The World around U

  Edwin Moses, born on August 31, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most dominant athletes in the history of track and field. Renowned for his exceptional speed, technical precision, and unyielding discipline, Moses revolutionized the 400-meter hurdles, setting standards that have yet to be surpassed. His career is marked by an extraordinary winning streak, multiple Olympic and World titles, and groundbreaking performances that redefined what was possible in the sport.   Style of Play - **Smooth, Efficient, and Dominant:**   - Moses was known for his flawless hurdling technique, combining speed, strength, and stamina with extraordinary precision. His running style was characterized by his ability to maintain a consistent stride pattern, typically taking just 13 steps between hurdles, a feat that gave him a significant advantage over his competitors.   - His efficient hurdling technique, combined with his endurance and mental toughne...

  Germany produced a gritty, disciplined and ultimately magnificent defensive display to defeat Spain 1-0 in a tense 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup final at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, retaining the crown they won in 2023.  The victory was Germany’s fourth World Cup triumph, taking them level with Pakistan as the joint-most successful nation in men’s World Cup history. Even more remarkably, Germany became the first men’s team to defend the World Cup title on two separate occasions.  A cagey, absorbing opening The final began with both sides displaying the caution expected of two technically accomplished teams contesting the biggest prize in international hockey. Germany looked the more assured side during the opening quarter, moving the ball with purpose and probing Spain’s compact defensive structure. Spain, however, gradually settled into the contest. The Red Sticks increased the tempo in the second quarter and began finding dangerous avenues into the G...

  Clive Lloyd, born on August 31, 1944, in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), is revered as one of the most influential and charismatic leaders in the history of cricket. Standing tall with his imposing physique, Lloyd was both a destructive middle-order batsman and an astute captain who led the West Indies to unparalleled dominance during the 1970s and 1980s. His leadership and powerful batting style made him a cornerstone of West Indies cricket and a global cricketing legend.   Style of Play - **Powerful and Commanding:**   - Lloyd's batting style was characterized by his power and authority at the crease. With his tall, broad frame, he could unleash a barrage of aggressive strokes, often dominating bowlers with his fearsome hitting, especially through the off-side and down the ground.   - Lloyd was particularly known for his ability to take the attack to the opposition, changing the course of a match with his explosive batting. Despite his attacking i...

  Javagal Srinath, born on August 31, 1969, in Mysore, Karnataka, is celebrated as one of India's finest fast bowlers and a trailblazer for pace bowling in a country traditionally known for its spinners. Renowned for his speed, accuracy, and unwavering determination, Srinath was the spearhead of India's pace attack during the 1990s and early 2000s. His ability to generate pace and movement, both off the pitch and in the air, made him a formidable opponent across all formats of the game. ### Style of Play - **Fast, Furious, and Relentless:**   - Srinath's bowling style was characterized by his ability to bowl consistently at high speeds, often exceeding 140 km/h (87 mph), which was a rarity for Indian bowlers at the time. He was known for his smooth, rhythmic run-up and a strong, upright bowling action that allowed him to generate both pace and bounce.   - Srinath could extract movement off the seam and swing the ball both ways, making him particularly dangerous in ...

  Nepal is facing one of the most devastating natural disasters in its recent history after a catastrophic flash flood swept through the Himalayan border region with Tibet on August 26, 2026. What initially appeared to be a sudden river flood has emerged as a far more complex disaster involving a glacial collapse, an avalanche of ice and rock, a temporary lake and a massive surge of water and debris. As of August 30, authorities in Nepal and China have reported a combined death toll of around 750 people, while more than 3,000 remain missing. Nepal alone has reported 734 deaths and 2,498 missing people, although figures continue to change as isolated areas become accessible. More than 90,000 people have been severely affected.  How did the disaster begin? The catastrophe began high in the Himalayas, close to the Nepal-China border. A huge mass of ice and rock broke away from a glacier, producing an avalanche that crashed into the Lhende Khola river system. The impact displaced ...

  India's two teams left the 2026 Hockey World Cup with very different emotions. The men's side endured a frustrating campaign and finished eighth, while the women's team produced a historic fifth-place finish — their best World Cup result since 1974.  The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup offered Indian hockey a striking study in contrasts. The men's team arrived with considerable expectations but departed with more questions than answers. The women's team, meanwhile, transformed promise into a landmark achievement, demonstrating resilience, defensive discipline and a growing belief against the world's leading sides. Men's Team: A Campaign That Fell Short Final position: Eighth The men's campaign was ultimately disappointing. India showed flashes of attacking quality and individual brilliance, but inconsistency, defensive lapses and an inability to control decisive passages repeatedly undermined their challenge. India began with a 3-1 victory over Wales, an enc...

    There are few destinations in the world that have achieved the mythical allure of Bali. Here, emerald rice terraces tumble down misty hillsides, ancient temples perch dramatically above cliffs and forests, while palm-fringed beaches glow beneath spectacular tropical sunsets. Yet Bali's magic goes far beyond its scenery. It is an island where spirituality is woven into everyday life, where colourful ceremonies spill onto village streets and where traditional dance, intricate handicrafts and aromatic cuisine coexist with sophisticated resorts, vibrant beach clubs and a thriving contemporary food scene. Often called the “Island of the Gods,” Bali is one of Indonesia's most captivating destinations, offering an extraordinary mixture of beaches, mountains, culture, adventure, wellness and gastronomy. Its compact size makes it possible to experience remarkably different landscapes and moods within a single journey.  The Best Places to Visit in Bali 1. Ubud – The Cultural He...

