It wasn’t a calculated decision for Shohisha’s owners to have her contest the Group 1 Coolmore Classic second-up, but history suggests it could pay dividends if she recreates her prior efforts.

The four-year-old mare has triumphed in three of four second-up assignments and, post a minor problem, David Payne is satisfied she is set to hit top form at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

“She had a few setbacks along the way so that held us back a little bit,” Payne said.

“She just kicked the box. Nothing serious, but once you treat them you can’t run them.

“We’re very happy with her. She is spot-on for Saturday.”

Having won four races in total, Shohisha came back firing with fourth to her Coolmore Classic (1500m) adversary Verona Rose in the Guy Walter Stakes (1500m) back on February 28.

At the weights, she receives 4kg from that mare and has barrier six, allowing a midfield beginning.

Payne’s narrowest miss in the Coolmore Classic was Gallant Tess taking third behind Typhoon Tracy in 2009, understanding that race luck will determine Shohisha’s chances.

“I think she will be competitive. We’re going in happy with her, but in racing, you always need luck in running so hopefully it goes our way,” he said.

“We have been patient with her. We haven’t pushed her. We’ve just let her mature a bit because she was a light-framed baby.”

In addition, the veteran conditioner lines up Persian Wonder in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m), aiming for it to build towards mile targets in the upcoming carnival.

“I doubt he could win that over 1200, but he will be running on strongly. They just might be a bit sharp for him,” Payne said.

“He needs racing because he will be more effective over 1600 metres in those kind of races like the Fernhill Handicap or the Champagne Stakes.”

Don’t miss the betting markets for the race at trusted betting sites for the Coolmore Classic.

India has revised the list of athletes under its flagship high-performance programme, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), adding several athletes who delivered strong performances in 2025. The updated list is expected to strengthen India’s preparations for major international competitions, including the Asian Games and the 2028 Summer Olympics qualification cycle.

The revision comes after delays caused by administrative reviews last year, when authorities detected certain anomalies in the earlier list. The updated selections aim to ensure that athletes in strong form receive timely support, training opportunities, and financial assistance.

What is the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)?

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme is a government initiative launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (India) to help elite Indian athletes prepare for the Olympic Games and other major international tournaments.

The programme focuses on athletes with strong medal prospects and provides comprehensive assistance, including:

• 
  Financial stipends
• 
  Personal coaching support
• 
  International training exposure
• 
  Sports science and medical support
• 
  Equipment and infrastructure access

Athletes placed in the TOPS Core Group receive a monthly stipend of ₹50,000, while those in the development group receive ₹25,000 per month, along with access to training and competition opportunities.

Key shooting stars added to the TOPS core group

Shooting was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the revised list. Several athletes who delivered notable performances on the international circuit in 2025 were included in the core group.

Among them is Samrat Rana, the 10m air pistol world champion, whose consistent results at top-level competitions earned him a place in the scheme.

Young shooter Suruchi Phogat was also added after impressing across multiple stages of the ISSF World Cup circuit. Another shooter, Niraj Kumar, who finished fifth at the ISSF World Shooting Championships, has also been inducted into the core group.

These inclusions highlight the government’s effort to strengthen India’s shooting contingent ahead of future global events.

Athletics and boxing performers promoted

In athletics, long-distance runner Gulveer Singh has been promoted to the core group after breaking national records in both the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres events.

In boxing, world champion Jasmine Lamboria, who competes in the 57kg category, has been upgraded from the development group to the TOPS core list following her recent international success.

Badminton and para-sports additions

In badminton, the mixed doubles pair of Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila have also been included in the core group. The duo has consistently maintained a position within the world’s top 20 rankings.

Athletes added to the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG)

Apart from the TOPS programme, the government also maintains the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG), which focuses specifically on athletes with medal potential at the Asian Games.

The TAGG list provides similar forms of support, including coaching assistance, training camps, and international exposure.

Athletes included in the updated TAGG list include:

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  Annu Rani (javelin throw)
• 
  Joshna Chinappa (squash)
• 
  D Suresh (tennis)
• 
  Anjali Jakhar (cycling)

 
ALSO READ: Asian Para Games 2023: India create history, win 111 medals in Hangzhou 
 

Notable athletes missing from the revised list

Despite the additions, some prominent athletes were surprised to find their names missing from the updated programme.

Those excluded from the revised list include:

Deepak Punia (wrestling)

H. S. Prannoy (badminton)

Shiva Narwal (shooting)

Divyansh Singh Panwar (shooting)

Their absence has generated some discussion within sporting circles, especially given their previous international performances. 

Strengthening India’s Olympic and Asian Games preparation

Following the revision, the updated programme now includes:

56 athletes in the TOPS core group

61 athletes in the para TOPS core group

130 athletes in the development group

54 athletes in the TAGG list

Officials believe the refreshed roster will improve India’s preparations for major upcoming competitions, particularly the Asian Games and the Olympic qualification events leading up to Los Angeles 2028.

A former WWE World Champion recently dropped a bombshell that he was being blocked from signing with AEW at the end of his contract in 2019. Recently, this star gave much detail on his run with the Stamford-based promotion, where at one point the company felt like he was moving to Tony Khan’s promotion.

The star in the spotlight is Nic Nemeth, fka Dolph Ziggler. The latter has been competing in TNA for the past few years following his release from WWE back in September 2023. He had an incredible run in the juggernaut of sports entertainment, where he became a fan favorite and a World Heavyweight Champion. However, Ziggler recently revealed backstage politics by WWE to stop him from joining AEW in 2019.

Speaking with Jonathan Coachman on Off The Ropes, Nemeth revealed that in 2019, when his contract was about to expire, he asked for a hefty amount from WWE, something that he believed the company would never agree on. However, without any major negotiations, the Stamford-based promotion agreed. The former WWE star said that it was clear that the company was trying to stop him from signing with All Elite Wrestling.

“My last contract was to keep me from going to AEW. That was it. It was winked at and not said, but it was completely understood. I’m like, I’m asking for this elaborate amount because I know you won’t pay me what I’m worth. I’m going to make a move and go elsewhere. They’re like, ‘Nope, we’ll do it.’ I’m like, ‘What? Okay,” said Nemeth. [H/T: Ringside News]

Check out Nemeth’s comments below:

The Jacksonville-based promotion was gaining momentum at that time, and Nemeth’s addition to its roster could have done wonders for the company. The Stamford-based promotion knew that, and that is why they couldn’t let go of the former World Champion during that time.

Former WWE star Nic Nemeth called out Conor McGregor on social media

Nic Nemeth has faced several big legends in pro-wrestling in his epic career. He has squared off with names like John Cena, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and other massive stars. But recently, a fan on X asked the former World Champion who his dream opponent is that he wants to square off with down the line.

Shockingly, Nemeth called out Conor McGregor with a challenge of his own. It was an interesting response to the dream opponent’s question for the former WWE star that managed to make a lot of buzz on social media.

Well, only time will tell if Nic Nemeth will be able to square off with the UFC superstar somewhere down the line. For now, the 45-year-old looks to focus on his work with TNA Wrestling.