Indian rider Kavin Quintal is all set to make a historic debut at the World SBK SSP300 competitions, becoming the first Indian rider to participate in a World Superbike Championship. “Thanks to the opportunity provided by the Irish team, ‘Team#109 ‘ and its management company, Gaman Racing Global Service, Kavin’s entry is accepted for the SSP event in the fourth round, which begins at Most, Czech Republic on Friday,” the press release by World SBK stated. The 19-year-old Chennai star, Kavin Quintal, will be filling in for the Irish team’s main rider, Spaniard Daniel Mogeda, who suffered an injury after leading the Supersport 300 class, in an unfortunate crash that paved the way for the Irish team to rope in Kavin Quintal.

Kavin Quintal said this is a great opportunity for him and he would try to learn and enjoy it at the same time.

“It is a great opportunity that I will try to learn and enjoy at the same time. I will be able to show my maximum level together with a great team that surrounds this structure. I would like to thank the team for this opportunity,” he said.

Kavin, a world-class rider, is currently competing in the European Stock Championship within the FIM JuniorGP and in the Asia Road Racing Championship. In the three rounds of JuniorGP, Kavin had a top-10 finish.

As a rider who started his baby steps at 13, he was the youngest rider to earn points in the Indian National events. He went on to win the Talent Cup twice, in 2021 and 2023 in India. Later, after Asia Talent Cup events, he soon blossomed into a mature rider, moving to Europe. He will be looking for his best results in this ‘magnificent opportunity’, as the Indian described it.

Paul Tobin, the team manager of Team 109, welcomed Kavin and praised his experience in the Asia Talent Cup.

“I would like to welcome Kavin to the team for the weekend to replace Daniel. Kavin Quintal has good experience in the Asia Talent Cup and in the Stock 600 in the FIM JuniorGP. We are very happy to have the first Indian rider into the World Championships,” he said.

The practice sessions will be on Friday, followed by a race each on Saturday and Sunday at Most, Czech Republic.

In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This decision follows the recent proposal by the IOC’s Executive Board and will be presented at the IOC Session ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The IOC has entered a 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the Olympic Esports Games. As per the official announcement, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee remarked, “The world is invited to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.”

Indian esports, already on the rise, stands to gain significantly from this development. Following a bronze medal win in DOTA 2 at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and competing in five titles at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, India’s esports scene is on track for further growth.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the groundbreaking development, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, said, “NODWIN Gaming is thrilled that esports has earned its place in the Olympics with its own standalone event, akin to the Summer, Winter, and Paralympics. This recognition allows countries to develop independent esports programs. Together with our partners in the GEF and the EWC, NODWIN Gaming is eager to build esports in our core growth markets, seizing this opportunity for hope and glory.”

The IOC launched its first esports pilot, the Olympic Virtual Series, in 2021 followed by the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June 2023. This event brought together over 130 players from around the world, competing in 10 mixed-gender categories, attracting over 500,000 unique participants and six million views, with 75% of the audience aged 13 to 34.

“The IOC’s embrace of the Olympic Esports Games honours the dedication and skill of millions of gamers worldwide. It goes beyond just competition; it elevates esports to a global platform, encouraging international collaboration and potentially ushering in a new generation of athletes. This initiative truly is a landmark moment for esports, bringing it the global recognition it has long earned. The inclusion of esports in the Olympic movement demonstrates its growing influence and cements its place in the future of sports,” commented Roby John, CEO and Co-founder at SuperGaming.

The introduction of the Olympic Esports Games is set to further enhance the credibility of esports in India, establishing it as a viable sport and career option.

“This recognition will further legitimize esports as a career option, more parents will now support their children in pursuing careers in this field, elevating the professional landscape of competitive gaming. We are proud to support the growth of esports in India, giving our players the chance to shine on this prestigious international platform,” further.

With the official announcement of the Olympic Esports Games, work will now begin on selecting the host city and venue, determining the event’s timing, selecting titles, and establishing the qualification process for players. The IOC has emphasized collaboration with International Federations already engaged in e-sports and National Olympic Committees that include esports in their activities.

While the titles for the Olympic Esports Games have not been officially announced, the potential inclusion of games across diverse platforms is expected to stimulate growth in India’s gaming industry. This could lead to a rise in PC and console gaming, diversifying India’s predominantly mobile gaming market as players aim to represent their nation at the largest international multi-sport event.

“We are absolutely elated by the announcement of the Olympic Esports Games which is being hosted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This marks a monumental step for the industry and all its stakeholders. The Indian esports sector is on an upward trajectory and this will further empower it. Esports being integrated under the banner of the pinnacle of sports events in the world will bring further legitimacy to this form of sport and encourage a new generation of esports talent to rise from the country. We’re excited and look forward to extending our support to the esports community of India so they make a mark at the global event!” said Vishal Parekh, COO, CyberPowerPC India.

