Wednesday, September 23, 1998
today's calendar
|
S P O R T | Wednesday, September 23, 1998 |
|
| weather n
spotlight today's calendar |
|||
|
Indian judokas win overall honours CHANDIGARH, Sept 22 — The hosts India won the overall honours in the fourth India Cup International Judo Championship, which concluded at the Sector 14 Panjab University Gymnasium here this evening. Indian judokas reaped a rich harvest of three gold, two silver and five bronze medals. Australia look to break Pak jinx PERTH, Sept 22 — Four years after a tour that was to have repercussions for three of the world's top cricketers, Australia returns to Pakistan hoping to break a 40-year series winless streak. Akram available for Aussie series KARACHI, Sept 22 — Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has reversed a week-old decision to retire over charges of foul play and is available to play against the visiting Australians, cricket board officials said today. |
|
||||||||
|
Venkat, Bedi to coach Aussies |
|||||||
|
Indian judokas win overall honours CHANDIGARH, Sept 22 — The hosts India won the overall honours in the fourth India Cup International Judo Championship, which concluded at the Sector 14 Panjab University Gymnasium here this evening. Indian judokas reaped a rich harvest of three gold, two silver and five bronze medals. Japan made a clean sweep in higher weight categories by winning its third consecutive gold in the open weight category. Earlier, Japanese judokas had won 73 kg and 81 kg events also. Iran got the third position with a tally of one gold, three silver and one bronze medal. For India, the gold medal winners were Jatinder Handa, Vinod Solanki and Rakesh Kumar. In fact, India made a clean sweep in the lighter weight categories by romping home with gold medals in below 50 kg, below 55 kg and below 60 kg categories. Of 16 judokas fielded by the home team, 10 ended among medal winners. In below 50 kg category, the final was an all-India affair with Madan Lal of India "B" facing his compatriot Ajay Dhir of India "A". They had earlier accounted for Mohseen Chafair (Iran) and Choklap Thawatchai (Thailand). In the 55 kg category, Dalimov Obyck and Rustamov Shukurulla, both of Uzbekistan, were bronze medallists as Vikram Solanki (India "B") pinned Jamshidi Amin of Iran in the final. In the open category, burly Sawada Akira of Japan made mincemeat of his opponents, including silver medallist, Sutthiphun Tharalat (Thailand) and bronze medallists — Tangriev Abdulla (Uzbekistan) and Munish Riat (India "B"). The Governor of Punjab-cum-Administator of Chandigarh, Lieut-Gen B.K.N. Chhibber (Retd), presided over the concluding function and gave away the prize. Mr L.K. Daga, Secretary-General, Judo Federation of India, expressed his complete satisfaction over the conduct of the two-day championship. Mr T.C. Gupta, President, Punjab Judo Association, while proposing a vote of thanks, said that standard of judo displayed by young judokas from participating nations was of the highest level. Thailand won one silver and one bronze while Uzbekistan ended with one silver and six bronze meals. Mauritius got one bronze medal. Sri Lanka, Singapore, Nepal and Bangladesh ended without a medal to their credit.
|
Australia look to break Pak jinx PERTH, Sept 22 (AP) — Four years after a tour that was to have repercussions for three of the world's top cricketers, Australia returns to Pakistan hoping to break a 40-year series winless streak. The Australians arrive in Karachi on Wednesday and open a seven-week tour with a four-day match on Friday before the first of three Tests at Rawalpindi beginning on October 1. Ian Healy's missed stumping of Inzamam-ul-Haq off leg spinner Shane Warne in the first Test at the Karachi National Stadium in 1994 turned what would have been a 1-0 win into a 1-0 loss. Warne, fellow spinner Tim May and batsman Mark Waugh later alleged Pakistan captain and man-of-the-series Salim Malik tried to bribe them into playing poorly. After initial exoneration, the issue flared again earlier this month when a Pakistani Judge found Malik, leftarm quick Wasim Akram and batsman Ijaz Ahmed responsible for match-fixing and recommended they be banned. The saga won't be settled when the Australians arrive in Karachi. It will almost certainly be the last hurrah on the subcontinent for captain Mark Taylor, deputy Steve Waugh and Healy, who needs three more dismissals to overtake Rod Marsh (355) as the all time leading Test wicketkeeper. Richie Benaud was the last Australian captain to win a series in Pakistan, 2-0, in 1959-60. They remain Australia's only victories on Pakistan soil in 17 Tests and seven tours. Taylor began his reign on the Pakistan tour in 1994 with a pair of draws and a one-wicket loss, then strung together nine consecutive Test series wins before losing 2-1 in India. In this series Langer will bat at no. 3 after Greg Blewett was dropped for the second time for failing to deal with spin. Although the Australians will be without Warne, recovering from shoulder surgery, they have been boosted by the return of paceman Glenn McGrath who missed most of last season with a stomach problem. The return of McGrath gives Australia a potent attack, with swing bowler Damien Fleming a proven performer on the subcontinent and Michael Kasprowicz now settled in at Test level. Leg-spinner Stuart Macgill showed he was up to Test level when debuted in Adelaide last season, while off-spinners Gavin Robertson and Colin Miller should both