Latest news with #OrderofMerit
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Luke Littler doesn't hold back after darts legend says he 'doesn't deserve' MBE
Darts sensation Luke Littler has responded to Dennis Priestley's claims that he doesn't deserve an MBE, despite 'The Nuke' enjoying a meteoric rise to superstardom at the oche at the tender age of 18 Luke Littler says that he's done "more in 12 months" in the world of professional darts than Dennis Priestley ever managed in his career, following the former star's claim that the teen doesn't deserve an MBE. At just 18 years old, Littler has enjoyed an unprecedented rise to fame and fortune in darts. His swift progress culminated in him becoming the youngest-ever player to win a PDC World Championship in January thanks to his convincing victory over Michael van Gerwen in the final. Currently sat as world No. 2 in the PDC's Order of Merit behind fellow Brit Luke Humphries, Littler has also already lifted a UK Open, a Grand Slam, won a World Series final and become a Premier League Darts champion despite only turning pro last year. However, both Littler and Humphries, 30, have found themselves on the receiving end of a scathing review from two-time world champion Priestley, following a shock exit from the World Cup of Darts earlier this month. Littler and Humphries headed into the tournament as favourites to bring the title back to England, only to be handed a shock 8-4 loss in their opening round against Germany's Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko. It came as even more of a surprise given that Humphries lifted the title in last year's tournament while partnered with Michael Smith, edging out Serbian duo Rowby-John Rodriguez and Mensur Suljovic in the final with a score of 10-6. As a result of their respective contributions to darts, though, Littler and Humphries were named to receive MBEs in King Charles III's recent Birthday Honours list. However, if it was down to Priestley, neither player would see the accolade bestowed upon them yet. Speaking to OLBG on the back of their World Cup loss, Priestley said: "Luke Littler and Luke Humphries let their country down at the World Cup of Darts, from what we've heard they weren't sitting together or practising together. "When I was playing in pairs with Phil Taylor we practised together and sat together, we played all over the world and I only remember us getting beaten once." He added: "To be brutally honest, I don't think either Luke Littler or Luke Humphries have done enough to earn their MBEs just yet. I think in time they could've done enough to warrant it but it feels very early, they have both won one World Championship each and are still young in their careers. "Littler has been recognised for raising the popularity of darts which is great, but he can still do so much more. If he is getting an MBE this soon then you'd have to think he is on the right path to a knighthood, nothing would surprise me now." However, Littler didn't take kindly to the criticism, taking to Instagram to share Priestley's comments while giving the 74-year-old a piece of his mind for good measure. Sharing a screenshot of an article which Priestley's quotes were used in, 'The Nuke' wrote: "Don't deserve an MBE but done more in 12 months than he ever did... that's what I would say," alongside a smug smiling emoji. It appears as though Littler has since removed the post from the stories section of his Instagram account. A founding member of the PDC in 1993, Priestley achieved a significant amount over the course of his own respective career – as evidenced by his 1991 WDF World Championship and his PDC world title three years later. But the impact that Littler has had on the sport in such a short space of time is undeniable – influencing a younger crowd to engage with the sport while toppling top tier opponents worldwide with incredible performances.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
PGTI kicks off today in Ludhiana: 72 players vie for ₹20-lakh prize
The fifth event of the 2025 Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) season will be played at the Imperial Golf Estate in Ludhiana from June 17 to 19. The tournament offers a prize purse of ₹20 lakh and marks the debut of professional golf and the PGTI in Ludhiana. The event will be played over three rounds (54 holes) with the cut being applied after two rounds (36 holes). The top 36 players and ties will make the cut for the third and final round. The tournament features a field of 72 players. The field will feature leading professional golfers from across India. The PGTI Order of Merit is currently being led by Rajesh Kumar Gautam of Lucknow who has a season's earnings of ₹4,29,600. The winner of this year's Order of Merit will earn an exemption on the main tour (PGTI) for the 2026 season. Amandeep Johl, CEO, PGTI, said, 'We are delighted to explore new territory this week as the PGTI makes its debut at The Imperial Golf Estate in Ludhiana. This initiative is part of our larger objective of growing the game across the country. Staging events in tier two cities will help us in further expanding the talent pool for golf and also create a wider audience and fan-base for the game.' Johl said that Punjab has been a powerhouse of Indian sport, and they would like to use this opportunity to tap into the golfing potential of the state. 'We thank The Imperial Golf Estate for partnering with us in staging this event,' he added.
The Star
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
PGM Tour nears halfway stage
Shahriffuddin Ariffin leads the PGM Tour men's standings as the circuit approaches its halfway mark of the season. AS the season nears its halfway mark, Shahriffuddin Ariffin leads the men's PGM Tour's Order of Merit, with Ben Leong and Jeremiah Kim Leun Kwang closest in pursuit, while Liyana Durisic tops the ladies' section, with a trio in joint second spot. According to the PGM Tour, Shahriffuddin has accrued RM54,973 thus far this season.
