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Always believed we’d win, says Chand
Tough Talk |
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Viru feels nervous facing
first ball
Bhajji at best could have been out for 6 months: Ganguly
Dhoni launches his owns bike racing team
Federer’s opening salvo
MAKA Trophy
10 Indian athletes for Paralympics
Sherwood boys win soccer tourney
North stars buzzing with teen spirit Nepal snatch a point from India
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Always believed we’d win, says Chand
Mumbai, August 28 "The best thing about the tournament is that we faltered initially and then we got into the groove slightly later in the tournament. We stumbled a bit, but we peaked at the right time," said the Delhi youngster at a media conference here. "The best part was, we didn't know what was happening in India, that really kept us on target. The belief was very strong among the guys and we always felt we will go and lift the trophy,” Chand, who made an unbeaten 111 in the final, said. “The belief only took us further in the tournament and we won the tournament." Chand, who top-scored for India with 246 runs from six games, said the team members carried on with a positive mindset after losing the tournament opener against West Indies when the batting flopped. "All the batsmen go out to score runs but most of the time it does not happen. We lost the first match against West Indies, but even from that we took the’ positives, like our bowling and fielding. That we carried in the further matches," Chand said. "It is not like I didn't want to score but I was fortunate to score in the final when the team wanted me the most," Chand added. He also hailed the tips given by batsman Sachin Tendulkar to the team before the squad left for the tournament. "We had a half-hour session with him before leaving. The session was quite helpful. He told what we would face there and how we need to tackle it. He helped us a lot and told us the dos and don'ts (of playing in Australia)," the captain said. The skipper played down talks about his imminent inclusion in the senior team and said he is taking it step by step. "I just take one tournament at a time and I am really happy that we did well together at the World Cup as a unit and the next step (for me) is India A and I will be looking forward to do well over there,” he said. “It's too early to say anything... I do want to play for India but at the moment I want to focus on wherever I go and play." "Senior team is a long way away. Now there is an India A team tour to New Zealand where I have to perform,” he added. — PTI
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Without playgrounds, the children of the cities are stifling
mary kom
Children and play are synonymous with each other. I remember that even through the tough life I lived as a a farm labourer’s daughter, play was never far away from the work and struggle we went through. Whether it was frolicking in the fields as we helped our parents or just jumped around chasing each other, my siblings and I never faced a dearth of space to release all our energies. As I bring up my twins Rengpa and Nainai in the still open and untouched land in Manipur, I can be happy that they will grow into healthy, strapping, sturdy lads with all the physical activity they go through. Sadly, that is not what lakhs of children across our country have access to... Ironically, what should be a natural part of growing up -- open spaces, play and playgrounds -- seems to be becoming a luxury in most Indian cities. Whenever I visit Mumbai, Hyderabad or Bangalore -- and I have been visiting these places often ever since my return from the Olympics for various felicitations -- I am overwhelmed with the imposing structures that stare down at me. Certain parts of these cities confuse me whether I am in India or abroad. But a few meters away, I often see children trying to walk on non-existent footpaths, dodging traffic as they walk to their destinations. It is also not a rare sight to see children playing on the street, dangerously close to the zipping vehicles. It prompts me to ask - of what use is such growth if it has to come at the cost of giving our children a free and open childhood?
Lack of open spaces and playgrounds is becoming an issue with the over-population of our cities. It is an issue that must not be ignored as it has the potential to become a hazard for our children with time. Children are meant to play, to run, to scrape their knees and roll in the grass... all of which a city can afford if it makes spaces for playgrounds. It is fashionable for mothers to talk of how busy their children are with studies and tuitions. The only entertainment these children seem to have is television! It makes me wonder, if the child is doing all this, when is he or she getting to be a real child -- which is about playing. Colonies are built with the promise of fancy gadgets for security and automation that speaks of luxury. But what about attention to basics? Things as basic as gardens, parks, playgrounds. The only gardens that seem to find preference are the beautified traffic islands and the only parks seem to be a cluster of trees and grass. Even schools are now becoming spaces without playgrounds. And was it not in school that we learnt that all work and no play makes Jack (or Jill) a dull child? So why are we not practising what we are teaching? School sports days in cities like Mumbai are held on rented land or in a public ground. How can we even call these schools where sports and play are not in the daily curriculum? In all of this when I heard of P&G’s initiative of building playgrounds across the country in schools and in public spaces, it instantly touched a chord as it is a cause that I closely believe in. If ever I need to move to a larger city, I would not want my children to be bereft of having access to open spaces... the pleasure of looking up and seeing the sky or rolling in the grass. I am sure there are enough mothers like me who would want their kids living the same free-flowing childhood that they themselves have experienced. Trust me, the best gift we can give our children are open green playgrounds that foster the habit of play and physical activity. For this is a sure-shot way to ensuring they grow up with an active and healthy lifestyle which they would thank you for. The Olympics medallist wrote this column to mark the National Sports Day |
