Ranchi, June 22 (ANI): Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni inaugurated the Cricket Country Club in his hometown Ranchi in Jharkhand. Addressing the inaugural function in Ranchi Dhoni said that he was enthralled to be a part of it and to come back to the place where he belongs. Meanwhile, Dhoni said that JSCA Stadium has given Ranchi recognition in the world. President Choudhary present on the occasion told mediapersons that apart from the already functional academy for lawn tennis and indoor facility for net practice, the stadium will soon throw open the gym, library, museum, restaurants, bar, billiards room and swimming pool for use by its members.
Salvador, June 17 (ANI): German soccer fans left Salvador's Fonte Nova arena in the best of moods after their team opened their 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-0 win over Portugal. The Germans ignored the sizzling Salvador heat to deliver a scintillating attacking display, including a hatrick from Thomas Mueller, that ensured the game was over as a contest by halftime. Portugal could not cope with their opponents' pace and movement and were 3-0 down by the interval as Mueller scored either side of a thumping Mats Hummels header. Portugal fan Miguel Violand tried to stay positive about his team improving its performance in time for the next games.
Brazil, June 17 (ANI): US fans were all cheer after they had 2-1 victory against Ghana in the Group G opener for both teams at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. It also marked the USA's first international win against Ghana, which defeated the country in the two previous World Cups. Meanwhile, what became the first draw match in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria and Iran played out a turgid 0-0 draw in Curitiba, squashing the expectations of their fans. The result especially stings for Nigeria, who has visions of moving through to the knockout stage. That chance is still very much in play, but now they'll have to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Rio De Janeiro, June 16 (ANI): Argentina fans filing out of Rio de Janeiro's Maracana were all smiles after securing a 2 -1 win in their first 2014 World Cup match against debutantes Bosnia and Herzegovina. Though happy to get the 3 points to start the tournament, Argentina supporters weren't thrilled with their team's performance saying they will have to do better against tougher teams if Lionel Messi and crew expect to advance. All the same, Ignacio, an Argentina fan, said that he anticipates his team will return to the iconic stadium for the final on July 13. Lionel Messi scored a stunning second-half goal to push staggering Argentina to a 2-1 victory over Bosnia in the Group F opener for both teams.
Sao Paulo, June 16 (ANI): Soccer fans at the FIFA Fan Fest in downtown Sao Paulo witnessed a strong opening performance on the part of France as the European nation defeated Honduras in their first match of the 2014 World Cup. A moment of madness in the first half and a landmark goal line technology ruling in the second helped France to a 3-0 victory over Honduras in their Group E clash. Benzema made it three with a piledriver in the 72nd minute to complete the win that put France top of their group on goal difference ahead of top seeds Switzerland. A group of French fans and interns working in Sao Paulo were ecstatic to see their country's team return to form.
New Delhi, June 12 (ANI): With the soccer World Cup kicking-off on June 12 in Brazil, fans across the globe are gearing up for the mega event. FIFA has indeed marketed the sport so well that it currently is a favourite with the public. Even, Indians are not far behind in being hit by World Cup fever. However, with the BCCI promoting cricket on a bigger scale, the promotion of football in India pales in comparison. President of the Hindustan Football Club D.K. Bose talked about how BCCI has established cricket as a dominant sport in India. The AIFF needs to pick up lessons from the BCCI on how to promote football, and ensure improved spectator turnouts and interest.
New Delhi, June 11 (ANI): With the world gearing up for FIFA 2014, Indian football still remains an enigma. As even after being the most watched sport in the country, Indian football has still not been able to make its mark globally. Speaking exclusively to ANI, President of Hindustan Football Club, Mr. D.K Bose gave a detailed description of various problems faced by local players and why are they lagging behind? With India hosting the under 17 World Cup in 2017, let's hope all these problems get solved soon!
Kolkata, June 4 (ANI): Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in grand celebration revelled in the victory of his team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in seventh season of Indian Premiere League (IPL 7) amid packed stands of famed Eden Gardens stadium. While about 60,000 people managed to enter the stadium thousands of cricket fans jostled outside the venue to catch a glimpse of the star studded event.
Jalandhar /Meerut, May 25 (ANI): Indian football makers are working fervently to meet the rising demand of balls and merchandise as soccer mania grips the world ahead of FIFA World Cup. A leading force in world cricket, India is ranked just 131st in the FIFA world ranking. But soccer ball manufacturing factories are part of a long tradition in Jalandhar. Jalandhar, the hub of sports goods in India, is witnessing an upsurge in demand as football craziness takes over the cricket-obsessed country. India is not an official exporter of the soccer balls and its nuclear-rival Pakistan bagged the FIFA soccer balls manufacturing contract after World Cup's Chinese supplier Adidas failed to fulfill demand of balls in Rio de Janeiro, but, it is still receiving orders from all over the world to manufacture promotional balls.
