NEW DELHI: Hockey India’s decision to omit senior players, including veteran midfielder and former captain Manpreet Singh, from the list of probables for the upcoming FIH Pro League season was triggered by disciplinary issues during the national team’s tour of South Africa in December, sources told news agency PTI.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!According to a PTI report, a serious case of indiscipline came to light during the tour, which led to Manpreet, Dilpreet Singh and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak being dropped from the probables’ list announced on Thursday. India were in South Africa for a three-match Test series from December 2 to 16, which they lost 2-0, with the third match ending in a draw.“A serious case of indiscipline came to light during the South Africa tour, also involving a fourth player whose name has not been disclosed. The players later apologised for giving their teammate a banned substance, but the decision to exclude them from the upcoming camp was announced during a team meeting,” a team source told PTI.The absence of Manpreet, one of Indian hockey’s most experienced campaigners, has raised eyebrows across the hockey fraternity. The 33-year-old recently co-captained the Ranchi Royals to the Hockey India League final and was widely praised for his performances in the tournament.A member of India’s bronze medal-winning teams at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, Manpreet has failed to make the list of probables for the first time in nearly 15 years. He is also just one international appearance away from becoming the joint-most capped Indian men’s player with 412 matches, a record currently held by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey.The dropped players were not named in the probables for the national camp scheduled from February 1 to 7, ahead of the India leg of the FIH Pro League.The Pro League season will begin next month in Rourkela, with India set to play hosts to several top teams. India will open their campaign against Argentina on February 11, with the matches scheduled from February 10 to 15.Hockey India has not officially commented on the disciplinary matter, but the omissions underline a firm stance as the team prepares for a crucial international season.

India probables for FIH Pro League

NEW DELHI: The US State Department released a compilation of gifts presented by PM Modi and other Indian government officials to US leaders. The Office of the Chief of Protocol, Department of State, submitted this comprehensive listing of “gifts received from foreign government sources” for the calendar year 2024. Under law, federal employees must file these reports for gifts of more than minimal value, which for 2024 is $480.00. The report states that the “non-acceptance would cause embarrassment to donor and US.”The listings include several items presented by PM Modi to former US President Joe Biden. On September 10, 2023, during Biden’s travel to New Delhi for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, he was gifted a “Wood Chest, Scarf, Saffron with Jar, Wood Box for Tea” with an estimated value of $562. The chest, scarf, jar, and box were transferred to the US National Archives (NARA) while the saffron and tea were “disposed of pursuant” to Secret Service policies. On July 16, 2024, PM Modi also presented Biden with a “Sterling Silver Metal Train Set” with an estimated value of $7,750, which has been transferred to the National Archives.Other members of the administration received gifts as well. Former First Lady Jill Biden received a “Pashmina Shawl” from PM Modi on October 21, 2024, valued at USD 2,969. Former Vice President Kamala Harris received a “Lord Krishna Raas Leela Silver Box” on October 18, 2024, valued at $1,330, while her husband Douglas Emhoff received cufflinks estimated at $585.65. These items were all transferred to the National Archives.Additionally, national security advisor Ajit Doval gifted Jacob Sullivan a “Kashmir Pashmina Scarf with Box” on August 23, 2024, with an estimated value of $599.00, which was “Transferred to GSA.” Defence minister Rajnath Singh gifted a “Shiva Nataraja Bronze Statue” to Lloyd Austin on November 24, 2022. With an estimated value of $3,700.00, its disposition is listed as “Pending Transfer to GSA.”

Following the squad announcement, Naqvi addressed the Pakistan players and head coach Mike Hesson, clarifying the board’s stand.

“We are waiting for the government’s advice and whatever the government tells us to do we will do it,” he told the team.

He added that if the government advises against participation, the PCB will comply.

During the meeting, players were briefed on why Pakistan is supporting Bangladesh, and later the PCB confirmed that the squad backed the board’s principled position, even as uncertainty looms over their immediate future.

