India’s PV Sindhu produced a vintage performance to knock out world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi of the People’s Republic of China and seal her place in the quarter-finals of the BWF World Championships 2025 badminton in Paris on Thursday.
Sindhu, 15th in the women’s singles badminton rankings, needed just 48 minutes to wrap up a 21-19, 21-15 victory at the Adidas Arena.
The Indian badminton player showed great control in the opening game, building an 11-6 lead before withstanding a strong fightback. Sindhu’s attacking intent, backed by her trademark smashes and sharp net play, helped her edge out the opener despite trailing 17-19 at one stage.
The second game saw Sindhu in full flow, mixing power with deft touches at the net. She broke away to a 16-11 lead despite engaging in a brutal 57-shot rally that tested her fitness.
A string of precise winners, coupled with errors from Wang, kept Sindhu ahead before she closed out the match with a backhand at the net.
With the win, Sindhu, who claimed the badminton world title in 2019, now has a sixth World Championships medal in sight. A win against ninth-seeded Indonesian badminton player Putri Kusuma Wardani will put her ahead of Zhang Ning’s record of most women’s singles badminton medals at the BWF World Championships.
In the mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto advanced after a stunning 19-21, 21-12, 21-15 win over fifth seeds Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong China.
The victory has now set up a quarter-final clash against fourth seeds Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei of Malaysia.
India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the ninth seeds in men’s doubles, will be in action later in the day.
India has won at least one medal at every edition of the Badminton World Championships since 2011.
Formula 1, together with multi-national lottery-led entertainment company and Official Partner Allwyn, are proud to name a leading Dutch accessibility charity as the first-ever winner of the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award.
Stichting HandicapNL will receive a €100,000 donation from Allwyn in recognition for their commitment to supporting those with physical, intellectual, or multiple disabilities through a range of programmes.
At the Dutch Grand Prix, they work with the promoter to provide special care amenities including accessible showers, toilets, medical rooms, sensory-friendly zones and an accessible viewing platform on the main straight.
The charity was awarded the accolade at this year’s event in Zandvoort by an expert panel of judges from Formula 1, Allwyn, and the Dutch promoter, for its outstanding contribution in producing a positive impact in the local community.
The €100,000 donation from Allwyn will enable the organisation to take its operations to the next level and expand the reach of its work. With the prize fund, Stichting HandicapNL will make an additional four events accessible and provide support to a further six events.
The learnings from the existing programme will also serve to help the two million people living with disabilities in the Netherlands.
Established as part of Allwyn’s multi-year partnership with Formula 1, the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award aims to recognise the outstanding contributions to society that F1-linked initiatives are making in their country. The award reflects a shared commitment in driving positive change and giving back to the communities in which they operate.
Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1 said: “The F1 Allwyn Global Community Award is a perfect example of how Formula 1 can use partnerships to enact real change in the communities where it races.
“This unique collaboration has created a global platform to celebrate the fantastic local initiatives that go above and beyond to make a real difference. Stichting HandicapNL has helped transform experiences for many people living in the Netherlands, and the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award will help them to continue to expand their vital works and help people across the country.”
Jan Karas, CEO of OPAP, part of Allwyn, and F1 Allwyn Global Community Award judge, added: “Stichting HandicapNL’s impact here in the Netherlands is truly inspiring. At Allwyn, we want to bring fun and entertainment to as many people as possible – no one should have to face a physical barrier in doing so.
“Stichting HandicapNL’s work is not just improving accessibility for F1 fans but is providing learnings that can be applied to different types and scales of events outside of the F1 environment.”
Jan Willem Koopman from Stichting HandicapNL, said: “Our ultimate goal is that it becomes commonplace for people with disabilities to access and inclusively attend a whole festival or event, from start to finish. It has been fantastic working with Formula 1 at Zandvoort to make this track as accessible as possible and, thanks to this award, we can expand our operations.
“The donation from Allwyn will mean we can make four additional events more accessible, support a further six events with advice and assistance and develop new partnerships with like-minded organisations.
“It will also have a lasting impact in the long term, empowering even more people to attend events, challenging negative perceptions and creating a more inclusive society.”
In 2025, three more F1 Allwyn Global Community Award winners will be crowned and receive donations at the United States, Mexico City, and Las Vegas Grands Prix. The winners will be selected based on the impact they make across the four pillars of education, culture, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Daniil Medvedev was fined $42,500 by the US Open on Wednesday – more than a third of his $110,000 prize money from this year’s singles at the tournament – for his meltdown after a photographer wandered on to the court at match point.
