Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar today (29) praised the city of Chennai, saying it was always "warm with full of love and support" whenever he had played.
Tendulkar, the co-owner of the kabaddi team Tamil Thalaivas, is in Chennai to watch the Pro-Kabaddi League being held in city.
"I am really excited to be here to watch the first match of Tamil Thalaivas. Cricket whenever I came and played here, Chennai was always warm, full of love and full of support", he said.
He wanted similar support to the sport of kabaddi.
"All I can tell everyone is join us and let's support Tamil Thalaivas and enjoy kabaddi".
Tamil Thalaivas are playing against Puneri Paltan in the 100th match of ongoing Pro-Kabaddi League.
Thousands of runners took part in the 2025 Edinburgh Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday (26 May), braving challenging conditions that included strong westerly winds reaching speeds of up to 40mph.
The Edinburgh Half Marathon 2025 began at 8am from Potterrow in the city centre, taking participants on a 13.1-mile route through Edinburgh before heading east along Portobello Promenade, continuing through Musselburgh and on to Prestongrange, just west of Prestonpans. Runners had the wind largely at their backs in the early stages but faced a difficult return stretch as the course looped back to the finish line at Pinkie Playing Fields in Musselburgh.
Conditions became particularly tough in the closing miles. Runners battled headwinds during the final stretch, which tested their endurance, especially as they turned back into the wind after reaching their easternmost points — Prestongrange for the half marathon and east of Gosford House for the full marathon.
One half marathon participant, Paul, told the Courier: “I really enjoyed the first seven miles, going through Edinburgh, mainly downhill, and seeing all the sights. When we got to Portobello prom it was hot, but there was a great atmosphere, as there was along Musselburgh. But when we turned back before Prestonpans, the wind was so strong — it was just about hanging on. I’ve no idea how those doing the full marathon managed it, having to run another seven or eight miles into the wind at the end.”
The full marathon, which started at 10am, extended beyond the half marathon route, taking runners as far as Gosford House near Longniddry before turning back along the East Lothian coast towards Musselburgh.
Adding to the challenge, rain began falling later in the day, compounding the already tough conditions for runners.
Despite the weather, there were impressive performances across both events. Marshall Smith (Ashford AC) won the men's full marathon in 2:22:16, while Melissah Gibson (Ealing Eagles RC) won the women’s race in 2:38:48. In the half marathon, Sean Chalmers (Aberdeen AAC) claimed first place in the men’s race with a time of 1:04:59, and Stella Cross (Wetherby Runners) was the first female finisher in 1:19:04.
Edinburgh Marathon parking restrictions were lifted by 6.30pm.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool lifts the trophy after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk lifted the Premier League trophy after Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday. It was the first time in 35 years that Liverpool celebrated a title with their own fans.
Arne Slot's team secured their record-equalling 20th English crown by beating Tottenham in April. The trophy presentation was held back for the final game of the season.
Liverpool’s previous title in 2020 was celebrated behind closed doors because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Then-captain Jordan Henderson lifted the trophy in an empty stadium.
This time, Liverpool celebrated their first title in front of a full Anfield since 1990. Around 61,000 fans joined the celebrations along with club legends.
"It's always special to win something, but at certain clubs maybe a little bit more," Slot said.
"I don't think you expect anything like this. If you look at the Premier League in the last few seasons it was always a race to the end.
"To be part of it was already nice, let alone to win it."
Alan Hansen, captain of the last Liverpool team to lift the trophy at a full Anfield in 1990, handed the silverware to Van Dijk.
Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool's manager 35 years ago, was in the stands. Jurgen Klopp, who managed the 2020 title-winning team before leaving last year, also watched the celebrations.
Fireworks, smoke and red ticker tape filled the air as the players took the trophy around Anfield. Banners and flags in the Kop stand paid tribute to the team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, expected to leave for Real Madrid after his contract expires in June, also took part in the celebrations. He had been booed during a recent draw with Arsenal after announcing his decision to leave.
On Sunday, Alexander-Arnold was cheered when he came off the bench for his final appearance at Anfield. The Liverpool-born defender kissed his badge in response.
