Runners, this one’s for you: Hua Hin race season begins

MONACO: Cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar is set to return to the Vuelta a España for the first time since 2019, as the Slovenian aims to capture the only Grand Tour title missing from his glittering career. His team, UAE Team Emirates, confirmed on Monday that the reigning Tour de France champion will compete in this year’s Vuelta, which begins on August 22. The announcement has immediately made the 27-year-old the overwhelming favourite for the prestigious 21-stage race, as he looks to add another milestone to an already remarkable career. Pogacar last competed in the Vuelta in 2019, where he finished an impressive third overall and claimed three stage victories, performances that introduced him to the global cycling stage. “I’m excited to say I’m going back to La Vuelta,” Pogacar said in a statement released by his team. “It was my first-ever Grand Tour back in 2019 and an amazing experience. Spain is a country I love to visit and race in, and I think the time is right to go back.” The Slovenian added that his motivation remains high following another successful Tour de France campaign and described the Vuelta as one of his biggest goals for the remainder of the season. Pogacar heads into the race with history within reach. Having already won the Tour de France this year and previously claimed the Giro d’Italia in 2024, victory in Spain would complete his collection of all three Grand Tours. He could also become only the fourth cyclist in history to win both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in the same season. With UAE Team Emirates expected to field a strong supporting squad, Pogacar will be determined to end the year on another high and further strengthen his reputation as one of cycling’s greatest riders of the modern era. The Vuelta is expected to feature many of the sport’s leading names, but all eyes will be on Pogacar as he chases another historic achievement and bids to complete one of cycling’s rarest career accomplishments.

The body of Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, who went missing following a deadly avalanche on Broad Peak, has been recovered by local volunteers and brought down to the mountain’s base camp, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Thursday. The recovery brings some closure to the family and friends of Sakhi, who was among a 10-member international expedition caught in the avalanche on July 30. The expedition was led by renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who was accompanied by six elite Nepali guides and other international climbers. The group lost contact after the avalanche struck the mountain, one of the highest peaks in the world. Purja’s company later confirmed that there were no survivors from the expedition. Seven bodies had previously been recovered, while the search for Sakhi, American climber Sarah Mallory Geis, and Nepalese climber Nawang Thindu Sherpa was suspended last week because of the continuing danger of fresh avalanches. On Thursday, ACP member and Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani confirmed that Sakhi’s remains had been found by a group of local volunteers from Shigar. According to Kiani, Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Bashir and Abuzar were searching the area on their own initiative when they spotted the body. They immediately alerted other people in the area before working with fellow volunteers to bring the remains down from Camp 1. The body was located at an altitude of around 5,600 metres before being transported to Broad Peak Base Camp. ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri told Dawn that the body would be transported to Skardu by Pakistan Army helicopter, provided weather conditions allowed an air operation. The recovery operation remains challenging because of unstable conditions on the mountain. Shigri said the bodies of the two remaining missing climbers had not yet been found. He added that rescue teams would resume their search once weather conditions improve and authorities determine that the area is safe for rescuers. Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, is known for its extreme altitude, unpredictable weather and difficult climbing conditions. The latest tragedy once again highlights the risks faced by mountaineers attempting some of the world’s highest peaks. For Sakhi’s loved ones, however, the recovery of his body provides an important final step after weeks of uncertainty. The focus now shifts to bringing him home safely and continuing efforts to locate the two climbers who remain missing.

NEW DELHI: India have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with a knee injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday. Bumrah, widely regarded as India’s pace spearhead, has not fully recovered from the left knee injury he sustained during the One-Day International series against England last month. In a statement, the BCCI said the 32-year-old remains unavailable for selection as he continues his rehabilitation. Bumrah has not bowled competitively since the second ODI against England in Cardiff on July 16, where he suffered the injury.   His absence is a major setback for India, particularly with the challenging conditions expected in Sri Lanka, where Bumrah’s experience and ability to strike with the new ball have often made the difference in Test matches.   Replacing him in the 15-member squad is promising fast bowler Aquib Nabi, who receives his maiden senior international call-up after an impressive run in domestic cricket. The 29-year-old pacer from Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as one of India’s brightest bowling prospects, claiming 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. He also impressed during India A’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, taking six wickets in two first-class matches, performances that earned him a place in the senior squad. India, led by Shubman Gill, will play a warm-up match before the opening Test begins in Galle on August 15. The second and final Test is scheduled to be played in Colombo from August 23 to 27. The series now presents a golden opportunity for Nabi to showcase his talent on the international stage, while India will hope their emerging pace attack can compensate for the absence of one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. With Bumrah sidelined and a new face joining the squad, all eyes will be on India’s bowling unit as the visitors aim to begin their Sri Lanka campaign on a winning note. India squad Shubman Gill (capt), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.

