KARACHI, Sep 6: In another sensational claim, former Pakistan batsman Qasim Umar has accused two senior cricketers of the national team of being involved in match fixing and using drugs. Umar, who has now turned to religion for solace, told the daily “Jang’ newspaper, on Sunday, that he would disclose the names of the players at an appropriate time. “Right now I don't want to take any names because both these players are influential persons and they can have me killed. I fear for my life,” Umar claimed. “I am silent now for some reasons but when the time comes I will unmask their faces,” he said. Incidentally, Umar was banned for life in the late 80s for accusing former captain Imran Khan and some other players of smuggling drugs in their kit bags to England.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Vijender in pre-quarters
Milan, Sep 6: India’s Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh moved into the second round of World Boxing Championships with a 14-8 win over Belgibayev Azamat of Kazakhstan in the 75 kilogram category. But there was some bad news too for India here on Saturday, as Asian silver medallist Thokchom Nanao Singh lost his pre-quarterfinal bout to Thai boxer Pongprayoon Kaeo in the 48 kg category. Vijender’s score might look convincing but the Indian had to fight hard for the win. Vijender started cautiously in the first round and within the thirty seconds the Kazakh took a 0-3 lead. (PTI)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
More heartbreak for India
New Delhi, Sep 2: The disappointment continued for Indian boxers at the World Championships with Asian bronze medallist Jitender Kumar being disqualified during his bantam weight (54kg) opening round in Milan, Italy today.
Up against old nemesis and sixth seed Yunusov Anvar of Tajikistan, Jitender was disaqualified after being given the mandatory three warnings for three different offences. The 22-year-old Indian, who created a flutter last year by making the quarterfinals of Beijing Olympics, was first warned for clinching his opponent in the opening minute of the eventful bout.
The second warning came in the next round when he was penalised for “pushing and downing” Anvar. The third one, that led to his disaqualification, was given in the deciding round for a right upper cut. Jitender was trailing 7-17 when the referee disqualified him. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s difficult to keep your composure once you have been warned.” (PTI)
Sehwag wants to play more Tests than T20
Mumbai, Sep 2: The public might be enchanted with the Twenty20 format but swashbuckling Indian opener Virender Sehwag prefers to play Tests and ODIs more than the shortest form of the game that has taken the cricket world by storm. “Personally I would like to play more Tests and ODIs than T20 games which I know have become extremely popular. I would like to play at least eight to 10 Tests in a year,” Sehwag said at the media conference here to announce the list of nominees for this year’s LG-ICC annual awards. Sehwag batted for all three formats even as some past cricketers, including spin legend Shane Warne, have written the epitaph of the 50-over game.
Dhoni, 9 other Indians nominated for ICC awards
Mumbai,
Mumbai, Sep 2 (PTI) India's splendid run in Test and one-day cricket in the past one year was Wednesday amply reflected in the ICC's Annual Awards nominations as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and nine other cricketers were listed in various categories.
Dhoni was nominated in three categories - ICC Cricketer of the Year, Test Player of the Year and ODI Player of the Year awards- while Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Sing and Yuvraj Singh were some of the other top players to make the list in different categories.
Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh were the other Indian nominees for the prestigious Cricketer of the Year award.
VVS Laxman joined the trio of Dhoni, Gambhir and Harbhajan to be in the line for the Test Player of the Year award while Yuvraj and Sehwag were also in the fray for the honour of ODI Player of the Year.
TOI
Mumbai, Sep 2 (PTI) India's splendid run in Test and one-day cricket in the past one year was Wednesday amply reflected in the ICC's Annual Awards nominations as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and nine other cricketers were listed in various categories.
Dhoni was nominated in three categories - ICC Cricketer of the Year, Test Player of the Year and ODI Player of the Year awards- while Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Sing and Yuvraj Singh were some of the other top players to make the list in different categories.
Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh were the other Indian nominees for the prestigious Cricketer of the Year award.
VVS Laxman joined the trio of Dhoni, Gambhir and Harbhajan to be in the line for the Test Player of the Year award while Yuvraj and Sehwag were also in the fray for the honour of ODI Player of the Year.
TOI
Opening ceremony of 2011 WC in Bangladesh:ICC
Mumbai,
Mumbai, Sep 2 (PTI) The opening ceremony of the 2011 Cricket World Cup will be held on February 17 in Bangladesh and the first match would take place on February 19 in the same country, the ICC announced Wednesday.
