PGGCG-11 emerge champions in PU  Inter College Women’s Team Chess  

CHANDIGARH, JAN 27

PG Government College for Girls, Sector 11 with 6 points emerged as champion in the Panjab University Inter College Women’s Team Chess Championship defeating PU Campus with 4 points in a tough fight in the last round at  Dev Samaj College for Women in Sector 45 here

At the closing ceremony medals were distributed by the chief guest Dr. Agnese Dhillon, Secretary Management Committee Dev Samaj College for Women. 

The gold medal was won by PG Government College for Girls, Sector 11 Chandigarh. The silver medal was won by PU Campus, Chandigarh and the bronze medal went to PG Government College for Girls, Sector 42, Chandigarh. The principal Dr. Neeru Malik thanked the chief guest for her esteemed presence at the valedictory function.

Six girls will be selected from this championship to represent Panjab University at the upcoming zonal, national inter-university chess championship and Khelo India games.

The final positions after the end of the tournament are as follows: -

First with 6 Points: PG Government College for Girls, Sector 11, Chandigarh

Second with 4 Points:  PU Campus, Chandigarh

Third with 4 Points: PG Government College for Girls, Sector 42, Chandigarh

4th with 4 Points: MCM DAV College, Sector 36, Chandigarh

5th with 2 Points: Government College for Girls, Ludhiana

6th with 2 Points: GGDSD College, Sector 32, Chandigarh

7th with 1 Point: SD College for Women, Moga

8th with 1 Point: PG Government College, Sector 46, Chandigarh.

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

PU Campus Sports win PU Inter College Men’s Team Chess Championship

PU Campus Sports  win PU Inter College Men’s Team Chess Championship

CHANDIGARH, JAN 27

PU Campus Sports Chandigarh with 13.5 points emerged as champion in the Panjab University Inter College Men’s Team Chess Championship defeating DM College Moga with 9.5 points in the last round at  Dev Samaj College for Women in  Sector 45 here

At the closing ceremony medals were distributed by the chief guest Rohit Sharma , Director, Youth Welfare, Panjab University . The gold medal was won by PU Campus Sports Chandigarh. The silver medal was won by GGDSD College, Sector 32, Chandigarh and the bronze medal went to PG Govt. College, Sector 11, Chandigarh. 

Principal Dr. Neeru Malik thanked the chief guest for her esteemed presence at the valedictory function.

Six boys will be selected from this championship to represent Panjab University at the upcoming zonal, national inter-university chess championship and Khelo India games.

The final positions after the end of the tournament are as follows: -

First with 13.5 Points: PU Campus Sports Chandigarh

Second with 12.5 Points:  GGDSD College, Sector 32, Chandigarh

Third with 11.5 Points: PG Govt. College, Sector 11, Chandigarh

4th with 9.5 Points: DM College Moga

5th with 8.5 Points: SCD Govt. College, Ludhiana

6th with 7.5 Points: PG Govt. College, Sector 46, Chandigarh

7th with 7 Points: Govt. College of Comm & Bus Adm, Sector 50

8th with 7 Points: DAV College Abohar

9th with 6 Points: SPN College Mukerian

10th with 6 Points: SUSPUCC Guru Harsalai

11th with 5 Points: Govt. College Abohar

12th with 2 Points: PUC College Kariyal DMK Moga.

 =====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Arshdeep And Kerr crowned T20I Cricketers of the Year

  Arshdeep And Kerr crowned T20I Cricketers Of The Year

• India’s Arshdeep Singh and New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr triumph in T20I Cricketer of the Year awards after inspirational World Cup-winning feats in 2024
• ICC Men’s and Women’s T20I Teams of the Year also named, with announcements continuing until Tuesday

DUBAI, JAN 27

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the first individual award winners in the ICC Awards 2024 in which India’s Arshdeep Singh was named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year and New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr was crowned the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year.

In a pair of hotly contested categories, both players emerged victorious after a prolific year of international competition that saw them make historic contributions in their respective World Cup-winning campaigns.

