Manika Batra (Image credit: PTI)

MUMBAI: India’s most recognisable table tennis player, Manika Batra, has been left out of the squad for the upcoming Asian Games after failing to meet the selection criteria laid down by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI).In Manika’s absence, India’s women’s team will be led by Sreeja Akula and comprise Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, Sutirtha Mukherjee and 17-year-old Syndrela Das. Manika and Swastika Ghosh have been named among the reserves for the Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.“The selection process ensured that India’s highest-ranked and most consistent performers earned the opportunity to represent the country at Asia’s biggest multi-sport event,” the TTFI said in a statement.Under the selection policy introduced in 2023, national rankings carry 50 percent weightage, world rankings account for 40 percent and the remaining 10 percent is left to the discretion of the selection committee. Players ranked inside the world’s top 50 earn automatic qualification irrespective of their national ranking.The omission is likely to spark debate, considering Manika narrowly missed the automatic qualification mark. The 31-year-old was ranked World No. 51 on the June 2 cut-off date, just three ranking points behind the player occupying the 50th spot.Sources told TOI that the nine-member selection committee was not unanimous in its decision to leave out Manika. National coach Massimo Costantini is also understood to have provided inputs before the selection meeting.The margins were razor-thin. A Round-of-64 appearance at a WTT Star Contender event — a stage Manika would have automatically qualified for — carries five ranking points, enough to have pushed her into the top 50.A multiple Commonwealth Games medallist and part of India’s historic mixed doubles bronze-medal-winning pair at the 2018 Asian Games, Manika remains India’s second-highest-ranked women’s player behind World No. 45 Sreeja Akula.Her absence from domestic tournaments this season also counted against her. According to her coach Aman Balgu, the selectors could have considered the difficult circumstances she faced over the past year.“Personally, she has gone through a lot over the last year. She also dealt with a serious injury, which affected the number of competitions she could participate in,” Balgu told TOI.Manika was also sidelined for nearly two months following the sudden death of her father.“As per our calculations, Manika will be the top-ranked Indian women’s player as soon as next month. She has had decent results this year and it’s sad that she won’t be in the squad,” Balgu added.In the men’s section, India’s challenge will be led by the country’s top-ranked paddlers, Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah. Experienced campaigners G. Sathiyan and Harmeet Desai have also been included, while youngster Payas Jain completes the five-member squad.

South Africa kept their hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time alive after battling to a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in their Group A clash in Atlanta on Thursday.

A late penalty from Teboho Mokoena rescued a point for Bafana Bafana after Michal Sadilek had given the Czech Republic an early lead.

The result leaves both teams on one point from two matches, with their hopes of progressing to the last 32 still intact. However, both nations will likely need victory in their final group matches to stand a realistic chance of advancing.

The Czech Republic made a bright start and nearly scored inside the opening minute when Patrik Schick headed wide from a promising position.

Their pressure paid off in the sixth minute. Adam Hlozek delivered a cross into the box, which Alexandr Sojka cleverly guided into the path of Sadilek. The midfielder calmly slotted past South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to put the Europeans ahead.

South Africa, appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 2002, struggled to create clear opportunities in the opening stages. Hugo Broos’ side, who finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, found it difficult to break down a disciplined Czech defence.

The Czech Republic had chances to extend their advantage after the break but failed to make them count. Vladimir Darida hesitated when presented with a clear opening, while Lukas Cerv’s long-range strike was tipped over the bar by Williams.

With time running out, South Africa finally found a way back into the match. Seven minutes from the end, Thapelo Maseko’s effort struck the arm of Pavel Sulc inside the penalty area.

Referee Tori Penso immediately pointed to the spot, and Mokoena stepped up to confidently fire home South Africa’s first World Cup goal in 16 years.

Bafana Bafana nearly completed the comeback moments later, but Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar produced a fine save to deny Relebohile Mofokeng.

In the end, both sides settled for a draw that keeps their qualification hopes alive heading into the final round of Group A fixtures.

South Africa will face South Korea in their final group match, while the Czech Republic must overcome co-hosts Mexico.

For now, South Africa’s dream remains alive, with everything still to play for.

England captain Ben Stokes is close to returning in next week’s third Test against New Zealand, finally ending doubts over his international future.

