India’s Sumit Nagal (PTI Photo)

Bengaluru: Injuries are an inevitable part of an athlete’s journey, often testing not just the body but the mind as well. Even after the physical recovery is complete, questions about fitness and confidence can linger. Sumit Nagal is navigating a similar phase after sustaining a minor hip tear at the ATP Challenger 75 event in Thailand last month.The injury came at an inopportune time for the India No. 1, with the Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1 tie against the Netherlands set to begin at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium here on Saturday. Following a solid rehabilitation process, the 28-year-old has gradually increased the intensity of his training, which was visible over the past three days at the Cubbon Park courts. On Thursday, the Haryana player took part in practice matches against teammate Dhakshineswar Suresh, followed by Sidharth Rawat, before wrapping up with a short doubles session.Nagal looked comfortable throughout the session, which lasted over two hours. The practice session was his way of testing his fitness levels ahead of the crucial tie against the formidable Dutch team, led by World No. 88 Jesper de Jong.“I haven’t played a match since Bangkok, so we’re trying to push in practice. Tomorrow (Friday) will be another step — try and play as many sets as possible to see how my body reacts. That’s why you play practice matches. It was a very good day for me today. Everything felt good, and I’m looking forward to playing for India,” said Nagal, whose groundstrokes brought cheer to non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal, who was at courtside.When asked if he was ready to go full throttle, Nagal added: “Yes, if I step on the court, I can’t think 80 or 90 percent. I have to go as hard as possible.”Since the injury, Nagal has spent considerable time working with physio Yash Pandey to get himself match fit for the Davis Cup challenge. Currently ranked 281 on the ATP Tour, he has been pushing himself to reach peak fitness, though the past few weeks have been mentally and physically demanding.“You take it day by day. Every morning, you don’t know if you’re going to feel sore, how you’re feeling, or how much load you can take. Those thoughts were there throughout the three weeks after the injury — even yesterday, even today. Is it going to be okay or not? The fear is always there when you’re coming back from an injury,” he said.Nagal, who began his pre-season training in the city in December, has spent most of his time on the hard courts here. Alongside Suresh, he featured in the World Tennis League and the Bengaluru Open in the last two months. The Indian ace, who achieved a career-high ATP ranking of 68 in July 2024, also backed the decision to host the tie in Bengaluru.“De Jong and Guy den Ouden are both very good clay court players. They’ve done extremely well on clay, so I think choosing Bengaluru was a good decision,” Nagal said.

India and Pakistan are schedule to play the match on February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wrote a letter to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday, urging it to reconsider its decision to boycott the India vs Pakistan fixture at the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.TimesofIndia.com is in possession of the two-page letter written by SLC, in which it reminded the PCB of Sri Lanka’s past support to Pakistan during challenging times and urged the board to reconsider its stance. The letter also highlights significant financial, logistical and reputational consequences for the co-hosts if the game does not go ahead as planned.

