Top Sports News Highlights on 22 May 2024: Wrestling Federation of India’s Surprising Decision, Shooting Trials Results, Ronaldo’s Historic Selection, Chess Exhibition Victory, Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Ambassadors, and More!

The latest national and international sports news today brings a mix of surprising developments and impressive achievements across various sporting disciplines.

Starting with wrestling, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has announced a unique exemption from trials for India’s representatives at the 2024 Olympics. This decision, affecting quota winners like Vinesh Phogat and Ravi Dahiya, marks a departure from standard selection procedures and reflects the WFI’s response to current circumstances in Indian wrestling.

In shooting, India secured an impressive 21 quota berths for the Paris Olympics, showcasing remarkable depth in the sport. However, selection rules led to unexpected outcomes, with relatively untested shooter Sandeep Singh potentially representing India over former world champion Rudrankksh Patil. The competition for shooting medals in Paris is expected to intensify with Russia’s absence due to qualification restrictions.

Football fans will be delighted to hear that Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s squad for the European Championships, set to make history as the first player to participate in six editions. The 39-year-old’s enduring prowess and leadership qualities continue to make a significant impact on his team.

In chess news, Magnus Carlsen’s swift victory over Viswanathan Anand in just 10 moves at the Casablanca chess event showcased his strategic understanding and tactical prowess. The variant format of the game added an element of historical significance, with Carlsen’s decisive win impressing spectators.

Cricket Australia’s appointment of 54 individuals, including Ravi Shastri and Wasim Akram, as Multicultural Ambassadors reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the sport. The ambassadors aim to champion meaningful change and ensure cricket remains welcoming to individuals from all backgrounds.

Lastly, the Indian mixed 4x400m relay team set a new national record at the Asian Relay Championships but narrowly missed the Olympic qualifying time. Despite their achievement, the team remains focused on qualifying for the Paris Olympics and planning their next steps.

Overall, the sports world continues to witness exciting developments and impressive performances, setting the stage for thrilling competitions ahead.