Page 1475 - Sports
Patnaik requests Modi to name hockey national game of India
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to officially recognise hockey as the national game of India. Hockey already enjoys the status of the unofficial national game of India and with Odisha all set to host the World Cup in November, Patnaik urged Modi to make the status official. "As you know Sir, the next World Cup Hockey will be held Odisha in November this year. While reviewing the preparations, I was surprised and shocked to know that what is popularly known as the National Game - Hockey, has in fact never been notified as our National Game," Patnaik wrote in his letter, which is in possession of PTI. "Hence I am sure you will agree with the crores loving fans of our country - that Hockey truly deserves to be notified as our National Game. This will be fitting tribute to the great Hockey players who have made our country proud," Patnaik said. In February, the Odisha government also announced a first-of-its-kind association when they ...
Peru holds final training before crucial game vs France
Peru's national team on Wednesday held a final training session on the eve of their crucial match against France in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
My hardest day in cricket: Paine post England drubbing
Australian skipper Tim Paine has admitted that he was left despondent after his side slumped to a shocking 242-run defeat at the hands of England in the third ODI to go down 0-3 in the five-match series at the Trent Bridge.Electing to bat first, England put on the gigantic total of 481 on the board, thus surpassing their own record of highest-ever total in one-day internationals.Alex Hales (147), Jonny Bairstow (139) and Jason Roy (82) were the highest scorers for the hosts.In reply, Australia failed to build partnership and were bundled out for 239 runs in their stipulated 50 overs, with Travis Head (51) and Marcus Stoinis (44) being the only notable contributors.Clearly disappointed with the team's performance, Paine admitted that it was the "hardest day of his entire cricketing career"."I've been playing cricket since I was a kid and that is the hardest day's cricket of my life. Everything we tried didn't work and everything they tried came off," news.com.au quoted Paine, as ...
FIFA WC: Portugal, Morocco look for first win
Star striker Cristiano Ronaldo-powered Portugal will be up against 41st ranked Morocco in the second match in Group B of the ongoing 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup here at the Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday.Heading into the opening clash of the day, Portugal will aim to continue the momentum from their thrilling 3-3 draw against Spain in the opening round of the showpiece event.All eyes will be on Ronaldo, who notched up a hat-trick in the opening match to help his side not only settle with a draw, but also hand them an unexpected point.Morocco, on the other hand, will enter the game on the back of their shocking 0-1 defeat at the hands of Iran, thus putting them in the bottom in Group B.The encounter, however, is crucial for both teams as they are yet to clinch a win in the tournament.While a victory will prove to be crucial for Portugal in the context of their survival in the tournament, a defeat for Morocco will all but bring an end to their World Cup campaign.Morocco had ...
Senegal to the rescue as African teams struggle at World Cup
Senegal proved to be Africa's saving grace at the World Cup on Tuesday. Take away their win over Poland and it is five defeats in five for the continent's representatives in Russia. After Nigeria and Algeria both reached the knockout phase four years ago, following Ghana's run to the quarter-finals in 2010, it is already looking like 2018 will be a step backwards for Africa on the biggest stage. - Salah, Egypt all but out - ============================ Following all the excitement of their first appearance at the finals since 1990, the Pharaohs find themselves staring at the exit door after only six days of competition. Hector Cuper's side have been hampered by the fitness problems of Mohamed Salah, who played no part in the 1-0 defeat against Uruguay in Yekaterinburg. On Tuesday, Salah was back but unable to prevent Egypt from losing 3-1 to Russia in Saint Petersburg, his late penalty proving a mere consolation. "It is very difficult to know what would have happened (had he not been .