    There are cities that reveal themselves slowly, and then there is Jakarta — a sprawling, restless metropolis that seems to move at several speeds at once. Gleaming skyscrapers rise above chaotic avenues, ancient traditions survive amid modern shopping districts, and the echoes of colonial Batavia mingle with the roar of motorcycles and the aromas of sizzling street food. Indonesia’s vast and energetic capital is often treated merely as a gateway to Bali, Lombok or the country's other celebrated destinations. That is a mistake. Jakarta possesses an extraordinary personality of its own: exuberant, multicultural, historically layered and unapologetically urban. For the curious traveller, it offers a fascinating journey through Indonesia's past, present and future. A City of Extraordinary Contrasts Jakarta is a city of dramatic juxtapositions. In one direction stand monumental government buildings and glittering skyscrapers; in another, narrow lanes lead to traditional markets...

  On a chilly summer evening at the iconic Wagener Stadion, Argentina’s women produced a sensational moment, stunning the Netherlands on home soil to lift the World Cup title. The Dutch side, accustomed to dominating the global stage, were finally denied a fourth successive crown as Argentina held the hosts to a dramatic 1-1 draw before triumphing 3-1 in the penalty shootout. Argentina this regain World Cup title after 2010.  The victory was particularly sweet for Argentina, who avenged their heartbreaking defeat to the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup final while silencing a fervent partisan crowd at one of hockey’s most revered venues. Goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino emerged as the heroine, producing two magnificent saves in the shootout before Sofia Cairo calmly converted the decisive penalty to ignite jubilant Argentine celebrations. The highly anticipated rematch began as a tense and tactical encounter, with neither side willing to commit too many players forward. The open...

  Dhyan Chand was indeed a legendary field hockey player known for his incredible skills and wizardry on the field. He is often regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Chand's remarkable dribbling, goal-scoring ability, and three Olympic gold medals for India in 1928, 1932, and 1936 have solidified his status as a hockey icon. His contributions to the sport continue to inspire generations of hockey enthusiasts. Dhyan Chand's achievements in the field of field hockey are truly remarkable. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments: 1. **Olympic Gold Medals:** Dhyan Chand won three consecutive Olympic gold medals for India in field hockey in 1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles), and 1936 (Berlin). These victories established India as a dominant force in international hockey. 2. **Goal-Scoring Records:** He was known for his prolific goal-scoring ability. In the 1936 Olympics alone, he scored an astonishing 11 goals in just five matches. 3. **Excepti...

  England seized a commanding grip on the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s on a dramatic second day, with their formidable pace attack ripping through Pakistan for just 110 before the hosts strengthened their overall advantage to 261 runs by stumps.  England resumed at 248/9 and their last pair, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, produced a valuable late flourish. Atkinson struck a brisk 45 off 46 balls, while Tongue remained unbeaten on 30 off 48, taking England to 290 all out in 66.4 overs. Their 47-run partnership proved highly significant on a difficult Lord’s surface.  Pakistan's reply rapidly descended into a batting calamity. England's seamers exploited the movement superbly, with Ollie Robinson producing a devastating spell of 4/11 in 13 overs. Jofra Archer, operating with intimidating pace and repeatedly exceeding 90 mph, claimed 3/26, while Josh Tongue added two wickets.  Only Azan Awais offered meaningful resistance for Pakistan, compiling a gritty 46. Th...

  The 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup semi-finals produced two gripping, low-scoring contests on Thursday, with defending champions the Netherlands and two-time champions Argentina emerging victorious to set up a repeat of the 2022 World Cup final.  Netherlands 1–0 Belgium In a tense all-European battle at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands edged co-hosts Belgium 1–0 to reach their eighth consecutive World Cup final. The decisive goal came from Frédérique Matla in the 28th minute, giving the Dutch a narrow lead that they defended resolutely for the remainder of the contest.  Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser, particularly late in the match. 18-year-old Famke van Heel appeared to have restored parity with a fierce strike, but the goal was overturned following a review. The Dutch defence survived the late pressure to preserve a precious clean sheet.  The victory underlined the Netherlands' remarkable consistency. The reigning champions are now chas...

  Pakistan produced a vastly improved bowling performance on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s, reducing England to 248/9 in 56 overs on a rain-affected Thursday. After their emphatic innings-and-103-run defeat at Headingley, Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack immediately put the hosts under severe pressure.  The chief architect of Pakistan’s revival was the experienced Mohammad Abbas, who exploited the overcast conditions with superb control and movement. He finished the day with 4/56 from 15 overs, including the prized wicket of England captain Joe Root. Abbas also reached the significant landmark of 900 first-class wickets during his outstanding spell.  England were rocked early, slipping to 80/4 by lunch. Abbas’s incisive opening spell accounted for three wickets, while Mohammad Ali provided excellent support. Ali ended the day with 3/67 from 17 overs, leaving Pakistan just one wicket away from wrapping up England’s innings.  However, England’s middle ...

  Sonal Dinusha produced a magnificent, match-saving unbeaten 133 to thwart India’s bid for a series sweep as the second and final Test between India and Sri Lanka ended in a gripping draw at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Thursday. Sri Lanka finished on 429/9 in 154 overs, securing a hard-earned escape after being forced to follow on. India nevertheless won the two-match series 1-0, having triumphed by 165 runs in the opening Test in Galle.  Resuming the fifth morning at 229/6, Sri Lanka still faced an enormous challenge. But Dinusha, who had already scored 103 in the first innings, remained composed under relentless pressure. He received superb support from Keshara Nuwantha, and the pair added a crucial 112 runs for the seventh wicket, with Nuwantha contributing 46. That stubborn partnership effectively drained India's hopes of forcing a victory.  Dinusha eventually finished unbeaten on 133 from 264 balls, an innings of exceptional patience and temperament. His...