Page 1108 - Sports
Vijay Amritraj elected as TNTA President
India's tennis legend Vijay Amritraj was Thursday elected the new president of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Madras Cricket Club here. "I'm aware that the expectations will be high. Tennis in the country needs a fillip for a better standard. Our team will do its best to give that fillip. Concrete plans will be firmed up shortly. At this point, I would like to request the support of all in all the endeavours of the Association," he told reporters after the 96th AGM of TNTA. Asked what prompted him to take up the responsibility, he said, "I had a wonderful chat with Karti (Chidambaram), (Vijay) Sankar and everyone else. And, there's this legacy, history, and nostalgia here." "It's the 96th AGM and I'm the 12th president, if I'm not mistaken. Some of the greatest players of the country have come from this State (Tamil Nadu). In 1987, we were fortunate to have all four Davis Cup members from this State. Thus, when ...
Nadeem's 8 for 10 helps Jharkand sink Rajasthan
Shahbaz Nadeem's magical spell of 8 for 10 helped Jharkhand register an easy seven-wicket win over Rajasthan in a match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group C league here Thursday. Meanwhile, Priyank Panchal's brilliant ton helped Gujarat put it across host Tamil Nadu at the M A Chidambaram stadium while Bengal defeated Jammu & Kashmir by six wickets in a reduced match. Nadeem broke a two-decade world record for best figures in List A matches with his eight-wicket haul, which saw Rajasthan being bundled out for 73 in 28.3 overs with 20 by Ankit Lamba being the highest score. His haul also included a hat-trick spread over two overs as he dismissed Mahipal Lomror (19.5-bowled), Chetan Bist (19.6-caught at slip) and Tajinder Singh Dhillon (21.1-lbw). He became the twelfth bowler to take 8 wickets in the history of List 'A' matches. The previous best was eight for 15 Delhi's Rahul Sanghvi against Himachal Pradesh at Una in 1997-98. Nadeem took the first eight wickets to
Bhullar off to a solid start in Japan, lies sixth with 4-under 67
Gaganjeet Bhullar, who has been on a fine run this season, continued his excellent form as he opened the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup on Thursday with a solid four-under 67 to be placed tied sixth after the first day. Bhullar, who has had eight top 10s this year, including a superb win in the Fiji International, is however still four shots behind the leader Daijiro Izumida (63) and Thai Danthai Boonma, both of whom fired an identical six-under-par 65 at the Musashi Country Club. While Bhullar stayed hot, other Indians had a mixed day. Rahil Gangjee, who ended his 14-year-old title drought in Japan this year at the Panasonic Open Japan in April, shot three-under 68 to be tied 15th, while Ajeetesh Sandhu, who won a Japan Challenge Tour event last year, carded two-under 69 and was tied 22nd. Shiv Kapur, Viraj Madappa and Arjun Atwal carded one-over 72 each to be tied 69th, while Chiragh Kumar shot 73 to be tied 82nd and Rashid Khan (75) dropped two doubles and was tied 111. Bhullar has been .
Would take Roca's advise before on preparation for AFC and ISL: Gregory
Defending champions Chennaiyin head coach John Gregory Thursday said he would take advise from former Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca on how to prepare the side for AFC Cup and upcoming Indian Super League. "I will speak to Albert Roca and maybe get some information on how they prepared for AFC and ISL last season," Gregory told media here. Like Bengaluru FC last season, Chennaiyin will be playing AFC Cup's preliminary rounds to qualify for group stage and would face the problem of packed schedules and travelling in the second half of this season. Gregory said Chennaiyin might employ Roca's idea of squad rotation and fielding young players against weaker teams in the ISL. "Roca fielded a lot of young players against weaker teams in AFC. Hence, he was able to rotate the squad. We might do the same. I am sure, young players will get their chances when time arrives," he said. He further said packed scheduling is in back of their mind, but AFC is happening in February, and hence, the team .
Lanzarote to captain ATK in upcoming ISL season
Spanish attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzarote will lead two-time Indian Super League champions ATK in the upcoming season, it was announced here Thursday. The 34-year-old had an impressive last season with FC Goa, clocking well over 1500 minutes on the field with 13 goals and six assists to his name. Lanzarote will have Nigerian 35-year-old forward Kalu Uche and Brazilian 31-year-old striker Everton Santos in the attacking line-up. ATK have retained 30-year-old English centre back John Johnson, who has a good understanding of Indian conditions having spent five seasons at Bengaluru FC before switching to ATK in 2017. In all, ATK have signed six new foreigners which also include Andre Bikey, who will be reuniting with coach Steve Coppell for the third time after playing under him at Reading and Jamshedpur FC. The 2014 and 2016 champions looked out of sorts in the last season, finishing ninth with 16 points FROM 18 games. But this season ATK have made their intentions clear by roping in
Six involved in betting arrested
Six people were arrested for allegedly betting on the India-Pakistan match during the Asia cup tournament, police said Thursday. The arrests were made Wednesday night at Meera Sarai locality in Civil Lines area here, Superintendent of Police (City) Jitendra Kumar Srivastava said. Six people were caught red-handed while betting on the match, he said, adding cash, mobile phones, television sets were recovered from them.