Arshdeep enjoyed sustained success throughout the year in the shortest format, and peaked during a sensational stint at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June, topping the wicket-taking charts as India surged to glory in the West Indies and USA.

ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, Arshdeep Singh: “I am delighted to win the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024 award. The shortest format of the game poses various challenges for bowlers but I consider it as an opportunity to test my skillset and provide success with the ball for my team.

“2024 was indeed a great year individually and collectively for us as a unit. Winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 was surreal and I am glad I could contribute to a successful and memorable World Cup campaign for my country.

“There is no bigger motivation than representing the nation at the biggest stage. I am extremely excited for the journey ahead and I am looking forward to giving my best for the team.”

Kerr meanwhile made history of her own, not only by setting a new record for most wickets in a single ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, but also by producing one of the great all-round displays to ensure New Zealand triumphed in a spectacular final against South Africa in October.

ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, Amelia Kerr: “It's a huge honour to win the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award. With it being a T20 World Cup year, this format was really important.

“I love the responsibility that the White Ferns have given me and the teammates I have around me who back me, and it's a team I love playing for.”

Saturday also saw the unveiling of the ICC’s Men’s and Women’s T20I Teams of the Year, celebrating the outstanding XIs in the shortest format as selected by an independent panel of prominent cricket media – the ICC Voting Academy – on the basis of statistics and overall achievements in international cricket during the calendar year.

The T20I Cricketers of the Year are among 12 individual categories that are being revealed each day until Tuesday 28 January. Individual awardees have been determined by both the ICC Voting Academy and global fans, who registered over 1.5million votes at icc-cricket.com during a twelve-day voting period.

ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year – ARSHDEEP SINGH

With 36 wickets in T20Is in 2024 at a stunning average of 13.50, Arshdeep ended a supreme year as the third highest wicket-taker in the format, but it is undoubtedly his contributions in India’s T20 World Cup winning-campaign that best illustrate his impact on the international stage in 2024.

The 25-year-old combined fearsome pace with expert control with the swinging ball to take 17 wickets in the USA and West Indies. Figures of two for 35 against Ireland and four for nine against the USA came in the group stages before three wickets in each of the statement wins against Afghanistan and Australia followed in the Super 8s.

Arshdeep arguably kept his best performance for the biggest stage of all, where, in a breathless final against South Africa, his skilled death bowling in figures of two for 20 swung fortunes back in favour of India, who went on to claim a dramatic seven-run victory in Barbados.

Either side of the Men’s T20 World Cup, Arshdeep also starred with more outstanding bowling displays in series wins over Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Overcoming fellow nominees Babar Azam, Travis Head and Sikandar Raza, Arshdeep’s win ensures the award goes to India for the third year in a row, following his teammate Suryakumar Yadav’s back-to-back success in 2022 and 2023.

ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year – AMELIA KERR

New Zealand’s premier all-rounder was at the peak of her powers in 2024, amassing 387 runs and taking 29 wickets at 15.55 in a landmark year for the White Ferns.

Runs and wickets came in bursts in short format series against England and Australia, before the 24-year-old lit up the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE in sensational fashion.

After stifling India in their eye-catching opening round victory, Kerr claimed four wickets against defending champions Australia. Skilled bowling performances prompted more wickets in victories over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the semi-final win over West Indies before her final heroics.

On a challenging surface against an in-form bowling outfit, Kerr top scored with a priceless 43 from 38 balls to steer New Zealand to a competitive total of 158. Then, with the ball, she claimed three wickets for 24, including the prized scalps of Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch to restrict the chase and secure a 32-win victory amid jubilant scenes in Dubai.

Kerr wins from fellow short format stars Chamari Athapaththu, Orla Prendergast and Wolvaardt, and in doing so emulates compatriot Suzie Bates as the only other New Zealander to have previously claimed the T20I prize.

ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year:

1. Rohit Sharma (Ind) (c)
2. Travis Head (Aus)
3. Phil Salt (Eng)
4. Babar Azam (Pak)
5. Nicholas Pooran (WI) (wk)
6. Sikandar Raza (Zim)
7. Hardik Pandya (Ind)
8. Rashid Khan (Afg)
9. Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
10. Jasprit Bumrah (Ind)
11. Arshdeep Singh (Ind)

Men’s T20 World Cup winning captain Rohit Sharma leads an ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year that features no fewer than eight nations. Having struck 378 runs in 11 contests during the year with trademark aggression, Rohit inspired his side to their first silverware in 11 years.

