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Indian super league
Delhi ready to kick and scream
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Court refuses to advance BCCI elections
Misbah skipping 3rd ODI triggers speculation
India won’t go top even if they win WI series
Man City fans take Lampard to their hearts
Muhammad Ali too ill to talk
Narayanan close to GM norm in World Junior Chess
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Indian super league
Guwahati, October 13 Sergio Contreras Pardo, otherwise known as Koke, took advantage of a poor clearance to smash home a half-volley that gave Kerala Blaster's veteran English goalie David James no chance. It was Kerala Blasters, though, that held the upper hand when it came to stats. The team from South India held 57 percent of the possession and had more shots on target as well. But all that came down to nothing as the Spanish midfielder scored the all important goal to start NorthEast United FC's campaign on a winning note. Kerala Blasters came out with intent as they looked to take control of the match at the start. Spanish defender Joan Capdevila gave away a free-kick as early as the first minute. The men in yellow, the Blasters, pushed forward positively and had the lion's share of the possession. Kerala even had the ball in the back of the net in the 16th minute, but Iain Hume was denied by the offside flag. NorthEast United FC's former Greece international goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas stood as firm as a rock in front of his goal and refused to be beaten. He was deservingly voted "Hero of the match". The match didn't see too much action in the first half, apart from a few tame attempts from both sides. Durga Boro got everyone out of their seats with an incredible long range effort, only to be denied by James' fantastic save. NorthEast host Atletico de Kolkata at home October 16. — IANS |
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Delhi ready to kick and scream
New Delhi, October 13 Since winning the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy in 1944-45, when they beat Bengal 2-0 in the final, none of the teams from Delhi has tasted much success at the national level. Delhi does not even have a club good enough to qualify for the I-League, which shows the decline of the game in the Capital. Lack of infrastructure, indifferent attitude of the officials and the absence of grassroots-level programme have contributed to the sharp decline in interest towards the sport. The Delhi Football League has three divisions — Senior, Division A and Division B — but they hardly generate any interest even amongst the most avid football fans. Even the Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) doesn’t look too perturbed by the plunging standards of the sport; the officials are seen only when the dates for the divisions are announced. So when a cable TV distribution company, Den Network, won the bid for a Hero Indian Super League franchise, it brought a ray of hope for the city's sizeable football followers; they finally had a team who they could root for. The Capital has a team in almost every sports league that has come up in recent times — Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League, Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League, and Delhi Smashers in the Indian Badminton League. With Delhi Dynamos, it has now a football team too. The club has a tie-up with Dutch giants Feyenoord Rotterdam, which has the likes of Ruud Gullit, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Robin Van Persie among its alumni. To lend the Dutch flavor to the Delhi outfit, coach Harm van Veldhoven has been roped in as the manager; Alessandro Del Piero, a member of Italy’s World Cup winning squad in 2006, is their marquee player as well as the skipper. First up are Pune FC Delhi Dynamos will start their campaign against FC Pune City on Tuesday at the JLN Stadium in what will be the first ISL match in the Capital. Del Piero, the Juventus legend, will lead the Dynamos against a team that will be spearheaded by France’s David Trezeguet, who had won the World Cup in 1998. Delhi are packed with experienced India and international stars in Anwar Ali, Steven Dias, Francis Fernandes and Souvik Chakraborthy, Mads Junker, Morten Skoubo, and Hans Mulder. Pune, on the other side, has Kostas Katsouranis, the Greece captain in the 2014 World Cup, as the other marquee player apart from David. Bruno Cirillo, Emanuele Belardi, Daniele Magliocchetti, Saidou Panandetiguiri, Omar Andres Rodriguez and Dudu Omagbemi complete their overseas line-up. Live on Star Sports, 7pm
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Court refuses to advance BCCI elections