The ICC had earlier said both the opening ceremony and the opening game would be held on February 19 in Bangladesh.
But the full match schedule with venues would be announced on November 9, it was decided by the Central Organising Committee (COC) of the mega event that met here Wednesday to continue preparations for the tournament.
The venues where the matches would be held in the three host nations ? India, Bangladesh and Sri Laka - would be inspected in October/November, the COC decided.
Tournament director Ratnakar Shetty said the meeting was a productive one and the organisers were operating at a brisk pace to make it a great success.
PTI
The ICC had earlier said both the opening ceremony and the opening game would be held on February 19 in Bangladesh.
But the full match schedule with venues would be announced on November 9, it was decided by the Central Organising Committee (COC) of the mega event that met here Wednesday to continue preparations for the tournament.
The venues where the matches would be held in the three host nations ? India, Bangladesh and Sri Laka - would be inspected in October/November, the COC decided.
Tournament director Ratnakar Shetty said the meeting was a productive one and the organisers were operating at a brisk pace to make it a great success.
PTI
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tried to mix Gavaskar's defence, Richards' aggression: Sachin
NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar
NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday said he made a conscious effort to blend Sunil Gavaskar's defence with Viv Richards' ruthlessness to evolve a batting style of his own.
Since his 1989 debut against Pakistan, Tendulkar has been lording over the bowlers, who continue to struggle to breach his near-impregnable defence and often find themselves at the receiving end of his aggressive hitting.
Tendulkar revealed he modelled his batting style on Gavaskar and Richards, two players he idolised.
"Sunil Gavaskar, needless to say, and Vivian Richards are the batsmen that really inspired me," said the champion batsman with more than 29,000 international runs under his belt.
"I wanted to be as solid as Sunil Gavaskar and as destructive as Vivian Richards, because that combination was always going to be lethal. I felt truly inspired by these two individuals on the field," Tendulkar said.
Over the last two decades, Tendulkar's appetite for runs never waned and the Mumbaikar said he never ran out of motivation.
"I don't need anyone to come to me or motivate me or prepare me before a big game," Tendulkar said.
"I've always been motivated and I love this sport. I grew up loving this sport and as each day goes by, I fall in love with this game more and more.
"The desire to go out there and win matches for my nation is growing, and it continues to grow. I'm proud of the fact that I've been able to play for 20 years and I'm still motivated, and I still want to go out there and do better," he said.
Despite his iconic status, Tendulkar remains a team man and he underlined the importance of working as a unit.
"Team work for me is practising together and also trying to get the best out of each other. That can only happen if you go out of your way to help your team-mate. You must be prepared to sacrifice for your team-mate, which will eventually end up giving a positive result for your team," he said.
TOI
Since his 1989 debut against Pakistan, Tendulkar has been lording over the bowlers, who continue to struggle to breach his near-impregnable defence and often find themselves at the receiving end of his aggressive hitting.
Tendulkar revealed he modelled his batting style on Gavaskar and Richards, two players he idolised.
"Sunil Gavaskar, needless to say, and Vivian Richards are the batsmen that really inspired me," said the champion batsman with more than 29,000 international runs under his belt.
"I wanted to be as solid as Sunil Gavaskar and as destructive as Vivian Richards, because that combination was always going to be lethal. I felt truly inspired by these two individuals on the field," Tendulkar said.
Over the last two decades, Tendulkar's appetite for runs never waned and the Mumbaikar said he never ran out of motivation.
"I don't need anyone to come to me or motivate me or prepare me before a big game," Tendulkar said.
"I've always been motivated and I love this sport. I grew up loving this sport and as each day goes by, I fall in love with this game more and more.
"The desire to go out there and win matches for my nation is growing, and it continues to grow. I'm proud of the fact that I've been able to play for 20 years and I'm still motivated, and I still want to go out there and do better," he said.
Despite his iconic status, Tendulkar remains a team man and he underlined the importance of working as a unit.
"Team work for me is practising together and also trying to get the best out of each other. That can only happen if you go out of your way to help your team-mate. You must be prepared to sacrifice for your team-mate, which will eventually end up giving a positive result for your team," he said.
