Aslam criticises Aiyar, seeks PM help

NEW DELHI, Mar 14: An angry hockey great and former Parliamentarian Aslam Sher Khan today criticised Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar for refusing to take action against IHF chief KPS Gill and said MPs would seek the Prime Minister’s intervention to revive hockey in the country.

Aslam, who was a member of the 1975 World Cup winning team, has launched a campaign to remove Indian Hockey Federation President Gill and save the game by obtaining signatures of over 100 Member of Parliaments on a memorandum addressed to PM Manmohan Singh.

"Government should look after proper utilisation of the facilities they provide like infrastructure, coaches and funds to the Federation. The government also gives permission to teams for their foreign visits. Aiyar can’t bail himself out of the situation," Aslam told.

The MPs are agitated because of the country’s failure to qualify for the Beijing Olympic Games and as a result Indian team would not be a part of the sporting extravaganza for the first time in 80 years.

"The MPs are very angry and want me to do something in order to save hockey and remove Gill. All senior and new MPs have come together and I have collected signatures of around 100 members and the memorandum will be signed on Monday or Tuesday. The number of supporting MPs could go up to 200," Aslam said. Taking action against IHF administration in the past, they decided to approach the PM for help.

The memorandum addressed to the PM says, "as the leader of the great country we ask you to follow the precedent which late Indira Gandhi took when country faced with the similar situation and hockey was on decline in 1983.

"She took immediate action by asking the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to dissolve IHF and create an ad-hock committee. It went on to assess the damage done by previous administration and took necessary steps to revive the game," it said.

The former fullback also lambasted Gill for the decline of hockey in the country over last few years.

"Gill is behaving as if a wild elephant crushes everyone’s head. MP’s think why cant it be corrected. Like in 1975 when Ashwini Kumar was the IHF President, the Government of India ensured that the Federation elections were conducted under its observation.

"In 1983, CISF head IM Mahajan was the IHF Chief and again hockey was on the downslide so Indira Gandhi directed the then Sports Minister to intervene. So if there is a will there is a way and I am confident that government will take an initiative," he said. (PTI)

Sachin tops ICC ODI rankings

DUBAI, Mar 14: After his brilliant performances in the recently concluded CB series Down Under, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar occupies the top spot in the ICC ODI world batting rankings while Team India jumped one spot to the third position.

In the ODI batting charts, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is at the seventh position, is the only other Indian batsman in the top 10.

Gautam Gambhir is placed at the 12th spot with 167 points while team mate Yuvraj Singh (155 pts) is at in the 17th position.

West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul (191pts) is placed second. He is closely followed Mohammad Yousuf (190 pts) from Pakistan while Brendon McCullum (188 pts) from New Zealand is at the fourth position.

McCullum’s team mate Jamie How (177 pts) is placed at the eighth position. South African Herschelle Gibbs (186 pts), Graeme Smith (181 pts) and Abraham De Villiers (175 pts) are placed at the fifth, sixth and nineth positions respectively. Ricky Ponting (172 pts) at the 10th position completes the top 10 list.

However, none of the Indian bowlers could enter the top 10 in the world ODI bowling rankings.

Pace sensation Ishant Sharma (155 points) is the highest placed Indian bowler at the 11th spot while compatriot Sreesanth (150 points) is at the 12th position followed by RP Singh (134 points) who is ranked 18th.

Unlike the Australian batsmen, the bowlers from Down Under continue to rule the ODI bowling rankings. Brett Lee (196 points) is at the top of the bowling charts. Team mates Nathan Bracken (181 pts) and Mitchell Johnson (179 pts) are at the fourth and the fifth positions respectively. (UNI)

A victory is like winning a million verbal duels: Dhoni

NEW DELHI, Mar 14: "A victory is like winning a million verbal duels,", India’s ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has said, summing up his team’s recent victory over Australia in the tri-series championship marked by verbal attacks by some Australian players against Harbhajan Singh and others.

"We gave it back to them, and how !" he was quoted as saying in the latest edition of ‘Tehelka’ magazine.

Dhoni said he had refrained from giving any reaction to the Australian provocations as he knew his team could put it across the world champions.

"I believe in action more than words. I was repeatedly hounded by Indian reporters, who wanted my reaction on repeated insinuations by some top members of the Australian team. But I said nothing. The best answer is your performance", he said.

