Page 97 - Sports

LIC championships: Jaykumar, Diandra emerge as fastest runners

Jaykumar Gavade of Pune district and Diandra Valladares of Thane district emerged as fastest man and woman in the LIC 69thMaharashtra State Senior Athletics Championships here Tuesday. Gavade clinched the men's 100m race by staving off Kiran Bhosale of Dhule District, clocking 10.62 seconds. Bhosale took the silver in 10.69 and Thane District's Kshitij Bhoite claimed the bronze in 10.81 seconds. Diandra grabbed the women's 100m title in 11.62 seconds. Pune District's Siddhi Hiray had to settle for silver in 12.08 and the bronze went to Saroj Shetty of Mumbai City with time of 12.15 seconds. Pune's Paras Patil and Ankita Gosavi picked up gold medals in the men's 110 metres and women's 100 metres hurdles, respectively. Nashik District youngster Kisan Tadvi comfortably won the men's 5,000 metres as he finished well ahead of his state rival Narendra Pratap Singh in 14:33.97. Arati Patil led a one-two for Nashik in the women's 5,000 metres clocking 18:00.69. Results: Men: ...

Cricket West Indies wishes Lara speedy recovery

Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Tuesday wished Brian Lara a speedy recovery after the legendary batsman was hospitalised here due to chest pain. "Our prayers and well wishes go out to former West Indies batsman and captain @BrianLara who has been hospitalized in Mumbai due to chest pains. On behalf of all of us at Cricket West Indies, we wish you a speedy recovery," read a tweet from the verified handle of CWI. Lara was Tuesday admitted to a city hospital after complaining of chest pain but is doing "fine and will be discharged soon". The 50-year-old from Trinidad, considered one of the greatest batsmen to have played the game, was admitted to the Global Hospital in Parel. No official word has yet come out on his condition but a source close to the player said there was no major cause of concern. The former batsman is in India as an analyst for the official broadcasters of the ongoing World Cup. Lara played 131 Tests for the West Indies and averaged 52.89 for his 11,953 runs, while his ..

Minerva look to end AFC Cup campaign on high against Abahani Dhaka

Out of contention for a knockout berth after five drawn games, Minerva Punjab would look to end their maiden AFC Cup campaign on a high when they take on group toppers Abahani Limited of Dhaka here Wednesday. Though unbeaten so far, Minerva are at the third place in the Group E points table with five points from five matches. Abahani are on top with 10 points, ahead of Chennaiyin FC (8 points), going into the final day of group phase Wednesday. Only one team progresses to the Inter-Zone Semifinals from Group E. Wednesday's match at Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium is an inconsequential one as far as Minerva are concerned but it will have a huge impact on Abahani, as well as Chennaiyin. A win for Abahani will straightaway take them to the Inter-Zone Semifinals, irrespective of the result of the match between Chenniyin and bottom-placed Manang Marshyangdi Club of Nepal in Kathmandu. But, if Minerva win or hold Abahani and Chennaiyin beat Manang, then the Indian Super League side will ...

CWC'19: Ed Sheeran enjoys Steve Smith's dismissal against England

England and Australia are currently locking horns with each other at Lord's Cricket Stadium in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and many celebrities have been spotted in the stadium.Singer Ed Sheeran was spotted in the stands watching the ongoing match in the World Cup. The musician was seen happy during the dismissal of Australian Steve Smith.England cricket posted a photo of Sheeran on Twitter and captioned the post as "Steve Smith is out! Ed and Damo loved it".The official handle of Lords Cricket Ground also shared the picture of Sheeran and captioned the post as " Ed Sheeran is the latest celebrity to be spotted today at Lord's! We hope you enjoy your day, @edsheeran! #LoveLords #ENGvAUS".Gareth Southgate, England's football coach was also seen cheering on the team in the stands.The official handle of Cricket World Cup posted a photo of Southgate on Twitter and captioned the post as "Gareth Southgate is in the crowd! Is cricket coming home? #ENGvAUS #CWC19".England had reached the .

England stop Australia at 285/7 after Finch hundred

Aaron Finch rose to the occasion with his second century of the tournament before England rallied to stop arch-rivals Australia at 285 for seven in their blockbuster World Cup showdown here Tuesday. Comfortably placed at 185 for three in the 36th over, Australia were headed for a 300-plus total, but lost the plot due to England's fine comeback and lack of discretion on part of most of the batsmen that followed Finch and David Warner. Sent into bat after Eoin Morgan called it right at the toss, Australia were given another fine start by their in-from openers, who took them to 123 in the 23rd over, when the tournament leading scorer David Warner fell for a well-made 53 off 62 balls. Dropped on 15, Finch (100) went on to make his 15th ODI century, off 115 balls, but got out in the very next ball to leave the responsibility of finishing the innings in style on Steve Smith's shoulders. Smith (38) batted positively until he was sent back by Chris Woakes, while Alex Carey smashed 38 off 27 ..

