The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Aggression, self-belief key against Oz: Laxman Melbourne, December 23 VVS Laxman has been Australia's bugbear for quite a while and the classical middle order batsman prescribes self-belief with relentless aggression as the formula to succeed against the world champions. With a firmness in his voice, Laxman said India would not allow any let-up in steam in order to curb the Aussies from getting on the top. "Whenever we have played aggressively against Australia, we have done well. We realise that if you give the Aussies an inch, they tend to walk over you," Laxman said. Laxman has been Australia's biggest worry as a batsman in the last decade or so and hardly any other batsman made such an overwhelming impression on the world champions in recent times. The soft-spoken Hyderabad player, however, was quick to underline that by aggression he didn't mean wearing one's emotions on one's sleeve. "It's a self-belief which matters a great deal for any batsman to do well in Australia. I do believe that the present Indian team wouldn't be found out on this issue." Laxman attributed his success against the Aussies to his ability to raise his game against the toughest opponents. "It usually happens with us against Australia. We tend to raise our game in order to match theirs." Australian captain Ricky Ponting is on record having said that they still haven't figured out how to get past Laxman. Australians are known to use all sort of tactics to bully the opponents into submission, but Laxman says he hasn't noticed it happen to him. "I don't remember them having tried something on me. I haven't really noticed (all these years)." Laxman conceded that the present Australian attack was a formidable one and it would not be easy to come to terms with them. "It's been a good bowling attack for Australia. Tait, Lee, Johnson and Clark, to go with Brad Hogg, are all match-winning bowlers. It's a good attack for them even if Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne are not around." Laxman could bat at number three in the first Test, a situation he is ready for the Test series. "I would like to bat in the middle order. But then whatever is my role, I would try to do best to my ability." He doesn't feel a long tour as the present one would sap the energy of his senior batsmen to the extent that they are exhausted by the time the tour comes to an end in March next. "I don't think it would happen. We have worked hard on our fitness and physio Gregory King has a lot to do with it. King has also ensured that we get sufficient recovery time." — PTI
	Chetri to get Player of Year award M S Unnikrishnan Tribune News Service New Delhi, December 23 JCT striker Sunil Chetri has been chosen for the "Player of the Year 2007" award by the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) at its Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) held at Football House here today. AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi said Chetri got the nod on the basis of the recommendations made by "media experts, coaches and the chief coach (Bob Houghton)". Chetri was among the top scorers - and the only Indian - in the last edition of the National Football League. The award, which carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a citation, will be given to Chetri "at the earliest". The AGM also decided to allot the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy to Jammu and Kashmir, which will be played in May, 2008. The matches will be spread between Srinagar and Jammu. While Srinagar will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the opening match and the final, in addition to some key cluster contests, Jammu will hold two cluster matches. Dasmunshi said India have been allotted the Asian Challenge Cup for 2008 and 2010, with the hosts also getting a direct entry into the championship. The Cup will be held either in Delhi or Hyderabad in August, 2008, instead of March. The venue will be decided after the Technical Committee of the Asian Football Confederation inspects the facilities in Delhi and Hyderabad. Since Delhi has, presently, only one football ground in Ambedkar Stadium due to the construction work at the Jawaharlal Nehru for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Hyderabad, which boasts of two very good football grounds and three-four practice venues, may be chosen for the AFC Cup. And an off-shoot of India's triumph in the Nehru Cup this year, which has encouraged FIFA and the AFC to "repose their hope on India", the country have been given direct entry into the second round of Asia Cup 2011, without subjecting to the qualifying rigmarole. The AIFF, encouraged by the display of the Under-16 team, who defeated Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and drew with Asian Cup champions Iraq in the Asian Round Championship recently, has decided to fan out its talent spotters to 100 districts in the country from January-February 2008 to bolster talent at the grass-root level to create a supply line for the ambitious professional I League. Dasmunshi said chief coach Bob Houghton has given valuable suggestions and inputs for harnessing the potential talent in the country in a gainful manner. The AIFF president said moves were afoot to synchronise the I League and Leagues of the State Football Associations, with a set pattern, to be held from September to April every year. He said the proposal has received support from all the state associations, except Bengal and Goa. The AIFF, to find an amicable solution, has constituted a "core group", headed by chairman of the AIFF technical committee and also its vice-president C.R.Viswanathan, which will submit its report before January 31, 2008 for an "arrangement that will ultimately fulfil the cause of the national team preparation and to protect the domestic league in a competitive order". Dasmunshi said the base of the national team will consist of talent identified from the I League, the Federation Cup, the under-21 and under-19 teams, and the local league. A new women's tournament for the Rani Jhansi Cup will be introduced at the zonal level, culminating in a national final, while a Metro Cup for the eves was also on the anvil, to be played in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, with Bangalore, Bhubaneswar and Lucknow being potential venues. The AIFF president indicated that the Haryana Government, in principle, has agreed to start a Football Academy Centre in Gurgaon in association with the ONGC. The meeting conferred honorary lifetime membership status to four former internationals and one referee in recognition of their "outstanding contribution" to the game. They will be allowed to attend all the AGMs but without voting rights. The chosen ones are: Olympians Sailen Manna, P.K.Banerjee, Subimal Goswami and Dronacharya Syed Nayeemuddin and former FIFA referee and now Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev. The meeting also condoled the death of Mr K.K.Kapoor, who was the secretary of the Punjab Football Association and a former vice-president of the AIFF, former international players, coaches and referees like R.B.Pratap, Thomas Sebastian, Narender Gurung, Moideen Kutty, A Jayaraman, Bob Bootland, B.N.Vajravelu and S.R D'Silva.
