Tokyo Olympics organisers have defended their request for 500 nurses at the pandemic-delayed mega-event, after accusations of diverting crucial medical resources.&nbsp;

Reports about their request to the Japanese Nursing Association sparked a furious response among social media users on Monday, the day after a coronavirus state of emergency was imposed in the capital.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto confirmed the reports but said discussions were still ongoing, and that organisers would strive to "come up with a feasible way of securing that many nurse resources".

"One of the key assumptions is you should not deteriorate the service level in the local community by pulling out these nurses, and I have made this point very clear," Muto told reporters.

Parts of Japan have seen a recent resurgence in Covid-19 cases, driven by more infectious new variants.

A virus state of emergency came into force in Tokyo and three other regions on Sunday, less than three months before the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23.

The hashtag "request for 500 nurses" was trending on Twitter in Japan on Monday, with many users scathing.

"This isn't a joke, people will die because of the Olympics," wrote one user.

"Are you looking to kill frontline medical workers?" wrote another.

Muto denied that the request was made "behind the scenes", and said "careful and meticulous discussions" would be needed to fine-tune the details.

"We need to come up with a way to coexist," he said. "That's what I mean with being flexible with working hours and shifts and so on. We are consulting about that."

Organisers are already struggling to drum up public support for the Games, with polls showing a majority of Japanese support cancellation or further postponement.

Overseas spectators have already been banned from the event over fears of the virus spreading, and a decision on how many domestic fans will be allowed into venues is expected soon.

Japan has had some success containing Covid-19, with just over 10,000 deaths despite never imposing strict lockdown measures.

But cases surged over the winter and have rebounded since the previous state of emergency was lifted in March.

Tokyo Olympics organisers have defended their request for 500 nurses at the pandemic-delayed mega-event, after accusations of diverting crucial medical resources.

Tokyo Olympics organisers have defended their request for 500 nurses at the pandemic-delayed mega-event, after accusations of diverting crucial medical resources. Reports about their request to the Japanese Nursing Association sparked a furious response among social media users on Monday, the day after a coronavirus state of emergency was imposed in the capital. Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto confirmed the reports but said discussions were still ongoing, and that organisers would strive to "come up with a feasible way of securing that many nurse resources". "One of the key assumptions is you should not deteriorate the service level in the local community by pulling out these nurses, and I have made this point very clear," Muto told reporters. Parts of Japan have seen a recent resurgence in Covid-19 cases, driven by more infectious new variants. A virus state of emergency came into force in Tokyo and three other regions on Sunday, less than three months before the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23. The hashtag "request for 500 nurses" was trending on Twitter in Japan on Monday, with many users scathing. "This isn't a joke, people will die because of the Olympics," wrote one user. "Are you looking to kill frontline medical workers?" wrote another. Muto denied that the request was made "behind the scenes", and said "careful and meticulous discussions" would be needed to fine-tune the details. "We need to come up with a way to coexist," he said. "That's what I mean with being flexible with working hours and shifts and so on. We are consulting about that." Organisers are already struggling to drum up public support for the Games, with polls showing a majority of Japanese support cancellation or further postponement. Overseas spectators have already been banned from the event over fears of the virus spreading, and a decision on how many domestic fans will be allowed into venues is expected soon. Japan has had some success containing Covid-19, with just over 10,000 deaths despite never imposing strict lockdown measures. But cases surged over the winter and have rebounded since the previous state of emergency was lifted in March.

Tokyo 2020 defends request for Olympic nurses as virus spikes

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically.

So, there's a market, there's demand, there's a push from the government and India has the technological know-how, then why hasn't Make in India made a difference?

Last year, Former Army Chief General VP Malik - the man who led the Indian Army during the Kargil war spoke about it. And he made a strong case for making defence equipment in India. &nbsp;

He said that unless India becomes adequately self-reliant in defence, our national security remains vulnerable. 
 
So, why has India's domestic arms industry not flourished?&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the longest time, defence manufacturing in India was in the hands of state-owned companies. Private players were allowed only in 2001. A report from 2019 says that even today, bulk of the business goes to the public sector units.&nbsp;

Last year, the annual turnover of private sector companies was close to Rs 15 thousand crores. Public sector units earned more than four times this figure. Their turnover was well over Rs 60 thousand crores.

But, the Armed Forces have not had good experiences working with India's Defence PSUs. They give three reasons:

First, professionalism, or the lack of it. Second, delays in deliveries, and third, overshooting the budget.&nbsp;

Let's take the case of HAL, it had the exclusive rights to manufacture foreign jets in India. Last year, the Indian Air Force told the government that production delays are impacting its combat strength, particularly, when it comes to the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Fighter fleets that were undergoing upgrades.&nbsp;

The IAF pointed out delays, ranging from two to six years. As a result, costs have also gone up. Furthermore, India lacks the talent to develop futuristic weapons.

Research and Development is still restricted to government agencies like DRDO. So, the Defence Forces have little choice and they have to resort to off the shelf purchases.

All the major contracts the Narendra Modi government has signed have been off the shelf. There has been no transfer of technology, this includes 36 Rafale jets from France, the S400 Missile Defence system from Russia, and the Apache and Chinook from the US.

Although, the government should be given credit where it's due. Some major bottlenecks for the entry of the private sector have been removed under the Modi government, like - increasing the FDI cap, easing licensing conditions and reduced time frame for obtaining defence exports approvals.

Several private players have entered the market - Adani Defence and Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Mahindra and Mahindra. They have all tied up with foreign Defence manufacturing firms.

But as of last year, some deals were yet to be finalised, a few have even hit dead ends or have been cancelled.

The private sector hasn't really been able to graduate from making small components to creating full-blown systems.

First of all, finalise the pending deals. Second, invest more in defence research and development. Third, encourage private players and startups to build indigenous offerings. And fourth, push for weapons imports that come with a technology transfer.

This will boost India's know-how in defence manufacturing.&nbsp;

Another major concern is the budget. India might not have enough money to clear big-ticket purchases. This is where the Defence Forces must consider deeper integration of resources and talent and open up some room in the budget.

The appointment of the Chief of Defence staff is a step in that direction. The more immediate concern is the pending defence procurement. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to complete priority purchases.

Delaying the development of India's defence manufacturing not just makes our imports bills bigger, it even forces the Armed Forces, bureaucrats and the government to make compromises with national security.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically.

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically. So, there's a market, there's demand, there's a push from the government and India has the technological know-how, then why hasn't Make in India made a difference? Last year, Former Army Chief General VP Malik - the man who led the Indian Army during the Kargil war spoke about it. And he made a strong case for making defence equipment in India. He said that unless India becomes adequately self-reliant in defence, our national security remains vulnerable. So, why has India's domestic arms industry not flourished? For the longest time, defence manufacturing in India was in the hands of state-owned companies. Private players were allowed only in 2001. A report from 2019 says that even today, bulk of the business goes to the public sector units. Last year, the annual turnover of private sector companies was close to Rs 15 thousand crores. Public sector units earned more than four times this figure. Their turnover was well over Rs 60 thousand crores. But, the Armed Forces have not had good experiences working with India's Defence PSUs. They give three reasons: First, professionalism, or the lack of it. Second, delays in deliveries, and third, overshooting the budget. Let's take the case of HAL, it had the exclusive rights to manufacture foreign jets in India. Last year, the Indian Air Force told the government that production delays are impacting its combat strength, particularly, when it comes to the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Fighter fleets that were undergoing upgrades. The IAF pointed out delays, ranging from two to six years. As a result, costs have also gone up. Furthermore, India lacks the talent to develop futuristic weapons. Research and Development is still restricted to government agencies like DRDO. So, the Defence Forces have little choice and they have to resort to off the shelf purchases. All the major contracts the Narendra Modi government has signed have been off the shelf. There has been no transfer of technology, this includes 36 Rafale jets from France, the S400 Missile Defence system from Russia, and the Apache and Chinook from the US. Although, the government should be given credit where it's due. Some major bottlenecks for the entry of the private sector have been removed under the Modi government, like - increasing the FDI cap, easing licensing conditions and reduced time frame for obtaining defence exports approvals. Several private players have entered the market - Adani Defence and Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Mahindra and Mahindra. They have all tied up with foreign Defence manufacturing firms. But as of last year, some deals were yet to be finalised, a few have even hit dead ends or have been cancelled. The private sector hasn't really been able to graduate from making small components to creating full-blown systems. First of all, finalise the pending deals. Second, invest more in defence research and development. Third, encourage private players and startups to build indigenous offerings. And fourth, push for weapons imports that come with a technology transfer. This will boost India's know-how in defence manufacturing. Another major concern is the budget. India might not have enough money to clear big-ticket purchases. This is where the Defence Forces must consider deeper integration of resources and talent and open up some room in the budget. The appointment of the Chief of Defence staff is a step in that direction. The more immediate concern is the pending defence procurement. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to complete priority purchases. Delaying the development of India's defence manufacturing not just makes our imports bills bigger, it even forces the Armed Forces, bureaucrats and the government to make compromises with national security. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

Olympic anxiety leaves Japanese sponsors counting the cost

Ace Spanish badminton player Carolina Marin on Tuesday pulled out from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2020 after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and both menisci of the left knee. The reigning Olympic Champion, Marin has been hailed as one of the finest badminton players of all time and was one of the biggest hopes for an Olympic gold during the Games in Tokyo for the Spain contingent. <o:p></o:p>

Marin took to social media platform Twitter to announce the development as she said that they were excited for the Olympics but added that she will be back after recovering from the injury blow. <o:p></o:p>

“I want to thank everyone for your support and messages during these days. This is another blow that I have to deal with, but I will certainly be back. The preparation during the last two months had become very difficult for reasons beyond the team's control, but we were excited and knew that I would be on the best shape for the Olympics. It won't be possible. I know that I am in safe hands and that I have a lot of people by my side. #ICanBecauseIBelieveICan,” Marin said in a statement on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-osaka-reveals-bouts-of-depression-after-shock-french-open-withdrawal-388742" hreflang="en">Tennis: Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression' after shock French Open withdrawal</a>

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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🐺💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PuedoPorquePiensoQuePuedo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PuedoPorquePiensoQuePuedo</a> <a href="https://t.co/jxq21hhXgR">pic.twitter.com/jxq21hhXgR</a>
— Carolina Marín (@CarolinaMarin) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarolinaMarin/status/1399652812603154434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Marin, reigning Olympic Champion, three-time World Champions and five-time European Champion, was one of the favourites in the women’s singles badminton event to win the coveted gold medal. The former world number one is regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in singles badminton.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympic-anxiety-leaves-japanese-sponsors-counting-the-cost-388740" hreflang="en">Olympic anxiety leaves Japanese sponsors counting the cost</a><o:p></o:p>

Having won a medal in almost every BWF tournament, Marin was eyeing another gold at the quadrennial event. <o:p></o:p>

At Rio Olympics, Marin defeated India’s PV Sindhu to win the women’s singles final with a score of 19-21 as she scripted history by becoming the first non-Asian to win the Olympic badminton singles’ event.<o:p></o:p>

However, this is not the first time that Marin has suffered an ACL tear. In 2019, Marin had raptured her ACL during the Indonesia Masters final against Saina Nehwal. She underwent reconstruction surgery and had a recovery for four months.<o:p></o:p>

Ace Spanish badminton player Carolina Marin on Tuesday pulled out from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2020 after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and both menisci of the left knee.

Ace Spanish badminton player Carolina Marin on Tuesday pulled out from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2020 after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and both menisci of the left knee. The reigning Olympic Champion, Marin has been hailed as one of the finest badminton players of all time and was one of the biggest hopes for an Olympic gold during the Games in Tokyo for the Spain contingent. Marin took to social media platform Twitter to announce the development as she said that they were excited for the Olympics but added that she will be back after recovering from the injury blow. “I want to thank everyone for your support and messages during these days. This is another blow that I have to deal with, but I will certainly be back. The preparation during the last two months had become very difficult for reasons beyond the team's control, but we were excited and knew that I would be on the best shape for the Olympics. It won't be possible. I know that I am in safe hands and that I have a lot of people by my side. #ICanBecauseIBelieveICan,” Marin said in a statement on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Tennis: Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression' after shock French Open withdrawal 🐺💙#PuedoPorquePiensoQuePuedo pic.twitter.com/jxq21hhXgR — Carolina Marín (@CarolinaMarin) June 1, 2021 × Marin, reigning Olympic Champion, three-time World Champions and five-time European Champion, was one of the favourites in the women’s singles badminton event to win the coveted gold medal. The former world number one is regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in singles badminton. ALSO READ: Olympic anxiety leaves Japanese sponsors counting the cost Having won a medal in almost every BWF tournament, Marin was eyeing another gold at the quadrennial event. At Rio Olympics, Marin defeated India’s PV Sindhu to win the women’s singles final with a score of 19-21 as she scripted history by becoming the first non-Asian to win the Olympic badminton singles’ event. However, this is not the first time that Marin has suffered an ACL tear. In 2019, Marin had raptured her ACL during the Indonesia Masters final against Saina Nehwal. She underwent reconstruction surgery and had a recovery for four months.

Badminton: Reigning Olympic champion, Carolina Marin pulls out of Tokyo 2020 due to knee injuries

England’s home Test summer is set to kickstart on Wednesday (June 2) as they take on New Zealand at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in the series opener of the two-Test series. The match will be the first at the Lord’s since Ashes 2019 as the iconic venue couldn’t host a single match in the 2020/21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

The first Test between England and New Zealand will have around 7500 spectators per day in the stands as UK continue to ease lockdown restrictions.<o:p></o:p>

The England outfit will be missing some familiar faces in the playing XI. While some of the big names have been rested due to their involvement in the first phase of IPL 2021, the likes of Ben Foakes, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer are missing due to injury.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-amid-virus-surge-in-india-icc-may-move-t20-world-cup-from-india-to-uae-388857" hreflang="en">Cricket: Amid virus surge in India, ICC may move T20 World Cup from India to UAE</a><o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Here's all you need to know about the England vs New Zealand 1st Test:<o:p></o:p></h2>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">When will England vs New Zealand 1st Test begin?<o:p></o:p></h2>

England vs New Zealand 1st Test will begin at 3:30 pm&nbsp;on Wednesday. <o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Which channel will telecast England vs New Zealand 1st Test in India?<o:p></o:p></h2>

England vs New Zealand 1st Test match will be telecasted on SonySix in India.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">How to watch the live streaming of the England vs New Zealand 1st Test in India?<o:p></o:p></h2>

England vs New Zealand 1st Test can be streamed on the SonyLiv App and Website.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Squads<o:p></o:p></h2>

England: Joe Root(c), James Anderson, Sam Billings, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood<o:p></o:p>

New Zealand: Kane Williamson(c), Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, BJ Watling, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner<o:p></o:p>

England’s home Test summer is set to kickstart on Wednesday (June 2) as they take on New Zealand at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in the series opener of the two-Test series.

England’s home Test summer is set to kickstart on Wednesday (June 2) as they take on New Zealand at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in the series opener of the two-Test series. The match will be the first at the Lord’s since Ashes 2019 as the iconic venue couldn’t host a single match in the 2020/21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first Test between England and New Zealand will have around 7500 spectators per day in the stands as UK continue to ease lockdown restrictions. The England outfit will be missing some familiar faces in the playing XI. While some of the big names have been rested due to their involvement in the first phase of IPL 2021, the likes of Ben Foakes, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer are missing due to injury. ALSO READ: Cricket: Amid virus surge in India, ICC may move T20 World Cup from India to UAE Here's all you need to know about the England vs New Zealand 1st Test: When will England vs New Zealand 1st Test begin? England vs New Zealand 1st Test will begin at 3:30 pm on Wednesday. Which channel will telecast England vs New Zealand 1st Test in India? England vs New Zealand 1st Test match will be telecasted on SonySix in India. How to watch the live streaming of the England vs New Zealand 1st Test in India? England vs New Zealand 1st Test can be streamed on the SonyLiv App and Website. Squads England: Joe Root(c), James Anderson, Sam Billings, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood New Zealand: Kane Williamson(c), Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, BJ Watling, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner

England vs New Zealand, Live Streaming, Day 1: When and where to watch ENG vs NZ 1st Test?

The mandatory press conferences thrown into the spotlight this week by Naomi Osaka's shock withdrawal from the French Open are usually dull affairs, but occasionally spark tears, angry responses and even the odd heart to heart.

Japanese star Osaka pulled out of Roland Garros after being fined $15,000 and threatened with disqualification by organisers following her refusal to speak to the media.

The 23-year-old four-time Grand Slam champion likened the post-match pressers to "kicking people when they're down".

"I have often felt that people have no regard for athletes' mental health and this rings true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one," Osaka said in her initial statement last week, saying she would not speak to the media.

"We're often sat there and asked questions that we've been asked multiple times before or asked questions that bring doubt into our minds and I am not going to subject myself to people who doubt me."

Her stance has raised questions over whether Osaka, who has been suffering with "bouts of depression" for three years, is an isolated case in feeling anxiety about press conferences, or not.

The toughest time to face the traditional post-match inquisitions tends to be after a defeat, especially after particularly a difficult one to take.

Players other than Osaka have avoided media obligations before -- world number one Novak Djokovic made a hasty exit from Flushing Meadows after his infamous default from last year's US Open.

Others opt to turn up, but answer questions in the most limited way possible.

Venus Williams and Bernard Tomic are among those to have taken the "yes/no" approach.

<h2>- 'Stupidest question I've heard' -</h2>

Sometimes, though, players hit back when faced with questions they deem downright stupid or inappropriate.

"That is the stupidest question I have ever heard," Nick Kyrgios said in January 2020, when asked if it was "possible for Alex de Minaur to beat Nadal".

Even 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal himself criticised a journalist in 2019 for asking him if his form on court had been affected by getting married.

"Honestly are you asking me this? Is this a serious question or a joke?," retorted the Spaniard, who then called the question "bullshit".

There is no doubt that sometimes players face inappropriate questions -- Simona Halep was once asked if her breast reduction had "served her on the court or outside".

Sometimes the questions are just bizarre, like when Stan Wawrinka was asked about "what Martin Luther King would have looked like on Twitter".

It is the pain of fielding questions after a painful loss that Osaka referenced, shown by the tears of Gael Monfils at the Australian Open in February.

"Every time I arrive here, I feel judged. They tell me: 'You lost again, why?'. I am already on the ground and you shoot me," said the Frenchman in despair after a first-round exit.

"There's a sense of voyeurism around how it presently works," wrote Peter Terry, a professor of psychology at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia on theconversation.com, on Tuesday.

"Perhaps some want to see athletes crumble and break down into tears, having put them on a pedestal."

Serena Williams, bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title in Paris this fortnight, admitted that she too has felt anxious before press conferences.

"I've been where I've been very difficult to walk in (to press conferences) in those moments. But, you know, it made me stronger," she said on Tuesday.