enjoy the conditions. Langer said all three spinners had a great chance to make their mark in Warne's absence and believes the recent turmoil in Pakistani ranks will aid Australia's cause. "They've got some turmoil, but they are a very talented team," Langer said. "That talent is always hard to play to against, but if we concentrate on what we have to do it will be a good challenge and hopefully their turmoils will play in our favour." Australia will also play three limited-overs matches in November at the end of the tour. The Australian touring side: Mark Taylor (captain), Glenn McGrath, Michael Slater, Stuart Macgill, Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Gavin Robertson, Ian Healy, Michael Kasprowicz, Ricky Ponting, Colin Miller, Justin Langer, Damien Fleming, Darren Lehmann. SYDNEY (AFP): Australian Test cricket captain Mark Taylor and team-mates Ian Healy, Glenn McGrath, Stuart Macgill and Michael Slater were to leave Sydney on Tuesday for the tour of Pakistan and Bangladesh. The rest of the team will fly direct to Pakistan from Malaysia, where they finished with silver in the Commonwealth Games.
|
Akram available for Aussie series KARACHI, Sept 22 (Reuters) — Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has reversed a week-old decision to retire over charges of foul play and is available to play against the visiting Australians, cricket board officials said today. Pakistan cricket board (PCB) secretary Waqar Ahmad said Wasim Akram declared himself available yesterday in a telephone call from Manchester, England. "He (Wasim Akram) says he is fit and in form. He wants to be considered for selection for the first Test against Australia starting at Rawalpindi on October 1," Ahmad said. Akram, the only bowler to have captured 300 wickets in Tests and one-day internationals, last week announced he was retiring from international cricket to get his name cleared in a betting and match-fixing scandal. An interim report released by the PCB two weeks ago recommended that Wasim Akram, Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmad, should not be selected until the investigations were completed. It said all three were prime suspects in an investigation, which is being carried out by a Lahore Judge. The Australians arrive here tomorrow for three Tests and three one-day internationals. They open their tour on Friday against Karachi in a four-dayer. The chairman of selectors, Wasim Bari, said he has been informed by the authorities (PCB) to consider Wasim Akram at a selection committee meeting likely to be held later this week. "Any world eleven would have Wasim Akram in it, so what’s the problem in selecting him if he is available?" Bari said.
|
Pakistan were the better team What are the lessons to be learned from Pakistan walloping India 4-1 in the Sahara Cup. Firstly it is important to admit that luck did not play a part. Pakistan were the better team — after the first match when Pakistan played in a nervous and circumspect manner they improved and played outstanding cricket. If India are going to compete on the same level they MUST improve their batting, bowling and fielding. The team was hampered from the beginning by the decision to send key players to the Commonwealth Games. Most people think that was a 'Mickey Mouse' tournament and the real cricket was for pride against the enemy in Toronto! Tendulkar's presence was unlifting and when he batted in the last match he tried to rotate the scoreboard with well placed singles. Unfortunately too many of the other batsmen weren't even looking for short runs. First of all it is a state of mind and secondly it takes a lot of skill. If both batsmen are keen to make the effort it can be rewarding. Too many Indian batsmen think of hitting boundaries and singles are an afterthought. If the good shots don't get through then the pressure mounts on the batting side so that batsmen have to take huge risks. The fielders can stay deeper than normal in the knowledge that batsmen aren't intent on singles and the bowlers get away with murder! The team needs to reform and get a sense of urgency into the running between the wickets right from the beginning of the innings. Don't let the opposition bowlers have an easy ride — put them under pressure from the word GO! The bowling was a mixture of good and bad. When they were good they were very very good — and when they were bad they were horrible!! It is vital to have the captain and the bowlers thinking along the same lines. At times it gave the impression that captain and bowlers were not on the same wavelength. Fine leg was brought up and then the seamers bowled down leg side. Prasad and Agarkar couldn't bowl, six balls in the same area! Two beauties were followed by two decent balls and two 'hit me' balls. In no time at all control of the game was gone and the initiative given to the opposition. The operative word is GIVEN AWAY — Pakistan didn't have to take a chance. Srinath had some good spells but it is vital to be clear who are the best bowlers at the end of an innings when the slog is on. It can be the hardest and most exacting time to bowl. There has to be a plan as to who should bowl, what length the bowlers will bowl and to what field settings. This should be worked out in the dressing room and not wait until panic sets in out in the middle. Bowling at the death let India down on three occasions. Fielding lost the fifth match. At times the ground fielding was in a shambles. Too many players didn't do the basics well. Be safe — not sorry. Keep it simple — not spectacular. If two teams play well, games are won or lost by a few runs. Mistakes lose matches as much as great performances. Sometimes it comes down to playing well under pressure, getting your tactics right and doing the simple things correctly. India didn't do many things right. — IMG
