Australians indulged in hooliganism at CWG village?

Fri, Oct 15 10 12:21 PM

New Delhi, Oct 15 (PTI) As the Australian contingent left for home after the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games, allegations have surfaced that their athletes at the Games Village indulged in hooliganism and damaged some property. Delhi Police said it has found a broken washing machine from a residential block and it was trying to find out what went behind it. Reports suggested that some Australian athletes went on a rampage after their cricket team lost to India in a Test Match in Bangalore. They allegedly broke a washing machine. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna sought to downplay the incident saying it was a minor issue. "It is a minor issue. It should be sorted out. With Australia, we have a very good relationship. We will solve it to the satisfaction of both the parties," he told reporters here. Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said they have not received any complaint from the Organising Committee regarding this and no case has been registered. Australian Broadcasting Corporation quoted Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief Perry Crosswhite as saying that an Aussie athlete was sent home from Delhi for disciplinary reasons. "Crosswhite confirmed that a washing machine was thrown off the eighth floor of an Australian residential tower in the athletes'' village," The Herald Sun, an Australian newspaper, reported. However, Crosswhite said he would be surprised if it was an Australian and blamed athletes from other countries who were in the Australian building at the time of the incident. A senior official at the Games Village, however, downplayed the incident that reportedly happened following Australia''s loss to India in the cricket series, and said it was for the management of the team to take action against their own athletes responsible. Lt Gen Ashok Kapur, the CWG Village in-charge, said it was no major incident of anybody going berserk, and suggested the athletes were only having a "fun time". Referring to the incident of the washing machine being thrown from the eighth floor, he said it happened at around 4 AM and that the team management had already apologised for it. PTI SJY WAJ

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'Defiant' Ponting says he is still the right man to lead Australia despite India drubbing

Published>Fri, Oct 15 10 11:57 AM

Sydney, Oct 15 (ANI): Ricky Ponting has said that he is still the man to captain the side after leading Australia in the worst Test match losing streak in 22 years.

Australia lost the Test series 2-0 to India and plunged to fifth position in the world Test rankings.

Speaking in Sydney after his arrival from India, Ponting brushed aside calls for him to step down as captain.

Asked if he still feels he is the person to lead the side, Ponting said: "Absolutely, I've got no doubt about that all. It was disappointing over there (India) ... but that's the game of cricket."

"I'm still learning about my own game and my captaincy and if the other players can learn a bit from that trip then it should hold us in good stead for the summer," he said.

"I'm trying to do my best as captain to help some of these guys through some difficult times. That's all I can continue to do," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

"I give my absolute best as always, ever since I've been the Australian captain, to be the best leader I can be and be the best player I can be and if I get criticised for that along the way then I can't do anything about that," he added.

With less than a month before the first Test at the Gabba, Ponting feels selections may be more open than usual with domestic players possibly getting a chance to shine in light of the Test team's form slump.

"It's very rare that we lose three games in a row so I'm sure the selectors will have a few things that they're thinking about over the next few weeks. With the Shield season already underway there have been some great standout performances already," he said. (ANI)

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Ponting in sms 'pow-wow' with Warne after field placing tweets onslaught

Published>Fri, Oct 15 10 11:51 AM

Sydney, Oct 15 (ANI): Australian captain Ricky Ponting has said that Shane Warne has not yet apologized for his Twitter rant after the spin bowling great publicly lashed out at Ponting for his poor field arrangements during the Bangalore Test.

Warne's and Ponting's relationship touched an all time low as the spinner tweeted his disapproval over his former captain's fielding arrangements during the seven wicket loss to India in the Bangalore Test.

"How the hell can Hauritz bowl to this field??" Warne wrote on Twitter. "Feeling for Hauritz , terrible !! What are these tactics? Sorry Ricky but what are you doing," he wrote.

Ponting, who arrived back in Sydney last night, said he had told Warne directly of his feelings about his controversial remarks on Twitter, The Sydney Morning Herald reports

Ponting reiterated that Hauritz's fields were all of his own choosing.

"I sent [Warne] a few texts ... we exchanged a few messages [on Wednesday night]. I'm not hiding the fact I was really disappointed with the tweets that I read," Ponting said.

"But we've exchanged some text messages over the last 24 hours. I've just got to put it behind me now. I told him that I was a bit disappointed, and I thought what he had to say was very unfair, for the fact it was pretty ill-informed comments that he made. I've never been one to run away or be too big or too good for criticism," he added.

Ponting also said that Hauritz had also been in immediate telephone contact with Warne.

Asked whether Warne had apologised, Ponting said: "I wouldn't go that far ... to say he's apologised. He got his points across, and I got my points across back. Shane's always there for advice, and especially for someone like Nathan Hauritz when it's needed." (ANI)

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'Win in South Africa must to be greatest Indian Test team ever', says Kirsten

Published>Fri, Oct 15 10 11:45 AM

Bangalore, Oct 15(ANI): Indian cricket team's coach Gary Kirsten has said that his team must win the upcoming Test series in South Africa to reach its greatest heights.

Kirsten's comment came after India's 2-0 Test series win against Australia, which has seen the team maintain its top spot in the ICC Test rankings ahead of South Africa.

"We know that to define ourselves as one of the greatest Indian Test teams ever to play the game, we have to win in South Africa, which ... this team has never done before," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Kirsten, as saying.

India will visit South Africa in December for a three-Test series followed by one off Twenty20 and a five-match ODI series in January 2011.

The first Test will be played in Centurion from December 16 to 20, followed by Boxing Day Test match in Durban and third Test match in Cape town beginning January 2. (ANI)

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No Aussie involved in Village hooliganism: Crosswhite

Fri, Oct 15 10 10:57 AM

Melbourne, Oct 15 (PTI) Australia''s Commonwealth Games boss Perry Crosswhite today denied involvement of any Australian athlete in the vanadalism at the Games Village. It has been reported that some Australian athletes went on rampage at Village following India''s fabulous Test series win over Australia, out of frustration. The report said the Aussies also raised fans against Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar, who was pivotal in India''s victory. According to ''Herald Sun'', "Crosswhite confirmed that a washing machine was thrown off the eighth floor of an Australian residential tower in the athletes village." However, Crosswhite said he would be surprised if it was an Australian and blamed athletes from other countries who were in the Australian building at the time of the incident. The Delhi Police said it has not received any complaint from the Organising Committee but confirmed the rampage. Reports the matter has been sorted out after talks between OC officials and Australian chef de mission.

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Rain delays practice at sodden Australian MotoGP

Fri, Oct 15 10 09:57 AM

Heavy downpours have flooded part of the Phillip Island circuit and delayed practice sessions for the Australian Grand Prix, organisers said on Friday.

Further rain was forecast for later in the day, with more wet weather also expected for qualifying on Saturday, organisers said on the race's website (www.motogp.com.au).

The rain had also caused sand to spread onto parts of the track and staff had been deployed to sweep it off.

Organisers said an announcement on practice sessions would be made later on Friday.

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Ace Mediate takes early control at CordeValle

Fri, Oct 15 10 08:21 AM

PGA Tour veteran Rocco Mediate aced the par-three third on the way to a one-shot lead in the first round of the Frys.com Open in San Martin on Thursday.