Stokes was stood down from the second Test at the Kia Oval after breaking a team curfew on a night out in London, prompting fears he could be stripped of the captaincy, stand down of his own accord or even walk away permanently.

But the mood has calmed in recent days and the Press Association understands Stokes could now rejoin the squad at Trent Bridge, with twin investigations into the episode hurrying towards a conclusion.

Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who was also involved in the protocol breach following victory in the series opener at Lord’s, were interviewed by the independent Cricket Regulator on Thursday and the England and Wales Cricket Board is now eager to conclude its own probe swiftly.

Having initially been keen to let the process breathe, the ECB now feels ready to move ahead and could act swiftly enough to bring Stokes back into the fold in time for next Thursday’s clash in Nottingham.

While no firm decisions have yet been taken, it appears a rapprochement is the likeliest outcome.

Stokes’ status as captain is another issue to resolve and it is thought ECB management are open to him continuing his four-year reign.

His close friend and predecessor Joe Root stepped back into the breach this week but viewed the role as being on a “game-by-game basis” and would not stand in the way.

In the immediate term, the 35-year-old is set to play for Durham on Friday, having made himself available for the four-day Rothesay County Championship match against Northamptonshire at Trent Bridge.

The ECB has the power to withdraw him from that fixture at any stage but, even though it is due to conclude on Monday and pre-Test training begins the next morning, is not inclined to do so.

Stokes has made only one public intervention since the episode blew up 11 days ago, wishing England and their three debutants well at the Kia Oval via a brief Instagram message.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to raise concerns over his wellbeing in a pre-Test press conference, where he repeatedly voiced his “worry” and “concern” for the absent skipper.

But Durham’s coach Ryan Campbell offered a different perspective after working alongside Stokes in the nets.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: “Ben knows he made a mistake and broke the curfew, but some of the reaction has been a little over (the top).

“From what I’ve seen, he’s in good spirits, he’s back in training, working hard and the rest will take care of itself. Ben is a competitor and he loves to play and he wants to play.”

England great Lord Ian Botham earlier suggested Stokes might decide to leave the sport should he be stripped of the captaincy.

“It wouldn’t surprise me, if Ben did lose the captaincy, he probably might walk away from the game, but I just don’t know,” Botham said on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show, which will be broadcast in full on Tuesday morning.

“To be honest with you, it was an unnecessary procedure and one that I think he will regret.”

Botham feels there is no justification for the latest incident of ill-discipline.

“Some people just don’t learn, do they?” he added. “Everybody supported him, but I really can’t see how you can justify what happened after the game. We used to love going out for a drink, but we weren’t quite so obvious.”

NFL training camps begin next month, and after that are the preseason and the regular season. Between now and then, teams will make some final moves with trades, cuts or signings, although most will be small moves or final roster cuts in August.

What are some final moves that should happen?

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Aaron Schatz gave his take for the final move for each NFL team for ESPN. What does he think the Arizona Cardinals should do?

He thinks they should trade pass rusher Josh Sweat.

Sweat was connected to former coach Jonathan Gannon after playing for him in Philadelphia, but the Cardinals fired Gannon in January. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have almost no chance of contending this season given the quality of their three division rivals and the questions they have at quarterback. But they have a chance to turn a player who had 12 sacks last season into a significant 2027 draft pick. A Sweat trade would help any number of playoff contenders.

Sweat would help other teams, especially playoff contenders who need a little extra help off the edge. However, the Cardinals have no sack production off the edge outside of him. Sure, they are going to be bad anyway, but the Cardinals would have to net a really solid pick for a trade to make sense.

We already know the Cardinals have no intentions of trading him, even though there appears to be a level of unhappiness from Sweat. He has three years remaining on his contract and he is arguably their best defensive player.

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A trade might make sense for another team or for Sweat individually, but there is no benefit for the Cardinals to trade him now. Come the trade deadline, they probably will net more than they could now, so it would be a foolish decision to make that move before the season, especially when the rest of the outside linebackers combined for 5.5 sacks in 2025.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals urged to trade Josh Sweat in final offseason move

In Dillon Bell, the Vikings appear to have scooped up a spark plug.

