THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS
50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
S P O R T S

Sydney Test set for nail-biting finish
Sydney, January 5
Rahul Dravid struck a breezy unbeaten 91 as India provided the stage for a pulsating finish to the series-deciding cricket Test by setting Australia a stiff winning target of 443 runs here today.



Sachin Tendulkar looks to play a pull shot during his innings of 60 not out on the fourth day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. — AP/PTI photo
Sachin Tendulkar looks to play a pull shot during his innings of 60 not out on the fourth day of the fourth Test against Australia

First 3 wkts hold key, says Dravid
Sydney, January 5
Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid believes the first three Australian wickets hold the key to a verdict in this gripping series-deciding cricket Test.

Is sun setting on Australian cricket?
Sydney, January 5
It had seemed that the sun will never set on the Australian winning spree. And whatever the outcome of this final cricket Test, the Indians have proved that it perhaps will as they sniff a chance of their first-ever series win on Australian soil.

Australia's Brett Lee reacts after team-mate Ricky Ponting dropped a catch to dismiss India's Virender Sehwag during the fourth day of the fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. — Reuters photo
Australia's Brett Lee reacts after team-mate Ricky Ponting dropped a catch to dismiss India's Virender Sehwag during the fourth day of the fourth Test


EARLIER STORIES
 

Rohan leaves for Australia
Mumbai, January 5
Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar’s son Rohan today left for Australia to join the Indian cricket team for a triangular one-day series as a replacement for batsman Mohammad Kaif, who has been ruled out due to a thumb injury.

Gibbs, Kallis hit tons as SA tighten noose
Cape Town, January 5
Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis both hit centuries to give South Africa complete control of the third test against West Indies on Monday. Gibbs scored 142 and Kallis 130 not out as South Africa closed the penultimate day on 335 for three in their second innings, a lead of 440. They look sure to declare overnight and attempt to dismiss West Indies in the 105 overs available to them on Tuesday.

South African batsman Jacques Kallis sweeps the ball past West Indies wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs at Newlands cricket ground in Cape Town on Monday. Kallis went on to score an undefeated 130 runs with South Africa on 335 runs for 3 wickets at the close of play on the fourth day of the third Test. — Reuters photo
South African batsman Jacques Kallis sweeps the ball past West Indies wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs

Klusener’s return
DURBAN:
The legal tussle between Lance Klusener and the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) has finally been resolved with the all-rounder being offered a three-month contract to play for the national team.

Kapil bares it all in autobiography 
New Delhi, January 5
Kapil Dev Ram Lal Nikhanj says he has spoken from his heart, and bared it all, withholding nothing that he can remember, from his autobiography “Straight from the Heart”, which was launched here this evening at a sombre function by his mother, Raj Rani Nikhanj, on the occasion of his birth- day.

David Ferrer survives a scare
Chennai, January 5
In a battle between two of the 10-member Spanish armada, seventh seed David Ferrer staged a brilliant comeback to outplay Fernando Verdsco 1-6, 7-5, 6-0 to enter the second round in the ATP 2004 World Tour Tata Open Tennis Championships at the Nungambakkam Stadium here today.

Eight qualify for main draw
Amritsar, January 5
Eight players qualified for the main draw of the All-India Tennis Association (AITA) Talent Series Championship that kicked off here today. Sagar Sharma in a closely contested match beat Karan Narang 8-7 in the second round of under-18 boys.

‘India can become soccer powerhouse’
New Delhi, January 5
Asserting that India had the potential of becoming a potent force in world football, Asian Football Confederation general secretary Peter Velappan today called for a professional approach by the authorities to attain this “vision.”
In video: (28k, 56k)

Dhanraj Pillay dreaming of Olympic gold medal
Hyderabad, January 5
Indian hockey’s mercurial striker Dhanraj Pillay has just one final goal before calling it a day. No prizes for guessing that it is the Olympic gold which would find the pride of place among all the awards and medals he has won till now.

‘India can win’ Azlan Shah title
HYDERABAD: Coach Harendra Singh has promised a good show by the Dhanraj Pillay-led Indian Hockey team at the Azlan Shah Cup tournament to be played at Kuala Lumpur from January 8 t 18.

