Teams arrive in Kanpur

Kanpur, Nov 21: The cricket teams of India and Sri Lanka arrived here today for the second Test match, beginning Tuesday at Green Park Stadium. However, the Indian trio of Vireder Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir have not arrived with the Indian team as they have gone to Delhi and will reach here tomorrow. The teams landed in the city in the afternoon and amidst a tight security were taken to a city hotel. The hotel staff welcomed the players by presenting them roses and putting on traditional “tika” on their forheads. Indian run-machine Sachin Tendulkar was presented a memento for completing 20 glorious years in international cricket while skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was welcomed with a big bouquet. (PTI)

2010 WC will be the best ever: FIH president

NEW DELHI: It’s certainly not the best of times for Indian hockey. Reports of tension between players and the coach and the concerns over Hockey FIH India elections are enough to make the International Hockey Federation (FIH), which is seeking to revive the game in the country, worried.

However, FIH president Leandro Negre is not losing sleep over it. He’s optimistic that every problem facing Indian hockey will be sorted out in due course of time. Of course, he did reiterate on Friday that India would be barred from hosting the World Cup if they fail to have a democratically elected body in place before the tournament.

"India is key for world hockey but we maintain that as per our constitution, there should be an elected body before the World Cup. If they fail, we have to follow FIH constitution... hopefully that will not happen. I’m sure elections will be over before the World Cup," Negre said.

The FIH president was in the Capital to sign a sponsorship deal with Steel Authority of India (SAIL), which he did in the presence of union minister for steel Birbhadra Singh, minister for state A Sai Prathap, steel secretary Atul Chaturvedi, SAIL chairman SK Roongta and Hockey India president AK Mattoo. This is FIH’s second major deal after the one with title sponsor Hero Honda.

Negre spoke to TOI about the World Cup and other matters related to hockey. Excerpts:

Tell us something about this new deal.

We signed an agreement today with SAIL, which will be our Presenting Partner. It’s not possible to give out details about the deal, but this contract, alongwith the one with Hero Honda, is something the types of which FIH had never signed in its history. Now the World Cup will be referred to as the ‘Hero Honda FIH World Cup, presented by SAIL’.

Are you satisfied with the response you are getting from corporates for the World Cup?

It’s hugely satisfying. I can assure you that the event is going to the best ever organised.

Indian hockey is going through some tough times - there are so many issues, ranging from the problem in the team to Hockey India elections. Are FIH bosses worried?

I am an optimistic person. I am sure everything will be solved at the right time. Certain things are not FIH’s concern, like what’s happening with the Indian team. It’s Indian hockey’s internal matter which they have to sort out. As far as the elections are concerned, the decision to postpone them was an unanimous one. India is a huge country with so many state units. We could have had the elections on November 18, but we postponed it to ensure the participation of more states.

And the venue for the World Cup? It’s yet to be handed over with just four months to go for the mega event.

I will be visiting the stadium on Saturday. Only then can I say how much progress has been made. I believe some small things like electricity connection are to be put in place before the test events. There have been delays but I am confident everything will be ready in time.

Will you stick to the new January-end deadline for HI elections or there’s still scope for another extension?

The deadline is end of January and the elections have to be held before the World Cup. I am calling all parties to show responsibility because this is going to be a great opportunity to fix the problems for good. The next assembly of Hockey India will elect the office bearers in a democratic and fair manner.

You always talked about having in place a Plan B as regard to the World Cup in case the Indian authorities did not put things in order. Does it still stand?

There’s no Plan B. Having one would be a negative way to approach the concerns. To be very honest, I must say all of FIH’s demands and wishes have been settled by the Indian authorities.

As of now, FIH seems to be interested in Indian hockey. But will the interest remain even after the elections and the World Cup?

We are here to help the Indian hockey. I believe we are doing just that. India is important for hockey as well as FIH. We are very eager to see India back on the top and we are doing our best to achieve that.

TOI

India fightback to save Test

Ahmedabad, Nov 19: India fought back gallantly in their bid to save the first cricket Test but were still not completely out of danger after Sri Lanka piled up the agony on the hosts with a record-breaking run deluge here today.

