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The Indian Ring Masters
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Sandhu floats between hope and anxiety
From the ground
second TEST
Day 4
Batting form has helped my bowling: Bhuvneshwar
Quicks bowl SA to
rare win in Sri Lanka
McIlroy repels Garcia to win Open
Ramandeep selected for ISSF coaching course
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The Indian Ring Masters
Chandigarh, July 20 It was certainly not a case of the sports fans deciding one fine day to follow boxing; they were rather forced into taking note by the brave and inspirational performance of our boxers in the Beijing Olympics. As the Indian pugilists, led by braveheart Akhil Kumar and elegant Vijender Singh, waylaid their adversaries and advanced towards the podium, the popularity of the sport back home shot through the roof. From ‘what’s the score’, the buzzword of the Indian sport changed to ‘when is the next bout’ during those two weeks. And just like in cricket, the boxing fans came from varied backgrounds, transcending the urban-rural, rich-poor and young-old divide. Even though India eventually returned home with just one bronze – the first ever Olympic medal in boxing – many thought the country had finally discovered a sport that had the potential to rival cricket in popularity and maybe in success as well. Present tense
Cut to 2014. The Commonwealth Games are just a few days away. The boxing squad has already landed in Glasgow, but the murmurs from those in the know of things aren’t too encouraging. GS Sandhu, the Indian boxing coach, lamented the lack of exposure trips (see interview) before heading to Glasgow. Rajesh Bhandari, the secretary of the now-defunct Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF), too sang the same tune. “The Indian boxers couldn’t get enough exposure trips ahead of the competition because of the AIBA ban. Without participating in a competition, we can’t know for sure where we stand, and how good our opponents are. But I am still hopeful that our boxers will do well,” he said. Their contention, of course, has some merit to it; after all, it’s a big international competition where medals aren’t offered on a platter, and even the slightest advantage could be the difference between winning and losing. But for the diehard boxing fans who had witnessed the surge in 2008 and the subsequent progress until 2012 London Olympics, the lack-of-foreign-exposure lament comes across as a bit of cushioning for the impending fall. The fans would have liked the squad to storm the Commonwealth Games high on confidence, no matter what the handicap, for the competition at the Games isn’t as stiff as in the Olympics and the Asian Games. Having said that, Glasgow won’t be a stroll in the park for this otherwise balanced and experienced squad. There are a few irritants that could harm their chances, especially their limited experience in playing under the new set of rules, and the new scoring system in particular. “Our boxers would have been better versed with the new scoring pattern and could have altered their style accordingly had they got some international trips. And because of the ban, we couldn’t organise any workshops or clinics for our coaches to update them. The AIBA ban has hit the Indian boxing hard and I hope it doesn’t affect our showing at the Commonwealth Games,” said Bhandari. The even stiffer challenge awaiting them is the presence of professional boxers – playing in the AIBA’s World Series Boxing – in the competition; they are going to test the stamina and endurance of the Indian boxers. “A boxer playing in the WSB has a huge advantage over those yet to get the taste of it. A professional prepares and trains to last five rounds of three minutes each as against an amateur training for just three rounds. So, the professionals will have a big advantage in terms of stamina and endurance,” said a national-level coach who didn’t want to be named. From the Indian squad, only Shiva Thapa and Sumit Sangwan have played a few bouts in the professional circuit, but the brief flirting with the professional sport is unlikely to help them much. Nevertheless, the squad still appears balanced and strong enough to deliver at the Games. Yes, they failed to live up to expectations in the London Olympics; returned empty handed from the World Championships last year, but the overall health of the sport still looks good. And that’s evident from the widening base of the sport – there are quality contenders for every berth, the most important indicator of the well being of the sport. Future uncertain
But the boxing officials wrangling amongst themselves for the control of the sport could take down the sport much faster than anything else. It has already resulted in the ban from the international body and, as per the latest punitive measure, the Indian coaches can’t occupy the ringside seats in the Commonwealth Games. The sport has everything it needs to prosper — a huge and enthusiastic audience, and the talented boxers ready to take on the world. Now, it’s for the administrators to decide whether they want to lust for control, or work towards helping the sport realise its promise and potential. Vijender Singh |
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Sandhu floats between hope and anxiety
patiala, July 20 Lack of foreign exposure
In the last one and a half year, the boxers did not get enough opportunities to test their skills. They were sent abroad for training stints just twice; and not even once for competition. Training-cum-competition is important to analyse and evaluate the performance. We can gauge their strengths and weaknesses better when they compete abroad, out of their comfort zones and in alien conditions. It’s then that we can chalk out a proper strategy and programme for their further improvement. We missed on that, and it’s surely a huge disadvantage going into the Glasgow Games. Trained under new rules
We have trained under the new rules and the boxers have adapted well. But how they react in the actual competition remains to be seen. We have worked really hard, and hope to start winning the international medals again. Injury issues
We have been a little unfortunate with regard to injuries to our boxers. Asian Games silver medallist Dinesh Kumar (91 kg), who was a strong medal probable, met with an accident and sustained multiple fractures. As a result, we had to withdraw his name and draft in young Amritpreet Singh. Olympian Sumit Sangwan had fractured his thumb during training and had to sit out for almost two weeks. Even though Sumit is competing, it’s difficult to tell if his thumb will hold up. Anyways we can’t think much about the injuries, we have to make do with what we have and try to win as many medals as possible for the country. Women boxers debut Women boxing will make debut in the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow. India have three women pugilist in the squad of 11 – Pinki Jangra in the 51kg category, Sarita Devi in the 60kg and Pooja Rani in the 75kg category. All eyes will be on Pinky, who won herself a spot in the squad beating London Olympics bronze medallist Mary Kom.
