Less ego, more sweat will fire Ivory Coast World Cup bid

Published>Wed, May 05 10 11:46 PM

The Ivory Coast players have been urged to bury their egos and increase their work rate at the World Cup after a disappointing African Nations campaign.

After a shock defeat by Algeria in the quarter-finals in February, captain Didier Drogba said individual ego problems had affected the team's performances.

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will take charge of the team at the World Cup starting next month after he replaced Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic who was sacked after the Nations Cup.

"Let them put their egos aside this time and really sweat, because after a missed opportunity in the Africa Cup we have to go as far as we can," former striker Abdoulaye Traore told Reuters.

"If they can't put their pride aside, it's going to be difficult for them to play for the same cause," said Traore who helped The Elephants win the Nations Cup in 1992.

Ivory Coast have been drawn in World Cup Group G along with Brazil, Portugal and North Korea.

Gnahouleou Emile, president of The Elephants' supporters club, said: "It's for the players to provide the means to win. If they agree to knuckle down and work hard, we can go far".

Ivorians have had mixed feelings about laying the blame on Halilhodzic for the Nations Cup loss, which some saw as unfair.

"What's the point of taking a new coach if the... players are divided into clans and groups? We will still get the same results," said taxi driver Marcelin Niamkey.

While the debate about the squad's unity rumbles on the country is already gearing up for the tournament.

Hawkers selling orange Elephants shirts and wigs are plying the streets of Abidjan and palm-fringed local bars are setting up projector screens to show the action.

Source: Web Search

Australia elect to bat against Bangladesh

Published>Wed, May 05 10 11:08 PM

Barbados, May 5 (IANS) Australian captain Michael Clarke won the toss and elected to bat against Bangladesh in the Group A World Twenty20 match here Wednesday.

Teams:

Australia:

Michael Clarke (captain), David Warner, Shane Watson, David Hussey, Cameron White, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin (wicket-keeper), D Smith, Ryan Harris, Shaun Tait, Dirk Nannes

Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Aftab Ahmed, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket-keeper), Jahurul Islam, Naeem Islam, Mashrafe Mortaza, Shafiul Islam, Abdur Razzak.

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Fit-again Gambhir keen to contribute with bat

Published Wed, May 05 10 10:52 PM

Joseph Hoover Bridgetown (Barbados), May 5 (PTI) India vice captain Gautam Gambhir today made himself available for the team''s first Super Eight stage match of the Twenty20 World Cup on Friday and said he was eager to contribute with the bat. Gambhir missed the group match against South Africa because of a groin injury but the left-hander said he has recover from it and was raring to go. "I am fit and feeling strong. I am looking forward to the big games. These are really important matches and I am looking forward to play a big role in that," said Gambhir, after a long hit at the nets at the Three Ws Oval here. "You have seen how one player can change the course of the game when Suresh Raina scored a hundred against South Africa. I want to contribute," said the Delhi player. Gambhir has been one of India''s most prolific batsmen in recent years and the left-hander said he wanted an encore of his performance in the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup which India won. "It is always good that you have been scoring in the last one year. The team wants you to score more and more. This is one tournament where you want to really step up and show good form. "I am enjoying the challenge and hopefully if I get the same kind of form that I had in 2007 it would be great," he said. Even though India won the 2007 title, they could not reach the semifinals last year but Gambhir felt India were better prepared for the Super Eights this time round. "The difference between the last event and this year is that we played Bangladesh and Ireland in England. But this time round we played South Africa who are one of the best sides in the world. So we can take that confidence into the Super Eights," he said. Gambhir had no issue if the Kensington Oval deck generated pace and bounce on Friday. "We haven''t played on this wicket so we don''t know how it will play. Obviously, we have heard from people that it has a got a lot more bounce in it than at St Lucia. "You cannot go into the match with set ideas just because the wicket is sluggish or fast. Sometimes it works the other way when a guy goes and turns the match around in six overs," said Gambhir. .

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Kothari stuns Advani to lift snooker crown

Published Wed, May 05 10 10:26 PM

Mumbai, May 5 (PTI) Sourav Kothari today stunned India''s number one cueist and top seed Pankaj Advani to win the Rs 3.10 lakh prize money Nahar-MIG All India Invitation Snooker Championship 2010 here. Kothari defeated Advani, only the second cueist in the world after Paul Mifsud of Malta to capture the IBSF World snooker as well as billiards crowns, 6-3 (81-1, 66-61, 37-62, 29-77, 72-38, 26-52, 77-0 73-0, 57-45) to clinch the title. Kothari started with a 2-0 lead but then his Petroleum Sports Promotion Board mate Advani fought back and caught him at 2-2. Once again Kothari came back and won the fifth frame to take the lead. Advani pocketed the sixth frame and came level at three all. But after that it was an all Kothari show as he took the last three frames without giving Advani much of a chance. Following the win, Kothari pocketed Rs one lakh as prize money, while Advani had to be satisfied with Rs 50,000. Advani praised Kothari''s skills and complimented him for his brilliance. Meanwhile, Kothari gave credit to his parents and especially mentioned his father''s guidance as a key for his success.

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Sharad Pawar can be made a party in PIL over IPL controversy: Court

Published>Wed, May 05 10 09:48 PM

Mumbai, May 5 (ANI): Hearing a public interest litigation petition, seeking levy of entertainment tax on Indian Premier League matches, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed impleading the Union Government and asked the petitioner to make Union Minister Sharad Pawar a party if he wanted to make allegations against him.

A Division Bench of Justices P.B. Majmudar and R.G. Ketkar while hearing the PIL filed by Shiv Sena leader Subhash Desai today made the directions.

The Bench also observed that: "If a minister holds a post in a cricket association, and the state cabinet is to decide on granting some exemption to the association...perhaps conflict of interest may arise."

The Bench sought the Centre's view on whether any "conflict of interest" arose if a minister was a member of a cricket body.

Subhash Desai has reportedly stated that the State Cabinet decided in January this year to impose entertainment tax on IPL matches, but the decision was never implemented, causing revenue loss to the cash-strapped Government.

However, Board of Control for Cricket in India's senior counsel Raju Subramaniam clarified that Mr. Pawar currently had no connection with the BCCI or IPL, though he had headed the apex cricketing body two years ago.

During its last hearing, the court had sought a reply from the State as to whether any code of conduct existed for ministers becoming members of sports bodies. (ANI)

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CGF happy with progress, but lists key challenges

Published>Wed, May 05 10 09:28 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) With 151 days left for the Commonwealth Games, the Co-ordination Commission (CoCom) of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) after its last round of meeting here said it is happy with the progress but singled out some key challenges for the Organising Committee, including completion of some venues and security before the Oct 3-14 event.

The COCOM, chaired by CGF treasurer Austin Sealy, said that 70 critical issues listed in December have now been reduced to just 38.

'We are extremely happy to be back here and are through with our seventh and final meeting. Certainly the progress that we have noticed since our previous visit in December last year is remarkable. But still a lot of work is to be done. There is quite a bit of work to be undertaken by Suresh Kalmadi (organising committee chairman) and his team,' said Sealy.

The Barbadian said that major areas of concerns are construction of the Games Village, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, venue for opening and closing ceremony, and the swimming complex.

'These delays have the knock-on effect and hamper the organising committee's planning and implementation for final, overlay, staff training, rehearsal and stimulation. It is imperative that everything be done to accelerate work and that the agencies responsible for venue delivery cooperate fully with the Organising Committee to ensure the final planning for handover and operations,' he said.

Sealy also said the CGF will work closely with the Organising Committee, Delhi Police and the government to monitor the security arrangements.

