Category Archives: Sports

Rashid prevails in play-off, wins maiden Asian Tour title

March 5, 2014Sports, World OpinionIndian golfer Rashid Khan, Rashid Khan, Rashid Khan Golf Playermpositiveone@gmail.com

Rashid Khan. —Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar / The Hindu

Displaying nerves of steel, Rashid Khan fired three successive birdies, including one in the play-off against Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman, to win the $300,000 SAIL-SBI golf title at the Delhi Golf Club course here on Saturday.

Trailing by a stroke with just two holes remaining, Rashid played aggressively for a birdie-birdie finish to tie with Siddikur. On the first playoff hole, Rashid tapped in for birdie after Siddikur missed his birdie-putt.

The triumph, worth $54,000, was Rashid’s first on the Asian Tour.

Last year, this local pro lost the playoff to Anirban Lahiri but went on to top the domestic tour’s Order of Merit.

Rashid carded a one-under 71, his worst of the week, for an aggregate of 18-under 270, a tally that Siddikur managed following a 69 that came after three successive scores of 67.

On a day when Rashid played 29 holes, including 11 of the third round, Siddikur did not take long to stake his claim to the title. Starting the fourth round two strokes behind, Siddikur bridged the gap with an eagle on the opening hole. Though Rashid twice surged ahead, Siddikur soon caught up.

Rashid eventually trailed following a bogey on the 13th and a steady Siddikur stayed ahead until a dramatic birdie from the local pro set up a thrilling finish.

In Rashid’s words, “on the 17th, I actually hit a bad shot, but I don’t know how my ball pitched over the bunker and rolled to one-and-a-half feet to the flag… It was really lucky.”

Both players birdied the 18th to force the playoff. Rashid’s three-wood approach shot from 269 yards set up the birdie before Siddikur missed his birdie from 15 feet.

This breakthrough victory on the Asian Tour earned Rashid an exemption from playing qualifiers in the continent until the end of 2015.

Siddikur, winner of the prestigious Indian Open here in November last year, did not sound too disappointed.

“It was a good play-off. I played my game but, maybe, I should have played the driver. I had used the three-wood in the first four rounds and made birdie every day. But it wasn’t the case in the play-off.”

The scores:

Rashid Khan (61, 69, 69, 71), Siddikur Rahman (Ban) (67, 67, 67, 69) 270 (Rashid won on the first playoff hole); Rikard Karlberg (Swe) (71, 70, 67, 68) 276; Carlos Pigem (Esp) (69, 71, 69, 68), S.S.P. Chowrasia (68, 69, 72, 68), Martin Rominger (Sui) (72, 63, 70, 72) 277; Steve Lewton (Eng) (68, 70, 68, 72) 278; Abhijit Chadha (68, 73, 69, 69), Jyoti Randhawa (71, 69, 70, 69), Anirban Lahiri (70, 66, 69, 74) and Mithun Perera (Sri) (66, 68, 73, 72) 279.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports / by Special Correspondent / New Delhi – March 02nd, 2014

Let’s get this straight: Bhajji’s helping Parvez Rasool

March 5, 2014SportsIndian Cricketer, Kashmiri Cricketer, Parvez Rasoolmpositiveone@gmail.com

Rasool’s heart swells with pride when Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah tweets about him. If nothing, it motivates the star all-rounder.

Of late, Rasool has been trying to add a few more weapons in his armoury. A meeting with Harbhajan Singh helped him learn the “seedha”. Spinners love to turn the ball, but they often employ the ‘straighter one’. Rasool is happy he has learned it from the master. “Bhajji bhai taught me how to bowl a ‘seedha’ during the recent Irani Trophy game. Now, it’s up to me to master it,” he told dna on Saturday.

Harbhajan has rattled batsmen the world over with his straight ones. In fact, the delivery is often considered the most dangerous weapon of an off-spinner. “Bhajji bhai demonstrated the foot position along with the grip. I’ve been trying hard to master this delivery during practice sessions,” said Rasool, who is the first player from Kashmir to have made the Indian squad and played the IPL.

But Rasool is completely against the idea of changing his bowling action. In other words, he won’t do an R Ashwin! “Variations are important, but sticking to the basics is the key to success. I would not compromise with my action at any point. At the same time, I would like to have a few more variations up my sleeve,” he said.

Rasool, who is leading J&K in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, is enjoying that “extra attention”. “It’s obvious that I get more attention, especially from people from my state. And why not?” asks Rasool, adding, “It makes me even more determined to do well and become the first cricketer from my state to play for India. Insha’Allah (God-willing), I will be able to justify this faith.”

