Sports - Loktej English

India A wins triangular series, defeats Sri Lanka A by 66 runs in final

Loktej English Team — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:16:20 +0530

Dambulla, June 21. India A has claimed the triangular series by defeating Sri Lanka A by 66 runs in the final.

In the match played in Dambulla, Sri Lanka on Sunday, India A batted first and scored 377 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs. In response, Sri Lanka A was bowled out for 311 runs in 47.1 overs. The hero of India A's victory was 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who played a blistering innings of 94 runs off just 29 balls, hitting 11 sixes and 6 fours.

Vaibhav completed his half-century in just 11 balls, setting the record for the fastest fifty in List A cricket. Sri Lanka A had a poor start while chasing the big target of 378 runs. Opener Avishka Fernando was out for just 3 runs.

Following him, Niroshan Dickwella scored 25 runs off 17 balls before returning to the pavilion. The third wicket fell with Nuwandidu Fernando, who was out for 21 runs. After that, Sadira Samarawickrama and Sahan Arachchige tried to build the innings.

Both batsmen took the team's score past 100 runs, but Samarawickrama lost his wicket after scoring a half-century, making 52 runs off 44 balls with 9 fours. Ravindu Fernando was out for 19 runs at a score of 149. Arachchige also could not play a big innings and was out for 38 runs.

After that, V. Viyaskanth and Vanuja Sahan tried to bring the team closer to the target with a partnership of 77 runs, but first Viyaskanth scored 39 runs off 34 balls and then Vanuja Sahan returned to the pavilion after scoring 62 runs. In the 45th over of the innings, Dulaj Samuditha was out for 15 runs.

Finally, with the fall of Mohammad Shiraz's wicket, Sri Lanka's innings came to an end. Shiraz scored 21 runs. For India A, Yash Thakur and Vipraj Nigam took 3 wickets each.

Anukul Roy took 2 wickets, while Ashok Sharma and Tilak Verma took 1 wicket each. Earlier, India A batted first and scored 377 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs. In this match, Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 94 runs, while captain Tilak Verma contributed 67 runs.

Additionally, Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 40, Anukul Roy 39, Priyansh Arya 39, Kumar Kushagra 36 runs, and Vipraj Nigam contributed 27 runs. For Sri Lanka A, K. Mathulan, Fernando, and Sahan took 2 wickets each, while Shiraz, Arachchige, and Samuditha took 1 wicket each.

Publish with Us: Wish to feature your personal or organizational milestones, success stories, or press releases in Loktej English? Contact us, and we will guide you through our publication process.

Feedback & Corrections: We strive for accuracy. If you spot an error, have feedback, or object to the content of this article/press release, please notify us at loktejonline [at] gmail [dot] com. We will review the matter and rectify it at the earliest.

Women's T20 World Cup: Team India's star bowler Shreyanka Patil out of the tournament, RCB spinner gets entry

Loktej English Team — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:31:37 +0530

During the Women's T20 World Cup, the Indian women's cricket team faced a major setback. Star spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury.

She sustained the injury during a match against the Netherlands on Wednesday. After getting injured, she had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. While bowling the last over of the powerplay against the Netherlands, her ankle twisted badly, leading to her immediate exit from the game.

Following Shreyanka's withdrawal from the Women's World Cup, 24-year-old leg spinner Prema Rawat has been included in the Indian team, as per a report from Cricbuzz. Previously, Prema had played six matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the last two seasons of the Women's Premier League, taking 3 wickets during that time. In domestic cricket, Prema Rawat played a crucial role in helping Uttarakhand win the Senior Championship.

The Indian team's performance in the T20 World Cup has been impressive so far. In their first match, the Indian team defeated Pakistan by 64 runs, and in the second match, they crushed the Netherlands by 95 runs. In the match against the Netherlands, the Indian team batted first, scoring 209 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs.