Pakistan’s spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been ruled out of the National Champions Cup after suffering a fracture to the middle finger of his right hand. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the injury on Friday, revealing that Nawaz is expected to remain away from competitive cricket for at least three weeks. Nawaz sustained the injury while fielding during the National Champions Cup match between Pakistan Gold and Pakistan Blues at Multan Cricket Stadium on August 12. Despite hurting his finger, the experienced all-rounder remarkably completed his full 10-over spell. His efforts, however, could not prevent Pakistan Gold from suffering a six-wicket defeat against Pakistan Blues. Medical scans conducted on August 13 confirmed the fracture, forcing Nawaz to withdraw from the ongoing domestic competition. The setback comes at an inconvenient time for the left-arm spinner, who has remained an important part of Pakistan’s experienced white-ball setup. According to the PCB, Nawaz will report to the board’s Sports and Exercise Medicine Department after two weeks. He will then undergo rehabilitation under medical supervision, with his recovery closely monitored before a decision is made regarding his return to competitive cricket. The medical team will assess his progress throughout the rehabilitation process, while the priority will be ensuring that the finger has recovered sufficiently before he resumes full cricketing activities. Nawaz’s absence is a blow to his team’s campaign in the Champions Cup, where the tournament provides Pakistan’s established players and emerging talent with valuable competitive exposure. For Nawaz, the immediate focus will now shift from domestic cricket to recovery. The three-week initial timeline could change depending on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation. The PCB is expected to provide further updates on his fitness as he progresses through the recovery programme.

FUNCHAL: Hundreds of Cristiano Ronaldo fans reportedly gathered outside a historic cathedral in Portugal over the weekend, hoping to catch a glimpse of the football superstar on his wedding day — only to discover that they had arrived for someone else’s ceremony. Rumors circulating on social media and in media reports claimed that Ronaldo was set to marry his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, on Saturday in Funchal, the capital of Portugal’s Madeira island. Although Ronaldo’s family reportedly denied the claims, the speculation was enough to send scores of excited fans and journalists to the city’s historic Sé Cathedral. Many waited outside for hours, holding mobile phones and cameras in anticipation of the arrival of the Al Nassr star and Rodriguez. But the expected celebrity wedding never happened. Instead, the cathedral was preparing to host the wedding of a local couple, Nicole and Fabio. Fabio had already arrived at the church, while Nicole faced an unexpected challenge: getting through the crowd that had gathered outside believing Ronaldo would soon appear. The unusual situation created confusion around the cathedral, with tourists, fans and members of the media filling the surrounding streets. The Sé Cathedral administration later addressed the incident on its official Facebook page, congratulating the newly married couple while explaining that the large number of journalists and tourists had caused considerable confusion. The church eventually had to be closed while the wedding ceremony took place. In another post, the cathedral described the scene outside as something it had never experienced before, noting that the bride had difficulty entering the church because of the crowd. The guests also appeared to find the situation amusing. One guest joked to local media that they suddenly felt like celebrities themselves. Another questioned how anyone could have believed Ronaldo would arrive for a wedding without significant security arrangements. Ronaldo himself appeared to see the funny side of the episode. The footballer reportedly reacted to an Instagram post about the confusion with laughing-with-tears emojis, giving fans a glimpse of his reaction without directly confirming or denying any future wedding plans. Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been together for years and became engaged last year. Reports have previously claimed that Ronaldo presented Rodriguez with an expensive engagement ring featuring a large diamond. Despite the latest frenzy in Madeira, the couple has not announced a wedding date. For now, fans hoping to witness Ronaldo walk down the aisle will have to wait — and perhaps check the guest list before heading to the church.