Former Protea cricketer Jonty Rhodes has been named as the brand ambassador of South African Tourism in India.
     Commenting on the announcement, Jonty said, "I am extremely delighted and thrilled to partner with South African Tourism to promote my beautiful country in India. My home country is every traveler's dream-come-true as it offers enormous possibilities to have the holiday of their lifetime.
     "I am looking forward to encouraging more Indians to visit South Africa to discover the abundance of unique and awesome experiences offered by the destination to suit varied needs and desires."
     Hanneli Slabber, Country Manager, South African Tourism, India added, "Jonty has a huge fan-following, his credibility, stellar cricketing career and love for travel, adventure and South Africa, makes him the ambassador of choice to promote South Africa's varied and exciting tourism experiences in a growing market of Indian travellers."
     South Africa has enjoyed double digit growth .

SA Tourism in India ropes in Jonty as brand ambassador

PTI Automatic

To ensure that they stay fit during the Indian Premier League, players of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team would be treated to Bengal's famous 'Bhapa' (steamed) fish preparations.
	"They need something which is nutritious, easily digestible and not heavy on the stomach. Therefore, they will be given our very own 'Bhapa' preparations of fish and chicken," said Anjan Chatterjee, managing director of Speciality Restaurants, which has tied up with KKR as their hospitality partner.
     The defending champions, captained by Gautam Gambhir, would be served with an authentic and nutritious Bengali spread.
     Chatterjee, who runs the chain of fine dining restaurants like 'Mainland China' and 'Oh! Calcutta', said 'Gandharaj Machh' would be included in the players menu.
     Prepared with 'Gandharaj' variety of lemon, 'Gandharaj Machh' is an exquisite aromatic preparation made with tender fish fillets and infused with a tangy yogurt-based sauce and rind.
	He said their expert chefs have ..

KKR's fitness mantra: 'Bhapa' fish

FCBEscola India finished an impressive ninth out of 28 teams and topped their group at the International Escola Football Tournament in Barcelona.
     Represented by nine footballers selected from across the country, the Indians did manage to impress with their performance on the field, which saw them finish in the top-10 in the under 12 category.
     The teams in FCBEscola India's group comprised FCBEscola 4, FCBEscola Kuwait, FCB ET Tenerife, FCBEscola Reus.
     Based on stringent parameters of FCBEscola, four footballers from Goa, three from Delhi NCR, one from Raipur and one from Jaipur were selected to represent FCBEscola India.
     The team played a total of seven matches of 25 minutes each with six players and one goalkeeper. Held at the Mini Estadi facilities next to Camp Nou, the tournament is an annual feature.
     Flan Gomes of the FCBEscola India team was adjudged as the Most Valuable Player in the Under 12 category.
     The FCBEscola India team consisted of young ...

FCBEscola India secures 9th position in Escola Tournament

After pairing up with different partners in the initial months of 2013, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna have decided to rejoin forces for the rest of the season.
     The partnership will commence with the Monte Carlo Masters, beginning April 14 and probably end when Bhupathi hangs up his boots at the end of the season.
     Bhupathi and Bopanna, country's top doubles players ranked 10th and 12th respectively, had teamed up in the 2012 season aiming for an Olympic medal but split for the year 2013 as they looked for young partners.
     The decision was basically to help 33-year-old Bopanna get better results since Bhupathi's reflexes were slowing due to age factor. He is 38.
     However, the two players made the surprising announcement today as they have decided to play together for one last time.
     Bhupathi had played with Canada's Daniel Nestor and Michael Llodra while Bopanna played with American Rajeev Ram and Briton Colin Fleming.
     "We had a really good run last year, .

Bhupathi and Bopanna set to renew partnership for rest of 2013

Sunrisers Hyderabad chief coach Tom Moody today called on the youngsters of his side to stand up and be counted in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, who recently rose to stardom after cracking fastest hundred on Test debut against Australia.
     The left-handed Dhawan will miss initial matches of the Indian Premier League due to a hand injury, which also forced him to miss the fourth Test in Delhi.
     "We have got some exciting young players who have an opportunity particularly with injury to Shikhar Dhawan to stand up and take their opportunity. We have seen over the past five editions of IPL, there is always been one or two players who surprise the competition... Players who are relatively unknown to the cricketing fraternity in India and also the world," Moody said.
     "We are hoping that one or two of our players to be those rising stars. I'm looking forward not only to work with the entire team but also the exciting young talent in the side," he told reporters on the sidelines .