His opening partner Travis Head produced plenty of fireworks himself at the top of Australia’s order, smashing 539 runs in 2024 at an average of 38.50.

England’s Phil Salt slots in at three after hitting 467 runs which included a blistering unbeaten 103 in 54 balls against the West Indies in November. He is joined in the middle order by Pakistan’s Babar Azam, who amassed 738 runs during the year.

The West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran is recognised with 464 runs during the year, along with star all-rounders Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza (573 runs, 24 wickets) and another of India’s World Cup winning outfit, Hardik Pandya (353 runs, 16 wickets).

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan to their maiden World Cup semi-final, and a return of 31 wickets at 9.58 sees him join fellow spinner and Sri Lanka’s top wicket-taker, Wanindu Hasaranga (38 wickets) in the lineup.

Pace comes courtesy of India duo Jasprit Bumrah (15 wickets at 8.26) and T20I Cricketer of the Year Arshdeep Singh, earning their spots with impressive statistics to match their inspirational Men’s T20 World Cup winning contributions.

ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year:

1. Laura Wolvaardt (SA) (c)
2. Smriti Mandhana (Ind)
3. Chamari Athapaththu (SL)
4. Hayley Matthews (WI)
5. Nat Sciver-Brunt (Eng)
6. Amelia Kerr (NZ)
7. Richa Ghosh (Ind) (wk)
8. Marizanne Kapp (SA)
9. Orla Prendergast (Ire)
10. Deepti Sharma (Ind)
11. Sadia Iqbal (Pak)

South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt skippers the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year, earning her spot thanks to 673 runs during a year in which she led the Proteas to another T20 World Cup final appearance. Smriti Mandhana accompanies Wolvaardt atop the order, after hitting 763 runs – more than anyone else – at an average of 42.38.

An iconic middle order features the only player with two T20I centuries to her name in 2024, Chamari Athapaththu (720 runs and 21 wickets), plus top-ranked all-rounder Hayley Matthews – last year’s ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, who registered 538 runs and 14 wickets. Another decorated all-rounder, England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt slots in at number five after 423 runs and seven wickets in the year, before newly crowned Amelia Kerr is the sixth name on the list.

India’s Richa Ghosh is given wicket-keeping duty after a fine year in which she hit 365 runs at an average of 33.18.

A deep batting lineup sees Marizanne Kapp and Orla Prendergast occupy the lower order. Kapp was another influential figure in South Africa’s run to the T20 World Cup final and hit 399 runs and took 11 wickets during the year, while Prendergast enjoyed a breakthrough year, the 22-year-old striking 539 runs and taking 21 wickets for Ireland.

Completing the lineup is India’s Deepti Sharma and Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal. Both spinners excelled in 2024, and ended the year as joint leading wicket-takers among Full Member nations with 30 apiece.

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India and Australia reach semi-finals of U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025

 India and Australia reach semi-finals of U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025

MALAYSIA, JAN 27

India made it four wins from four at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Malaysia 2025, beating Bangladesh by eight wickets.

The victory, combined with other results in the Super Six, means that India and Australia have both qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament, with India currently top of Group 1 on net run-rate.

Vaishnavi Sharma was the pick of the bowlers as part of a great team effort, taking three for 15 with Bangladesh restricted to 64 for eight from their 20 overs.

The chase was a comfortable one, Trisha Gongadi galloped to 40 off 31 balls to see them home in 7.1 overs.

In the first game of the day, the weather intervened with the match between Sri Lanka and Scotland abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Bangladesh under pressure from the start

India won the toss and put Bangladesh into bat first, making immediate inroads. Mst Eva lifted her first ball of the tournament over mid-off for two before going after her second and edging Shabnam to slip where Sanika Chalke took a great catch.

