 |
|
|
Selection row rocks Indian athletics squad Athletes want to skip opening ceremony |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sighting just three medals, AFI fields 110 athletes, 49 officials
Fielding still a concern Verbal Duel
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Selection row rocks Indian athletics squad New Delhi, October 2 Randhawa submitted his resignation letter to AAI secretary-general Lalit Bhanot as he said the selection procedure was grossly violated only to beef up numbers in the athletic contingent. “The 110-member athletics contingent was selected without my consent,” he asserted. Attempts to persuade Randhawa, gold medallist in the 1964 Asian Games in 110-metre hurdles, to withdraw his resignation failed. Pleas that the issue be kept in abeyance till the Games get over also failed to dissuade him. Randhawa said when foreign athletes and some of Indian putters were hitting 19-plus metres in women's shot put, some throwers with a distance of just 13 metres or thereabouts have been included in the Indian athletics contingent, which includes 58 male and 52 female athletes. India will field the largest squad in athletics out of a total contingent strength of 619. “The Athletics Federation seemed to have selected the athletes first and then followed the selection criteria,” he said, adding, “I quit in disgust at the state of affairs”. The Commonwealth Games is not the platform to blood rookie athletes whose performances are nowhere near the original selection criteria finalised by the AAI,” Randhawa told The Tribune. He said he was not aware when, where and how the women's relay team, which is touted as a medal prospect, was selected. “I am sure it did not happen in India. If it was done in Ukraine or Uzbekistan, I was not aware,” he said. In fact, the AAI seemed to have obliged its member-units by including athletes who may not even make the cut for the Asian Games. The athletics standard in the Commonwealth Games is very high as five of the top athletics countries would be competing in Delhi, which include Jamaica, Kenya, Britain, Australia and Canada. Even without the presence of world champion Usain Bolt and the like, athletics will still boast of a world class field.
(With inputs from Ravi Dhaliwal) |
|
Athletes want to skip opening ceremony New Delhi, October 2 Among the requesting nations is Canada that wants its athletes to be allowed to travel back to the Games Village immediately after traditional march past.”We do not want that anything should come in the way of our preparation for competitions that get under way on Monday,” says Scott Stevenson, Director Sports of Commonwealth Games Association of Canada. Most of the 71 participating nations want those athletes who start participation in competitions on Monday to stay back in the Games Village and relax than go through the three-hour opening ceremony that will showcase Brand India as well as culture of the country. “There are no security concerns. We want to move out of the fortified and secure zone of Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium back to the village after our mandatory role of participation in the opening ceremony has ended,” clarified Scott Stevenson. Our only other concern has been refreshments in the hold in area for the athletes during the ceremony. Otherwise there have been no concerns, he said while responding to reports in a section of media that Canada wanted to stay out of the opening ceremony because of some logistic problem. “No we will be there in full strength,” he added. Both in Olympic Games and now in Commonwealth Games, concerns have been expressed over the time taken by big contingents in march past. With 71 participating nations, a minimum of an hour is earmarked for the trooping in of the athletes. Many team officials consider this drill to be time consuming as well as tiring. Besides, because of security mandate, athletes are denied refreshments for hours together in preparation for the ceremony. Guidelines circulated today require spectators to be seated three to five hours in advance of the start of the ceremony while athletes are required to be three at least an hour before the start. Hosts India, too, plan to rest its athletes who have competitions on Monday. With less than two days to go for the start of the competitions, most of the athletes have been highly appreciative of the training facilities at the Games village besides lauding world class competition venues. Canadians, who were initially apprehensive about the work on venues and Games Village completed in time, have been all praise calling it a “fantastic effort”. The 10-day competition schedule gets under way on Monday with the first medal being offered in 48 kg weightlifting competition for women. In spite of some withdrawals, there will be as many as 7,000 athletes competing for honours in 17 different games and sports here. Eight gold medals will be decided on the first day. Besides 48 kg for women, another gold medal event in weightlifting will be in 56 kg category for men. Men’s team championship in gymnastics, too, is slated for the first day of competitions. Remaining five gold medals to be decided on the opening day are in swimming as three men and two women events will be completed. In 48 kg category, the country will be watching with gasping breath performance of Soniya Chanu in 48 kg category while it also rests its opening day medal hopes on VS Rao in the 56 kg category. These events are 200 m freestyle and 200 m individual medley for women, 400 m freestyle, 200 m butterfly and 4x100 m freestyle relay for men. Though India does not have an outside chance of any medal in swimming competitions, it can hope to make a golden start in the weightlifting competitions. |