After being buried by a massive 334-run first innings lead mainly built around a world record sixth wicket partnership between Mahela Jayawardene (275) and Prasanna Jayawardene (154 not out), the Indians reached 190 for two in their second innings at stumps on the penultimate day, still trailing by 144 runs.

The hosts still have a daunting task to prevent the Lankans from recording their first Test triumph on Indian soil as they have to bat out the entire last day on a Motera track which was expected to deteriorate and assist the spinners.

Indian compound archers win gold in Asian Archery championship

STAFF WRITER 18:32 HRS IST

Kolkata, Nov 20 (PTI) Indian compound archers made history by clinching their first ever gold medal in the Asian archery championship at Bali today.

On the penultimate day of the 16th edition of the championship, India also bagged two silver medals in the men's recurve and women's compound sections, according to the Archery Association of India (AAI).

The Indian trio of C Srither, Kh Ratan Singh and Isiah R Sanam edged past Iran 231-230 in a nerve-wrecking contest to reign supreme in the compound section.

The Indian men's recurve team, comprising Rahul Banerjee, Jayanta Talukdar and Mangal Singh Champia lost to Korea 219-222 in the summit clash to settle for a silver medal.

In the women's compound team final India once again were beaten by Korea as the trio of Jhanu Hansdah, Namita Yadav and Manjudha Soy had to be content with a silver medal. They lost 215-223.

Sandeep fit to play in 2010 World Cup: Mattoo

NEW DELHI: Hockey India President A K Mattoo on Friday cleared the air over Sandeep Singh's participation in next month's Chammpions Challenge Sandeep fit to play in 2010 World Cup tournament and 2010 World Cup, saying the ace drag-flicker has recovered from his back injury and is expected to be part of both the events.

"I am 100 per cent certain Sandeep will play in the World Cup. How can you decide about whether a player would be in the World Cup team three months before the tournament," Mattoo told reporters during the Presenting Partner agreement signing function between Steel Authority of India Limited and International Hockey Federation.

"He will be there in the team. He had a back injury but he has come out of that. Sandeep will also play in Champions Challenge," he added.

Sandeep's participation in both the events came under cloud after chief coach Jose Brasa earlier this week said that the back injury, which he sustained during last month's Canada tour, will see the drag-flicker out of both Champions Challenge to be held in Salta, Argentina, from December 6 to 13.

Sandeep was subsequently replaced by Rajpal Singh as the skipper of the national team for Champions Challenge from Dec 6-13 but Mattoo overruled the decision, saying they are yet to finalise the captain.

"Captain was never an issue, the issue was lack of communication between the coach Brasa, players and the support staff", Mattoo said.

"The captain is not yet decided. HI will take a decision on captaincy within a few days," he said.

The HI chief also claimed that the revival of Indian hockey was heading in the right path and assured FIH that the the nation would host one of the best World Cup.

"Indian hockey is moving forward in the right direction. In coming days we will see hockey back on track," Mattoo said during the function which was also attended by FIH President Leandro Negre.

"I assure Mr Negre that we will ensure the best World Cup," he added.

The FIH chief said the mega-event is vital to Indian hockey's development.

"The event is of immense importance to Indian hockey. The World Cup will be a great catalyst in reviving Indian hockey. Let us hope India may rise again in world hockey," Negre said.

Minister of Steel Virbhadra Singh, who was also present on the occassion, urged both public and private sectors to extend their helping hand in the game's revival.

"I am happy that the World Cup is being staged in India. I am happy that SAIL is associated with the event as a Presenting Partner. Once hockey was country's main game but lately it is being pushed back and is struggling to find a place," Singh said.

"I think both public and private sector should come forward and support the game as well as sportspersons." he added.

Hockey players up in arms against coach Brasa

New Delhi, Nov 18: A rattled Hockey India (HI) president A K Mattoo is flying down to Pune following a reported revolt by senior players spearheaded by deposed captain Sandeep Singh against coach Jose Brasa.

The seniors are apparently unhappy with the way the Spanish coach is going about his job. Sandeep, who has pulled out of the camp complaining a back problem, seems to differ with Brasa over drag-flicking.