South Africa sealed the three-match series against West Indies in emphatic fashion as Quinton de Kock produced a breathtaking, record-breaking century in the second T20I at SuperSport Park on Thursday. The left-handed opener’s masterclass guided South Africa to a stunning seven-wicket win while chasing a daunting target of 222.

West Indies post mammoth total of 221/4

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, South Africa were put under immediate pressure as West Indies unleashed an aggressive batting display. Brandon King anchored the innings with a fluent 49 off 30 balls, while captain Shai Hope departed for just 4.

The innings truly ignited when Shimron Hetmyer smashed a scintillating 75 from just 42 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 8 fours and 3 sixes. His assault was complemented brilliantly at the death by Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on a blistering 57 off 24 balls.

West Indies surged to 221 for 4, finishing at a remarkable run rate of over 11 per over. South Africa’s bowlers found little respite, though Keshav Maharaj stood out with economical figures of 2 for 22.

Quinton de Kock delivers a knock for the ages

Facing a towering target, South Africa needed something extraordinary – and Quinton de Kock delivered exactly that. Playing his 100th T20 International, the veteran opener produced one of the greatest knocks in the format, hammering an astonishing 115 off just 49 balls.

De Kock’s knock was a blend of power and precision, featuring 6 fours and 10 sixes. He dismantled the West Indies bowling attack, lifting the scoring rate to unprecedented levels and ensuring the chase never drifted out of South Africa’s control.

This century also marked a unique milestone, as De Kock became the only batter to score twin centuries while opening in successful 250-plus chases in T20Is.

Player of the Match: Quinton de Kock 🏏#cricket #SAvWI #2ndT20I pic.twitter.com/VRs7i8LvrK

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 30, 2026

Also READ: Not RCB! Dale Steyn surprises fans with his prediction for IPL 2026 winner

While de Kock stole the headlines, Ryan Rickelton played a crucial supporting role. The left-hander remained unbeaten on a classy 77 from 36 balls, striking at a staggering rate of over 200.

The duo stitched together a massive 162-run partnership in just 71 balls, completely tilting the contest in South Africa’s favour. Their stand effectively neutralized the pressure of the chase and left West Indies searching for answers.

The hosts raced to 225 for 3 in just 17.3 overs, completing one of the highest successful run chases in T20I history. The sheer dominance of the batting display highlighted South Africa’s depth and firepower, particularly at the top of the order.

West Indies’ bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with none able to stem the flow of runs. Akeal Hosein picked up two wickets but conceded over 10 runs an over, reflecting the relentless pressure applied by the Proteas batters.

Also READ: Fans go gaga as clinical RCB storm into WPL 2026 final with eight-wicket win over UP Warriorz

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmarks, opened in red on Friday. While Nifty50 went below 25,300, BSE Sensex was down over 500 points. At 9:16 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 25,274.65, down 144 points or 0.57%. BSE Sensex was at 82,056.49, down 510 points or 0.62%.Analysts expect stock-specific movements to take centre stage as investors position themselves ahead of the Union Budget. Global and domestic market cues point to a cautious, rangebound trading environment.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “As we near the Budget Day there are headwinds and tailwinds for the market. Geopolitical issues continue to plague global trade with continuous threats of tariff weaponisation by Trump. The spike in Brent crude to near $ 70 is a headwind for Indian macros in general and industries that use oil as inputs, in particular. However, these headwinds are likely to be countered by the positive message from the Economic Survey that projects GDP growth of 6.8 to 7.2% growth in FY 27.”“With 3.5% headline inflation, India is headed for around 10% nominal GDP growth in FY27. This has the potential to deliver 15 to 17% earnings growth in FY 27, imparting resilience to the market. The steady decline in FPI outflows during the last two days indicate a possible change in FPI strategy. Another significant trend is India’s success in diversification of its export market away from the US to other markets. From early 2027 onwards this trend will gain momentum with the India- EU trade deal getting implemented. Overall, at this juncture, tailwinds are stronger than headwinds and this is positive for markets in the medium to long-term.”US equities ended lower on Thursday, as concerns over corporate earnings and uncertainty around heavy investments in artificial intelligence weighed on sentiment. The S&P 500 and the tech-focused Nasdaq slipped after investors questioned whether massive AI-related spending by large technology firms would translate into sustainable returns.Early on Friday, futures linked to the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 were down about 0.2 per cent. Technology stocks remained in focus after Apple flagged that rising component costs could pressure its margins, despite reporting earnings that beat market expectations. The stock posted marginal gains in extended trade, while Asian markets opened slightly higher.Back home, foreign portfolio investors continued to trim exposure, selling equities worth Rs 394 crore on Thursday, according to provisional data. In contrast, domestic institutional investors provided support to the market, purchasing shares valued at Rs 2,639 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

