Page 1130 - Sports
Coaching camp for visually challenged women athletes concludes
A week-long camp for visually challenged women, hosted by Usha International, Indias consumer durables company, and the Indian Blind Sports Association (IBSA) concluded here on Friday.
Mental strength as important as physical training: women's junior wrestling coach
Wrestling is a sport which is synonymous with power for most, but Indian junior women's coach Ram Budaki says mental training is as important as physical strength. "Along with physical training we emphasise on mental training into the girls regime. It is equally important as physical training," Budaki told PTI. "The girls are made to do meditation daily. We want to reduce their stress levels. After physical training, they have to do compulsorily morning and evening sessions of meditation," he added. The exercise helps the players to calm their nerves after an exhausting grappling session. "Meditation also helps in motivating the girls, it increases their self confidence, eliminates self doubt. We ask the girls to think about whatever makes them feel confident and happy. Things like how it feels to win a medal for India. That sets a positive mindset," Budaki said. "The meditation has helped me a lot. I feel at peace, my mind feels lighter once I am through with the session," Swati ...
F1 fraternity divided over proposed three-car teams
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff's idea of each team adding a third car to promote young talented drivers has received a mixed response from the Formula 1 fraternity. During the previous race in Monza earlier this month, Wolff had proposed that a third car should be introduced for young drivers like Esteban Ocon, who doesn't have a drive for next year despite doing well for Force India since joining them last year. The other Mercedes-backed drivers whose future is uncertain is Pascal Wehrlein and Formula 2 Championship lead George Russell. However, the likes of Red Bull and Sauber have already expressed apprehensions over the radical idea. Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix here on Sunday, championship leader Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari, Brendon Hartley of Toro Rosso and Kevin Magnussen of Haas gave their varied opinions on the subject. "I quite like the idea of more cars. More teams maybe, rather than three drivers in a team would be a handful," said reigning world
More than England, it was Sam Curran who hurt us: Shastri
India coach Ravi Shastri Friday said that they didn't lose the Test series to a collective effort from England but to all-rounder Sam Curran's individual brilliance which became the difference at crucial junctures. India lost the five-Test series 1-4 but Shastri put up a brave front making it clear that the final scoreline does not depict the kind of fight that Virat Kohli's men put up. "I would not say (we) failed badly. But we tried. We must give credit where it is due. Virat and me were asked to pick the Man of the Series (for England) and we both picked Sam Curran. Look where Curran has scored, and, that is where he hurt us. More than England, it was Curran who hurt us," Shastri told ESPN Cricinfo in an interview. He then pointed out the phases during Test matches when the talented all-rounder took the game away from India. "In the first Test, England were 87 for 7 (in the second innings) at Edgbaston, he (Curran) got the runs. In the fourth Test, they were 86 for 6 (first ...
Kashmir organises first ever Martial Arts Games Championship
Jammu and Kashmir State sports council is organising the first ever Martial Arts Games Championship in the state from September 13 to 15.Martial art games like Judo, Taekwondo, Wushu, Pencak Silat, Thangtha, and Boxing are being played in the three-day event.This is for the first time that such an initiative is being taken by the state government at such a large scale. The tournament is expected to provide a platform for budding martial arts aspirants across Kashmir to showcase their talent and develop their skills.Reflecting on the tournament, Divisional Sports Officer Nusrat Ara said that the event is aimed at providing players with exposure and experience. She further claimed that more than 1500 children are involved in the event."Different events are being conducted so that the participants get to see and experience various categories under Martial Arts. We organised the Martial Arts Championship because more than 1500 children are involved," she told ANI.The players participating
Shubhankar to represent India at ISPA Handa World Cup of golf
Shubhankar Sharma is set to make his debut at the ISPS HANDA Melbourne World Cup of Golf later this year as he was one of the first 28 players announced by tournament officials Friday. To be held at The Metropolitan Golf Club from November 22 to 25, the 59th ISPS HANDA Melbourne World Cup of Golf will see 56 players vie for the largest prize-money purse in Australian golf, with USD 7 million on offer. "I'm really excited to qualify for my first World Cup of Golf at The Metropolitan. Since the start of the year, I made this event as one of my goals to try and qualify as it has so much history, tradition and a wonderful list of past champions which include many of the great names and legends in golf," said Sharma. "To have the opportunity to represent India at a prestigious event like this is truly an honour and I will be give it everything to try and win the World Cup for my country. We don't get too many opportunities to play for our nation, so it's going to be fun with whoever I pick
Flamengo seeking new Paqueta deal
Brazilian football club Flamengo are seeking to extend the contract of highly rated midfielder Lucas Paqueta but will be forced to sell him if an European rival triggers his 50 million euro release clause, a club official said.
Online ticket sale for semis, final of Hockey World Cup begins
With just 75 days to go for Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 to be held at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium here, the online sale of tickets for the semi-finals and final began on Friday.