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Viru feels nervous facing
first ball
"Every time when I go to the crease and prepare to face the first ball, I’m nervous and there are butterflies in my tummy. I never show it because if the bowler senses it, he’ll come hard at me and try to put me under pressure", Sehwag said. "I have to send across a message to the bowler, ‘I’m here to face you with a lot of aggression and confidence, whether I play a defensive shot or an attacking one", he said. Sehwag reckoned that it was his mental strength and the self-confidence which has helped him to dominate the bowlers in international cricket. "I think it’s the mental strength. I have the self confidence and the belief that I can play well against any team and score against any bowling attack", he told BCCI's official website today. "International cricket is all about mental toughness. If you’re strong in your mind and can control your mind, you can perform against anybody. That’s my biggest strength", the Delhi opener said. The 33-year-old Sehwag said that of late he has changed his approach to batting slightly was was willing to hang in for some time before playing his strokes. "Now I’m a little more careful about how the wicket is behaving, whether the ball is swinging or not and how the bowling attack is. I give a little more time to myself to understand the conditions and situation well and then plan my innings accordingly. "Having said that, if somebody bowls a half-volley on a green top, I’ll still go after it and I’ll still play my square cuts if the ball is pitched short outside the off-stump. "But if a bowler is bowling in good areas, I have to give respect to the new ball rather than the bowler. If I do that and play 10-12 overs with caution, the ball gets old by and the bowlers start to get a bit tired. Then, I can take them on," Sehwag said. — PTI |
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Bhajji at best could have been out for 6 months: Ganguly
New Delhi, August 28 “You can call it my bias or love for Harbhajan but if in India you are picking three best spinners in the country, Harbhajan Singh's got to figure in that list. Harbhajan is one bowler who should be playing all three formats of the game," Ganguly said during the launch of ESPN Star Sports' event to announce their grand plans of covering the World T20 Championship in Sri Lanka. “I still believe one year was a bit too long time to keep Harbhajan out of the Indian team. The board should have spoken to him and told him that 'look we are giving you six months time to sort out your bowling'." "You can't keep a bowler like him in domestic cricket for too long. If you have played for the country for 12 years, you are bound to have one bad season. But he has got close to 700 international wickets which is no mean feat," said the man who has handled Harbhajan the best among all Indian captains. Ganguly felt that the Indian team does have a good chance of doing well in the World T20 Championship as they have players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli, who can all clear the boundary at will. “We have seen in IPL also that we have some of the cleanest hitters in the game. The ability to consistently clear the boundaries will be a factor. "Also they will be playing in familiar sub-continental conditions. In the last two World T20 Championships, the short ball was a factor as it was flying above the head. But here, even if a bowler digs in short, it will at the most come at waist height which is comfortable for Indian batsmen." — PTI
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Dhoni launches his owns bike racing team
New Delhi, August 28 The championship is a support race for the World Superbike championship, which will make its India debut next year in March. The team, named as MSD R-N Racing Team India, entered the 17-race championship in the 10th race at Brno, Czech Republic and is expected to compete full season in 2013. The team has two riders in Florian Marino of France and Dan Linfoot of Great Britain. Marino is a four-time Superstock 600 race winner, and was a full time Honda WSS rider last year. Linfoot had won two Superstock 600 races in 2008. The squad has its base at Yeovil in the UK and technical director will be Andrew Stone. Team principal Amit Sandill said the they aim to popularise and grow the game in Asia. "We are looking at it from the long term perspective. Trying to grow the sport in Asia. The sport itself is in a pretty nascent stage in Asia so this is a first step," Sandill had said at the launch of the team in July. "Trying to get to the championship and making a kind of mark in the championship and then take the sport to India and then other countries in Asia. We would also like to start a Racing Academy. Behind all this is the passion, which comes as a bonus," he said. According to the website of the team, Dhoni is part of the management while actor Nagarjuna Akkineni has been mentioned as a Director. Nandish Domlur, a cardiac surgeon by profession, is the CEO and Mangaging Director of the team. — PTI
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Federer’s opening salvo
