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| BCCI turns down New Zealand offer to replace Sri Lanka NEW DELHI, Jan 4: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has turned down a proposal to play in New Zealand after Sri Lanka pulled out of the tour against the Kiwis in the wake of the Tsunami disaster..............more Gilchrist
upstages SYDNEY, Jan 4: Adam Gilchrist upstaged Ricky Ponting’s fourth Test double-century with an exhilarating hundred as Australia went on a third day run rampage at Pakistan’s expense in the final cricket Test at the Sydney cricket ground today...............more Paes
confident of CHENNAI, Jan 4: Indian tennis star Leander Paes today said he was confident of winning his fifth doubles title at the $380,000 ATP tour Chennai Open here...........more MUMBAI, Jan 4: Veteran striker Dhanraj Pillay is likely to give the inaugural and high-profile Premier Hockey League a miss, according to sources close to the player. ........more |
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Physical education course for teachers Excelsior Sports Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Jan 4: Department of Youth Services and Sports organised 10-day ‘scholar course’ for general line teachers in physical education and sports, here......more Play
wrestling to Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 4: A known wrestler of his times and first NIS qualified coach from Jammu and Kashmir, Prem Choudhary has called upon the young generation.............more Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 4: Tawi Sports and Social Club (TSSC) and its affiliated unit, Roshni Cricket Academy (RCA) today full-filled their promises finalising the advance.........more J&K
Police, New Bharat Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 4: Jammu and Kashmir Police and New Bharat today reached the quarterfinals of ongoing 2nd Banarsi Dass memorial football championship at GGM Science College ground, here.....more |
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Razzaq fit but Sami out of Australia tri-series...... Four Indian youngsters in Australian Open! ..... |
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BCCI turns down New Zealand offer to replace Sri Lanka NEW DELHI, Jan 4: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has turned down a proposal to play in New Zealand after Sri Lanka pulled out of the tour against the Kiwis in the wake of the Tsunami disaster. "We did receive an invitation from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) requesting us to fill the gap after Sri Lanka pulled out. But it was not possible for us," BCCI secretary S K Nair said over phone. Earlier, after the Lankans had pulled out, NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said he was optimistic of bringing in either India or a World XI to play a three-match one-day series to compensate for the abandoned Sri Lankan tour. Subsequently, NZC sent an official invitation to the BCCI inviting the team India to play towards the later half of this month. "We regret that we can’t make it to New Zealand for the tour," Mr Nair added. With India refusing to tour the country, NZC would now host a Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA) World XI, comprising players spared of national duty at the moment. Meanwhile, BCCI was yet to take a decision on appointing an ICC-approved biomechanic for spinner Harbhajan Singh, Mr Nair said. "We have sought some clarifications from the ICC and we’ll take a decision after getting the feedback," he said. Time is running out for BCCI because, according to ICC rule, the board would have to appoint a biomechanic to correct Harbhajan’s action within six weeks. However, almost a fortnight after the off-spinner was reported for a suspect bowling action on December 20 during the away Test series against Bangladesh, BCCI is still awaiting an ICC clarification after which they plan to rope in a biomechanic expert. (UNI) |
