NEW DELHI: Vinesh Phogat has complied with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) mandatory six-month notice requirement for athletes returning from retirement, sources close to the wrestler have claimed, even as fresh controversies continue to cloud her comeback to competitive wrestling.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Vinesh, who reversed her retirement decision in Dec 2025, is set to compete in the senior open ranking series in Gonda from May 10-12 in the 57kg category. However, her return has been mired in disputes involving registration issues on portal, a whereabouts failure in out-of-competition testing, and questions over her eligibility under WADA regulations.
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The latest hurdle concerns Article 5.6.1 of WADA’s anti-doping code, which requires athletes in a Registered Testing Pool (RTP) to provide six months’ written notice to both the international federation and national anti-doping agency before resuming competition after retirement.The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has sought clarification from United World Wrestling over whether Vinesh fulfilled the rule before announcing her comeback.“If she is eligible only then she can compete otherwise not. If Vinesh had sought an exemption, we would have been notified by the authorities,” WFI president Sanjay Singh said.However, sources close to the wrestler told TOI that Vinesh had formally informed both WADA and UWW in June 2025 about her intention to return later in the year and had submitted the required Form 1 under Article 5.6.1.“If that wasn’t the case, how did the anti-doping team from ITA, on the instructions of UWW, come for Vinesh’s sample collection in Bengaluru in Dec 2025?” the source asked. “The dope test happened six months after she adhered to WADA’s six-month notice rule in June 2025.”However, despite clearing the eligibility hurdle, Vinesh’s hopes of representing India at the upcoming Asian Games remain bleak. Under WFI’s selection policy, only medallists from the 2025 Senior Nationals, 2026 Federation Cup and 2026 Under-20 Nationals can compete in the Asiad trials later this month, effectively shutting the door on Vinesh regardless of her performance in Gonda.
The Minnesota Vikings pounced on Kyler Murray’s free agency in March, and two months later, the NFL world believes he’ll take part in the league’s hottest quarterback competition this summer — a duel with J.J. McCarthy.
Minnesota’s QB room could become the league’s loudest training camp storyline.
That’s the word from SI.com this week, claiming Murray v. McCarthy will be must-see television.
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Murray and McCarthy Set Up a Fascinating Summer Showdown
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy scrambles with the football during first-half action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. On Sep. 8, 2025, McCarthy continued displaying athleticism and pocket mobility for Minnesota’s offense while operating as the franchise’s young starting quarterback in an important NFC North divisional matchup on the road. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.
SI.com: There’s No Bigger Roster Battle than Vikings QB1
Eva Geitheim stepped up to the plate this week, sizing up the top questions for the NFL after the draft, and the Vikings’ quarterback situation made the cut.
She explained, “Who will start for the Vikings come Week 1? There will be several quarterback competitions across the league this offseason, but none will be bigger than that between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings could be a playoff contender with competent quarterback play, a key reason they brought Murray to Minnesota.”
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“The competition could certainly go in Murray’s favor, as both coach Kevin O’Connell and receiver Justin Jefferson have spoken highly of the veteran quarterback while emphasizing the work McCarthy still has ahead of him.”
Geitheim also mentioned Aaron Rodgers’s will-I-or-won’t-I-play schtick, the Dianna Russini + Mike Vrabel fallout, and trades around the league, among other topics.
Overstating McCarthy’s Chances?
Indeed, McCarthy held the Vikings’ QB1 job in 2025, his second official season in the pros after a torn meniscus ravaged his rookie campaign. In that regard, he should have a solid chance to continue as the starting quarterback.
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But that’s on paper.
McCarthy has mind-bogglingly become injury-prone, battling a torn meniscus, a high ankle sprain, a concussion, and a broken hand while starting just 10 games in two years. The man has been available for the Vikings 29% of the time since Minnesota used a 1st-Round draft pick on him.
Then, when healthy, McCarthy has struggled, ranking near the bottom of the NFL per quarterback efficiency and throwing more interceptions than touchdowns in 2025. McCarthy is certainly an option for the QB1 job, but Murray should be classified as the heavy frontrunner.