A Bench comprising Justices TS Thakur and FMI Kalifulla noted that the Registrar of Societies had already accepted BCCI’s plea for holding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 20, instead of the last week of September, for electing the office bearers. Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB) had come to the SC, pleading that BCCI should be directed to hold the AGM immediately as the one-year term of its office bearers had ended last month. The Bench noted that CAB was in fact trying to prevent International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman N Srinivasan from contesting the BCCI election. Srinivasan had stepped aside as BCCI president on March 25 this year in view of a probe by an SC-appointed panel into allegations of betting and spot fixing in Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. The SC has appointed Shivlal Yadav as acting president. “What if the probe panel gave a clean chit to Srinivasan? In that case, he would have lost his legitimate right to contest the BCCI election,” the Bench told senior advocate Nalini Chidambaram, who argued for CAB. Appearing for BCCI, senior advocate Aryaman Sundaram said that if the BCCI election was held on November 20, the AGM members, representing the state cricket boards, would be in a better position to elect their office bearers in the light of the probe panel’s report, which was expected by Nov 10. Sundaram also pleaded that CAB was not part of BCCI or AGM as it was only the rival faction of the Bihar cricket board and as such had no legal standing to seek postponement or advancement of BCCI’s AGM. Accepting this contention, the Bench also wanted to know as to why CAB had not challenged the Registrar of Society’s order agreeing to the proposal for holding the AGM in November if it was aggrieved by the delayed AGM. The SC said it would hear the main case on betting and spot fixing on Nov10 to consider the report of the probe panel. CAB had gone to the Bombay High Court challenging BCCI’s decision to conduct an internal probe into IPL fixing allegations. The HC quashed the BCCI order on the probe, but refused to set up a fresh inquiry committee. Both BCCI and CAB have come to the SC challenging the HC verdict. While the BCCI has questioned the quashing of its order, CAB has challenged the HC’s refusal to order a fresh probe. On these cross appeals, the SC set up a committee headed by Justice Mukul Mudal. In its preliminary report, the panel said the needle of suspicion pointed to Srinivasan and about a dozen leading players and officials but further probe was required on this aspect. |
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Johor Cup: India lose to Britain
Johor Bahru, October 13 The Indian defence was breached regularly by the opponent raiders as Benjamin Boon (28th minute) and Samuel French (49) scored the goals to put India's title defence under threat. Indian custodian Abhinav Kumar Pandey came under intense pressure as he ran out of support from his defenders, allowing two field goals in a performance littered with defensive lapses. India had defeated New Zealand 2-1 in their first match and will play Pakistan in their next outing. "The boys played well but failed to create opportunities that could be converted into goals. We need to work on our finishing as well as our penalty corners. Nevertheless, the loss will not demoralise the team and we are looking forward to taking on Pakistan in the next game. I am sure the boys will make a comeback and put up a remarkable show in the upcoming matches," coach Harendra Singh said. In the other matches, Malaysia drew 1-1 with new Zealand, while Australia scored a late goal to muster a 1-1 draw against Pakistan.
— Agencies |
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Misbah skipping 3rd ODI triggers speculation
Khan had to talk to the media in Abu Dhabi during the third ODI to defuse the impression that Misbah had been coerced or pressurised into not playing the third ODI by the team management, which is totally behind Shahid Afridi who led the side in the match yesterday. Although Misbah took pains to make politically correct appearances during the match to give the impression that everything was alright in the dressing room but former players still didn't spare the PCB for its sudden decision to hand over the captaincy to Afridi. After Pakistan lost the match, former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar waded into head coach Waqar Younis, manager/chief selector Moin Khan and the PCB for even accepting Misbah's wish to take a break. "What is happening? what sort of message is being conveyed to the cricket world? Four months before the World Cup, we don't know who is going to be our ODI captain. The PCB and management are only adding to the confusion with their strange statements," Akhtar said. Former Test captain, Rameez Raja said if Misbah wanted to rest, a younger player should have been given charge of the team instead of Afridi. "We all know how Afridi leads the side and making him captain at such a short notice only confused things further," he said. Moin Khan, who has made no secret of the fact that he favours Afridi for the ODI captaincy, also gave out a statement insisting it was Misbah's decision to rest. "No one forced him and he remains captain for the coming Tests and other matches in the future," Moin said. Shaharyar also said that Misbah was not forced to sit out. "Neither me nor management have influenced Misbah to step down, he has done it on his own, he is determined to return. I had a half hour chat with him. He says if 'I am back to form I would like to lead to the World Cup'," Khan said.
