Page 259 - Sports
Igor Stimac appointed as head coach of Indian football team
Former Croatia international Igor Stimac has been appointed as the head coach of Indian men's senior team on a two-year contract by the executive committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday.Stimac comes with an experience of over 18 years in coaching, structuring and developing football and players in Croatia and internationally. As a coach, he guided Croatia to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2014 hosted by Brazil.He also played a pivotal role in developing likes of Dario Srna, Daniel Subasic, Ivan Strinic, Kovacic, Perisic among others. Stimac's last assignment was with Al-Shahania Club in Qatar.As a player, Stimac was part of the Croatian squad which finished third in the FIFA World Cup 1998 held in France. He was a member of his national team which qualified for the quarterfinals of the UEFA European Championship 1996 in England. Besides, he was also part of the Yugoslavia U-19 national team which won the FIFA U-20 World Cup 1987 in Chile."Igor is the right ..
Peter Fulton to be NZ's batting coach post World Cup
Former New Zealand batsman Peter Fulton will take over as batting coach of the national side following the World Cup which is slated to be held in England and Wales from May 30.
McDermott makes a return; Lynn out for Queensland
Queensland Bulls on Wednesday announced the contracted players' list with Chris Lynn's name missing in the list.Interestingly, Lynn was the leading run-scorer in the JLT Cup in 2018-19, hitting 452 runs at 75.33, which included two tons. Hence, his exclusion came as a surprise to many."Chris is very much in our thinking for our one-day set-up in light of his performances last summer and we will work closely with him in the lead-up to the season once again," Queensland's official website quoted Wade Seccombe, team's coach, as saying.Other players who could not make it to the list were Luke Feldman (retired), Peter George, and Sam Truloff.However, pacer Alister McDermott has made a return to the Queensland Bulls contracted players' list, ending his three-year absence from the team. Also, Australian Under-19 batsman Corey Hunter and Brisbane Heat left-arm paceman Matthew Willans are new faces in the Rookie contracted list.Queensland Men's 2019-20 Squad include: Usman Khawaja, Xavier ...
10 power hitters who can take the World Cup by storm
With just 15 days remaining for the start of the much-awaited 2019 World Cup, all the participating teams are busy getting their combinations right and are preparing themselves mentally and physically for the showpiece event.
Pakistan's Shadab Khan declared fit for World Cup
Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan has been declared fit for the upcoming World Cup slated to be held in England and Wales from May 30.
Steyn, Rabada on track to play in team's WC opener, says coach Gibson
South Africa's premier pace duo of Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada could be fit to play in their high-voltage World Cup opener against hosts England, according to coach Ottis Gibson. Perennial underachievers South Africa lock horns with tournament favourites England on May 30, and the Proteas are expecting their two best pacers to return to full fitness before the opening game. Both Steyn and Rabada's IPL campaigns wre cut short by injuries, but the latter had picked 25 wickets by then for Delhi Capitals. "There was an issue with KG (Rabada) and there was an issue with Dale, but we feel that those guys are on track," Gibson told reporters on Tuesday. "There's nothing that people should be alarmed about. They're going to both make full recoveries and be able to take their place at the World Cup." The squad converged in the city and took a hike up Table Mountain, and the 50-year-old Gibson, a former West Indies pacer rom Barbados, seemed buoyed by his two pacers' recovery and "excellent" ..
AIFF appoints Igor Stimac as Indian football team coach
Croatian World Cupper Igor Stimac was Wednesday appointed head coach of the Indian football team for a two-year term. The national team has been without a coach since the departure of Stephen Constantine in January, following the creditable show at the AFC Asian Cup. The appointment was made by the AIFF's executive committee. The 51-year-old Stimac, who was part of Croatia's 1998 World Cup squad that finished third in France, comes with an experience of over 18 years in coaching, structuring, and developing football and players back home, and internationally. As a coach, Stimac's major achievement was guiding Croatia to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. During his tenure as the national coach of Croatia, he handed debuts to the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Ante Rebic, Alen Halilovic, and Ivan Perisic, amongst others. He also played a pivotal role in developing the likes of Dario Srna, Daniel Subasic, Ivan Strinic, Kovacic, Perisic, and other players. The centre-back has made ..
