Category Archives: Sports

Zesty Zareen lands gold in Serbia

January 26, 2014Sports, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

Hyderabad :

After Mary Kom’s fabulous effort in London Olympics, yet another woman boxer from India did the country proud.

Nikhat Zareen, the 17-year-old Andhra Pradesh pugilist, won a gold medal in the third Nations Cup International Boxing Tournament in Novi Sad, Serbia.

She defeated Paltceva Ekaterina of Russia 3-0 in the 51kg final to follow up on her success in the Youth World Boxing Championship in Bulgaria in September, when she had finished runner-up.

Such was Nikhat’s mastery that none of her opponents logged a point against the Indian in the knockout rounds. Nikhat blanked Abdi Malika of Algeria 3-0 in the quarterfinals and Ballentine of the Netherlands 5-0 in the semifinals.

The pre-quarterfinals was no different as she defeated a Russian 3-0. “I’m happy,” was Nikhat’s first reaction when she called her parents to confirm the good news.

“It was an easy bout but the achievement is yet to sink in,” Nikhat told her sister.

It was Nikhat’s father, Jameel Ahmed, a real estate businessman in Nizamabad, who noticed the spark in her and enlisted her in athletics when she was 12.

During her brief stint as an athlete, she caught the eye of Dronacharya boxing coach I Venkateswara Rao of Visakhapatnam.

She joined Rao at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centre in Visakhapatnam. And the rest, as they say, is history. Within a year, she was declared the `golden best boxer’ at the Erode Nationals in 2010.

She went on to clinch gold in the flyweight division at the AIBA Women’s Junior and Youth World Championship in Turkey in 2011.

The bright young talent from the state is now targeting a gold at the Youth Olympics to be held in China. “My goal is to win gold at the Youth Olympics and qualify for the 2016 Olympics,” she told TOI.

Considering the progress she’s made in quick time, and her steely determination, it will be no surprise if Nikhat gets more laurels to the country.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> Boxing> London Olympiancs / by M. Ratnakar, TNN / January 13th, 2014

Biker Alisha to Replicate Her Real Avatar on Reel

December 31, 2013Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sportsmpositiveone@gmail.com

In the film, Alisha is paired with Vietnamese actor Johnny Tri Nguyen, who had debuted with Tamil film "7am Arivu". (Publicity Material) — In the film, Alisha is paired with Vietnamese actor Johnny Tri Nguyen, who had debuted with Tamil film “7am Arivu”. (Publicity Material)

Alisha Abdullah is set to make her cinematic debut with upcoming Tamil thriller “Irumbu Kuthirai”, which will portray her in the role that’s true to her real life persona – a bike racer.

A Promotional Poster of the film, 'Irumbu Kuthirai'. (Publicity Material) — A Promotional Poster of the film, ‘Irumbu Kuthirai’. (Publicity Material)

“The film is about two biker groups with a passion for racing. We thought it would be ideal to have a real racer as part of the story. I was told Alisha had turned down several film offers in the past, but I still approached her and she happened to love her role, which is of a racer,” director Yuvaraj Bose told IANS.

“She instantly agreed to do the role. I think she will fit the bill because she just has to be herself in the film,” he added.

In the film, Alisha is paired with Vietnamese actor Johnny Tri Nguyen, who had debuted with Tamil film “7am Arivu”.

The film also features Atharva Murali, Priya Anand and Lakshmi Rai in important roles.

Alisha, who started driving at the age of 9, won her first championship title when she was 13 years old. She is also a popular Indian car racer and has participated in several national championships.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Tamil / by IANS – Mumbai / December 31st, 2013

Rashid Khan wins PGTI Order of Merit

December 30, 2013Sportsmpositiveone@gmail.com

Kolkata:

Rashid Khan claimed number one position on the 2013 Rolex Rankings, the PGTI Order of Merit, after finishing sixth at the McLeod Russel Tour Championship at the RCGC on Sunday.

Last year`s runner-up, Rashid earned sixth place at eight-under-280 to end up in number one position in the PGTI Order of Merit for 2013.

The Delhi lad, who posted 10 top-10s including two wins in 2013, finished the year with earnings of Rs 46,38,284 to seal the title.

His tied eighth place finish in the Year-Ending championship meant S Chikkarangappa of Bangalore was second on the Order of Merit with earnings of Rs 32,65,313.

“It`s been a highly satisfying year for me. I won two events and was in contention in a number of events,” a delighted Rashid said.

“Importantly, I`ve improved on last year when I finished second in the rankings. This is a huge boost for me as I`ll be playing as a full-card holder on the Asian Tour next year.”

