Four senior coaches will act as selectors to pick the Tamil Nadu men’s team for the Santosh Trophy South Zone qualifying round to be held tentatively from February 8 to 18 at the Nehru Stadium here.
P. Thulasi, C.M. Ranjit, SyedSabirPasha and Robin Charles will name the TN team after the selection trials which is scheduled at the Nehru ‘B’ ground at 6 a.m. from January 11 to 13.
“There will be no office-bearers involved in the selection process of the players. And there will be no interference and recommendations,” said T.P. Thangaraj, Administrative Officer, Tamil Nadu Football Association, to The Hindu here on Saturday.
The team will be selected on January 13 and then the chief coach will be finalised by TFA thereafter.
SeenuMohideen, former president, TFA and vice-chairman of the Selection Committee, said while in all probability the chief coach will be Robin Charles, the other three coaches/selectors have been appointed to ensure fairness in the selection process.
A camp for the State team will be held at Gateway International School from January 15 till a few days prior to the start of the South Zone qualifying round.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport / by K. Keerthivasan / Chennai – january 09th, 2016
India’s most successful tennis player, Sania Mirza, has kept her date with the city by deciding to launch her eagerly-awaited book ‘Ace Against Odds’ in Hyderabad on July 13.
In attendance will be family members and close relatives who have been part of her journey in the world of tennis in Hyderabad and Mumbai (where the launch is on July 16).
The book has already created interest in the world of sports as the big achiever is most likely to give an insight of what she felt on various subjects relating to her growth from a teenager into a World No. 1 women’s doubles player on the tennis court and how she felt during those turbulent times – both on and off the court.
Clearly, Sania quote in the book – “My legs felt heavy. My arms were numb. I could see the blurry tennis ball as it crossed the net and hit the surface on the court. Fault. Just missed the line” – should be an apt reminder of her intense desire to put the record straight on many subjects including one of the most critical phases of her life when she was forced to take a six-month lay-off due to a career-threatening wrist injury when she could not even hold a tennis racket.
“Essentially, I sincerely hope that it will be some sort of a guide and inspiration too for the modern day generation.
“Well, the kind of struggle the Mirzas (father Imran and mother Nasima) had gone through in shaping my career will also be a key subject in it,” was Sania’s quote on the book.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – June 23rd, 2016
City’s upcoming tennis player Mustafa Raja, a product of the R. Nagaraj’s Tennis Centre, Mysuru, won the Boys U-10 KSLTA-AITA Tennis Tournament at the KSLTA Courts in Bengaluru on Sunday.
In the final, Mustafa Raja beat Jason D Michael 4-2, 4-1 to clinch the title. By virtue of his wins this year he now claims to be the No. 1 player in his category in the State, according to a release.
Mustafa played well throughout the tournament and defeated his rival Jason in the finals with a comfortable margin.
Mustafa has won tournaments this year including AITA Nationals. Among them are:
1. AITA Mysore Open in January.
2. AITA Wadiyar Memorial Tournament at Palace Grounds Bengaluru in April.
3. AITA KSLTA Tournament at Cubbon Park, Bengaluru in May.
4. AITA KSLTA Tournament at Cubbon Park, Bengaluru, in June.
Mustafa Raja’s journey in the tournament
Round 1 – Bye; Round 2 – 7-0; Round 3 – 7-1; Quarter Final: – 7-4; Semi Final: 4-0, 4-0 and Finals against Jason: 4-2 and 4-1.
Mustafa Raja is a student of Excel Public School and trains at Nagaraja Tennis Centre at SJCE campus.
He is the son of Murtuza Raja and Farida Raja.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / June 16th, 2016
The medal winners are seen with coach M.S. Suresh.
Mysuru :
The following candidates trained at Mysore District Rifle Association (MDRA), Ramakrishnanagar, have won medals in various categories (both individual and team) at the competitions organised by Bangalore Rifle Shooters Academy (BRSA) recently:
Individual category
• Rakshit Shastry – Silver in 10 mts Air Pistol National Rule (Men) & Bronze in 10 mts Air Pistol ISSF.
• Krishna Rajendra – Gold in 10 mts Air Rifle (Open Sight).
• K. Shankar Shetty – 10 mts Air Rifle (Open Sight).
• Mohammed Jaffer – Bronze in 10 mts Air Rifle (Open Sight).
• Manjesh Mandanna – Bronze in 10 mts Air Pistol ISSF.
Team category
• Gold in 10 mts Air Rifle (Open Sight – Men) – Team: Krishna Rajendra, K. Shankar Shetty and G. Balu.