The 47-year-old American, seeking his first victory on the U.S. circuit since 2002, raced to the turn in a sizzling six-under-par 29 before completing a seven-under 64 at CordeValle Golf Club.

Japan's Ryuji Imada and Americans Bo van Pelt and Paul Goydos also made the most of ideal conditions for low scoring at the PGA Tour's Fall Series event, opening with matching 65s.

Americans John Mallinger, Michael Letzig, Will MacKenzie and Shaun Micheel were a further stroke back after carding 66s.

Mediate, who was relieved to find form with his putter after struggling for much of this year, kick-started his round by holing out at the third with a six-iron from 190 yards.

"It carried six, seven steps short of the flag and rolled just barely in," he told reporters after charging to the top of the leaderboard late in the day. "It was cool."

An overall total of 27 putts gave Mediate much more reason to smile after a dismal display on the greens in recent months.

"I have been striking it really well for a long time, and I have just gotten murdered on the greens," he said. "And then it bleeds into everything else.

RIGHT STUFF

"And all of a sudden, after hitting a couple of hundred (practice) putts a day on the chalk line, it's changing. I'm putting the time in on the right stuff.

"Better late than never," added Mediate, who won the most recent of his five PGA Tour titles at the 2002 Greater Greensboro Classic.

Imada, who has been hampered by a rib injury for much of this year, was delighted with his flawless six-birdie round.

The Japanese professional lies 110th in the PGA Tour money list and needs to stay in the top 125 at the end of this season to safeguard his playing privileges for next year.

"I'm not very comfortable," Imada said of his position in the money list. "The number is going to be a little bit higher than what I'm at right now, I'm assuming.

"So really I've got to have a good week here, and hopefully I can have a really enjoyable week next week in Vegas."

Former world number one David Duval and South African Tim Clark opened with matching 68s while U.S. Ryder Cup player Rickie Fowler returned a 69.

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Home Improvement

Published>Fri, Oct 15 10 07:53 AM

Looking for your dream house? Check out Royale Empire

No doubt, today, there is a rush of various housing projects. In such a situation, it's very difficult to choose the best house amongst all of them. A good buyer is one who carefully goes through each and every aspect of a home. While buying one, there are couple of things one should keep in mind, points that will give you complete satisfaction and fulfill the requirement of your dream home. Security Level - Your home is the place where your family lives, your children play and memories are made. And to make sure all this remains intact, the house should be well secured. Always select a home which has secured boundary wall, 24x7 physical and mechanical security, CCTV cameras and guards/ chowkidaars.

Location - Now, the location which must be easily accessible so that you, your family, relatives or friends don't get tired of rough driving to the destination. Remember, a happy life needs only small cares. Source of recreation - Gym, swimming pools, club etc are some of the facilities that provide recreation which is a must in the hectic lifestyles we lead. Non-stop facilities - Water, electricity, fire fighting arrangements, ambulance, lifts etc are some of the facilities that make life smooth.

Keeping your luxurious life in the mind, Royale Empire has designed each of its apartments with the facilities like - Wi-Fi connectivity and EPABX System, swimming pool and gym, open sports and play area for children and community center with convenience shops. It has also been giving 10 years free insurance to each flat, free four company fitted ACs, one DTH connection and geysers.

Royale Empire is approved by Punjab government and has recently got ISO 9001:2008 Transpacific certifications for quality management systems.

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Travel Picks: Top 10 sporting event destinations for 2011

Fri, Oct 15 10 07:17 AM

Sports fanatics happily travel to all corners of the globe to watch their favourite sport or team but planning ahead is key to securing good seats and hotel rooms.

Online travel company Expedia (http://www.expedia.com.au) has come up with a list of the top 10 sporting event destinations in 2011 to help sports buffs plan their vacation next year. This list has not been endorsed by Reuters:

1. The Australian Open (Tennis)

Melbourne, Australia from Jan 17 - 30

Kick off the sporting year at the Australian Open, Asia Pacific's Grand Slam, at Melbourne Park. Between sets, travellers can explore Melbourne and be tempted by some of the best food and shopping experiences in Australia, visit the Eureka Tower for a 360 degree view of the city, or take a dip at St Kilda beach.

2. Super Bowl XLV (Gridiron)

Arlington, Texas, USA on Feb 6

One of the most watched games in the world, a quarter of a million fans are expected to visit the Dallas-Fort Worth area for next year's Super Bowl. The game is at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, so after the celebrations head to Dallas for some Texan cuisine and explore the history of JFK's murder.

3. Cricket World Cup

Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka from Feb 19 - April 22

The cricket world's premiere event will be held in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka, allowing fans watch some great cricket matches and between innings visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawella, Sri Lanka, Old Dhaka in Bangladesh where they can learn about the country's history, or take a day trip from Mumbai, India to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Elephanta Island, to explore 9th century caves and rock architecture.

4. IRB Sevens (Rugby Union)

Hong Kong from March 25 - 27

This will be the 12th season for the Sevens Series with eight tournaments held between December 2010 and May 2011 with Hong Kong being the city to draw the biggest crowds. After the final whistle, the best way to explore the sights and sounds of Hong Kong is to hop on the 'Ding Ding' tram which runs from Kennedy Town in the island's west to Shau Kei Wan in the east.

5. FA Cup Final (Football)

London, England on May 14

This tournament takes close to a year to complete, culminating on May 14 at London's Wembley Stadium. Take in the iconic sights of Big Ben and the Tower of London before joining the masses catching the train to Wembley to watch the match.

6. Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix (Motor racing)

Monaco from May 26 - 29

The most anticipated event on the Formula 1 racing calendar, the action never ceases as fans mingle with the rich and famous, gamble at the famous Monte Carlo casino and dine at luxurious restaurants when they are not watching the track. The racing is held over three days so plenty of time to explore this city and visit places such as Lavartto Beach or the Exotic Garden.

7. The British Open Championship (Golf)

Kent, England from July 14 - 17

For four days, the town of Sandwich will be transformed into a hub for the world's golfing enthusiasts as they eagerly await the next champion to raise the Claret Jug. While visiting Kent, history buffs will be able to visit some of England's most spectacular castles, gardens and historical houses.

8. FINA World Championships (Swimming)

Shanghai, China from July 16 - 31

All water sports are on display including swimming, water polo and diving, so the pool deck will be busy. Typically there is a break between the day and evening competitions, which leaves plenty of time to visit the best of Shanghai, including the People's Square, the Bund and the Yu Yuan Gardens.

9. IAAF Athletic Championships (Athletics)

Daegu, South Korea from Aug 27 - Sept 4

Catch a glimpse of some of the fastest athletes in the world and take the opportunity during the day to climb Palgongsan Mountain for a bird's-eye view of Daegu. At night, head to Daegu stadium to watch the world's best cross the line in the finals before heading out to try traditional Korean cuisine.

10. Rugby World Cup (Rugby Union)

New Zealand from Sept 9 - October 23

Rugby powerhouse New Zealand will host the 2011 Rugby World Cup with 12 cities hosting games. Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland will play host to the final rounds but many regional cities and towns on both the North and South islands such as Whangarei and Rotorua will also host matches, providing endless opportunities to experience some of New Zealand's natural wonders.

