 |
|
|
Phelps focuses on record haul
Lochte not giving in to friend Phelps
|
F1 poster boy in Mumbai
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
News from Colombo — ton, ton, ton
Champions Trophy stays in Pakistan
Sania knocked out in 2nd round
IOC bans Iraq
|
|
The air quality in Beijing has improved dramatically in recent days thanks to the effective temporary measures, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) official said here. “I am very surprised because I thought it would be different, but it’s much better, much better,” IOC’s Olympic Games executive director Gilbert Felli told reporters. “You don’t feel bad when you breathe so it looks good, I’m confident.” Last Sunday, Beijing started a two-month-long control of vehicle use to ease traffic pressure and improve air quality for the Aug 8-24 Games. According to the restriction, vehicles with even and odd number of plates have to run on alternate days in the metropolis. Felli said he was pleased with the overall preparations and felt less anxious at this stage than he had at previous Games.
n
Motor boating (1908): Three categories of races in boats. The IOC later decided against allowing anything with a motor.
|
|
DOPE AND HOPE
Patiala, July 24 The random tests were conducted by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in June and the report was out early this week. SAI has now recommended to the IWF to take action against the erring lifter. Interestingly, the IWF had shifted the camp from the National Institute of Sports (NIS) here on the plea that drugs were easily available from outside the Institute. Subsequently the campers were taken to the ASI as the place was considered to be safe from scourge of dugs. However, this plea has fell flat on the faces of IWF officials since Harpreet allegedly used nandrolone in the camp at the ASI. With the lifter testing positive, the focus has now shifted on senior weightlifting coaches attached with national camps. Earlier the IWF had requisitioned the services of the Lucknow-based Hansa Sharma to train Monica Devi- the sole Indian woman lifter to have qualified for the Beijing Olympics. However, later Sharma was withdrawn from the camp after allegations surfaced that some of her trainees were found to be on dope. After Sharma’s forced exit, the charge of training Monica Devi was handed over to D.D Sharma. Intriguingly, Harpreet is a trainee of D.D Sharma who was earlier attached with the youth Commonwealth games camp at Pune. The IWF now finds itself deeply mirred in the doping mess as Harpreet is the third top lifter to have returned a positive test this year. The other two who have tested positive are Kavita Rani whose samples were picked up by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) and Paritosh who tested positive after a SAI test. Ministry directs IWF to select Chanu
NEW DELHI: Sports Ministry has asked the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) to select former international and senior coach L. Anita Chanu to accompany Monika Devi to the Beijing Olympics. Top Ministry sources told PTI that Chanu’s name has been approved by the Ministry after rejecting IWF’s candidate Deodutt Sharma who was named coach on July 15 after selection trial in Bangalore. “Anita Chanu will accompany Monika in Beijing. Her name has been cleared by the Ministry. The Ministry wanted a woman coach to accompany a woman candidate,” a top source said. Two days ago, the Ministry had directed not to select Deodutt Sharma and choose a woman coach to accompany Monika after complaints by former Olympians and and protest by a selection committee member. Anita, an NIS Patiala diploma holder, or was a senior contemporary of Kunjarani Devi and she had participated in world championships and two Asian Games — in 1990 and 1994. The Manipuri woman, who had won medals mostly at the Asian level, has been part of national camps since 2002 and is presently at the SAI Centre in Bangalore for the training camp from the Pune Commonwealth Youth Games in October.