Winning the Intercontinental Cup would be great for us: Igor Stimac

Indian football coach Igor Stimac on Tuesday said that winning the upcoming Intercontinental Cup would be great for the whole team but remarked that he is not insisting on the tournament's results."It's important we take the next step forward after beating Thailand on their home soil. Winning the Intercontinental Cup would be great for us. But I am still not insisting on results. Instead, I would rather concentrate on improvement on ball possession, and movements without the ball," All India Football Federation quoted Stimac as saying."All our work has been chalked out concentrating on the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. But obviously, every game we win on the pathway will help us to further boost our confidence," he added.Stimac who was recently appointed as the team's coach said that he is pleased with the team's commitment towards the sport and their willingness to learn."Till now, I am extremely delighted with their commitment and willingness to learn and progress on their ...

India submits bid to host 2023 IOC session in Mumbai

India on Tuesday proposed to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai, which is expected to choose the host city for the 2030 Winter Olympics. Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra and IOC member Nita Ambani submitted the formal bid to the IOC chief Thomas Back on the sidelines of the governing body's 134th Session here. "2022-2023 happens to be the 75th year of Indian Independence and what better way for Indian sports to celebrate the occasion by having the entire Olympic family/community in India," Batra said. Batra is set to be elected as a new IOC member during the Session on Wednesday. An IOC Session is the general meeting of the members (currently 100-odd) of the IOC, held once a year in which each member has one vote. It is the IOC's supreme organ and its decisions are final. Extraordinary Sessions may be convened by the IOC President or upon the written request of at least one third of the members. The powers of a Session include adoption ..

Ravi Shastri takes cricket fans back to 1983 group-stage match

India head coach and member of the 1983 World Cup winning side, Ravi Shastri on Tuesday took the cricket fans back to where it all started - the group-stage match between India and the West Indies at Old Trafford in Manchester.BCCI, in a tweet, shared the video of Shastri wherein he recalls the first win over the Caribbean side at Old Trafford."On this iconic day, #TeamIndia Head coach & 1983 World Cup winner @RaviShastriOfc takes us back to where it all started," the BCCI tweeted.In the video, Shastri, who is standing on the field, points to the meeting point between India and the West Indies at Old Trafford in the summer of 1983. He talks about the changes over the period of time, including the dressing room and the direction of the pitch."It all started here... began from here in the summer of 1983. India played the West Indies in the very first game of the 1983 World Cup. A team (West Indies) that had never been beaten in World Cup history. This was the meeting point, game ..

Marijne stresses on 'power of repetition' ahead of India's preparation for Olympic qualifiers

Coach Sjoerd Marijne wants the Indian women's hockey team to understand the "power of repetition" to train their mind and body ahead of the Olympic qualifiers in November. The Indian women not only sealed an Olympic qualifier spot by reaching the summit clash in FIH Hockey Series but also won the tournament by beating Japan in the final. Marijne said he is happy with the overall performance of the side. "As a higher ranked country, if you go to a qualifier, you know you have to win and I am very happy with their performance. I know a few teams were really low ranked and there was not much challenge in the pool matches, so the challenge in the semis and finals was even bigger," he said. "You have to keep training and improving, it is the power of repetition and also train mental side. Now they have the experience of wining and playing difficult matches and it gives a big boost to the team." India missed a few opportunities initially against Chile in the semifinals but Rani Rampal's ...

1983 World Cup triumph: Shastri recalls the game that gave them the belief

Ravi Shastri Tuesday recalled the memorable win over the West Indies on the opening day of the 1983 World Cup at the Old Trafford stadium here, an unexpected result that gave them the "belief" of going all the way. And India did go all the way as they beat the mighty West Indies again, in the final, to lift their maiden World Cup trophy 36 years ago. "It has all begun here (at Old Trafford) in the summer of 1983. India played on the opening day against the West Indies, a team that had never been beaten in World Cup history. This was the meeting point and India beat the West Indies on this very ground. Plenty has changed here since then," Shastri told bcci.tv, referring to the complete makeover the stadium has undergone. India had won the game against the West Indies on June 9, 1983 after posting 262 for eight in 60 overs, with Yashpal Sharma scoring 89 off 120 balls. The Indian bowlers then put up a brilliant showing to dismiss the West Indies for 228, with Roger Binny and Shastri ...

