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Gulveer Singh’s ‘double’ speaks of patience and precision | Commonwealth Games News

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Gulveer Singh’s 'double' speaks of patience and precision
Gulveer Singh after winning silver in 10,000m and (pic right) with coach Scott Simmons (left) after winning bronze in 5,000m

Few combinations in athletics are as revered — or as punishing — as the 5000m and 10,000m. Yet India’s Gulveer Singh rode both challenges in Glasgow, adding a bronze in the 5000m to the silver he had claimed in the 10,000m days earlier to script one of Indian athletics’ finest Commonwealth Games campaigns.In doing so, Gulveer became the first Indian to win two athletics medals at a single Commonwealth Games, leaving long-time coach Scott Simmons beaming with pride.“Honestly, all I knew after meeting the Indian distance runners at SAI Bengaluru was that they had a lot of untapped potential,” Simmons told TOI from Glasgow on Sunday.That potential was on full display in Glasgow. If the 10,000m tested Gulveer’s endurance, the 5000m demanded patience and precision — qualities he displayed throughout the race.Staying on the inside rail to cover the shortest possible distance, Gulveer remained between third and eighth spots for much of the race, resisting the temptation to make unnecessary moves.It was all part of the plan.“It was important not to get boxed in or behind with so many runners, and so many very good runners, in one heat,” Simmons explained.Then when eventual winner Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang of Kenya surged into the lead at the start of the final lap, Gulveer bided his time, waiting for the right moment to launch his challenge. Simmons knew his ward possessed the finishing speed to make patience pay.“What has impressed me the most is his last 400m, 200m and 100m finishing speed. I didn’t see that coming until his 5K at LA Track Fest this spring, where he ran 13:03.93. He was able to outkick true 1500m/5000m runners off a relatively fast pace,” Simmons said.With about 200 metres remaining, the battle for the remaining two podium places came down to Gulveer, Australia’s Ky Robinson and Kenya’s Cornelius Kemboi. For a brief moment, it appeared Gulveer would claim silver, with Kemboi settling for bronze.However, Robinson, the 10,000m champion, produced a brilliant late kick to snatch silver, while Gulveer did just enough to hold off Kemboi and secure bronze in 13:24.95, completing a historic Commonwealth Games campaign.Despite the short turnaround between the two races, Simmons revealed there was little deviation from the routine that had helped Gulveer arrive in Glasgow in peak condition. “After the 10,000m silver, we approached recovery like we always do with a focus on sleep, massage, diet and, very importantly, easy aerobic running,” he said.Simmons, however, believes there is still plenty of room for the 28-year-old Indian to improve.“While Commonwealth Games is one of the competitive arenas for long-distance running, the World Championships and Olympic Games are even tougher. Gulveer needs to continue to improve, especially his finishing kick,” he added.At the same time, the American coach believes his success can inspire a new generation of Indian distance runners, provided they receive the right support.“I think Gulveer’s success will change the belief system of Indian distance runners,” said Simmons, who also coached Avinash Sable to the men’s 3000m steeplechase silver at Birmingham Commonwealth Games.“Do I think other Indians can get to this level? Of course, as long as they have the support for training and competitions abroad and are willing to commit and sacrifice and not look for shortcuts.”

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Terence Crawford says ‘hater’ world champion should thank him for making him big

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Terence Crawford believes he played a crucial role in the establishment of a two-division world champion, whose style is often compared to his own.

The former three-weight undisputed king announced his retirement in December, just a few months after dethroning Canelo Alvarez with a unanimous decision victory at 168lbs.

His most scintillating performances arguably came at 147lbs, however, as the American amassed seven straight stoppages before scoring a ninth-round finish over Errol Spence Jr in 2023.

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‘Bud’ was then ordered to defend his undisputed crown against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, the then-IBF mandatory challenger, only to instead move up in weight.

Ennis, meanwhile, was subsequently elevated from ‘interim’ to full welterweight champion, before unifying his division with a sixth-round stoppage of Eimantas Stanionis last year.

Now campaigning at 154lbs, the American is a two-weight unified champion after dethroning Xander Zayas with a seventh-round finish in June.

