Page 545 - Sports

I helped them play, and they played: Pandit on Vidarbha team

Vidarbha Ranji team may not be a chimera for other squads, but these days it is a griffin. There was a time when it was almost isolated and abandoned in the domestic cricket. But in the last two years the team has transformed itself from nothing to something. And the credit goes to its coach Chandrakant Pandit.

Drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh named 2018 Player of the Year by Asian hockey body

Indian defender Harmanpreet Singh has been honoured with the 2018 Player of the Year award by the Asian Hockey Federation while women's team striker Lalremsiami bagged the Rising Player of The Year prize. Harmanpreet contributed to the team's silver medal win at the FIH Champions Trophy in Breda and was also part of the team which won the Asian Champions Trophy last year. The 18-year-old Lalremsiami, on the other hand, has shown remarkable progress in the women's team with her impressive performance as a striker at the 2018 World Cup, the Asian Games where the team won a historic silver. She was also a part of the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires where the under-18 team won a silver. The Indian men's team was awarded the Best Performance of The Year for being the only Asian side to have reached the top eight at the World Cup in Bhubaneswar. The team also came up with a historic silver medal feat at the FIH Champions Trophy in Breda, repeating its success from the 2016 edition.

NorthEast qualify after JFC draw a blank in Chennai

Jamshedpur FC's hopes of reaching the Indian Super League play-offs went up in smoke after a goalless draw against bottom-placed Chennaiyin FC here Saturday. The visitors looked toothless in attack and could not get a win that would have kept them in the running for a spot in the top four. The closest they came to getting it was late in the game when second-half substitute Michael Soosairaj turned in a cross from an offside position. The result sees NorthEast United FC clinch a spot in the top four for the first time in ISL history while Jamshedpur remain fifth and four points behind them. The Men of Steel looked edgy right from the start as they looked to force the issue against the hosts who surprisingly saw more of the ball in the initial exchanges. Though the visitors slowly grew into the game, there were no clear chances in the initial 20 minutes as the teams looked short of ideas in the final third. It were Chennaiyin who had the first shot on goal when Jeje Lalpekhlua managed ..

Afghanistan amass highest score in T20 Internationals

Afghanistan on Saturday posted the highest total in T20 Internationals, amassing 278 for 3 against Ireland in the second game of the series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium here. Hazratullah Zazai (162 not out off 62) and Usman Ghani (73 off 48) set a new record for the opening-wicket partnership with a 236-run stand as Afghanistan surpassed Australia's 263 for 3 posted against Sri Lanka at Pallekele in 2016. Hazratullah's unbeaten 162 was the highest score by an Asian batsman in T20 Internationals. It was also the second highest T20I score and the third fastest men's century. After Afghanistan elected to bat, Hazratullah blasted as many as 16 sixes and 11 fours in his unconquered innings, while other opener Ghani scored seven fours and three sixes. Afghanistan had won the first T20 by five wickets to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Will soon decide on removal of Pakistan cricketers photos from Eden Gardens: Ganguly

Former India captain and Bengal cricket boss Sourav Ganguly Saturday said a decision would be taken soon on removal of Pakistan cricketers' photographs, including that of PM Imran Khan, from the walls of Eden Gardens in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. Ganguly's comment came after BJP's youth wing workers protested in front of the Eden Gardens, seeking removal of photographs of Imran and other Pakistani cricketers from the walls of the stadium. At least 64 activists of BJP youth wing were arrested for staging protest in front of the iconic Eden Gardens, a senior police officer said. They were later released on bail. "We are working on it. There will be a decision soon," Ganguly told reporters when asked about the removal of photos. The state cricket associations of Vidarbha, Punjab and Rajasthan have already removed pictures of Pakistan cricketers in the aftermath of the terror attack which killed more than 40 CRPF personnel. Pakistan-based terror outfit, Jaish-e-Mohammad, has ..

Pochettino in ref rage as Spurs stunned by Burnley

Mauricio Pochettino admitted his emotions got the better of him after Tottenham's Premier League title challenge suffered a crushing blow in a controversial 2-1 defeat against Burnley on Saturday. Pochettino's side would have moved within two points of leaders Manchester City with a win at Turf Moor. But they squandered the chance to enhance their title prospects with a sloppy display that saw Chris Wood put Burnley ahead after half-time. There was controversy about Wood's goal as it came from a corner that Tottenham felt shouldn't have been given. But Pochettino's men had a break of their own when Kane, back after missing seven games with an ankle injury, capitalised on a throw-in that was taken in the wrong place. At that stage, Tottenham looked poised to push on for a fifth successive league victory. However, they paid the price for sloppy defending as Barnes struck with seven minutes left to extend Burnley's unbeaten league run to eight matches. It was a bitter blow for third ...