|
Games Diary
Free tickets for MLAs, councillors & spouses
Jockeying among the ‘VIPs’ for passes for the Games’ opening ceremony had begun long back. Unsurprisingly, politicians were the first ones to demand exclusive privileges. When Municipal Corporation of Delhi, which is ruled by the BJP, believed that Congress-run Delhi government and the Organising Committee were deliberately keeping it out of the CWG picture, its councilors demanded exclusive passes as their rightful share for an event being hosted in Delhi and warned of agitations. MLAs of all political hues were also united in their call for exclusive passes. A much-condemned OC, it seems, has decided to keep everybody happy. All councilors and their spouses, 544 of them, would have a free seat, which costs Rs 25,000 to a common man, while all MLAs and their spuses would occupy free seats, which is worth Rs 50,000. Khakhi lessons Cops have their own ways of teaching a lesson to those who rub them the wrong way. And it’s a lesson that the planning committee of the Games learnt the hard way. Over 150 cops on duty in Thyagraja Stadium were left hungry on Thursday night as the food provided by the committee fell far short of the requirement. The committee members said they did not know about the reinforcement of 150 Punjab Police cops. But the excuse apparently did not wash with the hungry and angry police personnel. The next day most CWG officials were kept waiting for hours outside the door and had to go through all kinds of security checks. PETA cries foul The MCD might be banking on langurs to keep monkeys away from the Games Village and venues but PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is doing everything it can to spoil the party! The organisation has warned the Municipal Corporation of Delhi against using langurs as slaves and depriving them from their natural homes and families. PETA said the MCD could instead use noise-makers and air-horns to keep the monkeys away or have used dummy langurs. However, MCD is in no mood to oblige PETA. Tweeting merrily Security was supposed to be the biggest concern for the foreign athletes. As it turns out, this is one area when authorities have got very positive reviews. Australian athletes, who were perhaps most jittery before their arrival, have been pretty happy with the security measures and many of them have posted messages echoing their satisfaction on networking websites like Twitter. The other reason for cheer for the organizers is that the Games Village has been eliciting very favourable response after Operation Clean-up. Swimmer Ashley Delaney tweeted, "Each day the village has gotten better and better! I haven't seen a snake or a monkey yet...” He also described the security on the way to the main competition pool as impressive. "We have a police escort take us there and back and we don't stop at all. It's actually pretty impressive!" World champion cyclist Anna Meares went ahead and tweeted that the conditions were not that bad as reported in the media. Complaints galore Thousands of volunteers hired for the Games are fast learning that their work is no fun as they had expected. And it is not only the demands of their job but callous attitude of the organisers is also to blame. Their job requires them to be on their feet all the time in the Games Village and to tend to guests, which include foreign journalists, officils and others. Those deputed at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium during the grand opening ceremony of the Games have been instructed not to face towards the ongoing extravaganza as they are supposed to keep a watch on the spectators. Many of these young volunteers say they would have taken all this on their chin if they were served with a bit of warmth. They complain organizers have paid little attention to their needs. They have been served at times stale food and sometimes no food at all. Rosy picture in logbook There may have been criticism over shoddy work and filthiness inside the residential complexes, but the visitors book kept at the Commonwealth Games Village here say otherwise. A number of visitors, including team officials, chef de missions and embassy or high commission officials, who had visited here so far have given a positive feedback about the facilities. "Excellent efforts, wonderful people... Everything will work out just fine. It's a firm belief," Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Syed Muntazir, who visited the Village on September 25, wrote. Tariq Akarim, another official from Bangladesh High Commission, stated: "I am satisfied with arrangements made for our team lodging." Kenyan team's general manager Stephen K Soi said, "Good reception by all and keep up the spirit..." The visitors’s book here is full of such praises and appreciations for support staff and administration.