But while attempting to craft his own Hall of Fame-worthy career, Ennis’ name is still repeatedly mentioned in the same breath as that of Crawford.

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Speaking with The Real Report, ‘Bud’ even suggested that ‘Boots’ comparisons have been made for the best part of a decade.

“I feel like Boots’ whole motion is built off Terence Crawford. He should thank me. If there was no Terence Crawford at this pinnacle, who would they be talking about?

“When he was an amateur in the Olympic trials, they were like, ‘Man, this dude fights like you, Bud’.

“I’m going to let him have his era [and] wish him the best. [But] I feel like he’s a hater. Why would I need to hate on him? I wanna see him win; I wanna see him go far.”

The styles of Crawford and Ennis are similar in the sense that, while switching between orthodox and southpaw, both fighters have an aptitude for counterpunching on the front-foot.

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Astros’ Carlos Correa (ankle surgery) not ruling out 2026 return

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May 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn ImagesMay 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

On May 11, Carlos Correa underwent what he thought was season-ending surgery on his left ankle.

On Saturday, he began working out on the field again, well ahead of the original six- to eight-month recovery timeline. That has the Astros’ third baseman optimistic his season isn’t over after all.

“We’ll see,” Correa said. “I wouldn’t be doing all this work if I didn’t think there was a chance.”

Correa has progressed to doing all baseball activities except hitting, and he said he could be cleared to do that, too, following a Tuesday doctor’s appointment.

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“As soon as I got hurt, I got on this protocol,” he told reporters. “I started looking for all the information I could and how to speed up the process and the things I needed to eat and how I needed to sleep, the type of treatment we needed. We’ve been doing a great job with that. We’re in a good spot.”

Correa is not even halfway through his projected recovery timeline. Should he rejoin the Astros’ lineup for the stretch run, his bat and glove would be a big boost for a 57-55 Houston club that led the American League West standings by 1 1/2 games over the Rangers entering Sunday’s game.

While it’s unclear how he would slot in on defense, Correa’s bat would certainly be welcome among the top-heavy lineup. The three-time All-Star slashed .279/.369/.418 with three homers and 16 RBIs in 32 games this season prior to the injury, which occurred while Correa took pregame swings in the batting cage on May 5.

The 31-year-old is a career .275 hitter with 203 homers and 740 RBIs across 12 MLB seasons, including two stints (2015-21; 2025-present) with the Astros.

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“I’m in a really good spot. A really good spot,” he said. “I don’t feel (the injury). Been progressing to running and sprinting, and it feels great.”

–Field Level Media

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Commonwealth Games hailed ‘Alive and Kicking’ as Simple Minds close Glasgow 2026

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Commonwealth Games chiefs insisted the movement is still “Alive and Kicking” as Glasgow rock band Simple Minds brought the curtain down on 11 days of sporting action at Sunday night’s closing ceremony at The Hydro.

The city stepped in to rescue the event with a cut-price £160million programme after original hosts Victoria pulled out at short notice, placing its future in doubt.

The Indian city of Amdavad has since revealed a relatively lucrative plan for the 2034 Games, in which a large portion of the costs are being absorbed into a longer-term bid to host a future edition of the Olympic Games.

Team Scotland athletes celebrated at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games (Jane Barlow/PA)
Team Scotland athletes celebrated at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire)

But Glasgow 2026 chief executive Phil Batty believes his city’s offering – bolstered by £100million of compensation from the Australian state – can serve as a blueprint for a more flexible model moving forward.

“Eleven days ago, we asked whether the Commonwealth Games were still relevant and whether Glasgow could create a new blueprint for the future,” said Batty.

“Sitting here on day 11, I feel we’ve answered that question once and for all. We’ve created a belief among all 74 nations that every nation could – and should – host a Commonwealth Games, and they should look different wherever they are hosted.

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Delta Goodrem performed at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Delta Goodrem performed at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

“With this more flexible, sustainable, smarter and more inclusive approach, every future edition of the Commonwealth Games will have its own flavour, feel and character.

“Glasgow 2026 has taken the belief that allowed us to step in, step up and be brave, and I hope we’ve shared that belief with the rest of the Commonwealth.”