Rasool was recently snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 95 lakh and he is eagerly waiting to make his mark in the IPL. “Like any other player, I, too, was excited on the day of the auction but I could not watch it because I had a flight to catch. It was only when I landed in Bangalore for the Irani Cup tie that I realised I had been bought. I received a lot of congratulatory messages,” Rasool informed. In fact, his smile said it all.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Sport / by Chander Shekhar Luthra / Place:New Delhi, Agency:DNA / Sunday – March 02nd, 2014

Rashid reigns supreme

March 5, 2014Sports, World OpinionGolf, Indian Golfer, Indian golfer Rashid Khan, Rashid Khan, Rashid Khan Golf Playermpositiveone@gmail.com

Indian kickstarts season with thrilling play-off victory.

Rashid Khan launched his first full Asian Tour career with a thrilling victory in the season-opening SAIL-SBI Open as he edged out Bangladesh’s Siddikur in a play-off at the Delhi Golf Club here on Saturday.

Both players finished the regulation 72 holes 18-under par 270, six strokes ahead of Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg. Carlos Pigem of Spain, Swiss Martin Rominger and India’s SSP Chowrasia finished tied fourth.

In the first extra hole, Rashid went for an aggressive all-or-nothing approach shot from the fairway after to place the ball just 20-feet from the pin. He missed the eagle putt but still made a birdie.

Siddikur, on the other hand, took three shots to reach the green and could only make par after missing out on a 10-feet birdie putt. He carded three-under 69 in the final round.

“This is a special win for me because it came at my home course. I had lost last year. So it was really important,” said he 23-year-old Rashid, who managed a final round of 71.

“The way I played on the first day, I was confident but Siddikur played very well in last two days and at the end the title came in a play-off. I am happy,” Rashid, who became richer by $54,000, added.

He had lost to Anirban Lahiri in a play-off at the same event last year here playing on the PGTI card.

Two-time defending champion Lahiri, Asian tour winner Jyoti Randhawa, Abhijit Singh and Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera signed off tied eighth at nine-under 279.
Starting the day under a laden sky on a chilly Saturday morning, Rashid finished the third round at three- under 69 to hang on to a two-stroke lead over Siddikur, who turned in a five-under 67 for the third successive time.

However, Rashid’s fortunes tumbled early in the fourth round as Siddikur caught up with the Indian at 17-under after firing an eagle on the first hole.

But Siddikur then stumbled on a bogey-birdie patch at the third and fourth holes as Rashid once again gained a one-stroke lead when he scored a birdie on the seventh hole. But a bogey on the ninth, meant the duo were once again on an even keel.

A 13th hole bogey by Rashid took Siddikur atop the leaderboard once again. But a lucky birdie at the 17th hole helped him to claw back as the duo birdied the 18th to take the match into the play-off.

“I want to thank my family and friends but special thanks to Ashok Kumar, who helped me change a few things in my swing and I really hit the ball well,” Rashid said.

The Delhi golfer lost a few play-offs in the past and he said he was happy he could pull off this time. “I played seven play offs in last 14 months and won only three.

Even the last event I lost in a play-off at BILT Open. So I was scared. It was 50-50 for me. With this victory, Rashid will receive a three-year exemption from Asian Tour and the Indian said it means a lot to him.

Leading scores (after 72 holes, Indians unless mentioned): 270: Rashid Khan (61, 69, 69, 71), Siddikur Rahman (Ban, 67, 67, 67, 69. Rashid wins via play-off. 276: Rikard Karlberg (Swe, 71, 70, 67, 68); 277: Carlos Pigem (Eng, 69, 71, 69, 68), SSP Chowrasia (68, 69, 72, 68), Martin Rominger (Sui, 72, 63, 70, 72); 278: Steve Lewton (Eng, 68, 70, 68, 72); 279: Abhijit Chadha (68, 73, 69, 69), Jyoti Randhawa (71, 69, 70, 69), Anirban Lahiri (70, 66, 69, 74), Mithun Perera (SL, 66, 68, 73, 72).

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports / by PTI / New Delhi – March 01st, 2014

Sarfaraz Khan makes it to Mumbai senior squad

March 2, 2014SportsIndian Cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, Sarfaraz Khanmpositiveone@gmail.com

Indian Under-19 batting sensation Sarfaraz Khan has been included in the Mumbai squad for the West Zone league matches, which will be played on 2nd and 3rd of March at Rajkot.

