Page 2159 - Sports
Last leg of PBL begins here tomorrow
Exciting contests are on the cards as the last leg of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) begins here tomorrow. All four teams featuring in the last leg are in contention for the top four slots. Delhi Dashers and North Eastern Warriors (both 11 points), who are placed sixth and seventh in the eight-team table, have as much a chance as the top two teams currently leading the standings, Bengaluru Blasters and Hyderabad Hunters. Table-toppers Bengaluru Blasters (15 points) and Hyderabad Hunters (14 points), who play the last match of the league before the semis, cannot breathe easy either as the other teams can overhaul their tally and displace them from the top. Each team can rake up a maximum of six points if they win all their five duels (four points each from four wins and two points from the Trump match). The only advantage for Bengaluru and Hyderabad before they clash on Thursday is that they would clearly know how many points they need, to maintain their status at ..
NKorea Pyeongchang participation 'great step forward' for
North Korea's decision to take part in the Winter Olympics in the South was a "great step forward", IOC chief Thomas Bach said today. North Korea, which boycotted the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, will send its athletes to the Winter Games in the South, the rivals announced today after their first formal talks in more than two years following high tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme. "These proposals mark a great step forward in the Olympic spirit," said Bach. The IOC will now wait for the "official reports and the official proposals from the Tuesday meeting", an IOC spokesperson said. "The IOC will then discuss these proposals in particular as far as the participation, the number and names of athletes from the NOC of DPRK, and the format of their participation (flag, anthem, ceremonies, etc.) are concerned. "We will continue to have these discussions in a positive and constructive way. Following this consultation, the IOC EB (executive board) will take the
Trump gets sporting boos and cheers in US south
US President Donald Trump received a mixed reception from football fans in America's conservative south today, a partial rebuke on his political home turf. Tens of thousands of fans at a college championship game in Atlanta between the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama booed and cheered has he took to the field for the national anthem. A camera near the locker room where the Alabama players were exiting meanwhile appeared to catch one shout an expletive as he made his way to the field. Some fans had been stuck outside for an hour during an unusually frigid and wet evening as the area around the stadium locked down for the arrival of the president's motorcade. Trump, who has made respectful observation of the national anthem at sporting events a fiercely divisive political issue, stood at midfield and sang some of the "Star-Spangled Banner," while remaining silent at other times. The mixed reception could be a worry for the White House, coming deep in ..
Canara Bank, Hockey MP score wins on second day
Canara Bank and Hockey Madhya Pradesh were the only teams to record victories while others drew their matches on the second day of the eighth Hockey India Senior Men National Championship (B Division). Verghese John Kallikkadan scored though a penalty stroke in the 56th minute to Canara Bank a 1-0 win over Vidarbha Hockey Association in a Pool B match. It was their second consecutive win in the competition. In a Pool C encounter, Hockey Madhya Pradesh edged out Chhattisgarh Hockey 4-3. Hockey Madhya Pradesh were given a 2 -0 lead after just seven minutes into the game as Prakash Singh Rawat (6) and Meet Singh Thakur (7) scored. However, Chhattisgarh Hockey pulled one back in the 18th minute through Upendra Pillay. But Hockey Madhya Pradesh scored two more to establish a 4-1 lead as Shivam Bahmare scored in the 30th minute and Meet Singh Thakur scored his second of the game in the 38th minute. Chhattisgarh Hockey made it a nervous final few minutes by scoring twice ...
Bhuvneshwar achieves carer-best rank; Kohli, Pujara drop
India's swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar today jumped eight places to a career-best 22 following his impressive show in a lost cause in the first Test against South Africa but Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara slipped in the ICC ranking ladder. Kumar had taken six wickets across two South African innings in the first Test, which India lost by 72 runs. In the rankings for the Test batsmen, Australia's Steve Smith remained on 947 points in first position, but there was some movement just behind him. India skipper Kohli lost the second position to his England counterpart Joe Root and was placed third ahead of Kane Williamson, who was ranked third before. Root earned 26 points from the Sydney Test, in which he was dismissed once while scoring 141 runs, but Kohli dropped 13 points after his contributions of five and 28 at Newlands. Pujara's scores of 26 and four resulted in his total falling by 25 points. South Africa's Hashim Amla and Dean Elgar slipped three places apiece to ..