"I knew we would win and hence, refrained from reacting. I knew we would give it back to them at an appropriate time". (PTI)

Mangrink team wins Archery competition

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

LEH, Mar 14: Mangrink team outclassed Sapi team by 9 points in the final to clinch Annual Archery competition at Shakar village of Chiktan.

Acting Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC Kargil, Nasir Hussain Munshi was the chief guest on the occasion while Executive Councilor for Agriculture and Horticulture, Kachoo Gulzar Hussain Khan was the guest of honour.

Later, the chief guest distributed prizes among the participants. Ali Ghulam, Mohd Mousa and Hussain Khan were declared best shooters.

In all, seven teams from adjoining villages took part in the competition.

Globalization demands excellence
in educational pattern: Charak

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 14: Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak today said in the new millennium where globalization rules the roost education system should be of higher excellence to fit in the modern system and provide opportunity to the students to compete at international level. Minister was speaking at the Annual Day function in Government Degree College, Kathua today. The Minister of State for Power Babu Singh was also present.

For providing infrastructure in new and existing colleges, Charak said that the Governments has provided sufficient funds for the same. He said for the renovation and additional accommodation for existing colleges, the local fund of the respective colleges would be utilized judiciously to give new look to these institutions.

Minister of State for Power, Babu Singh called upon the teaching community to acquaint the students with moral education, necessary to make them good human beings.

Mr. Charak also releases newsletter of the college. Earlier, the students presented various cultural programmes.

Later, the Minister distributed prizes and mementos among the meritorious students of the college.

Principal of the college Prof. V. K. Munshi in his welcome address highlighted the achievements and activities of the college.

Banyan Tree School launched in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 14: The Banyan Tree School has been launched in Jammu at Babliana by the Shaurya Educational Society to provide quality education in tune with modern times and strong links with culture and values.

Talking to media-persons at the launching ceremony of the school, R S Gupta, Director-Education of the Banyan Tree Schools in India alongwith B B Gakhar, former Chairman Board of School Education, Haryana and Ravinder Talwar, National Awardee, said that Shaurya Educational Society has collaborated with the famous The Banyan Tree School of Delhi.

To aid and help the Banyan Tree School, the renowned educationalists have developed an international curriculum keeping the national curriculam as core, Mr Gupta said, adding the curriculum will help developing the students into all around personalities to face the tough competitive world outside. This will certainly give an advantage to all those who join the Banyan Tree School.

According to Mr Gupta, the Directors of the Shaurya Educational Society—Sneh Gupta and Vicky Mahajan have already completed a beautiful school building on 5 acres of land at Babliana to accommodate 1500 students from Nursery to Class XII.

The other required infrastructure, equipments, furnishing interior, books, computers, playway and activity material and all other needs for the smooth functioning of the school will be ready by the first week of April.

The salient features of learning process planned for The Banyan Tree School, Babliana include learner’s centric approach, encourage students autonomy, activity based learning environment, inspire students to be innovative, confident and courageous, introduce quality in all the activities concerning academics and beyond classes, music and dance besides other performing arts, improve professional skills of the faculty and ensure their complete involvement in educational persuits, provide e-learning programme with all infrastructure and medical record of each child etc.

"We are conscious of a sound beginning and the kids will be given education through playway methodology combining the best of Kinder Garten, Montessori system and other accepted pre-schools programmes", Mr R S Gupta said, adding "the curriculum shall not be burdensome and reflect only the learning based on activity and fun".

The Banyan Tree School will ensure complete development (physical, mental, moral, social and aesthetic) of the child, he further said, adding the programes have been on the philosophy to achieve quality in all activities and to learn by doing.

Amardeep, Reema, Kiran best athletes
PG Deptt, GCW Parade clinch overall trophy

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 14: PG Department clinched overall trophy in men section while GCW Parade bagged top honours in women section as the valedictory function of 35th Inter-Collegiate Annual Athletic Meet concluded at Jammu University on a colorful note.

Amardeep Singh of Science College adjudged best athlete in men section while in women section, Reema and Kiran Devi of GCW Parade emerged joint winners. Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Vice-Chancellor, Jammu University was the chief guest on the occasion while Harbans Singh, Ex-Minister was the guest of honour.

Prof Lokesh K Verma, Director, Physical Education delivered the welcome address.

The students of M C Khalsa College enthralled the audience with superb display of colourful cultural items like Bhartiyam, Gidha etc.