Simeone apologises for controversial celebration

Diego Simeone has apologised for clutching his genitals to celebrate during Atletico Madrid's 2-0 win over Juventus on Wednesday. After the match, Simeone said his gesture, directed towards the crowd at the Wanda Metropolitano after Jose Gimenez scored Atletico's opener, was to recognise the courage shown in their victory. But at a press conference on Saturday, the Argentinian expressed regret for his behaviour. "I don't look for excuses, I just want to apologise for what I did during the match," Simeone said. "To the people who have been offended by the gesture, which was clearly a bad way to express what I felt about my players and was in no way directed at Juventus." Atletico play Villarreal in La Liga on Sunday after what was arguably their best performance of the season against Juve, with a place in the Champions League quarter-finals now firmly within their grasp. But Atleti's form has been less impressive in the league, where two defeats in their last three games have left them

Solari questions Barcelona's extra day off ahead of cup Clasico

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has described as "curious" Barcelona having an extra day's rest before next week's Copa del Rey clash between the two sides, the first of two El Clasico derbies in four days. Barca face Sevilla on Saturday while Madrid are away to Levante on Sunday before the two rivals meet in the second leg of their cup semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, with the historic rivals level at 1-1 after the first match at the Camp Nou. "We find it funny," Solari said at a press conference on Saturday. "It's curious. But playing in different conditions, it entertains us a lot and we see it as a challenge." Madrid were also given one day fewer before the first leg earlier this month but had an extra day ahead of the La Liga match at the Camp Nou in October, when Barca ran out 5-1 winners. Solari also dismissed the possibility of Sergio Ramos earning a longer Champions League ban after the defender suggested he deliberately earned a yellow card against Ajax to

I-League: Barraso strikes to hand Minerva a win after 80 days

Defending champions Minerva Punjab FC registered a 1-0 win against Neroca FC on Saturday in an I-League tie, thanks to their new Spanish recruit Juan Quero Barraso's stellar finish.

Niki Poonacha reigns supreme in AITA tennis tournament

: Top-seed Niki K Poonacha of Andhra Pradesh outclassed local lad Dhakshineshwar Suresh 6-3, 6-1 in the final to win the singles title in the MCC-S R Subaramaniam Memorial AITA men's tennis championship here Saturday. In a contest between two tall players, the six-feet, two inch Poonacha used his strong serve to good effect against the 6'5" Suresh to win in 70 minutes. Poonacha broke in the fourth game, capitalising on a couple of unforced errors from his rival. He held serve comfortably from thereon to take the first set 6-3. The second set was a romp for Poonacha as Dhakshineswar asked for a medical break early and had his shoulder worked on by the physio. The lanky Chennai lad lost serve immediately and never recovered after that. The top-seed was in control as he served and volleyed with confidence and came up with some good drop shots to jump to a 4-1 lead. He wrapped up the second set 6-1 with some aggressive play. Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, who is ...

I-League: Real Kashmir eye second spot with win over Arrows (Preview)

AIFF's developmental side Indian Arrows are set to face Real Kashmir FC, which are vying to win the title in their debut season itself, at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday.

Hockey India congratulates Manpreet Singh for AHF Player of The Year award

Hockey India on Saturday congratulated India skipper Manpreet Singh for being awarded the prestigious Player of the Year 2018 award by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) and Indian women's team striker Lalremsiami for being awarded the Rising Player of The Year 2018.Congratulating the duo and the Indian Men's Hockey Team, Rajinder Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India said, "I congratulate Manpreet Singh and Lalremsiami for being awarded the Player of the Year 2018 (Male) and Rising Player of The Year 2018 (Female) by the Asian Hockey Federation."I also congratulate the Indian Men's Hockey Team for winning The Best Performance of The Year 2018 award. I wish these prestigious awards recognizing their efforts paves way for more such inspiring performances by Indian players and lifts the profile of the game not only in Asia but also in World Hockey," Singh said.In the year 2017, SV Sunil had won the Player Of The Year awarded by the Asian Hockey Federation for his performance in ...

