IPL controversy blown out of proportion: Mallya

Published>Sat, Apr 24 10 12:16 AM

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) Chairman of United Breweries Group and owner of the Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL team, Vijay Mallya believes that the controversy surrounding the cricket extravaganza and Lalit Modi has been blown out of proportion and unnecessarily sensationalised.

'Controversies around IPL have been blown enormously out of proportion. The enquiry is far from complete. Yet the IPL and Lalit Modi have been dammed, I cannot understand why,' Mallya told reporters at the IPL Awards, hosted by director-producer Karan Johar here at Grand Hyatt hotel.

'I think there should be a calm, peaceful comprehensive enquiry. After that if there is any wrongdoing, it must be taken in accordance with the law. But jumping to such wild conclusions and creating so much sensationalism around the IPL, I think is most unfortunate,' he added.

Mallya is upset that his team couldn't make it to the final this year but hopes to secure at least the third place.

'When the tournament started I told my team that we must at least make the semis. Making to the semis itself, I think, is an achievement. Last year we were in the finals. Obviously we are a little disappointed that we are not in the finals this year, but this is a sport. The better team always wins. That was not our day but we will hopefully secure the third place, which I think is an achievement enough,' said Mallya.

Source: Web Search

Ready to retire? You must be joking says Ferguson

Published>Sat, Apr 24 10 12:06 AM

After 23 years in charge at Old Trafford Alex Ferguson has no intention of easing away. The Manchester United manager on Friday dismissed suggestions that he is considering retirement as "absolute rubbish".

"I've no intention of retiring," the 68-year-old Ferguson told reporters in response to media reports that he was considering leaving United at the end of next season.

"I've said time and time again, the only thing that determines my staying here is my health. Unfortunately for you lot I'm in rude health.

"I have to accept there's pressure in life. I can deal with it. I can deal with it."

United, seeking a fourth consecutive Premier League title, have the chance to move two points above leaders Chelsea when they face Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti's team are in action against Stoke on Sunday but United have to find a way past a Tottenham side that has beaten Arsenal and Chelsea in their last two matches.

Spurs have not won at Old Trafford in the league in 21 years.

Ferguson believes Harry Redknapp has assembled the best Tottenham team since the Scot took over at United in 1986.

"I think they are the best Tottenham team of my time.

"When I came down they had that team of (Glenn) Hoddle, (Chris) Waddle and Clive Allen scored 50-odd goals.

"His team has a lot of substance to it and I think Harry has done a great job. Games between our clubs are always lively and open and entertaining. We are teams that do the same things.

"After this there are only two games left. We can let Chelsea deal with their situation and we will deal with ours. I don't know if it's an advantage this time of year to play first or second."

Wayne Rooney has trained well this week, Ferguson said, following his recent ankle problems and Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown have returned to the squad after respective back and foot injuries.

Redknapp said Spurs are favourites to finish fourth ahead of Manchester City and claim a Champions League qualifying spot.

"We would be the favourites now because we have two extra points. We need to pick up some good points still. Six points may be enough (to clinch fourth spot), it may not be. It's going to be close. It's a great end of the season," Redknapp told reporters at the Spurs training ground in Chigwell.

Redknapp has been boosted by the return of several players from injury, illness and suspension with Aaron Lennon likely to be on the bench having been sidelined since December with a groin injury and Jermaine Jenas returning to the squad following a hernia operation and then a virus.

Source: Web Search

India clubbed with S. Korea, Australia in Asian Cup soccer

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 11:46 PM

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) India have been clubbed with World Cup finalists Australia and South Korea in Group C of the 2011 Asian Cup football tournament to be played in Doha from Jan 7-29.

The glitzy draw ceremony took place at the majestic Aspire Dome in Doha in the presence of top officials of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and other member associations. The tournament will be hosted at the Khalifa Stadium.

Indian got a direct entry into the finals by the virtue of winning the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup in Hyderabad. The other team in Group C is Bahrain.

Defending champions Iraq have been clubbed with arch-rivals Iran, World Cup finalists North Korea and UAE in Group D while hosts Qatar, China, Kuwait and Uzbekistan are in Group A.

Three-time champions Japan will face Saudi Arabia alongside Syria and Jordan in Group B.

Source: Web Search

Ready to retire? You must be joking says Ferguson

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 10:46 PM

After 23 years in charge at Old Trafford Alex Ferguson has no intention of easing away. The Manchester United manager on Friday dismissed suggestions that he is considering retirement as "absolute rubbish".

"I've no intention of retiring," the 68-year-old Ferguson told reporters in response to media reports that he was considering leaving United at the end of next season.

"I've said time and time again, the only thing that determines my staying here is my health. Unfortunately for you lot I'm in rude health.

"I have to accept there's pressure in life. I can deal with it. I can deal with it."

United, seeking a fourth consecutive Premier League title, have the chance to move two points above leaders Chelsea when they face Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti's team are in action against Stoke on Sunday but United have to find a way past a Tottenham side that has beaten Arsenal and Chelsea in their last two matches.

Spurs have not won at Old Trafford in the league in 21 years.

Ferguson believes Harry Redknapp has assembled the best Tottenham team since the Scot took over at United in 1986.

"I think they are the best Tottenham team of my time.

"When I came down they had that team of (Glenn) Hoddle, (Chris) Waddle and Clive Allen scored 50-odd goals.

"His team has a lot of substance to it and I think Harry has done a great job. Games between our clubs are always lively and open and entertaining. We are teams that do the same things.

"After this there are only two games left. We can let Chelsea deal with their situation and we will deal with ours. I don't know if it's an advantage this time of year to play first or second."

Wayne Rooney has trained well this week, Ferguson said, following his recent ankle problems and Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown have returned to the squad after respective back and foot injuries.

Redknapp said Spurs are favourites to finish fourth ahead of Manchester City and claim a Champions League qualifying spot.

"We would be the favourites now because we have two extra points. We need to pick up some good points still. Six points may be enough (to clinch fourth spot), it may not be. It's going to be close. It's a great end of the season," Redknapp told reporters at the Spurs training ground in Chigwell.

Redknapp has been boosted by the return of several players from injury, illness and suspension with Aaron Lennon likely to be on the bench having been sidelined since December with a groin injury and Jermaine Jenas returning to the squad following a hernia operation and then a virus.

Source: Web Search

Doping could cost athletics top Olympic spot - analyst

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 10:26 PM

The doping cases that have dogged athletics leave it at risk of being overtaken by swimming as the premier Olympic sport.

"Because of the drug issues, because it (athletics) is not terribly compelling, I think swimming has taken over a little bit in terms of Olympic sports popularity," Bob Dorfman, creative director of San Francisco's Baker Street Advertising and a nationally recognised sports analyst, told Reuters in a telephone interview.

His comments came in the wake of Olympic and world 400 metres champion LaShawn Merritt's admission through his lawyer on Thursday that he had failed three dope tests for a banned substance contained in an over-the-counter male enhancement product he had taken.

