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preparations hit by fitness worries NAPIER, Dec 5: Determined to get into the groove ahead of the test series, India’s preparations have .....more World
Cup Cricket for Blinds CHENNAI, Dec 5: England made short work of a huge India total of 319 to register a thumping eight-wicket victory in the World Cup cricket for the Blind here...........more BCCI
should lift ban on LUCKNOW, Dec 5: Former India captain Ajit Wadekar today said the ban imposed on cricketers Mohammed Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja..........more Pak
players promised cash KARACHI, Dec 5: Pakistani players can expect cash rewards worth 75 million Rupees if they win next year’s World Cup in South Africa, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday........more |
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Gazzi Parvez bags Mr J&K title, Jatinder winner in Junior group Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: Dr Gazzi Parvez emerged as Mr J&K in the senior group, whileas Mr J&K title in junior group went......more Senior
League Football Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: Vijay Club today outclassed Young Star, kicking-in three goals in the ongoing Senior League Football Tournament of Jammu......more Bhargwa College trounces GGM; enters semis Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: The first timers, Bhargwa College, Samba today showed the GGM.......more India will host inaugural Jr KOLKATA, Dec 5: Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra are bidding to host the inaugural Junior World.....more |
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NAPIER, Dec 5: Determined to get into the groove ahead of the test series, India’s preparations have been hit by fitness worries to two of their key players Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan who may be rested for the warm-up match against Central Districts beginning here tomorrow. Paceman Zaheer Khan is nursing a knee injury, which he suffered during yesterday’s Super Max International match and has been advised two days rest, while off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is yet to recover from viral fever. "Harbhajan is recovering. But Zaheer will need treatment for the next two days," Indian team manager N R Choudhary said, as the visitors arrived here this afternoon for the three-day match. Even though the Indian think tank wants to field its best team for the game, the only one before the start of the first test at Wellington next Thursday, it seems unlikely that it would rush its two spearheads into the match considering that they have to play two tests and seven one-dayers on the tour. Harbhajan (139 wickets from 31 tests) and Zaheer (62 from 22) will have to shoulder the bowling responsibility which lacks experience in the absence of veterans Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath. While Kumble opted out of the Test Series due to personal reasons, selectors had decided to rest Srinath. Meanwhile, the Indian team had to put on hold its practice session since their kit could not reach in time. The baggage of the players is to arrive by road from Wellington, a five hours drive from here. The Indians, who have not won a Test Series in New Zealand for over three decades, are determined to reverse the trend this time around, having been quite consistent in alien conditions this year. Coach John Wright believes that seaming pitches and past history would not be a problem for his side, which boasts of a strong batting line-up. "The best feature about our tour of England this year is we batted well at Headingley and Nottingham which were green wickets," Wright said. Wright is confident that his formidable batting line up will live upto its reputation but said "the biggest challenge for us has always been to take 20 wickets. We know we bat pretty well." The Indian batting line-up is in good form and Sachin Tendulkar himself proved it when he scored a blistering 72 in the Max game after coming back from a month long break due to hamstring injury. In the absence of Zaheer and Harbhajan, the Indian bowling attack for the warm up game is likely to comprise three medium pacers, Ashish Nehra, Tinu Yohannan and Ajit Agarkar, and Murali Kartik as the lone spinner. The Indians do not have happy memories of their last match with central districts which they had lost by seven wickets despite a century by Tendulkar. The Indian batsmen may find the going much easier this time with the with their