Daniil Medvedev, known for his often unpredictable personality on court, believes that sometimes the post-match interviews help him.

"When I'm in a bad mood, sometimes I'm in a better mood after talking to you," he told reporters.

But for most players, like world number one Ashleigh Barty, speaking to the press is just "part of the job".&nbsp;

Whether or not always being obliged to speak to media remains part of the job is a question now being asked in light of Osaka's revelations.

The mandatory press conferences thrown into the spotlight this week by Naomi Osaka's shock withdrawal from the French Open are usually dull affairs, but occasionally spark tears, angry responses and even the odd heart to heart.

The mandatory press conferences thrown into the spotlight this week by Naomi Osaka's shock withdrawal from the French Open are usually dull affairs, but occasionally spark tears, angry responses and even the odd heart to heart. Japanese star Osaka pulled out of Roland Garros after being fined $15,000 and threatened with disqualification by organisers following her refusal to speak to the media. The 23-year-old four-time Grand Slam champion likened the post-match pressers to "kicking people when they're down". "I have often felt that people have no regard for athletes' mental health and this rings true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one," Osaka said in her initial statement last week, saying she would not speak to the media. "We're often sat there and asked questions that we've been asked multiple times before or asked questions that bring doubt into our minds and I am not going to subject myself to people who doubt me." Her stance has raised questions over whether Osaka, who has been suffering with "bouts of depression" for three years, is an isolated case in feeling anxiety about press conferences, or not. The toughest time to face the traditional post-match inquisitions tends to be after a defeat, especially after particularly a difficult one to take. Players other than Osaka have avoided media obligations before -- world number one Novak Djokovic made a hasty exit from Flushing Meadows after his infamous default from last year's US Open. Others opt to turn up, but answer questions in the most limited way possible. Venus Williams and Bernard Tomic are among those to have taken the "yes/no" approach. - 'Stupidest question I've heard' - Sometimes, though, players hit back when faced with questions they deem downright stupid or inappropriate. "That is the stupidest question I have ever heard," Nick Kyrgios said in January 2020, when asked if it was "possible for Alex de Minaur to beat Nadal". Even 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal himself criticised a journalist in 2019 for asking him if his form on court had been affected by getting married. "Honestly are you asking me this? Is this a serious question or a joke?," retorted the Spaniard, who then called the question "bullshit". There is no doubt that sometimes players face inappropriate questions -- Simona Halep was once asked if her breast reduction had "served her on the court or outside". Sometimes the questions are just bizarre, like when Stan Wawrinka was asked about "what Martin Luther King would have looked like on Twitter". It is the pain of fielding questions after a painful loss that Osaka referenced, shown by the tears of Gael Monfils at the Australian Open in February. "Every time I arrive here, I feel judged. They tell me: 'You lost again, why?'. I am already on the ground and you shoot me," said the Frenchman in despair after a first-round exit. "There's a sense of voyeurism around how it presently works," wrote Peter Terry, a professor of psychology at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia on theconversation.com, on Tuesday. "Perhaps some want to see athletes crumble and break down into tears, having put them on a pedestal." Serena Williams, bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title in Paris this fortnight, admitted that she too has felt anxious before press conferences. "I've been where I've been very difficult to walk in (to press conferences) in those moments. But, you know, it made me stronger," she said on Tuesday. Daniil Medvedev, known for his often unpredictable personality on court, believes that sometimes the post-match interviews help him. "When I'm in a bad mood, sometimes I'm in a better mood after talking to you," he told reporters. But for most players, like world number one Ashleigh Barty, speaking to the press is just "part of the job". Whether or not always being obliged to speak to media remains part of the job is a question now being asked in light of Osaka's revelations.

Bizarre questions, tears and anger: Tennis players and press conferences

World number one Novak Djokovic on Tuesday hailed Naomi Osaka as "brave and bold" for withdrawing from the French Open after revealing her struggles with depression and anxiety.

"I support her. I think she was very brave to do that. I'm really sorry that she is going through painful times and suffering mentally, is what I have heard," said Djokovic after reaching the second round of the tournament.

"This was, I must say, a very bold decision from her side.&nbsp;

"If she needs to take time and reflect and just recharge that's what she needed to do, and I respect it fully. I hope that she'll come back stronger."

World number two and four-time major winner Osaka pulled out on Monday after she was fined $15,000 and threatened with disqualification for refusing to attend press conferences.

Osaka claimed traditional post-match media conferences are akin to "kicking people when they're down" and were having a detrimental effect on her mental health.

She revealed she had been suffering bouts of depression since her 2018 US Open title breakthrough as well as anxiety attacks.

"There's a sense of voyeurism around how it presently works," wrote Peter Terry, a professor of psychology at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia on theconversation.com.

"Osaka is a young, introverted, anxious person. We should by now understand that sports stars are not super human, that they have the same doubts and mental health issues as everyone else."

Djokovic kicked off his campaign for a 19th Grand Slam title with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 win over Tennys Sandgren inside an empty stadium.

Rafael Nadal, the 13-time champion and chasing a record-setting 21st major, defeated Alexei Popyrin of Australia 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3).

The Spaniard now has 101 wins against just two losses at the tournament.

Djokovic saw off world number 66 Sandgren in straight sets for his fourth win in four meetings with the American.

However, a French government Covid-19 curfew of 9pm meant that his evening session match at the 15,000-capacity Court Philippe Chatrier was played out to rows of empty seats.

"It was strange, honestly, but I'm also honoured to be the first men's match, night session, in the history of this tournament," said Djokovic.

Top seed Djokovic, the champion in Paris in 2016, is attempting to become the first man in more than 50 years to win all four Slams multiple times.

The Serb fired 33 winners and broke serve five times as he set up a clash with Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay for a place in the last 32.

Nadal has now won 26 sets in a row at the tournament.

<h2>- 'Lucky to win' -</h2>

"I was lucky to win that third set, I don't know how (I did). The beginning of the match had been very tough too," said Nadal, who was 2-5 down in the third set, saving two set points.

Up next is fellow 34-year-old Richard Gasquet.

The pair first played one another when they were children.&nbsp;As professionals, Nadal leads 16-0.

Djokovic and Nadal are seeded to meet in the semi-finals.

One dangerman for Nadal and Djokovic was removed from the draw when seventh seed Andrey Rublev lost 6-3, 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 3-6, 6-4 to Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff.

In-form Russian Rublev had defeated Nadal en route to the Monte Carlo Masters final.

Rublev joins fourth seed and two-time runner-up Dominic Thiem in falling at the first hurdle.

<h2>- Barty not 100% -</h2>

World number one Ashleigh Barty marked her return to Paris for the first time since her 2019 title triumph by beating American left-hander Bernarda Pera 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 but admitted she was fighting a hip problem.

"I'm not going to hide behind the fact I'm not quite 100%," said the 25-year-old.

Italian 37-year-old Andreas Seppi, playing in his 63rd successive Grand Slam, stunned 20th seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 7-6 (10/8), 4-6, 6-4.

Venus Williams, playing the tournament for the 24th time and a runner-up 19 years ago, saw her 89th Grand Slam end as Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova eased to a 6-3, 6-1 win.

Carla Suarez Navarro came close to winning her first match back after recovering from cancer, but bowed out 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 at the hands of Sloane Stephens.

Tuesday was a miserable day for home hopes as only three of 18 French men made the second round, the country's worst performance since the dawn of the Open era in 1968.

Ironically, a Roland Garros press conference led to the injury-enforced withdrawal of two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova who pulled out after hurting her ankle after finishing her media commitments.

World number one Novak Djokovic on Tuesday hailed Naomi Osaka as "brave and bold" for withdrawing from the French Open after revealing her struggles with depression and anxiety.

World number one Novak Djokovic on Tuesday hailed Naomi Osaka as "brave and bold" for withdrawing from the French Open after revealing her struggles with depression and anxiety. "I support her. I think she was very brave to do that. I'm really sorry that she is going through painful times and suffering mentally, is what I have heard," said Djokovic after reaching the second round of the tournament. "This was, I must say, a very bold decision from her side. "If she needs to take time and reflect and just recharge that's what she needed to do, and I respect it fully. I hope that she'll come back stronger." World number two and four-time major winner Osaka pulled out on Monday after she was fined $15,000 and threatened with disqualification for refusing to attend press conferences. Osaka claimed traditional post-match media conferences are akin to "kicking people when they're down" and were having a detrimental effect on her mental health. She revealed she had been suffering bouts of depression since her 2018 US Open title breakthrough as well as anxiety attacks. "There's a sense of voyeurism around how it presently works," wrote Peter Terry, a professor of psychology at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia on theconversation.com. "Osaka is a young, introverted, anxious person. We should by now understand that sports stars are not super human, that they have the same doubts and mental health issues as everyone else." Djokovic kicked off his campaign for a 19th Grand Slam title with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 win over Tennys Sandgren inside an empty stadium. Rafael Nadal, the 13-time champion and chasing a record-setting 21st major, defeated Alexei Popyrin of Australia 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3). The Spaniard now has 101 wins against just two losses at the tournament. Djokovic saw off world number 66 Sandgren in straight sets for his fourth win in four meetings with the American. However, a French government Covid-19 curfew of 9pm meant that his evening session match at the 15,000-capacity Court Philippe Chatrier was played out to rows of empty seats. "It was strange, honestly, but I'm also honoured to be the first men's match, night session, in the history of this tournament," said Djokovic. Top seed Djokovic, the champion in Paris in 2016, is attempting to become the first man in more than 50 years to win all four Slams multiple times. The Serb fired 33 winners and broke serve five times as he set up a clash with Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay for a place in the last 32. Nadal has now won 26 sets in a row at the tournament. - 'Lucky to win' - "I was lucky to win that third set, I don't know how (I did). The beginning of the match had been very tough too," said Nadal, who was 2-5 down in the third set, saving two set points. Up next is fellow 34-year-old Richard Gasquet. The pair first played one another when they were children. As professionals, Nadal leads 16-0. Djokovic and Nadal are seeded to meet in the semi-finals. One dangerman for Nadal and Djokovic was removed from the draw when seventh seed Andrey Rublev lost 6-3, 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 3-6, 6-4 to Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff. In-form Russian Rublev had defeated Nadal en route to the Monte Carlo Masters final. Rublev joins fourth seed and two-time runner-up Dominic Thiem in falling at the first hurdle. - Barty not 100% - World number one Ashleigh Barty marked her return to Paris for the first time since her 2019 title triumph by beating American left-hander Bernarda Pera 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 but admitted she was fighting a hip problem. "I'm not going to hide behind the fact I'm not quite 100%," said the 25-year-old. Italian 37-year-old Andreas Seppi, playing in his 63rd successive Grand Slam, stunned 20th seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 7-6 (10/8), 4-6, 6-4. Venus Williams, playing the tournament for the 24th time and a runner-up 19 years ago, saw her 89th Grand Slam end as Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova eased to a 6-3, 6-1 win. Carla Suarez Navarro came close to winning her first match back after recovering from cancer, but bowed out 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 at the hands of Sloane Stephens. Tuesday was a miserable day for home hopes as only three of 18 French men made the second round, the country's worst performance since the dawn of the Open era in 1968. Ironically, a Roland Garros press conference led to the injury-enforced withdrawal of two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova who pulled out after hurting her ankle after finishing her media commitments.

Tennis: Djokovic hails 'bold, brave' Osaka as Nadal, Barty cruise at French Open

Brazil confirmed Tuesday it has agreed to stand in as emergency host for the troubled Copa America, though the threats of a Covid-19 surge, political divisions and a court battle still loom over the tournament.

Organizers raised eyebrows Monday when they named Brazil as replacement hosts for Argentina because of a Covid-19 surge in the latter -- apparently overlooking the fact that Brazil has the second-highest death toll in the pandemic.

Further doubts about the fate of the 2021 edition of the world's oldest running international football tournament emerged when Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's chief of staff, Luiz Eduardo Ramos, said the decision was not yet final.

However, both Bolsonaro and Ramos said Tuesday the tournament was a go.

"Brazil will host the Copa America," the far-right president said, saying the governors of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso do Sul and Goias had agreed for their states to play hosts, plus the capital, Brasilia, and a fifth yet to be named.

Ramos tweeted: "Confirmed: the Copa America will be held in Brazil."

Bolsonaro said matches would be held without fans.

Media reports had indicated the South American football confederation, CONMEBOL, was pushing to allow some fans, at least for the final.

There are still plenty of potential pitfalls ahead as organizers race to pull together the June 13-July 10 championships.

At least six of Brazil's 27 states have said they will not host matches because of the pandemic.

Opposition politicians meanwhile petitioned the Supreme Court to block the tournament, saying it would not be safe.

They included the Workers' Party (PT) of leftist ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who currently leads Bolsonaro in the polls for Brazil's October 2022 presidential elections.

<h2>- 'Insanity' -</h2>

It has been an uphill battle to make the Copa America happen this year.

Already delayed by 12 months because of the pandemic, it was supposed to be co-hosted by Colombia and Argentina.

But CONMEBOL nixed the former on May 20 because of violent anti-government protests, and the latter on Sunday because of a surge of Covid-19.

Brazil, which hosted in 2019, has some advantages: a large economy, experience organizing big events and stadiums left over from the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

But has also recorded more than 460,000 deaths from Covid-19, second only to the United States.

The coronavirus curve in Brazil has declined recently, from a weekly average of more than 3,000 deaths a day in April to about 1,800.

But experts say state and local officials lifted restrictions too soon, with just 10.5 percent of Brazil's 212 million people fully vaccinated.

They warn rising infections and hospital occupancy rates indicate a new surge is coming, fueled by the spread of new variants.

"It's impossible to describe the insanity of trying to hold an event of this magnitude here now," said infectious disease specialist Jose David Urbaez.

"The worst phases (of the pandemic in Brazil) in 2020 were three to four times smaller than what we're seeing today. We have this false sense that things have gotten better. The reality is, we're still in a terrible phase of very rapid spread," he told AFP.

<h2>- Calling on Neymar&nbsp;-</h2>

The decision has been swept up in politics in a Brazil deeply polarized by Bolsonaro.

It came days after the president faced the first mass protests of the pandemic, as thousands of Brazilians outraged over his Covid-19 denialism&nbsp;took to the streets in cities across the country.

He also faces a Senate investigation into his government's controversial handling of the pandemic, including fighting lockdowns and refusing offers of vaccines.

The rapporteur of that commission, Senator Renan Calheiros, called on none other than football superstar Neymar to intervene.

"Neymar, I want to have a word with you: don't agree to this Copa America in Brazil," he told the Paris Saint-Germain striker.

"It's not the championship we need to be playing. We need to be in the championship of vaccines."

Brazil confirmed Tuesday it has agreed to stand in as emergency host for the troubled Copa America, though the threats of a Covid-19 surge, political divisions and a court battle still loom over the tournament.

Brazil confirmed Tuesday it has agreed to stand in as emergency host for the troubled Copa America, though the threats of a Covid-19 surge, political divisions and a court battle still loom over the tournament. Organizers raised eyebrows Monday when they named Brazil as replacement hosts for Argentina because of a Covid-19 surge in the latter -- apparently overlooking the fact that Brazil has the second-highest death toll in the pandemic. Further doubts about the fate of the 2021 edition of the world's oldest running international football tournament emerged when Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's chief of staff, Luiz Eduardo Ramos, said the decision was not yet final. However, both Bolsonaro and Ramos said Tuesday the tournament was a go. "Brazil will host the Copa America," the far-right president said, saying the governors of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso do Sul and Goias had agreed for their states to play hosts, plus the capital, Brasilia, and a fifth yet to be named. Ramos tweeted: "Confirmed: the Copa America will be held in Brazil." Bolsonaro said matches would be held without fans. Media reports had indicated the South American football confederation, CONMEBOL, was pushing to allow some fans, at least for the final. There are still plenty of potential pitfalls ahead as organizers race to pull together the June 13-July 10 championships. At least six of Brazil's 27 states have said they will not host matches because of the pandemic. Opposition politicians meanwhile petitioned the Supreme Court to block the tournament, saying it would not be safe. They included the Workers' Party (PT) of leftist ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who currently leads Bolsonaro in the polls for Brazil's October 2022 presidential elections. - 'Insanity' - It has been an uphill battle to make the Copa America happen this year. Already delayed by 12 months because of the pandemic, it was supposed to be co-hosted by Colombia and Argentina. But CONMEBOL nixed the former on May 20 because of violent anti-government protests, and the latter on Sunday because of a surge of Covid-19. Brazil, which hosted in 2019, has some advantages: a large economy, experience organizing big events and stadiums left over from the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. But has also recorded more than 460,000 deaths from Covid-19, second only to the United States. The coronavirus curve in Brazil has declined recently, from a weekly average of more than 3,000 deaths a day in April to about 1,800. But experts say state and local officials lifted restrictions too soon, with just 10.5 percent of Brazil's 212 million people fully vaccinated. They warn rising infections and hospital occupancy rates indicate a new surge is coming, fueled by the spread of new variants. "It's impossible to describe the insanity of trying to hold an event of this magnitude here now," said infectious disease specialist Jose David Urbaez. "The worst phases (of the pandemic in Brazil) in 2020 were three to four times smaller than what we're seeing today. We have this false sense that things have gotten better. The reality is, we're still in a terrible phase of very rapid spread," he told AFP. - Calling on Neymar - The decision has been swept up in politics in a Brazil deeply polarized by Bolsonaro. It came days after the president faced the first mass protests of the pandemic, as thousands of Brazilians outraged over his Covid-19 denialism took to the streets in cities across the country. He also faces a Senate investigation into his government's controversial handling of the pandemic, including fighting lockdowns and refusing offers of vaccines. The rapporteur of that commission, Senator Renan Calheiros, called on none other than football superstar Neymar to intervene. "Neymar, I want to have a word with you: don't agree to this Copa America in Brazil," he told the Paris Saint-Germain striker. "It's not the championship we need to be playing. We need to be in the championship of vaccines."

Football: Brazil races clock, chaos to pull off Copa America

All eyes will be on young batter Shafali Verma when India take the field in their tour of England where the Women in Blue are set to play one-off Test, three ODIs and as many T20Is. As India gear up to depart to the UK, the Indian women team’s head coach Ramesh Powar sounded optimistic of Shafali’s prospects in English conditions.<o:p></o:p>

Powar was central to India men’s batsman Prithvi Shaw’s turnaround as the youngster roared back to form in Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai following a disappointing tour of Australia, where he was dropped from the playing XI due to poor run of form.