(Kumar Rakesh, Himani Chandel, Jyoti Rai & agencies) |
||
|
Dope tests no ‘deterrent’ for crafty cheats New Delhi, October 2 “We want that events like the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games are held in a drug-free environment, but those behind the menace have much more resources and means to counter our entire preventive measures,” he says. The WADA chief maintains that number of samples taken or positive cases do not quantify the problem. WADA, he says, neither takes any samples nor does it conduct any tests. “We act as a watchdog to ensure that rules governing the collection of samples, their analyses and subsequent action by the National Anti Doping Agencies (NADs) are religiously followed,” he says. Howman admitted that in many countries athletes were not aware of doping tests, but was quick to add that ignorance cannot absolve them of the charge of cheating. Talking about Nigeria, where the incidence of doping among international athletes was high, he said that the agencies concerned were doing everything to create awareness worldwide. While referring to an increasing number of cyclists testing positive for doping in recent years, Howman said the International Cycling Federation was doing its bit to create awareness and change the culture. The problem, says Howman, is the tremendous pressure on athletes. “It’s coming from different quarters. There are countries where manufacturing and free supply of steroids, hormones and other performance-enhancing substances are allowed. There is a lot of money besides business interests involved,” says Howman. During the Commonwealth Games, he expected that around 2,000 samples would be taken. “It is for the country concerned to take a decision whether to include a suspect athlete in its squad or not as subsequent positive results would come as a big embarrassment for both. Whatever samples are taken can be stored for eight years,” he says. Howman says keeping the samples for that long is necessary. Quoting the case of American athlete Marion Jones, he said her samples were taken during the Sydney Olympics. Seven years later, when she confessed to have taken drugs, her samples were dug up and analysed again. She was then stripped of all her medals and honours,” said the WADA chief. Howman clarified that those athletes who have tested positive and completed their sanctions can stage a comeback. On huge penalty imposed on India by the International Weightlifting Federation, Howman said the WADA has nothing to do with, as it is up to every International Sports Federation or National Sports Federation to decide what penalties they want to impose on those who test positive. Howman also revealed that there would be two teams working in Delhi during the CWG. While a committee, comprising independent observers from non-Commonwealth nations and headed by the CEO of NADA, Norway, would report to the medical commission on daily basis, the other panel would work to create awareness among athletes and training officials regarding doping. |
||
|
Sighting just three medals, AFI fields 110 athletes, 49 officials Gurdaspur, October 2 Top sources reveal that the new list boasts of names of several coaches and athletes who never attended the national camps held at various places including the National Institute of Sports, Patiala during the last one year. The national camp at the NIS concluded today and the athletes are expected to travel to the games village in the evening. Several months ago the AFI in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India
(SAI) had drawn up a report in which it was made clear that keeping in view the tough standards of athletics among Commonwealth Games nations, India would at the most end up with one gold (men’s shot put), one silver (women’s dicuss throw) while hopes were also pinned on the women’s triple jump. This adds up to a total of just 3 medals for a 110 strong contingent which does not include 49 coaches and support staff in both the men’s and women’s sections. The AFI submitted a final list of athletes before the September 3 deadline to the Indian Olympic Association which forwarded the same to the
CGF. |
||
|
Sehwag falls after blistering start Mohali, October 2 Starting from their overnight score of 225 with five wickets down this morning, one expected the visitors to be bowled out close to 325 or 350 runs. But resolute batting particularly by wicketkeeper batsman Tim Paine, who was finally dislodged at 92, and Mitchell Johnson (47) ensured that the Australian put 428 on the board. The hosts lost both their openers and were 110 for two at close of the second day’s play. Virender Sehwag was out after clobbering 59, while Gautam Gambhir scored 25. At close of the day's play, Rahul Dravid was batting on 21 and nightwatchman Ishant Sharma had yet to get off the mark. Sehwag played a typical hurricane knock. Seemingly, without any worries in the world, the flamboyant batsmen played a number of spanking strokes, which just raced to the fence, primarily in the off-side cordon. He hit 10 boundaries in all before paying price for indiscretion. An ungainly lob, when the batsman looked in complete control, off left-arm seamer Johnson, landed in the safe hands of Michael Clarke at deep mid-off. Driving and cutting with aplomb, Sehwag raced to his 23rd Test half-century. In the process, he joined Vivian Richards and Gautam Gambhir, scoring 50-plus knocks in record 11 consecutive Tests. Sehwag and Gambhir were involved in a 81-run opening stand in 13.2 overs before the latter fell leg before to a Johnson delivery that kept low. Thanks to Sehwag’s blitzkrieg, India are behind the visitors by 318 runs. Paine made the hosts pay for the lapse yesterday. Mohinder Singh Dhoni dropped Paine behind the stumps off Zaheer Khan when the batsman was facing his second ball at the fag end