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Pakistan cricketers ISLAMABAD, Nov 18: Pakistani cricket stalwarts Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram and Saeed Anwar are to lead a campaign, in which the entire Pakistan cricket team would visit some cities, to collect funds for Afghan refugees. The cricketers vowed to conduct a vigorous campaign for Afghan Muslims..........more ICC
asks Pak Board ISLAMABAD, Nov 18: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to study the video footage of pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s bowling action in the recent Sharjah........more Hewitt
beats Grosjean SYDNEY, Nov 18: World number one Lleyton Hewitt beat Sebastien Grosjean 6-3 6-3 6-4 today to win the 3.7 million dollars Masters Cup,........more Kallis
puts South PORT ELIZABETH (SOUTH AFRICA), Nov 18: India made early breakthroughs but were frustrated by a patient Jacques Kallis who propelled South Africa to a position of strength at 211 for five in their second innings on the third day of the second .....more |
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By Sanjeev Sharma JAMMU, Nov 18: Giving clean chit to the State Government and the State Sports Council, the only gold winner for J&K in the National ......more Ajatshatru inaugurates wrestling competition Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: The Minister for Information and Transport, Mr. Ajatshatru Singh today inaugurated a daylong wrestling ......more North-Zone
Ranji Trophy Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: After winning the toss and opting for field, the hosts Jammu and Kashmir bowlers restricted.....more State
Table Tennis Championship Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Defending champion Bhavna Arora and State No. 2 Chandpreet Kour have reached the final ...more |
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Pakistan cricketers to raise funds for Afghan refugees ISLAMABAD, Nov 18: Pakistani cricket stalwarts Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram and Saeed Anwar are to lead a campaign, in which the entire Pakistan cricket team would visit some cities, to collect funds for Afghan refugees. The cricketers vowed to conduct a vigorous campaign for Afghan Muslims and appealed to their countrymen to take part in it, Pakistani newspaper ‘The Dawn’ reported, quoting the players speaking to journalists at the Gaddafi Stadium yesterday. The cricketers said special counters to receive donations would be set up in all cities. Wasim said that some matches might be held in small cities to raise funds. Inzamam-ul-Haq had donated Rs 1,00,000 while Azhar Mahmood donated 1,000 dollars, saeed said. Other members of the team would also contribute. The cricketers appealed to the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and the sports legends of other games, like Squash player Jahangir Khan, to join hands with them for this noble cause. The donors could donate hard cash, clothes and all necessary commodities, they said. (UNI) |
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ICC asks Pak Board to view Shoaib video ISLAMABAD, Nov 18: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to study the video footage of pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s bowling action in the recent Sharjah Tournament and then form opinion about whether or not he should be put through stage two of their bowling action review process. ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed has suggested that the PCB study the footage and decide if the match officials were right in reporting him for a suspect bowling action earlier this month, ‘The News’ reported today, quoting PCB director Brigadier Munawwar Rana. "We’ve got a letter from the ICC, but it is a mutual decision that we study the footage," said Brigadier Rana. He said the Board had not yet taken a decision on who will study the footage, but pointed out that a bowling review group, headed by Iqbal Sikander, was already in place. Brigadier Rana said that the ICC had informed them that while it was a fact that the biomechanics department of the University of Western Australia had cleared Shoaib’s action and put it down to hyper-mobility in his joints creating an illusion that he throws at times, the fast bowler would have to go through stage two of the ICC review process. However, ‘The News’ quoted sources as saying that the ICC have given the PCB the choice of refusing to allow shoaib to go through stage two of the process, which would involve him working with the ICC-appointed bowing advisor Michael Holding. But this would mean that the fast bowler would go directly into stage three of ICC review process and if he was reported of throwing again, he may face suspension from all cricket for one year. The PCB director also said the ICC had not given any new information on holding’s plans to come to Pakistan to help Shoaib, but it was the pcb which had to decide on the former West Indian’s itinerary. (UNI) |
