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BBC Sport quiz: Who am I? Guess The Hundred star cricketer No 18
Welcome to a special cricket edition of our Who am I? game.
The rules are simple. For each day of The Hundred there’s a cricketer, taking part in this year’s tournament, who we want you to identify in as few attempts as possible.
After each wrong guess you unlock a new clue. The sooner you guess the answer, the more points you score.
Three is a good score, four or five points is exceptional.
Take part and return for more tomorrow.
Today’s player and clues set by BBC Sport’s Marc Higginson.
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The absence of power steering has long been a quirk that separates driving in IndyCar from other racing series. IndyCar is the only major racing series that doesn’t have power steering, adding a level of physicality to the turns that drivers complete at high speeds.
The series itself markets not having power steering, with actor Tanner Buchanan saying, “Have you ever driven a car with no power steering? Probably not, because it’s too damn hard,” while narrating a preseason promo that has aired throughout the year.
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But with IndyCar unveiling the Dallara IR28 car in July, it came with the news that unique characteristic of driving an Indy car could change. IndyCar VP of competition and race engineering Mike O’Gara said the new chassis is “future-proof” for several additions the series may make down the line, including power steering – which O’Gara referred to as “power assist.”
IndyCar’s first set of tests for the car, including the validation tests done by Alexander Rossi and Alex Palou, won’t feature power steering. But the series plans to test the system at some point before deciding whether it should debut with the new car in 2028.
“I think we need to test it at a few different places to see if it’s needed and where it’s needed,” O’Gara said. “Is it a road course only thing? Do we require it everywhere or only certain track types? So that’s gonna come with track testing as we run.”
Why IndyCar could introduce power steering
The most obvious upside to adding power steering is the limit to hand injuries in the series. Mick Schumacher (left wrist), Rossi (left middle finger) and Romain Grosjean (right hand) are drivers who are known to have broken bones while driving this year alone. The toll of steering without any assist makes these injuries a common occurrence in IndyCar.
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“From a safety aspect, I’ve broken bones in my hand a number of times over my career from wheel-to-wheel contact,” Will Power told IndyStar. “I think it would help that.”
The force of the steering wheel in the current car, the DW12, leads to injuries in the cockpit. Power – who lobbied for adding power steering in a preseason driver meeting – even mentioned that his Andretti Global teammate Kyle Kirkwood utilizes a slower steering ratio at tight street and road courses, which has led to Kirkwood having wrist issues.
“I think the power steering would be nice in terms of safety,” Felix Rosenqvist said. “We’ve had a lot of people breaking hands, fingers, wrists. I’ve been one of those, probably had two or three hand injuries in my career, which some of them are still there with me today. If you can avoid that, I think it would be nice.”
Palou is against adding power steering, but the four-time champion understands the safety reasons why the series may add some sort of assist to the steering wheel.
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“I think it’s a little bit dependent on the driver having hand issues, like having injuries when they crash,” Palou said after his first test of the IR28. “If it wasn’t because of that, I wouldn’t even consider it. I just like the feel of the raw Indy car, no power steering, having to work a lot for it and having to fight quite a lot with the car. Honestly, I would stay like this, but I understand that we might go a different direction.”
If IndyCar decides to move forward with its version of power steering, it’s expected to reshape the racing and what it means to be an IndyCar driver.
How power steering would change racing
Most motorsports series require drivers to have elite stamina and endurance due to the length of races. But IndyCar drivers have also become known for their upper body strength because of what it takes to turn the steering wheel. Drivers who enter IndyCar in their teens or early 20s gain substantial muscle mass as they become veterans in the series.
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“I’ve always been against (power steering) because primarily, I was always just a purist,” Graham Rahal told IndyStar. “And for me, I always felt like IndyCar was the raw form of motorsport. There was no driver aid, there was none of that stuff. It was sort of man and machine.”
