Page 1977 - Sports
Odisha announces 5-year sponsorship of national hockey teams
Odisha will sponsor the national men's and women's hockey teams for the next five years -- in a first-of-its-kind association, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced on Thursday.
We havent been in this tough position before: Amla
South Africa opener Hashim Amla says his team is not used to the hammering that it has received in the ongoing ODI series against India and the emphatic nature of defeat has taken the Proteas back to the drawing board ahead of the World Cup next year. India won a historic maiden ODI series on South African soil with a 73-run win in the fifth ODI at Port Elizabeth. The sixth and final match will be played in Centurion on Friday. I dont think in one-day cricket weve been in this position. Maybe in 2008 in England, when we didnt have a good one-day series but there are always positives and learning to take from it," Amla told reporters today. "Weve got a few younger guys in the team who will think, Phew, one-day cricket is tough. But thankfully it will only get easier for them because we havent played our best cricket. Weve played decent cricket in patches but sub-par cricket from what were used to." Amla would like to believe that the loss against India is a blessing in disguise ahead ..
FIFA's Infantino says Italy's World Cup failure is a wake-up call
FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed today his despair at Italy's failure to reach the World Cup finals where he had hoped to hand the trophy to Azzurri captain Gianluigi Buffon. "Im sad, yes Im sad for the World Cup. I almost cried," Infantino, who holds both Swiss and Italian nationality, said in an interview with Italys Gazzetta Dello Sport five months ahead of the World Cup final match in Russia. "I think its a collective sadness. Were talking about a team with a great tradition who give their best in events like this. "But those who are in Russia deserved to qualify and in any case Italy stayed out with an Italian President: do we need anything else to say were honest and clean?" Infantino, the Swiss-born son of Italian immigrant parents, took over the scandal-battered world body from disgraced president Sepp Blatter in February 2016. "I would have liked to have given the cup to Buffon though," admitted the 47-year-old. Infantino said that there had been signs of trouble ...
Pakistan to visit India for 2018 Hockey World Cup
The Pakistan hockey team will travel to India to participate in the 2018 World Cup, which will be hosted in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha in November-December this year.Earlier, there were speculations that four-time champions Pakistan will not visit India to play in the World Cup amidst the ongoing political tension between the two neighbouring nations.However, the Indian Olympic Association (IOC) have now put a full stop on all those speculations by saying that Pakistan would be travelling to India for the Hockey World Cup 2018 after getting clearance from the Government of India.IOC President Narinder Batra told ANI that Hockey World Cup is an international event and that if any country is a member of the IOC then no one could stop them from participating."I was always happy holding event in Odisha because it is very friendly state and the environment is also very friendly. I am happy it is happening in Odisha. Pakistan is in qualified 16 teams for the World Cup. Government of India, ...
Mushfiqur, Soumya fire Bangladesh to 193-5 in first T20
Mushfiqur Rahim and Soumya Sarkar smashed half-centuries as Bangladesh posted a record 193 for five in the first Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka today. Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 66 off 44 balls while Soumya hit a 32-ball 51 -- the left-handed openers maiden T20 fifty -- after the hosts elected to bat first. Bangladesh surpassed their previous highest T20 score of 190-5 against Ireland at Belfast in 2012. Sri Lankan leg-spinner Jeevan Mendis claimed two wickets.
Jaipur all set to host IPL matches
A day after Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium was officially confirmed as one of the venues for the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL), Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) Secretary Rajendra Nandu said that the stadium is all set to host the home matches of the Rajasthan Royals.
We are focused on winning a world title: Jhulan
Veteran India pacer Jhulan Goswami today said winning a World Cup title remains her ultimate dream even as she's basking in the glory of becoming the first woman cricketer to take 200 wickets in One-Day Internationals. Down with a heel injury, Goswami returned home today after being ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. She will now head to National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to recover within four to six weeks time. India have never won the coveted World Cup as they narrowly missed the ODI World Cup title going down to hosts England by nine runs at the Lord's in July last year in what was their second defeat in a final. But 2018 provides them another opportunity to take a shot at glory with the World Twenty20 hosted by the defending champions West Indies from November 9-24. "The preparation has begun from the series in South Africa. With about a year left, it's the perfect time for us to prepare in the right way," Jhulan told PTI after returning home. "If we ...
