Page 704 - Sports
France's Pavard signs with Bayern
French defender Benjamin Pavard is set to join Bayern Munich from Stuttgart after the end of the current season on a five year contract, Munich announced on Wednesday.
Hyderabad stay on top as Delhi bow out with a win
PV Sindhu's brilliant victory went in vain as Delhi Dashers grabbed a 4-3 win over defending champions Hyderabad Hunters in the Premier Badminton League Season 4 here on Wednesday. The loss, however, did not make any difference for the Hunters, who continue to enjoy the top position in the table standings, with 24 points. As for Delhi, this was their first victory in six matches in what has been a forgettable season. Six-time Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza was at the stadium to cheer for Sindhu and the tennis star wasn't disappointed. World No 32 Evgeniya Kosetskaya was no match for the BWF World Tour Finals winner. With the added responsibility of being the Hyderabad Trump player, the World No 3 was in no mood to relent and effortlessly triumphed 15-11, 15-9. In the first game, the Russian was able to keep it competitive till 7-7 after which Sindhu wrested away control of the proceedings. Sindhu's pinpoint smashes helped her jump to 10-7 in the second game and she never allowed her .
Pakistan recall Amir for South Africa ODI series
Pakistan selectors Wednesday recalled fast bowler Mohammad Amir in a 16-man squad for the five-match series against South Africa starting later this month. The 26-year-old fast bowler failed to get a wicket in his last five one-day internationals, including three Asia Cup matches in September last year. He was left out of Pakistan's last series against New Zealand, but was redrafted for the one-day side on the back of good form in the ongoing Test series in South Africa. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said there were five changes from the Test side, which is presently in Johannesburg preparing for the third and final Test starting from Friday. "Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Abbas and Yasir Shah have been replaced by Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Hussain Talat, Usman Shinwari and Imad Wasim, respectively," said a PCB release. Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said the squad was selected with the World Cup -- to be held in England from May 30-July 14 this year -- in ...
Osako double triggers 3-2 Japan comeback at Asian Cup
Yuya Osako netted a quickfire double as former champions Japan survived a scare to beat Turkmenistan 3-2 in their Asian Cup opener on Wednesday. The Blue Samurai reached the last 16 at last year's World Cup but had to fight back from a goal down at halftime in an absorbing Group F clash in Abu Dhabi. Turkmenistan captain Arslan Amanov put the plucky underdogs ahead after 26 minutes, unleashing a ferocious long-range drive that arrowed into the top corner. But Osako produced a smart turn and finish inside the box to equalise for Japan 10 minutes into the second half following sustained pressure from the four-time Asian champions. The Werder Bremen striker put Japan in front four minutes later, tapping into an empty net after Yuto Nagatomo's dinked pass over goalkeeper Mammet Orazmuhammedow. Ritsu Doan added a deflected third after 70 minutes as Turkmenistan began to wilt. But Ahmet Atayev swept home a penalty 11 minutes from time to ensure a nervous finish for Japan, who are now ...
Mohammad Amir back in Pak ODI squad for Proteas series
Fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been recalled to Pakistan's ODI squad for their upcoming five-match series against South Africa.The development came in the backdrop of an impressive performance by the 26-year-old in the first two Tests of the ongoing three-match series against South Africa where he took eight wickets at an average of 23.87.Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said that Amir's good show in the Test series made him an automatic choice for the ODI squad."Amir's good performance in the Test series not only made him an automatic selection but also helped us in the decision to rest Abbas," ESPNcricinfo quoted Amir, as saying.Left-hand batsman Asif Ali and pacer Junaid Khan, who were a part of the ODI team for their New Zealand series, have been dropped from the team.The chief selector said that while Asif was not considered for the ODI squad due to an "inconsistent and below-par performance", Junaid was left out due to "fitness issues". He further stated that they have ...
Will give UAE a real fight, says defender Pritam Kotal
After a comprehensive 4-1 victory against Thailand in the opening game, defender Pritam Kotal on Wednesday insisted that India will give hosts United Arab Emirates a real fight in the AFC Asian Cup here. "We have our plans for the UAE game. You will be able to see them while we implement it on the pitch. They are a very good side. We have a lot of respect for them. But we are ready to give it a real fight," Kotal was quoted as saying by All India Football Federation's (AIFF) official website. When asked whether the Blue Tigers view UAE as their toughest opponents in the group stage, Kotal said: "Before the Thailand game, would anybody have said that it was going to be easy? Every match is tough. We expect UAE to be a tough game too. They are the hosts. We have to fight in every game and aim to take three points." The Indian defence played a vital role in keeping the Thai attackers at bay in their last game, and Kotal believes that the back-four has a good chemistry between ...