Shaw went hammer and tonk in the domestic circuit and regained his form and confidence to take the first half of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by storm. He scored more than 800 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 and then lit up the IPL 2021, scoring 308 runs in eight matches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-cricket-needs-media-support-indias-mithali-raj-opines-on-naomi-osaka-controversy-388802" hreflang="en">Women's cricket needs media support: India's Mithali Raj opines on Naomi Osaka controversy</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Might see a different Shafali Verma after a month and&nbsp;half: Ramesh Powar</h2>

Powar hopes to achieve something similar with Shafali, who was surprisingly not picked for the WODI series against South Africa earlier this year. Shafali had garnered eyeballs from all around the world following her exploits for India in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 wherein the youngster played some blistering knocks to help the Women in Blue reach the final. <o:p></o:p>

“It depends on the way she handles the sessions of practice. We have done something great with Prithvi Shaw when he played the Vijay Hazare Trophy (for Mumbai). You can wait and watch, you might see a different Shafali Verma after a month and a half," Powar said on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p>

However, Powar said that the Indian team will finalise the plans around the team combination upon reaching England and assessing the conditions.<o:p></o:p>

"Every player in this tour will make a difference. Shafali is a special talent. We will explore the combinations that will help us win matches," the former Indian off-spinner said.<o:p></o:p>

Powar had helped Mumbai to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy in his short-stint before taking the job of the Indian women’s head coach.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-kathryn-bryce-first-from-scotland-in-top-10-of-icc-player-rankings-388774" hreflang="en">Cricket: Kathryn Bryce first from Scotland in top 10 of ICC Player Rankings</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Not an ideal world but looking at the bright side: Ramesh Powar</o:p></h2>

Meanwhile, India women’s team will hardly have any match practice before the England series and Powar accepted that it is not the ideal situation. However, the head coach said the mental aspect of the game can make a huge difference. <o:p></o:p>

"It is a not ideal world, but we are looking at the bright side that we are playing cricket - Tests, ODIs and T20s. It's a long tour of 45 days. It is not physically possible to prepare, but mental make-up will make a huge difference."<o:p></o:p>

This will be the first-ever Test match for most of the players and skipper Mithali Raj said that cricketers must enjoy the atmosphere and learn from the experience. Only seven members of the Indian squad have played Test cricket before.&nbsp;

India women have so far played just 19 Tests while winning four of them. The Test against England women will be India's first since the one-off Test against South Africa in 2014/15 where the Mithali Raj-led outfit came victorious. India will further play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia later in the year.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

“It’s good to have Tests, whether it’s home or away. If there’s continuity it’s great because it helps players as well. Sometimes it's nice to go in without baggage, you just go in, play and enjoy the atmosphere,” Mithali said.<o:p></o:p>

“It’s good to have the girls who are playing for the first time and the girls who have played in the past and share their experiences how it was back in 2014. But having back-to-back Test matches can give a lot of exposure to the current lot.”<o:p></o:p>

Indian women’s team will depart for their tour of the UK on June 2 as they gear up to take on England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and as many T20Is, starting June 16.<o:p></o:p>

All eyes will be on young batter Shafali Verma when India take the field in their tour of England where the Women in Blue are set to play one-off Test, three ODIs and as many T20Is.

All eyes will be on young batter Shafali Verma when India take the field in their tour of England where the Women in Blue are set to play one-off Test, three ODIs and as many T20Is. As India gear up to depart to the UK, the Indian women team’s head coach Ramesh Powar sounded optimistic of Shafali’s prospects in English conditions. Powar was central to India men’s batsman Prithvi Shaw’s turnaround as the youngster roared back to form in Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai following a disappointing tour of Australia, where he was dropped from the playing XI due to poor run of form. Shaw went hammer and tonk in the domestic circuit and regained his form and confidence to take the first half of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by storm. He scored more than 800 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 and then lit up the IPL 2021, scoring 308 runs in eight matches. ALSO READ: Women's cricket needs media support: India's Mithali Raj opines on Naomi Osaka controversy Might see a different Shafali Verma after a month and half: Ramesh Powar Powar hopes to achieve something similar with Shafali, who was surprisingly not picked for the WODI series against South Africa earlier this year. Shafali had garnered eyeballs from all around the world following her exploits for India in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 wherein the youngster played some blistering knocks to help the Women in Blue reach the final. “It depends on the way she handles the sessions of practice. We have done something great with Prithvi Shaw when he played the Vijay Hazare Trophy (for Mumbai). You can wait and watch, you might see a different Shafali Verma after a month and a half," Powar said on Tuesday. However, Powar said that the Indian team will finalise the plans around the team combination upon reaching England and assessing the conditions. "Every player in this tour will make a difference. Shafali is a special talent. We will explore the combinations that will help us win matches," the former Indian off-spinner said. Powar had helped Mumbai to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy in his short-stint before taking the job of the Indian women’s head coach. ALSO READ: Cricket: Kathryn Bryce first from Scotland in top 10 of ICC Player Rankings Not an ideal world but looking at the bright side: Ramesh Powar Meanwhile, India women’s team will hardly have any match practice before the England series and Powar accepted that it is not the ideal situation. However, the head coach said the mental aspect of the game can make a huge difference. "It is a not ideal world, but we are looking at the bright side that we are playing cricket - Tests, ODIs and T20s. It's a long tour of 45 days. It is not physically possible to prepare, but mental make-up will make a huge difference." This will be the first-ever Test match for most of the players and skipper Mithali Raj said that cricketers must enjoy the atmosphere and learn from the experience. Only seven members of the Indian squad have played Test cricket before. India women have so far played just 19 Tests while winning four of them. The Test against England women will be India's first since the one-off Test against South Africa in 2014/15 where the Mithali Raj-led outfit came victorious. India will further play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia later in the year. “It’s good to have Tests, whether it’s home or away. If there’s continuity it’s great because it helps players as well. Sometimes it's nice to go in without baggage, you just go in, play and enjoy the atmosphere,” Mithali said. “It’s good to have the girls who are playing for the first time and the girls who have played in the past and share their experiences how it was back in 2014. But having back-to-back Test matches can give a lot of exposure to the current lot.” Indian women’s team will depart for their tour of the UK on June 2 as they gear up to take on England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and as many T20Is, starting June 16.

Cricket: Might see different Shafali Verma in a month and half, says Ramesh Powar ahead of England tour

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed on his opinion about all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who has struggled with injuries since playing for India in the ICC World Cup 2019. Ashwin reckons that Shankar can sort out his injury issues but added that injuries become harder to manage as one grows older.<o:p></o:p>

Ashwin, in his career, has struggled with his share of injuries as he said that sometimes people are not sensitive to injuries. Vijay Shankar's form has also suffered due to him being on the sidelines mostly due to injury concerns. Even there are question marks whether he has been utilised properly by his IPL franchise - Sunrisers Hyderabad.<o:p></o:p>

“Vijay is a fine player who has played the World Cup and has a lot of experience. He has had a lot of injuries and there is no better person to understand it (injuries) better than me. Sometimes people are not sensitive to injury,” Ashwin told The New Indian Express.<o:p></o:p>

“Vijay Shankar has definitely struggled, but he will find a solution and can get his injuries sorted,” he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ross-taylor-looks-to-make-most-of-insight-into-stuart-broads-methods-during-eng-vs-nz-series-388811" hreflang="en">Cricket: Ross Taylor looks to make most of insight into Stuart Broad's methods during ENG vs NZ series</a><o:p></o:p>

“It doesn’t become easy to manage injuries as you grow old. Vijay is about 30-31 years old and to manage injuries when you get older is harder,” he said.<o:p></o:p>

Ashwin, who has been keeping close eye on the Tamil Nadu cricket team, feels that players must be given right roles in the team while adding that it will be good for the state side if they can strike a good balance between youth and experience. <o:p></o:p>

“So I think we must give right roles and we must balance it with youngsters coming in and seniors. We should look for a way forward, utilise Vijay Shankar’s experience and also blend it with the youngsters. It will be good for TN cricket if we strike a good balance and give more opportunities for youngsters,” Ashwin said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-cricket-needs-media-support-indias-mithali-raj-opines-on-naomi-osaka-controversy-388802" hreflang="en">Women's cricket needs media support: India's Mithali Raj opines on Naomi Osaka controversy</a><o:p></o:p>

“B Indrajith, B Aparajith and Vijay Shankar have been the backbone of Tamil Nadu cricket for a while (5 -8 years), but there are a lot of promising youngsters also coming through. It’s a matter of managing roles and giving seniors the right role,” he added.<o:p></o:p>

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed on his opinion about all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who has struggled with injuries since playing for India in the ICC World Cup 2019.

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed on his opinion about all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who has struggled with injuries since playing for India in the ICC World Cup 2019. Ashwin reckons that Shankar can sort out his injury issues but added that injuries become harder to manage as one grows older. Ashwin, in his career, has struggled with his share of injuries as he said that sometimes people are not sensitive to injuries. Vijay Shankar's form has also suffered due to him being on the sidelines mostly due to injury concerns. Even there are question marks whether he has been utilised properly by his IPL franchise - Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Vijay is a fine player who has played the World Cup and has a lot of experience. He has had a lot of injuries and there is no better person to understand it (injuries) better than me. Sometimes people are not sensitive to injury,” Ashwin told The New Indian Express. “Vijay Shankar has definitely struggled, but he will find a solution and can get his injuries sorted,” he added. ALSO READ: Cricket: Ross Taylor looks to make most of insight into Stuart Broad's methods during ENG vs NZ series “It doesn’t become easy to manage injuries as you grow old. Vijay is about 30-31 years old and to manage injuries when you get older is harder,” he said. Ashwin, who has been keeping close eye on the Tamil Nadu cricket team, feels that players must be given right roles in the team while adding that it will be good for the state side if they can strike a good balance between youth and experience. “So I think we must give right roles and we must balance it with youngsters coming in and seniors. We should look for a way forward, utilise Vijay Shankar’s experience and also blend it with the youngsters. It will be good for TN cricket if we strike a good balance and give more opportunities for youngsters,” Ashwin said. ALSO READ: Women's cricket needs media support: India's Mithali Raj opines on Naomi Osaka controversy “B Indrajith, B Aparajith and Vijay Shankar have been the backbone of Tamil Nadu cricket for a while (5 -8 years), but there are a lot of promising youngsters also coming through. It’s a matter of managing roles and giving seniors the right role,” he added.

Cricket: Ravichandran Ashwin highlights one area all-rounder Vijay Shankar needs to work on

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor is hoping that the experience of playing alongside Stuart Broad in County cricket will help him during the two-match Test series against England. Broad has dismissed Taylor 16 times – the most by any bowler against the veteran right-hander.<o:p></o:p>

With Broad being named as the vice-captain for the two Tests against the Black Caps, the veteran is now expected to be a part of both matches despite England’s strict rotation policy. Broad is almost a surety to find a place in the playing XI for the series opener starting at Lord’s on Wednesday. <o:p></o:p>

Both Broad and Taylor had shared the dressing room for Nottinghamshire in County cricket. <o:p></o:p>

"I had the fortune to play with him at Notts and saw the way he went about things, I heard him talking to bowlers and I asked him a few questions," Taylor told reporters ahead of what is set to be his 106th Test.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-cricket-needs-media-support-indias-mithali-raj-opines-on-naomi-osaka-controversy-388802" hreflang="en">Women's cricket needs media support: India's Mithali Raj opines on Naomi Osaka controversy</a><o:p></o:p>

"I wish I had that knowledge up my sleeve before a few more of those series.<o:p></o:p>

"He has obviously got me out a few times, as most bowlers have, but he's a very good bowler along with Jimmy Anderson and the rest of them, with the Duke (ball) in hand they're world-class bowlers in any conditions."<o:p></o:p>

Taylor, confident a calf injury he suffered last month won't prove to be a lingering problem, added: "There's been a bit of talk about rest and rotation. We'll see who's playing on Wednesday morning."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/happy-birthday-dinesh-karthik-the-war-horse-of-indian-cricket-388788" hreflang="en">Happy birthday, Dinesh Karthik - the 'war-horse' of Indian cricket</a>

<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, New Zealand will look to get accustomed to the English conditions as soon as possible with an eye on the ICC World Test Championship final against India, scheduled to be played in Southampton from June 18.<o:p></o:p>

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor is hoping that the experience of playing alongside Stuart Broad in County cricket will help him during the two-match Test series against England.

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor is hoping that the experience of playing alongside Stuart Broad in County cricket will help him during the two-match Test series against England. Broad has dismissed Taylor 16 times – the most by any bowler against the veteran right-hander. With Broad being named as the vice-captain for the two Tests against the Black Caps, the veteran is now expected to be a part of both matches despite England’s strict rotation policy. Broad is almost a surety to find a place in the playing XI for the series opener starting at Lord’s on Wednesday. Both Broad and Taylor had shared the dressing room for Nottinghamshire in County cricket. "I had the fortune to play with him at Notts and saw the way he went about things, I heard him talking to bowlers and I asked him a few questions," Taylor told reporters ahead of what is set to be his 106th Test. ALSO READ: Women's cricket needs media support: India's Mithali Raj opines on Naomi Osaka controversy "I wish I had that knowledge up my sleeve before a few more of those series. "He has obviously got me out a few times, as most bowlers have, but he's a very good bowler along with Jimmy Anderson and the rest of them, with the Duke (ball) in hand they're world-class bowlers in any conditions." Taylor, confident a calf injury he suffered last month won't prove to be a lingering problem, added: "There's been a bit of talk about rest and rotation. We'll see who's playing on Wednesday morning." ALSO READ: Happy birthday, Dinesh Karthik - the 'war-horse' of Indian cricket Meanwhile, New Zealand will look to get accustomed to the English conditions as soon as possible with an eye on the ICC World Test Championship final against India, scheduled to be played in Southampton from June 18.

Cricket: Ross Taylor looks to make most of insight into Stuart Broad's methods during ENG vs NZ series

Indian women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing episode surrounding tennis player Naomi Osaka boycotting media engagements citing anxiety issues. Mithali opined that she never felt the need to boycott media as women’s cricket needs media support. <o:p></o:p>

Osaka on Tuesday pulled out of the ongoing French Open to take care of her mental health following a massive fall-out as the Japanese tennis star had decided to boycott press conferences during the Grand Slam.&nbsp;Osaka had said she goes through anxiety before facing the world media.&nbsp;Osaka is the world's highest-earning female athlete, making $37.4 million in 2020. She burst onto the scene in 2018 with a maiden Slam win at the US Open.&nbsp;

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Women's cricket needs media support: Mithali Raj</h2>

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"Well, I think it is tough to be in quarantine for any athlete. But, I think getting into a tournament, we do not feel that. Personally, I have not felt that I should forgo a press conference because women's cricket right now where it stands, it needs media support and it is important for players also to sort of try and help in the growth of the sport. So we need to try to promote the sport," said Mithali during a virtual press conference.&nbsp;

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ramesh-powar-will-help-in-giving-required-push-to-the-team-harmanpreet-kaur-388759" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Ramesh Powar will help in giving required push to the team': Harmanpreet Kaur</a>

Many have come forward to support Osaka’s stance of protecting and taking care of her mental health including superstars like Serena Williams.

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<a href="https://t.co/LN2ANnoAYD">pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD</a>
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) <a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka/status/1399422304854188037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Even former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif on Tuesday said players from different sports should have the choice to avoid media if that helps in ensuring better mental health. <o:p></o:p>

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"It is high time we acknowledge the issue of mental health in sports. More so in individual sports. In cricket, a coach or a senior player can be a backup option for a captain but not in tennis. Let's be sensitive, players in their weak moments should be allowed to avoid the media," tweeted Kaif.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-osaka-reveals-bouts-of-depression-after-shock-french-open-withdrawal-388742" hreflang="en">Tennis: Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression' after shock French Open withdrawal</a>

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It's high time we acknowledge the issue of mental health in sports. More so in individual sports. In cricket, a coach or a senior player can be a back up option for a captain but not in tennis. Let's be sensitive, players in their weak moments should be allowed to avoid media.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohammadKaif/status/1399620207241428992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team will depart for their tour of the UK on June 2 as they gear up to take on England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and as many T20Is, starting June 16.<o:p></o:p>

Indian women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing episode surrounding tennis player Naomi Osaka boycotting media engagements citing anxiety issues.

Indian women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing episode surrounding tennis player Naomi Osaka boycotting media engagements citing anxiety issues. Mithali opined that she never felt the need to boycott media as women’s cricket needs media support. Osaka on Tuesday pulled out of the ongoing French Open to take care of her mental health following a massive fall-out as the Japanese tennis star had decided to boycott press conferences during the Grand Slam. Osaka had said she goes through anxiety before facing the world media. Osaka is the world's highest-earning female athlete, making $37.4 million in 2020. She burst onto the scene in 2018 with a maiden Slam win at the US Open. Women's cricket needs media support: Mithali Raj "Well, I think it is tough to be in quarantine for any athlete. But, I think getting into a tournament, we do not feel that. Personally, I have not felt that I should forgo a press conference because women's cricket right now where it stands, it needs media support and it is important for players also to sort of try and help in the growth of the sport. So we need to try to promote the sport," said Mithali during a virtual press conference. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Ramesh Powar will help in giving required push to the team': Harmanpreet Kaur Many have come forward to support Osaka’s stance of protecting and taking care of her mental health including superstars like Serena Williams. pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD — NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021 × Even former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif on Tuesday said players from different sports should have the choice to avoid media if that helps in ensuring better mental health. "It is high time we acknowledge the issue of mental health in sports. More so in individual sports. In cricket, a coach or a senior player can be a backup option for a captain but not in tennis. Let's be sensitive, players in their weak moments should be allowed to avoid the media," tweeted Kaif. ALSO READ: Tennis: Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression' after shock French Open withdrawal It's high time we acknowledge the issue of mental health in sports. More so in individual sports. In cricket, a coach or a senior player can be a back up option for a captain but not in tennis. Let's be sensitive, players in their weak moments should be allowed to avoid media. — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 1, 2021 × Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team will depart for their tour of the UK on June 2 as they gear up to take on England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and as many T20Is, starting June 16.

Women's cricket needs media support: India's Mithali Raj opines on Naomi Osaka controversy

Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open on Monday following the bitter fall-out from her decision to boycott all media activity, revealing she has "suffered long bouts of depression" and will now "take some time away from the court".

"The best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris," the world number two wrote on Twitter.

The 23-year-old Japanese star was fined $15,000 on Sunday and threatened with disqualification after she refused to carry out a mandatory news conference following her first round win.

She claimed on the eve of Roland Garros that such post-match inquests were akin to "kicking people when they are down" and that they had a detrimental effect on her mental health.

"I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer," the four-time Grand Slam title winner said in her statement.

"The truth is I have suffered bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 (when she beat Serena Williams for her first Slam title) and I have had a really hard time coping with that."

She added: "In Paris, I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious so I thought it was better to exercise self-care and skip the press conferences.

"I announced it preemptively because I do feel like the rules are quite out-dated in parts and I wanted to highlight that.

"I am going to take some time away from the court now."

Osaka said she has apologised to organisers over the affair which has dominated the early stages of the French Open ever since she warned last week that she would not carry out any media activity.

Serena Williams said she sympathised with Osaka.

