|
|
Ganguly to bat for KOLKATA, Jan 24: Indian captain Sourav Ganguly’s bat has been a nightmare for many a bowler in ....more
Cairns out of action CHRISTCHURCH (New Zealand), Jan 24: All-rounder Chris Cairns has given up his battle to be fit.....more Waugh given ultimatum MELBOURNE, Jan 24: The Australian Cricket Board said today that Mark Waugh will be omitted ......more North in must-win NEW DELHI, Jan 24: North Zone skipper Vikram Rathore will hope for a repeat performance from......more |
|
VIII Sadiq Memorial Football
Tournament R&B Srinagar wins inaugural tie Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 24: R&B XI, Srinagar won the opening tie of the VIII Sadiq Memorial Football Tournament beating Churchill Brothers by a solitary goal at Mini-Stadium, Parade, here today.......more Moon Light
women Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 24: Moon Light Club today defeated City Star Club, by a solitary goal in the final, to lift the Jammu District Football Championship which concluded at sports fields of Government College for Women, Parade, here this evening......more Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Jan 24: Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to construct an ice hockey stadium on international standards at Leh, one of the highest habituated......more Graf surprised MELBOURNE, Jan 24: Steffi Graf was clearly surprised by reports from her German homeland that she was to be approached to become tournament director.......more |
 |
|
|
Ganguly to bat for a noble cause KOLKATA, Jan 24: Indian captain Sourav Ganguly’s bat has been a nightmare for many a bowler in the international cricket scene. But this time around, he will use his bat for a noble cause. The Indian captain will auction his bats and a few other materials he used in his cricketing career to raise funds for the treatment of a ten-year-old cancer patient at a City Hotel on January 30. Responding to the family’s appeal for financial help, the elegant left hander came forward to do his bit for the unfortunate child. Bidurin Chakraborty, who hails from Siliguri, has been suffering from chronic Myeloid Leukemia and is currently under treatment at the Tata Memorial Hospital with an urgent need for bone marrow transplantation. The money raised from the auction will be handed over to the ailing boy’s father. The Indian captain has also made an appeal to other people for financial help. In an appeal letter, Ganguly said "at this critical juncture, the family is in need of some financial support. I have, therefore, decided to put up for auction some of my playing bats and other playing materials to raise money for the purpose". "The treatment process entails huge expenditure which has become almost impossible for the parents of bidurin, with a poor economic condition, to bear", he added. (PTI) |
|
Cairns out of action for six months CHRISTCHURCH (New Zealand), Jan 24: All-rounder Chris Cairns has given up his battle to be fit for any New Zealand matches this summer and decided to undergo knee surgery which will keep him out of international cricket for six months. Cairns, ruled out of New Zealand’s recent tour of South Africa because of his troublesome right knee, made a comeback for the first one-day international against Zimbabwe but could bowl only three overs. Cairns, who scored a century against India which led New Zealand to victory in the ICC International Knock-out Tournament in Kenya, saw a specialist in Christchurch this week. He first suffered problems in Zimbabwe last September and knew surgery was an option. "Rather than wait any longer I decided to accept the expert advice to get what they call patella decompression done," Cairns said. He said he had had a similar operation on his left knee in 1994 and expected the same success on his right knee. Cairns expects to be fit for New Zealand’s September tour of Pakistan. (REUTERS) |
|
Waugh given ultimatum over match-fixing allegations MELBOURNE, Jan 24: The Australian Cricket Board said today that Mark Waugh will be omitted from the Australian team if he does not reconsider within 24 hours his decision to refuse to be interviewed by anti-corruption investigators. ACB Chief Executive Malcolm Speed announced the Board of Directors had met via telephone hookup to discuss the Waugh issue. Waugh’s management announced two days ago he would refuse to meet ACB Special Investigator Greg Melick and the International Cricket Council Anti-Corruption unit following an Indian police report last October which looked into allegations of match-fixing. Waugh was named in that report and was alleged to have received $20,000 from an Indian bookmaker in return for team information. "I have written to Mark on behalf of the Directors, asking him to reconsider his position," Speed said. "The board implores Mark Waugh to change his view and submit to the interview process." "It’s disappointing that we’ve got to this stage and weren’t able to resolve another way. There has been no suggestion of court action, but it’s not something that phases us." Speed said Waugh took news of the ultimatum in stride. "Mark has had a difficult few days and it’s got to the state . . . He didn’t appear to be unduly surprised by it," said Speed. "He took it on the chin and has gone off to cricket practice." Speed added Waugh had until Thursday’s deadline to give a written undertaking to ACB he would submit to the interview, planned for early next month in Sydney. Speed said the board’s primary responsibility was to preserve the integrity of the game. Earlier in Adelaide, Mark’s twin brother Steve, the Australian captain, said he had not spoken to his brother since Mark made the announcement. Steve Waugh said he had left a message on Mark’s phone. "We haven’t had a chance to talk," Steve Waugh said. "At some stage we will, but he probably feels like keeping to himself at this stage." Steve Waugh said it was up to Mark to make a decision on whether to speak to the investigators. "No one else knows what’s going on behind the scenes or what’s occurring," Steve Waugh said. "People have all got opinions about it but I think I’ll keep mine to myself. "It’s a tough situation at the moment and Mark’s obviously being guided by his lawyers and hoping he’s going in the right direction."(AP) |
