Thailand and Nepal progress to ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier

  Thailand and Nepal progress to ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier

BANGAKOK, MAY 20

• Thailand and Nepal progress from the Super Three of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Asia Qualifier for a shot at the main event in England and Wales

Thailand and Nepal finished in first and second place, respectively, at the Super Three competition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Asia Qualifier to progress to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier.

The tournament which took place in Bangkok, saw nine teams compete for the top two spots that would take them to the final phase of qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in England and Wales.

Nepal, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were in the final three of the tournament, where Thailand beat the UAE by 54 runs on Sunday, followed by Nepal who emerged victorious by five wickets in their fixture against UAE today to finish in the top two and claim their place in the Qualifier.

In Thailand’s match against the UAE, Nattaya Boochatham and Natthakan Chatham contributed scores of 49 and 46, respectively, to get their side to 144 for five after they elected to bat.

In reply, the UAE were restricted to 90 for five, thanks to miserly bowling by Thailand, led by left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong, who took two for 27.

Against Nepal, the UAE once again struggled with the bat as left-arm seam bowler Manisha Upadhayay grabbed four for 20 to restrict the UAE to 114 for seven.

Nepal’s captain Indu Barma steered her side to victory after early trouble saw them slip to 38 for three in the ninth over. Her 28-ball 30 helped her side reach their target with three deliveries to spare.

Nepal and Thailand will join eight other teams to contest for one of four places to the main event.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier dates will be announced in due course.

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

KIBG reflects transformative power of sports, new chapter added: PM

KIBG reflects transformative power of sports, new chapter added: PM

DADAR AND NAGAR HAVELI, MAY 20

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the ‘transformative force’ of sports and how the Khelo India Beach Games were a watershed moment in the sporting history of the nation. In his message to the Games organisers in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu and the Sports Authority of India, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated and gave his best wishes saying that the Beach Games promise to make waves in India’s sporting calendar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the choice of Diu as the venue of the Khelo India Beach Games was “fitting”. “An amalgamation of sun, sand and water, they enhance the physical challenge and at the same time, celebrate our coastal heritage,” said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, adding: “As waves lash the shores and athletes compete. India will script a new sporting chapter.”

 The Beach Games, held under the ever-expanding Khelo India umbrella for the first time, were formally declared open by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in a colourful ceremony on the Ghoghla Beach, the venue of the Games in Diu on Monday.

The Khelo India Beach Games have brought together more than 1,350 athletes from over 30 states and Union Territories. On May 24, when the Games are scheduled to end, athletes would have competed in six medal sports – soccer, volleyball, sepaktakraw, kabaddi, pencaksilat and open water swimming. Mallakhamb and tug-of-war are the two non-medal (demonstration) disciplines. Monday morning started with beach soccer games.

“In a nation as diverse as ours, sports have always held a unique power that unites cultures, regions and languages. The vibrant energy of sports goes beyond entertainment and has become a transformative force, symbolizing national pride and aspirations of our youth. It is in this context that the Khelo India Beach Games hold a greater significance,” said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The nicely-crafted opening ceremony, glorifying India’s amazing diversity in traditional dance forms, was witnessed among other by several dignitaries, including  Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu and Lakshadweep Shri Praful Patel, Lt Governor of Puducherry Shri K. Kailashnathan and Admiral DK Joshi, Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

“Today, we are not just inaugurating a sports event, we are heralding India’s first Beach sports revolution! I believe that where there are waves, there should be passion; where there is sand, there should be a fire of enthusiasm — and the Khelo India Beach Games have ignited that fire in all our hearts today,” said Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. He added: “Under the Modi government, we do not organize events just as a formality — we are on a mission. And this mission connects sports to employment. For a Viksit Bharat, Khelo India is a sure pathway for youth to achieve their dreams.”