Sadia Islam then departed for five after a mix-up between the wickets with Fahomida Choya then bowled by VJ Joshitha to leave Bangladesh on nine for three.

Sharma caught Mst Sumaiya Akther Suborna leg before and another run-out, this time of Afia Ashima Era, made it 22 for five.

From there, skipper Sumaiya Akter and Jannatul Maoua dug in, adding 31 runs for the sixth wicket before the latter became Sharma’s second victim, falling for 14.

She took another two balls later, Sadia Akter skying one and caught behind for a duck to finish with figures of three for 15.

Sumaiya hung around until the end of the 20 overs, joined by Nishita Akter Nishi stumped for six off the bowling of Gongadi off the final delivery of the innings.

Gongadi got off to a flying start in the chase, hitting three boundaries in the very first over to set India on their way.

Mst Anisa Akter Soba looked dangerous with the ball, and she removed G Kamalini for three, bowling her to leave India 23 for one.

That did not slow down India, however, with Gongadi hitting boundaries at regular intervals, eight in all before she was caught in the deep by Nishita off the bowling of Habiba Islam Pinky for 40.

Captain Niki Prasad came to the crease and finished the job with a boundary as India got over the line inside eight overs.

Earlier at the same ground, rain put paid to any chance of play between Scotland and Sri Lanka.

Scores in brief

Scotland v Sri Lanka – Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur

Result: Match abandoned without a ball bowled

Bangladesh v India – Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur

Bangladesh 64 for eight in 20 overs (Sumaiya Akter 21 not out, Jannatul Maoua 14; Vaishnavi Sharma 3/15, VJ Joshitha 1/6, Trisha Gongadi 1/6)

India 66 for two in 7.1 overs (Trisha Gongadi 40, Sanika Chalke 11 not out; Habiba Islam Pinky 1/15, Mst Anisa Akter Soba 1/29)

Result – India won by eight wickets.

====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Emerging, Associate And Umpire Winners Named

 

Emerging, Associate And Umpire Winners Named

 Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka) and Annerie Dercksen (South Africa) triumph in Emerging Cricketer of the Year categories

· Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus and UAE captain Esha Oza win Associate Cricketer of the Year awards

· Richard Illingworth crowned ICC Umpire of the Year for third successive time

DUBAI, JAN 27

As ICC Awards 2024 announcements moved into a third day, the International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the winners in five more individual categories – the ICC Emerging Men’s and Women’s Cricketers of the Year, ICC Men’s and Women’s Associate Cricketers of the Year and the ICC Umpire of the Year.

The ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year awards acknowledge the outstanding breakthrough players in international cricket and the Men’s and Women’s awards singled out a talented duo that enjoyed landmark success in 2024.

Kamindu Mendis has been crowned the ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year after a record-breaking spell saw the Sri Lankan become the fastest player to reach 1,000 Test runs in 75 years.

He returned to the Test side in March with an immediate impact, striking twin centuries in a match against Bangladesh in Sylhet, and the 26-year-old used that platform to establish himself as one of the leading Test batters in the year, striking 1,049 runs in nine Tests and hitting headlines when he also became the first player to hit a half-century in each of his first eight matches.

South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen wins the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year award, with the all-rounder integral in the Proteas run to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in the UAE in October and enjoying success with the bat and ball in multiple formats.

Despite celebrating debuts in ODI and Test cricket during the year, it was the shortest format where the 23-year-old made her greatest impact, hitting 161 runs at an average of 32.20 and taking five wickets during the year.

Elsewhere, Namibia’s captain Gerhard Erasmus caps a stellar year of outstanding all-round performances in ODI and T20I cricket with his second ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year award, while UAE skipper Esha Oza is also crowned for the second time as the ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year, with runs and wickets flowing in another impressive year.

Erasmus struck four half-centuries in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, while returning career-best figures of 5-28 against Nepal in Kathmandu. He also scored four half-centuries in T20I cricket over the course of the year, including 52 from 31 balls against Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, to go with his seven wickets in the competition.