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Expect three medals from gymnastics: Ashish
New Delhi: Commonwealth and Asian Games medallist Ashish Kumar is hopeful that gymnastics can fetch India three medals in this edition of CWG in Glasgow starting Wednesday. Ashish, who bagged silver and a bronze in the men's floor exercises and vault in the 2010 CWG in Delhi, hopes to convert those into gold when he takes to the floor in Scotland. “In the events that got me silver and a bronze respectively, I will try to convert them into two gold medals. And Dipa Karmakar is also a medal hopeful in the womens draw. So, in total, my assessment would be three medals from gymnastics. But you never know in sport,” Ashish said on the eve of his departure. Ashish, who won India their first gymnastic medal in Delhi CWG, rues the lack of international exposure for the national team in the run-up to this edition. “We just got International exposure in the form of Commonwealth Gymnastic Championship in Perth this year where we bagged 3 gold, 3 silver and a bronze. We got a tournament in 2013 but half the year we were idle. 2012 was a blank in terms of a tournament and no camp as well. “So after the 2010 Asian and CWG medals we have been lying low because of lack of opportunities. Our confidence did take a hit because of all these things but still we are hopeful,” said a disappointed Ashish. “If I compare our preparations from the last Commonwealth Games in 2010 then I feel that we haven't got the kind of facilities that we should have got. We have also lacked foreign exposure. Our camps were also conducted after about one-and-a-half years. So our training has been affected but our preparation is good. — PTI
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Day 4
India have England on the ropes Jadeja and Bhuvi rescue visitors with the bat; Ishant leaves hosts reeling at 105 for 4 chasing 319
London, July 20 It was a day when fortunes swung like a pendulum as England finished the fourth day's play at 105 for four on deteriorating track. If India manage to pull of a win, it will be their first at the 'Mecca of Cricket' in 28 years having last time won here in 1986. England lost three wickets in a space of 14 deliveries with an addition of two runs. From a comfortable 70 for one, they slumped to 72 for four. Ishant Sharma (2/13 in 10 overs) removed seasoned Ian Bell (1) with an incutter while skipper Alastair Cook (22) did all the hardwork before fishing oustide the off-stump to give Mahendra Singh Dhoni a simple catch. Mohammed Shami (1/20) also fared much better than the first innings removing centurion Gary Ballance (27) with an away going delivery. While India have their nose slightly ahead, a lot of credit should go to Ravindra Jadeja for his belliegerent 57-ball-68 (9x4) that enabled India to reach 342 thereby extending their lead to a healthy 318.
