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Virat Kohli sends IPL warning with 45 off 19 in RCB intra-squad game – Watch | Cricket News


Virat Kohli sends IPL warning with 45 off 19 in RCB intra-squad game - Watch
Virat & Salt in RCB’s Intra Squad Match (Image Credit: RCB/IPL)

Virat Kohli smashed a quickfire 45 off just 19 balls in RCB’s second intra-squad match in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026. The veteran batter’s intent and form were praised by RCB’s mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shared a video on social media after their second practice game on Wednesday, where Karthik lauded Kohli’s performance in the warm-up match.“Good game today. The class of Virat came through quite nicely up front, played some lovely shots. The greatness about Virat is that every year he comes up with a certain plan and intent. You saw how he’s really upped what he wants to do. I feel this year he’ll try to get even better. That tells a lot about the person he is. He’s always trying to push his boundaries. And also what he brings in terms of energy to the crowd and the meetings, those are big things, and that’s a big part of Virat’s personality,” Karthik said.

Kohli helped Salt

Earlier, Kohli was also seen in the video bowling to his opening partner Phil Salt, who is going through a rough patch in T20 cricket. Despite Salt’s struggles in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored just 130 runs in eight innings, Kohli has shown strong support for his teammate. Kohli’s intent ahead of the new season is clear, and with his experience and current form, he is expected to play a crucial role for the defending champions.RCB had earlier played their first intra-squad match on Monday. In that game, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma scored a 37-ball 81, while skipper Rajat Patidar smashed a blistering 74 off 25 balls. Kohli also contributed with a quick 29 off 12 balls.Batting first, the team led by Venkatesh Iyer posted 234/7, with contributions from Jitesh (81 off 37), Tim David (36 off 14), Iyer (30 off 16), and Kohli (29 off 12). In response, the side led by Krunal Pandya scored 247, with Rajat Patidar (74 off 25), Devdutt Padikkal (63 off 33), and Krunal (58 off 33) delivering standout performances.The IPL 2026 season will begin on March 28, with Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.RCB’s upcoming matchesvs CSK – 5 April (Bengaluru)vs RR – 10 April (Guwahati)vs MI – 12 April (Mumbai)



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Chess: ‘Finally’: Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri jabs FIDE over unusual Cyprus safety post | Chess News


'Finally': Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri jabs FIDE over unusual Cyprus safety post

NEW DELHI: Chess fans and players have been worried about the upcoming Candidates tournament in Cyprus, mainly due to safety concerns and basic facilities like electricity. The island’s closeness to tensions in West Asia and recent attacks on nearby military bases have raised fears about whether it’s the right place to host such a major event. Some players have already reacted strongly. Indian star Koneru Humpy pulled out of the Women’s Candidates, while Hikaru Nakamura questioned the reliability of the power supply.

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Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri also took a sarcastic dig at the governing body. After FIDE released a detailed FAQ addressing concerns, he wrote, “FIDE finally giving a FAQ!” Earlier, he had joked, “If they will move the Candidates, will I at least get an sms or something?”The post certainly highlights the frustration over communication.

FIDE responds to safety fears

With criticism growing, FIDE on Tuesday published a “Cyprus. Safety & Logistics FAQ” to reassure everyone. On the key question of safety, it stated, “Yes. Cyprus is a safe country to travel,” adding, “There is no emergency situation, and the country continues to operate normally.” The body also said it is working closely with authorities and has taken all necessary steps to ensure a secure environment for players, media, and guests.

Concerns over power and backup plans

Another major issue raised by American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura was the possibility of power cuts during games. FIDE dismissed these worries, saying, “No. The risk is extremely low and overstated.” It explained that outages are rare and short and that the venue has backup generators to prevent any disruption.To address worst-case scenarios, FIDE added, “FIDE has contingency plans in place,” assuring that safety and comfort will remain the top priority if the situation changes.



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Laxman Sivaramakrishnan: Facing racism in Indian dressing room, how Sivaramakrishnan found comfort in WI change room | Cricket News


Facing racism in Indian dressing room, how Sivaramakrishnan found comfort in WI change room
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (2nd left) is congratulated by teammate Kapil Dev after taking wicket of England batter Richard Ellison (not in picture) during 1st Test at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 28th November 1984. (Photo/Getty Images)

Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has spoken about instances of racism he faced early in his career, including within the Indian dressing room, and how those experiences affected him over time.Sivaramakrishnan, who played 25 international matches for India, made his Test debut in Antigua in April 1983 at the age of 17 years and 118 days, becoming one of the youngest to represent the country in the format.