— PTI |
|
New Delhi, July 24 Archery: Dola Banerjee, Pranitha Vardhineni, L Bombayala Devi, Mangal Singh Champia. Athletics: Anju Bobby George (Long Jump), Krishna Poonia (Discus), Harwant Kaur (Discus), Preeja Sreedharan (10,000m), Manjit Kaur (400m), Chitra Soman (4x400m relay), Sini Jose (4x400m relay), MR Poovamma (4x400m relay), Mandeep Kaur (4x400m relay), S Geeta (4x400m relay), K Mridula (4x400m relay), J J Shobha (Heptathlon), Sushmita Singh Roy (Heptathlon), G G Pramila (Heptathlon), Vikas Gowda (Discus), Renjith Maheswary (Triple Jump), Surender Singh (10000m). Badminton: Anup Sridhar, Saina Nehwal Boxing: Jitender (51kg), Akhil Kumar (54kg), A L Lakhra (57kg), Vijender(75kg) and Dinesh Kumar (81kg) Judo: Khumujam Tombi Devi, Divya. Rowing: Bajrang Lal Takhar (Single M1X), Devnder Khandwal and Manjeet Singh (Light Weight Double Scull). Shooting: Manavjit Singh Sandhu (Clay Pigeon Trap), Mansher Singh (Clay Pigeon Trap), Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Clay Pigeon Double Trap), Gagan Narang (10m Air Rifle), Abhinav Bindra (10m Air Rifle), Samresh Jung (10m Air Pistol), Sanjeev Rajput (50m Rifle 3 Position), Anjali Bhagwat (50m Rifle 3 Position), Avneet Kaur Sidhu (10m Air Rifle). Swimming: Virdawal Khade (50m, 100m, 200m Freestyle), Ankur Poseria (100m Butterfly), Sandeep Sejwal (100m, 200m Breaststrokes), Rehan Poncha (200m butterfly). Table Tennis: Achanta Sharath Kamal, Neha Aggarwal. Tennis: Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi (doubles), Sania Mirza (singles and doubles), Sunitha Rao (doubles). Weightlifting: L Monika Devi (69kg) Wrestling: Sushil Kumar (66 kg Freestyle), Yogeshwar Dutt (60 kg Freestyle), Rajiv Tomar (120 kg Freestyle). Yachting: Maj N S Johal (Heavy Weight Dinghy). — PTI
|
|
Detroit, July 24 The American swimmer will come under the type of crushing scrutiny only a very few athletes, such as golfer Tiger Woods or Formula One champion Michael Schumacher, have experienced. Four years ago at the Athens Olympics, Phelps got a taste of the pressure that awaits when his assault on Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals at a single Games ended with number six. While the mission remains unchanged, expectations have grown over four years of mounting hype. Even so, the 23-year-old Phelps believes he is now better prepared to tackle the challenge and will have an army of handlers, US sports officials and perhaps even bodyguards to ensure distractions are kept to a minimum. Phelps, who is due to swim the 200 and 400m medley, the 100 and 200m butterfly, the 200m freestyle and three relays in Beijing, is known for his laser-like focus. A creature of habit, he goes through a pre-race routine honed from more than a decade of competition. Before each race, he arrives at the pool at the same time, does the same stretches in the same order and, uniquely, steps on to the starting blocks from the left side. "I noticed the first time I saw him swim, I think he was 10, it was just apparent he was just going to do whatever it took. When he swam you could see that kind of intensity," said Phelps's long-time coach Bob Bowman. Phelps has few interests outside swimming. His ambition simply is to become the greatest swimmer the world has ever seen. "I don't think anything is too high," said Phelps. "If you think about doing the unthinkable you can. "The sky is the limit. That's one thing I have learnt from Bob, anything is possible. I set very high goals for myself and I work hard to get there." — Reuters
|
|
Lochte not giving in to friend Phelps
Washington, July 24 "I honestly don't care if Michael gets all the attention," said Lochte, a gold and silver medallist at the 2004 Athens Games. "I'm like that guy who doesn't like to talk. I like to do my own thing on the side.” "We have a friendly rivalry. We're really good friends. But when I get on the blocks, I want to win." Phelps, hoping to topple Mark Spitz's record haul of seven gold medals, and 41-year-old Dara Torres dominated the headlines at the US Olympic swimming trials, leaving Lochte off to the side in his familiar best-man role. The 23-year-old Lochte told a gathering of Olympic reporters he would not give an inch to Phelps, however, when the two were in the pool at the Beijing Games. "That's one of the biggest problems for competitors, when they have someone like a Tiger Woods or Michael Phelps, a LeBron James or Michael Jordan, that they're going for second.” "We don't think like that. That's the wrong mindset, especially for swimming. I feel like I can win any time, against anyone, and that's the way I approach my races." Lochte performed spectacularly at the Olympic trials, finishing a close second to Phelps in the 200m and 400m individual medley, as Phelps touched the wall with world-record times. — Reuters
|
|
News from Colombo — ton, ton, ton
Colombo, July 24 Jayawardene (136) exploited a perfect batting strip at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground to slam his 23rd Test ton while Warnapura (115) notched up his second ton as the hosts reached a commanding 422 for four at close on the second day. The right-handed Samaraweera (111 not out) had his moment of glory at the fag end of the day by scoring his seventh Test century on what turned out to be a nightmarish day for the visitors. The fluent Jayawardene stole the limelight by scoring his ninth century at the SSC, thus becoming only the second player after Sir Don Bradman to hit nine centuries at a particular venue. The Australian legend had hit nine centuries at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Tillakaratne Dilshan (20) was giving Samaraweera company at the crease at stumps with the hosts putting themselves on course for a mammoth first innings total. But the script could have unfolded a little differently had the buttered-fingered Indians latched on to all the three chances that came their way, Jayawardene being the beneficiary on two occasions. Wicketkeeper Dinesh Kaarthik, a replacement for Mahendra Singh Dhoni who has skipped the Test series because of exhaustion, was guilty of spilling two catches offered by Jayawardene while Gautam Gambhir dropped one at forward short leg. It turned out to be a frustrating day for the Indians as they toiled to get the wickets on a track which provided little assistance to the bowlers, except for a brief period with the second new ball, and some sloppy ground fielding only compounded their misery. The Indian bowling lacked the bite to pose much problems for the hosts who scored at a relatively brisk pace right through the day. With the islanders heading for a huge first innings total, the pressure will be on the Indian batsmen to keep the team afloat in the remaining three days of the match. Resuming at the overnight score of 85 for two, the hosts ensured that there were no further setbacks as Warnapura and Jayawardene tormented the Indians with a 155-run partnership for the third wicket. Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh provided the breakthrough by getting rid of Warnapura while paceman Ishant Sharma removed the dangerous Jayawardene late in the day with a gem of an outswinger. With the rains staying away today, Warnapura and his captain went about their business without much trouble, adding 120 runs in 150 minutes to their overnight tally without being separated. Warnapura was loudly cheered by a sparse crowd when he hammered Ishant Sharma to the third man for his century that came in 231 minutes off 163 balls. Kumble 1st to refer
India skipper Anil Kumble today became the first cricketer in the history of the game to go for the review of an on-field umpire’s decision when Mark Benson turned down a leg-before appeal against Malinda Warnapura off Harbhajan Singh. Kumble, using the right under new umpire referral system, sought the opinion of the third umpire, who upheld the decision of Benson. Warnapura, who struck his second Test century, was on 86 when Harbhajan made a confident leg before appeal. South African television umpire Rudi Koertzen after scrutinising the replay went with Benson’s ruling. This was for the first time that a decision other than stumping and run out was made with the help of the third umpire.
— PTI Scoreboard |
|
Champions Trophy stays in Pakistan
Karachi/Dubai, July 24 After the ICC Board members held a teleconference, PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf told a news conference that the tournament would remain in its original venue after all the members of the board had taken a consensus decision. ICC also appointed a special task force to oversee and review the implementation of a comprehensive security plan for the tournament. Ashraf also singled out the Indian Cricket Board for its support to have the ICC event in Pakistan despite security apprehensions. England and Wales Cricket Board chief David Morgan, BCCI president Sharad Pawar, ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat, broadcasters representatives, Ashraf, principal advisor to ICC I S Bindra and a representative from Nicolas Styne will be on the special task force. — PTI
|
|
|
Toronto, July 24 Back on court for the first time since his five-set loss to Rafael Nadal at the All-England Club, the world number one appeared ready to take out his disappointment on Simon by winning the first four games on the way to the opening set. But Simon, riding the momentum from his championship win in Indianapolis on Sunday, refused to buckle under the pressure, battling back to beat the 12-times grand slam winner 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 and reach the third round. It was the first time Federer had lost his opening match in a tournament since falling to Briton Andy Murray in Dubai in March. Federer's number one ranking, which he has held for 234 weeks, is also now under serious threat from his great rival Nadal. The Swiss held a commanding 1,445-point cushion at the top at the start of the year but if Nadal wins in Toronto for a second time on Sunday the deficit will be sliced to less than 300. "I have to regroup and look forward. The bigger picture is the Olympic Games and the US Open and those are the places I really want to win so I have to make sure I am ready for that." The second-round loss at an event he has twice won was another setback for Federer, who was hoping to use the American hardcourt season as preparation for his gold medal bid in Beijing and to re-establish his dominance after a disappointing season. — Reuters