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Hewitt beats Grosjean at Masters Cup SYDNEY, Nov 18: World number one Lleyton Hewitt beat Sebastien Grosjean 6-3 6-3 6-4 today to win the 3.7 million dollars Masters Cup, confirming his position as the hottest player in men’s tennis. Just two days after he became the youngest man in history to reach the top ranking, Hewitt put the icing on the cake by winning a cool 1.52 million dollars for going through the season-ending tournament undefeated. The 20-year-old Australian showed no ill-effects from the groin strain that troubled him in Saturday’s semifinal win over Juan Carlos Ferrero as he demolished Grosjean in less than two hours. The Frenchman had only just sneaked into the elite eight-man field by winning the recent Paris Masters series and despite losing his first round-robin match to Hewitt, did not drop another set to reach the final. But the Frenchman was unable to make any inroads against Hewitt, whose superior court-speed and athleticism, frustrated Grosjean. The seventh-seed dropped serve five times and made a whopping 47 unforced errors as Hewitt controlled the game from his normal position on the baseline. With Belgian girlfriend Kim Clijsters watching from the stands inside the Sydney superdome after flying in from Europe overnight, Hewitt broke Grosjean three times to take the opening set in just 33 minutes. He then took control of the second set when the Frenchman drilled an overhead smash into the net then hit a backhand long to lose another service game. Grosjean saved two break points in the seventh game of the third set but another wild forehand allowed Hewitt to grab the decisive break in the final set and serve out the match. Hewitt’s victory gave him his sixth title this year and the 12th of his career while his purse of 1.52 million dollars lifted his career earnings to around 3.75 million dollars. Hewitt came into the event as the favourite after winning the U S Open in September but still ranked no.2 in the world behind Gustavo Kuerten. Hewitt trailed the Brazilian by 48 points at the start of the week but overtook him on Friday to become the youngest no.1 in history when he won all three of his round-robin matches and Kuerten lost all of his. By making the final, Grosjean jumped over Patrick Rafter to finish the season seventh overall. He and Hewitt are likely to face each other in a fortnight’s time when australia hosts france in the Davis Cup final in Melbourne. (REUTERS) |
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Kallis puts South Africa in command PORT ELIZABETH (SOUTH AFRICA), Nov 18: India made early breakthroughs but were frustrated by a patient Jacques Kallis who propelled South Africa to a position of strength at 211 for five in their second innings on the third day of the second cricket test match here today. Kallis was unbeaten on 84 when stumps were drawn mid-way through the post-tea session as South Africa took a commanding lead of 372 runs. Skipper Shaun Pollock was giving Kallis company on 38. Starting their second essay with a healthy 161-run lead, the hosts had a tumultous start losing three wickets for 26 runs, with Javagal Srinath claiming two of them in a brilliant opening spell, but regained control of the situation mainly through a fourth wicket stand of 65 runs between Kallis and Boeta Dippenaar who was given out for 28. After Lance Klusener had made an attacking 29 off 32 balls, Kallis had another healthy association with Pollock, the duo adding 72 runs for the unfinished sixth wicket stand. Earlier, India added 19 runs to their overnight 182 for eight before being bowled out for 201 in reply to South Africa’s first innings score of 362. The Indians looked to be fighting their way back into the test with the three early wickets but once again the South African batsmen showed tremendous grit and resilience to hang in. It was Herschelle Gibbs who had frustrated the Indians in the first innings as he stuck to one end stubbornly in his marathon knock of 196. This time he was out cheaply, clean bowled by an inswinger from Ajit Agarkar for just 12, but the Indians ran into Kallis who displayed the same solidity that Gibbs had shown in the first innings. Kallis batted patiently and didn’t attempt anything silly though he did enjoy his fair bit of luck. A hook off Agarkar slipped out of the hands of Srinath at deep fine leg and resulted in a six and two balls later he was dropped by V V S Laxman in the second slip. Kallis went on to complete his half-century with five fours and a six and got important support from the likes of Dippenaar, Klusener and later Pollock. South Africa took lunch at 47 for three with Kallis batting on 12 and Dippenaar on nine. The post lunch session saw the addition of 100 runs to the South African total and two controversial decisions. Both Dippenaar and Klusener were given out, caught bad and pad at silly point by Virender Sehwag off Harbhajan Singh when the ball