff competition for us and I believe it can be a close game," men's skipper Manpreet Singh said.

"It is important to keep our nerves in check as opening matches can be a bit overwhelming especially at a major event like the Olympics," he added.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-men-hockey-team-defeats-russia-qualifies-for-tokyo-olympics-259563">Indian men's team</a> has been clubbed with defending Olympic Champions Argentina, world number one Australia, Spain, New Zealand and Japan in Pool A.

India will play their second match against Australia on July 26 and then will face Spain on July 28.

The side will then lock horns with Argentina on July 30 and then play hosts Japan on July 31.

The men's quarter-finals will be played on August 2 while semi-finals will be held on August 4. The gold and bronze medal match will be played on August 6.

"Every game will be crucial at the Olympics and we cannot let our guard down against any team even if they are ranked below us. The competition will be so high that each match will need to be played like it's the final," Manpreet said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-women-hockey-team-qualifies-for-tokyo-olympics-259565">Indian women's team</a> is grouped in Pool A along with Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, and South Africa. The side will face Germany in their second Pool A match on July 27 followed by the match against defending Champions Great Britain on July 29.

The quarter-finals for the women's competition will be held on August 3 while the semi-final will be held on August 5. 
The gold and bronze medal match will be held on August 7.

"Draw does not matter because in the Olympics every team is equal and every team will come to the Olympics with an aim win. As a team, we need to focus on ourselves and what we can do better on the given day," women's skipper Rani said.

"We are preparing well to ensure we tick all the boxes in each of our matches and put all the energy into every game we play and give our best to the blue shirt if we want to see ourselves in the quarter-finals and semi-finals," she added.

Indian men's hockey team will kickstart their Tokyo 2020 Olympics campaign against New Zealand while the women's team will play their first match against the Netherlands on July 25.

Indian men's hockey team will kickstart their Tokyo 2020 Olympics campaign against New Zealand while the women's team will play their first match against the Netherlands on July 25. The draw for the competition was announced on Tuesday in Tokyo. "A good start will always give the right confidence and momentum to carry on in the tournament so it will be important for us to begin with a win. New Zealand has always posed stiff competition for us and I believe it can be a close game," men's skipper Manpreet Singh said. "It is important to keep our nerves in check as opening matches can be a bit overwhelming especially at a major event like the Olympics," he added. The Indian men's team has been clubbed with defending Olympic Champions Argentina, world number one Australia, Spain, New Zealand and Japan in Pool A. India will play their second match against Australia on July 26 and then will face Spain on July 28. The side will then lock horns with Argentina on July 30 and then play hosts Japan on July 31. The men's quarter-finals will be played on August 2 while semi-finals will be held on August 4. The gold and bronze medal match will be played on August 6. "Every game will be crucial at the Olympics and we cannot let our guard down against any team even if they are ranked below us. The competition will be so high that each match will need to be played like it's the final," Manpreet said. Indian women's team is grouped in Pool A along with Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, and South Africa. The side will face Germany in their second Pool A match on July 27 followed by the match against defending Champions Great Britain on July 29. The quarter-finals for the women's competition will be held on August 3 while the semi-final will be held on August 5. The gold and bronze medal match will be held on August 7. "Draw does not matter because in the Olympics every team is equal and every team will come to the Olympics with an aim win. As a team, we need to focus on ourselves and what we can do better on the given day," women's skipper Rani said. "We are preparing well to ensure we tick all the boxes in each of our matches and put all the energy into every game we play and give our best to the blue shirt if we want to see ourselves in the quarter-finals and semi-finals," she added.

Indian men's hockey team to face New Zealand in their opening match of Tokyo Olympics 2020

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-set-for-nike-deal-after-winning-new-balance-case-258176">Nike</a> announced its new Victory Swim Collection on Wednesday which will include a Full-Coverage Swimsuit and will&nbsp;provide a game-changing option for female athletes seeking full coverage and a full range of motion in the water.&nbsp;

The Nike Victory Swim Line is slated to&nbsp;be available globally at select retailers and online from February 1, 2020,&nbsp;onwards. It will&nbsp;include swim separate options of hijab, tunic top and leggings for modest swimwear along with the full coverage swimsuit.&nbsp;

"The design of the Nike Victory Swim Collection serves a variety of needs from modesty preferences to sun protection and represents Nike's commitment to inclusive design, providing more women with game-changing innovation to enjoy sport," the company said.

Nike was inspired by athletes passionate response to the company’s ''Pro Hijab''&nbsp;in 2017 which addressed issues that female athletes faced trying to find a hijab that worked well for a particular sport in a time hijabs were not fully understood.&nbsp;

Nike designers were introduced to the striking gap in apparel for water sports with athletes commenting that swimwear presented a barrier, rather than a conduit, to enjoying the water.&nbsp;

While variations of “Burkinis” can be found in several Islamic countries and online, the attire is not appropriate for swimming as it weighs the swimmer down, a problem that Nike seems to have solved by making its new line from fabric that is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying with UPF 40+ sun protection.&nbsp;

The company said that it was inspired by Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari, the first in her sport to don the hijab in competition.&nbsp;

Nike’s Creative Director, VP, Martha Moore said that the company was excited to inspire more women to see themselves in sport through the means of creative thinking and inclusive design.&nbsp;

“The more we listened, the more possibility we saw to serve female athletes in new dimensions…As we continue broadening our vision for innovation, we’re excited to inspire more women to see themselves in sport by thinking creatively and designing inclusively. To us, Nike Victory Swim Collection shows the power of innovation to invite all women to discover the joy of sport,” said Moore in a statement.&nbsp;

Nike announced its new Victory Swim Collection on Wednesday which will include a Full-Coverage Swimsuit and will provide a game-changing option for female athletes seeking full coverage and a full range of motion in the water.

