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Chandrika Pujari wins gold as India finish with five medals at World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 | Boxing News

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Chandrika Pujari wins gold as India finish with five medals at World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 | Boxing News


Chandrika Pujari wins gold as India finish with five medals at World Boxing Futures Cup 2026
Chandrika Pujari (X -DD News)

India wrapped up its campaign at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok with an impressive tally of five medals — one gold, three silver and one bronze, highlighting the continued progress of the nation’s youth boxing programme on the global stage.The standout performance came from Chandrika Pujari, who produced a dominant display in the women’s 51kg final to defeat Uzbekistan’s Mardonova Nazokat by a unanimous decision, as stated in an official release.Competing in the Youth Olympic weight divisions, India’s Under-19 men’s and women’s squads showcased strong form against quality international opponents. The team delivered several composed performances throughout the competition, with half of the Indian contingent finishing on the podium.The event was closely watched by Gennadiy Golovkin, President of World Boxing, and Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India. India’s showing in Bangkok reflected the strengthening structure of its youth boxing system, where organised development pathways, consistent international exposure and competitive national events are helping young fighters transition smoothly to the world stage.Three Indian boxers finished with silver medals after reaching the finals in their respective categories. Gunjan (48kg) lost her final bout to an opponent from England by a 5-0 decision, while Joyshree Devi (54kg) put up a determined fight before going down 4-1 to a boxer from the United States. In the men’s 50kg division, L. Ambekar Meetei also settled for silver after losing the final to a competitor from Ukraine.Earlier in the tournament, Radhamani Longjam (57kg) secured bronze after her campaign ended in the semifinals following a closely fought contest against Ukraine’s Yevanhelina Petruk.Held from March 8 to 15 in Bangkok, the World Boxing Futures Cup brought together some of the most promising young fighters across the Youth Olympic weight categories. With the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar approaching, the tournament served as an important platform for emerging talent, giving India’s young boxers valuable experience against top international competition as they prepare for one of the biggest events in youth sport.

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David Dhawan defends Govinda against claims of arriving late on set; recalls actor performing a 4-page scene in one take

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David Dhawan defends Govinda against claims of arriving late on set; recalls actor performing a 4-page scene in one take


Filmmaker David Dhawan has collaborated with Govinda in as many as 17 films, and a majority of them turned out to be major box-office successes. However, many directors and Govinda’s co-actors have often complained about him arriving late on set and making others wait. Now, in the latest episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show, David Dhawan defended Govinda against the allegations of being late on set.

David Dhawan praises Govinda, calls him an incredible actor.
David Dhawan praises Govinda, calls him an incredible actor.

David Dhawan defends Govinda

David praised Govinda, calling him one of the best actors he has ever worked with. He said, “Here I want to tell you, log bolte hain na late aata hai sets par, aaj kaun nahi late aata hai? Woh aata hai, apna kaam khatam kar ke jaata hai (People say that he comes late to the sets, but tell me who doesn’t arrive late these days? He arrives, completes his work and then leaves).”

The filmmaker added, “And you will not believe it. He would show up and ask for his scene. It would be a four-page scene. He would go through it thoroughly while I was setting up the shot. He said, ‘Don’t set it up yet. Do one thing. Here’s the scene. Watch me perform. I’ll do it in one take.’ This was in Partner. He did all kinds of acrobatics in that scene; you can’t imagine. Then he told me to edit the scene however I wanted. Unbelievable. Govinda is incredible.”

David made his directorial debut with the 1989 film Taaqatwar, which featured Sanjay Dutt, Govinda, Neelam Kothari, and Anita Raj. After this, they went on to work together in several successful films, including Shola Aur Shabnam, Raja Babu, Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Biwi No. 1, among others.

The duo became known for delivering multiple box-office hits together. However, after Do Knot Disturb, they never worked together again.

David Dhawan’s upcoming film

While Govinda has been away from the big screen since his last release, Rangeela Raja, David Dhawan is now awaiting the release of his upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The film stars Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur in the lead roles, along with Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy, and Rohit Saraf in key roles.

The film was earlier scheduled to release in theatres on June 5. However, to avoid a box-office clash with Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash, the makers shifted the release date to June 12, 2026.

The makers said in a statement, “We strongly believe that it is always healthier for the industry when filmmakers support one another rather than compete unnecessarily on the same date. In that spirit of solidarity, we have decided to move the release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai to 12th June and bring our film to audiences a week later.”


