Page 1135 - Sports
Swapna to travel to Mumbai for medical treatment
Asian Games gold medallist heptathlete Swapna Barman will travel to Mumbai around September 24 to undergo a series of medical tests which will determine whether she requires a surgery.
Millie and Gaurika share lead in the 14th leg of Hero WPG Tour
Millie Saroha and Gaurika Bishnoi returned identical cards of five-over 77 to share the lead as it turned out to be a tough outing for the professionals in the first round of the 14th leg of Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour at the challenging Gary Player course, here on Wednesday. The event is being played at the DLF Golf and Country Club on the Gary Player layout, which will be used for the Hero Women's Indian Open later this year. For the players this is a great chance to try and get used to the course over these three days before the European Tour event. Millie, who holed her second shot on the Par-4 seventh for an eagle-two, carded 77 as did Gaurika and they were one shot ahead of Afshan Fatima who won last week at Greater Noida. Afshan may well have been in the lead but for a triple bogey eight on par-5 15th. Tvesa Malik (79) was fourth, while Amandeep Drall and amateur Sifat Sagoo, who is playing at her home course, and another amateur Rhea Saravanan shot 80 each to be Tied-5th. Sonam
'I could have died," says paralysed Olympic champion Vogel
"I know I will never walk again," said cyclist Kristina Vogel on Wednesday at her first public appearance since an accident in June that left her paralysed. "Maybe I'll win my 12th gold medal elsewhere," added Vogel, who has won 11 world titles as well as two Olympic golds. "What do I have to feel sorry about?" the 27-year-old asked. "The situation is what it is, I will obviously find other goals." Late last week she announced, in an interview with Der Spiegel magazine, that she was now paraplegic, after colliding at full speed with another cyclist training on the concrete track of the Cottbus velodrome. "Falling is part of cycling," she said on Wednesday, sitting in a wheelchair. "I could have been dead, I was damn lucky." Her spinal cord was severed at the seventh vertebra, and she has lost all feeling in the legs. On Wednesday she called a press conference at the Berlin clinic where she was treated. She cannot cycle, or even run. "That's a fact," she said. "I'm not a machine, there
Monreal in contract talks with Arsenal
Nacho Monreal has opened talks with Arsenal over a new contract with the Premier League club. Monreal has one year left on his present deal and the Gunners are willing to extend the Spain defender's stay at the Emirates Stadium. The 32-year-old has made 165 Premier League appearances for Arsenal since joining from Malaga in 2013. "At the moment we are talking with the club. I've always said I am really happy, I feel very happy playing for Arsenal," he told the London Evening Standard. "I came six years ago. I have a good relationship with them. "We are in contact in any moment so don't worry about that. I am happy here. That is the most important thing." Monreal has been a useful member of an Arsenal defence that new boss Unai Emery hopes to strengthen after their error-strewn displays in the final years of Arsene Wenger's reign. In the latter stages of his career, Monreal is keen to be a big part of Emery's rebuilding process. "My idea is to play in football until my body says, ...
Mohun Bagan blank Customs to win CFL after eight years
Mohun Bagan blanked Calcutta Customs 2-0 Wednesday to clinch the local league title for the first time since 2010, and end arch-rivals East Bengal's eight-year reign at the top. Henry Kisekka struck twice in the 4th and 45th minutes as Mohun Bagan sealed the issue with an unassailable 26 points with a match to spare on way to their 30th Calcutta Football League Premier Division A title at their home ground. Having suffered back-to-back defeats, 39-time defending champions East Bengal have 20 points with a match to go. In front of a packed home crowd, Mohun Bagan looked in complete control right from the start, determined to wrap up the league title before their final league match against Mohammedan Sporting on September 18. The Ugandan forward beautifully chest-trapped Arijit Bagui's long ball from the right flank to give Mohun Bagan the early lead. Mohun Bagan goalkeeper also put up a spirited show under the sticks and thwarted Customs equaliser, while Dipanda Dicka was at his ...
Sardar Singh likely to retire from hockey
Former Indian skipper Sardar Singh is likely to announce his retirement from International hockey.In a telephonic interview with ANI, the 32-year-old said that he is currently in discussion with his family about the retirement. He further stated that he would hold a press conference where he will give out all the details regarding his retirement plans."I am coming to Delhi on the day after tomorrow and I will be holding a press conference regarding the retirement. Currently, I am in discussion with my family about the same," Singh told ANI.The reaction came after Singh's name was dropped from the 25-member core group for the upcoming national camp which will begin from September 16.Born to a farmer's family, the mid-fielder played his first international match with the junior national team during India's 2003-04 tour of Poland. He made his Senior India debut in 2006 against Pakistan at the bilateral series and also led the Indian team in the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
President George Weah makes football comeback aged 51
Liberia president and former world footballer of the year George Weah made a surprise return to international football Tuesday at the age of 51 in a 2-1 friendly defeat by Nigeria. The international match in Monrovia was organised to 'retire' the number 14 shirt worn by Weah, who was voted world, European and African footballer of the year in 1995. Weah, who scored a landslide victory in presidential elections last December, is the only African footballer to win the world and European awards. Instead of watching the match against Nigeria from the grandstand, he captained his country and showed glimpses of former skills before being substituted 12 minutes from time. Weah received a standing ovation when leaving the pitch in the capital of a west African country where football is the most popular sport. Team-mates of Weah wore shirts with "Thank you King George" on them as a tribute to the legend who retired from international football 16 years ago. Libera are ranked 47th of 54 African .