Nike announced its new Victory Swim Collection on Wednesday which will include a Full-Coverage Swimsuit and will provide a game-changing option for female athletes seeking full coverage and a full range of motion in the water. The Nike Victory Swim Line is slated to be available globally at select retailers and online from February 1, 2020, onwards. It will include swim separate options of hijab, tunic top and leggings for modest swimwear along with the full coverage swimsuit. "The design of the Nike Victory Swim Collection serves a variety of needs from modesty preferences to sun protection and represents Nike's commitment to inclusive design, providing more women with game-changing innovation to enjoy sport," the company said. Nike was inspired by athletes passionate response to the company’s ''Pro Hijab'' in 2017 which addressed issues that female athletes faced trying to find a hijab that worked well for a particular sport in a time hijabs were not fully understood. Nike designers were introduced to the striking gap in apparel for water sports with athletes commenting that swimwear presented a barrier, rather than a conduit, to enjoying the water. While variations of “Burkinis” can be found in several Islamic countries and online, the attire is not appropriate for swimming as it weighs the swimmer down, a problem that Nike seems to have solved by making its new line from fabric that is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying with UPF 40+ sun protection. The company said that it was inspired by Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari, the first in her sport to don the hijab in competition. Nike’s Creative Director, VP, Martha Moore said that the company was excited to inspire more women to see themselves in sport through the means of creative thinking and inclusive design. “The more we listened, the more possibility we saw to serve female athletes in new dimensions…As we continue broadening our vision for innovation, we’re excited to inspire more women to see themselves in sport by thinking creatively and designing inclusively. To us, Nike Victory Swim Collection shows the power of innovation to invite all women to discover the joy of sport,” said Moore in a statement.

Nike announces new swimwear collection to include ‘Swim Hijab’  

Once Considered A Frontrunner, Kamala Harris Quits The 2020 Presidential Race

Gravitas: Kamala Harris Exits 2020 Race

The 13th South Asian Games are supposed to open in Kathmandu, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-hosts-tripitaka-chanting-ceremony-262799">Nepal</a> in two weeks but renovation work still remains incomplete.&nbsp;

The games are slated to be held from December 1-10.&nbsp;

The renovation of Dasarath Rangasala Stadium is incomplete with less than two weeks to go for the games, as there was a delay in the delivery of required material from China, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Dasarath Rangasala Stadium is supposed to host the opening ceremony as well as multiple important events.&nbsp;

Until now, chairs have not been completely installed and the VVIP block is still awaiting construction.

"The shipping of the chairs completed last night only. We are now working on the installation of chairs in the yellow block. We have the target of setting up chairs on the other side. We are working with the target of installing 1000 to 1500 chairs per day," Amar Shah, Site Engineer of Dasarath Stadium said.

This is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-join-occupy-tundikhel-campaign-to-protect-nepals-biggest-parade-square-261020">Nepal's</a> third time playing host for the South Asian Games, and seven countries have confirmed their participation in the tournament which is set to happen in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

"South Asian Games (SAG) is set to begin from December 1. While taking a tour around the location (Dasarath Stadium), it doesn't seem to be prepared to host the games. About 30 per cent of the work seems to be remaining. But I think if the speed is increased, then the work might be completed," Bikash Neupane, a resident of Kathmandu, said.

As many as 3,250 athletes will take part in the tournament, including 648 from the host country Nepal, 521 from neighbouring India, 612 from island country Sri Lanka, and 591 from Bangladesh. Additionally, 413 athletes from Pakistan, 135 from Bhutan, and 332 from the Maldives will also take part in the tournament.

(With inputs from ANI)

The 13th South Asian Games are supposed to open in Kathmandu, Nepal in two weeks but renovation work still remains incomplete. The games are slated to be held from December 1-10.

The 13th South Asian Games are supposed to open in Kathmandu, Nepal in two weeks but renovation work still remains incomplete. The games are slated to be held from December 1-10. The renovation of Dasarath Rangasala Stadium is incomplete with less than two weeks to go for the games, as there was a delay in the delivery of required material from China, news agency ANI reported. Dasarath Rangasala Stadium is supposed to host the opening ceremony as well as multiple important events. Until now, chairs have not been completely installed and the VVIP block is still awaiting construction. "The shipping of the chairs completed last night only. We are now working on the installation of chairs in the yellow block. We have the target of setting up chairs on the other side. We are working with the target of installing 1000 to 1500 chairs per day," Amar Shah, Site Engineer of Dasarath Stadium said. This is Nepal's third time playing host for the South Asian Games, and seven countries have confirmed their participation in the tournament which is set to happen in Kathmandu and Pokhara. "South Asian Games (SAG) is set to begin from December 1. While taking a tour around the location (Dasarath Stadium), it doesn't seem to be prepared to host the games. About 30 per cent of the work seems to be remaining. But I think if the speed is increased, then the work might be completed," Bikash Neupane, a resident of Kathmandu, said. As many as 3,250 athletes will take part in the tournament, including 648 from the host country Nepal, 521 from neighbouring India, 612 from island country Sri Lanka, and 591 from Bangladesh. Additionally, 413 athletes from Pakistan, 135 from Bhutan, and 332 from the Maldives will also take part in the tournament. (With inputs from ANI)

Nepal: With two weeks to go for South Asian Games, work at main venue still underway

A day after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-sterling-dropped-by-england-after- training-ground-disturbance-261542">&nbsp;Liverpool</a>'s&nbsp;Andy&nbsp;Robertson&nbsp;made his fourth assist of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-arsenals-under-fire-emery-gets-clubs- public-backing-261544">Premier League</a> season in Sunday's 3-1 victory over defending champions<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in- tatters-261238"> Manchester City</a>, he issued a challenge to fellow&nbsp;full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Scotland captain posted a short video clip on Twitter of himself smiling wryly with the caption "Realising you have more assists than @trentaa98" to which his teammate responded, "Come back in May."