Belgium's Kim Clijsters, currently ranked No 2 in the world, shows her diamond engagement ring to the public during an interview at the Hopman Cup in Perth
Belgium's Kim Clijsters, currently ranked No 2 in the world, shows her diamond engagement ring to the public during an interview at the Hopman Cup in Perth on Monday. Clijsters and Australian tennis player Lleyton Hewitt announced their engagement before Christmas and will marry this year. — AP/PTI

EME lift hockey title Kishori Lal
Mandi, January 5
EME Jalandhar lifted the trophy in a closely fought encounter overpowering Indian Overseas Bank, Chennai, 2-1 in the final of the 11th All-India Him Gold Cup Hockey Tournament being played here at Paddal Stadium today.

PSB, Punjab Police set up title clash
New Delhi, January 5
Punjab and Sind Bank trounced Central Reserve Police Force 4-1 to set a summit showdown with Punjab Police in the Shivaji Hockey Tournament for the Dhyan Chand Cup here today.

Neelam J. Singh in limelight
Amritsar, January 5
International discus thrower Neelam J Singh came first in the women category on the inaugural day of the first Baba Deep Singh Athletic Meet being held at Guru Nanak Dev University here today. The two-day meet is being organised by Goodwill Athletics Club.

HSIDC spikers bag trophy
Chandigarh, January 5
The Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation (HSIDC) team has bagged the championship trophy of the 28th state level volleyball competition organised at Kharia village in Sirsa district. In the women’s section, Kheri Ram Nagar team bagged the trophy.

Karate competition results
Ambala, January 5
An open inter-school karate competition was organised by the District Karate Association at Vivekanand Public School. A number of students from different schools participated. Students of Guru Harkishan Public Senior Secondary School won four gold medals.

Video
Leh taps ice hockey potential.
(28k, 56k)

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Sydney Test set for nail-biting finish

Anil Kumble celebrates with team-mates Akash Chopra and Sachin Tendulkar after taking eight wickets on the fourth day of the fourth Test against Australia
Anil Kumble (C) celebrates with team-mates Akash Chopra (R) and Sachin Tendulkar after taking eight wickets on the fourth day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

Rahul Dravid hoists Australian bowler Nathan Bracken for a six
Rahul Dravid hoists Australian bowler Nathan Bracken for a six on the fourth day of the fourth Test in Sydney on Monday. — Reuters photos

 Australian bowler Brett Lee checks on the health of Rahul Dravid after he hit him in the head
 Australian bowler Brett Lee (L) checks on the health of Rahul Dravid after he hit him in the head on the fourth day of the fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. 

Australian batsman Simon Katich waves his bat in celebration after scoring his maiden Test century
Australian batsman Simon Katich waves his bat in celebration after scoring his maiden Test century on the fourth day of the fourth Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. — AP/PTI photos

Sydney, January 5
Rahul Dravid struck a breezy unbeaten 91 as India provided the stage for a pulsating finish to the series-deciding cricket Test by setting Australia a stiff winning target of 443 runs here today.

After India took a first innings lead of 231, Dravid exhibited some stunning shots before being hit on the ear by a rising delivery from Brett Lee, forcing the Indian captain Sourav Ganguly to declare the second innings at 211 for two.

That left the visitors a minimum of 94 overs to press for their first-ever series win on Australian soil with one day remaining.

Earlier, Anil Kumble claimed eight for 141 after some unexpected resilient batting from the Australian tail who eventually folded up for 474 in the first innings.

Simon Katich, scoring his maident Test hundred of 125, and Jason Gillespie with a defiant 47 added 117 runs for the eighth wicket to stretch Australia’s innings 50 minutes into tea session.

Kumble’s figures were his second career best after his 10 for 74 against Pakistan at Delhi in 1999. It was his 23-rd five wicket haul in an innings and took him past late West Indian fast bowler Malcolm Marshall’s Test tally of 376.

Kumble, with 378 wickets from 81 Tests, is now the second highest Indian wicket-taker after former captain Kapil Dev who has 434 to his name.

Australia need to score at a rate of 4.71 runs an over to overhaul what would be the successful highest fourth innings targert in the history of Test cricket.

Although the world champions fell 32 runs short of the follow-on mark, Sourav Ganguly decided not to ask the Aussies to bat again in a bid to give his bowlers some rest as well as avoid batting last on a Sydney track that was showing unpredictable bounce.

When India batted again, Virender Sehwag gave them a brisk start though he was blessed twice early in his innings in Brett Lee’s third over of the innings.

Sehwag first flirted with an away delivery and was caught by wicketkeeper only to find it a no-ball and two deliveries later Ricky Ponting let a chance slip away at second slip.