|
Venkat, Bedi to coach Aussies CHENNAI, Sept 22 (PTI) — The Australian Cricket Board (ACR) has roped in the services of two of the great Indian spin quarters to hone the skills of its aspiring cricketers. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been contemplating to establish a "school for spin" in the country since 1991, the ACB has sent some of its wards to nurture their game with systematised coaching under S. Venkataraghvan and Bishen Singh Bedi. Wayne Phillips, former Australian wicket keeper and a coach at the Australian Institute of Sports Cricket Academy said the ACB chose to send its players to learn from the rich experiences of the two great spinners who had cast a magic spell on the batsmen. "It will be a great experience for our boys to learn from Venkat and Bedi, who along with Chandra and Prasanna, had held the cricket world in thrall. They mesmerised batsmen and captivated fans," Phillips said today. The Australians — batsmen Mathew Elliot, Mathew Hayden Di Venuto, left arm spinners Daniel Marsh, Jaime Stewart and Brad Oldroyd, off spinners Paul Sutherland and Marcus North — will be coached by the ace spinners at the MRF Pace Foundation here which is being run under the guidance of Australian speedster Dennis Lillee for over a decade now. The week-long programme is being co-ordinated by T.A. Shekar, a former Indian medium pace bowler and coach at the foundation. Philips said Greg Blewett, a national player, who was also to attend the camp opted out owing to other commitments. Venkat taught Sutherland and North the nuances of off-spin and harried Mathew Elliot with his tantalising spin. "Elliot was not coming on top of the ball or allowing the ball to reach him. He was opening up rather early," Bedi said. He corrected the grip of the left arm spinners who were taught to bowl the "arm ball" and also advised them on the importance of pivoting. "Rodney Marsh's son Daniel is very good," Bedi said of the players. Demonstrating the change of grip while in motion when bowling the 'arm ball', Bedi told the Australians that the arm ball requires the use of shoulder and a fair amount of deceit. While a fast bowler uses explosive energy, a spinner has to do a lot of brain work". Bedi, who is here with his 15-year-old son Angad, said: "The main problem with Indians is that we do not have bowlers who are capable of taking five wickets in an innings, which is the ultimate like scoring 150 runs." On ACB's programme, Bedi said it showed farsightedness. "I do not know why such a thing does not occur to our cricket board."
|
Pandov likely to retain post CHANDIGARH, Sept 22 — With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unable to amend its constitution to have a three-member senior selection committee from the current year, the annual general body meeting of the board, being held in Calcutta later this week, will have to appoint a five-member senior selection committee for the time being. With two members of the current senior selection committee, chairman Kishan Rungta of Central Zone and Sambaran Banerjee of East Zone, scheduled to retire from the panel after having completed their four-year stint in the committee (the maximum period one can serve in the committee as per a convention of the board) the senior selection committee will not only have a new look but also a new chairman. The three other members of the selection committee, Punjab's M.P. Pandove representing North Zone, Mumbai's Ajit Wadekar nominated from West Zone and Hyderabad's Shivlal Yadav from South Zone, are all eligible for renomination. In case Shivlal Yadav returns to the committee it is quite likely that he will be nominated chairman. A clear picture regarding the composition of the senior selection committee will emerge only after all the units of the Board of Control for Cricket in India assemble by this evening at Calcutta. As in the past the representatives of each zone will hold separate meetings where not only the name of the senior selector will be decided but also that of the junior selector. ( As in the case of the senior selection committee the board's junior selection committee also has five members, one from each zone). According to indications available here M.P. Pandove should get the nod of his zone to continue on the committee for one more year.However, the names of Madan Lal and Kapil Dev are being discussed as possible replacements. While Kapil Dev, who is currently embroiled in a fight with the Secretary of the Haryana Cricket Association, might not get the nod of his home association, Madan Lal, till last year coach of the Indian cricket team, might find it difficult to get nomination from his home state, Delhi, where the power equation is never easy to understand. And without the nomination of their own units neither Kapil Dev now Madan Lal will be able to sit in the senior selection committee. A couple of other names making the rounds are that of former Test opener Chetan Chauhan, now a BJP member of Parliament, and Kirti Azad, a BJP member of the Delhi Assembly. With Kishan Rungta scheduled to step down from the committee, Chetan Chauhan can get nomination from Central