'We must say that we are happy with security, but even the Times Square is not safe. So we can't take anything for granted,' he said.

Sealy also said he was happy with the sponsorship money raised for the Commonwealth Games.

'The sponsorship deal has not only crossed what we got from Melbourne but also our expected target,' he said.

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Gayle calls for more consistency from his players

Published Wed, May 05 10 09:22 PM

Port-of-Spain, May 5 (PTI) With the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup starting tomorrow, West Indies captain Chris Gayle has called on his players to be more consistent in every aspects of the game from here on. Gayle was of the view that the West Indian bowlers need to pull up their socks after the hosts conceded a sizable 191 against England in the group stages. "We have got to be more consistent in the bowling department. Having conceded 191 runs against England, I think we just lacked some penetration and good line and length, but hopefully we can get it correct by the next round," he said. West Indies beat minnows Ireland by a comfortable 70 runs in their first match and then luckily got the better of England by eight wickets via Duckworth-Lewis method in their rain-affected second and final group encounter. West Indies might have faltered in the first two editions of the Twenty20 World Cup but Gayle said this time the tournament brought along with an opportunity for the Caribbeans to break their title jinx. "I think we have a good chance of making the Caribbean people proud, and with these two victories in Guyana, we should go from strength to strength. We just have to stay focused and play hard cricket over the next two weeks," Gayle was quoted as saying by the Caribbean Media Corporation. "I think the crowd was fantastic in Guyana, and I still call on the people to continue with this sort of support," he said.

Source: Web Search

Delhi HC asks Centre for affidavit on implementation of Sports Ministry's new guidelines

Published>Wed, May 05 10 09:20 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Central Government to produce an affidavit on the implementation of the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which limits the tenure of sports administrators.

In the affidavit, the government has been asked to explain its stand on the implementation of a regulation clause. The court has adjourned the matter till May 19.

The direction has come following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Rahul Mehra, which alleged that National Sports Federations (NSFs) are not run by professionals but by politicians, and added that elections to these bodies are flawed.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to depute senior officials to Indian Olympic Committee (IOC) to resolve the tenure issue.

However, V. P. Singh, counsel for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), slammed the guidelines issued by the sports ministry saying that it flouted the rules of the Olympic Charter.

"Today, for the first time, the court said that all copies and other documents, affidavits, etc. should be provided to us and we (the court) will respond to those affidavits," said Singh.

"Now, on May 19, we are going to argue that even the policy of the government as framed now is absolutely against the provisions of the Article 19 as well as the Society Registration Act," he added.

On Wednesday, the Indian Olympic Association officials along with a delegation of National Sports Federations met the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, over the issue of new tenure regulations and sought his intervention over the same.

Officials have termed the government move as interference in their affairs and even warned that the attempts to erode their autonomy may invite international ban on India.

The new regulations restrict National Sports Federations Presidents from occupying the posts for over 12 years, with or without break.

When it comes to secretaries and treasurers, the regulations allow them to serve eight years at a stretch and to seek a re-election only after a four-year gap. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Delhi HC asks Centre for affidavit on implementation of Sports Ministry's new guidelines

Published>Wed, May 05 10 09:18 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Central Government to produce an affidavit on the implementation of the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which limits the tenure of sports administrators.

In the affidavit, the government has been asked to explain its stand on the implementation of a regulation clause. The court has adjourned the matter till May 19.

The direction has come following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Rahul Mehra, which alleged that National Sports Federations (NSFs) are not run by professionals but by politicians, and added that elections to these bodies are flawed.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to depute senior officials to Indian Olympic Committee (IOC) to resolve the tenure issue.

However, V. P. Singh, counsel for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), slammed the guidelines issued by the sports ministry saying that it flouted the rules of the Olympic Charter.

"Today, for the first time, the court said that all copies and other documents, affidavits, etc. should be provided to us and we (the court) will respond to those affidavits," said Singh.

"Now, on May 19, we are going to argue that even the policy of the government as framed now is absolutely against the provisions of the Article 19 as well as the Society Registration Act," he added.

On Wednesday, the Indian Olympic Association officials along with a delegation of National Sports Federations met the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, over the issue of new tenure regulations and sought his intervention over the same.

Officials have termed the government move as interference in their affairs and even warned that the attempts to erode their autonomy may invite international ban on India.

The new regulations restrict National Sports Federations Presidents from occupying the posts for over 12 years, with or without break.

When it comes to secretaries and treasurers, the regulations allow them to serve eight years at a stretch and to seek a re-election only after a four-year gap. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Delhi HC asks Centre for affidavit on implementation of Sports Ministry's new guidelines

Published>Wed, May 05 10 09:16 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Central Government to produce an affidavit on the implementation of the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which limits the tenure of sports administrators.

In the affidavit, the government has been asked to explain its stand on the implementation of a regulation clause. The court has adjourned the matter till May 19.

The direction has come following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Rahul Mehra, which alleged that National Sports Federations (NSFs) are not run by professionals but by politicians, and added that elections to these bodies are flawed.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to depute senior officials to Indian Olympic Committee (IOC) to resolve the tenure issue.

However, V. P. Singh, counsel for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), slammed the guidelines issued by the sports ministry saying that it flouted the rules of the Olympic Charter.

"Today, for the first time, the court said that all copies and other documents, affidavits, etc. should be provided to us and we (the court) will respond to those affidavits," said Singh.

"Now, on May 19, we are going to argue that even the policy of the government as framed now is absolutely against the provisions of the Article 19 as well as the Society Registration Act," he added.

On Wednesday, the Indian Olympic Association officials along with a delegation of National Sports Federations met the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, over the issue of new tenure regulations and sought his intervention over the same.

Officials have termed the government move as interference in their affairs and even warned that the attempts to erode their autonomy may invite international ban on India.

The new regulations restrict National Sports Federations Presidents from occupying the posts for over 12 years, with or without break.

When it comes to secretaries and treasurers, the regulations allow them to serve eight years at a stretch and to seek a re-election only after a four-year gap. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Delhi HC asks Centre for affidavit on implementation of Sports Ministry's new guidelines

Published>Wed, May 05 10 09:14 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Central Government to produce an affidavit on the implementation of the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which limits the tenure of sports administrators.

In the affidavit, the government has been asked to explain its stand on the implementation of a regulation clause. The court has adjourned the matter till May 19.

The direction has come following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Rahul Mehra, which alleged that National Sports Federations (NSFs) are not run by professionals but by politicians, and added that elections to these bodies are flawed.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to depute senior officials to Indian Olympic Committee (IOC) to resolve the tenure issue.

However, V. P. Singh, counsel for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), slammed the guidelines issued by the sports ministry saying that it flouted the rules of the Olympic Charter.

"Today, for the first time, the court said that all copies and other documents, affidavits, etc. should be provided to us and we (the court) will respond to those affidavits," said Singh.

"Now, on May 19, we are going to argue that even the policy of the government as framed now is absolutely against the provisions of the Article 19 as well as the Society Registration Act," he added.

On Wednesday, the Indian Olympic Association officials along with a delegation of National Sports Federations met the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, over the issue of new tenure regulations and sought his intervention over the same.

Officials have termed the government move as interference in their affairs and even warned that the attempts to erode their autonomy may invite international ban on India.

The new regulations restrict National Sports Federations Presidents from occupying the posts for over 12 years, with or without break.

When it comes to secretaries and treasurers, the regulations allow them to serve eight years at a stretch and to seek a re-election only after a four-year gap. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Delhi HC asks Centre for affidavit on implementation of Sports Ministry's new guidelines

Published>Wed, May 05 10 09:12 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Central Government to produce an affidavit on the implementation of the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which limits the tenure of sports administrators.