Additionally, the IOC will establish a dedicated structure for the Olympic Esports Games, distinct from the traditional Olympic Games model, to address the unique aspects of esports financing and organization.

File image of ESFI director Lokesh Suji© X (Twitter)

Atiqa Mir, the 9-year-old racing sensation who is the fastest Indian girl on four-wheels, has been shortlisted for the first-ever selection process of the cult Switzerland-based all-women motorsports team Iron Dames’s new Young Talents initiative. The initiative aims to identify and develop young female kart racers between the ages of eight and 13, who dream of a career in motorsport. The date for the first selection round has been fixed for July 29-30 in Franciacorta, Italy. Atiqa is the only Asian karter and also the youngest to be shortlisted among 11 girls from all around the world.

The Iron Dames achieved historic victories and breakthroughs at the pinnacle of World Endurance Racing, including becoming the first all-female team to win a race in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2023. The Young Talents initiative will represent the next generation of female racing stars from their stables.

“I’m truly honoured to be shortlisted for the Iron Dames Young Talent selection process. It motivates me further to perform and improve my skills as a driver. I will work hard and prepare myself better than ever to come out on top in the selections and make India proud,” said Atiqa.

Atiqa was selected from a long list of applicants from all over the world who were shortlisted based on various parameters. Each entry was meticulously reviewed by the Iron Dames detection cell, which assessed the candidates based on their passion, determination, motorsport background, and the strength of their career aspirations.

The selected participants represent a diverse range of nationalities, reflecting the global reach and inclusive spirit of the Iron Dames project.

All the shortlisted candidates will be evaluated through rigorous scouting events, which include parameters like their driving skills, commitment, work ethic, and ability to reflect the Iron Dames’ values and attitude.

“Atiqa is a regular participant in our MECO FMSCI National Karting Championship — Rotax Max. We congratulate her on this achievement and wish her the very best for the selection rounds,” said V.S Shrikant, Deputy Secretary General of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India.

The evaluation will be conducted with the support of experts from the Italy-based PREMA Racing motorsport team. Exceptional talents discovered through this process will have the opportunity to join the Iron Dames family, benefiting from personalized development programmes, mentorship from seasoned motorsport professionals, and access to top-tier training facilities.

Atiqa is the reigning IAME UAE National Vice-Champion and also has multiple victories and titles to her name in different parts of the world. Atiqa recently competed in the MECO RMC Indian National Karting Championship and finished Runner-up in Round 1. Atiqa will be in India again this weekend driving for MSPORT in Round 2 at MECO Kartopia Track in Bengaluru.

–IANS

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File image of Pankaj Advani.© X (Twitter)

File image of Puja Tomar from her UFC debut.© AFP

File image of PT Usha© X (Twitter)

McLaren driver Lando Norris fought right to the end, but it was Max Verstappen who won his seventh race of the season at the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix. The gap between the two drivers were separated by only 2.2 seconds at the chequered flag, after a valiant push from the British driver, to close the gap from more than eight seconds at one point. Mercedes finished third and fourth for the second consecutive race, but this time, Lewis Hamilton grabbed his first Grand Prix podium of 2024.

At the start of the race, George Russell went from fourth to first in the first turn, with an audacious move. Crucially, Verstappen also pipped pole-sitter Norris at the start. The Dutchman would soon overtake Russell on Lap 3, a move that would allow him to manage his pace and tyres at the front.

Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished where they started, coming home in fifth and sixth. Leclerc was less than a second behind Russell at the end.

Home hero Fernando Alonso endured a race to forget, finishing pointless at a disappointing 12th place. 

Russell was ahead of Norris and Hamilton for most of the race. However, Mercedes’ decision to put hard tyres on his final stint proved to be the wrong choice, as he slipped down the podium places.

Sainz also spent most of the race ahead of Leclerc, having overtaken him in Lap 2. However, he also fell victim to the hard tyres.

Oscar Piastri recovered from his worst qualifying of 2024 to finish seventh, while Sergio Perez got eighth. 

And it was a bright day for French constructors Alpine, as both Pierre Gasly (P9) and Esteban Ocon (P10) finished in the points. 

Verstappen continues to lead the championship standings, now going 70 points in front of everyone. Norris, however, has leapfrogged Leclerc to second.

The F1 circus next heads to Austria, for the Austrian GP, on June 30.

World Athletics and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (LA28) announced a historic shift in the competition schedule. In an unprecedented move, athletics will now take place during the first week of the Olympic Games at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum, which will make history as the first stadium to host events at three Olympic Games. This change, aimed at optimising the venue master plan, promises to elevate the Olympic experience for athletes and viewers alike, as the world’s greatest track and field athletes give the Games their most electrifying start in history.