At stumps on fourth day, youngsters Joe Root and Moeen Ali were at the crease batting on 14 and 15 respectively. A rough has been created on one end with left-arm spinner Jadeja (1/32) looking dangerous for the first time with but turn and bounce off the pitch while the odd ball also kept low forcing Dhoni to stand atleast 10 feet behind to a slow bowler. It will be an uphill task for England if they manage to successfully chase down the total which will be their second highest having chased down 332 in an Ashes Test at the MCG way back in 1928-29. — PTI Pitch controversy
The furore over the "poor" pitch in in Trent Bridge is yet to settle down but that has not stopped a new controversy from brewing in the second Test after MCC was forced to tender an apology for the manner in which one of its groundstaff swept the pitch here. "MCC were forced to apologise and defend the conduct of a member of their groundstaff after Kevin Pietersen drew attention to his method of sweeping the pitch at lunch," a report said. No video evidence of altercation: report
In a fresh twist to the alleged altercation between James Anderson and Ravindra Jadeja, it has come to light that there is no video evidence of the incident. India have requested that footage from a video camera situated outside the dressing rooms where the incident occurred be made available. A Nottinghamshire spokesman confirmed that the camera installed in the relevant area had not been active at the time. |
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Batting form has helped my bowling: Bhuvneshwar
London, July 20 Bhuvneshwar, who struck two half-centuries in the drawn opening Test in Nottingham, picked up six wickets in the ongoing second Test here to be the pick of the Indian bowlers. "If you think like a batsman, you have an upper-hand over the man you're bowling to. All the runs that I have scored here have played a huge role in the way I have bowled. Having batted there for long hours, I know where the batsman will find it difficult to play the ball," Bhuvneshwar said. "I can anticipate what is going on in his mind and plan the next ball accordingly. The runs also give you confidence, which gets transformed into courage of conviction when you come on to bowl," he said. The young pacer said it felt good to make his mark with the ball at what is considered the 'Mecca of Cricket'. "I am happy I was able to keep that little tradition going. It will be good to see my name up on the honours board with my two state mates, RP Singh and Praveen Kumar," he said, referring to the two other Indians who picked up five-wicket hauls on their Lord's debut. Bhuvneshwar said Praveen handed him useful tips ahead of the tour. “He was very helpful in terms of giving me information about the different grounds and their peculiarities.” — PTI
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Quicks bowl SA to rare win in Sri Lanka
GALLE, July 20 Steyn took four for 45 and Morkel finished with four for 29 to dismiss the hosts for 216 shortly before the tea break and seal a first win in Sri Lanka for 14 years. Sri Lanka had started the final day on 110 for one, optimistic of chasing down the 370 victory target after Amla had declared on 206-6, but collapsed under the pressure of the two quicks to lose nine wickets for 106 runs. Steyn ended with match figures of nine for 99 to take the man of the match award after the best bowling figures by a quick at Galle. "His figures speak for themselves, he bowled excellently," Amla said of Steyn. "The lengths he bowled, the pace, the aggression — a great performance from a great bowler. I could look in the dictionary for a million adjectives to describe him, but I think it suffices to say that it was a great performance by a great bowler." Steyn started South Africa's victory push by grabbing an early breakthrough on Sunday when he had Kaushal Silva edge to wicket-keeper Quinton De Kock to end his innings on 38 and the second wicket stand of 104 with Kumar Sangakkara. Morkel then struck with the first ball after the drinks breaks when Mahela Jayawardene edged behind for 10 to leave Sri Lanka on 138-3. The hosts still held hope, though, with Sangakkara holding firm against the barrage before the former skipper fell to one of the worst balls of the day. The left-hander pulling a woeful long hop delivery from JP Duminy straight to Amla at mid-wicket to depart for 76 and leave the hosts in big trouble on 149-4. Sangakkara could not believe what he had done, staring at the pitch before walking off with his head down. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews blamed his middle order batting for the defeat. "Where we lost the Test was the failure of our batsmen to score runs on the first innings," said Mathews. Brief scores: South Africa: 455-9 declared and 206-6 declared; Sri Lanka: 292 and 216 (Sangakkara 76; Steyn 4/45, Morkel 4/29). — Reuters
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McIlroy repels Garcia to win Open
The 25-year-old Northern Irishman watched Sergio Garcia (66) cut his overnight lead from six strokes to two before repelling the last-round charge by his European Ryder Cup team mate to land his third major in a tantalising finish. McIlroy returned a closing 71 for a 17-under total of 271 to become the third youngest player in history to capture three of the four majors, following Jack Nicklaus (23) and Tiger Woods (24). "It wasn't easy today and I just needed to stay focused, in the present and keep my concentration," he told the BBC after picking up a first prize of 975,000 pounds ($1.67 million). "The lead never got less than two shots so I always thought I had a little bit of a cushion. To be three legs towards the grand slam is a pretty good achievement and it feels incredible." Garcia, still striving to shed the unwanted tag of being one of the best players never to win one of the 'Big Four' prizes, pushed the 2011 U.S. Open and 2012 U.S. PGA champion all the way before settling for a share of second place. The Spaniard was right in the hunt until he suffered a calamity at the 161-yard 15th, the shortest hole at Royal Liverpool. Garcia's tee shot found a deep greenside bunker and he made a heartbreaking bogey four after taking two strokes to get out. He ultimately shared runners-up spot with American Rickie Fowler on 273. Fowler was always on the fringe of the battle as he closed with a well-crafted 67. Woods, playing among the back markers, ended his campaign with a disappointing three-over 75 for 294, six over. The former world number one was making only his second competitive appearance since undergoing a back operation in March. Ageless Watson outplays much younger partner
It is not often a 64-year-old eclipses his much younger playing partner in a major championship but it happened on Sunday when the seemingly ageless Tom Watson put one over on Australian John Senden. The five-times champion finished his British Open campaign with a real flourish, recovering in style from a first-hole bogey to squeeze five birdies in a four-under-par 68 and earn a highly creditable total of 289, one over par. Watson hardly missed a fairway all day as he outshot 43-year-old U.S. PGA Tour regular Senden (71) by three strokes. "It was a fun day today," the veteran American told reporters under blue skies and bright sunshine at Royal Liverpool. "I put the ball in play off the tee. On the first day I missed six fairways but I'm not sure I missed one today. I think the golf course is there for the taking. The par-five 16th and 18th are playing slightly downwind, left to right, so they're pretty easy birdie holes," said Watson. "I wasn't worried about Senden. I was just trying to get back to even-par." Watson took advantage of both the 16th and 18th holes and also made inroads on par at the second, fifth and seventh. "It's fun to finish the way I did and get ready to go to the next tournament.” — Reuters |
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Ramandeep selected for ISSF coaching course
Jalandhar, July 20 She is the only person selected from India and amongst the only 10 candidates selected from all over the world. “I was motivated by my coach Veerpal kaur to excel in this field. The ISSF has selected me after analyzing my performance as a shooter and as a coach,” said Brar, who has a coaching experience of more than 10 years. The 31-year-old is a national level gold medallist. Brar did the basic course – ‘C’ course – last year and can progress to the ‘A’ course.