seemed to have missed the bat. Dippenaar made 28 while Klusener was out for 29. Kallis and Dippennar had taken the score to 91 before the latter was out midway through the second session. Klusener showed his charcteristic flamboyant style and batted aggresively. He lofted Harbhajan Singh for two sixes over long-on in the 42nd over as he added a quick-fire 48 runs for the fifth wicket with Kallis. Indians heaved a sigh of relief when Klusener was given out and were once again eyeing their chances when South Africa took tea at 147 for five. However, Pollock showed he was no novice with the bat. He hung in determinedly and provided able support to Kallis to deny the Indians any further success in the day. Kallis had so far faced 201 balls, hitting six fours and a six in his knock while Pollock had four boundaries and a six in his 66-ball innings. Earlier, Srinath, who had taken six wickets in the first innings, raised India’s hopes with an inspired opening spell in which he took two wickets for four runs off eight overs, six of which were maidens. After beating Gary Kirsten on a number of ocassions outside the off-stump, he finally was able to produce a snick that Laxman did well to catch in the second slip. Sehwag, at third slip, tried to latch on to the ball and dived in front of the second slip but Laxman kept his eyes on the ball and took a well-judged low catch. After Agarkar and sent back Gibbs, Srinath struck again by having Neil Mckenzie caught by wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta for two. But India once again missed the services of a third seamer as they did not have bowlers to capitalise on the advantage. Skipper Sourav Ganguly effected a double bowling change after 13 overs and brought himself on. Except in the first over, when he was a little wayward, bowling three no balls, he managed to stick to a tidy line and restrict the flow of runs conceding just 6 runs in his three overs. (PTI) |
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By Sanjeev Sharma JAMMU, Nov 18: Giving clean chit to the State Government and the State Sports Council, the only gold winner for J&K in the National Games has targeted the associations and made a scathing attack on the ‘so called’ sports promoters who occupy the important posts for nothing but for their personal gains. The nine time National champion and lone wrestling medal winner from Jammu and Kashmir in any international competition, Dushyant Sharma (Deputy Superintendent of Police, J&K Police) was talking exclusively to EXCELSIOR. Dushyant said, "the sports associations by not promoting the games and encouraging the outstanding sportspersons, have defeated their own purpose of being in existence. The office bearers of these associations only work for their own promotion or once in a year send a group of players for participation in the national competitions". He said that the games known for their medal winning records for Jammu and Kashmir at the national level have so far become the victim of this infighting leading to the victimization of upcoming players. Without naming these associations, he said office bearers of such associations are still struggling for their supremacy in the court of law. These associations which directly come under the control of the respective federations at the national level have no fear of the State Government, thus enjoying the patronage of their bosses sitting in the federations and playing in their hands as mere a ‘vote bank’. For the present diminishing standard of sports in Jammu and Kashmir, young and energetic Dushyant blamed these associations which he said are being represented by the outsiders or the people, who never played the game of which they are the office bearers. Presently posted as Deputy Controller of Civil Defence, Samba, DySP Dushyant has to his credit the Sher-e-Kashmir Award bestowed on him in 1988. He was also honoured with Pt Prem Nath Dogra award in 1995 constituted by the former MP Karan Singh. However, both these awards could not see the light of the day for obvious reasons. Expressing concern over the repeated dismal performance by the State’s big contingents taking part in the National Games, the only gold medal winner from Jammu and Kashmir so far, in any individual event in 1994 National Games held at Pune, Dushyant disapproved the selection procedure adopted by the J&K Olympic Association under the supervision of State Sports Council. "Neither they hold proper coaching camps, nor spot the individuals having medal prospects for the specialized coaching under the supervision of experts available in the State", said the young wrestler adding, "they just complete the formality of taking part in the Games with a big contingent for the sake of participation and return empty handed all the times". In reply to a question Dushyant Sharma said, "the Sports Council and the J&K Olympic Association never asked for our services for preparing the State contingent. They are least interested in