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| Tuesday,
July 17, 2001, Chandigarh, India   
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Rogge new
IOC chief
Bonanza for Australia |
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Chennai to host Federation Cup Vijayan fined
Rs 50,000
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National Games an
‘exercise in futility’ Last-ball
victory for Netherlands Anand, Kramnik settle for draw
NATIONAL GAMES Impressive start by Kiwis
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Rogge new IOC chief Moscow, July 16 Rogge (59) is the eighth IOC president since the body was founded in 1894 and the second Belgian to lead it after Henri de Baillet-Latour (1925-1942). His term will be eight years and he can be re-elected for another four years in 2009. Rogge, a surgeon, won an overall majority of votes from the 112th IOC session in a second round of voting. Rogge got 59 votes to beat South Korean Kim Un Yong (23), Canadian Richard Pound (22) and Pal Schmitt of Hungary (11). American Anita DeFrantz was eliminated with the least number of votes (nine) after the first round. Samaranch’s final task as president was to announce his successor. Rogge’s first action was to award Samaranch the Olympic Order in Gold “in recognition of his outstanding merit in world sport”. Samaranch, who turns 81 tomorrow, was elected on the day 21 years ago, 1980 in Moscow. He is regarded as one of the most important IOC chiefs who transformed the IOC into a wealthy organisation and made the Olympic Games the greatest sports show on earth. Rogge’s task is now to continue reforms within the IOC and Olympic movement made necessary after the Salt Lake City bribes for votes scandal which cost 10 IOC members their jobs because they accepted cash, gifts and scholarships from the American bidders. “It is a great responsibility to lead the IOC,” he said. “I promise to work very hard for the future of the IOC and the Olympic Games with the IOC.” Rogge is seen as a team player in contrast to Samaranch’s autocratic rule and besides securing a bright future for the IOC will also make the fight against doping a prime objective. He named his goals: “first: for credibility in sports and against doping. Second: against corruption. Third: against violence.” Rogge, who speaks five languages, has only been in the elite sports body for 10 years, but has enjoyed a remarkable career right into the powerful executive board. A former sailor with two world championship titles but no Olympic medals, Rogge praises Samaranch’s work for the IOC, but at the same wants to make important changes within the IOC — most notably ending “the spiral of gigantism” at Olympic Games. “No private jets, no rushing around the world, no gifts and no dinner parties,” is the motto of Rogge. His election was praised around the world.
DPA |
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Bonanza for Australia Sydney, July 16 Although there are anxieties here about human rights, local industry is more concerned with gearing up to cash in on the opportunities in Beijing, which promises to rebuild its creaking infrastructure from top to bottom. As well as a new 80,000-seat stadium to be built on what is still a wheat field and a swimming pool on a rice paddy, the Chinese capital is also planning new subway lines, roads, sewers, parks and lakes. A number of Australian companies have already won major contracts to help in the planning, construction, environment and logistics. Many officials in the Sydney organising committee for the Olympics Games (SOCOG), including its chief executive Sandy Hollway, have been heavily involved as consultants in planning Beijing’s bid. Australians have also become acknowledged international experts in planning opening and closing ceremonies and are more than willing to share their knowledge - at the right price. Australians were consultants in planning the Olympic ceremonies in Barcelona and Atlanta as well as last year’s Sydney games, described by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio Samaranch as “the best ever”. Environment Minister Robert Hill said China had spent more than a third of the $ 12.2 billion earmarked for environmental protection and Australia was already a beneficiary. Many companies involved in the Sydney games had won major contracts in China as Beijing sought to upgrade its sewerage system, cut vehicle emissions, and minimise waste. “Australian industry will be keen to offer its assistance as the city tackles the many environmental challenges of the games - and improves Beijing’s environment for future generations,” Hill said. The Australian Trade Commission, Austrade, has urged local companies to be ready for the race for lucrative contracts. “We would like to win even a few percentage points of the $ 100 billion Beijing will spend to host the games,” said Austrade’s Commissioner in Beijing, Carolyn Hughes. New South Wales state MP Henry Tsang, a special adviser to state premier Bob Carr on relations with East Asia, estimates Beijing’s win could be worth $ 3.0 billion to Australia. “Our experts in New South Wales - who organised and staged the ‘best games ever’ - will now help the Chinese to host the Beijing games,” he said. “Last year, when I took the premier to Beijing to visit some of the proposed Olympic sites, we saw many opportunities for New South Wales businesses to provide expert advice and help build the facilities.” Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates, in Moscow for the IOC vote, described the result as “good for Australian sport”. “We enjoy a close relationship with the Chinese National Olympic Committee,” he added. However, Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown echoed the view of many critics in condemning the IOC decision and calling for companies doing business with Beijing to sign a code of ethics, including commitments to a free Tibet. “Like Berlin in 1936, this is great for the host but a brutal snub to oppressed peoples,” Brown said.