In the affidavit, the government has been asked to explain its stand on the implementation of a regulation clause. The court has adjourned the matter till May 19.

The direction has come following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Rahul Mehra, which alleged that National Sports Federations (NSFs) are not run by professionals but by politicians, and added that elections to these bodies are flawed.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to depute senior officials to Indian Olympic Committee (IOC) to resolve the tenure issue.

However, V. P. Singh, counsel for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), slammed the guidelines issued by the sports ministry saying that it flouted the rules of the Olympic Charter.

"Today, for the first time, the court said that all copies and other documents, affidavits, etc. should be provided to us and we (the court) will respond to those affidavits," said Singh.

"Now, on May 19, we are going to argue that even the policy of the government as framed now is absolutely against the provisions of the Article 19 as well as the Society Registration Act," he added.

On Wednesday, the Indian Olympic Association officials along with a delegation of National Sports Federations met the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, over the issue of new tenure regulations and sought his intervention over the same.

Officials have termed the government move as interference in their affairs and even warned that the attempts to erode their autonomy may invite international ban on India.

The new regulations restrict National Sports Federations Presidents from occupying the posts for over 12 years, with or without break.

When it comes to secretaries and treasurers, the regulations allow them to serve eight years at a stretch and to seek a re-election only after a four-year gap. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Delhi HC asks Centre for affidavit on implementation of Sports Ministry's new guidelines

Published>Wed, May 05 10 09:10 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Central Government to produce an affidavit on the implementation of the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which limits the tenure of sports administrators.

In the affidavit, the government has been asked to explain its stand on the implementation of a regulation clause. The court has adjourned the matter till May 19.

The direction has come following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Rahul Mehra, which alleged that National Sports Federations (NSFs) are not run by professionals but by politicians, and added that elections to these bodies are flawed.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to depute senior officials to Indian Olympic Committee (IOC) to resolve the tenure issue.

However, V. P. Singh, counsel for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), slammed the guidelines issued by the sports ministry saying that it flouted the rules of the Olympic Charter.

"Today, for the first time, the court said that all copies and other documents, affidavits, etc. should be provided to us and we (the court) will respond to those affidavits," said Singh.

"Now, on May 19, we are going to argue that even the policy of the government as framed now is absolutely against the provisions of the Article 19 as well as the Society Registration Act," he added.

On Wednesday, the Indian Olympic Association officials along with a delegation of National Sports Federations met the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, over the issue of new tenure regulations and sought his intervention over the same.

Officials have termed the government move as interference in their affairs and even warned that the attempts to erode their autonomy may invite international ban on India.

The new regulations restrict National Sports Federations Presidents from occupying the posts for over 12 years, with or without break.

When it comes to secretaries and treasurers, the regulations allow them to serve eight years at a stretch and to seek a re-election only after a four-year gap. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Delhi HC asks Centre for affidavit on implementation of Sports Ministry's new guidelines

Published>Wed, May 05 10 09:08 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Central Government to produce an affidavit on the implementation of the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which limits the tenure of sports administrators.

In the affidavit, the government has been asked to explain its stand on the implementation of a regulation clause. The court has adjourned the matter till May 19.

The direction has come following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Rahul Mehra, which alleged that National Sports Federations (NSFs) are not run by professionals but by politicians, and added that elections to these bodies are flawed.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to depute senior officials to Indian Olympic Committee (IOC) to resolve the tenure issue.

However, V. P. Singh, counsel for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), slammed the guidelines issued by the sports ministry saying that it flouted the rules of the Olympic Charter.

"Today, for the first time, the court said that all copies and other documents, affidavits, etc. should be provided to us and we (the court) will respond to those affidavits," said Singh.

"Now, on May 19, we are going to argue that even the policy of the government as framed now is absolutely against the provisions of the Article 19 as well as the Society Registration Act," he added.

On Wednesday, the Indian Olympic Association officials along with a delegation of National Sports Federations met the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, over the issue of new tenure regulations and sought his intervention over the same.

Officials have termed the government move as interference in their affairs and even warned that the attempts to erode their autonomy may invite international ban on India.

The new regulations restrict National Sports Federations Presidents from occupying the posts for over 12 years, with or without break.

When it comes to secretaries and treasurers, the regulations allow them to serve eight years at a stretch and to seek a re-election only after a four-year gap. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Govt reviews security for Commonwealth Games

Published Wed, May 05 10 08:52 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (PTI) The government today reviewed the steps being taken to ensure foolproof security for the Commonwealth Games to be held here in October. A meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary G K Pillai here discussed security-related concerns and issues with senior personnel of central paramilitary forces, Delhi Police, civic agencies -- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)-- and Home Ministry officials. Pillai has taken the stock of arrangements being made by Delhi Police and other stakeholders to ensure safety and security during the mega sporting events, sources said. City Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal gave a detailed presentation regarding the arrangements being made by Delhi Police. Officials expressed satisfaction over successful completion of World Cup Hockey tournament held here recently. They said various security-related concerns and issues were also discussed to allay fears, especially from the mind of foreign players and delegates during the meeting which lasted for about two hours. Commonwealth Games are due here between October 3 and 14 this year.

Source: Web Search

Sports ministry and IOA turf war intensifies

Published>Wed, May 05 10 08:48 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) The tug of war between the sports ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) over the tenure of officials intensified as both opened new fronts Wednesday.

IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi and his senior colleagues met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to explain their stand while the ministry shot off a strongly-worded statement attacking the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for objecting to the Indian government fixing tenure of office-bearers of the sports federattions.

It also lashed out at IOA secretary general Randhir Singh for approaching the IOC.

The ministry also offered to depute a senior official to resolve the issue with the apex world sports body.

Kalmadi along with presidents of various sports federations met the prime minister in the morning.

'We briefed the PM about the issues that threaten the autonomy of the IOA and sports federations,' Kalmadi told reporters in the Parliament House complex.

'We told him we did not like the timing of this order, that too when the Commonwealth Games are near and when the Coordination Commission is in the city to monitor the progress of the Games. This controversy could have been easily avoided,' Kalmadi said.

Kalmadi was accompanied by other senior sports bosses like Praful Patel (football), V.K. Malhotra (archery), Digvijay Singh (shooting), Randhir Singh (IOA secretary general) and Lalit Bhanot (athletics).

'We don't want to go on the offensive. Gill could have waited for the Games to get over. We have also told the PM that all sports federations will work hard to make the Commonwealth Games a huge success,' Kalmadi said.

'Randhir (Singh) has given the IOC letter to the PM and he assured us he will look into the matter and will get back to us,' Kalmadi added.

In the letter, IOC's National Olympic Committee (NOC) relations director Pere Miro hinted that the world body will not hesitate to impose sanctions on its Indian affiliate if there is too much government interference in the functioning of the federations which, under the Olympic Charter, need to be autonomous.

Later, the ministry accused Randhir of having a 'conflict of interest on the issue in view of his 23-year-long continuous tenure as IOA secretary general and also an independent member from India on the IOC.'

The sports ministry said 'it is noting with regret that they were not consulted before the IOC was approached.'

'The IOC, too, did not seek any inputs from the government before its NOC Relations director sent the letter to Randhir Singh, who in turn has sent it to the government in his dual capacity,' the ministry said.

'The government has noted the contents of the letter from the IOC's NOC Relations director. The government is immediately sending to the highest authorities in the IOC a detailed response on the matter.'

'The government is also proposing to the IOC that in order to have a thorough and conclusive discussion on the subject, the government would be deputing a senior official to the IOC headquarters at a mutually convenient date to sort out the matter across the table.'

