Articles by Aakash Biswas,News18

Technology

World Champions Amanjot And Harleen Get Grand Welcome In Chandigarh | Watch

World Cup-winning cricketers Amanjot Kaur and Harleen Deol received a hero’s welcome as they returned home to Punjab on Friday. The atmosphere at the airport was electric, with families, fans, and leaders of the state’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) greeting them with sweets, flowers, and the vibrant beats of the dhol. The celebrations came just days after the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s team created history by clinching its first-ever 50-over World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. VIDEO | Mohali: Women’s World Cup champions Amanjot Kaur and Harleen Deol arrive at Mohali airport to a grand welcome. Family members, fans, and supporters celebrate their homecoming with dhol, cheers, and tricolour flags as the cricketers return to their hometown after India’s… pic.twitter.com/24seHKQr7W — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 7, 2025 Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer were among the prominent leaders present to welcome the champions. The two players were honoured with shawls, while fans cheered and showered them with affection. Speaking to reporters, Amanjot Kaur dedicated the victory to the nation and her home state. “This victory belongs to the entire India, to the entire Punjab,” she said. She also revealed the emotional toll of the high-stakes matches. “We didn’t sleep after the semi-final win against Australia. Even after the final victory, we were too excited to rest,” she added with a smile. VIDEO | Mohali: Upon her return to hometown after India’s World Cup triumph, cricketer Amanjot Kaur says, “We played our part and God was always with us. We couldn’t sleep after the victory because of the excitement we had. Whenever I perform for the team, my father gets… pic.twitter.com/Bpp6MqFTT2 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 7, 2025 Harleen Deol, too, spoke about the importance of family support in her journey. “Girls can bring glory when given freedom and opportunity. My family always supported me. I want to tell parents — give your daughters the freedom to dream. And to the girls, follow your passion and work hard,” she said. “We always believed we could do well and lift the Cup.” Hayer, who previously served as Punjab’s Sports Minister, highlighted the state government’s continued commitment to promoting athletes. “Punjab has a sports-friendly approach. We are proud of our daughters who continue to make the state and the nation proud,” he said. Echoing his sentiments, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema added, “On behalf of the Punjab government, I welcome all our daughters who have brought glory to India. They are inspiring many others to excel in sports.” After the reception, Amanjot and Harleen travelled home in an open vehicle, accompanied by family members, supporters, and ministers amid cheers and celebrations. Earlier this week, on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the victorious Indian team at his residence, lauding their resilience and remarkable comeback after enduring a tough phase marked by three consecutive defeats.

16 hours ago

Technology

Muhammad Irfan Khan Named Captain of Pakistan's Squad Asia Cup For Rising Stars

On Friday, Pakistan’s white-ball discard Muhammad Irfan Khan was named captain as national selectors announced a young squad for the men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament scheduled to be held in Doha later this month. The squad features only three players who have represented the senior team: Irfan, spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, and fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal. The remaining players have shown promise in under-19, Shaheens, or domestic circuits, and in the Pakistan Super League. Pakistan and India will compete again in the tournament, which will feature eight teams from November 14 to 23. Pakistan Shaheens are placed in Group B alongside Oman, India ‘A’, and UAE, while Afghanistan ‘A’, Bangladesh ‘A’, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka ‘A’ are in Group A. Pakistan will play their opening match of the T20 tournament against Oman on November 14, before facing India ‘A’ on November 14. Shaheens’ final group match will be against the UAE on November 18. The Pakistan Shaheens 15-member squad includes: Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Faiq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Naeem, Mohammad Salman, Mohammad Shahzad, Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Sufiyan Moqim, Ubaid Shah, and Yasir Khan.