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Randhir Singh is IOC member New Delhi, July 16 In the 112th IOC session being held at Moscow, Randhir
Singh, who is also the secretary-general of the Indian Olympic Association and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) polled 101 votes
highest among those to get into the world’s most powerful sport body. He has been secretary-general of OCA since 1991 and of IOC since 1987. He is also the vice-president of Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) since 1998. Randhir Singh’s father, Raja Bhalindra Singh, was IOC member from 1947 to 1992. The second Indian in the IOC was Mr Ashwani Kumar, who retired early this year. The 55-year-old Randhir Singh has represented India in six consecutive Olympics between Tokyo (1964) and Los Angeles (1984) and in three Asian Games. He is the first Indian shooter to win a gold in the Asian Games.
UNI |
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Chennai to host Federation Cup Chennai, July 16 The state government had assured its fullest cooperation for the successful conduct of the tournament, being held after a gap of one year, AIFF president Priyaranjan Dasmunshi, told a press conference here today. Mr Munshi said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha had assured him of all help when he met her this morning. The Chief Minister had also agreed to look into the matter of proper maintenance of the playing area and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. He said the ground, where work is on a war footing to get the turf readied for the tournament, was inspected by the AIFF secretary Alberto Colaco and he was satisfied with it. The facilities at the stadium would be fully ready by August 10. As for the Federation Cup, Mr Munshi said 20 teams would take part and Integral Coach Factory had been included in place of Tata Academy which is leaving for Germany on an exposure tour. Spelling out the thrust areas of the tournament, he said it would give importance to players’ fitness and skills. Mr Munshi said the team for the November Afro-Asian Games would be picked based on their performance in the Federation Cup and camps held before the Games. The tournament was also aimed to help increase popularity of soccer in the state, which has no representation in the National League. Mr Munshi said the federation had
received offers from nine corporate companies for sponsorship of various tournaments on a long term basis. Mr Munshi said the tournament was expected to cost around Rs 1.5 crore and expressed confidence that a sponsorship deal with one of the companies would be decided soon. He said Doordarshan would telecast live both the Federation Cup matches and the coming Indian team’s tour of England. The team comprising 22 players and four officials besides three federation members would leave for England tomorrow. On the death of the Nigerian footballer Charles Eshiajha Esheku during a Harwood League match at the Cooperaage in Mumbai, Mr Munshi expressed shock and said ‘the AIFF has asked for a report from the Western India Football Association to be passed on to the Nigerian Federation’. Mr Colaco said the team winning the Federation Cup would be richer by Rs 10 lakh. Besides, prize money would be given to the winners of matches in various stages of the tournament.
PTI |
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Vijayan fined
Rs 50,000 Chennai, July 16 Federation president Priyaranjan Dasmunshi told newspersons during a press conference here to confirm the venue of the Federation Cup championship that the mistake was on the part of FC Kochin club which did not brief Vijayan about the rules. “AIFF has decided to levy a fine of Rs 50,000 on Vijayan and have given him a deadline to pay it,” he said.
UNI |
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Brazil overpower Peru 2-0 Cali (Colombia), July 16 An early goal by striker Guilherme and a late strike from substitute Denilson gave Luiz Felipe Scolari his first win as Brazil coach in his third game in charge yesterday. Guilherme’s goal was the first of Scolari’s reign. Although both Brazil and Peru were fielding reserve teams in the devalued competition, the result is still a morale-booster for Brazil, who have a crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Paraguay on August 15. Guilherme latched onto a pass by midfielder Alex and fired a first-time shot past goalkeeper Oscar Ibanez in the 10th minute. Brazil, making six changes from the team that lost 0-1 to Mexico on Thursday, played cautiously for the rest of the match and created few chances. Peru threatened an equaliser in the second half but their fightback ended when midfielder Santiago Salazar was sent off for a bruising tackle on Juninho Paulista. In the 86th minute, Denilson burst through the defence and sidefooted the ball into the goal from the edge of the penalty area to give Brazil their first points in group B. Paraguay and Mexico were meeting immediately afterwards for another group B match in the same stadium. Peru have one point. Brazil’s last win was against Cameroon in the Confederations Cup in May. They then drew with Canada and Japan and lost to France and Australia in the same competition, were beaten by Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier on July 1 and then Mexico in the Copa America on Thursday.