The ministry also said it has taken careful note of various views expressed in media, on the order passed by it restoring the tenure regulation of 1975 which had been blocked by an internal order of 2001.

'The order came under serious criticism from the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in a civil writ petition disposed of in 2009. The court categorically stated that the tenure regulations were valid, binding and enforceable, and could not be blocked by executive instructions. The court also ruled that these regulations were not in violation of the Olympic Charter,' the ministry said.

'The present situation in NSFs/IOA with persons in continuous office from 12 to over 30 years, has also engaged the attention of parliament. In a Rajya Sabha debate on April 22, Hon'ble members of parliament from all political parties urged the government to restore the tenure regulation of 1975.'

'In its current order, the government has prescribed that the tenure limit will apply prospectively to future elections. In most cases the elections to NSFs would become due after 2011,' it added.

Source: Web Search

Khan, Digvijay, Jha share lead after day two

Published Wed, May 05 10 08:38 PM

Mumbai, May 5 (PTI) Shamim Khan, Digvijay Singh and Abhishek Jha shared the joint lead at four-under 136 after round two of the PGTI Players Championship at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club here today. Gaganjeet Bhullar and Mohd Siddikur Rahman were one stroke behind the joint leaders in tied fourth place. Shamim Khan (69, 67) returned a card of three-under 67 to stay on top of the leaderboard on a high-scoring day. He birdied the fourth following an excellent bunker shot and then parred the eighth by recovering from a difficult position. The Delhi-based professional closed his round on a high by converting a mammoth 40 feet putt for an eagle on the 18th. "It''s great to be in the joint lead at this stage. I was very consistent today and successfully managed to negotiate the tight fairways. It''s going to be tough to shoot low numbers over the next two days as chip-putts are not easy to come by due to the rough around the greens," he said. Digvijay Singh (68, 68) of the DLF Golf and Country Club fired a second consecutive 68 to end the day as the joint second round leader. He bogeyed the 15th and then rallied to make birdies on the 16th, 18th and fourth. The birdie on the fourth came as a result of a 35 feet putt. Abhishek Jha (66, 70) of Bangalore made four birdies and four bogeys in his second round of even par 70 to share the lead with Shamim Khan and Digvijay Singh. (More) PTI SSR VKV SSC

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Sports ministry's order is distracting, says CGF

Published>Wed, May 05 10 08:22 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Wednesday came out in support of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) saying that the sports ministry's decision to regulate the tenure and age limit of sports officials is 'distracting' at a time when the country is running against time to host the Commonwealth Games in October.

'It is a distraction and also at a time when the country is in its last phase to prepare for the Commonwealth Games. One can only hope this distraction doesn't continue for long,' said CGF treasurer Austin Sealy.

Sealy, who is the chairman of the co-ordination commission of the CWG, said the government's decision will not have any affect on the India hosting the Commonwealth Games.

'It will not affect India hosting the Commonwealth Games, but surely we are closely monitoring the situation,' he said.

Sealy also indicated that the government's decision to put a cap on tenure and age limit (maximum of 70 years) on the officials of the IOA and National Sports Federation (NSFs) is baffling.

'I have been the CGF treasurer for the last 25 years while Mike Fennell has been the CGF president for the last 30 years. We are informing you about all these facts because there are lot of distractions taking place on this issue,' he said.

Source: Web Search

Rusty Serena drops set on way to victory in Rome

Published>Wed, May 05 10 08:08 PM

World number one Serena Williams showed on Wednesday she had not shaken off the rust from her long injury absence, toiling to beat Germany's Andrea Petkovic 6-2 3-6 6-0 to reach the Italian Open quarter-finals.

The American had a sticky patch against unseeded Petkovic, after having taken her time to get going against Swiss Timea Bacsinszky on Tuesday in her first match since winning January's Australian Open.

However she has already shown in Rome an ability to raise her game when needed, an attribute she is likely to have to call upon at this month's French Open.

Williams looked comfortable in the first set, reading her opponent's beefy serve well and using Petkovic's power to crack some sizzling return winners.

She was swinging the racket with gusto at the start of the second set, with a gorgeous net volley and an emphatic smash helping her to hold to love in the second game.

Williams then began attacking the ball too early, leading to unforced errors that let the German off the hook when she was under pressure in the following game.

The world number one's rhythm suddenly went astray and she was broken twice on the way to losing the second set, bouncing her racket on the ground in frustration when a netted forehand clinched it for Petkovic.

Williams regained her concentration though to win the decider without dropping a game.

Source: Web Search

Afridi unhappy with team's show in World Twenty20

Published>Wed, May 05 10 07:26 PM

Karachi, May 5 (IANS) Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is disappointed with his team's performance in group matches of the World Twenty20 championship in the West Indies but says he 'can't beat my players with a stick' to make them do better in the coming games.

The defending champions beat Bangladesh in their opening match of the tournament in St Lucia but succumbed tamely to Australia on the same venue in their second game.

Pakistan's poor showing in its 34-run defeat against the Aussies has ignited strong criticism back at home and Afridi has conceded in an interview that it was a major cause for concern for the team management.

'We played poorly against Australia,' said Afridi. 'But the thing is that I can't just go out there and beat these boys with a stick and make them do better. I have talked to them and have tried to raise their morale and hopefully we will do well in our coming matches,' said the flamboyant all-rounder.

Pakistan arrived in the Caribbean fancying their chances of defending the title because of what appeared to be a potent bowling attack. But so far against both Bangladesh and Australia, their bowlers have failed to impress.

'We've bowled really badly so far,' said Afridi. 'I won't put the blame on others because I myself have been bowling poorly. We will have to improve our bowling to have any chances of advancing beyond the Super-Eight stage of the tournament,' he stressed.

Source: Web Search

What autonomy is the IOA talking about, asks Pargat

Published Wed, May 05 10 07:22 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (PTI) Taking a dig at the IOA for opposing a Sports Ministry regulation limiting tenures of its office-bearers, Olympian Pargat Singh today said sports would be better served if the body focussed on resolving issues like the impending Hockey India elections. "This fight is against the system and we will continue with our fight. They are asking for autonomy, what kind of autonomy are they talking about? Look at the dare, they are defying the sports ministry''s order citing International Olympic Committee''s charter," he said. Pargat also fired a fresh salvo at Hockey India, accusing them of indulging in unfair practices and appointing people of their own choice in the respective state hockey associations. Citing the example of Maharashtra Olympics Association and the affiliated Hockey Maharashtra, Pargat alleged that the person who had been accused of misleading MOA with false documents was reinstated as HMs secretary by HI secretary General Narendra Batra. Providing documentary evidences to support his claims, the legendary player said, "On December 1, 2009, then HI president A K Mattoo had written a letter to Hockey Maharashtra informing that Victor Ellis and Ikram Khan have been appointed as the President and Secretary General of Hockey Maharashtra." "On December 30, 2009, Maharashtra Olympics Association wrote that a letter of resolution was adopted by members of Bombay Hockey Association (BHA) regarding the merger of BHA in Maharashtra Hockey Association (MHA), which said MOA was pleased to affiliate the MHA as the state body of Maharashtra with Victor Ellis as its President and Ikram Khan as its secretary. "That was written by Balasaheb Langde, Secretary, MOA, of which the copies were also sent to Suresh Kalmadi, President, IOA," Pargat said. Pargat said on January 18, 2010, the MOA had written a letter to the Hockey India that Kehar Singh of Bombay Hockey Association has misled the MOA with false documents and got the affiliation transferred to Maharashtra Hockey Association. "The letter said on hearing from other office bearers of MOA and the facts that came to our notice and two complaints against affiliation. Therefore, MOA cancels the affiliation accorded to the Maharashtra Hockey Association. Please do not allow any representatives to represent Maharashtra Hockey Association till our further correspondence," he said. More PTI SHN PM MRM

Source: Web Search

Sports ministry takes umbrage at IOC communication

Published>Wed, May 05 10 07:08 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) The sports ministry Wednesday strongly reacted to the International Olympic Committee's objections to the Indian government fixing tenure of office-bearers of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and National Sports Federations (NSF), and offered to depute a senior official to resolve the issue with the apex world sport body.

