New Delhi, November 1
The indifference shown by the majority of India's deep-pocketed corporates towards Formula One has baffled team bosses who expect them to warm the sport following the success of last weekend's inaugural Indian Grand Prix.

The teams are happy with Formula One's newest host and believe they have chanced upon a huge untapped market in one of the world's fastest growing economies. "I think, like everyone else, we wanted to also attract Indian companies and it is surprising that there are not many, as yet, in Formula One, although from the financial potential they are very much capable of doing it," Sauber chief executive Monisha Kaltenborn said.

Indian-born Kaltenborn at least got local dairy brand Amul on board for Sunday's race. "We did try hard and we succeeded in getting one of India's most known, prestigious owned brands with Amul. "I think we will continue with that now. An event like this is the best platform, that's where we can present ourselves and show the companies here what Formula One is about," she said.

Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost said teams could not afford to ignore "markets for the future" like India. "...it is very important for Formula One that we are racing in India, that we go to these new markets which are interesting and important for the future, like India, or China, Russia, the Arabian area, South America.

"These are the markets for the future and this is important... to bring in more sponsors," he said.

That would require a change in perception among the cricket-biased corporates in the world's second most populous country. "It has already changed, I think," claimed Force India owner Vijay Mallya, who also owns a cricket team in the popular Indian Premier League.

"Look at Sahara's investment in Force India. Look at the investment of (Indian Grand Prix title sponsor) Airtel. "I think after the corporates actually saw a real, good race in India, the level of interest would grow because this is a spectacular sport and has a huge global platform."

Indian business conglomerate Sahara group invested $100 million for a 42.5 per cent stake in Force India last month. — Reuters

New Delhi, November 1
Williams F-1 Chief Executive Officer Alex Burns says that the searing pace of the Formula One cars is matched by the speed off the track in terms of changes and developments.

Talking to the students of Amity University in Noida today, as part of the Lord Austin Lecture 2011, on the topic ‘The Technological Challenges of Formula 1’, Burns said that the organisational culture that exists in Williams F1 (which has been around since 1977) facilitates quick changes and rapid rate of development of F1 cars.

“Decisions at Williams happen incredibly quickly, things move at a rapid and breathtaking pace not just the cars but the whole business behind the cars,” Burns said. “The main driving force behind this speed of decision making, thought and excellence at Williams is not only the people and processes but the culture of the organisation.”

“At present, we have more than 500 people involved full-time in designing and developing Formula One cars and about another 100 in other parts of the business as well. We are growing very rapidly and have become a steady and substantial engineering organisation,” he added.

“Formula One is dominated by a set of very tightly drawn regulations outlined by FIA, the governing body of this sport, which defines the shape and size of the car, the engine that goes into the cars and the way Grand Prix is conducted. We have the capabilities that allow us to design Formula One cars within these regulations,” he added.

Talking about motor sports in general and Formula one in particular, Burns said, “In the UK, motor sport is one of the major industries with a turnover of more than five billion pounds sterling per year and employing more than 50, 000 people. The major part of advanced engineering economy in the UK is ‘Formula One’, which is also the pinnacle of this industry.

“In a Grand Prix, even a fraction of a second differentiates the winner from the loser. It is our constant aim at Williams to bring quick changes in our car so that they become faster,” he added.

New Delhi, November 1
Teen boxing sensation Vikas Krishan (69kg), who fetched India's lone medal at last month's World Championships, zoomed to a career-best second spot but Olympic hero Vijender Singh (75kg) did not find a place in the latest international rankings issued by AIBA.

Asian Games gold-medallist Vikas, who clinched a bronze at the Baku World Championships last month, has 1300 points in the latest rankings, making him the highest-placed Indian across all 10 weight categories of the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) latest list.

The top spot in Vikas' category has gone to Ukraine's Taras Shelestyuk, who beat the 19-year-old Indian in the semifinals of the showpiece, which was also the first Olympic qualifying event.

Four Indian boxers — L Devendro Singh (49kg), Jai Bhagwan (60kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg) and Vikas - made the Olympic cut by reaching the World Championships' quarterfinals and all of them have improved their rankings.

But former world number one Vijender, who lost in the very first round of the mega-event, did not find a place in the list of ranked middleweight boxers due to the two-year rolling period criteria, under which points earned at the 2009 World Championships were removed from the current ranking.

Vijender was India's first medallist at the World Championships when he fetched a bronze in Milan, a feat that catapulted him to the top spot in the rankings at that time. — PTI

Chandigarh, November 1
Former India captain Viren Rasquinha has announced his comeback to play in the inaugural edition of World Series Hockey. The Mumbai veteran surprised the hockey world as he suddenly quit the game at the age of 27 and at the peak of his career.

“I am thrilled to be back in the sport. I have stayed away for a while but now I am looking forward to playing and contributing again. It was an agonising period, but no I am extremely happy to be back in the fray. To be playing at the top level is what every player wants, and WSH is just the platform to do it,” Rasquinha said while speaking to The Tribune.

After his retirement, Rasquinha pursued an MBA from the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, and is currently the COO of Olympic Gold Quest. That has put a few question marks over his fitness and the player admits that while he might not be in best shape, “I will be training extremely hard over the next month and a half to be back at my best.”