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NEW DELHI: For his family, Sumit Kapur was not defined by the plane crash in Baramati that claimed his life, but by the warmth he carried into every room. To them, he was simply “Bunny” — a nickname that followed him from childhood into his final years. The 62-year-old pilot died in the charter aircraft crash, along with Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and three others on Wednesday.At the Punjabi Bagh crematorium in Delhi, more than 150 relatives, close friends and captains gathered, united by grief and memories of a man remembered as the heart of a close-knit west Delhi family.

Kapur was a career pilot who had spent a staggering 20,000 hours in the air. After schooling at Springdales and Air Force Bal Bharati, he travelled to Canada for advanced flight training.He was an important figure at Sahara Airlines in the early 1990s, where colleagues remember him as the “right hand” of the chairman. Later, after working at Jet Airways, his technical precision earned him the title of examiner for Boeing 737.“Being an examiner means you have reached the ultimate level in civil aviation,” explained a fellow captain, who knew Kapur for 20 years. “He was responsible for the proficiency and training of other pilots. His knowledge truly set him apart from the crowd. He was a man of absolute precision.”For the past five years, Kapur had been associated with VSR Aviation. He is survived by his wife, his elderly father, son Shiv who is also a pilot with VSR and daughter Sanya who is married to a pilot. While Kapur often flew the Learjet with co-pilot Shambhavi who also died in the crash, Shiv would frequently fly the VSR Legacy jet with Shambhavi’s father, Vikram Pathak, who retired from the Indian Air Force.Despite his career, Bunny remained deeply grounded in his roots. His family’s story is the story of Delhi itself, originating in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, moving through Moradabad, and eventually settling in a family home on Panchkuian Road before moving to Rajouri Garden’s M-Block.For 40 years, neighbours watched Bunny grow from a lively boy into a seasoned commander. The caretaker of the house where Kapur had been living temporarily on rent, next to the family’s own home that has been under construction for over a year, recalled seeing him there just two days ago. The family was preparing to shift into their newly-built house soon.To his family, he was the man who could turn any gathering into a celebration. “Bunny was adored by everyone; he was just so jolly,” said his elder cousin sister, who grew up alongside him, as she stood at the crematorium in tears clutching a memory that refused to fade. “I can still close my eyes and clearly remember how he used to dance to the tunes of Amitabh Bachchan songs,” she said. “He was a massive fan. He was always the one we looked forward to seeing at every function.“The timing of the tragedy has left the family in a state of shattered anticipation. The daughter of Kapur’s brother Varun is set to be married on Feb 20. The hotel is already booked, and the invitations sent. Bunny, who would have turned 63 this April, was meant to be the soul of the festivities.Instead of wedding songs, his peers and family members are now speaking out in his defence. At the crematorium, a captain who had previously worked with VSR expressed frustration over early speculation regarding pilot error.“Everyone is quick to blame the pilots, but there was no readback from Sumit in those final moments,” the captain stated. “In the two decades I’ve worked with him, I knew his precision. Something must have gone horribly wrong. This calls for a probe into the aircraft itself, the lack of navigational facilities, and the poor visibility at the Baramati runway. It is disheartening that the family has to deal with allegations while they are grieving.“He also noted the tragedy of Shambhavi’s passing, revealing she was only a week away from becoming a commander.Just a week ago, Kapur had called his friend for a routine catch-up. During that call, he spoke of a relaxing future. “He mentioned he was only two or three years away from retirement,” he recalled. “He just wanted to relax afterwards.”