Latest news with #WorldCupFinal
News18
a day ago
- Sport
- News18
India playing a big role in popularising shooting sport: ISSF chief Rossi
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) President Luciano Rossi on Monday said the global body wants to take the sport to great heights in Asia, and India would play a pivotal role in achieving that. ISSF has a total of 163 member countries but India has emerged as the hub of the shooting sport, given the number of teenagers taking up the sport. In a bid to harness talent, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) will also be organising a franchise-based Shooting League of India (SLI) later this year. 'The ISSF has 163 member countries across continents. But the biggest (potential) now is (in) India," said Rossi in an interaction with the media. 'ISSF relies on a strong cooperation from the NRAI and also other Asian countries. We have members from five continents, but Asia has a lot of talent and the incredible scores are a testimony to that," he said. 'We are working with India and China to help increase the sport activity around in Asia." NRAI president Kalikesh Singh Deo said that the global body had consistently helped India by awarding major international competitions to the coutry. 'ISSF has always been very generous towards India. They awarded us the World Cup Final in 2024 after the Olympics. This year, we are conducting the Junior World Cup. Next year in February, we have the Asian Shooting Competition… in 2027, the ISSF has given us a World Cup quota competition. 'And in 2028, we have the Junior World Championship, where thousands of young shooters will come from all over the world to participate in India," said Kalikesh. 'This is, of course, exciting for the Indian shooters, because most of our shooters come in the rather young category… we've had shooters as young as 16, going up to 24, 25, one of the youngest teams in the world. And, of course, one of the most successful teams in the world in the recently held Argentina and Peru and World Cups, as well as Munich." 'We are very excited that the world's first Shooting League of India is going to be held in India towards the end of November. We are very grateful to ISSF for listing it in the calendar. More than 70 international shooters from over 20 countries have agreed to participate in this. And of course, more than 400-500 domestic shooters have applied to be part of the auction process," added Kalikesh. Rossi said that ISSF is trying to make shooting a more television and spectator-friendly sport and the changes could be seen at LA28. 'For too many years, we talked inside the (shooting) family (fraternity). We forgot to showcase (the sport) outside the family (fraternity). It was a big mistake. 'Now, we are working to repair this. We (will) invest not only money, but also give a lot of attention to it. We are working for a new format for the Olympic Games. 'And we will test it this year in the World Cup Final that will be in Doha. We will be ready for LA28. We understand that shooting is not a physical sport, as some the other sports are. It doesn't mean that we can't make it more exciting and viewer-friendly." Rossi also hinted that there was a proposal to increase the number of finalists in shotgun events from six to eight and also in rapid fire, to bring uniformity in the sport. 'We have to increase the number of finalists in shotgun from six to eight, in rapid fire from four to eight, because in all other discipline it is eight. We are working on this," said Rossi. PTI AM AM AT AT view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 20:15 IST 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.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
NRAI chief Kalikesh Deo: ‘Shooting will be there' in programme if India hosts 2030 CWG, 2036 Olympics
India is set to host four major shooting events between 2025 and 2028. However, it was baffling why the hosting rights for all those championships were awarded to New Delhi alone, especially when the entire community had appeared overtly enthusiastic about participating at a new venue a few years back. The Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy in Bhopal, having set up a new final hall and redesigned its shotgun range, was excited to roll out the red carpet for international competitions. However, the International Shooting Sport Federation's (ISSF) World Cup in March 2023 remains the sole international meet to have been held at the said venue. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, says reduced connectivity to the Tier-2 city is the reason why it has been difficult to host world-class competitions in Bhopal. 'The choice of the venue largely depends on the logistical convenience of an athlete. Let's not forget that athletes, who are taking 24 hours and coming to Delhi, have to go through Customs again to fly to another place. The feedback that we got was to try and limit the amount of logistics involved to encourage more participation. Of course, the final decision rests with the ISSF,' Kalikesh said during a virtual media roundtable on Monday. Regarding India being preferred over other member nations for a major competition each year, Kalikesh said, 'The ISSF has always been very generous towards India and even more so since Luciano (Rossi) has taken over as the president. He had graciously awarded us the World Cup Final of 2024 after the Olympics. This year, we will have the Junior World Cup; next year, in February, we have the Asian Cup in rifle and pistol; and in 2027, we will have a Quota