• Silver in 10 mts Air Pistol ISSF (Men) – Team: Rakshit Shastry, Manjunath Prasad and P. Jayanth.
• Bronze in 10 mts Air Pistol National Rule (Men) – Team: Rakshit Shastry, P. Jayanth and Dr. H.B. Yojan.
• Bronze in 10 mts Air Rifle (Open Sight – Women) – Team: Geetha, Keerthi Rajeshwari and Deepashree.
• Bronze in 10 mts Air Pistol ISSF (Men) – Team: D. Punith Kumar, R. Vinod and Manjesh Mandanna.
• Bronze in 10 mts Air Pistol NR (Men) – Team: D. Punith Kumar, R. Vinod and Syed Ishaq.
Ex-Indian Army Coach M.S. Suresh and Ekalavya awardee Anand C.K. Shashidhar imparted training to the medallists at MDRA.
For details, contact Mob: 99454-03444 or 99869-33324.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / June 15th, 2016
If you thought only guys can do wheelies, twirl in the air on their bikes and land on the ground, only to take off for another stunt, think again. For here’s a young woman who’s sure to give all those men, who brag about great stunts, a run for their money.
Probably the youngest professional bike stunt performer and rider in the country, Anam Hashim says she knew her heart lay in riding when she was barely 11.
In 2015, she became the youngest Indian female rider to scale the Khardung La Pass on a 110cc TVS Scooty, a record-breaking feat which has entered the India Book of Records.
In an interview with Nina C George, Anam talks about what got her hooked to riding and how it felt to be atop one of the country’s highest points.
When did you first discover your love for bikes?
As a child, I used to run behind my father whenever he rode the bike and tried to get a hold of the handle bar. In fact, it is my father who gave me my first ride and a feel of what it is like to handle the machine. He would make me sit in front and give me a chance to hold the handle bar and control the bike.
Have you undergone any formal training in performing bike stunts?
I began learning on my own and slowly, I started taking lessons from a few well-known bikers across the country. I would spend a lot of time reading, researching and understanding what bike stunts are about and the safety measures involved. You can’t suddenly wake up one morning and want to do bike stunts. There’s a certain logic and principle behind the whole process.
Is bike stunt riding a popular sport?
No, it wasn’t popular until recently. Bike stunt riders are aplenty in the West but we don’t find many here. In an effort to introduce a championship for stunt riding in India, I had recently organised the ‘India Bike Week’ Stunt Championships and the response was truly encouraging.
What was it like to scale the Khardung La Pass on a scooty?
At first, it seemed like an impossible task but when I began riding, I not only found the whole process quite challenging but also an enjoyable one. There were places where there were no roads or even a path to ride on. I had to negotiate really rough terrains to reach the top but the excitement of getting atop was irresistible.
Being a woman, do you find stunt riding tough?
I believe nothing is impossible. Every rider has to keep himself or herself extremely fit physically, emotionally and mentally. Bike stunts are not for the weak-hearted. I eat every three hours and exercise to build strength.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I keep myself updated about the latest developments in the world of stunt riding. I watch a lot of videos and interact with riders who have been in the field for a long time. Sometimes, I look at my own videos to keep my spirits high.
Have you ever experienced fear during your rides?
I’ve certainly experienced fear but I try and overcome it and move on. I try to focus on the task at hand and concentrate on achieving it.
We hear you are a good cook…
Yes. I mustn’t brag about myself, but I make the most amazing ‘Nawabi biryani’ and ‘khichdi’.
What’s next?
I will soon be leading a group of 10 women, riding the TVS Scooty Zest 110cc, to Khardung La Pass in August 2016. The riders will be chosen through an all-India competition named ‘Himalayan High Season 2’. The 10 shortlisted riders will undergo training before the final ride.
Faiz Fazal justified his selection to the Indian ODI team with an unbeaten fifty against a hapless Zimbabwean side in Harare. On Wednesday, the Vidarbha cricketer earned his first cap from Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Faiz Fazal on Wednesday became only the third cricketer from Vidarbha to represent India when he replaced Karun Nair for the third and final One-Day International against Zimbabwe in Harare. He justified his selection by scoring an unbeaten 55 as India coasted to a 10-wicket win to sweep the series 3-0 .
Only Prashant Vaidya and Umesh Yadav are the other two from Vidarbha to have played for the Indian cricket team. Both Vaidya and Yadav are pace bowlers.
The 30-year-old Fazal had almost lost hope of getting selected for India but was surprised when he was picked for the tour of Zimbabwe last month. This was purely on the basis of his fine domestic performance.