La Liga: Antoine Griezmann to leave Atletico Madrid
French international Antoine Griezmann has confirmed that he will be leaving La Liga side Atletico Madrid after the end of the current season.
Gokulam Kerala finish group stage with perfect record
Gokulam Kerala FC finished their Group I campaign with a perfect record as they beat Delhi's Hans Football Club by a convincing 3-1 margin in the Indian Women's League at the Guru Nanak Stadium on Wednesday.Anju Tamang, Ranjana Chanu, and captain Dalima Chhibber scored for Gokulam, while Anushka Samuel netted one for Hans.Gokulam, who have already secured a spot in the semifinals, took the early initiative as their forward Anju put them in the lead in the 10th minute. However, Hans took just a little over 10 minutes to get back on level terms, when Anushka converted a chance.The Kerala side dominated play for most of the first half and eventually regained their lead when Ranjana scored an absolute blinder of a goal. Being played into some space on the right, she took a touch and curled a left-footer above and around Hans keeper Vanshika Rana.Gokulam carried on much in the same vein in the second half as well with captain Dalima Chhibber dominating in the middle of the park, while ...
WC snub will hit me when I'd watch it on TV: Hazlewood
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has said he is bitterly disappointed after not being included in the 15-member squad for the World Cup beginning May 30 in England and Wales.
USA-Canada to compete in pursuit of World Cup spots
The United States and Canada will compete in the ICC Women's Qualifier Americas, beginning May 17, to continue their journey to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 and ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021.The teams will play three T20 Internationals in as many days at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The USA and Canada are just two steps away from the tournaments to be held in Australia and New Zealand in 2020 and 2021 respectively, meaning the honour of representing their region in the next phase of qualification is up for grabs.The Women's Qualifier Americas is one of five regional tournaments acting as a dual qualifier for 27 teams. Firstly, in their pursuit of a spot in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier - taking place in Scotland between August 31 and September 7 this year where they will join Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, PNG, Thailand, and Zimbabwe.Secondly, the winner will also compete in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2020, where it will join confirmed teams ...
Learned a lot in IPL, says England's Jonny Bairstow
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, who scored a brilliant century in the third ODI which England won against Pakistan, said he benefited a lot from his experiences in the just concluded edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Bairstow helps England thrash Pakistan in third ODI
A blistering century by wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow helped England defeat Pakistan by six wickets in the third ODI here at the County Ground.
'I have taken the decision to leave Atletico' - Griezmann
French striker Antoine Griezmann has told Atletico Madrid he will leave them in the close season, the Spanish club said on Twitter. The 28-year-old Griezmann has a contract until 2023 with Atletico, but has a buy out clause of 120 million euros (USD 134 million) and has been the target of several approaches from La Liga rivals Barcelona. "Antoine Griezmann has told the club he will not continue as a Rojiblanco (red and white, the club's colours) next season," the club said on Tuesday. Within a few moments the player then posted a video explaining himself. "After speaking with Cholo (club coach Diego Simeone), then with Miguel Angel and the people in the hierarchy of the club I wanted to speak with you, the fans, who have always given me a lot of love," said Griezmann, wearing a plain black t-shirt in front of a simple white background behind him. "I wanted to tell you I have taken the decision to leave," said the French 2018 World Cup winner. "I have had five wonderful seasons here ..
Guardiola beats Klopp to manager of the year award
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola edged out Jurgen Klopp to a trophy for the second time in three days as the Catalan claimed the League Managers' Association manager of the year. Guardiola's City retained the Premier League title on Sunday, beating Klopp's Liverpool by a single point at the end of a thrilling title race. Having also won the League Cup earlier in the campaign, Guardiola's side could complete a first ever domestic treble in English football when they face Watford in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. Guardiola topped the vote ahead of Jurgen Klopp, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has led Spurs to their first ever Champions League final, and Nuno Espirito Santo of Wolves, who finished seventh in their first season back in the top flight.
