Page 1714 - Sports
CWG star Manika Batra recommended for Arjuna
The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) today recommended Manika Batra, the country's only quadruple medallist at the Commonwealth Games, for the prestigious Arjuna Award. "We sent her nomination today. With such a strong performance in Gold Coast, it will be very difficult for the (government) committee to ignore her," a TTFI official told PTI. Batra created history in Gold Coast, single-handedly taking India to a maiden team gold before winning a singles gold, another first. The 22-year-old beat world number four and triple Olympic medallist, Feng Tianwei of Singapore, twice in the tournament. She also secured a women's doubles silver alongside Mouma Das and mixed doubles bronze with G Sathiyan. Her next assignment is the World Team Championships in Sweden from April 29.
Besiktas coach leaves hospital after 'night football died'
The coach of top Turkish football side Besiktas today left hospital after sustaining a head injury that required five stitches when a projectile was thrown in a chaotic and violent cup match against arch Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce. Senol Gunes collapsed to the ground when he was hit by the projectile, apparently thrown from the stands, in an ugly incident that underlined the continued issues with crowd behaviour in Turkish football. "The night football died," was the headline in the Hurriyet daily. "Football in emergency care," added the Fanatik sports daily above a picture of Gunes in hospital on a stretcher. The match, a second leg semi final cup clash at Fenerbahce's ground, was abandoned in the 57th minute after the incident with the score at 0-0. Gunes, 65, the legendary former Turkish international goalkeeper who has led Besiktas to two consecutive championship titles, was taken by his own medical staff to the changing rooms where he received five stitches to the head wound. He .
NADA chief bats for 'no needle policy'
'No-needle policy' is not a requirement of World Anti-Doping Agency but its Indian affiliate NADA would want it to be used in domestic events, said chief Navin Agarwal. "Though it is not a WADA requirement, we support the no-needle policy. We have zero tolerance on doping and implementing 'no-needle policy' would be another step towards preventing doping," Agarwal told PTI today. "Having said that, I am not too sure on how it could be implemented in domestic events in India. Although we would encourage the national sports federations to do so," he added. While India did well at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, two of its athletes, race walker K T Irfan and triple jumper V Rakesh Babu, were ordered to return home for breaching the event's strict no needle policy. The embarrassment came after the Indian contingent escaped unscathed when a needle was found outside a boxer's room. At that time the CGF had merely issued a reprimand to India for not disposing the syringe as prescribed,
Wenger to end 22-year Arsenal stay at end of season
Arsene Wenger will finally bring his 22-year stay as Arsenal manager to a close at the end of the season, the Frenchman announced on today. "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," Wenger said in a statement posted on the club's website. "I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years." Wenger, 68, won three Premier League titles, leading the only side to go a full league season unbeaten in 2003-04, and lifted seven FA Cups during his tenure. However, he has been under increasing pressure to step down from the club's fans for several seasons as Arsenal haven't won the Premier League for 14 years and risk missing out on Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season. Arsenal's only realistic chance of making the Champions League next season is by winning the Europa League where the Gunners face Spanish giants Atletico Madrid
Cricket Australia to name Lehmann replacement in 'coming weeks'
Cricket Australia said today a decision on who will replace national coach Darren Lehmann will be made "in coming weeks". The CA Board met and discussed the process through which a new coach, as well as the captain and deputy of the men's one-day team will be named prior to the team's tour to England in early June. Board chairman David Peever said recommendations for preferred candidates for the leadership positions will be ratified before being publicly announced. "The Board has asked management to provide recommendations regarding candidates for the men's head coach, ODI captain and ODI vice-captain," Peever said in a statement. "The Board is anticipating receiving these recommendations in the coming weeks, with a view to making appointments ahead of the ODI tour to the UK. "Once these appointments have been endorsed and finalised, announcements can then be made." Wicketkeeper Tim Paine has been confirmed as Test captain for the immediate future, however his involvement in the five .
India to compete against SA, NZ & Chinese Taipei in Hero Intercontinental Cup
The Indian football team will be competing against South Africa, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei when Mumbai Football Arena plays host to the inaugural edition of the four-nation Hero Intercontinental Cup from June 1 to 10. The Hero Intercontinental Cup which will be telecast live on Star Sports has been planned to be an annual event and will thus have representation from the CAF region in the form of South Africa, New Zealand from the Oceania, and Chinese Taipei from the AFC. While South Africa has participated in previous three editions of FIFA World Cups, New Zealand have competed in the World Cup twice -- both teams last playing in a World Cup in South Africa in 2010. The respective Football Associations of all the participating teams will be sending their first teams for the competition as per the agreements signed with All India Football Federation (AIFF). Every team will be playing each other once with the top two advancing to a Grand finale. The tournament is being organised to
Pacquiao says age no barrier to success
Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao insisted today that his advancing years were no barrier to success as he gears up for a showdown against world champion Lucas Matthysse. Pacquiao, 39, will fight the Argentine -- four years his junior -- for the World Boxing Association welterweight belt on July 15 in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur. The Filipino has won an unprecedented eight world titles in different weight classes but some have raised questions about his ability to box at the top of his game due to his age. But at a joint press conference with Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, he dismissed such concerns. "It's not about a number, it's not about age, that doesn't matter," he said. "It depends how you discipline yourself in training, how you prepare." Pacquiao said that the fight against Matthysse would not be his last, as he wants the final bout of his career to take place in his homeland. "Definitely this is not my last fight," he said. "I think I still have got a couple of more ..