“We are excited to support this visionary timetable change for LA28,” said Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics. “This change underscores our commitment to innovation in athletics and elevating the global profile of our athletes. By prioritising athletics in the first week, the Games will witness the most thrilling of starts, captivating audiences worldwide and setting the stage for an unforgettable Olympic journey for global audiences.”

World Athletics and LA28 are confident that this schedule adjustment, which sees swimming events move to the second week, will unlock unparalleled opportunities for athletics in pre-Games promotion and Games-time viewership. The first-week scheduling positions athletics at the forefront of the Games, ensuring a strong start and sustained excitement throughout the event.

The historic marathon events will remain over the last weekend, with medals presented during the closing ceremony – a tradition that befits an event that has been part of the programme since the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

The swap allows athletics, for the first time in memory, to benefit from the high level of interest and excitement provided by the opening ceremony. And not just any opening ceremony, but one crafted in the storytelling and creative capital of the world in Los Angeles.

“Over the past months, LA28 has worked closely with World Athletics, World Aquatics, the IOC, and OBS to assess the opportunities around this competition schedule swap,” said Janet Evans, Chief Athlete Officer of LA28.

“We believe the positive effects of this change will extend beyond the two sports involved, strengthening the LA28 Games as a whole and ultimately benefiting all sports in the LA28 sport programme.”

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be held from 14-30 July 2028, featuring over 10,000 athletes from more than 200 nations competing in 35 sports currently in the LA28 sport programme. This marks the third time Los Angeles will host the Olympics, following the 1932 and 1984 Games.

Veteran sports journalist Harpal Singh Bedi, who covered several highs and lows of Indian sports in a career spanning over four decades, served as the national Olympic contingent’s press attache in 2012 and charmed the media box with his inimitable wit and warmth, died after prolonged illness here on Saturday. He was 72 and is survived by his wife Revathi and daughter Pallavi. The former sports editor of the United News of India (UNI) was among the tallest figures in Indian sports journalism and was working as a consulting editor of the Statesman newspaper for the last couple of years.

His awe-inspiring work experience included on-ground coverage of eight Olympic Games, “hard to count” Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, World Cups of cricket and hockey, and world and national championships of athletics and other major Olympic sports.

Not to be forgotten was his ability to be a mentor to young journalists in the press box. He could make nervous newbies comfortable with his trademark humour.

“Harpal Singh Bedi was a quintessential newsman, loved and respected…,” said veteran journalist and sports administrator G Rajaraman as he paid tributes to his former colleague.

“His finger was on the pulse of Indian sport and sports administration,” Rajaraman, who will be India’s press attache at the upcoming Paris Olympics, told PTI.

A close friend of Bishan Singh Bedi, he was also often mistaken for the late Indian spin great.

“We are close friends you know, I am BSB, he is HSB. We go back a long way,” the former India captain, who died in 2023 after battling multiple health problems, had told this correspondent once.

An alumnus of the prestigious Jawahar Lal Nehru University, where he did his Masters and M. Phil from the School of International Studies, Bedi was considered a father figure in sports journalism by his colleagues.

He was witness to the change and growth in the country’s sporting landscape from the time P T Usha attained worldwide fame with her fourth place finish in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics to the epoch-making gold medal that Abhinav Bindra won in the 2008 Beijing Games.

Bedi’s fame also transcended borders and he became a popular figure with Pakistani journalists when he toured the country with the Indian cricket teams in 2004 and 2005. He quite literally became a story for the local journalists for his jovial personality.

“His understanding of the Indo-Pak relationship was at par with the best foreign affairs experts,” Rajaram recalled.

Senior Pakistani sports journalist Rasheed Shakoor was among those who befriended Bedi during these tours.

“Unke paas khabron ke saath saath lateefon ka bhi khazana hota tha (He was a treasure trove of both news and jokes),” Shakoor told PTI.

“His was such a jolly personality. It was so easy to become his friend. I once wrote a piece about how he was mistaken for Bishan Singh Bedi and was interviewed by a TV channel.

“I called him for a comment and I remember he laughed so much and made fun of me for writing about it. Bohot hi pyaare insaan, jo respect dete the, aur badle mein unhe bohot respect milti thi (He was a lovely human being. He gave respect to others and also earned a lot of respect).” The only recorded instances of Bedi not being his jovial self in the press box were the times when the Indian hockey team performed poorly.

A passionate follower of the sport, Bedi could be seen muttering under his breath in frustration while furiously typing his reports much to the amusement of his colleagues.

“The only journalist I knew who could laugh at himself. The press box will not be the same without him,” said Vijay Lokapally, the former senior editor of ‘The Hindu’.

However, Bedi’s health had deteriorated in the past one year and he mostly kept to himself.

“Harpal Singh Bedi ji, the most cheerful among sports journalists, is no longer among us. Rest in peace,” 2008 Olympic bronze-winning boxer Vijender Singh posted on his social media page, offering his tributes.