Time for youngsters to be counted: Moody

In a thrilling contest, Oxford has beaten Cambridge in a traditional boat race, avenging last years' dramatic loss in the contest that evokes intense passion and rivalry between the two great institutions.
	It was sweet revenge for Oxford in the 159th University Boat Race yesterday as last year it was left feeling aggrieved and angry after they had lost one of the most controversial boat races in history.
	The boat race is an annual rowing race between the Oxford University Boat Club and the Cambridge University Boat Club, rowed between competing eights on the River Thames in London.
	After last year's traumatic events, involving a swimming protester, a broken oar and concluding in one of the participants being rushed to hospital, this years' race passed off without extraneous intervention.
	Oxford, who won the toss and opted for the Surrey station, made a strong start and finally broke a spirited Cambridge effort just as the river turned towards the finish at Barnes Bridge, the ...

Oxford beats Cambridge in traditional boat race

Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Kumar Sangakkara feels keeping the Sri Lankan players out of the Chennai matches in the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League is not going to "curtail" the spirit of the game.
     Bowing to intense political pressure, the IPL governing council last week withdrew top Sri Lankan players from all the Chennai matches of the high-profile IPL after Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa refused to host them in view of the prevailing anti-Sinhalese sentiments in the state.
     "Politics in this case has affected/restricted our presence, our belief to play in every part of India. But I don't think, sports and spirit of cricket is ever going to be curtailed by such prejudice," he said on the sidelines of an event here.
     The Lankan great was reacting to a query if politics has affected the participation of Sri Lankan players in Chennai.
     "The buildup has been different and difficult for Sri Lankan players. But at the end of the day they are here to ...

Politics will never curtail spirit of game: Sangakkara

Nursing a sore back, it was double whammy for Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke, who had to be treated at hospital for a severe bout of gastroenteritis.
     "Cricket Australia (CA) today advised that Michael Clarke was hospitalised overnight with gastroenteritis," CA said in a statement issued today.
     Clarke spent last night in the hospital and was released in the morning.
     "Clarke has since been discharged from hospital and CA confirms that he is recovering at home," it said.
     The 32-year-old had to return home ahead of the fourth and final Test against Indian after recurrence of back spasms, which would keep him out of action for more then eight weeks.

Clarke laid low by gastroenteritis

Recovering rapidly from an assault that left him with life-threatening injuries, New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder is now "back on his feet" but is disappointed to miss out on his IPL stint this year.
     The 28-year-old, who had a fractured skull and a punctured lung after being brutally beaten outside a Christchurch bar here on Thursday last week, was brought out of induced coma on Saturday and shifted out of the ICU yesterday.
     The temperamental cricketer is now able to move a little inside his hospital room, according to his manager Aaron Klee.
     "Nothing's changed medically in terms of official updates, but he's just steadily improving and building up his strength, so it's just resting time from here on in, but you know, it's quite a remarkable improvement from 48 hours ago," he told reporters at Wellington Airport today.
     "He's absolutely talking, sitting there having conversations and he's up on his feet, it's nice to see the big guy back on his feet again."
     ...

Ryder back on feet, disappointed to miss IPL

The glitz and glamour of the Indian Premier League is all set to be the subject of a show on the National Geographic channel, which promises to air the unseen "inside story" of the multi-million dollar Twenty20 event.
     "For the first time in Indian television history, National Geographic Channel will answer the burning question among Indian Cricket fans; What is the inside story of the IPL? This year, get set to be glued to your television sets, as Nat Geo brings INSIDE IPL; a special series that will reveal the facts behind the massive machinery of the Pepsi Indian Premier League," said a statement issued by the BCCI.
     Featuring 54 days of cricket, 76 matches, nine teams, 12 venues and more than a hundred million spectators and TV viewers, the IPL 2013 starting on Wednesday will once again bring cricket, business and entertainment together.
     "From the organisation and preparations for the Pepsi IPL 2013, to its execution, management, broadcast, players and fans, 'Inside ..

