Latest news with #SiddarthSriram


News18
5 days ago
- 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


News18
15-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Real Madrid's Raul Asencio Accused Of Alleged Distribution Of Child Pornography
Published By : Siddarth Sriram AFP In September 2023, three unnamed players were arrested at Real Madrid's training centre following a complaint lodged by the mother of the 16-year-old girl who appears in the video. Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has been indicted along with three former youth players at the club for alleged distribution of a sexual video involving a minor, Spanish media reported. The judge at the San Bartolome de Tirajana court in Gran Canaria is prosecuting 'four footballers" for their alleged involvement in 'the recording or non-consensual dissemination of videos of a sexual nature involving a minor and another young girl", aged 16 and 18 respectively at the time, as per reports from AFP and The Athletic. The judge did not mention Asencio by name, nor specify which player is accused of which misdemeanour. But, the alleged crimes include the following: discovery of secrets without consent and violation of privacy, distribution and sending of videos to third parties without warning or consent to the injured parties, recruitment or use of minors for pornographic purposes, and possession of child pornography. In September 2023, three unnamed players were arrested at Real Madrid's training centre following a complaint lodged by the mother of the 16-year-old girl who appears in the video. The alleged incident took place at a beach club in the southern part of the island. While Ruiz, Rodríguez, and García were arrested in September of that year, Asencio initially gave testimony as a witness. He was later named as a suspect after further investigation by Spain's Civil Guard. Incidentally, the quartet was arrested in September 2023, and police seized their mobile phones. Back then, Madrid said that 'a Castilla player and three Real Madrid C players' made statements to the Guardia Civil 'relating to a complaint about the alleged broadcasting of a private video via WhatsApp'. The club added: 'When the club has detailed knowledge of the facts, we will take the appropriate measures." Moving forward, it has been suggested that the case will now be dealt with by the Public Prosecutor's Office. Asencio, 22, has established himself as a first-team regular in his breakthrough season at Madrid. Fans at various stadiums around Spain have jeered Asencio, with some Barcelona fans chanting 'Asencio, to jail" during the Clasico on Sunday. Real Madrid's Copa del Rey semi-final win at Real Sociedad in February was briefly paused by the referee after home fans chanted 'Asencio die". (with agency inputs) Location : Spain First Published:


News18
11-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Bayern Munich 'Close' To Signing Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz This Summer: Report
Published By : Siddarth Sriram Last Updated: Owning a Leverkusen contract until 2027, Wirtz indicated he is ready to "leave my comfort zone and experience something new." Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are close to signing German superstar Florian Wirtz from rivals Bayer Leverkusen as the season draws to a close and the new transfer window is set to open soon. Over the past weeks, several reports have mentioned an agreement between the Bavarians, the German international, and his manager-father, Hans-Joachim, while deal-making activities continue behind the scenes. Due to the size of the transfer, reportedly between 120 million and 150 million euros, Bayern Munich, the 2020 treble winner, is reportedly considering involving supplier and shareholder Adidas, which owns 8.33 percent of the club's shares, reports Xinhua. Since German law excludes direct involvement regarding a transfer fee, compensation for personal rights, and an update to Wirtz's existing supplier contract might speed things up. The sports goods manufacturer is said to see Wirtz as one of the company's future figureheads and is expecting a boost in its shirt sales figures. Owning a Leverkusen contract until 2027, the gifted player indicated he is ready to 'leave my comfort zone and experience something new." Combining Germany's most promising 'talents," Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, has been a desire of Bayern's influential supervisory board member, Uli Hoeness. The idea that two geniuses in one team are too much has been refuted since German national coach Julian Nagelsmann successfully appointed the courted duo in his starting 11. Hoeness, 73, created a trustworthy relationship with the Wirtz family over the past months. The 1974 FIFA World Champion said Bayern is forced to use a potential partner to proceed with the deal as the club has met its financial limits. Wirtz said sportive prospects play a major role for him, payments are only a side effect. 'I have been raised and educated by my parents not to run around as a big spender," the 2024 German champion said. While Wirtz seems to regard Bayern as a sensible next step, further Bayer players have also caught the attention of the Bavarians. Rumours mention Bayern's interest in defender Jonathan Tah and Czech international Patrik Schick. In both cases, Bayern is facing competitors such as Barca, Real, and several Premier League sides. Meanwhile, the Wirtz deal remains the club's highest priority. Having made his way from Cologne to Leverkusen in 2020, the youngster developed into a world-class player, making his national debut in 2021 under former coach Hansi Flick. In March 2024, he scored the fastest goal in the national team's history after eight seconds against France, as well as playing nearly 200 games in Leverkusen's shirt. IANS) First Published: May 11, 2025, 12:22 IST