TOI
Salman Khan to promote Indian football
brand ambassador of Indian football
NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor Salman has been roped in as the brand ambassador of Indian football by the All India Football Federation to promote the
game in the country.
Salman, who was present at the Ambedkar Stadium on Monday night to watch India's Nehru Cup title victory over Syria, has agreed to promote the game, AIFF acting president Praful Patel said.
"Salman is a national icon. He had come to us and said he wants to promote football. So we have made him our brand ambassador. It is not going to incur any cost to us and he had approached to us voluntarily," Patel said.
"We have to see how he can help promote football in the country," he added.
Salman, who had shown interest in buying an Indian Premier League side when the league will be expanded to 10 teams in 2011, took a walk at the periphery of the pitch waving to the crowd who filled up the 20,000 capacity Ambedkar Stadium to the brim.
TOI
game in the country.
Salman, who was present at the Ambedkar Stadium on Monday night to watch India's Nehru Cup title victory over Syria, has agreed to promote the game, AIFF acting president Praful Patel said.
"Salman is a national icon. He had come to us and said he wants to promote football. So we have made him our brand ambassador. It is not going to incur any cost to us and he had approached to us voluntarily," Patel said.
"We have to see how he can help promote football in the country," he added.
Salman, who had shown interest in buying an Indian Premier League side when the league will be expanded to 10 teams in 2011, took a walk at the periphery of the pitch waving to the crowd who filled up the 20,000 capacity Ambedkar Stadium to the brim.
TOI
India beat Syria to lift Nehru Cup
India beat Syria to lift Nehru Cup
NEW DELHI: Defending champions India beat Syria 5-4 in the penalty shootouts to lift their second successive Nehru Cup title at the Ambedkar Stadium on Monday.
Goal-keeper Subroto Paul, who saved three penalties to become India’s saviour, was awarded the man of the match.
Climax scored the first goal for India in the penalty shootouts. Renedy took the second penalty and missed as he hit the pole. India goal-keeper paul revived the home team's hopes as he stopped the second penalty diving to his left. Sunil Chhetri again gave India the lead by scoring in the third penalty. Again Indian goal-keeper stopped the Syrian penalty to retain the lead. Mehraj missed the penalty would have given India the title. Syria again levelled again by scoring in the fourth penalty. Sukumar Singh again scored to give India the lead.
Before the penalty shootouts, India were granted a free kick because of a foul committed on Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia in the 114th minute in the extra-time and Renedy didn't let the opportunity go waste as his kick swung from right to left to beat the Syrian captain and goalkeeper.
But Syria scored the equaliser in the dying minutes to dash India's hopes and the final went into penalty shootouts.
Coach Bob Houghton's decision to rest key players in the last inconsequential league match against the same opponents paid dividends as the senior players came afresh for the final encounter of the five-nation football tournament.
It was a heated, tensed and keenly contested encounter in which the referee had to intervene many times to calm down the players. Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia was handed yellow card in the first half of the game. However, the first half ended without a goal.
India were awarded a free kick soon after the commencement of the second half when skipper Bhutia was fouled. But the free kick taken by Steven Dias was stopped by the Syrian goal-keeper.
The heat was not limited to just the players. The Syrian coach Fajer Ebrahim lost his cool in the 60th minute when two off-sides were given against his team in quick succession. He got into an argument with the linesman and that led to India coach Bob Houghton gesturing towards the Syrian camp while pointing his fingers and saying something.
In 89th minute when an off-side was again given against Syria, a frustrated Ebrahim argued with the linesman again. This time Haughton was only staring at him without saying anything.
In the extra time, a support staff of Syria was sent off for arguing with the linesman following an ugly incident in which Bhutia was tackled from behind by a Syrian player which led to some pushing and shoving.
The highly contested match was watched by Bollywood star Salman Khan and AIFF acting president and Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports M S Gill.
Two years ago at the Ambedkar Stadium, the home team had beaten the Syrians in front of a 20,000-strong crowd to win their maiden Nehru Cup title.
TOI
NEW DELHI: Defending champions India beat Syria 5-4 in the penalty shootouts to lift their second successive Nehru Cup title at the Ambedkar Stadium on Monday.
Goal-keeper Subroto Paul, who saved three penalties to become India’s saviour, was awarded the man of the match.