World Anti-Doping Agency reinstates Russia
The World Anti-Doping Agency has reinstated Russia, ending a nearly three-year suspension caused by state-sponsored doping. WADA says its 12-member executive committee voted to reinstate the Russian Anti-Doping Agency "subject to strict conditions." WADA's move came despite a wave of fierce criticism from anti-doping figures some within WADA itself and from athletes around the world opposed to Russia being reinstated without taking full responsibility for what has been labeled systematic doping. Russia still hasn't admitted state involvement or given access to evidence at its discredited Moscow laboratory two key conditions for reinstatement set by WADA but eased in recent months. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency was suspended in November 2015 after it was revealed there was a government-backed scheme of doping and cover-ups that helped Russian athletes win Olympic medals.
More than 16,000 runners to participate in Mumbai Half Marathon
More than 16,000 runners have registered for the third edition of the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon, across three race categories, it was announced on Thursday.
Asia Cup: India eyeing perfect start to Super-4 stage (Preview)
An upbeat India will be eyeing another convincing victory over Bangladesh in their first game of the Super four round of the 2018 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium here on Friday.
Tendulkar's pull out will have an impact on Kerala Blasters: James
Head coach David James Thursday said Sachin Tendulkar's pull out from Kerala Blasters' ownership will have an impact on the team, but feels it is time for the outfit to write a new chapter in the history of Indian Super League. "Sachin's contribution to the Blasters is immense. He is a God-like character in sports. It will have an impact, but now is the time to write a new chapter with our fans," James told media here. Tendulkar, who is considered God of Cricket in India, had sold his 20 per cent stake in Kerala Blasters to other promoters last week. While giving up his stake, Tendulkar had said the team is in very good shape and on its path to attain many more success. "I strongly believe that Kerala Blasters is in very good shape and on its path to attain many more successes with the backing of its fans offering unconditional support. I am very proud of Kerala Blasters and a piece of my heart will always beat for the club," Tendulkar had said in a statement. Telugu films ...
Second edition of India Learn Golf Week attracts record 51 clubs
The second edition of the India Learn Golf Week (ILGW) is all set to roll from September 24-30, attracting participation from a record 51 golf clubs from 26 cities and towns. It is a one-of-its-kind initiative mooted by the Golf Industry Association (GIA) with the objective of introducing 100,000 new golfers into the game by 2022. The ILGW has also rallied support from the entire golfing fraternity including star professionals such as Gaganjeet Bhullar and Rahil Gangjee and apex bodies of the sport led by the Indian Golf Union (IGU), Women's Golf Association of India (WGAI), National Golf Association of India (NGAI), Golf Course Superintendents and Managers Association of India (GCS&MAI), as well as the Professional Golf Association (PGA) of America. The inaugural edition of ILGW in 2017 had seen 27 clubs from 15 cities initiate 7000 new individuals to the game. This year with the increased reach, more than 15000 new golfers are set to get their first lessons in the game, keeping .
Five arrested in UP for betting on India-Pak match
Five persons have been arrested for allegedly betting on the India-Pakistan match of the ongoing Asia Cup tournament, police said Thursday. Besides, Rs 9,50,000 in cash, a laptop and 20 mobile phones were seized from their possession after raiding a house in the Newmandi police station area Wednesday night, SP (City) Ombir Singh said. Based on a tip-off, the house was raided and five persons, including Vikki, were arrested for betting on the Asia Cup group league encounter match Wednesday.
Shubhankar, Lahiri will team up to represent India at World Cup of Golf
India will be represented by Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri at this year's World Cup of Golf slated to be held at The Metropolitan Golf Club in Melbourne from November 21 to 25. The ISPS Handa Melbourne World Cup of Golf will feature two-man teams from the top 28 nations based on the Official World Golf Ranking. The 59th edition of the event will see the 56-player field vie for the USD 7 million prize money on offer. India had qualified for the event on the basis of the world rankings on September 4. The 22-year-old Shubhankar Sharma, India's highest ranked golfer at 107, committed for the event and thus became one of the first 28 players to be named by tournament officials on September 14. Shubhankar, who enjoyed great success on the European Tour this season courtesy two wins, will be making his debut at the prestigious event. Sharma, also the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, has picked 31-year-old PGA Tour regular Anirban Lahiri as his partner for the World ...
Arjuna Award is recognition of my hard work: Paddler Manika Batra (IANS Interview)
Elated after being among those selected for this year's prestigious Arjuna Award, star paddler Manika Batra on Thursday said it was a recognition to her hard work over the years.