“We wish to place on record that Sri Lanka is highly anticipating the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, particularly in its capacity as a host venue for matches assigned to Sri Lanka. All commercial, operational, logistical and security-related arrangements in respect of these matches have already been finalised. This includes, inter alia, hospitality planning and the sale of match tickets,” the letter read.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“It is pertinent to note that ticket sales for the matches scheduled to be hosted in Sri Lanka, in particular the India versus Pakistan fixture, have already been finalised and have recorded exceptionally strong demand, with tickets being sold fast, reflecting unprecedented public interest and significant commercial expectations for Sri Lanka Cricket. Any non-participation in a scheduled marquee fixture of this nature would therefore have wide-ranging implications, including substantial financial exposure for SLC and the potential loss of anticipated tourism inflows and broader economic benefits arising from heightened international interest in the tournament.”The board pointed out that tickets for matches in Sri Lanka, especially the India–Pakistan fixture, have been sold amid exceptional demand, underscoring unprecedented public interest and significant commercial expectations.SLC cautioned that non-participation in a marquee fixture of this scale would have far-reaching consequences, exposing the board to major financial losses while also impacting tourism inflows and the broader economy.“The Government of Sri Lanka is attentive to the potential impact of a boycott, given the significant economic benefits expected from hosting these matches. Any change to the scheduled fixtures would therefore affect not only Sri Lanka Cricket but also the wider range of stakeholders involved in ensuring the successful conduct of the tournament.” Six Sri Lankan players were wounded in March 2009 when gunmen opened fire on their team bus as it was driving to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match.The incident led to international teams staying away from Pakistan for nearly a decade. That streak was broken when Sri Lanka became the first to play a Test match in Pakistan after a 10-year gap (in 2019). “In this context, we respectfully recall that Sri Lanka Cricket and the Sri Lanka National Team have, on several occasions, toured Pakistan and participated in international fixtures notwithstanding exceptionally challenging and sensitive circumstances, including serious security-related incidents. These have included, inter alia, the attack on the national team convoy, as a result of which certain Sri Lankan players and officials sustained injuries, some of whom continue to carry physical impacts from those injuries to date, while others were left with profound and lasting psychological trauma. In more recent instances, further security incidents, including bombings in the region, placed additional emotional and professional strain on team members, with some compelled to contemplate withdrawal from ongoing engagements,” SLC said in the letter.Newswire, a Sri Lankan media outlet, has reported that Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sector has already felt the impact of Pakistan’s reported decision to skip the February 15 match in Colombo, with widespread hotel booking cancellations across several Colombo-based properties.“Notwithstanding the gravity of these circumstances, Sri Lanka Cricket, in close coordination with the Government of Sri Lanka, remained steadfast in its support of Pakistan and the Pakistan Cricket Board, and continued to honour its commitments to international cricket in the broader interests of the game and international solidarity, at times when several other cricketing nations were hesitant or unwilling to tour Pakistan,” the letter read.“In light of this longstanding support and cooperation, SLC respectfully expects the same spirit of reciprocity and mutual respect to prevail, particularly where the matches in question are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, a country that has extended every assurance with regard to security, neutrality and professionalism.“In view of the foregoing, and if any decision has indeed been taken to boycott or abstain from participating in the India vs Pakistan match scheduled for February 15, 2026, we respectfully and earnestly request the PCB to reconsider such a decision. We urge you to take into account the exceptional circumstances, the enduring relationship between our two Boards and the broader interests of the game of cricket.“We humbly request that the Pakistan team participate in all scheduled matches in Sri Lanka, including the aforesaid fixture, in the true spirit of sportsmanship and without selective abstention, for the benefit of the tournament, its stakeholders and the millions of cricket fans worldwide.“We thank the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Government of Pakistan for the highest consideration given to this matter and respectfully look forward to receiving a positive response at your earliest convenience.”

On Sunday, the Pakistani government announced that its men’s cricket team will not take the field against arch-rivals India on February 15, without stating the reason behind the decision.“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on February 15 against India,” the Pakistan government said in a post on X.Also Visit: England Under-19 vs India Under-19 Final: Match Details, Teams, Date and Venue

Thursday’s NBA trade deadline came and went with no deal reached for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Milwaukee appears ready to keep the two-time MVP for now and has informed teams of its decision, sources told ESPN shortly before Thursday’s afternoon deadline. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors were reportedly among the teams that explored a potential deal for Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo expressed openness to a change of scenery months ago, either at the trade deadline or this offseason, according to an ESPN report last week.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center on Feb. 16, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Although Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 12-year career in Milwaukee and led the franchise to its first NBA title in 50 years, trade speculation has followed him for months. Until recently, the Bucks showed little willingness to engage in serious negotiations involving the 10-time All-Star, though the front office has not signaled urgency to make a move.

76ERS TRADE JARED MCCAIN, THEIR 2024 FIRST-ROUND PICK, TO THUNDER BEFORE NBA DEADLINE

Antetokounmpo appeared to address his status shortly after the trade deadline passed, writing in an Instagram post, “Legends don’t chase. They attract,” which was accompanied by an expletive-laden scene from “The Wolf of Wall Street” in which Leonardo DiCaprio’s character enthusiastically declares he is staying at his job.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on Jan. 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.    (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Antetokounmpo, his representatives and the Bucks are expected to revisit potential deals after the season. Barring a miraculous post-All-Star break turnaround, Milwaukee appears unlikely to reach the postseason. The Bucks entered Thursday at 20-29 and No. 12 sport in the Eastern Conference standings.

This fall, the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo will become eligible for a contract extension. He also has a player option for the 2027–28 season, meaning there will be significant financial implications tied to where Antetokounmpo ultimately lands.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on Jan. 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.   (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

A calf injury will keep Antetokounmpo sidelined for several weeks. The star forward appeared to suffer the injury during a recent game against the Denver Nuggets. He had a similar setback in December, which caused him to miss more than three weeks. Before that, a groin issue forced Antetokounmpo to sit out for 11 days in November.

 In 30 games this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds. 

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While Antetokounmpo stayed put at the deadline, the Bucks did make another move, picking up Ousmane Dieng as part of a three-team trade. The Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns were the other two teams involved in the deal, ESPN reported.

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Alabama center Charles Bediako is scheduled for a court hearing on Friday wherein a judge will determine whether the NCAA may enforce its eligibility rules against him. Ahead of what could be a groundbreaking determination in Circuit Court, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey signed an affidavit asking judge Daniel Pruet to deny Bediako additional eligibility.

It is a significant move from Sankey, one of the most powerful voices in college athletics, as he seeks legal help in preventing one of his conference members from rostering a former professional player.