Smriti Mandhana played a brilliant innings, scoring 74 runs off 47 balls, while Shefali Verma contributed 55 runs off 38 balls. In bowling, Shree Charani took 4 wickets for 19 runs, while Shefali Verma claimed 3 wickets. The Indian team will face South Africa in their next match in the tournament on Sunday.

Major change in Team India: Ashok Sharma replaces Yudhveer Singh in India 'A' squad

Loktej English Team — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:44:27 +0530

As of June 16, Team India 'A' is currently on a tour of Sri Lanka, where it is playing a tri-series with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Under the captaincy of Tilak Varma, the team's performance has been mixed so far.

After winning the first match of the series, the Indian team faced consecutive losses against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Following these disappointing results, questions have been raised about the team's performance. In light of this, the BCCI decided to make a significant change in the squad.

Fast bowler Yudhveer Singh had to withdraw from the team due to a physical issue, and Ashok Sharma has been included in the Indian 'A' team in his place. The BCCI selection committee made this decision with immediate effect to strengthen the team's bowling unit for the upcoming matches. Yudhveer Singh's exit is a big blow for the team, but Ashok Sharma's inclusion provides a new option.

The Indian 'A' team will now try to bounce back in the remaining matches of the tri-series and regain its momentum. It will be interesting to see whether Ashok Sharma gets a place in the playing eleven. The team management is now working on a strategy to secure victories in the next matches of the series.

Argentina Tops FIFA Men's World Ranking Again

Loktej English Team — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:44:40 +0530

Zurich (Switzerland), June 13. Current world champion Argentina (first, 2 points ahead) will begin its title defense as the top-ranked team in the world.

The June FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking will be released just hours before the conclusion of the largest FIFA World Cup to date. After several friendly matches before the FIFA World Cup, during which the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking was updated in real-time during international matches, Argentina returned to the top after winning both its warm-up matches against Iceland and Honduras. They will replace France (third, 2 points down), which fell behind after losing to Côte d'Ivoire, then defeating Northern Ireland, and Spain (second, unchanged), which was held to a draw by Iraq and then defeated Peru.

In the top ten and below, Morocco (seventh, 1 up) continues to maintain its lead, reaching its highest position since the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking began in August 1993. In doing so, they surpassed the Netherlands (eighth, 1 down), while elsewhere in the top 20, Mexico (14th, 1 up) and Uruguay (16th, 1 up) moved above Senegal (15th, 1 down) and the USA (17th, 1 down), while Iran (20th) entered the top 100. Hungary (39th, 3 up), Chile (51st, 3 up), and China (91st, 3 up) are the biggest climbers in the top 100, while Serbia (41st, 4 down), Mali (55th, 3 down), and Benin (93rd, 3 down) recorded the largest declines.

Outside the top 100, Lebanon (115th, 7 down) and Bhutan (192nd, 6 down) saw the most significant drops in their rankings. According to competition regulations, the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking will also serve as a tiebreaker to determine the ranking of two or more teams in a group at the end of the group stage, ensuring that the best eight third-placed teams meet the criteria for reaching the knockout stage.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Begins with Shakira and Burna Boy's Performance

Loktej English Team — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:38:04 +0530

Mexico City, June 12 (News) The famous star singer Shakira and Burna Boy kicked off the FIFA World Cup 2026 amidst a musical atmosphere and colorful lights. On Thursday night, a grand ceremony filled with music took place at the famous Estadio Azteca, where Colombian star singer Shakira and Burna Boy created an ambiance for the start of football's biggest tournament.

Shakira captivated the audience by singing the tournament's official song 'Dai Dai' on stage, joined by Nigerian music sensation Burna Boy. Their stunning performance made the packed stadium audience sway. The ceremony began with a magnificent presentation of Mexico's rich cultural heritage, featuring hundreds of dancers performing together on the field.

