Page 1657 - Sports
Does India need competent coaches or tough players? (Column: Just Sport)
Whenever a national hockey coach is "sacked" you will invariably find senior pros in the squad and some anonymous former internationals approving the change.
Nehwal is going in right direction, says compatriot Sindhu
Few weeks after slumping to defeat against Saina Nehwal and settling for a silver medal at the 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games, Rio Olympic silver-medallist PV Sindhu on Saturday heaped praise on her fellow compatriot saying that she has been doing pretty well and going in the right direction."She is doing really well. She has got a bronze in Badminton Asia Championship as well. I congratulate her and I think she is going in a right way," Sindhu said.On the last day of the Games, Nehwal defeated her compatriot PV Sindhu by straight games 21-18, 23-21 in a high-octane clash to grab the gold medal in the all-Indian finals to clinch gold in the badminton competition.As a result, Sindhu had to settle for a silver medal in the women's singles event of the prestigious quadrennial event.Reflecting on the same, Sindhu said that though she was disappointed with the result, she would learn from her mistake and come back even stronger."It was definitely a good match. Yes, a disappointment
Marshal Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Meet from May 7
The inaugural edition of Marshal Arjan Singh Memorial' All India Hockey Tournament conducted by the Air Force Sports Control Board will be held in Chandigarh from May 7-12. Sixteen teams (eight elite club teams of the country with another eight teams from the armed forces and para military forces) are set to take part in the six-day tournament. The matches will be conducted at 3 Base Repair Depot (Air Force) and Sector 42 Astro Turf Hockey Grounds in Chandigarh. Chief of the Air Staff BS Dhanoa will be the Chief Guest for the final match on May 12 while Air Marshal Hemant Sharma will declare the tournament open.
Svitolina defeats Cornet, reaches Madrid Open 2nd round
Fourth seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine on Saturday started her run at the Madrid Open in an auspicious fashion, defeating Frenchwoman Alize Cornet 6-2, 6-2 in the first round.
Playing in finals itself is a big thing, says Sindhu
Her frequent losses in the finals and the accompanying criticism does not affect ace shuttler PV Sindhu, who today said playing in the summit showdown of a tournament itself is "a big achievement". Sindhu, an Olympic and World Championship silver medallist, settled for a silver after losing a close final to compatriot Saina Nehwal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games last month. It was yet another final loss for the 22-year-old, who had faced defeat in the summit clashes of Rio Olympics, Glasgow World Championship, Dubai Super Series Final last year and India Super Series and All England Championship this year. "It doesn't really affect (me). People might be talking but I think reaching the finals is itself a very big thing," Sindhu said on the sidelines of a felicitation programme organised by the Badminton Association of India here. She added, "Before I use to lose in the quarterfinals, semifinals but now I am reaching the finals, so I am going a step ahead. "I might lose at times ..
NBA star Lopez bats for pro basketball league in India
Los Angeles Lakers centre, Brook Lopez, has wound up his NBA-related India visit and is carrying home favourable impressions about the talent pool he has seen here. In a media interaction here today, the 7-footer gave the example of the United States newfound love for football through Major League Soccer and felt a similar professional basketball league would help in honing the skills of Indian hoopsters further. "Its (soccer) increasing in popularity in America obviously and has been for a while. Interest in the MLS has been increasing a lot every time the (FIFA) World Cup comes around. Great interest is being generated in the local league and it keeps growing. I think there are 23-24 teams now," said the Lakers player. "I think itll be great to see that kind of growth in basketball; so perhaps a professional league in India (is needed). For me it gives an opportunity for the players to move on to the national team and one day hopefully (gain a place) in the NBA," ...
I have learnt a valuable lesson: Warner
Tainted former Australian Vice Captain David Warner said on Saturday he has "learned a valuable lesson" after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March.
KKR have a strong core for next 5-7 years: Uthappa
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Vice Captain Robin Uthappa feels that the team now has a strong core group of players who can deliver for the next 5-7 years.
Crack detected in body frame of bogie
A crack was detected on the body frame of a coach of a Thiruvananthapuram bound express train during a check at the Ernakulam junction here today, railway officials said. After the crack was noticed on the S4 bogie of the New Delhi-Thiruvananthapuram Kerala Express, it was delinked. The passengers were accommodated in other coaches before the train left for its ownward journey to Thiruvananthapuram, they said. Passengers alleged that such incidents were reported frequently in Kerala as old coaches were being used in the state.
Injured Marin Cilic withdraws from Madrid Open
Croatian tennis maestro Marin Cilic has pulled out of next week's Madrid Open due to a knee injury.Confirming the news, Cilic took to his Twitter account and revealed that he sustained the knee injury during his campaign in Monaco, where he was crashed out after going down in the third round by Japan's Kei Nishikori.Cilic added that he has decided to stop playing for a time being and focus on his rehabilitation process."I'm sorry to share that I won't be playing at the Madrid Open due to knee pains. I began feeling sharp knee pain back in Monaco and while I'm eager to compete, my team and I decided the best option is to pause and focus on rehab. Thank you for your understanding and support," he tweeted.Cilic's injury has also cast doubt over his participation at the third major of the season-French Open, beginning May 27.
Pakistan's fielding coach Rixon not to renew his contract
Pakistan fielding coach Steve Rixon will not be renewing his tenure with the team due to personal reasons, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) senior official.While the contracts of the rest of Pakistan's coaching staff will continue till the 2019 World Cup, 64-year-old Rixon's tenure with the team is set to expire in June this year.He, however, will be completing his upcoming assignment with Pakistan i.e two-match Test series against England and one-off Test match against Ireland, ESPNcricinfo reported.Rixon took over as Pakistan's fielding coach in 2016, replacing Grant Luden alongside head coach Mickey Arthur.He had also worked with Arthur previously when the duo was a part of Australia's coaching staff between 2011 and 2014.During his stint with Australia, he had worked at various positions, including fielding coach, spin-bowling coach and assistant coach.