|
North in must-win situation to seal Duleep Trophy NEW DELHI, Jan 24: North Zone skipper Vikram Rathore will hope for a repeat performance from left-arm speedster Ashish Nehra when they take on Central Zone in a must-win situation in the Duleep Trophy league match here tomorrow. And, Nehra, who scalped ten wickets in North’s previous match against East Zone, might find the conditions to his liking with blistery winds sweeping across the capital. North has 18 points from three matches and maximum points here in their last league tie will ensure them the Duleep Trophy, while a draw will leave South Zone in contention for the title. A draw with first innings lead will take North to 23 points. South, with eight points and still two matches to go -against East and Central, has a theoritical chance to surpass North. If South, which is playing East in Agartala tomorrow, manages outright wins in its remaining two ties, it will aggregate 24 points. While North’s outright win, by 237 runs and inside three days will provide the host the required boost, the toss will be a crucial one as both the teams are aiming to field first. The wicket looked dry with grass being removed from the side pitch for the four-day tie. The main wicket is being reserved for Australia’s three-day match against Board President’s XI from March 6 to 8. North had a practice sesion in the morning while Central Zone players had nets late in the afternoon. (PTI) |
|
VIII Sadiq Memorial
Football Tournament Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 24: R&B XI, Srinagar won the opening tie of the VIII Sadiq Memorial Football Tournament beating Churchill Brothers by a solitary goal at Mini-Stadium, Parade, here today. Muzaffar Ahmed scored the only goal for R&B, Srinagar in the 25th minute of the match. The lead was well maintained in the remaining half too. However, as compared to the first half, second half witnessed a fast game wherein attacks were made from both sides, but all the times the alert goal-keepers foiled the attempts. Mohd Iqbal guarded the goal post for the winners R&B, while as Rakesh Sandhu was Churchill Brothers’s goalkeeper. In the second match of the day, NGR Club defeated Alfa XI by two goals to one. At the end of the first half, Alfa XI was leading by one goal scored by N Dalal in the 5th minute of the match. Shabestian had extended an accurate pass to Dalal, who cleanly converted it into the goal. In the second half too, the Alfa forwards continued their domination over the opponent, but only upto the 65th minute, when NGR struck the Alfa Club goal area and equalised the score. The equaliser came through Neeraj after confusion prevailing in the goal area and in the melee he converted the ball into the net. Afterwards, NGR fought for the winning goal, but could not succeed in its attempts and the match ended in a 1-1 draw in the stipulated time. In the extra 7.30 minutes time, NGR forward Avnish made a solo effort to kick-in the golden goal in the 5th minute and won the match. The opening match was officiated by Nazir Ahmed and assisted by Dimple and Riaz Ahmed. Earlier, the tournament was declared open by Mr T S Wazir, president, Jammu and Kashmir Transporters Companies Association. Tomorrow’s fixture: Zebra XI V/s Elites, Baramulla at 1.30 pm. Jammu Sports-A V/s BSF XI, Jammu at 2.45 pm. |
|
Moon Light women bag Distt Football title Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 24: Moon Light Club today defeated City Star Club, by a solitary goal in the final, to lift the Jammu District Football Championship which concluded at sports fields of Government College for Women, Parade, here this evening. The only goal was scored by national player Shalu Gupta in the 10th minute of the first half of the match. Whereas in rest of the game, both sides tried their best to materialise their moves, but they failed to do so. Every time they reached upto the goal area, only to get the ball kicked out by the alert defender. Trailing behind by one goal, City Club never gave up and put their all efforts to equalise the score on board. Secretary, State Sports Council, Sheikh Fazal Ahmed was the chief guest in the final, who gave away winners and runners-up trophies besides individual prizes to the finalists. In his brief address, Sheikh Fazal lauded the efforts of the young girls, who despite of their busy schedule and social bindings, have kept the game of football alive in the State. Later, speaking to the newsmen, general secretary of the J&K Women Football Association, Dr Brij Balowria highlighted various problems being faced by the practicing girls, especially on the ground, at the Parade College grounds. However, he was happy on the assurance from the Secretary, State Sports Council, that the fields in the college will be maintained by the Sports Council, provided the Principal of the College writes them for the same. Prominent among other present on the occasion were Principal, Government