of the day’s play yesterday. He looked vulnerable but managed to survive facing a torrid spell from Zaheer. Initial nerves settled after the play resumed today, Paine showed grit and determination in defying the Indian bowling attack which, more or less, was ordinary. He added 53 runs to the total as his sixth-wicket stand with Shane Watson before the latter was dismissed off Habhajan when Gambhir, fielding close-in, showed quick reflexes taking a tough catch lunging fully forward. Watson scored 126. But it the Paine-Johnson 82-run stand for the seventh wicket which frustrated the Indians. Johnson played some lusty strokes scoring 66-ball 47 studded with three lusty sixes and five fours. During the course of his innings, Johnson, when on 31, completed a double - scoring 1000 runs and taking 100 wickets in his 37th Test. Ishant, who had bowled just 7.4 overs before he pulled out due to hamstring problem yesterday, retuned to bowl again only half an hour before the tea break as the new ball was taken after 146. 4 overs. New ball produced immediate result as Paine was consumed by Zaheer. Paine scored 92, his highest score in Tests. Left-arm spinner Pragyah Ojha got his lone success dismissing Bollinger to signal end of the innings. Zaheer easily was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finished with a five-wicket haul - his 10th in 73 Test matches. Scoreboard Australia first innings Watson c Gambhir b Singh 126 Katich lbw b Khan 6 Ponting run out 71 Clarke c Dravid b Singh 14 Hussey lbw b Khan 17 North b Khan 0 Paine c Laxman b Khan 92 Johnson c Dhoni b Khan 47 Hauritz c Gambhir b Singh 9 Hilfenhaus not out 20 Bollinger c Sharma b Ojha 0 Extras: (b 4, lb 9, nb 13) 26 Total (all out; 151.4 overs) 428 Bowling: Khan 30-7-94-5; Sharma 11.4-1-71- 0; Ojha 51.4-16-113-1; Singh 49-12-114-3; Sehwag 9.2-1-23-0. India first innings Gambhir lbw Johnson 25 Sehwag c Clarke b Johnson 59 Dravid not out 21 Sharma not out 0 Extras: (b 1, lb 4) 5 Total (2 wickets; 21 overs) 110 Bowling: Hilfenhaus 9-0-39-0, Bollinger 4-0-22-0, Johnson -29-2, Hauritz 2-0-15-0.
|
|
Fielding still a concern
Fielding is still a cause for concern for the Indian team, feels off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.
After three dropped catches on the opening day and many misfields on Saturday, Bhajji admitted Indian fielding was not upto mark. “We always complain about fielding and
there is room for improvement. Fielding is still a a concern,” said Bhajji. However, the offie hoped that the team would put up a better show show in the second innings and no catches will go down. Bhajji, who felt that the game is evenly poised at this stage, said that India has to bat well in the first innings to mount pressure on the ‘Kangaroos’. “The wicket is not helping bowlers at the moment but on the fourth day there will be ‘wear and tear’ and then it will help spinners. If that happens, we will try to restrict them to minimum score and hopefully chase that on the last day,” said Bhajji adding that the rivals are very good team and India needed to bat well to match their score.
— TNS |
|
Verbal Duel Mohali, October 2 “I was not there when the incident happened. But a teammate told me that Zaheer was telling Laxman that 'Ponting is getting old'. Ponting thought it was directed at him and he came back asking what did he exactly say?," Harbhajan told official broadcasters before the start of the second day's play today. Ponting had heated exchange with Zaheer after being run out on the opening day of the first Test here. Shane Watson pushed the fourth ball of the 42nd over towards mid-wicket and called Ponting, who was batting on 71, for a quick single. Before the Australian skipper could make his ground, Suresh Raina's throw hit the stumps. Ponting was walking back towards the pavilion when he turned back after hearing some comments from Zaheer. With the Indian players standing in a pack, Ponting walked back towards them pointing the bat at them when umpire Billy Bowden intervened and sent the Aussie skipper back to the pavilion. Harbhajan, who was involved in the infamous monkeygate scandal with Andrew Symonds, said he was 'lucky' for not being around when the incident happened. "I was having a drink at the other side. I only came to know about it later. But these things happen in cricket but I believe for both teams playing good cricket is the priority," he said. The off-spinner also expressed surprise about the nature of Mohali wicket which is low and slow in nature. |
|
Woods gets off to a Cup flier before evening setback Newport, October 2 In a peculiar day for the American wildcard selection, he recorded his best-ever Ryder Cup start without ever playing remotely close to his best, thanks mainly to partner Steve Stricker, and then suffered a hammering on the front nine of his third match before bad light brought blessed relief. Previous American captains have not always got it right in finding the right partner for a player so famously focused on his own game but, on paper, his combination with world number four Steve Stricker, which had produced four wins out of four at the Presidents Cup, looked like a gold-plated pairing. However, the doubts swirling around Woods on and off course, his checkered Ryder Cup history and the surprise decision of captain Corey Pavin to put him out third in the first-day order -- or "hide him" according to Colin Montgomerie -- have certainly dimmed his aura. After 10 holes of unfinished foursomes on Friday, Woods and Stricker were level with English duo Poulter and Ross Fisher but Stricker, who struggled badly with his putting leading into the Ryder Cup, regained form to play the anchor role in a tight two-up victory following Saturday's resumption. — 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 | |
Sania not to be part of opening ceremony:
