Page 236 - Sports
Stimac want us to play as a unit: Rahul Bheke
Igor Stimac, newly appointed coach of the Indian national football team, made his mark during the very first practice session at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here on Tuesday, by creating a positive spirit and setting high goals and standards for the players to achieve.
Want 360-degree turn around to level Pak T20I series, says SA Women coach
South Africa assistant coach Salieg Nackerdien said he wants a "360-degree turn around" from the team in the fourth match of the five-match T20I series against Pakistan.The encounter serves as an opportunity for South Africa to level the bilateral series following their four-wicket loss in the third match, which saw the touring side take a 2-1 lead.Having come back from losing the opening match, Nackerdien said the team needs to channel their belief in order to do the same in the fourth clash."We just have to back ourselves. That belief system for me is very important. If you don't have that belief system and can't manage a loss, then we are going to be in trouble. We need to make sure we do that 360-degree turn around again, to get us back into the series and try to win the series. The main purpose for tomorrow is to win the game and do it properly," the coach said in a statement.In the third match, South Africa posted their highest total of the series, recording 138/3 thanks to a ...
Mary Kom wins first bout, assured of medal
Six-time world champion Mary Kom made a successful return to 51kg category, overwhelming Mala Rai of Nepal to reach the semifinals and assure herself of a medal, as the hosts continued to dominate the India Open boxing tournament here Tuesday. Walking into the ring to loud cheers from a packed crowd at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium, the London Olympic bronze medallist wasted little time to record a 5-0 win. Such was the aura of 'Magnificent Mary' that even her opponent showed no regret in the loss and was seen sporting a broad smile while hugging the Indian boxing idol in excitement. "It's also a learning experience for me. The Nepal opponent was experienced and and quite strong. It's glad to be back in India. We all are trying our best to make the country proud," Mary Kom, who made her competitive debut at home in 51kg, said. The celebrated Manipuri boxer had opted out of the Asian Championships last month in order to prepare for the World Championships. Former ..
Firmino gives Liverpool fitness boost ahead of Champions League final
Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino is on course to be fit for the Champions League final against Tottenham after returning to training during the club's break in Marbella. Firmino missed Liverpool's last three Premier League matches due to a thigh injury. But the Brazil international was able to take part in the first session of the squad's pre-final training camp on Tuesday, putting him in the running to face Tottenham in Madrid on June 1. Firmino was the first player to arrive on the south coast of Spain for some individual sessions with strength and rehabilitation staff. Having fallen just short in the Premier League title race, Jurgen Klopp's 26-man group are spending six days in Marbella before returning to England to finalise preparations for their attempt to win Liverpool's sixth European Cup. "Roberto Firmino today trained alongside his teammates following a muscle strain that ruled him out of Liverpool's last three matches," a statement on Liverpool's website revealed. "The ...
Afridi announced as icon player for Euro T20 Slam
Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has joined the Euro T20 Slam as icon player while South African T-20 team's vice-captain J P Duminy and his country mate Imran Tahir will be among the six marquee players. The three-week long tournament will be held in Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands from August 30 to September 22. Afridi will be among six icon players along with Shane Watson from Australia, Brendon McCullum from New Zealand and Rashid Khan from Afghanistan. Duminy and Tahir will join the likes of Chris Lynn from Australia, Babar Azam from Pakistan and Luke Ronchi from New Zealand as marquee players. The remaining two icon players and one marquee player's names will be announced soon. The six franchises - Amsterdam Kings & Rotterdam Rhinos from Netherlands, Glasgow Giants & Edinburgh Rocks from Scotland and Dublin Chiefs & Belfast Titans from Ireland, will try to pick these icon and marquee players in the draft. Afridi said, "I have enjoyed my early days in cricket .
Australia is Gilchrist's favourites, says knockouts haven't gone well for England and SA
Australian great Adam Gilchrist Tuesday picked his country as favourite to win the World Cup and wondered if home side England and South Africa have it in them to prevail in the knockouts. England are the World No. 1 side and will play the showpiece event on their own shores having struck phenomenal form with the bat that has carried them to 11 straight bilateral ODI series wins. But Gilchrist put his money on Australia to add to their five world titles. At Fox Cricket's World Cup launch, when asked who will win it, the former keeper-batsman said: "Australia. Certainly on paper they're as competitive as anyone with the names that are there now and the momentum they built up in the one-day format once they left Australian shores. "Obviously there's confidence there. I just like what I'm seeing and five out of 12 World Cups have come this way so I can't see any reason why we can't win another one." Australia enter the tournament having won consecutive ODI series away from home, against .