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Gilchrist upstages Ponting with dynamic hundred SYDNEY, Jan 4: Adam Gilchrist upstaged Ricky Ponting’s fourth Test double-century with an exhilarating hundred as Australia went on a third day run rampage at Pakistan’s expense in the final cricket Test at the Sydney cricket ground today. Gilchrist crashed 113 off 120 balls, his 13th Test century in 65 tests whizzing off 109 balls, to accelerate the Aussies out of reach of the beleaguered tourists with a first innings of 568, a 264-run lead and two days left to play. Skipper Ponting joined Don Bradman and Greg Chappell in an exclusive club as the only Australian batsmen to score four double Test centuries as he accumulated 207 in over eight hours, but it was Gilchrist’s fireworks that had the SCG crowd marvelling. Gilchrist underlined his reputation as world cricket’s foremost entertainer with a spectacular hitting display that crushed the spirits of the hapless Pakistan bowlers. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper, promoted to number six from his usual number seven place in the batting order, pounded 14 fours and five sixes in 139 pulsating minutes to have the home fans roaring with delight. He resumed on 17 and plundered 88 runs off 75 balls to reach his quickfire century Tuesday. Pakistan reached stumps at 67 for one with Yasir Hameed on 40 and Younis Khan not out five and needing a further 198 runs to make Australia bat again in a seeming lost cause. The tourists lost first-innings centurion Salman Butt for 21 in the 10th over when leg-spinner Stuart MacGill struck with the first ball of his opening over. Salman edged a leg-break to Shane Warne at slip leaving the tourists at 46 for one. Gilchrist almost brought up his memorable century with three consecutive sixes off nonplussed paceman Mohammad Asif, but his last hit took a bounce just inside the boundary ropes. He perished going for another extravagant shot, stumped off leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, ending a 153-run fifth-wicket stand with Ponting of which he contributed the lion’s share of 113. Gilchrist has scored centuries against all the other nine test-playing nations, with the exception of Bangladesh. The sweet-hitting left-hander has amassed 4,109 runs at a Test average of 52.67. Ponting registered the highest score by an Australian against Pakistan in a SCG Test when he passed Greg Chappell’s 182. He was bowled by Rana Naved-ul-Hassan when he played on in the 125th over of the innings leaving Australia 529 for six. He cracked 30 boundaries off 332 balls. Kaneria claimed 7-188 off 49.3 overs with three of his victims, Damien Martyn (67), Michael Clarke (35) and Gilchrist all stumped off his bowling. It was the third time in Tests the wrist-spinner had captured seven wickets in an innings following his 7-77 against Bangladesh and 7-118 against Sri Lanka. Pakistan had some successes towards the end of Australia’s 554-minute innings taking the last five wickets for 39. Kaneria picked up debutant Shane Watson (31), Glenn McGrath (9) and Shane Warne (16), while paceman Rana claimed Ponting and Jason Gillespie (0) to finish with 3-107 off 26 overs. The third day’s play got under way at 1:30 pm (0800 am gmt) after rain washed out the entire morning session but play was extended with a total of 70 overs bowled. Australia are in line for their third straight victory over Pakistan inside four days after huge victories in the Perth (491 runs) and Melbourne (nine wickets) Tests. (AFP) SCOREBOARD Pakistan first innings 304 Australia first innings (overnight 340-4) J Langer b Naved 13 M Hayden b Kaneria 26 R Ponting b Naved 207 D Martyn st Akmal b Kaneria 67 M Clarke st Akmal b Kaneria 35 A Gilchrist st Akmal b Kaneria 113 S Watson c Asif b Kaneria 31 S Warne c Younis b Kaneria 16 J Gillespie lbw b Naved 0 G McGrath c Youhana b Kaneria 9 S MacGill not out 9 Extras (b-6 lb-13 w-3 nb-20) 42 Total (all out, 133.3 overs) 568 Fall of wickets: 1-26 2-83 3-257 4-318 5-471 6-529 7-535 8-537 9-556 10-568. Bowling: Shoaib 15-2-69-0 (nb-3), Naved 26-3-107-3 (nb-11), Asif 16-3-72-0 (nb-4), Kaneria 49.3-7-188-7 (w-3), Afridi 27-3-113-0 (nb-2) Pakistan second innings Salman Butt c Warne b MacGill 21 Yasir Hameed not out 40 Younis Khan not out 5 Extras (nb-1) 1 Total (for one wicket, 14.4 overs) 67 Fall of wicket: 1-21 Bowling: McGrath 4-0-25-0, Gillespie 4-1-16-0 (nb-1), Warne 3.4-0-12-0, MacGill 3-0-14-1. (AGENCIES) |
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Paes confident of winning his fifth doubles title CHENNAI, Jan 4: Indian tennis star Leander Paes today said he was confident of winning his fifth doubles title at the $380,000 ATP tour Chennai Open here. Paes, who displayed some of his old form though going down to Hsun-Yen Lu of Taipei in the first round singles last night, said "my partner Nenand Zimonjic of Serbia is an excellent doubles player. After all I had won four titles at this venue and it was all satisfying ones. I am focused to win my fifth doubles title in order to start the season on a winning note." On his decision to play in the Chennai Open singles, Paes said "I must admit that it is a luxury for me to play in tours. If Prakash and Karan were not given wild cards, I would not have accepted to