Tournament referee Jake Garner docked Medvedev $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and another $12,500 for racket abuse. When Sunday’s first-round match ended in defeat for Medvedev he repeatedly smacked a racket against his chair, destroying the equipment.
Medvedev, the US Open champion in 2021, was angered when chair umpire Greg Allensworth granted opponent Benjamin Bonzi another first serve after the photographer’s interruption.
Bonzi was on match point, leading 5-4 in the third set, when the photographer – whose credential was later revoked – walked along the side of the court just after a fault.
Allensworth told the photographer to leave the court, then announced that Bonzi would get another first serve because of the delay. Medvedev approached the official to complain, and things soon got out of hand. The crowd began booing and chanted, “Second serve!” Play was held up for more than six minutes as Medvedev riled up the fans and insulted Allensworth.
“Are you a man? Why are you shaking? He wants to go home guys, he doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour,” Medvedev shouted.
When order was restored, Medvedev wound up taking that set – and the fourth, too. But Bonzi wound up winning 6-3, 7-5, 6-7, 0-6, 6-4.
It was Medvedev’s third consecutive grand slam loss in the first round, including last month at Wimbledon against Bonzi.
Tamasha, Pakistan’s leading digital entertainment platform by Jazz, has introduced Tamasha Pro, a premium subscription plan to elevate the streaming experience with exclusive content, Ultra-HD quality, and an ad-free viewing experience.
With Tamasha Pro, users can unlock access to top news, entertainment, and regional channels, along with a curated selection of Hollywood blockbusters. The latest addition to the subscription is exclusive access to the English Premier League 2025–2026, bringing fans closer to their favorite clubs competing at the highest level.
Subscribers of Tamasha Pro will also enjoy the ability to stream upcoming marquee cricket tournaments in Ultra-HD, completely ad-free, ensuring a seamless and immersive viewing experience. Commenting on the launch, Aamer Ejaz, President Digital at Jazz, said: “Tamasha Pro represents our commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and sports streaming to audiences across Pakistan. With features like Ultra-HD, ad-free viewing, and access to premium tournaments like the English Premier League, we are redefining how fans experience their favorite content, anytime, anywhere.”
Since its launch, Tamasha has become Pakistan’s premier destination for digital entertainment, streaming iconic global events such as the ICC Champions Trophy, Wimbledon, the Olympics, and major cricket tournaments. Available on Android, iOS, and Android TV, the platform continues to innovate by introducing premium offerings that cater to evolving audience demands.
With Tamasha Pro, Tamasha not only strengthens its leadership in digital entertainment but also expands its premium catalogue to include 90+ live TV channels, Pakistani and international films, web series, and short-form content. In 2024, Tamasha delivered 12.5 billion minutes of content and hosted 250 days of live action, and with this premium offering, it is set to deliver an even more immersive, enriched, and uninterrupted streaming experience for audiences nationwide.
The Emirates Cricket Board has dismissed fears of India boycotting the match against Pakistan. According to Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed, all boards confirmed participation in the Asia Cup only after receiving approval from their respective governments. While a 100% guarantee cannot be given, there is strong hope the match will take place.
Details reveal that under India’s hosting, the Asia Cup will be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28. Before this, the Pakistan team will participate in a triangular series with Afghanistan and the UAE. The Emirates Cricket Board is continuing full preparations for the Asia Cup. The first Pakistan–India clash is scheduled for September 14, with a possible second on the 21st, and if both teams reach the final, a third encounter could also take place.
Speaking exclusively to Express Tribune, Subhan Ahmed said, “Our preparations are complete, and we will provide fans with an opportunity to enjoy top-quality cricket.”
He added that all participating teams confirmed entry into the Asia Cup only after their governments’ approval.
“Although nothing can be guaranteed with 100% certainty, we are hopeful that the Indian team will also play against Pakistan,” he added.
Regarding the crowd, he said, “There is no fear of boycott; in fact, a house-full is expected. In the past, fans have always kept cricket and politics separate, and we believe the same will happen again.”
About ticketing, he explained, “We know fans are eagerly waiting for tickets. Unfortunately, negative elements took advantage and started selling fake tickets online. That’s why both the Asian Cricket Council and ECB had to issue a social media alert, clarifying that tickets were not yet on sale and warning fans not to lose their money to fraudsters. Please wait – once the official announcement is made, tickets will be available only through the official website.”