Arsenal's Mkhitaryan to miss Europa League final over safety fears
Arsenal manager Unai Emery said Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan's decision to miss the Europa League final against Chelsea in Baku was a "personal" one amid fears over his safety. Mkhitaryan's well-being was a concern for Arsenal due to the tense political dispute between Armenia and final hosts Azerbaijan. The Premier League club have decided against Mkhitaryan travelling with the rest of Emery's squad for the game on May 29. "It's bad news, but we cannot do anything for this issue," said Emery. "I spoke this morning with Mkhitaryan. It's a very personal decision. He wants to play and to help us, but they spoke, both family and him, and decided to not go... I cannot push him to come with us." Arsenal said all options had been explored to guarantee the midfielder's safety. "We are very disappointed to announce that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be travelling with the squad for our UEFA Europa League final against Chelsea," an Arsenal statement announced on Tuesday. "We have ...
Mary Kom wins first bout, assures of a medal
Six-time world champion Mary Kom made a successful return to 51kg category by overwhelming her opponent Mala Rai of Nepal to reach the semifinals and be assured of a medal as Indians continued to dominate the India Open boxing tournament here Tuesday. Walking into the ring to the loud cheers of a packed crowd at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium here, the London Olympic bronze medallist wasted little time in her 5-0 win. Such was the aura of the 'Magnificent' Mary that even her opponent showed no regret in the loss as she was seen sporting a broad smile hugging the Indian boxing idol in excitement. "It's also a learning experience for me. The Nepal opponent was experienced and and quite strong. It's glad to be back in India. We all are trying our best to make the country proud," Mary Kom, who made her competitive debut at home in 51kg, said. The celebrated Manipuri boxer had opted out of the Asian Championships last month in order to prepare for the World ...
Train 18 for exports after domestic demand is met:Rly official
The demand for coaches of India's state-of-the-art 'Train 18' from some Southeast Asian and South American countries will be considered after meeting the domestic need, a Railway Board member said Tuesday. Rolling out the 60,000th coach manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory here, Railway Board member (Rolling Stock) Rajesh Agrawal said ICF would roll out 40 Train 18 trainsets in the immediate future. "Some of the Southeast Asian and South American nations have evinced interest in Train 18 coaches. However, it will be considered after fulfilling the needs of Indian Railways," Agrawal said in a statement. India's first self-propelled (engine-less) Train 18, which was rolled out last year, presently runs between New Delhi and Varanasi as Vande Bharat Express. "It is a matter of pride that ICF has rolled out 3,262 coaches last year (2018-19) making ICF the largest coach manufacturer in the world. In the next year itself, ICF will break its own record by producing more .
Athlete Gomathi tests positive for banned substance
Athlete Gomathi Marimuthu, winner of womens 800m gold medal at at the Doha Asian Championships last month, has been tested positive for a banned substance norandrosterone, which is an anabolic steroid.
Stimac can do great things for Indian football, say Brandon and Bheke
Having got a fresh lease of life after living on the fringes for long, national team players Rahul Bheke and Brandon Fernandes hoped Tuesday that newly-appointed coach Igor Stimac would do "good things" for Indian football. The team had its first practice session under the Croatian at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The squad has assembled to prepare for the forthcoming Kings' Cup in Buriram, Thailand. The King's Cup begins on June 5, when the Blue Tigers take on Curacao in their first match. The former Croatia national team manager wasted little time in formalities and got right into the thick of action aiming to lead the Blue Tigers on an upward surge after inspiring performances in the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year. Speaking on the sidelines of the practice session, Bheke, who got his national team call-up said: "The coach greeted everyone with a namaste and shared his plans about Indian football." He added: "As a team, the coach wants us to play together as a unit and if we have ..
Spurs ban fans for trying to sell Champions League final tickets
Tottenham have given "indefinite" bans to three fans who tried to sell their tickets for the Champions League final against Liverpool. Three Tottenham season-ticket holders listed the seats for the showpiece at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on a secondary market site. But they are not allowed to resell the tickets, leading Tottenham to issue the bans. "The club has this week issued indefinite bans to three season-ticket holders who have listed their UEFA Champions League final tickets for sale on a secondary ticketing platform," a Tottenham statement read on Tuesday. "Once again, we wish to remind all our supporters that any ticket purchased is for the sole use of the individual that purchases it from the club. "Transferring or selling tickets on unofficially breaches our terms and conditions and is against the law. "We shall look to take the strongest possible action against anyone found to be engaging in such activity - including indefinite season-ticket bans. "Please do
Archer sets sight on Kohli's scalp in World Cup
Named in England's World Cup squad ahead of his more experienced colleagues, rookie pacer Jofra Archer Tuesday set his sights on taking the prized wicket of India captain Virat Kohli during the mega event. The 24-year-old Barbados-born Archer was included in the 15-man England squad ahead of fellow pacer David Willey (46 ODIs) only weeks after making his international debut. He has played just three ODIs and a T20I since his first appearance for England earlier this month. Archer, whose father is English, said he has an advantage over his England team-mates as he has already faced some of the world's leading cricketers while playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. "I'd quite like to get Virat out, because I was not able to get him in the IPL because I think a leggie got him in every game he played. I also wanted to bowl at AB (de Villiers) as well, but don't think he's playing for South Africa," Archer was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "Chris Gayle as well," ..
CFI felicitates HMSI for supporting Indian cyclists
The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) here on Tuesday felicitated Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd (HMSI) for supporting young Indian cyclists representing India.