Sehwag’s dismissal at that stage could have made India 11 for 2 since Aakash Chopra had already departed, guiding Jason Gillespie into the slips when on two.

Sehwag belted away in his proven style, playing inside out and a few times under-edging behind him for fours as he positioned himself into the 40s at tea break.

Sehwag departed to the first ball he received after tea, sweeping leg-spinner Stuart MacGill high into the hands of Jason Gillespie at square leg fence. His 47 from 50 balls with eight fours nevertheless gave India a good momentum.

The 138-run unbroken second wicket stand between Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar (60 not out) then set the stage for a historic series win for India Down Under.

Dravid led the Indian charge, carting 91 runs from 114 balls in 166 minutes to raise 619 runs at an average of 123.8 from the series.

Tendulkar had a half century of his own (383 runs at 76.50), batting 108 minutes and 89 balls for his 60 runs with five fours.

Earlier, Australia covered a fair leeway thanks to young Simon Katich’s maiden Test century from a mere 116 balls with 15 fours.

Katich pulled the home innings a fair way and consumed important time during his record eighth wicket stand with Jason Gillespie.

They improved upon the 83 runs Ricky Ponting and Gillespie himself had stitched together in the Adelaide Test.

Australia, who resumed at overnight 342 for 6, lost Brett Lee (0) early but the eighth wicket stand frustrated the Indians no end up.

Kumble finally nailed the resistance when he had Katich caught in the deep and Gillespie stumped from one which beat him in the forward push.

Katich was reprieved in the penultimate over before lunch when Parthiv Patel missed an easy stumping off him against Kumble with the total 446 for 7 and the batsman on 116.

Scoreboard

India (1st Innings): 705 for 7 decl.

Australia (1st Innings):

Langer c Patel b Kumble 117

Hayden c Ganguly b Kumble 67

Ponting lbw b Kumble 25

Martyn c & b Kumble 7

Waugh c Patel b Pathan 40

Katich c Sehwag b Kumble 125

Gilchrist b Pathan 6

Lee c Chopra b Kumble 0

Gillespie st Patel b Kumble 47

Bracken c Agarkar b Kumble 2

MacGill not out 0

Extras (b-6, lb-9, w-3, nb-20) 38

Total (all out in 117.5 overs) 474

Fall of wickets: 1-147, 2-214, 3-229, 4-261, 5-311, 6-341, 7-350, 8-467, 9-473. Bowling: Ajit Agarkar 25-3-116-0, Irfan Pathan 26-3-80-2, Anil Kumble 46.5-7-141-8, Murali Kartik 19-1-122-0, Sourav Ganguly 1-1-0-0.

India (2nd Innings):

Chopra c Martyn b Gillespie 2

Sehwag c Gillespie b MacGill 47

Dravid not out 91

Tendulkar not out 60

Extras: (lb-3, w-1, nb-7) 11

Total: (for 2 wkts in 43.2 overs decl.) 211

Fall of wicket: 1-11, 2-73. 

Bowling: Lee 12.2-2-75-0, Gillespie 7-2-32-1, MacGill 16-1-65-1, Bracken 8-0-36-0.

Australia (2nd innings):

Langer batting 4

Hayden batting 1

Extras (b-4, nb-1) 5

Total (for no loss in 4 overs) 10

Bowling: A Agarkar 2-1-4-0, A Kumble 2-0-2-0. — PTI 

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First 3 wkts hold key, says Dravid

Sydney, January 5
Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid believes the first three Australian wickets hold the key to a verdict in this gripping series-deciding cricket Test.

“Langer, Ponting and Hayden have been the ones who have scored a lot of runs. They are the key to this game. If we can get them early we can put pressure on them,” Dravid said today as Australia were left needing 433 from the 90 overs on the final day for a victory in the four-Test series.

“Chasing such a big target is a tough ask. If they are defending for the game, it could create chances for us. Otherwise the wicket has not deteriorated much.

“The chances of them batting through the day are pretty good but the first session tomorrow is going to be critical,” said the right-handed batsman. — PTI

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Is sun setting on Australian cricket?

Sydney, January 5
It had seemed that the sun will never set on the Australian winning spree.
And whatever the outcome of this final cricket Test, the Indians have proved that it perhaps will as they sniff a chance of their first-ever series win on Australian soil.

“As long as they are dominating, the Australians are big bullies on the field but the concept of staying on the crease to avoid loss is alien to them,” said a former Aussie cricketer yesterday as the hosts faced the ignominy of having to follow-on.