Adding power steering would alter how drivers train to be in IndyCar and which drivers are physically capable of doing it. Palou appreciates that he and others have had to bulk up to make it to IndyCar and become great.
“If you look at a lot of upper bodies of drivers, you can see that the shoulders and arms are bigger than other series,” Palou said. “I think it actually looks cool, so hopefully we can keep it this way.”
If IndyCar does add power steering, O’Gara said it won’t be a hydraulic power steering system like what’s used in Formula One, but it’ll resemble the electric power steering used in sportscar championships like IMSA and WEC. Electric power steering tends to be lighter than hydraulic, although hydraulic typically has stronger feedback to bumps and other handling issues.
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The system would also be something that can be tuned up or down depending on driver preference. After workshopping how much they do or don’t like the power steering system, drivers and teams would be allowed to individualize their steering setup.
“I don’t think any of this is final, but you will have the ability to turn it off,” said Rossi, who seemed rather indifferent on the idea of adding power steering. “So it can be driver preference. If at a certain track, it’s super heavy, when you get 40 laps into a race or the last stint or whatever, you can have the aids. But on the (IMS) oval here, you might not want any at all; you can have it off. So it’s something that’ll be driver adjustable, team adjustable, and it can be really user dependent.”
Power thinks the addition of power steering would lead to faster racing, and IndyCar has emphasized breaking track records as a goal for the IR28. The two-time IndyCar champion thinks using less force would make getting around tracks easier on a lap-by-lap basis, and he wants to see IndyCar give it a try as it continues to test the IR28 over the next year and a half.
“You would be able to run a much faster steering ratio, which makes the car feel more nimble,” Power said. “Your corrections are quicker. They’re all things you just have to try. … You just need to put it on the car, test it, try it.”
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As O’Gara mentioned, the power assist system could only be activated at certain tracks or track types, and not something that exists for every race. While many drivers seemed alright with IndyCar potentially adding the system for only certain courses, Rahal thinks power steering should either exist everywhere IndyCar goes or not at all.
“I think it’s too complicated,” Rahal said of altering power steering guidelines depending on tracks or track types. “I could be wrong, but I feel like that complicates things a lot. So I’m not so sure that that would work, that’s all I would say. I would think it’s better to just keep it consistent across the board.”
There are several gains and drawbacks to including power steering in the IR28, and IndyCar must spend its time leading up to 2028 making the right decision for safety and the overall racing product. As far as drivers go, there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on whether the series needs power steering. Some feel it would take away from a crucial aspect of IndyCar racing, but others are campaigning for it to be introduced in 2028.
“You can say it’s the heaviest thing in the world, I don’t think anybody watching the races on TV would agree with you,” Rosenqvist said of IndyCar’s current marketing of the series not having power steering. “They probably think they could go right in and turn the wheel themselves. How much is it worth having that physicality for how much you’re paying with it in terms of injuries and also some drivers actually not being able to drive the car physically?”
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Depending on whether and how IndyCar decides to implement the system, power steering could fundamentally change IndyCar racing both on track and by the physical requirements it takes to join the series.
Zion Brown is IndyStar’s motorsports reporter. Follow him at@z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar’s motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to theYouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Should IndyCar add power steering to its new car? What veteran drivers think
Carl Froch has refused to wear the crown as Britain’s all-time greatest fighter, believing that one of his fellow countrymen crafted a more revered legacy.
Many would agree that Froch, while a Hall of Famer, is not in the conversation for UK supremacy across all weight classes.
Instead, the two legends that most frequently get mentioned are Joe Calzaghe and Lennox Lewis, who defeated every fighter they faced in a professional ring.
Before retiring with a record of 46-0 in 2008, Calzaghe had made the most consecutive world title defences (21) of any super-middleweight in history.
Among those he defeated at 168lbs were Mikkel Kessler, who was unbeaten at the time, and Jeff Lacy, a knockout artist who was thought to be one of American boxing’s next breakout stars.