The healthy rivalry between the Merseyside club's marauding&nbsp;full-backs&nbsp;has seen them create chances on par with some of the best forwards in the world, adding venom to&nbsp;Liverpool's&nbsp;already potent attack as they chase a first league title in 30 years.

"Me and Trent had big numbers last season in terms of contributing to goals and stuff, but it was more than that,"&nbsp;Robertson, 25, told&nbsp;Liverpool's&nbsp;website.

"Defensively we were also very good and this season we've tried to do the same. We just try and produce&nbsp;high&nbsp;standards&nbsp;in every single game ...&nbsp;it's not always possible."

Robertson&nbsp;and England's Alexander-Arnold have combined for 30 league assists,15 each, since August 2018 when Liverpool began to hit top gear under manager Juergen Klopp.

In the 12 games, the pair have started this season, Liverpool have conceded 10 goals with only second-placed Leicester City (eight) and Sheffield United (nine) letting in fewer.

Robertson&nbsp;hailed the remarkable progress of Liverpool-born<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-liverpools-alexander-arnold-eyes- captains-armband-259179"> Alexander-Arnold</a>, who is not far behind him with three assists this season.

"Trent is 21 and he's producing performances unbelievably and hopefully he keeps that up,"&nbsp;Robertson&nbsp;said.

"Hopefully the team keeps it up because we're doing well so far and there's confidence in that changing room."

More praise came from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.

"Some of Trent's passing is as good as a midfielder's. I've played with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso and I'd put him right up there," Crouch told the BBC in his role as an analyst.

"With what they do for this Liverpool team,&nbsp;Robertson&nbsp;and Alexander-Arnold are redefining the way&nbsp;full&nbsp;backs&nbsp;play."

A day after Liverpool's Andy Robertson made his fourth assist of the Premier League season in Sunday's 3-1 victory over defending champions Manchester City, he issued a challenge to fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A day after Liverpool's Andy Robertson made his fourth assist of the Premier League season in Sunday's 3-1 victory over defending champions Manchester City, he issued a challenge to fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Scotland captain posted a short video clip on Twitter of himself smiling wryly with the caption "Realising you have more assists than @trentaa98" to which his teammate responded, "Come back in May." The healthy rivalry between the Merseyside club's marauding full-backs has seen them create chances on par with some of the best forwards in the world, adding venom to Liverpool's already potent attack as they chase a first league title in 30 years. "Me and Trent had big numbers last season in terms of contributing to goals and stuff, but it was more than that," Robertson, 25, told Liverpool's website. "Defensively we were also very good and this season we've tried to do the same. We just try and produce high standards in every single game ... it's not always possible." Robertson and England's Alexander-Arnold have combined for 30 league assists,15 each, since August 2018 when Liverpool began to hit top gear under manager Juergen Klopp. In the 12 games, the pair have started this season, Liverpool have conceded 10 goals with only second-placed Leicester City (eight) and Sheffield United (nine) letting in fewer. Robertson hailed the remarkable progress of Liverpool-born Alexander-Arnold, who is not far behind him with three assists this season. "Trent is 21 and he's producing performances unbelievably and hopefully he keeps that up," Robertson said. "Hopefully the team keeps it up because we're doing well so far and there's confidence in that changing room." More praise came from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch. "Some of Trent's passing is as good as a midfielder's. I've played with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso and I'd put him right up there," Crouch told the BBC in his role as an analyst. "With what they do for this Liverpool team, Robertson and Alexander-Arnold are redefining the way full backs play."

Football: High standards helping Liverpool's full backs fire, says Robertson

Sportswear maker Adidas announced Monday it was closing two niche but flagship factories in Germany and the United States that use robots and 4D printing to make sneakers, shifting the manufacturing to cheaper Asian factories instead.

The production of high-tech running shoes at its so-called speed factories in Germany's Ansbach and in the US city of Atlanta "will be discontinued by April 2020 at the latest", Adidas said in a statement.

Just three years ago, the Bavaria-based group had hailed its speed factory concept, which uses highly automated processes to make shoes more quickly, more customised and closer to sales outlets, as proof that manufacturing jobs could return to high-wage countries.

But from the end of this year, the speed factor shoes will join Adidas' other models and be produced by existing suppliers in Asia, the group said.

Citing "advancements" made at the suppliers, the move would make the production of the shoes "more flexible and economic while simultaneously expanding the range of products available", Adidas executive board member Martin Shankland said.

Both the speed factories churn out just a million of the roughly 400 million athletic shoes made by the group each year.

The future of the Ansbach plant's 160 workers is unclear at the moment.&nbsp;

The factory is operated by the German technology firm Oechsler, which has collaborated with Adidas on the project.

Oechsler CEO Claudius Kozlik said in the same statement that he regretted Adidas' pullout.

But he stressed that the two companies would continue to work together on soles for football shoes and 4D-printed soles.

Like 3D printing, 4D printing produces three-dimensional objects at the touch of a button but then goes further by creating materials that change properties when they come into contact with triggers such as water or heat.&nbsp;

Sportswear maker Adidas announced Monday it was closing two niche but flagship factories in Germany and the United States that use robots and 4D printing to make sneakers, shifting the manufacturing to cheaper Asian factories instead.