	Chappell fires salvo at Buchanan ‘My daughter would’ve done better’ Melbourne, December 23 Launching a lampoon at John Buchanan, former captain Ian Chappell has said that his daughter would not have done a bad job as coach of the Australian team. Defending spin great Shane Warne, who has been criticised for his panning of Buchanan, Chappell said the former coach's contribution in Australia's dream run was nil. "It's a simple decision. The captain is 95 per cent important, the coach is five per cent important. Guess who I am going to worry about first?" Chappell was quoted as saying by the 'News Limited.' "Shane Warne would have been a magnificent attacking captain for Australia. "A lot of people refer to John Buchanan's record as coach. How many wickets and how many catches and how many runs did he make? "He didn't make any. His contribution to those victories in my opinion is absolutely nil. Is someone going to tell me that if my daughter had coached Australia, would the results have been any different? "I am here to tell you the results wouldn't have been any different at all. In fact, they might have been better without him there." Chappell's criticism of Buchanan came at a time when the latter was trying to resolve his differences with Warne by declaring that he was keen on working with the leggie as Cricket Australia coaches. Chappell also attacked Buchanan for floating the idea of allowing Australians to play for rival nations as a way of strengthening international cricket. "The thing is, if you think about that suggestion, it's exactly what Warney said, it's from pixie-land. "What you are saying is that we need to find (countries) to compete against Australia, so what he is suggesting is you send off players who can't make the Australian side to play for other teams. "How is that going to help those other teams beat Australia? It doesn't make any sense," Chappell said. — PTI
	Gilchrist predicts tough series Melbourne, December 23 Australia vice-captain Adam Gilchrist believes the upcoming Test series against India will see a tough battle between two aggressive teams. ''We are both aggressive teams, we are talented teams. I think we will just be trying to play hard aggressive cricket and not go too far with it,'' Gilchrist said. He also said that the sledging and tensions during the one-day series played in India earlier this year is over now and the upcoming Test series see both the teams fight it out in the right spirits. ''Hopefully, we won't go down that route again in terms of the amount that was written about and time it took. It all got a bit out of control in the one-day series early on in India,'' he said. The left-handed batsman added that the series against India will be well fought by both the teams. ''It will be hard fought. They (India) are a team that has said that they want to take the challenge to us in an aggressive manner.'' He was confident that this Australian team has the bowlers who can trouble a star-studded Indian batting line up. — UNI
	Shers record their first win Akash Ghai Tribune News Service Chandigarh, December 23 The Shers today pounced on Veerans to notch up their first victory by 2-0 in the fourth edition of Premier Hockey League at Hockey Stadium, Sector 42 here today. After conceding defeat from Hyderabad Sultans (0-3), Sher-e-Jalandhar was in their grooves today as the forward line consisting of Gagan Ajit Singh, Dilawar, Dutch Don Prince gave tough time to the defence line of Chennai Veerans. In the 70-minute affair, the Veerans could earn only one penalty corner besides creating a handful significant moves. On the other hand, the Shers made their way into rival’s striking circle many a time and earned four penalty corners. After the barren first half, the match caught pace, seeing many clinical attacks by the Shers. But two quick goals in the space of three minutes by Shers put the match beyond Veerans. In the 38th minute, striker Gagan drew the brace, timing a beautiful pass off Dilawar Hussain. After being trapped by the defenders of Veerans, Dilawar lifted the ball in front of goal from left corner side. Wasting no time, Gagan, who positioned himself in front of the post inside the striking circle, shot the ball in to get lead. The spirited Shers, who become more aggressive with the goal, earned three penalty corners in a gap of five minutes. In the back-to-back penalty corners (40th and 41st minutes), Shers converted the latter through flicker Jugraj. Prabhdeep set the stage by relaying the ball to his right to Jugraj, whose hit was padded by the Sreejesh. Seeing the ball returning Jugraj charged in and again hit to double the margin. Denying any complacency, the ‘Shers’ continued their attacks but missed many golden chances along with a penalty corner (45th minute) came the way. The high-voltage fourth quarter, Veerans made several attempts. One golden chance came their way when Sanawar Ali could not tap the pass off Sommanna at goalmouth. Dilawar was declared man of the match. Warriors ground Hi-Fliers Continuing their winning spree, Maratha Warriors defeated Bangalore Hi-Fliers by 2-0 here today. The real action started after the dull first half. Hi-Fliers forced two penalty corners which went waste. The third quarter belonged to Warriors, who earned nine penalty corners, netted two goals to notch up win.
