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Thousands pray for KOLKATA, Aug 21: Kolkatans prayed for Leander Paes at churches, mosques and temples after this metropolis, hometown to the 30-year-old tennis ace, woke up this morning to the disturbing news of him suffering from a brain cyst. .........more India need more academies like TFA: FIFA expert NEW DELHI, Aug 21: A top FIFA expert today urged the Indians to change their "mindset" and said the country would have to promote the game at the ..........more Railways thrash Chattisgarh 17-0 in Women’s Hockey LUCKNOW, Aug 21: Continuing the trend of one-sided matches, favourites Indian Railways thrashed Chattisgarh 17-0 in the 52nd Senior National ................more Indian
sporting NEW DELHI: The Indian sporting fraternity today had only one thing on its lips and hearts: A prayer for the speedy recovery of champion tennis player Leander Paes. Star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Paes’ doubles. ........more |
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J&K Bank beats J&K Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 21: Jammu and Kashmir Bank today defeated the arch rival Jammu and Kashmir Police in a thrilling...........more Jammu Sports-A holds Young Star 1-1 draw Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 21: Jammu Sports-A held Young Star to a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the Senior Division Football...more Narinder wins Distt Kathua Badminton Championship Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 21: Narinder Salaria won the district Kathua Badminton Championship which was organised by the District Badminton Association........more Cricketers’
vanishing LONDON, Aug 21: The vanishing act of the five missing Indian women cricketers who were on a tour here could be a case of ‘preplanned ....more |
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| Coach: Team to be blamed for
Champions Trophy debacle..... Pak takes charge as debutant blasts century ..... Gordon to conduct sessions for junior cricketers as well...... |
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Thousands pray for Paes in Kolkata KOLKATA, Aug 21: Kolkatans prayed for Leander Paes at churches, mosques and temples after this metropolis, hometown to the 30-year-old tennis ace, woke up this morning to the disturbing news of him suffering from a brain cyst. Special prayers were also held at the global headquarters of Mother Teresa’s missionaries of charity here, a place Leander frequented alongwith his father whenever he was in town. Leander’s father, Dr Vece Paes, who could not leave for the US last evening as he missed the connecting flight, had some encouraging news to share. "He is now stable. The headache has gone. He seems more cheerful and better now," the senior Paes told PTI. Reports from Orlando were also encouraging as Clarence Brown III, president and CEO of MD Anderson Cancer Centre where the India star is admitted, said "Leander is in excellent spirits." "He is physically strong and currently able to exercise and perform yoga. His appetite is excellent," he said. Paes, a winner of six Grand Slam doubles titles and former doubles world number one, will be out of action for at least a month. He will miss the US Open and is also doubtful for next month’s Davis Cup world group qualifying match against Holland. A sister at the MOC said "a special prayer was held for the speedy recovery of Leander Paes and all of us hope that there is nothing serious with him." Special prayers were also held at the centrally located Tipu Sultan mosque for Leander’s recovery. "He (Leander) is an asset of the country and we pray to allah that he should come out of this crisis a victor as he did in many tennis matches for the country," Syed Noorul Rahman Barkati, the Imam of the mosque told PTI. A number of temples in the city also held special prayers during the day for Leander’s recovery. At the Calcutta South Club, where Leander began his remarkable journey in tennis world, the mood was sombre as from top official to the groundsmen, everyone seemed to be saddened by the development involving ‘lee’, as he was popularly known. "Since yesterday when we first got the news, everybody is discussing Leander’s condition all the time. He is very much a part of the club. We are all praying to god. I only hope that it is nothing serious," said former Davis Cup coach Akhtar Ali under whom Leander took the first lessons in tennis at the club. Ali, who was also the Indian coach when Leander made his Davis Cup debut in 1989, had special praise for Leander’s nationalistic spirit. "He is a great patriot. The Davis Cup has always brought out the best in him. I know how much he loves to play for India. He must be itching to play the world group qualifying tie against Netherlands next month," ali said. While appreciating Leander’s tremendous fighting spirit, Ali, however, had a word of caution for him saying, "he must be careful. He must first recover fully, seek medical advice and only then decide to return to the court." Former Davis Cup non-playing captain Naresh Kumar seemed distraught. "I have spoken to Leander several times over the past two days. Last night he seemed a bit subdued. I tried to cheer him up. As the conversion went on, his spirits lifted and we had a good laugh," he said. "But he is a strong boy. I am sure he will be able to handle this thing," Kumar, who was captain of the Davis Cup team in Leander’s debut