Sportswear maker Adidas announced Monday it was closing two niche but flagship factories in Germany and the United States that use robots and 4D printing to make sneakers, shifting the manufacturing to cheaper Asian factories instead. The production of high-tech running shoes at its so-called speed factories in Germany's Ansbach and in the US city of Atlanta "will be discontinued by April 2020 at the latest", Adidas said in a statement. Just three years ago, the Bavaria-based group had hailed its speed factory concept, which uses highly automated processes to make shoes more quickly, more customised and closer to sales outlets, as proof that manufacturing jobs could return to high-wage countries. But from the end of this year, the speed factor shoes will join Adidas' other models and be produced by existing suppliers in Asia, the group said. Citing "advancements" made at the suppliers, the move would make the production of the shoes "more flexible and economic while simultaneously expanding the range of products available", Adidas executive board member Martin Shankland said. Both the speed factories churn out just a million of the roughly 400 million athletic shoes made by the group each year. The future of the Ansbach plant's 160 workers is unclear at the moment. The factory is operated by the German technology firm Oechsler, which has collaborated with Adidas on the project. Oechsler CEO Claudius Kozlik said in the same statement that he regretted Adidas' pullout. But he stressed that the two companies would continue to work together on soles for football shoes and 4D-printed soles. Like 3D printing, 4D printing produces three-dimensional objects at the touch of a button but then goes further by creating materials that change properties when they come into contact with triggers such as water or heat.

Adidas shifts German, United States smart factories to Asia

Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty crashed out of the Fuzhou China Open on Saturday. 
&nbsp;

The Indian duo lost to the world number one pair of Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo from Indonesia 16-21, 20-22. 
 
In the 40-minute long encounter, Indonesian had the upper hand in the first game. Indian pair came back strong in the second game and gave a tough fight to the opponents to proceed to the title clash. 
 
Earlier, in the quarterfinal match against China's Li Jun Hui and Liu Yu Chen, the Indian duo outclassed the world number three ranked opponents in two straight-game 21-19, 21-15 at the Haixia Olympic Sports Center.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty crashed out of the Fuzhou China Open on Saturday. The Indian duo lost to the world number one pair of Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo from Indonesia 16-21, 20-22.

Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty crashed out of the Fuzhou China Open on Saturday. The Indian duo lost to the world number one pair of Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo from Indonesia 16-21, 20-22. In the 40-minute long encounter, Indonesian had the upper hand in the first game. Indian pair came back strong in the second game and gave a tough fight to the opponents to proceed to the title clash. Earlier, in the quarterfinal match against China's Li Jun Hui and Liu Yu Chen, the Indian duo outclassed the world number three ranked opponents in two straight-game 21-19, 21-15 at the Haixia Olympic Sports Center.

Fuzhou China Open: Satwiksairaj-Chirag crash out after losing to world's number one pair in semifinal

Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined for 51 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won their seventh straight game with a 95-80 victory over the Miami Heat.

Davis finished with a team-leading 26 points and eight rebounds and James scored 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter for the Lakers who are also 4-0 at home.

James had his streak of triple-doubles snapped at three games as he finished with six assists and four rebounds.

"I just wanted to be aggressive and see if I could make it count," said James, who registered his 1,000th career double-double.

His three triple-doubles in the previous three contests made him the first to do it since Magic Johnson accomplished the feat 32 years ago.

James previously led the Heat to two NBA titles before leaving to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014.

"We are very resilient. We bounce back and we don't get rattled," James said of the Lakers. "That's not common for a team that has only been together a short period of time, but it is a good trait."

Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 22 points after scoring 34 in his previous game.

Backup point guard Goran Dragic came off the bench to score 19 points for the Heat who shot just 35.0 per cent from the floor and made just six of 35 three-point attempts.

Miami, who was playing on short rest after beating Phoenix 124-108 the previous night, had their lowest-scoring and poorest-shooting game of the season.&nbsp;

The Heat was without starting forward Justise Winslow, who has now missed four straight games with back problems.

Elsewhere,&nbsp;Spencer Dinwiddie came off the bench to score a team-high 34 points as the Brooklyn Nets overcame Damian Lillard's 60-point performance with a 119-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Lillard became the first NBA player this season to score 60 points after the league featured three in 2018-19. Houston Rockets&nbsp;guard James Harden had a pair of 61-pointers, while Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker also scored 60.

Dinwiddie and Kyrie Irving combined to score 10 three-pointers which was enough to counter Lillard's one-man performance.

One man show

Lillard nailed a running 34-footer at the final horn, allowing him to surpass his previous career-high of 59 points set two years ago against Utah.

Lillard finished 19-of-33 from the field, seven-of-16 on three-point attempts and 15-for-15 from the free-throw line.&nbsp;

In New Orleans, Pascal Siakam equalled his career-best with 44 points as the reigning NBA champion Toronto Raptors dominated in almost every aspect of the game and beat the New Orleans Pelicans 122-104.

The Raptors scored the first 15 points of the second quarter for a 75-53 halftime lead to seize control of the game and improve to 6-2 on the season.

Siakam finished 17 of 28 from the floor and had 20 rebounds for the Raptors, who dominated despite missing guard Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, who were both injured.

Fred VanVleet had 12 points and 11 assists, and OG Anunoby contributed 21 points and seven rebounds.

Also, Nikola Jokic hit a 20-foot jumper with two seconds left, and the host&nbsp;Denver Nuggets&nbsp;clawed their way out of a 21-point deficit to beat the&nbsp;Philadelphia 76ers&nbsp;100-97.&nbsp;

Jokic scored 16 of his game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter and also had 11 rebounds.&nbsp;

Joel Embiid had 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight turnovers before fouling out for the Sixers.

In Dallas, Luka Doncic scored a career-best 38 points but it wasn't enough as the New York Knicks snapped a four-game skid by holding on for a 106-102 win over the Dallas Mavericks.&nbsp;

Marcus Morris equalled a season-high with 29 points as the visiting Knicks, who bounced back nicely from consecutive blowout losses to Sacramento and Detroit that dropped their record to a league-worst 1-7.