“I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case,” Sankey said in the affidavit obtained by CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, “which are essential to the integrity of college sports, to the educational mission they serve, and to the opportunities they provide for current and future student-athletes.”

Charles Bediako returns to Alabama: Judge who is Crimson Tide booster recused from case

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Bediako, 23, went undrafted two years ago after starting on an Alabama team that earned a No. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. He had two years of eligibility remaining but declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. After signing a professional contract — including a two-way deal with the San Antonio Spurs — and appearing in multiple G League games, he is back with the Crimson Tide as a result of a temporary restraining order against the NCAA’s eligibility rules. The 7-footer has appeared in four games and made two starts for Alabama over the last two weeks, averaging 9.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest.

The temporary restraining order expires on Feb. 18, but if Bediako is granted a preliminary injunction at Friday’s hearing, he could continue to play for the Crimson Tide deeper into the regular season and perhaps into the NCAA Tournament.

Bediako’s return to college basketball rubbed many across college basketball the wrong way, including Florida coach Todd Golden, who has been among the most vocal opponents of the eligibility ruling.

Sankey argued in the affidavit that permitting former professional athletes to return to college competition creates a “competitive disadvantage and fundamental unfairness” for athletes who remain within their eligibility windows. He said it is also unfair to the programs that continue to operate within the NCAA’s framework and have not added former pros to their rosters.

Sankey noted the impact that Bediako’s return — and the extension of eligibility clocks for other athletes — has on high schoolers who seek college athletics opportunities. Since roster spots are zero-sum, for every former professional player who returns to school and for every current athlete who is granted an additional year, a high school athlete loses a chance to play in college.

That the SEC commissioner is on the record standing against eligibility extensions is especially notable because two of his conference’s most prominent quarterbacks from the 2025 college football season are also in search of an additional year. Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss and Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar both filed lawsuits against the NCAA seeking injunctions that would allow them to play in 2026 despite having already completed four years of competition.

Memphis Tigers’ Dug McDaniel against UNLV during a basketball game on Nov. 16, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.

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You never know what will happen in the days before the Olympics start, though few had ski jumpers injecting their penises with acid in a bid to improve sporting performance on their bingo card.

Tantrums at the ice skating and rows over helmets at the skeleton might have been more predictable, but sometimes you just want the reassuring sounds of curling to remind you the Games have really begun.

It’s sport’s ultimate ASMR – the echoing shouts of “hurry hard” as stones rumble across the pebbled ice, the scratching and scrubbing of brooms, followed by the hollow clank of granite on granite.

If leather on willow is the sound of summer, then close your eyes at the curling and winter is coming. However, whisper it quietly: something is brewing over at the roarin’ game.

Four years ago, it was Great Britain’s curlers who bailed the wider team out, claiming the only two medals of the Beijing Olympics – a men’s silver and a women’s gold – both secured on the final weekend.

On the early evidence of these Games, Bruce Mouat and Jen Dodds could give them a flying start in the days ahead.

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The pair admitted they were still smarting from their medal miss in the mixed event in 2022, the childhood friends from Edinburgh having thrown away a lead in the semi-finals before being soundly beaten in the bronze-medal match.

They have responded in style, with a perfect three wins from three. It hasn’t been flawless, though, as Mouat and Dodds narrowly overcame former world silver medallists Estonia’s Mari Kaldvee and Harri Lill 8-6, with an end to spare, before edging past the Czech pair Vit Chabicovsky and Julie Zelingrova.

They took an early advantage and seemed in control before conceding a fifth-end triple and needed Dodds to keep a super-steady hand to cling on for an 8-7 win. Zelingrova spurned a chance to clinch victory as the shot clock hurried her into a final-stone mistake.

It leaves Team GB joint top of the early standings alongside powerhouse Canada, who beat world champions and favourites Italy’s Amos Mosaner and Stefania Constantini in a statement of intent.

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Those two teams will clash on Saturday morning, while Mouat and Dodds’ Friday opponents in the ten-team round-robin stage are winless Korea and Sweden. Two wins there and a place in the knockouts will be odds-on.

“You have to win ugly sometimes and that was probably that game,” admitted Dodds of the Czech victory. “In mixed doubles, you’re never safe, even when you’re up three in the last end, and it was getting a bit nervy at some points.

“I’m here to support Bruce as much as possible. There are times that I don’t play well and Bruce is absolutely amazing, but this was vice versa.

“You’re a team and you’re in it together; we’ll figure out whatever Bruce needs to help step it up a little.”

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Mouat, who is favourite for gold in the men’s event after guiding Scotland to world gold last year, admitted he is still adjusting to the ice.

“It’s exactly how we wanted to start the event,” he said. “We just wanted to put a better foot forward, but three wins is exactly what we need at this point.