Nieva brothers pursuing Olympic dreams for India, Argentina
Brotherly love gives way to fierce rivalry the moment Indian boxing's high performance director Santiago Nieva's wards lock horns with their opponents from Argentina, coached by his elder sibling, Fabricio. Their paths always crossed while boxing as they pursued the common goal of becoming Olympians. One made it but the other failed. "When I fight I don't think about our brotherhood. Inside the ring, I'm worried about my boxers. He is my brother outside the ring. There's no brotherhood here," Argentina head coach Fabricio told PTI, referring to his younger brother Santiago. Fabricio was furious when Santiago went two-up against him as Pawan Narwal recorded a 4-1 split decision over Argentine Youth Olympic gold medallist Brian Arregui Agustin in the 69kg category men's section at the second edition of the Indian Open here. "I must see the fight again. We thought we won but this is boxing. I don't want to talk about it now," a livid Fabricio said of the decision. "It's normal, it ...
First J&K cyclist to don India colours, Dar dreams of Olympics
With international medals boosting his confidence, Jammu and Kashmir cyclist Bilal Ahmad Dar dreams of representing the country in the Olympics one day. Hailing from Kawoosa village in Budgam district, the 18-year-old Dar is the first cyclist from Jammu and Kashmir to represent the country. His family cultivates fruits and vegetables and he was spotted during a talent hunt in Srinagar. Dar won two medals -- a silver in the 3km individual pursuit and a bronze in the 4km team pursuit -- at the Asian Junior Championships held in Jakarata earlier this year. "I was selected through trials in Jammu and Kashmir. I was the first among all the athletes," Dar told PTI on Tuesday. Cycling is not very popular in the Valley but his father and fellow villagers inspired Dar to take up the sport. "My father used to ride a cycle and then there were a lot of people in my village cycling around that's how I got the inspiration to ride," he said. Dar was today felicitated by the Cycling Federation of ...
Kerkar's 70 guides Namo Bandra Blasters to four wicket-win
Opener Eknath Kerkar's blazing 70 guided Namo Bandra Blasters to a four wicket win over Sobo Supersonics in their T20 Mumbai League game here Tuesday. Kerkar's 51-ball knock, in which he struck nine fours and his twin partnerships of 64 with captain Shreyas Iyer (31 off 26 balls) for the second wicket and 46 with Prasad Pawar (31 off 16 balls) for the fourth were enough for the Blasters to overhaul the target of 152 runs in the last over despite a late stutter. However, had it not been for a superlative performance - both at the start and the death - by right-arm pacer Nikhil Date (3/27) and left-arm spinner Aditya Dhumal (2/28), the Blasters would have found it difficult to restrict Supersonics to a below-par total of 151 for eight. Kerkar then starred in the chase. With captain Iyer playing the big shots, Kerkar preferred to time the ball through gaps. However, Kerkar threw his wicket away to seasoned pacer Rohan Raje in the 18th over. Prasad Pawar's cameo had virtually
Handling pressure at WC most important: Kohli
India captain Virat Kohli has said handling pressure at the World Cup will be the most important thing and the team will have to play every game with the same intensity as competition is going to be tough.
Unseeded Naisha shocks second seed Renee to enter round three
Unseeded Naisha Srivastav of Karnataka packed off second seed Renee Singh of Rajasthan to enter the girls' singles third round in the CCI 13th Ramesh Desai Memorial Under 16 Tennis Nationals here on Tuesday. Lanky, bespectacled Naisha, ranked 65th in the country, served consistently and dominated the rallies to unsettle Renee, who is ranked fifth, and cruised to a 6-4, 6-2 win to book her place in the last 16 at the Cricket Club of India. However, top seed Sirimalla Sanjana of Telangana did not have to exert herself too much as she sailed past Kanupriya Rajawat of Rajasthan 6-0, 6-0 in another second round match. The boys' event witnessed a major upset as the number one seed Udit Gogoi of Assam crashed at the first hurdle, going down to Ayushmaan Arjeria of Madhya Pradesh in three hard-fought sets in a first round match. Arjeria played steadily and won some close points to clinch a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory. The MP boy proved that his win over the top seed was no flash in ..
Dhoni will be a big player in this World Cup: Ravi Shastri
India team head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday said MS Dhoni will be a "big player" in the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30 in England and Wales."He (Dhoni) has a massive role. As a wicket-keeper, he has shown over the years that there is no one better than him in this format, especially in those little moments which can change the game. Not just taking those catches, but also inflicting those run outs and stumpings," Shastri said at a press conference here, a day before the team leaves for the marquee event."His communication with Virat (Kohli) has been fantastic. It was great to see the way he was moving in this Indian Premier League (IPL), especially when he was batting. The footwork and the power with which he was hitting the shots, he will be a big player in this World Cup," the head coach added.In the World Cup, all 10 teams will face each other in a Round Robin format.Reflecting on the design of the tournament, Shastri said any team can beat anyone on its ..