year in 1989, said. It was under Kumar’s captaincy that Leander spearheaded the splendid Indian run in the 1993 Davis Cup, humbling formidable opponents like Switzerland and France to make it to the semi-finals. The city’s Beck Bagan locality, where Leander was born and grew up and where he still lives, also wore a sombre look as people, who always took pride in the achievements of ‘our Leander’ looked stunned by the shocking news. "I can’t believe this. All my prayers and wishes are now for an early recovery for Leander," owner of Bengal saloon Haji Sheik Rahman who had seen Leander grow up from a child to world champion, said. Admiring a photograph of Leander having a hair cut at his saloon, Rahman said, "Leander is such a nice boy and was always good to everybody despite being a world champion. Nothing bad can happen to him." Kolkata’s restless tennis fraternity and Leander’s innumerable fans were praying and waiting anxiously for the results of the medical tests on him. (PTI) |
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India need more academies like TFA: FIFA expert NEW DELHI, Aug 21: A top FIFA expert today urged the Indians to change their "mindset" and said the country would have to promote the game at the grassroot level if it was to make a mark at the international level. Indian players were as talented as the South Americans, said Dr Victor Stanculescu, a technical advisor with FIFA, the game’s world governing body. But what the country lacked was "more academies like the Tata Football Academy in Jamshedpur to develop the game among youngsters". "It is a model of an academy and the promoters are spending some 5 to 10 lakh dollars a year to run the Academy. India can find another company to do the same and I myself know several millionaires who are ready to pump in money," the former assistant national coach of Romania said on the sidelines of a coaches’ clinic conducted by him here. "I went to Manipur, Kolkata and Shillong and the response was superb," he said. "They even have football nurseries." "The Indian players have intelligence, skill and creativity but not great physique," said the Romanian. Stanculescu is deputed to India by the FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to help in the training of coaches in the country. (PTI) |
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Railways thrash Chattisgarh 17-0 in Women’s Hockey LUCKNOW, Aug 21: Continuing the trend of one-sided matches, favourites Indian Railways thrashed Chattisgarh 17-0 in the 52nd Senior National Women’s Hockey Championship at the Dhyanchand Stadium here today. The Railway team, who led 8-0 till half time, maintained complete dominance in the match with Pritam Singh scoring five goals. In other league matches, Chandigarh blanked Uttaranchal 15-0 while Tamil Nadu drubbed Vidharba 13-0 to move up in their respective pools. Last year’s runners up Punjab lived up to their reputation beating Kerala 10-0. The trend of one-sided matches was set aside when Jharkhand and Karnataka played out an interesting 1-1 draw. In another match Bihar was also held to a 1-1 draw by Gujarat. (PTI) |
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Indian sporting fraternity prays NEW DELHI: The Indian sporting fraternity today had only one thing on its lips and hearts: A prayer for the speedy recovery of champion tennis player Leander Paes. Star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Paes’ doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi were among those to express their concern for the tennis genius. "I was dumbstruck on hearing about the news. I don’t know how to react," said Bhupathi with whom Paes won three Grand Slam titles. The duo captured the French Open and Wimbledon doubles titles in 1999 before breaking away the next year. They rejoined in 2001 and reclaimed French Open crown before parting ways again last year. They were scheduled to reunite briefly for this week’s ATP tour event in Long Island, New York. Tendulkar, whose friendship with Paes goes back to the days of early stages of their careers, said he believed like the rest of the nation that Paes’ illness — a cyst in the brain — was not serious. "Like the rest of the country, I will be praying that Leander’s illness is not serious," Tendulkar said. "Leander is an easy going guy, I just hope things will be fine with him soon," said Tendulkar who once featured in a TV commercial alongside Paes. Sania Mirza, the Wimbledon girls’ doubles champion and who won the Asian Games bronze medal with Paes last year, remembered the "invaluable" experience of playing alongside the Davis Cup star. "It is a shocking news to me and I am praying for his speedy recovery," Sania said.(PTI) |
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J&K Bank beats J&K Police in opening league tie Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 21: Jammu and Kashmir Bank today defeated the arch rival Jammu and Kashmir Police in a thrilling opening match of the senior division super league of Kashmir wing by a solitary goal at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. It was an attacking game right from the beginning and several attacks were made on both the nets. After undergoing a hard battle in the first half, both sides got one golden chance each to score a goal, but luck favoured the Bankmen, who emerged victorious. In the 8th minute of the second half, J&K Bank goal-keeper, Vikramjeet Singh saved a power-packed kick by J&K Police after a penalty kick was awarded in their favour. Later, J&K Bank taking full advantage of an excellent move initiated by Manzoor and Deepak Sangral, netted the all important goal through mid-fielder Intikhab Alam, who made a 20-yard kick straight into the net. Farooq Ahmed was centre referee in this crucial league tie while Mohd. Maqbool and Muzaffar Jan were assistant referees. M Yasin was on the table. In the next two matches, J&K Bank will take on Iqbal Sports and J&K SRTC on August 23 and August 26 respectively. Other two teams in fray in the super league round are Iqbal Sports and J&K SRTC. |