Doncic set a career-high with 38 points while collecting 14 rebounds and 10 assists, but he also committed eight turnovers.&nbsp;

Mavericks Kristaps Porzingis scored 28 in his first meeting against his former team since the trade from New York on January 31.

Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined for 51 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won their seventh straight game with a 95-80 victory over the Miami Heat. Davis finished with a team-leading 26 points and eight rebounds and James scored 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter for the Lakers who are also 4-0 at home.

Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined for 51 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won their seventh straight game with a 95-80 victory over the Miami Heat. Davis finished with a team-leading 26 points and eight rebounds and James scored 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter for the Lakers who are also 4-0 at home. James had his streak of triple-doubles snapped at three games as he finished with six assists and four rebounds. "I just wanted to be aggressive and see if I could make it count," said James, who registered his 1,000th career double-double. His three triple-doubles in the previous three contests made him the first to do it since Magic Johnson accomplished the feat 32 years ago. James previously led the Heat to two NBA titles before leaving to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014. "We are very resilient. We bounce back and we don't get rattled," James said of the Lakers. "That's not common for a team that has only been together a short period of time, but it is a good trait." Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 22 points after scoring 34 in his previous game. Backup point guard Goran Dragic came off the bench to score 19 points for the Heat who shot just 35.0 per cent from the floor and made just six of 35 three-point attempts. Miami, who was playing on short rest after beating Phoenix 124-108 the previous night, had their lowest-scoring and poorest-shooting game of the season. The Heat was without starting forward Justise Winslow, who has now missed four straight games with back problems. Elsewhere, Spencer Dinwiddie came off the bench to score a team-high 34 points as the Brooklyn Nets overcame Damian Lillard's 60-point performance with a 119-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard became the first NBA player this season to score 60 points after the league featured three in 2018-19. Houston Rockets guard James Harden had a pair of 61-pointers, while Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker also scored 60. Dinwiddie and Kyrie Irving combined to score 10 three-pointers which was enough to counter Lillard's one-man performance. One man show Lillard nailed a running 34-footer at the final horn, allowing him to surpass his previous career-high of 59 points set two years ago against Utah. Lillard finished 19-of-33 from the field, seven-of-16 on three-point attempts and 15-for-15 from the free-throw line. In New Orleans, Pascal Siakam equalled his career-best with 44 points as the reigning NBA champion Toronto Raptors dominated in almost every aspect of the game and beat the New Orleans Pelicans 122-104. The Raptors scored the first 15 points of the second quarter for a 75-53 halftime lead to seize control of the game and improve to 6-2 on the season. Siakam finished 17 of 28 from the floor and had 20 rebounds for the Raptors, who dominated despite missing guard Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, who were both injured. Fred VanVleet had 12 points and 11 assists, and OG Anunoby contributed 21 points and seven rebounds. Also, Nikola Jokic hit a 20-foot jumper with two seconds left, and the host Denver Nuggets clawed their way out of a 21-point deficit to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 100-97. Jokic scored 16 of his game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter and also had 11 rebounds. Joel Embiid had 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight turnovers before fouling out for the Sixers. In Dallas, Luka Doncic scored a career-best 38 points but it wasn't enough as the New York Knicks snapped a four-game skid by holding on for a 106-102 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Marcus Morris equalled a season-high with 29 points as the visiting Knicks, who bounced back nicely from consecutive blowout losses to Sacramento and Detroit that dropped their record to a league-worst 1-7. Doncic set a career-high with 38 points while collecting 14 rebounds and 10 assists, but he also committed eight turnovers. Mavericks Kristaps Porzingis scored 28 in his first meeting against his former team since the trade from New York on January 31.

Basketball: James' triple double streak ends but Lakers win 7th straight

Arsene Wenger has contradicted a claim by Bayern Munich that they turned him down for the vacant head coach's job and accused the defending German champions of a lack of discretion.

Bayern need a new coach after Niko Kovac was sacked last Sunday with former Germany assistant Hansi Flick appointed interim boss for Wednesday's win over Olympiakos and Saturday's home league game against Dortmund.

On Thursday, Bayern put out a statement claiming Wenger had called club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to express interest in replacing Kovac, but said the former Arsenal boss had been turned down.

However, Wenger, 70, rejected those version of events and criticised Bayern for leaking "rumours from everywhere".

"My name came out of nowhere," said Wenger in an interview with beIN Sports on Friday.

"On Wednesday, Rummenigge called me, I called back out of courtesy.

"We talked for four or five minutes, maximum, and he reported that they signed Flick (as interim coach) for the next two games.&nbsp;

"He asked me if I would be interested because they are looking for a coach."

Wenger says he told Rummenigge that he would think about it and "we decided together" to talk again "next week because I am in Doha until Sunday night. This is a true story."

After a decade as Bayern's president, Uli Hoeness will step down on Friday and Wenger said Bayern are at a "turning point" with Rummenigge also set to quit as chairman within the coming year.

Between them, Hoeness and Rummenigge have helped grow Bayern into one of the most successful clubs in Europe.

"It seems that the future is uncertain" at Bayern, said Wenger who added that the German club had always been "very discreet and direct" in the past, "but today (they are) very exposed with rumours coming from everywhere".

Wenger wished Bayern "good luck" in finding a replacement for Kovac.&nbsp;

Other candidates for the vacancy, Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel and Ajax's Erik ten Hag, already made it clear last week that they will not join Bayern before at least the end of the season. &nbsp;

Arsene Wenger has contradicted a claim by Bayern Munich that they turned him down for the vacant head coach's job and accused the defending German champions of a lack of discretion.