— PTI |
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India won’t go top even if they win WI series
Dubai, October 13 Australia’s series victory over Pakistan ensured top billing for George Bailey's side. India cannot leapfrog Australia even if they win the remaining two matches of the series. — PTI |
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I am not a star, just an ordinary man: Jitu Rai
New Delhi, October 13 If anything, the success seems to have made him even more humble and respectful; he greets everyone with a slight bow and a big smile across his face. His achievements this year are enough to evoke a strong sense of envy even amongst his admirers– he won seven international medals, including three World Cup medals within nine days, in this calendar year. Yet, this humble Nepal-born shooter politely refuses the star-shooter sobriquet that everyone is eager to thrust on him, asserting that he’s still the same man he was before shooting to fame. “I am not a star, this sort of feeling has never crossed my mind. I am an ordinary person with an ordinary background," said Jitu, who continues to lead a low-profile life in Lucknow. “People come and congratulate me for my medals. They say ‘Jitu you have made the country proud’. This makes me feel proud. But I am not that famous. Nobody knew about me until last year. It’s only recently that a few people have started recognising me after I won those medals," he said on the sidelines of a felicitation function organised by Samsung. Jitu, who spent his early days in Saukhuwasar, his native village in Nepal, dedicated his Asian Games gold medal to his mother and the Indian Army. “My mother still resides in Nepal. She has sacrificed a lot for me. I wouldn't have been a shooter if I had not joined the Army (in 2006). Whatever I am today is because of them," he said. Jitu, a Naib Subedar in the 11 Gorkha Rifles, was spotted by the Army during routine shooting trials. He now trains at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow. "I want to keep performing consistently with the Rio Olympics in mind. I want to give my best there. I am leaving for the World Cup Finals on October 20 where I am the only Indian shooter in the 50m pistol event," he said. Jitu would be felicitated by the Uttar Pradesh government on October 18. He will receive a cheque for Rs 50 lakh from Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. The announcement came only after Jitu said that he might migrate to Haryana or Punjab. "I am happy they are rewarding me for my hard work. These awards motivate you to perform better," he said. |
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Punjab archers champs
Gagan K. Teja Tribune News Service
Patiala, October 13 Coach Surinder Singh Randhawa said Sukhpreet Kaur won gold in 50m and Baljeet Kaur won bronze in 30m in the women’s section. Baljeet Kaur went on to win bronze in the individual Olympic round also. Punjab eves — Sukhpreet Kaur, Sandeep Kaur, Baljeet Kaur and Jaswinder Kaur — lost to Assam in the final and had to settle for silver. The men team consisting of Mohit Kumar, Gurpreet Singh, Kuldeep Singh and Malkeet Singh won bronze medal, finishing behind Assam Rifles and CRPF. However, the best performance came from the mixed team where Punjab duo of Mohit Kumar and Sukhpreet Kaur displayed nerves of steel and lifted the mixed team title defeating Kerala.
