Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Novak Djokovic: Indian tennis teen slams Australian Open 'double standards'

Novak Djokovic: Indian tennis teen slams Australian Open 'double standards'

A 17-year-old Indian tennis player has said he felt "hurt" at being denied entry to the Australian Open for being unvaccinated against Covid-19, while world number one Novak Djokovic got a medical exemption.

All participants at the Melbourne tournament, which starts on January 17, must be jabbed or have a medical exemption, which is granted only after assessment by two panels of independent experts.


Among those exempted was Djokovic, who has repeatedly refused to confirm if he has been inoculated.

But Aman Dahiya was barred from the qualifying event of the junior Australian Open because he had not been jabbed.

India made Covid vaccinations available for people aged between 15 and 18 from January 3 and Dahiya, placed 78 in the ITF junior rankings, is still waiting for his first shot.

In an email, the tournament's medical exemption panel rejected Dahiya's request and wrote: "Under current Australian guidelines, the applicant would be considered eligible for vaccination and therefore does not qualify for exemption."

"I felt hurt after Djokovic was allowed to play and while I was denied entry for the same thing," Dahiya said. "The law should be the same for all. This is double standards."

Dahiya's coach Jignesh Rawal said the player was missing the opportunity of a lifetime to play on the biggest stage due to a harsh call.

"We thought they are very strict but we saw they allow Djokovic who did not have one vaccine," Rawal said.

"In a simple email they said 'you can't come' but Mr. Djokovic you can because you are famous. I respect Djokovic but the law should remain the same for everyone."

Rawal said Dahiya comes from a humble background in the northern state of Haryana, his father earning about Rs 10,000 ($134) a month.

Meanwhile, there has been a severe backlash in Australia over Djokovic's entry to defend his title in Melbourne.

Tournament chief Craig Tiley said that the defending champion had been given "no special favour" but urged the Serbian to reveal why he got the exemption, to soothe public anger.

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

SSMB29 brings Priyanka Chopra back to Bollywood in high-stakes Rajamouli film

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra confirms return to Indian cinema with Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu film 'SSMB29'

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas confirms return to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s SSMB29.
  • She calls the film not a comeback, but a “homecoming” to India and Bollywood.
  • SSMB29 stars Mahesh Babu, with Prithviraj Sukumaran rumoured to play the antagonist.
  • The film’s next shooting schedule will take place in Kenya; budget reportedly over £94 million (₹1,000 crore).

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is officially back on Indian screens after several years of focusing on international projects. But for the actor, who has spent the last decade working in Hollywood, this is more than just a comeback. In fact, it is a return to where it all began.

  Priyanka Chopra calls 'SSMB29' her homecoming as she reunites with Indian cinemaGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Video game

The trend is most pronounced among 18 to 24-year-olds

iStock

Video game sales plunge 25% among young players

Key points

  • Young adults aged 18–24 have cut video game spending by nearly 25%
  • Rising game and console prices are key factors behind the drop
  • Free-to-play games dominate usage, replacing premium titles
  • Industry faces growing pressure as live service titles saturate the market
  • Similar trends expected in UK due to parallel consumer habits

Young players cut back as gaming becomes pricier

Video game spending among young adults in the US has fallen sharply, with new data showing a nearly 25% decline compared to last year. Analysts point to increasing game and console prices, combined with the popularity of free-to-play titles, as the main reasons behind the drop.

The trend is most pronounced among 18 to 24-year-olds, who are spending significantly less across multiple consumer categories — but none more so than gaming. This raises fresh concerns for an industry already facing stagnation in demand and shifting player behaviour.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pakistan’s ‘killer mountain’ claims Czech climber’s life

FILE PHOTO: Foreign tourists and their guides trek down from Nanga Parbat base camp. (Photo by AMELIE HERENSTEIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Pakistan’s ‘killer mountain’ claims Czech climber’s life

A CZECH mountaineer fell to her death on the world's ninth-highest peak, Pakistan officials said Friday (4), becoming the first casualty of the summer climbing season in the country.

Klara Kolouchova, 46, the first Czech woman to summit the world's two highest mountains, died on Thursday (3) after falling on the lower slopes of Nanga Parbat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan as Dahaa in Coolie revealed in striking black and white poster

Aamir Khan joins Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj for 'Coolie' cameo; Dahaa first look goes viral

Quick highlights:

  • Aamir Khan will be seen in a special cameo as Dahaa in Coolie, starring Rajinikanth.
  • First look dropped on 3 July, showing Aamir in a rugged, pipe-smoking avatar.
  • Khan said he agreed to the cameo instantly because he’s a longtime Rajinikanth fan.
  • Coolie releases in IMAX on 14 August and will clash with War 2 at the box office.

Bollywood star Aamir Khan has joined the cast of Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated action film Coolie for a special cameo. The makers revealed Aamir’s first look on 3 July, and fans have been buzzing ever since.

In the poster, Aamir appears as ‘Dahaa’, a gritty, sharp-looking man in a sleeveless vest, glasses, and pipe in hand. The black-and-white image, released by Sun Pictures, presents a darker, edgier version of the actor not seen in recent years. The caption on the post read: “Introducing #AamirKhan as Dahaa, from the world of #Coolie. #Coolie is all set to dominate IMAX screens worldwide from 14 August.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Wimbledon 2025: Swiatek Overcomes McNally to Enter Third Round

The third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams

Getty Images

Iga Swiatek rallies past McNally to reach Wimbledon third round

Summary

     
  • Swiatek battles back: Iga Swiatek overcame a shaky start to defeat American Caty McNally 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 and reach the third round at Wimbledon.
  • Early scare: McNally, ranked 208, came from 1-4 down to take the first set, capitalising on Swiatek’s struggles on grass.
  • Swift turnaround: Swiatek raised her aggression in the second set, dominating the rest of the match and losing just three more games.
  • Grand Slam consistency: The 23-year-old became only the third woman this century to reach the third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams.
  • Familiar foe: Swiatek and McNally were former junior doubles partners, winning the French Open girls' title together in 2018.


Keep ReadingShow less