The ministry, in a strongly worded statement, accused IOA secretary general Randhir Singh of having a 'conflict of interest on the issue in view of his 23-year-long continuous tenure as IOA secretary general and also an independent member from India on the IOC.'

IOC's National Olympic Committee (NOC) relations director Pere Miro, in a letter to Randhir Singh, hinted that the world body will not hesitate to impose sanctions on its Indian affiliate if there is too much government interference in the functioning of the federations which, under the Olympic Charter, need to be autonomous.

Randhir, along with IOA president Suresh Kalamdi and other top politicians, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday and handed over a copy of the letter.

The sports ministry said 'it is noting with regret that they were not consulted before the IOC was approached.'

'The IOC, too, did not seek any inputs from the government before its NOC Relations director sent the letter to Randhir Singh, who in turn has sent it to the government in his dual capacity,' the ministry said.

'The government has noted the contents of the letter from the IOC's NOC Relations director. The government is immediately sending to the highest authorities in the IOC a detailed response on the matter.'

'The government is also proposing to the IOC that in order to have a thorough and conclusive discussion on the subject, the government would be deputing a senior official to the IOC headquarters at a mutually convenient date to sort out the matter across the table.'

The ministry also said it has taken careful note of various views expressed in media, on the order passed by it restoring the tenure regulation of 1975 which had been blocked by an internal order of 2001.

'The order came under serious criticism from the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in a civil writ petition disposed of in 2009. The court categorically stated that the tenure regulations were valid, binding and enforceable, and could not be blocked by executive instructions. The court also ruled that these regulations were not in violation of the Olympic Charter.'

'The present situation in NSFs/IOA with persons in continuous office from 12 to over 30 years, has also engaged the attention of parliament. In a Rajya Sabha debate on April 22, Hon'ble members of parliament from all political parties urged the government to restore the tenure regulation of 1975.'

'In its current order, the government has prescribed that the tenure limit will apply prospectively to future elections. In most cases the elections to NSFs would become due after 2011.'

Source: Web Search

Woods says trying to get on with life, as divorce looms large

Published>Wed, May 05 10 06:36 PM

Ponte Vedra (Florida, US), May 5 (ANI): With his world collapsing around him and with rumours of an impending divorce from Elin, his wife, golfer Tiger Woods has said that he is trying to get stronger by the day.

"I've been trying to make life changes. A lot of people when they go through treatment are able to make adjustments in anonymity. I'm not. And, that makes it a lot more difficult," Woods said.oods also expressed shock over reports that he was taking performance-enhancing drugs.

"I've not taken performance-enhancing drugs, never taken HGH (human growth hormone), never taken any of that stuff," he said.

"But everyone is entitled to their opinion," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pole the key to happy homecoming for Alonso

Published>Wed, May 05 10 06:26 PM

Pole position looks like the magic ingredient to turn Fernando Alonso's first race in Spain as a Ferrari driver into a truly happy homecoming this weekend.

More than any other track on the Formula One calendar, Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya rewards the driver who qualifies quickest.

The last nine races there, and 15 of the 19 since 1991, have been won from pole -- bad news for anyone expecting more of the thrills served up since a somewhat soporific season-opener in Bahrain in March.

If Sunday's race revives concern about the lack of overtaking, double world champion Alonso will do his best to give the locals plenty to cheer as well as revving up his title challenge.

"Barcelona is always a very special race for me, I will try to make everyone happy in Spain. I know people will expect a lot from us but I think we are ready for the challenge and in Barcelona we should be very competitive," he told the team's website (www.ferrari.com).

"Normally in Barcelona you need a car that is aerodynamically very well set up, there are a lot of very long corners," added Alonso, third overall and 11 points behind McLaren's early pacesetter Jenson Button.

"Also you need historically to start at the front. Being in pole position gives you a very high possibility to win the race so we will try to start at the front."

WINNING CAR

Ferrari have not had a pole position since 2008 while Red Bull have maintained a stranglehold on the top slot this season with four in a row.

While nobody has won from pole so far this year, Barcelona could change that.

The first European round of the season could see a shake-up in the pecking order, with teams introducing significant modifications and new packages now they are home from long-haul races in the Middle and Far East.

Alonso won in Bahrain and will have been boosted by the governing FIA allowing the Italian team to modify their engine, within the regulations, to overcome reliability problems.

"The balance of the first four races is good," said Alonso, the only Spaniard to have won his home race. "We made some mistakes so we lost some points but overall I think we are in a very good position for the championship.

"We have a very competitive car and a winning car. So I think overall it is now time to show everybody we really want this championship more than anyone else. It's time to deliver now."

Lewis Hamilton, Alonso's former team mate during their uneasy year together at McLaren in 2007, would love to deny him victory and take his first of the season instead.

After watching new team mate Jenson Button win in Australia and China, the 2008 champion is fourth overall and level on points with Alonso. He has also done more overtaking already this year than some drivers manage in a season.

"We've got a couple of fairly significant upgrades coming for this race," said the 25-year-old, "and while it would be naive to think these will move us up the pecking order ... we're optimistic they'll once again help us to bridge the gap to the leading cars."

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber fall into that category and they too are confident of converting their qualifying pace into race success.

"We are optimistic at all venues now," Webber told reporters last week. "We saw the cars being quick everywhere, we've just got to have some clean Sunday afternoons really."

Source: Web Search

West Indies need to be more consistent, admits Gayle

Published>Wed, May 05 10 06:08 PM

Port-of-Spain, May 5 (IANS) West Indies skipper Chris Gayle said his side needs to be more consistent in the Super-Eight stage of the World Twenty20.

The hosts conceded a sizeable 191 against England at Guyana and though rain conspired to make them the winners in the end, Gayle said his bowlers were an erratic lot.

'We have got to be more consistent in the bowling department. Having conceded 191 runs against England, I think we just lacked some penetration and good line and length, but hopefully we can get it correct by the next round,' Gayle was quoted as saying in Trinidad Guardian.

West Indies whipped minnows Ireland by a comfortable 70-run margin in their first match before ending unlikely winners against England, thanks to Duckworth-Lewis method.

Gayle said West Indies have a great opportunity to win the title for the first time.

'I think we have a good chance of making the Caribbean people proud, and with these two victories in Guyana, we should go from strength to strength. We just have to stay focussed and play hard cricket over the next two weeks,' Gayle said.

'I think the crowd was fantastic in Guyana, and I still call on the people to continue with this sort of support.'