Admittedly, the young Vikings weapon still has much to prove, going undrafted despite playing his college ball at Georgia. He secured reasonably promising money — $272,500, per Over the Cap — suggesting he inspires some promise (albeit with no true job security). There’s quite a lot of optimism about where he can push his game.

At minicamp, Bell was evident. Sounds like a basic criteria, but it’s important. The worst thing for an undrafted depth guy is to be boring, easily forgotten as the calendar hastens toward September. Much better, of course, to stand out from among one’s peers.

Based purely on the early portion of the summer, Dillon Bell looks like somebody who is going to make the 53-man roster.

Vikings Weapon Dillon Bell Looks Like a Spark Plug

The upside has been evident for a little while.

Consider the analysis from the NFL’s Lance Zierlein: “Big, strong, explosive receiver requiring specific usage on the next level. Bell is top-notch with the ball in his hands on reverses, jet-sweeps and quick hitches. He has the ability to create chunk runs after breaking tackles. Bell lacks ideal route savvy to uncover underneath and can be too easy for cornerbacks to read. He’s a body-catcher with below-average hands, but he did have better catch tape in 2023 with Carson Beck at quarterback. Bell’s game lacks well-rounded qualities and position-specific skill, but his traits, manufactured-touch talent and kick-return potential should give him a chance to make it as a WR5.”

Per the draft nerd, Bell should have gone in the 6th Round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, Bell was a priority for the Minnesota Vikings in the UDFA haul.

Part of the issue for Bell is that he didn’t toss up huge production in his collegiate career. His talent and potential are undeniable. Seeing him produce much more statistically would have led to him getting chosen quite high in the draft. After all, that’s what occurs for a receiver with great size and who played at Georgia.

Instead, he’s in Minnesota looking to show he’s capable of making it as a pro.

During the 2025 season, Dillon Bell turned 27 catches into 268 yards and 2 touchdowns. So, too, did he earn 17 carries for 109 yards and a pair of scores. Georgia tasked him with passing the ball a pair of times, but neither were completed.

Think intriguing talent without offering superhuman talent. More polish appears to be the prescription.

Best case for Dillon Bell with the Vikings is a job as the WR4. Even that spot, though, appears somewhat unlikely since Tai Felton (read more) and Jeshaun Jones (read more) are around. If, however, he does get onto the team — maybe even as the WR4 — then he’ll be offering a few abilities.

Start off on special teams. Bell, quite possibly, needs to solidify the kickoff returner position while functioning as the backup punt returner (overcoming Myles Price appears unlikely). He can then show some value as a tackler in the coverage units.

On offense, Kevin O’Connell will want to see a yards-after-the-catch merchant. Be somebody who can turn a bubble screen into an explosive gain. Every coach loves safe explosion, so Bell would be wise to show that he can break tackles (and ankles) as a depth guy who makes the most out of modest chances.

Dillon Bell, 22, stands at 6’0″ and 210 pounds.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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In a landmark moment for the Senate Commerce Committee, the Protect College Sports Act is now moving to a full vote that has already started the lobbying.

As leaders from across college sports watched from afar, Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) held court during a markup session on Thursday that ultimately took aim at those within the SEC and Big Ten conferences that have opposed the bill in its current form.

“What we did today was say we’re not going to let the most powerful, richest conferences dictate to the rest of America what’s going to happen to 500,000 athletes,” Cantwell said after a 19-9 vote was secured.

CRUZ AND CANTWELL REFUSE TO BEND TO SEC AND BIG TEN CONCERNS IN REVISED COLLEGE ATHLETICS LEGISLATION

There have been numerous leagues that have gotten behind the bill, while those representing the athletes have opposed.

But, garnering the support from those within the Big Ten and SEC footprint is clearly not an aspect of this process that both Cantwell and Cruz are worried about.

Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas and chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington and ranking member of the committee, attend a hearing in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 2025. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is scheduled to testify about the company’s quality standards and culture overhaul. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Let the lobbying continue, as opposition holding firm

On Thursday morning, the SEC and Big Ten released a joint statement on the legislation, making it clear they were not on board with giving it their support.

“From the outset, we identified a set of essential revisions to the PCSA necessary for the long-term sustainability of college athletics,” both conferences noted. “We have worked with both majority and minority staff to advance those revisions, which focus on better supporting student-athletes and stabilizing the college sports environment. We continue to believe revisions are needed to secure our support for the bill.

“Despite our sustained engagement and good faith efforts, these critical revisions have not been accepted. We are encouraged that several Commerce Committee members share our concerns and support these recommendations.”

TED CRUZ, MARIA CANTWELL UNVEIL BIPARTISAN COLLEGE ATHLETICS BILL AMID NIL CHAOS, LAWSUITS, ‘LANE KIFFIN RULE’

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey speaks during a roundtable discussion on college sports in the East Room of the White House on March 6, 2026, as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick looks on. The Trump administration hosted the event titled “Saving College Sports” with leaders from the Power Four conferences, media executives and former coaches. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

For the first time ever, a college sports bill has passed through a committee vote that will now send it to the floor for a potential landmark passage.

“No one got everything they wanted. But, we did create a framework that stabilizes college athletics,” Cruz noted on Thursday.

As for the SEC and Big Ten opposing the bill, this comes down to a number of different issues, including the ‘voluntary’ pooling of media rights. Also, the legislation taking aim at both for potentially forming a ‘Super League.’ But, in a concession on Wednesday night, that changed.

IOWA STATE AD SAYS HE DOESN’T CARE IF SEC, BIG TEN LEAVE OTHER P4 CONFERENCES BEHIND: ‘LET THEM BREAK AWAY’

The anti-expansion provision in the bill now includes the Big 12 and ACC, with the senators changing the language that now includes conferences that bring in $700 million in revenue from not being allowed to join forces like the Avengers. This was a decrease from the $1 billion previously proposed in the legislation.

There will continue to be opposition from the two biggest conferences in college athletics, but Senator Cantwell made it clear on Thursday that they would not be deterred from pressing on, even if the SEC and Big Ten opposed.

What’s next for the Protect College Sports Act? A Senate vote

Will this ultimately work? Potentially, but there will be plenty of lobbying over the next month that could ultimately change the trajectory of this legislation. There are plenty of issues that remain to be discussed.

But, there were also a number of changes in the new legislation that was revised this week.

Olympic and women’s sports were separated from the media rights pooling provision, which now sits by itself. This would set a minimum scholarship and roster size limit, that isn’t tied into the revenue generated from television deals.

Mark Meador, commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission, greets Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., ranking member of the committee, during a hearing titled “Oversight of the Federal Trade Commission” in Washington, D.C., on April 15, 2026. (Al Drago/Bloomberg)

Before it was revised, these necessary protections would only be enacted if the media rights were actually pooled together.

As we have noted numerous times over the past few weeks, there is going to be pushback on this bill on multiple fronts. There is language in the legislation that limits player compensation and the ability to transfer.

Given that, those opposed to the bill are already preparing lawmakers for an increase in lawsuits that would come if you try to put a specific guardrail around player movement.

Also, there has been pushback from many regarding unions that oppose collective bargaining for student-athletes.

Either way, the vote on Thursday was historic in this current era of college athletics. For years, the House tried to push the SCORE Act through, but came up short multiple times, ultimately ending with the legislation failing to make it to the floor for a vote.

Now, with the Senate Commerce Committee opening up the opportunity for the Protect College Sports Act to be voted on Senate floor, this college athletics bill has essentially passed the historic point.

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But, with 50 days until Congress goes into recess for the summer, the clock is ticking for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to bring this to the floor for a vote. Can Cruz and Cantwell drum up enough support for this to pass?

That is ultimately just one part of this process, with the House waiting.

Can Team England bring the #FIFAWorldCup home, 60 years after its first did so in 1966?FRANCE 24 asks some supporters of the #ThreeLions what they think.Do you think #football is coming home? Let us know in the comments below!

Brazil arrived at the FIFA World Cup 2026 carrying familiar expectations. Every tournament begins with the Selecao being discussed among the favourites, and every generation eventually gets measured against the country’s rich history of success.

Yet as the group stage unfolds, one uncomfortable reality is becoming impossible to ignore: Brazil are still waiting for Neymar.