France goalkeeper Lloris pleads guilty to drunk driving, fined $65,000
France and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris pleaded guilty on Wednesday to drunk driving charges and was fined 50,000 pounds sterling ($65,000) by the Westminster Magistrates' Court.
France's World Cup keeper Lloris avoids jail over drink-driving
France's World Cup-winning captain Hugo Lloris avoided jail but received a 20-month driving ban and a USD 65,000 fine on Wednesday for drink-driving in central London. The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper had earlier called his behaviour "unacceptable" and received a lighter sentence from a judge who could have locked up the star for six months. "On 15th of July, he was the proudest man of the planet," attorney David Sonn said in reference to the day Lloris and his France team lifted the World Cup trophy in Moscow. "Forty days later, he was arrested in central London," said the lawer. "Today he apologises to the court." Lloris was one of the heroes of France's commanding march to their second football World Cup in 20 years. The triumph turned the 31-year-old into a national hero and confirmed his status as one of the most respected goalkeepers in the world. But Lloris's dream turned into a nightmare when his Porsche was pulled over for a routine stop in central London at 2:20am on August .
Anderson 'not finished yet' after breaking Test record
James Anderson says he has no plans to hang up his boots yet after overtaking Glenn McGrath to become the most prolific fast bowler in Test history as the Australian challenged the Englishman to reach 600 wickets. Anderson went past McGrath's tally of 563 wickets when he knocked out Mohammed Shami's middle stump as England bowled out India for 345 to seal a 4-1 series victory at the Oval on Tuesday. The Lancashire swing bowler, with 564 scalps, now trails just the spin trio of Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619) in the all-time list. The 36-year-old downplayed his personal achievement, saying he was more focused on helping England win the final match of the series. "When I sit down at the end of my career, when I finish, it will mean a hell of a lot to me to be able to see what I've achieved," he said. "But right now it's hard when you put all your energy into the present and trying to perform well for England. ...
Sohail hails positive attitude of Zaman
Former cricketer Aamir Sohail has backed his Pakistan compatriot Fakhar Zaman to play a vital role in the upcoming Asia Cup because of his "positive approach" to batting. "The reason behind Zaman's success has to be his positive approach. No matter what the situation, he goes out and bats positively," Sohail, an expert with official Cup broadcasters Star Sports, told PTI. Indian bowlers will also be wary of Zaman, who had scored a match-winning hundred against them in the Champions Trophy final last year, when the arch-rivals clash on September 19 in a league clash of Asia Cup to be held in the United Arab Emirates. Zaman had later scored a blistering double hundred, smashing 210 off just 156 deliveries against Zimbabwe in the fourth ODI at Bulawayo in July. En-route to his double ton, Zaman also posted the highest individual score for Pakistan, bettering Sohail's former opening partner Saeed Anwar's brilliant 194 against India in 1997. Sohail, who forged a successful ..
Not participating in World championship will affect our Olympic preparation: top gymnast
With uncertainty hovering over India's participation in next month's Artistic Gymnastic World Championship, top gymnast Rakesh Patra feels not taking part in the competition will affect the country's preparations for the Tokyo Olympics. Indian gymnasts were left in the lurch after reports emerged that the sports ministry refused to clear the team for the World Championship since the Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI) is de-recognised and stands suspended as per the national sports code. The 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships will be held in Doha from October 25 to November 3. Patra, who had finished fourth in the ring event at the FIG World Challenge Cup in Turkey in August, said if India can't participate it will be a huge blow to their preparation for the Olympics. "If we are not able to participate in the Doha World championship we would never know where we stand in the global ranking chart. We need to test ourselves against the best to understand where we need to ...
It was a good experience: Neeraj Chopra on Asian Games
Asian Games gold medalist Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has said that his experience at the recently-concluded tournament was good and he is happy with his performance.The 20-year-old, however, added that after the Asian Games he immediately went on to participate in the Diamond League and Continental Cup which was quite tiring for him.Speaking to ANI, Chopra said, "Commonwealth Games and Asian Games were important for me and I clinched gold in both the tournaments. It felt good. After the Asian Games, I participated in the Diamond League and Continental Cup which was tiring but the performance was good.""All in all, it was a good experience," he added.Reflecting on his preparations ahead of the upcoming tournaments, Chopra stated that he is working alongside his coaches to improve his throwing technique. He asserted that he needs to touch the 90 mark if he wants to put forth a strong competition in the Tokyo Olympics."I am working on my throwing technique with my coaches. I need to .
