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  Hana Mandlíková is a former world-class tennis player who emerged as one of the most versatile and naturally gifted athletes of the 1980s. Representing Czechoslovakia and later Australia, she was known for her all-court brilliance, artistic shot-making and fearless attacking style. Mandlíková won multiple Grand Slam titles in both singles and doubles and is widely regarded as one of the most complete players of her generation. Hana Mandlíková was born on 19 February 1962 in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic). She was the daughter of Olympic sprinter Vilém Mandlík, and her athletic background played a major role in shaping her sporting career. From a young age, she showed exceptional coordination, speed and competitive temperament, which quickly translated into success on the junior tennis circuit. Style of Play Mandlíková was an elegant and aggressive all-court player with a rare combination of power, finesse and tactical intelligence. She possessed a strong serve, fluid...

  Indian women suffered a 19-run defeat in the second match of the Women’s T20I series against Australia at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, allowing the hosts to draw level after India had clinched the opening game via the Duckworth-Lewis method. With the series now tied, the decisive third match will determine the winner. Despite the loss, it was a historic day for Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who etched her name in the record books by becoming the most-capped player in women’s international cricket. Leading India at the toss, Harmanpreet played her 356th international match across formats, surpassing New Zealand stalwart Suzie Bates’ previous record of 355 matches. Out of her 356 appearances, Harmanpreet has featured in 6 Tests, 161 ODIs and 189 T20Is. The experienced skipper has accumulated 200 runs in Tests, 4,409 in ODIs and 3,784 in T20Is, taking her overall tally to an impressive 8,393 international runs. She also boasts eight centuries and 38 half-centuries, along with 75 ...

  Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, commonly known as Sócrates, was a legendary Brazilian footballer and intellectual force in the sport. Born on February 19, 1954, Sócrates played a pivotal role as a midfielder for both the Brazilian national team and club sides like Corinthians. Renowned for his elegant style, vision on the pitch, and exceptional leadership qualities, he captained Brazil during the 1982 FIFA World Cup, showcasing a unique blend of footballing skill and thoughtful approach to the game. Off the field, Sócrates held a medical degree and was known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, making him a distinct figure in the history of Brazilian football. His impact extended beyond the game, emphasizing the significance of intelligence and creativity in football. Sócrates passed away in 2011, leaving behind a lasting legacy both as a football icon and an influential personality. Sócrates' football career is marked by numerous achie...

  What was billed as a mere formality turned into a fiercely competitive contest as the Netherlands pushed India all the way in their final group-stage clash of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The so-called underdogs refused to roll over, ensuring that Suryakumar Yadav’s men had to work hard for their victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Although the Super Eight line-up had already been confirmed before Wednesday evening’s encounter, the Dutch were determined to bow out on a high. India, meanwhile, were keen to maintain their unbeaten streak — a tag that still proudly accompanies the Men in Blue, who have not lost a single match in the 2024 tournament. Their dominant march through the group stage continues, but this was far from a stroll. Winning the toss, skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first. However, India’s start was far from ideal. Abhishek Sharma’s lean patch persisted as he fell for a duck, while Ishan Kishan, explosive in the first three games, also failed to make an impact....

  Enzo Scifo, born on February 19, 1966, in La Louvière, Belgium, is a former footballer renowned for his skill and vision on the field. Primarily an attacking midfielder, Scifo's illustrious career spanned several top European clubs, including Anderlecht, Inter Milan, and AS Monaco. Known for his technical prowess, precise passing, and goal-scoring ability, he played a pivotal role in Anderlecht's successes during the late 1980s. Scifo also represented the Belgian national team, earning caps in multiple major tournaments. His impact on Belgian football, coupled with a career that extended into coaching after retirement, solidifies his status as a respected figure in the sport. Enzo Scifo enjoyed a distinguished football career with notable achievements. Starting his professional journey with Anderlecht, he contributed significantly to the team's success during the late 1980s. A key part of Anderlecht's midfield, Scifo helped secure Belgian Pro League titles in the 1984...

  Pakistan booked their place in the Super Eights of the 2026 T20 World Cup with a dominant 102-run victory over Namibia, producing their most complete performance of the tournament in Colombo. Choosing to bat first at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 199 for three, powered by a brilliant maiden T20 international century from Sahibzada Farhan. The 29-year-old remained unbeaten on 100 from 58 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and four sixes in a commanding innings. Farhan found strong support from captain Salman Agha, who scored a fluent 38 off 23 balls in a 67-run stand for the second wicket. Shadab Khan, promoted up the order in the absence of Babar Azam, added late impetus with an unbeaten 36 off 22, as he and Farhan plundered 81 runs in just 6.4 overs. Under pressure after their defeat to India, Pakistan knew another loss would end their campaign. Farhan ensured that scenario never materialised, reaching his century in the final over after ...

