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India not over-confident: Dravid New Delhi, June 29: After their historic triumphs in recent times, India will guard against complacency in the season-opening Asia Cup cricket tournament next month with Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid expecting a tough competition from Pakistan and Sri Lanka. . . .......more Dalmiya
to take over KOLKATA, June 29: Indian cricket board chief Jagmohan Dalmiya would take over as the president of the Asian Cricket Council at its annual general ........more India favourites in Asia Cup: Waqar Younis NEW DELHI, June 29: India have the world’s best batting line up and with spirited bowling performance, they would start as clear favourites in the . .........more AMSTERDAM, June 29: Pakistan toyed with a hapless Indian defence to inflict a humiliating 6-1 defeat on their arch-rivals in a crucial league match of the four-nation Rabobank hockey tournament here today. . ......more |
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Beig retiring today, Majid to be new AO Sports Council Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, June 29: After holding the top position of Administrative Officer in the State Sports Council for over 20 years, G R Beig is attaining superannuation tomorrow.......more Skiing & Mountaineering events held Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 29: Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering of the department of Tourism, .......more Boxing demonstration marks start of women sports meet Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, June 29: Demonstration boxing fights marked the beginning of Ist inter.........more Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, June 29: Farooq Ahmed of Amar Singh College won the district Srinagar carrom championship beating Arif Sultan of Friends Club in the ......more |
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semi-finals...... Trekking expedition organised ...... |
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India not over-confident: Dravid New Delhi, June 29: After their historic triumphs in recent times, India will guard against complacency in the season-opening Asia Cup cricket tournament next month with Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid expecting a tough competition from Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Dravid said the team will carry the confidence from the Australia and Pakistan tours to the one-day tournament, starting in Sri Lanka on July 16, but will not make the mistake of being "over-confident". "We did well last season and would look to carry forward our good performance to this season as well. In the Asia Cup, we have to play to our best potential. We are certainly confident but not over-confident," Dravid told reporters here today. Dravid, here for a promotional campaign for Hutch, said India expected a tough fight from continental powerhouses Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Asia Cup being held after a gap of four years. "Both the teams are good. Sri Lanka are a difficult side on home territory. We had a close one-day series against Pakistan recently. But we would be playing to the best of our abilities." Dravid declined to comment on the controversy surrounding the Test opener’s slot saying it was the job of the captain and the selectors. "There is nothing to talk about it now. This is the job of the captain and the selectors. They will discuss and decide what is good for the team. Anyway, Test matches are still four months away and we are concentrating more on Asia Cup now," he said. Dravid also said he would follow the team management’s decision on who should keep wickets in the onedayers. "There is no controversy over wicketkeeping. I will do whatever the captain and the selectors say," he said. The 31-year-old Bangalore batsman also declined to comment when asked whether he was aspiring to be the Indian captain. "Sourav is doing a great job. I am just looking to the next season and the Asia Cup. I am happy being part of a winning team. I have goals to achieve as a batsman," he said. Dravid, who was recently selected as the MTV youth icon, said he was hardly bothered by labels and tags like "the wall’. "I have never looked upon myself as a youth icon. I have tried my best as a cricketer and to be myself really. There is no difference in me as a person or a cricketer or a youth icon." "I have not worried much about labels and tags. They are part and parcel of one’s life. People tend to tag you at different stages of your career." On the personal front, Dravid said he liked reading different kinds of books particularly autobiographies and biographies. When asked whom would he back to win the Euro 2004 in Portugal, he said: "I think Czech Republic. They are playing very well at the moment. Great to see a team starting as underdogs and progressing so far in the competition." (PTI) |
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Dalmiya to take over as ACC president KOLKATA, June 29: Indian cricket board chief Jagmohan Dalmiya would take over as the president of the Asian Cricket Council at its annual general meeting to be held in London later today. Dalmiya would take over from Mohammad Ali Asghar of Bangladesh whose two-year term comes to an end. The ACC annual meeting would be attended by all its 20 members. ACC presidents are appointed on a rotational basis and this time it was India’s turn to head the regional body after Bangladesh. Incidentally Dalmiya’s term as the BCCI president ends in September this year after the completion of a maximum three year tenure. Hence for the next three months Dalmiya would be simultaneously holding the posts of presidents of ACC and BCCI. Dalmiya was the secretary of ACC for three years between 1993 and 1996. The ACC annual meeting would also elect a new vice president and also an executive board. Other important agenda to be taken up by the meeting would be grant of membership to China Cricket Association and update on establishment of cricket academy in Nepal, United Arab Emirates and Malaysia. (PTI) |