The 16-year-old Sarfaraz makes it to the senior one-day squad following a string of dazzling performances, coming in as a finisher, at the ongoing Under-19 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Although India were knocked out of the tournament by England in the quarter-finals, the performances of Sarfaraz Khan, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav and Deepak Hooda were the main takeaways.

Here’s the full squad: Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Nayar , Dhaval Kulkarni, Sushant Marathe, Iqbal Abdullah, Vishal Dabholkar, Shardul Thakur, Javed Khan, Sagar Kerkar, Shoaib Shaikh, Bravish Shetty, Saurabh Netravalkar, Siddharth Chitnis, Parag Khanapurkar, Sujit Nayak, Sarfaraz Khan.

source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / Home> News> Cricket / ICC U19 Cricket World Cup / by Cindrella Man / February 28th, 2014

Golf: Rashid Khan triumphs at SAIL-SBI Open

March 1, 2014Sports, World OpinionIndian golfer Rashid Khan, Rashid Khanmpositiveone@gmail.com

New Delhi:

Indian golfer Rashid Khan claimed a play-off victory over Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman at the SAIL-SBI Open with a birdie on the first extra hole Saturday.

The 23-year-old completed a memorable wire-to-wire victory at his home course, the Delhi Golf Club (DGC), which also atoned for his heartbreaking play-off defeat at the same event a year ago to countryman Anirban Lahiri.

Khan’s maiden Asian Tour victory was worth $54,000 after tapping in his birdie on the par five 18th hole as Siddikur could only make par in the season-opening $300,000 event.

“It feels awesome. It’s my home course and winning here is special. It’s amazing. I lost this event last year. The way I started on the first day with a 61, it was an amazing week. I don’t like play-offs. I played seven play-offs in the last 14 months and I won only three. It’s a lottery,” said a jubilant Khan, who carded a final round one-under-par 71 and totalled 18-under-par 270 for the week.

Khan needed a stroke of fortune in regulation play which forced extra time. He trailed Siddikur by one with two remaining but produced a lucky birdie on 17 to draw level. Both players birdied the 18th hole under immense pressure to take the tournament into a play-off.

Khan’s aggressive approach paid off when he produced an imperious three wood approach shot from 269 yards out which landed on the apron before taking two more shots to defeat Siddikur, who missed his birdie chance from 15 feet.

“On 17, I actually hit a bad shot, hit it right, but I don’t know how my ball pitched over the bunker and rolled to one and a half feet to the flag. I was shocked. It was really lucky,” said Khan, who will now be fully exempted on the Asian Tour until the end of 2015.

“I had to be aggressive in the play-off. I had to go for it. I took out the driver and hit a good shot in the middle of the fairway and then had about 269 yards to the flag. I went with a three wood and that was one of the best shots I’ve hit.”

When Round 3 was completed this morning, Siddikur trailed Khan by two but soon tied the Indian with an opening eagle. His hopes of a second title at DGC, after clinching the Indian Open in November, faded as he missed his long birdie chance.

Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg, a two-time winner in Delhi, finished third after closing with a 68, six shots from the play-off duo, while S.S.P. Chowrasia of India, Spain’s Carlos Pigem and Martin Rominger of Switzerland shared fourth place on 277.

Two-time defending champion Anirban Lahiri, who was bidding to become the first man to win three straight titles at the same tournament, closed with a disappointing 74 for tied eighth with Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera (72) and countryman Jyoti Randhawa (69).

Leaderboard:
270 – Rashid Khan (IND) 61-69-69-71, Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 67-67-67-69.
(Khan wins play-off with birdie on the first extra hole)
276 – Rikard Karlberg (SWE) 71-70-67-68.
277 – Carlos Pigem (ESP) 69-71-69-68, S.S.P Chowrasia (IND) 68-69-72-68, Martin Rominger (SUI) 72-63-70-72.
278 – Steve Lewton (ENG) 68-70-68-72.
279 – Abhijit Chadha (IND) 68-73-69-69, Jyoti Randhawa (IND) 71-69-70-69, Anirban Lahiri (IND) 70-66-69-74, Mithun Perera (SRI) 66-68-73-72.
280 – Rahil Gangjee (IND) 71-70-68-71, Chiragh Kumar (IND) 69-73-70-68, Arnond Vongvanij (THA) 74-69-67-70, Sutijet Kooratanapisan (THA) 71-72-69-68, Akinori Tani (JPN) 66-71-71-72, Scott Barr (AUS) 67-70-72-71.
281 – Thanyakon Khrongpha (THA) 69-73-69-70, David Lipsky (USA) 70-70-71-70, George Gandranata (INA) 68-70-71-72.