Arsene Wenger has contradicted a claim by Bayern Munich that they turned him down for the vacant head coach's job and accused the defending German champions of a lack of discretion. Bayern need a new coach after Niko Kovac was sacked last Sunday with former Germany assistant Hansi Flick appointed interim boss for Wednesday's win over Olympiakos and Saturday's home league game against Dortmund. On Thursday, Bayern put out a statement claiming Wenger had called club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to express interest in replacing Kovac, but said the former Arsenal boss had been turned down. However, Wenger, 70, rejected those version of events and criticised Bayern for leaking "rumours from everywhere". "My name came out of nowhere," said Wenger in an interview with beIN Sports on Friday. "On Wednesday, Rummenigge called me, I called back out of courtesy. "We talked for four or five minutes, maximum, and he reported that they signed Flick (as interim coach) for the next two games. "He asked me if I would be interested because they are looking for a coach." Wenger says he told Rummenigge that he would think about it and "we decided together" to talk again "next week because I am in Doha until Sunday night. This is a true story." After a decade as Bayern's president, Uli Hoeness will step down on Friday and Wenger said Bayern are at a "turning point" with Rummenigge also set to quit as chairman within the coming year. Between them, Hoeness and Rummenigge have helped grow Bayern into one of the most successful clubs in Europe. "It seems that the future is uncertain" at Bayern, said Wenger who added that the German club had always been "very discreet and direct" in the past, "but today (they are) very exposed with rumours coming from everywhere". Wenger wished Bayern "good luck" in finding a replacement for Kovac. Other candidates for the vacancy, Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel and Ajax's Erik ten Hag, already made it clear last week that they will not join Bayern before at least the end of the season.

Wenger contradicts Bayern's claim they turned him down

Two of South Africa’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-to-attend-rugby-world-cup-final-258599">World Cup</a> winners face significant spells on the sidelines after injuries sustained in Saturday’s 32-12 final victory over England in Yokohama.

Flyhalf Handre Pollard, who stayed on the field for the whole match against England, has had surgery on a fractured eye socket and will be ruled out for six weeks, delaying his move to French Top 14 side Montpellier, South African Rugby said on Thursday.

Lock Lood de Jager dislocated his right shoulder after 22 minutes of the final and was replaced. He will have surgery in Cape Town next week, with an expected recovery time of four to six months.

De Jager, 26, was set to join English side Sale Sharks after the World Cup, but his move to the Premiership will be delayed until next year.

Two of South Africa’s World Cup winners face significant spells on the sidelines after injuries sustained in Saturday’s 32-12 final victory over England in Yokohama.

Two of South Africa’s World Cup winners face significant spells on the sidelines after injuries sustained in Saturday’s 32-12 final victory over England in Yokohama. Flyhalf Handre Pollard, who stayed on the field for the whole match against England, has had surgery on a fractured eye socket and will be ruled out for six weeks, delaying his move to French Top 14 side Montpellier, South African Rugby said on Thursday. Lock Lood de Jager dislocated his right shoulder after 22 minutes of the final and was replaced. He will have surgery in Cape Town next week, with an expected recovery time of four to six months. De Jager, 26, was set to join English side Sale Sharks after the World Cup, but his move to the Premiership will be delayed until next year.

South Africans Pollard, De Jager sidelined by Rugby World Cup injuries

Manchester United reached the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-arsenal-held-as-guimaraes-grab-last-gasp-equaliser-260442">Europa League</a> knockout stages with two games to spare after goals by Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford secured a 3-0 home win over Partizan Belgrade in Group L on Thursday.

The result left United top of the group on 10 points from four games, two ahead of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar who enjoyed a 5-0 away rout of Kazakhstan's Astana. Third-placed Partizan have four points and Astana none.

United, who won Europe's second-tier club competition in 2017 under manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solskjaer-urges-manchester-united-to-show-killer-instinct-252175">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's</a> predecessor Jose Mourinho, dominated throughout but poor finishing denied them a bigger win at Old Trafford.

A wasteful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/league-cup-marcus-rashford-stunner-stops-chelsea-in-their-tracks-258938">Rashford</a> missed three early chances before 18-year old Greenwood fired the home side ahead in the 22nd minute when he took a through ball in his stride, turned his marker and steered a low shot past goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic.

Martial, who scored a penalty in United's 1-0 win at Partizan a fortnight ago, doubled the lead in the 33rd with a deft finish after beating two defenders with neat footwork.

Rashford made it 3-0 early in the second half with a left-foot thunderbolt from inside the penalty area into the top corner to cap a flowing move in front of the Stretford End.

The hosts took their foot off the gas in the last 30 minutes but Partizan, roared on by 1,000 noisy away fans, created nothing up front as United remained the only side in this season's competition yet to concede a goal.

Solskjaer was pleased with the result but also pointed out that his side should have scored more goals.

"We needed a win but we needed a performance in which the boys wanted to go forward and score more than one goal," he told BT Sports.

"We could have had loads more but it was pleasing and it was important to get the points.

"You expect to win at home against teams like this. No disrespect to Partizan, because they gave us a really good game over there, but at home you expect to win," Solskjaer added.

"We should have buried it in the first 10 minutes but going in 2-0 at halftime makes you confident."

Manchester United reached the Europa League knockout stages with two games to spare after goals by Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford secured a 3-0 home win over Partizan Belgrade in Group L on Thursday.