He further added, “We are finalizing talks with a ticketing agency, and soon an agreement will be reached. Within the next few days, fans will be able to buy tickets online. We will also try to keep the prices reasonable.”
On a question regarding separate seating for Pakistan and Indian fans, Subhan Ahmed said, “We have not received any such instruction from the government in Dubai. As always, fans will sit together and enjoy the game. However, the local government in Sharjah directed us to seat Afghan and Pakistani fans separately, so we are doing that for the triangular series. But no Asia Cup match is scheduled to be held in Sharjah.”
He also mentioned that spectators can obtain UAE visas in the normal way, but special arrangements are being made for players, officials, and other stakeholders.
“There will be no grand opening ceremony for the Asia Cup – it will start in a simple manner,” he concluded.
Norwegian alpine skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde is setting goals and counting down days as his comeback to competition after his nightmare crash continues.
Back on snow training in Chile, the 32-year-old reiterated that the Beaver Creek downhill in December remains one of his big ambitions and has started a countdown to help chart his progress.
“It’s amazing to be here. Feeling this close to the sport. It’s been a minute,” Kilde shared on social media on Wednesday (27 August)
“The next four weeks are really promising to do some good training and progress. I also looked at the calendar, and it’s 100 days until the Beaver Creek downhill, and I was thinking about that being one of the biggest goals I have coming up. And I wondered if maybe you guys would join that journey.
“So, let’s do a countdown of 100 days from now and then see where it takes me.”
The two-time Olympic medallist also shared in the video that his longtime girlfriend and superstar skier Mikaela Shiffrin was alongside him and his team for the training block.
Kilde hasn’t raced since January 2024 after he sustained a heavy crash during a downhill event in Wengen, injuring his left shoulder. His recovery, which included a string of surgeries, was complicated by an infection and saw him sit out the last season entirely.
Formula 1 returns to action following the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. But who are the favourites to get back up and running the quickest? Here are what the odds tell us…
Odds are provided by F1’s Official Betting Data Supplier ALT Sports Data, are subject to change and are presented in decimal form: for every $1 wagered you would win the figure represented by the odds; so, if Verstappen is favourite at 1.50, you would win $1.50 for every dollar bet.
The odds for the win
Championship leader Oscar Piastri enters the Dutch Grand Prix weekend as the favourite for success. With six wins this term, the Australian tops the win charts and has missed out on a podium only twice in 14 starts.
On the other side of the McLaren garage, however, Lando Norris was the victorious driver at Zandvoort in 2024, and is the in-form driver with three wins from the last four events to close the points gap.
With three previous wins at the coastal venue, home hero Max Verstappen should not be written off. But with only two wins this season and a Red Bull that has struggled to match McLaren’s pace on Sundays, this could be an uphill battle.
The odds for a podium finish
With the McLaren drivers each failing to feature on the podium just twice this season, the pair are heavy favourites to feature in the top three on Sunday afternoon.
Just behind Verstappen is Charles Leclerc, who has finished third twice in the last three years at Zandvoort, and has recently found form, with podiums in Austria and Belgium.
George Russell will look to go back-to-back following a top-three result last time out in Hungary, while Lewis Hamilton continues his search for a first Grand Prix podium for Ferrari.
The odds for a top-six finish
Hamilton will be keen to return to the top six after two races outside of this bracket, most recently finishing in 12th. Before this, he had been a regular in the higher end of the points, finishing in the top six in six consecutive races from Imola to Silverstone.
Fernando Alonso was able to make the most of a strong weekend for Aston Martin in Hungary to reach the top six for the first time this term, but questions remain as to whether the team can repeat this level of performance.
Gabriel Bortoleto has shown consistent improvement across his rookie season, and achieved a career-best sixth place at the Hungaroring. He has also scored points in three of the last four races for Sauber.
The odds for a top-10 finish
Nico Hulkenberg and Isack Hadjar have taken the chequered flag in the top 10 places on five occasions this year. While Sauber driver Hulkenberg has scored in four of the last six races, Hadjar last scored at the Spanish Grand Prix for Racing Bulls.
In the other Racing Bulls entry, Liam Lawson has found recent form, with points in Austria followed by back-to-back eighth-place finishes in Belgium and Hungary.