17 hours ago

Technology

Joao Pedro Strikes At Last As Chelsea Edge Past Spurs

Joao Pedro ended his Chelsea goal drought by securing a 1-0 victory against Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. Enzo Maresca’s side took the lead when Joao Pedro scored late in the first half of the London derby. This marked his first goal in nine games across all competitions, with his last goal dating back to August 30 against Fulham. The 24-year-old Brazilian has scored only three times for Chelsea since his £60 million ($78 million) transfer from Brighton in the close-season. Chelsea’s third win in their last four Premier League games elevated them to fourth place, just behind third-placed Tottenham on goal difference. Tottenham, on the other hand, have not won a home league match since their victory over Burnley on the opening weekend of the season in August. Their poor home league form in 2025 began under Ange Postecoglou and has continued under the current manager Frank. Despite losing in the League Cup fourth round at Newcastle midweek, Tottenham have performed better away from home, as evidenced by their 3-0 win at Everton in their previous league match. However, Tottenham fans are increasingly frustrated with Frank’s pragmatic tactics, which contrast sharply with the club’s ‘to dare is to do’ ethos. The match saw an early setback for Frank when Lucas Bergvall suffered a head injury and was replaced by concussion substitute Xavi Simons. Bergvall seemed to argue with the medical staff to stay on the pitch, but when they refused, he angrily pushed one of them before Frank intervened to calm the situation. Alejandro Garnacho was Chelsea’s main threat in the first half, testing Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from distance. Vicario sustained a knee injury midway through the half but continued after treatment and promptly saved a low strike from Joao Pedro, who had latched onto a rebound off Pedro Porro’s clearance. Joao Pedro, however, found the net in the 34th minute. Moises Caicedo pressured Simons and Micky van de Ven, winning possession and passing to Joao Pedro, who scored from six yards out. Frank was visibly frustrated with Tottenham’s sloppy defending, kicking a water bottle in anger on the touchline. Joao Pedro nearly scored again when he received a pass from Malo Gusto and unleashed a powerful shot that Vicario tipped over. Rodrigo Bentancur was fortunate to escape with only a booking after a harsh challenge on Reece James was not deemed serious foul play. Tottenham forced Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez into action just before half-time with a shot from Mohammed Kudus, but Sanchez saved it. Soon after the interval, Enzo Fernandez missed a clear opportunity, heading over from James’ cross despite being unmarked. Frank’s side repeatedly lost possession easily, frustrating their supporters with their lack of attacking impetus. The fans’ frustration grew as Vicario had to tip over a fierce strike from Pedro Neto, and Tottenham failed to mount a serious threat for a late equaliser. (With AFP Inputs)

5 days ago

Technology

Real Madrid And Barcelona Aim To Shake Off Clasico Consequences

Real Madrid might have triumphed over Barcelona in last weekend’s Clasico, but the match highlighted issues in both camps, from handling Vinicius to the Catalans’ troubling recent form. Madrid’s Brazilian star Vinicius issued an apology on Wednesday, three days after his team defeated arch-rivals Barca 2-1, following his frustration at being substituted at the Santiago Bernabeu. He argued with coach Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel after being replaced by Rodrygo in the 72nd minute. “Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clasico. Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, club and president,” said the 25-year-old, without mentioning Alonso. This incident occurs amid ongoing contract negotiations, although his current deal runs until 2027. Vinicius has scored five goals this season in La Liga, but Kylian Mbappe has overshadowed him with 16 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions so far, after netting 44 goals in his first season at the club. Real fans will hope Alonso and Vinicius can mend their relationship before Saturday’s home game against struggling Valencia, who are in the relegation zone. Following that, Madrid, five points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga, will travel to Liverpool for Champions League duty. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona must recover at home against Elche on Sunday after suffering their second defeat in their last three domestic matches, following a loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The reigning champions are currently facing an injury crisis — playmaker Pedri, who was sent off in the Clasico, is sidelined for several weeks with a thigh muscle tear. He joins goalkeepers Joan García and Marc Ter Stegen, alongside Gavi and Raphinha, in the treatment room, though Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned to training. Elsewhere in La Liga this weekend, third-placed Villarreal will face Rayo Vallecano while fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, unbeaten in La Liga since losing on the opening weekend, take on Sevilla. Real Sociedad, just above the relegation zone, host Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby in San Sebastian. Fixtures (times GMT): Getafe v Girona (2000) Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano (1300), Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (1515), Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao (1730), Real Madrid v Valencia (2000) Levante v Celta Vigo (1300), Alaves v Espanyol (1515), Barcelona v Elche (1730), Real Betis v Mallorca (2000) Real Oviedo v Osasuna (2000)

Oct 31, 2025

Technology

Liverpool Feel Pressure To End 'Crisis' Run, Manchester City Test Bournemouth Limits

