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.

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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

Haryana Governor pays tribute to Bhagwan Parshuram

  

Haryana Governor  pays tribute to Bhagwan Parshuram 

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 29

Haryana Governor  Bandaru Dattatraya, on the auspicious occasion of Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti, paid his heartfelt tributes to the revered sage at a solemn ceremony held at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday.

Shri Dattatraya highlighted the timeless teachings and values embodied by Bhagwan Parshuram – valour, righteousness, dedication to dharma, and service to society. He urged the people of Haryana and the nation to draw inspiration from the life and ideals of Bhagwan Parshuram in building a stronger, more inclusive, and equitable India.

“Bhagwan Parshuram’s life is a guiding light for generations. His unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the upliftment of society holds great relevance in today’s times. Let us resolve to follow his path and contribute to national unity, social harmony, and collective progress,” said Shri Dattatraya.

 Governor Dattatraya also emphasized the importance of preserving India’s spiritual and cultural heritage while working together across communities for a prosperous future. Senior officials and staff of Raj Bhavan were present during the tribute ceremony.

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USPC honors coaches and support staff for 2024

 

USPC honors coaches and support staff for 2024  COLORADO SPRINGS, APRIL 29   The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee today announced its annual award recipients for eight coaches and support staff members of the year for 2024. The recipients include three winter and five summer coaches, spanning seven different sports.    The award recipients include USA Fencing’s Ralf Bissdorf as Olympic Coach of the Year and USA Volleyball’s Bill Hamiter as Paralympic Coach of the Year. The summer award recipients are USA Softball’s Patty Gasso as College Coach of the Year, Linda "Dee" Mahoney as Service Provider of the Year and USA Archery’s Phil "Chad" Jones as Volunteer Coach of the Year. The winter award recipients include U.S. Figure Skating’s Steffany Hanlen as the Doc Counsilman Science and Technology Award winner, USA Hockey’s Heather Mannix as Coach Educator of the Year and U.S. Speedskating’s Tom Anderson as Developmental Coach of the Year.    “Team USA's success is built on the dedication of our coaches and support staff, whose impact extends from youth development to highest levels of sport on the world’s biggest stages," said Rocky Harris, USOPC chief of sport and athlete services. "Their unwavering commitment not only empowers our athletes but also strengthens each National Governing Bodies and Team USA as a whole. As we celebrate the outstanding achievements of 2024, we proudly recognize the eight individual award winners for their relentless pursuit of excellence in their sport and beyond.”    National Governing Bodies nominated their 2024 coaches as part of the USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition Program, with winners selected by a USOPC panel. The program recognizes and celebrates the work of outstanding coaches and support providers who make a significant impact within their sport and National Governing Body throughout the year.    Olympic Coach of the Year – Ralf Bissdorf (USA Fencing)  Ralf Bissdorf made history as the coach of the first U.S. fencing team to win Olympic gold, as he guided Jackie Dubrovich, Lee Kiefer, Lauren Scruggs and Maia Weintraub to victory at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Bissdorf’s strategic decision-making played a pivotal role in securing gold. Under his leadership, Team USA maintained a consistently strong presence on the international stage in 2024, earning multiple podium finishes. Beyond competition, Bissdorf has fostered a culture of inclusivity, supportiveness and development, helping strengthen the future of women’s foil fencing in the United States. His innovative training methods and emphasis on teamwork have left a lasting impact on the fencing community, solidifying his legacy in the sport.  Paralympic Coach of the Year – Bill Hamiter (USA Volleyball)  Bill Hamiter has built the U.S. Women's Sitting Volleyball Team into a dominant force, leading them to a historic third-consecutive Paralympic gold medal at Paris 2024. Since taking over in 2009, Hamiter has transformed the team into an international powerhouse. His preparation was evident in Paris, where the U.S. rebounded from a pool play loss to defeat China, 3-1, in the final. Hamiter’s athletes earned top individual honors, including MVP and Best Attacker for Heather Erickson, Best Blocker for Lora Webster, and Best Setter for Kaleo Kanahele Maclay. A pioneer in data-driven coaching, Hamiter has implemented advanced analytics, match video review and load-monitoring technologies to optimize training and performance. His emphasis on individualized development has created a sustainable pipeline of elite athletes, ensuring continued success for Team USA. With his unmatched record of achievement and impact on Paralympic sport, Hamiter stands as a model of coaching excellence.    Developmental Coach of the Year - Tom Anderson (U.S. Speedskating)  Coach Tom Anderson has grown the Northbrook Speed Skating Club into a thriving program, increasing membership by 22% and expanding training opportunities for skaters of all ages. Prioritizing character development alongside athletic performance, Anderson holds individual goal-setting meetings and fosters open communication between skaters and parents. His emphasis on mental resilience and teamwork is reinforced through weekly team-building sessions that focus on life skills and camaraderie. Anderson's impact extends beyond competition, as many of his former athletes remain connected and credit him as a major influence on their careers. In 2024, his skaters excelled nationally, with 14 qualifying for USS Short Track Age Group Nationals and multiple records set. Through his innovative coaching, personal mentorship and commitment to athlete development, Anderson continues to shape the future of speedskating in the U.S..    