  Nepal ended their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a high with a शानदार seven-wicket victory over Scotland in their final group match. After suffering a heartbreaking last-ball defeat against England in their opening game, Nepal finally got their reward with a commanding performance to close the tournament in style. Fast bowler Sompal Kami and explosive batter Dipendra Singh Airee (50* off 23 balls) played key roles in the victory, as Nepal registered their first win in a T20 World Cup in 12 years. Scotland, who had already beaten Italy earlier in the tournament, made a strong start after opting to bat first. Opener Michael Jones played a brilliant knock of 71 off just 45 balls, hitting 8 fours and 3 sixes. As long as Jones was at the crease, Scotland looked on course for a 200-plus total. However, his dismissal in the 16th over triggered a collapse. Led by Sompal Kami’s impressive spell of 3/25, Nepal pulled things back and restricted Scotland to 170 in 20 overs. Nepal also began ...

  Roberto Baggio, an Italian football legend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest attacking midfielders and forwards in the history of the sport. Born on February 18, 1967, Baggio's illustrious career spanned from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Known for his elegant style, vision, and sublime skills, he played for several top clubs, including Juventus and AC Milan. Baggio achieved global fame during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where he led Italy to the final and received the Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player. Renowned for his accurate free kicks and exceptional ball control, Baggio's impact on football extends beyond his on-field accomplishments, leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts of fans worldwide. Roberto Baggio enjoyed a remarkable football career with numerous achievements and accolades. Some of the key highlights include: 1. **Club Success:** Baggio played for several top clubs in Italy, including Vicenza, Fiorentina, Juventus, Milan, Bologna, ...

Co-hosts Sri Lanka booked their place in the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a sensational eight-wicket victory over Australia at Pallekele. Riding on an explosive century from opener Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka chased down a challenging target of 182 in just 18 overs, with Nissanka becoming the first batter to score a hundred in this World Cup. The emphatic defeat has pushed former champions Australia to the brink of a shock group-stage exit. The high-profile clash on Monday evening, February 16, had attracted massive attention. Sri Lanka were already placed at the top of the points table with two consecutive wins, while Australia entered the match under pressure after a stunning loss to Zimbabwe. Even the return of skipper Mitchell Marsh failed to turn their fortunes around. Marsh’s comeback did give Australia the explosive start they had been missing. Alongside Travis Head, the duo smashed rapid half-centuries and raced to 104 in just 8.3 overs. However, once the first w...

  Two-time champions England narrowly avoided another major upset in the T20 World Cup 2026 as they edged past a fighting Italy by 24 runs. After escaping defeat against Nepal off the very last ball in their opening match, England once again found themselves in deep trouble, but Sam Curran’s brilliance in the death overs helped them save face. With this win, Harry Brook’s side registered their third victory and booked a place in the Super 8 stage. At the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, England looked set for a big total after choosing to bat first. However, Italy’s bowlers kept them under pressure throughout the innings. Phil Salt (28) gave England a quick start, but Jos Buttler (3) continued his poor run. Once Salt was dismissed, England lost wickets regularly and were reduced to 105 for 5, with captain Harry Brook also back in the pavilion. Sam Curran and Will Jacks then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership, taking England past 150. Even after Curran’s dismissal, Jacks contin...

  AB de Villiers, the South African cricket maestro, is renowned for his unparalleled batting prowess and innovative stroke play. Born on February 17, 1984, in Warmbad, South Africa, de Villiers earned international acclaim for his versatility, excelling in Test, One Day International (ODI), and T20 formats. His dynamic style of play, characterized by 360-degree shot-making, set him apart as one of the most entertaining and effective batsmen in the cricketing world. De Villiers holds several records, including the fastest century in ODIs. Beyond statistics, he served as the captain of the South African team, showcasing leadership qualities. In 2018, de Villiers bid farewell to international cricket, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the most beloved and influential figures in the sport. AB de Villiers, a former South African cricketer, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and explosive batsmen in the history of the game. Here's a detailed look at his achievements: 1. ...