Japan defeat Turkmenistan 3-2 in Asian Cup
Japan's national football team earned a 3-2 victory over Turkmenistan in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Group F opener held on Wednesday at the Al Nahyan Stadium here.
Khelo India platform for youth to fulfil sporting dreams: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended wishes to participants of 'Khelo India', saying it will give the youth a platform to fulfil their sporting dreams. The Khelo India Youth Games 2019, which will see a host of athletes in action, began in Pune on Wednesday. Among those in action will be champion shooters Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary, world cadet champion wrestlers Anshu and Sonam, Olympian athlete Jisna Mathew, Youth Olympics gold medallist weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga, budding tennis player Mahak Jain and swimming star Srihari Nataraj. "My best wishes to all young friends taking part in the Khelo India Youth Games ...May this tournament showcase the best sporting talent and give our youth a platform to fulfil their sporting dreams," he wrote on Twitter. Referring to the '5MinuteAur' challenge as part of the Khelo India movement, the prime minister said more sports means better health and a fitter nation. "#5MinuteAur is a great effort that will further fitness levels ...
Saurashtra poised for lead while Mumbai score first win
Hosts Saurashtra held the upper hand after they reduced Vidarbha to 280 for 9 on the third day of the Elite Group A Ranji Trophy game in Rajkot on Wednesday. And it was Saurashtra skipper Jaydev Unadkat who led from the front grabbing six wickets conceding 56 runs at the SCA Stadium in Rajkot. The hosts had posted 356 in their first innings and are still 76 runs ahead and well on course to take the crucial first innings lead. For defending champions Vidarbha, who resumed at their overnight score of 63 for 2, veteran Wasim Jaffer stood out with his 98-run knock. Jaffer in his 225-ball stay at the crease, stuck eight fours and a six. But Saurashtra hit at right intervals as they roared back into the game, which was drifting away due to Jaffer's knock. After Jaffer departed, Vidarbha's lower middle order batsman Mohit Kale (66) played a crucial knock. Even Akshay Wakhare (22) and Suniket Bingewar (30) got starts but they failed to convert. Vidarbha's no 10 Aditya Thakare ...
Harendra Singh ousted as Indian men's hockey team coach
Hockey India on Wednesday removed Harendra Singh as the coach of the Indian men's hockey team following their disappointing run in the recently-concluded Hockey World Cup.The Dronacharya Awardee, who earlier coached the junior hockey team, has been offered to be at the helm of the latter again.Hockey India, in an official release, stated that the junior hockey team scaled many highlights under the leadership of Singh, which is the main reason why the coach is asked to join the squad again."The mercurial rise of some of India's top junior hockey players under the tutelage of Harendra Singh between 2013 - 2016 when the India Colts lifted the historic Junior Men's World Cup in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh and Harendra Singh's abilities of grooming youngsters has been the key reasons for the think-tank at Hockey India to arrive at this recommendation," the official statement read."Though the year 2018 was very disappointing for the Indian Men's Hockey Team with results not going as expected, ...
Tandon shocks seeded Richards to enter last eight
Six-time former junior national champion Ramit Tandon upset eighth seed Tom Richards of England with surprising ease to enter the quarter finals of the USD 70,000 CCI International JSW Indian Squash Circuit here on Wednesday. Tandon, ranked 68 in the world, who upset 9/16 seed Joshua Masters, also of England, in the first round on Tuesday, took just 29 minutes to pack off Richards, globally ranked 20 on the professional circuit, 11-7, 11-1, 11-2 to enter the last eight. "I enjoyed the match. Last year also I did well in this event, so I think it's something about mumbai. I like coming here, I have lot of friends here. So I am happy that I could perform well and I am looking forward to the quarter finals," said the Kolkata-born player who had made the quarters in the previous edition of this event too. "I focus only on my game and I hopefully I will be able to perform well and play my best tomorrow," added the 26-year-old finance professional-turned squash pro who was a
Sharath Kamal wins record-breaking ninth national title
Veteran Sharath Kamal broke Kamlesh Mehta's long-standing record of most national titles by winning his ninth crown following a gruelling final against India teammate G Sathiyan here on Wednesday. An exciting final was on the cards with world number 30 taking on 31st ranked Sathiyan. And what a final it turned out to be with Sharath securing it 4-3. Sathiyan matched Sharath stroke to stroke, yet, he failed to win the elusive maiden trophy despite reaching the final on three occasions. In fact, Sharath should have sewn it up earlier. But he could not hold his nerves despite leading 10-8 in the fifth game and Sathiyan pulled it off nicely at 12-10 to go 3-2 up. The pressure on Sharath was too much as he had to win the next to stay in the match and he did it in style. But the decider took the toll on both players and the extended game was won on the third match-point by Sharath while Sathiyan just missed one. "The pressure was on both of us. But whatever I did to take the ninth title ...