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NBA - Raptors center Dorsey suspended by league for one game

Fri, Oct 15 10 05:37 AM

Toronto Raptors center Joey Dorsey has been suspended for one game for swinging his arm at Chicago Bulls forward Brian Scalabrine, the NBA said on Thursday.

The 26-year-old took aim at Scalabrine's head with 7.3 seconds remaining in Chicago's 109-90 preseason victory over the Raptors on Tuesday.

Dorsey will serve his ban in the first regular-season game for which he is eligible and fully fit to play, the NBA said in a statement.

Source: Published>

Liverpool ownership deal rumbles on

Published>Fri, Oct 15 10 04:37 AM

Liverpool's ownership battle rumbled on on Thursday as the High Court ruled against Tom Hicks and George Gillett, only for the American pair to demand the club's chairman be jailed for contempt of court.

A High Court ruling on Wednesday had set up Liverpool to be sold for 300 million pounds ($479.8 million) to New England Sports Ventures (NESV), before Gillett and Hicks obtained a temporary block in a Texas district court.

In response, lawyers for chief creditor Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) went back before the judge in London and he granted an injunction to restrain the Dallas court ruling, saying the case had no connection to Texas.

Undaunted, Hicks and Gillett returned to the Dallas court, filing for contempt and demanded that chairman Martin Broughton and other defendants be filed and jailed.

That case was adjourned and will resume at 1200GMT Friday -- three hours before the British High Court's deadline for the American duo to comply with their ruling.

Amid the trans-Atlantic legal wrangling, rival Singaporean bidder Peter Lim announced he was pulling out of his 320 million-pound offer.

The latest, and most extraordinary, day in the saga of which American businessmen own a football club in the north west of England began with lawyers for RBS -- who are attempting to secure the repayment of 240 million pounds in loans -- returning to the High Court.

In front of the same Judge, Mr Justice Floyd, who ruled in their favour on Wednesday, they sought an injunction to stop the club's American owners continuing with their U.S. legal action.

"It is an abuse of process, unconscionable and an affront to justice... a plain attempt to frustrate and impede the proceedings," the Press Association reported Richard Snowden QC, for the bank, as saying.

"Plainly it is a bid to frustrate this court in the exercise of its jurisdiction."

EPIC SWINDLE

Snowden added that Hicks and Gillett's claim that they were victims of an "epic swindle" and "grand conspiracy" over the club's sale were "wild and scurrilous" assertions with no evidence to support them.

The Judge found in the bank's favour, saying that his ruling was not aimed at the Dallas court but at Hicks and Gillett and gave the duo until 1500GMT on Friday to comply with his orders.

"The owners' behaviour conclusively demonstrates just how incorrigible they are," he said. "They are absolutely determined to stop this transaction in its tracks and they have no lawful justification for behaving in this way."

While all this was happening Lim, frustrated and angry that his bid had been ignored, withdrew his 320 million pounds offer.

"It has become clear to me that the Board is intent on selling the club to NESV to the exclusion of all other parties, regardless of the merits of their bids," the Singapore businessman said in a statement.

If RBS and the Liverpool board thought that their High Court victory and the strong words of the judge would force Hicks and Gillett to cave in, they soon found otherwise as the duo, who on Wednesday claimed $1.6 billion in damages, immediately filed a motion for contempt."

The motion asked for the "incarceration of defendants until they cure themselves of contempt and fine the defendants for their actions" and requested a daily fine of $50,000 be imposed until the contempt of court was ended.

The case was adjourned and will reconvene on Friday, just as Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson holds his regular news conference to preview the weekend's match.

On Sunday Liverpool face city rivals Everton but for once the cherished derby will be relegated to "any other business" on an agenda dominated by the billionaires' battle for ownership.

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TIMELINE - Liverpool ownership battle

Fri, Oct 15 10 03:37 AM

REUTERS - The Liverpool ownership saga rumbled on on Thursday.

Here is a timeline of the major developments.

Feb. 2007 - U.S. sports tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks pledge to keep Liverpool true to tradition after agreeing to pay 218.9 million pounds ($347.5 million) to take over the Premier League soccer club.

-- Billionaire Hicks is the owner of the Texas Rangers major league baseball team and the Dallas Stars NHL franchise, while Gillett owns NHL's Montreal Canadiens.

March 2008 - Takeover talks involving Hicks and Dubai International Capital (DIC) are terminated amid disagreement over who should be running the club.

-- DIC, which made a 400 million-pound ($807.6 million) bid for Liverpool, says it is "in advanced discussions" with Liverpool's co-owners although no agreement was on price or shareholding percentage.

Sept. 2008 - DIC rules out fresh bid for Liverpool.

April 16, 2010 - Liverpool goes up for sale. Hicks and Gillett appoint Barclays Capital to find a buyer.

-- Hicks and Gillett say in a joint statement that being owners of Liverpool for the past three years had been a "rewarding and exciting" experience.

Aug. 10 - Royal Bank of Scotland is supporting the club's sale by offering financing to potential buyers, banking sources say.

-- Creditors originally asked Liverpool's owners to pay 100 million pounds ($157.5 million) of its debt of around 250 million. The two could not make the payment and the debt financing was amended and extended "at least six times" since 2008 before the club was put up for sale in April.

-- Several Middle Eastern buyers expressed interest but the owners could not agree a purchase price, the bankers say.

Oct. 5 - Hicks and Gillett seek to remove managing director Christian Purslow and commercial director Ian Ayre from the Board.

-- A statement from Hicks and Gillett says offers "dramatically undervalue the Club" but they are committed to finding a buyer that would sustain the future of Liverpool.

Oct. 6 - Liverpool's board agrees to sell the club to the owners of baseball's Boston Red Sox. The Premier League club say they have accepted a 300 million-pound ($477.6 million) offer from New England Sports Ventures (NESV) ahead of an Oct. 15 deadline to repay over 200 million pounds worth of debt. However the deal is being complicated because they are facing a legal challenge from Hicks and Gillett.

Oct. 8 - NESV are cleared to continue their proposed takeover of Liverpool by the Premier League.

Oct. 12 - Lawyers for Hicks and Gillett admit they have breached their contracts with RBS when they tried to sack board members in a final bid to keep control of the club.

-- Singapore billionaire Peter Lim makes a cash bid for the club of 320 million pounds which tops NESV. Lim says he will also make a further 40 million pounds available for manager Roy Hodgson to purchase players.

Oct. 13 - British court backs RBS and rules against Hicks and Gillett, supporting the club's board and its right to negotiate a deal.

-- NESV welcomes the High Court decision and says it had a binding agreement to buy the club.

-- Hicks and Gillett gain a temporary restraining order on the sale in a Texas court.

Oct. 14 - Lim says he is withdrawing his bid, adding that his interest in buying Liverpool could be revived if "current events cause the circumstances to change".

-- The takeover case returns to London's High Court which rules that the Texas court ruling is restrained.

-- A new hearing begins in Dallas with lawyers for Hicks and Gillett filing a motion for contempt of court which asked a judge to jail and fine club chairman Martin Broughton and other defendants. The case is adjourned until Friday.

