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‘Referral system not convincing’
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India in Group D for Junior Hockey WC
The RTI games carry on
Sarabha win soccer tourney
Kila Raipur Sports begin
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some real figures
London, February 12 Deloitte’s study, which ranks the 20 biggest clubs based on revenue, showed that Madrid generated euro 365.8 million in the 12 months to June 30, 2008. The Red Devils would have ended their season leading the Football Money League if the pound had not depreciated against the euro. Had the pound stayed steady at the June 2007 rate, United's revenue of 257.1 million pounds would have equated to euro 382 million rather euro 324.8 million by last June. “Whilst Real Madrid’s 4 per cent revenue growth in 2007-08 is more modest than recent years, the club has now doubled its revenues since 2002 and enjoys a lead of euro 41 million over Manchester United,” said Dan Jones of Deloitte’s sports business group. “With the club having announced that it is budgeting for revenues of euro 400 million in 2008-09, it will be difficult for rivals to replace Real at the top of the Money League next year.” Despite a 31st Spanish league title, Madrid's commercial revenue dropped 5 per cent. It is blamed on lower shirt sponsorship income following the bankruptcy of BenQ Mobile and the loss of midfielder David Beckham to the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. “It will be interesting to see how the club copes with the loss of the Brand Beckham effect and the challenging commercial market that clubs are now facing,” the report said. Deloitte only used revenue as its ranking and not the wealth of individual club owners, including Chelsea's Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
“The fact that if today’s exchange rates were applied United would have finished below Barcelona, emphasizes the impact that exchange rate movements have had on English clubs’ relative ranking in this year’s list,” Jones said. “Aston Villa, Everton and West Ham United can all consider themselves unlucky to have missed out on a top 20 place.” But the list, which only contains European clubs, was still dominated by the English with seven teams, compared to six the previous year. German champion Bayern Munich is fourth with revenue of euro 295.3 million, followed by English clubs Chelsea and Arsenal, while Italian teams AC Milan, AS Roma, Inter Milan and Juventus occupy the next spots. Driven largely by its successful participation in the Champions League, 19th-place Fenerbahce is the first Turkish club to appear since the list was created after the 1996-97 season. Only six clubs in the top 20 did not participate in Europe's lucrative competition. Deloitte was investigating a period before the economic downturn took hold, but its analysts believe the strength of broadcast controls will provide a stable revenue stream in the coming years. While Deloitte concludes that football will be resistant, not immune, to the financial meltdown, it warns club owners that they will struggle to secure credit and invest in stadiums. — AP
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‘Referral system not convincing’
Mumbai, February 12 “When I was there in Sri Lanka last time, I did not particularly like the Umpires Referral system. There is still an element of uncertainty in the system,” the champion batsman said here after launching a new product for Aviva Life Insurance. “I still prefer the hotspot system to identify the contact between the ball and bat. The LBW decisions are not convincing enough as the Hawk Eye gives a 22-yard view which the new referral system does not agree with... as to whether the ball would have hit the stumps or not,” Tendulkar said. Tendulkar also ruled himself out from playing in two Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand in India’s tour, commencing later this month. About his decision not to play anymore Twenty20 Internationals, Tendulkar said the reason was he did not want to disturb the settled team, which won the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007. “I would continue not to play Twenty20 (international). The team is settled and I don’t want to disturb it .. That’s why I won’t be a part of the T20 team (in New Zealand),” Tendulkar said. The Indian team is scheduled to start the tour in NZ with two Twenty20 Internationals. “When I had decided not to play Twenty20 after Indian tour in 2007, my body was a bit tired and it needed rest. It was not appropriate to go (to South Africa) and not give my best. After that the team had settled down and did well,” the ace batsman said. However, Tendulkar said he will continue to be part of the Mumbai Indians team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he was associated with it from the beginning. “I have been with Mumbai Indians from the beginning and there is continuity,” he said. Tendulkar refused to comment on the umpiring decisions which went against him in the recent tour to Sri Lanka where India played five ODIs against the island nation. “The ICC doesn’t allow us to comment about umpiring decisions. Players find it sometimes a bit disappointing (about these decisions). I don’t want to say anything because the entire world has seen it,” he said. Tendulkar was given out LBW in three matches, all debatable decisions, that he played on the Lanka tour before he was rested for the last two ODIs. On the upcoming tour to New Zealand for which the Indian team is to be picked tomorrow and will fly in the early hours of February 19, Tendulkar said there were a few challenges facing the squad. "It is going to be a challenge playing New Zealand in New Zealand, where the conditions are tough. They are completely different (from others)," he said. "In Wellington, if the ball comes at 130 km per hour to the batsman from one end, it will be 5km more from the other end with the wind behind the bowler," he said. "It will affect batting. Against the head wind, the batsmen sometimes cannot keep their eyes open," he explained. After the conclusion of the one-day series, India are set to play three Test matches against the hosts with the final Test (April 3-7) scheduled to be played in Wellington. The second ODI on March 6 is also to be held at the same windy venue. Tendulkar said that the new players who have no experience of these conditions would find it somewhat difficult. On an optimistic note, he also added that there were experienced batsmen and coaches in the team to guide them. “We are prepared for all challenges,” he said.