opponents not really having a menacing bowling line-up. Captain Jacob oram is the only bowler to have played for the national side in one-dayers. But the 6’6'’ paceman, who is known for accuracy rather than penetration, is yet to play a test for the Kiwis. The Central Districts, which won the domestic shell cup two seasons ago, have had a torrid time since then. The team had to face a humiliating 10 wicket defeat against Wellington in their only match this season after the pay dispute was solved. Opening batsman Matthew Sinclair, off-spinner Glen Sulzberger and Oram are among the 20 cricketers contracted by the New Zealand Cricket Board. But none of three seem to be in contention for the test spot. Sinclair, who has scored 1079 runs from 18 tests with a healthy average of 43.80, has been out of form for the last two seasons, while Sulzberger has only three wickets in his kitty from the three one day internationals he had played. Teams (from): Central Districts : Jacob Oram (captain), Bevan Griggs, Lance Hamilton, Brent Hefford, Jamie How, Peter Ingram, Michael Mason, Andrew Schwass, Martyn Singley, Matthew Sinclair, Craig Spearman and Glen Sulzberger. India : Sourav Ganguly (capt), Sanjay Bangar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Parthiv Patel, Ajit Agarkar, Tinu Yohannan, Murali Kartik, Ashish Nehra. (PTI) |
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World
Cup Cricket for Blinds CHENNAI, Dec 5: England made short work of a huge India total of 319 to register a thumping eight-wicket victory in the World Cup cricket for the Blind here today. An unbeaten 110 by Sushil Gaur helped India amass 319 runs for 5 wickets in 40 overs but England openers put up a brilliant display to carve out a memorable victory. In another match, Pakistan scored a thrilling 14-run win against Sri Lanka. Pakistan, opting to bat, made 224 all out in 34 overs and skittled out Sri Lanka for 205 in 37.5 overs. Put in to bat, India scored 319 in 40 overs which included 46 extras. In reply, England made 320 runs for two wickets in 36.2 overs. Requiring eight runs per over for a win, England openers Heindrich Swanepoel and Nathan Roy, who remained unbeaten on 152, put on 206 runs in 25.1 overs, before the former was bowled by Shekar Nayak for 68 (74 balls, 3x4). Foy, who top scored with 62 in England’s defeat to defending champions South Africa yesterday, continued to be the mainstay for the English side. After captain Adam Benjamin was run out for four, foy and Timothy Guttridge (36 not out, 2x4) notched up the required runs. Foy’s 152 came off 131 balls and included 13 fours and a six. Earlier, captain Ramkaran Sharma and Rajendra Verma, who opened the Indian innings, gave a good start, making 52 runs. After India were 82 for 3 in 9.3 overs, Gaur and Shekar Nayak (54, 63b, 5x4) put on 129 runs for the fourth wicket before the latter was run out by David Wood. Gaur’s unbeaten 110 came off 107 balls with five fours. Walsh and Swanepoel claimed a wicket each for England. In the Pakistan-Sri Lanka match, K G N C Kumara bowled well for Pakistan claiming three wickets off eight overs while conceding 37 runs. The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was a 63 run stand for the third wicket between Amir Ishfaq (34) and Sulaiman Elahi (52). Muhammad Nawaz later chipped in with 38. In reply, Sri Lanka opener Rajapakshe (44) and R M U D Lakshan (22) put on 59 runs at the rate of almost six runs an over. But with two quick wickets falling at the same score of 70, the Sri Lankan innings derailed. Captain Suriyaarachchi made 32 before being run out while all other batsmen failed to impress. Brief scores: India 319 for 5 in 40 overs (Ramkaran Sharma 26, Rajendra Verma 42, Sushil Gaur 110 not out, Shekar Nayak 54) lost to England 320 for 2 in 36.2 overs (H Swanepoel 68, Nathan Foy 152 not out, Timothy Guttridge 36 not out) Pakistan 224 all out in 34 overs (Sulaiman Elahi 52, Amir Ishfaq 34, Muhammad Nawaz 38; KNGC Kumara 3 for 37) bt Sri Lanka 205 all out in 37.5 overs (Rajapakshe 44, Lakshan 22, Suriyaarachchi 32; Amir Ishfaq 2 for 42 and Ali Gohar 2 for 33). (PTI) |