Source: Web Search

Pankaj Advani pulls out of Asian snooker championship

Published Wed, May 05 10 05:36 PM

Mumbai, May 5 (PTI) India''s number one cueist Pankaj Advani has pulled out of the Asian Snooker Championship commencing in Thailand on Saturday and his place in the draw has been taken by another Petroleum Sports Promotion Board player Saurav Kothari. The Bangalore-based Advani, only the second cueist in the world after Paul Mifsud of Malta to capture the IBSF World snooker as well as billiards crowns, has decided not to travel to Thailand "due to personal reasons", it was learned today. In his absence Kothari, who lost to Advani in the final of the last snooker nationals in Agra, and former two-time continental champion Yasin Merchant would represent the country in the eight-day tournament at Thai city Chanthaburi. Kothari, set to play Advani in the final of the Nahar MIG Group All India Prize Money Invitation Tournament here today, has been placed in Group ''A'' with Au Chi Wai (Hong Kong), Basem Aboud (Syria), Mohd Al Joaker (UAE) and Nhat Thanh Nguyen (Vietnam). Merchant is in Group ''H'' with Nader Khan Sultani (Afghanistan), Wu Yu Lun (Taipei), Sergelen Batdelgar (Mongolia) and Yuttapop Pakpoj (Thailand). A total of 42 cueists have entered the tournament and pooled in eight groups with the top two in each cluster advancing to the knock-out pre-quarter finals.

Source: Web Search

Black Caps must be ready for change in WorldTwenty20 competition: Vettori

Published>Wed, May 05 10 05:16 PM

Barbados (West Indies), May 5 (ANI): New Zealand has so far had an easy fare at the Twenty20 cricket world championship, but captain Daniel Vettori says that's about to change.

Having beaten Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, Vettori said: "If you couple (today) with the Sri Lankan performance, to go through to the next round with two wins is what we aimed for and we're pleased with that. We walk away pretty comfortable and looking forward to Super Eights."

The New Zealanders are now preparing for the first of three Super Eight fixtures, against either South Africa or India at Kensington Oval on Friday morning.

Their opponents after that are confirmed, against Pakistan in Barbados on Sunday, followed by England in St Lucia on Tuesday next week.

"There's always aspects you want to improve on, but the fight back in the field and the way Nathan (McCullum) and Scott (Styris) bowled to give us a huge momentum change made a real difference," said Vettori, noting that seam bowlers Shane Bond and Tim Southee lacked the same early impact.

"We did well in the first six (overs), but I think we can do better. That's the area we really have to improve. We've got a really good balanced lineup and some destructive guys there as well," Vettori said.

"The top eight teams' aim here is to win the World Cup and each captain could sit here and say that quite comfortably. We're no different but we know there's a long way to go and there's some very impressive teams we have to beat to get to that stage. The Super Eights is our focus and we'll worry about the semi-finals if we get there," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Anand loses, World Ch'ship match tied at 4-4

Published>Wed, May 05 10 05:08 PM

World champion Viswanathan Anand was in for a surprise by a resurgent Veselin Topalov who scored a remarkable victory with white pieces in the eighth match to square off the World Chess Championship 4-4 here today.

Anand had been aptly surprised in the seventh game which was perhaps a prelude to things to come in the next. A loss in game one, two victories thereon in game two and four and after three successive draws, the world champion finds himself at a level scores in what is the most keenly contested world title in recent times.

While in the seventh game Topalov came up with some brilliant display to keep Anand on the backfoot despite an extra piece, this time the day belonged to the Bulgarian entirely for a very bold show even as the critics felt that the Indian should have drawn without much ado.

Playing the white side of a Slav defense yet again, Topalov appeared better prepared for the second day running.

For once, Anand's tactics of coming up with something new before his opponent did not materialise and this is probably an indication for the world champion to change gears.

The two had been combating one line for past few days and today Anand came up with a new move on his 13th turn allowing Topalov to seize what appeared to be an insignificant advantage.

The Bulgarian was quite happy to walk in to an endgame wherein he had chances and was playing for only two results - either a draw or, if Anand falters, a win. As it happened in the game, Anand in fact faltered when no one was sure what was happening.

Anand sacrificed a pawn to reach an opposite coloured Bishops endgame wherein Topalov played like a man in form.

The opinions of the experts were divided about the outcome of the endgame when it was reached and almost everyone struggled to find out a winning path for white except the man who mattered - Topalov.

With awesome ease, the Bulgarian capitalised on some mistakes by Anand to regain the initiative and brought it down to a situation wherein a mistake will cost the Indian dearly.

The mistake, though was not clear, was done with and Anand found himself struggling.

It was certainly the most terrible thing that White could continue torturing his opponent for a long time. He could always switch from the plan while time was running against Anand who resigned a bit prematurely on the 56th move, according to experts.

"Probably he could not find a way to tackle what was coming," opined a grandmaster, adding, "it certainly looks terrible to defend such a position."

After a much needed rest day, Anand will again play white in the ninth game. Topalov seems like taking charge but Anand has always shown some ace up his sleeves when it matters.

The ninth game will possibly show up the true colours of the match.

Source: Web Search

Salgaocar take on Mumbai FC in a must-win tie

Published Wed, May 05 10 04:52 PM

Margao, May 5 (PTI) Faced with a battle for survival, Salgaocar will be looking to exploit home advantage when they lock horns against Mumbai FC tomorrow in their crucial I-League match to be played at Nehru Stadium here. With five teams fighting for survival, Salgaocar, who went down against Churchill Brothers in their last match, cannot afford to lose tomorrow as they are one point below Mumbai FC, and have only two matches after that to play. MumbaiFC ended their 11-match winless streak with a victory over Viva Kerala on Saturday which takes them to 25 points and are placed 12th. Following a brilliant start to their campaign, the club lost their way as they could garner a mere seven points in the second phase from ten matches. Players'' injury has been one of the reason for the team to fair badly in the second phase. For Salgaocar, goalkeeper Kalyan Chubeyis back in the side after suspension and coach Karim Bencharifa is hoping that his boys will make use of the home advantage to collect full points which is must for their survival before they travel to Mumbai to play against Mahindra United next. Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil said the win against Viva Kerala has boosted their confidence. "We are looking to keep the momentum going to win tomorrow which is crucial for our survival," he said.

Source: Web Search

Schumacher's ex-boss writes off his chances of a glorious comeback

Published>Wed, May 05 10 04:48 PM

London, May 5 (ANI): Seven times Formula One champion Michael Schumacher's former team boss has written off his chances of making a glorious comeback.

Ex-Renault chief Flavio Briatore, under whom Schumacher drove at Benetton, said that there is no way he will recapture his glory.

Asked if he expected Schumacher to improve during the season, Briatore said: "On the contrary, I think it will be harder and harder for him."

"I don't know how he can recover. The competition is so fierce. He made the decision to return without thinking that, in four years, the cars and tyres have changed massively," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

Schumacher has been outraced by Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg and has finished a dismal 10th during the last race in China.

"I've always said it would be difficult for him to stay ahead of Rosberg. You can't come back in such a competitive sport after four or five years. Alain Prost did, but only one season had gone by," Briatore told Italy's Autosprint magazine.

"Today, Michael has found some tough customers because in F1 there have never been drivers as good as this year. There's Hamilton, Alonso, Vettel, Rosberg..." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Prakash bites dust at Israel ATP event

Published Wed, May 05 10 04:36 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (PTI) Prakash Amritraj made an early exit from the ATP Challenger event in Israel after suffering a straight-set defeat against Nick Lindahl in the opening round. The US based Indian lost 3-6 1-6 to his Australian opponent in the first round of the USD 1,00,000 hard court event, yesterday. Lindahl will now face world number 58 and local favourite top seed Dudi Sela in the next round. Amritraj will look to do better in the doubles event, where he has been seeded second along with Isarel''s Harel Levy. They are up against local pair of Dudi Sela and Saar Steele in the first round.

Source: Web Search

Bayern keeper Butt set to join World Cup squad - Bild

Published Wed, May 05 10 04:08 PM

Bayern Munich keeper Hans-Joerg Butt has been included in Germany's preliminary World Cup squad, a day after Rene Adler pulled out with an injury, Germany's Bild newspaper said on Wednesday, citing federation sources.