Climax scored the first goal for India in the penalty shootouts. Renedy took the second penalty and missed as he hit the pole. India goal-keeper paul revived the home team's hopes as he stopped the second penalty diving to his left. Sunil Chhetri again gave India the lead by scoring in the third penalty. Again Indian goal-keeper stopped the Syrian penalty to retain the lead. Mehraj missed the penalty would have given India the title. Syria again levelled again by scoring in the fourth penalty. Sukumar Singh again scored to give India the lead.
Before the penalty shootouts, India were granted a free kick because of a foul committed on Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia in the 114th minute in the extra-time and Renedy didn't let the opportunity go waste as his kick swung from right to left to beat the Syrian captain and goalkeeper.
But Syria scored the equaliser in the dying minutes to dash India's hopes and the final went into penalty shootouts.
Coach Bob Houghton's decision to rest key players in the last inconsequential league match against the same opponents paid dividends as the senior players came afresh for the final encounter of the five-nation football tournament.
It was a heated, tensed and keenly contested encounter in which the referee had to intervene many times to calm down the players. Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia was handed yellow card in the first half of the game. However, the first half ended without a goal.
India were awarded a free kick soon after the commencement of the second half when skipper Bhutia was fouled. But the free kick taken by Steven Dias was stopped by the Syrian goal-keeper.
The heat was not limited to just the players. The Syrian coach Fajer Ebrahim lost his cool in the 60th minute when two off-sides were given against his team in quick succession. He got into an argument with the linesman and that led to India coach Bob Houghton gesturing towards the Syrian camp while pointing his fingers and saying something.
In 89th minute when an off-side was again given against Syria, a frustrated Ebrahim argued with the linesman again. This time Haughton was only staring at him without saying anything.
In the extra time, a support staff of Syria was sent off for arguing with the linesman following an ugly incident in which Bhutia was tackled from behind by a Syrian player which led to some pushing and shoving.
The highly contested match was watched by Bollywood star Salman Khan and AIFF acting president and Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports M S Gill.
Two years ago at the Ambedkar Stadium, the home team had beaten the Syrians in front of a 20,000-strong crowd to win their maiden Nehru Cup title.
TOI
Wasim Bari appointed appointed acting COO of PCB
Karachi,
Karachi, Sep 1 (PTI) The Pakistan Cricket Board today appointed former Test captain Wasim Bari as its acting chief operating officer after the Governing Council signed a summary for the dismissal of Saleem Altaf.
The Board said Bari would continue to work as COO until a new appointment is made.
Sources said Altaf, who has been in the Board since 2004, has more or less accepted his fate this time and didn't appear to have any intentions of challenging his dismissal.
"This time the Chairman (Ejaz Butt) has done everything according to the book to sack Altaf and has got the Governing Council members behind him," a well-placed source said.
The source said last time Altaf was sacked as COO by former Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf in June last year he didn't follow rules and regulations.
PTI
The Board said Bari would continue to work as COO until a new appointment is made.
Sources said Altaf, who has been in the Board since 2004, has more or less accepted his fate this time and didn't appear to have any intentions of challenging his dismissal.
"This time the Chairman (Ejaz Butt) has done everything according to the book to sack Altaf and has got the Governing Council members behind him," a well-placed source said.
The source said last time Altaf was sacked as COO by former Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf in June last year he didn't follow rules and regulations.
PTI
Nine out of 12 hockey World Cup spots booked
New Delhi,
New Delhi, Sep 1 (PTI) Nearly six months to go for the much-awaited FIH men's hockey World Cup and nine out of the 12 teams have already booked their place in the flagship event to be held here from February 28 to March 13.
Apart from hosts India, Canada (champion of the third Pan American Cup), Korea (champion of the eighth Asia Cup), South Africa (champion of the Africa Cup of Nations, 2009), Australia (champion of the sixth Oceania Cup) have qualified for the event.
England (champion of the 12th EuroHockey Nations Championship), Germany (silver medalist of the 12th EuroHockey Nations Championship), Netherlands (bronze medalist of the 12th EuroHockey Nations Championship) and Spain (fourth ranked team of the 12th EuroHockey Nations Championship) have also made it to the mega-event.
PTI
Apart from hosts India, Canada (champion of the third Pan American Cup), Korea (champion of the eighth Asia Cup), South Africa (champion of the Africa Cup of Nations, 2009), Australia (champion of the sixth Oceania Cup) have qualified for the event.
