MS Gill calls for fair elections of Hockey India

Published>Mon, Jan 25 10 05:59 PM

New Delhi,January 25 (ANI):India's Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports,Manohar Singh Gill, called for free, fair and transparent elections of Hockey India,scheduled to be held on February 7.He voiced his views concerning various aspects of the game after formally opening the renovated and spruced-up Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.It may be recalled that the elections to the Hockey India were postponed after certain affiliated state associations objected to the superseding the Indian Hockey Federation.

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Man United striker Welbeck joins Preston on loan

Published Mon, Jan 25 10 05:55 PM

Manchester United's teenage striker Danny Welbeck has joined Championship (second division) side Preston North End on loan, the Premier League club said on Monday.

The 19-year-old will move to Preston, managed by United boss Alex Ferguson's son Darren, on loan for the remainder of the season, a statement on the club website (www.manutd.com) said.

Welbeck has made 11 appearances for the English champions this season and joins a Preston side lying 17th in their league, six points off the relegation zone.

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MS Gill calls for fair elections of Hockey India

Published>Mon, Jan 25 10 05:39 PM

New Delhi,January 25 (ANI):India's Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports,Manohar Singh Gill, called for free, fair and transparent elections of Hockey India,scheduled to be held on February 7.He voiced his views concerning various aspects of the game after formally opening the renovated and spruced-up Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.It may be recalled that the elections to the Hockey India were postponed after certain affiliated state associations objected to the superseding the Indian Hockey Federation.

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India extends lead to 226 after day two

Published Mon, Jan 25 10 05:26 PM

Mirpur, Jan 25 (PTI) India were 459 for five in their first innings in reply to Bangladesh''s 233 at the end of day two in second and final cricket Test here today. India are leading by 226 runs. Brief Score: Bangladesh 1st innings: 233 all out India 1st innings: 459 for five in 102.5 overs. (Sachin Tendulkar 143, Rahul Dravid 111 retired hurt; S Islam 2/70). PTI AT

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India 459/5 at stumps on second day against Bangladesh

Published>Mon, Jan 25 10 05:09 PM

Dhaka, Jan 25 (IANS) India finished the second day at 459 for five, a lead of 226 runs, in the second cricket Test against Bangladesh here Monday.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was batting on 22 after Harbhajan Singh (13) was dismissed by Shafiul Islam off the fifth ball of the day's last over.

Sachin Tendulkar (143) and Rahul Dravid (111) stroked centuries after Gautam Gambhir (68) and Virender Sehwag (56) built a strong foundation.

Shafiul and skipper Shakib Al Hasan picked up two wickets each.

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Harbhajan Singh reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Published>Mon, Jan 25 10 04:55 PM

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been officially reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first day's play in the second Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur on Sunday. Harbhajan pleaded guilty to contravening Level 1 offence (Section 2.1.2) of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials which relates to abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings.

The incident took place when Harbhajan kicked and damaged an advertising board after a misfield while guarding the boundary. As Harbhajan accepted the decision without contest, there was no need for a hearing. Commenting on his decision, Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, said: "While giving my verdict, I took into account that Harbhajan admitted his mistake and apologised for his actions.

"I also accepted Harbhajan's explanation that he had kicked the advertising board in frustration. Professional cricketers try to give their best effort when they are on the field and whenever they don't live up to the standards they have set for themselves, they feel disappointed. However, venting their frustrations in this manner is unacceptable. "I would now expect him to maintain a certain level of self-control in future and avoid the repeat of the incident as he sets an example for millions of youngsters who follow him around the world."

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HI elections deferred indefinitely

Published>Mon, Jan 25 10 04:49 PM

Mumbai, Jan. 23 -- The Hockey India (HI) elections have been deferred once again --this time indefinitely following a stay order issued by the Jaipur bench of the Rajasthan High Court. Justice RS Chauhan had on Friday stayed the operation of the minutes of HI meeting of January 11, 2010 in which affiliation was given to 30 state units and four institutions and boards. The Rajasthan Hockey Association (RHA), which was recognised by the now-suspended Indian Hockey Federation and has been in existence for around 60 years, was denied affiliation. Instead, a new ad-hoc body called Hockey Rajasthan was recognised. RHA went to court challenging HI's decision and got the stay. The HI board met in New Delhi on Saturday and decided to defer the elections for an indefinite period, following the advice of the returning officer GS Mander. "Board members of Hockey India held an urgent meeting and have unanimously decided to defer the elections till a final decision is taken by the Rajasthan HC," HI secretary general, Narinder Batra said in a release on Saturday. HI, along with the Sports Ministry, the Rajasthan government and its Sports Council, the Indian Olympic Association, IOA president Suresh Kalmadi, Rajasthan Olympic Association and Hockey Rajasthan have been asked to submit their replies to the notice within four weeks. This means, the elections cannot be held until after the World Cup in New Delhi, starting on February 28, unless the stay is lifted. Mander, on receiving the legal notice, concluded that elections cannot be held on February 7 because the entire Electoral College has been stayed, the HI release said. HI claimed that it has kept the international hockey federation (FIH), the Sports Ministry, election observer of the government and IOA observer updated with the development. However, government observer, SK Mendiratta, said he came to know about the decision from the media and would comment on the situation only after ascertaining the scope of the HC order.

They were first set to be held on November 18, 2009 but were postponed to January 29, 2010 as the affiliation process was not complete. The polls were deferred again, on January 8, as HI was not able to issue the 21-day notice for the elections. HI, on January 12, decided to hold the elections on February 7, barely three weeks before the World Cup.

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Nicol David to play in Chennai Squash Open

Published Mon, Jan 25 10 04:29 PM

Chennai, Jan 25 (PTI) World number one Nicol David of Malaysia will be seen in action in the WISPA World Tour Chennai Open Squash tournament to be played here from March 2 to 7. The tournament that has been upgraded in its second year to WISPA Gold level, will be played at the Indian Squash Academy and carry a prize money of USD 53,500. "The Chennai Open is sure to receive a top drawer entry, and indeed world number one Nicol David, from Malaysia, is already a confirmed entry," WISPA Chief Executive Andrew Shelley said in a statement. "It is great for our Tour that we are able to take the lead in this SRFI initiative. And with the Gold level CIMB KL Open in Malaysia later in March, this Asian event cluster will be the centrepiece of a month to relish on our growing Tour," added Shelley. The WISPA events also feature a USD 25,000 PSA event and will be immediately followed by the Chennai Open Doubles from 8-11 March, boasting a USD 15,000 prize fund.

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