In the past, seldom have Australians been in a position where they did not have much choice left. For the first time in 15 years they are having to think of saving a follow on. The last time they were in this “inglorious” position was in Ian Healy’s debut Test against Pakistan in Karachi in 1988.

It was not surprising that a story by Robert Craddock in ‘The Courier Mail’ was preceded by a warning: “cricket fans with delicate stomachs are advised not to read this. We feel obliged to advise as it contains material some people may find distressing.”

The write-up detailed Australia’s bowling averages against India. It said, “rarely in the history of Test cricket has an Australian side copped such harsh treatment from a visiting side.

“Till now in this series only Jason Gillespie has nine wickets at 38.3, averaging less than 40 runs a wicket. Fast bowlers Brett Lee’s average is eight wickets at 50.1, Andy Bichel’s six at 49.1, Brad Williams’ five at 45.0 and Nathan Bracken’s six at 52.5.”

Craddock continued, “Australia changed its attack in every Test, yet could find no answer to cracking the determination of openers Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag, the wristy brilliance of VVS Laxman and the technical purity of Rahul Dravid”.

Not all fairytales have a happy ending and while Steve Waugh will always be remembered as one of the game’s greats, this series story sends a message that it is time to give a fresh look to the Australian side’s “second rate” bowling and “abysmal” fielding.

Peter Roebuck wrote in the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’: “The great are famous for their failures, the ordinary for their achievements” and it was left for the readers to decide Waugh belonged to which category.

Chloe Saltau wrote in the Herald, “It will not be lost on Waugh that in his last Test he was dismissed by a man half his age. A late-swinging ball from India’s talented left-armer Irfan Pathan, 19, found the outside edge of 38-year-old Waugh’s bat and carried through to gloveman Parthiv Patel, who incidentally is less than half Waugh’s age, and ended the captain’s innings on 40.”

To many former international cricketers, Ganguly’s decision to continue his side’s innings for 39 minutes yesterday “gave further proof of the new-found doggedness and mental strength.” — PTI

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Rohan leaves for Australia

Mumbai, January 5
Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar’s son Rohan today left for Australia to join the Indian cricket team for a triangular one-day series as a replacement for batsman Mohammad Kaif, who has been ruled out due to a thumb injury.

The Bengal skipper on Monday left from the Chhattrapati Shivaji International Airport here.

Twenty-seven-year-old Rohan Gavaskar, the Bengal Ranji captain, talking to the media at the airport said he was “happy and thrilled” to join the Indian team. — UNI

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Gibbs, Kallis hit tons as SA tighten noose

Cape Town, January 5
Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis both hit centuries to give South Africa complete control of the third test against West Indies on Monday.
Gibbs scored 142 and Kallis 130 not out as South Africa closed the penultimate day on 335 for three in their second innings, a lead of 440. They look sure to declare overnight and attempt to dismiss West Indies in the 105 overs available to them on Tuesday.

It was the 12th Test century scored by Gibbs and the 14th for Kallis, the pair sharing a partnership of 251 for the third wicket before Gibbs holed out in the deep.

Although West Indies made a good start to the day, claiming the wickets of captain Graeme Smith (24) and Jacques Rudolph (nought) within the first three overs, Gibbs and Kallis steadied the innings before rain forced the players from the field an hour after lunch.

The pair returned to complete their centuries in the late afternoon, South Africa seeking quick runs in the 26 overs remaining to them in the day.

The home side are already 2-0 up in the four-match series. Scoreboard

South Africa (1st Innings): 532

West Indies (1st Innings): 427

South Africa (2nd Innings (overnight 38-0)

Smith b Edwards 24

Gibbs c Gayle b Drakes 142

Rudolph c Jacobs b Drakes 0

Kallis batting 130

Kirsten batting 10

Extras 29

Total: (for 3 wkts, 76 overs) 335

Fall of wickets: 1-48, 2-50, 3-301 

Bowling: Edwards 14-0-86-1, Sanford 8-1-38-0, Gayle 9-3-34-0, Drakes 20-0-68-1, Mohammed 6-0-30-0, Sarwan 19-1-69-1. —AFP

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Klusener’s return

DURBAN: The legal tussle between Lance Klusener and the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) has finally been resolved with the all-rounder being offered a three-month contract to play for the national team.

Klusener had approached a labour court challenging the UCB’s decision to drop him from the side after the country’s lacklustre showings in the World Cup.