Source: Published>

Liverpool owners file for contempt in Dallas

Fri, Oct 15 10 03:17 AM

Lawyers for Liverpool Football Club's co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, filed a motion for contempt on Thursday asking a Dallas judge to jail and fine club chairman Martin Broughton and other defendants in the case.

A hearing to discuss the restraining order brought on behalf of Liverpool's parent company Kop Investment, owned by Hicks and Gillett, and the contempt motion was adjourned after 90 minutes and will resume on Friday at 1200 GMT, a court official said.

The 160th Civil District Court in Dallas on Wednesday had issued a temporary restraining order on Broughton, the Royal Bank of Scotland, which is the club's largest creditor, and prospective purchasers New England Sports Ventures (NESV).

Earlier on Thursday in London, a High Court judge granted an injunction to restrain the Dallas court ruling, saying the case had no connection to Texas.

The judge said his ruling was not aimed at the Dallas court but at Hicks and Gillett and gave the duo until 1500 GMT on Friday to comply with his orders.

NESV, which owns the Boston Red Sox, had an offer to buy the English Premier League club for 300 million pounds ($479.8 million) accepted by Liverpool's independent directors but Hicks and Gillett have fiercely contested the proposed deal.

Asked when he expected the sale of the Merseyside club to go ahead, Broughton told Sky Sports News: "I think probably sometime tomorrow. We're nearly there. We'll have to see, we've still got to take away the restraining order."

In the motion for contempt filed in Dallas and seen by Reuters, lawyers for Hicks and Gillett said:

"Further showing their unlawful intentions and brazen disgegard for their obligations, Defendants have undisputedly and according to their statements, quite proudly, violated this Court's temporary restraining order".

The motion, which was not the main point of discussion at Thursday's hearing, asked for the "incarceration of Defendants until they cure themselves of contempt and fine the Defendants for their actions".

The motion also requested a daily fine of $50,000 be imposed until the contempt of court was ended.

Source: Published>

Former captain Imran wants revamp of Pakistan cricket

Fri, Oct 15 10 01:37 AM

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has called for an overhaul of the country's cricket set-up after the ICC warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to improve its governance and enforce anti-corruption measures.

"For years now our players have been linked to corruption," the cricketer turned politician told the Geo News channel on Thursday after the International Cricket Council's warning.

"When the spot fixing allegations first came out against our players in the News of the World newspaper, the PCB itself should have taken action against the players instead of waiting for the ICC to step in," Imran added.

The ICC suspended Pakistan test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif after the Sunday newspaper claimed they had been bribed to do spot fixing during the fourth test against England at Lords in August.

The three players have denied any wrongdoing.

PCB chairman Ijaz Butt also had to withdraw allegations he made against the England team that they were involved in taking bribes to lose the third one-dayer at the Oval on Sept. 17.

"The ICC move to warn us and put us on notice is a shameful day for every Pakistani. It is a shame for Pakistan cricket and the reason is we don't have any cricket institution in Pakistan," Imran said.

"Ijaz Butt's governance has been a failure. He should have resigned the moment he apologised to the England board and withdraw his statement because they threatened him with legal action," he added.

Imran said although the country had lots of talent, Pakistan cricket was in constant crisis because the board was not elected and there was no "meritocracy" in the cricket structure.

"Tell me in which country does the president appoint the chairman of the cricket board," he said.

"Today we face problems because the cricket board never took action against players accused of match-fixing.

"In order to save itself and to ensure we didn't lose key players the administrators were reluctant to carry out and complete investigations against such players," Imran said.

Source: Published>

INTERVIEW - Contador would have been 'crazy' to take risk

Published>Fri, Oct 15 10 01:17 AM

Three-times Tour de France champion Alberto Contador would have been crazy to risk taking the anabolic agent clenbuterol during this year's race, a leading British sports lawyer said on Thursday.

The Spaniard has been provisionally suspended by the International Cycling Union after testing positive for a small amount of the performance-enhancing drug during this year's race.

Contador's assertion that he ingested the substance from tainted beef was dismissed by World Anti-Doping Agency director general David Howman, who said on Wednesday that similar explanations had been rejected in the past.

But Mike Morgan, who has represented major National Olympic Committees at the past two Olympic Games and appeared before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, told Reuters it was possible that contaminated meat had been responsible.

"The fact that it's such a small amount does corroborate his claim that it came from contaminated meat," Morgan said in an interview during a sports law conference convened by the World Sports Law Report.

"If you are going to take clenbuterol to have any lasting effect you would have taken a much higher amount than was detected in his sample."

Morgan said if a rider was going to take clenbuterol to enhance his performance he would be unlikely to do so in the middle of the Tour de France when he knew he was going to be tested every other day.

"It stays in your system for as long as three weeks, even more," he said. "It's just not a chance you would take. It wouldn't make any sense, it would be crazy."

NEW TEST

Morgan told delegates that clenbuterol, which strips fat and builds muscle in humans, had been used in farming communities around the world for the same reason.

"It is used to promote the growth rate in cattle, pigs and chicken. By stripping away the fat of the animal, clenbuterol also increases the leanness of the meat," he said.

"The fact that it may be banned does not mean farmers are not using it. It's an issue which anti-doping authorities know very little about and about which they should educate themselves."

Morgan said in addition to tainted meat there had been reports of contaminated milk in Turkey and contaminated water in Portugal. He said the United States had shipped 11,000 kilos of lean meat to the 2008 Beijing Olympics because of concerns over local produce.

He told Reuters he believed the spate of recent clenbuterol positives was due to an incredibly sensitive test and said anti-doping authorities needed to devise a test which showed if the drug had been deliberately ingested.

"I don't believe it has suddenly become popular among athletes, I don't also believe it is suddenly being used more in the farming industry," he said.

"Clenbuterol stays around the system quite a long time, it takes a long time to clear and so if athletes know they are going to be regularly tested it wouldn't be their substance of choice.

"It is possible that athletes cheat, of course they do, but is it possible that it's come from milk, or beef, or pork, or water in an extreme case?

"That's the difficulty. And proving it, for athletes, is a real difficulty."

Source: Web Search

Spectacular ceremony draws curtain on 2010 Commonwealth Games

Published>Fri, Oct 15 10 12:11 AM

A dazzling laser show and a musical extravaganza tonight marked the grand finale of the Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event hosted by India which crowned itself with sporting glory by winning an unprecedented 101 medals.

Skies over the nation's capital lit with multi-colour laser beams as part of the 140-minute closing ceremony at the Jawarharlal Nehru stadium filled to capacity of 60,000 cheering sports lovers including Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi as well as other sundry VIPs.

As at the spectacular opening ceremony 12 days ago, all the controversies that had dogged the Games - corruption, filth, snakes, mismanagement -- were momentarily forgotten because some 5000 athletes from 71 countries had sportingly competed for 826 medals of which India won 101, including 38 gold, its highest ever, to be the second in the tally behind Australia with a total of 177.

Prince Edward, patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, formally declared the 19th edition closed amid thunderous cheers from the audience.

