Guadalajara, June 11

Korea Republic overcame a second-half deficit to defeat Czechia 2-1 on Thursday, with Hwang Inbeom delivering a goal and an assist to launch his side’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in winning fashion.

For much of the evening, Korea looked the more threatening team but struggled to find a breakthrough against Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar.

Lee Kangin tested Kovar with a powerful effort in the 14th minute, while Son Heungmin repeatedly found promising positions without finding the target. The Tottenham star also saw another opportunity slip away in first-half stoppage time as Czechia survived sustained pressure.

Korea continued to push after the break, but Kovar again denied Son before the match took an unexpected turn.

Against the run of play, Czechia struck first in the 59th minute. Captain Ladislav Krejci rose highest to meet Vladimir Coufal’s long throw and powered a header beyond goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu, giving the Europeans a surprise lead.

The advantage lasted only eight minutes.

Lee threaded a sublime pass into the path of Hwang, who cut inside and delicately lifted his finish past Kovar to level the match at 1–1.

With momentum firmly in Korea’s favor, Hwang turned provider in the 80th minute. Driving down the right side, he delivered a low cross into the penalty area where substitute Oh Hyeongyu arrived to slot home the winner.

Czechia pushed desperately for an equalizer in the closing stages. Their best chance came two minutes after the winning goal when Adam Hlozek unleashed a dangerous effort, only for Kim to produce a spectacular save.

The victory marked Korea Republic’s third consecutive World Cup win against European opposition, following memorable triumphs over Portugal in 2022 and Germany in 2018.

Krejci’s goal also carried historical significance. It was Czechia’s first World Cup goal in almost exactly 20 years, dating back to Tomas Rosicky’s strike in a 3–0 victory over the United States on June 12, 2006.

“It was our first game and a very difficult one,” Korea coach Hong Myungbo said. “What pleased me most was that our players never gave up. At 1–1, I told them to keep playing the way they had been. Now our focus shifts to Mexico, and we’ll spend the next week preparing for another important match.”

Match-winner Oh revealed he had battled illness before kickoff.

“I can’t explain my emotions in words,” he said. “My temperature had gone up to 38 degrees, and I wasn’t feeling well. I wasn’t sure if I could even play, but thanks to our medical staff I was able to be on the field.”

Krejci remained optimistic despite the loss.

 “We’re still adapting to our tactical approach,” the Czech captain said. “This is our first World Cup in a long time, and nerves are natural. The key is staying compact and making it difficult for opponents to reach our goal.”

Korea’s resilience and attacking quality ultimately proved decisive, turning a frustrating evening into a valuable opening victory and an early boost in the race to advance from Group A.

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Mexico City, June 11

Julian Quinones scored once and helped spark another as host nation Mexico began its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a confident 2–0 victory over South Africa in front of a raucous crowd at Mexico City Stadium on Wednesday.

Mexico wasted little time asserting itself. Barely five minutes had elapsed when Israel Reyes delivered a teasing cross from the right and Raul Jimenez met it with authority, forcing South Africa captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into a sharp save.

The breakthrough arrived soon after. Midfielder Erik Lira dispossessed Sphephelo Sithole deep in South African territory, and Quinones seized the opportunity, firing through Williams’ legs from just inside the penalty area to ignite the home crowd.

South Africa was fortunate to trail by only one goal at halftime. Williams produced another outstanding save to deny Jimenez, while Quinones was left frustrated after striking the post.

Any hopes of a South African comeback took a major hit early in the second half. Sithole, already under pressure after his earlier mistake, brought down the advancing Jimenez on the edge of the area and was shown a red card.

Mexico immediately capitalized on its numerical advantage.

Moments after 17-year-old Gilberto Mora entered the match to a deafening ovation, Quinones combined neatly with Jimenez before feeding Roberto Alvarado on the right flank. Alvarado’s dangerous cross found Jimenez at the back post, and the veteran striker headed home to double Mexico’s advantage.