A massive installation of the World Cup trophy was placed in the center of the stadium, surrounded by a vibrant display of colors, traditions, and national pride. The atmosphere inside the stadium became even more energetic when the Mexican pop rock band 'Mana' performed live, receiving thunderous applause from the home crowd. The band's performance incorporated local musical identity into the ceremony.

Colombian singer J Balvin took the stage later in the evening and performed one of his famous songs with another artist. The ceremony showcased a beautiful blend of Latin American and African music. Earlier in the evening, participating teams began arriving at the stadium, with South Africa and host Mexico among the first teams to arrive.

Even before the official start, the stadium stands were filled with green and bright colors, and the audience was filled with tremendous enthusiasm. This ceremony marked the official beginning of a historic edition of the World Cup, featuring 48 teams across the three host countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Premjit Sen: The Inspiring Journey of a Boy Who Turned His Passion for Karate into a Legacy

Loktej English Team — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:02:33 +0530

Success is not measured by medals alone. It is measured by the battles fought in silence, the sacrifices made when nobody is watching, and the determination to continue when the odds seem impossible. The story of Hanshi Premjit Sen is one such remarkable journey—a journey of passion, struggle, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to Karate.

Born and raised in West Bengal, Premjit Sen was an ordinary boy with extraordinary dreams. At a time when Karate was far from popular and lacked recognition, facilities, and financial support, he chose a path that few dared to walk. While others saw Karate merely as a sport, he saw it as a way of life.

The early years were filled with challenges. Training facilities were limited, resources were scarce, and opportunities to compete at higher levels were difficult to find. There were times when financial hardships and lack of support could have forced him to give up. Yet, every obstacle only strengthened his resolve. Instead of complaining about difficulties, he transformed them into motivation.

Through relentless hard work, discipline, and countless hours of training, Premjit Sen gradually made his mark in the martial arts world. His dedication earned him national and international recognition as a competitor, coach, referee, and administrator. Over the years, he won prestigious international medals, including World Cup of Martial Arts and European Open Martial Arts titles, bringing pride to India on the global stage. ⁠

However, his greatest achievement was not personal success. It was his vision to create opportunities for others.

Understanding the struggles faced by young martial artists, he devoted himself to building a stronger Karate ecosystem in India. He founded the Global Seishinkai Shito Ryu Karate-Do Federation and worked tirelessly to promote Karate across the country. Thousands of students found guidance, training, and inspiration under his leadership.

His expertise and dedication earned him some of the highest positions in world Karate. He became the first Bengali to achieve the prestigious A-Grade Referee and Judge status in both the World Karate Federation (WKF) and Asian Karate Federation (AKF), a milestone that brought international recognition to Bengal and India.

The recognition did not stop there. He was awarded the prestigious Bronze Pin by the World Karate Federation for his immense contribution to the development of Karate and later became one of the first Bengalis to receive recognition at the highest levels of the sport.

Today, as President of the Karate Do Association of Bengal and a senior leader in Karate India Organisation, Hanshi Premjit Sen continues to shape the future of Indian Karate. His students have won medals at national and international championships, while his leadership has inspired countless young athletes to dream bigger and aim higher.

Yet behind every title, medal, and achievement remains the same humble boy who once dared to dream. His journey teaches us that success is not about where you start; it is about the courage to continue despite every setback.

From a young Karate enthusiast facing countless struggles to becoming one of India’s most respected martial arts personalities, Hanshi Premjit Sen has built more than a career—he has built a legacy.

His story stands as a powerful reminder that passion, hard work, honesty, and perseverance can transform an ordinary life into an extraordinary inspiration for generations to come.

TG20 League Auction Concludes: Tilak Varma and Mohammed Siraj Become the Center of Attraction

Loktej English Team — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0530

Hyderabad, June 9. The auction for the first edition of the Telangana T20 Cricket League (TG20) witnessed tremendous enthusiasm in Hyderabad.