He also feels that the current squabble between Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation should not play spoilsport in the organising of the WSH.

“Players always look forward to being a part of events such as these. They would not want to be caught in the cross-fire that has been on over the past few months. My advice to them would be to concentrate on playing their best hockey and try not to get mired in this controversy.”

But he does feel that Hockey India’s extreme stand of threatening players with dire consequences for participating in the WSH is baffling. “I don’t know why that is their stand. It is a question best answered by Hockey India. As I see it, this is a good opportunity for hockey to grab more eyeballs and everyone who loves the sport should back it.”

He also sees similarities between the Premier Hockey League (PHL) and WSH and says, “There are similarities in the sense that because both tournaments have the best talent from India and some of the best players from around the world, it will be a big learning curve for the youngsters. PHL produced the likes of Shivendra Singh and he went on to do well for India. Hopefully WSH can produce many more such players.”

Speaking about his personal goals after announcing his comeback, Rasquinha says, “I know it will be an uphill task. The fitness levels required at this level are very different. But now that I have a goal, I am very focussed and determined to be at my best. I will work harder than before and make sure that my performances justify my decision to come back into the sport.” 

New Delhi, November 1
Citizen Mahendra Singh Dhoni and citizen Abhinav Bindra were inducted into the citizens’ force, the Territorial Army, as honorary Lt. Colonels at an impressive function at the Territorial Army headquarters, near India Gate, here this evening. Along with them, Dr Deepak Rao was given the honorary rank of Major. But Dhoni got precedence in seniority and was called in first.

Dhoni and Bindra join the illustrious company of former Indian captain Kapil Dev and film actor Mohan Lal, who were also inducted as Lt. Colonels, last year. Indian cricket captain Dhoni was drafted into the 126 Infantry Battalion (para regiment) in front of a distinguished gathering, which included his wife Sakshi Rawat, and veteran sports official K.P.Singh Deo, who retired from the TA as a Brigadier. He was presented his regimental mementos by Lt Col Vinod Bhatia.

Bindra, who shot a gold in the 10-metre air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Games to become the first Indian individual Indian Olympic gold medallist, was inducted into the 124 Infantry Battalion (Sikh). After he was presented his regimental mementos, the arena resonated with the chant of “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal”.

Bindra’s father, A.S. Bindra and his wife, were witness to the historic occasion. The honorary commission in the TA was a unique achievement for the two top sports persons of the country, who are household names, and achievers in their own field of activity. Dhoni has the distinction of leading India to two World Cup cricket titles-the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007, and the 2011 World Cup, hosted by India.

Dhoni said, “I am very happy, very pleased”, he said, looking every inch an Army officer in the green uniform. “It’s a real pleasure. It was something I always wanted to become when I was very young. I was in the NCC air wing, but then sports took precedence, first football, and then cricket”, he elaborated. 

New Delhi, November 1
Star cricketer Yuvraj Singh launched his dream project, the ‘Yuvraj Singh Centre for Excellence’ (YSCE) at Pathways Schools yesterday. The project envisages setting up of state-of-the-art training centres at Pathways Schools in Noida, Balliawas and Aravali, Gurgaon.

YSCE will provide outdoor and indoor training facilities and will also appoint skilled coaches to train students.

The three centres will be the NCR’s first ever cricketing training ground to offer indoor facilities like bowling machines, swimming pool and gym. These centres will be open to the students as well as the general public.

“I am very excited to see my dream project finally becoming a reality with the support…” Yuvraj said on the occasion.

“We at YSCE assure to provide world-class facilities to groom talent in the right direction to even the grass-root level. I promise my commitment to this project and to monitor the progress of the kids myself.” 

Burnbury, November 1
India came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Pakistan but missed the bus for the final of the tri-nation hockey tournament, here today. Pakistan set up the title clash against Australia on the virtue of a better goal difference.

India, which needed an outright win to qualifiy for the final, will play for bronze medal against Australia A. Pakistan had a goal difference of minus six compared to Indian's minus eight to make it to the final.

After conceding an early goal to Pakistan, India's young sensation Yuvraj Walmiki scored the equaliser in the 26th minute. India created enough moves to take the scoreboard further but the forwards were found wanting in the circle. — PTI

Zurich, November 1
Lionel Messi is in the running for a third consecutive FIFA world player of the year award after being selected among the 23 candidates for the 2011 prize.

FIFA released the shortlist early today for the Ballon d'Or 2011 award. European champion Barcelona has eight players in the list, including Messi, while archrival Madrid has five players nominated. England striker Wayne Rooney made the list after helping Manchester United to a 19th league title.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque was among the 10 candidates nominated for the world coach of the year award. Long-serving Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Barcelona's Pep Guardiola and Madrid coach Jose Mourinho are also on the list.