source: http://www.firstpost.com / FirstPost.Sports / Home> Sports / by Ashish Magotra / New Delhi – March 01st, 2014

Making light of his lightless days

March 1, 2014Science & Technology, Sports, UncategorizedChanchalguda Junior College, Irfan Bin Hamed Al Hamoomi, Irfan Bin Hamed Al Hamoomi Judo Champion, Irfan Hamoomi, Judo Champions of Andhra Pradesh, Judo Champions of India, M.A. Aziz National Judo Champion India, Quli Qutub Shah Stadiummpositiveone@gmail.com

Irfan Bin Hamed Al Hamoomi, the visually-challenged judoka from Hydeabad, who has been selected to represent India in the Junior world games (Paralympic) in Hungary, seen with his coach and mentor M. A. Aziz. PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU / The Hindu

Irfan Bin Hamed Al Hamoomi is the only person from the State to compete at the ongoing Junior European and Junior World Games competitions in Hungary

He cannot see the world like us, but Irfan Bin Hamed Al Hamoomi, 20, is sure to make the world sit up and watch his exploits in judo.

The local boy is the only person from the State (among five from India) to be selected to represent the country at the ongoing Junior European and Junior World Games competitions in Hungary. The 90-per cent visually challenged student of Chanchalguda Junior College says his career took a turn for the good after meeting M. A. Aziz, former national champion, and a jury member in the 2012 London Paralympics.

“Things changed for the good after I met him, as I was facing difficult times,” Irfan says, even as he traces his humble origins. His father Irfan Hamoomi supports the family selling onion and garlic.

The boy’s career took off when he won gold in the 55-kg category in the Lucknow nationals for the visually challenged (Andhra Pradesh won the overall championship for the first time with six gold, three silver and two bronze).

Irfan is confident of doing well in Hungary where judokas from 35 countries are expected to vie for top honours.

“I don’t think of my handicap at all. I am just enjoying the sport,” says the youngster. Irfan trains with 20 others at the Quli Qutub Shah Stadium on a wrestling mat (not a judo mat), showcasing his indefatigable spirit to keep improving despite all odds.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V. V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – December 05th, 2013

In the rhythm of the beats

February 20, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports19 year Beat Boxer Bangalore, Hilal Aalmpositiveone@gmail.com

Nineteen-year old Hilal Aal, a second-year BBM student, started beat-boxing three years ago. It all happened when he came across a beat-boxing video on a social networking site that left him amazed. “I went ‘wow’ when I saw the performance and wanted to try my hand at it. I kept practising to improve myself. And now, I simply love beat-boxing,” says Hilal, adding, “I’ve learnt by trial and error.” Within three months, Hilal found himself battling it out at competitions. Recalling the first competition that he took part in at RV College of Engineering, Hilal says, “I came second and it was a confidence booster.” Hilal, who has no stage fear, goes on to add, “I’ve always been a social person and was a speaker and debator in school. So I’m at ease on stage.”

Pointing out that beat-boxing was relatively new a couple of years ago, Hilal says that the performing art is picking up quickly. Explaining how he comes up with new beats each time, the artiste says, “I listen to a couple of songs and then merge them together. And what comes out is something totally new.” Hilal, who beat boxes at any time of the day or night, says, “I beat-box when I’m happy, sad or angry. Sometimes, I even beat-box in my sleep.”

Hilal, who started with dubstep beat-boxing and moved on to techno, house, progressive house and then hip-hop, says, “Music is my life. And I beat-box just for myself.” So who are his inspirations? “The art itself inspires me. But when I look at those proficient in the field, I get inspired all the more.” Hilal has entered several competitions including the latest season of ‘India’s Got Talent’. “The best complement I received was from Malaika Arora Khan, who said that she hadn’t seen anyone as talented,” he says, adding, “I enter every competition for the experience. Many times I win and sometimes, I don’t. But it’s a great platform to learn.” He adds, “If I find someone better than me, I learn from him or her and if I find someone who I think can do better, I give them suggestions to improve.”