Murray with a Chip on His Shoulder
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Murray will assuredly want to prove naysayers wrong in 2025, including the Arizona Cardinals, a franchise that left him for dead this offseason. For reputation’s sake, the Cardinals have one of the worst ownership groups in sports, and they didn’t want Murray. They cut him. The Cardinals would rather have Jacoby Brissett and Carson Beck than Murray.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray stands near the bench during the second half of a road matchup against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. During the Sep. 10, 2023, contest in Landover, Murray remained sidelined while recovering from injury, continuing his rehabilitation process before eventually returning to Arizona’s starting lineup later that season. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.
So, you better believe Murray will have a chip on his shoulder, landing in a spot with the Vikings where he’ll play alongside a Top 3 NFL defense, weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, a quarterback-whispering head coach, and a team that finished 2025 with a winning record.
In short, Murray will be ultra-motivated this summer, autumn, and winter, and that won’t bode well for McCarthy’s chances to score the upset.
Other QB Competition around the Business?
The NFL will feature two true quarterback competitions later this summer, in addition to Murray-McCarthy.
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First, the Cleveland Browns will have a “let the best man win” slugfest between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Taylen Green. Most expect the Browns to give Watson one last look before trying something new.
The other battle is in Atlanta. Michael Penix Jr., the incumbent, will take on Tua Tagovailoa, with Kevin Stefanski as the new head coach and referee. Tagovailoa has markedly more experience and a history of upper-echelon production. Penix Jr. has youth on his side and relatively recent draft stock in 2024.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs onto the field before a regular-season matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. On Sep. 7, 2025, Penix prepared for another NFC South showdown while continuing his transition into Atlanta’s starting quarterback role entering a pivotal season for the franchise’s offense and future direction. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images.
FalconsWire‘s Tim Weaver on the Falcons’ quarterback battle: “Michael Penix Jr. is the safe bet to win the job, if nothing else because the Falcons have invested so much more in him (a top-10 overall pick) compared to Tua Tagovailoa (one-year, $1.2 million). However, Tagovailoa has demonstrated a higher ceiling in the NFL and will likely be healthier come Week 1.”
“The answer to this question is probably a two-pronged approach. At the start of the regular season our best guess is that it will be Tagovailoa under center. However, once Penix is fully healthy Tua is going to have to impress on the field in a big way in order to hold him off. Right now it looks more than likely we will see both Penix and Tagovailoa end up starting 5+ games at some point during the regular season. This battle may not be fully settled until January — or even beyond that.”
If one stretches the criteria of what could be a summer quarterback competition, these clubs could partake:
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— New York Jets: Geno Smith v. Cade Klubnik — Las Vegas Raiders: Kirk Cousins v. Fernando Mendoza — Pittsburgh Steelers: Whatever Happens if Aaron Rodgers Doesn’t Sign
NFL training camps are about 12 weeks away.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Queensland Derby victor Maison Louis notched his finest spring result at his second race back from rest, as trainer Tom Charlton anticipates a matching display from the four-year-old venturing to Gosford.
The gelding lines up in Saturday’s Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) coming off a notable reappearance, where he surged late for sixth place to Hellsing over the non-preferred 1500m at Randwick.
Charlton viewed this as the ideal first-up effort from the gelding, especially after a variable spring season.
“He couldn’t have done any more. He looks to have come back well,” Charlton said of the first-up run.
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“He ran third in the Hill Stakes second-up last prep, which is a strong weight-for-age race, so if he can replicate that he will run well.
“He let himself down a bit pre-race last preparation, so we’re just trying to build a bit of confidence for him and get him back in his groove.”
With five scratches at the start, Maison Louis landed in stall 11, and though Charlton isn’t fully sold on the compact Gosford track, he doesn’t anticipate problems.
“He is short-coupled and hasn’t got a great, big action,” he said.
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“He’s got a turn of foot for a horse over that trip, so I think he will be fine.”
Without a set itinerary for Maison Louis, Charlton indicates the outcome at Gosford will guide decisions, eyeing races in Sydney or Brisbane such as The Q22 (2200m) on June 13 at Eagle Farm.
Maison Louis was at $8 for Friday’s Gosford Cup betting, behind Matt Smith-trained favourite Portland at $5.50.