— PTI |
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‘No automatic choice for captain’
New Delhi, February 12 “You never know whether you are ready or not until you are tested and tried. And of course it’s never the case of the vice-captain automatically taking the job. It should always be the right man at the right time for the job,” said
Sangakkara. The wicketkeeper-batsman is the favourite to become the next skipper but he feels timing will be the key to taking up the job. “I think the timing is all important. We will have to wait and see what decision is made, and whatever decision is made will be made with the best interest of the side at heart,” he said.
— PTI |
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India in Group D for Junior Hockey WC
New Delhi, February 12 For the first time, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has accepted a joint bid for one of its major tournaments. Most of the teams will have players
who are already part of their senior teams. The groupings are: Pool A: Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan and Russia. B:Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan and South Africa. C:England, Korea, Malaysia, Spain and USA. D: India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore. The Pool A and C matches will be played at Johor while the other two pool matches will be held in Singapore. Former champions Australia, Germany and India are fancied to win the title though traditional hockey powerhouse Netherlands, who had finished fourth in 1993, Pakistan, who won the title in the inaugural edition in 1979, Spain, who finished third in 2005, defending champions Argentina and England, who finished fourth in 1997 and 2001, are also expected to field exciting young talent to give their best shots at the title. India will face tough competition from Netherlands, New Zealand and Poland. On June 11, there will be two interesting matches between four-time champions Germany and 1997 champions Australia in Group B after the Group D India vs Netherlands tie. The matches will be telecast live by ESPN Star Sports. Singapore will hold the matches at the Seng Kang West stadium while Malaysia will conduct the matches
at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor. |
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The RTI games carry on
New Delhi, February 12 The IOA is engaged in a legal battle in the Delhi High Court on this issue. When contacted, Additional Solicitor General of India, P. P. Malhotra, said that since the IOA and the Organizing Committee of the Commonwealth Games were “substantially funded” by the government and since they were discharging public functions, they should have no hesitation in keeping their functions transparent.” The IOA is headed by the Congress Lok Sabha Member from Pune, Suresh Kalmadi, who is also the chairman of the Organizing Committee of 2010 the Commonwealth Games. In December 2006, the Union Ministry of Sports asked both the IOA and the Organizing Committee of the Commonwealth Games 2010 to comply with the directions of the Central Information Commission (CIC). The CIC in an order on November 28, 2006, declared the IOA to be a ‘public authority’ and asked it to provide information to general public sought under the RTI Act. The IOA then challenged the CIC’s order in the Delhi High Court. The Tribune on February 2 carried an exclusive report about eyebrows being raised in high government circles over several complaints alleging attempts being made to influence decisions to award lucrative contracts associated with the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Fearing that the contracts, if awarded indiscriminately, may turn into major scams before the Lok Sabha elections, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is believed to have put the Group of Ministers (GoM) and nodal ministries on alert. The PMO and the Group of Ministers (GoM) are especially worried about the soon-to-be-awarded contracts for the opening and closing ceremonies that may cost over Rs. 1,000 crore. The RTI tussle began when appellant Veeresh Malik approached the IOA in April 2006 seeking details about the public information officers and the appellate authorities in the IOA. He had asked for audited accounts between 2004-2006 and particulars of expenses incurred by the IOA for the Melbourne Games. When Malik did not get any response, he approached the CIC. During the hearing, the IOA claimed that since it was not established by an Act of Parliament or any government notification, it could not be described as a ‘public authority.’ The CIC in a case (F.No. PBA/06/158) gave a decision on November 28, 2006, declaring the IOA to be a ‘public authority’ under section 2 (h) of the RTI Act. On December 22, 2006, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports immediately wrote to the IOA and the Organizing Committee of the Commonwealth Games that as both had been declared to be a ‘public authority’ they must comply with the CIC’s orders. Overruling the IOA’s plea that it was not governed by the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the CIC had directed the sports body to provide information on the expenses incurred at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games' closing ceremony in April 2006. The IOA and the Delhi government had come under severe flak over the ceremony when it became public that they had spent more on roping in Bollywood celebrities than on sports persons. The IOA was established as a society under the Societies Registration Act and is an autonomous body under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee. The CIC had held that “being a public authority in terms of RTI, does not in any way compromise its position or functioning in relation to the Olympic Charter.” However, as the Ministry of Sports is worried about huge unsecured loans given to the IOA and the organizing panel of the Commonwealth Games, it is pushing them to come under the purview of the RTI Act. |
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Sarabha win soccer tourney
Mehman Singh Wala (Ludhiana), February 12 Jassa Singh from Sarabha was adjudged the player of the tournament for scoring the winning goal. Laadi from Ghungrali was given a special prize. The tournament deserves a special mention for getting teams from at least 35 villages, in the neighbourhood. After the qualifying rounds, as many as 16 teams were short listed. The teams which played the finals included: Dandon, Noorpura, Nangal Khurd, Ghungrali Rajputan, Mehman Singh Wala, Leelan, Narangwal, Bhanour, Sarabha, Abbuwal, Gurm, Jassowal, Lohgarh, Gujjarwal and Pakhowal. Following the preliminary rounds, the team of Ghungrali beat Noorpura 2-1 to reach the semifinals; Mehman Singh Wala A beat Narangwal 2-1; Sarabha beat Gurm 3-0 and Pakhowal beat Mehman Singh Wala B 3-0. In the semifinal match the Sarabha village beat Pakhowal 2-1 and the hosts lost to Ghungrali 4-3 following a penalty shoot out at the end of the match in a 1-1- draw. Jaswant Singh Grewal, chairman of the Sant Baba Nasket Ji Sports and Welfare Society, said “In the fifth year of our tournament, we have managed to evince interest from at least 35 villages which is very encouraging. More encouraging is the fact that the stadium raised by us is being used throughout the year, not just by our village children but also from the neighbouring villages.” It is worth mentioning the village grounds are even used by several national level clubs for their practice session. The Hindustan Football Club recently ended its more than a month long camp. At least three players from the local team including Pardeep Singh, Manvir Singh and Bikram Singh have made it to the national side, recently. Two more players including Kulbir Singh and his brother Raja have been recruited by the CRPF. Football coach Mohammad Akbar said “No team paid more than Rs 200 as the entry fees which was an encouraging fact in light of the fact that majority of tournaments, all over the state, charged heavily.” All the funds and prizes, including those of the loosing teams, are arranged by the organising committee. |
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Kila Raipur Sports begin
Kila Raipur/Ludhiana, February 12 On day one, the big attractions included tent pegging in which riders galloped down the spears piercing the pegs on the track as they let out a battle cry, which for clockwork precision and an uncanny sense of anticipation. Final Results of Bullock Cart Time trials: Bitu of Chhapar 20.50 seconds, Ranjit Singh of Assi Kalan 20.62 , Jashanpreet Singh of Lohgarh 20.64, Gurjit Singh of Alamgir 20.71, Bela Singh of Dehlon 20.73, Pappu of Bhopur 20.79, Chinu of Jalaldibad 20.81, Baljit Singh of Shahpur 20.88, Jyoti of Dhano 20.91, Avtar Singh of Assi Kalan 20.93, Ranjit Singh of Tlwandi Khurd 20.94. Tomorrow’s Schedule : Athletics sub jrs, under 19(100,200,400,long jump), Cycle race under 19, Kabaddi 62 kg, Bullock Cart races pre quarter finals, Nihang singhs riding skills and tent pegging and feats of streangth by
ruralites. |
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Mumbai, February 12
Spanish league leader Barcelona was provided with an uplift, like Madrid, by individually negotiated broadcast contracts in place until 2013-14, and is third with revenue of euro 308.8 million.