World Cup shock and awe: Russia aren't that bad
- Russia can afford to dream. The host nation defied critics and confounded expectations by easing past Egypt 3-1 on Tuesday, all but assuring their place in the last 16 of a World Cup for the first time since the Soviet era. The free-scoring Russians -- who have now struck eight times in just two matches -- have lifted the home fans, who in turn have inspired the men in red on the pitch, for so long under-achievers at the highest level. "Can you believe it?" Moscow's Sport Express newspaper asked. "We waited a very long time for this," said Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov. They certainly have. Russia's football team have been the poor relations of the nation's ice hockey sides and Olympic legends, whose victories have long been a source of huge national pride. President Vladimir Putin said that he expected Russia to lift the golden World Cup trophy when he helped secure the hosting rights in 2010. But he arguably had to say that. He was being wildly optimistic but the players gave the
Shiva, Salman enter quarters of Mongolian boxing tourney
Shiva Thapa (60kg) and Salman Sheikh (52kg) notched up comprehensive wins to enter the quarterfinals as Indian boxers got off to a resounding start at the Ulaanbaatar Cup Tournament in Mongolia today. Three-time Asian medallist Shiva out-punched local hope Oyunbileg Munkhsaikhan in a unanimous verdict, while Salman took just two rounds to brush aside Korean Young Sik Bae's challenge. Both the boxers are now just one win away from securing themselves a medal. Next up for Shiva is Kyrgyzstan's Ravshanbek. Salman, on the other hand, will square off against local favourite Gankhuyag Gan-Erdene in the last-eight stage. Salman, who opened the proceedings for India, was aggressive from the first ring of the bell. Salman unsettled Young with relentless flurry of punches and his withering attack on the Korean, as he lay trapped on the ropes, stood out in the opening round. The onslaught became too much to take for Young and the bout ended in the second round with the judges ruling unanimously .
Sardar's presence will give motivation to other players, says Manpreet
A team man to the core, Manpreet Singh has no qualms about losing captaincy and feels returning veteran Sardar Singh's presence in the middle will act as motivation for other players in the upcoming FIH Champions Trophy in Breda, Netherlands. Sardar, considered one of the world's best midfielders at one point of time, was dropped for the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, where India finished a disappointing fourth under Manpreet's captaincy. But the seasoned Sardar did not give up hope and fought his way back into the team for the Champions Trophy after impressing new chief coach Harendra Singh in the national camp. "Sardar is an immensely experienced midfielder. His presence in the midfield will give a lot of motivation to others. He has the ability to give long, skilful passes," Manpreet told PTI before leaving for the Champions Trophy. Sardar has been brought back to bolster the team's midfield for the tournament, beginning June 23. Asked about India's chances in the prestigious ..
We will save our celebrations, says Japan coach Nishino
After a stunning 2-1 triumph against Colombia in the opening match of the World Cup Group H, Japan coach Akira Nishino said the team should play low key and save the celebrations for more victories.
Monchengladbach sign youngster Poulsen from FC Midtjylland
Borussia Monchengladbach have completed the transfer of defender Andreas Poulsen from Danish side FC Midtjylland, the Bundesliga club said.
Midfielder Wilshere set to leave Arsenal
Midfielder Jack Wilshere said he will leave Arsenal this summer, saying he was left with "no option but to pursue other opportunities".
AFI targets 1000 IAAF qualified coaches in 5 years
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) plans to have 1,000 IAAF license-holding coaches on its roster in the next five years in what it calls a "high-impact" initiative that will change the face of the sport at the grassroots level. The AFI began work on this project with nine Level 1 courses at five cities last month. Each course has a maximum of 24 participants and four such Level 1 courses -- in Chennai, Ranchi, Gwalior and Patiala -- have already been completed. Five more -- in Chennai, Ranchi, Gwalior, Patiala and Guwahati -- will be held in September-October. "We have less than 40 IAAF qualified coaches. We have been following our own system and most of the coaches, even at the elite level, are diploma holders from our national institutes (run by government) like the NIS Patiala," national athletics deputy chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair told PTI. "We have been lacking a systematic approach and need to start from the scratch. We are expecting at least 200 coaches to pass from ..