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Recalling his early tours, he said he felt more comfortable in the Caribbean than in his own team environment. “Everybody’s skin colour was on the darker side. They were very happy people,” Sivaramakrishnan said while talking to Indian Express. He added that players like Desmond Haynes and the late Malcolm Marshall often spent time with him during his debut Test series.“In West Indies I was treated very well even by the opposition, in fact my best friends were Desmond Haynes and late Malcolm Marshall, they used to take me out almost every evening. When the Test matches were going on, I’d probably take a change of clothes and have a shower in the ground and take permission and leave,” he told The Indian Express.He said the two cricketers showed him places across Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados, and even invited him to Marshall’s house to watch old West Indies matches.Sivaramakrishnan also mentioned that Gordon Greenidge, known for being reserved, opened up to him about his own experiences of racism. “He had personally told me that this is what I went through in England and that’s why I just mind my business, play my cricket and just go.”In contrast, he recalled incidents of discrimination within the Indian setup. As a teenager serving as a net bowler, he said a senior Indian player once mistook him for ground staff and asked him to clean his shoes. “I just looked at him and said, ‘That’s none of my business,'” Sivaramakrishnan told The Indian Express.He also spoke about an incident during the 1983 tour of Pakistan when captain Sunil Gavaskar arranged a cake for him on his birthday. According to the report, a teammate made a remark on his skin colour in that moment. “Hey Sunny, you ordered the right colour cake. Such a dark chocolate cake for a dark boy,” a teammate reportedly said.Sivaramakrishnan said such experiences continued during domestic and international matches, where he was subjected to comments from crowds. “Because of my darkness, people would dismiss me. There was a sense of hurt every time this happened. I always wanted to forget, forget, forget but deep down, it’s always rooted and it comes out. All these things put me in a position where I had very low self-esteem at a tender age… it is very hard to build confidence,” he said.



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War-hit schedule sees Iran’s Tractor travel to Saudi for ACL quarterfinal berth | Football News


War-hit schedule sees Iran's Tractor travel to Saudi for ACL quarterfinal berth

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed revised plans for its club competitions after disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with key matches now set to be held in Saudi Arabia.Iran’s Tractor FC will travel to Saudi Arabia to face Shabab Al Ahli in a playoff. The winner will move into the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League Elite, where they will meet Buriram United.The AFC conducted the quarterfinal draw on Wednesday, a day after announcing that the postponed western zone playoffs would take place on April 13 and 14 in Jeddah. The same city will also host the quarterfinals, semifinals and final from April 16 to 25.In another draw, Japan’s Vissel Kobe, which finished second in the east zone, will face the winner of the playoff between Al-Hilal and Al-Sadd.Defending champions Al-Ahli Saudi will play Al-Duhail, with the winner advancing to face Johor Darul Ta’zim in the quarterfinals.Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad are set to take on Al-Wahda, and the winner will go on to meet Japan’s Machida Zelvia, which topped the east zone league stage.The AFC also said that the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Two and the AFC Challenge League, which were postponed due to the conflict, will now be played on April 19 and 22 at centralised venues that will be announced later.Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr is among the teams competing in the AFC Champions League Two.



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Dead ball! Umpire pulls up Sri Lankan spinner for copying Usman Tariq action – Watch | Cricket News


Dead ball! Umpire pulls up Sri Lankan spinner for copying Usman Tariq action - Watch

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s much-debated bowling action is drawing attention across levels of cricket, with its distinct pause before release now being copied by younger players.Tariq’s action, which includes a visible halt before delivering the ball, has already come under scrutiny, with indirect suggestions of chucking from Australia all-rounder Cameron Green.The trend appeared to have reached school cricket as well, where a Sri Lankan bowler attempted a similar approach during a traditional inter-school match. The fixture, played annually since 1905, was in its 121st edition, Wisden reported.Representing Richmond College, left-arm spinner Nethuja Basitha tried to replicate Tariq’s method but added his own variation. He paused in his run-up and jumped multiple times before delivering a full toss. However, the umpire immediately called it a dead ball.Under Clause 41.4 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws, which deals with a “deliberate attempt to distract a batter”, an umpire can call a dead ball if such an act is suspected. The law states that if an umpire believes there has been such an attempt, “he/she shall immediately call and signal dead ball and inform the other umpire of the reason for the call.”The rule also allows for five penalty runs to be awarded to the batting side, though in this instance, the umpire chose to issue only a warning.Since the pause was not part of Basitha’s regular action, it may have been seen as an attempt to distract the batter. In contrast, Tariq’s pause is considered part of his usual bowling action, which is why it may not fall under the same interpretation.Tariq had attracted attention ahead of the T20 World Cup, including during the match against India, where he returned figures of 1/24. He later took 4/16 against Namibia and 2/31 against England, but went wicketless for 43 runs against Sri Lanka in the last Super 8 match.