"I've played hundreds of games for the club but I've never felt so loved and cared for than today," Alexander-Arnold said.
Liverpool did not win any of their four games after clinching the title. But the celebrations went on. Before kickoff, Palace's players gave Liverpool a guard of honour, and Liverpool later returned the gesture for the FA Cup winners.
Ismaila Sarr scored in the ninth minute for Palace. Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was shown a straight red card for a foul on Daichi Kamada in the 68th minute after earlier being booked for diving.
Mohamed Salah equalised in the 84th minute, finishing with his 29th goal of the season. This equalled the record for most goal involvements in a Premier League season, held by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, both with 47 in a 42-game season.
Salah won the Premier League golden boot for the fourth time.
"It's incredible. Last time we did not have the chance to lift the trophy in front of the Kop. Today we have the chance," Salah said.
"It is an incredible feeling. Winning the second one with the fans in Anfield, you can see what it means."
Liverpool’s players stood in a long line to sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' after the presentation. The celebrations are expected to continue on Monday when Liverpool will parade the trophy through the city on an open-top bus.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Klaasen made an unbeaten 105 from 39 balls to take Hyderabad to the third-highest IPL total after they chose to bat at New Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla ground. (Photo: Getty Images)
SOUTH AFRICA's Heinrich Klaasen scored his second IPL century on Sunday to help Sunrisers Hyderabad to a total of 278-3 and a 110-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders.
In the first game of the day, Chennai Super Kings, who finished last this season, signed off with an 83-run win over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
Chennai captain MS Dhoni said he has "no hurry" to decide about his future in the T20 league. The 43-year-old was reported to be retiring.
Klaasen made an unbeaten 105 from 39 balls to take Hyderabad to the third-highest IPL total after they chose to bat at New Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla ground.
Promoted to number three, Klaasen hit seven fours and nine sixes in Hyderabad’s dominant batting show after opener Travis Head scored 76 off 40 balls.
Three-time champions Kolkata, who won the IPL last year, were bowled out for 168 in 18.4 overs to end in eighth place out of 10 teams.
Hyderabad's Head and opening partner Abhishek Sharma started with a partnership of 92 in 6.4 overs.
Abhishek made 32 before Head added 83 runs with Klaasen as the sixes continued to flow at Feroz Shah Kotla ground.
Klaasen reached his century in 37 balls, the joint third-fastest in IPL history. Chris Gayle had made a 30-ball hundred in 2013 and Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Suryavanshi reached three figures in 35 balls this season.
Left-handed Head was dismissed by Sunil Narine, but Klaasen kept going with Ishan Kishan.
In the earlier match, Chennai ended Gujarat’s chances of finishing in the top two. Chennai scored 230-5, with Devon Conway hitting 52 and Dewald Brevis adding 57 from 23 balls.
Chennai’s bowlers then bowled out Gujarat, who have already qualified for the playoffs, for 147 in 18.3 overs.
Chennai ended with four wins in 14 matches. The future of Dhoni, who took over as captain midway after Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, remains uncertain.
Dhoni did not reveal any decision after the game.
"I have four, five months to decide. There's no hurry," said Dhoni.
The former India captain, who turns 44 in July, scored 196 runs in this IPL season. He was praised for his wicketkeeping with several stumpings.
"Need to keep the body fit," said Dhoni. "You have to be at your best. If cricketers start retiring for their performance, some of them will retire at 22. I will go back to Ranchi, enjoy a few bike rides.
"I am not saying I am done, not saying I am coming back. I have the luxury of time."
Gujarat, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians are sure of places in the top four, but are fighting to secure top two spots which give two chances to reach the final on June 3.
Gujarat end the league stage with 18 points. Punjab (17), Bengaluru (17) and five-time champions Mumbai (16) have one match remaining.
The focus was on Gujarat captain Shubman Gill, who was on the field a day after being named as India’s Test team captain.
He was the first to be dismissed, for 13 from nine balls, in Gujarat’s chase which never got going.
Gill said the loss was a "hard pill to swallow".