English interest may have plunged behind a TV paywall and never-ending reports of the withdrawals of star names, but in Australia, India, and a slew of nations including Lesotho, Tuvalu and Dominica that all raucously celebrated medal firsts, the Commonwealth Games clearly still matter.

Despite baulking at the opportunity to host the Games, Australia were only too happy to capitalise on England’s reluctance, soaring clear at the top of the medal table with a total of 171, including 70 golds – more than Birmingham in 2022, despite the programme being slashed almost in half.

The desire to make hosting a future Commonwealth Games more attractive involves a broad commitment to cutting the previous costs, estimated at upwards of £700m, by 60%, meaning a future Games could come in at around the £300m mark, with a significant proportion of that underwritten by government funding.

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Commonwealth Sport chief executive Katie Sadleir said: “We’re looking at roughly a 60% reduction in costs (going forward).

“The level of government investment will be different in every country. We’re not telling hosts, ‘this is what you must do’. Instead, we’re asking, ‘What are you trying to achieve?’ and then working with them to make it happen. It’s a much more collaborative process.

Melanie Woods was presented with the David Dixon Award for the outstanding athlete of the Commonwealth Games (Steve Welsh)
Melanie Woods was presented with the David Dixon Award for the outstanding athlete of the Commonwealth Games (Steve Welsh) (PA Wire)

“We’ve had about five nations talking to us about hosting the 2034 Commonwealth Games. That’s a big change from where we were, and it’s because we’re working with countries to create a model that suits them.”

Sadleir has not ruled out the possibility of making some sports, such as athletics – which, Josh Kerr apart, was relatively bereft of star names – serve as qualification events for continental or world championships in a bid to ensure the star names are incentivised to return.

“Should the Commonwealth Games be a qualifier for world championships? Why not?” added Sadleir. “Those are exactly the kinds of conversations we need to have if we’re going to create a clearer pathway for athletes moving forward.”

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Kevin Owens makes emotional return at WWE SummerSlam after serious neck injury

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Kevin Owens still has plenty of fight left in him. Seventeen months after a neck injury that nearly cost him his professional wrestling career, Owens made an emphatic return at Night 2 of 2026 WWE SummerSlam on Sunday.

The show began with what had been advertised as a match between Finn Balor and Sami Zayn for a No. 1 Contendership to the Undisputed WWE Championship, currently held by CM Punk. Nick Aldis, recently reinstated as SmackDown general manager, had other plans. Moments before the match started, Aldis added Gunther and a returning Owens to the match.

The Minneapolis crowd welcomed Owens back with a roar of excitement and a sigh of relief. After all, there was once a concern that Owens would never wrestle again. He had not performed since beating Zayn in a physically grueling unsanctioned match at WWE Elimination Chamber on March 3, 2025. Owens was preparing for an encounter with Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 that never materialized. On April 4, he revealed that he’d been dealing with nagging neck and spinal cord injuries that required surgery.

“The pain in the neck, the stuff going down the arms, the legs not really responding, it’s all been happening,” Owens told Cody Rhodes two months later on the “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast. “It’s been pretty f—ing brutal. I can’t wait for the surgery. And then to move forward, whatever that looks like — but it’s been very frustrating.” 

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If not for selling his neck injury during the match, you wouldn’t know his career had nearly ended. Owens crushed his three foes with a swanton bomb to the floor, planted Balor with a fisherman’s buster and even took some decent bumps. Perhaps the most touching moment of their short match was when Owens and Zayn — best friends for decades who started their professional wrestling careers together — embraced before throwing punches. 

Owens scored the pinfall after planting Zayn with a stunner. The win immediately thrusts him back into SmackDown’s main event scene, putting him on a collision course with Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

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Spooky in Love – When will episodes 7-8 release and what to expect

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Spooky in Love episodes 7 and 8 will air on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, respectively, at 9:10 pm KST on tvN. The episodes will be available on Netflix a few hours after the Korean broadcast. It has a total of 12 episodes.

The lead cast features Park Eun-bin as Cheon Yeo-ri, Yang Se-jong as Ma Gang-uk, and Ong Seong-wu as Kang Min-hwan.


