Indian chess players Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh have advanced to the semifinals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup, marking a significant achievement for Indian chess. Humpy made history by becoming the first Indian female player to reach this stage of the tournament, overcoming China’s Yuxin Song in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Deshmukh triumphed over her compatriot and experienced player, Harika Dronavalli, in a tense tiebreaker.

The semifinals will feature a highly anticipated showdown between Humpy and Deshmukh. The first game is scheduled for July 22, 2024, at 16:45 IST. The second game will follow on July 23, 2024, also at 16:45 IST. Should the match require further resolution, tiebreaks are set for July 24, 2024, beginning at 16:35 IST.

Fans can catch all the action live as the matches will be streamed on FIDE’s YouTube channel, providing a global audience with access to this high-stakes competition. With both players representing India at this prestigious event, their performances are generating excitement and pride among chess enthusiasts across the country.

As the semifinals approach, the chess community eagerly anticipates the clash between two talented players who have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament.

South Africa emerged victorious against Zimbabwe in a Tri-Nation T20 match, chasing down a target of 145 runs with a decisive seven-wicket win. The match took place on March 15, 2024, highlighting standout performances from several players, including a remarkable innings from Rubin Hermann.

Zimbabwe batted first, setting a challenging total of 144 runs for the loss of six wickets. Key contributions came from Brian Bennett, who scored an impressive 61 runs off just 43 balls, including seven boundaries and three sixes. Fellow opener Wesley Madhevere managed 13 runs before departing early. The middle order struggled, with wicketkeeper Clive Madanda and captain Sikandar Raza scoring eight and nine runs, respectively.

Despite the early setbacks, Zimbabwe’s Ryan Burl provided some late resistance with an unbeaten 36 runs from 31 balls, featuring two boundaries and a six. In contrast, Tashinga Musekiwa and Tony Munyonga both failed to make an impact, scoring zero and one run, respectively.

On the bowling front, South Africa’s Corbin Bosch was particularly effective, taking two wickets for just 16 runs in his four overs. Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Nqaba Peter each claimed one wicket, while George Linde and Andile Simelane went wicketless.

Chasing Zimbabwe’s total, South Africa faced early challenges as openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks struggled, contributing only four and six runs, respectively. However, Rassie van der Dussen stepped up, delivering a captain’s knock with an unbeaten 52 runs off 41 balls, including six boundaries.

Hermann’s explosive innings of 63 runs from just 36 deliveries proved crucial, featuring three boundaries and four sixes. His partnership with van der Dussen helped stabilize the innings after the early loss of wickets. Dewald Brevis also joined in, finishing not out with 13 runs off seven balls, including a boundary and a six, as South Africa reached their target in just 17.2 overs.

With this victory, South Africa bolstered their position in the ongoing Tri-Nation T20 series. The upcoming match against table-toppers New Zealand, scheduled for March 18, 2024, promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams currently hold four points, although South Africa has played one more game.

This match underscores the competitive spirit of the series and highlights the talents of emerging players like Hermann, who made a significant impact in this encounter.

In an exciting sporting crossover event, the Indian cricket team met with players from the iconic football club Manchester United on July 20, 2025. During this unique gathering, held at Manchester United’s training ground in Carrington, both teams exchanged jerseys and engaged in light-hearted drills, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie between two of the world’s most popular sports.

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) showcased the meeting on social media under the caption “United in Manchester,” featuring several images of players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant sharing moments with their football counterparts. One memorable image captured Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj bowling to star defender Harry Maguire, exemplifying the playful integration of cricket and football.

Symbolic Exchange and Collaborative Spirit

The event was made possible through a collaboration with Adidas, the leading sportswear manufacturer. It began with a warm welcome from senior Manchester United officials and club legends, setting a positive tone for the interactions that followed. Notably, coaches Gautam Gambhir of the Indian cricket team and Ruben Amorim of Manchester United were seen together, a moment that quickly gained traction on social media.

As the teams engaged in various activities, including football drills and informal conversations, several players took the opportunity to connect personally. Pictures featured Gill posing with football star Bruno Fernandes, Siraj conversing with Amad Diallo, and Jasprit Bumrah sharing a laugh with Mason Mount and Maguire. A joint photo of both teams and their support staff captured the essence of the collaboration.

The day also included a special segment where coaches exchanged insights on leadership and team dynamics, emphasizing the similarities in managing elite athletes across different sports. According to Adidas, this initiative marked a significant moment in sports, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to not only providing premium gear but also fostering connections among teams from diverse sporting backgrounds.

Upcoming Challenges for Team India

The Indian cricket team’s visit to Manchester coincides with their preparation for the fourth Test against England, scheduled for July 23, 2025. Currently, England leads the five-match series 2-1, having secured victories at Leeds and London, while India claimed a win at Birmingham. The team is focused on regaining momentum as they face this crucial challenge.

This meeting between the Indian cricket team and Manchester United exemplifies the growing trend of collaboration among different sports, showcasing the unifying power of athletics and the shared values of teamwork, respect, and passion. As both teams continue their respective journeys, this unique interaction will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight in their sporting narratives.

England defender Jess Carter has bravely spoken out about experiencing racial abuse online during the ongoing Women’s European Championship. Despite her team’s successful journey to the semifinals, the 27-year-old has faced significant criticism following England’s opening match against France, which ended in a loss.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Carter detailed her distressing experience. “From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse,” she wrote on Sunday. “Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result, I don’t agree or think it’s ok to target someone’s appearance or race.” Her comments come as she prepares for England’s semifinal match against Italy on July 7, 2025, in Geneva.

Carter, who has represented England in 49 matches and currently plays for Gotham FC, announced her decision to take a break from social media. “As ever I am grateful for all of the support from the genuine fans, but I am taking this measure to protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team anyway I can,” she added.

The Football Association (FA) has acted swiftly in response to Carter’s revelations. According to FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham, the organization has contacted the police in the United Kingdom regarding the abuse. “Our priority is Jess and giving her all the support she needs,” he stated. “We strongly condemn those responsible for this disgusting racism.”

The FA confirmed that they are collaborating with UK police and relevant social media platforms to address the situation. Bullingham emphasized their commitment to ensuring that those who perpetrate such hate crimes are held accountable.

As the Lionesses prepare for their crucial match, the focus remains not only on their performance but also on the ongoing fight against racism within sports. The upcoming semifinal against Italy follows a dramatic victory for England against Sweden, where they triumphed in a tense penalty shootout.

Carter’s courageous stance against racial abuse highlights the need for greater awareness and action within the sporting community. As the tournament progresses, the support for her and the condemnation of racism continue to resonate among fans and officials alike.