India Gazette
14-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Following family legacy, officer cadet Digvijay Dhayal joins Indian Army
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 14 (ANI): The Spring Term 2025 Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun marked a moment of pride for the Dhayal family, as Officer Cadet Digvijay Dhayal marched forward to join the Indian Army, following in the footsteps of his father and twin sister. Officer Cadet Digvijay Dhayal, whose twin sister and father are already serving in the Army, expressed pride and admiration as he joined the ranks of the Armed Forces. 'I like that she is my senior; we are twins... I will always be proud to salute her. Of course, she was here earlier than I was, so she can always be a guide. It's a very proud moment,' Digvijay told ANI. His twin sister, Divya Dhayal, currently serving in the Army, shared her joy on the occasion. She stated, 'I am happy!... We took the same path, studied at the same college, and have entered the same occupation. I feel proud and happy. He got what he wanted.' Their father, VS Dhayal, highlighted the family's association with the Armed Forces, saying that he and his elder brother were the first in the family to join the Indian Army; however, his brother sacrificed his life while serving on the line of duty. VS Dhayal asserted, 'I have always told my children that no other job can give you the respect and the satisfaction the Army can provide. In my family, my brother and I joined the Indian Army. In 1998, my elder brother sacrificed his life on the line of duty while fighting with the militants. I was also in Kashmir. Now my children have joined. I am very happy,' he said. Earlier today, the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Spring Term 2025 was conducted at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Uttarakhand's Dehradun. Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, was the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade. Lt General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, presented medals to Officer Cadets. The coveted award of the Sword of Honour was presented to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra. Gold Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit was presented to Academy Under Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was presented to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra. Bronze Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Third in the Order of Merit was presented to Battalion Under Officer Anurag Verma. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from the Technical Graduate Course was presented to Sergeant Akash Bhadouriya. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from the Technical Entry Scheme (TES-45) was presented to Wing Cadet Quarter Master Kapil. Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from a Foreign Country was presented to Foreign Officer Cadet Nishan Balami (Nepal). Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Keren Company for standing Overall First amongst 12 companies for the Spring Term 2025. 451 cadets participated in the passing out parade from India and abroad, will become part of their respective countries' army as officers. These include 419 cadets of the Indian Army and 32 foreign cadets. The Indian Military Academy was established on 1 October 1932. So far, more than 65 thousand cadets have passed out from this prestigious institute. These also include cadets from 34 friendly countries. (ANI)
India Gazette
14-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Passing Out Parade of Spring Term 2025 conducted at Indian Military Academy in Dehradun
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 14 (ANI): The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Spring Term 2025 was conducted on Saturday at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Uttarakhand's Dehradun. Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, was the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade. Lt General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, presented medals to Officer Cadets. The coveted award of the Sword of Honour was presented to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra. Gold Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit was presented to Academy Under Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was presented to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra. Bronze Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Third in the Order of Merit was presented to Battalion Under Officer Anurag Verma. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Technical Graduate Course was presented to Sergeant Akash Bhadouriya. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Technical Entry Scheme (TES-45) was presented to Wing Cadet Quarter Master Kapil. Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Foreign Country was presented to Foreign Officer Cadet Nishan Balami (Nepal). Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Keren Company for standing Overall First amongst 12 companies for the Spring Term 2025. 451 cadets participated in passing out parade from India and abroad, will become part of their respective countries' army as officers. These include 419 cadets of the Indian Army and 32 foreign cadets. The Indian Military Academy was established on 1 October 1932. So far, more than 65 thousand cadets have passed out from this prestigious institute. These also include cadets from 34 friendly countries. Meanwhile, on June 5, the Army Air Defence Centre, Gopalpur, witnessed a proud and momentous occasion as the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the fifth batch of Agniveers was held. The parade was reviewed by Brigadier Hemant Singh, Commandant of the Army Air Defence Centre, who congratulated the 401 Agniveers on successfully completing their rigorous training and taking their 'Antim Pag' (final step) towards joining the ranks of the Indian Army. The event was marked by an impressive drill display, which was a testament to the high standards of discipline and training imparted at the Centre. Brigadier Hemant Singh, in his address, highlighted that drill is the bedrock of military discipline. He emphasised that excellent drill not only reflects the physical and mental coordination of the soldiers but also showcases the unwavering discipline and unity among the Agniveers. 'A soldier's discipline is forged on the drill square. The precision and synchronisation displayed today are a reflection of your commitment and the high standards set by the Army Air Defence Centre,' he remarked. (ANI)