	‘Steps taken to improve J-K cricket’ Ravi Krishnan Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, December 23 Little domestic activities, no timely elections, neck deep in litigations and entertaining ‘blue-eyed’ boys in the state squads is what the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) had been doing to promote the ‘gentleman’s game’ in the state. However, JKCA general secretary Salim Khan, a close confidant of former Chief Minister and JKCA president Dr Farooq Abdullah claims, “measures have been initiated to give an impetus to cricket in the state besides ensuring transparency at every level so as to end allegations of nepotism.” Talking to The Tribune, Khan said, “As far as domestic activities were concerned, we organised five tournaments in as many districts of valley this cricket season. However, it has yet to start in Jammu region.” About elections, he said, “In the last working committee meeting, we unanimously decided to extend the term to two years from one year.” “The decision was taken so as to enable the elected representatives to comprehend the JKCA functioning and execute their plans because one year term was too little to conceive and implement plans,” he added. Regarding litigations, he claimed, “Not even a single suit was filed by any of JKCA member. Others had filed the petitions which have been disposed of.” About nepotism during selections, he said, “After we decided in the last meeting, a coach and a selector from the BCCI were brought here this year to select the team of their choice for the Ranji Trophy.” “But to end allegations of entertaining blue-eyed boys in other state squads, selection camps would be held from March-April where coaches will shortlist the cricketers on merit and then teams would be announced at least a month before the tournament.” It may be recalled here that hitherto JKCA usually had been announcing teams late in the nights, a day before the start of any national tournament. About independent cricket stadium in Jammu, he said, “We are trying hard to acquire the land. In fact, we have already identified one on the outskirts of the capital city.” “The JKCA president Dr Farooq Abdullah has personally talked to the Chief Minister and a piece of 200 kanals of land has already been identified,” Khan said, adding “work would get underway within a month.” The BCCI has already allocated Rs 15 crores to the JKCA for the purpose. Khan said, “However, the JKCA shall have to acquire some more land to raise a cricket academy as well.” Admitting that the JKCA has not been able to hold elections on time, a former state cricketer Ranjeet Kalra said, “From the last two years elections have not been held,” adding “The JKCA constitution says that elections must be conducted every year.” He further said “the JKCA office-bearers should better bury their differences and withdraw litigations in the interest of the game.”
	Liberals hockey: SRC, AOC triumph Ravi Dhaliwal Nabha, December 23 The 32nd edition of the All-India Liberals Hockey tournament commenced in style at its traditional venue - the Ripudaman college grounds - amid a carnival atmosphere here today. The first day's play saw SRC, Ramgarh, scrap their way past Artillery Centre, Hyderabad, 3-1 and AOC, Secunderabad, sailing their way past Centre of Excellence, Patiala, 2-1. In the first match SRC and Artillery Centre played dull and drab hockey in the first half. In the second half, forward N. Tirkey was substituted into the attack and this move immediately paid dividends when he collected a measured pass from the left flank, dribbled his way into the striking circle and unleashed a powerful reverse flick to bring up SRC's first goal. Three minutes later, centre half Suman Kumar made it 2-0 for the Ramgrah outfit when his shot at the goal brooked no resistance from the goal keeper Anil Kumar. Vikramjit Singh managed to reduce the margin for Artillery Centre when his drive along the carpet taken from top of the striking circle sounded the board with a thud. Jagir Singh scored a peach of a goal to bring up his team's third goal. Jagir Singh's effort came in for praise from the spectators and his colleagues alike. In the other match, Centre of Excellence, Patiala, started off on an optimistic note and soon forged their way ahead when left half Barinder Singh scored his team's first goal. However, towards the end of the game, the Patiala lads slowed down a bit and this enabled the Secunderabad outfit to claw back into the match. In tomorrow's fixtures, SRC lock horns with the youngsters of the Thapar Academy, Sansarpur while Ropar Hawks play against AOC, Secunderabad. Ideal Hockey Club, Lahore, play J&K Police while in the last match of the day, RCF, Kapurthala, clash with Rock Rovers, Chandigarh. Earlier, the eight-day tournament, which has attracted 28 top outfits of the country, was inaugurated by the Patiala deputy commissioner D.S. Grewal.