Bill Murray helps Florida couple find sex of their baby
Actor Bill Murray brought back his "Caddyshack" days to help out one lucky Florida couple find out if they are having a baby boy or girl.
Mumbai still alive in IPL, says Rohit Sharma
After a much needed victory over Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma believes his side is still alive in the tournament and could make it to the play-offs.
Brett Lee calls Shivam Mavi future of Indian bowling
Former Australian pacer Brett Lee has heaped praise on rookie Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Shivam Mavi, saying he is the future of Indian bowling. Mavi, who was part of the World Cup-winning U-19 team led by Prithvi Shaw, had impressed everyone with his performance. Now, he is part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing Indian Premier League and has taken three wickets in seven games so far. "I think Mavi has got everything. His actions are beautiful and he packs himself as a fully furnished bowler. "With youngsters like Mavi, it's extremely important to play with confidence, enjoying the spirit of the game," Lee, a Star Sports Select Dugout expert, was quoted as saying in a media release. "He knows what he is doing and it looks like he really enjoys his cricket. I think Mavi for me is the future for Indian bowlers," added Lee, who in his prime troubled even top-notch batsmen with his pace. KKR, currently on the third spot, lock horns with defending champions ..
IPL: Rajasthan to face Punjab in must-win game (Preview)
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will aim to bounce back to their winning ways when they take on bottom-placed Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Holkar Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.
IPL: Chennai opt to field vs Bangalore
Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and opted to field against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in an Indian Premier League tie at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, here on Saturday.
Brett Lee heaps praises on KKR's Shivam Mavi
Former Australian pacer Brett Lee has heaped praise on Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) pacer Shivam Mavi, underlining the young talent as the 'Future of Indian Bowling'.Talking about Mavi's technique and confidence on the field, Brett Lee said, "I think Mavi has got everything. His actions are beautiful and he packs himself as a fully furnished bowler. With youngsters like Mavi, it's extremely important to play with confidence, enjoying the spirit of the game. He knows what he's doing and it looks like he really enjoys his cricket. I think Mavi for me is the future for Indian bowlers."Shivam Mavi, KKR's new pace battery for the ongoing 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), caught everyone's attention during the ICC U-19 World Cup earlier this year where he bowled at a jarring pace.The young pacer clocked more than 140 kmph regularly and soon became the spectacle of the tournament owing to his bowling abilities.Revered and recognized for his lethal bouncer and a constant drive .
Tough greens take toll as Lahiri misses cut, Tiger makes it
The firm and tough greens took a toll on Anirban Lahiri as the Indian missed the cut at the Wells Fargo Championship after shooting 76-74 in the first two rounds, even as the legendary Tiger Woods managed to make it. Woods (71-73) squeezed inside the cutline which fell at 3-over 145. Peter Malnati (67-68) was at his best over the last three holes yesterday and finished with a 3-under 68 for a one-shot lead. Malnati made two straight birdies and finished with a par that felt like a birdie. He cleared the steep lip of a bunker with inches to spare and made a 6-foot putt. Apart from Woods, Rory McIlroy (68-76) made it to the weekend, though not by much. Woods at T-48 made his only birdie on his final hole for a 73 that assured him a cut at Quail Hollow for the first time since 2009. McIlroy was also T-48th. Malnati leads at 7 under par, while Jason Day (69-67) and rookie Aaron Wise (68-68) are one shot back. Paul Casey (69-68) and Charl Schwartzel (70-67) are two strokes behind. The cut .
Sandhu drops late bogeys but stays second, Bhullar fifth in Korea
India's Ajeetesh Sandhu suffered finishing blues in tough conditions for the second day running but still stayed in sight of his second Asian Tour win at the 37th GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship here today. Sandhu, who started the day with birdie-birdie to take sole lead, dropped a bogey on third and a double on fifth and later ended bogey-bogey on 17-18. Yet his third round of 3-over 74 still kept him in tied second alongside two Koreans -- Lee Sanghae (68) and Park Sanghyun (71). The leader for the second day running was Lee Dongha (75) and he is two-under for 54 holes. In a tournament where scoring has been tough, only four players are under par. Playing in blustery conditions at the Namseoul Country Club, Sandhu had two birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey in his 74. Another Indian star Gaganjeet Bhullar had a series of 18 pars for an even par 71 and he shared the fifth place with Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond, Phachara Khongwatmai and Korea's Dongmin Kim, Junggon .
Family the focus for banned Warner after tampering scandal
Disgraced Australian cricketer David Warner said today he was humbled by the support received following the cheating scandal that rocked the sport, with the feisty opener refocused on his family. Warner was considered the mastermind behind the plan to use sandpaper to tamper with the ball during the third Test in South Africa in March. Speaking for the first time since an emotional press conference to apologise last month, Warner told Australian newspaper NT News he was using his time away from cricket to reconnect with his family. "I think the biggest thing for us has been when you are in a routine you can get caught in a bubble -- cricket, hotels, packing your bags, coming home," he said. Family activities like children's swimming lessons and gymnastics classes are now priorities, he said. "I am making time now and it is worthwhile," Warner added. "I've missed that part where the kids run up to the gate saying 'Mummy and Daddy are here' and I am really enjoying and embracing ...