Page 1553 - Sports
IOA to follow 'No accreditation policy' for parents at Asian Games
Left with bitter experience after Saina Nehwal's pull-out threat during the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided to strictly follow "no accreditation policy" for the parents of sportspersons during the upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia. In Gold Coast, Saina's father Harvir Nehwal initially didn't get accreditation to stay inside the Games Village leading to the Olympic bronze medallist threatening to pull out. The IOA had then arranged for Nehwal senior's accreditation and Saina went onto play a pivotal role in winning gold in team event as well as women's singles. "There is no policy to give accreditation to parents of the players. We made an exception in Gold Coast as the athlete in question (without taking Saina's name) said she won't play," IOA secretary general Rajeev mehta told mediapersons. "We gave her parent a 'P' type accreditation as there were officials who were not travelling, which allowed us to make an exception. But no ...
Mauricio Pellegrino to coach Leganes next season
Argentine coach Mauricio Pellegrino will take charge of La Liga side Leganes in the 2018/19 season after reaching a one-year agreement with the Spanish football club, it was announced on Saturday.
Shakib backs Afghanistan to do well in Tests
In less than two weeks, Afghanistan will experience what Bangladesh felt 18 years ago when they played a Test for the first time. Come June 14, the passionate Afghan players will find out that the five-day version of the game is a different beast altogether but Bangladesh skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, has backed them to do well. Bangladesh play Afghanistan in a three match T20 series starting here tomorrow. They have come a long way, especially in the last few years. They have world class players in the squad and they deserve the Test status, said Hasan, who has experienced the best and worst times in Bangladesh cricket history, on the eve of the opening T20. Asked what kind of exposure Afghanistan should get going forward in Tests, the star all-rounder added: As long as they play the top teams regularly irrespective of the format. That should give them enough exposure. Bangladesh have themselves endured tough time in the longest format ever since they played their inaugural Test against .
India's Sanjana Ramesh wins the MVP award at Basketball Without Borders Asia
India's Sanjana Ramesh was awarded the 'Most Valuable Player' (MVP) even as compatriot Vaishnavi Yadav won the 'Girls Grit Award' on the fourth and final day of Basketball Without Borders Asia, which featured 66 campers from 16 countries from the Asia-Pacific region. The camp got underway with the girls championship game between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx. Coached on the sidelines by Ruth Riley and Sakshi Sheoran, the Lynx defeated the Liberty 20-13. The boys championship game then followed, with the Milwaukee Bucks going up against the Brooklyn Nets. Led by coaches Darvin Ham and Satnam Singh, the Bucks edged past the Bret Brielmaier and Caris LeVert led Nets team 22-18. At the conclusion of the championship games, the two boys and two girls All-Star teams were announced. Team Red of the girls All-Star team was coached by Ruth Riley, while Ebony Hoffman served as coach for Team White. Team Red defeated Team White 27-18. Following that, the boys All-Star Game was ...
Sharapova thrashes Pliskova to set up potential Serena clash
Maria Sharapova set up a potential last-16 clash with Serena Williams by crushing sixth seed Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-1 in the French Open third round on Saturday. The five-time Grand Slam champion produced one of her best performances since returning from a doping ban, cruising to a totally one-sided win in her first match on Court Philippe Chatrier for three years. "I knew I had to play well against a tough opponent. I managed to stay aggressive and I played smart as well," said Sharapova, who delighted a half-full Chatrier by thanking them for their support in French. The Russian, winner in Paris in 2012 and 2014, is seeded at a major for the first time since testing positive for meldonium two years ago. A fired-up Sharapova powered 18 winners past her fellow former world number one Pliskova, with the Czech never threatening any resistance in a match which lasted just 59 minutes. She will next face either 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams or German 11th seed Julia Goerges, who ..
Haven't reached the stature to inspire i'ntl players: Sunil Chhetri
Even as Chinese Taipei football coach Gary White has said that his players "will look up to Sunil Chhetri someday", the Indian national team captain felt that he has not yet attained the stature where international footballers will "look up to him".After Chhetri smashed a hat-trick to guide India to a thumping 5-0 win over Chinese Taipei in the opening match of the Intercontinental Cup at the Andheri Sports Complex on Friday, White had said that his youngsters would look up to Indian skipper Chhetri someday.However, Chhetri ruled out the same."I feel I haven't yet reached that stature where international footballers will look up to me," the player with 99 International caps said."At this moment, I am more concerned about myself and my career. Maybe 20 years from now with me having retired, I may reflect back whether I have inspired someone or not. But right now, it's too premature."Sitting pretty at 59 goals in international football, Chhetri also became the first-ever Indian ...
