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| Tendulkar can be a very dangerous customer: Gordon MELBOURNE, Dec 22: Smarting under his recent failures, Sachin Tendulkar could be a dangerous customer for the Australian bowlers in the next two Test matches, according to the Indian team’s Psychologist Sandy Gordon who advises the batting maestro to stay positive. Tendulkar has not "got his rhythm back after the shocking decision" by West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor in the first Test at Brisbane when he wrongly ruled the bastman leg before to a rising delivery, Gordon......more MELBOURNE, Dec 22: Sachin Tendulkar today got a vote of confidence from his vice-captain Rahul Dravid who said the...........more Lanka
prevails over India KOLKATA, Dec 22: Gautam Gambhir’s fine hundred went in vain as India-A paid the price for sloppy catching and listless.......more Moin Khan
steers HAMILTON, Dec 22: Moin Khan defied the heroics of New Zealand fast bowler Daryl Tuffy as he steered Pakistan to...............more |
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WAC again wins Hockey trophy *Mangat Singh of WAC declared best player Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Two goals in the last minute by Kispota today helped hosts Western Air Command (WAC) win the coveted Air Force inter-command..........more State
Kabaddi teams Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Jammu and Kashmir Amateur Kabaddi Association today announced its men and women....more Gaurav
Dalal, JD Madan Excelsior Sports Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 22: The finals of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship 2003.....more Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Former international cricketer and commentator, Sadanand Vishwanath has appreciated the.....more |
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must repeat Adelaide example....... Jammu Blue wins inaugural match in district Korfball..... |
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Tendulkar can be a very dangerous customer: Gordon MELBOURNE, Dec 22: Smarting under his recent failures, Sachin Tendulkar could be a dangerous customer for the Australian bowlers in the next two Test matches, according to the Indian team’s Psychologist Sandy Gordon who advises the batting maestro to stay positive. Tendulkar has not "got his rhythm back after the shocking decision" by West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor in the first Test at Brisbane when he wrongly ruled the bastman leg before to a rising delivery, Gordon said today, adding Tendulkar can expect a very hostile environment at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with Brett Lee coming back. But the maestro can come out on the top by "staying positive at all times". "There are two ways he could bring himself back to scoring ways — either by visualising and staying mentally very positive or watching the old tapes where he has got runs, especially against Lee." "He will benefit if he sees his own video tapes where he has been successful," Gordon said. " He has to visualise his best batting form, he has to simulate his better innings and he has to show a lot of positive energy," Gordon said. "Since he has failed, he is a dangerous customer but then he and the Indians would face a determined opposition in Melbourne." Tendulkar has scores of 0, 1 and 37 in the two Test matches so far and has averaged 15.57 from his last seven Test innings. And Gordon cautioned Tendulkar that he could still face more pitfalls ahead particularly in a "very hostile environment at the MCG". "Wanting to score does not mean he would score. He has not got his rhythm back after the shocking decision in Brisbane," he said. (PTI) |
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MELBOURNE, Dec 22: Sachin Tendulkar today got a vote of confidence from his vice-captain Rahul Dravid who said the batting genius was in "great touch" and would soon end all the talk that is being made of his lean patch. "A lot has been said unnecessarily about his form — we believe he is in great touch and hitting the ball really well," said Dravid after arriving here with the rest of the team for the third Test beginning on Friday. "We are looking out for a big score for him here. But having said that, we don’t want to put any additional pressure on him," said the middle-order bat who is in the midst of a purple patch in his career. In contrast, Tendulkar has failed to get going in the Tests recently managing just 109 runs from seven innings at an average of 15.57. In the first two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide, he has had scores of 0, 1 and 37. But also