Oza meanwhile, hit 711 runs over the course of the year, a tally only bettered by Smriti Mandhana and Chamari Athapathtu. As well as an unbeaten 114 against Oman in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup in February, she scored 189 runs in the UAE’s impressive showing at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in April and May, which included half-centuries against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.

Finally, Richard Illingworth claimed the ICC Umpire of the Year award for a third successive year, selected on the basis of his decision making and his outstanding communication and relationships with teams and captains during 2024.

Reacting to their awards, the winners were all reflective on an outstanding 2024 on the international stage.

ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year, Kamindu Mendis: "Winning two ICC Player of the Month Awards in 2024, along with being named the ICC Emerging Men's Cricketer of the Year, fills me with immense joy and pride. These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication I've put into my game, with the unwavering support of my coaches, teammates, family, and friends.

“Playing international cricket has always been a childhood dream, and having the chance to showcase my skills on such a platform is both an honour and a result of that relentless effort.

“Looking ahead, my goal is to continue building on my early performances on the international field and use it as a stepping stone to reach the highest level of excellence in the sport.

“I would also like to acknowledge the immense talent of my fellow nominees - Gus, Shamar, and Saim - all of whom are exceptional players.”

ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2024, Annerie Dercksen: “I am not one for personal awards or recognition. But it’s a great honour and I am truly humbled by this recognition.

“It genuinely feels like I’m living a dream. I still have the same excitement as when I was a 5-year-old playing in the backyard, but now I’m playing alongside and against all my heroes. Being part of this team has been an incredible experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to learn and grow from such talented and experienced players. When I reflect, in some ways I almost don’t recognise the player I was a year ago.

“This year has been filled with unforgettable moments, from my ODI and Test debuts in India to the incredible experience of reaching the World Cup final. Although we didn't win, that journey remains close to my heart and one of the highlights of my career.

“There are so many people I’m grateful to, and I might inevitably forget a few. Above all, all praise, honour, and glory belong to God. I’m deeply thankful to my teammates, who have welcomed me with open arms and shared invaluable guidance. Thank you to the entire Proteas Women management for their continuous support and mentorship. I also appreciate every coach who has worked with me—whether by throwing balls until their arms fell off or by simply having a quick chat over a cup of coffee.

Lastly, I’m forever grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering love and support.

ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year, Gerhard Erasmus: “I am delighted to be receiving this award again. 2024 has certainly been a moving year for me and to top the Associate world is becoming more and more challenging with the emerging pool of players from all over the world.

“It was a special moment to take my first five-wicket haul and to contribute all-round at the World Cup in West Indies as well as other international competitions.

“A big thanks to my team, Cricket Namibia staff and family for being supporting pillars.”

ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year, Esha Oza: “It’s a great honour to receive the ICC Women’s Associate Cricket of the Year award for the second time. We are very proud and happy that 2024 has been a year where we’ve had many UAE players shine on the big stage. I feel I’ve also been able to contribute my best for UAE to date.

“It’s been a year where, as a team we were challenged by getting to play against many higher ranked opposition teams and we stood up to the challenge in many games. It’s definitely been a year of growth for me as a player and us [UAE] as a team.

“A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes by many to help us play the way we do. I’m thankful and grateful to everyone who’s shared the path with me to achieve this, my family, friends, coaches, teammates and especially the Emirates Cricket Board. Thank you, ICC, for the award and congratulations to all the award winners.”

ICC Umpire of the Year, Richard Illingworth: “To be awarded the David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year is a fantastic honour and one I will cherish very much.

“Having umpired some fantastic games and series of cricket in the past 12 months I also feel very fortunate to do something as a second career which is so enjoyable and rewarding.

“There are a lot of people to thank who have been a great support to me during my life in cricket and during the last year, most importantly my wife Anne.

“All of my colleagues both on and off field whom I’ve worked with - they give me great strength and drive to be the best I can be.

“And finally the game of cricket itself which has provided me with fantastic opportunities and great memories.”

Announcements in the ICC Awards 2024 will continue on Monday, with Men’s and Women’s ODI Cricketers of the Year revealed as well as the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.