competition (an all-format World Cup). In 2028, we will have the Junior World Championship, where young shooters from across the world will come to participate. This is exciting for Indian shooters, especially as a lot of them are now starting off very young. We believe India will be a great asset to the ISSF going forward, and also to Luciano in terms of support to him and his plans for the sport. ALSO READ | NRAI president: Not to make an attempt with Shooting League of India would be a crime India is also set to organise the inaugural edition of the Shooting India League (SLI) in November. The entire competition, a first of its kind, is set to be held at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range. According to the NRAI, the SLI is set to operate in 'a hybrid model, integrating traditional shooting events with virtual competitions.' It also mentions the integration of e-sports to an extent. Earlier this month, Kalikesh was also appointed Interim Chairperson of the ISSF Committee on E-sports and Innovations. Luciano explained what e-sports, which recently became a part of the Olympic movement in 2024, had to do with a sport whose history with the Summer Games can be traced back to the late 1800s. He said, 'We have to open our minds. For years, shooting has been very closed to the outside world. E-sports has been widely appreciated. So, we have created this small group, which Kalikesh is part of, because we realise we can use modern systems and new technology to send a message across the world regarding what is happening in shooting. Shooting is the safest sport in the world, but we have failed to communicate what we are doing. With e-sports, following the IOC's footsteps, we want to appeal to the younger generation. The growth is limitless. Only 10 international federations are a part of the e-sports movement, and we are proud to be one of them.' To further strengthen shooting's footprint across the globe, the ISSF needs to plan a better broadcasting strategy. Luciano says he is already on it. 'For too many years, we were so invested in our family that we forgot to show what we are to people outside the family. It was a big mistake, which we are looking to repair now. We are investing a lot of money and attention in better communication and in establishing a good relationship with the players. We don't have a set solution yet, as I am not a magician, but as a team, we are doing our best to improve the communication media. We are close to a change. The next Olympics will be emotional, and there will be more drama.' ALSO READ | ISSF proposes changes to shooting gear to tackle 'technical doping,' looks to reset rifle world records in 2026 Currently, only the ISSF event finals are streamed on YouTube. Shooting has been shunned by the Commonwealth Games (CWG) organisers for two editions in a row now. It also did not make the programme at the latest edition of the World University Games. While that presents a worrying picture of the future of the sport, Luciano and Kalikesh aren't too worried. Luciano said: 'I spoke with the Chair of the CWG. It was a mistake to remove shooting from the Games roster in 2022. The ISSF did what needed to be done at that point. But that's in the past. We are ready to cooperate again.' 'I can assure you that when India hosts CWG in 2030, shooting will be there. Shooting will also find a prominent place when the country hosts the Olympics in 2036. We had a healthy medal tally in the Asian Games and the Olympics,' Kalikesh weighed in.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Fired-up England fans pack out fan zones as they get ready to roar Lionesses onto Euros victory in final
FIRED-UP England supporters have packed out fan zones in Basel today, as they gear up to roar on the Lionesses from abroad. The Lionesses are set to face Spain in the Advertisement 11 England fans have travelled to Basel, Switzerland to cheer on the Lionesses tonight Credit: Louis Wood 11 The final will kick off at 5pm tonight as the Lionesses compete against Spain Credit: Louis Wood 11 Licensing laws have been extended until 1am with the hope that Brits will be out celebrating Credit: PA 11 Those not going to the stadium can cheer the team on from fan zones Credit: PA Kick off will be at 5pm UK time, with fans due to flock to pubs across the country to cheer their team on. The game will be broadcast on BBC One and ITV1 for fans at home. And with Tonight's match takes place in Basel, Switzerland, with fans kitted out in merch as they await kick off in fan zones nearby. Advertisement Read more Sport Fan zones are decked out with flags and merch supporting the team. Those Others had brought cardboard cutouts and posters for their favourite players. One fan could be seen carrying a cutout of team manager Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive Exclusive Breaking Wrapped in St George's flag, some fans have even painted the flag on their faces. Prince William, the patron of the Football Association, is set to be in Switzerland to cheer the team on. Lionesses celebrate after bonkers Euro 2025 penalty shootout win over Sweden In a "The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on! W." Advertisement Tensions are building as the team previously lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2023 World Cup Final. However, the England team have demonstrated a strong winning streak throughout the tournament. In a tense game against Italy, they clawed back a 1-0 losing streak, to go on to win 2-1 in the final minutes of the match. It cemented 