Commonwealth sport delegation visits Gujarat ahead of 2030 Centenary …

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], April 8 (ANI): A high-level delegation from the Commonwealth Sport team visited Gujarat on Wednesday as part of preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking their first engagement since the city was officially confirmed as the host of the Centenary Games.

During the visit, the delegation will meet senior government officials and inspect the proposed venues for the Games. The Gujarat tour started with a greeting meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar.

“Gujarat is committed to completing the Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030 with teamwork, with the mantra of time-bound, qualitative, and effective planning given by Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi," said CM Bhupendra Patel.

Dr Donald Rukare, the President of Commonwealth Sport, extended an invitation to CM Bhupendra Patel to attend the Commonwealth Games, scheduled to begin on July 23, 2026, in Glasgow.

The 2030 Commonwealth Games will mark the centenary of the event and are expected to boost India’s prospects for hosting the 2036 Olympics.

The International Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed that Commonwealth Sport awarded the 2030 centenary Games hosting rights to Ahmedabad, recognising the city as the host to mark 100 years since the inaugural Games in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

The first Commonwealth Games, in 1930 in Hamilton, featured a small number of countries competing, while the most recent Games, in Birmingham, England, in 2022, were dominated by Australia at the top of the medal table, followed by England, Canada, India, and New Zealand. (ANI)

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Augusta: The season’s first major in golf, the Masters Tournament, gets underway on April 9 at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club, with the world’s best players chasing the coveted Green Jacket.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta aiming to become the first player since Tiger Woods (2001–02) to successfully defend the title. McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam with last year’s victory, but arrives this time without a win in 2026 and following a recent back issue, adding intrigue to his title defence.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is also among the favourites after returning to competition following the birth of his second child. Scheffler, a two-time Masters winner, is expected to challenge strongly alongside contenders including Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick and Collin Morikawa.

The field features 22 debutants, with rising names such as Chris Gotterup and FedExCup leader Jacob Bridgeman hoping to make an early impact. Recent Valero Texas Open winner J.J. Spaun also heads into Augusta with momentum.

The historic course, a par-72 layout stretching 7,565 yards, remains one of golf’s toughest examinations, with subtle changes including a longer 17th hole expected to further test players. The winner will earn 750 FedExCup points along with one of sport’s most prestigious prizes.

Practice rounds and the traditional Par-3 Contest precede Thursday’s opening round, with the tournament concluding on Sunday. As always, drama is expected around Amen Corner, where the championship is often decided.

With McIlroy seeking back-to-back titles and a stacked field chasing glory, the 2026 Masters promises four days of high-stakes golf at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.

Source: PGA

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Cyprus: India’s young chess star Divya Deshmukh produced a sensational performance to defeat former world championship challenger Anna Muzychuk in Round 8 of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, climbing into joint lead in the Women’s section.

Playing with the black pieces, Divya fought back from a slightly inferior position and showed remarkable resilience in a marathon battle lasting more than five hours. Her persistence paid off when Muzychuk blundered in the endgame, allowing the Indian to convert the advantage and seal a crucial victory.

With the win, Divya moved to 4.5 points after eight rounds, joining a tightly packed group at the top. China’s Zhu Jiner, Muzychuk, Russia’s Kateryna Lagno and India’s R Vaishali are all level on points, setting up an exciting finish with six rounds remaining.

Vaishali maintained her steady campaign by holding Bibisara Assaubayeva to a draw with the black pieces, keeping herself firmly in contention for the title.

Round 8 – Women’s Results
Divya Deshmukh beat Anna Muzychuk
Kateryna Lagno beat Aleksandra Goryachkina
Zhu Jiner beat Tan Zhongyi
Bibisara Assaubayeva drew R Vaishali

Meanwhile, in the Open section, India’s R Praggnanandhaa suffered a setback after losing to Anish Giri with the black pieces. The defeat leaves Praggnanandhaa three points behind tournament leader Javokhir Sindarov, who played out a draw with Andrey Esipenko.
In other key matches, Hikaru Nakamura defeated Fabiano Caruana, while Wei Yi shared the point with Matthias Blübaum.
Sindarov leads the Open standings with 6.5 points, having won five of his first eight games, and looks in commanding form.

Source: ESPN

The post Chess: Divya Deshmukh’s Win Shakes Women’s Candidates Leaderboard appeared first on SSI FANZINE.

New Delhi [India], April 8 (ANI): The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has secured a significant legal breakthrough before the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, reinforcing its claim for rightful recognition as India’s National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball.

During the hearing, the Court raised serious concerns over the actions of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), particularly its decision to overlook AIPA’s application filed in October 2024 while granting NSF recognition to a newly formed body incorporated in November 2024, according to a press release from AIPA.

The Bench questioned how fundamental eligibility requirements under the National Sports Development Code (2011) were waived for the newly recognised body, even as AIPA’s application remained unaddressed without any formal rejection.

In its order, the Division Bench directed the Union of India to produce the complete original record relating to the evaluation of all NSF applications. The Court further mandated that AIPA must be granted a full and fair opportunity to present written submissions and be heard before any renewal decision is taken, with NSF recognition due for renewal in April/May 2026.

Importantly, the Court clarified that the matter must be reconsidered afresh, uninfluenced by earlier rulings, thereby preserving the rights of all parties.

The case has been listed for further hearing on May 11, 2026. Founded in 2008, All India Pickleball Association has spent over 15 years building pickleball across India, with 25 state associations, district-level affiliates, and international recognition since 2023.

In contrast, the rival body was established only in late 2024, a month after AIPA’s application was submitted at the ministry, and was granted exemptions from key eligibility norms, including the mandatory three-year existence requirement and minimum state and district-level affiliations.

Responding to the proceedings, AIPA stated that the hearing marks a strong validation of its long-standing contribution to the sport and underscores the importance of due process. The association expressed confidence that once the full record is examined, the facts will clearly establish its rightful position and reiterated its faith in the judicial process as the matter proceeds.

The development is a significant moment for the governance of pickleball in India, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and highlights the need for transparency, merit, and institutional credibility in recognising national sports federations.

The All India Pickleball Association is India’s oldest and most established pickleball body, having pioneered the growth and development of the sport nationwide for over a decade and a half, representing athletes, coaches, nationwide for over a decade and a half, representing athletes, coaches, and state associations across the country. (ANI)

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