What to expect in Spooky in Love episodes 7 and 8?

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The preview for Spooky in Love episodes 7 and 8 opens in the aftermath of the sudden engagement announcement between Yeo-ri and Gang-uk.

Baek Gyeong-ja does not accept the news at face value and searches for signs that the arrangement is not genuine. She questions whether Gang-uk’s choice stems from business considerations or actual feelings. Gang-uk states directly that he likes Yeo-ri enough to decide on the engagement. Yeo-ri explains her earlier distance as an attempt to play hard to get.

Family members and others around them express clear resistance to the match and take steps to interfere. Yeo-ri encounters Paeng Myo-sun, Gang-uk’s grandmother, and initially mistakes her for a ghost before realizing she is alive when the older woman greets her. Paeng Myo-sun asks Yeo-ri about her zodiac sign and year of birth.

Ok Gye-hee is shown keeping closer watch on Yeo-ri. Cheon Ha-ri approaches Kang Min-hwan and proposes that they work together, stating that she already has a method to end the engagement. Min-hwan makes his own opposition clear by telling Gang-uk to call off the engagement while there is still time. Min-hwan also locates Yeo-ri’s former fiancé and brings up the actual reason the previous relationship ended, leaving the man without a response.

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Yeo-ri and Gang-uk are shown spending additional time together once the engagement is underway. They go on dates and appear to enjoy each other’s company. The preview includes a mysterious phone call received by Yeo-ri at the same time that information about her ability begins to surface. Ha-ri is shown witnessing an event she was not meant to see, which leaves her frozen in place.


Spooky in Love episodes 5 and 6 recap

Spooky in Love episodes 5 and 6 aired on August 1 and August 2, 2026. In episode 5, Yeo-ri hugs Gang-uk after believing he has become a ghost. She hears his heartbeat and learns he survived the earlier accident. After discharge, Gang-uk finds he can no longer see ghosts. Yeo-ri suggests they stop meeting.

Media gather at the hotel over the abduction reports. Min-hwan shields Yeo-ri from reporters. Gang-uk notices Min-hwan’s protective actions and feels jealous. Yeo-ri warns Ha-ri about further contact with Seung-jae. Min-hwan invites Yeo-ri to an event at the Yeeon Museum of Art. At the museum event, Gang-uk meets Yeo-ri and later claims he sees ghosts in order to speak with her. She identifies his lies. Gang-uk proposes they work together on the related cold case.

Yeo-ri later feels jealousy when she sees Im Seo-hyeon holding Gang-uk’s hand. Yeo-ri confronts her grandmother over the engagement news leak to the media. She later summons a spirit to solve a case that shows a man killing his girlfriend. Yeo-ri and Gang-uk confront the man at the site. Yeo-ri then agrees to collaborate with Gang-uk on cold cases, beginning with the 300-year-old letter.

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In Spooky in Love episode 6, Yeo-ri and Gang-uk set rules for their joint work. Gang-uk locates additional artwork and the missing portion of the letter at a graveyard. Yeo-ri vows to reunite the pair. Later at the museum, Min-hwan gives Yeo-ri a pair of gloves, and they run into Gang-uk and Seo-hyeon.

The group later shares dinner, and Yeo-ri feels jealous of Seo-hyeon’s closeness to Gang-uk. Afterward, Yeo-ri and Gang-uk trip near an alley and share an accidental kiss. They confirm no bare-hand contact occurred and agree to report any spirit sightings to each other.

The next day in Spooky in Love episode 6, Min-hwan obtains a report on Gang-uk’s past heart transplant 12-years ago. Yeo-ri and Gang-uk locate Hwagyeongdang’s burial site under camellia trees at the museum grounds. Yeo-ri trades a family pine tree for the camellias. Ha-ri plans to expose Yeo-ri’s secret and meets her former fiancé.

Yeo-ri visits her hospitalized grandmother, who urges her to engage to Min-hwan. Yeo-ri informs Gang-uk of the impending engagement demand. At a family dinner that includes Min-hwan, Yeo-ri announces her engagement to Gang-uk, leaving those present in shock.

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Viewers can stream the released episodes of Spooky in Love on Netflix.