Calzaghe then moved up to 175lbs and outpointed a still-serviceable version of Bernard Hopkins, before doing the same against a more faded Roy Jones Jr.
Arguably the greatest achievement for Lewis, meanwhile, came when he dethroned Evander Holyfield for the undisputed heavyweight crown in 1999.
Either side of that fight, ‘The Lion’ suffered shock defeats to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman, before ultimately ending his career with stoppage victories over both men.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Froch admitted that Lewis remains the greatest British fighter of all time.
“I can’t take Lennox Lewis’ crown. [Calzaghe makes it] very, very tight, even closer than [between] Lewis and myself, but I’ll still give that one to Lennox Lewis.”
While Froch defeated the likes of Kessler, Lucian Bute and Jermain Taylor in impressive fashion, there is no victory that compares with Lewis’ over Holyfield.
A long-awaited clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is nearing an announcement, but according to reports, it will now most likely take place in the United States. WBC cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has had his say on the choice of location.
Talk of a fight between Fury and Joshua had got the domestic juices flowing throughout 2026, with Brits keen to see two of their most accomplished heavyweights collide in what could well be a career finale for both men.
The initial assumption that the event would take place at the 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium appears to have been incorrect, with reports that the bill will be staged in the USA angering some UK fight fans.
Still, it seems as though their meeting will finally happen. However, Bellew empathised with the fans, admitting that he cannot understand the reasoning behind the decision to stage the show stateside, as he explained on the Fight Your Corner podcast.
“I would understand if it was going to Saudi, because they’re paying for the fight. What I don’t like and what I don’t understand is why it’s going to the US. Why take a British fight and put it in America? Because no one cares in America.
“I know I went a bit far when I said that ‘American boxing has been dead since Evander Holyfield,’ but I was talking about the heavyweight division. The American boxing public don’t care about Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. So, why should the fight go there?”
At present, it appears that New York’s Madison Square Garden is the frontrunner as the potential venue.
Real Madrid has reached a deal with Leipzig for the transfer of young Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande.
The Spanish powerhouse said Thursday that the 19-year-old forward will be linked to the club for the next seven seasons.
Diomande had an outstanding World Cup, and some Premier League teams were reportedly interested in signing him. Leipzig had been saying he was not for sale.
Ivory Coast was eliminated by Norway in the World Cup round of 32.
Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer said Diomande “impressed us with his carefree attitude, willingness to learn, and courage from day one.”
“He quickly established himself at the highest level with us, showcasing his speed, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring threat.”
He said the club was proud that Diomande’s performances “garnered significant international attention.”
Paris Saint-Germain also was reportedly interested in signing the young forward.
It was not yet clear if Diomande would initially be registered with Madrid’s B squad.
Madrid’s main team has been revamped since a disappointing end to last season. The new signings who will be coached by Jose Mourinho include playmaker Bernardo Silva, center back Ibrahima Konate, right back Denzel Dumfries and left back Marc Cucurella.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First Published: Aug 07 2026 | 11:53 AM IST
Jul 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski (50) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images It’s make-or-break time for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they return home on Friday to open a three-game series against the New York Mets.
The Pirates bolstered their bullpen at the trade deadline in the hopes of making a playoff push, but they lost their third consecutive game on Thursday and dropped to three games under .500 for the first time this season.
The Mets, mired in last place in the National League East and already looking toward the future, will turn to rookie left-hander Zac Thornton (2-2, 2.88 ERA) for his seventh career start, his first against the Pirates.
New York’s fifth-round pick in 2023, Thornton will oppose right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski (6-3, 3.15 ERA), who returns to Pittsburgh’s rotation for the first time since May 25. Mlodzinski will fill in for veteran Mitch Keller, who was placed on the 60-day injured list this week due to a season-ending shoulder injury.
The Pirates have lost eight of their past 10 games and are behind five teams in the chase for the National League’s final wild-card spot.