The positive, which is under investigation by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), will have a key impact on the sport both financially and audience-wise, analysts and sports officials said.

"These stories always amount to a huge setback in keeping the sport relevant to people who barely care to begin with," Paul Swangard, managing director of the University of Oregon's Warsaw Sports Marketing Center, said in a telephone interview.

"It is the type of thing that contributes to a general reluctance by fans and ultimately to sponsors.

"Every time the sport seems to be poised to hit the mainstream, these types of revelations tend to set the sport back further than other sports because there is so much history with past issues related to performance enhancing substances," Swangard added.

FOLLOWERS CYNICAL

Merritt, 23, is the latest high-profile U.S. athlete to fall foul of the dope testers.

The public's image of the sport really took a nose dive when disgraced sprinter Marion Jones lied about taking drugs, Dorfman said.

"That probably was the biggest blow and I think that has made most followers of the sport cynical," he said.

Jones was stripped of her three gold and two bronze medals from the 2000 Olympics after admitting using banned drugs following years of denial. She also served a six-month U.S. prison sentence for lying to federal prosecutors about her steroid use.

Former 100 metres world record holder Tim Montgomery and 2004 Olympic champion Justin Gatlin have also been suspended for doping violations.

Merritt has been one of the Unites States' top gold medal-winners in recent years taking the 2008 Olympic and 2009 world titles and sparking the U.S. to 4x400 metres relay victories at both competitions.

The impact of his case will go far beyond Merritt, said Doug Logan, chief executive officer of USA Track and Field (USATF).

"Actions like this are costing them (athletes) paydays," Logan said in a telephone interview. "It is this kind of behaviour that diminishes the value of the sport in the commercial world.

"I am not planning any sponsor calls in the next 48 hours," he added.

However, a spokesman for the sports' governing body downplayed the impact of Merritt's case saying it showed athletics was serious about weeding out those who broke anti-doping rules.

"However disappointing this news is, the image of athletics should be strong enough to survive," Nick Davies of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said in an email to Reuters.

"Sponsors and fans will appreciate that the sport has no mercy when it comes to hunting down those who break anti-doping rules," Davies said.

"The alternative is not to try to catch the cheaters and that is the end of a credible sport."

Source: Web Search

Sachin was born to play cricket: Dhoni

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 09:52 PM

Mumbai, Apr 23 (PTI) Paying tributes to Sachin Tendulkar who turns 37 tomorrow, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said besides his batting exploits the veteran cricketer was a good fielder who is fitter than his age. "He was born to play cricket. I won''t speak about his batting because everyone knows about it but he is a very good fielder and his fitness is such that you won''t feel he is 37," Dhoni said on the sidelines of a promotional event here today. "Even in the dressing room he ensures that the newcomers feel comfortable around him," he added. On Virender Sehwag, who has been ruled out of Twenty20 World Cup due to a shoulder injury, Dhoni said, "I don''t know anything about the injury. It happened during the IPL but I don''t know when and how the injury happened. He is a class player. But I have always said that injuries are part and parcel of sports." "He and Gambhir have been doing a great job at the top of the innings. We just hope that Murali Vijay ensures that we won''t miss Sehwag much," he added. On whether IPL nights were too much off a stress, Dhoni said, "All players are smart. You need to rest your body, especially an Indian cricketer needs to be very careful with the recovery in such a packed schedule. If you don''t take care, it will show immediately or a month later." MORE PTI VKV ABC PDS

Source: Web Search

Delhi Police totally prepared for Commonwealth Games: Dadwal

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 09:08 PM

New Delhi, Apr 23 (ANI): Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal on Friday said the police is totally prepared for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Dadwal addressed a news conference about security preparedness in the capital in the wake of an alert issued by the United States to its citizens about possible militant attacks on hotels and markets in New Delhi.

"I will categorically state that the Delhi Police is totally prepared for the Commonwealth Games and all necessary arrangements have been made. There is nothing which is left, which has to be addressed," said Dadwal.

"We will continue our arrangements, this was also a good exposure to our staff, to the additional protocols, which have been added for the security of the Commonwealth Games. I am very confident, we will carry forward security of the Commonwealth Games without any hitch," he added.

Dadwal further urged the media persons to get their facts correct ahead of writing on issues linked to security.

"It is moving in the right direction. I have a request all the media persons to confirm with the Delhi Police before writing stories on security issue," said Dadwal.

"The news from here goes out to the world press and foreign countries and they get apprehensive about the arrangements here," he added.

The US advisory issued on Wednesday spoke of 'increased indication that terrorists' are planning to attack some of New Delhi's markets frequented by foreigners.

The issue is being looked into with some seriousness following Saturday's Bangalore blast in which at least 12 people were wounded prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers of Bangalore.

Delhi Police personnel are on high alert following the advisory. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

I-T survey at Kings XI Punjab office in Mumbai

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 08:52 PM

Mumbai, Apr 23 (PTI) Income Tax officials today surveyed the offices of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab here as part of the ongoing probe into alleged financial wrongdoings in the T20 league. An I-T team visited the offices of the Mohali-based team in Bombay Dyeing premises at Worli and scoured documents relating to monetary transactions with IPL, a source familiar with the exercise told PTI. "The exercise was strictly to look at documents relating to the franchise''s financial dealings with IPL," he said. Kings XI Punjab has been in the thick of a controversy with the Central Excise Department in Chandigarh slapping a notice on it seeking payment of service tax totalling Rs 5.38 crore. IT sleuths also visited the Mohali office of the team but said it did not find anything incriminating. "We have not found anything incriminating during the visit to the company''s office in Mohali and we also have not seized anything," a senior IOT official told PTI. "We just asked them to provide us the copies of their books of accounts which they did," he said. Earlier on April 21 a court had issued notice to the co-owners of Kings XI Punjab on a complaint accusing the Mohali franchise of non-filing of balance sheet and annual returns. The matter will come up on July 24. The notice was issued by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate J S Sidhu on a complaint filed by Registrar of Companies here who alleged that the Mohali franchise has not filed any annual return and balance sheet since it came into existence. The notice had been issued to co-owners including Bollywood actress Priety Zinta and industrialist Ness Wadia besides three others. The KXIP has been in thick of controversy recently, with Central Excise Department here slapping notice on it seeking payment of service tax of Rs 5.38 crore. Punjab Excise and Taxation Department had also last week issued a notice to the franchise in connection with the outstanding entertainment duty for IPL III. Besides the local Central Excise department has also sought details from five cricket players, including Yuvraj Singh, to furnish details regarding total payment they received from their team owner Kings XI Punjab in IPL to levy service tax. The other players from whom information has been sought are Uday Kaul, Sunny Sohal, VRV Singh and Rishi Dhawan playing for Kings XI Punjab as these players''addresses fall under the jurisdiction of Central Excise Department, Chandigarh. The department has demanded copy of agreements signed by players with their franchise owner and the total payment received by them. In the complaint, the RoC had alleged that the Mohali franchise had not filed any annual return and balance sheet since its inception in March 2008.