Saying that Khelo India has added more Games to the domestic calendar, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, like PM Modi, highlighted how over the last few years, the government spared no effort to boost the sporting ecosystem through investments in infrastructure, better training facilities and supportive measures for sportspersons. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya amplified this saying new Games are a way to “strengthen the domestic sports infrastructure and send a strong message to the world that India is capable of hosting international sporting events of any scale.”

 

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said the Khelo India Beach Games should not be seen as a “casual” affair. “Such sports like beach volleyball not only appeal to the youth as a hobby but also offer them career opportunities. This is the first time that competitive sports are being held on such a large scale on the beaches of India,” he added.

 

 Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said India was becoming a fitness conscious nation and a culture of sports has become the “new normal”. He also highlighted the strong commitment that the government has for the Union Territory.

====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Hockey receives major honours at World Fair Play Awards!

  

Hockey receives major honours at World Fair Play Awards!

LAUSANNE (SWITZERLAND), MAY 20 The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) has awarded the Thailand Hockey Association (THA) and international hockey umpire Victoria Pazos (Paraguay) with the World Fair Play Diploma in the categories of “Willi Daume – Promotion of Fair Play” and “Jean Borotra – Career of Fair Play” respectively, in order to recognize their exemplary achievements in the world of sport and on the field of promoting fair play. The awards were officially received at the 2024 World Fair Play Awards Ceremony that took place last night in Budapest, Hungary.  Their nominations for the prestigious award had been submitted by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on the following basis: The Thailand Hockey Association has played a pivotal role in elevating the Cambodian National Hockey Team to new heights on the international stage. Their generous assistance has enabled Cambodia to compete in major continental events, particularly Asian Indoor Hockey competitions, and gain invaluable experience at the highest level of the sport. Through ongoing training, coaching support, and competitive opportunities, THA has provided a foundation for Cambodian athletes—men, women, and young players—to represent their nation with pride and improve their skills. THA has also hosted the Cambodian National Team multiple times, offering them essential training opportunities, matches, and coaching assistance. THA has also extended its assistance in infrastructure development.  Victoria Pazos embodies the true spirit of fair play, both as a highly respected young international hockey umpire and as a dedicated coach of the Intellectual Disability Hockey (Hockey ID) team in Paraguay. Known for her integrity, impartiality, and deep commitment to the sport, she consistently upholds the values of fairness and respect on and off the field. Her role extends beyond officiating. Through her work with the Hockey ID team, she promotes inclusion, sportsmanship, and equal opportunities for all athletes.    FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “It’s a great honour for our sport to be recognised by the World Fair Play Committee with such prestigious awards. And not only once, but twice! Congratulations to the Thailand Hockey Association and our international umpire Victoria Pazos for their magnificent dedication. I’d also like to express our gratitude to the World Fair Play Committee.  As an Olympic sport, we strongly believe in the role of sports to be a catalyst for change in society and to promote social values. Therefore, we’re leading and fostering concrete actions in this regard. After FIH won the IOC Climate Action Award last year, hockey now receives high recognition from the World Fair Play Committee. These acknowledgements are really encouraging.” Thailand Hockey Association President Dato Seri Chaiyapak Siriwat said: “The Thailand Hockey Association is deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the World Fair Play Committee. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Committee and to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for their unwavering commitment to supporting developing nations in their pursuit of sporting excellence. We share a collective mission — not only to grow the game of hockey, but to foster a spirit of solidarity in which nations, regardless of size or status, extend a hand to uplift one another.  While we continue to navigate various challenges, the steadfast support of the FIH reinforces our commitment and further affirms our responsibility to assist in the development of others along this shared journey. We remain dedicated to advancing hockey in Thailand and throughout our region, using our beloved sport as a tool to empower, strengthen, and connect communities through mutual respect and collaboration.”    International umpire Victoria Pazos said: “It is an unexpected honour to receive this diploma. Being recognized on this level gives me more energy to keep developing our sport in my country and in my continent, promoting its values. I am grateful for my national association (APH), my continental federation (PAHF) and FIH that give me the space to do all this.” =====balbirsingh227@gmail.com