Griezmann to decide Atletico future before World Cup
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has revealed that he will announce his intentions to continue with the club or not before the FIFA World Cup, which is slated to kick off on June 14.Despite striking a brace to help Atletico win Europa League title against Marseille, the French player has been heavily linked with a switch to Barcelona.And now Griezmann, who still has four years remaining on his Atletico contract, said that the decision would be made in next few weeks."Yes, it will be done before the competition,"goal.com quoted the 27-year-old, as saying.While Atletico president Enrique Cerezo ruled out the speculations that Griezmann is for sale, his team-mate and striker Diego Costa said that he wants the forward to continue at the club as he is an important player."He is taking a little time to say what is next for him and I think there is perhaps some doubt on his part. He knows that we love him very much and that he is the figurehead here, a very important player," Costa .
Muguruza through to French Open last 16
Spain's Garbiñe Muguruza, world No. 3, on Saturday qualified for the French Open round of 16 for the fifth straight year, beating veteran Australian player Samantha Stosur 6-0, 6-2.
Asian Games: IOA planning 900 member contingent from listed 2370
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is planning a jumbo 900-member contingent from the provisional list of 2370 for the upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia from August 18-September 2. IOA president Narinder Batra and secretary general Rajeev Mehta are confident that a final list of 620 plus athletes and approximately 273 officials across disciplines will be allowed for the quadrennial extravaganza. "As per provisional list, there are 1938 athletes, 399 officials (including support staff), eight from IOA, seven from Sports ministry and 18 from Sports Authority of India (SAI) in the list of 2370. We have time till June 30 to prune the list," Batra told mediapersons today. Mehta on his part informed that it will be pruned to 900 after consultation with the ministry. "We are expecting that the final list will be of 620 plus athletes and 273 officials,"Mehta said at the sidelines of programme. For the Incheon Games in 2014, India had sent 541 athletes and won 57 medals across 28 ...
IOA to submit EOI for '26 Youth Olympics, '30 Asiad and '32 Olympics
The IOA today announced its grand plans to submit an Expression of Interest to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Mumbai along with 2030 Asian Games and the 2032 Olympic Games in New Delhi. The IOA also submitted an EOI for conducting the IOC Congress 2021 or onwards. "We have made some purposeful decisions in this meeting. From EOI for hosting global events to announcing new committees and commissions, it's all formally plotted in our future roadmap," IOA President, Narinder Batra said. The IOA members also reviewed India's performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games at the Executive Council Meeting and at the back of it announced new committees and commissions to streamline systems. With the upcoming 18th Asian Games, the IOA also announced that they have registered 2370 members, including athletes and officials, for the quadrennial showpiece to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia starting from August 18. "The Long list for the 18th Asian Games has also been submitted to ..
Have to improve a lot, says Chhetri
Even though Chinese Taipei coach Gary White feels that the young players in his team will look up to Sunil Chhetri someday, the star India striker asserted that he has to improve a lot before he can attain the stature where international footballers will aim to emulate him.
Injured Stokes in doubt for Australia ODIs
England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, is doubtful for the five-match ODI series against Australia, beginning June 13 at The Oval.The 26-year-old sustained an injury in his left hamstring while fielding during a recent training session and subsequent scans revealed a tear in his left hamstring.As a result, Stokes was ruled out of England's second Test of the two-match series against Pakistan and was replaced by debutant left-arm quick Sam Curran.Stokes will now face a race against time to be fit for upcoming limited-over series against England, with the severity of his injury likely to be clearer in coming days when he undergoes another scan, cricket.com.au reported.England are also slated to play a one-off ODI against Scotland in Edinburgh on June 10 before they will head to Australian series.
Indian riders finish outside points bracket in Race 1 at Suzuka round of ARRC
In a disappointing finish for Honda Racing, Indian riders Rajiv Sethu and Anish Shetty finished outside points following a dismal qualifying round in Race 1 of the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at the Suzuka circuit here today. Making a comeback after a wrist injury, sustained during practice round in Australia, 20-year-old Rajiv finished 25th in the first race of round 3 today after qualifying 31st early in the Asia Production 250cc class. Rookie Anish, who had snapped his first points of the season in the Australia leg, ended the race in 24th place after starting the competition at the 30th spot here. With seven wild card entries, it turned out to be a tough competition at Suzuka track. Anish had a slight blip during lap 4, while Rajiv had to deal with problems in front brake and it seemed to have affected their performance today. "I experienced high side at lap 4 and I lost the bunch in front of me, but I recovered to surpass six riders and finish at 24th place," said ...