  Pakistan had decided to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India on the very first day of February. Had they stuck to that decision, Sunday’s match would not have taken place — and perhaps they would have been spared the humiliation that followed. However, Pakistan reversed their stance within eight days, and the consequences were evident on the field. What is now called a “high-voltage clash” exists only in name. After this match, the head-to-head record in T20 World Cups moved from 7–1 to a dominant 8–1 in India’s favour. After losing the toss, India posted a competitive 175/7. In reply, Pakistan collapsed to a modest 114 all out. Only a late cameo from Shaheen Afridi prevented the total from slipping below 100. At no point did Pakistan look capable of winning. After the first two overs, it was clear that only a miracle could save them — and no miracle arrived. The cornerstone of India’s victory was Ishan Kishan’s breathtaking innings. On a slow Colombo pitch, he batted ...

  Michael Holding born 16th February 1954 at Kingston Jamaica ,  is a former West Indian cricketer who played as a fast bowler. Here are some details about his achievements in a glittering career : **International Career:** 1. **Test Debut:** Michael Holding made his Test debut for the West Indies against Australia on March 10, 1975. 2. **One Day International (ODI) Debut:** His ODI debut came against Pakistan on November 26, 1976. **Bowling Prowess:** 1. Holding was known for his express pace and graceful, rhythmic bowling action. 2. His nickname "Whispering Death" reflected his silent run-up and explosive delivery. **Key Achievements:** 1. **West Indies Dominance:** Holding was a crucial part of the West Indies team during their dominant period in the late 1970s and 1980s. 2. **Record-breaking Bowling Performances:** He had memorable spells, including the famous 14 wickets for 149 runs against England at The Oval in 1976. 3. **World Record Holder:** Holding held the record ...

  John McEnroe is a former professional tennis player born on February 16, 1959. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time & very gifted . McEnroe's achievements include winning seven Grand Slam singles titles, with three Wimbledon and four US Open victories. Being a southpaw , his intense playing style, marked by exceptional serve-and-volley skills and a fiery temperament, made him a standout figure in tennis during the late 1970s and 1980s. McEnroe reached the world No. 1 ranking in singles and No. 1 in doubles, showcasing his versatility in the sport. In addition to his Grand Slam success, McEnroe also played a pivotal role in helping the United States win the Davis Cup multiple times. His career highlights also include numerous ATP Tour titles, and he was a dominant force on both grass and hard court surfaces. Beyond his on-court achievements, McEnroe has remained involved in tennis as a commentator and coach, contributing to the sport's le...

  West Indies booked their place in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Nepal on Sunday. The win confirmed the Caribbean side’s progression to the next round, while Nepal were eliminated from the tournament. With this result, West Indies now have six points from three matches. England, placed second in Group C, have four points from three games. Scotland have two points from three matches, while Italy also have two points from two games. Even if West Indies lose their final group match against Italy, their place in the Super 8 is already secured. For Nepal, it was a disappointing campaign, as they lost all three of their matches. Even a win against Scotland in their final game will not be enough to take them into the next round. At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Nepal batted first and scored 133 for 8 in their 20 overs. In reply, West Indies chased down the target comfortably, reaching it in just 15.2 overs for the loss of only one wicket. The...

  Harmanpreet Kaur and her team had won the ODI World Cup on home soil. Now, with the T20 World Cup scheduled in England in June–July this year, the focus is on capturing that elusive trophy as well. As part of their preparations, the Women in Blue registered a commanding win over Australia. In the first match of the three-match T20I series in Sydney, India defeated Australia by 21 runs under the DLS method. The victory was built on a superb bowling performance, led by Arundhati Reddy. The Hyderabad pacer rattled the Australian batting line-up with an impressive spell of 4 wickets for just 22 runs. She was well supported by Shree Charani (2 for 14) and Renuka Singh (2 for 14). Star batters like Mooney, Voll (18) , Litchfield (26) , Perry(20)  and Gardner (4) failed to make an impact against the disciplined Indian attack. One of the highlights of the match was Harmanpreet’s stunning catch off Arundhati’s bowling — sprinting backwards and diving full length to dismiss Perry. Aus...

  The Tripura Sundari Temple, also known as Tripureswari Temple, is one of the most sacred and powerful Shakti temples in India. Located in Udaipur town of Tripura, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari, an incarnation of Maha Shakti (Parvati) and one of the Ten Mahavidyas in Hindu philosophy. It is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, making it a major pilgrimage destination for devotees of the Divine Mother across India. History (In Detail) Mythological Origin – Shakti Peetha According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva carried the body of Goddess Sati after her self-immolation, parts of her body fell at different places across the Indian subcontinent. These sites became known as Shakti Peethas. At Tripura Sundari: Right foot of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen here. Shiva is worshipped here as Tripuresh (Bhairava form). Royal History The temple was constructed in 1501 AD by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, the powerful ruler of the Manikya dynasty of Tripura. T...

