QUICKREADS

Rupal Chaudhary becomes first Indian to win two medals at U20 Worlds
Neeraj Chopra's javelin success in Poland 2016 was followed by that of Hima Das' 400m in Finland 2018. Chaudhary's success continues that legacy on the track and it is precisely the kind of performance that warms the heart of athletics fans in India.

Soccer- UK parliamentary committee endorses Kogan to chair independent regulator
A UK parliamentary committee has endorsed David Kogan as chair of a proposed independent football regulator, but he must demonstrate neutrality due to his past ties with the Labour Party. Kogan, a seasoned media executive, has made political donations, raising concerns about bias. The committee stresses the importance of his independence for the regulator's success.

Soccer-Champions Bayern preparing for Mueller farewell in final home game
Bayern Munich, having clinched their 34th Bundesliga title, will celebrate their final home match against Borussia Moenchengladbach as a farewell to veteran striker Thomas Mueller. Coach Vincent Kompany emphasized the importance of the match despite no title pressure, highlighting the emotional atmosphere surrounding Mueller's departure after a successful 13-year championship career with the club.

Slot urges fans not to show negative emotions toward Alexander-Arnold when Liverpool hosts Arsenal
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is urging fans to refrain from negativity towards Trent Alexander-Arnold during Sunday?s match against Arsenal, following the player?s announcement to leave the club at season's end. Slot emphasized the importance of focusing on team support, while hinting at Alexander-Arnold's likely move to Real Madrid. Conor Bradley is expected to start in his place.

Soccer-Liverpool sad to lose Alexander-Arnold but a new player will step up, says Slot
Liverpool's manager Arne Slot expressed disappointment over Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure but is confident that a new player will emerge to fill his role. Conor Bradley, 21, is seen as a potential successor, though Slot emphasized the need for more game time to develop his skills. Bradley will start in the upcoming match against Arsenal.

Soccer-Mount's hard work paid off with Bilbao brace, says Amorim
Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim praised Mason Mount after his two goals in a 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao secured a Europa League final spot. Mount, who faced injury struggles this season, became the first United substitute to score twice in a European knockout match since 2003. United will face Tottenham Hotspur in the final on May 21.

Brewers, Rays open series looking to bust bad trends
The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, both struggling in their respective away and home games, will open a three-game series in Tampa. Milwaukee's Jose Quintana faces Tampa's Zack Littell. The Brewers aim to bounce back with key players returning from injuries, while the Rays seek to end a three-game losing streak.

Timberwolves beat Curry-less Warriors 117-93 in Game 2 to even series
The Minnesota Timberwolves rebounded from a Game 1 loss to defeat the Golden State Warriors 117-93, tying their playoff series. Julius Randle led with 24 points and 11 assists, while Anthony Edwards added 20. The Warriors struggled without star Stephen Curry, who is sidelined with a hamstring strain. Coach Chris Finch praised the team's motivation following a tough film session.

Blue Jays rally from 4 runs down to beat Angels 8-5, avoid series sweep
The Toronto Blue Jays ended a four-game losing streak with an 8-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Anthony Santander's two-run single highlighted a four-run sixth inning, while Daulton Varsho contributed three hits and a homer. The Angels, aiming for a series sweep, fell short despite early homers from Taylor Ward and Jo Adell.

Ottawa Charge beat the Montreal Victoire 3-2 in Game 1 of PWHL semifinal series
In Game 1 of the PWHL semifinal, the Ottawa Charge defeated the Montreal Victoire 3-2, with Shiann Darkangelo scoring the decisive goal. Gwyneth Philips made 31 saves for Ottawa, while Montreal's Ann-Renee Desbiens stopped 24 shots. The series continues Sunday in Laval. Ottawa's Brianne Jenner emphasized their confidence going into the playoffs.

Neeraj Chopra ‘proud of Indian Army’ amid rising Indo-Pak tensions, pays special tribute despite abuse from fans
Amid rising Indo-Pak tensions, Neeraj Chopra praised the Indian Army, defending his past invite to Arshad Nadeem. Despite fan criticism, he remains focused on upcoming athletics meets in Doha and Ostrava, while addressing potential disruptions due to current conflict.
Manchester United and Tottenham set up Europa League final, one win away from Champions League spot
Manchester United and Tottenham have both advanced to the Europa League final despite struggling in the Premier League. United defeated Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate, while Tottenham won 5-1 against Bodø/Glimt. The final, set for May 21 in Bilbao, offers a chance for either team to redeem a disappointing season and secure a place in the Champions League.

Drake Baldwin drives in the winning run to lift Braves over Reds 5-4 in 11 innings
In a thrilling extra-innings game, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-4, thanks to Drake Baldwin's RBI single in the 11th. Scott Blewett earned the win, while rookie Rece Hinds contributed a tie-breaking homer for the Reds. Braves reliever Pierce Johnson extended his streak of retired batters, and Reds manager Terry Francona was ejected during the game.

HT Kick Off: “Super” FC Goa’s deserved a trophy
FC Goa clinched the Kalinga Super Cup with a dominant performance, showcasing tactical brilliance and youth development. The victory highlights their institutional strength, consistent play-offs, and commitment to nurturing local talent across multiple age groups.

Soccer-Pellegrini celebrates Betis' first European final but shifts focus to LaLiga
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini celebrated the club's first-ever European final after a 4-3 aggregate win over Fiorentina in the Conference League semi-finals. However, he emphasized that securing a Champions League spot in LaLiga remains his top priority. Meanwhile, Fiorentina's Raffaele Palladino expressed disappointment, urging his team to focus on their remaining Serie A matches.

Soccer-Former Australia boss Arnold set to be appointed Iraq coach
Graham Arnold is set to be announced as Iraq's new football coach this weekend, ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Jordan next month. The Iraqi Football Association is finalizing contract details, and Arnold will bring a seven-member coaching staff. He replaces Spaniard Jesus Casas, who was sacked after a disappointing loss to Palestine.