Prince Yadav announced himself on the big stage with a sensational spell for Lucknow Super Giants against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, earning massive praise from former India batter Ambati Rayudu after delivering what many are calling the “ball of the tournament.”Playing in a rain-shortened 19-over clash at the Ekana Stadium, Prince produced a peach of a delivery to dismiss Virat Kohli for a duck during RCB’s chase. Bowling at 140.4 kph, the young pacer delivered a sharp nip-backer that jagged in viciously after pitching, swung more than 1.4 degrees, pierced the tiny gap between bat and pad, and crashed into the off stump. Kohli was left stunned as the LSG players erupted in celebration.The wicket carried extra significance. It marked Kohli’s first IPL duck since 2023 and his first zero while chasing in nine years. The last time he had fallen for a duck in a chase came during RCB’s infamous collapse to 49 all out against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in 2017.Prince didn’t stop there. He finished with outstanding figures of 3/33, playing a crucial role in LSG’s nine-run DLS victory that kept their playoff hopes alive.
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Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, Rayudu was full of admiration for the young fast bowler.”A lot of bowlers bowl one or two good balls in an over. This guy bowls about four to five. That’s his strength, I don’t think any batsman in the world can play that,” Rayudu said.Rayudu further backed Prince for higher honours, saying the pacer has the qualities to succeed across formats.“I think he’ll be a treat to stand [to] in the slips. Seriously, to watch this guy bowl – unbelievable. It’ll be a total pleasure to stand in first or second slip to him. He is a potential 50-over bowler as well. I think he’s an all-format bowler, the way he’s looking right now” Rayudu added.Former New Zealand cricketer Katey Martin was equally impressed and described the delivery to Kohli as the perfect fast bowler’s dream.“You have to see that as the ball of the tournament. Not just because of the way he was able to swing late as well, back into the stumps, top of off, effectively, your perfect delivery and maybe something that Prince Yadav dreams of. Of that particular delivery, especially to Virat Kohli, who we thought was going to be a really key factor in that chase as well” she said.Rayudu also highlighted how enjoyable Prince would be to field behind in the slips due to his ability to consistently beat the bat.“I think he’ll be a treat to stand to in the slips. Seriously, to watch this guy bowl, unbelievable. He is a potential 50-over bowler as well. I think he’s an all-format bowler.”
BTS’ Taehyung made headlines once again after he appeared with fellow members at the National Palace of Mexico City on May 6, 2026. Clips taken by fans who had gathered outside the building that day rapidly circulated online.
One particular video grabbed ARMY’s attention, where the 30-year-old idol was seen assisting Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, with the mic. The fandom went on various social sites to commend Taehyung for his chivalrous actions and for being respectful around women.
One fan raved over the viral clip and wrote on X:
“A GENTLEMAN THROUGH AND THROUGH.”
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Many fans remarked how the K-pop idol was previously spotted being a complete gentleman with women around him. His thoughtful gestures to make the president comfortable while delivering her speech won over the fandom once again. Some pointed out how Taehyung even had an old-school charm about him.
@tetesjaan Claudia was soo happy and comfortable around all of them and especially Taehyung🥹. WE STAN RIGHT PEOPLE GUYS
@tetesjaan This young man can charm anyone, anywhere. He has the charm of a man from 1940 🐻💜🫰
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@tetesjaan Gentle, respectful, thoughtful, Kim Taehyung truly is a gentleman among boys.
Fans posted older pictures of the idol with influential figures like the former editor-in-chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour. She had personally invited him to the Vogue World event in 2025. They also praised his willingness to honor every culture while trying to speak different languages in the countries they visit.
@euphorikth @borahaestarrr President, pop queen, fashion queen & ceo all adored Tae so much🥰🥰🥰 How will anyone not love & adore this kind hearted prince 🥰 Taehyung has borne to be loved 😍
You can truly see how beautifully Taehyung was raised by his grandmother and parents, he carries himself with so much respect, kindness, and natural awareness around women. It reflects strongly in his manners and the way he treats people with genuine warmth.