2 more teams and pink balls from IPL 2011

NEW DELHI, Nov 16: Two new teams, four fielding substitutes instead of the lone 12th man, pink balls in practice matches and abolishing the Icon player status are some of the innovations which the Indian Premier League would embrace from its 2011 edition.

From next year onwards, IPL would also be played under the supervision of the ICC Anti Corruption and Security Unit, while players who skip the tournament despite not having any national assignment might have their contracts terminated, organisers of the event said in a statement.

The recent three-day franchisee workshop in Bangkok had threadbare discussions on player regulations, commercial aspects, logistics, hospitality, ticketing, licensing and merchandising.
“I am certain now that we are poised to bring a significantly enhanced IPL experience back home to the Indian fans in Season 2010,” IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi said.

It has been decided that teams would be allowed four fielding substitutes, rather than the lone 12th man.

Any ball bowled above waist height, regardless of the speed, will be declared a no-ball, while pink balls would be used in practice matches.

Apart from availing ACSU service, IPL will follow the BCCI Anti-Doping policy for Season 2010. Another issue that the IPL Governing Council plans to take up is non-availability of players after signing of contracts.

“Measures discussed revolved around the initiation of stringent action including termination of player contracts and barring from future participation in the IPL, of players that have signed contracts, but fail to make themselves available for playing in the IPL,” the organisers said.

“It was agreed that in the event any of the Member Boards not issuing an NOC to their players for participation in the IPL - on pretext of domestic engagements — IPL could make a representation to the Governing Council of the Champions League for taking appropriate action against the members boards participation in the League,” the organisers said. On the decision to expand the league, they said, “A discussion for the addition of two new franchises in Season 4 was held with the same being adopted with 7 of the 8 Franchises being in favour of increasing the number of Teams to 10.”

Among other things, it was finalised that trading of Players will be permitted between franchisees for the season 2010 onwards.

Meanwhile, Pakistani players’ participation will have to be confirmed by their Cricket Board through an NOC and clearance from their government.

On January 19 next year, IPL would conduct an auction, adding new players into the league and a fresh purse of USD 750,000 will available to each franchisee.

The League will also have a cap on the maximum players in a squad while all franchises agreed to do away with the Icon Player status. (PTI)

Fomer captains feel lucky to lead Tendulkar

New Delhi, Nov 14: Former captains Krishnamachari Srikkanth, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble felt they were the lucky few to have lead a team with Sachin Tendulkar in it.
On the eve of Tendulkar’s 20th year in international cricket, the four former captains went ga-ga over greatness of the 36-year-old batting maestro.

They feel that to last 20 years in international cricket is a fantastic achievement and for that one has to have special qualities. Tendulkar had everything that made him the best in the world.
For Ganguly, Tendulkar will always remain special. During his five-year tenure as the India captain, Tendulkar and Ganguly formed the most exciting opening pair in the One-day Internationals (ODI) and they tore apart the best of bowling attacks.

“Fortunately I have played nearly 300 ODIs with him. It is not easy to share all the great moments I had with him. I congratulate Sachin on the fantastic achievement of playing 20 years for the country,” Ganguly said.

Recalling his first interaction with Tendulkar, Ganguly said: “My first interaction with him was at the under-15 national camp in Indore. But before that I heard a lot about him because he was making news even then.”

Incidentally, Dravid, who was also in the same camp, said that Tendulkar was always a step ahead of others of his age.

“He was always special. The fact that he has lasted 20 years in international cricket is a big achievement in itself. He has fulfilled the expectations of a billion fans and has done it regularly for many years,” Dravid told IANS.

“He is very chatty in the dressing room and he is an outgoing person. He has contributed a lot to the game. Personally I feel privileged to be able to play for such a long time with him, a legend,” he said.

Kumble concurs with Dravid.
“It is amazing to see the way he has lived up to the expectations of the nation, how he has carried the burden of expectations of millions of people. He has managed to deliver almost every time he has been expected and that shows his consistency and commitment. He has also managed to maintain his image on and off the field and that is what youngsters should learn from him,” he said.

Srikkanth, Tendulkar’s first captain, recalled the turbulent times in which Tendulkar played in his debut series in Pakistan.