play in singles." "But, I am happy that I had played good match against Hsun-Yen Lu, whom I consider a technically sound player, who was quicker than me on the court. Singles play always helps me in preparation for doubles." Drawing comparison to his time ten years before, paes pointed out that there were a lot of opportunities for youngsters. "Tournament of this level came to India only since 1996 and the number of junior level tournaments and ITF events for seniors held in India works as a launching pad for them." "Whatever I do off the court, the very next morning I am back to the mill of nine hour schedule," he declared. He was of the opinion that up and coming talents would be better off should they showtotal commitment in their career as tennis players. "The Krishnans and Amritraj are still continuing their good work, which speaks volumes about their commitment of tennis," he added. "Importantly, I want to see the same situation that existed in late 80s when we had the luxury of six players waiting in the wings to represent the country as stand-byes when Ramesh and myself were there," he said. "The need of the hour is requirement of total commitment by our players. For example, Harsh (Mankad) could not perform to expectations in Davis Cup matches and people considered him to be over the hill. "But, one should notice his game today. He comes up with superb tennis like he dished out in the qualifying events here when he is return off," Paes pointed out. On what was in store for India in Davis Cup play and the future of Indian players, Paes said that both Prakash Amritraj and Karan Rastogi were talented players. "There has been a sea change in attitude, game plan and technical prowess of Prakash. He shed lot of weight during the last one year and looks to be a complete player." Paes pinned his hopes on both Prakash and Karan and said "I am sure these two will soon prove their mettle in Davis Cup matches." (PTI) |
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MUMBAI, Jan 4: Veteran striker Dhanraj Pillay is likely to give the inaugural and high-profile Premier Hockey League a miss, according to sources close to the player. "There are quite a few reasons for Dhanraj to be miffed at the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) bosses and it would not be a surprise if he skips the event," the sources told PTI today. "One of the major reasons for the player to be unhappy with the IHF is not only the way he has been treated of late by the governing body, but also because he would be playing under a player (Viren Rasquinha) who is junior to him," the sources pointed out. "Rasquinha is a fine player, but he is much junior to Dhanraj. He would have been happy to play (for Maratha warriors) under someone like Ramandeep Singh who captained him in past Olympics," they said. The sources also said that IHF chief K P S Gill should not have made the statement that "in India players do not retire, but have to be thrown out," when referring to the omission of Pillay and a few other seniors from the squad for the Champions Trophy in Lahore in December last. "How can the same IHF now expect Dhanraj to play in their tournament after insulting him thus?" Another reason for Dhanraj to be angry is the disparity in the appearance fee being offered to him in comparison to someone like Pakistan’s ace Drag Flicker Sohail Abbas. "Dhanraj is as big a name, if not bigger, in world hockey as Abbas who has reportedly been offered Rs 5 lakh. Why should not he (Dhanraj) expect to be treated on par," the sources queried. (PTI) |
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Physical education course for teachers Excelsior Sports Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Jan 4: Department of Youth Services and Sports organised 10-day ‘scholar course’ for general line teachers in physical education and sports, here. In the valedictory function of the course, District Development Commissioner, Ashok Parmar was chief guest, who distributed participation certificate among the all the campers. He was briefed by district officer, Ashok Kumar about the training imparted among the general line teachers by experts from physical education and sports. Teachers were imparted training in march-past, conduct morning assembly in schools, mass PT drill and also in games like kabaddi, volleyball, athletics and other recreational games. These trained general line teachers, according to Ashok Kumar, will make up the deficiency of absence of PETs in the schools. Prominent among others present were Deputy Chief Education Officer and District Planning Education Officer besides athletic and football coaches from Sports Training Centre (STC) Udhampur. |