Zone, specially from Uttar Pradesh from where he has been elected to the Lok Sabha. However, the question which comes to mind is whether Chetan Chauhan can devote enough time to the job given the fact that he is a full-time politician. Yet another name being mentioned in cricketing circles as a likely replacement for Kishan Rungta is Parthasarathy Sharma from Rajasthan. A lot will depend on the "give and take" of the various units of the zone which will be decided at the meeting of representatives from Central Zone. With Sambaran Banerjee's innings coming to an end, East Zone will have to nominate a new selector. Bihar is likely to propose the name of Ramesh Saxena, but the Cricket Association of Bengal might propose the names of either Arun Lal or Ashok Malhotra. Assam too might propose the name of the former junior selector A.Biswal. The two other selectors in the current committee Ajit Wadekar and Shivlal Yadav should not find it difficult to get another one-year term in the committee. With Ajit Wadekar being a member of the Mumbai Cricket Association he should have the backing of his own association as also the other members of West Zone who in any case follow the lead given by Mumbai. For Shivlal Yadav getting a renomination might not be all that easy with so many factors at play in South Zone. Even in the past South Zone has had the tendency of throwing up names for various committees of the board right till the last moment. In any case all the candidates in contention for a berth in the senior selection committee fulfil the criteria which the board will spell out when the constitution of the senior selection committee is changed later this year.
|
Spain lift Federation Cup GENEVA, Sept 22 (AP) — Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and Conchita Martinez proved there's no substitute for experience, overcoming a stacked deck to collect Spain's fifth Fed Cup title on Sunday. Despite facing a hostile cowbell-clanging crowd, the world number one, injuries and fatigue , the two battle-hardened Fed Cup veterans were able to add the 1998 title to the ones they claimed in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1995. "We had everything against us the home crowd, the court surface, the world no. 1," said French Open champion Sanchez-Vicario, who along with Martinez has led Spain to seven Fed Cup finals in the last eight years." It makes the trophy worth that much more. "We played one of the best teams and worked so hard to win." For the first time since 1991, the Fed Cup title was decided in the doubles, the Spaniards breezing past Swiss teenagers world no. 1 Martina Hingis and Patty Schnyder 6-0, 6-2 in just 56 minutes, sending 12,000 disappointed supporters silently into the night. It was an unexpectedly speedy finish to a long day that had started 10 hours earlier with the first of two gripping reverse singles. Hingis put Switzerland ahead 2-1 and into position to claim their first ever Fed Cup title when she won a two set slugfest from Sanchev-Vicario 7-6 (7-5), 6-3. But Martinez, playing most of a three-hour-plus marathon hobbled by bilsters, bravely battled Schnyder to a 6-3, 2-6, 9-7 win, forcing the tie to a decisive doubles. While Martinez blossomed under the pressure, Schnyder, winner of five tournament titles this season, showed none of the poise that had helped lift her from 26th to number nine in the world rankings this year. Failing to convert a key match point against Martinez, which would have given Switzerland the title, Schnyder was consumed with guilt, collapsing in tears after helplessly watching a high lob drop in behind her on the winning point. "I gave all I had," said Schnyder. "I tried everything, Martina won her matches but in the doubles we weren't able to win." Swiss team captain Melanie Molitor, Hingis, mother, believed Schnyder simply succumbed to the jitters. "I think Patty learned a lot this weekend," said Molitor. "She was far too emotional in her first match and the doubles. There was a lot of pressure on her here." Hingis, still just 17, displayed the same steely nerve as her Spanish opponents but again the question of the Swiss star's physical conditioning came into question after she required courtside attendance for cramping muscles. "I was dead tired after my singles against Arantxa," said Hingis, who called on injury break to have her legs massaged near the end of the match." I was happy to end it quickly because my legs were beginning to cramp and I couldn't jump on my left leg to serve anymore. Luckily I'm still young and I can recuperate quickly, though. Hingis diverted attention from her physical form, citing fatigue as a factor which played against Schnyder in their doubles match. In smooth acceptance of their defeat, Hingis insisted it was "a great accomplishment for Switzerland just to reach the finals." Hingis temperance my have something to do with her uncertain future in Fed Cup competition. Hingis, earlier, hinted this might be her last Fed Cup campaign. "The three weeks of competitions is difficult to cram into an already lengthy season." Following the Spanish victory, Hingis danced around the issue of next year's nation's contest. "This was an unbelievable Fed Cup this year," said Hingis, the key player in Switzerland's climb out of Fed Cup third division three years ago to a berth in the world group final this year." We got better and better each time. "Who knows what will happen next year? I haven't made up my schedule for next season."