The German soccer federation could not be immediately reached for a comment.

The 35-year-old, whose last of three international appearances came in June 2003, will be the third choice behind Manuel Neuer and Tim Wiese, who are locked in battle for the starting spot.

Adler recently became the German number one after the suicide of Robert Enke but pulled out on Tuesday because of a planned rib operation that would not allow him to be fit in time for the tournament start on June 11th.

Germany coach Joachim Loew will announce his preliminary 30-man squad on Thursday.

Source: Web Search

No doctor for youth boxers ahead of World C''ship finals

Published Wed, May 05 10 03:52 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (PTI) It was the most draining tourney of their nascent boxing careers but World Youth Championships gold-medallist Vikas Krishan and silver-medallist Shiva Thapa didn''t have a doctor to take care of their niggles ahead of their summit clashes in Baku, Azerbaijan. The volcanic ash cloud over Europe that disrupted air traffic for a week meant that the championships started a couple of days later than scheduled, thereby sending the participating teams'' travel plans haywire. Most of the teams had their return tickets booked for May 2, as per the initial schedule, but after the revised schedule made May 3 the day of the finals, the organisers decided that those boxers who didn''t make the semifinals be sent back as per the original plan. Seven of the nine Indians in fray had crashed out by the quarterfinal stage and they departed on May 2 accompanied by team doctor Nirmolak Singh as "the boys could not have travelled alone." That was the day of semifinals and Shiva (54kg) ended up hurting his right hand during the exhausting 11-3 win over a Russian opponent and didn''t have a doctor to get himself checked. "But even if a doctor had been there, it wouldn''t have made a difference as the injury wouldn''t have healed in such a short time. A doctor from some other team checked Shiva and helped in whatever way possible," said coach G Manoharan. Shiva eventually succumbed to a crushing 1-14 defeat in the finals against a Cuban rival. Back from the tournament, the two boxers, who also qualified for the Youth Olympic Games after making the semis of the World Championship, are now looking forward to a break. "Some 20-odd days with my family and then I will be back in the camp to train for the Youth Olympics," said Vikas (60kg). "Looking forward to go home after eight months. I can''t wait to have some home-cooked food. I will have fun for about 15 days before the camp and then it''s back to the grind," added Shiva. They had never competed in an international tournament where the draw was as big as the one in the Championship. "It was six rounds in my case as I didn''t get a bye and when I first looked at it, I thought may be I will clear three rounds but I managed a gold," said Vikas, who had also won a gold at the Asian Youth Championships in Iran last month. "It was a draining but unforgettable experience," said Shiva. While Vikas idolises home-grown star Vijender Singh, Shiva looks up to controversial American Mike Tyson. "He was a great boxer and I don''t have to look at his bad side. I just need to take inspiration from the fact that he was an excellent boxer. After all, It''s up to me which side of him I should look up to," Shiva said.

Source: Web Search

Valencia's Silva says it would be hard to resist Man U offer

Published>Wed, May 05 10 03:46 PM

London, May 5 (ANI): Valencia winger David Silva has said it would be hard to resist an offer of a move to Manchester United.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been keeping tabs on the Spanish player ever since their Euro 2008 triumph.

"When you hear a club like Manchester United is interested in you, it is an honour," the Daily Express quoted Silva, as saying.

"I am very aware of the Premier League, and in recent years it has been the stand-out league in the world. If it came calling, especially if it was a club like Manchester United, it would be very hard to resist.

"I am happy at Valencia, but every player has his price, and if they get an offer, they think is good business anything is possible," Silva said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Corporate cricket tournament for benefit of NGO

Published Wed, May 05 10 03:08 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (PTI) A Corporate cricket tournament, involving 12 teams, will be played here from Saturday to raise funds for an NGO. The event, billed as Playing For Cause (P4C), is being organised by 4Seasons Event Management company and the proceeds will go to NGO ''Prayas''. ACC, Religare, Alcatel Lucent are the prominent teams participating in the day-night tournament, which will conclude on June 26. The inaugural ceremony of the event will be held tomorrow at Palika Service Officer''s Institute.

Source: Web Search

Australians are T20 title contenders: Nielsen

Published>Wed, May 05 10 02:48 PM

The underperformers at the newest cricketing version are being hyped up as top challengers by their coach.

Lashing out at critics who consider Australia's performance in Twenty20 to be dismal, coach Tim Nielsen has said that his team has performed well so far and are in the contention for the title.

"I get my neck out of joint a bit when people say Australia hasn''t done well in Twenty20 cricket. We haven't won one of these tournaments, I agree," Nielsen said.

"But there have only been two of them, we made the semi-finals of the first one and got knocked out poorly in England, but we''ve won our fair share in that amount of time," The Daily Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

"We just haven't had the high-level of success that we've had in other forms of the game. But we're learning, we're getting better," he said.

He said Australia demonstrated that in emphatic style with their 34-run victory against world champions Pakistan in their opening match of the tournament in St Lucia.

"I think it's an experience thing. When we first started playing Twenty20 cricket we had them crammed at the end of a Test series or in between 10 one-dayers," Nielsen said of Australia's attitude towards Twenty20 cricket.

"I just think the fact we've been able to get the group together for a while, we've experienced IPL, we've had a couple of goes at this tournament now, I think we're getting closer and getting better at it," he added.

Source: Web Search

Kalmadi meets Manmohan Singh over new tenure regulations

Published>Wed, May 05 10 02:38 PM

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): Indian Olympic Association officials along with a delegation of National Sports Federations met the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Wednesday over the issue of new tenure regulations.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Kalmadi said, "We met Prime Minister over the issue of the IOA autonomy."

"We have assured the Prime Minister that the Commonwealth Games will be a huge success. We conveyed that Sports Minister M S Gill should not have come out with all these ideas now. He should have come out after the Games. The Prime Minister has said that he will look into the matter," Kalmadi added.

The officials are also unconvinced as to why this stir had to come just months ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

They have termed the government move as interference in their affairs and even warned that the attempts to erode their autonomy may invite international ban on India.

The new regulations restrict National Sports Federations presidents from occupying the posts for over 12 years, with or without break.

When it comes to secretaries and treasurers, the regulations allow them to serve eight years at a stretch and to seek a re-election only after a four-year gap.

Apart from Kalmadi, the regulation seeks to end the over a decade-old reign of VK Malhotra (archery), Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (cycling), VK Verma (badminton), Captain Satish K Sharma (aero club), B S Adityan (volleyball) and Jagdish Tytler (judo). (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Tendulkar joins the Twitter bandwagon

Published>Wed, May 05 10 02:22 PM

He opened a Twitter account at 11: 55 pm on Tuesday night and in less than 45 minutes had crossed a thousand followers.

Tendulkar's tweets can be accessed at www.twitter. com/Sachin_ rt.

His Twitter account is expected to create as much buzz as when any of the world's great sportspersons joined the world's most popular microblogging site that now has close to 100 million users worldwide.

Twitter's popularity itself might soar in India, which is, at present, the world's ninth highest Twitter traffic country.

Of course, American and European sportspersons have already adopted Twitter.

Cycling champion Lance Armstrong, British tennis player Andy Murray, English footballer Steven Gerrard, top tennis player Serena Williams and American basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal are already on Twitter with hundreds of thousands of followers Tendulkar's first tweet was posted at 11: 55 pm IST. He said: ''Finally the original SRT is on twitter• the first thing I'd like to do is wish my colleagues the best in the Windies.'' The world's highest run getter in both Test as well as One-Day Internationals was apparently partying with photographer Atul Kasbekar and filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra at an undisclosed location last night when he opened his account.