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Play wrestling to build strong nation: Prem Choudhary Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 4: A known wrestler of his times and first NIS qualified coach from Jammu and Kashmir, Prem Choudhary has called upon the young generation to play wrestling to build nation strong. A strong critic of the youth adopting unhealthy means to keep themselves busy, he said, " the parents must teach their wards the importance of healthy body and for keeping one fit, game of wrestling is the best medium". Prem Choudhary, who himself takes coaching classes at famous Dewan Mandir Akhara in the heart of the city, was talking to EXCELSIOR, here today. He said that even the sports departments of the State is paying little attention towards this indigenous game and in the last one decade the worst affected among all sports was wrestling. However, with some extra efforts by the wrestling associations of the State, the State Sports Council is now making some improvement in the existing wrestling hall at MA Stadium. "It was again because of the efforts of some individuals and the wrestling associations that Sports Authority of India has deputed a coach at Jammu to train the young and promising wrestlers," he further informed. Chairman of the technical committee of J&K Wrestling Association, Prem said that there is no dearth of latent in the State provided good job opportunities are created for those have scope and adjustment of others who have excelled at the State and national level. |
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Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 4: Tawi Sports and Social Club (TSSC) and its affiliated unit, Roshni Cricket Academy (RCA) today full-filled their promises finalising the advance training of nine young cricketers at DDA run Dronacharya Cricket Academy at Delhi. These cricketers, who have been drawn from different districts of Jammu Province will be imparted advance training by a penal of coaches including Vivek Rajdhan, Arun Sethi and Robin Singh (junior). Talking to newsmen, Managing Director, RCA, Rajinder Arora said, " it will be for the first time in the history of cricket in J&K that junior cricketers are being send for advance training at a reputed academy of the country.’ Rajinder, who will accompany these cricketers to Delhi along with manager, Pappu Dogra was of the view that as and when back to Jammu, these youngsters will be a changed lot. Leaving for Delhi on January 10, the nine selected cricketers are Sourav Rahan, Kulwant Singh, Rahul Raina and Varinder Singh (all Udhampur), Pawan Kumar, Karan (Bishnah in Jammu), Himalay (13-year old from Katra), Amir Manhas (Banihal in Doda), Puneet Nischal (13-year old from Jammu). It may be recalled that TSSC and TCA had selected the young cricketers during talent search camp at Udhampur in July last for advance training free of cost. |
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J&K Police, New Bharat sail into quarters of football Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 4: Jammu and Kashmir Police and New Bharat today reached the quarterfinals of ongoing 2nd Banarsi Dass memorial football championship at GGM Science College ground, here. In the first match, J&K Police had easy win over Engineers’ XI 5-0. Fayaz and Asif helped Police take 2-0 lead in the first half netting the ball in the 18th and 34th minute of the match. Later, in the second half, Shabir made two goals in the 53rd and 68th minute while Fayaz scored his second and team’s fifth goal in the 55th minute. In the second pre-quarterfinal match, New Bharat outplayed Vijay Club by a solitary goal. First half remained barren and later in the second half, Chander Udhay made the all important goal in the 34th minute of the match. Tournament is being organised by Young Hero’s Football Club. Inzamam, Razzaq fit but Sami out of Australia tri-series KARACHI, Jan 4: Injury-plagued Pakistan got welcome news about the fitness of captain Inzamam-ul Haq and all rounder Abdul Razzaq but fast bowler Mohammad Sami was ruled out of this month’s one-day tri-series in Australia, selectors said today. Pakistan recalled allrounders Azhar Mahmood and Mohammad Hafeez, opener Taufiq Umer and medium pacer Rao Iftikhar to the 16-member squad announced here. "Inzamam missed the last two Tests in the current series against Australia due to a back injury but the team management told us from Australia that he will be fit for the one-day series, so its good news for us," chief selector Wasim Bari told