Winners in 12 individual categories will be revealed each day until Tuesday, culminating in the most coveted and iconic prizes – the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

Winners in individual categories are determined by both the ICC Voting Academy and global fans, who registered over 1.5million votes at icc-cricket.com during a twelve-day voting period.

====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Donghyun Hwang and Polina Kuharenko lift single titles

 

 Donghyun Hwang and Polina Kuharenko lift single titles

  CHANDIGARH: Top seed Donghyun Hwang (KOR) and Polina Kuharenko won singles titles in boys and girls events respectively in the J200 Chandigarh ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors Tournament at the Sector 10  Tennis Stadium here.

. In the boys singles final Donghyun Hwang (KOR) outplayed Ruslan Kastsiukevich in straight sets 6-3, 6-0. Donghyun played a solid match and dominant throughout the match. Donghyun took some resistance and won the fiirst set 6-3. in the second set Donghyun Hwang raised his level of game and took the  set and match 6-0 without conceding a single game. 

In the girls singles final Polina Kuharenko defeated Daria Koreshkova 6-4, 6-2 in straight sets. Both players played high energetic game, finally Polina Kuharenko used her experience and closed the match in straight sets.Vice President vice president S.M. Sharma distributed the prizes. 

Results: Boys (final): Donghyun Hwang (KOR) [1] bt. Ruslan Kastsiukevich 6-3, 6-0. 

Girls singles (final): Polina Kuharenko bt. Daria Koreshkova 6-4, 6-2.

=====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

 

Food and Drug Administration bans Red Dye N0. 3

 Food and Drug Administration bans Red Dye N0. 3

INDIANAPOLIS, JAN 17

Keeping view the health and safety,  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally banned Red Dye No. 3 in food, according to Congressman Andre Carson who urgently called for this action in a letter to the FDA in November, along with many of my colleagues. 

Red 3 has been used to give food and drinks a bright red color, despite numerous studies showing the link between Red 3 and cancer, as well as neurobehavioral issues in some children. Given bright red food and drinks are typically marketed to children, this makes the risks even more concerning. 

"After our letter, the FDA has taken a long-overdue step to eliminate this harmful chemical from your food, beverages, supplements, and drugs. 

You should be able to trust that the food you’re putting in your body and feeding your family is safe. I’ll keep fighting for common sense reforms that give you peace of mind." 

New Federal grant for the Blue Line

IndyGo has received a new Federal grant for the Blue Line! This grant will cover about 40 percent of the cost for the new route. The Blue Line project will establish frequent, reliable public transit, connecting our city from Cumberland to the Indianapolis International Airport. But that’s not all – the Blue Line project will also provide upgraded traffic signals, miles of resurfaced lanes, new and replaced sidewalks, curb ramps, bike stations, and crosswalks. Plus, this route will cut down on traffic congestion, giving every road user a better experience. 

In addition to this grant, Andre Carson secured Community Project Funding to help make the Blue Line possible. Indianapolis deserves mass public transit, and we’re making it happen.

Youth Opportunities Fair

Andre Carson will host the Annual Youth Opportunities Fair on March 12, 2025 from noon - 7pm at the Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center, 2820 N. Meridian St. If you’re offering employment, volunteer, or internship opportunities for young people in Indianapolis this summer, get in touch at YOF07@mail.house.gov
Congress On Your Corner is a chance to see how my office can help you! We're here to help with Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, passports, and more. Stop by to learn how we can help you on January 22 from 10am - 12pm at the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center on 2990 W. 71st St. 

=====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Religious Diversity Workshop Series 2025

 

INDIANAPOLIS, JAN 17

 The Hendricks County Community Foundation announced  the launch of the 2025 Religious Diversity Workshop Series, presented in collaboration with the Center for Interfaith Cooperation and the Hendricks County Interfaith Council. These monthly workshops will explore and celebrate the core beliefs and unique practices of different religions, creating space for understanding and meaningful, conversations. 

The sessions will feature engaging speakers, panel discussions and opportunities for attendees to gain knowledge and appreciation for the diverse religious traditions that enrich our community. The workshops will be held on the first Wednesday of each month, from February through November of 2025, at MADE@Plainfield, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm.