“The players and the cricket board were on a collision course over players’ contract. Before the Karachi Test a tense Sachin came to me to share his feelings. I assured him that he was too junior to get into any trouble and asked him to play freely. The rest is history,” he said.
What surpised Srikkanth was the ease with which Tendulkar handled leg-spinner Adbul Qadir, who then was the best in the world.

“Sachin stepped out twice and hit Qadir for two consecutive sixes. I was at the other end and asked him to be careful since Qadir was the best spinner then. Sachin just raised his hands and told me ‘boss just be relaxed. I am fine’.” he said. (IANS)

Dilshan sprains ankle, but will play Test

Mumbai, Nov 12: Sri Lanka’s maverick opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, who sprained his ankle during a practice session here on Wednesday, will be available for the first Test against India in Ahmedabad from November 16.

Sri Lanka team manager Brendon Kurupu said on Thursday that it was a minor ankle sprain and Dilshan would be fine in a couple of days.

“Dilshan had a session today in the indoor nets and he will be okay in a couple of days. Reports are very positive about him and Dislhan has to see how it feels while practicing on the field. Hopefully, he should be fit for the first Test,” said Kurupu.

“There’s no need to panic and we will assess his injury at the ground,” he added.
Heavy rains ruling out play for the second consecutive day of three-day practice game between the Sri Lankans and Board President’s XI in Mumbai. Kuruppu said that Sri Lanka won’t play a limited-overs contest on the final day.

“We are going into a Test series. The frame of mind is different for the two forms. One-dayers are not ideal preparation before Tests. We have got something out of two days in keeping fit and get the team spirit going. But we have missed out on getting a feel of the pitch and other natural conditions,” he said. (IANS)

India play just for pride in final ODI

MUMBAI, Nov 10: The series already out of their grasp, India will have just pride to play for against the depleted but confident Australia in the seventh and final One-dayer at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.

The Indian morale has hit a low following successive lost at Mohali, Hyderabad and Guwahati against what is essentially a very inexperienced Australian bowling line-up.

With the full series of Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s coming up against Sri Lanka only four days after the conclusion of the rubber against the world champions, it is imperative for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men to pull out all stops and reduce the margin of defeat.

A 3-4 score, that would happen if they can win Wednesday’s clash in the swanky Navi Mumbai stadium hosting its first ODI, would be a massive boost for the beleaguered home side as it prepares for the battle against a determined Sri Lanka eager to set right a winless past record in Tests on Indian soil.

A victory would be the ideal tonic for India before they lock horns with a new set of rivals in the longest format of the game from November 16 at Ahmedabad.

The main reason for India’s slump against an injury-ravaged Australia is lack of consistency in both batting and bowling.

Real Madrid crash out of Spanish Cup

MADRID: Real Madrid crashed out of the Spanish Cup on Tuesday as they could only manage a 1-0 victory at the Bernabeu over third division Alcorcon Alcorcon, who went through to the last 16 with a 4-1 aggregate score.

The loss extended Real's drought in the competition dating back to 1993.

The Real supporters had booed the players off at half-time while there were cries of 'Pellegrini resign' at the coach Manuel Pellegrini, especially when the 56-year-old Chilean replaced Real's most impressive player on the night Frenchman Lassana Diarra with over 20 minutes remaining.

Pellegrini, who took over in the close season after an impressive spell in charge of Villarreal, had started with four strikers including Kaka, Real icon Raul and former Manchester United star Ruud van Nistelrooy.

However, they failed to have the impact he wished and it wasn't until the 81st minute they scored, through Dutch attacking midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

TOI

Oz clinch thriller

Hyderabad, Nov 5: Australia beat India by 3 runs despite a heroic innings played by Sachin Tendulkar (175) in the 5th ODI in Hyderabad on Thursday. Australian bowlers hold their nerves in the dying overs to finish Indian tail in the 50th over.

Earlier, A belligerent century stand between openers Shaun Marsh (112) and Shane Watson (93) powered an injury-hit Australia to an imposing 350 for four in the fifth cricket ODI against India here today.