I want to be better than I was, vows Sreejesh upon returning from injury
Seasoned goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh is determined to reach peak fitness and form in time when the key events start this year and promises to be a better player in order to boost the Indian hockey team in a busy year.
India retains 102nd spot; Germany tops latest FIFA rankings
The India football team remained stagnant at the 102nd spot in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday while 2014 World Cup Champions Germany continued to maintain their top position.
Golfers Neha, Saaniya maintain lead in fourth leg of Hero women's Tour
Golfers Neha Tripathi and Saaniya Sharma dropped crucial shots right at the end of their second round but still managed to keep a share of the lead in the fourth leg of the Hero womens Pro Tour here on Thursday.
It's Smith's call: Warner on T20 captaincy
Australia stand-in skipper David Warner believes his future prospect of leading the T20 side will primarily depend on how full-time captain Steve Smith decides to go in his international career.Warner is leading the T20 side in the absence of rested regular captain Steve Smith and that he is the only member of the victorious Ashes side to feature in all three formats of the game this Australian summer.Reflecting on the same, Warner insisted that he is embraced to lead the T20 side in the absence of Steve Smith in the current tri-series and that his fellow team-mates have also appeared to have adapted him well as a captain.Though Australia have traditionally struggled to perform well in T20 cricket, they have managed to win six out of seven games under Warner, including winning their last three matches in a row for the first time since 2014.Australia, meanwhile, also have an opportunity to climb to the number two spot in the world rankings if they manage to beat New Zealand in their ...
Sardar says he's not done yet, eyes 2020 Olympics for parting shot
He might be standing at the twilight of his career, but former hockey captain Sardar Singh is not done yet and wants to give himself a chance till the 2020 Tokyo Olympics before deciding on his illustrious career. Talismanic midfielder Sardar, of late, has been in and out of the team as the management of the Indian men's hockey team is giving chances to youngsters in an effort to get the right combination for a busy 2018 calender. Sardar, who was part of India's Asia Cup winning squad last year, has been dropped from India's last two tournaments -- the Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar and last month's tour to New Zealand. He is currently part of the core probables, but it remains to be seen what the team management is thinking about the veteran even though he himself is still optimistic. "I said it before that I want to continue till the Olympics. There are no major tournaments in 2019 for us apart from Olympic preparation. I will be playing proper hockey this year till the ...
Powar quits as coach of MCA academy
Former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar has quit as the spin coach of the Mumbai Cricket Association's cricket academy, it was learnt here today. Powar, who played for India in both Tests and One-Day Internationals, and also featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL), had been associated with the academy since the past six months, a senior MCA official, who did not wish to be named, told PTI. Powar resigned yesterday due to "personal reasons", the official maintained, adding that his resignation will now be placed before the Managing Committee of the cricket body for approval. Asked whether the MCA has initiated the process to select Powar's successor, the official replied in the negative.
Boxing: AIBA asks IOC to retain 10 men's divisions at 2020 Olympics
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has requested the IOC to retain all 10 men's weight categories in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, suggesting the sparsely-contested women's competition should have just one bronze medal on offer to accommodate the men. The IOC has called for reduction of men's weight categories from 10 to eight in order to ensure five women's divisions in the 2020 Games, pushing forward its agenda of greater gender parity at the marquee event. Currently, there are three women's categories (51kg, 60kg and 75kg) being competed at the quadrennial extravaganza. "AIBA is officially requesting the IOC to accept our proposal to maintain the current 10 weight categories and reduce the number of men boxers in each weight category," the AIBA has said in a proposal to the IOC which is in possession of PTI. The IOC is keen to ensure parity without increasing the medals on offer, which is one gold, a silver and two bronze in every category. "We are also recommending ...