Did Trisha’s mother Uma hint at her wedding with Vijay?

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Did Trisha’s mother Uma hint at her wedding with Vijay?


Did Trisha Krishnan’s mother Uma Krishnan hint at her wedding with Thalapathy Vijay? A ‘like’ sets the internet talking
Speculation around the alleged relationship between Vijay and Trisha Krishnan refuses to die down, and a recent social media activity by the actress’ mother Uma Krishnan has now added fuel to the rumour mill. Amid the ongoing speculation, a fan-made reel claiming that Vijay and Trisha might soon tie the knot began circulating online. What caught the attention of netizens, however, was that Trisha’s mother, Uma Krishnan, had “liked” the reel.

Speculation around the alleged relationship between Vijay and Trisha Krishnan refuses to die down, and a recent social media activity by the actress’ mother Uma Krishnan has now added fuel to the rumour mill.The dating rumours surrounding Vijay and Trisha have been making headlines for a while now. The chatter intensified after reports surfaced about Vijay’s estranged equation with his wife, Sangeetha. Soon after, the two actors made a public appearance together at a wedding reception, arriving in coordinated outfits, which further set social media abuzz.

Trisha Krishnan Throws Adorable Birthday Bash For Dog Izzy

Amid the ongoing speculation, a fan-made reel claiming that Vijay and Trisha might soon tie the knot began circulating online. The video suggested that the rumoured couple could make their relationship official after the elections and that an announcement might follow soon.What caught the attention of netizens, however, was that Trisha’s mother, Uma Krishnan, had “liked” the reel.

Fans see it as a hint

Soon after screenshots of the “like” began doing the rounds online, fans started interpreting it as a possible hint about the actors’ relationship.Some social media users suggested that Uma Krishnan’s reaction could be an indirect confirmation that the two stars are indeed planning to take their relationship to the next level. Others speculated that she might simply be supporting her daughter amid the intense online scrutiny that followed the controversy around Vijay’s personal life.At the same time, a section of fans believes the “like” could have been accidental. However, several observers pointed out that Uma Krishnan has previously liked multiple posts and reels hinting at Vijay and Trisha’s alleged relationship — long before the duo made a public appearance together.

Vijay maintains silence

Interestingly, neither Vijay nor Trisha has addressed the rumours publicly so far. The actor, who is currently focusing on his political journey, has continued to maintain silence over the speculation surrounding his personal life. Vijay and Trisha have shared screen space in several films over the years, including the blockbuster Ghilli and the recent hit Leo.


West Indies players return home after travel disruption: CWI | Cricket News

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West Indies players return home after travel disruption: CWI | Cricket News


West Indies players return home after travel disruption: CWI
After an arduous wait, the West Indies cricket team and its staff have successfully made their journey back home following their time in India for the T20 World Cup. The team faced significant challenges due to travel restrictions caused by escalating tensions in West Asia, resulting in closed airspace and canceled flights that kept them in Kolkata longer than anticipated.

New Delhi, West Indies players and support staff have safely returned home after being left stranded in India following the T20 World Cup due to travel disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, Cricket West Indies (CWI) said.The ongoing war between US-Israel and Iran threw travel plans into disarray, leaving West Indies and South African teams stranded in Kolkata due to closure of air space and airports at major transit points like Dubai.

EXCLUSIVE: Rahul Dravid on iconic Eden Gardens win against Australia in 2001

The West Indies played their final T20 World Cup matches in Kolkata on March 1.The ICC on Thursday had announced that the last batch of the players departed.In a statement on Saturday, CWI confirmed that all players and members of the Team Management Unit (TMU) who were part of the West Indies squad at the tournament have completed their journeys and reached their respective destinations.“The final group of players and support staff completed their journeys over the past several days and have now safely arrived at their respective destinations,” CWI said.While nine West Indies players had left earlier this week, the remaining 16 were booked on commercial flights.CWI thanked the ICC, regional cricket boards and other stakeholders for helping coordinate the return of the players and staff.“We also thank West Indies fans and the wider cricketing community for their concern and well-wishes,” he said.“The well-being and safety of our players and staff remain paramount, and we are grateful that the matter has now been brought to a safe and satisfactory conclusion.” The travel chaos had sparked criticism from some players with West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressing frustration at the lack of updates from the ICC after a charter flight scheduled to depart from Kolkata was cancelled due to logistical issues. PTI