Eight franchise teams included a total of 160 young cricketers in their squads during this grand event held at Ramoji Film City. Team India's star player Tilak Varma became the most expensive player with a bid of 33 lakh rupees, while fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was bought by Warangal Warriors for 14 lakh rupees. The auction saw significant earnings for players and substantial investments in several domestic stars.

CV Milind was the second most expensive player with a bid of 17 lakh rupees, signed by Anvita Khammam Aces. The auction process was conducted by renowned auctioneer Charu Sharma. Teams participating in this league include Hyderabad E-Champions, Medak Falcons, Warangal Warriors, Ranga Reddy Risers, Nalgonda Knights, Palamur Strikers, Karimnagar Diamonds, and Khammam Aces.

The official launch of the cricket extravaganza TG20 League will take place on June 21. This tournament will last for 21 days, featuring exciting matches.

After a total of 32 matches, the final will be played on July 11. The unique initiative by the Hyderabad Cricket Association aims to provide a large platform for the state's talented cricketers to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves on a larger scale.

Big Blow to Team India: Virat Kohli Out of Afghanistan ODI Series Due to Injury

Loktej English Team — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:39:04 +0530

The Indian cricket team has suffered a major setback just before the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Star batsman Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.

Kohli sustained this injury during the IPL 2026 final, where he played brilliantly to lead Royal Challengers Bangalore to victory. His absence poses a significant challenge for Team India's batting order. Fans and the team are facing increased difficulties as Kohli's form in IPL 2026 had been outstanding, leading to high expectations for him in this ODI series.

The news of Kohli's exclusion has disappointed both the team management and fans. The three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan will begin on June 14 in Dharamshala, followed by matches in Lucknow and Chennai. With Kohli out, all eyes are now on team selection and batting balance.

The series schedule is quite busy, and the team will need to establish a strong middle order without Kohli. The ODI squad for Team India has already been announced, and changes are now likely. Fans hope that other young players will seize this opportunity to prove their worth and help India secure victory in the series.

Team India's New Spin Coach: BCCI Appoints Sairaj Bahutule

Loktej English Team — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:02:32 +0530

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former all-rounder Sairaj Bahutule as the new spin bowling coach for the senior men's team. Team India is gearing up for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan starting June 6 in New Chandigarh.

Bahutule's selection is based on his extensive coaching experience, which will strengthen the team's spin department. Although his international career was limited, he has excelled in first-class cricket and coaching. He has served as the head coach for domestic teams like Vidarbha, Kerala, and Bengal, and has also played the role of spin coach for Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings in the IPL.

Bahutule, who was part of the coaching staff of the Under-19 World Cup winning team, has played a significant role in nurturing young talents at the National Cricket Academy. His appointment adds balance to the coaching staff under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Other staff members include Ryan ten Doeschate (assistant coach), Morne Morkel (fast bowling coach), and T.

Dilip (fielding coach). Expressing pride in his appointment, Bahutule stated that he is fully excited to work with the players and help the team perform better in all formats.

Under-18 Hockey Asia Cup: Japan Defeats India 4-2 in 'Pool A' Match

Loktej English Team — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:49:52 +0530

Kakamigahara, May 31. In the 'Pool A' match of the Under-18 Asia Cup 2026, the Indian men's team faced a 2-4 defeat against the host Japan.

In this match played on Sunday, Ashish Tani Purti and captain Ketan Kushwaha scored for India, while Japan's goals came from captain Yoshioaka Mahiro, Fujiwara Yuma, Yasui Kengo, and Takahashi Aone. India's next match will be against Korea on June 1. The first quarter of the match was quite tough, with both teams struggling for ball possession in midfield.

However, Japan broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. The host team employed an excellent strategy, with Watanabe Atsuhiro passing the ball to captain Yoshioaka Mahiro, who scored with a dive. Shortly after, in the second quarter, Fujiwara Yuma found space on the left flank and deceived his marker, scoring with a powerful backhand shot into the upper right corner to double the host's lead.