England (champion of the 12th EuroHockey Nations Championship), Germany (silver medalist of the 12th EuroHockey Nations Championship), Netherlands (bronze medalist of the 12th EuroHockey Nations Championship) and Spain (fourth ranked team of the 12th EuroHockey Nations Championship) have also made it to the mega-event.
PTI
Sunday, August 30, 2009
India have to raise their game to retain Nehru Cup
New Delhi, Aug 30: India may have made the final without any palpitations, but not many are giving them a chance of retaining the Nehru Cup football title they won two years ago beating the same Syrians in the final.
The home team would, however, back themselves to send Syria packing in front of home crowd, a feat they managed in 2007. Back then India lost to Syria 2-3 in the league phase and went on to beat the visitors in the final. This time,too, India lost 0-1 in the inconsequential league match against Syria on Saturday.
Syria are the only unbeaten side at the round-robin stage and there was some suspense about who do they play in Monday’s final till it was belatedly revealed that India were through after their facile victory over Sri Lanka as no-one cared to flip through the rule book to see how a tie is resolved. The inconsequential last league game gave both the teams to ponder about a couple of things.
The home team would, however, back themselves to send Syria packing in front of home crowd, a feat they managed in 2007. Back then India lost to Syria 2-3 in the league phase and went on to beat the visitors in the final. This time,too, India lost 0-1 in the inconsequential league match against Syria on Saturday.
Syria are the only unbeaten side at the round-robin stage and there was some suspense about who do they play in Monday’s final till it was belatedly revealed that India were through after their facile victory over Sri Lanka as no-one cared to flip through the rule book to see how a tie is resolved. The inconsequential last league game gave both the teams to ponder about a couple of things.
Team India wrap up camp
Team India wrap up camp
| BANGALORE, Aug 30: The Indian cricket team wrapped up its four-day preparatory camp for the upcoming Tri-Series in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy with a final session of batting and bowling drills on Sunday. The camp that began on Thursday initially laid stress on fitness, followed by some batting, bowling and fielding practice under the watchful eyes of coach Gary Kirsten. The team will leave for Sri Lanka to take part in the tri-series. (PTI) |
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Somdev, Prakash play higher-ranked opponents in US Open qualifiers
New York, Aug 25: India’s No 1 Somdev Devvarman will take on American Alex Bogomolov Jr in the first round of the US Open tennis qualifiers.
Somdev, ranked 161, is tied 1-1 with the 16th-seeded Russian-born American, who is ranked 133rd.
Bogomolov Jr beat Somdev in their first meeting in Calabasas challenger last year, but the Indian avenged the defeat, beating the American in straight sets at the LA Tennis Open qualifiers in July.
Somdev's former Davis Cup teammate Prakash Amritraj, ranked 253, will meet 159th-ranked Alejandro Falla of Columbia in the first round in his bid to qualify for the US open. (IANS)
Jaitley assures players of fair selection
New Delhi, Aug 25: The players’ mutiny in the Delhi and District Cricket Association spearheaded by Virender Sehwag ended today with DDCA President Arun Jaitley accepting their demand of fairness in selection process.
The uproar had started after Sehwag alleged that there was corruption and nepotism in the selection process, claiming interference by the all-powerful Sports Committee. The star Indian opener had threatened to quit the Delhi Ranji team if things did not change.
Jaitley denied allegations of interference against the Sports Committee but assured that the selection process would be made more transparent after meeting Sehwag and another revolting player Gautam Gambhir late last night.
“Steps are required to ensure that the selection process is fair. No interference is acceptable and would not be tolerated. The players’ suggestions were well-intentioned,” Jaitley told reporters here. “I told them (the players) and my colleagues that steps should be taken to ensure that the standard of fairness is maintained. It’s obvious that we require selectors who are experienced, who have a strong spine to be fair and firm,” he said.
The uproar had started after Sehwag alleged that there was corruption and nepotism in the selection process, claiming interference by the all-powerful Sports Committee. The star Indian opener had threatened to quit the Delhi Ranji team if things did not change.
Jaitley denied allegations of interference against the Sports Committee but assured that the selection process would be made more transparent after meeting Sehwag and another revolting player Gautam Gambhir late last night.