Karthik replaces injured Wriddhiman for Afghan Test
India's regular Test wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan in Bengaluru, the BCCI confirmed on Saturday. Dinesh Karthik has been named as the replacement for the Test beginning on June 14.
Muguruza eases into last 16 as Sharapova, Serena edge closer to reunion
Former champion Garbine Muguruza reached the French Open last 16 on Saturday with a comfortable 6-0, 6-2 win over Australia's Sam Stosur as Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova stood one win away from renewing their longtime rivalry. Spanish third seed Muguruza, the 2016 winner in Paris and the reigning Wimbledon champion, fired 15 winners past Stosur, the 34-year-old 2010 runner-up and former US Open champion. After wrapping up the first set in just 25 minutes, Stosur only got on the board in the third game of the second. "I knew this would be very tough against a former US Open winner and a player who has made the final here," said 24-year-old Muguruza. "If I didn't play my best tennis, I realised that it would be very hard. "Coming back here to Court Philippe Chatrier where I won two years ago always brings special feelings inside me." The Spaniard goes on to face Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine who knocked out Slovakian 19th seed Magdalena Rybarikova 6-2, 6-4. Tsurenko has now reached ...
Rain delay frustrates England in second Test against Pakistan
Rain delayed the scheduled 11:00am local time (1000 GMT start) of the second day's play in the second Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley on Saturday. Persistent early morning drizzle saw the pitch and surrounding square remain fully covered, with the rain that was falling steadily from grey skies above Leeds not showing much sign of stopping anytime soon. England, looking to bounce back from their nine-wicket thrashing in the first Test at Lord's and end the two-match series all square at 1-1, ended the opening day just 68 runs behind Pakistan's lowly first-innings 174. Joe Root, the England captain, was 29 not out on his Yorkshire home ground, with nightwatchman Dominic Bess unbeaten on nought. Pakistan only need to avoid defeat at Headingley to seal a first series win in England for 22 years. So any rain delays, which would reduce the amount of time available to England to win the game, were likely to be a boost to the tourists. Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the ...
Anand draws with Wesley So
Viswanathan Anand played out his fourth draw on the trot, signing peace with Wesley So of United States in the fourth round of the Altibox Norway Chess tournament here. Taking his tally up to two points out of a possible four, Anand now has his task cut out for the remaining five games in this strongest tournament of the year. The world rapid champion needs a couple of victories to stake a claim in the tournament. Meanwhile, reigning World champion Magnus Carlsen was pleasantly surprised to see a rather unambitious approach with white pieces by Hikaru Nakamura of United States. The game ended in a draw helping Carlsen to remain at the helm on three points from his four games. Sergey Karjakin of Russia took sole second spot on 2.5 points after defeating Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France. This was certainly the game of the day wherein Karjakin first showcased his deep preparation and then came up with an astounding display to outwit the Frenchman. Anand now shares the third spot along ...
Colombia fail to capitalise on chances in 0-0 draw with Egypt
Colombia dominated against Egypt in a FIFA World Cup tune-up for both teams that ended 0-0 as the South Americans struggled with a lack of finishing against a North African side focused on defence in the absence of injured star striker Mohamed Salah.
World Cup fever mounts as France turns on the TV
Over 7.6 million viewers tuned in to French television's TF1 to see France thump Italy 3-1 in Nice in their second World Cup warm up game, according to figures released on Saturday. The Friday evening prime time slot featuring a sumptuous goal from Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele only just edged out Monday's viewing figures of 6.9 million who tuned in to watch France beat Ireland 2-0 in a deluge. Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti grabbed the opening goal before Italy cut the deficit before the break through Leonardo Bonucci. French poster boy and playground favourite Antoine Griezmann, also reported to be joining Barcelona, added a second from the penalty spot before Dembele's lob stole the show. TF1 will show 28 World Cup games from the World Cup which gets underway in two weeks across Russia. Before that Didier Deschamps' France host the United States, who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, next Saturday in Lyon in their final warm up game.
Injured Saha ruled out of lone Afghanistan Test
Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan due to a thumb injury.The 33-year-old sustained the injury to his right thumb, while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on April 14.Confirming the news, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that its medical team has decided to give Saha some rest ahead of the upcoming Test series against England."He was under observation by the medical staff of the BCCI and the management has decided to give him adequate rest before the start of the England Test series. Saha's recovery period is expected to be around five to six weeks," the BCCI said.As a result, the All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Dinesh Karthik as Saha's replacement for the lone Afghanistan Test.Afghanistan will play the inaugural one-off Test match against India, beginning ...