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England cricket selection row explodes: ECB’s ‘people will be upset’ response to Liam Livingstone’s ‘no one cares’ claim | Cricket News


England cricket selection row explodes: ECB's 'people will be upset' response to Liam Livingstone's 'no one cares' claim
Liam Livingstone of England during a nets session at Edgbaston on May 24, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo/Getty Images)

England Cricket Board’s (ECB) managing director Rob Key has responded to comments made by all-rounder Liam Livingstone, saying the player remains in contention for selection despite his recent criticism of the team management.Livingstone, who has not played international cricket since England’s winless campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy under former captain Jos Buttler, had told ESPNCricinfo that the management, including Key and head coach Brendon McCullum, did not show enough concern for players once they were dropped. He also said Key did not communicate with him before his central contract expired, claiming he was told there were “100 more important things to do”.

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Responding after England’s Ashes review, which followed a 1-4 loss in Australia, Key said: “Look, I am not going to go into private conversations. Obviously, there is another side to that conversation as I saw it. What I did say to Liam at the end of what was a fairly tetchy phone call to say the least [was that] there is no way I see a player of Liam Livingstone’s ability not being up for selection for England.”Key added that Livingstone had been discussed for a return during the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup and remains in the mix, provided he performs.“We debated him for the Sri Lanka series. Liam Livingstone is very much a player that we would love to see back to his best, scoring runs, and then back in the England set-up,” he said while talking to Sky Sports.He also pointed out that Livingstone was once considered for leadership responsibilities. “We thought as much of him [as] to make him captain at one stage, when we didn’t have all the senior players there,” Key said, referring to an ODI series against West Indies in late 2024.“That is how highly we thought of him. I still have a huge amount of time for Liam Livingstone, and there is no reason that someone at 32 years of age, their England career should be over,” he added.Livingstone had earlier described the team environment as a clique, saying, “If you are in, you are in, and if you are not in, no-one cares about you.” Key rejected that claim and said such reactions are expected when players are left out.“You are always going to have times where, unfortunately, in these roles – especially when you’re struggling – you are always going to have people that you have upset along the way coming back at you, and that is absolutely fine,” Key said.He also noted that it is not possible to keep everyone satisfied in such roles. “But ultimately, Liam Livingstone, or any of these players at the start of the summer in county cricket, they are a chance to play for England,” he added.Livingstone has arrived in India for the Indian Premier League, where he will play for Sunrisers Hyderabad after being signed for Rs 13 crore. His side will begin their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a team he represented last season.He had a strong IPL season in 2022 with Punjab Kings, scoring 437 runs in 14 innings at an average of 36.42 and a strike rate above 182, including four fifties. In the following three seasons, he managed 502 runs in 27 matches at an average of 22.81, with three fifties and a strike rate above 150.For England last year, he scored 74 runs in five T20Is at an average of 14.80 and a strike rate of 127.58, with a highest score of 43.His performances in domestic competitions helped him regain attention ahead of the IPL auction. Playing for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, he scored 241 runs at an average of 40.16 and took seven wickets. In the Vitality Blast for Lancashire, he made 260 runs at an average of 52 with a strike rate above 176 and picked up six wickets.



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‘Reaching playoffs isn’t enough’: LSG owner lays down marker for Rishabh Pant to earn ‘respect’ | Cricket News


'Reaching playoffs isn't enough': LSG owner lays down marker for Rishabh Pant to earn 'respect'
Rishabh Pant, Sanjiv Goenka

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka said that reaching the playoffs is not enough and that the team must win the title to earn “respect”.Goenka said the franchise is still shaping its identity and that success in the league is measured by trophies rather than consistency alone.“I think the true identity is still evolving. For any sports team, until you win, you don’t receive the same level of respect or affection that comes with lifting the trophy. Yes, we’ve made the playoffs twice, but that’s clearly not good enough. You win some, you lose some, but we have to win our first trophy,” Goenka said while speaking on JioStar, as cited by news agency ANI.