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India favourites in Asia Cup: Waqar Younis NEW DELHI, June 29: India have the world’s best batting line up and with spirited bowling performance, they would start as clear favourites in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka next month, said former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis. Talking to reporters here after signing for ESPN as a commentator, the former fast bowler said,"India have great chances of winning the tournament in Sri Lanka. They are a mature side and have the best batting order in the world. The top six batsmen are world class. Even the bowlers played so well in recent series. They are not very fast but they bowl within their limitation." Meanwhile, the former skipper expressed hope that under the new coach, Bob Woolmer, Pakistan would stage a comeback to regain its place in international cricket. "The experiment with foreign coaches did not work out in the past. But woolmer has done extremely well with South Africa and Warwickshire and I hope he will come good with the Pakistani side as well," he said. When asked about the sour relation between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PC) and enigmatic pacer Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar said,"I don’t want to comment on that because it’s strictly a matter between Shoaib and the PCB. I can only say that he has to be disciplined, that’s it." Talking about suspect the menace of chucking and suspect bowling action plaguing the sub-continent, Waqar said,"my opinion does not matter. I don’t understand the logic behind relaxing rules. ICC should put its foot down and make it clear for once and all. There are some rules and they should stick to it." (UNI) |
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AMSTERDAM, June 29: Pakistan toyed with a hapless Indian defence to inflict a humiliating 6-1 defeat on their arch-rivals in a crucial league match of the four-nation Rabobank hockey tournament here today. The huge loss virtually killed India’s hopes of playing in the final of the tournament which also features Germany and Holland. The one-sided contest, which India needed to win to keep alive their hopes for a berth in the final, saw Pakistan scoring three goals in each halves. Shakeel Abbasi (7th), Sohail Abbas (28th, 43rd), Shabbir Hussain (33rd), Kashif Jawwad (55th) and Nadeem Khan (64th) scored for the winners while India’s lone goal came through Deepak Thakur three minutes before the half time. This was India’s second loss in as many matches in the tournament following their 2-0 defeat against Holland on Sunday. In the match today, if Pakistan played a disciplined game, the Indians were culprit of a sloppy show. They often struggled for ball possession and hardly made any organised moves during the entire duration of the match. Their lone goal by Thakur also appeared to be a fluke. The Indians rarely posed any threat to the opposition post with most of the forwards including veteran Dhanraj Pillay failing to match their counterparts in speed and ball control. The Pakistanis, on the other hand, played purposefully with some incisive moves from both the flanks, creating a lot of problems for the Indian defenders. A shoddy display by the Indians in the first half saw them concede three goals, mainly due to some poor defence work particularly by Kanwalpreet Singh. While the Pakistanis enjoyed an upper hand executing some perfect passes and ball trappings, their counterparts suffered due to some unimaginative game plan. The Indians failed to make even a single coordinated move in the first half an hour of play. The eight-time Olympic winners started the high-profile game with two of their most senior players — Dhanraj Pillay and Baljit Singh — but both failed to rise to the occasion that did no good to the side’s cause. The goof-ups in the Indian deep defence helped Pakistan strike thrice to take complete control of the match in the first half itself even though India reduced the margin with an opportunistic goal in the 32nd minute through Thakur. A mid-field error by Vikram Pillay as early as in the seventh minute was followed by a long run by Kashif Jawwad whose cross from the right flank was hit home by Shakeel Abbasi after Kanwalpreet made a mess with the clearance. Pakistan had to wait till the 28th minute to extend their lead when Sohail Abbas slammed home from the only penalty corner that the side got in the first half. Even though Thakur’s goal raised hopes of an Indian fightback, Pakistan dealt a major blow when Shabbir Hussain gave his team a 3-1 lead just before the half-time hooter. Following a lackluster first half display, India replaced Devesh Chauhan in goal with young Adrian D’souza, but the move made no change to their fate as Pakistan scored three more goals to emerge victorious. Sohail scored his second goal from another penalty corner in the 43rd minute and eight minutes later Jawwad made it 5-1 before Nadeem’s goal six minutes from the end sealed the fate of the Indians. India now have only a very remote chance of qualifying for the final. They play their last league match against Germany on Thursday. (PTI) |