  Desmond Haynes is a former West Indian cricketer born on February 15, 1956, in Saint James, Barbados. He was a right-handed opening batsman who played a crucial role in the West Indies cricket team during their golden era of  1980s. Haynes made his international debut in 1978 and went on to have a highly successful career. Known for his solid technique and ability to anchor the innings, Haynes formed a formidable opening partnership with Gordon Greenidge. Together, they played a pivotal role in the West Indies' dominance in Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket. Haynes achieved several milestones during his career, including holding the record for the highest individual score by a West Indian in ODIs – 152 against India in 1989. He also contributed significantly to the West Indies' success in winning the Cricket World Cup in 1979. Haynes was a technically sound opener . He used to possess a great range of shots and great power to adapt . He was good puller or hooker a...

  Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrating his marriage to Goddess Parvati. It signifies the overcoming of darkness and ignorance. Devotees observe fasting, perform prayers, and visit Shiva temples to seek blessings for spiritual growth and well-being. The night is believed to be especially auspicious for meditation and connecting with divine energies. Mahashivratri is associated with several mythological stories, and one of the most popular ones is the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati, an ardent devotee of Shiva, performed intense penance to win his love. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva agreed to marry her. The day of their union is celebrated as Mahashivratri. It is believed that this cosmic union symbolizes the merging of the divine masculine and feminine energies, representing creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees celebrate Mahashivratri to honor this divine union and seek the blessings ...

    In a high-stakes clash with a Super Eight berth on the line, New Zealand and South Africa locked horns in what promised to be a thrilling contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams had won their opening two matches, making this a virtual knockout for early qualification. Rising to the occasion, South Africa delivered a composed and clinical performance, defeating New Zealand by seven wickets to become the first team from Group D to book their place in the Super Eight of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. New Zealand had entered the match full of confidence after victories over Afghanistan (by five wickets) and the UAE (by ten wickets). South Africa, meanwhile, had beaten Canada convincingly but survived a dramatic double Super Over against Afghanistan, leaving them slightly under pressure. Winning the toss, South Africa opted to field first. The Kiwi innings began aggressively but quickly lost momentum. Tim Seifert fell early for 13, followed by another disapp...

  England’s status as one of the favourites in the T20 World Cup 2026 is increasingly under question after another shaky performance, though they managed to edge past Scotland by five wickets on Saturday to strengthen their chances of reaching the next round. After narrowly beating Nepal in their opener and losing to West Indies in their second match, England once again struggled but did just enough to get over the line. The win at Eden Gardens keeps Harry Brook’s side firmly in contention for qualification. Winning the toss, England chose to field first and restricted Scotland to 152. The Scottish innings lacked momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Only skipper Richie Berrington (49 off 32 balls) and Michael Jones (33 off 20) offered real resistance. Adil Rashid was the standout bowler for England, picking up three wickets. Chasing 153, England were expected to cruise but instead found themselves under early pressure after losing both openers for just 13 runs. Runs...

  Unakoti Hill Temples is one of the most extraordinary archaeological and spiritual sites in India, located in the Unakoti district of Tripura, near the town of Kailashahar. The name Unakoti literally means “one less than a crore” (99,99,999), referring to the legendary belief that millions of gods once gathered here. Unakoti is not a conventional temple complex with built structures. Instead, it is an open-air gallery of massive rock-cut sculptures, carved directly into a forested hillside, making it one of the largest rock relief sites in South Asia. History (In Detail) Mythological Origin According to legend, Lord Shiva was travelling to Kashi with one crore (10 million) gods and goddesses. When they rested at this hill, Shiva asked everyone to wake up before dawn. Only Shiva woke up, and the rest remained asleep. Angered, Shiva turned them all into stone, leaving behind one less than a crore divine figures – hence the name Unakoti. Historical Period Historians and archaeologis...

  Akashganga Temple is one of the most sacred and ancient pilgrimage sites in Arunachal Pradesh, located in Lohit district, close to the famous Parashuram Kund. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is associated with the divine stream Akashganga, believed to have descended directly from the heavens. The name Akashganga literally means “Ganga from the sky”, symbolising purity, divine grace, and spiritual liberation. History (In Detail) Mythological Origins According to Hindu scriptures and local legends: Sage Parashurama, after killing his mother on his father’s command, was cursed with sin. Seeking redemption, he travelled across India performing penance. When he reached this region, Lord Shiva appeared and directed him to bathe in the celestial stream Akashganga. After bathing here, Parashurama was freed from his sins, and the site became sacred for spiritual cleansing and moksha. Connection with Parashuram Kund Akashganga is considered the original source stream feeding Parashura...