Pittsburgh traded for relievers Camilo Doval, Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates and Lake Bachar ahead of the Monday deadline, and a 4-3 win at Milwaukee that night appeared to energize the clubhouse.
However, three consecutive losses to the Brewers followed. Pittsburgh likely needs an extended winning streak to reach the postseason, but the Pirates haven’t won more than five in a row this season (March 31-April 5).
“There are gonna be weeks where we’re gonna find ourselves in the situation we are now … but next week we could win all six between the next two series and find ourselves in a wild-card spot,” Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe said. “It’s gonna be a grind, and we’re gonna have to play our best baseball up until the final game. Wipe what happened here and get ready for New York.” Mlodzinski made his first start of this season and only career start against the Mets on March 29, and he did not factor in the decision after allowing two runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out eight and did not issue a walk.
As a reliever the past two-plus months, Mlodzinski made 14 appearances, going 2-0 with a 2.29 ERA, two saves, 30 strikeouts and 11 walks over 39 1/3 innings.
The Mets took two of three against the visiting Pirates to open the season and are coming off their third sweep of 2026, having taken three in a row at Cleveland. With a win on Friday, they would match their longest winning streaks of the year, four-game runs from April 3-7 and May 27-31.
The recent surge was a welcome sight for veterans such as Bo Bichette, who believe the club can build off such success in the second half as it evaluates new players. “The way I look at it is, I think there’s no doubt this team is going to be better next year,” Bichette said. “I really believe that. There’s still a lot of talent in this room, a lot of young talent that’s really hungry, combined with guys that have been around who have done a lot of great things in this game. And then on top of that, typically when you have a season like this, people show up a little bit more motivated. So I think that this group is going to be well-prepared to be better next year.”
Thornton will try to regroup after lasting 4 2/3 innings in a 6-2 home loss to the Miami Marlins on Saturday. He allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits, including a home run, and three walks while striking out two.
–Field Level Media
Kirk Cousins used to say that the letters in NFL actually stand for “Not for Long.” The idea, of course, is that job security is in short supply in the ultra competitive football league.
The Vikings owner appears to be saying something similar.
While chatting with the media a couple of days ago, Mark Wilf got asked some direct questions about the level of belief in the team’s leadership. Overwhelmingly, Wilf indicated that the team’s ownership group — it’s a family run gig — has belief in where things are going. GM Nolan Teasley still has that new car small, so it’s easy to feel good about him; better yet, the new leader for the front office is meshing well with Coach O’Connell. Eventually, though, there’s going to need to be real success.
Vikings Owner Mark Wilf Knows KOC Needs to Produce
The saying is that coaches are hired to be fired. Eventually, the majority of coaches get to the same fate. O’Connell knew that when he signed up for the job.
“Ultimately, it’s about not just playoff wins,” Wilf explained, “but championships. And that is the ultimate measure, we know that. We try to be patient as an ownership, and that we know is the ultimate success, but of course patience isn’t infinite. We understand that but I feel really good about the direction of this football club.”
Alright, digest those words for a moment.
Mark Wilf did not say that O’Connell is on the hot seat. In fact, the overwhelming sense one gets from listening to the presser is that he’s enthusiastic about where the team is moving. Wilf could be bluffing, doing an impression of a politician by offering empty words as so many in the NFL have in the past. I tend to trust what he’s saying, though.
Still, O’Connell has made his mistakes.
Most notably, the skipper has gone 0-2 in the playoffs. On at least one occasion, the Vikings lost to an inferior team. The New York Giants took down the Vikings following the 2022 season largely due to an unbalanced offense that got eviscerated at the line of scrimmage. Did the team not understand that Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams happen to do okay at playing football?
Plus, the defense couldn’t corral Daniel Jones alongside Saquon Barkley. Much of the blame got shifted to Ed Donatell (fair). Don’t forget who hired Donatell, though.
