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Kapil Dev’s guru Azad breathes his last I owe my success in life to Azad, says Kapil Dev |
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Indian badminton
league
Delhi face Hyderabad in IBL
Bad day for Indian grapplers
Athletes who don’t dip at line are throwing medals away
Isinbayeva says she was
misunderstood on gay issue
Chargesheeted persons not barred in India: IOA to IOC
Accused of girlfriend’s murder, Pistorius may face more charges
Former doubles champ charged with rape
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Kapil Dev’s guru Azad breathes his last
Chandigarh, August 16 Azad played first-class cricket for Maharaja of Patalia's XI, Southern Punjab and Haryana between 1953 and 1973. But he found his true calling in coaching, and — as he would often say — "changed the landscape of Indian bowling forever" by honing Kapil Dev’s abilities, presenting India its first great pace bowler after Independence. Azad’s claim is irrefutable. Indian cricket hadn't seen a fast bowler worth his salt since the pre-Independence days of Amar Singh and Mohammad Nissar. The advent of Kapil Dev was a watershed mark in Indian cricket and Azad, who shaped the fast bowler from his early days at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium, can't be thanked enough for it. Three other of his wards went on to for India — Yograj Singh, Ashok Malhotra and Chetan Sharma — though with lesser success. But four players representing the country from the stable of one coach, within a few years of each other, made his achievement even more creditable. This turned the spotlight on Chandigarh like never before. Having produced India's best cricketer of the 20th century, it would have been easy for any coach to sit on his laurels. Azad, however, was obsessed with cricket, and was actively with coaching and Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) till his last breath. While he spent most of his time coaching at the grassroots level and with the PCA, he was keenly aware of goings-on at the higher level. A staunch critic of T20 cricket, he never hesitated in speaking his mind on how the shortest format was 'destroying the game'. "We need to teach kids the basics of the game, not T20," he would always say. RIP, DP Azad. Life and times of DP Azad
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I owe my success in life to Azad, says Kapil Dev
Chandigarh, August 16 With moist eyes, Azad’s elder son Sanjeev Aggarwal, a former Ranji Trophy player from Punjab, said that Azad’s death marked the end of a cricketing era. Azad had groomed cricketers like Kapil Dev, Yograj Singh, Ashok Malhotra and Chenan Sharma, who went on to play for the country. A noted name in Indian cricket's hall of fame, Azad first played in the Ranji Trophy in Punjab in 1953. After playing 19 first class matches, he took on the role of a coach. A right-handed batsman, he successfully ran a cricket academy in Chandigarh and inspired several young crickets of the region Remembering his coach, Kapil Dev said Azad was a very tough coach on the field and indeed put a lot of effort in honing his skills. “I must say that I have lost a very close friend today. I owe him a lot for whatever I have achieved in my life as a cricketer,” Kapil Dev said. Chetan Sharma said that he was the one “who taught me the basics of cricket”. “I joined his cricket academy in Chandigarh at the age of seven. On-field he was always strict and disciplined, never allowed in latecomers and always made us dedicated on the field,” Chetan said. “Whatever I am today is only because of my beloved coach.” While remembering his playing days in the company of Azad, with whom he shared the cricket stage for erstwhile Southern Punjab, PCA secretary MP Pandove said that on field he was very charged up and active. “He shaped the careers of many international players. We lost a dedicated and experienced coach,” Pandove said.