New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): The proud Badminton fraternity in the country looks forward to a grand event as India gears up to host the Thomas and Uber Cup finals for the first time ever in the country. The Thomas and Uber Cup tournament is scheduled to take place at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in the national capital from May 18 to May 25. India's leading shuttler Parupalli Kashyap is the captain of the Men's team for the Thomas Cup and Saina Nehwal is captain of the Women's team for the Uber Cup. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has already done away with qualifiers and the teams have qualified on the basis of the player's rankings. Chief national Badminton coach, Pullela Gopichand, expressed his excitement over India hosting the prestigious biennial event. President of Badminton Association of India (BAI), Akhilesh Das Gupta said that all top countries of the world will be participating in the tournament.
New Delhi, April 29 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved the order on constituting probe panel to investigate allegations against BCCI ex president N Srinivasan and 12 cricketers in IPL betting and spot-fixing scandal.
New Delhi, April 11 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Friday turned down BCCI's request for the transcripts of taped recording of MS Dhoni, N Srinivasan and Sundar Raman before the justice Mukul Mudgal panel that investigated the IPL betting and spot-fixing case. The court also said that the hearing on the matter will take place on April 16. Earlier, BCCI said it needed the transcript to prepare themselves for the matter before the hearing of the main case on April 16.
New Delhi, April 05 (ANI): Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has hailed batting star Virat Kohli's consistency for helping India clinch a slot in the World Twenty20 finals following their six-wicket win over South Africa in the semi- finals at Dhaka on Friday. The win becomes India's second final in five World T20s after they won the inaugural event held in South Africa in 2007, and they will next face Sri Lanka in Dhaka on Sunday. Chasing 173 to win, India was led by a swashbuckling knock of 72 not out by Kohli as they strolled to the target with five balls to spare, and Dhoni, who will lead India to a triple crown if his team win the final with the 2011 World Cup (50 overs) and 2013 Champions Trophy in the bag, praised the run chase.
Mumbai/ Vizag/ New Delhi, March 28 (ANI): Following the Supreme Court's proposal to appoint Sunil Gavaskar as the interim chief of the BCCI, Gavaskar said that it is for the board to take the final call, as the board is all set to surface its decision over the proposal on Friday. Earlier, The Supreme Court called on BCCI Chief N Srinivasan to step down to ensure a fair probe in IPL Spot fixing case. MoS for Parliamentary Affairs and former chairman of IPL, Rajiv Shukla refused to comment on the pronouncements of Supreme Court. However, former cricketer Chandu Borde expressed confidence that the cricket board will take a decision on this.
Pune, March 09 (ANI): Soccer fans made a beeline to Police Football Ground in Shivaji Nagar in Pune to watch the 1st North East Community Organization Pune Football Trophy (NECOP) 2014. A total of 13 teams comprising players from the Northeast participated in the tournament organized by the North East Community Organization, Pune. The aim was to promote national integration and unity. A large number of spectators gathered to watch the thrilling tournament. The Naga student Union, Pune won the title defeating Manipur Student Association Pune 6-0. The winners bagged a cash prize of Rs 20,000 along with a trophy while the 1st runners-up received Rs 10,000 and a trophy.
New Delhi, Mar 6 (ANI): India needs fast bowlers to win the upcoming 2015 One-Day International Cricket World Cup, said Australian pacer Brett Lee at an event in New Delhi. Speaking to mediapersons, Brett Lee, who is known for being one of the fastest bowlers, said that any team looking to perform well in Australia would need bowlers capable of throwing deliveries at a pace of more than 140 kilometres per hour.
Dhaka, Feb 25 (ANI): Players from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh geared up for the prestigious Asia Cup 2014, as they participated in the practice session in Dhaka, aiming to put their best leg forward in the tournament. Bangladesh is hosting the 2014 Asia Cup cricket tournament which will begin on Tuesday, the final of which is scheduled on March 08. Cricket teams from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh will play 11 matches from February 25 to March 08.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (ANI): Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has reportedly been ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup tournament, to be held in Bangladesh, because of a side strain which he sustained during the recent New Zealand tour. The Indian team returned home from the tour where New Zealand won the one-dayers 4-0 and also clinched the two-Test series 1-0. According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement that top-order batsman Virat Kohli would lead the side in the five-nation tournament, which starts on Feb 25, while Dinesh Karthik will replace Dhoni as wicket-keeper.
Agra, Feb 19 (ANI): A group of 19 students from Manipur were in Agra recently to take part in the 59th National School Gymnastics Championship in both the boys and girls categories. Over 1000 athletes from all over the country participated in the 5-day-long championship held at the Eklavya stadium. The young boys and girls from Manipur put up an impressive performance in the Under-14 category.
Ahmedabad, Feb 16 (ANI): The 18th edition of Ahmedabad Round Table car rally saw a total of 120 cars rolling out on the city streets with unique teams of driver and a visually challenged navigator embarking on an 80-kilometer journey in and around the city. The organizers said that a message is given through these programmes that societal support should be given to disabled people. During the rally, the participants used a route map in Braille and guided the drivers to navigate. Meanwhile, a participant Bhawesh Soni, said the rally gave a boost to their morale.