UCB CEO Gerald Majola said Klusener’s contract would come into effect from the start of this month. “Details of the settlement are confidential, and Klusener will be contracted to the UCBSA from January 1, 2004.” — PTI

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Kapil bares it all in autobiography 
M.S.Unnikrishnan

New Delhi, January 5
Kapil Dev Ram Lal Nikhanj says he has spoken from his heart, and bared it all, withholding nothing that he can remember, from his autobiography “Straight from the Heart”, which was launched here this evening at a sombre function by his mother, Raj Rani Nikhanj, on the occasion of his birth- day. Both mother and son were chocked with emotion, and had moist eyes, as Kapil handed over a wrapped copy of the 400-page hard-bound book, to his mother for the formal launch. The mother-son duo had to repeat the act when the shutter bugs milled around them, blocking the views of the videographers. “Lene do”, Kapil pacified the videographers. And the launch act was repeated for the benefit of the television crew.

Kapil said the main purpose of the book was to clear the hypocrysy practised in the society. He said the book was a “honest, candid account of his life”. “I have nothing to hide, no axe to grind”, he declared. “And I have no apprehension or reservation in telling the truth”.

Kapil’s coach Desh Prem Azad and the former Indian captain’s wife Romi Dev were among the distinguished gathering, but the floor was held aloft by Kapil, and none else. He politely ticked off those who tried to veer away from the subject of the day.

“Discipline is the hallmark of a person”, declared a line in the video presentation, capturing some memorable moments from Kapil’s life. And Kapil embodies that. He said the book was dedicated to all those young boys and girls who have taken to sports as a serious vocation. And he thought of no better person than his own mother to launch this book from the “heart”.

Kapil said the book contained many palatable and unpalatable articles. But on his part, he had said what he wanted to say as he had always looked at life with a positive frame of mind.

Kapil disclosed that he opted to drop the defamation case against former Board of Control for Cricket in India president Inderjit Singh Bindra as the legal process would have taken at least 20 years to get a final verdict, and by then he would have been well past the productive years of life.

“I saw no point in wasting my hard earned money on legal fees, though people close to me were against dropping of the case”, Kapil explained. Kapil said the most memorable moment in his life was when he made his India debut and not when he won the World Cup in 1983. “That was the only time I could not sleep for two days”, he recollected. “Such a thing had happened never before, never after”, he added.

And one of his greatest regrets was not winning the Test during Sunil Gavaskar’s farewell Test against Pakistan at Bangalore in 1996.

Kapil repeatedly reminded the gathering that he owed a lot to his near and dear ones, and his coach Desh Prem Azad for helping him make it big in cricket from a “small place like Chandigarh”, though he quickly corrected himself, saying that “Chandigarh has now become a happening place”.

Of course, Kapil could not resist but keep on repeating the “dark two-year” phase in his life when he was haunted by the match-fixing allegation. “During this two-year period, I learnt more about life than what I had learned in the the preceding 40 years”, Kapil noted, his voice trailing off...in choked emotion.

He said he had neither the passion to write a book nor the desire. But when others started writing about him, truths and untruths, “I thought I should pen my thoughts, and one person who pushed me into doing this was Mr Subroto Roy (of Sahara)”.

Kapil said he realised “who I am only after I stopped playing cricket”, and revealed that “during the dark days of my life, all my golfing friends stood by me.” 

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David Ferrer survives a scare

Chennai, January 5
In a battle between two of the 10-member Spanish armada, seventh seed David Ferrer staged a brilliant comeback to outplay Fernando Verdsco 1-6, 7-5, 6-0 to enter the second round in the ATP 2004 World Tour Tata Open Tennis Championships at the Nungambakkam Stadium here today.

The sparse crowd around the centre court, much to the disappointment of the event managers, seemed to be in for an upset win as the contest began. The 20-year-old southpaw, whose best career ranking was 108, seemed to be in a devastating form in the first set.

Fernando won the set with aplomb breaking Ferrer in the second and sixth games unleashing some powerful forehand cross court shots.

But the clay court specialist Ferrer made a brilliant rally even as it appeared that Fernando would make a sweep of it. — UNI

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Eight qualify for main draw
Our Sports Reporter

Amritsar, January 5
Eight players qualified for the main draw of the All-India Tennis Association (AITA) Talent Series Championship that kicked off here today.
Sagar Sharma in a closely contested match beat Karan Narang 8-7 in the second round of under-18 boys. While Amritpal defeated Sukhjot 8-4, Vikas Sethi got the better of Vijay Bhardwaj 8-1, Simran Cheema outplayed Surinder 8-3, Sahil Kapoor outclassed Tushar Jaitley 8-4, and Bharat Bhardwaj beat Gulrej Singh 8-2.