“Steps are required to ensure that the selection process is fair. No interference is acceptable and would not be tolerated. The players’ suggestions were well-intentioned,” Jaitley told reporters here. “I told them (the players) and my colleagues that steps should be taken to ensure that the standard of fairness is maintained. It’s obvious that we require selectors who are experienced, who have a strong spine to be fair and firm,” he said.
Monday, August 24, 2009
India in must-win situation
NEW DELHI, Aug 21: Injury-plagued India face a litmus test of character to stay on course for their title defence in the Nehru Cup international football tournament when they take on Kyrgyzstan in a crucial round-robin match on Saturday. India began their campaign with a 0-1 loss to Lebanon and Bob Houghton’s boys need no less than a win in Sunday’s fixture at Ambedkar Stadium under floodlights.
A draw against Kyrgyzstan, ranked four places down India at 160th in the FIFA chart, may still not send Bhaichung Bhutia-led side out of the five-team competition but the hosts fate would then hang on other team’s hand as they play Sri Lanka on August 25 and Syria on August 28. The rub of the green might not have favoured India against Lebanon but now Houghton and his boys will have to shrug off whatever psychological after-effects of that match or else face criticism after having an expensive six-week foreign training tour of Dubai and Spain.
We can win even without Zaheer, Sehwag: Harbhajan
NEW DELHI, Aug 24: India will sorely miss Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan in next month’s tri-series in Sri Lanka but the presence of match-winners and the balance of the team still make them the tournament favourite, said Harbhajan Singh.
Talking to reporters after unveiling the Compaq Cup 2009, which will be given to the winner of the tri-series also featuring New Zealand, Harbhajan conceded it would not be easy to replace players like Sehwag and Zaheer but felt the team could still pull it off.
“Sehwag is a key player. Any team in the world would miss a player like him. But now that he would not be playing, we would have to do well without him,” Harbhajan said.
He said the return of veterans Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid would offset Sehwag’s loss.
“We are a strong team and it's a balanced side. Besides, we have a number of match-winning players in the ranks. We have the youngsters and then you have experienced players like Dravid, Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh. If we play to our potential, we would return with this lovely trophy,” he said after unveiling world’s first digital sports trophy.
Like Sehwag, Zaheer too underwent a shoulder surgery which ruled him out of the tri-series and the subsequent Champions Trophy but Harbhajan seemed to have enough trust on other pacers to pull it off.
“Zaheer is an experienced bowler and it’s unfortunate that he would not be playing. We are going to miss him,” Harbhajan said.
“However, Ashish Nehra, RP Singh, Praveen Kumar and Ishant Sharma have been doing well and they will have to step up to the plate and deliver,” he said. “Overall, we have got enough talent and we did well against New Zealand at their home and also in Sri Lanka. Over the last two years, we have beaten every side. We just need to play to our potential to win the tri-series.
“It’s an important series for us because right after that, we play the ICC Champions Trophy, which is a big event for us,” he said.
Both Dravid and Nehra made a comeback to the ODI fold after their One-day career seemed over. Asked if he felt it was retrograde steps to bring back players who are on the wrong side of the 30s, Harbhajan begged to differ.
“For me, age is not the criterion. I don’t think you become old at 32. Great players continue to perform at 35-36. Age is not the consideration,” he said.
Harbhajan’s views were sought on Virender Sehwag’s tussle with the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) as well but the spinner said he had no clue about it.
“To be honest, I’m not aware of the details. I have no clue what is happening between Viru and DDCA,” he said. (PTI)
Talking to reporters after unveiling the Compaq Cup 2009, which will be given to the winner of the tri-series also featuring New Zealand, Harbhajan conceded it would not be easy to replace players like Sehwag and Zaheer but felt the team could still pull it off.
“Sehwag is a key player. Any team in the world would miss a player like him. But now that he would not be playing, we would have to do well without him,” Harbhajan said.
He said the return of veterans Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid would offset Sehwag’s loss.
“We are a strong team and it's a balanced side. Besides, we have a number of match-winning players in the ranks. We have the youngsters and then you have experienced players like Dravid, Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh. If we play to our potential, we would return with this lovely trophy,” he said after unveiling world’s first digital sports trophy.
Like Sehwag, Zaheer too underwent a shoulder surgery which ruled him out of the tri-series and the subsequent Champions Trophy but Harbhajan seemed to have enough trust on other pacers to pull it off.