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Falaq Naaz fumes over new trend of casting actors based on their kundali: ‘Is tarah ki bakwas manzoor nahi hai’

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Falaq Naaz fumes over new trend of casting actors based on their kundali: ‘Is tarah ki bakwas manzoor nahi hai’


Several actors have often complained that people with a larger social media following are sometimes given priority in casting over those with strong acting skills. Now, television actor and Bigg Boss OTT 2 fame Falaq Naaz has revealed a surprising new trend in the casting process. She shared that she was recently asked to submit her kundali (birth chart) to determine whether she would be the right choice for a role. Expressing her anger over the situation, Falaq said that such practices are one of the reasons why many talented actors are currently without work.

Bigg Boss OTT 2: Falaq Naaz was recently eliminated from the show.
Bigg Boss OTT 2: Falaq Naaz was recently eliminated from the show.

Falaq Naaz slams new casting trend

On Sunday, Falaq took to Instagram and warned aspiring actors about what she described as a new way of casting. She said, “Earlier in the industry, you were given work based on your talent and acting skills. Then there was a time when you were given work based on your Instagram followers. Now a new era has started. Now people are checking your kundali (birth chart) before giving you work, to see how the show would work according to your birth chart.”

She further explained, “I got a call yesterday. I will not take the name of the production house. It is neither very old nor very new. They told me that a show is coming for a particular channel and that this is the production house and this is the character. I said, ‘Very good, what should I do next?’ Usually actors go for either a look test or a mock test, or give a reference audition. Instead, I was asked to send my date, place and time of birth.”

Falaq also claimed that there is a well-known producer who casts actors based on their kundali, and she said she has never worked with that person. She added, “I have been working in this industry for the last 14–15 years and I have received work because of my talent, acting skills and my craft. I did not get work because of my birth chart. So I did not work with them. But I have been very angry since yesterday. I swear to God. It feels like after doing so much work, today this situation has come. I think this is the reason many good and experienced actors are not getting work. Is tarah ki bakwas manzoor nahi hai (We do not accept this kind of nonsense). It’s not acceptable.”

Expressing her frustration further, Falaq said, “Kundali milake toh shaadiyan nahi chalti, tum show chalaoge? Seriously? I don’t want to be a part of whatever this is. I don’t want to be a part of this nonsense. First of all, you are a producer. You are not God.”

She also revealed that although she did eventually share her details, she felt extremely uneasy about the process. “I had anxiety all day yesterday. I didn’t understand what was happening to me. The problem was that somewhere inside me there was anger that something like this had happened with us. Game of Thrones bana rahe ho kya? Voh bhi isliye hi successful hua hoga,” she said, adding that she kept wondering whether her kundali would match or not.

About Falaq Naaz

Falaq began her acting career in 2010 with the television show Gunahon Ka Devta. However, she rose to wider fame in 2013 with shows such as Sasural Simar Ka and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

She went on to establish herself in the television industry with shows like Mahakali – Anth Hi Aarambh Hai, Roop – Mard Ka Naya Swaroop, Vish Ya Amrit: Sitara, Baal Veer, and Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush, among others.

She was last seen in the television show Megha Barsenge, which concluded in June last year.


Bahrain, Saudi GP to be cancelled or postponed due to Middle East war

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Bahrain, Saudi GP to be cancelled or postponed due to Middle East war



Bahrain, Saudi GP to be cancelled or postponed due to Middle East war

Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will be cancelled or rescheduled as the Middle East war engulfs the region, a source with knowledge of the matter told AFP on Friday.

“The F1 in Saudi and Bahrain won`t happen at their scheduled time,” the source said, requesting anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic. Formula One will announce soon that the races “have been cancelled or postponed to a later date”, the source added. Bahrain is currently scheduled for April 10-12 and Saudi a week later. However, the Gulf has been battered by two weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks.

Tiny Bahrain, a short hop over the Gulf sea from Iran, has been targeted with frequent attacks that have hit buildings and a refinery, as well as its large US base. Saudi Arabia has also weathered scores of strikes, some of them targeting the oil infrastructure that is crucial for the world`s biggest exporter of crude. Kimi Antonelli took pole position for Sunday`s Chinese Grand Prix ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton and was asked by AFP in Shanghai about the possible cancellation of the Middle East races. 