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Jammu Sports-A holds Young Star 1-1 draw Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 21: Jammu Sports-A held Young Star to a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the Senior Division Football League that started today at GGM Science College ground, here. Relying on the gifted goal by Young Star in the 28th minute, Jammu Sports-A handled Young Star well throughout the first half. Their defence continued to be strong after the breather too. However, they could convert that self goal made by Young Star as a tool to their win and conceded a goal in the 65th minute thereby giving Young Star chance to end the match in a draw. Jammu Sports-A’s score was levelled by Young Star in the 65th minute through Noel Yusuf. Earlier, in the Junior division league match between Vijay Hero (Jr) and Moon Light ended in a goalless draw. With this, one team each in the three pools of A, B and C have and two from pool-D were leading with nine points each. These were Engineers XI (A), Jammu United (B), Cantt Star (C) and Alaxander Club and Gorkha Brothers (D). |
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Narinder wins Distt Kathua Badminton Championship Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 21: Narinder Salaria won the district Kathua Badminton Championship which was organised by the District Badminton Association. According to the reports reaching here, Vishal claimed the singles final in junior group. Rajesh and Kulbushan bagged doubles title. Later, prizes were distributed among the winners by the chief guest, G Singh, Tehsildar, Hiranagar. At the end, secretary general of the District Badminton Association, Dushyant informed the gathering that winners of this meet will represent district in the forthcoming State Championship to be held at Jammu. He also expressed his thanks to those who extended helping hand in the successful conduct of the competitions. |
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Cricketers’ vanishing act could be deliberate LONDON, Aug 21: The vanishing act of the five missing Indian women cricketers who were on a tour here could be a case of ‘preplanned disappearance’, the police officer investigating the case said today. Sergeant Vince Harte of the Hounslow missing persons’ unit said enquiries with the families of two of the cricketers in Jalandhar indicated the players’ disappearance was deliberate. Harte said both the family members were evasive in their reply and were non-cooperative. "They did not even ask about their daughters’ welfare and the conversation indicated the disappearing act was preplanned," Harte told PTI. The Sergeant said the fugitive players would not be deemed to have violated immigrations laws till September 10, the date on which their visas expire. "Till September 10, the girls would not have committed any violation of the law of the land. We can only hope for their safety.’’ "But after September 10, if they continued to remain at large, it will be a violation of the immigration law," Harte said. Thirteen members of a club cricket team from Jalandhar had arrived here and five of them - Mandeep Virk (19), Baljeet Kaur (22), Parvesh Rani (25), Ekta Andotra (21), and Rajwant Kaur (24) - went missing last Tuesday from two houses in Hounslow, West London. One of the women was last seen with two men loading a car with luggage outside the house where she had been staying in Hounslow. A man claiming to be a solicitor has attempted to retrieve the passports the women left behind eight days ago. The team called Lynex was scheduled to play friendly matches starting with Colwall cricket week in Herefordshire. (PTI) Coach: Team to be blamed for Champions Trophy debacle AMSTELVEEN, Aug 21: Indian coach Rajinder Singh today said the entire team and not individuals were to be blamed for India’s pathetic show at the 25th Champions Trophy underway here. "I can’t understand why after beginning on a promising note, the team seems to have no spark or passion left," he told UNI. "We had the match against holland all wrapped up and suddenly everything fell apart. The boys, I think, are still to recover from it," he said referring to India’s lacklustre performance in the matches against Australia and Argentina. "We lost the matches due to our own mistakes. The whole team is responsible for the debacle at the championship," he said. India, tipped by the IHF as the pre-tournament favourites, have lost three of their four league matches and are virtually out of contention for a podium finish. They take on Pakistan in their final league match tomorrow. The coach said some of the players, who fell ill during the camp in Lucknow, had probably not recovered fully and that too affected the team’s performance. "We had played so well in the last two tournaments (in Australia and Germany) and this sudden lack of focus and form