Source: Web Search

Maniram Sharma wins maiden professional golf title

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 08:48 PM

Gurgaon, April 23 (IANS) Maniram Sharma won his maiden professional title at the PGTI Feeder Tour event at Golden Greens Golf Course in Gurgaon Friday. Sharma shot a one over 73 to finish with a winning total of two over 218.

Rudresh Sharma (74, 71, 74) of Delhi, Patiala's Balpreet Singh Ghuman (72, 72, 75) and Mohd Nawab (72, 68, 79) of Patna finished tied second at three over 219.

Maniram (73, 72, 73) fired two birdies against three bogeys in the third and final round. The 28-year-old from Karnal earned his first professional title as a result of some solid iron-play and putting even as overnight leader Mohd Nawab slipped on the final day after firing a 79. Maniram took home the winner's cheque of Rs. 63,575 and is now placed second (behind Arshdeep Tiwana) on the PGTI Feeder Tour Order of Merit for 2010.

Maniram, who was overnight tied fourth and five strokes off the lead after round two, said, 'I realized that I just needed to play a consistent round in order to be in contention.'

Rajiv Kumar Jatiwal was placed fifth at four over 220.

Source: Web Search

NE Games: Manipur finish at top

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 08:36 PM

Shillong, Apr 23 (PTI) Manipur today ended at the top of medal''s tally followed by Assam and host Meghalaya at the end of North East Games at J N Sports Complex here. Manipur bagged 39 gold, 22 silver and 36 bronze after four days of competition in 10 disciplines. Placed second, Assam won 29 gold, 37 silver and 25 bronze while hosts Meghalaya bagged 23 gold, 14 silver and 26 bronze to finish at third. Tripura bagged 18 gold, Mizoram and Sikkim eight gold, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh five gold each. In today''s 5000-metre run, Benningstar Lyngkhoi of Meghalaya won gold with a timing of 15 minute 20.3seconds. Biplab Roy of Tripura bagged the silver completing the distance in 16 minute 34.9 seconds. Thondy Chang of Nagaland bagged the bronze in the event. In football final, Nagaland beat Mizoram 5-4 in the tie-breaker. Manipur got the bronze after defeating Meghalaya in third place play-off. In men''s basketball, Assam defeated Mizoram (7560) and in women''s category, Meghalaya got the gold, Sikkim silver and Tripura bronze. In boxing, hosts Meghalaya romped home with gold while Manipur bagged the silver. In women''s category, Manipur and Mizoram bagged the gold and silver respectively.

Source: Web Search

Tendulkar two Test short of becoming most capped player

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 08:28 PM

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Sachin Tendulkar, who turns 37 Saturday, is all set to cross another milestone as he is just two Tests away from becoming the most capped player in world cricket.

Tendulkar, who has over 30,000 runs in international cricket, has played 166 Tests and is second in the list behind Steve Waugh, who has played 168 matches.

Among the current crop of cricketers, Ricky Ponting is fifth in the list with 144 matches followed by Rahul Dravid (139) and Jacques Kallis (137).

In ODIs, Tendulkar and Sri Lankan veteran Sanath Jayasuriya have been competing with each other for the top position.

Jayasuriya is currently leading the pack with 444 ODIs, two matches more than Tendulkar.

Tendulkar, however, holds the record of most number of runs scored in Tests and ODIs and also the most number of centuries in both the formats.

The master batsman has scored 13,447 Test runs at an average of 55.56 and has knocked 47 hundreds.

In ODIs, Tendulkar has 17,598 runs at an average of 45.12 with 46 centuries.

Source: Web Search

Rani Rampal gets corporate sponsorship from FieldTurf

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 08:22 PM

Bangalore, Apr 23 (PTI) Promising Indian women''s hockey player Rani Rampal''s career received a major boost after she inked a sponsorship deal with a leading astroturf manufacturer FieldTurf Tarkett India. As per the sponsorship deal, FieldTurf Tarkett India would support the striker with a monthly scholarship of Rs 4,000 per month for a period of one year. The grant will be renewed later based on her performance and need. FieldTurf Tarkett India has chosen to adopt Rani in recognition of her achievements as well as her economic need. The 15-year-old forward belongs to a poor family from Shahbad in Haryana, with her father making a living as a cart-puller and her brothers working as carpenters. In her short career so far, Rani, the youngest player in the Indian team, has several accolades to her name, including the Young Player of the Tournament award at the Champion''s Challenge tournament held in Kazan, Russia last year. She also played a vital role in Indian women''s silver medal winning feat in the Asia Cup last year. Rani is the second GoSports Foundation athlete to receive the sponsorship from a company under the Corporate-Athlete Adoption programme. "GoSports Foundation''s support programme for budding sportspersons is exemplary. We hope this modest contribution goes some distance in helping achieve Rani''s dreams and bringing laurels to India," FieldTurf India managing director Anil Kumar said. GoSports Foundation programme director Nidhi Gupta said, "Corporates in India need to understand the transformative role they can play in making sports a viable career option in India. We thank Field Turf Tarkett for understanding this and coming forward to support Rani Rampal." PTI SSC PDS

Source: Web Search

Sachin turns 37 Saturday, hopes IPL will overcome hurdles

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 08:18 PM

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Sachin Tendulkar, who turns 37 Saturday, feels that he 'will have good reason to celebrate and good reason to prepare' as his team Mumbai Indians gears up for Sunday's Indian Premier League (IPL) final against Chennai Super Kings.

'I am glad that at least on my birthday we will have a good reason to celebrate and good reason to prepare for the final,' said Tendulkar in an interview to Times Now.

Tendulkar hopes that the dark clouds hovering over Indian cricket following allegations of financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will pass soon.

Having led his Mumbai Indians to the final of the IPL, Tendulkar is doubtful for Sunday's final against Super Kings. Tendulkar, who has been the highest run scorer in the league with 570 runs from 14 matches, hopes that he would recover from the finger injury in time for the title-clash and believes that the tournament will also overcome the hurdles.

'Life is not always a smooth journey. There are some rough patches in between and you overcome all those hurdles and I am sure cricket will help overcome all those hurdles,' he said.

Asked about his injury, Tendulkar said that he was not feeling great. 'I had five stitches on the webbing and on my other hand there is swelling on the little finger. I have to just wait and see if I can hold a cricket bat, and the rest will follow. I have to give my best and hope for the best.'

On his team's maiden final appearance, Tendulkar said: 'The guys have worked really hard and all the guys have chipped in. It's teamwork. It's not just the players on the field but also the extras sitting on the bench who have sacrificed a lot; also the support staff, right from the owners to the physios, coach, everyone.'

Tendulkar also said that he doesn't want to prove his captaincy skills.