BCCI cancels registration of 8 Puducherry players
The BCCI Thursday came down heavily on domestic debutants Puducherry by cancelling registration of eight of their senior team players for flouting eligibility criteria. The players in question are part of the senior team taking part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the parent body came down heavily after multiple complaints were made Puducherry for flouting norms. According to documents accessed by the PTI, eight players in question are ST Xavier, Nikhilesh Surendran, Iqlas N, Abdul Safar VS, Yash Jadhav, Sagar Trivedi, Ashith Rajiv. There were complaints about a lot of players using fake birth certificates, address proof and employment certificate to play for Puducherry. As per the letter written by GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim, all the eight players were found to have submitted either their employer certificate or proof of education which is not even a month old. In fact one player Ashith's Aadhar Card as proof of residence was issued only on August 27, 2018. Karim clearly ...
Delhi govt sets up committees of experts to select and groom sports talent
Delhi government has formed two special committees of experts including sportspersons like Olympic medalist Karnam Malleshwari and shooter Gagan Narang that will be responsible for selecting and grooming sports talent in the national capital. Rajeev Bajaj, managing director of Bajaj Auto Limited, is also among the members, said a government official. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday chaired two important meetings with the special committees of experts to discuss further modalities for implementation of the government's policies to support budding sportspersons in the city. Sisodia said the problem in sports administration is that the decision making powers are held by those who have had no link with sports in their lives. The Delhi government recently announced two new policies to promote sportspersons and groom talent in Delhi. It also "substantially" hiked cash awards for sportspersons winning medals in Asian Games. Under the Play & Progress Scheme', talent in ...
Coming soon: Workshops to teach stress and finance-management to athletes
Indian athletes' training regimen will not just be about honing sporting skills but also learning "life skills" such as stress and finance management, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) announced Thursday, saying the new aspects will be an integral part of their soon-to-be-launched workshops. The SAI's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) held a meeting here Thursday to discuss the road-map for the 2020 Olympics to "ensure that India's performance at the Olympics would be its best ever." It was decided that the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) committee will "look at sensitising and educating athletes through workshops on relevant topics and life skills". "The athletes who represent India on an international platform are ambassadors for the country and their conduct away from the playing arena is as important to their well-being as their performance on it," the SAI said in a statement. "The focus will be on providing skills to deal with stress, media management and how to manage their ...
Manipur rout Sikkim by 10 wickets to register maiden win
Manipur registered their maiden victory in domestic cricket with a 10-wicket win over Northeastern rivals Sikkim in a plate group match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy One-Day cricket tournament here Thursday. Medium pacer Bishworjit Konthoujam returned with excellent figures of 7-2-9-3 as Manipur bundkled out Sikkim for 84 in 37.2 overs after opting to bat at the Motibaug Cricket Ground here. Lee Yong Lepcha was Sikkim's top-scorer with 29 not out from 61 balls, as there were five ducks in their innings with Bishworjit leading the rout, well backed by his fellow bowlers. Manipur wrapped up the chase in 19.2 overs with Lakhan Rawat (44 not out) and Pukhrambam Singh (30 not out) steering them to their first win after they lost to Puducherry here on Wednesday. In another plate group match, Pragyan Ojha-led Bihar downed Uttarakhand by five wickets with 75 balls to spare, to register back-to-back wins in successive days and lead the table with eight points. Ojha's decision to field was ...
Indian under-16 men's and women's sides aim to script history
Drawing inspiration from each other's victories, the Indian under 16 men's and women's sides are eagerly eyeing a place in the country's footballing history. While the U-16 men's side, currently in Malaysia, aspires to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the U-16 women's team in Mongolia aims to make the AFC U-16 women's championship final. The Indian girls have already begun their campaign and have won against Hong Kong and Pakistan, while the colts face Vietnam on Friday in their first group stage match. "We wish the boys all the very best for their matches in the AFC U-16 Championship Finals and hope that they will create history. The team has the potential to go a long way and I hope they secure qualification," head coach of the Indian U-16 women's national team, Firmin D'Souza said. For the men's coach the performance of the girls was inspirational. "We have watched the girls win their first two matches and it was inspiration to watch them perform in the manner that they did," ..
Football camp to scout talent in Delhi
A camp to scout young talent is being organised jointly by Delhi Football and the Indo Europe Sports and Leisure Promotion Council here on September 20 and 21. As many as 300-400 students are expected to participate in the camp to be held at the Ambedkar Stadium. Renowned European coaches and players from Denmark, Poland and Latvia will share their vast experiences as they look to scout the best Indian players. Players will be selected for four categories including under 13, u-15, u-19 under 23. The selected students will get full scholarships to train either in Germany or Poland. "In Denmark we don't get to see Indian players because they don't play in Champions League so we don't have that kind information about football here. But I am looking to find players who are technically, tactically sound and posses mental and physical strength," former Latvian football coach and Regional Manager Baltic football school, Christain Hansen, told PTI. Indo Europe Sports and Leisure Promotion ...