The match finished in heated fashion, with both teams reduced further after late dismissals for South Africa substitute Themba Zwane and Mexico defender Cesar Montes. By then, however, the result was no longer in doubt.

Mexico’s opening victory was also notable for the debut of Mora, who became the sixth-youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup match at 17 years and 240 days old.

“I’m happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal in such a spectacular stadium with amazing fans,” Quinones said. “It’s important to acknowledge what my teammates did to help us secure the first three points. We’ve felt the support of the fans these past few days, and today it really showed.”

Alvarado reflected on the emotional significance of playing at home.

“It was a beautiful feeling, something beyond words,” he said. “At halftime, Raul told me to put a cross into that area if I got the chance. I didn’t hesitate, and thankfully it ended with an assist and a goal.”

Despite the defeat, Williams insisted South Africa would learn from the experience.

“At this level, mistakes get punished,” the goalkeeper said. “We’re not used to playing on this stage after being away from the World Cup for so long. But we kept fighting and we’ll be better moving forward.”

Mexico’s World Cup journey is off to a strong start, and with Quinones pulling the strings and a passionate home crowd behind them, El Tri already looks capable of making noise in the tournament.

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Srinagar, June 11

Jammu and Kashmir is building a stronger hockey ecosystem through investments in infrastructure, grassroots competitions and talent identification programmes aimed at producing future national-level players, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the ALFA Hockey Inter-School Tournament 2026 at Srinagar’s Polo Ground, Sinha said the administration was focused on creating a structured pathway for young athletes to progress from school competitions to higher levels of the sport.

“We are building a talent pipeline in J&K that will ensure a player’s journey from the school level to the regional level and national stage,” he said.

The tournament featured students from 32 schools across several districts of Kashmir and was organised with support from the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Badal Hockey Club and Hockey Jammu and Kashmir.

Sinha said the competition served as a platform to identify promising players, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who often lack access to opportunities and professional training.

“Many outstanding players come from ordinary backgrounds, but without opportunities and proper support, talent cannot progress,” he said.

The lieutenant governor said hockey had received renewed attention in recent years as authorities expanded sports infrastructure and encouraged greater participation at the grassroots level.

Synthetic hockey turfs have been established at Srinagar’s Polo Ground, Pulwama and Poonch, while additional facilities are being developed at Bandhu Rakh and K.K. Hakku Stadium in Jammu, he said.

According to Sinha, the infrastructure expansion would support advanced coaching programmes, talent scouting and training camps, helping create a sustainable framework for player development.

“We aim to see more schools and more young players take up hockey in the coming years and establish Jammu and Kashmir as a cradle for world-class hockey talent,” he said.

Addressing participants, Sinha urged young athletes to remain disciplined, continue learning from coaches and focus on improving their performance.

He also linked sports development with broader youth empowerment and nation-building goals, saying the government remained committed to creating opportunities for young people.

Expressing confidence about the future of the sport in the region, Sinha said current efforts would help produce a new generation of players capable of competing at higher levels.

“Hockey can become a major avenue for our youth. I am confident that more players will emerge from Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Senior government officials, sports administrators, coaches, teachers and students attended the event.

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Srinagar, June 3

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday flagged off a Cyclothon at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) here to mark World Bicycle Day, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and sports culture among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

The event, organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council under its flagship initiative “My Youth My Pride”, witnessed enthusiastic participation from cyclists, youth, students and sports enthusiasts from different parts of the Valley.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched the mascot, jersey and publicity campaign for the forthcoming Jammu Cyclothon and announced the dates for the event.

He also announced the conduct of the Kashmir Cyclothon as a national-level event, aimed at attracting participation from cyclists across the country and promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for adventure and sporting activities.

Interacting with the participants, the Chief Minister appreciated the growing interest in cycling and emphasised the importance of adopting active lifestyles to ensure better physical and mental well-being.

He highlighted cycling as an environmentally sustainable mode of transport that contributes to public health while supporting efforts towards environmental conservation.