“My thoughts, and I think it`s the same for Lewis and George, are with the ones that are suffering from this situation,” said the 19-year-old Mercedes driver. “Formula One and the FIA, they will handle the situation the best way possible in order to guarantee everyone`s safety. “Probably they know already, but let`s wait and see … I`m sure they will do the right thing.” 

Neighbouring Qatar has also been targeted by Iranian attacks with the first round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) which had been slated for March 26-28 now postponed until October. “The current geopolitical instability in the Middle East obliged the postponement of the Qatari contest,” the International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a statement on Friday.

The event covering 1,812 kilometres will now take place from October 22-24, becoming the penultimate event of the season. The endurance racing season will now officially begin with the Six Hours of Imola in Italy from April 17-19. The FIA stated that “the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans remain of the utmost importance… and all parties will continue to monitor developments across the region”.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever


Jamal Rayyan, the first face of Al Jazeera, dies at 73 | Television News

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Jamal Rayyan, the first face of Al Jazeera, dies at 73 | Television News


The Palestinian presenter delivered the network’s first-ever bulletin when it went on air in 1996.

Al Jazeera Arabic presenter Jamal Rayyan, the first face ever seen on the channel when it launched nearly three decades ago, has died at the age of 73.

Rayyan passed away on Sunday after a broadcasting career spanning more than five decades, during which he covered major global and regional events for the channel – from the United States wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to the Arab Spring.

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He had been with Al Jazeera since its first day on air on November 1, 1996, when he presented the channel’s opening bulletin at the start of what would become a major broadcaster in the Arab world.

Born in Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank in 1953, the Palestinian presenter began his career at Jordanian Radio and Television in 1974 before working with several broadcasters in the region and beyond, including Emirati television, South Korean public broadcasting, and BBC Arabic.

Rayyan later recalled being sworn to secrecy after being quietly selected for the historic role.

“The vice chairman of the board came and said to me, ‘You have been chosen to be the first face on Al Jazeera, but we want one thing from you: do not tell anyone,’” he told Al Jazeera’s In-Depth Studies, a collection of testimonies from the channel’s founders and early staff.

Measured delivery, distinctive voice

The announcement that Rayyan was presenting the first bulletin was made public half an hour before airtime. He entered the studio deliberately on an empty stomach, he recalled, to ensure he could breathe well and deliver.

“As the broadcast started, my heart began beating rapidly. However, after I appeared on the screen and said, ‘Welcome to the first broadcast of Al Jazeera channel,’ I returned to my natural state and finished the broadcast. As soon as I finished and exited the studio, the entire room erupted in applause,” Rayyan said.

He spent nearly three decades as one of Al Jazeera’s most recognisable presenters, building a following of 2.3 million on X.

Over the years, Rayyan became a familiar presence in homes across the Arab world, his measured delivery and distinctive voice closely associated with Al Jazeera’s news bulletins.

In the Arab world and beyond, his broadcasts and the channel’s editorial approach reached wide audiences and helped shape regional news coverage in the years that followed.

 


Gold Prices: Gold, silver may see more corrective moves this week as Middle East tensions, central bank cues drive volatility

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Gold Prices: Gold, silver may see more corrective moves this week as Middle East tensions, central bank cues drive volatility


Gold, silver may see more corrective moves this week as Middle East tensions, central bank cues drive volatility

Gold and silver prices are likely to remain volatile and could see further corrective moves in the coming week, with investors closely watching developments in the Middle East conflict and a packed calendar of major central bank policy meetings, analysts said.Market participants are expected to remain focused on the evolving geopolitical situation, as any sign of escalation or de-escalation in the Middle East could trigger sharp swings across commodities, currencies and broader financial markets.

Middle East conflict to remain key trigger

Analysts said traders will continue to track the conflict in the Middle East closely, with geopolitical headlines likely to remain the biggest short-term driver for bullion prices.“In the week ahead, focus will remain in the Middle East region as any signs of further escalation or de-escalation may lead to increased volatility in the financial markets,” Pranav Mer, vice president, EBG – commodity & currency research at JM Financial Services Ltd, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.While gold and silver are traditionally seen as safe-haven assets during times of crisis, recent sessions have shown that broader market stress can also lead to profit-booking and cash-raising, which can weigh on prices even when geopolitical risks remain elevated.