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Just noticed Taehyung used both his hands to shake the president’s hands. In Korean culture this is done as a gesture of respect and honor
TAEHYUNG’S DEEP VOICE SPEAKING IN SPANISH… HE REALLY STUDY FOR THAT PRONUNCIATION
50k people gather outside Mexico City’s National Palace for BTS as Taehyung delivers a speech in Spanish
It was a memorable day for the fandom as the boy group amassed a crowd of estimated 50,000 people on short notice outside the National Palace. Some of the members took turns to address the crowd, with Taehyung opting to speak in Spanish.
He started by acknowledging that he doesn’t speak the language well, but he is still going to try. Then the singer asked his fans if they missed BTS, to which the crowd responded with loud cheers. He added that they missed Mexico as well and thanked the fans for giving them love and support.
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Crowd gathers outside Mexico City’s National Palace for BTS (Image via X/@Claudiashein)
Meanwhile, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo shared a picture of the massive crowd outside the government building on X and captioned:
“With a beautiful simplicity, BTS greeted their A.R.M.Y and nearly 50,000 people who gathered in the zócalo to welcome them. It brings me great joy to have been able to give them this moment of jubilation. The group conveys positive messages in their songs that foster a culture of peace and inclusion.”
The septet is all set to perform at the Estadio GNP Seguros across three dates. The tickets for their shows on May 7, May 9 and May 10, 2026, have reportedly sold out.
Nigerian music star Burna Boy is set to appear on one of football’s biggest global stages after joining Colombian pop star Shakira on the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Shakira on Thursday shared short clips of the new World Cup anthem titled Dai Dai, with the full song expected to be released on May 14 ahead of the tournament.
The expanded competition will be hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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The teaser video, shared on Instagram from the Maracanã Stadium, showed Shakira and Burna Boy performing with dancers wearing the colours of countries taking part in the tournament.
For Nigerian fans, Burna Boy’s role in the project is another major achievement for Afrobeats and a sign of Nigeria’s growing influence in global entertainment. The Grammy-winning singer is now among the few Nigerians to take part in FIFA World Cup music projects.
The video also honoured previous World Cups by showing official match balls used during the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments, all competitions linked to Shakira’s famous World Cup performances.
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Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), remains one of football’s most popular anthems, especially in Africa, where it became strongly connected with the first World Cup hosted on the continent in South Africa.
The Colombian singer also performed Hips Don’t Lie during activities at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and La La La (Brazil 2014) at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
With Burna Boy now joining the World Cup music tradition, Nigerian football and entertainment fans will hope the collaboration becomes another worldwide success.
: Head coach Charles Lee of the Charlotte Hornets looks on in the first half against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images/AFP
CHARLOTTE, N.C.— The Charlotte Hornets gave head coach Charles Lee a contract extension on Thursday following an NBA season in which the team improved its win total by 25 games.
Details of Lee’s new deal was not released by the team.
“Charles has done an outstanding job establishing a foundation for who we want to be as a team,” Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said. “From Day One, Charles and his staff have prioritized player development, creating an environment where each of our players are committed to getting better and continue to improve.”
After winning 19 games in Lee’s first season with the team, the Hornets got hot late in the season and rallied to win 44 games before falling to the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament.
The 25-win improvement over his first season represented the largest year-over-year win total improvement in franchise history.
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“I’m excited about the direction we’re headed and our team’s bright future,” Lee said. “Our players have shown a real commitment to growth, and I’m proud of the culture we’re establishing together.”
Lee’s next goal is to snap the Hornets’ 11-year playoff drought, the longest in the NBA.
After starting the season 16-28, the Hornets finished strong with a 28-10 record, and rookie Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball finished 1-2 in the league in 3-pointers made.
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Under Lee, the Hornets had the No. 1 net rating (+10.5) in the NBA from Jan. 1 until the end of the regular season, ranking atop the league in offensive rating (120.7) and fifth in defensive rating (110.2).
Charlotte led the league in rebounding percentage (54.8%), second-chance points (19.0) and 3-pointers made per game (17.3) since Jan 1 and went on to beat Miami in the play-in tournament for its first postseason win since 2016 in the No. 9 seed vs. No. 10 seed play-in game.
The Hornets finished January with an 11-6 record and tied for the highest point differential on the road (+151) in any month in NBA history, earning Lee the award for Eastern Conference Coach of the Month.