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BCCI should lift ban on Azhar and Jadeja: Wadekar LUCKNOW, Dec 5: Former India captain Ajit Wadekar today said the ban imposed on cricketers Mohammed Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja should be lifted as the CBI has not filed any charges against the two in the match fixing scandal. "The BCCI had been harsh on these two cricketers. Both Azhar and Jadeja should be allowed to play in domestic cricket and if they perform well they should be considered for selection in the national team," said Wadekar. "The board should decide soon as age was not on their (Azhar and Jadeja) side." Azharuddin and Jadeja were banned for life and five years respectively for their alleged involvement in match fixing. Wadekar, who was here in connection with the second one-day international for the disabled between India and England, said India was strong contender to win the World Cup in South Africa behind Australia. "Our batting lineup is quite formidable. But we don’t have bowlers of the calibre of (Bishen Singh) Bedi, (EAS) Prasanna and (BS) Chandrasekhar," he said. "Kumble is our best bet as he is the most experienced bowler in the side." Wadekar also said too much one-day cricket was proving to be a obstacle to develop world class spinners in the country. On the much debated question of Tendulkar’s position in the batting order in one-dayers, Wadekar said "Sachin is capable of batting at any position. Besides it (he batting down) strengthens the middle order." (PTI) |
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Pak players promised cash rewards for World Cup win KARACHI, Dec 5: Pakistani players can expect cash rewards worth 75 million Rupees if they win next year’s World Cup in South Africa, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday. "It is basically an incentive programme designed to provide motivation to players," PCB spokesman Samiul Hasan told. "The PCB chairman believes that the players deserve such cash rewards if they can win a title which is so dear to the cricket-loving people of Pakistan." He added that every player in the 15-man squad would receive five million Rupees if the team won the title for the first time since 1992. (AGENCIES) |
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Gazzi Parvez bags Mr
J&K title, Jatinder Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: Dr Gazzi Parvez emerged as Mr J&K in the senior group, whileas Mr J&K title in junior group went to Jatinder Singh in a well organised and well attended IInd Junior and IV Senior State Body Building Championship held at Mini-Stadium, Parade here late yesterday. The mega show, first of its kind in the city, attracted a big gathering of about 5,000 spectators, mostly the youth, who braved the cold weather to ensure their presence at the venue. Organised by the J&K Amateur Body Building Association, this event was sponsored by Hero Honda and State Sports Council. The event got appreciation from every one associated with the games and sports in the State. In all, 80 young body builders, in both senior and junior group, participated in this championship. Mr Passi Dayal bagged the Masters title. The most encouraging aspect of this championship was that two handicapped body-builders also took part and got thunderous applause from the audience. They were Ajay Kumar and Neeraj Gupta. Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr Ram Sahai, president, Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Mr Parvez Malik, Additional Secretary were also present. Deputy Chief Minister in his address, assured the budding body builders that he will make it sure that the upcoming and promising players get job opportunities. General secretary of the Body Building Association, Rajeev Charak later thanked all those who helped in making the event successful. Mr India, Daljeet Singh and Jagjeet Singh winner of the North-Zone championship also graced the occasion and demonstrated on the stage. The penal of judges included Vijay Kumar of Punjab, Vishal Chopra and Suresh Paul of J&K. Other results Junior: 60 kg—Jatinder Singh, Ist; Deepak Jyoti, 2nd and Wasim Ashraf, third. Below 65 kg: Ramesh Chander, Ist; Dalbir Singh, 2nd and Davinder Singh, third. Below 70 kg: Raman Manhas, Ist; Vishal Balhotra, 2nd and Raju, third. Below 75 kg: Suhail Nissar, Ist; Sourav Sharma, 2nd and Wasim Mughal, third; Above 75 kg: Gurumukh Singh, Ist; Rajinder Singh Manhas, 2nd and Iqbal Wani, third. Senior: Below 60 kg: Jatinder Singh, Ist; Deepak Jyoti, 2nd and Feroz Ahmed, third. Below 65 kg: Ramesh Chander, Ist; Dalbir Singh, 2nd and Bilal Khan, third. Below 70 kg: Raman Manhas, Ist; Vishal Balhotra, 2nd and Vinod Kumar, third. Below 75 kg: Vikas Jamwal, Ist; Mohd Ashraf, 2nd and Gharjeet Singh, third. Below 80 kg: Dr Ghazi Parvez, Ist; Mudasar Mir, 2nd and Gurmukh Singh, third. Above 80 kg: Satnam Singh Bali, Ist and Rajinder Singh Manhas, third. Masters: Pashi Dass Syal, Ist. Handicapped: Ajay Kumar and Neeraj Gupta shared first place. |