Liverpool faces an in-form Aston Villa as the Premier League champions look to arrest their remarkable collapse on Saturday, while Arsenal aims to surge further clear in the title race. The Gunners hold a four-point lead over Bournemouth, who travel to Manchester City before their trip to Burnley. Third-placed Tottenham are only five points off the top but seek to end a three-game winless streak at home when they host London rivals Chelsea. AFP Sports examines three key fixtures of the weekend: Slot Feels The Heat Liverpool manager Arne Slot urgently needs his star players to get back on track after being eliminated from the League Cup by Crystal Palace on Wednesday, compounding a miserable run for the Premier League champions. Slot made his priorities clear by making 10 changes as Palace cruised to a 3-0 win at Anfield against a youthful Liverpool selection. The Dutchman stated he could not risk further injuries to his key players with the visit of Villa quickly followed by matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City. “I don’t think it is possible if you lose six out of seven that there is even more pressure,” said Slot. “If you are on a run of results like this, if you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool, you know the pressure is there.” Five games into the Premier League campaign, Liverpool led Villa by 12 points. Four matches later, they meet separated only by goal difference. Villa has overcome their difficult start with four consecutive wins, including notable victories against Tottenham and City, to surge back into contention for the Champions League places. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s title defense has imploded. The Reds have not kept a clean sheet for 10 games as Slot struggles to find the right balance in a side disrupted by significant squad turnover during the transfer window. Liverpool spent a Premier League record near £450 million but crucially lost more players than they recruited, particularly missing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz. “To see the champions lose four games in a row in the Premier League with the expenditure in the summer, I think we’re in crisis time for Liverpool right now,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. Bournemouth’s Unbeaten Run On the Line The league’s longest unbeaten run faces a stern test on Sunday when Bournemouth visits the Etihad, hoping to land another blow to City’s title challenge. The Cherries have not lost since the opening night of the campaign at Liverpool, sparking ambitions of qualifying for Europe for the first time in the club’s history. City is six points adrift of Arsenal after a 1-0 defeat at Villa last weekend ended their nine-game unbeaten run. Pep Guardiola’s fear that his side was becoming too reliant on Erling Haaland was realised. No City player other than the Norwegian has scored more than once in the Premier League this season. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki have missed much of the opening few months of the season through injury, but both scored in a 3-1 League Cup win over Swansea in midweek to bolster the firepower at Guardiola’s disposal. Spurs Seek Home Comfort Thomas Frank has made a fine start to solving Tottenham’s troubles on the road but is yet to foster the “fortress” he desires at home. Of Spurs’ 17 points from nine games, 13 have come away from home thanks to impressive wins at Manchester City, West Ham, Leeds, and Everton. However, Bournemouth and Villa have won in north London, either side of a disappointing 1-1 draw against bottom-of-the-table Wolves. “We would like our home to be a fortress,” said Frank. “It cannot only be the team, it cannot only be the fans. It needs to be both. “We need to bring energy to each other. We need to work unbelievably hard, perform well, try to be positive.” Only a second league win over Chelsea since 2018 would quickly win over any doubters the Dane faces in the Spurs support. Saturday (all times GMT) Brighton v Leeds, Burnley v Arsenal, Crystal Palace v Brentford, Fulham v Wolves, Nottingham Forest v Man Utd (all 1500), Tottenham v Chelsea (1730), Liverpool v Aston Villa (2000) Sunday: West Ham v Newcastle (1400), Man City v Bournemouth (1630) Monday: Sunderland v Everton (2000)

Oct 31, 2025

Technology

Jannik Sinner Marches Into Paris Masters Quarters, Alexander Bublik Downs Taylor Fritz