Hockey India congratulates just-retired former captain Sardar
Hockey India (HI) Friday congratulated just-retired Sardar Singh on his glorious international career, saying he was a "true ambassador of the game". Sardar called time on his 12-year career on Wednesday after he was dropped from the national camp probables for the Asian Champions Trophy and the World Cup. "In the best and worst of times, Sardar Singh has exemplified steely determination. His qualities and dedication as a player makes him a true ambassador of the game," HI president Rajinder Singh said in a statement. "He has inspired an entire generation of youngsters with his performances and as captain. He led the team to one of the biggest victories at the 2014 Asian Games. He has been part of Indian hockey's resurgence and elevation in world ranking," he said. "His contribution to the sport will be cherished and Hockey India would like to congratulate him for his achievements and wish him the very best for his future endeavours." Sardar formally announced his retirement Thursday .
Hockey India congratulates Sardar Singh for his long-serving contribution
Hockey India on Friday congratulated the stalwart midfielder Sardar Singh, who recently announced his retirement from the international hockey, for giving 12 long years in the service of the game.The 32-year-old had informed the Hockey India about his decision to retire through a formal letter on Wednesday. He later announced the same on Thursday through a press conference at Chandigarh.Calling the former skipper a true ambassador of the game, president of Hockey India Rajinder Singh stated that with his exemplified determination and dedication, he inspired an entire generation to have a positive attitude towards Hockey.The president further wished the Khel Ratna awardee for his future endeavors."In the best and worst of times, Sardar Singh has exemplified steely determination. His qualities and dedication as a player make him a true ambassador of the game. He has inspired an entire generation of youngsters with his performances and as Captain, he led the team to one of the biggest ...
Khawaja is clearly our best batsman: Ponting
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has backed left-hand batsman Usman Khawaja, ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, by stating that he is country's 'best batsman by a street.'Ponting further suggested that he should be given more playing opportunities as it would help him to get better and better in the subcontinent conditions."There's been lots of different discussions over the last couple of years about Khawaja and how to get the get the best out of him. Is he an Australian Test match player only? Do we just not pick him on the subcontinent? I just think you've got to keep picking him - with Warner and those guys out, he's clearly our best batsman by a street," cricket.com.au quoted Ponting, as saying."The more he can play in those conditions, the more he'll start to work it out. He's a class player, no doubt about that. The more secure he can probably feel in his own mind, we'll see him get better and better," he added.Reflecting on Australia's spin ...
Asia Cup: World Cup combination, renewal of Indo-Pak rivalry
Virat Kohli's absence might have taken some sheen off it but the general excitement surrounding three possible Indo-Pak encounters will be the USP of the six-nation Asia Cup starting Saturday with a Bangladesh-Sri Lanka clash here. While there are two assured India-Pakistan matches, one in the group league and other at the Super Four stage, the organisers, broadcasters, and the supporters will be hoping for a possible summit showdown on September 28 too. For India, it will be a chance to see how the team reacts to pressure situations in absence of Kohli, who has been rested after a gruelling England tour, which ended with a 1-4 Test series loss earlier this week. The team will begin its campaign on September 18 against Hong Kong, followed by the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan the next day. While Rohit Sharma has been a brilliant white ball player, his leadership skills haven't been tested against a quality side. He led against Sri Lanka last December but it was a below par ...
Asiad gold medallist Swapna to get customised Adidas shoes
Asian Games gold-medallist Swapna Barman will have customised shoes for her 12-toed feet soon as the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has tied up with footwear company Adidas to ensure specially-designed gear for the heptathlete. "After coming to know about Swapna's case, the Sports Minister immediately directed us from Jakarta to get customised shoes made for her. We have taken up the matter with Adidas and they have agreed to provide the footwear," SAI Director General Neelam Kapur told PTI. Born with six toes in both her feet, Swapna's plight came to light only after she became the first Indian athlete to win an Asiad gold in heptathlon with a career-best performance in the 18th edition of the Games in Jakarta last month. After her victory, the athlete made an emotional appeal for customised shoes and the SAI immediately sprung into action after Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore directed the concerned authorities to take up the matter on an urgent basis. The SAI has already
Srikanth crashes out of Japan Open
Ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth crashed out of the ongoing Japan Open after being defeated by Lee Dong Keun of South Korea in the quarter-final of the men's singles event here on Friday.The 25-year-old was thrashed 21-19, 16-21, 18-21 by Keun in a closely contested match.Making a slow start to the match, Srikanth fought well to take the initial lead by clinching the first game but a brilliant comeback by his South Korean opponent in the consecutive games led to the end of India's challenge in the tournament.After missing the first game with a narrow margin, Keun was dominant throughout the second game as he did not let the Indian shuttler move an inch ahead of him. He registered a convincing 21-16 win against Srikanth who failed to match up the scoreline despite making several attempts.In the deciding game, the Indian player took the lead on the multiple occasions, but Keun was quick enough to put Srikanth in trouble by snatching the lead away from him.With scoreline reading ...