Finishing seventh in two of the last three weekends, Lance Stroll could add to his Aston Martin points total.
The odds for who will be fastest in Qualifying
Piastri and Norris remain the favourites to take pole position for McLaren, but the margins have been fine in Qualifying this term.
Leclerc claimed his first pole position of the season in Hungary, while Verstappen is tied with the McLaren pair on four for the campaign. Russell is the only other pole-sitter so far in 2025.
McLaren have only once failed to take pole position at consecutive races this year – this coming when Verstappen headed the grid in Saudi Arabia and Miami.
The odds for the winning team
After 14 rounds, McLaren have been victorious 11 times, with Piastri contributing six to the cause, and Norris five. This total includes six of the last seven rounds. The team is dominating the Teams’ Championship, with 559 points to Ferrari’s 260.
Through Verstappen, Red Bull has topped the podium twice, while Mercedes has a single victory, courtesy of Russell.
RIGA (Latvia) – The quartet of Cyprus, Finland, Latvia and Poland are tipping off FIBA EuroBasket 2025 thrilled to welcome the continent to their respective countries and hopeful to match Germany’s success from 1993 of winning the title as a host nation.
Symbolically, Germany are also the last nation to reach the podium as hosts, when they finished third at FIBA EuroBasket 2022 in Berlin.
Of the four host nations, Latvia are the only country to actually have hoisted the trophy – winning the first ever EuroBasket in 1935. They hosted the event in 1937 and then waited 78 years for their next opportunity when they were one of four co-hosts in 2015.
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“If we’re playing somewhere else, it’s not gonna give us the same juice.”
Kristaps Porzingis
Europe is back in Riga a decade later.
“I like being in a situation with some pressure. There is more on the line. If we’re playing somewhere else, it’s not gonna give us the same juice,” said Latvian star Kristaps Porzingis, who just missed playing in 2015 as he made his senior national team debut in 2017.
“You leave everything out there. And there’s no place better to do it than at home.”
Finland was sole host nation in 1967 and then was one of four co-hosts in 2017. The Susijengi star Lauri Markkanen was already a leader for the team eight summers ago, and he is ready to thrill the home fans again.
“It’s a honor. Just to play in a competition like EuroBasket in front of your home fans and friends is very special. This is the second time as well, so it’s really cool and I don’t think many people can really claim that they have done this,” said Markkanen, who averaged 19.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in 2017 as a 20-year-old.
Poland star Mateusz Ponitka remembers well the last time his country hosted the EuroBasket – back in 2009.
“It’s really an amazing feeling, because the last EuroBasket was in 2009 in Poland, and I was in the stands,” said Ponitka, who was 16 years old then. “When you’re a kid, especially from a not-so-advanced basketball country, your dream is to play in your home, with your fans, in a situation where you can all team up against opponents on the basketball court.”
EuroBasket 1963 also also took place in Poland.
For Cyprus, who are not only hosting the event for the first time but also making their EuroBasket debut, the success of the tournament won’t be judged on their on-court success. In many ways, the long-term impact of hosting Europe’s biggest basketball event could be much more important than that.
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“Just to be able to inspire one young kid coming from a small town like Limassol is a dream come true.”
Filippos Tigkas
“There’s definitely been more excitement and a lot more people are paying attention to the sport of basketball lately. And it’s been great,” Cyprus co-captain Simon Michail said.
Filippos Tigkas is one of Cyprus basketball’s biggest future hopefuls at 22 years of age. And the point guard knows many youngsters in Limassol will be watching him at EuroBasket.
“Just to be able to inspire one young kid coming from a small town like Limassol is a dream come true. There’s nothing else better,” he said. “You dream of growing up being able to inspire. It’s something we’re really blessed to do.”
This is the fourth straight EuroBasket with four co-hosts, and one of the host nations have reached the podium twice in the previous three events – France taking third in 2015 and Germany third in 2022.
Germany took third place as hosts in 2022
Those two medals are actually the only ones any of the host nations have captured in the last six EuroBaskets dating back to 2009. The current dry spell follows an 11-event run between 1987 and 2007 in which the hosts won the title three times, three times finished second and twice took fourth place.
All told, the hosts have nine times ended up hoisting the trophy – the most recent one coming in Germany in 1993. Eight times the hosts grabbed second place and four times did they finish in third place.
How did host nations fare in past EuroBasket tournaments?