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league Saina admits she was under pressure against Sindhu
New Delhi, August 16 Saina notched up a straight-game victory over Sindhu in the women's singles competition to help Hyderabad secure a 3-2 victory over Warriors at the Siri Fort Sports Complex here today. “Actually, media hyped up our match so much otherwise we play each other everyday at the Pullela Gopichand academy. But since this match was so talked about, I felt a bit under pressure and it became a little tight in the beginning,” said Saina after the match which she won 21-19 21-8. Asked what strategy she had adopted when Sindhu opened up a substantial lead in the first game, Saina said, “There was no strategy. You have to keep changing your tactics seeing how your opponent is playing. I just concentrated on playing my natural game and give my best.” Saina, however, denied that she became aggressive when she was lagging behind in the opening game. “I always play aggressively. Initially, she played very well but you have to read your opponent's game quickly. You have to be just ready. It's not just about Sindhu but whosoever you are playing, and react accordingly. My focus was to be relaxed and play well,” she said. “Overall we gave our best. Today, I was lucky to have won,” she added. Her side won the tie 3-2 but World No.4 Saina said it was more difficult to sit on the sidelines and cheer your teammates than playing yourself. I became negative and defensive: Sindhu
P V Sindhu blamed her negative thoughts and defensive approach for defeat in the marquee IBL match against Saina Nehwal but vowed not to repeat her mistakes when she clashes with her senior compatriot next time. “Initially it was okay but Saina started attacking while it was 14-14. In the second game I became a bit negative and also got defensive. I think I should have played a little more faster and attacking game. I was thinking aloud, I made some judgement errors. She is a senior player and played very well,” Sindhu, who won a bronze medal at the recent World Championship, said. — PTI |
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Lucknow, August 16 Led by Doubles specialist Ashwini Ponnappa, Pistons had notched up a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Smashers in the opening match of the USD one million tournament. But come tomorrow, the Delhi outfit would bank on the experience of their icon player Jwala Gutta to come good against the Hotshots, which boast of World No.4 Saina Nehwal and Taufik Hidayat in their ranks. The second derby of the day will witness battle between Pune and Mumbai, both of whom would look to consolidate their position on the points table after registering victories in their respective opening round ties. Mumbai had defeated Banga Beats 3-2 in their opening encounter while Pune got the better of Delhi by an identical margin. Saina beats Sindhu
Saina Nehwal on Thursday notched up a straight-game victory (21-19 21-8) over rising shuttler P V Sindhu in the women's singles competition to help Hyderabad Hotshots enjoy a 2-0 lead. “Actually, media hyped up our match so much otherwise we play each other everyday at the academy. But since this match was so talked about, I felt a bit under pressure and it became a little tight in the beginning,” said Saina.
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Sofia, August 16 Mamta Rani was thrashed by Russia's Anzhelika Vetoshkina in the opening round of the 48-kg category while Pooja Dhanda (55kg) went down against local girl Evelina Georgieva Nikolova at Arena Armeetz. In the 63kg category, Sarita was completely dominated by Jennifer Page of the US in the opening contest. Manisha Divekar lost to Russia's Tatiana Morozova. The 72kg wrestler got to play repecharge but there as well. — PTI
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Jamaican flavour dominates
Moscow, August 16 However, her eagerly-awaited showdown with Allyson Felix failed to materialise as the American, seeking a record ninth world championship gold, pulled up with a hamstring injury early in the race and fell to the floor in tears.Fraser-Pryce ran a brilliant bend and was always in command, coming home in 22.17 seconds.Murielle Ahoure of the Ivory Coast, also second in the 100 metres, pipped Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare by sixth thousandths of a second for silver. Bolt blocks pain
Usain Bolt led three Jamaicans into the final of the men's 200 metres as the world record holder seeks a third successive world title at his favourite distance. Bolt's team mates Warren Weir, bronze medallist in last year's Olympics and the next-fastest in the field this season, and Nickel Ashmeade, fresh from his fifth place in the 100 metres final, went through final as Jamaica bid to match their London Olympics podium sweep.Hoping to crash their party, however, will be Adam Gemili, after the 19-year-old ran the second-fastest time ever by a Briton to make his first major final. India’s campaign ends