	Astroturf for Sirsa approved Tribune News Service Chandigarh, December 23 The new sports stadium at Sirsa will have a hockey Astroturf. An official spokesman said the proposal for the Astroturf had been approved by the state government. A large number of hockey players from Sirsa had given outstanding performances at international events, he said. The spokesman said gyms would be set up in 14 villages of Sirsa district. Two villages of each block of the district would be selected for setting up of the gyms. He said stadiums having latest sports facilities would be constructed in rural areas across the state.
	2007 my best year so far: Sania New Delhi, December 23 A knee surgery may have kept Sania Mirza out of action for two months but a career-best singles ranking of 27 and a slew of wins over top 20 players convince her that she had the best year of her career so far. Bouncing back from the surgery to touch new heights this year, Sania proved her initial success was not a flash in the pan and says it was a "personal victory" for her in the breakthrough year. "It was a successful year for me - perhaps my best so far. And it was a personal victory for me to have done reasonably despite the knee surgery that also took away 10 weeks from my year," Sania told PTI in an interview. After making a fine start to 2007, reaching semifinals at Hobart and Pattaya City, Sania's momentum was snapped in March when her right knee was put under the knife, throwing her out of action for two months. She, however, bounced back in style in the second half of the season and had a bull run in the summer hardcourt season where she reached the final at Stanford, semifinal at Cincinnati and quarterfinal in the Tier I event at San Diego. On the way, she conquered five top 20 players, including former number one Martina Hingis at Los Angeles. — PTI
	Eduardo stars in JCT win Anil Datt Ludhiana, December 23 Last year’s runners up JCT survived some anxious moments before romping home victorious 4-2 against Sporting Clube de Goa in the seventh round match of the ongoing ONGC I-League played at Guru Nanak Stadium here today. With this victory, JCT in seven outings have garnered 15 points to maintain their second position while the visitors, in as many encounters, have three points and remained stranded at the bottom. JCT drew first blood as early as in the third minute when their star striker Eduardo d’Silva’s free kick from side line lobbed into the net, much to the chagrin of Sporting Clube custodian Luis Barreto In the very next minute, they forced another free kick. However, Sunil Chhetri's powerful grounder missed the target by a whisker. Exhibiting an attacking game, JCT players weaved some good moves and succeeded in puncturing the opponent's defence three minutes later when Baljit Singh Sahni received a parallel pass from Eduardo and stormed into the striking circle and produced a brilliant goal to make it 2-0. They enhanced the lead in the 19th minute when a flag kick taken by Eduardo was headed into the net by Baldeep Singh. Sporting had themselves to blame for not reducing the margin as they muffed scoring chances in quick succession by medio Bisheshwar Singh and Lawrence Adjei. Nevertheless, they continued to make forays into the rival territory and eventually earned a penalty after their forward Micky Fernandes was obstructed near the goalmouth. Denzil Franco successfully converted it to make it 3-1. Immediately into the second session, JCT pumped into another goal when Eduardo's sizzler slipped out of SC goalkeeper's hands. Sporting Clube players Lawrence and Olushola Ogundare combined well and pierced through JCT defence with the former netting the ball to salvage some pride for his team. Eduardo was adjudged the Man of the Match.
	Mahindra beat East Bengal Mumbai, December 23 Mahindra United defeated East Bengal 2-1 in a closely fought I-League encounter that put the home team three points ahead of the Kolkata giants in the standings. Debabrata Roy (own goal, 31st minute) and Mohammad Rafi (71st) came to Mahindra's aid while Edmilson Marques (50th) scored for East Bengal. Churchill thrash Viva Kerala Margao: Churchill Brothers thrashed Viva Kerala 5-0 in the seventh round of the ONGC I-League football championship at Nehru Stadium here today. Churchill Brothers, who led 1-0 at half-time, scored through Mboyo Iyomi (12th, 73rd minute), Robert Lalthlamvana (61st) and Odafe Onyeka Okolie (65th and injury time). The local outfit, who dominated throughout the match, could have won by a bigger margin had it not been for rival keeper M.V. Nelson who brought off several smart saves. With the win, Churchill Brothers have collected 13 points from seven matches, while Viva Kerala, who suffered their second defeat, remained on nine points. Iyomi was declared Man of the Match. — PTI