Fondly called `Chikka`, who had one win and nine other top-10s in the season, also won the Emerging Player of the Year race as he recorded the maximum earnings among all the rookies in the 2013 season.

“When I began the year my target was a top-10 finish on the Order of Merit… But as the year progressed, I thought I had a realistic chance of finishing in the top-3 for the season.

“I`m delighted that I managed to finish second on the rankings and win the Emerging Player race as well. The rookies were very strong this year and coming out on top among the rookies is special.

“My putting was the highlight of the season. I really started putting well midway through the year when I started using a new putter,” Chikkarangappa said.

Angad Cheema of Panchkula ended up in second position in the Emerging Player of the Year race with earnings of Rs 26,50,448.

Order of Merit:

1 Rashid Khan (Del; Rs 46,38,284); 2 S Chikkarangappa (Ban; Rs 32,65,313); 3 Angad Cheema(Panchkula; 26,50,448); 4 Shamim Khan (Del; Rs 26,08,508); 5 Mukesh Kumar (Mhow; 22,59,917); 6 Chiragh Kumar (Del; 21,30,135); 7 Mohammad Zamal Hossain Mollah (Bangladesh; 19,06,180); 8 M Dharma (Ban; 18,21,539); 9 Shankar Das (Kol; 16,41,278); Abhijit Singh (Chandi; 15,11,702).

PTI

source: http://www.zeenews.india.in / Z News / Home> Sports> Golf / by PTI / Sunday – December 29th, 2013

Zaheer takes 300th test wicket in comeback

December 22, 2013Amazing Feats, SportsZaheer Khan, Zaheer Khan takes 300th test wicketmpositiveone@gmail.com

Zaheer Khan (left) waves to the dressing room after taking his 300th Test wicket as Virat Kohli (right) watches during the fifth and final day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday. / AP

Zaheer Khan became the fourth Indian to take 300 test wickets by removing Jacques Kallis on the final day of the first test against South Africa on Sunday.

Khan’s milestone arrived on his comeback test after a year-long absence from the long format of the game. His last five-day game before the series-opener in South Africa was in December 2012, but the wily left-arm seamer returned with 4-88 in the first innings at the Wanderers before taking Kallis’ wicket in the second.

Khan joins leg spinner Anil Kumble, all-rounder Kapil Dev and off spinner Harbhajan Singh in India’s 300 club. He reached his 300 in his 89th test. Kumble leads India’s wicket-takers with 619 in 132 tests and is third on the all-time list behind Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Australia’s Shane Warne (708).

www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Cricket / AP / Johannesburg – December 22nd, 2013

They Said What? Mirza on Men

December 21, 2013Sports, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

“When I was growing up I would go to tennis and people would come up to my parents and they would ridicule them and say she’s a girl from Hyderabad, you think she is going to play Wimbledon? But obviously my parents didn’t care.”— Sania Mirza, to NDTV, while discussing the high rate of female infanticide in her native India.

Mirza, now 27, is the best female player India has ever produced. She was ranked as high as No. 27 in singles (one career WTA title) and No. 7 in doubles. She’s the first Indian woman to have won a Grand Slam title (mixed doubles, at the Australian and French Opens). She’s also been relatively flamboyant and outspoken for a young Muslim lady from India.

She made her comments above during an interview in which one of the topics was the high rate of female infanticide in India—according to the United Nations, 12 million girls were aborted in India in the past two years, often because they were viewed as potential financial burdens.

Mirza went on to say, “For everything we achieve, why do we need a guy? . . . it’s our responsibility to try and educate people in India that having a girl is plus not a minus.”

Whatever the intent, her comment about not needing “a guy” surely got some people’s noses out of joint. But it wouldn’t be the first time her independent thoughts and actions stirred controversy.

In 2005, a Muslim scholar issued a fatwa regarding the skimpy tennis clothing Mirza (and all her peers) wear, saying it was not suited to Islam. She also faced prosecution under India’s Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act a few years ago, when she was photographed at the Hopman Cup resting her feet—and showing their soles—above an Indian flag. Her comments on safe sex once created a stir (she clarified her stance when the controversy erupted).

In fact, the collision of values was so strong at times that Mirza declared in 2008 that she would stop appearing in tournaments in India. If nothing else, security officials probably heaved a great sigh of relief; this was, after all, a Muslim woman who had played mixed doubles with a Jew, Shahar Peer. (Mirza returned to competition in India in 2010.)

India has provided tennis with a host of interesting characters, starting with Ramanathan Krishnan. He was a two-time Wimbledon semifinalist (1960 and ’61), and his son, Ramesh, was an ATP staple and three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist in the 1980s. Vijay Amritraj (who had two brothers who also played professionally) won 16 singles titles and posted a career-high ranking of No. 16 in 1980. Then there’s pugnacious doubles genius Leander Paes, an eight-time Grand Slam men’s doubles winner.