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Senior League
Football Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: Vijay Club today outclassed Young Star, kicking-in three goals in the ongoing Senior League Football Tournament of Jammu Division underway at Mini-Stadium, Parade here. In the day’s only match played in the afternoon, Young Star missed a brilliant chance to take first lead when Raman Singh headed the ball, only to cross it over the bar, on a corner kick taken by Mohan Singh in the 10th minute of the match. Narrow escape in the beginning of the match, forced the Vijay Club to make their defence line- up strong by keeping the attacking Young Star away from the goal area. However, they succeeded in their attempts to keep the ball around the centre line. And in the meantime, a golden chance to score a goal was provided to Vijay Club by Young Star goal-keeper, Sohail. Sohail could not collect a powerful kick on the mouth of the goal thereby giving Gaurav Bhatti time and space to convert that rebound into the goal in the 15th minute. Going one goal ahead of their opponent further boosted the moral of the Vijay Club forward line, who initiated another move five minutes later in the 20th minute converting a pass coming from Ramesh into the goal through Rajinder Chowdhary. After taking two goals lead in the 20 minutes play, Vijay Club played cool game in the rest of the 15 minutes taking 2-0 lead at the end of the first half. After the breather, Vijay Club maintained their domination on the field and added third goal to their score in the 60th minute. This time Nitin pushed the ball into the goal on a corker kick. In this match, centre referee, Nisar Ahmed, showed a yellow card to the skipper of the Vijay Club for playing foul play. Vijay was caught by the referee while deliberately tackling the opponent player without ball. Today’s match was officiated by Nisar Ahmed, while Rajinder Abrol and Suresh Gupta were assistant referees and Kushey was on the table. This Tournament is being organised by the Jammu wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association. |
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Bhargwa College trounces GGM; enters semis Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: The first timers, Bhargwa College, Samba today showed the GGM Science College way out of the ongoing Inter-College Football Tournament being played at University of Jammu grounds, here today. It was not an easy task to beat a city college and the victory for Bhargwa College came only via tie-breaker. Earlier, in the stipulated time, the match ended in a goalless draw. It was followed by the 15 minutes extra time which too yielded no result thereby forcing the officials to apply the tie-breaker rules. In the tie-breaker, Bhargwa College proved the mettle and emerged winner making it 3-1 on the score board. Jyoti, Amit and Pankaj were successful shooters, whereas, Vishal and Neeraj missed their penalties. From the Science College, Anil could only dodge the goal-keeper, while Sandeep, Sonam, Tashi and Mingus missed their kicks. In the second match of the day, Government SPMR College of Commerce defeated Degree College, Udhampur four goals to one. Gagan Kumar scored the first goal for Commerce College in the 29th minute, but was soon equalised by Udhampur through Pardeep Kumar in the 40th minute. However, Commerce College continued their attacking game taking lead in the 45th minute when Sohail Plasar scored a goal. To further consolidate the position, Gagan struck again netting the ball in the 50th minute for third goal in favour of Commerce College. Commerce College scored fourth goal through Rajeshwar in the 60th minute making it a big 4-1 victory. Today’s matches were officiated by R C Vaid, Dr Brij Baloria and Dr G P Sharma. |
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India will host inaugural Jr World Cup TT Champ KOLKATA, Dec 5: Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra are bidding to host the inaugural Junior World Table Tennis Championship under-19 in 2004, according to Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) vice-president Probir Mitra. Mr Mitra said that the International Table Tennis Federation has informally requested the TTFI to hold the first World Table Tennis Championship in 2004 for the promotion of the game in this sub-continent. He said the host state would be known by January next year. (UNI) |
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