'It's a big stage but it's not about proving a point to someone that I can manage captaincy. I have never played for that. The runs I have scored in all forms of the game, I was not trying to prove something to someone. I have just played because I enjoyed playing and loved playing and the passion for cricket is there. I have just done that and while doing that all this has happened,' he said.

For the next edition, which will see two new teams in Kochi and Pune, Tendulkar has a piece of advice. He feels that the existing eight franchisees have worked hard to build a team and should be allowed to retain four India players and four foreign players,

'As for domestic players, it should be up to the franchisees. I feel it's a tough call because all teams have made huge efforts in building a good side. It's not an overnight result. For three years everyone has been working on what's the best combination. Even a player's identity is important. We have to look into these things and then have some changes. I hope there are not too many changes,' he said.

Source: Web Search

IPL''s Pune team to be unveiled tomorrow

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 08:08 PM

Pune, Apr 23 (PTI) Even as the IPL controversy continues to make waves, one of the two new franchises of the twenty20 league, Sahara India, is all set to unveil its Pune team here tomorrow. The Sahara Group, which has bought the Pune franchise for Rs 1,702 crore, considered the highest bid, said it would unveil the identity of the team along with its name at a function which would be preceded by a cultural programme at the SP College ground here. The Pune franchisee will be part of the IPL in its 2011 edition along with the Kochi team, adding to the existing eight teams playing the league. The matches in Pune will be played at the stadium of Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), still under construction, about 25 km from here.

Source: Web Search

BCCI bigwigs not to attend IPL awards

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 07:36 PM

Mumbai, Apr 23 (PTI) The top brass of the BCCI will not attend the inaugural IPL Awards Night to be held at a suburban hotel here this evening in the wake of the spat with Lalit Modi. BCCI President Shashank Manohar, Secretary N Srinivasan, and IPL vice-chairman Niranjan Shah will not attend the function, a top BCCI official said on the condition of anonymity. The Awards Night, to honour the best-performing players in the IPL over the last month and a half, is planned to be a Bollywood-style entertainment extravaganza in which Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar are to be the co-hosts. Invitations for the awards function have been sent to all the BCCI and IPL''s Governing Council members, all the franchise owners, players and support staff, along with the owners of the two new teams - Kochi and Pune -- which are to make their debut in the league in 2011. The absence of the BCCI bigwigs is likely to add further fuel to fire to the ongoing spat between them and IPL Commissioner Modi.

Source: Web Search

Air India rally to hold Salgaocar

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 07:22 PM

Margao, Apr 23 (PTI) A late goal by Ndubuisi Opara helped Air India hold Salgaocar to a 1-1 draw in their round 22 I-League match at Nehru Stadium here today. Salgaocar, who held territorial advantage in the first half, scored through Ekene Ikenwa. Air India, who put up a better performance in the second session, found the equaliser in the injury time through Ndubuisi Opara. After today''s result, Salgaocar are now at 12th position with 24 points while Air India, with 25 points, remained on 10th position. Despite having territorial advantage in first half, Salgaocar failed to penetrate the rival defence. Their attack lacked the firepower in the absence of Keita. After a brief midfield battle, Salgaocar went ahead in the 29th minute. Francis Fernandes from the right laid a square pass to Beevan D''Mello who quickly released a through pass to Ekene Ikenwa who got the better of rival goalkeeper Arnab Das Sharma and slammed the ball into the empty net with an angular drive. (MORE) PTI MCS RRN PDS

Source: Web Search

Congress Core Committee to discuss opposition demand for JPC on IPL row

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 07:08 PM

New Delhi, Apr 23 (ANI): The Congress Core Committee, chaired by Sonia Gandhi, is likely to discuss the opposition demand to form a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into IPL-Gate.

The meeting is expected to take place at the Prime Minister's 7, Race Course Road residence on Friday evening.

The core committee consists-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Defence Minister A K Antony, Law Minister M Veerappa Moily, Political Secreatry to Congress President Ahmed Patel.

In the morning, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the Lok Sabha the decision on formation of a JPC would be taken with due diligence and consideration

"It (a decision on JPC) is to be taken after due diligence and consideration. It cannot be like instant coffee or instant consideration," Mukherjee said.

"I will communicate your sentiments to the Prime Minister. As and when the government takes a decision, we will come to Parliament. Let us wait for some time," he added.

Earlier in the day, both houses of parliament were adjourned for the day following a strident demand by the opposition for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into IPL-Gate. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rs.68 crore to develop tourists destinations in India

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 06:58 PM

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) The Indian government has sanctioned over Rs.68 crore ($15.30 million) to develop tourist destinations in the national capital, Agra and Jaipur ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the Lok Sabha was informed Friday.

In a written reply, Minister of State of Tourism Sultan Ahmed, said that in view of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games the ministry has provided financial assistance for tourism projects following requests from the states.

He said the ministry has sanctioned Rs.35.78 crore for Delhi, Rs.21.47 crore for Agra and Rs.11.44 crore for Jaipur.

The funds will be used to develop various infrastructure, including wayside amenities, signages, parking facilities and public utilities in view of the Commonwealth Games scheduled for Oct 3-14.

Source: Web Search

Sasikiran back in hunt in Asian Continental Chess

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 06:36 PM

Subic Bay (Philippines), Apr 23 (PTI) Leaving behind the opening round disappointment, Grandmaster Krishnan Sasikiran scored a fine victory over International Master Homayoon Toufighi of Iran to remain in joint lead after round two of the 12th Asian Continental Chess Championship here. International Master Tania Sachdev also overcame a shocking first round loss in the women''s section to beat Aices Salvador of Philippines. Playing the black side of a Sicilian Rossolimo, Sasikiran was able to get early complications wherein Toufighi went for an erroneous plan in the middle game. The Chennai lad was quick to turn the tide in his favour and scored his second victory without much ado. Among others, International Master S P Sethuraman defeated compatriot Padmini Rout to share a nine-way lead at the top. The other leaders are Chinese trio of Yu Ruiyuan, Ding Liren and Yu Yangyi, Filipinos Allan Macala, Oliver Barbosa and Wesley So, Susanto Magaranto of Indonesia. In the next round, Sasikiran will take on Magaranto while Sethuraman has an important game against Yangyi. Grandmaster P Harikrishna also recovered from a first round loss to post his first win in the tournament at the expense of Wang Li of China. The Indian was relentless in his effort and was a picture of confidence while outclassing Wang Li, who had lost his first round to Abhijeet Gupta. Abhijeet, however, ended on the losing end against Oliver Barbosa after misplaying a better position out of a Queen pawn game. Playing black, Abhijeet did the right things in the middle game but missed the thread of the position when it mattered. Barbosa worked his pieces well to register an emphatic win in the end. S Meenakshi also had a bad day in office as she went down fighting against top seeded Ju Wenjun of China while Kiran Manisha Mohanty played out a draw with Ghazal Hakimifrad of Iran. The Asian Continental Chess Championships are played under FIDE''s Swiss rules and there will be nine rounds in all. In the open, there are five seats up for grabs for the next world cup while the winner in the women''s section will qualify for the women''s world cup next year. In addition there is a prize fund of USD 50000 in the open and USD 15000 in the women''s section. .