Reading out the closure statement, the Prince said: "In the name of the Commonwealth Games Federation, I proclaim the XIX Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 closed.

"In accordance with the tradition I call upon the sportsmen and sportswomen of the Commonwealth to assemble in four years time in Glasgow, Scotland, there to celebrate the XX Games."

The ceremony began with the arrival of dignitaries who included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Vice President M Hamid Ansari, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, CGF chief Michael Fennell and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the guest of honour.

The Indian national anthem was played as the packed stand stood up in respect to mark the beginning of the closing ceremony.

Pyros took off from the roof of the stadium giving a delightful sight as countdown from zero to 10 in Devanagri script opened up the proceedings with the crowd roaring from the stands.

There was much excitement and euphoria in store when a tribute was paid to the India's sporting spirit, aptly titled Agni -- a segment that featured the fiery and passionate tradition of the country's martial arts.

Chants of Agni shloka preceded eight martial art forms - Kalaripayattu, Naga warriors, Thangta, Gatka, Silambam, Akhara, Dhan Patta, Talwar Raas -- that enthralled the audience.

Dressed in white, school children paid tribute to the motherland performing to the tunes of Vande Mataram as they took positions to form a rangoli pattern and Ashoka chakra on the field.

The athletes of the Commonwealth Games 2010 entered the field together as one big contingent signifying the bonds and friendships formed during the Games.

A 30-minute segment titled 'Music of Universal Love' featuring renowned Indian singers and musicians mesemerised the crowd.

It began with DJs performing with 1000 dancers on five stages of the field in an electrifying atmosphere with a 25 stacks of speakers blaring 500,000 Watts of sound.

Musicians Taufique Qureshi, dhol players Kamal Sabri, Niladri Kumar, Bikram Ghosh, Sivamani and Raghav Sachar performed in the event. There was also further entertainment from singers Kailash Kher, Zila Khan, Sukhwinder, Ila Arun, Usha Uthup, Shiamak Davar, Shankar Mahadevan, Shubha Mudgal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Sreeram.

The official mascot of the Games, Shera, was given an emotional farewell by Indian singer Shaan as the ceremony went into the final leg.

The ceremonial flag handover segment began with Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit saying, "In a few moments, the ceremonial flag will be entrusted to your care so that in due time you deliver it to Glasgow."

Official representative of the 2014 host city, Robert Winter, who is the Lord Provost of Glasgow, said, "This duty I willingly undertake to fulfil," as the Games flag was lowered and then handed over to him.

In between, the Games president Fennell, presented the David Dixon Award to the outstanding athlete as there was a 20-minute special package of the golden moments.

Named after the former secretary of the CGF, the award instituted in 2002 is given to the outstanding athlete of each of the Commonweath Games based on their performance.

Scottish performers soon took the centrestage proudly showcasing their country's spirit, culture and heritage in a 10-minute Glasgow segment.

The tumultuous journey of India, which saw a trouble-ridden build-up marred by corruption scandals and missed deadlines, soon came to an end.

Source: Web Search

Spain striker Villa praises fortitude of Chilean miners

Thu, Oct 14 10 11:57 PM

Spain striker David Villa, whose family have worked in mining for generations, has praised the fortitude of the 33 workers who were rescued from a Chilean mine after two months stuck underground.

The Barcelona forward, who is from the Spanish mining region of Asturias, sent two signed shirts to the miners last month offering words of support.

"I have followed the rescue like everyone else, but you have a different perspective when you have experienced this world," Villa told his club website (www.fcbarcelona.com) on Thursday.

"You have a greater appreciation of what is involved and it brings back many memories of previous eras. In this case we are all happy because all the miners are safe and healthy.

"All of us at Barcelona and in Spanish football are proud and pleased that you have survived and are back on the surface again."

The 28-year-old added: "Since I was a child I have been connected with mining and things never seem to change. Let's see if this situation helps prompt an improvement in the infrastructures so that nothing like this happens again."

Source: Published>

Mixed reactions to CWG closing on Twitter

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 11:27 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) The opening ceremony got universal raves, but the Commonwealth Games closing event attracted mixed reviews among the Twitterati, with some praising the pulsating atmosphere, while others complained about the Bollywood touch.

There was great anticipation in the build-up to the closing ceremony, with people expecting a magnificent show equivalent to the opener Oct 3.

Tweeting live about the closing ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Swapnil Pandey first wrote about his journey to the venue. 'Off for the #CWG closing ceremony. The Delhi roads look amazingly empty... A great drive!!!' he said at about 4.30 p.m.

By the time, the Bollywood musical show was at its peak at the finale, he wrote on his twitter account, 'The athletes seem to be loving dancin to the Indian nos.. Great show!!'

Watching the event on his television in Mumbai, a popular Indian twitter, Bombay Addict was ecstatic about the pulsating music which got everyone on their feet. 'Oh come on! We needed Bollywood here, come on! What did you expect? Snakes and rope tricks?' he asked.

Among the critics, Deepu Thomas said that the event did not meet the high standards set by the opening ceremony. 'CWG closing ceremony was dull compared to opening cermony. And they shouldn't hav sung all those Bollywood n western songs,' he wrote on his social networking account.

Pragyan Mohanty added, 'Oh this magnified DJ party must be far more interesting for the videshis (foreigners).'

Ayaz Memon, a sports writer, who witnessed the closing ceremony live at the stadium, tweeted, 'I'm really enjoying this. Serious business is over. This is the way closing ceremonies must go: with total abandon.'

On some of the criticism being directed against it, he responded, again on twitter, 'The success of any such event is best gauged by the reaction of the athletes and spectators. Both sets are having a blast'.

Source: Web Search

Several politicians at CWG closing ceremony

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 11:17 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) The colourful closing ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games here Thursday drew several leaders from both the government and the opposition.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi were in the VVIP stands while Gandhi's son and party general secretary Rahul Gandhi was sitting in gallery. Lok Speaker Meira Kumar was also present.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani, accompanied by wife Kamla and daughter Pratibha, attended the ceremony and applauded the athletes and artistes. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj also attended the function.

Several ministers, including Jaipal Reddy (Urban Development), M.S. Gill (Sports) and Kapil Sibal (Human Resource Development) were also present, along with Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

Source: Web Search

Video show captures unforgettable CGW moments

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 11:07 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Showcasing unforgettable moments of grit and determination, victory and joy, a brief video presentation Thursday nostalgically reprised the 2010 Commonwealth Games, as the audience at the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium watched in awe during the closing ceremony of the Oct 3-14 mega event.

The video footage shown on giant screens at the multi-hued stadium also captured team spirit and sportsmanship and the bonds of friendship formed between the participating athletes from 71 nations and territories.

The video started with Oscar winning composer A.R Rahman's Games theme song 'Utho,bado,khelo, jeeto', and gave a fast-paced account of swimmers wading through water like fish, boxers engaging in a flurry of punches in the ring and athletes sprinting to glory or jumping to the gold during the Games, which will be ever etched in the memory of all indians.

The resolve of para-athletes to triumph against all odds was also brought out during the video presentation that followed the parade of athletes.