Sonia, Shashi impress in women's boxing Nationals
Former world champion Sarita Devi (AIP) and Asian boxing championship silver medallist Sonia Lather stormed into the quarter-finals of the second elite womens National boxing Championship, scoring facile wins here on Tuesday.
I earn more playing for Bengaluru than Stabaek: Gurpreet
He is the only Indian to get a start in an Europa League game but the country's numero uno goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu revealed that Bengaluru FC pays him much more than what he used to get at Norwegian club Stabaek FC. "People had that perception that I was earning more playing for the Norway club. But it wasn't the case. I am earning more playing Indian Super League," he told PTI during an interaction. However the gigantic Punjab lad won't mind if he is paid Rs 17 crore like India captain Virat Kohli, who represents city's cricket franchise Rpyal Challengers Bangalore. "Whether it's me or any footballer, we would love to get paid as top cricketers, who get Rs 16-Rs17 crore playing IPL," Gurpreet said. Gurpreet, however, said he would go back to European clubs if it meets his terms and conditions. "When I went to Europe, I did not set any terms. I only thought of improving and developing my game. Now, I have some international exposure, if I get a chance to play ...
Being an intl cricketer makes me HCA member: Azhar
Former cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin on Tuesday responded to allegations made by Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) President Dr G Vivekanand over his association with an unofficial cricket body and said that being an international cricketer automatically made him a part of the HCA."I am the office-bearer of the National Cricket Club. Even if I am not, even if you reject that, I automatically become a member of the HCA for playing for India. Being an international player, I automatically become one. They are saying that they are following Lodha, if they are following Lodha then they would have allowed me," Azharuddin said, while talking to ANI.The former skipper also said that it was a valid card and he had no information about the secretary being suspended."It is valid card; it's been signed by the secretary and issued to me on January 3. How am I going to know that the secretary is going to be suspended on January 5," he added.Azharuddin also criticised the HCA president ...
Hockey players now happy with proper facilities in Imphal
Players, who are participating in the 8th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship (B Division), have been provided better facilities in their accommodation, after the players had complained initially over the lack of basic facilities.This changeabout came after ANI reported the story and made the problems of the athletes heard.The players are now getting heaters, proper blankets and mattresses to sleep on. Their rooms have been turned into well-furnished and toilets are now being kept spick and span. They are now happy and have thanked the authorities for looking into their problems.ANI had, on January 7, reported that the players, who arrived in Imphal to participate in the hockey tournament complained of inadequate facilities provided to them by the sports authorities.The players lamented they were not being provided with blankets, adequate food or proper toilet facilities.Carappa, a player from Bangalore, had said, "It is very cold here. We need thick blankets and hot water ..
Senior Basketball Nationals in Chennai from January 17
The 68th Senior National Basketball Championship for men and women will be held in Chennai from January 17t to 24. Uttarakhand men and Kerala women are the defending champions. The championship is being organised by the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association under the aegis of the Basketball Federation of India. The center of attraction would be the number of International players participating in this championship, increasing the level of competition. The prestigious event will feature the best basketball talent from various Indian states and union territories and will be played in a league cum knockout format. The championship is one of the biggest and most important basketball events in the country anually because it plays a major role in the selection process for the senior Indian men's and women's teams based on the players' performances.
Will always cherish my days at Liverpool: Coutinho
Shortly after putting pen to paper for Spanish football giants FC Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho used his Instagram page to post a farewell message to Liverpool and their supporters.
Gulfam tops PGTI's Pre Qualifying I
Delhis Gulfam topped the Professional Golf Tour of India's (PGTI) Pre Qualifying I for the 2018 season carding a five-under 67 in the second round here on Tuesday.
Delhi host Kerala in battle of strugglers in ISL (Preview)
Winless in the last seven matches, Delhi Dynamos will hope to turn it around when they entertain an equally struggling Kerala Blasters in a Hero Indian Super League (ISL) match here on Wednesday.
Mariners face Minerva Punjab FC challenge
The winless run broken, Mohun Bagan will look to continue the momentum when they take on Minerva Punjab FC in their penultimate Hero I-League home game here tomorrow. The Green and Maroons are high on confidence after finally scoring in a game from open play after four matches. Chief coach Sankar Lal Chakraborty, who is only a game old in his new position, will be looking to lift his side from mid-table incongruity. "We are trying hard to do well but unfortunately that's not happening. No one wants to lose or draw but it happens. The big teams, who are title contenders, will never want this bad patch to continue. We have promised to come back soon," said Chakraborty. With league leaders East Bengal dropping points the other night, Mohun Bagan can ill-afford to take any chances against Minerva Punjab FC, who looked like the runaway favourites for the title when the season began. Sony Norde is still nursing his injury but the focus will be on Cameron Watson who played the .