College Coach of the Year – Patty Gasso (USA Softball)  This year, Patty Gasso solidified her place as one of the most successful coaches in NCAA softball history, leading University of Oklahoma softball to an unmatched fourth consecutive national championship in 2024. In her 31st season, Gasso has accumulated eight NCAA Division I National Championships and guided the Sooners to 17 Women's College World Series appearances. As Oklahoma transitions to the SEC, she concludes her Big 12 tenure as the conference’s all-time winningest coach, having earned 15 conference titles and 15 regular season Big 12 titles and nine Big 12 tournament titles. Under her leadership, 85 players have earned All-American recognition, and her teams have thrived both on the field and in the classroom. Beyond championships, Gasso fosters a culture of excellence, trust and personal growth. With a coaching philosophy that blends technical mastery and emotional intelligence, she continues to mold the future of collegiate softball and pave the way for women’s sports.    Volunteer Coach of the Year – Phil “Chad” Jones (USA Archery)  Phil “Chad” Jones has played a pivotal role in athlete development at In-Range Archery, promoting an environment that consistently produces top-tier competitors at the state, national, and international levels. His expert coaching, tailored to each athlete’s abilities, has led to significant achievements, including multiple archers earning spots on the USAT team and coaching a U21 archer to the World Archery Field Championships. Beyond competitive success, Jones is committed to continuous self-improvement, integrating modern coaching methodologies from USA Archery courses into his training. His dedication is further underscored by his volunteerism—coaching both individual athletes and his Junior Olympic Archery Development team free of charge. By prioritizing personal growth, mental training and community-building, Jones has created a structured, supportive environment that enables archers to excel and grow both on and off the range.    Service Provider of the Year – Linda “Dee” Mahoney (USA Softball)  Linda “Dee” Mahoney has been a cornerstone of athlete care, bringing decades of expertise to Team USA as she began her national team career with USA Track & Field in 1989. Over the years, she has traveled with and provided services to our athletes with USA Track & Field, U.S. women’s soccer, men’s and women’s diving and Para track and field, before joining USA Softball in 2021. She spent 25 years as an athletic trainer at Westfield High School in Indiana where she was inducted into the IATA Hall of Fame in 2019. She has become an integral part of USA Softball’s success. Her contributions were key to the U.S. Women’s National Team’s silver medal finish at the 2024 WBSC Women’s World Cup Finals and the U-18 Women’s World Cup Group C Event, where the Eagles went undefeated to qualify for the 2025 World Cup Finals. Mahoney is known for her holistic approach to athlete care, emphasizing both physical recovery and mental well-being. As a passionate advocate in the dugout, she ensures athletes have the resources they need to perform at their best. Her commitment extends beyond competition, as she dedicates time to individualized recovery plans, furthering a supportive environment that prioritizes long-term athlete health and success.    Coach Educator of the Year – Heather Mannix (USA Hockey)  As USA Hockey’s Manager of Education and Player Development, Heather Mannix has revolutionized coaching education, enhancing how over 30,000 youth hockey coaches are trained annually. She pioneered train-the-trainer programs, elevating the effectiveness of 150+ volunteer coach developers and fostering a culture of excellence. Her creation of facilitation materials has standardized high-quality instruction across all four levels of USA Hockey’s coaching curriculum. Recognized internationally, she has trained coach developers for the International Ice Hockey Federation and International Council for Coaching Excellence, working with top hockey nations. Additionally, she has led efforts to modernize USA Hockey’s Officiating Education Program, aligning it with best practices in learner-centered delivery. Through her innovation and leadership, Mannix has set a new standard for coaching education, making a lasting impact on the future of hockey.    Doc Counsilman Science & Technology Award – Steffany Hanlen (U.S. Figure Skating)    Steffany Hanlen, the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Sport Science Coach of the Year, has made groundbreaking contributions to athlete development through sport science. She created The Champion’s Journey – From Purpose to Podium, a program designed to help athletes integrate research, technology and personal values into long-term success. Hanlen specializes in developing customized systems to support emotional, physical, social and mental well-being, ensuring athletes gain lifelong skills both in and beyond sport. Her approach blends visualization, journaling, neuro-linguistic programming and performance psychology with cutting-edge technology to enhance training. As co-founder of the Ice Academy of Montreal, she played a crucial role in shaping elite skaters and launched the I.AM Holistic Isolation Bootcamp in 2020 to provide athletes with training and mental support. Additionally, she pioneered proprietary power skating techniques and continues to train skating coaches in advanced methodologies, further elevating the sport’s development.