Tunisia's goalkeeper quits World Cup after shoulder injury
Tunisian national team goalkeeper Mouez Hassen had to retire from the World Cup in Russia because of a shoulder injury he suffered in his team's debut match against England in Volgograd, according to the Tunisian Football Federation.
Pak singer QB teams up with Jason Derulo for World Cup anthem
Pakistani singer-songwriter Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch has collaborated with American pop star Jason Derulo for this year's World Cup anthem.Titled 'Colours', the song aims is to promote the concept of unity.The video also features Pakistan's woman's soccer captain, Hajra Khan and men's soccer team captain Kaleemullah Khan.QB, also known as the Humsafar Girl, took to social media to share the video.The 2018 FIFA World Cup is currently ongoing in Russia and will end with the final match on July 15.
Federer extends grass-court win streak in Halle opener
World number one Roger Federer looks content after he extended his grass-court winning streak to 17 matches with a straight sets triumph over Slovene Aljaz Bedene in the opening round of the Halle Open.The 20-time Grand Slam champion kicked off his last week pre-Wimbledon competition with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Slovenian in a clash that lasted one hour and 11 minutes to storm into the second round.In the process, Federer dropped just eight points on his serve.Reflecting on his performance, the top-seed said that he is satisfied with the performance, considering the fact that it was his first round and that he didn't have much experience of playing on this court."I played a solid first set once I figured out how to break him.In the second I was able to hold all of my serves. For a first round and without much play on this court, it was fine. I'm very happy," Federer said following the win.The 36-year-old, who recently won his 98th title by defeating his Canadian opponent ...
Kyrgios beats Murray, Feliciano advances to quarters
Nick Kyrgios eliminated local favourite Andy Murray from the Queen's Club Championships, a Wimbledon tune-up event, while Feliciano Lopez beat David Goffin to advance to the quarter-finals of the event after the withdrawal of Milos Raonic.
Goalkeeper Pervan joins Wolfsburg
Austrian goalkeeper Pavao Pervan has joined Wolfsburg from Linzer ASK, both sides announced.
Brazil's Neymar leaves practice with ankle pain
Brazil forward Neymar had to leave a practice session due to discomfort in his right ankle, but is expected to be fit for the upcoming Group E World Cup match against Costa Rica.
Lanka captain, coach and manager charged by ICC
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson has charged Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal, coach Chandika Hathurusinghe and manager Asanka Gurusinha for breaching ICC code of conduct during the side's second Test against West Indies at the Beausejour Stadium in St. Lucia.The trio is found to have violated Article 2.3.1, a Level 3 offence, which relates to "conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game".The three have been charged for their involvement in the Sri Lanka cricket team's refusal to take to the field in St Lucia at the start of Saturday's play, which caused a two-hour delay.This action is alleged to amount to a serious breach of the Laws of Cricket and to be contrary to the spirit of the game.If any of the three plead not guilty, then the ICC, as per Article 5.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, will appoint a Judicial Commissioner from its Code of Conduct Commission to determine the matter.All Level 3 breaches carry an imposition of between four ...
Argentina rally behind Messi ahead of key Croatia clash
Argentina are rallying around captain Lionel Messi as the South American giants prepare for their crucial Group D clash with Croatia here tomorrow. Messi made an unhappy start to the World Cup on Saturday, missing what would have been a winning penalty as Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by minnows Iceland. It was a result that has renewed doubts about Argentina's ability to mount a sustained challenge at this World Cup, four years after they reached the final in Brazil. Another adverse outcome on Thursday and many may even start to consider the unthinkable -- that Argentina could be on their way out at the group stage, mirroring their shock first round exit in 2002. Legend Diego Maradona called the Iceland result a "disgrace" and warned coach Jorge Sampaoli he would not be able to return to Argentina with similar performances. Adding to the sense of disappointment, Messi's missed penalty was accompanied by 11 unsuccessful shots, the most in a World Cup game without return by a ...