NBA legend Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71, after a battle with cancer. He was one of the most versatile players to step foot on the court, impressing with his defense, rebounding, shot-blocking, passing, and scoring.
After his 10-year playing career, he remained a cultural icon as a broadcaster, never afraid to be his fun-loving self.
Bill Walton passes away at the age of 71
There will never be another quite like Bill Walton.
The Basketball Hall of Fame inductee averaged 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game during his career. His playing career was interrupted by recurring foot injuries which kept him out for the entirety of 1978/79, 1980/81 and 1981/82.
He won two NCAA titles at UCLA, and went on to become the first draft pick for the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974. Three years later, he led them to their first NBA Championship, defeating Philadelphia 76ers. Nine years after his first win with Portland, he won his second NBA Championship with Celtics.
Bill Walton was the league’s MVP in 1977/78 and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1993 after a truly distinguished career. His story is truly inspirational, because after his battle with injuries on the court, he overcame a stutter to become a broadcaster – for which he won an Emmy Award.
Unai Emery has extended his contract with Aston Villa until 2029, tying him down long-term to the Midlands club. He had extended his contract only a month ago amidst interest from Bayern Munich, but has now agreed to a higher salary and a longer contract.
The former Arsenal manager was able to guide the team from 7th to 17th in his first season in charge. And this year, he has led the Clarets to the Champions League by finishing fourth in the table, while also making it to the semifinals of the Europa Conference League.
Unai Emery renews contract with Aston Villa until 2029
🚨🟣🔵 Unai Emery has signed new five year deal at Aston Villa valid until June 2029!
After extending the contract last month, he’s now signed new agreement with salary increase.
“I am very happy of leading this club. There’s a great chemistry in Aston Villa”. pic.twitter.com/a7seBwiLPd
“I am very happy to take this step and the responsibility of leading this club,” Unai Emery told the club’s official website as part of the announcement.
“Since I came to Villa with Wes and Nassef we found always the best environment and structure to develop a project with the highest ambition.
“All the football structure with Monchi and Damian and the owners, we share the same vision and same goals.
“There’s a great chemistry in Aston Villa. And the element of the fans’ support also makes the difference to feel like home. We are really excited to continue this journey with no limits to our dreams.”
Aston Villa in the Premier League since Unai Emery took over:
With the new structure in place at Villa, things have really started to change on a deep level. A five-year contract shows that the club is keen on having Emery as the face of the project, while the manager himself is keen to commit long-term.
It’ll be interesting to see whether Aston Villa and Unai Emery can continue their run of results with Champions League alongside the Premier League. Newcastle United struggled to compete on both ends after their return to the European top flight, and perhaps there is a lesson to be learnt from the Magpies and their challenges this past season as a rising team.
Chelsea are close to finalising personal terms with Enzo Maresca to become their new manager. The former Manchester City assistant coach joined Leicester City as their first team manager after their relegation, and helped them win the Championship at the first time of asking.
Now, he is close to agreeing a contract with Chelsea to replace Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent after only one season. Maresca has informed Leicester of his desire to go to Chelsea, and is now negotiating terms involving his backroom staff as well.
Chelsea in advanced talks with Enzo Maresca for managerial role
🚨🔵 Enzo Maresca has also informed Leicester City of his desire to sign for Chelsea.
The agreement between Maresca and Chelsea on the contract is being sealed, no issues on salary.
Understand also Maresca’s staff is now also being discussed in club to club compensation talks. pic.twitter.com/nnqX5fsTfI
Kieran McKenna was one of the names mentioned in the list, after his season with Ipswich Town. However, he has been informed that he will not be given the job after the board was impressed with Enzo Maresca. Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi and Vincent Kompany were also on the shortlist, but have now fallen behind in the race.
The board has reportedly been impressed by his knowledge of the current Chelsea squad and his ambition. As a result, they have chosen him as their pick to lead the team next season.
Quick 🧵 on Enzo Maresca from my observations watching Leicester this season.
Preferred formation: 4-3-3. But it's more a 3-2-4-1 (or 3-2-5) in possession.
Fans, however, are split on the decision, considering he has never managed in the Premier League. But with the board choosing an up-and-coming manager, Maresca’s experience with Manchester City sets him apart.
Mikel Arteta was once Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City, and has gone on to build an impressive squad with Arsenal. And perhaps the Chelsea sporting directors are hopeful of the same happening on the other side of London too.
Southampton have won the EFL Championship Playoffs, defeating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium to win promotion back to the Premier League. They will join Leicester City and Ipswich Town as the three teams to be promoted from the second division in 24/25.