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HOCKENHEIM, July 20 Following up Germany's World Cup triumph in Brazil last weekend, his wedding in Monaco and the signing of a new contract with Mercedes, Rosberg led untroubled from pole position to chequered flag. Lewis Hamilton, his team mate and only real title rival, finished a fighting third after starting in 20th place and then charging through the field. Finland's Valtteri Bottas took second place for Williams, his third podium finish in a row and a hefty 20.7 seconds behind Rosberg, after Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa crashed at the start in a collision that brought out the safety car. Rosberg was the first to win for a works Mercedes team in Germany since Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in 1954 and first German home winner for a German team since the championship started in 1950. "It's fantastic. It's an amazing feeling to win here at home," he said. "A special day for me." — Reuters
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Dad has lot riding on Rory’s win Hoylake, July 20 According to media reports, Gerry and three friends placed a bet of 400 pounds at odds of 500-1 that his son would win golf's oldest major before the age of 26. The 25-year-old Rory holds a massive six-stroke lead over American playing partner Rickie Fowler and with the coveted Claret Jug firmly in his sights at Royal Liverpool. The Northern Irishman is bidding to secure the third leg of a career grand slam in the majors, with the 2011 US Open and 2012 US PGA Championship trophies already taking pride of place on his mantelpiece. McIlroy was a picture of concentration in Saturday's third round, never wavering from the task in hand and willing to trade golfing punches whenever his overnight lead was being threatened. Fowler drew level with his close friend and Florida neighbour at the 12th but the twice major winner reacted like a true champion, reeling off two eagles and a birdie in the closing holes. "It was nice to be able to come up with the goods when I needed them," McIlroy said after signing for a 68 and a 16-under-par total of 200, two strokes off the Open record for the opening three rounds. The 24-year-old Fowler acknowledged the title was now McIlroy's to lose. "He's definitely in control of the tournament," said the young American. Former world No. 1 Tiger Woods, playing among the back markers and one of the early starters, continued to struggle for form on Sunday. The 14-times major winner, making his second competitive outing since undergoing back surgery in March, was four-over-par for the day, and seven-over for the championship, through 14 holes. Ageless Watson outplays much younger partner It is not often a 64-year-old eclipses his much younger playing partner in a major championship but it happened on Sunday when the seemingly ageless Tom Watson put one over on Australian John Senden. The five-times champion finished his British Open campaign with a real flourish, recovering in style from a first-hole bogey to squeeze five birdies in a four-under 68 and earn a highly creditable total of 289, one over par. Watson hardly missed a fairway all day as he outshot 43-year-old US PGA Tour regular Senden (71) by three strokes. "It was a fun day today," the veteran American said. "On the first day I missed six fairways but I'm not sure I missed one today. I think the golf course is there for the taking.”
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Cast your mind back to 2008, the year when boxing shook up the sporting landscape of our country. For a nation with eyes and time for cricket alone, the sports fans, all of a sudden, found boxing too good to resist.
Patiala, July 20
New Delhi: Commonwealth and Asian Games medallist Ashish Kumar is hopeful that gymnastics can fetch India three medals in this edition of CWG in Glasgow starting Wednesday.
Ashish, who bagged silver and a bronze in the men's floor exercises and vault in the 2010 CWG in Delhi, hopes to convert those into gold when he takes to the floor in Scotland.
GALLE, July 20
Hoylake, July 20
Manoj Kumar
Shiva Thapa
Devendro Singh
Murali Vijay (95) missed century by a whisker while Bhuvneshwar Kumar (52, 71 balls) continued his stupendous all-round show. It was the 99-run eighth wicket stand between Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar that could well turn out to be decisive in the final context of the game.
Hoylake, July 20
Tour de France: Kristoff wins stage 15