Manchester United reached the Europa League knockout stages with two games to spare after goals by Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford secured a 3-0 home win over Partizan Belgrade in Group L on Thursday. The result left United top of the group on 10 points from four games, two ahead of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar who enjoyed a 5-0 away rout of Kazakhstan's Astana. Third-placed Partizan have four points and Astana none. United, who won Europe's second-tier club competition in 2017 under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's predecessor Jose Mourinho, dominated throughout but poor finishing denied them a bigger win at Old Trafford. A wasteful Rashford missed three early chances before 18-year old Greenwood fired the home side ahead in the 22nd minute when he took a through ball in his stride, turned his marker and steered a low shot past goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic. Martial, who scored a penalty in United's 1-0 win at Partizan a fortnight ago, doubled the lead in the 33rd with a deft finish after beating two defenders with neat footwork. Rashford made it 3-0 early in the second half with a left-foot thunderbolt from inside the penalty area into the top corner to cap a flowing move in front of the Stretford End. The hosts took their foot off the gas in the last 30 minutes but Partizan, roared on by 1,000 noisy away fans, created nothing up front as United remained the only side in this season's competition yet to concede a goal. Solskjaer was pleased with the result but also pointed out that his side should have scored more goals. "We needed a win but we needed a performance in which the boys wanted to go forward and score more than one goal," he told BT Sports. "We could have had loads more but it was pleasing and it was important to get the points. "You expect to win at home against teams like this. No disrespect to Partizan, because they gave us a really good game over there, but at home you expect to win," Solskjaer added. "We should have buried it in the first 10 minutes but going in 2-0 at halftime makes you confident."

Europa League: Manchester United brush Partizan aside to reach last 32

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to rejoin Italian side AC Milan after his successful stint at LA Galaxy, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber has said.

The 38-year-old Swedish striker has spent the past 18 months in MLS, but his contract with Galaxy expires at the end of the year, and he has been linked with a host of European clubs.

Ibrahimovic played for Milan between 2010 and 2012, scoring 42 goals in 61 league appearances, and Garber said he was on his way back to Serie A.

"Zlatan is such an interesting guy," he told ESPN. "He keeps my hands full and my inbox full, but he's a thrill-a-minute.

"He is a 38-year-old guy who is being recruited by AC Milan, one of the top clubs in the world."

Ibrahimovic was named in the MLS Best XI in 2018 and 2019 after netting 53 goals in the competition.

His season with Galaxy ended after they suffered a 5-3 defeat by local rivals Los Angeles Football Club in the MLS Cup Western Conference semi-finals last month.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to rejoin Italian side AC Milan after his successful stint at LA Galaxy, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber has said. The 38-year-old Swedish striker has spent the past 18 months in MLS, but his contract with Galaxy expires at the end of the year, and he has been linked with a host of European clubs.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to rejoin Italian side AC Milan after his successful stint at LA Galaxy, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber has said. The 38-year-old Swedish striker has spent the past 18 months in MLS, but his contract with Galaxy expires at the end of the year, and he has been linked with a host of European clubs. Ibrahimovic played for Milan between 2010 and 2012, scoring 42 goals in 61 league appearances, and Garber said he was on his way back to Serie A. "Zlatan is such an interesting guy," he told ESPN. "He keeps my hands full and my inbox full, but he's a thrill-a-minute. "He is a 38-year-old guy who is being recruited by AC Milan, one of the top clubs in the world." Ibrahimovic was named in the MLS Best XI in 2018 and 2019 after netting 53 goals in the competition. His season with Galaxy ended after they suffered a 5-3 defeat by local rivals Los Angeles Football Club in the MLS Cup Western Conference semi-finals last month.

Football: Ibrahimovic set for AC Milan return, says MLS chief

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-anti-doping-agency-to-investigate-athletes-coached-by-banned-salazar-report-259997">World Anti-doping Agency</a> (WADA) wants commercial sponsors to contribute financially to the fight against doping in sport as part of their corporate responsibility, the next WADA President said on Tuesday.

Witold Banka, Poland's Tourism and Sports Minister who will take over the WADA leadership from Craig Reedie on January&nbsp;1, said the organisation urgently needed to increase revenues and being a sponsor of sports events came with a responsibility.

"I am not the Christopher Columbus of anti-doping policy. It is not a new idea to engage big sponsors as part of their corporate social responsibility," Banka told an international anti-doping conference.

"That will be one of the biggest tasks: to convince the big companies to join the Olympic anti-doping solidarity fund," he added.

WADA has a budget of about $35 million&nbsp;annually while the overall spending on anti-doping around the world, including by national anti-doping agencies, does not exceed $260 million.

In comparison, broadcasters pay billions of dollars to secure rights of major sports such as the soccer World Cup and the Olympics.

Olympic sponsors will pay the International Olympic Committee more than one billion dollars for the 2017-2020 quadrennium to be associated with the Games while broadcasters will pay about $5 billion for Games rights for the same period.

Banka said WADA had to find new streams of revenue if it was to continue its fight to root out cheats.

WADA has been struggling with a vast <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wadas-russian-investigation-enters-new-phase-219322">Russian doping scandal</a> for more than four years in a process that has required considerable funds.

Russia's track and field team was banned from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 while the entire Russian Olympic team at the Pyeongchang winter Games competed as independents as a result of that scandal.

"We cannot keep raising contributions. We need to find some alternative solutions how we can increase the budget for anti-doping," said the 35-year-old Banka, a former European junior 400m champion.

"We have to convince the biggest partners that if you are a sponsor of sport you have to be a sponsor of clean sport."

The World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) wants commercial sponsors to contribute financially to the fight against doping in sport as part of their corporate responsibility, the next WADA President said on Tuesday.