Otherwise, there have been issues with establishing a respectable ground game. The o-line has improved since the Mike Zimmer days but has reached a plateau (though that could change with Keith Carter leading the front five). And then there has been the failure to develop J.J. McCarthy.
It wasn’t long ago, folks, that O’Connell publicly declared that Minnesota had drafted its franchise passer. Similarly of note is the coach’s proclamation that franchises fail quarterbacks before quarterbacks fail franchises.
McCarthy is now battling Kyler Murray to remain as the QB1; most appear to believe that Murray is a shoo-in.
Goodness, some even insist that Minnesota is sorting through an elaborate game of pigskin tomfoolery that has a hearty helping hogwash. Essentially, the coaches are saying it’s a competition but actually know that Murray is going to get the top spot. That’s not true, of course, but the sentiment does capture how lopsided the odds are in the passer battle.
Kevin O’Connell is going into his fifth season as the Vikings’ head coach. He does so with a pair of playoff appearances, an NFC North victory, and a Coach of the Year Award. He has done wonderfully when hiring Brian Flores and Matt Daniels. So, too, does he do well in front of the media as a spokesperson for the franchise who is keen to praise the Vikings owners, fans, and community.
As Mark Wilf suggested, though, there is a time when patience runs out from within the cutthroat NFL. Avoiding that fate means winning.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
There’s a host of good reasons why walking during your round of golf beats riding in a cart.
First, it’s a far more social experience. Walking brings continued conversation with all members of your group, not just the person with whom you’re sharing a cart.
Everyone knows about the health benefits of walking. You’re sure to hit your 10,000 steps per day goal over the course of your round. It’s also definitively the best way to take in a golf course. Whether you care about architecture, nature, or just scoring the best you can, you’ll learn the most about the course by using your feet.
But the single best part about walking over riding? Skipping the dreaded cart fee that’s been emptying your wallet.
At my local course, Lochmere Golf Club in North Carolina, tee times and cart fees are both $40. When walking, it’s the best deal I’ve found in golf. The course is in great shape for that price, and it’s got some fun holes. But to pay $80 for the same course is just … less exciting.
So naturally, with all that money you’re saving by walking, you should invest in saving your back and shoulders, too. Push carts are the best of both worlds, taking the bag off your body and putting it on wheels.
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The Speed Cart X from Sun Mountain is the best one I’ve used yet. It’s a high performance push cart from a high-quality brand.
After several months of use, mine is still in great shape. It rolls well over smooth or bumpy terrain, handling elevation change without issue. As easy as it is to unfold it and put my bag on, it’s just as quick to pack it back up again to store in the car.
I really prefer the hand-activated parking brake over the design of most other push carts, where you’re negotiating a small brake pad with your feet. Sun Mountain push carts also have the strongest breaks I’ve seen, so if I’m hitting a shot from the top of a hill, I have full confidence it’ll stay where I leave it.
But the little details are really where Sun Mountain’s new model stands out. There’s more storage compared to its original model, the V1R. The Speed Cart X has an adjustable umbrella holder, strong cup holder big enough for a wide water bottle, and a magnetic mount that I’ve used for speakers, divot tools and ball markers.
It looks sleek, it’s a breeze to use, and helps me bring everything I need out to the course. It’s really like having all the convenience of a golf cart, combined with the additional enjoyment and exercise of walking.
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Shubman Gill suffers finger injury, KL Rahul leads India on Day 1 of warm-up game vs SLC XI | Cricket News
India Test captain Shubman Gill was rested on the opening day of India’s warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo after sustaining an impact injury to his right ring finger during training on Thursday.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the decision was purely precautionary, with the medical team closely monitoring Gill’s recovery ahead of the two-Test series.“Captain Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right ring finger during India’s practice on Thursday. As a precautionary measure, he will not take the field on Day 1 of the warm-up game against SLC XI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress. KL Rahul will lead the team in Gill’s absence ,” the board wrote on X.