A solitary goal from Adam Armstrong was enough to help the Saints win the richest game in football and secure their return to the top flight.
Southampton win Championship playoffs 2024 to return to Premier League
The moment Southampton were promoted to the Premier League! Crazy atmosphere at Wembley. 🏟️🔥
Under Russel Martin, the team has been completely transformed, as they now play a possession-based style which has become so common among clubs in the top flight. The Saints initially struggled, but embarked on a 25-game unbeaten run – their best record in history, to finish the season.
Their relegation in 2023 created a significant amount of problems, with top players like James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia, Tino Livramento and Armel Bella-Kotchap leaving the club after their relegation.
Russel Martin, who had only finished 10th with Swansea City in the Championship before, wasn’t the most exciting appointment. But, his style finally clicked for the team and has helped them return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Luis de la Fuente has named a 29-man list for the provisional Spain Euro squad, ahead of the friendlies against Andorra and Northern Ireland. The squad will eventually be trimmed down to 26 for the Euros in Germany this year.
The list features the regulars under de la Fuente, with Joselu getting the nod after his incredible spell with Real Madrid. Barcelona youngsters Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez have also been called up, with the former already having made his debut.
Spain Euro squad: Provisional 29-man list announced
Spain have won the Euros thrice alongside Germany, the most successful teams in the competition’s history. This time, though, they will be underdogs once again, considering the quality of squads throughout the tournament.
Amid the dazzling spectacle of the IPL 2024 final, a momentous achievement by ace gymnast Dipa Karmakar seemed to slip under the radar. While the nation awaited the outcome of the clash between KKR and SRH, Dipa Karmakar etched her name in history by clinching a gold medal at the Asian Gymnastics Championships 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This triumph marked a significant milestone, as Dipa became the first Indian woman to secure gold in the vault event at this prestigious championship.
Dipa’s journey to the gold medal podium was one of resilience and determination. Amidst stiff competition, she showcased her prowess with a final score of 13.566 in the vault event, outshining contenders from Korea and securing the top spot. This victory not only brought glory to Dipa but also elevated India’s standing in the realm of gymnastics. With only four medals to India’s credit in the history of the Asian Gymnastics Championships, Dipa’s gold medal added a new chapter of success.
Historic Feat Overshadowed
Despite the enormity of her achievement, Dipa’s triumph was overshadowed by the frenzy surrounding the IPL final. The nation, engrossed in cricketing fervor, seemed to have missed out on celebrating the historic moment of Dipa Karmakar’s gold medal win. This oversight highlights the need to recognize and appreciate achievements beyond the realm of cricket, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of athletes like Dipa who strive to bring laurels to the country in diverse sporting arenas.
While Dipa’s gold medal brought jubilation, it was accompanied by a tinge of disappointment. Despite her stellar performance at the Asian Gymnastics Championships, Dipa fell short of securing a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite her remarkable feat in the vault event, Dipa’s overall score placed her 16th in the competition, dashing her hopes of competing at the Olympics. The coveted Paris 2024 quota went to the Philippines’ Emma Malabuyo, leaving Dipa with mixed emotions as she basked in the glory of her gold medal win.
At 30 years of age, Dipa Karmakar stands as one of the most successful gymnasts in India’s sporting history. Her journey is adorned with accolades, from tantalizingly close brushes with Olympic glory to podium finishes at international championships. Dipa’s legacy extends beyond her individual achievements; she serves as an inspiration to aspiring gymnasts across the nation, embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence.
From Rio to Tashkent Her Journey of a Champion
Dipa Karmakar’s tryst with gymnastics began long before her historic gold medal win in Tashkent. Her remarkable journey includes a fourth-place finish at the Rio Olympics in 2016, where she narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal in the vault event. Before her triumph in Tashkent, Dipa had already etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history with a bronze medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. Her return to action after a 21-month suspension for a doping offence exemplifies her resilience and unwavering commitment to her craft.
Celebrating Dipa’s Legacy
As Dipa Karmakar’s gold medal triumph at the Asian Gymnastics Championships fades from the limelight, it is imperative to recognize and celebrate her legacy. Beyond the glitz and glamour of cricketing events, Dipa’s achievements exemplify the spirit of Indian sportsmanship and the pursuit of excellence against all odds. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, reminding us that true greatness lies in the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams, irrespective of the obstacles encountered along the way.