ISL: Pune, Delhi keen to keep unbeaten runs (Preview)

FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos FC have been on an upward trajectory of late and will be keen to maintain their unbeaten runs when they clash in an Indian Super League (ISL) at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex here on Sunday.

Sachin wants 2 points, I want World Cup: Ganguly

Reacting to Sachin Tendulkar's comment that he would 'hate' to see India concede two points to Pakistan by not playing them in the upcoming World Cup, former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday said he would rather want the coveted crown and not worry about losing two points.

Will respect government decision on Indo-Pak World Cup tie: Kohli

India skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday said the team would "respect the government decision" in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack as far as playing Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup is concerned.

Confident Chennai focus on consolidating the lead

Table-toppers Chennai City FC would look to consolidate their lead at the top when they face sixth-placed Mohun Bagan in an I-League fixture here tomorrow. Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, would look forward to accumulating three more points under their belt to grab the fifth position on the table, leapfrogging Neroca FC. The first leg between Chennai City FC and Mohun Bagan in Kolkata ended in a 1-1 draw. Mohun Bagan took the lead through Sony Norde before Nestor Gordillo Benitez restored the parity for the Chennai-based side. Chennai City FC's Singaporean coach Akbar Nawas, who is known to make his team play attacking football, is expected to be strengthening his defence which was exposed in their game against Neroca FC which ended in a nerve-racking 3-3 draw. However, a convincing 4-2 win against Shillong Lajon FC in their last encounter will only add to their confidence moving into the important game against Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan. "We have an important game tomorrow and since .

Real Kashmir face Indian Arrows, look to inch closer to title dream

Giant-slayers Real Kashmir FC will look to continue their rampaging run and get closer to the dream of winning the I-League title on debut when they clash with Indian Arrows here Sunday. Debutants Real Kashmir FC are placed third on the points table, five points shy of toppers Chennai City FC and a win would help them leapfrog East Bengal to the second spot with 35 points from 17 games. The visitors last played on February 6 with defending champions Minerva Punjab not turning up for their next home match at Srinagar on February 18 following the Pulwama terrors attack on February 14 which left 40 CRPF jawans dead. Minerva had asked AIFF to postpone the game which the governing body refused, prompting the team to approach the High Court. AIFF referred the matter to its I-League Committee and a decision on whether Real Kashmir will receive full points is still pending. "Our preparation has been going good. We haven't played for almost three weeks and now we are looking forward to another

Manpreet Singh named 2018 Player of the Year by Asian hockey body

Indian skipper Manpreet Singh has been honoured with the 2018 Player of the Year award by the Asian Hockey Federation while women's team striker Lalremsiami bagged the Rising Player of The Year prize. Manpreet led the Indian team to an unbeaten streak at the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat where the team was declared joint winners with Pakistan. He also contributed to the team's silver medal win at the FIH Champions Trophy in Breda and continues to remain instrumental in the Indian midfield. The 18-year-old Lalremsiami, on the other hand, has shown remarkable progress in the women's team with her impressive performance as a striker at the 2018 World Cup, the Asian Games where the team won a historic silver. She was also a part of the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires where the under-18 team won a silver. The Indian men's team was awarded the Best Performance of The Year for being the only Asian side to have reached the top eight at the World Cup in Bhubaneswar. The team also came up ...

India to start preparations for U-23 AFC championship

India U-23 mens football team, which has never qualified for the U-23 AFC championship since its inception in 2014, will start preparation for the qualifying round matches, under coach Derrick Pereira in Goa from March 2.

Delhi Dynamos face Pune FC in an ISL fixture

A top-six finish looks out of the reach but Delhi Dynamos will look to continue their winning momentum and finish the season on a high when they clash with FC Pune City in an Indian Super League fixture here Sunday. Both FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos FC have been on an upward trajectory of late. While Pune have been the in-form team in the league and head into the clash on the back of a six-match unbeaten run, Delhi too are coming into the fixture with a five-match unbeaten run. The Dynamos under Gombau were excellent in their last outing where they came from behind to beat league leaders Bengaluru FC 3-2. New arrival Ulises Davila scored his first goal while young forward Daniel Lalhlimpuia was impressive with a late brace. After a disastrous start to the campaign, the Stallions have turned their fortunes around in remarkable style and now stand a chance to mathematically finish as high as fifth in the league. Former Hull City boss Phil Brown has overseen two victories and as many ..