Boxers write to BFI for being kept out

NEW DELHI: Trouble seems to be brewing for Boxing Federation of India as Manju Rani and Poonam Poonia have written to the NSF for being excluded from the squad for the Women’s World Championships, starting here on March 15. Manju, who won silver at the 2019 Worlds, wrote to BFI that despite being a national champion (48kg) she was not picked and instead Nitu Ghanghas was selected. Earlier, Shiksha Narwal in the 54kg category had raised the selection issue. All three are contemplating moving court.

Meghalaya face Karnataka in final

RIYADH: Meghalaya will seek a maiden title while a resurgent Karnataka aim for their first triumph in 54 years when the two teams face off in the summit clash of the National Football Championships for the Santosh Trophy here on Saturday.

RoI in driver’s seat vs MP, extend lead

GWALIOR: Yash Dubey’s century wasn’t enough for Madhya Pradesh to stop a rampant Rest of India from extending their overall lead to 275 runs on Day 3 of the Irani Cup here on Friday. Starting the day on overnight score of 53, young Dubey made 109. MP however managed only 294 in their first innings, 190 runs less than Rest’s first innings score of 484. At stumps, Rest raced to 85/1.

Djokovic’s win streak ends with Dubai loss

DUBAI: Novak Djokovic’s 20-match win streak and perfect start to 2023 came to an end on Friday when Daniil Medvedev won their Dubai Championship semi-final in straight sets. Medvedev came through 6-4, 6-4 and will face Russian compatriot Andrey Rublev, the defending champion in Saturday’s final.

Barca beat Real in Copa semi first leg

MADRID: Eder Militao’s own goal handed a depleted Barcelona a surprise 1-0 away victory over Real Madrid in a stormy Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. The rivals will also meet in the Spanish league on March 19 in Barcelona and in the return leg of the Copa semifinals on April 5.

Vaughan denies racist comment at hearing

LONDON: Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan told a hearing into accusations of racism at Yorkshire on Friday it was “inconceivable” that he would make the comment attributed to him by ex-teammate Azeem Rafiq.*