No room for error as Barca face Sevilla in Copa del Rey final
Barcelona and Sevilla will know the success of their respective seasons is on the line when they go head to head in the Copa del Rey final tomorrow. The Cup would certainly have been third on Barca's list of priorities only a month ago, but the shattering Champions League defeat to Roma has altered perceptions of what might have otherwise have been a stellar campaign. Unbeaten in La Liga and virtually certain to win the title, a domestic double may not be enough to remove the lingering disappointment from Rome, particularly if arch rivals Real Madrid clinch their third consecutive European crown. "I live with a little anxiety," Barca midfielder Philippe Coutinho said Thursday. "But it is a very important and very happy moment, playing a final only two or three months after arriving." Another surprise loss this weekend would certainly settle the argument, even if it seems strange to declare a team under pressure six days after they marked the longest unbeaten run in La Liga history. In
IPL: Delhi, Bangalore eye return to winning ways (Preview)
Currently languishing at the bottom of the Indian Premier League (IPL) table, both Delhi Daredevils (DD) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be aiming to return to their winning ways when they face off at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Saturday.
India can do well in World Championship: Sathiyan
India's number one men's table tennis player G Sathiyan, who won three medals on his Commonwealth Games debut, says the country has a good chance of finishing on the podium at the upcoming World Championship. "It has been a great performance. Great experience playing in my first Commonwealth Games. I have played a lot of tournaments, Pro-Tour events. But this is very different from normal Pro-Tour events. "There was lot of pressure and expectations. I was happy that I was able to take the pressure and do well. Winning three medals is a great achievement for me," he told PTI in an interaction. Apart from the gold in the men's team event, the Tamil Nadu player won a silver in the men's doubles partnering A Sharath Kamal, and a bronze in the mixed doubles with Manika Batra at the Gold Coast Games. Sathiyan, who has risen to No. 46 in the latest ITTF World Rankings, said the good showing by the country's players bodes well for the forthcoming World Championship in Sweden and they could ...
RCB, DD seek revival after ordinary IPL beginnings
Royal Challengers and Delhi Daredevils are desperate for a win and both will be trying to outdo each other in the Indian Premier League here tomorrow. RCB and Daredevils find themselves at bottom of the points table with just a win each from four matches. Both RCB and Daredevils go into the crucial tie tomorrow after losing to Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively. The Virat Kohli-led side started its campaign on a losing note against KKR, but bounced back in the next match against Kings XI Punjab at home, before losing the next two matches against Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. RCB must tighten-up their bowling having conceded 200 plus runs in the previous two games at home. The spin duo of Yuzuvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar have gone for runs and would be itching to put up a better show tomorrow. It will be a challenge for them against Delhi who boast world-class batsmen including Jason Roy, Gautam Gambhir, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Glenn Maxwell. On
Cricket Australia to name Lehmann's replacement before UK tour
Few weeks after Darren Lehmann stepped down as the coach of the Australian men's cricket team, Cricket Australia has confirmed that that the post would be filled in coming weeks.The coach is expected to be named prior to the team's next playing assignment, which is the Qantas Tour to England in early June.According to cricket.com.au, the Cricket Australia had held a meeting earlier today to discuss the process through which a new coach, skipper and vice-captain of the ODI side will be named.Following the same, Cricket Australia chairman David Peever confirmed that they have sought recommendations to fill these leadership positions from the management and added that once these names are finalised, it would be announced publicly."The Board has asked management to provide recommendations regarding candidates for the Men's Head Coach, ODI Captain and ODI Vice-Captain. The Board is anticipating receiving these recommendations in the coming weeks, with a view to making appointments ahead of
World Cup of tennis in one week is horrible idea: Anand Amritraj
The proposed World Cup of tennis in one week is a "horrible idea" since it will take away the charm of home and away ties which allows countries like India to host players such as Rafael Nadal, contends former India captain Anand Amritraj. The ITF Board of Directors unanimously endorsed the proposal to create a season-ending World Cup of Tennis finals featuring 18 nations. The matches will be played over a week at a single venue in the traditional week of Davis Cup final in November. The idea will be put to vote at ITF AGM in August in Orlando and needs two-third majority to become a reality. The revamp idea has come after the ITF struck a deal with investment group Kosmos, founded and run by Spanish international and FC Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique. It is expected to generate revenue to the tune of USD 3 billion in a 25-year period. "The World Cup of Tennis in the proposed one week format is a horrible idea. If this is being floated by ITF President Dave Haggerty to keep the top
Learnt my lesson from rifle malfunction at CWG, says silver medallist Moudgil
Satisfied with the silver-medal effort in women's 50 metre rifle 3 positions in her maiden Commonwealth Games (CWG), rising shooter Anjum Moudgil said she has learnt a lesson from the setback in the 50m rifle prone event where she was let down by malfunctioning equipment.