|
She raced to victory... and death LOS ANGELES, Sept 22 (AFP) — Even as the world mourns the sudden death of sprint queen Florence Griffith Joyner, the police have said an autopsy will be conducted on the body of the American sprinter who died yesterday. Reasons for the autopsy on the body of the sprinter, who is believed to have died of a heart seizure similar to one she suffered in April of 1996 on a plane bound for St Louis, were not immediately known. US President Bill Clinton, three-time Olympic hurdle’s champion Greg Foster, all-time great Carl Lewis, athletic chief Primo Nebiolo joined others in expressing shock and grief on the sudden demise of the Olympic gold medalist. "We were dazzled by her speed, humbled by her talent and captivated by her style," Clinton said in a statement in New York yesterday. "Though she rose to the pinnacle of the world of sports, she never forgot where she came from, devoting time and resources helping children - especially those growing up in our most disadvantaged neighbourhoods," he said. "We lost one of the great track and field athletes in history," said Greg Foster, a three-time 110m hurdles world champion. "She is going to be missed. It’s definitely a shock. A great loss." "It’s very sad someone so young has to deal with this type of thing," said retired US athletics legend Carl Lewis. "People still remember the things she did." Joyner Kersee and her husband-coach Bobby Kersee were unavailable for comment, but Joyner’s brother, Wedon Pitts said: "it’s a sad time." Terry Crawford, the 1988 US Olympic women’s track coach, was stunned. "Frankly I’m in shock. Devastated," Crawford said. "I saw her a year ago. She was busy with her different business and had a project of youth track clubs in California. She was a great specimen of physical fitness." "No one can achieve greatness without being under suspicion," US Track and Field executive director Craig Masback said. "She was tested 11 times in 1988 and didn’t test positive". "Her legacy should be as a great athlete and a great leader of this sport. Florence was a ground-breaker. The entire community of track and field mourns her passing." Crawford rejected suggestion of doping, saying, "Flo Jo will go down in history as one of the greatest athletes. She met every test. It would be very unfortunate to put any black mark to her name. I hope the world would embrace her.’’ "Sadly, her life passed as rapidly as her races," said Nebiolo, President, International Amateur Athletic Federation. "It is a great shock and which makes me extremely sad. "I knew Florence Griffith Joyner had some heart problems in recent months, but didn’t think that it was anything really serious. "We will never forget this extraordinary athlete who stunned the world in Seoul 10 years ago, with her amazing sprints and spectacular outfits." Evelyn Ashford, a former women’s 100m world record holder and Seoul rival of Griffith Joyner, was too shaken by the death to worry about the doping accusations. "I don’t want to talk about the doubts. I’m in shock right now," Ashford said. "Our rivalry and the things about her records, I guess that’s why everybody’s calling me. I’m shocked. My sister-in-law called me and told me about the heart attack, I was totally surprised." "She was a role model for girls and young women in sports and her legacy will be one that included kindness and an interest in children," USOC president Bill Kybl said. Flo Jo will be missed tremendously." " Flo Jo brought a certain style to track, something so different with her fashionable appearance and stunning speed," said Pat Rico, USA Track’s president. "She was a beautiful athlete, a legend and an icon for female athletes throughout the world." Griffith Joyner stunned the world on July 16, 1988, with a world record 100m run of 10.49 seconds in a quarterfinal heat at the US Olympic trials in Indianapolis. On a blustery day, a wind gauge for Griffith Joyner’s effort read zero, a controversy that had critics as recently as last week calling for the mark to be stricken or noted as believed to be wind-aided. Griffith Joyner went on to win three gold medals at Seoul and was also part of the 400m silver medal US relay, with a 48.07 leg. "Flo Jo not only won three gold medals, she won hearts of the American people," US Vice-President Al Gore said.