Meanwhile, in the first round Sushant Modgill defeated Arvinder Pal Singh 8-5, Simran Cheema beat Sanchit Kalia 8-0 and Surinder trounced Dheeraj Arora 8-0.

Vikas Sethi routed Parveen Arora 8-1, Sukhjot outclassed Dhruv Khanna 8-6 and Amrit Pal Singh beat Satyam Kapoor 8-0.

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‘India can become soccer powerhouse’

New Delhi, January 5
Asserting that India had the potential of becoming a potent force in world football, Asian Football Confederation general secretary Peter Velappan today called for a professional approach by the authorities to attain this “vision.”

“India has the potential to become a powerhouse in world football. That is why we have selected it for our pilot project for Vision Asia programme. I have no doubt in my mind that if everyone goes about the job professionally then India will become a potent force in the next five year,” Velappan, who is also the Project Director of Vision Asia, said.

Addressing delegates at the Vision Asia conference, organised to launch the Vision India programme, he said the AFC would provide the necessary expertise and tailor-made courses for the development of football in India under the project.

The conference was inaugurated by Sports Minister Vikram Verma, who promised full government support to the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) in its endeavour to take the country to newer heights in football.

Later, speaking to newspersons, Velappan said accountability of national federations towards the programme was very essential and hence the AFC and the AIFF would formalise a mechanism to assess the progress at regular intervals.

Velappan also emphasised the need of improving the standard of the National Football League which he said would act as a base for the national squad.

Under the pilot project for Vision Asia, the AFC has short- listed eight countries — India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. — PTI

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Vasco hold Dempo

MARGO: Abhijit Mondal’s superb goal-keeping helped Dempo maintain their unbeaten run as they drew goal-less against Vasco in the 8th National Football League at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Monday.

Vasco played a cohesive but lack of finishing proved to be their undoing. Despite their opponents being reduced to ten men five minutes before the end, Dempo failed to capitalise on the advantage. The only close chance they had was in the injury time of the first half when R.C. Prakash’s shot was saved by diving keeper Ramos. — PTI

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Dhanraj Pillay dreaming of Olympic gold medal

Dhanraj PillayHyderabad, January 5
Indian hockey’s mercurial striker Dhanraj Pillay has just one final goal before calling it a day. No prizes for guessing that it is the Olympic gold which would find the pride of place among all the awards and medals he has won till now.

The 2004 Athens Olympics will be the final hurrah for the outspoken gifted forward. He has had his good and bad moments on and off the field, had his share of brushes with the officials and paid a price too.

What keeps Pillay going at 36 when his contemporaries have turned coaches? He has played alongside Harinder Singh and Ramandeep Singh, the chief coach and assistant coach of the squad for the forthcoming Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament at Kuala Lumpur.

In a chat here with UNI, Pillay said he owed his longevity in the hockey field to his amazing fitness level. “That has kept me going. Mind you, I ought to be as speedy to receive the pass from the one who weaves his around to slip in that. It is demanding and challenging, precisely the two factors which have kept my adrenaline overflowing.”

Part of the victorious 1998 Asian gold medal team, Pillay defines that moment as the most cherished one. “But the defining moment should be the Olympic gold, hopefully If I could hold the prized possession as the skipper. We are not actually in there, having to cross the pre-Olympic qualifiers. It was close at the last edition in Sydney but one moment of slackness against Poland spelled our doom. The lessons have been learnt.”

Youngsters coming in a big way has pleased Pillay no end. “It is the academies which have been producing quality players. Now you find competition for every slot unlike the earlier years. The indispensable factor has gone with the wind, sure signs that our brand of hockey is catching up. But then, too much of chopping may not restore the balance.”

Admitting that he is in a phase, enjoying the game to the hilt with his spot-on passes, Pillay said that had been precisely the transformation. “As I am the most marked man, it makes my day if I could wriggle out of the marker to unfold that dream pass for a Jugraj to put it for the best results.”