Source: Web Search

Delhi has delivered a truly exceptional Games: Fennell

Thu, Oct 14 10 10:37 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Marred by series of controversies in the build-up, the Delhi Commonwealth Games today got the ultimate pat on the back from the CGF chief Michael Fennell, who declared the mega-event as "truly exceptional". Delivering his address during a spectacular and colourful closing ceremony, Fennell said, "Today, we bring down curtains on 19th CWG Delhi. Delhi, you have delivered a truly exceptional Games. "Security, transport and other services have been of highest quality. The venues were world class and it was a truly outstanding show by the athletes." "The athletes have demonstrated their skills and sporting personalities brought different cultures together. Athletes from 71 countries contested for 826 medals in the true spirit of friendship. Several Commonwealth Games records were broken, including two world records. Some have created new national records," he added. Fennell said the "successful" hosting of the Games will leave behind a rich legacy for Delhi. "The Organising Committee overcame all obstacles and presented a successful Games. Delhi has now a rich legacy, the wold class venues and improved city structure. It has presented itself as a world class city. The world will have a better understanding of this wonderful country and its potential now," said the Jamaican. "Now we set our eyes on 2014 Glasgow Games and look forward to athletes participating in all events in large numbers," said Fennell. Fennell thanked the Centre and Delhi government for providing the necessary resources and the OC for the hard work in delivering the Games. "I thank the Organising Committee, led by Mr (Suresh) Kalmadi and (Delhi Chief Minister) Sheila Dikshit for the hard work they have put in. I also thank the Delhi and the national governments for the resources they have provided," he said. Fennell also named Jamaican woman triple jumper Trecia Smith for the David Dixon Award, given to the outstanding athlete of the CWG based on their performance, fair play and overall contribution to their team''s participation in the Games.

Source: Published>

Azhar, Sajid raise 240,000 pounds for Pakistan flood victims

Thu, Oct 14 10 10:27 PM

Karachi, Oct 14 (PTI) Former all-rounder Azhar Mehmood and England fast bowler Sajid Mahmood have combined to raise 240,000 pounds for the flood-affected victims of Pakistan. The two cricketers organised a charity dinner and auction in London last month to raise funds for the flood victims and even managed to involve the England and Liverpool football stars, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in the noble cause. According to Azhar who is in Pakistan playing the national T20 championship Gerrard and Carragher donated their Liverpool jerseys for the charity dinner and they fetched good prices. "We were expecting to raise around 100,000 pounds for the flood victims but the involvement of top sporting stars of Pakistani origin in the United Kingdom, the kind gesture by the footballers and with the cooperation of the Pakistan team we managed to raise 240,000 pounds," Azhar said. He and Sajid went to the district of Nowshere in the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province to distribute cash and goods among the flood victims with the assistance of the Islamic relief fund charity organisation. "It was a very moving experience for me and Sajid and we realised how much help and assistance these flood victims need," he said. Azhar, who last played for Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup and has appeared in 21 Tests and 143 one-dayers for his country, said he and Sajid were planning more charity dinners and auctions for the flood victims. The allrounder, who plays for Kent, said that Sajid who has represented England in 8 Tests and 21 ODIs played a big role in involving other English sportsmen in the fund raising campaign. Sajid is also due to get married in Lahore on Friday. The floods that devastated Pakistan this year have left millions homeless and have led to many Pakistani sportsmen donating cash for the displaced families. The Pakistan cricket team that played in England last month donated its winning bonuses and the players part of their match fees for the flood relief fund set up by the government.

Source: Published>

Secuirty alert against vandalism after Games

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 10:17 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Security agencies have alerted the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and the Delhi government against attempts by anti-social elements to loot and vandalise the plethora of decorations and fittings installed in the city for the 12-day Games, a senior police official said.

'We will be continuing the surveillance outside the stadiums for some more time after the closing ceremony. This is following information about attempts at vandalism, which will tarnish the name the Delhi Games earned,' a senior police official told IANS.

He said a skeletal group of security personnel will continue to guard key locations.

Security agencies have warned that vandals may target buntings, signages, electric illuminations, metal frills and fences and even the flower pots placed outside the stadiums and at road intersections.

Source: Web Search

Azhar, Sajid raise 240,000 pounds for Pakistan flood victims

Thu, Oct 14 10 10:07 PM

Karachi, Oct 14 (PTI) Former all-rounder Azhar Mehmood and England fast bowler Sajid Mahmood have combined to raise 240,000 pounds for the flood-affected victims of Pakistan. The two cricketers organised a charity dinner and auction in London last month to raise funds for the flood victims and even managed to involve the England and Liverpool football stars, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in the noble cause. According to Azhar who is in Pakistan playing the national T20 championship Gerrard and Carragher donated their Liverpool jerseys for the charity dinner and they fetched good prices. "We were expecting to raise around 100,000 pounds for the flood victims but the involvement of top sporting stars of Pakistani origin in the United Kingdom, the kind gesture by the footballers and with the cooperation of the Pakistan team we managed to raise 240,000 pounds," Azhar said. He and Sajid went to the district of Nowshere in the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province to distribute cash and goods among the flood victims with the assistance of the Islamic relief fund charity organisation. "It was a very moving experience for me and Sajid and we realised how much help and assistance these flood victims need," he said. Azhar, who last played for Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup and has appeared in 21 Tests and 143 one-dayers for his country, said he and Sajid were planning more charity dinners and auctions for the flood victims. The allrounder, who plays for Kent, said that Sajid who has represented England in 8 Tests and 21 ODIs played a big role in involving other English sportsmen in the fund raising campaign. Sajid is also due to get married in Lahore on Friday. The floods that devastated Pakistan this year have left millions homeless and have led to many Pakistani sportsmen donating cash for the displaced families. The Pakistan cricket team that played in England last month donated its winning bonuses and the players part of their match fees for the flood relief fund set up by the government.

Source: Published>

Kalmadi''s tryst with goof-ups continues

Thu, Oct 14 10 09:57 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Suresh Kalmadi did it again. After "Prince Diana" and Abdul Kalam "Azad" faux pas, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman''s tryst with goof-ups continued today when he took the wrong name while thanking Delhi Mayor during the closing ceremony of the sporting extravaganza. Kalmadi conveyed his "special thanks to Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain" during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Games this evening. However, BJP''s Sain had relinquished the post earlier this year and fellow partyman Prithviraj Sahni was elected as the Mayor. Earlier at the opening ceremony on October three, he had addressed former President A P J Abdul Kalam as Abdul Kalam Azad. Abul Kalam Azad was a freedom fighter. His next faux pas was at the first press conference on October five when he said "Prince Diana" attended the event''s opening ceremony. Giving details on the "spectacular" opening ceremony, Kalmadi told a press conference that "Prince Diana" attended the function where he was to say "Prince Charles".