inspiring confidence in Tendulkar would be the Melbourne cricket ground as it was at this venue that he had hit a classic 116 during India’s last tour down under in 2000. He also scored an 80 in the tour-opening match against Victoria here last month. "We want him to just go out there and enjoy his cricket, play like we know he can play," Dravid said. "I am confident Australia has not seen the best of him... He is really keen to make a big one." Dravid was not too worried by the threat posed by Bret Lee who was picked today for the third Test after missing the first two matches of the series which India lead 1-0. "He is just one of four bowlers so we are not going to concentrate only on Brett Lee," he said. "We understand we will have to prepare well and play well against four or five bowlers and not just Lee." Dravid, who fashioned India’s historic win at Adelaide with a career-best 233 and 72 not out, was hopeful that pace spearhead Zaheer Khan would make a comeback to the side after missing the second Test due to a hamstring injury. "We are very hopeful and confident that he will make it." (PTI) |
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Lanka prevails over India in high scoring match KOLKATA, Dec 22: Gautam Gambhir’s fine hundred went in vain as India-A paid the price for sloppy catching and listless bowling to go down to Sri Lanka-A in the Kenstar Asian ‘A’ teams’ cricket tournament here today. Set to score a challenging 301 in 50 overs for victory at a high asking rate of 6.02, the visitors rode on emphatic batting displays by skipper Russel Arnold (96 not out) and opener Samana Jayantha (92) to reach the target losing only three wickets and with two overs to spare at the Eden Gardens. Jayantha and the man of the match Arnold put on 126 runs for the third wicket to take the game away from the Indians after the tourists lost opener Kalavitigoda (18) and Jehan Mubarrak (25) to be in a spot of bother at 76 for two. Jayantha returned to the pavilion eight short of his hundred, caught at deep mid wicket by Sairaj Bahutule of Dinesh Mongia with the score reading 202. Arnold and his deputy Naveed Nawaz (57 not out; 44b, 4x4, 3x6) then stitched together a rollicking 99 run unbroken stand in only 56 minutes to take Sri Lanka-A to 301 for three in 48 overs. However, both Jayantha and Arnold got ‘lives’ as they were dropped by the Indian fielders. Jayantha, who moved from 47 to 53 with a straight field six of Bahutule, was dropped by Munaf Patel at backward square leg with his personal score standing at 58. Jayantha tried to pull offie Sarandeep and only succeeded in getting a top edge, and the ball ballooned to Patel, who failed to latch on to the ball. Arnold, on the other hand, survived a caught behind chance, when Ratra failed to glove an easy catch. The Lankan skipper was then on 2, and the unlucky bowler was Sarandeep. Nawaz brought the end in style hitting Bangar out of the ground to level the score, before getting the winning run with a single in the last ball of the over. Earlier, India A scored 300 for 8, with Gambhir cracking a masterly 113 and adding 159 runs for the second wicket with Mohammad Kaif (71) after skipper Hemang Badani won the toss and elected to bat. The two came together after Sanjay Bangar (21) departed in the eighth over and took full advantage of some wayward bowling by the Sri Lankans to execute a flurry of shots all round the wicket as India ‘A’ reached 223 for 1 in the 39th over, looking well placed for a score of around 350. Left arm spinner Ranga Herath finally broke the stand when Kaif tried to pull him, but failed to control the shot, and S Jayantha brought off a fine catch at deep mid wicket. Gambhir, who looked in complete command, except one or two minor blemishes, completed his hundred soon after with a single, but then wickets started falling at regular intervals, as India A batsmen went out to irresponsible shots. Yuvraj Singh (6), Badani (18), Bahutule (1), Ajay Ratra (1) departed cheaply, while Sarandeep (3) was run out. At the end, Dinesh Mongia (23; 18b, 1x4,1x6) and Amit Bhandari (3) remained unconquered in the middle. Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Zoysa conceded as many as 38 runs in his first two overs, including 13 no balls and five wides. (PTI) |