Florence ‘died of drug abuse’ BONN, Sept 22 (AFP) — The death of Olympic sprint champion Florence Griffith Joyner was without doubt because of drug abuse, according to German expert Wener Franke on public television station ZDF. Franke believes information brought before the American Senate and comments from one of Griffith Joyner’s fellow athletes clearly proves that she had used drugs. Franke said: "The first seizure of Griffith Joyner in 1996 was already symptomatic of the abuse of anabolic drugs. American athletes have been using drugs since before the Olympic games of Los Angeles in 1984." Olympic women’s shot
put champion Astrid Kumernuse said: "It’s sad
to die so young. No one can confirm whether Griffith
Joyner was using drugs or not. When she stopped competing
in 1988, that stopped the speculation." |
Best-ever show by Indian shuttlers KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (PTI) — The Indian badminton squad, spearheaded by national champions Pullela Gopichand and Aparna Popat, put up its best overall show in Commonwealth Games history to rake in two silver and as many bronze medals from the team and individual events in the 16th edition here. Star shuttlers Aparna and Gopichand picked up silver and bronze, respectively, in the individual events which saw them upstage a number of fancied players in the fray. The men’s team gathered a team silver while the women had to be content with bronze, but this was the best-ever show by India as far as team events are concerned and Indian shuttlers also took full advantage of the abolition of the mixed team format and introduction of the new format where men and women competed separately. However, even in the changed system of team play the weaknesses of the Indians in doubles came to the fore and probably cost them the titles in both the sections. The 20-year-old Aparna was the one who drew much attention, though she lost the final against top seed Kelly Morgan of Wales, she won many a heart for her fighting abilities. The 1996 world junior finalist, who is rated by Indian team manager Prakash Padukone as a world top-10 material, made her fancied opponent sweat for every point before the world number 10 could subdue her 13-10, 11-5. "She has a lot of talent and she will definitely make much progress. If she had won the first game against Kelly, the story could have been different. But she fought very well’’, women’s coach Uday Pawar said. "She is still a little inexperienced which helped her opponent to wriggle out of tight situations. With more experience, she will emerge a better player’’ Pawar said about Aparna who is ranked 28th in the world. But even with her silver-winning effort, the Mumbai-born Indian Oil shuttler, who trains at Prakash Padukone’s academy in Bangalore, has carved a niche for herself by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the singles final by going one up on Deepti Thanekar, who made the last four in Auckland 1990. Unlike the junior world girls runner-up, Gopichand turned out to be a disappointment in the semifinals against strong contender and eventual Malaysian gold winner Wong Choong Hann who hardly had to sweat much to dispose of the Indian. Gopichand, who played very well till the semi-finals, seemed to be little disoriented as he made a number of silly errors to go down rather tamely at 1-15, 11-15. The cheering of a
near-capacity home crowd could have affected the Indian
number one to some extent, but did not warrant such a
poor play, particularly in the first game. |
Growing stature of Indian shooters KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (PTI) — Pistol ace Jaspal Rana once again led the way as Indian shooters revealed their growing stature at the international level by doing the bulk of medal harvesting for the country at the 16th Commonwealth Games. The 23-year-old Rana carried the weight of expectations lightly by marking down two gold and two silver medals in a spectacular performance as shooters predictably stole the limelight by reaping four gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the picturesque Langkawi Ranges. The Delhi-based shooter’s bulls-eye routine saw him win the individual and pairs titles in his pet centrefire pistol as in the last games at Victoria and then pick silver medals in the air pistol individual and pairs events. Rana’s medal assault was neatly complemented by Mansher Singh and Manavjit Singh in the trap pairs and Rhodes scholar Roopa Unnikrishnan, who shot down the women’s free rifle (prone) title with a games record as India’s profile on the world shooting map improved significantly. The haul of 4-2-2 compared well with India’s effort of 3-2-2 in Canada and showed the virtues of systematic training and well-planned exposure trips, providing much hope for the December Asian Games in Bangkok where competition is expected to be many notches higher. The 26-year-old Roopa landed from Oxford after business management final examinations only in time for actual competition, but vindicated herself with a superb effort. Roopa Unnikrishnan gave a major facelift to Indian women shooters and had cause for double celebration as she learnt she had also passed her MBA examination with distinction. The 44-year-old Ashok Pandit, the individual centrefire pistol gold medallist at Auckland in 1990, shared glory with Rana in the pairs event while 23-year-old Navyman Satendra Kumar paired with the star marksman in the air pistol pairs. Rapidfire hope Bhanwar Lal Dhaka brought the only other medal with a bronze effort in rapidfire pistol. The biggest surprise was defending champion Mansher Singh failing to make it even to the final round in trap with his 21-year-old compatriot Manavjit Singh finishing fifth overall. The overall medal effort was praiseworthy as it came in the face of strong competition from established powers like England, Australia and Canada with hosts Malaysia also fast growing in stature. However, India have much catching up to do to make their presence felt in Asian and Olympic Games. National coach Sunny Thomas was satisfied, though he felt India could have added a few more medals to their kitty but for some close misses. "I am fairly satisfied. But we narrowly missed some medals which were within our grip," Thomas said on returning here from Langkawi. He was all praise for Rana. "He was in fine nick. We expected him to do well, and he came up to expectation". He felt the air pistol individual gold was within his grasp. "He scored 582 in the badge event, 581 in the Pairs, but managed only 578 in individual to miss gold by two points," he added.