The World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) wants commercial sponsors to contribute financially to the fight against doping in sport as part of their corporate responsibility, the next WADA President said on Tuesday. Witold Banka, Poland's Tourism and Sports Minister who will take over the WADA leadership from Craig Reedie on January 1, said the organisation urgently needed to increase revenues and being a sponsor of sports events came with a responsibility. "I am not the Christopher Columbus of anti-doping policy. It is not a new idea to engage big sponsors as part of their corporate social responsibility," Banka told an international anti-doping conference. "That will be one of the biggest tasks: to convince the big companies to join the Olympic anti-doping solidarity fund," he added. WADA has a budget of about $35 million annually while the overall spending on anti-doping around the world, including by national anti-doping agencies, does not exceed $260 million. In comparison, broadcasters pay billions of dollars to secure rights of major sports such as the soccer World Cup and the Olympics. Olympic sponsors will pay the International Olympic Committee more than one billion dollars for the 2017-2020 quadrennium to be associated with the Games while broadcasters will pay about $5 billion for Games rights for the same period. Banka said WADA had to find new streams of revenue if it was to continue its fight to root out cheats. WADA has been struggling with a vast Russian doping scandal for more than four years in a process that has required considerable funds. Russia's track and field team was banned from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 while the entire Russian Olympic team at the Pyeongchang winter Games competed as independents as a result of that scandal. "We cannot keep raising contributions. We need to find some alternative solutions how we can increase the budget for anti-doping," said the 35-year-old Banka, a former European junior 400m champion. "We have to convince the biggest partners that if you are a sponsor of sport you have to be a sponsor of clean sport."

WADA to ask commercial sponsors for money in anti-doping fight

Rohit Sharma on Sunday surpassed Virat Kohli's record to become the highest run-getter in the T20I format of the game. 
 
Sharma played a knock of nine runs in the first T20I against Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley stadium. 
 
By doing so, he took his run tally to 2,452 runs, going two runs ahead of Kohli's total. 
 
Sharma also became the most capped player for India in the shortest format of the game. He has now played 99 matches for the Men in Blue, breaking MS Dhoni's record of 98 appearances. 
 
India is&nbsp;currently playing on 75/3 after the conclusion of 12 overs after they were sent to bat first.

Rohit Sharma on Sunday surpassed Virat Kohli's record to become the highest run-getter in the T20I format of the game. Sharma played a knock of nine runs in the first T20I against Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley stadium.

Rohit Sharma on Sunday surpassed Virat Kohli's record to become the highest run-getter in the T20I format of the game. Sharma played a knock of nine runs in the first T20I against Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley stadium. By doing so, he took his run tally to 2,452 runs, going two runs ahead of Kohli's total. Sharma also became the most capped player for India in the shortest format of the game. He has now played 99 matches for the Men in Blue, breaking MS Dhoni's record of 98 appearances. India is currently playing on 75/3 after the conclusion of 12 overs after they were sent to bat first.

Rohit Sharma scores most runs in T20I, breaks Kohli's record

India women's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after defeating the USA in the qualifiers here on Saturday. 
 
In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India defeated the USA 5-1. 
 
In the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers, the USA had the first sight of goal in the 5th minute of the match. Kathleen Sharkey then added another goal of the match when the game was in the 14th minute. 
 
The USA continued its aggressive form in the game and just after six minutes, the team took their lead to three goals with the help of Alyssa Parker's strike. 
 
Consolidating the USA's position further in the match, Amanda Magadan netted another goal, taking the scoreline to 0-4. 
 
India scored a goal in the 49th minute, taking the scoreline to 1-4. The team then played cautiously and restricted the USA from scoring more goals. 
 
Hence the game concluded with an aggregate score of 6-5 which enabled India to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

India women's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after defeating the USA in the qualifiers here on Saturday. In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India defeated the USA 5-1.

India women's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after defeating the USA in the qualifiers here on Saturday. In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India defeated the USA 5-1. In the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers, the USA had the first sight of goal in the 5th minute of the match. Kathleen Sharkey then added another goal of the match when the game was in the 14th minute. The USA continued its aggressive form in the game and just after six minutes, the team took their lead to three goals with the help of Alyssa Parker's strike. Consolidating the USA's position further in the match, Amanda Magadan netted another goal, taking the scoreline to 0-4. India scored a goal in the 49th minute, taking the scoreline to 1-4. The team then played cautiously and restricted the USA from scoring more goals. Hence the game concluded with an aggregate score of 6-5 which enabled India to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

Indian women hockey team qualifies for Tokyo Olympics

India men's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after thrashing Russia in the qualifiers&nbsp;on Saturday. 
 
In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India had defeated Russia 4-2. 
 
In the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers, Russia got off to a brilliant start as it gained a one-goal lead in the first minute. 
 
India rushed off the blocks in the second quarter with three goals, taking the scoreline to 3-1. 
 
Nilakanta Sharma then added another goal of the match when the game was in the 47th minute. 
 
India continued their aggressive form in the game and just after one minute, the team took their lead to four with the help of Rupinder Pal Singh's strike. 
 
Consolidating India's position further in the match, Rupinder netted another goal, taking the scoreline to 6-1. 
 
When the match was in the final minute, India's striker Amit Rohidas scored a goal as the game ended with a scoreline 7-1. 
 
Hence the game concluded with an aggregate score of 11-3, which enabled India to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

India men's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after thrashing Russia in the qualifiers on Saturday. In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India had defeated Russia 4-2.

India men's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after thrashing Russia in the qualifiers on Saturday. In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India had defeated Russia 4-2. In the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers, Russia got off to a brilliant start as it gained a one-goal lead in the first minute. India rushed off the blocks in the second quarter with three goals, taking the scoreline to 3-1. Nilakanta Sharma then added another goal of the match when the game was in the 47th minute. India continued their aggressive form in the game and just after one minute, the team took their lead to four with the help of Rupinder Pal Singh's strike. Consolidating India's position further in the match, Rupinder netted another goal, taking the scoreline to 6-1. When the match was in the final minute, India's striker Amit Rohidas scored a goal as the game ended with a scoreline 7-1. Hence the game concluded with an aggregate score of 11-3, which enabled India to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Indian men hockey team defeats Russia, qualifies for Tokyo Olympics

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