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Moin Khan steers Pakistan to safety HAMILTON, Dec 22: Moin Khan defied the heroics of New Zealand fast bowler Daryl Tuffy as he steered Pakistan to safety on a rain-shortened fourth day of the first cricket Test here today. A draw seemed almost inevitable after Pakistan were all out for 463, 100 runs behind New Zealand, with only a day to play on a placid pitch. The New Zealand black caps felt they were in with a chance when Tuffey snapped up two wickets with the second new ball after lunch to reduce the tourists to 285 for six and needing a further 79 runs to avoid the follow-on. Inzamam ul-Haq was back in the pavilion for 51 and Abdul Razzaq out for 48. But enter Khan the saviour with an able lieutenant in Mohammad Sami. The pair put on 152 for the seventh wicket and effectively saved Pakistan. Sami contributed just 25 runs with the bat, but most importantly he directed as much of the strike as possible to the experienced Khan who had no difficulty against a bowling line-up that was often astray on a batting-friendly wicket. He worked the ball around with no sign of panic apart from one anxious moment after some sharp fielding by Chris Cairns led to an apparent run-out. But a detailed video analysis ruled in his favour when it was unclear whether Daniel Vettori had dislodged the bails with the ball in his hand. Khan’s long stint at the crease eventually came to an end when he was trapped leg-before by Jacob Oram, but by then he had ensured New Zealand would have to bat again. The Pakistan tail folded quickly with the last four wickets falling in the space of 26 runs but the damage had been done. New Zealand were required to bat for two overs before stumps with a four from Mark Richardson the only scoring shot to increase their lead to 104. The black caps made the worst possible start to the day when Lou Vincent put down a regulation slips catch after Inzamam edged the first ball he received from Chris Cairns. It was a 29-run wait before the Pakistan skipper was eventually out, trapped leg-before by Zew Zealand’s standout bowler Tuffey. He ended the innings with five for 87 from 33 overs, his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket, and his victims were all in the top order. Fast bowler Ian Butler proved very expensive, giving up 113 runs from his 24 overs, while taking the last two wickets to fall to extract a small element of credibility from his performance. Oram with two for 55 and Vettori with one for 117 were New Zealand’s other wicket takers. After losing three hours play yesterday, another two hours were lost today because of the rain and the time needed for the outfield to dry. (AFP) |
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WAC again wins Hockey
trophy Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Two goals in the last minute by Kispota today helped hosts Western Air Command (WAC) win the coveted Air Force inter-command Hockey Championship trophy again after a gap of four years beating Training Command by two goals to nil in the final played at K K Hakhu Stadium, here. Last time, WAC won the championship trophy was in 1998 at Chandigarh and thereafter they remained runners-up in 1999 and 2002. On the basis of performance, Cpl. Mangat Singh of Western Air Command, declared best player. Earlier, the final which was leading towards a goalless end in the stipulated time, suddenly witnessed cheerful moments in the crowd with a senior man hitting two consecutive goals in the last 69th minute of the 70 minutes match. For the first goal, Kispota scooped the ball just over the head of facing goal-keeper, Naveen, amidst strong defence of Training Command right into the net. In the very next move initiated from the right flank, Kispota hit the ball piercing through the defence line added second goal into WAC’s account. The goal chance came in the way of WAC when Parminder made a solo effort taking the ball right upto opponent’s goal mouth but was stopped by guard at the net. Earlier, in the morning, defending champion, Maintenance Command outplayed South-Western Air Command (SWAC) 2-1 to finish third. Kujur converted a penalty stroke awarded in their favour into a goal in the 23rd minute. However, the lead was equalised by SWAC in the 44th minute through Yadav AK converting a penalty stroke. The second goal for the winners was scored by Kanwar in 48th minute. Talking to EXCELSIOR, winners, Maintenance Command coach, Sukhdeep Singh said, "today’s win was outcome of the strong determination and hardwork put in by the team. In fact, morale of the team was high because of out win against the defending champion in the semi-finals." He added that the authorities concerned also took extra interest in this championship. In the final and prize distribution function, Lt. Gen. Ashok Kapur, VSM Corps Commander, 16 Corps was chief guest. |
