分类： sports

In a historic moment for Indian cricket, the women’s team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, clinched their first-ever Women’s Cricket World Cup title on Sunday, defeating South Africa by 52 runs. This victory not only ended a decades-long wait but also marked a transformative milestone for women’s cricket in India. The triumph was sealed when Kaur took a crucial catch, symbolizing the culmination of years of perseverance and determination. India, a dominant force in men’s cricket, had previously fallen short in the women’s World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017, but this win has redefined the narrative. Kaur, who played a pivotal role in the tournament, including a stunning 171 not out against Australia, has become a beacon of inspiration. The victory has sparked a renewed enthusiasm for women’s cricket in India, with experts like former England captain Nasser Hussain predicting that this achievement will elevate the sport to unprecedented heights. The launch of the Women’s Premier League in 2023 and the emergence of young talents like Kranti Goud and Shree Charani have been instrumental in this success. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar likened the euphoria of this win to India’s 1983 men’s World Cup victory, emphasizing its potential to inspire a new generation of female cricketers. The team’s gesture of honoring past players, including Jhulan Goswami, underscores the collective effort behind this triumph. Goswami expressed confidence that this victory will set a benchmark for future teams, fostering a culture of resilience and self-belief. As India celebrates this landmark achievement, the focus now shifts to sustaining this momentum and furthering the growth of women’s cricket globally.

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, renowned for his passion for sports, expressed immense pride and joy as the Indian women’s cricket team clinched their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title. The thrilling final against South Africa on Sunday captivated millions, with Bachchan joining the nation in celebrating this historic achievement. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the legendary actor shared his elation, writing, ‘T 5552 – jiit gye (we have won) !!! India Women Cricket .. WORLD CHAMPIONS !! So much pride you have brought for us all .. CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS !!!!’ The match saw India post a competitive total of 166/2, fueled by stellar performances from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Despite a valiant effort from South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, India’s Deepti Sharma delivered a game-changing spell, securing a four-wicket haul and restricting South Africa to 246 runs. This victory marks a monumental milestone for Indian women’s cricket, inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Fujian Province in China has become a hotspot for South Korean golfers, thanks to a combination of favorable policies, improved infrastructure, and strategic marketing efforts. The introduction of a visa-free policy for South Korean citizens in November 2024, coupled with the resumption of direct flights between the two countries, has significantly boosted inbound tourism, particularly to Fujian’s golf courses. The Trans Strait Golf Club in Fuzhou, for instance, welcomed approximately 6,000 South Korean golfers from December to April, capitalizing on the region’s milder winter climate compared to South Korea. This influx has not only offset the traditional winter lull but also bolstered the club’s income. The surge in visitors is further supported by China’s expanded transit policy, allowing foreigners to stay for up to 240 hours in key Fujian cities. Travel agencies have reported a 125% year-on-year increase in South Korean tourism bookings to China in the first half of 2025, with Fujian’s diverse attractions—ranging from its scenic coastline to historical landmarks—proving particularly appealing. The provincial government has also incentivized travel agencies to attract international visitors and invested in infrastructure upgrades. To cater to the growing number of South Korean golfers, local clubs have adapted their services, offering Korean cuisine, signage, and language support. The Wuyi Mountain scenic area, known for its unique golfing experience amidst stunning landscapes, is also preparing to attract more visitors following the introduction of a direct flight route to Seoul. As the winter season approaches, Fujian is poised to surpass last year’s record in hosting South Korean golfers, further cementing its status as a premier golfing destination.

In a stunning display of grit and determination, India’s women’s cricket team scripted a historic turnaround to claim their maiden Women’s World Cup title. Overcoming three consecutive group-stage defeats, the team rallied with a flawless knockout performance, culminating in a 52-run victory over South Africa in the final at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. The triumph marked a watershed moment for Indian cricket, as the women’s team finally stood shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts in global glory.

The journey to the title was paved with pivotal moments and standout performances. Shafali Verma, a part-time spinner thrust into the spotlight due to an injury, delivered a match-defining spell, removing key South African batters and earning the Player of the Match award. Amanjot Kaur’s gravity-defying catch to dismiss South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt was another turning point, halting a threatening chase and igniting euphoria among fans.