Strapping Queensland all-rounder Watson smashed 93 off 89 balls with three sixes and eight fours, while left-handed Western Australian Marsh initially played the second fiddle before stepping up his run-rate to make his first ODI century in his 19th appearance.The 26-year-old son of former Australian opener Geoff made a run-a-ball 112 with the help of two sixes and eight fours, putting on 145 runs for the first wicket with Watson.Marsh was out in the slog phase, caught just inside the boundary line off Ashish Nehra.

Jharkhand down Tripura

Correspondent
TINSUKIA, Nov 5 – Jharkhand defeated Tripura by 23 runs in the East Zone Women Limited Over Cricket Tournament here today.

Chasing a winning target of 160 in 50 overs, Tripura managed to score 137 for the loss of nine wickets.

Jharkhand 159 (Moumita Chakraborty 40, Seema Singh 37, Rima Chakraborty 2/14, Sujaita Roy 2/34). Tripura 137/9 (Rima Chakraborty 71, Rita Debbarman 21, Neetu Singh 2/15, Asha Das 2/33, Niharika Prasad 2/31).

Beckham to return to AC Milan in Jan

Milan: England midfielder David Beckham will return to AC Milan on loan in January after the Italian club reached an agreement with Los Angeles Galaxy on Monday.

Beckham played for Milan for six months from January 2009, scoring two goals in 18 matches in a successful bid to win his place back in England's national squad.

"I had to give myself the best chance to play in the World Cup and playing on loan with Milan will help me do that," Beckham told Milan's Web site. "I enjoyed my last experience in Milan a lot and I can't wait to meet the team and the staff again.

"I have to thank (Los Angeles owner) Tim Leiweke and (Los Angeles coach) Bruce Arena for having given me this opportunity. I remain close to Los Angeles Galaxy and Major League Soccer and I care about football's development in the United States.

"Now I am completely concentrated on finishing this season in the best way with my club by winning the MLS Cup."

Negotiations for Beckham to return had been ongoing between Milan and the Galaxy for a number of weeks.

"We are delighted to see David Beckham back in the red-and-black shirt after his splendid experience last season," AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said on the club's Web site.

"We are sure that this period in Europe will help him make it to the next World Cup, and after that his career with Los Angeles Galaxy. We must thank them for agreeing to this deal." In March 2009 against Slovakia, during his time with Milan, Beckham became England's second most capped player when he broke Bobby Moore's record of 108 international appearances.

Currently, Beckham has played 115 internationals, with only former goalkeeper Peter Shilton ahead of him with 125.

It was England manager Fabio Capello who pushed Beckham to join a European club on loan in early 2009 to maintain his fitness during Major League Soccer's offseason.

Originally, it was scheduled to be a three-month agreement until the start of the MLS season. But such was his success that both Beckham and Milan sought to extend the loan period till the end of the European season.

Having helped Milan reach the Champions League, Beckham returned to the Galaxy to receive a hostile reaction from some supporters and criticism in print by teammate Landon Donovan.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder did little to smooth relations when he confronted some abusive fans after.

Soruce:http://www.financialexpress.com/news/beckham-to-return-to-ac-milan-in-jan/536622/

Agassi doping case not a dead issue: WADA

World Anti-Doping Agency

New York: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wants to investigate whether any charges can be brought against Andre Agassi following his admission that he lied after taking crystal meth in 1997 and failing a drugs test.

Agassi's revelations in extracts of his autobiography "Open", published last week in 'The Times' newspaper in Britain, stunned the tennis world and cast a shadow over the eight-times grand slam champion's glittering career.

"He took something from the banned list in 1997, we can't do much about that because it's outside the statute of limitations, the eight-year bar," WADA director general David Howman said on Sunday.

"Two things need a little bit more inquiry, if he's lied, and he's confessed he lied, so he's obviously lied and he lied under oath then I think that warrants further investigation to see whether there might be any other charges.

"We all know about Marion Jones, she lied to a tribunal, it can't just be one of those things you get away with," he added in reference to the American sprinter who served a six-month prison term for lying to federal prosecutors about her drug use.

"The second issue is, he had a lawyer represent him, does his lawyer know that he was lying?

"Maybe something can be done in relation to that."

