Latest news with #SiddarthSriram
News18
5 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
'It's Useful': Isack Hadjar Views Laurent Mekies' Red Bull Move As Boost For His F1 Career
Curated By : Siddarth Sriram Last Updated: July 24, 2025, 21:34 IST Mekies with Hadjar at Racing Bulls (X) Isack Hadjar welcomed the recent promotion of Laurent Mekies from Racing Bulls team principal to Red Bull Racing, calling the move potentially 'useful" for his own Formula One aspirations. The 20-year-old French rookie, currently one of the top prospects to partner four-time world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull, could benefit from the reshuffle—particularly as Yuki Tsunoda continues to struggle following his step up from Racing Bulls. 'Familiarity Helps," Says Hadjar 'If I had to work with him (Mekies), it would be easier, that's for sure. It would sound more familiar," Hadjar told reporters on Thursday ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, when asked whether his fellow Frenchman's move might work in his favour. 'I can't hide it—it's useful, for sure. But we'll see. There are 12 more races, so I need to keep pushing. You're only as good as your last race." Reaction to Horner's Exit and Permane's Arrival Hadjar was at the Red Bull simulator when he learned of Christian Horner's shock dismissal on July 9. Alan Permane has since taken over Mekies' role at Racing Bulls. 'It doesn't really change much for me at the moment," said Hadjar. 'Alan is someone I know really well already. He's always quiet, you don't see him often, but he's been a big part of the team." He praised Mekies' legacy: 'Laurent has built something very solid over the last two years, and now Alan is just carrying that forward. It doesn't change anything for the team or my approach." Swipe Left For Next Video View all Performance So Far in 2025 Season Hadjar has shown flashes of promise in his rookie season, collecting 21 points across 12 races. His best finish so far was sixth place in Monaco, a result that underscored his potential as a future Red Bull driver. Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term... Read More After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term... Read More News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments News sports 'It's Useful': Isack Hadjar Views Laurent Mekies' Red Bull Move As Boost For His F1 Career Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Ravi Shastri Cracks Everyone Up With Wholesome Jab At Farokh Engineer; Nasser Hussain Joins In: WATCH
Curated By : Siddarth Sriram Last Updated: July 23, 2025, 20:30 IST Ravi Shastri with Farokh Engineer (PTI Photo) Cricket often transcends the boundary ropes, and the first day of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford in Manchester was a perfect example. While the on-field action drew attention, it was a legendary off-field presence—Farokh Engineer—that truly lit up the day. Old Trafford witnessed a historic moment as Engineer, the iconic Indian wicketkeeper and Lancashire stalwart, became the first Indian cricketer to have a stand named after him in England. His name now adorns a stand at the ground alongside another celebrating West Indies legend Sir Clive Lloyd—marking a proud moment for Indian cricket history. Now 87 years old and recently recovered from aortic valve replacement surgery in June, Engineer has returned to his routine and made a high-profile appearance as a VIP guest during the ongoing Lord's Test. His presence at Old Trafford during the Manchester Test added a nostalgic layer to the day's events. As the broadcast camera caught Engineer in the stands on Day 1, the commentary box lit up with warmth and humor. Ravi Shastri, spotting the former gloveman on screen, couldn't resist sharing a fond and cheeky tribute. 'Farokh (Engineer). A real pin-up boy in the '60s and '70s. Hugely popular, and he's not changed over the years. A great storyteller and a voracious eater even now. At lunch, his plate will be full," Shastri quipped, clearly speaking with nothing but affection and admiration. Not one to miss a beat, Nasser Hussain jumped in with a perfectly timed joke that sent the commentary team into laughter. 'He'll be just behind you in that all-day buffet queue, Ravi," Hussain said, poking fun at Shastri's own famously hearty appetite. It was a moment of levity and camaraderie—reminiscent of the spirit that has made cricket more than just a game for fans around the world. India In Control During Initial Stages of Fourth Test Back on the pitch, India made a solid start to the fourth Test. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul safely negotiated a probing spell from Chris Woakes, guiding India to 78 without loss at lunch on a cloudy Wednesday morning. Despite the fact that no team has ever won at Old Trafford after choosing to bowl first, England captain Ben Stokes opted to send India in on a pitch with early movement. Swipe Left For Next Video View all The strategy seemed to pay off shortly after the lunch break as both Indian openers were dismissed in quick succession, allowing Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan to take center stage. With the momentum in India's favor early on, the middle-order pair will aim to consolidate and build on the platform laid by the openers. Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term... Read More After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term... Read More view comments News cricket Ravi Shastri Cracks Everyone Up With Wholesome Jab At Farokh Engineer; Nasser Hussain Joins In: WATCH Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
04-06-2025
- Health
- News18
RCB Rep's Inane Reaction To Tragic Stampede: 'Fans Waited 18 Years...Need To Empathise For Vulnerability'
Last Updated: A stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium during a celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL win left atleast 11 dead and over 30 injured. Celebrations descended into chaos and finally tragedy as 11 people lost their lives and more than 30 were left injured outside the Chinnaswamy stadium while trying to join a party inside the venue to honour Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL triumph here on Wednesday. At least 11 people (as far as reported at the time of publishing) lost their lives in a stampede-like situation near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The death toll is expected to rise as many of the seriously injured are being treated at the nearby Vydehi hospital and Bowering hospital. However, the felicitation of the players went ahead nonetheless as the stadium was packed to the rafters despite the chaos. Who's to blame for the outcome remains a question to be answered by all. But, in even more disappointing fashion, a representative of RCB has spoken out about the tragic stampede in an inane manner, almost losing sight of the crisis that unfolded. As per reports from PTI, an RCB spokesperson reacted to the tragedy that unfolded by stating, 'We need to understand the sentiments and raw emotions of people too. They have patiently waited 18 years for this Cup, and all we need is to empathise with them for their vulnerability and emotions. Let's please try to manage this together." The statement sparked outrage from fans and followers online for its seemingly insensitive nature. But, a short while later, Royal Challengers Bengaluru officially released their statement and stance on the disaster that had ensued. 'We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team's arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us," RCB wrote in an official statement. 'RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families." 'Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration." 'We urge all our supporters to please stay safe." Full-scale accountability for the fiasco remains to be witnessed from any anf all fronts involved in the situation. (with agency inputs) About the Author Siddarth Sriram First Published: June 04, 2025, 22:01 IST