Triple jumper Renjith Maheswary flopped yet again, as he failed to qualify for the final round to mark a disappointing end to India’s campaign. He finished sixth in Group A qualification round and 13th overall with a best jump of 16.63m, which was well short of his national record of 17.07m and his season’s best of 16.98m.—
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Athletes who don’t dip at line are throwing medals away
Moscow, August 16 Some athletes tense up and fail to relax in the heat of battle, others make sluggish starts or — worse still — bolt from the blocks too early and are disqualified altogether. But one of the most agonising sights in the sport remains seeing an athlete dominate a race, put themselves in a perfect position to clinch glory, only to chuck it all away by failing to dip at the line. While there is some difficulty in timing the lunge towards the line perfectly, failing to do so altogether can be fairly regarded as negligent when it comes to performing at the highest level. There have been numerous examples already at the World Championships in Moscow of athletes losing out on gold, silver or bronze by simply running through the line and not dipping. As Britain's victorious Christine Ohuruogu proved in the women's 400m final, a strong finish with a well-timed dip can be the crucial difference between glory and the intense frustration of a near-but-not-quite second place. Ohuruogu beat defending champion Amantle Montsho in a photo finish. Both finished in 49.41 seconds, but the Brit's late dip saw her triumph by four thousandths of a second. The 2007 world champion also broke Kathy Cook's long-standing British record by two hundredths of a second, but none of it would have been achieved had she not dipped desperately at the line. A distraught Montsho was left utterly stunned after Ohuruogu was announced as the winner and, as former GB athlete Colin Jackson told BBC after the race, "she will never forgive herself for not winning that race". It was almost tragic, but entirely her fault. Montsho had victory well within her grasp until she failed to dip at the line, which saw her finish in 49.408 with Ohuruogu's last-gasp lunge seeing her home in 49.408. The apparent absurdity of a top-level, finely-tuned athlete - who in this case came into the race as the overwhelming favourite and the fastest in the world this year - not dipping at the line is entirely baffling. “I always have a bad finish,” Montsho admitted. "I don't know how to dip in a race. If I saw her I could maybe have put my chest out and made it.” Sometimes dipping at the line is as important as making a good start. It is a fundamental aspect of a race: a key element coached at the grassroots of the sport. It seems frankly bewildering that an elite, professional athlete can possibly admit to 'not knowing how to dip in a race'. — Agencies
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Isinbayeva says she was misunderstood on gay issue
Moscow, August 16 With Russia due to hold the Winter Olympics next year and soccer's World Cup in 2018 the Government's stance, popular at home but fiercely at odds with many of the countries due to take part and already condemned by U.S. President Barack Obama, is likely remain a touch-paper for protest. The IOC has asked the Russian government for a clear translation and a clarification of how the law will be applied during the Sochi games and Yelena Isinbayeva played the “misunderstanding” card on Friday when she sought to defend her anti-gay comments that caused such a stir on Thursday. “English is not my first language and I think I may have been misunderstood when I spoke yesterday," the newly-crowned pole vault world champion said in a statement. “What I wanted to say was that people should respect the laws of other countries particularly when they are guests. “But let me make it clear I respect the views of my fellow athletes, and let me state in the strongest terms that I am opposed to any discrimination against gay people on the grounds of their sexuality (which is against the Olympic charter)." Isinbayeva, who is one of Russia's most popular sportswomen, caused international uproar when she spoke out in favour of her country's law that bans some aspects of the promotion of homosexuality. — Reuters
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Chargesheeted persons not barred in India: IOA to IOC