Batting coach Bangar's son gets tips from bowling coach Arun

It's not everyday that a youngster gets tips from India's bowling coach but then Aryan Bangar is not just any youngster. Son of batting coach Sanjay Bangar, Aryan was watched by Team India's bowling coach Bharat Arun after the national side's optional practice session here Tuesday. The 18-year-old Aryan is the elder son of Sanjay Bangar and is currently here to play junior county games for Leicestershire. Primarily a left-handed top-order batsman, Aryan also bowls left-arm spin and once Virat Kohli and Co. had finished their session, the youngster was summoned to bowl. Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar had a close look as he bowled for more than 20 minutes. He bowled a few classical left-armer's deliveries that spun away (for right handers) after pitching. Arun also gave him some tips after the session while Senior Bangar watched from a distance. The first year student from Mumbai's Rizvi College is in England for two months to get exposure and quality match time. Due to stiff ...

Arjun Maini returns to F2 for short stint

Young Indian racer Arjun Maini on Tuesday announced his return to the FIA Formula 2 grid for the upcoming rounds in Austria and Silverstone. Maini had switched to sports car racing this season after a forgettable F2 outing with Trident last year when constant car issues did not allow him to give his best. He eventually finished 16th in the championship with 24 points. The 21-year-old is in the middle of the 2019 European Le Mans Series but the dates of the two F2 rounds don't clash with his sports car racing commitments. Earlier this month, Maini had become only the second Indian after Karun Chandhok to start at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. Though he made a an unexpected switch to sports cars, returning to a Formula 1 feeder series like F2 was always his priority. Maini will team up with Renault Formula 1 junior Jack Aitken at Campos Racing who are currently fourth in the standings with 115 points. "As I have always stated, Formula One remains my ultimate aim. We made a decision to

We'll not be mute spectator if sport is destroyed by mismanagement in federations: Rijiju

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju Tuesday made it clear that he will not tolerate mismanagement of national federations and will take action if the interests of athletes are affected. Some sports federations, including Archery Association of India (AAI) and Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI), have been experiencing factional feuds and Rijiju said his prime concern is to protect the interests of these sports and the players. "Govt cannot intervene or intrude in the running of federations but we will not be a mute spectator if a sport is destroyed by mismanagement in any federation," Rijiju said during an interaction. "It reflects upon us as a nation if there is a problem in a federation. If they run into conflict with international federations, then the government has to be consulted." The two warring factions of AAI recently elected two presidents, forcing the World Archery to de-list the national federation as its member and warn it to either get its house in order by July 31 or face ..

David Warner becomes leading run-scorer in CWC'19

Australia's opening batsman David Warner on Tuesday became the leading run-scorer in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.He achieved the feat in the match against England at the Lord's Cricket Stadium.Warner displaced Bangladesh's all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan at the top spot. The left-hander entered the field with 447 runs to his credit and he went on to play a knock of 53 runs to take his tally up to 500 runs.The opener also registered his fifth 50-plus score in the tournament.He was dismissed by England's Moeen Ali in the 23rd over of the Australian innings.The 32-year-old has been in good form in the World Cup after making a return to the team after facing one year ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal.In Australia's first five matches, Warner scored two centuries and two half-centuries. He registered centuries against Bangladesh and Pakistan.Australia skipper Aaron Finch also reached the second spot in the leading run-scorer list as he played a knock of 100 runs

Chennaiyin need win against Manang and favour from Minerva for AFC Cup knockouts berth

Bidding to make the knockouts of AFC Cup in their maiden appearance, Chennaiyin FC need a win against Manang Marshyangdi Club of Nepal when they meet in their final group match here Wednesday. A draw in their previous match against Minerva Punjab had dented Chennaiyin's chances of securing a place in the Inter-Zone Semifinals and a win in their next outing may not be enough for them to make history in the continent's second tier club competition. With eight points from five matches, Chennaiyin are at second place behind Abahani Dhaka (10 points) and they must win against the Nepalese side and hope that Minerva do not lose against the Bangladeshi side in Guwahati in another Group E game. If Chennaiyin beat Manang and Minerva either win or hold Abahani, the Chennai-based side will go through to the knockout phase of the tournament. Chennaiyin have a better head-to-head record against Abahani and if the two sides end on same points, the Indian Super League outfit will make it to the ...

Neymar accepts pay-cut in 'verbal agreement' with Barca

Neymar is ready to cut his salary by 12 million euros to leave Paris Saint-Germain as part of a "verbal agreement" reached between the Brazilian and Barcelona, according to reports in the Spanish press. PSG are yet to sanction the sale of their star striker, who they paid a world record 222 million euros to sign from Barca only two years ago. But Neymar is reportedly eager to return to Spain and Barcelona are prepared to take him back, with Spanish sports newspaper Diario Sport claiming a five-year contract has been agreed. The newspaper says the terms include Neymar reducing his salary from around 36 million euros at PSG to the 24 million euros he received at Barca in 2017, while also dropping his 26-million euro court case against the Catalan club. Neymar claims he was due the amount before leaving as a loyalty bonus. Barcelona sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo has reported Neymar will also have to make a public apology to the club's fans for the manner of his departure. The ...

Cricketers remember India's maiden, stupendous World Cup win of 1983

Kapil Dev-led Indian team's stupendous World Cup win on June 25, 1983, is till date looked at as a revolutionary tale.The Indian team had defeated an invincible West Indies in the finals to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time.After the win, cricket got a fillip in the country, elevating the sport to a religion for fans with every child wanting to become a cricketer.Many cricketers, who are now viewed as some of the greatest ones to have played for India, also view the 1983 feat as a game changer. Many of them took the occasion of the win's 26th-anniversary to voice their feelings about the landmark event in India's cricket history."The day that started it all. Landmark moment in the history of Indian sports. June 25, 1983 -the day we were World Champions the first time. Kapil Paaji's valiant contributions, everyone contributing in their own way, but I think so much of Jimmy Paa, the MOM in semis & finals," former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag tweeted."25th June, a ...

Priyanka Gandhi lauds Indian women's hockey, rugby teams

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday lauded the spirit of Indian women's hockey and rugby teams.Priyanka, in a tweet, shared a video of Indian women's hockey team celebrating in a bus after their victory at the FIH Series Finals. The Congress general secretary also acknowledged Indian women's win in rugby."Loved this video of our hockey team celebrating and now our girls won bronze at rugby too!! Chak de India! That's the spirit girls!!" Priyanka said.A day after qualifying for the FIH Olympic Qualifiers, Indian women's hockey team on June 23 won the FIH Women's Series Finals after defeating the tournament hosts Japan 3-1 at the Hiroshima Hockey Stadium.Meanwhile, Indian women's rugby team scripted history as they registered their first-ever international 15s win. India defeated Singapore to settle at the third place in the Asian Rugby Women's Championship Division 1 on June 22.

CWC'19: Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to nets ahead of Windies clash

Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Tuesday was seen in nets practicing with the Indian team ahead of the World Cup match against West Indies, scheduled for June 27.Kumar returned for practice days after nursing his left hamstring injury which he sustained during the clash against Pakistan on June 16. Subsequently, he was rested for the match against Afghanistan and Mohammad Shami made his way in the playing XI.The 29-year-old looked in good shape and bowled in the nets for at least half an hour. Chief Selector MSK Prasad and fitness coach Farhart Patrick were seen monitoring the paceman.Bhuvneshwar's injury is healing, but whether he will play or not against West Indies is not clear. There is no hurry in terms of picking Bhuvneshwar in the squad. The team management may give him some more rest and may again go with Shami, a BCCI source told ANI.Apart from Bhuvneshwar, Indian captain Virat Kohli, all-rounders Vijay Shankar and Ravindra Jadeja opted for batting practice in the nets.India's ...

IOA cannot take unilateral decision to pull out of 2022 CWG, must consult govt: Rijiju

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju Tuesday said the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) cannot take a unilateral decision about pulling out of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games following the omission of shooting from the event's roster. Last week, the Commonwealth Games Federation left out shooting from the 2022 Birmingham Games in its Executive Board meeting while recommending the inclusion of three new sports. The decision is a big blow to India which had won as many as 16 shooting medals out of a total haul off 66 in the 2018 Gold Coast CWG and the IOA said it is mulling to withdraw from the 2022 event. However, Rijiju said his ministry will discuss the issue in details with the shooting federation (NRAI) and IOA before taking a decision. "I haven't discussed with the shooting federation. Officially I don't know about their position. If you have to boycott, you have to ask the government because these decisions are not to be taken unilaterally, it has to be done through proper ...