Explaining the challenges of beat-boxing, the youngster says, “Coming up with something new every time to keep the audience engaged is the biggest challenge. It’s always good to keep the audience guessing as to what the next beats will be.” He adds, “I have goofed up on stage sometimes but I’ve learnt to rectify them in time.” Hilal says that performing at events keeps him busy and at the same time allows him to be independent. “From the money I make, I’m able to pay my bills and buy what I want,” he informs. Although his parents were slightly apprehensive when he took to beat-boxing, he says that now, they are encouraging. “Even then, I haven’t made up my mind whether I want to take it up full-time,” he signs off.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Vidya Iyengar / DHNS – February 20th, 2014

Rahul Dravid, Qamarul to receive honorary doctorate

February 20, 2014Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, SportsGulbarga University, Hussain Basha, Ist Rank, M.Sc Mathematics, Municipal Adminstrator and Waqf Minister Qamarul Islam, Qamarul Islammpositiveone@gmail.com

Gulbarga University’s 32nd convocation will be held today

The former Indian cricket captain Rahul Dravid is among the 12 personalities who will receive honorary doctorate from Gulbarga University during the 32nd annual convocation to be held on the university campus here on Thursday.

Vice-Chancellor E.T. Puttaiah told presspersons here on Wednesday that the list included people ranging from educationists and politicians to social activists. They would be conferred Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Sciences.

The other persons who will receive the honorary doctorate are Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises K.H. Muniyappa; Municipal Administration and Waqf Minister Qamarul Islam; Rajyogini Brahmakumari Dadi Ratan Mohini; Sri Chennaveera Shivacharyaru of Samsthan Hiremath; Sri Shivanand Swamigalu of Siddalingeshwar Viraktamath; Dalit leader Shivaram Mogha; Editor of Agni Rajasekhar Hatagundi; secretary of the Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society Sharad Rampure, chairman of the New Horizon Educational Institution Mohan S. Manghnani; entrepreneur Krishnaji Kulkarni and contractor Dhareppa Uppar.

Defending the decision to confer the doctorate on so many people, Prof. Puttaiah said the university had received a total of 46 applications. The final list was selected by Governor H.R. Bhardwaj, who is also Chancellor of the university.

Prof. Puttaiah said that Ph.D and M. Phil would be awarded to 115 and 90 scholars respectively.

A total of 157 meritorious students who stood first in their respective courses would receive gold medals and cash prizes.

Sumita Pujari, a student of Doddappa Appa MBA Institute, topped the university by bagging eight gold medals and securing the first rank in MBA.

Hussain Basha came second by winning seven gold medals and securing the first rank in M.Sc. Mathematics.

Eminent scientist and Principal Scientific Advisor to the Union government R. Chidambaram will deliver the convocation address.

source: http://www. thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Gulbarga – February 20th, 2014

Cancer Crusaders to Hold World-class Golf Tournament on February 15,16

February 19, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, SportsAsadulla Pasha, Captain, Hyderabad Gold Association, Indian Tennis Player, Sania Mirza, Tennis Ace Sania Mirzampositiveone@gmail.com

Cancer Crusaders of CURE Foundation here are organising a world-class golf tournament on February 15 and 16. The event titled ‘Cancer Crusaders Invitation Cup-2014’, the third biennial edition, fund raiser and awareness initiative, will take place at Hyderabad Golf Club. This was announced by Tennis ace Sania Mirza on Sunday, who believed that a gentle stroke to hit a golf ball so that it rolls down into the hole across the green could make some difference to a few cancer patients.

Tennis star Sania Mirza tries her hand at Golf at the launch of the Cancer Crusade Invitation Cup in Hyderabad on Sunday | Neeraj Murali

Participants have to pay Rs 2,000 which goes towards charity. Around 200 golfers will participate in the tournament. According to Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, founder-CURE foundation and director, Apollo Cancer hospital, the event intends to raise money and spread cancer awareness through excessive participation from ace golfers, outstanding sports persons, celebrities and opinion leaders. ‘’Our objective is to create a consistent annual charity golf tournament, fun and fulfilling day of social service,” he said.

Celebrity Golf Playoffs: The celebrity golf playoff, to be hosted on February 16, is a custom designed format that will last about one hour and is designed to entertain and give celebrities an opportunity to take a shot at the game. Fashion designer Asmita Marwa, Classical dancer Ananda Shankar Jayant, entrepreneur Pinky Reddy, badminton ace Saina Nehwal, Kuchipudi dancer Deepika Reddy, Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj and badminton star Jwala Gutta are expected to take part.

The tournament format named Stableford will have each player given a ball with her name written on it. Each participant has to put the ball to a designated hole on ‘putting greens’. All have to reach close to the hole. The last one is eliminated in each round. There will be different holes for different rounds and the distance to the hole is increased for each round to make it difficult for players.

Asadullah Pasha, captain, Hyderabad Gold Association; Bathanie Mattek, Tennis player; Venu Vinod, MD, Cybercity Builders & Developers pvt ltd; Nadir Chinoy, CEO, Inline 4 Motors Pvt Ltd attended the press meet.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / February 03rd, 2014