Jannik Sinner comfortably defeated Argentine world number 21 Francisco Cerundolo 7-5, 6-1 in the third round of the Paris Masters on Thursday. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik triumphed over US fourth seed Taylor Fritz in straight sets. A maiden victory in the French capital would propel Sinner to number one in the world rankings after current leader Carlos Alcaraz was unexpectedly eliminated by Cameron Norrie. The Italian, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has yet to drop a set in the tournament and aims for his fifth title of the season. “Today I felt the first set was very crucial. Francisco is a very talented player; it’s very difficult to play against him because his level is very high,” Sinner said on court. “In the second set, I raised my level, and I’m very happy to be in the quarter-finals here for the first time.” Sinner edged a close first set, which featured four consecutive breaks, by capitalizing on Cerundolo’s serve at 6-5 to take the lead. The 24-year-old then elevated his play in the second set, quickly advancing to a 5-1 lead before securing his spot in the last eight, where he will face US fifth seed Ben Shelton on Friday. Shelton defeated Russia’s Andrey Rublev 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals. This victory marked another significant moment for the 23-year-old this season, following his first 1000-level title in Toronto this summer, as he will debut at the season-ending ATP Finals. “It’s an accumulation of a year’s work, a lot of ups and downs, great results, poor results, and having to bounce back,” Shelton said regarding reaching Turin. Earlier, Bublik downed Fritz 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, setting up a last-eight match against Australian world number six Alex de Minaur. Despite his strong form in the latter half of 2025, Bublik acknowledged it would require a “miracle” for him to win his first Masters title in Paris. “Tennis is very brutal that way; if you have results, you’re playing your best tennis; if you’re not, you’re down,” the 28-year-old said. “I have three matches to go, I have to beat top ten players, maybe Jannik [Sinner] in the final, so that sounds a bit like a miracle.” Bublik’s next opponent, De Minaur, cruised past Russian 10th seed Karen Khachanov 6-2, 6-2, securing his place at next month’s ATP Finals in Turin. Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime reached the quarter-finals, coming from behind for the third time in Paris to defeat German Daniel Altmaier 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. The ninth seed is one spot outside the last ATP Finals berth, currently held by Lorenzo Musetti, who lost on Wednesday to fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego. If Auger-Aliassime reaches the final in Paris, he could surpass Musetti in the race for the eight-man showpiece in Turin. However, he must first overcome the in-form Valentin Vacherot of Monaco. The Shanghai Masters champion continued his impressive run by defeating Briton Norrie in straight sets in the opening match on centre court. Reigning champion and third seed Alexander Zverev of Germany will conclude the day’s action when he faces Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Oct 31, 2025

Technology

Luciano Spalletti Returns To Football With Juventus After Italy Flop

Luciano Spalletti returned to football on Thursday after being appointed by Juventus to replace the dismissed Igor Tudor. Juventus has tasked Spalletti, 66, with ensuring qualification for next season’s Champions League, with his contract running until June 30 next year. If successful, Spalletti will be granted more time to help restore Juventus to the top of Italian football, having been overtaken by fierce rivals Inter Milan and Napoli in recent seasons. Spalletti was the mastermind behind Napoli’s historic Serie A title in 2023 and has been one of Italy’s most influential coaches over the past two decades, exceeding expectations at Roma and Inter Milan. His triumph in Naples led Spalletti to tattoo Napoli’s crest on his arm, vowing not to manage another club in Italy after ending a 33-year wait for the Scudetto. Returning to club football on what would have been Diego Maradona’s 65th birthday, Spalletti comes off a challenging stint as Italy’s coach, a position initially seen as the pinnacle of his lengthy career. Spalletti’s tenure with Italy ended in ignominy in June, following a disastrous title defence at Euro 2024 and a heavy defeat by Norway in the opening match of the Azzurri’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Juventus also find themselves at a crossroads, seeking an identity after several tumultuous years marked by underwhelming on-field results and off-field scandals. Tudor was brought in last season to rescue Juventus after Thiago Motta was dismissed in March. Motta’s appointment was intended to usher in a new era of free-flowing, successful football following Massimiliano Allegri’s departure. Spalletti will take charge of a club that reported losses of 58 million euros last season and has been striving for stability behind the scenes since mass boardroom resignations at the end of 2022, which led to a financial scandal and a 10-point deduction the following year. Former chairman Andrea Agnelli subsequently received two significant bans from the Italian Football Federation and last month was handed a suspended 20-month prison sentence after a plea bargain. Wednesday’s 3-1 victory over Udinese marked Juventus’s first win since mid-September. The team currently sits seventh in Serie A, six points behind leaders Napoli and Roma. Spalletti’s first match will be against surprise package Cremonese, who were promoted from Serie B last season and are just one point and place behind Italy’s most successful club after nine matches.

Oct 31, 2025