Mirpur pitch rated 'below average' by ICC
For the second time in as many Tests, Bangladesh's pitches have come under the scanner after the International Cricket Council (ICC) gave a "below average" rating to the Shere Bangla National Stadium's pitch which hosted the second Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test last week.
Golfer Meganathan qualifies for National finals
Abhay Meganathan has qualified for the National finals of the Mercedes Trophy golf meet, it was announced on Thursday.
Bengaluru FC Sign Spanish Striker Segovia
Bengaluru FC today roped in 32- year-old Spanish striker Daniel Lucas Segovia for the remainder of the Indian Super League season (ISL). Segovia replaces fellow countryman Braulio Nobrega, who has been ruled out for the season due to a knee injury. Born in Madrid, Segovia first began playing football at the youth setup of Rayo Vallecano where he made his professional debut in the Segunda Division in 2004-05. He then plied his trade in a string of Spanish clubs, before moving to Austria to sign for St. Plten. The striker scored 29 goals in 48 league appearances for St Plten. He then joined FC Admira for the remainder of the season, followed by Wolfsberger. After a brief stint with Admira and Wolfsberger, Segovia returned to St Plten. In January 2017, he moved to Azerbaijan joining Premier League side Neftchi Baku. Having completed formalities on a short-term deal till the end of the season, Segovia said hearing good things about Bengaluru persuaded him to make the move. He completed ...
BCCI red flags 'Sudama Premier League'
The BCCI has warned all its affiliated units against allowing their players to participate in the unsanctioned 'Sudama Premier League'. The tournament was launched in the presence of former India captain Kapil Dev and current DDCA senior selection committee chairman Atul Wassan. Former India players Sanjeev Sharma and former international umpire K Hariharan are also associated with the event. The matches were supposed to be held at the Feroz Shah Kotla but with BCCI sanctions, Kotla will not be allowed to be the host. It is worth mentioning here that the stadium in Greater Noida was banned after it hosted a tournament named Noida Premier League T20. The BCCI had recently sanctioned its registered players from competing in the dubious ventures like Indian Junior Premier League (IJPL) and Rajwada Premier League. Yesterday, BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary wrote to all associations on the "unauthorised Sudama Premier League". "We wish to bring to your notice that BCCI has not given any ..
Abhay Meganathan wins Chennai leg in Mercedes Trophy golf
: Abhay Meganathan today qualified for the national finals of Mercedes Trophy 2018 golf tournament, winning the Chennai leg with a nett score of 69.4 at the TNGF Cosmo course here. Meganathan clinched the qualification spot by carding a nett score of 69.4 including a remarkable holein-one on Hole No.8 (Par 3). He will compete in the national finals to be played at the Oxford Golf Resort in Pune from April 4 to 6. "This is the first time that I am winning a trophy and I haven't been able to play regularly. I just wanted to hit the greens but the hole-in-one was a bonus," Meganathan, vice chairman of Rajalakshmi Engineering College here said. India cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath also participated in the tournament, a press release said. The best Gross Winner of the day was Darshan Veera Raghavan with a round of 76. Prominent winners included Chummar Verghese who won the Ballantine's Long Drive Challenge with a mammoth drive of 300 yards. Venkatesh Sundar won the ...
Odisha to sponsor national hockey teams for 5 years
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday announced that the state government will sponsor the Indian National Hockey teams for the next five years."It is a historic step for us to support and sponsor Indian hockey teams- men and women for the next five years. This is Odisha's gift to the nation. Today, every Odia is proud that team India will wear Odisha's logo," Patnaik said while unveiling new jersey for the teams for the upcoming Hockey World Cup in Odisha.He added, "We are delighted at this association with Indian hockey team and we thank Hockey India to have given us the platform. Hockey in Odisha is more than a sport. It is a way of life, especially in our tribal regions where children learn to walk with hockey sticks.""No wonder Odisha has produced India's finest hockey talent. This is a first where a state govt. will not just be promoting a sport within its boundaries but will support and nurture Indian hockey," Patnaik further said.Odisha was the host city of Hockey ..