“We’ve got some tough games ahead and we’re going to have to perform a little better. Jen’s playing amazingly; it’s just that I need to help her a little.

“I wasn’t playing my best and I can’t blame the ice – I can only blame myself. There were some tricky spots in there; I think it’s manageable. It’s just that I’ve not figured it out yet, so I’m going to have to figure it out faster.”

TNT Sports on discovery+ will be the go-to destination in the U.K to watch everything of Milano Cortina 2026 live all in one place, with over 850 hours of action from every sport, venue, and medal event.

After the summer deadline day defined by the striker Liverpool bought and the defender they did not, the January transfer window ended with the centre-back they recruited and the right-back they did not.

The immediate problem for Arne Slot is that, while he acquired Alexander Isak, he is now injured and while Liverpool have just secured the signature of Jeremy Jacquet, he will not arrive until the summer. But Marc Guehi, who eluded Liverpool in September, will instead face them in the colours of Manchester City on Sunday. Lutsharel Geertruida, who excelled for Slot at Feyenoord, was targeted as an emergency addition, but it proved impossible to get him from RB Leipzig via Sunderland and he could be on the opposite side on Wednesday.

And so Dominik Szoboszlai, who played as a false nine against City a year ago, is likely to line up at right-back against them on Sunday. Liverpool have conducted their transfer business for the future, but not for the present. Slot may be one more defensive injury away from seeing Liverpool’s season condemned to disappointment. As he admitted, it is a task simply keeping his remaining options fit.

Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are out for the season, Jeremie Frimpong for a while yet. The injury-prone Joe Gomez may be able to be on the bench on Sunday, but he will not start. Ibrahima Konate volunteered to return early from compassionate leave after the death of his father to face Newcastle last week. Three different midfielders have operated in the back four in the last two games. Liverpool stand accused of neglecting the immediate issues and leaving Slot short-staffed.

“I’m very happy with the squad, let that be clear,” countered Slot. “But it’s all clear and obvious that we have three long-term injuries. That’s why we’ve tried to strengthen the squad in winter and the player you mentioned [Geertruida], in the end, wasn’t available. But that we’ve tried to strengthen the squad; that is clear. And that tells you that we think that it would have helped us. But it should be possible that we’re not going to sign players that are not good enough to play for this club.”

Of course, Liverpool did think Guehi was good enough. They bid £35m in the summer; yet they left their move so late that Crystal Palace pulled out when they could not get a replacement. They did not intervene when City bought the England international for £20m in January, although there was a case that their need for him was greater, with Konate enduring a distinctly mixed campaign.

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City could fund bigger wages in addition to a transfer fee. Liverpool shifted their attention to next season and the next generation. Jacquet will cost £55m, but is just 20. “A very big talent,” said Slot. Jacquet is still older than Leoni; when you include Noah Adekoya, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Liverpool are bringing in five centre-backs under 21. They are searching for Virgil van Dijk’s successor even as Slot suggested his captain could stay for “maybe even longer” than the remaining 16 months of his deal.

“This club is not stupid,” he said. “We do know somewhere in the upcoming years, there is life for this club after Virgil.” Yet life now is ever more reliant on Van Dijk. The 34-year-old has played every minute of all 32 Premier and Champions League matches this season. “What a compliment to him at his age to play every three days,” said Slot.

What a relief for Liverpool that he can. The alternative could make Slot’s job all the harder. “But it’s clear and obvious that if we have an injury crisis, even more than we already have, then that makes things even more difficult,” he said. “So we know what the situation is, but this squad is able to do better and more than we’ve done until now, in my opinion. But then they all need to stay available, and that’s going to be a hell of a challenge because we have three games in seven days coming up.”

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There is a contrast with City who, when John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were sidelined, swooped for Guehi. The England international was a long-term target for both clubs. He is also 25, experienced in the Premier League, able to slot in straight away.

Like Leoni, Jacquet will come from another country, earlier in his career, perhaps needing time to adjust. They could be the successors to Van Dijk and Konate.

For different reasons, Slot can call upon neither now. He nevertheless insisted he buys into Liverpool’s strategy. “I have always worked the same. I always want the best for the club, even if in the short term it is not ideal for me,” he said. “I knew which club I went into; this club has a model of signing talented players younger.”

In the short term, though, his life may be easier if he had Guehi and Geertruida, the defenders who Liverpool missed out on at the end of either window.

France: Ramos; Attissogbe, Depoortere, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (capt); Gros, Marchand, Aldegheri, Ollivon, Guillard, Cros, Jegou, Jelonch.

Replacements: Mauvaka, Neti, Montagne, Auradou, Meafou, Nouchi, Serin, Gourgues.

Ireland: Osborne; O’Brien, Ringrose, McCloskey, Stockdale; S Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Beirne, C Prendergast, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Crowley.