"I feel for her, I wish could give her a hug," said the 23-time major winner after making the second round.

"We all have different personalities. I am thick, others are thin. It's best to let her handle it the way she wants to."

Martina Navratilova said she fully supported Osaka's decision.

"I truly hope she will be ok. As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental &amp; emotional aspect gets short shrift," tweeted Navratilova.

"This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference. Good luck Naomi - we are all pulling for you!"

French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton had described her vow of silence as "a phenomenal error".

On Monday, he said: "We are sorry and sad for Naomi Osaka. The outcome of Naomi withdrawing from Roland Garros is unfortunate."

"We wish her the best and the quickest possible recovery," Moretton added as he read out a prepared statement without taking questions.

"We look forward to having Naomi in our tournament next year."

<h2>- Highest earning female athlete -</h2>

Osaka is the world's highest earning female athlete, making $37.4 million in 2020.

She burst onto the scene in 2018 with a maiden Slam win at the US Open.&nbsp;

She has gone on to win another title in New York as well as two Australian Opens.

Earlier Monday, Osaka's coach said she wanted to use her superstar status to force change in the sport.

"Naomi has the opportunity to use her status to address problems and to initiate things," Osaka's Belgian coach Wim Fissette told German magazine Der Spiegel.

"In the United States, the subject is very topical at the moment, as athletes want more freedom in dealing with the press.

"So that they are simply not threatened right away with punishment if they don't feel well for a day."

Mari Osaka, a former player herself, said her sister had been struggling to cope in the run-up to Paris.

"Naomi mentioned to me before the tournament that a family member had come up to her and remarked that she's bad on clay," Mari wrote on Reddit.

"At every press conference she's told she has a bad record on clay.

<h2>- 'Not OK mentally' -</h2>

"When she lost in Rome, she was not OK mentally. She was completely shattered and I think everyone's remarks and opinions have gotten to her head."

Teenage American player Coco Gauff tweeted her support for Osaka.

"Stay strong. I admire your vulnerability."&nbsp;

Former world number one and two-time major winner Victoria Azarenka said: "The challenge today is to convince people of the value of truth, honesty, compassion and a concern for others."

Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open on Monday following the bitter fall-out from her decision to boycott all media activity, revealing she has "suffered long bouts of depression" and will now "take some time away from the court".

Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open on Monday following the bitter fall-out from her decision to boycott all media activity, revealing she has "suffered long bouts of depression" and will now "take some time away from the court". "The best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris," the world number two wrote on Twitter. The 23-year-old Japanese star was fined $15,000 on Sunday and threatened with disqualification after she refused to carry out a mandatory news conference following her first round win. She claimed on the eve of Roland Garros that such post-match inquests were akin to "kicking people when they are down" and that they had a detrimental effect on her mental health. "I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer," the four-time Grand Slam title winner said in her statement. "The truth is I have suffered bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 (when she beat Serena Williams for her first Slam title) and I have had a really hard time coping with that." She added: "In Paris, I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious so I thought it was better to exercise self-care and skip the press conferences. "I announced it preemptively because I do feel like the rules are quite out-dated in parts and I wanted to highlight that. "I am going to take some time away from the court now." Osaka said she has apologised to organisers over the affair which has dominated the early stages of the French Open ever since she warned last week that she would not carry out any media activity. Serena Williams said she sympathised with Osaka. "I feel for her, I wish could give her a hug," said the 23-time major winner after making the second round. "We all have different personalities. I am thick, others are thin. It's best to let her handle it the way she wants to." Martina Navratilova said she fully supported Osaka's decision. "I truly hope she will be ok. As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental & emotional aspect gets short shrift," tweeted Navratilova. "This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference. Good luck Naomi - we are all pulling for you!" French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton had described her vow of silence as "a phenomenal error". On Monday, he said: "We are sorry and sad for Naomi Osaka. The outcome of Naomi withdrawing from Roland Garros is unfortunate." "We wish her the best and the quickest possible recovery," Moretton added as he read out a prepared statement without taking questions. "We look forward to having Naomi in our tournament next year." - Highest earning female athlete - Osaka is the world's highest earning female athlete, making $37.4 million in 2020. She burst onto the scene in 2018 with a maiden Slam win at the US Open. She has gone on to win another title in New York as well as two Australian Opens. Earlier Monday, Osaka's coach said she wanted to use her superstar status to force change in the sport. "Naomi has the opportunity to use her status to address problems and to initiate things," Osaka's Belgian coach Wim Fissette told German magazine Der Spiegel. "In the United States, the subject is very topical at the moment, as athletes want more freedom in dealing with the press. "So that they are simply not threatened right away with punishment if they don't feel well for a day." Mari Osaka, a former player herself, said her sister had been struggling to cope in the run-up to Paris. "Naomi mentioned to me before the tournament that a family member had come up to her and remarked that she's bad on clay," Mari wrote on Reddit. "At every press conference she's told she has a bad record on clay. - 'Not OK mentally' - "When she lost in Rome, she was not OK mentally. She was completely shattered and I think everyone's remarks and opinions have gotten to her head." Teenage American player Coco Gauff tweeted her support for Osaka. "Stay strong. I admire your vulnerability." Former world number one and two-time major winner Victoria Azarenka said: "The challenge today is to convince people of the value of truth, honesty, compassion and a concern for others."

Tennis: After shock French Open withdrawal, Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression'

On the pitch, legendary Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn had a reputation for a fiery temper, but he has since mellowed enough to become the next chairman of Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

The 51-year-old will replace outgoing chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who will step down at the end of June after 30 years in the club's administration.

As a player, Kahn earned nicknames 'King Kahn' and 'Vol-Kahn-o' for his fierce competitive nature.

He won eight Bundesliga titles and lifted the German Cup on six occasions with Bayern before retiring in 2008 after 14 years with the club.

Since hanging up his gloves, Kahn has been steadily integrated into Bayern's management, joining the club's board in January 2020 and groomed to replace Rummenigge, 65.

Kahn has toned down his temper since once famously demanding "balls, we need balls!" during a post-match interview as Bayern captain.

He is remembered in Germany not only for his stunning saves which helped Bayern win the 2001 Champions League final on penalties, but also for a biting incident in 1999.

During a Bundesliga match, he nuzzled his teeth into the neck of bemused Dortmund forward Heiko Herrlich.

In a 2010 interview, Kahn admitted the incident forced him to curb his temper.

"That was the zenith of my aggression and it erupted inside of me," he told Munich-based Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

"That was some kind of internal force inside me signalling: I can't go on like this."

Three-times voted the world's best goalkeeper during his career, Kahn has kept busy since retiring.

He earned his coaching licence in 2010, worked as a TV pundit and completed an MBA in 2012, writing his thesis on "Strategic management in Germany's professional football".&nbsp;

After an 18-month apprenticeship, he will take the reins of Bayern next month.

The 2021-22 season will herald a new era for the Bundesliga giants with Julian Nagelsmann, 33, also replacing Hansi Flick as head coach.

<h2>- 'Determined' -</h2>

Kahn certainly has the pedigree, having kept 247 clean sheets in 632 appearances for Bayern.

Bayern are expecting a seemless transition of power from Rummenigge to Kahn.

"After his extremely successful professional career and his time as an entrepreneur, he has now been intensively involved in the board of directors of FC Bayern Munich," said club president Herbert Hainer in a statement Tuesday.

"We are all convinced that Oliver Kahn is the right man to successfully shape the future of FC Bayern Munchen AG."

However, he will have to develop his diplomatic skills in the spotlight at Bayern Munich.

His no-nonsense approach has polarised opinions of Kahn in Germany and as chairman, he will demand success at Bayern just as much as he did as a player.

The sight of Kahn charging out of his goal terrified opposing strikers, but he was just as difficult with team-mates.

He famously fell out with Bayern colleagues Luca Toni and Franck Ribery just before retiring at the end of 2007-08.

It took the arrival of future Bayern and German captain Manuel Neuer in 2011 to finally fill Kahn's impressive shoes after a string of hopefuls failed to hold down the number one shirt in Munich.&nbsp;

In his autobiography, soberly titled "Number One", Kahn describes himself as "determined and possessed like no other".

With 'King Kahn' as their driving force at the helm, Bayern are now showing no sign of loosening their iron grip on the Bundesliga.

No sooner had Bayern secured a ninth straight title last month, than Kahn challenged the team to make it a decade of German league titles.

On the pitch, legendary Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn had a reputation for a fiery temper, but he has since mellowed enough to become the next chairman of Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

On the pitch, legendary Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn had a reputation for a fiery temper, but he has since mellowed enough to become the next chairman of Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The 51-year-old will replace outgoing chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who will step down at the end of June after 30 years in the club's administration. As a player, Kahn earned nicknames 'King Kahn' and 'Vol-Kahn-o' for his fierce competitive nature. He won eight Bundesliga titles and lifted the German Cup on six occasions with Bayern before retiring in 2008 after 14 years with the club. Since hanging up his gloves, Kahn has been steadily integrated into Bayern's management, joining the club's board in January 2020 and groomed to replace Rummenigge, 65. Kahn has toned down his temper since once famously demanding "balls, we need balls!" during a post-match interview as Bayern captain. He is remembered in Germany not only for his stunning saves which helped Bayern win the 2001 Champions League final on penalties, but also for a biting incident in 1999. During a Bundesliga match, he nuzzled his teeth into the neck of bemused Dortmund forward Heiko Herrlich. In a 2010 interview, Kahn admitted the incident forced him to curb his temper. "That was the zenith of my aggression and it erupted inside of me," he told Munich-based Sueddeutsche Zeitung. "That was some kind of internal force inside me signalling: I can't go on like this." Three-times voted the world's best goalkeeper during his career, Kahn has kept busy since retiring. He earned his coaching licence in 2010, worked as a TV pundit and completed an MBA in 2012, writing his thesis on "Strategic management in Germany's professional football". After an 18-month apprenticeship, he will take the reins of Bayern next month. The 2021-22 season will herald a new era for the Bundesliga giants with Julian Nagelsmann, 33, also replacing Hansi Flick as head coach. - 'Determined' - Kahn certainly has the pedigree, having kept 247 clean sheets in 632 appearances for Bayern. Bayern are expecting a seemless transition of power from Rummenigge to Kahn. "After his extremely successful professional career and his time as an entrepreneur, he has now been intensively involved in the board of directors of FC Bayern Munich," said club president Herbert Hainer in a statement Tuesday. "We are all convinced that Oliver Kahn is the right man to successfully shape the future of FC Bayern Munchen AG." However, he will have to develop his diplomatic skills in the spotlight at Bayern Munich. His no-nonsense approach has polarised opinions of Kahn in Germany and as chairman, he will demand success at Bayern just as much as he did as a player. The sight of Kahn charging out of his goal terrified opposing strikers, but he was just as difficult with team-mates. He famously fell out with Bayern colleagues Luca Toni and Franck Ribery just before retiring at the end of 2007-08. It took the arrival of future Bayern and German captain Manuel Neuer in 2011 to finally fill Kahn's impressive shoes after a string of hopefuls failed to hold down the number one shirt in Munich. In his autobiography, soberly titled "Number One", Kahn describes himself as "determined and possessed like no other". With 'King Kahn' as their driving force at the helm, Bayern are now showing no sign of loosening their iron grip on the Bundesliga. No sooner had Bayern secured a ninth straight title last month, than Kahn challenged the team to make it a decade of German league titles.

Football: The rise of 'King Kahn' heralds new era at Bayern Munich

At the point when you discuss somebody having lived in the shadow of the other individual all through his profession, individuals will in general by and large consider Rahul Dravid, who notwithstanding performing so well for India with the bat had consistently been appraised close to the virtuoso of Sachin Tendulkar.&nbsp;

In any case, things were not the equivalent with a man from Tamil Nadu who made his introduction for the Indian group late in 2004 as a wicket manager batsman, just to clear the spot in the next year for M.S.Dhoni.&nbsp;

Dinesh Karthik was first chosen for the Indian group nine years prior, as a wicket-keeper. He is a gifted right-handed batsman. He is a player who can moor the innings and raise the stakes when required. In spite of the fact that he made his debut in 2004, he has played 94 ODIs till now.&nbsp;

In the limited opportunities he has had for India; Dinesh Karthik averages 25.0 in 42 Test innings, 30.21 in 79 ODI innings, and 33.25 in 26 T20 internationals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-players-to-watch-out-for-in-england-vs-new-zealand-test-series-388751" hreflang="en">Cricket: Players to watch out for in England vs New Zealand Test series</a>

Nonetheless, there are a few moments in his vocation which has endured in the minds of the Indian cricket fans. Here is one glance at such recollection:

There was silence all throughput as Manish Pandey holed out too long-on. Clearly, this was the game, that's what most of the Indian fans thought that night. The following batsman took his bat: smash, a six-over long-on. Boom, a four over long-on, and another six over square leg.

18 March 2018, Colombo, Nidahas Trophy final against Bangladesh characterised Dinesh Karthik's vocation. A kid who came to global cricket as wonder was in a circumstance where his team required him to accomplish something which would make an effect for the years to come. Team India required 34 runs off the last 12 balls.

ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-players-families-allowed-for-uk-tour-bcci-office-bearers-to-skip-wtc-final-due-to-quarantine-rules-388753" hreflang="en">Cricket: Players' families allowed for UK tour, BCCI office-bearers to skip WTC final due to quarantine rules</a>

He made his way to 16 off three balls while at the other end his partner Vijay Shankar had crawled his way to a painstaking 12 off 15. He smashed the last ball for four and ended the over with 22 off 6.

Vijay Shankar scored just one run off the first two balls in the last over. Another single at the moment meant nine runs were required from the last three balls. He slices it past the third man; it's a four. Five from 2 now, the match is almost evenly poised.

Next ball, a wicket: India's expectations have broken. Five needed off one, presently the core of each Indian fan is pounding; the pressing factor is on the man in the middle. And, six! The batsman roars the ball into the stands, and the group goes wild. &nbsp;

Keeping his body head still, Dinesh Karthik pounded an endeavored wide-yorker from Soumya Sarkar over the covers for a greatest, sending the group and the Indian changing area into incongruity. This innings, 29 off eight, would wind up characterizing Dinesh Karthik's profession.

Considering the context of the game and the pressure he was under, Dinesh Karthik delivered a memorable knock. A knock that will be remembered by every Indian Cricket Team fan.

Dinesh Karthik's career has been brimming with good and bad times yet the will to continue is something that makes him a standout. At whatever point you want to surrender, think about Dinesh Karthik.

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Dinesh Karthik. May you continue to win matches for your team.&nbsp;

At the point when you discuss somebody having lived in the shadow of the other individual all through his profession, individuals will in general by and large consider Rahul Dravid, who notwithstanding performing so well for India with the bat had consistently been appraised close to the virtuoso of Sachin Tendulkar.

At the point when you discuss somebody having lived in the shadow of the other individual all through his profession, individuals will in general by and large consider Rahul Dravid, who notwithstanding performing so well for India with the bat had consistently been appraised close to the virtuoso of Sachin Tendulkar. In any case, things were not the equivalent with a man from Tamil Nadu who made his introduction for the Indian group late in 2004 as a wicket manager batsman, just to clear the spot in the next year for M.S.Dhoni. Dinesh Karthik was first chosen for the Indian group nine years prior, as a wicket-keeper. He is a gifted right-handed batsman. He is a player who can moor the innings and raise the stakes when required. In spite of the fact that he made his debut in 2004, he has played 94 ODIs till now. In the limited opportunities he has had for India; Dinesh Karthik averages 25.0 in 42 Test innings, 30.21 in 79 ODI innings, and 33.25 in 26 T20 internationals. ALSO READ: Cricket: Players to watch out for in England vs New Zealand Test series Nonetheless, there are a few moments in his vocation which has endured in the minds of the Indian cricket fans. Here is one glance at such recollection: There was silence all throughput as Manish Pandey holed out too long-on. Clearly, this was the game, that's what most of the Indian fans thought that night. The following batsman took his bat: smash, a six-over long-on. Boom, a four over long-on, and another six over square leg. 18 March 2018, Colombo, Nidahas Trophy final against Bangladesh characterised Dinesh Karthik's vocation. A kid who came to global cricket as wonder was in a circumstance where his team required him to accomplish something which would make an effect for the years to come. Team India required 34 runs off the last 12 balls. ALSO READ:Cricket: Players' families allowed for UK tour, BCCI office-bearers to skip WTC final due to quarantine rules He made his way to 16 off three balls while at the other end his partner Vijay Shankar had crawled his way to a painstaking 12 off 15. He smashed the last ball for four and ended the over with 22 off 6. Vijay Shankar scored just one run off the first two balls in the last over. Another single at the moment meant nine runs were required from the last three balls. He slices it past the third man; it's a four. Five from 2 now, the match is almost evenly poised. Next ball, a wicket: India's expectations have broken. Five needed off one, presently the core of each Indian fan is pounding; the pressing factor is on the man in the middle. And, six! The batsman roars the ball into the stands, and the group goes wild. Keeping his body head still, Dinesh Karthik pounded an endeavored wide-yorker from Soumya Sarkar over the covers for a greatest, sending the group and the Indian changing area into incongruity. This innings, 29 off eight, would wind up characterizing Dinesh Karthik's profession. Considering the context of the game and the pressure he was under, Dinesh Karthik delivered a memorable knock. A knock that will be remembered by every Indian Cricket Team fan. Dinesh Karthik's career has been brimming with good and bad times yet the will to continue is something that makes him a standout. At whatever point you want to surrender, think about Dinesh Karthik. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Dinesh Karthik. May you continue to win matches for your team.

Happy birthday, Dinesh Karthik  - the 'war-horse' of Indian cricket

All-rounder Kathryn Bryce is the first player from Scotland, male or female, to make it to the top 10 of the batting or bowling lists in the ICC Player Rankings after finishing as the leading scorer from her team in a four-match T20I series in Belfast which Ireland won 3-1.

The 23-year-old, who was named the ICC Women’s Associate Player of the Decade in December, has gained nine slots to reach 10th position among batters in the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings.&nbsp;

Kathryn’s sister Sarah Bryce was ranked 14th among T20I women batters in August 2019 and off-spinner Majid Haq had reached 13th position among bowlers in the men’s T20I rankings in November 2013 in what were the previous highest rankings for Scotland players.

Kathryn Bryce, who aggregated 96 runs in the series including an unbeaten 45 in the third match, has also achieved career-best rankings as a bowler and as an all-rounder. She has moved up 35 places to 31st among bowlers after grabbing five wickets in the series. She is up 10 places to third among all-rounders.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-players-to-watch-out-for-in-england-vs-new-zealand-test-series-388751" hreflang="en">Cricket: Players to watch out for in England vs New Zealand Test series</a>

Ireland’s Gaby Lewis, who was the leading scorer in the series with 116 runs, is another gainer in the latest weekly update, progressing seven places to reach 27th position. Her team-mate Shauna Kavanagh (up 60 places to 103rd) has also made notable progress after finishing with 93 runs.

