Page 1673 - Sports

Hosts Malaysia seal another win at ICC WCL Division 4

Hosts Malaysia made it two from two after they defeated Vanuatu by 23 runs at the Kinrara Oval in Kuala Lumpar on day two of the ICC World Cricket League Division 4 last evening.Ahmed Faiz's innings of 86 runs from 101 balls including 13 fours was the foundation for a defendable total for Malaysia.Shafiq Sharif (27) and Muhammad Syahadat (21) also chipped in with valuable runs to get the total to 196 all out in 43.5 overs. Vanuatu's Apollinaire Stephen (2-31), Jelany Chilia (2-48), Nalin Nipiko (2-33) and Andrew Mansale (2-13) worked well together as a bowling unit, taking two wickets apiece.Vanuatu's chase centered on Shane Deitz (46, 72b, 3x4) and captain Andrew Mansale (26, 57b, 1x4, 1x6). Joshua Rasu (24, 47b, 4x4) also chipped in with important runs, but it was not enough as the disciplined Malaysian bowling unit took wickets at important intervals.Muhamad Syahadat (2/28), Mohammad Shukri (2/39) and Syed Aziz (2/22) led Malaysia to victory by 23 runs.In the day's other matches, ..

Inzamam optimistic about Pak's chances against England, Ireland

Inzamam-ul-Haq, chief selector of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has expressed optimism about his young-looking side's chances of thrashing England and Ireland in the upcoming Tests.The former skipper had named five uncapped players in the 16-member Pakistan squad for two-match Test series against England and one-off Test against Ireland.Besides Inzamam's nephew Imam-ul-Haq, opener Fakhar Zaman, batsmen Usman Salahuddin and Saad Ali, and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf are the other four uncapped members to have received maiden Test call-ups.However, Inzamam insisted that though the playing conditions for Pakistan in England were tough, he was confident that his side could defeat their oppositions on their home soil."Our team is quite capable of winning the Test series against England and the one-off Test against Ireland," the Dawn quoted Inzamam, as saying.Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Sami Aslam, Mohammad Amir and Rahat Ali are the only players named in the touring ...

Shahzar Rizvi claims No.1 spot in 10m air pistol rankings

Indian shooter Shahzar Rizvi today grabbed the number one spot in ISSF world rankings, riding on his silver medal-winning performance in the just-concluded World Cup in Changwon, Korea. With 1654 rating points, Rizvi shot to the numero uno spot ahead of Russia's Artem Chernousov (1046) and Japan's Tomoyuki Matsuda (803). The other Indians in the top-10 are Jitu Rai, who is placed sixth on the chart, and Om Prakash Mitharval, at the 12th spot. Besides the silver in Changwon, Rizvi had previously won a gold medal with a world record score at the World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico in March. Among the women, Manu Bhaker, who won a historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, was the only Indian in the top-10 of the women's 10m air pistol rankings at the fourth spot. In the men's 10m air rifle rankings, shooters Ravi Kumar is placed fourth, while Deepak Kumar is at the ninth spot. Akhil Sheoran (fourth) and Sanjeev Rajput (eighth) were the two Indians to find themselves in the top-10 of ...

Former Brazil coach accused of abusing young gymnasts

A former coach of Brazil's national squad was fired by his gymnastics club after Brazilian TV reported he had sexually abused boys, presenting testimony from more than 40 victims. The day after TV Globo's report, Fernando de Carvalho Lopes was officially sacked by the club, MESC of Sao Bernardo do Campo, near Sao Paulo, where he had trained young gymnasts for two decades. The club said in a statement that the coach was "transferred to an administrative position" two years ago "after the first accusations." TV Globo said prosecutors in Sao Paulo had opened an inquiry. In 2016, de Carvalho was axed from the staff of the national team just before the Rio Olympics after a complaint by the parents of a young gymnast. On TV Globo, 42 gymnasts talked of some form of abuse, most frequently touching during and after training. "I was woken up more than once by his hand down my pants," said Petrix Barbosa, a Pan-American champion in 2011, the only witness to talk to the camera without his face ..