College for Women, Parade, Prof Kiran Bakshi, Principal, B.Ed College, Jammu and Sports Officer of State Sports Council, Ajit Singh Wazir. The championship was organised by the District Women’s Football Association and sponsored by the State Sports Council. Rajni surprises many Mother of two, 24 years old Rajni Kumari, surprised many after she returned to the field to participate in the District Women Football Championship. One time India camper, Ranji has brought laurels to the State of Jammu and Kashmir during her eight years of career in the Football. She has played numerous national level championships upto the age of 20, when she got married and could not continue her game. But, her come back to the game has surprised many, said her coach, Brij Balowria. However, he was happy to see her on the ground fighting with the young and regular players throughout the game. When asked about her future plan Rajni said, "I will continue the game today onwards and all credit for my come back goes to my In-laws, who allowed me to play once again". She said that she can revive her old game within a month’s practice. At present Kiran is serving the State Sports Council as a Junior Assistant. |
|
J&K lifts National Ice
Hockey Championship Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Jan 24: Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to construct an ice hockey stadium on international standards at Leh, one of the highest habituated places in the world. Hosting of international winter sports events in next four years are being planned to project the new facet of the area, known as moon-land. Announcing this at prize giving ceremony at the 2nd Ice Hockey Championship here this afternoon, the Chief Minister said he will take up with the Union Minister for Sports Ms Uma Bharti this week, the matter regarding release of funds for the purpose. Of the total allocation, the state government would bear 25 per cent, he declared and said the work on the project would be taken up this year. Dr Abdullah said that Leh will be an ideal destination for ice hockey players the world over and expressed satisfaction over the visit of Canadian team in the recent past. ‘We hope players from other countries to come and participate in sports events’, he said, asking the organizers to invite international teams for participation in various events. He hoped that this will give exposure to local boys and girls in a big way. ‘Give your best to the game and bring laurels for the country’, he urged the sports persons. The Chief Minister also urged the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council to extend their co-operation in accomplishment of the stadium. This will certainly give boost to local economy. He also appealed to the people to gear up for coming tourist season and decorate their houses in a befitting manner to welcome the foreign tourists thronging from various parts of the world. He said various airlines would be asked to operate on Leh route so that more and more people visit the area. He thanked the Winter Games Federation of India (WGFI) for promotion of winter games like ice hockey, ski and skating in the state and announced cash prizes to various ice hockey teams. This include Rs 15000 to winners, Rs 10,000 to runners up team and Rs 7000 each to Bronze winners J&K Blue and Himachal Pradesh team. Earlier, the Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Mr Thupstan Chhewang, in his welcome address, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for encouraging players . He said the Winter Games Federation of India has principally agreed to hold the National Ice Hockey Championship at Leh after every two years. In this connection, he sought co-operation of the state government for development of Leh as winter games centre. The President of the WGFI, Col Kumar also spoke on the occasion and assured all possible help for promotion of winter sports in Ladakh. Dr Abdullah presented trophies and prizes to the participating teams. Jammu and Kashmir Hockey team lifted the 2nd National Ice Hockey Championship 2001 defeating Army team by 3-1 goals. J&K Blue bagged bronze in the tournament played at Leh. The Chief Minister presented winner and runner up trophies and other awards to the participating teams. Braving winter chill, a large number of people in their traditional costumes witnessed the finals. A colorful variety programme, depicting cultural diversity of the region was also presented on the occasion. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Kushak Togdan Rinpoche and Minister of State for Agriculture Mr T Namgyal were also present. |
|
Graf surprised over becoming tournament director MELBOURNE, Jan 24: Steffi Graf was clearly surprised by reports from her German homeland that she was to be approached to become tournament director at the Hamburg Open - but said she would think about it. "There’s been no discussion, but I’ll listen to everything," said the 31-year-old, who is in Melbourne to support the Australian Open campaign of her friend Andre Agassi yesterday. Insiders, though, speculated that the 22-time Grand Slam champion would have little interest in all the administrative tasks involved in such a job, which has become free following the departure of Guenter Sanders amid allegations of financial irregularities. The German Tennis Federation sees in Graf the perfect figurehead for the tournament, and also a personality able to attract even more top players than usual - including Agassi, who has stayed away in recent years.(DPA) |
|
| home | state | national | business | editorial | advertisement | sports |