Sri Lanka XI elect to bat
Sri Lanka XI won the toss and opted to bat first in Colombo, giving India’s bowlers an opportunity to acclimatise to local conditions before the Test series.Sri Lanka : Nishan Madushka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha (c), Anjala Bandara (wk), Nipun Dhananjaya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asanka Manoj, Isitha Wijesundera, Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Keshara Nuwantha, Ravindu Rasantha.India: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar.
Crucial preparation ahead of Test series
The warm-up fixture is India’s only red-ball outing before the opening Test, making every session valuable. Head coach Gautam Gambhir urged the squad to maximise the preparation despite the uncertainty surrounding the weather.“We know what is in front of us. We can do volume, we can push our limits, we can tick all the boxes and come the 15th morning, whether we are batting first or bowling first, we will be absolutely ready with every answer to every question thrown at us,” Gambhir told the players.“So make sure to tick all the boxes from now on.”
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday decided to field two separate teams for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup beginning late September and for the international friendly against Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata, a move opposed by former captain Bhaichung Bhutia.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup, to be held during the international friendly window of September 21 to October 6, was introduced by the global governing body to elevate football in Southeast Asia by providing high-quality, competitive international matches. India, China and Hong Kong were invited for the tournament. China, however, declined the offer.
India have been drawn into Group A of Division 1, or the Premier Division, for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. The Blue Tigers will face Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in the group stage.
But the FIFA-sanctioned tournament’s dates clashed with the friendly match against Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata.
“One of the principal decisions taken during the meeting was to confirm India’s participation in both — the men’s international friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil, scheduled to be played in Kolkata on October 3, 2026, and the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3, 2026,” the AIFF said in a release after its executive committee meeting.
“The Executive Committee recognised the match against Brazil, to be played during the FIFA International Match Window, as a unique opportunity to provide Indian players with invaluable exposure against one of the world’s strongest footballing nations.
“Accordingly, the AIFF will formally notify FIFA that India will participate in both competitions by fielding separate squads for the match against Brazil and the FIFA ASEAN Cup.”
Bhutia, who attended Thursday’s AIFF Executive Committee meeting, objected to the proposal and said India must field the best team at the FIFA ASEAN Cup, saying it will be a very good chance to play against some of the Asian nations which are on par or at a little bit above India, and a rung below the continental heavyweights.
“I objected to the proposal. I said the first preference should be the FIFA ASEAN Cup. We should be part of that and play at that level. There will be very good level of competition against the likes of Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore. And then you will also get participation money and prize money if you go deep in the tournament.
“I am not against the Brazil match, to be watched by nearly one lakh people. But the timing is not right at all. We can always play against Brazil in future. We should have focussed on the FIFA ASEAN Cup and thought of sending the best team there.”
‘AIFF plans to pay advance money to Brazil for friendly match’
According to Bhutia, the AIFF plans to pay an advance amount to Brazil, which may run into crores of rupees, for playing the international friendly against India. The AIFF said the advance amount can be reimbursed through sponsors for the match.
“I asked is the federation bearing any money (for the Brazil match). They said no, the AIFF is not bearing any money. But the AIFF is paying the advance money to Brazil, and later on that amount can be reimbursed through sponsors/private parties.
“I asked how can the AIFF take such a risk? Imagine if the private party cannot generate that kind of revenue, what will happen.”
The legendary striker said Indian football is currently faced with far more pressing issues and the AIFF should try to address them first.
“Right now, clubs are struggling to get sponsors. Jamshedpur FC has withdrawn from ISL. At the moment, Indian football is in disarray.
“And the worst thing is, the budget they presented from the last season has a deficit of Rs 14 crores. So when you are minus 14 crores rupees, what are you trying to do?”
Bibiano Fernandes appointed India men’s U-15 head coach
On the recommendation of the AIFF Technical Committee, the Executive Committee approved the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as the head coach of the India U-15 men’s national team, subject to his acceptance.