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Charlotte also set a franchise record with 10 straight road wins and tied an NBA single-season record with eight road wins by 25-plus points.
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Lee previously served as an assistant coach for 10 seasons with Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta. He won NBA championships with the Celtics (2023-24) and the Bucks (2020-21).
Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan believes the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) duo of Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar could have attacked more in the powerplay of the IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 7. Chasing 213 in 19 overs for victory, RCB lost their openers inside the first two overs with the score on only nine.
As a result, Padikkal and Patidar played it safe in the rest of the powerplay, reaching only 40 after 5.4 overs. Despite upping the ante in the rest of the run chase, RCB suffered a nine-run defeat.
Talking about RCB’s run-chase in the loss to LSG, Zaheer said on Cricbuzz (2:45):
“With the kind of form Padikkal and Patidar are in, they could have done better in the powerplay. Because once you have such a powerplay, you are always behind in the run chase. They tried to catch up but they were always behind by 10 or 15 runs. But everything has to go your way once you are so much behind.”
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He added:
“Wickets in the powerplay made the difference. It usually makes a difference of 10 to 15 runs. And the final margin of this match is a reminder of that. On the other hand, LSG lost no wickets with Mitchell Marsh playing brilliantly. That was the difference. That powerplay was a must for LSG to have the belief that they can win. You look at the final margin of nine runs and RCB’s powerplay with the bat, and that’s the game right there.”
While Padikkal fell for 34 off 25 balls, Patidar overcame a slow start to finish with 61 off 31 deliveries.
“The right call was made” – Zaheer Khan on Digvesh Rathi bowling the final over
Zaheer Khan backed LSG skipper Rishabh Pant for trusting leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi to bowl the last over with RCB needing 20 runs to win. The 26-year-old had conceded 41 off his first three overs but came up trumps under pressure, giving away only nine runs off the final over.
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“Though Shahbaz was having a good day and Digvesh a bad day, the right call was made. If he gets it right, it’s not easy to hit Digvesh consistently. It’s not easy for him to go for a 20-run over. 20 was a good cushion for him to bowl. Romario is also a designated finisher, so he usually bats against the seamers,” said Zaheer (via the aforementioned source).
The win helped LSG keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a third victory in 10 outings.
After last week’s thrilling nine-goal clash in Paris, Bayern Munich and PSG meet again with a place in the Champions League final—where Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal await, on the line.
PSG head into the second leg with a narrow edge following their 5-4 win, though they may regret allowing the Bundesliga champions back into the contest after building a three-goal lead.
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Both teams come into this encounter after settling for home draws in their respective leagues over the weekend, with several key players rested in preparation for the decisive showdown at the Allianz Arena. Bayern, under Vincent Kompany, boast a perfect home record in this season’s Champions League and will need to maintain that form if they are to reach their first final since their 2020 triumph
UCL 2026 S/F 2nd Leg: Bayern vs PSG team news
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Bayern team news:
Vincent Kompany is expected to stick with the same starting XI that featured in last week’s clash in Paris. Harry Kane will spearhead the attack, aiming to find the net for the seventh straight Champions League match. Meanwhile, young prospect Lennart Karl could return to the squad as he nears full recovery from a thigh issue.
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PSG team news:
During last week’s high-scoring encounter, Achraf Hakimi was forced off with a thigh problem and will miss this match. Warren Zaire-Emery is expected to fill in at full-back again, just as he did in the first leg. As a result, Fabian Ruiz is likely to return to the starting lineup, reuniting last season’s successful midfield trio.
Strasbourg suffered another defeat in the Europa Conference League semi-finals against Rayo Vallecano, bringing their European run to an end. The team were completely outclassed and had no answers. Rayo Vallecano will now face Crystal Palace in the final.
With just a few days to go before the Clasico against FC Barcelona, Real Madrid continue to sink deeper into crisis. The Madrid team, already struggling on the pitch, is also riven by internal disputes. Following an altercation with a teammate, Uruguayan captain Federico Valverde was hospitalised with a head injury and will require 10–14 days’ rest, according to the club. The midfielder explained on social media that ‘the fatigue of the competition and frustration caused the situation to escalate’.
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