Indian-origin boy to attend toss at Australian Open
An Indian origin boy will get the opportunity to spin the coin in the fourth round of the Australian Open tennis tournament on January 21 this year.
Harendra demoted as junior India coach
Following his outburst at the umpiring standards in the recently concluded Hockey World Cup, Harendra Singh was on Wednesday removed from his position as chief coach of the Indian senior men's team.
VAR causes controversy in Carabao Cup semi-final
The implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system may rule out refereeing errors, but there is no doubt that its implementation has come with serious teething problems as witnessed in the Carabao Cup semi-final between Tottenham and Chelsea.
PWL will help young wrestlers: Bajrang
Star wrestler Bajrang Puniya has asserted that the upcoming Pro Wrestling League (PWL) will be a great platform for youngsters to learn from the international stars who will be in action during the upcoming fourth edition of the tournament.
Barca visit Levante as they look for 5th consecutive Cup win (Preview)
FC Barcelona will continue their efforts to become the first side ever to win the Spanish Copa del Rey on five consecutive occasions when they visit Levante in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Thursday.
Harendra Singh removed as Indian men's hockey coach
Indian men's hockey coach Harendra Singh was Wednesday sacked from the position following a disappointing 2018 and offered the task of helming the junior squad by the national federation. Constant chopping and changing of coaches is a frequent phenomenon in Indian hockey and Harendra, who was appointed in May, is the latest casualty. "Though the year 2018 was very disappointing for the Indian Men's Hockey Team with results not going as expected, Hockey India (HI) believes investing in the junior program which will reap long-term benefits," HI said in a statement explaining the reasons behind Harendra's axing. The Junior World Cup-winning coach took charge after India's medal-less showing at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games but was unable to change the team's fortunes. India were also below-par in the Asian Games in Indonesia, settling for a bronze after going into the tournament as the defending champions. They ended the year with a quarterfinal loss in the World Cup in ...
Mohamed Salah wins 2018 African Player of the Year award
Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah won the 2018 Confederation of African Football(CAF) Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year.The 26-year-old forward beat his Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane of Senegal and Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to clinch the title.Expressing delight over the victory, Salah said that he is proud of his achievements. He also thanked his friends, family, and teammates for assisting him throughout his journey."I can't believe it's been a year since I was last on this stage. I've always said this award for me is very big. I love it, because I saw it when I was young. I had the dream to win one day. So now I've won it twice. I'm very proud to have won it twice," goal.com quoted Salah, as saying."I have to thank my family, teammates, fans, and everyone who played a role in my career to make this happen today. I would love to dedicate this award to my country, Egypt," he added.Salah scored 44 goals for Liverpool during the 2017-18 ..
Pakistan's struggle against Proteas is not something new: Akram
Pakistan cricket team are on the verge of a clean sweep in the ongoing three-match Test series against South Africa as they are trailing 2-0. Their former skipper Wasim Akram has, however, normalised their plight saying this is "not something new" for the team.Akram said that Pakistan have struggled in the South African conditions even when the team had legendary players."I know the team is struggling but to be honest, Pakistan team always struggled in South Africa. Even during our times we had so many legendary players but we used to struggle in conditions in South Africa. So this is not something new," The Express Tribune quoted Akram, as saying.While expressing his views on the debate around captaincy of Sarfraz Ahmed, the former pacer said that there is no one better than Ahmed to be at the helm of the Pakistan Test team at the moment adding that removing the wicketkeeper-batsman from the position would be unfair to him and the team."If anyone has another name to lead the Test ...