For his second tweet, Tendulkar posted a photograph of the three of them together and tweeted: ''Hanging with Vinod Chopra and @ atulkasbekar... 3 more idiots???'' He was referring to Chopra's blockbuster Three Idiots starring Aamir Khan. Then, in a jocular manner, he said: '' Vinod Chopra has a script called 'Ferrari Ki Sawaari'... Just heard it, sounds awesome.'' Tendulkar joins Virender Sehwag, who already has an account Twitter. In fact, Sehwag announced the birth of his second son on Tuesday on Twitter.

Source: Web Search

NZ Cricket to get a million dollars from IPL franchises

Published>Wed, May 05 10 02:16 PM

Wellington, May 5 (ANI): New Zealand cricket will get a million dollars if Central Districts' three Indian Premier League players are wanted by their franchises for Champions League in South Africa.

Ross Taylor (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Jacob Oram (Chennai Super Kings) and Graham Napier (Mumbai Indians) are eligible to play for both their IPL teams and New Zealand representatives Central Districts, but a clause in the IPL players' contracts means the Indians get the first choice.

In return, the IPL teams would have to pay NZC 342,000 New Zealand dollars per player as compensation.

Taylor is a regular for Bangalore and is almost certain to be protected in their squad, The Dominion Post reports.

He has also qualified for Victoria and may do the same with English county Durham but has said that he will play for Central Districts in the Champions League if not required by Bangalore.

Oram was injured and didn't play a match for IPL winners Chennai but his all-round qualities make him a valuable performer when in form.

"If his home team in England qualify, then that's where the payment would be made," Players Association boss Heath Mills said.

If Essex didn't qualify and Mumbai want Napier, Mills said he would doubt if Central would profit.

Mills is negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with NZC and it had not yet been decided how Champions League money would be split up between the provinces. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Johnson doubtful against Bangladesh

Published>Wed, May 05 10 01:56 PM

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 5 (IANS) Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is doubtful for Wednesday's World Twenty20 match against Bangladesh due to an elbow infection.

Johnson's has an infecton on his right elbow, not his bowling arm, and team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said that had it been a final at the Kensington Oval, Johnson would have started.

Johnson underwent tests and is likely to be rested for the final pool match.

'He could probably play if it was the World Cup final tomorrow but there's a lot of the tournament to go. We just want to make sure we knock it on the head and get it right before we proceed further in the tournament. It happens quite commonly. They can dive and land on it and get a little grass and dirt in there. His whole elbow is very red and inflamed at the moment,' Kontouris was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Australians have already lost Brett Lee before the start of the tournament after he suffered a strained elbow.

Kountouris said Johnson had been troubled by the infection since the start of the tour.

'He had it pretty much this whole tour but it was almost nothing, a dot, but it slowly got bigger. He doesn't have a cut there. It's fairly common. He's not on any pain killers. He could definitely play.

'It's not affecting his muscles or his joint itself. It's more the skin at the back. All they need is one little bug in there and it can set it off. He's able to bend and straighten his elbow. He can definitely play,' said Kountouris.

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Injured Pak pacer Gul advised three weeks rest

Published Wed, May 05 10 01:36 PM

Karachi, May 5 (PTI) Pakistani pacer Umar Gul, who was ruled out of the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies due to shoulder injury, has been advised complete rest for three weeks. "The doctors have given me three weeks complete bed rest so I am not playing cricket at all. But I am definitely following the progress of my team in the World Cup," Gul said. He had picked up the injury during team''s training camp in Lahore for World Cup preparations. Gul has been Pakistan''s leading bowler in the shortest form of the game and many former players and the present captain and coach have admitted his loss to the injury as a big setback for the team in the world cup. "It is a big disappointment not to be part of this World Cup because I like the challenge of bowling in T20 cricket. But one can''t do anything about injuries," he said. Gul said he felt disappointed after watching his team losing to Australia in the league encounter. "We dropped crucial catches and our fielding was sloppy. The fielders didn''t support the bowlers. In T20 cricket, fielders have to take even half chances to turn the tide in their team''s favour," he noted. The fast bowler from Peshawar said Pakistan had paid dearly for dropping Shane Watson and David Hussey while they were still settling down. "I felt sorry for the bowlers because the pitch was good for batting and as it was in T20 cricket the odds were loaded against the bowlers." He pointed out that if Pakistan had got rid of Watson and Hussey early, they could have put the Australians under severe pressure. Hussey who smashed Mohammad Sami for four sixes in one over had only scored five runs when he was dropped on the long off boundary by Salman Butt. Gul also felt that Pakistan should have had a plan B against the Australians. He said it was a good move to open the bowling with Muhammad Hafeez given the fact that Australian opener, David Warner was suspected to be weak against spin bowling and struggled against them in the IPL. "But once Warner had settled in and we didn''t get an early breakthrough we should have employed a Plan B instead of allowing them to dominate the match. "When Hafeez started to get hit around, then the plan should have been altered straight away. But it seemed to me that there was no alternative plan," he added.

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Nielsen says Australians are T20 title contenders

Published>Wed, May 05 10 01:22 PM

Melbourne, May 5 (ANI): Lashing out at critics who consider Australia's performance in Twenty20 to be dismal, coach Tim Nielsen has said that his team has performed well so far and are in the contention for the title.

"I get my neck out of joint a bit when people say Australia hasn't done well in Twenty20 cricket. We haven't won one of these tournaments, I agree," Nielsen said.

"But there have only been two of them, we made the semi-finals of the first one and got knocked out poorly in England, but we've won our fair share in that amount of time," The Daily Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

"We just haven't had the high-level of success that we've had in other forms of the game. But we're learning, we're getting better," he said.

He said Australia demonstrated that in emphatic style with their 34-run victory against world champions Pakistan in their opening match of the tournament in St Lucia.

"I think it's an experience thing. When we first started playing Twenty20 cricket we had them crammed at the end of a Test series or in between 10 one-dayers," Nielsen said of Australia's attitude towards Twenty20 cricket.

"I just think the fact we've been able to get the group together for a while, we've experienced IPL, we've had a couple of goes at this tournament now, I think we're getting closer and getting better at it," he added. (ANI)

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Elbow infection can keep Johnson out of crucial tie against Bangladesh

Published>Wed, May 05 10 12:48 PM

Melbourne, May 5 (ANI): An elbow infection might keep left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson out of Australia's Group A clash with Bangladesh on Thursday.

Johnson left Wednesday's training session to have medical treatment.

Following 34-run victory over Pakistan in St Lucia, Australia need another win against Bangladesh or a narrow defeat to confirm their progress to the Super Eight stage in the Twenty20 World Cup.

Ryan Harris is likely to come into the side if Johnson is ruled out of the game at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, FOX Sports reports.

Team physio Alex Kountouris said the left-arm bowler's infection was in his right elbow in the skin around the joint of his right elbow.

"He could probably play if it was the World Cup final tomorrow, but there's a lot of the tournament to go. We just want to make sure we knock it on the head and get it right. It's not affecting his muscles or his joint itself," he said.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons has warned Australia that dropping their spinner for an extra pacer could backfire badly.

Siddons said the Kensington Oval pitch is going to favour the pacers more than in St Lucia, where fast bowler Shaun Tait, Dirk Nannes and Johnson claimed eight wickets in Australia's win over Pakistan.

"It'll be quicker than most other wickets, definitely quicker than St Lucia. But it's also spinning and that will suit us," Siddons said.

The dumping of Smith for Harris seems a little unlikely, as it would weaken Australia's batting order and rob the bowling attack of some variety, the paper reports. (ANI)

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