All of them, and others, were more successful than Mirza. But none have been as colorful or controversial. Even Mirza’s wedding in 2010 caused a national uproar when it was confirmed shortly before her great day that her fiancé (Shoaib Malik) was already married. Malik obtained a divorce and wed Mirza five days later.

Like the lady said, who needs guys?

source: http://www.tennis.com / Tennis / Home> Pro Game> Commentary / by Peter Bodo / Friday – December 06th, 2013

Zaheer Khan 4/88, Ishant Sharma 4/79, South Africa 4/16

December 21, 2013Sportsmpositiveone@gmail.com

India's Zaheer Khan (L) celebrates after dismissing South Africa's Faf du Plessis during the third day of their cricket test match in Johannesburg, December 20, 2013. — India’s Zaheer Khan (L) celebrates after dismissing South Africa’s Faf du Plessis during the third day of their cricket test match in Johannesburg, December 20, 2013.

It’s not like he wouldn’t take wickets with the new ball. Or that he wasn’t a force to reckon with for opposition batting line-ups in his early spells. When Zaheer Khan was at his career’s peak, it was generally as the shadows lengthened and the shade of the ball got murkier that he really came into his own.

It is then that he would unleash his bag of tricks and make the ball do things that batsmen wouldn’t naturally expect it to do. It was also with the old ball that he would generally scythe through batting line-ups.

Back after long

On Thursday, playing his first Test match in over 12 months, Zaheer had shown that he was fit enough to bowl 22 overs in a day, including a ten-over burst only separated by the lunch-break. The left-armer had also continued his great hold over Graeme Smith, dismissing the South African captain for the 14th time in international cricket.

That he was the rudder that the Indian pace attack required in foreign conditions where the pitch had something in offer.

On Friday, Zaheer began proceedings with a ball that was well past its prime. It took only seven balls for him to prove that he still remained an indefatigable threat with an old-ball.

His first wicket was that of a well-set Vernon Philander, who had till then middled every ball he had faced. None of his boundaries had resembled a slog. After having bowled primarily over the wicket to him during the second day’s play, Zaheer decided to change his angle of attack.

Off he came from around the wicket, getting the ball to pitch on a length just outside the off-stump. Philander had to play for the angle. But just as he got his bat near the ball it suddenly darted away from him, took his outside-edge and that was it for the burly South African pacer. That also meant that Zaheer had broken a crucial partnership that had threatened to bring the hosts back into the game.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Indian Express / by Bharat Sundaresan / Johannesburg – Saturday, December 21st, 2013

Anisa Sayyed stays ahead in a strong field

December 17, 2013SportsAnisa Sayyedmpositiveone@gmail.com

Anisa Sayyed leads in the women's 25m pistol event at the halfway stage. / Photo: Sandeep Saxena / The Hindu — Anisa Sayyed leads in the women’s 25m pistol event at the halfway stage. / Photo: Sandeep Saxena / The Hindu

Anisa Sayyed improved with every round as she led with a score of 289 at the half way stage in the women’s 25-metre sports pistol event of the 57th National shooting championship at the Karni Singh Range, Tughlakabad, on Monday.

The Commonwealth Games double gold medallist shot rounds of 94, 97 and 98 to stay ahead of World Cup medallist Sonia Rai (287) apart from Olympians and World Cup gold medallists Heena Sidhu and Rahi Sarnobat both of whom ended up with 286, along with Anita Devi.

Backed by coach Jaspal Rana, who kept her focused on the task with sound technical advice during the course of the competition, Anisa was able to assert herself in the precision stage. The rapid fire section will be shot on Tuesday, and will be followed by the final.

The best score

At the 10-metre range, there was not much change at the top in men’s air pistol, as the 579, shot by Parveen Kumar of Haryana, remained the best score.

Kapil Kumar of Air Force shot 578 to jump into the second place as he also finished strongly with a last round of 100 like Parveen. More than being assured of a berth in the final of the men’s section, Kapil Kumar was rewarded for his efforts with the gold in the junior section in a field of 80.

In the youth section, Samarjit Singh topped with 567 in a field of 135. Anmol Jain took the silver, one point ahead of the Asian Youth Games medallist Shainki Nagar.

The free pistol gold medallist Prakash Nanjappa (574), who had won a World Cup bronze this season in air pistol, was in danger of not making the men’s final in air pistol, even as Commonwealth Games triple gold medallist Omkar Singh (572) slipped out from the top eight.