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State Kabaddi teams named for senior Nationals Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Jammu and Kashmir Amateur Kabaddi Association today announced its men and women teams for the forthcoming 51st senior National Kabaddi championships to be held at Wadala, Maharashtra from December 26 to 30. Selected teams, which were today distributed kits by Shanti Devi, MLC at MA Stadium, here, will proceed for the venue on December 24. Speaking on the occasion, the special guest, Shanti Devi promised an assistance of Rs 85,000 for the construction of stairs at newly developed Kabaddi field at MA Stadium. Earlier, general secretary of the Association, Kuldeep Gupta introduced the team members with Shanti Devi, who wished them best of luck. Others present on the occasion were Anil Gupta, Dinesh Gupta and Anil Padha. The teams: Men: Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Sangram Singh, Ajit Singh, Dharamjeet Singh, Ajay Sharma, Ankush Chib, Jasdev Singh, Deepankar Singh, Rasvinder Singh. Sandbye: Tarandeep Singh, Mir Alam. Manager: Jasmeet Mir. Coach: Bhasarat Khan. Women: Sukhmeet Kouf, Amit Kour, Ayushi Mahajan, Yeshu Sharma, Bandana Sharma, Kuldeep Kour, Raspreet Kour, Nisha Rani, Sushma Kumari, Jasmin Kour, Arti Choudhary and Nisha Kumari. Standbye: Meenu Sharma and Vanita Kumari. Manager: Renu Kumar. Coach: Ajay Gupta. |
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Gaurav Dalal, JD Madan crowned
JK Tyre Excelsior Sports Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 22: The finals of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship 2003 at the Sriperumbedur Race Track near Chennai witnessed some dramatic pulsating action right from the start. J.D. Madan going into this race with a one point lead in the drivers standings over Ayub Khan came out on trumps in both races of the saloon class and clinched maximum points for the race to the championship. In the Formula Maruti category it was Delhi lad Gaurav Gill who finished the race a fraction of a second ahead of Gaurav Dalal only to have Dalal come back strongly in the second race to walk away with top honors of the race and the championship. The Championship is being organized under the aegis of Madras Motorsport Club (MMSC) and is being presented by MARUTI SUZUKI. With a total of as many as 18 entries in the Formula Maruti Category and 16 in the Saloon class it vindicated the organizers and sponsors commitment that this category is the breeding ground for racing talent in the country.
3. RADHA SELVARAJAN - 45 3. GAURAV GILL - 42 |
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Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Former international cricketer and commentator, Sadanand Vishwanath has appreciated the role of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Players Association (JKCPA) in fighting for the cause of cricketers in the state. Vishwanath, who is a member of Indian Cricket Players Association recognised by the BCCI, was interacting with JKCPA office bearers on latter’s recent visit in Jammu. During half an hour meeting, JKCPA general secretary, Vivek Sharma informed the former Indian wicket-keeper about the aims and objectives of JKCPA. Vishwanath told JKCPA members that he was happy to see the cricketing talent in J&K and was hopeful that it groomed in the right direction. "J&K has the talent to produce players of international standards", he said. He also answered the queries of junior cricket players at an interactive session organised by JKCPA. Vishwanath said that he was very touched by the respect and hospitality showered upon him by the cricketing fraternity in J&K. Among those who called on Vishwanath were Vikram Singh, Ranjeet Kalra, Sandeep Singh, Ravi Dogra, Arvind Sharma and junior selector, Ankush Abrol. Indians must repeat Adelaide example MELBOURNE, Dec 22: Patience and discipline are the twin virtues on which the Indian cricket team must rely in the next two Test matches against Australia. Indian team’s psychologist Sandy Gordon said India had relied on these qualities to come out triumphant in the Adelaide Test and must continue to do so in the remainder of the series. "The key to their win was patience and discipline. At the team level it was outstanding," Gordon said. "Now they need a big effort to sustain it for the next 15 days. They got to do it session by session. They have to get around doing the same again and again, to apply the process of adelaide." Gordon, who has helped the Indian team in the past, including the Gabba Test, wants the team to have individual as well as a collective plan. "All the team members must have individual as well as a collective game plan. They should have a plan for each session, each day." Gordon urged the Indians to repeat the adelaide example and take a leaf out of what Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman have been able to achieve on this tour. "The discipline and patience of Dravid has been