Player of the year candidates: Eric Abidal (France), Sergio Aguero (Argentina), Karim Benzema (France), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Dani Alves (Brazil), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Diego Forlan (Uruguay), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany), Nani (Portugal), Neymar (Brazil), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Gerard Pique (Spain), Wayne Rooney (England), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands), Luis Suarez (Uruguay), David Villa (Spain), Xabi Alonso (Spain), Xavi (Spain). — AP 

New Delhi, November 1
The Indian football team was off to a winning start in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers, beating a 10-man Turkmenistan 3-1 at the Takhti Stadium in Tehran, Iran.

Brandon Fernandes put India ahead when he converted a penalty in the 39th minute only for Myradov to equalise in the 56th minute. Captain Malswamfela doubled India's lead in the 60th minute before Prabir Das completed the rout in the 82nd minute, yesterday.

It was a clinical display by the colts, who preferred to play the waiting game. Turkmenistan tried to dominate early, attacking down the left with captain Durdiyev Didar and Muhadov Suleyman keen on making a mark. But a stubborn Pritam Kotal stood firm, thwarting and intercepting any attempts by the rivals to score.

As the game progressed, the Indians took over. Fernandes and Sehnaj Singh took control and with Holicharan Narzary and Malswamfela interchanging, the Turkmenistan defence was stretched a lot.

The first goal came in the 39th minute. Brandon, who with his deft touches had always kept the rival defence guessing, got past Gurt Podarov with a sudden burst of speed on the right side. — PTI

BRIEFLY

Savio appointed officially
New Delhi: The All India Football Federation today officially appointed Savio Medeira as the national team coach, besides announcing a 27-member squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Malaysia. Savio, a former Salgaocar coach, who has also been a longtime assistant to Bob Houghton, will be at the helm of affairs till his contract expires in May 2012. His first important assignment will be the matches against Malaysia, scheduled to be held in Guwahati and Kolkata on November 13 and 16, respectively. — PTI

Rohan, Advani 'global shapers'
Bangalore: Davis cupper Rohan Bopanna and ace cueist Pankaj Advani have been inducted into the 'Global Shapers', an exclusive community of exceptional youth in their 20s, established by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Although Bopanna is 31, an exception has been made in his case, it was clarified. Advani, 27, has seven World titles to his credit. — IANS

Prayag halt Churchill streak
Kolkata: Prayag United SC rode on a late strike by Shankar Oraon to stop Churchill Brothers' winning run with a 1-1 draw in a round three match of the 5th I-League at Yuba Bharati Krirangan, here today. Aiming for a hat-trick of wins, the Goan heavyweights took a 15th minute lead with a Lalrindika Ralte strike as the visitors put the local challengers under tremendous pressure with an all-out attack in the first-half. — PTI

Lahiri aims for a hat-trick
Greater Noida: Two-time defending champion Anirban Lahiri will aim to complete a hat-trick of titles but veteran Jyoti Randhawa and Singapore Classic winner Himmat Rai are likely to make it difficult for him when the PGTI's Rs 10 million BILT Open golf tournament tees off here tomorrow. Himmat has been an epitome of consistency this year, while Randhawa has always been known to have brought out his best on home courses. — PTI

Katich up for CA showdown
Melbourne: A defiant Simon Katich is likely to fight the detrimental public comment charge laid against him by Cricket Australia with his manager claiming that the axed opener knew he would land in trouble for blaming Michael Clarke for his ouster. An angry Katich had stated that his 2009 dressing-room bust-up with now-captain Clarke after a Test in Sydney was the reason why he was left out of the contracted players' list earlier this year. — PTI

Chowrasia aims for C’ship
Shanghai: SSP Chowrasia might have missed 10 consecutive cuts since winning the Avantha Masters on home soil but the Indian golfer says it is only a matter of time before he hits his top form again. Chowrasia, currently leading the Asian Tour Order of Merit, is hopeful that he can regain his winning form when the WGC-HSBC Championship tees off at the Sheshan International Golf Club on Thursday. — PTI

Mahajan shines for Bal Bharti
NEW DELHI: Ishrat Mahajan helped Bal Bharti Public School, Pitampura, beat Salwan Boys School, Rajinder Nagar by seven wickets in the Coca-Cola inter-school cricket tournament. Brief scores: SBS, Rajinder Nagar:93 in 26 overs (Piyush Nailwal 28; Ishrat Mahajan 4/8, Rahul Gupta 2/14) lost to BBPS, Pitampura:97 for 3 in 21.1 overs (Varun Malik 27, Dhruv Aggarwal 26). In another match, Adish Jain’s six-wicket haul and 31-run innings helped Air Force Bal Bharti Public School, Lodhi Road, beat Salwan Public School, Mayur Vihar, by one run. Brief scores: AFBBPS, Lodhi Road: 123 in 32.2 overs (Adish Jain 31; Yatin Dev 3/19) b SPS, Mayur Vihar: 122 in 34 overs (Vikas Bagri 26 not out; Adish Jain 6/19). — TNS

Kurukshetra lads champions
Patiala: Kurukshetra University lads emerged overall champions in the road cycling event of the All India Inter-University Cycling Championship that concluded at Punjabi University, Patiala, today. GND University and Punjabi University lads were second and third, respectively. In the women’s section, GND University won first place whereas Kerela University and Punjabi University were second and third, respectivey. — TNS