Mayweather legacy faces challenge from Thai 'dwarf giant'

After a career laden with belts, cash and kudos, boxing great Floyd Mayweather Jr retired undefeated over 50 fights -- but his flawless record faces an unlikely challenge from an obscure Thai fighter known as the "dwarf giant". At 5ft 2in (1.57m) and weighing just 105lb (47.6kg), minimumweight Wanheng Menayothin is shorter, leaner and significantly less wealthy than Mayweather, who briefly emerged from retirement last year to fight MMA star Conor McGregor for a USD 100 million purse. If Wanheng triumphs tomorrow afternoon he will equal Mayweather's feat of winning 50 successive fights. His WBC minimumweight belt is on the line against Panamanian challenger Leroy Estrada. The fight, to be held outside the town hall of second-tier Thai city Nakhon Ratchasima, has none of the glitz or pay-per-view pull of a Mayweather bout in Las Vegas. But still Wanheng will enter boxing lore with victory -- and, at 32 years of age, has time to go one better and match the 51 wins, one draw and no losses

Australian cricket cheating plot sparks ethics review

Cricket Australia today appointed an ethics guru to review the sport's culture in the wake of the cheating scandal that has rocked "the gentleman's game". The governing body said it wanted to ensure there was never a repeat of the conduct during the third Test against South Africa in March that tarnished Australian cricket's reputation. "We understand and share the disappointment of fans and the broader Australian community about these events," CA chairman David Peever said in a statement. "The board is determined to do all we can to prevent such events from ever happening again." During the match in Cape Town, captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft plotted to tamper with the ball using sandpaper, earning themselves lengthy bans. Coach Darren Lehmann also resigned amid criticism he allowed a win-at-all-costs attitude to flourish that gave rise to the cheating scandal. CA has acknowledged cultural issues within the team and today said Simon ...

Chhattisgarh Para-athlete requests Raman Singh for job

Shrimant Jha, a 25-yr-old para-athlete from Bhilai who has won several medals at National and International level in arm wrestling and has also been leading Chhattisgarh specially-abled cricket team has requested the state government to provide him a job so that he can concentrate on his games."I want administration to see my performance. I also have diploma in Mechanical engineering. Like how players are being helped in other states, I want Chhattisgarh government to help me so that I can concentrate on my game and win a medal for the country at upcoming Olympics," Jha told ANI.Shrimant's mother Manorma Jha requested Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh to provide his son with the job he deserves.'I sold whatever jewellery I had to send him abroad for games. My husband lost his job 4 yrs ago. We are struggling to make both ends meet. He is getting weak in lack of proper nutrition. I request CM to provide him with the job he deserves," she said.Jha won a bronze medal at the Asian ..

Trump makes appeal for 2026 World Cup in North America

President Donald Trump today called on African countries to get behind the joint North American bid to host the 2026 World Cup. Trump made the appeal during a Rose Garden press conference today with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria. The US is joining with Canada and Mexico in the bid for the quadrennial soccer tournament. The African country Morocco is also bidding to host the 2026 event. "I hope all African countries and countries throughout the world, that we also will be supporting you and that they will, likewise, support us in our bid, along with Canada and Mexico, for the 2026 World Cup," Trump said. He added that the US "will be watching very closely," and said the US "would appreciate" any help in securing the bid. Trump's comments came in the context of highlighting American assistance to Nigeria and follow a veiled threat to withhold US support from countries opposing the North American effort. "It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby ...

IBFF conducts Third Edition of National Blind Football Tournament

The Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF) has conducted the third edition of All India Invitational Blind Football Tournament in Kerala's Kochi.More than 100 players from across India are participating in the tournament, being held from April 27 to May 1.The Round Robin League Games were played from April 27 to April 29 at the Alwaye Blind School Grounds.On April 30, both the semi-finals were played at the Jogo grounds. Finals of the tournament will also be played today at the same ground.IBFF is an independent federation setup formed in 2016 affiliated to the Paralympic Committee of India and IBSA, New Delhi and promoted by Society for Rehabilitation of the Visually Challenged, Kochi.Blind Football is an exciting, fast paced 5-a-side football played by visually impaired athletes using a ball with a noise-making device inside. Played on a smaller pitch on an enclosed court, the game was only introduced as a Paralympic event in 2004.There is more dribbling and short passing than in ..

IPL: Watson, Dhoni star as Chennai beat Delhi

Dominating batting from Shane Watson and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Delhi Daredevils by 13 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Monday.

Watson, Dhoni fire CSK to 13-run win

Shane Watson and M S Dhoni scored scintillating half-centuries to set up a 13-run win over Delhi Daredevils here tonight, taking the two-time IPL champions closer to a play-off berth. Watson (78 off 40) and Dhoni (51* off 22) gave a masterclass in power hitting to fire Super Kings to 211 for four after Daredevils opted to field on a good batting surface. Needing more than 10 an over put scoreboard pressure on the visitors and they wilted under pressure. Rishabh Pant (79 off 45) and Vijay Shankar (51* off 31) ensured Daredevils get closer to the target but it was not enough as they ended at 198 for five. Super Kings pacer Lungi Ngidi impressed on his IPL debut, ending with figures of one for 26 in four overs. It was Delhi's sixth loss in eight games and now they are all but out of the play-off race. With a sixth win in eight games, CSK further consolidated their position at the top of the points table. They are tied on 12 points with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Delhi kept losing wickets in ..