In the bowlers’ rankings, Orla Prendergast (up 51 places to 65th) and captain Laura Delany (up two places to 78th) are the Ireland players to gain in the latest update.

Scotland bowlers Katherine Fraser (up 16 places to 61st), Abtaha Maqsood (up 22 places to 72nd), Katie McGill (up 23 places to 76th) and Priyanaz Chatterji (up three places to 99th) have also progressed.

All-rounder Kathryn Bryce is the first player from Scotland, male or female, to make it to the top 10 of the batting or bowling lists in the ICC Player Rankings after finishing as the leading scorer from her team in a four-match T20I series in Belfast which Ireland won 3-1.

All-rounder Kathryn Bryce is the first player from Scotland, male or female, to make it to the top 10 of the batting or bowling lists in the ICC Player Rankings after finishing as the leading scorer from her team in a four-match T20I series in Belfast which Ireland won 3-1. The 23-year-old, who was named the ICC Women’s Associate Player of the Decade in December, has gained nine slots to reach 10th position among batters in the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings. Kathryn’s sister Sarah Bryce was ranked 14th among T20I women batters in August 2019 and off-spinner Majid Haq had reached 13th position among bowlers in the men’s T20I rankings in November 2013 in what were the previous highest rankings for Scotland players. Kathryn Bryce, who aggregated 96 runs in the series including an unbeaten 45 in the third match, has also achieved career-best rankings as a bowler and as an all-rounder. She has moved up 35 places to 31st among bowlers after grabbing five wickets in the series. She is up 10 places to third among all-rounders. ALSO READ: Cricket: Players to watch out for in England vs New Zealand Test series Ireland’s Gaby Lewis, who was the leading scorer in the series with 116 runs, is another gainer in the latest weekly update, progressing seven places to reach 27th position. Her team-mate Shauna Kavanagh (up 60 places to 103rd) has also made notable progress after finishing with 93 runs. In the bowlers’ rankings, Orla Prendergast (up 51 places to 65th) and captain Laura Delany (up two places to 78th) are the Ireland players to gain in the latest update. Scotland bowlers Katherine Fraser (up 16 places to 61st), Abtaha Maqsood (up 22 places to 72nd), Katie McGill (up 23 places to 76th) and Priyanaz Chatterji (up three places to 99th) have also progressed.

Cricket: Kathryn Bryce first from Scotland in top 10 of ICC Player Rankings

The families of players and support staff of Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams have been allowed to accompany them during their gruelling tour of England. <o:p></o:p>

According to PTI, the BCCI had requested to allow the families of players and staff given that the team will be spending a long time inside the bio-secure bubble during their tour to the UK.<o:p></o:p>

However, none of the BCCI office-bearers, including board president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah will be present for the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton from June 18-22 due to strict quarantine rules in the country. <o:p></o:p>

"Yes, it's good news that players will have their families during the tour of the UK. Ditto for the women's team who can also have their families around. These are times when the mental well-being of players is paramount.<o:p></o:p>

"The BCCI understands that we need our players and support staff to be in a good headspace," a source told PTI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mumbai-indians-trent-boult-looking-forward-to-participate-in-ipl-2021-in-uae-388749" hreflang="en">Cricket: Mumbai Indian's Trent Boult 'looking forward' to participate in IPL 2021 in UAE</a><o:p></o:p>

Ganguly and Shah weren’t granted exemption from the strict quarantine rules in the UK and they would have to undergo isolation of 10 days. Hence, they will be absent from the ICC WTC final. <o:p></o:p>

"As far as I know, the ECB didn't grant permission to them (Ganguly and Shah). Normally, administrators go before the Test match but as per quarantine rules, since they are not playing members, they would have had to undergo hard quarantine of 10 days.<o:p></o:p>

"The team rules wouldn't have been applicable as far as president and secretary is concerned," the official further added.<o:p></o:p>

The Indian men’s and women’s teams will depart for Southampton after touching down in London.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-isnt-the-highest-paid-captain-in-international-cricket-check-full-list-of-skippers-and-salaries-in-2021-386865" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021</a><o:p></o:p>

According to PTI, India women will commence their one-off Test against England in Bristol from June 16 and will have to undergo hard quarantine in Southampton with the men’s team at Hotel Hilton. They will travel to Bristol on completion of their hard quarantine in Southampton.<o:p></o:p>

Indian teams will have to serve three days of hard quarantine and after that they can use the gym and start working on their skills. They have been serving a 14-day quarantine period in India and undergone six RT-PCR tests.<o:p></o:p>

The families of players and support staff of Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams have been allowed to accompany them during their gruelling tour of England. According to PTI, the BCCI had requested to allow the families of players and staff given that the team will be spending a long time inside the bio-secure bubble during their tour to the UK.

The families of players and support staff of Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams have been allowed to accompany them during their gruelling tour of England. According to PTI, the BCCI had requested to allow the families of players and staff given that the team will be spending a long time inside the bio-secure bubble during their tour to the UK. However, none of the BCCI office-bearers, including board president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah will be present for the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton from June 18-22 due to strict quarantine rules in the country. "Yes, it's good news that players will have their families during the tour of the UK. Ditto for the women's team who can also have their families around. These are times when the mental well-being of players is paramount. "The BCCI understands that we need our players and support staff to be in a good headspace," a source told PTI. ALSO READ: Cricket: Mumbai Indian's Trent Boult 'looking forward' to participate in IPL 2021 in UAE Ganguly and Shah weren’t granted exemption from the strict quarantine rules in the UK and they would have to undergo isolation of 10 days. Hence, they will be absent from the ICC WTC final. "As far as I know, the ECB didn't grant permission to them (Ganguly and Shah). Normally, administrators go before the Test match but as per quarantine rules, since they are not playing members, they would have had to undergo hard quarantine of 10 days. "The team rules wouldn't have been applicable as far as president and secretary is concerned," the official further added. The Indian men’s and women’s teams will depart for Southampton after touching down in London. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021 According to PTI, India women will commence their one-off Test against England in Bristol from June 16 and will have to undergo hard quarantine in Southampton with the men’s team at Hotel Hilton. They will travel to Bristol on completion of their hard quarantine in Southampton. Indian teams will have to serve three days of hard quarantine and after that they can use the gym and start working on their skills. They have been serving a 14-day quarantine period in India and undergone six RT-PCR tests.

Cricket: Players' families allowed for UK tour, BCCI office-bearers to skip WTC final due to quarantine rules

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced that the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will be played in the UAE in the September-October window. New Zealand and Mumbai Indians pacer Trent Boult is looking forward to participating in IPL 2021 upon its resumption later in the year. <o:p></o:p>

Boult, while expressing his excitement on IPL 2021 resuming, said that it was a different feeling to play half IPL and he is looking forward to finishing the campaign upon its resumption. The Kiwi pacer added that the last year the IPL was conducted in the UAE “very nicely”. <o:p></o:p>

"It's (India) a beautiful place to go, I obviously have experienced India a lot, the fans and culture too but it was different this time, obviously very quiet, the usual hum around the streets, the fans were just not there," Boult said in a virtual press conference. <o:p></o:p>

"It was different to play half of the tournament. Looks like it is moving forward to the UAE, it was held very nicely last year there. If I'll get a chance I'll be looking forward to finish that campaign off myself," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-crowds-likely-at-ipl-2021-matches-in-uae-report-388581">Cricket: Crowds likely at IPL 2021 matches in UAE - Report</a><o:p></o:p>

Earlier in May, IPL 2021 was postponed as the BCCI didn’t want to compromise on the safety ad well-being of the participants involved in the T20 tournament due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India. Even Boult admitted that the scenario surrounding the coronavirus escalated quickly in India during IPL 2021 but expressed his gratitude of being involved in the tournament.<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;"I suppose things obviously escalated pretty quickly over there. I made the decision to come home and get a bit of time with family," said Boult. <o:p></o:p>

"Very grateful in the first place to be involved in the IPL to get an opportunity to play on that stage. What happened was very unfortunate, I'm glad that I got out safely and can move forward now," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-absence-of-overseas-players-not-going-to-affect-ipl-2021-rajeev-shukla-388569" hreflang="en">Absence of overseas players not going to affect IPL 2021: Rajeev Shukla</a><o:p></o:p>

BCCI is still working on the logistical arrangements for IPL 2021 with some of the Board members already in the UAE. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is also set to fly to the UAE on Wednesday. <o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced that the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will be played in the UAE in the September-October window.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced that the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will be played in the UAE in the September-October window. New Zealand and Mumbai Indians pacer Trent Boult is looking forward to participating in IPL 2021 upon its resumption later in the year. Boult, while expressing his excitement on IPL 2021 resuming, said that it was a different feeling to play half IPL and he is looking forward to finishing the campaign upon its resumption. The Kiwi pacer added that the last year the IPL was conducted in the UAE “very nicely”. "It's (India) a beautiful place to go, I obviously have experienced India a lot, the fans and culture too but it was different this time, obviously very quiet, the usual hum around the streets, the fans were just not there," Boult said in a virtual press conference. "It was different to play half of the tournament. Looks like it is moving forward to the UAE, it was held very nicely last year there. If I'll get a chance I'll be looking forward to finish that campaign off myself," he added. ALSO READ: Cricket: Crowds likely at IPL 2021 matches in UAE - Report Earlier in May, IPL 2021 was postponed as the BCCI didn’t want to compromise on the safety ad well-being of the participants involved in the T20 tournament due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India. Even Boult admitted that the scenario surrounding the coronavirus escalated quickly in India during IPL 2021 but expressed his gratitude of being involved in the tournament. "I suppose things obviously escalated pretty quickly over there. I made the decision to come home and get a bit of time with family," said Boult. "Very grateful in the first place to be involved in the IPL to get an opportunity to play on that stage. What happened was very unfortunate, I'm glad that I got out safely and can move forward now," he added. ALSO READ: Absence of overseas players not going to affect IPL 2021: Rajeev Shukla BCCI is still working on the logistical arrangements for IPL 2021 with some of the Board members already in the UAE. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is also set to fly to the UAE on Wednesday.

Cricket: Mumbai Indian's Trent Boult 'looking forward' to participate in IPL 2021 in UAE

Wales will go into Euro 2020 without their beleaguered boss Ryan Giggs, putting the spotlight on Gareth Bale's bid to silence critics who say he has lost his appetite for success.

Giggs' absence following his arrest on charges of assaulting two women last year will cast a shadow over Wales during the Euro.

The former Manchester United star faces a trial in 2022 after being accused of butting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville and controlling her throughout their relationship.

Giggs is also charged with the common assault of Greville's sister Emma in the same incident.

The 47-year-old had taken charge of Wales in 2018 and made a positive impression as he led them to the European Championship, just their second major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup.

But Giggs, who denies the charges, has been on leave since November last year, with caretaker boss Robert Page stepping into the breach.

Page has won four of his six games since replacing Giggs, with Wales' only loss in that time coming against the world's top-ranked side, Belgium.

If Wales are to thrive in Giggs' absence, the onus is on Bale to prove his erratic loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur this season was not further evidence that his love for the game is dwindling.

Although he scored 16 goals, Bale was unable to make a consistent impact on his return to Tottenham despite the hope that escaping his miserable time at Real Madrid would reinvigorate the Wales captain.

Hampered by fitness issues and a frosty relationship with Jose Mourinho before his sacking, Bale hardly disproved the theory he no longer has the drive required to dominate at the highest level.

Having celebrated Wales' Euro qualification by waving a flag that read 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order', Bale has an opportunity to show that swipe at Real was more than hollow patriotism.

<h2>- Bale burden -</h2>

Despite the exit of his Real nemesis, coach Zinedine Zidane, Bale is reportedly considering negotiating a pay-off to avoid returning to Madrid.

It was also suggested the four-time Champions League winner could quit football altogether and try his hand at professional golf, a claim rejected by his agent, Jonathan Barnett.

Bale fuelled speculation over a potential bombshell announcement when he was asked about his future following his brace in Tottenham's final Premier League game of the season at Leicester City.

"I know what I'm doing, but it'll just cause chaos if I say anything. It will have to happen after the Euro," Bale said.

"I'm not thinking about anything else other than Wales."

After their fairytale run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, Wales will need Bale at his best to get anywhere near repeating that success.

"We'd love to replicate what we did at Euro 2016 but we are realistic. It's a different team, a different tournament," Bale said.

Page's side kick off against Switzerland in Baku on June 12, with games against Turkey and Italy rounding off their group schedule.

The bulk of Page's squad ply their trade in England's second tier, with 19-year-old midfielder Rubin Colwill a surprise inclusion after only making his Cardiff City debut in February.

"He blew us all away with how he was and how he conducted himself. He's a top professional already," Page said of Colwill.

Wales won just four of their eight qualifying fixtures, with two of those victories coming against Azerbaijan, as they finished second in qualifying Group E behind Croatia.

They scored only 10 goals in eight qualifying games, putting pressure on Bale to shine.

Finding a way for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey to overcome his fitness issues will also be crucial.

"Ryan's key principles when he first took over are no different and whether he is here or not, the lads know exactly how we expect them to play," Page said.

Wales will go into Euro 2020 without their beleaguered boss Ryan Giggs, putting the spotlight on Gareth Bale's bid to silence critics who say he has lost his appetite for success.

Wales will go into Euro 2020 without their beleaguered boss Ryan Giggs, putting the spotlight on Gareth Bale's bid to silence critics who say he has lost his appetite for success. Giggs' absence following his arrest on charges of assaulting two women last year will cast a shadow over Wales during the Euro. The former Manchester United star faces a trial in 2022 after being accused of butting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville and controlling her throughout their relationship. Giggs is also charged with the common assault of Greville's sister Emma in the same incident. The 47-year-old had taken charge of Wales in 2018 and made a positive impression as he led them to the European Championship, just their second major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup. But Giggs, who denies the charges, has been on leave since November last year, with caretaker boss Robert Page stepping into the breach. Page has won four of his six games since replacing Giggs, with Wales' only loss in that time coming against the world's top-ranked side, Belgium. If Wales are to thrive in Giggs' absence, the onus is on Bale to prove his erratic loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur this season was not further evidence that his love for the game is dwindling. Although he scored 16 goals, Bale was unable to make a consistent impact on his return to Tottenham despite the hope that escaping his miserable time at Real Madrid would reinvigorate the Wales captain. Hampered by fitness issues and a frosty relationship with Jose Mourinho before his sacking, Bale hardly disproved the theory he no longer has the drive required to dominate at the highest level. Having celebrated Wales' Euro qualification by waving a flag that read 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order', Bale has an opportunity to show that swipe at Real was more than hollow patriotism. - Bale burden - Despite the exit of his Real nemesis, coach Zinedine Zidane, Bale is reportedly considering negotiating a pay-off to avoid returning to Madrid. It was also suggested the four-time Champions League winner could quit football altogether and try his hand at professional golf, a claim rejected by his agent, Jonathan Barnett. Bale fuelled speculation over a potential bombshell announcement when he was asked about his future following his brace in Tottenham's final Premier League game of the season at Leicester City. "I know what I'm doing, but it'll just cause chaos if I say anything. It will have to happen after the Euro," Bale said. "I'm not thinking about anything else other than Wales." After their fairytale run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, Wales will need Bale at his best to get anywhere near repeating that success. "We'd love to replicate what we did at Euro 2016 but we are realistic. It's a different team, a different tournament," Bale said. Page's side kick off against Switzerland in Baku on June 12, with games against Turkey and Italy rounding off their group schedule. The bulk of Page's squad ply their trade in England's second tier, with 19-year-old midfielder Rubin Colwill a surprise inclusion after only making his Cardiff City debut in February. "He blew us all away with how he was and how he conducted himself. He's a top professional already," Page said of Colwill. Wales won just four of their eight qualifying fixtures, with two of those victories coming against Azerbaijan, as they finished second in qualifying Group E behind Croatia. They scored only 10 goals in eight qualifying games, putting pressure on Bale to shine. Finding a way for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey to overcome his fitness issues will also be crucial. "Ryan's key principles when he first took over are no different and whether he is here or not, the lads know exactly how we expect them to play," Page said.

Football: Giggs' absence puts pressure on Bale to deliver for Wales at Euro 2020

South America's largest football tournament, the Copa America, was moved Monday to Brazil after a Covid-19 surge in Argentina and social unrest in Colombia saw the co-hosts stripped of the right to host the event.

With two weeks to kickoff, South America's CONMEBOL football federation tweeted that "The CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 will be played in Brazil!" and the June 13-July 10 dates were maintained.

CONMEBOL is expected to announce the venues and dates of matches in the coming hours.

Brazil hosted the last Copa America, in 2019.

Originally scheduled for last year, the Copa was postponed by 12 months due to the coronavirus epidemic.

New host Brazil is one of the countries in the world worst affected by the outbreak, with the second-highest death toll of over 460,000 so far and more than 16.5 million cases.

It was to have been the first time in its history that the tournament would be co-hosted by two countries, Argentina and Colombia.

But ten days ago, CONMEBOL stripped Colombia of its duties amid street protests that were met with a heavy-handed police response that drew international condemnation. More than a month into the unrest, dozens of people have died.

On Sunday, CONMEBOL also stripped Argentina of hosting rights in the context of a record coronavirus surge, with more than 77,000 deaths in the pandemic to date and nearly 3.8 million infections.

South America's largest football tournament, the Copa America, was moved Monday to Brazil after a Covid-19 surge in Argentina and social unrest in Colombia saw the co-hosts stripped of the right to host the event.

South America's largest football tournament, the Copa America, was moved Monday to Brazil after a Covid-19 surge in Argentina and social unrest in Colombia saw the co-hosts stripped of the right to host the event. With two weeks to kickoff, South America's CONMEBOL football federation tweeted that "The CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 will be played in Brazil!" and the June 13-July 10 dates were maintained. CONMEBOL is expected to announce the venues and dates of matches in the coming hours. Brazil hosted the last Copa America, in 2019. Originally scheduled for last year, the Copa was postponed by 12 months due to the coronavirus epidemic. New host Brazil is one of the countries in the world worst affected by the outbreak, with the second-highest death toll of over 460,000 so far and more than 16.5 million cases. It was to have been the first time in its history that the tournament would be co-hosted by two countries, Argentina and Colombia. But ten days ago, CONMEBOL stripped Colombia of its duties amid street protests that were met with a heavy-handed police response that drew international condemnation. More than a month into the unrest, dozens of people have died. On Sunday, CONMEBOL also stripped Argentina of hosting rights in the context of a record coronavirus surge, with more than 77,000 deaths in the pandemic to date and nearly 3.8 million infections.

Football: Copa America 2021 moved to Brazil - CONMEBOL

Messi gets his eighth trophy as the top scorer in LaLiga. A look at the legends who have won LaLiga’s top scorer award in the 21st century. Many iconic players have won LaLiga’s top scorer award – often known as the ‘Pichichi’ – during their careers.