Source: Web Search

Poorna Patel leaked no e-mail: IPL

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 06:22 PM

Mumbai, Apr 23 (PTI) Indian Premier League authorities today dismissed media reports that Poorna Patel, IPL Hospitality Manager and daughter of Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, has leaked a confidential e-mail from the league''s COO Sundar Raman''s office. The IPL said in a statement that in fact it was Raman who had asked Poorna to send the mail to former union minister Shashi Tharoor and there was nothing confidential about it. "The information was requested on behalf of Mr Shashi Tharoor and was consequently provided by Mr Sundar Raman to Ms Poorna Patel to send through onto him," the IPL management said in the statement. "The information contained in the email is by no means confidential and is the same provided to every prospective bidder on request. This has been the IPL''s normal practice for every bid process," it added. The IPL statement came as reaction to media reports that claimed that Praful Patel forwarded a mail to Tharoor, who backed the Rendezvous Sports World''s bid for the Kochi franchise, days before the IPL bidding with a document containing projections of new franchisee valuations.

Source: Web Search

New Zealand taking a balanced side for ICC T20 World Cup

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 06:16 PM

Wellington,Apr 23 (ANI): The New Zealand cricket team is taking a full-strength team to the West Indies for the 2010 ICC Twenty20 World Cup.

Injuries concerns are over for team as the five players, who were in rehabilitation mode appeared fit to play.

Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Kyle Mills, Ian Butler and Aaron Redmond will be confirmed for a Caribbean departure on Saturday providing they encounter no last-minute setbacks during a second and final mock Twenty20 game tomorrow.

All-rounder Oram was undergoing a knee-injury and was out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament.

He tore a patella tendon while fielding in the first Chappell-Hadlee one-day international against Australia last month.

"The knee is all right, at the moment there are no problems. It's nearly six weeks now since I was hurt, but it could have been a lot worse. It's still been hellishly frustrating though, especially missing the Australian series, which is the big one," said Oram.

New Zealand plays the first game of the tournament against Sri Lanka in Georgetown, Guyana, on April 30.

Daniel Vettori, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and Shane Bond, who played in the third edition of the IPL, will join the team in the West Indies. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Hamilton sure his time in the sun has come

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 06:08 PM

London, Apr 23(ANI): McLaren Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton reckons he is close to joining team-mate Jenson Button on the winners podium this season.

Hamilton also believes that McLaren will continue their winning ways at the next round in Spain.

"We have a lot of developments in the pipeline; we've got quite a few changes for Barcelona and I think we can be right up there," The Mirror quoted Hamilton, as saying.

The 25-year-old further feels he has raced superbly in the four races so far this year - making 32 overtaking manoeuvres, 12 of them in China alone, to Button's seven - and has only been let down by his qualifying pace and team mistakes.

"We still really need to focus on our qualifying pace: we made some improvements in China, but there's still a way to go. We'll get there though," Hamilton said.

"Most of all, I know I can win races in this car - the car still feels so planted, more than any Formula 1 car I've driven, and I'm sure those victories will come," he added.

Hamilton is currently 11 points behind Button going into the European season. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

'Nervy' Bond was dying to fly home after Bangalore blasts

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 05:56 PM

Wellington, April 23 (IANS) A 'nervy' New Zealand and Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Shane Bond was desperate to fly back home after the Bangalore bombings.

Bond, who was in India for the Indian Premier League (IPL), said he just wanted the tournament to get over and done with and leave.

Two low-intensity explosions, one at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium and the other half a kilometre away, before the start of an IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians Saturday, caused panic among the spectators.

Bond said he felt for his New Zealand teammate Ross Taylor, who was playing for the home side that day.

'I was nervous, but for him it was a different level,' Bond, who spoke to Taylor by phone that day, was quoted as saying in New Zealand Herald.

'It (the Bangalore bombing) definitely made me more nervy. We went over there with the threat, I guess, but when that happened it became a reality.'

'We had one game left at that stage and knew we couldn't qualify for the semifinals, so we just wanted to get out of there, really.'

Bond's Kolkata teammate Brendon McCullum also admitted the apprehension levels rose as the shock waves from the Bangalore bombings reverberated around the IPL.

All the IPL players were meant to stay on until the closing ceremony on Monday morning, but Bond and McCullum were given permission to travel home to their families.

Source: Web Search

Sushil among 14 wrestlers named for CWG test event

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 05:52 PM

New Delhi, Apr 23 (PTI) Olympic bronze medallist Sushil Kumar will spearhead Indian challenge in the Senior Asian Free Style, Greco Roman Style and Female Wrestling Championship to be held at the I G Sports Complex here from May 12-16. The selection committee of the Wrestling Federation of India today named a 14-member Indian men''s team -- seven each in Free Style and Greco Roman -- based on their performance in a selection trial. Apart from Sushil (66kg), Rahul Aware (55kg), Rahul Mann (60kg), Narsingh Pancham Yadav (74kg), Anuj Kumar (84kg), Masuam Khatri (96kg) and Rajiv Tomar (120kg) would represent India in the Free Style category. The seven wrestlers selected in the Greco Roman style are Rajender Kumar (55kg), Ravinder Singh (60kg), Sunil Kumar Rana (66kg), Sanjay (74kg), Manoj Kumar (84kg), Ashok Kumar (96kg) and Dharmender Dalal (120kg), according to a WFI release. The selection trials for women wrestles will be held at NIS Patiala tomorrow. The five-day championship is a test event for the Commonwealth Games to be held here from October 3-14.

Source: Web Search

Strong political backing helps PHF secretary Bajwa escape action over World Cup fiasco

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 05:48 PM

Islamabad, Apr.23 (ANI): Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Asif Bajwa seems to have escaped action over his alleged violation of code of conduct, as Sports Minister Aijaz Jakhrani has said that action against him would only be taken after he is found guilty.

Jakhrani said he is unable to take action against the PHF secretary unless charges against him are proved.

"After considering all the aspects during a meeting with other Ministry officials, I came to the conclusion that the government cannot take action against PHF secretary merely on the team's poor performance," The News quoted Jakhrani, as saying.

Bajwa was blamed for Pakistan's humiliating last place finish in last month's Hockey World Cup in New Delhi, and demands for his removal were raised from all circles, however, insiders said that Bajwa's strong political backing saved him from any action.

According to the sources, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Sialkot influenced the Sports Ministry's decision and asked it to give Bajwa a 'new lease of life'.

"That particular MNA requested the decision makers to spare him," sources said.

Source: Web Search

Moyes rejects claims of succeeding Ferguson at Man U

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 05:22 PM

London, Apr 23 (ANI): Everton boss David Moyes has rejected claims that he is likely to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United's next manager.

United is chasing a fourth successive Premier League title but there is speculation Ferguson, 68, may not be far off retirement.