Pep Guardiola could leave Manchester City at the end of the 2024/25 season, when his contract with the club expires. The Catalonian led the Sky Blues to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title this past season, albeit coming up short in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United.
Since joining the team eight years ago, he has won 15 trophies including the Champions League title as part of the treble last season. And now, the hierarchy is giving him control of his future by allowing him to decide whether he wants to stay or go.
The 53-year-old revealed that he was closer to leaving than staying after winning the Premier League title. And having achieved the objective of winning the Champions League title with Manchester City, it seems much more likely that he could leave, as compared to the last time he renewed his contract.
Under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City have been a dominant force like no other in England. They have fought off incredibly strong competition from Liverpool, and now, Arsenal, to retain their stronghold on the league title.
But almost a decade later, things could be set for a change with the Catalonian in the final 12 months of his contract. Guardiola has already identified his successor, with former assistant manager Mikel Arteta praised and linked to City by the man himself.
IPL 2024 Final Stats: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was a spectacular culmination of a thrilling season. From record breaking performances to dramatic moments, the final was a fitting end to a memorable tournament.
Here’s a detailed look at the key stats and highlights from the IPL 2024 final
SRH’s Lowest Total in an IPL Final
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in IPL 2024. Despite their powerful batting lineup, they crumbled under pressure in the final, posting the lowest total ever recorded in an IPL final – 113 runs. This surpassed the previous record of 125/9 set by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2013.
Lowest Totals in IPL Finals
SRH vs KKR (2024): 113 all out
CSK vs MI (2013): 125/9
RPSG vs MI (2017): 128/6
MI vs RPSG (2017): 129/8
KKR’s Dominant Bowling Performance
KKR’s bowlers were on fire, dismantling the SRH batting lineup. Mitchell Starc and Vaibhav Arora led the charge with early wickets, while Hardik Rana and Andre Russell kept the pressure on throughout the innings. This collective bowling effort restricted SRH to their lowest ever total in a final.
Key Bowling Performances
Mitchell Starc: 3 wickets
Vaibhav Arora: 2 wickets
Hardik Rana: 2 wickets
Andre Russell: 2 wickets
Venkatesh Iyer’s Record Breaking Fifty
KKR’s Venkatesh Iyer played a match winning knock, scoring the joint fastest fifty in IPL finals history. His blistering half century came off just 24 balls, equalling the record previously held by Suresh Raina and David Warner.
Fastest Fifties in IPL Finals
Venkatesh Iyer (KKR): 24 balls (2024)
Suresh Raina (CSK): 24 balls (2010)
David Warner (SRH): 24 balls (2016)
KKR’s Third IPL Title
KKR chased down the target of 114 with ease, thanks to Iyer’s explosive innings. They won the match by eight wickets, securing their third IPL title. This victory marked KKR’s dominance in the tournament and added another trophy to their cabinet.
The IPL 2024 final was a showcase of exceptional cricketing talent and nerve wracking moments. From SRH’s record low total to Venkatesh Iyer’s rapid fifty and KKR’s clinical chase, the match had it all. As KKR lifted their third IPL trophy, fans were left with unforgettable memories and a season to remember. The statistics and records from this final will be etched in IPL history, serving as a benchmark for future performances.
It was a season of two distinct halves for the Rajasthan Royals.
March and April: 8 wins, 1 loss May: 1 win, 5 losses, 1 no result
By April 27, the Rajasthan Royals had effectively secured their playoff spot, ending up where they did nearly a month later. With 8 wins in 9 games, they surged ahead of the pack and were the first team to assert their dominance in the tournament. Most players had found their form, and there were some pleasant surprises: Riyan Parag in the middle order and Sandeep Sharma in the death overs.
However, a narrow 1-run loss on May 2 left Sanju Samson disheartened and marked the beginning of a decline. This slump was only interrupted by rain in the last league game in Guwahati. Their win in the Eliminator was a brief highlight, but despite a commendable performance with the ball in Qualifier 2, they ultimately fell short of their competitors.
Rajasthan Royals’ Player of the Season: Riyan Parag
Five seasons of patience and investment in Riyan Parag finally paid off for the Royals when they promoted the Assam batter to a more familiar No. 4 role in the middle order. Parag finished the season as the team’s highest run-scorer, amassing 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.21. With the RR openers not firing at their best this season, Parag, in the company of Sanju Samson, provided crucial stability in the middle overs, laying the foundation for several of their wins.