The Nagpur-born Faiz fazal scored a century playing for Rest of India against Mumbai in the Irani Trophy in March. In January, he scored a century in the Deodhar Trophy final playing for India A vs India B.
On Wednesday, the left-handed opening batsman realised his dream when he was handed the India cap by none other than skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni .
Though the result of the match in inconsequentioal, Fazal can make an impact with his performance ahead of the three-match Twenty20 International series which starts on Saturday.
Fazal, who has 79 first class matches under his belt, has been through the domestic grind for close to a decade now, and was playing league cricket in England when he got selected. He was part of the Rajasthan Royals squad for four seasons before he was left out in 2012. He scored 183 runs in 11 innings for the Royals.
“This is a massive surprise for me,” Fazal told ESPNcricinfo after he was picked for the Zimbabwe tour.
“For two years before this, I kept looking up to see if I was picked every time a squad was announced. But I was disappointed each time.
“I’ve tried to consciously steer away from thoughts about selection, so to receive this news early morning from India is a big surprise, but I’m happy. It’s funny how when you stop expecting something you have always chased, things start to happen.”
The Nagpur-born has 5341 runs in first class at an average of 40.15 with 11 centuries and a highest score of 200 not out. He can roll his arm over too with some medium pace bowling and also has one four-wicket haul in his domestic career.
source: http://www.sports.ndtv.com / NDTV Sports / Home> Cricket> News / by Sandip Sikdar / June 15th, 2016
Mahmood Shariff Zain took part in a full-contact 74-kg bout in Mysore
Bangalore:
Mahmood Shariff Zain, a student at Dayananda Sagar College here, has won the gold medal in the Karnataka State-level Kickboxing Championship 2015-15.
He knocked out his opponent in just six seconds in the full-contact 74-kg bout held at Annaporna Complex, 2ndFloor, 1st Stage, Hebbal, Mysore, on March 27.
Mahmood Shariff Zain with the gold medal and certificate.
Zain, a resident of BTM Layout, trains at the Indian Combat Sports Academy located at 55, 2nd Floor, Bannerghatta main road, UCO Bank building, Bangalore-560076.
The win promises to be a stepping stone to a bright career in a sport that is mostly played to beat stress and get back in shape.
Those who wish to contact Zain and congratulate him can call +91 95917 99217.
Subrahmanya Sumanth clinches Light Heavy Weight Title
Seen in the picture are (from left) Mohammed Zulkarnain, M.R. Darshan, Alan Fernandes, Vice-President of AIMMAA, Head Coach Kru. Vikram, Prasad Gaitonde, General Secretary of AMMAK, S. Lohith, Subrahmanya Sumanth and Mari John.
Mysuru :
Five Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fighters attached to Academy of Martial Science (AMS), representing Mysore Muaythai Trust and trained by internationally-accredited coach Kru. Vikram of AMS have won one title, three Silver and one Bronze medal respectively at the Bangalore Open National Amateur MMA Championships held at Fitness Time MMA Gym in Bengaluru recently.
The Championship was sanctioned by All India Mixed Martial Arts Association (AIMMAA) and hosted by the Association of Mixed Martial Arts of Karnataka (AMMAK).
Results: M.R. Darshan (Flyweight) Silver Medal; S. Lohith (Featherweight) Bronze Medal; Mari John (Welterweight) Silver Medal; Subrahmanya Sumanth (Light Heavy Weight Champion) and MohammedZulkarnain (Heavyweight) SilverMedal.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / June 02nd, 2016
City’s Mustafa M. Raja, a student of Nagara Tennis Academy, emerged as the runner-up in the AITA 10 and Under Tennis Tournament held at KSLTA Stadium in Benglauru recently,
9-year-old Mustafa showed grit and determination to continue playing his matches despite sustaining injuries in both his legs.
He overcame the pain to reach yet another finals where he lost to Jason in a close encounter lasting almost two hours which went to the third deciding set.
Jason won the finals with the score of 4,3; 3,4 and 1,4.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / May 31st, 2016
Lack of proper scouting network has hurt the growth of swimming in India: Nihar Ameen
Nihar Ameen’s journey as a swimming coach began more out of compulsion than choice. The then 20-year-old Nihar had just one goal, to coach his sister Shanaz Shacoor when she was left floundering after being the youngest swimmer at the 1982 Asian Games.
“I was forced into it (being a coach) due to various reasons. I never thought it would turn out to so good,” says Nihar, recalling his early days.
“It was a short-term goal back then. There was my sister, 12-years-old when she competed at the Asian Games and she needed someone to train under. It was a learning curve,” he continues.