Moyes is among several names linked with the post following his eight years at Everton.

"As far as I'm concerned this is a load of nonsense. What I will say is I think it will be a terrible day when Sir Alex does finish," The Sun quoted Moyes, as saying.

Earlier reports said that Ferguson wanted Moyes to succeed him at Old Trafford.

Ferguson, 68, is convinced that Moyes can provide the continuity that United craves for to keep them challenging for top honours.

Jose Mourinho, however, is the bookies favourite and enjoys a close relationship with Ferguson from his time as coach with Chelsea.

Ferguson knows fellow Glaswegian Moyes, 46, well and has constantly championed his achievements at Preston, and now Everton.

He also believes it is right to give a good British manager the chance to take one of the big jobs in England football. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

'Will give up sex, jobs for WC win'

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 05:16 PM

An overwhelming majority of 51 percent of soccer fans hailing from countries participating in the upcoming football World Cup and residing in North America are ready to starve themselves for a week to see their respective nations win the coveted title, a survey has revealed.

According to the survey conducted by US-based firm VIP Communications Inc., more than 40 per cent of the 20,000 people who participated in the poll, were ready to give up dating for a year, while seven per cent said they would give up their job to see their country win the World Cup in South Africa.

It also found that a whopping 93 percent of English fans had no qualms over giving up eating food for a week to see England lift the World Cup starting June 11, while 70 percent of Italians were ready to resign from their jobs if their team supersedes the 32 other participating teams in the month long tournament.

While most Americans appeared ready to give up their homes, majority of South Koreans preferred a World Cup win to their love lives, The Dawn reports.

However, Slovakians were the least interested in the fate of their national squad, as only three percent said were ready to sacrifice any of the things to see their side's triumph.

Source: Web Search

Beckham is No 1 on Forbes list

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 04:52 PM

David Beckham, even in the twilight of his playing career, still reigns supreme in the world of football as the highest earning player in the world, according to Forbes magazine.

The 35-year-old Beckham earns $40 million annually, with much of that coming from sponsors such as Adidas, Giorgio Armani and Motorola. But Beckham is expected to lose major sponsorship money this year because he will miss the World Cup in South Africa after tearing his Achilles' tendon in March playing for AC Milan.

Portugal midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo is second on the Forbes list, earning $30 million a year. Ronaldo's major sponsors include Nike, Coca-Cola and, like Beckham, Giorgio Armani.

Ronaldo, the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year, became the highest paid football player in the world in June when Real Madrid bought the 25-year-old winger from Manchester United for $130 million. He then signed a six-year contract that pays an estimated $15.5 million in the first year, then increases 25 percent each season.

Brazil playmaker Kaka, Ronaldo's teammate at Madrid, is third on the list, earning $25 million annually.

The 28-year-old forward, who won the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year Award, was bought from AC Milan for $91 million - the second highest recorded transfer fee. Kaka's sponsors include Adidas and Giorgio Armani.

Ronaldinho is fourth on Forbes' list, also earning $25 million a year. The 30-year-old Brazil forward, who plays for AC Milan, won the FIFA World Player of the Year Award in 2004 and '05.

Rounding out the top five is France striker Thierry Henry, who makes $24 million a year. The 32-year-old Henry plays for Barcelona and has sponsorships with Reebok, Gillette and Pepsi.

Lionel Messi, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, is sixth on the list with earnings of $20 million annually. Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is seventh, earning $17 million, with teammate John Terry in eighth, earning $16 million.

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is ninth, also earning $16 million, while Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard earns $15 million in 10th place.

On Wednesday, Forbes ranked Manchester United as football's most valuable team. Real Madrid was second and Arsenal was third - the same top three as last year.

Source: Web Search

AC Milan's Huntelaar may replace Berbatov at Manchester United

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 04:28 PM

London, Apr 23 (ANI): AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar may be heading to Manchester United in a sensational swap deal for Bulgarian star Dimitar Berbatov.

AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has acknowledged the possibility of the Dutch international moving to the Premier League, but was reserved on the future of Bulgarian flop Berba.

"When Klaas was at Real Madrid, he had the chance to go to England, Germany or Italy, and he chose Milan. But England could be a future solution," said Galliani.

"I have read about our interest in Berbatov and I have nothing to add," he added.

'SunSport revealed this week United boss Alex Ferguson was looking to offload Berbatov, who has scored just a dozen goals this season, to the Italian outfit," reports The Sun. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Victoria Government to SMS suburban footballers to drink safely

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 04:22 PM

Melbourne, Apr. 23 (ANI): Tens of thousands of suburban footballers will get weekly text messages from the Victorian Government telling them to drink responsibly after games.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, taxpayers will fork out 180,000 dollars so that an SMS can be sent to 57,000 footballers, who are signed up to receive updated ladders via text message.

It is part of the Championship Moves campaign and the Victorian Government's controversial "respect agenda".

The texts to be sent to footballers include tailored messages such as "Out in Shepp 2nite? Remember real champs look out for their mates".

Over the current football season there will be more than one million texts sent.

Minister for Respect Justin Madden said it was important to get the message across to young males - "the group most at risk of alcohol-related violence".

"These messages help us go straight to the source and remind young men about how to go out on the town to enjoy their night while looking after their mates," he said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

New Zealand, Sri Lanka T20 series seeks to popularise cricket in the US

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 04:16 PM

Auckland, Apr 23(ANI): New Zealand and Sri Lanka will take part in a three-match Twenty20 series in Florida next month to launch a new partnership between USA Cricket (USACA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

The matches will be played at the Central Broward County Regional Park Cricket Stadium between May 21 and May 23.

Talking about the crucial decision, NZC Chief Executive Justin Vaughan said his organization had long seen the potential of cricket in the US.

"We have the experience and capacity to help develop the game of cricket in the USA. We are looking at ways of helping USA Cricket grow the game both professionally and at the grassroots," Stuff.co.nz quoted Vaughan, as saying in a statement.

"This T20 series is the first of many initiatives between our two cricket boards and we envisage the Black Caps playing in the USA on an annual basis," he added.

Meanwhile, USACA Chief Executive Donald Lockerbie believes the series has the potential to help grow and develop the game in the U.S.

"We believe that in order to grow the game of cricket in the USA, we need to have the best teams in the world play in our country," Lockerbie said.

"We want to demonstrate to the American public just how exciting the T20 format is. Cricket is already popular here but has lacked major media coverage. This inaugural series is the first step to reverse this situation," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Lennon's return, a boost for England's World Cup

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 04:08 PM

London, Apr 23 (ANI): The return of mid-fielder Aaron Lennon has come as welcome news for Tottenham fans and is expected to give England's World Cup bid a huge boost.

Lennon had been sidelined for four months with a groin injury. He suffered the blow during Spurs' 2-0 victory over West Ham on December 28.

Lennon is back in the squad to face Manchester United.