Riyan Parag. Image Credits – BCCI
He was equally adept against pace and spin and ran energetically between the wickets in testing conditions. While he did drop a few catches, he more than made up for it by taking some sensational grabs and being an ever-reliable fielder at backward point as well as on the boundary.
Rajasthan Royals’ Best Game
In what turned out to be their best game of the season, the Rajasthan Royals faced the in-form Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in an afternoon match, with the heat taking a toll on their players. Already hit hard by injuries and unavailability, the Royals faced an additional challenge when Sunil Narine’s relentless slogging led to his maiden T20 century, propelling KKR to a total that had never been chased down at the venue.
Needing 96 runs off the last six overs with only four wickets remaining and a struggling Jos Buttler battling hamstring and foot pain, the game seemed out of RR’s reach. That’s when the veteran English batter flipped a switch and delivered one of his finest performances, orchestrating an unlikely victory and securing a memorable win for the Royals.
Positives- A Move That Worked For Rajasthan Royals
In a season marked by standout performances from various players such as Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson, the contributions of Yuzvendra Chahal, Riyan Parag, and Sandeep Sharma were pivotal for the Rajasthan Royals’ success. Despite the limelight often focusing on the batsmen and the bowlers’ displays in the Powerplay and death overs, Chahal’s dominance in the middle overs remained a consistent positive.
Over the past three seasons, Chahal has consistently taken wickets, tallying 27, 21, and 18 respectively, with economy rates of 7.75, 8.05, and 9.41. His knack for breaking partnerships at crucial moments proved invaluable, disrupting teams that had strong starts and hampering their efforts in the death overs.
Sandeep Sharma. Image Credits – BCCI
Meanwhile, Riyan Parag emerged as a key player after being promoted to a more familiar No. 4 role in the middle order. His impressive performance as the team’s highest run-scorer, with 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.21, provided stability alongside the likes of Sanju Samson, laying the foundation for several victories. Additionally, Sandeep Sharma’s prowess in the death overs with the ball added another dimension to the Royals’ gameplay. Together, the combined efforts of Chahal, Parag, and Sharma exemplified a strategic move that significantly contributed to the Royals’ success in the tournament.
Negatives- A Move That Didn’t Work For Rajasthan Royals
Dhruv Jurel At The Death Overs
Dhruv Jurel entered the season with high expectations following his impressive performance last year and his stint in the India whites during the Test series against England. However, the tournament did not unfold as he had hoped. Despite scoring a fighting half-century in the Royals’ last game, Jurel managed only 195 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 138.29.
Dhruv Jurel. Image Credits – BCCI
This underwhelming performance, coupled with one of the weakest lower orders in the tournament, meant that Rajasthan Royals couldn’t effectively capitalize on the solid performances of their middle order batters. Jurel’s diminished returns in the death overs significantly impacted the team’s ability to finish games strongly.
Stars of This Cycle For Rajasthan Royals
Yuzvendra Chahal
In a season where multiple players shone, including Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal’s contributions stood out as a key factor in Rajasthan Royals’ success. Despite the spotlight often being on the batsmen and the bowlers’ performance in the Powerplay and death overs, Chahal’s dominance in the middle overs was a constant. Over the last three seasons, Chahal has taken 27, 21, and 18 wickets respectively, with economy rates of 7.75, 8.05, and 9.41.
Yuzvendra Chahal. Image Credits – BCCI
Chahal’s ability to break partnerships at crucial moments proved invaluable. Whether it was disrupting teams that had a strong start or weakening their efforts in the death overs, his knack for taking wickets at important junctures played a significant role in the Royals’ strategy and success.
Who Should They Retain Ahead of The 2025 Mega Auction
While the veteran quartet of Jos Buttler, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Trent Boult has been crucial to their success, the Rajasthan Royals should also look to capitalize on the potential peak performances of their highly-talented youngsters, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag. Sanju Samson should continue in his leadership role.
*Retention/RTM rules ahead of the mega auction haven’t been finalized by the IPL GC. This is just a hypothetical case.
Exciting news for smartphone enthusiasts! The Realme GT 6, bearing the model number “RMX 3851,” has been certified by the Indian BIS. Confirmed through Geekbench 6, this upcoming device will feature the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. It looks like Realme is gearing up to release another flagship killer soon. Stay tuned for more updates!
Realme GT 6 with model number " RMX 3851 " gets certified in Indian BIS ☑️ ✅ The processor it carries is Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 which is confirmed from Geekbench 6 ✅ So, another flagship killer smartphone is coming from Realme soon hopefully [ Feel free to repost ] pic.twitter.com/ic9xIzTApX