The Chief Minister also lauded the initiatives being undertaken by the Youth Services & Sports Department and the J&K Sports Council to encourage mass participation in sports and recreational activities. He said such events not only promote fitness but also strengthen community engagement and create awareness about important social issues.

The cyclothon carried the message of combating sedentary lifestyles, drug abuse and excessive screen time among youth, while promoting the spirit of fitness and sports. The event echoed the theme: “Say No to Drugs, No to Screen Addiction and Yes to Fitness and Sport.”

Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary RSGC Haris Ahmed Handoo, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

The cycling awareness ride commenced from RSGC and proceeded towards Duck Park on Foreshore Road, covering a distance of approximately 20 kilometres.

A large number of participants from different age groups took part in the event, which passed through designated routes in the city.

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Srinagar, June 2

Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Reasi, Kuldeep Raj Dubey on Tuesday called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed various developmental issues and matters related to public welfare in his constituency.

During the meeting, the MLA apprised the Chief Minister of several priority concerns and developmental requirements of the Reasi constituency.

He also highlighted issues pertaining to public welfare and sought timely intervention for their resolution.

The CM gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and assured due consideration of the matters projected by the MLA.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), led by its Chief Business Officer Vikas Singh, also called on the CM.

The delegation apprised the CM of its plans to conduct golf tournaments in Kashmir and discussed various aspects related to the promotion of golf in the region.

The delegation also briefed him on the activities of the PGTI and its efforts towards expanding the sport’s reach across the country.

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Srinagar, May 30

International water sports official Bilquis Mir has moved the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) alleging contempt by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Department for failing to release her salary for more than two-and-a-half years despite a tribunal order directing payment.

The contempt petition, filed before the CAT against the Commissioner Secretary of the J&K Youth Services and Sports Department and the department’s Director General, states that officials failed to comply with the tribunal’s February 5 order directing release of her pending salary.

Mir, India’s only female judge in kayaking and canoeing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has not received her salary since November 2023, according to the petition.

The dispute began after the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Branch registered a case against her in November 2023 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code, alleging illegal gratification and criminal conspiracy.

In July last year, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court quashed the FIR, strongly criticising the authorities and observing that officials appeared intent on harassing accomplished sportspersons.

In its February 5 ruling, the CAT directed the sports department to release Mir’s “legitimately earned salary” from November 2023 onward within 15 days.

According to the contempt plea, that deadline has expired without compliance.

Mir said the continued withholding of salary had caused severe financial hardship and professional distress despite her having continued to render services.

The petition alleges the failure to comply with the tribunal’s order was deliberate and wilful, and amounted to undermining the authority of the judicial institution.

The order was passed in the presence of counsel representing the respondents, meaning the department had full knowledge of the tribunal’s directions, the petition states.

Mir’s legal effort to secure her dues dates back to late 2025, when she first approached the High Court seeking release of her salary. The case was later transferred to the CAT’s Srinagar bench.

Mir has had a 28-year career in kayaking and canoeing and is among India’s most recognised figures in water sports.

She represented India at the 2009 Canoeing and Kayaking World Cup in Hungary and became the first Indian woman appointed as a judge at the Asian Games. She also served as national coach for the women’s kayaking and canoeing team for the 2012 London Olympics.

She holds an international coaching diploma from Semmelweis University in Budapest and has coached Indian teams at multiple international competitions, including the Under-23 Canoe Slalom World Championship in Italy and the Asian Canoe Slalom Championship in Japan.

Mir has described her appointment as a judge for the Paris Olympics as the high point of her career.

Earlier this year, she was appointed chief coach of India’s kayaking and canoeing team for the Asian Games in Japan, but her release by the Jammu and Kashmir administration was delayed, prompting the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association to approach the High Court seeking urgent intervention.

While quashing the FIR last year, the High Court described Mir’s achievements as a matter of pride for the country and criticised what it called a “witch-hunt” against her by vested interests.

The court said it was “alarmed” by the manner in which the Anti-Corruption Branch pursued the case, adding that criminalising technical aspects of her qualifications reflected poorly on how the country treated its sporting achievers.

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