Thirty-four years have gone by since then. Nihar today is one of the respected and most sought-after swimming coaches in India. The 2015 Dronacharya awardee who has produced medal winners at the Asian Games level besides shaping the careers of many aspiring swimmers, Nihar has let his work speak for itself.
In a freewheeling interview with Deccan Herald, the 54-year-old coach discusses the upcoming Olympics, his two Asian Games medal-winning swimmers and the swimming scene in India. Excerpts:
Another Olympic Games is fast approaching and India’s swimmers are yet to clock the ‘A’ standard to assure themselves of a place at the Rio Games. How disappointing is it given that the qualification period ends on July 3?
I won’t say it’s disappointing because no Indian swimmer has ever made an ‘A’ standard. We’re still trying and hopefully we can clock the timings.
Normally — in our case — a male and a female swimmer, who have clocked the ‘B’ cut goes for the Games (based on the universality quota). And if there’s something to cherish this time it is the fact that we’ve had the most ‘B’ cuts ever. I see this as a sign of some kind of progress. Unfortunately the qualifying time is moving so far ahead that it has become difficult. Like in 100M freestyle, the qualifying time (48.99 seconds) is so close to Alexander Popov’s world record time (48.29 seconds) set in 1994. It stood for close to six years. So it’s a mixture of all these factors that have hurt us.
India’s presence at the international stage is very minimal. Our swimmers have found it hard to match the international standard, what would you pin that on?
I think it (the problem) begins with talent identification. We don’t have a system where we go out and scout for swimming talent. Right now, the best coaches in the country only have accesses to those swimmers who come to them. With a population of over a billion, the number of registered swimmers is very less. If you consider countries like China, the US and Australia, they have a huge number of competitive swimmers. China has close to 700,000 swimmers, the US has close to that number too. Australia has close to 1,50,000 swimmers. Quite frankly, I believe, the more milk you have, more cream you’ll get on the top.
Funding is another big issue. The kids who come to us (coaches) have to pay for everything. And that’s a big amount. Another aspect is the mentality of the parents. Like for instance, by the time a young swimmer reaches the 10th grade, a eureka moment hits them and suddenly everything stops and academics takes centre stage. And once the kid is in college, sport takes a huge backward step.
And above all is the fact that disciplines like track and field and swimming, which are considered to be the mother sport for an Olympic nation, struggle for money.
If you look at other countries, the Olympic committee pays special emphasis on these events as they have maximum number of medals up for grabs. But in India, unfortunately, these are the disciplines that struggle for funds.
You have been into the sport of swimming for over three decades now. How much has the sport changed and evolved?
It’s a completely different scenario now. We are a cricket-mad nation because of which Olympic sport takes a back seat on many fronts. If you look at nations like the US and Australia, how people perceive sport is totally different than how we do in India. Here it’s still a leisure activity, while in the west, it’s a multi-billion dollar industry. But having said that, I can see the scenario changing. Especially in the metropolitan cities, parents are now aware of the role sport can play in the overall development of their kid. But it’s not a country-wide (phenomenon).
Two of India’s medal-winning swimmers at the Asian Games, Virdhawal Khade and Sandeep Sejwal, have trained under you. What made them different from other swimmers?
They were extremely talented and a lot had to do with the lack of parental interference. Up to a point their parents were very much involved in getting them into the right programme. But once they knew that their kids were in the right programme, there was this essence of trust, which is very much lacking today. It was their talent accompanied by complete trust from their parents.
Sandeep’s parents were in Delhi and Veerdhawal’s parents were in Kolhapur. They trusted me completely and I ensured that they went as far as they could and that relationship worked like magic.
Karnataka has been a dominant force in swimming in India. Winning the national championships and churning out quality swimmers seem like an every day activity. What has been the winning formula?
Two things, first, it’s the coaching. We have some of the best coaches in the country who have been producing a number of top swimmers for the past 2-3 decades. Secondly, the infrastructure is being used properly and the State association is one of the more functional ones in the whole country. It’s the combination of these that has paid off.
You were presented with the Dronacharya award in 2015. How much does the honour mean to you and the swimming community in India?
I think it should mean more to the swimming fraternity than to me. While I am thrilled that I got the award, it’s just the affirmation of the 35-36 years of labour that I have put in to make it work in our country and produce quality swimmers.
But I really hope that the powers in the sports ministry wake up and take a look at what swimming and that the sport gets some recognition from this award.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Sportscene / by Naveen Peter / DHNS / May 29th, 2016