NGC to air documentary on IPL

The one-day international career of Pakistan's former captain Younis Khan appeared to have come to a end today as the national selectors did not include him in the list of 30 probables announced for the ICC Champions Trophy.
     Younis, 35, was the major omission from the list of probables and the selectors' decision signalled the end of his ODI career. He has turned out for Pakistan in 253 ODIs.
     The former captain struggled in the recent one-day series in South Africa and has been out of form in this format of the game since last year.
     He did score a half century in the one-day series in India in December but otherwise he has struggled to hit form.
     The selectors also ignored senior all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who has been out of favor for sometime.
     The selectors have also sidelined wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed although he played in the Tests in South Africa.
     They have, however, included a number of uncapped players in the probables list, including keeper Rizwan 

Younis ignored for Champions Trophy

Delhi Daredevils batsman Unmukt Chand said today the absence of New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder, who is recovering in a hospital after being attacked outside a Christchurch bar, would put additional responsibility on the team in the IPL.
     "Jesse's incident was unfortunate. We really feel sad for it. His absence would mean additional responsibility. We have to rise to the occasion," the 20-year-old Delhi youngster said.
     Ryder went into medically-induced coma after being attacked twice.
     He is believed to have suffered serious head injuries after the assaults and has now been moved out of the intensive care as his condition was improving.
     Local media quoted doctors as saying that Ryder suffered a fractured skull and a collapsed lung.
     Chand, the former under-19 captain of the Indian team that won the World Cup last year, told media after practice here, "I have played well in Ranji matches this season. I have to maintain this form. I hope I would be able to retain 

Ryder's absence will put additional responsibility: Chand

Digvijay Singh, who was in contention through the first half of the week, was unable to weather the amazing final round from Australia's Scott Hend, as the Indian finished tied 10th at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic, here.
     Hend charged from six-shots back to win the title by three strokes. He shot a stunning eight-under-par 64 in the final round, just as newcomer Bryan Easton of South Africa (64) did, but Hend's earlier good work in the week carried the day for him.
     Digvijay (71) slipped to 10th after being in top-5 for the first three rounds. Digvijay totaled 13-under 275, while Gaganjeet Bhullar, who had a stunning 65 on third day just could not get going and faltered with a one-over 73 with two double bogeys to drop to tied 26th.
     Shiv Kapur (70) stayed at his overnight tied 26th.
     Anirban Lahiri (68) was the only Indian to move up from tied 26th to 14th at 12-under, while Himmat Rai (75) also slipped down to tied 45.
     "I didn't putt very well, missed a .

Digvijay finishes tied 10th on final day

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders' morale was high after the now-fit skipper Gautam Gambhir arrived here and took part in the nets today, two days before the IPL-VI opener against Delhi Daredevils.
     "The team's morale is high. Captain Gautam Gambhir has arrived and took part in the nets," all-rounder Rajat Bhatia said after a strenuous workout at the Eden Gardens.
     Gambhir, who has recovered from jaundice, and West Indies' mystery spinner Sunil Narine joined the squad during the day.
     "Gautam is in good nick and is working hard to get his fitness back. We want the title again under him. To become champions it's difficult, to stay on top it is more difficult," Bhatia said.
     "You have to be self motivated. Give your best shot. Having won it has improved our concentration. We know how to tackle it now," he said.
     Asked whether this IPL is special for Gambhir, who has been discarded from the current Indian team, the all rounder said, "Those who are not in the ..

KKR morale high ahead of lung-opener against Daredevils

Pune Warriors' head coach Allan Donald wants his players to "help each other out" and create a "relaxed environment" within the team in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
     The cash-rich T20 league has not been a good experience for the most expensive franchise in the event, with the side finishing near or at the bottom in the last two editions, which prompted the management to elevate Donald from bowling coach to head coach this year.
     "You just can't be pleasing cricketers for the sake of it. I just want guys to be part of the team and helping each other out. The care factor for me is huge. I want guys to look after each other. That creates that relaxed environment that I talk about," Donald said.
     "That's pretty much what I look for. How we gel as a team, how we grow as a team and how we care as a team is going to be the key for us."
     Terming his new role "intimidating" in a tournament that moves "at a million miles per hour", the former South Africa pace ...

I just want guys to be helping each other out: Donald

Making his debut in the FIA GT series, Karun Chandhok helped his side Seyffarth Motorsport earn sixth position on the grid after starting the qualifying race in 11th position with teammate Jan Seyffarth, here.
     The opening round of the FIA GT Series was greeted by heavy rain with limited dry running for all the drivers.
     After a good start Chandhok and his team steadily moved up the order and was running as high as second before having to pit for new tyres.
     A slow pit stop lost the team 15 seconds and lost any chance of finishing in 4th place. This is not only Chandhok's first race in the FIA GT Series but also the first race for his team Setffarth Motorsport.
     Chandhok was pleased after a strong start to his 2013 campaign.
     "I am really pleased with the result as it is great for the team to be in the points in only their first race. Today is the first day that I got to drive in the dry as it has been wet the whole weekend. We will definitely practice our pit ...

Chandhok's team qualifies 6th on grid on GT Series debut

Smriti Mehra rounded off the week with an even par 71 in the fourth and final round to finish tied 50th at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco here today.
     Smriti, who was doing well and lying 25th after the second round, dropped after a third round 76 and the final round 71 was not able to pull her up much.
     Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn could even afford the luxury of a double bogey on the back nine 15th as she landed seven birdies in a round of 67, her third straight 67 after a first round 69. She finished at 14-under and three clear of Beth Allen.
     Just 17 years of age, Ariya, the Ladies European Tour rookie was in sizzling form from the second round onwards and never relented over the weekend.
     The last time Jutanugarn visited Morocco, for the LET's Lalla Aicha Tour School in December, she won the Final Stage by five shots.
     Then she had an amazing start to her first season as a professional, with a second to Karrie Webb in Australia and runner-up to Inbee Park in ..

Smriti finishes 50th in Morocco

Leading the Indian Davis Cup side for one last time, non-playing captain S P Misra today said the players-AITA tussle should end sooner for the betterment of Indian tennis.
     Somdev Devvarman had led a players revolt, demanding better players conditions, and made themselves unavailable for the Korea tie which India lost 1-4 in New Delhi.
     After AITA acceded to some of players demands, the agitation ended for the time being as players agreed to play against Indonesia.
     However, there are still issues which needed to be addressed and Misra said an amicable solution was the way to move forward.
     "It (revolt) was quite unfortunate and most of their demands have been conceded by the AITA and whatever that remains, can be resolved amicably and sooner we do it, it is better for the Indian tennis," Misra said.
     Misra hoped that India would beat Indonesia and avoid relegation.
     "It's good to have Davis Cup in Bangalore after 28 years and I am pleased with the conditions. 

Indian tennis need amicable solution to all issues: Misra

National record holder Renjith Maheshwary bagged the gold in the men's triple jump in the season-opening Indian Grand Prix first leg here today.
     Maheshwary, representing Railways, cleared 16.67m to win the event. His national record stands at 17.07m.
     Arpinder Singh of ONGC was second with an effort of 15.92m while Saurabh of Uttar Pradesh (15.76m) won the bronze.
     London Olympian Om Prakash Karhana, representing ONGC, won the gold in men's shot put with a below-par performance of 18.12m while Bala Murugan or Railways won the men's 100m dash at the NIS tracks here.
     Railways sprinter Merlin K Joseph shocked her teammate and pre-race favourite Asha Roy to win the women's 100m sprint. Merlin timed a personal best of 11.95 secs as against Roy's 11.98sec.
     Due to bad light, the 5000m race of both men and women were cancelled.
     The second leg of the Indian Grand Prix will also be held here on April 6.

Maheshwary, Om Prakash win gold in Indian GP Athletics

A 30-member strong Indian shooting contingent, including Olympic medallists Abhinav Bindra and Vijay Kumar, today left for Changwon, South Korea to participate in the ISSF World Cup, scheduled to be held there from April 2-10.
     The shooters trained in the capital prior to leaving for the tournament, to be played in accordance with the new ISSF rules.
     There will be major change in the scoring format as the scores of the qualification round won't be carried into the final round.
     The finals will be feature elimination and will end with contests between the two best shooters to decide the gold and silver medals.
     The Indian shooters got introduced to the new rules in the recently held two selection trials.
     London Olympics silver medallist Kumar will compete in his pet event, the men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol.
     Currently, ranked number 2 in his event, a good outing will see Kumar reach the numero uno position.
     "I have been aiming to reach the number position. .

Indian shooting team leaves for Changwon World Cup

Mohun Bagan remained on course to avoid relegation with an upset 2-1 win over holders Dempo in a round 15 I-League fixture here today.
     Syed Rahim Nabi (7th) gave Bagan an early lead while Odafa Okolie (47th), who returned after recovering from fever, completed the tally to hand the Goan heavyweights a fourth successive defeat.
     Peter Carvalho pulled one back for Dempo SC in the 51st minute to add to the excitement in the second session but they could not add to the tally.
     Now Bagan have 13 points from 18 matches while Dempo remained on 35 points after 22 rounds.
     Bagan fired up an early lead thanks to an acrobatic effort from Nabi, who dived low to find the net.
     Nabi's spectacular finishing set the tone of the action and Bagan continued a long session of dominance against the most successful team in the NFL/I-League history.
     Bagan had three more chances to bolster their lead in the first-half but the second goal remained elusive as Dempo goalkeeper ...

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