improving the standard of the game. Had they been, they would have included outstanding players in the committees set-up for the preparations of the State contingents", he maintained. The outsiders, who do not know the basics of sports have been nominated to the highest decision making body of State Sports Council at the cost of players like Dushyant Sharma. Dushyant could not find any space in the 25-member Sports Council, wherein majority of the people are non-sports persons. However, to shut their mouth, Dushyant alongwith other distinguished sportspersons were made Permanent Invitees to the Council, which has never called any meeting till date. "I am happy with whatever I possess, putting in my personal efforts. I have been recognised by the Wrestling Federation of India, who have made me member of the technical committee, besides the executive member", said dejected Dushyant. It may be recalled that Dushyant had accompanied the Indian junior wrestling team to the Junior Asian Wrestling Championship held in Iran and returned with seven medals and overall second place for India for the first time. Dushyant, who remained at the national hook-up from 1986 to 1994, won gold medal twice in the junior level (1996 and 1987) and when reached the senior position he never allowed the strongmen of Haryana to beat him and won the national title for nine consecutive times. His superb performance at the national level caught the attention of Railways, which enrolled him in their ranks in 1990 and remained there for five years till 1995. He returned to his home state of Jammu and Kashmir after quitting the Railways job and joined the Jammu and Kashmir Police as Inspector. When asked about his suggestions for the promotion of sports in the State, Dushyant reiterated that until and unless Associations play their due role, the things won’t mark any change. He said, ‘Sports Council is a body to extend infrastructure and financial assistance to the association which the later is doing since its inception, he said and added that the State Government is too interested in investing in the sports sector provided the representatives of the associations approach latter with some solid proposals and suggestions". Dushyant had all praise for his parent department—the Jammu and Kashmir Police, for raising the central teams in different disciplines. He said, "the Jammu and Kashmir Police has improved a lot in Hockey and Football and I am sure, next year the Hockey title will be won by J&K Police in the Police meet". |
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Ajatshatru inaugurates wrestling competition Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: The Minister for Information and Transport, Mr. Ajatshatru Singh today inaugurated a daylong wrestling competition held at Sidhra near Jammu. The competition was organised by Maharaja Hari Singh Memorial Sports Development Council, Jammu. Nearly one hundred wrestlers from Punjab, Delhi, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir took part in the competition. The competition began after performing pooja of Lord Hanuman. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Singh stressed the need for holding such sports events more frequently and asked the youth to actively take part in such events. He said the wrestling, a game of technique, needs to be popularized among the youth. The Minister said that education was incomplete without the sports as it helps in building the mental and physical horizon of the youth. He said the State has a great potential of sports persons and if polished well they could compete at national and international level. He enumerated the measures taken by the Government for the development of sports in the State. He said the State has drawn up an ambitious plan to built sports stadia at all important places, besides providing best possible training to the budding sportsmen. On this occasion the Minister presented a cheque of Rs. 2 lakh to S. Harjeet Singh father of late Malkeet Singh of Bharat Nagar, Udhampur, who died in a road accident in July last. The amount has been provided by Swaraj Mazda Limited, Chandigrah, a part of its insurance scheme as "driver on wheel". The company has enhanced the driver on wheel insurance coverage from Rs. 2 lakh to 5 lakh upto three years from the date of purchase of vehicle, besides free service upto 35000 kms and warranty of three years or 3 lakh km for its popular brand Four-Tyre Cosmo Model. The Company was represented by Mr S K Dhar, Manager Marketing and Mr Ashok Verma, Manager Finance alongwith Mr K S Slathia, Managing Partner & Mr Hament Slathia Partner of M/s Kay Ess Auto Traders, Authorised dealers Jammu were presented on the occasion. The Minister also presented momentoes to Director Information, S. Narinder Singh, representatives from Department of Youth Services and Sports, PHE, Rural Development and individual momentoes to M/S D. S. Slathia., Ashok Kumar, Virender Singh and Hament Slathia for their cooperation in making the competition successful. Later, the Minister presented awards to the best wrestlers. The awards include Refrigerator, CTV, Desert Cooler and Fan, besides the cash awards. Mr. S. K. Dhar, Manager Marketing and other senior officer of Swaraj Mazda Limited, Chandigrah were also present on the occasion. Former Minister, Mr. Rafiq Hussain Khan, Ch. Mohammad Hussain, MLC, Secretary, Information and Transport, Mr. A. S. Sidhu, Director Information, S. Narinder Singh, Director State Motor Garages, Mr. S. S. Khajuria, newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs of the area, besides a large number of local people and sports lovers were present on the occasion. |