New Delhi, August 16 The IOC had yesterday sent the revised draft Constitution of the IOA which envisages barring of corruption-tainted persons from contesting IOA elections and had asked the national apex body to revert back today if they have any objection or comments. "To be eligible as an office-bearer or member of the Executive Council, a member must: be a citizen of India; be in full possession of his/her civil rights; not face charges framed against him/her by any court in India, in respect of a criminal or corruption offense which would be punishable with imprisonment if he/she was convicted; not have been convicted of any criminal or corruption offense," the IOC had said. This provision will effectively mean that officials like Suresh Kalmadi, Lalit Bhanot and V K Verma who had been chargesheeted in connection with 2010 Commonwealth Games scam, will not be able to contest IOA elections. It is learnt that the IOA sent a letter to the IOC today pointing out that the law in India does not bar charge-sheeted persons from contesting even Parliamentary elections. "We have written a letter to the IOC in reply to the revised draft, saying that we are bound by the law of the land. We have written that in India, chargesheeted persons can contest even Parliamentary elections," a top IOA official told PTI. "If chargesheeted persons can contest Parliamentary elections, how can it be that they cannot contest IOA elections. A person is innocent till he is convicted," he added. Explaining further, he said, "Let us say, we have barred such people from contesting IOA elections and then they go to the court of law which says they can contest elections, what will we do. Should we follow Indian law or IOC's rules in such cases?" he asked. "We have explained all these to the IOC and we are hoping that a positive outcome will come. The IOC will have to understand that it (IOC) cannot implement something on IOA which is permitted by the Indian law. Otherwise, we will be in trouble again like last year (when IOA was banned for holding elections under court orders)," he said. The official said that the Extraordinary General Body Meeting on August 25 will decide the issue. "The IOC has sent the proposals to us. These cannot be final and the House will decide what to do," he said. Asked about the reduction of votes of National Sports Federations from current three to two and that of state Olympic bodies from two to one, the official said, "We don't know what the IOC wants. The IOC had approved the existing situation last year only. — PTI
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Accused of girlfriend’s murder, Pistorius may face more charges
Johannesburg , August 16 According to eNCA television news, one of the charges is linked to an event in January where Pistorius -- who is already accused of murdering his girlfriend -- accidentally fired a gun in an upmarket Johannesburg restaurant. In another case, Pistorius allegedly discharged his gun out of the sunroof of a friend's car on their way back from a holiday. The National Prosecuting Authority declined to confirm the additional charges, saying "everything would be revealed in court" at the pre-trial hearing on Monday. The 26-year-old double amputee is expected to be served with an indictment for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in the early hours of Valentine's Day. He claims he shot Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door in the dead of night after he mistook her for an intruder. The state is arguing that the murder was premeditated. A date for the trial is expected to be set on Monday. Pistorius has kept a low profile since his release on bail of one million rand (USD 101,000, 76,000 euros), a week after the killing. The star who runs on two fibreglass prosthetic legs has also abandoned his professional running career. Pistorius shot to fame when he became the first double amputee to compete against able-bodied athletes at the London Olympics in 2012. — Agencies
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Former doubles champ charged with rape
Boksburg, August 16 Prosecutors charged the 73-year-old Hewitt with raping a girl under the age of 16 in 1981 in Sun City in northern South Africa. Hewitt also was charged with raping another girl under 16 in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, in 1982. A third charge of sexual assault of a girl under 18 in Boksburg in 1994 was read out at Boksburg Magistrate's Court. Hewitt, who won 15 Grand Slam doubles titles, has previously denied the accusations. He did not attend his case's first court hearing, citing ill health, but defense lawyer Alwyn Griebenow said Hewitt denies all the charges. Hewitt is suffering from anxiety attacks among other health problems, is taking medication and couldn't travel from his home in Addo, on South Africa's southern coast, to attend the hearing. The charges followed a two-year investigation by South African authorities into accusations against the Australian-born Hewitt, who moved to South Africa and became a coach toward the end of his tennis career. — Agencies