News18
22-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Olympics-Style Regulated Roid Rage? WADA Slams Drug-Fueled 'Enhanced Games'
Published By : Siddarth Sriram AFP Last Updated: Athletes will be allowed to use drugs that are banned across international sport, such as steroids and human growth hormones, with winners of each event receiving $250,000. (Credit: X) Anti-doping bodies on Thursday condemned plans for the first edition of the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, an Olympics-style event where athletes will be free to use performance-enhancing drugs. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and bodies across the world have taken aim at the event after organizers revealed the date, venue, and format for the competition. The Enhanced Games will be staged in Las Vegas in May 2026, with athletes participating in three sports — athletics, swimming, and weightlifting. Athletes will be allowed to use drugs that are banned across international sport, such as steroids and human growth hormones, with winners of each event receiving $250,000, and a bonus of $1 million for anyone who breaks a world record. Aron D'Souza, the Australian entrepreneur who is the founder of the event, says the Enhanced Games are an exercise in testing the boundaries of human performance. 'The Enhanced Games is renovating the Olympic model for the 21st century," D'Souza said on Wednesday as details of the games were revealed. 'We are here to move humanity forward," D'Souza said. 'The old rules didn't just hold back athletes, they held back humanity. 'We are not just organising competition, we are in the business of unlocking human potential. We are the vanguard of super-humanity." The Enhanced Games will take place from May 21-24 at the Resorts World hotel in Las Vegas. Swimming will hold 100m and 50m freestyle events, along with 100m and 50m butterfly. Athletics events include the 100m and 100m and 110m hurdles. Weightlifters will compete in the snatch and clean & jerk disciplines. WADA, the global anti-doping watchdog, on Thursday condemned plans for the event as 'dangerous", voicing concern it could lead athletes around the world to dabble in illicit substances with potentially deadly consequences. 'WADA condemns the Enhanced Games as a dangerous and irresponsible concept," the agency said in a statement. 'The health and well-being of athletes is WADA's number-one priority. 'Clearly this event would jeopardize that as it seeks to promote the use of powerful substances and methods by athletes for the purposes of entertainment and marketing. 'There have been many examples of athletes suffering serious long-term side-effects from their use of prohibited substances and methods. Some have died." Travis Tygart, the head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), said the event was a 'dangerous clown show that puts profit over principle." Australia's anti-doping body, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), also condemned the risks posed to athletes participating in the Enhanced Games. 'We work to ensure that sport is safe and fair to all," SIA chief executive Sarah Benson said in a statement. 'The Enhanced Games is promoting the complete opposite and poses a significant risk to athlete health and safety." Enhanced Games founder D'Souza however has pushed back on those criticisms, insisting that the competition would be conducted 'safely". 'We live in a world transformed by science – from vaccines to AI," said D'Souza. 'But sport has stood still. Until today. We are not updating the rulebook – we are rewriting it. And we're doing it safely, ethically, and boldly." The Enhanced Games have received financial backing from investors who include billionaire PayPal founder Peter Thiel as well as investment firm 1789 Capital, in which Donald Trump Jr. is a partner. First Published:
News18
21-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
'Just Relax And Enjoy': Wayne Rooney's Mantra For Man United Ahead Of UEL Final
Published By : Siddarth Sriram It is certainly a must-win game for both clubs, who are going through a horror season domestically with United and Spurs lingering at 16th and 17th place respectively. Wayne Rooney says he is amazed by Manchester United fans, and he just wants Ruben Amorim's side to enjoy the occasion at San Mames, despite the intense pressure, and get the job done against Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League The club's all-time leading goalscorer joined former Man Utd players Wes Brown, Andy Cole, and Denis Irwin on stage at the club's fan park in the Basque city, as he shared some advice for the team and previewed the final. 'I think there's a lot of pressure on both teams," explained the legendary striker. 'Obviously, both teams, United and Tottenham, have struggled and not had a great time in the Premier League. 'It's an opportunity for one of them to end the season on a high, with a trophy, and to get into the Champions League. So just relax and enjoy the game. If they enjoy it, they will play better," said Rooney to MUTV. advetisement It is certainly a must-win game for both clubs, who are going through a horror season domestically with United and Spurs lingering at 16th and 17th place respectively, as it would see some relief to their respective fanbases, given that the winner of the final automatically qualifies for the UEFA Champions League next season. Rooney clearly enjoyed speaking in front of the supporters who still idolise him, following his trophy-laden career at United. 'The fans amaze me, really, because it's been a hard season. Over the past few seasons, it's been quite difficult. To see the fans and how they are still supporting the team, the passion and hunger to get behind the players, is incredible. To see them and be part of it here is brilliant," he added. The last time Manchester United reached the Europa League final was in 2021 when they lost out on penalties after playing a 1-1 draw against Villarreal. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - IANS) First Published: May 21, 2025, 22:34 IST
