Sinner and Swiatek Doping Controversies Overshadow Tennis 2024! Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek achieved significant milestones in 2024, but doping controversies overshadowed their otherwise stellar seasons. Both players faced scrutiny after failed doping tests, resulting in questions about the integrity of tennis’s anti-doping measures.

Sinner tested positive for a trace amount of clostebol but explained it was unintentional contamination. While an independent tribunal cleared him, the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed, risking a potential two-year ban. Despite this, Sinner secured major titles, including the Australian and U.S. Opens, and led Italy to Davis Cup glory.

Swiatek faced similar challenges after testing positive for trimetazidine, attributed to melatonin contamination. She received a month-long suspension but expressed relief once her case was resolved. Swiatek still shone in 2024, winning five titles, including her fourth French Open.

These doping incidents prompted criticism of tennis authorities for perceived leniency towards high-profile players. Simona Halep, who faced a prolonged battle over her ban, highlighted inconsistencies in doping rulings.

Tennis saw remarkable moments amid these challenges, including Novak Djokovic’s Olympic gold, Barbora Krejcikova’s Wimbledon win, and Carlos Alcaraz’s rise as a dominant force. Despite setbacks, Sinner and Swiatek demonstrated resilience and determination in a demanding year for tennis.

Sudurpaschim Royals in NPL final! Binod Bhandari’s unbeaten half-century guided Sudurpaschim Royals to an emphatic eight-wicket win against Janakpur Bolts, securing their spot in the NPL final. Chasing a target of 140, Bhandari displayed exceptional composure, scoring 58 runs off 55 balls. His partnerships with Saif Zaib and Brandon McMullen were instrumental in steadying the chase after an early loss of wickets.

The Royals’ bowling unit also played a crucial role, with captain Dipendra Singh Airee taking three wickets! Restricting Janakpur Bolts to a modest total. Airee’s leadership with the ball ensured the Royals maintained control throughout the first innings. Janakpur Bolts struggled to build momentum, with only James Neesham and Subash Khakurel making notable contributions of 44 and 26 runs, respectively.

Bhandari’s calculated innings included strategic boundaries and well-timed strikes, proving his experience and resilience in pressure situations. His efforts were well-supported by Saif Zaib, who contributed a steady 30 runs, and McMullen, who added 20 to ensure a smooth chase.

The victory sends Sudurpaschim Royals into the final, where they will face the winner of the second qualifier. The Royals’ all-around performance underlined their strength as a cohesive unit, showcasing both batting depth and bowling prowess.

Janakpur Bolts will now battle the second qualifier against Karnali Yaks to keep their title hopes alive. The thrilling contest promises an exciting final ahead in the Nepal Premier League.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks, accusing the BJP of harboring a “casteist” and “anti-Dalit mindset.” She alleged that the BJP “mask has fallen off” and claimed the party would have rewritten history to erase Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions if it had secured its pre-poll goal of 400 Lok Sabha seats.

Banerjee expressed her outrage, stating, “As Parliament reflects on 75 years of the Constitution, Amit Shah tarnished the occasion with derogatory remarks against Dr. Ambedkar in the temple of democracy. This reflects the BJP’s casteist and anti-Dalit ideology.” She added, “If they behave this way with 240 seats, imagine the damage they would inflict with 400 seats.”

She also criticized Shah’s comment as an attack on Dr. Ambedkar and the entire Drafting Committee of the Constitution. Her sharp remarks have ignited a political storm, with opposition parties joining the fray.

During his speech in the Rajya Sabha, Shah accused the Congress Party of turning Ambedkar’s name into a “fashion” while neglecting his ideals. He stated, “If they had invoked God’s name as much as Ambedkar’s, they would secure heaven for seven lives.” This statement led to protests in Parliament, with opposition MPs accusing Shah of disrespecting Ambedkar and holding up photos of the Constitution’s architect.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore moved an adjournment motion to debate the issue. Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended Shah, accusing Congress of undermining Ambedkar and questioning their genuine respect for him. Rijiju, the first Buddhist to serve as Union Law Minister since Ambedkar, highlighted the position’s significance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also supported Shah, alleging Congress has a history of disrespecting Ambedkar and neglecting SC/ST communities during its tenure. Amid the escalating tensions, both houses of Parliament were adjourned following protests by opposition members.