New York, August 28 Top-seeded Federer played up to his billing Monday night, dispatching American Donald Young 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to open his quest for a sixth U.S. Open title, which would be an Open-era record. “'The U.S. Open, for me, was always, I don't want to say easy, but very natural and I've always looked forward to it in a big way,'' Federer said. Possibly because of matches like Monday's, in which 20,000-plus fans cheered him on during a breezy-but-comfortable night for a win that took only 1 hour, 34 minutes. ''It's a place that brings out the best in me,'' Federer said. With his Wimbledon title and the silver medal at the Olympics earlier this summer, Federer returned to No. 1 for the first time in 25 months. His first career match against Young was a predictable affair, with Young trying to force the issue by coming to the net and Federer taking advantage of his younger competitor's impatience. He finished with 27 winners and 24 unforced errors, compared to 17 and 30 for Young. Young fell to 3-22 on the season, including a 17-match losing streak earlier this year. ''It's a lot of pressure because obviously, I'm going into this match as a big favorite,'' Federer said. ''But Donald put up a great fight. He's had a rough year and I'm glad to see he's playing better.'' ''And for me,'' Federer said, ''it continues.'' There were times when it seemed as if it would never end, most notably in 2008, when Federer won his fifth consecutive U.S. Open. A year later, he was two points away from No. 6 but Juan Martin del Potro rallied for a five-set victory. The last two years, Federer had a pair of match points against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, but was unable to convert them. Federer said he re-dedicated himself after the last loss. This year, he comes in as the top seed, but he considers Djokovic, the defending champion, to be the favorite. ''It's where he feels most comfortable,'' Federer said of Djokovic, the No. 2 seed. Not to say Federer isn't comfortable on the hard courts in New York, too. ''The distractions are a challenge - the wind, the humidity, the early matches, the really late, late matches,'' he said. ''That takes some getting used to. But experience can help with that, too.'' Coming in, Federer broke the record he shared with Pete Sampras by earning the top seed for a Grand Slam for the 23rd time. Neither that nor his regained status as No. 1 in the world will mean so much to him, however, if he doesn't close out his time in New York with his 18th Grand Slam title. ''I'm happy I'm the world No. 1 right now but it's not what drives me at the U.S. Open,'' Federer said. ''It's actually trying to get that title or get closer to that title.'' Sharapova had ultrasound due to stomach bug The third-seeded Russian came back from a three-week break and defeated Melinda Czink of Hungary 6-2, 6-2 in a stress-free, 67-minute first-round match at blustery Arthur Ashe Stadium. Top-seeded Victoria Azarenka needed only 50 minutes to defeat Alexandra Panova 6-0, 6-1 on Monday in the opening round. Maria Sharapova says that after contracting a stomach virus just before the Olympic final, she had blood work and an ultrasound done when she returned to North America. Sharapova consequently pulled out of Montreal and Cincinnati after doctors told her she should rest. "[I had the tests] because of the pain I was having," Sharapova said after her first round victory at the U.S. Open. "It was really weird. They told me I was fine, not pregnant. I'm like, Can I get my money back?" Sharapova refused to disclose how severe the pain was during the Olympic final, just saying, "it was OK...At the time I was being drama, but I was fine." The Russian also said that she is not getting married in November to her fiancee, Sasha Vujacic. — Agencies |
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Punjabi varsity students in Delhi to make their case
M.S. Unnikrishnan/TNS
New Delhi, August 28 Accompanied by their coaches and director of sports, Dr Rajkumar Sharma, they came to the capital to meet Sports Minister Ajay Maken. The meeting didn’t materialise as the minister and ministry officials were busy in preparations for the National Sports Day function tomorrow. Hockey legend Dhyan Chand’s birthday, which falls tomorrow, is celebrated as the National Sports Day. Punjabi University Vice-Chancellor Dr Jaspal Singh met Ajay Maken at his residence here yesterday and took up the matter of the MAKA Trophy with him. It is learnt that Maken was unaware of the reasons for not awarding the MAKA Trophy this year, despite the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) recommending the name of Punjabi University for the honour. The reason given by C. Chinnappa, deputy secretary in the Sports Ministry, for not awarding the MAKA Trophy this year was that the AIU’s recommendation reached the Ministry late, and that it was not acceptable to the ministry that Punjabi added points for the participation of their athletes in international competitions among their winning points. A meeting was held in Delhi on August 22 in which the top four universities in the running for the MAKA Trophy — Punjabi, Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar), Panjab University (Chandigarh) and the Kurukhestra University — made a power-point presentation. After this, the AIU made its recommendation. Punjabi contented that in the previous years too, the points earned by a university for its athletes’ participation in international competitions was computed for the purpose of the MAKA Trophy. Maken directed the ministry to convene another meeting of the awards panel for the MAKA Trophy, headed by former international swimmer and Asian Games medallist Khazhan Singh, which was held last evening. Dr Rajkumar Sharma said Punjabi will take up the issue much more forcefully, though an official in the ministry has assured him that a decision on the MAKA Trophy will be taken after the awards function tomorrow. He said it was unfair on the students to deprive them of the highest sports award for a university, as universities were the grooming ground for young talent, and many of the universities have been spending lakhs and crores for the preparation and participation of their athletes for various national and international competitions, without any help from the Government. “Punjabi University will not apply for the MAKA Trophy in future if the Sports Ministry does not give the award this year,” asserted Dr Sharma.