Meanwhile, in the events held on the final day, Reema and Kajal of GCW Parade finished first and second respectively in 100 mts sprint while Arti of GCW Gandhi Nagar stood third.

In the men section, MAM College secured first position followed by PG Department and MAM College who had to be content with second and third positions respectively.

In 4x400 mts relay (men), PG Department emerged victorious while MAM College and Commerce College finished second and third respectively.

In women section, GCW Parade again proved their supremacy by notching up first position while GCW Gandhi Nagar and PG Department secured second and third positions respectively.

The Athletic Meet was organised by the Department of Physical Education, Jammu University.

Body Building Championship on Mar 17

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 14: The Jammu District Body Building Association under J&K Body Building Association is going to conduct 5th Jammu District Body Building Championship on March 17 at Abhinav Theatre at 2 pm.

According to Suresh Pal, Secretary, Jammu District Body Building Association, about 50 body builders from Jammu district are likely to participate in the said championship.

The competition for senior championship weighing will be held at Muscle Tech Gym, Green Belt Park, Gandhi Nagar on March 16 at 4 pm.

PCB looking to host Australia in November

LAHORE, Mar 14: Although Australia has postponed its scheduled tour of Pakistan, the PCB is still hopeful that they will get the opportunity to host the world champions twice this year.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is sure that the Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suggested November as the possible time to compensate for the postponed series against Australia.

ICC’s President-elect David Morgan made it clear that Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy as scheduled.

To a question that whether Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy this year or not, he replied, "the answer is yes,’’ Morgan said and added, "that is the plan.’’

The PCB is now sounding optimistic that Australia will agree to play Pakistan in a series in November.

The PCB’s Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi said, "when they postponed the original tour, they asked us to propose a new date.’’

"We have looked at the international schedule and all of the other factors, and we think either November this year or March next year would be a good time for the tour to go ahead.

"If it was to proceed in november, it would most likely be a split tour, with the Australians then coming back in March.

"But if it were to take place in March, it would be a full tour. From reading James Sutherland’s statements, I think he favours March,’’ he added.

However, both the Australian and Pakistan boards have denied reports which suggested that the Indian Premier League (IPL) was the driving force behind the world champion’s disapproval for the series.

Cricket Australia (CA), too, is looking to host a short one-day series before the team leaves for West Indies where it will play a three-Test series.(UNI)

IPL to help defuse controversies
between India and Australia: Lee

SYDNEY, Mar 14: Fast bowler Brett Lee has said the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) will provide some of his teammates an ideal preparation for the Caribbean tour and would also help to defuse the controversies between Australian and Indian players.

The fiery pacer expressed his disappointment that Australia could not fulfill it’s commitment with Pakistan but added that security was a major concern and the decision was in the best of interests.

"But safety is our most important consideration right now, and Cricket Australia thought it wasn’t safe enough for us to tour there, so it’s as simple as that,’’ he told reporters.

The 31-year-old added that playing in India for the IPL will ease off the tensions and controversies that prevailed during India’s recent tour Down Under.

"I think it would be great for world cricket. If we can go and play and mix with these indian players .... This will only enhance the way the two teams share the same view,’’ he said.

He said IPL will keep some of his teammates match fit and will also provide a good amount of match practice that will be useful when the Australian team tour West Indies.

"It would be pretty tough on the body. To continue playing cricket would be the best thing for us,’’ he said.

"I think any cricket is great preparation for a tour. As long as you’re out there batting or bowling, and being out in the field.’’

Lee said his teammates will follow CA’s instructions and are totally committed to the governing body. He however, denied to have received any information about plans of another one-day series to fill the gap created by the postponement of the Pakistan tour.

"At the end of the day we’re contracted to Cricket Australia. We can play the IPL if CA allows us to.’’ (UNI)

Shoaib seeking BCCI help to avoid PCB punishment

KARACHI, Mar 14: Amid strong indications that the Pakistan Cricket Board may severely discipline Shoaib Akhtar this time, the fast bowler is making all possible efforts, including approaching a top Indian cricket official to speak to the PCB Chief to bail him out of the current situation.

Having already been banned for 13 matches last year and fined 3.4 million rupees for having a brawl with teammate Mohammad Asif before the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, Shoaib is facing a situation where he could be banned for a long period and fined heavily again.

The governing body of the board will meet on March 22 in Lahore to discuss recommendations of the disciplinary committee, currently hearing charges of misconduct and violation of the players code of conduct against Shoaib.