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He also pointed to positives from the IPL 2025 season, where the team won four of their first six matches despite injuries to key bowlers. Goenka highlighted decisions such as promoting Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh to open, both of whom delivered, and the emergence of Digvesh Rathi with the ball.“The positive was that we won four of our first six games despite most of our frontline bowlers being injured. There were some bold moves, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh opening, which isn’t their usual position, and it turned out to be best IPL season for both of them. Digvesh Rathi came in as a complete newcomer and did well for us. However, we did realise that we lacked a strong bowling core, and we’ve consciously addressed that by building a domestic Indian bowling unit this time. We’re happy with what we have,” he added.Goenka said the current squad has the required balance and the focus now is on delivering as a group rather than relying on individual performances.“You can always improve, aspire to do better, there’s no end to improving. But at the end of the day, this is a squad that has everything required. Now it’s about coming together and performing as a unit, rather than as individuals. Last year, there were too many individuals performing. This year, we want to perform as a team,” he said.Lucknow Super Giants, led by Rishabh Pant, will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1. They will then face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5, Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9 and Gujarat Titans on April 12 in the first phase of the tournament.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for the first phase of the season, which runs from March 28 to April 12. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.



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Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool: Goals, trophies and records after 9 years | Football News


Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool: Goals, trophies and records after 9 years

NEW DELHI: Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an emotional end to a glittering nine-year spell. His departure marks the close of one of the club’s most successful eras, with the Egyptian forward firmly established among Liverpool’s all-time greats.Reflecting on his journey, Salah said, “Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit. I can’t explain in words to anyone not part of this club.”

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A legendary run in numbers

Salah’s impact can best be understood through his staggering numbers. Since joining from Roma in 2017 for around USD 50 million, he has scored 255 goals in 435 appearances, making him Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer ever, behind only Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285).In the Premier League alone, Salah has been directly involved in 281 goals (189 goals and 92 assists), the most by any player for a single club in the competition’s history.

Salah comes on as early sub and gets an assist for Liverpool against Brighton after recall

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (AP Photo/Jon Super)

He also created 534 chances from open play, highlighting his all-around attacking ability.His consistency is further reflected in his scoring rate, averaging a goal every 138 minutes, and reaching 100 Premier League goals in just 151 games, a club record.

Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool at end of the season after 9 years with club

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates by taking a selfie (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)

Salah also delivered in big moments. He scored 48 goals in the Champions League for Liverpool and holds the record for the club’s fastest European goal at 55 seconds. In one memorable night, he scored the fastest Champions League hat-trick in just 6 minutes and 12 seconds.Trophy-wise, he won 8 major titles, including 2 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cups, the Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. Individually, he claimed the Premier League Golden Boot 4 times, equalling Thierry Henry’s record.

A complicated end and what lies ahead

Despite his legendary status, Salah’s final season has been turbulent. After a dip in form, he admitted feeling “thrown under the bus”, with reports of tension between him and manager Arne Slot. His output also dropped by his standards, with just a handful of league goals this season.Liverpool, meanwhile, are struggling with injuries, lack of squad depth, and inconsistency, leaving them facing a major rebuild.

Salah out of Liverpool squad for Champions League game after rift with Slot

Mohamed Salah applauds (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Replacing Salah will be a top priority, but filling the gap left by a player of his quality and influence will be a huge challenge.Salah’s future remains uncertain, with possible moves to Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer, or a return to Europe being discussed. For now, attention turns to giving him a fitting farewell.Whatever comes next, Salah leaves behind a legacy defined by numbers, trophies, and unforgettable moments, cementing his place as one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players.



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IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans pick left-arm pacer to replace injured Prithviraj Yarra | Cricket News


IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans pick left-arm pacer to replace injured Prithviraj Yarra
Gujarat Titans’ Kulwant Khejroliya (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma)

NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans have made a key change ahead of IPL 2026, bringing in left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya as a replacement for the injured Prithviraj Yarra. As the new season approaches, the team is focusing on stability and building on its strong past performances.On Tuesday, captain Shubman Gill stressed the importance of staying composed and trusting the team. “I think I’m just being myself, and the calmness comes from a sense of belief and security that I have within my group and in my own game,” Gill said.