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Curtains set to go up on English Premier League
Arsenal
Will this be the year? It might be the season Arsenal spend serious money, but it not the one they win the title. Even the first ambition is proving problematic though retaining Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere at least breaks the selling trend. There’s quality in Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Laurent Koscielny while Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud will be better for last years’ experience here. Yet there are doubts about the goalkeeping and Wilshere’s ability to stay fit while the pursuit of Luis Suarez underlines the absence of a title-winning forward. MANAGER: Arsene Wenger KEY SIGNINGS: Yaya Sanogo (Auxerre, free) KILLER STAT: Arsenal have won the joint-most Premier League points in 2013 - 40, along with Manchester United. PREDICTION:
4th Chelsea
Jose Mourinho’s back, slightly older and greyer, more mature (possibly), and still special. Chelsea had the strongest squad in the league last season and will do again this campaign even if Wayne Rooney doesn’t sign. With new men at both Manchester clubs Chelsea start favourites; the only issue is how long it takes Mourinho to impose his philosophy on a squad that has changed playing style too often in recent years and now has several players who look a bit lightweight for his approach. MANAGER:
Jose Mourinho KEY SIGNINGS: Andre Schürrle (Bayer Leverkusen, £18m), Marco van Ginkel (Vitesse Arnhem, £9m), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham, free). KILLER STAT: Played 69 games in all competitions last season - a record number of games played in a season for any club in the Premier League era. PREDICTION: 1st Liverpool
It has been a difficult build-up for Brendan Rodgers’ remodelling of the once-dominant reds. The Luis Suarez affair could prove a damaging interruption whether he stays or goes and the manager may now have use his powers of persuasion on Daniel Agger as well. Rodgers is trying to bring an Iberian flavor to the play and with Roberto Martinez doing the same across Stanley Park will the Mersey derbies be stylish rather than spiky? Kolo Toure is a curious signing, he has looked well off the pace for two years. MANAGER:
Brendan Rodgers KEY SIGNINGS: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo, £9m), Simon Mignolet (Sunderland, £9m), Luis Alberto (Seville, £6.8m), Kolo Touré (Manchester City, free) KILLER STAT:
Scored 38 away goals - their highest amount in the top-flight since the 1989/90 season. PREDICTION: 6th Manchester City
Bought well and early (albeit expensively) and can expect to push Chelsea all the way at home, but to the Gulf ownership an overdue European challenge is just as imperative. Much will depend on the Champions League draw, which could again be tough with City likely to be in the third seeding pot, but Manuel Pellegrini knows the territory well. With Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Roberto Mancini all departed the Etihad seems a happier place but the new signings may squeeze out every Englishman bar Joe Hart. MANAGER: Manuel Pellegrini KEY SIGNINGS:
Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk, £30m), Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina, £22m), Jesus Navas (Seville, £17m), Alvaro Negredo (Seville, £16.4m) KILLER STAT:
Kept the most clean sheets last season, with 18. PREDICTION: 2nd Manchester United
Awarding David Moyes a six-year contract was recognition of the initial difficulties he faces taking over a team that looks weaker than Manchester City and Chelsea despite winning the title. A frustrating summer in the transfer market (with David Gill perhaps missed as much as Sir Alex Ferguson) has been compounded by the Wayne Rooney saga and it could be a year of settling in. Moyes will come good, as long as the Glazers are as patient as their predecessors were with Ferguson. May end up targeting the FA Cup – last won in 2004. MANAGER:
David Moyes KEY SIGNINGS: Guillermo Varela (Penarol, £2.4m) KILLER STAT:
Had twenty different scorers in the Premier League last season - a new record. PREDICTION: 3rd |
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DP Azad, the man who gave Kapil Dev to Indian cricket, breathed his last on Friday afternoon. The Dronacharya Award-winning coach died following a cardiac arrest at a local hospital.
Dronacharya Award-winning coach Desh Prem Azad passed away here today afternoon due to the cardiac arrest. Azad was 77. He is survived by his 69-year-old wife and two sons.
Running at the highest level is incredible technical, but even the top athletes make basic misjudgements that effectively cost them medals.
Some athletes tense up and fail to relax in the heat of battle, others make sluggish starts or — worse still — bolt from the blocks too early and are disqualified altogether.