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Maini is the first Indian driver to secure a victory at the circuit, known for its prestige in the racing world. (Photo: X/@dbmahadik)
KUSH MAINI became the first Indian to win the Formula 2 Sprint Race at the Monaco Grand Prix, achieving the milestone at the track on Saturday, 24 May.
Maini’s victory at Monaco marked his first win of the F2 season and his first podium with Dams Lucas Oil.
He is the first Indian driver to secure a victory at the circuit, known for its prestige in the racing world.
Maini started the race from pole position as the BWT Alpine F1 team reserve driver. He made a strong start and maintained his lead throughout the race.
“P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It’s a great honour and dream come true really. I want to thank DAMS and everyone who’s supported me. We keep believing,” said Maini after the race during the podium ceremony.
Maini had qualified P10 for Sunday’s Feature Race, which placed him in pole position for the Sprint Race because of the reverse grid system. From the lights out, Maini led all 30 laps of the race.
Maini said the Monaco win was important for his confidence and performance this season, following a difficult start to 2025.
Indian business tycoon Gautam Singhania was seen in the pit lane congratulating Maini after the win. Singhania’s JK Racing, along with TVS Racing, has supported Maini’s racing career from the beginning.
Maini will look to carry the momentum from Saturday’s win to the Feature Race on Sunday and then to the race in Barcelona next weekend.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Shubman Gill. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
INDIA named top-order batsman Shubman Gill as the new Test captain, the cricket board said Saturday (24), as it announced the team for next month's all-important tour of England.
Gill, 25, succeeds Rohit Sharma, who retired from Tests recently along with Virat Kohli. He will take charge in the five-Test series in England starting June 20.
Gill will lead a team in transition after Rohit, 38, and Kohli, 36, walked away from the five-day format in the space of six days this month to leave a big void.
"Shubman Gill-led TeamIndia are READY for an action-packed Test series," the Board of Control for Cricket in India said in a statement. His vice-captain will be Rishabh Pant.
Gifted with a wide range of shots, Gill has led Gujarat Titans into the playoffs of the current Indian Premier League T20 tournament.
"Obviously, he's very young but we've seen the improvement," chief selector Ajit Agarkar told reporters after the team announcement in Mumbai.
He said that, as well as Gill's IPL performances, the board "take feedback from a lot of people" and the choice was a "unanimous decision".
"It's obviously going to be a high-pressure job. But we're hopeful that we've picked the right guy. I mean, he's a terrific player," Agarkar said.
"It's a big job, big transition," he said, especially with "two of our big players retiring".
"We were all confident that he is the guy to take us forward", he said.
However, pace bowler Mohammed Shami has been left out of the 18-member squad due to fitness concerns, Agarkar said.
"He's had a little bit of a setback over the last week or so," Agarkar said, adding medical scans had ruled Shami out for the series.
Pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah is in the squad, although he will not be able to play all five Tests. Bumrah's workload is being managed while he recovers from a career-threatening back injury -- a key reason for him not getting the Test captaincy.
Bumrah was Rohit's deputy in India's last Test tour of Australia.
Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj returns after he was dropped from the ODI team for the Champions Trophy this year.
Batsman Karun Nair, who hit an unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai in 2016, will make a comeback eight years after he last played a Test for India.
Gill's opening partner at Gujarat, Sai Sudharsan, who leads the IPL batting chart with 638 runs, also made the cut.
Agarkar said coach Gautam Gambhir and Gill will decide the batting order and who will replace Rohit and Kohli as opener and number two batter.
Gill has played 32 Tests, scoring 1,893 runs at an average of 35.05, with five hundreds, since his debut in Melbourne in 2020.
He has been a mainstay of India's batting in Test and ODI cricket and played a key role in the team's 50-overs Champions Trophy title in Dubai this year.
The Tests in England will be India's first in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
The opener is at Headingley, followed by the second Test at Edgbaston from July 2.
Lord's hosts the third Test from July 10, with the fourth at Old Trafford beginning July 23 and the final Test at The Oval from July 31.
Justin Bieber faces backlash for ‘I love you’ comment on 17-year-old star Ariana Greenblatt’s post