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang as England's breakout star of the tournament. Advertisement The Lionesses have shown their prowess on the field, as the team prepare for tonight's all-important game. Speaking to PA news agency, captain She said: "If you're fearful of losing, then even if you do win, do you enjoy that experience. Do you fully take it in?" Wiliamson added: "I think this team is so task-focused. Whatever is in our way, we'll try and overcome that together. I don't think we're a team fearful of losing." Advertisement Spain are currently the favourites to win after claiming the Nations League title in 2024. It would be the first time the Spanish women's team win a European title, and would make them the first national side in history to possess every UEFA trophy on offer. However, England fans are ready to cheer on their team in the hopes that they come out on top. Speaking about tonight's game, Williamson said: "Hopefully the best is yet to come." Advertisement 11 A fan with a cardboard cut out of England legend Jill Scott Credit: Louis Wood 11 Supporters have already started packing out Basel's fan zone Credit: PA 11 Captain Leah Williamson said the team would leave their fears behind at tonight's game Credit: PA It comes after the Home Office confirmed that licensing hours would be extended across England and Wales, allowing pubs to stay open until 1m. Advertisement Announcing the news, Pub licensing hours can be relaxed for events of "exceptional national significance" with both the semi-final and final of the Euros included under this umbrella term. The It gave Brits plenty of time to celebrate after the team won 2-1 during extra time. Advertisement In an exhilarating final few minutes, the team clawed back from a 1-0 loss after Michelle Agyemang scored in the 96th minute, leading England to win 2-1 during extra time. The British Beer and Pub Association has estimated that pub-goers will buy a million extra pints during the final, which could boost the economy by £5 million. 11 The team previously lost to Spain during the 2023 World Cup final Credit: Getty 11 Dedicated fan zones are decked out with Lionesses-themed merch Credit: Getty Advertisement 11 Fans were overjoyed after the team won a tense semi-final match against Italy earlier this week Credit: PA 11 Fans are also celebrating the success of team manager Sarina Weigman Credit: Louis Wood
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Sport
- Tom's Guide
Women's Euro Final LIVE: England vs Spain streams, watch FREE from anywhere, build-up, team news, live updates
England and Spain face off in the Women's European Championship Final once again — a repeat of the 2023 World Cup Final. Two years ago, La Roja defeated the Lionesses 1-0 in Sydney. This time Sarina Wiegman's side will be hoping for a different outcome in Switzerland as they bid to retain their title they won on home turf 2022. British residents will be able to stream the game for free on BBC iPlayer. But can you watch for no cost in the USA, Canada and Australia? Yes, with Surfshark. So, stick with us here on Tom's Guide as we bring you live updates from Basel as England take on Spain.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Divya Deshmukh devastated in FIDE Women's World Cup final draw against Koneru Humpy
Divya Deshmukh devastated (Screengrabs) The first game of the FIDE Women's World Cup final between 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh and 38-year-old Grandmaster (GM) Koneru Humpy ended in a tense draw on Saturday in Batumi, Georgia. But it was the emotion on Divya's face at the end, hands covering her disappointment, that told the real story of a missed opportunity. Watch: Making her debut in a major final, Divya came in with bold intent. Playing with the white pieces, she surprised many by opening with 1.d4, a move she hadn't played all tournament. It was a clear sign of targeted preparation. For the first hour, the young International Master (IM) held a clear edge, pushing Humpy onto the back foot with sharp, aggressive moves. But as the clock ticked and pressure mounted, Divya began using significant time for key decisions. The advantage slowly began to slip away. Humpy, ever composed, showed why she's long been India's top female player. She neutralised the pressure with precise calculation and calm defence, turning the tables slowly without ever forcing the issue. ALSO READ: Women's Chess World Cup Final: Divya Deshmukh lets advantage slip, holds Koneru Humpy to hard-fought draw in Game 1 The endgame turned into a psychological battle. Humpy began repeating queen checks, probing for weakness, perhaps even offering a silent draw. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click here for more information Undo But Divya declined, pushing on in search of a decisive result. Her ambition was evident, but so was her fatigue. Eventually, neither player found a breakthrough. After 41 intense moves, the game concluded in a draw through repetition, a fitting result for a match that swung both ways but never fully tipped. Poll Who do you think will win the FIDE Women's World Cup final? Divya Deshmukh Koneru Humpy It's too close to call I don't follow chess For Divya, the disappointment was visible, not from the result itself, but perhaps from knowing she had a chance to land a crucial early blow. Game 2 will see Humpy take the white pieces. With one more classical game left, and possible tiebreaks after that, this final between experience and youth is just getting started. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