cannot be explained," Rajinder said. (UNI) Pak takes charge as debutant blasts century KARACHI, Aug 21: Young Pakistani batsman Yasir Hameed hit a scintillating debut century to help Pakistan gain the upper hand on the second day of the first cricket Test against Bangladesh here today. Hameed made a magnificent 170 as Pakistan finished the day on 301-5 in reply to Bangladesh’s first innings total of 288. At close skipper Rashid Latif was unbeaten on 27 and Misbahul Haq was not out on 12 as Pakistan led by 13 runs. Hameed became the ninth Pakistani and the 76th batsman in Test cricket to hit a century in his first Test. The 25-year-old, from Pakistan’s Northwestern border city Peshawar, led the recovery after his team lost opener Mohammad Hafeez for two and then recalled Inzamam-ul Haq, who was out without scoring. Hameed, who hit a double century in a domestic tournament final in February, swept Bangladeshi spinner Alok Kapali for his 18th boundary to hit three figures in 183 minutes off just 143 balls. He finally played a tired-looking pull straight to mid-on off Mashrafe Murtaza for 170 in 311 minutes, off 253 balls and spiced with 25 hits to the rope. Hameed added 97 for the second wicket with opener Taufeeq Umer and later steadied the innings with a 131-run stand for the fourth wicket with Yousuf Youhana. Umer, who also scored a debut century against Bangladesh two years ago, completed his 1,000th run in 14 Tests before driving straight into the hands of Javed Omar at point, off left arm spinner Mohammad Rafique. Youhana played second fiddle to Hameed during his knock of 46 before handing a return catch to part-time spinner Razin Saleh. Pakistan’s most experienced batsman Inzamam-ul Haq, recalled for this test after being sidelined for four months, lasted just five balls before scooping an easy catch off pacer Tapash Baisya for nought. Bangladesh took the second new ball with Pakistan at 246-4 in an attempt to dislodge Hameed. However he continued to punish the hapless bowling with sweetly timed drives and cuts to erase Khalid Ibadullah’s 166, the best score for Pakistan on debut. Hameed joins Khalid Ibadullah, Javed Miandad, Salim Malik, Mohammad Wasim, Ali Naqvi, Azhar Mahmood and Taufiq Umer as century makers in their first Test. Murtaza was the pick of Bangladeshi bowlers with 2-61. In the morning Bangladeshs Mohammad Rafique was the last man dismissed when he top edged a bouncer from Shabbir Ahmed and was smartly taken by Rashid Latif behind the stumps for 14. Shabbir and Danish Kaneria finished with three wickets apiece while express pacer Shoaib Akhtar and Umer Gul took two wickets apiece. The series marks the return to Pakistan of international Test cricket after a 15-month boycott by foreign teams following a chain of deadly terror attacks. (AFP) Gordon to conduct sessions for junior cricketers as well CHENNAI, Aug 21: Junior cricketers will also benefit from Australian Sports psychologist Sandy Gordon, whose services the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has hired for the coming season for the senior players. Announcing this at the conclusion of the two-day working committee meeting, BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya said the National Cricket Academy (NCA) at Bangalore had been asked to chalk out the schedule for gordon to conduct sessions with the junior cricketers. He also announced that the observers Lindsay Crocker (New Zealand), Tim May, Michael Bernard and Steve Bernard of Australia had completed their examination of various venues for the matches in the home series against New Zealand and the Triangular series thereafter in which Australia would be the third team. The series would begin next month. "All the venues have been approved and the matches will be played there," Mr Dalmiya added. Mr Dalmiya also announced that the agreement with Pepsi, as the main sponsor, had been extended for the coming season too. Asked why Pepsi was chosen in the wake of the pesticide controversy, Mr Dalmiya said that was for the authorities to decide. The BCCI was not directly concerned with it, he added. Asked if there was any pressure from Pepsi, Mr Dalmiya quipped "no pressure, only pleasure." He said the Indian squad for the two Test matches against the Kiwis would be announced two or three days before the first match. He said the BCCI had also decided to hike the fee for umpires standing in the national level domestic tournaments to Rs 9000 per match from Rs 7,500 being paid now. (AGENCIES) CHENNAI, Aug 21: The Indian cricket board today decided to allot sponsorship rights for tests and one day international matches to be played in India in 2003-04 to softdrinks giant Pepsi. BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya said Pepsi had been given the "right to sponsor the board run international events, along with TVS motor company and Videocon". On the recent controversy over the presence of pesticides in excess in softdrinks, Dalmiya said, "it is for the company to tackle it if there is a controversy," Dalmiya said. Asked whether the board was under pressure from the company in deciding the rights, Dalmiya retorted "what pressure are you talking about?. In fact they must be under pressure. It is a pleasure for us to find a suitable sponsor." He said in fact Pepsi and other sponsors might be under tremendous pressure, since the BCCI does not cooperate with them on their contracts with players. (PTI) |
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