“Zaheer is an experienced bowler and it’s unfortunate that he would not be playing. We are going to miss him,” Harbhajan said.
“However, Ashish Nehra, RP Singh, Praveen Kumar and Ishant Sharma have been doing well and they will have to step up to the plate and deliver,” he said. “Overall, we have got enough talent and we did well against New Zealand at their home and also in Sri Lanka. Over the last two years, we have beaten every side. We just need to play to our potential to win the tri-series.
“It’s an important series for us because right after that, we play the ICC Champions Trophy, which is a big event for us,” he said.
Both Dravid and Nehra made a comeback to the ODI fold after their One-day career seemed over. Asked if he felt it was retrograde steps to bring back players who are on the wrong side of the 30s, Harbhajan begged to differ.
“For me, age is not the criterion. I don’t think you become old at 32. Great players continue to perform at 35-36. Age is not the consideration,” he said.
Harbhajan’s views were sought on Virender Sehwag’s tussle with the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) as well but the spinner said he had no clue about it.
“To be honest, I’m not aware of the details. I have no clue what is happening between Viru and DDCA,” he said. (PTI)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
I am dead tired now: Bolt
BERLIN, Aug 23: Sprint king Usain Bolt admitted he is dead tired from his exertions after capturing his third gold medal of Berlin’s World Athletics Championships with Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team.
Bolt’s three medals here have replicated his gold medal hat-trick from last August’s Beijing Olympics and while he has repeated his individual world-record breaking haul he insists he is not in the same shape he was in China.
The 23-year-old shattered his own 100m world record here last Sunday when he picked up his first gold, then set another global mark when he was victorious in the 200m final on Thursday before running Saturday's third leg of the relay.
The Jamaican quartet clocked a championship record of 37.31 seconds while Trinidad and Tobago took silver in a national record of 37.62sec and Great Britain the bronze in 38.02sec.
With team-mate and world 100m bronze medallist Asafa Powell carrying a groin strain, Bolt ran the penultimate relay leg and despite his claims he is jaded still had enough gas to help his team clinch victory.
Bolt’s three medals here have replicated his gold medal hat-trick from last August’s Beijing Olympics and while he has repeated his individual world-record breaking haul he insists he is not in the same shape he was in China.
The 23-year-old shattered his own 100m world record here last Sunday when he picked up his first gold, then set another global mark when he was victorious in the 200m final on Thursday before running Saturday's third leg of the relay.
The Jamaican quartet clocked a championship record of 37.31 seconds while Trinidad and Tobago took silver in a national record of 37.62sec and Great Britain the bronze in 38.02sec.
With team-mate and world 100m bronze medallist Asafa Powell carrying a groin strain, Bolt ran the penultimate relay leg and despite his claims he is jaded still had enough gas to help his team clinch victory.
Yuvraj is a massive danger: Butler
DUBAI, Aug 23: India, along with hosts South Africa and Australia, are the strongest contenders for next month's Champions Trophy with Yuvraj Singh posing a massive threat to bowlers’ economy, fears New Zealand medium pacer Ian Butler. “India play good One-day cricket. So, I wouldn’t like to put a finger on who is favourite to win the 5 October final. You’ve got to look after your own backyard and not worry about what other teams are doing,” Butler said in an ICC news letter. “Yuvraj Singh is a massive danger, especially with some of the short boundaries he can get,” the 27-year-old added. Apart from Yuvraj, the right-arm pacer tipped South African pacer Dale Steyn and Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal as players to watch out for. “With only the top eight teams playing in the tournament, no matter who is in your group it's going to be a tough group which makes for an exciting tournament,” he said. On his team’s prospects, Butler said with the return of some key players like Shane Bond, the Kiwis can put up a decent performance. “I think with the return of a couple of key players and the amount of depth that's building in New Zealand cricket, it makes an especially exciting time for us. It will be good to see how we compete against the other seven teams,” he said. (PTI)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
2010 Hockey World Cup: Hero Honda bags title sponsorship
PTI
New Delhi (PTI): World's largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero Honda Motors was on Monday named the title sponsor for the 2010 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup to be held here in March.
The announcement was made at a glittering ceremony here in the presence of International Hockey Federation President Leandro Negre, Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi, Hockey India President A.K. Mattoo and the 1975 World Cup winning members of the Indian team.