Source: Published>

Aerostat takes backseat, plays a silent role

Thu, Oct 14 10 09:47 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) The Rs 44 crore worth aerostat that was the centre of attraction during the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, remained almost a mute spectator suspended 25 metres above the ground at the Closing Ceremony of the Delhi sporting extravaganza here today. Besides the occasional videos that were played on the 360 degree projection surface of the aerostat, it remained without much action. The only time that the world''s largest helium balloon actually came alive in all its colours was when the ''golden moments'' of the Games was played out and also when the Scots performed. In stark contrast, during the Opening Ceremony, the aerostat had captivated everyone inside the stadium. It was a terrific moment then as the aerostat went up amidst shouts of joy, fireworks and drum beats. It had remained the centre of attraction throughout the event. However this time, the aerostat''s underbelly made of mirrors that reflected the lighting, was also missing. Many a times, it just looked like a large white spaceship hanging right in front of the eyes.

Source: Published>

Spectacular ceremony draws curtain on 2010 Commonwealth Games

Thu, Oct 14 10 09:37 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) A dazzling laser show and a musical extravaganza tonight marked the grand finale of the Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event hosted by India which crowned itself with sporting glory by winning an unprecedented 101 medals. Skies over the nation''s capital lit with multi-colour laser beams as part of the 140-minute closing ceremony at the Jawarharlal Nehru stadium filled to capacity of 60,000 cheering sports lovers including Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi as well as other sundry VIPs. As at the spectacular opening ceremony 12 days ago, all the controversies that had dogged the Games -- corruption, filth, snakes, mismanagement -- were momentarily forgotten because some 5000 athletes from 71 countries had sportingly competed for 826 medals of which India won 101, including 38 gold, its highest ever, to be the second in the tally behind Australia with a total of 177. Prince Edward, patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, formally declared the 19th edition closed amid thunderous cheers from the audience. Reading out the closure statement, the Prince said: "In the name of the Commonwealth Games Federation, I proclaim the XIX Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 closed. "In accordance with the tradition I call upon the sportsmen and sportswomen of the Commonwealth to assemble in four years time in Glasgow, Scotland, there to celebrate the XX Games." The ceremony began with the arrival of dignitaries who included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Vice President M Hamid Ansari, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, CGF chief Michael Fennell and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the guest of honour. The Indian national anthem was played as the packed stand stood up in respect to mark the beginning of the closing ceremony. Pyros took off from the roof of the stadium giving a delightful sight as countdown from zero to 10 in Devanagri script opened up the proceedings with the crowd roaring from the stands. There was much excitement and euphoria in store when a tribute was paid to the India''s sporting spirit, aptly titled Agni -- a segment that featured the fiery and passionate tradition of the country''s martial arts. Chants of Agni shloka preceded eight martial art forms -- Kalaripayattu, Naga warriors, Thangta, Gatka, Silambam, Akhara, Dhan Patta, Talwar Raas -- that enthralled the audience. More PTI TAP MRM

Source: Published>

Booing crowd greets Kalmadi during closing ceremony

Thu, Oct 14 10 09:31 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi was today booed upon as he gave his speech at the closing ceremony here. Kalmadi, who has been at the centre of various allegations in the run up to the Games was also jeered at during the Opening Ceremony. The grand 60,000 seat capacity stadium that was filled with spectators echoed with shouts of boos as he made his way through the speech. Even when he thanked Organising Committee Secretary General Lalit Bhanot for the work done, the crowd erupted into shouts of boos. Interestingly, the crowd cheered aloud as he took the names of Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi during his speech. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also greeted with shouts of joy when he entered the stadium along with his wife Gursharan Kaur.

Source: Published>

Spectators at JLN bid goodbye to Shera

Thu, Oct 14 10 09:25 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) The about 60,000 strong crowd inside the grand Jawaharlal Nehru stadium went berserk as they bid goodbye to ''Shera'', the mascot of the 19th Commonwealth Games that ended here today. Sending the spectators in frenzy, Shera entered the field in an open decorated auto-rickshaw along with singer Shaan. Shaan, 38, a playback singer who apart from his albums and Bollywood music has given his voice to many hit Bengali, Telegu and Tamil film songs, sang to an energetic Shera on behalf of athletes and everyone present at the stadium. A smiling Shera waved his hands as they took a circle in the red coloured auto inside the arena. Shera does not leave until he gives a heartful performance with Shaan amidst the roaring shouts of joy from the spectators.

Source: Published>

Booing crowd greets Kalmadi during closing ceremony

Thu, Oct 14 10 09:21 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi was today booed upon as he gave his speech at the closing ceremony here. Kalmadi, who has been at the centre of various allegations in the run up to the Games was also jeered at during the Opening Ceremony. The grand 60,000 seat capacity stadium that was filled with spectators echoed with shouts of boos as he made his way through the speech. Even when he thanked Organising Committee Secretary General Lalit Bhanot for the work done, the crowd erupted into shouts of boos. Interestingly, the crowd cheered aloud as he took the names of Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi during his speech. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also greeted with shouts of joy when he entered the stadium along with his wife Gursharan Kaur.

Source: Published>

Dutchman Van Gelder denies cocaine use

Thu, Oct 14 10 09:17 PM

Former world champion Yuri van Gelder, who was withdrawn from the Dutch world championship team this week for allegedly using cocaine, denied on Thursday he had used drugs.

The country's gymnastics union (KNGU) said on Wednesday there were indications of a "relapse situation", prompting Van Gelder to be pulled from the team to compete in Rotterdam this weekend.

The 27-year-old Van Gelder, who won the world title on the rings in 2005, had only recently returned to the sport after a suspension of more than a year for cocaine use, having spent time in a Scottish drug rehabilitation clinic.

"Since my admission in the clinic and up until today I have not used any narcotics or cocaine," Van Gelder said in a statement on Thursday.

The gymnast added that due to the "great pressure" of his return to the sport he feared a relapse and had told the KNGU it would be a better option not to compete in Rotterdam.

KNGU spokesman Dagmar van Stiphout said the organisation noted Van Gelder's statement, but stressed there had been "sufficient reasons" to issue its statement explaining it had pulled Van Gelder from the team due to a relapse.

"I can imagine this raises questions. There comes a statement from us and then Yuri also chooses to issue a statement and they will not be the same," Stiphout said.

"We had reasons to give the statement that we did yesterday and for us that is what it is all about. Maybe it will prove in a year's time to be a misunderstanding, but I just don't know."

Source: Published>

Rajapaksa enjoys CWG closing ceremony

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 08:57 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Making his first visit to India after crushing the Tamil Tigers, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Thursday enjoyed every moment of the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony where he was the guest of honour.

Seated with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rajapaksa repeatedly clapped and occasionally waved his hands as artists and dancers displayed their many skills at the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The president particularly cheered the Indian military bands as they belted out lilting martial music.

Rajapaksa's arrival was preceded by stray protests in Tamil Nadu, where Tamil activists denounced India's decision to make him the guest of honour in view of the large number of Tamil civilian deaths in Sri Lanka.

The president will hold talks with Manmohan Singh on a variety of issues, have lunch with him and fly back to Colombo Friday.

Source: Web Search

Indian martial art forms dazzle at CWG closing ceremony

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 08:37 PM

New Delhi, Oct. 14 (ANI): As the curtains were drawn on the XIX Commonwealth Games held for 11 days, the impressive closing ceremony held today will also be remembered by people who love traditional dance and art forms of India.

One of the special features of today's ceremony was 'Agni' or, the fire.

Presented at the outset of the ceremony, 'Agni' displayed a matchless confluence of martial arts forms from different parts of the country.