What about the charges of him not being a gallant loser? Like the time when he barged into the stands following a poor day in the field against Pakistan in the 1996 Champions Trophy at Chennai. “We give in our best always. But sometimes, it may still fall short of the crowds’ expectations. It was one of those days when the emotions got the better of me. I have mellowed down since that episode.” — UNI

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‘India can win’ Azlan Shah title

HYDERABAD: Coach Harendra Singh has promised a good show by the Dhanraj Pillay-led Indian Hockey team at the Azlan Shah Cup tournament to be played at Kuala Lumpur from January 8 t 18.

Harendra Singh, who is going to Kuala Lumpur as the coach of the senior squad in place of Rajinder Singh said his team had the potential to win the title. “We are a serious contender for the top honours,” he said. “A good performance in Azlan Shah will be a great morale booster for the team prior to the crucial Olympic qualifier to be held in Madrid (Spain) in March,” he said. He added that the Azlan Shah tournament would also prepare “us for the three-Test series against Holland to be played at Hyderabad on February 5, 7 and 8.” — UNI

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EME lift hockey title Kishori Lal

Mandi, January 5
EME Jalandhar lifted the trophy in a closely fought encounter overpowering Indian Overseas Bank, Chennai, 2-1 in the final of the 11th All-India Him Gold Cup Hockey Tournament being played here at Paddal Stadium today.

Both the teams displayed character and temperament although some of the players were responsible for rough play. The umpires flashed the green and yellow cards to warn the erring players.

The fast-paced match witnessed many exciting moments. While EME earned a penalty corner, the bank boys missed a golden opportunity when S. Sinthel laid an accurate pass for G. Gopinathan who failed to hit the target. The teams were locked goal-less till the breather.

Shortly after half time the bank lads raided the rival area and managed to score their first goal through Shashi Karan in the 37th minute. EME failed to equalise as they failed to convert two penalty corners in the 46th and 51st minutes, respectively.

EME continued their attack and sounded the board in the 60th minute through a field goal by Tirki. The game ended 1-1 and moved into extra time.

The bank men wasted a penalty corner in the very second minute. The golden goal came in the second half of extra time when Mathu of EME netted the ball and sealed the fate of the rivals.

Sports Minister Thakur Ram Lal declared the tournament closed and gave away the trophy to the winners.

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PSB, Punjab Police set up title clash

New Delhi, January 5
Punjab and Sind Bank trounced Central Reserve Police Force 4-1 to set a summit showdown with Punjab Police in the Shivaji Hockey Tournament for the Dhyan Chand Cup here today.

The policemen overcame stiff resistance from Indian Oil to emerge 2-1 winners in the other semifinal.

Punjab and Sind Bank, who topped pool A, never looked under any pressure against CRPF and raced to a 4-0 lead, after leading 1-0 at the half time.

Rajwinder Singh scored a brace while Kulwinder Singh and Sharanjeet Singh contributed with one each for the winners while Tanveer registered a consolation goal for CRPF.

Meanwhile, in a keenly fought tussle, Punjab Police thwarted a late charge by the Indian Oil strikers to hold on to the lead given by Satwinder Singh in the 54th minute through a penalty stroke.

Both the teams began with an all out attack strategy with the cops going into the lead in the second minute through a penalty corner conversion.

But Lakhwinder Singh restored parity for the losers two minutes later leaving the game evenly poised till the break. — PTI

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Neelam J. Singh in limelight
Our Sports Reporter

Amritsar, January 5
International discus thrower Neelam J Singh came first in the women category on the inaugural day of the first Baba Deep Singh Athletic Meet being held at Guru Nanak Dev University here today. The two-day meet is being organised by Goodwill Athletics Club.

Bimi Singh of Fatehgarh Sahib and Beljeet Kaur of PAP, stood second and third, respectively, in the same event. In the men’s section Sukhbir Singh, Gursewak Singh and Amardeep Singh secured first, second and third positions, respectively.

In 800 metres for men Subash Chander of RCF got the first position, while Kashmir Singh of PAP and Bikram Singh of Amritsar finished second and third, respectively. In the women’s section Jaswinder Kaur of Amritsar stood first, Tejinder Kaur of Jalandhar second and Gurjeet Virk of Sangrur third.

In 1500 metres (U-17) Parminder Singh of Amritsar was declared first while Harpreet Singh of Qadian and Daljeet Singh of Tarn Taran secured the second and third positions, respectively.

In 400 metres (U-14), Satbir Singh of Amritsar stood first while Navdeep Singh and Maninder Bir Singh Mehta were second and third, respectively.