 Charlie Wiles, CIC's Executive Director, stated, “The Center for Interfaith Cooperation is honored to work with the Hendricks County Community Foundation on this series of religious diversity workshops. Our goal with all of our programs is to increase awareness about the religious diversity throughout Central Indiana, build empathy, and create more opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith and how it informs our personal, professional, and civic lives. This series provides a wonderful opportunity to achieve these goals.”

 

HCCF's CEO and President William Rhodehamel commented, "We’ve been pleased to work with the Hendricks County Interfaith Council over the last two years to promote better understanding of the religious diversity in our community. Bringing this important and informative series from the Center for Interfaith Cooperation to Hendricks County is an honor. These workshops provide an invaluable opportunity for our community to engage with and learn from the many faith traditions that shape our shared experiences. By fostering understanding and empathy through open conversations, we can strengthen the bonds of our diverse community and create a more inclusive and welcoming Hendricks

County for all."

To register for any or all of the monthly workshops, visit: https://tinyurl.com/ReligiousDiversityWorkshops.

====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

 

Four teams set to make their debut at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025

 Four teams set to make their debut at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025

MALAYSIA, JAN 17

Four teams will make their debut this weekend at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025. The tournament begins with two debutants squaring off as Nigeria and Samoa meet in Sarawak on Saturday, while Nepal also begin their campaign on January 18 when they face Bangladesh.

Hosts Malaysia will be the last of the quartet to get their campaign underway on Sunday.

MALAYSIA: Malaysia qualified for the 2025 edition of the tournament as hosts, having failed to make it to South Africa two years ago. Malaysia’s debut came in the qualifiers for the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, where they won two matches.

Their first-ever win came against Qatar in June 2022, as former captain Elsa Hunter top-scored with 42 to set Qatar 116 to win. In response, they posted 88 for three with all three of Qatar’s dismissals coming by way of run out, with current skipper Nur Dania Syuhada involved in the first wicket.

Remarkably, Syuhada already had senior international experience prior to playing for the U19s team and will now lead her side on home soil for a second time. The off-spinner was captain as Malaysia hosted the inaugural U19 Women’s Asia Cup last year.

They finished in fifth place with defeats to Sri Lanka and eventual runners-up Bangladesh before a washout against Pakistan ended their hopes of finishing the tournament on a high.

A rematch against Sri Lanka opens Malaysia’s tournament on Sunday before they play defending champions India and the West Indies during the group stages.

NEPAL: There is something about Nepal and dramatic qualifications. The men’s team secured a place at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in stunning fashion and the U19 women’s team have followed their lead.

Nepal were the final team to book their place at the tournament and went into their last qualifying game needing to beat the previously undefeated UAE and move above their net run rate.

Krishma Gurung took four wickets to see her side set a target of 88 runs to win, and with run rate so important, Nepal chased down the total in just 14.4 overs to secure qualification.

This was Nepal’s second attempt at qualifying for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup having missed out to the UAE three years ago.

Nepal beat Qatar, Bhutan and Malaysia, but defeats to Thailand and the UAE ended their hopes of making the tournament in South Africa.

All-rounder Puja Mahato will lead the team, having first skippered her side at the 2024 U19 Asia Cup.

Nepal begin their World Cup campaign against Bangladesh, before taking on Scotland and Australia in a group that will pose many different challenges.

NIGERIA: Nigeria have come a long way since missing out on qualification for the 2023 World Cup. 

Two big wins were not enough to see them through to the knockout stages of the Africa Qualifiers, as Rwanda took the spot in the inaugural edition.

This time around, Nigeria beat Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Malawi to make the semi-finals before a 62-run win over Rwanda saw them advance to showpiece against Zimbabwe.

Rain prevented the final from being complete, meaning Nigeria advance to the World Cup as a result of finishing above Zimbabwe in the group stages.

Lucky Piety will captain Nigeria in Malaysia, having already represented the international side.She will lead the team in their opening match against Samoa, before facing 2023 semi-finalists New Zealand, and the 2023 hosts South Africa.