AFP. Razzaq missed the ongoing Sydney Test after suffering dizziness and breathing problems while another allrounder, Shoaib Malik, is also expected to regain fitness after splitting his webbing in the second Test in Melbourne. Pakistan take on hosts australia and the west indies in the tri-series starting from January 14. Pakistan play their first match against Australia on January 16 in the league phase and the top two teams will then qualify for the best-of-three finals. "Sami suffered a heel and back injury and would not be able to make it for the tri-series and it would be better for him to regain fitness for the all-important India tour next month," said Bari. Sami, leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, opener Imran Farhat, batsman Asim Kamal and fast bowler Mohammad Asif will return home after Pakistan’s loss in the Test series to Australia. "We believe in continuity. We have decided to retain Kamran Akmal for the one-day series and since he has done well in Tests he deserves more chances to boost his confidence," said the chief selector. The 29-year-old Mahmood, who is a key figure for surrey in the english county championship, played the last of his 134 one-day internationals in New Zealand in January last year. Squad: Inzamam-ul Haq (captain), Yousuf Youhana (vice captain), Salman Butt, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Hameed, Mohammad Hafeez, Taufiq Umer, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Azhar Mahmood, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Khalil, Rao Iftikhar, Rana Naveedul Hassan. (AFP) Four Indian youngsters in Australian Open! NEW DELHI, Jan 4: Four Indian youngsters would get to see the season-opening Grand Slam, the Australian Open, from really close quarters. They have been selected to act as ball-kids, the ones who collect and supply balls to the players during the game, at the high-profile tournament starting in Melbourne on January 17. Mandeep Yadav and Akshat Joshi (Chandigarh), Aparna Vyas (Bulandshahar) and Radhika Jadhav (Mumbai) — all in the age group of 12 to 14 — would be leaving for Melbourne tomorrow, a press release by All India Tennis Association said here today. The youngsters were selected through a workshop conducted by the Australian Open’s marketing division in Delhi in last September. The kids, who would be witnessing centenary celebrations of the tournament, would be given training by Australian Open’s personnels before the event starts, the press release said. (PTI) Kallis upstages Lara, Dravid remains on top LONDON, Jan 4: Prolific South African batsman Jacques Kallis has upstaged West Indies skipper Brian Lara by climbing to the number two spot behind India’s Rahul Dravid in the latest Test cricket ratings. Kallis (856 points) earned the elevation after he hit a superb 162 in the second Test against England at Durban, which also made him the highest run scorer for South Africa in a calendar year. According to the ratings by pricewaterhousecoopers, Lara (845), who has not played a Test since last August, slipped down to No. 3. Dravid (882) maintained his position at the top of the table while Damien Martyn climbed to the fourth position after his fine 142 against Pakistan at Melbourne. (PTI) Strong ticket sales for Tsunami charity match MELBOURNE, Jan 4: Nearly 20,000 tickets were sold today on the first day of sales for next Monday’s Tsunami relief charity match between an all-star selection of international cricketers. Officials are hoping the 80,000-seat Melbourne cricket ground will be sold out for the match, dubbed ‘cricket aid’ between World XI and Asian XI sides. "To sell almost 20,000 tickets in half a day is a fantastic result and augers well for creating a strong atmosphere," said International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed. Asian officials yesterday selected Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly to lead a 14-member team in the 50 overs match. The team will include six players from India, including Sachin Tendulkar, and five from Sri Lanka, two of the countries hardest hit by the December 26 Tsunami. Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer will coach the squad. Former Australian captain Steve Waugh will manage the 12-member world team, which will also feature Shane Warne, Brian Lara, Chris Cairns and Darren Gough. Meanwhile, cricket fans in Sydney have donated USD 121,200 for the Tsunami disaster relief appeal in the first three days of the third Test match between Australia and Pakistan. Officials had initially aimed to raise USD 77,700. (AP) |
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