He will take charge of the team in the inaugural edition of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan.
Founder-Director of Minerva Academy, Ranjit Bajaj, was approved as the team manager.
In an earlier social media post, Bajaj had volunteered that he be appointed “in-charge” of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival team but on the condition that he would appoint his own coaching staff.
All 211 FIFA member associations, including India, have received direct entry to participate in the inaugural tournament which will be played in an 8vs8 format on smaller, customized pitches with 20 minutes in each half. Each country can register 14 players, which can include up to two goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, the Competition Committee’s proposal for a revamped three-tier format for the Santosh Trophy and the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy was not approved by the Executive Committee, citing concerns over competitive opportunities and player development.
“The Competitions Committee has been requested to revisit the proposed format and submit a revised proposal for consideration by the Executive Committee for implementation in future seasons.”
The Executive Committee also approved AIFF’s budget for 2026-27. It also asked the state associations whose elections are due during the current year to adopt the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the Rules made thereunder no later than October 20.
Race fitness is anticipated to be the primary advantage Midnight Dynamite carries into his Missile Stakes confrontation with the more highly rated sprinters Angel Capital and Napoleonic, although this edge will be somewhat offset by a reduction in distance.
Having been among the standout performers of the Sydney winter racing season, Midnight Dynamite secured Listed victories in the Civic Stakes (1400m) and the Winter Challenge (1500m), while also achieving a black-type placing in between these events.
Trainer Bjorn Baker made the decision to keep him in work, considering the option of stretching him to a mile in Friday’s Coffs Harbour Cup, or alternatively, freshening him for the Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m), ultimately settling on the latter.
“We toyed with the idea of running him over a bit further in the Coffs Cup, but just timing-wise and with him being deep into a ‘prep’, we’d rather freshen him and bring him back to the 1200 than go up in trip,” Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton, said.
“He’s in great order. The gate is a big advantage now. He can settle in the first half of a field and if he’s sharp enough, I don’t think they’re going to run past him on fitness.”
With the exception of Way To The Stars, who is making his second appearance of the season, Midnight Dynamite’s remaining competitors are all resuming from a spell.
The five-year-old gelding has an undefeated record over the 1200m at Randwick, having won his sole start over the course and distance. Hilton confirmed that the horse is in excellent condition and mentally sharp heading into Saturday’s race.
“He’s in a great frame of mind after his last win. We backed right off him for a week, and we’ve built him back up slowly. He looks fantastic,” he reported.
“His work on Tuesday was probably as sharp as I’ve seen him this preparation.
“It’s hard to go to a race like that confident, but I’m confident the horse is as good as he can be.”
Midnight Dynamite, currently at $9, leads a team of five runners for Baker. Amazing Eagle ($4) is considered the stable’s premier chance for victory in the Ranvet Handicap (1000m).
This five-year-old gelding, who was the victor of the 2024 Brian Crowley Stakes (1100m), was purchased as a tried horse by syndicators Darby Racing – a similar acquisition to Midnight Dynamite – and will be aiming to secure his first win for his new ownership group.
Stardeel ($21) is the most unfancied of Baker’s runners, having performed below expectations in two starts since his impressive first-up win at Rosehill in May.
Hilton noted that the horse had valid excuses for his subsequent run but ultimately underperformed last time, leading them to adopt a slightly different strategy to encourage a return to his best form.
“We rode him back last start and thought he had a good run in the race, but he didn’t really finish it off. He’s better than that. We’ve seen it,” Hilton stated.
“We’ve tried to space his runs a touch more into this race and give him three weeks. Hopefully it might spark something.
“He’s got a good gate where he’ll have no excuses and do no work, so he’s really got to step up to the mark because he has been a head scratcher.”
Consider placing a bet on the Missile Stakes at your preferred online bookmakers.
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