About 800 performers displayed the best of their States through traditional martial art form in an amazing light and sound of hundreds of drum beats.

Kerala's Kalaripayatt, Manipur's Thang Ta, Punjab's Gatka, Silambam from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat's Talwaar Raas and Naga Warriors with their machetes came together in a high-intensity eight-minute performance.

There were all sorts of swords, sticks and spears, and spectators were reminded of India's martial art traditions dating back many centuries. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Gold medallist Paramjeet Samota's family, relatives celebrate his victory at hometown

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 08:21 PM

Danaud (Haryana), Oct.14 (ANI): Relatives and friends of pugilist Paramjeet Samota, who won gold medal in the 91 kilograms category at the XIX Commonwealth Games-2010 in New Delhi, are an elated lot in Danaud village in Haryana's Bhiwani District.

Samota defeated Trinidad and Tobago's Tariq Abdul Haqq 5-1 in the final.

A considerable crowd was gathered outside Paramjeet's ancestral house with everyone eager to greet his parents.

"I am very happy that my son has won gold medal for India. I want to thank the divine powers and his coach. My family, and my villagers, the whole district is very happy that Paramjeet has won gold and brought laurels to our village in Haryana state and for the whole nation," said Pradeep Singh, father of Paramjeet Samota.

Almost every house in Danaud celebrated Paramjeet's victory by lighting lamps and bursting firecrackers.eople danced to the tune of drumbeats and visited the village temple to thank for Samota's victory.

"We are very happy that he will come to the village with his gold medal. He has brought laurels to the academy and the entire village. We are really very happy," said Vikas, a friend of Paramjeet Samota. By Kanwarjeet Singh Virk (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Younus 'expected a lot more in PCB conciliatory letter"

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 08:07 PM

Lahore, Oct 14 (ANI): Former Pakistan skipper Younus Khan has expressed his disappointment over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) letter asking him to meet chairman Ijaz Butt and sort out the issue of his continued omission from the national side, despite lifting of the ban imposed on him earlier this year.

"I was expecting a lot more in the letter but it just asks me to meet with the chairman and I have no problems doing that. I think in next two or three days the chairman will give me time and I will meet him," the Daily times quoted Younus, as saying to reporters.

He said that he was eager to play again for Pakistan, but was not sure of his future. "Who does not want to play for his country? But I can not say anything about my future at this stage until I have the meeting with the board chairman."

Earlier, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports had instructed the PCB to give a patient hearing to the dejected cricketer within a span of seven days.

Younus was among seven players who were banned or fined after the shambolic Australian tour in March, but an appellate tribunal later removed the bans and reduced the fines imposed on the players.

The appellate panel that revoked the ban on Younus, asked the PCB to start afresh proceedings against him by issuing a show cause notice, if the board felt the batsman had violated the code of conduct.

Though the tribunal also added that the PCB chairman had the authority to pardon any player, however, Butt refused to give clearance to the former captain to be considered for national selection on the grounds that he had to first meet and resolve his ban issue with the board.

Meanwhile, Younus also saw the forthcoming series against South Africa in the UAE as a tough challenge. "It will not be easy for Pakistan because South Africa will come to the Emirates with a view to win the series and they have players, including spinners, to handle the desert conditions."

Younus also noted that South Africa had a very experienced and stable captain in the form of Johan Botha for T20s and Graeme Smith for ODIs to lead the Proteas. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Technology comes together to a perfect closing of CWG

Thu, Oct 14 10 07:57 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Over 2,700 shots of fireworks, 25 stacks of speakers producing 500,000 Watts of sound and 1,200 moving lights combined with the majestic aerostat came together to create a spectacular closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here today. Leaving the about 60,000 spectators spellbound were the lighting arrangements that took people through various moods, from that of national pride when the national anthem was being played to that of pure ecstasy as laser beams cut through the grand stadium. About 1,200 moving lights, 120 space cannons and 16 Follow spots weighing approximately 75 tonnes was what it took to leave the spectators breathless. Not to be missed out were the 2,700 shots of fireworks spread over 88 locations on the roof of the stadium. The crowd had erupted in revelry as the fire-crackers went up in air. Another attraction was the Aerostat, suspended 25 metres above the ground. With a size of 40M X 80M X 12M and a 360 degree projection surface, the aerostat was really a showstopper. The entire system was supported by over whooping 50 km of power cables. Divided onto four generator farms, 10 Mega Watts of power was supplied through 26 feeder panels for the Closing Ceremony.

Source: Published>

CWG closing ceremony off to stirring start

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 07:51 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) The closing ceremony for the 19th Commonwealth Games began at a crowded Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Thursday, 11 days after India put up a spectacular opening at the same venue.

Source: Web Search

Closing ceremony countdown in Devnagri script

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 07:47 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) The countdown for the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games here Thursday was done in Devnagri script, projecting the numbers 10 to 0 on large screens.

As the countdown began at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, sections of the audience stood up and shouted each number, creating a Mexican wave. Bright lights focussed on those who stood up to shout.

Source: Web Search

Thorpe appointed England's batting coach

Published>Thu, Oct 14 10 12:52 PM

London, Oct 14 (ANI): Former batsman Graham Thorpe has been appointed as England's lead batting coach.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) appointed Thorpe, who has previously coached teams in England and Australia, as a replacement for Australian Dene Hills.

The 41-year-old was identified as a potential member of the backroom team by England coach Andy Flower following his good work with ECB's academy squad in Abu Dhabi.

After retiring from Test cricket in 2005, Thorpe had moved to Australia, where he worked as an assistant coach with New South Wales.

He returned to Surrey in November 2008 as batting coach, The Sun reports.

Earlier, the ECB had announced that Hills would be leaving the team after the second Ashes Test in Adelaide to link up with Australia as their assistant coach. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

New Zealand beat England to clinch hockey bronze

Thu, Oct 14 10 12:38 PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) New Zealand hockey team needed a tie-breaker to see off England and seal the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, here at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium today. Luck does not seem to be favouring England hockey team once they are forced into a tie-breaker as they lost 3-5 against New Zealand in the third place play-off. England also lost to hosts India via tie-breaker in the semi-finals. Down 1-3 till 55th minute, England came back splendidly to level scores but in the tie-breaker Adam Dixon''s stroke was saved by goalie Kyle Pontifex. Shea McAleese netted the decisive penalty to ensure a podium finish for the Black Sticks. To celebrate the victory the New Zealand players also performed the traditional Haka Dance which has been made popular all over the world by their Rugby team All Blacks. New Zealand went ahead in the eighth minute when Dean Couzins converted a penalty stroke. In the 15th minute the New Zealanders further increased the lead, courtesy a field goal from Nick Haig. The Englishmen pulled one back through Simon Mantell in the 25th minute. At the half-time, the score was 2-1 in favour of New Zealand. The men in black increased the lead to 3-1 when Hayden Shaw converted the second penalty stroke. Down 1-3 by the 37th minute, the England team came back strongly. It was Simon Mantell''s brother Richard who reduced the margin. Within another five minutes, the English restored parity with Simon making it 3-3.

Source: Published>