Gold rush continues for juniors, Gurpreet adds senior silver at ISSF WC
Gurpreet Singh clinched a silver medal in the senior men's standard pistol event but it was India's junior shooters, who continued to hold centre-stage, snaring two gold medals in the ISSF World Championships here Friday. Vijayveer Sidhu, 16, shot a gold in the 25m standard pistol event for junior men after combining with Rajkanwar Singh Sandhu and Adarsh Singh to claim the team gold on the last day of the prestigious International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) competition. India were placed third in the medals tally with 11 gold, nine silver and seven bronze medals for a total of 27, making this their best performance in the showpiece. Sidhu, who finished fourth in the 25m pistol Thursday, managed an individual score of 572 to finish ahead of Korean Lee Gunheyok (570) and China's Haojie Zhu 565). In the team competition, Sidhu, Sandhu (564) and Singh (559) totalled 1695 to fetch the top honours with Korea (1693) and Czech Republic (1674) settling for the silver and the bronze ...
Srikanth out, India's campaign ends in Japan Open
Kidambi Srikanth crashed out of the men's singles event after losing a marathon three-game quarterfinal to draw curtains on India's campaign at the USD 700,000 Japan Open badminton tournament here Friday. Just like his compatriots, fatigue seemed to have caught up with the seventh-seeded Srikanth as he squandered a game's lead to lose 21-19 16-21 18-21 against Korea's Lee Dong Keun in a duel that lasted an hour and 19 minutes. Former world no.1 Srikanth, who won a silver at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, had earlier avenged his Asian Games loss to Hong Kong's Wong Wing Ki Vincent with a clinical straight game win in the previous round. With Srikanth's exit, the Indian shuttlers' campaign at the Japan Open came to a halt as Olympic medallist and Asian Games silver-medallist PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy crashed out in the previous rounds of the women's and men's singles event respectively on Thursday. In the men's doubles too, the Indians failed to progress with the pair of Manu Attri ..
Play Usain Bolt in defence, says Spain's World Cup-winning coach
World Cup-winning coach Vicente del Bosque has some advice for sprint king Usain Bolt's new Australian club -- play him in defence. The Jamaican superstar has been handed the chance to train with the Central Coast Mariners for an indefinite period in a bid to prove he has what it takes to earn a professional playing contract. The eight-time Olympic champion made his debut late last month in a 20-minute cameo as a substitute during a friendly, starting in his favoured left wing position. He nearly scored but tired quickly and admitted he was not match-fit, with Australian pundits saying he had plenty of work ahead to make the grade. Del Bosque, whose eight-year reign as Spain coach ended after their last-16 exit at Euro 2016, said it was possible Bolt could fulfil his dream of becoming a footballer, despite being 32. "For a team that counter-attacks hard and transitions quickly into open space, sure (he would fit in). It would be possible, of course," de Bosque, who guided Spain to the
Grand Slams to keep 32 seeds in 2019
The four major tennis tournaments will continue to seed 32 players for men's and women's singles draws, after the Grand Slam Board (GSB) has announced it had reversed an earlier decision to halve the number. Having indicated last year that the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open would only have 16 seeds from 2019, the organisation in charge of the Grand Slams Thursday said that the current format would remain in place next year. "Following a full year of Grand Slam match analysis and feedback from all other constituencies, especially players and broadcast partners, the Grand Slam tournaments have decided there is no compelling reason to revert to 16 seeds," the GSB said in a statement. "Accordingly, all 2019 Grand Slam tournaments have agreed to continue with 32 seeds in singles." The Grand Slam events doubled the number of seeds to 32 in 2001, but the possibility of a decrease was raised as a way to make favourites' paths to the latter stages of tournaments more ..
Singapore football coach apologises for turban remark
Singapore's national football coach has apologised for his comments made to a Sikh reporter during a pre-match press conference here last week, a media report said Friday. "The FAS regrets that Fandi Ahmad's comments during the pre-match press conference on 6 Sept for the match between Singapore and Mauritius have upset members of the Sikh community," Channel News Asia reported, citing a statement from the Football Association of Singapore (FAS). Both Fandi and FAS have contacted the reporter, Dilenjit Singh, and the Sikh Advisory Board to "explain, apologise and clarify" the matter, the statement said. "Singh gracefully accepted our explanation and apology. Our discussion with the Sikh Advisory Board has also revealed that the comments could be hurtful to the Sikh community even though they were not made with any malicious intent," it said. A Change.org petition was started on Thursday calling on the national coach to apologise. Fandi is also a former star footballer having played at
Shastri wants warm-up games before Australia Test series
Their decision of not playing enough warm-up games ahead of the England tour questioned, India's head coach Ravi Shastri now says they have requested the BCCI to arrange for a couple of practice matches before the Austrtalia tour kicks off later this year. Ahead of the five-Test series, which it lost 1-4 to England, India played just one warm-up game. Even the lone four-day practice match against county side Essex was reduced to three days amid high drama over the condition of the pitch and the outfield, both of which apparently left the visitors unhappy. On Thursday, Shastri said he was not averse to the idea of playing practice games. "Absolutely not. Why would we be?. You can only see the results (in the England Tests). Every time after the second Test we have improved. You can still get better. But why can't we be in that position in the first Test match?," he was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. Shastri, though, was doubtful if practice games for the tour Down Under could be ...