|
Richa Misra hogs the limelight LUDHIANA, Sept 22 — Richa Misra of Delhi was the cynosure of all eyes as she won three gold medals, including a medley, on the penultimate day of the 15th Sub-Junior and 25th Junior National Aquatics Championship for boys and girls at the Municipal Corporation swimming pool here today. In 400m free style (girls II), Richa getting a good start, kept the slender lead throughout and pipped her rivals at the post clocking 5:06.30 sec. Archana Bhushan of Karnataka with 5:11.62 sec followed Richa for a silver while Namartha Shetty also of Karnataka took 5:16.72 sec for the bronze. Richa faced stiff competition from Archana Bhushan and Sindoor Thakkar of Maharashtra in 100m butter fly (girls II). She timed 1:10.13 sec to emerge as the winner. Archana (1:11.06 sec) and Sindoor (1:11.79 sec) followed the order of medals. Richa scored the treble when she bagged a gold in 200m ind medley with timings of 2:38.85 sec. Sindoor Thakkar of Maharashtra clocked 2:42.27 sec for the silver while Archana Bhushan made it in 2:47.34 sec for the bronze. In waterpolo, Maharashtra boys beat Bengal 6-2 while in the girls section, Maharashtra prevailed over Bengal 4-3. Results: |
India finish 9th in world youth tennis NEW DELHI, Sept 22 (PTI) — Indian boys defeated Brazil, China and Mexico in play-off ties to finish ninth in a field of 16 in the just-concluded NEC World Youth Cup (under-16) held at Cuneo, Italy. Given a tough draw India went down 0-3 to Croatia, who finished second behind champions Spain, but then beat Brazil 2-1, China 3-0 and Mexico 2-1 to top the standings for the 9-16 places, an All-India Tennis Association release has said. Akshay Vishal Rao lost to Roko Karanusic 2-6, 3-6 and Kamala Kannan went down 0-6, 1-6 to Mario Radic before Rao and Kannan went down fighting to Karanusic and Radic 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 4-6 in the doubles. But the Indian lads did well then on winning the next three ties to finish ninth. India beat Brazil 2-1: Karan Doctor lost to Jose Carlos Pinto 4-6, 6-3, 2-6; Kamala Kannan bt Thiago Alves 7-5, 6-3, Kamala Kannan/Akshay Vishal Rao bt Alves/Bruno Soares 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. India beat China 3-0: Kamala Kannan bt Bin Wu 2-6, 6-4, 6-2; A.V. Rao bt Miao Cui 6-3, 6-3; Rao/Karan Doctor bt Miao Cui/Wei Wei 7-6, 6-1. India bt Mexico 2-1: A.V. Rao bt Mario de Leon 7-6 (7-2), 6-1; Kamala Kannan lost Jacdeo Hernandez 3-6, 3-6; Kamala Kannan/A.V. Rao bt Bruro Echagaray/Jacdeo Hernandez 6-1, 6-3. Final standings: 1. Spain
2. Croatia 3. Russia 4. France 5. Argentina. |
HMV College win AMRITSAR, Sept 22 — HMV College, Jalandhar, won the Guru Nanak Dev University Inter-College Football (women 'A' division) Championship for 1998-99. KMV College, Jalandhar, were the runners-up and Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women, Jalandhar, bagged the third spot. Bebe Nanki-College for
Girls, Dhariwal, won the Guru Nanak Dev University
Inter-College Football (women 'B' division) championship
and SDSP College for Women, Rayya, were the runners-up.
Panchkula eves triumph YAMUNANAGAR, Sept 22 — Panchkula won the fifth Haryana Women Cricket Championship by defeating Yamunanagar by 27 runs. In the final held at Tejli Sports Complex here on Sunday Panchkula scored 75 runs while Yamunanagar could made 48 runs. Opening batswomen of Panchkula Sunaina scored 23 runs and Shweta 11 runs. Rajni of Yamunanagar claimed 4 wickets in 6 overs and Kiran also took 3 wickets in 6 overs giving 17 runs.
|
District meet results BILASPUR, Sept 22 — Government Senior Secondary School, Hatwaad, were declared athletics champions while Raj Kumari of Government High School Auhar, was declared the best athlete in the 40th annual district-level five-day tournament for schoolgirls which concluded at Auhar, 24 km from here, yesterday. Other results: Hockey - Bilaspur 1, Ghumarwin 2. Basketball - Ghumarwin 1, Auhar 2. Volleyball - Gandhir 1, Barthin 2. Kabaddi - Ghumarwin 1, Ghagas 2. Kho kho - Amarpur 1, Auhar 2. Badminton - Auhar 1, Ghumarwin 2. The 100 m and 200 m title were bagged by Rekha of Hatwaad. The 400 m title went to Rina of Auhar while Manju of Bilaspur won the 1500m and the cross country race.