India fined for slow over-rate in first match

  India fined for slow over-rate in first match 

COLOMBO, APRIL 29

India have been fined five per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against Sri Lanka in the first match of the Women’s Tri-series in Colombo on Sunday.

Vanessa de Silva of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after India were ruled to be one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur pleaded'guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Anna Harris and Nimali Perera, third umpire Lyndon Hannibal and fourth umpire Dedunu de Silva leveled the charge.

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12 teams for US Junior T20 League from July 15-21

12 teams for US Junior T20 League 2025

CALIFORNIA, APRIL 29

The US Junior League (USJL), a T20 professional cricket competition for players aged 14–23, is gearing up for its second season in 2025, expanding from six to twelve teams. 

The league’s growth from 6 to 12 teams reflects increasing interest with the franchise owners and players’ participation. Teams from the 2025 season included Austin Blaze, Baltimore BlueJays, California Astros, Columbus Falcons, Dallas Thunders, Denver Dynamites, Knight Riders United, MyGO Chicago Kings, Northwest Renegades, Raiders Unlimited, Seattle Seals, and Washington Royals.

Advisory Board: The USJL established an advisory board, including former Indian international player M.S.K. Prasad, to enhance strategic planning and talent development. Jatin Patel, a Cricket Hall of Famer with Lifetime Achievement Award and USA Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, is a multi-sport coach, mentor, administrator and Professional Performance Analyst. Lastly, we are honored to have the support of a world-renowned power-hitting coach Julian Wood, respected for his work with top cricket franchises around the world. This signals a commitment to professionalizing the league and improving competition quality.

Objectives: The USJL emphasizes nationwide reach, skill development, and providing a pathway to professional cricket, such as Minor League Cricket (MiLC), Major League Cricket (MLC) or USA national age-group teams. Organizers are planning new initiatives, including all-star teams and high-performance training programs, to nurture talent.

Leadership: Prithivi Raj Logan, founder and CEO of USJL, has highlighted the league’s goal to foster future cricket stars in the USA, with 2025 expected to bring more excitement and opportunities.

USJL player draft for 2.0 edition is scheduled to take place on April 27 at 7:30 PM CST

Each franchise team will comprise of 13 players in the combination of 3 - Under-23, 5 - Under-19 and 5 - Under 16 age group players. 

The US Junior League is proud to announce that all 12 team franchise owners have been officially finalized ahead of the league’s 2nd season. This marks a major milestone in the league’s journey to develop and showcase emerging talent across the country.

Over 350 players across the country and several international players have registered for the second edition. The highly anticipated Player Draft will allow the franchise teams to select from a registered pool of top junior talent.

Six franchise teams that participated in the first edition will be able to retain three players from each age category i.e. one each from Under-16, Under-19 and Under-23 age groups and the new six franchise teams will be able to pre-draft one player from the registered pool. US Junior League 2.0 edition is scheduled for July 15 to 21 2025 at Houston Prairie View cricket complex (Address: Houston, Prairie View, TX 77445). The event is expected to set the stage for a competitive and exciting season, bringing fresh energy and passion to the sport.

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