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North-Zone Ranji
Trophy Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: After winning the toss and opting for field, the hosts Jammu and Kashmir bowlers restricted the star-studded side of Punjab at 269 for 9 in the 91 overs first day play in the North-zone Ranji Trophy tie which began at M A Stadium, here today. Young heart throb, Ritender Singh Sodhi full-filled the desires of a big crowd of young cricket lovers by hitting magnificent 94 runs hitting 16 boundaries in his stay of 220 minutes on the wicket. Though Punjab faced early blow when they lost opener Munish Sharma(4), who was caught behind by Arshad off Abdul Qayoom, with just six runs on the board. After 36 minutes play, Punjab lost second wicket in shape of another young international cricketer from Punjab, Yuvraj Singh (6), who was caught and bowled by skipper Vijay Sharma at a score of 16. However, Ritender and Ramneet Ricky resisted the J&K bowlers from causing more damage and stayed for long on the wicket and added 149 runs for the third wicket. Ramneet lost his wicket at 165 with his individual score of 68. Punjab batsmen, who hit hard the J&K bowlers in the post lunch session, could not play in the same pace after tea and lost quick wickets. Vineet Sharma was bowled out by medium-pacer Vijay Sharma without adding any run to his account. At the end of the day, Gagandeep Singh and Sanjay Dhull were at the crease with 35 and one run on the board respectively. Meanwhile, as soon as Ritender Singh Sodhi returned to the pavilion after playing a magnificent inning of 94, he was surrounded by a big crowd of young fans. A volley of teenagers were seen getting autographs on whatever article they had in their hands. SCOREBOARD Punjab first innings M Sharma c A Bhat b Abdul Qayoom 4 Ramneet Ricky c K Singh b Ashwani 68 Yuvraj Singh c&b Vijay Sharma 6 Reetender Sodhi lbw Jagdev Singh 94 A Kakkar c A Bhat b Jagtar Singh 18 S Mahajan c ABhat b Ashwani Gupta 6 A Sodhi run-out Guru Partap Singh 22 Sandeep Sanwal lbw Ashwani Gupta 12 Vineet Sharma b Vijay Sharma 0 Gagandeep Singh not out 35 Sanjay Dhull not out 1 Extras: 10 Total (for nine in 91 overs) 269 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-16, 3-165, 4-193, 5-200, 6-208, 7-235, 8-249, 9-249. Bowling Analysis: Abdul Qayoom 14-3-41-1; Vijay Sharma 19-5-57-2; Raj Kumar 6-3-20-0; Jagtar Singh 23-3-72-2; Ashwani Gupta 29-9-72-3. |
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State Table Tennis
Championship Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Defending champion Bhavna Arora and State No. 2 Chandpreet Kour have reached the final of the Women’s singles in the State Table Tennis Championship being played at M A Stadium, here today. Earlier in the semi-finals, Bhavna Arora defeated Rashi Anand in a tough contest which witnessed close sets. The best of five frames ended in a 3-1 score 11-7, 12-14, 11-7, 14-12. In the second semi-finals, Chandpreet Kour outplayed Mohita Singh 14-12, 11-6, 11-9. In the quarter-finals, upcoming peddler Shagun Mahajan fought well before she lost to Mohita Singh 11-8, 7-11, 11-6. In other quarter-finals matches, Bhavna Arora beat Shaista 11-4, 11-3; Rashi Anand beat Deepender Kour 11-1, 12-10 and Chandpreet Kour down Amrita Singh 11-7, 11-4. Chandpreet Kour has also sailed into the finals of Junior girls singles after she defeated Deepinder Kour 11-3, 11-88, 11-7 in the semifinals. On the other side, Amrita Singh beat fighting Shagun Mahajan 11-7, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8 to find berth in the final. In the quarter-finals of the Junior girls singles, Chandpreet Kour beat Ankita Sachdev 11-6, 11-4; Deepinder Kour beat Mohita Singh 11-6, 11-8; Shagun Mahajan beat Svera Jamwal 11-6, 11-7; Amrita Singh beat Rashi Anand 7-11, 11-8, 11-3. Junior girls first round: Ankita Sachdev beat Lavanya Sharma 11-7, 11-7; Mohit Singh beat Bhavneet Kour 11-3, 11-3; Deepinder Kour beat Shaista 11-9, 11-7; Shagun Mahajan beat Monika Sharma of Udhampur 11-7, 11-8; Svera Jamwal beat Roohi Mahajan of Udhampur 11-3, 11-8; Amrita Singh beat Murthi Jamwal of Udhampur 11-3, 11-4; Rashi Anand beat Swati Jamwal 11-5, 11-5 and Chandpreet Kour got walkover Radhika. |
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