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Beig retiring today, Majid to be new AO Sports Council Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, June 29: After holding the top position of Administrative Officer in the State Sports Council for over 20 years, G R Beig is attaining superannuation tomorrow. Mr Beig will be superseded by his successor, Section Officer, Abdul Majid as new Administrative Officer of the government funded sports society in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdul Majid, who is known for his humility, will have not more than seven months time at the chair because of his due retirement. Even after spending three decades in the Sports Council, with over two decades at the helm of affairs, Beig still wants to continue playing a key role in the working of the Council by continuing his stay with some other designation and powers. When the Standing Committee of the Sports Council, which is full of ‘yes men’, in its meeting held in the recent past has already approved the stay of Mr Beig, most of its members are not aware of the designation and nature of job being assigned to the retiring officer. However, according to the sources, efforts are being made to reach a conclusion on three different designation to Mr Beig i.e., Staff Officer to Secretary, Advisor to Secretary and Officer on Special Duty. |
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Skiing & Mountaineering events held Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 29: Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering of the department of Tourism, Government of India, Srinagar has successfully completed Ist water skiing course from June 15 to June 29, in Dal Lake, Srinagar in which 28 cadets of J&K Police department have participated. The concluding function of the said course was held here today. The Director General of Police, Gopal Sharma has presided over the function as Chief Guest. Officers of other ranks of the J&K Police department including Additional Director General Police, DIG Police and Comdt. IR 8th BN. attended the function. On this occasion, welcome address was given by the Principal of Skiing and Mountaineering Institute who has expressed his gratitude to J&K Police department and thanked all those who have attributed their best possible support for making this event successful. He has further stated that this step has been taken by the Government of India, department of Tourism in order to reactivate the tourist activities in the valley. |
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Boxing demonstration marks start of women sports meet Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, June 29: Demonstration boxing fights marked the beginning of Ist inter-battalion women sports meet of Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police at District Police Lines ground, here this evening. Soon after the three-day long competitions were declared open by the chief guest, Additional Director General of Police (CID), Ashok Bhan, three boxing demonstration bouts were played under the supervision of Satyakam Sharma. Special invitees including ADGP (Armed) Kuldeep Khoda, DIG (Jammu-Kathua range), Farooq Ahmed and other senior officers clapped on every punch exchanged by the first timers in the boxing rink. They had all praise for those who taught these women cops the basics of boxing in a very short time. Earlier, chairman, organising committee, DIG(Armed), M A Anjum briefed the chief guest about the three-day long competition in different events. Later, in his inaugural address, Mr Bhan praise those behind the idea of holding the women sports meet. He was of the view that, " a lot of talented policewomen, who has sports background were not provided a platform where they could have continued their games. But with the beginning of annual women sports meet, I’m sure these women cops will get an extra exposure and also earn name for the J&K Police by excelling at the national level." The demonstration boxing bouts were held between Aarti Sharma (828/IR 2nd) and Geeta Devi (216/IR 4th); Asha Jamwal (795/IR 2nd) and Bindu Manhas (822/IR 2nd); Arshad Bano (284/IR 2nd) and Anju (703/IR 2nd). The opening results VOLLEYBALL: IR 4th and IR 3rd battalions entered the final. Earlier, in group-A, IR 4th beat JKAP 11 (security) and JKAP 13 Bn. In group-B, IR-II beat JKAP 4th (security) and JKAP 3rd Bn. BASKETBALL: IR 4th and IR-2nd Bn reached the final. Earlier, in group-A, IR 4th beat JKAP 4th (security) and JKAP 13th. In group-B, IR 2nd beat JKAP 11 (security) and IR 2nd. |
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Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, June 29: Farooq Ahmed of Amar Singh College won the district Srinagar carrom championship beating Arif Sultan of Friends Club in the final of senior boys at Polo ground (West), Srinagar today. The championship was organised by the J&K Carrom Association and sponsored by the J&K State Sports Council. Prof Bashir Ahmed, joint secretary, State Sports Council presided over the prize distribution function. Among others present were G S Bakshi, president J&K Caroom Association, Mushtaq Ahmed and Nazir Ahmed Sofi. The detailed results Cadet boys: Zahid Ahmed Khan, Blue Dart School, Ist and Faisal Shah, Minto Circle School, Rajbagh, 2nd. Cadet girls: Tanzela Firdous, Maillision School, Sheikh Bagh, Ist and Nashmeel Nazir, Maillision School, 2nd. Sub-junior boys: Anees, Casset School, Ist and Shouib, British School, 2nd. Junior boys: Miya Amir Linton Hall School, Ist and Umar Mehraj Linton Hall School, 2nd. Junior girls: Sana, CMP, Ist and Bisma, CMP, 2nd. Senior boys: Given Nadiya, Amar Singh College, Ist and Arif Sultan, Friends Club, 2nd. Consolation prize: Given Nadiya, British School; Junaid, Bisco School; Manjeet Singh, Tiger Club; Ravi Kumar, Tiger Club, Owais, Oakhill High School. Officials: Adil Zahoor, Arif Sultan, Adil Rashid, Naveema Akhtar and Saleem. Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, June 29: Josh Cricket Club (JCC) today reached the semi-finals of the Summer Cup cricket tournament beating Rishikesh Club in the quarterfinals, here. Batting first after winning the toss, RCC made 131 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the allotted 15 overs, which, in reply, JCC chased in 14.4 overs losing nine wickets. Javed was declared man of the match for taking three crucial wickets. The second quarterfinal will be played between Arslaan Club and Talab Tillo Club. Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, June 29: A 10-day trekking expedition was organised by the Winter Games Association of Jammu, here at Gharwal Himalayas under the supervision of Ashish Nanda and Ashwani Goswami. The course was aimed at trekking and mountaineering skills besides nature study. Earlier, the camp was flagged off by Sidharth Sharma, member, Sports Council and patron of the Association. Previous failures haunt Portugal and Dutch LISBON, June 29:Fear of further semi-final failure is all that stands in the way of a classic when slick-passing Portugal meet a fast improving Netherlands side tomorrow with a place in the Euro 2004 final at stake. The Dutch have settled on their best team, led by Arjen Robben and Ruud Van Nistelrooy in a classy forward partnership, and feel a repeat of their 1988 European championship win is on the cards. Portugal, inspired by the artistry of Deco and bolstered by the defensive partnership of Jorge Andrade and Ricardo Carvalho, have quality running through their side and the benefit of passionate home support. Tomorrow’s game at the Jose Alvalade Stadium will be as much a test of nerve as a trial of skill, though, as the two beaten semi-finalists from the last European championship bid to avoid a similar fate. This will be a fifth semi-final for the Dutch and they have won just one, when they went on to take the title in 1988. Portugal have lost both their previous semi-finals and they are well aware that the hosts have gone out at the semi-final stage in the last four championships. Those factors, coupled with the blazing heat in Lisbon, could lead to an over-cautious approach and there is a distinct air of tension in the Portuguese camp, perhaps primed by the enormous expectations of the country’s 10 million people. "I believe we’ll go on to reach the final because I think we are a better side," Deco told reporters. "It would be a huge disappointment to miss out on the final now, or to reach the final only to lose it." The Portuguese do have some history on their side, with the Dutch having won only one of their eight previous meetings. Pauleta is available again after suspension but Nuno Gomes is likely to continue up front in an unchanged team. Deco, Carvalho and defensive midfielder Costinha are just a yellow card away from missing the final if they do make it after being booked in the quarter-final win over England. Dutch coach Dick Advocaat will be forced to make at least one change, with centre-back and captain Frank De Boer out after suffering an ankle injury in the penalty shoot-out win over Sweden in the quarter-finals. Wilfred Bouma is the logical choice to partner Jaap Stam while Andy Van Der Meyde’s poor performance could see him replaced by Marc Overmars. Johnny Heitinga, another option in defence, believes Luis Figo remains the main threat to Dutch hopes, even if his recent form has not been spectacular. "Figo is an excellent player and he still has the ability to decide a match in one moment," Heitinga said. Van Der Meyde and substitute striker Roy Makaay have yellow cards and are in danger of missing the final through suspension. The final is on July 4 and will feature the winners of Thursday’s semi-final between Greece and the Czech Republic. Zaheer bowling faster now: Lilee CHENNAI, June 29: Thanks to the advice of biomechanics and physiology expert David John from Australia, left arm pace bowler Zaheer Khan is now bowling faster. Implementing the well researched changes in his action in the last two days at MRF foundation, he is bowling faster, former Australian speedster Dennis Lillee, who is helping the Indian, said. John, who analysed the Baroda bowler’s action on video during the tours of Australia and Pakistan, advised him to make more use of his non bowling arm, rising it further up in his action. This will help him to generate more pace, David John said, adding that Zaheer’s discomfort in the back might also have been due to the fact that he was jumping too much and landing his right foot hard before delivering the ball. David John has been working with another biomechanics expert Darryl Foster, who is also a consultant at the MRF Pace Foundation. With the first international engagement for Indian cricket in the new season 18 days away, Zaheer Khan is already ironing out his guiles before joining the final camp for probables here from July 3. The Baroda paceman, who has been working with Lillee for the last two days, however, turned down an interaction with the press, saying, he would meet the press only during the final preparatory camp here before the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. (UNI) |
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