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Tunisia qualify for World Cup Johannesburg, July 16 Two Turkey-based professionals did the damage with midfielder Zoubeir Baya scoring twice inside 60 seconds during the second half after defender Khaled Badra gave the Carthage Eagles an early lead in Kinshasa. Cameroon and South Africa qualified two weeks ago for the finals in Japan and South Korea. The other two African slots will be filled at the end of July with group B resting between Nigeria and Liberia while Morocco, Egypt and Senegal fight for group C honours. Ivory Coast, who have been hot on the heels of Tunisia in group D, came unstuck in Congo, where they could only draw 1-1 in a stormy clash that produced a dramatic finish. Kandia Traore put the Ivorian Elephants ahead after 87 minutes in the Atlantic oil port of Pointe-Noire only for Walter Bakouma to equalise 60 seconds later for the Congolese Red Devils. Tunisia completed their eight-match programme with 20 points from home and away victories over Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar and two draws with Ivory Coast. The Ivorians trail by five points with a home fixture against Democratic Republic of Congo to fulfil on July 29 while Madagascar host Congo the previous day to determine who finishes bottom of the table. While Tunisia can look forward the challenging the best in the world next May and June, Sudan surrendered any chance of joining them by losing 0-1 to Ghana in Accra. Emmanuel Osei Kuffour struck just before half-time for the Ghanaian Black Stars, whose own chances of qualifying disappeared on Saturday when Liberia won in Sierra Leone. Koffi Kossi scored twice during the first half to earn Togo a 2-0 victory in Lome over Libya, who share with Namibia and Malawi the dubious distinction of not winning a qualifier.
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National Games an
‘exercise in futility’ Chandigarh, July 16 He also alleged that it was surprising that even the secretary-general of the Punjab Olympic Association was absenting himself from the various meetings meant for organising these games. He said the present government with ‘not so good economic condition’ had pleaded with the Central Government for an additional loan and that nearly Rs 13 crore would have to be paid back. Mr Mohindra said the PFA and the Punjab Cycling Association would take last-minute decisions to send their teams for these games, as a protest against non-release of various grants by the Punjab Sports Department. He also stated that the state sportpersons were also not serious in their urge to achieve medals and unlike the previous national games at Manipur when Punjab secured the third position in terms of medals, the hosts might not be as successful. He said a senior bureaucrat associated with sports in Punjab had been entrusted with the job of roping in sponsors and it might become another election stunt or money making exercise of the government. Mr Mohindra described a sportsperson to be a sincere person who works hard on the ground and in present context they were considered to be a commodity only. He said the various experts opined that a top level athlete needs more than two months rest in between any other big meet and with Afro Asian Games drawing near ( November 3) and SAF games in Pakistan in October, they might refrain from participating in these games. Mr Mohindra said already the present National Games were one year late. In 2002, Andhra Pradesh would host the same and its infrastructure would be ready by February next year. He said another notable question which will remain unanswered pertains to the sports gradation policy as issuing gradation certificate for a player in two National Games in one year might pose problems for authorities concerned. He further said that the 2002 National Games could not be delayed beyond 2002, as two major international events, the Commonwealth Games in England and Asian Games -2002 in Korea were to be held next year. He said the venue for shooting was still not decided and the shooters were confused. Mr Mohindra said the new infrastructure coming up was welcome but it might ultimately become a white elephant. |
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Last-ball victory for Netherlands Toronto, July 16 Needing three runs off the final ball Jacob Esmeijer and Asim Khan (three not out) ran for all they were worth and just scrambled home to give their side a first ICC Trophy in their third final. Both sides qualify for the World Cup in 2003. Esmeijer was the Dutch hero with 58 not out from 51 balls. Namibia would have surely won had not fast bowler Rudi van Vuuren dropped a routine catch offered by Esmeijer on 15 against spinner Deon Kotze when he drove straight to long on. The ball stayed airborn for an eternity and Van Vuuren got both hands to the ball before dropping the catch in front of the pavilion. It was a terrible moment for Namibia and Van Vuuren. Earlier he had taken two wickets in two balls to leave Netherlands 12 for two and on the ropes as they chased 196 for victory.