After failing a drugs test, Agassi wrote a letter to the ATP asking for leniency because he had accidentally drunk a "spiked soda" belonging to his assistant.

Agassi received no punishment from the governing body of men's tennis.

WADA has an eight-year limit on punishment for doping offences but last week former Ukraine pole vaulter Sergei Bubka, a committee member on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Agassi should be penalised for taking banned substances.

"It may not be something the ATP has any jurisdiction over. It may be that some other agency has to look at it," Howman said. "We just don't rely on sport to sanction for doping offences.

"These things have to be pursued," Howman added. "You don't just take them at face value, that it's outside the eight-year limit so nothing can be done. You've got to say maybe something else can be done."

Vancouver Winter Games torch relay diverted

STAFF WRITER 14:39 HRS IST

Victoria(British Columbia), Oct 31 (AP) Protesters forced the 2010 Vancouver Games torch relay to be diverted from its planned route, hours after organisers kicked off what is supposed to be the longest domestic torch relay in Olympic history.

Several hundred protesters, angry that billions are being spent on the Olympics instead of housing and health care, blocked Victoria city streets for hours yesterday, preventing the torch from passing by Government House and forcing organisers to reroute.

Relay organisers attempted to drive the torchbearers around the demonstration. Instead, they were taken several miles away to Victoria's waterfront.

Then, more than a half-dozen participants lined up side-by-side along the road, where they passed the flame from torch to torch without running their segments.

The run resumed with a short relay to the day's final stop, the provincial legislature.

Matthaeus rejects coaching job

Hamburg, Oct 28: Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus has turned down an offer to coach Argentina’s Racing Club, it was reported on Wednesday. Germany’s Bild newspaper said Matthaeus (48), informed the club of his decision in an SMS short text message. The report quoted Juan Cobian, an adviser involved in contract negotiations, as saying Racing had fulfilled all of the former player’s demands. “Then came the rejection during the night by SMS. That was ridiculous. We are all disappointed,” he was quoted as saying. Racing Club president Rodolfo Molina had said on Saturday that Matthaeus was due to arrive “next week” and to take over from Ricardo Caruso Lombardi, who resigned a fortnight ago. Matthaeus captained Germany to the 1990 World Cup title and is the nation’s most-capped player with 150 matches. As a coach he won league titles with Partizan Belgrade and Red Bull Salzburg and has also worked in Hungary, Israel and Brazil. (IANS)

Beckham certain to return in January: Milan

MILAN: David Beckham will definitely return to AC Milan on loan in January, chief executive Adriano Galliani said on Monday.

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder, who wants to play in Europe to try to secure his place in England's World Cup squad, had previously said the deal was 95 percent done.

"It's 100 percent certain. The only thing that is missing is the signatures but the agreement is complete," Galliani told Italy's Sky television.

Beckham is expected to stay at the San Siro from January until the end of the Serie A season in May, just as he did this year.

He has previously said he intends to go back to Galaxy following June's World Cup in South Africa, if selected by England coach Fabio Capello.

Media reports had linked the former Manchester United player with a return to the Premier League but the 34-year-old had always said another stint at Milan was his preferred option.

TOI

National school games from Oct 26

STAFF WRITER 18:44 HRS IST

Panaji, Oct 24 (PTI) The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Goa will conduct the 55th National School Games in football, baseball and taekwondo for the year 2009-10 from October 26 to 30 at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda.

Addressing a press conference, Susan D'Souza, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Goa said in all 24 states will participates in different categories.

She said Goan boys and girls have been undergoing rigorous training for the last 15 days and hoped that they would bring laurels to the state.

Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Manipur, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Bihar have so far confirmed their participation in the event, stated Suzan.

Schiavone wins Kremlin Cup

MOSCOW, Oct 25: Italy’s Francesca Schiavone won just the second title of her career on Sunday by defeating Olga Govortsova of Belarus 6-3, 6-0 in the Kremlin Cup final.

The 29-year-old veteran, ranked 24th in the world and seeded eighth in Moscow, won in one hour 17 minutes to record her second win in three head-to-head meetings with Govortsova.

The finalists traded breaks throughout a closely-fought first set, but it was Schiavone, the 2005 runner-up here, who was the more consistent.