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10 Indian athletes for Paralympics
New Delhi, August 28 The event will conclude on September 9. The contingent has been finalised, based on the quota places allocated to India by the International Paralympics Committee.All the 10 athletes underwent training in India and special acclimatisation coaching camp was conducted at Balisdan Sports Village, London. One athlete underwent special training in Germany. All the athletes have reported at the Games Village. Besides the team of 10 athletes, the Indian contingent consists of as many coaches and escorts and three officials, including the Chef-de-Mission. The Government of India is funding the participation of the players, coaches, escorts and officials. There are five members in athletics, three in power-lifting, one each in swimming and shooting disciplines, who have got bi-partite entry for the Games. The athletes of the Indian contingent are listed below: Athletics: H N Girisha (high jump), Jagseer Singh (long jump), Jaideep (discus), Narender (javelin), Amit Kumar (athletics) Power-lifting: Farman Basha, Rajinder Singh Rahelu, Sachin Chaudhary Swimming: Sharath M Gayakwad Shooting: Naresh Kumar. — PTI
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Sherwood boys win soccer tourney
Solan, August 28 The first goal of the match was scored by Sherwood captain Abhay Mankoti in the 12th minute which was followed by a goal by Sarwesh Chand of Sherwood thus giving a lead of 2-0 to the hosts. Arpit Parihar of Lawrence School scored the first goal for his team goal in the 28th minute, leading to a half-time lead of 2-1 for the Sherwood school boys. Just after six minutes of the start of the second half, Angad B. Singh of Lawrence School dribbled his way into the D and scored a magnificent equaliser goal in the 28th minute. However, Sarwesh Chand got another goal to his team and gave Sherwood a winning 3-2 lead. Lawrence School had beaten YPS Mohali 2-0 in the first semifinal while in the second semifinal Sherwood College beat Durga Public School, Solan, 5-2.
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North stars buzzing with teen spirit
Chandigarh, August 28 Is it hope, or the glimpses of promise we have seen recently and loads of expectations. In tangible terms, a guaranteed place in the state Ranji, most likely a chance to play in the Challenger Trophy, and then, if all goes well, probably a flirtation with the India ‘A’ side. In between, there lies the lure of IPL. From there on it will entirely be on the heart these cubs show on the big stage. Patiala pacer Sandeep Singh, Amritsar’s cool chap Kamal Passi and the dodgy Prashant Chopra from Solan have got the world beneath their feet. But would they be steadfast enough not to lose their heads and make the opportunity count? “This is a wonderful opportunity for them. They have everything going for them. All they need is stick to their basics, hone their skills and preserve till they make a place in the league of big men,” says Munish Bali, Sandeep’s coach and a figure who has the knack of getting the best out of teenagers. The three musketeers from the region have all the qualities of a top notch players but there is still more that they can learn to thrive on the international circuit. While Sandeep and Kamal have the firepower to rattle the batsman with their sheer pace, both bowl above 130 miles per hour, Prahsant has all the elegance of an opening batsman who play shots on both sides of the wicket. His characteristic doggedness helped India sail the semifinal hurdle. Right now, skipper Unmukt Chand may be hogging all the limelight, time is not far when pacer Sandeep will be the toast of the nation. His 14 wickets, the highest by any bowler in the World Cup, may have slipped from everybody’s mind. But that’s the way this smooth operator slips under the radar. Perhaps, it is for the first time that two pacers from the same state (Punjab) have operated together in junior international cricket. Reetinder Sodhi, also a former member of World Cup winning team, says, “Sandy is a terrific bowler who has every weapon in his armory. His side-on run up is smooth as silk and his head is always firmly placed on his shoulder. I believe he is a genuine India prospect.” Given the potential the three rookies have shown, the rave reviews may continue to flow for quite sometime but it would not be long till the rigours of the game catch up with them once again. But right now, it’s time to savour the memorable win. Shine on you crazy diamonds!
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Nepal snatch a point from India New delhi, August 28 India are now on seven points from three matches. The draw has opened up the race for the final as Maldives are on six points from three matches and next meet Cameroon, while India also play Cameroon in the last match. The finalists will probably be decided only after the last league match. Nepal surprised India with an aggressive, relentless display, almost completely dominating the first half. But they were unlucky as they failed to cash in on their chances,which included six corner kicks and three clear direct shots. But their tenacity was evident as despite playing the last two minutes only with 10 men, after Bikash Singh Chhetri was shown the red card by referee Tseylin of Uzbekistan, they did not allow India to score. The Indian defenders and goalie Subrata Paul had a busy time. Thrice Subrata had to lunge forward and dive sideways to stop the Nepalese fusillade while the defenders rose above their rivals to foil the corner kicks. With a steady drizzle and puddles of water all over making the ground heavy, the players found it difficult to put a definite game-plan in place.
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New Delhi, August 28