Jemimah Rodrigues emerged as the tournament’s batting sensation, particularly in the semi-final against Australia, where her unbeaten 127 powered India to a record chase of 338. Her resilience, both mental and technical, epitomized India’s fighting spirit. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s astute leadership was instrumental, as she made bold tactical decisions, including promoting Jemimah to No. 3 and backing Shafali Verma in the final. Deepti Sharma, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, also shone with her all-round brilliance, delivering crucial runs and wickets in the knockout stages.

This victory was more than just a sporting achievement; it was a testament to the team’s resilience and a beacon of inspiration for a cricket-crazy nation. The roar of the Mumbai crowd echoed the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket, one where the women’s team has etched its name in history.

In a historic triumph, India secured their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. This victory marked the culmination of years of perseverance for the Indian team, who had previously finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2017. The match, delayed by rain, saw India post a formidable total of 298 for seven in 50 overs, powered by a stellar 87 off 78 balls from opener Shafali Verma. Contributions from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Deepti Sharma (58) further solidified India’s commanding position. South Africa’s chase was anchored by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s brilliant century (101 off 98 balls), but her efforts fell short as Deepti Sharma’s five-wicket haul and Shafali Verma’s two crucial wickets restricted South Africa to 246 all out. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among players and fans alike, with Sharma being named Player of the Tournament for her all-round performance. Emotional post-match reflections from the team highlighted their journey of growth and the immense support they received. This win not only ended India’s long wait for a World Cup trophy but also signaled a new era of dominance in women’s cricket.

Manchester City secured a crucial 3-1 victory against Bournemouth in the Premier League, thanks to Erling Haaland’s exceptional performance. The Norwegian striker netted two goals in the first half at Etihad Stadium, showcasing his clinical finishing and helping City close the gap on league leaders Arsenal to six points. Bournemouth, despite their strong form, suffered their first defeat in nine league games, dropping to fourth place. Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a composed finish after a powerful run. Bournemouth equalized through Tyler Adams, but Haaland restored City’s lead just eight minutes later with a precise left-footed shot. Nico O’Reilly sealed the win with a well-taken goal in the 60th minute. Pep Guardiola praised his team’s coordination and Haaland’s decisive contributions. Haaland, now with 13 goals in 10 Premier League games, continues to dominate the scoring charts. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola acknowledged his team’s risks but remained positive about their performance. City’s relentless attack nearly added a fourth goal, but Bournemouth’s goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic made crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

The UAE flat racing season kicked off with a flurry of excitement as trainer Michael Costa and jockey Silvestre de Sousa delivered a series of impressive performances at Jebel Ali Racecourse and Abu Dhabi Turf Club. The dynamic duo set an early competitive tone, signaling their intent to dominate the season. Costa, an Australian trainer based at Jebel Ali, started the season in spectacular fashion with a hat-trick of victories on Saturday. His trio of winners—Malhouf, Attwaal, and Elraaed—showcased the depth of his stable and the synergy with De Sousa, the reigning UAE champion jockey. The highlight of the day was Elraaed’s commanding win in the Season Opening Cup, capping off a memorable treble for Costa. Earlier, Malhouf secured victory in the Al Shafar Investment Stakes, while Attwaal triumphed in the Opening Day Sprint Stakes. De Sousa, a seasoned Brazilian jockey and 2014 Dubai World Cup winner, added five victories to his tally over the weekend, including four for Costa. The jockey praised the preparation of Costa’s team, emphasizing the fitness and readiness of the horses. Costa’s strong start has positioned him as a serious contender for the championship, with his consistency likely to be a key factor in the long UAE winter season. The weekend’s results suggest that Jebel Ali’s yellow silks could be the ones to watch as the season progresses.

In a thrilling Premier League encounter, West Ham United overturned an early deficit to secure a 3-1 victory against Newcastle United at the London Stadium on Sunday. This marked their first home win since February, ending a prolonged drought for the Hammers. Newcastle initially took the lead in the fourth minute, with Jacob Murphy capitalizing on a swift counter-attack after West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen struck the woodwork. However, the Magpies failed to maintain their momentum, succumbing to a spirited West Ham comeback. Lucas Paqueta equalized in the 35th minute with a stunning long-range effort, followed by an own goal from Newcastle defender Sven Botman just before halftime. Despite a triple substitution by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe at the break, the visitors struggled to regain control. West Ham’s Tomas Soucek sealed the victory in stoppage time, securing three crucial points for the Hammers. The win lifted West Ham to 18th place in the league table, while Newcastle remained in 13th. The match also saw a contentious VAR decision overturn a potential penalty for West Ham, but the home side’s resilience and creativity ultimately prevailed.