SAMOA: Samoa are making more than just U19 history as they become the first team from their nation to compete in any cricket World Cup. More known for their exploits in rugby, Samoa will look to show what they have got with a cricket ball.

They qualified for the World Cup after triumphing in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, their first-ever competition. Remarkably, Samoa lost only once, to Papua New Guinea, as they topped the table with five wins.

They clinched their spot at the World Cup with a four-wicket win over Fiji with Angel Sootaga top-scoring with 29 runs.

Sootaga will look to carry that form to the World Cup stage while Silepea Polataivao, who took six for 15 against Indonesia in the qualifiers, has also been selected in Samoa’s squad.

After meeting Nigeria in their first game, Samoa will face South Africa and then New Zealand in their debut tournament.

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Polina Kuharenko and Ruslan Kastsiukevich boys in singles final

Aaron Gabetand Hyeon Seok Seo win the boys doubles title; Polina Berezina and Daria Koreshkova take home the girls doubles crown

CHANDIGARH, JAN 17

Ruslan Kastsiukevich and Polina Kuharenko entered singles final of boys and girls of J200 Chandigarh ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors Tournament at the Sector 10 Tennis Stadium here today.

Ruslan Kastsiukevich upset 5th seed Roman Kharlamov 6-2, 6-0 in straight sets. Ruslan played solid match to beat his opponent by conceding only two games throughout the match. He will play against top seed Donghyun Hwang (KOR) in the final tomorrow.  

In the girls singles semifinals Polina Kuharenko outplayed 5th seed Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi (IND) 6-3, 6-3 in straight sets. Polina played high level tennis and dominant throughout the match with her aggressive ground strokes. 

In the second singles semifinals match Daria Koreshkova won from Masa Jankovic (SRB) in thrre setter marathon match 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-3. 

 Aaron Gabet (FRA) and Hyeon Seok Seo (KOR) lifted the boys doubles title. They defeated top seed Hitesh Chauhan (IND) and Ilya Maltsev 4-6, 6-1, 10-8 in a 3 setter marathon match. In the girls doubles final Polina Berezina and her partner Daria Koreshkova [3] beat Yesung Choo (KOR) / Yu-Chin Lin (TPE) [4] 6-4, 7-6 (1)

CLTA Vice President  S.M. Sharma distributed the prizes to the winners and runners-ups of boys and girls doubles events.

Results 

Boys singles (semi-finals): Donghyun Hwang (KOR) [1] bt. Erasyl Bakhtiyar (KAZ) 6-1, 6-2, Ruslan Kastsiukevich bt. Roman Kharlamov [5] 6-2, 6-0.

Boys singles (q-finals):   Donghyun Hwang (KOR) [1] bt. Emanuel Ivanisevic (CRO) 6-3, 7-5,   Erasyl Bakhtiyar (KAZ) bt. Alexey Shibaev 6-1, 6-3,  Ruslan Kastsiukevich bt. Artem Bogomolov 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, oman Kharlamov [5] bt. Kerem Yilmaz (TUR) [2] 7-5, 6-1.

Girls  singles (semi-finals):  Daria Koreshkova bt. Masa Jankovic (SRB) 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-3, Polina Kuharenko bt. Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi (IND) [5] 6-3, 6-3.

Girls singles (q-finals): Daria Koreshkova bt. Miku Kitaoka (JPN) 6-2, 6-4, Masa Jankovic (SRB) bt. Albina Kakenova (KAZ) 6-2, 6-4,  Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi (IND) [5] bt. Sushkova Antonina (Q) 2-6, 6-2, 6-4,  Polina Kuharenko bt. Yuka Naito (JPN) 6-1, 7-5 

Boys doubles (final): Aaron Gabet (FRA) / Hyeon Seok Seo (KOR) bt. Hitesh Chauhan (IND) / Ilya Maltsev [1] 4-6, 6-1, 10-8.

Girls doubles (final): Polina Berezina/ Daria Koreshkova [3] bt. Yesung Choo (KOR) / Yu-Chin Lin (TPE) [4] 6-4, 7-6.

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