"He trained fully with us this week for the first time since the injury and it's going well," said Tottenham Manager Harry Redknapp.

"He should be on the bench at least and it's great to have Aaron around again - not only for Tottenham but for England, too. It's good news," he added.

'Lennon's return is perfectly timed to bolster injury-hit England with the World Cup in South Africa just seven weeks away,' reports The Sun. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

ICC World Twenty20 to be broadcast in 14 European languages

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 03:26 PM

Dubai, Apr.23 (ANI): If you've ever wondered how to say "howzat?" in Polish or "free hit" in German, you could find out over the course of the next few weeks as the Eurosport channel will be broadcasting the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 from the West Indies in 14 languages across the length and breadth of the continent.

The broadcaster, which is an official licensee of ICC's broadcast partner ESPN STAR Sports and one of Europe's leading sports entertainment groups, has confirmed it will broadcast 19 matches from the event live on Eurosport 2, with the remaining 11 fixtures featuring live on Eurosport Player or as a delayed broadcast on Eurosport 2.

Along with the other licensees, this exciting development means that the ICC World Twenty20 2010 will be accessible to 58 territories across the continent of Europe. In addition, the full list of languages that Eurosport plans to broadcast in are Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, English, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbian and Turkish.

This is in addition to the global reach of the tournament through ESS's various licensees in more than 200 territories around the world.

Through Eurosport, ESS is also launching its exciting "What is Cricket?" educational campaign in order to continue building upon the event's growing popularity in Europe.

This ESS campaign aims to build on last year's efforts to bring Twenty20 International cricket closer to fans in Europe with five-minute promotional clips on Eurosport that introduce key elements of the sport and show new fans and viewers what makes the ICC World Twenty20 so exciting to watch.

As a flavour of what you can expect on your TV screens over the next few weeks, you can watch clips of Eurosport's multi-lingual coverage of the ICC World Twenty20 2009 in England on the event website www.iccevents.yahoo.com.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: "This is another example of how the ICC and our partners are bringing the great sport of cricket to the world and promoting it beyond its traditional boundaries. It is great news for cricket and for the sports-lovers of Europe.

"This is the second time Eurosport has broadcast an ICC event - the first being the ICC World Twenty20 2009 in England. After that tournament we received correspondence from cricket novices in places like Sweden and Italy wondering how they could find out more about the game and if there were any clubs in their neighbourhoods they could join," said Mr Lorgat.

"Being able to put these new cricket-lovers in touch with our Members across Europe was particularly satisfying and we hope this year's event in the West Indies will inspire yet more people to pick up the game."

The "What is Cricket?" campaign on Eurosport will take the form of regular on-air features explaining the fundamentals of the game to viewers who may not have seen much cricket in the past.

ESS Managing Director Manu Sawhney said: "We're very pleased to continue our partnership with Eurosport Group to showcase the ICC World Twenty20 event across continental Europe.

"This event enjoys a strong following across the region and we're committed to build on that popularity further with the 'What is Cricket?' campaign together with the ICC and Eurosport Group," said Mr.Sawhney.

"This unique educational campaign builds on the ICC World Twenty20's growing appeal after last year's efforts to localize the event in 14 languages, and will go a long way in taking the game to new heights in the continent and bringing in new audiences for the future."

Laurent-Eric Le Lay, Chairman and CEO of Eurosport Group added: "We're delighted with the partnership between ESS and the ICC. We're looking forward to delivering the ICC World Twenty20 2010 in the best way possible to our viewers in Europe so they can enjoy the event in all its glory.

"This is one of the year's biggest global sporting events and we're confident that this new educational campaign combined with broadcasting the event in more languages will raise the bar in terms of reaching more fans."

The 17-day tournament will feature 12 teams with all the top international players in the world taking part and with tickets for the big event fast disappearing, fans who are unable to support their teams at the grounds will be afforded the best possible coverage courtesy of ESS.

The event will also feature eight women's teams, which will play their group-stage matches in St Kitts. The semi-finals and final will run as double-headers with the men's version in St Lucia and Barbados in front of ESS cameras, giving enormous exposure to the women's game around the world. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

'Shoania' 'over the moon' with warm welcome in Pakistan

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 03:22 PM

Islamabad, Apr.23 (ANI): Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik has said that he and his newly wedded bride Sania Mirza had never thought they would receive such a warm welcome in Pakistan.

Talking to Geo news on board a flight from Karachi to Islamabad, Shoaib said they were 'over the moon' to see Indian channels airing celebrations of their wedding in Pakistan.

"I was very excited to watch the festivities unfolding in Pakistan," he said.

The star sports couple said they are thankful to the authorities for taking special care of them.

The newly married couple are being accorded VVIP protocol in the country.

Soon after their arrival at the Karachi airport they took a flight to Islamabad, where they were escorted to a five star hotel amid unprecedented security cover.

The traffic movement along their route from the airport to the hotel was stopped till Shoania's carcade passed.

The duo is likely to meet Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, President Asif Ali Zardari and several other top officials and ministers besides the Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan, Sharad Sabharwal, before their reception in Lahore on April 25.(ANI)

Source: Web Search

Robben rocket brings Japan's Okada down to earth

Published Fri, Apr 23 10 03:08 PM

Japan coach Takeshi Okada was left in awe after watching Arjen Robben's Champions League exploits in midweek and admits World Cup opponents Netherlands represent the toughest of tests for his side.

Robben's superb winner in Bayern Munich's 1-0 win over Olympique Lyon in their semi-final first leg gave the watching Japan coach a reality check before this year's World Cup.

"Robben is a really amazing player," Okada told Friday's Sankei Sports newspaper. "I don't know how you stop him. He can come up with incredible goals like that."

Okada's side were easily beaten 3-0 by the Dutch in a friendly last September but the Japan coach refuses to backtrack from his declared target of a World Cup semi-final spot.

Japan also face Cameroon and Denmark in Group E in South Africa and Okada been criticised for placing extra pressure on his players.

"They also have players like (Robin) van Persie and (Dirk) Kuyt," said Okada. "You can't simply man-mark every one of them.

"The Dutch can shoot from any range -- totally different to Japan," he added, admitting in public for the first time what his employers and even his players have been saying for months.

"I will need to impress on the players a real sense of urgency. The Dutch really are a high-level team."

Source: Web Search

Tiger Woods' divorce '100 percent happening'

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 02:22 PM

New York, April 23 (ANI): Golfer Tiger Woods' divorce with Elin Nordegren is 100 percent happening, according to sources.

"It's going to take a long time to go through. But Elin will go through with it," the New York Daily News quoted a source as telling UsMagazine.com.

It has been reported that Nordegren flew to Sweden when she came to know that Woods was partying at a concert.

The couple have been living separately sparking speculations that their divorce is bound to happen.

Nordegren and her mother reportedly met an attorney to talk about the divorce procedure, before taking a flight to Sweden with the couple's two kids.

"It's going to take a long time to go through but she will go through with it. She is all about being a mom. She will do it slowly and carefully," the source said.