Five minutes later, India earned their first penalty corner of the day, which was successfully converted into a goal by Ashish Tani Purti's precise shot in the 25th minute. India started the second half strongly, equalizing in the 32nd minute. The visiting team received a penalty corner, which was initially saved by the Japanese goalkeeper.

However, Japan failed to clear the ball in time, and captain Ketan Kushwaha pounced on the loose ball, chipping it over the goalkeeper to level the score. Japan received another penalty corner in the 34th minute, which was again converted into a goal through a different strategy. This time, Watanabe Atsuhiro passed to Yasui Kengo, who tapped the ball into the net.

With three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Japan extended their lead with a field goal from Takahashi Aone in the 42nd minute. India attempted to make a comeback in the final quarter with several attacks, but Japan held their ground and ensured their goal remained safe until the end of the match, thus securing three points.

The storm of Suryavanshi continues in IPL, now RR's 'Vaibhav' aims to break Chris Gayle's record of 100 sixes

Loktej English Team — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:19:00 +0530

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has stunned everyone with his explosive batting in IPL 2026. At just 15 years of age, he has set records that many veterans have not achieved in their entire careers.

In the eliminator match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Vaibhav scored a blistering 97 runs off just 29 balls, hitting 12 sixes, leading Rajasthan Royals to a spectacular victory. His innings broke several old records. Suryavanshi now has the opportunity to break Chris Gayle's significant record, as he prepares to face Gayle's record of 100 sixes in IPL.

The IPL 2026 Qualifier-2 match will be played between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals at Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh. If Vaibhav manages to hit 11 sixes in this match, he will become the batsman to reach 100 sixes in the fewest innings in IPL history. Currently, this record is held by Chris Gayle, who achieved this feat in 37 innings.

Vaibhav has already hit 89 sixes in 22 innings across 22 matches in IPL, scoring 932 runs with an average of over 42. His batting style at such a young age has impressed cricket experts. Notably, Vaibhav remains unfazed under pressure while playing big shots and plays a crucial role in giving the team a quick start.

In addition to breaking Gayle's record, Vaibhav has another significant achievement within reach. The record for the fastest 100 sixes in IPL is currently held by Andre Russell, who accomplished this in 657 balls, while Vaibhav has faced only 402 balls so far. Furthermore, if he scores 68 runs in Qualifier-2, he will also complete 1000 runs in IPL, placing him jointly in second place for the fewest innings to reach 1000 runs.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi expresses his pain after getting out, explains where he went wrong otherwise he would have set a world record

Loktej English Team — Thu, 28 May 2026 21:29:33 +0530

Dharamshala, May 28. In the second eliminator match of IPL 2026, Vaibhav Suryavanshi's explosive innings thrilled the audience.

Playing at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, Vaibhav scored a stunning 97 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) while opening the innings for Rajasthan Royals (RR). After the RR innings, Vaibhav mentioned that he was aware it was a knockout game and a big match. However, all the coaches had advised him to stick to what he practiced, enjoy the game, and not feel the pressure of the match.

Vaibhav missed out on breaking Chris Gayle's record for the fastest century. In response, he stated that he played that shot looking at the fielder, which is why he mistimed it. If he had aimed for the third man, it would have cleared easily.

However, he tried to hit it straight, which led to his shot missing. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, opening for Rajasthan Royals, scored 97 runs off just 29 balls, hitting 12 sixes and 5 fours. He narrowly missed setting the record for the fastest century in IPL history, which is held by Chris Gayle, who scored a century in just 30 balls in 2013.

Despite this, Vaibhav broke Chris Gayle's record for the most sixes in a season. Following Vaibhav's innings, there have been 65 sixes in IPL 2026. Chris Gayle had hit 59 sixes in IPL 2012.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi was out as the first wicket after scoring 97 runs, with RR's score at 125 runs in 8 overs. After that, SRH's bowlers made a comeback, restricting RR to 243 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs. RR could only manage 36 runs in the last 5 overs and just 5 runs in the final over.