Messi gets his eighth trophy as the top scorer in LaLiga. A look at the legends who have won LaLiga’s top scorer award in the 21st century. Many iconic players have won LaLiga’s top scorer award – often known as the ‘Pichichi’ – during their careers. In recent years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo consistently won it while battling it out for FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. But since the Portuguese left Madrid, the '10' Culé has skyrocketed in the ‘Pichichi’ historical ranking, being the only one to earn eight trophies as the top scorer in LaLiga Santander. The last one, this season. Behind the Argentine player we find many of the world game’s most iconic players, who have also taken home the award. Here are just a few of the best in recent years. ALSO READ: LaLiga: Icons between the sticks - Five standout Zamora winners from the modern age Lionel Messi What more can you say about Messi? The legendary Argentinian already has eight top scorer awards to his name, including the last five. His first came in 2009/10, starting a run of three in four seasons which included a historic fifty-goal haul in 2011/12 and a constant striking duel with Cristiano Ronaldo season after season. Messi has been such a dominant goalscoring force that only one player beyond Cristiano has beaten him to the top scorer gong in the past decade: his former FC Barcelona teammate and close friend Luis Suarez, who scored an incredible 40 goals in 2015/16. Cristiano Ronaldo When Cristiano left Real Madrid in 2018, his LaLiga goalscoring record stood at an unbelievable 311 goals in just 292 appearances. Limited to just three Pichichi awards but never dropping below 25 goals per season in Spain’s top flight, there have been few goalscorers quite as iconic as Cristiano. Raúl During his decade and a half as the spearhead of Real Madrid’s attack, Raúl scored goal after goal for Los Blancos. The Spaniard won LaLiga six times, and finished as the league’s top scorer on two occasions, in 1998/99 with 25 goals and then again in 2000/01 with 24 goals. Ronaldo Nazário Like Raúl, the current Real Valladolid president, Ronaldo Nazário, also won the Pichichi twice in his career, but he did so at two different clubs. In 1996/97 he won it with Barcelona by scoring 34 times that campaign, before he claimed the honour again in 2003/04 with 25 goals, this time in the white of Real Madrid after crossing the El Clasico divide. That was Ronaldo’s most prolific campaign in the Spanish capital. Samuel Eto’o When Samuel Eto'o joined Barcelona from RCD Mallorca in the summer of 2004, he hit the ground running by scoring 24 goals in that first season and just missing out on the Pichichi, which went to Diego Forlán. The following year, however, Eto'o upped his game even further and this time netted 26 times to ensure the award was finally his. His goals helped Barcelona win the LaLiga title in each of those campaigns. Ruud van Nistelrooy When Ruud van Nistelrooy arrived at Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2006, he touched down in the Spanish capital having previously won the Premier League’s top scorer award. Then, the Dutch striker set his sights on the Spanish equivalent and he did so with an impressive 25 goals in his debut season as Real Madrid won ‘The League of the Comebacks.’ Diego Forlán Diego Forlán is a two-time Pichichi winner, winning it once with Villarreal and then again with Atlético de Madrid. In his first season in LaLiga, the Uruguyan fired in 25 goals for Villarreal in 2004/05 to pip Eto'o to the honour, netting five goals across the final two matchdays to clinch a memorable goalscoring race. After switching yellow for red and white, Forlan won it again in 2008/09, this time with 32 goals. That made him the first player to win the award with over 30 goals since Ronaldo in 1996/97. Every Pichichi winner of the 21st century Season Winner Club Goals 2000/01 Raúl Real Madrid 24 2001/02 Diego Tristán Deportivo La Coruña 21 2002/03 Roy Makaay Deportivo La Coruña 29 2003/04 Ronaldo Real Madrid 25 2004/05 Diego Forlán Villarreal 25 2005/06 Samuel Eto'o Barcelona 26 2006/07 Ruud van Nistelrooy Real Madrid 25 2007/08 Daniel Güiza RCD Mallorca 27 2008/09 Diego Forlán Atlético Madrid 32 2009/10 Lionel Messi Barcelona 34 2010/11 Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid 41 2011/12 Lionel Messi Barcelona 50 2012/13 Lionel Messi Barcelona 46 2013/14 Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid 31 2014/15 Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid 48 2015/16 Luis Suárez Barcelona 40 2016/17 Lionel Messi Barcelona 37 2017/18 Lionel Messi Barcelona 34 2018/19 Lionel Messi Barcelona 36 2019/20 Lionel Messi Barcelona 25 2020/21 Lionel Messi Barcelona 30

LaLiga: The most iconic ‘Pichichi’ winners in recent history

After Thibaut Courtois, from Real Madrid, Jan Oblak won the trophy this season. The Atletico goalkeeper thus adds his fifth trophy and stands as the goalkeeper with the most Zamoras along with Ramallets and Víctor Valdés. We run through some of the most iconic and unique keepers from all over the world to have won this award in recent years.

<h2>Jan Oblak (Atletico de Madrid)</h2>

<img alt="Jan Oblak" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59b2d6d0-bf20-4f39-9462-91ff440aac0c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Oblak.JPG" />

We start with the most recent. Atleti’s Slovenian keeper has cemented his reputation as one of the world’s premier shot stoppers in recent years, taking home five Zamora awards from the last six (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21). An almost wall-like between the sticks for Los Colchoneros since joining from Portuguese side Benfica in 2014, Oblak is a bona fide star for coach Diego Simeone’s famously defensively tight team.

<h2>Victor Valdes (FC Barcelona)</h2>

<img alt="Valdes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="65c0641a-321e-490e-b2c2-e28ad6221966" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Valdes.JPG" />

Never recognised at international level to the extent his El Clasico rival Iker Casillas was, Victor Valdes nevertheless wrote his name into both the LaLiga and Barcelona history books by picking up five Zamora awards, including four consecutive gongs between 2008 and 2012. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and with a knack for pulling off incredible saves at big moments, Valdes was in many senses the perfect goalkeeper for the iconic and possession-based Barcelona sides of the mid-00s and 2010s. A true legend of Spanish football.

<h2>Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe CF)</h2>

<img alt="Roberto" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7611ccad-73ff-40a4-a347-5450c0f833cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Roberto%20Abbondanzieri.jpg" />

The long-time Argentina number one picked up the Zamora trophy in 2006/07 against all the odds as part of an unfancied but remarkable Getafe side which ended the season with the best defensive record in the whole of LaLiga Santander. El Pato – ‘The Duck’ – became a fan favourite in his three seasons at the suburban Madrid side, sandwiched between over a decade at Argentinian side Boca Juniors. It’s easy to forget just how good Abbondanzieri actually was; he was named among the top 10 goalkeepers in the world of the 2000s by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHHS).

<h2>Santiago Cañizares (RC Celta, Valencia CF)</h2>

<img alt="Santiago" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b416c6c-a049-4958-84ca-0c07ed6a5a39" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Santiago%20Ca%C3%B1izares%201.jpg" />

Remembered across Europe for his bleach blond hair and fast reflexes, Cañizares won four Zamora titles with two different sides throughout his career. His first came at RC Celta in 1992/93, sharing the award with Francisco Liaño over at local rivals RC Deportivo. By the late 1990s, he’d made his way to Valencia CF via hometown club Real Madrid. At Mestalla he won three more, becoming an icon of the club’s late-90s and early 00s success: 2000/01, 2001/02 and 2003/04, the final two coming in LaLiga title-winning seasons.

<h2>Jacques Songo’o (RC Deportivo)</h2>

<img alt="Songo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28d8e895-e72d-42a0-9c8c-1d30a0d31e35" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jacques%20Songo%27o.jpg" />

The only African to ever win the Zamora and one of the most loved foreign imports to LaLiga over the last few decades, Cameroon international Songo’o won the award in 1996/97 – his first ever season in Spanish football – as RC Deportivo finished third behind champions Real Madrid and a Ronaldo Nazario led Barcelona side. Famously a fan of playing in long trousers, the Yaoundé-born shot stopper would go on to win a LaLiga title in 1999/00 and settle in the area after retirement.&nbsp;

After Thibaut Courtois, from Real Madrid, Jan Oblak won the trophy this season. The Atletico goalkeeper thus adds his fifth trophy and stands as the goalkeeper with the most Zamoras along with Ramallets and Víctor Valdés.

After Thibaut Courtois, from Real Madrid, Jan Oblak won the trophy this season. The Atletico goalkeeper thus adds his fifth trophy and stands as the goalkeeper with the most Zamoras along with Ramallets and Víctor Valdés. We run through some of the most iconic and unique keepers from all over the world to have won this award in recent years. Jan Oblak (Atletico de Madrid) We start with the most recent. Atleti’s Slovenian keeper has cemented his reputation as one of the world’s premier shot stoppers in recent years, taking home five Zamora awards from the last six (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21). An almost wall-like between the sticks for Los Colchoneros since joining from Portuguese side Benfica in 2014, Oblak is a bona fide star for coach Diego Simeone’s famously defensively tight team. Victor Valdes (FC Barcelona) Never recognised at international level to the extent his El Clasico rival Iker Casillas was, Victor Valdes nevertheless wrote his name into both the LaLiga and Barcelona history books by picking up five Zamora awards, including four consecutive gongs between 2008 and 2012. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and with a knack for pulling off incredible saves at big moments, Valdes was in many senses the perfect goalkeeper for the iconic and possession-based Barcelona sides of the mid-00s and 2010s. A true legend of Spanish football. Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe CF) The long-time Argentina number one picked up the Zamora trophy in 2006/07 against all the odds as part of an unfancied but remarkable Getafe side which ended the season with the best defensive record in the whole of LaLiga Santander. El Pato – ‘The Duck’ – became a fan favourite in his three seasons at the suburban Madrid side, sandwiched between over a decade at Argentinian side Boca Juniors. It’s easy to forget just how good Abbondanzieri actually was; he was named among the top 10 goalkeepers in the world of the 2000s by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHHS). Santiago Cañizares (RC Celta, Valencia CF) Remembered across Europe for his bleach blond hair and fast reflexes, Cañizares won four Zamora titles with two different sides throughout his career. His first came at RC Celta in 1992/93, sharing the award with Francisco Liaño over at local rivals RC Deportivo. By the late 1990s, he’d made his way to Valencia CF via hometown club Real Madrid. At Mestalla he won three more, becoming an icon of the club’s late-90s and early 00s success: 2000/01, 2001/02 and 2003/04, the final two coming in LaLiga title-winning seasons. Jacques Songo’o (RC Deportivo) The only African to ever win the Zamora and one of the most loved foreign imports to LaLiga over the last few decades, Cameroon international Songo’o won the award in 1996/97 – his first ever season in Spanish football – as RC Deportivo finished third behind champions Real Madrid and a Ronaldo Nazario led Barcelona side. Famously a fan of playing in long trousers, the Yaoundé-born shot stopper would go on to win a LaLiga title in 1999/00 and settle in the area after retirement.

LaLiga: Icons between the sticks - Five standout Zamora winners from the modern age

Barcelona on Monday completed the signing of Argentine forward Sergio Aguero on a free transfer after he left Manchester City upon expiry of his contract with the Premier League giants. Aguero is set to be unveiled as a Barcelona player on Monday evening. <o:p></o:p>

The Argentine forward was spotted in Barcelona over the weekend. The official Barcelona website has included a link to the presentation of the former Man City striker, due to take place at 6:15pm Central European Time on Monday.<o:p></o:p>

Aguero has been handed a two-year contract with the Spanish giants where he will play with his Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi. <o:p></o:p>

Barcelona took to Twitter to announce the deal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-leaving-because-real-madrid-no-longer-has-faith-in-me-zinedine-zidane-pens-open-letter-to-fans-388553" hreflang="en">Football: 'Leaving because Real Madrid no longer has faith in me' - Zinedine Zidane pens open letter to fans</a>

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The 32-year-old forward completed his 10-year-long stay at the Etihad Stadium with Manchester City wherein he finished as the club’s highest goal-scorer in the history while breaking a plethora of records in the English top-flight including most goals for a single club and most hat-tricks. He scored 260 goals in 390 matches while assisting a further 73. <o:p></o:p>

In what was a trophy-laden stay in Manchester for Aguero, he lifted a staggering 15 trophies with the Cityzens and has been hailed as one of the finest foreigners to have graced the Premier League.<o:p></o:p>

Aguero had a fitting farewell to his Premier League career as he netted twice in his last-ever league game for Man City, against Everton, before lifting the coveted Premier League trophy. <o:p></o:p>

However, the dream of lifting the Champions League trophy with Man City remained unfulfilled as the Blues were defeated 1-0 by Chelsea in the final of UCL in Porto. <o:p></o:p>

Barcelona are also to set to sign Man City midfielder Eric Garcia, who also joins the Spanish club on a free transfer.<o:p></o:p>

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Barcelona on Monday completed the signing of Argentine forward Sergio Aguero on a free transfer after he left Manchester City upon expiry of his contract with the Premier League giants.

Barcelona on Monday completed the signing of Argentine forward Sergio Aguero on a free transfer after he left Manchester City upon expiry of his contract with the Premier League giants. Aguero is set to be unveiled as a Barcelona player on Monday evening. The Argentine forward was spotted in Barcelona over the weekend. The official Barcelona website has included a link to the presentation of the former Man City striker, due to take place at 6:15pm Central European Time on Monday. Aguero has been handed a two-year contract with the Spanish giants where he will play with his Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi. Barcelona took to Twitter to announce the deal. ALSO READ: Football: 'Leaving because Real Madrid no longer has faith in me' - Zinedine Zidane pens open letter to fans AGÜEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/iebAeYtjLp — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 31, 2021 × The 32-year-old forward completed his 10-year-long stay at the Etihad Stadium with Manchester City wherein he finished as the club’s highest goal-scorer in the history while breaking a plethora of records in the English top-flight including most goals for a single club and most hat-tricks. He scored 260 goals in 390 matches while assisting a further 73. In what was a trophy-laden stay in Manchester for Aguero, he lifted a staggering 15 trophies with the Cityzens and has been hailed as one of the finest foreigners to have graced the Premier League. Aguero had a fitting farewell to his Premier League career as he netted twice in his last-ever league game for Man City, against Everton, before lifting the coveted Premier League trophy. However, the dream of lifting the Champions League trophy with Man City remained unfulfilled as the Blues were defeated 1-0 by Chelsea in the final of UCL in Porto. Barcelona are also to set to sign Man City midfielder Eric Garcia, who also joins the Spanish club on a free transfer.

Football: Sergio Aguero signs for Barcelona on a free transfer

The coach of Naomi Osaka says she is using her superstar status to force change with her controversial media boycott at the French Open.

"Naomi has the opportunity to use her status to address problems and to initiate things," Osaka's Belgian coach Wim Fissette told German magazine Der Spiegel.

"In the United States, the subject is very topical at the moment, as athletes want more freedom in dealing with the press.

"So that they are simply not threatened right away with punishment if they don't feel well for a day."&nbsp;

On Sunday, officials at Roland Garros threatened Osaka, the world number two, with disqualification if she persists in boycotting media press conferences, which she claims are detrimental to her mental health.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old was fined $15,000 for refusing to attend a press conference after her opening 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Romanian world number 63 Patricia Maria Tig.

Following her win, Osaka agreed only to a cursory on-court TV interview.

Osaka has likened traditional post-match press conferences to&nbsp;"kicking people when they're down", but French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton has described her vow of silence as "a phenomenal error".

However, following her win over Tig, Osaka stood firm by tweeting: "Anger is a lack of understanding. Change makes people uncomfortable."

In the Spiegel interview, Fissette also insisted Osaka "knows it's important to talk to the press" and is not boycotting the media "for herself alone", but is "concerned with fundamental issues -- she wants to bring about change".

Earlier this year, the Japanese superstar won the fourth Grand Slam title of her career at the Australian Open, but has never got past the third round of the French Open.&nbsp;

The coach of Naomi Osaka says she is using her superstar status to force change with her controversial media boycott at the French Open. "Naomi has the opportunity to use her status to address problems and to initiate things," Osaka's Belgian coach Wim Fissette told German magazine Der Spiegel.

The coach of Naomi Osaka says she is using her superstar status to force change with her controversial media boycott at the French Open. "Naomi has the opportunity to use her status to address problems and to initiate things," Osaka's Belgian coach Wim Fissette told German magazine Der Spiegel. "In the United States, the subject is very topical at the moment, as athletes want more freedom in dealing with the press. "So that they are simply not threatened right away with punishment if they don't feel well for a day." On Sunday, officials at Roland Garros threatened Osaka, the world number two, with disqualification if she persists in boycotting media press conferences, which she claims are detrimental to her mental health. The 23-year-old was fined $15,000 for refusing to attend a press conference after her opening 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Romanian world number 63 Patricia Maria Tig. Following her win, Osaka agreed only to a cursory on-court TV interview. Osaka has likened traditional post-match press conferences to "kicking people when they're down", but French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton has described her vow of silence as "a phenomenal error". However, following her win over Tig, Osaka stood firm by tweeting: "Anger is a lack of understanding. Change makes people uncomfortable." In the Spiegel interview, Fissette also insisted Osaka "knows it's important to talk to the press" and is not boycotting the media "for herself alone", but is "concerned with fundamental issues -- she wants to bring about change". Earlier this year, the Japanese superstar won the fourth Grand Slam title of her career at the Australian Open, but has never got past the third round of the French Open.

Tennis: Osaka wants to use French Open media boycott 'to bring about change', says coach

The remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, set to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the September 15-October 10 window, is going to witness crowds in stands. <o:p></o:p>

According to Cricbuzz, the UAE government has the policy to permit crowds for sporting events on the condition that they have been vaccinated. Additionally, most of the UAE population have received their vaccines for the dreaded COVID-19<o:p></o:p>

The current policy can allow up to 50 per cent of the stadium capacity crowd during the IPL 2021 unless the local government comes up with an event-specific rule.<o:p></o:p>

"The vaccinated fans can be allowed up to 50 per cent of the [stadium] capacity," a UAE board official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-absence-of-overseas-players-not-going-to-affect-ipl-2021-rajeev-shukla-388569" hreflang="en">IPL 2021 - Absence of overseas players not going to affect IPL 2021: Rajeev Shukla</a><o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, some of the office-bearers of the BCCI have left for Dubai in a bid to finalise arrangements with the ECB and UAE government. Board secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal, vice-president Rajeev Shukla and joint secretary Jayesh George have reportedly landed in Dubai on Monday and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is due to land on Wednesday. <o:p></o:p>

The purpose of the visit to the UAE is to chalk out the logistical and operational issues of IPL 2021.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-board-meet-outcomes-unlikely-on-t20-world-cup-hosting-ftp-2023-31-cycle-to-be-discussed-388568" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC Board Meet - Outcomes unlikely on T20 World Cup hosting, FTP 2023-31 cycle to be discussed</a><o:p></o:p>

According to the report, the ECB officials feel that hosting 31 games in three venues won’t be difficult due to the experience of hosting IPL 2020. However, the main issue for ECB will be to decide on organising the T20 World Cup if and when the ICC takes a final call.<o:p></o:p>

The remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, set to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the September 15-October 10 window, is going to witness crowds in stands.

The remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, set to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the September 15-October 10 window, is going to witness crowds in stands. According to Cricbuzz, the UAE government has the policy to permit crowds for sporting events on the condition that they have been vaccinated. Additionally, most of the UAE population have received their vaccines for the dreaded COVID-19 The current policy can allow up to 50 per cent of the stadium capacity crowd during the IPL 2021 unless the local government comes up with an event-specific rule. "The vaccinated fans can be allowed up to 50 per cent of the [stadium] capacity," a UAE board official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. ALSO READ: IPL 2021 - Absence of overseas players not going to affect IPL 2021: Rajeev Shukla Meanwhile, some of the office-bearers of the BCCI have left for Dubai in a bid to finalise arrangements with the ECB and UAE government. Board secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal, vice-president Rajeev Shukla and joint secretary Jayesh George have reportedly landed in Dubai on Monday and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is due to land on Wednesday. The purpose of the visit to the UAE is to chalk out the logistical and operational issues of IPL 2021. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC Board Meet - Outcomes unlikely on T20 World Cup hosting, FTP 2023-31 cycle to be discussed According to the report, the ECB officials feel that hosting 31 games in three venues won’t be difficult due to the experience of hosting IPL 2020. However, the main issue for ECB will be to decide on organising the T20 World Cup if and when the ICC takes a final call.

Cricket: Crowds likely at IPL 2021 matches in UAE - Report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will request an extension of one month to decide on the hosting of the ICC T20 World Cup in India amid the COVID-19 threat as the ICC Board holds a virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss the host of other issues, including the Future Tour Programmes (FTP) for the next cycle of 2023-31. <o:p></o:p>

While earlier it was reported that the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly will attend the meeting in person, the former Indian captain will now join the meet virtually as he is set to depart for the UAE on Wednesday to have discussions on the remainder of IPL 2021 with Emirates Cricket Board.<o:p></o:p>

According to PTI, no concrete outcomes are expected from the ICC Board meeting with the BCCI set to hold another Special General Meeting (SGM) after July 1. The ICC is expected to make a final announcement on its decision during its annual conference, scheduled for July 18.<o:p></o:p>

While the remainder of IPL 2021 has been moved to the UAE in the September 15-October 15 window, the BCCI will leave no stones unturned to host the global T20 tournament, which has UAE as backup hosts.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-swing-it-away-from-him-ollie-robinson-reveals-plan-to-dismiss-kane-williamson-388536" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Swing it away from him": Ollie Robinson reveals plan to dismiss Kane Williamson</a><o:p></o:p>

"The COVID-19 cases are reducing but obviously it is still not a situation where we can firmly commit to hosting the World T20. Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah are right in asking for one month's time to decide," a senior BCCI source privy to developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity.<o:p></o:p>

"Obviously, they will also get feedback from the government whether it would be prudent to host it in India.<o:p></o:p>

"The second aspect is that you never know when the cases rise again. Right now, the lockdown in various parts of the country is yielding some good results but as we had seen the sudden surge during IPL, the situation remains fluid," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-tim-southee-lauds-kyle-jamieson-for-declining-virat-kohlis-invitation-to-bowl-with-dukes-ball-in-nets-388539" hreflang="en">Cricket: Tim Southee lauds Kyle Jamieson for declining Virat Kohli's invitation to bowl with Dukes ball in nets</a><o:p></o:p>

However, even if India hosts the T20 World Cup, the chances of nine cities hosting the tournament matches look bleak. <o:p></o:p>

"If BCCI manages to host the tournament in October-November which is currently a 50-50 probability, it could well mean single city three venues in Mumbai along with Pune and Ahmedabad as venue for the final.<o:p></o:p>

"This curtails travel. But Pakistan team playing in Maharashtra and Gujarat also needs to be factored in," the source said.<o:p></o:p>

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will request an extension of one month to decide on the hosting of the ICC T20 World Cup in India amid the COVID-19 threat as the ICC Board holds a virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss the host of other issues, including the Future Tour Programmes (FTP) for the next cycle of 2023-31.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will request an extension of one month to decide on the hosting of the ICC T20 World Cup in India amid the COVID-19 threat as the ICC Board holds a virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss the host of other issues, including the Future Tour Programmes (FTP) for the next cycle of 2023-31. While earlier it was reported that the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly will attend the meeting in person, the former Indian captain will now join the meet virtually as he is set to depart for the UAE on Wednesday to have discussions on the remainder of IPL 2021 with Emirates Cricket Board. According to PTI, no concrete outcomes are expected from the ICC Board meeting with the BCCI set to hold another Special General Meeting (SGM) after July 1. The ICC is expected to make a final announcement on its decision during its annual conference, scheduled for July 18. While the remainder of IPL 2021 has been moved to the UAE in the September 15-October 15 window, the BCCI will leave no stones unturned to host the global T20 tournament, which has UAE as backup hosts. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Swing it away from him": Ollie Robinson reveals plan to dismiss Kane Williamson "The COVID-19 cases are reducing but obviously it is still not a situation where we can firmly commit to hosting the World T20. Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah are right in asking for one month's time to decide," a senior BCCI source privy to developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "Obviously, they will also get feedback from the government whether it would be prudent to host it in India. "The second aspect is that you never know when the cases rise again. Right now, the lockdown in various parts of the country is yielding some good results but as we had seen the sudden surge during IPL, the situation remains fluid," he said. ALSO READ: Cricket: Tim Southee lauds Kyle Jamieson for declining Virat Kohli's invitation to bowl with Dukes ball in nets However, even if India hosts the T20 World Cup, the chances of nine cities hosting the tournament matches look bleak. "If BCCI manages to host the tournament in October-November which is currently a 50-50 probability, it could well mean single city three venues in Mumbai along with Pune and Ahmedabad as venue for the final. "This curtails travel. But Pakistan team playing in Maharashtra and Gujarat also needs to be factored in," the source said.

Cricket: ICC Board Meet - Outcomes unlikely on T20 World Cup hosting, FTP 2023-31 cycle to be discussed

Mumbai City FC on Monday confirmed that Amrinder Singh will leave the club after his contract ends on May 31. The 27-year old goalkeeper will bid farewell to the Islanders after spending five seasons with the defending ISL Champions and League Winners. 
&nbsp; 
Amrinder, who joined the club on September 7, 2016 initially on loan from Bengaluru FC, made his debut for the Islanders in a 0-0 draw against FC Goa later in the year in November. Despite joining midway through the 2016 ISL campaign, Amrinder notched up five clean sheets in six appearances, leading Mumbai City FC to their first-ever ISL semi-final appearance, and made his way to the Golden Glove award in his debut season with the Islanders. 
&nbsp; 
The Mahilpur-born goalkeeper stayed on with Mumbai City for the 2017-18 campaign and gave glimpses of his brilliance in goal in an otherwise forgettable season as the Islanders finished seventh in the table. However, his performances were duly rewarded as Amrinder put pen to paper on a three year extension with his club in March 2018. 
&nbsp; 
Named as one of the club’s captains by Jorge Costa in the 2018-19 campaign, Amrinder continued his rise as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the country and led Mumbai City to only their second semi-final appearance in five seasons of the ISL, but only to make it so far yet again.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-leaving-because-real-madrid-no-longer-has-faith-in-me-zinedine-zidane-pens-open-letter-to-fans-388553">Zidane pens open letter to fans, accuses president Perez of lacking respect</a> 
&nbsp; 
On January 4, 2020, Amrinder created history by becoming the highest capped player in the history of Mumbai City when he led the Islanders out against ATK at the Mumbai Football Arena, passing the record set earlier by Lucian Goian. The Islanders, however, missed out on consecutive semi-final appearances on the final day of the league later in the same campaign. 
&nbsp; 
Amrinder would soon play a crucial role in one of the most important seasons in the club’s history. He remained as one of the leaders of the side under incoming head coach Sergio Lobera in a highly successful 2020-21 season and was instrumental towards leading Mumbai City to first, the ISL League Winners’ Shield and then, the elusive ISL Trophy – the first pieces of silverware in the club’s history. 
&nbsp; 
With 84 appearances for Mumbai City FC, his last one coming in the iconic 2020-21 ISL Final at the Fatorda, Amrinder leaves the Islanders as the Islanders’ highest appearance maker and an icon in the history of the Club.

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&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Amrinder Singh said: “I came to this club five years ago as a boy and now I leave as a man. I have learnt so much about football and about life in my time at Mumbai City FC. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best players, the best coaches, and staff here in Mumbai.” 
&nbsp; 
“Moreover, I will cherish every minute I've spent playing in front of our fans. They are the backbone of this club and I can never forget all the love and support they've given me and my teammates in good times and especially, the not-so-good times.” 
&nbsp; 
“This club is my family and it's always tough to say goodbye to family. But I am proud that I can leave this family as a champion, winning our first ever trophies, and I will always hold Mumbai City close to my heart.”

Mumbai City FC on Monday confirmed that Amrinder Singh will leave the club after his contract ends on May 31. The 27-year old goalkeeper will bid farewell to the Islanders after spending five seasons with the defending ISL Champions and League Winners.

Mumbai City FC on Monday confirmed that Amrinder Singh will leave the club after his contract ends on May 31. The 27-year old goalkeeper will bid farewell to the Islanders after spending five seasons with the defending ISL Champions and League Winners. Amrinder, who joined the club on September 7, 2016 initially on loan from Bengaluru FC, made his debut for the Islanders in a 0-0 draw against FC Goa later in the year in November. Despite joining midway through the 2016 ISL campaign, Amrinder notched up five clean sheets in six appearances, leading Mumbai City FC to their first-ever ISL semi-final appearance, and made his way to the Golden Glove award in his debut season with the Islanders. The Mahilpur-born goalkeeper stayed on with Mumbai City for the 2017-18 campaign and gave glimpses of his brilliance in goal in an otherwise forgettable season as the Islanders finished seventh in the table. However, his performances were duly rewarded as Amrinder put pen to paper on a three year extension with his club in March 2018. Named as one of the club’s captains by Jorge Costa in the 2018-19 campaign, Amrinder continued his rise as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the country and led Mumbai City to only their second semi-final appearance in five seasons of the ISL, but only to make it so far yet again. ALSO READ: Zidane pens open letter to fans, accuses president Perez of lacking respect On January 4, 2020, Amrinder created history by becoming the highest capped player in the history of Mumbai City when he led the Islanders out against ATK at the Mumbai Football Arena, passing the record set earlier by Lucian Goian. The Islanders, however, missed out on consecutive semi-final appearances on the final day of the league later in the same campaign. Amrinder would soon play a crucial role in one of the most important seasons in the club’s history. He remained as one of the leaders of the side under incoming head coach Sergio Lobera in a highly successful 2020-21 season and was instrumental towards leading Mumbai City to first, the ISL League Winners’ Shield and then, the elusive ISL Trophy – the first pieces of silverware in the club’s history. With 84 appearances for Mumbai City FC, his last one coming in the iconic 2020-21 ISL Final at the Fatorda, Amrinder leaves the Islanders as the Islanders’ highest appearance maker and an icon in the history of the Club. ALSO READ: Football: Mancini names new 28-man Italy squad as Euros approach Amrinder Singh said: “I came to this club five years ago as a boy and now I leave as a man. I have learnt so much about football and about life in my time at Mumbai City FC. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best players, the best coaches, and staff here in Mumbai.” “Moreover, I will cherish every minute I've spent playing in front of our fans. They are the backbone of this club and I can never forget all the love and support they've given me and my teammates in good times and especially, the not-so-good times.” “This club is my family and it's always tough to say goodbye to family. But I am proud that I can leave this family as a champion, winning our first ever trophies, and I will always hold Mumbai City close to my heart.”

Football: Mumbai City bid farewell to Amrinder Singh after five seasons

Zinedine Zidane on Monday accused Real Madrid president Florentino Perez of lacking respect in his final season as the Los Blancos manager as he announced his departure from the club by saying: "I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need".

Zidane won three UEFA Champions League titles and two LaLiga trophies across two spells at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the World Cup-winning former French midfielder decided to part ways again following Real Madrid’s trophyless campaign in 2020-21.

The Frenchman has now opened up on his decision to quit the top job at Real Madrid while also touching upon his relationship with president Perez.

Many reports, prior to Zidane’s open letter, suggested that the Frenchman is tired of managing and wants a break while other reports suggested that he may be signed by Paris Saint-Germain or the French national team.

Spanish publication AS on Monday published Zidane’s open letter to fans which reads: "Dear Real Madrid fans, for more than 20 years, from the first day I arrived in Madrid and wore the white shirt, you’ve shown me your love. I wanted to write this letter, to say goodbye to you and explain my decision to leave the coaching job.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-tuchel-set-for-new-deal-and-hungry-for-more-after-chelsea-champions-league-triumph-388458" hreflang="en">Football: Tuchel set for new deal and hungry for more after Chelsea Champions League triumph</a>

"I’m going, but I’m not jumping overboard, nor am I tired of coaching. In May 2018 I left because after two and a half years, with so many victories and so many trophies, I felt the team needed a new approach to stay at the very highest level. Right now, things are different. I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need, nor the support to build something in the medium or long term.”

Zidane further added that he knows the demands of managing a top club like Real Madrid as the manager will be sacked if he doesn’t win anything. However, the Frenchman said that his efforts to build a culture in the club has been forgotten. The former Real Madrid manager said that he would have wished for a better relationship with the club and president over the last few months.

"I understand football and I know the demands of a club like Real Madrid. I know when you don’t win, you have to leave. But with this a very important thing has been forgotten, everything I built day-to-day has been forgotten, what I brought to my relationships with the players, with the 150 people who work with and around the team.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-acute-nose-bone-fracture-and-left-orbital-fracture-kevin-de-bruyne-reveals-extent-of-injury-picked-up-during-ucl-final-388411" hreflang="en">Football: 'Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture' - Kevin De Bruyne reveals extent of injury picked up during UCL final</a>

"I’m a natural-born winner and I was here to win trophies, but even more important than this are the people, their feelings, life itself and I have the sensation these things have not been taken into account, that there has been a failure to understand that these things also keep the dynamics of a great club going. To some extent I have even been rebuked for it.

"I want there to be respected for what we have achieved together. I would have liked my relationship with the club and the president over the past few months to have been a little different to that of other coaches. I wasn’t asking for privileges, of course not, just a little more recollection.

"These days the life of a coach in the dugout at a big club is two seasons, little more. For it to last longer the human relationships are essential, they are more important than money, more important than fame, more important than everything. They need to be nurtured.

"That’s why it hurt me so much when I read in the press, after a defeat, that I would be sacked if I didn’t win the next game. It hurt me and the whole team because these deliberately leaked messages to the media negatively influenced the squad, they created doubts and misunderstandings.

"Luckily I had these amazing lads who were with me to the death. When things turned ugly they saved me with magnificent victories. Because they believed in me and knew I believed in them."

Zinedine Zidane on Monday accused Real Madrid president Florentino Perez of lacking respect in his final season as the Los Blancos manager as he announced his departure from the club by saying: "I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need".

Zinedine Zidane on Monday accused Real Madrid president Florentino Perez of lacking respect in his final season as the Los Blancos manager as he announced his departure from the club by saying: "I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need". Zidane won three UEFA Champions League titles and two LaLiga trophies across two spells at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the World Cup-winning former French midfielder decided to part ways again following Real Madrid’s trophyless campaign in 2020-21. The Frenchman has now opened up on his decision to quit the top job at Real Madrid while also touching upon his relationship with president Perez. Many reports, prior to Zidane’s open letter, suggested that the Frenchman is tired of managing and wants a break while other reports suggested that he may be signed by Paris Saint-Germain or the French national team. Spanish publication AS on Monday published Zidane’s open letter to fans which reads: "Dear Real Madrid fans, for more than 20 years, from the first day I arrived in Madrid and wore the white shirt, you’ve shown me your love. I wanted to write this letter, to say goodbye to you and explain my decision to leave the coaching job. ALSO READ: Football: Tuchel set for new deal and hungry for more after Chelsea Champions League triumph "I’m going, but I’m not jumping overboard, nor am I tired of coaching. In May 2018 I left because after two and a half years, with so many victories and so many trophies, I felt the team needed a new approach to stay at the very highest level. Right now, things are different. I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need, nor the support to build something in the medium or long term.” Zidane further added that he knows the demands of managing a top club like Real Madrid as the manager will be sacked if he doesn’t win anything. However, the Frenchman said that his efforts to build a culture in the club has been forgotten. The former Real Madrid manager said that he would have wished for a better relationship with the club and president over the last few months. "I understand football and I know the demands of a club like Real Madrid. I know when you don’t win, you have to leave. But with this a very important thing has been forgotten, everything I built day-to-day has been forgotten, what I brought to my relationships with the players, with the 150 people who work with and around the team. ALSO READ: Football: 'Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture' - Kevin De Bruyne reveals extent of injury picked up during UCL final "I’m a natural-born winner and I was here to win trophies, but even more important than this are the people, their feelings, life itself and I have the sensation these things have not been taken into account, that there has been a failure to understand that these things also keep the dynamics of a great club going. To some extent I have even been rebuked for it. "I want there to be respected for what we have achieved together. I would have liked my relationship with the club and the president over the past few months to have been a little different to that of other coaches. I wasn’t asking for privileges, of course not, just a little more recollection. "These days the life of a coach in the dugout at a big club is two seasons, little more. For it to last longer the human relationships are essential, they are more important than money, more important than fame, more important than everything. They need to be nurtured. "That’s why it hurt me so much when I read in the press, after a defeat, that I would be sacked if I didn’t win the next game. It hurt me and the whole team because these deliberately leaked messages to the media negatively influenced the squad, they created doubts and misunderstandings. "Luckily I had these amazing lads who were with me to the death. When things turned ugly they saved me with magnificent victories. Because they believed in me and knew I believed in them."

Football: 'Leaving because Real Madrid no longer has faith in me' - Zinedine Zidane pens open letter to fans

Italy coach Roberto Mancini announced a provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2020 on Sunday as he prepares for their final pre-tournament friendly against the Czech Republic.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Moise Kean was the biggest name to be dropped by Mancini, who kept Kean's PSG teammate Marco Verratti and Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi despite the pair being injured.

The latest squad is not final as it will need to be whittled down to 26 by midnight on Tuesday, a day before Mancini's players are set to meet to prepare for the match against the Czech Republic, which kicks off on June 4.

Compared to the 33-man squad Mancini selected ahead of Friday's 7-0 thumping of San Marino, Sunday's squad list also excluded Cagliari goalkeeper Alessio Cragno, Lazio defender Manuel Lazzari, Vincenzo Grifo, Cristiano Biraghi and Gian Marco Ferrari.