PM Modi felicitates CWG medallists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today felicitated the medallists of the recently concluded Co mmonwealth Games in Gold Coast. The athletes feted included boxer M C Mary Kom, wrestler Sushil Kumar and badminton stars Saina Nehwal and P V Sindhu who won the gold and silver respectively in the women's singles at the Games. Later, Modi posted congratulatory messages for all athletes present at the ceremony. "What can one say about @WrestlerSushil, except be overjoyed by his success. He has been winning international medals for India since 2003 and 15 years later it is no different. His Gold Medal in Men's Freestyle 74kg will inspire generations of sportspersons," Modi wrote on Twitter referring to Sushil's feat. For Mary Kom, he wrote: "Consistently excellent, @MangteC gives us reasons to be proud of her. We have a sitting Member of Parliament who is medal winner at the CWG! Congratulations, Mary Kom, for your Gold medal in boxing at the Commonwealth Games!" Another star of the Games, Manika

IPL: Watson, Dhoni lift CSK to 211/4

Openers Shane Watson (78) and Faf du Plessis (33) provided a perfect start before skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (51 not out) and Ambati Rayudu (41 not out) finished the proceedings in style to power Chennai Super Kings to 211/4 against Delhi Daredevils in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match here on Monday.

Watson, Dhoni fire CSK to 211/4

Shane Watson and M S Dhoni smashed brutal half-centuries to power Chennai Super Kings to 211 for four against Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League here tonight. Watson (78 off 40) was back to his brutal best after three low scores and shared a 102-run opening off 66 balls stand with Faf du Plessis (33) after surviving a close lbw call on the first ball of the match. Dhoni (51* off 22) showed his devastating touch in the last five overs which produced 74 runs. It was also Dhoni's second fastest fifty in the IPL. Delhi opted to field on a good batting wicket and Super Kings pounced on the opportunity. Watson was unstoppable after Boult almost had him trapped in front of the stumps with a pacy inswinger at the start of the match. The visiting team took the DRS but the third umpire did not have conclusive evidence to overrule the not out call of the on-field umpire. It was also a bit surprising that the tournament's leading run scorer Ambati Rayudu (41 off 24) did not open the ...

CSK score 211/4 vs Delhi Daredevils

Chennai Super Kings piled up a massive 211 for 4 in 20 overs against Delhi Daredevils in an IPL encounter, here tonight. Shane Watson smashed 78 off 40 balls with seven sixes and four boundaries while Mahendra Singh Dhoni struck 51 off 22 balls that included five sixes and two boundaries. Ambati Rayudu contributed 41 off 24 balls. Brief Scores: CSK 211/4 in 20 overs (Shane watson 78 off 40 balls, MS Dhoni 51 off 22 balls, Amit Mishra 1/30, Glenn Maxwell 1/5) vs DD.

India favourites for 2019 World Cup: Ganguly

Former skipper Sourav Ganguly believes India will go to any World Cup as favourites, whether they win or not, thanks to their consistency and quality.

Real Madrid coach Zidane says focus on scoring early against Bayern

Real Madrid chief coach Zinedine Zidane on Monday said his team's focus is on scoring early against Bayern Munich and winning the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

Pakistan kabaddi team drafts Indian origin players

The Pakistan kabaddi team drafted five Canadian nationals of Indian origin at the World Kabaddi Cup in Australia after many Pakistani players failed to get visa, it was reported on Monday.

Former AIFF Secretary PP Lakshmanan passes away

Former AIFF Secretary PP Lakshmanan passed away today in Kannur after prolonged illness. He was 83. Lakshmanan served AIFF as the Secretary from 1988 to 1996. He was earlier associated with AIFF as Chairman of the Junior Technical Committee, before shifting to the Working Committee in 1982. He also served the AIFF as the Honorary Treasurer from 1984-88. He went on to become senior Vice President of AIFF in 1996 and eventually, became Executive President in 2000, before leaving office four years later. Condoling his death, AIFF President Praful Patel said it is a massive loss for Indian football. It is very sad to hear that Mr. Lakshmanan is no more. His contribution to Indian football can never be forgotten. He was a visionary and had laid the path for the development of Indian Football over the years. May his soul rest in peace, he said in his condolence message. AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das in his message said: He was a very capable administrator whose passion for Football .

Salah lashes out at Egypt FA for 'major insult'

Liverpool's star striker Mohamed Salah has hit out at the Egyptian Football Association over the unauthorised use of his image, saying he feels insulted less than two months before the World Cup in Russia.