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Free-scoring Alcacer shows Costa the way
Barcelona, October 13 The 21-year-old Valencia striker scored on his competitive debut for Spain against Macedonia last month and now has three goals in as many qualifying fixtures, showing the way for the Chelsea hitman, who took seven games to get off the mark. Alcacer even had words of encouragement after Costa, who bagged 36 goals for Atletico Madrid last season, was unable to score in the second qualifying match against Slovakia, which Spain surprisingly lost. He said the goals would finally come for Costa and though Alcacer scored as a late substitute in Zilina, he could not do enough to prevent the 2-1 defeat. That goal earned him a starting place alongside Costa against Luxembourg and he got the second in the 4-0 victory that means Spain have two wins and a defeat in Group C. “If I am here, it is because I am doing well for my club and when you have a chance you have to take full advantage,” Alcacer told reporters. “You can't forget that strikers are dependent on their team mates as well for their passes.” Costa, who has nine goals in nine games for Chelsea, missed a hatful of chances in the first half and was noticeably anxious in front of goal but he finally took advantage of Luxembourg's slack defending after the interval. “Everyone knows what a great player Diego is and when I am on a run when the goals don't go in, I need my team mates to help me,” Alcacer added. “When I got my goal, I tried to lift him as much as I could.” Suarez nets first Uruguay goals since biting ban Luis Suarez scored his first Uruguay goals since the World Cup finals and his biting ban in a 3-0 friendly win over Oman. Meanwhile, Germany midfielder Christoph Kramer has been ruled out of the 2016 Euro qualifier against Ireland. — Reuters
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Man City fans take Lampard to their hearts
London, October 13 The 36-year-old edged out England midfielder James Milner and Spain's David Silva for the honour, the club said on their website (www.mcfc.co.uk) on Monday. Lampard's impact has vindicated the surprise move by City manager Manuel Pellegrini to offer him a six-month loan deal after he left Chelsea following 13 trophy-laden years to join New York City FC. Lampard endeared himself to City fans with a dramatic late equaliser in the Premier League clash against his old club, struck against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup and showed his eye for goal again in City's 4-2 win at Hull City. He is due to join City's affiliate club New York in January but there is already speculation that his stay in north-west England could be extended by a month. “There has been a lot said about when the season starts, but the only thing that can decide my future is how well I am playing. They will be kicking me out in January if I don't play very well!” Lampard told the Daily Mail.
— Reuters |
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Ali, 72, whose tongue was even quicker than his lightning fists in helping him dominate the sport, was diagnosed with the disease in 1984. “I have not been able to talk to my brother about this because he is sick,” Rahman told The Sunday People as questions were raised about Ali's absence from the premier of a movie he was also to ill to help with in production terms. “He doesn't speak too well. But he is proud that we are here for him. He has given this film his blessing”. The family is planning a private screening for Ali at his Arizona home. The Times said the documentary film directed by Clare Lewins, revealed an intimate portrait of the boxer's life, told through a series of oral histories with Ali's family and rivals including Mike Tyson and George Foreman. The feature-length also used Ali's personal archive of audio journals. His son, Ali Jr, said in January he believed there was “no chance” his father would survive until the end of 2014. “I just want, hope and pray to God that this awful disease takes my dad sooner rather than later,” he said. — Agencies
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‘Pistorius should get house arrest, community service’
Pretoria, October 13 The 27-year-old Paralympic and Olympic star, whose lower legs were amputated as a baby, was convicted of culpable homicide last month for the shooting of 29-year-old law graduate and model Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013. The case has riveted South Africans and gripped millions around the world, shocked by the fall of a man widely admired as an inspiration for disabled people and a symbol of triumph over adversity. Arguing against a prison term, correctional services social worker Joel Maringa said Pistorius was a “co-operative” person who should be sentenced to three years of “correctional supervision”, which would mean the athlete would have to spend a portion of the day at home. Maringa also said Pistorius should carry out community service, such as sweeping the streets outside museums in Pretoria. State prosecutor Gerrie Nel, who is pushing for a lengthy prison sentence, described the social worker’s recommendations as “shockingly inappropriate”. Judge Thokozile Masipa adjourned the hearing early as Nel requested time to review documents before he calls at least two of the state’s witnesses on Tuesday. Sentencing is expected to conclude by the end of the week. Earlier the court heard from Pistorius’ psychologist, Dr Lore Hartzenberg, who said the athlete was a caring, remorseful person who was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and sometimes spent sessions weeping as she held him.
— Reuters |
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Narayanan close to GM norm in World Junior Chess
pune, October 13 Having beaten the likes of Vladislav Kovalev of Belarus and Kamil Dragun of Poland earlier in the tournament, Narayanan currently shares the second spot in the championship on 5.5 points and will look forward to his Grandmaster norm first before going further. While Narayanan has been the best player among Indians thus far, the Grandmaster trio of Vidit Gujrathi, Sahaj Grover and Ankit Rajpara have not quite posed the challenge they were expected to do. Grover and Rajpara have 4.5 points each while Gujrathi is only on four points despite starting as the highest rated Indian and the defending bronze medallist. Sahaj Grover was doing well until the last round when disaster struck and he handed the game in a platter to Karen Grigoryan of Armenia. — PTI
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New Delhi, October 13
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