Fed, ECB, BoE and PBOC decisions in focus

On the macroeconomic front, investors will also monitor a heavy lineup of central bank meetings this week.The US Federal Reserve will announce its policy decision on Wednesday, followed by the European Central Bank and the Bank of England on Thursday, and the People’s Bank of China on Friday.These central banks are widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but traders will be closely watching their forward guidance for clues on the path of global monetary policy, especially at a time when higher crude oil prices are complicating inflation expectations.

Bullion under pressure last week

Bullion prices remained under pressure in domestic markets last week. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX):

  • Silver fell Rs 8,850, or 3.3%
  • Gold declined Rs 3,168, or 2%

In the international market, Comex silver dropped nearly $3, or 3.52%, during the week, while gold fell $97, or 2%.Mer told PTI that gold broke down from a consolidation range on Friday and ended the week nearly 2 per cent lower, dragged by a stronger US dollar and growing expectations that major central banks may delay interest rate cuts because of the inflationary impact of surging crude oil prices.

Why bullion fell despite safe-haven demand

The fall in bullion prices came even as equities and other risk assets saw broad pressure.According to PTI, Mer said gold prices slipped despite a wider sell-off in risk assets because traders and investors may have chosen to book profits at higher levels or sold holdings to meet margin calls and liquidity needs.Still, he said bullion continues to retain an important support base from safe-haven demand because of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.“Silver prices closed in negative for the second consecutive week, weighed by a stronger dollar and a consolidative/ corrective move in the industrial metals,” Mer told PTI.

Long-term allocation still favoured

Despite near-term volatility, analysts said gold and silver continue to play an important role in portfolio construction.“Gold and silver earn their place not because of what they return in isolation, but because of how they behave relative to everything else,” Vijay Kuppa, CEO of InCred Money, said, as per PTI.He said the two metals remain valuable because of their low correlation with equities and their ability to act as a hedge against currency debasement.Kuppa also cautioned investors against trying to time the market, saying that while broader commodity markets have been disrupted by supply chain issues and changing trade routes amid the conflict, investors should maintain a long-term allocation to bullion rather than chase short-term price swings.


Ramayana: Faisal Malik roped in as Kumbhakarna in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer

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Ramayana: Faisal Malik roped in as Kumbhakarna in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer



Ramayana: Faisal Malik roped in as Kumbhakarna in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, is one of the most-anticipated films of the year. While the makers unveiled a motion poster which gave a glimpse of Kapoor’s character, details about the rest of the cast are kept under wraps. Amid this, it was recently reported that Raghav Juyal has joined the cast. Now, the cast gets bigger as Panchayat fame Faisal Malik is also a part of Ramayana.

Faisal Malik joins the cast of Ramayana

Now, according to a report in Hindustan Times, Faisal Malik has been roped in as Kumbhakarna in Ramayana. Earlier, Bobby Deol’s name had emerged for the role. A source said to the portal, “He joined Yash for the introductory Kumbhakaran scene at Prime Focus studio in Mumbai, shot with an international action crew. The sequences are heavy on graphics — similar to Avatar.”

The source added that the major fight sequences, part of the second installment, are yet to be filmed. “His height and heavily built frame perfectly suit the character,” they noted.

Faisal Malik is most popularly known for playing the role of Prahladcha (or chacha) ‘Prahlad’ Pandey in the Amazon Prime Video series Panchayat, and was recently seen in Anil Kapoor-starrer Subedaar. He was also a part of Maddock’s horror-comedy universe as he starred in Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s Thamma.

More about Ramayana

Billed as the biggest-ever Indian film, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, KGF star Yash as Ravana, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The ensemble cast also includes Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, Arun Govil, Indira Krishnan, Sheeba Chaddha, Adinath Kothare, and Kunal Kapoor, among others.

A few days back, Mid-Day reported that the first character posters of the film will be unveiled at a grand event on Ram Navami. However, the plans have been postponed due to West Asia tensions.

A source told Mid-Day, “The showcase, organised at Gateway of India, was set to unveil the look of the leading cast. However, the makers have opted to defer the unveiling in light of the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict that has triggered global tensions. They now plan to roll out promotional activities closer to May.”


KKR: The biggest buy and plenty of the unknown

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KKR: The biggest buy and plenty of the unknown



How the three-time IPL champions bounce back after ending eighth last season will be keenly watched this season