In long jump (women) Gurwinder Kaur stood first. In 400 metres hurdle (men) Kuldev Singh of Punjab Police got the first position. In 100 metres (men) Manjinder Singh of Punjab Police got the first position. In 200 metres (U-17) Tirath Singh of Gurdaspur remained first. In 3000 metres walk (women) Amardeep Kaur of Jalandhar, Dharamveer Kaur of Tarn Taran and Mandeep Kaur of Amritsar stood first, second and third, respectively. 

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HSIDC spikers bag trophy
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 5
The Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation (HSIDC) team has bagged the championship trophy of the 28th state level volleyball competition organised at Kharia village in Sirsa district. In the women’s section, Kheri Ram Nagar team bagged the trophy.

The prizes to the winning team was distributed by Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Mr Satbir Singh Kadiyan during the closing ceremony of the competition.

The HSIDC team beat Bhiwani by 25-19, 25-17, 25-14 in the final. In the women’s is section, Kheri Ram Nagar team beat Hisar by 25-17, 23-25, 25-22, 25-16.

The third position in women’s section went to Rewari team which beat Sonipat. In the men’s section the Haryana Armed Forces team bagged the third position by beating the Kurukshetra team.

A match between Haryana-A and Haryana-B teams was also organised in the presence of the chief guest which was won by Haryana-A team by 32-19. As many as 700 sportspersons representing 49 teams participated in the championship.

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Karate competition results
Tribune News Service

Ambala, January 5
An open inter-school karate competition was organised by the District Karate Association at Vivekanand Public School.
A number of students from different schools participated. Students of Guru Harkishan Public Senior Secondary School won four gold medals.

Among others, Mr J.S. Chopra, Mr Omkar Singh and Mr Kulbhushan Sharma were present. The judges were Mr Rajesh Kumar, Mr Manoj Kashyap and Mr Jitendra Passi and the referees were Deepak Prache, Rajesh, Vishal Chauhan, Pawan Singh, Malti, Himanshu Sharma, Ajay Kashyap and Tarsem.

In sub-junior boys, up to 20 kg, Deepak Sharma won gold medal, while Ajay Pal won silver medal and bronze medal was shared by Harjeewan Singh and Subham. Up to 25 kg, Santosh won gold medal, Abhishek won silver medal and Gaurav won bronze medal.

In 25-30 kg, Balwinder was first, Rahul Pal was second and Gaurav and Vivek shared the third spot. In 30-35 kg, Shivaksh Babbar was first, Arun was second and Ajit Kumar was third. In 35-40 kg, Pardeep was first, Sucha was second, while Sunil and Ravi Kumar shared the third spot. In 40-45 kg, Vikas Rathi won gold medal, Govinda won silver medal while Sumit Pihwal and Piyush Bhalla won bronze medal. Above 45 kg, Pankaj Dogra was first, Amandeep Singh was second, while Rohan Kapoor and Nitin Khurana were third.

In junior boys, up to 45 kg, Rajesh won gold medal, Pardeep Kashyap won silver medal, while Amarjeet and Ajay Gautam won bronze medal. In 45-50 kg, Deepak Semwal won gold medal, Ashu won silver medal and Arvind and Ajit Singh won bronze medal. In 50-55 kg, Reshav Aggarwal was first, Shalinder Rishi was second and Rakesh Gagat was third. In 55-60 kg, Saurav was first, Kaushal Parchey was second and Rahul Passi was third.

In men, up to 50 kg, Pradeep won gold medal, Mukesh won silver medal and Rajesh and Deepak won bronze medal. In 50-55 kg, Rinku won gold medal, while Vijay won silver medal. In 60-65 kg, Jeet Kumar won gold medal, Janeshwar won silver medal and Pawandeep Singh won bronze medal.

In sub-junior girls, 22-25 kg, Shiwani was first, Sonam Birla was second and Kirti was third. In 32-36 kg, Sonia was first, Pooja stood second and Kamaljeet stood third. Above 36 kg, Neetu won gold medal, Pooja Birla won silver medal, while Sapna won bronze medal.

In junior girls, 42-46 kg, Shama won gold medal, while Meenakshi won silver medal.

Cricket meet: Students of GMN College, Ambala Cantt, represented Haryana in the National Super Seven Cricket Tournament held in Maharashtra.

The Principal, Dr R.R. Malik, said in women cricket team, the players from the college were: Ragini, Sandhya and Arti. The team won bronze medal. In men, the players from the college were: Ashok Rai, Hari Singh, Chander Bhushan and Manoj Kumar.

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