exemplary. He has shown a wonderful temperament, an unflappable and even personality." "I am glad he has been able to imbibe the lessons so well. For example, he has been able to switch on when the delivery is to be bowled, switch down when he negotiates it and switch off after he has dealt with it." Gordon also cited the example of VVS Laxman and how the stylish right-handed batsman has been able to make a distinction between aggression and decisiveness. "He has learnt the difference between being aggressive and decisive. He has learnt to be definitive. Aggression is not always the best option, decisiveness, at all times, is. "When you start chasing deliveries outside the off-stump, you are not aggressive. You are just not definitive in your methods." Gordon felt the key to Dravid and Laxman’s success has been their discipline and good understanding. "Both Dravid and Laxman enjoy good understanding. We discussed things in Brisbane but they were able to execute plans and facilitate its success. Sure, it takes a lot of discipline." "Similarly, Ajit Agarkar has been very good in learning from his mistakes. He has now matured and knows what is best for him." Gordon is due to join the team before the Sydney Test but is not sure if the perception of the Indian board on the best way to use his services is the right way. "I am available to the team before the Sydney Test. But the irony of my association with the Indian cricket team is I have not seen them play in the middle! "Whenever I have been required to assist the team it has been either before a game or after the match has finished. I have never seen them in action. Unless you are there, you cannot really help in the best possible way." (PTI) Jammu Blue wins inaugural match in district Korfball Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Jammu Blue won the inaugural match of the Jammu District Korfball Championship beating Jammu Red 8-5 at Government Girls High School, Gandhi Nagar, here today. Irfan was top scorer with three goals while Ashwani and Jatinder contributed two goals each. In other two matches in the junior group, Ever Green Club defeated Trikuta Club by ten goals to four. Mandeep Kumar was leading scorer with four goals, followed by Inderpal, Gurdeep and Harvinder added two each. Lion Club also won their match beating Diamond Club 5-3. Geetanjali was highest scorer with two goal. Ashu, Shiv and Rajwinder made one goal each. Today’s matches were officiated by Amit Sharma and Manjit Singh. Suman Sharma was scorer. Earlier, the tournament was declared open by Tarlok Singh, advisor of the Association. Others present in the opening function were Manjeet Singh, Ram Kumar, Surjeet Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Vinod Sharma and Satish Chander. Pranav bags first place in Kumite Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Pranav Jamwal bagged first place in 65 to 70 kg senior boys Kumite event in the ongoing State Karate-Do Championship at MA Stadium, here today. Whereas in boys 60-65 kg group, first position went to Amit Saroch. In boys 30-55 kg category, Satish Babu was first and Narayan Dutt remained runners-up. Sanjeev Dewan was chief referee in today’s competitions. He was assisted by Reshub Chaku, Pranav Jamwal, Manoj Mehara, Aakash Pardhan, Varun, Amit Saroch and Sandeep Singh. Other results Girls Kumite: 11-13 yr: Paryanka, Ist; Meenial, 2nd and Ruby and Tanvi, third. 9-11 yr: Kanika Jasrotia, Ist; Madhvi Sharma, 2nd and Mehak Gupta and Shivanlin Bharati, third. 5-7 yr: Khalda Bibi (Kathua), Ist and Neha Chowdhary (Kathua), 2nd. 7-9 yr: Samira Kotwal, Ist; Rajni Singh, 2nd and Ankita Chowdhary (Kathua), third. Boys Kumite: 5-7 yr: Japneet Singh, Ist; Rahul Sharma, 2nd and Anurag Gupta and Kirtiman, third. 11-13 yr: Sukarn, Ist; Parshant Kumar, 2nd and Sahil Kumar and Summit Razak, third. 15-18 yr: Rohit Misri, Ist; Vikrant Singh, 2nd and Naresh Sharma and Vishal Lakhotra, third. Boys Kata: 11-13 yr: Sahil Sharma, Ist; Sukarn, Ist and Sumeet RAzak and Mukhtar Ahmed, third. 9-11 yr: Shiva Baru, Ist; Rahul Dutta, 2nd and Tarun Gupta, third. Girls Kata: 11-13 yr: Varsha Bhan, Ist. 7-9 yr: Raghni Singh, Ist and Samira Kotwal, 2nd. 9-11 yr: Gagandeep Kour, Ist and Binesh Khan, 2nd. Special Handicapped category: Sahil Kumar, Ist. Vinod, Subash win Bridge competition of Jammu Club Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Vinod Sharma and Subash Aggarwal were declared winner of Bridge East-West competition in the Annual Sports meet of Jammu Club, here. Arun Sharma and Arun Gandotra remained runners-up. In North-South side, Akhtar Murtaza and M M Fotehdar were winners beating Aman Rathore and Vinay Kotwal. |
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