Negre said the mega-event would provide eight-time Olympic champions India the perfect platform to revive their past glory.
"The World Cup is the most important event in the game of hockey and we want to showcase before the entire world that the FIH can hold a truly mesmerising and beautiful event," Negre said.
"For global development of hockey, it is important that India should come up and play to its potential. The FIH hopes that hosting the 2010 World Cup will give a tremendous boost to Indian hockey," he said.
"I have been constantly travelling throughout the world and I must say many teams are eagerly waiting to be a part of the World Cup. Some of the teams have already qualified but qualifying tournaments are going on," he added.
Hockey India President Mattoo said 2010 would be a landmark year in the history of Indian hockey for the sheer magnitude of the event to be held in the national capital.
"Hockey India is proud to be associated with FIH in hosting the 12th Men's Hockey World Cup. We have taken the right step towards the revival of the game," Mattoo said on the occasion which also witnessed the unveiling of the gold and silver plated World Cup trophy.
"The year 2010 will be a milestone for Indian hockey because of the World Cup and Commonwealth Games. It's for the second time India has been given the honour to host the hockey World Cup," he added.
The only time India hosted the hockey World Cup was way back in 1982 in Mumbai, where arch-rivals Pakistan emerged as the winners.
Hero Honda Managing Director Pawan Munjal said although hockey went through many ups and downs in the last decade, the national game still continued to be an integral part of India's sporting tradition.
"Despite India being a cricket-frenzy nation, the game of hockey has managed to regain its identity. Hockey is not just a game, it's a very important part of our history and sporting tradition," he said.
"The World Cup will help revitalise the public interest in the game," he added.
Meanwhile, IOA President Kalmadi said the newly-formed Hockey India was determined to form a democratically elected body with men and women federation under one roof before the World Cup, a mandatory clause put forth by the FIH.
"We are duty bound to bring up the standard of hockey in India. We have a difficult task at hand to merge men and women's hockey at the state level but it is a challenge and we are certain to hold elections within the stipulated six month's time," Kalmadi said.
The announcement was made at a glittering ceremony here in the presence of International Hockey Federation President Leandro Negre, Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi, Hockey India President A.K. Mattoo and the 1975 World Cup winning members of the Indian team.
Negre said the mega-event would provide eight-time Olympic champions India the perfect platform to revive their past glory.
"The World Cup is the most important event in the game of hockey and we want to showcase before the entire world that the FIH can hold a truly mesmerising and beautiful event," Negre said.
"For global development of hockey, it is important that India should come up and play to its potential. The FIH hopes that hosting the 2010 World Cup will give a tremendous boost to Indian hockey," he said.
"I have been constantly travelling throughout the world and I must say many teams are eagerly waiting to be a part of the World Cup. Some of the teams have already qualified but qualifying tournaments are going on," he added.
Hockey India President Mattoo said 2010 would be a landmark year in the history of Indian hockey for the sheer magnitude of the event to be held in the national capital.
"Hockey India is proud to be associated with FIH in hosting the 12th Men's Hockey World Cup. We have taken the right step towards the revival of the game," Mattoo said on the occasion which also witnessed the unveiling of the gold and silver plated World Cup trophy.
"The year 2010 will be a milestone for Indian hockey because of the World Cup and Commonwealth Games. It's for the second time India has been given the honour to host the hockey World Cup," he added.
The only time India hosted the hockey World Cup was way back in 1982 in Mumbai, where arch-rivals Pakistan emerged as the winners.
Hero Honda Managing Director Pawan Munjal said although hockey went through many ups and downs in the last decade, the national game still continued to be an integral part of India's sporting tradition.
"Despite India being a cricket-frenzy nation, the game of hockey has managed to regain its identity. Hockey is not just a game, it's a very important part of our history and sporting tradition," he said.
"The World Cup will help revitalise the public interest in the game," he added.
Meanwhile, IOA President Kalmadi said the newly-formed Hockey India was determined to form a democratically elected body with men and women federation under one roof before the World Cup, a mandatory clause put forth by the FIH.
"We are duty bound to bring up the standard of hockey in India. We have a difficult task at hand to merge men and women's hockey at the state level but it is a challenge and we are certain to hold elections within the stipulated six month's time," Kalmadi said.
PTI
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