Tiger, Koepka hunt more major glory in PGA at Bethpage
Masters winner Tiger Woods, chasing a 16th major title, and defending champion Brooks Koepka lead a powerhouse field into Thursday's opening round of the PGA Championship at rain-drenched Bethpage Black. Woods, who ended an 11-year major title drought last month at Augusta National, and Koepka, who held off Woods to win last year's PGA crown, join reigning British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy in the feature group of the first two days. "I'm just looking forward to playing with him," Koepka said of Woods. "I don't think we've really been paired together too much, especially over the last couple years. It'll definitely be interesting." It's the same layout where Woods won the 2002 US Open and shared sixth behind winner Lucas Glover at a rain-hit 2009 US Open, both times with the vocal support of New York crowds who made the Long Island trek. "This week is going to be a lot of fun with the crowds, the excitement that we've had here," Woods said. "The pairing I'm involved in,
Aston Villa beat West Brom on penalties to reach playoff final
Aston Villa progressed to within one game of a return to the Premier League after edging West Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion 4-3 on penalties in the Championship playoff semi-finals. West Brom won 1-0 on the night at the Hawthorns to level the tie at 2-2 on aggregate thanks to Craig Dawson's first-half header. However, the Baggies' hopes of an immediate return to the top-flight were dented when captain Chris Brunt was sent off 10 minutes from the end of normal time. The hosts held out manfully during extra-time, but Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer saved West Brom's first two penalties of the shootout from Mason Holgate and Ahmed Hegazi. "There's obviously a lot of luck involved but wow," Steer told Sky Sports. "We practise penalties, so I think I must've faced a 100 a day the last few days." Conor Hourihane, Mile Jedinak, Jack Grealish and Tammy Abraham kept their cool from the spot as Villa set up a May 27 Wembley meeting with Leeds or Derby for a lucrative place in the Premier ...
Fulton to succeed McMillan as NZ batting coach
Former New Zealand cricketer Peter Fulton is set to take over as BlackCaps batting coach following the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 in England and Wales.The 40-year-old will replace Craig McMillan, who is stepping down after almost five years in the job. Fulton will begin his role on July 1.BlackCaps coach Gary Stead said Fulton was the stand-out applicant for the role."We are delighted to have Pete come on board after the World Cup and are confident he will be a good fit for our environment. We had a thorough process and utilised our senior players to help assess all the candidates," he said."Pete obviously has a good understanding of batting, but he also demonstrated a clear vision for helping our elite batsmen. He has shown he has the coaching skills through his work with the New Zealand Under 19s and our winter training squads, while we know from his playing days that he will certainly add to our team culture," Stead added.Fulton's term will coincide with Stead's New Zealand ..
Proteas women eager to improve in Pak T20I series opener
After a competitive One-Day International series between the two teams, the Proteas women are set to take on the touring Pakistan outfit in a five-match T20 series, getting underway on Wednesday at Assupol Tuks Oval in Pretoria.The recently-concluded ICC Women's Championship (IWC) ended one-all as Pakistan fought back to tie the deciding match, posting 265/9 in reply to South Africa's total of 265/6 in their 50 overs quota. Despite key performances from stand-in captain Sune Luus (80 off 84 balls) and Masabata Klaas (3/55), the tourists stood up to the challenge with Javeria Khan (74 off 103 balls) and Aliya Riaz (71 from 82 balls) playing crucial knocks to ensure a shared result.Luus admitted her disappointment following the ODI series while credited the subcontinent team's resilience. She also praised her batters' mettle after they produced four half-centuries in response to their below-par performance in the opening ODI defeat."It was not ideal. We wanted to go into the T20Is with .
Poland's Banka proposed as next World anti-doping chief
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Tuesday that government representatives had proposed Poland's sports minister Witold Banka as its candidate to be the body's next president. The 34-year-old former sprinter was recommended by members of the Public Authorities, a panel of government members who help choose WADA chiefs in a special meeting in Montreal. The current head of WADA is the 78-year-old Craig Reedie, who has served two terms in office and who is due to step down in December. WADA rotates its presidency between representatives from the international sports bodies (the International Olympic Committee and federations) and governments. As required by the rules, Banka's nomination will now be submitted to WADA by the end of May for the elections which will take place at the meeting of the WADA Foundation Board in Katowice, Poland in November. Banka was first put forward as Europe's candidate in January, comfortably beating the 41-year-old current WADA vice-president Linda .