According to TMZ, Woods "partied like a rock star" at a Nickeback performance in Orlando, Florida, when his wife left the country. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

As an impact player, Pollard makes his presence felt

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 02:08 PM

Mumbai, April 23 -- Kieron Pollard, at his best, is an unfettered force of nature. He bowls with aggression, bats like a maniac and leaps like a tiger, snuffing out anything within striking distance. Pollard is reminiscent of Andrew Flintoff, as the latter's aggression, never-say-die attitude and the way he laps up the crowd's acclaim reflect in the West Indian's persona. Pollard was billed as a 'T20 terminator' and it reflected in the Mumbai Indians' fierce bidding to snare him in the IPL-III auction. The franchise bagged him and they are just one step away from winning their maiden IPL trophy. What an outing it has been for the all-rounder. He hasn't played a big innings, but has contributed with match-winning knocks. He has been an impact player in every aspect of the game. Pollard is the fourth highest run-scorer for his team (246 from 13 matches) with a highest score of 45 not out and is the third highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps from as many games. His best figures of 3 for 17 came against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the semifinal on Wednesday. Like Flintoff, Pollard bowls a nagging length, makes the ball to rear up to the batsman's ribs and deftly slips in the slower ones that mostly catch them unawares. Against the RCB on Wednesday, he swung into action with an athletic dive to run Rahul Dravid out. He followed it up with a skilful bowling performance to get rid of Robin Uthappa, Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey, respectively. And if one noted the nature of the three dismissals, it was the slower delivery that did the trick each time. But just like he cuts down the pace, he turns on the heat whenever he walks in to bat. Pollard is one of the cleanest strikers of the ball and his 13-ball 33 on Wednesday was an exhibition of strength and courage.

Like Flintoff, Pollard fears little of the consequences and Tendulkar will bank on the all-rounder to replicate his fearsome state on Sunday.

Source: Web Search

From 'nobody' to cricket honcho in four years flat

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 01:38 PM

In 2004, then Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje hosted a lavish dinner and the who's who of business, politics and media were invited to the event. But no one had time to spare for the unknown, dark, short man, who had "practically glued himself to Raje" and, as one guest put it, was "vainly trying hard to be noticed". Many of the guests were to later regret not being introduced to this man, for he was Lalit Modi, who would go on to become the all-powerful head of the richest sporting extravaganza in the world, the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Within a short span of four years, Modi transformed from practically a nobody to one of the most powerful men in India's wealthiest sport.

Modi's rise to power has its roots in Nagaur, a district in Rajasthan. It was towards the end of 2004 that Kishore Rungta, then president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), came to know that a certain Lalit Kumar had become the president of the Nagaur District Cricket Association (NDCA).

Rungta's family had ruled the RCA for years. And he had never heard of Kumar. So, he asked NDCA secretary Rajendra Singh Nandu about the new Nagaur association chief, to which Nandu replied that the new president was his man and Rungta had ''nothing to worry about.'' As it turned out, Rungta had a lot worry about, for '' Nandu's man'' was soon to usurp his position.

By mid-2004, the stage was secretly set for Modi's entry into RCA through the Rajasthan Sports (Registration, Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Ordinance.

Subsequently, the ordinance became an act and was enforced from August 18, 2004. IAS officer Sanjai Dixit, a Modi confidante, was entrusted with the task of drafting the ordinance. Its provisions sealed Rungta's fate in the RCA because the right of the individual members to vote - the secret of Rungta's continued power in the association - was taken away. Now, only the office bearers were allowed to vote for the president.

In February 2005, Modi announced his candidature against Rungta in the RCA elections and it was then that the latter came to know that the NDCA's Lalit Kumar was, in fact, Modi.

Modi won the polls, ending the Rungtas' 40-year domination of the RCA, and Dixit became the elected secretary.

After his election in the RCA, Modi was also given voting rights in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

After his election as the RCA president and then the BCCI?s vice-president, Modi rose to become the most powerful cricket personality of the country as the IPL commissioner, his two successive defeats in later RCA elections notwithstanding.

He was first defeated by his one-time crony Dixit. The Modi camp successfully staged a coup against Dixit within less than a year, forcing fresh elections.

However, this time, Union minister CP Joshi humbled Modi and Dixit was elected the secretary of the RCA.

Reproduced From Mail Today. Copyright 2010. MTNPL. All rights reserved.

Follow us on Twitter!

Source: Web Search

Gill slams BCCI for IPL

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 01:18 PM

New Delhi, April 23 -- Sports Minister, M.S. Gill, on Thursday slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the ongoing controversy surrounding the Indian Premier League, saying it was time the Board was made accountable. Replying to the debate on the functioning of the Ministry in Rajya Sabha, Gill said the government was keeping a close watch on the IPL activities. "The IPL is under the scanner, we are watching very closely. Its affairs are being looked into with great detail," Gill informed the House. Coming down heavily on the BCCI, the Minister said the Board "took over everything to do with cricket after it got rich in the last 10-15 years. It is time the Board answers to India". Gill questioned the tax exemptions given to the BCCI, one of the richest sports bodies in the world, saying "there should not be any let off for anybody". State governments are also giving tax sops for different cricket events, he added. "The BCCI could not be a regulator as also owner of the India team as there was a conflict of interest," he said. Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, has already assured Parliament that his Ministry would "get to the bottom of every angle and every aspect of IPL", Gill said. "We will wait for the report," he said, adding the Sports Ministry is linked only to the BCCI. He did not spare BCCI officials for the "state of affairs". "They are taking too many roles. There is a gentleman who is the selector and also the brand ambassador of a team," Gill said, without taking names. He sought to dispel the notion that the government could not do anything in matters related to the BCCI. "No matter how passive the Ministry has been, they (BCCI) come to us for foreign tours."

"You have to charge for that from those who (organisers) are benefiting commercially," Gill said referring to the shifting of IPL matches from Bangalore to Navi Mumbai on security concerns.

Source: Web Search

Tiger Woods's marriage over: Donald Trump

Published>Fri, Apr 23 10 01:08 PM

New York, April 23 (ANI): Businessman Donald Trump has said that his pal Tiger Woods' marriage with Elin Nordegren is over.

Trump gave a telephonic interview on 'Good Day New York' and was asked about the couple's relationship.

"Do you want me to be blunt about it?" the 63-year-old business tycoon asked. "I think it is over and it is too bad. I think he feels very badly about it. It is very, very tough," he said.

Speculations that Woods and Nordegren have broken-up starting making rounds when the couple stayed in separate houses after returning to Orlando, Florida., reports The New York Post.

Sources told RadarOnline that Nordegren is angry with Woods as he is planning to return to golf just a few months after his adulterous affairs scandal came up, and wondered if he really wanted to bring back his happy married life.

Trump said that Woods is sorry for his mistakes but he and his consultants have mismanaged the whole affair.

"He has been just devastated by what has happened," Trump said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search