Asian Games bronze medallist Vijay Kumar, more famous for his rapid fire silver in the London Games, was also below par, as he shot a total of 570, the same as another quality shooter Zakir Khan.

Heavy fog

While the 25-metre range was affected by heavy fog in the morning, it was worse in the outdoor shotgun ranges. The organisers were forced to restrict the men’s action to only one round instead of two, but they managed to complete two rounds of women’s trap, after having planned to hold just one round.

Defending champion Shreyasi Singh shot rounds of 22 and 23 to be in lead. Olympian Shagun Chowdhary was one point behind following identical rounds of 22.

Snehlata Rajawat, Ria Rajeshwari Kumari and Shikha Bhaduria were on 42 while World Cup silver medallist Seema Tomar was on 41 along with Varsha Tomar and Faisa Khiji.

Among the men, Mansher Singh and Darius Chenai led with perfect rounds of 25, while Birendeep Sodhi, Prithviraj Tondaiman and Kynan Chenai had rounds of 24.

Asian champion and former World champion, Manavjit Sandhu missed two birds towards the end and was on 23, the same as the president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Raninder Singh, among many others.

The results: Air pistol: Junior men: 1. Kapil Kumar 578; 2. Arun 571; 3. Karanpratap Singh Randhawa 571.

Youth: 1. Samarjit Singh 567; 2. Anmol Jain 566; 3. Shainki Nagar 565.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by Kamesh Srinivasan / New Delhi – December 17th, 2013

Zaheer’s return a blessing: Gavaskar

December 16, 2013Sportsmpositiveone@gmail.com

Chennai:

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar feels that the presence of pace ace Zaheer Khan would help the inexperienced quickies in the much-awaited IndiaSouth Africa Test series.

“Zaheer’s return is a blessing for India. Even if he doesn’t pick too many wickets, it will be a big plus for the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma to have Zaheer around because he will be the one to give them those little tips that can be so handy . In the pressure of a Test match, sometimes all you need is a little word and not a long lecture. Zaheer is capable of doing that very well,“ Gavaskar told the BCCI website.

Gavaskar said that the battle between Zaheer and Graeme Smith would be an intriguing one. “Zaheer has that confidence against Smith and that will give him an upper-hand.

However, Smith is a worldclass batsman and will be out there to prove that he is not Zaheer’s bunny,“ added Gavaskar.

“This series is going to be very crucial for R. Ashwin.

Since he has played most of his cricket at home, he is used to getting wickets reg ularly in helpful conditions. Here he will have to rely on flight and variation as there won’t be much spin on offer. He will also have to be much more patient and assume the role of a stock bowler for Dhoni who could keep the pressure from one end and allow the strike bowlers to pick wickets from the other end. Also, don’t forget that he can bat too,“ said Gavaskar.

The 64-year-old former opening batsman also stated that it is a great opportunity for the next generation batsmen to rise to the occasion.

“We need to be patient with them and give them the time to settle down. Once you know they have the ability, you need to stand by them. We have seen that with Virat and Rohit,“ and added: “For me the biggest strength of this Indian batting is the fact that most of them can change gears when required.“

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Sports> Cricket / DC / December 16th, 2013

Watch a Tyson in the making

December 16, 2013Sportsmpositiveone@gmail.com

Nikhat Zareen, who won the silver medal in the recent World Youth women's boxing championship, shares a lighter moment with the young Abdur Rehman at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad. / -Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu — Nikhat Zareen, who won the silver medal in the recent World Youth women’s boxing championship, shares a lighter moment with the young Abdur Rehman at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad. / -Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu

12-year-old Abdul Rehman has won five gold, three silver and two silver in the School Games competitions

potential new star is rising from the boxing area in the city. Abdur Rehman (12) has caught the eye of the coaches and boxing connoisseurs with his natural movements while sparring with the punching bag.

The eighth standard student of St. Andrews School in Saidabad took to the sport watching the video tapes of Mohammad Ali and Mike Tyson has already made a mark at the national level having won five gold, three silver and two silver in the School Games competitions.

“I have rarely seen such a young boy with such lithe movements. Even some regular trainees in the seniors age group group can’t match him,” insists SAAP boxing coach Omkar Yadav.

He even impressed the likes of World Youth Boxing silver medallist Nikhat Zareen.

“He looks really good and appears to have so much of natural talent,” remarked Zareen after watching him in practise few days ago.

“I want to emulate Zareen,” says the shy Abdur Rehman, nicknamed Maaz. He will be soon competing in the Sub-junior nationals. Given the rich history of boxers from Hyderabad and with a dedicated coach in Omkar Yadav, this young boy could well bring laurels to the city.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – October 16th, 2013