|
|
Sania knocked out in 2nd round
Los Angeles, July 24 The 16th seed Indian lost to her unseeded Chinese opponent 4-6, 3-6 in a one-and-a-half hour contest to crash out of the hard court WTA event. Sania borke Yuan once and dropped her own serve twice to go down in the first set. Then in the second, Sania could convert just three out of six breakpoints while the Chinese cashed in on all the five breakpoints to snatch the match away from the Indian. The defeat came as a big jolt to Indian fans, who have pinned hopes on India's numero uno woman player to win a medal at Beijing Olympics. Sania had also lost her second round matches at WTA events in Birmingham, s'Hertogenbosch and at Wimbledon singles last month. Last week, she had lost to a British qualifier in the first round of the Stanford WTA tournament. Bhupathi-Knowles in quarters
Toronto: Mahesh Bhupathi and his partner Mark Knowles did not have to do anything to enter the quarterfinals of the $2,615,000 ATP Rogers Masters as they got a walk over from their opponents in the second round here. The fourth seeded Indo-Bahamas were up against American duo of Mardy Fish and Andy Roddick, who conceded the match because of knee injury to Fish. Bhupathi and Knowles are yet to play a single ball in the tournament as the pair had also got a bye in the first round of the sixth of the 10 Masters Series tournaments. Somdev upsets 2nd seed
Lexington: Indian qualifier Somdev Devvarman stunned second seed Bobby Reynolds to storm into the singles quarterfinal of the $50,000 ATP Challenger tournament here. Devvarman, who is ranked 566th in ATP charts, pipped 92nd ranked American Reynolds 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-4 in a tough second round match of the hard court event. Vardhan advances
New Delhi: Vishnu Vardhan upset fifth seed Korean Hyun-Woo Nam in straight sets to enter the singles quarterfinals of the $15,000 ITF tournament in Georgia. Vardhan, who had a bad outing last week at the same event, beat Nam 6-3, 6-3 in the second round of the clay court event. Vardhan will now lock horns with Latvian Deniss Pavlovs, who defeated Uzbekistan's Vaja Uzakov 7-5, 6-2 in his second round match. Meanwhile, the Indian challenge ended at $10,000 ITF women's event in Rabat, Morocco, with the defeat of Parija Maloo against local favourite Lina Bennani. Parija, seeded seventh staged a comeback after losing the first set but eventually crashed out of the clay court event losing 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
— PTI |
|
IOC bans Iraq
Baghdad, July 24 “This morning we were informed of the final decision of the International Olympic Committee to suspend the membership of the Iraqi Olympic Committee,” Hussein al-Amidi, the general secretary of the Iraqi Olympic Committee, said. Iraq had planned to send a small team despite violence that has killed more than 100 athletes in the country since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. “It’s a final decision, there is no way to appeal. This means that Iraq will not take part in the coming Olympic games. It is a blow to Iraq and its international reputation, its athletes and its youth,” Amidi said. “I swear those athletes who have been training ... they phoned me today and they were crying and were very upset. We sent a letter to the Iraqi government today saying that as the situation stands today it is unlikely to have Iraqi athletes at the Beijing Games,” IOC spokesperson Emmanuelle Moreau said.
— Reuters |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Detroit, July 24
Washington, July 24
Colombo, July 24
A smile has returned to the face of superstar Ronaldinho following his transfer to AC Milan, Brazilian coach Dunga said as he prepares his young team for the Olympics. Ronaldinho scored 70 goals in 145 appearances for Barcelona, helping them win the Spanish championship in 2005 and 2006 as well as the 2006 Champions League. But after a dip in form last season, attributed by some to his penchant for late-night partying, he was deemed surplus to requirements and AC Milan signed him last week for an estimated $30 million. Olympic coach Dunga, who is also coach of the national team, said the two-time World Player of the Year finally seemed happy.
US boxer Ray Charles Leonard was named Fighter of the Decade for the 1980s. He is considered to be one of the best boxers of all time. Leonard was given the nickname ‘Sugar’ by one of his amateur coaches.In 1973, Leonard rejected a $5,000 offer to fight in a commercial bout because he wanted to qualify for the 1976 Olympics.He earned a spot on the team which included future heavyweight champions Michael Spinks and his brother Leon.In 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, he fought with photos of his sweetheart Juanita Wilkinson and their three-year-old son taped to his shoe.In the final, he was face to face with Cuban boxer Andres Aldama. Ray Leonard won with an impressive 5-0 decision.
Andrea
Baldini of Italy has been ranked number one in the world
for two years and is the favourite for the foil gold. He now
trains with his childhood hero Alessandro Puccini who won the foil
gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.