Salomon Rondon struck a second-half equaliser as Venezuela salvaged a 1-1 home draw with Argentina in their World Cup qualifier.

Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring for the reigning world champions by firing home from the edge of the six-yard box after Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo punched away Lionel Messi's free-kick.

Rondon put his side on level terms just after the hour with a powerful header following Yeferson Soteldo's cross from the left flank, reports.

The result leaves Venezuela with 11 points from nine games in South America's qualifying zone, eight points behind group leaders Argentina.

Hockey Jharkhand defeated Hockey Madhya Pradesh in the final as they were crowned champion after eleven action-packed days at the 14th Hockey India Junior National Championship 2024. Hockey Haryana won the bronze medal after defeating Hockey Haryana.

In the summit clash of the tournament, Hockey Jharkhand got the better of Hockey Madhya Pradesh 3-1. Sweety Dungdung (30’), Shanti Kumari (43’) and Niru Kullu (48’) struck a goal each for Hockey Jharkhand to take the game away from Hockey Madhya Pradesh.

Their strong defence also restricted Hockey Madhya Pradesh, who could score only one goal to clinch the title. Kajal (45’) scored the consolation goal for Hockey Madhya Pradesh.

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said it has delivered awareness workshops to teams participating in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup. ICC added it is on the lines of similar sessions held at last year’s Men's ODI World Cup in India.

The ICC said in a statement that the sessions delivered to the 10 participating teams are aimed at raising awareness about mental health, the importance of prioritising mental well-being both on and off the field, and creating safe environments to talk about matters about mental health.

“The ICC Mental Health Awareness session was a good reminder for us players to look after our mental health as much as our physical fitness. It is important for cricketers to not be ashamed to talk about mental health issues and seek help when needed," said Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu.

The teams competing in the T20 World Cup in the UAE heard from cricketers Robin Uthappa and Amelia Kerr, who shared their experiences through a video and threw light on the importance of players looking after their mental health.

"Cricket can be a demanding sport that requires not only physical endurance but also mental strength. The ICC is working with its membership to raise awareness in cricket on the importance of prioritising mental well-being and providing players with the right support to thrive mentally," said Dr. Peter Harcourt, Chair of the ICC Medical Advisory Committee.

Harry Brook became the first England batter in 34 years to hit a triple-century in Tests, as his record-breaking partnership with Joe Root put the visitors on the cusp of a big win over Pakistan on Day Four of the first Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.

Brook smashed a remarkable 317 and shared a partnership of 454 with Root, who made 262, as England declared their innings at a whopping 823/7, the fourth-highest team total in Tests. Brook and Root also became the first England duo to have two 200-run stands together and the ninth pair from any country to achieve such a feat.

The 454-run partnership between Brook and Root is now the fourth-highest of all-time in Test cricket, as well as the highest-ever partnership in the longer format for England. After England took a lead of 267 runs, they ended Day Four on a high by reducing a crumbling Pakistan to 152-6, with 115 more still in deficit to be covered by the listless hosts, whose woes increased with Abrar Ahmed being hospitalised due to fever and body ache.

International-level equestrian events will return to India after a gap of 14 years on Friday with the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) hosting an FEI-approved Asian-level Showjumping event for youth riders. The Asian Equestrian Federation Cup-Youth (AEF Cup-CSIY-B), will be held in Bengaluru from October 11-13.

To create more competitive opportunities for young Indian riders, the AEF Youth Cup will ensure world-class competition at home. The competition will see a total of 11 countries, including hosts India competing at Bengaluru's Surge Stable, which has state-of-the-art facilities.

The format of the competition is of borrowed horses with an age limit of 16-21 years for the riders having a 115 cm maximum jump level.

India will have two participants - E. Suryaa Aaditya and Avik Bhatia, as they topped the selection trials held at Surge Stable in Bengaluru on Thursday, which was attended by 11 riders.

Jaipur Pink Panthers have named star raider Arjun Deshwal as the captain for the upcoming Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Having joined the Pink Panthers in Season 8, Deshwal quickly became adored amongst the fans, picking up 268 points in his first season with the franchise and continued making a huge impact in the seasons to follow, scoring 296 and 278 points, respectively.

His performances helped the team lift the trophy in Season 9 and as semifinalists in Season 10.

Speaking about his elevation as the captain, Deshwal said, "I’m looking forward to another season in the PKL, the team has been training hard and I am looking forward to carrying this team along and hopefully this time I can help lead Jaipur Pink Panthers to their third silverware."

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana will fly back home to Karachi through the earliest available flight on Thursday following the her father’s demise, said a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

With Pakistan's next game in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup happening against defending champions Australia at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, Fatima will miss the match. In her absence, wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali is expected to captain Pakistan.

Members of the Pakistan took to 'X' to post their condolence messages for Fatima and her family on the demise of her father. “It’s very hard and saddened to hear the loss of your father. On behalf of the whole team, please accept our sincerest condolences. You and your family are in our thoughts. Rip,” wrote veteran off-spin all-rounder Nida Dar.

Richard Gasquet, the former No. 7 tennis player, has revealed his plans to retire next year after Roland Garros, a clay court major.

Gasquet has won 16 ATP Tour titles, most recently last year in Auckland. He has claimed 36 victories against Top 10 opponents and competed in the ATP Finals twice, in 2007 and 2013. The Frenchman was the semifinalist at Wimbledon (2007 and 2015) and the US Open (2013).

"I think that it is the best moment for me to do it. It is the best tournament to do it. It’s magnificent, we have the chance being French to be able to stop in these kind of incredible places. An end, it’s always complicated, all the former great players always told me it’s not easy to announce. You never know when, how, where. Here, in any case, it is obvious," Gasquet said in an interview.

As the players auction for the 2024-25 season is scheduled to take place from October 13 to 15, over 1000 players, including global stars, set to go under hammer with a balance of domestic and international talents.

After a seven-year hiatus, HIL is making its comeback with an expanded format that includes both men’s and, for the first time ever, an exclusive women’s league, running concurrently.

With the Hockey India League restarting for men and the inaugural season for the Women's League set to start this season. The men’s auction will be held on October 13 and 14, while the historic women's auction will take place on October 15.

Nick Kyrgios is touting his long-awaited grand slam comeback in season's opening major Australian Open, tournament director Craig Titley said.

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist has only competed in one event in the past two years – a straight-sets defeat to China’s Wu Yibing in Stuttgart 16 months ago – because of knee and wrist injuries that sidelined him.

Kyrgios' injury-plagued season comes following a standout year in 2022 when he reached the Wimbledon final and won the ATP 500 event in Washington D.C.

"The one we're keeping an eye on will be Nick Kyrgios – Nick will be back. Well, like every other player, we'd love to have Nick back. He brings a big game and bigger energy to the AO – he’s truly an excitement machine – and we can’t wait to see him back," Titely told Channel 9 News.