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Anand, Kramnik settle for draw Dortmund, July 16 The FIDE world champion yesterday drew against Peter leko in the fourth round of the Sparkassen Dortmund Chess tournament here this evening. It meant Anand now has 1.5 points from four rounds and languishes pretty much in the bottom half of the table. Leko meanwhile has 2.5 out of four. Kramnik went into the lead with 3.5 points with a fine win over Alexander Morozevich, who once again played riskily, committed mistakes and paid the penalty. Kramnik had white pieces in a game which was a Slav defence and Kramnik completed the win in 38 moves. In fact, Kramnik played brilliantly with a rook and bishop gainst twin rooks. In compensation, Morozevich had an extra pawn. But it really did not count for much. In the fifth round, Anand will meet Kramnik and the Indian starts with the white pieces. Coming after the Mainz match, Anand, may have a little psychological advantage. But then Kramnik has time and again maintained that for him rapid and blitz chess does not count for much, though he did agree to play Anand in such a match in Mainz. The Leko-Anand game was in the Caro-Kann, as Anand preferred to depart from his previous openings here. It went into a variation, which the databases showed had been similar to what came in a Mikhail Tal-Mikhail Botwinnink match back in 1961. But then nothing big came out in this game and it was a bit of a dull draw. Leko did have some space advantage, but he did not indicate he had any plans for active attack. On the other hand, Anand (black) despite cramped for space had no obvious weaknesses and was solid. Leko, who loves playing with twin bishops had them but his black square bishop after some time was quite hemmed in. After 30 moves it expectedly ended in a draw and Anand understandably went off quickly back to the hotel to do some quick last-minute preparations for his game against Kramnik tommorrow.
UNI |
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Italy dominate in swimming Fukuoka, July 16 Oozing supreme confidence and belief in themselves, team-mates Luca Baldini and Viola Valli used a mixture of cunning and sheer power to outwit and outrace their rivals. The double glory was a shot in the arm for the Italian team, which plans to build on the unexpected momentum it gained in the pool at the Sydney Olympics. In Sydney the Italians won three gold medals, a silver and two bronze, to barge into swimming’s premier league alongside Australia, the USA and the Netherlands. An assured Baldini showed he had learnt a thing or two since the last World Championships in Perth three years ago when he finished third. Fighting a strong current and a brisk breeze in the waters off western Fukuoka’s Momochi beach, the 25-year-old noticed that his rivals were too busy fighting the elements to see him make a break and he took full advantage. He powered into an uncatchable lead and cruised home in 55:37, almost a minute clear of Russian Evgueni Bezroutchenko (56:31), who won the open water World Championships in Hawaii last October and was fourth in Perth. Marco Formentini (56:42) was third, adding a bronze to the Italian medal haul. “I started the race knowing I could win,” said Baldini “I trusted myself.”
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NATIONAL GAMES Chandigarh, July 16 The committee held its first meeting today under the chairmanship of Mr Gurinderjit Singh Sandhu at the Chandigarh Golf Club, Mr Gurbir Singh Sandhu from the Indian Olympic Association and Mr Sandeep Singh Sandhu, Captain of the
Chandigarh Golf Club, also attended the meeting. The committee finalised the dates of conduct of golf tournament for the National Games from September 18 to 21. A letter from the committee is being sent to all State Olympic Associations and state governments seeking confirmation about participation of their teams in the golf event for the National Games. Each state will be eligible to send one team in the men’s event and one team in the women’s event. Each team will consist of four players and the score of the best three will be counted for determining the winners etc for the team event and there will also be prizes (medals) for individual events both for men and women. The Chandigarh Golf Club has been selected to host this tournament in view of the excellent infrastructure and the golf course which is one of the best in the country. The Chandigarh Golf Club has produced a number of golfers both in men’s and women’s sections, who have done well not only at the national level, but also at the international level. |
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Impressive start by Kiwis Colombo, July 16 The Kiwis, preparing for the triangular series against India and Sri Lanka starting here on Wednesday, piled up 293 for six from their stipulated 50 overs before bowling Sri Lanka A out for 129. Matthew Sinclair (64), Nathan Astle (48) and Craig McMillan (59) led the spectacular run hunt at the Nondescripts cricket club ground after being sent to bat by their young rivals. All the bowlers then chipped in as Sri Lanka A were shot out in just 36.5 overs. Thilan Samaraweera top scored with 41. Brief scores: New Zealand 293-6 in 50 overs (M Sinclair 64, N. Astle 48, C McMillan 59) beat Sri Lanka A 129 in 36.5 overs (T Samaraweera 41, K Mills 2-8).
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Bereaved Chandigarh, July 16 The bhog ceremony will be held tomorrow. |
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