While Lionel Messi is scoring hat-tricks for Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo is leading Portugal’s attack, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe remain central to England and France’s ambitions, Brazil’s biggest superstar continues his recovery programme away from the spotlight.

The contrast could hardly be more striking. Brazil’s opening performance exposed familiar problems

Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco did little to ease concerns. Carlo Ancelotti’s side controlled periods of the match but lacked the creativity, unpredictability and cutting edge that have long been associated with Brazilian football. There were moments of quality, but there was also a sense that something was missing whenever Brazil entered the final third.

That “something” has often been Neymar for more than a decade.

Even at 34, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and arguably the only player in the squad capable of consistently transforming a game through individual brilliance. When opponents sit deep and space becomes limited, Brazil have traditionally looked towards him to unlock defences. Against Morocco, there was no such figure.

The gamble that has yet to pay off

Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad was one of the most debated decisions before the tournament.

The veteran forward arrived carrying a calf injury suffered while playing for Santos and had not fully recovered when Brazil’s preparations began. Nevertheless, the coaching staff and medical department believed his experience and quality justified taking the risk.

So far, that gamble has produced little return. The forward has yet to participate in full training, missed the opener against Morocco and has now been officially ruled out of Brazil’s clash against Haiti. His availability for the final group-stage match against Scotland also remains uncertain.

More than goals and assists

Statistics only tell part of Neymar’s importance. As defender Danilo recently explained, opponents often dedicate two or even three players to marking him. That alone creates space elsewhere on the pitch.

Neymar changes defensive structures before he even touches the ball. Managers alter tactical plans because of him. Defenders hesitate when he receives possession. Midfielders drop deeper. Full-backs become more cautious.

Very few players in world football command that level of respect. Brazil’s current attack contains quality, but none of the available forwards generate the same level of fear among opponents.

Rivals have their stars. Brazil do not.

Perhaps the biggest concern for Brazil is what is happening elsewhere in the tournament.

Messi has already reminded the world why he remains football’s greatest showman. Ronaldo continues to lead Portugal despite being 41 years old. Mbappe is spearheading France’s pursuit of another World Cup title. The stars are delivering when their countries need them most.

Brazil, meanwhile, are still waiting for theirs to even step onto the pitch. At a World Cup where individual moments often separate champions from contenders, that is a significant disadvantage.

The knockout stages remain the target

To be fair, Brazil’s medical staff are focused on the bigger picture. The objective is not necessarily to have Neymar available for Haiti or even Scotland. The priority is ensuring he is fit enough to influence the knockout rounds, where tournaments are usually won and lost.

Ancelotti knows that a half-fit Neymar could become a liability. But he also knows that a fully fit Neymar could still become Brazil’s most important player.

For now, Brazil continue their World Cup journey without their talisman. Yet with every match he misses, the spotlight grows brighter and the pressure increases.

Because while other contenders are being carried by their superstars, Brazil are still waiting for theirs to arrive.

In a matter of months, Floyd Mayweather is expected to make his professional comeback and rematch old rival, Manny Pacquiao.

Now, former unified welterweight ruler and Mayweather sparring partner, Errol Spence Jr, has offered his thoughts on the fight.

After months of back-and-forth, an agreement appears to be on the horizon for Mayweather and Pacquiao to collide for a second time, at respective ages of 49 and 47 years old, as ‘TBE’ ends nine years of professional inactivity and looks set to put his fabled 50-0 record on the line.

There had been rumours that Mayweather may force the bout to be an exhibition and whilst that could still be the case, it seems as though a professional encounter is more likely for the mooted fight date of Friday, September 25, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Speaking on The Art of Ward podcast, Spence admitted that he does not ‘care for the fight’ himself, but maintained that he sees little issue with the contest when both men are at a similar age, calling it a ‘fair fight’.

“I don’t really care for it, at 50 [years old], but he is looking good. I guess it’s two 50-year-old’s fighting, at 147lbs, it is a fair fight.

“I wouldn’t want to see him fighting someone that is 30 years old or fighting a young buck, he is fighting somebody his age and I don’t know how true it is with his [financial] situation but it is something that he has probably got to do.”

Before Mayweather-Pacquiao II can be announced, Mayweather first fights Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition in Athens, with that bout set to take place next Saturday.