Hockey India drops Sardar Singh from core probables list
Hockey India on Wednesday dropped the name of former skipper Sardar Singh from the 25-member core group for the upcoming national camp, which will begin from September 16 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar.The camp, which includes a month-long training, will conclude on October 14 ahead of the ten-day Asian Champions Trophy, where the Indian side will go as defending champions.After the disappointment at the 18th Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang, where the Indian team ended their campaign with a Bronze Medal after beating Pakistan, the squad will be looking at overcoming the setback and regroup with a fresh perspective in the run-up to the much-awaited Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018.Reflecting on the same, Indian coach Harendra Singh said that there is no excuse for not making it to the finals of the Asian Games and the team should now look forward to the upcoming tournaments."The Bronze Medal was a consolation and there is no excuse for not making it to the Final
Kohli end England series as world's best, Cook signs off at 10th spot
India captain Virat Kohli ended the England tour as the number-one ranked batsman in world despite failing in his last innings while just retired England opener Alastair Cook signed off from international cricket on a remarkable note, moving into the top-10 of the ICC Player Rankings for Test Batsmen.
Kohli finishes as world's best batsman in ICC ranking
India captain Virat Kohli finished as the number-one ranked batsman in the world in the latest ICC Player Rankings for Test Batsmen after the completion of the five-match series against England at London. Kohli, who amassed 593 runs at an average of 59.3 in the series which the visitors lost by 1-4 margin, had started the series 27 points behind Australia's Steve Smith and finished one point ahead of his closest rival. Kohli had first reached the top of the world after the Edgbaston Test and then reclaimed the top spot after the Trent Bridge Test. He will now defend his number-one ranking in the two-Test home series against the West Indies, which starts on October 4. India's Lokesh Rahul and Rishabh Pant also made big gains in the latest rankings with the opener advancing 16 places to 19th position after his knock of 149. Pant also moved up 63 places to 111th position after his 114 in only his third Test match. Ravindra Jadeja's unbeaten 86 in the first innings has helped him gain 12 .
Not participating in World championship will affect our Olympic preparation: top gymnasts
With uncertainty hovering over India's participation in next month's Artistic Gymnastic World Championship, top gymnasts Rakesh Patra and Dipa Karmakar feel not taking part in the competition will affect their preparations for the Tokyo Olympics. Indian gymnasts were left in the lurch after reports emerged that the sports ministry refused to clear the team for the World Championship since the Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI) is de-recognised and stands suspended as per the national sports code. The 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships will be held in Doha from October 25 to November 3. Patra, who had finished fourth in the ring event at the FIG World Challenge Cup in Turkey in August, said if India can't participate it will be a huge blow to their preparation for the Olympics. "If we are not able to participate in the Doha World championship we would never know where we stand in the global ranking chart. We need to test ourselves against the best to understand where we need
Best ever Indian team? yes we believe that, insists defiant Kohli
"That's your opinion, thank you very much," that was Virat Kohli's retort when questions were raised on Ravi Shastri's "best Indian team" claim after the crushing Test series loss to England. India were beaten 1-4 in the five-match series that concluded here Tuesday. The result, one of the several overseas disappointments for the team, led to some uncomfortable queries on whether Kohli believed Shastri's assertion that this was the best touring Indian side in the last 15 years. "We have to believe that, why not? What do you think?" said Kohli to the questioning scribe, whose query was whether a tag like that put his side under pressure. In response to an "I am not sure" from the journalist, Kohli retorted, "That's your opinion. Thank you very much." Shastri's comment, made before the fifth Test, had not gone down well with quite a few former players, who used statistics to demolish the claim, highlighting the results achieved under previous captains such as Sourav Ganguly. The comment
Tollygunge Club bridge meet to begin Friday
City based Tollygunge Club will organise the sixth edition of the Invitational Bridge Tournament involving noted players of the prominent social clubs from different parts of the country at its premises here from Friday.
Talismanic Sardar Singh retires from international hockey, says time for youngsters to take over
Former India hockey captain Sardar Singh Wednesday decided to call time on his illustrious career, saying he had played enough in the last 12 years and now it's time for the youngsters to take over. Sardar said he made the decision after a disappointing Asian Games where India failed to defend its title and returned with a bronze medal. With age and speed not on his side, Sardar's performance in the Games came under the scanner. "Yes, I have decided to retire from international hockey. I have played enough hockey in my career. 12 years is a long time. Now it's time for the future generation to take over," Sardar told PTI. "I took the decision after consultation with my family in Chandigarh, Hockey India and my friends. I think it's the right time to think about life beyond hockey," he added. Interestingly, during the Asian Games in Jakarta, Sardar said he still has hockey left in him and desires to play one last Olympics in 2020 Tokyo. However, he had a change of heart amid ...