Veteran Juventus defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were called up, as well as Jorginho and Emerson Palmieri who are fresh from Champions League victory with Chelsea.

Matteo Politano, Matteo Pessina and Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi also get the nod after good displays against San Marino.

The Azzurri are a team reborn under Mancini after their shock failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and are undefeated in 26 games.

Italy are in Group A at the Euro and will face Turkey in the tournament's opening match on June 11 in Rome. They will also play Switzerland on June 16 and Wales on June 20, also in the Italian capital.

<h2>Italy squad announced on Sunday:</h2>

Goalkeepers:&nbsp;Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino)

Defenders:&nbsp;Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea/ENG), Alessandro Florenzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta)

Midfielders:&nbsp;Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Jorginho (Chelsea/UK), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Matteo Pessina (Atalanta), Stefano Sensi (Inter Milan), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)

Forwards:&nbsp;Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Matteo Politano (Napoli).

Italy coach Roberto Mancini announced a provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2020 on Sunday as he prepares for their final pre-tournament friendly against the Czech Republic.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini announced a provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2020 on Sunday as he prepares for their final pre-tournament friendly against the Czech Republic. Paris Saint-Germain striker Moise Kean was the biggest name to be dropped by Mancini, who kept Kean's PSG teammate Marco Verratti and Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi despite the pair being injured. The latest squad is not final as it will need to be whittled down to 26 by midnight on Tuesday, a day before Mancini's players are set to meet to prepare for the match against the Czech Republic, which kicks off on June 4. Compared to the 33-man squad Mancini selected ahead of Friday's 7-0 thumping of San Marino, Sunday's squad list also excluded Cagliari goalkeeper Alessio Cragno, Lazio defender Manuel Lazzari, Vincenzo Grifo, Cristiano Biraghi and Gian Marco Ferrari. Veteran Juventus defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were called up, as well as Jorginho and Emerson Palmieri who are fresh from Champions League victory with Chelsea. Matteo Politano, Matteo Pessina and Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi also get the nod after good displays against San Marino. The Azzurri are a team reborn under Mancini after their shock failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and are undefeated in 26 games. Italy are in Group A at the Euro and will face Turkey in the tournament's opening match on June 11 in Rome. They will also play Switzerland on June 16 and Wales on June 20, also in the Italian capital. Italy squad announced on Sunday: Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino) Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea/ENG), Alessandro Florenzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta) Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Jorginho (Chelsea/UK), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Matteo Pessina (Atalanta), Stefano Sensi (Inter Milan), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA) Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Matteo Politano (Napoli).

Football: Mancini names new 28-man Italy squad as Euros approach

Naomi Osaka has been threatened with disqualification from the ongoing French Open by Grand Slam organisers if she continues her media boycott at Roland Garros.

She was fined $15,000 for skipping her post-match press conference on Sunday and could face heftier punishments if she does not back down.

Here, AFP Sport looks at three infamous defaults at tennis' Grand Slam tournaments:

<h2>Novak Djokovic: 2020 US Open</h2>

--&nbsp;Perhaps the most memorable default in major history came only eight months ago when world number one Djokovic was disqualified after accidentally striking a female line judge with a ball in frustration.

The Serbian star's last-16 match against Pablo Carreno Busta lasted less than one set, as Djokovic hit the ball away in disgust after being broken to fall 6-5 behind, with it hitting the line judge in the throat.

Djokovic pleaded his case to the umpire and tournament referee Soeren Friemel, but after 10 minutes of discussion it was announced that the top seed's US Open was over.

He went then directly to his car and left the Flushing Meadows site in New York without speaking to reporters.

"I'm extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong," Djokovic later said in an apology posted on social media.

<h2>Jeff Tarango: 1995 Wimbledon</h2>

--&nbsp;Tarango argued repeatedly with chair umpire Bruno Rebeuh during a third round match against Alexander Mronz and the American refused to continue to play, effectively defaulting himself.

Rebeuh gave him code violation for telling spectators to "shut up", claiming it was an audible obscenity.

Tarango accused Rebeuh of being "one of the most corrupt officials in the game" so Rebeuh gave the American another code violation.

Tarango packed up his racquets and stormed off the court. Tarango's wife then slapped Rebeuh twice in the face.

<h2>John McEnroe: 1990 Australian Open</h2>

--&nbsp;One of McEnroe's most notorious tantrums. Facing Sweden's Mikael Pernfors, he was warned for intimidating a lineswoman, docked a point for smashing a racquet and shouted at a fan whose baby was crying.

He then abused tournament supervisor Ken Farrar. Umpire Gerry Armstrong immediately disqualified the American who admitted later: "I can't say I'm surprised. It was bound to happen."

McEnroe also said he had misunderstood the rules, not realising they had changed to a three-strike process for a default rather than the previous four-strike system.

<h2>Not a modern phenomenon</h2>

-- However, getting kicked out of Grand Slam events isn't new.

The last player to be defaulted before McEnroe was Spaniard Willie Alvarez at the French Championships in 1963.

American Earl Cochell was defaulted from the US Championships in 1951 and banned for life from the sport for arguing with officials. He was allowed to return in 1962 but his best days were long behind him.

Naomi Osaka has been threatened with disqualification from the ongoing French Open by Grand Slam organisers if she continues her media boycott at Roland Garros. She was fined $15,000 for skipping her post-match press conference on Sunday and could face heftier punishments if she does not back down.

Naomi Osaka has been threatened with disqualification from the ongoing French Open by Grand Slam organisers if she continues her media boycott at Roland Garros. She was fined $15,000 for skipping her post-match press conference on Sunday and could face heftier punishments if she does not back down. Here, AFP Sport looks at three infamous defaults at tennis' Grand Slam tournaments: Novak Djokovic: 2020 US Open -- Perhaps the most memorable default in major history came only eight months ago when world number one Djokovic was disqualified after accidentally striking a female line judge with a ball in frustration. The Serbian star's last-16 match against Pablo Carreno Busta lasted less than one set, as Djokovic hit the ball away in disgust after being broken to fall 6-5 behind, with it hitting the line judge in the throat. Djokovic pleaded his case to the umpire and tournament referee Soeren Friemel, but after 10 minutes of discussion it was announced that the top seed's US Open was over. He went then directly to his car and left the Flushing Meadows site in New York without speaking to reporters. "I'm extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong," Djokovic later said in an apology posted on social media. Jeff Tarango: 1995 Wimbledon -- Tarango argued repeatedly with chair umpire Bruno Rebeuh during a third round match against Alexander Mronz and the American refused to continue to play, effectively defaulting himself. Rebeuh gave him code violation for telling spectators to "shut up", claiming it was an audible obscenity. Tarango accused Rebeuh of being "one of the most corrupt officials in the game" so Rebeuh gave the American another code violation. Tarango packed up his racquets and stormed off the court. Tarango's wife then slapped Rebeuh twice in the face. John McEnroe: 1990 Australian Open -- One of McEnroe's most notorious tantrums. Facing Sweden's Mikael Pernfors, he was warned for intimidating a lineswoman, docked a point for smashing a racquet and shouted at a fan whose baby was crying. He then abused tournament supervisor Ken Farrar. Umpire Gerry Armstrong immediately disqualified the American who admitted later: "I can't say I'm surprised. It was bound to happen." McEnroe also said he had misunderstood the rules, not realising they had changed to a three-strike process for a default rather than the previous four-strike system. Not a modern phenomenon -- However, getting kicked out of Grand Slam events isn't new. The last player to be defaulted before McEnroe was Spaniard Willie Alvarez at the French Championships in 1963. American Earl Cochell was defaulted from the US Championships in 1951 and banned for life from the sport for arguing with officials. He was allowed to return in 1962 but his best days were long behind him.

Tennis: Be careful Naomi! Three infamous Grand Slam defaults

Five months after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel lifted the Champions League as he got the better of Pep Guardiola once more to keep Manchester City waiting for European glory.

A 1-0 victory in Porto rounded off a rollercoaster year for the German, who was handed the chance to revive Chelsea's fortunes less than a month after losing his job in Paris.

Chelsea were ninth in the Premier League table at the time with owner Roman Abramovich seeing little return on his £220 million ($312 million) outlay on new players under Frank Lampard.

In fact, Tuchel had never met the Russian billionaire in person until they crossed paths on the pitch at the Estadio do Dragao as the wild celebrations went on around them.

"Maybe I have a new contract now with that win," said Tuchel, who was only handed an 18-month deal when he signed on at Stamford Bridge.

"I spoke to Roman just now and it was the best moment for the first meeting, or maybe the worst moment. Maybe it can only get worse now!"

Kai Havertz was the most expensive purchase of that summer splurge after his £71 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Getting the best out of Havertz was one of Tuchel's major tasks and the 21-year-old German came good on the biggest stage of all with the only goal three minutes before half-time.

Unlike Guardiola, Tuchel did not have a glittering playing career. A series of knee injuries forced him to retire at 25 and take up a job as a waiter, while he began his coaching career in the youth ranks of Stuttgart.

From afar he watched and was inspired as Guardiola won 14 trophies in four years at Barcelona before joining him in Germany where they battled for Bundesliga supremacy in charge of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

During their first meeting, the two football obsessives talked long into the night using glasses and salt and pepper shakers to mimic formations.

"I was such a huge admirer of Pep when he was a player and then when he became a coach it was like learning on the job for me," Tuchel said this week.

"I was an academy coach and then in the Bundesliga with Mainz, but I don't think I missed a game because there was so much to learn."

Tuchel did not win any of the first five clashes between the pair during his time at Mainz and Dortmund against Guardiola's dominant Bayern side.

But the pupil has now outfoxed the master three times in the past six weeks as Chelsea completed a treble of victories over the English champions after wins in the FA Cup semi-final and Premier League.

<h2>- Tactical battle -</h2>

Guardiola spoke glowingly ahead of the game on how Tuchel's switch to a 3-4-3 formation had transformed Chelsea's season and denied City's abundance of creative midfielders space between the lines in their two previous meetings.

That allowed Tuchel to arguably win the tactical battle before a ball had even been kicked.

Often accused of overly tinkering with his line-ups when the pressure is ramped up in the final stages of the Champions League, Guardiola's bold call to start without a recognised holding midfielder backfired.

Tuchel was dismissed by PSG despite leading the French giants to their own first Champions League final in August.

That time he had to suffer the pain of a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, but his desire not to leave Portugal empty-handed again was in evidence as he prowled the touchline, constantly cajoling his players and whipping up the Chelsea fans into a frenzy.

The travelling support from London were among a 14,000 crowd that contributed hugely to the spectacle after almost a full season of European football behind closed doors.

Chelsea fans showed they have not forgotten the club's all-time record goalscorer with cries of "super Frank" in honour of Lampard's part in getting the Blues into the top four last season to qualify for this competition, and then through the group stages before his dismissal.

But this was Tuchel's triumph and he wants more.

"Nobody wants to rest, I want the next one, the next title," he added. "I want to be a part of it and I demand to be a part of it."

Five months after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel lifted the Champions League as he got the better of Pep Guardiola once more to keep Manchester City waiting for European glory.

Five months after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel lifted the Champions League as he got the better of Pep Guardiola once more to keep Manchester City waiting for European glory. A 1-0 victory in Porto rounded off a rollercoaster year for the German, who was handed the chance to revive Chelsea's fortunes less than a month after losing his job in Paris. Chelsea were ninth in the Premier League table at the time with owner Roman Abramovich seeing little return on his £220 million ($312 million) outlay on new players under Frank Lampard. In fact, Tuchel had never met the Russian billionaire in person until they crossed paths on the pitch at the Estadio do Dragao as the wild celebrations went on around them. "Maybe I have a new contract now with that win," said Tuchel, who was only handed an 18-month deal when he signed on at Stamford Bridge. "I spoke to Roman just now and it was the best moment for the first meeting, or maybe the worst moment. Maybe it can only get worse now!" Kai Havertz was the most expensive purchase of that summer splurge after his £71 million move from Bayer Leverkusen. Getting the best out of Havertz was one of Tuchel's major tasks and the 21-year-old German came good on the biggest stage of all with the only goal three minutes before half-time. Unlike Guardiola, Tuchel did not have a glittering playing career. A series of knee injuries forced him to retire at 25 and take up a job as a waiter, while he began his coaching career in the youth ranks of Stuttgart. From afar he watched and was inspired as Guardiola won 14 trophies in four years at Barcelona before joining him in Germany where they battled for Bundesliga supremacy in charge of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. During their first meeting, the two football obsessives talked long into the night using glasses and salt and pepper shakers to mimic formations. "I was such a huge admirer of Pep when he was a player and then when he became a coach it was like learning on the job for me," Tuchel said this week. "I was an academy coach and then in the Bundesliga with Mainz, but I don't think I missed a game because there was so much to learn." Tuchel did not win any of the first five clashes between the pair during his time at Mainz and Dortmund against Guardiola's dominant Bayern side. But the pupil has now outfoxed the master three times in the past six weeks as Chelsea completed a treble of victories over the English champions after wins in the FA Cup semi-final and Premier League. - Tactical battle - Guardiola spoke glowingly ahead of the game on how Tuchel's switch to a 3-4-3 formation had transformed Chelsea's season and denied City's abundance of creative midfielders space between the lines in their two previous meetings. That allowed Tuchel to arguably win the tactical battle before a ball had even been kicked. Often accused of overly tinkering with his line-ups when the pressure is ramped up in the final stages of the Champions League, Guardiola's bold call to start without a recognised holding midfielder backfired. Tuchel was dismissed by PSG despite leading the French giants to their own first Champions League final in August. That time he had to suffer the pain of a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, but his desire not to leave Portugal empty-handed again was in evidence as he prowled the touchline, constantly cajoling his players and whipping up the Chelsea fans into a frenzy. The travelling support from London were among a 14,000 crowd that contributed hugely to the spectacle after almost a full season of European football behind closed doors. Chelsea fans showed they have not forgotten the club's all-time record goalscorer with cries of "super Frank" in honour of Lampard's part in getting the Blues into the top four last season to qualify for this competition, and then through the group stages before his dismissal. But this was Tuchel's triumph and he wants more. "Nobody wants to rest, I want the next one, the next title," he added. "I want to be a part of it and I demand to be a part of it."

Football: Pupil beats the master as Chelsea's Tuchel gets the better of Guardiola

Chelsea fans piled into the streets surrounding the Stamford Bridge ground of the new kings of European football following their 1-0 defeat of Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday in Portugal.

Some lit flares as they sang and cheered the club's triumph earned thanks to Kai Havertz's first-half goal in Porto.

The goal from the club's most expensive ever signing gave the Russian-owned club their second European crown nine years after the first in 2012.

Coronavirus restrictions meant far fewer Chelsea supporters were able to attend Saturday's clash compared to the night they beat Bayern Munich.

Many of those who could not be there congregated in the fashionable west London neighbourhood, near the stadium where the same supporters had gathered for an angry protest against Chelsea's shortlived membership of the European Super League in April.

A light show in the club's blue spelled out "Champions for the Fans" as fireworks went off in the distance.

The fans' joyous celebrations, standing shoulder to shoulder in the streets, showed a complete disregard for the present social distancing advice in England that groups of no more than 30 can congregate. &nbsp;

Some climbed up to balconies of houses raising their arms in triumph -- several whipping off their shirts to celebrate half naked on a warm night.

Other Chelsea fans watching the game on giant screens at the Boxpark entertainment complex in Croydon, south of London, erupted in cheers at the final whistle.

"I'm ecstatic. It's amazing, this is something I've felt before, a long time ago, but to re-live it is mad. I'm really happy, I can't believe it," said landscape gardener Aaron Cheneoy, 36.

"Why do we think we've won it? Because we're the best team in Europe! I mean, look what's happened this season, this is the third time we've beaten City," said Bradley Smith, a 25-year-old consultant.

In northwest England, many Manchester City fans congregated in the Townley Pub in the city and experienced a wave of emotions as their team fell short of becoming European champions for the first time.

They drowned their sorrows but with the consolation that Pep Guardiola's team ended the season as runaway Premier League champions and retained the League Cup.

The City fans' emotions went from despair when Havertz scored to anger and despair at the early departure of influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after a shuddering clash with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

At the final whistle, the sky blue-clad fans began chanting defiantly.

"Well, I'm not impressed, but I'm not going to slate my team because at the end of the day, we win everything," one fan said, and couldn't resist a jibe at their city rivals Manchester United.

"Manchester’s still blue, if you don't like it oo…oo."

Chelsea fans piled into the streets surrounding the Stamford Bridge ground of the new kings of European football following their 1-0 defeat of Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday in Portugal.

Chelsea fans piled into the streets surrounding the Stamford Bridge ground of the new kings of European football following their 1-0 defeat of Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday in Portugal. Some lit flares as they sang and cheered the club's triumph earned thanks to Kai Havertz's first-half goal in Porto. The goal from the club's most expensive ever signing gave the Russian-owned club their second European crown nine years after the first in 2012. Coronavirus restrictions meant far fewer Chelsea supporters were able to attend Saturday's clash compared to the night they beat Bayern Munich. Many of those who could not be there congregated in the fashionable west London neighbourhood, near the stadium where the same supporters had gathered for an angry protest against Chelsea's shortlived membership of the European Super League in April. A light show in the club's blue spelled out "Champions for the Fans" as fireworks went off in the distance. The fans' joyous celebrations, standing shoulder to shoulder in the streets, showed a complete disregard for the present social distancing advice in England that groups of no more than 30 can congregate. Some climbed up to balconies of houses raising their arms in triumph -- several whipping off their shirts to celebrate half naked on a warm night. Other Chelsea fans watching the game on giant screens at the Boxpark entertainment complex in Croydon, south of London, erupted in cheers at the final whistle. "I'm ecstatic. It's amazing, this is something I've felt before, a long time ago, but to re-live it is mad. I'm really happy, I can't believe it," said landscape gardener Aaron Cheneoy, 36. "Why do we think we've won it? Because we're the best team in Europe! I mean, look what's happened this season, this is the third time we've beaten City," said Bradley Smith, a 25-year-old consultant. In northwest England, many Manchester City fans congregated in the Townley Pub in the city and experienced a wave of emotions as their team fell short of becoming European champions for the first time. They drowned their sorrows but with the consolation that Pep Guardiola's team ended the season as runaway Premier League champions and retained the League Cup. The City fans' emotions went from despair when Havertz scored to anger and despair at the early departure of influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after a shuddering clash with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. At the final whistle, the sky blue-clad fans began chanting defiantly. "Well, I'm not impressed, but I'm not going to slate my team because at the end of the day, we win everything," one fan said, and couldn't resist a jibe at their city rivals Manchester United. "Manchester’s still blue, if you don't like it oo…oo."

Kai's the limit as Chelsea fans revel in Champions League glory

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