Sources said that besides charges of speaking publicly against the policies of the board, Shoaib has also been charged with misconduct and spoiling team spirit in the ‘federal areas’ dressing room when he captained them in the first match of the Pentangular Cup last month in Lahore.

Shoaib was dropped from the federal areas team after going wicketless in the first match.

A federal areas official said the manager and coach had submitted a strong report on Shoaib’s conduct to the board and asked for action to be taken against him.

"Shoaib knows he is in a tight situation and even got a top Indian official who closely involved in the Indian Premier League to try to get a pardon for him from the PCB," one source confirmed.

The problem for the speedster is that he was put under a one-year probation period from last year when he was banned and warned any further violation of the code of conduct could result in an automatic life ban.

Sources said Shoaib had even been using his contacts with top political figures expected to be in the new government to get a pardon.

"So far he has not been successful and is also said to be unhappy with the response of the Indian official. More importantly he is now worried that if banned he might also not be allowed to play in the IPL which starts from April 18," one source disclosed.

"The interesting thing is Shoaib had already complained that the bidding amount quoted for him in the IPL auction was not as assured to him by the officials and that he went for a low price."

There are rumors that Shoaib has even met with the Indian Cricket League official Kapil Dev in Mumbai in recent days and his joining the rebel ICL is not a factor that can be completely ruled out.

Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, said the board was expecting to take a decision on the disciplinary committee’s recommendations at the governing body meeting but would not comment further.

"Since the board is the complainant I don’t want to say anything more on this issue," Naghmi stated. (PTI)

Ambrose, Anderson give England firm grip

WELLINGTON, Mar 14: A century by Tim Ambrose and a five wicket bag for James Anderson gave England a firm grip on the second cricket Test against New Zealand by the end of the second day here today.

England were four without loss in their second innings at stumps for a commanding 148-run lead after routing New Zealand inside three sessions for 198.

Barring weather intervention, a result seems almost certain in the Test after 15 wickets fell in the day.

England, looking to make amends after losing the first Test, resumed the day at 291 for five in their first innings and Ambrose reached his maiden Test century as they added 51 runs before folding at 342.

New Zealand struggled to 100 for three by tea and then capitulated, losing their last seven wickets for 96 runs and leaving england openers Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook to negotiate five overs before the close.

Recalled paceman Anderson was the chief destroyer of the New Zealand innings, taking out Matthew Bell for a duck and Jamie How for seven in his opening spell.

He removed Mathew Taylor (9) after lunch before Stephen Fleming and Ross Taylor rallied the New Zealand innings with a 71-run stand, which ended soon after the tea break when Anderson struck twice more to finish with five for 79.

He had Fleming caught at backward point by Kevin Pietersen for 34 and then dismissed Taylor for 53, caught by wicketkeeper Ambrose.

It was not the complete innings former New Zealand captain Fleming wanted in his last Test at the Basin Reserve.

Fleming received a standing ovation when he reached 18 to become the first New Zealand cricketer to amass 7,000 Test runs, but his first century on his adopted home ground continues to elude him.

Although he went on to score another 16 runs, Fleming never appeared comfortable in the face of swing bowling from Anderson and Stuart Broad.

He earned a reprieve on 18 when dropped by Paul Collingwood off Broad, and survived a run out chance in the final over before lunch when Kevin Pietersen’s throw was wide and Monty Panesar was unable to remove the bails.

Collingwood, normally one of England’s most reliable catchers, was also guilty of giving Taylor a life on 23 and he went on to top score for New Zealand with 53.

Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori attempted to keep the New Zealand innings alive with an aggressive partnership of 52 runs in 33 balls. But McCullum edged Collingwood to Andrew Strauss in slips and was gone for 25.

Vettori, left to bat with the tail, struck out to be unbeaten on 50 while Kyle Mills (1), Mark Gillespie (0) and Chris Martin (1) came and went at the other end.

Collingwood, who finished the innings by bowling Martin, recorded his career best figures of 3-23.

Earlier Ambrose had resumed the day on 97 and reached his 100 by edging Jacob Oram through the slips for four in the fourth over of play.

But he added just one more before prodding at Mills and being caught by Ross Taylor at second slip.

Gillespie then claimed Ryan Sidebottom for 14 and Anderson with his first ball to produce figures of 4-79 off 20 overs while Oram took 3-46 from 29 overs. (AGENCIES)