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He explained how staying calm helps decision-making, adding, “Staying calm in any situation gives you an eagle-eye view, you’re able to look beyond the moment, see the bigger picture, and have a much clearer, long-term vision.”Gujarat Titans, who have been consistent performers since joining the IPL, are aiming to continue that success under Gill’s leadership.The team management has largely stuck with its core group, making only minor changes. Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki said, “As far as this season is concerned and putting a squad together, we had a really good year last year. We just fell at the final hurdle. We made very small changes at the auction, it just needed a little bit of adjustment.”He added, “There were five players who came in, and Matthew Hayden has joined us as well. The work is essentially shared among all of us, and we all try to work very hard. We are mindful of supporting these players as best as we can.”Gujarat Titans will start their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings on March 31, followed by their first home game against Rajasthan Royals on April 4, entering the season with confidence and a clear plan.



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Gurindervir Singh wins 60m gold at National Indoor C’ships with new record | More sports News


Gurindervir Singh wins 60m gold at National Indoor C'ships with new record
Gurindervir Singh (PTI Photo/Gurinder Osan)

NEW DELHI: The final day of the National Indoor Athletics Championships ended with high drama in the men’s 60m race, where Gurindervir Singh won gold and set a new national record. The race took an unexpected turn after favourite Animesh Kujur was disqualified, changing the outcome completely.Gurindervir, running his first indoor race, clocked 6.60 seconds to win gold and better the previous national indoor best of 6.67 seconds. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI), however, does not maintain an official list of national indoor records.

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The spotlight was also on the chaotic start to the race, which saw three false starts. The third one led to Animesh Kujur’s disqualification, leaving the crowd stunned.Gurindervir admitted he actually wanted Animesh to compete, saying, “He (Animesh) did a false start. I thought if he runs, I will also run better as there would be tough competition. The crowd was also his. It would have been better if he had run.”He even tried to convince officials, adding, “So I was saying to the race officials that let him run under protest.”Despite the disruption, Gurindervir stayed focused. “No, my job was to run my race. I was telling myself that it’s okay if I even run alone,” he said.Explaining his approach, he said, “It’s a short distance. If someone goes ahead of you, you can’t catch him. No one knows who will win. Even a world champion can lose.” He added that a strong start is key: “Start is important in 60m and then just run fast. I have a good block start.”Reflecting on his journey, Gurindervir revealed he had struggled mentally last year. “Last year, I also started with a national record. But later, I got demotivated… I became very negative. I had such a bad time. But, I am hoping to be a different Gurindervir this time.”In another event, Tamil Nadu’s G Reegan won the pole vault with 5.30m but missed out on breaking the overall national record. He said, “I just wanted to execute my plans. I am a bit disappointed as I could not do the national record but I am improving.”

National Indoor Athletics Championships Results

  • Men: 60m: Gurindevir Singh (Reliance) 6.60 seconds, Lalu Prasad Bhoi (Odisha) 6.65 seconds, Nuzrat (Haryana) 6.71 seconds.
  • 400m: Mohammed Sinan (Reliance) 48.27 seconds, Muhammed Badusha (BSF) 49.83 seconds, Aryan Ekka (Odisha) 49.86 seconds.
  • 1500m: Vinod Singh (Madhya Pradesh) 3:46.13 seconds, Jagdish (Air Force) 3:50.11 seconds, Sunil Yadav (Rajasthan) 3:50.56 seconds.
  • Triple jump: Vimal Mukesh (Navy) 15.41m, Robinson S (Tamil Nadu) 14.67m, Naresh Rohidas (Odisha) 13.92m.
  • Pole vault: Reegan G (Tamil Nadu) 5.30m, Rambeer Singh (Army) 4.85m, Bineesh Jacob (Railway) 4.55m.
  • High jump: Swadhin Kumar Majhi (Odisha) 2.18m, Sarvesh Anil Kushare (Maharashtra) 2.15m, Dhairyshil D (Maharashtra) 2.15m.
  • Women: 60m: Harita Bhandra (Maharashtra) 7.32 seconds, Unnathi Bollanda (Karnataka) 7.46 seconds, Trisha Nair (Maharashtra) 7.62 seconds.
  • 400m: Kumari Saloni Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) 55.73 seconds, Sukhi Baskey (Odisha) 55.67 seconds, Unnathi Bollanda (Karnataka) 56.45 seconds.
  • Triple Jump: Mallala Anusha (JSW) 13.20m, Nimisha Dayma (JSW) 12.93m, Bhairabi Roy (West Bengal) 12.81m.
  • High jump: Payal Jamod (Gujrat) 1.71m, Kevinna Ashwine (Tamil Nadu) 1.71m, Pramilla Rajgar (West Bengal) 1.68m.



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