Ropar declared winner CHANDIGARH, Sept 22 (PTI) — Ajay Mehra's 77 proved futile as Ropar were declared winner against Mohali on the basis of run rate in the Punjab Inter-District Katoch Shield Cricket Tournament at Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium at Mohali today. Mohali were 153 for six in 59 overs when the match was called off due to rain. Earlier Ropar made 240 in the first innings. Mohali batsmen were dogged by accurate spin bowling from Surinder Kumar and Shyam Sunder who claimed three wickets each. Ravi Kumar made 19 while Prabhjot was unbeaten on 12 when the match was called off. Ropar will meet Chandigarh in the next match at Chandigarh on September 28. Brief scores: Ropar 240 all out: Vikal
105 not out, Kamlesh 4 for 64. Mohali 153 for 6 (Ajay
Mehra 77, Ravi Kumar 19. Prabhjot 12 not out, Shyam
Sunder 3 for 39, Surinder Kumar three for 58). |
Sangrur in last 8 LUDHIANA, Sept 22 — Sangrur moved into quarterfinala off the inter-district cricket tournament for the Katoch Shield here today. The two-day match between Sangrur and the hosts Ludhiana was washed away and was decided with the toss of a coin. In the quarterfinal,
Sangrur will take on Jalandhar to be played on September
28 and 29 at Jalandhar.
Amritsar triumph AMRITSAR, Sept 22 — The local team was declared victorious against Gurdaspur by virtue of their first innings lead of 192 with nine wickets remaining intact in the inter-district Katoch Shield Cricket Tournament which was washed out due to rain here today at the Gandhi Grounds. Yesterday, Gurdaspur team was bundled out for mere 61 and Amritsar team with Ravneet Singh Ricky and Manish Sharma both scoring brilliant hundreds were 253 for one.
|
Patiala win h'ball championship NAWANSHAHR, Sept 22 — The three-day Sub-Junior Punjab State Handball Championship, concluded here on Sunday at the local JSFH. Khalsa High School. Eleven teams in the boys' section and 10 teams in girls' section participated in the meet. Teams of Patiala district lifted the trophies in both boys and girls section. While the host district, Nawanshahr, remained runners-up in the boys' section, Sangrur got the second position in the girls' section. Ropar was placed third in both sections. Dr Roshan Sunkaria, DC and chairman of the District Olympic Association, gave away the prizes.
PSEB annex cricket trophy PATIALA, Sept 22 — PSEB won the 25th All-India Inter-State Electricity Boards Cricket Tournament which concluded at Nagpur recently, according to information received here today. In the final PSEB thrashed Tata Electrical Company (TATA), Mumbai, by 76 runs. Aided by fine knocks from Sanjeev Kapuria (83), Chandershekhar (29) and Munish Joshi (28), PSEB piled up 213 for 7 in the stipulated 40 overs. In reply off-spinner Sandeep Kohli (5 for 25) and Rajesh Sekhri (3 for 11) bowled out TATA for 137 runs in 36 overs. Sanjeev Kapuria and Sandeep Kohli of PSEB were declared the best batsman and best bowler, respectively. Kiran Pawar of Tata was declared the man-of-the-tournament. With this title PSEB have retained the annual All-India Electricity Boards Sports General Trophy collecting a total of 41 points. TNSEB and Kerala SEB with 17 and 15 points have been placed second and third respectively.
|
Sonepat win youth B’ball
title HISAR, Sept 22 — Sonepat district lifted the boys title of the Haryana State Youth Basketball Championship which concluded at Jind yesterday. Jind district were runners-up while sports school Rai (Sonepat) secured the third position. Hosts Jind and Bhiwani
district were declared the joint winners in the
girls’ section. Sonepat district bagged the third
position. Eighteen teams in the boys’ section and 10
teams in girls’ section took part in this three-day
championship.
Attowal win kabaddi meet HOSHIARPUR, Sept 22 — The Attowal team won the open Pepsi Cup Kabaddi Tournament defeating Chotala team at Nangal Isher, about 45 km from here yesterday. In the 60 kg weight Bullowal defeated Bibi di Pandori, in 54 kg. Bhalta defeated Shahabodeen, in 48 kg HDN School Hariana defeated Shahabodeen and in 42 kg Pind Ganja defeated Nangal Isher. Nearly 45 teams participated in the five-day tournament.
|
 |
 |
 |
| Nation
| Punjab | Haryana | Himachal Pradesh | Jammu & Kashmir | | Chandigarh | Editorial | Business | Stocks | | Mailbag | Spotlight | World | 50 years of Independence | Weather | | Search | Subscribe | Archive | Suggestion | Home | E-mail | |