Mine is not comeback, it is continuation: Tejaswini
Tejaswini Sawant finishing on top of the podium recently was seen by many as comeback of sorts but the ace shooter, who was away for a brief while, looks at the Commonwealth Games success in Gold Coast as continuation of her journey. The Kolhapur-born Tejaswini shattered the Games record in the women's 50m rifle 3 position event on her way to the gold medal and also bagged a silver in the women's 50m rifle prone event at the CWG. "Actually, yes for others, who don't know about me, it is a comeback for them. But I feel that my journey continued. I had taken a two-month break. I had taken a break due to family issues during the 2014 Commonwealth Games and other international tournaments and because of that gap, performance was not (good) so I could not get selected for those Games. So, that year (2014) went in slack," Tejaswini told PTI. "From 2015, I am at number one position in the Indian team, my performance was good. It is not that I have taken a long break and made a comeback, my ..
Para-athlete Shrimant Jha bags bronze at Asian Armwrestling C'ship
Differently-abled Indian arm wrestler Shrimant Jha made the country proud on Friday by picking up a bronze medal at the Asian Armwrestling Championship, which is being held from April 16 to April 22 in Kazakhstan.The 25-year-old, resident of Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh finished behind Tajikistan's Firuz and Magolia's Munkhbold to settle for the bronze in the 80kg senior category.Following the win, Shriman said he would continue to concentrate on his game and try to do better next time around.He further hoped that this time he gets a job from Chhattisgarh government.Jha, who was born with four fingers in both his hands, has been doing arm-wrestling since 2010 and started representing India since 2013.He is currently working as a junior engineer in a private company to support his family financially.Jha, who has five world championship medals, now aims for the upcoming Para Olympics.He also secured a silver medal in Para-Arm Wrestling World Cup in Poland under 80 kg category.
ICC World T20 Asia Qualifier kicks off in Kuwait
The journey to the men's ICC World T20 2020 continues in Kuwait and Nigeria this week as all 12 regional qualification groups are confirmed, with 62 teams in action aiming to qualify for the main event.The 62 teams will compete in 12 regional qualification groups during 2018 - Africa (three groups), Americas (two groups), Asia (two groups), East Asia Pacific (two groups) and Europe (three groups).The top 25 sides from these will then contest five regional finals in 2019 with eight progressing to the ICC World T20 2020 qualifier.The ICC World T20 Asia group A qualifier starts on April 20 in Kuwait, with Bahrain, Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the hosts all competing for three spots to reach the Asia regional final in 2019.The ICC World T20 Africa group A qualifier is currently taking place in Nigeria, with the hosts competing alongside The Gambia, Ghana and Sierra Leone for two qualifying spots.As well as reducing the number of steps towards a global event to ..
ECB proposes new 100-ball format of cricket
The English domestic cricket is all set for yet another format of the game after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that a revamped eight-team competition will see each side face just 100 balls.The new domestic competition, which will start in the summer of 2020, will see each side face 15 six-ball overs and another 10 deliveries in one over to make up a total of 100 balls.However, it is still remain unclear that at what time the extra 10 deliveries will be bowled while whether those deliveries will be made by just one bowler or more,cricket.com.au reported.The concept is 20 balls shorter than the traditional T20 format of the cricket, which is currently the shortest form of the game that is being played at domestic level by different cricketing nations.While announcing the proposal, ECB chairman Tom Harrison said that this is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game."Our game has a history of innovation and ..
Real Sociedad thrash Atletico Madrid in La Liga tie
Real Sociedad put on an offensive display to defeat second-place Atletico Madrid 3-0 in a Spanish top division football match here.
Gayle, Russell storm in offing as Kings XI Punjab, KKR clash
Table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders and a transformed Kings XI Punjab cross swords in an Indian Premier League contest in which two big-hitting Jamaicans -- Andre Russell and Chris Gayle -- will be up against each other here tomorrow. Gayle was at his best last night when he smashed this season's first century -- a 63-ball 104 not out -- at the expense of one of the best bowling outfits, Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gayle smashed 11 sixes, seven of them coming against the world's top ranked T20 international bowler Rashid Khan, and gave a fitting response to his critics after the humiliation he had faced at the last IPL auctions where he went unsold. The 38-year-old enforcer, who represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and KKR, twice went unsold after 10 glorious years before the Virender Sehwag-mentored side gave him a lifeline. Gayle still had to sit out the first two matches, but when his moment came he played two match-winning knocks, including a 63 against Chennai Super Kings. "A lot of