ISL: FC Goa sign Nawaz and Lalmuankima
FC Goa on Tuesday announced the signings of India U-19 goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz and winger Lalmuankima.
I-League: Mohun Bagan in for tough Minerva Punjab encounter
Mohun Bagan can only aim for three points and no less when they host Minerva Punjab FC in their penultimate I-League home game at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Wednesday.The Green and Maroons are high on confidence after finally winning and scoring in a game from open play after four matches.Head coach Sankar Lal Chakraborty, who is only a game old in his new position as the full-time chief coach, will be looking to lift his side from mid-table incongruity."We are trying hard to do well but unfortunately that's not happening. No one wants to lose or draw but it happens. The big teams, who are title contenders, will never want this bad patch to continue. We have promised to come back soon. The last match we had won but we have to improve", said Chakraborty.With league leaders Kingfisher East Bengal dropping points the other night, Mohun Bagan can ill-afford to take any chances against Minerva Punjab FC, who themselves looked like the runaway favourites for the title when the season ...
Kohli, Pujara slip in ICC Test rankings
The 72-run loss in the opening Test to South Africa has cost India skipper Virat Kohli a drop to the No.3 spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test batsmen rankings, which were released here on Tuesday.
FC Goa sign Mohammed Nawaz and Lalmuankima
FC Goa have announced the signings of India U-19 goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz and winger Lalmuankima with the former joining the development team in the Goa Pro League while the latter will ply his skills in the first team set-up. Nawaz is a Manipuri born goalkeeper, who was part of the Indian team that took part in the 2016 BRICS U-17 tournament held in Goa and started for the team in their fixtures against eventual winners Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa. He was also a part of the Indian U-19 team that took part in the AFC U-19 championship in Saudi Arabia recently. Lalmuankima is an established I-league player, who was a part of the Aizawl FC set up. He is a winger, who can play as a forward/inside forward as well. He made history with Aizawl when the club won the 2016- 2017, finishing ahead of a number of Indian heavyweights. Additionally, he was awarded the Best Forward of 2017 in the Mizoram Premier League.
Yuvraj scores 50 in Punjab's thrilling 2-run win vs Delhi
Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir began their quest to get fresh IPL contracts in earnest, hitting half-centuries, as Punjab pipped Delhi by two runs in a marquee North Zone encounter of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Yuvraj scored 50 off 40 balls, an innings that was overshadowed by Manan Vohra's 74 off 50 balls, as Punjab scored a decent 170/3 in 20 overs. In reply, Gambhir kept Delhi in the game with a 54-ball 66, but his team finished at 168/4 in 20 overs. Three IPL franchises -- Delhi Daredevils (CEO Hemant Dua), Mumbai Indians (TA Sekar) and RCB (Avinash Vaidya) had their representatives checking out the form and fitness of various players before the auctions on January 27 and 28. The BCCI tournament's sole purpose is to give talent scouts of various franchises a taste of new talent and an update on the form of some proven performers. The two seasoned pros, Yuvraj and Gambhir, who till recently were soughtafter T20 players, showed their prowess, albeit with sporadic ...
'Uncapped' Madushanka in Lanka squad for B'desh ODI tri-series
Uncapped fast bowler Shehan Madushanka has been included in the 16-man Sri Lanka squad for this month's ODI tri-series in Bangladesh.The tri-series, which will also feature Sri Lanka, will begin on January 15 and run till January 27.Madushanka, who has appeared in only three first-class games and three List A matches so far, has been selected for the tri-series on the promise of his pace.Talking about Madushanka, new coach Chandika Hathurusingha suggested the national selectors that the rookie player should be groomed with the 2019 World Cup in mind."He's got pace and you can't coach that. When we go to the next World Cup, we'll need about seven or eight fast bowlers who have played at least 15 ODIs each. We've chosen Madushanka as a player we might use in the long-term," ESPNcricinfo quoted Hathurusingha, as saying.The likes of Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis and legspinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga have also made a comeback to the squad.While Hathurusingha said that Chandimal's .